[ Corruption. One of the friendly strangers had mentioned what sounded like some kind of local disease, although Chozen had not been quite sure what to make of it. He looks down at himself like he might be able to discern if that is the case from visual inspection, before he thinks better of it, and shakes his head as he brings it up. ]

I am not sure. I was looking out at the sea, and then, suddenly, I could not move.

[ He had been preoccupied by his concern over his own absent friend, but there is no need to bring that up to an already flustered young man who seems to have more than enough on his mind. ]

My name is Toguchi Chozen, and I owe you a debt. You were saying something about looking for your older brother?

[ He can worry about his own troubles later, when this more immediate problem has been grappled with. ]