Opening Day [Day 0, Late Evening]

[Yasuki Honoka]

Everything was made to perfection- the red banner was cut, applause were had, and a host of those who surround Honoka in her day to day life were in attendance. All of the fanfare of a grand opening had died down into the softer dining experience of later evening. While everyone enjoyed the first dining experience in her restaurant Honoka looked over the establishment with an appraising eye. All corners of the establishment were performing perfectly according to her planning and yet; yet there was something amiss. Some unknown quality or happening that wasn't allowing the moment to reach the peak of what she expected to be the happiest of occasion.

Evading this uncertainty welling in her chest Honoka relegated herself to one of the tables at the back of the restaurant. With her personal computer laying in front of her she opened up her diagnostics, documents, and saw to much of the busy work that filled her day to day. Sifting past all of that she opened the data sheets that held the details of her personal operation and went over them one more time to make sure the business could not only stay afloat but she hoped would even be markedly profitable.

A sighting of her might lead to quite the first impression, hid away in her darkened corner with the light of her personal screen casting a blue glow over her dour expression.

[Moto Shiwahime]

A new place was opening huh?

Shiwahime had slowed her bike whille passing by the place, intrigued. It took some time before she could find a place to park but she eventually made her way to the doors of the place. Considering she was still wearing heavy black leather boots and jacket she hoped there was no dress code.

''Man that's a lot of crabs'' she spoke to no one in particular as she passed the threshold, observing what could only be described a some sort of crab aquarium and restaurant hybrids.

[Yasuki Honoka]

Shiwahime would be greeted by the employee serving as host. With a measured and pleasant greeting she is welcomed into the establishment, and offered a seat. Every table had a device ready to accept an order, and after the host ensured a table was clear one could be directed to an appropriate seat. Servers did not clutter the walkway to take orders but merely delivered the food and thus there was less contact with any one employee in particular. Unmentioned is the fact this design allows a customer the most opportunity to receive many different crab facts, one from each new employee.

However, notably, over the shoulder of the woman serving as host Shiwahime would spot the Honoka herself, watched over nearby by the ever honorable Yasuki Hiroto. While perhaps many of the guests attending today might have their own form of personal protection it was the space around her being uncluttered by a business in active service which causes her to stand our.

[Moto Shiwahime]

Shiwahime was taken aback by the hubhub of it all. There was, in a sense, less but more...always more about crabs.

''By the Shi-Tien Yen-Wang''

She whispered under her breath, hoping she could take her order in peace...the only thing she would have needed advice for.

She perused the screen for crab based dished, she assumed.

[Yasuki Honoka]

Like any other guest she would be treated to a pleasant experience, and her choice of crab based dish or other local cuisine. Shiwahime would learn that much like the standard experience anyone wishing for peace was granted it. One could enjoy a meal with only the most basic exchange of food being place in front of you after ordering on one of the provided devices.

[Moto Shiwahime]

Things seemed to have slowed down to some more manageable degree. She guessed they where of the Crab clan and grumpy samurais were quite common.

She studied the screen with the menu

''Crab...crab...that's not crab...crab'' Last time she had a mostly sea-based diet it was mostly fish and shellfish...hardly any crustacean ''Yeah, let's try some of that crab''

She looked for some introductory dish

[Yasuki Umiko]

It was quite late, at least on Yasuki Umiko's clock. All preparations were made for the next day, and by all accounts, that should have been the end of her day after completing everything on the docket. However, there was enough anxiety in the air that she couldn't quite turn in for the night just yet. She roamed the street in casual wear for the weather, almost acting as a disguise from her usual fall-favoured fashions at the moment. It was good to see everyone arriving on the island and acquainting themselves with the city for the first time. It was enough to bring a small smile to her face. However, could it be like this every day?

Eventually, her nightly stroll of the Harbourfront would bring her into Crabkaku. Not that she was hungry in the slightest, but it just seemed like a spot she should stop by before turning in for the night. It was going to be a busy day tomorrow, after all. It was perhaps apt to say that she was only poking her head in, trying to see who was in through one of the aquariums at the entrance.

[Yasuki Honoka]

Through the aquarium she might spot the slightly lit up face of Honoka whom was, at the first moment, busying herself with some task or another on that personal device. However, perhaps by the merest degree of chance she would glance up toward the entrance. Brows furrowing as she focuses directly at Umiko. With a pause, a breath, a careful consideration she would be seen to learn forward before the energy spark hit. Waving over one of her employees she delegated him to watch over the device.

Rising from her seat Honoka would quickly approach the front, with as much propriety as her excitement could muster.

Approaching Umiko she would start slow, yes slow, "Would you be Yasuki Umiko?"

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

Things seemed to have slowed down to some more manageable degree. She guessed they where of the Crab clan and grumpy samurais were quite common.

She studied the screen with the menu

''Crab...crab...that's not crab...crab'' Last time she had a mostly sea-based diet it was mostly fish and shellfish...hardly any crustacean ''Yeah, let's try some of that crab''

She looked for some introductory dish

A slate figure passed behind the chatting Yasukis into the tables. It had been a long day, navigating the who's whos, and what's what, and mapping the general layout of the city. Sure maps could guide you, but it never quite gave you the same information that roaming the alleys yourself could.

Her body demanded substance, and an inauguration was a decent opportunity to maybe meet new contacts. She sat on one of the bar stools, glancing around for anything of interest.. until a big purple beacon clearly jumped stood out around the rest.

Thus, a woman dressed in what seemed a suit, yet decorated with a patch of a green flowery dragon in a patch of white, the emblem of the Kitsuki hanging off her belt, and a mask covering her lower face, looking much like a rebreather, yet, seemed to be made from porcelains rather than rubber and metal came to Shiwahime's table.

"May I, Moto-san?"

Her voice was low and husky, yet it attempted to not hold sternness to her intonation.

[Yasuki Umiko]

Through the aquarium she might spot the slightly lit up face of Honoka whom was, at the first moment, busying herself with some task or another on that personal device. However, perhaps by the merest degree of chance she would glance up toward the entrance. Brows furrowing as she focuses directly at Umiko. With a pause, a breath, a careful consideration she would be seen to learn forward before the energy spark hit. Waving over one of her employees she delegated him to watch over the device.

Rising from her seat Honoka would quickly approach the front, with as much propriety as her excitement could muster.

Approaching Umiko she would start slow, yes slow, "Would you be Yasuki Umiko?"

Umiko was trying to spot the owner of the restaurant without making a big fuss about it, especially since being something of a local celebrity on the island might entail some sort of minimal fuss on the opening day of a new business on the island. While she was trying to peek through the aquarium to see if Honoka was managing the restaurant tonight, it seemed that she had found her first. Her expression looked a bit lost at first, especially when she had been caught in the act with whatever she had been trying to do earlier, but she quickly returned the undercurrent of excitement with a bright smile.

"Yes, I am. Do I look so different?" She chuckled with a bit of abashed energy before presenting a quick bow. "Hello, Honoka-chan, it's been a while! How have you been? Congratulations on your grand opening tonight!"

[Moto Shiwahime]

snip

Shiwahime had expected another waiter bearing another factoid about crabs when she was approached, not a...dragon corpo looking woman? What the fuck do dragon corporations do anyway? Do they meditate during their meetings? Tattoo profitable fiscal quarters on their bodies? Tariff enlightment?

She had no clue but she knew she'd be disappointed if they ended up as boring as the other corps

''Hum'' she was somewhat weary but curious as to why she was approached ''Sure, take a seat''

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

snoop

Ichitaiyo granted a gentle bow before drifting to the seat, comfortably gliding to support her arms on the extensions of the booth, and cross a leg over the other.

"I am Kitsune Ichitaiyo, a corporate adjutant for the coming commerce event. I've exploring the city, getting the lay of the land." she introduced herself, and bared her activities.

[Moto Shiwahime]

Shiwahime gave a seated bow

''And I am Moto Shiwahime. I'm here on vacation but every time I am trouble seems to find me. Aside from that I am a doshin for my clan's magistrature.''

She quirked an eyebrow

''A fan of crabs Kitsuki-sama?''

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

Shiwahime gave a seated bow

''And I am Moto Shiwahime. I'm here on vacation but every time I am trouble seems to find me. Aside from that I am a doshin for my clan's magistrature.''

She quirked an eyebrow

''A fan of crabs Kitsuki-sama?''

The Kitsuki smirked and tilted her head, letting her bangs swing gently.

"Well, not as much as the locals, but they are quite pallatable."

[Yasuki Honoka]

---

"Not so!" she says, happily. A wave of anxiety flushing away with the revelation that she wasn't unwelcome. Years had separated them and those years had developed the sense that anyone, perhaps even Umiko, might have grown away from her in that time. Yet, it would appear, Honoka would not be so unlucky and this revelation was one worth in and of itself a celebration in her mind. Dangling from her hip, as much was the case when they were younger, was her ever stalwart companion Crabbo. A plush that her mother had gotten her years ago and has not left her side since.

"Thank you Umiko-chan," she smiles brightly. "I have been quite well, and was so excited to hear you would be returning home! Would you like to sit for a moment? I can have someone bring you something, anything."

[Moto Shiwahime]

The Kitsuki smirked and tilted her head, letting her bangs swing gently.

"Well, not as much as the locals, but they are quite pallatable."

Shiwahime squinted her eyes

''Allright so...I'll be out with it. People don't usually approach me out of nowhere the way you did...unless they want something or they want to fuck.''

She waved a hand

''Sorry if I'm crass but I am quite confused right now and I prefer when things are clear.''

[Yasuki Umiko]

"Not so!" she says, happily. A wave of anxiety flushing away with the revelation that she wasn't unwelcome. Years had separated them and those years had developed the sense that anyone, perhaps even Umiko, might have grown away from her in that time. Yet, it would appear, Honoka would not be so unlucky and this revelation was one worth in and of itself a celebration in her mind. Dangling from her hip, as much was the case when they were younger, was her ever stalwart companion Crabbo. A plush that her mother had gotten her years ago and has not left her side since.

"Thank you Umiko-chan," she smiles brightly. "I have been quite well, and was so excited to hear you would be returning home! Would you like to sit for a moment? I can have someone bring you something, anything."

"Heh? Returning home? Oh, ah..." Umiko couldn't help but smile apologetically with a bit of embarrassment, then she straightened and gave her a rather stiff bow. "My apologies, Honoka-chan! I'm sorry, but I've actually been back for at least more than a few months already. I've been pretty busy at work with my new role in the government here. I mean, I've dropped by a few times here wanting to catch you during the renovation process..."

Umiko stopped herself and did a quick double-take, realizing that it sounded like she was coming up with excuses rather than just enjoying the present. "...I mean, yes, I have time to sit for a moment. I've already had my evening meal already but maybe something small? I'm not too sure what you have around here that would be small..."

She said before offering a momentary glance at the water tanks. Everything looked so extravagant here, even if there was some kitschiness involved.

[Yasuki Honoka]

"Heh? Returning home? Oh, ah..." Umiko couldn't help but smile apologetically with a bit of embarrassment, then she straightened and gave her a rather stiff bow. "My apologies, Honoka-chan! I'm sorry, but I've actually been back for at least more than a few months already. I've been pretty busy at work with my new role in the government here. I mean, I've dropped by a few times here wanting to catch you during the renovation process..."

Umiko stopped herself and did a quick double-take, realizing that it sounded like she was coming up with excuses rather than just enjoying the present. "...I mean, yes, I have time to sit for a moment. I've already had my evening meal already but maybe something small? I'm not too sure what you have around here that would be small..."

She said before offering a momentary glance at the water tanks. Everything looked so extravagant here, even if there was some kitschiness involved.

Honoka dimmed slightly as she felt the apology arising, a testament of her ability as a manager of her own emotional state. Still, the worry appeared to one apt at seeing it in the eyes. Then-- it lifted, "Oh! A misunderstanding Umiko-chan," she says quietly and with glee. "I've been very busy myself. Ever since my father rose to governorship I've risen to his side of the company as well as been helping many of his allies and friends and also organizing this opening-" she pauses herself, a touch abruptly. "I didn't mean to suggest you've been slow! I have been very busy. Come, come," she says, and gives a little wave with a guiding hand.

Guiding Umiko back toward the seat where she'd been set up prior Honoka pulled over the pad from which one could order. Scrolling through it the dim glow lit up her face in this darkened corner. However, darkened for long it wasn't as a light overhead quickly brightened at Honoka's command before she pulled up the menu proper.

"I had them put together this menu- mostly using local catches but we do have some stuff shipped in from abroad," she turns the device over to Umiko, "maybe some crab legs?" she shakes her head. "Or whatever you like, there's a whole appetizer menu here with portions that might serve well. Otherwise if you see anything you want and just want a smaller portion I can have them make it for you," she looks to her, smiling brightly.

[Yasuki Umiko]

Honoka dimmed slightly as she felt the apology arising, a testament of her ability as a manager of her own emotional state. Still, the worry appeared to one apt at seeing it in the eyes. Then-- it lifted, "Oh! A misunderstanding Umiko-chan," she says quietly and with glee. "I've been very busy myself. Ever since my father rose to governorship I've risen to his side of the company as well as been helping many of his allies and friends and also organizing this opening-" she pauses herself, a touch abruptly. "I didn't mean to suggest you've been slow! I have been very busy. Come, come," she says, and gives a little wave with a guiding hand.

Guiding Umiko back toward the seat where she'd been set up prior Honoka pulled over the pad from which one could order. Scrolling through it the dim glow lit up her face in this darkened corner. However, darkened for long it wasn't as a light overhead quickly brightened at Honoka's command before she pulled up the menu proper.

"I had them put together this menu- mostly using local catches but we do have some stuff shipped in from abroad," she turns the device over to Umiko, "maybe some crab legs?" she shakes her head. "Or whatever you like, there's a whole appetizer menu here with portions that might serve well. Otherwise if you see anything you want and just want a smaller portion I can have them make it for you," she looks to her, smiling brightly.

"Governorship? Oh my," she murmured at the bit of news from Honoka's own life. There was a rise of her brows as she wondered if something of a similar success might be on the docket in the future. Potentially, she could be a governor? Of course, that might be too soon to say when Honoka's father has only just started his position.

Umiko gave the restaurant another glance, wondering if she was perhaps too casually dressed in her 'street' clothes. However, those concerns went away when she saw some of the other clients around the place. Perhaps more of a place where you could take pictures of your crab and crab dish than one that needed advanced reservations and a valet? She would follow to where Honoka was situated and flattened her skirt before settling down to a seat.

"Oh...oh my, wow," she murmured as she took the offered device in hand and scrolled through the menu with a bit of befuddlement reflected in her eyes. It was a bit daunting where to start, especially as a 'midnight snack', Unlike some of the visitors here, she didn't have the advantage of arriving at a different time zone where their internal clock might have told them this was lunch or dinner.

"...You even have long-bristle crab, those are typically a pain to prepare, aren't they?" She would ask as a muse rather than a question she needed to answer. After a moment, she would shake her head with an apologetic smile. "Maybe another time, it might be a bit wasteful to have something I can't finish. How about the pudding cookie...crabble?"

There was a slight turn of her head, wondering if she was reading that right, but also if the dessert item also contained crab, or it was merely a pun menu item.

[Kitsuki Ichitaiyo]

Shiwahime squinted her eyes

''Allright so...I'll be out with it. People don't usually approach me out of nowhere the way you did...unless they want something or they want to fuck.''

She waved a hand

''Sorry if I'm crass but I am quite confused right now and I prefer when things are clear.''

Ichitaiyo snorted and leant back, her gaze wandering up and down for a moment before keeping the slightest of smirks. "I do like to know my partners better than that before considering such, Moto-san." And she ordered some sake on the menu pad.

"If.. you want me to be as.. straightforward with my words.. Well, simply I am looking for contacts. Be it business or friendship. I am in need of both allies and friends. I feel lonely sometimes, that is all."