Chapter 3: Reconciliation Mission

So it turns out, Rurichiyo does have some pretty good reasons. But if we go and explain it to Kenryu, do you think he'll hear us out?

Well, I don't know. The way he reacted back there, it would be tough to get him to even listen to you.

And no one's going to explain anything to him unless we can figure out where Kenryu went.

Ichigo, over there.

It's all my fault Lady Rurichiyo feels this way. I should have convinced her by now! Since I have failed...

What the hell is he doing in a place like this?

That Kenryu...

Rurichiyo! There you are!

What is wrong? You look pale.

It's Kenryu! He says...he's gonna commit suicide.

Huh?!

Well, why should I care?

Wait, what?

Kenryu already left my service! His fate is none of my concern!

How can you even say such a thing?!

Whatever happens to him no longer matters to me.

I do not care.

Are you even listening to yourself right now?!

You made him protect you in every way, but you won't even consider protecting him?!

Kenryu...

Ahhhh!!!

!!!

Thank you, Kenryu... Um, Enryu! I mean...

............

............

Unhand me! Please, let me go! At least give me my dignity! I cannot live with this shame!

You fool!

Lady Rurichiyo...?

How could you be so brainless?! Did you really think going through with that was going to make me happy?!

I am responsible for my guardians. And that means I cannot let you die! Got that?!

You mean, Lady Rurichiyo...?

I am so happy that you understand, milady! I won't have to lose my life, not for something as dumb as kemari!

What did you say?

Uh...

Did you just call kemari "dumb?!" So you believe your princess has "dumb" ideas?!

But everybody worked so hard together to stage this in order to convince you to...

What's that? Staged this?!

So all this talk about committing suicide was to deceive me?! Absolutely unforgivable!

Well, if the cat is out of the bag...then no kemari! I forbid it!

You do not understand because you have never played it!

Oh, I have played it plenty. Why in fact, I would wager I'm better at kemari than you, milady!

Then I challenge you to a kemari contest! The loser must concede the issue and never bring it up again!

Fine! You have a deal!

How the hell did things wind up like this?