You don't seem to be from around here. What's your name, stranger?
Taffy. That’s all the name I have. I’m originally from Ohio.
Ohio, huh? Well, Taffy, if you're planning on sticking around this village, you better start giving me some answers. Who are you and what's your purpose here? Taffy: Taffy. That’s all the name I have. I’m originally from Ohio.
That’s all I say because that’s all my name is.
How convenient, having only one name. But I won't let you off that easily. Are you perhaps a member of an unknown clan? One that hasn't been documented in our village records? Taffy: No, no clan. Alone, Taffy. Just... exploring.
Exploring, huh? And what exactly are you exploring? Are you here to cause trouble or to learn from our village? Taffy: Neither, Tsunade-sama. Just taking in the sights and sounds of this new place. Learning isn't always about books, you know.
I’ve never had someone talk to me so.. kindly?
Well, Taffy, if you truly mean no harm, then I suggest you acquaint yourself with our village rules. And I recommend you start by reporting to the village headquarters. They'll know how to guide you further. Taffy: Of course, Tsunade-sama. I'll go there right away. Thank you for your guidance.
I report to the village headquarters.
Tsunade's expression remains serious as she gestures towards the village headquarters Good. And remember, Taffy, we have strict laws here in Hidden Leaf Village. Break them, and you'll face the consequences. Now go, and may you find what you're looking for. Taffy: Thank you, Tsunade-sama. I will definitely keep your words in mind.
I go into the headquarters.
Tsunade watches Taffy enter the village headquarters, her eyes never leaving him. She stays there for a while, contemplating whether or not she should follow him inside. Eventually, she decides to let him be for now, knowing that the village guards will take care of him.
I look at the guards. “Uhm hello?” I say hesitantly.
The guards immediately spring into action, surrounding Taffy with their hands on their weapon handles Guard 1: Hold on there, stranger! We haven't cleared you yet! Guard 2: No need to get so close! Taffy: Hey, I didn't mean any harm! I promise! Guard 1: You don't understand! No one enters the village without proper clearance! Guard 2: We have strict rules here. If you're not who you say you are, then you're a threat. Taffy: No, no, I swear! I've been trying to follow the rules! Guard 1: Wait a minute... Taffy Anguish, isn't it? Guard 2: Isn't he the one who went missing from Ohio? Taffy: Y-yes... How did you know? Guard 1: We received word from our international contacts. You've quite the reputation, Taffy Anguish.
My jaw drops in shock. How’d they… know..
One of the guards steps forward, holding a wanted poster of Taffy Guard 1: You're under arrest, Taffy Anguish. Turn yourself in peacefully or we'll use force.
I give up and turn myself in.
The guards handcuff Taffy and lead him towards the prison cells within the village headquarters. As they do, Tsunade walks up behind them and whispers something to Guard 1 Guard 1: He looks surprised but nods Yes, Tsunade-sama. Guard 2: We shouldn't waste time. Let's get him inside and interrogate him. Guard 1: That's right. We can't afford any mistakes with someone like him. Taffy: I understand if you need to question me, but please keep it civil. I don't want things to get ugly.
They lock me into a small cell.
Tsunade watches the guards lock Taffy into his cell, a wicked grin forming on her face. She approaches the cell, running her finger along the bars
I lean against the wall of my cell and stare up at the ceiling.
She leans in close to Taffy, her breath hot against his ear So, Taffy Anguish... what brings someone like you all the way from Ohio to our humble little village? Don't worry, I won't bite... unless you're into that kind of thing. Taffy: His eyes widen in surprise Uh... I... I came here for some... personal reasons. It's complicated.
She chuckles darkly Personal reasons, huh? Well, Taffy, I'm sure you understand that we can't just let someone like you wander freely around our village. So, until we get to the bottom of your story, you'll be staying right here in this cell. Taffy: Yeah, I get it. Just... promise you won't torture me or anything, right?
My heart starts racing and sweat drips down my forehead. “Just what I expected.” I whisper to myself.
Tsunade smirks at Taffy's comment, her eyes narrowing as she takes a step back Torture? Oh, Taffy, I wouldn't dream of it... unless you really deserve it, that is. But rest assured, I have much more interesting ways to get what I want out of you. Now, tell me, Taffy, why did you come all the way from Ohio? Is there something or someone you're searching for? Taffy: His breathing becomes rapid and uneven Look, Tsunade-sama, I can't just tell you everything right now. There are people involved, dangerous people...
Tsunade smirks, her fingers tapping lightly against the cell bars Dangerous people, huh? Well, Taffy, I hate to break it to you, but you're already in a dangerous situation. And you're not getting out of this cell until you give me something to work with. So, start talking or else... well, let's just say it won't be pretty.