[Day 11 - Early Afternoon, Muri Donbori] Living It Up (Open)

[Kuni Junpei]

It was funny that with Kuni Ayaka's departure from the magistrate's office that Junpei would find himself with more, rather than less, time from his duties. All of this mysterious, necessary, and important paperwork just seemingly vanished without her. Suddenly, the staff at the office and the other yoriki were able to take on appropriate workloads to properly enforce the city. Any Kuni Junpei could do what head Clan Magistrates do best...be a mere figurehead of authority.

Today almost felt like a new chapter in his career. He was dressed in a fresh suit (mostly after the thug shot at him), got a good night's sleep, and more importantly... started living it up around the island!

He would walk past the Golden Shell Pharmacy, where he had been their most loyal customer for several weeks now. No, today, he was going to treat himself! Real cooked food! His stop...Muri Donburi?!

Well, he had to start somewhere.

"...Limited time special, Jelly and Chashu Donburi, a new twist on a Shiawase Island ramen classic..." He murmured as he read the sign out loud. "Actually, that doesn't sound bad at all."

[Kaiu Nagisa]

With a big night behind her and a big night ahead of her, a certain Kaiu found herself absolutely starving by the time lunch rolled around. What’s a better way to treat yourself with a nice cooked meal?

So Nagisa, too, found herself in front of the sign advertising the special. Everything listed appealed to her rumbling stomach. Hearing the nearby man comment on the advertisement, Nagisa can’t help but reply. “It sounds pretty damn good to me.”

[Kuni Junpei]

Junpei raised his brows when he turned to regard the other Crab beside him, who seemed to have shared the same opinion of the totally acquired taste bowl. "Oh, Kaiu-san, good afternoon. I believe we might have met briefly during that...bit of incident. I hope you're doing well today?"

[Kaiu Nagisa]

The sudden response back makes the Kaiu look up from the advertisement and at the man proper. Her eyes widen in realization of who she had stumbled upon. “Ah, Kuni-sama. Yes we have… Briefly met. My day has been quite pleasant so far, I hope yours has been as well.”

Nagisa glances back down at the advertisement before back up to Junpei again. “Late breakfast or is this a lunch for you?”

[Tamori Kanna]

Going between all her last minute errands and shopping, Kanna decided it was time for lunch too as she left a nearby shop that sold yukata. Igoro added it to the bags her was already carrying, which left Kanna's hands free to carry Kaida in his little palanquin-bag (it just a normal bag suitable for a small dog, but she called it his palanquin). "Lunch time!" she had declared to her servant as they made the tour towards the donburi-place.

As they came to the donburi-spot Kanna knew, she saw familiar faces. "Nagisa-san, hello!" she waved cheerfully as she came up. "Oh... Kuni-sama. Good day!" Last time she had seen him was after that entire kidnapping-business...

[Kaiu Nagisa]

Hearing her name called, Nagisa turns her head to see the familiar Dragon-and-dog duo. “Kanna-sama and little Kaida! Good afternoon. Are you here for lunch?”

Of course the small dog draws the eye of the Kaiu. The temptation to reach out and grab the floof is always so strong, but Nagisa remains steadfast.

[Kuni Junpei]

"Ohh..." Junpei would say at first, before letting out a sudden chuckle at the question when he found it funny for personal reasons. "You know, Kaiu-san. Until recently, there was a very recent time when I would have found it hard to discern between the two, with time more or less blending into each other. Days spent sleeping on the office floor and nights spent eating reheated food from a convenience store. So, to answer your question now, I can say for certain I'll be eating lunch at..."

He said before he checked his Maisuna wristwatch. "...at more or less lunch time. Is it always this busy during this hour?"

It seemed that the question would have to wait when Kanna joined them. Oh, Nagisa's companion in that said incident. He would tip down slightly to a casual bow in acknowledgement, offering her a small smile. "Good afternoon, Tamori-san. I hope you're doing well."

After a pause, he would gesture to the restaurant. "Well, seeing that we're all together. Perhaps we would fare better if we shared a table at this busy lunch hour? Unless you would prefer counter seating space for your busy schedule? Now that I have time in my schedule, I do feel partially responsible for doing my part to provide visitors and locals with the best the island has to offer. While, I agree, yes, Muri Donburi isn't exactly the most top-shelf of restaurants...it can be surprising how some meat, sweet onions, and an onsen egg on top of it can really hit the spot on short notice."

[Tamori Kanna]

Kaida's ears perk up in response to the familiar sound of Nagisa, and started perching out of his bag eagerly to receive attention. Kanna on the other hand made sure to bow to Nagisa and Junpei, a touch deeper to the magistrate since he was after all a magistrate. "I'm well, thank you. Just been busy all day helping out with the last preparations for the Festival today!" Her usual cheer was present as ever.

"Aha great minds think alike!" she remarked to Junpei's suggestion. "I thought just the same coming here. Something simple hits the spot on days like this. Sharing a table sounds wonderful, yes." Kanna nodded, and looked to Nagisa. "You've been hard at work too with the fireworks!"

[Kaiu Nagisa]

“Ah, thank you, Kuni-sama, Kanna-sama. I would love to share a table. I think a nice hot meal is most enjoyable when you can chat a little.” Kaida still tempts her, but reaching over right now would be so awkward…

Attention back on the two humans! Stop being distracted by the cute dog. That might be impossible for Nagisa, but she tries her hardest anyway. “Yes, I have worked hard on them. I loaded them up into a rental truck earlier. Kitsuki-san helped me.”

[Kuni Junpei]

"Oh, the Bon Festival, tonight?" Junpei said with a tinge of surprise, despite wanting to seem like he totally knew that. "I have heard about the work that both of you have been doing with the festivities. It looks like I won't have to wait any longer to see the fruits of your labour. If anything, I believe that this volunteer effort would more or less make you temporary servants of the city. At least, according to some loose definition in some provisions of Nakahama City. Not too different from being deputized, actually."

"But I digress. Come, let us not delay ourselves any longer to a simple cooked meal," he said with authority as he pressed the button to the establishment, the door sliding open to an interior that wafted with some heat from a constantly working kitchen. The interior walls of the place were painted with a rather gaudy yellow but it did call to attention. There were a number of informators by the walls and they only served to play commercials of Muri Donbori, highlighting the rice bowl making process and their delicious offerings!

It's not impossible! It's Muri Donbori!

"Consider this midday feast under the city's expense, that is, if you're willing to be compensated by the city. It is only right that you reap some benefits to your generous efforts," he said, hoping it wouldn't be a touchy subject of having a simple meal paid for them. He would lay claim to a table of four in the middle of the establishment. There wasn't much traditional service here, with everything slanted towards efficiency, just a screen where they could select what they wanted and have their meal brought over. There was even a tea dispenser tab! With a miniature spice rack to flavour...oh, and a few pots that had ginger and kimchi! Despite himself, Junpei was looking forward to this very much!

[Kaiu Nagisa]

Being technically in service to the city, though temporarily, just thinking about it brought a sense of pride to the Kaiu. Enough to distract her from the eye-gouging levels of gaudy the interior walls were. Who decided on that yellow? “I mean, as far as service goes… I might try my hand at volunteering for the fireworks again next year. It’s an interesting experience, I learned a lot from putting together this first batch.”

It might be concerning that she’s never done this before, and Nagisa understands the reservations that might arise from her admitting that. “Ah, don’t worry. I’m setting up at the beach for the maximum amount of safety for the city.”

Being offered to have the city cover the meal doesn’t bother the Kaiu much. Thankfully, she’s much like Junpei in the regard of not wanting to make a big deal of it. “Ah! Thank you, Kuni-sama. I’ll appreciate this meal even more knowing that it’s the result of my work for the city.”

[Tamori Kanna]

Kanna had a brief moment where she weighed what would be the polite thing to do, and wanted to politely demur at first because that would be proper (letting him know she didn't want to impose and all that), but she had spent enough time around the Crab the past almost-two weeks now to know that they often liked things simpler than that. "Thank you, Kuni-sama. We greatly appreciate the hospitality!"

Of course, she assumed poor Igoro would be able to sit with them too. Someone had to look after Kaida! And he had worked hard too to help her.

"You'll be coming for the festival tonight, Kuni-sama? Granted your duty allows time off that is." She looked around, and seemed delighted by the choice for a free lunch. "Oooh, I didn't know they had tea dispensers like that," came the cheerful comment as they took their seats.

Clearly some could be marveled by the simple things in life.

[Kuni Junpei]

"Already volunteering next year, Kaiu-san?" He asked as he settled down and used the dispenser to pour everyone a cup of mostly warm green tea from the tea-tap. Everyone was above his station but he was feeling in a good mood today. Besides, it was merely a tea-tap rather than a formal pot of tea. "I'm surprised that there aren't engineers all over the island lining up for the position. You probably don't even have to wait that long. In three days, we have the Hida-Kami festival. Followed by the Festival of the River of Stars in six days. Also, in four months we have New Years. I don't think you'll find a shortage of days to practice pyrotechnics. Perhaps all the best that you get the proper licenses to carry the... ordinances outside of the proper allowed days."

Thankfully, there was a seat for Igoro, too! Being simple fare, it wasn't like he would be the only heimen here. The cheap and simple meals of mere meat in a rice bowl were something that was enjoyed by all walks of the Celestial Order! Well, maybe there was a question whether Kaida would be sitting or the servant. "That's a cute dog you have there, Tamori-san. I can't say we see many of them on the Green Carp. Pomeraian, pure breed, I presume?"

"That is the full intent. Of course, I might dip in and out to attend to some matters. As head magistrate, I am required to observe the proceedings at the very least. Some people have different reactions to different breeds." That was to say, to keep diplomatic incidents to a minimum.

"The last time I was here, it was merely hot water dispensers. I suppose some engineering inefficiency would allow just tea instead. Unfortunately, this will likely upset some hot water enjoyers." He gave a shake of his head, there was no pleasing everyone.

He would gesture to the screen with both hands. "Please, feel free to browse first, Tamori-san. The menu is quite long, over one hundred items, apparently. I already know what I'm going to order. Jelly and Chashu donburi for myself with an onsen egg and cocquette."

[Tamori Kanna]

As the two Crabs revealed the upcoming festivities, Kanna knew she had to extend her stay a little bit more! She was certain her family wouldn't mind, it was important to experience different religious festivals across the Empire as a shugenja - surely!

Igoro arranged Kanna's shopping bags to the side of the table, out of the way of other patrons and the samurai here. And Kaida would get the chance to sit on his lap for now. And Kaida of course could tell he was being a topic of conversation. Words like "cute" were meant for him of course. Who else?

"Right?!" Kanna was always happy to hear others call Kaida cute. "Kaida-kun is a pure breed from the old homeworld," a nod of confirmation, "a litter was given to my family as a gift. He's a year and a half now. Yes you are!" Her tone pitched a little higher when she shifted her attention to Kaida briefly, who wagged his tail very excitedly as he received precious headpats.

As the menu was shown on the screen, Kanna marveled again a little bit. This was unusual for her but oh so practical it was. "O-- over one hundred? Goodness..." that was a lot of options. "I do like eggs too, hmm... is there anything either of you would recommend? Jelly seems very popular here?" Right, hadn't one of the winning dishes in the Jade Chef competition included jelly too?

[Kuni Junpei]

Junpei couldn't help but chuckle a little at the attention that the pom was being showered with. He did curiously offer a hand to the pom was a greeting at first before trying to offer a head pat with a quick scritch behind his ears. "Is Shiawase Island also yours and Kaida-kun's first destination on the Green Carp? If so, you've happened on a good place to bring your companion, Tamori-san. The Tango provinces tend to have more reclusive predators living in the jungles. On the mainland, it might be a different matter entirely. For example, the outskirts and newer developments do have a good amount of spotted red dholes that have grown comfortable living close to humans, but this also made them rather bold when seeking prey. They have more courage than manners, let's say. Please keep Kaida-kun safe with that in mind."

He looked a bit unsure at first. "It's a bit of an acquired taste, admittedly. But, you won't find it anywhere else on the Green Carp. It's a bit of a strange combination to have fruit jelly and jam mixed into food, but it pairs well if the meat is salted in just the right way. It's something of a historic item when the sudden and heavy earthquake of 3055 ended up demolishing much of Tenjin Town. The famous ramen hut at the time of Inari's Delight collapsed, long gone now, accidentally spilling some strawberry jam into a bowl of ramen. Apparently, the owner found himself so hungry during the relief efforts that he ate the ramen in its mixed form, and it's been found to be a winning combination. Since then, it's the regional dish to represents the pride of the island and commemorates the event."

[Kaiu Nagisa]

Nagisa is silent as she listens to them both go back and forth. She doesn’t know Junpei, but she kind of didn’t expect him to be this… Chatty? Is that the right way to explain it? Maybe it’s just the company he has that has relaxed him?

“Yeah, it can be a bit strange the first time you have something like it. I know I tried some as a child and didn’t quite like the texture at first but… As an adult I came to appreciate it.” Nagisa adds while checking the hot tea selection to see if any of the options catches her eye.

[Tamori Kanna]

"This is our first rtrip outside of Dragon space, and it's been so much fun," Kanna said with her pleasant enthusiasm, also giving Kaida some head-pats. Kaida closed his eyes briefly for the head-scritches, seeming very happy, and when the hand retreats he smiled a derpy dog-smile (slightly open mouth with a tongue-blep). "... The closest danger Kaida has been to danger was the volcano lizard that attacked the ryu riven onsen! He was very brave, but thankfully wasn't interesting for the big beast."

As the dog had the attention, and Kanna was still undecided, Igoro placed in his order of a spicy teriyaki bowl with little fanfare. This was surprisingly relaxing, in his opinion, to get to sit and order without having to interact with any servers, including getting tea this way too. Sure, the tea in the places Kanna usually went to was better, but this was nice.

"Huh! Sweet jam, really?" Kanna blinked as she tried to process it. When they said jelly, she had thought at first it was jellyfish, and then of konnyaku like you found in oden. "So with the jelly, a dish could be sweet and sour, or spicy and sweet, huh?"

A few seconds of silence, then she focused intensely on the screen to order. "It sounds exciting - I'll have to try it!" She'd also add chili-toppings, as well as an onsen egg too. Eggs were delicious. "I've had the chance to try so many things for the first time coming here, so let's continue the streak."

[Kuni Junpei]

"A volcano lizard?" Junpei grimaced at the reminder of that incident. That matter was less people related, although it was a good number of guests involved. The island's defensive force and the magistrate office likely had some mixed involvement about that transpired there, ultimately follow more into the hands of the former. "It was indeed rare for them to wander that far out, even if the onsen is rather situated close to the wilds. A bit of a rare incident, I assure you, Tamori-san. If Kaida-kun could brave a volcano lizard, well, I suppose a dhole would just seem like a goblin compared to an ogre of a creature. That said, I should really get to visiting one of the many onsen on the island. It's embarrassing to say but I haven't even taken a foot dip, much less a whole bath!"

He would berate himself with a shake of his head on the matter, absolutely unbelievable. In many way, it did feel like he was just released from prison, despite being the head magistrate.

"Yes, often siding more with sweet and salty more often than not. It can be adjusted to taste, of course. With the more popular ramen version, here's a bit of a formula I used when I first started with it. I would often add in a few sprinkles of sesame seeds, three small scopes of black garlic oil, two extra sheets of seaweed, and a smattering of pickle ginger. The garlic oil can be substituted with sesame or chilly oil. That does the trick of really elevate the jelly flavour,," he suggested. Sure, he might have been added enough garnishes to skirt around the fruit jelly in the regional dish...but he wasn't going to speak ill of the region dish if he wanted to keep his post around here.

[Kaiu Nagisa]

Nagisa continues to watch the two converse, though her attention is divided as she also looks towards Kaida, imagining the little guy taking on a volcano lizard. “What a brave little man, that Kaida. Small dogs are always so bold for their size… Quite admirable.”

The Kaiu tilts her head to the side, taking in the little suggestions Junpei made about his experience with the jelly. “Ah, I definitely always add some chili oil. I like a little heat. I find it’s easiest to mix it directly into the jelly first. It smooths out the texture and gives the spice level consistency.”

[Tamori Kanna]

"Kaida is very protective," Kanna snickered and patted the dog's head affectionately. "Even if he's small." True Small-Man syndrome. "I can certainly recommend the Ryu River Onsen for a visit, Kuni-sama... ah, if they're up and running again after that attack. But Natsuzora is very nice too! I've enjoyed my stay there very much."

She nodded along with Nagisa. "I will for sure try this jelly in my donburi with some spice. At home I always use a lot of chili oil or chili flakes in my food - spicy food is pretty popular, and I like how it tingles the lips. Oh, Nagisa-san! Have you had the chance to visit the Natsuzora for some rest after all the work you've done for the festival?"