Demon Slayer: The Tenth Hashira with Dōjutsu

"Haganezuka Hotaru"

"As for the Insect Hashira's swordsmith, he lives in the house behind my house. You can go find him yourself."

Hearing this, Aoki stood and bowed again to Tecchin Tecchikawahara. "In that case, I shall take my leave."

With Yōgetsu's hilt in one hand, Aoki left the house.

Following the directions, he found the house behind Tecchin Tecchikawahara's. It was undoubtedly the Insect Hashira's swordsmith's residence.

He knocked, received permission to enter, and went inside.

The scent of aged wood filled the air. The house was simple, yet calming and comfortable.

Inside, a masked figure sat—a man, judging by the voice, likely in his forties or fifties.

"Young man, I don't believe I know you. What can I do for you?" the man asked, noticing Aoki's unfamiliar face.

"My name is Aoki. It is an honor to meet you, sir. I understand you are the swordsmith for the Insect Hashira.

I wish to commission a new Nichirin Blade for her in my name," Aoki said, bowing deeply. While swordsmiths held less official rank than Demon Slayers, their contribution was crucial.

Aoki didn't want to offend any swordsmith, especially one he needed a favor from.

"Aoki?" The man seemed to recognize the name. "Ah, yes, the Devouring Hashira, Aoki. The one who's been making headlines lately.

You're quite young. A true prodigy! Your name has reached even the Swordsmith Village."

The man's praise made Aoki feel slightly embarrassed.

"Please, sir, let's discuss the new Nichirin Blade for the Insect Hashira," Aoki said.

The man nodded. "Certainly. My name is Haganezuka Hotaru. I've always forged the Insect Hashira's Nichirin Blades.

You wish to commission a new one in your name. What is your relationship with her?"

Hesitating, Aoki replied, "Close friends." He was thinking that the villagers likely didn't know his relationship with Shinobu.

"During the Yoshiwara battle, Shinobu saved me, resulting in her being poisoned, though she recovered. I need to give her a gift; otherwise, I'd feel bad."

Haganezuka Hotaru chuckled skeptically, his amusement hidden by his mask.

Aoki hadn't explicitly stated his relationship with Shinobu, but it was clear to Haganezuka that they were more than friends. Haganezuka didn't call him out on it.

"Very well. I will forge a new Nichirin Blade for the Insect Hashira in your name. However, do you have any specific requests?

The tsuba, for example, could be tailored to her preferences." Haganezuka Hotaru asked.

Aoki thought about Shinobu. He knew her preferences fairly well.

Shinobu liked pickled ginger, goldfish, and ghost stories—hence the money spent on that old storyteller in Asakusa.

After much thought, Aoki realized none of her preferences translated well into a tsuba design. He decided on a replica of her current blade.

A heartfelt gift was more important than the gift itself.

"Just make a replica of Shinobu's current blade," Aoki finally said.

Haganezuka Hotaru nodded. "In that case, please stay in the Swordsmith Village for a few days, Devouring Hashira. I will deliver the new blade as soon as it's ready. Please wait patiently."

After a few more pleasantries, Aoki left.

Leaving the house, Aoki was heading back to the village head's house to find Tanjiro when he ran into Tanjiro exiting a building.

"Aoki-senpai!" Tanjiro waved, smiling, seeing Aoki had finished his business.

"Tanjiro, where are you going?" Aoki asked, approaching him.

"The village head said the village hot springs are beneficial for those with weak constitutions.

I've recovered, but it's a good opportunity to relax," Tanjiro replied, his usual sunny smile on his face.

"True. I haven't had a chance to relax or soak in a hot spring lately. Let's go," Aoki said.

Tanjiro nodded, and they were led by one of the swordsmiths who had been with Tecchin Tecchikawahara to a long stone path. Signs with a large soup bath character and arrows lined the path.

A delicate voice called out from nearby.

"Ah—Aoki-sama! And Tanjiro-dono! Aoki-sama!"

A blushing Mitsuri Kanroji, in a yukata, ran towards them, her… assets… subtly visible.

"Ah! Be careful!" Tanjiro warned. "Kanroji-san, your… lower regions… are about to be exposed!"

Ignoring Tanjiro, Mitsuri Kanroji threw herself at Aoki, hugging his legs. "Listen, listen! I was just ignored! I greeted someone, but they ignored me!"

"Who was it?"

"I don't know! I wanted to ask their name, but they ignored me! I'm a Hashira! That's so rude! It ruined my post-bath good mood. Waaah!"

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