Rui already knew exactly who was behind this whole mess; Lower Rank One, Enmu. The reason why Rui didn't inform Tanjiro about who he was going up against was because he wasn't able to pinpoint who it was. There are a lot of demons out there with similar abilities, but none could match up to that of Enmu.
Enmu was sadistic, cunning, and a complete coward. It would make sense that they would force others to do their bidding for them much less come up with a plan that won't involve them having to be in direct contact with the demon slayers. But why exactly would they go to such absurd lengths just to get their hands on more victims...unless...
'That man gave them some more blood.'
It all began to add up; Enmu wasn't this powerful before. The last he heard (from Enmus many bragging sessions) Enmu could barely take over an entire train carriage much less a whole ass train. So 'that man' giving Enmu more blood would explain how they suddenly got stronger.
Rui stayed on alert as he watched Nezuko use her blood demon art to burn the passengers ropes, guarding her in case someone tries to sneak up on the younger Kamado.
Rui's mind raced as he continued to watch over the unconscious passengers on the train, his instincts on high alert. Nezuko's blood demon art proved invaluable in protecting them, and he was grateful for her presence by his side. They had formed an unlikely alliance, bound by their shared experiences and the desire to protect those in need.
As the battle raged on elsewhere, Rui couldn't help but ponder the true orchestrator behind Enmu's sudden surge in power. His suspicions had started to align with his worst fears—the connection to Muzan, the progenitor of demons. It seemed all too plausible that Muzan, the source of all their suffering, would be behind this ordeal.
Just as Rui's thoughts grew more somber, a series of events unfolded, confirming his suspicions. The train, already under the strain of the intense battle, began to shake violently. The wheels screeched against the tracks, and panic filled the air as the inevitable derailment became imminent.
Rui's breath caught in his throat as Akaza materialized before the group, his chilling presence permeating the air. Nezuko instinctively moved closer towards her unconscious brother and friends, a protective instinct taking hold, Rui following suit. Kyojurou Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, stood resolute, his eyes fixed onto Akaza.
Rui mustered her courage and spoke, his voice quivering, "An...Upper Rank D-Demon. Why are you here?"
Akaza's smile widened, exuding an air of malevolence, "Ah, the wretched demon traitor. I am Akaza, Upper Rank Three of the Twelve Kizuki. I have come seeking a worthy opponent, and it seems I have found one in the Flame Hashira."
Rengoku's gaze pierced through the tension, his voice firm, "Akaza, I cannot let you bring harm to innocent lives. I will stand against you, no matter the cost."
Rui's determination burned within his eyes, "We won't let you harm anyone. We'll fight to protect them."
Akaza's laughter echoed, a haunting sound that sent shivers down their spines, "Such audacity from mere fools. You shall learn the price of defying a demon. Prepare yourselves for the battle of your lives."
As they braced themselves for the imminent clash, their resolve hardened, knowing that the outcome would shape their future. The stage was set for a confrontation that would push them to their limits, a battle where strength and determination would be tested against the chilling might of Upper Rank Three.
The air crackled with tension as Rengoku and Akaza stood face-to-face, the battlefield serving as their grim stage. The moon hung high in the night sky, casting an eerie glow upon the scene. Rengoku's unwavering resolve emanated from him, while Akaza exuded an aura of sheer power.
The clash between these two formidable adversaries was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Their movements were a dance of steel and shadow, each strike carrying the weight of their convictions. Rengoku's flames blazed brightly, as he channeled his inner fire to match Akaza's ferocity. Blow after blow reverberated through the air, the ground trembling beneath their feet.
But just as the battle reached its climax, a figure emerged from the debris of the collapsed train. It was Rui, dragging out the still unconscious passengers from the wreckage with the help of Nezuko.
Rui watched as Rengoku and Akaza fought, taking blow after blow, power evenly matched. At the blink of his eyes, Rui noticed something; A fatal blow that was heading towards Rengoku's way.
'No, this dumbass can't die!' Rui thought, 'If he dies then everyone else here will! I gotta do something! Quick!'
With a flash of selflessness, Rui intervened, placing himself between Akaza and Rengoku. He took the full force of Akaza's strike, absorbing the blow that was meant for Rengoku. The impact was powerful, and Rui staggered backward, the pain evident on his face.
Rengoku's eyes widened with astonishment and gratitude. The realization of Rui's sacrifice filled him with a mixture of emotions. This act of redemption was a testament to the power of change, a reminder that even demons could find their way to righteousness.
Summoning his strength, Rengoku rushed to Rui's side, supporting him.
"Thank you, Rui," he whispered, his voice filled with deep appreciation. "Your sacrifice will not be in vain."
Rui managed a weak smile, clutching on tightly to his stomach.
"It was the least I could do," he murmured. "Protect them, Rengoku.
Rengoku nodded, his resolve growing stronger. He gently laid Rui down on the ground, ensuring his comfort, and turned back to face Akaza. The flames within him burned brighter than ever before, fueled by the memory of Rui's sacrifice.
With renewed determination, Rengoku unleashed his full power, engaging Akaza once again. Their clash intensified, each strike carrying the weight of Rui's sacrifice and the unyielding resolve of the demon slayer.
The battle between Rengoku and Akaza reached its climax, a whirlwind of strength, skill, and indomitable will. It was a clash that would be etched into the annals of demon slaying history, a testament to the unbreakable spirit of those who stood against the forces of darkness.
As the moon watched over their struggle, Rengoku vowed to honor Rui's heroic sacrifice by standing tall, shielding the passengers from harm, and facing any challenges that lay ahead. The memory of Rui's selfless act would forever inspire him and reinforce the bonds formed between the demon slayers.
With each strike, Rengoku fought not only for his own purpose but for Rui's as well. The battle raged on, but he would not waver. He would stand as a testament to the strength born from redemption and the unyielding resolve of a demon slayer determined to protect those in need.
As the clash between Rengoku and Akaza reached its climactic peak, a surge of power emanated from the demon slayer. Rengoku's flames blazed brighter than ever before, fueled by the memory of Rui's actions and the bonds formed between the demon slayers.
With one final, devastating strike, Rengoku unleashed his ultimate technique, shattering through Akaza's defenses. The force of the attack reverberated through the battlefield, causing the very earth to tremble. Akaza, overwhelmed by Rengoku's unwavering determination and the weight of his own sins, could no longer stand against the onslaught.
As the dust settled and silence fell upon the battlefield, Rengoku stood victorious. Exhausted but resolute, he surveyed the scene, his gaze shifting to Rui, who laid there on the ground still healing from the blow, but alive.
Rushing to Rui's side, Rengoku knelt down, relief flooding his features. "Rui, you're alive! Your sacrifice was not in vain."
Rui weakly opened his eyes, a faint smile gracing his lips. "I couldn't let you bear that blow, Rengoku. We are comrades, and I couldn't stand by and watch you fall. I'm glad... I could protect you."
Moved by Rui's words and determination, Rengoku grasped his hand, expressing his gratitude, "Thank you, Rui. Your bravery and selflessness have touched us all."
With the aid of their comrades, Rengoku and the demon slayers ensured Rui's safety and provided the necessary medical attention. Rui's survival became a testament to the potential for redemption even within the demon world.
In the aftermath of the battle, the demon slayers regrouped, their bonds strengthened by the shared experience. Rui's act of sacrifice had deepened their resolve and ignited a renewed determination to protect humanity from the clutches of demons.
Rengoku, alongside his fellow demon slayers, stood tall, ready to face the challenges that awaited them. Rui's survival served as a beacon of hope and transformation, a reminder that even demons could choose a different path.
With their spirits united and their resolve unyielding, the demon slayers continued their fight. Rui's presence among them served as a testament to the power of redemption and the potential for demons to find their own path of righteousness.
And so, as the moon watched over them, the demon slayers marched forward, guided by the flame of Rui's redemption. Together, they would face the trials that lay ahead, their hearts emboldened by the knowledge that even the most unlikely allies could stand against the forces of darkness.
The morning sun cast a soft golden glow upon the serene landscape surrounding the butterfly mansion. Within its walls, the demon slayers went about their daily routines, their spirits intertwined with a sense of purpose and determination.
As the mansion's doors swung open, Rui stepped hesitantly inside, his gaze filled with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. He was a demon, but his encounter with Tanjiro and the others had shown him a glimmer of hope and the possibility of redemption.
Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu greeted Rui with nods and warm smiles, their acceptance a testament to the bond forged during the battle against Akaza. Rui felt a surge of gratitude and determination welling within him, motivating him to prove himself worthy of their trust.
As they gathered in the common area, a new face entered the room. It was Aoi, the new recently appointed Medicine Hashira. Her presence commanded respect, and Rui's heart skipped a beat as he realized that he was about to face the consequences of his reckless actions.
Aoi's gaze fell upon Rui, her expression a mix of sternness and concern, "What the hell were you thinking? Taking a fatal blow to the stomach like that? From a fucking Upper Rank demon? You could've died right there, or worse; captured by the fucking enemy!"
Though the chastisement stung, Rui remained determined. He knew that his journey towards redemption would not be easy, but he was ready to face the consequences and learn from them. Rui bowed his head, acknowledging his faults and expressing his sincere remorse.
"I'm sorry for worrying you, Aoi, please forgive me."
As the silence settled in the room, Aoi's stern expression softened. She recognized the sincerity in Rui's demeanor, and with a calm but firm voice, she offered guidance and words of encouragement. Aoi had seen the potential for change within Rui and believed in his capacity to choose a different path. After all he did help her see the error in her ways not too long ago.
Embracing Aoi's guidance, Rui vowed to dedicate himself to the cause of protecting humanity, to utilize his unique position as a demon to aid the demon slayers in their mission. He understood that trust had to be earned, and he was determined to prove himself through his actions.
The other demon slayers watched Rui with a mixture of curiosity and cautious optimism. They understood the complexities of his situation but were willing to give him a chance. Tanjiro, Inosuke, Zenitsu, and Nezuko, who had unexpectedly developed a bond with Rui, offered their support and extended their hands in camaraderie.
Rui looked at his newfound comrades, gratitude and determination shining in his eyes. He recognized the significance of their acceptance and knew that he would not let them down. The butterfly mansion had become a sanctuary, a place where demons and demon slayers stood side by side, united in their pursuit of a better world.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Rui took a deep breath, ready to embrace the challenges that awaited him. He would prove that demons could change, that redemption was possible, and that together, they could overcome any obstacle.
And so, in the hallowed halls of the butterfly mansion, Rui's journey towards redemption began. Surrounded by the unwavering support of his comrades, he would strive to rewrite his own narrative, to forge a path that would inspire others and pave the way for a future where demons and humanity could coexist in harmony.
Deep within the dark recesses of his lair, Muzan Kibutsuji, the progenitor of demons, seethed with fury. His crimson eyes burned with an otherworldly intensity as he stared at Akaza, his Upper Rank demon, who stood before him, head bowed in submission.
"Tell me, Akaza," Muzan's voice rumbled, dripping with a deadly mixture of anger and disappointment. "How could you have failed me? How could you let that Hashira slip through your fingers? And not only that, but the demon traitor and that persistent Kamado brat as well?"
Akaza trembled, feeling the overwhelming weight of Muzan's wrath bearing down on him. The room seemed to darken, suffocating him with an oppressive aura. He knew he had faltered, and the consequences would be severe.
"I... I apologize, Lord Muzan," Akaza stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I underestimated their strength and determination. The Flame Hashira's techniques were formidable and I was unable to overcome him. The presence of Tanjiro and the traitor further complicated matters."
Muzan's gaze intensified, piercing Akaza's very soul.
"Incompetence," he hissed. "That is what I see before me. You, Akaza, an Upper Rank demon, should have been more than capable of eliminating them. Yet, you let them escape, staining our name with failure."
Akaza's fists clenched, his anger momentarily rising within him. However, he knew better than to let his emotions override his fear of Muzan's wrath. He had witnessed the cruel and merciless punishment the progenitor was capable of inflicting upon those who dared to defy him.
"I understand, Lord Muzan," Akaza replied, struggling to keep his voice steady. "I accept full responsibility for my failure. I vow to rectify my mistakes and eliminate them at the earliest opportunity."
Muzan's eyes bore into Akaza, searching for any sign of weakness or insincerity. After a long, tense moment, the progenitor exhaled sharply, his anger still palpable but slightly subdued. "You have always been strong, Akaza," Muzan muttered, his voice a dangerous whisper. "But strength alone is not enough. You must learn to be cunning, to adapt, to overcome any obstacle in your path."
Akaza nodded, understanding the weight of Muzan's words. He knew that he had let his arrogance cloud his judgment, underestimating his opponents and paying the price for it. He swore to himself that he would not make the same mistake again.
"I will not disappoint you again, Lord Muzan," Akaza pledged, his voice resolute. "I will hone my skills, strengthen myself, and eradicate those who stand in our way. Rengoku, the Kamado kid, and even the demon traitor, should I encounter him again, shall not escape my grasp."
A twisted smile curled upon Muzan's lips as he observed Akaza's renewed determination.
"See that you don't, Akaza," he warned, his voice a chilling command, "Failure will not be tolerated. Remember, the fate of demons rests upon your success. Now, go forth and fulfill your duty. Do not return until you have eradicated those who dared defy us."
As Akaza bowed deeply and left the presence of Muzan, a burning resolve ignited within him. He understood the magnitude of his task, the consequences of failure. With every step he took, he carried the weight of Muzan's expectations, his failure fueling his desire for redemption.
In the face of Muzan's reprimand, Akaza vowed to rise above his limitations, to become a force that even the demon slayers would fear. Rengoku, Tanjiro, and the demon traitor would soon come to realize the true extent of his power and the lengths he would go to prove himself worthy of the title of Upper Rank Three.