[@Laios]
(So hey, was kinda lost on what to do for a starter so I decided to tag along. Hope you don't mind)

[center][h2]Wen Taihou[/h2]
Thorne, airship docks, Yasuharu family ship[/center]
[hr]

With a loud yawn, a curiously dressed man that could only be described as fat descended from the Yasuharu airship along with the others. People paid him no particular mind beyond a few curious glances as he grunted, loudly as well, and made a visible effort to stretch himself and bring some feeling and comfort back to his considerable frame, but it was likely that few knew who he was beyond perhaps a man of Taisong descent. Technically on official business from the famed Institute of Martial Studies and acting as an ambassador for the Nanchuu Islands as part of a greater Kimuran delegation, Sifu Wen Taihou didn't make much of an impression.

The martial artist was one of many Institute examiners tasked with studying the tournament and the progress of the Institute members that would participate in it, but truth be told he wasn't one for large ceremonies and he saw large melees of the early days with some contempt. Ugly, uncoordinated affairs where achieving a rapid numerical advantage carried more weight than most any level of skill, ascertaining anything worthwhile out of them was a fool's errand and so it was something he actively sought to avoid. Instead, Taihou had parlayed his invitation and position to earn himself a more comfortable ride and priority entry.

Convincing the Yasuharu family to take him on board hadn't been all that difficult. Sure, he might not look like much, but his licenses checked out and constituted undeniable proof. The bespectacled, portly gentleman was indeed a Sifu from the Institute on official business. Taking him along was both a political and personal benefit, because it meant a good relationship with the court of Nanchuu and few men had as much of a martial reputation as certified examiners and instructors. He would certainly make a good bodyguard for the young prince, perhaps in his gratitude he might even serve as an instructor for him, right?

Well, there was none of that. In fact, the first time many crew members saw the martial arts expert was when the ship finally landed and the man at last saw it fit to emerge from his quarters. Air sickness, he claimed, stopped him from doing much moving about during the trip, though the galley could certainly attest to him being well enough to consume not insignificant amounts of food. With a carefree smile, Wen Taihou greeted what few men and women he knew and advanced towards the young Ryuoji, not so subtly taking his place amidst his cohorts. "Aaaah, at last back on firm footing. Airships are far from kind to me, unfortunately".

He seemed well enough and there was not a hint of regret or shame in his voice as he adjusted his glasses and tagged along. "Truly a shame I was unable to instruct you in the arts during the journey, young prince. Though as an observation, perhaps it might be best to focus on learning to walk before dreaming of running. Zantetsuken, was it?".