Danmachi: Bell Gojo

The chamber roared with the sound of crackling lightning, the battle between Zenitsu and Kaigaku reaching its fever pitch. Kaigaku's mocking laughter echoed, his arrogance as sharp as the blade he wielded.

"You're really something, Zenitsu," Kaigaku sneered, his dark lightning rippling through the room. "I almost feel bad for how pathetic this is. You're nothing compared to me."

Zenitsu said nothing, his grip on his katana firm, his knuckles white. His golden eyes reflected the flickering sparks, yet they were eerily blank, devoid of their usual nervousness.

Kaigaku stepped closer, grinning maliciously. "You're just a scared little boy playing hero. Always were. Always will be."

A shiver coursed through Zenitsu's body. His breath hitched, and then, like a dam breaking, raw emotion surged to the surface.

Zenitsu's chest heaved as a roar erupted from deep within him, primal and guttural. It wasn't just rage—it was heartbreak, betrayal, and fury rolled into one.

"You're an asshole," Zenitsu spat, his voice trembling with the force of his anger. "You betrayed Master. You betrayed everything he stood for. And you stand there, laughing, mocking him like you're proud of it!"

Kaigaku shrugged, his grin unfazed. "I am proud. The old man held us back, Zenitsu. If you weren't so blind, you'd see it too."

Zenitsu's head dipped, his bangs obscuring his face. His fingers trembled on the hilt of his sword, his body vibrating with barely contained energy. Then, his breathing steadied, and his posture shifted.

Kaigaku raised an eyebrow. "What's this? You finally going to do something worth my time?"

Zenitsu's mind cleared, the chaos of his emotions settling into a singular, focused thought. His consciousness ebbed, retreating into the quiet clarity of his "sleeping" state—a place where his body moved on instinct, unburdened by fear or doubt.

Kaigaku lunged, his blade crackling with dark lightning, aiming to sever Zenitsu's head. But Zenitsu was gone.

"What—?!" Kaigaku barely had time to react as a streak of golden lightning darted behind him. He whirled around, swinging wildly, but his blade sliced through empty air.

Zenitsu's voice was calm, cold, and steady. "Thunder Breathing: First Form – Thunderclap and Flash, Godspeed."

Kaigaku's eyes widened as Zenitsu reappeared, his katana slicing through the space where Kaigaku had just been. The force of the strike split the stone floor, sending shards flying.

Kaigaku staggered, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple. "You're faster...but speed won't save you, Zenitsu!"

Zenitsu didn't reply. His blank eyes bore into Kaigaku, unyielding and terrifyingly focused.

Kaigaku growled, his confidence faltering. He charged forward, unleashing a barrage of slashes and dark lightning bolts. Zenitsu moved through them like water, his body weaving effortlessly between the attacks.

"You think you're so special?" Kaigaku snarled, his voice tinged with desperation. "You're just a coward who got lucky!"

Zenitsu appeared before him in a blink, his blade inches from Kaigaku's throat. The demon barely managed to parry, the force of the clash sending him skidding backward.

"Shut up," Zenitsu said, his voice as sharp as his blade.

Kaigaku was panting now, his movements growing sloppier. Zenitsu, in contrast, seemed untouchable, his breathing rhythmic and controlled.

"You don't even realize it, do you?" Zenitsu said, his tone low and dangerous. "All your power, all your arrogance—it's meaningless. Because you're nothing but a coward who couldn't face his own weakness."

Kaigaku roared in frustration, his attacks growing wilder. "You think you're better than me?! You think you're stronger?! You're just—"

Before Kaigaku could finish, Zenitsu disappeared again, his image dissolving into golden light.

Kaigaku froze, his body tensing as a shiver ran down his spine. He realized too late where Zenitsu had gone.

A calm voice spoke from behind him. "Thunder Breathing: Seventh Form – Flaming Thunder God."

Kaigaku turned, his blade swinging in desperation, but he wasn't fast enough. Zenitsu's katana blazed with golden lightning, slicing through Kaigaku's neck in a single, fluid motion.

For a moment, there was silence. Kaigaku's body staggered, his head tilting precariously before it fell to the ground with a dull thud.

Zenitsu stood over the body, his breathing steady but his gaze distant. His grip on his sword slackened, the blade trembling slightly before he sheathed it.

As Kaigaku's body began to disintegrate, Zenitsu sank to his knees, his head bowing low. His breathing was ragged now, his body shaking from the exertion and emotion.

He closed his eyes, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Master...I did it. I avenged you."

For a moment, the chamber was silent, save for the soft crackling of dissipating lightning. Then, Zenitsu rose to his feet, his expression steeling.

"This isn't over," he muttered, his gaze turning toward the distant sounds of battle echoing through the castle. "Not until they're all gone."

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving behind the ashes of his fallen adversary.

To Be Continued...

AN: On my Patreon, this arc and Demon Slayer is finished so check it out: pat/reon.com/Wrizz1 (jus remove the slash between pat and reon)

I would also like to ask of you to start suggesting worlds where Bell could go to next, just comment them, okay?