[Suzuki Tsubasa]

Tsubasa’s legs were aching when they finally arrived at their destination. Her training regimen and general physical exercise didn’t translate perfectly into the endurance needed for long distance walks that took multiple days. Tetsuo-sensei had led Suzume and Tsubasa from Iwagakure, across Tsuchi no Kuni, and to the site of their mission, a rather ordinary looking tavern located in a border mining town.

The journey had been rather uneventful. Tsubasa came off as a little nervous, only asking questions that needed to be asked but otherwise trying to be a comforting, big-sister-like presence for the younger Suzume. Though, when the terrain got a little more claustrophobic, she was probably the one who needed comforting.

Now that they’d arrived Tetsuo would leave it to the two girls to figure out what to do. The special jounin would be at the tavern if they needed him. The point of his presence was to help protect the pair if something went wrong, not help with the mission itself, that was up to them. The mission was relatively simple, the pair was to talk to those around the tavern and surrounding area and ascertain the whereabouts of a missing miner, or at the very least some idea of where he’d disappeared to. The running theory was a kidnapping but it was possible he’d got drunk and wandered off somewhere.

Of course, that wasn’t about to be easy for this pair. Tsubasa’s anxiety made talking to strangers a little tricky and Suzume just didn’t talk, making the somewhat rowdy tavern they’d have to start at quite the initial challenge.

[Himishi Suzume]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","wiing"]

[attr="class","wiingtop"]

[attr="class","wiingtopimg"]

[attr="class","wiingtop1"]gilded sparrow

[attr="class","wiingtop2"]AT THE MERCY OF TIME

[attr="class","wiingtop3"]CLIPPED WINGS

[attr="class","wiingtop4"]THE DARK DOESN'T FRIGHTEN ME, I CHOSE TO CLOSE MY EYES, IT IS MINE

[attr="class","wiingpost"]

The trip had been awfully long. Though this isn't the first time Suzume has travelled beyond the village walls, there is still a lurching sense of trepidation bubbling in the pit of her stomach. As her attention trickles from her sensei to the girl she's just recently come to know as Tsubasa, she quietly recalls just how she's acted throughout the length of their journey.[break][break]

Nervous as she had presented the day they first met, but trying her very best to seem like she has a grasp on the situation. Watching over and checking in on her, almost as if afraid she'd fall off a cliff or shatter into a million pieces if left alone. Only once did the older genin really begin to crumble, and that was when they were going through
the narrow mountain pass.[break][break]

It comes off as a little weird, considering how their village is essentially tucked away in the middle of several narrow ravines. Wherever the fear stems from, she doesn't question, only focuses on keeping her wits about her as they enter the tavern.[break][break]

Off goes their sensei. Perhaps, a tad too trusting of their abilities. With one twisted tongue and another essentially mute, the task that lays ahead of them is no mean feat. But they shouldn't get ahead of themselves just yet. First things first, they need to figure out a course of action.[break][break]

So she tugs on Tsubasa's hand, gesturing for them to head to a corner.

[attr="class","wiingbot1"]

A BROKEN THING

[attr="class","wiingbot2"]for Suzuki Tsubasa

[attr="class","wiingbot3"]

Mission: A Trail of Dust

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[Suzuki Tsubasa]

Tsubasa had frozen once the pair were left alone. It wasn’t as bad as when they’d travelled, a tavern wasn’t a cavern after all, but the number of people, the smell of alcohol and sweat, it was quite the sensory overload for the poor girl. The soft touch of a hand on hers brought her back to reality and she glanced down towards Suzume with a start and registering what was going on. With a short nod of understanding she lead the younger genin over to the corner table and pulled out a chair for each of them.

"So, we have to ask questions…” Tsubasa said slowly, yellow eyes glancing towards her teammate briefly, clearly a little worried about that fact Suzume wasn’t going to be able to help much on the front. "I-I figured we should probably start with the barman and see when the last time the prospector was here, maybe some follow-up questions?”

The barman seemed to be a large, friendly looking man somewhere in his thirties or forties that was busily pouring drinks, chatting with patrons, and cleaning up the bar itself. Things didn’t seem too busy right now, but they were a couple of kids surrounded by adults, and both of them seemed to struggle to keep their headbands on their actual heads.

"W-would uh, do you have any questions I should ask?” she asked, uncertain if her own approach was going to work out but clearly ready to stand up and head on over to ask.

[Himishi Suzume]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","wiing"]

[attr="class","wiingtop"]

[attr="class","wiingtopimg"]

[attr="class","wiingtop1"]gilded sparrow

[attr="class","wiingtop2"]AT THE MERCY OF TIME

[attr="class","wiingtop3"]CLIPPED WINGS

[attr="class","wiingtop4"]THE DARK DOESN'T FRIGHTEN ME, I CHOSE TO CLOSE MY EYES, IT IS MINE

[attr="class","wiingpost"]

It's a rather uncomfortable scenario. While she is somewhat used to breathing in ash and smoke, the acrid scent of alcohol creates a burning sensation that simply isn't as kind or as gentle. And yet, there is no other option but to stick it out.[break][break]

Her skin prickles at the many debaunched eyes that trace her figure. As expected of idiots that decide to drink themselves under whilst the sun hangs high above their reach. Still, there are many other kinds that behold her presence, perhaps wondering what a young child such as her is doing in a place like this.[break][break]

A chair drawn up, her seat gracefully taken as she meets Tsubasa's gaze. And just as expected, the girl's nerves show. She can't say much about it, given that she too is somewhat on the verge of cracking under the pressure herself.[break][break]

The approach sounds simple, but the sparrow seems much more rigid than usual at the suggestion.[break][break]

How long was he here for? Did he meet with anyone?[break][break]

Paper and ink, dainty handwriting betraying her upbringing if her posture didn't already do so.[break][break]

He may not be willing to answer the questions. And if we're unlucky, we may draw attention from unwanted sources.[break][break]

The tavern is a wolves den, where one can wind up losing as much, if not more than what they receive.[break][break]

We can either attempt to ask him in private, or I can hang back to see if anyone is acting suspicious while you question him. Your choice.

[attr="class","wiingbot1"]

A BROKEN THING

[attr="class","wiingbot2"]for Suzuki Tsubasa

[attr="class","wiingbot3"]

Mission: A Trail of Dust

PHARAOH LEAP CREATES

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[Suzuki Tsubasa]

While Suzume wrote Tsubasa let her eyes slowly drift around tavern. She wanted to get some insight into the people around them and how they were being viewed but the poor girl wasn’t the best at such things when there was more than a single person to watch. To her no one seemed out of place, just curious people staring at two obvious teens in an adult space. It seemed like the fact they’d been brought in by an obvious shinobi had somehow gone over a number of people’s head.

When Suzume passed her the paper with question ideas Tsubasa nodded quickly in agreement. They were all good questions that pried a lot deeper at the core of their mission than the simple questions she’d considered. After a few moments of silence as she thought over the last line the other girl had written Tsubasa finally spoke up. "I-I think I’d like you to take watch. I doubt he’s going to have time to give us a private conversation considering how busy everything is.” She stated matter-of-factly, but didn’t move to get up. Instead, Tusbasa closed her eyes and took a deep breath before slowly letting it out as she mentally prepared for what was go come.

After a moment her yellow eyes snapped open, a look of determination on the young girl’s face before she stood up from the seat and reached into the neck of her jacket. The gazes the two had been receiving suddenly went elsewhere as Tsubasa tied her village headband firmly in place and made her way over to the barman, only the slightest tremor evident in her hands as she walked away from her teammate.

"Hello sir. I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time. Official village business.” Tsubasa stood at the bar directly in front of the barkeep in her best official sounding voice. The man looked her way seriously for a moment before glancing to the side, towards where Tetsuo was sitting quietly and returned his attention to the young genin.

"Sure kid, what do you need?” he asked gruffly, clearly not too happy to be dealing with something like this right now but willing to do his due diligence when asked by someone in an official capacity.

"Recently a man has gone missing from your establishment. A rather successful prospector that drinks here regularly. We were wondering if you could answer a few questions to help narrow our search.” As Tsubasa started to ask questions a number of the patrons by the bar got up to move away, clearly uncomfortable with the whole situation which earned her a glare from the barkeep as she continued talking. "Could you please let me know when the last time you saw him was? Who he frequently talked with, and anyone he recently met would also be super helpful.”

[Himishi Suzume]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","wiing"]

[attr="class","wiingtop"]

[attr="class","wiingtopimg"]

[attr="class","wiingtop1"]gilded sparrow

[attr="class","wiingtop2"]AT THE MERCY OF TIME

[attr="class","wiingtop3"]CLIPPED WINGS

[attr="class","wiingtop4"]THE DARK DOESN'T FRIGHTEN ME, I CHOSE TO CLOSE MY EYES, IT IS MINE

[attr="class","wiingpost"]


Possibilities smoothed over, roles promptly assigned despite the unique set of circumstances the duo face. Thankfully, Tsubasa seems to have steeled herself for whatever fortune or mishaps she may stumble into.[break][break]

Suzume gathers her papers and tucks them away, then nods as she places one hand over the other. She will wait, and she will watch. A plain little sparrow that does her best at shrinking into the background and gazes from her little perch.[break][break]

The first thing she notices is the dispersal of the crowd around the bar, all save for their sensei whom she's just recently met. And the barkeep seems strained, cleaning the glasses a little more slowly and deliberately. But her attention shouldn't be on that front. No, she should instead be focusing on the other patrons of this bar: Some of which seem to watch the commotion with quickly fading interest whilst others just seem annoyed that they can't approach to grab themselves a drink.[break][break]

One in particular bumps into her table, drunkenly splaying over the surface as the hand closest to her looses its grip on a small scroll. Just as she's about to leap away, she notices it: Those dark lines that trace her dawn. And instead, she stands up with a display of panic, attempting to help this man back onto his feet with one hand whilst sneakily tucking the scroll into her pouch with the other.[break][break]

On the other hand, the barkeep heaves a deep sigh at the quick succession of questions.[break][break]

"Ah... that cranky old timer, huh? Last saw him two days ago. Just came in for his usual drink, bragging 'bout how he's rich and then stumbled off after drinking himself silly."[break][break]

Nothing out of the ordinary. Though, he does seem a little stiff at the mention of the elderly prospector meeting someone.

[attr="class","wiingbot1"]

A BROKEN THING

[attr="class","wiingbot2"]for Suzuki Tsubasa

[attr="class","wiingbot3"]

Mission: A Trail of Dust

PHARAOH LEAP CREATES

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[Suzuki Tsubasa]

The conversation with the barkeep was questionably useful at best, revealing at worst. Calling him a cranky old timer suggested they may have had disagreements, or enjoyed goodhearted arguments. Two days suggested the idea that he was kidnapped may not be accurate, or that if he had disappeared he’d been hanging around the tavern specifically before going missing more recently. And then there was the reaction to the possibility of him meeting someone.

"And did you notice if anyone was acting suspicious at that time? Maybe followed him out when they normally wouldn’t have?” Tsubasa asked, pressing the matter further and watching the man carefully for further reactions.

"Nah, guy was bragging pretty loudly like he always does. As long as he can pay no one really cares.” Tsubasa noted the man looking over her left shoulder as he said that but resisted the desire to stare herself, instead nodding her thanks and returning to the table with Suzume.

"You notice much happen on the right side of the room from the barkeep?” she asked softly as she resumed her seat, carefully positioned so she could keep an eye on the barkeep in case he made a sudden move to leave the building. "Either he’s in on this or knows who is and doesn’t want to tell, but he glanced that way when I pressed him for more.” Tsubasa wasn’t too sure about either of those options but didn’t want to ignore any of the possibilities.

"It’s possible the entire situation is benign but its hard to tell.”

[Himishi Suzume]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","wiing"]

[attr="class","wiingtop"]

[attr="class","wiingtopimg"]

[attr="class","wiingtop1"]gilded sparrow

[attr="class","wiingtop2"]AT THE MERCY OF TIME

[attr="class","wiingtop3"]CLIPPED WINGS

[attr="class","wiingtop4"]THE DARK DOESN'T FRIGHTEN ME, I CHOSE TO CLOSE MY EYES, IT IS MINE

[attr="class","wiingpost"]

Drunkards, gamblers, brigands and unsavoury wanderers. Rare are friendly looking faces around these parts and they only seem to get rougher with how much Tsubasa tries to push her questions. But those glares all seem to dissipate when she finally vacates the spot to accessing their meagre slices of heaven.[break][break]

As for Suzume, she's a little dishevelled from when she'd been left to observe the situation on her own. She's just about returning from helping the poor man find a seat at another table, still a little shaken from having to deal with his breath beside her ears. And yet, there is plentiful to be found in his mildly alcohol-laced words.[break][break]

So as she takes another breath to still her racing heart, she shakes her head at the question posed. There hadn't been much actually happening on the right, just the slight bit of rowdiness from a table that's calling for another raise. He'd probably been considering whether he needed to go over and settle the situation before a fight broke out.[break][break]

On the other hand, the other end of the tavern harbours a rather small and seedy man that just about blends into the backdrop of misfits and ruffians. She'd noticed him not too long ago, taking very minute sips of beer. Seemingly controlled in his drinking habits and keeping his eyes stuck to the golden foam of his mug that has long fizzled away by now.[break][break]

It's not that he's spacing out in a drunken stupor. On the contrary, he seems to be the most on guard in this tavern, soaking in the atmosphere and raucous conversations thrown about. To avoid setting him off and potentially running, Suzume has to be very careful in how she conveys this to Tsubasa.[break][break]

Don't turn to look. Act natural.[break][break]

The first and most important rule in making sure they don't give the game away.[break][break]

On your 2 o'clock. They're probably listening in.

[attr="class","wiingbot1"]

A BROKEN THING

[attr="class","wiingbot2"]for Suzuki Tsubasa

[attr="class","wiingbot3"]

Mission: A Trail of Dust

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[Suzuki Tsubasa]

Tsubasa was a little concerned to see Suzume up as she returned to the table, though whatever was going on seemed to be handled by the time the older genin sat back down. She was a little concerned her read on the barkeep’s glance didn’t seem related to their mission but that was the benefit of having a teammate to work with, she had someone to sound off on ideas and keep an eye elsewhere while she did her job. At least they had some information to work with, even if she felt less than useful right this second.

When the next message made it to Tsubasa’s eyes she did her best not to react, and kept her eyes trained on the barkeep. She still didn’t trust the man, though it was possible she was simply being overly cautious. Actually dealing with other people for a mission was really new to her, and dealing with so many strange new people at once was almost overwhelming her normal mental calming techniques.

"So, you think he’s involved?” Tsubasa asked at the same volume as her earlier questions. She inclined her head towards the barkeep but tapped Suzume’s second message as she slid the note back to her teammate. It seemed they had two leads, and two sets of eyes to watch them, though as Tsubasa had left the bar people were slowly filtering back towards the barkeep and distracting him from much more than work. Still, whoever looked to make the wrong move first would likely be the person to follow and question next, assuming things stayed calm enough that only questions were needed.

[Himishi Suzume]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","wiing"]

[attr="class","wiingtop"]

[attr="class","wiingtopimg"]

[attr="class","wiingtop1"]gilded sparrow

[attr="class","wiingtop2"]AT THE MERCY OF TIME

[attr="class","wiingtop3"]CLIPPED WINGS

[attr="class","wiingtop4"]THE DARK DOESN'T FRIGHTEN ME, I CHOSE TO CLOSE MY EYES, IT IS MINE

[attr="class","wiingpost"]


The barkeep probably knows, but doesn't want to get involved.[break][break]

Such is the way when issues involve the dealings of shinobi. Civilians who are well in the know of their capabilities steer clear to avoid crossing the wrong people.[break][break]

The other is probably going to take his leave soon.[break][break]

This is not something she knows instinctively after having watched him for a while, but rather, knowledge derived from the observations of someone who has been here for far longer. The day yawns long and his cup must be nearing empty by now, which means he will either head back to the bar for a refill or choose to scamper with the presence of village shinobi.[break][break]

She's inclined to lean towards the latter option, in which case, they must prepare themselves for a runner. And yet, him running is the least worrying part of the situation. Without any real clues on how dangerous or involved he is, approaching him for information could spell disaster for their mission.[break][break]

What should we do? I can wait outside if we wish to catch him while he's leaving?[break][break]

Her instinctive nature of flight and freeze still has her rattled. Wishing to step outside the tavern wouldn't be something that would draw too much suspicion.

[attr="class","wiingbot1"]

A BROKEN THING

[attr="class","wiingbot2"]for Suzuki Tsubasa

[attr="class","wiingbot3"]

Mission: A Trail of Dust

PHARAOH LEAP CREATES

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[Suzuki Tsubasa]

Tsubasa nodded thoughtfully, unsure what she should or should not say out loud to the messages as they were passed. The idea that it was the very thing they represented as shinobi might cause the average citizen discomfort had never crossed the teen’s mind but it probably made sense. Even with the support of those around her lately the silver haired girl didn’t really consider herself a threat, or even worth the consideration of the average person, yet out here in the greater world the headband she wore indicated otherwise.

"Maybe, I don’t think I should interrupt the bar again at any rate. I don’t want to cause a fuss.” Tsubasa’s words weren’t really there to answer Suzume’s question, she wasn’t even sure how exactly sure how to answer that right now, but they did give an illusion of conversation if the man her teammate had singled out was indeed listening to their discussion. Yellow eyes left the barkeep and slowly panned the room, taking in the man Suzume had indicated before resting on her teammate’s face with a slightly exaggerated, concerned look. The idea of sending the younger girl out on her own felt counterintuitive to her instincts but she couldn’t ignore the thoughtful wisdom in them.

"Are you sure? Tetsuo-sensei might not like it that you had to step out for air when we’ve got a job to do.” It was in part a legitimate concern, part indication that Suzume should do what she thought needed to happen in the current situation. Tsubasa didn’t like the idea of taking her eyes off the other girl, but trusted she was up to the job none the less. There was just one thing she wasn’t so sure about with a plan like this. "Contact me in the regular way if you run into any trouble.”

"However it is that you do that” she mouthed silently, hoping the message got through.

[Himishi Suzume]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","wiing"]

[attr="class","wiingtop"]

[attr="class","wiingtopimg"]

[attr="class","wiingtop1"]gilded sparrow

[attr="class","wiingtop2"]AT THE MERCY OF TIME

[attr="class","wiingtop3"]CLIPPED WINGS

[attr="class","wiingtop4"]THE DARK DOESN'T FRIGHTEN ME, I CHOSE TO CLOSE MY EYES, IT IS MINE

[attr="class","wiingpost"]

There are two lines of conversation that must be followed, running on parallel tracks and requiring different answers. Whilst she is more than capable of writing it all down without having to think much about what she is allowed to say, Tsubasa isn't afforded that same luxury. So she has to try her best to read between the lines, to make things easier for the other girl as far as possible.[break][break]

I will be fine for the most part. When he leaves the tavern, you can always get up to follow.[break][break]

In addition to those written words, there is a feeble nod. Though there is some difficulty in understanding those mouthed words, she more or less guesses that it has something to do with her inability to communicate with normal methods.[break][break]

It may help if you inform Tetsuo-sensei of our suspicions and plans.[break][break]

With that, trembling hands stow her papers away, a shaky breath exhaled as she rises to her feet. Arms folding across her chest, she hugs her elbows and skittishly crosses the tavern, pushing against the door as she slips away from the wretched stink of alcohol and conspiracy.[break][break]

You may have to see through him.[break][break]

Acrid breath still lingering upon her ear, the tipoff makes her squeeze her elbows tighter. Will she really have to use it? Surely there are other methods to force an answer from him if he chooses not to be cooperative. For all they know, he could be willing to sell for the right price.[break][break]

In the meantime, the situation in the tavern seems to alter ever so slowly. The man continuing to enjoy the last dregs of his mug, that same empty look kept on his face as his attention finally falls away from the creaking door. Soon enough, there will be nothing left and he will get up from his seat, making for the exit with a swift, even pace.

[attr="class","wiingbot1"]

A BROKEN THING

[attr="class","wiingbot2"]for Suzuki Tsubasa

[attr="class","wiingbot3"]

Mission: A Trail of Dust

PHARAOH LEAP CREATES

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[Suzuki Tsubasa]

If only she’d brought her own papers and pen, it would have made the entire situation much easier to just write out their thoughts back and forth, in a way that the others wouldn’t be able to overhear. Instead they just suffered through the situation they found themselves in, a lesson learnt for future situations. "Okay, stay safe.”

Tsubasa had to resist her desire to reach out and give the younger girl’s arm a supportive squeeze. This whole ‘being the older person’ and ‘looking out for someone’ thing was new to her and brought with it a whole range of concerns the teen wasn’t sure how to handle. Even though she was convinced Suzume was more than capable of looking after herself there was just something fragile about the other girl that scared her a little. And she didn’t want whatever that was to break.

Once her teammate was out the door Tsubasa sat back uncertainly, trying to watch the room and the barkeep at the same time as she considered what to do next. Tetsuo-sensei was here to watch over them in the event something went south, not help them with the mission itself, yet if they were to leave his sight it was going to be hard for him to do something like that. Telling him the whole situation wasn’t necessary but at least warning him they’d be heading outside as part of the investigation was sensible.

With that in mind, Tsubasa popped up from her seat and walked around to their sensei, but giving the bar itself a wide berth so as not to interrupt things again. She briefly whispered their plan to catch someone outside to the older teen before returning to her seat and grumbling out loud as though this entire situation was some sort of inconvenience to an experienced individual such as herself.

"Once she gets back in here we’ll figure this out properly.”

With a deep fear that her acting was less that convincing, Tsubasa was quite relieved when the man they’d been watching finally finished his drink and made for the door. It took all her willpower not to jump up at that moment and dash after him, as she knew full well such a decision would ruin the trap they’d laid. Instead, Tsubasa closed her eyes and took several deep breaths, using the moment to both count and steel her emotions.

Tsubasa got up to the sound of the door swinging shut, the count of five in her head, and a look of determination on her face that belied the spike of fear she experienced in her heart. She took walked to the door at an even pace, not wanting to raise the alarm from anyone within the bar that might have cried warning, but still a little faster than she’d intended. The idea of leaving her friend alone with a potential danger was too much for the poor girl. Once at the door she paused for a moment, opened it slowly, and slipped out with the cautious stealth of the shinobi she was supposed to be.

[Himishi Suzume]

[nospaces]

[attr="class","wiing"]

[attr="class","wiingtop"]

[attr="class","wiingtopimg"]

[attr="class","wiingtop1"]gilded sparrow

[attr="class","wiingtop2"]AT THE MERCY OF TIME

[attr="class","wiingtop3"]CLIPPED WINGS

[attr="class","wiingtop4"]THE DARK DOESN'T FRIGHTEN ME, I CHOSE TO CLOSE MY EYES, IT IS MINE

[attr="class","wiingpost"]

It is relatively nice and quiet outside, the gentle sun gazing upon her as it becomes her company for this little watch. No longer does each breath she take drag in the burning scent of alcohol, no longer does she have to feel the pinpricks of pressure upon her neck.[break][break]

In this very moment, she is free. And she savours this feeling for however long it may last, which really isn't all that long after all.[break][break]

The creaking of the door reveals the man that they'd identified just minutes prior, a rather tired look to his face that doesn't quite match the cool demeanour he had displayed whilst in the tavern. His gaze stuck to the horizon, his pace quickened as he begins his walk to who knows where. Though the plan is to stop this man in his tracks and question him, it'd be much better for the tavern owner if they didn't start a ruckus right outside.[break][break]

The little things that all piece together into the larger concern of village reputation and not wanting to tip off any potential accomplices in the case.[break][break]

Trailing after him doesn't seem like that hard of a task. Down the dirt path for a few minutes, then a turn off the beaten road into a house. When Tsubasa eventually catches up, Suzume is waiting, watching the entrances for any signs of him escaping. And she gestures vaguely to the building, a tilt of her head as if questioning what their next step should be.

[attr="class","wiingbot1"]

A BROKEN THING

[attr="class","wiingbot2"]for Suzuki Tsubasa

[attr="class","wiingbot3"]

Mission: A Trail of Dust

PHARAOH LEAP CREATES

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[Suzuki Tsubasa]

Tsubasa’s footfall was light and soft, something that those like the man the pair were stalking would be unable to detect, yet someone who lived in quiet contemplation of the world around her would likely hear. The teen would still try to signal to her teammate her approach without making too much noise, ready to follow the man away from the building in hope of asking him some private questions. Of course, what she found was Suzume sitting quietly, watching a door. It seemed their target was inside.

Suzume seemed to want her to take command of the situation so she gave a quiet ‘stay here’ gesture and quietly moved to walk around the building. There were a couple of windows on the sides but no second door out the back, and a quiet peek through one of the windows confirmed the man was still inside. It looked like the building had a couple of rooms though, and he was hiding in one of the side ones, crouched down and staring at the door.

Tsubasa made her way back around the front again to report back and gestured to her partner to move back a bit from the building so she could talk. "Looks like he’s hiding in a side room. Second window on the right side of the building? I don’t know why but he’s watching the door, do you think he heard you?” It made sense if so, though it was also possible the man was just being extra cautious considering how blatantly she’d been asking questions earlier.

"If we follow him in he might try to go for the window, I could take the door if you want to watch for that, or the other way around?” She was still trying to be that responsible elder in the situation. That and fill the silence a little, to hide her awkwardness and that lingering feeling that they weren’t quite clicking the way she’d hoped when she picked this mission for the pair.