[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong-":3,"chapter-this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-87":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","This Pillar in Demon Slayer Is Extremely Strong but Overly Cautious",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2336013,4566,"Chapter 87: Rebattle with Gyokko","this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-87",87,"\u003Cp>Flame Breathing. First Form. Shiranui!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rengoku Kyojuro struck first, swinging his Crimson Flame Blade in a blazing high-speed rush, closing the distance to Akaza in an instant—his target: Akaza’s neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akaza remained calm; his Luo Zhen precisely predicted Rengoku’s attack trajectory, and with a powerful leg thrust, he leapt into the air, evading the strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Destruction Technique. Air Form!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mid-air, Akaza unleashed a long-range technique, striking repeatedly with his fists toward Rengoku Kyojuro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Rengoku Kyojuro did not panic—he spun his Crimson Flame Blade around himself, activating a defensive combat technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flame Breathing. Fourth Form. Blazing Vortex!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spiral flame slashes instantly blocked every one of Akaza’s long-range attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rengoku Kyojuro knew Akaza would use this move thanks entirely to the intelligence Zero had gathered on all the Upper Moon demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After landing, Akaza stared at Rengoku Kyojuro, puzzled—how did he know his techniques?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when he saw Zero, he likely understood what had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zero must have told you everything about our Twelve Kizuki Upper Moons’ moves! Hahaha! How delightful! Truly delightful! I’ll turn both of you into demons—you’ll fight alongside me forever!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rengoku Kyojuro said nothing—he surged forward at a speed invisible to the naked eye, launching another attack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flame Breathing. Third Form. Ten Thousand Flames!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With blinding speed, he slashed downward from above, a curved wave of blazing fire tearing a gash from Akaza’s shoulder straight through his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Akaza admired Rengoku Kyojuro’s skill—and his battle lust intensified further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Outstanding swordsmanship and speed! You really should become a demon, hahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Rengoku Kyojuro’s assault was not over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flame Breathing. Second Form. Blazing Ascent!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the wound on Akaza’s body had even fully healed, Rengoku swung another upward slash—stronger, more brutal than before!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if trying to cleave Akaza in half!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After learning all the Upper Moon demons’ techniques and witnessing their power, every Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps intensified their training—Rengoku Kyojuro included.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their goal: to fight the Upper Moons—even if they couldn’t kill them, they must hold them until dawn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Destruction Technique. Foot Form. Crown Cut!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akaza seized Rengoku’s blade bare-handed, then bent his body sharply downward and kicked backward with explosive force!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling the power of that kick, Rengoku spun his Crimson Flame Blade, wrenching free from Akaza’s grip, and leapt backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this the true power of an Upper Moon demon?! Indeed, not to be underestimated! But I will never give up!” Rengoku Kyojuro’s resolve hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, he launched another offensive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akaza met him head-on, striking with his bare fists against Rengoku’s Crimson Flame Blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Crimson Flame Blade erupted in flames, cleaving through the air as it clashed with Akaza’s fists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akaza’s fists, seemingly without pain, kept swinging relentlessly in counterattack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battlefield shifted again—descending into a white-hot frenzy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their attacks grew fiercer; sonic booms erupted and dust storms swirled around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only two red-and-blue figures could be seen darting through the swirling dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the air seemed ready to tear apart!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Among the Pillars I’ve killed, I’ve never faced a Flame Pillar—or that Zero behind you. But neither did they accept my invitation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he fought Rengoku Kyojuro, Akaza spoke to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We both seek the pinnacle of martial arts—so why won’t you join me? So… die, Rengoku Kyojuro!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rengoku blocked Akaza’s blows with his blade, slicing his wrist as he replied: “Everyone feels the same! As humans, it’s only natural!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tanjiro’s face was filled with disbelief—what level of power had they reached?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can’t see… I can’t see anything… their speed…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinobu, who had just arrived, wore a mask—but his eyes betrayed the same shock!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No openings! Their movements are too fast to track! Around those two—it’s like another dimension!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shinobu knew this battle was beyond his reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he stepped in, he’d only be delivering himself to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even helping would only hinder them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero, facing Tanjiro and Shinobu from behind, spoke: “Tanjiro, Shinobu—watch closely. This is the battle between a Pillar and an Upper Moon demon. I hope it helps you in the future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rengoku Kyojuro swung his Crimson Flame Blade with overwhelming force, sending Akaza crashing into the nearby forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He followed him into the trees, searching for his silhouette.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could blink, Akaza appeared right before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Incredible reflexes and speed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A kick shot out—Rengoku raised his blade to block.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the force was too great—he was blasted backward, slamming into a dirt wall and sinking into a deep crater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akaza stepped out of the small grove and said: “Become a demon, Kyojuro. Then you can fight with me forever.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rengoku Kyojuro plunged his Crimson Flame Blade into the ground, propping himself up, and answered: “I refuse. Once more—I hate you. I will never become a demon!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flame Breathing. Fifth Form. Flame Tiger!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rengoku Kyojuro surged forward like a blazing tiger, unleashing a massive slash with renewed power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Destruction Technique. Chaos Form!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fists exploded with blinding speed, colliding with Rengoku’s Flame Tiger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact sent shockwaves rippling outward, affecting the surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both combatants plunged back into battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every strike targeted the opponent’s vital points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Rengoku Kyojuro was losing ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faintly, it was clear—he was growing exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, prolonged combat drained a human body’s strength inevitably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially against an Upper Moon of the Twelve Kizuki—his stamina drained at geometric speed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a violent surge of power erupted ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground cracked like a spiderweb, fissures spreading outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The source, of course, was Akaza.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Destruction Technique. Shattered Form. Ten Thousand Leaves Willow Flash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His furious punch struck the earth, shattering the ground like leaf veins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rengoku Kyojuro, caught in the shockwave, stumbled—giving Akaza his opening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swung both fists at him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Destruction Technique. Demon Core Eightfold Core!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight rapid strikes from all directions, delivering a devastating barrage upon Rengoku Kyojuro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Rengoku activated his defensive sword technique once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flame Breathing. Fourth Form. Blazing Vortex!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akaza’s attacks were blocked—but this time, their power was even greater, forcing Rengoku back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Crimson Flame Blade could barely hold—upon close inspection, fine cracks had begun to spread across its blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Destruction Technique. Air Form!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akaza unleashed his long-range technique again, striking continuously—Rengoku kept blocking with Fourth Form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, the Crimson Flame Blade shattered under the strain, splitting cleanly in two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Akaza’s final strike landed squarely on Rengoku Kyojuro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero rushed forward and caught him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough… Is this… the true power of an Upper Moon?… Indeed, formidable…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Rengoku Kyojuro’s voice held disbelief, there was no despair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, his resolve hardened—he would become stronger!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad his Crimson Flame Blade, his faithful companion for so long, was now broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kyojuro, rest well. The rest… is mine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, thank you, Zero.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Supporting Rengoku Kyojuro to Shinobu’s side, Zero said: “Watch over him. Understood?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Y-yes…” Shinobu was still stunned from the battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Akaza, seeing Zero, grew even more excited than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Finally—I can fight you again, Zero! Hahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Akaza, before we fight, I have a few questions. Will you answer them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? Go ahead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a strong opponent, Ikosato still had sufficient patience, so he did not refuse him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero took a deep breath and asked, “Why are you so obsessed with becoming stronger? And why do you despise the weak?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hahaha! Do you really have to ask?! Of course it’s to reach the pinnacle of martial cultivation—just as you have reached it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for the weak—hah! In this world of survival of the fittest, what right do the weak have to remain?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing Ikosato’s answer, Zero felt no great surprise; his expression remained as calm as still water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continued, “One final question: you seek strength to reach the pinnacle of martial cultivation—what can you accomplish once you’ve grown strong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course, to protect...” Ikosato paused suddenly as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he forgotten something?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something very important—but he couldn’t recall what it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t compare yourself to others. Your true opponent is always yourself. What matters is becoming stronger than you were yesterday...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice echoed in Ikosato’s ear—it was familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also felt someone place a hand on his shoulder, then swing a punch behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when he turned, he saw nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every person present witnessed this motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s nothing behind him—why did he swing a punch?!” Tanjiro wondered inwardly...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero became even more certain: deep within Ikosato, some fragment of his consciousness still remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had simply lost his memories, leaving only the obsession with becoming stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ikosato...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Zero call his name, Ikosato turned to look at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ikosato, I don’t know what you’ve endured—but I will defeat you honorably!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Dark Alloy Battle Armor, Arm!】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click! Click!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The armor reappeared, fully arming Zero from head to toe, retrieving the Sun Wheel Scythe from the 【Nanospaces】.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s end this. 【They】 have been waiting for you a long time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They? Who? What are you talking about?!” Ikosato roared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zero’s only reply was his attack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero instantly teleported, swinging the Sun Wheel Scythe through the air, striking directly at Ikosato!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ikosato’s hairs stood on end; his cells seemed to scream a warning—he must eliminate Zero now!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leaped backward, away from his original position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Destruction Kill. Air Style!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, he launched a long-range technique, unleashing a flurry of punches at Zero in rapid succession!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero swiftly spun the scythe, blocking every attack, then counterattacked!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his techniques failed to inflict real damage on Zero, Ikosato dared not slacken—he fought with all his strength!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, he clearly sensed: Zero was holding back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He continuously radiated that crimson battle aura—unlike last time, he had not restrained it at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why aren’t you using your Pinnacle Realm?! Are you mocking me?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ikosato felt insulted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I said I would defeat you honorably!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The battle between them grew fiercely intense; the surrounding air tore apart, showing faint signs of fracturing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the extradimensional space erupted with deafening roars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rengoku Kyōjurō now clearly sensed it—and understood one thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier, when Ikosato fought him, he had held back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Destruction Kill. Foot Style. Flying Star Thousand Wheels!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His kicks traced erratic paths like wandering meteors, weaving through chaotic currents as they struck Zero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero raised the Sun Wheel Scythe to block, then swung hard—severing Ikosato’s leg.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He followed with a kick to Ikosato’s chest, sending him flying into the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pressing the advantage, Zero charged into the forest, Sun Wheel Scythe in hand, continuing the battle with Ikosato.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re growing stronger by the moment—I’ll turn you into a demon, hahaha!” Ikosato’s wild laughter echoed from within the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Destruction Kill. Final Style. Azure-Silver Chaotic Afterglow!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Ikosato’s ultimate technique: summoning Luo Zhen, and firing hundreds of azure projectiles outward from his center in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The move was not only swift, but devastatingly powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The azure projectiles struck Zero’s battle armor—leaving only faint scratches, causing no damage whatsoever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining azure projectiles obliterated the surrounding trees, which collapsed with thunderous crashes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rengoku Kyōjurō and the others outside the forest watched in deep concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A figure flew out of the forest, crashing into the exact same spot where Rengoku Kyōjurō had stood moments before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His chest bore several deep gashes, blood spurting freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within mere breaths, the wounds regenerated completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn’t over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From within the forest, a Sun Wheel Scythe shot out—spinning rapidly like a meat grinder, intent on slicing everything before it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Destruction Kill. Foot Style. Flowing Flash Mass Light!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the danger, Ikosato kicked upward with one leg, striking the incoming spinning scythe multiple times in rapid succession—like bursts of lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sun Wheel Scythe was kicked high into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shhh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zero’s figure burst from the forest again, leaping into the air, grabbing the scythe’s handle by its tail, and swinging it down with lightning speed toward Ikosato!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ikosato barely managed to dodge—he lost half his shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Destruction Kill. Foot Style. Crown First Cut!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frustrated, Ikosato swung his leg upward from below, aiming a powerful kick at Zero’s armored head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zero merely bent his body slightly backward, evading the blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he twisted his torso, raised his leg, and delivered a spinning kick—striking Ikosato square in the face, snapping his neck in a full 360° rotation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the added force of momentum, Ikosato’s entire body flew sideways and crashed to the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of this occurred within mere breaths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s over!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tightened grip. Activated Crimson Blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The edge of the Sun Wheel Scythe radiated heat like the sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, he charged forward and swung the scythe—severing Ikosato’s neck!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ikosato hadn’t even reacted before his head was severed—the cut site burned with searing heat!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Success!” Tanjiro cried inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ikosato’s head fell to the ground and turned to ash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet his body remained standing upright—unbroken, uncollapsed, despite losing its head...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This...” Rengoku Kyōjurō sensed something was wrong!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【No... I haven’t lost... I must still pursue the Pinnacle of Martial Cultivation... I cannot lose!】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【So what if my neck is cut? I can still fight! I can still grow stronger! I must keep my promise...】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Technique Unleashed. Destruction Kill. Luo Zhen!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ikosato’s headless body sealed its wound and activated the technique once more!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Zero understood one thing: Ikosato had overcome decapitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through sheer, overwhelming obsession—he had overcome decapitation.\u003C\u002Fp>",2193,"2026-06-20T21:22:22.338Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","a9c09a356404f80256cc7a8e42467f3099e24c28b44c3648c61a7518424f1494","this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-88","this-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--chapter-86",128,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthis-pillar-in-demon-slayer-is-extremely-strong--cover.jpg"]