Azumi stroked the horses mane as she listened to the indecisive group go back and forth at each other. Finally she decided to speak in a soft and almost whispered tone. 

"you all seem to forget that the Mori patrol most of the western seas and even pirates steer clear of them. Traveling by sea was never a viable option to begin with. We'll take the forested mountain paths until we reach the north end of the range then cut east through a small village into the Buzen Province and continue north along the coast until we reach the long-bridge into Choshu. The Mori Navy may be a force to be reckoned with but their armies are mostly ashigaru and lightly trained so getting past them will be less risky than any other path. There is no safe path to travel so I will be relying on you, not if but when, trouble finds us. This is simply the way it must be." 

She allowed that to set in their minds for a moment. Finally, moments later, she leaned forward to speak once more as if the horse could not here clearly. "Let's go girl." The horse gave a brief snort before starting a walk along the road carrying the young Matotsuru along with her. She knew the others had no choice but to follow. A small smile escaped briefly as she laughed at the unlikely group of escorts she had acquired. She hoped no one had caught a glimpse of that.