[D1 LE, Expecting] Souvenirs

[Shiba Jiro]

He smirks at the anger. "I can be so calm because anger gives you wrinkles when you get old, and I'd like to keep my youthful appearance," he jokes.

"But seriously, it's not about trying to be calm. It's about being happy with who I am. If you want to see me lose my cool, visit me while I am building or crafting, working on a big project."

[Kuni Mitsuko]

Mitsuko's eyes narrow, but not in a piercing way, as she ponders what Jiro has said.

"Hmm. I suppose I'm always working on myself, so that makes sense..." She regards her sake cup, then thinks better of it for now. "Hopefully being here helps me settle some part of me," she says philosophically, almost like Jiro isn't even there.

[Shiba Jiro]

"Working on ourselves is the greatest pursuit that we can follow. A better you can better serve your clan. Better service for your clan makes it stronger. But I don't think that it's the place or the event that will help you settle anything. It will be the people. The varied life experiences, ideas and philosophies that will help you reinforce, refine and understand your own in turn. And you can get that anywhere that isn't home. It's why I am so thankful I had the opportunity to spend at least a little time with the Kakita during my training. Helped me see what worked for them that could work for me, but also what I already knew that worked better for me than it would for them. I could appreciate what I already understood while also growing," he offers as a reinforcement to her own philosophical musing.

[Kuni Mitsuko]

There's an alarm in her eyes like she didn't realize he was so close, and with those thoughts he's now too close. She pauses, breathes, calms a little and then says, "Um. Yes. That's... Wise." And she looks at Jiro very critically but doesn't say anything more.

[Shiba Jiro]

"Kuni-san, I think that you are going to be great here. I look forward to seeing your successes," he says with a smile.

[Kuni Mitsuko]

Mitsuko can't resist smiling a little at that encouragement.

"Well, I'm sure you'll do well here as well, Shiba-san," she says, sounding a little grudging but still showing the small smile. "No doubt be very popular."

[Shiba Jiro]

"Hopefully not too popular. I will need some time to sleep. Can't be making tea, crafting and drinking sake all the time," he replied.

Then he finished the last cup. "Speaking of sleep... probably best to get some for tomorrow."

[Kuni Mitsuko]

Mitsuko grins a little, but not too much.

"Oh, hai, of course," she says, a little mitts excited than she probably should be. "Um, well, yes... Off to sleep. Um, I'll save the last of this..."

She looks at the Phoenix uncertainly, like she doesn't know how to conclude this interaction.

[Shiba Jiro]

He nods to her saving the last of the sake. "I hope you have a restful and pleasant visit to Yume-do, Kuni-san. I look forward to speaking with you again. Please take care." He rises, smiles to her, then bows respectfully. He pauses for only a moment, giving her a moment to say anything she wishes, but also not lingering.

[Kuni Mitsuko]

"Er, likewise, Shiba-san. Likewise," she says with a modest smile and a seated bow. Then she watches him leave.

/scene