Showdown at the Pinnacle of Martial Arts (2)

As dusk settled in, the full moon in the east suddenly turned red. The evening wind grew sharp, rustling the leaves throughout the courtyard.

"Belle, why did the moon turn red?"

Wise tugged at his sister's sleeve as he stared at the strange sight.

Belle was busy fixing her hair. The wind had blown it across her face. "Guess the heavens thought we needed a little atmosphere and threw in some special effects. Griseo definitely didn't do it."

A clash between masters was bound to be swift and fierce. Then came an extraordinarily loud grrrumble.

"..."

The tense atmosphere took an abrupt turn.

Everyone looked over. It was Pulchra's stomach protesting.

Pan Yinhu sighed. "Deputy Chief Tsukishiro, everyone looks hungry. Why don't I make something in the kitchen?"

"Hmm..."

Tsukishiro Yanagi paused and glanced at Soukaku and Harumasa.

Neither said a word, but their eyes had already drifted toward the kitchen.

"All right, thanks! Just don't make too much."

"You got it! It'll be delicious and filling. I'm great at making the most of what we have."

Pan Yinhu hurried into the kitchen. Soon, oil sizzled in a hot pan, and waves of savory aroma rode the evening breeze into the courtyard.

Pulchra and Soukaku promptly forgot about watching the showdown and crowded around the kitchen door. One peered into the pan; the other swallowed hard.

A few minutes later, Pan Yinhu came out carrying a plate of braised pork.

Without a word, Pulchra snatched a piece and stuffed it into her mouth. She stamped her feet at the heat while crying, "So good!"

Soukaku followed suit. Tears sprang to her eyes, and she stuck out her tongue as she looked to Tsukishiro Yanagi for help.

"..."

Tsukishiro Yanagi had been about to scold Soukaku, but the aroma kept tempting