Today was to be the day. Exactly one month had passed since the Notice Posters were posted throughout all of Japan. It was springtime, cherry blossoms decorating the city of Kyoto. Crowds of curious people stood at the gates that shielded the Emperor's palace from them. Guards and even Samurai standing guard to the open gates that would lead to the courtyard of the palace. The courtyard had soldiers and Samurai, speaking to those contending to this special mission.

To protect and guide the princess of Emperor Akihiro. The only daughter out his many children. The request wasn't given many details other then she is to be guided safely to Mount Fuji, but by only women.

Emperor Akihiro stood just inside the palace, standing at the closed doors that would lead to the Courtyard. He was a strong looking man, despite his growing age. His golden silk robes cloaked his body while his black hair was tied back in a neat knot. His mustache hid his upper lip in a thin line while his beard was just full enough to cover his chin.

He worried for this journey and the ill intentions of the Demon. As well as finding the correct guardians. After all, there was not actually too many female fighters, and if there was they might as well be desperate bandits. Still, he did not have a choice in the matter.

"Father, may I go out now? And must I wear this? It is quite uncomfortable for travel." A soft voice spoke to the Emperor, their footsteps quiet as they walked up beside the noble man. A woman dressed in beautiful lavender silken robes with golden dragon designs. Wearing a large sugegasa upon her head, a veil draped all around the edges to conceal the woman's head.

A sigh escaped the Emperor's lips as his dark eyes gazed at the young woman. "My apologies, Mizuki, but it is for your own protection.... It's.." he started before his only daughter interrupted him.

"That it's dangerous, I know. I don't see why though... I mean, I think these ears and tail are cute. They don't really look scary. Do all demons look like this?" The concealed girl questioned, her straw hat slightly moving as her large ears twitched curiously.

Her father gazed at her briefly before turning away to stare thoughtfully at the door. "People fear what is different... Others are corrupted by greed and will use those different for their own gain. There are many dangers you are not aware of Mizuki, which is why you must hide your appearance. Even from your guardians. They may not understand." the Emperor explained briefly before smiling as a Samurai, average height with a lean but muscular figure walked to them.

The Samurai had brilliant crimson armor, a white headband covering his forehead and his dark brown messy hair spiking up to the sides a little. A brilliant golden spear attached to his strong back as his chocolate brown eyes sparked with amusement.

Mizuki turned to the Samurai and smiled softly. "Oh don't worry father. With big brother Yukimura's help, we will pick fine people to travel with me. Can we start now? Please?" she pleaded! her amber eyes widening cutely as she tried her best to convince her father! despite how her eyes were barely visible.

Her older brother chuckled and waved his left hand casually. "Yeah, no worries Father. I got it handled. You just go ahead and give the speech and me and Mizuki will pick out the companions." he said confidently, grinning widely as his father gave a sigh before nodding to the guards who slowly opened the gate. Revealing the several amount of people.

The Emperor stood walked out, his children following behind as he stood at the top of the stairs. Guards neatly lineing up beside him. With a deep breath, his strong eyes gazed over the female warriors that had decided to attend. There was quite more than he expected, but it was possible many family's forced their daughters to go in a attempt to gain fortune and honor.

"Welcome to the Palace, warrior women of Japan. Many have traveled far and wide over all of Japan to accept this request. I appreciate your determination and valor, for this will not be a easy task. This will not only test your fighting strength, but the strength of the people as well. I pray to the gods there will be as little bloodshed as possible. This task will require the chosen warriors to safely guide the Princess to Mount Fuji on the night of the full red moon. If you succeed, you every companion will be rewarded. I will grant you one wish, be it fortune, a place as a true Samurai amongst the great Samurai who live here, like my son Yukimura whom fought and protected Kyoto from hordes of demons alone while others fell. If you shall fail however, if my daughter is killed before reaching Mount Fuji, or you betray my trust.... You will be hunted down and executed." he spoke with a serious firm voice before finally finishing. "Now, all warriors, stand in a line. The Princess and Samurai Yukimura will be the judges to pick out the guardians."

Mizuki smiled happily as her father finally finished talking before just about bounding down the steps. Though her brother quickly walked beside her with ease, keeping a careful watch over her, despite his smiling seemingly carefree expression. The two of them started walking along beside one another along the line of women. Yukimura mostly doing all the greeting and formal introductions while Mizuki attempted to keep her extra assets in check as she excitedly looked at all her possible companions.

"Hmmm...this looks to be the place." Clad only in a few scraps of dingy and dusty robes, with her katana sheated to her side in a black polished saya, the young ronin woman stood outside the massive palace gates, admiring the elegant splendor of the carved redwood doors standing majestically before her eyes and the bright autumn sun glinting off the bronze columns. This was definitely the palace of a feudal lord, no....the emperor himself. Such an honor it would be serving a man of such wealth and nobility, yet the ronin was not darkening the doors of royalty for any restitution, no matter the sum of yen or any riches the empire could bestow upon a lowly wandering samurai. This was merely to her a man who was in desperate need, and it would be dishonorable to the woman if she did not offer her hand in the matter.

Gently clutched in her hand was one of the many fliers she had witnessed plastered all over the walls of several villages, even all throughout Edo and Nagasaki. Written upon it in the most exquisite calligraphy she ever noticed was the Emperor's plea, warriors needed to guard his beloved daughter the princess on her harrowing journey to Mount Fuji. Though....the woman was not much of the warrior she used to be, however, she offered her helping hand to the emperor....but that also meant offering her sword. Even if I must unsheathe my blade, it will be to protect the princess and my companions, that it will.

She did run into a bit of a snag though when she tried to pass through the gates, already being halted by the guards, "Halt! State your business with the honorable Emperor."
Her eyes peered into the shadow of the samurai's helm, his glare casting an ominous light from within the dark. "Oh, how rude of me." She chuckled lightly before bowing to introduce herself. "I am Kushiami Asuka. I am only a wandering ronin, that is all I am, but I have come to assist the honorable Emperor in his time of need."

"Oh, you're here to guard the princess." The samurai returned sternly, nodding to his other guard to open the gate. "Follow the path to the courtyard and don't go anywhere else, understand?" Asuka nodded, "Indeed I do. You will not have any trouble from me, that you won't."

Kaede had had some difficulty in entering the castle, what with her very obviously demonic appearance and somewhat harsh attitude. The guards had questioned her for a long long time, which is why she'd had the good planning to arrive early. Eventually her story and words actually managed to sway them and she was allowed into the palace to stand and watch some emperor say some things about honour that she really didnt need to hear to know and alot of flowery words about some other things she wasnt interested in. Around her she could see various female warriors, all with a different look and attitude. Female warriors were the most interesting, a life of hardship and the struggle to be counted effected everyone differently and molded them into unique and terrifying enemies or fierce friends. She wondered who these would be.

As the Princess and her brother paced down they ranks Kaede stretched and sighed nonchalantly. She wasn't doing this for the money or the prestige, she had enough of both, but it sounded like something she would be of use in this trip or whatever. In any case it sounded like fun and perhaps she would meet friends on the way. Maybe she would find her place on this trip? You never knew until you tried. She had her Katana tied to her side while her chain weapon rested heavily in her sleeve, her red hair bold and glinting in the breeze.

Moments after the ronin, another young woman arrived the the gates. She wore the simple garb of a merchant, but walked with the tense grace of a tigress.

"I am Shiroko. I have arrived from the Village of Whispers to accompany the princess."

The guards started at the mention of the infamous ninja village, and they hastened to reopen the gate.

Fools. I could have passed by them with ease, were this not official business.

She made her way along the main path to the palace, and stopped at the edge of the crowd. She carefully removed her outer layer of clothing, revealing the traditional outfit of a kunoichi, all in white. She then passed easily through the crowd and took her place in line, sparing only the slightest glance at the other warriors before standing to attention, her eyes fixed directly in front of her.

Not to her surprise, The Priestess had no trouble getting past the guards in front of the large gates that protected the castle. They ushered her in without a word spoken, like she belonged there at that time. Perhaps they thought she was there to do some priestly work. That would make sense as anyone with minimal spiritual training could see the dark cloud looming over the whole palace.

Upon entering, Hanami could only see the backs of the women that had arrived before her. She took her place beside no one in particular, noting how strongly it smelled of blood. These women must have seen a lot of bloodshed. She thought with a straight face, it was to be expected with what the Emperor was requesting.

A few moments passed before the Emperor emerged with his children to give his speech. Hanami kept quiet, even after he was done and his children came to inspect the warriors. She was the only Priestess there that she could see, and wondered if that would count against her.

When the two siblings passed her, she got a strangely familiar feeling from the Princess. Once again, she kept a straight face, but what was that? Her aura seemed tainted, and she looked to be hiding something.

There was many people attending this task it seemed, and Mizuki was unsure how to choose between them all. Then there was a full line of people whom just seemed to peak her interest. First was a woman who spoke to her, smelling of a strong stink that she wasn't familiar with. The woman spoke a bit more rudely compared to most, but the Princess didn't really mind as she stopped in front of her. Taking a moment to curiously sniff the air, her action hidden by the veil.

"Mhmm... You have a interesting air.... And you have packed already? How kind of you." The princess said sweetly, her voice cheerful and still excited.

Her brother paused as he examined the woman who had caught his little sisters interest. "Mhmm are you sure about this one Mizuki? I am unsure if you would exactly be safe with one who drinks." Yukimura questioned, his chocolate brown eyes examining the alcohol smelling woman carefully.

"Big brother, the soldiers drink all the time you say yes? Why is this so different? I'm sure she is a fine woman." Mizuki said optimistically.

Yukimura sighed before smiling at the woman. "Since she has taken a interest in you, please step foreword out of line." he said before following as his sister went to the next woman.

Next was a taller woman, even compared to her brother. Mizuki had to look up a bit to curiously examine her, a samurai with long black hair pulled back in a ponytail. In nothing but old robes no less. Tilting her head, she gave a smile, clasping her hands over the taller woman's and pulling her a little foreword and out of the line as well. She wasn't sure why, but the Princess just had a good feeling about these possible candidates.

Moving on to the next one was a peculiar crimson haired woman with red eyes and a odd mark. A scar over the left eye. She seemed pretty scary and intimidating, yet she smelled a bit familiar. Odd.... Mizuki was unaware that this woman was a half demon as well, since she didn't pose as obvious traits, despite the red hair and eyes. She just figured it was a odd circumstance. The Princess then looked to her brother, who nodded his approval before she yipped happily, doing the same she did with the black hair ronin.

The last two was a apparent kunoichi and a priestess, both of which Yukimura nodded in approval, despite feeling a little wary with the priestess because of the possibility of Mizuki's discovery. At the nod, Mizuki pulled them a little foreword before pausing to look at the five chosen possible candidates.

"Hello, it is a pleasure to meet all of you, I am Mizuki. If I may ask a quick question for you all that would be a great honor." Mizuki introduced as she curiously looked at them all, her ears twitching softly under the hat. "What are all of your names? And why have you decided to accept this task?" she curiously asked her amber gaze watching them! patiently awaiting their answers.

Something about these five intrigued her... Perhaps it was the gods doing? Maybe... Who knew? Something had guided them here and had her choose them.

Just getting near royal property was an excercise in itself. Akane struggled to be polite to the guards doing their rather honorable if boring job. The last Demon Slayer of the Kurosawa clan was infamous. Showing them the Demon Bone Dagger and her general dismissive attitude towards them was proof enough. As if trying to get a bad taste out of their mouth they hurriedly opened the gates for her.

She placed herself in line with the other warriors. Akane was pretty good at essentially sniffing out skill, and what she found was impressive. The women around her smelled of battle. It was rather refreshing to surround herself by women who knew how to handle a blade, but many of them still seemed mundane. Akane stood tall over them confident in her ability to stand out with her sheathed Naginata. What did interest her was the Princess's initial choice. Out of all of them however was the Half Demon. Akane couldn't help, but stare for a few seconds attracted to her beauty. She immediately looked straight ahead silently excited about the prospect of working with her. A strong Half Demon with a large wealth of experience was a challenge she couldn't resist.

With attractive warriors, demons, and princesses around Akane could only think she was finally getting a reward she deserved

The little princess had an awfully buoyant and gay attitude compared to her stoic brother and oh so noble father. She seemed... oddly familiar, her presence more comfortable and relatable than other humans Kaede met with. It was slightly reminiscent of the feeling of being around her siblings. Kaede could have tried to poke further into this and tried to truly verify her suspicions but she decided against it since the girl was obviously hiding it for a reason. It would be rude and thoughtless to 'out' one of her own. So instead her eyes glinted with a knowing smile and she gave a nonchalant bow to their majesties and said her piece.

"Ronin Kaede, at your service! I'm here for simply interest and generally helpful leanings. You need to get somewhere and I'm assuming its important so if I can help then I might as well! I doubt there are many with my experience and skill, you made a good choice!"

She grinned jovially to the other chosen guardians, all of them looking awfully interesting and a few looking particularly competant. She actually vaguely recognised one of them from her travels and knowledge of all manner of wars and battles. Kushiami Asuka, leader of the 'Shi no Kami' a very well known and feared battalion. Kaede had run into them briefly on a battlefield and had certainly noted their Captain's remarkable skill, cutting through Kaede's carefully planned ranks like paper while all normal soldiers beat against it like water on rock. She probably exceeded Kaede in talent, their brief duel that had been interrupted had been long enough to tell her that much. It was good they weren't enemies now, such a stirring and stalwart figure she was and so handsome! Kaede was quite starstruck. Although she certainly seemed different from when they last met, that demure face very odd from her previous cold murderous glare. Kaede reflexively twitched her eye and resisted her hand wanting to rush up and clutch at spurting blood that wasn't there. She had never wanted to seek revenge for anything in her life and that encounter had left her more admiring than angry. She hoped Kushiami would feel the same since she really wanted to know where she learned that swift upper-cut with that oh so cunning aft twirl.

Asuka was quite astounded to say the least by the turnout of female guardians, all of them so valiant and courageous, yet also....quite attractive to the ronin. A light and humble smile crossed her pale lips when she felt the princess' hands clasp upon hers and met her face with an equally joyous smile. All of these women, they were very interesting to Asuka. Even the princess herself came off to Asuka as peculiarly astonishing. Yet as the wanderer's eyes scanned about the palace grounds noting all of her soon to be companions' faces, one familiar set of crimson eyes caught her eyes, along with the long flowing locks of red hair to match. Is it...her? Kaede, the blood red half demon and the scourge of Okagawa Castle.

It seemed for a brief moment in time, Asuka was transported to those violent and harrowing times again, the thick, pungent aroma of burning timbers, the ominous clouds of black soot that hung in the sky, the hellish glare of the towering flames that engulfed the gargantuan fortress, and....the menacing stare of two blood red eyes staring into the cold ice of Asuka's bitter and determined features. She could remember when their blades had crossed, how Kaede was equally matching her blow for blow, that sneer of pride and confidence crossing her face, yet in one fell swoop, Asuka's blade met with that face and carved across the berserk woman's eye. She would've been sure to finish off the half-breed, had it not been for a wall collapsing between the two and the raging fires of the castle forcing her Shi no Kami to retreat.

Had Asuka been the same terror of the battlefield she was in those darker days, she would've been certain to unsheathe her blade and finish what Kaede and her troops began at Okagawa, but the time of Terrible Asuka and her Wind of Death were long forgotten. She was only a wanderer, the same as her past advesary. "I am Kushiami Asuka, honorable princess." Asuka humbly bowed in due respect to the noble daughter of the Emperor. "I am only a wandering swordswoman, that is all I am, but despite being without a lord, I am still bound to my duty to serve those whenever needed. I ask for no restitution in return, only the honor of guarding the honorable princess and my fellow warriors, be it with my blade or my life."

Noriaki, for those times when I cannot instruct you in person, read these missives. They will impart the wisdom I share with you and will allow you to refer to them whenever you feel the need to do so. Today, we talked about the code of honor, the bushido, but there's one part of it I have yet to inform you of. We spoke of not wasting valuable time or resources, we spoke of loyalty - and loyalty is perhaps the most important thing you possess, and we spoke of the wisdom in addition to the violence we samurai inflict. You need to know the last, the other aspect of bushido. There is a belief in the way of the samurai, honour unto death. One day, when you have improved, one day when you are ready to adopt the way, you will understand what that means. But know that dying with honor is not the same as throwing your life away. Choose your battles. Choose your path. Only a fool undertakes danger willingly. You are many things, Noriaki, a fool is not one of them. When next we meet I will instruct you on more martial techniques, and you can share your latest poetry. I look forward to both. - Mifune

-Mifune's Missives to Okamato

Noriaki Okamoto, she of silvery hair, rolled the scroll, bound it with material, and placed it inside of the pouch hanging on the right side of her body, hanging from her waist. Reading those old things always managed to get her smiling, one full of sorrow, but perhaps the most honest and genuine emotion the woman had known. It used to be she got teary reading them. Now she only comes close to breaking down. A deep breath and Noriaki stood up from the table she had been seated at - a small rented room in an inn had been her home the night previous. Though it was early yet - far too early for any trouble to be made - Noriaki was already in her attire. A deep blue, but comfortably light, set of armor. Others might have gone for form and function and bulk, but Noriaki opted instead to go for armor that hugged her figure considerably, making careful not to show off her lack of armor from her neck down to the generous amount of cleavage before the breastplate began proper

Said armor, combined with a healthy amount of drink and embellished tales and possible some exchanged money, contributed to the slumbering body in the futon on the floor. Stretching her arms and stifling a yawn so as not to wake the sleeping body, Noriaki stepped towards the door leading out into the inn proper, but not before grabbing the two blades resting against the corner. Both of the blades were in blue sheathes. The larger blade, an uchigatana, had a dark blue hilt, while the smaller, a wakizashi, had a red hilt. Noriaki affixed the blades to her waist, on the left side of her body. Silently, despite her armored feet, Noriaki approached the futon and leaned down, planting a parting kiss onto the soft cheek of her previous night's companion. It was doubtful they'd meet again, and Noriaki had already forgotten the name, had forgotten in the middle of the act in fact.

She stepped out of the room, greeting the workers and stepped outside onto the streets of Kyoto. The city would not have been her first choice in destination, but when the Emperor posts notices throughout the country calling specifically of women of her ilk, you don't turn it down.

And it was because of that that Noriaki found herself standing amongst other women, most of them looking formidable. Sniffing alcohol on at least one of them,and giving a knowing, approving nod as she did so. Her eyes wandered, first to a girl who looked like she got lost on the way to a prayer ceremony at a shrine, then to a rather voluptuous red haired woman, and already her head was buzzing with prose, with concepts and ideas for a poem or three, just on the hair alone. The body could fill another five or so poems. Her gaze did wander, and even linger, on the other warriors, a smirk on the corner of her lips.

The smirk was then smacked away as she was not selected among the group while five others were, the shrine maiden among them.

"Hey!" Noriaki spoke up, stepping forward despite having been passed up or perhaps ignored, "You're forgetting someone. Me! Surely you've heard of me, and if not, surely you've heard of my exploits. Sure, those five look formidable, well four of them anyway, and sure they reek of blood, alcohol, and just absolutely radiate beauty," at this, Noriaki gave a wink towards the five who had been chosen to step forward, "But what they don't have is experience. And there's not a soul alive who has more experience than me. So, how about you and your equally as beautiful brother reassess your assets, Princess?"

Noriaki let her words sink in for a moment, as she grinned from ear to ear.

It was certainly a way to get noticed. Maybe not a good way, but one way.

The things a Samurai would do when her pride is wounded. Akane listened to the woman make her case in a manner she herself approved of. However Akane was confused on who she was. The more recognizable 'Demon of Satsuma' stood out and Akane was sure there were more than a few whispers about her involvement. From the looks of it the princess didn't recognize any of them. Akane sighed and knew it left her only one option.

"Maybe you have experience when dealing with mere human rabble, but what about the powerful Demons that plague this land?" Akane stepped out from the others near her and proceeded to make her case. "I am Kurosawa Akane. The last Demon Slayer of the Kurosawa clan! Unlike others who wish to play at hunting, I have no equal in my ability to destroy Demons. Well at least the ones who wish to do harm to you Princess." Her face showed no hesitation or doubt. The way she spoke sounded confident, but there was truth there. Akane was infamous for being completely thorough.

Shiroko gave the ones who had stepped out of line a glare.

"The Princess will judge as she sees fit. Your words have nothing but pride behind them, when skill and experience are what her companions need."

She fixed her eyes back on the princess, trying not to betray her own nervousness.

This was, after all, the first true mission she had been assigned, as her spotlessly white garments would make clear to anyone familiar with the Village of Whispers. The ninja of the village wore the same gear until it was no longer fit for use, and were forbidden to wash out the blood of previous battles. Her current name even reflected this lack of real-world experience.

She took a breath and pushed the nervousness down inside her as she addressed the princess.

"I am called Shiroko. I am a kunoichi of the Village of Whispers, and I was chosen by our esteemed elders to accompany the Princess on this journey. It is their hope that I am adequate for your service, and so they have commended my life into your hands. I swear by my name and the honor of my village that I will serve you to my last breath."

Mizuki could only smile as the red haired woman named Kaede and the tall black haired woman named Asuka stated their reasons for accepting such a task. Nodding in approval, the princess clasped her hands behind her back. About to give a reply until another woman interrupted. Surprised, she turned to look at a beautiful woman in a blue color light armor that showed off the body a bit. Curiously, the princess listened to this woman's outburst hole her brother simply chuckled in mild amusement. Of course the rest of the experienced Samurai in the courtyard that served her father were probably quite offended at how this woman talked to the Emperor's daughter. Yukimura probably would had said something, if not for the fact that Mizuki didn't seem to mind and just found her actions interesting.

The next who spoke was a Demon Slayer, and her words seemed to make Yukimura shift a bit nervously as he glanced at his little sister. Mizuki gazed at the woman, tilting her head a little with a slight frown. The last one? How sad... In a way she wanted to ask why this was the case, but she decided against it. Probably was rude. A smile crossed her lips as she nodded with approval before looking to kunoichi who spoke of her name, village and occupation as well.

Honestly it was quite a surprise to Mizuki so many wanted to accompany her. She felt a bit honored... And two of them didn't wish for anything of reward. With a soft musical laugh, the Princess cheerfully clasped the three hands of the women who spoke up. "Apologies, it is very nice to meet you as well. You are of course welcome as well... Is there any particular reason you have decided to join me?" she asked them curiously as well if it's anything but loyalty to the emperor or something else. Father did say to be wary of imposter warriors after all.. Though she didn't understand what he meant.

Inside, Noriaki was smiling, as giddy as a young lass in love, and outwardly she would have been smiling were it not for the interjection of the one who introduced herself as Shiroko. That was probably not a name she was going to remember anytime soon, White hair, sarashi, tabi...probably some kunoichi. Bad news those, never ones to fight fair, hiding in the shadows like a common thief. Noriaki once had a run-in with a kunoichi. It did not end as she hoped, and Noriaki was one whose hopes were astronomical. But, as much as she was in favor of simply ignoring the backhanded insulting words from Shiroko, Noriaki was not able to hold her tongue. She had already spoken up to the nobility, what was one little unknown?

Or at least that was her intention before the Princess, seemingly amused by the rather impassioned plea, clasped Noriaki's hand, agreeing to let her join the protection crew. Noriaki's smile returned and with a quick movement, Noriaki bent forward, keeping her eyes locked onto the Princess' face as she lifted the royal hand and kissed it, perhaps letting it linger past what was considered acceptable greeting.

"Why, Highness, does the sun have a reason for shining so brightly, does water have a reason for flowing so fiercely yet so beautifully? Like the sun above, my reason is simple. I just do as I need and do as I am needed. By the by, has anyone ever told you that your Highness' hand is softer and more warming than the finest silk? My own hand, as well as my lips, are blessed for having so much as touched such a fine, shining example of beauty."

After removing her hand, with a rather dramatic motion, she turned to look at Shiroko, a slightly haughty expression on her face. "You see, Shikoko, someone can appreciate talent and ability at a simple glance. Her Highness truly has the most impeccable of taste, and it is not pride that made her select me, but my years and years of experience in matters both physical and...private. As well as physically private. It is not pride with which I speak, but with confidence and evidence to support my claims, and I offer you as well as any other who doubts my claims to meet me upon the dueling fields. But I digress, as I will have ample opportunity to prove my words as I safeguard the Princess. Why, I could do it single handedly!"

Noriaki continued to smile, her rather...excessive speech finishing for the moment. The important thing was accomplished. She was allowed to join the protectors.

Hanami's lips curved into a small smile when she was selected by Yukimara and The Princess. She bowed slightly to them both before stepping forward with the rest of the warriors. The only Priestess out of everyone, and the Princess still chose Hanami to accompany her. Some of the unchosen ones made it clear they were upset with The Princess' decision, particularly a loud mouthed woman with blue-hair and revealing blue-armor to match. Had she not been so obnoxious, The Priestess would have appreciated her beauty more. Naturally, Hanami wouldn't waste her breath responding to the blue-warrior, even if she made it obvious that Hanami was not apart of the four women that supposedly reeked of blood. She couldn't help but roll her eyes as the blue-haired "warrior" went on about how much more experienced she was than the rest of them. Oh, geeze. Experienced at what? It was only a matter of time before one of the less tolerant warriors spoke up to the woman...

As usual, she was right. A visibly young woman stepped forward, claiming to be from the Village of Whispers. Already Hanami was impressed with the teenager for standing up to the adult, speaking wise words for someone so young... and to take on this challenge as well. It was no easy feat. For a moment, she sympathized with Shiroko until her attention was caught by another woman who introduced herself as a demon slayer, and then The Princess. Hanami was quite amused with her response to the whole thing, thinking that she handled it well. Hanami giggled along, flushing red when a few of the warriors shot her strange looks. She stopped laughing, and exhaled through her nostrils slowly. Was a Priestess such an odd sight to see among warriors? She didn't think so, but it made sense that they wouldn't know what she was capable of.

"Princess, thank you for accepting my request to travel with you. I'm High Priestess Hanami from the Lady Chihomi Shrine." She paused, biting her lip for a split second. " I'm here, because I want to help you. I'm willing to lend you my light for free. I don't need anything from you actually. I need to do this for my Shrine, and to prove my abilities as The new High Priestess of my village. I may not look like the rest of these women, but I am just as skilled in what I do."

Swift, and like a shadow. That was the mode of Akako's travel. Oh, she would simply walk with her Lord if it was not requested of her... but her orders had been to scout ahead. Invisible, the small girl moved beneath trees and ever further ahead. Her eyes marked out every single area she passed, thoroughly investigating each spot as she went further and further on. Nothing would threaten her Lord, of that she was certain. However, even with her skill... it was almost a struggle to keep focused. Of course, she was hardly one to feel the resent for the other servants that her Lord had brought with them... but... but... what if she was talking to them without her around!? Oh, Akako couldn't help it now... the jealousy was there. Thoughts of her beautiful, wonderful Lord... speaking with the other servants when she was not present! And of course, they would be enamored with her beauty... The purple-haired girl shook her head.

No, no! She had to remain focused. No thoughts of jealousy could destroy her her attention to her surroundings... her Lord would surely give her plenty of attention... and approval, as she was unquestionably doing her job well... A few more steps ahead, and Akako paused. There it was... the palace. Guards, standing posted everywhere... she was not meant to slip by them, though she was certain she would be able to. Under the orders of her Lord, she could do anything.

Pausing ahead of the guards at the gate, she began her approach.

"I am Tsukada Akako, a kunoichi in the service of my honorable Lord, Masaru Sumire-sama," Akako began, introducing both herself and her Lord. It was best to make the guards aware of her Lord's approach, of course, "She has arrived in accordance with the summons her family received."

This was satisfactory for the guards. Akako returned their nods, and then hurried back to her Lord.

She would not enter before her.

Kaede had just simply stood and watched as this peacock put on her oh so elaborate display. She could see her words riling some of her now-comrades, and truthfully her speech stung a little after the thirty years of dedication and war Kaede herself had put into her skill and experience. This scantily clad girl was at least twenty years her junior and her posture and manner of speech reeked of inexperience and... had she even ever killed anyone? Kaede would put money on betting that she had not. Such a stripling, the blades she bore were of a Samurai veteraned in war, definitely not her own. All of these things accumulated into one solid wall of contempt and disapproval that shielded Kaede from any sting Noriaki's silly boasting might have conjured. She really very much wanted to challenge her in a duel but she almost felt like that would be a waste of her own talents. And the girl was such a scandalous flirt, she wanted to torment her quite alot.

There had been others arriving, one of which was a Demon Slayer, an unfortunate occurence but one she could deal with and had some practice at. She seemed a reasonable sort, if a little stern, hopefully when the inevitable was discovered it would be sorted out civilly. Then there was the little Kuniochi, one look at her sent a tiny stab to her heart, remembering times long past. But she quickly shook that off, she refused to wallow. And then there was this determined little priestess, she too would probably easily discover her heritage, it wasnt like it was a secret, but she seemed more compulsive, maybe even harder to deal with that the actual demon hunter, so full of righteousness and 'light'. But none of them really drew attention away from this little peacock of theirs, and it was very hard to ignore.

Chuckling low and maliciously to herself, she stepped towards the peacock, looking down at her with her eyes swirling and gleaming red. "Such pretty words, little bird, and such pretty dress. I would think you more a courtesan than a great Samurai of grand deeds. You say you will accept a challenge? Well such insults as those should be proven justified." She turned to the many hot and bothered and glaring Samurai warriors in the courtyard and hailed them boldly. "How about you let these brave Guardian's of the Emporer prove your worth? These great men hand picked to guard our Sovereign? Who amongst you would test our bold Bird here?" There were many loud and empassioned shouts of agreement and fisted hands punched the air in challenge, volunteers beginning to press into their group slowly. She did know how to work a crowd and play to the emotions in mens hearts. At the moment is was almost too easy to do. Kaede gave a languid smile as she turned back to this 'Noriaki'. "I volunteer as well, but not until you've defeated at least five of them. I dont insult myself with Peacocks for opponents." She grinned in a slightly malicious and somewhat murderous manner, her hands resting once again on her hips as her eyes coldly evaluated this little bird's reaction.