Mist shrouded the secluded mountains.
Takanashi Rokuno first took a stroll around the Swordsmith Village and discovered a hot spring. He thought about taking a soak with Kanae, but his blade had yet to be dealt with, so he decided to settle that matter before trying it out. He headed to the village chief's home to ask who would be responsible for repairing his blade.
"Lord Takanashi, Chief Tetsuchin's residence is just ahead. This is as far as we'll escort you." The member of the Kakushi Corps guiding him bowed respectfully, then swiftly withdrew into the mist.
Carrying his bundle, Rokuya walked up the bluestone steps, the Shura Blade hanging at his waist faintly mottled with dark red.
"Lord Tetsuchin, let's dispense with the pleasantries." Rokuya bowed slightly, unfastened the Shura Blade from his waist, and laid it flat on the table. "My blade was damaged in the Entertainment District. Oyakata-sama said only Haganezuka Hotaru here in the village could repair it."
Tetsuchin blew out a smoke ring, and the voice beneath his mask suddenly took on a strange tone. "Haganezuka, eh... That boy is certainly a genius, but given the state he's in, I'd advise you to lie low for now."
"How so?" Rokuya raised an eyebrow.
"That boy is in an absolute frenzy because you damaged your blade." Tetsuchin sighed and pointed toward the Back Mountain. "Yesterday, he ran three laps around the village carrying two kitchen knives, declaring that he would find the 'bastard' who didn't take care of his sword and chop him into mincemeat. It took four people I sent just to hold him down. I imagine he's locked in the Wooden Cabin on the Back Mountain cooling off right now."
The corner of Rokuya's mouth twitched. He had long heard that Haganezuka Hotaru was