Tetsuo was pained at the obvious lack of confidence displayed by his group. He himself was no sailor, and the journey to Shikoku would be a throw of the dice. However, he felt strongly that the entire Otomo army would be on the look out for suspicious travellers. He abruptly walked off from the group, stopping only to give the Princess a slight bow. A sword could not cut through the neck of a kneeling man unless it was certain and true to its cause, much like this group could not commit to a course of action unless it was likewise certain and true to its cause. Already it seemed to the old man, this group had revealed its greatest weakness. 

Even more frustrating for Tetsuo, was that the only one who showed any real confidence was [i]the woman[/i]. At least she contribued constructively, rather than rattled out excuses. Breathing deeply, and looking up towards the sky, the aging warrior decided that a focused effort down a doomed road was better than a divided effort down an uncertain road. Settled in his mind, at least for now, Tetsuo made his way back to his companions.

"We make for Bungo, but we avoid the roads," said Tetsuo sternly, "there will be no need for a distraction. I will not waste money nor lives on an act of dishonour; if our enemy seeks us, he will find us and we will deter him openly."

Becoming aware of his blatant agitation, the old man reasserted control over himself. His customary smile reappeared, and his tensed shoulders dropped an inch. 

"Bungo is open country, we must stick to the forested mountains and avoid the main travel ways. I will take the lead, and you will follow - unless any of you feel that you have better knowledge of the area... it has been some years since I last headed north."