[Day 5, Late Evening, Open] A Night in Port

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

"I am easily distracted by boring matters such as training or meditation, Kakita-sama. They both focus my thoughts while emptying my mind. The swimming will do well on that path as well. Did you have something else in mind?"

[Kakita Sugita]

"Oh. No... What do you find exciting about the Tao?" He asks, genuinely curious.

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

She shook her head slightly. "We spoke of distractions, not excitement. I am not sure I even seek out excitement usually. Sword practice can be, especially sparring, but the Tao is distracting in a peaceful, serene sort of way... like a cool breeze on a summers day, or well prepared tea at a ceremony."

[Kakita Sugita]

"Right. I know. I mean... Um. Personally, I like to find exciting things to do. The serene and peaceful doesn't usually work for me. Usually... There are times when I like lying down on a small boat as it is rolling on the waves, sure."

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

She nods a little. "There are many samurai that prefer excitement, I realize that. Though... I have to say, the idea of laying down in a small boat as it rolled on the waves makes me more sick than serene in my head."

[Kakita Sugita]

"Everybody has their preferences. I actually feel the waves more on land than I do on the sea. Can't explain that."

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

Now the Mirumoto looked truly puzzled. "I... fear I have no explanation for that either, Kakita-sama. As much as I may wish to explain such a phenomenon."

[Kakita Sugita]

"It's quite interesting! I walk of the ship feeling nothing. Then once I'm no longer being rolled around, it's like my body misses it or something. So it puts the roll in. But I'm not actually rolling around, so I get disoriented. A little wobbly at first. Was when I stepped on shore here the first time."

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

She nodded slowly. "I have met a few Unicorn before that have spoken of a similar sensation when they are not on a horse. Perhaps there is something like that for those that are on ships more often than not."

[Kakita Sugita]

"I dunno. I've never ridden a horse before."

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

"I have, though only a few times. It is quite different than walking, though it's hard to compare to sailing. Both move around quite a bit under you, though the ship doesn't stop for grass or carrots."

[Kakita Sugita]

"Sure it does. Isn't that why where in port?" Sugita adds grinning.

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

Itsuho rolled her eyes slightly. "The ship seems much more likely to stop for sake and women than it is to stop for carrots and grass... though I wonder if this port has any of either good enough to count."

[Kakita Sugita]

"Women? Here? And what makes you think that in the first place?" Being quite aware, Sugita finds this amusing.

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

She nods a little. "I'm quite certain gaijin have women too. And as for why... the ship has a policy against fraternizing, and many samurai quite enjoy that sort of thing. Shore leave is a perfect time for that, hai?"

[Kakita Sugita]

"With gaijin women?" Sounds disgusting to Sugita.

"And you? You don't wish to go find a man or something?"

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

"As I said, Kakita-sama, I am not sure THIS port has any sake or women worth counting as those. As for myself..." She trailed off and shrugged. "I suppose I have thought on the issue before. It's not... a primary concern, but... I'm not adverse to it."

[Kakita Sugita]

"Wow..." Sugita says with eyebrows high. "That wasn't supposed to be answered. I mean, I didn't expect you to." And he chuckles. "That's kinda refreshing!"

[Mirumoto Itsuho]

She gave a bow of her head. "I am a dull, straight forward woman with simple thoughts, but I am also quite honest and blunt when I wish to be. Refreshing like a spring breeze." She gave a soft smirk at that.

[Kakita Sugita]

"Heh. Dull as your sword I bet!" That was meant as a compliment. "Now, before you put any more thoughts in my head that I shouldn't act upon, I best be getting to bed!"