Disgust

Facing Tanjiro, Akaza cannot shake a repulsive feeling, unable to explain his anger toward an opponent he admits is no longer weak. A figure from his memory seizes his shoulder and echoes Tanjiro's words, urging that a person should measure himself only against who he was the day before and grow strong enough to help others. Enraged, Akaza swings at the man but hits nothing, muttering that Tanjiro is genuinely unpleasant.

Akaza unleashes faster, more precise techniques, rupturing the ground and forcing Tanjiro to vomit blood. As Tanjiro studies the uncanny accuracy of the demon's strikes, he recalls Kyojuro's battle for clues. Using Hinokami Kagura, his blade seems to bend as it cuts, surprising Akaza, who keeps up a relentless assault.

The fight between Tanjiro, Giyu and Akaza continues. Akaza grows agitated because Tanjiro's bearing reminds him of someone. It is revealed that Senjuro wrote Tanjiro a letter carrying important information, but his Kasugai crow withholds it until the battle is over, watching from cover. After Akaza catches Tanjiro's blade and nearly breaks it, Giyu returns from being launched away and slashes off the demon's hands to save him.

At the Rengoku estate, Senjuro prays for his late brother to watch over Tanjiro and recalls the letter he sent, which referenced a Sengoku-era Flame Hashira's exchange with a user of Sun Breathing about confronting Muzan. The detail quietly foreshadows answers Tanjiro will need. Despite his pessimism, Senjuro hopes Tanjiro will not lose. The chapter is part of Volume 17 and the Infinity Castle Arc.