It was the same man they'd met before, his leg caught by the reeds this time, and he clung to the bank, trying to keep his head above water.
Wary as always, Kagome scanned the area, picking up on nothing but his humanity, and they set down their buckets.
"It's like some weird courting ritual," Kagura muttered, pulling out her fan. "No one's that clumsy."
Approaching the man, Kagome held out her bow, Hojo looking up in surprise and then relief. He gripped the wood, but the reeds held fast, pulling him further along the river as Kagome struggled to keep her footing.
He gave them a helpless look, and Kagura called for him to keep still, the thrashing of his legs stopping long enough for her to cut his pant leg free.
They pulled him out of the water, stepping back as he gasped for air to maintain their distance. "You are so wonderful to save me again!"
"It's a lot calmer upstream," Kagome chided. "Why were you down here where the current is so strong?"
Hojo smiled sheepishly. "I'd hidden more supplies there, but it moved after the snow melted. I tried to retrieve it with a stick, but it was too far, and I slipped."
"Why don't you store your belongings at home?" Kagura asked, crossing her arms.
"There are many unsavoury characters about," he replied, scratching the back of his head. "My family has a lot of valuable heirlooms that need to remain safe."
"Nothing is worth your life. You should be more careful."
Hojo beamed at Kagome's words. "Thank you for your concern. I will take heed in the future, miss…?"
It wasn't until Kagura nudged her that Kagome realized he was waiting for an introduction, and she sighed. "I'm Kagome, and this is my sister Kagura."
But he only had eyes for her, bowing deeply. "It seems I am in your debt once again, Lady Kagome."