In Demon Slayer With Heavenly Insight

Chapter 51: The First Stage of the Rescue Match!

How much money had Sanemi unknowingly let slip away before this? Enough to buy a house full of hagi mochi!

Sanemi's heart felt like it had taken a critical hit.

Sure enough, Ren had no good intentions.

No wonder Ren had been so eager for his participation.

To think I didn't notice it!

The moment Ren heard about this competition, he probably saw me as an easy target.

The people from the Butterfly Estate—not only are they grudge-holders, but they're also schemers.

Still, no matter.

The method to awaken the markings would be mine, and this bet would settle things.

This way, I wouldn't owe Ren any favors anymore.

Besides, there's no way I could lose.

Sanemi smirked confidently.

"I agree," he declared with a touch of disdain, raising his hand.

To his surprise, Kyojuro Rengoku raised his hand as well, laughing boisterously.

"I'll join too! If I win, will you tell me how to awaken the markings as well? Hahaha!"

Suddenly, Inosuke Hashibira rushed forward, shouting, "Hey! Count me in too! I'll win for sure!"

Sanemi rolled his eyes. "Why are you joining? You're too weak to compete."

Inosuke bristled, his boar mask shaking. "I just want to crush Ren! I'm better than him!"

Before he could continue his tirade, Sanemi retorted, "What did you just say, Scar Boy? You think you can beat me, you idiot?"

The two were about to launch into another argument when Aoi Kanzaki quickly intervened, pulling Inosuke aside.

"Sorry about this, everyone. He's been… overly excited lately," she said apologetically, giving Inosuke a firm smack on the head.

Sanemi scoffed. "Control him better next time. Bumping into a Hashira isn't something you should take lightly."

Inosuke, still fuming, shouted back, "You're so arrogant, Sword Boy! Just you wait! I'll show you how powerful I really am!"

And with that, the competitors were finalized: Ren, Sanemi Shinazugawa, Kyojuro Rengoku, and the ever-enthusiastic Inosuke Hashibira.

Each would compete independently in this rescue match.

The Rules

Kocho Shinobu stood before the group at the entrance of the Butterfly Estate, her gaze lingering on Ren for a brief moment before quickly looking away, her expression slightly complicated.

"Let me explain the rules," Shinobu began with a smile. "This was a collaborative effort between Ren and me. The goal is to ensure absolute fairness."

She gestured toward the Butterfly Estate. "The first stage of the competition will involve rescuing patients. Injured Demon Slayer Corps members will be scattered around the area. Your task is to bring them back here.

"Points will be awarded for each patient you return. Kanao will record the scores at the entrance, and the time limit is one hour. To ensure fairness, I'll be holding onto your Nichirin swords for now."

Shinobu's smile turned sly. "Oh, and if anyone is caught cheating… let's just say I'll deal with it personally."

With that, she extended her hand, and one by one, the competitors handed over their swords.

When it was Ren's turn, Shinobu leaned in and whispered, "You'd better not be planning anything sneaky, Ren."

Ren smirked but handed over his wooden sword without complaint.

"Good," Shinobu said cheerfully. "Now, I officially declare the first stage… has begun!"

With a loud bang, the four competitors took off like arrows from a bow.

Inosuke, as wild as ever, chose the most crowded route.

"There! I see one!" he shouted, spotting an injured Demon Slayer Corps member limping toward the Butterfly Estate.

"Pig Assault! Pig Assault!"

With a burst of speed, Inosuke charged toward the injured man.

But before he could reach his target, a blur of fiery red streaked past him.

"Sorry, Wild Boar," Kyojuro said with a grin, easily scooping up the injured man. "I'll be taking this one for treatment!"

And just like that, Kyojuro disappeared in a flash, leaving Inosuke stunned.

"What just happened?" Inosuke muttered, rubbing his eyes in disbelief.

Undeterred, he quickly spotted another injured member.

"There's no way I'll lose this time!"

Charging forward with renewed determination, Inosuke was just about to grab the man when a whirlwind-like figure knocked him aside.

"Out of my way!" Sanemi barked, sending Inosuke flying into the bushes with a single strike.

The boar-masked boy groaned, staring up at the sky in disbelief.

"What… what just happened?" he mumbled.

Sanemi's speed had been so overwhelming that Inosuke hadn't even seen the attack coming.

Meanwhile, Ren stood at the highest point of the Butterfly Estate, surveying the area. His calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the chaos unfolding below.

Time was ticking. The competition was heating up.

Who would emerge victorious in this first stage of the rescue match?

**