Scouting the Terrain (Day 1 Early Afternoon)

[Otomo Saisei]

"The Otomo aren't known for their poems. So, rest assured that won't be an issue." He laughs a bit, and nods again, "I appreciate the tips, Tsuruchi-sama. Yet, what about the Mantis. Anything in particular that your delegation might be looking for? I am unsure if the Captain himself is already betrothed."

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"That's something Otomo Yusuke-sama, is likely already aware of, so no harm in telling you." The Mantis Captain replied with an amused smile. "But no, I'm not engaged and have heard about no immediate plans of that changing."

"As for my clan, I'm hard pressed to think of anything we need here. I'll think it over though."

[Otomo Saisei]

The Imperial nods, adding, "Merely trying to be of service, Tsuruchi-sama. In such case, feel free to contact me if you think I would be of any help."

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"I will." Shouji replied with a pleasant smile and a nod. "What of yourself though, Otomo-sama." He eyed the man for a moment. "Aiming to try and find a potential wife here, yourself?"

"Or just want to look into it for others in hopes of following in the footsteps of Otomo-sama?"

[Otomo Saisei]

"What?" He blinks a couple of times. The thought actually never crossed his mind. Before he actually gags, the young man replies, "Iie. Eto." A cough, and he resumes, "That is not for me to decide... yet. I should focus on serving first. Make a name and be honored with accolades, I would believe."

Saisei nods again. The tiny hint of a blush there, but controlled enough to be considered within restraint. "Thank you, though, for thinking kindly of my path. Following Yusuke-sama steps is certainly something one would want to learn from."

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"There is likely some wisdom there." The Captain agreed with a soft chuckle. "That doesn't mean you can't spend some time getting to know some of the ladies here though. You never know if your paths may cross again in the future."

He nodded at the next words. "It truly is, and I admit that it caused me to pause when he told me I had some admirers. Which is likely information that comes in handy to a Nakodo in some ways." His lips curled into a wry smile. "It also proves that he is a more observant man than I."

[Otomo Saisei]

Thinking on all that potential jazz around town makes the Otomo blush grows a bit more. He takes a deep breath stepping out into the sun to move a bit away from the Captian's view as an alternative to devise attention to the sea itself. He then turns and says, "The Captain's tips are incredibly valuable. I wonder now that he knows of admirers what would be the next steps."

He crosses his arms and nods, looking at the Captain with some expectations, "Perhaps I can be made aware of such endeavors so I learn by example, too."

After a short laugh, he mentions, "Yusuke-sama indeed manages to hear people's thoughts with a mere glimpse. Gotta learn that one."

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

Shouji polietly ignored the man's blush, he could only wish most did the same for him. "Well, knowing knowing you have admirers is one thing, knowing who they are is another. It didn't seem the right time to ask Otomo-sama about such things when he mentioned it. If I knew though, I think my first step would be meeting them."

He offered the man a warm smile. "I suppose if I find out the who of those admirers and if they are close enough by to act on the information. I could share with you what steps I take though, Otomo-san."

"It'd be a highly prized skill." The captain agreed with a chuckle. "I'd ask to let me know if you learn it, but that kind of technique is likely a well guarded secret."

[Otomo Saisei]

He raises a finger up, to make a point, "Indeed. Not to be eager and go each necessary step further is an important tip. Thank you, Tsuruchi-sama. An honorable samurai is calm in his approach. Meticulous in his skills and deadly in his strike."

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"As you say, Otomo-san." Shouji offered with a wry smile. "Though it seems I may need to practice a bit more in that regard."

"My strike seems to have missed it's mark after all." Not that he had exactly wanted to know, but he'd been hoping to get the offer.

[Otomo Saisei]

Confused, the Otomo blinks a bit, "Didn't Tsuruchi-sama say he had no information about the identity of the target?"

He opens a devious smile, "So Tsuruchi-sama did get eager and tried to strike another target he wanted, instead. Is that correct?"

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

That brought a soft chuckle to his lips. "I've struck at no targets yet." He admitted with a shake of his head.

"No it's a bit of a mute point now but I was interested in the names of those Yusuke-sama had hinted at. I was hoping a certain someone might offer to aide in finding them out. Given his wish to learn more about the arts of a nakodo."

The Mantis's smile was warm as he continued. "Perhaps it's best i find out that sort of thing on my own though."

[Otomo Saisei]

Saisei cracks a laugh and explains, "I understand the need for privacy in these matters. In any case, I am curious now, and as said before, I'll check with my master which names were those. I believe then, exchanging the information, Tsuruchi-sama will find more confidence in this one."

With a bow, he bids farewell, "I should get myself a parasol for the upcoming days. Staying this long under Lady Sun's direct gaze isn't proper for one such as me. Apologies for my departure. I hope to share a tea, or sake, with the Captain in the following days."

/Exit

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"Not everyone is allowed the healthy tan of a sailor." Shouji agreed with a smile. Not bothering to touch on the other subject. "Have a good day, Otomo-san. Be well until we next meet."

/scene