With the ninja‑kun given orders to forget everything that happened in Kaede's sanctum and then dismissed, Tsubaki and Kaede start working on their plan of revenge and rebellion.

"The first step is to get Maria and Danny under our control," Kaede decides.

"I told you not to‑" Tsubaki begins.

"Get over yourself," Kaede interrupts. "Soon, you'll have her as your own personal slave. Are you still going to fear her then?"

"I could kill you for that remark."

"And then you won't get any Kage Byōgenkin."

"Ippon torareta," Tsubaki admits.

"So, here's what I'm thinking," Kaede continues. "One of us needs to convince them we're 'reformed', and let's be honest, that person should be me. So‑"

"Why you?" Tsubaki asks.

"Because I'm a better actor than you, and I can keep my cool for more than a second," Kaede explains. "Now shush and let me finish. As I was saying, we need a way to get me into their good books, or at least into their protection. So, what I'm thinking is we need to make it look like I've been kidnapped by my rival Grand Masters and dumped outside the house of two people who'd love to see me dead. Of course, I'd have to be bound and gagged so I can't get away or cry for help."

"Why am I not surprised you want to be tied up?"

"Can you think of a better idea?"

"Ippon torareta," Tsubaki reluctantly admits. "But what if they just decide to kill you anyway?"

"They won't," Kaede assures.

"How do you know?"

"Because we're having this conversation," Kaede explains. "If they were the sort to show no mercy, we'd be rotting corpses on Tenshijima."

"I hate how many good points you're making," Tsubaki growls.

"Only because you find me so distasteful," Kaede teases.

"So, what happens when you're inside?" Tsubaki asks. "You just pour the serum over their cornflakes or something?"

"That's a dumb idea," Kaede mocks. "Besides, I can't have the vial on me when they find me. After all, they'll find it while searching me for weapons and stuff, at which point the whole plan is scuppered."

"Then how will you get it in?"

"That's where you come in," Kaede explains. "You'll need to sneak the vial in to me during the night, or if we're lucky, while they're out on a mission. I'll handle the rest."

"This plan had better work," Tsubaki growls.

"If it doesn't, then my life is forfeit," Kaede admits. "There's just two things we need before we put this plan in action: another vial of Kage Byōgenkin, and a date to commence operations."

Late that evening, with Tsubaki back at Kinzoku‑dojo, Kaede sneaks out of Tsuchi‑dojo via the secret passageway in her inner sanctum. Emerging on the surface above the city, Kaede pulls her windbreaker tight against the surprisingly chilly wind, then climbs into the off‑road car she used earlier to meet Tsubaki. After one final check to ensure no‑one's followed her, she starts the engine and sets off for the edge of Midorioka.

Two hours later, Kaede arrives at the meeting point on the border, parks, and kills the engine.

"You're late," an enormous cloaked figure greets, his deep growl cutting through the air with ease.

"My apologies, Arata Bando‑san," Kaede replies. "I was unexpectedly delayed."

"I understand you wish to procure more of my serum," Arata asks. "Was the amount I provided before insufficient?"

"It was more than sufficient," Kaede confirms. "However, it got spilled, ruining my carpet."

"You should be more careful," Arata cautions. "The reckless have a habit of getting themselves and their friends into trouble, despite their best intentions."

"I must admit, I do push things more than most would," Kaede admits.

"I will provide you with another vial," Arata informs. "But this time, I want something in return. I have this… acquaintance that I wish to involve in a future experiment, but before that happens, I need more data. You will get that data for me."

"I can't promise anything," Kaede replies.

Arata stands and raises himself to his full height, half again as tall as Kaede, and twice as broad. "I advise that you do not give me reason to think you are not willing to help a fellow practitioner of the chemical arts," he states with a tone that's neutral, yet somehow is loaded with threat.

"Don't worry," Kaede assures, masking her fear well. "I'm happy to help. I just don't want to promise anything unless I know for sure I can keep that promise."

"That is a noble attitude," Arata compliments, his tone unchanged and yet somehow no longer threatening. "Very well. You will receive one vial of the serum, and a detailing of the information I seek. I expect it will not be long before your first report."

"I expect so too," Kaede agrees. "Just one question: how will I get the reports to you? Our current method of communication isn't really suited to more than a few dozen words at a time."

"You will receive a new communication device of my own construction," Arata answers. "With it, you'll be able to send not just text, but also audio and video. Just be sure to activate it only when you are to send in a report."

"I can do that," Kaede smiles and winks.

Arata produces a package from under his cloak and hands it to Kaede. "Here are the items as I have described. Do not open them until you are back in your sanctum."

Kaede takes the package. "As you wish."

"Our business is now concluded," Arata declares. "You must now return to your dojo."

"Of course," Kaede agrees, climbing back into her car and stowing the package on the front passenger seat. "Thank you, and may the spirit of the kitsune watch over you."

"And over you," Arata replies.

Kaede starts the engine and drives back into the desert, heading home. Once she's disappeared over the horizon, a green‑and‑black twin‑tentacled cephalopod robot teleports beside Arata. ++I still don't understand what you hope to learn from her.++

"I am experimenting with an altered strain of the virus that is temporary," Arata explains. "My plans depend on being able to control people without leaving any evidence of manipulation."

++Would it not be easier to just kill the three of them ourselves?++

"It would, but that is not my plan. I want them to die at the hands of the people they trust the most."

++I see. We should return to the ship.++

"Agreed."

Seven days later, an hour before dawn. By the lake deep in the heart of Jade Creek, a hundred yards from a beachside house that had been restored from a gutted ruin just five years prior, Tsubaki Moto and Kaede Himura run over the plan one final time.

"…and then, when I signal from that front window, you bring the vial," Kaede finishes. "I guarantee that by lunchtime tomorrow, we'll have two new slaves."

"And if the plan fails?" Tsubaki asks.

"Then by lunchtime tomorrow, my body is dumped in the lake," Kaede explains.

"You're being unnervingly calm about all this," Tsubaki observes.

"To tell you the truth, I'm shitting myself," Kaede admits. "But that's why we went through all that training as kids."

"Where's the vial?"

Kaede extracts the vial from her cleavage. "Right here."

"Why did you store it there?"

"Safest place for it."

Tsubaki takes the vial, hesitates a moment, then hides it in her own much ampler bosom. "No pockets," she offers as explanation.

"Your fault for insisting on wearing miniskirts," Kaede teases. "Then again, the denim ones have pockets."

"I'll never wear denim," Tsubaki states. "White cotton or nothing."

"One day I'll figure you out," Kaede replies. "Not today though. Ready?"

Tsubaki sighs. "We've come this far… OK."

Half an hour later, Tsubaki secures the final knot. "Are you really sure we needed this much rope?"

"It needs to be believable," Kaede assures, testing how limited her mobility is now that she's almost completely encased in rope. "And you've done a brilliant job: I can barely wiggle, let alone move!"

"Focus!" Tsubaki snaps.

"Sorry," Kaede blushes. "It's just… You're right, of course. Focus."

"Circulation OK?"

"Yep."

"Comfortable?"

"Very. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're an expert at this sort of thing. I'm certainly not getting myself out of this."

"I take my work seriously, and always endeavour to do my best."

"I can believe that." Kaede takes as deep a breath as she can. "Now for the finishing touches: the gag and blindfold."

"Last chance to back out."

"We've come this far. Let's see this through."

A little reluctantly, Tsubaki inserts a ball of cloth into Kaede's mouth, ties a second piece over to hold the first in place, then fits the blindfold. "Grunt twice if you're OK."

Kaede grunts twice.

Now for the tricky bit: getting her into position without waking anyone. Luckily the wolfman is in Mizutani again, but lynxes are meant to have excellent hearing too… With care, Tsubaki lifts Kaede onto her shoulder, then carries her to the house. The tanuki takes a moment to find the right spot, then carefully places Kaede in position. After checking the pika's still breathing easily, Tsubaki then retreats into the shadows. Phase one complete. Phase two… Kaede, do not let me down.