[Water Breathing, Form of the Wild: Wave Strike]
The sword slashed in continuous, wave-like motions—fluid and relentless—cutting down enemies in rapid succession. It was a form designed for crowd control, perfectly suited to the overwhelming tide of demons surging toward them.
In a critical moment, Tanjiro unleashed the Fourth Form of Water Breathing. The Nichirin Blade given to him by Master Urokodaki carved visible waves into the air. Each arc of his sword harmonized with the rhythm of water—the essence of his breathing technique.
"Now's your chance! Get out of here—quickly!" Tanjiro shouted to the boy with the sprained ankle, all while fending off the relentless swarm of demons.
Though he and Zenitsu had managed to temporarily stabilize the situation, the number of demons pressing in was simply too great. It was only a matter of time before the balance tipped again.
Gritting his teeth through the pain, the boy forced himself to his feet and began limping toward a safer area.
But it was too late.
A stray demon broke past the defences and lunged straight for him.
"No!"
Tanjiro turned instinctively, desperate to help—but the distraction cost him. Several demons seized the opening and sank their claws into his thigh. He cried out as searing pain exploded through his leg, disrupting the rhythm of his breathing.
"This might be the end..."
The thought flashed through his mind like a death sentence.
Meanwhile, Zenitsu was still in motion—his unconscious body reacting on sheer instinct. He dodged and weaved through the swarm with blinding speed.
"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"
Again.
"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"
Again.
"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"
Zenitsu released the technique again and again, carving through the horde like a streak of lightning. But with each strike, his strength drained. By the fourth flash, his body gave out—and he collapsed, unconscious once more.
The situation had turned hopeless.
And then—
"Water Breathing, Form Three: Flowing Dance!"
A figure tore into the battlefield like a gale.
It was Shin Arashi.
With flawless execution, he weaved between the demons like water itself. His Flowing Dance was sharper, faster, and more fluid than Tanjiro's had ever been.
"Water Breathing, Form of the Wild: Wave Strike!"
Without pausing, Shin Arashi transitioned into a second form. Releasing two Water Breathing techniques simultaneously was no easy feat. It required absolute control over breath and rhythm—but Shin executed it with precision.
The surrounding demons stood no chance.
With seamless swordplay, Shin Arashi cleared the area. The boy with the sprained ankle, Zenitsu, and Tanjiro were all spared from death in mere seconds.
Once the immediate threat was neutralized, Shin Arashi moved swiftly.
He grabbed the injured boy and hurled him to safety.
Then, without hesitation, he lifted the unconscious Zenitsu and did the same—launching him gently but far toward a safe zone beyond the demon tide.
Finally, he turned to Tanjiro.
"You alright?" he asked, calm but firm.
Tanjiro nodded weakly, a flicker of relief breaking through the despair in his eyes.
"Tanjiro," Shin said, "steady your breathing. We're not done yet."
Snapping back into focus, Tanjiro closed his eyes and adjusted his breathing rhythm. Within moments, the bleeding slowed, his pain dulled, and his focus sharpened once more.
The remaining demons hesitated.
They had just witnessed something terrifying—a swordsman whose aura radiated like crashing waves. Many of them faltered, fear creeping into their bloodthirsty eyes.
Shin Arashi had arrived—and with him, the tide of battle had begun to turn.