Yachiyo's glance flicked over one more time to the tiny woman -- who was, at this point, observing the proceedings with intense interest -- before she replied.

"We have recruited others with the shinmen capability, but not all of them are as... eager to perform their duties as you are. I'm not concerned about hearing a few complaints, but if the situation worsens, I'll be relying on you to help keep them in line.

"I'm sure I don't need to tell you," she added firmly, "that they are not to know about this assignment."