"Right though here," Shiro said, scanning his fingerprint and watching as the doors to the Kamui's dimly lit containment room slid open. The light spilling in from the life fiber-holding pods threw a stark light onto the odd operating table-like apparatus in its center. Uzu squinted for a minute until he could see the outfit, stretched out across the table.

"Alright, I'll admit it, this is pretty cool dude," Uzu said with an appreciative whistle as he entered the containment room. The doors started to close behind them, but before they did, he turned back and called, "Well, you coming? Sheesh, yer like a stray dog!"

Nonon gave a little squeak and hurried up. She'd been following behind at what she'd mistakenly believed would be a comfortable distance; why, she wasn't sure. It just didn't feel right that he see Saiban without her there. Only Satsuki, Ryuko, and the scientists had done that (it didn't occur to Nonon that that was the full list of people who'd even been in the secret lab). She caught up and was about to offer a retort when Shiro launched into some babbling explanation.

"Now, as you can clearly observe there are large parts missing, we are currently in the process of re-stitching all the fabric layers in the shape of Nonon's genetic code, everything except the core framework will eventually be replaced but we keep the original parts we haven't replaced yet where they are so that we can make sure everything connects and also to keep the quantum state of the in-progress threads relatively stable…" Uzu wasn't really listening, studying Saiban was much more interesting. He had surmised that before they started working on it the Kamui was being held in the display case on the wall, and sure it would have looked a little more impressive there rather than splayed out with all those spidery little mechanical arms hanging over it, but he could fill in the blanks just fine. There was no doubt about it, Saiban was a clear upgrade over the previous models. Senketsu had been suitably spiky and intimidating when activated, sure, but it's base form was… not bad, really, but raggedy and youthful looking – it could've passed for a school uniform after all. On the other hand, Junketsu was radiant, perfectly tailored, exactly the right look for Satsuki. But the old Satsuki, the one that was a monster of her own creation, the one they were trying to grow beyond needing.

Saiban was nothing like that, sophisticated, vibrant, regal but not malevolent. A fitting garment for one who would soon be known the world over, who would become like a goddess on Earth. Maybe it was his shingantsu, maybe it was how much time he'd spent around life-fibers, or maybe the thought that this was Nonon's Kamui – the Nonon who was once his Nonon and would be again someday - was making him think stupid things, but Uzu could swear he could feel a radiant energy rising clean and golden from the slumbering consciousness within it. Maybe he was just finally going crazy. They said that happened to anyone who stayed in America too long, after all.

Shiro had left the room. He'd of course noticed that long before Shiro was out the door, but Nonon looked like the unkempt little scientist had stabbed her in the back. Silence filled the containment chamber, along with a sort of pressure that closed up behind Uzu's ears. He would have loved to attribute that to the Kamui's presence - the dull, half closed eyes across the patchwork dress staring at him. But that woulddefinitely be crazy.

"So, that's you, huh?" Uzu asked slowly.

"Yup," Nonon's answer was terse; she didn't roll her eyes but from her tone Uzu thought she might as well have. That didn't matter though, it had been a stupid question. Staring at the Kamui, he thought of plenty of other stupid things to say: It's gonna look amazing on you. With this, nobody will even hold a candle to you, not Satsuki, not even Ryuko. Sure, you'll have to kill some REVOCS cultists, but everyone will see you how you really are. But that wouldn't do. Once it would have been easy, or if it were just some other girl, but that didn't work with Nonon. She'd only laugh at him, or worse, get in his face. Instead, what came out was:

"Since when do you wear green?"

"Shut up," Nonon replied with a groan. She didn't fire back with a retort of her own, though. Maybe it made her nervous, there was a lot of responsibility coming with this, after all. Maybe he should remind her how during the war, when they'd been forced to hide in the ruins of Osaka, she'd been the only one who never visibly broke down, never despaired despite her constant bitching. How that was when he realized how special she was. But it just – it didn't seem right.

"Hey I – I mean, it is pretty cool. Do you think it will be able to fly?"

"How would I know? Doesn't really matter – so long as it gives me superstrength and speed and bulletproof skin it'll get the job done."

"Oh. Yeah, that's true. I just kinda thought, y'know, since you loved flying so much."

"That's not what's important. All that matters is that we crush the REVOCS people or get them to back down before they become a threat to the public." Uzu was right though, and she had been wondering that anxiously since she first saw Saiban, but there was no use sharing something so earnest with him. It wouldn't lead anywhere, he was just toying with her now. She wanted to leave, but she couldn't. Well, she wanted to, but this was her room, she couldn't retreat. And her feet were stuck in place by a kind of sick curiosity about what he would say next.

"Really? I kinda hoped you be having more fun with it. That's what I'd do. Make the most of it, right?"

"And that's why I'm doing this, not you. A Kamui is not a tool, I know, but until we solve this problem, I have to think of it that way, and of myself as back to being a soldier."

"Talkin' like Satsuki now, I see," Uzu said with a little more hostility than he meant. Nothing really was wrong with replicating Satsuki – frankly you had to a little bit to get things done sometimes. But he was disappointed, disappointed that Nonon seemed so nervous and down even when she had this truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity right in front of her, disappointed that she wouldn't even indulge him in a friendly conversation. What's going on between us? What do you want from me? I'm not going anywhere, but I just wish I knew.

"And why not, she's right."

"And Mataro too, I suppose."

"What's that supposed to mean? "

"You don't have to do exactly what she wants anymore, you know. She won't hold it against you."

"Oho, that's rich coming from you!"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"What do you mean 'what's that supposed to mean'? You and I and everyone else all know you only voted no because that's what you thought I wanted you to do!"

"Well yeah, you were the one who suggested I vote! Obviously, that's what you wanted!"

"That's what I'm saying! You're the hypocrite here for saying I shouldn't vote how Satsuki did!"

"So, you did vote that way for her? If you wanted someone to vote yes, why didn't you do it rather than try to get me to guess what you wanted?"

"Why would you vote yes, though?"

"What? Isn't that what you wanted me to do?"

"Voting yes is the stupidest thing I've ever heard in my life!" A slight exaggeration on Nonon's part, she'd be berating Houka and Shiro about it for weeks, but she got why they'd done it.

"So you admit you would be mad no matter which way I voted?" Uzu wasn't sure how they'd even started arguing, it just started and all of a sudden, they were shooting back and forth so fast it was all he could do to keep up his end.

"No, obviously not, don't be stupid!"

"Then what is it?"

"Urgh, look, just think for yourself, is that so hard?"

"How the hell do you know I didn't think for myself! You clearly have no idea what's going on in my head!"

"You just told me you were trying to figure out how I wanted you to vote!"

"Yeah, I thought about who I was more okay with disappointing! You should consider yourself lucky I chose you over Ryuko. And y'know maybe I shoulda chose her because I always have a great time hanging out with her and you've been being a real bitch to me lately!"

"Lately? Well how would you know that if you won't fucking return my calls!" That brought a stunned, slightly panicked expression from Uzu, and Nonon paused from whatever she'd been about to say as he quickly yanked his phone from his pocket.

"…Wait, you've been trying to call me?"

"Wha-I-uh, not since you've been back. You dropped off the face of the Earth for a while back there! People were wondering where you'd gone, ok?"

"Yeah, I know, I was under orders not to contact anyone but secure numbers, Satsuki and Ira mostly, but if I'd known it was you…," He scrolled through a list of missed calls, and then turned the phone around to show her, "… Is one of these you?"

"… Yeah, that one," Nonon pointed to a phone number, "New SD card."

"Shit…" Uzu said, "Uh, I guess I'm sorry."

"It's – it's ok," Nonon sighed, and then they lapsed into silence for a moment. Nonon rested her arms on the operating table and plonked her head down on her hands. Normally Uzu found it difficult to guess the thoughts in that pretty little head, but now she seemed… relieved? And embarrassed, definitely embarrassed. He quickly looked away and put his eyes back on the Kamui.

"… This is kinda stupid, huh? Toying with the kid's future just for… whatever the fuck this shit is we're doing," Uzu said, hoping that she would help him define what was going on between them.

"Yeah. It was maybe a little dumb of me. But you just sped up the inevitable, Satsuki was gonna get her way eventually."

"You think you're gonna apologize to him?"

"Fuck no! It was still an idiotic idea on his part. And idiotic of Ryuko to go along with it, although that's hardly off-brand for her."

"I dunno… honestly, I think he could do it if we really set him down to it."

"You just see you at his age in him," Nonon said, and usually something like that would've come out in a vitriolic screech, but now it was a neutral observation with a hint of vague amusement. It was the most thrilling sound Uzu had heard in weeks at least.

"Not so. He seems like he really wants to improve and become worthy of it, and he believes he can do it. Back then I just wanted to fight and prove I was the best. The only similarity is the confidence."

"…Well, you proved you're the best," Nonon said, still not looking at him, "Now what?"

"First off, I still never beat Satsuki, and Ryuko's on a whole other level now."

"Oh they don't count. Normal people. And before you say there's nothing inhuman about Satsuki - I know. But you know what I mean."

"Yeah, no kidding… Hey, what's it like to fight Ryuko, now that she's fully awakened? Houka told me you were training with her."

"It's like fighting a bear. You can't hurt her, and she's a lot faster than you'd expect."

"That's-heh-that's a nice analogy. I won't tell her you said that."

"I've said worse to her face."

"Fair enough. Well, maybe when you put this on, you'll be able to catch up."

"Maybe," Nonon muttered, still lost in her realization that maybe Uzu did still care and it had been her that had messed things up all along. After another long pause, she said, "…It might try to kill me when I put it on, y'know."

"What?" Uzu exclaimed, "Kamuis can't do that, can they?"

"Satsuki nearly died when she put Junketsu on the first time. It tried to crush her. The only way she got through it was by sheer force of will."

"Yeah, but this a good Kamui, like Senketsu. He didn't hurt Ryuko, he would never!"

"Shiro didn't tell you? This is the Kamui that Ryuko's father was making before he made Senketsu. The one that killed Tsumugu's sister. They're trying to make it into the type of Kamui Senketsu was, but it might not work."

Uzu sprung back from the table. Suddenly the energy he sensed from Saiban took on a totally different aspect; a roaring, seeking, malevolent bonfire. All it would take was one blade of dry grass for it to burn everything down. Crushed to death… what a horrible thing to say. He didn't want to picture it, but there it was. It was time to leave. Maybe it would be okay. But Uzu didn't want that thing looking at him anymore.

"That had better not happen. I mean, you'll find a way to make it work, right?" He said as he turned to go.

"I'll try." Nonon said, voice small to keep it from breaking. He's worried about me! All this time I thought he didn't care, and it was my fault all along! God, what an idiot I've been. But what am I supposed to do now?

It was on the Friday after Ryuko and Mataro's trip to the secret lab that Satsuki found herself staying at the penthouse again. This time it was for a meeting with her research advisor for her dissertation, but that had been early in the morning and now, in the late afternoon, she was merely sitting on the couch in front of the gigantic main TV, drafting up plans for some new police protocol and listening to an audio recording of a sociology paper she would be citing in her research. At this hour the penthouse was usually empty save for the staff, so she was quite surprised when Ryuko leaned over the back of the couch, right in her light.

"Hey, er, sis, what's up?"

"Oh, Ryuko. I thought you'd be out by now."

"Nah, not yet, the gang's gone down the block for dinner. Tonight's thing is down by campus – some social club hosting a party." The "gang" were some of Ryuko's college friends that she had talked into moving into the penthouse. The first night she'd spent there, even with Haruka, the place was so empty and cold she could barely stand it, but it hadn't been hard to fill in quite a few of the dozens of guest rooms. Now the penthouse buzzed with life, a tight knit crew of kids who crowded around Ryuko like pilot fish to a shark, "But that's not til eight, so they'll probably be pregaming there until then."

"Hmm, I see. Not joining them?" Ryuko was clearly going out sometime that evening before her routine hero work, she was dressed in what Satsuki had come to recognize as her typical party-wear. Her favorite bomber jacket had been replaced tonight by a heavy, slightly frayed green-tan jacket with lots of pockets and a canvassy look – it looked like army surplus to Satsuki. Beneath that she had nothing but a low-cut white tank top which Satsuki was not looking at. Same short navy-blue skirt and loose white trainers as always, though.

"Sure, eventually. But actually, since you're here I kinda wanted to talk to ya, if you aren't too busy."

"I think I can make time for that," Satsuki patted the couch as though trying to coax a dog to sit on it, and Ryuko vaulted over the back in one smooth motion, settling in lightly as though she weighed less than a feather.

"Les put somethin' on," She muttered to herself, scrolling on her phone for a moment before flicking up and throwing her selection up onto the TV screen. It clicked on and immediately began the opening credits of a movie, evidently some kind of action-adventure flick. It seemed to have a feudal Japan setting, which Satsuki could appreciate. "You ever seen this one before?" Ryuko asked, leaning back casually.

"No, I can't say I have," Satsuki said, setting the binder she'd been writing in down on the coffee table and taking off her headphones. "But didn't you want to talk?"

"Sats, c'mon. We both know if I didn't distract you first, you'd keep right on working and miss half the shit I said."

"You've got me there," Satsuki said with one of her signature hum-chuckles. Once, she had claimed that she could keep multitasking through a movie, but after trying it she found it just wasn't the same. Even though Ryuko and her did usually end up talking over the movie anyway. "I guess I'm done with work for the moment," She turned to Ryuko, and waited for her to ask away.

"Did I do something ta piss you off?" Ryuko launched right into it, "Like, at Uzu's party or somethin'? Cuz it's been real hard to get ahold of you lately. But like I don't think I blacked out or did anything too bad. Did I say something stupid to some important guest, like maybe those Australian dudes?" The concern was evident in Ryuko's voice – it had been three weeks since this started, and she was beginning to get really worried. So, you have noticed. I'm sorry Ryuko, I didn't mean for this to hurt you. But I can't tell you that staying away is the less painful option. Or maybe it's just less painful for me, maybe I'm just being selfish. I don't know. If only I could just trust myself. If only I could just tell you. But you'd be so disgusted if you found out. It might be selfish, but I couldn't take that.

"Oh, no no Ryuko it's nothing like that!" She exclaimed, "I'm so sorry, it's just all this work. It's been terribly busy lately." Yes, thank God for the work. It's always there, never done, never judges, never asks hard questions. "I'm afraid there's not much I can do about it."

"Oh, phew, that's a relief. Ya had me scared there!"

"I didn't mean to, really. It was thoughtless of me. Next time things get busy, I'll tell you, I promise."

"Nah, don't sweat it. It sucks but now that I know it's just the work," Ryuko said with a dismissive wave of the hand. Did she buy it? She seems to have. If she's convinced I'm not angry with her, that's enough. But she should know I could never stay angry with her. "Honestly, I was worried about it back with – y'know Mataro's thing, at the place? Can I say that?" Ryuko asked a little more casually, now that her main fear had been assuaged.

"Yes, that's vague enough."

"Cuz I was thinking like you might be takin' something out on me, and that wouldn't be fair to him. Not askin' you to rethink your decision, and now I know that wasn't what was going on. But like, I just wanted to make sure."

"No, that had nothing to do with it. Although I'm sorry for making you worry, too. I didn't want to crush his dreams, foolish though they are, but at the same time I couldn't put him in danger."

"Yeah, I understand that."

"And I'm not upset with you for that either, you know. Sticking up for him."

"Oh – oh yeah okay good. I'm not either. Stupid thing to fight over."

"Well, it is a serious matter."

"No, it totally is. I'm still a little disappointed. But it's not wrong to disagree, so I don't blame any of you."

"Good, and I -,"

"Except Nonon, she can get fucked," Ryuko cut in with a halfhearted screed, "Cuz all she thinks is that he's just a punk kid who can't handle it, not tryin' to protect him at all."

"That's not true. If anything, she takes the risk even more seriously than the rest of us."

"Yeah, sure." The opening credits on the movie were long since over by this point, and they quieted down so they'd have some general idea what was going on.

"There's a selfish part of me that wishes I was the one to suggest it," Satsuki said after a few minutes, hum-chuckling at her own foolishness.

"Wait, hold on what? You've gonna have to explain that one."

"I still wouldn't want it to actually go through, of course. But it's always me who has to be the nag, the 'no fun', 'no, you can't' one. I've done enough of that, haven't I?"

"Aww, Sats that's not true! You're tons of fun! Besides, he came to me because he found out about it through me, that's all. So like it was the specific situation."

"Yes, well I would have had a responsibility to turn it down then if I'd been thd one he came to. You don't have to worry about that."

"Now that's just negative thinking, Sats. At least, I think that's what that's called. Anyway, you don't hafta do anything you don't wanna. I had my doubts too, you know. But I went through with it anyway, because I wanted to help him."

"Hmm, I only wish it were so simple," Satsuki said breezily, but Ryuko gave her a sad look that told her that had come off more down than she meant. After another pause while a fight scene happened (with Satsuki's knowledge of various martial arts she quickly deduced that the actors had no idea what they were doing), she asked, "Why did you help him, then? Because you said you had doubts."

"Well, it's what he wanted, I felt like I should help."

"And that's good of you, I – that's what a big sister should do. See that's what I mean, I'd like to be the cool big sister who encourages him sometimes."

"Sats that can totally be arranged though! If you're having trouble thinking of things he'd like to do I can help you with that."

"Maybe, but that's besides the point. I just thought you'd have a much stronger reaction, because you've been so adamant you want a normal life. You have to admit, it's nowhere near normal."

"That's not what he wants, y'know? Like, he's gotta live his own life. And it's better than him just joining the army, you've gotta admit. Although I don't really think he'd do that."

"Hmm, I see."

"But also, it's like I said once, I'm gonna have to get involved again. There's gonna be some kind of problem only someone like me can solve," Ryuko said, keeping it vague both so no one listening could conclusively prove what she was talking about and because she wasn't entirely sure what kind of problems there would be. "When that happens, I just thought I'd appreciate it if I were surrounded by friends and family, right?"

"I suppose so," Satsuki said, "And you're alright with that?"

"Heh, alright is a strong word," Ryuko replied, "But I guess at this point I've accepted that I'm not getting away from it. I'll just have to squeeze in a little normal life in between all the drama that happens."

"You've given this a lot of thought, haven't you?"

"Oh, much more than I'd want, believe me," Ryuko said with a chuckle, "I've got lots of other more fun stuff to occupy myself with. But it's kinda important."

"Well, I'm glad you see it that way, because I'm sure we will need you one day," Satsuki said, then, "What does that mean to you - 'normal life'? I've never asked."

"Oh, just the sort of stuff everyone wants, I'm sure. Nice little house someplace, a career or at least something to keep busy with, married, probably, having everyone over for the holidays, y'know."

"Married?" Satsuki said with a curious smile and a sudden pang in her chest. How can she talk about that so casually?

"Well yeah, if I met the right person."

"And – uh – do you think Haruka's right?"

"I – honestly I dunno," Ryuko said, and it was indeed the truth. She could see it, she could put up with her without much trouble at all. It might even be nice – Haruka's dream was to be a mangaka, but not just any old sketcher, the mangaka who everyone would agree told stories that were real art, not just frivolity – and Ryuko could see them with a messy little studio with lots of big bright windows. Coming in with breakfast in the morning. Getting a halfhearted scolding about getting crumbs everywhere. She could be happy with that. But there was so much else in the world. And it wasn't perfect. Perfection was unattainable, at least for her. "Look, I'm not rushing into anything on that one. Gotta make sure she can handle me, right? Like the whole 'at my worst' thing? Because let's face I can be a real monster sometimes," She said with a chuckle.

"Really."

"Nah I'm just playin', c'mon. Seriously though, I think it's too early on to say."

"Yes, perhaps," Although Satsuki didn't like or understand all this trepidation from Ryuko's about her feelings. After all, she knew her own feelings, right? Maybe not, but that was her fault for being a deviant, not how it should be. So, she said something to force Ryuko's hand, "But you – you love her, right?"

C'mon, why've you gotta ask me that? I don't even want to know the answer. "She's great -sweetest, nicest girl I know – but to be honest I -," Ryuko cut herself off.

"Yes?"

"- I'm not sure yet," Another noncommittal answer, more dissatisfaction for Satsuki. But at that same moment, looking at the warm, calm smile on Satsuki's face – she looked happy just to be with Ryuko, and that was enough – Ryuko knew that the real answer was no.

"Well, I suppose there's no reason to rush. I certainly won't tell you to when I have no plans for that myself. In fact, I doubt I'll ever be married."

Ryuko looked at her sadly again, "Man, you really need to get laid."

"Oh no, it's not that. It's just, with everything that happened with Junketsu… It's not very good conversation, I'm afraid."

"Oh yeah, Mako told me a little about that. It'd be rough to remember it, I'm sure. Hey, if you ever want to talk to me about it -,"

"- No, it's alright. It's over. Wait, you don't remember when you were under its control?"

"Nope! Not one bit, except the bit Mako saw – I can kinda see that, but it's fuzzy."

"Well, consider yourself lucky then."

"Sure," Ryuko said, and dropped the matter when it was clear Satsuki didn't want to talk about it anymore.

"… And what about children?" Satsuki asked after another long pause. Ryuko shot up in her seat with an uncomfortable smile.

"Huh?"

"Children. You didn't mention it before."

"Seriously? I – I mean, I wouldn't even know where to begin!"

"Well, let's say you did meet the right person. Would that be something you'd want? I mean, it's no big deal – everybody knows Houka and Shiro have no intention of adopting or anything."

"I don't know Sats, really I don't have any idea. On the one hand, that's a whole other deal than getting married. Like, it's different for them, nobody has any expectations because they're so focused on their work."

"Well, nobody has any expectations of you either. Er, I don't mean that in the bad way. You know what I mean."

"Yeah, I do don't sweat it."

"And as far as the rest of the world is concerned you could do basically whatever you want, you know. We're not like most dynasties, nobody's expecting heirs. And you in particular, you could just about get away with anything."

"Sure, but honestly, I've barely thought about it," This was the truth, too. The first time it had even occurred to her she'd be staring at Sukoyo's cat late one night during that last week before she started college, missing Mako and missing Senketsu even more. Right before she finally managed to fall asleep, she was musing about how Sukoyo sometimes seemed to love that cat more than her natural children, let alone her adopted ones, and – Holy shit that could be me one day! I could be someone's mom! That realization filled her with the same panic worrying about her future always did, stronger even than usual. How was this even possible? Someone should have noticed that she couldn't be trusted to be a mom, hell, she was about to become an ordinary adult, and nobody'd stopped her yet. If Senketsu were still here, this wouldn't be a problem at all – he was the half who'd gotten all the nurturing instincts. She couldn't even keep a goldfish alive.

"That's alright, I was just curious."

"Like I didn't even think it'd ever be possible – until like, what, a year ago I thought I was gonna be a washed-up punk coasting off dad's money for my whole life."

"I can understand that. I'd always assumed that – if I even survived – I wouldn't be able to get the story out and I'd be hunted for murdering Ragyo until authorities caught me."

"Yeouch, that's fuckin dark Sats. But like, if this is the kind of problems we have now that's a good thing, right? I mean, if I'd known that it would turn out like this, I don't think I'd have been so angry all the time back then." Being real, the only thing I really regret is that Senketsu is gone – not like that's not a big deal. Oh, and that I had to find out this one's my sister. But what the hell, so long as she's still here, that's enough, right?

"Hmm, and wouldn't that have been nice for me… It really did change everything, didn't it?"

"Well yeah, what did you expect? Still, it's kind of odd to think that – if any of our gang does have kids – we'll be telling them stories about Honnouji, huh? War stories, like. They'll never fully get it, but then that's good too, right?"

"That's why it's so important we take care of our adversaries now, so that they don't have to live like we did."

"I hear ya. Although being real, any of our kids would be for sure strong enough to take whatever life throws at them."

"Oh really?" Satsuki asked playfully, "Even Nonon's?"

"Would they inherit the weird hair thing? I mean, they probably did genetic tests on 'er."

"I don't know. It's supposed to be incredibly rare. Maybe it's a recessive trait. But you're dodging the question."

"Okay, okay, I'll throw you for a loop here, you ready? I think she'd be a good mom."

"Really? I do too."

"Yeah, god she'd be such a nag, I can see it now. But they'd get their homework done on time."

"I think so too, but you know, I just can't picture it. I have an easier time imagining you with children, actually."

"Seriously?"

"What, is that so strange?" Satsuki had a clear mental image of it. They'd be little monsters – obviously there was more than one – and even Ryuko would have trouble keeping control of them. But they'd be adorable little monsters; same unruly black hair, same toothy grin, same bold blue eyes.

"I mean, I can see it… but nah," Ryuko shook her head. "I'd be a shit mom."

"Oh, you sell yourself too short. You know what I think?"

"No, what?"

"I think if you had half as much faith in them as you have in Mataro you'd do an exceptional job."

"Yeah, well, a lot of good that did. Er, not to reopen that book."

"Oh, I don't know, you might be surprised."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You spoke for him, before, but now he'll have the chance to represent himself."

"You're really not gonna be more specific than that, huh?" Ryuko said, and though she should probably have been mad that Satsuki hadn't been up-front with her she felt excited. It was like Satsuki was giving her a present. Satsuki always gave the best presents. She always knew what people wanted.

"No. But worry not, you'll see if anything comes of it."

"That's alright," Ryuko said with a happy chuckle, sliding a little closer. "Wouldn't be Satsuki if you didn't have some secret project," She said wistfully, "I'm looking forward to seeing the results."

"See, look how you're smiling now! That's what I meant – that's why you'd be an excellent mom."

"Aw," Ryuko went a little red. "Why can't you go embarrass someone else!" She joked.

"You just make it too easy." At this point, Ryuko hushed her up for a while because a good part was starting. The movie was good, Satsuki had to admit – there were surprisingly deep themes about conflicting loyalties that she found resonant – and she was almost surprised when the afternoon had been whiled away and Ryuko powered down the TV.

"Alright, I'm off. That was a lot of fun, Sats – just what I needed after this fucking week," She said as she stood to go.

"Yes, thankyou for showing me that film, I'll admit I was impressed. At times."

"No you goof I meant our little chat! I like talkin' to ya, y'know?"

"Oh I – I appreciate that," Satsuki said with a heart-melting smile.

"I feel like I can be real with you, y'know? You get me."

"Well, what are sisters for?"

"True enough."

"Although, I think I must apologize – I'm not going to be able to be the kind of sister you want, not always, anyway," Satsuki intoned sadly. For though she too had loved talking to Ryuko, she couldn't ignore the unusual burning in her chest that had been growing throughout the conversation. It felt like she was in some strange new place, everything seemed surreal and cramped. The only solution would've been to get closer, that's what the burning told her, but there was only so close she could get. For a moment she really did contemplate finishing that apology by saying, because I'm in love with you, and letting that be the end of it. She'd never again be able to spend such a pleasant afternoon with her, but she'd be rid of the burning feeling.

"What, because of the work? Aw Sats don't beat yourself up, it's okay! You're doing really important things out there, and that does matter. It's like I said before, we'll fit in the good times between all this mess, right?"

"Right."

"And besides, anything you gotta do so Hououmaru doesn't kill you when she gets out is worthwhile."

"Ah yes, thanks for reminding me."

"Hey, that's important too."

"Hmm. Can't argue with that."

"Alright, well, goodbye Sats, hopefully I see you soon."

"Take care, Ryuko," Satsuki called back, and Ryuko opened the door onto the patio and was gone. The white marble walls of the penthouse glittered in the evening light like ice.

Mataro was bubbling with excitement as the chauffeured sedan deposited him in front of Uzu's new dojo. The dojo itself wasn't new at all – an old, traditional building with walls of wood and stucco and well-maintained gardens, it looked out of place amongst the monotonous, blocky condos of outer Tokyo. What was new was Uzu's ownership of it. Technically it was a partnership with another Kendo master he met on his travels, a master who realized two things: that the unbeatable young martial artist who was also one of the Heroes of Honnouji deserved a fitting dojo, and also that it would be very profitable to go into business with him.

Inside, the dojo was also quite well decorated, with a wide-open practice floor, a large, bubbling fountain with koi, and racks with a variety of weapons besides the traditional shinai all across the walls. It was also quite empty, official classes and open practice wouldn't start until the afternoon. Mataro had gotten excused from school today just so he could come in for his private lessons bright and early. It was cool to be there on his own so early, not as cool as the fact that he was there to learn sword fighting but still. In most families as the youngest he would be the last of the kids to learn how to drive a car, but instead he was the last one to learn sword fighting. Sure, Mako's was more whacking people with a baseball bat, but she had good technique, so it counted. Either way, even if he couldn't persuade them to let him wear a Kamui, he was still psyched. But where was Uzu? Mataro considered shouting out for him, but before he did a voice rang out like a bell and froze him in his tracks.

"Mankanshoku!" He knew even before he turned around that it could be nobody else. Before him, adorned in a plain white gi and faded navy blue hakama, was none other than Satsuki. Ah shit she looks pissed. Why is she here? I thought she was okay with this. That's a look I haven't seen on her face in a long time.

"Oh, uh, hey Satsuki. Do you – do you train with Uzu often? This is my first time here. It's pretty neat, gotta say. Do you uh, do you know where he is?"

"Uzu is in his shingantsu chamber," She said curtly with a nod to a door on the far end of the practice floor. "Meditating. He won't be joining us for today's lesson."

"Wait. Hold on. You -,"

"What's the matter? Were you expecting a world kendo master?"

"Ah, no, it – it's fine, really."

"Well perhaps you would be interested to know that I am the only one he has not yet defeated. Only I have mastered a method of complete bodily control that makes it all but impossible for him to predict my movements using either tengantsu or shingantsu," She said proudly.

"I'm sorry, sorry I – um," Satsuki seemed determined to put him on the backfoot, channel her old self to intimidate him away. But she was his adopted sister now, and he was sure it was all just some sort of elaborate test, "Can you teach me it?"

"Can you learn it?"

"I don't know."

"Then no."

"Wait, wait. What I meant was that I will try my best. Is that alright?"

"Better. So, you wish to learn what the elites and I learned on our mission? I'm sure I needn't say why you want this."

"Yes, yes. Please, I'm sorry about before. Please teach me."

"Don't apologize!" Satsuki shouted, and threw two objects across the practice floor to him. A Shinai and a black cloth blindfold. Mataro instinctively reached for the bamboo sword first. "No," Satsuki reprimanded him, "Blindfold first". While he complied, tying a nice snug knot right below the braid in his still growing hair, she continued, "Uzu will endeavor to teach you shingantsu – you cannot learn tenganstu without his unique eyes, but with appropriate training anyone can develop their other senses, their oneness with the world, their mind's eye. He will begin tomorrow, but for today you will make the first step."

"Sounds good. Ready," He said as solidly as he could. Holy shit, shingantsu! This is fucking awesome. I'm sorry I doubted you, Satsuki.

"No. You are not. Stand up straight, up now," He complied – he'd barely even realized he'd been slouching, "Several things need to be made clear between us."

"Uh, okay." Now that Mataro couldn't see her, she allowed herself a grim smile. So, it seems I've still got it. I can still bring the monster out. Maybe a little too easily, but that's a matter for another time. Mataro knows I'd never really kill him – otherwise he'd have run screaming a long time ago. He was turning to face her as she paced, trying his best get used to relying on his ears.

"One! When we are here, we are no longer brother and sister, Mataro and Satsuki. You are Mankanshoku, I am Kiryuin. I am not here to teach you, but to strike you down. You are just a boy with aspirations too big for him – I will show you the depths of your error."

"Okay," He nodded. Whoa. It's like a movie. His hands were trembling, "I won't let you defeat me, I'll learn anyway."

"Two! There is only one possible ending here: you will fail. There is no way I will allow you to realize your ambition." Oh. "If you were to succeed, it would only be by becoming better than any of us. But that is impossible." So there's a chance, she's just toying with me. I knew it would be hard - the hardest thing I'd ever done - she's just trying to make me realize that. Mataro had to believe that.

"Three!" She shouted even louder, and not from where Mataro had been expecting. He jumped a little. "If you ever remove that blindfold, that will be the sign that you have given up. Your lessons will be over -,"

"- Wait, what?"

"Are we clear?"

"Hold on a moment!"

"Are we clear?" Satsuki boomed, somehow only a few feet in front of his face by the sound of it. Mataro felt like he could sense a pressure radiating off her into the air. It was terrifying

"I – yes? I guess?"

"Good. Let's begin," Satsuki said, voice harder than ever, and before Mataro even knew what was happening her shinai connected with his temple and sent him sprawling to the ground. Things didn't get any easier from there.