"I guess it makes sense." Hanako replied " so add you're here you've kept out of trouble then?" she asked with a small smile.

"I am deeply offended, Mirumoto-san," Haruna said in an exaggerated manner. "I am always on my best behaviour."

"Of course Kitsuki-san," Hanako applied in an equally exaggerated tone "I would never dream to suggest you would be anything less than reasonable and sensible in your dealings," she said struggling to keep a straight face for a moment.

"You don't have to laugh that hard," Haruna said.

"I would never laugh at you," Hanako said "What do you make of Moto-san? He seems.. Intense."

"Yes, but he is a member of the Legion. It's to be expected," Haruna said. "Having to make so many samurai from different clans work together in an efficient way."

"Ah, yes that would explain it I suppose," Hanako said in agreement "I will admit, while the last few days have been comfortable. I am looking forward to beginning work."

"You could always start early," Haruna said.

"Perhaps," Hanako said rubbing her nose thoughtfully "Before I forget Shosuro-san asked that invite you for a meal some time soon. I think he is interested to met you."

"Ah, you must have spoken very highly of me," Haruna said.

"Of course," Hanako said as she took a sip of her tea. "He is very different from what I expected. The scorpion have a certain reputation after all. But he seems a very kind an sincere man" she said.

Haruna's eyebrow shot up.

"Interesting."

"I think you'll like him," Hanako said "I wonder how the Crane we saw is doing." she mused.

"It might be a hard place for the Crane," Haruna said. "Given so much of their social power is basically bullying."

Hanako chuckled "It must be a change for them to deal with people who are as capable with words. Lucky I just have to stand and glower and let you do all the talking." she said dryly.

"As you are wise to," Haruna said.

"Still I am looking forward to some things being as they were once we start work. What with so many things having changed," Hanako said.

"There seems to be some very weird rumours that the common folk chat a lot about. Cults, oni, ninja...all kinds of crazy things," Haruna said.

"Those sound like flights of fancy" Hanako said somewhat dismissively.

"I'm not sure all of it is. There is much one could hide in a city," Haruna said. "But there's nothing to investigate at this point."

"I suppose you are probably right," said thoughtfully as she finished her tea "I'll let you know when to expect the dinner invitation," she said "Hopefully tomorrow we might have some work to do."

"That sounds good. I'm curious how good a cook your husband-to-be is," Haruna said.

"Then I shall you tomorrow when we all report to Moto-san," Hanako said standing and bowing "It was a pleasure as always."

Haruna smiled and nodded.

"See you tomorrow."

Hanako hummed to herself cheerfully as she headed home.