Jin did well in the hunt, overall, and was quite happy with how it turned out. Still, he recalled his efforts over the last few days, and what he could settle on was...it was not enough.

With a sigh, he sat down to clear his thoughts.

Well, that didn't work.

He opened his eyes and then bowed down towards Kisada, Fortune of Not Giving Up Or Giving a Shit.

Maybe that'll help.

"Ah, Murame-san, ohayo." He bowed to the Lioness.

"Good work on the hunt, from what I hear."

"Ujina-sama, like wise."
She nods her head respectfully before turning back to finish her prayer, rapidly finishing the final words before she rises stiffly from the floor.

"From the sound of it you were ever so slightly too quick for me, perhaps that is fitting"

Jin smirked. "Scout training helps a lot." He shrugged, then frowned. "Hopefully it'll be enough this time. So far this miai has not been my best showing so far, I feel."

"I could name a dozen samurai with the same opinion Ujina-sama. Perhaps one of the later events will involve an orbital insertion? That might be more aligned with your skill sets."

Shoan bows once more to the image of Kisada before going to join Jin over on the side

"Besides, you are still a reasonably skilled bushi, I know you have appeared on several lists for possible spouses."

Jin seemed genuinely surprised. "Oh really? I wouldn't have thought so. Seems like there are so many people to stand out from." He frowned, hesitating. "Can I ask...whose list?"

"You can."

She keeps him in suspense for a few long moments
"Several of the Lion consider you a...reasonable match. I will not deceive you, you are not at the top of the list, but you were on it, and that is more than can be said for most of the samurai here."

Jin nodded, smiling like a dumbass. "Arigatou Murame-san. That...helps." He let out a breath. "In some ways, this miai is pretty stressful. How are you faring? How is your list?"

"Think nothing of it, it is simply a reflection of your skill as a samurai."

She nods at his question, slightly pensive

"My list grows shorter every day Ujina-sama, although another samurai has recently entered onto it, his character will be judged in time."
pause
"Okay, that was maybe a little too ominous. I meant more 'I'll have to see if he's a decent samurai'."

Jin chuckled. "Yeah, I know the feeling. I've also recently expanded my list, slightly. It was a strange experience, but an organic one? Granted, he'd be the one doing the choosing, not me, so perhaps it's time to put out a bit." He eyed the Fortune in front of him. "I've never visited this Temple before. You?"

"Yes, 'putting out' sometimes requires effort. You get out what you put in, after all."

She follows his gaze
"Not this particular temple and not this particular fortune but... if he will hear my prayers I will offer them with all sincerity, who am I to turn down the wisdom I might gain from a fortune? Or at the very least, quietening myself and hearing my own thoughts."

Jin nodded, smiling in response. "Quite true. I've bought some new clothes lately. Figure I might as well try and be presentable. Or fashionable. Whatever the fashion is lately..." that confused him for sure.

"I haven't visited either, but Persistence seemed something that might help me in my journey to leave my bachelorhood behind." He shuddered. "Wow, that sounded creepy."

"Modern fashion is....."
Shoan trails off too. It was one of the great mysteries

There's the barest hint of a snort
"....Perhaps it did a little. Maybe 'perseverance' instead?"

Jin smiled. "Perhaps." He tilted his head. "What kind of qualities are you looking for in a potential spouse, Murame-san?"

"Honourable, skilled, personable....some nice physical attributes would not hurt. Yourself?"

"Mostly similar. I'd prefer a good personal connection, and since they are probably joining my clan, for them to be...content with that. If they wish to pursue a duty, or just manage the household, I am fine either way." He shrugged.

"I don't think many people wish to join a minor clan, but I still have hope."

"That does make it more difficult Ujina-sama. It does you credit that you are flexible with their future duties. Have you considered another Minor Clanner, or have your superiors instructed you to aim higher?"

"Well, I want my marriage to be as harmonious as possible." He fell silent for a moment. "Somewhat, but my clan would prefer an alliance with a stronger clan. Also, I don't think I would be ideal candidate for most of my fellow Minor Clanners, so I would not wish to take things away from them."

"So you have to aim high....have you set your sights on anyone? Any minor clans lists I should know about?"
Shoan sounds ever so slightly teasing.