Haruka's hand reflexively went to the hilt of her blade when she heard the commotion. This rowdy group of samurai did nothing to keep their allegiance secret. That was their first mistake. Their second was drawing their blades against Haruka. [color=bc8dbf]"Well, it looks like we'll get to spill some Imperial blood after all,"[/color] she said as she drew her blade in a smooth, practiced motion. The scrape of metal against the sheath was barely audible. [color=bc8dbf]"You call us dogs, yet you're the ones yapping."[/color] She didn't seem concerned that she was outnumbered. She had one ally with her, so if he could hold his own, she was certain they could take out a few reckless swordsman. 

However, when the officer offered his assistance, her eyes darted towards him and she frowned nervously. He was a completely unknown entity. She didn't doubt his loyalty, but she had no idea how he would act, and was not bound to her chain of command as was Ryuga. On the other hand, he was a brave fighter risking his life for their cause. It would be disgraceful for both of them if she denied his help. So, she gave him a small nod. [color=bc8dbf]"Prioritize civilians,"[/color] she said. [color=bc8dbf]"If any get too close, order them inside. The enemy may use them against us."[/color] If nothing else, it would be good to have a set of eyes protecting the innocents. But now, she needed to focus on her enemy. 

Her eyes scanned her opponents. One stepped forward first to attack. She saw how he gripped the blade, the angle of his wrists, the twitching of his shoulders. It was such a predictable attack, and she stepped out of the way of the blade before it even began to fall. Her response was swift and lethal. A diagonal slash down from his neck to his abdomen. The blade slashed a notch through his collar bone and left a deep crimson gash. There was no flourish, no exotic techniques. But the man fell back and died soon after.