video; un: TIGER-STRIPED, LOCKED TO SHUTEN CLAN

[jigokumods]

[ The shot is Toraguma's desk. His sunglasses are on, so his expression is difficult to read, but the way he puffs on his cigar... kind of suggests what's going on.

On the desk in front of him is the remains of some sort of device, likely recovered from the explosion. Jiro is there as well, obviously having done his best to piece it back together and identify what it was, but it seems a conclusion has been reached... ]

The fox... She's a clever bitch, as always. She thought she could throw me off by having a mechanical bomb instead of a mystic one...

[ Toraguma gestured to Jiro, who nervously stepped forward and set down what appeared to be a ruptured container of some kind. ]

"B-but, well... she works with what she has, and it seems they used a combustion relic to cause the actual ignition. But it was tampered with. The seal on it shortened the fuse time, so..."

[ Toraguma cut him off, leaning forward ]

The fox has a spy in her house. So for now... I'm gonna let her put out her own damn fires and get my payback on this later. I don't want any of you losing track of what's ahead of us.

[ Jiro visibly swallows, stepping back and ducking his head, because he knows what's coming next. ]

"Iron Bear" is Kaneguma... my kyoudai... That means no matter what money is on the line, no matter who that Ringo girl is, it's our responsibility as the Shuten Clan to go out there and stop him. No matter what, we take care of him first... I'll deal with the fox bitch after that.

Listen up!

We've got a primary vehicle, but anyone that can ride, you're with us. We head out in two weeks. You have that much time to get ready. If you need to stay behind... so be it. But we're taking this war to Kaneguma.

[ Toraguma leaned back in his chair, once more and just... let out a heavy sigh. ]

And I'll deal with him myself. No one else touches him. Got it?


[[ooc: Characters are free to thread among themselves here. Toraguma will likely not respond unless directly addressed. Jiro may respond, as well. ]]

Comments

Berserker / Video

[bananaoni]

Kaneguma is mine and Shuten's.

[jigokumods]

No.

[ Said... remarkably calmly, given the situation. ]

No matter how similar things are, this ain't your wrong to make right.

[bananaoni]

Righting a wrong. As if I care for such things. I'm far more used to causing wrongs and discontent!

No, I'm interested in him, as is Shuten. No other reason. If you want to try and beat him, you may. But he is ours.

[And why wouldn't they be interested? Toraguma... Kaneguma... who would show up next? Hoshiguma? Ibaraki has to know and meet them.

What kind of oni leader would she be if she didn't harass her subordinates.]

[jigokumods]

No.

[ Again, remarkably calmly. But this time he adds... ]

And if you stand in my way, I'll kill you myself.

[ With that... same calmness. One could almost feel as if they suddenly stepped into icewater. ]

[bananaoni]

Then you can try! But I won't make it easy! And you are no Watanabe no Tsuna or Minamoto no Yorimitsu.

[She wrinkles her nose with a growl. A pause before more silently adding...]

...I've already seen you two die with my own eyes. All of you. Where we drank and feasted and laughed....

[jigokumods]

... Ain't no place for sentiment right now. I've got a responsibility.

[bananaoni]

And so do I! Which is why I now have to punish both of you and whoever else is hiding! Such is what you lot deserve for not giving Shuten and I a more warm welcome and celebration!

Umu...! You continue to forget yourself! He is still mine and Shuten's, just like you!

[jigokumods]

[ He's silent a moment, before finally plucking his cigar away and playing it in the ash tray. He takes off his sunglasses, and she can see it... the tiredness in his gaze, a mix of remorse, regret, and anger... ]

Nothing here is yours. This isn't your world. These aren't your men. And even if you're so similar it genuinely pains me sometimes... you're not my Ibaraki. And that Shuten is not my Shuten.

I'm gonna repeat myself... Get in my way, and I will kill you.

[bananaoni]

As if something like that would frighten me off. I will get to him, and if you get in my way of me speaking with him, then I'll just have to hand you your punishment in front of him!

...I have to.

video. un: daiginjyo.

[osake]

Ibaraki.

[ her voice is cold. cutting; dense as a descending fog in lieu of its usual thin wispiness. the response is public. speaking of righting wrongs. ]

Do not speak for me.

[bananaoni]

Ah--

[Her own mix of emotions flash. Part of her shudders at the cold words. But the more fiery part of her was in full swing now and raging with the rest of her anger. Always beneath the surface. Beaten down, deep, deep, down with the rest of her fear and confusion and everything else.

It shows in her expression even as she tries to soften it. She tried to with the boss. With Shuten, it's easier.
Still--]

-Then... speak. Shuten.

[Her expression falters. More apologetic, maybe unsure. Still peeved.]

Please.

[osake]

[ it's ok she's about to divorce her live on air. ]

I will.

[ to the the tune of "don't you worry about me." ]

And you, Ibaraki ... I didn't tell you to say any of that.

You're never going to learn, are you?

[bananaoni]

[gasp! oh noooo!!! rip fast forwardingto the next lb ho-hum...]

That's! ...No, you didn't.

[Here it comes, she's in it deep now.]

And I won't learn, or let it go or give it up!

[osake]

Oh, good. That makes things easy.

[ she says, in a sharp huff, anger in the utter dismissiveness of her words. as though she were blowing away an insect. ]

I told you before — if Toraguma decides to kill you this time, you'll deserve it. I'm not going to protect you.

Then you really won't get to see Kaneguma ... isn't that right?

[bananaoni]

Mm... maybe. I guess not. But I also won't be able to if he ends up getting himself killed!

[Or if they end up killing each other. Or he gets chased off, or... or...! A sense of growing agitation began to rise. Why is she expected to sit back like this when...!]

I don't want to lose everyone again when we're all so close together.