Vassal of Hideyoshi dono, [She had forgotten to ask his name....] I have what you requested, though perhaps this timing is not of the best. Is there a preference on how to deliver them? Meeting at a port seems difficult in this environment, coming to this ship may be simplest.

If you wish for more potent results I would recommend coming with the hair of those you wish affected most greatly. Or even perhaps drops of blood if such can be obtained.

[Mitsunari sounds drained as he addresses the journal today; bitter disgust in his tone. Between his rampaging and the wound he sustained while under the influence of the mist, it's understandable. It sounds at first as if he's simply talking to himself. Ruminating.]

Once again... the sin of betrayal is my burden to bear. Yet, why...? When I despise it so... Why must treachery dog my heels?

Is Davy Jones to blame for the cursed horns? ...I care not. Whoever shoulders the responsibility for inciting this nonsense... I swear... I will exact vengeance against them... for their devious orchestration of the circumstances that have lead to the further tarnishing of my honor!

...May these sins be laid waste to. Lord Hideyoshi, absolve me of the blood that stains my hands without purpose.

[He pauses.]

Ragna. It is imperative we speak.

[Another pause. Come to think of it, he's got something he needs to return to him.]

In person. ...Do not delay.

[For those on the Katabami: Mitsunari hasn't been doing much since the horns disappeared. That was a pretty big sword he got stabbed with. He doesn't like to stay resting and useless for long, but even he has a limit to his pain tolerance. However, he is also a stubborn fool lacking in patience, so by now he'll be trying to walk around whether or not it's advisable he do so.]

I am most curious as to the thoughts of all of you concerning our most recent news. It would seem as if we wished to dare consider such a venture that we would need a strategy. It seems a foolhardy quest to take, but many of you are willful fools.

[A few days after this botched escape from the Corpse Kings ship during the race. She had died during that mission, though she was quite fortunate to wake up again within her own room. It could have been worse, but it takes nothing away from the bitterness she felt.

She had failed. She had died! One who had gained immortality through long arduous research, trial and error, and purse perseverance had lost that precious costly gift and died. She who trained every day to become stronger in her powers and her path following the Way had died.... It was enough to leave her morose, yet there was more. She noticed it not long after awaking, there was something missing... despite her attempts she could not conjure her prized spells. She could not manipulate the elements as she generally did, but she did not feel over all lacking, she still had her sense yet....]

Curse this world and their ghost god!

[There was an anger there she had not displayed before, a deep anger that she had not embraced since she was young.]

To take what is mine, what was earned through blood and sweat and tears is unforgivable!

[There was a long pause and then a sigh.]

And yet... yet I am left with what I have always had. The magic of which I was born with, the blood right of the Mononobe....

[Again there is another long pause as she shifts a bit, calming to a point, but instead of rage there is simply despair.]

If my Lord were here I could consult her... if my friend were here I could confide in her, if my mentor were here I could request guidance from her... but this world has taken my lord from me, and now has taken the Way as well.... Is this a sign of folly? I am gifted the opportunity to gain Futsu no Mitama no Tsurugi, that I did pass aside so long ago. And then all that bore me down towards the Tao is gone, but left still with my innate skills and family born lessons.

What does one do when they are so lost without guidance? Is it now I will only have that of the tsurugi to be my guide?

Considering what is ahead, and our generally fluctuating state, I feel we should prepare ourselves more so. Also, I feel perhaps we should... make an effort to understand each other more than we do.

[Which was saying a lot from her, she really didn't like knew things too much.]

We have many skills and know not the limit of them, nor how to utilize them in strategy. Though we have done well so far. Let us work together to hone our skills like a fine arrow, able to strike through to the heart of our enemies and opponents.

Of course I do not say this with nothing to offer. There is a game from the world I had experienced before here, in the land of Gensokyo. They are quite antagonistic and make a game of combat. This method of which they use is useful for many applications, I feel if those who could use that method aboard this learned of its ways it would do us greatly.

I and to an extent Tojiko can help instruct the system.

What is thy word on such a proposition?

I am most curious about the requirements for the price on our heads. Is it based on the potential threat we carry, or on the amount of confrontations we have encountered? Of course, the ideal is to not have a bounty at all, for that only inspires those who would hunt for profit to hinder you....

However, I feel that in a way it is a method of ranking... and in that case I feel a strong urge to increase my own.

There is no possible way that she....

What must I do to prove my standing!? If I must go forth and battle until that number raises so be it! Though I am but a student in many things, and still require great training, I am sure that I can raise myself at least a small amount.

I am in need of a crew to attend to. If you are capable of taking me on as such, I shall make it worth your while. If you are worried of curses I may be able to ward against such travesties.

[It might be noticed by the Howling Sabers that Futo had not been aboard or around since the trip to the witch for Tojiko. She had said nothing and kept to herself until now finally speaking up.]

[For the most part Futo hasn't seemed much different from her usual self. She was still archaic, she was still formal, and she was still generally kind. However there was one very big difference, and it was about to manifest itself for all to see.]

I... I feel that I should not avoid this any longer, and it has already been too long in saying this. It has been unfair and cruel to my companion Soga no Tojiko, and I am truly ashamed and abashed at my behavior. I am... I am unsure of why I even transgressed against her... but....

Tojiko, I am truly most sorry to have ended your life in such a manner, I am unworthy to speak of such a ghastly wrong against you, and it is due time that I accept my crimes and face them properly. I put myself into your hands, and my your decision be my judgement.

For my crew mates, it is only fair that you know of this dark history, and deem what you may for it. I would not wish for one who is known to be a traitor to be amongst my ranks as well... and I will accept what is doled.

Is there any information on locations and peoples of the western parts of this world?

[Her question might seem random, but she had good reasons to inquire. She didn't say more on that however, staying silent for a time before speaking up again.]

Captain, I feel that we should perhaps change our decisions currently.

I am growing most concerned with this current weather and condition. Methods of resolving the current issue is proving most vexing. I am most tired of feeling cold, and wish for an answer to remedy this ailment.

Calling all able and willing ships.

Since it has been apparent that multiple ships will be raiding Isla Empieza, I find it imperative that we have a proper strategy. Even with all of us, we are outnumbered and, very likely, outgunned.

The strategy I have proposed is using magics and other talents to create a foggy mass, possibly stormlike in appearance, that will disguise our approach and fool the Navy into not firing a single shot until we are already behind them and at the advantage.

Though I am open to other ideas. Anything beyond a full frontal assault has some merit, but if you're going to suggest some suicidal blazing guns routine, I'm going to politely ask you to shove it and let the real strategists talk.

So. Suggestions?

That is either of an enchanted nature, or a tsukumogami; both of which are best dispatched early in this unknown scenario.

[There was a silver haired girl, though it was a bit hard to tell as her clothing was more masculine for the style, and a green haired ghost arguing near the fountain. Those who might be nearby will be hard pressed not to notice them. It seems their topic of debate was the very journal that was capturing their voices.]

Allow me to purify it with flame and protect ourselves from evil post haste!

Purify? You can't possibly mea-... Put that torch away this instant! You can't act so rashly, we still don't know what's going on!

[There was indeed fire in the first girl, Futo's hands.]

Which is why it is most important to nullify all potential threats, it speaks and writes independently, such actions are suspicious and will do us no good.

[And now over the journal one could hear a distinct buzzing. And in the town itself, it was obvious as to why as slivers of lighting began to streak around the other girl's arms.]

That is hardly a threat! If it wasn't for this book, its contents, and that Dog fellow, we'd have no idea where we even were! I won't allow you to destroy our only link to the reasoning of this realm, Mononobe no Futo!

And these people here, around us, are not a link to the reasonings of this realm and place? Where has your caution flown to? Has death rotted your sensibilities as our master's teacher's plaything has? Do not fight me on this Soga no Tojiko!

[As tempers seemed to flair up, so did the fire around Futo.]

[If they weren't already clearing the area, they definitely wanted to now. More lighting was jolting about. The pages, to those hearing the fight over the journals, were starting to singe and burn just from being near those two. It was way too hot to hold, even.]

Ha! You've forsaken your practicality for that coward's caution! Have at you!

[Hoo boy... here comes the explosion...]

It has never failed me in the past!

[And both fire and electricity collided in a massive release of magical energy, the sound was easily heard through the journal, and for blocks around. It was hard to say if what condition the girls were in however, as there was silence and dust and smoke lingering.]

[... and the pages of the journal soaking through with the fountain's water. And the sound of splashing.]

Now look what you've done! I'm sopping wet and you've ruined the only dress I have in this forsaken place!

[At least the journal was still in one piece...]

Perhaps if you had hold of your vile temper such things would not transpire.

(OOC: Tojiko is in green, Futo regular.)