Since clearing things up with Hiru, Kokushibo had entered a period of quiet seclusion.
The surrounding mountains appeared to have been purchased by the Demon Slayer Corps. Kakushi had established barriers at the foot of the mountain, preventing civilians from entering. Swordsmen operated only near the foothills and never ventured deeper.
Immersed in daily training, Kokushibo found the life unexpectedly peaceful. His swordsmanship had even achieved a slight breakthrough.
So when Hiru suddenly appeared before him—calm and composed as ever—Kokushibo felt a faint flicker of irritation.
"Do you think I would go back on my word?"
"No. I came for information." Hiru glanced around the cave, now furnished with a stone table, stone chairs, and even a stone bed, before sitting across from him. "I want intelligence on the Twelve Kizuki. All of it."
"Hmph… unnecessary." Kokushibo's anger subsided slightly as he closed his eyes. "Once you kill Muzan, the demons under his control will naturally turn to ash."
"I don't have a choice. Muzan refuses to come out. I was even prepared to let him devour me, but he lost his nerve. Lately, he seems to have found a way to counter me. I need to show him some sincerity as well."
Kokushibo opened his eyes at that, his brows drawing together.
"Counter you?"
"Mm. If he succeeds, it will be troublesome." Hiru nodded. "So I intend to strike first and force him to reveal himself."
"…Understood."
Kokushibo closed his eyes once more and extended his arm.
"Transmit it through blood."
Without hesitation, Hiru held out his hand, allowing Kokushibo's claws to pierce his wrist.
"At times like this, demons really are convenient. The efficiency is impressive… Hm? Only general areas of residence? Still uncertain? Brother, your social circle around Muzan is rather limited…"
Kokushibo withdrew his hand and ignored him, returning to meditation as though nothing had happened.
"Alright, I won't disturb you any longer." Hiru rose to his feet. "But there's something I really need to say."
"Hmm?"
"Brother, that sword of yours is truly ugly. I remember your taste being quite refined. Have you been influenced by that jar monster over the years?"
"…Leave. Immediately."
Hiru wasn't entirely satisfied—he hadn't even received a proper "Get lost." Still, he chose not to press the matter and obediently left the cave.
After he was gone, however, Kokushibo lowered his gaze to the long blade resting across his knees.
"…Is it ugly?"
...
After returning to the river valley, Hiru sketched detailed portraits of each member of the Twelve Kizuki based on Kokushibo's memories.
On a separate set of pages, he compiled their abilities, suspected current locations, and habitual patterns of activity. He then bundled everything together and handed it to Kitaro—who had just delivered blood to Tamayo—to pass on to Ubuyashiki Kagaya.
Kitaro stared at the tightly wrapped cloth bundle, which was slightly larger than himself. He remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking.
"Do you honestly think a crow can carry all this, caw?"
Hiru's expression did not change.
"Make multiple trips."
"…Do you even have a conscience, caw?"
Despite the grumbling, Kitaro quickly summoned several other Kasugai Crows. Working together, they divided the heavy load and took off toward Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters.
When Ubuyashiki saw so many crows arriving with parcels, his breathing hitched for several seconds. He feared that simultaneous crises had broken out across the country.
Only after Kitaro explained that everything had been sent by Hiru did he visibly relax, calmly asking his wife to prepare some medicinal tea.
Once he confirmed that the documents contained intelligence on the Twelve Kizuki, he immediately understood Hiru's intentions.
He first ordered copies of the Upper Moon intelligence distributed among the Hashira. Then he dispatched Kakushi and Swordsmen to investigate the reported locations of Lower Moons—particularly those for whom the Corps had no confirmed kill records—to verify the accuracy of the information.
...
While awaiting the results, the swords for Takeo and the others were completed and delivered by the swordsmiths.
Hiru also saw Akiha again.
This time, Akiha hadn't come to settle scores over damaged blades, but as Nezuko's assigned swordsmith.
The first thing he did upon arrival was demand that Hiru hand over his weapons for inspection.
After examining them, he even tried to walk off with the newly forged swords meant for Nezuko and the others. Hiru restrained him on the spot.
Only after a great deal of grumbling—and with the intervention of another swordsmith, Haranosuke—did Akiha finally return the blades.
"I'm truly grateful." Hiru pressed his palms together toward Haranosuke in thanks. "If not for you, I would've had to take them back by force."
"No, no, think nothing of it."
Haranosuke waved dismissively.
"If Akiha insists on snatching something, it should be your sword. Trying to take a newly forged Nichirin Blade from a fresh Swordsman is unreasonable. Reckless users like the Human Hashira are rare, after all. His prejudice against new Swordsmen stems from you—that's the real problem. I merely said what needed to be said."
Hiru: …Ah. He's smiling, but that was definitely a reprimand.
"In any case, let's present the sword to its owner." Haranosuke glanced at Akiha, who was still clutching the blade and sulking. "Go on. Hand it to the young lady."
"Hmph…"
Akiha shuffled forward reluctantly and held the blade out to Nezuko.
"Don't go copying that guy, got it? If you turn out like him, I'm hiding your sword next time—understood?"
"Yes, I'll take good care of it." Nezuko smiled gently. "Thank you."
"But don't be too stiff about it either. If you're truly in danger, it's fine to be rough with the blade. You matter more than the sword." Akiha muttered, then shot Hiru another resentful look. "Alright, go on. Draw it. I want to see how it changes."
"Yes."
Nezuko glanced at Hiru—who was standing by the doorway wearing a faintly guilty expression—and smiled with crescent-shaped eyes.
Without hesitation, she drew the Nichirin Blade and gripped the hilt with both hands.
Within moments, a brilliant peach-pink hue spread swiftly across the metal.
It was the color of a Flower Breathing wielder.
"So beautiful…" Takeo gazed at the transformed blade with a soft smile. "It suits you perfectly, Sister."
"Mm. An auspicious color." Akiha nodded in clear satisfaction. "The blade must be pleased to be in your hands."
At those words, Nezuko's smile widened.
The peach-pink glow reflected across her delicate features, lending her skin a soft radiance. Her pink eyes shimmered brightly, filled with unrestrained joy.
"Yes, I'll do my best!"