Swallow and Gull

...I can't believe that happened to Suzume, even if it WAS in a different world.

His name's Aldo, right? Even though we just met, I get the feeling he's a good guy.

I was thinking we could trick him into taking us to his world, but somehow I doubt that'd go well.

When I heard about the other world, I thought maybe we could flee there, but somehow I doubt that'd go well.

I guess we'll just have to keep her safe as we discussed.

But Kamome...

Transformation Jutsu!

Which one am I?

Hmm... It would make sense to choose the one that wasn't there before.

But even though she's just a kid, she's still a ninja, so she might be trying to pull a fast one on me. I choose...

This one!

Wrong! I was over here!

Aww, how cute! Suzume's just so adorable!

...Indeed she is. (I wish this moment would last forever.)

Y'know, I hate this world we live in, but I'm grateful for the gift it gave us, grateful for her.

I won't let the people from Uya, or anyone for that matter, hurt her. And I'd gladly throw away this worthless life of mine if it meant saving her.

You feel the same, don't you?

Man, I'm beat...

Senya. I thought you were helping someone with repairs around the house.

I was, but a customer of his arrived from outside the village, so he said I could go.

Someone from outside the village? How unusual.

See for yourself.

Are you sure it's all right for me to have all this salt?

But of course. We all need a helping hand sometimes.

Thank you. Not many merchants have come by since the trade routes were destroyed in the war, so this is much appreciated.

He seems like a nice guy.

Yeah, maybe. But somethin' about all that just smells fishy.

It even got Kuramaru on his guard.

You've always had a fine nose for these things, Kuramaru.

Yip, yip!

What do you say to being our pet, hm? We'll feed you snacks every day!

Absolutely not! Go find your own pet! This one's taken!

Meanie... So, what can you tell us about that guy?

He was a well-disguised spy. Or should I say, ninja.

Wait, what?! Do you think he's gonna attack the village?

I cannot say for sure yet. I will follow him. In the meantime, Aldo, Senya, you two keep an eye on the village. Kamome, you look after Suzume.

It's way too dangerous for you to go alone. I'm coming with you.

...Very well. Let us make for the Vermilion Road. If we hurry, we can still catch him.

You there. Might I speak to you for a moment?

But of course, young lady. What business do you have with me?

I should be the one asking you.

Isn't that right, Master?

...Did you just say "master"?

It seems your senses have not dulled since leaving our home.

You need not be on your guard. I would never harm a beloved pupil.

Then why did you attack that village?!

That was done not by the will of all, but the actions of a few. And I regret it to this day.

That is why I came here, to offer salt by way of apology.

Was that meant for the village? Or...for us?

Both. The people of Uya suspect that you have rebelled. But if you can prove this is all a misunderstanding, your names may be cleared. As your master, I wish to help you. Would you at least listen to what I have to say?

And if I refuse?

The ninja of Uya needn't think. The village would never permit those who question the rules and refuse orders to live.

Is that a threat?!

Nay, that is simply the way of Uya.

But with such conservative principles, I fear it may not have a future. I believe we would benefit greatly from being led by ninja like you, Tsubame.

And how do you propose I clear up this misunderstanding?

By dealing with the traitor who truly wishes for Uya's destruction. According to the reports, someone has been leaking information about us to the Land of Ro. The location of our village is a safely guarded secret. To keep it as such, we must stop any attack before it reaches us.

We can't look the other way if your home is in danger. But if you know that much, you must've also identified the traitor. Why can't you just take care of it yourselves?

I am certain the people of Uya would have no trouble doing so. But I would like to give the opportunity to Tsubame.

I see. Who is it then?

...Kamome.

Huh?

......

The last attack was nothing more than a few ninja getting ahead of themselves. If the situation remains yet to be addressed, however, people will come after you and this village may be attacked again.

Uya has eyes everywhere, so consider your next moves carefully.

Wait! There's gotta be some kind of misunderstanding!

Don't waste your breath, Aldo. Regardless of where he is, he has no intention of explaining himself further.

So what're you gonna do now?

I am going to speak to Kamome.

I will ask her to meet us in the Yagara Grove, so let us make haste there.

What's up? It must be something super secret for you to call me out here.

That merchant was our master in disguise.

Well, that's not too surprising.

He said that you've been in contact with Ro.

......

Aw, man. You caught me way sooner than I thought!

So it's true then? You've been betraying Mi?

I just wanna keep Suzume safe from Uya. I've been doing whatever I could, but I knew I couldn't keep it up forever.

That's why I wanted to make sure I had a backup, just in case.

And that backup was Ro?

Yeah. It was pretty easy currying favor with their lord. All you have to do is say you wanna be friends and you're in. But everyone around me was so good at what they did. And me being me, I messed up and got myself cursed.

So now I can transform into a you-know-what.

Isn't there any way to break the curse?

Why would I wanna break it? It's a lot more fun this way.

Fun? In what way?

I mean, just imagine if I transformed right in the middle of Uya. What do you think would happen?

I see now what you intend to do. It's reckless.

I can't just look the other way when people wanna hurt my little sister. So if it's kill or be killed in this world, why wouldn't I chose the former?

C'mon, Tsubame. You caught me, so take me in. We can finally rid ourselves of all our grief.

No! I can't let you do that!

You really are a good guy, huh. You should leave Garulea before you get yourself killed.

You know what you need to do, don't you, Tsubame?

Of course, Kamome. I am a ninja of Uya. My life never once had value, not even for a moment.

There are no people in Uya. Just tools in their shape.

The only exception is Suzume, who sheds tears when life is lost.

So I must kill you in order to safeguard her future. Are you ready, Kamome?

Ungh, you seriously need to ease up, Tsubame. I thought for sure you'd understand how I felt.

I do, more than anyone.

Guess that's sisterhood for you. Aww, makes me wanna cry!

Well...it was fun while it lasted.

...I understand, Kamome. You will hold nothing back.

And I won't either.

Tsubame!

What are you doing?! She's your sister!

Why should that matter to me? A ninja kills who they must, even their own flesh and blood.

Kamome, I will strike you down. For Suzume!

Farewell, Kamome.

Stop!!!

Suzu...me...?

Suzume? Suzume!

No...

Please...don't fight... We're sisters... I want us...to be together forever...

This can't be...

No... No! NOOOOOO!

Kamome, get ahold of yourself! You'll become a true specter otherwise!

AHHHHHH!

Wait! Kamome! Not you too...

......

What're ya so sad about? Thought ya were a ninja.

You're right... Ninja don't have hearts... That is what I was taught and what I believed. Enough to take lives for it. But now I...I...

Ya got it all wrong. What I meant is that you're usually so calm. This ain't like ya at all.

You think too highly of me. How could I possibly remain calm having just lost both of my sisters?

Did ya though? Look.

Nngh...

Suzume! Are you all right?!

Tsu...bame?

Ah!

Suzume! But how? All that blood...

Yeah, it ain't blood. It's strawberry juice. She stuffed a bunch of berries in her pocket earlier to share with everyone.

Oh, thank goodness... I'm so relieved...

Hey, Tsubame... Where did Kamome go?

I don't know. It's likely she's headed for Uya, but... If she's become a true specter, she'll have lost all sense of self.

You mentioned that before too, but what exactly is a "true specter"?

Pretend you're still worried about Suzume and come closer...

Kamome being a traitor was all an act to fool the assassins on our trail.

What?

Kamome and I are always being watched by ninja from our home. Even now.

So we decided that I would "kill" her to dispel the doubts from Uya and protect Suzume. And that "curse" didn't come from a sorcerer, but Kamome herself who is well versed in spells and illusions. Normally, it would be easy to dispel, but given Kamome's state, I have my doubts. If nothing is done to change her back, she could very well be stuck like that forever.

I will go after her. Would you come with me?

Of course! We have to stop her.

No, I'm coming too.

I'm sorry, Suzume. Like I told you before, you need to know your limits. You specialize in transformation, and that won't be much help where we're going.

...Fine. Then I'll go too. Kamome told me to look after ya until she gets back, after all.

Yay! Thanks, Senya!

...You leave me little choice. But promise me you'll be careful.

Then let us make for the Vermilion Road. Kamome will pass through there if she is indeed headed for Uya.

Enough, Kamome.

It is time you dispel that curse.

......

Suzume is fine. So you can stop this now.

Yeah, please change back, Kamome!

......

Grrr...

......

Tch... Seems like we're too late. What now?

Now...we fight.

Hold on a sec! Don't you think that's a little drastic?!

If there's a chance we can turn her back, shouldn't we at least try?

If Kamome is still in there somewhere, she will not lay a hand on Suzume. Not ever.

Yeah, I haven't known her very long, but I can tell how much you two mean to her. I know how strong your bond is, and how you're both determined to do what needs to be done.

So if this is what you say we should do, then I trust you.

Thank you. Then let us defeat this specter and save Kamome.

All right, if you're sure.

We are ninja. We know what lies at the end of the path we walk.

Tsubame...

I'm sorry, Suzume. But I can't promise that the three of us will always be together like you wanted.

Kamome, I promise to free you from the bonds of Uya, here and now.

Kamome... As a ninja, I cannot overlook what you have done.

But in this moment, allow me to speak as your sister.

Thank you so much for protecting both Suzume and I until the very end.

Have you said your goodbyes?

...Yes, I have.

Very well then. Allow me to make sure everything is in order.

It seems she truly is dead. Then I shall...

Wait. Would you allow me to send her off with my own hands? I understand that such sentimentality is not allowed for ninja, but...she is my sister.

...If you insist.

Flame Jutsu!

I have seen your resolve with my own eyes. Consider your names cleared.

Is this what you really wanted?

Yes. Proving our loyalty means that Uya will no longer send people after us. Kamome loved us from the bottom of her heart. So I am certain that she would have no objections to how this ended.

You put on a brave front, don't ya?

But I'm guessin' it's because you feel you have no choice, what with you bein' so serious and all.

We'll see you back at the village. Take all the time you need.

I am sorry, Kamome. But this was the only way. Thanks to you, Suzume and I will be able to breathe easy for a short while. It seems unfair that so little time would be granted to us despite your sacrifice, but... I promise not to waste a single moment of it.

...Don't speak. There may still be eyes on us.

...Indeed. She understood without us having to say a word. When did she grow to be so clever? I want to tell her how proud I am, but...

We decided long ago that I would be strict and you would spoil her.

Wh-What does it matter if I still adhere to that? Now come. Let us return to the village.

Those sisters have grown so much, but still have a long way to go.

They did not manage to fool me, but... I cannot say the same for the other ninja.

They deserve passing marks for their performance. I shall let them be for now...

I hope I did not keep you waiting.

Not really. So? Did they leave?

I can usually sense their eyes on me, but...right now, there is nothing. I think it is safe to presume that they are no longer watching us.

Then it's safe for ya to come out, right?

Whoa! Don't scare me like that.

Why are you so jumpy? You knew I was just hiding, right?

When Tsubame said what she did back there, I had hope. But I had my doubts too.

If Kamome is still in there somewhere, she will not lay a hand on Suzume. Not ever.

Yeah, I haven't known her very long, but I can tell how much you two mean to her. I know how strong your bond is, and how you're both determined to do what needs to be done.

So if this is what you say we should do, then I trust you.

When you were a specter, all ya did was growl at us. Ya didn't even try to attack. That's how I knew ya were still in there, but honestly...I wish ya'd said somethin' earlier.

For that, I apologize. Even I wasn't sure for some time.

Well, even if you had really attacked me, I could've beat you with one hand behind my back.

Do not lie to us. If we had not noticed, you would have let us kill you.

As if a cold-blooded Uya ninja would ever let that happen! Honestly, I think you've just been spending too much time with that goody two-shoes there.

You are a poor liar...

So, is everything good now?

I cannot say for certain. Uya ninja are not so easily...

You!

...Hehehe. Looks like my disguise fooled you again!

Suzume, I ask that you not play tricks like that again. It's not funny.

Aww... But I worked so hard on that one. Weren't you impressed at all?

I was, indeed, when you transformed into someone from Uya and pretended to finish off Kamome.

However, you did lose points afterward when you acted on your own. Your physical combat skills need work. You will focus on training your body and crisis management skills moving forward.

Come here, Suzume!

I wasn't finished talking to her yet.

You did so well, Suzume! You made us so very proud!

Hehe! This is the best!

What?!

Hold on. I haven't yet explained to her the importance of staying safe.

(And I would like to praise her for her good work too!) (But if I do not remain strict and something were to happen to her...)

(I will pretend I don't see anything... Yes, I will look the other way...)

That girl...

Hey, Suzume. Wanna hear a secret?

Here's a big hug for you, Tsubame!

Wh-What? Why?!

Because I know you scold me because you love me!

And I love you too, Tsubame!

Oh my...

What's wrong, Tsubame?

I wouldn't worry about it. She's just surpassed her daily dose of Suzume.

I'm so happy...I could die... This is...bliss...

You're actin' kinda funny.

Ah!

Umm... W-Well, isn't the three of us getting along a sign that things are at peace?

Heh. Yeah, guess so.

It almost looks as though you want to laugh. I take it that is just my imagination.

Sorry, but I...I've just never seen you look so happy.

Ngh!

I wish I could stay, but it is time for my training... Goodbye!

Wait, Tsubame! I'm coming too!

Tsubame's a lot more expressive than I thought.

Finally saw through her, did you? She's always saying how ninja are just emotionless tools, but she's got more feelings than the rest of us combined.

She's not great at expressing them, though. Still, I hope you'll keep being a good friend to her.

Of course.

(My ambitions are not as lofty as those of the young lord and the others, but...)

(I wish to keep Suzume safe and happy.)

(I wish for a place where children can spread their wings and fly as free as birds...) (For I am certain that is a place where we could all spend our lives in peace.)

Now then, Suzume, let us begin our training.