Juushiro watched on as Kisuke argued succinctly and walked towards the exit with the sheath, the determination in him to clear Kita's name obvious. The captain sighed, feeling his haori's weight of responsibilities and promises laying heavily on his shoulders. He turned back to Toshiro's lifeless form. It would be a difficult and, if it couldn't be done, a thankless task. However...
"Kisuke has proven to be the mastermind of the impossible before, Hyourinmaru,” he stated aloud, both to the dragon guardian and the lad. “If there is something that only Gods should know about what happened here, he has a much better chance at unveiling it than anyone else. On the other hand, if his search yields nothing but dead ends, he will be the one who suffers for doing it.
Kita was a friend, but if she has turned traitor, justice then will be served to her. That being said, I will not dissuade Kisuke from his search. Blind justice nearly killed someone innocent already. I should not be a part of it," he declared firmly, looking both to Tsukiro and Hyourinmaru.
Tsukiro didn’t comment, kneeling down to pick up the earring. It was simple but pretty--made from ice and in the shape of a dragon. He fingered it before turning to Hyourinmaru.
"What is this for? What am I supposed to do with it? And what do you mean I know what happened? I mean, sure, I put two and two together, but..."
"I do not know. My master could not say anything,” the dragon responded. “Perhaps it is just for you to remember him by. You should honor him by wearing it always."
“I will.”
Tsukiro caught Hyorinmaru's eyes, hoping that the slight, barely noticeable dark gleam in them was enough to convey to the dragon that Kita was as good as dead to him. She would pay for her betrayal with blood, and Tsukiro would be the one to draw it.
