Demon Slayer : Heir to the Moon

[ 3rd POV ]

The mountain trembled as Gantetsu, Lower Moon Two, stomped forward, his hulking frame a wall of stone and malice. His eyes glinted with disdain as he glared at Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Nezuko. "Kagami's tricks were weak," he snarled, his voice like grinding rocks. "I'll crush you with my fists—fair and square."

Tanjiro steadied his stance, his leg aching from earlier fights. He thought, He's strong. We're already worn out. Beside him, Zenitsu clutched his sword, trembling. "We're dead! He's gonna smash us!" Inosuke, gripping his chipped blades, laughed wildly. "I'll smash him first!" Nezuko's small form tensed, her claws flexing, ready to defend them all.

Gantetsu lunged, his Blood Demon Art: Stone Skin hardening his fist mid-swing. Tanjiro dodged, the ground exploding where he'd stood. Water Breathing: Fourth Form – Striking Tide! His blade slashed Gantetsu's arm, but the hardened skin deflected it with a harsh clang. Gantetsu grinned. "Weak!" He slammed the earth, unleashing an Earthquake Fist shockwave. The group stumbled, dust choking the air.

Inosuke roared, charging with a chipped sword. It shattered against Gantetsu's leg, useless. "Damn it!" He dropped the hilt, grabbing a jagged rock instead. "Take this!" The rock bounced off Gantetsu's chest, and the demon swatted him into a tree. Inosuke sprang back, headbutting Gantetsu's knee with a crack. "I don't need swords—I'll break you myself!"

Tanjiro circled, analyzing. His skin hardens right before impact. I need an opening. He darted in, Hinokami Kagura, his blade blazing. The strike hit Gantetsu's shoulder, scorching the stone-like skin, but it barely cracked. Gantetsu laughed, slamming another shockwave. Tanjiro rolled away, gasping.

Zenitsu whimpered, his voice shaking as he backed away from the towering demon, Gantetsu. "I can't fight that!" he cried, his eyes wide with panic as he gripped his sword tightly.

Inosuke spun around to face him, his boar mask tilted in annoyance. "Then give me your sword, coward!" he snapped, his voice sharp and demanding as he stepped closer, hand outstretched.

Zenitsu shook his head quickly, pulling the sword closer to his chest. "No! It's for self-defense!" he protested, his tone high-pitched and desperate, his body trembling.

Suddenly, Gantetsu slammed his massive fist into the ground, unleashing a shockwave that tore through the air. The force caught Zenitsu off guard, flinging him backward into a boulder with a loud thud. He collapsed to the ground, unconscious, his sword still clutched in his hands.

Tanjiro's heart sank as he watched Zenitsu hit the rock, fearing the worst. But then, Zenitsu twitched. Slowly, he stood up, his eyes still closed, his face calm and peaceful, like he was in a trance.

Gantetsu charged Tanjiro, but Zenitsu flashed forward—Thunder Breathing: First Form – Thunderclap and Flash. His blade sliced Gantetsu's thigh, lightning-fast, leaving a shallow gash. The demon recoiled. "What's this?!"

Nezuko rushed in, Exploding Blood igniting her claws. Flames erupted, scorching Gantetsu's arm. The hardened skin sizzled, tiny fissures forming. She darted back, growling, shielding Tanjiro. Her flames weakens the shell, Tanjiro realized, hope flickering.

But Gantetsu endured. Another shockwave sent Inosuke sprawling, his makeshift branch snapping. "I need blades!" he bellowed, frustration boiling. Tanjiro's strikes faltered, his leg buckling. Nezuko's flames dimmed—she was tiring. They were all at their limit.

Then, a figure emerged from the trees. Ryo, bloodied but steady, sword in hand. "You all look rough," he said, eyeing Gantetsu. Tanjiro managed a grin. "Just in time."

Gantetsu snarled, his body glowing as Impenetrable Shell encased him in unbreakable armor. "Try me now!" The trio's attacks—Tanjiro's slashes, Inosuke's rocks, Zenitsu's unconscious strikes—bounced off, useless.

Ryo narrowed his eyes. Normal cuts won't work*.* He dashed forward, Shadow Breathing: Fifth Form – Obsidian Rain. His blade rained precise strikes on Gantetsu's joints, already weakened from Nezuko's fire. Chips of armor flew, cracks spiderwebbing outward. Gantetsu swung, but Ryo dodged, striking again—Obsidian Rain, relentless.

"Keep him busy!" Ryo shouted. Tanjiro and Inosuke dove in. Tanjiro slashed at Gantetsu's legs, Inosuke hurling insults and rocks. "Eat dirt, stone-face!" Zenitsu streaked past, Thunderclap and Flash severing Gantetsu's arm as the armor split. The demon howled, staggering.

Inosuke seized his chance, hurling his chipped swords at Gantetsu's eyes. They struck true, blinding him. "Now, Tanjiro!" Ryo yelled. Tanjiro leaped, Hinokami Kagura: Raging Sun. His flaming blade tore through Gantetsu's exposed neck, the armor crumbling. Gantetsu's roar faded to silence as he dissolved into ash.

To Be Continued…

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Author Here. Big things coming. Stay tuned.

Reminder that story will end around Chapter 60.