The clear, delicate chime of wind bells echoed through the courtyard, signaling the arrival of the swordsmith. Wearing his traditional mask, the swordsmith stepped forward and presented two freshly forged Nichirin Blades.
One was for Okane Kichiro, the other for Kanao. At first glance the blades looked identical, but upon closer inspection, subtle details revealed the adjustments the swordsmith had made for each of them.
After all—when it came to physical strength, women naturally differed from men, and the smith had refined the balance and weight accordingly.
[Detection: Plot Weapon — Nichirin Blade]
[Would you like to spend 700 Paradise Coins to authenticate this item?]
[Authentication Confirmed — Deduction Successful]
The moment the number on his Paradise wallet plummeted, Okane Kichiro felt a stab of pain right through his heart.
[Item: Nichirin Blade (Blue)]
[Quality: Superior]
[Description: This blade is forged from Scarlet Crimson Iron Sand and Scarlet Ore—materials capable of absorbing sunlight. Origin: Derivative World (Demon Slayer)]
[Effect 1: Purification — Due to the sunlight-absorbing properties of its materials, attacks deal minor light-aspected holy damage.]
"…Only one effect?"
Okane Kichiro muttered. At that rate, authenticating it didn't seem all that meaningful.
Even an unauthenticated Nichirin Blade could kill demons. Authenticating it merely added a weak Purification effect. In a world where demons were the only enemies, that extra effect hardly made a difference.
As for taking it back to Paradise?
Once he completed the mission, he would undoubtedly earn a better sword—just like the Hashira, whose Nichirin Blades were custom-forged to match their breathing styles, unlike these standardized models. Those were the blades truly worth bringing out of a world.
"Seven hundred Paradise Coins—completely wasted!"
Okane Kichiro grumbled. In truth, gear authentication wasn't as simple as it appeared; there were hidden benefits like compatibility and resonance. It was just that Okane Kichiro hadn't discovered them yet.
"Kichiro, Kanao—this is your Demon Slayer Corps uniform!"
Kanzaki Aoi beamed with pride. Okane Kichiro and Kanao passing Final Selection made her happier than the candidates themselves.
Since Okane Kichiro was currently staying at the Butterfly Estate, his uniform was the same as a standard Corps member—but his haori resembled Shinobu's in overall design. Its base was pure white, though lacking her butterfly-wing patterns. Instead, the edges featured blue wave motifs, symbolizing the Breathing Style he had mastered.
The uniform wasn't just stylish—its fabric was extraordinary: waterproof, fire-resistant, dirt-resistant… another plot-grade item. And since it only cost 100 Paradise Coins to bring back, Okane Kichiro grew increasingly satisfied the more he looked at it. If he had spare coins when leaving, he would absolutely authenticate two sets.
"Well? Not bad, right?"
Okane Kichiro turned in a half-circle. His build was already well-proportioned; wearing the uniform made him look even more striking. Combined with his sharp features, he easily drew attention—three of the young nurses nearby stared openly, unable to look away.
"…I-I guess it's okay."
Aoi quickly looked aside, her face turning pink. But before she could say more, she noticed a Kasugai Crow swooping toward them—her expression instantly stiffened.
"Kichiro! Depart immediately for the village to the northeast! Numerous people have vanished recently—we suspect demon activity!"
The crow croaked in its grating voice. They had just received their swords and uniforms, yet the Corps issued a mission right away. Demons were more rampant than expected, and the Corps more understaffed than imagined. At this rate, Kanao would likely be sent on a mission soon too.
"A mission already? Kichiro, be careful! Demons outside Mount Fujikasane aren't the same as the ones inside. You might encounter one with a Blood Demon Art!"
Aoi worriedly bit her lip.
"I'll be fine. I'm heading out now."
Okane Kichiro said his goodbyes. Unfortunately, Shinobu had left on a mission days prior—he didn't get the chance to say farewell.
Who knew when they would meet again?
His Kasugai Crow perched atop his head and guided him onward.
With Okane Kichiro's speed, he arrived at the village before sunset. If it were any farther, the Corps wouldn't have assigned him to it.
The Demon Slayer story took place in the Taishō era. Electricity and trains existed, but remote mountain villages still followed older ways of life. Only a few homes had electricity; most relied on candles and oil lamps.
At night, the entire village became eerily silent. Only a few distant dog barks broke through the darkness. Around them, the mountains were pitch black—the perfect environment for demons.
Standing atop the highest roof, Okane Kichiro overlooked the entire settlement.
"There are definitely signs of demon activity," he murmured.
He lacked Tanjiro's sharp sense of smell and Inosuke's spatial awareness, but his Transparent World allowed him to see traces left by demons.
However, using it too long drained his stamina quickly, so he could not track the demon directly. Confirming its presence was enough. Demons couldn't resist feeding. Humans were an addiction they could never quit.
Wait for the demon to appear. Kill it.
A perfect plan.
Based on Corps intel, this demon had a large appetite and fed frequently. It might even show up tonight.
"Don't disappoint me."
Okane Kichiro sat beneath the eaves, quietly waiting.
When the moon reached its highest point, the village fell into a deathly stillness. Even the village dogs, normally restless, seemed terrified into silence.
"A big one, huh…"
Okane Kichiro rose, slapping his cheeks lightly—awakening his focus.
Outside the village, an ominous grinding sound echoed through the forest. It resembled teeth grinding, but sharper—more frantic. With every second, the sound drew closer.
Soon, a massive silhouette emerged from the treeline.
The disturbance was loud enough to wake the entire village, yet no villager dared step outside. For the past several nights, whenever this sound echoed through the darkness, a family would vanish by morning—leaving behind only dried, darkened bloodstains.
To the villagers, that sound had become a death sentence. No one knew which household would be next, so no one dared open their door. They hid and prayed they would not be the next victims.
Many had already fled. The ones remaining could barely endure. If Okane Kichiro hadn't come tonight, the village would soon crumble into a mass grave.