บท 154: Initiation

"Throw on these clothes, and then I will cast you into our ranks, and show you just where you stand."

Soroko announced, though those words were heavily induced by a yet to be seen threat.

They did as they were told. They cared not for modesty as they stepped out from the bath, fully unclothed, nor did the monk. He merely continued to look them in the eye, as they walked confidently, without flinching, and drew the robes over themselves.

"These have a remarkable amount of room in them."

Gengyo muttered, slightly surprised by how little they restricted his movements. Kimono's in general were rather good for practising martial arts in – better than trousers – because of the freedom they offered. But this was on another level. They were so baggy that it was impossible to tell the shape of one's body underneath them.

"I guess we're monks now, Kitajo."

He lamented. If anything, they now entirely looked the part.