Boom!
Another explosion echoed.
Uzui Tengen's Nichirin blades were a unique family heirloom ninja tool. Special gunpowder was packed inside the blade, flowing into the tiny crevices between the edge and the body. When the blades scraped together, they would explode with a thunderous roar.
Moreover, the gunpowder was mixed with metallic compounds, producing dazzling, multicolored flashes upon detonation. This not only suited Uzui Tengen's flamboyant personality, but also worked with the explosions to disrupt his opponent's sight and hearing.
"Separation Breathing, Third Form: Rotating Ionic Whirlwind!"
In an instant, dust billowed as fine lightning intertwined with a whirlwind, spinning from the Nichirin blade and transforming into a blue vortex that enveloped Uzui Tengen.
The principle behind this move was similar to the First Gale Slash of Wind Breathing, the Blazing Vortex of Flame Breathing, and the Twisting Whirlpool of Water Breathing. All of these originated from Sun Breathing's Scorching Sun, serving as both offensive and defensive techniques.
However, Hardy's version, while possessing solid defensive power, was even more aggressive.
The advancing plasma vortex could easily twist steel into a superheated spiral.
Crack!
The golden Nichirin twin blades' chains hooked together in front of Uzui Tengen, who, using inertia, slashed repeatedly and rapidly.
"Sound Breathing, Fourth Form: Constant Resonant Slash!"
In a flash, it was as if a rock concert erupted. Combined with the visual and auditory effects of the two breathing techniques, the scene looked less like a battle and more like a dazzling stage performance.
The fight continued. In the blink of an eye, the two had exchanged dozens of blows.
"Sound Breathing, First Form: Roar!"
"Separation Breathing, Fourth Form: Falling Ionic Rain!"
"Separation Breathing, Second Form: Flowing Ionic Dance!"
Facing Hardy's fierce assault, Uzui Tengen was forced to switch tactics to regain the advantage. He launched a full-force attack, breaking through Hardy's move and quickly retreating.
Meanwhile, Hardy changed to the Fourth Form, unleashing a barrage of high-temperature ionic wind blades like raindrops toward Uzui Tengen, then switched to the Second Form, thrusting forward.
But, to Hardy's surprise, Uzui Tengen seemed to anticipate his every move. Dodging and blocking the high-temperature wind blades, he countered almost simultaneously, gripping his golden Nichirin twin blades in reverse, arms crossed, and used the chain between them to lock Hardy's blade.
In terms of raw strength and physical ability, Uzui Tengen was among the top of his generation of Hashira.
"Heh, the score sheet is complete!"
Uzui Tengen grinned, flashing his white teeth.
Hardy frowned, twisting his body to deliver a right whip kick to Uzui Tengen's chest while forcefully trying to wrench his Nichirin blade free.
But Uzui Tengen spun to evade the kick, released the blade, and returned the favor with a kick of his own.
Bang!
The air cracked. Hardy drew his blade with his left hand, while his chakra-enhanced right hand guarded his front, blocking Uzui Tengen's kick as he quickly retreated.
Uzui Tengen, however, pressed the attack relentlessly.
"Sound Breathing, Fifth Form: String Performance!"
Uzui Tengen spun his twin blades, sparks and lightning flying, slashing toward Hardy.
The tide of battle had turned.
To be honest, Hardy had never fought such a difficult battle.
Uzui Tengen seemed to predict his every move, launching perfect attacks from Hardy's blind spots, forcing him into a desperate defense.
This was the Score Sheet!
While struggling to defend, Hardy pondered his options.
Should he use ninjutsu?
With his current abilities, Hardy could reduce many Wind and Lightning Style jutsu to just a few hand seals, or even a single seal.
He wasn't sure if Uzui Tengen's Score Sheet could decipher ninjutsu, but after a few seconds' thought, Hardy abandoned the idea.
His purpose in fighting Uzui Tengen was to test Separation Breathing.
Although he had only created four forms so far, the fifth was gradually taking shape in his mind.
The Score Sheet was powerful, but if his attack range was wide enough, with no blind spots, and his speed fast enough that even if his opponent sensed it, they wouldn't have time to dodge—would the Score Sheet still work?
Hiss...
A wisp of white vapor drifted from Hardy's mouth.
In his Score Sheet state, Uzui Tengen keenly sensed the change, retreating with his golden twin blades crossed defensively before him.
But in the next instant, countless fine plasma blades shot out, accompanied by a super typhoon-like whirlwind, swirling and surging like a merciless cutting machine, shredding everything in their path.
"Separation Breathing, Fifth Form: Storm of Thunder and Wind!"
Uzui Tengen gritted his teeth, relying on the enhanced perception of the Score Sheet state. He swung his twin blades with precision, cleaving through every incoming strike and quickly constructing a spherical defense in front of him.
Demon Slayer Mask.
The thunderous explosion drew Tanjiro, who was training nearby, as well as several other Demon Slayer swordsmen who were resting in the area.
"Is this really... something a human can do?"
It was the first time Tanjiro had witnessed a Hashira fighting at full strength, and he was left dumbfounded.
"This is the power of a Hashira! Only with such overwhelming strength can one slay the most formidable demons!"
Murata, with his hair parted down the middle, stood not far from Tanjiro, watching the scene unfold as he spoke.
A little further away, a scar-faced boy gazed at the spectacle with envy in his eyes.
"Namu Amida Butsu... The purpose of this battle has already been achieved. There's no point in continuing."
Himejima Gyomei chanted a Buddhist prayer, swung the chains in both hands, sending his heavy axe and flail whirling, and then leaped into the air.
"Stone Breathing, Fifth Form: Arcs of Justice!"
The heavy axe and flail sliced through the air, smashing toward Hardy and Tengen Uzui.
In an instant, Hardy felt as if a meteor had smashed through every obstacle in front of him and crashed down right before him.
"Clang~!"
"Boom—!"
The piercing sound of metal clashing and an explosive blast rang out simultaneously. After taking Himejima's attack head-on, Hardy and Tengen Uzui tacitly stopped fighting.
The power of Separation Breathing had been fully displayed, and the effects of this battle had far exceeded Hardy's expectations.
Under the pressure of Tengen Uzui's Score, Hardy had managed to develop the fifth form of Separation Breathing, which demonstrated remarkable power.
"Huff..."
Hardy let out a deep breath and looked across at Tengen Uzui.
The latter was clearly exhausted as well, panting heavily.
...
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