Zaraki Nara IC:
~The Gambling Den, Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture~

Majima-san narrowed his eyes briefly at him, which Zaraki accepted in silence. His turn for speaking was, at the moment, over.

“And how did you get this one to join you, hm, Hamamoto-san? He could have had the best picks in all of Hiroshima prefecture and he went for you…You make a good point, Nara-san.”

The head of the Majima Family cleared his throat and gestured to the nearby seats before his desk. Things seemed to relax further in the room, at least for now. Zaraki also accepted this.

“Please, where are my manners, have a seat. Perhaps something to drink as well? A carafe of sake?”

He glanced around one more time, partially out of habit, and then decided to take the offered seat next to Hamamoto-san. Yomi’s Wind sat comfortably, but as always, ready to spring up at the slightest provocation. Not that he expected one currently. But one must be on the guard in the yakuza world.

Eternally.

“Sake, arigato,” he replied simply when it was his turn. Naturally, he allowed his oyabun to order first.

He gave another quiet murmur of thanks when the drinks were brought over, then waited for the next phase to begin.

“Who exactly is your contact in Hiroshima city, Hamamoto-san?”

Genta grinned, as was his won’t. For those who observed such things, they could tell he had a face built for it. Such expressions came easily to the man, giving him a certain level of charisma others might not expect.

“Akiyama-san.”

This wasn’t news to Zaraki of course, but it definitely would be Majima. The man's widening eyes proved that.

Now would be time to drink the sake, I think.

And he did, downing it quickly and efficiently just as the man on the other side of the desk blurted out his immediate response.

“Akiyama-san!? After the whole escapade before, you want to try making a clan with him again?!”

Majima-san leaned back into his chair, his cigarette practically doing the talking for him in that instant. The stress and anger at the revelation was very palpable. Zaraki kept his eyes on him calmly, but he’d be lying if there hadn’t been a part of him that wanted to glance over at Genta to see how he was taking the reaction.

“You can’t be serious, Yamamoto.”

Not a good sign. It was wise then that he chose to drink the sake when he did instead of letting its flavor linger.

“He’s changed, Majima-san. Much wiser. The two of you in this clan would surely make it extraordinary.”

Zaraki had an almost imperceptible thinning of his lips. Whether true or not, this was not a strong argument to win over anybody. Especially not at this level of a negotiation.

Majima standing up quickly, in a fit of anger, cemented this.

He waved them away right after, “Get out of my office, both of you. We’re done.”

“But-“

Nara’s sunglasses were back on and he was standing up smoothly, moving to behind his boss, sliding the chair out respectfully for him when ready.

“We’re done.”

This hadn’t gone well at all. His own words had seemed to make an impression and Hamamoto-san himself had done well with that easy charm of his in the beginning, but…a stumble at the finish line was still a defeat regardless.

They moved toward the door, Zaraki’s mind already trying to think of alternative ideas to suggest later when asked, when…

"Wait…I’ll meet him.”

Oh? They paused and looked back at Majima. Zaraki’s shades probably hiding his mild surprise at this turn. Something had caused him to give a desperate, hopeful chance after all. Either that damnable charisma of Hamamoto, resonance of his own words again, or…

“But if I see a hint of any of the idiocy I saw years ago, I’m out, and I’d advise Nara-san here to do the same.”

There was that grin again as Zaraki opened the door for him. “Excellent. To Hiroshima we go, eh?”

And just like that, his boss exited the room now suddenly in high spirits. And he should be after that unexpected save. Though that just made the next step extremely critical.

But as he turned to follow, the head of the Majima moved toward him and leaned in. Almost conspiratorially. With nothing to do about it, the former Oni let him have his say.

“Watch out for those two. They’re a danger to themselves and you.”

A slight pause on his part. Then as Majima began to leave, not intent on hearing a full response, Zaraki decided to just give another incline of the head and a curt:

“Majima-sama.”

Acknowledged was all it meant for the time being.

But danger was his life. Yet he understood the advice and filed it away mentally. For now, they were bound for Hiroshima. Within seconds, he was right back at the side of the man he had pledged to follow from here on out.

To Darkness and Light. Yin and Yang.

To the Depths of Yakuza.

Tag: Genta Hamamoto & Mikio Majima @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

Kenshi Ozunu
Soba stand, Hiroshima City

The young yakuza listened and took every word from his older counterpart in what would be a contemplative moment. He accepted his first bowl from the vendor and nodded curtly in thanks.

Kenshi’s expression had become unreadable as he now stared at Hideki.

Reflecting on Fujikawa’s words, the man had probably sensed something.

’Life plays a lot of games’

No. That was incorrect. The bomb was no game, nor the terrible aftermath of dead and dying. The occupation of their land by foreigners who viewed them as ‘small and inferior’ was no game. No, life did not play games.

People did.

This was a rare opportunity and he would not squander it.

Kenshi did not blink as he spoke next, the steam from his bowl rose up, giving his expression a somewhat dramatic effect.

Without averting his gaze, the young yakuza became acutely aware of Fujikawa holding chopsticks as he ate. For an instant, his mind went to the hidden blade inside his Jacket, feeling it with his body and mind. He visualized the sudden flash of motion that would follow, if for some reason, things became unpleasant.

Hopefully, they would not.

“Ozunu. Kenshi.”

He said his name as clearly as it was humanly possible.

“That is my name.You will call me by it. Nothing else. Or it’s all nonsensu.”

Kenshi offered Hideki a tight smile, held his gaze firmly for another moment, then simply turned to take a few bites from his bowl.

After consuming his third mouthful, happily so, he turned to the vendor.

“Wow. This IS really good.” He said honestly, nodded several times, then added: “So, heard anything interesting around these parts?” He asked, his posture and voice casual and conversational.

Guess he was choosing to play games at the moment. A choice he hoped he did not live to regret.



Tag: @The Jedi in the Pumas, @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

Hideki Fujikawa
-Soba Stand, Hiroshima City

Oh yea...This kid's got a mean streak in him.
Yea. You think we should kill him?
You're damn right I do.
What about 'We'll start a war."?
Well we've been through a war before.

Hideki chuckled aloud. At a moment that Ozunu could perceive as untimely.

Hideki chewed another mouthful of noodles and blew out some faux steam. He put a chopstick in both hands and raised them high above his head. Almost as if he was stretching, but he wasn't. He began making a "OOOFFF OOFF" Sound before turning to Ozunu. He swallowed his noodles.

"O....OH---ZU----NU...KEN-SHI" He over exaggerated the young man's name. The first crack in Kenshi's stoic and shy demeanor. Now...Now this Kenshi that was showing through the facade; this one he could work with. "O-ZU-NU-KUN? Ozunu-kun it is! No disrespect, Ozunu-kun." Hideki snapped a hand, with chopstick, across his chest and shake his head in shame. "OLD MAN!"

The old man came back to the stand area where Kenshi and Hideki were sitting. Hideki pulled out a cigarette and lit it. A large grin appeared on his face.

"My friend here says you know where some weapons are stashed."

Tag: @greyjedi125

 

IC: Kenshi Ozunu
Soba Stand, Hiroshima City

The bowl was indeed delicious and enjoyable. More to the point, it was the only thing that was enjoyable, and so it was. In fact, nothing else needed to be, for enjoyment was a luxury in the troubled world that was now modern day japan.

Kenshi could ask for little else. He had a clean bed and a roof and no longer needed to wonder if he would miss another meal. He even wore a nice tailored suit. He had his Oyabun to thank for that. That, and a missing portion of his finger.

Thus, he merely listened and enjoyed his bowl while there was still enjoyment to be had.

It would seem that he was the only one who’d bothered to adopt some of the principles found in the Book of Five Rings. That too was something he could accept, as there was little choice in the matter.

Despite the report of his ears, that Fujikawa-san had used his correct name, the older Yakuza did not afford him genuine respect, but a feigned and distorted affectation. A fact that spoke clearly for itself. That, and his inveigling of the ‘old man’ also supported this.

Takeda-san had been right, sadly.

He was, for all intents and purposes, alone in this mission. Perhaps he’d known this from the very start, but hadn’t acknowledged it….until now.

And so, he simply continued to listen and enjoy the content of his bowl.

Perhaps the ‘old man’ had a lead they could follow and perhaps not. Was it reliable? He would have to find out on his own, because he was on his own, despite having the company of a possible saboteur.

Lies were mixed with half-truths at the expense of honor and trust. And so it was. He was learning. He would adapt and survive. He would complete his mission.

Only now he came to a greater understanding of the old saying he'd heard long ago. It hadn't meant much then, but now....

’Why is the devil always smiling?’

‘Because he’s always up to no good.’

Ahh. Now, he was ready for his second bowl.



Tag: @The Jedi in the Pumas, @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

Yuriko Takadagi
The Takadagi Dojo, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture

Yuriko didn't wait for a response from Gakuto. Instead, she began to clean her house and making a mental note for what items she would need to take. She created a sign, telling people she would be closed for a while and sent them to another healer that she knew would treat them well.

After Gakuto left, she began to get serious, going into the hidden area where some of her father's older weapons were kept. A needler, strapped on her upper forearm, and some dark clothing, she removed. The needles were dipped with a paralyzer. She took an iron fan, with 6 hidden daggers she took, along with some other items. She had a thin, bambo vest and arm hands she also strapped to herself, under her robes. She knew this crazy man dealt with poisons now, so she needed to protect herself. A mixture of old and new weapons would be needed in this. A gun, she would get later, but she preferred darts and other more quiet weapons. Weapons of ninjitsu. Something her father rarely touched upon but had taught her, knowing what she might someday face. Even though the world was changing to this new age of no honor, some still held to the old ways, and its secrets.

Her other items, she hid in another spot. She knew that she might lose her home, but the weapons would be safe. Her father had planned well. He knew what looters and other dark men could bring. He had made sure that she would have something, even if the place was burned to the ground.

Whatever Gakuto would decide, Yuriko would be gone by the time the weather cleared, and when the sun rose once more. She had some time. And she needed time to think on this new threat.


Tag: @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

---
CHAPTER TWO
Armed to the Teeth
---​

The Takadagi Dojo, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

It wasn't long until Gakuto had returned from his short departure. Luckily for him, Yuriko had not yet left. The rain continued to pour down and the night was slowly crawling towards dawn. Gakuto knocked on the door once, before inviting himself in. This time, he was with another.

Toru Eguchi, Owner of "The Inn", known Yakuza


"Takadagi-san, this is Eguchi Toru-san, he owns a place called 'The Inn.' He knows the situation, and his place is the best option we have right now." Gakuto huffs, breathing heavily as he clearly sprinted to and from his destination. Toru bows low, before straightening himself and adopting a warm smile.

"An honour, Takadagi-san. I can assure you that my inn will keep this scorpion man I heard of far away. However..." he would warily say, his eyes wandering to Gakuto for a brief moment, before snapping back to Yuriko. "I think I know the man who attacked you. Not personally, but... if you did fight him off, well... I could use your help. I wouldn't ask normally, but, well, considering the circumstances I think it is fair... I will not tell you here. We need to move quickly, in case of a second attack. I believe both your's and Akiyama-sama's safety are in the utmost danger here." he said, and turned to Gakuto.

"Akiyama-sama trusts this man well, Takadagi-san. There is a route I know of that will get us to the Inn quickly and quietly. That should avoid us bumping into the scorpion man tonight. Are you ready to go?" he asks Yuriko, a high sense of urgency in his voice.

@Ktala (possible combo)

Unknown Location, Hiroshima Prefecture

Hamamoto, Majima, and Zaraki had all quietly slipped out of the Gambling Den, shortly after Majima had left one of his family in charge. The three took Majima's car into the ruins of Hiroshima city, cutting through the city, and trundling back into the countryside. They stayed mostly quiet throughout the journey, before stopping off at a small camp in the middle of nowhere. A small traditional japanese home, tumbling down on the outside, lay ahead of them, with a few tents and a campfire just before it.

"This is it." Hamamoto announced with a wide grin, turning to Majima and Zaraki with a smile. "You are about to meet Akiyama-san! Be nice, he was shot by some Hada punk recently... He's fine though, some doc in the ruins helped him out. He only got here recently. Apparently he was hidin' there for a while. Anyway! Let's go..." Hamamoto pressed forward, walking briskly towards the house. He stopped, and waved to a man who stepped outside after seeing their arrival. He clutched a walking stick and was followed by two sharply dressed men.

Yuta Akiyama, Head of the Akiyama Family


"Akiyama-san, old friend! Look at you, beard and all now!" Hamamoto yelled, with Akiyama wincing.

"You were always too loud, Hamamoto. I only have this monstrosity because I have not been able to shave in weeks now. I am in dire need of a trim and haircuit." Akiyama chuckled, shuffling towards the three. He narrowed his eyes, looking at Majima and Zaraki.

"Majima... It is good to see you old friend..." Akiyama said with slight hesitation. "And then this must be the Nara Zaraki-san, one of the old Oni's, eh? An honour..." Akiyama mumbled, giving only a short bow to avoid strain.

"So..." he said, leaning on his walking stick and looking to the three. "It's finally happening. The clan we always wanted. Can't say it's in good times though..." grumbled Akiyama, before hawking up a mouthful of phlegm and spitting out to the side. You two step inside, I must talk to you in private..." he said, before turning and shuffling back inside his home. Hamamoto nodded to Zaraki, giving him the OK to stay outside.

"Keep a watch out, eh?" he asked, before hurrying inside with Majima.

-

He was outside for about twenty minutes before a man near him dressed in a shirt and trousers peered down the road.

"That car has been sitting there for a while now... I wonder if it's trouble." he murmured, before deciding to check the vehicle. As he walked down towards it, Hamamoto, Majima, and Akiyama stepped outside. In that moment the car sped forward, darting past the man who was walking towards it.

It screeched to a halt, before a window was rolled down and a hand appeared from it. A gun emptied it's clip towards the three, before darting off as soon at it had came. Majima and Hamamoto sprinted to their car, before Hamamoto yelled out.

"Zaraki, with me, we're going after them!"

@Darth_Elu

The Soba Stand, Outskirts of Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

The old man chuckled to himself, steadying himself on the counter so as not to fall over.

"Y'know, the quality of Yakuza has gotten lower since my day. Bah, it's all doom and gloom or, whatever your doing." he said, waving his hand in the direction of Hideki. "Himura clan send ya? Bah, they always send rookies my way. You know, if not for me, they wouldn't know about this stash. Or at least, not as soon anyway." The old man grumbled, before ducking down under the counter and taking out a handful of rolled up papers. He dropped them to the counter with a clatter, before grabbing one and unfurling it out, running his hands across the corners to stop it curling back into a cylinder.

"Now, you want to be heading to this place right here." He said, jabbing his forefinger at a small square in the rough map he had just revealed. "This map gives ya information on the ruins of Hiroshima. Ya wanna not stray too far off the path I drew out for you though." he murmured, pointing to a red line scribbled onto the paper. "Ya go too far off you risk walking into some heavily irradiated area. Wouldn't be good for ya health. I'd suggest stoppin' off at this place called 'The Inn.' Buddy of mine there can get you what you really need, a pair of fake IDs. They can get you past the gaijin guarding the camp where, wait for it, they are hidin' a ton of guns." he said with a flourish of his hand.

"Well, whatchya think of that plan, eh?" he asked the two.

@greyjedi125 @The Jedi in the Pumas

Hiroshima Train Station, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Hiroto Hattori, given his chance at keeping his Yakuza family alive, now stood at the Hiroshima train station. While much of the city was destroyed, it was impressive how they managed to get the trains running again and some of the buildings rebuilt in such a short amount of time. The city was still licking its wounds, but it was recovering.

Ahead of him, a man stepped from the station building. An old friend of Hiroto's, Azuma Date.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Hattori-san! I was wondering when I would see my old friend. Wow, hasn't been since before the war that we last saw each other, if I recall correctly... How have you been?! Still messing around with the big scary Yakuza?" he teased. Date had a cigarette in hand and was dressed in a dark blue pinstriped suit. He had done well, as expected for someone who did financial work for the Yakuza. Somehow, he had managed to quickly climb the ranks of the Hada clan, earning him a place as a valued member of the large syndicate.

"I hear you've been having quite a bit of trouble... I suppose you need me to give you a loan?" he jested, tilting his head at Hiroto.

@Shadowsun

 

Yuriko Takadagi
The Takadagi Dojo, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture

Yuriko was close to leaving when Gakuto had returned. He had knocked on the door once and then had come in. He had someone with him. He was not nervous as Yuri had been, so Yuriko relaxed her stance. "Takadagi-san, this is Eguchi Toru-san, he owns a place called 'The Inn.' He knows the situation, and his place is the best option we have right now." Gakuto huffs, breathing heavily as he clearly sprinted to and from his destination. Toru bows low, before straightening himself and adopting a warm smile. Yuriko gave a respectful response to his greeting, as the man spoke.

"An honour, Takadagi-san. I can assure you that my inn will keep this scorpion man I heard of far away. However..." he would warily say, his eyes wandering to Gakuto for a brief moment, before snapping back to Yuriko. "I think I know the man who attacked you. Not personally, but... if you did fight him off, well... I could use your help. I wouldn't ask normally, but, well, considering the circumstances I think it is fair... I will not tell you here. We need to move quickly, in case of a second attack. I believe both your's and Akiyama-sama's safety are in the utmost danger here." he said, and turned to Gakuto.

Yuriko kept her face neutral as she looked back at Gakuto. She frowned slightly as Gakuto spoke then. "Akiyama-sama trusts this man well, Takadagi-san. There is a route I know of that will get us to the Inn quickly and quietly. That should avoid us bumping into the scorpion man tonight. Are you ready to go?" he asks her. Yuriko did not like how this sounded at all. He must know that she was not Yakuza. And that she would not deal with anything that had to do with killing anyone. But at the moment, even she had to agree this was not the time to argue such things. "I am ready to go. But believe me, we will DISCUSS things once we reach a safe place." with that said, she gestured ready to follow the others as she slug a small satchel across her back.


Tag: @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

Zaraki Nara IC:
~Meeting Place, Hiroshima Prefecture~

As with the two heads, Zaraki had stayed quiet on the car ride to their designated meeting area in Hiroshima. This suited him just fine. Kept things simple. And while he remained alert, as always, he allowed his mind to wander. Just a little.

His eyes took in the ruins of the city from that fateful bombing. Reckoning more like. He let it remind him of everything that was destroyed in that attack. Here and in Nagasaki. Not just for Japan, but also selfishly for himself.

Like so many others, his future had gone up in that blast. His golden ticket out of the life of the yakuza, out of the shadows and into the light. How blinded he would have been at first, but oh how he would have bathed in it by the end. Zaraki’s shades now could almost reflect the theoretical radiance his soul would have exuded.

I was nothing. A demon. Yet I survived. Hear me now and know the blessings I have received, so I may impart them to you.

Then came August 6th, 1945. Followed by August 9th.

He closed his eyes, almost in a wince he kept hidden from the others in the vehicle.

No, the darkness had whispered, We’re not done with you, Zaraki. Not now. Not ever. You belong to me.

Asami. Her life had been turned upside down whereas his had simply receded. It was much worse for her. All he could do was cling to their enduring relationship. And this world that kept them as safe as it kept them chained.

“This is it.”

A small traditional home, tumbling down partly on the outside, with a few tents and campfire in front. An inconspicuous meeting place, to be sure.

“You are about to meet Akiyama-san! Be nice, he was shot by some Hada punk recently…He’s fine though, some doc in the ruins helped him out. He only got here recently. Apparently he was hiding’ there for a while. Anyway! Let’s go…”

Naturally, Zaraki gave his curt professional nod and exited the vehicle ahead of them, holding the door open for the two distinguished gentlemen. Shutting the door after they had passed, he took another glance around (spotting a suspicious car a ways off which he mentally noted), then turned to follow the two Heads as he heard pleasantries being exchanged.

"Akiyama-san, old friend! Look at you, beard and all now!” Classic Hamamoto-san.

Akiyama Yuta-san was indeed in poor shape, though improving, as his walking stick and stance showed.

“You were always too loud, Hamamoto. I only have this monstrosity because I have not been able to shave in weeks now. I am in dire need of a trim and haircut.”

He wouldn’t say it aloud, but Zaraki privately agreed. Not that he blamed the man for his circumstances.

“Majima…It is good to see you old friend…” There was that hesitation. That old history between the two of them that had been briefly touched on back at the Gambling Den. It was almost painful to see Akiyama visibly do his best to push through that gap.

This was when the man looked at him. Here was his customary recognition he had earned from even the Heads whenever he was around and was beginning to learn when it was about to happen.

“And then this must be the Nara Zaraki-san, one of the old Oni’s, eh? An honor…”

Zaraki returned the bow and offered a simple: “Akiyama-sama. An honor for me.”

With that out of the way, it was time to start business once more. Pleasantries never did last long.

“So…It’s finally happening. The clan we always wanted. Can’t say it’s in good times though…”

Akiyama then proceeded to have a terrible coughing fit at this point and the elite bodyguard did his best to remain respectful by looking away from the scene till he was done.

“You two step inside, I must talk to you in private…”

Only natural. Now that this was turning into a potential clan matter, even he wouldn’t have the importance of sitting in that meeting. Not for the most crucial details. He stepped to the side, but paused when Hamamoto-san looked back at him.

“Keep a watch out, eh?”

“Of course, Hamamoto-sama.” A small incline of the head and then he took his post not far from the house.

One of the other guards, one of Akiyama’s, was peering intently down the road about twenty minutes later. Staring at what Zaraki had been doing the whole time as well.

“That car has been sitting there for a while now…” Here, Zaraki finally allowed a frown to become visible. His expression hardening.

“I wonder if it’s trouble.”

“Don’t,” he tried to warn the man, “You’re telling me it’s not one of yours?”

But he didn’t bother to reply, just kept going to check it out. The fool! If it was trouble and he didn’t die in the coming moments, it was likely because it would target…

The sound of the door opening came, and Zaraki quickly turned his head to see the head trio coming out. The car sped up. Zaraki heard that clearly as well, his head snapping around a second time to judge the speed and distance. His body however was turning to the three.

“Get inside or get down!” the veteran yakuza roared as he waved one hand and the other began reaching for his gun.

Car turned, window rolled down, and an enemy firearm appeared just as expected. By this point he was maneuvering himself to be in the line of fire, while already begin to take some shots of his own. They bit into the metal of the door instead.

Damn it!

Thankfully, their aim wasn’t as good either and missed all of them. They were wise to not try again but simply race away. Thing was…

“Zaraki, with me, we’re going after them!”

They wouldn’t just let them leave.

“Coming!” He yelled and within moments was in the car with Majima and Hamamoto; already reloading his own weapon and then rolling down a window of their own. He was on a single knee, ready to spring at any second.

As they sped after the mysterious assailants, Zaraki held tightly onto his gun in his left hand, his right rested upon the hilt of his sword…

All they had to do was get him close that car. If they could do that, he was determined to take care of the rest on his own. This was why Hamamoto brought him in after all. It was time he proved exactly how much of a bargain the young man got.

Tag: Hamamoto, Majima, Foolish Assassin-Wannabes @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

Hideki Fujikawa
-Soba Stand, Hiroshima City

Drinking his water with one eyebrow raised, Hideki nodded at the old man. He was the contact and had maps laid out in front of them. Hideki's military training was activated as he analyzed the map. He was looking for ambush points, points where a trap could be set, and most importantly, where the old man had indicated the American camp. So the weapons were actually in the camp and not in a warehouse, as he had previously assumed. That would complicate matters. A warehouse only had certain points of entry and ample opportunities for cover. A campsite, even without having seen the buildings or layout, was specifically designed to be wary of invaders and provided little cover and a mass concentration of troops.

It appeared, at least for the moment, that this tip was good. Ozunu seemed to be paying close attention as well, meaning that he likely did not have previous knowledge of the exact whereabouts of the weapon cache. They would need each other then, as this was not showing the signs of a set up but an actual operation.

Hideki stood and swiped the map off the table.

"Arigato, Old man. I'll be taking this." Hide rolled the map up. "It's not much of a plan, and we're going to need a truck. This INN contact, how long will these IDs take? You know they think we all look alike anyway."

Tag: @greyjedi125 @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

IC: Kenshi Ozunu
Soba Stand, Hiroshima City

Kenshi politely ignored the old man’s deprecating comments. After being exposed to Hideki, the old man’s words were easily rendered moot. A ‘has-been’ blowing hot air, but apparently still useful to a degree.

For a moment, Kenshi felt a rush of alarm surge through him when the old man opened the maps right there in public. He was about to protest, but managed to catch himself. Hideki and the old man were ‘acting normal’, therefore his actions would have drawn the same unwanted attention he was trying to avoid; so, Kenshi forced himself to ‘play along’. Of course, he would have much preferred to conduct this sort of business at a secure location.

This detail was beyond his control.

Needless to say, Kenshi studied the map as he listened to the old man speak of his plan. His eyes grew wide for a second at the word ‘irradiated’- as in radioactivity? Like the bombing!? That definitely couldn't good, not at all. However, Fake ID’s sounded like a good idea.

Silently, Kenshi eyed Hideki as he pocketed the maps and pertinent info. Oh, now he was interested in the mission, or simply pretending -and just continuing with his mind games. Most probably the latter. Still, it remained to be seen if the Akiyama clansman would now try to control the information solely for his personal ends.

With each passing moment, it became crystal clear to Kenshi, that this situation would need reporting. Already there were too many variables.

For now, he would have to play things cool.

“So, who should we ask for at this ‘Inn’ and where is it exactly?”

He asked, requiring a bit more specific information.


Tag: @The Jedi in the Pumas, @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

Hiroto Hattori
Hiroshima Train Station, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Hiroto breathed in the arid smoke, a distant echo to the powerhouse that had been Imperial Japan. Hiroto stepped off the train, found a nearby bench, and sat. He watched the people come and go, a husband, a wife, a cop, children playing along the station, it was almost normal. Almost. The city still cried out in pain, desolate and torn.

Finally, a man stepped off the platform, slim, young, cigarette in hand with a devilish glint in his eye, no mistaking it, this was Azuma Date.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Hattori-san! I was wondering when I would see my old friend. Wow, hasn't been since before the war that we last saw each other, if I recall correctly... How have you been?! Still messing around with the big scary Yakuza?"

Hiroto had missed his childhood friend having not seen him since the war began. He tilled his head slightly, ignoring Azuma’s jab and replied

“It is good to see you, old friend. We have much to discuss”

Azuma’s wealth was no secret, he had been a life long financier of the Yakuza, taking over for his father when he died in the war.

"I hear you've been having quite a bit of trouble... I suppose you need me to give you a loan?"

Hiroto sighed, he did not enjoy putting himself in a place of weakness like this, even if it was with an old friend. Debts were never a good thing in the Yakuza unless you were the loaner. With baited breath Hiroto spoke:

”Indeed Date-san, You are aware that my family, the great Hattori family has lost much of its influence and power. My fool of a father refuses to allow the clan to grow and has allowed it to stay in stagnation. A recent opportunity has presented itself. I need to put together a crew, rebuild the family but I have no funding or connections…other than you my friend.”

Hiroto looked to his friend, he knew the chances this money would be 'free' would be unlikely. Simply paying the money back would not be enough.

TAG: @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

Unknown Location, Hiroshima Prefecture

Majima fumbled with the car keys, hurriedly starting the car and slamming his foot down as the car lurched forward, darting into a high speed as they followed the car ahead of them, a pitch-black Toyota AC. Hamamoto let out a nervous chuckle as he loaded his FN Model 1910, watching the car ahead of them with apprehension.

As they drew closer, a man appeared from the window of the Toyota AC and fired several rounds at them. One round slammed into the left headlight of the vehicle, another missed, and the third shattered through the window shield, the round lodging itself in Majima's seat, missing him by centimetres. He stared at the whole for a second, before looking at Hamamoto, wide-eyed.

"They're not kidding around!" he yelled, before he accelerated even further and yelled for the two of them to begin firing. Hamamoto peeked out from his window, emptying his clip at the car, missing with most of the shots until he managed to graze the man whom had just shot at them. Hamamoto ducked back into the relative safety of the car, reloading the gun with shaking hands. Majima turned to Zaraki, beads of sweat running down his face.

"Think you can try and knock them off course?" he asked, as they drew closer to the Toyota.

@Darth_Elu

Hiroshima Train Station, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Date offered Hiroto a smile, before turning and motioning for him to follow.

"Of course I'll help you out, old friend. Your timing seems to coincide well with a little hint I've been given by a friend." Azuma remarks, strolling through the station, sliding through a crowd and arriving at the front to see Date's car, a chauffeur waiting by the doors.

"Listen, I can throw you a bone. Slide some cash your way even, but for a crew you'd need to call in whatever remains of your family. If your old man will let you, of course." Azuma informed, as the red embers of his cigarette drew closer to his fingers. He dropped it to the ground and extinguished it with his heel.

"It's not gonna be easy, Hiro-san. Things aren't like the old days. The war, the bomb... Everyone's changed. People have seen stuff. You have to fight with tooth and claw if you wanna make it." He finished, stepping towards the car and giving a nod to the chauffeur who quickly moved to open the door for him.

Date slides into the back of the car, and waits for Hiroto to join him, lighting another cigarette.

@Shadowsun

The Soba Stand, Outskirts of Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

The old man took out a smoking pipe and filled it with tobacco, slipping a box of matches from his pocket and lighting it. He took a few puffs before answering them.

"His name is Iwata Bunjiro. Tell him old Ito sent you." he remarked, the smoke from his pipe curling into the air. He jabs a finger down on the rough map, landing on a small square fairly close to where they were now. "That's where the Inn is. I'll call the owner and tell him ya coming."

Ito clears his throat, before holding his hand out as if expecting some gift.

"I can tell ya how long those ID's will take, and how you can speed up the process, for a price" he says with a wink, waggling his fingers as he expected some yen to fall into his palm.

@greyjedi125 @The Jedi in the Pumas

The Inn, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

The journey to the inn had been largely uneventful, but a tense, uneasy feeling still plagued the trip through the night. At any moment, the wrong person could have appeared from the corner and gunned them down. This wasn't some search for Akiyama that could be dealt with easily. The man after him was a trained killer, and knew what he was doing. He hadn't expected to go up against another trained swordsman, however.

Yuriko had inadvertently involved herself in a matter that was much larger than any of the three heading towards the Inn realized. After all, this 'Sasori' was armed to the teeth, so it was assumed he didn't want to simply share a cup of tea with Akiyama.

Calling the Inn a building was an overstatement. The establishment was comprised mostly of loose sheets of metal, tarp, and rubble. Toru pulled a curtain of tarp to one side, clearly acting as a door, and stepped inside the glorified tent.

It was a cramped space, with a long corridor running through the center of the structure, with a few makeshift rooms branching off on the sides. The walls were built from old bricks and crumpled sheets of metal. Tarp sheets hung over each of the doorways of the Inn, acting as a small cover of privacy, despite the holes and open patches in the loose walls.

"This is it." Toru said simply, looking to Gakuto and Yuriko. "It's not much, but to a few it's home. Back there..." he turns, pointing to the only door in the place, which sat at the end of the corridor. "Is the common room. We have a few drinks and can whip up something to eat, but this is the safest place we can offer you, although it doesn't look like it."

"I don't want you to pay to stay here, but like I said. It won't be free. The offer is simple, I need you to find someone. There's only one Yakuza clan that would go after Akiyama right now. The Hada. You find the guy who wants him, you can clear your name from this scorpion man. I'm not asking you to kill, but with your skills you seem more capable to finding this guy than any of my boys. If they manage to snuff Akiyama, or whatever the plan with him, its trouble for me, you and a bunch of others trying to make a life in these ruins." He remarks, before looking Yuriko in the eye.

"Are you able to do this? If not for me, for your own safety?"

@Ktala

 

Yuriko Takadagi
The Inn, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

The journey to the inn had been largely uneventful. While Yuriko was wary, she was sure that the crazy man would not attack immediately. He had his own wounds to lick. But she had no doubt that he would show up eventually. Yuriko sighed deeply. This was something she was not wanting to be involved with. But seldom do we get what we want. When they reached the Inn, Yuriko did a double-take at Gakuto.

This place is a dump! She had not expected much, but this was even less than that. Comprised mostly of loose sheets of metal, tarp, and rubble. Toru pulled a curtain of tarp to one side, clearly acting as a door, and stepped inside the glorified tent. Cramped. Rooms haphazardly placed. The walls were built from old bricks and crumpled sheets of metal. Tarp sheets hung over each of the doorways of the Inn, acting as a small cover of privacy, despite the holes and open patches in the loose walls. "This is it." Toru said simply, looking to Gakuto and Yuriko. He then finished off his statement, by calling it 'the safest place we can offer you.' Yuriko kept a very neutral face, but she slowly crossed her arms. The gajiin hotel was beginning to sound reasonable to her. The need to hide she understood. And hiding in a wary spot, she understood. But this? How was this safe? The man Toru continued.

"I don't want you to pay to stay here, but like I said. It won't be free. The offer is simple, I need you to find someone. There's only one Yakuza clan that would go after Akiyama right now. The Hada. You find the guy who wants him, you can clear your name from this scorpion man. I'm not asking you to kill, but with your skills, you seem more capable to finding this guy than any of my boys. If they manage to snuff Akiyama, or whatever the plan with him, its trouble for me, you and a bunch of others trying to make a life in these ruins." He remarks, before looking Yuriko in the eye. "Are you able to do this? If not for me, for your own safety?"

Yuriko looked from Toru to Gakuto. She took a few long moments to compose her thoughts. "Already, I have saved the man. I asked for nothing, but instead, I had an assassin at my door. I looked for a safe place, but now you ask me to go find..no hunt someone down I do not know. And do what, once I find them? Of course, that is, while I must worry about the dog trying to finish his task at the same time." Yuriko looked at both of them. "I don't know what groups are where. I have no knowledge of such things." She looked at Toru directly. "You say you do not wish me to kill, but what am I supposed to do, IF I somehow managed to find him? Smile sweetly, and hope he does not simply shoot me?" Yuriko shook her head. "Clear my name? From what little I saw, the dog is insane. He would not care if his master tells him otherwise!" Yuriko was feeling a bit insulted, and tired, and drained. This was not as she expected at all.

Yuriko, brings her hand to the bridge of her nose, feeling as if a terrible headache was bothering her. She sighed deeply. She looked at Toru and bowed respectfully. "Forgive me. It has been a long night, and my nerves are still on edge." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "Perhaps, after a bit of sleep, we can work something out. My skills are as a healer. But perhaps something can be gained." she added respectfully.



Tag: @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

Zaraki Nara IC:
~Unknown Area, Hiroshima Prefecture~

Zaraki could only wait until they got close enough and the enemy stopped shooting. To stick his head out at this point would serve nothing. They weren’t close enough to shoot accurately! He only prayed that Majima could drive fast and well.

He heard Hamamoto’s nervous chuckle as well next to him. Once this was over, he’d have to get more used to this sort of thing. Though hopefully not on the front lines. An oyabun should be protected at all costs, not recklessly thrown into the fighting. But they were at an improvised stage right now, so winging it was their only option.

The assailant began to fire back at them, showcasing that they were now in range. Unfortunate they struck first. Fortunate that no major damage was done. They lost a headlight and the window shield and that was it. One did strike the driver’s seat, nearly getting their driver and potential major ally. That one could have been bad. But in the end, it wasn’t. Such simple observances mattered in this world. Shrug it off and keep moving. He and Hamamoto exchanged a glance, but Nara Zaraki only stared at the pursued car.

“They’re not kidding around!”

No one ever was. Not in this life.

Zaraki leaned out of the window just as Majima told them to start firing and that was exactly what he did, alternating shots with Hamamoto. His boss might not have been thinking that, but he was doing it deliberately. It kept the other person from returning fire longer as well as giving them more chances to just plain kill them. In fact, his oyabun even grazed the man. Better than he had done up to that point. Not bad.

Hamamoto began to load frantically while he was still leaning out the window, having not quite spent his full clip yet.

“Think you can try and knock them off course?”

“More than that,” he replied curtly.

He wasn’t through his full clip yet because he was in a position to take a few more seconds to aim his shots better, so wasn’t going at a machine gun pace.

Right there. Both rear tires. He squeezed off his last few shots to blow them out, putting this to an end real quickly. Barring that, it’d force them to swerve down a little and slow. And if they slowed…

His gun was in its holster and Zaraki was actually swinging himself out the window and onto their speeding car’s roof. As he came to a firm stop there, his blade was already sliding out of its sheath in a smooth, practiced motion. This likely stunned his companions inside, but there was no time to assure them. Every second counted.

“Keep going!” he roared over the speed-born wind as he exited the window.

Once atop with a metallic clunk, he crouched down on one knee again, his katana now out and ready for blood. Yomi’s Wind wasn’t kidding around either and he had earned his title for a reason. Time to show the Yakuza Underworld he hadn’t dulled since he had ‘disappeared.’ This wasn’t the first time he had pulled off this coming stunt, as crazy as that sounds.

He was back. And they would all feel it, whether through the soon-to-be deceased’s acts of death or through the ripples this event would likely set off when the others heard of it. And they would. Word traveled unnaturally quick in the shadows. Always did. Didn’t matter how.

The moment that slowed vehicle had dipped to its furthest point back, where they were either parallel or close to it, right before they shot ahead again…

He would jump, his katana flashing and coat flapping outward and behind him like the cloak of death it metaphorically had become.

CRAAAANGGG!!!! CLUUUUNNNK!!!!

These would be the hopeful sounds of a man now landing upon his prey, blade downward to pierce the roof in a way to anchor him. From here. They were his.

They were already dead, they just didn’t know it yet.

Tag: Majima, Hamamoto, & Zaraki’s Prey @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

IC: Kenshi Ozunu
Soba Stand, Hiroshima City

“Iwata Bunjiro…Old Ito…” Kenshi murmured, as he repeated the names to himself, memorizing them for later use. The shop keeper lit his pipe and smoked liberally before them. Kenshi ignored it for the most part. Let the Old Man enjoy his vices while he was still able.

Young Ozunu payed close attention when the Old Man pointed out the location of the Inn on the map. Kenshi wasn’t completely unfamiliar with the area, since as a thief, he probably pick-pocketed drunken patron on their way back there. That life suddenly seemed so distant, almost as if it happened to someone else. Kenshi forced himself not to think of his missing finger.

Old Ito spoke of calling ahead to inform the Inn that he and Hideki were on their way, to which he nodded in agreement.

Then the Old Man tried to bribe them.

Kenshi regarded him for a moment, then went into his pocket.

“That was some good soba, old man.”

Kenshi placed some money on the table. It was exactly the amount needed to pay for himself and Hideki’s meal, since the Akiyama enforcer was currently a temporary guest of the Himura Family.

“If there are any delays...” Kenshi began, then thought better of it. “No, if the operation fails because of delays, I would have no other choice but to reveal to my oyabun your duplicity and treachery, however unintended. That would be a shame.”

Kenshi leveled a dark gaze at the smoking old man. He was not amused. But that lasted for only a moment as he waved away some of the smoke from his face with his gloved hand, then coughed to the side. He chuckled and offered a tight smile, as if his mood had lightened, when it truth it had not. It was all for show.

He paused for a moment, before adding.

"If we succeed however, there might be something in it for you. So, I guess you'll just have to make a choice. Really good soba by the way."

Kenshi straightened his attire with icy calm before speaking again.

“Sayonara.” He offered with a curt bow.

It was time to move on and find the Inn. Young Ozunu did not appreciate the attempted extortion, but this was business as usual, he understood that much. Still, he did not like it. His mother and his father would both be ashamed. But neither were alive to recriminate their wayward son.

"You coming Hideki?" He said without looking back after taking a few steps. "...and bring the map."



Tag: @Master Vo'Un'Var , @The Jedi in the Pumas

 

Hiroto Hattori
Hiroshima Train Station, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Hiroto was partially pleased that Azuma was willing to help him. Still, he did not enjoy being put into a position of weakness but given the circumstances...
He knew he would have to call in on some of his old friends and allies, call in some old favors from back in the day. It would be hard rebuilding the family but what choice did he have? His father was not going to do it, the spineless fool. And his uncle, well his uncle was dead.

Hiroto entered the car in after Azuma, pulling out a cigarette of his own. He knew times had changed, the war had changed everything. But Hiroto was going to be the new change. He wanted to usher in a new age for the Yakuza.

To Hiroto it was a question or a hypothetical whether he would rebuild the family or not, for him it was a simple fact. He breathed in deeply, sucking in the fumes so they would fill his lungs.

"Date-san, where are you taking me? It better not be that rat-hole we used to drink at." teased Hiroto. Even if it was Hiroto was sure that he came prepared for any misfortunate he may encounter.

TAG: @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

The Soba Stand, Outskirts of Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

The Old Man let out a short chuckle before rolling his eyes. He gave a short simple nod in farewell, staying in his spot and puffing out great clouds of smoke as he watched Kenshi and Hideki leave.

They would have to walk the rest of the way to the Inn. It would be fairly short, but still left them in the open. Rubble and dust would greet them, with the occasional abandoned vehicle. It was a nightmarish picture, but there was a small ounce of hope ahead of them. Camp fires, dotted around the ruins. Efforts of construction. Hope that could make them believe they would recover from this. Return stronger than before.

Old lanes, cracked and covered with rocks, still had some life. Tired travelers trudging onward. Continuing their lives, no matter how much they had changed.

@The Jedi in the Pumas @greyjedi125

The Inn, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Toru sighed, and gave a small nod in understanding.

"You are right. I have no right to ask you to do this. But, if what I was told was true, we are intruding on something greater than we thought..."

He looked around briefly, before pointing to several different areas of the ramshackle inn.

"There, there and there I have men armed with guns to act if anyone was to try and 'find' someone here. This place is a lot safer than you think. You see an old man outside smoking a pipe? He works for me. Everyone here who looks harmless can save your life. You do not have to go after this man, but stay here as payment for saving Akiyama-sama."

Toru turned finally to Gakuto, clearing his throat.

"Gakuto-kun. Go to Akiyama-sama and tell him this. The Scorpion? It is a symbol of the Himura." He said simply, before turning and walking towards the common room of the inn.

@Ktala

Hiroshima Train Station, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

"I'm taking you to a Hada-owned place. A small gambling joint not far from here. Dice and mahjong. There, I have a friend who can help you out." Date remarked, his eyes fixed on the scenery outside the window.

"There's apparently some weapons cache here in Hiroshima. All American stuff. You sold that on the black market you'd be the richest family in Japan."

He yawned, stretching and leaning back.

"I can get you the people you need to grab it. In return? I ask for one crate of weapons."

@Shadowsun

Unknown Location, Hiroshima Prefecture

The car ahead of them slowed down as the back tires were quickly shot out by Zaraki. His previous shots had failed to find a target, but Zaraki had already leapt onto the roof.

"What the hell, Nara?!" Hamamoto yelled out, as Majima's eyes widened even more and sweat continued to drip down his brow.

Zaraki's Katana slid through the thin sheet of metal that was the roof of the other car. The inhabitants screamed, and from the car their very frightened conversation could be heard.

"He's just stabbed Akio in the head!" One yelled.

The car swerved, and slid off the road, skidding and heading full speed towards a large tree.

@Darth_Elu

 

Zaraki Nara IC:
~Unknown Location, Hiroshima Prefecture~

The sound and feel of the sword’s purchase into the car’s roof was one of bloody bliss to him. It was greeted by a phrase that made Zaraki smile inwardly, though his face remained neutral to any who actually saw it.

“He’s just stabbed Akio in the head!”

An unexpected bonus and already, there he was. Yomi’s Wind back at work. The car swerved almost immediately after his landing and deadly revelation. He had been expecting this, it was one of the reasons he had stabbed downward. In fact, it was his main reason. Killing one of the enemy in the same move was actually only a secondary objective in that instant.

But not anymore. That goal, much to their misfortune, was now his primary one. Their statement told him that there were at least three individuals inside. Were. Now there was at least two. The possibility of another was present and he was ready for it.

Now that his sword was in place, he held on and leaned his body where he needed to keep his placement. Glancing quickly to see where they were headed, he noticed the incoming tree. Well, that would make this nice and efficient then.

The speed they were traveling at, plus the timing of his jump made it highly unlikely they would avoid the natural obstacle. Impossible, quite likely. He stayed on the car just long enough to make sure it wouldn’t be avoided, before already moving to unsheathe the blade from the roof and jump off to the side.

Thanks to the tree, he didn’t have to do much this time around. It seemed the jump itself would do most of the work.

As he leaped, he tucked into a nice roll on the ground. The impact hurt of course, but he had endured much, much worse in his time…and plus he was prepared for it which made all the difference. Coming up quickly out of it, he spun on his heel and located the first enemy whom he assumed would also be forced to abandon the vehicle for their own safety.

Immediately after coming out of the spin, he would throw his katana as if it was always meant to be a projectile, impaling them in lethal fashion as his other hand pulled out his handgun. The moment the sword left his hands, he would already be reloading his gun at lightning speed, and aiming wherever he needed to. This whole action was pure instinct and raw, terrifying experience empowering his attacks.

From here, he waited to see if any others managed to evacuate the vehicle before it struck the tree. If not, he’d begin to move toward it casually though with gun raised and ready to dodge if need be. If so, he’d swiftly shoot to kill one enemy but keep another alive if possible. The one he’d target to be alive he’d aim for the legs to incapacitate them and would preferably be the driver, though Fate would choose whom it would be.

Of course, it was equally likely that none of them escaped the car in time and all died in the imminent crash…that would be unfortunate, for having one being left to talk was optimal. And only one was required for that. But if they all died, so be it.

Either way, Death Incarnate was looming down upon them and there was nothing they could do about it.

As for Hamamoto-san and Majima-san? Well, hopefully they wouldn’t need to do anything else at this juncture except pick him and possibly a captive up. They were to become bosses and should allow themselves to become used to seeing the ones meant to do the killing, do just do that.

In the back of his mind, he wryly wondered if they had had any idea what they (mainly Hamamoto) got themselves into when they brought him aboard.

Tag: Hamamoto, Majima, Poor Souls Before Zaraki @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

IC: Kenshi Ozunu
Outskirts of Hiroshima City

The walk to the Inn technically was not a long walk, but to Kenshi, it was near unbearable trek.

He did his best as he walked, not to look at the ruins, the camp fires. Try as he might, he could not keep his mind from seeing it. Or hearing her voice calling out to him, calling his name. He hadn’t been there. No, he had been away, getting medicine. Why else would he leave? How could he have known. About the bomb. The American Bomb. He could only imagine it, how she died, sick and alone, consumed by the fire- screams drown by roaring flames.

He couldn’t stop himself from seeing her; his mother.

Kenshi’s face darkened considerably as he struggled with these unbidden images; even as he walked in silence, he was barely aware of Hideki.

The war had claimed his father first, then his mother later. They were both lost in the fires of war. He had been left alone to crushing despair. An honor student turned petty thief in order to survive. Oh, how he hated them:

The Americans.

If he could, he would do it; he would kill them all.

Kenshi shivered against his will, emotion taking hold of him suddenly, but he caught it. Stopped it. He could not allow it to get out, to be seen by anyone. So he thought about his finger. His missing finger. About how he would have been beaten to death with a bat. Yes, yes...that was better.

A heavy sigh left young Ozunu’s lips and his body heaved with relief. For a moment, he clenched his gloved left hand

He had no bodies to bury, so he would need to create honorary shrines- soon.

For now, they had arrived. It was time to do business. The Inn was just several steps before them and he would need all his wits about him. Despite the ruins, the chaos and the constant shift of local power, Kenshi vowed that he would survive.

He owed that to his parents. He owed it to himself.



Tag: @The Jedi in the Pumas, @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

Yuriko Takadagi
The Inn, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Yuriko was rather relieved when the man sighed and gave her a small nod.
"You are right. I have no right to ask you to do this. But, if what I was told was true, we are intruding on something greater than we thought..."

Yuriko's eyes looked over towards Gakuto, wondering what Toru meant. He then pointed out several places around them and explained to her that he had men hidden with guns in those spots, just in case someone came looking. Now she was impressed a bit. She had seen nothing. That was a start. But still, she saw flaws. When Toru turned back to Gakuto, Yuriko looked as well.

"Gakuto-kun. Go to Akiyama-sama and tell him this. The Scorpion? It is a symbol of the Himura." He said simply, before turning and walking towards the common room of the inn. Yuriko noted the term he used on Gakuto.

Of course, this bit of news meant nothing to Yuriko, so she turned to Gakuto. She gave him a polite nod and a smile, and then quickly followed where Toru had gone, towards the common room. She stayed back, silent a few moments before she finally spoke.

"Excuse me Toru-san, but I am ignorant of such things." She shrugged her shoulders, a true enough statement. "But what is this Himura? And who is intruding on what?" she asked him, as she looked about, seeing if there was a spare seat about.


Tag: @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

Hiroto Hattori
Hiroshima Train Station, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Hiroto mulled over Date's offer, not for long however. It was a fair and honest offer, a rarity in the world of the Yakuza.

"Consider it a deal!" replied Hiroto. He smiled as he took a couple drags on his cigarette. It would be no easy task extracting the weapons. He would need to scout the place, get a detailed idea of the number of weapons, their location, the in's and out's of wherever they were stored. He would then need a extraction team, and a safehouse to store them in. Not to mention a fence to sell the weapons too, if it was a large cache of weapons, suddenly flooding the black market with them would surely raise a lot of eyebrows. That was the easy part however, first he needed to actually get them.

He leaned back in his chair, exhaling the smoke he had inhaled. He looked out to the scenery of the city. The carnage in the wake of 'the little boy'. The destruction that was the atomic bomb was awesome, in the most literal sense of the word, it demanded awe. Once a prosperous and vibrant communications center, a city of great imperial strength, brought to absolutely nothing. It was terrifying that such a weapon existed.

Not only would stealing the weapons greatly advance the Hattori family, but it would be small defiance to the American machine that occupied the country Hiroto loved so much.

A smile grew across the young Hattori's face as he brought the cigarette back to his lips. It had be too long since he had done real work for the Yakuza. He would not fail, it simply was not an option. For if he did, his family would be swallowed up and become nothing. He would become just another cog in the Yakuza machine, a tool to be used a discarded.

No.

Hiroto Hattori would not allow such a future to pass. He would succeed, no matter what.

TAG: @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

Hideki Fujikawa
-Outskirts of Hiroshima City

Kenshi was in his feelings. The boy was quiet and shivering as he stared out at the fires, rubble, and scattered travelers Hide rolled the cigarette across his lips and pulled on it. He'd seen all this in the war. Babies with the faces blown off, entire families killed, villages executed, and that was just the damage that Japan had caused to China. No...He was numb...disillusioned...Over it. Probably not completely. Probably not ever to be honest. Nothing much to do about it now.

He stopped walking as they passed an abandoned car. Hide turned in a mocking military movement and marched to the car to take a peek inside.

A dirty jacket. A pair of pants and some children's clothes in the backseat.

He snatched the jacket and turned to urinate on the rear tire of the car.

He sighed heavily in relief, just now noticing how close they were to "The Inn".

"Oohhhzunu-Kun. You're much too serious for your age. Remember...the key to life is drink and women...Oh, haha, that's two keys!"

There was another key, but Hide didn't say. He buttoned his pants back together and wiped his hands on his new jacket and met back up with Kenshi.

Tag: @greyjedi125

 

IC: Kenshi Ozunu
Outskirts of Hiroshima City

“Oohhhzunu-Kun. You're much too serious for your age. Remember...the key to life is drink and women...Oh, haha, that's two keys!”

Kenshi had been too absorbed by his own thoughts and had been largely oblivious to Hideki's presence, that is, until he’d spoken, spewing his customary talk.

Kenshi did not respond immediately as his mind did reflect upon the other yakuza’s wise advise.

Drinking actually helped young Kenshi relax, it made him a lot more sociable and easy going than he normally was when sober. Thankfully, young Ozunu was too disciplined when it came to the consumption of alcohol, and overall disliked the feeling of being drunk. A buzz was all he usually required.

Aside from liking the occasional drink, there was also the pretty hostess he had rescued from the disrespectful gaijin back at the Akai Ryu Club. Granted, Hideki had helped- a lot, but she had been quite pretty. Still, Kenshi was not a fool and would not be made a fool of. He had only nine fingers. Hideki was up to his tricks again. What self-respecting Japanese girl would be seen with the likes of him?

He would not allow himself to be goaded into an embarrassing situation.

Young Ozunu huffed, then shook his head lightly. No distractions. It was time for business and he had to remain focused.

More importantly, he certainly hoped Hideki had the map with him; in addition, there was the matter of his report as well.

“Let’s go.” was all he said as Hideki joined him.

Kenshi glanced at Hideki and saw the worn jacket he now had with him.

No, he wasn’t even going to ask.

Taking several steps forward the pair made it inside The Inn as they walked through the door. As expected, the receptionists desk was the first thing they saw- thankfully, it wasn't far away at all.

As they came closer, the hardness in Kenshi’s expression melted and was replaced by a softer friendlier demeanor.

“Ah, hello there…” He greeted easily.

“We are looking for Iwata Bunjiro…” He explained cordially. “Could you please tell him we’ve been sent by Old Ito.”

Kenshi offered a curt respectful nod and a slight smile, while he silently hoped things would go smoothly enough so he could get this operation started, and over with - because he seriously wished to move on from whatever it is that was happening.


Tag: @The Jedi in the Pumas, @Master Vo'Un'Var

 

"The Inn", Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Toru turned to face Yuriko, narrowing his eyes before shaking his head to himself.

"Hell, we already involved you enough. Might as well tell you. Himura is a Yakuza clan, lead by Ryutaro Himura. The Scorpion is adopted by the Himura family, which controls the other families in the clan." He informed, wringing his hands.

"If we are intruding on anything at all, it's that the Himura leadership personally wants Akiyama gone. But that makes no sense..." he pondered to himself, narrowing his eyes again.

He turned again, pointing down the corridor.

"The third door to your left, that's your room. I'd suggest getting some sleep before anything else..."

Later in the Morning

If Yuriko had bothered getting any sleep at all, it would have been uncomfortable and short. The futon's laid out were grimy and incredibly uncomfortable. Finding the 'right spot' where you could sleep in a slightly less awkward position than the others proved a hard task that took too much time.

Not all hope was lost, however, when the smell of food hovered into her room from the common room. The boiling of water, inevitably for coffee, could also be heard.

Outside the Inn stood two men, finally arriving from their journey from Kure. It was likely that they would face the same Yuriko did on discovery of this 'inn.'

An old man sitting by the entrance halted them, clearly acting as the receptionist.

"Old Ito sent you, eh? Hm... Go on inside then, look for Eguchi Toru-san. He has the information you want."

@Ktala @greyjedi125 @The Jedi in the Pumas

Unknown Location, Hiroshima Prefecture

Zaraki's work was quick and ruthlessly efficient. Out of the remaining three, Zaraki ended two and watched one struggle out of the vehicle.

"Wait! Wait! Don't shoot! I surrender!" he yelled out to Zaraki, his face paling quickly.

Majima stopped the car, with both him and Hamamoto quickly hopping out. Majima had a frown on his pondering face while Hamamoto stormed up to the man and pistol-whipped him.

"Who the hell are ya, then, huh?" he spat, kicking at the man whom had his hands raised in defence.

"I-I'm Tetsuyuki Kimoto!" the young man, Kimoto, shrieked. Hamamoto continued to beat him with the butt of his pistol.

"Hamamoto-san, cease." Majima sternly called out. Hamamoto looked up, before stowing away his weapons and backing away.

"Why did you try that stupid attempt to kill Akiyama?" Majima asked, tilting his head to one side.

"I-I was told if I did it I w-would get to join the Hagiwara family!" Kimoto hurriedly said, before Hamamoto grimaced.

"He's a damn Hada-" Hamamoto started, before Majima interrupted.

"Who told you that?" Majima asked, his voice edged with anger.

"M-my old friend Bunjiro Iwata-san s-sent me! He knows everything else! Please don't kill me!" Kimoto pleaded.

Majima turned to Zaraki, a look of concern on his face.

"Find out from this kid where this Iwata guy is.. We'll be waiting in the car. Don't feel too merciful." He said, turning and waving for Hamamoto to follow.

@Darth_Elu

Hada Gambling Den, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

"Excellent!" Date said with a smile as their car pulled up to a building coated in dust and rubble, but still standing.

"This is it. Once we get inside, there's a phone for you to use. Call in some of your Hattori boys. If you want, you can mingle with the crowd in their. I'm sure you could find a few guys wanting to join a family." he finished, stepping outside of the car and walking towards the building.

When inside, there would be a small desk with a man seated by it.

"Ah, Date-san, go right in." he said with a smile.

"Thanks. Oh, let my friend Hiro here use the phone, okay? Then he can come in, a guest with me." Date said, and the man nodded, pushing the rotary dial phone towards Hiroto, along with a small stack of chips used for gambling.

"On the house." he finished with a toothy grin.

@Shadowsun

 

Yuriko Takadagi
The Inn, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture

Yuriko had a few hours to herself. The words of Toru worried and confused her. If someone in the Himura clan wanted Akiyama dead, was there a clan war going on? But according to Toru, there should be no reason for such a thing. Obvious, that was not the case. But he didn't wish to discuss any more of it and pointed her to the room.

Yuriko had been prepared to sleep out in the woods if necessary. She almost wished that she had. She was noting to dare attempt sleep on the grimy mat. She did not need bed bugs added to her growing list of worries. So she piled her items around her, and with a blanket tightly wrapped around her, napped leaning against her items, sitting up.

Later.....

Yuriko slowly raised her head to the smell of food. While it did smell interesting, considering what she had seen so far, she was worried about what might be considered 'food' here. But she did hear bubbling sounds, so there was a chance she might get some hot water for tea. She carried her own supply anticipating the worse. She also assumed clean water was not in abundance either, so she poured a small amount of what she carried into a small cloth, and wiped her face. She needed new options. But she would have to worry about it later. She left her room, and came out to the common area, in order to locate a cup. Once the way was clear, she moved to pour herself a cup of tea. Food would be later.

For now, she would be satisfied to enjoy a quiet cup of tea alone, and figure out what to do next.



TAG: @Master Vo'Un'Var and maybe ( @greyjedi125 @The Jedi in the Pumas)