Jigoku-cho Network

[ 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. ]]

[ The video is the audience chamber within Mizukume. Against all odds, sitting alongside Tenkohime are Toraguma and the Daitengu, all three wearing the stains of work, the tell-tail signs of stress, sweat, and blood. Captain Shiki is there as well, standing just off to the side, looking much the same.

Before them are two chalices, and before those two tantou. Each had been made quickly, and decoration is absent entirely. They're meant to serve a very specific purpose.

Tenkohime gestures to Captain Shiki, who turns to address the camera. When she speaks, her tone is even, but stern. ]

Thanks to the efforts of Gainsboroug, Bennett, and Dyer, we've developed a means of staving off the cursed energy with specialized incense. These chalices were built to accompany them, and provide a relative safe zone of about 18 meters length.

[ She gestures at the two chalices ]

That's enough space for two steams of five to enter the tower. One heads up to the 88th floor to recover the Enma, the other heads down to the 8th Level Basement to the Containment Zone to find the source of the energy.

[ She then gestures to the two daggers ]

Jiro, of Shuten, created these from recovered Hihi'irokane. They should have the power to seal away the source, if it can be found, and stop this.

[ She steps back, the Daitengu speaking next. Their voice is calm, almost soft. ]

I'll guide the first team heading up Kaigo no Bou. I've selected Minato Suizenji, William Bonney, Hu Tao, and Cain Knightley to accompany. Our mission is to find and secure the Enma...

[ And boy, does the Daitengu have a lot of thoughts about that fact... Toraguma speaks next, his voice the usual gruffness, though clearly somewhat restrained ]

I'm leading the second team, heading in the sublevels. Felix Hugo Fraldarius, Hunter Anna, Cloud Strife, and Sergeant Andy, you're all with me!

[ Tenkohime is the last to speak, taking a small draw from her pipe and allowing herself a tired sigh before addressing the camera. ]

The rest of you, we're still securing positions and making certain is accounted and cared for. We must do our best to assure there's a city left to save, after all...

Good luck, everyone. The teams will leave first thing at midnight.

[ It's Toraguma's desk again, and he looks about as stern as last time, though when he speaks, it's less explosive than before. Rubbing at his chin, he takes a moment before speaking. ]

As expected, the Alliance announced the funeral plans. I expect you all to attend. Formal attire. If you ain't got a suit, we'll get you one.

[ But beyond that... ]

The Department's gonna give its safety clearance on the underground in a week, maybe less. We've been monitoring their inspections. Since they aren't makin' moves to put their own staff down there...

[ He looks dead in the camera, gaze narrow. ]

I want you all to clear out anyone still down there and secure the territory for the clan. We're gonna build a big gambling center down there, clean it up real nice. An underground casino where the Enma will have less reach.

Make it happen.

[ He pulls a cigarette out from his jacket pocket, taking a moment to light it before he speaks next. ]

Oh, and to the guys who spoke to Jiro-san... Keep that news of the Hihi'irokane under your fuckin' hats. I don't want word one of that getting to the street, you hear me?

You have your orders. Show your pride.

[[ ooc; Toraguma will be less responsive than his last post. This is mostly just establishing the direction for the clan for the coming month. ]]