As you broke through the tree line, the scene that unfolded before you made your heart drop. Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, was locked in a desperate battle with the Upper Moon Three demon, Akaza. Even from a distance, you could see that Rengoku was struggling, his body battered and bruised, yet still burning with fierce determination. The two combatants were moving at blinding speed, but Rengoku was slowing down, his movements growing more sluggish with every exchange of blows.

You knew you had only seconds to act.

Without hesitation, you unsheathed your Nichirin blade, the familiar weight of it grounding you as you channeled all your strength and focus into your breathing technique. With a burst of speed, you leaped into the fray, your blade flashing in the dim light as you intercepted Akaza’s next strike.