Misty steam drifted above the hot spring pools, and the splashing of water signaled that someone had entered the pool.
Han Zhiqi took off his clothes, wearing only a pair of white swim trunks. Bare-chested and holding his Nichirin Blade, he stepped into the pool, and the hot water wrapped around him.
Fukada cautiously followed behind him. Seeing the scars covering his body, he could not help but suck in a sharp breath.
The youth looked no more than eighteen or nineteen, yet his injuries covered nearly his entire body. What kind of brutal life had he endured? No wonder he was so aloof.
Han Zhiqi sat in the pool at the spot closest to the women's bath on the right. The hot water submerged his chest, while his Nichirin Blade rested on the stone platform behind him, within reach of a single outstretched hand.
Fukada sat down in the pool right beside Han Zhiqi.
"Han Zhiqi, are you there?" Not long after they sat down, Nohime's soft voice came from the women's bath behind them.
Han Zhiqi gave a quiet hum.
Hearing his response, a shy smile appeared on Nohime's rosy face. Beneath the water, her ample breasts were hidden away, seemingly on the verge of bursting through her red halter top.
The hot spring truly had a miraculous effect. The exhaustion that had built up over the past several days vanished, leaving his whole body indescribably comfortable.
The "murderer" did not show itself for a long time. During the first half of the night, all three remained on guard. During the latter half, Han Zhiqi entered a meditative state through his breathing technique.
To Fukada, he looked as though he had fallen asleep. And he had indeed fallen asleep, except even while meditating, his senses remained active. Any