[Day 3, Dawn] A Workout of a Different Kind

[Daidoji Fuichi]

"That was the implication. Why would we sail all the way over there and not land? That would be a colossal waste of time."

[Kakita Sugita]

Sugita cocks his head like he doesn't understand. "Shore parties. Not the whole boat. Send smaller vessels to load and unload then be on our way."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

"Anyway, Isawa-sama said that we'd be going much further in than the Coral Islands, gathering 'Intel' or something like that. At any rate, it would seem that we'll be going farther than even Hida-san has been before."

[Kakita Sugita]

"Oh... I've never been past the Coral Islands myself. And to those only once."

"Which Hida do you speak of?"

[Daidoji Fuichi]

"Hida Musasha. At least, he seemed experienced. I am not sure how far he's actually traveled."

[Kakita Sugita]

"Ah... huh. He looks the type more suited to the wall is all."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

"Their heavy ships form a Wall of a different sort. At least, that was my understanding. You could always ask him."
I'm not sure he would understand your questions, of course, but asking is no difficulty.

[Kakita Sugita]

"Probably will. I think I know the fleets you mean. They're what brought me further than I'd ever been before this trip. Supply run. Nothing glorious." Sigh...

[Daidoji Fuichi]

Fuichi cocked his head. "Supplies? For what?" He was also curious why Sugita was serving on a Crab vessel, but that could wait.

[Kakita Sugita]

"For the Crab. Food and such. That's all I know." His eyes roll up as he tries to remember more.

[Daidoji Fuichi]

"May I ask why you were serving on a Crab vessel? Were you...were you sent there as part of training with the Daidoji?"

[Kakita Sugita]

He looks back down and shakes his head. "That last part is right, but it was a Crane vessel. Out of Jukami Mura."

[Daidoji Fuichi]

Fuichi considered that for a moment. "Father never mentioned koutetsukan being adapted for use in the Crane navy, but it would not be the only piece of interesting information that he kept from his sons. He always told Suki-chan everything." He smiled a little fondly. "It is pleasant to meet one who was trained in the traditions of my family as my siblings were. Did you serve long in the navy? Perhaps you met one of my brothers, Sanzaemon or Kosui?"

[Kakita Sugita]

... "We weren't on a turtle ship. We were on a regular old merchant ship. And no, I do not recall meeting your siblings. When were they in training?"

[Daidoji Fuichi]

"They are somewhat older than I. Sanzaemon passed gempukku seven years ago, and Kosui five years ago." [[Assumes 15 years is gempukku age]]
He paused.
"My younger brother died before he could pass training, but he was in the dojos at the training grounds starting three years ago."

[Kakita Sugita]

That would have been about the same time Sugita was in training. But how to say, 'I knew your dead sibling'? Oh, right... Like this.

"I may have known him. I was around during that time." Sugita says with little concern showing on his features.

[Daidoji Fuichi]

"He was the fifth child, Daigoro. From Samui Kaze Toshi, the son of Daidoji Izo, captain of the Golden Orchid. He was built like me, unlike my other siblings, who are all giants like Father."

He shrugged. "I suppose it is inconsequential."

[Kakita Sugita]

"It sounds vaguely familiar... maybe..." Unless he was famous or something, I'm going with Sugita has no real clue.

"I've heard of the Golden Orchid. What has she been up to lately?"

[Daidoji Fuichi]

"She was in a running battle with some Yasuki pirates off the coast of the former capital. Father was inordinately proud, rubbed it in the face of all of his Crab friends." he smirked. "I almost got to stay in the temples because of it."

[Kakita Sugita]

"Yasuki pirates, eh? I wouldn't say that too loud around some people." Sugita grins. "But why would you stay in temples because of your Father's ship?"