It is an overt invitation for Machiko to prepare herself properly. The warrior must be as meticulous in her appearance as she is in the condition of her weapons, for this demonstrates fanaticism in the Way. She calls for a bath. Two geisha move to assist, but she refuses all help. She washes, arranges her hair, trims fingernails and toenails and tends to all the other small details that demand her attention. She ignores the lingering aches from yesterday's injuries. Once she has donned her clothes and weapons, she moves to kneel at Kuroda -sensei left, just slightly to his rear.