--Time will move faster, speeding toward the main storyline--
"It's been a long time since we heard of a new member of the Twelve Kizuki appearing."
Another midsummer had arrived. The children of Mount Sagiri returned to the mountain and gathered around a campfire for hot pot.
With their stomachs full, Haruto, Sabito, and Giyu sat below the veranda, listening to the nighttime cicadas. Their conversation naturally turned to the Demon Slayer Corps.
"Yeah, my district's been really quiet. So quiet it's making me nervous."
Sabito called out to Sakonji Urokodaki, who sat straight-backed by the doorway. "Teacher, could something be wrong?"
The former Water Hashira turned his head, still wearing his Great Tengu Mask.
"If people could understand them, they wouldn't be demons."
Sabito chuckled and reached out to turn the teacup in front of him. "Was the midyear Hashira Meeting postponed?"
"Yes, it was. Oyakata-sama fell ill. He was doing better for a while, but the heat brought his symptoms back."
Haruto chewed on dried apricots made by Tanjiro's younger sister, Nezuko. The yellow apricots harvested in June had thick flesh. She had mixed them with honey, then preserved and air-dried them for half a month. On his last visit, the little girl had brought out a huge jar for him to take home.
Haruto had filled a small jar to carry around with him, taking out a slice to chew whenever he had nothing to do.
Sabito reached into his jar of dried apricots and took two slices. He was going back for more when Haruto smacked his hand.
"Want some? Get your students to make them for you." Haruto grinned and hid the jar behind his back.
Sabito had taken on two Tsuguko just before the new year, both swordsmen who had passed the same selection.