Demon Slayer: The Second God Who Walks the Earth

“Sun Breathing, Type 3: Morning Sun Shines”

A more vibrant red light than usual emanated from the Chiba Yang Blade.

In the next instant, Chiba Yang's sword-wielding arm swung rapidly, even creating countless afterimages. Numerous arc-shaped slashes, entwined with flames, flew forward in a fan shape centered on Chiba Yang, the number of which was difficult to estimate with the naked eye.

The night sky was dyed crimson at this moment, and the magnificent scene was like the rising sun showing half its face and radiating its brilliance to the world.

The shockwave from Kokushibo was instantly engulfed, and at the same time, a large number of fiery slashes rushed towards it.

Kokushibo's pupils dilated. The reason it could release such a large attack range was mainly due to the characteristics of its breathing technique. Moon Breathing did not have the same power as Sun Breathing, but it surpassed Sun Breathing in terms of attack range.

However, Chiba Yo's move completely shattered Kokushibo's understanding. He used Sun Breathing alone to launch an attack that far exceeded the range of Moon Breathing, relying solely on his own attack speed.

Moon Breathing Form 5: Moon Soul Disaster Vortex!

Faced with this unavoidable attack, Kokushibo continuously spun his body, creating a huge vortex of blade wind around him, while his body and weapon released a large number of crescent blades outward.

The whirlwind carrying the crescent blade completely protected Kokushibo's body. Flaming slashes continuously bombarded the whirlwind, the crescent on it was engulfed by the flames, but the slashes were barely neutralized.

The power of ranged attacks is indeed somewhat lacking...

Seeing this, Chiba Yo was slightly dissatisfied with the power of the move.

This is also why there are almost no ranged moves in the thirteen sword techniques developed by Yoriichi Kuchi. With his excellent physical qualities, speed and strength have reached extremely high levels. He only needs to rely on speed to get close to the opponent and then slash. There is no need to use ranged attacks. Whether they can hit the target is another matter, and the power will also be reduced.

The inexperienced Chiba Yo did not consider this point when developing his sword techniques, or rather, he considered it too much and it was not pure enough. He thought about many possible situations and enemies that he might encounter in battle, in order to develop sword techniques to deal with various scenarios.

However, in actual combat, the situation he anticipated almost never occurred. He would usually get close to the enemy, then swing his sword and end it.

He didn't realize that he didn't need these fancy moves given his own abilities. Kyojuro, who was instructing him at the time, also didn't consider this, because he couldn't have imagined that Chiba Yo's body would be so strong.

Knowing that ranged attacks were not very useful, Chiba Yang moved directly close to Kokushibo. The wind blades around Kokushibo had not yet subsided, but Chiba Yang ignored them and ignited flames with his Nichirin Blade, directly slashing at the wind blades.

Sun Breathing - Land Form O Star Flame Dance

The slash, wreathed in flames, cleaved through the wind blades from all directions at incredible speed, scattering sparks that extinguished and vanished in mid-air.

None of the dense wind blades around him landed on Chiba Yang, and Chiba Yang broke through Kokushibo's defense.

Kokushibo's figure reappeared before Chiba Yo, who held a Nichirin Blade and slashed at its neck with flames.

However, in the next instant, countless eye-filled blades grew out of Kokushibo's body again, blocking Chiba Yo's attack for a moment.

Taking advantage of this moment, Kokushibo brought up the Hollow Cry God, intending to use offense as defense to force Chiba Yo to retreat.

"Moon Breathing, Eighth Form: Moon Dragon Tail!"

Kokushibo gripped his swords with both hands, took a half step back, and slashed horizontally at Chiba Yo's body. A massive horizontal slash appeared, accompanied by countless giant crescent blades.

Chiba Yo had anticipated this, so he didn't panic. He used Nichirin Blade to cut off a section of the blade that had grown out of Kokushibo's body, and flames suddenly rose up on the blade, the tip of which gradually transformed into a dragon's head.

Sun Breathing, Sun Halo Dragon Head Dance

A dragon's roar resounded between the two, and the giant dragon formed from flames raised its head and roared before crashing into the massive slash unleashed by Kokushibo.

The flames illuminated the crescent moon, yet it appeared dim and lackluster in comparison.

"Have you inherited his moves too...?"

This move was extremely familiar to Kokushibo. It had seen Yoriichi use it before, and its Moon Breathing Eighth Form was even created by imitating this move.

When Yoriichi taught it the Breath of the Sun, it was unable to learn it. It could only rely on what Yoriichi taught it to develop the Breath of the Moon based on the Breath of the Sun. Even its sword techniques had many similarities.

At first, it didn't recognize Chiba Yo's Round Dance because there are too many moves similar to it, and it's easy to think of such moves when creating its own sword techniques. But as soon as Chiba Yo used this move, it immediately recognized it as Yoriichi's sword technique.

It didn't know that all the swordsmen who knew about the Sun Breathing technique had been killed by it and Muzan together. It didn't know why Chiba Yo was still able to inherit Yoriichi's Sun Breathing and sword skills.

Kokushibo probably never imagined that Yoriichi would pass on his swordsmanship to an ordinary charcoal burner, and that this charcoal burner family would continue to pass down the sword forms. He also never imagined that Chiba Yo, who had mastered the Breath of the Sun at a young age, would become friends with the descendant of that ordinary charcoal burner and obtain all the sword forms of the Breath of the Sun from him.

It was this very chance that led to everything we have today.

As soon as Kokushibo finished speaking, the giant dragon formed from flames roared and completely engulfed its attack. The scorching heat rushed over, and flames even splashed onto its body...

Chapter 126 Insult?

They were still at a disadvantage...

Resentment and anger filled Kokushibo's heart.

It couldn't understand why, despite giving everything to become stronger, it had not only failed to catch up with Yoriichi, but now even a junior Sun Breathing swordsman could suppress it.

Initially, in order to become a samurai, it trained hard every day, its palms were worn raw, and its body ached so much that it could not sleep. In the end, however, it was easily defeated by Yoriichi, who had never trained before.

Then Yoriichi took the initiative to leave, allowing it to successfully realize its childhood dream. Originally, it thought that its strength was strong enough, but its reunion with Yoriichi erased this idea.

The entire samurai it led was almost completely wiped out by the demon's attack, and even it was helpless when facing such a monster.

Yet this very monster was beheaded by Yoriichi with a single stroke.

At this moment, he had become a perfect person with impeccable swordsmanship and character. Jealousy and hatred replaced the original peace in his heart and burned his internal organs once again.

In order to catch up with Yoriichi, it abandoned its wife and children and joined the Demon Slayer Corps.

Even so, it still couldn't reach that dazzling figure. Even after it abandoned its human identity and became the ugly creature it is today, it was still defeated by the withered and emaciated Yoriichi, and even its life was nearly endangered.

"It's unfair... Why do people like you exist in this world! You've negated all my hard work!"

Veins bulged on Kokushibo's face as he blocked Chiba Yo's attack, roaring angrily at him, his reason now being consumed by rage.

Numerous crescent blades surged from the blade of the Void Crying God, finally blocking Chiba Yang's slash, but the Void Crying God also had most of its blade cut off by Chiba Yang's attack.

The crimson Nichirin Blade clashed with the Hollow Crying God, and the Hollow Crying God had another blade severed.

The current Void Crying God is about to be cut down to its original form by Chiba Yo, with only two or three split blades remaining on one side.

"This strength also represents responsibility."

You clearly belong to the ranks of the naturally gifted, and heaven has endowed you with extraordinary power. Why do you use this power to compete instead of protecting it?

As Chiba Yo attacked Kokushibo with a furious expression, he shared his insights with the creature and asked it a question. From Kokushibo's words, Chiba Yo understood the reason for its anger: jealousy of Tsugikuni-senpai and his talent.

But Chiba Yo didn't think it was anything to be jealous of. Kyojuro's words and actions had always influenced him, and he had made it his own code of conduct, forming his own beliefs.

In his view, great power also means greater responsibility, which is not something to be thankful for. If possible, he even hopes to use his power to exchange for a happy and fulfilling family, that his mother is not dead, that his father is not so heartless, and that the family can live a life like ordinary people.

"My current strength is something I gained by sacrificing countless things. And what about you? Why are you guys born with such great power and talent?"

Kokushibo roared angrily at Chiba Yo, and launched an attack on him like a storm. The broken Hollow Cry God continued to swing in the air, and countless intertwined slashes with crescent blades attacked Chiba Yo at the same time, leaving no gap.

Moon Breathing, Type Nine, Fallen Moon, Faceless

“The Breath of the Sun, Form Eight: Scorching Sun, Radiant Wheel.”

Chiba Yo wielded his Nichirin Blade, unleashing a series of ring-shaped flame slashes that spread outwards from him, incinerating Kokushibo's attacks.

"Moon Breathing, Form Fourteen: Ferocious Transformation: Full Moon!"

Seeing that Chiba Yang's attack was about to land on him, Kokushibo gripped Hollow Cry and slashed forward in a semi-circular motion, sending out countless huge crescent-shaped blades of wind that seemed to sweep away everything in front of him.

The crescent-shaped wind blade collided with the Radiant Sun Wheel, shattering the Radiant Sun Wheel, which had been weakened by the Ninth Form, and the crescent-shaped wind blade also dissipated.

"If I could, I would rather give up all my power and live a peaceful life in a world without demons."

Looking at the defeated Kokushibo, Chiba Yo spoke his mind.

Upon hearing Chiba Yo's words, Kokushibo felt a surge of anger rising from the bottom of his heart, and at the same time, past memories resurfaced in his mind.

"Rather than discussing swordsmanship, I would rather fly kites and play sugyu with my brother."

After Yoriichi demonstrated his talent in swordsmanship, Kokushibo immediately asked him how he did it. However, Yoriichi was not interested at all. With such great talent, he preferred to play with himself.

How wonderful it would be if heaven could bestow talent upon those who are willing to delve into it...

This has always been Kokushibo's idea. He has been diligently studying swordsmanship, but his progress has been slow. Yoriichi, who has great talent, has not paid any attention to it.

To say that someone is similar to him... that's... an insult to me!

What he valued so highly, what he was willing to do anything to obtain, might not even be worth a house in the eyes of these two. Kokushibo felt greatly insulted. Everything he had worked so hard for was belittled as if it were worthless, while what he had given up was what they wanted to possess.

"You...you are insulting me!"

Kokushibo's anger continued to rise. It gripped the Hollow Cry God with both hands and looked at Chiba Yo with eyes full of hatred.

Chiba Yo was baffled by Kokushibo's anger and couldn't understand how he had insulted it; he had simply spoken his mind to it.

However, he didn't think too much about the problem. Seeing Kokushibo's posture, he also dealt with it seriously.

"Moon Breathing Sixth Form o Moon Rainbow o Lonely Moon!"

Kokushibo swung the Hollow Crying God backward, and then several giant blades of wind fell from the sky in front of it, accompanied by countless giant crescent blades.

The attack blocked all routes around Chiba Yo, making it seem like there was no way to avoid it.

Faced with the situation before him, Chiba Yang exhaled a white rainbow from his mouth, lowered his center of gravity, and the flame-shaped markings on his forehead shone brightly.

"Sun Breathing Form: Sunfire Burns the Sky!"

Nichirin Blade slashed forward and upward, and several pillars of flame rose from the ground like a volcanic eruption, spreading towards Kokushibo and engulfing all the giant wind blades falling from the sky along the way.

The crimson light shone on Kokushibo's face, reflecting a crimson color in all six of its eyes.

Upon seeing this, Kokushibo immediately tried to dodge, knowing that it had no sword techniques capable of defending against this attack.

However, Chiba Yang's attack was similar to its previous one, completely blocking all its escape routes.

A pillar of fire engulfed half of its body...

Chapter 127 Feeling of powerlessness

The burning pain came from that half of his body. Even with Kokushibo's physical strength, the flames still burned away an arm and part of his body from his shoulder to his right abdomen. However, he had already handed the Hollow Cry God to his left hand, so the weapon was not further damaged.

The effects of Sun Breathing became apparent; the half of his body that had been burned away was regenerating slowly, but since it wasn't directly struck by the Crimson Blade, the regeneration was slow yet ongoing.

If Kokushibo had been directly struck by Chiba Yo's crimson blade, and given the characteristics of Sun Breathing, his wound would likely have remained for hundreds of years, just like Muzan's.

Chiba Yo didn't let this opportunity pass. He moved closer to Kokushibo, closing the distance once again. Although he also had many ranged attacks, their power was somewhat weaker, and their effect in suppressing demon regeneration was also less effective.

Damn it... regeneration has been suppressed...

Having spent many years with Yoriichi, Kokushibo was naturally aware of the Sun Breathing's ability to counter demons, but this was the first time he had personally experienced its power.

"Moon Breathing Form: Face Slash - Crescent Moon Through Leaf Crevice!"

Facing Chiba Yo who was right in front of him, Kokushibo waved his left hand with the Hollow Cry God, and two giant, intersecting, moon-shaped sword energies emanated from the blade and attacked the charging Chiba Yo.

"Sun Breathing Five Type o Hellfire Mirror Wall".

As Chiba Yang moved forward, he casually waved his hand, and a round mirror made of flames appeared in front of him. The moon-shaped sword energy was blocked when it struck the flaming mirror and was gradually engulfed by the flames.

However, this was not the end. Chiba Yang wielded his Nichirin Blade and slashed it across the blazing mirror in front of him, causing flames to immediately cling to the Nichirin Blade.

"The Breath of the Sun, the Seventh Form, o-Mirror Transformation of Inflammation."

In the next instant, two sun-shaped sword energies, extremely similar to the moon-shaped sword energy that Kokushibo had just released, were released from the blade. The two sword energies swirled and intersected, rushing straight towards Kokushibo.

A sense of powerlessness... A deep sense of powerlessness overwhelmed Kokushibo's heart. No matter what moves he used, his opponent could easily neutralize them and launch an even stronger counterattack.

The feeling was slightly different from when it faced Yoriichi, who nearly killed it in one move. The feelings it experienced were anger, resentment, and fear...

But when facing Chiba Yo, it felt more helpless and powerless.

Because of the close proximity, Kokushibo could not dodge this attack. Despite trying his best to dodge, he was still hit by the sword energy. A wound appeared that ran from his right shoulder to his left abdomen, piercing through his entire body. Combined with the wounds that had not yet healed, Kokushibo's body was already badly damaged.

Waves of burning pain washed over him, and seeing Chiba Yo's effortless demeanor, Kokushibo knew he might be going to die here today.

The vows once made will be broken tonight. Although Yoriichi is dead, a new person just like him has appeared.

Why are there always these people in the world who are favored by heaven...? Even if I give up everything to catch up, I still can't reach them...?

In the end, I abandoned my family, my wife and children, and even my human identity... but it still didn't work?

Kokushibo began to doubt everything it had done all along, and at this moment it felt somewhat lost.

Seeing Kokushibo's seemingly stunned expression, Chiba Yo was slightly puzzled. Even in the Transparent World, he couldn't see what Kokushibo was about to do, but he wouldn't bother with any martial ethics when it came to such a demon that persecuted humans.

Chiba Yo swung his sword again, and the flames wrapped around the Nichirin Blade made Kokushibo feel the intense heat rushing towards him.

The Nichirin Blade slashed into his neck, decapitating him in an instant.

Chiba Yo didn't expect that the fierce battle would end like this, but the next moment, he realized something was wrong.

At least... one can die with honor...

Kokushibo's mood calmed down, and it stopped thinking about other things. Yoriichi had died because his lifespan had run out of oil, and it had thought that it would never have the chance to die a glorious death again.