Growing up with Takeo had involved years of tearful tantrums, until Natsumi finally learned that keeping her temper under the brunt of her brother's teasing was a victory in itself. The lesson should have transferred equally well to dealing with Asuma. Natsumi took a deep breath and reminded herself that she wasn't angry, she was just--

Put out worked well enough. And involved a far greater degree of control and class. "I could lead better without insubordination within the ranks," she suggested. "For instance, you could tell me what you know, and then I could think on my feet."

About cliffs. This was sounding better and better. A river wide and strong enough to carve cliffs out of these granite hills could put the shrine out of bow-shot. Picking off everyone from a safe distance might not be an option after all.

Which meant sending Asuma in to do the job at close range. Natsumi cheered up a little at the thought.t