The final step in equipping the new Slayers was the distribution of their indispensable partners: the Kasugai Crows. As those experienced in demon hunting know, these crows are the communication hub of the Corps. They deliver mission directives, relay intelligence, and provide emergency information.
Interestingly, each crow possesses a unique name and personality, often forming a distinct dynamic with its owner. Tatsuya had envied his master's crow for a long time, and now, finally getting his own partner, he rubbed his hands in excitement.
A member of the Kakushi stepped forward with several birdcages covered in black cloth. As the covers were lifted, a cacophony of cawing filled the air.
"New Slayer, Izumo Tatsuya!"
A robust crow with ink-black feathers and a beak tipped with silver-gray shot out of the cage like an arrow, landing firmly on Tatsuya's arm. It stood tall with its head held high, looking less like a crow and more like a general inspecting troops.
"Whoa! High spirits!" Tatsuya's eyes lit up. "Nice to meet you, partner! Since you look so grand, from now on, your name shall be... 'Heavenly Thunder World-Shattering Sovereign'! How's that? Majestic, right? It's a perfect match for my Thunder Breathing!"
The crow: "...?" Its serious, bead-like black eyes seemed to freeze, staring blankly at Tatsuya.
Then, the crow slowly opened its beak and spoke in a clear, rhythmic, almost poetic tone:"A name like thunder / shakes the cold crow's wing from branch / puts the Great River to shame."
"Pffft—" Beside him, Sabito couldn't hold it back and covered his mouth, his shoulders shaking. Giyu remained expressionless, but his eyes screamed, 'I'm trying so hard not to laugh.'
"Uh..." Tatsuya's smile froze. "Not a fan of the name? Do you have one you like?"
The crow closed its eyes, hopped in place to gather its thoughts, and chanted: "Purple clouds call my patrol / grateful for the grace of heaven / wings flutter for my soulmate."
Tatsuya clapped enthusiastically. "I get it! You're Shiun-sai (Purple Cloud Patrol). Let's stick with that!" The crow, Shiun-sai, looked immensely relieved and immediately flew to a branch, terrified that Tatsuya might change his mind.
Sabito received a burly, impatient crow named Rekkumaru, who barked, "Caw! Idiots! Move it! I'm fast! Don't delay my reports!" Giyu's crow was an elderly bird named Kanzaburo, whose memory was... questionable.
"Your custom swords will take about a month to forge," the Kakushi announced. "Return to your trainers for rest. Once the blades are ready, your crows will deliver your first orders!"
"A month, huh?" Tatsuya stretched. "Master definitely won't let me slack off. I'll be spending this month in hellish training." He turned to the duo. "Sabito, I'll come visit you at Mount Sagiri! I want to try those famous mountain mushrooms and tea!"
Sabito nodded with a sincere smile. "You're welcome anytime, Tatsuya."
"Hey, Red-haired Fox," Tatsuya nudged Giyu. "Don't be so gloomy. Come pick me up at the trail? I'm bad with directions. I'll pay you in Taiyaki."
Giyu's lips twitched as he squeezed out a single word: "...Annoying."
"Giyu says: 'It would be an honor to have Tatsuya-kun at Mount Sagiri, and I wouldn't dream of troubling you to bring Taiyaki,'" Sabito's "simultaneous interpretation" rang out perfectly.
Tatsuya roared with laughter. Under a shower of wisteria petals, the three turned to head their separate ways.
Five days later, Tatsuya returned to Mount Momoyama. He practically sprinted up the path and saw Jigoro Kuwajima standing before the dojo.
"Old Man! I'm back!" Tatsuya puffed out his chest, showing off the Kanoto (8th rank) mark on his uniform. "Didn't embarrass you, did I?"
Kuwajima scrutinized his disciple. "Hmph. At least you came back in one piece! I heard about the Hand Demon. A monster that has eaten dozens isn't easy... any hidden injuries?"
"I'm fine! My friend and I chopped it together. I didn't even have to use my full power!" Tatsuya laughed it off.
"Demons turn to flies / Blade flashes, shadow dies / Too cool for the skies," Shiun-sai, the crow, contributed a haiku.
Kuwajima ushered him inside for food and Taiyaki. Kaigaku appeared at the doorway, bowing. "Congratulations on your promotion, Senior."
"Thanks! You're up next!" Tatsuya patted his shoulder. Kaigaku suppressed the urge to flinch, a fixed smile on his face.
Rank 8... already? Curse it... why am I stuck here swinging wood? The old man still won't teach me the Breathing Style. Waste of time!
The next morning, Tatsuya sat shirtless under a punishing waterfall, practicing Seventh Form: Silent Listening—Constant State. He had to maintain his hearing while being hammered by tons of freezing water. It was agonizing, but it was working; the dizziness from using the Seventh Form was fading.
After ten days of intense training, a message arrived from his crow:"Kaigaku causes a scene! Villagers' tempers flare at the mountain's base! Go! Speed! Delay not!"
Kaigaku got into a fight with the villagers?!