The Shopkeeper of Konoha

Winry Rockbell.

That was the title of the lady who had taken the place of the asterisk in the wheel. Her features, particularly her toolbox, made it clear to Arya and others that she wasn't from Westeros. Even though they were a little let down, they were nonetheless glad to see a new person and make a new acquaintance.

"Winry Rockbell. She is what is called an automail engineer. If a person loses his limb like hand or leg, she can replace that part using artificial hand or limb." Aoto introduced her to everyone in the group so they could learn about her background.

"The auto what ?"Arya questioned as though her siblings were unable to comprehend.

"Uhh. Seeing it with your own eyes is preferable to hearing about it from me." Added Aoto. Winry Rocbell came from the Fullmetal Alchemist (brotherhood) universe, where Edward Elric and, to a lesser extent, his brother Alphonse served as the main characters.

Due to his experiment with his brother, Edward had lost both of his arms and legs. The journey he and his brother took in search of their former bodies served as the plot of that world. It was easily among the top stories in the history of the anime business and one of the best stories Aoto had ever read or watched in his former life.

Aoto could already foresee gains from having this woman work for him. Plus she was a great eye candy. As Aoto was contemplating that, Winry materialized in front of him and others. She wasn't sure at first. She was working in the shop and out of nowhere she was brought here. Then the details of her being transported to a new world, her new job and employer, as well as the fact that she could bring two of her world's inhabitants with her, began to flood her thoughts.

"Hello, um. Are you my employee?" Winry spoke in a quiet, timid voice. Everyone in the room seemed to find her voice to be calming.

"Hello Miss Winry Rockbell. I am Aoto Yamazaki. This is..." Everyone was presented by Aoto, who smiled in greeting.

"Aren't you surprised that I brought you here?" Aoto questioned, appearing at ease.

"Uhh.. Ed and Al had gone to many places and they spoke about a different place which was not in our world, so coming into a new world isn't that surprising, I think." Winry answered. She didn't appear to be phased, and in fact, she shown a keen interest in everything around her. Arya and the others were amazed at how quickly this newcomer was able to adapt.

Especially John who was in confrontation mode. Everyone admired her sparkling grin.

"So Miss Rockbell, whom do you want to call as your help?" After a suitable introduction, Aoto questioned.

"Uhh.. Although I have no idea what kind of world this is, I would like to bring Ed and my grandmother." Winry paused to consider before responding.

"Ed? You don't want to go for Al?" Aoto questioned her since he thought she would choose Al given their close friendship, but he recognized that her choice of Ed was understandable given her feelings for him.

"My granny is getting old and may pass away soon. I do not want her to die by herself. Al also has his own life today and is independent, therefore I believe he will succeed in life." Winry offered her justification and compassion.

"And Ed would need your assistance in his automail." Added Aoto. Winry nodded while also blushing a little. Winry didn't waste much time, instead using her contract to call Pinako Rockbell and Edward Elric.

Edward and Pinako appeared in front of them in an instant. Both were initially perplexed, like Winry, but information quickly flowed throughout their minds. Pinako seemed to take this just like any other weird day for her.

She had witnessed many things over her existence. Her soul getting sucked into hell and then coming back to life, seeing the long life of Ed's father and every weird thing that alchemy had brought to their life.

She smoked her famous pipe and took it all in. Yet Ed was the complete opposite of the grandmother. He immediately began posing inquiries while beaming with delight.

"Where am I? What is the name of this world or country?"

"What are the fundamental laws of physics in this world? Are they similar to alchemy in my own world?"

"What are the prevailing scientific theories and advancements in this world?"

"Are there any ongoing conflicts or wars that I should be aware of?"

"How do people in this world communicate? What dialects are used? Wait you seem to understand what I am saying so the language shouldn't be a barrier."

".."

He was about to say more when Winry arrived and struck him in the head with a wrench.

"Ouch.. Winry.. What was that for?" Edwad yelled.

"You moron. You asked about science before even making an introduction. Have you lost your manners?"

"What do you expect from me? I just came into a new world. The first thing that springs to mind is science." Edward answered.

"Hhahaha.. I'm aware of your curiosity. But this is the first time I have seen you acting on your whims. You are fortunate to have Winry in your life." Added Aoto. Winry and Edward exchanged brief glances before quickly averting their gazes out of embarrassment.

"No surprise she choose him. They are so lovey dovey.. Ugh." Murmured Arya.

"Do you know me? Do you know who I am?" In addition to wanting to change the subject, Edward was interested in the overall scenario.

"Yes. Edward Elric. Almost everything about you is known to me. Your battle, your experiments, your triumph, and your inquisitiveness. Oh, I am aware of your dislike of milk." Added Aoto.

"See.. Everyone is aware of your dislike for milk. You are now better known as a person who despises milk than as a scientist." said Pinako.

"Grandma.. What? Do you want a battle?" Edward bellowed.

"You think I am afraid of you. You chibi."

"You think I am, you oldie." The people who were watching them laughed as they began arguing like two young children.