When Uchiha Kazama returned to the Swordsmith Village, Giyu Tomioka was already back.
"Mr. Uchiha!"
By now, Giyu Tomioka's attitude toward Uchiha Kazama had changed considerably.
His battle with Akaza had given him much to reflect on.
Strength, speed, agility...
All his basic attributes had improved greatly.
Even the energy he channeled through his Breathing Style had grown much stronger.
He knew exactly how powerful Akaza was.
The strength of a demon capable of killing the Flame Hashira spoke for itself.
But now, facing Giyu Tomioka...
Forget killing him-Akaza could barely even fight back.
During the battle, Giyu Tomioka had even used Akaza as a sparring partner.
He had quickly gained complete control over his newfound power.
Once he had mastered that power, Giyu Tomioka had not wasted any more time fighting Akaza.
He had simply slain him.
Even at the very end, Akaza had never understood.
Why had this Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps suddenly become so powerful?!
Of course, he would never have a chance to find out.
"Have you already slain Akaza?!"
Sensing the aura surrounding Giyu Tomioka, Uchiha Kazama spoke slowly.
"Yes, he's been eliminated."
"I went to see Butterfly Shinobu. She defeated Doma as well and pinned him to a tree. He'll die at dawn."
"Tanjiro has also eliminated Kokushibo."
"Mr. Uchiha, we owe this victory to you!"
Giyu Tomioka cupped his hands toward Uchiha Kazama.
That was simply the kind of person he was.
Once he had made up his mind about something, he did not stand on ceremony.
As such, he spoke plainly and directly.
He also made his attitude toward Uchiha Kazama perfectly clear.
"So, about those deals I mentioned earlier..."
Uchiha Kazama spoke up quickly.
Rather than trying to correct Giyu Tomioka's peculiar stubbornness, he brought up their deals.
"I've