Daidoji Kenzo was nowhere to be seen, though the signs of his handiwork were clear. Sitting a few meters back from the hightide line and opposite those shady places where the salamanders rested was a low, wide structure made of driftwood and leafy branches. The lean-to was basic but when inspected appeared to be at least as sturdy as the sake bar back in the village and it faced the water. It provided plenty of shade, an oasis from the blazing late day heat and a small unlit campfire had been built near it with enough spare wood to feed it for a couple hours. The sand beneath the lean-to had been leveled and at one end of it a burlap screen had been hug, creating a small “room” where Crane clothing could be found neatly folded and placed on a clean wooden plank. It appeared there was enough room for four people to lay down without crowding.

The Miya was the first to show. She was in a yukata that Yukari would recognize when she got there. Unabashedly, she removed it, wearing tightly wrapped sarashi and fundoshi underneath. She had a couple visible scars, on her arms particularly. Signs of an active dueling career in the past. She was also fit, sporting a bushi's build.

Making her way to the water, she stepped in without concern for temperature.

A spray of water heralded the return of Kenzo and he shot out of the water. He whipped his hair back tossing water into the air and took a few steps out of the surf towards the beach. He had a small bag in one hand and a worn tanto in the other. The smile on his face shone like a bonfire, then his eyes rolled back in his head and he pitched forward; landing face down in the water.

The Miya had no intention of going out to retrieve him. Better not be drowning.

She continued until the water soaked through the sarashi, then dipped her head under the water, soaking her hair.

She came back up, slowly and wiped water from her face.

The impact was enough to jar a lung-full of sea water up and then rolled onto his back. As he slowly caught his breath the smile started to return to his face and he opened his eyes an after a bit sat up coughing a bit more. He hadn't actually registered the presence of the Miya yet and slowly stood up, adjusting his fundoshi and tucking the knife into it.

She didn't say anything immediately, wondering how long it would take for him to notice.

As luck would have it when he turned to walk up to the lean-to he turned away from the Miya. It wasn't until he saw the extra set of footprints in the sand that he suspected something and whipped around finally spotting the Imperial. Multiple waves of embarrassment washed over him and he bowed low to her. "Greetings Akari-sama, forgive my rudeness. I hope Inari-kami has blessed you; how does the day find you?"

"Hot and wet," she replied back with a wide smile. "And yourself?"

No doubt

"Breathless and full of energy, thank you for asking. What do you think?" he gestured to the lean-to. "It should serve our purposes don't you think? I hope my letter reached you and you aren't put off by my inviting Shiba-san to join us. I had a wonderful conversation with her last night and that inspired me to build this, I hope it doesn't upset Miya Hiruka-sama, With a little luck it will stay standing for a few days at the least and it provides more than a little shade and privacy."

"I look forward to her coming. It will be wonderful," she replied starting back towards the shore.

"We similarly had a lovely conversation yesterday."

"She said as much which is why I was hoping this wouldn't be an issue." he sat down in the shade, tossing the empty bag he held aside. "This cove is wonderful, much cozier then the proper beach is. I understand why you favor it. I haven't wandered into the cave yet, I imagine the salamanders stay in there most of the day and the heat is intense today."

"The heat is not so bad. It's the humidity that gets you."

She moves into the shade and sits, letting the shade and breeze and evaporation cool her down significantly.

Kenzo tried not to stare and mostly won the fight. "I've brought riceballs and some drinks if you would like some, you weren't wrong about the sake here, it is like water but I brought some of both."

If looking bothered her it didn't show. Besides, she knew that when Yukari showed up, eyes would be focused elsewhere.

"I could eat. Just water for me though."

He rose and ducked into the partition. "You've seen your fair share of action I see, any good stories to tell?"

"I wouldn't call it action. Just minor issues and a few tournaments. Since I have the scars you can probably guess im not the most skilled. But I am capable enough."

"Well then I guess that makes me an utter failure" he said with a chuckle as he exited the partition with a smile on his face. "Or I am so skilled that I survived something I had no right to." He knelt down before the Miya and placed a wooden plank down with rice balls and water. While not cold they were cooler than warm. "Please enjoy."

Akari bowed her head for a moment. "Thank you for the meal."

And then she eats the rice balls, not like a lady taking dainty bites. Like a soldier with manners. Not taking too long, not so rapid it's uncouth. She finishes with water, washing it down.

"Thank you, Kenzo-san. It is appreciated."

Oh thank the kami someone who is practical, I don't have to be a Crane around her.

He visibly relaxed.

"There is more if you would like, it took a little convincing but since I was unsure how long we would here Yoshi made sure we wouldn't go hungry." He didn't eat but drank heartily of water. "Hopefully I can get us some oysters later once Yukari-san arrives."

"I'm good for now. I'm not trying to join a sumo stable," she said with a chuckle.