Daigo was a burly, broad-shouldered guy with a booming voice. At the same time, Kafu was gangly, spoke low, and addressed everyone with reverence and honorifics. Daigo's apprenticeship in the smithery and Kafu's exposure to the pedagogy of Shibai Sharin temple both had molded their personalities accordingly.

Chiyo was a pretty, voluptuous girl who had recently come of age. She was feminine and athletic, with straight, silky hair and amaranthine-blue eyes. Even though the Mikashita boys ...