“Strange indeed,” Shirou said thoughtfully, “and I imagine that’s what you want me to find out?”

“You’re the only one I know with that kind of ninjutsu,” Akira said, “will you do it?”

“Well, you caught me on a good day,” Shirou grinned at me, “I’ll see what I can dig up. Meanwhile, our guest here looks absolutely miserable. Perhaps you would like something to eat and maybe some sleep?”

Akira’s usually controlled demeanor was momentarily lowered. She was genuinely surprised that Shirou agreed to this. And it only made her more curious about me.

“That would be great,” I said. I felt apprehensive about Akira’s friends,...

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