[None of them like to see Hana sad, but the truth is that Saniwa take on heavy responsibilities, no matter their age, and this is a war. More than one time, Mikazuki has had to chastise a sword that tried to pass off injuries as lighter than they were to not worry their master... and yet he might have been doing just that today. Although he knows himself enough by now that he could tell his injuries would heal quickly enough. That's his excuse and he is sticking to it.]

I have never seen it happen this way around. Always it has been others coming to us, not them taking anyone from our ranks. So yes, whatever it was, it was powerful, and we will have to be cautious when approaching it.

[And once Shokudaikiri and Ookurikara are back, they can formulate a more definite plan with their full intelligence report.

He does let out a small laugh when Hana remarks he is not good in the kitchen but insists on taking him there to find him something to it, with the seriousness only children can have. And he doesn't let go of her hand as they walk to the kitchen.

He'll leave her to find whatever food she wants to feed him while he makes more tea. Maybe he can convince her to have some with him before he makes sure to walk her back to her room and put her to bed himself, just to be sure.

He knows Hasebe and Mutsunokami have probably taken care of having someone on watch during the night, and that having been among the injured, he won't be asked to do it. He can at leat get some sleep tonight.

... He wonders if Hana will want to sleep alone, though. As strong as their little master is, she is young and sensitive.]