Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Kanroji Nae
At 7:30 in the morning, following Shinobu Kocho's instructions, Hatsune arrived at the plaza at the foot of Mount Fujikasane.
By then, many people had already gathered there—men and women, all carrying swords at their waists, looking spirited and full of energy.
Some stood alone, while others grouped together in twos and threes, discussing pairing up for the upcoming selection exam. Many were also seeking suitable companions.
After all, surviving alone for seven days on Mount Fujikasane, teeming with demons, was no easy feat. Having someone to help could increase their chances of passing. If the group was larger, the chances would be even better.
In the center of the plaza, a team of ten had already formed, and the group was still expanding.
The team members, like street vendors, continued to call out, trying to recruit more solitary individuals. They seemed eager to include everyone in the plaza.
Many of the solitary individuals soon joined their team. Even those initially reluctant eventually gave in upon seeing the growing group, fearing for their safety if left alone. With a bit of hesitation, they too joined in.
Eventually, besides that large team, only a few people were left scattered around the plaza.
The moment Hatsune stepped into the plaza, he instantly drew everyone's attention. Dressed in white, with white hair and a handsome yet cold expression, he exuded an extraordinary aura.
Following him was a cute girl.
She had a round face and big eyes, about the same age as Hatsune. She wore a pink haori embroidered with beautiful butterflies, her long hair is tied in twin braids.
Though such a sight wasn't particularly special—after all, any decently dressed girl could be attractive—this girl stood out. She had the face of a teenager but the body of someone in their twenties, especially her impressive chest. Whether male or female, anyone who saw her would feel a bit embarrassed, as if her face and body had developed separately.
Hatsune drew attention with his attire, hair, and aura, while the girl drew attention with her chest.
The two had met at a crossroads not far from the mountain base, and since then, the girl had followed him at a leisurely pace.
Now, seeing the two together, everyone assumed they were a team.
Faced with everyone's gaze, the girl shyly lowered her head, nervously fidgeting with her fingers.
A man and a woman from the central group seemed to have a discussion before approaching the two.
The man was about the same height as Hatsune, handsome, and exuded a steady and competent aura. Despite his young age, he already displayed leadership qualities, and his attire suggested a wealthy background.
The woman was equally sweet-looking and confident, her every movement exuding self-assurance.
"Hello, I'm Kimura, and this is Emiko. May I know your names?" The man introduced himself first, waiting patiently for their response.
"H-hello, I'm Nae, Kanroji Nae. You can call me Nae," the girl nervously introduced herself, her big, bright eyes flickering with shyness.
Kimura and Emiko barely paid her any mind, seeing her as timid and useless. How could someone who could barely speak be expected to contribute in the selection? Such people were just demon fodder.
They were here to invite the boy, sensing an extraordinary aura from him. When Nae finished introducing herself, the three turned to the boy.
Kimura noticed the boy staring directly at him without any intention of responding, making him uncomfortable.
Kimura and Emiko exchanged puzzled glances, then looked at Nae, who shook her head in confusion.
Ignoring the three, Hatsune noticed wisteria flowers planted by the wall and walked to a secluded corner, carefully admiring a flower.
Everyone thought he was odd—what kind of boy loves flowers but doesn't talk?
Who could know what wisteria flowers meant to him?
"What's going on? Weren't you two together?" Kimura's voice came from a distance.
"N-no, we just met on the road."
"So, you don't know each other?"
Nae shyly nodded.
Kimura and Emiko exchanged another glance, then looked back at Hatsune, who stood alone by the wisteria tree. His aloof demeanor was off-putting, and they abandoned the idea of inviting him.
Their group was already large enough to last seven days. Inviting him was just for extra help, but since he wasn't interested, they decided to leave him to his fate.
"Nae, would you..."
Emiko began to invite Nae, who was ready to accept, her eyes bright with anticipation.
But midway through her sentence, Kimura stopped her.
Kimura gave Emiko a look, which she immediately understood.
Reluctantly, Emiko turned back, gave Nae a fake sweet smile, and patted her shoulder, encouraging her, "Nae, good luck. You can pass the selection and join the Demon Slayer Corps."
Then, with Kimura pulling her, the two walked back to the central team, arguing as they went.
"Why didn't you let her join?"
"She's too timid to be of any use."
"But she's all alone; she'll be eaten by demons."
"Everyone here risks being eaten by demons. Participating in the selection means being prepared to die."
"We have plenty of people; one more won't hurt."
"We're here to survive the selection, not run a shelter for the weak. If we encounter demons, protecting ourselves will be hard enough. Do you expect us to protect her too? Enough. Put away your sympathy; you can't save everyone."
Watching them walk away without looking back, Nae felt a deep sense of loss. She looked around the plaza, hoping to find a companion.
But there was no one left. Those who hadn't joined Kimura's team had given up.
A few others had formed small groups, but they all ignored Nae's gaze, leaving only her and Hatsune alone in the plaza.
After a moment of hesitation, Nae lowered her head and quietly walked to Hatsune's side.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone