Adachi's Perspective, The Next Morning

I sit up out of bed when I hear the noises outside my bedroom. I passed out quickly last night, but this room is rather lovely. It's cozy and practical, just the way I like it.

I take off my shirt and start changing into a set of clothes that Master Shiki provided. Looking into a mirror, I inspect my body. My wounds are healing relatively quickly after Kina treated them last night-

*BOOM*

The door bursts open suddenly, and Mito steps into the room.

Mito: "Hey, kid! Breakfast is ready! Hurry up before it gets cold!"

I'm shocked at the sudden intrusion but recover enough to say something back before Mito decides to dash off again.

Adachi: "Sorry! Mito, right? I didn't get a chance to tell you my name yesterday..."

Mito: "Yeah, yeah, it's Adachi. I know everything already. Unfortunately, It looks like you'll be staying here a while, so try to pull your weight."

Before I can retort the unwarranted verbal assault, Mito dashes down the hallway. Oh well. Maybe he's one of those "Acquired Taste" characters Kiichi told me about.

After changing clothes into some loosely fitting dojo attire, I begin down the hallway to find breakfast. I don't know the ins and outs of this compound, but the aroma of baked potatoes wafting through the hallway is enough to guide me to the dining room. I poke my head through the door and see a beautiful array of food.

As I make my way to my seat, I can't help but inquire about the food.

Adachi: "This is incredible! Who made all of this!"

Strewn across the table is an assortment of freshly cooked meats, vegetables, and pastries. My mouth waters because of the mixed scent entering my nose.

Master Shiki: "Actually, Mito is in charge of making meals around here. We would offer to take turns, but Mito takes pride in his ability to cook. This certainly is an unusual amount of food, though, Mito."

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I look at Mito, who has his arms crossed in self-satisfaction. Did he do all this to thank me? Mito notices my glance and pipes up.

Mito: "So that you know, I didn't make this food to thank you or anything. Obo is coming back today."

Obo? I look around the table and count five chairs set around it. There seems to be a member of this dojo that I haven't met yet.

Obo: "Woohoo! Something smells great!"

That's an unfamiliar voice. Into the room walks a tall guy, probably around the age of 17 or 18. He's dressed in protective gear, and his hair is colored black. I can tell from the look on his face that he is the kind type. He drops a bag off his back and removes his shoes before entering the dining room.

Mito: "Obo! Welcome back!"

I look at Mito, who is uncharacteristically enthralled to see this man. What sort of bond do they share, I wonder?

Obo: "Hey, Mito! I brought those spices you asked me to pick up on my way back."

Mito: "Thanks, Obo!"

Kina: "Hmph. You never get anything for me while you're out on missions, Obo."

Kina is pouting, which is also uncharacteristic from what I've seen so far. Is it because they feel comfortable around Obo? Obo looks at me and grants me a slight bow.

Obo: "You must be Adachi. It's nice to meet you."

I stand up quickly and return a modest bow.

Adachi: "The feeling is mutual. Thank you for your hospitality."

Mito's grin dissipates as he's reminded of my presence. How does this Obo fellow already know about me? Did Master Shiki communicate with him remotely somehow?

Obo: "Oh! That reminds me!"

Obo reaches into his bag and pulls out a pair of boots... My pair of boots!

Adachi: "How did you find these?! More importantly, how did you manage to convince the Lord to give you them back?!"

Master Shiki: "I sent them word that I was retrieving your items. They said the only thing they got off you was a pair of boots that they considered weaponry. They may be a ruthless family, but they wouldn't like getting on our bad side."

Does this dojo hold that much political power? Then, suddenly, I realize that something is missing.

Adachi: "My bag! They also had my bag! Did you get that from them as well?"

Master Shiki strokes his beard and considers the circumstances.

Master Shiki: "They said nothing of a bag. I doubt they would lie to me about something like that unless it were of incredible importance to them. So what exactly was in that bag?"

I shift awkwardly. I know I can trust these people, but blurting out something about Dodona seeds may be a bad idea as well. Obo seems to notice my concern and interrupts.

Obo: "Let's talk about this over breakfast, shall we? Please, take your time."

Obo takes a seat and begins to load food onto his plate.

Obo: "So, to determine the likeliness that the Lord is lying about your bag, can you tell us if there was anything invaluable inside? What might cause them to risk political warfare?"

Adachi: "I had a few things in my bag of various values, but only one thing might cause them to do that."

Everyone leans in with anticipation.

Adachi: "I had a pouch of Dodona seeds in that bag. That's why I need it back so badly."