The Swordsmith Village, an Unexpected Companion / The Kirin-Armed Village Chief, Godlike Smithing Skills

Tsugikuni Yoriichi and Tsugikuni Iwashiro had already come into contact. In other words, the competition between the two brothers was about to begin again.

The only fortunate thing was that Tsugikuni Iwashiro was still human and was still slaying demons.

It looked like he had to hurry and forge his own Nichirin Blade.

Once this birthday celebration was over, he would set out for Swordsmith Village.

After planning out his next steps, Scribe slowly closed his eyes.

Swordsmith Village, an Unexpected Companion

Early the next morning, Scribe bought some gifts and first went to Ubuyashiki Kagaya's residence.

Master had fallen ill?

After arriving at the residence, Scribe was shocked to learn that Kagaya's condition had worsened and that he was now bedridden.

Yes.

Kagaya's wife, Ubuyashiki Amane, looked somewhat pale, her expression filled with worry.

Sigh, in that case, I won't disturb him any longer.

This is a small token of my regard. I hope Master recovers soon.

Please tell Master that both Scribe and Master Yoriichi are concerned about his health. The Demon Slayer Corps also needs him to hold things together.

Taking the gifts from Scribe, Amane lowered her head in thanks.

Thank you for your concern, Master Scribe. Amane will certainly pass on your words.

After leaving the Ubuyashiki residence, Scribe went to the Rengoku Family residence.

Hahaha, Scribe, you really came!

With the same familiar laugh, Rengoku Tōshirō held out a flask of wine to Scribe.

Today is my birthday, a rare day of rest. We won't leave until we're drunk!

Uh, I'm only eight years old. I can't drink yet.

Tōshirō froze for a moment before realizing that Scribe truly was not yet old enough to drink.

His usual mature and steady manner, along with his extraordinary strength, was so astonishing that Tōshirō often forgot about it.

In that case, I'll drink it for you!

Without the slightest hint of embarrassment on his face, Tōshirō directly poured the wine from the flask into his mouth.

Wine splashed everywhere, running down Tōshirō's chest and over a flame-colored Demon Slayer Mark there.

During his conversation with Tōshirō, Scribe learned that his birthday was not actually today.

Because of the Demon Slayer Corps' major reforms, Tōshirō had moved his birthday forward to save time and resources, celebrating it together with Ubuyashiki Kagaya, whose birthday was only a few days before his own.

You can drink by yourself. I'll be leaving first.

Watching the half-drunk Tōshirō, Scribe shook his head helplessly.

After leaving the Rengoku Family residence, Scribe returned directly to his little house.

While packing his luggage and preparing to leave, he discovered Tsugikuni Iwashiro training in the courtyard.

Swing, slash, lift, chop, horizontal cut, diagonal stroke.

Though they were merely simple basic movements, they carried a different kind of meaning in Tsugikuni Iwashiro's hands.

As time passed, his sword techniques became increasingly intricate.

A Quick Draw Slash so fast that the blade itself could not be seen.

Two Blade Winds that tore through the air as he spun around.

Before he knew it, Scribe had become absorbed in Tsugikuni Iwashiro's swordsmanship.

Though it could not compare to the exquisite Sun Breathing of Yoriichi, Tsugikuni Iwashiro's swordsmanship possessed a unique charm of its own.

It felt like a bright moon beneath the blazing sun.

Cold, lonely, beautiful, yet filled with deadly intent.

Sheathing his sword, Tsugikuni Iwashiro ended his training for the day.

When he turned around, he noticed Scribe nearby.

Can you understand my swordsmanship?

Scribe nodded and spoke directly.

This is also a type of Breathing Technique, isn't it?

Yes. I named it Moon Breathing.

Putting the wooden sword back on its rack, Tsugikuni Iwashiro stood with his back to Scribe and slowly explained.

Like the so-called five foundational Breathing Techniques of this organization, Moon Breathing was also derived from Yoriichi's Sun Breathing.

Although his tone was calm, Scribe could still sense a trace of unwillingness in it.

An unwillingness to fall behind, an urge to surpass someone.

Scribe naturally understood that Tsugikuni Iwashiro wanted to surpass Yoriichi.

It was only because Yoriichi was too powerful and dazzling that he had no choice but to name it Moon Breathing.

Thank you for the explanation, Uncle.

After thanking him, Scribe prepared to leave.

Wait. Are you planning to go out?

Stopping Scribe, Tsugikuni Iwashiro asked curiously.

Without trying to hide anything, Scribe answered directly, Yes, I'm going to Swordsmith Village.

Swordsmith Village?

As if he had thought of something, Tsugikuni Iwashiro slightly raised an eyebrow.

Are Nichirin Blades forged by the craftsmen there?

Yes. The Nichirin Blades in the Demon Slayer Corps are all made by swordsmiths.

In that case, I will go with you.

After saying that, Tsugikuni Iwashiro headed for his room to pack his luggage.

Going to Swordsmith Village with me?

After thinking about it for a moment, Scribe understood why.

Whether during their earlier brief exchange or his training just now, Tsugikuni Iwashiro had not used a Nichirin Blade.

Now it seemed that it was not because he did not want to use one, but because he did not have one at all.

It was only natural that he would go with Scribe to Swordsmith Village to have a blade forged.

Hopefully, nothing would go wrong on this journey.

Rubbing his temples, Scribe felt a headache coming on.

Once Tsugikuni Iwashiro had finished packing, the two of them set off.

Under the guidance of the Kakushi, Scribe and Tsugikuni Iwashiro reached Swordsmith Village after two days of travel.

Once you cross that ridge, you'll be able to see Swordsmith Village.

Pointing at the mountain ahead, a Kakushi member explained it to them.

Due to our orders, we can only escort you two this far.

Then, we wish you both a safe journey.

Waving his hand, Scribe thanked the Kakushi who had led the way.

All right. You should be careful on the road as well.

After bowing respectfully, the two Kakushi guides left.

As they made their way toward the ridge, Tsugikuni Iwashiro turned his head slightly and observed Scribe.

Though only two short days had passed, he had already formed a clear understanding of Scribe.

He now understood how his younger brother, who seemed not to care about anything, had come to have a disciple like Scribe.

Though Scribe's current strength was still inferior to theirs, Tsugikuni Iwashiro thought highly of his future.

Yoriichi, Yoriichi... is the gap between you and me really this great?

Just as Tsugikuni Iwashiro sighed inwardly, the two of them crossed the small ridge.

On the other side of it stood a village of moderate size.

Though they were still some distance away, they could already smell metal in the air.

Listening closely, they could faintly hear the clangs of steel being hammered.

So this is Swordsmith Village. There really is quite a lot of Tamahagane inside.

Though it was somewhat vague, Scribe could still sense faint traces of energy coming from that direction.

Without a doubt, they were pieces of Tamahagane.

Quickening his pace, Scribe ran toward the swordsmiths' village.

Tsugikuni Iwashiro watched Scribe speed up and followed after him.

After entering the swordsmiths' village without incident and having their identities confirmed, the two received an audience with the village chief.

When the door was pushed open and Scribe saw the village chief's appearance, he could not help feeling surprised.

Kirin Arm Village Chief, Godlike Forging Skills

He had a massive body over two meters tall, but his head was somewhat disproportionate, the classic image of a small head atop a large body.

He wore only half his clothes, leaving his thick right arm bare.

Bulging veins covered an arm as thick as a bucket, packed with exaggerated muscles.

He wore a Hannya Mask, and though his face could not be seen, his voice revealed him to be an old man.

Ho ho ho, are you the new guests?

I am the chief of this village, Tie He.

As he spoke, Chief Tie He struck pose after pose, seemingly showing off his muscles.

Kirin Arm?!

Seeing Chief Tie He's bizarre appearance, Scribe could not hold back his laughter.

Hearing Scribe mention his right arm, Tie He immediately looked over at him.

You little brat, did you just call my arm a Kirin Arm?

That's an excellent name. It sounds far better than my old name, Strength Creates Miracles.

It's decided. From now on, it'll be called the Kirin Arm!

As he cheered, Tie He pounded the ground, shaking dust loose from the house.

The other swordsmiths inside also cheered and danced, as though their village chief had obtained some priceless treasure.

It was Tsugikuni Iwashiro's first time encountering such a situation, and a huge question mark seemed to appear above his head.

Scribe, are swordsmiths all such strange people?

Probably... not.

Not very certain himself, Scribe felt his eyelid twitch.

After all, a two-meter-tall, small-headed muscleman and a group of smaller muscular men were dancing together.