"That is the protocol," Machiko says. "Merely a precaution." Any time a person is menaced or assaulted, the family is provided with extra security until such time as any threat appears to have passed. That is as integral to the Way of Nagato combine as the Green Serpent Guard, as the Chairman himself. Machiko reminds her mother of several instances where one friend or another was also guarded day and night, and the reminder seems to ease her concerns. Especially when she recalls herself saying that a certain friend really did not need any guards, that the Security Service was being needlessly sensitive.