The first time they're taught about tamashii-fugou (soul marks) in the Academy, Nanao is uncomfortable. More than a few of her cohort shoot her sideways looks - well, not her, but the brush of faded violet along her hair line. Thankfully, Minoru-sensei ignores them and continues writing on the board. Her hand tightens around her pen and she focuses down on her notes. Kaa-san wouldn't want her to be distracted.

Two hours of theory and history later, they're let out for lunch. Nanao dawdles, waiting until everyone else has left the classroom. Minoru-sensei is still shuffling through everyone's turned in papers, but looks up with a smile.