NOVEL WEB Chapter 89: DSWS: Chapter 89
"Sanemi and Genya Shinazugawa"
After hearing Genya Shinazugawa's story, Aoki fell into deep thought.
He and Sanemi Shinazugawa had clashed since their first meeting. It wasn't just Aoki; Sanemi also clashed with Sakonji Urokodaki's other disciples, Giyu Tomioka and Tanjiro Kamado. The reason remained unclear.
However, Aoki didn't dislike Sanemi; he simply disliked his personality and methods.
Aoki knew Sanemi's harsh exterior hid a gentler nature. Take the time Akaza severely injured him, for example.
Aoki was unconscious then, but Shinobu later told him that when Obanai Iguro suggested prioritizing a new strategy, Sanemi insisted on prioritizing Aoki's care.
Later, when Aoki awoke, Sanemi was the first to rush in, sword in hand, showing his concern for Aoki and his comrades.
Therefore, Aoki didn't believe Sanemi genuinely hated Genya; perhaps circumstances forced a rift between brother and brother.
Genya was Sanemi's last remaining family; he wouldn't hate him.
"I have a theory," Aoki said, stroking his chin. "I don't think Sanemi truly hates you. Perhaps circumstances forced him to push you away, leading him to say hurtful things."
"Really?" Genya was visibly excited; if his brother didn't hate him, he'd be overjoyed.
"I can't be entirely certain," Aoki said. "I need confirmation. Come with me. I'll take you to Sanemi's mansion. You might be uncomfortable, so bear with it."
"Okay!" Genya followed Aoki to Sanemi's mansion.
They found Sanemi practicing swordsmanship, earning Aoki's respect. Sanemi, despite his hot temper, was undeniably strong; among the Hashira, Gyomei was first, and Sanemi was a solid second.
"Yo, Sanemi, working out?" Aoki greeted him.
"Get lost." Sanemi immediately retorted upon seeing Aoki.
Aoki: Silence.
"I need to talk to you—"
"Get lost!"
Aoki: Silence.
Aoki's patience snapped; veins bulged on his forehead as he drew Yōgetsu.
"Sanemi, dammit! I need to talk to you, and you keep telling me to get lost?! Have some manners!"
Sanemi Shinazugawa: "And you're qualified to lecture me?"
Aoki: Silence.
"Ahem, let's get to the point. I brought someone." Aoki gestured to Genya.
Sanemi saw Genya and his expression turned ferocious.
"Why? You worthless piece of trash dares to show your face? Think you can get my approval by using Aoki as a shield? Dream on! Get lost!" His eyes bloodshot, Sanemi roared.
Genya looked hurt and pleaded with Aoki for help.
Aoki wouldn't break his promise. He stood with his hands behind his back, addressing Sanemi. "Sanemi, this person claims to be your brother. Is that true?"
"This useless piece of trash, who can't even use Breathing Techniques, is not my brother! And he dares to show his face here? It's disgusting."
Sanemi immediately denied it. Genya hung his head, fighting back tears.
"Is that so? He's not your brother. That simplifies things," Aoki said. "Do you know, despite not being able to use Breathing Techniques, he has a unique ability?
He can consume demons and temporarily demonify himself, gaining some of their power and characteristics."
"Look, you hate demons. He's not fully a demon, but he can become one."
"So, to save you the trouble, I'll take care of him."
Aoki raised Yōgetsu and, before Sanemi's eyes, plunged it into Genya's body.
Blood splattered. Genya's eyes widened in disbelief; he never expected Aoki to stab him, let alone without hesitation.
Seeing this, Sanemi froze, then roared, "Genya!"
In an instant, he was before Aoki, delivering a powerful punch.
Aoki reacted but didn't dodge, blocking with his arms. Sanemi's punch sent him crashing through the wall, embedding him in the hole.
After sending Aoki flying, Sanemi didn't continue attacking but rushed to Genya's side.
Seeing Genya's contorted face, Sanemi tried to pull Yōgetsu out, but a highly corrosive black mist enveloped his hand.
The intense pain forced Sanemi to release his grip. He gritted his teeth, pulled out Yōgetsu, and tossed it aside.
"Genya, Genya…" Sanemi cried, cradling Genya, who gasped for breath, blood occasionally spurting from his mouth.
Aoki, struggling free from the wall, was sore and cursing Sanemi under his breath.
Seeing Sanemi's worry, Aoki's theory was confirmed.
"Tch, don't act like it's the end of the world," Aoki limped towards them, clutching his sore waist.
"My blade didn't hit a vital spot. He won't die."
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