"One, two, three, four, five, six, die!!!"
As I was returning from guiding Shinobu to the hot spring, a man with a Hyottoko mask wielding a kitchen knife whizzed past with a Doppler effect.
"Wait, stop! Listen to me!"
"Shut up! You're the one who should stop! I'll kill you as painfully as possible, aiming for the target!!"
"There's no way I'd stop after hearing that!!"
The one fleeing from the Hyottoko-masked man swinging kitchen knives in a dual-wield stance was a familiar Corps member with apricot-colored hair. Sabito, Makomo's disciple.
Had he finally recovered from the injuries sustained during the Lower Rank subjugation? It's good he's healthy again, but why is he being chased by a villager? Should I help? While I hesitated, the two disappeared down the street.
Later, I saw Sabito again at night.
Sitting at the dinner table, he immediately placed both hands on the floor and bowed deeply upon seeing me.
"Long time no see, Lord Moon Hashira. You might not remember, but I'm the Kinoe rank..."
"I know. Sabito, right? We met during the Lower Rank subjugation."
"Yes, I heard you carried me when I was injured. I sincerely thank you."
"No need to be so formal since we're the same age. If anything, I should thank you."
As I sat down beside Sabito, who awkwardly raised his head, I smiled at him.
"We could subjugate the Lower Rank quickly thanks to the markers you left, Sabito. Thank you so much. Are you okay now? Your fingers?"
"Yes. There are scars, but I can handle a sword fine. However, I don't have my most important sword yet, so I can't return to duty..."
"Ah~ it broke spectacularly back then. Are you having a new one made now?"
"...Actually, no."
According to him, he angered his assigned swordsmith by breaking the sword.
Every time he tries to request a new sword, the moment they meet, the smith charges with a kitchen knife, shouting, "How dare you break my sword!!" engulfed in rage, leaving no chance to even speak, let alone make a request.
That must have been the commotion I saw during the day. Really, a violent swordsmith overflowing with love for his blades. I'm glad my assigned smith is Tetsuido.
"Heh, that sounds tough. If you want, I could try asking for a change in assignment?"
"I can't do that. It'd seem cowardly, like I'm running away."
Sabito firmly shook his head and continued.
"During training, my teacher often said: if you break a sword, I'll break your bones. But I broke the sword. Even if my bones break, it's only natural after what I did, so the smith's anger is justified."
Urokodaki's educational policy, lightly mentioned, was quite violent too.
"I want to apologize sincerely and ask him to make me a sword again... but."
He said that every time they meet, the Hyottoko-masked man chases him swinging a kitchen knife like a horror game, so he has no choice but to run, and he hasn't even apologized yet.
"How can I calm him down and get him to listen..."
"Why not bring an apology gift along? What's the smith's name?"
"Haganezuka."
"Haganezuka."
That's a name I've heard... an awful lot.
"...Is his first name Hotaru, by any chance?"
"Uh, no, I don't know his first name..."
Come to think of it, when he was chasing Sabito, he was counting to six.
It's Hotaru. Definitely Hotaru from the Haganezuka household. Even as an adult, that temper remains the same. I'm so nostalgic I could laugh.
But he's become a proper swordsmith who can handle his own now.
"...Bringing mitarashi dango tomorrow should help. I'll prepare some for you."
The boy from that day who said his house had a secret polishing technique and told me to come back once I became a proper swordsmith so he could polish for me.
It felt a bit lonely that I couldn't meet him as Rei.
・
・
・
The next evening, the sword I ordered was finally complete.
As the villagers said, I went to the workshop and found a brilliantly shining Nichirin Blade placed on a sword stand.
And there were swordsmiths stacked in a pyramid with a "How about this!" vibe. At the peak was Tetchin-sama striking a Glico pose.
"It's done! Be grateful enough to headbutt a tatami mat!"
Seems like his excitement is through the roof at finally completing the Nichirin Blade with absurd options.
I wanted to make a snarky comment about this mysterious group gymnastics, but it might be rude, so I'll let it slide.
After expressing utmost gratitude to Tetchin-sama, the sword in my hand felt no different from my usual one. The blade had crescent-shaped holes lined up from base to tip, resembling something like—a perforated kitchen knife!
"It's amazing. Truly an incredible sword!"
"It's no exaggeration to call it Tetchin-sama's masterpiece!"
"Come on, give it a swing, Lord Moon Hashira!"
The swordsmiths, having disbanded their group gymnastics, couldn't hide their excitement as they practically carried me to the open space in the backyard and urged me to swing it. Tetchin-sama also puffed out his chest—or rather, puffed out the mouth of his Hyottoko mask—and lifted his chin.
Under those expectant gazes, I took a breath and gripped the sword. Which technique to use had been decided even before the sword was complete.
"Moon Breathing, Fourteenth Form: Catastrophe—Ten Thousand Crescent Moons"
In an instant, a storm of moonlight raged.
The crescent slashes I'd seen even in dreams scattered, tearing up the ground, felling trees, and ripping through the air.
Compared to the sword aura my master displayed, it's still clumsy, far from perfect.
But moved by the thrill of having taken a step closer to Michikatsu, my eyes grew moist on their own.
＊
When Kōgetsu returned from Tetchin-sama's place, he was crying.
When I asked what happened, he said he was just moved because the newly received sword's quality was too excellent.
"Tetchin-sama is really amazing. He tailored it perfectly to my requests. It's a masterpiece that could make all of America cry."
Still deeply affected, Kōgetsu wiped his eyes as he spoke.
"Shinobu, you better brace yourself from now on. Otherwise, you might cry from being more moved than expected, like me."
"Don't worry. Unlike Kōgetsu, I'm not a crybaby."
When I said that jokingly and confidently, Kōgetsu nodded gently. Seeing his relieved face put me at ease too.
I've caused Kōgetsu so much worry and debt all this time.
"Since the sword is complete, are you planning to leave now?"
"Yeah, after soaking in the hot spring once, I'll set off."
"The hot spring here was really nice. It's good for muscle pain too."
My body, which had been screaming from overtraining, felt much better after entering the hot spring yesterday. I even wanted to take some spring water to study its other effects.
Since the swordsmith village is a secret place, I can't come often, but I'd like to enter the hot spring with my sister again someday.
"Then take care of yourself, Shinobu."
"Yeah, you too, Kōgetsu. Thank you for everything."
I waved from the entrance until Kōgetsu, heading to the night hot spring, was out of sight. And just as I was about to return to my room.
"Excuse me! Have you seen Lord Moon Hashira?!"
Turning at the urgent shout from behind, I saw a Corps member with apricot-colored hair, older than me, running up panting.
"Lord Moon Hashira went to the hot spring, but what's the matter?"
When I asked, the Corps member briefly explained the situation.
"I had a dispute with my assigned swordsmith, but thanks to Lord Moon Hashira's advice, I could reconcile peacefully... I wanted to thank him... Is Lord Moon Hashira returning here?"
"No, he said he's leaving right away. He just left, so if you chase now, you can catch up."
"Is that so? Thank you!"
The Corps member bowed without hesitation even to a little girl like me and dashed off toward the hot spring. Just as I was about to return to my room this time, a villager stopped me.
"Kochou-sama. Tetchin-sama said he has something to discuss about the sword."
"Yes, thank you. I'll go right away."
—Better brace yourself, or you might cry.
Remembering Kōgetsu's confident words while making a tearful face, a small smile spread on my lips.
Sorry for worrying in vain, but there's no need for tears. I've already cried enough. Quietly sobbing alone in the hot spring Kōgetsu guided me to yesterday.
Overwhelmed with gratitude for Kōgetsu, who guided me this far, and Tetchin-sama, who readily took on the swordsmith work, I cried so much the hot spring grew shallow. So now, I won't cry.
To repay Kōgetsu and Tetchin-sama, I'll fulfill my duty of demon hunting in my own way, true to myself.
Fly like a butterfly, sting like a bee. What a nice ring to it. Just hearing it makes me strive harder.
I don't care what anyone says. If they treat me like a bug, I welcome it.
Yeah, I'm a bug. I'll suck the flower's nectar and laugh.
A tiny but deadly bug carrying a fierce poison.
＊
Listen well. Hot springs are meant to be entered naked.
Wrapping a cloth around your waist is laughable. Entering with clothes on is absurd. Pouring water over yourself before bathing is basic etiquette.
Washing your body clean and then soaking in the bath is the proper way to enjoy a hot spring. It might be fine for a private tub at home, but absolutely unforgivable to dirty a public hot spring used by all with mud or grime.
A hot spring is a place to fully savor the liberation of nudity and wash away worldly fatigue accumulated in your heart. At least, that's what I think.
So, entering with sunscreen or hair dye on is out!! Out like a game-ending double play in the bottom of the ninth!!
I also take out my contact lenses beforehand since I'm scared they might fall out!! The removed lenses are stored in a special case Sousuke gave me.
By the way, I'm the type who takes off clothes from the top. The Corps uniform is sturdy, but undoing all the buttons is annoying. I wish it had a zipper. Velcro tape would be fine too.
While having such trivial thoughts and slipping my shirt off my shoulders.
"Lord Moon Hashira!"
A familiar boy's voice rushing up the stone steps. Turning around, I saw Sabito approaching.
Wondering what it was about, I thought calmly for a moment, but the instant our eyes met across the steamy hot spring, I remembered.
The color of my eyes now.
"Thanks to you, I could reconcile with the swordsmith——"
"Kyaaaaaaaaaaah!!"
In my confusion, my scream came out as a full-throated falsetto.
At the sound like tearing silk, Sabito froze. I hastily turned my back, covered my eyes, and hunched over.
"Did you see?! Did you see just now?!"
"Uh, ah, I didn't see! I didn't see anything!! I, I, no, I didn't mean to, I'm sorry! I'll leave right away!!"
The sound of footsteps half-stumbling away. That reaction means he saw 100%, doesn't it!! Even the manly Sabito was stammering enough to be laughable!
A sound like tumbling down the stone steps with tremendous force!! It sounds like he didn't land properly, is he okay?! He just returned to duty!
I thought no one would come to the hot spring at this time, but who would have thought it'd turn out like this.
Not in the mood to enter the hot spring anymore, I hastily picked up my clothes and fled the village as if running away.
On the back of the Kakushi carrying me, I secretly swallowed my tears.
Farewell, hot spring. Healing my heart will have to wait for next time——……
＊
"Makomo."
"Ah, welcome back! Sabito!"
"Thanks. But there's something I want to ask."
"Sure, but... You're pale as a sheet. Are you hurt somewhere?"
"It's about Lord Moon Hashira."
"Yeah, what about Kōgetsu?"
"Um... Is he... a woman? Lord Moon Hashira."
"Did some weird demon art hit you right after returning to duty?"
＊
I decided to binge eat out of frustration.
Wanting to forget that Sabito saw my eyes, I rushed into a nearby restaurant and ordered ten bowls of tempura rice.
Receiving admiration from the small waitress, "Wow, you eat a lot!" I added five bowls of udon. When your stomach is full, your mind naturally calms down.
Even knowing this is only a momentary false peace, with a satisfied feeling, I rummaged through my pocket to pay——
"...Sorry, but is credit possible?"
I realized I left my wallet in the village.
The shop owner, seeing a young man asking for credit on his first visit, flew into a rage. Even when I said I'd bring the money right away and asked him to wait a bit, he wouldn't listen at all.
That's right! Even if I say I'll definitely pay, it sounds like a lie! You'd think I'm a cheap scammer! I understand that feeling perfectly!
If the enraged owner calls the police, it'll be a disaster. Anticipating that showing my Nichirin Blade wrapped in a haori would cause a big commotion, I prostrated myself and pleaded, "I'll pay properly, please just don't do that!" when——
"Since he's begging so desperately, why not trust him once?"
The waitress quickly intervened between the owner with raised fist and me, speaking up.
"If this boy doesn't return, I'll pay instead, so please, I'm asking too."
Thanks to the waitress's desperate appeal, the owner barely suppressed his anger and kicked me out of the shop.
What a kind waitress to stand up for a boy she doesn't know. Thinking I should bring the money quickly, I called Takechiyo and asked if he could borrow money from a nearby Corps member.
A Moon Hashira borrowing money from a Corps member... I'll definitely become a laughingstock. No doubt headlining the Demon Slayer Corps weekly magazine.
With a dry laugh, I waited for Takechiyo, but.
"Kōgetsu, you forgot your wallet? How clumsy can you be."
Murata appeared with a disbelieving face. In the end, it's my reliable senior I can count on.
"So, how much do you need?"
"This much..."
"Expensive!! Did you eat eel or sushi or something?!"
"No, ten bowls of tempura rice and five bowls of udon..."
"You ate too much, you idiot!!"
"I wanted to binge eat out of frustration..."
"Haah~ really... What happened again? I'll listen later. First, hurry and pay it back."
I was worried if the money Murata brought would be enough, but it barely matched the amount.
Murata, whose wallet was emptied, grumbled, "I haven't even had lunch yet," but I'll pay back double, so please let it slide this time.
With the money obtained through Murata's noble sacrifice, I returned to the restaurant. The owner looked surprised, as if he didn't expect me to actually come back to pay, but the waitress smiled as if it were natural.
"Thank you so much, big sis."
"Oh my, calling me big sis, how sweet. For your information, I'm an auntie."
The woman's hands counting the money were a mess. Each fingertip was rough, cracked, and red, looking painful just to see.
"I have a son around your age, you see. That's why I butted in unnecessarily. There, payment received exactly! Thanks, come again!"
Fingers that cracked and split like that must sting with every move, but the woman smiled brightly without showing any sign of pain and saw me off.
Naturally, I wanted to repay that kindness.
"Murata, sorry. I'll go to the mountain for a bit."
"What mountain in broad daylight? Stay in the shade, the sun's strong."
"I want to thank the waitress who waited for me until I brought the money. I'll make a hand ointment that works well for cracked hands. While I'm at it, I'll pick some delicious wild vegetables and fruits, so could you please accept that for your lunch, Murata? I'll pay back double and treat you to eel and sushi next time!!"
"Fine. Don't forget that, you brat!!"
"Yay~! Murata's the best~!"
Murata, who happened to have no mission, came along to the mountain, saying, "I'll help." Thanks to that, we gathered plenty of ointment ingredients, and as a bonus, found a nice bamboo forest where I started preparing right away.
"Do you have to do it here? You could do it after going down the mountain."
"I'm under the protection of the Bamboo Cutter old man. Everything goes better when done in a bamboo forest."
"I see, I have no idea what you're talking about."
To be honest, I'm the man who once prepared demon medicine in a bamboo forest and drew out 100% instant death from 0% killing intent. That's how absolute my trust in bamboo forests is.
With the completed hand ointment, I headed straight to the restaurant. It was starting to get dark, so I worried if she'd still be there, but I ran into the waitress coming out of the shop.
"Oh my, aren't you the boy from earlier? What's up? Forget something?"
"I wanted to thank you for helping me earlier. This is hand ointment. It's effective, so please apply it after work."
"Oh my, you didn't have to. Are you sure it's okay?"
"Yes, sorry it's such a humble thing."
The waitress, receiving the ointment, narrowed her eyes gently and reached out her badly cracked, rough hand to pat my head over my hunting hat.
"You're a good kid. As kind as my own son."
The waitress waved her hand, saying she had other things to do, and disappeared into the reddened alley. The touch of that hand still lingered on my head.
That gentle touch reminiscent of my mother made a corner of my heart feel warmly lonely.
＊
A boy standing dazedly with a kitchen knife in hand.
That was my older brother.
A woman fallen covered in blood.
That was my mother.
"Why did you do that!! Why did you kill Mom!!"
Hugging my mother's body and screaming, I shouted at my beloved brother with the loudest voice I could muster, calling him a murderer. Memories after that are hazy.
When I came to my senses, my brother was gone, and my mother's body was gradually crumbling in my arms.
Watching my mother burn to ash and scatter in the wind under the pure white morning sunlight, I finally realized. That my mother had already become a non-human entity.
And that the beast that attacked our house, the one my brother thought was a beast and drove away, was none other than our beloved mother.
The moment I realized that, chilling regret washed over me.
In my confusion, I vilified my brother who risked his life to protect us. The one most flustered, most hurt upon realizing that what he killed thinking it was a beast was actually our mother, was none other than my brother.
Overflowing emotions turned to tears, streaming down my face and stinging into the wounds my mother left. My other siblings were attacked too. The image of my siblings covered in blood flashed through my mind.
Unlike my brother who risked his life to protect me, I couldn't do anything. I couldn't help at all. Not even protecting the youngest sibling I held in my arms.
"Ah, ah... Aaaaaaaaaah!!"
Screaming, I touched the wound. The wound was so deep my fingers sank in.
Then, my siblings who had similar wounds on their chests or necks in that darkness... I didn't even want to imagine.
That small room, poor but happy, now spread with a bright red hell. I, I... even if only I survive——
"Everyone's alive! Hurry with treatment!!"
A shout echoing in the morning sunlight pulled me back to reality. Raising my head dazedly, I saw people in black masks busily going in and out of the shack.
Carried out one by one: Sumi, Teiko, Hiroshi, Shūya, Koto... My siblings covered in blood were pale and breathing faintly, but clearly alive.
"Alive... they're alive? All of them?"
"They're alive! All alive!"
Answering my trembling, feeble voice was a man with glossy black hair. As if it were his own affair, he reddened his eyes and repeated, they're alive, all alive.
"Re, really? Their chests and necks were cut, all my siblings..."
"Really! They can live! We'll save them, my disciple! That guy's amazingly skilled at this treatment, so don't worry! All your family can live!!"
The man said so and pulled my arm.
Treating my siblings laid on a mat was a boy in a hunting hat. Around the same age as my brother, he was muttering something low while examining Shūya's most severe wound.
"...Strange. Judging by the wounds, it feels like it started as a human hand and gradually changed to a demon's hand. Was the demonization slow? For what reason...?"
"Kōgetsu, treat this one too. His wound is surprisingly deep."
"Ah, yeah. Wow, really! Stop the bleeding, stop the bleeding!!"
Spraying liquid for disinfection, having my wound checked for foreign objects, bandaged, I did as told.
Staring in disbelief at the subtle rise and fall of my unconscious siblings' chests, the boy in the hunting hat asked.
"Are you the last injured? No one else?"
There is.
The one with the deepest wounds.
"...Big brother."
The one whose heart and body were most hurt.
"Big brother, I... I said harsh things to big brother...!"
Thinking of my brother who disappeared bearing incurable wounds, I burst into tears pitifully. The men in black clothes quietly comforted me.
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