March 2022 Mini Event

[jigokumods]

MAIN NAVIGATION


The Night Parade is fast-approaching and each faction will be busy with their own preparations.

1. SHUTEN CLAN

The Celestial Phoenix Casino, a fairly popular casino in the Shuten territory, is overdue on its protection money. This money is sorely needed for parade preparations. Unfortunately, the casino has decided it doesn't need to pay up because they've hired some new unaffiliated muscle. Neither the manager nor their new muscle are the type to listen to reason, so be prepared to exert some intimidation and force to convince these new bodyguards to take their business elsewhere.

The brute squad working for the Celestial Phoenix seems to be made up of several different youkai. Some of them are more human looking than others, but you'll notice no Oni. Even independent Oni wouldn't dare turn against the Shuten Clan. Even lacking in Oni, these thugs are armed to the teeth, swinging several deadly weapons and even a few firearms. This could get rough, so be prepared for the worst. Take the gangsters protecting the Celestial Phoenix out or convince them it’s not worth it.

Once inside, you'll discover that the owner, in a panic, has locked himself inside the casino's value with the protection money owed. This might take some doing to get open...

2. SUTOKU ALLIANCE

The Kappa want to be left alone and the Daitengu has asked Sutoku Alliance members to assure their wishes are respected. Members are tasked with convincing people to stay away from the Kappa's riverside facilities by whatever means necessary. Of course, you may want to take a look for yourself to see what they’re being so secretive about. That’s not recommended, if you don’t want to get into trouble.

It’s not just strangers who are nosy, though. Retinues from both the Shuten and Tamamo clans are making an appearance and asking why the inspections are taking so long. Why are the Kappa dragging their feet? The Alliance prefers to avoid direct violence, so it's up to you to talk to these clan captains in a way that convinces them to leave the Kappa alone.

If you're curious enough to dive deeper into the Kappa's business, however, even your Alliance membership isn't going to keep you safe. The Kappa themselves seem to disappear from sight the further into the sewers you go, as if invisible. Preventing yourself from being spotted by a security camera or a patrolling Kappa is almost impossible. Cover your faces, stick to the shadows, and you might just notice that... they’re building something down there.

Something for the Parade? Who knows? But it’s definitely not decorations or a float...

3. DEPARTMENT OF THE ENMA

The parade route for the Night Parade needs to be "cleaned up". The Department is tasked with getting the low level street gangs and squatters to clear out. The homeless population will resist and may not be so easily persuaded to give up their spots. Your best bet is to offer them food, booze, or shelter for the night. The street gangs will assuredly fight back. Use your strength or your wits to get the job done.

The gangs will not typically be that tough, most don’t want to step up to the Department's goon squad too heavily lest they wind up in a cell for the rest of their lives. Still, some might be hopped up on encouraging substances and try to escalate. Don’t worry, though. You have the authority of the Enma on your side! Don’t think they will get away with waving a weapon in your face.

The homeless, though, lack strength or weapons. They are more fueled by desperation to keep their spots. Winter hasn't been kind to them, after all, and they don’t have much respect for the Enma's authority. Their belligerent behavior is loud, and often violent despite their absence of means to properly defend themselves. At worst, they’ll probably try to use biological warfare. Don’t ask what's in those bottles...

4. TAMAMO CLAN

Parade costumes need to be designed, crafted, modeled, and then likely mended knowing the rough and tumble yokai. The textile shops and tailors of the area need Tamamo Clan members to help them out. Costumes vary from extremely ornate to extremely sexy. These costumes need to merge form and function, for the Tamamo clan parade marchers that means they need to be able to sell their specific wares while wearing them. (wink wonk)

None of the costumes are floor ready and the shop bosses urge you that these cannot be seen by the public until they are ready. This won’t stop some peeping toms and tammies from trying to scope out the goods. Most of the voyeurs are spying for perverted reasons, but some are from shops outside of Tamamo’s influence trying to copy the designs for themselves. Either way, Tamamo Clan members aren't expected to be just pretty faces. So rough’em up.

5. TASTE TEST (ALL FACTIONS)

For those less interested in their faction's work, the restaurants in the Tamamo territory also need help finalizing their menu offerings for the Night Parade. Taste testers and creative cooks wanted! These aren’t just any dishes though and may have some interesting effects. One may be so spicy that everything burns, your face turns red, and you need to cool yourself off. Or maybe your dish is so good that you need to take a nap – it doesn't matter where you are, you'll just fall asleep right on the spot. Another possibility is a dish that gives you unstoppable energy – literally. It will make you want to get up and go and never stop moving. If you stop moving, it may cause a bigger problem.

Welcome to the mini event!

• If you have any questions about event content, please ask them here!
• If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.

Comments

itadori yuuji ☆ jjk (enma)

[ahost]

✗ parade route

[ there's always some asshole with a knife, huh.

itadori had been restless since he has gotten here, opting to avoid big gatherings and unnecessary partying at first— still trying to process his new reality at his own pace. it's not ... so bad to be in this 'hell'? if he's honest. and yet, it didn't feel quite right. something is up, but he didn't want to sound like a lunatic on the public network, and he didn't have the motivation to investigate either. so he's stuck between 'i don't even care' and 'ugh, i hate this'. on a positive note: the assignment given to him is welcomed with open arms. it kept itadori busy, and his anxious thoughts subdued.

back to the unexpected escalation in (what he thought) a simple fucking conversation— those gang members didn't seem to take it lightly when itadori approached them. another street fight, another day; until some idiot managed to sneak a quick one and leave a huge slit on the palm of his hand. once it's all taken care of and the mob of goons is sent off, itadori would be seen crouched down in an alleyway, pouring water on his open wound— rinsing off the accumulated blood.

it's a fun start to a long, long night. ]


✗ negotiations

Okay, two! Everyone will get two boxes instead of one!

[ listen, the homeless people are another story. they are vulnerable, rarely held any weapons, and they are just trying to survive this harsh city. so, itadori felt bad about asking them to fuck off for this stupid parade, but he had a job to do. instead of going hard on them, he tried to persuade them with treats— gently. with food specifically, a meal box, maybe some drinks too ... or whatever the budget given from his faction can bid. but, it's been a long-ass negotiation session, almost lasted half an hour until this moment. the group before him didn't seem to budge and would ask him to double the compensation. until he dropped the two meal box option.

and then, silence.

he waits as the group regarded each other, contemplating his tempting offer with a hint of doubt. with a smile (and raw stupidity, really) — he had to throw another proposal as a final shot at victory. an offer he might not be able to commit to. ]

Oh, and ... I'll offer you protection for a whole week as you settle into your new area! How about that?!

[ don't promise what you can't keep, yuuji. ]


[ ooc; or, come with your own prompt! I'm pretty much open to anything ♥ ]

✗ parade route

[lonelinessloop]

[ Haruka'd been heading to the food stalls near the parade route to pick up some things for people when she sees the fight begin. This is nothing out of the ordinary for her; she'll actually pick a side (Itadori's) and start cheering for him while the fight happens.

...this is what you do. She has Experience with this!

When the fight is over and he turns his hand to spot the blood, she spots it too... and she'll trot over, concern on her face. ]

Are you all right? Can I get you anything for your hand?

[ahost]

[ it's almost unfortunate he didn't notice the girl cheering him on in the background. it could've gone down as one of the epic moments of his teen life. a shame, indeed.

by the time he picked up on her presence, itadori looks a bit taken back. ]

... Huh? [ oh! his hand. with a casual shrug and a dismissive wave of his (bloody) hand, the sorcerer smiled. ] Nah, I'm good. This is nothing! Don't worry about it.

[lonelinessloop]

[ Well, she's more than a little used to that to be fair. She'll watch him brush it off and she'll frown and keep her eye flicking back to it to make sure it actually is okay. ]

If you say so. I don't mind running to the convenience store for a bandage, though.

Negotiations

[tohell]

[ Fashionably late to Enma's cleanup party, J's arrival coincides with the start of Yuuji's little speech. If he didn't know what was going on before, a touch of eavesdropping fills him in well enough. Ah, youth! He's been sorely lacking this kind of hot-blooded presence since coming here. How refreshing it is, watching a youngster kick up such a fuss again.

Ears perked and arms folded he listens with intrigue as this fellow practically throws himself to the wolves. And make no mistake, that's what they are. What they've had to become here. Anything that lives in Hell's slums knows those who reveal their soft, vulnerable underbelly don't last. And this fool of a boy might as well have rolled over and bared his throat to them, after practically begging for a deal.

How do you think humans who live in Hell, in the worst and shittiest parts of it, with no weapons or abilities to defend themselves, fend off interlopers who are stronger, more powerful, and blessed with powers mere mortals don't have?

Through strength in numbers and attacking like a swarm of angry hornets: Death by a thousand stings. Or whatever they can throw that's sharp-edged and liable to shatter into eyes and skin. ]

What an admirable philosophy! Humbly giving of yourself to appease the desperate, unfortunate masses.

[ The sound of clapping barely disturbs the scene. At best there's a momentary pause as the growing mob assembles, but when J appears to pose no immediate threat their courage returns. Figures rise from the lengthening shadows to take shape, amassing numbers all around them. There were plenty enough bodies to make a mob before the boy's rousing speech. Now there must be double that.

Territorial, fearless, and willing to cede nothing to no one until blood is shed. What's lacking in strength they make up for in numbers and raw, animal determination to survive. Because bowing down, sniveling, and taking a payout is never so easy. J knows as well as they do a golden rule of the slums: Don't trust a free lunch. You always pay in the end. And they're paying now, with the place they call home. Handing over their territory for a few meals and some boy's promise isn't a good enough bargain for the most desperate of them. ]

I have to wonder if the Enma has been blessed to find a true saint among its ranks.

[ Taller by a good margin, J strides over to flank Yuuji in a way that keeps the restless crowd's main bulk in his line of sight. This way his third eye can flick around to catch the sight of latecomers slinking into this shindig at his periphery. ]

It's a real shame that even if you offer to sell yourself and the shirt off your back- [ He smirks, leaning in closer to polish off his thoughts in a whisper. ]

I don't think they're gonna buy it, Kiddo.

[ahost]

[ he followed the newcomer’s voice, eyes searching the crowd until they landed on the looming figure approaching him; one that certainly stood out and held its own domain. a unique sight, indeed. it earned j a curious stare— even when itadori is used to ‘odd’ by now. whoever it was, he seemed friendly or had no intention of sabotaging his negotiation session. it might be a foolish way to measure who’s worth the trust or not, just by looking at someone. he knows. but, he’s not gonna start embracing the pathetic way of living in constant fear, always looking over your shoulder and mistrusting everyone. hell is cruel in itself, and you can’t really go through it on your own. with that mentality, itadori carried his weight of the conversation with a lighthearted tone; even offering a smile. ]

I don't know. We've been talking for a while. If it was a hard 'no', they would've said something by now.

[ he didn’t bother to whisper back as he had no reason to encourage further doubts in an already agitated crowd. itadori, while he’s not the brightest, can pick up on an ominous vibe when the situation begs for it. the growing mass surrounding him and his new company— yeah, it might be a hint his efforts are not welcomed too well. that's when his expression falters, tilting his head to the side. not worried, merely plotting his next bargaining.

he regards his companion again. ]

Why do you think I'm selling myself here? Are you saying I look weak right now?

[ a genuine question, and there's no bite behind it. he's simply asking. ]

[1/2]

[tohell]

[ Greetings come in all shapes and sizes. For J, it's usually in smiles that simply aren't. Poor imitations stitched from a grimace flipped around and frozen solid. By fear, mockery, or an even pettier emotion. He's had hundreds of years to critique the finer points between what is and isn't genuine. Another some hundred to read through pleasantries at a glance.

Tonight, Itadori's is sincere. And entirely absent of fear at the first sight of him. It's that sheer fearlessness, so reminiscent of someone else, that forces him to finally catch the gaze leveled his way and notice the boy more than see past him. It gives him cause to blink in wonder. How does someone that reads as mortal, soft and squishy and very breakable, not think twice before giving a greeting to the thing with wings and talons that's prowled up to his door? A creature no more human than the regulars of this Hell; worse than the pack of men lurking in the streets, who are much less dangerous for showing their hand.

The immediate trust is new enough here to relish. ]

Empathy. Responsibility. A compulsion to do the right thing. [ There's a butter-soft twist of upturned lips. ] Tell me when I'm getting warm.

[2/2]

[tohell]

No. [ Now's not the time for barefaced honestly. J's version of telling it like it is would just mean the boy would put up his guard and distance himself. It's much too soon for distrust when he's only just gotten curious about his fellow Enma recruit. All of the harsh realities he'd normally share lie tucked away in favor of a different perspective.

The flattery that comes isn't a lie when it's stunning to see the courage in facing down insurmountable odds without fear. Soldiers have sworn their lives in servitude for less. Women their love. And a country their worship. J might swear something too: His time and patience. Things worth their weight in gold in the eyes of those he never gave enough of it to.

Tailfeathers from his nearest wing land atop Itadori's head, rubbing just enough to ruffle his hair. ]

You look particularly brave to me. That simply might not be enough tonight.

[ Daring only gets a man so far in a life that's more prone to showing cruelty than kindness to those types. King Arthur died betrayed by those he loved most. And martyred saints of yesteryear are a handful of the countless innocents lost to wars. Life issues a reminder with the clatter of a bottle smashing to pieces a few feet away. Foul liquid splatters across pavement too dark at this hour to discern the contents. ]

Careful, now. [ When a second flies through the air J's wing adjusts to shield Itadori from its path. ] What do you think? Does that sound like a "No" yet?

[ahost]

[ truth to be told, itadori isn’t the type to be offended easily. no, the reason he asked is quite simple and a reflection of his own simple mind— he wanted to hear an honest perspective. if he is handling the situation wrong, he wants to re-evaluate his steps and figure out a more productive approach. it empathizes on how itadori wanted the night to end without unnecessary conflict. there is no reason for bloodshed if a few freebies can settle any rousing anxieties. the elegant remarks coming his way prompted another confused stare— if the intent is to compliment itadori's stubbornness to tame a pack of wolves, then j is being too kind. ]

I’m just trying to do my job?

[ - and failing, apparently! j decided on by suppressing an honest feedback, instead reassuring him with a gentle touch on the head. itadori’s gaze shifts to the ground between them, content as the soft feathers mussed up his pinkish locks. there has to be a way that didn’t involve a physical conflict. other members of their faction might not share his tolerance, and some will conclude to violence so long as they get it over with. it might be the easy way out, but he couldn't bring himself to take the first swing when his opponent seems so … well, weak. being cruel is one thing, but they are unfit to hold a genuine threat (or that's what he thought).

the sound of shattered glass didn’t startle him; nothing more than itadori straightening his back and examining the mysterious liquid on the floor. perhaps it’s a half-empty alcohol bottle? when the second one lands closer to them, he flexed his arm in a subtle gesture to keep j out of harm’s way; again— allowing the other the freedom to curl those wings over him. he's unsure what's in those bottles until he smelled it— that’s when itadori flinched, nose wrinkled in disgust, stepping back until he bumped into the other's taller figure. in which he muttered under his breath ‘I know what that is ...'. is he surprised? nah. he'd seen this kinda 'survival tactics' back home. nasty stuff. ]

Yeah, that’s a ‘no’. Still – [ just when j might assume the sorcerer is about to learn from old mistakes, itadori ends up raising a hand with a new outburst of energy. ] Three meal boxes! That’s my final offer. Three meal boxes, free drinks, and one week of protection as you settle into your new place. Take it or leave it!

[ whether it’s intentional or not, from where they stood up; both itadori and j made a silent statement on the reality of the unspoken alternative. it took him back to the inaugural meeting, when they were told of the enma's vision, mission, and the strict culture of enforcing Order. it's hard to walk out of it without feeling some sense of intimidation (and maybe pride?) of what they can be. he allowed it to sink in, silence followed for a brief, crucial moment, and then— calmly. ]

... I can’t promise the others would treat you as kindly.

[ this is it. one last shot. if all fails, his next priority would be not to get j involved in his own mess. ]

parade route

[silentscout]

[What a fun start to the night indeed.

It's highly likely that Yuji misses Lalli's first appearance. The strange catlike man moves with steps so quiet that he could be seen as entirely silent, with only a soft sigh of exasperation audible to announce that he's even there. But as soon as he lets his dismay be known, he's off again, stepping quickly and quietly as he hurries along to another spot.

About a minute later, Lalli drops down in front of Yuji, having descended from some nearby rooftop. While he's moving as quietly as before, this time he is very visible since he wants to be noticed. Hi Yuji, hope you don't mind someone dropping in! he's got his cloak's hood up, as he usually does, but since they're both in Enma it's entirely possible Yuji could have seen that cloak before. Probably when Lalli was skipping out on doing work and instead napping in some corner of the Enma building.]

[ahost]

[ he can hear those tiny steps lurking around, trying to follow a glimpse of their shadow and failing; never once did he stop cleansing his hand even when he was unsure whether he's dealing with an enemy or a friend here. by the time lalli introduced himself, meeting each other's eyes— itadori stares at him. more staring. slow blink, and then ... his lips curled up in a smile. ]

Ooooh, I know you!

[ yup, he recognized that cloak. he'd seen it a few times but never had the chance to say 'hello', choosing not to disrupt that kid's rest. it was the kind of scene that sticks to one's memory, as the sorcerer couldn't understand why would anyone choose to snooze on the floor and not on a comfy bed. a true mystery! but, hey— whatever makes lalli more comfortable. ]

I've seen you before. Fellow Enma, right? Hi! I'm Itadori Yuuji!

[silentscout]

Good, you have working eyes.

[He's not trying to be insulting, but most of what Lalli says sounds condescending at best. His 'resting bitch face' carries across to his tone too.

But he suddenly holds out his hand, revealing the reason why he had disappeared in the first place: it's a roll of bandages! And since he's holding it out towards Yuji in particular, it might be obvious what his intentions for said bandages are.]

Fellow Enma, yes. Lalli Hotakainen.

[He pauses for a moment, and he looks momentarily distracted, his gaze looking upwards and to the right slightly. But after a moment he refocuses, looking to Yuji again.]

'Hotakainen' is my family name. We say names differently where I'm from.

[ahost]

Hotak ak- ... yeah, I can't say it. I'll stick with Lalli. Lalli is cute.

[ now that might've been more insulting- ... itadori's lack of effort to pronounce his name right and sticking with what is easier for him. a bit of an asshole move, but the smile on his face promised his new teammate it's all warmth and no malice here. after all, they belong to the same faction— they should be allies in one way or another. the point was proven when lalli offered the bandages, in which the sorcerer didn't hesitate to accept. perfect timing as he could stop the bleeding. ]

Thanks!

[ with a sigh, still crouched over, with his back pressed against the wall; working the thick fabric over the gushing wound with a knowing touch. he's done this way too many times. still keeping his gaze low, itadori continues- ]

I didn't see the guy with the knife coming. It was my fault.

[silentscout]

[Lalli looks absolutely baffled by Yuji. How in the world is a name 'cute'? It's just a name to Lalli, and names aren't cute, or any descriptor really. They're just names.

Yes, he's being pedantic for no reason. That is just how Lalli is though. A lot of things in the world don't make sense to him, so he frowns and complains about it all. Like how Yuji is hurt and talking about his failure and is smiling through it. That doesn't make sense to Lalli at all.

'He's an idiot, just like Emil.' Lalli thinks to himself, completely skipping over the part where Emil is one of his Favorite People and how all the traits Lalli finds annoying are exactly what it takes to really get close to him and strike a friendship in the first place. But being an idiot means someone has to look over him, and nobody else from Enma is here to do that, so...]

We're kicking people out of the places they like to stay. You should be expecting resistance.

[ahost]

[ they could argue and go into a full debate over the legitimacy of labeling a name as 'cute', but alas— lalli spared himself a lot of trouble by keeping his thoughts muted. ]

I understand their perspective. But, it's our job. On a positive note, I think their numbers are significantly lower now. We might be able to wrap it up before midnight.

[ hey, he's not in the mood to question the logic behind this assignment, or the fact kicking someone out of their home for a spectacle just sounds silly— itadori will keep it simple and follow orders for the night. he's too tired of trying to figure this place out. he kept his focus on his securing the bandages, testing their flexibility as he curled and relaxed his fingers. yes, perfect.

he didn't use up all the material, so he offers it back to the other boy; smiling again. ]

I hope you won't need to use it, but you might run into someone who does! Unless ... you want to be my partner for the night?

[silentscout]

[Well okay, sure. Lalli is one who hoards supplies, so he'll take the rest of the bandages and stick them into a hidden pocket on his cloak.

Yuji is very understanding, Lalli is coming to realize. He's not sure if he likes it though. The understanding people are always the ones who See him, and even if it usually has good results afterwards he doesn't like being Seen. Especially with few personal comforts here to make him feel better afterwards.

He's tempted to tell Yuji no and just run away, but he knows he can't actually run far. They both work for the Enma, they'll cross paths again before long. Lalli just has to not be as conversation-avoidant as he usually is. It's a tall order for him, but the last year has taught him to at least try.]

Don't call it 'partners'. We can work in the same area and keep an eye out for each other.

[Lalli, being pedantic about words. In other news, water is wet.]

parade route

[nya]

( there's really no peace to be had around here — it seems as wherever she goes, some yokai are bound to be found fighting, always contesting their strength. it makes sense, she supposes; peace is the last thing you'd expect to find in hell — but, still. it's annoying. finding some of the recent arrivals caught up in these fights is never good, either; they're all powerless, after all, and can't sustain too much damage without... dying? again? maybe. she's not sure how it works, actually.

so: whatever power she's got left in her, she uses for others' benefit. she's not normally this much of a bleeding heart, but... rex would want to help these people — he's not here, because he's got no reason to go to hell, unlike her, but... she knows him, and she knows he wouldn't leave people to fend for themselves, so she does the same. )

You alright? ( there's blood, and a familiar head of pink hair. upon closer inspection, though... this face isn't exactly the one she's used to... ) Wait, waitwaitwait — you look just like Tora-chan!

[ahost]

[ that's a good question, though. can they die again— even when they're, technically, dead already? it ruins the whole point of fighting, surviving, and trying to make a living in this city. what's the point of following rules with no consequences? sure, you might get jail time and other punishments, but without the idea of 'dying' the element of fear is lacking. anyway, for now, he will accept any distraction coming his way. it's better than sitting in his shitty apartment driving himself crazy with unanswered questions.

when the strange girl approached him, itadori isn't sure what to make of her. the first thought that came to mind is ... ears. cat ears. cute cat ears. he blinks, staring— and then, 'tora-chan?' say what. ]

... huh?

[ he straightens his back a little, giving his bottle of water a little shake; forcing a few droplets out before tossing it aside. ]

Who's Tora-chan?

[nya]

( as if they knew they were being stared at, her ears twitch and perk up towards him, as she moves closer to take his hand in hers. he feels... human. young. definitely not anything like sukuna, and yet the similarity in their faces is undeniable. she squints at him, particularly at the marks beneath his eyes, and hums thoughtfully. )

Someone I've met here! His name was... ( .... she's been calling him tora-chan so much she kinda forgot... ) ... oh, right! Sukuna! That's what he said.

( now, moving onto the actual issue she'd approached him with: the hand. she glances at the cut, holding onto his palm gently, and runs a finger over it. )

... I can heal this. Just don't freak out, 'kay?

[ahost]

[ — oh, she is touching his hand. in which itadori allows it, not without his shoulders growing stiff and sensing a slight burn on each cheek; he then squints his eyes because he's unsure on how to handle this. play it cool? he can't do it. he's far too honest to fake a nonchalant attitude. it's not like girls approach him so casually— excuse him as he tries to cope.

well, the sweet moment didn't last.

the name drop of the king of curses is enough to suck away what little joy he had in this miserable city, and itadori's expression flattens into a tired frown; lashes low. of course she met sukuna before him. he gets the nickname, so that means— they are already somewhat close with each other. this cute girl has sukuna's scent all over her. the innocent beauty tainted under his nasty claws. on a positive note: she still wants to help and heal him? ]

It's very difficult to freak me out.

[ with a sigh, he hunched forward, watching as her finger brushed over his skin. ]

Long story short, we share the same body. Even though I'm not responsible for his actions, I'll apologize to you in advance. He's a menace.

[nya]

( ... cute. he has that youthfulness to him that sukuna undoubtedly doesn't possess — reminds her of rex, a little bit; they must be close in age. he's definitely hotheaded and reckless, too, judging by what he's just done — but, well, she doesn't hate it. sometimes, jumping into the fray is the only way to solve a problem — no need to overthink it. )

Oh yeah? ( she doesn't sound convinced; listens to his explanation, pausing for a second. same body... does that mean they are one, back where they came from? interesting. something to ask sukuna about, since she remembers him avoiding the subject before, probably to save face.

having to admit you're dependent on a teenager to live sure does sound uncool — )

Pffhaha, just a little! He's mostly harmless. Really into laying around. ( just... lounging like a lazy cat... sometimes all day...

anyway, The Menace aside, she brings a second hand to place over yuuji's, still holding it up. the severe limitations of her power are something she's almost used to, by now; she feels the flow of ether, feels the way magic curls at her fingertips, then — stops, not allowing any further cast. it's fine; it's not too deep of a cut, and he might feel a wave of soothing, cool energy coil around his hand — almost as if he'd just submerged it in water. when it's over, she pulls her hand up and peers over at his palm.

... it's still bloody, because this isn't Cleaning magic, but the cut is closed up, barely a scratch left on his skin. )

[ahost]

[ he can't help but to feel a bit sick to his stomach. if only the other sorcerers and cursed spirits heard this girl describe ryomen sukuna as harmless— they wouldn't know whether to laugh or feel bad for the girl. itadori chose the latter, followed by a heavy weight of guilt that prompted him to avoid meeting her eyes, instead shifting his gaze lower. the warmth of his cheeks is more of discomfort than anything else now. ]

Are you friends with him or something?

[ if they were having this conversation back home, itadori would've handled it differently. he'd be more assertive, warn her not to approach that curse again and never look back. however, in a world where they're technically 'dead'— hell itself, did they have anything to fear here? is sukuna an actual hazard when his threats held no meaning? when killing someone had no intimidation behind it? perhaps in a fucked-up manner they are keeping each other company, with no animosity or poor intent, and sukuna might have no interest in abusing her. it still didn't feel right— especially when this girl is so, so kind.

as promised, itadori didn't flinch throughout the whole experience; putting his trust in the other. once freed, he flexed his fingers, using his other hand to wipe the blood off. ah, it's gone. fully healed. like nothing has happened.

he looks up to her again, lips curling into a small smile. ]

... Thank you. I owe you one.

negotiations

[kikuichi]

[While Norimune was talking to a nearby group of homeless people, he overhear his young coworker's declaration. After promising he'll be back, he walks over to Itadori with a smile.]

Oh? How wonderful. Are you going to protect them by yourself?

[He glances over at the group Itadori is addressing, noting their wary expressions. Norimune doesn't know how strong this young man is, but he would give points for his attitude. Unless this young man takes on too much work for his level.]

[ahost]

That's the plan!

[ he returns the smile with one of his own, totally proud of himself for being so damn creative! surely this will seal the deal, and the group will leave without further conflict; which itadori will embrace as a win. he turns to face the other man— ah, he didn't recognize norimune but it's safe to assume he is a fellow enma. so, he's a friend. ]

It's only for a week. It won't be so hard.

[ oh, yuuji. so naive, so foolish. ]

[kikuichi]

[So naive, so foolish, it's almost charming. Unfortunately, Norimune can see the potential problems with this arrangement. He tap his folded fan to his chin, as he watches the group's expressions carefully.]

Perhaps you might need another person to aid you with this? These people just met you, they don't know how capable you are. Having two or more protectors might ease their concerns.

[If they don't trust the government, there's also the fact that... well, Itadori might need more reassurance, more promises, to convince them. Norimune doesn't know how strong the young man is. But convincing the group is the more important factor, regardless of Itadori's strength.

He turns to address them.]

Would you all feel better if there's more people assigned to your protections?