"Oh, Jin, lighten up! Koenma came up with an idea that might cheer you up! Reisho and Bakken having been causing trouble by trying to get new members for their sect – they're threatening a lot of demons to get what they want. We figured we could send you out to get them. Maybe beating them up will make you feel better, since you know they hurt him a lot. And if nothing else, we also happen to know you never liked them much in the first place." Botan smiled, trying to be cheerful, but Jin was so sullen since the Dark Tournament closed and Touya had left him, that it was hard to attain even a semblance of cheer. Still, Botan hoped a smile would be infectious – Jin was so starved for happiness.
Jin nodded. "Sure. Where do I look?" he asked, listless as usual.
Botan sweat dropped. "We've pinpointed them to a cave in the Tynan Mountain Range in Lord Yomi's territory, in the Makai. It's not far from the cave they'd used before when you and Gama were in their sect."
Jin nodded again. "All right." He rose from his futon and left the barren room. Botan left, heading the opposite direction.
When she was far enough away she thought Jin wouldn't hear her, she sighed heavily, shaking her head. "I wish there was something I could do. If we could just get Touya to listen and just acknowledge Jin's apology… I know Jin doesn't dare hope to be forgiven, but if Touya could just acknowledge him… maybe he could cheer up a bit."
Far down the hall, Jin manipulated the air to catch Botan's words. He saw no point to them. He appreciated the kindness in them, but there was no point in such endeavors. He would rather just leave Touya alone. What if Touya should get angry again? Jin didn't want to complicate Touya's life any further. "Botan… thanks… but don't bother him… please." He sent these whispered words on a light breeze to Botan's ears.
Botan jumped and turned, expecting to see Jin right behind her. But he was long gone. She sighed again. "Oh, Jin. What does one do when both parties are the victim of the other?"