Seeking Advantage (Day 2 Late Morning Open)

[Toritaka Punchiru]

Toritaka Punchiru arrives on deck, still crisply dressed, if looking slightly uncomfortable.

For the first time I my life I have a distinct odor. Kami, I hope no one notices.

He examines the deck, looking for the fisherman he had heard of.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi, who was tending to the deck along with a few others, noticed the Toritaka after securing a few details with the increased winds. "Ohayou gozaimasu Toritaka-san." She bowed politely.

[Toritaka Punchiru]

Hmm...where is he?

Punchiru greets Hoshi with a full bow.

"Good morning, Bayushi-san. How are the seas today?"

[Bayushi Hoshi]

"The day is rather pleasant with generous winds to bless our travel. However, the scouts may have a different story together." She gave a few nods with a light mood, then formally introduced herself. "I don't think I had the pleasure of chatting with you before duties were handed out. This one is Bayushi Hoshi, formerly of Ryoko Owari Toshi."

[Yoritomo Kaito]

Kaito is moving about his business fairly calmly this morning his eyes moving to the sea occasionally as if to check on something but as then Lion on watch scrambles to move around in somewhat of a panic Kaito moves to the bow of the ship to aid him.


/exit to here

(Sorry knew ya wanted to talk but there is a bit more pressing matters on the ship Toritaka-san.... I'll likely rejoin this thread once its done.)

[Toritaka Punchiru]

"I am Toritaka Punchiru of the Valley of Spirits." He returns her greeting, but turns.

"Yoritomo-san?"

As the Yoritomo makes his way past him rushing, Punchiru turns again.

"Is something happening, Bayushi-san?"

(ah, natural introductions with activities. No worries Yoritomo-san, you have make a natural transition.)

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi glanced at the passing Yoritomo and quipped back when the Crab got curious. "Something that's not a cooking competition I should hope." Instincts of a city guard set in for her as she gave the two forward of the deck another glance.

"Just our duty, we'll let you know once it becomes of concern. Is there something I could help you with today?"

[Toritaka Punchiru]

"I was seeking to offer myself as a replacement to anyone who sought extra time to fish today, but it seems that Yoritomo-san is preoccupied. I don't suppose you would need additional time for such pursuits?"

Punchiru smiles openly, invitingly.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi lifted her brows at the Crab with a mildly amused look. "It would depend what there was exactly to catch out there ne Toritaka-san? My last time out didn't yield anything to my liking, I'm sure I'll find something were I to spend more time there..." She shrugged. "But I like being here too, so I'll have to decline the generous offer. Thank you."

"Are you looking for more work in particular? I think Yoritomo-san might be looking for time to back up his boasted reputation, once he's free." She then perked up slightly when the recognized the call that was being sent out. "Mm..."

[Toritaka Punchiru]

"I seek to optimize my time. I can sail, but fishing is a task I have never studied. By sailing for a capable fisher, I utilize my time while increasing that person's productivity. Thus everyone involved profits. In fact, it was Yoritomo-san in particular who I was going to speak with, but the morning's fluster has taken his attention."

Punchiru also hears the whistle. "I think there is a shipwreck, from the sound."

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi narrowed one eye to study the Toritaka for a moment, "That's an interesting philosophy Toritaka-san. As fishing and fish is probably more of a luxury, I could argue that we are best when everyone is putting their time into working ne?" She gave a few waves of her hand to half-dismiss that thought for now as there were bigger concerns.

"Hai. It would be a shipwreck. If it was one of ours, we might have been alerted a while back of a missing ship."

[Toritaka Punchiru]

"Certainly with all the Imperial ships. The Mantis may have craft out here we would not know about."

Punchiru stifles the urge to reach for a fan. The Tortoise ships as well, but they are not to be mentioned.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi nodded once. "That could be very well the case. We are on Imperial business and how or if the Captain wishes to approach this, would be up to him ne? Do you have much to go on Toritaka-san?"

[Toritaka Punchiru]

"I suppose the physical evidence would give us something to go on. Perhaps a courtier's eye is needed for this, the details of the flotsam may escape a more martial eye. Perhaps I should lend my assistance."

Punchiru wrings his hands slightly in indecision.

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Hoshi nodded once at that statement. She didn't immediately agree with what he said but she wasn't going to go through the same road and discriminate against his own potential usefulness. "At the moment, I don't think Isawa-gunso would appreciate everyone crowding around the foredeck to lend out their good intentions Toritaka-san. I think the captain is to have first notice of this before it goes to the rest of the crew. You're free to ask of it from him or one of his officers after."

[Toritaka Punchiru]

"You are quite right, Bayushi-sama. A level head is best, I am certain that if I am needed my superior will call upon me."

[Bayushi Hoshi]

Changing the topic slightly, she asked. "You hinted that you were a courtier, have you travelled often Toritaka-san?"

[Toritaka Punchiru]

Punchiru smiles.

"Yes. My time in the lands of my father was idyllic, but when it came time for my training my skills were found to be in the social and dare I say commercial realm rather than the simple forrestry and spiritual wholeness which my family is known for. My training was given over to the Yasuki family, which opened the world to me. When I first spied the spires of the Yasuki Yashiki, when I first saw the sea I fell in love with the wide world instantly. It was as if I could see the Empire as a vast marketplace entirely connected by this fabulous ocean, better than any road imaginable. I traveled the breadth of the Empire by boat, saw the ports and riverways of three great clans in detail, more in passing."

Punchiru sighed.

"The bay of Otasan-Uchi is a marvel even still."

His face grows dark for a moment.

"When I completed my training my first duty was arduous translations of obscure texts. This gave me some knowledge of the world beyond the Empire, but what interest is there in these barbarians? I appraised the value of the scribblings of dead men far beyond the Light of Heaven. I admit I did not rate it highly. When Akara-sama saw how dismal I found the work she quietly found duties more suited to me, though I admit I do feel ill-equipped sometimes. I will have to find more skills to lend my hand, and let my honeyed tongue and greedy, coin-besmirched fingers become mere oddities on a naval man."

Punchiru laughs with only a tinge of bitterness to it.

"How about you, Bayushi-sama? Have you spied the great wide world before?"

[Bayushi Hoshi]

“Trading your appreciation of the forests for the ocean’s beauty doesn’t sound so much at odds in my opinion. You have your own way in how you go about things.” It even sound quaint I admit.

“-Ah...My own experience with the Empire is modest. Most of my personal experience are within the Scorpion provinces, the lands of my Family and those of the Shosuro mainly. I had the occasion to visit the Imperial lands once, passing through Lion lands and a brief glance at the coast of the Crane. Compared to your experience, I can’t match to the privilege you’ve had so far. Being a merchant patron has its advantages ne?”

[Toritaka Punchiru]

"Oh, yes. There is no downside to it."

Punchiru again looks down the ship to the activity of the gunso and the sailors.