The King had gone back to the residential district where he had been attacked—and where Sakura had disappeared. He was careful not to be seen, as the streets had patrols of yari spears and bows.

They seemed to be questioning the locals. They were searching for The Reconnoiters, quite obviously. And there were a lot of them. Staying to the rooftops kept him out of sight, though he watched with a careful eye for any signs of the Taisho Six.

They’re skilled fighters, and it’s not beyond them to think like we do.

These tiled roofs were easy to utilize as cover to maintain stealth. Climbing to the top of the gable—or moya-zukuri in the local language—provided good cover.

Stealthily jumping from one roof to another, it didn’t take long for Ardamius to get back to the location where he’d lost his scimitar. Below, he spotted Yuki, coughing as she sat against a wall.

There was another Taisho Six member there with her. The King could tell from the way the man handled himself, though he was visually unfamiliar with this member. Also surrounding them were a dozen residents of this street.

If this Taisho member is half as strong as some of the others, he might be trouble.

Yuki had been an easy fight. The easiest he had experienced with the Six. Some of the others he could not beat—had to withdraw. Not due to being weaker, but simply too strong to surpass during a complex engagement that required him in different areas. The group was not to be underestimated.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

The festivities had quitted, and the fireworks had stopped completely, no longer providing excellent distraction. An old lady made her way through the group to give Yuki a small bowl of something. She drank it down, coughed hoarsely afterward. She was wounded and wouldn’t be a further threat—at least not right now.

Normally The King would do something about that other Taisho Six member. He had the perfect opportunity to surprise him, but he still hadn’t found his sword, and this one might well be more dangerous than Yuki Arinatto.

Sakura, if I find out you’re fine…

The thought brought his attention back to the salts. He could see the aura, almost like spots of pink mist spread about the area where that creature had traveled. He followed the trail with his eyes up over the side of the machiyas and onto the roof. Ardamius could clearly see the path of the creature’s escape.

“It’s time to find out where you went.”

*

“It’s her—” She coughed again between sips.

He hushed her. “Drink,” he said, cupping his hand under hers. “Drink.”

Tsubaki was furious. He wanted to crush those Reconnoiters. He should have been with Yuki, but to hold off their other members while Yoshinaka-sama escaped had been more important.

At least she’s alive. Perhaps they have some small amount of honor.

After downing another few sips, she swallowed. “Tsubaki!”

“Be calm. I’m here. What is it?”

“It’s her! On the bridge! She’s in the city. She came back!”

What? Impossible!

“Yuki,” he said, putting his other hand on her shoulder. His heart was beating fast as shock and excitement took him. The people standing about behind them were all but gone from his mind. “Tell me everything.”

Suddenly he felt a presence watching them.

Tsubaki turned, looked about, up toward the roofs. He narrowed his eyes, his hand resting around his katana hilt. But as soon as he had sensed the aura, it had vanished.

“Tsu?” Yuki asked. “What is it?”

Someone had indeed been watching. “We need to leave.”