The board game had been spawned as a means to spend a few minutes. The pieces were set in predetermined positions based off of a game Kagerou had recently lost against her uncle. He had insisted that this turn, set in front of Kagerou, was the latest she could have turned the tides for a win. However, she had yet to finagle out what she should have been doing instead on this turn.
Needless to say, this was meant to be a solo mental exercise. She had not expected Toso to join on her uncle's side. Nonetheless, Toso wasn't that far off the mark when he suggested that perhaps Kagerou's game somehow reflected the current test. She'd been expecting this comment, and being well-prepared for it, easily gave a quiet smile to indulge on Toso's theories. There was no room for words. Toso had moved on to Shion.
The end result of Toso's intererence was Kagerou's win. However, that wasn't what she was looking for. She was looking for a solution against her uncle, and unfortunately, Toso had made some entertaining choices that were not logical. Well, such was the style of this current personality and the world wasn't so simple a place as a mere chess board. There was nothing wrong with it. Similarly to how there was nothing wrong with Kagerou wanting to give one more go on this chess problem while Toso lauded out explanations and congratulations.
Resetting the board without even bothering to checkmate Toso's king, Kameyo would once more see the initial set up. Kagerou, playing white, was losing, but she had significantly more pieces. Black, meanwhile, was low on pieces but her uncle had, on previous turns, maneuvered into a position that pressured Kagerou. It was, if anything, an inverse of the situation faced by the group just now. It being an inverse was sort of the reason why Kagerou thought to try this particular mental exercise.
However, other than that, it wasn't like she was trying to make some sort of deep statement with her chess game. She was only partly paying attention to it, anyways. For all the importance afforded it, most of Kagerou's attention was actually not on the board she trained her eyes on but in listening to the solutions given and the grades they received.
The imaginary members of Kozen, Janesse and Kimochi all bowed and smiled as they faded aways into inky dust in the wind. The world shifted similiarly, they were back in the imaginary office once more. Overseer Toso would be on the other side of his desk. Eye's closed in thought and contemplation before opening them again to address. "Selina. I suppose my choice of words was a might bit confusing. Assume for the moment bloop. Arashigakure wasn't prepared. For this exercise, the fortress 'represents' the village. Arashigakure would be facing all of Sandayu's men and the entirety of Kogarashi which outnumbered us. Arashi itself having no place in the scenario we ran. There was simply a fortress in which was sworn to be protected by the general inhabiting it. If I were to equivocate your stratagem, it would be the same as if every individual in Arashigakure were ordered to abandon it. You invited the enemy into the village in the hopes to route them while the last remaining individuals attempt their escape and while the number of casualties respectively were lessened...you failed to protect what the people hold dearest to them, that we swore to protect for them, that we swore to keep safe for them so they would not have to, and they could live knowing that they were protected. Their home, and to sacrifice one's home while the land may be soulless can only be considered a failure on out part as shinobi. bloop. Still this was a worst-case scenario intentionally bloop I'd hope something such as this could be nipped in the bud before it escalated to such degrees. "
Overseer Toso would then look to Shion. "Did you have to use your foot? You couldn't have punched me instead? Ah...it doesn't matter." Kagerou would know the reason behind slight tinge of saltiness that executed the squid general. Would she make that public? She better not. It's not as though it was a secret but there was patient-client confidentiality to take into account. "The fact of the matter is bloop, Shio-nee came out triumphant. However, this is solely only because I knew myself how the men would react. On the real field of battle the loss of a general may actually inspire the men to enter a state of all or nothing, their general being a martyr. Shio-nee you've a means to inspire but never forget that you were also a leader bloop. When you left to engage the general in your strike team your men were left inspired but leaderless. I may believe every man is his own leader...but a bitter pill I have to swallow is some are completely lost without being told what to do and what's expected of them." Toso recalled his drunken tirade in front of Belamos and Shion where he said himself as kage alone could shoulder all the burdens of the people and that the people were responsible for their own actions and the burdens they were fit to carry that came with them...he still believed this...but those lacking direction made pushes necessary and he knew he wasn't the type of man who could provide those pushes.
SUDDENLY A TONE SHIFT as Kameyo brought light the subject matter. The tests. "BLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SOOOOOO GLAD YOU ASKED! Ahem our next exercise I've readily prepared. Now you may be asking but what are the results of this first test? Well, that will all be said and done when the tests are over. You don't just answer the first multiple choice question and thing you done you'd have to be some kind of fool to do that! The next question of the day is whose willing to step up first?!" He paused as it seemed like he waited enthusiastically for someone to step forward only when someone did, did he point at them and stand up "TOO SLOW! I'LL GO BLOOP!"
Three individuals suddenly spawned in front of the desk facing the advisor candidates. In the blink of the eye, everyone was now in a huge white office space with rather bland decorum reminiscent of dentist and doctor office waiting rooms. The three individuals would then slide to the distant area to everyone's left. Additionally now it seemed more groups of these individuals spawned. Four groups of three people each looking different from one another some more unique than others.
"I've prepared these groups of candidates for each you, even you Ka-nee should you wish to participate. This exercise is rather straightforward. You're going to be funding one of these three individuals for a new upstart company with you acting as the CEO of the correspondent company above your heads bloop. This is a test of your business savvy. bloop. Many who wish to get into the business game seek investments only to do nothing with them or rather turn out crooked and embezzle funding. Your job is to determine which upstart company you plan on investing the villages hard-earned ryo in for a hope to turn a profit and the economic and cultural growth of the village."
Above each of the Girls heads would be a company they would be in charge of , reflexively the groups were assigned this same thing above their heads to know which group of hire-ees belonged to who. Immediately it could be seen that there was a theme here. None of their assigned companies seemed to play to any of their 'strengths' or possible interests. That was the thing about this position. You would often have to decide on things you would have no interest in. "SO! Again I ask bloop! Whose first?!.. AH! I forgot the most important part!" Toso would reproduce each of his tentacles counting upward. "One, two, three, four, five, six. Aside from general information regarding your candidates, this is the number of questions you're allowed to ask to get to better know them. In this exercise, time is short and hiring the RIGHT candidate is imperative less bankruptcy sets in. HOWEVER, THERE IS A CATCH. With your six questions, you may only ask a Yes or No question to all three or ask one candidate a single personal question receiving an in-depth answer. Although like real individuals whether these answers are honest or not...why that's entirely up to your intuition. "
Kameyo: Testu Underground: A Production Studio Selina: Heiki Harada: A Arms Dealership Shion: Bishōjo Bae: A Makeup Company Kagerou: Raifu raito: A Toy Company
{{OOC: Basically whoever's posting, I will describe your candidates. You will then enter the question phase and then I will return a post with the answer phase and finally you decide whom you wish to hire or not. There is no post order here as everyone will have their own asides but the rest are free to take in and spectate one another.}}
❞ ·.¸¸.-&Passives&-.¸¸.·´❞ Passive Stats Increases: {Descriptive ranks may be used in place of numbers for this section if desired. All of these start at 0/no buff, with each increase of 1 denoting a one level increase in the descriptive rank bonus to that stat. When you gain a passive benefit, add it to these totals and denote the source in place of the N/A under the relevant stat.} • Strength ► 18 {Passive: Capped at 12} →→ N/A • Speed ► 18 {Passive: Capped at 12} →→ N/A • Reflex ► 18 {Passive: Capped at 12} →→ N/A • Fortitude ► 12 {Passive: Capped at 12} →→ N/A Details: ○ Modoro Gumo: Enchanted: +0.2 Reflex, +0.2 Speed {When Equipped} ○ Ikane: +0.4 Fort {When Equipped} ○ Inkjecktor: +0.4 Fort {When Equipped} ○ Abyss Script: +0.4 Reflex {When Equipped} ○ Inkjet-Skate: +0.4 Speed {When Equipped} ○ Shoku Shokushu: Sumimasen Meiwaku: +0.4 Strength {When Equipped} ○ Haiiro yorokobi [Joyful Grey] +0.4 Fort {When Equipped} ○ Shiro u~isukī [White Whimsy] +0.4 Fort {When Equipped} ○ Hidoi kuro [Baleful Black] +0.4 Fort {When Equipped} ○ Saiken Bonus: +0.2 Fort ○ Master of [11] Styles: Total DR Allocatable: [66]
• Sumi-Efude(Ink Based Chakra Cost) Reduced by ½ to a minimum of 5 • Art of the Bloop: Ink & Brush Based Techniques Cost [10] less to cast • Art of the Bloop: Every other Technique Costs [5] more to cast • Ninjutsu: +2 • Class Everything: +6 • Class Bloodline: +6 • Brushing Up: Fuuin Made With a Brush is reduced by [10] otherwise Increased by [5] • Multi-Jointed: Can contort body seamlessly for disturbing outcomes. • Endai Ika [ Far Reaching Squid ]: As if cracking a whip, the Hojo clan member is able to outstretch his arms up to 10 yards (30 Feet) • Pastel Swap: By paying the difference between one blend and another can alter an applied blend into another blend. I.e If hitting with [Blindling Blend] E can turn it into [Corrosive Blend] by spending an activation and paying [75] {The difference}
Kameyo had stepped forward to offer to go first again only to be told she was too slow. She had to laugh, but she rolled her eyes, too. Toso was in a good mood, then. She watched with everyone else as small groups of people materialized.
Investing, huh?
She approached her group of people. She was allowed general information before dipping into her six questions so she asked what their business even was. A production studio? Like what Selina relied on to publish her music?
She considered her questions carefully. In depth seemed better than yes/no questions but she had to be cautious. "Why is Arashi the best place for your business?" She asked the first one. She turned to the second, "What is the projected profit of the first year of business?" To the third, "How many competitors do you have in Arashigakure that are already successful?"
To all three she asked, "Have you seen interest in Arashigakure for your company specifically? Do you have any artists or actors or singers already looking into or possessing contracts with your company?"
She saved her last question in case the answers were not satisfactory. She watched them carefully but was hopeful she could invest.
ooc:
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2019 2:17 pm
This second round, Kagerou felt that she would feel too guilty if she ignored. Toso had created her own label and set of candidates, after all.
With a wave of her hands, she whisked the chess set away and turned her earnest attention to this problem set. Hmmm... No, she probably shouldn't think of it as a problem set. As a simulation, this was well done. Very well done. Though, of course, as a simulation, it was also all man-made. As wide as Toso's experiences of human reactions appeared to be, this test and the individuals created for it were also all based on the experiences of but one man and his particularly preference for doing things.
Such an analysis was set aside and kept in the back of Kagerou's head. She didn't have any use for it immediately. In fact, she didn't even start her business immediately. It had been threatened that the group was short on time, yet not time limit was given. Simply a question limit.
Therefore, leisurely smiling, Kagerou turned to Toso and asked him her first question, "Then Arashikage-sama. If we are permitted to ask our candidates only 6 question, then how many questions are we permitted to ask our fellow CEOs and you?".
~Kameyo~ Before Kameyo would be her three individuals. Right to the point without taking in their appearances she got down to the nitty gritty. This was a sign she didn't care about appearances or at the very least felt rushed. On her approach their biographies would appear before her on a screen.
Her First. Naito Daisetsu. Legally Blind. Age 23. Sex Male. Her Second. Ushioda Yajirobei. Age 45. Sex Male. Her Third. Izumo Shijo. Age 37. Sex Male. They would answer her question accordingly.
"Oh Uh...Well. It just seemed like a cool place. There's a lot of CAH-RAZY innovations going on here you know! You got all this wicked sweet new tech and stuff I was thinking, man wouldn't it be rad if like, if we used that smart junk to make the music industry even more wicked sick you know!" His voice while sounding somewhat ignorant at its core at least sounded passionate. If anything could be deduced his answer was undeniably genuine.
"Hmph easy. You give me your investment and I can guarantee a 10 to 20% annual profit margin. I've had over twenty years in this business, I have the records to prove I'm more than capable of providing annual returns." His tone carried an assuredness if not slightly condescending. As if to say the other candidates were hardly a challenge. That he undeniably was the best choice. The man's biography would update revealing furthermore about him. Ushioda Yajirobei. Twenty-Years in music and cinema production...but it never said as what.
The savvy looking baldman would adjust his glasses. Inter-village. Six. Ya-Films, TAH-TAH, MAGIC* Production, Pitch Perfect, Kaga-yaya, Kurokhan. Cinema, Studio, Studio, Studio, Radio, Television respectively. Despite their differences, they are all respectively my competitors as it is a competition that drives an industry and my aim to reach the top." This man knew the industry was a god eat dog world and his conciseness made that deathly apparent.
"Yeah I Guess? I mean like, what qualifies as 'interest'? Like..I know my band is pretty popular..but like, I wouldn't mind seeing other bands get pretty popular with what I wanna do." "The people know my name and my works." "Undeniably."
"My bands got like.. five people. BUT! Like with the money we could totes hire more. Like we all wanna make music really shine DIG!" "Several would kill to work for me." "I've over thirty men contracted thus far." _______________________________________
-Kagerou-
Toso's glasses would light up as if he heard something most INTERESTING as if it was something he wanted to hear. He seemed to be playing a crossword puzzle. "An eight letter word for increasing without end? Ah...I'm sorry Ka-nee did you ask me something? I'm afraid I'M not the one you should asking questions about, but by all means if you want to get to know me more I'm all for it bloop. A dinner date perhaps, watching the fireworks, cooking bad spaghetti? OH! There's the answer!" Toso would begin to write something in the crossword puzzle box. Clearly, he was offering no further aid in this exercise. Or was he? That said his pen would point.
Her First. Panpan Daikun. Kemono Shinzo. Age 26{Panda Years}. Sex Male. Her Second. Taiko Daruma. Age 30. Sex Male. Her Third. Imari Rii. Age 22. Sex Female. They would answer her future questions accordingly.
-Selina- Her First. Tentesu KoroKoro. Age 28. Sex Male. Her Second. Hugo Palatrozi. Age 66. Sex Male. Her Third. Isaiki Sawatori. Age ? Sex ? Appears as a male or female but one thing is infallibly certain they are incredibly HOT. The appearance differs from person to person but the main thing is this person always looks sexually attractive flaunting their 'bits'
-Shion- Her First. Egusa Manobu. Age 24. Sex Trans. Her Second. Jiji Dahlia. Age 23. Sex Female. Her Third. Nagaoka Ioko. Age 19 Sex Female. They would answer her future questions accordingly.
❞ ·.¸¸.-&Passives&-.¸¸.·´❞ Passive Stats Increases: {Descriptive ranks may be used in place of numbers for this section if desired. All of these start at 0/no buff, with each increase of 1 denoting a one level increase in the descriptive rank bonus to that stat. When you gain a passive benefit, add it to these totals and denote the source in place of the N/A under the relevant stat.} • Strength ► 18 {Passive: Capped at 12} →→ N/A • Speed ► 18 {Passive: Capped at 12} →→ N/A • Reflex ► 18 {Passive: Capped at 12} →→ N/A • Fortitude ► 12 {Passive: Capped at 12} →→ N/A Details: ○ Modoro Gumo: Enchanted: +0.2 Reflex, +0.2 Speed {When Equipped} ○ Ikane: +0.4 Fort {When Equipped} ○ Inkjecktor: +0.4 Fort {When Equipped} ○ Abyss Script: +0.4 Reflex {When Equipped} ○ Inkjet-Skate: +0.4 Speed {When Equipped} ○ Shoku Shokushu: Sumimasen Meiwaku: +0.4 Strength {When Equipped} ○ Haiiro yorokobi [Joyful Grey] +0.4 Fort {When Equipped} ○ Shiro u~isukī [White Whimsy] +0.4 Fort {When Equipped} ○ Hidoi kuro [Baleful Black] +0.4 Fort {When Equipped} ○ Saiken Bonus: +0.2 Fort ○ Master of [11] Styles: Total DR Allocatable: [66]
• Sumi-Efude(Ink Based Chakra Cost) Reduced by ½ to a minimum of 5 • Art of the Bloop: Ink & Brush Based Techniques Cost [10] less to cast • Art of the Bloop: Every other Technique Costs [5] more to cast • Ninjutsu: +2 • Class Everything: +6 • Class Bloodline: +6 • Brushing Up: Fuuin Made With a Brush is reduced by [10] otherwise Increased by [5] • Multi-Jointed: Can contort body seamlessly for disturbing outcomes. • Endai Ika [ Far Reaching Squid ]: As if cracking a whip, the Hojo clan member is able to outstretch his arms up to 10 yards (30 Feet) • Pastel Swap: By paying the difference between one blend and another can alter an applied blend into another blend. I.e If hitting with [Blindling Blend] E can turn it into [Corrosive Blend] by spending an activation and paying [75] {The difference}
Kameyo considered the men in front of her carefully. Her gut said the third, but she wasn't going to go solely with her gut if Toso were counting on her as an advisor. She had to be careful with just one question left. It was a ridiculous limit, she thought, but she also didn't want to disappoint twice in a row.
Careful not to ask a question, she continued. To Naito: "Tell me what your band's shows look like. I want to know the demographic you speak to." She knew Toso valued the heart of an individual greater than she did (and she collected them) but she felt that that was something that could be said about most of Arashigakure. Intentions and passion were important to the village's people.
To Ushioda: "Show me the records that will prove your capabilities. Tell me about your extensive experience; be specific." She had a natural preference for experience but she also knew that that wasn't the be all end all. There were many variables to success. Despite that, even if he could make money, that did not mean that he could improve the village, per se. The financial advisor had to grow the economy AND the culture of the village. To only improve one would be to only do half of her job.
To Izumo: "You're very familiar with the industry if you can name that many rivals off the top of your head. I like your drive. Tell me what you see when you look at Arashigakure. Tell me what your business would look like."
She was not asking questions but she was making demands. She hoped Toso did not catch on to her not-quite-but-basically-cheating scheme. ooc:
"So that would be infinite~" Kagerou rewarded Toso's answer by giving him the answer to his crossword question, or was she talking about something else? Ohohoho. Who knew? Blame Toso for speaking in bobbling idiosyncrasies.
Fun aside, Kagerou wouldn't take too much of the time and make the others. Still smiling leisurely, she requested the arashikage's expertise on this matter, "Well, Lord Arashikage. I was wondering if you would enlighten me with what you look for in your potential investments. And what would happen to be important characteristics to have for a successful toy business." This was a casual inquiry for more information, more of a request to be educated than trying to get an unfair advantage over the others. In Kagerou's opinion, and maybe she was simply spoiled by growing up around people who had intentionally specialized in different fields, if she was unfamiliar with a particular endeavor, then the first effort should always be an attempt to learn more about it before diving in blindly.
~Kameyo~ Before Kameyo would be her three individuals. Right to the point without taking in their appearances she got down to the nitty gritty. This was a sign she didn't care about appearances or at the very least felt rushed. On her approach their biographies would appear before her on a screen.
Her First. Naito Daisetsu. Legally Blind. Age 23. Sex Male. Her Second. Ushioda Yajirobei. Age 45. Sex Male. Her Third. Izumo Shijo. Age 37. Sex Male. They would answer her question accordingly.
"We speak to the people dude! I mean dudette! Our band is like a non-profit. We get whatever folks come our way y'know. I mean I guess they're pretty 'cheesy' nothing flashy or anything but I mean like with some extra dough we could really spice things up not just for our band but all the dudes and dames back at the community center."
"You're already making demands. I was told there would only be questions. If this how you treat you, expectant candidates? My papers can tell you everything you need to know." The man's profile would update. Steady numbers, and then suddenly increases which would even out then increase again over the course of 20 years. The industry would be revealed to be a record and media industry essentially compared to modern-day the people who turn the music into cd's to be sold. "My methods are tried and true and have years of evidence to back them up."
Again the baldmans gl...bald spot would light up? "I see a stepping stone. I see an empire. An empire of which inadvertently I and Arashigakure may benefit from mutually so long as everything is to the standard I've set to accomplish."
Suddenly an interjection as a voice came from behind Kameyo with Toso leaning inward poking his head in Kameyo's peripheral vision. "My my my, bloop. Quite the adorable little minx aren't we Kamkam? Found my loop hole already did you? bloop. So smart and good looking, am I coming on too heavy with the compliments? bloop. " Toso would turn his head and face the rest of the individuals in the room. "Your Resources. That is what these questions equate to. All in all, one can use exploitative resources and policies bloop but when that exploit is discovered companies will find they are unable to capitalize on it when discovered as a new law is typically put into place to keep the competition healthy bloop...'usually'."
Toso would return to his seat in a poof. "As such the new 'law' has been put into practice. Any and all conversation that would elicit responses from your candidates will now count against your number of questions this involves, threats, blackmail, small talk, bloop and bloop, and to keep things straight n narrow." Numbers would appear above everyone's heads. Everyone had 6 while Kameyo only had 1. "This is how you will keep track of the number of inquiries you've remaining."
_______________________________________
-Kagerou-
The new rule established and likely now came the opening of new rules a possibility. With that said and done he'd address Kagerou's inquiry. "Well Ka-nee. In my personal opinion. I would base my decision on which business aims to please its target audience the most. Of course, this would require wondering what your target audience is...but most importantly where you want YOUR company to go. You need to ask yourself as the CEO of YOUR 'TOY' business just what kind of 'TOY' it is that YOU see being the most profitable investment and what candidate fits your ideals the most. bloop....That said." A large chalkboard appeared behind Toso. On it was the list of rules. Scribbling onto it in chalk was now. 'Cannot Ask Me **Big Arrows pointing to Toso** Questions in regards to the current exercise.'
The Blackboard now contained the following 'laws' 1. One may only ask 6 questions to further understand their candidates following the criteria of 1 Yes or No question to all three or 1 personal question to 1 2. Any attempts to elicit conversation for further details about the candidates outside the form of a question will be treated as a question 3. 'Cannot Ask Me **Big Arrows pointing to Toso** Questions in regards to the current exercise.'
If it wasn't on this board. Then one could assume doing so was free game. Noe what other possibilities could there have been? Well, that was for his advisors to figure out...the business world was filled with things that an individual could spend their resources on...like bribery...or bartering...or trading...
❞ ·.¸¸.-&Passives&-.¸¸.·´❞ Passive Stats Increases: {Descriptive ranks may be used in place of numbers for this section if desired. All of these start at 0/no buff, with each increase of 1 denoting a one level increase in the descriptive rank bonus to that stat. When you gain a passive benefit, add it to these totals and denote the source in place of the N/A under the relevant stat.} • Strength ► 18 {Passive: Capped at 12} →→ N/A • Speed ► 18 {Passive: Capped at 12} →→ N/A • Reflex ► 18 {Passive: Capped at 12} →→ N/A • Fortitude ► 12 {Passive: Capped at 12} →→ N/A Details: ○ Modoro Gumo: Enchanted: +0.2 Reflex, +0.2 Speed {When Equipped} ○ Ikane: +0.4 Fort {When Equipped} ○ Inkjecktor: +0.4 Fort {When Equipped} ○ Abyss Script: +0.4 Reflex {When Equipped} ○ Inkjet-Skate: +0.4 Speed {When Equipped} ○ Shoku Shokushu: Sumimasen Meiwaku: +0.4 Strength {When Equipped} ○ Haiiro yorokobi [Joyful Grey] +0.4 Fort {When Equipped} ○ Shiro u~isukī [White Whimsy] +0.4 Fort {When Equipped} ○ Hidoi kuro [Baleful Black] +0.4 Fort {When Equipped} ○ Saiken Bonus: +0.2 Fort ○ Master of [11] Styles: Total DR Allocatable: [66]
• Sumi-Efude(Ink Based Chakra Cost) Reduced by ½ to a minimum of 5 • Art of the Bloop: Ink & Brush Based Techniques Cost [10] less to cast • Art of the Bloop: Every other Technique Costs [5] more to cast • Ninjutsu: +2 • Class Everything: +6 • Class Bloodline: +6 • Brushing Up: Fuuin Made With a Brush is reduced by [10] otherwise Increased by [5] • Multi-Jointed: Can contort body seamlessly for disturbing outcomes. • Endai Ika [ Far Reaching Squid ]: As if cracking a whip, the Hojo clan member is able to outstretch his arms up to 10 yards (30 Feet) • Pastel Swap: By paying the difference between one blend and another can alter an applied blend into another blend. I.e If hitting with [Blindling Blend] E can turn it into [Corrosive Blend] by spending an activation and paying [75] {The difference}
Selina tried very hard to understand Toso’s ultimate objective. It eluded her, however, to understand his true point. He said that the village was the true point to protect, but Selina morally disagreed. The people of Arashi are first and foremost the most important thing to protect. A village is just a village, as demonstrated by two things. The first were the people of Konoha, who abandoned their village to make the whirlpool village, who then abandoned it again to reform a village in the land of fire. The second was from Toso himself, who sacrificed a huge portion of the empire when he made Arashigakure fly. Selina began to understand why Toso and Kenshin would have differences, but at the same time would not allow herself to run away for not getting them. Instead, she decided to stay quiet to better learn what Toso ultimately planned from these events.
Selina continued her observations as she watched the next test. An arms dealer approached her. Naturally Selina had little experience in this field, but she did have experience with interviews. “Good afternoon.” She said formally with a bow. Her smile was that of her idol persona with her hands folded neatly in front of her. “Before we begin, I have a few questions. The first is whether or not any of your weapons would have had the power to neutralize of a tailed beast.” She began. As threats to the village goes, tailed beast are among the top. Selina was there when the six tailed demon was dropped on the front gates of Arashigakure.
The man's voice was deeply serious and somewhat sullen. "I am an honest man, I know my shortcomings, neutralize, no. That is not something within the laws of the weaponry I provide. I could perhaps make an item to contain such a beast but something that would rid of it I must honestly say I cannot."
"Neutralize. What an implicative word. Neutralize could mean a menagerie of things angel. Bind a beast? Certainly. Distract a beast. Oh, most assuredly. Injure a beast to a certain quantifiable degree? Indubitably. Kill one? Perhaps with some additional funding. Mhmhm." the elderly gentleman would say goading for his selection.
However, what would come out of the last candidate's mouth. The candidate that would assume the form of whatever Selina or anyone looking at them deemed physically attractive would say. "It is whatever you want. After all it's your word that is the most important and final isn't it? What weapons I can provide will certainly fell any beast if that is what you desire most." everything that seemed to come out of this individual's mouth simply sounded right and simultaneously alluring.
Selina found it very strange when the man suddenly turned into a giant strawberry shortcake. She had no idea why Toso’s creation did so, but she assumed it was just his way of testing her resolve. Because of this, she did not break her composure. She was admittedly suddenly famished, but there were more pressing matters to attend. Like the other contestants, Selina’s entrepreneur was allowed to answer beyond yes or no. This certainly made it more of a challenge, had she not already known what questions she needed answered. “Does your weaponry rival that of the UHV’s?” She asked politely. As someone who fought against the UHV, that kind of weaponry meant a lot of things to many different people. She wondered what it meant to this imaginary man.
SHIONxxxxxMORI Shion never really was one for dressing what, but she did dabble in make up. It was never anything too fancy though, usually just some eye liner and occasionally some cover-up. That didn't matter right now; what mattered was making the best choice on which business to bring into the city. Thankfully, this was something she was a little familiar with. Having a local business of her own, she was more than familiar with what would make or break a start up. Shion took a moment to listen in on what the other candidates were considering. Quality of items, ideals on what makes a good business... these were all important factors to be sure, but with only a very limited amount of information available, there was one thing that dwarfed all others. Pure profit. An item could be made of the finest materials, but it will tank if it costs too much for the average person to buy. Your service could be phenomenal, but if no one wants your product, then you're dead in the water. If you had a high profit margin, well... you're clearly balancing everything in a way that works.
Shion approached her three candidates and looked each one up and down. "Well, I can ask each of you one lengthy question, but I'm just gonna ask you all the same thing anyway, so might as well make it quick. You want to sell in my city, then I need to know if you're worth my time. What do your complete fiscal profile look like? I'm talking yearly earnings, projected growth, the whole lot of it. Start talking." She only had one question, so wording it correctly was paramount. If she could get a complete financial profile from each of them, she'd find her winner.
Kagerou would look up at the new rule and immediately contest, "But that's not quite right. We are choosing a company to fund using the village's money and the hope is that this company shapes the village's cultural flavor. As kage, it is part of your responsibility to have a heavy hand in decisions regarding the village's cultural growth, among other things. Considering your origins, I daresay that you actually have a heavier responsibility for cultural direction than most other kages as it is your specialty. An adviser advises the kage, certainly, but the kage's directive is the final say, and from that new starting point, the adviser must continue to assist and advise. Kage and advisers must freely exchange information in order to not contradict each other."
She smiled as she spoke cleverly. Though she sounded to be speaking in aggravating jest, her voice wheedling like it was trying to drill in a loophole, she wholly believed each word she spoke. She chose to speak so annoyingly only because she felt like it at the moment. After all, reflecting on her actions, she was being annoying by trying to drill in loopholes through a question the Arashikage had just put up.
With the second part of what she had to say, however, her tone shifted. "If I am the CEO," Kagerou pointed to herself as her voice no longer sounded annoying, "Then you," and then pointed to Toso, "are the president of the board of directors. Therefore, Mr. Kage-president-sama, what direction would you like to take this village? What kind of toy industry would you like to see rising in this village?". Despite her choice in label for Toso, she spoke professionally with a very business friendly smile.
Then she smiled so wide that her eyes squinted into thin crescents. The split-second warning of the venom to be delivered in her next, still smiling words. Speaking vacuously, "Of course, if you don't say, then for your own good, I will choose the industry that you would hate to see the most~" Kagerou landed threats that were nowhere near as empty as her words.
Granted, while Kagerou did intentionally cover it up by sticking it right smack in the middle of her long string of sentences, she had given Toso an out. She could be mean, but at least she wasn't cruel. Immediately prior to her threat, the very thing she was threatening for was a direct violation of the new rule. She has asked Toso a question pertaining to this test. If he wanted to run away with his tail between his legs, he could always disqualify Kagerou.
It wasn't like Kagerou minded too much. It would give her more mental resources to focus on the going-ons of the rest of the cast. In fact, even now, Kagerou had only looked in Toso's direction when she had squinted her eyes. The entire other time she had been speaking, she instead preferred to have her vision focus on the efforts of the others in the room. Because she was with Toso and trusted him enough to trust the people he trusted, she didn't bother hiding her observations. See? Even if she didn't vocalize it with secret friendship words, she did think of him as a close friend.
kiiwispoet
NecroPlant
Mattysandwich
Cute Things In Jars
Posted: Sat Aug 24, 2019 2:40 am
((ooc: I'm assuming this question is directed at all of them since it is a yes or no question)) - Selina - "In the distant land I hail from, the make of my weapons, they are honed in tradition. Hearth like hearts, iron-like bonds between man and metal. Every weapon is a family member, an unsung story for each one. I do not know anything in regards to what is now referred to as technology but my weapons are the embodiment of spirit and passions made manifest. If were to it were to be pitted against passionless designs I know in my heart that they would more than rival. They will be triumphant.
"Of course my dear angel. In fact, you could say in my travels, trinkets, baubles, and other rare and exquisite findings can be found under my merchantry. Me, myself, and I has tinkered with every manner of item and let me be the first to say what the UHV have produced compared to what I can offer is but mere childsplay."
I'm afraid I don't know what the UHV is. If I were to guess I'd believe them to be quite experienced with weapons. To which I can say, I am quite experienced. Experienced in many things.
The 6 above Selina's head would reduce to 4.
- Shion -
One looking offended, one looking coy and devious, and the last looking shy and reserved. Shion's assertions would be taken in as six questions. Yearly earnings and projected growth. As if she had individually asked the three of them independently but due to the standoffishness of her nature and coming off as almost threatening in the way she did so none of the three were privy on a conversation. She would gain the info she desired from all three members but additionally know nothing about them.
With a huff and a casual limpwristed dismissal. "If that's really what you want darling." The flamboyant...man? Would say before his infographic displaying his information updated. The mans yearly earnings for his company fluctuated. It was a tug of war of ups and downs but overall it ended in net positive currently. Total gross was still in the positives showing that despite the declines the company was still profitable. Projected growth revealed something interesting. Makeup was something that typically found itself most prominently advertised to women. If anything, the statistic revealed the..mans? goal was to shake the industry at its core and as such by increasing the target demographic so would to the company increase in profit.
"Fufufu. Of course, that should nary be a problem." The older woman would say as her infographic updated similarly. The yearly earnings were steady but also contained several MASSIVE spikes during certain periods. A clear sign that something was being done or something was happening that resulted in significant increases in the profit margins on these particular months. Similarly in tandem with these massive spikes did earning deviate into side businesses and expansion projects. As a result, what could essentially be determined by the implications of the graph was massive eventual conglomeration.
"...ah..okay." Like the two prior the introverted girls infographic updated. Steady but not very significant profits. Essentially compared to the others it was clear she was by far a much smaller company. Essentially comparable to most family-owned businesses. Projected growth was stagnant. Primarily do to the reasoning that expansion required funding. With no external source of funding such as what she was applying, for now, there could be no projected growth as her company did not make enough currently for expansion. Easily if Shion was only looking for the golden goose among the three she was most definitely the most lacking in that department.
The 6 above Shion's head would reduce to 0. Before a light would flash above it. While silent its presence loudly exclaiming 'CHOOSE YOUR CANDIDATE'. That was it. She had to now make her choice.
- Kagerou -
"Ah Kagerou, Kagerou, Kagerou" Overseer Toso would say shaking his head back and forth as if tiresomely trying to tell a small child they should know already. "True In this simulation I would indeed be the board president. However, you see it is the board president who puts faith in his Chief executives to make the right choices. One would inherently assume its whatever the board president wants..." He'd bring his index finger to his lips. "But the president of the board's way of thinking isn't the only one that exists, and said president isn't always in the right."
He'd float above Kagerou's candidates while looking at Kagerou. "It's not about what I like, It's about what YOU believe is good for the village bloop." his index finger still on his lips he'd wink. When it came to the tone of aggravations and annoyances the two were at even odds. "Truly though bloop, if you were to pick the company I'd 'hate' the most. It would most certainly be the one that would likely cause the most damage to Arashigakure in some way or another."
SHIONxxxxxMORI Her choice couldnt have been clearer. Sure, she may not have asked any personal questions, but the numbers would tell her all she needed to know about the person. Approaching the first person, Shion looked at their infographic again. "You show great potential, but your business strategy concerns me. You're an upstart that's trying to break the industry before you've even gotten a steady start. If you'd approached me a few years prior, I'd have probably bought in to you, but your strategy is too erratic and unreliable. I'll have to pass." Next was the older woman. "Your numbers are quite impressive, but again, your sales are too erratic. You experience massive spikes, but drop just as quickly. Furthermore, you branch out into side projects as soon as you have the money to instead of bolstering your core. You're too adventurous. Again, I'll have to pass." Finally, the younger girl. The pink one. "Your numbers are... well, they're unimpressive. Pretty stagnant and not a lot of highs; I like that. You clearly run a small shop and i know how big of a challenge that can be," she'd remark in clear allusion to Morse's inability to keep posting in Shion's bar before it faces closure again. "You know how to run your store in a way that keeps it open. You dont take any needless ventures or risks. I feel like i can count on you to not blow whatever money we give you on nonsense. You have a good head on your shoulders. With a little extra funding, I think this will be a fruitful partnership for us both." At this point, Shion would offer out her hand to the girl. "What do you say?"
The board game had been spawned as a means to spend a few minutes. The pieces were set in predetermined positions based off of a game Kagerou had recently lost against her uncle. He had insisted that this turn, set in front of Kagerou, was the latest she could have turned the tides for a win. However, she had yet to finagle out what she should have been doing instead on this turn.
