Chiya took some money from his pocket and handed it to him.
The old man nodded in satisfaction and turned to untie the boat rope.
"Get aboard. The wind won't wait for us. Once the fog rises, it'll be hard to travel."
Chiya stepped onto the deck.
The little boat rocked, its hull striking the waves with two loud bangs.
After the boat left shore, the old man first used the oar to push through the water a few times.
Once they cleared the shallows, he pulled the oar in and raised half the small sail. The sea wind filled the canvas, and the boat glided out along the waves.
The wooden huts and pier on the shore quickly receded into the distance.
Chiya sat at the bow, Futsu no Mitama laid across his knees, the brim of his conical hat trembling lightly in the sea breeze.
The old man glanced back at him.
"Let's make this clear first. I'll only take you to Gravel Island. Further in is where the Hidden Mist Village patrols. If you want to keep going, figure it out yourself."
Chiya nodded.
The old man gripped the tiller and adjusted their direction. The boat cut diagonally across a wave, lurching violently as spray slapped onto the deck and soaked half of Chiya's clothes.
Chiya wiped the water from his face.
"This boat won't capsize, will it?"
"It won't."
The old man's tone was steady.
The next instant, another wave lifted the boat before it crashed back onto the sea with a thud.
Chiya looked at him.
The old man coughed.
"Don't worry. I've been going out to sea for years. I've never capsized."
The fog rose quickly over the sea.
At first, it was only a thin layer, clinging to the water like white gauze.