As the meeting drew to a close, the four adventurers excused themselves. Aizeah, seizing the opportunity, approached Kaito, inquiring about his impression of them. Kaito, with a friendly smile, responded, "They seem like reliable individuals. I'm glad that I came here."
Aizeah chuckled, her tone carrying a hint of mischief, "I'll leave my men to you. You can use them all you want, even toss them aside." Kaito, with a forced smile, replied, "Hehe, you're as scary as always, Aizeah-san."
While on their way to the inn, the four engaged in a lively discussion about their upcoming journey to the Sakura Shogunate. They reminisced about the dreams they once had in their old world, fantasizing about visiting Japan. The conversation flowed with excitement as they envisioned the cultural experiences and adventures that awaited them in this new and unfamiliar land.
Kyru, with a grin, teased, "I bet they've got some awesome ramen over there!" Risky, with a nod, added, "And I've heard they have these traditional hot springs. We should definitely check those out!"
Shiiyo, with a smirk, said, "Well, I'm looking forward to trying authentic sushi. Maybe I'll find a new favorite roll."
Creed, ever the pragmatic one, reminded them, "Let's not forget the mission, guys. We're there to handle the demon problem, not just indulge in Japanese delights."
The banter continued as they walked through the bustling streets, blending their dreams with the reality of the impending quest
The morning sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink as the quartet made their way to the city gate, their gear prepared and spirits high. Kaito, the Sakura Shogunate representative, awaited their arrival with a welcoming smile. "Looks like you four are ready," he greeted.
Creed, well-versed in Japanese culture, made a slight bow. "We are in your care, Hiroshi-san." Kaito chuckled, "Please, remove the formalities, call me Kaito. I want to get to know you guys on our journey."
As they boarded the ship toward the Sakura Empire, the quartet couldn't contain their curiosity. Shiiyo, ever the strategist, initiated the conversation. "Kaito, could you tell us more about the Sakura Shogunate? What's it like there?"
Kaito, leaning against the ship's railing, began to share tales of the Sakura Shogunate. He spoke of its rich cultural heritage, the delicate artistry, and the disciplined lifestyle. "Our people hold tradition in high regard. From the intricacies of tea ceremonies to the art of flower arranging, every aspect of life is imbued with a sense of grace and purpose."
Risky, ever the food enthusiast, couldn't resist asking about the culinary delights. "What about the food? I've heard you guys have some amazing dishes."
Kaito's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Ah, the cuisine is truly something to savor. From the simplicity of sushi to the hearty warmth of ramen, our meals are a celebration of flavors. And don't even get me started on the delicate beauty of sakura-themed desserts."
Kyru, always intrigued by rumors, asked about Empress Kaede Himura. "We've heard rumors about the Empress. Is it true she controls fire? And what's the deal with those horns?"
Kaito chuckled at the inquiries. "Ah, Empress Kaede is a remarkable leader. The rumors hold some truth. She indeed possesses the ability to control fire, a power inherited through her Oni lineage. As for the horns, it's a distinctive trait of her kind. But fear not, despite her strict reputation, she is a fair and just ruler, dedicated to the well-being of our nation."
As the ship sailed through the open sea, the quartet absorbed the information about their destination, their minds filled with anticipation for the adventures and discoveries that awaited them in the Sakura Shogunate.
The trio left Kaito to his paperwork and decided to explore the ship. As they strolled around the deck, taking in the vastness of the sea and the salty breeze, Shiiyo spotted Captain Creed behind the ship, his face a shade paler than usual.
Concerned, Shiiyo approached him. "Hey Capt'n, you good, bro?"
Creed, half of his body hanging over the ship's railing, attempted a reassuring smile. "I'm good... I just need a little training to get used to it." However, his words were cut short as he leaned over and retched into the ocean.
Risky, noticing Creed's distress, voiced his worry. "Hey Capt'n, you don't really look good there, pal. How about taking some rest?" But Creed, with a determined grin, insisted he would be fine. Kyru, always quick on his feet, offered to fetch some water for him.
As Kyru disappeared to find water, Creed looked at Shiiyo. "How long until we reach our destination?"
Shiiyo, ever the strategist, began his estimate. "Based on our current speed and favorable weather conditions, I estimate it will take approximately five days to reach our destination to the east. Our coordinates at present are latitude 32.145, and longitude 45.789. We are maintaining a consistent pace of 12 knots, and the prevailing winds are in our favor. However, unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather or encounters with other vessels may alter our progress."
Creed, still queasy, managed a nod. "Good. Keep me updated on any changes."
Risky, with a pitiful smile, chimed in, "You sure can't handle seasickness, can you?" Creed chuckled, "Yeah, I spent the whole ride inside the toilet when I was in the Navy." The two shared a laugh, finding some humor in the Captain's struggle with the rolling waves.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the vast expanse of the sea. As the trio continued their exploration of the ship, Kyru returned with a bottle of water. "Here you go, Capt'n. Drink up."
Creed gratefully accepted the water, taking slow sips to ease his queasiness. "Thanks, Kyru. I appreciate it." Risky, always the compassionate healer, added, "Make sure to take it easy, Captain. We don't want you turning green on us."
The night enveloped the ship in darkness, the only illumination coming from the moon and the distant stars. Shiiyo, looking out over the sea, couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. "The ocean at night is a sight to behold. It's almost like being surrounded by a sea of stars."
Risky, leaning against the ship's railing, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's peaceful. Makes you forget about all the troubles for a moment." Kyru, glancing at the starlit sky, added, "Maybe we should do some stargazing later. Could be a nice way to pass the time."
As the quartet settled into the rhythmic sounds of the ship cutting through the waves, Kaito emerged from the cabin, seemingly recovered from his paperwork. "Ah, enjoying the night air, are we?" he remarked.
Shiiyo, gesturing to the starry expanse, replied, "Indeed. It's quite a spectacle."
Kaito joined them at the railing. "In the dance of waves, where the azure canvas meets the heavens, behold, the sea unveils its tender embrace. The gentle lullaby of the ocean whispers to the weary heart, a respite sought by both mortals and deities alike. The sea, a silent actor upon life's grand stage, commands a symphony of serenity that soothes the soul with the elegance of a thousand cherry blossoms in bloom"
The four adventurers were left in awe by Kaito's eloquence. Shiiyo, the strategist, couldn't help but express his admiration. "That was quite a description, Kaito-san. Where did you learn such poetic language?"
Kaito chuckled, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. "Ah, the Sakura Shogunate is not only a land of martial arts and discipline. We also appreciate the beauty of words and the art of expression. Poetry is ingrained in our culture, much like the cherry blossoms that paint our landscapes."
The quartet exchanged appreciative glances, realizing that their journey held not only the promise of adventure but also the chance to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the Sakura Shogunate's culture.