Beneath the Surface

The dinner hall within Tenmangu's eastern temple glowed with soft amber lanterns, their light shimmering against lacquered wood and golden banners bearing the Tenmangu crest. The long table was set with immaculate dishes, traditional yet opulent, and the mood hovered somewhere between regal and cautiously tense.

Kaito trailed Luna into the hallway, his pockets filled with his hands, trying not to look too amazed at the grandness of the room or the elegant detailing that surrounded them. Along the far side of the table, Rin, Lio, Yuisaka, and Suzuka were already seated, looking in their direction as Luna said, "Thank you all for your patience."

As they took their seats, Luna folded her hands elegantly and scanned the group. "Let's talk, shall we? I want to understand the people who traveled with my daughter... and the son of Haro Myojin."

Her emerald eyes rested on Lio first. "You. Lio, correct?"

Lio perked up, her hair swaying. "That's me."

"What made you join the rebellion?"

Lio grinned, but her voice was serious. "I believe in fighting for something bigger than myself. And... I wanted to see the world change before it crumbled."

Luna nodded, pleased. She turned to Yuisaka, who offered a sharp nod in return.

"Same question, Yuisaka."

"I grew up in the slums. This is the first time I've ever sat at a table this clean. I want to change the system that lets places like that exist," she replied with a proud smile.

Luna chucked then shifted to Rin, who seemed to stiffen slightly under the attention. "And you?"

Rin's voice was cool but respectful. "I go where I'm needed."

Luna raised an eyebrow, but didn't press. At last, she looked to Kaito.

"And you, Kaito?"

He relaxed back, arms folded. "I want to see through what my father began. For him. and for me."

Just then, the shoji doors slid open again, revealing a tall man with a slicked back brown hair and a charming grin. He strolled in wearing a traditional haori with a casual swagger.

"Started without me?" he bellowed.

Luna sighed. "Everyone, this is my husband, Taiga Tenmangu."

Taiga gave a small bow. "Pleasure. So, Kaito... son of Haro, huh? Tell me—what kind of woman do you like?"

The question hit like a misfired drone. Kaito blinked. "Seriously?"

Taiga grinned. "Dead serious."

Kaito shrugged and grinned. "Guess I like a woman with a good ass and rack."

Taiga burst out laughing. "Spoken like a true man!"

He leaned over and patted Luna's shoulder. "That's exactly why I married—"

He stopped.

Luna, still smiling, gently grabbed his wrist. Her expression was eerily calm. "Say another word and I'll rearrange your spine."

The air was silent as death. Even the breeze outside the temple walls seemed to freeze. Taiga slowly raised his hands in defeat, nervously laughing. "I was just trying to get to know the man hun."

Dinner continued in relative peace after that, filled with small conversations and Yuisaka stuffing her face like a small hamster. But throughout the meal, Kaito noticed Rin was quieter than usual. Her gaze occasionally drifted toward the window, eyes shadowed.

Later that evening, as everyone began retreating for the night, Kaito stepped out into the temple garden and found Rin sitting alone beneath a cherry blossom tree. The moonlight dusted her silhouette in silver, and her yukata fluttered gently in the wind.

He approached slowly. "You good?"

She nodded. "Yeah."

"You're lying."

She said nothing.

Kaito sat down beside her, not too close. "You don't have to talk, but... you don't have to pretend with me either."

Rin sighed, her eyes tracing the stars above. "I don't have a story like yours. No noble cause. Just... training, missions, and more blood on my hands than I can count."

Kaito regarded her in silence, letting her continue.

"I was raised by a mercenary unit after my parents died. They didn't believe in comfort or kindness—just results. I learned early that being useful meant being kept around. That's why I fight. Because it's all I'm good at."

Kaito face filled with compassion. "That's not true."

"It is. I don't laugh like Lio, or care free like Yuisaka. I don't know how to care the way Luna does for her people. I'm... hollow."

"No," Kaito said firmly. "You're not."

She turned to him, eyes sharp. "Then what am I?"

He hesitated, thinking of his father. "When I was younger, my dad told me... 'Even a blade needs a heart to wield it. Otherwise, it's just a weapon.' I think... you're more than just a killer. You're someone who saves people too. You saved me."

Rin's face softened. She looked away, her voice low. "You always do that."

"Do what?"

"Make me feel... like maybe there's more."

They sat in silence for a while, the wind gently whispering by the trees. Kaito didn't push. He just stayed by her side until she finally stood up.

"Come on," she said, her voice almost gentle. "We should rest. Big day tomorrow."

He stood with her, nodding.

As they walked back to the temple, Kaito glanced at her, and for a moment, saw not the stoic soldier—but someone searching for something more.

And maybe, he could help her find it.