Tanjiro drew a deep breath and quickly calmed down. "Sosuke, what should we do?"
"The Insect Pillar and I came a long way. Our spirits and physical condition have hit rock bottom, so we can't fight effectively right now. After we eat, we need to get some proper rest. You'll leave with us in the early hours tonight. Whatever we're up against, once we see it for ourselves, we'll be able to come up with a solution." Tetsu no Sosuke looked at Tanjiro. "When things are far worse than we imagined, the first thing we have to learn is to control our emotions!"
Tanjiro fell silent for a moment, then gave a firm nod.
Running into Tanjiro had been unexpected, but there was no changing it now.
After they finished eating, Tetsu no Sosuke booked several rooms at the inn so Tanjiro and his companions could rest and Shinobu Kocho could get some proper sleep. He returned to his own room and fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.
By the time he woke up, it was already the middle of the night.
He sat up in bed. He had not fully recovered his energy, but at least he felt much better than he had in his earlier daze.
He left his room and knocked on Shinobu Kocho's door. She opened it, her eyes still showing a trace of fatigue.
"When did you wake up?"
"Just now." Shinobu Kocho opened the door to let Tetsu no Sosuke in. "Have a seat. I'll be ready in a moment."
Tetsu no Sosuke nodded.
Shinobu Kocho washed her face and asked, "What about those children?"
"They should be in their rooms."
"You didn't even check on them?" Shinobu Kocho asked. "Aren't you worried they might sneak off there?"
Tetsu