As to Akane's position. It's pretty much necessary that she be on the Cruel Knave at the beginning of your post...soooo.
I assumed as much she would have to be on the boat. Though where on it, I wasn't sure. Considering I don't think the cannons will be enough to detour DH (the Dune Hunter) and the fact Akane will most likely be below decks, I'll likely have her try to prevent that. Namely as she knows a lot of men will end up dead. In addition, while DH is most likely able to withstand her Explosion Release, she at least stands a better chance against him in close range adn hand to hand combat then many of her crew.
Daz, you're on the own with Hiroshi and Shiso Amaguya for the moment. At least until Akane can cripple the puppet.
Also as an update. Hiroshi has just landed on the back end of the ship and smoked out the entire deck with smoke bombs with his Acha puppet.
Naturally. A little rain, in some fashion should clear that up easily. :p
Also, Yosh there's at least one seal for Akane's Flying God Technique on the ship deck. It's on the ship's front end which means she has 2 seals free to place.