Moments after the ronin, another young woman arrived the the gates. She wore the simple garb of a merchant, but walked with the tense grace of a tigress.

"I am Shiroko. I have arrived from the Village of Whispers to accompany the princess."

The guards started at the mention of the infamous ninja village, and they hastened to reopen the gate.

[i]Fools. I could have passed by them with ease, were this not official business.[/i]

She made her way along the main path to the palace, and stopped at the edge of the crowd. She carefully removed her outer layer of clothing, revealing the traditional outfit of a kunoichi, all in white. She then passed easily through the crowd and took her place in line, sparing only the slightest glance at the other warriors before standing to attention, her eyes fixed directly in front of her.