Tsubame the Kunoichi has Arrived!

Forgive me, Aldo. This is as far as I can go with you today.

Yes, I have some business at this establishment today.

Meow!

Tsubame? Oh yeah. She's working here just as usual.

Of course. Don't know what I'd do without her around.

Well, she's...

Oh no! Aldo saw me in this outfit! Now I must live with this shame all my life...!

N-No, I don't know anyone named Tsubame. I'm but a nameless server here...

Hey, Tsubame! Can you show us that thing you do?

Tsubame! Over here, please!

......

...It's fine. But I must first serve the customers.

Oh!

Whoa! Now that's amazing! And I loved your reaction, buddy!

That was such a great show! Here's a tip!

Meooow!

Thank you. It was nothing fancy though. It's barely worth showing off. The best measure of a ninja is their stealth technique. This jutsu is but child's play in comparison...

It's what being kunoichi is all about. We live our lives hiding in shadows.

Yes. How did you know?

It's a name given to female ninjas, much like myself.

In any case, I, like any ninja, am well versed in the craft of stealth. I dare say that it is my strongest skill.

Hm. I see my eyes did not fail me.

If you can use a jutsu like that, you must certainly be a true kunoichi.

Of course. What about it?

Well, I'm here because I heard that there was a ninja in this tavern. From what I hear, ninjas excel at gathering information. Is that right?

Absolutely. As a ninja I'm well acquainted with the art of gathering information. Is there something you would like me to do?

Well, you see, it's a rather complicated situation, and is difficult to explain. Would you please accept the job without any questions? I can assure that you'll be well compensated.

Meow?! Meow meooow.

If you prefer, I can pay in adva...

Really?!

Oh dear...

Then how about we discuss our business over a meal?! I have an employee discount here, so we can eat for cheap. Easy on the wallet and all that!

Sure. Why not?

W-Wait, Tsubame! Why don't you go eat at some other place?!

Hmm... But I like your cooking the most...

Thanks, but, uh, you know... You gotta go out and try new things, just to change things up! C'mon, I'll even let you end your shift early!

Okay... If you say so.

Then we shall discuss the matter at a different tavern. Would you like to try seafood or Eastern cuisine in Rinde? Or would you prefer the local dishes served in Baruoki?

Uh... Well, let's go with Rinde, since I am heading there anyway. I'll go on ahead, so you can let me know when you arrive.

All right then. Let's go. There, our meal awaits... Or, uh, our mission awaits!

*nom nom* *munch munch*

......

......

*crunch crunch* *huff huff* *nomnomnomnom*

Well... You, uh, certainly have quite the appetite.

*nom nom*... Ninja skills require a lot of energy.

I see... So, could we get on with talking about the job?

Of course. *nom nom* ...Whenever you're ready.

Ahem. There is a man who has been accusing me of a crime I never committed.

A false accusation?

Exactly. It seems he has an intention of spreading lies about how I've stolen some ring. Why would I need to steal a thing like that? It's becoming such a headache.

That's where you come in. I want you to find a weakness of his that I can use to shut him up.

Hold on. Why do you need to do that? If he's lying, then why don't you just ignore him?

...Listen, lad. I'm talking to her, not you. I'd rather not have you butt in.

*nom nom* I see. I'm not sure what his weaknesses have to do with anything, but...

You would like me to uncover his lie. Is that correct?

Well, that would certainly get the job done, but... I ask that you keep this case a secret. It would be a pain if he found out.

A pain if he found out...? Tsubame, I'm really not sure about this guy...

Didn't I ask you not to butt in?!

Well, yeah. But...

I understand. I, Tsubame the Kunoichi, accept your mission.

You will?! Excellent!

What?! Tsubame, are you sure?

Then I would ask that you begin immediately. Let me describe him...

There is no need for that. My ability to gather information extends to identifying what my target looks like.

I shall begin. Sand Shadows Jutsu!

What?!

This way, I can gather information and eat at the same time.

You're still eating?!

Go!

Hmm... Ah. I've found our target. He's been holed up by the lighthouse recently, it would seem.

That's him, yes.

But didn't I just ask you to keep this a secret? What are you doing?!

That won't be a problem. This ninja outfit allows me to blend into the night, concealing my presence entirely.

What?!

What you are talking about? It's still bright out! Are you sure this is okay?!

Uh, I'm probably not the one to ask...

Hmph. At least it was true that you're good at gathering information. I'm expected to meet him face to face soon to finish this fiasco. I need you to uncover his lies by then.

Very well.

However! If you cause another commotion, you can forget about that reward!

Meow?!

Oh, you need not worry. I'm terrible at standing out in a crowd.

......

......

...I'm counting on you, lad!

What?! Why am I...

Let's go, Aldo. My sand-based shadows can only find out so much on their own. I must see things through my own eyes.

Right...

To the lighthouse, then. Our target should be there!

There he is... It seems my information was correct.

He sure looks brawny.

Agreed. I'm not surprised he's been antagonizing our client.

...Excuse me, sir.

Who the heck are you? Hey, I'm kinda busy here. If you want something, it'd better be quick.

If your story of a ring being stolen is a lie... Could you please stop spreading it around?

What?! How dare you accuse me of lying! Wait, I get it... That guy put you up to this, didn't he?!

Then I might as well... Fellas, get out here!

I'm going to talk to that guy after this. I hired these guys to take back that ring by force. And now I can hold you hostage while I negotiate with him!

Relying on violence... So this guy's really the villain?!

Let's withdraw.

But running away from this many guys is going to be hard...!

Agreed... It seems the time has finally come to use my finest jutsu.

Your finest? Does that mean we can hide from them?!

That's right. Here goes...

Wait! What's that?!

Huh?

(Now, Aldo! We have to hide!)

(What?! Now?!)

What the heck. There's nothing the...

......

......

What are you trying to pull here? Am I supposed to think that you're doing a great job hiding right now?

Ugh, I knew it!

What are you doing, Aldo?! We were spotted because of you!

What? It's my fault?!

We're out of options... I must use my secret weapon.

My very own ninjutsu, crafted using the Stealth Jutsu!

Your very own ninjutsu?!

Take this...!

Wait! What's that?!

Huh?

What the heck. There's nothing the...

My ultimate skill! Stealth Jutsu!

Aaaaargh?!

Wh-What?!

By using my ultimate skill, Stealth Jutsu, we can move about without the opponent noticing our movements.

Closing in on the target without alerting them is what the Stealth Jutsu is all about.

Are you sure? Because it looked like you just threw a shuriken at him and knocked him out.

Shuriken? What shuriken? I have no idea what you're talking about.

All of that was my very own ninja skill, the Stealth Jutsu. Nothing more.

...... Tsubame... She's usually a great ninja, but I guess she misunderstands what her best move does...

So... Let's try this again. I want you to stop lying. Otherwise, I shall end your life with my ultimate Stealth Jutsu.

End his life...? Well, so much for it being an innocent stealth attack...

W-Wait! It's not me who's lying! I mean, sure, trying to get the ring back by force might've been a bad idea, but still...

It must be one valuable ring if you want it back that badly.

Not really. I mean, there's some gold in it, but it's nothing that expensive.

But why, then?

That ring...

It was my mother's. I don't care how valuable it is. I just want it back, that's all.

I see...

Hey Tsubame... I get the feeling this guy isn't lying.

We cannot be sure without proof.

If that's the case, then perhaps we can listen to both of their stories and piece things together. Aren't you and the noble supposed to meet up soon?

Yeah... That's where I figured I'd end it all. Although the guys I hired for that were all knocked out, thanks to you.

......

Very well. Then I shall take on that responsibility and accompany you. I shall listen to both of your claims, and lend my hand to whomever I believe is justified.

Really?!

A Kunoichi does not go back on her word. So, where were you two set to meet?

The Serena Coast. The guy went out of his way to choose a place without anyone there...

Understood. Aldo?

Right. Let's head to the Serena Coast then.

There you are.

Oh, it's you. So, how did uncovering his lies go?

Wait. Why is he... Why are you with him?! Are you betraying me?!

No, at least not yet. I am merely trying to figure out which one of you speaks the truth.

None of the rumors my shadows have gathered about proved you have been good. If you are the one who has been lying, I am unable to complete your mission.

Therefore, I am siding with this man. Punishing an innocent soul goes against the way of a ninja!

More like, against decency in general.

How dare you! You better have proof if you're trying to accuse me of something! Where is your proof that I stole it?!

Meow-meoooow!

...Hey! That's my mom's ring!

H-How did you know where the ring was?!

Suzume loves things made of solid gold. Hiding such a thing from her would be no easy task.

Now... Do you have anything that can prove that this ring is your mother's?

Right. Uh... There should be an inscription on the inside that says "Claire" and "275 AD."

...Indeed there is.

And we now know who has been lying.

Ugh... I never should have hired some lowly ninja. I'm a noble from a well-respected family. I cannot have such deceitful rumors spread about me!

Rumors? More like facts.

Men, show yourselves!

I'm afraid your journeys must end here.

Hmph... I hate it when they underestimate us. Aldo, let's do this.

Right on. Let's finish this up!

What is this strength...?! How could you... You haven't seen the last of me!

Shoot! He got away.

Don't mind him. All I wanted was my ring back. I gotta thank you guys.

Don't mention it. Anyone would've done the same.

Although, things could have gone better. Too bad you couldn't get your reward from that noble.

*grooooowl*

...Are you seriously hungry after all that food you ate?

...I told you. Using ninja skills takes a lot of energy.

Actually... Could you come here a minute?

I know this ain't much compared to what he could've offered, but...

Meow?! Meooow!

Are you sure?!

Yeah, take it. It'll buy you some food, at least. Well, I'm headed back to Rinde. Thanks for all your help, guys.

There he goes...

So, where to? Do you want to eat somewhere?

Well... To get the best food-to-money ratio, there's only one choice.

Let's got to the tavern in Unigan. We'll get the specials with my employee discount.

Phew... I need a refill, please.

Oh... I guess the food you had in Rinde wasn't enough, huh?

The problem is, when you start eating, it's hard to manage my inventory since ingredients run out before I can blink...

And on top of that, there's the discount...

Although, even though I don't make a profit on it, I don't make a loss either. I'm not making a profit from the time I spend on cooking, but seeing her enjoy my food makes it all worth it.

I see...

Anyway, you said you wanted a refill. Hold your horses, it's coming right up.

But Tsubame, why did you decide to take a job from such a suspicious guy in the first place? I mean, you must've noticed how odd it was.

Of course. I was suspicious from the start.

Really? But then why did you...?

Because I thought he would give me food. I figured I would take what I could, and work out what to do when the time came.

I didn't realize you were that hungry. If you'd told me, I would've bought you a meal or two...

Oh no, I couldn't possibly bother you with that! Besides, I must make ends meet by myself!

Are you sure?

I could have asked for more food from that client, but...

Once I began asking around, the client was clearly the one in the wrong.

Besides, when he told me that the ring was his mother's, I couldn't idly stand by. I know very well how important family is.

...Right, Suzume?

You keep saying that Suzume is your sister.

Yes. I am a runaway ninja, and therefore it is risky for me to return to the East. Because of this, Suzume is the only one I can call family.

A runaway ninja?

A ninja who has run away from their clan. We ninjas live under strict rules. Those who manage to escape them are despised, and hunted down like prey.

I didn't know that... How did you become a runaway?

Well...

Meeeow.

There you are. Go on, dig in.

Thank you. Then, without further ado...

*nom nom* *munch munch*

Oh well. Wouldn't want to pry about things she doesn't want to talk about.

Hey, mister! Could you make something for me too?

Unfortunately, that was the last of our food...

What?!