Later that night while Sadako slept, Tasuki met in the main room with his best friend, Koji.

"What do you mean you're leaving again!? Genrou! You just got back!"

"I know, but something came up."

Koji eyed him a moment. "Does this have anything to do with that girl you brought here the other night?"

Tasuki paced a few steps as he thought, reluctant to tell him the truth. "Well, sorta ... but its only because she's offering a big reward, and I know its gonna be big, because she's a princess."

Koji looked at him with an arched eyebrow. "So she says..."

Tasuki sighed. "Look, she needs help. No one else is going to if I don't."

Koji grinned and prodded his friend's chest with his index finger. "You're not goin' soft on me are you, Genrou?"

"Of course not!" Tasuki said quickly, swatting Koji's hand away. "I'm only in it for the reward."

"Well, she is kinda pretty...."

"Shut up, will you!? I told you why I was helping! I couldn't care less about the girl! I hate all girls! Anyway, I'm counting on you to take care of things until I get back."

"You can count on me!" Koji replied, a grin still upon his face.

"Good. The girl and I are gonna leave first thing in the morning."

"All right. I'll go tell the men."

Tasuki remained where he was and watched his friend go. He thought about that one part of the conversation for a long moment. 'She is kinda pretty...' Tasuki shook his head slightly to clear his mind. 'Get a hold of yourself, Tasuki,' he thought. 'The reward is all that matters.'