Late that evening in the village after the battle with Bujambo, Yuri sat at the edge of a bed within a clinic. A doctor inspected her shoulder, only to blink in surprise at what she showed him. Or rather, a lack of what was there.
Doctor: Huh… you said you were bitten right??
Yuri: Y-Yes.
The doctor stepped back, folding his arms in response.
Doctor: Well, other than the blood on your clothes, I don't see a wound, young lady.
Yuri: Huh???
Looking at her shoulder in surprise, she could no longer see the bite wounds that inflicted her flesh. Instead, it was just her skin, covered with blood and grime.
Yuri: Wooooaaah, that's so cool!
The doctor comically yells at the somewhat air headed girl.
Doctor: 💢 If you're trying to play a prank, it's not funny!!!
A bit later, Yuri stepped out of the clinic, waving at the doctor with her usual smile.
Yuri: Thank you for looking anyway, doctor! Have a great night~!
Doctor: Yeah yeah… just don't get into any trouble.
As Yuri turned her blue gaze from the doctor and his clinic, the young woman spotted Enryu who simply leaned against the wall of the shop right next door.
Yuri: O-Oh! Mr. Enryu!
Enryu blinked before turning his head to look at the chipper girl.
Enryu: Ah, Yuri!... You know, just Enryu is fine.
Yuri covered her mouth comically as her eyebrows rose. Her big blue eyes widened, surprised.
Yuri: Oop! Sorry about that!
Enryu chuckled heartily, getting up from his leaning position and simply stood up.
Enryu: Hahaha, you're good!
The young man strokes his chin and smirks.
Enryu: Although, I will say Mr. Enryu does have a nice ring to it.
Yuri giggled in response, keeping her hand over her mouth as she did.
Yuri: Tee-hee~! Well I'll call you both then.
Enryu looked at the young lady's shoulder and tilted his head.
Enryu: Huh, you sure heal freakishly fast.
Yuri blinked for a second before patting her shoulder with a surprised look on her face.
Yuri: I knoooow right???! I didn't know I could do that! It's so weird!
Enryu: Maybe it has to do with your Tao.
Yuri: You think so???
Enryu rubs his chin yet again, seemingly thinking aloud.
Enryu: That's my guess. I mean, I'm not too much of an expert on the subject. But if anything weird like that happens without any real explanation, I honestly chalk it up to Tao.
Yuri: Hmmm strange. Maybe Jin has an explanation…
Noticing that the aforementioned Bachijin was nowhere in sight, Yuri looked to her left and right.
Yuri: Speaking of Jin… where is he???
Enryu's eye softens into a look of concern.
Enryu: He said he needed to have some time to himself. He seemed worried about your well-being. Ya know, after you took that hit.
Yuri's mind rewinded back to the moment she allowed Bujambo to bite into her shoulder.
Yuri: He was… worried about me?
Enryu: Yup, seems like it to me.
The young blonde smiles warmly, flexing her arm to show it off. Along with her exposed shoulder.
Yuri: Well, it's time to make those worries disappear!
Turning heel and running down the village road, Yuri left to find Jin. Enryu, blinking at her ecstatic nature, eventually smiles and folds his arms.
Enryu: So enthusiastic, even after a fight like that.
__________________________
Meanwhile, Jin sat atop a rooftop, looking out into the distance with his sword at his side. Lying next to his left hand, Jin's gaze was calm, and yet filled with concern.
Jin:...
The memory of Yuri being bitten by the giant cannibal, of when he decapitated him flashed through Jin's mind. The way she solemnly held Bujambo's head prodded his thoughts as he sighed.
Jin: (Even after all this time… I'm still not strong enough…)
The young man held out his left hand, staring at the bandaged appendage longingly.
Jin:....
His silence was deafening, even after clenching his hand into a fist. Seemingly reflecting on something, unaware of the presence behind him that stood atop a power post. It was the individual who had been stalking him and Yuri since their journey first started.
Cloaked Individual: I've got you now….
Drawing a ninjato, the cloaked and armed assailant readied themselves to pounce. But before they could even make a move-
"Jiiiiiiin!"
Cloaked Individual: Huh???
Jin: Hm???
Approaching from street level, Yuri held onto two skewers of dango. Stopping in front of the building he sat on, Yuri beamed directly at the young man. Jin on the other hand was surprised to see her like this. The cloaked assassin's body language filled with frustration as they sheathed the sword in their hand.
Cloaked Individual:... Damn it. It's that girl..!
The individual turned around, turning their back to Jin.
Cloaked Individual: Next time… I swear….
As the cloaked assassin disappeared into the night, Jin sat, incredibly surprised by Yuri's being there.
Jin: Yuri?!
Yuri giggles wholesomely.
Yuri: Tee-hee~! Yup! It's meee~!
Jin: B-But…! Your shoulder!
Yuri: Hm? Oh that! Right! I'm all fixed up!
Looking from his position, Jin could see that her shoulder was healed, causing him to try and wrap his mind around it. The young man's face was visibly shocked.
Jin: (Was it her Tao???)
However, before he could overthink, Yuri's voice interrupted his internal self dialogue.
Yuri: Sooooo, you want some dango????
Holding up a skewer, Yuri smiled at the cursed swordsman. Her warmth and light got even warmer and brighter the longer she waited for a response. Eventually, she giggled, providing an air of comfort for the young man sitting at the edge of the roof.
_________________________
After a few moments, Yuri had reached the top of the building, sitting next to Jin atop the roof. The two ate dango skewers, enjoying not only the view, but each other's company.
Yuri: Mmmm! This is sooooo gooood!
Jin: Heh… no kiddin'...
After a solemn silence, Yuri tilted her head gently. The girl spoke with some concern in her voice.
Yuri: Hey… what's the matter???
Jin remained silent, causing Yuri to soften her gaze a bit.
Yuri: …Is it because I got hurt???
Jin froze for a moment. Yuri could see the answer on his face.
Jin:.... I…
Yuri:... Jin…
Jin: I was worried… that things would be worse than when it happened… but honestly that's just me overthinking things. You made it to the infirmary on your own… and you came back on your own… that's all that truly matters I guess….
Yuri:... Then why do you still look so… tense?
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Jin paused for a moment before looking out to the village.
Jin: Because… I'm worried about what could happen in the future.
Yuri: Hm???
Jin: Threats like that giant are relatively tame compared to the rest of the world… I'm just concerned about what does lie ahead… mostly for you.
Yuri gently smiled, remembering that Enryu said that Jin was worried about her.
Yuri: (Hehe… he really was worried about me.)
As Jin looked out to the horizon, Yuri chirped up with a positive yet sweet and relaxing voice.
Yuri: You really aren't such a bad guy you know?
Jin: Huh???
Turning his head to look at the blonde, Jin seemed taken aback by her statement. Meanwhile, Yuri continued.
Yuri: You tend to go on about how you're not a very good person, or how you're not some hero…
The girl then immediately beams at him wholesomely, causing the young man's eyes to widen.
Yuri: But that couldn't be further from the truth, tee-hee ~!
Jin heard himself respond in surprise.
Jin: Y…Yuri…
The girl then energetically sat her skewer down and leaned towards him.
Yuri: And don't worry! Any future bad guys who wanna take me down will have to get past what my grandma taught me! And I think I'm preetttty good at that!
The girl outstretched her arms over her head and then into an arc before placing them beside her. After such an energized declaration, her voice became sugary again, causing Jin's wide eyes to return to normal.
Yuri: Besides… if that doesn't work out…
The girl turned to look Jin in the eye, giving him her sunny, gentle smile once more.
Yuri: You'll be there to protect me… won't you???
Jin:!!
Upon being given such a question, Jin clenched his left fist, understanding that Yuri had her full trust in the wanderer. Because of that, his next words were filled with certainty.
Jin: Of course…
Yuri: Nh?
Jin: I'll be there to protect you, Yuri. You can count on that.
Yuri blinks a few times before giggling out right, causing Jin to tilt his head in confusion.
Jin: (She's… laughing???)
As Yuri giggled, she spoke in a delighted manner.
Yuri: Tee-hehee~! It's a promise then!
Jin: Nh??? A promise???
Yuri: Hehe yup!
She immediately grabs his right hand and lifts it up to meet hers. Then in a forceful yet playful manner, she locks his pinky with hers, shaking their hands and in turn locking in their promise.
Yuri: You protect me, and I'll protect you! 'Kay???
As the girl tilted her head with a closed eyed smile, Jin would pause for a second. He then felt his distance from her start to shorten as he nodded, smiling a little as he shook her hand back, maintaining the pinky promise in play.
Jin: Okay. I promise.
__________________________
Later that evening, within one of the hot springs connected to the inn Jin and Yuri stayed at… Yuri sank into the hot, steaming water of the springs. Slipping her towel off in the water, the young beauty exhales audibly as she slipped in shoulder deep.
Yuri: Aaaaaahhh! Thaaaat feels Soooo gooooooood~!
The young lady relaxed, closing her eyes as she leaned her head against the rock wall behind her.
Yuri: It's been such a long time since I've soaked in a hot spring! The last one if I remember correctly was back at home! Mmm but this one feels sooo much warmerrrr~!
After a slight pause, Yuri thought back to her confrontation with Bujambo. Placing her slender hand on the shoulder the giant had bitten her, Yuri opened her eyes with a gaze of sadness.
"It must be so lonely, being out here by yourself… "
Yuri: It's crazy to think that someone like that big guy…
Her eyes soften even further…
Yuri: …could be someone I relate to somehow….
From somewhere in Yuri's mind, she remembered a time where she was alone. Where all of the little girls and boys her age played with one another. However, Yuri simply stood alone, watching in solitude as if she was left out intentionally.
Yuri sighed upon such a memory, feeling her heart grow heavy as she soaked in the springs.
Alone.
Yuri: Grandma…Papa…. I miss you already…
_________________________
The next morning…
Jin and Yuri sat at a local eatery, having their breakfast before they hit the road.
Yuri: Mmmm! Yummy eggggsss!
Jin: I swear your stomach is bottomless….
Yuri furrowed her brow at him with a pouty look on her face.
Yuri: That's not something you say to a girl Jin…
"Ahhh, just the duo I wanted to see!"
Looking up from their bowls, Yuri with her mouth full, the two spot Enryu standing at their table.
Enryu: Looks like y'all are eatin' good!
Yuri: Sha besht! (The best!)
Jin: What's up???
Enryu sits at the table, propping his elbow into the table while he answers.
Enryu: Oh nothin'. Just noticed that you guys have your bags n everything ready.
Yuri's eyes went straight to Enryu's elbow, intensifying her state in a comical fashion.
Yuri: (Bad manners!)
Enryu leaned forward a bit, looking into his old friend's eyes as he spoke in a genuinely curious tone.
Enryu: You're leaving… aren't you?
Jin responded stalely.
Jin: Yeah. We are.
Enryu: 💧 Geez, way to make it emotionless…
Yuri: *gulp* Why do you ask, Enryu???
Enryu taps the table with the palm of his hand and responds confidently.
Enryu: Simple, I'm gonna be joinin' y'all on your trip.
Jin then responded in a comically cut and dry manner.
Jin: No. You're not.
Enryu responded just as comically.
Enryu: Huh?! Why not???!!
Jin: You're loud and a skirt chaser. Two things that give me a goddamn headache…
Enryu: Aw c'mon! It was the one time okay?!
After Jin chuckled a bit, Enryu spoke in a calm yet confident tone.
Enryu: Face it man… yer not gettin' rid of me. So yer just gonna have to hold that.
Jin closed his eyes, sipping from his tea. Both Enryu and Yuri awaited his answer. Funnily enough, Jin sat his tea cup down to give an answer.
Jin: Fine. I suppose it couldn't hurt.
Enryu pumps his fist in excitement.
Enryu: Yyyyyussssss!
As the two swordsmen began to banter, Yuri watched with a smile on her face.
Yuri: (They really are friends at the end of the day. It's kind of soothing…)
Yuri then felt her emotions shift slightly, while she turned her gaze to one of the windows in the establishment.
Yuri: (I wonder what it'd be like… to have a friend like that.)
_____________
Soon, the once duo, now trio began heading towards the village gates to leave this section of their journey behind.
Enryu: So you really ate all of that spicy curry without any water????
Yuri: Mhm! I was thirsty though, so I got myself a soda pop tee-hee ~!
Jin: 💧I still dunno how you did that…
"M-Mister Swordsman!!!"
Jin & Enryu: Hm???
Yuri: Hm???
As both swordsmen turned around immediately, followed by Yuri, they were met with a fatigued middle aged man. A familiar man that they met when they first got there.
Jin: Huh?... It's you..! (Mister??? You're older than me.)
Middle Aged Man: Is it true???... You slayed the beast… is this true???
Jin fell silent, looking to the ground. However, a chipper voice caught his gaze before it could linger there.
Yuri: Mhm! He did!
Jin: Ngh?? Yuri…
Yuri giggled warmly.
Yuri: He was so brave, and with Enryu's help, it was a cinch!
Enryu rubs the base of his nose and chuckles.
Enryu: Awww it was no big deal Heheh.
Middle Aged Man:.... I see….. *sniffle*
Enryu: Hmm???
As the young trio fell silent, the man before them began to sniffle and sob. Tears streamed down his face as he eventually bowed to the trio.
Middle Aged Man: Thank you… *hic*... So much!
KRK! KRRRRR!
The gates began to open, allowing the three travelers to be on their way. But before they left, Jin looked at the old man with empathy in his heart. His next words would ring true, and strike deep.
Jin: Grow strong.
Middle Aged Man: Ngh??
Jin: Get stronger, so you'll never have to experience pain like this again… it'll be hard.. but trust me, it's worth it.
As the young man's words sank in, the villager dropped to his knees, sobbing completely.
Middle Aged Man: UUWAAAAH! Thank you! Thank you so much! Waaahaaaaa..!!
As the man sobbed, Jin turned towards the gates and his companions, leaving the village along with them. When the gates of the village closed behind them, the trio began to walk away from them, heading forward with their journey.
Yuri: Do you think he'll be alright???
Enryu: I'm sure he will. Now that that monster guy is done for.
Calling out toward Jin, Enryu raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
Enryu: By the way Jin, what did you tell him???
Jin paused for a moment, before responding in a calm manner.
Jin: I just gave him some advice… that's all.
Enryu: Ah, so you're too good to tell us huh??? Fine, see if I care.
As Enryu comically pouted, folding his arms, Yuri giggled in response.
Yuri: Hehehe you're funny Enryu!
Enryu: Huh???! Wh-What about that was funny???!
As the banter continued, Jin drowned out their words, remembering what the man had said while he cried.
"Thank you! Thank you!!!"
Jin:... ("Thank you"... Huh..)
_______
Meanwhile, in a village by water, there was a shop that sat within the market district. Within it was a young woman with navy blue hair who wore incredibly fashionable clothes. An orange and white kimono with a black legging on one leg, and matching black sandals. This girl knelt, sewing something together by hand, seemingly in her own world. But then, the door answered, ringing the brass bell to alert the young woman.
"Welcome!"
Village Woman: Good morning Maki! Just came to check on my order!
The young lady turned her amber gaze toward the front door, smiling with a welcoming voice.
Maki: Oh! It should be done. Give me just a moment and I'll go get it for you!
End of chapter 6
To be continued in chapter 7…