Valheim's dogs.

That's really all I need to know.

Of course I can infer what they're doing, given the location. Of course I can guess at their motivation. But ultimately, what matters mot is what follows.

That is, destroying them right here and now.

They're focused on the others, so I can take full advantage of their inattention to me. I haven't moved yet, after all.

I step back. There's no particular cover in this location, but for an Asakura Shinobi that is only a fleeting concern.

They won't see me until it is too late. Of that, I'm completely certain.

One step.

I pick my target. He's on the edge of their formation, raising his weapon at the more obvious attackers. He does not see me. He will never see me.

Two steps.

My fingers curl around my sword's hilt. I must admit, I am thankful to Shilage-san for ensuring my access to the smithy. While my tools did most of the work regardless, there was still further access to equipment that ensured my edge was perfectly keen.

Three steps. My free hand reaches into my pack. Simply killing one target isn't enough, I have to inflict as much damage with my surprise attack as possible. This means disrupting their formation as well as killing or injuring the maximum number of targets I am capable of.

Four steps---

My blade flashes. He turns, but his gaze doesn't find me in time. The silver moonlight in my hands reaches him first.

The last sound that leaves his lips is a sharp, sudden gasp as my sword's tip finds the gap in his armor between shoulder and neck, biting through any material in the way, parting flesh, and piercing clear through to the other side.

I plant one foot on his hip as he stumbles. He's going to fall, but allowing him to just die on his own isn't enough. He's going to become a weapon, now, too.

The bomb I drew from my bag ignites in an instant, and as the dying Valheimr gurgles on his own blood I plant it firmly into his armor and push off.

He stumbles, staggers, colliding with another of the butchers as he falls, and---