Chapter-97: A Battle of Clashing Blades

Chapter-97: A Battle of Clashing Blades

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"—Terminus Est, or Est for short. 

Kokushibo, hearing the words from a language he didn't know about was slightly surprised. He held his abhorrent fleshy sword in a vice grip in front of him. 

Ren also unsheathed his fine blade, a beauty akin to a to a shining jewel. The blade was sharp, wild, and elegant; the most desired qualities of a blade. It also had deep amaranthine markings branching off like waves on a painting and it had a mysterious sheen. The inky base of the sword seemed to absorb all light around it, attracting any person who looks at it to a never-ending abyss. 

"An impressive blade.." Kokushibo praised, glancing at the impressive piece of weapon.

"Indeed, I told the maker of this sword that I would cherish it." Ren replied back, taking on a stance. Both swordsmen were tense, looking for any clues as to who will attack first and how they will attack.

Ren and Kokushibo also simultaneously activated Transparent World, which made the markings on their faces active. Both fighters saw through each other's internal structures. 

The demon swordsman was surprised to see Ren's body was an exact copy of a human's and his wings nowhere to be seen. Soon, he started looking for any weaknesses, and openings. 

Ren also did the same, looking through Kokushibo's internal organs akin to an X-ray. he studied the demonic internal structure of Kokushibo within a few glances. 

'He truly is a warrior..' Ren thought, keenly observing his opponent. He remembered the famous observation about Yoriichi and Kokushibo, who are brothers, twins even. 

Ren remembered that they were compared to the famous deities in the Japanese pantheon, Amaterasu and Susanoo. One brother, Yoriichi, chose to slay demons for the sake of humanity, symbolizing light and hope like Amaterasu, and the other brother, Kokushibo, chose to side with the demons as he is afraid of defeat, symbolizing darkness and wrath like Susanoo. 

It was a pretty accurate representation in Ren's opinion, the Sun and the Moon, Light and Darkness. Yoriichi wielding the Sun Breathing and Kokushibo wielding the Moon Breathing made this thing connect even more.

Even more so with the two being estranged like the Goddess and God themselves. Maybe these two were chosen at first to fight Muzan by the two main deities? Who knows...

"Let it be known that I will be using your brother's breathing style — the Sun Breathing style." Ren spoke straightforward with his intent. He did this because it was the only fit for this occasion, and perhaps the demon will be laid to rest peacefully by his brother's swordsmanship in which he dreams to surpass. 

"Then, you won't use any other techniques?" Kokushibo asked, appreciating Ren's choice. It was because Yoriichi died hundreds of years ago that he couldn't compete with him and his feelings unresolved, but now, Ren appeared, carrying the spirit and will of his brother, the one he dreamed to surpass. 

It was even more perfect that Ren had completely mastered his brother's passed on techniques and skills, so if he defeats him now by using his Moon breathing and making him use another technique, it will be enough for him

"Yes, I will match your late brother's strength and skill too." Ren affirmed his question and nodded. 

"...." 

"..Thank you" Kokushibo was silent for a second, and then conveyed his gratitude. Even though he was turned into a demon, he still values honor. 

Kokushibo breathed in deeply, his demonic heart beating like an earthquake. Ren knew what he was gonna do; as a sign of respect, Kokushibo will attack first. Ren readied his stance, taking in any scrap of data. 

'Oh right, I gotta be careful against Muzan and Nakime too, they might sneak attack me..' Ren thought somberly. He raised his guard by moving his blade a few inches up and readjusting his blade and grip. 

Then, he focused back again towards his serene opponent. Kokushibo's body was taut, his muscles primed and with his strength pouring into his muscles at the same time —

—He lunged from his position with demonic haste, his speed inscrutable and appeared like a flashing blur to the human eye. 

[First Form: Dark Moon, Evening Palace!] 

Once Ren had reached his range, Kokushibo drew his sword and performed a single horizontal slash following a crescent shape, countless and numerous other chaotic crescent-shaped blades appeared along its path. 

Ren met this technique with his technique; [Raging Sun], where he unleashed two consecutive horizontal arching slashes around himelf which blocked the strike. For the small crescent-shaped blades produced by Kokushibo's Blood Demon Art, he dodged them smoothly with his movements masterfully executed. 

The sound of grinding metal irritated Ren's ears. Sparks was also lit when their blades collided, their blades interlocked with the both of them trying to gain the upper hand by readjusting their locks and angles. 

While they were busy, Nakime silently strung her Biwa, making the floor that Ren was standing on rise and become uneven. Seeing this, Kokushibo was enraged and leapt back. 

"Stop! What are you doing?!" Kokushibo turned back, angry at Nakime for interfering. Although his voice was calm, it was firm and heavy. 

"I was helping you win!" Nakime replied with a sneering tone, clearly not realizing Kokushibo's seriousness. 

"I don't need your help, I will prove myself stronger than my brother fairly!" Hearing this, Nakime turned to Muzan who couldn't refute his statement. 

When Muzan's answer was only silence and a glare, Kokushibo turned back to his formidable opponent. 

"I apologize, now we will continue without any interference." Kokushibo drew his sword once again, pointing the bladed tip at Ren. 

Ren nodded, this time, he decided to be the attacker and go on the offensive. Therefore, he put pressure into his feet, propelling him a few feet at a time. He ran in a speed almost imperceptible to even a Demon's eyes. 

[Eleventh Form: Fake Rainbow]

Ren saw an incoming attack, he dodged and spun while leaving an afterimage behind, another swiftly assaulted him as he leaned back, sidestepping the thrust from Kokushibo. 

—(End)—

Word Count: 1025

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