Shinobu Kocho immediately headed up the steps toward her Laboratory. Seeing her leave, Shénqíkù promptly asked, "Lady Shinobu, what should we do about those people outside?"
Without looking back, Shinobu Kocho said, "Tell them to leave!"
The sky was dim.
Dense, dark clouds covered the sky.
Drops of light rain, mixed with a few snowflakes, slowly fell from the sky toward the ground.
Beside a mountain range, a young man sat beneath a waterfall.
Rushing water plunged from a cliff a thousand feet high, creating a tremendous impact.
Yet the young man sat beneath the waterfall.
He did not move at all.
Such mental fortitude filled the burly man beside him with admiration.
"Benefactor Su Chen, your mental fortitude is the finest I have seen among the Hashira."
"Is that so?"
Su Chen smiled faintly, but his closed eyes remained shut, his eyelids never so much as twitching.
The Stone Hashira Gyomei pressed his palms together. "Amitabha."
"Benefactor Su Chen, are you planning to leave?"
Su Chen replied calmly, "What makes you say that?"
"Your heart."
Su Chen froze.
Only then did he remember that the Stone Hashira could also see through things.
Then could he see some of what was in his heart, too?
The Stone Hashira said quietly, "The Demon Slayer Corps has its own rules. Benefactor Su Chen, it is only an examination. I believe everyone is willing to trust you."
"No," Su Chen replied. "I just wanted to come out for some air. I don't want to undergo those pointless examinations."
"Then let's change the subject."
"How are your training preparations coming along?"
The Stone Hashira lowered his head slightly. "My training is ready. I just don't know whether those children will be able to endure it."
Su Chen suddenly said, "Don't tell me your