“This way, Master Gorō,” Azuma, the owner said, ushering the three into a modest but charming garden located at the back courtyard of the teahouse where they treated him. “You’re welcome to spend as much time as you like.” “Thank you, Azuma-san,” Master Gorō replied. “It’s nice to know Azuma-san knows you very well, Master Gorō,” spoke Lani. “I’m well-acquainted with the teahouse owner, Lani-san. I’ve been a loyal customer for some time.” In truth, Azuma, a clean-cut, plain-looking man in his 30s, is also a Yamanoha shinobi, and his being the proprietor of an ordinary teahouse was merely a cover. But there was no way in hell Master Gorō was going to tell his two new acquaintances that.

