Kiyoshi and Kyuzo remained entangled in each other's embrace in silence, only breathing in each other's comforting and familiar scents. It felt so good like this… to be loved, found, and in one piece once more. Kiyoshi slightly pulled back and rested her forehead on Kyuzo's, looking into his captivating crimson eyes. He smiled a genuine smile but pulled away when he spotted Kambei and the group rush towards them. He held Kiyoshi's hand behind the two of them so it remained out of sight.
"I am nothing short of impressed, Kiyoshi. I do proclaim you as the sixth samurai. Come, we must be on our way. Kyuzo, you are welcome to join us as the seventh samurai." Kambei said as he turned slightly towards the mouth of the cave. Kiyoshi blinked but bowed respectfully. "Of course, Kambei-sama." She replied. Kyuzo only nodded in response. Katsushiro and the others caught up to rejoin. Kiyoshi and Kyuzo talked quietly amongst themselves. They caught up on their lives and talked about anything that came to mind.
Rikichi kept eying the new samurais, suspicions rising inside him. He didn't know whether or not he should trust him or the female samurai. They both looked extremely lethal with just a glance. He had seen what destruction they had caused; naturally, he was fearful. So the troubled farmer decided to ask Gorobei.
"Gorobei? Do you think it was a good idea to bring them along?"
"Yes. Why? What's on your mind?"
"Well, I get the chills just by looking in their direction, especially Kyuzo. Kiyoshi seems fine, but we all saw what she could do. She didn't even break a sweat! I feel like if we slip, she could kill us…"
Gorobei let out a throaty laugh that startled everyone. He wiped his eyes as his laughter still rumbled in his chest. "Dearest Rikichi, you worry far too much. I don't think we should fear those two lovebirds at all." He replied, putting emphasis on "lovebirds". Honoka chortled and Heihachi and Roji suppressed giggles. Kyuzo frowned in his unamusement but Kiyoshi chuckled. "Lighten up, honey bunch." She told Kyuzo as she playfully elbowed him. He sighed and rolled his eyes as if to say, "Whatever you say…"
"See, Rikichi? You shouldn't fear them without knowing who they are inside. It's not healthy to be judgmental like that." Gorobei said. Rikichi looked back at the two samurai and nodded. Gorobei's words were true.
"That man is our enemy and the woman cannot be trusted."
Kiyoshi looked in the direction of the voice and her eyes fell upon a village priestess. "What are you talking about, Kirara? She defeated the Nobuseri and helped me avoid make a decision that I would regret. I trust her enough." Heihachi replied in his usual tone. "My water crystal didn't choose her. I can't-"
"It's time to stop believing in your magic and start believing in yourself, Ms. Kirara."
"I mean no disrespect, but what do you mean?"
"During the War, there were many people who used sacred crystals such as yours to guide themselves through the battles. It pains me to say this, but over a half of those people ended up in fatal situations. I am not saying your crystal is unimportant, nor am I saying you are weak. I fully understand why you would distrust us. But you must educate yourself in the ways of your heart, not the ways of possibly unpredictable magic."
Everyone was immediately silenced as they looked at Kiyoshi. They were astonished by what she had just said. Kirara could only stare at the female samurai and nod simply. Kambei suddenly smiled. "Those are the words of a true samurai." He said, turning to the Guardians for a moment. "We thank you for your assistance, but now we must be on our way." He said. "We are sad for your departure, but may you have a safe journey."