Staggering back two steps in wild joy, he did not fall. Instead, he raised his head.
Akaza stared fixedly at the Bright Red Blade in Kirishima Bupai's hand, his voice more earnest than ever. "You clearly possess such talent! Why confine yourself to a human shell?"
"Become a demon! I can take you to Lord Muzan! Together, we can surpass the limits of martial arts...!"
"Then we'll never be bound by our lifespans again, never regret not being strong enough!"
This invitation held no obsession, only one powerful fighter's regret and hopes for another.
He truly felt that an opponent like this should not be held back by being human.
Suddenly, fireworks rose in the distance, so brilliant, so romantic...
Boom-!
As the fireworks came into view, Kirishima Bupai's earlier words surged into his heart alongside that flood of memories...
Thump...!
"Aaaaah!"
Akaza clutched his head and dropped painfully to one knee.
The charring on his severed arm still suppressed his regeneration, but it no longer brought pain. Instead, it was like an alarm bell, awakening his soul from its century-long slumber.
He no longer gasped or screamed, merely gazing quietly at the night sky as the distant fireworks gradually appeared in his violently trembling eyes.
Whoosh-bang!
Brilliant shafts of light burst apart, golden chrysanthemum-like sparks showering the ruins, just like the fireworks festival Koyuki had looked forward to back then.
"Look, Hakuji! The fireworks are so beautiful!" The girl's voice sounded beside his ear, gentle enough to melt ice and snow.
Fireworks...?
"I'll become stronger than anyone... I will... I'll protect you for the rest of my life!"
That promise from his youth had been his entire reason for living...
The scenes in his memories suddenly became clear...
Koyuki sat beneath the cherry tree at the dojo, twisting the