[Shinobigami] Flip Out And Kill People

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Justice Grieves: Feb 26, 2007; If I must die, I shall welcome Death as an old friend, and wrap mine arms about it.

Jumping straight into the Introduction Phrase:

Inugami Enenra posted:

For most people, finding someone like Inugami Enenra would be an impossible task. The old stray wandered where he willed for the most part. Even if you could manage to be in the same place as he, given that the yokia could take on many forms, it was no easy feat to recognize him. Still, for the Blood of Oni, there were ways, provided that you were studied and patient.

From an elevated walkway, a man watched the slow procession of Shibuya�s citizenry rushing to and fro. His dark hair was long and matted, falling unevenly down to his shoulders, and his eyes were hidden behind a pair of small round glasses with tinted lenses. Despite the evening chill, he seemed comfortable in a dark blue kimono that he wore loosely and a pair of sandals. Idly, he puffed at the end of a long stemmed pipe, while in one hand he threaded a necklace of prayer beads between his knuckles. All in all, he gave the impression of a penniless self-proclaimed guru, wearing his enlightenment like a fashion statement as he ignored the march of the modern world around him.

The sun touched the horizon, and the robed man tapped out his pipe with a sharp rap again the handrail he was standing near, letting the glowing ember fall onto the black street below. He ducked his head to don his necklace of beads once again, watching and waiting as the sun sunk lower and lower. As the sky show a brilliant shade of crimson, he reached into his sleeve and produced a flat token made of green jade, shaped like a bell though a small hole had been drilled through the center. He placed the whistle to his lips, and blew.

No sound came out, at least, none that could be heard by human ears. In the spirit realm, however, it was a long shrill tone that echoed off the towering buildings, wavering only slightly at the end. As the first note died, a second followed it, a summons that would continue until the shadow of night swallowed up the city.

He�d show. The old sorcerer was confident.

Tora Himura posted:

The familiar crack of a wooden bat finding its mark on a good pitch filled the air. In a streak of white, the ball flew right back at the pitcher like a bullet, leveled at head height. The pitcher�s reflexes were good, but apparently her lacked nerve as he crouched into a small ball on the pitcher�s mound and covered his head. A chorus of mocking shouts came from the sideline as the ball hit the dirt on the way to second base, bouncing into the outstretched mitt of one of the girls, who quickly stepped off the plate and hurled the ball towards first base. It flew a bit high, the baseman having to reach up to snatch it, and before he could bring the ball down the batter slid into first with a cocky smirk on his face, laying in the dirt for a second and propping his chin up as he waved to someone on the sidelines. The ball sailed over to third, hoping to at least chase the other runner back to second if they couldn�t tag him out.

It wasn�t exactly pro-caliber baseball, but the kids seemed to be having fun with it at least.

�Let�s go, Sasaki!� one of the boys shouted from the sideline, causing two more to whistle sharply as the next batter tugged the batting helmet firmly into place. She looked a little uncertain as the approached the plate, apparently not comfortable with the attention. As she raised the bat into position though, she seemed to find her focus, watching as the pitcher shook his head slightly at the catcher behind her.

�Tora-sensei!� a voice called from behind her. A quick glance was all she needed to ascertain that he wasn�t a member of her class � after all, he was still in his school uniform rather than the color-coded track suits that were issued to students for P.E. He was a first year, unless she missed her guess, but he moved with confidence and poise rare among his classmates. As if sensing her thoughts, he discretely made a hand gesture to signify that he was a clansman. The genin, it seemed, were getting younger all the time.

�Your presence is requested in the teacher�s lounge.� He said respectfully, though he stopped short of bowing his head in this public setting.

Yamamoto Sachiko posted:

It�s been a particularly rough days for deliveries. You can feel it in the air, a tension, like something is coming to Shibuya but you can�t quite piece together what. Whatever it is, you�re not the only one who can feel it. You had two near misses on the road from drivers who were clearly distracted, and the tips have been coming up light no matter how well you performed. It was the kind of day where it was difficult to keep your spirits up, for certain. As if to top things off, just as you were about to turn in your uniform and punch out for the night, another large order came in and the man on the other end of the phone had requested you to deliver it by name, promising a big tip.

That was how you found yourself on the fourth floor of a fairly upscale hotel within walking distance of the train station. It was just another curiosity, anyone who could afford to stay at a place like this could probably afford to eat somewhere a bit more upscale than the Aoyama Zero Caf�. On the other hand, keeping the patronage of such an affluent customer went a long way to explaining the pitiful look her manager had given her when he�d asked her to take this one last delivery for the night.

At the sound of the light rapping on the hotel room door, it swung open almost immediately in a rush to reveal a towering figure of a man. He had to be at least 6�8� with broad shoulders that completely filled the doorway, a white button-up shirt straining at the seams to contain a body swollen with well-defined muscles. Short blond hair marked the man a gaijin for sure, his blue eyes sparkling with recognition at the logo of the bags that were held in your hands. A broad smile split his square face before he ran a hand along his stubbly jaw.

�HOW-DEE!� he bellowed in English, stepping aside and gesturing into the room, �You must be Yamamoto-san! Come in, please. There�s a matter I�d like to discuss with you.� He said affably. A quick glance behind the man�s bulky form showed that he wasn�t alone, a middle-aged woman sat at the foot of one of the two beds. She was wearing a well pressed suit, though the jacket hung on a hook and she wasn�t wearing her shoes at the moment, the way her dark hair was tied into a bun and her professional glasses still leant her an air of authority. She offered a long-suffering smile towards Sachiko � at least that giant didn�t plan to eat all that food on his own.

Sasaki Naomi posted:

The atmosphere of the Super-Drive was much the same as it ever was. Clean, well-lit, and most tellingly busy. The sound of power tools echoed off the inside of the garage at all hours, punctuated by pneumatic hisses. Some of the guys might have given you some trouble when you�d first signed on, but there was no denying talent. The Legend of the Auto-Wizard was spreading, slowly but surely, one wrench turn at a time.

Which, of course, meant you had a tendency to draw the �fun� jobs. Like this twenty year old American luxury piece of crap. Some genius had designed the timing belt in such a way that you had to winch the whole motor out to replace it, and now that you had the thing up you were seeing signs that some other repairs were going to be necessary soon. It�d be cheaper to go ahead and handle it all while you already had the engine out, but the customer was being dodgy about the funding leaving you in limbo for the last hour while he tried to sort himself out. Honestly, why anyone would spend that much on a car and not keep up in the routine maintenance was a mystery.

You were about ready to move on to another job when a college kid nudged open the front door with his harms full of a pair of boxes of donuts. You knew him, of course, Moto Seiji, he was a motorcycle enthusiast and a member of his school�s autoclub. He was always coming around to ask for your opinion on this or that part or tweak to his precious ride, it hardly took a genius to guess that he was a racer. Most of your coworkers gave you some good natured grief that he was crushing on you pretty hard. They didn�t particularly mind though, seeing as he was working part time at the bakery down the street and was always bringing the left-overs with him to try and curry favor.

Of course, they didn�t know Seiji quite the same way you did. You were there when he lost his left leg on a mission a few years ago � the prosthetic developed by the Hasuba was a miracle of science, but the failure had still haunted his career. You�d moved up the ranks while he was still stuck doing odd jobs, but he still kept in touch out of gratitude for carrying him back home.

�Hey!� he said cheerfully, setting the boxes down on the front desk with a broad smile, �Looks like I caught you on break, huh? Great, I�ve got something I need to talk about with you�� he glanced around the office for a moment, �Can you get away for a bit?�

Sora Takeda posted:

Your work always seems to take you to the worst examples of the Prefect, doesn�t it? The old tenement has been a monument to urban decay since you set your polished shoes in the lobby. The front desk was divided from the lobby by a set of bars, the tired attendant speaking with the officers through a slab of ballistic glass with a grill set in it to carry sound. Once the lean-faced man confirmed why you were there, he dropped the spare key to room 212 into the tray and slid it out from his isolated desk as if by rote, waving off any pleasantries.

The stairs had creaked and sagged dangerously under your weight, causing the two officers accompanying you to have to spread out or risk falling through. The air was thick with the smell of decay and human waste, crude slogans were painted on the yellowing walls in shades of red and black, and at least once you found a spot where someone had knocked a hole in the wall. The building could hardly be considered fit for human habitation. Of course, it was no human crime you were here to investigate.

Pushing past the police tape, your escort stopped outside to keep anyone from interfering with your investigation. Taro and Morozumi had been on the force long enough to brush against the world of shadows a few times. Like most who�d managed to survive their encounter, they�d accepted that the best thing they could do was direct others away from it. That made them convenient accomplices for tasks like this, just in-the-know enough to know when something required the deft hand of a �specialist�, but possessed of a keen enough survival instinct not to pry.

You�d just completed examining the victim�s body when you heard Morozumi�s voice rise to warn someone away. In the doorway, a narrow man stooped in the relaxed posture that gave the impression of a coiled viper. His drab olive suit was rumpled and worn to the point where he could have very well slept in it. He wore no tie, and the yellow shirt under his suit jacket was partly undone with the collar popped. When he made eye contact with you, a grin spread across his face that showed far too many teeth.

�Sora Takeda,� he said, presenting a badge to Morozumi before stepping into the room with a strange rolling gait, �I came to inform you that we�ll be taking you off this case.� He said, sparing a distasteful glance to the dead man before plucking a folded document from his suit jacket with an official looking stamp.

�Something�s come up, and the feeling up top is that it requires your particular brand of professionalism.�

Fujibayashi Hanako posted:

Somewhere deep within Kuroba Industries, an explosion rang out. This was no particular cause for alarm, it had been controlled, shrapnel hitting heavy anti-ballistic panes and bouncing off. All around the test chamber, men and women in white coats made notes, the arm of a mannequin having been left a charred black stump at the elbow as burning chunks of wood smoldered on the yellow and black striped floor.

�Premature fire on cylinder three!� someone called out, reviewing the footage from the highspeed footage.

�Again!? We just did a total redesign of that component!� came an exasperated response. An older gentleman with salt and pepper hair and oversized side burns leaned over the first man�s shoulder, adjusting the glasses on his nose.

�It looks like the pressure isn�t distributing cleanly � we�ve had that problem when imitating Otogi Academy techniques before. They have some method of massaging the distribution of ki through their body that the others don�t incorporate�� he grumbled, stroking his chin.

�We�ll probably have to rearrange the whole fuel assembly then�� and intern added, moaning and covering their head for a moment.

�Hmn. Maybe not.� Came the first frustrated researcher�s response again, �The Type-A design didn�t have these fluctuations after all��

�The Type-A is too bulky for covert deployment!�

Fortunately, all of this squabbling was of little personal importance to Fujibayashi. Her own projects, after all, were operating well within the assigned parameters without anywhere near as much drama. She might be derided for her nonconventional beliefs, but then, genius was rarely appreciated in its totality. Perhaps she toyed with the notion of showing her peers exactly how advanced she was, or perhaps she simply enjoyed that moment of quiet superiority. Either way, the world outside of her precious lab was calling to her.

�Fujibayashi.� A gravel-toned voice called, standing at the edge of her work space. A bald man with severe features crossed his arms over his barrel chest. Rather than the rest of the people around her, he wore a simple gray suit with a red tie, meaning that he was from the administrative side of the company. Over his left eye was an ornate eyepatch, a black coin worked with gold scrollwork suggesting that it was a seal of some manner or other.

�There�s a task for you.� He said sternly, motioning for her to follow, �Leave that with your seniors for the moment.�

Folding his hands behind his back, the man bulled through the aisles between the workspaces, heading directly for the elevator that would take them out of the R&D department. He didn�t bother to glance back and make sure she was following him until he reached the doors of the elevator, pressing the �UP� key with his thumb.

�What can you tell me about the Kamikiri?� he said, glancing at her. His tone suggested that she should know of it at her rank.

# ? Jan 9, 2017 22:15

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# ? Apr 16, 2024 06:23

Tricky: Jun 12, 2007; after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage

What a day. Was it the full moon or something? I'd been at the top of my delivery game today. Back to back deliveries on the opposite ends of Shibuya? No sweat. The food was hot and as fresh as it could be. No tip, as it happens, but no sweat. After the second car almost ran my bike off the road, I parked it and took to the rooftops for the rest of the day's deliveries. Might not be the most prudent, given my less-than-official status with the big clans, but I can be pretty discrete when I need to be. Not like a lot of people look up in the first place and today everyone seemed too zoned out to bother. Hell, even if someone did see me, it beats having to explain to Takeda-san why the delivery bike is a pancake and I don't have a scratch on me.

As the elevator doors shut and carried me up to the last delivery of the night -- at least it better be, if Takeda-san knows what's good for him -- my stomach rumbles in quiet complaint. Did I eat lunch today? No, must not have. We were slammed all afternoon. Strange that I was specifically requested for this delivery. I hadn't been scheduled today -- I was in covering for Arai-san, since he was down with some sort of flu. Couldn't argue with the promise of a decent tip. Might even be enough to justify stopping for some yakiniku on the way back to my apartment tonight. The quiet whisper of the elevator door brought me back to the present and I walked towards room 415.

It took two raps at the door before the giant answered the door. He seemed to be more like a small blonde mountain than anything. Not exactly one of my usual patrons. I did my best to smile and dipped my head, "How... How-dee. I brought your order."

My eyes danced across the room. It didn't exactly take a trained ninja to tell that this was about more than just the food. Damnit, Takeda, if you sold me out after all I've done for you... well, I'd figure it out after this situation was resolved. Might make a few pointed deliveries of my own. I'd play it cool, but that was no reason to be complacent. My mother's words echoed through my head. First, identify threats. The man's bulk was very impressive. If this were an ambush, I would want to engage him in a small space. It would be difficult for him to generate much power if his movements were constrained. The woman seemed less worrisome, though her garments might hide hidden weapons. Second, identify exits. The windows seemed the clear choice, though retreating back to the stairs might frustrate pursuit.

I stepped into the room and set the bags on the table, dipping my head at the woman as well. It may be some sort of ambush, but that was no excuse to be rude. I carefully watched for the man's movements. If he was a fellow practitioner, it would certainly explain at least part of why they required me to make this delivery. I carefully spoke, "What sort of matter, sir?"

# ? Jan 10, 2017 00:47

Yami Fenrir: Jan 25, 2015; Is it I that is insane... or the rest of the world?

Tora turned her gaze from the genin to her watch. Five minute until the session's over? That'll do.

Standing up, she turned towards her students. "You heard the man! I have to be in the teacher's lounge, and it's only five minutes till the end, anyway. Let's wrap it up early today." she calls out to them. A chorus of "Aww" and other things followed. They were having fun, at least. Tora, herself, was mostly in thoughts, already feeling old. Out of touch with the modern world. Granted, a lot of that might be because of the world of shadows. It has it's ways of keeping you in the past.

"I trust you'll be able to clean up yourselves. If I find anything lying around, I'll make sure to ask Nakamura-san to give you triple the math homework." she warns the students as she walks off. In truth, this was one of the most well-behaved class she's been working with, and she fully expected them to do a good job.

Walking alongside the genin, in the direction of the teacher lounge, they instead go into a side room often used for such occasions - the detention room. Students don't like being there, for obvious reasons, and it's a convenient way to get single students in there without suspicion.

"You've got good poise. But your disguise needs work. You stick out like a sore thumb." she advises the genin. "But, never mind that. What are you here for?"

# ? Jan 10, 2017 15:56

Tardzilla: Aug 31, 2006

Ah, Super-Drive. There's no other place quite like it. Sure, working here might not be as exciting as my "regular" job, but there's a certain satisfaction that I get here that I can't get anywhere else. I've always loved cars, or more 'specifically, workin' on cars, ever since I was a youngin. I remember being told that cars were more of a boy thing, but that never stopped me! I just love taking 'em apart, seeing what makes them tick, and building them back up again, and now I'm being paid to do just that! It's all thanks to Hibiki-san for giving me this opportunity. Most places couldn't look past the whole "gal" part of me, but Hibiki-san? The old man saw what I had to offer, and hired me on the spot!

'Course, not everybody agreed with his decision. It's still a bit of an old boy's club in here, so most of men didn't really appreciate their "sacred" place being invaded by women, but it didn't take long for 'em to change their minds! Once they saw me add a rocket boost to an old scrap heap using nothin' but spare parts, they knew I was the real deal. They don't call me the "Auto-Wizard" for nothing!

Only problem with having a reputation like that is that it also tends to attract some of the more... unsavory folk. Like this "gentlemen" right here. Now, I'm not one to badmouth someone's vehicle, but this thing of his is a real piece a' work. Whoever designed this had NO idea what they were doing! It's just one, giant mess glued together to form something with wheels. I can fix it up, give it some new parts, make it better. It'd be no problem for me, but the owner of this thing... he's being mighty shifty about it, and he doesn't look like he's strapped for cash. That suit of his looks like it costs more than anything else in this shop! It ain't helping that he's allergic to straight answers, too. I've been trying to get, well, anything out of him, but he keeps dodging my questions like he's trained in the art of deflecting conversations! He never even gave me his name! Just walked right in, and insisted I work on his car.

Forget this. I'm not his personal auto-servant. If he's not going to let me work on his car, then he can forget about ever getting it fixed. I got other, more important projects to work on, like the Super Shinobi Mobile! Once I'm done with that beauty, it's going to be somethin' special, I can just feel it!

...Or, I WAS planning on moving on to another job, until Seiji-san walked in with a box of donuts, and who am I to deny such pastry goodness?

Seiji. The other guys tease me about him a lot. He's the Prince of Motorcycles, the one who's smitten by the fair (and oily) Princess Mechanic. The prince tries to woo the mechanic with gifts of cake and sweets, but he is constantly shunned away by the princess, for you see, the princess has a love already! And that love... is her job. Ah, poor prince, try as he might, he cannot compete with the allure of vehicle maintenance.

I let the guys have their fun, it's all harmless, after all. They think he's got a big crush on me, and I don't blame 'em for thinking that. We're pretty close, or at least, I like to think we're close. What happened during that mission... it was a real tragedy. So many lives lost that day, and all from faulty information. We fell right into a trap by another clan. They took us by surprise, and me and Seiji... we were the only people who survived that day. We still don't know who the clan was that attacked us. It was all one, big, blur.

Ever since then, he's been blaming himself for what happened.

...But that was all in the past, and we're not living there anymore. We need to live in the now, and the now has some delicious round sweets waiting for me!

"Seiji! Hey!" I run up to him, waving to him on the way. I excitedly open up the box, and marvel at what's inside, "And you bought my favorites! You're a real gentlemen, Seiji!"

I munch on the savory sweets as Seiji continues talking, tellin' me he needs to talk to me about something. Judging by his tone, that "something" is related to my other job. I nod at him, donut still in my mouth. I gulp down, and say, "Yea, sure. I have just the place." I point at a room in the back with my thumb. "It's my own personal workshop. We can talk in private there."

# ? Jan 10, 2017 20:45

Arashiofordo3: Nov 5, 2010; Warning, Internet
may prove lethal.

The last of the sun's glorious rays sunk beneath the horizon of concrete and glass and the puppy stretched lazily. He'd been bathing in the warm light. Slowly following it's progress across the grass. It could be said the the behaviour was more cat like then anything else. Though the slow rolly-polly was anything but. It lacked the grace that cats were known for.

Even so, the puppy sighed as the last shred of light faded. Glancing up into the night air, and the single solitary whistle that even now keenly sounded. The shrill note, biting through what would have otherwise been a still evening. Someone was calling. Using one of the oldest rites. A whistle to call to wolves. To beg for their fangs. To beg for them to bring death.

Well loving woof.

Inugami hopped onto the nearby stone wall and from their onto the house roof with speed most unbecoming of his form. His flesh coiled and twisted into the shape of a young man. A shock of white hair hiding savage yellow eyes. Rising slowly from his crouched position. He set of, leisurely hopping from roof to roof. His expression as usual, unreadable. The city bustled below the old ghost, caught up in their mediocrity, and small mindedness, busy running from one thing to another. He missed the old days, simplicity and service. Those years before the wars, when the Samurai walked Japan. Ha, now that had been a fun era, where you could find a proper sword fight just walking in the forests. When people lived honourable lives, rather then just paying lip service to the idea of honour. Back when you could slaughter a village and the next one wouldn't have a single idea of what happened. Or that you were coming to them next. This era of phones and internet and security cameras was cheating. How was a Yokai supposed to enjoy a good fight without someone calling the police. At least the Ninja clans had the right idea to keep some of the old ways alive.

That said, he'd never regret the invention of fast food.

Ha, he was getting nostalgic again. It happened every so often. It was the first sign that he was itching for a job. So a summoning like this couldn't have been timed better. Inugami arrived and overlooked the area. Wincing as the sorcerer blew the jade relic once again. He approched from behind, slowly.

"Are you lost old man? If you wanted to prey, then the temple is that way." He started, staying in the shadows, his bright eyes gleaming from the darkness. At the very least that should stop him blowing that damnable whistle.

# ? Jan 10, 2017 21:16

Deltasquid: Apr 10, 2013; awww...
you guys made me ink!

THUNDERDOME

Sora was accustomed to the stench of decay by now, but that did not make his trip through the decrepit dwellings any more pleasurable. He held a perfumed handkerchief in front of his face while examining the deceased, partly for the smell, and partly as a precaution against any lingering traces of oni. For good measure, he'd sprinkled some salt around the room.

When the unknown official rudely interrupted Morozumi, Sora took the document and remained completely silent until he had read it in its entirety. Finally, he spoke to Morozumi: "I'm afraid the matter is quite urgent indeed. Return to the office and call for coroner Motsuhara specifically. Tell him the address and inform him this is an "Amber-Two" type incident. They'll know what to do."

He turned his attention to the stranger and nodded. "Thank you for informing me, mister...?" As he said this, he politely motioned the man to follow him down the stairs and onto the streets.

# ? Jan 10, 2017 22:07

Alien Rope Burn: Dec 5, 2004; _{I wanna be a saikyo HERO!}

If it was up to her, she'd have one of them wear the devices on their arm on the next test. They'd be sure to get it right then... and on the small chance they didn't... well. They'd learn. This wasn't a matter of them earning a pay raise or prestigious position, after all. This was the lives of agents they held in their hands. Idiots.

Adjusting her glasses, she followed her superior quietly as he called for her attention. Fujibayashi. A name that may as well be a curse word, some days, but that was beside the point. In the elevator, she mulled over the pertinent facts. "A 16th century blade believed to have the ability to injure or kill outsiders due to either an unusual alloy or perhaps the meddling of an outsider itself, or both. All unproven, of course. The Kurama Shin Ryuu claim ownership." She frowns slightly. The ownership wasn't a relevant fact, but the point that they'd chase it down was, at least. "Also unproven.", she adds to clarify.

She doesn't make eye contact, instead letting her gaze drift. Outside of her lab, she was a servant, and kept her opinions and suggestions to herself unless required. Once she had her assignment and instructions, then she could apply her genius within those parameters.

# ? Jan 10, 2017 23:46

Justice Grieves: Feb 26, 2007; If I must die, I shall welcome Death as an old friend, and wrap mine arms about it.

Inugami Enenra�s Introduction posted:

�Old?� the anachronistic man asks, pushing the small dark glasses up his nose with a wry grin. He chuckles to himself, a deep, level sound that goes on a bit too long for such a simple jab.

�I�m not so long in the tooth as to be called old by the likes of you.� He finally responds, rolling his head languidly to the side. He unties something from the sash around his waist, an over-sized gourd with a length of rope wound around the middle and a cord in the top. You can hear the sloshing of liquid inside as he shakes it.

�Tribute for Kiiroi me no ōkami?� he offers, though he seems content to stand in the light for the time being. Accepted or refused, he takes a moment to repack his pipe before continuing, his brow drawing low before he speaks in a grave tone.

�The Kamikiri has resurfaced.� He said straight-out, pausing to light the pipe as he searched Enenra�s face for some indication that he was familiar with it.

�I�m sure I don�t need to tell you how much trouble the Kurama Shin Ryuu caused us with that damned dagger back in the day.� He said, puffing slightly on the stem, causing the bowl of the pipe to flare with orange light as he drew the fire down, �Killing gods. The short-sighted buffoons.� He groused to himself, smoke pouring from his mouth as he did so.

�Of course, it goes without saying that the Bloodline of Oni has no intention of allowing such a dangerous artifact to come into prominence once more. Even now, it�s being restored beneath the Meiji Shrine, and the shadows roil as snakes all plot their greedy course towards it.� He took another drag on the long-stemmed pipe, coils of smoke wafting from his nose this time.

�I was brought in to fashion a container for the blade, something that would hide it from scrying eyes so that it can be moved as we wish.� He grumbled slightly, �But it�s taking too long. The other clans will strike soon, mark my words, and so I turn to you.�

�Three days.� He said, raising his fingers to illustrate, �Keep the blade from them for three days, and your mission will be complete.�

Tora Himura�s Introduction posted:

�Ah, I�m sorry m�am. I�ll be sure to work on it.� The student said, his eyes widening slightly. Apparently he thought he�d been doing a good job. The odds were good that he�d been spending too much time training with his elders back at the village these days. The relaxed relationship that most students had with their instructors in this modern world simply wasn�t tolerated within the clan, after all. Duty, after all, was hammered into every Kurama Shin � even if some forgot during the course of their duties.

The genin�s hands pressed together as he formed a complicated seal with his fingers, a sharp exhalation accompanying a short forward stab of his hands. The sound of students roaming through the halls seemed somehow duller by comparison, a faint sigil glowing on the doors as the windows of the room slid closed seemingly on their own. It was a simple barrier, something to ward away any interlopers and keep your meeting secret. Almost immediately, you recognized who the boy�s team leader had to be.

�I�m with Kobe�s team, ma�m.� the boy said without any particular pride showing through, �After centuries, our holy relic the Kamikiri has been rediscovered. We were dispatched to recover it, but, someone�s been interfering with our operation. We have injured.� He said, a dark shadow passing over his eyes for a moment.

�We�re changing focus to deal with the threat for now, but the Kamikiri still needs to be recovered.� He said, pulling a folded missive from inside his student blazer. The sign stamped into the seal is certainly Kobe�s.

�On the orders of a Jonin, you�re being activated, ma�m. Please, make whatever preparations are necessary, infiltrate the Meiji Shrine, and recover the Kamikiri. We�ll arrive to take position of it and take it out of the city as soon as we�re able.�

Yamamoto Sachiko�s Introduction posted:

�See!?� the big man said, reaching out an arm to flash a thumbs up at the business woman, �I Tell You! Work Better If Big Scary Man Not Hiding In Back!� he�s switched over to Japanese properly, though he�s still booming his words far too loudly for the quiet dignity of his surroundings. Inside you can see a heavy leather duster and a Stetson hat hanging from the hooks in the wall alongside the woman�s business jacket. The big man happily takes the bag of food off your hands and retreats back to the kitchenette, opening the bag and spreading the contents across the counter with round, happy eyes at the prospect of putting down each item in front of him.

The man doesn�t move like a practitioner of ninpo, not even a little bit. Even having said that though, he�s definitely Something, close as you had been by the door you could feeling him exerting some kind of spiritual pressure on his surroundings. The girl, by comparison, seems relatively normal�but she has an economy of motion and a general sharpness to her that makes you think that even if combat isn�t her forte she can be dangerous in her own right.

�Nothing nefarious.� The more measured voice of the woman answered her question, �We�re having a bit of trouble that requires a local specialist. We asked a few of our contacts, and your name came up as a possibility.� She produced a handful of yen and proffered it to you easily. The amount for the food was crisp, likely straight from the exchange office, but behind it she�d folded over a stack of dog-eared non-sequential bills that was clearly intended to be the �tip�. Except � well � it was way too much, enough to handle rent and utilities this month on its own.

�That�s just for agreeing to hear us out.� She said, nodding at the bills, gesturing to a seat, �Have a seat, I know it�s late, can I get you anything?� she asked, apparently going through the motions of a good hostess. Soon enough, the food was spread out and it seemed the meeting would take place around the table.

�My name is Gail Summers, I�m a speaker for the University of Texas.� She said with a faint smile, gesturing to the blonde mountain who was currently fumbling to use chopsticks with his great paws, �This is my associate, John Morrison, a coffin maker by trade.�

�Ounce of Prevents Bests Pound of Cure, Yes?� he boomed with a laugh, finally managing to get his food out of the box and leaning in quickly to get it in his mouth before he lost it again. Gail blinked at him, but shrugged it off.

�We represent a foreign group that�s aware of the things that happen in the shadows. Monster hunters, I guess is what you�d call us, not wholly unlike the Kurama Shin Clan.� Gail provided, hoping to contextualize John�s outburst somewhat, �A � dangerous anniversary is coming up in our region. A creature that he repeatedly returned from death every hundred years is scheduled to reappear soon. The last time it was active, if left whole ghost towns in its wake, places seemingly just abandoned of hundreds of people overnight, consuming the young and the old alike.� She said, tapping the table with a long lacquered nail.

�Knowing this, we started to take measures. Among them, we helped fund a joint archeological expedition here in Japan. It ended up being costly in ways beyond money.� She said, a sour expression on her face before she pushed on, �Still, the expedition was a success. Among other treasures, the final resting place of the Kamikiri was uncovered.�

�Then, Japanese Agency Say Won�t Give Dagger.� John grumped, �Much �Cultural Significant�.� He added, making quotation marks in the air with his fingers.

�I came out here to try and persuade them through legitimate channels. Unfortunately, even old friends of mine aren�t budging an inch on this. We think the Hirasaka Agency is exerting some pressure with an eye on taking the blade for themselves.�

�Have Blood Spent On This, Lives In Balance.� John said, drawing himself up to his full height, �If No Fair Solution, Have To Accept Cheating.�

�Which is where you, or someone much like you, enters the equation.� Gail said, shifting forward slightly, �We managed to work out that the blade is currently being kept somewhere under the Meiji Shrine. They say you can deliver anything, anywhere, at any time. I�d like to hire you on to deliver the Kamikiri to me before I leave the country in three days, the people I represent are willing to beat the offers of the local black market for this service.�

�That Blade Found, No Secret.� John added, shaking his head, �Only Time Before Big Clans Fight For It. Time For Action Small.�

Sasaki Naomi�s Introduction posted:

�I aim to please.� Seiji said with a bit of a lopsided smile, watching you eagerly bite into the confection with a satisfied air about him. A bit reluctantly, he set the box down on its usual place at the corner of the desk, near the coffee pot. Taking a bit of wax paper, he saves another of your favorite before the hungry marauders of the pit crew start reaching their oil-stained hands for the box like a group of sugar-hungry zombies.

�They�re letting you machine your own parts now?� he asked, falling into step as she lead him back towards her workspace, �Sounds like you�re moving up in the world!� he said, allowing himself a grin.

�Fight on, Seiji!� someone shouted encouragingly from the back, holding a half-eaten donut covered in chocolate and crushed walnuts overhead. Behind him, Hibiki stood with his arms crossed, face shadowed over with paternal judgement. Seiji colored slightly, closing the door to her workshop as the head mechanic grabbed his poor subordinate by the ear and started to pull him back towards the work area, his final fate obscured by the doorway. Seiji, for his part, merely sighed with relief to be out from under the crew�s eyes.

�Tenzen wants you in the field again.� He said, digging for the phone in his pocket. While the Hasuba Ninja Army was quicker than their contemporaries to exploit the benefits of technology, the fact remained that they were a secret society. Part of that meant that mission details were never broadcasted over public airwaves. Some groups relied on darknet addresses like a series of information drop boxes, but for more spread out groups messengers were more convenient. Opening the file on his phone, he offered it to you to peruse.

�It�s the Kamikiri, that knife they dug up in the mountains last week. Apparently, it�s an old sacred artifact, and the elders want to get their hands on it.� He said lowly, a picture of the blade giving way to blueprint of the Meiji Shrine � and then to projected details on a secret bunker dug into the earth beneath it.

�Tenzen�s got me and the rest of the squad trying to secure an escape route out of Shibuya, but it�s been slow going. The night is thick with competitors all trying to find an angle.� He said, tucking both his hands in his pockets, watching her eyes as she looked over the details, �While we�re sorting that out, Tenzen wants you to steal the blade.�

Something hung unsaid in the air for a few long moments, Seiji�s lips pressing together as he chewed on whether or not to speak up or not. Finally though, the words came out.

�Be careful.� he said, looking away, �Something�s weird about this mission. You�re not the only Hasuba in the field on this one, Elder Danzo assigned the job to the Fujibayashi girl. Still, Tenzen isn�t assigning you to her team � the whole thing reeks of clan infighting.� He closed his hands into fists in his pockets, �Tenzen�s probably hoping you�ll bring home the knife yourself, undercutting whatever it is Danzo is maneuvering for.�

�Don�t let yourself get hurt over politics, alright?�

Sora Takeda�s Introduction posted:

The slender older man waited a moment as the two uniformed officers pulled away from the front door, his easy half-lidded smile seeming to take some satisfaction from seeing the officers bossed around a bit. Still, once they were safely out of ear shot, he took a moment to look around the room, scooping up an incidental looking porcelain cat statue and regarding it closely before tucking it in his pocket.

�Kirigakure.� He said, taking the lead as he sauntered back out of the decrepit old tenement, �I guess you don�t remember, I was there for your evaluation.� He said, tapping a bent cigarette out of a crumbled box of them and slipping it between his this lips as he stepped out onto the dark street. He held off on speaking until he�d lead the both of them off the side street and into one of the alleys that ran between buildings.

�Well, I guess I don�t leave much of an impression.� He said, once again flashing that too-wide smile, leaving the unlit cigarette perched on his lips. �This should be an easy job for someone like you.�

�While digging up an old bandits� stronghold up in the mountains, some archeologists came across an ancient tanto blade. It was listed in their findings normally, mostly noteworthy for how well preserved it was. Still, one of our fact checkers did a little digging, promising kid.� He waved his hand in front of his face slightly, banishing the segue before he could really get started.

�It�s the Kamikiri.� He said, �It�s the Kamikiri, and we helped fund the expedition. Somebody used up a lifetime�s worth of luck on that one.� He chuckled a bit to himself, �We had to twist a few arms politically, but we managed to get the blade sent to the Meiji Shrine for restoration. Some of the attendants there are our people.�

�Now it�s just a matter of getting the blade out of the public eye again. That�s where you come in.� he said, his grin settling down into more of a satisfied smirk, the cigarette bobbing at the center of his mouth.

�You just have to get your hands on the Kamikiri and hang onto it for a few days. The clan will send someone to pick it up soon after to complete the restoration somewhere a bit more secure.� He gestured, rolling his hand.

�This job was handed down from the very top, it�s a good chance to distinguish yourself.� He chuckled lowly, �Or an opportunity to sink to the very bottom, if you�re not careful. No pressure.� He stopped and checked his watch for a moment.

�Hrm�I�ve got a job to handle myself soon. Are there any questions I can field for you before you get started?�

Fujibayashi Hanako�s Introduction posted:

The low hum of the elevator�s motor filled the small box as the two of them ascended away from the isolated reaches of the lab. The stainless steel walls of the box held murky reflections of the two figures as they rode along, the digital display above the door climbing up through the reinforced basement levels. Finally, the man in the suit shifted his weight slightly.

�Adequate, for a weapon that�s been lost for centuries.� He said dispassionately. Reaching into his suit pocket, he produced a smart phone, tapping the screen a few times. A moment later, a slight buzz in her pocket informed her that a file had been deposited on her own phone.

�Last week, the Kamikiri reemerged.� The man said simply, �Unfortunately, it�s a matter of public record. Found by a university funded archeological dig, it�s already drawing greedy eyes from black market profiteers and personal collectors alike. No doubt, the other clans are angling to acquire the blade for their own purposes � the Kurama Shin, at least, are unlikely to stand idly by and let it slip from them again, at least.� He said, pushing his phone back into his pocket, his one good eye still focused studiously forward rather than regarding her.

�I�m sure I don�t need to tell you that the Hasuba�s technological prowess has come a long way in three hundred years.� he said, the barest ghost of a smirk tugging at the corners of his permanent scowl, �This blade represents a rare opportunity for us. If the Kamikiri�s reputed capabilities can be reverse engineered, it could redraw the lines of power between the clans.�

�Unfortunately, it seems the Hirasaka Agency is thinking something similar.� He said, that tiny mote of amusement leaving his face and somehow making it seem colder for its absence. �They pulled some strings. The blade is currently being held in a secure site underneath the Meiji Shrine for restoration�once they�ve finished I have no doubt that the blade will vanish once again.� Finally, he turned his head to regard Fujibayashi directly.

�Your mission is to take possession of the Kamikiri. You�re free to use whatever means you deem necessary.� He said, �In three days� time, agents will arrive to relieve you of it and transport it to safe site.� The elevator came to a sudden stop, almost as though the man had been timing his briefing for the effect. Silently, the doors drew apart, revealing the armory secreted away underneath Kuroba Industries. Somewhere, an instructor was shouting out ordered in time with a flurry of gunfire from the shooting range.

�Are there any questions?� he asked, unmoving, apparently intending to take the elevator further up once they split up.

# ? Jan 16, 2017 19:30

Yami Fenrir: Jan 25, 2015; Is it I that is insane... or the rest of the world?

"The Kamikiri, you say? Interesting. I'll begin preparations right away." Tora replies dutifully. Crossing her arms, she looks downwards in thoughts. "Sorry to hear about your comrades. Do you have any intel on the enemy forces?"

Closing her eyes, she focuses for a bit, trying to loosen up her muscles a little bit as she waits for the Genin's response. "... I see. Very well then, I'll begin right away. Before I go, though, let me reveal why seeing through your disguise was so simple - your poise is simply too good for a mere student. Of course, one must be on guard, but your movements are far too precise. From your movement alone I can tell that you're very good at combat, and I do not doubt you will make it far. But you aren't going to fool anyone looking for a ninja. Taking up a disguise is more than just the apparel." she continues.

Soon after, she chuckles. "Oh, look at me. Perhaps I have assumed the role of a teacher a bit too well. Nevermind me. Kobe-san can teach you more, if you are willing. But really, I do need to get moving." She gets up and walks towards the door, expecting the genin to release the seal. "Do extend my greetings towards Kobe, would you?"

Ah, Kobe. The days when the two of them were still mere Kusa, practicing together. Things... weren't really all that different back then. The World of Shadows, after all, is pretty stagnant. The tools might change, the clans might be different, but in the end - what really changes? Well, in truth - some things changed. But, those are on a more personal level. Tora reminisced when she first reached Chuunin. Kobe was still Genin-Gashira at the time. While it was not enough to shake the friendship between the two, Kobe had always felt envy towards Tora for her quick advancement in the ranks. So he worked hard, and before he knew it, he surpassed Tora. No, eclipsed, even. Surely, he thought, Tora would feel the same envy he did.

But she did not. Why? For Tora, it is relatively simple. There are early bloomers, and there are late bloomers. Tora always considered herself the first - while her rise through the ranks had rapid, and some people even thought her a genius for a while - she knew it was not true.For that held true for Kobe, not her. It was always apparent for her. Kobe had a certain something she never had. Was it the ceaseless determination? The hardest of training? Or perhaps... it was the fact that he had someone to surpass.

Perhaps, she was wrong, and it was merely Tora's turn to exceed Kobe. Perhaps it is not predetermined who is the stronger of the two, and instead a reflection of their willpower. It remains to be seen. But who, other than the gods, knows what the future holds?

Yami Fenrir fucked around with this message at 17:11 on Jan 19, 2017

# ? Jan 16, 2017 22:13

Arashiofordo3: Nov 5, 2010; Warning, Internet
may prove lethal.

Inugami listened, eyes sparkling in the shadows. Taking a deep swig of the offered gift. Ohhh, good stuff! He chuckled darkly at the mention of the knife.

"Well well, it's been a long time since I've heard that name." Not since the bloody days of the Kami wars. When many gods died to it's cursed edge. The Kamikiri needed no introduction. "I'm shocked, i recall the Oni dropping half a mountain on the last bearer. They must have been very diligent to dig in the right place." The demon imparted into the weapon no doubt drew them to itself. The weak willed mortals never could resist it's siren call. They see power to be exploited, never realising they're the ones being exploited. All to continue the slaughter. Inugami was partial to a bit of slaughter now and again. He'd been born to that purpose. But the Kamikiri was different. There was no honour in the killing. It was the gluttonous feasting of a hunger that could never be fulfilled. Friend and foe would meet their end to the blade's teeth. Men women, children, mortal, and monster. All were equal victims in it's eyes.

"And now the clans seek to claim it for themselves. Ha! Do they not remember the old stories? Hahahahaha! And they think me a monster! Well.... they're not wrong." He look towards the dark sky. "Three days, against the might of all of the clans? It's going to be troublesome. But we have no other choice. Warn the Oni. Whatever happens, they may need to be prepared for another era of blood, if those fools get their hands on it." Inugami turned and stalked away into the encroaching night. The shrine. He needed to watch it, carefully. If he could take the blade into his protection it would at least ensure it's safety. But he was hardly the only one after it. Perhaps it would be best to wait for the idiots to smash each other to pieces and pick the weapon off their corpses.

It wasn't his style. But Inugami had not gotten to seven centuries without knowing when not to rush in.

# ? Jan 16, 2017 22:23

Alien Rope Burn: Dec 5, 2004; _{I wanna be a saikyo HERO!}

Fujibayashi is quiet, listening. Something was off. For such a important endeavor, it seemed odd that she was approached alone. While spies and bugs were always a concern, at the same time it seemed to take a relatively important matter lightly. Though she had a high opinion of herself, she wasn't so foolish as to think of herself as the most reliable possible solution. More likely than not, it wasn't being kept a secret from outsiders... but insiders. But who? And why?

Annoying, is what it was. They should have an organized field squad handle this, not drag her out of her lab and shove her out into an risky assignment carelessly. Politics. The bane of efficiency and effectiveness. Still, this was her mess to deal with now. Best ready some of the drones for some initial intel.

Stepping as the doors open, she pauses to look back to her superior. "Support?", is the only thing she asks from the precipice of the elevator.

# ? Jan 17, 2017 02:55

Tricky: Jun 12, 2007; after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage

As we sat around the table and discussed the job, I could feel a ball of anxiety working my stomach in a knot. I mean, yeah, sure. I have been known to say that. Loudly. With or without provocation. But poo poo! The Kamikiri? I didn't know much about it. It sounded like a big ticket item. Just the thing to cement a reputation... and put a target on my back from all the big name clans at the same time. If the Hirasaka are involved, then there's no chance that the others are going to let them just walk away with the prize. Of course, that would mean that the Hasuba would be making a move as well. My knuckles whitened as I thought about the damned machine freaks. I hadn't forgotten the stories my mother had told me, what they'd done to us. They killed and killed, for what? Our secrets? What could possibly justify all that death?

I looked up at John and Gail in turn, "I'll do it. Under the Meiji Shrine, you said?" To be totally honest, the dagger didn't much matter to me. I was in the black just by meeting the two. It'd be nice not to have to pull extra shifts ever again -- or have my own delivery service -- but the real prize would be a chance to show the big clans that they weren't invincible. They were all so sure of that fact -- that was the root of the conflict, wasn't it? A little shaken confidence may well serve to curb some of the infighting. And, hell, saving a town or ten while I was at it? Not bad for a day's work.

Tricky fucked around with this message at 08:21 on Jan 17, 2017

# ? Jan 17, 2017 04:55

Tardzilla: Aug 31, 2006

"Yep!" I puff up my chest in pride, "Hibiki-san gave it to me as a reward for being a drat good mechanic!"

I lead Seiji into my workshop, "Don't mind the mess," I say, after pushing the door open and revealing the messy clutter inside. Various spare parts and tools are practically littered all over the place. I never claimed to the be most organized person, okay?

I grab an unopened juice box from the work bench, and lean back on the table. I take the phone with my free hand, and scroll through the information presented within while sipping on my juice. I listen quietly to the rest of what he has to say, and roll my eyes and sigh when he mentions clan infighting. "Politics. It's always about the politics, isn't it?" I say in an exasperated tone, "Imagine how much we could've gotten done if those old geezers decided to work together instead of constantly bickering with each other." Isn't the whole point of our clan unification? How can we hope to unify the other clans when we can't unify ourselves?

Fujibayashi... I've never met her, but I've heard the stories about her. Genius inventor, descendant of a famous ninja clan, uses some kind of experimental blade. Not someone I'd ever want to face in direct combat, that's for sure. It's too bad we're working separately because of office politics. I would have loved to have worked together with her, and share ideas together.

"Don't worry," I look at Seiji, and give him a reassuring smile, "I'll be fine. Whatever it is, I'm sure I can handle myself. I always have."

"But you are right, it is a little strange," my smile slowly starts to disappear, "Why would Tenzen need to secure a safe route? Seiji," I set down my juice box, and put a hand on his shoulder, "Is there something happening soon that I need to be aware of?"

# ? Jan 17, 2017 15:11

Deltasquid: Apr 10, 2013; awww...
you guys made me ink!

THUNDERDOME

Sora nodded at Kirigakure's remark about the examination. "Thank you, Kirigakure-san. That you flew under my proverbial radar back then speaks volumes about your talents for the Agency, and reminds me of the skills I still need to hone every day to reach your level."

He frowned when the Kamikiri was mentioned. "I understand the importance of my mission if it concerns such a legendary weapon. I have many questions, but they are not important to the success of this assignment, save for one. The discovery was published in several scientific journals, if I remember correctly. Surely, anyone with an interest in such weapons will have connected the dots by now. I expect things might get messy. Any specific rules of engagement?"

Sora sighed internally. Without a doubt, one or other shinobi clan was already preying on this tool. He decided to make his way to the Meiji Shrine as soon as possible. "I will accomplish this task with finesse fitting for our Agency."

Takeda saluted, and walked off.

# ? Jan 21, 2017 00:25

Justice Grieves: Feb 26, 2007; If I must die, I shall welcome Death as an old friend, and wrap mine arms about it.

Tora Himura�s Introduction posted:

"The information on the opposition is still inconclusive, they've been avoiding direct confrontation. Whoever they are, their tool use skills are very advanced, but the tools themselves are very old." he says, still a bit rigidly, "The current theory is that they're either rogue nin...or agents trying to pass themselves off as such."

The young man actually seems to somehow straighten as you impart your observation to him, respect and attentiveness to his superiors apparently having been drilled deeply into him. He'll need to learn to be a little less rigid before he moves up the ranks, but he's young yet, plenty of time for him to develope.

"Thank you, ma'm!" he says directly, "I'll try to study the poise of other students in the future, ma'm!"

Agreeing to pass her well wishes on to his team captain, he bowed his head and dropped the barrier again, waiting for her to leave before returning to his own assignment.

Sasaki Naomi�s Introduction posted:

"That's a little above my head." Seiji said with a bit of a chuckle, shrugging his shoulders with a helpless smile, "As far as I can tell, the Clan intends to study the blade in another Prefect. You know, distance ourselves from the disappearance of a covetted artifact whose existance is known to the public. We're also harrassing some teams deployed from other cities, trying to keep the heat off so you can move more easily."

"Speaking of which, I need to link up with my own team." he said, checking his watch, "Good luck, Naomi, I'll see you again when things settle down, alright?"

Sora Takeda�s Introduction posted:

Kirigakure nodded, his slender smile still stretching across his face.

"He asks the right questions, always a good sign." he tucked his hands in his pockets and nodded.

"You are free to exercise your own judgement regarding engagement." he said, comming up with a lighter and flicking the wheel and touching the flame to his crooked cigarette. "Your hands are untied. If you judge a preemptive strike to be the most judicious use of force, we'll worry about the political fallout later. Kill if you have to, but safeguard your own life more importantly."

"We're putting our faith in you, Takeda." he said, waving as he backed up into the darkness of the alley, just that flickering ember of a lit cigarette marking his presence until it vanished. "Don't let us down now."

Fujibayashi Hanako�s Introduction posted:

The one-eyed man looked down at Fujibayashi, nodding slightly.

"You are Chunin, Fujibayashi, and have the resources of such. We've held back some Genin who've worked with you in the past should decide to form a team, as well as your usual access to drones and technology. Our other team leaders are engaged in false flag operations to keep the other Clans off balance. Your opposition is expected to be minimal."

End Introduction Phase
Commencing Main Phase!

Master Scene posted:

Pre-dawn, a starless, black night on a quiet summer night. Underneath the grand Meiji shrine, in a rocky and dark cavern protected by locks and alarms both physical and mystical, lies Kamikiri, the God of Mist, in its protective sheath. It rests on a small protective altar of smooth stone, surrounded by six lit candles. It's a bit dirty, as the restoration is only half-complete, but the cool majesty emanating from the dagger is unmistakable. This is a weapon that will change the very destiny of Japan.

A shadow approaches. The candles snuff out at once. Two hands gingerly reach out, lifting the dagger from its altar. A deep and reverent silence fills the room for the span of two heartbeats. Then, alarms scream through the cavern. Lights, sirens, mystical wards, all begin to activate around the shrine. As armed guards spill into the underground chamber, the shadow has already made its way to the edge of the shrine grounds. Before the spotlights erupt and scour the forests and walls of the Meiji shrine, the shadow quickly scales and leaps over the tall and barb-wired wall, escaping into the night.

Sora Takeda Takes Possession of the Prize � Kamikiri

Arashi, please declare whether you intend to have a Drama Scene or Combat Scene and invite any characters to it you wish. They do have the right to refuse, of course.

Yami, you declare after Arashi.

Next up will be Tricky, assuming they're not already in a scene and the person they want to target is still available. If not, they may pass and we'll move on down the list.

The intention is to try and get everyone in a scene so everyone is playing, though the scenes are happening simultaneously. Anyone who wishes to use a ninpo to interfere or insert themselves into someone else�s scene is, of course, permitted to do so.

# ? Jan 24, 2017 22:47

Arashiofordo3: Nov 5, 2010; Warning, Internet
may prove lethal.

I'm going to say... a Drama Scene.

drama scene: 2d6 6

Alright, that's going to be a peaceful scene. Nice. NPC wise I'd say a nearby street food seller.

And I'm going to invite Yamamoto Sachiko if that's alright?

As to the scene, Inugami is going to pretend to be an adorable little homeless hungry puppy, and see if he can appeal to the Yamamoto's better nature to take care of the poor little pup. Possibly get some free food, some playtime, and maybe some petting.

# ? Jan 25, 2017 16:45

Yami Fenrir: Jan 25, 2015; Is it I that is insane... or the rest of the world?

Tora's Scene

On the edge of the forest, the surroundings are serene, to the point one might not realize the commotion at the Meiji shrine. But... not all is right.

"Kch. Too late." Tora mutters under her breath. Someone got to the Kamikiri first. But, all is not lost. People can be tracked. Nobody is truly unfindable.

Silent like the forest around her, Tora begins her search for the Kamikiri's carrier.

Drama scene roll: 2d6 7 A pure air wafts through this forest. The cries of songbirds, the sounds of a gentle breeze, are carried on the
wind...

I am inviting Sora Takeda to a Drama scene. Apart from perhaps some forest critters, nobody else is nearby... for now.

Yami Fenrir fucked around with this message at 00:36 on Jan 26, 2017

# ? Jan 25, 2017 17:04

Tricky: Jun 12, 2007; after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage

Sounds good! I'll accept. Let's say that Sachiko is eating at one of those roadside oden stands when Inugami approaches her.

# ? Jan 25, 2017 18:33

Deltasquid: Apr 10, 2013; awww...
you guys made me ink!

THUNDERDOME

Sounds good! Let's do this drama scene.

Sora walked through the park, the Kamikiri safely stowed under his coat. Despite the darkness and the breezy wind, he was still too warm to be comfortable. He considered his options; leaving the item at home or at the office would be too risky. He'd have to carry it on his person until the Agency retreived it, and no way to conceal it except wearing lots of clothes. It was better to be sweaty than ambushed.

Speaking of ambushes.

Sora stopped in the middle of the path. Birds were chirping. There was an unnatural wind in the air, and although he could not put his finger on it, the scene felt wrong to him, somehow.

He let his hand rest on his holster, near his thigh, and carefully scanned the grass with his eyes and primed his ears.

# ? Jan 25, 2017 21:50

Yami Fenrir: Jan 25, 2015; Is it I that is insane... or the rest of the world?

Tora's Scene

"Hmm... interesting. You noticed. Not a lot of people do. Hirasaka? You do not look like a rogue to me." Tora quips, leaning against a wall with her arms crossed. "And here I thought I got her first."

Launching herself away from the tree at Sora, she suddenly appears in front of him, staring him down unerringly. "Since I'm sure you're unwilling to part with the thing you just stole, I don't suppose you happen to know anything about the fellows that attacked the Kurama Shin?"

Yami Fenrir fucked around with this message at 00:36 on Jan 26, 2017

# ? Jan 25, 2017 22:20

Deltasquid: Apr 10, 2013; awww...
you guys made me ink!

THUNDERDOME

Sora did not quite unholster his weapon just yet, but kept his hand ready all the same, in case this stranger got any funny ideas.

His eyes narrowed. No point confirming or denying anything at this stage.

"Quite late for a leisurely stroll in the park, isn't it, citizen? I suggest you go home. People have been known to get hurt by thugs at this time of night."

# ? Jan 25, 2017 22:27

Yami Fenrir: Jan 25, 2015; Is it I that is insane... or the rest of the world?

Tora's Scene

'Definitely Hirasaka', Tora thought to herself. Nobody else would try to deflect this hard.

"Quite the opposite, officer. I find the darkness has a certain charm to it. I am sure you must feel the same." she replies. "But let us end this farce. We both know what the other is, yes? I am certain our time is better spent not beating around the bush."

Tora paces around Sora leisurely, although never leaving him out of sigh. "As much as that appears to be a hobby of the Agency. "Speaking about beating things, there are certain unsavory elements that are bound to be interested in that souvenir of yours. Naturally, it would be safest with us... but I'd much rather have it in your hands than Hasuba. Or Oni."

Yami Fenrir fucked around with this message at 00:36 on Jan 26, 2017

# ? Jan 25, 2017 22:41

Deltasquid: Apr 10, 2013; awww...
you guys made me ink!

THUNDERDOME

Sora took a few seconds to formulate the most neutral answer he could come up with.

"I appreciate your concern, but I will hold on to my belongings, at least for now." He was curious about her remark, though. "Do you know of any Hasuba or Oni agents in the area? Or is their involvement merely conjecture from your part?"

The day was already shaping up to become a long and bad one. If three - or more - shinobi clans were after the Kamikiri, he'd need a bigger stick to hold them all at bay at once.

# ? Jan 25, 2017 23:16

Arashiofordo3: Nov 5, 2010; Warning, Internet
may prove lethal.

Inugami retreated from the forest, so someone had already got to the blade? Well, he just needed to make sure he got it back. That said, there was no need to do such a task now. Far better to follow the original plan, and let his enemies smash them selves to pieces on each other. But how to kill time?

Did the question really bare being asked?

There was a spot he always loved to use for this. A small street side vendor, hot food cook right in front of your eyes for a reasonable fee. Pretty drat tasty food at that. Lots of meat. With a shift of his form he took on the guise of a scruffy little puppy.

Young enough that the sheer sight of it on it's own would be enough to bring worried thoughts, and sympathy. He made sure to roll around in the dirt first. Added to the illusion of being homeless. With this all done, he took up his usual spot. In the eye line of the chief, under a little window for shelter. He lay his head on his paws and waited. The chief spotted him, a frown of concern on his face. Good, Inugami thought, if he played it right some kind soul might even take him home, in an attempt to help the poor defenceless lovable little puppy.

Because that is what he was.

Totally.

Looking out with his big doleful eyes, Inugami waited for a customer. He'd beg them for scraps. See how things go.

# ? Jan 25, 2017 23:25

Tricky: Jun 12, 2007; after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage

Inugami's Scene

It seemed like the tension in the air had finally broken. Someone had made a move. I happily sighed into my oden, taking a quick bite of konnyaku and washing it down with a healthy swig of beer. This was bliss. When was the last time I had been able to sit down and eat a real meal? Hm. Must have been a few weeks at least. No rest for the weary and all that. It was a drat shame that I hadn't gotten the blade first, but there was no rush. I had eyes everywhere. I'd track down the blade and make my move when the time was right. Information was key and it didn't make sense to show my hand too early.

As I sat and ate, I could hear pitiful whimpers nearby. A puppy? Out here? ...Alone? I peered down under the counter, noticing the poor, bedraggled little pup. What a cute little guy. The owner of the cart shot me a small smile. Ah. Must be a frequent visitor. I grabbed a skewer of gyu suji and extended it to the puppy, "Hey buddy, you look hungry. Want a little meat?"

Tricky fucked around with this message at 00:15 on Jan 26, 2017

# ? Jan 26, 2017 00:01

Yami Fenrir: Jan 25, 2015; Is it I that is insane... or the rest of the world?

Tora's Scene

Tora grinned.

"What if I do?"

Then she draws a circle in the air, and it seemingly forms a small whirlwind, which blasts past Sora and into the foliage behind him, revealing another ninja.

"Alas, I do not know which organization this one is from. Perhaps we should ask her?

Yami Fenrir fucked around with this message at 00:37 on Jan 26, 2017

# ? Jan 26, 2017 00:04

Tricky: Jun 12, 2007; after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage

Tora's Scene

quote:

12:11 PM <Tricky> Sachiko is going to try Wandering into the other ninja scene
12:11 PM <Tricky> !r 2d6
12:11 PM <Krysmbot> Tricky, 8 = 8

Ninpo check succeeds and I force my way into the scene!

As expected, the forest around the Meiji Shrine was a hotbed of ninja activity. It wasn't exactly easy slipping my way through the gaps in security, but it wasn't exactly hard either. I stopped a respectable distance away from the two, careful not to betray my presence before I could establish the dynamics between the two. I was confident that I could give either one the slip, but things might get dicey if they teamed up.

As I sat and watched the two talk, I quickly had a most unwelcome realization. Tch. I couldn't hear them from here. I'd need to get closer to figure out what they were up to. I snuck forward as carefully as I could manage, but, well, you can't always out-ninja a fellow practitioner. I wasn't too surprised when one of them � the blonde woman � quite literally blew away the foliage I was hidden behind.

As I drew myself up and met eyes with the two, I allowed a small grin to cross my face, "Nice move, Blondie. Guess I'm not the only one interested in the blade. Moves like that... you must be with one of the big names. Otogi? Kurama?"

# ? Jan 26, 2017 00:13

Yami Fenrir: Jan 25, 2015; Is it I that is insane... or the rest of the world?

Tora's Scene

Tora scans the newcomer with her eyes. Her clothing isn't really in the usual styles of any clans she is familiar with. And the mention of big names... Does imply that she is one of the Lost Ones. It might, however, also be a trap.

"The name is Tora Himura. Sometimes. You know how it is in our line of work." she replies to the relatively young girl. Just because she isn't one of the 'big names' does not mean one should underestimate her. While the Lost Ones are disorganized, they are not trivial.

"So even the Lost Ones are out for the blade. I see. You'll forgive for not trusting one whose master cannot be verified. Who do you intend to deliver that weapon to, I wonder?" she inquires, having stepped back to keep eyes on both ninjas.

Yami Fenrir fucked around with this message at 00:37 on Jan 26, 2017

# ? Jan 26, 2017 00:25

Arashiofordo3: Nov 5, 2010; Warning, Internet
may prove lethal.

Inugami's scene

The puppy (who is totally not an ancient ninja murder ghost or anything) sniffed the offered food excitedly, yipped once, and then pulled a piece of the offered gyu suji, and then clumsily tucked into it. Pinning the food with one paw and tugging bits off with it's mouth in a manner both comical and endearing. How sad it was that such a little guy was out here all on his own. The pup stumbled over to Sachiko's chair, and pawed uncertainly at her. Tiny little whimpering snuffly noises emanated out of it. It cocked it's head from side to side, watching intently. Clearly the poor thing was starved of attention (and just starved in general). But his little tail was weakly waggling back and forth. It yipped again, a cute little noise, not aggressive, just 'hey! I'm here! I'm small and alone, you seem nice, please pay me attention, please give me food'. Perhaps Sachiko was the first person to show it any affection.

# ? Jan 26, 2017 00:35

Tricky: Jun 12, 2007; after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage

Tora's Scene

I inclined my head slightly as the woman introduced herself, "Well, it's nice to meet you Himura-san. You may call me Sachiko." It wasn't as though my last name would compromise much, but, well, I still hadn't figured the man's deal out. He looked official enough. I wasn't about to let slip clues in front of someone who might well be working with the Hirisaka.

As Tora brought up the topic of my employer, I shrugged, "Discretion is key. You know how it is. I can say this, though. There are gods that need slaying outside of Japan. Some would pay dearly for a weapon with such a... proven track record. And you? You don't look like you're about to go slay a god." Though we were conversing, I still kept them both at a cautious distance. Even a surprise attack would reveal much about them, but I intended to keep my cards close until the situation demanded otherwise.

---

Inugami's Scene

I ruffled the pup's head as it ate. Perhaps not the wisest approach in hindsight, given the dirt that soon coated my hand, but it was certainly adorable. Who would leave a puppy alone like this? We were out of the main stretch, sure, but still. It wasn't like he was ugly. Seemed well behaved, too. Just the kind of dog I'd want. If, you know, my apartment didn't have a strict 'no pets' policy. Ah well. I'd just have to give it some attention and, hopefully, someone else would be able to take him in.

I scanned the pup for a collar, "Hm, do you have a name, buddy?"

# ? Jan 26, 2017 00:59

Yami Fenrir: Jan 25, 2015; Is it I that is insane... or the rest of the world?

Tora's Scene

Tora's stance chances slightly, and instead of feeling floaty to the point of near-instant movement, she now stands as if an immovable rock.

"Happiness, hm. Forgive the rather pointless question, but do you feel happy with your lot in life?" Tora asks. "Oh, never mind. It doesn't matter. I don't know how much experience you have, but know that you're getting in over your head. Unless you have a better reason than gifting it to foreigners of all people, you should just forget the blade ever existed."

Yami Fenrir fucked around with this message at 01:18 on Jan 26, 2017

# ? Jan 26, 2017 01:13

Arashiofordo3: Nov 5, 2010; Warning, Internet
may prove lethal.

It's little tail goes crazy as you pet him. His little yips of excitement more like a teddy then a dog. He appears to be collarless. But his behaviour was anything but stray. He licks your fingers playfully while you examine him. Staring at you with those big eyes. That little pink tongue lolling out of his mouth as he pants happily. He gets low on his front paws, his fuzzy little but waggling in the air. Does... does he want to play? He bounces to the side, trips, rolls over, gets back to his feet, shakes himself off, and then goes right back to bouncing.

"Ha, I think he likes you." The chief says chuckling.

# ? Jan 26, 2017 01:26

Tardzilla: Aug 31, 2006

Inugami's Scene

Someone's already taken the Kamikiri. I suppose I should be worried... but I'm really not. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to study the blade, but it really does seem like it's more trouble than it's worth. What's the point of obtaining it if it drives our clan further apart? There's just going to be more bickering, more infighting, more backstabbing (literal and figurative), and not enough gettin' things done. We risk our lives constantly, and for what? So a bunch of old jerks can argue over who gets all the credit.

Why am I still doing this

...Duty. That's what Obaasan would say. You do it out of a sense of duty for your clan. If not duty, then do it out of a sense of hope. Hope that everything you've been doing is making a difference. Hope for a better future. Hope... that everything will just work out in the end.

I wonder about that sometimes.

...Ah well. Things aren't all that bad. I got some taiyaki, and a bag of sweets! The Kamikiri can wait, I am going to gorge myself with candy first (I have a bit of a sweet tooth, okay?)! Ooh, maybe I should make a quick oden stop! I'm going to need lots of energy, after all!

...Which I would, if I didn't get distracted by the cutest puppy in the world. "Oh mah gaw! Ish sho' cue'!" I say, not realizing I still have the taiyaki in my mouth. I bite down on it, and remove it from my mouth. "Hey," I turn to the young girl next to the puppy, "Is this your puppy? He's so adorable! Would you mind if I pet him?"

# ? Jan 26, 2017 07:35

Deltasquid: Apr 10, 2013; awww...
you guys made me ink!

THUNDERDOME

Tora's scene

Slaying gods outside of Japan? Not on Takeda's watch. The Kamikiri, as far as he was concerned, would never leave Japanese soil.

"Sachiko," he repeated after her. "I do not know who you are, but I will find out. As for your babbling about handing over Japanese national treasures to foreigners with dubious motives, I suggest you keep those thoughts to yourself. This manner of unpatriotic talk is not appreciated in some circles."

Then, he turned to Tora and said: "If I cannot be of further assistance to you, I will be off and let you socialize with your new friend."

He politely touched the rim of his hat to both of them, and started walking away.

# ? Jan 26, 2017 12:00

Arashiofordo3: Nov 5, 2010; Warning, Internet
may prove lethal.

More attention? The pup yips! Hopping onto it's back legs clumsily, falls over, and then goes back to scampering around the chairs. Looking between the two girls. 'pet me, feed me! nice people! am happy!'.

"Poor little thing, abandoned I recon. He comes out here every so often. Sometimes I'll catch him sleeping near the cookers. On account of the warmth."

Inugami observed the two girls behind his innocent puppy eyes. They walked with the certainty of the shadows. There was no doubt about it. But both were young. Well... everyone compared to him was young. Maybe it was just how they reminded him of more innocent days. Those days before his death, cruel as it was. It was relaxing, and honestly, what kind of guy wouldn't like two girls fawning over them?

The puppy whined at the talk of abandonment, it's head bobbing up and down. It made that little pawing motion again. It certainly seemed happy to accept the petting, maybe it was fearful of the nice people leaving. Or maybe it could smell the food as was begging for a few bites more.

# ? Jan 26, 2017 18:38

Tricky: Jun 12, 2007; after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage

Tora's Scene

I shot Tora a flat look, "Whether I am getting in over my head or not, blood is going to flow � and soon. It always does when the clans move and they are always all too happy to trample over us." Of course she thought that I was some neophyte. Hmph. That would play to my advantage if it came to a conflict. Even given my lack of fame � and that was certainly no disadvantage in our line of work � I was certainly no stranger to the shadows. Underestimating me would surely prove a mistake.

Still, she seemed more reasonable than the man. He was a Hirasaka man through and through. Full of patriotic zest and not much room for anything else. Judging by the way he was holding himself, he was carrying quite a prize. Almost certainly the Kamikiri. It would be somewhat inconvenient if the two were to ally, though surely it wouldn't last. Whoever she was with, they would have their own designs on the blade.

My attention turned to the retreating figure of the officer, "It's a big world, officer. Far be it for me to understand your agency's endless plots, but it seems short-sighted to breed enemies. Have fun with that and�" I grinned widely. "�I suppose I'll be seeing you soon. Keep it safe until then."

---

Inugami's Scene

I waved a smudged hand at the newcomer, "Oh! Feel free! He's not mine." My eyes softened a bit as the pup scampered about. What a cutie. "It's a shame seeing such a cute puppy without a home, but my landlady is real strict on the pet policy." I grimaced. Apartment hunting was the worst. Even if it was the cutest pup of all time and even if I really wanted to take it home forever.

I nodded as the chef explained the situation, offering another skewer of meat for the pup to chow down on. I looked up at the girl and indicated the seat next to me. Which, to be fair, was the only other seat. "Want to join me? The oden is great�" The chef grinned widely. "�and there's a cute puppy around too."

# ? Jan 26, 2017 21:15

Tardzilla: Aug 31, 2006

Inugami's Scene

I crouch down, and pet the cute, little pup, "You don't have a home, huh? That's a real shame." I look at the innocent thing, with sad eyes, until an idea pops in my head, "Oh! I know! You can come live with me! I can get you cleaned up, and properly fed, and you'll have a nice, big house to run around in!" Plus, Aoki would probably love to have a little friend around the house to keep her company while me and Obaasan are away, "What'd ya think, boy? Would ya like to stay at my place?"

I stand back up, and turn to the young girl, "Oh, sure! I'd love to join ya!" I set the big bag of sweets next to the chair, and sit down next to her. I extend a hand to the girl, "The name's Naomi. Sasaki Naomi! Nice ta meetcha, Ms...?"

# ? Jan 26, 2017 23:49

Arashiofordo3: Nov 5, 2010; Warning, Internet
may prove lethal.

A possible home. It was tempting. Being watched while he was there would be slightly problematic. But that was easy to resolve. Inugami was very good at slipping away unseen. Almost like he was a ninja or something fancy that!

The puppy yipped. Nuzzling into the hand. Even so, while he was here, he might as well try and make a connection with one of these girls. Who knows, it might come in useful later on. He just had to look for the right moment. Even so, with food a-coming and nether seeming like they were going to leave, he had time to enjoy himself.

# ? Jan 27, 2017 02:07

Tricky: Jun 12, 2007; after a great meal i like to lie on the ground and feel like garbage

Inugami's Scene

I grabbed Naomi's hand and shook it firmly. She had a good grip. A certain degree of roughness to her hands as well. A craftsman of some sort, perhaps? Interesting. I smiled back, "Sachiko. Yamamoto Sachiko." I pointed to the faded Aoyama logo on my work gear. Takeda-san really needed to get me a fresh jacket sooner than later, especially with the number of shifts he was having me pull. "I run deliveries for Aoyama. Food in a flash! What do you do?"

The puppy was yipping and nipping down below. What an adorable little guy. I ruffled his ears a bit while I waited for Naomi's answer.

# ? Jan 27, 2017 08:21

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# ? Apr 16, 2024 06:23

Tardzilla: Aug 31, 2006

Inugami's Scene

"Me? Oh, it's nothing special. I work as a mechanic for Super-Drive," And I'm also a ninja in my spare-time, but she doesn't need to know that, "They call me the "auto-wizard" over there, but it's just a silly little title."

A few minutes later, the oden I ordered arrives, "Mm~ That smells good!" I clap my hands together, and say, "Thanks for the meal!" before I start happily digging into the food. "Wow! You weren't kidding! This is great!"

"Sho," I gulp down on the boiled egg that I shoved in my mouth, "You're a delivery girl for Aoyama, huh? Neat! What's it like? I bet you must've met a lot of interesting people!"

This is nice. Meeting a new potential friend, adopting an adorable puppy, eating good food, not having to worry about clan politics. If only more days were as peaceful as this one.

# ? Jan 27, 2017 18:36

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Traditional Games > The Game Room > [Shinobigami] Flip Out And Kill People

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