It's Shinobu, Not Kakushi

The Nichirin Blade had just left its sheath. Its silver edge was like eternal ice that had never melted, cold light gleaming sharply. The blade reflected Hiruma's brilliant golden eyes, its martial aura unstoppable.

"What a fine blade!"

Hiruma could not help but sigh in admiration. Only those who used swords knew how exquisite this blade's craftsmanship was. Haganezuka Hotaru's temperament was worthy of his blades.

Gradually, five-colored streams of light, as dazzling as meteors streaking across the night sky, flowed slowly along the snow-bright blade, winding upward. They continued climbing until they reached the tip.

But the color change did not end there. The back of the Nichirin Blade was covered in an inky black coating at a visible speed, like a vast and mysterious starry sky.

The colorless stream of light on the blade transformed into a dragon-shaped pattern and etched itself into the sword.

"Huh?" Haganezuka Hotaru cried out. Of course, he was not surprised—he was disgusted. A pure-colored Nichirin Blade was what suited his aesthetic tastes.

"Damn it!"

"What the hell is this thing?!"

"It's ugly as hell!"

Haganezuka Hotaru cursed as he looked at Hiruma, as if saying, "I waited all this time, and this is what you give me?"

Hiruma: ╮( ??ω?? )╭

He thought it looked pretty good. Besides, killing demons was what truly mattered. Perhaps it was because he had learned too many Breathing Styles and mixed them all together.

Seeing Haganezuka Hotaru reach into his clothes again, Hiruma hurriedly dashed out of the house.

"Wait for me! I'll be right back!"

A moment later, Hiruma returned with a bag of Mitarashi Dango, Haganezuka Hotaru's favorite food.

"Hm?" He stared at the dango in confusion for a moment, then silently withdrew the hand he had slipped into his clothes.

After finishing the dango, he glanced at Hiruma, making him shudder.

"Haganezuka Hotaru, thank you for the dango!"

"And if you damage that blade, I'll definitely kill you. Goodbye!"

Having told Hiruma his name, he also remembered Hiruma's name. At the same time, he was deeply puzzled as to why this guy knew what he liked to eat.

After seeing off that great menace, Hiruma could completely understand how little angel Tanjiro would feel in the future.

Toward evening, the old man returned with a Kakushi member. Hiruma happened to run into them; the person had come to deliver his uniform.

Kakushi members usually wore black uniforms with hoods and black-and-white striped masks covering their faces, making them highly recognizable.

Hiruma tried on the uniform, and it fit perfectly. Since it was getting dark, the old man asked the member to stay the night.

After dinner, the Kakushi member found the carefree Hiruma in a large peach tree in the grove.

"Do you need something?"

Since the member had not said a word the entire time, Hiruma had thought he might not be able to hear, so he was especially concerned.

He jumped down from the tree and began writing in a small notebook. Once he finished, he handed it over.

Soon, the other person returned the notebook.

Hello, my name is Kakushi. Someone named Shinobu Kocho asked me to bring you a letter.

"Holy shit!"

"Really?"

"Brother Kakushi, you're such a good man! Please accept this bow from your little brother!"

Kakushi merely nodded, then took a letter from his clothes and handed it to Hiruma.

He accepted the letter, and a faint Wisteria Flower fragrance drifted into his nose. He recognized that scent. It was definitely Shinobu's doing.

Hiruma held up the letter and jumped around like a little kid who had just received his favorite toy.

"Shinobu wrote back to me! Hahaha!"

"I'm so happy!"

"Hehehe!"

He hugged the letter and giggled foolishly for a long time before carefully opening it.

Hiruma, it's been a long time. I miss you very much. Congratulations on passing the Final Selection. I'm happy for you. You'll definitely become the strongest swordsman!

Also, thank you so much for the data you provided. I improved it and developed a second-generation Wisteria Poison.

Oh, right! Based on Water Breathing, I created a new Breathing Style that belongs to me. What do you think? I'm amazing, right? Hehehe! (￣^￣)

I look forward to seeing you. Work hard on your missions!

"Wuwuwu!"

"I really want to see you too, Shinobu!"

Hiruma read it several times in a row. Once he confirmed no one was around, he secretly brought the letter close to his nose and took a deep sniff.

"It smells like Shinobu! So fragrant!"

"Oh crap!"

"What if people think I'm a pervert?!"

He hurriedly stopped his creepy behavior and tucked the letter away as carefully as if it were a treasure.

Little did he know that Kakushi in the distance had seen all of it. Of course, she had only caught sight of it by accident, then hurriedly ran away in a panic.

In the middle of the night, Hiruma was too excited to sleep. After all, he had received a letter from Shinobu.

As usual, he lay leisurely on the roof, gazing up at the brilliant starry sky.

A gentle breeze brought a touch of coolness, stirring his hair and the hem of his clothes. He lay quietly on the roof, enjoying the peace and beauty.

The only thing that made him feel lonely was that the person who used to watch the stars with him was not there.

"Sigh!"

Suddenly, one end of a ladder rested against the eaves. The thoroughly wrapped-up Kakushi climbed up, holding a sign with words written on it.

"Brother Tendo, why aren't you sleeping?"

Hiruma patted the spot beside him, motioning for the other person to sit. Having someone to talk to would be nice.

He took out his notebook and wrote: Brother Kakushi, you wouldn't understand that feeling—the feeling of missing someone.

Kakushi wrote back: Is it that person named Shinobu Kocho?

He continued writing: Of course. We're super close. When Brother Kakushi meets the right person, you'll understand.

Kakushi took the notebook but did not reply. She only stared blankly at Hiruma, her eyes brimming with tenderness, making Hiruma feel uncomfortable all over.

"Holy crap!"

"Brother Kakushi, you don't like men, do you?" Hiruma instantly scooted away and cried out. Since Kakushi could not hear him anyway, he added, "I'm a straight man!"

Kakushi tilted her head in confusion, then lay down with both hands behind her head and looked up at the stars.

Hiruma lay back down as well, continuing to reminisce about those wonderful days when Shinobu watched the stars with him.

After a while, he suddenly sat up and smacked his forehead.

"Oh!"

"I got too excited. I have to write Shinobu back!"

The moment he thought of it, he acted. He stood up, but lost his balance and fell. Kakushi hurriedly pulled Hiruma back, or he would have fallen off the roof.

And so, Hiruma landed on top of Kakushi, with his hand pressing right against her chest.

"Brother Kakushi, thanks!" He did not think much of it. They were both men, after all. But humiliation and anger flashed through Kakushi's eyes, and she shoved Hiruma away.

Hiruma: "???"

Unexpectedly, Kakushi, who had just gotten to her feet, tripped over a roof tile and fell into Hiruma's arms with a bang.

At the same time, a familiar and intimate fragrance rushed into his nose, leaving his mind completely blank.

"Brother Kakushi, what exactly is your relationship with Shinobu Kocho?"

Kakushi let out a long sigh. Then a scolding voice reached Hiruma's ears.

"You big idiot!"

Kakushi reached up and tore off her mask, revealing a fair, delicate face.

Her cheeks were slightly flushed, as alluring as ripe apples. Her pouting lips carried a hint of coquettish complaint as she glared at Hiruma in frustration.

"It's Shinobu, not Kakushi!"

P.S. Time for recommendations! Please leave comments, good ratings, reminders to update, and free little gifts too. Hehehe!

(｀?ω?′)ゞ Salute!