Chapter 29

Azuki and Shota both ran to Yuta-sensei, clutching at his robes, as they watched the kites fly higher in the sky.

"What do they mean? What do they want with me?" Azuki's desperate grip matched her tone.

"How did you do that?" Shota wanted to know.

"We have to get out of here," Yuta told them. "Hurry. Collect our things and put out the fire. They think you might be a female Tengu, Azuki-chan. There will be time for more explanations later. I'll collect the things from the stream." With a heavy sigh, now leaning slightly on his staff, replacing his damaged sandal on his foot where it barely held, Yuta started off. Shota and Azuki stared at each other for a long moment before she said, "Let's get to it, then. Sensei must be more tired than we are."

"Yes," Shota replied. He poured the remaining water on the small fire to make sure it was out, and then ran to refill the gourds. Meanwhile, Azuki collected their belongings and stuffed them in her pack.