After explaining their identities, everyone began interacting with Shinobu, the young girl from the Demon Slayer Corps.
On the way back to the Kamado Hot Spring Inn, Shinobu mentioned that if she ever passed by this area on her journeys, she would consider staying a day. She just hadn't expected it to be so coincidental!
To run directly into the inn's proprietress!
Well...
The Kamado Hot Spring Inn had become quite famous in the past week or two. On its opening day, it had attracted countless eyes.
Many wealthy individuals and businessmen wondered why such a luxurious hot spring inn was built in such a small town. But considering the location—
conveniently situated at the center connecting various towns and villages, with a main road leading directly to Asakusa—people quickly understood.
They mostly praised Kie's shrewdness, recognizing that this land would become a major artery in the future.
But the truth...
Kie hadn't thought about it that deeply. She had simply chosen this slightly larger, more populated town to settle in after coming down from the mountain.
"Yes, within the Demon Slayer Corps, there are ten ranks: Kinoe, Kinoto, Hinoe, Hinoto, Tsuchinoe, Tsuchinoto, Kanoe, Kanoto, Mizunoe, and Mizunoto."
"Members at these levels range from elite to ordinary to basic."
"Generally, lower-ranked members are recommended to hunt Demons in groups, while higher-ranked members can act independently."
In the tea room, aside from Takeo and Hanako, who had become drowsy, everyone else was still there, sipping tea and chatting.
Responding to curious questions from Misuzu and the others, Shinobu began explaining details about the Demon Slayer Corps, especially since Tanjiro was particularly interested.
"I see. And what rank are you, Shinobu-chan?"
Sawamura Sayuri asked again.
"Well... after defeating a Lower Rank Demon some time ago, I was promoted to the rank of Hashira."
She then briefly explained what the Hashira rank signified and introduced the Ubuyashiki Family that led the Demon Slayer Corps.
After Shinobu patiently finished, everyone had a basic understanding of the origins of Demons and the Demon Slayer Corps.
"Shinobu, I'd like to recommend this boy to Rengoku Kyojuro. Could you help introduce him?"
"Oh my, Kaito-san intends for this young man to become the Flame Hashira's Tsuguko, is that it?"
Since she had previously introduced the current Hashira and their names, Shinobu's question wasn't out of place.
"Yes, if possible, besides learning Flame Breathing, I'd also like him to learn Water Breathing."
"I see. I understand. If you need my help, I can certainly assist."
Shinobu nodded seriously, her gaze appraising Tanjiro, who was still only a 13-year-old boy.
Generally speaking, Tanjiro was starting a few years late. But if someone like Kaito was recommending him...
Perhaps he had some outstanding qualities?
"Haha, regarding his specifics, I'll need to explain in detail when we get to your headquarters. Keep your curiosity in check for now."
"Hehe, alright."
Maintaining a gentle smile, Shinobu nodded in agreement with Kaito. It was about time for everyone to rest.
Since Shinobu planned to stay at the inn for a day or two to learn more about Kaito and his group, she went to the garden and whistled. A Kasugai Crow that could speak flew down from the sky.
After having it relay a message to headquarters that she would be returning a few days late, Shinobu officially checked into the inn.
Like Kaito, she was assigned a luxurious suite with a private open-air hot spring.
Rest assured, these hot springs were enclosed by three-meter-high wooden walls, with tall bamboo groves and other trees planted inside and out.
The distance between each hot spring was at least fifteen meters.
Privacy was essentially guaranteed.
Thanks to this design, there weren't many luxury suites. There's also the couples' suites, which were unaffordable for ordinary people. Most guests used the smaller public baths or the large communal ones.
Because of that, the total number of private baths was less than fifty.
Honestly, following Akina's advice, the total area of the Kamado Inn was a staggering 500,000 square meters!!
Other sections were still under construction and improvement; currently, only 60% was completed.
So...
After everyone dispersed to rest, Kaito settled into his luxury suite. Taking the high-quality kimono delivered by the attendant, he began to undress and briefly rinse off beside the hot spring.
"Sigh~"
Though not as comfortable as Akina's angelic hot spring, it was still quite nice.
Here, he could admire the moonlit night and listen to the gentle murmur of flowing water.
The sound came from water being heated on the hillside by dedicated staff and piped through underground channels to each hot spring, ensuring the temperature remained constant.
Yes, the water supply was separate, but overflow and used water were channeled into the river.
Of course, this consumed large amounts of charcoal and water.
Water supply wasn't a concern either; besides Kamado Kie being able to use her ability to fill excavated pits with water, there was also mountain spring water continuously flowing down. It passed through layers of filtration technology, currently the most advanced in this world, before reaching the heating rooms.
Well, all of these were insights Akina had shared with Kie.
If Kaito could only stay in this world, he might consider living here long-term.
"Kaito~ I'm here…"
"As expected, you came..."
Kaito, in his relaxed, half-lidded state, turned slightly and saw Sayuri, already undressed and holding a towel, appear.
"How did you get in?"
"Hehe, I asked the attendant for a spare key. Besides, we're acquainted, you know?"
"I see. So, are you ready to tackle the math problems now?"
"Wait! Let me ease into it first. I need to take a bath to calm my nerves."
"Haha, suit yourself!"
Seeing Sayuri shudder at the mention of math problems, Kaito burst out laughing.
After Sayuri finished her bath, Kaito brought out "Five Years of College Entrance Exam, Three Years of Simulation" and had her start solving problems.
After she finished those, it would be a flood of calculus questions...
Well, the night was still long. They had plenty of time to take it slow!