The old daifuku laughed a laugh that began in what could be referred to as its belly, and then moved upwards in a very visible jiggle that was also reflected in the shaking of its voluminous white beard.

"It's not every day that a rickety old mochi gets asked that kind of question. I haven't even had a chance to test you yet!"

"Desperate times call for desperate measures. We have mere seconds before the Bubblegum Ninja Chomps get here."

The Bubblegum Daifuku chuckled again.

"Well, how about this for a question on the test - give me one good reason I shouldn't just let them take you and do what they want with you."

The chomp had faced many foes and hardships, but never had he ever had to resort to charm to overcome them. This would be a first. He only had time for a very few words. So every syllable counted.

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Suddenly, an idea struck him.

"Tell me this, old mochi. How is it that you ended up all alone on this shelf?"

"'twas the Cakeboss who came a fortnight ago and stole my family from me. Usually we are taken in ones or twos, or none at all if the Bubblegum Ninja Chomp candidates fail the test. But that Cakeboss," saying this the old mochi shook with anger, and every utterance of the word "Cakeboss" was laced heavily with spite.

"That Cakeboss took them all, while I hid in the darkness, brimming with impotent rage and potent fright."

"I see. What if I told you then that I plan to follow this Cakeboss and retrieve your kidnapped comrades? What if I told you that that my getting captured now would do nothing to further this plan?"

The chomp's future hinged on the Bubblegum Daifuku's measured response.