Slayer of the Five Leaf Clover

Chapter 21: An Old Friend and A New Hunter

  (Asta's p.o.v.)

  The Wind Hashira had just arrived and I was surprised by who it was. One of the survivors from Final Selection, Sanemi. From his expression, he was surprised to see me too. I said to him, "Hey Sanemi, how've you been?" He walked up to me as he said, "I see you're still alive, Asta." I replied, "I can say the same of you. Seriously, I wasn't expecting that the next time we meet, you would be a Hashira." "Yeah. Anyway, Master sent me here to train a devil, strange as the request is, and honestly, I'm kind of uneasy about it." I could understand why he thought that, I mean, being asked to train a devil is not exactly a normal thing to ask.

  "True, and honestly I never thought about working with you humans before either." Me and Sanemi turned our attention to Liebe and he continued, "Truthfully, I still harbor resentment towards the majority of your race. However, I have met some humans who don't loathe and fear me for what I am and showed me compassion, like Asta and Master Kagaya, who are willing to help me avenge my foster mother's death. So, just as they are helping me in my fight, I will also help you Demon Slayers." Sanemi was taken back by Liebe's statement and smiled as he replied, "It's kinda funny hearing a devil saying something so noble, but regardless, it's something to respect above all else. I can see why Master likes you. I don't think I got your name." "Liebe, you?" "Sanemi Shinazugawa, the current Wind Hashira, and the one who will train you. So Liebe, I hope you're prepared because it's gonna be tough." Liebe smiled and responded, "It wouldn't be worth it if it was easy." I smiled at Liebe's statement and he began training with Sanemi.

 
  (2 years later)

 
  Two years after Sanemi arrived at the Butterfly Mansion, Liebe had completed his training in Wind Breathing and was ready to undergo Final Selection. 4 months after the day in question, I had mastered Total Concentration Constant and was made a full-fledged Hashira.

  The morning after Liebe finished his training, I lead him to the site of Final Selection, the same mountain I survived a week on. Like me, Liebe was given a Nichirin sword to be able to fight off the Demons by his teacher. When we climbed to the top of the stairs, we saw little over 20 people participating that year. I turned to Liebe and said, "Alright, from this point on I can't help you my friend. You'll have to make it through this on your own." He replied, "I expected as much, I can't grow stronger if I hold someone's hand all the time." I nodded and the Master's wife, Amane began the opening of the Final Selection. After she was done, Liebe went along with the other examinees. Before he got ten feet from me, I said, "Good luck, Liebe." He looked over his shoulder and nodded in reply.

   (1 week later)

  The Final Selection was now over and Liebe made it back alive, which made me happy. He walked up to me and said, "I'm alive." I chuckled and replied, "Yes, I can see that. It's good to see you again." He smiled and Lady Amane began the orientation for the survivors. It went on the same way when I took the Final Selection. Liebe picked out the ore for his sword and was give his uniform by the Kakushi, after that we went back to the Butterfly Mansion to wait for his sword to be forged and delivered.

  We arrived at the Mansion, and were welcomed by Shinobu and Kanae. "Welcome back, boys!!" They cheered with a smile. I replied with a smile, "Thanks ladies." Their faces started to become red for some reason. I asked them, "Are you two okay?" They then became flustered and stuttered while they said in unison, "N-n-no w-w-we're fine!!!" I turned to Liebe and he was smirking at them like he planned to tease them later. We were then snapped out of our thoughts when two members of the Kakushi approached us while carrying something and said, "Master Asta and Master Liebe, the haoris you requested have been finished while you were gone." Before we left to take Liebe to Final Selection, I requested that the Kakushi to make me and Liebe each a custom haori. "Thank you." I replied as they handed us what they were carrying, which turned out to be our haoris. I requested it to be black with a red five leaf clover on the back, and Liebe's to be red with a black five leaf clover on the back. It seemed appropriate since we both share a five leaf grimoire, so might as well make it our trademark. We put the silk coats on and saw that they were a perfect fit. Kanae said, "You both look great!" Shinobu agreed with a smile and a nod. Me and Liebe replied, "Thanks."

  15 days had passed since Liebe completed Final Selection, and he and I were sparring with wooden swords, trying to refine our skills with a blade. We were in the middle of a match when the Kasugai crow flew in and said to us, "Liebe, your Nichirin sword has been forged and is being delivered today!! It should be here any moment now!!" The both of us smiled at what the crow said, but that look changed when it continued, "After receiving your weapon, you shall also receive your first assignment as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps!" Our faces then wore a serious expression.

A few minutes later, I started to sense a familiar Ki coming to the front gate of the Butterfly Mansion. I signaled Liebe to follow me and he did. We walked out the gate and I turned to the source of the Ki. It was Haganezuka, who forged my sword. I called out to him, "Haganezuka! It's been a while, how've you been?!" He looked up and he said as he approached us, "Asta, it has been a long time. So, how has your sword been holding up?" I answered, "I've been taking handle it with great care, although I'm worried that it's edge it's getting dull after all these years." He said, "Well, I happen to bring some whetstones with for such an occasion. After I deliver Liebe's sword, I'll sharpen it for you." I replied, "Thank you." Haganezuka turned to Liebe and asked, "So, you must be Liebe?" He replied, "I am. Why do we go inside and unwrap it?" Me and the old swordsmith nodded and we went inside.