From Mito's Perspective Hours Earlier:

Ow... I passed out earlier, didn't I?

I've never messed up on a job so badly before. I was hired to guard that girl, and everyone was wiped out except for me. I suppose I should feel quite fortunate considering the circumstances.

I sit up and check my surroundings. Like I had thought, I'm in the infirmary back at the dojo. Kina has her back to me, and she's doing work like usual.

Mito: "Kina, thank you once again... You know, for patching me up."

Kina almost jumps in surprise at my voice. I suppose she hadn't noticed yet that I was awake.

Kina: "Oh, Mito you're up! I didn't patch you up or anything, though. The men on horses delivered you as you are now, but unconscious. I took a look at you but couldn't figure out what was wrong."

Mito: "Huh? But my back should be-"

I check my back with my hand and feel nothing. It's as good as new! I know I didn't imagine getting those wounds. I'm confident I remember getting beaten pretty badly by those midstless.

Mito: "That boy!"

Kina looks at me in confusion and slight annoyance.

Kina: "What boy, Mito?"

Mito: "He butted in on my fight! I'm sure he must have healed my wounds somehow..."

Kina: "As I said, you have no wounds. Maybe you should go back to sleep. You're clearly not in your right mind."

I have nothing to say to Kina because she's right. I have no wounds or traces of the battle anywhere on my body. However, I know I didn't just imagine everything that happened.

I sit up out of bed and walk out of the room. Perhaps Master Shiki will know something about this. I walk over to his room and knock on the door.

Shiki: "Come in, Mito!"

Creepy. How does he always know it's me?

I open the door and walk inside.

Mito: "Master Shiki. Do you know anything about a strong new guy coming to town?"

Shiki: "Ah, that young man, correct? Yes, I know a few things about him."

Mito: "Really? What can you tell me?"

Shiki: "Hmm... Well, I have a few witness reports saying that he was coming from the same direction as Mount Nova..."

Mito: "Yes, yes, I know that much. What else do you know?"

Shiki: "That household took him in, the one you were on the job for. Honestly, Mito, You shouldn't accept work from people like them. They don't care if you live or die."

Mito: "Alright, alright, I won't accept work from them anymore. What has become of that boy?"

Shiki: "I do not know. If that household took him in, he would likely be in bad shape when he leaves. Why do you want to know so badly?"

I shift awkwardly and try to find the words to explain the situation.

Mito: "That boy got in the way of my fight-"

Shiki: "So he saved you? I understand. Continue."

I grit my teeth and continue the story.

Mito: "Anyways, I was badly hurt. After we had cleared out all the midstless in the area, I collapsed. I wake up, and all my wounds are gone! Kina says she had nothing to do with it! That's why I figure that boy has some sort of healing treasure. He had a horn on his head... That could have been it!"

Master holds his beard in his hand, stroking it pensively.

Shiki: "I see... That is interesting indeed. Unfortunately, I know nothing of that boy's treasure. However, your story has me interested. You should go fetch him!"

Mito: "Fetch him?"

Shiki: "Yes... Although they treat their guests poorly, I doubt they would kill someone who saved their daughter and hired bodyguard. They may be scum, but they do have a reputation to uphold. Also, if what you say about his 'treasure' is true-"

Mito: "It is true!"

Shiki: "Yes, yes, alright... In that case, he should be able to heal himself. So he should be in tip-top shape when you go to get him! And even if he isn't, that's all the more reason he will want to follow you."

Mito: "I see... Okay! I'll bring him back here."

An hour later:

Tsk. Why did it have to start raining as soon as I went out? I'm going in the direction of the Lord's household, so I should run into that guy at some point. There are not any other main roads in this city near that house. Oh? Is that...

Over in the distance, I see a guy stumbling around in the rain. I stand and wait as he approaches me. He still hasn't noticed me because his gaze is pointed downwards. I'm sure that's him.

*Thump*

The boy bumps into me and falls down. He's been beat up badly, and I can't help but feel responsible. He went through all this because he saved my life, but why hasn't he healed himself? Was I mistaken?

Mito: "Come on."

I grab his hand and pull him to his feet. This kid is deceivingly heavy.

Mito: "Jeez. You need to eat less, man..."

Adachi: "Yeah... I suppose I do."