She was definitely a boastful one, the silver haired girl in the rather form fitting blue armor, her and seemingly the demon slayer, Kurosawa-dono, quite confident in their finely honed skill and their apparently extensive knowledge in combat. It seemed to Asuka quite a few of these women were her equal, for the ronin never really considered her skill above anyone, and never did Asuka boast so proudly of herself to a public audience, but she wasn't one to judge others either for their actions. To each their own she would always state boldly, for even if you were the most powerful and feared samurai in all of Japan, you carry the same as any other combatant, a heart of honor and an attitude of valiance. These were the words of wisdom spoken to her by a fellow female swordswoman, a far better one than she Asuka presumed. Despite her displeasure towards my leaving, I am certain Natsumi-sensei would be proud of me for undertaking such a daunting task, indeed she would be.

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"Do it again!" The loud bark of the stern woman clutching a bokken firmly in her bandaged hand shook the young girl to no avail, coercing her to avert her eyesight away from her sensei's cold glare. "Did you hear me, you whipped pup? Come at me with everything you have again! Let's see if you can best me this time hopefully!" Her piercing words, they drove something in Asuka's heart, a fire blazing inside that was threatening to explode through her veins and drive her forward into rage. She clutched her bokken tight, the handle, worn from so many practice duels, marring her palms with rancorous slivers. Her eyes narrowed to match the vicious stare of Natsumi's and from her lungs she unleashed a fearsome battle cry, charging headlong to the hardened woman, yet....she was foolish. In seconds, Natsumi-sensei vanished from Asuka's line of sight and the most excruciating bout of pain resonated violently through her back, tossing the girl to the dirt below.

"Hmph! Pitiful!" Natsumi snarled to her battered pupil, struggling to her feet with skin riddled with cuts and bruises of varying severity. "You will learn there are two key principles to the art of "Kazeryu no Tsurugi", speed and perception. You must strike with the ferocity and the speed of a divine wind, but you must also anticipate your enemy's every attack, know when and where his sword shall meet you, realize that he is dead before he even draws his blade. Your speed however is about the same as a mountain turtle! And as for your perception of my attacks, you might as well just lie down and let me finish you off!" Such venomous vocabulary that was uttered from her teacher, but these were the harsh methods of Natsumi-sensei, the woman who made Asuka into who she was....a samurai. "Now on your feet! You will not rest until you have landed a sufficient number of blows on me."
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More had arrived later on to assist the honorable Princess, some mostly kunoichi, mistresses of the shadows who utilized silence and deception in their beautiful and deadly art. To consider anyone who practiced the sacred and secretive art of ninjitsu a filthy and loathsome rat was utterly despicable to the ronin. Just as samurai, they too have honor and dignity, and from her past experiences upon the blood soaked theatre of war, Asuka has definitely had her fare share of run-ins with ninjas, sometimes barely escaping with her life. However, the most peculiar of sights upon this vast array of females was that of a fair miko. A woman of such grace and purity had counted herself amongst this group of warriors, who at one point or another have taken numerous lives, be it a mortal or a demon. Her beauty was quite radiant as well to Asuka, a blossoming flower of such rare color the ronin considered the priestess amidst these other women, not to say that they were fairly attractive as well. "If there is one thing we will need on this journey, it would be the blessing of the gods." She uttered to herself in a whisper, her eyes observing the young woman as she humbly accepted the Princess' hand. However, her eyes were soon averted when her ear was caught by the boisterous shouting of Kaede-dono.

"Oh no....I don't like the sound of that, that I don't." It seems she wished to challenge the mirth of that boastful woman Noriaki, and how else than rallying the Emperor's personal guard to be her troops in this rather indignant conquest. "Pardon me, but I don't believe we need to be riling forth any hostilities, that we shouldn't, especially so early before our journey is to take place." Poised, the ronin stepped forward from the crowd, her eyes set upon Kaede-dono and the ever bragging Noriaki-dono, yet her face was still the same demure and calm. "I know I may speak for some when I say Noriaki-dono has made some rather boisterous claims, that I do, but inciting violence to prove such claims feels a tad excessive in all honesty."

Sumire

To be perfectly fair, Sumire didn't really need to send Akako off scouting for her. But the little ninja was just so eager to serve her, and she was so good at her job... Not to mention it allowed her to watch as she ran off, her cute little bottom wiggling as she slipped off to meet the guards. As much as she tried not to abuse her position, sometimes she just couldn't help it.

Soon enough, Akako had returned, letting her know that she had informed the guards of her arrival. Smiling at the tiny kunoichi, Sumire... Could not help it at all. With one arm, she lifted up Akako and hoisted her up onto her shoulder, before giving her a soft pat on the backside.

"Good job, Akako. You shall be rewarded later."

Signalling to the rest of her servants, about five other girls who whilst nowhere near as cute as Akako were still reasonably attractive, she headed off. Of course, she realised this must be rather embarrassing for her lover, but... That was what made it so much fun. Bursting into the room, ninja still laying on her shoulder, the crimson-armoured samurai raised her free hand to the air and...

"KONNICHIWAAAAAA~!"

...She let out the loudest, most obnoxiously cheerful greeting possible.

"Sorry I'm late! Masaru Sumire, taking the place of my late mother Masaru Hinageshi, reporting for duty!"

Akane ignored the young Kunoichi's words, but they were amusing enough coming from someone so young. A testament to her actual maturity of course. The princess on the other hand was probably going to need that maturity when dealing with a group like this. When the question of her motives came up Akane was delighted to answer. "My princess I do not seek fame, or power. All I want is Adventure and Fortune. I've traveled and fought most of my life always wanting to see and experience more. A journey with you and many impressive women may begin my greatest quest. I may constantly travel and hold no place as my home, but when I agree to a service I treat the deal as if its a job asked of me by my father."

She hoped that would suffice to ensure the princess she was getting what her father paid for. Akane picked up on some of the worry the princess expressed. Just looking around at the diverse group it wasn't surprising. As the red headed woman stepped up and began to rile up the guards to teach the flirt a lesson, others tried to put an end to this. Of course the use of the massive blade caught Akane's eye.

"The Princess has chosen fools!" Akane said to all those who dared to even think about challenging Noriaki. She walked towards both Kaede and Noriaki with scowl on her face visibly showing her annoyance. "Instead of trying to give her a reason why your unworthy of even respecting her decisions. Why don't you play nice with our flirty friend?"

Akane didn't care about what issue she had with Noriaki. In fact she actually liked the flirt, but this was getting out of hand. When she was hoping things were going to calm down the sound of the gates bursting open and a loud shout turned their attention to the new comer. "Well this is new."

Sumire was smiling at her! Her report, her work... it had all been completely satisfactory! Oh, it... it made Akako happy, knowing she had satisfied her Lord... the tiny ninja blushed slightly and averted her eyes, trying not to show that she was smiling too. It was time for her to be serious, after all, this was very very import-The purple-haired girl let out a yelp of surprise as she found herself lifted into the air. It was hardly a difficult feet, and soon enough she found herself resting on her Lord's shoulder. Her blush, which had started faintly, had now grown to an intense, hot red in her cheeks. However, she did not struggle. Akako... well, okay, she would... try not to, at least... until she felt a hand briefly pat her backside.

"W-wah... L-Lord-sama..."

She couldn't help but quiver as her embarrassment swelled. As much as she felt nothing but utter adoration for her Lord... this was beyond embarrassing. There was no other way to describe it. And it became more and more clear that her Lord had absolutely no intention of putting down. And... on top of all this, the promise of a reward... it made poor Akako redden even more deeply. It was so very... very embarrassing...

Even though she could not see ahead of her, she knew by her Lord's enthusiastic greeting that they had met with the other warriors selected for this journey.

"P-p-please... L-Lord-sama..." Akako tried to keep her wavering voice down. She didn't want to embarrass herself further in front of this women... the situation was already doing that for her. "P-please p-put me d-down... th-this is embarrassing..."

Mizuki blinked curiously as the strange woman named Noraki kissed her hand. Perhaps if she quite understood a flirt, she would have blushed, but the Princess simply smiled at the sweet compliments given. Everyone seemed like such kind people, even those who did this only for honor, wealth, or simply because of boredom. She had always held respect for Samurai, or any fighter really. They had their own honor, and excellent fighters seemed to have their own dance in their fights. The princess had noticed this with her Brother and other Samurai. Must be no different with these women. Although it was also nice to have someone easy to talk to, like the Priestess who would dispel any scary ghosts.

Before she could properly thank Noriaki, Kaede seemed a bit offended with the blue armored woman, suddenly spouting how the Guardians should prove their worth. A frown crossed her lips at that, not really wanting a battle to test just strength. She could sense their skill... It was just a gut feeling. Perhaps it was that rusty smell on most of the warriors.

It was then the noise began... Her ears pinned against the skull as fathers Samurai seemed to want to to do just what Kaede said, their chatter ringing in the air. All the while the possible Guardian's spoke with one another, arguing their different views on this matter. It hurt..... Her head was already aching, and when another new arrival practically screamed, Mizuki's gold eyes glowed a little before speaking.

"Silence." she spoke her voice seeming to change from her calm smooth yet naive and soft voice into one of regal and clarity. Whipping in the air like a sword cutting paper. It wasn't angry, but it was one that brought chills to even her fathers Samurai before the bowed all the way onto their knees, saying their apologies. It was a odd sound, one of a strong woman, that held almost a goddess... Or perhaps a demonic feel.

The odd change was swiftly gone as soon as it came however before her eyes calmed and a smile crossed her lips once more. Her brother staring her at mild shock. "I am sure you are all quite eager, but there is no need to prove yourself. Plus I'm sure all of you will have plenty of time to spar, and I look foreword to seeing it. For now however, is a simple time of introductions and greeting. Play nice for now okay?" Mizuki chirped cheerfully once more before nonchalantly giving each of her chosen Guardians a little brief huggle before happily waving to the new arrival.

"Hello Sumire, Big Brother has told me that your mother was a great warrior and I should defiantly choose you as a companion. I hope we can be friends on this adventure, as well as everyone else." The Princess cheered as she smiled at all the others.

Yukimura blinked before laughing softly, looking around the line of women. "Well then, anyone else want to join this merry group? I kinda hope not... Mizuki you will have your hands full... Or they will... One of the two." he chuckled! as he watched his sister hum innocently.

Kaede had sighed with annoyance at the barrage of negative and peaceful leanings that came her way. She expected it in the Priestess and maybe even Asuka, but the Demon slayer? Surely not. She held her hands up, her cold murderous glint never dying down but her submissive gesture stopping the steady forward press of the Guardsmen. She turned to this Akane, this demon slayer with a conscience and an apparent fondness for boastful individuals and glared her down too, though never reaching for her weapon. Honestly, and they spoke of a peaceful resolution!

"In my experience and by my own practice, Samurai do not make boasts unless they can prove their worth, or is that not what a Demon Slayer from the famed Kurosawa clan has observ-"

Her pert and pointed sentence was cut very short by the most loud and dramatic entrance of a colourful looking and sounding individual burdened with the feather-weight of the smallest and daintiest looking girl she had ever seen. She was another Kunoichi by her dress but her face was so red and her expression so embarassed and plaintive that it was hard to imagine her even poisoning someone's drink, let alone stabbing them in the back. Still, maybe that was her strength? In any case the loud interruption of this eccentric pair broke the heavily antagonistic atmosphere and Kaede sighed and shrugged, noting that Asuka was certainly exerting her will against violence. Kaede didnt want to get caught up in that again and so her aggression receded.

Suddenly the little princess's presence echoed across the courtyard, shuddering down Kaede's spine and forcing through that one command. Silence. People around her bowed without hesitation and although Kaede resisted this inclination, she was effected greatly by the power that word held. Well this was an interesting occurence, make no mistake. She dipped her head to each of her new companions, except Noriaki.

"Since our princess commands it. Also, though I am confident against our Noriaki, I do not fancy my chances against the famed Kushiami Asuka. I will save this challenge for another day."

She looked over to Asuka, locking eyes with her to confirm her intention as un-aggressive and backing from the peacock and back towards them all, signalling that they could all put away their swords now. She huffed as her eyes returned to their duller shade of crimson and the mark above her eye faded slightly, watching what occured next. She kept a close eye on their princess, who seemed to have returned to her bubbly self, her brother also unaffected by the incedent.

A brief yet comforting hug from the honorable Princess was indeed rewarding after all that chaos and noise. It was astonishing to Asuka that she hadn't fallen towards the madness, possibly displaying a surmountable degree of patience that could've far surpassed the miko or even Amaterasu or any of the divine deities. However, try as she may to quell the increasing hostilities of verbose and encroaching violent retaliation, her soft spoken and wise words only fell upon deaf ears. At this point, the old her would've thrown all resolve to the wind and nearly all who dwelled within the noble house of the Emperor would be slaughtered mercilessly within the faint glittering of the human eye. Thank the gods she could suppress those once violent tendencies and maintain her poised and delicate demeanor, but this was just getting to be a tad too ridiculous for Asuka to even handle humanely, and if this current situation was bizarre and raucous enough, in followed another female warrior, a samurai by the likes of her armor and the naginata she wielded proudly, belting a rather irritatingly obnoxious and cheerful greeting to the other women. "This is certainly becoming stranger by the second, that it is...." The ronin sighed deeply to herself bothersome.

Would there be an end finally to this madness? Thankfully, and quite abruptly one followed suit with a commanding and harsh call from....the Princess? "O....Oro?" Well this was quite dumbfounding, and the only response Kushiami could give was a blank, empty stare with her mouth agape in confused astonishment. Once again....quite the bizarre day, that it is.... At least the argument had ceased, but it had come to her attention that Kaede-dono had referred to Asuka as famous. It didn't take long for eyes to fall upon the shabby ronin, alot of them from the Emperor's personal guard, whispers echoing back and forth of The Slayer of a Thousand Men and The Wind of Death. Her legacy of bloodshed certainly lived on past those years, a legacy that was more haunting to Asuka than it was full of pride.

Akane could barely move for the Princess's voice commanded obedience. She didn't kneel but she felt weak in the knees. This power was something she felt from a human. It would take years for someone to be able to command so effectively. Akane was as sensitive as a cat to these things. She may not be a priestess, but she knew what inhuman power was and the Princess for that brief moment radiated it. At the moment she merely obeyed and was going to allow this to be settled in its own way.

When Kaede dipped her head to everyone it was obvious now it was over. Well she still had a bone to pick with Noriaki, but Akane was looking forward to that moment. In any other situation Akane would never have tried to stop this, but right now wasn't the time nor place. "Do not worry. I'm sure you will get your chance, and when your done with her." a sinister smile invaded her features. "I will show you why Demons fear me." Her previous motion for peace now seemed like a mere cover for her true nature. As a hunter she is very patient.

"Hiryuu Kouko. I have come for the request of women combatants." A plain statement from a short, plain woman, dressed like one might find a ronin. The young woman was admitted access quickly enough, perhaps because she seemed unintimidating. She was a little short for that. She entered to quite the scene, it seemed. Almost as though everyone had been hushed for her entrance, but she knew that couldn't be the case. A potter's daughter, carrying a sword and going to work as a warrior? It seemed preposterous, but here she was. She'd had quite an experience, since that day.

The kami, Akaruime...

Now wasn't the time to think of that. The doors were open, she should proceed, and so she does. She finds her place at the end of the line, standing and waiting patiently. Someone with a sharp eye might notice the discrepancy between her katana and the sheath. The latter was just a little too big, and the sword sat somewhat loose within. It troubled her, that she might be rejected for something like that, but it couldn't be helped.

There was a tension in the air... and from the way people were speaking, it was a conversation that... perhaps would be her business, if she were chosen, but it seemed troublesome to get involved. Already, things seemed troublesome? It boded well. Now that she looked closer, it seemed like a fight had almost broken out... ugh, what has she signed up for?

With a curious gaze, Hanami distanced herself from the tension that had risen when Noriaki took it upon herself to flirt with the Princess. She was convinced at this point, that Noriaki had some sort of death wish for herself, because no sane person would flirt with Royalty, let alone in the castle and apparently she was't the only one shocked by the display. A red haired woman with a scar on her eye looked to be challenging the blue-haired woman to a fight. Why wasn't she surprised by the demonic energy surrounding the fiery red-head? Just then, another warrior appeared through the double doors with a small...woman on her shoulder.

Could this day get any more weird? Hanami really didn't want an answer to that.

Lucky for her, The Princess had grown as fed up with the turn of events as she was. Before Mizuki even spoke, she felt an escalation of that suppressed demon inside of The Princess coming through. Hanami bit the inside of her cheek when Mizuki's voice carried, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the underlying tones in her voice. She wondered if Mizuki truly knew what she was doing, as she appeared to be an extremely naive person, even for her age. That would explain why she would let someone like Noriaki join the group and then flirt with her.

Hanami shook her head as she silently observed each and every warrior, jotting down small mental notes about them all. One of them she spent a little more time observing, noting how calm they were in comparison to everyone else.

So it was to be a duel, and not with the protectors but with the rather brusque members of the Emperor's samurai. It seems a nerve was struck, no doubt born from the jealousy spiraling through the air after her gentle, yet tender, lips made direct contact with the Princess' hand. How the dissenters whished they could be so bold, so brazen, so full of confidence that they could risk committing a grave offense in the very home of the nobility. Nearby, a one armed warrior drew her blade and made threats bred from boredom. Noriaki gave a whistle as she spotted the size of the blade and how comfortable she looked wielding it.

But then a tall woman with a ponytail caused Noriaki's eyebrows to raise.

"You see? The woman in wraps adds credence to my claim. I've not so much as mentioned my name and she, clearly a fan and for good reason, has spoken it! If not for my claims, then she is a fan of my beauty, and I of hers, for a woman has much confidence in her appearance to wrap their torso in such a way - it invites the gaze while leaving enough to the imagination to desire to see more. While the pleasure of her name is not yet known to my tongue, she reveals my identity before I had the privilege to.do so!"

At this, Noriaki placed her hands on the hilts of her blades, leaning forward slightly, and knowingly using the sight of her cleavage as a potential distraction for her potential opponents. "But if it is a duel you desire, then you shall have it. But know that you face the great, the mighty, the undefeated, the beautiful, and the poetic, Noriaki Okamoto, she the student of the great samurai Mifune, master of nitoken. Hear my name and rethink your foolish thirst for battle, for I shall satiate it with my steel."

In her introduction, she missed the arrival of two others, despite the loud introduction and the boisterous display. Noriaki was about to unsheathe her blades, the edge of her lips cracking slightly from nerves in spite of the smile she wore.

And the the Princess spoke. Noriaki took her hands from the hilts and stood fully upright. She did not bow, instead she stared towards the one who instigated the nonsensical challenge in the first place. Gone was the subtle nervous tic, now her grin was full and boastful.

"It seems that Her Highness has taken pity on her father's soldiers, and on you, my feisty friend, for she has deemed such a display as pointless. Fortunate for you, for I only duel to the death and it would be such a shame to strike down such faithful servants, and it would be an even bigger shame to send such a vision of absolute voluptuousness and red-hot passion to an early gave without first having the pleasure of knowing her company. I will be dreaming of you, my fire-headed rival, and I may only hope your dreams will be of myself. Anytime you desire a one on one spar, the door to my chambers is always unlocked."

Noriaki placed two fingers to her lips and blew a kiss towards Kaede, giving the red headed warrior a wink and a smirk. And then she turned to the ponytailed woman, Asuka, and gave her a nod and a similar wink of approval.

Much to the chagrin of many of these women, the ever flamboyant, and slightly irritating, Noriaki-dono resumed her accustomed demeanor, uttering such boastful sentences of elegant and flowery words, which only seemed to be a guise for her inner foolishness. Twas not for these outrageous and boisterous claims of Noriaki-dono how Asuka could recall such a name however. For it was upon her travels across the majestic lands of Japan the ronin had heard many a tale of the legendary braggart, a woman whose words themselves held such a mesmerizing power, able to either drive the coldest and most ruthless of demons to tears or on some accounts seduce even the most prudent of fair maidens to the woman's bedchamber. Her eloquent verbose though wasn't what peaked Asuka's interest in her. Rather, it was, possibly another false claim, Noriaki-dono's boast of mastering the art of Nitoken, dual blade style. A dual wielder? Quite impressive, that it is. Nitoken was indeed a rare sword art, the use of a katana and a wakazashi in flawless, synchronized strikes. Nitoken did have a weakness however. The relying upon two swords for battle held up a prominent defense, but the combatant was limited to only slashing maneuvers, unable to perform any thrusts or jabs. If one could lure the foolish opponent into thrusting forth their blades, their defense would be shattered and one quick strike could easily dispatch them. Asuka should know, not even one dual wielder stood a chance against her sword.

If there was another notable trait of Noriaki-dono that was indeed legendary, then Asuka had certainly witnessed it in the woman's courtesan smile and her sly batting of an eyelash towards the ronin. Certainly, she was quite the spectacle amongst these women, and to some....quite the nuisance, as judged by Kaede-dono's blood boiling to the surface of her burning crimson exterior, quite notable of her legendary fury, a fury it had been an honor of Asuka's to witness firsthand. Gratefully, that fury didn't have to be displayed yet again and also thankfully, Asuka didn't have to settle this ridiculous dispute by drawing her blade. She assumed it would be best now to avoid riling any further vicious tendencies, especially among the very few of these hotheaded women. Humored, she chuckled to herself quietly, her eyes yet again observing the band of warriors that was sure to assemble, yet again taking in another bizarre spectacle, the armored woman with.....was that a child resting upon her shoulder? Who in their right mind would bring along their daughter into this volatile fray? She didn't even appear to be of the right age to undergo such a perilous journey. But upon further inspection of this little kunoichi, Asuka was merely jumping to conclusions. She was a woman, but she was.....not so tall as these others, even her Lord she served quite towering in comparison to her. Even if she is small in stature, I'm sure she too would be a formidable opponent to me, that she would be.

From the corner of her eye, Asuka had noticed another pair intently following her, the miko's. It was welcomed, the holy woman's stare, but it seemed after Kaede-dono had outed her as the infamous Kushiami, every glance aimed towards the woman brought with it a hint of discomfort, the discernment of whether Asuka was a legendary samurai or....a notorious murderer. Her eyes met with the shrine maiden's and a warm and welcoming smile crossed Asuka's lips as she bowed to the miko and spoke with her softest voice, "Hajimemashite, Miko-dono. It is quite an interesting sight seeing a woman of purity amongst these warriors, that it is."

Smiling at the people who caught her interest, she blinked when she saw a shorter Japanese woman walk in as well. She was quite cute, like a kitty. Smiling she pointed to her as well as she looked at her brother who nodded a little.

Mizuki couldn't help but smile wider at the ten people whom caught her interest, while her brother nodded his approval before smiling gently to his sister. "I believe these ten Guardians will suffice. You have warriors, calm diplomats, and those to provide you safe profit in your travels. Mizuki, before you set off, would you go and Kin No Tora? I would like it to protect you on your journey..... In case your Guardians lose track of you.... You do tend to like going off after all." her brother teased her.

The princess pouted before playfully shoving him as she excitedly headed the armory. "Thank you Big Brother!" she cheered as she headed to the armory a couple of her Father's Samurai following to make sure she didn't hurt herself.

Yukimura watched her go before looking at the ten people that they have chosen, his smile gone to one of a serious frown. Obviously haven asked Mizuki to leave so she didn't have to hear what he was going to say. "Thank you for accepting this request, because this will not be easy. Physically and Spiritually. Your mission is to guide the Princess to Mount Fuji, which may be difficult as you could probably tell. She isn't exactly experience of what lies outside these walls. But your mission ends when you return here after leaving the a Princess at Mount Fuji." Yukimura spoke before pausing as if pondering his next words, his eyes closing briefly before looking at them.

"A word of caution. Do not get attached to her. Once you have guided her to the mountain, return here at once. Do not return for her. No matter what you hear or see, or whatever she may say... At that point your only thing you do is return here. It is for the fate of Japan, that you do this." Yukimura spoke clearly and quietly, so curious ears wouldn't hear. But he kept the facts brief so not to tell these Guardians the details of this mission.

Oh, Gods, was this what was happening? Someone so boastful as this was to join them in their travels? From the sounds of it, she was the one that almost started the fight. Kouko sighs softly and shakes her head. "What have I gotten myself into...?" This was going to be a headache, but for now, she could simply distract herself with the beauty of the palace and her surroundings.

The Princess pointed her out, seemingly at random, at Kouko was quite surprised. Just like that? No questions on her background or scrutinizing of her appearance or gear? The brother, who seemed more experienced, agreed with her selection, and the short woman was left... somewhat apprehensive. Well, if that was that, then she supposed she'd been chosen to go along. She gathered with the others, electing to stand next to the Priestess, and listens to the words of the Prince.

She frowned, hearing his words. "Leaving her...?" Her words were barely audible, probably only the priestess and whoever else stood near her could hope to hear them, but she obviously didn't like it. "Hmnn..." It didn't sit right with her, but she'd have some time to think about it. It must pain her family to do this, so she shouldn't question it. Not here, not to their faces. That would only make their pain worse, for if anyone wanted to see her return, it would be them.

She would ask why, but she'd find out eventually, wouldn't she?

Kaede had been quiet for a while. The Demon Slayer's comment irked her, if she could go all growly and aggressive then she had no right seeing her down. In any case the tensions had died down for the moment, although it seemed Noriaki was determined to get herself killed. Had she really been like this her whole life? How was she still breathing? She was flirting so viciously and brazenly to everyone around her and yet also demeaning them with her words in the process. Kaede would guess that her bed was often empty. The smoothe curve of a smile touched her lips as she began thinking of all the wonderful torturing things she could do to this girl. Dominate her, tie her up and taunt her for hours. She get a very sudden desire to see her crying and whimpering while under Kaede's complete control. She chuckled maliciously to herself and her aura of malicious and sadistic intent towards Noriaki emanated from her like a thick fog. The manic grin she used to return the blown kiss from the peacock would make Noriaki very aware of her cruel intent.

However once the little bird had seen her thoughts, Kaede returned to her attentive demeanor. It seemed Asuka found these dealings amusing and Kaede had to agree, watching one of their number throw and catch their sword in the sheathe. It was certainly impressive and upon further observance Kaede realised she had heard of this warrior as well. One armed rang alot of bells and her general scarred yet elegant appearance brought about recognition. 'The demon of Satsuma' this girl who had taken on an entire army alone. It was a feat Kaede had heard about for weeks afterwards. She was known as a beserker, somehow able to carry a sword of that size with just one arm and akin to a demon on the battlefield. Another comrade she was glad wasnt her enemy.

Her attention was drawn by the Prince addressing them, his speech was shady and clipped to Kaede's ears. It didnt put her off the trip but it put her off him entirely, men who wore masks while speaking to their own family were definitely not to be trusted. Her brow lowered in disapproval but said nothing. She would judge for herself what to do or what was best for the fate of Japan once they got there, she wasn't going to listen to the word of this Princeling who was hiding things from his sister.

"It is for the fate of Japan, that you do this."

Akane tried her best not to scoff at those words. Even in the beginning this sounded suspicious. All warriors must specifically be female set off some alarms, but the reward and the source seemed good enough. What changed was her respect for the royal family. Well what little she had for them was now gone. It was obvious that a Demon or something else was involved and it might be a one way trip for the Princess. She had dealings with those who wanted to break a pact with a Demon, but her skill was only in killing them. Priestesses were far more skilled in that manner and simply killing the Demon wasn't good enough. Just thinking about this being the case caused her to grimace slightly. An image of her dead father's face flashed briefly. Abandoning family for anyone's sake was something she could never do no matter what.

For now Akane was going to do her duty. It was possible that she could be wrong and she considered it, but in the end it was irrelevant to the mission. The other guardians were likely to have their own opinions on this. She just hoped it wouldn't hurt their objectives in the end.

Hanami's failure to be discreet when appraising the warriors left her eye to eye with the last person she looked at, Kurahime Asuka. For a second there, she was nervous and thought to look away had it not already been so obvious that she was staring at her so she just...returned the smile, and bowed her head. Blushing very lightly at the "woman of purity" comment. She studied the woman's warm features carefully, agreeing with her earlier assessment that she was very attractive and... sort of mysterious.

"...What interest does my purity hold to the famous Kushiami Asuka?" She raised a brow suspiciously as she said that, though her tone was calm and genuinely curious as she had no intentions of offending her. But if the rumors were true about this woman, and every other braggart samurai in the room, "goodness" held little value to them... Well, except for The Demon Slayer. She would acknowledge that they were both kind of similar when it came to the types of lives they chose to take, but that was it, and really Hanami didn't get any sort of high from slaying demons like a lot of the Demon Slayers she encountered; They were just as bad, if not worse than the rest of murderers in the room.

But...She wouldn't judge them, or treat them different because of their life path. It would be unfair, and hypocritical considering she could have ended up as a brothel girl, or some slave to a feudal lord. Hanami planned to give them all a chance, even Noriaki, but the odds weren't looking to be in the blue-haired woman's favor. She barely escaped that half-demon's fury, and Hanami wasn't so sure she would be given a second chance with Kaede, even if she was charismatic. Charisma probably wouldn't work against the one-armed woman, or the demon slayer either.

Frowning, she realized how self-righteous she must have sounded to Asuka. "I'm sor-..." Was interrupted by the Prince giving a speech. She tuned in like the rest of warriors to listen to what he was saying, thinking it was just her luck that he chose that moment, but her thoughts about apologizing were temporarily put on hold when he said those cruel words... Surely, she must have misheard. Leave her...? Did he mean leave their Princess on Mt. Fuji to fend for herself? It baffled her how easily he said that after being so playful with her. Maybe she had more to worry about than just a couple of demons.

No, absolutely not... She wasn't the only one hesitant about his orders, she could hear the disbelief from someone standing beside her.

"That's... that's barbaric. How could you say that... about your own sister?" She said aloud, her arms already folded across her chest, and her cheeks reddening as she addressed The Prince.

She seemed apparent to be placing herself above these bloodthirsty life-takers, the miko, which slighted the ronin by a hair's inch. True, Asuka's path before was stained in the blood of the numerous samurai she had slain and littered and sullied by the putrid, rotting carrion of the battlefield she left in her horrible wake. But the moment the warrior of infamy laid rest her sword to her side and made a vow to the gods and to the heavens above she would never spill blood again, a new Asuka slowly began to emerge, yet the burden of her past sins still weighed heavily upon her heart, not yet purified and still containing within a minute sliver of her former life, her anger, her cold, murderous intent, the foreboding presence within that haunted her from the siege of Okagawa to....that dreadful night.... If a woman of holiness wanted to look down upon her, Asuka had no qualms towards it. She was a murderer, that she was, but for those who fell to her once legendary blade, she shall forever atone.

The woman however seemed to notice her offensiveness towards Asuka, the former samurai noting the regretful sulk upon the shrine maiden's beautiful features. "I'm sor-" though was all the woman could offer to Asuka in apology, as the prince spoke of the mission at hand.....with rather grim news for Asuka to hear. "I must agree, it is barbaric, that it is. I understand your intentions are well mannered and only in the best for the people of these great lands, honorable son of the Emperor, but....Hime-dono, she is your sister, that she is!" She noticed her voice was raising gradually as she spoke, but in all sense, none of this made much, and the entire situation was putting Asuka at odds with herself. To trade one life for thousands, it was to the ronin an unfair bargain, only such that could be made by a demon, heartless, cruel, and dishonorable. If she must, Asuka would be prepared at that harrowing final moment to give her own life to spare the lovely Princess the agony of death. Without warning, she drew her blade to the Prince, only her sakabatou though, leaving her tachi sheathed. "I swore with all my heart and honor to your father, I would guard the Princess with this katana and my life. If I must use one, I shall give the other as well." There had to be another way. Another solution perhaps to this diabolical issue....