"Now, why would I go to all that trouble to explain and not help?" Katsuko asked mildly. "We got this far, might as well finish it. The faster you heal up, the faster I can spar you and Kuromaru for real." It was easier to give Tsume a grin than she thought it would be. "I need someone to keep me on my toes. And as soon as your chakra pathways are back to normal I'll spar you with my katana and kodachi!"

Katsuko shook herself like a dog (hah), shedding the stress and exhaustion of the day like an old coat. Ahhh, it felt good to feel, if not good, at least a little better. Not bothering to get back onto her feet, she crawled on her hands and knees to the nearest row of kunai. With Kuromaru getting the farther flung weapons, they'd be able to gather them all up in minutes.