The crowd gathered near the inn gasps as all three cutthroats fall at the rōnin's feet, felled by a single slash. Your see her blade return to her sheath, and she turns towards you. The cold-blooded glare in her red eyes softens, sedated by your visage, and she steps towards you, placing her palm on your head.

"I hope I haven't scared you back there." Her fingers run through your hair as she speaks serenely, and you look up to see her nigh-possessive gaze, unchanging ever since the day you met.