At the foot of Mount Sagiri, a small wooden cabin caught Yuko's attention.
She sensed it out. Faint breathing came from inside, steady and relaxed, as though someone were asleep.
When she reached the door, she found it locked. Though she could have forced it open, that would have been rude.
She circled around to the back of the house and peered through a narrow window. In a spot untouched by sunlight, Nezuko lay on the bed, sound asleep.
Yuko understood in an instant.
After humans turned into Demons, they consumed an enormous amount of stamina and needed to replenish it by eating.
Nezuko was different from both her and Tamayo. She had never even consumed human blood and could only restore her strength through sleep.
Yuko could also recover her stamina through rest, but she would not fall into such a deep slumber as Nezuko did.
Was this some kind of evolution?
Yuko could not help but ponder it.
She looked away and went back around to the front of the cabin.
This was undoubtedly the residence of the Water Hashira's master, Sakonji Urokodaki. The lingering scents of two people still remained around the house.
At this hour, though, the two were probably still training on the mountain.
Yuko gazed at the mountain behind the cabin, deep in thought.
It seemed she could only wait here.
Yuko found a chopping stump to sit on, drew the Nichirin Blade at her waist, and gently wiped it down.
Maintaining one's blade was a habit, just like brushing one's teeth or eating meals.
"Growl~"
Even though she had not eaten in many years.
Sometimes, hunger would suddenly strike her like this. But if she endured it a little longer, the feeling would slowly fade away.
The sun crossed over the mountaintop, and