Episode 8: The Rise of a New Threat

After passing the selection exam, Renji and his team officially become Demon Slayers. Each of them receives their Demon Slayer Corps uniforms and customized Nichirin swords. Renji's sword, infused with his Shadow Breathing, turns pitch black with dark purple veins running through it.

The New Threat: Kurogai, The Abyss Demon

Appearance: Kurogai is a tall, monstrous demon with jet-black skin covered in deep red markings that glow like burning embers. His eyes are pure white with no pupils, giving him a terrifying presence. Long, jagged claws extend from his fingers, sharp enough to cut through stone. His mouth is filled with multiple rows of razor-sharp teeth, and he wears a tattered black robe that sways unnaturally, as if moving on its own.

Abilities: Kurogai is a demon of the Abyss, controlling dark mist that devours anything it touches. He can vanish into the shadows and reappear anywhere in an instant. His attacks distort reality, creating illusions that confuse and weaken his enemies. His most terrifying ability is "Eternal Night", a technique that temporarily blocks out the sun in a limited area, allowing demons to roam freely even during the day.

Kurogai's Arrival

Renji and his squad receive their first mission—a village near the mountains has been completely wiped out overnight. When they arrive, they find only corpses and a thick, unnatural fog covering the area. As they move through the mist, whispers echo around them.

Suddenly, a villager’s body rises, but it's not alive—it’s controlled by the mist. More corpses start moving, forming an army of undead under Kurogai's power. Renji and his team prepare for battle, but Kurogai himself steps out of the shadows, towering over them with a menacing grin.

"You thought passing the selection meant you were strong?" Kurogai chuckles darkly. "You're nothing but insects crawling towards your deaths."

With a snap of his fingers, the undead attack, forcing the Demon Slayers into a desperate fight. Renji, struggling to keep up, finally unleashes his First Form: Shadow Severance, slicing through the mist and cutting down the possessed corpses. But Kurogai isn’t even using his full power yet…

—To Be Continued—

What do you think? Should this fight be the main battle for the arc, or do you want an even stronger villain later on?

Episode 9: Battle Against Kurogai, the Abyss Demon

The Fight Begins

Renji and his squad stand their ground as Kurogai’s mist thickens, swallowing the battlefield in complete darkness. The undead corpses move unnaturally, their limbs twitching as if controlled by invisible strings.

“Stay close!” shouted Tenji, gripping his twin blades. His Hybrid Breathing Style glows green, mixing various techniques together.

Kurogai grins, raising a clawed hand. “Dance for me, little slayers.” With a single swipe, the mist shifts violently, and suddenly—Renji and the others are separated.

Renji vs. Kurogai’s Illusions

Renji finds himself in a pitch-black void. He swings his sword wildly, but his attacks hit nothing. Suddenly, voices surround him—his father, his mother, Ruyeshi… all screaming in pain.

“You let them die.” Kurogai’s voice slithers through the darkness. “You are weak. You are worthless.”

Renji grits his teeth. “Shut up!” He swings his sword, but Kurogai appears behind him, slashing across his back. Renji stumbles, blood spilling onto the dark ground.

Then—a whisper.

“Focus, Renji…” It’s Fugatrio’s voice. “The darkness is your ally, not your enemy.”

Renji takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. He remembers his training, feeling the flow of the abyss. His sword glows with a deep purple aura.

“Shadow Breathing: First Form—Shadow Severance!”

Renji swings his blade in a wide arc, sending a shockwave of pure darkness. The illusions shatter, revealing the real battlefield. He sees his allies struggling against the undead army.

Tenji’s Counterattack

Tenji, using his Hybrid Breathing Style, combines different techniques to fight. He slashes through the mist with:

“Heavenly Serpent Strike” – A twisting, green energy slash that coils like a snake.

“Thunderous Dragon Roar” – A lightning-fast sword strike that cracks the ground.

He cuts through multiple undead, but Kurogai is unfazed.

“You think flashy moves will save you?” Kurogai laughs, raising his hand. “Abyss Art: Eternal Night!”

The sky above turns completely black, and the cold of death seeps into their bones.

Flame Breather’s Last Stand

The flame-breathing user, Haruto, stands firm. “If the sun is gone… I’ll bring my own light!”

He roars, his blade igniting with intense flames.

“Flame Breathing: Seventh Form—Sun Dragon’s Wrath!”

A fiery dragon erupts from his blade, charging at Kurogai. The attack lands, burning through the mist. Kurogai screeches in pain, half of his body scorched.

But before Haruto can celebrate, Kurogai’s claw pierces straight through his stomach.

“Fool,” Kurogai whispers, dropping Haruto’s limp body.

Renji’s Awakening

Renji’s eyes widen in rage. He feels something awaken within him—a deeper power. His shadow aura surges violently.

“Shadow Breathing: Fifth Form—Abyss Devourer!”

A massive wave of darkness explodes from Renji’s blade, consuming everything in its path. Kurogai, caught off guard, is engulfed in the shadows. His body is shredded by countless shadow tendrils.

“Impossible… You’re just… a kid…” Kurogai growls as his body begins to crumble.

Renji steps forward, his voice cold. “You underestimated us.”

With one final slash—Kurogai is decapitated.

Aftermath

The dark sky fades. The undead collapse. Silence fills the battlefield.

Haruto lies in Tenji’s arms, barely breathing. “We… we won…” he whispers before passing out.

Renji stares at his bloodied hands. He finally killed a powerful demon. But the war isn’t over.

Somewhere in the distance, a pair of glowing red eyes watch from the shadows. A deeper evil awaits…

—To Be Continued—

What do you think? Do you want the next episode to focus on recovery, new enemies, or something else?

Episode 10: Rei’s First Battle – The Unseen Terror

A New Mission Begins

Rei, the youngest and least experienced member of the Demon Slayer Corps, walks nervously through a dense, fog-covered forest. Her grip tightens on her Nichirin blade, hands trembling. She has trained for years—but this is her first real battle.

Beside her stands Tenji, his arms crossed. “You’re too stiff. If you go in like that, you’ll be dead before you even swing.”

“I know…” Rei mutters, trying to steady her breath.

Their mission is clear—eliminate a stealth-type demon that has been ambushing villagers at night. Reports say no one has ever seen the demon. Only bloodstains remain.

The Demon Attacks

A chilling wind rushes through the trees. Suddenly—a scream.

Rei turns to see one of their squad members vanish into the mist. No sound. No struggle. Just—gone.

“W-What was that?” Rei whispers, stepping back.

Tenji draws his sword. “It’s here. Stay focused.”

Then, from behind—a whisper.

“Boo.”

Rei’s heart stops. She barely has time to turn before something slashes her across the arm. She screams, stumbling back as blood splatters onto the leaves.

A figure emerges from the fog. Thin. Smiling. Eyes glowing yellow.

“You’re my next meal,” the demon grins, licking the blood from its claws.

Rei Fights Back

Rei grips her sword, ignoring the pain in her arm.

“I… I’m not afraid of you!” she shouts, charging forward.

The demon vanishes—then appears right behind her.

“Too slow.”

A claw slashes toward her neck—but she ducks just in time. Sparks fly as the demon’s claws scrape her sword.

Tenji watches from the side. “Good. She’s adjusting to its speed.”

Rei steadies herself, her breathing syncing with the rhythm of battle. She remembers her training.

Rei’s First Technique

She tightens her grip.