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[ Wow, a little passive aggressive near the end there, huh. But somehow that kind of fits with the way this girl smiles, despite them clearly not having a very cheerful talk right now. ]

Is there anyone in this city who doesn't care about that right now?

[ Smart roundabout answer, Minako. Although it's obvious she cares anyway. ]

I'm not sure how much useful information I can tell you about that though. I'm mostly just worried about ending up as one of the victims, just as many other people are, I'm sure. [ At least that's 100% Minako being genuine. Usually it's a worry she wouldn't admit to, but when it has to be such a commonly shared one, it doesn't feel as weird to say it. ] All I know is that this probably isn't my family's doing.

There are. There always are.

[ People who are so self-absorbed and self-interested who don't care until it affects them. They live in a mafia town? Some people accept it. Some people are the ones doing it. It's disgusting, and it makes Shinobu so sick inside even if doesn't show in her expression. ]

Outsiders are involved. The victims are being sold, and it looks like they choose people who aren't easily noticed.

[ There's something hard to her smile. Every time she has to say this aloud, her anger boils underneath the surface. ]

[ Outsiders, huh. That's what Minako was assuming too, considering what she knows about the Mori and has heard about the Xian Le. ]

I'm sorry, I can't see that I've noticed anyone suspicious yet. I've been keeping an eye out while performing, but it's hard to tell with how many people there can be at the bar. [ She does sound at least somewhat regretful about that. Minako does want to solve these kidnappings, if not just so no one will get hurt because of it anymore. ]

I figured though that they were probably lurking somewhere outside instead, waiting for easy victims.

It's fine.

[ The entire situation is not fine, but it's not an answer that surprises her. That's what she's getting from most people (and that includes herself). The leads people have received aren't enough for Shinobu, who just wants to amputate the kidnapping ring like a limb that can't be saved. ]

As long as you keep an eye out for anything strange, that's all anyone can do right now.

[ "The entire situation is not fine" mirrors Minako's feelings right now exactly.. And it sucks not being able to do more. It was so much easier back home, with being a sailor soldier and all. All problems somehow felt more mangeable than in this strange city. ]

It doesn't feel like it's enough though, huh? [ She says it with a relatively casual tone, trying to downplay her own worries about it while still somewhat getting them out there. ]

No, it never does. It won't feel enough until an end is put to it.

[ Shinobu's tone is just as casual, but her eyes are dark with how serious she is. They must put an end to it. ]

Before long, things may escalate to something that can't be stopped at all.

[ Accusations are being slung around. War is not impossible. ]

Then they have to be stopped before that happens.

[ Somehow. Some way. Minako doesn't have all the answers ready, and she hates that. All she can do is try, even if that doesn't feel like enough. But it's a simple fact of the matter that this must be stopped, one way or another. ]

I know it's not much, but.. I'll try to keep an eye out even more. I have a friend who walks me home at night, but I'll see if I can get him to make a bit of a detour in case we might find anything.

[ She pauses briefly before looking at Shinobu. ]

Please tell me if you think of anything. I'm willing to help with anything if it's to solve this, so come see me if you need help.

Please be careful. I don't know you well, but I would hate for you to be taken.

[ She means it wholeheartedly. She doesn't want anyone to be taken at all. ]

Thank you for doing what you can to help. The more of us who will work together to solve this, the better chance we have of stopping them.

[ A bit of the seriousness vanishes from Minako's face as she instead laughs. ]

Don't worry, don't worry. I can take care of myself. [ More than anyone here can imagine, probably... ] Besides, it's for a good cause, isn't it? And something you don't get any results if you're not willing to face some risks.

That's true, but some risks shouldn't be taken.

[ In some ways, she knows that's hypocritical of her to say, but she doesn't know Minako well enough to know how deeply she cares about any of this. ]

No one would fault you for staying safe.

Well..

[ She lets out a sigh, and although she does smile right after, it's almost like a sentiment that's slightly more serious slips out despite her smile as she speaks up. ]

I'd fault myself, probably. If I didn't at least do something.

Me, too.

[ She echoes the sentiment softly but with sincerity. That's why she won't stop Minako from doing what she wants to do. ]

Do what you feel is right.

[ As long as Minako isn't a filthy murderer or kidnapper, it should be fine. ]

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