"We remember Shinobu," Tsume said sharply. "Right, Kuromaru?"

"Shinobu. Mission." He relaxed slowly, though he didn't look away from the rodent sitting on Genma's shoulder. "Right." He licked his lips.

"Kuromaru!"

His head snapped around, pupils dilated. "What? Right! Teammate." He looked back at Shinobu. "Who happens to be a rat." He stared.

"Just think of him as a small teammate."

"Mmm. Teammate."

Tsume sighed and picked up Genma's glass of water. She tipped it, letting the overflow spill out into the sink, then carried it toward the futon. "Sending your summons to do your dirty work, Genma?"

Kuromaru frowned. "Aren't you in eros and poisons?" This time, when he looked at Shinobu, there was a whole new level of uncertainty.