The cherry blossoms had faded, replaced by the thick green canopy of the Swordsmith Village, hidden deep within the mountains. After recovering from the Entertainment District battle, Tanjiro Kamado was sent here for one purpose: to receive a new sword.
Arriving with Nezuko at his side, Tanjiro was in awe of the peaceful serenity. Hot springs, warm lantern lights, and masked swordsmiths filled the remote village. Yet he was warned — the village's location must remain secret, for it was the lifeblood of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Soon, he was welcomed by Hotaru Haganezuka's master, who informed him that Hotaru was preparing a new blade in the mountains, cutting off all contact with the world in pure obsession.
Tanjiro began training again, his body not yet fully healed, but his resolve unwavering.
—
Elsewhere in the village, a familiar voice screamed through the skies — Genya Shinazugawa. Now reunited, Tanjiro was both shocked and curious to see him again, especially after overhearing the conflict between Genya and Sanemi.
But there was no time for pleasantries.
On the third day of his stay, Tanjiro was led to an abandoned training ground — overgrown, old, but filled with the air of battle. In its center stood a strange, massive mechanical construct.
"This… is the Yorichii Zero Model," said one of the swordsmiths.
Tanjiro's heart skipped a beat.
The figure looked ancient — six arms, each holding a sword, standing in silent reverence like a guardian of a forgotten era.
"Why… does this exist?" Tanjiro asked, unable to tear his eyes away.
"The model was built based on the movements of the strongest swordsman in history — Yorichii Tsugikuni."
The name struck like lightning. The figure was hauntingly reminiscent of the man in Tanjiro's dreams, the one in Muzan's blood memories.
Tanjiro reached out slowly, breath trembling.
Something deep inside him stirred — not fear, but a weight.
A burden… of legacy.
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