Page 38 of Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox

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“Let me.” Gingko plucked it from her hand and backed up. “You can show off the enormity of my driftwood collection.”

A few taps later, and Tsumiko sent off the photo with a message:

New intelligence!

There *will* be a boy.

His name’s Timur.

He’s a reaver, battler class.

Half a minute later, Akira’s reply arrived, along with a selfie of him and Suuzu in what appeared to be a fast food restaurant.

Hey, Sis

Can’t wait

Nice twigs

But who took the picture?

I made a friend. His name’s Gingko.

Boyfriend???

Don’t be silly.

He’s so old, his hair’s silver.

He’s been Aunt Eimi’s gardener

since forever.

Gingko snickered over her shoulder. Tsumiko scrolled back up so he could see the picture Akira had sent, and Gingko gave a low whistle. “Your brother’s attracted some unusual attention. Bird types are usually really uppity.”

“He shares a dorm room with Suuzu.”

“Guess Suuzu’s decided Akira makes a good nestmate. Hope your brother doesn’t mind having a phoenix for life.”

“Suuzu’s a phoenix?”

“No doubt. Even if you overlook the nose, his coloring’s distinctive.” Gingko took a more cautious tone. “Say, Tsumiko, is your brother a reaver, too?”

Tsumiko tapped in his question.

Gingko wants to know if you’re a reaver like me.

No

After you moved, they came

and had me tested

It was kinda creepy

Hang on

I don’t get it, but Suuzu says

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