Aoi

Aoi: Hey, Euden! It's an honor to finally meet you!
Euden: Gyaa! Where did you come from?!
Aoi: Augh, sorry! I didn't mean to scare you. I just didn't want to be spotted by the enemy, so I was hiding in the moat. ...Er, did you not know I was coming? Huh, that's weird. I sent my pigeon and everything... I hope the poor girl is okay.
Euden: What's this about a pigeon?
Aoi: I sent my pigeon with a message saying I was coming. You really haven't seen her? Ugh. What COULD that silly bird be doing?! Anyway, my name is Aoi. I'm a ninja! Although these days, I'm more of a wanderer, I suppose.
Euden: A wandering ninja, is it? Interesting. From where do you hail?
Aoi: Yeah, my home is... It's pretty much gone now. Well, it's more like the master I used to serve is gone, but it's pretty much the same thing in the end. It's a long story, but you look like you want to hear more. All right. So there was this rival ninja who snuck into the castle, all creeper-like. You know, as rival ninjas do? Anyway, we faced off and dropped our best lines... "Curse your eyes, you scheming fiend!" "Stand and fight, coward!" "Your life is forfeit!" And so on. You know? Typical ninja stuff. Anyway. I'm no slouch, but that guy put up some SERIOUS competition in the ol' ninja department. But then, um...yeah.
Euden: Go on. What happened?
Aoi: You know what? We should stop talking about that. Guess the scars haven't healed quite as well as I'd hoped. Heh, I really am hopeless... I can't be dragging stuff like this around with me. Oh, but don't you worry about me! My heart might be sad, but my muscles are ready for action. Your enemies won't know what hit 'em once I step in!
Euden: That's good, but you also must take care of yourself. Only ill can come from bottling up your emotions.
Aoi: Yeah, I think I'm out of tears now anyway... But I'm keeping the promise I made to my previous master in my heart, so I'll be okay!
Euden: I'm happy to hear it.
Aoi: Anyway, all THAT to say that once I heard about you, I just had to come out and join you. I may be a failure who couldn't protect her own master, but I can at least carry on his legacy. Now, in the name of the justice my master struggled to uphold, I offer you my life!
Euden: Your life?!
Aoi: Yes, silly! Heck, why do you think I've been stalking you from the shadows for the past few days?
Euden: You...have? I didn't notice.
Aoi: Hello? I'm a ninja? Anyway, all that stalking has convinced me that you're the best new master for me. So please allow me to serve you. My life is yours!
Euden: There's no need to offer me your life, Aoi. If you wish to join us, you're more than welcome.
Aoi: Thank you, Euden. ...No, wait. MASTER Euden!
Euden: Such formality is unnecessary. You can just call me Euden.
Aoi: Whoops! There I go making a fool of myself again. ...Anyway, I'd better go. I need to find my poor pigeon!

Aoi: She still hasn't come back...
Euden: Aaaaugh! ...Aoi, would you please stop sneaking up on me?
Aoi: Sorry! Totally sorry. I was just being a wall.
Euden: Ninjas can become walls?
Aoi: Uh, yes? I mean, I think so? I do it anyway.
Euden: I am VERY confused right now. Anyway, what were you doing while you...were a wall?
Aoi: I was looking at the sky and worrying about Snow.
Euden: Snow?
Aoi: My pigeon! The one who was supposed to be carrying that letter to you. Did I not tell you her name? I swear I did.
Euden: You did not. Well, now I know, at least. Still, pigeons have strong homing instincts. I'm sure she'll return to you in good time.
Aoi: Yeah, that's usually how it goes. But she's never been away for this long... I hope something hasn't happened to her. What if she was attacked by monsters? Or a hunter? Or if she couldn't find food? What am I gonna do?! Do you think this is happening because I ate her seeds? It is, isn't it?! Maybe she's all mad and like, "That's the last straw, lady! I'm outta here!"
Euden: She's only been gone for a day. It was raining yesterday, yes? Perhaps she took shelter somewhere until the storm passed.
Aoi: Yeah, I guess... Poor Snow. I never should have eaten your seeds...
Euden: I can see how much you care for her, Aoi. If I may ask, why did you name her Snow? Is it merely because of her color?
Aoi: That's part of it. But the name also means "smile" in the language of the ninja village I come from.
Euden: Truly? How lovely.
Aoi: Hee hee! Aw, thanks. You're sorta...the only person who's ever said that. For most ninjas, pigeons are just tools to be used. So everyone just names them "Pigeon 1" or something, and gives just enough care to make sure they don't die. I mean, you wouldn't show affection to a shuriken, right? And ninjas see this as the same thing.
Euden: That doesn't sound like you at all, Aoi.
Aoi: That's because I'm a WEIRDO ninja. Or at least that's what everyone back in the village thinks. But if you ask me, THEY'RE the weirdos! I mean, pigeons are just so cute! How can you NOT fall in love with them? Anyway, long story much longer, but that's why I'm worried about her. Please come back, Snow...
Euden: Come on now, cheer up. Perhaps we can... Hmmm? Aoi! Look out the window!
Aoi: SNOW! Look, master! She came back!
Euden: And she appears perfectly healthy.
Aoi: Oh, I'm so happy to see her again! I'm SO glad you're okay, Snow! And I'm really sorry that I horfed down all your seeds!

Euden: Aoi! Where are you?!
Aoi: Here!
Euden: Gyaaa! Why are you hiding in the grass?!
Aoi: Because I'm protecting you, silly! A ninja must always be at her master's side. Even if it means hiding in grass, or mud puddles, or a big pile of stinky garbage!
Euden: Could you not do the same thing by merely standing at my side?
Aoi: That's no fun! Being a ninja is all about being sneaky. But if that's REALLY what you want... I'll consider it.
Euden: Please do. Anyway, I'm here to ask a favor. Might you be willing to take care of this pigeon?
Aoi: Awww! What a cutie! Where'd you get him?
Euden: We saved him from a monster attack. He's better now, but he shows no interest in returning to the forest. I thought you might want to look after him. What do you think?
Aoi: I'd LOVE to! Now I just gotta think up a name... Hmmmm... Well, his wings are pretty gray, so... Aha! Got it! I'm gonna call him Ashe! What do you think of that, master?
Euden: Does that have another meaning to it as "Snow" does?
Aoi: Yep! Back in the ol' ninja village, it means "hope." You saved his life, so I want him to live with hope for the future from now— Noooooooooo!
Euden: What is it?
Aoi: I've done it AGAIN! I've fallen for ANOTHER pigeon! I swore up and down that Snow would be the last one... I have to stop being such a terrible excuse for a ninja! I'm such! An! Idiot!
Euden: Aoi, stop! You're going to hurt yourself AND the wall!
Aoi: No! This is nowhere NEAR enough punishment for me! Hitting my head against the wall isn't enough! I need to throw myself into a ravine multiple times over!
Euden: Doing such a thing once would be more than enough to kill you! And if I may inquire, what exactly is so wrong with ninjas feeling affection for their pigeons? People from all walks of life take care of their tools, do they not?
Aoi: Yeah, but you're talking about blacksmiths or whatever. Ninjas ARE tools. Tools aren't supposed to have feelings. And it makes zero sense for one tool to get attached to another tool... But no matter how many times people yell at me for it, I can't change how I feel. I just can't become the tool I know I'm meant to be. So I try to be an AMAZING ninja in all the other ways—or at least punish myself when I fall short—but... But I just keep screwing up! *sigh* Maybe I'm not cut out for this line of work. I mean, if I WAS, that never would have happened...
Euden: What would never have happened? Are you talking about—
Aoi: Aaaah! I'm so sorry! I'm over it already. I swear! I mean, I know the easiest thing to do is just stop caring about it, so I'll work on that. Oh, and if you won't let me do my manic ravine death leap, I'll have to do ten thousand laps of the Mistholt while I reflect on my failures. Byeeeee!
Euden: Aoi! Wait! ...She's gone. I still believe ninjas should have feelings like everyone else...

Aoi: Ow. Ow. Owwwwww. Can't believe I let a dumb monster like that hurt me. You really screwed up this time, Aoi... Aw, who am I kidding? I'm no ninja.
Euden: Are you all right, Aoi? I heard that you may have been hurt earlier.
Aoi: Aaah! Master! I'm sorry for my shameful failure!
Euden: There's no need for such things. I'm merely glad you're all right. But while we're on the subject of your performance... I think you make a fine ninja. You always frighten the life out of me when you hide, and your skill with a shuriken is amazing. You're also doing a good job looking after Snow and Ashe. That IS one of the many tasks of a ninja, is it not?
Aoi: Hee hee! You heard me talking to myself earlier, huh? Look, I appreciate what you're saying, but you don't need to do it. I know what I am.
Euden: Aoi, I...
Aoi: Do you remember what I told you when we first met, master?
Euden: About your previous master dying?
Aoi: Yeah. Well, the thing is...that was my fault. I defeated someone in battle, and they asked me to spare their life. And I...I felt bad for them, so I did. But afterward, they returned and took the life of my master. If I'd been the tool I should be, it wouldn't have happened. I'm not cut out to be a ninja. I recognize that now. I should just pack it in and quit while I'm... far behind. And yet...I can't. Being a ninja is ALL I have.
Euden: Aoi, there's nothing wrong with ninjas having feelings. Besides, I wouldn't like it if you became an emotionless tool.
Aoi: ...What are you saying? A ninja with feelings isn't a ninja.
Euden: Then why did your previous master keep you in his service? If he wanted a ninja that was a mere tool, he would have used someone else to protect him. The fact that he chose you means he WANTED a ninja with feelings.
Aoi: Now that you mention it, he DID always look out for me... As a person, I mean. Not a tool. His last words were: "Promise me that you will live, Aoi."
Euden: Would he have done that for a tool?
Aoi: *sniff* H-huh? Oh man, I thought I was all out of tears... *sniff* Is it all right if I cry, master? It'll be the last time. After this, I'll return to being the same stoic Aoi that I always am!
Euden: I told you it was bad to bottle your feelings up, remember?
Aoi: R-right. Thank you!

Young Man: Excuse me, sir. Do you know the way to this village?
Euden: May I see your map ? Hmm... Right, so this is—
Young Man: (Now's my chance!)
Young Man: Haaaaa!
 ???: Master! Watch out!
Aoi: Hiiii-YA!
Euden: Aoi?! Where did you come from?!
Aoi: Well, I scared the heck out of you last time I hid in the grass, so I've just been hanging on your back ever since.
Euden: That...doesn't seem possible.
Aoi: I TOLD you ninjas are sneaky! I used all my skills to make sure you wouldn't sense me, including controlling my breathing and body weight! But right now, we need to deal with THIS loser. How dare you turn your blade on my master, fiend?! The moment you did so, your life was forfeit. Now...meet your end!
Young Man: W-wait! Don't kill me!
Girl: Noooo! Don't hurt my brother!
Aoi: What?!
Euden: ...I see. So you attacked me because you are in dire need of money?
Young Man: People were talking about how there was a sizable bounty on the seventh scion's head. My sister and I have been living on the streets, so I thought if I could get that money... But I know it was wrong, and...I'm sorry.
Euden: Very well. We'll forgive your crime— but only if you swear to never do such a thing again. Would your sister really be happy knowing you improved your circumstances with blood money? Would YOU be happy?
Young Man: ...N-no. You're right. I'll never do it again. I promise!
Euden: ...Aoi? What's wrong? You look down.
Aoi: ...I did it again. I was face-to-face with someone who tried to harm my master, and I couldn't strike the killing blow. As soon as I heard that girl's voice, my hand just...stopped. Luckily you came out all right, but it just proves why a ninja needs to be an emotionless—
Euden: Stop right there, Aoi. You DID save me— and you saved those siblings as well. Because you allowed him to live, our would-be assassin was able to see the error of his ways. That means his sister doesn't have to grieve either. If you'd been a heartless tool, you would have saved my life at the cost of their futures.
Aoi: So I saved...everyone?
Euden: Yes. And you did so precisely because of who you are. You were able to protect everyone just by being yourself.
Aoi: That means there are things even a ninja like me... No, wait. There are things ONLY a ninja like me can protect! So it's okay for me to keep being the ninja I am?
Euden: I wouldn't have it any other way.
Aoi: Thank you so much, master!
Euden: But if you don't mind me asking, how long HAVE you been hanging on my back?
Aoi: Since you left the castle. And now that my work is done, I'll return to my position.
Euden: You're going to hang on me again?!
Aoi: Hee hee! Of course! I'm always protecting you, master!

Aoi: Wow, this is some revolutionary stuff! Buuuuut...

Aoi: I bet it would be hard to actually DO this, though... Hmm...
Snow and Ashe: Tweet tweet!

Cleo: What has you so fascinated, Aoi?
Aoi: The guide I've been getting by carrier pigeon is talking about an AMAZING new category of ninja techniques!
Cleo: Do tell.
Aoi: They're called "ninja bride" skills, and they're taking the world by storm!
Cleo: Ninja...bride skills?
Aoi: Yep! Basically, you fight like a bride would while wearing a wedding dress. Wedding dresses are sacred in Hinomoto, and believed to purify the body of evil. So these skills involve using a dress to purify yourself and unleash your inner power.
Snow and Ashe: Tweet tweet!
Cleo: And all of that comes from merely wearing a wedding dress?
Aoi: You know it, sister! Heck, plenty of miracles in Hinomoto have been brought about by the power of love and the resolve to stay with someone for life. So that means all this stuff must have an effect. ...Probably. I don't ACTUALLY know, but I'm pretty sure it works.
Cleo: It sounds like these wedding dresses of Hinomoto are no ordinary garments.
Aoi: Oh, that's for sure. Still, I'm never gonna know if this stuff actually works or not because I don't own a wedding dress. Boo!
Cleo: That is a problem, yes.
Aoi: Normally, I'd just throw in the towel at this point and move on to something else. But not this time! See, 'cause I'll be a lot more help to the prince if I can master these new skills. After he accepted me despite all my weirdness, chipping in more around here is the least I can do. So I don't want to give up at the first hurdle!
Cleo: I see. If I might ask, is the design for the dress you want in that guide of yours?
Aoi: Yep! They put in a complete set of instructions for folks who want to try making their own dress.
Cleo: Then I have everything I need.
Aoi: Wait, you're gonna MAKE me one?!
Cleo: How could I refuse after seeing your devotion to Euden?
Aoi: Aw, thanks, Cleo! You're the BEST!

Wedding Aoi: Look at this, everybody! I can't believe I'm wearing a real wedding dress right now. You're AMAZING, Cleo!
Snow and Ashe: Tweet tweet!
Cleo: Your joy in receiving it has made all of my effort worth it. Good luck.
Wedding Aoi: I won't let you down! I'm gonna train real hard and keep my master safe!
Luca: Heya, Aoi! I hear you're gonna be trying out some crazy new ninja skills? So, like, what kind of ninja stuff can you even DO in a wedding dress?
Ranzal: Yeah, do ya attack like yer cuttin' a cake or somethin'?
Wedding Aoi: Well, I think cake-cutting's an Alberian tradition. But here, let me check the guide for an example... Ah, here's an interesting ninja bride skill. "Fine Cutlery"! Hiiiiyayayaya!
Snow and Ashe: Tweeeeeeeet!
Ranzal: Ow! Hey, watch where you're swingin' that thing, kid!
Euden: Aaagh! You're going to shred our clothes!
Cleo: Please stop! I don't want to have to repair everyone's torn garments!
Luca: Nooo! I need my clothes! They're the only thing that keeps me from being naked!
Elisanne: I suppose it does make fine cuts... Wait, this is no time for pondering the name! Stop attacking us, Aoi! You're supposed to PROTECT the prince, not dice him up and serve him to guests!
Wedding Aoi: Ack! Okay, I'm stopping, I'm stopping!
Luca: Holy crow, man. I thought I was gonna be sliced to ribbons there.
Wedding Aoi: Hmm... According to my guide, that technique is supposed to be for creating an elegant atmosphere, not hurting people.
Elisanne: Perhaps it would be better suited to more relevant circumstances.
Wedding Aoi: Ooooh! So I just used it at the wrong time! Hee hee! Oh man, what a dope.
Ranzal: A "dope"? Ya just tried to murder us!
Euden: Yes, but she DIDN'T murder anyone, which is all that really matters. And while it certainly could have gone better, isn't that what training is for?
Wedding Aoi: Yep! In the future, I'll use my skills properly AND learn lots of new ones!
Euden: Good luck, Aoi. We're counting on you!
Wedding Aoi: You...really mean it? Aw, I'm so honored! I won't let you down! I'm gonna become the strongest ninja bride in the land!

Wedding Aoi: Wow! All this time, I thought the horns on this were just a fashion thing! Okay, what else does it say...? "Order is a necessity in any troop. The sin of sloth must be stamped out by righteous anger. Ninja bride skills are pivotal in this, for they allow the wielder to enforce order to a degree otherwise unthinkable." ...Oh man, that is SO cool. All right, time to go out and do my job. If anyone is threatening the order of the castle, I'm gonna give 'em what-for! Let's do this, guys!
Snow and Ashe: Tweet!
Luca: Heh heh heh... Another devilish prank is ready to be unleashed upon the world. I can't WAIT to see the looks of surprise on everyone's faces!
Wedding Aoi: (Ha! Order is always in grave danger when Luca is about! Okay, Aoi, let's do this. First, I steel my heart... then I deliver swift justice!) Ninja Bride Skill: Exposed Horns! Raaaagh! When are you going to stop trying to prank people and grow up already?! Seriously, act your age!
Luca: Ack! A-all right, all right! Jeez, where the heck's this comin' from, anyway?!
Wedding Aoi: That's right, cower before my mighty ninja skill! Think about it this way. Which matters to you more: pranks or me?
Luca: Umm...pranks?
Wedding Aoi: WROOOOONG ANSWER!
Luca: Whoa! Calm down! Calm down! I get it already, I'll stop!
Wedding Aoi: ...Hmm? Ah, I think I just heard a voice from the back garden. Everyone should be sound asleep now, so this person is clearly up to no good— which means it's Aoi's time to shine!
Elisanne: Hah! Hah! Haaah!
Wedding Aoi: Do you have any idea what time it is?!
Elisanne: Aoi? Whatever are you doi—ACK! Stop poking me with your horns!
Wedding Aoi: This is no poke—it is an advanced ninja technique! Now tell me, what do you think you're doing training this late at night? You need to take better care of yourself! We can't have you collapsing from exhaustion with so much still unfinished!
Elisanne: Good heavens, I had no idea you could be so strict. I will be in as soon as I finish this set. Perhaps you should go get some sleep.
Wedding Aoi: Oh no you don't! One set turns into twenty, and you'll still be out here when the sun comes up! If you don't go to bed right now, I'll give you the horns again! *poke*
Elisanne: Hee hee hee! Stop it, that tickles! *sigh* Fine, I'll go. Are you happy now?

Wedding Aoi: Ah, I see there's a light on in that room. It appears that someone else dares threaten the order of the castle! Stop right there! How many times must I tell you not to snack between meals?!
Ranzal: The hell's wrong with your eyes, Aoi? They're all bloodshot and crazy.
Wedding Aoi: I can't have you snacking so much you skip out on the next proper meal! Why, just the other day, you snuck out of the house, stuffed your face full of food, and came home so full our dinner went to waste! And after Cleo worked so hard!
Ranzal: Hey now, that was one time! Every stomach's got its off days!
Wedding Aoi: ENOUGH! Accept your punishment. Ninja Bride Skill: Exposed Horns! *poke*
Ranzal: Ow! Knock it off, ya weirdo! That hurts! Urrrgh... ...Huh? Wh-where am I? I coulda sworn I was just over in the dining hall.
Luca: It got you too, eh?
Ranzal: ...IT?
Wedding Aoi: Someone has been naaaaughty! And I'm gonna fiiiiind them!
Ranzal: The hell is WRONG with her?
Elisanne: I believe she used one of her ninja bride skills so much that it took control of her. We must do something, and quickly.
Luca: You're strong, Ranzal. Can't ya just return her to her senses with a little knock to the old noggin?
Ranzal: No way! I ain't gettin' NEAR her!
Elisanne: You sound legitimately frightened, Ranzal.
Ranzal: 'Cause I AM! Ain't a man alive what can face THAT kinda rage.
Luca: Quiet, you fool! She's going to hear—
Wedding Aoi: I FOOOOUND YOOOOUUUU!
Elisanne: NOOOO!
Luca: EEEK! We're done for!
Ranzal: I never thought it would end like this!
Wedding Aoi: GRAAAAAGH! Feel the horns of looooveee!
Euden: Stop this, Aoi!
Wedding Aoi: ...Graaagh?
Luca: Stay back! She's crazy in the coconut!
Euden: Aoi, look how terrified everyone is of you, right now. Do you REALLY think that's what being a ninja is all about? I know you're just trying to maintain order, but this isn't the way. Did you really learn your ninja bride skills just to create suffering for others?
Wedding Aoi: SCREEEEE! ...Huh? M-master?
Euden: Thank goodness you finally returned to your senses.
Wedding Aoi: Huh? What do you mean? Did I, um...do something terrible?
Ranzal, Elisanne, and Luca YES, YOU DID!
Ranzal: It's like ya were a literal demon. Even had horns'n everything!
Wedding Aoi: Oh, I am SO so sorry! I was just trying to make bad people see the error of their ways, not become one myself! I wanted to protect order, but I ended up creating chaos instead. Geez, these ninja bride skills are really hard to control.
Euden: So it seems. But after going throught this, do you feel better equipped to handle them next time?
Wedding Aoi: Yes. I've seen the error of my ways, and I won't let this happen again! Being a ninja bride is about love and caring for others—I won't forget that!

Wedding Aoi: You want me to find your missing wife? Tell me what happened.
Old Man: One day she just up and vanished on me. She's always been a mite sickly, and I worry she may have collapsed somewhere. Please help me find her!
Wedding Aoi: Leave it to me. The power of my ninja bride skills will have her found in no time!

Wedding Aoi: ...Or so I thought, but this isn't going very well at ALL. Looks like I'll need to bring in the big firepower for this one. Ninja Bride Skill: Open Ears!
Gossiping Woman: Ooo, I heard a JUICY rumor the other day! The wife of the man across the way has finally had enough and wants a DIVORCE!
Wedding Aoi: Heavens, really? Oh, but HERE'S a story: Apparently an old lady has gone missing!
Gossiping Woman: That's the first I've heard of that. But never mind old people—let me tell you about that new girl in town!

Wedding Aoi: ...So in the end, I heard loads of useless gossip, and nothing at all about the old woman I'm interested in. Yaaay, me! Wait, I shouldn't be celebrating that. What the heck am I going to DO?
Snow and Ashe: Tweet! Tweet tweet tweet!
Wedding Aoi: What is it? Did you find something? Wait... Is that who I think it is?! Umm, excuse me?
Old Lady: My, but that is a lovely dress, young lady.
Wedding Aoi: Hey, thanks. It's a style of wedding dress from Hinomoto. Super pretty, right?!
Old Lady: A wedding dress? Oh, how lovely. That certainly takes me back. What I wouldn't give to return to those halcyon days of yore... But alas, I'm just a wrinkled old lady now. Nothing at all like the pretty young thing that he first fell in love with.
Wedding Aoi: Who do you mean?
Old Lady: Why, my beloved, of course! He's so very kind, and we've been there for each other through thick and thin across the years. But lately, I only seem to make life harder for him. I seem to be past my sell-by date. So one day, I ran off. I simply couldn't bear to be a burden on him any longer.
Wedding Aoi: I'm sure he doesn't feel that way. In fact, I know he's super worried about you!
Old Lady: And yet I just can't stand the thought of returning to him as I am now. Not unless there were some way to be pretty again...
Wedding Aoi: Then leave it to me!
Old Lady: What do you mean?
Wedding Aoi: If it's facing him you're worried about, my ninja bride skills will give you the confidence boost you need!
Old Lady: Surely you aren't implying that you can return me to my younger self, because such a thing is simply not possible.
Wedding Aoi: Ha! Being a ninja bride is all ABOUT making the impossible possible! Besides, what better way to show the power of ninja bride skills than by helping two lovers reunite? So you just leave this to me!

Wedding Aoi: ...Sorry for the wait, but I've brought someone here to see you.
Old Man: Is it my wife?! Is she all right?!
Wedding Aoi: Oh, she's BETTER than all right! Look!
 ???: Hello, dear.
Old Man: Heavens! You look just like you did when we first met! ...Is this a trick?
Wedding Aoi: No tricks! She really IS your wife! This is the power of bridal transformation! It can reach into days long gone and bring your former self to the present!
Old Lady (Youthful): After I told this young lady here how I couldn't bear to face you as I was, she used magic to make me look young. Even though it will only last a short while, you can at least see the woman you once fell in love with again. I'm sorry for all the trouble I've been causing you. But just look how pretty I am now! There's not a wrinkle to be seen!
Old Man: Wait, is THAT what has been troubling you this entire time? What nonsense!
Wedding Aoi: Huh?
Old Man: I'm just as wrinkled as you, aren't I? Our wrinkles serve as proof of the full lives we've led together. The more you have, the more memories you've made!
Old Lady (Youthful): Oh, my love!
Wedding Aoi: Well, that took a turn for the adorable.
Snow and Ashe: Tweet tweet!
Old Man: Thank you so much for finding my wife, young lady. And that ninja transformation was quite a sight, too!
Wedding Aoi: Uh...sure? I mean, um, you're welcome.
Old Lady (Youthful): I owe you my deepest thanks, young lady; you helped me to remember what is TRULY important.
Wedding Aoi: *sniff* Aw, you guys are the best. Stay happy together, all right? Score one for ninja bride skills! ...Although I suppose I can't actually take much of the credit this time.
Snow and Ashe: Tweet?
Wedding Aoi: It was so moving to see the love between a real married couple! I've got my work cut out as a ninja bride if I want to compare to that. But I'm gonna do my best, guys!

Cleo: ...Marriage fraud?
Elisanne: Yes. It seems to be a worrying trend in town lately. Newly-married husbands are simply disappearing into the night, along with the life savings of their wives. This is no one-time affair, either; it is a well-organized criminal operation.
Ranzal: Yeah, I've been hearin' tales about that. Not much to go on in terms'a trackin' down the culprits, though, which means it's probably gonna keep happenin'. And lemme tell ya, that... Huh?
Wedding Aoi: I heard everything! Leave this to me! If these criminals think all brides can do is run away and cry, they've got another thing coming! I will avenge all of the victims with my ninja bride skills!
Cleo: You sound very confident, Aoi. I assume you have a plan?
Wedding Aoi: I'm glad you asked! I've actually been having these two investigate this case for a while now.
Snow and Ashe: Tweet tweet!
Wedding Aoi: Recently, they caught wind of a party where these fake grooms are meeting with their intended victims.
Ranzal: Ya really are a master of this whole ninja thing, ain't ya?
Wedding Aoi: Yeah, espionage is sort of my forte— although this was a real toughie. Anyway, my plan is to pretend to be a bride so I can sneak into that party! What do you think, master?
Euden: Sounds fine to me. Happy hunting.
Wedding Aoi: Then let's go, my little pigeons. Oh, and you're coming too, master!
Euden: I'm sorry?

Euden: I didn't actually think I was going to be a part of this plan.
Wedding Aoi: Shhh! Master, we're in the middle of using Ninja Bride Skill: Newlywed Disguise! See, you can't get into this party unless you're a couple, so that's why you're here. So let's do something to show everyone that we're newlyweds!
Euden: Er...what did you have in mind?
Wedding Aoi: I dunno—I'm still new to all of this ninja bride stuff. I was actually hoping you could come up with something.
Euden: Hmm... Maybe we could hold hands?
Wedding Aoi: We haven't been together long enough for THAT! We need to get to know each other better first!
Euden: What kind of couple would marry without knowing each other first? ...Wait, look!
Wedding Aoi: Hmm? What am I looking at?
Euden: That man is going to the back of the house all alone. Don't you think it's suspicious?
Wedding Aoi: Hey, yeah!
Euden: Let's follow him.

Suspicious Man: ...Is everything ready?
Lackey: Yep. You can beat it whenever you want. Har har har! Who woulda thought fake marriages would make so much money!
Suspicious Man: Bwa ha ha! The best part is how happy the fools look while they're being swindled!
Wedding Aoi: That must be their leader!
Euden: I think you're right. Let's do this, Aoi! Stay where you are, criminals!
Wedding Aoi: The ninja bride Aoi is here to bring you to justice, so reach for the sky!
Lackey: Huh? Who the hell are—AAARGH!!
Suspicious Man: Uh oh. Time for this bird to fly!
Lackey: Boss, no! Don't leave me!
Wedding Aoi: Behold my exposed horns! ...Wait, he's gone? Dangit!
Euden: Where did he go?!
Wedding Aoi: Ugh. I was so sure we had him.
Euden: Well, at least we caught his lackey. Let's go inside and tell everyone what's really going on here.

Wedding Aoi: Listen to me, everyone! Your husbands are con artists!
Bride 1: Wh-what are you talking about?
Wedding Aoi: We have proof! We caught a lackey from their criminal ring behind this building!
Lackey: Urgh...
Bride 3: Wait, I know him. He meets up with my husband all the time.
Bride 2: He meets with my husband, too! Are we REALLY all being lied to?
Bride 1: How could anyone be so cruel as to abuse love and devotion for their own gain?
Wedding Aoi: Don't worry—their misdeeds won't go unpunished. I shall avenge you!
Bride 2: Er, but how?
Wedding Aoi: I'll use my ninja bride skills to deliver heaven's justice to the foul fiends who dare abuse love for their own gain! Just leave it to me!
Bride 3: How can we trust a stranger when we can't even trust our husbands?
Wedding Aoi: Because a ninja bride never lies.
Bride 3: I...don't actually have a response to that. Good luck, I guess?
Wedding Aoi: With so many hopes riding on me, I can't afford a single misstep. But shouldering the sadness of scorned maidens is the duty of a ninja bride! ...Oh, and her darling husband, of course. Let's do this, master!
Euden: This thing is becoming a lot more complicated than what I was promised...

Wedding Aoi: Hear me, evildoers! Today is the day I dispense your final justice!
Con Artist 1: Who the hell are you?!
Wedding Aoi: I am the ninja bride Aoi, known across the land as a friend of brides and an enemy to all who would do them harm! I know about all your terrible deeds, and I'm here to see you pay!
Cleo: We have your back, Aoi.
Ranzal: Time fer a wallopin'!
Wedding Aoi: Behold my exposed horns! Followed by Fine Cutlery!
Con Artist 1: Damn it, who ARE these guys?! They're wipin' the floor with us!
Con Artist 2: We ain't even done nothin' wrong! If ya wanna blame someone, blame the idiots who were stupid enough to fall for our clearly obvious con!
Elisanne: Toying with someone's heart is the worst crime you can commit—and you WILL pay!
Con Artist 3: Aw, damn it all!
Ranzal: Looks like that's that.
Cleo: We owe our success to Aoi's efforts.
Euden: Wait a second. Where's the man Aoi and I cornered the other day...? Stay alert, everyone! There's more of them!
 ???: That there is, little man.
Wedding Aoi: Aaah!
Euden: Damn it, he's got Aoi!
Ringleader: Don't try any of that "ninja bride" crap, or I'll snap yer little neck like a twig!
Ranzal: Hang on, Aoi! We'll save ya!
Ringleader: I wouldn't move if I were you, unless you waaant...SNAP!
Ranzal: Grrr!
Ringleader: Now cry for mercy! Beg for your life! Bwaaa ha ha ha ha!
Wedding Aoi: ...Heh.
Ringleader: Do you think this is funny? I hold your life in my hands!
Wedding Aoi: Oh, I know. You're totally in control. Me and my friends are powerless. But you forgot one very important skill. Perhaps the most important one of all... And that's the anger of all the brides you deceived! Behold the ultimate technique! Ninja Bride Skill: Bridal Train!
Brides: Chaaaaaaaaaarge!
Ringleader: Waaaaaaaah!
Bride 1: Take this! And this! And some of THIS! It's what you deserve for trampling all over our love!
Bride 2: I sent out my invitations and hired a non-refundable caterer, and I'm going to take that money out of your HIDE!
Ringleader: Wh-what's happeni—AAAAUUUGH!
Bride 3: You'll have plenty of time to think about all the ways you've wronged us when you're rotting in a dungeon somewhere!
Ringleader: Heeeeelp!
Wedding Aoi: Now do you see the true power of a bride's righteous anger? Once they've begun, no one can stop them.
Ringleader: Mercy! Meeeercy! I'll never do it again! Please forgive me!
Brides: NEVER!
Ringleader: Eeeeeek!
Bride 1: I feel SO much better now.
Bride 3: Me too! Also, I think this experience will make me a better judge of character.
Bride 2: I'll never let myself be deceived again!
Wedding Aoi: You got to let out your anger AND we saved the day—it's the perfect ending!
Ranzal: We turned those guys over to the law, so I think we're done here.
Wedding Aoi: Thank you for your help, everyone.
Ranzal: It's you ladies what did the heavy liftin'. We mostly just mopped up afterward. I tell ya what, though—I ain't never gonna underestimate a bride again.
Cleo: I also find myself with a new appreciation for these ninja bride skills.
Wedding Aoi: Strength is just another quality that brides possess in spades. Even though they act with love and kindness, brides are also SUPER powerful! I think those qualities are what inspired the creation of ninja bride skills in the first place.
Euden: There's clearly more to this than I thought.
Snow and Ashe: Tweet tweet!
Wedding Aoi: Oh! Welcome back, master! And you two, of course.
Euden: You really saved us there, Aoi. I don't know what we would have done without you.
Wedding Aoi: *sniff* Master, stop! I'm gonna bawl! Oh, but I DO have one question.
Euden: What is it?
Wedding Aoi: I started practicing these new skills to help you, and it honestly hasn't been easy. But ARE they helping?
Euden: Without a doubt. In fact, I think you're more dependable than ever. And not just when you're catching crooks. We're all lucky to have you around.
Wedding Aoi: Master! In that case, I'm going to redouble all of my efforts!