Over 400 years ago…

A lone samurai and coal burner conversed over tea in a small house.

"I've brought you some tea." the coal burner said.

"I see. Thank you." the samurai replied as he held a sleeping infant.

"Aw…he's sound asleep. Aw…I feel bad. Having our guest babysit." the coal burner said.

"No, it's fine. She must be exhausted. Raising a child and giving birth is no easy task. I will be leaving after this. I do not wish to overstay my welcome." the samurai replied as he drank his tea.

"Please sir, do not worry. If it were not for you, we wouldn't be here and this child would not be born." he said. "I will…at least pass down your name in posterity."

"There is no need." the samurai said.

"But sir, did you not say you were at a loss because you had no heirs? I know I'm just a charcoal merchant, but it's better than nothing." the merchant said.

"Thank you, Sumiyoshi, but there is no need. Those who have mastered their skills share the same fate. Always ending up in the same place. No matter what era they are in. And if they're lost, they'll find their way back. Sumiyoshi, you seem to think of me as an extraordinary person, but I'm really not." the samurai said as he collected his sword. "I failed to protect everything that was important to me. And throughout my life, I was unable to accomplish any of my goals. My name is as worthless as I am."

"Please sir…don't say something like that. Don't talk about yourself like that. It's so sad…so…sad." Sumiyoshi replied before becoming Tanjiro.

In the Present…

Tanjiro laid in bed as he just woke up.

"It was a….dream." he uttered as he saw the others still asleep in their beds before deciding to go back to sleep himself.

The story so far…

The Hero Alliance has just succeeded in breaking the time loop in the world of Devilman, allowing Demon King J-Hack to be given ownership of the world by Color God Indigo. During the events, however, Tanjiro's sword was broken. Now, he and the other Demon Slayer Corps members in the alliance head back to his world to obtain a new blade…

A few days later…

The slayers waited at the Butterfly Mansion for the swordsmith to finally get back to them. Inosuke as well as Zenitsu were absent as the two had been given missions that would take them away from the group for a while.

"So…has it finally come? Did that sword finally show up?" Gemini asked.

"Uh…no sword…but…the dude did send letters. But…" Mark said showing said letters. All of them looking horrifying with the words and ink sprawled across the pages as if coming from a horror film. They collectively said the same thing.

"I have no sword for the likes of you." they all said.

"Oh that boy…" Nedris said putting her left hand to her forehead.

"This is…really bad isn't it?" Tanjiro said. "I know I messed up but I only chipped it and then it got broke. Last time, I snapped it in half."

"Please don't take it personally, Tanjiro." Nedris said. "Hotaru is very passionate when it comes to the swords he crafts. Honestly, you're very lucky to still have him as your swordsmith."

"Except you forgot to mention the part that the man is very unforgiving." Kagane said.

"That's why I said Tanjiro is very lucky because Hotaru's intense and asocial made him lose clients and caused swordsman to hate him because of it." Nedris said.

"Miss Nedris….you aren't…being helpful." Tanjiro said as he looked ready to despair.

"If you really want a new sword so badly…then you should go to the village. The one all the swordsmiths reside in." Hayase said.

"And a place I once called home for a time." Nedris said.

"It's not like we have any better options." Sectonia said.

Within the next couple of hours, a number of Kakushi arrived at the mansion's door.

"Greetings. We will be taking you all to the village. We will not say our names as long as we act as your guides." the leader said.

"Yeehaw. All right…where do we…" Gemini said before one of them started tying a blindfold over her eyes. "Uh…what's this?"

"In order to protect the village's location, you will each be wearing blindfolds and ear plugs. Also, we'll be carrying each of you on our backs." the leader said.

"Do not worry, everyone. It is standard procedure." Nedris assured.

"Not…quite standard." the leader said showing three gags. "We've been told members of Spirit Force and the Shining Hope Squad have the biggest of mouths, so you'll need to be gagged."

"What? Ugh…dang it, Hopey." Gemini said.

"Wait, there's only three gags." David said.

"Yes. Miss Gemini, Miss Nedris, and Mr Kagane." the leader said.

"This has to be karma for something." Gouto said.

"On the contrary, since Kagane is your master, you get a pass since you wouldn't dare betray your master's trust." the leader said.

"Guess Lady Luck is smiling on you, Gouto." David said.

"But not to worry, those three will not be the only ones receiving special treatment." the leader said as they stuck plugs up Tanjiro's nose. "We've been told Mr. Tanjiro has a special sense of smell, so he'll be wearing noseplugs."

Each member was picked up and began their journey to the Swordsmith Village.

The village was a special place where all the swords of the Demon Slayer Corps were forged. Meaning it is a place of vast importance. Its location was kept secret by all. The Kakushi and the crows guiding them are constantly changed out at every leg of the journey. The master's mansion is also hidden in just as complicated a way.

The journey seemed like a long one, especially being blindfolded. However, soon enough….

"We are here." the Kakushi said as they removed the blindfolds, gags, earplugs, and noseplugs as the group marveled as they stood before it…the Swordsmith Village.

"Land Sakes… so this is where the Nichirin Blade Magic happens?" Gemini asked as they walked into the village, taking in the sights of multiple masked swordsmiths working on one nichirin blade or another.

"Indeed." Nedris said. "Lord Tecchin Tecchikawahara is the leader of this village and someone I see as family."

Tanjiro then sniffed the air. "I know this smell. There's a hot spring nearby." he said.

"There is? Hoo boy, Pit's missin' out big time." Gemini said.

"Yeah… Maybe things will go smoothly this time." David said as he paled up a bit, still remembering the last few…hot spring incidents. "Not something I wish to relive."

"So, do we gotta see this Tecchin fella to set things straight with Haganezuka?" Gemini asked.

"He is the chief of the village, so I would think that is our best option." Tanjiro said.

They headed to the chief's house as Mark stopped for a moment as he looked around.

"Are you all right?" Hayase asked.

"Not sure. For some reason, I got this…familiar feeling." Mark said. "One that really pisses me off…it's probably nothing."

But it would turn out to be more soon. There were others in the village besides the small group of heroes at the moment. And the feeling that Mark had was coming from…

Superbia sat, his head hung low, his hammer laid next to him. "(I'm sorry. I failed you.)" he thought to himself.

He thought back to when he leaped out of the portal. When his hammer struck the icy ground, throwing everyone back.

At the little girl, selflessly taking the cursed bullet meant for a god, blood flowing from the wound.

Superbia slammed his fist on the ground, shaking his surroundings, before he exhaled.

"(Wherever you are, little one…you have no need to forgive me.)" he thought.

"Ah…so the infamous off world Demon Slayers have arrived." spoke the village chief as the group knelt before him. "Welcome one and all."

"It has been too long, Lord Tecchin." Nedris said.

"Indeed it has, Nedris. As for the rest of you, it is nice to meet you. I might be the smallest person in the Village, but I am also the most important, as you no doubt have surmised. If you all don't mind, I'd like to see the the qualities of the bows you use to show respect."

Nedris and Kagane both did formal bows as they would to a respectable figure while Goutou bowed his head.

"I am Kagane Hiryuu, the XVth Raidou Kuzunoha." Kagane said.

"Nedris of the Shadow Knight order. I was once a resident of this village long ago, but have returned accompanying these young Demon Slayers." Nedris said.

Gemini went next, formally bowing and following Kagane and Nedris' lead. "I'm Gemini Sunrise, Demon Slayer of the Shining Hope Squad. Pleasure to meet ya, Mr. Tecchin sir!"

David took a deep breath as he and Sectonia looked at each other and nodded. David got on one knee and bowed his head. "David Ishihara, leader of the Brave Adventurers, Soon-to-be-graduate of Ginhana High School and soon-to-be-university student."

Sectonia crossed her legs and bowed with an arm to her chest. "And I am Sectonia, his second-in-command, and former queen of Floralia."

Next was Mark, who performed a simple bow. "Mark Anarchy. Leader of Team Chronicle, Vice Angel of Wrath, Light Breathing Style User."

Hayase went next. "Hayase Kajiya. Sword hunter and expert craftsman."

Tanjiro then went last. "I'm Tanjiro Kamado. It's a pleasure to meet you!"

"Oh…such sweet young boys and girls. Please, have some sweets." Tecchin offered.

"Thank you so much." they all said.

"I know why you all are here. It's for Hotaru." Tecchin said.

"People keep saying that name but who is…." Gemini said.

"Hotaru Haganezuka. That's his full name." Tecchin said.

"It's so cute." Tanjiro said.

"I know right? I'm the one who named him that. But he resents me for it because it's too cute." Tecchin said. "In any case, if you are looking for him, I'm afraid he's gone missing."

"Missing?" Gemini asked.

"Yes. As soon as he loses his temper, he vanishes. I apologize." Tecchin said.

"No. I'm the one who keeps breaking my swords. So it's my fault." Tanjiro said.

"No…it's not your fault. It's his fault for crafting a faulty sword." Tecchin said as one of the guards started swinging their fists.

"As soon as he's found, we'll apprehend him." they said.

"Good. Good." Tecchin said.

"Uh…please don't break the guy?" Mark asked.

"Do not worry. If Tanjiro still does not have a sword by the time you must take your leave, I'll assign someone else to be his swordsmith." Tecchin said. "Please enjoy your stay. Take in the hot springs to heal your injuries if you need be."

"Thanks a bunch for your hospitality, Mr. Tecchin." Gemini said.

They soon departed from the chief's mansion.

"I'll be spending most of my time in one of the abandoned forgeries. It will be there where I work on Masakado." Hayase said.

"I will also retrieve the blade I've hidden away here in the village. I will rejoin you all later." Nedris said before departing.

"Well, I guess that leaves the rest of us to just relax. You fellas wanna hit up the Hot Springs?" Gemini requested.

"Uh…Gemini, think about what you just said." Mark said with a sweatdrop.

"Guys and girls go in separate intervals." David declared.

"Uh…that has not been invented at this time, sadly." Hayase said.

"We all know what happens every single time the hot springs are brought up. I was just being proactive." David said.

"Unfortunately it is in vain. The springs here…are a mixed bath." Kagane said.

"Just the words I wish I didn't have to hear." David said with a facepalm.

"(I wonder if anyone would notice if I blew up the hot springs?)" Mark thought. "Look, if you guys wanna get into trouble - and let's face it, you will - knock yourselves out. David and I will pass. In fact, let's make a guy's night out of it." he said, taking David's shoulder. "Come on, I'm sure there's a nice training space in the opposite direction." he pointed, taking (read: dragging) David away.

Gemini sighed. "Markie never changes, does he?"

"Look, let's just take the trail and…" Kagane began before they all heard crying as they saw a woman with pink and green hair running down the trails.

"Waaaaah! It's you! Tanjiro and friends, it's you!" she cried.

"Hey, isn't that…?" Gemini asked.

"Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, if I remember correctly." Sectonia said.

"Oh boy, someone cover her chest quickly." Gouto said.

"Watch out!" Tanjiro said as he moved to cover her chest.

"Listen, you have to listen to me." Kanroji cried. "Somebody up there ignored me just now. All I did was say hello and he just ignored me."

"Well who was it?" Tanjiro asked.

"I don't even know. I asked him his name and he ignored that too. He didn't even acknowledge me and I'm a Hashira. All the good vibes I got from my bath were canceled out." she cried.

"(Wow… it's been so long since we saw her last, I almost forgot how dang dramatic she can get.)" Gemini thought.

"Uh…if it helps, dinner will be ready soon. We're having matsutake rice." Tanjiro said.

"Really?" Kanroji asked as she started skipping off. "I'm having matsutake rice." she chanted as she skipped away happily.

"She just went from upset to cheerful at the drop of a hat." Gemini said.

They headed up the steps to the hot springs as something went flying at them.

"Ugh…disgusting. People shouldn't…." Kagane said looking at what went flying. "Wait…this…this is a tooth!"

They looked to the springs to see someone with a mohawk-styled haircut pulling some of his teeth.

"Wait…it's him. The guy from Final Selection who complained about the swords." Gemini said.

"Oh yeah… I remember him. I had to put him in an armlock to keep him from going off the handle." Sectonia said.

"I heard his name when I was recovering one time. It's…Genya Shinazugawa!" Tanjiro called out.

"Die!" Genya called out.

At that moment, Tanjiro removed the box and then his clothes before he jumped into the spring.

"Uh, Tanji? I don't think gettin' too close to him is a good idea- oh, who am I kidding?" Gemini sighed.

"Hi! How have you been? I have a question! Are you and the Wind Hashira related?" Tanjiro said as Genya dunked him in the water.

"Quit trying to make small talk, damn it!" Genya said before he left the springs angry.

"And here I thought for a second we could bond in our nakedness. Making new friends sure is tough." Tanjiro said as Nezuko was swimming in there with him.

"Wonder what his deal is? Shinazugawa… oh yeah, that's the same last name as the Wind Hashira. The rude fella covered in scars who was all rough with us." Gemini said.

"Sanemi, correct?" a voice asked as Nedris approached, her hood down fully showing her face and revealing she had long ashen white hair.

"Yeah, far as first impressions with the other Hashira went, he wasn't the best of the bunch." Gemini said.

"He wasn't always like this, neither was his brother." Nedris said as she had sadness in her eyes.

"I gotta ask something. How long ago did Spade kill you…the first time, I mean." Gemini asked.

"It has been so long ago. Why?" Nedris asked.

"It's just…you seem to know a lot of stuff, stuff you really shouldn't even be able to know." Gemini said.

"Ah, I suppose I forgot to mention it at all since Connor and the others already found out during our mission to stop Singularity. You see, I've lived in this world since the dawn of Muzan Kibitsuji's birth as the first demon." Nedris said.

"But…didn't that happen over 400 years ago?" Sectonia asked as she realized with the others.

"You're…super old?!" Gemini said.

"*Giggle* I suppose in a way. But yes, I'm immortal." Nedris said.

"Well, that explains a lot. Sorry 'bout the super old thing, didn't mean no disrespect." Gemini said.

"Do not worry, I know you didn't. This hasn't been the first time after all." Nedris said. "Since the Heian period, I've had a strong connection to this world and many of its inhabitants. Well, at least the ones who would make an impact on this world anyway. But it wasn't without its dangers either, the Upper Moons for one."

"Yeah, y'don't need to tell us about em, we know how strong they are." Gemini said. "It took all we had to take out Gyutaro and Daki, and they were at the bottom of the rankings."

"It will only get more difficult from here, I'm afraid. I've crossed paths with the ones above them, and their abilities are just as deadly and dangerous." Nedris said.

"Yeah…we've seen Akaza in action. And he's only 3rd from the top." Gemini said.

"The ones you best keep your guard around are 1 and 2." Nedris said.

"We'll take your word for it." Sectonia said.

"Yeah…" Gemini said. "Hey, let's not worry about those guys right now. Why don't we head to the lodgings and meet Mitsuri for some food?"

"Yes, that does sound delightful. This conversation is best saved for when everyone is present anyway." Nedris said.

Meeting back up with Mark and David, the group soon met with Mitsuri for some dinner. They all were surprised by how much she was eating.

"Where in the heck do'y put it all?" Gemini asked.

"Oh, this was just a nibble, really." Kanroji said.

"We know some big eaters that you could give a run for their money." David said.

"So…that guy was Genya Shinazugawa." Tanjiro said.

"That would make him the Wind Hashira's brother. But, he often insisted he had no siblings. They must be on bad terms." Kanroji said.

"Unfortunately" Nedris said. "But I must say, Mitsuri, look at how beautiful you've become from an adorable little girl."

"So, Genya's not joining us for dinner I'd say?" Gemini said.

"I'd say so." Mitsuri said as she was cuddling Nezuko. "I think he brought food with him."

"Well…let's give him some riceballs." Tanjiro said as they got some and headed down the halls.

"Hey, Nezuko, can you keep a secret? I'm getting hungry again and I think it's cause of the riceballs. Don't tell anyone." Kanroji said.

"Say, why'd you join the Demon Slayer Corps anyway, Mitsuri?" Gemini asked.

"Well…I really shouldn't say. Or should I? Okay. I joined so I could find a man! To find someone to be with forever. I mean any girl would want someone stronger than her, right? I mean they wanna feel protected, don't they? Maybe it's hard for boys to understand. I KNEW the Hashira were strong and thought they would be perfect so I trained super hard so I could become one myself." she said.

"I…Good for you…?" Mark said, somewhat confused.

Of course, Genya's room was empty as the food was left there in case he returned.

"Miss Kanroji…" a Kakusai member said as they approached. "I've just been informed your sword will be finished very soon."

"Oh…that means I'll be leaving in the middle of the night soon." Kanroji said.

"I see. If that is so…it was nice to meet you again." Tanjiro said. "And I will train harder than ever before."

"Say…you're here for a long stay right?" Kanroji asked as she whispered to him. "There's a legend of a secret weapon here. So try and find it. It'll make you stronger." she said before running off from the group.

"A secret weapon?" Gemini said. "Hey, Tanji. Maybe that's just what y'need."

"Yeah, that would - uh, buddy?" Mark said, noticing Tanjiro just standing there. "You doing alright-?"

Tanjiro quickly lifted the tray he was holding over his head as he suffered a large, high-pressure nosebleed.

"Ah! Watch it!"

The next day…

The group sat and ate breakfast together.

"You know…after last night…I can't stop thinking of that secret weapon." Gemini said.

"Yes. It is very tempting." Kagane said.

"Let's go out and look for it today." Tanjiro said.

"You guys go ahead. I'm gonna be going around with David and Kagane today." Mark said.

"Okay…to each their own." Gemini said.

Somewhere close to the springs…

"Why did you wanna go here?" David asked.

"Well I missed my chance last night. I think now is a time to give it a shot." Mark said as they headed up to the springs. "Huh…someone else is….ah!" he said seeing a certain angel bathing there. "It…can't be. He's…supposed to be dead."

In another part of the village…

"This is just like we're going on a treasure hunt, isn't it?" Tanjiro said as they explored.

"Yeah…just us and…" Gemini said.

"No, you can't have it!" a voice called out a the group looked to a clearing to see a young boy arguing with another figure.

"Wait…that man. He's…the Mist Hashira. Muichiro Tokito." Sectonia said.

"Look, just hand it over if you would." Muichiro said.

"I can't. My ancestors made it centuries ago." the child said.

The group saw someone else standing behind the child. A figure dressed in red with long flowing hair.

"Do I…know that man?" Tanjiro asked. "Wait…I think….I do."