A Patrol At Sea (Near the Sea of Shadows)

[Mai]

Before turning back to the Crab, she thinks of something she needs to check with the ronin first. "Do you have jade?"

The Mai returned her attention Aiichiro. "Should be soon. Within the next hour." She wants to hear the ronin's response about jade before going to talk to the captain. The Crab, she feels no need to ask.

[Mirai]

She gave a soft shrug. "He didn't say why, but he wouldn't let me on without it." Reaching around her neck, Mirai showed she had a finger of jade on a thread.

"Not a part of the payment he said, just something for the trip."

[Kaiu Aiichiro]

"Alright. Let's get moving then. I can explain what jade is for on the way." He looks to both and starts walking to the port. "Guide us to the captain, Mai-san."
When they were already walking, he started. "Do you know what the Taint is?"

[Mirai]

She nodded slightly. "I mean, everyone's heard of it before, but no more than that. The captain mentioned it was what the jade was for, but that I shouldn't worry about it."

[Kaiu Aiichiro]

"It is not that general of an idea. Makes good for you to have that knowledge. But it is because the jade protects against Taint. I always have some with me."

[Mai]

Mai led the way to the captain. He was an older man who looked a little like Mai. "Hey, uncle. This is Kaiu Aiichiro, mind if he comes?" The captain frowns at the name and just looks to the Crab.

[Kaiu Aiichiro]

He bows. Noticing his cold meeting, Aiichiro thought it was evaluation — he was a child, after all. So he could not refrain from adding more to the introduction. "I'm a student of the Kaiu Enginners, who made the Iron Turtles and many other great things. My sensei sent me to the coast to diversify my training."

[Mai]

Mai's uncle nods and walks away. Mai turns to the Crab. "So, that is a yes You two ever been to sea before?"

[Mirai]

The ronin shook her head softly. "First time."

[Kaiu Aiichiro]

"Yes for a boat, but only in the river."

[Mai]

"Well, let me show you around." She leads them both, giving a tour of the boat including discretely pointing out where to throw up if they get sea sick. "But before we head out, the Kuni on board will be giving basic lessons just in case we meet anything from the Sea of Shadows. Any questions?"

[Mirai]

"I would know everything that I am supposed to know, everything the captain believes I should. To ask my own questions would be to show expectations. It is often better to listen first and ask later, if needed."

[Kaiu Aiichiro]

Aiichiro makes a "no" with his head. As they get on board, before departing a gathering is made. A Kuni jumps over a box to make himself more visible amongst a small bunch towering Crab and a greater bunch of Mantis sailors already reunited around. Both those groups knew well when it was moment to listen even before any words spoken to call attention over.
"Attention." He says.