15. Setting Off

Akira and Sakon were dumbfounded as Leo's sword took shape. Both of them quickly snapped out and looked at each other. Akira's face indicated that he had a lot of questions however, Sakon was excited and trembling.

Soon Leo's sword fully took form. A pitch black sword with an Azure Dragon and a White Tiger engraved on either side of the blade presented before them.

Sakon jumped out and grabbed Leo's sword. He gently caressed it and observed every inch of it, Leo was confused as to why Sakon was acting so weird. He looked at Akira for an answer when he saw the old man grin.

"Old fool, that's his sword. Give it back!"

Without waiting for a reply Akira snatched the sword back. Sakon was like a cat who got its tail stepped on, he jumped up and tried to grab the sword back. After a while he was panting and tired from jumping around.

Knowing the old coot would never give the sword to him he chose to take a step back.

"I know it's his sword, but let me examine it. To make sure it has no problem, I am the best Swordsmith there is so it's best to let me take a good look at it lest something crops up later."

Akira grinned, "Nice try, a finished Nichirin sword will never have any problems."

Sakon's clown mask covered his face otherwise who knows what kind of expression he would be making.

"I say Akira, my friend let me take a quick peek, alright?"

"Hoho...

Leo was amused. Though they were acting like they hated each other, he could see how close they were.

After Sakon begged for a while Akira let him have the sword. Leo waited patiently as Sakon checked the sword, his hands trembled as he swiped the sword from top to bottom.

"Don't keep us waiting, tell me what's so special about it?"

Sakon drew a deep breath and explained with an excited tone.

"Nichirin swords colour reflect something about their weilder giving their weapons some kind of special properties. I have seen notes from my ancestors about some swords even having the ability to restrain a demon's freakish regeneration."

Leo was startled, this was the first time he was hearing something like this.

Sakon took no notice of Leo's surprise and explained further, "Every Swordsmith look forward to see what kind of ability the swords they make could manifest."

"Leo's sword is the first of it's kind, pitch black blade with engravings of Divine Beasts on both sides. You should know Akira, little is known about Slayers with pitch black swords."

Leo was interested when he heard that, he turned to Akira waiting for an answer.

Akira thought for a second and explained, "Slayers with black swords are special, not because they are incredible but because there is little information about them."

"To this day no notable individual has appeared who wielded black Nichirin swords, it's also an ill omen to be see wielding a black sword as they are said to have no future."

Sakon nodded. He gave Leo his sword back and explained.

"What Akira said is true however you are different. Your sword is pitch black like the darkest night and it has engravings! That's never happened before, you represent the unknown, a variable! I look forward to what you will accomplish in the future."

Leo bowed to Sakon and said solemnly.

"I will not disappoint you."

Sakon nodded and got up. He leisurely went to the kitchen and checked every pot. With a grumbling voice he shouted to Akira.

"Old man there isn't enough food."

"What's there isn't for you."

Leo ignored the both of them and held his sword. He gently traced it's blade.

The unknown, huh.

...

Watching Sakon's shadow fade into the distance Akira said seriously.

"Leo, as of now you are an official member of the Demon Slayer Corps. Since you got your sword you can expect to be sent on a mission any second."

Just as he said those words a crow flew out from the mountain and cawed without end.

"Mission.Mission.Mission. Leo Heart is to descend the mountain and head west. Reports of missing children. Demon sighted, Leo Heart is to immediately descend and kill it."

Akira turned around and patted Leo's shoulder.

"Off you go."

...

Leo walked down the mountain path with his sword hanging by his waist. He wore a black shirt, pants and a black haori painted with a blood wolf standing aloof on a cliff on it's back.

While descending the crow explained the situation to him. It seems like demons have been quite active in the west as of late, the village he was heading for was one of the many that had their loved ones taken. Leo felt grief over those who lost their children.

Journeying for a whole day he was finally able to see the vague shadow of his destination in the distance. Leo quickened his pace and soon reached the village.

Upon entering he felt as if he fell into a lake of despair. He could sense many spirits aching for their lost ones, their despair, their sorrow, their hatred...

Taking a deep breath he stopped a middle-aged lady who seemed as if she had lost her soul and asked.

"Ma'am can you tell me about the child abductions as of late. It's best if you could tell me the location of the last one."

The women glanced at him like a zombie, however as soon as she saw his blade and his clothes a spark of light seems to have come to life within her lifeless eyes. Grasping his hand she couldn't help but cry and ask.

"Are you a Demon Slayer? Please help us, please... *sob... *sob...

Leo calmed her down and asked patiently. The lady had also lost her child, her son who wasn't even three years old. He just disappeared when she looked away for a second.

A few others who heard her weeping came over to ask what happened, knowing the situation several men volunteered to take him to the last location where a little girl was taken away.

Walking through the streets filled with gloom Leo's eyes turned cold. He could still remember that fateful day when he lost everything, he promised himself to end this madness one day.

'Demons... Kibutsuji Muzan... one day... one day my sword will reach you.'