Youji nodded at Kurama's command and motioned for four red robed monks to follow him. After passing through the barrier once again, the group began to make their way back to the airship.

However-it appeared that Tayuumi was quicker than they (or at least Youji) had thought though for they could see no trace of her when they left, aside from the tracks she had made walking to and hurrying from the temple. Not one who enjoyed having any member of the team isolated, he quickened his pace to catch up, which the monks behind him easily matched.

A single tear smacked down upon the deck as Sanjuro crushed the final remains of his dear friend into nothingness. His fist shook in anger as he spiraled around to the giant lipped man who stood behind him. "WHO ARE YOU BIG MOUTH MAN?! YOU THINK YOU CAN'T JUST BARGE IN HERE AND TELL ME, THE GREAT SANJURO YAMADA, FIGHTER-FOR-HIRE WHAT TO DO! YOU ARE WRONG BIG MOUTH MAN! TO PROVE HOW WRONG YOU ARE I'M GOING TO... I'm....I'M GOING TO PUNCH YOU RIGHT IN YOUR BIG MOUTH!!!"

Sanjuro hurled his fist towards the giant mans jaw with his eyes clenched so tightly that not even his own tears could pour through them. (He has strong tears.)

While there had been the outlines of plans made, events had stepped up when one of Kirakiri's watchers had reported the airship's arrival. They had landed fairly close to the barrier but it was still more than enough time to proceed with their plan. As Kirakiri had suspected, the majority of Kurama's companions had entered the Temple. They had resolved to attack at dusk.

There were always complications though it seemed. At Taken's comment, Kirakiri turned to him once more, "It is doubtful whether Kurama would accept a challenge from you if you were to go there. If you simply wait until this attack on their flying vessel is made, it is almost certain that Kurama will come right to you."

Kirakiri didn't mention that he believed extensive evidence of a hostile force could ruin this planned attack. He'd deemed simply attacking that patrol to be risk enough. It was at that moment one of his messangers came in, and whispered an urgent message to him. Kirakiri's eyes widened slightly. "They what? No, I shall have to handle it myself."

He announced what this news was, "It seems the Kimonos have landed ships here along with a considerable force. Someone should make contact with them. Unfortunately, there is something I must attend to. I shall return in time for our planned assault." With that, he turned and departed, obviously in a hurry.

"Perhaps, but he is already inside the barrier...and we know he will have to return to his Airship. By being there first, we ensure an encounter with him. An encounter he won't walk away from. I will have my vengeance, but you can keep the corpse, to ensure you get your payment. If that is not enough, my family can provide monetary compensation. In the unlikely event that I die fighting Kurama, feel free to fight him yourself." Raikotsu responded coolly to Taken's words, standing up and beginning to pace as he strategized.

"Hinote, cast your spell now. We will need some time to destroy the Airship, and I do so hate to be interrupted."

Ningyou looked up to see Tayuumi returning from the temple. Deciding to pull Sanjuro's attention away from the conflict, and the continual loss of his at chess she pointed her out. "Hey Mr. Yamada. The lady you were talking about is back!" She said it rather loudly hoping to deter the entire incident. Looking out at the forest around them she suddenly had a feeling through her body. "...Yes master I agree, there are other daemons on this island. But what am I to do about it, I cannot fight your servents....no my lord of course I wouldn't kill those faithful to you. But I beleive this is the best way. But there are those here that could be useful in your army. Yes lord I understand. Of course. As you command." Ningyou mumbled to herself looking out trying to figure out where the daemons were. Figuring they were too spread out she let it go, instead focusing on watching the area around the airship. "Maybe they'll be wild and I can have some fun." She said more audibly.

Reaper sneaked a few cookies in during the entire tirade until a small cough was emitted behind him. "Reaper, I told you to ask for cookies and come back, I left Kuruma behind to get you again. Protect your friend." Automatically Reaper sprung up, inserting himself in the space between the former paint incarnation and Yuu. Grim spoke up, in case Chi's attention-displacement failed. "I believe the matter is settled Mr. Sanjuro, we can all lower our voices again."

Leaving the matter behind, Grim walked over to he overview, seeing the halfling being trailed by the embodied sword and some more monks. "Well," He spoke to no one in particular but made sure that Chi heard, "It seems reinforcements are grouping, not to mention the monks."

From behind Reaper's left leg, Yuu's head popped out. He pulled down the skin under his right eye and stuck his tongue out at Sanjuro. Then, while still doing that and looking at Sanjuro, he turned around and smacking his butt at the big idiot.

"Yes lord Raikotsu" Hinote says with a slight flourish and a bow. Pulling out his wicked knife he once again dribbled a few drops of blood from its tip onto the garments of another, namely Raikotsu in this instance. They blood formed into a symbol of connection and of power, forging a bond between the two.

Yet again, Hinote's side was blank.

Shaking his fist towards Reaper while keeping his eyes focused on the small boy beneath him. "I WILL DESTROY YOU SMACKY-BUTT CHILD, NO ONE SMACKS THEIR..." It was at this very moment that Ningyou's words sunk into the mind of the battle-hardened fighter-for-hire's mind. "KOIBITO!" Sanjuro leapt from the airships deck landing just in front of his fair damsel. The resulting explosion of dirt and sand could be seen for a mile.

As the hail of dirt and sand hailed down to the earth below Sanjuro's hands latched upon hers, "MY DEAR KOIBITO, THE RECENT DEATH OF MY FRIEND HAS SHOWN ME, SANJURO YAMADA, FIGHTER-FOR-HIRE THAT LIFE UPON THIS EARTH IS A FRAGILE AND DELICATE OBJECT WHICH YOU CAN CRUSH BY ACCIDENT. WHICH IS WHY YOU MUST ACCEPT MY PROPOSAL OF LOVE HERE AND NOW!"

(Koibito = sweetheart. Learn one word a day and in a few years you'll know a lot of stuff.)

Her eyes fixed upon Sanjuro for a moment. His heartfelt attempt was almost cute. Almost.

She walked right by him and placed her hand on his shoulder. On her way by she whispered, "No."