Argentum: Alright time to fight a robot.

Kotetsu: Yes! My family's creation will shine forward!

Grel'Slyfer: Just how was the robot made in the first place?

Kotetsu: No idea!

Mitsuri: Heh heh… I can't wait for something else this chapter.

Tanjiro/Kanao: Oh no.

Argentum: Yes well a certain-

Judan: I added it in without him noticing at the last second!

Argentum: I hate you sometimes.

Slayer: This is what happens when we put all of our documents on the same google drive.

Judan: Hey my changes and additions are perfect!

Slayer: I still want to punch you for you "added" in my BDWC first version story.

Judan: Well you deleted it for the redux.

Slayer: It was a horrible addition!

Argentum: It kind of was.

Judan: Ya'll have no taste.

Slayer: Whatever. I think this has dragged on in any case.

Argentum: True… so! Kotetsu! How about you start the chapter off?

Kotetsu: Sure! Ahem… We here at the Dark Guard productions own nothing but ocs and reality building concepts. Now without further ado…

Everyone: Here's the story!

Hello= Regular talk

Hello= Thoughts

[Hello]= Radio

(Hello)= Telepathy/Mind reading

Chapter Fifty Four: How two teens need more supervision or… How I had to help fix a robot…

There was a sight I was not expecting to see in the morning. At least not yet for the two innocent and shy teens. It was breakfast and Kanao with a blush was sitting in Tanjiro's lap. Tanjiro himself was also blushing but had his arms around Kanao's waist. Now that wouldn't have been suspicious. I mean I hold Cassandra and Eris like that all the time. However what was suspicious were their disheveled looking appearances. That and the bite mark on Tanjiro's neck. All of us besides Muichiro quickly picked up on what happened.

Of course a certain pillar had to comment on that. "So… enjoy your time by yourselves~?" She of course timed it right so that the two had taken a bite of food. So there was much sputtering as they tried not choke. "I'll take that as a yes~." She then put a hand to her cheek as the two seemed to blush harder. "But I'm honestly surprised, I didn't see Kanao as a biter~." Steam was now coming out of their ears as Kanao panicked a bit.

"Please don't tell Nee San!" Mitsuri's eyes glowed with mischief though quickly dulled.

"All of you are so noisy." Looking back at the mist Hashira Mitsuri sighed. "What? I'm just speaking the truth."

Mitsuri shook her head at his tone. "Ara Tokito Kun… you really need to learn to lighten up! Life is too short to simply go through it without a smile~!" She then thought of something. "Now that I think of it some of the other pillars could also learn that lesson. Though Tomioka San seems to be happier as of late, got to thank Kocho Chan for that." While she made a good point the Muichiro wasn't having it.

"This isn't a vacation, in fact if it were up to me I'd have taken a sword and have been on my way. However Oyakata Sama asked us to test out these "new" swords and I will do so." Finishing up his meal the kid stood up. "I'm done now; need to look into something I heard of while I'm here." He didn't elaborate, instead he picked up a "borrowed" sword and left.

After a few moments Genya spoke up. "Bit of a mood killer isn't he?" I shrugged at that.

"Eh he's the second youngest of our entire group, in fact I think only Nezuko is a bit younger. He just needs to grow up a bit more." Taking another bite I couldn't help but acquiesce a bit. "But yeah he is being a bit of a brat." Tanjiro having calmed down with the topic of discussion off himself and his girlfriend spoke up.

"I wouldn't go that far… who knows what he might've have gone through. Everyone handles grief differently after all." Mitsuri while chewing pointed at Tanjiro with a smile.

"Mhmm!" Swallowing she pounded her chest before speaking. "Sorry about that, but I agree with Tanjiro Kun. Besides unlike the rest of us he doesn't remember anything from the first decade of his life." I gave her a look of intrigue, I did not know that about him though I still had my own thoughts on it.

"Really now? I didn't know that but I suppose that is a reason so fair enough, but that doesn't mean it's okay to treat everyone around you as annoyances." Stretching out my back I continued. "Heh despite all that I doubt he'll be able to keep this up, what with our crazy group hanging out around him."

While most smiled Kanao sighed at my words. "Truer words have never been said." She then gave me a stink eye. "I mean look what your influence has brought?" While everyone else was confused I knew exactly what she was talking about. So I did the brave thing and laugh it off while turning my head so I couldn't see her eyes. Yes truly brave of me.

That's when Mitsuri clapped her hands. "Alright enough with that kiddos~!" Turning back to her Tanjiro and Kanao gulped. "So… what did you two get up two while alone~?" He smile was purely predatory as she said those words.

Looking at one another Genya and I scarfed down our food before standing up. ""Gotta go!"" And thus we ran as the two teens yelled at us for help. We are definitely the bravest in the world. Now out of ear shot we sighed before looking at one another. ""Never speak of this?"" Reaching our hands out we shook in agreement.

With that debacle over Genya pointed northwest. "So… want to try out guns and explosives with me?" I swear my grin wasn't that of an evil mastermind at those words.

"You had me at guns." Pretty sure our faces would've scared any small children if they saw us that day. Not that we cared, it was time for us guys to go out and have some fun. What can I say? While I may not use them all that much, shooting things with a gun is always fun.

The shooting range we eventually arrived at was actually a bit packed. Turns out we weren't the only ones trying out guns that day. Walking up to us was a masked gunsmith.

"Ah! Slayer Dono's! I was expecting Shinazugawa Dono, but not you Smith Dono. Here to also try out some new weapons?" Still grinning I nodded as the gunsmith chuckled and led us to a free range. "Any preferences we should send over?"

The two of us still in sync spoke. ""Surprise us.."" The smith laughed before walking off to do as we asked. Chuckling I looked back down range, the sight reminded me of simpler times. It made me miss my bow and my hands itched to shoot one again.

I suppose guns will just have to do for now. Shaking my head as the gunsmith returned. My eyes lit up as he handed us two very large single shot pistols.

"Here you go a pistol to start out with. This is the Thompson Center Contender. Outfitted with the largest barrels we have. Uses forty five seventy rounds. Have fun." He then left to check on some others as I loaded the pistol and pointed it down range. The moment I fired it I knew what I had to do.

"I've got to get me one of these!" Firing his own I could tell from Genya's grin that he was thinking the same thing.

This line break has built guns, swords, and robots!

We spent all of the time between breakfast and lunch simply shooting guns. By the time we were done Genya had the Thompson, a luger, and a sawed off browning superposed. I simply left with the Thompson… and ninety rounds. As we were heading back we heard the sounds of combat. Curious we followed the sounds to see Tanjiro, Kanao, and some young smith boy watching something with interest. I was about to ask what was up but stopped myself. Turns out the sounds of combat was Muichiro fighting against some mechanical monstrosity. His movements were just as refined as the last time I witnessed him fight.

As I approached I spoke up. "Mind filling us in on just why Muichiro is fighting some random robot with six arms?" Looking back at us Tanjiro spoke up.

"Oh! Didn't see you there, but as for what he's doing… I think he's training right now." The boy nodded before speaking up.

"He is… though I really wish he wasn't! That doll is three hundred years old and I currently don't know how to fix it!" As I hummed a Kasugaigarasu or Kasugai crow spoke up as it landed next to us.

"That's Tokito Sama! Compared to you peasants he's amazing Craw!" I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at her, something that bristled her feathers. "Don't give me that look! He's a descendant of the sun breath users! He deserves your respect simply for that!"

Genya then pointed at Tanjiro. "Wait… Tanjiro can actually use sun breathing, so by your logic shouldn't he be superior?" That seemed to completely shock the crow into silence. "I'll take that as a yes then. Still to be a descendant, think you're related Tanjiro?" The red haired teen shrugged.

"Maybe… but I don't think so. Yoriichi only taught my ancestor I think, though I guess it is possible they were related. Based on the memories I saw we certainly look enough alike. Plus Kokushibo seems to think we're the same in some regard, and he was the first breath user's brother." As the smith boy looked up at Tanjiro in awe I watched as the crow seemed to crumble.

"We-well he might know it... but with his amnesia he probably just forgot!" She then paused thinking of something before speaking her thoughts. "Now that I mention it though ever since he's started interacting with that demon girl, as well as all of you. He has remembered his father and mother, as well as how his twin was killed by a demon." I would've asked more about that, but that's when we all heard a loud crack of wood. Looking back we were shocked to see Muichiro cut off pieces from the robot.

The poor kid seemed to cry out in despair. "NO! How?! How could he?!" With tears in his eyes the boy ran off. Being the big brother he was Tanjiro ran after the kid, and in turn Kanao ran after Tanjiro. Sighing I stayed to watch along with Genya. Muichiro spent a bit longer training before turning a key, with it turned the robot collapsed. He then left and I approached with Genya.

The scarred teen whistled. "Whew! For such a small guy he definitely put this thing through the wringer." I couldn't help but nod as I examined the machine.

"You can say that again. Still it seems as if not all is lost." Turning it over I took out a small knife I kept on my person and pried open a back panel. "Seems as if the inner wiring is still good, a bit worn, but still good. The damage done seems merely cosmetic in nature." Genya was just blinking at me in pure confusion.

"Mind repeating that in a way normal people not from the future can understand?" I couldn't help but shake my head at that.

"Alright… look over here." Kneeling next to me as I tightened some wires and cogs I explained what I was doing. "You see these wires? Or strings?" He nodded. "I'm currently checking them for fraying and burnt parts. Think of these as the robot's veins. And these cogs or wheels as its organs. Now while I don't have the skill to make complete new ones, I have worked with them in the past for an elective class. It was fun and I learned quite a bit." He nodded and continued to watch me do some minor repairs on the quite frankly advanced machine.

A while went on and storm clouds started to gather. However I wasn't anywhere near finished, I needed more cogs, wires, and screws if I wanted to bring this up to one hundred percent. Shaking my head I closed the back panel right as Tanjiro and the others came back.

The boy looked at me. "Hey! What do you think you're doing?!" I raised my hands up in surrender.

"Just doing some minor repairs. Should be working better than when Muichiro fought it now." He seemed surprised when Tanjiro put a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey you can trust him Kotetsu. But if you want proof, how about we turn it on and see for ourselves?" The boy or Kotetsu nodded and approached the machine.

"Alright here goes nothing." Turning the key as we all stood back, the machine stuttered a bit before holding itself completely up right. "Amazing! The Yoriichi type zero works!" He then turned to me. "Please teach me what you know!" Smiling I nodded my head as he turned to Tanjiro. "AS for you! You shall now train against the type zero and become stronger than any Hashira! Especially that Hashira!" The poor teen had a look of confusion on his face.

"But I'm also a Hashira…" Shaking his head Tanjiro thought of something else. "Wait! Aren't you afraid I might break it?"

Kotetsu shrugged. "Before maybe but now?" He looked at me. "I'm sure with some time and help I can make it even better than before! Now get to training!" Tanjiro could only gulp as he looked at the machine. For some reason I knew he was going to have a rough time.

This line break has built guns, swords, and robots!

It has now been ten days since that conversation, and man have I been busy. Between practicing with my new Thompson, teaching Kotetsu what little I knew about robotics, and training with either Kanao or Mitsuri. I've barely had time for myself. Tanjiro on the other hand was having about as rough of a time as I was. Turned out Kotetsu was a slave driver, and was pushing Tanjiro to the breaking point. On the other hand Tanjiro was taking it all in stride. Absorbing the experience and strength he was getting like a wet sponge.

He was also spending time training with Kanao when I was teaching Kotetsu. Any other spare time I had was spent on trying to turn my blade crimson, or working another project of mine. I wasn't making all that much progress if I were honest. Turned out Sun breathing was the best breath to use to turn a sword red. Honestly wasn't that big of a surprise seeing how the first breath user was a sun breather.

We were however starting to get complaints, too many broken swords apparently. Yeah both me and Tanjiro were being too rough with the swords we were given. Speaking of swords, after having used a regular katana this past week, I've made a realization.

I hate shorter swords! I honestly had no idea how the others used them. I missed the reach and weight of my own sword. So to compensate I decided on creating yet another form, the project I mentioned before. I actually planned on two more besides my eleventh. That way I had all my bases covered. I will also freely admit that my eyes were an absolute cheat in this. Having observed so many other forms from different styles had helped me tremendously. Then again Kyojuro picked up on the forms I invented without having even taught him.

What could I say? My sensei was just that naturally awesome. As we were doing this Mitsuri and Genya were also training. Speaking of training Mitsuri could now lift fifty five tons. Was pretty shocked when I learned that, made my measly twenty six seem small in comparison. Then again I had the demon mark and my minor dimensional energy surge. So things were a bit even back then. Things would've continued along this fashion if I didn't get a surprise challenger.

"Fight me." Hearing his voice behind me I turned as I stopped swinging my blade and turned to Muichiro.

"I'm sorry?"

He gave me an annoyed look. "I said fight me." I was not expecting this.

"May I ask why?" Instead of answering like a reasonable person, my fellow pillar instead drew his sword and rushed me. "And we're doing this now!" As he swung at my side I turned my blade to the side, as our blades made contact I stepped back and released the lock. As his blade sailed harmlessly by me I thrusted my sword forward. Slapping my blade to the side he slashed at me again, striking at his blade our swords met once more. "Geez! You're as strong as Tanjiro is now!" That made his eyes narrow in annoyance once again.

"Ni no kata Yaekasumi." As he used a form my eyes widened. With eight slashes folding in on themselves, I didn't have much of a choice but to use my own.

Shi no kata Sei En no Uneri! With a circular swing of my blade I deflected all of the slashes before attacking. Ni no kata Nobori En Ten! As I slashed upwards, sword a flame Muichiro used another form to counter mine. This time seemingly taking a tip from me, he said nothing as he backfliped out of the way. Slashing at me while he was in the air, sending mist like blades at me as I used my fourth form again to block his projectiles. As he landed a bit away I sheathed my sword at the same time he did. We both narrowed our eyes as we flashed forward. Unsheathing our swords as we met in the middle, and as our blades collided we created an explosion of air around us.

Our blades only stayed locked for a brief moment before we pulled them back, and swung again. The exchange I was having with him reminded me of the one I had with Sabito. The kid's skill in the blade was incredible, even if Sabito felt more skilled to me. We were simply to strong now for the deceased water user.

I couldn't help but grin as our swords clanged together with a metallic crack. I was enjoying the fight, and I could feel myself getting stronger as we fought. The fight dragged on, mist and flames mixing, cooling and heating up the air around us. Swords cracking and chipping as we continued to fight with sweat dripping down my forehead. The same was happening with Muichiro; however I still had a few advantages over the young teen.

One was age; being older my body could withstand the strain a bit better. Another was my height and thus my reach. Even if it would've been longer with my personal weapon. Didn't mean he wasn't a Hashira for nothing, for while his strength was a bit lower than mine, his speed had outclassed mine. I was just barely able to keep him at bay, and that was with my ability to predict an opponent's attack. Using my reach to keep him from getting in close also helped.

Jumping back I swung as he rushed in with another form. Jū Ichi no Kata Enjo Kyubi! As I swung and nine flaming tails swung at my opponent, Muichiro seemed to vanish into mist. Looking around I felt something swing at my back and in turn swung at it. The sound of clanging metal only made me smile as I saw Muichiro's scowling face. We stood there face to face, our breathing a raged. Pulling my sword back I raised my blade and used my favorite form.

San no kata Kien Banjo! As I swung down Muichiro also used another form. A thrust covered in mist that met my blade, for a moment we struggled against one another. Then as per what I'm come to expect with fights that use inferior blades. Our swords snapped at the point of contact. Pulling back as to not seriously injure the other Muichiro looked down at his blade.

"Useless." Tossing it onto the ground he left. "You can dispose of it." As my left eye twitched I decided I wasn't going to let that slide.

"Oh no you don't you little brat." Grabbing him by the ear I dragged back to the broken sword. Ignoring his protests and shouts of pain as I pointed at the sword. "You used it so you deal with it! Just because we're Hashira, and just because you have seniority over me! Doesn't mean you can go ordering myself and others around without a care in the world! Now pick up your mess! And go and deal with it yourself! That's part of being a responsible adult! Let alone a responsible and good human being!" Letting go of his ear I marched off. "Unbelievable."

So preoccupied I didn't see Muichiro pick up his sword and give me a look of confusion.

This line break has built guns, swords, and robots!

Argentum: And there's another shorter chapter. Next one will be a bit longer.

Slayer: Yes I can see just what Judan slipped in now that we've edited this chapter.

Judan: You're welcome!

Argentum: I hate you.

Judan: Harsh…

Mitsuri: I liked it~!

Slayer: Of course you did.

Grel'Slyfer: Eh I just liked the fight at the end.

Argentum: Yeah… though we really need our swords back.

Muichiro: Agreed.

Genya: I like the guns!

Slayer: So do I~.

Argentum: Well it's time to end this off, Muichiro mind doing so?

Muichiro: Sure why not? This has been a Dark Guard production now signing off.

Everyone: Goodbye!