Forced into an arranged marriage between her family, the takamatsu clan and the hirano clan, she was being escorted to the Hirano han by Usagi and a large entourage when they were attacked by neko ninja. The entire entourage was slaughtered with the exception of Usagi and the lady, who escaped on horseback. Initially ungrateful, Kinuko slowly warmed to the rough samurai that escorted her. On the run from the neko ninja, She and Usagi passed through a town during its festival and as the day passed, grew steadily closer until they were at the point of fleeing not only from the ninja, but from the clans who had arranged the marriage.

Interrupted by attacking ninja, the choice was taken from them when a rescue party led by Gunichi escorted them the rest of the way to the castle. Following her delivery into the hands of her future husband, Kinuko became cold and distant, preparing herself for her life ahead, and severing herself from what could never be.

Years later, Usagi encountered a procession, escorting lady Hirano in her palanquin, and remembered. Continuing on his way without catching a glimpse of her, he did not see that he was not the only one who remembered.