gyuki

But I didn't drag him here so anyone could vent on him.

If beating the crap out of him would've solved everything, then his breaths would've been numbered by the time I found him in Mitsukue.

Matoimaru...

I brought him here so others could learn not to get scammed as easy as I used to.

But... we can't just—let this scoundrel go...

All the money he cheated us out of...

Akiyo-nee, trust me, this guy's not escaping punishment, and there'll be settlement for all the money lost.

No matter what's happened, things WILL get better from now on.

Police sirens wail from the road outside the village. Matoimaru looks past the crowd and over toward the binder-toting operator who catches her gaze and nods the sign to her.

And don’t fret. People will be here real soon to handle him.

The sky begins to darken. The police apprehend and take away the fraudster. Soon, the crowd surrounding Eikichi's door disperses.

As a stick of bug-repellent incense burns, a small room is now host to no one but father and daughter. Eikichi sits in seiza on the tatami flooring, not quite certain where to rest his gaze.

Say, um. Matoimaru, you know. Your dad's been a fool. Shouldn't have gone blaming you like that.

Almost fell for that rotten gambler's scheme. Made a fool of myself in front of the whole village.

*sigh* I've no right to judge. I was blinded by the quick money, just like...

Matoimaru sits next to him, and listens. In lieu of an immediate response, she silently shuffles closer, until she's close enough they could lean on each other.

What're ya talking about, Dad? Doesn't matter if you got scammed. Just don't fall for it again.

If I was the old me, I woulda been no help. Bet I'd be stumped where he even got his hooks into you.

And besides...

The Oni girl awkwardly reaches over and holds Eikichi's hand resting on the tatami floor, as her face breaks into a grin.

Life's changed. I'm not a kid anymore. It's my turn to look after you now, Dad.

Eikichi glances at his adopted daughter, and his taut expression finally begins to relax.

Say, there's one more thing.

What you said to the village folk when they were calling for that cheat to be taught a lesson? That didn't sound like something you'd say.

Sure you didn't rough him up in secret? A younger you would never have let his kind off the hook, you know.

I told you, Dad. Someday I'd stop being that gullible little dummy.

And hey, you know the saying?

Even the most vicious Oni will discover peace someday.

Matoimaru turns her head, and glances over at the entryway with its warm lights overhead. There on a wooden shelf, her very own ikebana has been put on display.