Chapter 19: On the Road

Returning to the backyard, Hatsune took a short break, then went into the bathroom for a shower. After changing into his clean clothes and tidying up, he found himself unsure of what to do next.

Usually, he would be running through the woods, practicing his agility and coordination, but now, with nothing to occupy his time, he felt an odd emptiness.

After some thought while sitting on his bed, Hatsune decided to check out the front yard. With mealtime approaching, waiting for someone to call him for food felt awkward.

As he walked out of his room and passed by Shinobu Kocho's closed door, he briefly glanced at it before heading to the front yard.

The three nurses, who often gave Hatsune a headache, were nowhere to be seen. Judging by the sounds, they were in their rooms, their chatter audible even through the closed doors.

Hatsune couldn't understand how they had so much to talk about, prattling on endlessly every day.

He walked over to the cherry blossom tree by the wall. The blossoms had just fallen, and the faint fragrance lingered in the air.

Before long, he heard familiar footsteps behind him, easing his restless mind.

Sure enough, standing behind him was Kanao, her hollow gaze devoid of any soul, her gentle smile heartbreakingly empty.

Who had stolen her soul? And who had given her this smile?

Was she truly happy?

Or did she not even know she was smiling?

Neither spoke, Hatsune staring at Kanao, who in turn stared at his hair, as if she'd found a long-lost toy.

Out of the corner of his eye, Hatsune noticed Aoi standing in the corner, looking their way.

When their eyes met, Aoi quickly lowered her head and rushed back into the house.

At that moment, Shinobu came from the backyard, spotting the two standing under the tree.

"Hey, what are you two doing under the tree? Why not come inside?" Shinobu called, waving at Kanao. "Kanao, let's go, it's time to eat."

Kanao's eyes seemed to flicker slightly. With her arms behind her, she ran towards Shinobu like a chick responding to its mother's call.

Shinobu patted Kanao's head affectionately. As Hatsune joined them, the three walked towards the house together.

"You two looked like a couple in love under that tree. Hatsune, do you have feelings for Kanao?" Shinobu half-joked, half-serious.

If it had been another girl, Hatsune might have blushed, but with Kanao...

"She probably sees me as a kindred spirit, so she's closer to me," Hatsune replied with a detached tone, his expression and gaze equally cold.

Shinobu felt a pang in her heart at his indifferent demeanor and quickly dropped her teasing.

Entering the dining room, Aoi and the others had already set the table and were waiting for them to sit.

The usual lively chatter at the dining table was conspicuously absent with Hatsune there, and the awkward atmosphere was palpable, except for Kanao, who seemed oblivious.

"Tomorrow is the selection at Mount Fujikasane. Hatsune, if you need anything, let Naho and Aoi know so they can get it for you while they're out shopping," Shinobu said.

Mount Fujikasane selection? So he's here to take the Demon Slayer Corps exam.

The three nurses exchanged glances.

The exam was notoriously deadly, with less than ten percent surviving. Participating was like having one foot in the grave.

The nurses' initial dislike turned to pity, and a small measure of admiration and regret. They admired his courage but regretted that such a handsome face might not return.

Unaware of their thoughts, Hatsune calmly chewed his food. After a long silence, he asked, "What is the selection at Mount Fujikasane? How do you pass?"

The nurses almost spat out their food. Not knowing this before participating was a death wish.

Aoi put down her utensils. "To pass, you need to survive on the mountain for seven days. But it's not just about living in the wild; the mountain is infested with demons, plenty of them are powerful."

Hatsune nodded in understanding.

Aside from Shinobu and Kanao, the other four looked at him as if he were an idiot.

Hearing that and just nodding—shouldn't he be scared? Did he not understand the danger at all?

Worried he didn't get it, Aoi added, "That means you have to survive on a mountain full of demons for seven days. No rescue, no supplies, just you and whatever you can find. It's just... like that."

The others watched him closely again, still no reaction.

Is he just too scared?

Hatsune, seemingly unbothered, finished his meal and calmly drank some water. Turning to Shinobu, he said, "In that case, buy me a sword, preferably a Nichirin Sword capable of killing demons. Unlike last time. I'll repay you once I join the Demon Slayer Corps and start earning."

"Unlike last time? What are they talking about?"

Listening to their cryptic conversation, the nurses grew anxious.

"I knew you'd hold a grudge over last time, but don't worry. The sword is ready, and you won't have to pay for it. The Demon Slayer Corps provides Nichirin Sword to those taking the exam."

"Then there's no problem," Hatsune replied.

After breakfast, Hatsune followed Shinobu to the backyard clinic, where she removed the stitches from his wounds.

The rest of the day, Hatsune mostly stayed in his room, practicing his breathing technique, "Total Concentration Constant." With continuous practice, he grew more adept and could maintain it longer.

The next day, not only Shinobu but even the usually disdainful nurses got up early, seemingly having prearranged to see Hatsune off.

Besides the Nichirin Sword, the nurses had prepared some rations for Hatsune, knowing hunting in demon-infested Mount Fujikasane was unrealistic.

Bidding farewell, Hatsune headed towards Mount Fujikasane without looking back.

Clad in white, with a sword at his waist, he exuded an aura of boundless heroism.