Chapter 90: DSWS: Chapter 90
"Journey to the Swordsmith Village"
Sanemi Shinazugawa's response was a ferocious glare, bloodshot eyes that made Aoki's sphincter clench.
Sanemi then noticed that while Genya's face was contorted in pain, the wound was superficial, not life-threatening. Anyone with decent vitality would recover.
He hoisted Genya onto his back, glared at Aoki one last time, and vanished.
Aoki shook his head ruefully, picked up Yōgetsu, which Sanemi had discarded, wiped off the blood, and sheathed it.
Some time later, Tanjiro's rehabilitation was complete, and Aoki visited him at the Butterfly Mansion.
"What? You're going to the Swordsmith Village?" Aoki asked, towering over Tanjiro, the height difference making the scene somewhat comical.
"Yes," Tanjiro replied, his injuries fully healed. "My swordsmith can't forge swords for me anymore, so I have to go to the Swordsmith Village myself to find him or another swordsmith."
Shrugging, Tanjiro explained awkwardly, "I keep breaking or losing my swords. He's very protective of his work, so he's stopped making swords for me."
Aoki was speechless. Swordsmiths were obligated to forge Nichirin Blades for Demon Slayers; it was a duty, considering the relationship between the Demon Slayer Corps and the Swordsmith Village.
Tanjiro's swordsmith refusing to forge swords for him because he kept breaking or losing them was unacceptable, although Aoki had heard the swordsmith cherished his blades. He hadn't expected a complete refusal.
This reminded Aoki that he hadn't given Shinobu a gift yet.
He decided to visit the Swordsmith Village and commission a new Nichirin Blade for Shinobu. While her blade was unique, a swordsmith should be able to forge it given a model.
At the gates of Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, two members of the Hidden Division appeared.
"You are Tanjiro Kamado and the Devouring Hashira, correct? We are your guides to the Swordsmith Village.
Remember, you must shield all your senses en route. The Swordsmith Village, like Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, is top secret and must remain hidden from demons. Please understand."
The Hidden Division members blindfolded them and carried them on their backs. Knowing Tanjiro's keen sense of smell, they also plugged his nose, forcing him to breathe through his mouth.
In reality, they weren't carried the entire way but passed between multiple individuals, each only knowing the route to the next person, not the Swordsmith Village's location.
After an unknown time and many hand-offs, they finally arrived.
"We've reached our destination. You can remove the blindfolds."
Aoki and Tanjiro removed their blindfolds, revealing a breathtaking mountain village landscape.
"Wow, the houses are so grand! And this smell… there must be a hot spring nearby!" Tanjiro exclaimed, like a country bumpkin, making Aoki want to deny knowing him.
"Thank you for bringing us here," Aoki said to the Hidden Division member.
The Hidden Division member, overwhelmed by Aoki's gratitude, hastily waved his hands.
"No, no, it's my honor to transport a Hashira here." He pointed in one direction. "Turn left at that intersection; that's the village head's house. Remember to greet him first."
"If that's all, I'll take my leave." The Hidden Division member departed.
"Greetings, greetings! I am Tecchin Tecchikawahara, the village head. It's a pleasure to meet you. Please, make yourselves comfortable."
At the village head's house, two masked swordsmiths sat on either side of a small, comically masked old man, about the size of a small child.
"I am Tanjiro Kamado! Pleased to meet you!" Tanjiro excitedly bowed deeply to Tecchin Tecchikawahara, oblivious to Aoki's unimpressed stare.
"I am Aoki, the Devouring Hashira, one of the Nine Hashira. Pleased to meet you." Aoki bowed politely.
"Ah, the Devouring Hashira! I've heard of you. You killed Upper Moon Six recently, the first time an Upper Moon has been killed in a century. Remarkable!" Tecchin Tecchikawahara said respectfully.
Aoki chuckled wryly. For some reason, upon introducing himself, people's first reaction was always about his defeat of Upper Moon Six.
"Yes, I hear you're looking for Hotaru, aren't you? He's currently missing; we're looking for him. You'll have to wait." Tecchin Tecchikawahara addressed Tanjiro.
"Hotaru?" Tanjiro questioned the unfamiliar name.
Tecchin Tecchikawahara replied, "Yes, Haganezuka Hotaru. A cute name, right? I gave it to him! But he gets angry if anyone says it's cute."
"He's always been like this, cherishing his swords above all else, disappearing from time to time. I apologize for the inconvenience."
"And as for the Devouring Hashira's request to forge a Nichirin Blade for the Insect Hashira… you'll have to find her personal swordsmith.
Her blade is unique; it's difficult for ordinary swordsmiths to replicate." Tecchin Tecchikawahara continued, addressing Aoki's purpose.
"It's not that it can't be done, but it won't be as good as her current blade. The quality will be lower."
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