Kyojuro was aware of the veracity of deities, of every God in existence, fully aware of their existence and their constant need to interfere in the lives of mortals.

On every island, on every voyage, with every sideways glance, he was aware of your presence, both annoying and comforting, knowing that you were always escorting him out of pure divine whim. Every stop on an island was an opportunity to, strangely, make you laugh with his hunting skills or negotiation with a future enemy, though he could never determine if you were laughing maliciously or with the joy of seeing him triumph and escape alive. Even when he knew it was you who intervened to keep him alive.

That afternoon, having separated from his crew to search for a river with fresh water, he heard your laughter again, echoing in the air. Knowing that you were following him again, he lowered the empty barrel, extended his arms, and gave a small bow.

"I know you're there." He spoke aloud, glancing sideways at the beautiful but unusual owl perched in a tree that followed him that afternoon, in broad daylight. "Why don't you show yourself this time? I just want to talk, your divinity."

He needed to see you, your true form, even if it was well known that seeing a God sometimes meant falling in love with their natural magnetism.