Chapter 225 - GO

 from Tsukumo, their simple tunics dusted with earth, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with compound guardians in robes like Haruka's, their sashes tied tight, blades sheathed. Children peeked from behind adults, eyes wide, whispering excitedly. The air was thick with the scent of fresh tea and the hum of hushed voices, the outside forest visible through an open screen, dawn light glinting off dew-soaked trees reclaiming the ruins.