"Everyone, welcome back safely."
The messenger continued calmly,
"First, your uniforms will be issued. Professional tailors will take your measurements and prepare custom fittings."
"The Corps ranks are divided into ten levels—
Kinoe, Kinoto, Hinoe, Hinoto, Tsuchinoe, Tsuchinoto, Kanoe, Kanoto, Mizunoe, Mizunoto."
"As of today, you are all official members of the Demon Slayer Corps—Mizunoto."
"HAH! You damn woman! I'll rank up faster than you!"
Sanemi pointed straight at Sui.
"Next, you will select the material for your Nichirin Blades—Tamahagane."
"Forging will take ten to fifteen days."
"And before that—"
The messenger clapped.
Caw—!
Eighteen crows descended from the sky.
Each landed on a candidate.
Shoulders.
Heads.
Anywhere they pleased.
Sui raised a finger.
A crow landed gracefully.
"My name is Chibana," it said politely.
"Sui-sama, I look forward to working with you."
It bowed.
"…Did you choose that name yourself?" Sui asked.
"Yes. But you may rename me if you wish."
Sui smiled faintly.
"No need. It suits you."
She gently stroked its feathers.
Chibana relaxed, rubbing its head against her fingers.
Meanwhile—
"HEY! YOU STUPID BIRD! GET OFF MY HEAD!"
Sanemi roared.
His crow remained completely unfazed.
"If anything, I should complain," it said dryly.
"Your hair is like steel needles. Highly uncomfortable."
"…What did you just say?!"
The messenger continued:
"Kasugai Crows are assigned upon passing the selection. Each has its own personality."
"They will relay missions and assist you."
"Additionally—"
"All members receive a base monthly salary of 120 yen."
…Silence.
Sui paused.
Sanemi paused.
120 yen? Monthly?
In this era—
That was enormous.
Equivalent to a full year's income for an average household.
Even wealthy merchants might not earn that much monthly.
Sui blinked.
This didn't match any version of the story she knew.
Wasn't this kind of organization supposed to be… broke?
Struggling?
Fighting with nothing but grit and ideals?
"DAMN YOU, KANECHI!"
Sanemi suddenly exploded.
"You said you were broke! Even the lowest rank gets 120 yen?!"
His crow sighed.
"You really do pick fights with everyone. I worry for your future partners."
"Now," the messenger said,
"Please choose your Tamahagane."
He pulled back a cloth.
Cold light spilled outward.
Eighteen steel spheres rested on crimson silk.
No one moved.
All eyes—
Quietly—
Shifted to Sui.
"Everyone's watching you," Chibana whispered.
"…Ah," Sui nodded.
"So I'm a model graduate this year."
Chibana didn't fully understand—but nodded anyway.
"Amazing, Sui-sama!"
Sui stepped forward.
She couldn't see—
So she listened.
Tapped each piece lightly with her sheath.
Measured the resonance.
Subtle differences.
Then—
She picked one.
The worst quality.
And walked away.
Sanemi followed immediately.
Grabbed one.
Left.
Only after they disappeared did the rest rush forward.
"Your judgment is terrible."
Sanemi didn't hold back.
Sui nodded casually.
"Yes, yes."
"I can tell the quality at a glance. Don't tell me you can't."
"…Why take the worst one?"
Sui thought for a moment.
Then answered seriously:
"I'm strong."
"So it doesn't matter."
"Even without a Nichirin Blade, I can kill demons."
She tilted her head slightly.
"So… better materials should go to those who need them more."
"Maybe it'll save a life."
"…Let me see yours."
"Like hell I will!"
Too late.
A flick—
She knocked it free.
Tapped it.
Then smiled.
"…Oh?"
"Second worst."
Sanemi froze.
"…You—"
"Tsundere, are we?" she teased.
"…BAKAYAROU!!"
"Message from the Master!"
Chibana swooped down.
Landing neatly on Sui's finger.
"The Master invites Sui-sama to the Wisteria House. Urgent matter."
"The Master… Ubuyashiki-sama?"
Sui nodded.
"I'll go immediately."
Another crow wobbled in—
"Message! Message!"
Sanemi grinned.
"Oh? Of course he'd summon me too!"
The crow landed on his head.
"Shinazugawa Sanemi—return immediately."
"Your trainer awaits at the waterfall mountain."
"…Hah?"
"…Seems you weren't invited," Sui said lightly.
She covered her mouth, clearly amused.
"Well then—"
"This concludes our delightful trip to Fujikasane."
She bowed slightly.
"Until next time, Shinazugawa-san."
She walked away.
Sunlight filtered through the trees.
Her crimson haori fluttered behind her.
"YOU'RE LAUGHING, AREN'T YOU?!"
Sanemi roared after her.
"YOU'RE DEFINITELY LAUGHING!!"