Over the next few months, Nakatomi Kohei and two other members of his wu gather up Reiko, Shinji, Yuukou and Ryuji. They found the chih-mei using taps on official emergency lines, arriving at the various scenes of carnage with uncanny speed through along the dragon lines. When simple force seemed unproductive, Nakatomi used his mastery of the Chi art discipline of Equilibrium to paralyze their target. All the tied-up chih-mei became the focus of a ritual that peeled back their demon natures and allowed the new Kuei-jin to come to their senses.

A period of years follow--nights flashing by like so many speeding cars--in which Nakatomi and his two fellows, the massive Aozora Hoshiko and corpse-looking Zhao Shun, instructed the young vampires in the ways of the Courts of the Kuei-jin. Each member of the wu taught different skills and disciplines. Aozora worked with the Jade Discipline and the ways of combat; Zhao Shun had a mastery of stealth and more unusual and grotesque disciplines.

Perhaps the most important teachings came from Nakatomi, af the Thousand Whispers  Dharma. His age was uncertain, though his years seemed to number in the hundreds. “The Demon Arts cannot be ignored, for all that they can cause the weaker to lose control. For one, you can grow fangs with them. This can be quite useful for feeding on blood, unless you plan to carry a knife. And use of the Black Wind gives an edge against recalcitrant mortals and other creatures you might come across some night.”

The four young vampires begin to know each other over the five year training and, at the very least, to respect one another. At long last, Nakamura gathers them and tells them that it is time to visit one of the more ancient Kuei-jin in Tokyo and present them as full fledged intiates of their own destinies. “Try to be polite, and don’t speak until spoken to,” Nakamura advises.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:10, Fri 28 Feb 2020.

During the process of rebuilding/reinforcing their Hun... Reiko remained a timid beast, content to eat and play alone.  Nakatomi and his two fellows had to get a little 'creative' to shift her along.  Eventually Reiko was returned to a sufficiently sane state, enough for the establishing of a Dharmic code.  She scoffed at all of the Dharmas, finding them restrictive and ill suited to her (rebellious) ways... but the Song of Shadow seemed the lesser of evils.  The years allowed her to reconcile her place, but she still remained an unusual Boneflower... far too modern and social from the heavily traditional and reclusive stereotypes of her Dharmic peers.

Inwardly, Reiko remained troubled by her trip to Kakuri.  There were things she was unable to tell anyone, as per her bargain with the mysterious Jizo-Bosatsu.  It had cost her a memory of which its missing presence would always be felt.  But the forbidden knowledge Reiko had gained in trade was valuable, even if she wasn't able to use it right away.  It hung in the back of her mind, like a far off destiny awaiting its fulfillment.

At first it was hard to connect to those of her future Wu members.  Reiko could certainly fake niceness but these people seemed so different from those she would prefer to socialize with.  But Nakatomi reminded her that these others were her only protection from a trip back to Hell.  Reiko made more efforts from that point onward, seeking to contribute and build a working rapport.  That meant learning about their past lives and future aspirations... and sharing some of her own.  Reiko talked about her past as an Instagram model to her Wu and how her vanity had led to death and damnation.  She also showed them her phone, which had 'somehow' bonded itself to her as a Yin based artifact.  With it she was creating new 'art' for social media... creepy and haunting images of places and people.  Already she had a few selfies with actual ghosts, souls that she had tried to help.  Exactly how Reiko could help the Wu would depend upon its purpose...

Watanabe Yuugou was by far the hardest one to break in; Not because his P'o was particularly vicious but because his Hun was equally so. Even after he was fully 'cleansed' of the chih-mei state, he tried to escape and continuously undermined his teachers; It got so bad at one point, that the "zombie-freak" (as Yuugou had called her) Zhao Shun ripped him up so brutally, his soul came out.
However, with some time and patience, it was beat into Yuugou's head that he was a mortal being no longer and that he had to show complete respect and obedience to his masters.
In the end, Yuugou turned out to be a (at times) diligent pupil and an only occasional annoyance.

As he showed  a propensity for self-control and a righteous attitude, Yuugou was inducted in the Way of The Resplendent Crane. He took well to his dharmic path and it's teaching; Though, when it came to putting his teachings in practice; Yuugou, of course, always deviated at least a little bit, be it in his interpretation of the Fivefold Way or in the importance of the Eight Lotus Path.
Throughout the five year instruction, if you didn't find him prattling about the latest bit of ancient wisdom he read last night; Then you'd certainly find him sparring and practicing the Jade Shintai with Aozora.

When it came to the other initiates; Yuugou initially saw them just as he first did saw his masters, freakish, bestial creatures. It was just as hard to dispel this belief but as he began to accept his new place as Resplendent Crane, so did he come to terms with this place being beside them.
In the later years, he began to treat them amicably, always eager to debate their lessons and to work with them. He would often offer explanations and teachings of his own, speaking with an undue tone of seniority, as he saw himself ahead of the pack.  While he certainly didn't shy away from topics unrelated to the Kuei-jin state, when discussion reached his past life, Yuugou was uncharacteristically reserved and defensive.
While it was rather obvious what his past life was and how it could have ended, Yuugou , nevertheless, denied the obvious. He was just a "regular salaryman who died of natural causes".

Violent and destructive, Ryuji's P'o was difficult to manage and a bestial cunning lurked behind his eyes as he did everything in his power to make life difficult for those around him.  By contrast, once his Hun had regained control he was quite compliant.  While it would be inaccurate to say he immediately accepted the truth of his new situation, he was content to go with the flow until he could figure things out for himself.  It took time and he spent a great many hours in meditation but he eventually made sense of things.  His expression has always seemed mildly troubled since and his sleep was filled with nightmares.

The instincts of his old life were still fully present and from day one he gave his teachers his full attention and respect.  While he may not have understood what was going on at the beginning he could tell they were doing what they thought was in his best interest.  In all his interactions with others he was soft-spoken and seemed more comfortable with silence.  It was plain to see that Ryuji was afflicted with a powerful shyness and while he wouldn't specifically avoid people he tended to frequent places where he could be found if he was needed but were places people tended to not go.  When introduced to whose who would be in his Wu he was very careful in his treatment of them.  He showed respect even if he received none and would allow himself to be spoken over with the patience of one who has spent his whole life being surrounded by louder personalities.  He was helpful and if asked would do everything in his power to provide assistance.  No matter what he did he would never claim more than a passing competence with it; even when speaking of his greatest talents.

Although he was drawn to the teachings of The Way of the Resplendent Crane he felt obligated to properly look into the other paths as well.  After all, this stage of his life promised to be quite long and the last thing he wanted was to start things off with an uninformed decision.  Ryuji was not a perfect Resplendent Crane for although he understood the need for laws to provide structure and guidance he found the correction of lawbreakers to be distasteful.  Authority not tempered by mercy was tyranny.  One cannot force people into righteousness any more than one can force a flower to bloom on command.  Both must be nurtured over time.

As time passed it became clear that Ryuji was a creature of habit.  He liked structure and routine and so followed a strict schedule when it came to his studies and practice.  Variations would occur periodically because that is the nature of life, but it was never difficult for someone to find Yamada Ryuji is he was needed as he would always be in approximately the same places at approximately the same time.

Shinji was still an unassuming personage. Pale, slim, and with shaggy black hair, he would never turn many heads.
Shinji had a hard time managing his Po, not because it was strong, but because it seemed to tempt Shinji with the life he wanted. Debauchery and lack of self control were what he felt he was missing, and he could feel a longing in his bones.
This longing of course made the thrashing dragons a somewhat easy fit for him. They're devotion to partaking in the life they felt they failed to live was him to a T.
A life devoted to study allowed him to throw himself into Nakatomi's instruction. His cohorts instruction reminded him of the power fantasies which were the only escapism allowed to him in his youth, so he approached them with enthusiasm.
It was not easy to approach the members of his  Wu with the same enthusiasm. The first time in his life that he came out of his shell he was killed by the people he believed to be his friends. However, it's hard to be the life of the party when you're a party of one, so despite his misgivings he is determined both to enjoy the Wu's company, and be an appreciated member.

After staying in an endless series of rundown hotel rooms in Sunsekino in Sasaporo--Aozora always seemed to have cash on hand--one night (and day) spent in upper floor rooms  at the Asakusa View Hotel brought a relief of luxury. Everyone got adjoining rooms with a straight view of the cluttered high rises of the Shiba-Koen district. Brooding and majestic over them was Tokyo Tower.

“We leave late tomorrow night to meet Arima-sama in the Hokkaido Shrine down there,” Nakatami said, pointing at a steep angle.” Nakatomi paused. “I shouldn’t have to tell you not to eat anyone and to wear your best outfits. But I will anyway.”

“Also, tomorrow night before you go, animate yourself with Yang chi. Arima-sama has his preferences. He smiled, “You will even get to see Shun looking as pretty as she you used to be.”

Some of you took the liberty of that night’s indulgence among the living at the bar; perhaps another enjoyed the hotel’s pool. Back in your rooms, it was impossible not to glance down at the distinctive roof of the temple and not wonder what fate awaited you there.

True to his word, Nakatomi knocked on your doors at midnight the following night, a black, bespoke-suited Aozora an attractive woman in a long, green dress. She had enough look of life to her as to manage a blush. Even Nakatomi has made the concession of buttoning up his purple shirt all the way, and it very well may have been starched.

Few words passed between any of you as you filed into the open-glass elevator and down to the lobby. Outside was windy and brisk with January’s teeth. A modicum of people still lined the street, crossing to bars and other late-night businesses. The cross-beamed facade drew within view and Nakatomi escorted under the toril and then along a side path, where a plain wooden door stood closed before Nakatomi placed his hand on the rough surface and simply spoke “Nakatomi Kohei of the Broken Jade wu.”

A lithe woman in an oversized black leather jacket and mini-skirt opened the door. Her hair hung free down to her waist, and she could not hide a mischievous smile. After everyone filed into the well-lit hallway, she closed and locked the door, only to announce, “My father is in, entertaining three others, but I expect he’ll kick them out soon enough"

The hallway let out onto the open central space of the shrine. A corpulent man set at one end, eating an out-of season apple. His arms were muscular as an ape’s, and his hair worn in a topknot. He seemed to be ending a speech in a quiet, gravelly voice, which the three kneeling people took as an opportunity to bow deeply to him. One, a the blue and white kimono, filed out past your entering party, executing a small bow and the flash of a smile at Nakatomi as he did so. The second, dressed like a salaryman, held a somber face and did not even acknowledge your group. The third, a woman dressed a lot like an entertainer at a saki bar, passed warm brown eyes over each of you before exiting.

Nakatomi bowed on entering and took a seat in front of the elder’s right hand side, with his fellow members spreading out. Not blind to decorum, the rest of you followed their lead. The woman who had let you in went to stand off to one side behind Arima. She folded her arms, revealing a Browing 9mm in a shoulder holster.

“Thank you for the audience, Arima-sama,” said Akatami. “I bring those who have been trained well and are ready to join the court.”

Arima set aside his apple and laughed. It came out deep and guttery. “A new wu to form then.” He paused to point at each of you one by one. “Only four: the number of death. Which might be just the number I need.” He coughed. “Well, let’s get to it, and let them speak for themselves. What is your dharma and direction? What use can you offer me? Why should I trust you to a mission I deem important…” He trailed off. “And for which I have no other volunteers. How badly do you want to redeem your wretched souls?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:20, Mon 02 Mar 2020.

Reiko balked a bit about the Yang requirement, but did her best to comply with all of the conditions.  Even so, the best she could muster was a pale complexion and a less ethereal look.  Boneflowers did not deal well with being 'alive'.  Reiko was a little unsure about how formal or social she should dress... and in the end, she chose the former.  A pale white business jacket and skirt with a lucky blue undershirt.  Reiko accessorized with pink lipstick, clear nail polish, and a small white flower tucked into her ponytail-Esq hairstyle.

"Yuugou, Ryuji, Shinji... would you permit a group photo?  This is a big occasion and I'd like to have a reminder."

It wasn't unusual for Reiko to want to photograph things, but she had always respected the privacy of her Wu brethren first.  She took two group selfies  with whoever acceded to her request, a solemn photo first... followed by a carefree one with her hair down.  And then she was just part of the group, blending into party of seven and keeping quiet.  During the elevator ride Reiko placed herself firmly in the middle and dared not look down.  By now her dislike of heights was a known thing.

In the shrine, Reiko sat where she was directed and participated in any greeting formalities that were expected of her.  She purposely allowed some of her other Wu to speak first, if any among them wished to be the designated 'leader'.  Plus Arima  probably would prefer any other Dharma than hers to start off the introductions.  Eventually, Reiko voiced her answers.

"Arima-sama, we all seek redemption... in our own ways.  If you entrust us this task, you well get the determination of youth... without the baggage of a more senior Wu.  It would be inauspicious to promise anything further without some disclosure of this task.  If you find agreement with my words then my Dharma should not matter, but since you have asked... I hear the Song of Shadow from its Western approach.  Kimura Reiko is my name."

Her manner was respectful and Reiko avoided smiling or the appearance of innuendo.  It was unlikely that Arima would warm to her instantly, but perhaps she could at least achieve a neutral first footing.

The night before, Yuugou found himself surprisingly frustrated, holed up in his room, agonizing over which suit and tie to pick. It had been a while since he had to report to 'the boss' and the last time didn't go so well for him. In the end, he went for the safe option, an unassuming gray lounge suit with a dark green tie.

Yuugou allowed himself to be photographed but shuffled off before Kimura could take the next. While physically, he looked around the same age as Reiko; He was way behind the times,  especially after these five years; and he couldn't be bothered by smartphones and all the conventions they came with.

Entering the shrine, Yuugou took note of the elder's appearance and reminded himself about the order for Yang chi; 'The boss' must be a Thrashing Dragon, he thought.
He gave a nudge and a look to Miura, hoping the runt could score some points with the elder where he and the others might lose some.

Still, Yuugou went first, of course.
"Arima-sama," he gave an eloquent bow and another, shorter one after he finished speaking, trying to downplay the fact that he introduced himself by more or less giving his elder a lecture.
"I am Watanabe Yuugou, of the Resplendent Crane, of the Center. I believe it is my duty to serve, and it is your duty, Arima-sama, to command me. Without obligation, we are nothing but dammed souls."
" Obligation ... That is, at it's essence, both the why and the how of our redemption, and of our shared journey back to Heaven."

Meeting an important person was always nerve-wracking for Ryuji.  The situation was only made more complicated by the fact that this would be his introduction to a new world.  It would be nothing like meeting with a tournament sponsor or navigating the sports reporters afterwards.  A knot of nervous tension began to coil around his insides days before they were to arrive.  His worries were exacerbated by Aozora-dono's free hand with money.  Ryuji couldn't help but mentally tally his debt even though he could not bring himself to turn down the generosity.

The luxury of the hotel was a small comfort for him.  He had never stayed in such a place before and felt wildly out of place.  He made a very brief appearance at the bar before retreating to the shelter of his room where he tried to untangle the knot in his stomach through meditation.  It helped to imagine he was preparing for an important match so long as he didn't allow his thoughts to stray towards strategies.  He knew nothing about who he was meeting and so wouldn't be able to plan like he could against a known opponent.  So instead his focus had to be inward on reassuring himself of his abilities and the lessons that he had learned.

When it came time to get dressed for the meeting Ryuji had the easiest time as he had only one suit and no accessories to go with it.  It checked all the boxes required by a suit but was quite plain and obviously belonged to someone who had reached the limits of his fashion knowledge by picking the black suit over a different color.  He wore it well, though, and to him it felt like a suit of armor.  This was what he met important people in and it was comforting.  And so even though his stomach danced with anxiety he was outwardly calm with a dignified bearing.

Kimura-san's request for a photo, though not entirely expected, wasn't off-putting for Ryuji.  Photo opportunities were something he was more or less used to and so he stoically participated and allowed a mask of professionalism to disguise his dislike of pictures.

As their group was ushered in to meet Arima-sama Ryuji did his best to stay in the back of the group.  He tried to pretend it was because the others would make a better first impression than he would and not because he didn't want to be there at all.  He, of course, couldn't just leave and was drawn inexorably onward until he had taken his place with the rest in front of Arima-sama.  As introductions began to take place a look of concentration came to Ryuji's face and his lips moved silently.  He was very clearly planning and rehearsing what he was going to say.  He also waited to speak last to buy as much preparation time as possible.  Finally it was his turn.  He spoke slowly, his voice sonorous as he carefully made his way through his introduction.

"Arima-sama, my name is Yamada Ryuji.  I am of the Eastern direction and follow the Way of the Resplendent Crane."  He paused here to think some more.  He hadn't come up with a satisfactory answer here.  If the mission was so important then why would he be using an untested group he knew nothing of?  Could this be a test?  Did he want to see if any of them had the nerve to say he shouldn't use untested fledglings on an important mission?  He had said he had no other volunteers for the mission which meant his known and reliable Wus didn't want to do it.  The mission was either overly risky or distasteful in some way.  But he also spoke of redemption...

Ryuji's thoughts were spinning out of control and though he did not look away while speaking his nerve failed and he voice none of the thoughts he'd had.  "I have a great many debts to pay and if my suffering can begin to balance the accounts then I am ready to begin."

Shinji had a new lease on life, if it could be called that, so he intended to live as carefree an existence as he could possibly get away with. This did involve continuing to exist, which would be hard to do if an elder Kuei-jin ripped out his spine for impertinence. Resolving to be at his most respectful, he put on a black blazer and tie over a red button down shirt.

His parents had drilled etiquette into him from a young age. In a way this felt like any college interview, albeit with higher stakes. He managed a sheepish grin in Kimura's selfie, but he spent much of the trip clenching his fists in an attempt to stave off nerves. Seeing Aozora and the girl in the short skirt did help take his mind off things a bit.

Shinji sat through his companions introductions trying to think of what to say when it became his turn. The trick, he knew, was to say what the interviewer wanted to hear. What would someone like him desire from the wu? The answer came to Shinji. The same thing any organization ants from it's recruits: enthusiasm. He stepped forward and bowed.


"Sir, I am Miura Shinji. A Thrashing Dragon of the South. In the final months of my life, I found myself behind the wheel of a finely tuned racing machine. I courted death on every turn, and were it not for a heinous betrayal, I would be doing so still. Through my reckless abandon, I found victory. I offer you my nerves, and determination to ride whatever storm may come my way."

It was a little showy and boastful of course, and far more confident than he actually felt, but as he had been told many times, you had to up sell yourself, because they wouldn't do it for you. Riding the high of what he really thought to be a grand introduction, he smiled coyly, and made a closing remark.

"Plus, as you said yourself, we are your only volunteers."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:12, Wed 04 Mar 2020.

Your introductions earned an occasional grunt from Arima, who cracked  a genuine smile at Shinji’s final remark. “I recognize your wu. Fortune favor you. Kura will give you the details.”
The young woman behind him started striding off to the side you came in, and you were dismissed without further ceremony. Nakatomi and the others remained sitting.

Off in the hallway, the woman waited for you. She’d donned a round, short-brimmed hat and sported a clever grin.  “I’m Arima Kura: just call me Kura. I’m a shade walker, and also your contact with my father, should things spin out of control. You don’t look like the spinning sort of bunch, though, do you?” She offered up her phone number then guided all of you back to the side entrance.

In a melodious voice barely louder than the pattering of raindrops falling from tree-branches just outside, Kura continued, “The wu of Five Coins is no more. Whatever happened to them did so three weeks ago, after they had planned a mission to steal something that had to do with the latest wave of encroaching Shen--other supernatural beings--into Tokyo. Whether they found it, or failed, or what it is… all unknown. They never reported back.

“I was tasked with getting answers, but even I could only find so many. The Coins’  target was Yokota Air Base. Needless to say, I didn’t go there. But I have found a lead. There’s the ghost of an airman who died around that time. His name is Neal Briggs. His wraith frequently haunts the Jazz Blues Soul Bar in Shibuya, from what I can tell. Perhaps you can get him to tell you something.”

She cleared her throat.

“Meet me at Asakusa Metro Station down the street after you gather your bags from the hotel. Go to Platform 1 for the orange Ginza Line.”

By best reckoning, it was 10 at night, raining just enough to slick the surface of the street. Pods of people passed by, but it only started to get really crowded near the station. A short bank of stairs carried you down to the line.

Kura stood in the center of the crowds, all managing to pass be her without so much as disturbing her skirt. Her black leather jacket was zipped all the way up, at odds with the purple pumps she was wearing.

“You each now get your 320 yen tickets--don’t think me, thank that most generous pachinko parlor across the way--to get you from here to the end of the line at Shibuya. All the interesting bars and violence are on the northwest side there, but it’s also the shopping district where I picked up these shoes. They look smart, huh?” she asked, shuffling one forward.

A little over twenty minutes later and a story and a half walk up, brushing shoulders with the other disembarked, the busy streets were revealed. Huge crosswalks thronged with pedestrians-- many with transparent umbrellas--blocked off wide lines of cars until the streetlamps turned. Brightly-yellow lit buildings hold numerous stores, from the expensive to the discount, and there were scattered stands of noodle shops. The sounds of talking people, tires on slick pavement and music from the stores filled the late night air.

That Arima gave them his blessing was good enough for Reiko.  Maybe next time she could look to impress & assuage her vanity.  She bowed upon being dismissed and then met Kura in the hallway with the rest of her Wu.

Reiko quickly took a liking to Kura, feeling a kinship with some of the Shadewalker's aspects.  The provided phone number and any other contact details were put into her haunted Iphone.  Of course the disclosure of their mission was important and Reiko gave it her (mostly) full attention.  Contacting the airman's ghost sounded like a task that was very much up her alley, as the resident Boneflower of the group.  Reiko did (inwardly) question the timing of the Wu's moving out from the hotel, but on one hand it would let them all change out of their formal clothing.

"Very informative, Kura-san... thank you.  I would wish to hear your take on the identity of these intruding Shen and if the Five Coins were acting on orders or their own initiative to recover this... object."

Back at the hotel, Reiko took the opportunity to change and pack bags (with a smaller bag of essentials and other bags filled with things that Reiko could live without for a day or two).  She expected a bit of legwork tonight and knowing that the Wu would be talking to an American ghost influenced her clothing choice.  Reiko went with a pair of classic US jeans, an unbuttoned motorcycle jacket, and some ladies boots.  She wore her hair long and returned to her usual dark makeup style.  It felt good to embrace her Yin once more...

"So what sort of place are we going to make our home?  I have only a modest amount of funds to my name, which is better than nothing.  At this point we can't really be too picky... but privacy and safety should be paramount.  Does anyone object if we visit this Bar in Shibuya immediately afterwards?  Even if Airman Briggs deigns to aid us, getting into Yokota Air Base could still prove a challenge.  And then there is the matter of ascertaining the Five Coins fate.  Do any of you gentlemen have contacts or ideas on how we should proceed?"

Reiko's opinion was voiced as just that.  Leadership was something she held little interest in, preferring to direct her focus on the dead and her own inscrutable goals.  As it was, she sat crosslegged on the floor and peered at her phone... scrolling through online maps & reviews of the Jazz Blues Soul Bar.  As she interacted with the rest of her Wu, Reiko's neck craned at weird angles to address them.

Boneflowers were creepy!

Yuugou scoffed after leaving the shrine. That was  it ? That was the big coming-of-age ceremony these five years led up to ? It seemed he had gotten way too excited for this.

Irritated, Yuugou was less-than polite with Kura, only speaking up to pester her over the details " So ... do we just have to find out what happened to them ? Or find out and then finish their job for them ? And who are these Five Coins ? I can guess that there's five of them, but who exactly ? Were they based out of Shibuya ? And yeah, what might these Shen be ? "

Arriving in Shibuya, Yuugou's mood didn't improve. Normally he was well-accustomed to the big city night life and the crowds it came with. But, in his irritated state, Shibuya reminded him a bit too much of his time in the Wicked City and the nightmares he still had of that place.
"The cheapest hole in the wall will have to do, Kimura-san. I can pitch in, but if we're  going to be staying in this dump then there's no reason to treat ourselves. I mean, look at this place - It's like an infestation that got out of hand. I hate wading through all these dregs - It's fucking disgusting. "
He spits and composes himself a slight bit. "If you don't mind hauling our bags around with us, we can just talk to the gaijin first then hop out of here. And if you don't have anywhere to go, you can sleep over at my old place in Kawasaki-shi - you're all invited."

"Anyway, yes, the gaijin is our best bet. Handling him is going to be your responsibility, Kimura-san. I don't know how much I'll be able to help.
And apart from him ... uh, I don't know. I could track down a Dragon Nest, or at least check the lines ? The core of this issue are the Shen, right ?      Maybe I can catch one and work him over ... "

"Well, the Hakken have always been around, but they seem to have some outdated code of honor that keeps them in check. However, their Western wolf-shaping relatives have been revealed to have recent ties to the yakuza. Pockets of Nezumi dwell in the less savory districts and underground.
One might happen across the occasional Tengu or Kitsune, but whatever their agendas, out-and-out war is not one of them.
Kin’jin have been sighted down at the ports, and those have ever proven themselves untrustworthy. A separate group of them has stolen one of our lesser dragon nests, and we are still trying to flush them out, but their blood magic is rather potent.
The most worrisome to our elders are the occasional assassinations by beings unknown, who leave not a trace.
I am sure more goes on that even I do not know about in this vast city of ours.

And, of the Five Coins wu, I know nothing beyond what I have told already."

Kura stiffens at Yougou's attitude. "I would assume their job was important. They were based out of Shinjuku. And all five were Thousand Whispers, so I grew weary of learning their changing names."

With that, Kura bows slightly at you as you walk away.

Ryuji's relief at the brevity of the meeting was palpable and it rolled off him in waves as they exited.  His expression hadn't changed and was still his usual slightly perturbed face.  But now it was something of a relieved kind of perturbed.  His comfort increased as well once he was out of his suit and back into his preferred athletic wear.  The suit was important but it wasn't him.  His silk martial arts wear would have been better but that was not something he could just wear constantly.

He remained silent on their way to Shibuya hoping that someone else would bring up what he had thought of so that he wouldn't have to.  But it wasn't looking like he would be so lucky and so he was forced to speak.  He spoke slowly, considering his word choice in real time having had no time to practice ahead.  "Kura-san, do we know what the members of the Five Coins looked like?  If we need to ask the airman about them he might not know who we're talking about unless we can describe them.  'A group of five' might not be specific enough depending on the state of the airman."

He paused for a moment as another thought came to him.  "And I hope someone knows how to speak English."  Ryuji hadn't gotten around to learning it yet and would be of little help if they had to make use of the language.  Well, unless they needed to ask for a doctor or ask where the bathroom was.  Those were the only two phrases he knew in English and he wasn't even confident he knew those right.  Maybe he should spend some time trying to learn.

He'd said his piece and so fell silent again.  He couldn't think of how else he could help at the moment.  One couldn't simply Tai Chi their way into a military base and that was the skillset he had spent his life mastering.  He supposed if things went poorly he could buy time for the rest of the group to escape but he didn't really like the idea of that being the only thing he could contribute.  Maybe if someone recognized him...  But that would likely cause more harm than good.  With an inward grimace he berated himself for having never learned to do anything else.  Well, on the bright side, at least he had eternity to learn new things.  His mother had wanted him to be a doctor.  Maybe he could grant that wish in some manner.  It was something to think about.

Before she backed away, Kura looked up at Rjuji and blinked once. "Well, they have visited Arima-sama a few times. Two look like bent over crones, pallid with Yin. One looks like some gawky teenage boy. The other woman has a sharp nose and a wicked smile. Their Center, their leader, he's lithely muscled and tall, with scars on the right side of his face." Kura paused, lips pressed. "I remember his name now, at least: Tokuma Bairei."

Reiko found much to think about... wolves among the Yakuza (dangerous), kin-jin on the docks (intriguing), unknown assassins (Yama King agents?), etc.  She nodded to Ryuji at his well considered question about the Five Coins Wu.  Given that they were from Shinjuku, an area known for its commerce...  and that of their Wu name, Reiko wondered if there was a Scarlet Screen going to waste.  Assuming the worst had happened to the Five Coins, of course.  Reiko sensed opportunity.

“I speak English.  This Tokuma Bairel could be known to our Airman, but maybe the bar staff would be worth asking as well.  At any rate this is good information to have.”

Later on in Shibuya, Reiko found Yuugou’s disgust for the area a little curious.  But an offer of short term shelter could not be passed up.

“I accept your hospitality, Yuugou.  Given what Kura said about the Shen, it might be unwise to seek conflict until things become clearer.  You may still get the chance to work over someone.... later on.”

A train departed from Shibuya Station in about 12 minutes and you arrived there, going through only a brief comedic moment where you tried to find the correct change. Once aboard, you noticed small gatherings of post-bar salarymen and the occasional lonesome soul. You were born southeast to Kawasaki, where you had just enough time to transfer to a one of the last trains headed to Shinagawa. A cluster of perhaps a dozen thugs hung out to one side of your car, listening to loud music (definitely not J-pop), but they paid you little mind except the occasional bored glare.

You exited into Yuugou’s old stomping grounds about half an hour after you had set forth. The lights from bars and more sketchy establishments illumined the sidewalks well enough, and the few cars on the street weren’t in much of a hurry and didn’t seem concerned with traffic signals.

The luggage you all hauled along got more than the occasional second-glance, but no predators came out to play with you. Heading into Yuugou’s building, the manager sat behind his bullet-proof glass, oblivious to the world as he watched his late night comedy show.

Only two stories up, and you arrived at Yuugou’s pad. The door was closed and locked. From within could be heard the sound of the mattress banging against the wall and intermittent exclamations and rapid breaths.

"Wha- What the fuck ? Is that - oh these fucking lowlifes ..."
Yuugou tossed his suitcase aside and went for the door, trying his old keys.
"You fucking punks, you've picked the wrong day - and the wrong fucking place ..."

Outside the door to Yuugou’s room, Reiko withdrew her iPhone and prepped it for recording.... when the situation became clear.  Depending upon what went down in the next few minutes, she might have some great Instagram content on her hands.  Anything she wanted to keep private could be edited out or covered with her ghostly filters.  Reiko filmed herself making a creepy ‘hush’ gesture and then zoomed in on the door and it’s handle, before pausing her recording... until the ‘breach’.  Although she hadn’t intended it, Reiko’s previous comments about the chance for Yuugou to work someone over sounded almost.... prophetic.  An impish smile formed on her pale, beautific face.

“Such disrespect demands an explanation... and maybe punishment.  You have the lead, Yuugou-san.”

Reiko shifted her own bags to block the stairs for anyone coming up... or going down.  It would be no fun if the occupants escaped prematurely.

The force with which Yuugou kicked open the door was measured, precise. It seemed to resonate in the shrieks of the young woman who got up, sheets folded in front of her. The most interesting piece of the tableau remeained on the bed, his yakuza tattoos lining chest and arms and legs.
His face had twisted from pleasure to the deepest form of horror.
"Boss?" Sukejaro squaeaked.

Yuugou's burst into anger, backed by his previous frustrations; It all was dispelled and Yuugou stopped in his tracks when he saw the familiar face.

He paused for a few long seconds as he gave the room, the girl and Sukejaro a one over.
"Shut up - Shut up, woman. I don't want any noise complaints."

Taking a few steps forward, he unhurriedly took of his tie and his suit jacket and let them drop on the floor.
He approached the bed, looming over Sukejaro.
"No place like home ,right ?"

"Get up."
Yuugou reached and grabbed a handful of the man's hair, pulling him forward to try and grab and then twist his arm. He dragged the man back toward the bathroom, intending to have a man-to-man with his old buddy.
"You guys make yourselves at home, and deal with her."

Reiko stopped her video after Sukejaro was dragged away, perhaps a little disappointed that nothing truly interesting had manifested.  Later on she'd go over the video and see if there was anything worthwhile in it, blur the relevant details, and upload it as 'something'... squatters caught in the act, cheating lover confronted, etc.

"Get dressed, miss.  Here, I'll cover you... while the men sort out their differences.  What's your name?  I hope you do more than wrestle Yaks for a living..."

Reiko took the sheet and held it up like a privacy screen.  With one foot she kicked over the discarded clothes and waited while the woman dressed herself.  Reiko's pleasant smile hid the fact that the woman's worth (and very life) was currently being tallied up.  The conditions in the girl's favor was that the Wu had other business and that their list of allies was pretty sparse.  Although if things didn't go well between Yuugou and his 'buddy', the girl could be in a whole heap of trouble...

Yuugou’s room featured a mini-kitchen, the folded out futon and a Western-style couch that had seen better days. A card table sat near the lonely window, curtains half-pulled against the ever-neon night. Three chairs ringed it. One corner held a small book case with various knick-knacks on top. All in all, it was a substantial amount of space.

The woman had calmed down considerably once she had a sheet to dress behind. Her clothes were designer, though her panties were missing in action; her tiny purse looked like it barely had room for a smartphone. She wore heavy eyeliner at the corners of her large eyes, but not much in the way of lipstick. “Thank you,” she told Reiko. “I’m Sanda Yufu.” She managed to look Reiko and the rest of the group in the eyes, bowing slightly, once she was dressed. “I… I felt sorry for him. He told me he was mourning for his friend.” She tried a smile. “I guess he was lying, huh?”

Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Sukejaro had his free hand up to guard his head against any possible incidents with the various porcelain surfaces. Whatever “conversation” he was having with Yuggou came out muffled.

.

Yuugou slapped, beat and kicked the man before he could offer an explanation and before he'd ask questions, just in case Sukejaro would cooperate and he'd no longer have the excuse to.
"What the fuck are you doing here ? Did I leave you this place in my will ? I don't remember writing a fucking will and if I did, I sure as shit wouldn't put your name on it, you bastard dog!"

“I like her.”

Looking around the room, Reiko wondered how everyone would find enough places to sleep away the day.  Should she call dibs on a cupboard?  The muffled noises from the bathroom hinted at an interesting conversation.  Reiko decided that now was a good time to bring in her bags, although she didn’t intend to unpack anything just yet.  And she made Yufu help her too.

“It must have been some sob story.  Do you live close by Yufu?  I think you and me could be friends...”

Reiko still held back from introductions because she didn’t know what was being said in the bathroom.

Ryuji had previously always avoided traveling this late at night.  It had always meant trouble before.  The nightlife of a city was something for other people to enjoy and for him to safely sleep through at home.  He didn't have much choice in the matter now but old habits died hard.  As the Wu passed the large group of thug-like characters Ryuji moved to follow in Watanabe-san's wake, letting the taller and more intimidating man be most of what they would see as opposed to the less confident and shorter Ryuji.  Luckily the group was not so bored as to start a fight for no reason.

Once on the train Ryuji was more comfortable.  The rhythmic movements and sounds of the train were familiar and soothing.  Even when he'd had a car Ryuji had preferred to make use of public transportation or his own two feet.  One advantage of late travel was how few people were on the train.  Traveling during rush hour was hard to enjoy due to the huge number of people packed tightly into the trains.

Upon arriving at Watanabe-san's place Ryuji once again lagged behind.  Between the sounds coming from within and Watanabe-san's clear displeasure at people being inside Ryuji wanted nothing to do with it.  He was happy to bring up the rear but he did move to where he would have a more clear line of approach just in case there was trouble.  Watanabe-san looked as though he could handle himself but there could be more trouble inside than was indicated by the two people they could hear.

Once the group began to enter the confrontation seemed one-sided in Watanabe-san's favor and Ryuji relaxed.  That combined with Reiko-san's conversation with the woman meant there was little danger inside and little need for him to act as backup from outside.  He began to start moving everyone's bags inside keeping them separated according to who they belonged to and stacked neatly just inside the door.  He figured once they had figured out sleeping arrangements the bags would gravitate towards the respective sleeping areas of their owners.  Until then, it would simply be best to get everything inside and the door closed so they wouldn't draw unnecessary attention to themselves.

Ryuji heard the tell-tale squick of dislocated cartilage from joint in the bathroom. No cracks betrayed broken bones. The luggage stacked neatly except whatever combination and clothes Reiko-san had in her bags.
One piece of small statuary caught his eye on the bookcase. It looked like a random addition, not quite straight. A dark man thrust in a simple straight punch while a white man countered with a side-step. The focus of yin and yang seemed to turn and Ryuji was not sure whether Ryuji or his new tenant was to blame.
After his hefting of luggage, Ryuji caught sight of the girl in flagrante. He recognized her face and make-up from the wedding, so long ago, it seemed.

Reiko had seldom seen a more perfect body, and it almost physically hurt as the woman dressed, not to take a candid shot. “He cried even before he took his first downing of sake. He danced so well.” She looked down as she finished tugging on her top. “He drove me on a motorcycle, and I felt like I would die. Then this place, so properly appointed.” She frowned. “My father wouldn’t approve, but my fiance can’t make it past Accounting.” Once dressed, Yufu-san looked a little fidgety. “The trains have quite running, right?”

Subvocalizations echoee from the bathfroom.  “Deathmatch in Hell! She is. Pretty good. Tsukino.
Ouch. I can’t afford anything but good shoes. The night manager knows me. They cut it off for 10 yen clothing? And fuck.” Half slam to the sink.
“I saw you shot.”

Reiko felt a small twinge of jealousy at Yufu's beauty.  However she was also reminded that the girl was alive and 'Yangy'... while Reiko herself was not.  Although if Yufu continued on her errant ways, she could certainly end up visiting Kakuri.  That was a fate that Reiko didn't wish on anyone, having seen it firsthand.

"Disapproval is generally the domain of fathers, I think they would be lost without it, hehe.  What does yours do?  Mine worked in sales, sporting goods I think... so very boring."

She kept the conversation going... partly to learn more about Yufu and partly to stall things while Yuugou and 'other Yak guy' worked out their differences.  It was a bit harder since she couldn't give Yufu any guarantees or specific answers.  But Reiko was no stranger when it came to subterfuge.  As long as she kept directing the conversation and introducing new topics as needed, everything would work out.

"And you 'have' to spill the beans about your fiance.  Is he nice?  I hope he's not as dull as his job title..."

Reiko remained oblivious to the bathroom torture or the things that Ryuji had found.

"Do I fucking look shot ?"


After a few more seconds of hushed voices, Yuugou threw the bathroom door open and closed it behind him.
He wordlessly strolled over the bed, where he gathered up Sukejaro's clothes and then went back, opening the door ajar and throwing the clothes in.

Leaning back on the door, he smiled at Yufu and spoke with a much gentler, softer voice than he usually does.
"Oh, Yufu-chan ! I'm real sorry ! I didn't mean to scare you ... You see, me and my friend just had a little a bit of a misunderstanding..."
"But we sorted all that out" he said, elbowing the door."And it's all good now. You don't have to worry."
"Anyway, you don't have to go !" he paused,scratching his head.
"... uh, I could,maybe, see about getting you a nearby place, if this room gets too cramped..."

Yufu smiled at Reiko, and it was one of those genuine ones from a person who didn’t quite understand what evil lurked in the world. “My father works in pharmaceuticals. When he’s not claiming to save the world, he’s buying me clothes. I love him dearly. My fiance, he’s very handsome and thoughtful. But it’s like he doesn’t seem to need me.” As if suddenly realizing there were other people in the room--and as if she had not just been naked--she bowed to both Ryuji and Shinji and introduced herself.

“I am sorry to cause so many problems.”

Yuugou came out of the bathroom and spoke in his rare soothing voice to Yufu.

“I can find a hotel; I don’t want to cause any more bother.” She cringed a little bit. “Is Sukejaro-kun in a lot of trouble?”

A general survey of the room reveals that three could sleep tight on the futon, one on the couch and one on the floor. Unless anyone wanted to sack out in a folding chair, head on the table. The blinds could be turned tight enough to black out any sunlight.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:19, Tue 10 Mar 2020.

“Yes, how is our housesitter... Sukejaro-kun is it?  I hope he will do a better job than before.  Our errands are not going to complete themselves... so unless there was anything else?”

Reiko wasn’t sure sharing sleeping space with Yufu was a good idea, not unless she was going to be recruited and briefed.  Sukejaro was probably cowed enough to follow orders and not disturb their daytime slumber.  Again this was a matter for Yuugou.

"Oh it's no problem and it's not any bother either, Yufu-chan. Like I said, it's all good now."
"And you tell me about Sukejaro, is he in a lot of trouble ? Or are you willing to give him another chance ?"

The statue fascinated Ryuji.  It was the kind of thing he'd have wanted to display at his own home.  Although he supposed he was technically homeless right now.  It was strange to think that his mother's worry that he would end up on the street if he didn't become a doctor had, after a fashion, come to pass.  A slight smile tugged at his lips as he considered the irony of the thought.  Who knows, perhaps if he had become a doctor he would have balanced his karma before this had become necessary.  There was no way to know.

His slight smile faded as he turned to give proper attention to the events occurring in the rest of the room.  It had been over a decade since he had seen her last but he could never mistake her for another.  She had the same eyes as her cousin.  Irrational anger rose in Ryuji for a moment.  He turned away to once more consider the statue.  Anger; the straight punch.  Rational thought; the side-step.  The fault was his, not hers, and not anyone who she resembled.  He couldn't lie to save his life, so he would have no defense if she recognized him and so he'd have to avoid giving her opportunities to recognize him.  Well, this was going to be a lose-lose situation.  Terrible at lying and terrible at acting casual.  Better start figuring out an explanation for why the cremation didn't take.

Yufu raised her hand to point, slow but trembling, “Ryuji-san.” Then she fainted dead away, her head thankfulling smacking the bedded part of the futon.

Sukejaro chose that moment to come out of the bathroom. There was no doubt that he had perfected clothing himself in a hurry; he carried himself with the poise of a movie star, His deep brown eyes took in the whole scene. He kept his mouth shut.

A car honked three times outside, as if to accentuate the silence in the room.

"Ryu- ah, fuck me" As his attention was fixed square on the woman, Yuugou reacted quickly, dashing to catch the woman, dropping down to his knees.
With a confused expression, he looked down at her and tried to diagnose the situation. Though his medical know-how extended only to checking her pulse and shaking her around a bit.

Once he determined that she was fine( or rather gave up and decided she should be fine), he looked up at Ryuji. While Yuugou wasn't quick enough to figure out what exactly had happened, he did catch who's fault it was.
"What the fuck's your problem, huh ?!" he gazed at Ryuji with a look of half-offense, as if the quiet man had just shit on his carpet, and half-disappointment, as if he had specifically instructed him beforehand not to do that.
But he only held the stare for a few seconds, before turning back down to Yufu. In a way, not much had changed, he still needed to get her out of here ...

Shinji hadn’t fed lately. The anxiety around the induction had taken a surreptitious toll. His inhuman lust had been stimulated by the scene they had walked in on. Visions of his own hell opened in front of him, and then the human was unconscious, helpless.

Shinji lept past Ryuji and Reiko, to land next to where Yuugou tended Yufu. His jaws distorted into a maw larger than any wild animal. He growled as he prepared to gorge on her.

[OOC: everyone roll Initiative. It is a single d10+Dex+Wits, which makes it unlike every other roll you will make. Just Private Message those to me, along with the action you plan your character to take this combat turn.]
This message was last edited by the player at 14:15, Thu 12 Mar 2020.

"Looks like a 'lady faint' to me."

Reiko couldn't be any more helpful than that.  She moved over to brush away hair from Yufu's face, although the gesture somehow came out as a bit creepy.  Maybe it was just the way her shadow fell over the girl, her thin smile, or ambient Yin.  However a look of surprise crossed Reiko's own features when the blame turned on Ryuji... he hadn't even said anything to the girl.

"Maybe Sukejaro could see that Yufu gets home?"

By now Reiko had sat down on the futon and was browsing social media sites to pass the time by.  She didn't like idleness.  There was always things she could researching... clothes, tech news, and Instagram trends.  Speaking of Instagram, she added a quick post to keep her followers interested... and something for all the ghosts out there too.  Her fingers flashed across the touch screen.

And then all hell broke loose when Shinji leapt to attack Yufu

Spooked by the sudden movement, Yuugou looked to his side, seeing the runt's jaw twist open and outward and the fangs sprouting.
"- fucking runt!" Seeing the gravity of the situation, Yuugou threw a backhand at Shinji, not to snap some sense into him but to jam his maw before he could bite into her.

Unfortunately, Ryuji's attempts to 'act natural' probably drew more attention to him than if he had actually just been normal.  Maybe 15 seconds after he recognized Yufu-san she recognized him and fainted dead away.  In that instant Ryuji could feel all eyes, some real and some imaginary, go to him.  To the outside observer Ryuji might seem calm and collected if they didn't look at his eyes which were so wide with panic that if they were any wider they'd fall right out of his head.  But 15 seconds was a new personal record for him when it came to not being noticed when he didn't want to be noticed.

"I- I can explain-!" Ryuji began in a rush.  He was interrupted by Miura-san suddenly losing control and lunging for the unconscious woman.  Everything seemed to slow down as everyone began to move at once.  Ryuji's feet shifted and he sprang after Miura-san.  As Miura-san reached for Yufu-san Ryuji reached for Miura-san.  Ryuji didn't know how strong he'd be like this and so wouldn't want to trust his own strength to be enough.  Better to simply keep him from moving.  He knew just the hold to keep him pinned.  The only question is if he would be fast enough to employ it before a tragedy occurred.

Ryuji moved as fast as a windblown leaf and applied a hold that forced Shinji's head down to his chest and prohibited him from taking as much as a single step. Moments later, Yuugou interposed himself between Shinji and the fainted woman. Shinji struggled to break free. Reiko applied her own weight to holding Shinji still. Everyone had time to take an undead breath and speak while Shinji remained pinned.

"Tsk"  Yuugou relaxed and scowled down at Shinji, putting his hands in his pockets.
"Can tonight get any fuckin' worse ..." He let out a long sigh.

"Sukejaro, get me a set of pliers ... or a hammer would do... "

Ryuji was not a strong man and so he made no real effort to keep Miura-san immobile through his own strength.  Instead he made use of Miura-san's strength to keep him contained.  As he struggled Ryuji, through clever shifts and pivots, would try to guide him away from potential victims while trying to keep Watanabe-san in a good defensive position.  The panic was gone from Ryuji's eyes and had been replaced with an intense focus.  His voice, too, was the steadiest it had ever been in their hearing.

"We should remove potential victims from the area while we get him under control.  I believe I can hold him but I don't want to put other lives at risk if I am wrong."

Reiko pretty much sat on Shinji’s legs to keep him as immobile as possible.  If he called on Demon Arts, she wasn’t sure how much of a hindrance she could be.  Reiko then tried to sooth her angry Wu mate as only a Bone Flower could.

“Shinji-san... calm yourself and leave the girl alone, she’s done nothing to earn your ire.”

When Yuugou suggested pliers or a hammer, an uncertain look crept onto her face.  What exactly did he intend to do?  Ryuji’s suggestion sounded more reasonable...

Shinji struggled for maybe half a minute before his face returned to its normal shape. He muttered to himself, “I am back in control, you fucker.” Taking in how he was fully restrained, he said sheepishly, “I’m sorry? I wasn’t expecting that.”

Ten seconds later, Yufu started to come to. “What is…? But Ryuji-san jumped from that overpass.” She opened her deep brown eyes and shuddered again. She spoke to Ryuji where he still gripped Shinji from behind: “You’re not a ghost.”

Sukejuro had meanwhile been searching the room in a failed attempt to obey his boss’s request.

Yufu looked at Reiko and then at Yuugou. “What are all of you?”

Reiko exhaled in relief when Shinji regained his sanity.

“Shinji-san, do you feel well enough to go out tonight?  I would not think less of you for staying back...”

It was a partially true statement.  Reiko preferred her unstable Wu mate to remain behind so the rest of them could concentrate on their mission.  As for Yufu, it looked like the cat was out of the bag... and the Wu may as well come clean, if they elected to keep her.

“Who wants to explain things?  I think we could use a few friends and contacts... Yufu-san seems well disposed to most of us.”

Yuugou scoffed at Shinji. If he recovered that easily did he even lose control in the first place ? To Yuugou, it looked more like he let himself go.
"Pathetic."
"You can warn us next time, or y'know, maybe try growing a shred of self-respect ?"

He turned, giving Yufu and shrugged as he leaned down to grab his suit jacket.
"Yamada-kun spooked her so ..." He pivoted around on his heel and looked at Ryuji
"She's your responsibility."

He paced out of the way, stopping at the door.
"I'll go and see about getting her a room."
"Sukejaro, you come with. - We still need to talk a bit."
"And Shinji, you should come too. So we can get you sorted on the way back."

Ryuji waited several seconds longer than he probably needed to before he released Miura-san but Ryuji was not a gambling man and had no intention of gambling when there were lives at stake.  He moved a short distance away, feeling a little awkward after such prolonged contact with someone.  It also allowed him to avoid speaking up for a little longer.  Dealing with Yufu-san would have been his responsibility regardless of what Watanabe-san had said but he certainly didn't mind someone else calling the shots.

Ryuji paced slowly and ordered his thoughts while most of the others left with Watanabe-san.  As the door shut behind them he finally began to speak but his first words were to simply ask for more privacy.  "I'm sorry, Reiko-san, but could you let us speak privately?"

He and Yufu-san were at one side of the apartment and once Reiko-san had taken at least a step away Ryuji began to explain in a quiet voice.  "I am cursed, Yufu-san.  The debts incurred by the sins of my past lives have come due and suffering in life was not enough to repay them so I must now also suffer in death.  My suffering will continue until my debts are paid or until I am returned to hell."  He fell silent for a moment before continuing.  "I cannot speak for the others, but they are similar to me.  We live despite having died but it is not true life."

Reiko soon found herself alone, with Yuugou talking to his 'buddy' and Ryuji talking to his... ex?  Girlfriend?  Whatever!  Reiko just sat herself down in a chair and scrolled through Social Media again (her go to activity for any occasion).

"Oh, I found us a coupon code for the bar."

She called out her success over her shoulder in Ryuji's general direction in that typical 'annoying Millennial' habit.  The art of communication with barely any communication.  The chances of the Wu actually wanting a drink was minimal, but Reiko remained unperturbed.

The staircase back-and-forthed as Yuugou descended,  Sukejaro trailed him just close enough to quietly fill him in. “The big boss’s nephew heads us now. I think he’s been disguising our network’s output with his own financials. But now we’re all about expansion. I had a machete under the futon. These have been rough times.”

The manager actually bothered to twist his head when Yuugou had pounded on the window.
“What, sir?” The man had these beautiful, sad eyes underneath a toupee.

Upon hearing Yuugou’s request for another room, the man responded, “Just 12,000 Yen, a single on the 6th floor.” Sukejaro forked over the cost from his wallet. Yuugou realized his own cash flow was somewhat lacking.

Keys were slid through the slot, and the manager went back to watching his show.

Her followers had jumped to 7,400 on Reiko’s Instagram. She must be doing something right.
Sitting apart as she was, Reiko was clearly able to see Shinji gently open the door, step out and close it behind himself. Not saying a word.

It was doubtful he was headed to the bar.

But, if he was, Reiko could help him get that third bottle of sake free.

Yufu’s mouth dropped open a little bit as she searched for words. Finally: “You have to tell my cousin. She was shattered when she heard how you went." Yufu’s brown eyes roamed up and down over Ryuji’s body. “Not a scratch,” she said, half to herself.

Yufu’s head started shaking back and forth. “But no, you’re a monster? A monster? But you speak so softly.”

Yuugou sighed at the news. "Fuck... We'll see about getting sorted, eventually. Right now I'm all booked up, business all over: Shinjuku, Shibuya, some fuckin' air base and who knows where else."
"Say, did someone else inherit my car ? Or did they have to let it go ?"

Yuugou cringed when he realized he had to let Sukejaro deal with the bill. He grabbed the keys and stepped outside, grabbing himself a cigarette and offering Sukejaro one.
"Here's my new phone number. Obviously, don't put it in with my name and don't answer unless you're somewhere private. Send me all the guy's numbers when you can."
Yuugou spent the rest of the cigarette shooting the shit with Sukejaro, mainly chiding him about keeping a machete under his futon like some savage third-worlder or chinaman would do.
When the cigarette was done, he swapped keys with the man and sent him up to "warm up the room for Yufu-chan", also offering to send any of his stuff up with her.

While Yuugou didn't have a whole of cash left, he had plenty to go for a quick midnight groceries run, the cigarette having reminded him that celebrations were in order.

With little pressing business to do and Shinji sneaking out, Reiko decided to tag along with the Dragon.  Who knew how long Yuugou would be away for... or how long Ryuji’s conversation would be?  Reiko shot a 'call me' signal to Ryuji first and then hurried to catch up with her Wu mate.

"Shinji-san, where are 'we' going?  Did you want to hit the bar... or was there someplace else calling to you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:55, Fri 20 Mar 2020.

Ryuji flinched at Yufu-san's words of her cousin.  A surge of heartache rose within him and he shook his head adamantly.  "No, please.  You mustn't tell anyone.  No matter how strongly someone was affected, how much worse would it be if they found out that my suffering was now eternal?"  There was also the fact that Ryuji didn't quite believe a woman who had inflicted most of his suffering in life would suddenly care for him again in death.  He may still love her dearly in spite of himself but he could no longer believe that she held any positive feelings towards him.  No, she was a schemer and she was likely just grabbing all the sympathy she could get.  He wondered how long it had taken her to shift from gaining sympathy from his presence to gaining sympathy from his absence.

"You have to promise you won't tell anyone what I've become."

Yuugou started out into the familiar streets on his way to the nearest konbini. Cars passed infrequently, but there were still a number of people on the streets. The night air carried the scent of yakitori smoke from a still-open restaurant.
The door of the 7-11 dinged as Yuugou walked in. The only other patron stood at the checkout counter: a towering whipcord of a man, not less than 6’3”, wearing a cheap gray suit. The man turned his head to notice Yuugou and hold his gaze for just a few seconds. His conspicuous Chopard watch was revealed as he reached out for the chips and Pepsi on the counter.
He didn’t actually pay.
The tall man walked past Yuugou and out of the store.
As Yuugou was not actually hungry or thirsty, his purchases were somewhat leaner than in his living days. He did find some cheap champagne and a few snacks. Sukejaro would doubtless enjoy them more, but Yuugou had at least enough Yang chi rolling around inside him to appreciate the taste.
The clerk was unfamiliar to him and looked young enough to still be in high school.
Transaction concluded, Yuugou exited the konbini.
Lounging against the glass window, the tall man called out to Yuugou: “That’s some crap champagne.”