When Shinobu awoke, he found himself in the Minka he shared with Chiaki and the other ninja. When Mao noticed Shinobu's eye open, he quickly called out to everyone in the Minka "Everyone, Sengoku woke up!" In the span of a second everyone rushed into the room to check on Shinobu.
Shinobu looked around him and could only question aloud, "Huh? Where did that man and Aoi-kun's brother go?" As soon as the name was mentioned, Yuta came from around Mayoi and gave a sorrow look toward Shinobu. He dropped on his knees and apologized profusely, "I'm so sorry! You got dragged into my mess because of me..!" Everyone in the room was taken aback as Yuta continued apologizing, "you even got hurt for my sake! I'm so sorry...!" Yuta let out a pitiful and ashamed expression slip when he rose his head finally. Shinobu smiled lightly and stated "It's alright, anyone would've done the same." The ninjas in the room agreed with Shinobu, Tetora exclaimed "Even if I could've died I would've tried saving you two, because you were in danger!" Yuta nodded while slightly tearing up.
Mayoi sat at Yuta's side and patted the latter's back, while speaking in a soothing tone "How about we let Shinobu-kyun rest and you can relax here with him?" Yuta looked at Shinobu's condition and claimed "It's alright, I'll go search for Aniki myself." He rose up but Mayoi gripped his sleeve, stating "Not alone." Shinobu added in a disappointed tone "I'm not even sure if he's alive..." Yuta shook his head, stating "Aniki is alive! I know it!" Mayoi paused for a moment, he said "However, do you have any idea where he could be?" Yuta gave out an 'urk' sound.
"Yeah, you never really gave us his name either."
Said Mao, Yuta responded "Right... Aoi Hinata." Everyone was silent for his explanation for how he 'knew' Hinata was alive, but the silence was interrupted by Yuta explaining "They've been chasing us for a while... They'll kill us only when the two of us are together." From the statement alone Shinobu sat up and exclaimed "I've decided...!" After a long pause, Shinobu announced "I will travel with Aoi-kun to find his brother!" Mao and Mayoi's eyes widened, both questioning inside their heads "Does he even have a plan on where to look first..."
Yuta replied "You don't need to! You've already done enough..." Chiaki interjected "True, however Aoi, if you want to save Aoi #1 from the man who kidnapped him, I doubt you could fend for yourself and Aoi #1." Mao added "While I'm not against the idea of having Sengoku accompany you, I do think it'd be safer if we went around town asking for clues as to who the man is." Mayoi squeaked "Perhaps Kanata-dono has a plan..?" Yuta asked "Who is Kanata?" Shinobu answered "Our lord, de gozaru!" Chiaki nodded, saying "I'll go ask Kanata if he'll agree!"
"It's alright, I'll permit it."
A soothing voice chimes from behind them. They all look behind to see a blue haired boy with lime green eyes. Chiaki exclaimed "Ah! You'll permit Sengoku!?" Kanata nodded, saying "I'll allow any of you to help Aoi find his brother."
Chiaki nodded, explaining his idea "Nagumo will accompany Sengoku and Aoi as they search for clues around the city. If we find any clues, they should travel there immediately." Mao suggested "I'd like to accompany Sengoku as well." Chiaki shook his head, explaining "Kanata-sama will need us. Besides, too many Ninja will be suspicious, we need someone who isn't in our ranks." A name immediately appeared in Shinobu's mind, he said out loud "Midori-kun?" Chiaki's eyes sparkled, exclaiming "Haha!! Why didn't I think of that!? Midori is very wary! He'll be perfect!" Kanata smiled and said "Puka, I'll prepare you all the money and clothes for the trip. You should try to blend in with the cities you enter." Shinobu and Tetora both shouted "Thank you very much Kanata-dono!!" Yuta was appalled that these ninjas and master were willing to sacrifice their labor for his sake.
"When do we depart?"
Tetora questioned excitedly. Kanata giggled and answered "Whenever my letter to Midori is sent and he gives an answer." Yuta inquired "You sent it before hand?" Kanata shook his head, sitting besides Chiaki and leaning on his shoulder. Chiaki noticed and wrapped his arm around Kanata's back asking "Kanata-sama? Are you tired?"
