"Why are you after the Elemental Crystals?" Hanna asks. "And who are you getting them for?"

"Straight to the point," Hideyoshi replies. "I shall be too: never heard of them, and no-one."

"You're lying," Hanna challenges.

"I have no reason to lie to you," Hideyoshi assures. "I have nothing to hide; if I did, would I have welcomed you so openly?"

"He's got a point," Rob interjects.

"Shush," Hanna hisses.

"If I may," Danny interrupts. "Hideyoshi, while you yourself may not be involved, it is true that a force that identified itself as the Jade Alliance is making moves against the Elemental Crystals; for that reason, we were assigned the task of investigating where the Alliance comes from, assessing the threat risk, and, if required, neutralising that risk. Yours is the third dojo we've visited, and so far, we've found that no-one appears to know anything about the Crystals. This is odd, as the information we've been working from indicates that all five dojos are involved in some way."

"I think I know the source of your confusion," Hideyoshi explains. "While it is true that I work for no-one, the same cannot be said of my fellows within the dojo; there are some among them that occasionally take external contracts."

Danny doesn't respond immediately; after a few moments, he realises Hideyoshi isn't going to continue. "I'm guessing you're not willing to share any details," he concludes.

"I cannot betray the trust of my kin," Hideyoshi confirms. "I can however reveal that I was contacted directly by someone by the name of 'Mamushi'; he was looking for mercenaries to help him on a mission. I relayed that to my kin, and those that accepted the assignment then dealt with Mamushi directly; they returned a couple of days ago, their mission complete. Unfortunately, some were walking wounded, but that is to be expected in our line of work."

"Well, that explains that then," Danny replies, his tone one of mild relief. "Thank you for your time and co-operation."

"It is my pleasure," Hideyoshi smiles back. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"No, we've got what we came for," Danny assures. "We'll be on our way," he adds as the Scarves stand in rough unison.

"Of course," Hideyoshi agrees, standing with them. "Please, allow me to guide you to the main entrance."


Twenty minutes later, with the Scarves departed, Hideyoshi returns to his quarters; he activates a small radio. "Koumori calling Mamushi, come in Mamushi."

"Mamushi here; make it quick." Serpentine's voice crackles with distortion.

"They bought it," Hideyoshi informs. "Hook, line, and sinker."