The night breeze swept over the Back Mountain of the Swordsmith Village, carrying away a trace of the day's heat.
The water in the open-air hot spring shimmered faintly, white mist rising from its surface. After Tanjiro Kamado and Mitsuri Kanroji left, silence settled over the surroundings again. Takanashi Rokuno leaned against a warm rock and slowly exhaled a stale breath. The warm spring water soaked his body, steadily easing the muscle soreness left by his earlier fierce battle. The slight discomfort from having just fused with the Boots of Resistance also gradually faded amid this utter relaxation.
He closed his eyes, savoring this rare moment of quiet. He had intended to soak a little longer before getting dressed and checking whether that hot-tempered old man Haganezuka Hotaru had calmed down at all.
Just then, light, distinctly rhythmic footsteps sounded from beyond the mist.
Rokuya's eyes snapped open. His mental attribute was now extremely high, and his senses were exceptionally keen. Those footsteps were all too familiar. He could recognize that deliberately restrained yet somewhat lighthearted gait with his eyes closed.
It was Kanae Kocho.
The corners of Rokuya's mouth rose involuntarily. Rather than moving right away, he remained against the rock, sensing that familiar presence drawing closer.
"The surroundings here really are lovely." Kanae's gentle voice came from beyond the screen, carrying a hint of languor after shedding her exhaustion. She seemed unaware that someone was still inside and was preparing to undress.
Rokuya cleared his throat, his slightly teasing voice cutting through the mist.
"Kanae, I'm the only one in the men's bath right now."
The sounds outside the screen stopped abruptly.
From the faintest rustle in the air, Rokuya could even picture Kanae freezing mid-motion. Several seconds passed before the rustling of fabric came from outside.
"So