SHEEP★DOLL

The new year had begun and the celebrations were over. Since the principle of two female Saniwa in one Honmaru had proven to be very good, the Time Government made this rule official. There was a new Saniwa named Hana Sakurai, who was to lead a Honmaru together with a more experienced Saniwa named Sai Kobayashi. Sai had only recently tragically lost her own Honmaru and with it most of her Danshi in an attack by the HRA. All that was left was her starter sword Yamanbagiri Kunihiro, which incidentally also saved her from certain death in this attack, all three Naginata and Ningen Mukotsu. It was certainly an advantage that there were a few rare and strong Danshi in a new Honmaru, but the loss of the others really bothered Sai. Accordingly, she didn't say much during the introduction and was serious the whole time.

"I am Hana Sakurai, Saniwa and fashion expert! And I wish you a happy new year!” Hana chatted happily. She was so excited about her inauguration and was looking forward to getting to know everyone and everything. 

“Sai Kobayashi. To a good collaboration.” Short and terse. Sai didn’t know what else to say at the moment. She also didn’t feel like talking. She was glad that she had Manba-Chan at her side, who took over the introduction of the Danshi she had brought with her. 

“Aaaah, it’s sooo great to have these Naginata right at the start!” Hana exclaimed enthusiastically. “And these muscles…are just…” 

“INELEGANT.” A stern voice interrupted. “You don’t say something like that right at the start.” Kasen Kanesada, Hana’s starter sword, was always keen on good manners. 

“Oh, Kasen-san, let me rave…”

Hana’s sulking was quickly dispelled by the tour of the Honmaru. There were even two baths with large pools and an onsen outside. 

 That even amazed Sai: "Wow, it wasn't like this in the past." 

"In the past?" asked Hana.

Sai cast a glance at the garden behind it, where all kinds of flowers would surely bloom in the spring. "Yes, in the past. There wasn't such luxury back then, just what was necessary." 

That made Hana curious as to what had happened. After all, all she knew was that Sai had run a Honmaru before. That was all. But she certainly wouldn't start to ask now. 

As they walked through the garden, Hana said that she could imagine plants growing here that she could use for tea. 

"My favorite tea is Darjeeling, but I recommend green jasmine tea for a light snack!" 

"I don't think we can grow tea fields here," replied Kasen, but Hana thought: "When we have enough Danshi together at some point, then maybe." 

Their Danshi exchanged surprised glances. Very few of them liked field work. 

"Master Hana, you forget that our main task is to fight the HRA," Iwatooshi objected. 

"I said MAYBE." On her way into the building, Hana continued, "By the way, I also really like arts and crafts. And I'm a master at decorating rooms! So Sai-chan... um, can I call you that?" 

"Call me whatever you want." 

"Okay, Sai-chan~~~, if you want to make your room really cozy, then I'm the right person to talk to! Or..." Hana looked around and whispered to her, "Or if it gets romantic, I can help you too!"

"Whaaaat? Romantic?" Sai looked at Hana indignantly. 

"Hahaha, yes, of course! Don't you want to get to know someone and invite them home?" 

Sai's cheeks flushed and she answered confidently, "No. I'm not interested." 

"Oooow... well.  Anyway, I could help you if that does happen." Hana sighed. "I would really like to meet someone I love... who loves me... ah!"

While everyone was gradually choosing a room, Hana asked Sai what she actually liked. "Cats." Sai answered directly. 

They walked through the hallway that led to some larger rooms. "I think these could be suitable Saniwa rooms," Hana stated as she tapped a sliding door. Sai sighed and opened the door on the opposite side.

"Well then." So it was decided and Sai disappeared into her new area without another word.

Hana noticed that Sai was struggling with something. Whatever it was, she would do her best to support her new Saniwa comrade.