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Their conversation was interrupted by a loud splashing sound that came from across the courtyard. One of Ichiro's nephews had fallen into the decorative pond that was located in a far corner. His intention was to get Shino's attention with whatever resources he had available, but he had not meant for anyone to fall into the pond. The children all began to giggle and their laughter filled the air with happiness. A maid quickly appeared and rushed the young child back into the house to change. Everyone seemed to feel the joy with the exception of Mugen. He rose from his seat and as he walked out of the courtyard, looking irritated he said,

"I'm going for a walk in town."

Fu chased after him," Mugen, this family has been nice enough to take time out of their day to keep us company, you can't just walk out on your host, you should stay to show your respect."

Mugen, with a wave of his hand, said," Hmph, whatever."

Fu," Jerk! Why do you always have to act like a pig!"

Mugen," Because I don't give a shit. See ya." And he was gone. Fu was fuming and it looked like her head was about to explode, when Ichiro piped in.

Ichiro," You know that's not a bad idea, why don't we all take a stroll around town?'

Everyone agreed and followed Ichiro, who acted as their tour guide. Ichiro spent the afternoon showing his guests the highlights of the town and telling them stories of the history of the town. All the walking had tired the group so they headed back to rest and await dinner. When they returned to the house Mugen was no where to be found and Fu began to worry about her special assassin for hire. Although they weren't in a small town, there was always potential for something lethal to occur, especially when it involved Mugen's short fuse. Night came and morning followed and still there was no sign of Mugen. Finallly, Fu went to Jin with her concerns, but all Jin had to offer was one of his usual sighs. She tried to keep her mind occupied through the afternoon while she spent time with the happy family that had temporarily taken them in. The end of the day was approaching. Frustrated and out of options, Fu decided to scour the village herself. She decided not to worry anyone else and tried to sneak out of the family compound. When she attempted to cross the seemingly empty courtyard, she heard a voice ask her,

"Its beginning to get dark and dinner should be ready soon, won't you be joining the family for their meal?"

First taken by surprise, Fu finally made out Shino's figure leaning against the wall closest to the main entrance of the compound. Fu responded with," Whew, you scared me a little. I didn't know anyone was out here."

"Was there something you needed Fu? I'm sure that one of the family's staff could run and fetch it for you"

Fu felt like she could truly trust Shino, after all she had saved her life, so she told her the truth," I'm going to search for Mugen. I just have a gut feeling that he's probably gotten himself into trouble and if I just sit here and wait…well I couldn't live with myself if something happened to him."

Shino was not surprised to hear these words of concern for her rough traveling companion. If she recalled correctly, in the heat of the moment, it was Mugen who shoved Fu towards the old man's bedroom back at the farmhouse when they were all being attacked by Nagatomi. Shino decided it would be best if Fu wasn't wandering around alone, so she decided to search with Fu, so she walked past Fu and opened the compound door. After all, she had begun to feel a connection to Fu ever since the farmhouse. Fu was surprised by Shino's action, but wasn't one to turn down help, so she followed Shino out the door.

Shino," So, what are Mugen's interests?"

Fu," Well, he likes to eat and sleep and he loves to give me a hard time."

Shino," No, I meant, does he have any hobbies, that may give a lead on where to start looking for him."

Fu," Oh, well actually…he's been known to visit a brothel or two in his time."

Shino, "Are you sure you want search for him? If he's simply spending time at the local brothel, then we won't be able to communicate with him anyway."

Fu, "I need to know he's safe, that's all. You know, you don't have to come, I can do this on my own."

Shino, "Fu, please don't misunderstand me. I can tell you care deeply for him and I just don't want you to be disappointed to find out he's simply spending money at a disreputable place."

Fu," What! I just want to make sure he's alive. I don't care what he's doing with his time. I mean, he made a promise to me, to help me find someone and until then I will hold him to this promise. That's all, there's nothing else."

Shino, "okay then."

Shino began to head towards the only part of town that Ichiro had not lead them through earlier in the afternoon. Fu wasn't quiet sure where to start so she just followed Shino. As they approached, the smell of sake and sewage began to reach their nostrils and Fu wrinkled her nose in disgust. Shino wanted to make this a quick trip, she knew that although nightfall had not completely set in, there was always a chance for danger in this part of town. Their presence was easily detected by any passerby, since they were both properly dressed and not painted up like whores. Shino moved quickly from building to building, but most of the buildings either had no windows or an obstructed view. So far Mugen was no where to be found.

Fu," He could be anywhere, what do we do now?"

Shino," Don't worry, we haven't even covered half the area yet and we haven't come across the main brothel house."

The darkness of the sky was an indicator of how much time had passed and they had walked by almost every building in the area. Shino was about to suggest they turn around and go home, but then they found themselves standing before the entrance to a large obnoxious whorehouse. Two large armed men stood at each side of the entrance that looked grizzly and ready to hack any offenders into little pieces. Fu became especially anxious.

Fu," I bet he's here, I just have a feeling in my gut."

Shino," Well, there's only one way to find out, just follow my lead."

Guard," Unless you're looking for work here, neither of you will be allowed to enter. This is a house of entertainment for men only."

Shino," Well what else do you think we would be doing here?"

Fu," huhuhu, yeah…what she said."

The guards gave both females the once over admiring Fu's lean tender body and Shino's shapely form, then responded," wait here while we inform the boss."

Fu whispered," Shino! What are you getting us into?"

Shino," Don't worry, once we find Mugen it will be easy to escape."

Fu," What if my gut feeling is wrong? What if Mugen isnt' here?"

Shino," Then we should turn around and go immediately."

Fu," No! He's here, I feel it."

Shino," Well, if he's here and you're sure, then he's safe and we can go home."

Fu," Wait! Even if he is here, I need to know that he will return to help me find the samurai who smells of sunflowers."