Deference can be Annoying [Mizu, Rio]

"Think nothing of it, Mizu. If anything, you presented a compelling case. There is no need to apologize for wishing to recruit me."

Mizu seemed to apologize a lot for things that required no apology. An endearing trait, or annoying to those more cynical. Rio stood in the former. She found the woman's company pleasant so far. To be fair, Rio wasn't particularly in a rush to join any division, but if she humored the idea of the eighth, Mizu would be a find person to be around and possibly even mentor in some aspects. Try to ease her out of that noble and deferential nature. Live things up a little. Of course, that seemed foreign to a woman who once operated on the principles of the ideal noble in the past. Rio could not help but wonder... how would she have reacted towards that woman? An interesting thought, she mused. Noticing Mizu point towards the restaurant, Rio would offer a nod in her direction as she walked beside her.

"Oh? Is that so? I suppose fate has seen to it that we enjoy something delicious, then. Okonomiyaki is a solid choice."

Rio would follow Mizu towards the table, sitting across from her as she gazed at the woman. She was certainly satisfied with today's events so far. Mizu, up to this point, had proven to be a very welcoming spirit. She carried herself with an air that Rio found admirable. Though she intended to entertain the idea of joining the Gotei, Rio appreciated the poise she handled her with. Even beyond all of that, she was enjoyable company - another friend for Rio to hang out with and possibly even learn from?

She was a remarkably skilled fighter in her own right, but one could always learn something new, especially from new members of the Gotei. All in all, this could be a mutually beneficial friendship. When they were properly seated, Rio turned to Mizu with curious eyes, honored by what she said. In some aspects, she could relate to the woman. In the past, a lot of her time had been spent aiming to honor her family and maintain a semblance of grace in the public eye.

Indeed, time was a fickle mistress, one who spared no one's expense if it was wasted needlessly. Rio could certainly relate to being busy with their own matters, to such a degree that, pleasantries of this nature had almost felt foreign. Offering the woman a reassuring smile, Rio would reach over and pat her on the shoulder.

"Oh? Well allow me to say that I likewise feel the same, Mizu. You have been nothing short of respectful and I certainly would love to make this a habit between us. It took me some time to learn this, but while you should always uphold duty to your family and the Gotei, never lose sight of treating yourself out every now and then. Enjoy the simple aspects of life. It may feel weird at first, but you really learn to enjoy yourself. And, who knows, with how convincing that recruitment was, you might have a friend sooner than you think," she quipped, patting her shoulder again.

It was perhaps advice she would've liked to tell herself in the past. Mizu seemed young and ambitious, and Rio admired that. It wouldn't sit right with her not to tell the woman some advice to ease her spirits. Duty was a sacred, honorable notion. There was no denying that. Peace of mind? Equally so.

To be certain, Mizu had posed a very good question. What were her ambitions? Beyond adopting this freedom of mind, what else lay beyond that horizon? Where would this path ultimately lead her? She could certainly claim she was happy with the station she occupied now, but somewhere within the innermost depths of her soul, Rio wholeheartedly knew tedium would one day set in. Roaming the depths of places unexplored welcomed its fair share of novelty, of course - there were so many unique moments she could pursue, but looking at Mizu, Rio wondered, or more accurately, pondered the merit of fighting under the banner of the Gotei.

She had avoided it for years in pursuit of maintaining stability in her family, but what came next? Would she simply live out the rest of her days in blissful fancy? Igen had posed the thought to her before, and now Mizu. A sheepish smile formed in her countenance, the Shihoin woman scratching the side of her head, struggling to find a proper answer. Shameful as it was to admit, Rio currently held no aspiration one might consider worthwhile beyond befriending new people. It wasn't entirely embarrassing, to be sure, but still... why did it bother her so much?

"My answer is admittedly rather tame, Mizu. I possessed ambitions in the past as it pertained to my family, but... lately? Beyond befriending and meeting others, I cannot say there is anything I feel compelled to pursue with any real conviction quite yet. Honestly, that's why I've been considering finally assuming a position in the Gotei. I feel my talents would be put to use quite well there, and meeting some of you so far, I'd be in great company."

Rio smiled as she turned to Mizu, posing the same question in return.

"Although I think I have an idea of what you want, I'd like to ask you the same question, Mizu. It is always interesting to hear someone else's point of view. What are your ambitions - not only in your duty to the Gotei, but your life as a whole?"

Rio certainly appreciated Mizu's advice, regardless of her age, as she felt everyone was allowed to express their mind no matter how old they were. Mizu was correct to an extent. There was no reason to feel embarrassed about being directionless. Rio would find her direction soon. She treaded a few detours, but she would get there. At the moment, she was listening to Mizu speak at length about her own desires. They were admirable ambitions, worthy of the shihoin woman's utmost praise.

To Rio, Mizu seemed to be destined for great things, though her reason for coming to that conclusion was more rooted in her determination and the plans she laid out on her difficult path. Rio welcomed that spirit. To continue forward on a path regardless of difficulty, striving forward until you succeeded in your dream.

Rio had somewhat forgotten what her dreams were. Her family had been the only thing occupying her focus for year. No aspiration outweighed duty to family - that is the strict bearing she had placed on her spirits years ago, and now she felt as if she were free. From Rio's perspective, Mizu was a breathe of fresh air. There was no particular arrogance about her. She was entirely genuine and quite respectful. With noble ambition, the sky was truly the limit for her. Eating a small piece of Okonomoyaki, Rio would extend a hand forward, softly ruffling the woman's head, a chuckle dancing from her lips.

"Well, I haven't see you in action beyond meeting you, but I can say from first impression alone, that you'll reach that dream in no time. With respect and noble intent, I truly think you'll go quite far. Now that we're friends, I'll certainly do my best to help your dream become a reality."

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