11 Chapter 10
{2 weeks later}
{Master Kaji Estate 10:00PM}
As I approached Master Kaji's estate, I checked my bag once more, ensuring everything was in order. The familiar anticipation of meeting the skilled swordsmith coursed through me. With a wide smile, I rang the bell, its resonant chime filling the air. Soon after, the door creaked open, revealing the distinctive Tōko mask that had become synonymous with Master Kaji.
"Hello, Master Kaji," I greeted warmly, my excitement evident.
"Hoshi, is that you? You've certainly grown in these past two years," observed Master Kaji, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
"Yeah, although the same can't be said about you though it's hard to tell with that mask of yours," I replied playfully, recalling our previous encounters.
Without much preamble, Master Kaji got straight to the point, leaning in a bit closer. "Well, enough chit-chat. What brings you here? You only show up when you need something."
I nodded, ready to state my purpose. "I'd like you to forge another nichirin blade for me. Not because mine is damaged, but because I need an additional one. Please, Kaji, forge me another blade."
Master Kaji let out a resigned sigh, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Ah, the things the young make me do." He took my bag and instructed me to wait, assuring me it wouldn't take too long this time.
Anticipation bubbled within me as I watched him disappear into the workshop. Three hours later, he returned with a newly forged blade in hand.
"Here, take it. This time, I want you to see how sunlight affects this type of blades," he suggested.
I accepted the blade, and took it into the sunlight it started changing at a rapid rate and I marveled at its unique design. The same with my first one, this one had a star pattern,but the difference was that the blade was white and the stars were black.
"I have just the sheath for a blade like this," Master Kaji declared. With purposeful steps, he disappeared back into his workshop and returned with a completely white sheath, complementing the black and white bands on the grip of the blade. The harmony of the design was striking, a testament to Master Kaji's craftsmanship.
After securing the newly forged blade, I carefully sheathed it alongside my other trusted companion. It felt empowering to have two potent weapons at my disposal. As a thought struck me, I turned to Master Kaji with a request.
"And Master Kaji, would you be so kind as to provide me with a chain to link my nichirin blades together?" I inquired, hopeful of his assistance.
"Why, certainly, my boy," Master Kaji responded with a knowing smile. He disappeared once again into his workshop, his hands deftly working to fulfill my request. In no time, he reemerged, holding out a simple yet sturdy silver chain. It was crafted with care, designed to seamlessly connect both blades.
"Thank you once again, Master Kaji," I expressed my gratitude sincerely. Securing the chain to the other side of my belt, I left the estate, a newfound sense of purpose coursing through me. It was time to embark on the formidable task of facing a moon.
{3 weeks later}
For three weeks, I delved into the investigation of the baffling disappearances within the depths of a sprawling forest. Along the way, I honed my skills, mastering the elusive Gemini constellation, a new addition to my breathing techniques. As I drew nearer to the forest, an eerie darkness seemed to enshroud the world around me. Sinister vibes permeated the air, and an unseen presence lurked its origin eluding my senses.
As I ventured deeper into the forest, an ominous atmosphere clung to me, the sensation of being scrutinized growing ever more palpable. Abruptly, a powerful, feminine voice reverberated through the air, a piercing scream demanding, "Get out!"
I reacted swiftly, the metallic ring of my unsheathed sword cutting through the tension. My eyes gleamed with an unyielding resolve. The encircling trees, almost in eerie harmony, thrust their branches menacingly toward me. With a thunderous bellow, I invoked, "Flame Breathing Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation!" My blade wove a dance of defense, forging a protective barricade of serrated branches around me.
Yet, the relentless voice echoed once more, its grating timbre an insistent call for my retreat. The forest retaliated, roots erupting from the earth in a desperate attempt to ensnare me. Undaunted, I cried out, channeling my strength into every word, "Constellation Breathing Tenth Form: Capricorn Sea Goat." Like water, I flowed through the roots, my movements a symphony of evasion and precision severing each root that came at me with practiced ease.
Amidst the maelstrom, a subtle shift occurred. My vision sharpened, the intricate patterns within the trees and the subterranean roots now laid bare before me. With newfound clarity, I spotted it—a diminutive, wood-skinned demon nestled within a tree. Swiftly, I bellowed, "Constellation Breathing Second Form: Taurus Charge." With resolute steps, I materialized before the tree, executing a horizontal slash that cleaved it in two.
From the sundered trunk emerged a colossal form, towering nearly nine feet in height. Its skin bore the texture of bark, and its eyes, one of which bore the kanji for 'three,' gleamed with an eerie green light. This demon had no mouth to speak, yet her silent anguish was palpable. "Why did you do this? Why did you break my home?" she implored.
"You are a demon, it is my duty," I asserted. Undeterred, she marshaled her roots below ground.
Yet, with my heightened sight, I foresaw her movements. I decided this was the perfect time to try out my new blade and form and so in a monotone voice, I intoned, "Constellation Breathing Third Form: Gemini Twin Blades."
With swift precision, I closed the distance, drawing both my blades. In a seamless motion, I executed two slashes, targeting her left arm and right leg. Following through, I delivered another slash, aiming for her right arm, and thrust my blade into her heart. Then, a slash across her left leg and a piercing strike to her stomach. Finally, I concluded with two decisive slashes to her head, delivering the fatal blow and sending her head soaring through the air.
As she was turning to ash, she lamented, "I sought only to protect my home." Her words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the complex dance between duty and compassion in this world of demons.
*Author Note: in case you are wondering why Hoshi was able to unlock the Transparent World without the demon slayer mark well there are two reasons
1. Because of his stargazing since he was a baby his eyes have developed much more than anyone else's should be able to coming close to Yoriichi level when it comes to eyesight.
2. A little of TRUTH's help and TRUTH also gave him the talent of swordsmanship and the ability to see the constellations moving if you hadn't figured it out yet lol.*
