The Green Village's New Fighting Spirit

Ah, Aldo. Great timing, laddie, I need your help with something.

Whatever you need, Grandpa. I'm here for you.

Thank you, m'boy, I knew I could count on you.

So, what's the problem? What do you need?

Aldo told me about some of the ordeals you've endured. They sounded terrible.

Hm, yes... That's why I thought we ought to improve our defenses.

Ah, some training and tempering, eh? I like the sound of that.

I, Otoha the feline deity, shall whip your sloppy troops into fine fighting form!

You sound really excited.

This will be a fine chance to practice the art of war and gain insight into humanity.

I reckon this lass has what it takes. I'll leave the training to you, Miss.

Not counting Aldo, though, are there any talented potential recruits around?

Aw, you think I'm talented? Heh heh... You're gonna make me blush. Anyway, I'm sure we can find someone.

Leave it to me. My keen eye will pick out the cream of the crop in no time!

Oh, is that like, a warrior's instinct?

That too. But don't forget my divine powers! I know and see all!

Uh, yeah, that's...impressive. Is this really a good idea?

Nya ha ha! Put your faith in me, and I shall deliver you to salvation. Grandfather, be sure to offer up bountiful catnip and treats as tribute afterwards.

Should a god really be making demands like that?

Gods have to be a little vainglorious. It's all part of the package.

Hm... You! You there, young man! Yes, you. This is your lucky day!

Huh? What? Are you talking to me?

The wheel of fate has turned, the gods have spoken, and you are the man of the hour.

Wh-What is all this about?

Don't be so dense, man. I'm talking about joining the village guard.

Otoha, did you just pick the first person you found?

Yeah, well, this is getting bori...

I mean, don't doubt my divine insight! I sense great potential in this fellow here.

Oh yeah? What kind of potential?

I see it... With a little encouragement, he can become a great warrior.

Relax, we won't press-gang you against your will. Would you like to join?

The village guard, huh? To tell the truth, I'd be grateful for any job right now...

Come to think of it, I don't think I've seen you around the village before.

Yes, I only just moved here. And I have been looking for a job, so...

See? This is surely destiny at work. Let's jump right in with your training! I know a perfect place, just inside Moonlight Forest. Meet us there, all right?

Ah-ha, some rowdy monsters. Just what we need for our training exercise.

I'll go first, to show you how it's done. I hope your mortal eyes can keep up! Nya ha ha!

...Lesson One, don't get full of yourself right before a battle like this.

Thank you, I'll be careful.

Hey, what are you talking about? I'm not underestimating the enemy or anything like that. There's a huge difference between confidence and arrogance. Let me expl...

Otoha, focus! Here they come.

*hiss* I wasn't finished with my lesson!

Obviously, a foe like that is no match for me, but I hope you learned something.

Wow, the way you move is so fluid, so intense...

Would you expect any less from a feline deity of warfare? You may praise me more!

You do fight very gracefully.

In battle, the mind and body unite in a single purpose. That is the way I follow in life.

Huh... I never expected you to actually say something so profound.

I've mastered the Feline Way, now I just need to unravel the enigma of humanity. A feline deity with a human heart sounds totally awesome, doesn't it?

Aaand you ruined it.

Mrow?! I did? Awww...

Hey, no need to sulk. What's the next step in our new recruit's training?

The monsters around here are too weak to be any use. We'll have to go in deeper.

Hmm... That brute may be a more worthy opponent.

I dunno, it looks kinda tough...

Um, that thing there, right? No problem, I'll take it down.

Hey, be careful!

Whoa, that was amazing!

He took it down in one hit... Behold, this is the level of talent I am capable of raising!

You didn't know he was that strong, did you?

I... Well... Certainly I knew it was within the realm of possibility...

Phew, looks like I'm done...

Otoha, what are you doing?! Put that thing away!

Huh? Good heavens! My body doth move of its own accord...

Have you been at the catnip again? Someone could have got hurt.

Y-You misunderstand. I... Ah, yes. I wanted to test our friend's hidden depths. I thought a duel against me would really draw out his latent potential, and...

Really? Sounds fishy to me...

Nonsense. Come now, recruit, show us what you're really capable of!

Heh heh... Gyah ha ha ha!

I didn't think you'd see through me this soon. Take a look, this is my true power!

......

Ah, I see you're petrified with fea...

Wait, you were a beast this whole time?!

Huh? You didn't know?!

Oh! O-Of course I knew. This was all part of my plan. Oh yes. The plan.

Otoha, you're just gonna make him mad.

Grrr... I can't risk you exposing me now. I've planned this for too long!

You already exposed yourself. I'd say you haven't thought this through.

Since you were good enough to drop your disguise, I'll show you my true power, too!

I can't believe he fooled us for so long...

I-Indeed! But my plan to draw him away from the village to a place where we could fight was a stroke of genius, wouldn't you say?

Riiight...

What, don't you believe me? This was my plan from the very beginning! Come, we should return to Baruoki and report this to your grandfather.

I see... It's getting more and more difficult to guarantee the safety of this village.

Worry not, you can simply enshrine me as your guardian deity!

Putting that suggestion aside, I do think we need to do something about all this.

Mraaawr! You're saying I'm not even an option?

Yeah, I don't see the use in praying to a "god" who got fooled just as much as me!

I saw through him in the end, didn't I? Remember how I tried to attack instinctively?

Aldo, the thing that worries me is just how much we rely on you here...

You know my journey's not over yet. But I promise I will come home. Maybe we can get some extra troops from Unigan to help out in the meantime.

Yes, I believe that would be best. You have enough on your plate as it is.

Aldo, you should pray to me for safety on the road! I can prevent injury and disasters!

Oh, great feline deity, send me from this place and straight to my goal.

Uh... That may be a little tricky... Perhaps a little catnip would boost my powers and motivate me a little...

No catnip here, lassie. I asked at the stores, but they're clean out.

What? That's no fun! This whole mission's been a complete disaster.

You might say it was a cat-astrophe.