Thanks to all those who took the time to read and commented on my little story. :D
The sword's other half clanged on the ground, breaking the silence that developed out of nowhere. It barely made it halfway through! While he did its job, on the other side, clanking and groaning disbelief came.
"Fall back!"
Quickly he jumped to the other side and grabbed his still sister before flipping just skidding close to Kaito who was shaken as his sister.
"Heh heh heh." The demon laughed and his eyes became upside down moon-like slits, grinning behind that hand mask of his as the cut he did instantly healed. "Still too weak, boy."
"If those stronger ones before you could not kill me, what chance do you have?"
He stood frozen as fear ruled in his heart, but it was not fear of death, no. He was confident that if he could make a small cut, then it was possible to cut off the head. It was fear of not repaying Sabito and Makomo, and failure of giving closure to their fallen brothers and sisters before them, for their efforts by aiding them even in the afterlife. Fear for Nezuko and leaving her alone in this cruel world. Pushing the negative emotions down, he let himself feel the fire of rage burn within him. It was there, constantly cooled by his calm as taught by Urokodaki-sensei so as to remain in control of himself.
The demon's smugness and pungent as it's smell was making him recoil.
"Nezuko," he said. "Can you still fight?"
Her widened eyes looked at her broken sword before grunting and nodding in response.
Good.
"What about you, Tanaka-san."
"I… I'll live." He breathed.
This was good. There was still fight in them. As long as they can move they can still fight no matter what. The only time they would lose is if they gave up their will to live and fight. They still had more than hope. This was a chance and he was not going to waste it! Sabito and Makomo's training would not be wasted if he can help it.
Slowly, he slid back while not leaving their group off guard but sniffing the air. "Can you cover our backs again, Tanaka-san."
Their survival depended on this person's answer. If he backed out, then it'd leave him and Nezuko open for an ambush which was the last thing he wanted. Plus, she didn't have a whole weapon now, which means her cutting effectiveness was halved and she would be the one covering him while he charge.
Tanaka-san nodded even with uncertainty in his very bones and scent.
The winds changed. Screaming at the two to move, he sidestepped blade ready. Hands from the ground burst in all directions around them and came forth from the body and snaking towards them.
His muscles grew strong from his deep breath. Breath of Water Third Form: Dance of the Rapid Current. Fast as he could, he evaded and cut all the arms he can. Swift as he was in his strike, but more hands took its place!
This would be hard outside of a wet environment, but he gritted his teeth in preparation. Sixth form: Twisting Whirlpool kai! As he ran, he twisted his body swiftly and fiercely cut the numerous appendages that continuously tried to stop him. Flower scent was behind him along with sounds of cutting flesh.
"Nezuko-san!" He heard someone scream followed by a swinging sword strikes.
He was tempted to look over to the side but didn't even if the need to worry for his sister that scared him filled his soul. Only the knowledge of someone watching their back and relief emanating from the two relieved his heart.
"Breath of Wind Seventh form: Sudden Gusts!" Their brother-in-arms jumped up evident by his green haori floating midair on his peripheral vision. The wind howled for a second before fading away. When it did stop, hands hell from the sky.
When a tentacle hand came from above, he jumped and rolled left midair and cut it then flipping forward by using the cut hand as leverage when another hand came for him. Like last time, he landed and ran on the length of the arm. This time, he could see their enemy was prepared when more arms snaked around the neck. He jumped to his left and stabbing the sword at its rotund belly. Only its pained scream and his sword cutting its body as he slid down from the side echoed in his ear.
He put out his weapon before him and the body and jumped when more arms came from the body scurried towards him like a snake. Nezuko approached him, he knew for her smell was getting closer. Her half-katana gleamed in the dark as she swiftly cut the hands down and gave him a fierce look and nodded.
He jumped and landed on the other shoulder just in time for a blur of pink on the side evading arms.
Let's do this again, Nezuko!
He breathed deeply this time that he could feel the strength increase with every second. But he winced and bared it when his muscles, lungs, and body burned in exchange. A grim determination hardened his soul even with all the pain he felt.
"Water Surface Slash!" He screamed with all his might swinging his aching arms. When resistance still met his sword, he pushed on like a torrential tide. All he thought of was the reason for him continuing to fight. In a flash, all resistance from the thick body failed as his sword went through at the same time the demon screamed.
"No! No! No! NO!" He screamed even when Tanjirou already landed on his knees skidding on the ground. "How!"
Everything around him blurred as his ear rung and his chest tightened. Despite all this, painstakingly he stood and walked towards Nezuko who had fallen or may be sent flying a little distance away. With every step he did, his body protested for him to stop but he ignored it and pushed through the instinct to just sit and rest.
"Nezuko," he called. When no response from her came, he called repeatedly until he reached her. Cradling her on his lap, he combed her hair gently best as he can. "Nezuko," he managed to wheeze out with all his difficulty of breathing. "Please talk to me."
She groaned. "Nii…niichan?"
His worry faded the moment she spoke and his grin was so wide it hurt to smile. "Thank Kami-sama you're fine. Are you hurt?"
"Not… much." She winced. "Arms... hit me when I cut him too."
"Think you can move?" She tried getting up but only ended up wincing more. "Can you wait here? I will just do something for a minute."
When she nodded, he called Tanaka-san over. "Please stay with Nezuko for a little while." The boy nodded without reluctance which he liked.
Painful as it was with his legs threatening to keel over with every step, he never wavered once as he went towards the fallen head. He knelt before it and clasped his hands together in silent prayer.
Kami-sama, he started, for all the sins this man committed, let this man find peace. Let him be reborn as a human.
Whoever this man was, he had been dealt the misfortune of becoming a demon at the hands of another. A fate worse than things he could think of. The least he could do for him was let him find peace in the afterlife. It wasn't him that only was filled with sadness. The fallen being before him emanated sadness and regret looking at him. But he had a feeling what he was looking at was not him, but something else he could not see nor perceive.
Have mercy on this man, he pleaded when tears came out of the demon's eyes unbidden and his face desperate for something. Though he knew that the demon never gave mercy to those he killed, doesn't mean he cannot do differently. The smile he gave the demon was the same smile he gave his siblings every time fear struck them. The reassuring smile that their elder sibling would be there for them until the end.
Sabito-san, Makomo-san, we did it. Please, as he prayed, his chest burst out from the sadness inside his chest. Tears he couldn't control fell from his eyes. Rest your weary souls.
Shuffling footsteps came behind him. "Why are you praying for him." Their new friend asked not bothering to hide his anger that emanated with his scent too. "It's a demon. They killed many people."
He didn't think that Tanaka-san would understand but he answered nonetheless. "They were humans once with the misfortune of meeting the real demon; Kibutsuji Muzan." He growled lowly not trying to keep his disdain for the man. The very thought of him made his anger grow bright and unhidden for all to see because he took the worst of humanity that had hope of being better and snuff everything good in a person. "He's the real demon." The demon he needed to end to stop spreading of demons.
Any good, potential or otherwise, the fallen the demon had, was gone when the monster turned him to a demon.
Tanjirou was thankful no more was said about his actions. "We need to find shelter." He didn't think he could fight anymore on this night. Neither were Nezuko and Tanaka-san in a condition too if her breathing and his slumped posture were to go by. They were all spent fighting demons before they encountered that hand demon that he couldn't risk traveling more at night despite the fact it was the logical thing to do.
"I…" Tanaka-san cleared his throat. "I found a small empty cave nearby. Maybe… I—"
"Point the way."
Tanjirou guarded the two while they set up camp. Thankfully, only a few normal demons were on their way and the cave was, in fact, empty as he had said. Luckily, it was as large as barely fitting the three of them preventing any nasty surprises on the inside of it. He and the other young man took turns guarding the entrance and when it was morning they all rested peacefully under the light of the sun.
Throughout the seven days, Tanaka-san didn't separate himself from them. Which was understandable to Tanjirou knowing what they had faced on their first day. No need to kill oneself by decreasing the chances of surviving. They tried to find more, but it was only them in the entire week. They remained mobile at night and in the morning it was he who hunted while the two guarded their camp.
When the seventh dawn appeared on the horizon, they wasted no time until they reached the Wisteria trees and followed the line. Their clothes dirtied and ragged, their bodies drenched in sweat and tears, and their soul battered by the endless demon that kept on finding them.
Nezuko limped from a claw a demon did that was why she was being supported by Tanaka-san. Tanaka-san's haori turned to a bandage to stop the bleeding injury he had on their fourth night. Tanjirou's arms hurt, especially his right arm, which had a large gash since he was their first defense.
They kept walking until they reach the same clearing they were on their first night here on the early rise of the sun.
To see sunlight refreshed him! The dreary forest painted a less than stellar image of the light of life above them that only served to lessen the darkness on that forest.
"I… I made it!" He gasped. "I… really did." Their comrade fell to the ground kneeling hands over his face. Happiness, relief, fear, and excitement rolled of his being all at once creating a myriad of scent that combined to something pleasant. "Thank Kami-sama! Thank you Tanjirou-san and Nezuko-san! I promise I will repay you."
He wanted to clasp the teen's shoulder, but he winced just moving. So instead, he grinned. "You don't need to thank us. It was a team effort."
Nezuko giggled and winced. "You don't need to repay us. You living is enough for us."
"Thank you!"
"I'm sure you're tired, Tanaka-san," he said reaching out to Nezuko. "I'll support her here on out."
He shook his head defiantly. "No." It was the firmest voice he ever heard uttered by their friend. "This is the least I can do for helping me."
"Niichan!" Nezuko frowned then glared at him. "Your shoulder's hurt. We only did basic first aid to it. You're not in a situation to help me."
"Okay." He sighed knowing it was futile to argue with her.
As they walked to the center of the clearing, three people were already there waiting; a girl with pink-themed kendogi, a bright yellow-haired boy with equally yellow haori with triangular patterns all over, and lastly a boy in purple in sleeveless haori and dark purple yukata who smelled like a demon than all of them combined.
Why was that? It was a curious case for Tanjirou to smell someone strongly resembling a demon. He glared at Tanjirou as if feeling his gaze to which he only stared back calmly.
They didn't bother with each other and did their own thing.
The one in yellow seemed to be the most anxious of all of them with his loud mutterings of, "I'm going to die!" and such. His clothes were worn out as the three of them were and the least of rugged was the
On the table just a few feet in front of them, the scent of rock was clear to him even if it was undercover. He wondered what it was going to be used for.
Any wondering that he had was cut off when he smelled the familiar scent of the twins, now smelling like lavender come from the side. The twins came from the side walking in tandem side by side.
"Congratulations." From the stairs came the twins in the same kimono as before. "We are pleased to see you safe," they said bowing at the same time.
"So, what am I supposed to do now?" Impatiently, the boy in purple demanded. His wild hair on the center lining up to his back and scar on his right cheek to his nose served to only multiply the intimidation he had along with his sharp eyes. Though he doubted the two were scared based on their the same neutral expression boring onto them with their purple eyes nor did they smell of any fear. "Where's my sword!"
Tanjirou frowned, which was apparently mirrored by Nezuko. She looked calm, but anyone who knew her would know that curving of lips meant her ire was rising.
"First we shall issue you all uniforms after which your ranks will be engraved."
"The ten ranks are…." The twins recited the ranks by alternating each other completely in sync as if they practiced it in the mirror. They were on the lowest rank, the Mizunoto and with the greatest demon slayer as the Kinoe.
"And my sword?" The scarred teen demanded once more.
"Behind us are the ores for you to choose from for your sword, but before that." Both clapped at the same time. He could smell birds getting close. The birds cawed. Tanjirou nearly screamed when a crow on his shoulder roughly pulled on his battered haori before settling unlike Nezuko's who only sat there gracefully. Her crow cawed and flew to his before pecking the crow on his shoulder.
He stuck his tongue out at his rude crow.
"These are Kasugai crows assigned to each of you. The crows are primarily used for communication."
"Crow?" asked the yellow-haired teen. "But…"
That's a sparrow, he thought silently laughing.
"Who cares!" the impatient one marched towards the twins. Tanjirou had a bad feeling about this. His intuition rang true when he roughly grasped the girl's hair and pulled her close to him. "I want a sword. Gimme a color-changing sword right now!"
Tanjirou could not stand this! Who does this person think he was demanding to be given one right now. Didn't he hear that they still had to choose ore for their sword?
Nezuko's anger radiated off her. He didn't stop her when she let go of him and marched furiously and swiftly towards the rude teen. When she approached him, she grasped the wrist of his offending hand. "Let her go," she growled anger radiating off of her.
"Or what, girl."
Tanjirou narrowed his eyes. No one insults his sister. She may look fragile, but she was strong enough to help him carry wood to sell to the town before. After their training? He was proud of how far she came. Her anger was just as heated as his behind her calm visage.
A vindictive feeling rose within him when he screamed and let go of the girl. He may show mercy at times, but to those who deserve punishment by hurting others, he may not interfere with it. As if that wasn't enough, she tripped him and flipped him into the ground earning a pained groan from him.
Okay, maybe that was a bit too much. On second thought, he deserved that for the slight he did against the girl. Though looking at the fire in her eyes, it didn't look like she had plans to stop anytime soon. So he had to be the voice of reason for her.
"Nezuko!" he called her with his seldomly used firm voice as he went by the right twin girl's side. "Are you okay?" the girl looked at him plainly and nodded.
The scarred one glared at him with anger visible even if he did not use his nose. They stared at each other before he grunted and looked away. Nezuko winced and stood unbalanced. He reached out to her but Tanaka-san caught her first and let her put an arm around his shoulder for support.
"Are you okay, Nezuko-san."
"Yes," she said calmly. He knew she glared at the hotheaded person.
"Are you finished chatting," the white-haired twin asked.
When he nodded, they were gestured to stand before the covered ores. "Now then, please select the ore of your choosing. The ore of your choosing will be the metal your sword will be made of. Please choose wisely."
But… they all look the same. No. He corrected himself. Similar. Their scents vary from each other.
The others, including his sister, glanced at the ore with caution as none dared to pick up first.
"I have absolutely no clue." Even the arrogant teen on his left was left in silence.
Closing his eyes, he detected something pleasant. Something his guts told him was familiar. How familiar, he had no idea but his instincts never failed him before. As he picked out the scent, his hands reached out to the one he chose and grabbed with it without hesitation.
As they chose, the twins picked up their ores and put them in different small boxes. After that, the two measured their body. "Your uniform will be delivered in ten days and the sword will be delivered in fifteen. Are there any questions."
None of them asked anything which prompted the two to bow. "We bid you safe travels," the two said before taking their leave and leaving them to themselves.
The pink one was the first to leave, followed by the yellow one. The impatient one grumbled all the way down with his annoyance clear for all to see. Soon it was just him, Nezuko, and Tanaka-san.
"So." Tanaka-san rubbed the back of his neck chuckling awkwardly. "I guess this is it. I'm sorry!" He bowed.
Tanjirou only quirked his brows in wonder as he looked at Nezuko who shrugged. "What for? It's not about the repaying thing is it? As we said, you don't need to repay us. We did it because we wanted to help."
"No… it's… when we were facing that hand demon I almost wanted to run and leave you. I'm sorry! Please forgive me."
He did? Tanjirou didn't feel anything but only an understanding of his plight. That was a terrible foe they faced, and he couldn't begrudge him for wanting to escape. In fact, it shamed him to think back that if the demon didn't kill Sabito-san and Makomo-san then he wouldn't have remained there and decide to run to safety.
He pulled him up and looked him in the eye. "Don't be. I understand that it's our natural reaction. Trust me, when I first fought a demon I was scared too and I wanted to run, but we," he gestured to himself and Nezuko, "can't. So, we had to stand our ground. Right, Nezuko?"
"Yeah," she replied. "It's normal to feel afraid. We just can't let it control us. You can't believe the fear I had when I saw that demon." She shuddered.
"You heard her," he said grinning. "So, don't sweat it, 'kay."
"I…" He nodded fervently and giving them a once-over. "Anyways, will you two be okay?"
"We'll manage."
The two of them waved at their friend who grew smaller with every distance. He sighed, he didn't want to let Nezuko limp her way home. No. They better rest for the day and just go home tomorrow.
"We'd better stay the night here for now." When Nezuko looked at him questioningly he was fast to reply. "I don't want you walking with that kind of injury."
Her mouth opened and closed for a few seconds before she reluctantly agreed. "Where do we sleep?"
"Under the trees." He shrugged. "Since you wanted to see the sights, sleeping here won't be a bad thing. I still have some food that'll last the night so don't worry about it. I can give you my haori in case you get cold."
It looked like Nezuko wanted to protest but relented to his request.
The first thing in the morning after eating what remained of their food and checking Nezuko's feet. Seeing as it was less painful than yesterday, they set out on their journey home.
"Can you walk?" he asked they walked down the mountain. Occasionally, his eyes would glance at her injured leg and her face to see if she was feeling any pain.
"I'm fine." She groaned.
He just shrugged. "Well, we can't be complacent can about your injury, we?"
Rolling her eyes, she huffed. "Hypocrite. I don't see you worrying over your arm when it's still worse than injury. Isn't that why you're using your left arm to support me."
Busted. He grimaced at being found out. Not that he'd admit it to her at that time since he didn't want to worry her more. It was his job as the elder sibling to worry, not hers. Also, it wasn't as painful as yesterday so she didn't need to really worry about him. Her on the other hand, unlike the arms, they still had a long way back so he had the right to worry about her leg.
"Not really."
When he turned to look at her, she gave him a dry stare that he interpreted as, really? but nonetheless said nothing as they continued on their way.
"Tanjirou-niisan," she called. He hummed in question and turned to her. "I just noticed that your scar on your forehead became smaller and redder?"
He blinked confusedly. "Really? I didn't notice that. I don't feel any different so I'm guessing it's not dangerous."
"Does it hurt?" He shook his head in amusement when soft finger poked it while giggling. "Your scar really looks different from dad's now. I wonder if this is a gift from Kami-sama."
"How so?"
She only shrugged in return. "A good luck mark?"
"Well," he said with a forlorn smile. "We're lucky to be alive. Does that count?"
Her lips curved upwards a little but said no more.
He was thankful that on their journey back her injury did not infect. An anxious part of him was scared that her injury would get infected but thankfully his knowledge in first aid taught by Urokodaki-sensei was sufficient in making it heal right.
His breathing heavy and uneven and his body sore but he did not let go of her once nor did he voice any complaints that may worry her more.
On the third day, relief filled him and when he turned to his sister, delight was on her face. "We made it." He laughed. "We can finally let you rest Nezuko."
A wry smile formed on her face. "C'mon niichan. Just admit you're tired too!"
"Nah, I may be slightly tired but I can continue." He shrugged. Nezuko just laughed at him.
Knocking on the door, he opened the door gently. "We're home." Their voice echoed on the small house.
Their teacher, their father in all but blood drank tea calmly then stood and walked towards them. Never did Tanjirou expect him to do this in a thousand years to stand and hug them. He may not see what expression he had behind the mask, but he could smell his relief and joy as Urokodaki hugged them. The positive emotions he held was a pleasant as the scent of untouched water; pure and calming.
The anger, fear, happiness, joy, and relief that he held back exploded as the tears came out unbidden while rubbing his sister's back who fiercely hugged the man too. For the first time in two years, he had cried once more. Many times he had thoughts and nightmares while thinking that he was going to die and leave Nezuko alone in the world! That he had to leave his promise to their family unfinished.
The thought of him just watching her and unable to feel her was nightmare enough for him. Was that the same feeling Sabito-san had when they trained them? Why Sabito-san smiled sadly when he passed the final test? That maybe he and Nezuko would die and leave the old man alone and silently wallowing in his guilt?
"You two came back." His voice remained steady but the happiness of the man exploded as their relief was. Wet trails came from his side that he was sure was not his own sweat.
"We…" Nezuko's word broke into pieces that he couldn't make it out. "I… Sorry for not helping Sabito and Makomo-chan!"
The man's strong calloused yet gentle hands circled their back. "Don't be. It is not your fault for fate took them earlier than they deserved. They would not like you to dwell on what happened to them.
"Come," Urokodaki pulled them up with him as he stood. "I have prepared a meal for your weary souls."
Their celebration was filled with silent joy as they ate without one utterance and appreciating each other's presence. Tanjirou took that time to get his bearings straight and relax his weary body. It also meant him eating with one hand since his other was in a sling. It also meant giving him time to think about the hand demon, Sabito, and Makomo. Things he was reluctant to think about right now.
"So, you defeated that morphed demon," their teacher began breaking the silence. "At last." His relief rolled off of him regardless of the calmness of his voice. Hope and relief filling their master's words that he couldn't help but smile and hoped it was because at least they alleviated the pain of losing his thirteen children.
Now, the children of the mountain will be able to move on. They would not worry anymore about Urokodaki-sensei. The two of them may not be able to bring them back, but at least them being able to make it back put his heart and underlying guilt at ease.
"I'm sorry for breaking the sword." Nezuko presented the sword to Urokodaki.
He shook his head. "It matters not. A sword can be reforged and made anew, your life cannot be."
"Tell me of your training with them," he then said.
Tanjirou had a feeling that he was itching to ask them this. It was not every day that you see people from the afterlife interact with the living. He wondered if it
Nezuko was the first to explain. He already knew it as she told him on their way to the Final Selection. Makomo calm as she was when they first met really hid a fierce nature as evidence of her annoyance at Nezuko for being "unladylike" in her whining. He chuckled the first time she told him this event because Sabito did scold him too.
If Urokodaki-sensei thought of anything what they went through with the two, he never voiced it or interrupted their telling and only silently drank his tea. When they were finished, he was still silent. Would he be sad? Happy? Or surprised that his children helped them.
"Sabito was always like that. He may appear ruthless and intimidating but behind those sharp eyes is a gentle person." Urokodaki sighed. Tanjirou could imagine a wistful smile behind that mask. And
"And Makomo. That girl was gentle and shy, but she can easily see through people, including the tiniest details. She found the wrongness of your techniques. As for Sabito, he wasn't as aware as Makomo was, but he had good intuition and an unconscious grasp of the techniques and that's why he taught by sparring and demonstration. Those two…" He shook his head. "Even in the afterlife they worry about me that they did their best to prepare you.
"You two should rest after dinner," he said before sipping his tea once more before standing and going outside.
"Do you think he noticed my mark?" Tanjirou asked when the silence crept in.
She shrugged with a light smile on her face. "If he did, he did not say anything."
Just as was said, on the fifteenth day, he opened the door to someone with a woven hat with chimes and beige sunflower patterned robe carrying a large box. The man stood there still and he could feel the stare even behind the mask.
"My name is Haganezuka. And I have forged Kamado Tanjirou and Nezuko's sword."
"Good morning, Haganezuka-san!" He greeted with a smile. "Come in—eh?"
He scratched his cheek in confusion because the man sat on the ground uncaring of him and unsheathed a gleaming sword with a gentle caress that would make any lover jealous.
"This is a Nichirin sword."
"Uh, you really should come in—"
"Tanjirou-niisan?" Nezuko poked her head beside him, curiosity on her face. "Is someone there?"
"It's the deliverer of the sword," he replied not taking his eyes off of the man.
"Deliverer!" The man's hat chimes rang when he looked up and revealing a Hyottoko mask when he called him out indignantly. "I personally crafted these two swords and personally deliver them myself, hmph!" What annoyance he had simply turned to surprise that he can imagine a grin behind the mask when he stood up. "Oh, oh my. Children of brightness! Though I can see it more prominent in this young man. I'm very lucky."
Nezuko joined him outside. "Children of brightness?" Nezuko looked at him for answers to which he shrugged in confusion. "Wha—"
"See, how your hair and eyes are of reddish color?" He leaned back when the man pointed at said parts but he nodded slowly. "When kids like you are born on a family that works with fire, it is usually a cause for celebration. There's a chance it will turn red!"
Turn what red?
"Among the six of us, only Tanjirou-niisan inherited most otou-sama's traits. I barely have his eyes." Yes, that was the case now wasn't it? He remembered seeing her mom looking at him sadly when she thought Tanjirou doesn't noticed her forlorn gaze.
He smiled sadly. "Well, there used to be six of us but it's only Nezuko and I now. Seven if you count otou-sama."
"Six!?" He spluttered before keeping his cool. "I see. That is unfortunate. Anyways." He welcomed the hands that shook his own and returned the gesture.
Her efforts to make him go inside as common courtesy demands were for naught as he ignored her too and explained away the properties of the sword. Telling them what their sword was made of and explained the fact that it absorbs sunlight. He explained in great detail how it was forged in Mt. Yoko where it doesn't rain allowing the sword to absorbed sunlight.
Eventually, they managed to make the man come inside. So, here they were now before Urokodaki-sensei with Haganezuka-san beside him while he and Nezuko sat before them sword in their palms.
His sword had red diamond patterns hilt and a round guard with lines from center going to outward circle. Glancing at his sister's, hers was a reddish pink hued diamond pattern on the hilt of her sword with black sakura leaf-shaped guard.
"Go on." He flourished forward with his arm by waving it clearly unable to hold back his excitement. "Draw it. The Nichirin blade changes color depending on the bearer."
Slowly, Tanjirou drew his carefully inspecting the sword with keen eyes but only got the silver-ish reflective nature of the steel. When was it supposed to—
He gaped when the blade from the guard and all the way changed color as if painted by unseen hands of the gods. The silver hue dimmed, the blunt side of the sword was gray and the sharp edge a darker color but becoming red going to the tip of the sword.
He blinked at it in confusion. It was an odd choice of color for him really. Gray and black, he thought suited well. But the thin red on the edge of the blade after the black was weird for him.
The edge of Nezuko's blade shone brighter than before for the sharp edge turned more reflective silver and the blunt side of a darker yet still silver hue.
"Black." The man huffed. "Silver!"
"What!" he said curious and wary at the shocked tone the man had. He smiled at Nezuko when they realized they said it at the same time. Is it that bad?
"It's not bad, is it? Is it unlucky?" he asked in worry. Did the Demon Slayer Corp judge a swordsman's worth by the color of their sword? Why such a reaction? Black wasn't so bad. Or did it? He hoped it wasn't.
"What about silver?" Nezuko's face morphed in worry but said it calmer than him. Behind such expression though, he detected the scent of her hidden worry.
"Not necessarily," their sensei replied. "But you don't see pitch black swords often. As for silver, I admit that this is the first I have seen a blade like that."
"Black!" the blacksmith screamed finally out of his stupor. "Damn it! I was hoping I'd get a red sword!"
When the man jumped at him, Tanjirou moved to dodge but Nezuko shielded him from the wild man and peeked behind her. "But, silver!" she said. "Sensei said it's the first he'd seen."
"It has a red tip!" He pointed at the said part. "That's better than no red."
The man stopped in his tracks and crossed his arms humming in thought. He looked at him then turned to gaze at his sister. "I suppose you're right. My misfortune of forging a black sword is offset by your unique silver. That will interest the others."
"What does it mean to have one?"
He shrugged at Tanjirou's question. "I've no idea. I've read no record that describes a silver Nichirin blade. But, this is a great moment! I'll tell the others of this when I get back."
A black bird, birds, he corrected himself, came through the window cawing and landing on the window sill. It was their crows, he recognized his scent on the right one while Nezuko's on the left.
"Kamado Tanjirou," his shrill-voiced crow said
"Niichan, did the crow—"
He nodded slowly not sure what to think of it. "It talks."
"Kamado Nezuko."
"Here are your orders." He shuddered when both shrill and cute female spoke at the same time. It reminded him of those kids at the Final Selection, so in sync. "Go to a town northwest of here. Young girls have been vanishing there night after night. Hunt down the demon and kill it."
"Prepare well for this task!" Nezuko's crow said before the two started to fly. Nezuko's crow pecked and flapped its wings at his before flying away.
After the eccentric blacksmith left, the two of them gathered what they would need. While Nezuko gathered their small pack containing food and first aid kits, he set about retrieving freshwater by the nearby river.
When they were done, they sat in front of the man that took care of them for the last two years.
"Now that you two are starting out as Demon Slayer Corp, I need to tell you a few things. First is the uniform you're wearing is made from a special fiber. Low level demon can't scratch it with their claws or talons. It is breathable yet repels moisture and won't easily burn."
"It's that strong?" Nezuko asked before he could. He pulled the fiber but it really didn't feel any different than other clothes at all. Still, he marveled at the things that the Demon Slayer Corp can do. Nichirin blades, tough clothing material, some kind of magic if the fox mask they wore was to go by. Who knows what more they could do!
"Regarding your swords. The color of the blade differs from every user that no two blades are the same. Black, as I've said earlier, is not seen often so little is know about them and their users. It is often said that those who wield a black blade won't go far." When the man said this, he could feel Nezuko's gaze on him but he wasn't worried about a superstition like that.
If it comes to that later, then he'd deal with it but until it became worrisome he wouldn't put much stock on such tales. It just added unnecessary vague worry for him he didn't want.
"But I know you will get far Tanjirou-kun. I see it in your eyes."
He slightly turned to Nezuko and Urokodaki-sensei and smiled. "But, it isn't all black. It has red on the blade, so I guess it's not all bad. Plus, even if I did not go far, just the thought of helping those who needed it is enough for me. I don't need to advance in rank to do that."
Urokodaki hummed and nodded at his words but otherwise continued. "Nezuko's silver blade is unknown to me. Never have I met someone with a hue such as her. But if I do find anything about it, you will be the first to know via kasugai crow."
Before they departed, Urokodaki-sensei cooked them a meal. He and Nezuko refused but he was insisted this one time because on his own words, "just as demons grow strong by feeding on humans, young demon slayers need to be strong by eating."
"We'll be going now." They bowed at the man.
It was already nearing midday, can they reach the town before evening hits?
"Before you two leave, I have one last thing to teach you."
He perked up at this. "I thought you didn't have anything to teach us anymore?"
Urokodaki nodded. "True. It is up to you on how far you can go with my teaching. But this one is difficult to do, thus I did not include in your earlier teachings. It would not do well at that time. I recommend you do this on your spare time.
"It is called, Total Concentration Constant Breathing. Once you master this, your endurance will extend, and your strength enhanced more allowing you two stand against stronger demons. You practice this by using Total Concentration Breathing all day and night. If you can't, just do it as long as you can."
He paled. Total Concentration all day?! Doing it in techniques seem hard enough! Yes, it seemed hard and a tall order but not all impossible. Nothing was impossible with the right mindset. Still, he felt that it would require everything they had just to do it. With the fires of determination burning in his chest, he, they would master this! To survive and to come home alive.
"Thank you!" He was shocked when the two of them said it at the same time. A small smile formed on Nezuko when he glanced at her.
"Hold on a minute." Urokodaki-sensei went to Nezuko and fixed her long hair that was tied in a ponytail. A second later, he was in front of him and fixing his collar and the strap of his pack. Patting his and Nezuko's shoulder, he pulled them into a hug.
A warm feeling spread in his chest making him smile involuntarily. "Be careful, you two. And take care of each other. I'll be waiting for you here."
"We'll come back home alive." Nezuko nodded.
"Tanjirou," the man whispered. "Take care of her, promise me. And take better care of yourself too."
For Tanjirou, he did not need to say it out loud, the warm feeling that came from him
"Definitely." Tanjirou nodded firmly. "I promise."
:)