Several days later, at the Mount Sagiri training ground.
With his golden hair a tangled mess, Zenitsu gritted his teeth and fought to control his erratic breathing. He was still drenched in sweat and teary-eyed, but his movements had become noticeably smoother and more fluid. He no longer looked like a spinning top ready to fall apart at any moment.
Under the eaves, old Kuwajima stroked his beard. The satisfaction on his face had barely begun to show when his brows abruptly knotted, his gaze turning toward the mountain of empty rice tubs nearby-
"...This girl... eats like a monster! Our food stores are really running dry. I'll have to go down the mountain for supplies again in a few days. No wonder she's so strong..."
It hadn't even been a week, and almost a month's worth of food was gone. Thankfully, the Ubuyashiki family had provided ample funding. Otherwise, at this rate, Kuwajima would have had to drag Zenitsu into the streets to play music for money.
Just then, a figure quietly appeared at the courtyard entrance, ran over to the training ground, and pulled the Sapphire Star away.
Seeing the Sapphire Star leave, Zenitsu promptly plopped down to slack off, only for old Kuwajima to immediately pelt him with a peach pit.
"Zenitsu! No slacking! That Kakushi has business with Miss Sapphire Star! You still have to train!"
"Boo-hoo, I know, Gramps, boo-hoo..."
It was Hikigusa. She took the Sapphire Star by the hand and led her somewhere secluded, then lowered her voice and spoke quickly. "Lady Sapphire Star! Something has happened at Miss Tamayo's!"
The Sapphire Star's gaze sharpened. "Holy shit, even Tamayo can get into trouble? Did Kaigaku wake up and kill both of them?"
Hikigusa shook her head and spoke rapidly. "Miss Tamayo and Yushiro