Tecchin Tecchikawahara

**Tecchin Tecchikawahara** (鉄地河原 鉄珍, *Tecchikawahara Tecchin*?) is the chief of the Swordsmith Village and its most skilled swordsmith.

## Etymology

* Tecchin's name uses a Sokuon/geminated consonant っち, with vast majority of Romanization systems display it as a doubled consonant *cch*. However in some cases the っち can be written with the cluster *tch*, resulting in **Tetchin Tetchikawahara** as his name. Therefore, both Tecchin and Tetchin names are correct.

## Appearance

Tecchin is an elderly man who is partially bald on the crown of his head, but has white, shoulder length hair. Despite his face being obscured by a hyottoko mask, he has noticeable wrinkles which can be seen from above his mask and along his neck. He is very short in stature, even admitting he is the smallest resident of the entire village.

Tecchin wears a diamond patterned kimono with a white juban underneath, and a black haori on top. His haori has the kanji for "chief, leader" (長, *chō*?) on the back.

## Personality

Tecchin has the tendency to be very straight forward in regards to his thoughts, openly admitting to being the most esteemed person in the village and proving so when he boldly told Tanjiro to bow before him till his head touched the floor.

However despite his intimidating demeanor, he still acts in a civilized manner as seen when he called Tanjiro a "nice young man" and even offered him snacks.

Tecchin's authority as chief is such that he is the only one to control the hot-blooded and brash Hotaru Haganezuka, despite the village residents' general dislike of the smith for his attitude and antics.

## History

During some point in Hotaru Haganezuka's childhood, Tecchin took him in and raised him after his explosive temper and behavior made it difficult for his parents to raise him.

## Synopsis

### Swordsmith Village Arc

When his swordsmith Hotaru refuses to make him a new blade, Tanjiro Kamado arrives to the Swordsmith Village and sits down to a meeting with Tecchin. Tecchin, introducing himself as chief, asks that the Demon Slayer bow to him, to which Tanjiro forcefully does so in respect. After offering him candy, Tecchin asks for his reason to be in the village and is informed by Hotaru's behavior. Noting that Hotaru had always possessed a fiery temper, Tanjiro apologizes for breaking his Nichirin Sword. However, Tecchin rejects his apology and instead states it is Hotaru who is to blame for making a weak sword. He advises Tanjiro to stay in the village to heal in its hot springs and decides that if Hotaru is not found, a new smith will be designated to Tanjiro, before bidding the young man good bye.

Later, the village is besieged by Gyokko, Upper Rank Five of the Twelve Kizuki, who unleashes Blood Demon Art fish demons to destroy buildings and kill swordsmiths indiscriminately. He sends his largest demon to Tecchin's residence, where it kills the stationed Demon Slayers and grabs the chief, almost squeezing him to death. Tecchin is saved when the Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji arrives in the nick of time, using her Love Breathing to cut down the monster instantly and save him. As the demon burns, Tecchin nearly falls to the ground but is caught by Mitsuri. As she asks on his condition, Tecchin remarks he is feeling much better in the arms of a young woman, causing her to playfully chide him. When another injured smith asks for Mitsuri's attention, Tecchin orders him to not interrupt his moment.

   In the morning after the village's attack, Tecchin, supported by a swordsmith, walks around to survey the damage. He is greeted by Kozo Kanamori and Kotetsu, and with them are Tanjiro and Nezuko following their battle with Upper Rank Four. Tecchin asks Tanjiro on his condition and is relieved to hear he is relatively fine. He then notices Hotaru hiding away from them and asks Kozo about him, who states he is still likely angry at Tanjiro. When Hotaru blames his client for his sword's destruction and using an unpolished blade, Tecchin orders him to calm himself and explains Tanjiro's reason to be in the village. Eventually, Hotaru releases his anger and complies with Tecchin's orders, much to Tanjiro's gratefulness. As the Demon Slayer departs from the village, Tecchin bids him good bye.

## Abilities

As a normal human, Tecchin has shown to have no indication of any superior abilities or advanced powers. However, as the chief of the Swordsmith Village, he is in charge of assigning a swordsmith to each member of the Demon Slaying Corps and his authority is well respected amongst the village. Being its most skilled smith, the main objective in the event of the village being attacked is to protect Tecchin, as his skill is invaluable and his death would mean a tremendous blow to the Demon Slayer Corps.

    **Above Average Endurance:** Despite his small size and lack of physical training, Tecchin has been shown to survive getting squeezed by the largest of Gyokko's Blood Demon Art spawn with little lasting damage, immediately claiming he was okay when asked by Mitsuri, though it seemed to be more about his delight in being held by her.

**Master Swordsmith:** Tecchin is an extremely skilled swordsmith, able to forge intricate Nichirin weapons with specialized features. He is also one of the few who is entrusted to forge the blades for the Hashira.

## Trivia

* Tecchin was the smith who designed and created both Nichirin Swords for Shinobu Kocho and Mitsuri Kanroji, being the only one skilled enough to forge the intricate and unusual weapons.

## Quotes

* (To Tanjiro Kamado) *"Oh, what a nice young man. Come. I'll give you some Karintō."*
* (To Tanjiro Kamado about Hotaru Haganezuka) *"It's **his** fault for making dull blades that break."*