The next morning.
Sakura opened her eyes. Saku was already awake, sitting by the window with her doll in her arms, looking at the morning light outside.
"Sister, morning."
Saku turned her head, her voice soft.
"Morning."
Sakura sat up, rubbed her eyes, and glanced at the bed beside hers.
Inuyasha was still asleep.
He was sprawled out on the bed, his blanket kicked onto the floor, one foot sticking out, his toes twitching.
He was even mumbling something, and it sounded like, "One more bowl."
The corner of Sakura's mouth twitched.
"Even in his dreams, he's eating."
Saku said it quietly, her eyes curving into crescents.
After the two of them washed up, they walked out of the room.
The castle had already grown lively.
The warriors of the Bird Tribe were doing their morning drills in the courtyard, their long spears sweeping through the air with whooshing gusts of wind.
Abihime stood beneath the corridor, holding a cup of tea as she watched the warriors train.
When she saw Sakura and Saku, she beckoned to them.
"Come here."
The two of them walked over.
Abihime looked them up and down, then nodded.
"You look well."
"Did you sleep well last night?"
"Very well."
Sakura nodded.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Sister Abihime."
"Don't mention it."
Abihime waved a hand.
"I'm very glad I met you."
She paused, looking at Sakura.
"You're very much like your father."
"In what way?"
She glanced behind her.
"You both have a heart that wants to protect."
Sakura froze for a moment, then smiled.
"You know my father that well, Sister?"
Abihime took a sip of tea, her tone even.
"Some people can know each other for a lifetime and still not understand each other."
"Some people only know each other for a