Ghost Story ► Ninjago [REWRITING]

| XII | Small Reveal

   *No POV*

     Ronin watched as Misako sold the tea item to the customer. He was watching peacefully, but when she gave the customer the tiniest bag of leaves, something he didn't pay for, he had to step up.

     Catching him at the door, Ronin said as he snatched the baggie, "Whoa! We're a business, not a charity. We're here to make money, not friends!"

     Obviously seeing how concerned the man was—and it was clear he wouldn't be returning—Misako said, "Uh, thanks, and come again! I hope..."

     Outside, Nya and Red continued with her training.

     "I'm not quitting!"

     "You clearly have given up, as you are blatantly staring at the water."

     "I'm just taking a break."

     "It has been ten minutes—quite the break, if you ask me."

     "I didn't, but thanks anyway. Oh! Here he comes."

     "Who?" Red turned around, seeing the thief walking toward them. "Oh."

     "You have to get us out of here!" Nya whispered to him.

     "Get us out? Where would we go?"

     She extended her hand up, patting his cheek. "Red, love, shut up for two seconds. I'm talking."

     Ronin raised an eyebrow, both at them and her request. "I thought you can't go until your training's done. Besides, I have a business to run!"

     "If I'm gonna help the Ninja, it's gonna be as Samurai X."

     "Take the Bounty." After getting a look from her, he then realized. "Oh, I see. That would bring too much attention. Wu's my partner, I'd never do anything behind his back!"

     But as quickly as she held up a bag of gold coins, his mind changed immediately and he grinned. "I'll give you a ride after we close."

     "You really are fueled by money and money alone," Red scoffed.

     Ronin gave Nya a look. "Do we have to bring him along?"

     "Yes," she answered, crossing her arms and grabbing her friend's arm with her free hand. "If he doesn't come, you're only getting half of this."

     "Fine."

     Despite having no say in the small exchange between the two, Red only shrugged. "Well, I cannot complain."

     And Ronin made good on his word, as once the shop was closed and Wu and Misako were in their quarters, Nya and Red snuck out with little effort.

     His airship was ready, and Nya sat in the passenger seat—Red was forced to relax behind the two, as there were no more chairs left.

     Ronin hid a bag of coins in a very secured safe, locking it. "Pretend you didn't see that."

     Buckling in, the directions already set, he grinned. "Should be at the Samurai X cave shortly—make yourselves comfortable."

     "These bags of coins? Yes, I will be very comfortable," Red said with a small grin of his own.

     "If you take anything I'll stab you."

     "Recall I was the one who practically killed you earlier."

     "Speaking of money," Nya cut off their conversation. "For someone so desperate, you sure have a lot of it."

     "Let's just say, I owe someone a large debt," Ronin told her.