Location: Hitokurou Library
Sitting amidst several small, open books, Ichiro closes a bottle of sake and sets it off to the side with several others, then produces a new bottle from a backpack before refilling his cup.
Yamashita enters the room, with a smile on his face. "I have returned!" says Yamashita, a little too loud to be in his library voice.
Looking up, Ichiro smiles, "Welcome back! How'd the trip go?" Producing a second cup from his backpack, Ichiro fills the cup with sake and offers it to Yamashita.
Taking the cup, Yamashita replies, "The trip was without complications. I found a few locations that look promising." Yamashita removes his weapons and sits across from Ichiro.
Ichiro rummages through a pouch momentarily before producing a map and opening it over the floor. "So, tell me what you found," Ichiro says as he marks the pages of several books on the floor before closing them.
"There is a good bit of land north of the broken bridge along the path leading out of the Time Village. We could set up shop there and be near enough to the village to support it." Yamashita pauses to sip his sake. "A possible downside is the proximity to the Isamashii clan's village just down the stream."
Ichiro considers the map and nods, "Yes, I could see that as a potential spot. However, as long as the Riyoku remain in the area, I think we would have more trouble than would be worthwhile. Where else?"
Yamashita indicates another portion of the map, saying, "There is a significant portion of unclaimed forest to the south of the Mission Office. Building there would allow proximity to the Uchuukage in times of distress."
Ichiro considers this for a few moments before retrieving a slip of paper and a pencil from a pouch. Making a few notes, Ichiro says, "I'll have to take a closer look there. That may well be the best area to build. Anywhere else you think I should look?" Ichiro takes a large gulp of sake before refilling his cup.
Yamashita takes another sip of his sake then continues, "There is also the possibility of building on Nakama Island. There is a good bit of land out past the end of the main lane that could easily suit our needs. A possible issue with building on Nakama is the distance from the Time Village proper."
Ichiro says, "Nakama Island has been in my consideration for some time, and I'm not terribly concerned about distance. Also, Nakama Island isn't that far from Time Village." Ichiro folds the map and returns it to the pouch along with the paper and pencil. "An interesting development has occured in your absence. I had an 'interview' of sorts with Tsurugami Shiro." Ichiro smiles, "He seemed pleased with my abilities and even offered me a position in the Tsurugami family. He is also interested in meeting you as well."
"I suppose I should meet with him at some point, if only to get to know him better. I've heard he's a little off, if you know what I mean." Yamashita finishes his sake and puts down his cup. "What was your impression of the man?"
Ichiro chuckles, "Well, he is clever and sneaky. He has a great deal of experience that he has acquired throughtout his extensive life and learning such things could be quite beneficial for us." Holding up the bottle of sake as though to pour more for Yamasthia, Ichiro continues, "However, I do not believe joining the Tsurugami family is a wise decision, at least at this current time."
"I concur; it is best that we continue along our own path for the time being. No more for me, thanks. I have to get back to my training." Yamashita flexes his biceps, "Keeping this physique takes a lot of work, you know." Yamashita rises and gathers his weapons. "If you need me you know how to find me."
Ichiro nods and picks up Yamashita's empty cup. "Best of luck with your training. I'll likely be here for some time longer, although I've almost completed my current research," Ichiro says as he returns the empty cup to the backpack. Ichiro returns to his books as Yamashita departs.