Competition for what seemed to be the only item of any relation to escape was to be expected, but an irritating thought nonetheless: there were plenty of weak people here, doubtless, but there also seemed to be a variety of bizarre abilities that would prove a hindrance if he had to run up against them alone. That, and the awareness that Itachi (or some age of Itachi, as real as anything else appeared) was here and likely to look for it as well -- all unwanted and unavoidable complication.

It was likely evident to all, as much as the intent way the man started to scrutinize him was: not analyzing a threat this time so much as trying to measure him in some less specific sense.

The question, when it arrived, was not unexpected. They'd confirmed that they were no immediate threat to each other -- the obvious next step for someone seeking to protect the place was to decide where to put him, whether on or off-board.

"I will," Sasuke confirmed, and glanced meaningfully out at the open ocean. "I assume a ship is the only way to travel efficiently here."