At that thought, she grew even more curious. What could Mifune possibly have to discuss with her?
Mifune took several deep breaths before asking, "Do you know..."
"Your ramen is here!!"
Before Mifune could finish, the owner interrupted him, approaching with a bowl of ramen in each hand.
"Yes, put them here!"
Yui gestured for the owner to set the noodles on the table.
"Coming right up!" The owner nodded and did as she asked. After setting both bowls on the table, he turned away to attend to other things.
"Go on!" Yui motioned for him to continue as she pushed one bowl toward Nai Hyuga.
But Nai Hyuga was in no mood to eat. She watched the two people in front of her anxiously.
"Here's the thing," Mifune said, lowering his voice. "Do you know a Swordsmith named Iinaka?"
Yui's heart gave a jolt. Iinaka? How did Mifune know I knew him?
As she pondered this, Mifune continued, "Do you know a woman who wears an Evil Ghost Mask?"
Mifune's tone was probing, his words halting and deliberately incomplete.
Yui froze for a moment at his question. Although she quickly recovered, Mifune still caught that tiny reaction.
By now, a vague suspicion had begun to form in his mind.
With that thought, he probed again. "Well, here's the thing. Master Iinaka asked me to find a woman wearing an Evil Ghost Mask."
"Oh?"
Yui was a little taken aback too. Master Iinaka was looking for me? Had something happened during the Sword Forging process?
Should I tell him who I am?
No, no. Even if I'm wearing a mask either way, it's better not to reveal my identity.
But Mifune had come all the way here. Master Iinaka must have run into some trouble. How could I meet him?