[ OPEN ] trust in me

[kaientai]

Who ⬤ Sakamoto Ryouma + others!
What ⬤ Ryouma has more business meetings...
When ⬤ the end of June and throughout July
Where ⬤ his office + wherever else around the city!
Content Warnings ⬤ None at the moment! Will add if anything comes up.

pm or hmu @ koutenko to request a starter!
also open to wildcards!

Comments

end of june.

[medicative]

[at one point in the last week of June, Ryouma gets a text from a less than familiar number.]

un: emilydyer

Mr. Sakamoto, I was wondering if you might be available any upcoming night. Now that the city is no longer engulfed in a curse, I've been wondering if we might have a discussion. Nothing so personal as last time.

[kaientai]

Yeah, I should have some free time this week. Just let me know when and where to meet you and I'll be there!

[ this is all just fine for ryouma since he's always happy to talk about... anything else other than his own personal business. ]

[medicative]

[she sends a location and a time - tomorrow, at nine at night.]

Please forgive the hour. The place I want to meet only opens at night, but I promise it's worth the experience.

[Fujiya isn't the most accessible place. as long as he's there before the building, she'll meet him.]

[kaientai]

Not a problem! I don't exactly keep normal business hours so this time is just fine.

[ and as promised, ryouma will be there waiting at the appointed time and place. he's not sure what to expect exactly, but he assumes emily has a good reason for inviting him here.

plus, it sure beats having yet another meeting in his office that he's spent so much time in lately. ]

[medicative]

[the owner is in their human form today, but the deep red eyes say enough, and they bring him through the front back into one of the rooms. the lights are lower, wrapped in paper shades, and the place breathes tradition, invites one to calm themselves.

Emily is already seated in the room when he arrives. she's dressed a little nicer than she does at the clinic, though she figured there was no need to get intensely formal about this. rather, there's instead a teapot and two cups on the low table, and a small plate with mitarashi dango on it. in the middle of the room, an old fashioned incense brazier, having just been lit. it will take a moment for the scents to heat and actually start.]

Right on time. Thank you for indulging me as to the location - it's out of the way enough that I assumed we could talk freely.

[if he sits down, she'll pour the tea for both of them, him first. she'd practiced this in her mind - there needs to be an undercurrent of respect to all of this, no matter what.]

you know... ;)

[bratherine]

( Oh, look, Ryouma's conveniently left the window to his office open. Isn't that kind of him? It gives Kate an incredibly easy way in from the route she used to get there in the first place. )

You hungry?

( You owe her pizza, weird dude. )

[kaientai]

[ most people just knock kate ??? but he appreciates her... initiative? he's done worse. ]

I could eat!

[ he's probably forgotten to... for awhile. ]

I could use your help, actually, so great timing!

[bratherine]

( It's a valid entrance!!! )

My help? ( That request actually catches her off guard, blinking as she settles onto the windowsill, legs swinging idly as she does. )

[kaientai]

Yeah! I, uh—... well, you work for Tamamo. How familiar are you with the businesses over there?

[ ryouma figures she knows what goes on in her own faction better than he does. he does see to neatening up what he was working on so they can go get that pizza though. they can talk just fine on the way. ]

[bratherine]

( Ah. That makes sense. )

Can't recommend you a brothel. ( There's got to be at least a little bit of snark before getting down to the actual answer, of course.

Or well, less the actual answer and more the question which needs answering before she decides how much to give up. Ryouma's been decent enough to her but the weight of factions and contracts remains. It's not like she can just go blabbing every Tamamo detail she knows to any guy who buys her pizza. )

Why?

early July; Tengu Temple

[worldbent]

[Things moved along so quickly in the realm of ayakashi, despite how drawn out their existences were. Such excitement all the time.]

[Matoba has a length of one temple veranda set up as a target range, today; it was a modest request he'd made to the groundskeepers, when his arm had healed enough from his gun wounds that he could practice the bow again, and he had been working for the temple talisman-sellers long enough to get to know the staff. Sixty meters between the deck and the targets. It was simple enough for a daily routine.]

[On this day, he had sent one of his shiki to deliver an invitation. It really had been far too long at this point since he could discuss internal matters safely, and with all the things that had come to light since the curse was dispelled, he would be remiss not to reach out. His last promotion had only just been delivered by phone in the last week, with the Daitengu still on bedrest, along with those who had been present at the Tower. But Matoba was never one to dally.]

[He raises his bow, attended by two other shiki; one is handing him arrows from his quiver and the other is retrieving them where they land in the target at the end of the long yard. The release of an arrow has just sounded through the echo of the hall with a solid 'thunk' as he senses the other man's approach.]

I'm glad you received my letter, [Matoba comments, without looking away from his mark. Three centimeters left of center; tsk.] How are you feeling after all of that, Sakamoto-san?

[kaientai]

[ it's certainly a considerably more impressive venue for a discussion than ryouma's usual spots, so there's that. he also takes his time despite having precious little of it these days, strolling up at an almost leisurely pace. ryouma has always been like this; it's not to say he always dawdles when he ought to be hurrying, but right now is not the time when it's more interesting to observe. ]

Better now than the last time we spoke. Thanks for asking!

[ it's a visible improvement, seeing as he's back to normal again and free of the creeping poison that was the curse's corruption. his uniform was an unfortunate casualty of the blood rain — he'll need that thoroughly dry cleaned — and so he's wearing the suit he wore to his big important meeting instead. it's a nice suit; the black looks good on him and the blue shirt he wears with it is a striking contrast. ]

I have Emily to thank for that. It's a good thing she's on our side!

[ he's amused at his own dumb commentary but he speaks of her with a very genuine fondness. ]

How about you? I'd like to think all of this is a good sign...?

[worldbent]

[To say the Matoba didn't have at least a little taste for flaunting would be disingenuous, but it was a learned behavior. Matoba Seiji lived his life like an ascetic and then turned around and threw parties at the clan's 3rd or 4th largest manor because it was the one he felt like at the time of the next meeting. It was simply another of the many social cues he'd been raised with; but he felt that maybe Ryouma understood that sort of thing, given what he'd paid out for them all to take over Konoha an occasion or two.]

[He lowers his bow after a moment and turns to regard the other man. He certainly looked less harried. His shiki weaves across the lawn with two arrows in two and Matoba takes them, clutching them in a single hand with his bow, and bows.]

Ah, our good doctor... The clinic was surely busy during that time. I hope the staff will have an opportunity now to rest. [Even Matoba had been dumped off there at one point or another by a cheeky teenager... Well, he probably deserved it, for the trouble he'd put him through. He had to fix up the wards there anyway, so it was just as well.]

[Looking out across the lawn, his gaze lifts from the makeshift target range to the rest of the temple grounds. Things had mostly returned to normal within the clan. At least the Daitengu was only stuck in the hospital now, rather than leaving leadership squawking and panicking.]

All I needed was a good rest myself, really. Honestly, I was quite worried that you would be dragged into a worse state as things went on... You are far from the only one I spoke to succumbing to the influence of the cursed energy. [Is it Ryouma's imagination, or does Matoba seem a tad put-upon? There's a story there.] So I am glad to see that you have bounced back so well. Being a spirit seems very troublesome.

[He chuckles. A little recklessly rude but overall harmless; that was just how Matoba rolled.]

...I would say things are quiet, but that would imply that there are not interesting things to hear. You are familiar with Haniyasu-no-kami, Sakamoto-san?

[kaientai]

[ ryouma can understand well enough because it's no bother to him nor anyone else; if that's matoba's way, then it's good enough for him. ]

At the risk of sounding conceited, who I am might actually matter, for once. Servants being what they are, I am a product of my ideals. Hehe, I can't help what I am, but I don't get dragged down easily.

[ can stubbornness and determination express themselves magically? considering where he comes from, stranger things have happened. that's the theory ryouma's working with; it's the only way he can avoid hating himself for many reasons lately. ]

I'll admit you were my second opinion in the event what Emily and the others produced didn't do the trick. That's just responsible, huh? If good old-fashioned medicine doesn't work, you can always call an exorcist~

[ if matoba is being rude, ryouma doesn't notice. if anything, he feels like he's been given the go-ahead to make his dumb, informal jokes because ryouma is a very dumb, informal kinda guy and finds any opportunity to ease into it.

at matoba's question, he smiles apologetically. ]

I kinda know the story, but you'll probably want to refresh my memory on the details.

[worldbent]

[Glancing out at the target, Matoba considers that for a moment. A product of his ideals, huh...]

Is that so? ...I suppose the difference between a human will that has resisted the ages, and something formed from those lingering ideals, is minimal. [Minimal, but still enough to be something fundamentally different, in Matoba's book.] I am glad to hear it, either way. It would have been no good for our center of organization to be lost.

[Knocking an arrow, he turns to smile towards Ryouma, half-cloaked by his hair.] Is that so? ... Haha, to tell you the truth, I did run into Aerith-san and test a few things, between us. A great many resources have shifted in this city since the Night Parade, haven't they? [The last time he had been talking over goings-on with fellow spellcasters, it had been within their own clan. Now...] Tenkohime has many magic users in her employ, and I am still discovering new ways to make use of our combined powers every day. It is quite educational.

[It's a good thing that their incense had worked. With Matoba in the state he had been in just to protect everyone, and his usual partner-in-casting succumbing to the effects of the curse, things might have been rough if it hadn't done the trick.]

[With a slow inhale he raises his bow overhead, and draws it.]

Haniyasu-no-kami... Is a child of Izanami. In truth though, it is two deities. [Two beings, two bodies controlling the Tower... Surely it was not merely coincidence? Matoba focuses his shot steadily, pausing in his explanation for a few moments before he finally lets his arrow loose.] They are the earthen gods.

first couple days of july, waves hand

[breweries]

[ business has been booming in hemlock, especially after the repairs and the continual blessing tenkohime places upon it. shylock may be busy than ever, but he's never the type to get tired out at all... especially when old and familiar faces start popping up unannounced. ]

Mr. Rider. It has been quite a while, hasn't it.

[ a serene smile graces his features once he locks eyes with the sutoku man, gesturing towards an empty seat at the counter right in front of him. it felt like it's been ages since the sewers, and with the turf war, peace talks and haniwa matters keeping the both of them busy, shylock hadn't had the chance to strike up a conversation with ryouma since then.

so, you know. he is rather delighted to meet the guy. ]

Do sit down for a spell. You look like you've seen much better days.

[ did he ]

[kaientai]

Eh?

[ it's one of those chance things because ryouma happened to be on this side of town and came in here because he felt like having a drink. it takes him a second or two to put a name to a face, mental fatigue coupling with how long it's been to slow him down. ]

Long enough that you're still calling me 'Rider'!

[ he says it with a laugh and gratefully sits down. he looks a bit different than usual, mostly because he's not in the uniform he typically wears. he looks like he at least put a little effort into dressing up, even if he does look tired. ]

Look that bad, huh?

[ considering he's out this way because he's been trying to find himself another job, that'd explain his poor luck. ]

[breweries]

[ a laugh. ]

Is that so? I suppose there is no more room for formalities at this point. What do you wish for me to call you from now on?

And nonsense, I see you're all dressed up for the occasion than usual. Still handsome as ever.

[ he may or may not be facetious, waves hand. ryouma doesn't look that awful, but it is apparent that he'd had the wind knocked out of his sails, if you catch his drift. ]

[kaientai]

Well, not so much formality, if I'm being honest. Where I come from you can get in a lot of trouble giving out your True Name to just anybody, but there's really no point in hiding it here anymore.

[ he pulls a business card out of his pocket and slides it across, trying to play it cool despite the fact that the unexpected compliment flusters him a little. ahem. ]

See? And now you've been introduced like everyone else. [ and it's a neat little card with his full name and contact information on it. very professional! ] Just 'Ryouma' is fine, though.

Not much good wearin' it's doing me other than justifying what I paid for it. I was looking for a job, but I haven't had much luck. [ he can admit it. ] Tomorrow's another day!

[breweries]

[ "sakamoto ryouma". sadly his historical fame escapes shylock and his own otherworldliness, but the man before him feels... important, somehow. despite looking like that. seriously, ryouma, you can definitely afford something better after all the promotions the daitengu has given you... ]

As you wish, Ryouma. It's quite an honor to be formally introduced, nonetheless.

[ just going to tuck the business card away for future reference and tilt his head at ryouma's words. ]

Is the Alliance not paying you enough? I'd thought that they'd reward you with more benefits with that rank of yours. [ strange. ] But rest assured that the drinks at this establishment won't cost too much. What would you like to have on this fine day?

text un: cainknightley

[himbosupreme]

[He would be getting this text some time after the Toraguma did his bit on the network. Don't ask how he got the number (it was Kate)]

I apologize for this coming out of nowhere, since I haven't had a chance to meet you yet.

I am Cain Knightley, a sergeant for the Enma Department. I saw the Lord Toraguma's post about this deal he has with you and the alliance and I am worried for your safety. Are you okay?

[kaientai]

Well, it's nice to meet you, Cain! You really live up to that name, huh?

[ it's a good thing!! ]

Not to worry, I'm no stranger to people making threats! I appreciate Toraguma-san's willingness to take me at my word, and anyway, if he expected me to fail entirely, he'd have killed me already!

[himbosupreme]

My name? (´･ω･`)?

I mean, I am glad that you are so dedicated to your task, but this kind of situation is very unusual for me. I'm afraid I was a bit rude to him since I did not know this is a 'yakuza culture' thing as it was put.

But what are you even trying to do that would make him want to kill you if you failed?

[kaientai]

In one of the languages in my world, a "knight" in the stories is the sort of person who would worry about the safety of a total stranger. (*￣▽￣)b

I'm sorta new to this yakuza thing myself, but I'm pretty used to severe penalties for breaking oaths or telling lies. That's not even yakuza stuff; that's old samurai stuff. Back when I left home a long time ago, that was punishable by death, you know?

So this is just a simple agreement between businessmen!

[ ryouma knows that the department knows that he's been asking around about the black market and its dealings and having other members of the alliance gather information there as well, so naturally, he's very evasive about what exactly he's planning. he's talking to a cop! ]

[himbosupreme]

Oh, I see. Well I was a knight in the Central Kingdom so I guess it makes sense.

For us wizards, breaking a promise means losing our magic forever so I can get the severity of it, but for someone to say they will be executed because they did not follow through on a deal is not really heard of where I am from. And the fact that he implied this could also have greater impact on the entire political balance of the city, which I can't ignore.

What exactly is the nature of this deal? I might be able to assist you in some manner so you won't get punished.