Hoshi no Guu (Star Piece Quest) (M)

[Guu]

She stepped into the office, her feet tapping lightly on the bamboo flooring. The office was decorated with knick knacks, scrolls, and filing cabinets.

Sitting behind the desk ahead of her was Tsunade herself. She was a woman in about her 20s, blonde hair with two uniform pigtails. She wore a green jacket over a robe and pants. A small gem adorned the middle of her forehead. She was looking at Guu, her milk-chocolate colored eyes scanned her from top to bottom before making eye contact. Just from her gaze Guu could tell this woman was not of her age. Despite looking barely old enough to be a college senior, her gaze told a different story. It told years of experience. This woman goes back many decades.

“I see we are both women of deception.” She said casually, though slightly smugly. “I’ve seen many ten-year-olds and your eyes don’t match your age either.”

Guu was impressed, great minds think alike.

“Well, I’m convinced you must be the Guu I’ve heard so much about. It takes a weary soul such as yourself to establish a city out in the middle of nowhere.”

“Or a gravely unfortunate one.” The pink one added.

“Indeed!” The ninja said, letting out a light chuckle. She then went serious again. “You’re probably wondering why I needed to speak to you.”

“You sure it wasn’t for my pleasant personality?”

This got a louder chuckle from her, whichmade it even more jarring when her face went straight again.

“I have a deal for you, Guu.” She started. “We have reason to believe that you have claimed information of the location of the Yellow Star Piece.”

The pink one was kind of surprised to hear this. With all the smoke, confusion, and chaos of the sanctuary, it’s a shock that Chuck even saw her take Luke’s research.

“Well, we believe the Star Piece is an object of great power. We fear what could be done with it in the wrong hands.”

“Lemme guess, you want me to hand over the research so you could find the piece?”

“No, we want you to retrieve it for us.” She said.

Guu pretended to be shocked, but it made sense in retrospect. Judging from Tsunade’s expression, she didn’t buy the act.

“I’m sure you figured out that we have enough problems in the city. I need every one of my men to focus on our internal issues instead of going on a glorified treasure hunt.”

“What do I get in return?” Asked Guu.

“Well, it would prove that you’re on our side, that we can trust Ambrosia. Do this for us, and I can see myself officially acknowledging your city as a nation in the Tangled.”

Guu thought about it for a while. This meant increased trade for Ambrosia, more protection, friendship. However, could she trust the ninjas with the Star Piece?

Though, from this conversation alone, she could tell that Tsunade was a powerful woman. She was like her in a lot of ways: hidden depths. Maybe this woman’s love for her people was as strong as her own love for Ambrosia; strong enough to see the Star Piece as more of a threat than an easy way to power.

“So, do we have a deal?” She asked, affirming her terms.

The princess paused for a second before responding.

“It’s a deal.”

“Perfect! And I’ll have three ninja accompany you there. They aren’t my finest warriors, but I specifically picked them to give you a sense of home around them.”

“Oh, that won’t be necessary, I can do it on my own.”

“Nonsense, don’t pass up free warriors.” She stated. “One of them is Chuck, he’ll be introducing you to the other two below.”

“Well, if you’ve already set it up, it can’t be helped.” Guu shrugged.

“Alright, we’re all set. Sorry I can’t have you stay and chat, but my operatives will be showing up soon to report on the mess out by the outer wall.”

“It’s okay, I can completely understand.” The pink one said, she was more than familiar with how complicated that job can get. She started heading for the door when she was hit with a realization. She walked up to the desk and placed the fried pokute in front of her. “Since I didn’t know I was coming here, I couldn’t really bring a gift, so have a free lunch. It’s a delicacy from my neck of the woods.”

“Oh! I recognized this. ‘Pokute ears’ I believe they were called? Never tried them.”

“Yeah, enjoy those.” She said as she headed for the door. She waved as she headed out. “Farewell.”