After briefing Mondo on our current state, I left for my dorm to deal with a small bit of business, then took off for the safe house.

The evening sky had been taken by rain clouds, and a spring downpour soon came over the city, without the loud cracking of thunder following lightning.

I had to cut through the red light district, which I was familiar with, not as a customer to the women, but as a player at the poker tables.

As every other night, the district was filled with aroused men, desperate women, and neon glow.

It is far too downtrodden for my taste, but it is the quickest way to the safe house, as the trains were overcrowded due to the weather.

I went down a dark alley to reach the safe house, a unsafe move, yes, but I am trained in combat, so I had very little to worry about.

I didn't expect what came next.

In a flash of neon, I was jumped by a unseen foe, who held me against the brick wall with some kind of blade.

The neon lights soon came back on, and when they did....

My god.

In the neon light, I saw a pale, red eyed creature with a blade to my throat.

I had a mix of fear and enchantment within me, as I had never seen anything like her. She had the face of a noble, the swiftness of the alpha Cheetah, and the grace of the finest dancer. She was perfect, a incredible mixture of all things that were beautiful in the human race.

In my trance, she spoke to me.

Peko: You are Vesper Wilde correct?

Vesper: Y-Yes, and you are?

Peko: Call me Peko, the Ultimate Swordswoman, and I wish to temporarily come into your service.

Vesper: Okay, but I believe we could do business better without a sword to my throat.

Peko sheathed her blade.

Peko: I apologize, I have been searching this district for you for some time, and I have been attacked multiple times.

Vesper: Sorry for the trouble.

Peko: No need for apologies.

I thought for a moment.

Vesper: How did you know I was here?

Peko: You're most known as a master at poker in this district, so it was reasonable to look for you here.

Vesper: Fair enough, so why do you want in the crew.

Peko turned her back and took a few steps forward.

Peko: There is a item that I must obtain, called the Thunder Blade.

Vesper: Thunder Blade? Sounds valuable.

Peko: Immeasurably. It is said to have been given to the thunder god Susanoo after he defeated the eight-headed dragon, Orochi.

Vesper: Huh, and you think I can help you find it?

Peko: Yes, if you aid me in my search, I will help you in your criminal endeavors.

Vesper: Well then, sounds like we are partners.

We left the district for the safe house.

I now have a full crew and a plan.

Now to set it all up.