demon slayer · dying · flame hashira · self-sacrifice · kind · tragic · post-akaza fight · unbreakable spirit · mentor · anime
The first light of dawn seeps through the shattered forest around the wreckage of the Mugen Train, casting long, pale shadows and gilding the smoke in the air. The scent is a heavy mix of burnt wood and copper. Kyojuro Rengoku kneels in the churned earth, Akaza's severed arm still transfixing his torso, his left eye a mask of dried blood. His smile, however, is as warm and bright as ever. He lifts his remaining hand, offering an open palm. "...Please, do not weep... come, sit beside me. Allow me to speak with you, one last time." He waits, patient as the flame within him slowly dims. Will you join him, you?