To say that Jin was furious with Saito was an understatement. As soon as the villagers rounded up the rest of the gambler’s gang, and Saito himself, Jin fixed him with an icy glare. She stepped close to the tied up man and hissed in his ear. 

“[i]If you ever put my family in danger again, no one will be able to save you from me[/i].” She stepped back and joined Ishawari and Hotaru as if nothing had happened.

“Home sounds delightful.” Only then did she notice the blood slowly leaking from his shoulder. “AH! When did that happen?!” Probably while trying to rescue the undeserving drunk, no doubt. “I’ll make something that will help heal that up quickly.”

She stepped back and grabbed Hotaru’s hand. The boy was shaking all over, and staring at the ground. Jin’s heart twisted for the child.

“...It’s alright, Han. We can talk when we’re alone.” She gently patted the boy’s back, feeling a strange disorienting mix of worry and rage. Apparently, even a small village like this was no stranger to trouble. 

They separated from the villagers, and headed down the path to their own house alone. Once they were inside, Jin exhaled deeply. “Han, are you alright?” 

Han nodded once, but then shook his head. “I was so scared. I wasn’t strong at all, Akemi-san.” His eyes started to fill up with tears. Jin knelt to his level, giving him a tight hug. 

“I was scared too, Han. Scared for both of you. Like I’ve told you, fear is not a lack of strength. Chin up, now. You fought the whole time, like a little warrior. I’m very proud of you.” 

“Thank you, Akemi-san.” He looked to Ishawari. “Thank you for saving my life, Takumi-san.”

Jin stood up and went to Ishawari then, raising up on her tiptoes to get a look at his shoulder. “A poultice of root of echinacea and ground chamomile should help that heal up. It doesn’t look too deep.” It helped her anger to have something to do. She went to her herb pouch, collecting the necessary items, and started to grind them up. It took several minutes, and by the time she was done, her hand was sore but she was calm. She grabbed some clean cloths and smeared it with the greenish yellow mixture. 

“This is going to sting, I’m afraid. Hold still.” She carefully applied the bandage.