Yumi Episode

Sensei, did you sleep well?

Yumi, you're up early.

A Shinobi has to be diligent.

That definitely seems to be the case. All of you are so diligent you wake me right up.

I-I see... Then I should ask everyone to move more quietly from now on.

There's no need. More importantly, are the chores going alright? They're not working you too hard, are they?

Yes! It's not difficult, and everyone's been very kind to me.

That's good... You'll be able to go back soon enough, so don't worry too much.

Yes, but...

Do festivals in this region have dancing too?

Dancing?

Like traditional dance, for example...

Hmm. There isn't always a performance, but they do happen fairly often. They say when the world is in turmoil, dance and song become a comfort.

But why? Are you interested in traditional dance?

Yes... I like music too, but I've always been interested in many kinds of dance from around the world.

Oh, traditional music?

N-no... classical music...

That's unexpected. The rhythms of classical music and traditional dance are completely different, aren't they?

That's why I find myself thinking about it a lot.

Hmm... traditional dance and classical music. That's awfully refined for a Shinobi's hobby, isn't it?

The movements used in battle and in dance are closely related. You have to move as smoothly as flowing water.

When you think of it that way... I don't think it's that strange.

Now that you mention it, that does make sense.

Then want to go together? If we're lucky, we might get to see a troupe put on a dazzling dance.

Yes, I'd love to...!

When is the festival held?

In a few days. It usually happens when the market opens.

You'll have plenty of time to see it before you go back, so don't worry.

That's not it...

I want to... show the people here what I can do, too!

Oh... so you were the type to shine on stage?

N-no, that's not it.

I may have ended up here by accident, but I've been receiving so much help from you and everyone else here, Sensei.

So in whatever form I can... I wanted to repay that kindness...

Would that really be alright?

I'm sure everyone would love it. Yumi is such a beauty that even just standing still draws attention.

I-If you put it that way... it's embarrassing...

What does it matter how people react? What matters is the feeling behind why you're doing it.

I see...

If it's sincere, I'm sure it'll get through. Definitely...!

How was it?

It was wonderful!

You could go straight onto the stage like that. Shinobi really are talented.

We have to learn many things for the sake of our missions, after all...

Then music too?

I like listening to it... but I don't have much experience with it myself...

Actually, there are a lot of things I like. I like housework too...

Housework... and Shinobi don't seem to go together at all.

I've heard that a lot. Even so, it's not like we only have to be Shinobi all the time.

We devote ourselves to training and missions in order to destroy evil and uphold justice. And when it comes to that, I'm serious too...

But outside of that time, it's alright...

If possible, I want to be someone who's good at everything. Or... a g-good wife and mother...

I-It's embarrassing when you look at me like that...

Ah...!

S-sorry...

N-no...

Then... should I give up the things I like after all?

I had it wrong. I shouldn't have judged your tastes on my own...

Sensei...

Someone like you could be good at anything.

You've trained yourself this much and still want to learn more. Isn't that amazing?

Really?

Yeah! You're an incredible person!

You're not ordinary. As you keep taking on missions, there may be things you have to give up...

Is that so...

But you don't need to think about that right now.

If you keep doing the things you want, step by step, the answer will come naturally someday.

Ah...! Like walking the path of the Shinobi, right?

R-right!

It'd be nice if everyone handled themselves the way you do.

Hehe, I still have a long way to go myself.

You're usually so gentle and soft-spoken, but when you fight, you move with razor-sharp precision. It's incredible.

Because eradicating evil enemies is something that absolutely must be done.

You said that before too.

Do you think protecting justice is your role?

Yes...! Because I believe that's what my grandfather and my academy taught me.

Having such firm resolve and a clear goal is a good thing.

But... aren't there times when people have their reasons?

I suppose there are. Though that wouldn't apply to true evil Shinobi or Yoma.

Evil can never be tolerated, no matter the circumstances.

You're resolute.

No point talking about gloomy things. Come on! The request is finished, so I'll buy you something nice for dessert!

Dessert? Is there a cafe here too?

I didn't think there'd be one either, but there actually is.

It's not quite like the places you're used to seeing, though.

Sounds good!

You're so innocent. You don't even know what they sell yet.

Wh-what do they have?

Terrifying-looking stewed fish. Grilled octopus as thick as your forearm...

That's dessert?!

Haha, I was joking.

That's so mean... teasing me like that...

They have a lot of fruit desserts where you can really taste the fruit itself. Though in the capital, there are places that sell cake too.

Do you like desserts too, Sensei?

Living here gives you no end of reasons to run out of sugar. If I didn't at least have the joy of eating, I never would've made it.

Isn't it the same for you? Relaxing with tea after a hard mission, or easing your fatigue with a bath...

Ah! That's right!

That's the feeling.

But... bathing with other people too...?

I wish. That's just wishful thinking, so don't worry about it.

It's not so much that I like them as... food isn't always plentiful, so I end up looking for things like that. I don't dislike them, though.

I see...

I don't mind either way. What matters is whether you like them, Yumi.

That's true, but...

I guess... I wanted to get a little closer to you too, Sensei...

Yumi...!

Great job, Yumi. That was a wonderful performance!

Thank you, Sensei.

It was all amazing, but the way you moved the fan was pure art. You really handle a fan beautifully.

I use one often, after all. In battle too.

So that's why you can say it relates to combat.

Yes, exactly.

In a way, maybe that's the secret to becoming strong. Up until now, I've been too busy just swinging my sword.

You're already plenty strong, Sensei. Do you still need to become stronger?

I'm still far from enough.

The only reason I'm still alive is because of my training, yes, but also because of my companions' help... and luck.

I've had to run away plenty of times too. There are monsters out there far stronger than anything comparable to the ones you all defeated.

You and the others are all incredibly skilled already... that's surprising.

I thought this world somehow lacked vitality, but now I understand why... if monsters like that exist.

Well, war is the main reason for that, but...

...Among the Shinobi too, there are people who struggle with their fate and with conflicts between one another.

If they knew a world this ruined existed, they'd be shocked.

Well, when I dreamed about living in another world, I thought it would just be wonderful.

There are things you only understand once you've experienced them yourself.

The world is wide, after all.

Yeah. There are even amazing Shinobi like you.

I-It's hard to respond when you praise me so suddenly.

Ahh... it would've been nice if you were one of my companions, Yumi.

Wasn't I... your companion?

I mean an adventuring companion.

Looking after people who are always getting themselves into trouble makes you grow attached, but there are plenty of moments that make you sigh. Sometimes I wish I had someone I could lean on too.

In that sense, I think you'd make the ideal companion, Yumi. You're capable, calm, and very understanding.

And you even have such wonderful talents.

Th-that's not true...

If someday, we meet again...

...Yes! Gladly!

The dance?

It really left an impression on me. Maybe even more so because it was the kind of performance you can never experience here.

Ah... there must be differences in culture.

Understood. If the chance comes, I'll show you a wonderful dance for all the hard work you do, Sensei!

Thank you.