By the time the two returned, it was already deep into the night. After exchanging goodnights, they each went back to their rooms to rest.
News from the Demon Slayer Corps arrived quickly. Early the next morning, a Kakushi informed them that they were required to head to the Corps Headquarters within seven days.
"I can understand why Himejima has to go, but why me too?" Hiru asked, staring at the Kakushi. "Didn't Kasugai Crow say anything?"
The Kakushi shook his head.
"No. It only mentioned that your broken blade needs to be delivered to headquarters. That's why you need to go as well."
He bowed respectfully to Hiru and Himejima.
"Please hand me your broken blade, Hiru. I'll send it to the Swordsmith Village for repairs. For now, you may borrow a standard ownerless Nichirin Blade from the Wisteria House."
Hiru handed over his blade and scabbard. "I'll trouble you with that, then."
"No, it's nothing. We're just cowards without the courage to fight demons—this is the only thing we can do for you!" The Kakushi shook his head vigorously as he accepted the sword. "Then I'll take my leave. May your martial fortune flourish!"
Watching the Kakushi trot off, Hiru still couldn't wrap his head around it.
"That was… really strange..."
"All things follow their destined course…" Himejima pressed his palms together, prayer beads hanging from his hands. "Hiru, do you have anything else you need to take care of?"
"No, nothing." Hiru shook his head. "Why?"
"Then why not come with me to the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters?"
Hiru considered it briefly and agreed. For one, he had no idea how to get to the headquarters. For another, Yoriichi could still track him one-way—yes, that's right.
As the Primordial Demon, not only could Hiru still not track the Yoriichi he had turned, he was even being tracked in return. Having lived this long, Hiru had occasionally begun to doubt whether he was the Primordial Demon… or if Yoriichi was.
After all, look at Muzan. Also a Primordial Demon, yet Muzan's control over his subordinates bordered on omniscience. Meanwhile, Hiru couldn't read thoughts, couldn't control actions, couldn't sense distance… But at least I won't get chopped apart.
Thinking this, he remembered he was still talking to Himejima.
"So when do we leave?"
"If it's convenient, let's depart after breakfast." Himejima's pale eyes faced Hiru. "It's quite a distance from here to headquarters."
"Eh? But didn't the crow deliver the message back overnight?"
"A Kasugai Crow can fly about fifty kilometers an hour. Humans can only walk around five. We didn't expend much effort last night, so Kitaro must have set out fairly early…"
"...Actually, I think we could just run."
"Amida-butsu. My eyes are blind, so running wouldn't be an issue for me. But I wouldn't be able to watch over you, Hiru…" Himejima's expression turned sorrowful. "Kitaro is already exhausted. I doubt he could guide you alone and still arrive on time…"
It feels like I've just been very politely insulted.
A subtle irritation rose in Hiru's chest.
After breakfast, Hiru followed Himejima toward the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters. After correcting their direction more than ten times, Himejima finally stopped on his own.
"Hiru, after walking this long, you must be tired. I can carry you."
Hiru: …
After a moment of silence, Hiru quietly picked up a long tree branch and took hold of one end.
...
"It's really embarrassing to keep getting saved—haha—cough." Sabito lay on the hospital bed, no trace of gloom on his face despite his serious injuries. "Who would've thought my first mission would involve a Twelve Kizuki? Pretty lucky, huh!"
"Please don't raise your voice. You've broken three ribs, you know." The girl who spoke had black hair and purple eyes. She looked slightly younger than Sabito, with emerald butterfly hairpins edged in pink on both sides of her hair. She frowned gently. "Laughing with injuries like that will only make them worse!"
"I'm fine. I'm sturdy," Sabito laughed. "Speaking of which, isn't Kanae also taking the Demon Slayer Corps entrance exam?"
"Yes." Kanae continued sorting the medicines, her expression softening. "But I never expected to run into you here. I still haven't congratulated you for passing."
"Haha, thanks. The last time we saw each other was about half a year ago, right? Back then, you came to Mount Sagiri with your Water Breathing instructor."
Sabito chuckled. "It's a shame you left afterward. You could've become my junior. If you and little Shinobu had stayed, Mount Sagiri would've been so lively."
Kanae smiled and was about to reply when the sound of a door opening drew her attention.
The white-haired swordsman who had come with Sabito stepped inside with a Kasugai Crow perched on his shoulder.
"It seems I need to go to the Corps Headquarters. As for Sabito…"
"Ah, Yoriichi, you don't need to worry about me. I'll probably be kept here until I recover." Sabito grinned. "This time, it was really thanks to you that nothing worse happened. I'm always troubling you brothers to look after me."
"I'm only doing what I can," Yoriichi said with a slight shake of his head, then turned to Kanae. "Then, I'll leave Sabito in your care."
"Yes, please rest assured."
After watching Yoriichi leave, Kanae turned to Sabito, curiosity in her eyes.
"You seem quite familiar with that swordsman. Have you known him long?"
"Not particularly. We've only known each other for less than a month. But you've probably heard of him." Sabito laughed at Kanae's puzzled look. "He's the top candidate in this examination."