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𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] synflux2025-03-14 12:53 pm

DOWNTIME MINGLE #7

DOWNTIME MINGLE #7


CONTENT WARNINGS: suggestive topics

▶ 001. WINNER'S CIRCLE.

Although the base has been destroyed, not all hope is lost. Many still view the defeat of the recent kaiju as a significant win, especially knowing how much more powerful it became. Considering the ominous timing of the rift as well, it seems like LILITH predicts everyone is a bit on edge, and as a result, when they come into the main hall that day they will see that it is actually decorated quite nicely. While it’s not a professional venue by any means, it certainly does have its own charms. It’s a step up from the usual pizza party, at least.


There will be plenty of fresh food prepared for everyone, and not a single questionable meat in sight. It’s either they’ve upped their lab meat game, or they’ve managed some success in their endeavors on duplicating some of the food processes from Transylvania. The one thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the bulletin board in which they’ve posted—
GOOD JOB:
MACARONS (K.O.)
GOJIRA (K.O.)
RUBBER DUCKY & QUEENOFKUR (600)
POKER & BAD DADDY (678)

While no one can say where these trends and rumors begin, maybe it’s only natural that people’s eyes are drawn to those they consider strong. Or is it that everyone else is YOWAI weak in comparison? Whatever the catchphrases are, it seems the new thing on the streets of Neo Tokyo is the emerging trend of people either wearing sunglasses or blindfolds.

It seems to be some sort of fashion statement, but it may be doing more harm than good. The blindfolds are often tech visors that citizens wear to amplify the screens they see directly from their retinas, but it doesn’t mean that’s always the case. Some people even consider it a personal form of training for them to live and breathe with blindfolds on. Unsurprisingly, hoverboard accidents have increased by 24% and the city is looking for ways to address this new craze.

There’s a yearly event that’s rolled back into town and somehow they have their new mascot, MISTER ZILLA. It’s in the form of a certified cute and extra cuddly looking kaiju that is strikingly similar to one that people may see on base day-to-day. But that has to be a coincidence, right? Maybe it’s just one more thing that’s been released by a particularly loose-lipped researcher who's been pulling one too many all-nighters.

Maybe people in attendance will end up seeing him a lot more. He’s also given out in the form of a keychain to all attendees. Perhaps he will give GIBUBU a run for their money?

Speaking of kaiju and research, a very popular brand called CHALK-MATE has hit the shelves. Supposedly it’s a food shaped like a stick of chalk that once eaten increases one's overall ability to concentrate; it even claims to make people read a little faster. … Is that a myth? There’s only one way to find out what this little treat actually does.

The only thing is that it definitely tastes a bit like chalk, too. Oddly enough, the flavors come in just “DOCTOR” and “PHD.”

CHALK-MATE, however, seems like it’s especially popular amongst avid readers. Particularly of the romance genre, also known as NOVELTOK. The fans on these platforms have been especially into a new series based on a Goddess of Death who is in constant search of love, only to be met with horrible romanceable options that leaves every reader both salivating and scratching their head. Supposedly, it’s not a book appropriate for children…

A new alcoholic drink, GLITTER, has gotten popular in Neo Tokyo’s nightlife scene. The drink’s iridescent shades of purple, blue, and green have made it a hit despite its high price tag and the condition that needs to be met in order to request one: customers must first play a game of dice with the bartender. Should the customer roll a higher number than the bartender, they will take the order and make the drink; if they roll less than the bartender, they must forfeit the cost of the drink and pay the next seven rounds of drinks, even for people who aren’t in their party. High risks begets high rewards, as they say.


▶ 002. BASE-LESS EXPECTATIONS.

Fortunately, with the success of the last battle with the Imugi and Gigakame, many companies have come forth in support of a few rebuild projects. They state they are very interested in providing funding, granted, it’s not without placing their names down as part of the construction efforts. They’re especially interested in getting some sway down in Kyoto, as that would be a new place for them to not only pitch their businesses and potentially attract those pockets of civilization out there that they haven’t been able to connect with, but it’s a good cause as any in theory, right? We don’t talk about all that free real estate, either.

As such, Outsiders are being encouraged to submit their proposals on how to build up on the city of Kyoto and what attractions would lure the citizens to take on the city. While safety protocols are naturally being put into place, as with any new build, they are also open to any additional ideas to secure the perimeter, as well as to make this a more colorful and unique place amongst the wreckage that sweeps the abandoned areas outside the immediate cities.

The only thing is… bureaucracy strikes again. The forms must be filled out in a specific fashion, and Outsiders will be expected to go through a similar trial like when gaining clearance to travel. They will be required to sign documents, and even rushed to the temporary “city hall” in order to drop it off on the dot. They may even expect some people to warp back to Tokyo just to submit a page or two of a signed waiver.

With city plans still emerging, there are positions open for Outsiders to apply and run as local government. While the government of Neo Tokyo have already designated a mayor for the city, there are positions open for people to be in charge of other areas such as healthcare, food, energy, culture, justice, treasury, and infrastructure. LILITH is placing no restrictions on Outsiders who want to contribute their time and expertise to the new city as long as they continue to carry out their missions to defeat the kaiju. Those who wish to apply are free to do so at city hall, but they will need to rally votes and support from civilians and other Outsiders alike to be elected.

Speaking of trouble and real estate, while a lot of vacant land is available, Outsiders have been summoned to confirm all the plots of lands are free of kaiju before any real scoping can be done. Outsiders will be tasked to go out and survey the areas and stave off any large or mutated creatures that may exist in the expanse of wilderness that borders the area around Kyoto. For anyone interested in assisting with the scoping efforts, they will be encouraged to travel in pairs. The permanent rift that’s opened in Tokyo has been making many strange waves all across the country. Kaiju have been acting far more erratically, almost as if they can feel the pulses from this rift, regardless of the distance. Or perhaps, it’s all connected somehow? LILITH researchers think it’s better to remain on-guard because of this, especially when traveling through uncharted territory.

Outsiders are also welcome to explore the region. They will find several old temples that may appear dilapidated, but very much recognizable all the same. Such as the Todai-ji Daibutsuden in the neighboring Nara, or even closer sights like the string of tori that line the Fushimi Inari Shrine. There is even a setting in the oculars in which a general tour guide audio can be heard. However, Synthia is still on the fritz and there is no telling what she says is completely accurate. She also can’t control her language functions, volumes, or the fact that she may also be linking random people’s calls and text messages to one another.

There’s no way that negatively impacts any travel plans, right?

(Note: Please fill out the thread below and submit ideas for buildings and businesses in Kyoto! If players wish to have their characters take a role in managing the city, you are free to coordinate this with other players with the same goals for their characters (or handwave it if your character will be taking a smaller role). Mods will not be choosing any characters officially. )


▶ 003. KAIJUCON.

This is the yearly event everyone has been looking forward to— KAIJUCON is here. This event not only acts as a large research symposium for those who work in kaiju-related research fields, it’s also a place where the most enthusiastic members of the kaiju community come together to share their mutual fascination with the creatures. The event makes it clear that this is in no way meant in any support of the kaiju or the devastation that’s hit humanity, but of coming to be a better understanding of them. Or that was its original purpose.

Now it’s become a larger, more commercialized event where vendors from all over come to pitch their safety gear, offer classes in case of a city-wide emergency, and even have several large and popular exhibitions for kaiju. As much as people may fear kaiju, it seems that kaiju themselves as a concept have been popular for decades before even the first rift opened.

As a result, there are sections of KAIJUCON for the most… zealous kaiju researchers in which they can enter virtual reality scapes and pretend to be kaiju. This form of live action roleplaying has become wildly popular in the city, and has become a hobby to relieve stress for some.

On the flip side, it seems this also has opened up a whole group of people who come up with their own KAIJUSONAS and who attend the event dressed up as their idealized version of kaiju. Fortunately, as LILITH does have its fair share of research and information to trade, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab additional funds to fix up the areas of the base … and of course, how could they not ask the Outsiders to join in?

Instead of the usual team building exercises, they will be expected to help at various booths at KAIJUCON. Whether these are panels in which they teach and share all the intimate details of kaiju anatomy, or where they join in the highly coveted title of BEST KAIJUSONA.

As Outsiders within LILITH, all characters will be approached to speak at panels. Characters previously deemed as HEAVY HITTERS or characters who have dealt a K.O. to a kaiju will be particularly popular at the convention, with fans flocking to them with requests for pictures and autographs. While at panels, a Q&A session will often be held, and Outsiders may have to deal with questions ranging from sensible to ... uncomfortable.

Once their shift is over, they’re more than welcome to take a look around!

(Note: You are all free to presume everything you’d expect at a convention to be there! Including, but not limited to, merchandise, snack carts, panels, and more! Outsiders with inhuman forms do not need to wear their cloaking devices. As a note, Outsiders are public figures known by their alter egos/usernames. However, the fact that they are from a different dimension remains classified information to the public. )


▶ 004. CROSSED WIRES.

While rebuilding of both the Tokyo Base and Kyoto are coming along, certain other departments seem to be struggling. SYNTHIA in particular is still broken, and try as the LILITH engineers might, repairs are slow going.

While SYNTHIA is down, there are all sorts of communication errors:
- Messages being sent to the wrong recipient, or to the base at large
- Thoughts transcribing themselves as texts and being sent without approval
- Text messages glitching during the sending process and sending as illegible symbols and strings of letters
- Text messages never sending, or sending dozens of times repeatedly
- SYNTHIA generating inaccurate information about Outsiders and sending them during the numerous reboot processes (think Google AI summaries)
- Blocked users suddenly becoming unblocked, and best of friends suddenly blocking each other

If asked, researchers will apologize for the errors and suggest that Outsiders meet in person to discuss any important topics. There's no better way to grow relationships than to spend time in person after all, right? Towards the end of the month, the errors will slow until they are finally fixed.

(Note: Feel free to use this as a general text glitch event in either your top levels for this event or in inboxes and individual player logs! We've listed out some suggestions of what characters might experience but feel free to come up with your own fun ideas as long as they aren't gamebreaking.)


▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our fourth downtime mingle!

As stated in the prompt itself, players are welcome to suggest buildings and business to be found in Kyoto by replying to the header below. Please submit all suggestions by March 31.

The texting glitches will last to the end of the month, at which point SYNTHIA will be repaired and all systems will go back to normal.

All tags on this log are worth 2 points.


EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. WINNER'S CIRCLE: The heavy hitters/KO winners of the last kaiju fight receive their sponsorships, including cute plushies, stylish sunglasses and blindfolds, and edible chalk enhancements among other things.

2. BASE-LESS ACCUSATIONS: ICly, Outsiders are tasked with assisting in rebuilding projects across Kyoto, which include scoping out land, suggesting what new businesses and buildings to construct, and general exploration. OOCly, players are welcome to suggest new businesses and buildings to add to the Kyoto area.

3. KAIJUCON: The annual convention centered around kaiju-related research and inventions. Outsiders can find all sorts of kaiju-related merchandise and gear for sale, as well dress up and meet other kaiju enthusiasts.

4. CROSSED WIRES: With SYNTHIA still broken, communications within LILITH are breaking down. Outsiders will experience a string of troubles when trying to message others. This will be fixed by the end of the month.

copy: (1 0 9)

[personal profile] copy 2025-03-31 09:55 pm (UTC)(link)
ah i didn't mean it like that!

[ It was definitely not an invitation and he sure did not mean to make himself sound as pitiful as he's now imagining he must have done, but it also feels rude to say no?? And he doesn't want this stranger to think his company is unwanted... ah, cue the socially awkward panic. ]

i mean, i wouldn't want to intrude on your time.
that would be very rude of me.
but i do like getting to know everyone here, i think that's very important when we're all fighting together.
so if you want to meet sometime, then of course!
but you don't have to worry about me being lonely, honest.


[ Save him. ]
copy: (0 8 5)

[personal profile] copy 2025-03-31 09:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Maybe. If he ever stops being stubborn enough to admit that to himself.

[ His tone suggests he very much doubts that. He might not know Sukuna as well as Yuji does, but even he can tell how unlikely that scenario is going to be. Trying to get closer to Sukuna is not something they can bank on much if at all. The question earns Geto an odd look before he shakes his head. ]

No, the second method involves making it so I can attack him directly. [ A hand is raised to point at his own temple in order to make his intent crystal clear: remove the chip in his head. ] I possess a copied technique that will allow me to remove my brain and still stay alive. That should make it easier to undo what they've done. The problem is I would need someone who can be trusted, doesn't mind going against LILITH, and who is skilled enough to do it under five minutes.

[ If Shoko were here, that list of simple-yet-tall orders would be met instantly. But there's a reason Yuta has made it a back-up plan rather than his first choice even if it seems easier. ]

However, there's the distinct possibility that whatever they put in our heads has been made to be tamper-proof. It could self-destruct if we try taking it out. Maybe that's a risk that can be mitigated if someone else experienced with such advanced tech is also involved, but the possibility remains.

[ Trying could be suicide. ]
copy: (0 9 8)

[personal profile] copy 2025-03-31 09:59 pm (UTC)(link)
that's a relief.
i'm glad it didn't have a lasting affect on you at least.


[ C'mere Beru, monster-nanny Yuta to the rescue to needlessly worry and fuss... ]

i guess that's kind of the case with rika too.
but maybe starting with the kaiju meat that people have been eating might be the safest option to test first?
i'm not actually sure if cooked or uncooked parts make any difference when it comes to copying, it's always more been about size.
copy: (0 9 6)

[personal profile] copy 2025-03-31 10:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Also consider: when there are ancient beings "reincarnating" by taking over other people's bodies and thus screwing up any perceived ages entirely too. These be some wild, confusing times. It's best not to assume nowadays.

Yuta sees that conspiratorial glint and on the honed instinct of someone whose friends enjoy getting up to no good on a regular basis, he's already leaning in a little to listen. The second Harumasa reveals he's a fellow Outsider, he brightens with an eager nod. ]


Yes, that's right.

[ That will sure make everything a lot easier if he doesn't have to hedge around what his main job is and he's always happy to get to know more allies in general. The suggestion sounds... kind of like cheating, but it's not as if Yuta's been above that and so he actually considers it, expression turning thoughtful. ]

You think so? I feel like what I'm doing for LILITH is too different since I'm fighting more than I'm healing for them. [ At least that's what he's assuming they'll want from him since his wheelhouse is a lot more versatile than just that. Still... ] But I guess it can't hurt to try and see if some of it might count.
the_fourteenth: (142)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2025-04-01 12:24 am (UTC)(link)
It's the specific types of weapons upgrades, I'd imagine. Things like chainsaws or boosters that help you jump for meters and meters. Hard to do that with just nanobots is my guess.


I'm not aware, but it's probably a good idea. Most of the kaiju have been quite large, yes. Powerful no matter the size. Any extra firepower against them would be great. I'm afraid the only weapons I am an expert in are the katana and the pistol, so I wouldn't be much help there.
misclassed: MANGA; SHIMOSA. (☸ 067)

[personal profile] misclassed 2025-04-01 12:26 am (UTC)(link)
[ He can't help it. It had fallen to him to provide tactical decisions in the absence of others while in Britain — and now, surrounded by so many young Outsiders, it feels like having a pile of apprentices. It's easy to just step in, and instruct. ]

Like the technology, you mean? Or the... state of affairs?

[ Similar, huh? There's the barest glance over at Rika, though for whatever reason, he doesn't share. ]
gilgamess: (in the cups)

[personal profile] gilgamess 2025-04-01 01:13 am (UTC)(link)
Yes, it does seem that way. I am technically such an individual myself, and I have encountered others from my world here, such as the goddess Ereshkigal. Moreover, I encountered that titan king. It is a rather interesting lot here.

[ But, yes, things would be Better with Dark Santa. ]
gilgamess: (okei then)

[personal profile] gilgamess 2025-04-01 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
Litigation! How cutthroat of you! Certainly I can approve of such methods.

If only I could arbitrate such conflicts here, I could ensure the matter is ruled in your favor. How is this world's legal system? Is this "friend" of yours a person who works in a legal capacity?


[ He is used to being The Rules(TM), but here, well, they both might need other channels. ]
misclassed: FGO; CRAFT ESSENCE. (☸ 122)

[personal profile] misclassed 2025-04-01 02:27 am (UTC)(link)
[ ... This fucking guy, rolling up in his weird grub outfit, imposing on Muramasa and then giving him shit and acting disappointed when he's not interested in stoking the coals of whatever issue the Foreign God had with the Crypters or vice versa? The audacity. Okay dude, fuck you too. Hope your day gets worse, actually. Hope there's a fan looking for an autograph on your feet pics on every street corner from here on out. ]

... Maybe Rasputin will show up, and you can jump him instead. I'll give you my blessing for it.

[ He'll even throw in a fresh knife for it. He probably shouldn't, but also, fuck that guy. ]
busternaut: (S 09)

[personal profile] busternaut 2025-04-01 03:00 am (UTC)(link)
[Dearka puts a hand to his chin and nods along thoughtfully to Godzilla's various points, filing some of the mentioned names away to ask Yzak about later. He's probably learned them before! But. History, religion, mythology... That stuff's never really been his bag? Yzak's just an encyclopedia for it.]

Damn. Well when you put it like that...

[It kinda makes a fair bit of sense! Now. Does he believe in that kind of stuff, personally? No. Is he a LITTLE concerned about how this could turn into some kind of cult situation? Just a bit! But... Keeping morale up is an important part of the battle. And the people of this world are in desperate need of hope. So in the end... Dearka can't really help but be supportive of the idea. So.

He very lightly and playfully nudges Godzilla's side with an elbow, grinning.]


Well hey, if you work it all out, and it takes off... Just remember not to let the attention go to your head, yeah?

[It's a joke! But... Is it a joke that he knows Godzilla would never? Or, is it a joke that Godzilla already has an extremely big ego?

Yes.]
cosmarchy: (pic#17634424)

[personal profile] cosmarchy 2025-04-01 03:05 am (UTC)(link)
[ It's true. All of that was in the past, but even still— there are some parts of yourself that you can never truly leave behind. ]

Yeah. I didn't want to waste the chance that was given to me, but I did it for selfish reasons.

[ To save his mother. To protect his family. The whole world didn't matter until there was no one else who could save it but him. Sometimes he wonders if the world was unlucky to have him as its hero, but at least he's always fought with everything he's got. ]

There wasn't really a virtual world, but I guess the dungeons were part of an alternate dimension. And the system that made me its Player was more like... a breeding project. [ Don't look at him. That was how the Architect called it. ] To create the perfect vessel for the Shadow Monarch. I guess they thought it would be more motivating if it were set up like a video game.

But I'd say everything was all part of reality.
fursuit: (① tlapopochuilli.)

[personal profile] fursuit 2025-04-01 03:42 am (UTC)(link)
[ Not that Tezcatlipoca is looking for a blessing, but he huffs out a laugh anyways. They really were as dysfunctional as Daybit had implied. It had been to the point that Daybit hadn't concerned himself with them at all beyond the basics. "If they survive and make it here, then I'll be concerned." Yeah, he can kind of see why now.

He settles into the booth a bit more comfortably. Unfortunately, it seems that he's here to stay for a bit, but whatever threat he might have been leveling has decreased significantly. LILITH might not let them seriously fight, sure, but that wouldn't have stopped Tezcatlipoca from trying if he thought it was worth it. ]


Well, Koyanskaya's the one I'd be more concerned about just because we've got beef, but yeah. That guy's on the chopping block since he's protecting the princess or whatever.

[ He's dismissive like he doesn't know the details, but he knows more than he's letting on. However, it's not because of Muramasa that he's keeping that knowledge to himself. That's the sort of knowledge that comes from his much larger understanding, and thus, it's not really for anyone else to know. ]

...Actually, where the hell did you end up anyways? Last I heard, you were part of her showing up, which sounded like a shitshow in itself. I'm guessing you didn't eat shit in the process, since you know who Daybit is. [ #justservantthings ] Not exactly many places left.
hachikai: (so I says to him I says hey)

[personal profile] hachikai 2025-04-01 04:38 am (UTC)(link)
[ Silco isn't an intimidating sight for Sukuna. Slim and gnarled by what he can only suppose has been a life of hardship, but the gleam of his eyes is sharp. The kind you see from a viper before it strikes. He can respect that...in limited capacity.

He won't admit as much, but seeing someone else with a face battered on one side from gods-know-what settles him more in his chair. A little. ]


There's a lot of the "worst" to be observed at any given time. Which ones in particular have earned your ire this time?
30storieshigh: (imma bite it)

[personal profile] 30storieshigh 2025-04-01 05:07 am (UTC)(link)
[ Godzilla tilts his head to the side as he considers the little plush replica of his own being. It's...

Cute. This is what humans call cute, isn't it? And Cagalli saw it and decided it would be a good gift for him. This little human he's known for all of a handful of lunar cycles. ]


Ah. This is amongst the most pleasant of surprises I have received. My thanks, Pilot Leader Cagalli.

[ He carefully holds out his hand palm up to receive the thoughtful gift. The big guy's tail is wagging and his gills glow a soft pink for a moment there.

Good job Cagalli, you made him blush. ]


Humans are... unique. They possess capacity to find enjoyment and awe even in that which brings them fear. Their interest with media of horrific intent serves as great example of it. A strange quality, yet one that is admirable in its way.
30storieshigh: (62)

[personal profile] 30storieshigh 2025-04-01 05:07 am (UTC)(link)
[ Headtilt. ]

Ah. Indeed?

[ He chuckles at that. It's heartening to see that Lucy sees the same dependability in Gigan that Goji does. Titans like the three of them should be able to rely on one another implicitly. ]

Locating him should not be a thing of overall trouble. Regardless of which form he has taken our fellow Titan has a tendency to be noticeable within the crowd.
30storieshigh: (looks at camera like jim on the office)

[personal profile] 30storieshigh 2025-04-01 05:07 am (UTC)(link)
[ Head tilt. ]

I will endeavor not to. The intent is for the attention to be upon all of my being, but my duty of an especially import to be recognized. In this way I shall ensure the humans of this world do not have undo fear for those beings unlike themselves.

[ A sage, lizardy nod as Dearka's actual meaning goes completely over Godzilla's head. Sorry buddy, but you should know he's not good with figures of speech by now. ]
30storieshigh: (imma bite it)

[personal profile] 30storieshigh 2025-04-01 05:14 am (UTC)(link)
[ He sighs and shakes his head. ]

Indeed. For all the positives of your kind their tendency to inner conflict is... a hinderance. There is little wonder why the Apes and humanity formed such close bonds in my world of origin, in millions of years they are the only two species I have witnessed whom put so much effort into warring with their own kind.

[ Oh well. Godzilla waves his hand as is to shoo away the topic. ]

Bah, but enough of such dower things. There are other matters of import one shall have concern over.

[ Said while he glances darkly (for a lizard) at Destiny. Nice of a perch as it is, it's going to be trouble to deal with the Whelp from now on. ]

The convening of mutual interest. You have attended, yes?

[ Way to topic change, Goji. ]
harboredfeelings: (60)

[personal profile] harboredfeelings 2025-04-01 06:03 am (UTC)(link)
Tsk. What did I call him this time...

[ To her credit Kaga's annoyance is clearly directed at herself rather than Cagalli's suggestion, since she's muttering to herself. She sighs and rubs the back of her neck while she speaks up. ]

I can't say his name. I haven't been able to since-- [ A vague gesture with her metal arm. ] --the happy little trip that resulted in me needing this thing. I think something in my Wisdom Cube was damaged back then.
Edited 2025-04-01 06:03 (UTC)
hachikai: (tedious)

[personal profile] hachikai 2025-04-01 06:09 am (UTC)(link)
Give me a sample with an accompaniment.
hachikai: (where's the guy who can stop me?)

[personal profile] hachikai 2025-04-01 06:14 am (UTC)(link)
[ The look gives him pause. He's accustomed to disdain darkening the gazes of others, so Aodh's fascination leaves him at a bit of a loss. Doubly so in that it isn't entirely unpleasant. ]

From the depths of it, some may say.
harboredfeelings: (42)

[personal profile] harboredfeelings 2025-04-01 06:24 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, that makes sense. Humans always seem to idolize impressive weaponry and those who use them. Knights, sailors, aircraft pilots. It's not that much different for KAN-SEN, really, the Sakura Empire's citizenry is so taken with us they think we're sacred beings.

[ Judging by her tone this is not a sentiment she shares. If Yzak is half as uncomfortable with this war hero business as Athrun seems to be, well, she gets it. Being lauded as something you're not is just... weird and unpleasant.

For a moment she turns her attention to the fire.]


Kiko, come along. Time to hunt.

[ The fire raises upwards until it's about level with Kaga's waist, then resolves into the shape of a fox before solidifying. Standing where the fire was is Kaga's ever loyal familiar Kiko, a pure white nine-tails, currently the size of a large wolfhound. Kiko pretty much instantly pushes her head against Kaga's hand, who obliges her with some scratches behind the ears. ]

I've been curious, actually. What's your battle record like?

[ Said casually as if that wasn't the cause of a huge fight with Yzak... at least she's worded it more diplomatically than "how many people have you killed", that's good right? ]
copy: (1 1 9)

[personal profile] copy 2025-04-01 10:53 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, no, I meant more like geographically. The names of places and where certain things are and everything.

[ There's a pause after he says that, a realization striking him that has him not noticing the glance at Rika at all. Rika certainly takes note though. Where she had been solely focused on staring at Yuta's back, her head tilts just the slightest bit in Muramasa's direction. Whatcha looking at, old man?

Meanwhile Yuta's demeanor turns wry as he gives voice to his little revelation. ]


Although I guess the state of affairs isn't that different either. There was a big threat with a lot of destruction and now the whole country's in chaos...

[ It's kind of the same?? In the wake of Sukuna and the entire world learning about the existence of curses, things are going to be drastically different. ]
gorb: (lxx.)

[personal profile] gorb 2025-04-01 11:35 am (UTC)(link)
You're probably not the first person to think about that. ( Geto has, in his first months here. He'd so very carefully weighed up the pros and cons of losing an eye against his own freedom. But he hadn't known if it would have been just that. Killing himself - while not an option he had been entirely against back then - was not worth it. Now he's less likely to try. He has things he wants to keep. More he needs to experience.

Still, he eyes Yuta up with something careful in his gaze, half curious, a little concerned. He tells himself he doesn't care much about Yuta, but there's an association there. A hum, singular.
) Yuji-kun would probably be very upset if your brain exploded and we couldn't put you back together. And I don't want there to be something else he beats himself up with. We'll have to weigh up the actual need. Sukuna might not be half as strong as we fear.

( Still.

Still.
)

Is that what happened before? ( Gaze lifting to Yuta's brow. ) It seems like a poor choice.
copy: (0 5 1)

[personal profile] copy 2025-04-01 12:21 pm (UTC)(link)
[ There is nothing but a quiet, firm resolve to be found on Yuta's face. It's not like he's particularly eager to potentially discard his life, but it's a risk he's willing to take if that's what's needed to get rid of Sukuna once and for all. He never expected to actually survive the use of Kenjaku's technique the first time and maybe such an improper use of it would only increase the odds of his luck running out even setting aside any potential self-destructing tech, but still. It could be worth it. (This time.)

He nods though, not disagreeing. ]


That's why it's more of a last resort.

[ It's just good to have a back-up plan; something to fall back on if all else fails and more desperate action is required. The way taking over Gojo's body had been. Speaking of which, there's the question getting them closer to that particular subject which Yuta does not want to discuss in the slightest (especially not with Geto) but knows is going to be inevitable. There's no real avoiding it now and Yuta won't hide what he's done. He can't. He keeps his face impassive, devoid of the turmoil that lies beneath the surface, as he responds plainly. ]

Normally the technique is used to take over another's body.

[ He does not elaborate further, simply letting the pieces fall together on their own. Geto knows enough context by now to (partially) figure it out and realize the reason he's branded himself a monster. ]
misclassed: FANART; <user name="desu_wayo" site="twitter.com"> (☸ 109)

[personal profile] misclassed 2025-04-01 01:26 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He's just curious, missy. Her devoted(?) focus on Yuta is certainly striking, but he's still not 100% certain of how he feels about having a spirit that feels so... malignant watching their backs either. Still, if the boy isn't concerned, he'll try not to be either. ]

Maybe you can use this detour as practice for whatever you gotta do when you get home, then. It feels like half the people here keep having to go to Edo—er, Tokyo, just to answer questions about the threats they've had to deal with so far.

[ (He does not know about the doujinshi, yet. Yet.)

As the abandoned street in the base begins to stretch out in front of them, part of Muramasa's attention shifts away from Yuta and Rika and towards their environment with a casual air, but he remains focused on the other two. He isn't worried about running into a lesser kaiju appearing and putting them in danger — if anything, he's more interested in stopping a threat before it can interrupt their conversation.
]