Half a month later, Raiden received his new Nichirin blade.
The swordsmith who had forged it was named Tomoya, one of the oldest and most experienced masters in Swordsmith Village, known for crafting Nichirin blades exclusively for Pillar-level Demon Slayers.
When Tomoya first met Raiden, he did not immediately hand over the blade. Instead, he observed him silently, a mixture of surprise and scrutiny in his eyes. Surprise at Raiden's youthful appearance—he could easily be Tomoya's grandson—and yet he had managed to suppress an Upper Moon. Incredible. The scrutiny was for the blade itself: could Raiden truly be worthy of wielding a weapon forged with the smith's heart and soul?
Raiden met Tomoya's gaze calmly, unshaken. He was confident in his strength and in his right to this blade.
After a long pause, Tomoya's eyes softened. He nodded slightly, handed the cloth-wrapped Nichirin blade to Raiden, and began to leave.
Raiden had meant to invite him inside to rest, but Tomoya only paused briefly. "No need. I hope this blade will not disgrace its name in your hands."
"It won't," Raiden replied firmly.
Tomoya nodded again and departed, leaving Raiden standing in the morning sunlight.
Carefully, he unwrapped the cloth. The blade gleamed under the sun, its brilliance reflecting in Raiden's eyes.
The hilt, a black base intertwined with pale silver lines, resembled the night sky, stars dancing across its surface. The texture was smooth and warm in Raiden's palm, as if the blade itself were an extension of him.
The blade emanated a subtle chill, not just from the Scarlet Crimson Iron Sand used in its forging, but from the meticulous craftsmanship imbued into it. Its surface was flawless, reflecting the surroundings like a serene winter lake. Swinging it gently, Raiden could see how the blade seemed to merge with the environment, a transparent harmony of power and precision.
Drawing a deep breath, Raiden channeled the power of his newly integrated Superior Talent into the blade. A crackling, lightning-like energy surged along the hilt, igniting the black-and-silver patterns. The deep black served as the backdrop for the glowing lightning, while the silver lines traced arcs of electric energy, a visual echo of Raiden's power.
As he moved, the blade cut the air with a whisper, leaving trails of lightning in its wake. A flick of his wrist sent a surge of energy from the tip, illuminating the courtyard in a brief, golden explosion.
Satisfied, Raiden lowered the blade, the lightning patterns fading back into calm. His gaze shifted to the Kasugai Crow perched silently on the eaves.
"New mission?" he asked.
The crow's sharp voice carried in his mind. "North-northwest, dozens missing. Investigate immediately."
Raiden's eyes narrowed. Dozens missing at once suggested a demon bold enough to openly challenge the Demon Slayer Corps. Not all demons dared such acts; most preferred to strike quietly. Could it be an Upper Moon? The Lower Moons had likely been eliminated by Muzan by now.
With his current strength, Raiden felt confident he could handle almost any Upper Moon—though Kokushibo and Douma remained wildcards. Even with them, he knew he could escape unscathed if necessary.
"Understood. I'll prepare and head over," Raiden said.
Returning to his room, he packed his gear. Half a month had passed; it was time to test the limits of his new strength. While he trusted his Superior Talent and integrated skills, the true measure of his power would come on the field.
As he passed through the Butterfly Mansion courtyard, he noticed Zenitsu and the others training with fervor. Unlike the original story, they trained not out of grief for Rengoku's death, but out of guilt for failing on the Infinity Train. Raiden did not disturb them; their growth was their own journey.
By noon, Raiden boarded the train to Hirai, feigning sleep during the long journey. By evening, he arrived, stepping into the lively bustle of the town. Though not as grand as Asakusa, Hirai had its own warmth, life spilling into the streets even at night.
"So many people, finding a demon here is going to be tricky," Raiden murmured. Following the Kasugai Crow's guidance, he moved through the night market, scanning for disturbances amidst laughter, calls of vendors, and the hum of the crowd.
Finally, his path led him to an ordinary-looking izakaya, its appearance belying the danger that lay within. Raiden's hand rested lightly on the hilt of his Nichirin blade, ready for whatever awaited.
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