I SAID THE KIDDIE MEALS ARE FOR CHILDREN ONLY— CHILDREN ONLY! Having the heart of a child— that doesn't count! Order from the adult menu like an adult, you baaaaastard!
[ here we see (1) clothed mascot who has his headpiece off, long, silky hair pouring from his face. He looks pretty enraged, bickering at some customers as he reaches for his hip to draw his sword which— ...he doesn't have on his person. ]
Uwaaah. People like you need to grow up. I'm clocked out. I don't need to hear this. I work hard. I pay my bills. I am the bloodflow of this establishment. Corporate doesn't give a cat crap about us. Am I to really live on such an income? After I have been here so long?
[ The mascot is a horrifying mime, by the way. And the paws he was referring to were the large gloved hands that were part of his costume. He just.. puts the head back on??? and starts to walk towards the exit. Was he going to go home in that? Only.. he steps backwards so that he is level with Pekoyama and her companion. ]
Ah. Pekoyama-san. You made it. [ his voice is muffled behind the mask he is wearing. ]
[Oh no. That yelling voice is far too familiar. The good news is that she knows she's in the right place. It's when she hears him yelling about having the heart of a child that she starts to think that maybe she made a Mistake by visiting him here. Maybe she should have just gone back to the Pleasure District to visit him at the kissaten, that abruptly seems like the better location. If she didn't assume that Kuzuryuu would object on principle, anyway, and also that the last thing she wants is for any of her classmates to see her and the young master going to the Pleasure District together...
No. Burger dojo it is.]
Yes, I did.
[Did... did he have to put the mask back on... She's almost afraid to look at Kuzuryuu to see what kind of expression he's making. Gotta just. be cool. This is fine.]
I'd like to introduce Young Master Kuzuryuu Fuyuhiko, heir to the Kuzuryuu Family. This is Katsura Kotarou, my... [and then a pause, because does she really, really want to use this word when he's dressed like this...] ally...
[Why did they have to meet anywhere in public at all? WHAT'S WRONG WITH AN APARTMENT, GUYS? Because, yes, he would have strongly objected to the idea of going anywhere near the Pleasure District, especially in Peko's company. Not that she's not great and all just...no. Dear god no. What if someone saw?]
[Worst suspicions confirmed here though: Peko's samurai partner was not at all what he was expecting. He almost has secondhand embarrassment on Peko's behalf. He...]
[He is not sure at all what to say here.]
[So standing there looking dumbstruck and confused and vaguely uncomfortable it is. Why did you put the mask back on. What the hell is wrong with you.]
[ A polite bow to her child— was that a child? He had no idea Peko made friends with such young people. That's great. Nothing is better than children. He holds his mask from falling off when he bows then adjusts his posture. ]
It's a pleasure to meet you, Kuzuryuu-dono. I'm Katsura. [ he needs to emphasize that. Not Zura. Not just wig either. Katsura. ]
It's stuffy in here. Ah. I can't stand the smell of nuggies anymore. Did you know that nuggies deteriorate the soul? Only those strong enough can work in this establishment.
We will take our conversation outside. [ He marches onward past them, taking the lead. ]
But no, all she hears is nuggies, and she's back to regretting her decision that she didn't wait until after his shift was actually over to bring Kuzuryuu by.
A beat, then she's following behind him with no small amount of alarm. How are they supposed to have an inconspicuous terrorist meeting when one of them is in a mascot suit...??]
[He sounds uncertain as to whether or not it is actually a pleasure. He gives a sort of feeble bow in return, still very clearly 100% unsure of what to make of this. He...guesses? It is good?? To meet you??? Partner in crime of Peko's?????]
[But he'll follow after him as well, falling in step next to Peko and even trying to slow her down just a few steps so he can sort of tug her down and whisper into her ear without a chance of Zura overhearing:]
Is this some kind of act or is he actually this stupid?
I came to this battlefield in this armor; I will return home in this armor. A wounded warrior who needs time to recollect his emotions. The nuggies— they are in high demand right now. I should recover okay.
[ he doesn't hear them talking behind his back, but once they are out in the parking lot and in a quieter area, he pulls the mask off of his head again and shakes his hair out. He tucks the mask under his arm and looks at Kuzuryuu. ]
I have heard things about you— that you are strong. It's good to see the young youth upholding themselves like adults nowadays and becoming a success. [ He doesn't specify how young but.. in his mind... pretty young. ]
Any comrade of Pekoyama-san's ..or children Pekoyama-san may babysit— I hold in high regard.
[She doesn't see... this is not armor. Not even a little. This is just... another one of Katsura's eccentricities. This should be fine.
In response to being tugged down to Kuzuryuu's level, though, she can only answer with a bit of a strained, pained grunt... she doesn't have an answer for that, really. It's hard to say...
Before she could find time to think of a good way to put that "well he's not all there, but when he is there, he's really there," Katsura's stopping and-- oh no. Oh no. Peko's eyes widen in visible alarm, and maybe before she's even aware of it, she's dropped a hand to Kuzuryuu's arm as if in preparation to hold him back if necessary.]
As the Super High School Level Yakuza, [emphasis on high school, please know what age ranges Japanese high schools tend to cover, Katsura, please, for your own sake--!!!] the young master is not just a mere comrade. If anything, I think he more suited to lead us than I could ever be.
[Ah yes, he sees. He suddenly understands everything, thank you Peko. Thank you for putting it so eloquently.]
[Thank you even more for putting your hand on Kuzuryuu's arm, because you are 100% correct in the assumption that you're probably going to want to hold him back. He tenses immediately, doing that thing where he tries to make himself look bigger and more intimidating than he actually is.]
The fuck did you just call me, assh-- [The words come out half snarled, but luckily Peko cuts him off before he has the chance to finish. Between her hand and the emphasis she put on High School (and maybe also the implication that he's more than a comrade), she seems to have temporarily put a stopper on what was surely going to be a very explosive outburst. Provided that Katsura actually takes a hint here.]
[Because there's calling him short. And then there's saying he has a babyface. And then there's implying that Peko is his babysitter. You don't really want to do any of these things around him but if you absolutely cannot restrain yourself, go with one of the first two.]
[ Katsura doesn't budge— doesn't falter his stance. It seems he was unaware of the hell that was about to be unleashed upon him? Super High School Level? What was that? ]
Ah. A fellow scholar student like myself. Excellent.
We will put our crafty minds together and think of something really nice. I must ask you this now— what do you think so far, Kuzuryuu-dono? Does it piss you off more than somebody stepping on the heel of your geta when you are in a long queue?
[Okay he...seems to have understood? Maybe?? Kuzuryuu's really not sure. In any case, he looks slightly less ready to rip Katsura's head off if given the chance. Though still fairly peeved. Peko, it probably won't hurt to keep your hand on him for now.]
Does what piss me off, CERES or you? Because right now, you're kind of winning. You get that I'm not a goddamn child, right? Peko's not my babysitter, we're the same age.
[May as well just...make that as perfectly clear as possible. Because it's important, since he has to get along with this guy. REBELLION CAN WAIT JUST TEN MORE SECONDS.]
[ He doesn't comment on most of that, so it's a mystery as to what he actually got out of it. At least he doesn't make matters worse by saying "ah, you will age every well then" or something like that. ]
I'm glad you see me as a winner, Kuzuryuu-dono. With that positive attitude, I am certain we will accomplish the proper kind of havoc this place needs.
[ MOVING RIGHT ALONG: ]
Back home, I grew up rebelling against the government. I feel as if your home should always come first; those who run it can come second. If they are not running things properly, it is your duty to uphold what is law as a true samurai.
[Peko is so glad that Katsura's managed to make such a positive impression on Kuzuryuu. Really, there's no way it could have possibly gone better, she's absolutely sure of it.
So why does it look like she's swallowed something sharp?]
Katsura's experience with rebellion should be an asset to ensuring that the people running this city understand that we cannot permit the kinds of glitches that you and I have both heard about to continue.
[Really Kuzuryuu, please believe her, he's not entirely an idiot...]
That's not what I-- tch, forget it. [Just shaking his head a little over here. Let's just move right along then, sure. So help him though, if you call Peko his babysitter again, he cannot be held responsible for what misfortunes befall you.]
At least your principles are sound, if nothing else. [Sort of...a compliment?? Yakuza seal of approval on wanting to take down the man, even if you're clearly not all there mentally.] And if Peko approves of you, that's enough for me for now.
[THOUGH PEKO HE REALLY KIND OF WANTS TO HAVE A TALK AFTER THIS...BECAUSE WHAT THE HELL.]
It is just the two of us... right now. We are seeking those who are worthy enough and brave enough to accomplish what we are scheming.
—However, somebody of great importance to me has made his way here. The corpse eating demon— Shiroyasha. If we want to strike fierce and strong, he is somebody of great skill and power who has made his mark as legendary.
[ .... ]
Convincing him to get out of bed for this task would be more difficult than the task itself, but I know he would be well suited for our group-- should we need more.
Ah, some other people who I have noted to possess strength is Matoi-dono. There is also Toothless-dono with his rider. [ take note how he says the dragon's name but not Hiccup. ] I'm not sure if they have rebellion in their veins, however.
[This sounds like another one of Katsura's exaggerations, but alright, if there's someone he trusts to be an asset, Peko will take it. Whether or not he's a literal corpse-eating demon is only important if he also eats robot corpses, anyway.]
But Katsura is correct in that it is primarily the two of us. In addition, I would also recommend a young swordswoman like myself, Saber. I have also spoken with Hinata Hajime -- he is not a fighter, but he possesses the kind of computer skills that could be useful. Rock Lee is an extraordinarily strong fighter, but I am not certain if he has the kind of subtlety we may require...
[Because Zura here is a shining beacon of subtlety, clearly.]
I agree in your assessment of Abe no Sousei, however.
That is how they introduce him in the movies and important chapters.. multiple times. Do not ask me what all that means. But Gintoki is a very skilled samurai as long as he will help.
[ then Peko mentions Hinata and— ]
I won't allow it! [ oh no.. ]
The only thing that would permit me to be compliant is if he executes that growth on his head!
It's just. Hair. And you watch what you say about him around me. Hinata and I are sworn brothers; you talk shit about him, and I'll make sure they can only find your body in pieces.
[Katsura hitting all the right buttons with the bocchan today, incredible.]
He may look completely harmless, but there's no one better to have on your side than Hinata Hajime. Trust me on that one, you'd regret leaving him out.
I've seen potential with him. This is the only reason I will allow it since you seem so keen on it. But next time... I won't allow it until he does something about that creature he is hosting.
[???? Sworn what now. What. This is news to Peko, which might be a little obvious from the sharp jerk of her head to go from staring at Katsura to staring at Kuzuryuu. Bocchan, you'll need to explain that later... what the heck.]
In any case, [trying to get the conversation back on track,] Now that young master Fuyuhiko is here, I think we can start preparing to take action. Hinata has spoken with me about trying to infiltrate their headquarters. Do you think you would be able to create a distraction, when the time comes?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[ ACTION ] hello friends
[He's just staring at the place in mild disbelief. Peko. Peko what kind of samurai works at this sort of establishment. WHAT.]
[He is suddenly not sure at all what to expect here.]
[ ACTION ] godspeed
Having the heart of a child— that doesn't count! Order from the adult menu like an adult, you baaaaastard!
[ here we see (1) clothed mascot who has his headpiece off, long, silky hair pouring from his face. He looks pretty enraged, bickering at some customers as he reaches for his hip to draw his sword which—
...he doesn't have on his person. ]
Uwaaah. People like you need to grow up.
I'm clocked out. I don't need to hear this. I work hard. I pay my bills. I am the bloodflow of this establishment. Corporate doesn't give a cat crap about us. Am I to really live on such an income? After I have been here so long?
[ The mascot is a horrifying mime, by the way. And the paws he was referring to were the large gloved hands that were part of his costume.
He just.. puts the head back on??? and starts to walk towards the exit. Was he going to go home in that?
Only.. he steps backwards so that he is level with Pekoyama and her companion. ]
Ah. Pekoyama-san. You made it.
[ his voice is muffled behind the mask he is wearing. ]
[ ACTION ]
No. Burger dojo it is.]
Yes, I did.
[Did... did he have to put the mask back on... She's almost afraid to look at Kuzuryuu to see what kind of expression he's making. Gotta just. be cool. This is fine.]
I'd like to introduce Young Master Kuzuryuu Fuyuhiko, heir to the Kuzuryuu Family. This is Katsura Kotarou, my... [and then a pause, because does she really, really want to use this word when he's dressed like this...] ally...
[Hnngh.]
[ ACTION ]
[Worst suspicions confirmed here though: Peko's samurai partner was not at all what he was expecting. He almost has secondhand embarrassment on Peko's behalf. He...]
[He is not sure at all what to say here.]
[So standing there looking dumbstruck and confused and vaguely uncomfortable it is. Why did you put the mask back on. What the hell is wrong with you.]
[ ACTION ]
He holds his mask from falling off when he bows then adjusts his posture. ]
It's a pleasure to meet you, Kuzuryuu-dono. I'm Katsura.
[ he needs to emphasize that. Not Zura. Not just wig either. Katsura. ]
It's stuffy in here. Ah. I can't stand the smell of nuggies anymore. Did you know that nuggies deteriorate the soul? Only those strong enough can work in this establishment.
We will take our conversation outside.
[ He marches onward past them, taking the lead. ]
[ ACTION ]
But no, all she hears is nuggies, and she's back to regretting her decision that she didn't wait until after his shift was actually over to bring Kuzuryuu by.
A beat, then she's following behind him with no small amount of alarm. How are they supposed to have an inconspicuous terrorist meeting when one of them is in a mascot suit...??]
Are you... going to change, first?
[ ACTION ]
[He sounds uncertain as to whether or not it is actually a pleasure. He gives a sort of feeble bow in return, still very clearly 100% unsure of what to make of this. He...guesses? It is good?? To meet you??? Partner in crime of Peko's?????]
[But he'll follow after him as well, falling in step next to Peko and even trying to slow her down just a few steps so he can sort of tug her down and whisper into her ear without a chance of Zura overhearing:]
Is this some kind of act or is he actually this stupid?
[ ACTION ]
[ he doesn't hear them talking behind his back, but once they are out in the parking lot and in a quieter area, he pulls the mask off of his head again and shakes his hair out. He tucks the mask under his arm and looks at Kuzuryuu. ]
I have heard things about you— that you are strong. It's good to see the young youth upholding themselves like adults nowadays and becoming a success.
[ He doesn't specify how young but.. in his mind... pretty young. ]
Any comrade of Pekoyama-san's ..or children Pekoyama-san may babysit— I hold in high regard.
[ ACTION ]
[She doesn't see... this is not armor. Not even a little. This is just... another one of Katsura's eccentricities. This should be fine.
In response to being tugged down to Kuzuryuu's level, though, she can only answer with a bit of a strained, pained grunt... she doesn't have an answer for that, really. It's hard to say...
Before she could find time to think of a good way to put that "well he's not all there, but when he is there, he's really there," Katsura's stopping and-- oh no. Oh no. Peko's eyes widen in visible alarm, and maybe before she's even aware of it, she's dropped a hand to Kuzuryuu's arm as if in preparation to hold him back if necessary.]
As the Super High School Level Yakuza, [emphasis on high school, please know what age ranges Japanese high schools tend to cover, Katsura, please, for your own sake--!!!] the young master is not just a mere comrade. If anything, I think he more suited to lead us than I could ever be.
[ ACTION ]
[Thank you even more for putting your hand on Kuzuryuu's arm, because you are 100% correct in the assumption that you're probably going to want to hold him back. He tenses immediately, doing that thing where he tries to make himself look bigger and more intimidating than he actually is.]
The fuck did you just call me, assh-- [The words come out half snarled, but luckily Peko cuts him off before he has the chance to finish. Between her hand and the emphasis she put on High School (and maybe also the implication that he's more than a comrade), she seems to have temporarily put a stopper on what was surely going to be a very explosive outburst. Provided that Katsura actually takes a hint here.]
[Because there's calling him short. And then there's saying he has a babyface. And then there's implying that Peko is his babysitter. You don't really want to do any of these things around him but if you absolutely cannot restrain yourself, go with one of the first two.]
[ ACTION ]
Ah. A fellow scholar student like myself. Excellent.
We will put our crafty minds together and think of something really nice.
I must ask you this now— what do you think so far, Kuzuryuu-dono? Does it piss you off more than somebody stepping on the heel of your geta when you are in a long queue?
[ ACTION ]
Does what piss me off, CERES or you? Because right now, you're kind of winning. You get that I'm not a goddamn child, right? Peko's not my babysitter, we're the same age.
[May as well just...make that as perfectly clear as possible. Because it's important, since he has to get along with this guy. REBELLION CAN WAIT JUST TEN MORE SECONDS.]
[ ACTION ]
I'm glad you see me as a winner, Kuzuryuu-dono. With that positive attitude, I am certain we will accomplish the proper kind of havoc this place needs.
[ MOVING RIGHT ALONG: ]
Back home, I grew up rebelling against the government. I feel as if your home should always come first; those who run it can come second. If they are not running things properly, it is your duty to uphold what is law as a true samurai.
I feel like this place isn't being run correctly.
[ ACTION ]
So why does it look like she's swallowed something sharp?]
Katsura's experience with rebellion should be an asset to ensuring that the people running this city understand that we cannot permit the kinds of glitches that you and I have both heard about to continue.
[Really Kuzuryuu, please believe her, he's not entirely an idiot...]
[ ACTION ]
At least your principles are sound, if nothing else. [Sort of...a compliment?? Yakuza seal of approval on wanting to take down the man, even if you're clearly not all there mentally.] And if Peko approves of you, that's enough for me for now.
[THOUGH PEKO HE REALLY KIND OF WANTS TO HAVE A TALK AFTER THIS...BECAUSE WHAT THE HELL.]
So...so far it's, what? Just the two of you?
[ ACTION ]
—However, somebody of great importance to me has made his way here. The corpse eating demon— Shiroyasha. If we want to strike fierce and strong, he is somebody of great skill and power who has made his mark as legendary.
[ .... ]
Convincing him to get out of bed for this task would be more difficult than the task itself, but I know he would be well suited for our group-- should we need more.
Ah, some other people who I have noted to possess strength is Matoi-dono.
There is also Toothless-dono with his rider. [ take note how he says the dragon's name but not Hiccup. ]
I'm not sure if they have rebellion in their veins, however.
Sousei-dono is also somebody to speak with.
[ ACTION ]
[This sounds like another one of Katsura's exaggerations, but alright, if there's someone he trusts to be an asset, Peko will take it. Whether or not he's a literal corpse-eating demon is only important if he also eats robot corpses, anyway.]
But Katsura is correct in that it is primarily the two of us. In addition, I would also recommend a young swordswoman like myself, Saber. I have also spoken with Hinata Hajime -- he is not a fighter, but he possesses the kind of computer skills that could be useful. Rock Lee is an extraordinarily strong fighter, but I am not certain if he has the kind of subtlety we may require...
[Because Zura here is a shining beacon of subtlety, clearly.]
I agree in your assessment of Abe no Sousei, however.
[ ACTION ]
[ then Peko mentions Hinata and— ]
I won't allow it!
[ oh no.. ]
The only thing that would permit me to be compliant is if he executes that growth on his head!
[ ACTION ]
[ ACTION ]
[Said rather firmly herself!]
I can keep the two of you separated if need be, but we will need his expertise.
[And he's her first and best friend... don't take him from her Zura 8')]
[ ACTION ]
Uwaaah. Irritating.
[ He hisses a bit through his teeth, but then waves his hand. ]
Very well. But I will be keeping a sharp eye on him.
[ ACTION ]
[What the actual fuck, Katsura.]
It's just. Hair. And you watch what you say about him around me. Hinata and I are sworn brothers; you talk shit about him, and I'll make sure they can only find your body in pieces.
[Katsura hitting all the right buttons with the bocchan today, incredible.]
He may look completely harmless, but there's no one better to have on your side than Hinata Hajime. Trust me on that one, you'd regret leaving him out.
[ ACTION ]
[ ?????
some conflict but it looks resolved? ]
[ ACTION ]
In any case, [trying to get the conversation back on track,] Now that young master Fuyuhiko is here, I think we can start preparing to take action. Hinata has spoken with me about trying to infiltrate their headquarters. Do you think you would be able to create a distraction, when the time comes?
[ ACTION ]
Katsura cups his chin with one of this giant little gloves, then smirks. It's a little malicious. ]
—What sort of distraction are you thinking?
[ ACTION ]
[ ACTION ]
[ ACTION ]
[ ACTION ]
[ ACTION ]
[ ACTION ]