"Always," Otsuka says with a giggle, "But this Winter was not doing much to remind one of Spring's joys."

"Yet here you are." Koharu points out with a slight tilt of her head. "So, ano, you're joining the explorers and also to be my... my yojimbo?"

"Hai, principally. I am also to protect the various Crane artisans assigned to this operation when needs be." she bows and offers a glimpse of a smile, "But I am at your disposal most of the time. I hope you take care of me."

"I will." She replies with a happy smile of her own. "This is my first time having a yojimbo assigned to me. It'll take some getting used to, I'm sure, but I'm in your care. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu." Koharu adds a respectful bow after the usual greeting.

"Ah, well, it shouldn't take too much getting used to. I just travel with you when it might be dangerous and champion for you in duels," she pauses, "Maybe with you for the occasional bath but that is more for company honestly." She smiled.

Blushing gently she nods. "As long as you don't take your daisho in with you." Koharu teases very softly. "I do my best to avoid dangerous situations or, ano, duels so... so it might be dull. Gomen." She lowers her head a little as she felt apologetic.

"Dull is preferable. I figure I'll see more than enough work once we reach gaijin lands if you want to go on shore investigating local plants and animals," she smiled, "And no daisho but maybe my shaving knife..."

The Doji giggles and nods. Ensuring her painting is covered again she steps away from it. "I will likely be going out to investigate plants and animals a fair bit, hai. It's what I'm meant to be focusing on after all..." She fusses over her hair a moment then sits down. "Hopefully few are dangerous. Ano, if you need any help in the baths do ask. Have you found one in the city yet? If not I can suggest two. Oh! There's also a Crane run spa that you must visit before we go."

"Well better to have someone on the look out for wolves and tigers... or whatever sort of predators we find are on the prowl," she smirked.

"I have not really had time to look for a baths. Oh!" she smiled gleefully, "A spa sounds wonderful. We should indulge once before we leave. And they can make sure your hair is perfect." She gave a little wink.

"Hopefully no bears!" Koharu agrees readily.

Nodding further at Otsuka's approval of the spa idea she returns to her seat. "I will arrange one." She was blushing from the wink and playing with her hair now. Trying to get it neater looking.

"Your hair is fine Koharu-chan," She giggled and leaned back, "But if you'd rather I can make sure everything is in place for you."

"Actually." She waggles a finger before gesturing Otsuka to sit down and join her. "I've not had anyone to really talk to about things in a while. Chouko-sama is busy with her new duties, and... and others are busy too. I-I wouldn't mind some tips on my hair and things." Koharu sighs gently. "I've not kept up with fashion as much as I should have over the last year."

Otsuka moved over to sit closer and smiled at the change of topic. "Oh~! I am not quite up to the task of replacing her as a fashionista but I will try. Get me a comb and I'll comb your hair for a start?"

"Moi. It can wait for today." Koharu counters shyly, ducking her head down and giving Otsuka an embarrassed look. "W-When we have a bath, okay?" She mumbles. "It can be hard to brush otherwise... and I really need to dye it before we leave."

"If you want. So... fashion advice? That hairpin is cute. The blue beads go nicely with your eyes and the red draws nice attention to it," she said giving it a good look, "I have a nice set of hairpins I picked up in Beiden I should show you."

"Please. Will you be moving in here then if possible?" Koharu asks, turning to better show the hairpin. That and blushing slightly.

"I do need a place to stay..." she said smiling at her charge, "It would be useful to stay near my charge after all. Are we sharing a room as well?"

"Well, Chouko-chan's room has become storage space... eto... I think there might be one free room downstairs, but it's small and in need of some repair." Koharu answers honestly. Sitting up straight she frowns for a moment and then looks thoughtful. "I guess it would not be for long."

"Well, I am a fairly light sleeper you will likely not notice I am there," she scratches her nose, "And I'll look at the other room to see if I can make enough space."

"I can give you a hand with it tomorrow." Koharu suggests, tilting her head to catch Otsuka's eye. "It's been a while since I've been at or had a sleep over. It'll be fun."