Crouching Dragon, Hidden Tiger[Saber/Kenichi]

HIs training completed, Kenichi's nightcap would come in the form of a large meal and a well-earned rest. Even as he slept within a small bed in a house a guest had allowed him to stay in for the night, he couldn't quite help but shake the curiosity he felt about meeting the invisible woman in the alleyway. Thoughts of whether he was walking into a trap or if the voice was truly genuine and simply wanted some company, still gnawed at his mind.

He wasn't the type to come up with some extraordinary strategy for cases like these and part of him wondered what benefit that served, anyway. If he was truly uncertain about it all, he could choose to simply avoid the alleyway altogether but that went against his ethics. His sense of honor would not allow him to do that. Perhaps it was naïve... but that was who he was.

These thoughts would continue to dominate his mind even in his sleep. Well rested and prepared to seek the voice out again, Kenichi would go through his morning preparations, thank the gracious host who had provided him with a warm bed and food, and quickly make his way through the door. A few hours were spent sort of lounging about and talking with the civilians before he checked his phone, confirming that the time was near to make good on his promise. He would walk in the same directions, observe his surroundings as he walked, and arrive within the alleyway... just as he had said he would. Now, he wondered if that same voice would still be present or if he were in for some other sort of surprise...

A voice finally registered in Kenichi's ears. He turned towards that voice, feet shifting ever so slightly just to keep himself prepared if his light suspicion proved to be correct. The lack of killing intent in the atmosphere helped to keep the suspicion as it was, light enough to hold a conversation. He chuckled softly as he listened to the voice.

He made a promise. There was nothing more to it than that. Honorably naïve? Perhaps. Still, the mysterious voice of this invisible woman was intriguing. Even if he hadn't promised her anything, he likely would've came out of the volition of his own curiosity.

"Well, I suppose hearing a mysterious voice in an alley would be enough to frighten the average man or woman. Of course, I'm something of a foolishly curious man. You spoke to me, made me promise to return, and I did that. Is it a little naïve? Probably," he chuckled, observing his surroundings as he maintained his attention on the voice.

A hollow attack, huh? He had gotten away far enough from the area that he had likely missed out on any of the action the voice was talking about. She seemed bothered by the commotion they made. Kenichi wondered for a moment. What was she? What was "Sasha"?

"Nah, I wasn't caught up in any of that. I made my way back home without any commotion on my end. Are you okay, Sasha? I know most hollows can be quite dangerous. I'm sure that'd stress anyone out."

The martial artist smiled, nodding his head softly. It was good that she could avoid trouble. He held no particular judgment on hollows, familiar with their nature to a degree well enough to understand the way they operated. Some held sentience, others were mindless and followed the source that attracted them most. And then...

Kenichi felt that bump against his shoulder, a curious grin on his face. That was the first time he felt contact in this alley way. Was that her finally choosing to approach him? Her next question was interesting. He considered the races, but hollow didn't seem to stand out entirely Well, he'd answer her question with the same carefree nature he offered to most. His feet shifted a little, turning towards the voice as he bumped her a bit in return.

"Nope~ I usually keep a distance to avoid being on their menu, but I am curious about them as I am with any race."

Kenichi's gaze widened in awe as the veil slowly peeled away, revealing the large frame of a hollow whose appearance likened that of a sabertooth. She sat on her hunches, remaining silent as she gazed at him. To someone of lesser mettle, they would've likely felt intimidated, prepared to run off in fear.

To Kenichi, he simply whistled fondly gazing at the beastly hollow with curious glee. He approached her quietly, observing every detail of her appearance, moving towards his prior position a few meters away. He had grown familiar with crossing paths with hollows were less detailed form, some possessing no discernible shape at all, some appearing humanoid. He couldn't help but voice his approval.

"Ah, so this is what you look like!? Heh, you look pretty awesome, Sasha."

His eyes continued to observe her as he stroked his chin, visibly pleased with what stood before him. It wasn't the first thing he expected, but he certainly welcomed the reveal. Again, he had no idea what race to pin her as but now... he could see it. A big cat... er tiger. Yeah, a big tiger.

"What made ya to decide to reveal yourself to me, though?" It as a curious question, far from one posed in suspicion. He just simply wanted to know.

"I'm not too fond of bluffing when it comes to my feelings or emotions," Kenichi stated rather plainly, a radiant grin in his expression, fascinated by how this unfolded so far. Of course, he kept something in the back of his mind. This hollow hadn't shown any urge to attack him, but he wasn't entirely foolish to assume she wouldn't strike him at unawares. Tigers were tricky like that. Lose sight of em' and they'd strike you down without a second thought.

She felt friendly enough, but the common warrior would be a fool not to keep their eyes peeled for any discrepancy. He could understand the confusion at his lack of fear, perhaps even more so with his reaction in general, however. Strange? Hm... he supposed it wasn't entirely unjustified.

To be sure, he wasn't even trying to look unfazed, he just simply meant what he said. He was aware of their meal of choice, but that was simply the way most of them functioned. Would he let himself be eaten? Of course not. Would he let them freely eat others? Nope. He stopped in place, stroking his chin softly.

"Yeah, I'm aware you eat souls. I've come across some who have tried to make me their meal, but you didn't eat me; So why would I be dishonest about my reaction? I think you look cool, and you're more sentient and vocal than the average hollow. Then again, I guess that train of thought would indeed be strange to the average person standing face to face with a huge tiger hollow."