Author's Note:

I am still hoping to return to updating more than once per month; for now, thank you for your patience and support!

With respect to the story itself, I can assure you that I expect the pacing of the story to pick up again soon. Most of the relevant "threads" of the story have now been laid out and it is time to start bringing them together (hard to believe, but there is in fact an overarching plot).

A significant thank you is due to Battle Bunny Ellie for seeing how much I'm enjoying having Hakuouki on Steam (that is, on the PC) and how much I enjoy collecting Hakuouki backgrounds and (especially!) Chibi emoticons and sending not one but three e-items my way. It really made my day!

I also have thank not only those who took the time to review/comment on the last chapter of this story (thank you!), but also those who took the time to read and review my one and only KazaChi story thus far. Your kind, helpful, and insightful comments were much appreciated (and NyaPowa, I have to agree that more detail would have been even better, but I had to get back to this story... hopefully at some point I can expand on things further).

Gratefully and respectfully yours,

~ ImpracticalOni

A Princely Summation

Saitō's conversation with Satoshi-sama did not go as he had hoped. It was not that the prince had been especially difficult to speak to concerning Chizuru's advanced pregnancy. In fact, Saitō had been relieved to find him plain-spoken and—for the most part—direct. He had even had the unexpected courtesy to use Saitō's preferred name.

"I cannot tell you any more than I have shared with Chizuru-chan, Saitō-san," Satoshi had said firmly, once they were alone. "Not because I do not wish to, but because I have nothing to add. My guess as to what might have caused my niece's unborn children to age is no more than speculation. The difficulty is that Osen-chan allowed your marriage before Chizuru-chan had completed her Trials. It is my belief that your wife requires the extra power and finesse conferred by passing her Trial of Mind in order to properly control her Gift for healing."

They were sitting in a small chamber not far from the main reception room. It was furnished like an office, and was no doubt intended to be used as a more private place to draft, review and even sign documents. Saitō found its austerity reassuring; the plain cushions and unornamented furniture seemed to de-emphasize the somewhat personal nature of the matter under discussion.

"I am not saying that Osen-chan was wrong," Satoshi continued, "or protesting the Princess' decision to marry Chizuru-chan out of hand to a man with—at best—limited standing among the Oni. I wish that she had invited me to your wedding, but in fairness to all involved, she was managing a tricky situation and no doubt felt that even the possibility of a disagreement with me would add too much strain to the proceedings. In fact, I think things went remarkably well, given that the majority of those in attendance were prominent members of the Western Clans."

Saitō waited politely for the man to finish before going back to the main point. He was trying—with some success, he thought—to be keep his face and voice neutral and his emotions in check. It bothered him that it was more of an effort than usual, but after the swirling tensions surrounding Sen-hime's meeting with Sōji and Heisuke, it was perhaps understandable.

"Do you think that my wife could undertake the Trial of Mind without risk to herself and the children?"

There was a flicker of amusement and possibly understanding in Satoshi-sama's expression, and Saitō knew that he had somehow betrayed how much his of heart was engaged where Chizuru was concerned—and the twins. It was a mistake to become too attached to unborn babies, given the uncertainties of pregnancy and birth; moreover, it was unconventional to be in love with one's wife. Nevertheless, he kept his gaze fixed on the prince's face and waited for an answer.

"Normally, I would say that the risks clearly outweigh the benefits," Satoshi said without hesitation. "The Trial of Mind is always disconcerting at best, and probably not appropriate for a pregnant woman—especially as she is so young. On top of that, as a clan head and the Lady of the Eastern Clans I presume that it will be exceptionally difficult and almost certainly dangerous. However, not only is it possible that Chizuru-chan is at risk without the Trial of Mind, but theoretically she has you to protect her during her Trial. If I recall correctly"—he made a show of trying to recall a stray thought—"Sen-hime believes that you have already made use of the Sakurai Gift to protect your wife."

"I have," Saitō told him flatly. What use to fence with this man?

"Ah…" Satoshi's gaze on Saitō was a mixture of curiosity and satisfaction. "It means little to you, of course, but I find it remarkable that a man not raised or even—forgive me—born as an Oni can access a Gift last used approximately three hundred years ago. It gives me a certain amount of faith in the machinations of our revered ancestress, Suzuka Gozen. Though her interference in my own life is annoying, naturally."

Saitō again ignored what he felt to be extraneous commentary. "You believe me when I say I used this… Gift?"

"Yes—why would you lie? Moreover, the Oni generally prefer to tell the truth, if an answer must be given. The question is whether you are able to use your Gift to protect Chizuru-chan during her Trial of Mind. I know of no precedent to this situation. Perhaps Lady Suzuka will decide to advise you on this herself." Satoshi's lips quirked. "Or perhaps she will feel that as leaders of your respective clans, however diminished, you must make such critical decisions for yourselves."

Saitō considered Satoshi's comments, and concluded that the man had added very little to what Saitō already knew or had guessed for himself. To be fair, the man had warned him that such would be the case.

"Satoshi-sama. You have said that you might be able to assist Chizuru to understand and use her healing powers more safely and more effectively. However, I believe that you are suggesting that risking the Trial of Mind would be more directly beneficial."

"I think that there are many benefits to Chizuru-chan passing the Trial of Mind and attaining her true power as soon as possible. Among other things, she will be taken more seriously as an Oni princess; although that may not be among your present concerns, it is a matter of some importance in the greater scheme of things. Also, I cannot say with certainty how much I can help her while she lacks this critical component to her powers."

"I understand. Arigatou gozaimasu." Saitō bowed politely.

"You are welcome, but at the moment we are, shall we say, in this together? You have already proven yourself a potentially powerful ally to Princess Sen. I hope that we can be of use to each other over the coming months."

Saitō regarded Satoshi somberly, aware that the Oni prince was even now bent on making him more and more aware of his duty to the Princess. Having long-believed that no man could follow two masters, he wondered how long he would be able to be both Shinsengumi captain and Oni lord. The difficulty was that he wanted the first more than anything (except Chizuru, which still caught him off-guard at times) and he had no personal interest in the second.

He rose along with the older man and they made their way to the kitchen to find Chizuru and Akane-san. Even though the prince was ahead of him, Saitō felt as though the shrewd grey-blue eyes were fixed on his back asking the silent question: No personal interest, Saitō-san? Really?

Chizuru had originally felt very shy about asking Akane-san about such intimate matters as pregnancy and child-birth, but the woman's calm expression and straightforward manner had quickly put her at ease. Perhaps because Akane-san was ten years her senior in age, but was neither condescending nor aloof, she soon felt as though she were speaking with an older sister or a young aunt—or at least that's what she thought having such a relative would be like. The other woman had also started to smile now and then. From what Chizuru could sense, she was slightly amused, but also very sympathetic.

"Um, Akane-san?" Chizuru hoped she wasn't being too forward. "I was wondering if you would call me Chizuru instead of Yukimura-sama. I'm really not used to being an, um, important person… And I'm not really like Osen-chan, who is used to all this." Chizuru would have added that the other woman was also older than she was, but she wasn't sure that would be appreciated.

Akane-san tilted her head to one side a little, and Chizuru once again admired how lovely she was, with her coppery hair and wide, grey eyes. Then her new acquaintance nodded, another rare smile touching her lips.

"I would be honoured, Chizuru-sama. And I will be pleased to help you as much as I am able. As you said earlier, your situation is not unlike mine when I was carrying my twins—I was also young and in unfamiliar surroundings."

Chizuru hesitated, having hoped for a less formal honorific, but part of her recognized that Akane-san was gently reminding her that she was an adult, married woman now; also, no matter how Chizuru felt about it, they did not know each other very well yet. "Thank you, Akane-san," she replied with a smile of her own. "I have some knowledge, of course, since I got to spend more time with my father's female patients than with the men… But it is very comforting to know that there is nothing strange about how I am feeling—even though I'm quite sure that Saitō-san will insist on checking with Yamazaki-san more than necessary."

"Yamazaki-san is the doctor for the Shinsengumi?" Akane looked puzzled.

"Well, he's—that is, he acts as their medic and has the most medical knowledge. I-I don't know if they have a regular doctor." Chizuru found herself stumbling; the question had reminded her about her missing uncle—other uncle—and the role he might have played in the death of her actual parents, something that she was far from coming to terms with. She also knew that there was more to Kōdō-san's involvement with the Shinsengumi than she'd been told, and was uneasily aware that it might have to do with certain secrets that Saitō-san wasn't allowed to share with her. It was especially difficult to think of her beloved as Hajime at these moments.

"Saitō-sama no doubt trusts his comrade's judgment more than the opinion of those he does not know." Akane allowed Chizuru's evident discomfort to pass without remark. "Your husband is concerned with your well-being; that is a good thing."

"Oh yes! Saitō-san is always very kind." Chizuru felt her cheeks flush, and ducked her head. She was deeply in love with her husband and unable to hide it, even though she knew that her unqualified pride and confidence in him made him uncomfortable. She was doing her best to be more discreet, and in return he was trying not to shut himself away from her every time he became embarrassed—or worried.

"Will you be able to visit Yase, do you think?" Akane asked. "There is still a great deal to do because of recent events"—the slaughter of an entire household along with its unquestioned ruler—"and both Yukishima Kimiko-sama and Kameko-sama seem to have need of my assistance."

Chizuru's ready sympathy rose at once. "I hope I can visit," she said quietly, "because I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you right now. Your children, too, must find it all very—" Chizuru broke off, not sure how to articulate her thoughts. She guessed, based on what she had heard and seen, that Akane did not regret the loss of her husband, but it might be a different matter for the Yukishima children.

"Michi and Mikio are a little overwhelmed, Chizuru-sama," Akane agreed. "However, they have both been raised to accept whatever duty requires of them."

Chizuru thought that sounded rather sad, but reflected that it was not entirely surprising, given their situation. A small, defiant part of her wanted to point out to various people that her own childhood had generally been pleasant; whatever sins might be laid at her uncle Kōdō-san's door, he had always treated her with affection and much greater kindness than many fathers showed their daughters.

"I'm looking forward to getting to know them better," Chizuru said firmly. "And I'm sure that Osen-chan is already friends with them."

"Michi is already greatly attached to the Princess, I think," Akane agreed. "Sen-hime is quite remarkable, isn't she? I had never gotten to meet her before, of course."

"Well I haven't known her much longer than you have, but I agree—Osen-chan is a very good person."

"Also… I hope you don't mind if I ask… but she seems to be more tolerant of part-Oni than most?"

Chizuru wasn't quite sure how to respond. It wasn't as though she really knew much of anything about the interactions between Oni and part-Oni and humans. "I don't know exactly how other people are," she answered at last, "but Osen-chan has always struck me as being very kind to most people that she meets." Considering her words, Chizuru added: "Although she never quite stops being a princess either." I wish I could be more like her.

"You are who you are, Chizuru-sama," Akane said seriously, as though Chizuru had spoken the last thought out loud. "We all have gifts and burdens. If the gods are kind, then our gifts are suited to our burdens. Also… you are more like Sen-hime than you realize."

Before Chizuru could process these comments, footsteps could be heard outside the door and a male voice politely announced visitors before sliding the panel aside. Although she bowed politely to Satoshi-sama (she was trying to stop thinking of him as Toshi-san), Chizuru's eyes went immediately to Saitō-san—Hajime. Now that he was actually in the room, it was his first name that came to mind rather than his last. An eye-blink later, he was seated beside her and she barely restrained a sigh of relief and contentment. She was surprised to realize that he felt the same way, and while that made her happy, it occurred to her that it must be frustrating for him. She couldn't sense it directly, and outwardly he was as impassive as ever, but she was certain that she was right.

Satoshi took his seat more slowly, and nodded to Akane-san when she offered to make fresh tea. Then he turned to his niece, having given her a moment to… commune… with her husband. He was almost painfully reminded of how his younger sister, Chizuru-chan's mother, had looked at her own husband. Not that his friend and brother-in-law Yukimura Kazuhiko had been anything like Saitō Hajime, captain of the Shinsengumi's Third Division. Kazuhiko was often quiet and serious, but he wasn't nearly as reserved or aloof. And he certainly hadn't been a killer. Then again, Satoshi had to factor in his own prejudices, since Kazuhiko had been well-known to him and raised in the same culture. Perhaps if Kazuhiko had been as guarded as Saitō, the Yukimura wouldn't have been destroyed. In the end, it came down to the fact that the Sakurai and the Yukimura had been complementary; without the pragmatic Sakurai, the Yukimura had vanished, although not nearly as soon as those original assassins had intended.

Both Chizuru and Akane sensed undercurrents between the two men. Akane, far more used to the ways of powerful Oni, thought that Satoshi-sama was studying Saitō-sama; more than that, she could tell that the prince was taking the man far more seriously than she would have expected. Her husband had always referred to Satoshi-sama as a playboy prince (among other things), but at the same time he had worried more about the prince's interference than Sen-hime's. Akane would never share Masaru-sama's comments about Sen-hime with anyone unless it became necessary to justify the princess' finding of treason against the former Lady of the Yukishima and her brother.

Chizuru was finding that everything was more complicated than she had thought it would be. She was worried about her pregnancy, of course, but she would just have to do whatever it took to make the babies safer. Also, now that she finally had a truly useful skill, she was determined to find a way to use it—but without upsetting Hajime or affecting the twins-to-be. She smiled to herself at the thought of the latter, unaware that everyone else present could easily sense her train of thought. (In fact, Satoshi was feeling an unexpected sympathy for Saitō: Chizuru-chan's foster-father seemed to have deliberately left her open and guileless; it must be hellishly difficult for the young paranoid to try to counteract Kōdō-san's influence at this late date. On the other hand, it was quite funny to watch.)

Saitō just nodded when Chizuru told him that Amagiri had gone to his quarters. He knew that the big Oni would go to his room by way of the small room that overlooked the main reception room. He and Amagiri and Satoshi-sama had already agreed that as long as the Shinsengumi—Yamazaki, Okita and Heisuke—remained in the house, either Saitō, the prince or Amagiri would be on hand in case of trouble. Harada hadn't figured in the prince's concern for Sen-hime's safety, and Saitō had ignored the twinkling challenge in the man's eyes that had dared him to comment on this fact. He hadn't bothered.

The talk around the low kitchen table was general until Akane-san returned with the tea, and then Satoshi-sama broached the matter of Chizuru's training—and her possible Trial of Mind. Saitō felt an unusual flash of anger at the fact that the man—godsdamned, fucking, highhanded Oni—hadn't allowed him to discuss the possibility of the Trial with Chizuru himself. He quelled the emotion, and the Vice Commander's probable comments, with an effort: there was no purpose to be served by protesting now. Once Chizuru had heard that there might be a way to improve her situation and the safety of the twins, she would make up her own mind about it. It didn't surprise Saitō that her first concern—or possibly second, after the babies—was for him.

After listening carefully to her uncle's explanation, Chizuru had nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, I suppose it makes sense that I will manage my, um, healing abilities better if I'm properly ready for them. And of course I know that Osen-chan passed all of her Trials ages ago. But, Uncle Satoshi"—Saitō heard the careful pronunciation of the first syllable of the prince's name—"it seems to me that you are only recommending this because Saitō-san would bear the brunt of, well, all of it, really." Chizuru's brown eyes had fixed Satoshi-sama with something almost like a glare. A very mild glare.

"That's quite true, Chizuru-chan," Satoshi admitted without hesitation. "However, that is what the Lord of the Sakurai is for." Before Chizuru could even open her mouth to reply, her uncle completely discomfited her by adding, "I mean, aside from the obvious, but he seems to have managed that part well enough."

Chizuru choked on whatever she'd been about to say and turned red from neck to ears. Akane-san said nothing at all, but there was a glimmer of amusement in her calm gray eyes. Saitō regarded Satoshi-sama's guileless expression with all the patience that he could muster. He had done his best to prepare for his earlier conversation with the prince, and he reminded himself now that a warrior should not betray emotion, regardless of provocation.

"If I were certain that Chizuru would not be harmed in any way, then I would have no hesitation in taking your advice," he told Satoshi in a voice that was as flat and hard as he could make it. Judging from Chizuru's quick glance at him, and Akane's sudden stillness, he suspected that he had managed a… satisfactory… tone. "Since there is no such guarantee, we must carefully assess the risks. It is reasonable for my wife to be concerned." He turned to Chizuru, who was still blushing. "You know that I am able to tolerate a great deal of discomfort, Chizuru; as far as that goes, I will be fine. Any actual injury will be fleeting. Also, you need not worry that you will be transferring the whole burden of the Trial: you will still have a great deal with which to contend, including integrating memories and knowledge that aren't your own." I know that it troubles you to allow others to suffer, dear one, especially on your behalf. I promise we'll discuss this further. He saw Chizuru blink—she hadn't been expecting his contact, and his mental tone was considerably gentler than his voice. He was pleased to have managed the balance.

When he looked back at Satoshi-sama, the prince's expression was unreadable. Akane-san sat quite still, with her hands folded on her lap. Based on what he had seen of her situation with the Yukishima, he suspected that she had reason to be careful when there was anger in the air.

"I understand, Hajime," Chizuru said softly, but out loud. It occurred to her that she still hadn't quite settled on what to call her husband in public. She would ask him what he would prefer, that was always best. "And I understand what you are saying as well, Uncle. Thank you for offering to teach me what you can. It isn't easy to know what is best, and"—she felt her dignified speech begin to crumble under a sudden and absurd desire to cry—"I-I will try to s-sort out what will keep the children s-safe."

She blinked the unwanted tears out of her eyes. Akane-san looked sympathetic, and so did her uncle, which surprised her. Hajime was showing slight signs of strain, however. She knew that what he really wanted to do was bundle her home and into bed and demand to know what was wrong and whether she was she feeling unwell. The image steadied her and she smiled. "Sumimasen. I'm fine now."

"Perhaps you could ask Vice Commander Hijikata whether you'd be able to accompany Chizuru-chan to Yase the day after tomorrow," suggested Satoshi to Saitō. "We could at least go over my—unfortunately rather basic—knowledge of the Yukimura Gift of healing. You can also tell me if you've decided whether or not to pursue the Trial of Mind. Despite what you may think"—the prince's grey-blue eyes met Saitō's for a moment and seemed a little apologetic—"I do take this matter very seriously. There are several things in play that must be factored in: the risks either way to Chizuru-chan and her unborn children, the risk to Saitō-san—although I tend to agree with his assessment on that score—the question of how to honour the commitment made to Yukishima Kimiko-sama—no, I hadn't forgotten, and the sooner it is resolved the better—the question of when you will be able to visit Shiranui Toshio-sama—I think I mentioned that I will assist you with that, if you'll permit me—and, well, there are other ongoing problems. The potential for a human war. The potential for Kazama Chikage and the Amagiri clan to react poorly to the manner of Yukishima Amagiri Hideo-sama's death and any accusations regarding improper behaviour. And, er, so on."

There was more, of course. The fact that the Shinsengumi were badly understrength and Saitō was needed—and Harada, for that matter. The Oni spy who might or might not be the missing Yukimura Kaoru, Chizuru's brother. The probable treachery of Chizuru's father. And winding through it all, the Furies and the ochimizu.

"Thank you, Satoshi-sama. We will let you know as soon as possible regarding Chizuru's training and the Trial of Mind. Thank you for speaking with Chizuru today, Akane-san." Saitō gave his uncle-in-law and the part-Oni woman a short, but polite bow.

Satoshi nodded in response, satisfied that he had accomplished all he could for now. Far more perceptive than even Sen-hime was aware (for now), he knew that Chizuru-chan was feeling more tired than she was admitting; her husband had reached his limit for dealing with her Oni relations; and Akane-san—a very interesting woman, as he'd mentioned to Kimiko-san the other day—was not at all comfortable with either himself or Saitō. Besides, he wanted to think about Chizuru-chan's Trial of Mind a little more himself. And he also needed to consider the startling news that Kazama Chikage's stubborn, small-minded, embittered ass of a father had somehow broken his own sacred rules and produced bastard children with human or at least nearly-human women. Satoshi assumed that Suzuka Gozen had contrived those children as well somehow. By this point, he was both impressed with and apprehensive about her willingness to use whoever came to hand in order to further her plan—whatever it might be. He thought he had a fairly good idea about that, however.

"I was pleased to be of assistance to Chizuru-sama, Saitō-sama," Akane said to Saitō, bowing deeply. "I hope that I can be of help in the future as well."

"Akane-san was very helpful, Hajime," said Chizuru, smiling with genuine appreciation at the older woman (who was all of twenty-six or –seven, thought Satoshi ironically). "And I would like to visit Yase soon, if I may. But I know how busy you are right now; Kondō-san and Hijikata-san need you, and Okita-san and Heisuke-kun are still learning about things…" She trailed off, attuned enough to Saitō to catch the faintest flicker of—unease? All of a sudden, she was very curious to know what had happened at the meeting between Osen-chan and the captains. Okita-san could be a little unpredictable. So could Heisuke-kun, but in a different way. Chizuru felt that Osen-chan was much more likely to get along well with Heisuke-kun.

Saitō rose, determined to have Chizuru save her various questions—they were plain on her face—for after he had gotten her home and tucked into bed. She seemed a little tired. He ignored the thought that she wasn't the only one.

"We should speak with Sen-hime before we go, Chizuru. I will"—he stopped, and then nodded politely to Chiharu-sama when she slid open the door that led back to main part of the house.

"I will fetch Osen-chan if you like, Saitō-sama. Your colleagues have left." There was a noticeable glint of humour in her dark purple eyes when she added: "Except for Harada-san. My cousin wished to speak with him and Okita-san said that he felt that Yamazaki-san and Tōdō-san were probably a sufficient escort to allow him to return to your compound in safety."

Predictably, Chizuru was confused by the last statement. Before she could inquire, Saitō thanked Chiharu-sama for her assistance and said that they would meet Sen-hime in the front hall. Satoshi-sama said that he would come as well. Once Chiharu-sama had gone in search of Sen-hime (and Harada), the prince nodded pleasantly to Akane-san and asked her to wait for him to return—he would escort her back to Yase shortly. Still carefully calm and very respectful, Akane-san bowed and murmured that she would be happy to await the His Highness' convenience.

Saitō regretted not being able to speak with Amagiri, but he'd worry about that later. Although not first, or even second, on his list of current concerns, he wanted to know whether his—Saitō's mind balked at both 'liegeman' and 'friend', and the term that seemed to fit best was still too personal—whether Kyūjyu-san had begun to sort out his relationship with Yukishima Kameko. Besides, Saitō had a not-quite-promise to honour with respect to Kameko-sama's younger brother, Mamoru-kun. It would help to know how the young Oni was handling the death of his parents, given that he had appeared already unstable—or perhaps just very spoiled—on the one occasion that Saitō had seen him. Up closer to the top of the list was the one thing that nobody had mentioned today—the well-being of Kenshin-kun, Amagiri's son.

He helped Chizuru to her feet more solicitously than was—in any way—required. Touching her helped to center him, and even though she was at the center of most of the drastic changes to his world, she also made things more bearable. Besides, she appreciated it.

In the end, they discussed very little with either Sen-hime or Chiharu-sama before taking their leave. Harada was slightly withdrawn, which was unlike him. And yet, Saitō was pleased to see him. Most likely he was thinking about many of the same things as Saitō was, and it was just as well to have another capable warrior nearby on their way back to Mibu village.

Chizuru was looking hopefully between her cousin and Harada, Saitō noticed. She cared too much, as usual, but he could allow that he had some… interest… in that matter himself. His private opinion was that things were going as well as they could, but that there was still a very great deal to work out. For his part, he would ignore the fact that Sen-hime was slightly less than perfectly dressed and made up.

"I'll see you this evening, Harada-san," Chiharu said to the tall spearman. Like Saitō, she was aware of certain discrepancies about her cousin's usual impeccable attire, and determined to ignore them.

"I'm looking forward to it, Haru-chan." Harada bowed, and the smile he gave Sen's cousin seemed quite genuine. "I know that you turned down Osen-chan's offer of having one of us provide some training, but it wouldn't be so difficult to manage, you know." He tactfully didn't mention that Kichirō seemed to be getting the short end of the katana, so to speak. There was no way that Kichirō would be allowed to accompany Sen and Chiharu to Shimabara—although you never quite knew with kids who were spoiling to become adults.

Not long afterward, Sen, Chiharu, and Satoshi watched the two Shinsengumi captains and Chizuru disappear at the bottom of the garden path. Although they were keeping their minds strictly to themselves, each one of them was thinking it probable that Saitō-san would have Chizuru—and therefore Harada-san—back at the Shinsengumi compound in very short order. There would be no sightseeing and no time for conversation on the way back.

"Osen-chan," murmured Satoshi, tilting his head toward his niece. "I believe that your collar is slightly crooked. I am pleased to see that you are improving your acquaintance with your husband-to-be, but—as I should know!—it is important to observe the details so as to be properly discreet."

Chiharu took a step back. "I need to go find Kichirō," she said politely. "Excuse me, Satoshi-sama; Osen-chan." She bowed, and hurried away with more haste than was strictly decorous.

[END]

A/Note: Thank you as always for reading and reviewing and your support through favourites, likes, bookmarks and kudos. \(^u^)/
PS Next time, more about our favourite purple-eyed ninja, among other Oni-related matters.