Captured! Threaded Trap at Kojiwaka Inn

[Taishou89]

"Ah, looks good!" Mitsuyoshi said, pulling on his clean, but blood stained, hadagi. Shiori had done a pretty well job considering the difficult challenge of removing blood stains from a white cloth, and her work sewing up the holes was quite well done, and it was this work that led him to believe that she had been the one who stitched his wounds. "I'm glad to see you're recovering so well." Shiori commented as she added some herbs to a pot that was boiling over the irori. "Ah, yes. Thank you, I believe I have you to thank for that Ms.?" As he inquired of her name. "Shiori, and yes. I've become quite well adept at sewing back in our village, especially when someone has a tendency to play in the forests all the time." Shiori said, nodding towards her sister while stirring the strange brew. A strange image came into his mind as he watched Shiori stir the herbal tea, a woman wearing the same clothing as the woman from his dream, she was mixing some kind of similar brew in a pot, but they were in a cave. It was a very foggy image and still he could not remember the see face but it seemed more like a childhood memory that he could not ever recall prior.


He was pulled from his thoughts as Koneko entered the room with the food. "Ah! Oh boy!" he exclaimed as his ears perked up, if he had a tail it likely wouldn't have been hard to tell how happy he was. His appetite was indeed back to normal, and the entire ordeal, battle, and recover had taken a lot of energy and it was impossible to hide the growl that came from his stomach. "Ah Koneko, for a hungry warrior anything is fine!" As he readied his own chopsticks, carefully sitting up as Koneko handed him his bowl. Murada could be heard scolding Jiro again as he continued to bring in their goods. "... Honestly, I don't think there's anything that could really scare that man except losing money... Jiro, however..." He began to dig into his bowl of rice. "That man sure does got a big mouth don't he?" Kayumi chimed in causing a snort and chuckle from Shiori. "Kaayuumi! So rude!" the older sister scolded. "But he does, I can hear him through the walls!" her remark got a smirk from Mitsuyoshi as he fought not to chuckle. For all her rudeness that had been directed at him, it certainly seemed funny when someone else was on the receiving end of it. 

Gently he picked up the pouch and tell right away that it was the money they had paid Kojiwaka. He nodded in agreement as she got back up again to make her own bowl. As he continued to eat, it really didn't take long before he had decided to give the money to the two sisters who had gone above and beyond for them. If it hadn't been for Shiori tending to them in their wounded state, nor Kayumi helping Koneko during their desperate moment, things might have been very different if not for them. However, before Mitsuyoshi could make the move to hand them the money, "It was really nothing there's no nee-" while pouring the herbal tea for Koneko and Mitsuyoshi, Shiori was cut off as Kayumi abruptly blurted out to Koneko. "You can teach me how to fight." as she held up the sword of the deceased Samurai guest, with a look of sheer determination on her face. Shiori, however had a surprised look, before butting in. "Kayumi! So straight forward and rude! You could practice some better manners you know? Like maybe Asking Koneko-dono if she can teach you instead of demanding it as payment." Her older sister scolded. Mitsuyoshi watched the exchange and then looked at Koneko. "well, she is brave to have stood against that spider woman... What do you say Koneko?"

[Koneko]

There was a hefty chunk of food in Koneko's mouth when Kayumi spoke her desire with zero hesitation, she had to hold back from spitting it back out in surprise, swallowing it in one hard go instead and pounding her fist against her chest a couple times to help it down. "E-eh?! Wh-what?" she managed to get out, looking at the girl and the sword she held, seeing her determined look, "It's alright, Shiori, I just wasn't expecting a desire like that..." For once there was a light lack confidence to the feline's words, her eyes tracking over to Mitsuyoshi as he talked and she sat thinking over it and considering it. 'He's right, she does have bravery and spirit for it, but I've never trained anyone, let alone a human. That would be the bigger difficulty, teaching her only within her ability... But she could probably use it considering what Shiori told me about Kayumi the other day... Though what would that mean with traveling?'

"Hmmm," Koneko seemed to think, then spoke some thoughts, "this would be a first for me, I've not trained a single soul in my entire life and I'd have to make sure I keep it all within means you can achieve." Continuing to consider it as she took a bite of food and chewed this time, she recalled the fact her companion was raised among humans and might at least be able to help her keep it reasonably paced. "I suppose I don't see the harm in it, but," the hybrid let the word hang for some emphasis, side glancing over at the wolf hanyou, "I may need help making sure I'm keeping what I try to train reasonable and there's perhaps more to discuss on how to go about this. I've been on the road for a very long time searching for someone, so I'm not sure how consistent it would be. I guess that can be discussed, though. It's not like I've had a home in a long time either, so passing back through more consistently might not be a problem." Yet she held a thought to herself to save any hopes from getting too beyond that, 'though if what Shiori said the other day turns into Yuzuki having been there the whole time, then maybe for a little while depending on her reason for leaving...'

Stuffing down a few more bites of food, she blew on the tea Shiori handed off to her to cool it down before drinking some to wash it down. "I can't imagine it's too bad an idea you learn at least enough to defend yourself and use a sword, so as long as you're fine with having to practice while we're not in the area, why not," the daiyoukai said in a decided tone, following it up with a gentle smile. "I suppose I should also ask if that's okay with you too, Shiori," she soon half asked sheepishly, taking a few more bites and once more washing it down with food. Yet she jumped for a moment when she heard a few particularly loud crashes and shouts from the room next door thanks to the merchants, it sounded like Jiro had dropped something rather than set it down and begrudgingly reminded her they still had that company. With that on her mind as well, she determined to see what was at least left of bandages later to have fresh bindings to finally wear again in preparation for a better moment to tidy herself up. "I really hope our other company doesn't stay this loud the whole time they're here," she complained lightly, but sighed contently to at least have the current moment without them in their immediate presence.

[Taishou89]

"That is true..." Mitsuyoshi responded in conjunction with what Koneko mentioned about her travels and her ongoing search. "... Our journey is bound to be a long one and laced with many dangers. It would not be wise for Kayumi to accompany us on our journey for training." He started as he saw her about to protest, he cut her off. "...But That's not to say that Kayumi can't pick up lessons here and there when we pass through your village. I presume most of our journey will intersect there as we visit the shrines in region. If I recall correctly Kiso is on a pretty important trade route, so we're likely to return fairly often just because of it's intersection." Mitsuyoshi stated further, the idea seemed to disappoint Kayumi who hoped to be taken on as an apprentice and to follow her new found role model, before she could protest her own sister had some words to add. "Kayumi, They are right. Plus Grandfather and Mother still need our help tending to the day to day affairs for the village."

The younger girl looked a bit disappointed still until Koneko spoke. "I can't imagine it's too bad an idea you learn at least enough to defend yourself and use a sword, so as long as you're fine with having to practice while we're not in the area, why not," the daiyoukai said in a decided tone, following it up with a gentle smile. "I suppose I should also ask if that's okay with you too, Shiori," The attention now shifted to Shiori as all eyes awaited her response. Kayumi's eyes turned from disappointment to one of pleading as she gazed at her sister, hoping that she gave a favorable answer. "Eh? I don't see why not as long as you get your chores done." Shiori responded. Mitsuyoshi having been taking a sip of the tea that Shiori had prepared for him exclaimed "Ii-yo!" as he then placed the cup down gently. "I'll help you out... ehh" he glanced at Kayumi before adding "... But to avoid any controversy Koneko will handle your training. I'll just be source of information and assist as asked, I Promise, I swear that I will not do anything that be mistaken for perversion." He held up his hand to show that he truly meant what he said. Kayumi seemed to be alright with it as she just brushed him off and turned her attention to Koneko with a smile. "Thank you Koneko-sensei, I promise to do my very best and train hard!" she exclaimed as she bowed.

Mitsuyoshi forgave the girl ignoring him, he was just as excited to at least help train someone, even if he wouldn't actually be training her it was one of the things he had never had the luxury of taking part of because he was a Hanyou. Though he himself would be mentored, he'd never be granted the chance to mentor another, and before he could even get to raise Hanako for very long, it indeed filled him with a sense of pride just to help. "Heh heh, Soon you'll have your own dojo and many apprentices." He joked as he patted Koneko on the shoulder, forgetting that was Chi had pierced one of her legs right through her. He would soon realize his mistake and promptly apologize. 

Suddenly their door slid open and Murada waltzed in and joined them by the Irori "Excuse us." he would say as he sat on the side of the Irori that was open between Koneko and the two girls. Jiro following right behind him carrying a tray of their own food. Freshly fried fish, pickled vegetables, and rice and carefully Setting it down before the two took their seats. "Ah! Breakfast with company is such a refreshing luxury to enjoy when one has been on the road for so very long." Murada spoke as he noticed the two girls he'd not met before. "And you call me rude?" Kayumi Whispered to Shiori with a sour look as the merchants just invited themselves in. "Ah! Who are these beautiful young ladies? My, young lady you look not a day older than 14." Murada then looked to Koneko and Mitsuyoshi. "You two are robbing the cradle eh?" he blurted out with a chuckle. "I suppose as demon slayers you must get all the ladies." He joked. Jiro just sat by with an embarrassed smile for his companion's comment.

"Eh!?" Kayumi was about to speak out in her usual strong and tough way, but to everyone's surprise it was Shiori who spoke first with her voice raised. "I'll have you know that we are not some common loose girls! We are the Daughters of Daisuke Kimura, Son of Hiroyuki Kimura, Headman of Kiso Village and You sir, are a very Rude man! You've stormed into our humble abode and disrupted the harmony of this place with your loud and obnoxious behavior!" as she gave the two merchants a death glare that rivaled Koneko's. "Hell hath no fury like a woman..." Mitsuyoshi muttered as he stared in disbelief that Shiori had it in her. Despite Jiro's obviously intimidated and shocked facial expression, Murada only had a look of surprise that he had just been scolded. "Eeeeto.... Please pardon us." As he leaned to Jiro and whispered "Apologize to the woman..." To which Jiro did promptly as he was told. "Please forgive our rude behavior and for barging in on your delightful meal. We humbly ask that we be allowed to join you in all sincerity." He then bowed, Murada also gave a nervous smile and a light bow.

[Koneko]

Koneko's gaaze bounced between the others in the room as they spoke until her attention was grabbed by Kauymi again. 'S-sensei...' she thought in mild aversion before speaking up on it while waving her hands to brush off the title, "please, just Koneko is fine, -dono if you must. I'm not deserving of high honors, I'm just a wanderer after all." She'd undoubtedly gotten a couple of confused glances for her insistence against even being called 'sensei' from the girl, but she didn't back down from the stance she'd even held firm with Mitsuyoshi for this long. 'She even sounds like this is going to be far more formal than it is, I mostly learned weapons on my own from necessity and even then I didn't get a formal handle on it until that damnable fox put himself to actual use and showed me better form and technique...' The hybrid was pulled from her thoughts as her companion soon joked, flustering her as the words of her response began to stumble out, "D-dojo?! Apprentices?!?! I couldn't possibly-"

A sting and then a shudder ran down her spine as he put so much pressure on the tender spot at once, moving right into slightly reprimanding him, "c-careful! It's completely healed but it's still sore..." Rubbing her shoulder, the feline seemed to jump again as the door now slid open without warning, calming quickly and taking a drink of her tea to try to keep herself so. Yet a side-eyed glare could be noticed through her swig as Murada planted himself between her and the women by the irori. Setting her cup back down, her scowl only grew as the arrogant merchant not only went on the make perverted accusations, but also implied an older age and wrongdoing with it. 'THIS...!!! I can't believe this man!! I may be over 200, but I'm still quite young myself!! The nerve he has to just assume such a dirty thing anyways! I'm much more respectable than when seeking such company! UGH!!!' Clearly Koneko was spiraling into a ball of fuming anger, even thoughts of making an exception for him in her personal code of refraining from harming humans down to a consideration she could eat him should they have a subsequent encounter fleeting through her mind for being so portly, but determined quickly he'd likely give her a stomachache based on his foul ways and conniving attitude alone.

Once Shiori spoke up, a surprised look crossed her face, though it was quickly replaced with a complacent smirk to see even she wouldn't tolerate being talked to in such a manner. Crossing her arms to push it further, this time she herself spoke up on the matter, having overheard Murada nudge Jiro into apologizing for them, "If I recall a moment ago, it was you that spoke such an unseemly accusation. Why not give the ladies an apology yourself before we move on?" For all he'd said beyond the rude interruption, she wanted nothing more than to see the man squirming. “Ah! Eh?! Eeto…” Murada was caught off guard at being called out and it showed as his face started turning red. A mix of embarrassment and insult to his own pride, though the ronin was right.

With a palpable silence, the room waited for the humiliated merchant to utter some form of apology himself while Koneko stared on, unwilling to let the issue drop until at least one was uttered. After the brief pause he finally found his voice again as his mind returned to reason, “you are right, my apologies… sometimes I can get a bit too exited, please forgive my occasional overbearing outbursts.” His speech seeming forced as if he didn’t want to admit it, though he knew it to be true and his bow was not as deep as his companion’s. Now that an apology had been said, no matter it being forced and begrudging, Shiori vocally accepted tolerance for their presence, "please refrain from any further troublesome behavior and we will allow you to stay in our presence for the time being." It was pretty clear to the rest of the room after all the insinuations, she wasn't afraid to at least speak up on hers and her sister's own honor regardless of Kayumi's frequent enough rudeness. "Now then," she continued, moving the subject along, "Koneko, I should be able to finish stitching your kimono by later today, your hadagi too once I can borrow it again to fix."

"I'll hand it back once I can, I still don't think I can thank you enough," the feline soon admitted, cooling off on her temper for at least the time being with having dragged the apology out of the bothersome merchant. Despite her disguise having stayed quite solid since the arrival of their extra guests, there was an unspoken mutual understanding she wouldn't be handing the article of clothing over in their current company. 'I'd have never guessed they were the daughters of a village headman, no wonder she said that comb would make sure we wouldn't bump into any trouble from the next village! Guess we really have been lucky despite all the injuries, but that might also work out that we have some friendly faces either way when we pass back through on account of Kayumi.' She still couldn't have anticipated she'd be asked to train anyone either, let alone a human, but a tiny corner of her mind thought on Mitsuyoshi's joke. 'I hope we don't get too much attention and keep a low profile from it, if any inkling of word even crept too far and reached my father's clan... That collective of vermin... I'm just thinking on it too hard, even that pest of a fox has assuredly kept his promise to keep my status of living and breathing secret despite the fact I've stayed out of his own sight.'

[Taishou89]

Mitsuyoshi was a bit impressed that the polite and soft well mannered Shiori had spoke up, he was even more surprised to learn that the two were pretty the grand daughters of the Village headman. Koneko joining in and putting the pressure on Murada also caused him to smirk. He had to admit that it was nice to see Murada squirm a little in being called out in shame and to actually apologize, even if it sounded force and not entirely genuine, the point appeared to have been made and Murada seemed to understand that his behavior was unacceptable. He could barely hide his own reaction as he chuckled silently within his mind, especially when Shiori warned him to refrain from further troublesome behavior. As the two Merchants began to dine, after having their knuckles wracked by the quiet Shiori, the conversation shifted gears as the topic moved to their clothing. Shiori had managed to tend to Mitsuyoshi's Hadagi, but still seemed to have quite a bit more to do for Koneko's attire, and Mitsuyoshi's Kimono. He was patient enough and didn't mind, in fact it was likely that they might even remain at the Inn for another day until both He and Koneko were fully healed and ready to continue on.


"Ah? We may be able to assist you with your attire issues." Jiro perked up, changing the mood for the two. "Oh yes! We have many fine kimonos and materials in our inventory! Jiro quick go and fetch them." Murada perked up, seeming to have recovered from his moment of embarrassment at the sudden thought of making a sale. Jiro quickly departed and returned a moment later with large and heavy lacquered trunk, obviously struggling to carry it, placing it down on the floor next to Koneko with a loud sigh of relief, before opening it. "Please. Feel. Free. to take a gander..." He said between breaths. "Yes, yes please have a look and see what catches your eye and we can work out a price." Murada spoke as he continued to eat his food. 'Oh boy... here we go...' Mitsuyoshi thought, while expressing a look of doubt at the mention of working out a price. His thoughts changed at the consideration of Shiori and all she had done for them thus far 'Although I suppose it would be less of a burden on Shiori though...' as he moved over next to Koneko to look in the trunk.

Finding that a lot of the Kimonos at the top were of fine and expensive material, it was no joke that they did have such fine clothes available but they undoubtedly would be very expensive and probably not the most practical for traveling. He noticed by Koneko's frown that she likely thought the same as he did. He dug a little deeper and found one of cheaper material that resembled his old one. "Oh here we go... Koneko check out further down near the bottom." His suggestion and mentioning of checking near the 'bottom' of the trunk seemed to get a reaction from Murada as his face looked to one of concern. "Oh you don't want those ones, they're old hand me downs that we picked up from the castle at our last stop as part of a trade deal." Murada interjected and Jiro added "We planned to sell them in Kiso at the market." Their reactions only seemed to make Mitsuyoshi like it even more. "I don't mind fancy wear and dressing up for an occasion, but I think this will suit me just fine for our long journey ahead. Especially if we are to do battle again." Mitsuyoshi set the kimono aside and dug back down to the bottom of the trunk again to look for another hadagi to go with it. "Oh Koneko, this one looks just like your old one." as he pulled up one that eerily matched her old one just as his did, handing it to her to review.

'Oh no! We can't make any profit if they buy the trade ins! We better up sell some other items.' Murada turned to Jiro and in an unusually kinder tone asked "Jiro, won't you be a good lad and retrieve the 'other' items." Jiro took a moment of pause until he realized what Murada meant before rushing off to retrieve them. The skinny merchant soon returned with another heavy trunk, just like the first one and placed it down with a heave and a sigh. Murada moved over brushing Jiro aside to catch his breath and opened the trunk. "We also have other items that could also aid you in your demon slaying quests!" revealing a chest full of charms, talismans, and miscellaneous knick knacks. Reaching in and removing a talisman "This one will help protect you from any demons attack, perhaps it might just do more to prevent any future injuries ne?" he then grasped Mitsuyoshi's hand "Eh?" and a moment of panic came over him as Murada placed the Talisman in his hand. Flinching momentarily, expecting the talisman to suddenly shock or burn him like some of the ones on the sacred objects in the Castle used to, but nothing happened. "eh?... oro..." he held it up and looked it over. "And this one is to purify and rid all demons and evil spirits." Murada then did the same to Koneko, taking her hand and placing it flat in her palm. Kayumi and Shiori had started to gather to take a look at the charms for their own travels as Mitsuyoshi realized 'They're all fake! They haven't been blessed by a priest or monk! This is not honorable!'a look of insult on his face as he was about to call the two out on it, until he remembered that if he did, how would he explain that they didn't work without outing himself or Koneko.

[Koneko]

'These two are desperate for sales nearly any chance an opportunity comes up,' Koneko thought a bit skeptically as Jiro scooted off and returned just as hastily with such a heavy trunk and watched as it was set down next to her. 'I'm not sure about this, I really have put up with worn out clothing for awhile before just because it gets ruined often enough from being in fights...' Shifting slightly, she slowly opened it to at least take a look inside on the off-chance there was at least something reasonable inside, though seeing all the fancy articles on top gave her some concern. Her current wear might not be different in durability, but at least it was cheap enough to replace when needed. Wearing a frown as she looked over them, it was clear these all looked very expensive and too flashy to be wearing in consistent enough encounters with other demons. There was no doubt these wouldn't be all that worth the high price, though as soon as Mitsuyoshi dug in and started to find the more common-wear at the bottom, she started to peel some of the upper layers away to help her companion get a better look.

Her hands tracked right to the garment the hanyou pulled out for her to access, noting it looked just like the one she preferred to wear. 'Well that's convenient,' Koneko thought before saying, "this one will do perfectly, I don't have to concern so much about a hand me down getting ruined by the next youkai we encounter." Just after saying so, she helped with digging further to retrieve a couple hadagi for them to replace their tattered and faintly blood stained ones, finding a couple just as Jiro came back in with another heavy trunk of items. Now watching curiously, she nearly flinched as she watched one be shoved into Mitsuyoshi's hand, a small sigh of relief puffing out of her as nothing happened while also closing her eyes to calm down from her sudden worry.

"And this one is to purify and rid all demons and evil spirits."

Murada's words hung for a minute and time seemed to stop as she heard the words, a small flashback to the plenty of dangerous times in her reckless days she'd been attacked in return with talismans like that when she finally felt the merchant grab her hand. A shudder nearly visibly went up her spine in panic, her eyes shooting open as she looked to her hand and felt the talisman land there...only for nothing to come of it. 'I didn't need a fright like that today...' the feline thought as she managed to calm down once again, then quickly brushing off her visible reaction with, "excuse my reaction... I'm a little jumpy about being touched without expecting it..." Examining the item placed in her hand, she too quickly came to the conclusion it was a forgery given it was hard to forget just how bad the sting of getting touched by a real one often had been. Sitting in brief thought, she then asked fairly openly, "I'm just curious, but where do these talismans come from? I've err... had my fair share of seeing talismans in use by monks, priestesses and other spiritually gifted people alike as well as receiving them as a gift from a few for protection you could say, so I can be a little... discerning might be the way to put it."

She knew she was putting him on the spot, but she also knew they needed an excuse to refuse them. Yet she had another thought while Murada came up with his own excuse, remembering they'd enjoyed the sake from the other night quite a bit and perhaps a little more wouldn't hurt if he was quite desperate for them to buy more than the cheap clothing. "Actually, would you happen to have another jug of that sake from our last meeting? Perhaps a little more of that would suit our needs a bit better," Koneko suggested, attempting to brush off the push there was to barter for the more expensive and, frankly, useless items there were available. 'I'm not exactly keen on having all these holy items around anyways, even if they are fakes...'

[Taishou89]

"Same here, I'm not very used to being touched so suddenly and abruptly." Mitsuyoshi added right behind Koneko's own remark. As Koneko then went on to ask where the two had acquired such charms, his own mind began to wonder the same, as well as how they accumulated so many. Mitsuyoshi placed the charm down as he picked up his cup and drank more of the herbal tea that Shiori had brewed, he leaned over and mentioned to her "Oh I don't think you'll be needing those any time soon so long as we're here." He said confidently as he held them as he held it up to the two girls, before placing it back on the floor and taping it lightly with his index finger to get their attention and wagging his finger to say 'no' and to show that they didn't work at all. Kayumi initially had an insulted look, thinking that Mitsuyoshi was trying to flirt or put moves on her older sister while trying to wink, but fortunately Shiori had got the message and nudged Kayumi to stop her from making a scene.

"Where did we get them? Ah! Oh... Um... Jiro Where did we pick these charms up?" Murada asked, seeming to become a bit nervous as he couldn't quickly come up with an answer to avoid confessing that it was them who manufactured the fraudulent charms. "Oh! Um... I believe we... Um.. Picked them up from a traveling monk someway back. Yeah It was in Namaji Village." Jiro answered but a keen eye could tell that the two were lying between their teeth about the matter. "Um.. How about for you we can just donate some of them for the cause! At No cost." Jiro perked up, garnering a glare from Murada who angrily and softly asked between his teeth. "At no cost?" while in his mind he was screaming and wanting to strangle Jiro. Until Koneko mentioned purchasing more sake, when he seemed to ease and turned to smile at her, while trying to still contain his anger at Jiro.

"Ah yes! It would be nice to replenish our supplies for the road since we've been here for longer than we intended. That Sake and some of those dried fish and picked vegetables would be great!" Mitsuyoshi added to help ease the tension. It had become so apparently obvious that the greedy Murada only cared about turning a profit more than their actual needs, but extra food supplies would be great, plus they could always halve some with Shiori and Kayumi for their care and for kindly inviting them to their village. "Ooo! And perhaps any more of those red bean cakes if you have some still?" Mitsuyoshi chimed in, honestly those azuki mochi sounded really delicious after their meal and with their tea.

Murada chuckled. "Aha ha ha! You're in luck my boy! We have all of those mentioned!" Before glancing to Jiro, and without and words exchange the skinny one was off again to their room, coming back with a large sack in a short moment. "I've loaded this up with all of your requested provisions!" Jiro chirped as he set the sack down in front of Mitsuyoshi who quickly set to dig through them. "Ah! good good! All appears to be in order. You really are good at packing aren't you Jiro?" Mitsuyoshi spoke until Murada cut Jiro's reply off. "Ahem.. For the two hand me downs, 2 hadagi, jug of sake, dried fish, pickled vegetables, and the azuki mochi I'd say... 17 ryo(gold coins)." Murada spoke as a cheeky grin crossed his face. Mitsuyoshi sat back, expecting an outrageous price from the man as his mind quickly pondered how to respond. It was an unacceptable offer and he guessed that the man wouldn't take anything less that 12 ryo as his eyes glanced around the room, an idea formed in his head. "Murada-san... We do not have that kind of money..." Mitsuyoshi began just as Murada sat back and before he could shut them down, Mitsuyoshi continued "... However... Seeing as that our last client is deceased and we have not been justly compensated... Perhaps I could offer this Inn as a substantial trade offer for these items. This Inn, as it stands, is worth an easy 20 ryo and we cannot man such an establishment while we are traveling, so I offer it to you. You could start it up again or even add a trading post here and get a return on your trade with us in no time." Mitsuyoshi leaned forward and rested his left elbow on his knee as he awaited Murada's response.

Murada began to think about it as Jiro started to work on appraising the Inn for it's actual worth. Murada seemed deep in thought as Jiro came to realize the actual worth of the Inn in it's current state. Attempting to tell Murada, he would only be brushed off by the man who was still upset with him for offering the talismans for free. "The Inn and 4 ryo." He countered. Jiro looking panicked attempted to get Murada's attention who continued to brush him off. "1 ryo and the Inn..." Mitsuyoshi threw back. "3." Murada spat before finally glancing at the annoying pestering of Jiro. "JIRO! Go Outside and tend to the horse! You're sleeping in the cart tonight!" He shot the angry death glare that both Jiro and Mitsuyoshi knew so well, for Mitsuyoshi it was akin to Koneko's death glare. Jiro, finally accepting the outcome, did as he was told and left. "2 and the Inn, Final offer. Take it or leave it" He threw back at Murada before adding "..We can wait until we get to Kiso, we have just enough to make the journey as it is and I can survive with my clothing as it is, and I'd bet that Koneko-dono can hold out longer than me."

Murada took a moment to ponder it, in his mind he saw the potential to expand and diversify his enterprise. The Inn could undoubtedly turn a profit and if he added a trading post here, it could double or triple, especially if he sold charms and other merchandise related to the tales of the two ronin. "You know I'd also add that you take into consideration how you've also seemed to profit off our own ventures with your charms and talismans while telling of our battle with the Hounengyo outside of Nishino castle. This is a steal for you considering that we could always pursue the issue for just compensation on our behalf with the magistrate." That final comment from Mitsuyoshi seemed to be the deal sealer as Murada sat up and proclaimed "Deal!" Mitsuyoshi smiled gleefully "Pleasure doing business with you Murada-san!" his mood was jubilant as a sense of justice came over him that the table had been turned and they essentially returned the favor to the greedy merchant. A chuckle developed from the greedy merchant before quickly remembering something.

 "Oh yeah, Koneko-dono, we ran into a friend of yours back in Namaji, the village before the old castle. I can't recall his name, but he was very pleased to have heard us tell of your battle with that demon outside of the old castle. Kato? No... Kanto?.. Kaito! Yes that was his name. He seemed very eager to find you but we didn't know where exactly you were heading and just told him the road you took." Murada than stood and promptly left their room holding the 2 gold coins, his greedy laugh could be heard all the way down the hall to his room and even between the walls his booming laugh could still be heard as he fantasized about all the money he thought he was going to make.

Meanwhile outside Jiro cried as he hoped and prayed that Murada wouldn't make the deal, but his hopes were in vain when he could hear Murada's jubilant laugh.  Jiro had determined that the Inn was in need of refurbishment and repairs and likely only worth 5 ryo and the repairs and refurbishment would cost nearly 27 Ryo and the Inn wasn't located on a vital trade route, but rather a fairly isolated mountain pass so the return of such investment would likely not pay off for years to come. Essentially the uninflated costs of their provisions and the two hand me down kimonos were really worth 3 ryo at the most, so by paying only 2 ryo Mitsuyoshi and Koneko would have made out with a fair deal, while Murada had been stuck with a now expensive investment that would take years to get a return on which would mean they'd have to travel more and sell more items to recover their losses.

"Drinks on me?" Mitsuyoshi grinned as he looked at both Koneko and the two sisters until he noticed that Koneko looked like she had seen a ghost. "Eh? Is everything alright Koneko?" He asked as his question drew the attention of Kayumi and Shiori to her. "Koneko-sensei you look pale! Can I get you something Sensei?" as she moved closer to Koneko. "Oh my, Koneko is your pain returning? Here have some more tea and then maybe we should get you in bed again." Shiori spoke as she refilled Koneko's cup.

[Koneko]

'So these didn't come from any holy person at all, what liars,' Koneko thought as Murada scrambled for an excuse and Jiro offered the talismans for free, 'but at least asking for more sake seems to have pulled them slightly away from insisting...' Noticing Mitsuyoshi's signal to the two women, she was pleased they'd be passing on anyone buying such shameless rip-off items, though his additional request for more food, namely those bean cakes, had her perking up again as well. Keeping silent so he could go on to use his skills of negotiation to sort the payment out, she was astonished at the absurd amount this time they'd wanted in payment for the items this time given it hadn't been that much more than they'd gotten previous to it. Feeling like even she wanted to argue over it, she looked to the hanyou as he began to mention they didn't have that kind of money until a faint smirk came across her lips the moment he began to mention the inn as part of the payment. 'How devious of him! If they take it, then we'll have gotten a little pay back for last time they ripped us off.'

Turning her attention back to the merchants as she watched the haggling commence, it was clear Jiro seemed to be leery, but Murada was buying it hook, line and sinker. Holding back a chuckle as the greedier of the two told his assistant to leave, she had a good feeling they'd gotten their way on this one, soon knowing so as the final nail was slammed in with the threat they could wait to purchase supplies. "Deal!" Even she wore a grin for this one, now biding time for a moment to praise Mitsuyoshi for such a sly move. 'Got 'em! Serves them right for trying to swindle us twice!' Her victory thoughts soon were interrupted by the news the portly man suddenly laid out for her. "Oh yeah, Koneko-dono, we ran into a friend of yours back in Namaji, the village before the old castle. I can't recall his name, but he was very pleased to have heard us tell of your battle with that demon outside of the old castle. Kato? No... Kanto?.. Kaito! Yes that was his name. He seemed very eager to find you but we didn't know where exactly you were heading and just told him the road you took." Koneko stiffened near immediately upon hearing the name. 'No no NO! Curse his persistence and ability to track! How could I have gotten so lax as to let him get so close to catching up to me?!'

"Souka... I'm sure he'll realize from the danger of our business something came up and will meet with me another time," she spun an excuse quickly, some sweat beginning to bead as it took quite a bit out of her to keep her tone even. The moment she could stop talking, the panic began to set in that the bane of her existence had to be close by enough that she'd have to orchestrate precautions to slink away from his encroaching presence. She'd zoned out starting to try to speedily plan and thinking to herself, 'We have to go as soon as possible, I'm a sitting duck if we stay here much longer and I'll be just as quickly subjected to his imprudent advances again!!' Twitching as she was suddenly asked if she was okay and pulled back to the space of the room and company around her, scrambling to regain some form of seeming collected. "A-Ah! I was just nervous about how that transaction was going for a moment, but it's relieving the negotiation went well. Actually some tea and perhaps a drink of sake for a quick celebration sounds great!" She leaned away a little as Kayumi got close, before quickly grabbing for the replacement clothing they'd acquired.

"In fact, I actually feel quite good after that to the point I think I'm about ready to get on the road again since you won't have to worry about repairing the rest of our clothing, Shiori. Although, perhaps I should get situated first finally, now that our company has left the room I can finally get these bandages off and stop waiting to bind myself back up! Etou, why don't you go ahead and close the door again so i can do that, Kayumi..." Without further hesitation of being asked, the girl agreed and got up to go shut the door again, "You got it Koneko-sensei!" Kayumi then gave a stern look to Mitsuyoshi, both accusing and scolding him in advanced, "and you better not look at Sensei either while she's changing!" Despite being a bit curious and confused by the flustering of the youkai, Shiori sighed and shook her head, "Really Kayumi... I'm pretty sure at this point he wouldn't look even if the rest of us weren't present in the room. You don't have to keep being so rude to him..."

Koneko herself got up and hurriedly sought out the bandaging to finally have fresh and unstained bindings, then scooted to the corner behind Mitsuyoshi to finally leave her disguise until she had her chest securely tightened down as she preferred and slipped right into her fresher clothing just after. "That's better!" the feline exclaimed before moving to place her torn clothing on the top of the basket as weather protection for their items then take her seat next to her companion again and gulped down some of the slightly cooled tea, "So how are your injuries feeling, they did look pretty healed earlier?" Doing her best to hide her nervousness and sudden pushiness, she then looked at the two women, "and how about you both? There shouldn't be any more trouble from demons anytime soon, would you both be alright if we set out on our way perhaps a bit earlier than we anticipated we'd need to?" Her mind was stuck on one track now, 'we have to get out of here as soon as possible! I can't let that damned Kaito catch up with me or 30 years of avoiding him, of peace and quiet from the constant advances, the lack of wandering gaze in private moments, the relief there is without his obnoxious attitude, will all be for nothing! Let alone having any of these three see what I've been tormented with when he's around...I wouldn't be able to take it!!'

"We might be fine... But are you sure you're okay, Koneko?" Shiori pressed again, at least picking up on some of her haste while she gave an air of not being quite in tip-top shape as she'd seemed before the merchants. "Perfectly fine! I could probably even run a race or fight another youkai if asked! Just the care you both gave us alone really did wonders, Shiori!" Koneko had moved into distracting with some compliments and flattery, raising her cup to take another swig of tea and try to stuff down her nervousness further.

[Taishou89]

"I just thought to apply a little bit of military strategy to the negotiations. You know, at one point in time I studied a little bit of strategy hoping to one day become one of my brother's Generals." Mitsuyoshi boasted proudly pleased to see his application of his old studies had paid off. As Koneko mentioned hitting the road, a part of him agreed, but for a different reason altogether. "Well it would be a good idea to leave before Murada finds out that the Inn is probably going to cost more to repair than he bargained for." Mitsuyoshi explained before Shiori spoke up. "It's no problem at all Koneko, but Is Mitsuyoshi's wounds healed enough to travel?" she did have a point, as he was still recovering though it was likely he'd be 100% by the afternoon. "Thank you Shiori-san, but I think I should be well enough to travel today... maybe not battle, but walking should be fine." 


'Strange... Despite being insistent against the use titles and what not, she hasn't brought it up again despite Kayumi calling her Sensei several times already... Something seems to be bothering her..." His mind was suddenly pulled from the thought as Shiori insisted on checking on his wounds to make sure he was indeed much better enough to travel. Sighing as he started to scratch at the bandages with his claws to remove them until his hands were gently smacked away from them. "We don't have many bandages, so don't ruin these." she scolded. A bit stunned that she had been so assertive, he said nothing and refrained as he recalled some of the women in the castle that tended to the wounded during the Suwa war, who tried to nurse him back to health even though his wound from the arrow had already fully healed. "Eh?" Shiori remarked as his Bandages were removed and it was revealed that nearly all of his wounds had sealed and scarred, save for the wound that had reopened earlier that morning which by now was already closed and scabbed. "The benefit of being half blood, we tend to heal quicker than humans. The scars will probably be gone by the afternoon." he mentioned. 


Shiori would find it much surprising too that Koneko's wounds had fully healed and recovered as well when she began to undo her bandages. "I swear, Kayumi... I'm not peeking!" Mitsuyoshi remarked while facing his back towards them and covering his eyes with his hand. "I'm not that kind of man..." Mitsuyoshi responded to fiery young girl's warning, Koneko's own affirmation soon following. "Kayumi stop being rude, Mitsuyoshi is more a gentleman than a lot of the men we've met before." the older sister scolded. "Why thank you, you two!" Mitsuyoshi replied, flattered to have received such affirmation and complements. "... I swear to you Kayumi, I will prove one day that I would never do something so dishonorable." he pledged as he continued to face away and keep his eyes closed. "Eeto... Is it safe?"


When it was safe Mitsuyoshi would turn around relieved that he didn't have to cover his eyes anymore. "Oh which reminds me..." He reached into his sleeve and pulled the 1 ryo coin that that Koneko had retrieved. "You and Kayumi deserve this for everything you have done for us, perhaps it can do much good for the two of you on your journey." He said as he placed it in Shiori's hand. "Eh?? No no! Mitsuyoshi this is too much, what we did was only the right thing to do. To help others in need, you and Koneko have done much for us as it is." Shiori attempted to return the coin as Mitsuyoshi held up his hand. "I insist. I personally owe my life to both you and Kayumi and I believe that Koneko feels the same way. Especially since you both remained here by our side and nursed us back to health, it is only right and fair that this should help you." Mitsuyoshi said as he gently closed Shiori's hand around the coin. 

[Koneko]

A short moment of clarity came over the feline as she saw Mitsuyoshi pull out the ryo and hand it to Shiori, a gentle smile coming across her face as she agreed they deserved it for the help they'd been. "Please, even I insist, Shiori," Koneko spoke up in agreement, "I haven't been in a situation that dire for quite some time, but I'm not sure how it would have turned out had you both not shown up the other day and without Kayumi's help against the demon. Let alone had we survived without the help we would have been in far worse shape with only myself to be able to tend to the two of us..." She put the notion out quite heavily to push the insistence of taking the payment as her friend placed the coin in the young maiden's hand. "In fact, if you need any of the provisions we acquired to finish your trip to your father's grave as you mentioned a few days ago, then we're more than happy to offer it." Finishing her tea, she then looked to Kayumi and said, "And make sure you learn to care for that sword until we next see you in Kiso."

"I'll make sure I do it, Koneko-sensei!" Kayumi replied with vigor, this time, thanks to the short-lived moment before the urgency overtook again, the daiyoukai laid out the insistence once more, "Really, you shouldn't refer to me as sensei... Dono is more than enough..." Now setting the cup down, she could feel the need to get out of that place taking hold once more, getting up to sort their new items into the basket while even once more offering some of the pickled vegetables and dried fish and even offering the share of the azuki mochi to the two women. Having made sure all of their items were in check, she placed the older, frayed clothing more securely over the top of it all and retrieved her own blade to securely place back where it belonged on her side, ending with finally tying her long hair back up into place. "Well, Mitsuyoshi, since we're in agreeance we should probably get out of here before our 'friends' realize what you pulled on them, why don't we head on our way while there's plenty of daytime left to start moving? I'm itching to stretch my legs again from staying in one place so long!"

Her plotting to avoid the 'trouble' she was beyond aware of being nearby, Koneko began to think to herself as she almost seemed ready to tap her foot to make a hasty exit from the inn while waiting for Mitsuyoshi to finish reassembling himself into traveling condition. 'We'll see Shiori and Kayumi off to the path towards the castle, then we'll cut through the forest instead. Knowing Kaito, he'll expect to see me on a main road before assuming I'd take a more difficult path thanks to how the three of us traveled together. He knows my human disguise all too well, so that won't help us with avoiding him. Using the forest might take us a little longer to get to Kiso village, but, with any luck it'll have him thinking I left before he got there and I can find out which way he may have gone from the villagers...' She was so used to finding ways to avoid him for nearly 30 years it almost had become a talent of it's own to purely avoid one single kitsune. 'I swear I'll lose my mind if I ever have to hear one more marriage proposal from him or have to relive hearing those damn footfalls near where I'm bathing...' Trying to continue playing off the rush she felt, she then spoke up to the rest of the room, "let me know when you're ready and then we'll escort you both to the correct road before we part ways. Extra assurance you both are seen off the direction you need to go safely."

[Taishou89]

Moments later as the group set off from the old Inn, they soon found themselves at the crossroads at which point they'd separate. "You two will be welcomed in our village, without a doubt. Visit our Grandfather and mention us, show him my comb and he will know your words are true." Shiori spoke as Kayumi approached Koneko and bowed. "Sensei, I will do my best and eagerly await my next lesson." Kayumi beamed as she rose from her bow. "I will be a great fighter like you!" the young girl pledged, a steely determination in her eyes. Koneko smiled and as politely as she could reminded the young girl to refer to her as 'dono' if she must, instead of the title sensei. Her response Leading Mitsuyoshi to chuckle to himself a little as he remembered how Koneko would say the same to him. 'Ah it certainly does feel good to be able to laugh again...' Mitsuyoshi recalled Koneko assuring him that he'd have his laugh soon enough. "I'd tell you two to be safe, but I think Kayumi is more than capable of the task." Mitsuyoshi's light hearted comment and smile was short lived as Kayumi shot back "Silence Perv!". As Mitsuyoshi flinched a little at her sharp response, garnering a chuckle from both Koneko and Shiori. "Kayumi, stop being rude, he just complemented you." Mitsuyoshi just sighed and waved her off "It's ok Shiori, I suppose I will have to prove myself to her some how."

"Travel Safe and maybe we'll still be in Kiso when you return." Koneko waved as the two girls set off down the road heading to the Nishino castle. No sooner had they left, did she begin to set off into the forest instead of on the road to Kiso. "Eh? Koneko Why are we cutting through the forest? Wouldn't the road be a lot quicker?" Mitsuyoshi inquired as he followed after her when his ears caught the faint sound of Murada's voice in the distance, back at the Inn far behind them. "WHAAAAT?!" the initial shout of the big mouthed Murada could be heard, stirring the birds in the trees to flight and scatter.  "Jiro You Imbecile! Why didn't tell me!?" Murada shouted again. "Oh! Ah, heh heh Not a bad Idea Koneko! Not bad at all!" Mitsuyoshi hurried after Koneko into the forest. The two would be deep into the forest and out of sight as Murada charged out to the road with Jiro in tow. "How could you let me make that deal!?!?!?" Murada cursed as he fell to his knees in despair. "Well.. I suppose it is our karma for our last deal with them." Jiro muttered as he reflected on it. Murada twitched as he slowly turned around with an annoyed glare at Jiro and a short moment later, the last that Mitsuyoshi and Koneko would hear with their enhanced hearing, would be the landing of several hard blows as Murada stormed off back to the Inn in a mix of anger and tears at the loss of his money "Stupid superstitious fool costing me money" as Jiro lay there for a moment "Ohhhhhh....Look at the pretty stars..."

Kimi wo Mite iru

(^Click for episode ending theme)