[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?
We would need something that would draw the security out of the building... Damage to the building itself could prompt an evacuation, but it would be difficult to blend in to enter a place when most are leaving.
[Hmmm...]
What if we were to attract their attention in some other way? For example, if one were to anonymously threaten a nearby location, or perhaps set a controllable fire...
Ah, I haven't done this in years, it seems— Pekoyama-san, complete destruction usually isn't my forte when it comes to things like this. They're too sudden, but sometimes that is precisely what we need.
[ Katsura shifts in his suit, tucking one hand out of the mime sleeve and into the suit. There is a little wiggling— like he's.... reaching down somewhere. .... Somewhere.. down.. there. His hand appears out of the neck zipper and in his hand he holds a what appears to be a timed bomb. It's metallic and round, looking like a small volleyball with a black screen on the front. It isn't ticking. ]
These were my weapons of choice. I can time them for whatever time we need, if you want the explosive route. I arrived here with six of them and I haven't used one yet.
[ where did that come from why does he have it with him here of all places... ]
[Woah wait hold on Hold on where is your hand going Katsura, no. That is so inappropriate, especially in the presence of Peko.]
O-oi--! [Before he can get a real protest out though, the bomb makes its appearance and completely destroys the need to finish that sentence. Holy shit.]
[Just...give him a minute here to figure out what he wants to say instead. Because while bombs are still kind of a touchy subject for him (thanks, Komaeda), Kuzuryuu is actually kind of impressed by Katsura. For the first and possibly last time in this conversation. He still thinks he's an idiot, but now he's thinking perhaps he's a slightly more capable idiot than first assumed.]
Where the fuck were you-- [No. No don't even ask. He shakes his head. He doesn't actually want to know, now that he thinks about it. Some things are better left unanswered.] Never mind...anyway, clearly I wasn't giving you enough credit.
[Especially since Peko said his methods tend to be childish.]
[ moving on. When Kuzuryuu compliments him, he feels smug again. There's a bit of ugly laughter at first: ]
Fu ha ha! That's how it tends to be as a supporting character. But your credit really shows when the popularity polls roll around. You impress people.
I have worked with plenty of other methods for distraction-- fireworks, smoke bombs, food poisoning, disguises-- I have worked with other ways of escaping-- parachutes, drills, pills that will shut your body into a death state for 3 days..
Typically, I prefer to do things as they come and think on my feet as long as I am prepared for anything.
[Bless you, Katsura, you've restored Kuzuryuu's faith in you. Hopefully now she won't have to defend her choice of allies (as much) later.
But now the wheels are turning. The bombs are a limited resource, right? But--]
May I have that?
[And she holds out a hand, clearly still giving this serious thought.]
I want to see if one of my classmates -- the Super High School Level Mechanic -- would be able to duplicate these.
[GIVING SOUDA A BOMB SEEMS LIKE A TERRIBLE IDEA but maybe if Peko and/or Kuzuryuu can keep a close eye on him, it'll be fine...?? He is a SHSL after all...]
[ are you sure you want to hold that do you even know where it's been. He trusts Peko enough, though, and hands it over before tucking his arm back into the neck of the mime, then back into the sleeve. ]
They appear to be simple devices, but I buy them imported.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[ 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 ]
[Hmmm...]
What if we were to attract their attention in some other way? For example, if one were to anonymously threaten a nearby location, or perhaps set a controllable fire...
[ ACTION ]
Pekoyama-san, complete destruction usually isn't my forte when it comes to things like this. They're too sudden, but sometimes that is precisely what we need.
[ Katsura shifts in his suit, tucking one hand out of the mime sleeve and into the suit. There is a little wiggling— like he's.... reaching down somewhere. .... Somewhere.. down.. there.
His hand appears out of the neck zipper and in his hand he holds a what appears to be a timed bomb. It's metallic and round, looking like a small volleyball with a black screen on the front. It isn't ticking. ]
These were my weapons of choice.
I can time them for whatever time we need, if you want the explosive route.
I arrived here with six of them and I haven't used one yet.
[ where did that come from why does he have it with him here of all places... ]
[ ACTION ]
O-oi--! [Before he can get a real protest out though, the bomb makes its appearance and completely destroys the need to finish that sentence. Holy shit.]
[Just...give him a minute here to figure out what he wants to say instead. Because while bombs are still kind of a touchy subject for him (thanks, Komaeda), Kuzuryuu is actually kind of impressed by Katsura. For the first and possibly last time in this conversation. He still thinks he's an idiot, but now he's thinking perhaps he's a slightly more capable idiot than first assumed.]
Where the fuck were you-- [No. No don't even ask. He shakes his head. He doesn't actually want to know, now that he thinks about it. Some things are better left unanswered.] Never mind...anyway, clearly I wasn't giving you enough credit.
[Especially since Peko said his methods tend to be childish.]
[ ACTION ]
[ moving on.
When Kuzuryuu compliments him, he feels smug again. There's a bit of ugly laughter at first: ]
Fu ha ha! That's how it tends to be as a supporting character. But your credit really shows when the popularity polls roll around. You impress people.
I have worked with plenty of other methods for distraction-- fireworks, smoke bombs, food poisoning, disguises-- I have worked with other ways of escaping-- parachutes, drills, pills that will shut your body into a death state for 3 days..
Typically, I prefer to do things as they come and think on my feet as long as I am prepared for anything.
[ ACTION ]
But now the wheels are turning. The bombs are a limited resource, right? But--]
May I have that?
[And she holds out a hand, clearly still giving this serious thought.]
I want to see if one of my classmates -- the Super High School Level Mechanic -- would be able to duplicate these.
[GIVING SOUDA A BOMB SEEMS LIKE A TERRIBLE IDEA but maybe if Peko and/or Kuzuryuu can keep a close eye on him, it'll be fine...?? He is a SHSL after all...]
[ ACTION ]
He trusts Peko enough, though, and hands it over before tucking his arm back into the neck of the mime, then back into the sleeve. ]
They appear to be simple devices, but I buy them imported.