Jin raised her eyebrows, surprised at Ishawari’s sudden thanks. “You’re welcome. Anytime you need me, I’ll be there.” She too, looked to Hotaru with a searching gaze.

“It’s funny. I was thinking the exact same as you. We’re about to leave, which means far more variables than here. Plenty of opportunity for danger. I don’t like that we have to, but we have to.” She would have preferred that he stay innocent of battle for a while longer, btu something told her that was an idealist’s dream that she couldn’t afford.

“I was thinking knives. Something small, since he’s still young. Plus, they can be hidden, and a surprise knife is it’s own weapon.” She was starting to like the idea more and more. While the two bodyguards would protect him from any danger, there was the chance of such random happenings as today. That oaf could have grabbed any child, but Hotaru was the unlucky one. Such things couldn’t entirely be prevented, no matter how they would try. 

“I have just the thing, for now. Soon we can get him a better one.” She went to her pack and dug a bit, then pulled out a short knife with a well-sharpened blade. 

“Come here and hold this, Hotaru. Very carefully.” 

Hotaru was still staring at the two with a blend of fear and possibly a touch of excitement. He reached out for the knife, and Jin placed it in his hands, hilt first. “This is just my spare stem cutting knife, but it will do.” 

She straightened up and looked very serious. “Lesson one. Treat your weapon with respect. I will be teaching you to sharpen and clean that, first thing tomorrow.”