"But Kotetsu mentioned that Master Haruto fought Yoriichi Type Zero too, and he subdued the Mechanical Puppet almost effortlessly. Meanwhile, it took me three whole days..."
Tanjiro lowered his head in dejection.
"Master Haruto can even kill Upper Ranks. Why don't you mention that?" Genya picked up a rice ball and started eating too.
Grandpa Goto had said that Master Haruto's favorite food was the rice balls he made.
I wonder if eating more of them will make me stronger...
"Who knows what Kotetsu's tinkering with? His whole storeroom is littered with parts, all arms and legs from Mechanical Puppets and stuff..."
Tanjiro rubbed his chin, recalling Kotetsu's sinister smile. "I get the feeling he's up to no good..."
Darkness fell. Godogawa had probably lost track of time playing Go with an old friend. Tanjiro and Genya were tidying up, preparing to wash and get some rest, when they suddenly heard someone push open the door.
Muichiro Tokito, whom Kotetsu had cursed as a stinking, seaweed-haired runt, paused at the sight of the two of them. "Where's Mr. Goto?"
"Grandpa Goto might be playing Go at Mr. Steel Fire's house..."
Tanjiro stood and gave him a proper bow. "Mr. Tokito."
Muichiro's eyes slowly shifted a couple of times before a hint of understanding appeared in them. "Oh-you're Mr. Haruto's students, so you're staying here... What were your names again?"
(°ー°〃)
"Tanjiro Kamado and Genya Shinazugawa."
"Oh..."
Muichiro nodded blankly and asked, "Do you know someone named-"
His voice abruptly cut off, and he stood motionless.
A moment later, he reached into his clothes and rustled around before pulling out a slip of paper. "Oh, right. Do you know a swordsmith named Kanamori?"
"Mr. Kanamori is a friend of my swordsmith, Mr. Haganezuka."
"My previous personal swordsmith passed away, so the