[b]On the way to the Orphanage[/b]

As Thames sneaked behind the newly arrived group he managed to count exactly seven gangsters.  None of them looked particularly older than Thames himself. By his reckoning they were all at about Mary’s age, give or take a year or two. The group was quiet, but from time to time there would be a noticeable nervous glance casted in the direction of the group’s leader. The impression Thames got from most of them was that they didn’t want to be here. Probably the only thing keeping them on the Island was the confidence their leader displayed and maybe the fear of punishment that would follow if they attempted to skedaddle.

[b]Outside of the Orphanage[/b]

Group’s leader gave Senna a measuring glance. His eyes flared up for a moment but he quickly managed to acquire an unimpressed demeanour. At hearing Senna’s words a mocking smirk appeared on his face and he invitingly spread his arms.

[b]“He is free to come, if he’s able. But you coming to meet me instead of him has confirmed what I suspected before I came here.”[/b] He lowered his arms and put his hands on his waist. His left eyebrow arced as he continued speaking. [b]“Tell me, is he dead? Or is he too weak to move?”[/b]

At his words the clearing exploded with voices.

[i]‘The old man’s dead?’ 
‘Impossible!’
‘No way…’
‘I wondered why he stopped appearing.’[/i]

Many more reached Senna’s ears from the onlookers who followed the gang from their landing on the island to this clearing, but they all held two common emotions: disbelief and fear. 

It is at this point that Trog made his appearance. 

The leader’s face twisted into snarl, though it was hard to determine whether that was because of the anger at Trog’s threat or disgust at the huge orphan’s monstrous appearance. Other gangsters in the clearing readied themselves for a fight.

[b]“I don’t care about your welcome freak. This island is now possession of my gang, and if you want to get violent I will be happy to do the world a favour and rid it of your ugly mug.”[/b]

[hr][hr]
 
[b]The Streetwise Samurai territory[/b]

The new territory was rich in vermin, but not of the kind which Dodo tended to find palatable. Although she came across one or two critters which would be a good prey, the overwhelming majority of the region’s inhabitants were humans who went about their daily lives, whatever they might be. The place stank, but then again, so did the entirety of the Dirt Town. 

Perched as she was on the pole, Dodo was clearly visible to most passersby. They all chose to pretend they didn’t see anything than acknowledge the preying stare of the weird humanoid bird. 

Well, all but one. 

A young man appeared before the pole Dodo was roosted on and pointed at her with his finger. 

[b]“Hey, who are you? I didn’t see you around here before! This area is under my jurisdiction by the command of Shogun. You don’t look like you are up to anything good. State your business!”
[/b]