"Master Genkai," Kagome greets, bowing low.
"Cut the fox crap you've picked up," Genkai shoots, smiling despite herself. "Whaddya need Kagome?"
"It's not a need," Kagome says quickly. "It's… a want. Just a piece of selfishness on my behalf. I keep telling you to ignore the debt."
Genkai blows on her tea, tiring of the argument already. "My family owes you, Kagome. It has for some years."
"That's not true," Kagome says. She sighs. "What I did for them wasn't to gain a debt. They knew that. You know that."
Genkai takes a sip of tea, hums and pointedly says, "My ancestors knew that you would need all the help you can get. They knew that. You know that."
Kagome winces. Point, Genkai.
The older woman raises a brow. Kagome continues.
"I was… My current house has insufficient grounds and protection for the level of training I want to do," Kagome admits. "It's made me become lazy, and the last thing I need is to become rusty." Her eyes jerk anxiously to Genkai's. "You know how dangerous that could be."
"For us all," Genkai mutters. "I will allow you this favor, Kagome. However, soon I will be looking for an apprentice. During this time I ask that you stay away from the grounds entirely."
Kagome bows her head. "And if you call for me?"
"I will not."
"Very well, Master Genkai. Thank you for your generosity." Something lingers in Kagome's expression, something wistful and satisfied. She smiles, and says, "To think that their descendant would be as amazing as you."
"Bah," Genkai waves her away, but her expression is pleased. "You say that every time you see me. Get out of my sight, flatterer."