Other girls came in, most likely looking for something to eat or drink... and still there was no sign of the workers? Noriko fiddled with some unidentified bread as they wandered around. What was keeping the staff so long? She wanted to get something to eat and leave before her conspicuously smart uniform could start getting attention.

Unfortunately, the distraction from any awkward social interaction was worse than the awkwardness.

Noriko ducked behind a shelf and breathed deeply. The other girls didn't go to her school and couldn't recognise her that way. The likelihood of one magical girl attending was high enough that it wouldn't be a remarkable new fact even [i]if[/i] it was leaked to the fan community. She was a magical girl and had to step forwards in times like this.

"Ignite Heart! [b]PIERCE AND SHATTER![/b]" 

The warmth of the transformation was familiar, starting in her chest and radiating out brilliantly as light. Hair wound itself tightly--more tightly than possible, to the point it seemed that it [i]must[/i] have shrunk somehow. Her clothing dissolved into motes that reconfigured themselves into something more appropriate for combat--and then, Magical Girl "The Ripper" was ready to deal with this threat.

The girl took the direct path back to the Negari; Noriko grabbed the shelf and vaulted herself over it, right up to the front of the store and dangerous tentacle. Too thick to stab through in one go, but such a distinct appendage ought to have a weak point and... there: to her, a line of the brightest blue, where the 'muscle' didn't connect right as it moved to join the Negari's body proper.

Her rapid entrance was followed by a faster slash and the tentacle flapped on the ground.

"The Ripper, here to help!"