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Just outside the capital there was an oddly place traveller's inn. Oddly placed, as it was too close to the city to be any use to any traveller; those leaving had no reason to rest there, and those entering didn't bother as they were nearly at their destination anyway. So the inn was perpetually empty. At least of decent people. It had become over the years something of a home for the nefarious or the desperate; those pitiful individuals who needed to lie low from their troubles but remained within arms reach of the city itself. That day the inn had only one customer, who had been there all night. Usagi fondled the bag of money Kenichi had given him. He hadn't spent any of it since it was forced into his possession. Nor had he spent a Bu of the money Tomoe had given him either, as he felt he had betrayed her trust by leaving. So he was forced to pay for his room and board (the stable and table scraps respectively) with his own meagre finances. At first he was of the mind to drop the bag into the bowl of the nearest beggar, but that still made him feel like he accepted Kenichi's proposal. For as long as the money remained unspent, Usagi was free from obligation to Kenichi and the Hikiji. At least that is how he reasoned things out. He shouted for more sake. A grunt came from beyond that he'd have to wait. Usagi flipped his hand at the unseen proprietor. Overcome by drink and fatigue, Usagi laid his head on the table, using the bag of coins as a cushion. More out of discretion, as he didn't want it suddenly growing legs and wandering off.
In his state, the Ronin didn't hear or care to hear someone entering the establishment and demanding a table. The voice was feminine. The invisible proprietor bellowed back for whomever it was to take a seat and that he'd be there eventually. Strangely, the new customer stood over the prone Ronin and then took up residence at his table without saying a word. Usagi in the meantime muttered unintelligible words as he twitched on the tabletop. Finally the proprietor appeared with a tray with two bottles of sake and fresh bowls. He set them down on the table and vanished again without even asking for payment. The stranger understood why that was, after pouring for both of them, she took a sip of the rot gut and spat it out. However, the smell of the rotten stuff must have acted like some kind of restorative, as Usagi lifted himself from his malaise and leaned back in his chair. Finally his eyes focused on his new companion and the sight of her made him jump. Luckily he slipped out of his chair before he could draw his sword. His companion walked around to help him back into it.
"There you are, Usagi, safe and sound."
"I'd ask why you're here, Chizu but it seems I am at the crossroads of my life at the moment," He picked up the rotgut, "So your presence isn't a surprise."
She smiled, "I wonder if Gen will make an appearance?"
"Or Inazuma..."
She had no idea who that was, so moved on, "You're a wreck, my friend?"
