[Day 2 - EA] Pen is Mightier

[Bayushi Ijihime]

Since the Scorpion's words had brought his attention back to the group, Shouji watched even unfold for a few moments.

Maybe he should take the chance to call Yoko away before events turned for the worse?

She said quietly to the Mantis, “If you value that ronin’s life an intervention should happen sooner than later. The Ikeda only know one way to deal with those born to the waves.”

[Yoko]

"No, but she is a kid too," she shook her head, putting her hand up, "but I've overstayed my welcome more than enough. Sorry, if I've offended," she sighed. Shaking her head with a chuckle, "No need for you to part ways on my account, eh? It was good to meet you, Daidoji-sama. Good to see the future of the Crane," she said, glancing down to Kio, "and a pleasure to see you again, Ikeda-sama," she said, dipped her head, walking backwards with her her hands up leaving before she'd let people claim she made her betters leave to avoid her.

[Ikeda Ishi]

"A pleasure as always, Yoko-san," Ishi said calmly.

[Daidoji Yushoko]

Yushoko was annoyed and did what any Crane should do when annoyed, ignore the source of annoyance. She turned back to the puppet show and fanned herself with fury.

Kio glanced at her aunt and then the ronin and shrugged and went back to watching the show.

[Yoko]

Stepping backward until she was plenty out of mind, she glanced around. Finding a spot she calmed a little shake in her hand by gripping her weathered kiseru in her obi. Pulling it out with the pouch she'd been given by Daichi yesterday. Finding another buildings support she leaned her back full against it, letting her head back a moment. Smiling up toward the sky she laughed, shook her head, and then saw to packing the pipe.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

She said quietly to the Mantis, “If you value that ronin’s life an intervention should happen sooner than later. The Ikeda only know one way to deal with those born to the waves.”

"I was thinking the same." Shouji agreed and was about to do just. "Though it seems it won't be necessary." He murmured a moment later.

Still something needed to be done. So catching Yoko's eyes, he tried to beckon her over.

[Yoko]

Yoko was busy with the kizami a bit, packing it into a ball and getting that ball into the pipe. After a moment, though, she glanced around for any open flames and only found Shouji. Pausing a moment she checked to see if it was a fluke. It wasn't, so she glanced around once more for an open flame and decided it was better to not light it yet anyway. Shaking her head she palmed the kiseru, leaning off the building support.

Making her way through the small crowd she took an round-about path of the crowd. Sure to not make it seem like she was intent on causing any trouble. Once circled she came over to Shouji from the other way. "Tsuruchi-sama, Scorpion-sama," she said glancing between the two. Focusing on Shouji, "Need me?" she asked, quirking a brow.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"For a few moments if you don't mind, Yoko-san." He offered with a wry smile. "I just wanted to discuss a few things with you about your actions a few minutes ago."

[Yoko]

"Uh-" she glanced back over from where she came a moment. Twisting her lip a little in thought. "S-sure, Tsuruchi-sama. Not sure there's all too much to say about it, eh? But I'll talk about whatever you like."

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"I was just going to tell you that I almost stepped in." He offered after a moment, leaving her to make of it what she would. "You did work for me on the way here after all, and we are keeping your services for the time being."

"So I wished to ask why you approached them, if it's not too prying."

[Yoko]

"Ah- well, thank you for that, Tsuruchi-sama," she said, a quick nod. Rolling the kiseru a half-roll between her fingers a moment, thoughtfully avoiding turning it over so anything might fall out. "Afraid as far as a why.. I don't have a good answer for you, Tsuruchi-sama. Not one that feels all that proper to say. But, you've been good to me, so- I'll at least say I have an interest that's not likely gonna bring me anything good, but sometimes you gotta risk a little, I risked a little. Daidoji-sama was kind enough not to run me off the moment I opened my mouth, eh?"

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"I'd say there are risks worth taking and those that are not." The Captain replied with a soft sigh. "This one stinks of one that will leave you with your liver on the ground. Which in my opinion would make you quite the poor drinking companion."

"It's not my place to tell you not to take it though, I'm not your lord.
I will say as long as you are working for my ship though, I will step in if it comes to it." His tone turned a bit hard. "Once. Afterwards you will be on your own."

"I like you, Yoko-san. But there are limits to my good will and how far I can aide someone that's only interested in foolish choices."

[Yoko]

"For what it's worth, I don't think I was in that much danger. Still, your worry about me is nice, eh? Few people find themselves all that concerned for a ronin, even one they like. On that, you keep on proving to be a few cuts above the rest of 'em all Tsuruchi-sama, at least far as I'm concerned," she chuckled. "Now, I've no aim on dying today or any day soon but-" she smirked, shaking her head a little, "- risk my life every day, Tsuruchi-sama. Still, I'll keep your worry to heart, eh? Just don't worry too much. I like to take my chances, see what I can manage but I know when to call a loss and move on."

"Always gotta make sure I can come back and get another drink with the crew," she smirked a last time, and offered a nod.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

She had misunderstood him, but he didn't see any point in correcting her. She'd find that out if things came to pass. "I seem to remember a time not that long ago that risking your life wasn't required." The Captain said with a slight smile. "Unless you think sea travel on my ship all that trecherous."

He didn't press the subject any further though especially since he was fairly certain she didn't know when to call something a loss and move on. "True enough." He said with a smile. "I will let you return to your enjoyment of the festival though, Yoko-san." He dipped his head towards the Ronin. "I've promised to join Bayushi-san for some festival games and I've had her waiting too long already."

[Yoko]

"And I've no aims to keep you from it, Tsuruchi-sama," she dipped her head. "Don't let me disturb your afternoon as well, eh?" she said with a little smirk. Glancing from Shouji to the Bayushi. "Tsuruchi-sama, Bayushi-sama, hope you enjoy yourselves," she said, offering a bow to them both.

[Bayushi Ijihime]

“This one is humbled by such a good leader, your subordinates are blessed to have one that cares so much,” she said in admiration.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

Thank you, Yoko-san. I hope you enjoy th rest fo the festival." Shouji replied, offering the ronin a polite bow before turning his attention towards the Scorpion.

"You flater me, Bayushi-san." He offered after a moments pause. "I am still new to my role, abd I'm certain there are many ways I still need to learn and grow."

[Bayushi Ijihime]

"All you can ever do is serve as an example, this one feels that you will do what you feel is best for your crew," she said warmly.

"It is inspiring to see."

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

That was not exactly the type of compliment he ws expecting from a Scorpion, it was only a bit more straight forward then her had been expecting. It caused him to pause for a few moments before answering. "Thank you, Bayushi-san." He offered sincerly his tone warm. "I merely do what I can, it's,,,"

"I never thoguht of it as inspring at all, but it's pleasing to hear that someone does."

[Bayushi Ijihime]

"You do not consider yourself an inspiring figure?" she asked.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"Well..." he chuckled lightly perhaps in an attempt to hide his embarrassment. "No."

"I'm young after all, and new to this. I've always thought inspiring figures were older with many years of experience." He paused a moment. "The type that simply knows what it is that needs to be done in each moment."

[Bayushi Ijihime]

“Your crew will look to you, young or old,” she said warmly. “Your actions will have an outsize impact on them. You may not feel inspiring but by your very role you are. Even this humble samurai sees it,” she said kindly.

[Yoko]

For her part Yoko quickly slipped back off into the crowds. Seeking herself an open flame somewhere so she need not make one herself to get that kiseru lit. After that.. was only a matter of finding an unadorned wall, which she surely expected to be a simple task.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

“Your crew will look to you, young or old,” she said warmly. “Your actions will have an outsize impact on them. You may not feel inspiring but by your very role you are. Even this humble samurai sees it,” she said kindly.

"Thank you." He offered simply. "There is a lesson in your words, and it's not something I've always considered." Part of it was something Koemi had mentioned, though he hadn't considered it in that light.

"You're quite the astute woman, Bayushi-san. If you don't mind me saying so. I must admit I didn't expect a lesson in leadership when I made my way over."

[Bayushi Ijihime]

"I am humbled that I could be of some small service," she offered.