Ryouma can have that effect on people, but he's always pleasantly surprised when he feels like he makes a little bit of progress. He's never exactly considered himself a people person despite his outgoing nature, given the likelihood that people just find him weird.

"No worries. I'll wait right here then!"

And he means it, seeing as he plops right down on the ground where he stands. He might as well rest up if he's going to be rowing a boat! Besides, it's hardly a two-man job. The locals are frightened enough over all this without making them feel bullied out of their stuff.