Am I Home? (Demon Slayer x Fem!Reader)

Chapter 29: Trial Runs

Bright and early the next morning, you were already up and running laps around a designated area that the villagers had pointed out to you after you asked them.

It was around halfway that you spotted some of the villagers peeking at your training.

You had an inkling that this was going to happen.

After the fuss they had made about how you were able to melt your blades together, you knew you were going to be inspected and observed in order to make the most optimal Ninchirins for you.

The most obvious of your watchers was Isshin Ashina, your swordsmith.

Not only did he not hide himself like the other curious villagers. He outright brought a stool and a table out into the open area where you had planned to go through some movements with a pair of temporary wooden Yoroi-Doshi and Wazikashi.

With ink and paper laid out and already being used, Ashina looked between you and your weapons as you moved about.

A few other villagers had approached Ashina's side, looking over his notes with a few nods before taking a seat beside him. Eyes on you as you start to speed up.

Becoming a blur to the swordsmiths' eyes, Ashina had an almost eureka moment. Slamming his notes onto the table before scurrying away.

Not once did you pay him mind, your thoughts now only focusing on getting stronger.

You had to get stronger.

Images of Uzui's missing eye and hand at the forefront.

It wasn't until a villager called out to you that you paused.

"Breakfast is ready Miss (Y/N)!"

Was it?

The sound of your stomach growling definitely indicated that it was time to eat.

You stretched your body on the way over to the (now extended) table where the villagers had seemed to have set up a little observation area. The middle of the table had the best view of where you were training, the sides holding extra supplies and even some snacks and water.

They looked up at you, sparkles in their eyes as you gently placed the wooden swords down in their holders that one of them had brought.

A delicious smell of seasoned rice and meat met your nose, and you could already feel yourself drooling as you finally saw the large portion of dishes the villagers had left. At the very end of the table was a nicely set up area to eat.

You had thought of eating with Tanjiro again, but you were dragged down to sit beside another villager. They placed the plates of food in front of you, encouraging you to eat as Ashina skidded back beside you.

"?" Your mouth was too full to speak (as that would have been especially rude no matter where you were.) But that didn't bother him, as he started to bring out something that resembled a measuring tape.

The idea of him measuring you to optimise the making of your blades was clear. So you let Ashina fiddle around you, offering up your arms any time they were free as you ate.

Ashina took no time to work and you weren't even done with your meal when he sprinted away again.

"..."

You had no words, and even if you did, you turned back to finish your food. Thanking the villagers once you were done.

With the food still digesting, you walked around the open area working on some mobile stretches. A lunge here, a lunge there. Rolling your shoulders and rotating your arms.