Captain's Log

[Yoritomo Uminushi]

Excerpt from the Journal of Yoritomo Uminushi
Spring, 1171

Weather: Brisk, wind from the North East. Rain in the evening, likely last an hour. Tide going out with the sun.

All the winter repairs for the ship are done. The last of the supplies will be loaded tomorrow. We'll be in port for another day or two as the new recruits filter in. I got my orders from the Admiralty to sail for the Ivory Kingdom to check up on our people there. Give us plenty of time to whip the trainees into shape. Three of our sisters will be joining us, another ship of trainees, a supply ship and a nanny. Shouldn't be too much trouble.

Hopefully they won't send me another orchid breeder. Suitengu's Beard, Hoheiki has the sense of humor of a drunken mule.

Both Kai and O-washi are looking forward to the hazing. They better not involve Ponpo-kun.