They were not far from Mount Fujikasane.
Since they were far from any town, the three of them had to start camping in the wilderness.
To the Kocho Sisters' surprise, Xia Xi proved quite skilled at sleeping outdoors.
Whether he was choosing a spot, setting up camp, or lighting a fire,
everything had the efficiency of a professional.
He was even more experienced and professional than the Kakushi they had met before.
After their evening training and conversation, the three lay down separately.
Well, Xia Xi fell into a deep sleep almost the instant his head touched the ground.
Even when the Kocho Sisters softly called his name, he gave no response at all.
They could only assume his daily training was so intense that he was exhausted enough to fall asleep the moment he closed his eyes.
Although Kanae and Shinobu were equally exhausted, they could not sleep as soundly as Xia Xi.
In fact, because they would begin supervising the Demon Slayer Corps' examination tomorrow, the two young girls were too nervous to sleep.
"Sister, you're still awake, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"These past days have felt like a dream."
Shinobu Kocho closed her eyes and listened to the crackling fire nearby.
Her rapid growth in strength.
The new Breathing Style and poisons.
Even taking part in a battle against a powerful demon...
None of these were things she had ever imagined before.
What mattered even more to her was that her sister's attitude toward her had changed too.
She no longer seemed to treat her as a child who needed her constant protection.
Instead, she treated her as a partner she could trust to watch her back.
She murmured, "Now I can fight beside you with a sword too."
Kanae's eyes were closed as well, but her lips