Catch-all: Shinobu

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[ Soap is the single most treasured possession on this island.

Putting the dead to rest was a solemn affair, and one that Mitsuri is ready to put behind her to a respectable extent. It's almost surprising to see Shinobu so soon afterward, though it really shouldn't be. ]

Shinobu! What's that in your hands?

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[ It's a flower crown for Mitsuri. She holds it up for her to take.

Things were solemn and they are still solemn, but Mitsuri is right. She's not alone. She has never been alone and hasn't thought so, but she needs to show it more, doesn't she? She needs to recompense. ]

I know you're able to cook for yourself. Have you been eating enough?

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[ As much as Mitsuri would love to take that flower crown, she finds herself so moved by the gesture and question that she throws her arms around Shinobu for a bear hug (hope she doesn't crush the flowers). ]

Shinobu! Shinobu!

[ Even when things are toughest for her, Shinobu is always thinking of others. Mitsuri's arms tighten around that petite body. ]

I have! I've been eating as much as I can!

[ Admittedly, it hasn't been as much as she used to back home, but that's expected. She's constantly out and about, foraging for her camp and herself. She's as reasonably satiated as she can be. ]

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[ Oh, dear. It's not something she didn't see occurring, so Shinobu moves her arms quickly enough to save the flower crown and to return the embrace, albeit more loosely but no less affectionate. ]

I'm glad to hear that. I'd hate for you to lose one of your strengths.

[ Mitsuri's mood is also tied to how much she eats, as Iguro was so annoying helpful to point out once upon a time ago. ]

We'll need you for what we want to do next.

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[ Oh, Iguro, that nag.

Her appetite has definitely taken a hit; however, she knows better than to wallow in the despair of recent events. For the sake of all islanders, she needs to keep herself put together. So far, she hasn't had to shovel tasteless morsels into her mouth due to the simple fact that her portions aren't as large as they used to be.

Speaking of need, Shinobu always knows just what to say to motivate her. After another beat into their embrace, Mitsuri steps back. ]

What's that? We'll need to resume explorations and revisit the evidence we collected yesterday. Is there anything else?

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[ Iguro would definitely come out of the depths of snell (snake hell) for some of things Shinobu has been telling people.

Mitsuri is a Pillar for a reason, and it shines now. Shinobu's fondness shines through. Even in as grim times as these, Mitsuri's positivity and ability to go forward even when shaken is a boosting force. ]

Yes, those are the two main things. We may have to be prepared to be more insistent in our explorations. If we can fight back against what tries to chase away, we should.

[ By fight, she means destroy like what's emblazoned on their backs. ]

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[ Point Mitsuri at the threat and she will destroy it. ]

Should we attempt the cavern again? Now that we've all seen some of what's inside, I'm sure we can head deeper without being pushed out.

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We should, but I expect we should be more ready for battle.

[ She thinks the pushing back will be worse now. ]

I think it will only become more dangerous.

[ As if four murders isn't dangerous enough. ]

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[ And this time, they'll be prepared for those dangers. Her hands curl into fists with conviction. ]

I've been training when I can. I'm ready when you are!

[ It doesn't have to be the cavern, either. Wherever they go, she'll give it her all. ]

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[ She places the flower crown atop Mitsuri's head. The flowers' colors go well with her sakuramochi hair. ]

First, we take a small moment to rest. It's all we can afford right now. Next... I was thinking of gathering people together tomorrow to talk. Will you help?

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[ Her hands raise to hover around the crown in admiration. Shinobu can do anything. ]

I will!

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We'll have to be ready to talk with everyone, especially anyone who tries to be contentious. Are you prepared?

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[Ogata, as always, comes to mind first.]

I'll talk to as many people as I can. Between the two of us, we should be able to gather everybody!

[But there are three of them, aren't there?]

What about Tomioka?

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[ She tilts her head to the side. ]

What about Tomioka-san?

[ She can guess her question, but the punchline is better if Mitsuri asks it. ]

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[ Oh, Shinobu! ]

Is he on a different assignment?

[ Working and standing alone, as usual. How cute! He might benefit from that space, too. ]

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Yes. He has to participate.

[ He has a 50/50 chance of failure. ]

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[ Those are very fair odds.

But this is truly good. Despite the string of tragedies in the past few days, they've moving forward. ]

Is that going to be all for now, then?

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[ She smiles. ]

I was thinking we could gather food and cook together like we do sometimes. Do you have the time?

[ They likely won't have much more time to rest after this with the clock ticking towards their doom. Which of them will die, which of them will live, and will they all be able to save whom they wish to?

Shinobu has so many worries. ]

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[ Just worrying all the time won't solve anything. Small comforts like a warm meal, no matter how humble, can keep the most weary person going. And this is Shinobu who's asking. At the request, Mitsuri beams. ]

Of course! What do you want to eat?

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[ What drives a weary person forward? It's small moments like this where normalcy can peak and shine though such dark and dreary times.

Mitsuri is brilliant in her happiness, and Shinobu glows gently with affection. ]

We don't have the biggest selection. I know you've had a lot of crab lately, so we can do something different with fish.

[ Some kind of fusion between western and eastern cooking. ]

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[ That sounds delightful. And with Shinobu partaking of the meal together, it's sure to taste even better. ]

All right! I've been foraging on the island itself, so fish sounds wonderful. It's time to go fishing!

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We need to make sure you're eating all the protein you need. Kanroji-san at her full strength is the most beautiful.

[ But they'll need to figure out what to fish with (unless they want to do it with their bare hands) since this is before their lovely Wednesday surprise. ]

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[ At this rate, the heat exuding from her cheeks will be sufficient fire for the fish they catch. Oh, no. Oh, no. ]

I think I saw Dimitri with a makeshift spear. We can do something like that or find a long piece of wood to carve into a point to catch them with!

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Yes, let's do that first. We can also collect some fruit along the way to complement whatever fish we catch.

[ They're going to make this as fancy as they can with what limited supplies they have. ]

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[ It's going to be a delectable feast. ]

By the way, I've been meaning to experiment with some spices. Would you be able to point out some safe herbs on this island? They won't be ready until tomorrow at the earliest, but I'll definitely share them with you then.

[wisterin]

Yes, of course. Together, we'll make sure everyone will have some comforts.

[ As little as they are on this island full of murder.

As they walk by certain herbs, she'll point them out and name them for Mitsuri. ]