[attr="class","APP3"]Echoes rang softly against the walls of the cave, the sound of metal against whetstone rhythmic. Kageyoshi's gaze was turned downward, tracing the glimmer of the knife with his eyes. It was a small outpost they had erected in the past month, something like a base of operations.

Deep into the countryside of Hi no Kuni, it was a massive alcove pocketed in a riverbank - thick vines hung from the top of the earth's maw, hiding it from unwanted eyes. A loose variety of crates lined the walls, various piles of equipment they had managed - one way or another - to acquire. With a fire quietly reduced to embers, the half-faced man would turn his gaze up, the shink as he sheathed his weapon abrupt as he stood; clearing what remained of his throat.

"tHey're hEre." the man crackled, pulling closed his jacket across a bandolier of knives. A faint turn to the back of the cave, his voice ringing louder this time. "rEady, mItsuji?" Regardless of his partner's answer, Kageyoshi moved outside, brushing the vines loosely over his shoulder.

A wince as the sunlight shot into the man's eyes, blinking away a faint trace of tears. The river ran slowly, moss making for slick footing underneath. A silhouette had come into view, a familiar face making its way doggedly to him. Need to rebuild my stock. Storage might be difficult for the time being, mental note: research preservation methods for live flesh. Theory: Senju cells can last unaided for an extended period of time. Affordable risk? Will consider for future endeavors. Mobility is also a concern - Thoughts, running back and forth, hidden behind the glare of his glasses. If only there was someone to interrupt him.