[LM6] Test of the General Observation

[Shiba Jiro]

"I would certainly not mind the enviable status of friend to Asahina Sakura-san. In fact, if you would be interested, I would welcome a regular exchange of letters."

[Asahina Sakura]

A flash of a grin before it was reeled back into a more acceptable small smile, "I think that'd be just fine, um, Shiba-san?"

[Shiba Jiro]

"Lovely," he replied, genuinely pleased to have another writing partner. "I will look forward to our exchanges."

"Do you have any others that you are planning exchanges with?"

[Akodo Michi]

"I'll on th'officer track. Goal is to captain a ship someday."

"One hopes your dream of achieving something great and honorable will be realized", she said, thoughts drifting toward the upcoming season and her own challenges. She was certain of her method in battle, but she needed first to overcome the problem before her. It was not a simple thing, for Kasumi's friendship both helped and as well so terribly hindered that.

[Yukikaze no Kasumi]

"One hopes your dream of achieving something great and honorable will be realized."

"Well, reckon we'll see if I manage t'earn it. No one else can do it for me, nor should they."

[Asahina Sakura]

"Lovely," he replied, genuinely pleased to have another writing partner. "I will look forward to our exchanges."

"Do you have any others that you are planning exchanges with?"

"Um. No? There are a few I hope to keep in contact with but... nothing has been firmly established to carry on past our time here?"

[Shiba Jiro]

"Well, you have one now. I hope to have a few by the time I leave here. It's good to hear from the corners of the empire and keep up with friends. I hope you get a few more as well," he said with a smile.

[Kuni Mitsuko]

"I liked that the letters seemed to be getting more optimistic. Although I'm not really good with..." She waves a hand lightly. "With like poetry-type things..." She keeps smiling at the Phoenix.

"I am glad you like them."He looked at her smile and smiled back. "You seem cheerful today."

"Things have gone well with your nice letters, with this challenge... I look forward to even more good fortune today, quite honestly," she grins, thinking about her plans for later.

[Asahina Sakura]

"Well, you have one now. I hope to have a few by the time I leave here. It's good to hear from the corners of the empire and keep up with friends. I hope you get a few more as well," he said with a smile.

She blinked. "A few more friends, or penpals?"

[Shiba Jiro]

She blinked. "A few more friends, or penpals?"

"Penpals. I imagined you have an abundance of friends already," he says with a smile. "How could you not?"

[Asahina Sakura]

Braying laughter from her chaperone was not a good look, and Sakura turned bright red. "Oh- I- Um- Well- It's just, you see- I mean- Uh, no?"

[Shiba Jiro]

"Then it's only a matter of time," he replies warmly. "I don't have too many either if I'm being honest. Too much time mostly with family, and my sensei."

[Seppun Urusai]

Urusai enters after his demonstration--solid, adequate, but not exceptional--and looks for company.

(Quote me if you want me!)

[Asahina Sakura]

She met Jiro's warm smile with an anxious one, "I haven't- I mean, it's not unheard of? in a shugenja school? to be surrounded, by students with the same gifts to speak with the Kami? But I have found, um, in my experience, I don't, um, it's hard to, uh, just make friends? I guess?"

Urusai joins the stands and suddenly Jiro's sandals are the most interesting thing in the world.

[Shiba Jiro]

"Well, you're a topaz competitor, a pleasant conversationalist, a priestess and an artist. I suspect that you will see a pretty massive increase in social activity quite soon Asahina-san," he says with a smile.

Then noticing the reaction to Urusai, he smirks.

"I spoke with Seppun-sama yesterday after the event. He is a very dutiful individual. Have you been introduced?"

[Asahina Sakura]

"...We're acquainted," she chirped to his sandals.

[Shiba Jiro]

"Would it surprise you to know that we spoke of you a bit?" he said with a smile.

"He was definitely impressed with your enthusiasm," he continues in a supportive tone. "I'd say you've made a positive impression on him if he's mentioning you to people he barely knows."

[Asahina Sakura]

"You what now?" her gaze shot up to search Jiro's expression!

[Shiba Jiro]

The smile he gave was knowing and the nod was gentle. He was not trying to toy with her, and was being perfectly honest.

"It wasn't much. Just a simple comment. But such things bely what are on people's minds Asahina-san. I'd suggest more conversation with him if he's similarly on your mind when speaking with others. It suggests you both are curious to learn more about one another. Should I invite him over and excuse myself? I would be glad to if that's your wish."

[Asahina Sakura]

"No, no! That's not necessary!"