Kyuden Shika

“Oh, yeah, that makes sense. So then she’s just mad, but you’re on the periphery and not the one actually involved in the duel?

I’ve always found that as long as you stand clear of the cattery, girls will forgive most things. Just make her something nice, sing her a song later tonight. Kami, come VISIT later tonight! Just don’t bring up the other guys and you’ll be fine.

Remember, stay out of the cat fights and you’ll be fine.

As much as I’m debating if perhaps it wouldn’t be better to give you the one I made for Ishi-Kun, if you want something to cheer you up when you’re dry, let me know.”

She smiles, advice and warmth and contentment.

"She has stated that I am not to visit with her until after tomorrow. She knows that it is a punishment for me. I don't want to be away from her, but I will suffer it as she commands."

He was dejected.

Inoshishi shrugs, her expression thoughtful. “Presumably also the others are not to speak with her? You could spend the time making something for her, perhaps?”

She tries to switch the topic.

“The other day I started writing a collection of some of the spookiest stories I recall. I was thinking perhaps you would like it when it’s done!”

"I would certainly like a copy, Ino-san. And I can send you copies of the reports from many of my other exploits. I always write them like stories. I can get away with that since I am the one that reviews and files them too," he says with a smirk, but is obviously forced.

Inoshishi nods and her heart has clearly gone out to the sad Kitsu.

"Very well, I'll get it after the bath. As you are it's intended, it is not a gift, merely returning rightful property to it's owner. Now. Close your eyes and turn around."

((After this scene, you will have Book of Scary Stories by Inoshishi. Resplendent: Glory gain = glory gain +1 while you have it.))

He does as requested, expecting it will be some surprise. He doubted she was the shy type to worry about modesty and both of them knew where the others interests lay, so naked bath time bashfulness would be odd.

The surprise, in this case, is the exact opposite of bashfulness. After carefully looking around the room again to make sure no one else is there, even Seppun being far too quiet, she flings her arms around the Kitsu for a quick back hug, releasing him just as fast. (assuming he doesn't freak out and throw her or something).

"You seemed like you could use a pick me up."

The sudden, if short lived, skin to skin contact was... ahem... inspirational. He would need a few minutes before he could stand up now without making things very awkward. But he didn't recoil or react negatively.

"Thank you for your concern Inoshishi-san. It is appreciated."

Inoshishi without a doubt knows what she did.

"I'm glad it helped. I hate seeing people defeated by things they can't control. It's...gloomy. There's enough gloom in the world.

I apologize for the part of that that was...improper. But, as you say, concern.

Who are you dueling tomorrow?"

"Improper nothing. Doesn't bother me because I've seen you with Ishioka. I'm pretty sure we both know neither of us would want to hurt him. You because it would crush him and me because he would crush me," he said. It was an attempt at a joke, but even with her attempt to cheer him the levity is false.

"I'll be facing Shiba Raizo. I doubt my chances, as he's a far more experienced warrior. But we will see what happens."