A Sheathed Blade Still Cuts [Midori, Alastor]

"Now that's confidence. No wonder Murasaki thinks you're so... Well, I had a few words in mind, but I think she'd be embarrassed if I started sharing what she says in her letters."

Midori giggled yet again at that, putting out the embers of her kiseru as she set it aside. Was she taking a student? The last time she'd taught anyone had been Murasaki, but that had been a while ago now. Why not? It was boring down here otherwise, and it was definitely even more boring up there.

"I can, if you want. I don't know if I'm the perfect teacher, but I know a thing or two about the shinigami arts. I was in the Onmitsukido before I got sent to Zero Division, and I wouldn't say I was bad at my job. But don't feel pressured or anything."

"Well, stealth is an important part of the job, yeah, but so is the ability to fight. I don't think skulking around like that's really my style, anyway."

Honestly, Midori really needed something to do. She didn't want to go back up to the palace unless they made her go, and she was confident that wasn't gonna be happening any time soon. Might as well put her time down here to good use.

"I'm always free, so don't worry about that. I tend to just stay at the Onyx Fountain Inn during the early mornings and in the evenings. Come by whenever you've got the time. Oh, but you should make sure Murasaki knows where you're going. The last thing you need is a rumor getting to her that you're meeting a beautiful older woman at an inn, hm?"

Though she did giggle faintly, there was actually no small amount of seriousness to Midori's tone as she offered that warning. The last thing she wanted to do was upset her daughter.