Nakahama

She thinks for a moment. "I have been meeting a certain Spider samurai in private for the past few months, but nothing has gone online. The rest of the tests I can pass with flying colors."

"What worries me... I was told that Yasuki Umiko sama will probably act as her sister's nakodo. I don't know her well, but... There was this thing. I kinda asked her out, she said yes and then I ditched her in order to go out with her sister. There I said it."

Taraka nodded.

"Honestly, I'd advise burning that bridge with the Spider. We're about a hair's breadth away from open warfare with them. Just because it's not online doesn't mean someone can't come forward and out you. All it takes is one person noticing the two of you on one of your rendezvous and the whisper of you being under the influence of a hostile power. But that's my advice." she says honestly.

"As for Umiko-sama.....well honestly, Bayushi-san, your flirtatious nature is pretty well known. Unless you think your request for a kiss from a beach princess went unnoticed simply because you failed to collect." she reminds her.

"But if my read on her is correct, she'll put the good of others ahead of her own feelings. This is why you want to make your case of why you are the best thing for this island since the invention of the temperator as solid as you can. If you can prove to her that you are what's best for the island, she'll likely swallow her pride and approve the match. She won't necessarily like you any better, but well, you don't need her personal approval, just her official one."

"Oh!" She looks shocked and covers her open mouth with the back of her hand. "When did I request a kiss and failed to collect? From whom? I don't do such things in public."

Taraka snorted at that.

"That's a pretty convincing reaction for interviews, Bayushi-san. But I'd be careful about when you whip it out. If you try that defense when it comes to you asking Umiko-sama out, maybe she'll be willing to join you in forgetting it ever happened.....or maybe she'll just assume that not only are you lying to her, you don't respect her intelligence. You're already starting this race with a penalty, you don't need to get on her bad side further." she reminded her.

She laughs. "I was good though, wasn't I? Charming that day at the beach and with enough deniability for the imaginary cameras today!"

Taraka smirked.

"Breaking News: Scorpion discovered on Green Carp who is good at acting." she teased. "You are certainly a charming individual, Bayushi-san. Just be careful who you unleash such a devastating weapon on. Not everyone on Green Carp is entirely carefree."

She rose, stretching a bit.

"Well, you've got a lot of research to do AND a race to prepare for. I think this is good for an initial consultation, yes?" she said.

She also raises and offers a respectful bow. "Thank you for your advice on the matter, Yasuki san. We'll talk again at the race. I'll have us at the finish line before you know it!"

She offered a bow and a grin in return.

"I'll make sure the car holds up long enough for you to ensure that Bayushi-san. I look forward to our victory." she said.

With the consultation over, she made her....

/Exit!

(thank you for the scene!)