"Caw! Caw!" A rather large Kasugai Crow landed precisely on Shinichi shoulder and began grooming its feathers.
"The Kasugai Crow is the most important partner for us Demon Slayers, aiding in communication between members and with headquarters. Our demon-hunting missions are also assigned through them. Shinichi, give your Kasugai Crow a name. It doesn't have one yet—it just completed its training, just like you" Rengoku said seriously, eyeing the crow perched on Shinichi shoulder.
"A partner?" Shinichi extended a finger and the crow obediently leaned in rubbing its small head against his hand.
With a faint smile, Shinichi tapped the crow tiny head.
"Alright then. My name is Shinichi, that fat dog is Maru-ni, so you'll be Eizo."
"Caw! Caw! Eizo! Eizo!" The crow—no, now Eizo—flapped its wings excitedly, cawing its new name with obvious delight.
But just then, an unwelcome sound interrupted.
The little Shiba Inu, Maru-ni wriggled out of Kyojuro arms and began barking frantically at Eizo, looking every bit like a neglected, pitiful creature whose home had been stolen.
Shinichi smirked inwardly.
Serves you right, you ungrateful little chubster.
Deliberately ignoring Maru-ni, he playfully teased Eizo on his shoulder, making the dog paw desperately at his pants.
Setting aside these small antics, Shinjuro led Shinichi to a table and pointed at the lumpy, honeycomb-like ore pieces laid out.
"This is Scarlet ore, the ore used to forge Nichirin Blades. Shinichi, pick one."
Shinichi instinctively glanced at the Nichirin Blade at his waist—Mori no Ryuu.
The Old Man had said that since Mori no Ryuu wasn't originally his, he should have a sword of his own.
Faced with the varying sizes of ores, Shinichi hesitated, unsure how to choose.
Shinjuro didn't rush him, letting him decide on his own, while beside them Kyojuro eyes flickered with a hint of envy.
After a moment's thought, Shinichi picked the largest piece.
"This one. But I have a request—my current Nichirin Blade is broken. I'd like it repaired. It doesn't need to be fully restored, just the broken section fixed."
Drawing Mori no Ryuu from his waist, the jagged break in the blade remained clearly visible.
Shinjuro took the sword, examined it briefly, then nodded in agreement.
"Forging a Nichirin Blade will take about ten days. In the meantime, Shinichi, Oyakata-sama wishes to meet you."
Shinichi froze. "Oyakata-sama? Me? When?"
Shinjuro nodded solemnly. "The Kasugai Crow will guide you to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters. Oyakata-sama awaits you there."
"Is that so?" Shinichi pondered briefly before deciding to go.
Truthfully, he was deeply curious about the enigmatic leader of the Demon Slayers—a family that had guided the Corps in their centuries-long battle against demons sounded like something out of legend.
"Then, I look forward to our next meeting. May we fight side by side then, Shinichi Moriki" Shinjuro said with a touch of emotion.
Before Shinjuro took Kyojuro away, Kyojuro ran over alone and reluctantly patted Maru-ni head.
"Father doesn't like small animals. The only reason he let me come this time was to help Shinichi-senpai take care of Maru-ni. Shinichi-senpai, you're really amazing! I want to become a strong swordsman like you someday!" Kyojuro said with slight admiration in his eyes as he looked at Shinichi.
Truth be told, being admired by a boy around his own age made Shinichi both proud and somewhat embarrassed.
He replied "Kyojuro, your father is very strong. With his guidance, I'm sure you'll become a powerful swordsman soon. Also, you don't need to call me 'senpai.' If you'd like, just call me 'big brother.'"
Hearing this, Kyojuro immediately nodded happily and loudly called out.
"Shinichi-nii!"
Newly promoted to big brother status, Shinichi was delighted and gave Kyojuro an extra special dorayaki as a gift.
Without any suspicion, Kyojuro took a big bite of the treat.
Instantly, Kyojuro bright and cheerful expression darkened.
Though his stomach was already churning, faced with Shinichi expectant look, he forced himself not to show any discomfort and tremblingly exclaimed.
"UMAIIII! (Delicious!)"
This made Shinichi appreciate his new little brother even more.
***
At the Moriki residence, Elder Moriki sat alone under the eaves, eyes closed, enjoying the warm sunlight on his skin.
At some point, a kasugai crow with red feathers on its tail cawed loudly as it landed before the old man.
After generously feeding the crow a handful of roasted rice, Elder Moriki opened the letter it had delivered.
Soon, a genuine smile appeared on his aged face.
"Shinichi, my good boy. You still have a long future ahead of you. Spread your wings and soar high."
***
"Nee-san! That's Himejima-san residence!" the black-haired little girl excitedly pointed at the gate before them.
Yet her older sister eyes held traces of hesitation.
After much effort, they'd learned Himejima-san address from the kakushi members, but couldn't be certain he would agree to their request.
These were none other than Kanae Kocho and Shinobu Kocho.
After handling their parents' funeral arrangements, the sisters had resolved to become Demon Slayer swordsmen like Himejima Gyomei.
They'd learned about the Demon Slayer Corps from the kakushi who assisted them.
Upon discovering that the Corps had fought Demons for centuries to protect humanity, both Kanae and Shinobu were astonished—both by the swordsmen's greatness and the Demons' terrifying power.
Determined to prevent tragedies like what befell their family, both sisters vowed to join the Demon Slayers.
However, back at the Butterfly Mansion, Gyomei had already rejected them.
This time, success wasn't guaranteed either, but how would they know without trying?
No matter what, the determination of the Kocho sisters wouldn't waver.
With a hint of excitement on her face, Shinobu Kocho looked at the large gate before her, her heart filled with fighting spirit.
She and her sister would definitely join the Demon Slayer Corps!
They would become swordsmen capable of slaying Demons and take revenge on those who killed their Father and mother!
At this thought, Shinobu mind flashed with a cold, stern face and the words.
"I will carry your will and slay even more Demons."
'I can do it too!' Little Shinobu cheered herself on in her heart.
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