There wasn't supposed to be a festival or holiday for many months to come, but people from all over Shima were gathered in front of Shima Castle for a special ceremony.  The group being sent after the relics had been officially made Heroes of Shima, as blessed as honored ancestors even if they end up failing and dying.  Given that the journey could be a long one, people always wanted to make sure they knew that the clan appreciated them for the task. Any family or friends of the group were there and the nobles of the clan bowed down to them during the entire ceremony.  It was a good time for most involved and many children were already talking about how cool the heroes are, with parents hyping them up about the great honor of the task. Many of those who mistreated or were skeptical of the half-oni were suddenly acting as if they never did, or the more respectful of them would actually apologize. The whole clan was counting on them, and for atleast that day all of them were given the respect normally reserved for the Daimyo. Once things winded down a bit, Lord Shima made sure to speak them and give them a proper farewell message and explanation on the authority given to them.  

[i][color=ed1c24]"Heroes of Shima, we are eternally grateful to you for even taking this journey in the first place. I want to assure you that anything you need from me is yours, and any resources from nearby Shima villages is yours to take. As long as you are in Hasiano you are welcome to come back and gain support from our military if needed. Beyond this Island I can sadly not help much but as my official representatives you have my complete support in any diplomatic decisions you make, and each of you will be given my seal to prove your status. Our future depends on you both in the form of our relics, as well our status with other clans."[/color][/i] He spoke in a strong yet still friendly tone of voice, before dismissing the meeting and allowing them to get ready. He would hang around for a bit and answer any questions they had, as well as allow them to leave or talk among themselves.  By his projections they had enough time to not have to rush straight out the gate, plus the guide he hired wasn't at the city just yet so he would allow them a little more time before the true stress of their journey would start.