Chapter 102: Departure to Swordsmith Village

Another month passed in the blink of an eye.

Tanjiro still had not received the sword forged by Kotoha.

Instead, he had received several envelopes addressed to him.

Right now, he stared at the envelope with terror, its ink scrawled with bitter resentment.

【No more swords!】

【I will find you!】

【I curse you to death! Kill you!!】

“It’s over! Master Kotoha must hate me!” Tanjiro felt utterly defeated.

Just then, Zero, having just returned from a mission, spotted Tanjiro and walked over to greet him.

“Tanjiro, what are you doing here?”

“Big Brother Zero!”

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Big Brother Zero, it’s about my sword…”

Tanjiro told Zero everything about waiting two months for Kotoha to deliver the sword.

After listening, Zero felt Kotoha was not the kind to neglect a request—he must have encountered some trouble.

“If that’s the case, Tanjiro, why not apply to visit Swordsmith Village? You’ll find out then.”

“Huh? I can do that?”

“Of course. Besides, I’m leaving for Swordsmith Village tomorrow myself.”

“Big Brother Zero, is it because your sword…?”

“What are you thinking?”

Zero tapped Tanjiro on the back of the head.

“I’m just invited as a guest. Muzan is already there, and Kanao asked me to keep her company.”

“I see… Thank you, Big Brother Zero. I’ll go request permission from the Lord to depart for Swordsmith Village.”

Watching Tanjiro walk away, Zero smiled faintly.

For the past two months, Tanjiro had been unable to take on missions due to lacking a sword.

Most tasks had been handled by Shinobu and Inosuke together.

Yet Tanjiro had greatly improved his strength by following Zero’s training methods over those two months.

By rank, he was nearly at the 【D】 level, only a few stages away from 【A】.

He hadn’t realized how quickly time had passed—it had already been over three years.

That frail little child from the beginning had grown into this.

“Alright, I should start preparing too.”

Zero then went to his residence to make final preparations for departure.

Night fell.

Infinity Castle.

“Muzan, how is the situation?”

“My lord, I have located Swordsmith Village, but it will take more time to pinpoint the Demon Slayer Corps’ headquarters.”

“Excellent, Muzan. Your growth has surpassed my expectations—truly remarkable!”

“It is my honor, Muzan-sama!”

“With Swordsmith Village destroyed, the Demon Slayer Corps will lose one of its arms! Then I’ll see what they have left to oppose me!”

Muzan hated the Demon Slayer Corps with every fiber of his being—he longed to find them, to find the Ubuyashiki clan, and eradicate them utterly!

So they could never hinder him again!

But he knew he could not rush this. The most urgent matter now was the Blue Anemone.

The Demon Slayer Corps and the Ubuyashiki clan came second.

Moreover, he hated Zero more than anyone else. The memory of the fear he’d endured in these past three years kept him awake all night.

More terrifying than that man from centuries ago!

“Muzan, bring Hantengu here…” Muzan paused, then added: “And bring Douma as well.”

“Yes, Muzan-sama!”

Clang! Clang!

Two harp notes rang out, and Douma and Hantengu were teleported into Infinity Castle.

“Oh my, Muzan-sama, what has brought us here?”

“So terrifying! So terrifying! I’m just a poor, weak soul!”

Muzan ignored them and continued speaking to Muzan: “Pinpoint Swordsmith Village’s exact location. Teleport them there and destroy it. Then search carefully for the Demon Slayer Corps’ headquarters.”

“Yes, Muzan-sama.”

He then turned to Douma and Hantengu: “I expect you to handle this properly. If you fail, I won’t spare you either.”

Early the next morning, Zero rose early.

He packed some snacks into his 【Nanospace】, then set off for Swordsmith Village.

At the gate of his residence, he found a female member of the Hidden Division waiting for him.

“Greetings, Zero Pillar. I am your guide to Swordsmith Village.”

“I see. Thank you for your trouble.”

“You’re too kind, Zero Pillar. Due to Swordsmith Village’s extreme secrecy, we guides cannot reveal our names. Please understand.”

“Understood. What must I do next?”

The Hidden Division member handed Zero a white cloth and two earplugs: “You must blindfold your eyes and plug your ears. I will carry you on my back.”

“Hmm.” Zero took the cloth and earplugs. As he prepared to cover his eyes, he seemed to remember something.

“Wait a moment.”

He removed his metal boots and took off the weight cuffs on his ankles and wrists, storing them in his 【Nanospace】.

If he carried those, the guide would collapse after a few steps.

Finally, he tied the white cloth over his eyes and inserted the earplugs.

The Hidden Division member hoisted Zero onto her back and began the journey toward Swordsmith Village.

Meanwhile, Tanjiro, preparing to depart for Swordsmith Village, received the same treatment.

He received two additional nose plugs, as his nose was exceptionally sensitive.

Due to Swordsmith Village’s extreme secrecy—it was the Demon Slayer Corps’ top priority—the guides changed multiple times along the route.

After running a stretch, they passed Tanjiro to the next guide.

Even the guides themselves did not know Swordsmith Village’s location, to prevent it from being discovered and attacked by demons.

Not only that, but the route sequence and guide identities changed frequently.

The Hidden Division members were led to the next position by Kiri, and even the Kiri were frequently rotated.

It was said the Ubuyashiki family’s residence was hidden by an even more complex method.

Thus, though Zero and Tanjiro departed around the same time, their routes differed entirely due to different guides.

Tanjiro might arrive first—or Zero might.

Yet each time they were handed off, both men politely thanked their guides.

This warmed the hearts of the Hidden Division members.

Sunset.

After an indeterminate time, they finally arrived at Swordsmith Village.

Tanjiro was the first to be carried in by his guide.

“We’ve arrived. This is Swordsmith Village. Let me remove your blindfold.” The guide set Tanjiro down and removed the cloth.

As soon as the blindfold and earplugs came off, Tanjiro was stunned by the sight before him.

Surrounded by forests and mountains, grand buildings rose among layered peaks.

The streets were filled with swordsmiths wearing various Oni masks.

“Is this Swordsmith Village? Such magnificent buildings! And this…?” Tanjiro smelled the scent of sulfur in the air.

“There are hot springs here too!”

“Yes. After you settle in, soak in the hot springs to relieve fatigue—it greatly benefits the body. The village chief’s house is at the end of this road, left turn. Go greet him first.”

“Understood.”

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

“Thank you!”

As they parted, Tanjiro thanked the guide once more for the journey’s hardships.

His voice echoed through the forest, reaching Muzan, who was soaking in the hot spring.

“Hm? I think I heard a voice of gratitude?”

She rose from the spring, a vision of beauty freshly bathed, her figure displayed in full grace.

Those two deadly weapons, and the deep, unfathomable chasm between them, stood proudly.

“I heard Zero is coming too—I’m so excited!!”

“Zero Pillar has arrived.”

Removing the white cloth and earplugs, Zero stared at the building before him and exclaimed, “This place looks quite impressive.”

“Yes, Zero Pillar, and there’s a hot spring nearby—just walk straight down this road to the end, then turn left. That’s where the village chief lives.”

“I see. Thank you for your trouble on the way.”

“Not at all—it’s my honor to assist Zero Pillar! I’ll take my leave now.”

“Mm, be careful on your way.”

After bidding farewell to the Invisibles, Zero entered the Forge Village, planning to pay a visit to the village chief first.

Before leaving, the Invisible member glanced back at Zero Pillar’s back and sighed, “Zero Pillar is surprisingly easy to get along with~”

(Demon: T_T)

Following the Invisible’s directions, Zero found the house where the chief resided.

It was a far more grandiose structure than any he’d seen so far—worthy of being called a villa.

Around it, several Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen stationed here patrolled the perimeter.

“Hello, I’m Kōban no Hikawa. Are you here to see the village chief as well?”

A forge master with shoulder-length hair and a Hikage mask approached Zero.

Kōban no Hikawa? Kōban also Hikawa?

What a strange name.

But these weren’t thoughts he should be having.

“Yes. I’m Zero Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps. A man named Tetsuetsu Mori told me to visit your forge village when I had time.”

“You’re Zero Pillar!”

Hearing the title, Kōban no Hikawa seemed deeply moved.

“Do you know me?”

“Yes, the village chief told us about you. Thank you for bringing our forge village face-to-face with the legendary Red Blade once again! Please follow me—I’ll take you to the chief right away!”

Kōban no Hikawa led the way to the chief’s chamber.

“Chief! Zero Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps has arrived at our forge village!”

The chief, who had just been assuring Tanjiro he would find Hana, jumped up at the news. “Bring him in at once!”

Zero entered the room and saw Tanjiro, eating a small plate of candies.

“Zero-nii, you finally arrived.”

“Mm, I didn’t expect you to get here before me, Tanjiro.”

His gaze then shifted to the person in front of Tanjiro.

A small child, likewise wearing a Hikage mask.

“Hello, Chief. I’m Zero Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps, here at your invitation.”

“Greetings, I am Tetsuchi Kawaara Teshin, chief of this forge village. Pleased to meet you. Thank you for coming, and for fulfilling our lifelong wish—seeing the legendary Red Blade.”

“It’s nothing. Even without me, I’m sure you’d have found the Red Blade soon enough.”

“How wonderful~ I have little to offer, but please, have some Hanrin candy.”

Tetsuchi Kawaara Teshin pulled out another small plate of candies—identical to Tanjiro’s—and placed it before Zero.

“Thank you. I won’t refuse.”

The Hanrin candy was quite pleasant—sweet and crisp.

Then the chief turned to Tanjiro. “Don’t worry—we’ll find that child, Hana, for sure.”

“Yes, thank you, Chief!”

“Oh, and since you’re here, why not soak in the hot spring? Our spring has remarkable healing properties—for cuts, burns, gout, hemorrhoids, constipation—even heartbreak! I’ll have someone arrange your lodging shortly.”

After bidding farewell to the chief, Zero and Tanjiro were led by another forge master toward the hot spring.

Along the way, the rhythmic clang of hammers striking steel echoed from nearby workshops.

“Here we are. Follow this slope up to the hot spring.”

The forge master pointed to a set of stone steps leading upward, stretching deep into the forest.

A wooden sign beside it bore the character 【Hot Spring】.

“Our hot spring has many benefits—for cuts, burns, gout, hemorrhoids, constipation, and even heartbreak! Please soak thoroughly and rest well.”

As the forge master spoke, Zero felt something odd—especially about the heartbreak part.

If this could heal heartbreak, maybe next time I come to the forge village, I should bring Zenitsu. Drop him in and let the spring fix him.

“I’ll go prepare dinner…” Before he could finish, a voice called from above the steps.

“Zero!!!”

Mitsuji ran toward him, shouting his name.

Dressed only in a yukata and an outer robe, her two large white orbs nearly bounced free.

Thud!

From far up the steps, Mitsuji leapt straight down.

Zero immediately rushed forward and caught her in a bridal carry.

“Mitsuji, be careful—you could get hurt jumping like that… What’s wrong?”

He noticed her face pressed against his chest, trembling slightly.

She was crying.

“Tanjiro, go soak in the spring first.”

“Yes, Zero-nii.” Tanjiro knew Mitsuji was Zero’s fiancée, so he wisely left them alone.

Once Tanjiro was gone, Zero comforted Mitsuji. “What happened? Did you hurt yourself?”

“Zero, I was completely ignored! It’s so unfair~ Waaah~ I greeted him, and he didn’t even respond! It’s so cruel~ Waaah~ I’m a Pillar too, just like you! Waaah~ My good mood after the spring is ruined~”

“Who was this person?”

“I don’t know~ That’s why I asked his name! Waaah~ It’s so unfair~ I’m a Pillar too, just like you! Waaah~ My good mood after the spring is ruined~”

“There, there, you’re so silly—and adorable. Let’s go eat. I heard there’s matsutake rice, and I brought dessert—your favorite sakura mochi.”

“Huh? Really?! Wonderful! You’re the best husband ever!!”

Hearing Zero had brought her sakura mochi, Mitsuji clung to his neck and kissed him deeply.

Then Zero carried Mitsuji toward the dining area.