[Matoba smiles, finishing off another cookie.] I wouldn't have it any other way.
[After all, it was because they were alike that they could have these wonderful conversations. There was no sense in carrying on this sort of relationship with someone who was not willing to face the risk themselves for their beliefs. A coward who would back out at the slightest danger couldn't be trusted to give good information, nor to squeal at the slightest provocation.]
[It was a known quantity that one of them was going to turn on the other eventually, but... Until then, it was a fun little roulette.]
Hmmm... If I may assume a little, the impression I've received from my brief meetings with them is that they are-- [He pauses, and the corner of his mouth curls whimsically.] ...Well, they are less like the Daitengu, from what we saw of them. [Not an eccentric weirdo like the Daitengu was, like the Lost Souls the clan had picked up. There certainly seemed to be a type to those the clan chose to represent them, and maybe it wasn't all that odd that the figurehead, and those cleaning up under them, were not the same ilk.] I suppose every clan needs its dry, business types, but it is a little boring. I'd rather have had a chat with that Daitengu.
--Ah, the Department, with all their paperwork and rules, sort of has that reputation, don't they? But I don't think you're boring at all, Soma-san, so maybe it's a little funnier that you've ended up lumped in with them.
[It seems that he will not get much of an answer out of him, alas. Matoba mulls that over, sorting the cookies in his box before plucking another out.]
...I wonder, huh... What it is the Enma is looking to be satisfied with... [He says it munching through a cookie, idly.] Underground areas tend to be filled with many surprises.
[ Indeed, that is the most that he can say. He likes the cold effectiveness in the way that the ayakashi conducts himself. It means there is no false expectations that they are seen as anything other than tools for order. There's no sense of camaraderie but a sense of maintaining balance. Soma likes that very much; he dislikes lies and the feeling that "we're all in this together" when some people will forever be in the shadows. ]
Still, it's nice that you have such warm feelings toward the departed Daitengu. I am sorry that you weren't able to have more chats with them.
[ A sincere enough response. ]
An answer. An answer for what happened. [ But whether that answer is satisfactory to anyone else, is the question. Whether that answer is not something manufactured, is another question. ]
Thinking of going down there? It's still a little dangerous or so I've heard.
Warm? Haha. [You're funny, Soma.] I really am curious. It was such an interesting monster... Trying to hide its identity while at the same time retaining a sense of individualism. It seemed like a truly pathetic struggle. I wish I could have seen it some more.
But then, maybe that contributed to its death? Who can say, just yet.
[Honestly, he can understand Soma's appreciation towards the Enma- he wishes that his own leader had been more like that, that they all understood exactly where they stood. Tools, the lot of them- the Daitengu, too, just a mask and a name acting as the glue for the mutual convenience that was their greater alliance.]
I thought of it. But in my current state, it's best if I just let the others do the groundwork. [Matoba glances towards his left arm, still bound in bandages under his kimono.] ...It's unfortunate, but I made a bit of a miscalculation during all that fuss.
--Ah. I did end up attending the fireworks. I hope you won't mind that I went without you, Soma-san, but I couldn't help but satisfy my curiosity. [He smiles] You do understand?
Who could say? Ayakashi are difficult for me to understand, and so I can only give blind observations on the matter.
[ It is his own cheerful take on things. He has no understanding and can only say whatever he likes about it. As soon as he comes to understand the culture of the place, he'll be able to be a little more insightful and helpful in matters. ]
You did do your best. I'm just happy that you weren't killed. [ Losing an informant is always difficult and troublesome. It would be very unfortunate if Matoba were to die. ] Might I ask what you did?
Did you now? [ Hm. ] No, I don't mind that you went without me. I understand that such things are best seen with one's own eyes. [ A smile. ] There's no hard feelings here.
I'm sure every day you're learning a bit more about them, [Matoba says encouragingly.] Histories and detailed bestiaries are useful to know well, but even I cannot say I know of every ayakashi. Surely, in a place like this, I imagine you have even encountered ones I have never seen.
[He's not meaning it to be patronizing.... Truly, this place had quite a few differences from the ayakashi he was used to. Even though they mostly reflect the ayakashi and their desire to reach humanity........ Well, no matter. His point stood.]
[Did Matoba do his best? ...In the moment, yes, he probably did, he decides.] It seems those responsible did not appreciate being interfered with. Too bad; I would have liked to have killed at least one, so that I could inspect their corpse more closely.... But, they had some rather interesting armor.
Ah, and firearms. Have you heard any details about those? I admit I am not the most familiar with such weaponry, but perhaps you'd be able to fill in the gaps. Most guns tend to leave a shell casing, correct?
[ He bows his head slightly, appreciating the forgiving words. But really, Soma takes it as being joining the yakuza -- only it is much more bare bones in terms of what information that he has going in. ]
That they did. [ Certainly, it seemed like they were unable to be damaged. His eyebrows furrow for a moment; he remembers the request that they had been given before. Everyone was supposed to be stripped of weapons before the festival. He shifts his eyes side-to-side; while he understood the importance of it, at the time, he is not liking the implications of what that did.
Hm. ]
I'm afraid I've had my hands full with hunting down the kappa. I'd like to be everywhere at once, but unfortunately, I can only do what is asked of me. [ A slight pause. ] Did you know? Some people were actually trying to smuggle or hide them way? It made life very difficult.
[ And if he had more authority, he would have shot the people in the leg for getting in his way. But no, he remained calm. ]
[Soma accepts Matoba's encouragement fairly well, and he'll call that a victory. One can never know where ego may flare up, especially with these underworld types, and although Soma hardly seems the type to be too prideful there was a thin line between pride for the self and pride for the principle of it.]
[Even Matoba could not let a sleight slide, if it would reflect poorly on what he represented.]
[He notes Soma's furrow and waits to see if he will have something to add about the assailants at the Night Parade, but it seems that if he does, the questioning will not bear fruit yet. No matter; there was always something more, to fill in the gaps another time.]
[Matoba, likewise, will keep his cards in hand for now.] I'm sure. It seems like a very foolish thing to do, [He comments with a smile, adding nothing more. He was aware of it, yes, and did not reveal them. He had no love for the river tribe either way, but it wouldn't be to his advantage to reveal his clan's efforts.]
I hope at least that we will get some answers from them eventually. The Department has been quite efficient, thus far. [Complimentary at face value, at least.]
I suppose they don't understand the gravity of what they're doing.
[ He ducks his head and shrugs his shoulders. There is a lightness to what he's saying, indicating that if he catches them that he'll show some leniency. ]
I've no desire to make enemies. [ At the moment.
He'll make them later when he has enough power and influence to handle them. But anyway-- ] Still, even as I say that, we've both said we're men that are easily hated.
[ Another sheepish shrug. What can they do? ]
Thank you so much for your compliment. I do agree that they have been. [ Not really. There is a lot more that they could do, but that would be spreading out their influence and control; so, yes, they're efficient without being too dogged about their goals. At least, in Soma's opinion. ]
If you ever think about leaving your own clan, perhaps, you can join this one. [ Ha-ha. ]
Perhaps they are driven by emotions... these moral instincts, [Matoba suggests, with implied airquotes.] To protect the weak is a herd instinct that humans indeed carry, but to follow them without any logical consideration is a weakness.
Most living things learn through consequence. I'm sure this will be the same.
[Whether it's by Soma's hand or otherwise.... Matoba was certain the judgment of the Enma would find those who tried to evade it, eventually.]
[Soma's suggestion gets a glance of mild surprise from Matoba (put-on or otherwise); but he chuckles, replacing it with that smile of his to cover whatever it was he might have really thought of that.]
[The first extended hand, huh?] Oh? I'm happy to receive such an offer from an esteemed colleague. I will certainly keep the possibility in mind, but for the time being, the Alliance is really quite and ...interesting organization.
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[After all, it was because they were alike that they could have these wonderful conversations. There was no sense in carrying on this sort of relationship with someone who was not willing to face the risk themselves for their beliefs. A coward who would back out at the slightest danger couldn't be trusted to give good information, nor to squeal at the slightest provocation.]
[It was a known quantity that one of them was going to turn on the other eventually, but... Until then, it was a fun little roulette.]
Hmmm... If I may assume a little, the impression I've received from my brief meetings with them is that they are-- [He pauses, and the corner of his mouth curls whimsically.] ...Well, they are less like the Daitengu, from what we saw of them. [Not an eccentric weirdo like the Daitengu was, like the Lost Souls the clan had picked up. There certainly seemed to be a type to those the clan chose to represent them, and maybe it wasn't all that odd that the figurehead, and those cleaning up under them, were not the same ilk.] I suppose every clan needs its dry, business types, but it is a little boring. I'd rather have had a chat with that Daitengu.
--Ah, the Department, with all their paperwork and rules, sort of has that reputation, don't they? But I don't think you're boring at all, Soma-san, so maybe it's a little funnier that you've ended up lumped in with them.
[It seems that he will not get much of an answer out of him, alas. Matoba mulls that over, sorting the cookies in his box before plucking another out.]
...I wonder, huh... What it is the Enma is looking to be satisfied with... [He says it munching through a cookie, idly.] Underground areas tend to be filled with many surprises.
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[ Indeed, that is the most that he can say. He likes the cold effectiveness in the way that the ayakashi conducts himself. It means there is no false expectations that they are seen as anything other than tools for order. There's no sense of camaraderie but a sense of maintaining balance. Soma likes that very much; he dislikes lies and the feeling that "we're all in this together" when some people will forever be in the shadows. ]
Still, it's nice that you have such warm feelings toward the departed Daitengu. I am sorry that you weren't able to have more chats with them.
[ A sincere enough response. ]
An answer. An answer for what happened. [ But whether that answer is satisfactory to anyone else, is the question. Whether that answer is not something manufactured, is another question. ]
Thinking of going down there? It's still a little dangerous or so I've heard.
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But then, maybe that contributed to its death? Who can say, just yet.
[Honestly, he can understand Soma's appreciation towards the Enma- he wishes that his own leader had been more like that, that they all understood exactly where they stood. Tools, the lot of them- the Daitengu, too, just a mask and a name acting as the glue for the mutual convenience that was their greater alliance.]
I thought of it. But in my current state, it's best if I just let the others do the groundwork. [Matoba glances towards his left arm, still bound in bandages under his kimono.] ...It's unfortunate, but I made a bit of a miscalculation during all that fuss.
--Ah. I did end up attending the fireworks. I hope you won't mind that I went without you, Soma-san, but I couldn't help but satisfy my curiosity. [He smiles] You do understand?
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[ It is his own cheerful take on things. He has no understanding and can only say whatever he likes about it. As soon as he comes to understand the culture of the place, he'll be able to be a little more insightful and helpful in matters. ]
You did do your best. I'm just happy that you weren't killed. [ Losing an informant is always difficult and troublesome. It would be very unfortunate if Matoba were to die. ] Might I ask what you did?
Did you now? [ Hm. ] No, I don't mind that you went without me. I understand that such things are best seen with one's own eyes. [ A smile. ] There's no hard feelings here.
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[He's not meaning it to be patronizing.... Truly, this place had quite a few differences from the ayakashi he was used to. Even though they mostly reflect the ayakashi and their desire to reach humanity........ Well, no matter. His point stood.]
[Did Matoba do his best? ...In the moment, yes, he probably did, he decides.] It seems those responsible did not appreciate being interfered with. Too bad; I would have liked to have killed at least one, so that I could inspect their corpse more closely.... But, they had some rather interesting armor.
Ah, and firearms. Have you heard any details about those? I admit I am not the most familiar with such weaponry, but perhaps you'd be able to fill in the gaps. Most guns tend to leave a shell casing, correct?
[He'll note that reaction for later.]
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[ He bows his head slightly, appreciating the forgiving words. But really, Soma takes it as being joining the yakuza -- only it is much more bare bones in terms of what information that he has going in. ]
That they did. [ Certainly, it seemed like they were unable to be damaged. His eyebrows furrow for a moment; he remembers the request that they had been given before. Everyone was supposed to be stripped of weapons before the festival. He shifts his eyes side-to-side; while he understood the importance of it, at the time, he is not liking the implications of what that did.
Hm. ]
I'm afraid I've had my hands full with hunting down the kappa. I'd like to be everywhere at once, but unfortunately, I can only do what is asked of me. [ A slight pause. ] Did you know? Some people were actually trying to smuggle or hide them way? It made life very difficult.
[ And if he had more authority, he would have shot the people in the leg for getting in his way. But no, he remained calm. ]
But you're right, they do have shell casings.
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[Even Matoba could not let a sleight slide, if it would reflect poorly on what he represented.]
[He notes Soma's furrow and waits to see if he will have something to add about the assailants at the Night Parade, but it seems that if he does, the questioning will not bear fruit yet. No matter; there was always something more, to fill in the gaps another time.]
[Matoba, likewise, will keep his cards in hand for now.] I'm sure. It seems like a very foolish thing to do, [He comments with a smile, adding nothing more. He was aware of it, yes, and did not reveal them. He had no love for the river tribe either way, but it wouldn't be to his advantage to reveal his clan's efforts.]
I hope at least that we will get some answers from them eventually. The Department has been quite efficient, thus far. [Complimentary at face value, at least.]
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[ He ducks his head and shrugs his shoulders. There is a lightness to what he's saying, indicating that if he catches them that he'll show some leniency. ]
I've no desire to make enemies. [ At the moment.
He'll make them later when he has enough power and influence to handle them. But anyway-- ] Still, even as I say that, we've both said we're men that are easily hated.
[ Another sheepish shrug. What can they do? ]
Thank you so much for your compliment. I do agree that they have been. [ Not really. There is a lot more that they could do, but that would be spreading out their influence and control; so, yes, they're efficient without being too dogged about their goals. At least, in Soma's opinion. ]
If you ever think about leaving your own clan, perhaps, you can join this one. [ Ha-ha. ]
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Most living things learn through consequence. I'm sure this will be the same.
[Whether it's by Soma's hand or otherwise.... Matoba was certain the judgment of the Enma would find those who tried to evade it, eventually.]
[Soma's suggestion gets a glance of mild surprise from Matoba (put-on or otherwise); but he chuckles, replacing it with that smile of his to cover whatever it was he might have really thought of that.]
[The first extended hand, huh?] Oh? I'm happy to receive such an offer from an esteemed colleague. I will certainly keep the possibility in mind, but for the time being, the Alliance is really quite and ...interesting organization.
[It suits him. For now.]