No, I was just being grumpy- I think. :P<br/><br/>The blame lies in my frustrations with another game. You are right, Vex. I don't think I really expected Shiori to participate in any sexy shenanigans. I also wanted to move things along faster and introduce more characters (it was very much going to be a quick rapid-fire succession where you get a hint about each character and then they leave...)<br/><br/>I think it worked well with Kasumi on Zaer's side, but I feel like both Naomi and Sayuri have overstayed their welcome. It may be due to the fact that I was considering them as a potential third teammate. Perhaps it'd been better if Sayuri had left once they finished their race- but I dunno, I wanted to show more. :P<br/><br/>But everything you've said is more or less right, Vex, when I'm not letting external frustrations effect me. This game's not about sex, so you don't have to worry. The 'hunt for Kasumi' was a good example of how I wanted to run this game. Sure, it was sexually charged and everyone was naked- but the fundamental part of that scene was unraveling the mystery of her weird behavior and relationships.<br/><br/>To be honest, I also share your concerns about EvilMegaCookie. I dislike games that are just full of pointless sex, but I warmed up to the concept where her clan is themed about marriage alliances moreso than just sex. Granted, it still annoys me that this naturally would make her an ideal 'bride' for Yoshi. I swear, you had to play an Uchiha, Zaer. ;) It's pretty much unavoidable to have a great deal of importance placed upon someone of that clan...<br/><br/>In short, I was frustrated at another game and it has little to do with this.<br/><br/>Although I<em> do</em>think Sayuri and Naomi have overstayed their welcomes- mostly because then there's little mystery about them left for the rest of the exam. Like... Naomi was supposed to use her big brain to be a major player in the written portion... but I feel like I have already given her too much 'screen time' as it is. I have a hard time cutting off a conversation with Zaer, as Naomi probably should have left the scene at the baths...<br/><br/>I dunno, maybe I was trying to goad Yoshi into succumbing to his temptation so much because I just wanted a cathartic release for my frustrations with writing. :P