Episode 273: Obanai's Silent Confession
『 Suddenly, one day, he was roughly dragged out of that familiar little room and taken into a gorgeously decorated and blindingly bright space.
In the center sat a woman whose lower body resembled a giant snake, surrounded by a circle of hair-raising human skulls.
Although he was only twelve years old and had never stepped out of that cage-like room, at this very moment, Obanai instantly recognized the monster as the same one that had been crawling across the roof, glaring at him with terrifying eyes every night for years.
"Too skinny… I'll consider it once you've been fattened up a bit more."
The half-human, half-snake creature made a strange sound, constantly flicking its tongue as it spoke.
After all, for over three hundred years, this clan had relied on this snake demon before them, surviving by killing others and stealing wealth.
Just like that, this family gradually prospered.
But, as the price, they had to offer their own children as sacrifices to this female demon who was particularly fond of infant flesh.
When Obanai was born, being one of the few boys in the clan and possessing an unusual eye, he had greatly piqued the female demon's interest.
Slowly, Obanai realized that he was nothing more than a sacrificial victim, existing like food for her to consume. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "In that world, to think such an evil family actually exists." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "For the sake of their own selfish desires, to actually do that to their own kin…" ]
[ Kamado Tanjiro (Demon Slayer): "That's despicable." ]
[ Hitori Goto (Bocchi the Rock): "So terrifying." ]
[ Hikigaya Hachiman (Oregairu): "I can't understand it at all." ]
[ .....]
『 Just as everyone was about to send Obanai back to his cell, the snake demon suddenly raised her hand to signal a stop.
All eyes immediately turned to her.
"Tell me, these eyes are truly peculiar."
"How about… I give you a face like mine."
To the snake demon, having her appearance manifested on a human should be considered good fortune.
However, for Obanai, it was a bolt from the blue. Just as he had expected, his clansmen soon subdued him, using a knife to slice a deep wound into his lips.
Beads of blood dripped from the corners of his mouth, and the stinging pain followed.
The sharp blade pierced into Obanai's mouth again and again, forcing him to cry out in pain.
After that, Obanai returned to his cage.
But in his heart, it was filled with the desire to escape. Thus, he began using a stolen hairpin to constantly dig at the gaps between the wooden bars of his cell.
However…
The fear that he might be caught at any moment constantly haunted him, keeping him on edge all day long.
During those arduous days, only the little snake that had crawled in by mistake became his only trustworthy friend. Its name was…
Kaburamaru!
After tireless efforts, Obanai eventually escaped the place of confinement with Kaburamaru.
Unfortunately, just when he thought he was safe, a massive, serpentine monster blocked his path once again.
Clearly, he hadn't completely escaped the pursuit of that snake demon.
Just when he felt he was surely doomed, a tremendous sound suddenly echoed from the sky.
BOOM—!
The Flame Hashira of the current generation arrived in time, cutting the snake demon down with a single stroke.
Moreover, the Flame Hashira also helped him find his only surviving cousin from the clan.
He had hoped to have someone to rely on, but to his surprise, the moment his cousin saw him, she was filled with disgust.
"It's all your fault! Everything started because of you!"
"It's because you ran away that everyone was killed!"
"Because of you, we lost our protection for so many years!"
"You should have just obediently been eaten as a sacrifice!"
Obanai understood in his heart that his cousin's words made no sense.
Yet, those words still pierced his heart deeply.
He had thought about what consequences his escape would bring, but his strong desire to live had driven him to choose to run.
He was only twelve years old; he just wanted to survive. Was that wrong…
As a human being, he also felt that he had committed a crime.
Even though he hadn't personally killed anyone, his actions had indirectly led to the deaths of many.
The guilt in his heart was too heavy; he no longer dared to hope for an ordinary life. After brief reflection, he decided to become someone like the Flame Hashira who exterminates evil demons.
From then on, he would devote all his strength to fighting demons and monsters, hating them, and eliminating them.
He swore to drive all evil demons out of this world completely!
Not long after, under the guidance of the Flame Hashira, Obanai joined the Demon Slayer Corps, improving his own strength through constant battles with demons.
At the same time, this act of protecting others while risking his life also brought him a small measure of comfort.
However, even so… the resentment-filled faces of his deceased clansmen still haunted him like a nightmare, making his path difficult.
Presumably, only by eliminating Muzan could he find a way to be liberated, and perhaps then, he would choose to end his own life to cleanse this sin.
If he could be reborn as an ordinary person in a new world without demons, and meet you again…
A ripple passed through Obanai's heart…
At this moment, Mitsuri's figure flashed in his mind.
I wish I could repay that innocent smile of yours…
I love you!… 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "After experiencing so much suffering, he still chose to join this organization." ]
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "So pitiful, to be rejected by his own family after going through all that." ]
[ Rimuru Tempest (Tensura): "Those kinds of beings shouldn't even be considered family." ]
[ Rimuru Tempest (Tensura): "They were just inhuman beasts." ]
[ .....]
〜Naruto World〜
At this moment, Sasuke Uchiha deeply felt the despair of this man named Obanai.
When he saw that all his own family members were killed by his own brother, he also hated his own powerlessness.
Power, how important it is.
It was to seek power that he had to embark on this path; Sasuke Uchiha knew very well what he was doing.
He had to find Orochimaru and let him help him obtain power.
—
『 The scene shifts. The logistics members of the Demon Slayer Corps were quickly organizing the evacuation of the ordinary people in the city.
In order to prevent people from thinking they were talking nonsense, Kiriya quickly came up with a reason that people would have to believe.
He said the foundation here was unstable and could collapse at any moment, urging everyone to find a safe place to hide.
Despite this, their peculiar attire still made some people suspicious, and the evacuation process was not smooth.
At the same time, another search and rescue team was carefully checking for anyone buried under the ruins.
"Meow…"
Unexpectedly, a small cat was hidden under the ruins. This was Lady Tamayo's little cat, Chachamaru, who had once accompanied Tanjiro to collect blood samples.
Upon discovering the situation, everyone immediately took action, working together to move the wooden boards covering Chachamaru. Once free, this agile little cat quickly ran toward a certain direction.
And that direction pointed toward the intense battle site.
On the battlefield, Obanai rejoined the fight with the determination to take the enemy down with him. He swung his blade at Muzan's arm.
WHOOSH—!
The moment the blade touched Muzan's arm, he also kicked out fiercely.
Muzan's arm was instantly kicked away.
Following this, Obanai did not give him a chance to catch his breath, continuing to forcefully sever the separated part and immediately kicking it far away.
This series of fluid movements caught Muzan off guard, making him look quite disheveled. At the same time, this became the best delaying tactic Obanai had devised in his heart.
Even so, when dealing with such a powerful enemy, Obanai still needed to concentrate fully on dodging the repeated, fierce attacks while looking for opportunities to counterattack.
Seeing Muzan transform his arms into vortex-like whips that slammed down at him fiercely.
In the moment of crisis, Obanai leaped with all his might, flying out like an arrow from a bow, even leaving a depression where he had jumped from.
In the air, Obanai brandished his sword, desperately blocking the attacks coming from all directions.
On the ground, those immensely powerful strikes destroyed everything in their path.
And at this moment, Muzan's offensive turned into violent whirlwinds, these troublesome moves being spewed out from the terrifying mouths on his arms.
Perhaps… Mitsuri had also been wounded by this move.
The range of this attack was terrifyingly large, and it carried a powerful suction force, slowly pulling the thin Obanai into it.
Although Obanai was struggling desperately, the situation continued to worsen.
But…
"Pop, pop, pop!"
As if his potential had been triggered, Obanai waved the sword in his hand, forcibly carving out a path to survival.
Even though doing this consumed a great deal of Obanai's strength, in this life-or-death duel, aiming for sunrise, every extra second gained was worth it.
Every member of the Demon Slayer Corps was prepared to sacrifice themselves.
They would not allow failure; they could not let the comrades who had already given their lives to protect everyone die in vain.
The entire Demon Slayer Corps held such firm convictions as they continued to fight; whether it was slaying demons or facing death, they had never been afraid.
Ever since they joined this corps, they had shown their unshakable determination.
Even if this determination was not understood by the world, they still held fast to themselves, willing to sacrifice everything to eradicate the demons.
Up to this point, they were only one step away from ending this history of tragedy that had lasted for hundreds of years; they only needed to try a little harder to drive these monsters out of the human world completely.
SNAP—!
At this moment, Giyu's sword flew out of his hand due to the impact of Muzan's attack.
His hand was already covered in rotting flesh, and he couldn't grip his weapon for the time being.
Accompanying another of Muzan's attacks, a long tentacle whipped toward Giyu.
SNAP—!
Fortunately, Obanai and Gyomei appeared in time to save Giyu. In this instant, Giyu's mind went blank, his head covered in sweat.
SWISH—!
A sword was swiftly stabbed into the ground beside Giyu; it was a spare weapon thrown by Sanemi.
"If you dare to lose focus again, I'll cut you down myself!"
Sanemi's words were like a bolt of lightning, bringing Giyu back to his senses, and he firmly grasped his weapon again.
"WATER BREATHING, ELEVENTH FORM: DEAD CALM—!"
Following this, several water dragons surged from him, successfully blocking the enemy's attack.
Must not lose focus again! Must uphold the honor of the Water Hashira! Must fight until the very last moment!
Perhaps it was in such a moment that Giyu, who had always been full of self-doubt in the past, finally realized that he was the one and only Water Hashira.
For my teacher, for my senior brothers and sisters, I absolutely cannot give up!
Bet everything on this honor! I will absolutely not lose!
At this time, Muzan continued to wave the whips in his hands, controlling the speed of his attacks neither fast nor slow.
Although these people were much more tenacious than expected, they would soon all fall.
As long as he didn't give them an opportunity, he would absolutely not lose.
There was one hour and fourteen minutes until sunrise; within five minutes, they would be completely defeated by my power. This is the fate of you Demon Slayers!
No matter how hard you try, humans are only humans after all, and in the end, you can only meet your demise. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Kibutsuji Muzan (Demon Slayer): "Hahaha! Insignificant humans, you can only become our food." ]
[ Kibutsuji Muzan (Demon Slayer): "If it weren't for that detestable swordsman, what right do you have to fight us?" ]
[ Kamado Tanjiro (Demon Slayer): "….." ]
[ Kocho Shinobu (Demon Slayer): "…" ]
[ Tomioka Giyu (Demon Slayer): "…" ]
[ Uzui Tengen (Demon Slayer): "...!" ]
[ Tokito Muichiro (Demon Slayer): "...?" ]
[ Kanroji Mitsuri (Demon Slayer): "...?!" ]
[ Iguro Obanai (Demon Slayer): "..." ]
[ Shinazugawa Sanemi (Demon Slayer): "..." ]
[ Himejima Gyomei (Demon Slayer): "...Namu Amida Butsu." ]
[ .....]
〜One Punch Man World〜
"Sensei… are you really human?"
Saitama looked at Genos speechlessly, indicating that everything you said is correct.
"I can no longer be considered human; I can only be called a half-human, but even so, I will never be able to surpass you, Sensei, who is human."
After hearing this, Saitama's expression finally softened, and he revealed that row of white teeth.
"Of course, humans are also very strong."
In Genos's heart, his respect for Saitama deepened a layer; there was indeed still much for him to learn.
The current Genos truly thought so.
—
『 Rotten flesh had already begun to grow on Giyu's face, and everyone began to feel their physical pain intensify; the situation was clearly worsening.
Something is wrong... We might not make it until dawn.
Gyomei barely raised his flail to block Muzan's offensive time and time again; he could have handled it calmly before, but now he couldn't spare a hand for anything else.
Even if I have only one breath left, I will kill you!
Thinking this, Sanemi had already forced his blade toward Muzan.
In contrast, the smaller Obanai showed symptoms of poisoning that flared up faster.
Everyone had been forced into a very difficult situation.
But…..
Must not give up!
The battle intensified, the tumors on the four people's bodies gradually spread, and their movements became increasingly sluggish. At the same time, Muzan used this opportunity to strengthen his offensive, causing the number of their wounds to increase continuously.
At the most critical moment, a cat appeared out of thin air above the battlefield.
It was… Chachamaru.
This sudden appearance startled Muzan. Because he was too focused on increasing the speed of his attacks, he hadn't noticed that this cat had joined the battlefield.
Chachamaru was seen spinning rapidly in the air, the pack on its back suddenly opened, dropping four small vials.
"Pop, pop, pop, pop!"
The medicine in the four small vials was instantly injected into the four people's bodies. Because of their severe injuries, they didn't even have time to react.
Watching the liquid rapidly injected into their bodies, Gyomei couldn't help but feel puzzled.
What is this?
But before he could figure it out, he saw Chachamaru being cut in two by Muzan's whip. For any uncertain variable, the naturally suspicious Muzan always acted ruthlessly to eliminate it.
"What is this little thing…"
While Muzan was speaking, the rotting skin on Sanemi's face instantly returned to its original state, and he immediately dodged his whip attack.
Following that, the injuries on Giyu, Obanai, and Gyomei were also alleviated by the medicinal liquid. Although they felt very confused, clearly, this cat that had wandered in by accident had become their lifeline.
As the severe pain in everyone's bodies gradually lessened, the condition of the four people slowly improved.
But even so, they were very clear that this medicine could only temporarily alleviate their discomfort.
This was enough for them to continue fighting.
Being able to continue fighting was enough in itself.
On the other side, Muzan also realized that the current situation was all the doing of that woman. Even though she was already dead, she was still causing him trouble!
TAMAYO!
The anger in his heart made Muzan wave all his whips, instantly covering the entire battlefield; everyone could only dodge everywhere, barely finding gaps to avoid.
His immense power destroyed almost all obstacles; even just a slight graze could immediately turn one into a puddle of flesh.
Worse still, Muzan's offensive also carried powerful whirlwinds; in this situation, not only was it difficult for everyone to counterattack, but even escaping seemed extremely difficult.
As time passed, everyone's stamina declined, and the situation became increasingly unfavorable.
At this moment, Obanai racked his brains, racking his wits to think about how he could prolong the confrontation as much as possible.
My strength is far inferior to the other eight Hashira….
Precisely because of this, I must find a way to make effective strikes.
Obanai knew deeply that in life-or-death moments, people often unleash unexpected potential. 』
『 .....』