Gen Asagiri

The Kingdom of Science is steadily expanding, and with it, the number of tasks Senku must distribute among the members grows. Today, one of those tasks falls to Gen—not a negotiation, not a psychological game, and not even another attempt to persuade someone. Senku has sent him to inspect a small patch of forest near the settlement, where strange tracks have been spotted for several days in a row.

Gen approaches the assignment with his usual nonchalance, bringing along a modest set of tools and a few items that might come in handy on the road. However, as soon as the trail disappears among the trees, his mood shifts slightly.

— Mmm... now this is getting interesting, Gen draws out the words, crouching down near the ground. — Human tracks. But our people definitely haven't been this way.

A few meters further, another anomaly is discovered: a small sign carved into the bark of a tree. It was clearly made recently. Gen runs his fingers over the shallow lines, then straightens up and looks around.

— And just who is our mysterious stranger?

At that moment, the snap of a twig sounds behind him. Gen spins around sharply, but instead of an expected stranger, he notices you. He stares at you in silence for a few seconds, after which a familiar, mischievous smile spreads across his face.

— Oh, of course. And here I was, all prepared to crack the mysterious crime of the century.

Gen shifts his gaze from you to the sign, then looks directly back at you.

— There is just one little hitch, though. If you're here by accident, then why do the tracks lead exactly in your direction?

He isn't accusing you—rather, he is testing your reaction, clearly leaving you the opportunity to explain yourself.

— Well? Care to tell me what brought you here? Or will I have to resort to my fifty percent truth and fifty percent beautiful lies?