At 7:30 AM, following the instructions of Kochou Shinobu and the others, Cold Cry arrived at the plaza at the foot of Mount Fujikasane, the site of the Final Selection.
By this time, many candidates had already gathered. Men and women alike stood with Nichirin swords at their waists, their expressions filled with anticipation and determination.
Some stood alone at the edges of the plaza, while others formed small groups of two or three, quietly discussing strategies for surviving the upcoming selection. Many were actively searching for companions.
After all, surviving alone for seven days on a mountain infested with demons was no easy task.
With allies, one's chances of survival increased. With more people, those chances grew even higher.
At the center of the plaza, a large group of nearly ten people had already formed, and it continued to expand.
They called out like merchants in a marketplace, recruiting anyone standing alone. Judging by their enthusiasm, they wished to gather as many people as possible.
Before long, many solitary participants joined them.
Even those who were initially hesitant eventually gave in. Watching the group grow larger while they remained alone stirred anxiety, and after brief hesitation, they stepped forward to join.
In the end, aside from that massive group, only a handful of individuals remained scattered across the plaza.
---
The moment Cold Cry stepped into the plaza, he drew everyone's attention.
Dressed in white, with silver hair and a handsome yet indifferent expression, he exuded a cold, distant aura that set him apart from the rest.
Following behind him was a girl.
She had a round face, large eyes, and appeared to be about the same age as Cold Cry. She wore a pink haori embroidered with butterfly patterns, and her shoulder-length hair was loosely tied back.
At first glance, she seemed like an ordinary girl—but there was something striking about her presence. Her youthful face contrasted sharply with her mature figure, creating an unusual and somewhat awkward impression.
Where Cold Cry attracted attention through his composure and aura, the girl drew attention in a very different way.
The two had only met moments earlier at an intersection near the foot of the mountain, yet she had quietly followed him ever since.
Because they arrived together, everyone assumed they were companions.
Under the weight of so many gazes, the girl lowered her head shyly, fidgeting with her fingers.
---
After a brief discussion, two members of the central group approached them.
The man appeared to be about the same age as Cold Cry. Handsome and composed, he carried himself with the natural confidence of a leader. His clothing was refined—clearly someone from a wealthy background.
Beside him stood a woman with delicate features and a graceful demeanor. Her elegant attire and confident smile hinted at a similar upbringing.
"Hello. My name is Kimura, and this is Eimi. May I ask your names?" the man said politely.
"H-hello… My name is Noe. Kanroji Noe. You can just call me Noe."
Her voice was soft and hesitant as she blinked nervously at them.
Kimura and Eimi didn't think much of her. Someone who struggled just to speak—what could she accomplish in the Final Selection?
To them, she seemed like someone walking straight toward death.
Their real interest lay elsewhere.
After Noe introduced herself, both of them turned their attention to the boy beside her.
---
Cold Cry said nothing.
He simply stared at Kimura without the slightest intention of responding.
The silence stretched, making Kimura visibly uncomfortable.
Confused, Kimura and Eimi glanced at Noe.
Noe shook her head, equally puzzled.
Ignoring them completely, Cold Cry turned away. Drawn by the wisteria flowers lining the edge of the plaza, he walked to a quiet corner and gently held one in his hand, studying it in silence.
To everyone else, his behavior seemed strange—a boy who ignored people yet admired flowers.
But none of them understood what wisteria symbolized to him.
---
"…What's going on? Didn't you come together?" Kimura whispered.
"N-no… we just met on the road," Noe replied.
"So you don't know each other at all?"
Noe nodded timidly.
Kimura and Eimi exchanged a glance before looking back at Cold Cry. His aloof demeanor was off-putting, and after a moment, they silently abandoned the idea of inviting him.
They already had enough people.
If he refused to cooperate, then he could fend for himself.
---
"Noe, would you like to—"
Eimi began, and Noe's eyes lit up slightly, ready to accept.
But before she could finish, Kimura grabbed Eimi's arm and stopped her.
One look was enough.
Eimi hesitated, then forced a gentle smile. She patted Noe on the shoulder.
"Noe, do your best. I'm sure you'll pass the selection and join the Demon Slayer Corps."
Then, pulled away by Kimura, she left.
As they walked back, their voices drifted behind them.
"Why didn't you let her join?"
"She can barely speak. What use would she be?"
"But she'll die alone."
"Everyone here is risking their life. We formed this group to survive—not to protect the weak."
"…Still…"
"Enough. You can't save everyone."
---
Watching them disappear into the crowd, Noe lowered her head, disappointment filling her chest.
After a moment, she looked up again, scanning the plaza, hoping to find someone—anyone—to accompany her.
But there was no one left.
Those who remained had already formed their own small groups. When they noticed her gaze, they deliberately avoided it.
In the end, only two people remained alone.
Her…
And Cold Cry.
---
After hesitating for a long time, Noe finally gathered her courage.
Lowering her head, she quietly walked over to his side.