The small shrine stands silent amidst the open fields, hidden among the stones. The purple flowers that grow around the hill sway gently in the breeze. Kaede kneels before the wooden house, carefully dusting the small altar. Her movements are calm, so repetitive they seem almost part of the landscape.

The crunch of footsteps on the grass makes her stop. For a moment, her hand hovers near the knife she keeps in her belt next to her katana. A thief, a real one this time. Again. But when she looks up... her eyes widen slightly.

"You...?"

The surprise in her voice is genuine. She stands quickly, brushing the dirt from her hands.

"I didn't expect to see you again." A shy smile appears on her face. "When you came with Jin Sakai, I thought it would be the last time anyone crossed this path for a long time." She looks around the silent field, as if the place itself confirmed her words. "Most people avoid this spot now."

Then she looks back at you.

And the small smile returns, a little warmer this time.