5:32 a.m.
The cheerful birdsong outside was crisp, but not pleasant. Instead, it was somewhat annoying.
Just then, the Den Den Mushi's distinctive "purururu" sound woke the sleepy Jiwei and Mata.
"Who is it this early in the morning...?"
Mata sat up from beneath the covers, rubbing her bleary eyes as she complained softly.
Having received professional training, she was extremely sensitive to the sound of a Den Den Mushi. At this point, it was impossible for her to fall back asleep.
"Hello?"
Jiwei silently picked up the receiver and answered.
Last night—no, strictly speaking, tonight—they had spoken with the two old masters for a long time.
Oh, and Charanko had been there too.
He should not have known about it, but after some thought, Jiwei had Mata bring him in anyway.
After all, he was the senior disciple.
Master Bang and Uncle Bomb had been extremely excited.
They asked all sorts of questions about the Demon Slayer Breathing Technique and the Martial Artist Association, then finally expressed their hope to meet Chairman Chinjao.
Jiwei could only promise to pass the request up as soon as possible.
All in all, they had probably only slept for around three hours.
As for Aite, he was sprawled across the tatami, sleeping soundly and too lazy to even glance their way.
"I understand. All right."
As the call ended, Jiwei's drowsiness gradually faded. Looking at the Den Den Mushi, which had closed its eyes again, he murmured to himself:
"They came so quickly. I thought we would at least have to wait until tomorrow."
"Looks like we're going to get busy," Mata sighed after hearing the call as well.
She had grown somewhat accustomed to—even fond of—the peaceful days they had recently been enjoying.
"There's nothing for us to get busy with. Our