July 2022 Mini Event

[jigokumods]

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Tanabata is on the horizon, and the city seems to be recovering well from last month. But there's work to be done, and it's time to get to it...

1. SHUTEN CLAN - THE HOUSE ALWAYS WINS

With construction wrapping up, the new Shuten Clan casino will be opening soon. The casino has a number of new staff positions opening. It is a golden opportunity for anyone looking for a cash rich position. The money promised upon assignment to the underground casino is bound to be life-changing. Given the potentials in clientele, Toraguma is expecting the very best. Shutens are to report to the above ground Celestial Phoenix casino for their training.

They will be taught all the traditional casino fare, both Japanese and abroad. This includes being taught how to cheat at these games as well. For example:

• Blackjack dealers will learn card count, and how to catch others doing the same.
  
• Roulette attendants will learn both how and when to discreetly adjust the wheel.
  
• Craps and Cee-lo dealers will learn how to feel for loaded dice and how to switch in the house's dice without notice.
  
• Cee-lo dealers are also taught a specific way to line the dice tray to cause more lost throws.
• Cho-Han dealers will learn how to distract players as they adjust the dice.

That's not all the Shutens will be learning. The clan needs skilled bouncers as well: people who can handle rowdy customers or haughty celestials. The more tenured Shutens will take up the roles of rude customers and challenge the trainees in how to handle them.

While not everyone will receive employment in the casino, they are all expected to participate in training. Shuten officers are expected to guide and oversee their juniors.

2. TAMAMO CLAN - CHARM SCHOOL

The Tamamo Clan also has preparations to make in anticipation of the underground's opening. The clan is opening their own brothel and cabaret, as well as providing food and drink services to the new Shuten casino.

All Tamamo Clan members must report for training at Mizukume. The lesson of the day is to use one's charisma to secure a huge payout. For example:

• Hosts and hostesses will learn the art of schmoozing away clients' money.
  
• Performers will learn more provocative means of soliciting large tips.
  
• Oiran are taught the erotic arts; the perfect balance to both please a client, and how to leave them begging (and paying) for more. There's no technique Tenkohime finds too shameful. Money is power, and power is freedom.
  
• Food service workers are provided master classes in mixology, plating, and how to serve high-profile clients without breaking a sweat.

Each role comes with its own set of pressures, but also the promise of great reward. Everyone is going to get rich, if everyone plays their part well.

Tenured Tamamo are asked to roleplay as clients for the benefit of those Lost Souls new to the work. While not everyone will be selected to work in the Underground, everyone is expected to train for it.

3. SUTOKU ALLIANCE - BLACK MARKETS AND BACK ALLEYS

After months of meetings, it's finally time for some real action. Sutoku Lieutenant Ryouma Sakamoto has made some pretty big commitments on the Alliance's behalf. His temerity comes from his earnest belief in the other Sutoku Lost Souls! No pressure, though!

To succeed, the Alliance must determine who is behind the current black market operation. Ryouma is relying on the Alliance's extensive information network and the hard work of the Lost Souls to make it happen.

This is the work that Ryouma mentioned when he welcomed the new arrivals recently.

This assignment is all about what you know. The Sutoku need to learn more about the competition, through any means necessary. The Alliance wants to know everything about what goods are moving around the city and who is moving it. Time to follow the money. You might even discover an unfulfilled niche in the market through your investigations.

The current influx of Stardust in the city is a great opportunity to investigate the existing dealers and supply lines. The Alliance is gathering Stardust just like everyone else, but it is becoming increasingly scarce as the factions vie for it. The value of this commodity is shooting up every day. Take some cash or other compelling bartering tools with you to grease the palms of a few shady dealers. Try to convince them to be more honest about their supply lines, beyond just the sparkly stuff. Stick the landing, and you might just be closing in on the heart of those shipping loopholes.

This is no easy undertaking. Creativity and tenacity will determine just how far you can go. Be careful not to be too obvious, the threat of unwanted attention will cause your sources to clam up.

4. DEPARTMENT OF THE ENMA - CRACK DOWNS

The Stardust's street presence has shifted naturally over the past few weeks: from an easy resource to simply scoop up in garbage bags overnight to a hot commodity. The street value of the material has increased considerably, and that means that the unaffiliated street gangs are greedy to get in on the action.

Enma officers are called upon to round up any black market dealers of Stardust and confiscate as much of their supply as they can find. This might just bring them into some direct conflict with the Sutoku Alliance members hoping to connect with market insiders. That's just how things boil out sometimes, though.

It is more important to the Department to get Stardust out of the hands of the black marketeers… and into their own lockers.

Officers are given permission to use any amount of force against individual actors, and members of the Law and Records Department are expected to draft up warrants (no matter how doctored) to obtain access to buildings they otherwise would never be allowed into; even Mizukume and the Arena. The Department's orders are clear: if it's not an approved market, shut it down.

This is in the name of maintaining Order, so get out there. Move at least in pairs, or you're likely to meet some serious resistance, and keep an eye out for the newbies.

5. ALL FACTIONS - LUNAR RABBIT RETURNS

It isn't just the factions, dealers, and petty gangs who are interested in the Stardust now that it's a premium item.

A familiar face has resurfaced: the mysterious gyokuto medicine woman and her army of white rabbits. While her little kin have managed to gather a healthy amount of Stardust for her "research", she still needs more. She is willing to pay a huge premium to those who retrieve more materials for her.

She understands that this will require you to either pilfer from one of the factions, or potentially someone even more dangerous. She will be providing samples of one of her drugs, which can grant temporary invisibility in moonlight. Use it for whatever hijinks you want, but she really would prefer if you brought her the goods in the end.

If invisibility doesn't cut if for you, she can provide another sample that provides 10 times your normal strength. While you can KO anyone who gets in your way, it wears off within 5 to 10 seconds. She is very clear that you should not take more than 3 doses of this, or you will very possibly die. Probably. Maybe? It will be unpleasant. So use it only when you need to.

The reward for getting her some Stardust, depending on the amount, can easily pay all a character's expenses for a month, if not longer. The temptation is great, but do you trust this strange rabbit woman?

Welcome to the mini event!

• If you have any questions about event content, please ask them here!
• Looking for a partner for your prompt? Post here!
• FOR THE PURPOSES OF REWARDS, since all of these prompts tie into the main plot in some way, we will count all qualified threads in this post as 2 point threads!
• If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.

Comments

Midoriya Izuku | My Hero Academia | Sutoku Alliance | closed threads

[fullgauntlet]

[planned closed threads are below! if you would like something with Izuku you can find me here or at michrure my cr meme comment to plan something out!]

closed to tokoyami fumikage

[fullgauntlet]

[This kind of work is a little more up Izuku's alley when it comes to his idea of a job. At least- the part where the Sutoku Alliance wants to find the supplier of this stardust and to stop it in its tracks. Maybe not so much the part about where the Sutoku Alliance wants to control the supplies for itself... Business birds...

Izuku tugs slightly at the collar of his dress shirt. At least they were kind enough to equip them with suits and Izuku is trying to look the part of a young man about to go exploring a casino but he maybe looks a little out of place? Hot around the collar?]

I don't know, Tokoyami-kun... Are you sure this looks alright? We don't necessarily look old enough to even be inside a casino. I don't know if we're going to fool anyone.

[Maybe Izuku should practice his mean face...]

[blackabyss]

[The ends may not entirely be honourable, but the means? Well, that's incredibly familiar to a pair of heroes-in-training like them. Even if the Daitengu wants the supply for themselves, it would still be good to cut off the supplier in the long run.]

[Fumikage has also donned a suit for this stakeout, and he stands beside Izuku, watching him tugging at the collar of his own. He crosses his arms before speaking.]

I've noticed that in some spaces, age seems hardly important. If we are to exude confidence, none should question us.

[If they look like they belong, they won't get looked at twice, right? He does pause, looking at Izuku's tugged collar.]

Though, if we look nervous, we are bound to attract attention.

[fullgauntlet]

... I'm not sure if you've noticed, Tokoyami-kun. But I'm not the most... confident person... when it comes to lying.

[He's already stressed out about this?? He sweats and adjusts his tie.]

Maybe if you could give me a tip or tell me what I should say if someone asks me something about my face? Or my voice?

[Izuku looks like baby?!?!]

[blackabyss]

Hmnn...

[Fumikage does notice, and he frowns as he appraises Izuku. It's true that Deku's... well, really bad at lying. But perhaps he has an idea.]

Have you considered... creating and channeling a persona to make use of?

[fullgauntlet]

[Izuku looks at his friend quizzically.]

A persona? Like acting?

[Is he any better at acting? Well, Izuku will have to give it a try!]

[blackabyss]

That's right. Sometimes, crafting a unique persona can assist us in mustering up the courage to behave in certain ways that we may otherwise lack. To devise a being that we may live through and to play out a self-appointed role, it is not uncommon for those who wish to live out a life that is unlike that which they already live.

[Does he mean role-playing? Yes he means role-playing.]

We do not have to get into the specifics of what sort of character you may wish to portray, but perhaps a general idea that you could act through could offer you some courage. Tell me, what is it you imagine when you envision a scion of Hell?

[fullgauntlet]

[And this is how Izuku gets into... larping?]

Ah, that makes a lot of sense, Tokoyami-kun!

[He puts his fingers to his chin in thought.]

It wouldn't be unlike the time I had to put on a disguise when Todoroki-kun and I and the others tried to save Kacchan. But that time I was trying to act like an unrecognizable citizen. If I'm thinking of something else that fits here ... I think...

[He puts his fist to his palm.]

A yakuza...?

[blackabyss]

[This may be how Izuku gets into larping. Fumikage nods in approval.]

A yakuza demon prince... a fitting character for the realms of Hell. It's fitting.

Alright. If you were to embody a yakuza demon prince, what characteristics do you think you would possess?

[fullgauntlet]

[... Yakuza demon prince.......

Why does Katsuki's feral grin come to mind??]

Erm... A good expression? A serious one, that no one wants to mess with.

[blackabyss]

Good, good. And a healthy dose of confidence, correct?

[Fumikage nods. Izuku's getting it!]

A yakuza demon prince has no need to earn his place, for he already owns it. He would know that he belongs, and it would be shame on others for questioning his rightful place in Hell's dominion. He does not have to fit in, because it is his birthright to exist here. Does that make sense?

[fullgauntlet]

[..........]

Yes, I think so.

[He entirely thinks that Katsuki would be a perfect yakuza prince. So he might be picturing the blond's face in lieu an actual demon's face. That feral grin, the outstanding confidence, the unapologetic right to exist because he's the best.]

Give me a second to try something...

[He's going to ponder a face to make.]

[blackabyss]

Very well. You clearly have an image in mind. Try to channel that persona into yourself, and play out the role you have crafted. That way, perhaps it will help your nerves.

[Go for it, Deku! Act out the OC you've just created!!]

closed to todoroki shoto

[fullgauntlet]

... Where...

[Crap. Where the hell is he? Izuku might have gotten turned around in one of the many hallways of his giant building. He has to do his best to find whoever is supplying this stardust and stop it in its tracks but...]

Where am I? I swear, I took a right turn and then a ... left...

[He's so lost... He mutters nervously under his breath and tries his best not to look like a jumpy kid in a casino for the first time (because he is??). He's just going to have to try one of the doors and hope for the best! He grabs a doorknob and...!!

Opens it to what looks to be a beauty salon of some sort? Wait- a woman's prep room? But there are men in here too??]

Ah?!

[heir_conditioned]

[Shoto has been trying his best to sort of take in all the things these people want to teach him, even if a lot of them aren't his way of thinking they certainly do align with things he's been taught over the course of his trapses through the worlds. Especially the first one.

That doesn't really mean he can't enjoy learning or use it to understand the people around him, but he needs a break from it. Even if that break includes him walking around in otherwise scandalous items. It means settling along in a corridor and for a short wal-- is that?

To make sure he isn't mistaken, Shoto follows the form of who he thinks is his friend, looming behind him when he's looking in on the women (and men). At least being this close catching his friend from behind with a hand on his shoulder.]

This is a changing room.

[Of which this man is headed back to, but only because his stuff is there. Right now he's in the outfit that his good friends at their favourite costume shop recommended for the lesson. Hair down and curiosity up, Shoto makes sure to warn his best friend of the imminent dangers.]

You have to be careful, Midoriya. It's unsafe just wandering around here.

[fullgauntlet]

[Izuku has seen his fair share of strange things in this realm so far. From bloody hellscapes to elephant-shaped children and their birthday parties... And while he feels like he would be prepared to see what Tamamo deals with everyday nothing quite prepares him enough for the sight he sees when he looks over his shoulder to see his best friend. He practically squeaks on the spot.]

T-To-Todoroki-kun?!

[... What is he wearing?!?!?! ........????????????]

You're- you're working here...?? Right now? What- are you... Are you ...

[Izuku, stop staring?]

[heir_conditioned]

[Todoroki is sure that the squeak has to do with getting caught and he takes his hand off the other boy's shoulder to exemplify that he's done nothing that Shoto has to steer him for, really.

The stammering is something that he's used to and it doesn't really indicate much other than the usual stress that Izuku puts out there when he's unsure of his surroundings in some way. Well, it is intimidating to see all these people in a changeroom he didn't know he was walking in to. That must be it.]

No, I'm taking lessons here. As for what I'm doing--

[Which is his assumption. Couldn't have been 'wearing'. Could it?]

I was on break when I saw you. I'm still on break and maybe you could help me?

[fullgauntlet]

[Absolutely unsure of his surroundings in some way- as he stares at Shoto with wide eyes. He tries to suppress a blush from appearing over his face. It's not working out that well.]

These are the kinds of lessons they have you taking? I- I had no idea.

[It's probably fine? Shoto probably knows what he's doing? If the costume pictures he sent to Izuku before had anything to say for it. Plus disguise and costumes are all part of a hero's repertoire! Yeah... That's entirely it.]

What do you need help with?

[A friend in need...]

[heir_conditioned]

[Shoto shrugs his shoulder lightly, but the blush gets him a little concerned and he steers his friend back into the hallway. Maybe he saw something he didn't want to or mistakenly didn't want to. Or wanted to, who knows.]

They're teaching us different techniques for different situations.

[And he understands why, but it's not his business to use them either. He doesn't have to do that anymore, even less with each passing place. Sometimes just the clan is the clan and that's how it is. You go to these things.]

Ah, yes. I've been looking for most of my break to secure the building. A man earlier said there were traps everywhere. I haven't seen any, but you may see something I don't.

[fullgauntlet]

[Izuku really needs to get a hold of himself. Shoto obviously knows what he's doing (?) and he really should stop sweating around the collar about this. So, as he's led out of the room back into the hallway he tries to ease his sweating by taking a deep breath.]

Tenshi-san told me about how Tamamo operates sometimes but I didn't know it was anything like this, I'm just a little- ah- surprised?

[But traps...??? What kind of traps is Shoto talking about here?!]

I haven't ran into anything like traps but if there are any around here it might be a good idea to find out where.

[...]

Are you okay with moving around in those boots?

[heir_conditioned]

[If only Shoto knew at least he could comment, but until then he's certain it has nothing to do with him and acts like it, too. Whatever it is in there gets shut with the door behind him and he gives Izuku little space in that hall so they can speak with their voices down at least.]

Ah. I know Tenshi. What they told you was right, Tamamo's main incomes are derived of restaurants and sexual promiscuity. We're taught various skills from those ranges that sometimes overlap, but I have other jobs to do that I find more gratifying. They don't pressure us here if that's what you're worried about?

[That's right. He got into the outfit willingly. His eyes tick down to the boots he's wearing and he nods his head.]

Me neither. The man that I heard it from wasn't willing to stop to talk about them either. The building seems secure and no one has heard any threats against it other than me hearing that one. The owners laughed it off, so they must have it handled but that doesn't make it not my duty to at least check it out. As long as I don't have to use my quirk to move quickly, it should be fine to keep looking wearing these.

[fullgauntlet]

[... Izuku might just stare for a moment longer before he glances off and away.]

R-right. As long as you're okay, Todoroki-kun. I don't want you to do anything that you don't want to do but from what I hear Tamamo takes care of their own too.

[So at least he doesn't have to worry too much aside from Shoto's seemingly growing costume collection...]

I'm here with the others from Sutoku, we're supposed to keep our eyes open for wherever this stardust powder is coming from. Aside from trying to fit in with all these yakuza- Ah... I can help you check for these traps! I think that's more my stride anyway.

[But what kind of traps????]

[heir_conditioned]

[The stare is a little more obvious and something that Shoto doesn't mind. It's definitely different from his regular attire and maybe Izuku is noticing something that needs adjusti--oh nope. No they're good.]

They do. I'm never pressured and well taken care of by the people I've met, local or otherwise.

[It's a living.

A living until he hears why Izuku is here at all.]

So you're investigating already...

[He frowns softly, mostly from his thought process and the idea that there could be drugs around that aren't exactly the best to have about. He's been tricked with them before and doesn't wish that on anyone else. Luckily he was with people he finds safe.]

If you want to search the building, I can help you with that. We can team up, look for the traps and your target.

[Shoto offers his arm.]

Take my arm, we'll go under the assumption you're someone I'm supposed to make sure isn't lonely. Tamamo are very friendly to people who are alone, I didn't realize it until these lessons. It'll help me, too.

[fullgauntlet]

[Here they are still innocently talking about finding traps- but at least the drug situation is real. Izuku makes a small relieved face when Shoto offers to stay with him. Even if it's accompanied by another blush that appears on his cheeks and nose. Is someone going to think strangely of them!? No- No, it's fine... Shoto is from Tamamo.]

There was a big issue with the stardust affecting people at the street food festival. It even got to my head when it was airborne for a while.

[He gulps a little and nods. Don't be nervous right now, Izuku-!!]

That's- That's probably better than me trying to look like I'm part of the yakuza! I'm not great at keeping up with a mean face, I think...

[He slips his arm to link with Shoto.]

Thanks, Todoroki-kun. I'll stick with you.

[heir_conditioned]

[The situation with the drugs is certainly an issue. One both of them really need to address and Shoto isn't thrilled to hear it might be coming from his area of the map. However, seeing Izuku blush as he is, he's quietly assessing him while he lets his friend talk and take his arm.]

We did it once, we can do it again.

[Play mean guy, that is, Izuku has been a gangster and did a great job in Shoto's opinion. With a nod of his head, Shoto draws his arm up closer, but his free hand reaches out to touch Izuku's forehead with a small, tip inward of his eyebrows with curiosity.]

Are you feeling alright? No fever to speak of that I can feel...

[Luckily, the right side is what he offered and while he doesn't have his full powers here, Shoto certainly doesn't mind turning the one trick he's good at with this situation. His ice side, just a little more so it's less heated maybe? Oh. Oh no.]

You don't think it's airborne again? I don't feel any differently.

[No, Shoto, u just dum.]