They brought a cushioned chair and invited Tetsu no Sosuke to meet Ubuyashiki Kagaya.
Shinobu Kocho had mentioned it before, so the invitation came as no surprise. But as Tetsu no Sosuke was about to leave, Kanae asked Big Hammer to go with him.
The journey might not be safe, and having Big Hammer along would offer some protection.
Shinobu Kocho remained at the Hammer Hut to recover. The Butterfly Estate was rather empty now, kept running by a handful of young girls.
The only thing worth mentioning about the journey was Big Hammer...
He stopped to pee here, ran off there, and occasionally vanished into the woods. Whenever he came back, he had prey in his jaws.
He was ridiculously good at everything.
When the members of the Hidden first saw the enormous creature, they were secretly alarmed. As expected of a Pillar. Even his pets are in a league of their own.
And this one was especially huge!
Later, they discovered that he wasn't just huge. He was also a lovable oaf.
He often cocked his head and acted cute, leaving them unsure whether to laugh or cry.
Because of Tetsu no Sosuke's injuries, the journey took longer than usual. They did not reach their destination until the third day.
By then, Tetsu no Sosuke's injuries had improved further. He could walk short distances as easily as anyone else.
So once they arrived, he went inside on his own.
Ubuyashiki Amane was waiting by the door. When she saw him, she said nothing and gently slid it open.
Tetsu no Sosuke nodded to her, then stepped inside.
"You're here."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya's voice still had that effortless power to soothe the heart.
This time, though, Tetsu no Sosuke was not so easily soothed.
He sat upright on the tatami,