Musasha steps up on deck just before the ship crosses the boundary of the Sea of Shadows. His armor on, he frowns at the fact that the ship is so quiet and subdued. He has a handful of veggies that aren't looking as fresh as they once did, and he's eating them quickly as he steps to get started with his first day of duties.

He tries to find the morning sun, and in its absence, he simply moves over to where his group is beginning to gather. As he arrives, the ship breaks free of the evil waters. He feels the morning sun touch his cheek, dawn having broken only moments before. He nods to himself in satisfaction, but steels himself for the next couple days of sailing, as there is no Carpenter Wall on the sea, things leave the Sea of Shadows looking for food...and sport.

Another early bird steps onto the deck just as the sun touches the deck. Barefoot and dressed in knee-long pants and sleeveless top, Kiyo stretches herself in the welcome warmth of the Sun and greets the morning with a grin, "Ohayo gozaimasu!"

The big man nods, his unshaven face a porcupine of short stubbly whiskers. "We will all have to get up a bit earlier from now on to groom. But for now, it is time for us to work and run drills. We have no specific orders yet, so let's form up as a group and get to know a bit about each other."

He bows, "I am Hida Musasha. The Crew has taken to calling me 'Ram.'"

"Maybe just a little...," Kiyo hides a yawn behind her fist, "... earlier," she finished a guilty look in her mismatched eyes.

"And well-deserved name from what I've heard. I'm Tsuruchi Kiyo, lucky enough to not yet be named by the crew. Nice to meet you Ram-san," she returns his bow

"When the others get here, we'll start with some short training drills, and hopefully, by then, we will get orders. If not, we'll move into battle training for the rest of the day. Nothing like the present to start getting to know and trust those that will be fighting at your side." He looks out at the dark haze they just left behind moments earlier, and spits over the edge of the ship.

"Sounds good, just don't expect me to be at the front. I work best well behind the lines or up in the rigging," she pats her quiver, it's immediately obvious the Wasp doesn't bear any other weapons, "I got to admit that unit tactics weren't a big part of my training so far," she adds with a bashful smile.

He nods, "Arrow fire into a mass battle can sometimes hit your allies. Be careful when ya shoot ta go more fer accuracy than damage. If you ken slow th' enemy down fer us, we'll put 'em into th' sea, an' you'll never be in any danger from boarders." He reaches behind to check his tetsubo is still there, "If they ain't human, they ain't gettin' far no matter what."

"No worries on the accuracy part Ram-san, I hit what I aim at and whatever I hit is none too happy about it. By the time they get close enough to board they won't be so eager no more," she looks back the blackness of the Sea of Shadows and shrugs, "I haven't met anything yet that appreciates an arrow in the eye, but I'll be glad to have you Crab between me and it."

He nods, satisfied with her answer. "Good." He begins to study their surroundings, looking for things to do for drills. He spots plenty of coiled rope, an open piece of rigging ropes, and not much else. Looks like it'll be agility and reflex drills, which are both very important on a ship. He looks at the sun rising, hoping the others will arrive before too long to join them.

Kiyo smiles up at the mountain of a man and leans against the railing to bask in the morning sun while they wait for the other members of their shift.

Qian-Fan was by the rail, finally able to see clear water that didn't moan and scream at him. The expression on his face . . . relief, and his hand wasn't fussing with his braid instead it held firmly to his scroll satchel, with him for the first time since they had entered the Sea of Shadows. Barefoot and dressed in his sailor's clothes the satchel was the only thing to hint he was anything but a regular sailor.

"Oi, Scholar! I know its a lovely morning 'n' all, but let's get some trainin' in. Never had a 'genja as part o' my battle group afore, but I'll do everythin' in my power ta keep ya doin' what ya do so's you ken do your thing."

He taps himself on the forehead, "are ya one o' them ranged fellers, or do ya keep yer allies on their feet?"

Qian-Fan turned reluctantly from the water and stepped lightly up to Musasha, bowing politely.

"Both, Hida-san. I am equally capable of healing or calling down the elements as required. I am used to having a yojimbo to protect me while I do so and understand that will not be the case here."

He nods, "Hopefully, seein' me a comin' wi' murder in my eyes will seem th' more immediate threat. We should, however, work out key words tha' we ken use in th' heat o' battle so tha' our battle group ken rescue each other without havin' ta be a bunch o' mind readers." He looks at the Tsuruchi, "What d'th' two-a-yoots think?"

The slender Agasha nodded.

"Calling out for healing when it is required would be a helpful thing. I will find it difficult myself to make verbal calls when invoking the kami."

He began to look a little uncomfortable.

"The Captain said I should think about taking up a weapon . . . I have never needed to before. The kami and Kari-san were all I needed."

He nods, listening to the tsuruchi's opinion as well.

"Have you considered taking up something light like the aiguchi, or something defensive, like the jitte?"

Zenko peeked his head out for a moment, and seeing actual sunlight sighed and came up on deck, heading towards the Aftdeck to find out what kind of training would be going on that day. He'd fished up a spare oar from one of the skiffs to use as a sparring practice weapon, and held it over one shoulder, trying to look nonchalant.

He still stayed far from the railing, his eyes skirting off the horizon where possible.

Qian-Fan made a bow to the Usagi, eyes cooly taking in the detail of his dress and bearing . . . and oar. He then turned back to Musasha.

"Whichever would be most use in a boarding action, Hida-san. I really know little of weapons and their uses. Kari-san dealt with all that while I mostly landed lightning bolts on the heads of my enemies."

Remembering the ineffectiveness of Fire prayers against the Army of Dark Fire brought a frown.

"Or sudden tsunamis."

The half smile was back.

Zenko bows to the...Phoenix? Offering a smile.

He bows to the others as well then. "Hello! Usagi Zenko, reporting for duty! Do we train here-abouts? Or are to stand guard?"

The big man nods, "a defensive weapon will keep the hordes at bay while you pummel them with the wrath of th' kami, but if ya want ta be more hands on, ya might want ta consider a pole arm er a heavy weapon."

He nods at the new comer, "we gettin ready ta run a few practice drills while we wait fer orders. We got enough ta start until th' Crane gets here. Stretch out tha' rope atween two a yas, and start a spinnin' it around. We'll take turns doin tha' and jumpin' it."

As everyone starts to think he's suggesting a children's game, he adds, "...while holdin' a coil o' rope with each arm..."