Under Naraku's incredulous gaze, Tengen Uzui blocked its attack head-on for the first time. The recoil forced its twin blades apart to either side, leaving its entire body exposed and defenseless before him.
To its relief, blocking that heavy blow had also forced Tengen Uzui back a short distance, preventing him from exploiting the opening to attack.
It needed only an instant to bring its arms back up in front of itself and protect its vulnerable neck.
Only an instant...
"Flame Breathing, Ninth Form, Esoteric Art: Purgatory!"
Blazing flames illuminated Naraku's utterly horrified face. It wanted to defend itself, wanted to struggle, but it was already too late.
The flame-wreathed blade swept through its neck without resistance. A head frozen in terror and resentment flew high into the air, then tumbled to the ground.
"I won't..."
Squelch.
Before Naraku could finish its final words, Tengen Uzui crushed its already disintegrating head underfoot.
"Cough, cough..." Tengen Uzui had wanted to say something, but the moment he opened his mouth, he broke into a coughing fit, looking as though he could barely stand.
He had already suffered internal injuries from the prolonged beating Naraku had given him. Combined with the lingering poison and the immense strain of activating his Demon Slayer Mark, he had already been pushed to his absolute limit.
Now that the enemy had been dealt with, his taut nerves abruptly relaxed, and he nearly passed out on the spot.
"Uzui, how are you?"
Kyojuro caught the swaying Tengen Uzui and asked.
He was in much better shape. Rather, having activated his Demon Slayer Mark, he now felt full of energy.
"I'll probably need to rest a while. Go find the others first. I'll catch up after a break."
"All right."
After helping Tengen Uzui sit down in a corner,