A quiet, intimate atmosphere is what greets you past the curtains separating the izakaya from street view. Customers, like seating, are a scant presence. Not like the place is built for a big rush like that anyway. Subdued is the exact kind of mood that Houshou was aiming for when she first came up with the idea, someplace that's warm and cozy... the exact opposite of the cold, moody nights that patrol units have long since become accustomed to with a war at sea.

Ah! Welcome, welcome Please take a seat wherever you'd like.

Behind the counter, Houshou cocks her head in a tight little smile, lips pursed where her cheeks have become a faint red from the heat of the boiling soup vat just nearby. An aged businessman sequestered in the corner doesn't look up from his ramen, keeping to himself instead. Probably one of the off-base regulars supporting "local" business. Meanwhile, Izakaya Houshou's namesake matron is already moving from behind the counter to greet you more properly wherever it is you choose to settle in. Other than a white apron and OD green handkerchief tied around the top of her head like a hairnet, she's clad in her usual kanmusu outfit's salmons and blues. It seems like she's manning the shop alone today.