Juubei kept his face impassive and inscrutable, but anxiety was rising inside him. Kaoru has put her seal of flame on his honoured sister, and now Sakura-san was being slowly devoured from the inside, in a small café a few miles from Mugenjou. It meant that she had less than 24 hours to live.

He clenched his teeth, and took a deep breath. At least Sakura-san had fulfilled the task that had taken her outside Mugenjou, and the message had reached the Emperor of Lightning, Amano Ginji. Now they would find and save MakubeX, even if one of the Volt's Top Four had returned as their enemy.

Raitei was beside himself with worry for Sakura-san, but Juubei knew in his heart of hearts that his older sister would persevere. It was quite simple: As long as MakubeX was alive, she would be around to protect him. The Kakei family were protectors and supporters; had been for countless generations. For the most part their lives and fates were tied with the Fuchoin family, but after the slaughter that had Kazuki-sama and him and his sister fleeing into Mugenjou, things had changed.

Juubei thought back to the Fuuga days, and smiled inwardly. Even the esteemed Fuchoin Kazuki had to this day not realized that Sakura-san had never joined Fuuga. Kazuki-sama had never even considered the idea that she hadn't, because Sakura-san was always there. Always in the background, watching and waiting. Quiet, steady and protective like all Kakei women. Her Kakei Cloth skill wasn't anywhere near as lethal as the Needle skill that he was trained in, but for pacifying and subduing an opponent it was very effective. Although she never showed agression, she knew how to make her will known. It happened so rarely, that people tended to listen when she did.

The honourable Kakei Sakura had not committed to a cause until after Raitei and Kazuki-sama and the others had left Mugenjou. Only then did she step out from the shadows, and over to MakubeX's side. Protector, sister, friend, faithful disciple and mother. She would gladly sacrifice her own life to save MakubeX, just as Juubei would face certain death for his master. Unlike him, she had not needed to learn that twice.

The stoic healer-warrior swallowed the now familiar lump of shame. The time for the ultimate sacrifice wasn't now. Not for him, and not for his esteemed sister. Could not be, should not be. Raitei was back, with his followers, and together they were going to sort out this mess and foil the God of Mugenjou's wicked plan.

If anyone had the strength to hold on to life for just a little longer, it was his sister, so Juubei sent her his thought and prayer. Hold on, my sister. MakubeX will need you after this is all done, you cannot leave him yet. Keep fighting the flames, please. Raitei will come through for us again.

Strength, Kakei Sakura. Be strong.