On the bed in his room, Goku woke up, shaking his head.
(I had a dream... He was my father...) He thought, clutching his eyepatch. (He said... He loves me... Did he really mean it?)
Suddenly, he got up.
Since his fight with Daki and Gyutaro was over, Goku always wore an eyepatch due to the loss of his right eye during the fight.
(My sword... Is damaged. I should ask Haganezuka to give me a new one...) realized Goku, watching his katana. (Thanks to the sacrifice of my right eye, nobody has been heavily injured... Beside me, of course...)
(So... My father and Tanjiro-kun's ancestor were friends? That's why he can use Hinokami Kagura...)
"I should go to the Swordsmith Village..." said Goku, leaving the room. "There, I'll get a new katana."
A few minutes later, Goku found himself at the entrance of the Butterfly Mansion, ready to go.
"Hello, Goku-san," said a Kokushi. "I can't reveal my name to you, but I'll bring you to the Swordsmith Village."
Goku tilted his head. "Okay. Give me the earplugs and carry me on your shoulders."
"What about the blindfold?" asked the Kokushi.
"I already lost an eye two months ago. I don't think I need another thing to cover my remaining eye, thanks."
And so, after a long journey and a continuous switch of Kokushis, Goku finally arrived at the Swordsmith Village.
"Here you are, Goku-san," said the Kokushi.
"Thanks, ma'am," said Goku, removing his earplugs. "I wish you a good return trip."
"Oh, by the way, I've heard your best friend is here too," said the Kokushi.
"Huh? Kyojuro's here too?" asked Goku.
"No, not him," said the Kakushi. "The one with crimson hair and Hanafuda earrings."
"Oh, you mean Tanjiro-kun," said Goku. "Yeah, he's my best friend too..."
Then, with his damaged katana in its custody, Goku entered the Swordsmith Village.
Minutes later, Goku reached the house of Tecchin Tecchikawara, the chief of the village.
"I wonder if the chief's inside..." he muttered, knocking twice. The door opened, and Goku saw a tall man.
"Are you Tecchin?" asked Goku.
"No, I'm Tecchin," said a voice. The tall man stepped away, revealing a little, small man with a mask similar to Haganezuka's.
"Hello, sir," said Goku.
"I'm the smallest person in the village, but also the most important," said Tecchin. "So why don't you bow your head down so low your forehead touches the mat?"
"Because you're not that important," said Goku. "I bow only to Ubuyashiki."
"...I see..." said Tecchin.
"Tell me where I can find Haganezuka, please," said Goku.
"You're searching for Hotaru, huh?" said Tecchin. "Well, we're searching for him too, so we can't help you. But, in the meantime, why don't you go relax at the hot springs?"
"That's a good idea," said Goku. "I'm really tired, you know... take care, Tecchin or whatever your name is..."
Then, the boy reached the hot springs. "I hope I can find some peace in the hot springs..."
(Since the fight with Daki and Gyutaro, I lost my mental peace. I don't know why. I keep dreaming of my father. I'm like tormented, but... Why? What am I missing...?)
Suddenly, the boy heard a voice. "It's you, Goku-kun!"
Goku turned, and downstairs, he saw Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira.
"Hey, Mitsuri-chan!" exclaimed Goku, forcing a smile.
"I'm very glad to see you, Goku-kun!" exclaimed Mitsuri, hugging Goku.
"You're here too, as I see..." muttered Goku, hugging her in turn.
"Earlier, a guy ignored me!" complained Mitsuri. "I asked him his name, but he seemed like he didn't hear me!"
"How rude... How can a man ignore such a pretty girl?" said Goku.
(He... he said I'm pretty! I feel like I'm melting...!) thought Mitsuri, blushing.
"Anyway, have you seen Tanjiro-kun?" asked Goku.
"Yes, I did! He's already at the hot springs!" exclaimed Mitsuri.
"Fine. I'm going to say hello to him..." said Goku, starting to walk upstairs.
(Goku-kun is so handsome... I can't decide who's hotter between him and Iguro-san...) thought Mitsuri, who had developed genuine and deep romantic feelings for Goku. Even though Goku didn't seem to notice. Or maybe he did, but we don't know yet.
Anyway, Goku arrived at the hot springs and saw a guy. Long hair, shaved on the sides.
"Hey, are you the one who ignored Mitsuri-chan?" asked Goku.
"Don't talk to me, you privileged son of the sun!" yelled the guy. In that moment, Goku recognized him: Genya Shinazugawa, Sanemi's younger brother.
"You really are Sanemi's brother..." muttered Goku. Then, the boy heard something -- or maybe, someone -- hugging him from behind. It was Nezuko.
"Oh, it's you, Nezuko-chan..." said Goku, caressing her head. Then, Tanjiro arrived.
"Hey, Goku!" he exclaimed, waving a hand to him.
"Hi, Tanjiro-kun..." said Goku, forcing a smile once again.
"I bet you're here for a new katana too..." said Tanjiro.
"Correct, my friend," said Goku.
"Listen, Goku... What happened to you?" asked Tanjiro. "Since you fought those two Upper Moons, you've changed. You don't smile, you don't laugh, you don't joke with Inosuke anymore... Is it because of the trauma of losing an eye?"
"Kinda," replied Goku. "I lost my right eye, yeah... but I did it to save you all. I'm prepared to lose my left arm next, if it's necessary to save you..."
"Yes, maybe it's because I lost an eye that now I've changed. Or maybe it's because I'm trying to get Shinobu's attention by acting tough. Or maybe, I don't even know... I don't even know who I am right now... I'm in the middle of an identity crisis."
After Goku's explanation, Tanjiro nodded and hugged his friend.
"You'll always have us, Goku. Me, Nezuko, Inosuke, Rengoku-san, everyone. Even if you're a hybrid, everyone considers you human. You're not alone, Goku."
"I know, Tanjiro-kun..." said Goku, breaking the hug. "I'll sleep now... Tomorrow, I have to find Haganezuka..."
Goku walked away.
"Oh, by the way, I think Kanroji-san has a crush on you, Goku," said Tanjiro.
"I know," said Goku. "Take care, my friend."
Goku left.
(At this point, it's undeniable: you're stronger than me, Goku,) thought Tanjiro. (But somehow... You lost your smile. And I'm wondering why. Your identity crisis... your trauma... I'll help you get past them... Like a good friend does!)
Then, he left as well.
Chapter 30 - End