Returning to the backyard, Cold Cry rested briefly before heading to the bathroom for a bath. After changing into clean clothes and tidying up, he found himself at a loss.
In the past, he would have already been running through the forest, honing his agility and coordination. Now, with nothing pressing to do, a strange emptiness settled in his chest.
After sitting on the bed in thought for a while, Cold Cry decided to head to the front yard. It was nearly mealtime—waiting to be called would only feel awkward.
As he stepped out, he passed by Shinobu Kocho's room. He paused briefly, glancing at the tightly shut door, before continuing on.
The three girls of the Butterfly Mansion—who had given him no small amount of trouble—were nowhere in sight. Judging by the lively chatter drifting through a nearby room, they were clearly gathered together.
Cold Cry couldn't understand how they had so much to talk about. Their voices carried from morning till night, as though they had an endless stream of topics.
He walked over to a cherry blossom tree near the wall. The season had just passed its peak, but a faint fragrance still lingered in the air.
Before long, he heard soft, familiar footsteps behind him. For some reason, the restless feeling in his chest eased.
As expected, it was Kanao Tsuyuri.
Her large, vacant eyes still lacked emotion, and the faint smile on her face only made her seem more fragile—almost painfully so.
Who had taken her emotions?
And who had left her with that empty smile?
Was she truly happy?
Or did she not even realize she was smiling?
Neither of them spoke. Cold Cry looked at Kanao, while Kanao's gaze lingered on his hair, as though she had discovered something curious—like a doll she didn't quite understand.
Out of the corner of his eye, Cold Cry noticed Aoi Kanzaki standing nearby, watching them.
The moment their eyes met, Aoi quickly lowered her head and hurried off, as if escaping.
Just then, Shinobu walked over from the backyard and caught sight of the two standing quietly beneath the tree.
"My, my~ what are you two doing out here? Why not come inside?" she said with a light smile.
She turned toward Kanao and gently beckoned, "Kanao, it's time to eat."
For the briefest moment, something flickered in Kanao's eyes. With her hands clasped behind her back, she moved toward Shinobu like a child responding instinctively to a call.
Shinobu gently patted Kanao's head. When Cold Cry joined them, the three walked back inside together.
"The two of you looked quite close just now," Shinobu teased, glancing sideways at Cold Cry. "Standing under a tree like that… it almost looked like a pair of lovebirds."
Cold Cry remained expressionless.
"If anything," he said calmly, "she probably just sees me as someone similar to herself."
His tone was flat—devoid of warmth or embarrassment.
For a moment, Shinobu's smile faltered slightly, as though something about his words had pricked at her.
Inside, the table had already been set by Aoi and the others.
Normally, the Butterfly Mansion was lively during meals, but today, an awkward silence hung in the air. Everyone seemed unusually restrained—everyone except Kanao.
"Tomorrow is the Final Selection at Mount Fujikasane," Shinobu said gently. "Is there anything you need? The girls will be heading out shortly—they can pick something up for you."
Cold Cry paused slightly.
So, this was it—the Final Selection.
The entrance test for the Demon Slayer Corps.
The atmosphere shifted subtly.
Everyone present understood what it meant.
The Final Selection was not merely a test—it was a trial of survival. Many who entered never returned.
Looking at Cold Cry, their earlier irritation faded, replaced by something more complicated—pity, perhaps… and a quiet sense of respect.
Cold Cry, however, seemed oblivious to their thoughts. He continued eating calmly before asking,
"What exactly is the Final Selection? How does one pass?"
The question nearly caused Aoi and the others to choke.
He didn't know?
And yet he was going?
Aoi set down her chopsticks, her expression serious.
"To pass, you must survive on Mount Fujikasane for seven days," she explained. "But don't misunderstand—it's not just staying on a mountain. The entire area is filled with demons. Some of them are extremely dangerous."
Cold Cry nodded.
That was all.
The others stared at him in disbelief.
No fear? No hesitation?
Aoi frowned slightly and continued, more firmly this time.
"There's no support. No rescue. You're completely on your own for seven days. That's what it means."
Still, no reaction.
For a moment, they wondered if he had failed to grasp the danger—or if he simply didn't care.
Cold Cry calmly finished his meal, took a sip of water, and turned to Shinobu.
"In that case, I'll need a Nichirin Blade."
He paused briefly.
"A proper one."
At that, Shinobu let out a soft laugh.
"There's no need to worry about that," she replied. "All participants are issued a Nichirin Blade during the Final Selection. You won't need to prepare one yourself."
"Then there's no problem."
After breakfast, Cold Cry followed Shinobu to the infirmary, where his remaining stitches were carefully removed.
For the rest of the day, he remained in his room, focusing on his breathing.
Through steady practice, he continued refining Total Concentration Breathing: Constant, maintaining the technique for longer periods with each passing attempt.
---
The next morning, the Butterfly Mansion was unusually lively.
Not only Shinobu, but also Aoi and the others had risen early.
Though they had once found Cold Cry difficult to deal with, they still came to see him off.
In addition to his standard equipment, they handed him a small bundle of dry rations they had prepared overnight.
After all, hunting on Mount Fujikasane was unrealistic—any living creature there would likely already have been devoured by demons.
Cold Cry accepted the supplies without comment.
With a final glance at the group, he turned and began walking.
He did not look back.
Dressed in white, with a blade at his side, his figure gradually faded into the distance—
carrying with it a quiet, resolute sense of purpose.