The battle descended into a brutal war of attrition.
The Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps were like master craftsmen, tirelessly carving chunks of flesh from Muzan, that Flesh Behemoth. Yet the monster seemed to possess an endless supply of "material." No matter how badly he was damaged, he could return to his original state in an extremely short time.
Amid the dazzling array of Hashira-level fighters, Tanjiro Kamado's attacks seemed somewhat insignificant.
His stamina was nearly at its limit. Every time he unleashed Hinokami Kagura, searing pain tore through his lungs, and the arms gripping his sword were so sore and weak that he could barely lift them.
Several times, he failed to dodge in time and nearly got caught in the fallout of Muzan's attacks. But each time, that enormous, reassuring purple divine shield flashed before him at just the right moment, blocking the fatal blow.
Tanjiro looked up at the towering purple giant and the indistinct figure at its core.
It's Mr. Sasuke... he's protecting me.
I can't keep holding everyone back!
Warmth welled up in Tanjiro's heart. He gritted his teeth and forcibly squeezed out the last trace of strength in his body.
In his mind, he saw his father, Tanjuro Kamado, performing the kagura dance on a snowy night. So effortless, so fluid, as though every breath and every movement became one with heaven and earth, never stopping.
Then he saw Mr. Kyojuro Rengoku's back aboard the Mugen Train, his life becoming a blazing inferno as he protected everyone.
"Become an outstanding successor!"
"Young Kamado, I believe in you!"
His father's teachings, Kyojuro's charge, and now, this "absolute safe zone" that Mr. Sasuke had established for everyone.
Countless images flashed through his mind before finally settling on the hideous Flesh Behemoth before him.
Tanjiro caught