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NOTES
I was planning on missing out this entire arc, but it's too cool to ignore. Enjoy :)
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― "THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS," Hikari bowed respectfully to the anonymous Kakushi member who had helped her arrive at the Swordsmith Village.
"It was an honor to assist you," the Kakushi bowed back, before turning around and walking back down the path they had just taken to arrive.
Hikari faced the wide-open gates of the crafting town, their welcoming aura reminding her of the Rengoku household and the Sound Estate. It filled her with a sense of safety, a sense she didn't feel often, and it made her glad.
She stepped through the beckoning opening, immediately earning waves and calls of greeting from surrounding swordsmiths. She had familiarized herself with the village and its inhabitants, taking joy in their friendliness and generosity.
The Hashira made her way to the grand house of the village's chief, Tecchin, and knocked gently on the door in case she was inadvertently disturbing events. A high-pitched, excitable voice sounded from behind the door, albeit muffled, a familiar voice that made Hikari chuckle.
"Ooh, we have guests! Quick, make me look presentable! There wasn't ever a party in here!" chirped the voice, before the door swung open and a tall swordsmith with a classic hyottoko mask covering their face greeted the Demon Slayer.
"Good afternoon, Kyoudo-sama," they said, bowing respectfully and motioning inside. "Come, come, the chief is excited to see you."
"Thank you very much," Hikari smiled, bowing in return. "I am glad I haven't interrupted anything."
"Oh, no, no, of course not," the swordsmith nodded. "Just through here, sir."
Hikari followed the swordsmith through the one-story yet rather fancy house, to an open room where Tecchin was sat on a cushioned tatami on the floor with two other swordsmiths on either side of him.
"Hikari!" the chief exclaimed in excitement. "It is wonderful to see you after such time! Please, please, have a seat!"
The small man waved towards another cushioned tatami opposite him, which Hikari gratefully took as a seat.
"It's wonderful to see you too, Tecchin-sama," she smiled, bowing her head. "Have the other Demon Slayers here been respecting you well?"
"Oh, yes, yes!" Tecchin nodded quickly. "Kamado-kun was very respectful! He bowed until his forehead touched the floor, and did it again! He is definitely my favorite."
