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>>919192
You disrobe with a sigh, looking at the many scars along your legs and right arm and the closed wounds along your belly where Hui Daji almost ripped your guts out. The scars there are pale pink, baby-skin, while the other scars are white and slowly fading. Your shoulder aches, but it's a minor thing, you will be fine. The scars on your left arm look like those left by a lightning strike, and that is fairly close to what happened. The mystic fan that was destroyed as a result of striking your left arm belonged to some powerful deity, but that doesn't actually matter unless she shows up to press charges. It was enough to allow Enma-Oh to bring you here.

You're hoping that he will learn to regret that.

Walking over to the wardrobe, you find a variety of outfits and clothings, from Western to Japanese to Chinese styles. Mostly read, but some black and red. No white, and no blue. Making a point, clearly. You hear the demons along the front walkway, and study what you have to work with.

[] Call out that you are dressing and will be a moment if he would be so kind as to wait.
[] Try and reach into Nowhere to get your tools and seamstress materials (and maybe a piece of white jade shaped like a dragon).
[] You have your claws and thread can be had; you will make do with what is here.
[] See if there is anything in the other rooms that will be of use.
[] Check to see how fragile the building is, if it can be hurt at all.

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Twitter: @XsQuestmistress

Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/915346/

Interlude: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/37879167/

Threads in Chronological Order, including writeups by XS : http://pastebin.com/Z53TyK0N
or search for tag: Ryukuza on Suptg

Barrier Combat Guide: http://pastebin.com/rZLwzvGx

>Ryukusa's Treasures

Her name: Ryuu Yorihokura

Eight hundred and sixty-one cat youkai live in your aura

Matagama-no-Shitoki, a necklace kami in its own right that protects Ryukusa from inimical magic.

Ame-no-Omukade-no-Musume – Ryukusa's mukade possessed wakizashi; a kami. “Daughter of my Centipede of Rain.”

Gendai-no-Muteki-no-Buki - Invincible Weapon of the Present Age, a secret kami-blade given to Ryukusa by Wakaba that appears to be made of some alloy of titanium.

Seido-no-Shinpi-Tekina-Ken – a mysterious bronze sword given to Ryukusa by the mermaids of Japan; actually found to be the legendary blade Ame-no-Ohabari.

Go-Yurei-no-Rensa, the Five-Ghost-Chain, used to summon or send messages to your (actual) older sister Ryuu Nabiki.

Her Penthouse in the Secret Apartments of Tsathoggua in Shikoku prefecture, Tokyo.

Ryukusa's Family.

>Talismans:
Akari – Black Jade Centipede (Mukade)
Er Yin – Black Jade Scorpion (Sasori)
Kiki – Black Jade Toad (Hikigaeru)
Kiku – Black Jade Lizard (Tokage)
Yui – Black Jade Snake (Hebi)
Inau – Black Coral Ear Cuff (Amatsukami)

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Ryuu Ryukusa is tall at 5' 8"; 6' in her true form. She is fully grown. Lesbian top.
Matagama Kiku is 4' 1” for ever and ever. Lesbian submissive.
Ryuu Akari is 5' 3" and has another few inches to grow. Sexuality is weird, switch, cosplayer.
Ryuu Yui is 5' 8" and will only grow due to circumstances beyond her control. Dyke, switch.
Ryuu Kiki is 5' 6" and is at full growth. Bisexual bottom.
Er Yin Long is the tallest at 5' 10" and is fully grown. Lesbian dominant.
Ryuu Jinyuu is 5' 7" but persistently hovers an extra three inches. Straight.
Hinata-hakase is 6' 3". Sexuality is terrifying.
Hidesato is 5' 5". Straight.
Kushinada is 5' 8". Straighter.
Taisho Ryoga is 5' 9". Who knows.
Hyun Chisato is 5' 4” and is fully grown. Lolicon with plausible deniability.
Rie is 8” tall or 5' 5” and is fully cat. Her sexuality is cat.
Hagyu Genso is 12' 5” standing upright. He is by and large gay.
Mizumi Shoko is 7' 2” is fully grown. Bisexual top.
Yuuhi is 4'11” and is fully grown. Yuuhi a cute.
Tokei Isusangi, Inau-kun is 5' 3” and still confused.
Reiha is 5' 5 1/2” and is milfy.
Peta is 3' 2” Peta is \>.</ aka Her Most Imperial Highness Patanjali Piri Yokuhime Kuronogitsune Pa
Detective-san aka Mugon Chujo is fully grown at 5'11” and straight.
Kenji Soomi is 5' 4” and gothic lolita.
Musumi Kanako is 5' 6.5” and is pretty straight.
Hebiki Naoto is 5' 9” and belligerently omnivorous, sexually. You hope only sexually.
Kodachi Umetsume is 5' 4” and fully grown. Practicing asexual.
Melinda Blitzenberg is scattered to the winds and blessed in death.
Toshida Ginka is 5” 3” and fully grown. Turtles have a reputation.
Ryuu Wakaba is a head shorter and also deceased.
Margaret Steinhausen is gratefully dead.
Ryuu Sakumo is dead and spread far and wide.
Ryuu Nabiki is 5' 3” and fully transformed. Embarrassingly straight.
Ryuu Shinju is 4' 11” and fully grown. She is coy, maybe a dodomeki-child.
Ryuu Himeyuri is 5' 5” and is supposedly straight.
Ryuu Fuuta is 5' 6” and slightly less soft.
Kaga Kei is 5' 4” and fully grown. Might be experimental.
Kyubi-san is 6' 3” and fully grown. Hard to say.

>>919197
>[x] You have your claws and thread can be had; you will make do with what is here.
Time for fashion Ryukusa!

>>919197
[] You have your claws and thread can be had; you will make do with what is here.

>>919197
>[] See if there is anything in the other rooms that will be of use.

I do hope more anons show eventually, I don't want to be 33% responsible for how things go with Enma-Oh.

>>919197
>[x] You have your claws and thread can be had; you will make do with what is here.

>>919197
>[] You have your claws and thread can be had; you will make do with what is here.

>>919197
>[] You have your claws and thread can be had; you will make do with what is here.

>>919197
>[] You have your claws and thread can be had; you will make do with what is here.

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[X] You have your claws and thread can be had; you will make do with what is here.

You study the rather monochromatic....well, duochromatic wardrobe and frown. Still, you've worked with worse, and what it lacks in color it makes up for in texture. You grab about half of it and wrestle it over to your bed, and savage the contents of the wardrobe until you have enough materials to make something suitable with.

It doesn't take too long, and you also come away with enough thread to make almost anything you like. A few wooden needles carved from a sliver of the hardwood floor and quickly threaded with your new supply, and you are ready. You start of a few basics, because you are not going without panties and a bra in front of an ancient Chinese demon-god thing without support. Some satin and a little cotton batting from the futon and you've the start of something, even if it is a bandeau bra and some basic black and tight with a touch of shine.

The you're ready to tackle the real problem.

[] Japanese Nobility style – traditional and stylish but elaborate!
[] Chinese Nobility style – more elaborate and beautiful!
[] Western Grace style – business skirt-suit and a nice tie!
[] Harajuku Kei style – genderless and calm yet flowing and sleek!
[] Haute Couture in crimson – upgrade the wardrobe in ultimate chic!

>>919328
>[] Japanese Nobility style – traditional and stylish but elaborate!

>>919328
>[x] Japanese Nobility style – traditional and stylish but elaborate!
Sounds fitting given the situation at hand.

>>919328
>[] Japanese Nobility style – traditional and stylish but elaborate!

>>919328
>[] Haute Couture in crimson – upgrade the wardrobe in ultimate chic!
Ryukusa sure works fast

>>919328
>[x] Japanese Nobility style – traditional and stylish but elaborate!

>>919328
>[X] Japanese Nobility style – traditional and stylish but elaborate!

>>919328
>[] Haute Couture in crimson – upgrade the wardrobe in ultimate chic!

>>919328
>[] Japanese Nobility style – traditional and stylish but elaborate!

>>919328
>[] Japanese Nobility style – traditional and stylish but elaborate!
Gives a good message about who we represent as well.

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[X] Japanese Nobility style – traditional and stylish but elaborate!

While there are already some yukata, kimono, and other traditional Japanese outfits in here, there isn't anything that says 'This is Ryukusa' in there at all. You fix that.

Rather than allowing red to be the main portion of the outfits (which, in addition to meaning 'prisoner' in Ancient Japan, is also the bridegroom's color, and you don't like that particular connotation at all in this situation) you take apart several of the outfits and sew together the black section, using serpentine textures for the sleeves and the main body and the lower body. Silk and satin in contrast as well; the obi gets an addition of silver silk and and white cotton and from the sheets and the futon. Red silk on the inside of the sleeves is suggestive of blood in the dark, while carefully layered ribbons become clever leg wrappings and cute demi-gloves as well.

Which makes them handy weaponry of course.

A few bits of embroidery combined with more silver and white from the sheets and futon becomes a dragon and cloud motif for the bottom of your new kimono, and you finish it by arranging your hair and tying it an elaborate set of looping knots with black and silver ribbons, Another braided ribbon allows you to wear the black jade coin and the black jade button as pendants, which gives you at least a touch of jewelry, and presents you with a way out that he is allowed to be aware of. You have the feeling he'd search you or have you searched if you didn't present them up front, so you'll just avoid that even as a potential issue.

You finish the last touches and look down at yourself, admiring your handiwork. Just in time – the pounding knocks upon the front door are those of something at least eight feet tall and probably horse headed. Actually, you don't know that – it could be a Chinese demon, rather than a mezu-oni or an ushi-oni. In any case they're at the front door and knocking, which at least makes you the host of this gathering.

Which is not exactly as you expected, but you might turn that to some kind of advantage.

Taking the tea pot with you, you walk through the house. In layout, there is no difference between this place and the one you grew up in with Akari-chan. That makes thing easier; you clean the teapot and start up another, with fresh boiling water and an entire dragon-ball of oolong tea. A tray and cups for yourself and he, as well as spares set aside, and these go on the table in the living area, next to the unlit fireplace. You glance at the kotatsu and sigh, already missing home – and you're not even outside of it, you suspect. Still, you give yourself one last brushing down and take a deep breath before opening the door.

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>>919422
You look up at the red ten-and-a-half foot tall horse-headed oni that stands to the left, and then look at the tiger striped ox-headed oni on the right, only slightly shorter. The entourage consists of a variety of strange demons, of varied sorts, all leering and studying you with great interest. The palanquin they carry has been set down, and a massive skinless woman with the body of a snake hisses at you, her claws gleaming wickedly and black fangs filling her mouth. The only female demon, interesting. And jealous; you recognize that look anywhere.

The black and gold palanquin's curtains of red and black beads are drawn aside and there is a soft 'hi-YUP' as the person within pushes themselves out of the seat and lands with a soft thumb on the ground. He walks up to the doorway and looks up at you, dressed in a simple black yukata tied with red silk cords and embroidered with gold symbols of longevity and dragonflies.

He looks about ten, and his hair is cut in the style of a Japanese girl. Large eyes of pitch black look you over appreciatively, but when they reach your face, the lack of interest in him makes his expression slightly less pleased. Very delicately girlish, and wearing heavily lacquered geta, he barely reaches your chest. Definitely male though – you can smell it. No purity at-fucking-all. Cute otherwise though.

Undoubtedly intentional.

“His Most Puissant and Respected Mo Wang, Enma-Oh, to see Ryuu Ryukusa, Head of the Ryuu Clan and servant of Amaterasu-Okami,” intones the huge gozu-oni to the right.

[] Invite him in with utter politeness and lead him to the table.
[] Ask about what business he might wish to see you concerning.
[] Greet him with full honors, and tell the demon who knocked he owes you for the door jamb he half-crushed.
[] Say nothing just yet and gesture for him to enter – though politely.
[] Water Eyes.

>>919424
>[] Ask about what business he might wish to see you concerning.
>[] Greet him with full honors, and tell the demon who knocked he owes you for the door jamb he half-crushed.
[] Water Eyes.

>>919424
>[x] Greet him with full honors, and tell the demon who knocked he owes you for the door jamb he half-crushed.
Feels like the kind of situation where things like invitations would be unwise, unless thoroughly thought through.

>>919434
This.

>>919424
[] Greet him with full honors, and tell the demon who knocked he owes you for the door jamb he half-crus

>>919424
>>919434
Sure, I suppose this works

>>919424
>[] Greet him with full honors, and tell the demon who knocked he owes you for the door jamb he half-crushed.

>>919424
[] Greet him with full honors, and tell the demon who knocked he owes you for the door jamb he half-crushed.
[] Ask about what business he might wish to see you concerning.
[] Water Eyes.

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[X] Water Eyes.
[XX] Ask about what business he might wish to see you concerning.
[XXX] Greet him with full honors, and tell the demon who knocked he owes you for the door jamb he half-crushed.

Opening Water eyes is a thought, and it reveals far more than you really wanted to know.

The demons are enslaved to his will; even the gozu-oni and mezu-oni are entirely subservient to his desires, though they are relatively free willed outside of those desires. The only one with a modicum of free will beyond his desires is the horrific breeding demon that he sires his get upon, breeding more demons with demons. She would happily rip you apart and play with your still living body parts while you died slowly just for the temerity of being female. His will binds them all, however, and not one will do anything less than being as polite as they can be, demons though they are.

Enma-Oh is old, thousands of years old, a subtle thing of vagaries, plots, subplots, plans and carefully concealed motives. Ambition, such grand ambition that eclipses even the desperately greedy Taisho Ryoga in its scope and breadth. The overriding and ever-present need to end the reign the Jade Emperor is at the forefront of all thought, but that is to be expected; his children, the demons he has sired and created and mutated and altered....he wants more for them than the one day in the sun they are allowed. He wishes to fulfill their needs and desires, promised to do so, and to do so, he must manage to defeat or come to terms with the Jade Emperor and his heavenly Generals, or topple Heaven itself.

Almost gently your Water Eyes are closed for you, and in alarm you realize he allowed you this glimpse into his psyche. You didn't even know it was possible to forcibly close the Eyes.

Now you do.

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>>919581
Recovering almost instantly you bow to the Emperor, deeply, and then less so to his accompanying demons. “May I ask what his Most Loathsome Majesty wishes to see me about?” That startles even the king of Hell, and most of his entourage takes shocked steps back, and there are many disquieted glances between them.

“He wishes to discuss with you the fate of the Buddhists in Japan, and also to discuss the destruction of the fan of Guangzhou Tieh Shan, Ryuu Ryukuza,” the tiger-striped bull-oni says in a deep, reverberating voice.

“Very well. Mo Wang, your Most Loathsome Majesty, Ruler of all the Underworld, Enma-Oh, please be welcome in this place and allow me to pay you courtesy.” You bow again and he bows back, though not nearly as low, and he keeps his eyes upon you. Not that you have anything to complain about since you did the same. You step aside to allow him entrance, and then look at the horse headed gozu-oni. “You owe me for the damaged door post. It's not my house.” The demon glances at the pounded in six-by-six.

“Have it repaired immediately at your own expense, Number 26.” The demon king's voice is high and delicate, almost girlishly so, and you have to admit that he is trying very hard to keep you at least amused. He is looking at the demon from the living room, and his gaze is calm and his attitude totally collected, as you expected.

“Your Majesty,” the demon murmurs, bowing his head politely. He even sounds sincere, strangely. Not quite what you expected. You close the door as best you can considering the damaged frame, and follow him in. Gesturing for him to sit, he does so, kneeling on a tatemi mat at the table. You bring the tea service....

[] Pour it four times; be honest.
[] Pour it three times; be polite.
[] Pour yours first; be wary.
[] Set the tea service down; let him open the table.
[] Pour both cups at once; be stylish.

>>919586
>[] Pour it four times; be honest.

>>919586
>[] Pour both cups at once; be stylish.

>>919586
>[X] Pour both cups at once; be stylish.

>>919586
>[] Pour both cups at once; be stylish

>>919586
>[x] Set the tea service down; let him open the table.
Dunno how rude this is, but hey!

>>919586
>[] Pour both cups at once; be stylish.

>>919586
[] Pour it four times; be honest.

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[X] Pour both cups at once; be stylish.

….and sit seiza across from him, not meeting his eyes just yet. A little deference is acceptable after all, he's been polite so far, aside from, you know, kidnapping you into dreams, imprisoning you in a Hell, and sending demons to capture, kill, or incapacitate your family.

You should switch trains of thought now.

Taking two cups in one hand, you lift the teapot. “I hope that oolong is acceptable; it was one of those in the cupboard, so I am presuming that you do not mind me using it.” You begin pouring, moving the teapot over each cup as you draw the pot upward. You shift the cups in hand only slightly, catching the streamers of tea neatly in each one without exerting any power at all.

“This is your residence at this time, Ryuu Ryukusa,” he says, watching the tea fall curiously. “You will come to this place or a place like it if you ever die for more than a few minutes, in Japan or in China. The Tenth Level of Hell is reserved or those immortals who are currently dead. You pretty fox girl has been here on occasion. You are confined to your residence during such times unless specifically invited elsewhere by the resident Judges. Or myself of course.” You finish pouring with a flourish and set his cup before him with a flourish before setting your own cup down. He is suitably impressed. “I've never seen one of our dragons do that.”

“Most of your dragons are dragons, and wouldn't be caught dead serving you tea, your most Loathsome Majesty.” You gesture for him to begin, as is proper, and he salutes you with the teacup, smiling cutely.

“You are quite correct.” Enma-Oh slurps his tea politely and nod in approval. “Very strong, yet there is a flavor to it....”

“A handful of seawater, and a touch of butter. Tibetan style black peach tea,” you explain. “The strength of the tea is gentled by the fat in the butter, and the bitter eased by the salt.” You sip your own tea, and look at him seriously.

[] Open the talk with discussion on how his people have hurt yours instead of just you, as you were told he was allowed for.
[] Allow him to open the talks if he wishes, and enjoy your tea in the meantime.
[] “Business or incidentals first, Enma-Oh?”
[] You know, if you were taller and a girl, and there was moonlight, we would have to dance.
[] Now that we have some privacy, what is all this about, your Majesty?

>>919708
>[] Allow him to open the talks if he wishes, and enjoy your tea in the meantime.

>>919708
>[] Allow him to open the talks if he wishes, and enjoy your tea in the meantime.

>>919708
>[x] Open the talk with discussion on how his people have hurt yours instead of just you, as you were told he was allowed for.

>>919708
>[] Allow him to open the talks if he wishes, and enjoy your tea in the meantime.

>>919708
>[] Open the talk with discussion on how his people have hurt yours instead of just you, as you were told he was allowed for.

>>919708
[] Open the talk with discussion on how his people have hurt yours instead of just you, as you were told he was allowed for.

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[X] Allow him to open the talks if he wishes, and enjoy your tea in the meantime.
[X] Open the talk with discussion on how his people have hurt yours instead of just you, as you were told he was allowed for.

You both enjoy your tea in silence for a moment. It is really good tea; you have peculiar tastes sometimes though so you don't make anything unusual at home. Though, now that you think about it Er Yin would probably like it a lot.

Enma-Oh takes a deep breath. “I was hoping to do this more formally, but unfortunately I have been petitioned to look into an incident. Your body is fine, aside from the obvious injuries, which are healing still. You are in a deep sleep, not quite comatose, and your family – not entirely without cause – believes you overexerted yourself during Barrier Combat.” You don't know if he realizes you have the ruyi yet, which is concerning. “So, I am here about the fan, which I suspect you knew.”

“Your people hurt my cat and my huntress quite badly, Enma-Oh. I sincerely hope that this thing about the fan is really just a pretext, because as I understand it you were in Japan specifically to confront me concerning my activities in causing turmoil and distress for the Buddhists.” He grimaces, and pulls out the letter you dictated to Akari. “Yes, that would be where it is mentioned.”

“Well, first things first. You destroyed the Wind Fan of Guangzhou Tieh Shan, did you not?”

“No.”

“No?”

“No. It was destroyed by the person using it when he struck me with it.” He looks startled. “I was only incidentally involved in that matter, as I was attempting to move out of his way. He failed to not strike me, and as a result destroyed the fan. His incompetence is neither my fault nor my responsibility.” Enma-Oh tries very hard not to smile. “As I understand it, the fan could only have been destroyed by a divine weapon. Now, unless you are willing to classify me as a divine weapon, I would say that the responsibility for the destruction of the fan lies elsewhere.”

Enma-Oh sips his tea, and considers. “Well, if you were a divine weapon, you would be freed of responsibility for damaging the fan as well.”

“Yes, but then I would be obligated, as a divine weapon wielded by the Great Kami of Japan, to remove the intrusion upon our lands since as weapon I would bear no responsibility for the torment or injury done to any people upon Japan.”

He blinks at you in surprise. “You're better at this than the last one. I hereby absolve you of any accusation of criminal guilt in the destruction of the Fan of Guangzhou Tieh Shan. That leaves only the issue of the Buddhists and the condition in which you plan to leave them.”

[] Ask him if that is a pretext as well.
[] Tell him what condition you plan to leave them in.
[] Point out that you're not actually tormenting anyone's souls, just killing the owners.
[] Just give him a look.
[] Have him continue talking, see where this goes.

>>919874
>[x] Have him continue talking, see where this goes.
So far so good...not sure it'll keep going smoothly though

>>919874
>[] Have him continue talking, see where this goes.
this is nerve wracking because a hammer is going to drop I know it

>>919874
>[x] Point out that you're not actually tormenting anyone's souls, just killing the owners.

>>919874
>[] Point out that you're not actually tormenting anyone's souls, just killing the owners.

>>919874
[] Have him continue talking, see where this goes.
[] Just give him a look.
>[] I've received no statements, word, or even a general remark regarding that until this point, and while I've given you time, you and yours have known how to reach me for quite some time.

>>919874
>[] Tell him what condition you plan to leave them in.
>[] Point out that you're not actually tormenting anyone's souls, just killing the owners.

>>919933
She has - declared by Fenghuang: You are accused of interference with Mandate of the Celestial Emperor on the part of Yanluowang, called Enma-Oh in your tongue, in causing disorder and distress to the Followers of the Eight-Fold Path in Japan.

I looked it up in case Ryukusa needed to recall the exact wording.

>>919956
Forgot about that, thanks XS. He took his time with it, but he made sure his patsy said that, at least. Unless my write-in has any weight elsewhere, cancel it.

>>919874
>[] Just give him a look.
>[] Have him continue talking, see where this goes.

>>919874
>[] Point out that you're not actually tormenting anyone's souls, just killing the owners.
"If anything, I'm speeding their rebirth."

>>920001
>It's my job to help you remember these little details, so no harm, no foul. If your write in can be used, I will use it.

>>919874
>[] Just give him a look.
>[] Have him continue talking, see where this goes.
I forget, is Enma-Oh unaware that we're acting under the orders of Amaterasu regarding the spiritual health of Japan?

If not, then he we shouldn't tell him right?

Or... or wait a sec, what if that's what it's really about? Or at least the pretext? What if Enma is accusing us of making it so after the disaster we cause, everyone will be more focused on Shinto and Koshinto as opposed to Buddhism? Like I'm not really sure if you can even convert to Shintoism, but it's plausible right?

>>920034
And as such, is going to try to get a hand in and claim credit and/or want either a hand in the disaster or immunity.

Ryukusa can hypothetically pass on a question to the Jade Emperor about this, but I doubt it'll be more than 'if you're buddhist, be near a temple and be a pure person.'

>>920093
So should we raise that point or just wait for him to do it because if that's not where his head is at, it could give him an idea?

>>920034
>>920093
If average dragonettes can see what is written on your cheeks, the King of Hell probably knows all about it.

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[XX] Point out that you're not actually tormenting anyone's souls, just killing the owners.
[X] Have him continue talking, see where this goes.
[x] Just give him a look.

You were sipping your tea, but this last comment earns him a slow, calculating look. It doesn't intimidate him, of course, but it's not really meant to. He hasn't done all his homework, perhaps, but then, you tend to make sure there isn't much information about you laying around really.

He sips his tea and sets the cup down, presenting his empty hands to you in a gesture of helplessness. “To be honest, I haven't really any interest in you or your family beyond making sure that you're not interfering in my duties, Ryuu Ryukusa. After all, I have a lot of territory to cover and a great deal of work on a great many projects. This is really a distraction I can't afford very well.” Half-truths and lies by omission of course. Standard Operating Procedure, really.

“I'm not actually interfering in the mandate you have, Enma-Oh. It's entirely incidental to what I'm doing.” You sip your tea calmly. So far so good. Neither of you has said or done anything too untoward yet. But it is nerve wracking as all heaven.

“Oh? How do you see this, then?” His curiosity seems genuine enough, and he sips his tea. Thank you.”

Offering to refill his cup, he accepts, and you explain. “Mmm.....oh yes. 'Accused of interference with Mandate of the Celestial Emperor on the part of Yanluowang, called Enma-Oh in your tongue, in causing disorder and distress to the Followers of the Eight-Fold Path in Japan,' I believe are the exact words used in the declaration.” You set the pot down, and he politely refills your tea as well. “Thank you. As I see it I'm not actually causing them distress or disorder. That is simply side effect I am inflicting on everyone, not merely the Buddhist community. All I will be doing is causing major disasters that I have been ordered to cause, and that generally involves causing their deaths, not actually distressing them so much as really just killing them, which places them in your court anyways.”

>>920127
That is a fair point yeah.

>>920125
Lets see where he goes, but basically we should give him next-to-no info, tell him nothing unless we absolutely should to keep a firm stance, and generally say 'I have a boss and it isn't you, I'll pass this along asap and take it into account.'

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>>920135
He makes a 'tch' sound and grimaces. You ignore his attempt to make you feel like you made an error and continue. “Now, how and where these disasters are caused will largely be out of my hands, but I am in fact making efforts to prevent much of the usual bloodshed, pain, and turmoil these things cause. The aftermath will do the job quite well on its own – there isn't a need for me to do anything more than cause a series of national level disasters. The fact that some of the affected are followers of the Eight-Fold Path is of absolutely no consequence to me.”

He sighs and leans back a little, slumping all most. “I was afraid of that. You see, while I understand that is how you see things, the fact of the matter is you will be disrupting a lot of major plans of mine, which does prevent me from doing my job. There's also the fact that your disasters will most likely – well, definitely but let's quibble about it – affect every nation, and might force me to return to China prematurely.”

[] You mean, without either of the two swords you need.
[] It really can't be helped, sorry!
[] You realize this means that you actually have no business being here then?
[] Take the fact that you know about the oncoming disasters into account then.
[] I can't help you get either of the swords – sorry, that's impossible.

>>920146
>[x] It really can't be helped, sorry!
>[x] Take the fact that you know about the oncoming disasters into account then.

>>920146
I don't know, he has a sheath for the Kusanagi, but he hasn't told us anything about the Muramasa and I'm not sure about bringing it up. Like have we encountered a Muramasa and I missed it?

>>920146
>[] You realize this means that you actually have no business being here then?

>>920146
>[] That's just it, this IS a global problem. Such a lack of faith might benefit you in the short term, but you gain beings who lack originality, creativity, or the like. Or ones who frankly don't belong in heaven or hell. This will cause friction, slowness in your own organization, and the like. If you're here to complain to me that running a country is hard, you may want to ask the Jade Emperor for tips.
[] You realize this means that you actually have no business being here then?
[] It really can't be helped, sorry!

>>920167
It could be a replica. The 9-tailed fox hinted that it's not actually Kusanagi's sheath.

>>920146
>[] It really can't be helped, sorry!
>[] Take the fact that you know about the oncoming disasters into account then.

>>920167
>One, yes, but not the one he needs. It was in the Room of Forgotten Things Not Needed Yet in Emi's manse within Yomi.

>>920146
>[] Take the fact that you know about the oncoming disasters into account then.

>>920175
>If you're here to complain to me that running a country is hard, you may want to ask the Jade Emperor for tips.
Ryukusa knows that bringing this point up will very likely piss him right the hell off. Which is not a pun.

>>920146
>[] It really can't be helped, sorry!
>[] You realize this means that you actually have no business being here then?

>>920199
Which is why I'd be heavily tempted to say it. Despite any consequences. But, yeah. Lets save that one for later if there's nothing else to be gained from this and we need to distract him for one critical moment so we can get the Ruyi and quite-possibly Buki-chan.

>>920146
>[] It really can't be helped, sorry!
>[] You realize this means that you actually have no business being here then?
NOT doing it isn't really an option for us.

>>920146
>[] You realize this means that you actually have no business being here then?

>>920241
>You can still say it, I'm just duty bound to let you know what Ryukusa knows.

>>920146
>[] You realize this means that you actually have no business being here then?

>>920275
Oh, and I want to say it. Just at a time when it'd benefit Ryukusa and her allies, not just as stress-relief.

>>920146
>[] It really can't be helped, sorry!
>[] You realize this means that you actually have no business being here then?

>>920146
>[x] It really can't be helped, sorry!
>I've already brought up that this isn't my call...
>[x] You realize this means that you actually have no business being here then?
>[x] Take the fact that you know about the oncoming disasters into account then.

>>920275
I'm voting against, in any case. This is dangerous as it is, I wouldn't put it past him to use eyes or similar to read the snark from our mind.

>>920146
>[] Take the fact that you know about the oncoming disasters into account then.
Wait, could this be a trick since it's essentially giving him permission to do something about it?

Like I don't see what it would do, but he could it make it do SOMETHING.

>>920348
I already said not to say it, anon, unless Ryukusa knew it would benefit us.

>>920365
Actually looking at the advice we were given
>“He will only be able to take action against them that you allow for, Ryukusa-sama – he is still only here for you as he is allowed to be because of the threat you represent to his followers. Make no promises, take no gifts he does not give his word are given without danger and freely, and do not allow him to frighten you into doing anything foolish that does not end in his death. You can not truly slay him, even with the ruyi, but you can banish him from our homeland using it!”
I guess it doesn't count, but I'm still a little wary.

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[XXX] You realize this means that you actually have no business being here then?
[XX] It really can't be helped, sorry!
[X] Take the fact that you know about the oncoming disasters into account then.
[+] I've been made aware that it will likely have a global impact....but you know....
[+] Besides, you haven't really been in touch with me....

“Well, it cannot be helped, I'm afraid.” You set your tea down and shrug mildly, spreading your hands in a mimicry of his previous gesture of helplessness. He seems to take it in stride, but his blood is rushing quite a bit now. “It isn't just an order, it's a responsibility. If you think I'm going to disrupt your plans, imagine what Susano-Oh would do.” That earns you a grimace and a pained look, which you quietly revel in.

“And I realize – well, been recently informed at least – that it is a global problem, but it isn't one that I'm concerned with, either. My concern is with the people of Japan, and Japan itself. The other countries are just as incidental to me as the Buddhists are, you know.” You serve him some more tea, but despite his mannerisms, you can tell the stress is getting to him; his heart is faster, and adrenaline is slipping into his bloodstream. “If you could have contacted me about your situation before that might have helped, but my first contact was with an aggressive demon who wasn't really all that bright.”

He giggles softly at that. “Sorry, I tend to give some demons a little too much autonomy for their own good.” Very realistic giggle. Not meant in the slightest. “Number 185 is incredibly talented, but not all that bright, it's true.”

“Do not mention it, perfectly understandable.” How much further can you push him before he snaps? Impossible to tell yet. But he can't be impatient; his goals are too far reaching for that. Temperamental, now....that might be true. “You could take the oncoming disasters into account, you know. You'd still be miles ahead of most of the opposition.” Gentle, careful....if he thinks you're on his side he might make a slip. “And face it, I probably have been working with some of your people already in some cases.” He nods absently, but that doesn't mean anything.

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>>920423
“Well, there is one thing,” he mentions casually as he sips some more tea. “A way to make both our issues easier.” Uh oh. “I do want what you want – a more spiritually accessible people, people who are more aware of the true nature of the world than they have now. My method is slow and careful, but it does work. If you were to turn your hand to my methods, you wouldn't have to destroy anything, not so completely. Since I will be going home soon, I would need someone to assist my interests here.” He knows he hasn't any business being here then. Knew it all along, most likely, but he needed to talk about this.

The inevitable deal. Except....if you're assisting his interests, that means he already has an infrastructure in use. He's not going to leave you in charge of anything, just place you under someone else's hand. Probably not Oba-san; she's her own goddess, and wouldn't have a use for Enma-Oh's help....

….crap. Taisho Ryoga, of course. Half-demon, trying to create and breed more monstrosities, using spiritual and biological techniques. Fuck. Enma's pawn.

[] Politely decline.
[] Politely decline – with heavy White Jade Ruyi Prejudice.
[] Smile and pour him some more tea, think a moment.
[] Lean back and sigh, and take on the Shen you need from the Black Jade Medallion.
[] Gently take off the Black Jade Coin, and inform him that this meeting is over, and bid him a good trip to China.

>>920426
>[x] Smile and pour him some more tea, think a moment.
>[x] Politely decline.

>>920426
>[] Smile and pour him some more tea, think a moment.
>[] Politely decline.
>[] Gently take off the Black Jade Coin, and inform him that this meeting is over, and bid him a good trip to China.

>>920426
>[] Politely decline.

>>920426
>[] Smile and pour him some more tea, think a moment.
>[] Politely decline.

>>920426
>you wouldn't have to destroy anything, not so completely
I feel like we should mention that the destruction is less something we will do and more something we will become. Assuming our proper place involves accepting the power of Horobi, and that means disasters happen. The two are inextricable.

>>920426
>[] Politely decline – with heavy White Jade Ruyi Prejudice.

>>920426
[] Politely decline.
[] Smile and pour him some more tea, think a moment.

>>920426
>[] Smile and pour him some more tea, think a moment.
>[] Politely decline.

>>920457
Noted.

>>920457
>>920592
As long as we mention that we're basically destruction anyways, but sensible destruction that you can have a conversation with. Unlike a previously-mentioned god.

>>920426
Since he's close to losing his temper, is it really okay to be so casual? Or do we want him to make the first move past negotiation?

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[XX] Politely decline.
[X] Smile and pour him some more tea, think a moment.

You smile sadly, and pour more tea for him. “Unfortunately, that is not how It works, your majesty. The disasters will happen, whether or not I want them to, because sooner or later someone will make the mistake of thinking I can be controlled.” You have his full attention now, which is something you hadn't really anticipated. You look him in the eyes, those black, deep, beautiful eyes that contain horrors just waiting to be unleashed, your sure of it. “I'm sure it isn't anything you haven't experienced yourself. Someone presuming that because you are not using your full power, or that you have something to protect, that they would try and take control of the things you deem precious, and use them to control what they think is your full power.” Setting the pot down, you look into his young face. “I can see you do understand.”

“Yes, I do,” he admits softly, rather to your surprise, and pours you tea. You bow your head in thanks and sip the tea, thinking about how you are going to get out of this safely. Theoretically he can't hold you here, but you don't know the mechanism behind the coma. Realistically, he could keep you here for some time, citing bureaucratic issues. He would honor the coin – he must honor the coin, by his own rules – so it isn't as though you have no escape clause.

As long as he is right here.

You sigh and drain half your tea, tilting your head back. “May I offer you some wine?” Why not. What have you got to lose?

Ha ha.

He looks at you, and then nods. “Please.”

You reach into Nowhere....it is thick, sticky, difficult to cope with, but you manage it. A jar of your finest plum wine, sweet, aged, and perfect. Rising, you trade out the cups for bowls, and pour him a generous amount of the heady alcohol, and then yourself. You lift the wide bowl to him in salute. “Kompai, Enma-Oh, Lord of Demons, Ruler of the Underworld.”

“Kompai, Ryuu Ryukusa, holder of the mikoto of Ame-no-Horobi-no-Mikado, Protector of Smiles.”

You blink, and then laugh, making him smile. You both drink deeply.

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>>920716
With a soft sigh, you refill the bowls. “I have to decline. Many apologies, but it just can't be done.”

He nods calmly. “I know. I had to try of course.”

You drain the next bowl, which he drinks at a more sedate pace. “So, what now?”

Enma-Oh smiles and finishes his bowl. “You wake up, and I go home.”

You stare at him.

He stands up and looks at you seriously. “We are not that much different, Ryukusa-sama. You have your wives, your lovers. I have my children, my demons. It would be....hypocritical of me to not respect you for doing what you are doing. We both have our smiles to protect. That mine are demons' smiles does not make them any less important to me, than your family is to you. The remaining Demon Immortals will return home with me, and you will have to deal with any other demons you meet on your own.”

“That....isn't what I was expecting.”

He smiles again, and lifts a sleeve to his lips, his eyes glittering with dark amusement. “So I have heard said about you many times.” Stepping close, he holds out his hand. You hesitate, and then pull the Black Jade coin from your homemade necklace. “I will make sure your wardrobe is more appropriate next time. Good morning, Ryuu Ryukusa.” You catch the briefest glimpse of a tall, handsome man, dressed in dark armor and surrounded by black power, his red hair falling across his face. A scar mars it, but it has a tattoo overlaid against it, making it more decoration than flaw. You place the coin in his hand, and wake up staring at your ceiling.

Well you would be if you weren't staring into a pair of glowing blue eyes in a ruddy face with fangs and a thatch of wold hair of white bronze. It vanishes and you are NOW looking at your ceiling.

“She's awake!” Yui-chan calls across the room.

You're kind of surprised too, to be honest.

You wrap your hand around the black jade talisman about your neck, and feel the heavy throb of Shen within.

Not quite all a dream then.

>To Be Continued....

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Thank you for reading and playing.

Anon surprises me again.

One more enemy removed. Three to go.

>>920747
Thanks for running XS.

>>920747
Wooooo!

>>920747
Thanks for running!
An interesting ending.

>>920747
Wow, so that's it? Wording of our orders complete? Do we have to give back the ruyi now?

>>920768
I was rather surprised as well. Anon was moderate, careful, and calm, yet also straightforward and to the point. Hard not to honor that.

>>920747
Thnks for the thread

>>920777
Yes, yes, yes.

>>920784
Who are these impostors?! They cannot possibly be the anons I know!

*completely ignores the definition of anonymity*

>>920802
I no, rite?

>>920777
"Have to", eh. I'd imagine Ryukusa will be fairly relieved to be rid of it for now.

>>920809
Thank you for running, XS. What would have happened if Ryukusa had used Buki-chan with the Ruyi to castrate Enma-Oh?

Ok we still have to deal with Ryoga, who is Enmas pawn, so he's still an antagonist by proxy? Or will him standing down change that situation?

>>920836
It would have been one hell of a spectacular fight.

The things Ryukusa did to the two demons with the ruyi? That's the kind of power Enma would have been throwing around as well. That section of hell would have been unlivable for a very, very long time.

>>920872
Nope, you still have to deal with him. Enma said it himself: any other demons you're on your own with.

>>920885
So he's still just doing his own thing then? I got that he had removed his demons, I was wondering on his extended orders. But I suppose the details of their interaction isn't necessarily something we'd know...

>>920873
I meant what would have happened to Enma-Oh if we did so in a fight. I assume a fight was one of the possible options (along with imprisonment, joining him, and possibly a few other options).

Also, is it still possible to collect a demon girl?

>>920885

In one regard that is unfortunate, as we still have to factor him into our situation.
On the other hand, it is good as we do need to 'repay' him for his previous treatment of our wife.

>>920911
Yui is technically a Demon girl, after all, it is thanks to her that we are a Demon tamer...

>>920911
There are other demons besides the immortals. We just have to meet one that isn't taisho or an asshole.

>>920924
Yeah, I'm not letting him off the hook for what he did to Kiki and Melinda.

>>920925
>>920924
I meant that we could possible recruit one from Enma-Oh, I was wondering if that was still possible. It was the demon girl (half-demon, specifically) that crashed the beach party.

I waa honestly surprised by how... civil? Pleasant? Well, Enma-Oh's demeanor and what we saw of his personality really surprised me.

I won't fool myself into believing this is how he is all the time, to everyone, but I expected something more agressive, more manipulative. He was, dare I say, nice all through the conversation and even complimented Ryukusa on her conversation skills.

The way he simply decided to leave all of a sudden is also very surprising and leaves me paranoid he already has something that can harm the Jade Emperor out of Japan.

And I'm also left wondering, if this is how Enma-Oh acts, then I can only imagine how cool and pleasant the Jade Emperor must be.

>>920949

I presume that Enma-Oh has gotten some information from this exchange that he is satisfied with, possibly a personal reading on Ryukusa's personality.
That and taking measures to account for the coming disasters, had they not already been accounted for, require at least some confirming of subordinates orders...

>>920949
I suspect that it was that he intensely dislikes the Jade Emperor's ideology. Ultimately, he's a reflection of the Jade Emperor. A loathsome being, but still a being. He still cares about those around him, in his own way.

It doesn't mean that he isn't absolutely fucked up, it's just that he's still 'human' or 'homo-sapien' to some degree.

>>920949
>>920987
Also, he clearly doesn't know everything and didn't expect Ryukusa to be so much like him. He does what he has to do, so that those around him can be themselves.

>>920911
Castrated him? Well, it wouldn't stick - he's a shapeshifter - but it would be a dire insult.

He'd probably retaliate by spaying your wife and all your lovers. Don't do things like that to immortals who actually can come back after you.

>>920911
>>920942
Half-demons are a possibility, but not very likely. They're not very nice people.

At all.

>>920949
>>920981
>>920987
Real spoilers.

Enma-Oh, and those who came before him, were once human souls. All demons are, in their most essential base, human souls. they work their way up the ranks, get born as demons, and so on; if they are ruthless, smart, and dangerous enough, they can become the king of demons. He might be thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands of years old, but he was once human.

Also consider: Ryukusa, whom had been ordered to drive him out and been given permission to kill him....offered him tea and talked with him politely. Didn't even threaten him, and actually entertained his request. She declined, but she still tought about it, as near as he could see.

Not even the Jade Emperor can read minds. ESP tends to be something the Japanese tend to have.

>>921034
To be perfectly honest, I went with diplomacy just because the fight would have likely been too costly. If we weren't already tired and injured and in his home domain it might have gone much differently.

>>921034
Why did he choose the form he did? Was it to make us underestimate him, or was it to make it clear that he really did wish to talk, which might not have been as clear if he was a hulking bearded figure.

Or is that actually one of the forms he's most comfortable with?

Awesome run XS word play feels so satisfyingly refreshing after so many fights.

>>921114
wait nevermind the spoiler, I missed the last line depecting what's probably his favorite form, if not his true one.

>>921114
To see how Ryukusa would react mostly. But it also served as a demosntration that he wasn't in combat mode.

his usual form is a hulking red monstrosity with black talons and horns and burning eyes, not to mention extra arms. That's how he's most commonly depicted currently.

For all you know, he may not even be male originally.
With that, good night all. I am glad you enjoyed.

>>921203
Night!

>>921034
>Also consider: Ryukusa, whom had been ordered to drive him out and been given permission to kill him....offered him tea and talked with him politely. Didn't even threaten him, and actually entertained his request. She declined, but she still tought about it, as near as he could see.

I know it's not a one-to-one comparison, but I love that what let us get through this was Ryukusa's sympathy, her courtesy, and of course her taste,

Guess it's not surprising that sometimes well-learned politesse is her most useful weapon.

>>921203
For later, I was wondering if you could give a brief description of the other five Eight Demon Immortals we didn't meet?

>>921714
I will.

>>923026
Ryukusa considered Ryoga to be Enma's pawn, but does she think that their relationship was fairly direct, or just that Ryoga could be turned to Enma's ends fairly easily?

It's not really important, I'm just wondering how accurate is the mental picture of Ryoga's face is when/if he finds out what just happened, like will he receive a dream or a letter pretty much saying "She made some compelling arguments, so good luck with what you're doing."

Also, Mo Wang/Enma/Yama is... actually really impressive isn't he? Unlike YHWH, who you said fragmented, is Yama pretty much the same guy across Hinduism, Buddhism, as well as the kind of hodgepodge that makes up China and Japan? I'm not really sure if, in your setting, that's something he actively accomplished, but if so, wow.

>>923073
>that's something he actively accomplished
As in he had personal involvement in what beliefs spread to other countries and across faiths.

>>923073
Yes, he is in fact the same from Hinduism, to Buddhism, to Japanese Buddhism. Same person.

He's not nearly as old as the Jade Emperor (10^10 years) but he is an ancient being in his own right. His chief enemies are the Four Heavenly Generals: The White Tiger, the Blue Dragon, The Red Phoenix, and the Black Serpent-Turtle.

Ryukusa isn't sure about Enma's and Ryoga's relationship, but their activities match too closely for her not to consider it a possibility.

>>921714
Hui Daji, the Black Fox.
Fyusumi, the Demon Sorceress.
Fenghuazhen, the Silver-Green Phoenix.
Yingtze Wei, the Infernal Magistrate (literally the Yellow River Wisdom, the Lawyer from Hell.)
Huichen Bi, the Pen of Dust (Infernal Calligraphist. Don't let the name fool you, he was their torturer.)
Tie Du Nan, The Iron Belly Pot who can eat anything. ANYTHING.
Si Hua Xiushi, Four Flowers Monk, whose martial arts are fatal.
Bai Bianfu Xiansheng, Mister White Bat, an alchemist and necromancer - he isn't even a demon, he's just that evil.

>>923288
While on the one hand, I'm sure they would have been pretty great antagonists, and overcoming their threats could have been challenging yet entertaining, I am... really glad we didn't have to fight all these guys. Hell, I'm really glad we didn't even have to MEET some of these guys.

>Bai Bianfu Xiansheng, Mister White Bat, an alchemist and necromancer - he isn't even a demon, he's just that evil.
Huh was he still pledged enough to Enma/not a Japanese native that he was still covered under the Jade Emperor (may he live one hundred thousand kiloyears)'s Edict? Because as nice as things went with Enma, I still find it hard to believe he'd voluntarily close a loophole he could exploit.

Also,
>The Tenth Level of Hell is reserved or those immortals who are currently dead.

About how much damage would we have dealt had we actually clashed with Enma? And would dead immortals have just had to squat in the ruins a while/get moved to a different layer until it was fixed?

>>923367
>I still find it hard to believe he'd voluntarily close a loophole he could exploit.
Actually I guess I can believe it, since the reason we were given the Ruyi is because the Edict won't enforce itself, so if he's following it without coercion, it makes sense to follow the spirit and not just the letter.

>>923367
Bia Bianfu Xiansheng is Chinese, and therefor under J.E.'s jurisdiction.

As for damage....Enma rules the Underworld in a very literal sense. If it is under the ground, JE has zero jurisdiction unless the sun is shining upon the ground, and even then he can' interfere with it.

Ryukuza using the power of Horobi, on the other hand, can control the local topography towards destructive purposes. Like tectonic plates, Fuji's volcanic potential, the local fault lines....and she would have had to use every ounce of power. the chances of the effect being equivalent to the Great Kanto Quake are very high.

Yes, the immortals would just have to cope with the issue, and while that might put off the non-enlightened immortals, the enlightened ones would have enjoyed the heaven out of the show.

Holy fucking hell

I cannot BELIEVE I missed this thread, of all threads, when I was agonizing over what to do yesterday.

Goddammit.

>>919424
>a massive skinless woman with the body of a snake hisses at you

A skinless snake?

Whoa, that's hard to find a more fitting symbolism for the place where Immortals are dead

>>923686
You fucked up anon.

You fucked up.

Doesn't this portrayal of Enma-Oh completly clashes with what we know of how he handled demons?

I mean, we destroyed one of the Eight Immortals with the truth that Enma-Oh didn't give a shit about him and never would.

>>920784
>>920802

Anons in Ryukuza Quest are pretty much always like that, though.

It's just rare to find a NPC who allows Ryukusa to do things the calm way.

>>923699

That I did.

Test

>>923717
Hard love doesn't always seeem nice, and Enma-Oh is very very definition of hard love.

>>923799

Abusive, selfish and existing regardless of the wishes of the person involved?

>>923828

*persons

I think His Most Loathsome Majesty enjoyed that Ryukusa didn't try to go the "Holier than Thou" or "Must Defeat Evil" roads in this interview.

He probably expected to enter conflict either a manipulator who'd try to milk any inches of compromise he'd offer, or a principled paladin who'd try to counter him at every turn. Instead, he met Ryukusa, and she met him.

Ryukusa is not an hypocrite. She is a murderer, and the antithesis to many parts of what Japan consider "good". In fact, regardless of the fact Ryukusa is a good person, if this Quest had a tv tropes page, "Satanic Archetype" would be on her sheet.

I think that if this meeting had to be named, "l'Enfer, c'est les autres" would be appropriate. And it'd be one of the few occasions this would be a positive use of this sentence.

Real talk, though: should Ryukusa try to send a gift to Princess Iron Fan?

I mean, Ryukusa can certainly sympathise with someone being hurt by an idiot destroying a priceless artifact, and while she's not guilty in any way, shape or form, and did what she could to avoid it even before she knew to whom the weapon belonged to, she's still infortunately linked to the Fan's destruction. On the other hand, sending a gift of sympathy will probably be interpreted as condescending, or at worse send the message she did it maliciously and got away with it by buttering up the boss, even though nothing about this is true.

>>923828
Well, yes, of course.

>>923894
Not unless she wants to be seen as gloating about how the fan got destroyed. Princess Iron Fan is not a reasonable person, with reasons not to be reasonable.

>>923898

Fair enough. I suppose anything Ryukusa would try to do regarding this would be interpreted as her insulting the demoness.

Then again, ignoring it entirely is also doing something.

Question, though: how Hui Daji get his hands on the Fan?

I can't even believe how livid Guangzhou Tieh Shan must be that her Fan was destroyed in what could be described as a quarrel between foxes.