Chapter 2: The Minosei Legacy

Sanori thinks back to her time in Japan as the Aiiro No Kunoichi, under her father's tutelage. Specifically, she remembers a time when she was sent to keep watch over a benefit dinner hosted by wealthy businessman Daisuke Yoshitomi, where a criminal group known as the Akumu Gang were rumored to have plans to strike.

As Sanori searches the area, some Akumu members approach Mr. Yoshitomi, disguised as policemen. The disguised Akumu member attempts to attack Yoshitomi with a knife, and a struggle ensues. Sanori notices this, breaking into Mr. Yoshitomi's room to intervene. Mr. Yoshitomi manages to escape during the chaos, and attempts to call the police, only to be promptly kidnapped.

Later, as the guests are awaiting Mr. Yoshitomi's arrival for the benefit dinner, a radio crashes through the window. Karasu, the leader of the Akumu Gang, speaks through the radio, informing the guests and police of Mr. Yoshitomi's capture. When the police demand Mr. Yoshitomi's return, Karasu questions what makes his life so valuable to them, claiming that any cause his benefit dinner might support is not worth the trouble. However, he says, he would be willing to exchange Mr. Yoshitomi's life for that of the Aiiro No Ninja.

The police, unsure what else to do, approach Sanori and ask her if she would agree to the exchange, reasoning that she would be more capable of handling herself against the Akumu Gang than Mr. Yoshitomi would. Sanori is skeptical, knowing that it would mean walking directly into Karasu's trap, but ultimately agrees with the police's logic.

Sanori is brought to the Akumu Gang, who bring her face to face with Karasu. Karasu, expecting Makoto, is surprised when Sanori introduces herself as the Aiiro No Kunoichi. Having heard that the Aiiro No Ninja legacy is traditionally upheld only by sons, he concludes that Sanori must be Makoto's only child. Intrigued by this information, Karasu releases Mr. Yoshitomi and engages Sanori in battle.

They fight for a while, but Sanori quickly realizes she's at a severe disadvantage, and opts instead to try and escape. She uses a shuriken to knock out the lights, then runs for the door during the temporary distraction. Finding the door to be locked, she kicks it down, narrowly avoiding an attack from Karasu and making a break for it. She escapes into the nearby forest, where Karasu and his underlings lose track of her. Karasu, deciding he's been outwitted for the moment, decides to let her go, but promises to get his revenge later.

With Mr. Yoshitomi safe and the Akumu Gang gone, Sanori goes home and reports to her father about what happened. Makoto is horrified, reminding her that Karasu is dangerous and pleading with her not to willingly engage him like that again. Sanori asks her father what it is about Karasu that has him so afraid. Makoto explains that Karasu seems to have a personal grudge against him, and while Makoto himself is unaware of the reason, the hatred has caused Karasu to wish unthinkable harm on him and his family.

Back in the present, Sanori lies in her bed, wondering if this fear of people like Karasu was what led her parents to move to America. That had never stopped them before, though, so she remains confused about the sudden change of heart.