“An animal, huh?” Hiroshi mused, rubbing at his chin. “Mmm. Can't say we've had any trouble of that kind lately either, though it's a good deal more likely than bandits. I wager---”
“Pah. I'll tell you what's been nipping at your packs.” Li nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound of that voice. He hurried to cover his ears, while Hiroshi smiled and made room at the table.
“Mrs Nakamura! Have a seat here,” he said, but the old woman waved him off.
“Save your breath, Hiroshi. I just came by to bring you some peaches.” She lifted the bag, heavy with fruit, so the two of them could see its contents. “I'd say it's a good thing I got here when I did though. Bandits my ass. You haven't paid your respects to the guardian, have you?” She pointed an accusing finger at Li, who was currently trying to position himself so he could put the table between him and Mrs Nakamura.