jigokulogs | [ closed ] 夜明け前「 before the dawn 」

Entry tags:

[ closed ] 夜明け前「 before the dawn 」

Who ⬤ ryouma, majima, and musashi
What ⬤ meeting to negotiate important business
When ⬤ after things get back to something like normal
Where ⬤ the hyacinth hotel
Content Warnings ⬤ none expected but will add if anything comes up!

[ it took some time and effort, but ryouma finally got the venue for this very important shindig squared away. it's not easy to find a location that checks so many boxes — unaffiliated, secure, windowless — and still maintain a suitable level of quality, but it's a big city and ryouma is nothing if not determined.

per majima's suggestion, he left the matter of formal invitations to the daitengu where the other leaders are concerned. he thinks only of what he needs to do, confident that if he does his job well the rest will fall into place. now more than ever solidarity will be important. recent events should, ideally, emphasise the need for everyone to pull together. ever the opportunist, ryouma's sense of the times tells him the time is ripe to take this last step.

though arranged in one of the smaller rooms, its usual decor has been replaced with a single round table and three chairs, which makes the space appear larger. it's all been set up like a proper business meeting — a little self-serve water, coffee, and tea. some notepads and pens to write with. ashtrays for the smokers. nothing too fancy.

ryouma actually dressed up for this. he might've preferred to do things his way and prioritise comfort or at least familiarity, but it's a gesture. he's taking things seriously. ~~plus it just looks good.~~ he may not be wearing a uniform but he's still paired gloves with his suit — he's still healing and bandages just project a weakness — but at least his colour's improved.

he's done everything he could do — now he waits for his guests to arrive. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Majima thinks he's fucking stupid, but maintains his studied pose of disdain more for appearances sake than for Ryouma. ]

Nice speech. [ Idiot. ] We ain't 'chippin' in' out of th'goodness of our hearts. There's tract that we want.

[ He pushes up to snag a map yet to be unfurled, he pens on it for a comfortably large juncture to place the desired casino. He tosses the pen down casually and crosses his arms. The suggestion being that they will not be accepting argument on its size nor location. ]

[ Musashi took one of the pens offered by the hotel, uncapping it to draw out a portion that, unfortunately, cut into where the casino was intended for. She did so, however, with a steeled expression, her eyes locked not with Majima, but Toraguma himself. She pushed the map back towards them. ]

As you can see, this puts us back to square one. And while your soldiers may be willing, we know they're a lot more strained than our own, after the crisis. My tactician protected our resources well, and we are already prepared to take this battle to the Arena should you be unwilling to compromise.

[ Toraguma took a puff on his cigar, waiting in silence for a moment, before speaking. ]

Let's set aside the territory itself for a moment.

[ He turns his attention to Sakamoto, gaze narrow. ]

You said you want to cut the trade bleed we both got goin' on. You think us doing a joint project will do that.

I need you to tell me how.

[ Tenkohime pulled her pipe from her lips, letting a long trail of smoke trail out before also turning towards Sakamoto. ]

I agree. Even if we come to terms on a matter of physical space, you still haven't explained how you and your boss intend for this to work.

[ And with the Daitengu still in the hospital, that left Sakamoto holding a very, very heavy ball. ]

Well, have you ever actually tried something like this before?

[ if he's feeling the pressure right now he doesn't show it, having even watched them draw all over the map with some amount of amusement. rolling right along, like he usually does. ]

Together that's three times the capital and three times the workforce. We find the holes and close them, but you're going to need us to track them down. You were spread too thin on too many fronts before, but we'll have tactics and resources available collectively that we wouldn't as individual enterprises. Make them work for us or put them out of business; I have no doubts about your ability to manage that. Once we know how they're doing it, it really doesn't matter, but if you want our information and you want to start moving things through the Underground this is how it goes.

[ The look on Majima's face communicates clearly: Oh, is it? But he so kindly says nothing and just exhales a mouthful of smoke. At least Ryouma didn't bring up the fucking Kappa in that spiel. ]

[ Musashi internally sighed, as well, glad Sakamoto didn't appeal to anyone's conscience, but rather cut straight to the meat of it; their money. She had a feeling that'd go a long way with both of them. ]

I can vouch that Sakamoto-san is a capable hand in leading projects like this.

That being said, I also know that the same skills my people have that would allow us to attack the Arena would also be beneficial in helping with Sakamoto's end, and I also know that Shuten has the resources to put muscle behind it.

We know who Sakamoto-san is.

[ Tenkohime spoke up, releasing another trail of smoke. ]

This isn't a matter of doubting his skill or his sincerity...

[ Toraguma grunted, in return. ]

Speak for yourself. He's still working for the Alliance, and I need to know what it is the Daitengu is getting out of you and me putting the gloves down.

[ He turned his attention back to Ryouma, huffing out smoke. ]

So what is it, Sakamoto? No one does shit in this town out of the good of their own heart and I don't buy that the Daitengu just wants peace. They would have gotten what they wanted if we destroyed eachother, too. So what the fuck is it, huh?!

[ ryouma gives majima a pointed look that's just for him. yeah, it is. his expression is warmer for the others, toraguma included. ]

That's a fair question. It's not like we're doing this for free either. The Underground is Alliance territory, remember? [ a very gentle reminder. ] The Alliance continues to maintain the engineering and administrative areas down there. And this—...

[ he leans over and draws on the map, blocking out an area that mostly encompasses the overlapping disputed area between what the others had already drawn out. it's smaller but leaves the other two roughly equal. ]

Consider it necessary for operations. Otherwise, whatever business goes on down there, we want our taste. We're giving you information, a cut of the place, and solving your problem, not to mention taking on no small amount of risk in doing it. How's thirty percent from each of you?

[ ryouma doesn't expect to get this but he's feeling them out. let them lead him to a number that satisfies them and he'll be content, since it'll still be quite a lot to take home. the alliance gets an added bonus in all the information they'll get out of this too, he figures, but that's for him to know. ]

Yer askin' us a favor, Sakamoto. Wouldn't it be nice if ya got yer tunnels back without havin' t'pick sides or have any've your kids bleedin' in th'street.

[ With new business ventures to open up too. ]

Real convenient if we've got bodies down in yer tunnels too. Lotsa gossip for ya t'listen in on? Yer takin' as much information as yer givin'.

[ Don't play precious. ]

Well we did ask what the Alliance gets out of this...

This war had originally started under the pretense that with the Daitengu's death and the Kappa's persecution, the Alliance wouldn't survive much longer. He makes a point, that with them still in the picture, it complicates things for us both.

[ And before either Majima or Toraguma said anything, she raised a hand. ]

Make no mistake, I'm here for Tenkohime's interests. I'm not taking Sakamoto's side. But I am saying everyone here, except the Alliance, has more to lose if we don't take him seriously...

[ Tenkohime, for her part, let that settle for a moment before she spoke again, quietly drawing from her pipe and letting the smoke pour out as she added; ]

Thirty percent is unacceptable. We'll give 15, and...

[ She turned her gaze to Toraguma. ]

I want my workers to operate the service sector of your casino, if you're going to be using even half that space.

[ Toraguma, for his part, growled again, pulling out his cigar and ashing it into the tray. He turned to Majima an exchanged what could only be considered a knowing glance. As much as they both wished they could just strong arm the other two out, having to fight both the Tamamo and the Alliance at the same time, after they'd worn themselves out just trying to keep their territory safe during the crisis...

But like hell any of them had to know that.

He turned his attention back to the table. ]

15 percent. I'll let the bitches into the house. The casino still gets the lion's share of the space. If Sakamoto doesn't keep his promise of cutting off the trade bleed, I'll stomp into that little night club of yours and cut his head off myself. You have two months to prove you can deliver on that otherwise...

[ He looks at Tenkohime. ]

It'll be Sutoku versus the both of us, pissed as hell, and out for blood.

[ Tenkohime nodded. ]

Your life is on the line here, Sakamoto-san, as well as the dignity of the Alliance, what little it has left... This is what you're getting, otherwise, this war will continue with your hide as the prize.

[ He puts out his cigarette and goes to stand just to the side of Toraguma, his hands loose in his pockets. Silent support. Half the battle here is that no one loses face in backing away from the direct conflict. If mutually pissing on the Sutoku is the answer to that... Fine with him. ]

[ well, he can't not address what majima said. ]

Fighting was your choice, we certainly didn't ask you to. Many of our people have suffered after the Night Parade. I would never diminish Shuten or Tamamo contributions, but right now you do owe the fact that we're standing here curse-free to the direct efforts and personal sacrifices of the Daitengu and members of the Alliance. [ thank you real mvps, bird boss and cloud strife. ] I'd say that should make us even, seeing as we're wiping the slate clean to come together as partners anyway.

[ he nods to both toraguma and tenkohime, particularly satisfied when majima seems to be. now to finish this and not push his luck while he's ahead. ]

Fifteen then. And my life as collateral. If I fail to deliver on my promise, you're welcome to collect in two months' time.

[ technically, ryouma got what he wanted. a few fewer death threats would have been nice, but he knew going into this what he was doing and those have always been the stakes. ]

Once we're through, I'd like a few minutes to go over some logistical details with Majima-san and Miyamoto-san, but if we're all in agreement I'm ready to make this official.

[ he's just become an incredibly busy person who has shouldered an absurd amount of debt for one person, so he better hit the ground running. ]

[ Before anyone else could get a word in edgewise, Toraguma is up from his chair, tossing it aside, and closing the distance between himself and Ryouma in a blink.

His meaty hand points a determined finger right at Ryouma's very soul, and when he speaks, his anger feels like blistering flames. ]

Listen here you little shit, I never ever wanna hear you use Strife's name as fucking leverage ever fucking again, do you understand me? You don't get tell me shit about what went down that night because I was fucking there. That kid fought and bled with me, Majima has fought and bled with me, as much as I hate admittin' it fuckin' Tenkohime has fought and bled with me.

You? You ain't done shit. So don't you ever fucking say that name again or I will personally rip your tongue out with my own fuckin' claws and pour boiling lead down your throat.

Do you understand me?!

Ah—... Understood.

[ this is more than a little intense and it takes him a few seconds to remember to breathe again properly. a preview of what he has to look forward to if he fucks this up, surely. it's fine. ]

I apologise. My mentioning it wasn't to be used as leverage, just an example. I meant no disrespect and have no intention of letting any of that enter into this. I only meant that our people are just as committed as yours and I have complete confidence in them to deliver.

Won't happen again.

[ Now is the 'I told you so' face. Because he did. He fucking told you. Majima just stands where he was, hands still in his pockets and watching with total boredom. Idiot. ]

[ Well that.

Could have been worse. She shoots Ryouma a "what the hell were you thinking?!" look before quickly regaining some of her composure and trying to get the meeting back to where it was. ]

Alright, so. that's 15% from both Tamamo and Shuten operations that will be built Underground, and Tamamo workers will be allowed to work the service sector of the casinos, and we'll take less space for our brothel.

Sakamoto-san will lead up efforts to close gaps in our trade lines to lessen the amount of profits stolen by black marketeers. [ On pain of death. ]

The Kappa will go back to work, and we'll start construction as soon as all groups are ready.

Does that sound amicable to everyone?

[ PLEASE?! ]

[ Toraguma takes a moment to pull himself back, adjust his jacket, grab a different chair to drag back to his spot at the table, and sit down heavily, reaching into his pocket for another cigar. ]

It's amicable. It's up to Sakamoto... and you... [ He stars at Tenkohime. ]

... to not fuck this up. We've got the least to lose, compared to you both. Remember that.

[ Mostly a bluff. He knew his forces were in shit shape. Hell, one of his liuetenants that had wandered off only recently came back. But that was how oni negotiated; they never left the table weak.

This was, of course, something Tenkohime understood... and had full intention of taking advantage of, as she always had. She leaned to gently empty her pipe into the ashtray, humming as she did so (and giving Toraguma a look down her cleavage, because of course she did). ]

The deal is amicable. We expect our workers to be treated well, Toraguma. You'll know what happens if you don't.

Sakamoto-san, I believe you are the one who will draw up the contracts involved, correct?

It's amicable, yes.

[ ryouma finally lights a cigarette for himself because he fuckin' needs one and he's just going to pretend his hands are shaking because he's been sitting here hurting for one. ahem. ]

That's correct. I'll see that everything's drawn up properly right away!

[ he's sure they have someone on retainer for this because thankfully this place has resources he didn't in the past.

he also just... observes toraguma and tenkohime for a moment. he has no opinion on anything other than he's really tired and he has his work cut out for him. ]

Yeah, ya will.

[ Because there's no weaseling out of it now. Ryouma is going to die a casualty of the inconvenience he has caused, Majima's pretty sure. ]

Well.

[ Musashi let out a breath she hadn't even realized she was holding. The only non-smoker in the room, she had basically no outlet. God she... really need a drink. ]

With that settled... Lady Tenkohime and I will be heading back to Mizukume. We've all got clean-up matters to deal with, so I will leave Sakamoto-san to do what he needs to do.

[ God did he need to do it. She felt like both Toraguma AND her own boss were a step away from skinning him alive... ]

[ Tenkohime nodded at her second, giving Musashi a gentle pat on the shoulder and understanding the woman was probably dying to get herself something to get the edge off. She really ought to take up the kiseru, she thought. It added a sense of elegance to a woman.

She turned her attention to Toraguma and Majima. ]

My Sword Saint is correct, after all. There is much work to be done and we'd all better get started toward it. I trust your affairs need tidying as well, Toraguma...

[ Toraguma, for his part, mostly just rolled his eyes. He'd already spat fire at Ryouma, he wasn't going to rise to Tenkohime's petty baiting at that point... Even if it made him itch. ]

Majima.

[ Just a word to his own second, standing from his seat again and gesturing to the door. ]

Oh, and one last thing, Sakamoto... Tell your boss to give that Strife kid a raise.

[ He dips his head towards the room in general, the lazy suggestion of where a bow could have been. That's it though, he just goes and opens the door for the boss. He accomplished the things he set out to, Ryouma's problems are Ryouma's problems now. ]

[ Musashi escorted Tenkohime to the door, though she let the handmaidens handle things from there, knowing they'd get her to the car easily enough. Mostly because she had to go back and scream at Ryouma a bit. ]

What the hell was that?!!

[ whatever he was thinking about before his brush with death there seems a lot less important right now, mostly because he's going to need a break. good thing it happened at the end, at least?

hearing toraguma call his name again makes him freeze for an instant though, but he smiles at the request easily. oh, good. ]

I'll see to it! I couldn't agree more!

[ which is the honest truth. cloud deserves it! surely the boss wouldn't object if they haven't already thought of it themselves... ]

Thank you, everyone! You can count on me.

[ he only leans back and slides down in his seat until he's almost horizontal once toraguma and tenkohime have been seen out of the room. he's fine. ]

What? I think that went well.

[ he lived? ]

Yeah it went fine except for you almost goading the leader of the Shuten Clan into murdering you in front of everyone!

[ Musashi really REALLY needed a drink. ]

Why did you even do that?! That was totally unnecessary!

I wasn't trying to! It couldn't be helped, I had no idea he was gonna react like that or I wouldn't have said anything...

[ oh and the part where he couldn't just keep his mouth shut but whatever!! ]

It all worked out, which is all that matters! I'll be off the hook in two months and then I can relax.

I'm really sure it could be helped, and I oughta know, I'm the master of dumb reckless bullshit!

[ Which she should really feel worse about calling him out when she was Just As Bad, but she also knew that was not a great situation for it... ]

Just... please take this seriously, okay? I definitely won't be able to face Ritsuka-kun if was part of what got you killed in this crazy world...

Considering my head is very literally on the chopping block if I don't, I'm taking it very seriously.

[ like thinking several steps ahead seriously even though he'd just told himself he needed a break... ]

I need to report back and see to the contracts. Then... let everyone know. [ that'll go over great. ] Then get to work. And get another job... probably.

[ definitely, considering collections will come due in about a week. look at that, it's a second cigarette kind of mood right now because he sure did smoke the first one too quickly to be remotely helpful. ]

Just... let me know if there's anything I can help out with, okay?

[ Her loyalty was with Tenkohime, sure, but... it was also with Chaldea. ]

At least to make sure you survive this.

If you have any suggestions for how to make easy money quick, I'm listening...

[ she was also in considerable debt for a minute. ]

Otherwise, I think you've more than earned a break. Might as well enjoy it before we get to work cleaning up the mess out there. At least the fighting's stopped and the Kappa will be able to go home.

[ he looks a little proud of himself. ]

And I didn't even bring that up once, see? I listen.

[ barely. ]

... Ever heard of a "try-and-hit me" scam?

[ Not that Sakamoto had that same unearthly talent for dodging blows that she did, but... ]

That's a new one for me, although I'm sure I could guess.

[ he has the loser version of a servant body right now but that probably still counts for something at least?? ]

I'm planning on starting up my own thing around here like I did before anyway. I work for the Alliance but I also like working for myself. Only that's not exactly gonna turn a profit right away—... [ especially if he has seed money to pay back there too. ] ...—so I just gotta find something to float me until then.

[ None of that was inspiring confidence in Musashi, but... She just sighed. ]

You make it tough to have faith in you, sometimes, Sakamoto-san.

I got this far on my own, didn't I? I actually got them to say yes and things are finally moving in the right direction. Half of it I had to figure out while we still thought the Daitengu was dead. It'll be easier now, having everyone else with me.

[ he might be a complete workaholic but he also knows the value of a good, strong team effort. ]

The rest of this is just personal business I have to take care of.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ closed ] 夜明け前「 before the dawn 」

(i needed a suit man icon)

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

breaking tag order, ryouma is free to immediately respond after this

he's probably lucky he got this far without that happening tbh

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2

2/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

[ closed ] 夜明け前 「 before the dawn 」

(i needed a suit man icon)

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

breaking tag order, ryouma is free to immediately respond after this

he's probably lucky he got this far without that happening tbh

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2

2/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

[ closed ] 夜明け前「 before the dawn 」