The largest ship in the harbor is a blue-water vessel, deemed unsuited for the river but present due to the navigable conditions at that location. Its size makes it a prominent feature, even under moonlight. The crew is limited, as half a dozen sailors are in lockup, impacting operational capacity.
At dawn, Bayushi Monban observes the ship from above as it begins to move downriver. Nearby, a scrap of navy blue cloth with an emerald green border, matching Shiba Midori's robe, is caught on a bridge pylon. As the ship departs, Kaeru Haya is informed and Monban decides to pursue it. He confronts Captain Kubota on deck, asserting his authority as an Emerald Magistrate and demanding the ship anchor immediately. Captain Kubota refuses, citing the risk of hull damage and the urgency of delivering a ransom for his kidnapped niece, which is in the ship's hold. He claims to be an honest merchant and insists on continuing to meet his timetable. Despite the escalating tension, Captain Kubota ultimately prepares to drop anchors to comply with Monban's demand while expressing his grievances about the situation.