Raizo's ragged breathing filled the air.
"Kin'emon, we need to split up."
Raizo's words startled Foxfire Kin'emon.
"What are you saying, Raizo? If we split up now, one of us will have to take a detour to reach the forest. That only adds another risk we can't predict."
Foxfire Kin'emon firmly rejected Raizo's idea. Even as they argued, neither slowed down.
"Don't you understand yet? Kanjuro won't hold out much longer. If we keep going like this, they'll catch us all."
Foxfire Kin'emon's face twisted, but in the end, he nodded.
A new problem arose: which of them would take the detour? It was a painful choice.
One carried their lord's wife on his back; the other held their lord's son. The choice was too difficult for them to make as Samurai.
"Raizo, we'll take the detour."
The gentle voice came from behind Raizo.
"My lady, you..."
Raizo clenched his teeth, his face drawn with anguish. As a Samurai of Wano Country, he did not fear death. But if his lord's wife came to harm, he would be too ashamed to face Kozuki Oden even in death.
"Momo, take care of yourself. Kin'emon, from this day on, you must no longer present yourself as a Samurai. You will be Momo's father.
"Remember, find a way to Zou. Once you get there, show them our family crest. Duke Inuarashi and Cat Viper will protect you. You'll be safe there. Don't return to Wano Country, and don't seek revenge against the Thunder Swordsman. That man is far, far too strong.
"Raizo, go that way. Kin'emon, remember: you must take Momo to Zou. Momo, take care of yourself."
With that, Kozuki Oden's wife drew a dagger from her waist and cut her palm, hoping the blood trail would draw Werther's attention.
"My lady,