" Kanon, someone's here to see you!"
A crisp sound came from the corridor, accompanied by a series of hurried footsteps.
Then, a little girl with pigtails hurriedly appeared in front of the two of them.
"Someone is looking for me?"
Kanon turned to look at Aoi Kanzaki and asked in confusion. She didn't remember knowing anyone outside, and this sudden visitor left her somewhat bewildered.
"Yes!" Aoi Kanzaki nodded.
Do you know who it is?
Aoi Kanzaki shook her head.
"I don't know, he's a strange person. I asked him what he wanted to see Sister Kanon, but he wouldn't say. He just said he wanted to see Sister Kanon."
Oh, and he's wearing a really ugly upturned-mouth mask!
Upon hearing Aoi Kanzaki's description, Kanon couldn't help but feel a series of question marks above her head. She searched her memory but couldn't seem to recall this person.
Just as I was about to ask another question, Kanao's laughter came from the side.
"Giggle, giggle..."
Kanon turned to look at Kanae.
" Kanae, do you know this person?"
Kanae shook her head.
"I don't know him, but from Aoi's description, I roughly know what he's here for."
"What is he here for?!"
Two voices came from Kanon and Aoi.
"Alright, let's go and bring them in first. Don't keep them waiting too long at the door. Let's talk as we walk."
After saying that, Kanae stood up and walked outside.
Seeing Kanon quickly stood up and followed.
In the corridor, Kanon asked Kanae curiously.
" Kanae, what's that person outside doing here?"
"Didn't you pass the Mount Fujikasane Test a few days ago? This guy outside must be the swordsmith from the Swordsmith Village, he came specifically to deliver your Nichirin Blade."
"Did someone come to deliver my Nichirin Blade?"
Upon hearing that the person had come to deliver Nichirin Blade to her, Kanon became excited, her eyes lighting up.
"Hehe... yes."
Kanae couldn't help but smile when she saw Kanon's happy expression, then looked at Aoi Kanzaki.
" Aoi, that's not some upturned-mouth mask! That's a Hyottoko Mask. The upturned mouth is a characteristic of Hyottoko Mask; it's called a 'fire-blowing mouth.' Don't just say things like that in the future, or you'll upset people."
Aoi Kanzaki nodded after hearing Kanae's instructions.
The three of them quickly arrived at the door, and with a gentle push, the door slowly opened.
Outside the door, a figure stood quietly with his back to them, as if waiting for something.
As the door opened fully, the figure slowly turned around.
The man was about 1.8 meters tall, with a robust physique. His exposed skin had a healthy bronze hue, a deep color from years of working near the furnace, making it appear more profound than that of ordinary people. He wore a Hyottoko Mask with a flame-blowing nozzle that curled upwards, giving him an air of mystery and majesty. He wore a fireproof robe covered with intricate flame patterns that swayed gently with his movements, as if real flames were burning.
Upon seeing three people emerge from the door, the Tantetsu Ryū realized that one of them must be the owner of the Nichirin Blade he had just forged. He bowed slightly and spoke in a deep, powerful voice:
"Hello, I am Tantetsu Ryū. I am here on orders from the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters to forge Nichirin Blade for Kobayashi Kanon, a member who has passed the Final Selection this time."
"I came this time because the Nichirin Blade has been forged, so I specially delivered it."
At this point, Tantetsu Ryū paused, his gaze sweeping over the newly appeared Kanae and Kanon before finally settling on Kanon.
"Excuse me, are you Kobayashi Kanon?"
Upon seeing that this person had indeed come to deliver a knife to her, Kanon felt a surge of excitement and quickly nodded.
"Yes! I am Kobayashi Kanon."
Seeing that Kanon had admitted it, Tantetsu Ryū reached for the sword case on his back, seemingly intending to take it off and give it to Kanon right now.
But just then, Kanae spoke up.
"If you don't mind, why don't you come in and have a cup of hot tea? You can also explain the Nichirin Blade to Kanon while you're at it."
Tantetsu Ryū hearing Kanae's invitation, Kagetsu Ryu nodded after a moment's thought, slowly lowered his hand, and bowed to the three of them again to express his gratitude.
"Then I'll have to bother you!"
The group returned to the living room they had just been in.
While Kanae was making tea, Tantetsu Ryū took the sword case from his back and began a detailed introduction to the Nichirin Blade. His words were filled with love and reverence for the weapon:
" The Nichirin Blade is the only weapon that Demon Slayer Corps members rely on to kill demons."
Therefore, it is important to properly maintain the Nichirin Blade Nichirin Blade during future use. Avoid exposing Nichirin Blade to a damp environment for extended periods, as Nichirin Blade may cause it to rust and put you at a disadvantage when fighting demons.
As they spoke, the sword case was taken down, and the Tantetsu Ryū held it up with both hands in front of Kanon, solemnly saying:
"This is the Nichirin Blade I forged for you."
Kanon looked curiously into the sword case and saw a slender Nichirin Blade lying there quietly.
The hilt is cleverly designed in the shape of four lotus petals, in a soft pink color. The handle is also pink, adorned with delicate bronze decorations, making it both elegant and practical.
Tantetsu Ryū continued, " The Nichirin Blade also has a special name, called the ' Color-Changing Sword.' This is because it changes color according to the will of the first owner who picks it up." He looked at Kanon, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
Kanon understood what the Tantetsu Ryū meant. She gently reached out and took out her Nichirin Blade from the sword case.
As she held her Nichirin Blade horizontally in front of her, a pale pink light slowly spread from the tsuba (handguard) to the blade, as warm and dazzling as the rising sun.
"Hmm, it really is pink."
Kanae's voice came from the side, her eyes filled with admiration.
Upon hearing Kanae's voice, Kanon turned around, holding her Nichirin Blade, her face beaming with excitement and pride.
" Kanae, look, this is my Nichirin Blade!"
Kanae smiled and nodded to Kanon, then handed the hot tea she had already brewed to Tantetsu Ryū and Kanon.
The group then chatted in the hall, Tantetsu Ryū continued to explain some precautions for using the sword to Kanon.
"Quack--"
Just as the three were sitting in the living room, chatting happily, a piercing cawing of crows suddenly broke the harmony of the room.
Immediately afterwards, a Kasugai Crow adorned with a large butterfly feather on its head flew in from outside the hall.
It flapped its wings and landed steadily on the coffee table in the living room, its gaze fixed on Kanae.
" Kanae- sama! Kanae- sama!"
"Traces of Lower Rank have been spotted in Mine City. Please proceed immediately!"
"Traces of Lower Rank have been spotted in Mine City. Please proceed immediately!"