PM

After completing his late-night patrol, Ichinosuke Akiba returned to the Akiba manor. As he entered, he noticed a light still on in the living room.

Sliding open the door, he found Hinagiku sitting there, completely absorbed in needlework.

"You'll wear yourself out if you stay up too late."

"Brother..."

It was already the dead of night, and even for a well-trained ninja, exhaustion would creep in without proper rest.

"You've been working on something for days now. Don't push yourself too hard. Even if he remains mum on the issue, I'm sure Saizo is worried too."

"But... I just can't sleep."

Hinagiku clenched her fists tightly, eyes lowered.

"Ever since Chiyoda Castle fell... there's been no sign of Master Ojiro. I can't stop thinking about it..."

"Even so, you need to rest when you can."

"And what about you, Brother? You were out searching for him too, weren't you?"

Ichinosuke fell silent. She was right on the mark.

Hinagiku adjusted the fabric in her hands and continued sewing.

"If I simply stay awake, my mind fills with nothing but awful thoughts. So instead, I focus on this. That way when Master Ojiro returns, he'll have something waiting for him."

The fabric was fine black cloth, perfectly balanced in elasticity and texture. She had chosen the highest quality material she knew, because when their master returned, it would mark a new beginning. As members of the Akiba Ninja Legion, they would stand by his side once more.

"This time, I will fight by his side to the very end. And to prove that resolve, I need to take action."

A moment of silence passed between them.

The only sound left in the room was the soft rustling of fabric.

Then, Ichinosuke finally spoke.

"Do you need anything?"

"What's that, Brother?"

"You're not the only one who wishes to stand with him when he returns. If there's anything I can do, I'll help."

"Thank you!"

"No need for thanks. We will have this ready by the time our lord returns."

With renewed determination, the two nodded in unison.

Somehow, the uneasy feeling that had been weighing on them just moments ago had faded away.

"That said, I shall be Lord Ojiro's battery."

"What—!? I'm obviously the catcher! I even made a custom glove just for this purpose!"

"Receiving Lord Ojiro's pitches requires more than just strength. It demands absolute resolve! No one possesses a stronger resolve than I do!"

"Brother, you're outfield material at best!"

Now fully energized, the two bickered back and forth, until the half-open sliding door suddenly was slammed fully open with force.

"Both of you pipe down! Do you have any idea what time it is?!"