Toso wasn't wrong. Under normal circumstances, she would insist on the opinion of the kage before settling on the direction she wished to influence the village. However, as this was a test, seeing the candidates' preferences was also part and parcel of the package. Kagerou could respect that.
She smile harmlessly at Toso and nodded in agreement.
She could not, however, accept the aggravation and annoyance that was being returned to her. Without breaking a beat, she turned to the candidates and amiably asked, "Well, I'm certain you all heard the conversation between the big man and me... Will you, metaphorically speaking, be willing and able to drive Arashigakure into the ground? Spread unhealthy habits, enslave the populace, weaken its reputation, sell out village trust for profits, embezzle funds. Anything works. All discreetly, of course," with a tone no different than if she had been asking the very opposite. After, and only after, she finished asking that first question did she let the conniving smirk spread across the length of her face.
She shot a challenging glance up at Toso before returning her sights to her candidates and adding two more questions, both aimed directly at him despite the still professional and neutrally pleasant voice Kagerou spoke calmly in, "Additionally, do you think you can successfully market, popularize to the masses, and sell adult literature, toys, etc. for tentacle fetishes of the sexual nature? As a separate and the third question, do you think you can successfully market, popularize to the masses, and sell a takoyaki version of the Easy Bake Oven for kids? Or really, anything that promotes consumption of cephalopods... or even mollusks, too, I suppose."
Leisurely, Kagerou leaned back, looking as if she was going to sit in thin air except for a an armchair to materialize at the last moment. She settled into the plush material, reclining back, bringing one leg up and over another to cross, putting an arm up on the armrest, and resting her chin against the back of the elevated arm. Her smirk curved up like a challenge and her eyes sparked mischievously. "Answer from my left to right," she specified, her eyes visibly shifting to lock onto the individual on her left. It looked like she was serious about fully taking advantage of the characteristics of this test as simply a simulation and nothing more to poke fun at and torment Toso to no end.
kiiwispoet
NecroPlant
Mattysandwich
Cute Things In Jars
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2019 9:39 am
█chakra▸ 2750/2750█stamina▸ 2350/2350█rank▸s+)
Kameyo preened at Toso's praise, though it was also serving to scold her at the same time. She couldn't help but smile, more than happy to be difficult and find her loopholes. She shrugged it off, left with one legitimate question.
It was hard to decide. Again, she knew that it wasn't just finance but culture that this advisor needed to facilitate. The first gentleman had a genuine passion and already spoke to the people of Arashigakure, though he didn't reach many and was far from mainstream. He didn't seem business savvy but Kameyo could step in and help with that or hire a business manager for them out of her own pocket.
The second gentleman was keen on the industry itself and had a history of making money. However, he seemed to not care about the business itself so much as its profits. He had a bit of pride that would be a nuisance for Kameyo to work with. She liked that he could promise her what she wanted but it was too much of what she wanted to hear. She trusted Toso to never make the answer obvious.
Finally, the last gentleman had a stoicism and goal-oriented mind that Kameyo related to. He was familiar with the industry and he knew his competition very well. However, he sounded too willing to jump ship if things didn't work out, and vaguely discussed his high standards. She was sure he would do what he wanted to achieve his goals and wouldn't be much of a team player, as much as he personally resonated with her.
In all, it seemed like the first gentleman had the easiest solvable problem with his plan. However, she had one question left. She turned to Toso. "What do you think?" She knew he had told Kagerou that his own opinion wasn't the be all end all, but she wanted to use her final one on getting his perspective. After all, advisors only offered advice and didn't operate the village on their own; similarly, the kage did not operate the village on his own and received advice from his counsel. It made sense for one person to not make a unilateral decision even in this circumstance. Team work, and all that nonsense.
Selina listened intently to all of the heads. None of them have a discernible answer to her question, which meant that she was going to have to try her question another way. “Could you guarantee that your company’s stocks will increase by eight percent annually?” Selina asked the many heads and short cake. Her question was in a neutral tone as she awaited an answer.
The young girl would smile. She would take Shion's hand and all three candidates would vanish. Toso in response. Would write something down on an undisclosed piece of paper as it would vanish. He didn't say anything else. Like 'good job' or lead into anything about Shion's decision, as a result, it would be layering anxiety on how well Shion did that is if she was an anxious type. That said Toso would have moved on to hearing Kagerou...and to say the least. What he heard...didn't sit well. It was at this time Kameyo had asked him "What did he think?"
-Everyone-
What sounded like glass breaking. Kagerou's candidates vanished into inky dust in the wind as they all cracked and fell apart. You see the answers provided by the individuals were at their core answers attributed by Toso himself as these candidates were as Kagerou said his creation and were given personalities and responses equivocal of their tropes and personality types he had attributed them. Inadvertently unable to answer Kagerou's questions due to a lack of how you could say 'desire' to answer them. This left Toso in the case of processing what had just been asked. Shortly after when Selina was about to receive the answer to her question from her three candidates they would also begin to vanish. As did Kameyo's. Like the imaginative world, he had constructed was falling apart. The 'paint' on the walls of this imaginary room they were in started peeling and things started to take a dark turn.
Kagerou's questions had caused a shift in Toso's thought processing. While it had been in that of a positive nature beforehand one could only describe it as mental stress. Kagerou's goal to effectively 'troll' the squidman could only be considered successful, but what that meant in this world dictated by imaginations was anything but good. Stray thoughts, and fears were made manifest in this place. That was one of the leading reasons why inviting those with wild or traumatic imaginations would find the world working against them and Toso was no exception to the rules of the world he had laid out before him and these women. It was now that the world had taken this dramatic shift that Toso would respond to Kameyo's question.
"I think, I am currently in pain bloop." He would say with a pained smile. You see Kagerou's words 'anything that promotes the consumption of cephalopods... or even mollusks, too, I suppose' had led into the Squidman's fear of being consumed that and a slight feeling of being stabbed in the back in both the metaphorical and literal sense. Although even though he knew Kagerou's was likely only pulling his leg it didn't make his thoughts any less tangible. As a result, it would be revealed 'what' Toso meant when he said he was currently in pain. He'd slump over placing his hands atop the desk in front of him to prevent falling. His back had several Takoyaki skewers embedded in it. This world was not like a Genjutsu. The things that could be made here unless dealt with properly could actually cause injuries. Fears made manifest the most profound offender.
Having calmed his thoughts once more and his formerly eccentric side draining from him he'd return to his natural level headed nature most were accustomed to. Although rather than get mad he would instead..apologize. "Ah...I'm sorry Kameyo, Ka-nee. Selina. Let me try my best to answer your questions while I get my bearings." He'd take a deep breathe as the Takoyaki skewers vanished but the wounds remained real and prominently bleeding like he'd been hit with several tens of senbon. "Panpan would never, Taiko would find the thought kinky but not act upon it, and Imari would be disgusted by you even suggesting such a thing. Panpan doesn't know what 'mature' content is he's a simple toymaker, Taiko would most definitely, Imari would for the sake of health, and lastly Panpan and Taiko lack the knowledge believing it outside their experience and Imari would find it an interesting project." He'd take a deep breath. "Selina. All aside Isaiki will tell you no."
Getting his posture back he'd be able to stand upright again. "and Kameyo, I think Naito has the most promise culturally. Toso would sit back down. While the wounds were to a degree about half a finger deep he'd been through worse. Closing his eyes again everyone's candidates would re-appear. "Shall we continue?" he'd open them pretending as though nothing had happened.
❞ ·.¸¸.-&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's amusement at the exercise melted away as everything in the world changed. She watched in horror as skewers appeared on Toso's back and, though her understanding of this inky world was partial at best, she knew that he was genuinely in pain and it gripped her heart.
She moved to his side, annoyed at his attempts to play it off and continue the exercise. She was unsure how much of the pain was psychosomatic and how much was genuine, but she used a healing hands technique anyways, since if it could not genuinely heal, at least it could offer some support in the scenario [ Chiyute No Jutsu: Ichidanto [ Healing Hands Technique: Major ] ].
"Your actions are treasonous," she spoke angrily even as she focused on Toso, her tendrils rising to grip the skewers, though she did not pull just yet. "Take us out of this simulation. It's done." Her voice was cold even though concern was evident in her expression. She gently put a hand on the side of Toso's face, urging him to look at her. "Nothing is going to happen to you, To-sama."
ooc:
Necroplant
used - A] Chiyute No Jutsu: Ichidanto [ Healing Hands Technique: Major ]
Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 8:55 am
Selina gasped as the entities she spoke to disbursed. She was so focused on her interviews that she had no bearing on the rest of the people. As she looked around, however, her hands moved to her mouth. Toso was skewed in a variety of cruel ways. The young lady flocked to his side as a bond between her and him formed. Flower petals manifested as they clung to his body and started to repair his damaged form. “Please don’t move, Arashikage.” She said softly. Her powers of healing were rather limited when compared to other supporting ninjas, but she would have the power to heal him. It just took a considerable amount of focus and made her own body incredibly vulnerable.
SHIONxxxxxMORI Of course things would go awry; they always do when Toso is involved. Just once, once, Shion would like to have a meeting that didnt end in someone getting stabbed, or beaten, or having their bones broken, or people being blown up. Is that too much to ask? Shion didn't have the gentle hands necessary for healing, but they could absolutely break something... or someone. Only thing is, she didn't have a target to channel her frustration into. Or rather, she lacked enough information to act. Five years is a long time; people grow, and some learn to think before acting. She could pounce on Kagerou, following upon Kameyo's outburst, but Shion herself saw nothing. She was too preoccupied with her test subjects. Old habits do die hard, however. Shion's blood would run hot, itching for a fight. As bakuton chakra furiously popped around her fists, Shion would wait to see how the scene played out before acting. But oh man, when she does...
Her face blank, lips set in a thin, pale line, and her jaw trembling with hesitation as she accepted her consequences and struggled to calmly navigate her way through this disaster she created, Kagerou lowered her arms and clenched her fingers into fists. It would be either a testament to her level head or her detachment that, even after seeing the damage she caused to her... (well, she didn't even dare think of it right now), she could still keep her cool and think logically. While the others rushed forwards, she had the face and the sensibility to restrain her own initial reaction to do the same, but only because she knew Kameyo also practiced eiseijutsu. Instead, remaining seated and using the motion of her hands coming down to settled in her lap to cast a honed sensory technique that scoured Toso's body for a diagnosis.
She could tell from the sensory technique that the two who had rushed forwards were using techniques that restored the body, but were doing so by only relying on their eyes. Though, in the end, it turned out there was no cause for concern on Kagerou's part. The wounds were shallow. While they could have grazed some vital organs, the biggest threat at that depth, interruption of the nervous system, had obviously been avoided. It did not ease how Kagerou felt, but the less Toso was hurt, the better.
Of course, to hurt him in and of itself was a terrible misstep. She had overestimated his ability to control his imagination, and in hindsight, she realized she had been unrealistic with her expectations. A grave mistake, a large regret, and just all around all the more reason for the space between her eyebrows to crinkle ever so much.
Otherwise, Kagerou's eyes had been the most steady feature of her pale expression. They had remained steadily staring forwards, facing her faults head-on. She did not turn away from the scene before her, but instead calmly examined it. Even hearing Kameyo's wrath-fueled accusation didn't draw a blink from her. Though, that was perhaps mostly because being called "treasonous" didn't feel half as back when she was labeled as a "pompous b***h." Kagerou couldn't argue that she did deserve the slander on this occasion.
The easy choice right now would be to leave. It was the most right choice. Her presence had now become a disturbance for all parties involved. Moreover, she agreed with Kameyo. This simulation should end here now so that Toso can have a moment to gather himself. He didn't have a reason to push himself. For nine out of ten reasons, she should leave. She didn't care about defending herself or clearing her name. Not only could it too easily backfire, she simply didn't mind. In the end, she had hurt the Arashikage, and someone who those here held dear in one shape or another.
However, for that one reason that couldn't be achieved by leaving, Kagerou chose to stay and continue. The small lean forwards she had taken earlier when she had to hold back from flying out of the seat was adjusted so that she now sat with her back straight. Somberly, even in the face of imminent backlash, she asked, "To the interviewees: 'If I were to tell you that the popularization of the products I've mentioned would greatly disturb the Arashikage, to the point it may even affect the village, would you have qualms about either wide-scale project?' And to you, Toso, 'While this is nothing but a simulation, Kameyo has a point. My first question contains treasonous content, which could be shrugged off when taken alone but was instead immediately followed up by at least one subject matter that is commonly known as taboo for the Arashikage. If you haven't already, I would like to request you to consider the types of questions I am asking in gauging the interviewees' opinions of me and, consequently, how they choose to answer my questions." Her hands continued to clasp each other in her lap, leaving her open and unprotected in this room with at least two legendary rank shinobis who wouldn't mind punching her. (Though Shion hadn't done anything yet, Kagerou just sort of assumed Shion was in a perpetual state of wanting to punch something, at least while stressed, and what more deserving target that Kagerou right now?)
This was...a long pause as the series of helping hands essentially started to metaphorically grope him... embarrassing. When Kameyo placed her hand on his face as if he was fit to readily die any second his face would tinge red for the moment before a soft wind of flora stuck to him. His wounds would start to close but at the same time he couldn't help but puff up his chest. "I'm not a child ladies, I am a grown man. bloop. There's no need to over react now..."
-Jump Cut Elsewhere- A man would jump out of his seat and slam his fist into the table jolly and gregarious, for what seemed like no reason. "BLAHAHAHAHA! BLOOP!""What's so funny? bloo?""I DON'T KNOW WHY BUT I JUST THOUGHT ABOUT OUR SON CALLING HIMSELF A MAN!""Well bloo, he is one of those kage things. I hear that's rather manly accomplishment for a shinobi bloo." the man would fold his arms and sit back down at the table."REAL MAN'D BE A DAD BY NOW. N LOOKEY ERE, I STILL AIN'T GOT NO 'REAL' GRANDKIDS BLOOP!" -Jump Cut Back- "I don't want anyone to blame Ka-nee. What happened was my own fault, I let my imagination get the best of me bloop. I should make it clear, this world makes imagination manifest, fears being one of the most rogue types of imaginations you see and.." he paused as he shivered slightly in distance a 'flock' of plastic bags flying overhead. "I try not to mention it to those who visit, as to speak about fear often incites it in one's imagination. That aside, let's avoid thinking about our fears yes? It warms my heart that you all care so much about me bloop, but I'd rather this not be seen turning into some kind of harem trope bloop ahahaha... and I'd really like to continue, however, as I've said I'm fine albeit all the more fine thanks to the both of you." He'd praise Selina and Kameyo while jokingly if not slightly embarrassingly trying to make the situation 'normal'. Toso never mentioned Isekai-junsei's habit for manifesting fears from the imagination. As he said, it was one of those 'he who should not be named' scenarios. He simply hoped their minds would be hardier than his when it came to keeping their fears contained. He changed that subject as quickly as he could as well. The less one spent dwelling on it the less likely rogue thoughts would manifest.
Kagerou's Interviewee's would respond.
The panda's response was simple and also simple minded with a charm to it. "Panpan never even consider making such a thing. Panpan like make toys. Like action figure and pretty doll. Panpan no want his toys ever hurt anyone. His toys guaranteed to be safe!"
Placing a finger on his chin. "Hmmmm, really, I suppose that depends on the demand. Huhuhu. If people really 'want' something, then people will find a way to get it anyway. Widescale projects or not. As long as there are people that 'want' they'll try and get it and I think going through legal channels would serve to create less chaos than the distress of one leader. Plus, huhuhu, if a leader falters over such a silly thing they should be replaced simple as that especially if its what a majority of his people wants."
A single finger erected, a logical outlook. "Tut, if there's confirmation that such would distress the Arashikage than the answer is clear that it would be unlikely to receive the approval of the Arashikage to begin with. However, if we were to believe that the demand is indeed high for such a product as my competitor implies then the best course of action would as he said be one of two things, either A.Convince the kage to be on board by discovering the source of his displeasures and reasoning them so that it would be tolerable, or B. Replace the leadership. Alternatively, there is C. To operate the business outside of the village entirely and merely offer the supply to accommodate the demand.
Toso would give a warm smile when asked given Kagerou's concern about her treasonous inquiries. "You? Or the character you're playing bloop?" He'd encourage Selina and Kameyo that he was fine with his eyes and additionally would do the same with Shion if she was tense. No doubt her hands which were only meant to destroy may have felt a bit held back until now. "Kagerou, the questions your asking are uncharacteristic of you...ah...but I suppose. That may be a bit naive on my end, isn't it? I hardly know anything about you personally after all. You very well may be traitor, treasonous, plotting the downfall of Arashigakure as we speak with that pleasant and constant disarming smile of yours. You could have left at any moment, after all, you know first hand that making an exit here is as simple as simply desiring one bloop." He paused.
"Shio-nee very well may have detached your head from your body, you could have pleaded a defense, but in the end you decided to stay. As if to say...'whatever is to come of this, its my fault. bloop.' Toso nodded as if in a understanding of something. "If I were to interpret your questions as someone who indeed carried such treasonous inquiry you'd certainly be punished for it...but I know..bloop no...I BELIEVE you aren't that type of person."
Toso would then exhale. No longer his eccentric self he figured it time he'd stop beating around the bush with everyone. "I suppose it's time to let the squid out the shell bloop. These exercises, it isn't all about how well you each INDEPENDENTLY address the subject matter, a key factor is understanding how everyone else is handling them. The key requirement of my new board of advisory is understanding EACH OTHER and the opinions you've formed on how one another handles their situations. Talking with one another, pointing out the flaws in each others approaches, bloop. In our first exercise, everyone had their own plans, but I never barred sharing your ideas with one another perhaps a penultimate plan could have been formed, Kameyo's defensive strategy, Selina's withdraw, Shion's ambush if one of you failed you'd have the collective experience of all those failures and another chance to make up for them entrusting the next person. Two heads are better than one as the old saying goes...and here in this exercise I intentionally made careers in which one could enlighten another as there was never any limit to the questions you were capable of asking to each other bloop and here I was so excited when Ka-nee brought that up but instead I was getting asked all the questions..*sigh* which I suppose was better than nothing. Karna, Kosei. They were both great advisors, but they never truly resonated with one another. It isn't just two people anymore, it's all of us, and for that, to work I need all of you to truly understand one another and not just your own but your allies strengths bloop.
❞ ·.¸¸.-&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 huffed a laugh as Toso assured he was a man, amused that he didn't care much for the babying despite how much she enjoyed it. She frowned as he revealed the truth behind the exercises. She was disappointed that she hadn't caught on considering she was working so well on loopholes. And she knew Selina was familiar with the music industry, why hadn't she asked?
"Mm, maybe it would have been easier to do some team-building exercises like the one where everyone stands in a circle holding hands and tries to move a hoop across the circle by communicating and working together." She wasn't chastising, just musing. "I would say we all failed, but it looks like we've been working together to make you feel better after getting skewed, my dear." She warmly recalled Selina's healing jutsu, how everyone stopped doing anything that could further harm Toso and either waited or helped directly.
Kagerou remained quiet for a time. All through what Toso had to say, and even letting Kameyo finish. When she finally spoke up, it was to address something that had, perhaps, already been put behind by everyone else. Without the slightest bit of trepidation even while bringing up this subject that was probably best to release and forget, Kagerou spoke for everyone to hear and know, "If this had been a real interview for candidates, I would not have done anything different aside from, perhaps, not making the mistake where I assumed the interviewees heard our initial banter." She sighed and let that thought linger in the air. Breaking the flow was harder than she had thought. However, after Toso's adamant declaration, she couldn't simply leave him standing on a platform with only a foundation of empty beliefs and lighter-than-air trust.
While people digested her admittance to suggesting and provoking traitorous thoughts and actions, she searched their reactions. After a quick sweep of an observation, she continued, "However, my thoughts were not traitorous. The Arashikage, while affected, admirably saw through my ruse. I am no toy expert and the only toy expert I knew of had pulled himself out of questioning. I can only check the security and trustworthiness of the candidates, so I did just that. Unfortunately, it appears I have a ways to go with my acting yet. None of the candidates took the bait..."
Alas, her candidates were just there to pass the time. She had not real stake in this test. Instead of lingering needlessly on her own problems, Kagerou shifted the attention onto Selina instead. The the pink-haired woman, she extended the first bit of advice that Toso had been so adamant on having everyone share, "If I were in your shoes, Miss Selina, I would focus a little bit more on the security and trustworthiness of your individuals, too. Your field is, quite possibly, the most important for these concerns. Weapons manufacturers will sometimes work closely with village secrets. Be wary of a company that will too easily provide services to us, only to take those services that have been improved by our village's knowledge and also offer them to another. Then there's also the whole matter of potentially working on every aspect of our village's defense system..."
On that note, she lapsed back into unassuming silence. While Kagerou had yet to choose a candidate, in fact, she did not appear to have any such intention. She had reassumed the role of a mere observer. Although, a far more melancholy one than at the beginning of this interview.
kiiwispoet
NecroPlant
Mattysandwich
Cute Things In Jars
Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2019 11:45 pm
SHIONxxxxxMORI The crackling around Shion's fists would patter out as her hands relaxed; seems things were indeed just beginning to get interesting, just not in the way she had hoped. The kage was on the mend and Kagerou had been pardoned. No fight to be had this day. A shame, really. Maybe it wasn't all a loss; Toso was certainly giving her a reason to clobber someone. "If ya wanted to see how well we work together, why did ya frame it to be a contest? That's actually just stupid." Toso's thought process baffled her, even after all these years. She was sure this made sense to the Squidkage on some level... and the more she tried to understand him, the more she started to see his point. Damn, she hated when he was right. It happens far too often.
Dorks will be dorks, and Toso was proving to be king of the dorks. Shion huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, glaring off to the side and only looking back occasionally as Kagerou gave her spiel on Selina's test. "What she said. If you willingly let some rando in on our stuff, they can just run off with all our plans. You gotta get someone you can trust. A contractor is gonna be in it for the money, sure, but that aint always enough to keep'em loyal."
It pleased Toso to hear that things were smoothing over, simultaneously it also proved to tiredly make his confessions. With a sigh he'd address Shion's question. "That would have defeated the purpose of what I aimed to discern. Naturally if I tell each of you to work with one another specifically you would all do so out of obligation bloop and nothing would have felt or come off as genuine. Essentially this series of tests was to determine how well you all naturally resonate with one another." Toso would place an elbow on his desk and lean on his palm apathetically in a tired fashion before stating. "But I see I may have to organize communications meetings regularly...but still I suppose bloop. I can work with what I have to see one act of mutual understanding."
The delegates vanished suddenly the world would shift into a courtroom. Kagerou was in a defendant's chair, Toso would be presiding the judges table. "Firstly I'd like you all to know I already decided who I intended to place in each position before this exercise even began. However, before I go announcing them there is one last exercise I'd like to see the results of." Kameyo,Selina,and Shion would all be on the side of the Defendant while a menagerie of chibi Toso's were in the jury and a rather pompous hair floofing Toso with an ascot stood at the prosecution's table. "I would like the three of you to determine a suitable punishment if any is deserving for Ka-nee in regards to her recent actions."
❞ ·.¸¸.-&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}
She almost laughed at hearing that Toso had already selected his advisors before all of these games. Of course. She wasn't sure why she humored him as much as she did, but she supposed she did have a fun time regardless. "Hm, I'm thinking of something that rhymes with dewditorium," she said, determined only take this half-seriously if everything had been for naught. She wasn't sure any actual punishment would go over well with this crowd, and she didn't think Kagerou felt any remorse since she had been messing with Toso's rules the entire time. The two of them had an odd relationship, though she honestly couldn't say if that was more because of Toso's quirks or because of Kagerou's.
SHIONxxxxxMORI Already chosen? You mean this whole test was a waste of time? Well, maybe waste was the wrong word. It certainly served a purpose, but that purpose was just lost on Shion. She liked things to be decisive, to have a clear, executable purpose. Keep it simple and jobs get done. This level of pageantry was already drawing on Shion's last nerve... but now... oh boy. Should Toso look back at her, he'd see a look that the Squidkage would be all too familiar with by now. Shion crossed her arms over her chest, looking away from the group as her face struggled to hide boiling frustration. "Punishment for what, though? A joke's a joke. You even forgave her.... besides, this seems like punishment enough." She quipped, words trailing off into a low mumble.
Toso wasn't wrong. Under normal circumstances, she would insist on the opinion of the kage before settling on the direction she wished to influence the village. However, as this was a test, seeing the candidates' preferences was also part and parcel of the package. Kagerou could respect that.
