Kusunoki instantly stood up, scaring Ninko away. He turned around, looking mildly embarrassed. It was no secret that although Kusunoki had proven himself to be a great warrior on the battlefield, he had a particularly soft spot for animals.

            “Miyamoto-san, I’m glad to see you are well.”

            “Had you heard otherwise?” He jumped down from the porch to the stone path that wound through the garden.

            “We heard there was some trouble with bandits,” the old warrior narrowed his eyes.

         ...

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