Akira claps theatrically and spreads his arms, like a carnival barker beginning his act. " 'A touch, a touch, I do confess it,' " he says. "I was a merchant sailor once, but that was years ago. I command the pirate sloop Phantom now...or did, until I came here."

Despite his bravado, his face is far too young to have had that long of an adult career. However old and mature he might look to the other Akirens, a man Zenkichi's age is far more likely to spot the truth.

Akira glances over at the door to the forge, oddly wistful. "When I found out there were no ships here, I half-expected to find my room in the local jail. But my past isn't done with me either, it seems; this was the last place I ever worked on land."