"Plink."
The courtyard gate creaked open, and Sword Master Cold Crow gazed at Kensumi, who was kneeling on the floorboards of the outer corridor.
"Wait outside." He casually instructed, stepping through the accumulating snow into the silent courtyard.
Kensumi did not rise. He didn't know how to address the man before him, so he simply lowered his head. "I'm ready now. We can begin at any time."
Then he lifted his head and cast a glance at Yuuki Nao.
"Let her descend the mountain. Leave Hankawa."
"Alright." Sword Master Cold Crow responded without hesitation.
Kensumi's face broke into a relieved smile. Standing up, he walked to Sword Master Cold Crow's side.
"What should I do?"
"Won't you bid her farewell?"
Sword Master Cold Crow queried.
Once he grasped the Black Sword, it would signify that Kensumi would gradually lose himself and become a puppet.
"No need."
Kensumi didn't look back.
"Everything that needed saying has been said."
"Good."
