| Natsuki is shocked to learn that her new partner is Sakura, the fox girl who attacked her not long ago. After calming down she rationalizes that episode by concluding that Sakura was starving and couldn't resist trying to take a bite out of her. Sakura bursts into the cafe, saying that she has located the suspect they are after (she can fly, by the way). Sakura does indeed plan to kill Natsuki, to seize her magical powers, and she insists that only the two of them go to capture the suspect. During the fight with the "Mantis Monster" she looks for an opportunity to shoot Natsuki, but none presents itself. The monster escapes, but Sakura notices that Natsuki keeps two "parasites" (small magical creatures--Natsuki's are named Fujin and Raijin) whereas usually one is the most a person can handle. Afterwards, Natsuki wonders if Sakura really was targeting her, and Sakura hears rumors to that effect. She claims she's being slandered because of her shady past, and accuses Natsuki of starting the rumors. The two not being on good terms with each other, Natsuki sets off alone when Batanen passes along a tip about the present location of the Mantis Monster... |
