Kuro Higi ~ Iga Village

"So be it, Darian-san." Mia nodded as she turned to Korogi and signaled for him to return to his quarters; this scene denoted who had the higher rank. Another female officer, Tarou, turned to Darian as she gave him a snide look. "It seems you had forgotten how to bow, Darian. I think you know that men are expected to be courteous when it comes to ladies. I shall put you in charge of this merchant, and should he do anything to disrespect this village, much less the women... you'll be the one to answer. Teach him the rules and expected behavior here, lest you be the one to face me in trial." Tarou commanded as she ordered the warriors to stand down and let the traveler in.

"Things are beginning to get awry here in the village. Betrayals, and strangers. Things just get weirder everyday." Tarou remarked as she faced the merchant. "I expect you to be well-behaved. More importantly, should our village be attacked... you will help us defend it. Whether you like it, or you [i]will[/i] like it." Tarou continued in a morbid tone as she brushed her blonde locks. "You can set up shop down the provincial districts. You are under close guard, stranger. Remember that."

Tarou observed Darian and the merchant leaving... she had a bad feeling when it comes to men, and these people just exemplified why.

Shiro Kuma ~ Kouga Village

"Remember whose lives you will prioritize first, Hache." Danjo scolded the lad. "The warriors of this village will always prioritize the safety of those who can't fight. You'd do well to remember that. Don't turn into a woman now." Danjo continued as he coughed. "Kane is a woman. He thinks that we could just waltz right in to the Iga and ask for peace. Only women think that way; that peace and unification can ever exist. That's why we are men, Hache. We are practical, we are realistic... we think of reality, not fantasy and bedtime stories." 

Suddenly, Danjo turned to Hache once more, pointing the tip of his cane.

"Don't tell me now that you've also become a woman as well, Hache? If you did, you'd do well to put that mask back on. It'll help you hide such disgrace." Danjo gritted behind his teeth as he went back to his quarters followed by the burly warriors who served as bodyguards.