After Kaguya left, Konoha had three quiet days-but it was not the peace of complete relaxation. Everyone remained on edge, not knowing what they were waiting for.
People walked softly through the streets and even kept their voices low, as though afraid of waking something hidden in the shadows.
Shuo lay on the straw mat inside the shelter, staring at the hole in the roof. Sunlight spilled through it and landed right on his face, pleasantly warm.
At the entrance, Hand Princess Big, Hand Princess Small, Hand Princess Three, and Hand Princess Four huddled together. The eyes in the palms, the eye in the sole, and that little floating eye all stared outside in unison, like four little creatures guarding the door-no, hands, a foot, and an eye guarding the door. They looked both strange and cute.
"Sai."
Without opening his eyes, Shuo called out idly.
"Hmm?" Sai leaned against the wall, twirling a short blade in his hand without looking up.
"How much candy is left?"
Sai stopped, rummaged through his pocket, and pulled out five pieces of candy, handing them over. "That's all. Make them last."
Shuo sighed, sat up, and glanced at the four little creatures watching eagerly from the entrance. "That's barely enough to fill the gaps between my teeth. Wait here. I'll go see what Miyoko has."
The moment he stood, all four moved with him-Hand Princess Big and Hand Princess Small immediately scrambled up, Hand Princess Three hopped a couple of times, and Hand Princess Four floated in front of him. Then they all fell in behind him, like a little tail he could not shake off.
Shuo looked back and raised an eyebrow. "What are you following me for? Don't cause trouble."
"To protect you."
Hand Princess Big spoke first, sounding quite serious,