A few days passed after the group's return and Kana had once again disappeared from Obi's sight.

As he took a walk down the halls, he contemplated, like the past days, why Haru would request to be your partner. There must be some serious intention if he had to ask His Majesty's help. Racking his brain, Obi could not figure out an answer. Either he talked to Kana or confront the man himself. The latter was the least attractive choice to him.
Once he reached the door to Zen's office, he noticed Kana standing in the corner dressed up and possibly talking to someone. Figuring he needed to talk to her at some point, Obi headed her way. Once he was closer, he noticed that the person she was talking to was Haru. When did you two start getting along? On the other hand, Kana didn't seem too happy talking to the guy.

"Kana!" Obi called.

She turned her head and merely looked at him before quickly looking away again. Kana mumbled something to Haru and the two of them started to walk down the hallway.
"Wait, Kana, I-"
Kana bit her lip. It's not fair to Obi that she was ignoring him, but if she was trying to let him go, the best way was to distance herself. So, she waved to him without turning back and continued to walk away. Obi felt a painful pinch in his heart. Was this how she was going to say goodbye by keeping her distance from him?

Concerned that he may no longer see her happy face, Obi turned back towards Zen's office. As he was about to reach for the doorknob, the doors flew open and Zen, Mitsuhide, and Kiki stared at him in surprise.
"Oh, Obi," greeted Zen. "Here you are. We were just about to go look for you."
"What for Master?" Obi wondered sullenly.
Kiki caught on to his demeanor and side-glanced Mitsuhide. The older man shook his head to gesture that he didn't know what was going in with Obi.
"Brother wants to speak to us," Zen said then observed Obi worriedly. "You okay?"
"Fine," Obi grinned.
Zen glanced back at the other two and they shrugged. Sighing, he beckoned his aides to follow him to the throne room. Once outside the door, Zen took a deep breath.
"Scared, Master?" joked Obi.
"No. Just trying to relax. Brother tends to keep me on my toes," muttered Zen. "Ready? Let's go."

The throne room doors opened and Zen and his aides walked in together. Obi glanced around and noticed Kana perched up on a window sill with her back to them. Shuuto sat next to her staring down at the group. At the front, Izana sat on his throne with Haru by his side. As the group made their way down the room, Obi glanced up at Kana as he passed her. Catching his eye, she quickly looked out the window. Obi sighed.

"Zen, nice of you to come," Izana greeted.
"Brother," Zen bowed. "What did you want to talk to us about?"
"I'll get right to the point. I wanted to know if Shirayuki has mentioned anything to you about Lyrias?" Izana asked.
"Lyrias? No not exactly," Zen replied in confusion.
"Ah," Obi piped up then closed his mouth.
Zen glanced at him with furrowed eyebrows then turned his attention back to his brother.
"What about it?"
"I'm sending her and little Ryuu to get some training done," Izana tells him matter-of-factly.
"Wh-What?"
"For two years."
"Two years?!" Zen shouted. "Why would-"
"I need them there. That's all I'll say about it," said Izana.
"They're going alone?"
"Not alone," Izana answered, gesturing to Kana, Shuuto, and Haru. "They will be accompanied by these three."
"What...?" Obi whispered, glancing back at Kana.
This time, Kana kept her eyes focused on him.
"Wh-What do you mean, brother?" Zen questioned, slightly irritated by the situation.
"Kana requested to follow her little brother and it is Shuuto's duty to keep an eye on both of them. I am sending Haru along just in case."
"In case of what, your Majesty?" Mitsuhide asked curiously.
"Just in case," Izana smiled.
The group sweat-dropped. He was so vague!
"They leave in two days. Just thought I'd let you know, Zen."
"Th-Thanks Brother..." Zen muttered, unsatisfied.

The two days quickly passed and next thing Obi knew, Kana and Shirayuki were already outside getting ready to leave for two long years. Zen and Shirayuki were talking quietly with one another while Kana was fussing over Ryuu and helping him into the carriage.
"I got it, Onee-chan!" Ryuu whined.
"O-Okay.." she sighed.
Kana walked to her horse and waited while Shuuto helped Shirayuki into the carriage. Haru had already mounted his horse and was following behind while she led the group. Kana noticed Obi's eyes following her. They were filled with sadness, but she wasn't sure if that was for her or for Shirayuki.

"Kana."

She turned towards Zen who gave her a concerned look.
"Take care of her, please..."
Kana smiled at him.
"I'll do my best, Zen."
"You take care too, Kana," Mitsuhide added.
"You all as well."
Kiki shoved Obi towards Kana.
"You have something to say Obi?" Kiki urged.
"Uh... I.." Obi hesitated as he gazed at her. "Take care of Mistress.."
You gave him a fake smile.
"I'll do my best."
"I'll see you all soon," Zen waved. "Be safe."
With that, Kana mounted her horse and led the group North towards Lyrias.