Chapter 6: Demon Hunter Jyoshi“How’s your butt?” Kuma grins as she enters the tea room.
“I’ll live,” I say, thinking back to my recent, ill-fated rope climbing adventure, the one that lasted precisely two seconds before ending with me flat on my ass.
“I’m sorry. I knew what was happening. What Miss Nakamura was planning with her demonstration. I shouldn’t have…”
“No biggie,” I say. “Only my pride suffered. Tea?”
Kuma bows. “Thank you. Yes. Tea would be lovely.”
I gesture and invite her to take a place on the floor near me. Again, I notice at her regular size, Kuma’s not much bigger than I am. Though I don’t have the power to double my height and bulk, like she does.
I start with the plate of sweets, the selection of wagashi I have prepared countless times in the kitchen. This time I
