If you equip the boat shard after you read about the bug you should get a hint. :)Just look outside, there is someone who wants a...er... favor of you.
Weird, I had tried it and it gave me the same reply as with the leaf. Once I rebooted the game it let me progress...
Maybe it's a small glitch? Anywho, back to playing this beautiful game!
Could be, yes. I'll take a look at it. :3Hope, you'll enjoy the rest. ^w^