Compared to his fellow Upper Ranks...
Akaza's route had indeed gone somewhat beyond the Demon Slayer Corps' initial expectations.
This new Upper Rank Two...
Had come from the right direction and entered the mountains at the expected point.
But after entering the mountain range, he suddenly seemed to sense something and did not proceed in the direction they had anticipated.
Instead, he took a slight detour.
He bypassed the Nine Hashira assigned to intercept him and ran straight into the depths of the mountains.
It was not because the plan had gone awry.
Rather, Akaza, who could sense his opponents' fighting spirit from immense distances, had deliberately chosen to avoid the brightest human fighting spirits.
Under normal circumstances...
Akaza would not only have refused to avoid them, but would even have gladly fought them.
For he was a battle-obsessed warrior who constantly sought out strong opponents and honed his skills.
But today's circumstances were special.
They forced him to rein in his nature.
Because of the Demon King's orders, his objective had shifted from [fight] and [kill enemies] to [support Muzan].
Naturally, in pursuit of efficiency...
Akaza had chosen an easy route that appeared to have fewer powerful fighting spirits.
Yet he had not expected...
That Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen would still discover him and come to block his path.
Amid a rapid descent...
[Blood Demon Art]
[Destructive Death: Air Type: Star Scatter]
Akaza condensed his fighting spirit into energy projectiles visible to the naked eye.
He rained them all into the woods.
And those comets, trailing dazzling blue tails like fireworks...
The instant they struck the ground...
Exploded into astonishing light, heat, and shock waves.
The two swordsmen ahead, and even the entire stretch of woodland...
Were enveloped in the pungent smell of scorching from the bombardment.
"You certainly