Xia Xi ignored his objections and sent Miss Shinobu out to buy top-quality ingredients.
He said he was going to make him a feast to replenish his blood and vitality...
Tanjuro had a vague feeling that something was wrong.
He instinctively activated Transparent World and looked around.
As his gaze swept over the medical kit, he noticed the empty bottles Yushiro was counting out for the blood draw...
There were at least twice as many as usual.
Wait, weren't they taking a little too much blood this time?
His heart sank.
Seemingly noticing Charcoal Seller's gaze, Tamayo spoke.
Holding up the needle in her hand, she smiled. "That's because development of the drug has entered its second phase."
"The blood we collected before was only enough for experiments on lab mice."
"Now that our research has reached the stage of production for human use, naturally, we need more to use it on the swordsmen."
She gently swabbed Tanjuro's arm a few times with a cotton swab dipped in povidone-iodine.
"Don't worry. The amount we're drawing is within safe, controlled limits," she reassured him.
Even so, Tanjuro scratched his head somewhat nervously.
"Um, I actually only came today to deliver demon blood samples... There are still a few things I need to do at home."
But before he could slip away, Xia Xi stopped him.
He planted a hand on his shoulder, his tone exceedingly warm.
"Charcoal Seller, aren't you always saying you want to contribute more to the Demon Slayer Corps?"
"Well... I did say that, but I'm not mentally prepared yet..."
"You don't need to prepare anything."
The Dawn Hashira smiled. "You have to believe in yourself. You're the most special one of all."
What does this have to do with believing in myself?
Tanjuro wanted to say more.