Of course you knew about Haganezuka, what, with being a fellow sword-smith and all. But, you wanted to personally get to know him. He was probably the last person in the village you hadn’t befriended yet.

So, you would bug him constantly, trying to get to know more about him. He never really answered your questions. Although, once, you brought him mitarashi dango, which seemed to make him happy. Perhaps it was his favorite food? You’d have to bring it to him again sometime.

You did learn that his first name was Hotaru from the chief. That was such a cute name for such an intimidating man!…

You never really got to see his face, obviously, because of his mask. But, occasionally, he’d have his hair out of its usual scarf. His long, luscious hair; you wondered how it’d feel to run your fingers through it…. Anyways.

You were out of the village delivering swords to some demon slayers when the Upper Rank demons Hantengu and Gyokko had attacked the village. Hearing about the damage, you made your way back to the village as soon as you could.

Upon arrival, you noticed most of the houses were still being rebuilt. Wow, this place really looked destroyed. As you looked around, you spotted Hotaru. And… his mask was off! He looked bloodied, but not too injured. Though his eye was clearly damaged, since it had a deep gash over it. He glanced over at you, his good eye widening in surprise. He quickly looked away, not wanting you to see his embarrassment.