Kyuden Shika

Is she still here? Yes
Has she cleaned the shrines? Yes
Do we want to adopt her? Yes

The shrine maiden continued cleaning now she is in the back washing clothes.

Raizo strode into the temple with the swinging gait that he typically used when engaged in a march.

And made a beeline for the Kaito.

"Kaito-san, we meet again. I bring news."

"What news you bring?" The Kaito continued washing the clothes at hand. She was calm and collected. The voice was familiar so she didn't look up.

"The duel did not happen. Asahina Soyokaze-san conceded before steel was drawn."

He paused.

"I have been asked to convey the terms of the concession to you. To wit, as demanded by Seppun Yuzu-sama, Asahina-san is not to court you further during this miai."

He paused. Smiled in a way that would have sent his ashigaru running for the nearest trees.

"Nothing, however, was said about your conduct."

The Kaito stopped for a breath, two breaths and half then resumed her duties. "I will do what my heart wants." She smiled. "I pursue who I want and I know that the blue feather would look good in red... yet the mane will be also good in red..." She looked at Raizo. "I have now information that I need."

"So do I."

"Jealousy is a sin. The chrysanthemum seemed to have forgotten. Issuing such challenge means that he is also pursuing this one." She looked at Raizo and smiled.

"Just so. I would hate for anything to go awry for him. Truly."

"You know this one." She looked at the heavens and nodded. "I would not speak foul of the chrysanthemum but... know this the Water Dragon may not be happy for such sin." She continued her task of washing clothes.

"I ever tell you what Tessho taught me about fatherhood?"

It was an apparent non-sequitir.