Almost done.

Almost done.

Almost done.

Kasumi repeated it to herself as she stalked along the docks in an incredibly foul humor.

She'd come to the docks because, well... they felt the least Crane of the places in Tsuma.

The least self-satisfied, looking-down-their-noses, we-don't-even-shit-let-alone-have-shit-that-stinks ASSHOLE FUCKING CRANE CLAN part of this whole fucking town.

She was nearly weeping with rage... or was it frustration?

Not because she'd failed at yet another of the little tests these fucking assholes had come up with to get their passive-aggressive payabck.

But because when she'd arrived, she'd wanted to learn something from them. Something of theirs to take back, to be more than she was.

But they weren't going to fucking let it happen, and had proven that she'd been an idiot for ever wanting to be anything like them.

What good are honors from such people?

Masaru had been wanting to take a walk down by the docks to clear his head. Much was going on the tournament drawing to a close the Iai tournament tomorrow to decide the champion. It was curious though, he had never had any desire or thought that he would win so what is it now he was so damned nervous about the results.

No things were as they needed to be and he needed to let things fall where they will, he had done his best so far and will continue to do so.

He took a deep breath and looked out across the docks taking in the people about as he walked. He had opted for something more practical than his usual fine silk kimonos. There was a time and place for all kinds of dress. so a sturdy and functional ensemble made more sense for an overcast walk by the docks.

he looked and saw Kasumi there as well, he didn't know the Mantis girl well but they had worked together briefly to help takedown the drug peddling in Tsuma. She seemed to be in a foul mood so his approach was a touch cautious but he came in with a smile

He gave a bow "Ah hello Kasumi-san, I see I was not the only one with the idea to come down to the docks today."

DON'T LASH OUT.

He's a Lion.

You have nothing against the Lion.

"Aye, Kitsu-san. Came down for th'fresh air. But what 'bout you? Don't seem t'be your kinda surroundings."

Masaru grinned a little "Oh? And why do you say that?" He asked as he peered at her curiously "do I seem afraid of water? Or unable to swim?"

"Neither, but y'hardly seemed at home aboard ship, an' y'hardly talk like a docker."

Masaru nods smile still on his lips as he leans against a barrel "I admit I'm not sailor, nothing but a few riverboats for experience for me."

He shrugged a bit "But I like the water, the docks are interesting. Don't have any where I'm from since we don't have water access. So I guess maybe not my natural habitat but it's an interesting place for sure." The smile turned up to a grin again "plus you never know who you'll run into."

"Most of th'time I hear that last, it's a warnin'."

She cocked her head to the side.

""Zat th'case here?"

Masaru let out a small laugh and shook his head "No, no definitely not."

This time he cocked his head a little to the side "Our experiences here seem to be very different if you are experiencing threats Kasumi-san. Is everything alright?"

"Oh, only person here saw fit t'warn me's a complete wanker not worth the steam off a..."

She trailed off. Cleared her throat.

"Anyhow. Nah. More a general thing, the warnin', that is."

But everything wasn't all right, and she wasn't about to pretend it was.

"Hmmmm" the thinking sound came out as a hand came to his chin.

"Well that's unfortunate to hear but I suppose throwing a bunch of soon to be adults into a competition together there's bound to be friction." He finished with a shrug

"If it's any consolation from my time working with you you've been both capable and pleasant to be around."

"Kind of ya t'say so, Kitsu-san. Might be my talents're better-suited t'work than court."

To put it mildly.

Masaru's smile softened a touch "We all have our roles to play. You were not trained a Courtier were you? Then why would you fit in at court? In many places court is as deadly as any battlefield."

"We work together covering eachother's weaknesses and blind spots. You seem good at what you do, keep doing it and if anyone tels you you're not not enough, fuck 'em." He finished with a slightly mischievous grin the coarse language a departure from his normal proper speech but it didn't feel forced or out of place when he said it, he was used to it.

"Ah, I am good at what I do. So what'm I doin' here, where nobody much does it?"

Masaru shrugged a little "This is just one experience. It doesn't define you or your life. You're here to represent your clan. Just being here is an opportunity, brushing elbows with future leaders and heros of the Empire."

He pushed off the barrel and turned to face her "doesn't really matter how well you do here. People already recognized you were good by sending you here. Just continue being you and doing you I'm sure you'll do great things and you being here in the Topaz will just be a footnote of your story."

Yes, it'll be a great backstory for my run as a Kabuki villain.

"Reckon we'll see, Kitsu-san... Not convinced, m'self."

Masaru shrugged "can lead a horse to water." He said half of the common saying.

"So surely this hasn't been an entirely bad experience here at Tsuma. Friends made maybe? Surely a good memory or two."

She looked out across the river. Sighed.

"Only th'most... fleeting sorts'a good memories, Kitsu-san. Nothing that'll... stay."

Nothing and no one to keep hold of.

"Might be all th'time I've spent at sea, but I'm tired'a seein' things wash away from me."

Masaru nodded his easy smile settling to a soft frown "Now that is something I can relate to. Not the being at sea thing of course but it can be hard when all the good times are fleeting." He said looking out over the water.

He looked back to her

"But hey, we're still young. Not even technically adults yet. I'm sure we have time to find our rock."

"P'raps. But not likely we'll find it here, eh?"

Masaru looked up into the cloudy sky "Perhaps not. Seems unlikely with only a couple days left."

He looked back down "but you never know eh? Stranger things have happened."