A slight pout formed on the Priestesses lips as she folded her arms at The Ronin's reluctance to let her follow. She had already come so far and now Asuka was asking her to turn back for her own safety? Did she forget that they all signed up for the same mission? Hanami exhaled through her nose slowly, almost feeling like she should just turn back and regroup with the others, but what about [i]her[/i]? She couldn't let her go alone! What if she never came back to them? The thought made her stomach churn for she didn't want any of the warriors to die on this journey, but she had come to accept it might be a possibility - just not so soon.

Seeing the Ronin lower her head as if she had just been defeated, Hanami started to say something that might hopefully ease Asuka's worries, but she found herself unable when those light blue eyes stared into her own with that [i]look[/i]. Her cheeks warmed, darkening as Asuka reached out to touch her shoulder. She glanced at the hand on her shoulder, heart beat quickening as the warmth radiating from it kissed her neck. "A-Asuka-san," She breathed her name softly, nearly wincing when the taller woman picked a leaf from her hair. The smile on Asuka's lips brought an amused expression to her face even though she was still frustrated with her stubbornness. 

She knew that The Ronin was on the brink of turning back to her old ways just from the sudden appearance of Kurohebi, and she just... couldn't let that happen. She wouldn't fall for her trickery, either! "No, I'm sorry, Asuka-san!" Her voice went a little louder than intended, but she didn't care. "I can't let you go alone... It just wouldn't be right. Not only will I be hurt if something happens to you, but think of how worried Hime-dono will be..." Placing a hand on top of the warrior's battle hardened one, she squeezed it very gently. "So, please... " She pleaded with her, "Stop being so stubborn and let's go. We can work together and stop him...I know it!" Hanami moved her hand off of her's, and pretending to grow impatient, marched in the direction to the ruins. "Ah. I'm leaving without you, Asuka-san!"