Thoughts, feelings, memories—all this intrudes on Machiko's mind and spirit as she passes the clan leadership to the doors of the Chairman's home. It stirs her unworthy heart. Again and again, she looks to the doors of the entrance and yearns to go inside, to learn what the leaders know, to hear what they will tell the Chairman. For she will learn nothing of the threat facing the Nagato Combine standing out here in the dark. She will find no answers in the night. Here, there is only Gongoro's venom and her own uncertainties. Yet here she must remain. She is a warrior of the Green Serpent Guard. She is acting senior member. She must stand the watch. She must command. She must stay where her steel and armament and skill will do the most good. This is her duty.