A Yamataikoku Cop Story

Our rice is being stolen!?

I'm afraid so. We've received reports from the village storehouse that our rice stock has been decreasing.

Are we sure it's not rats or something?

It couldn't be rats.

All of Yamataikoku's storehouses are built with elevated floors with special boards at the top of each post to keep rats from climbing up...

...so there's no way any rodents could get inside.

So, then...does that mean somebody is secretly taking it?

Hmm. I don't think there's anyone here who would do something like that, but I can't think of another explanation, either...

Nobukatsu and I've been asking people around the village if they know anything...

...but so far, our search hasn't turned up any leads.

Hmm. Guess I'll just have to divinate this answer myself.

...

So that's how Himiko makes her prophecies.

？！

(Gasp) I've got it! I mean, I heard something!

"When the day is not yet born, a suspect shadow will disturb the crops."

I see...

Wait, no, I don't see. What's that supposed to mean?

"When the day is not yet born..."

Maybe that means dawn, since the day hasn't fully begun by then?

Oh, okay. So basically, someone shady's gonna show up at the storehouses at dawn.

Probably.

Either way, we'll find out for sure if we stake out the storehouses overnight!

...

There! Suspect shadow, twelve o'clock!

What shall we do, Master?

Understood! Proceeding to capture suspect!

You there! Stop! Don't try to resist!

？！

Huh? What're you guys doing here!?

Mr. Saito!?

Oh hey, Okita. Funny running into you here.

This is so disappointing, Mr. Saito. To think the captain of the Shinsengumi's Third Unit has been reduced to a petty rice thief...

One that's obviously doing well enough for himself in the rice black market to afford a snappy suit. Where'd you get that outfit, anyway?

Huh? What're you talking about?

I tell you what. From one samurai to another, I'll spare you the shame of reporting your misdeeds to Mr. Hijikata if you commit seppuku here and now.

Whoa, whoa, you've got it all wrong. I'm here on the Vice Commander's

Hanyo hanyobbuu!

Aaah! Those haniwa are making off with tons of rice!

Dammit! I finally track them down and then you scare them off with all that noise!

What do you think you're doing, Saito!? Move it already!

Mr. Hijikata! You knew what Mr. Saito was up to?

Yeah, didn't I tell you? I saw him when we got here.

And since we don't have enough hands to keep this area safe like the Demon King's brother asked us to, I've been having him help out.

So Nobukatsu requested this?

There you have it. Guess I'll be seeing you around again.

But first, we gotta catch those things!

I guess I will be...

Glad to have you back!

Hanyo hanyooobbu!