Nothing Inappropriate (Day 4 Early Evening)

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

Going to the Crane House after his meeting with Otomo Yusuke had helped reveal the fact that Ikeda Ishi was not there, it did perhaps point him in the right direction though. A few people had told him they thought they saw her heading to the shrine. Not that it was exactly a location he visitied often. Carrying phalic statues in a parade were one thing, but he had no particular desire to see them every day.

Though if he thought about it a shrine was the type of place one who was confused would likely go to. So he kept his eyes open for the attractive young Imperial as he made his was up the cliffside to the Shrine proper. Perhaps she was here, perhaps she was not. If it was the second, well at least he had other ideas of how he could spend his time here.

[Ikeda Ishi]

She saw the samurai looking at the sea from the edge of the cliff.

[Yoko]

Yoko sat on the ground nearby Ishi, looking up to the sky as she played with her unfilled pipe in her hand. Turning it over in her hand repeatedly, absently, as she thought on something.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"Ikeda-san." Shouji greeted the young Imperial woman as hexdrew near. Making note of Yoko as well. This is who he thought Yoko had been stalking, it seemedche was not wrong

"Yoko-san." He greeted the ronin with a dip of his head. "I hope I'm not interrupting something?"

[Ikeda Ishi]

"Ah, Captain, good evening. I apologize I was just admiring the view," she said.

[Yoko]

"Been a little while, Tsuruchi-sama," she said, flashing her cocky smirk as she played with the pipe once more before shoving it away. "Gotta appreciate the little things while you can," she commented idly.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"You don't need to apologize for taking in such a lovely view." The Captain replied with an easy smile as he moved towards the Imperial's side opposite from Yoko.

"From what I understand its q favorite of lovers, though I don't believe that's why you're here." He finished with a smirk. He coukd be wrong of course.

Yoko received a grin. "I saw you more then you saw me i think, you left the ship in a hurry this morning. But you're right, well after a fashion. Sometimes those little things have a means of showing up again and again."

[Ikeda Ishi]

"It is not," she said calmly.

"I do find it soothing to my mood, though I wonder how many others have come here only to leap into the unknown," she replied.

[Yoko]

Reaching up, back, Yoko stretched her arms up toward the sky. A slight groan as she rocked her neck back, each side. With a small shift, spin from where she sat she stood. Taking up a spot to mirror the other two a little more.

"Yea- had a few important things I had to take care of, eh?" she said, chuckled a little. Looking to Ishi, then looking out toward the view.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

Well, that more or less answered his question about if she remembered. It meant Yoko likely remembered as well as far as he could tell.

"Mmm... hopefully few have made that decision especially few that are Samurai." He offered the young woman a soft smile. "Perhaps before you contemplate that further, you could tell me whats wrong?"

"I assume it has something to do with the events of yesterday that's also today? There are only a few things I could imagine that could make you derelict in your duty after all."

His gaze shifted to Yoko and he nodded. "More important then looking into the fate of your employers as I understand it." His tone wasn't harsh. He was sharing his honest opinion though.

[Ikeda Ishi]

"Did Otomo-sama send you here?" she said turning to the Captain.

[Yoko]

"Yea-" she commented to what was directed toward her, looking over her shoulder as she did. With what else was said, what else was asked, Yoko crossed one arm over tightly over her chest. Standing, listening, and thinking.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"After a fashion." The Captain replied with a nod. "I visited him earlier today in hopes a man if his experience might recognize the fact that today is also yesterday. He recognized the facts himself but was unable to discover the why of it." Shouji admitted.

"He thought that since you weren't at the castle you may remember too." He paused a moment before continuing. "I thought if I could learn about all the oddities of yesterday I could figure out why some remember and some may not.

"I for instance saw a ghost yesterday." He added a moment later before turning his gaze towards Yoko.

"I would of appreciated to know beforehand that you intended to leave my service, Yoko-san." Shouji offered to the ronin. "There is no changing that now though."

[Dapper Dog]

Ishi is about to respond when the sound of hoof steps and armored soldiers brings attention to a group of five approaching. One on horseback, three bushi on foot and a priest from the lineage of the Kuni. The Crab approach and their leader mounted said, “Good evening, my friends.”

“Hiruma Jinzo, and don’t mind me just here to arrest Ikeda Ishi, point me to her and we will be on our way. I am going to assume it’s the one dressed so fine on the cliff, oh please don’t jump… that would make me sad.”

[Yoko]

Yoko was likewise about to respond, turning to face those that arrived glancing from those who approached to Ishi and then Shouji, "Not what I meant, Tsuruchi-sama," she said, quickly, "explain later. You offered help once, wanna? Help now, somehow, please," she spoke quickly and with focus but her voice shook.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

Shouji studied the ronin for a few moments before offering her a small nod.

"Could I ask what are the charges, Hiruma-san?" Shouji asked as his gaze shifted towards the older man. He didn't know exactly how he could help, but he might be able to.

"As it's just been asked that Ikeda-san be granted asylum on my ship." He continued. It wasn't exactly what Yoko had asked but how to help was up to him to interpret wasn't it?

[Dapper Dog]

"Evidence has been brought forward that she was behind the threats of Hida Yoji, Fuboshi-dono wants a long chat with her," he said calmly.

"Asylum you say, well... now... that... complicates... matters. You want to go go this route and challenge Fuboshi-dono?"

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"Perhaps, though I suppose that depends on a few matters." The Captain replied thoughtfully. "My crew was quite upset with the rough handling by the Kuni yesterday, and one of the Hiruma here has endangered the well being of one of my crew placing traps in dangerous locations."

"Add into that that one of my crew was ripped from my ship last night and killed by some sort of monster that hunts in your waters. I am inclined to be unhelpful in this situation."

He eyed the older man for a moment. "But I also understand that our clans are on positive terms. Perhaps Ikeda-san could be placed in my custody as we determine the validity of these claims?" His eyes shifted towards the Imperial. "This woman has been trusted with guarding the life of Daidoji Yushoko after all. It seems strange that she would endanger the life of her soon to be husband."

[Yoko]

There was a certain helplessness to be felt, it was why Yoko's arms were uncrossed and she stood, watching everything she could. When Shouji spoke she just about smiled in the goofiest manner possible. While they continued to speak, she looked to Ishi, needing to get a read on her best as she could.

[Dapper Dog]

"Who knows with young love," he said wistfully.

"But seeing as you have made your decision I can relay them to Fuboshi-dono. I expect she will take it well," he said with a straight face.

[Ikeda Ishi]

Ishi was cold and distant, waiting to see her fate.

[Yoko]

Yoko looked to her for a moment longer. Changing views she looked to the Hiruma, resting her hand a little changing once more to Shouji. With a soft smile that too changed into a smirk. Nerves in her arm that tensed relaxed a bit, she exhaled slowly through her lips, and calmed herself.

[Tsuruchi Shouji]

"You are putting words in my mouth there, Hiruma-san." Shouji replied his tone sharp. "I had hoped to reach an agreement we could all be happy with. To keep Ikeda-san on my ship until the morning to give my crew a chance to investigate these matters. Before delivering her into the hands of Hida-sama in the morning."

"You could call it a peace offering to a man who has been repeatedly been insulted by his hosts and yet keeps his ship here despite the dangers to his crew as a sign of the good will between our clans. If that had failed though I intended to release Ikeda-san into your custody."

His expression matched the Crabs as he stared the man in the eyes as he continued. "Now you have forced my hand though, made your truth mine, as you resorted to threats. Rather then attempt diplomacy."

"I will face Hida-sama's wrath, as that is the consequences of my Actions. Be sure you do the same." He finished, his tone dismissive.

[Dapper Dog]

The man nodded and turned to his men who followed him back down the hill towards the castle.

[Ikeda Ishi]

"I bid you thanks, you risk a great deal for a samurai of little value," she offered politely.