“Tsuki Norihime, General Doto. It is nice to see a family friend again after so long.” you say, curtsying.
“Haha! Family friend indeed! Your father has raised you well, little Norihime. I can only hope you take after your father’s genius.” the large man responds with his booming voice.
“How are things in the Land of Snow, General?” your father asks politely.
“Secure. Prosperous. As always, Norihime, your inventions have never let us down. Worth every ryo we paid for them. Speaking of which, it’s related as to why I’ve stopped by. One of Yuki’s shinobi has performed well enough to be in the semi-finals, and it was a good enough reason as any to see you. I was wondering if that little project of yours has bore any fruit.” Goto says, his last words piquing your interest.
“The ship? No, unfortunately not. I’ve yet to find a reliable way to power the thing without overburdening it. Conventional steam engines are simply too cumbersome. I haven’t given up, mind, but the project itself is on the backburner for now. Contracts with the Fire Daimyo keep me busy enough.” your father says, rather flatly.
“Shame. If I knew of such a resource, I would share it with you- for access to the prototypes, of course.” Goto laughs- although you don’t think he’s joking, either.
The two men exchange more words- pleasantries mostly, with occasional prodding from Goto into your father’s work. But as is normal, your father is mostly tightlipped. This doesn’t seem to irritate Goto, though.
“Very well then, Norihime. We must be off- although I expect to see you both at the exams?” He inquires.
“Tsuki will be there- she is a genin, after all. I cannot promise that I will attend- whole thing is a bit noisy for my tastes.” your father responds.
“Of course. Keep in touch, Norihime. I won’t have the Land of Snow be anything less than what it was destined to be.” Goto says, with some matter of finality.
