Matotsuru could not deny that there was sense in what Sayuri and Tetsuo were saying. The safest and quickest route would undeniably be via the sea. Still, Matotsuru had never been very comfortable with the water, and with boats in particular. He had had a bad experience while accompanying his father on a fishing trip as a child, and had been a very nervous sailor ever since. Naturally, however, he would never admit to being afraid. No, Yoshitisune Matotsuru was a brave young Samurai, and would never admit to fear. Especially not in front of two women, and two older men that he had much respect for.

"To be honest, I have very little experience in the ways of boats and sailing." Matotsuru told his companions a little bashfully. "I am confident, Sayuri-san, that we will be able to handle any pirates so unwise as to choose us as prey, and we would surely be doing a favor for those who make their living from the sea. Still...I generally prefer to have solid earth beneath my feet when I fight, and I would be of little assistance in working the boat." He scratched his chin as he thought, trying to think of a way to make the trip easier. He wanted to be of valuable service, not only in battle but also in making decisions.

"If the port authorities are an issue...surely Lord Ito has friends in Shikoku, yes? An ally, or someone who owes him a favor. If we had a respected figure present to vouch for us, or even better someone who controls the port, then certainly that would not be a problem. If, however, we are not able to find a friend in Shikoku, then I would have to agree with Toshiro-san. Our safest route, barring safe port in Shikoku, would be through Bungo. The Otomo are our enemies, it is true. But it seems to me that those traveling by foot are less conspicuous than those arriving by boat."