OPEN ➸ September Catchall

[worldbent]

Who ⬤ Matoba Seiji and you
What ⬤ Substories, monthly eye curse, etc. Closed starters in the comments.
When ⬤ Throughout September
Where ⬤ More or less everywhere
Content Warnings ⬤ Will add if needed



A. SUBSTORY 3: DRIFTER GRIFTER - I want that Spiderman Wastelander!!

[What a classic wild goosechase, huh? When Matoba's connections had told him of a certain individual that had been spotted around the city with information on the Iron Bear, he had set to finding this mystery youkai. But every time he gets to a location where the man was said to be, he finds nothing but other angry individuals looking for the same man.]

[Surely he can't be only a mirage...]

[Perhaps the Wastelander got you to pay for a meal or a new pair of shoes, only to leave you down on your luck.] I see... Don't you think this will be a good lesson for you? [Matoba offers you a cheerful smile after hearing your tale.] Never give up your side of the bargain before you get your information.

Shall I assist you in finding him, then?


B. CURSED EYES - The Me in the Mirror Limit first 5 tag-ins, please!
[ooc; If you are tagging in to this prompt, PLEASE READ THIS INFO/PERMISSIONS POST FIRST, thanks! If your character has spiritual awareness, they can tell the spirit in this prompt feels Real Bad.]
-------

[It's another busy day in Sutoku's shopping districts, with their modern buildings and flashy neon signs. It was easy to feel as though this was a normal shopping district in any human city, with the sort of glamor present.]

[As you pass by the reflective windows of a shop, you might have to do a double-take once or twice when the reflection that stares back at you is missing its right eye. You must have been seeing things- when you look back again, it's normal.]

[Maybe it takes you a few times to notice that your "reflection" moves on from your shadow and along the glass on its own after a while; it seems to be looking for something. But when you stop and try to look at it, you'll instead be interrupted by a voice that approaches you from behind, suddenly too-close to your ear--]

Excuse me. Are you looking for something?


C. SNACK RUN - Even menacing Lieutenants need a day off

[Matoba had earned quite a reputation over his months in Jigoku-cho for being "always on the clock"- it was, perhaps, a part of why he had managed to climb the ranks of the Alliance so quickly. Always dressed for success in either a suit or his clan's traditional kimono, it was perhaps hard to relate more personally to a man who seemed to carry himself as so apart from others in both appearance and speech.]

[But once in a while, you can catch even Matoba Seiji on an off-day.]

[In an adidas hoodie and a casual pair of joggers, Matoba has perched himself on the railing of a walkway overlooking the river at one of the bridge crossings. The Hashihime Clan may have to put up with a Lieutenant's presence now, but she doesn't look much happier about the crumbs from the flaky pastry he's eating, or the flecks of rice from that onigiri, as they fall onto her bridge and waters.]

[Like this, Matoba-san almost just looks like what he is- a bored 22 year old.]

---
[ooc; as always feel free to hit me up via my CR meme post, PM or kitsoru for plotting!]

Comments

CLOSED TO BRADLEY - Ill-Advised Bets are a Sutoku Tradition apparently

[worldbent]

[After a truly reckless set of bets were laid out, Matoba set to preparing for what was certain to be a dangerous situation. That wizard was fresh from the Kaigou-no-bou; he wasn't that concerned about him having any powers that he would have to be worried about. But it was always best to take precautions, wasn't it?]

[When Bradley finds the flowering park that Matoba had spoken of, it is blooming with a mix of poppies and camellias; they had been a request from Matoba, himself. There's no evidence of the exorcist himself, however- instead, standing among the bright red blooms is a towering and shadow-like spirit, robed in only an unbleached white kimono and a porcelain mask, and carrying a piece of paper onto which has just been written,]

BRADLEY

[Like this thing is picking him up at the airport. What the hell.]

[When the spirit notices Bradley, it starts towards him excitedly, and motions for him to follow.]

[potensum]

[ why are you putting him on blast like this smh the man's already dead!!

part of him doesn't think matoba will actually show up, but honestly, what does he have to lose? he's still exploring this place and what it has to offer, so it's not all bad to sometimes walk around and maybe fight someone a little to let off some steam.

the problem is, for all of bradley's bravado, he's a range fighter. he uses a long-range rifle as a weapon, and sometimes he attacks with long-range magic. his specialty is powering up others, as opposed to making himself stronger. he hasn't had a real one-one-one since he was a kid, and that was way too long ago to remember now. ]

What the—

[ he runs into the strange creature, surprised when he sees it's carrying his name. but then the creature approaches him and bradley instinctively jolts back. ]

Don't get too close, you - [ ah, wait, he wants to be followed. ] ...Ah.

[ right. this might be related to that guy, after all. ]

[worldbent]

[Master Bradley, come this way! ... That's probably what the noodley shadow is trying to say, right? It doesn't seem like this pitiful thing can even speak, since it only has two holes in its mask for eyes, but it seems very excited to have found Bradley, so maybe somehow it can tell that it's found its mark?]

[It is a very patient servant, in any case, waiting until Brad is willing to follow after it and then leading him away. How typical, that an Alliance rat wouldn't meet in-person for a one on one fight, huh? As to where the shadow was leading him...]

[Just down the street and an alley away, there seems to be an empty lot. It's much quieter back here than it was on the open street, a place where one could get into trouble and hardly anyone would hear it, or simply shut their blinds if they did. There, in the lot, there are a number of innocuously-placed objects strewn about: Bradley passes a piece of broken glass on his left. A red cloth has been tied to a clothesline to the northwest. Scratched marks etched into the ground, as if with chalk, bear writing like that which appeared around the city. North, Wind, an unreadable character with the radicals of 'dog'.]

Oh? You showed up after all. [And Matoba himself, perched on the edge of a generator on the other side of the lot. His bow is on his back.] Come here, and let's begin.

[He waits for Brad to step just a little closer...]

CLOSED TO SHYLOCK - Substory 4 - Glizzy Gliding

[worldbent]

[The clans may have been subtly at one another's throats once more for the sake of Kagerou's bounty, but that didn't mean that they couldn't work together for a common cause. Those unsavory bounty hunters who had begun to stir at the news of the million yen bounty were only going to get in the way of any of the clan's plans to pursue Ringo-chan's kidnappers, and so it was necessary to see to it that they were eliminated- by any means.]

[And hadn't they made a casual plan, some time ago, to go investigating the movements into the Wastelands? It was quite convenient that Shylock had an available eagle's view and method of transport with which they would not need to be bothered with physical combat, and archery was made for aerial targeting. Thus, wizard and human had made a pact to seek out the interlopers who were trying to venture into the Wastes, together.]

[...That said, actually faced with mounting an ayakashi's broom, Matoba isn't so certain of the safety features.] Surely, there are charms for stability, no? [He turns his skeptical eye up on Shylock as he stands before this old and quite magical-feeling thing.] Do keep in mind I will need both hands to draw my bow.

[breweries]

You're free to place a stability charm, if you wish.

[ can matoba even do that? doesn't that make him even more wizard-adjacent? if shylock brings that up, would matoba get snippy again? perhaps. as much as shylock likes to rile him up, they're working together for the same purpose right now, so he may as well continue keeping up a good camaraderie with the exorcist. ]

Or you could hold on to my waist as tightly as you want. [ except nah, he just can't resist throwing that in. he laughs. ] But don't worry -- we aren't going on a leisurely cruise through the skies. Once we're up high, I shall slow down enough for you to be able to wield your bow and arrow. Will that suffice?

[worldbent]

[Matoba's mouth turns down. He most certainly does not have any such magic!]

[(...But then, he had never actually seriously considered just how wizards remained on their perches before. Where he came from, mounted youkai (so to speak) were exceedingly rare, if not unheard of... But most of them were simply one whole body with such a form, as opposed to an ayakashi on an enchanted object. It had to be magic, right? Now Matoba is wondering if the broom was not an enchantment, but a summoned object that was a part of Shylock's being...)]

[As he spaces out, deeply pondering the nature of wizards and their magic, he almost misses Shylock's salacious invitation, and wishes he had missed it fully. There's no winning here. He glances up again to give the wizard an already-exhausted look.] Did you not hear me say but two seconds ago? Both hands. That means none for you.

Did you not have your fill the last time? [Getting in the retort seems to finally embolden the exorcist to give this broom thing a shot. Luckily, he'd had the forethought to wear pants... Matoba seats himself upon the end of the broomstick after another moment's hesitation, and tries to pass it off as being unsure of the best way to ride, and not apprehension at trusting Shylock's magic. There would never not be that clench, either from him nor Natori, when engaging them.]

[His bow was nearly the length of the broom itself, if not a little longer- far taller than the man himself- but he keeps it expertly pointed, his arrow quiver strapped at his hip like a holster.] When we are airborne, I will be able to steady my shot. It shouldn't be that different from horseback.

CLOSED TO BULLETA - Dirty Deeds Done... well, it's an acceptable price

[worldbent]

It's been a while, hasn't it, young lady?

I have a job for you. Shall I treat you to tea?

[That had been the invitation Matoba had sent the bounty hunter Bulleta, with a time and a place at a quiet café that was closer to Sutoku territory than Enma. It wouldn't do at all if her coworkers were hanging around, listening in.]

[When she arrives, Matoba is at a table, already treating to himself to a flowery-smelling black tea and a slice of strawberry shortcake. He gestures over to the menu placed on her side.] Please, order whatever you like. How is life in the Department treating you?

c.

[paperpusher]

[Well there's Matoba Seiji dressing like a goddamn teenager again.

Except it's been a long time since Natori has seen him out like this-- perched on some railing or window ledge or jizo statue, dressed casually, showing an actual emotion such as boredom on his face... But the ponytail and the ward keep it from getting too nostalgic. Natori's steps slow as he approaches the bridge nonetheless.

Natori's own clothes are fashionable and mature and definitely not stylized by him, complete with the thin glasses perched on his nose-- completely useless, given the clear glass doesn't even give him any benefits here, but it's nice to have a sensible pair again. For a moment, he watches Matoba and debates whether to just walk on past-- but Matoba would probably call out to him anyway, unless he's actively doing work for the Alliance.

So instead, Natori elbows the railing hard as he steps up to the bridge. He knows Matoba won't fall, but, y'know. He had to try anyway.]

[worldbent]

[Matoba isn't quite paying attention to who is coming and going across the bridge, but familiarity is hard to train oneself out of. He turns his head just in time to catch Natori, scowling at him, and giving his all into a smack into the railing.]

[Which despite his effort does a whole lot of nothing, Matoba infuriatingly keeping his perch with the sort of preternatural balance that his athleticism has always granted him.]

[So instead now they are just staring at each other from a number of paces away, at least until Matoba finally tears his glance away, and snorts.]

What are you doing? [He says it with half a scoff, as if Natori isn't worth the full laugh. Bastard.]

[paperpusher]

[Sigh. As expected. Still, Natori couldn't help himself but to try.]

Not even a waver, huh... [He leans back against the railing himself to join Matoba in an extremely anime-ass scene, the two of them spaced just a little too far apart to be said to be watching the river side by side.] The hashihime under this bridge are known to follow Lost Soul politics and the like very closely. I was curious if they'd be excited to meet an Alliance Lieutenant personally.

[Read: just once, Seiji. Just fall one time.]

a-ish 😌

[cutcloud]

[ Not too far from where Matoba is lecturing some random angry youkai that's mad about getting conned into buying the drifter a meal for info but not getting anything, Chongyun is on a similar hunt. Right across the street, actually, close enough that the young exorcist's conversation with another youkai is easily overheard. He's been investigating that same mysterious figure at the request of a few because of his behavior, and there are rumors that the man has information.

So you've seen the man in question? Which way did he go, and what did he look like? asks Chongyun, notebook at the ready, because he's already gotten so many different leads on this vagrant. The youkai hums, I dunno, I can't remember without a little... cash.

I see, Chongyun responds without suspicion and there's the following clink of coins. Will this much do? The youkai rubs his fingers together, Uhhh, yeah. He went left. But I need more money to remember more. There's another clink of coins entering the man's hand, I understand. Does this help?

Yeah, uh... he went left. And then made some more lefts. He had a beard and a mustache and uhhh, brown hair, I guess. He also wore a tophat. The youkai's clearly just making some shit up, hemming and hawing, but Chongyun's diligently writing down everything the guy says. A little more cash... would help. It's a condition I have, money jogs my memory.

I understand, how much would help you? the young exorcist asks, and the youkai chews on his lip.

How much you got?

Chongyun opens his little money pouch and the man nods happily, What do you know, that's exactly the amount I need to remember everything about that guy! The conner rubs his hands with glee, eyes sparkling. Chongyun nods, about to hand over his whole pouch of money ............................. ]

[worldbent]

[Okay, that is enough of that.]

If I had forgotten so many things on account of coin, I think I would be far more ashamed of myself. [Matoba looms over the youkai and Chongyun, laying a hand on the teen's shoulder and casting a shadow with his familiar paper parasol. He seems to be counting the number of 100-yen coins in Chongyun's hands.] ...To be honest, for good information, this is a little cheap. Your condition must be very severe, hm?

Allow me to sweeten the pot, Chongyun-kun.

[There's a brief protest of 'oi, buddy, what're you trying to pull' from the offended youkai as Matoba calmly folds his parasol and opens his own purse to dangle a 100k yen note. The youkai's eyes just about light up... until they fall onto Matoba's pin.]

Such tantalizing information.... You surely wouldn't lie to the Alliance hm? Willing to make a deal? Although, I should warn you that I don't accept failure.

[cutcloud]

...!

[ Chongyun is surprised at the hand on his shoulder, but instantly relaxes when he recognizes who the voice belongs to. Which is exactly the opposite of the youkai's experience; when he recognizes Matoba's pin and who it is from the rumors swirling around the various business chains, he pales. A reaction Chongyun notices, but of course his assumption is wrong: Matoba is a master exorcist, so naturally the youkai would be alarmed by his presence.

The young exorcist blinks at the note that Matoba dangles in front of the conman. No, he can't possibly ask for Matoba to invest so much in information he's trying to gather. ]

Master Matoba. [ he nods his head in proper greeting first, ] I don't want to trouble you, but perhaps this man's information would be helpful to you as well. He promises that he knows about the suspicious man everyone has been looking for.

[ Which only adds to the youkai's pallor, but ... he's in it this deep and he thinks himself a pretty clever conman, even if he hadn't been trying hard to fool the kid out of all of his cash. So, after a minute of opening and closing his hand, the youkai finally bites the bullet and reaches out to take the money from Matoba. Greed wins. He boldly claims, Yeah, yeah, I'll make a deal, I'm good for it. I know all about him, and saw him go left like I said...

Noticeably, he's also still clutching half of Chongyun's money. He didn't get his paws on the purse because of Matoba's interference, but he did grub some before the man stepped in. ]

c ✨

[swordhardy]

[ Even if he'd been exorcist shamed about his normal routine, Rokurou has no plans on changing it. Waking up at 6am every morning is something engrained into him, as is the morning jog he takes throughout the whole city before it gets too busy. Working out is when he's at his most focused and relaxed, burn of his body long having become something soothing to him.

One wears adidas, one wears Puma. Since discovering the benefits to sweatwear when working out, he quickly transitioned over into wearing black joggers and a gray hoodie for his workouts; hair drawn back into a higher ponytail than he usually wears, he's the epitome of gym rat drip.

Despite the fatass eating a croissant on the bridge, Rokurou doesn't recognize or even notice Matoba when doing his jog on the bridge across the way. Too used to the man in his pretentious kimono and lofty exorcist sneer, the normal looking guy on the walkway doesn't stand out. Which is why he continues his route to that walkway and stepping onto it to cross, minding his own business.

Dun dun dun.... ]

[worldbent]

[Oh? Interesting.]

[Matoba notices before Rokurou does, from the aura moreso than his appearance. His hoodie is drawn up this early in the morning against the river's chill, but as he watches the thudding heft of Rokurou jog by, he stuffs the rest of the croissant into his mouth and hops off of the railing, falling into a jog beside him soon enough.]

So you weren't lying after all. [His voice is an annoying alarmclock, this early.] Did you see the mist on the river? Fall is falling.

[Just making some smalltalk on the morning run. Casual.]

[swordhardy]

[ —???

Rokurou glances at the man who falls into step beside him and—oh. This asshole. But he isn't doing anything particularly annoying, especially since Rokurou's plenty energetic in the morning himself; he just cocks a brow in mild suspicion before huffing a laugh and sending Matoba a little grin. ]

Why would I lie? I'm surprised to see you.

[ Without losing pace, he continues along his usual trek which leads to the walkway that runs along the river. There's no railing, just a short bank before the edge meets water. It's a refreshing spot to run with the breeze that cuts over the river.

Despite himself, he turns his head to look out across it to look at the mist. True enough, it's there ... which is why he makes a soft noise of agreement. ]

Sure is. It'll be getting colder soon.

[ Yep. Just two guys that kind of look like weird twins, having some smalltalk during a morning run. Nothing to see here. Nope. Very innocent, very wholesome. ]

Cursed Eyes lets goo!!

[brokebitchmountain]

[ Zhongli is, of course, window shopping in one of the various open-air marketplaces that Jigoku has for its people. He seemed to be preoccupied only looking away into the distance at brief intervals. The shadowy figure gets his attention, amber eyes narrowing ever so slightly before a familiar voice catches his attention. ]

Something? Ah. Only things I cannot possibly afford, I'm afraid. [ Zhongli has a very keen and sophisticated lifestyle that he can never actually afford?? But here he is, browsing through the bougie shops. ]

Are you perhaps here for something yourself?

[worldbent]

I see... [Matoba's smiling expression turns from polite neutrality to a casual brightness.] It's tough to be working your way up, isn't it? Forget luxury; the basic necessities require a careful balancing of the checkbook.

Although, I wouldn't have taken you for the type to so indulge in luxury, Zhongli-san.

[Matoba casts a shadow with the paper umbrella that is perched against his shoulder; its bullseye-ring pattern lets a slight, banded light through, which casts onto the reflection of the glass. In that shadow, there's another movement.]

[brokebitchmountain]

Indeed they do. [ Zhongli has no damn clue about any of that, but he's trying his best?! ] I have an interest and particular taste for the finer things even before coming here. There's something about the craftsmanship and dedication that the artist or builder has that I thoroughly enjoy.

[ Hm he does sense that something's amiss here, but he won't comment on it just yet. ] Looking through all of these things, well, it sets a certain goal that I myself much reach. It's quite useful in helping push oneself to work hard and diligently.

B

[passthrough]

[He's determined he kind of hates shopping. He's just tall enough to be out of normal range of clothing and has already been recommended a couple places over in Shuten territory that might fit his build, but trying to be hopeful about finding another option is quickly souring Otegine, chewing on the inside of his mouth in annoyance as he ducks out from another shop and back into the sidewalks.

It's as he's passing the shop he was just in that he BARELY notices the reflection doesn't look right. Weird, but given that it flickers back to normal, he doesn't pay it much mind. There's a ton of lights and weird technology around here, anyway, so why not have weird things moving across the glass? It makes as much sense as anything else around here.

Except he keeps walking, and the glass keeps just catching his eye, and with it comes the scratching itch of a familiar feeling - that something isn't right, something is nearby that shouldn't be, a feeling he normally didn't catch in earnest unless the HRA were approaching. It's subtle enough that he doesn't go straight into fight mode, but he keeps halting, glancing first at the glass, then out to the streets, behind his shoulder, his brow furrowing tight, seemingly ignorant of the youkai behind him on the streets muttering when they nearly run into him or his spear.

Where...

When the voice pops up RIGHT behind him, Otegine jumps, flailing back into another pedestrian and frantically trying to apologize to them as they shove him in the shoulder and stomp off.]

I-I'm sorry, I-- Damn it -- [He rights himself up with a careful repositioning of his spear against his body as he faces back towards whoever was--

Oh.]

Ah.... [Has he met this person? They don't look familiar, and he's pretty sure he'd remember the eye covering... He nods out of politeness as his hand rubs against his neck.] Sorry I, uh -- You caught me off guard a little.

[A little.]

I'm not sure, to be honest. I think the lights might just be getting to me.

[worldbent]

[Otegine's jump produced an unstifled chuckle from the source of the voice, just a little eruption of a laugh before he manages to reel it in again. Matoba turns his head in the barest attempt at dignity- whether allowing Otegine his own, or regaining that lost by the show of amusement- and looks up at the man.]

[(Way up)]

Pardon the intrusion. [Matoba inclines his head again in a half-bow of politeness, which shifts his bangs just enough to allow Otegine a better glance at the eye covering. Somehow, just looking at it made one feel as though they should stay away. The circle-like pattern was different, and yet felt not entirely dissimilar to the ringed kasumi mato pattern of the paper umbrella tilted against the back of the man's shoulder.] ...I see. I thought that perhaps you might have found something I was looking for.

There are tricksters about today. You should carry yourself more carefully.

[Matoba's eye doesn't leave Otegine's as he speaks, not a quiver, as if he is keeping the man's attention. It doesn't stray to his spear, or to the shape in the glass behind him.]

[From in the glass, a voice whispers, just barely audible to Otegine:] ..eye..

A: drifter grifter

[watermemory]

[ ey this is super deviating from the prompt so if you'd rather not, throw at rock at my head on plurk and i can redo ]

[ Some of the regulars at his izakaya (tucked in an alleyway in Shuten territory) had been mentioning the man in black as a troublemaker. Minakami hasn't been sure if he should seek the wastelander out, persuade him not to add to the furor over Iron Bear before he gets into a real mess (he isn't the kind of Shuten to come down on someone like a ton of bricks, but there's others that would). Or if he should just. post a "watch out for this man" notice at the door. ]

[ Well, the man in black has shown up today, drinking whiskey at the end of the bar. ]

[ Complicating matters, there's a pack of teenage girls (not all of them are yokai with human form, and yet there's something quintessentially teenage girl about them) eating their body weight in karaage and melon soda. From the way they're elbowing each other and pointing at the wastelander like they're daring each other to talk to him, well... it just spells trouble. Bounty hunters getting rolled is one thing, but not kids. Even yokai kids. ]

[ Minakami hesitates behind the counter, occupied with cleaning up. There's a blandly pleasant expression on his face, like he doesn't recognize what's happening in front of him... And if he sees Matoba coming along, the bland expression slips just a bit, into something a little more: "Not now." ]

[ Polite as ever: ] Matoba-san. You look well. In need of refreshment?

[worldbent]

[Minakami might have heard of the ruckus Matoba-- caused is a strong word, let's say was present for at an oni izakaya just a few weeks ago, a business he'd been dragged to despite his better judgment by a new Shuten initiate. Well, he had to find a new spot for karaage and skewers now, he supposed, so he had been wandering around after some weapons-related business for a spot.]

[Somehow, he didn't expect the face he saw when he entered, seeing that the clientele was less on the boorish oni side and more on the neutral side, but his initial pause of surprise melts quickly enough into amusement, given the expression he's receiving already.]

And a light snack, [He agrees with a cheerful incline of his head, sliding into a stool closer towards the counter where Mina was, giving only a brief glance of curiosity towards the whispering of the girls, and a glance down the counter towards that "Wastelander". His sidelong glance holds there, although luckily masked on his right side by his eyepatch as he leans on the counter towards the fellow human.] And here I thought the bulk of your time went to the clinic. So you also cook, hm?

[He'll make smalltalk, while he assesses that very suspicious man down the way.]

B!!!

[aceslow]

[ Kim is exhausted.

This is not new. Kim has been exhausted since he was young, and it just never stopped. He's a workaholic by nature. He wouldn't be happy if he wasn't exhausted, frankly; though he doesn't think of it in such blatant terms, slowing down too much gives him far too much time to think. Still, between worrying about the people in his life that are having decidedly worse times than him, the night shifts creeping up on him, his slow pursuit of a different occupation, and balancing all of his personal investigations, sleep has been a somewhat elusive beast. He doesn't feel particularly sorry for himself, knowing that he is a trap entirely of his own making.

It does, however, mean that he initially chalks the strangeness of his own reflection up to fatigue and perhaps a little scum flecked on his lenses. He pauses as he catches a glimpse of his reflection in the window, then steps off to the side to avoid blocking foot traffic as he fishes a delicately embroidered handkerchief out of his pocket to polish them off.

Matoba's voice in his ear startles him less than it should. Maybe because he's used to Matoba popping up at odd moments with some implication that he knows more than everyone else, which he usually does. If Kim didn't know any better, he'd say Matoba enjoys it... oh, who is he kidding? He knows he enjoys it. ]

Not particularly. [ He glances back at the window. Everything seems fine. The glasses, then. As always, he has the spiritual awareness of a slab of concrete. Dead on arrival. ] Are you?

[worldbent]

[He does enjoy it, especially when he feels he's gotten a fun little trick in on one who he would not normally be able to get one up on. So there is a tiny smirk of childish pride in being able to make Kim jump, which flashes across his smile briefly and then fades away into his usual, deflecting smile.]

In a manner of speaking. [Matoba has his parasol out today. It's sunny, but not particularly hot with the city turning towards fall weather. The heavy black kimono set makes much more sense in this coolness.] That aside, things have been quite busy ever since what occurred in the underground, so I have had only a little time to myself lately... So many preparations to be made.

I suppose we are all feeling it, hm?