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>>2275477
Whatever has brought her here and made her acceptable as a Shinto priestess is her own business, but there are several....well, 'rules' that seem to be forced upon her. One of those is acting as a go-between for the youkai and bakemono she protects and nurtures in her temple and the world outside of it. That includes bringing the father of the nue-child Natto to speak with you. The mask at her side, combined with the matagama around her neck hold thee essence of the nue that sired the man; and his dying words have apparently forced Hinata-hakase to come to you.

She looks undecided, her glimmering eyes shifting from fiery orange to their more usual deep brown; she glances at the Yui and Akari, standing on either side of you and Kiki-hime, the latter remaining seated along with most of the younger warriors. Hebiki Rishi is an exception – she moved to protect Fuuta-chan, as did Shoko, though the powerful built oni-chick most likely intended to protect all the younger warriors.

Yuuhi and Inau-kun are both behind the couch, which is no barrier at all to either of them. Inau-kun is looking very determined, and has her hand on Ame-no-Ohabari. It helps that Hinata-hakase has confirmed you are responsible for Natto's death, even if it was her arrow that stuck him through the heart. Yuuhi-chan is looking very calm and steady; while her hand may not be on the hilt of her nodachi she is perfectly capable of instantly dealing death. That Ame-no-Omukade-no-Musume (your personal mukade-invested wakizashi and possessed of a kami all her own) rests at her hip marks her as a true samurai in the eyes of spirit-children, mortals and gods alike.

Hinata-hakase is well aware she can't win a fight here, but that doesn't mean that her leaving might not have some repercussions. On the other hand, that's why you have a personal priestess – said priestess standing next to her sorceress lover and ready to deal out spells, talismans, or blistering invective as needed. Er Yin simply looks bored, an affectation more than a fact. She seems to know Hinata-hakase of old, which is strange to you. Hinata, however, is far more concerned with you than anyone else.

And you're merely offering her a seat on the couch once more.

[] Expand on your willingness to talk; she's understandably upset, after all.
[] Point out that you're not going to apologize, but you will happily ask some of the warriors to leave if it would make her feel better....which won't actually make her safer.
[] Calmly explain that you must take very careful precautions, and she should not see this as a failing on her part, but over-preparation on yours.
[] Say nothing; everything has been said and she will either take the offer or leave.
[] Have Yui-niji-chan serve her more tea and have everyone else relax and sit down; de-escalation is also in your repertoire.

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Twitter: @XsQuestmistress

NEW: AskFM: https://ask.fm/XSQuestmistress - For any and all quest or story related questions.

Previous Thread: http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/2257078/

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

Kissing! http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/574453/

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

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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 6' 3” 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 tall 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, just 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 is much less 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.
Hisaka Subaru is 5' tall and 9' tall, and peculiar as all get out.
Shikoku Naya is 5' 4" (not including heels) and is fully grown. Entirely flexible.
Shinkai Yamada is 5' 7” and is straight.
Shinkai Mikurabe is 5' 2” (without heels) and is probably less straight than you thought.
"Shinkai" Hiei is a possible curse in the Theater.
"Shinkai" Serious Onii-san is 5' 6" and is asexual.
"Shinkai" Yoshihano is 6' 1" and may be a little gay.
Tachibana is 5” 7” and mostly asexual.
Natto is a wisp of black smoke in the wind.
Hebiki Rishi is 4' 10” and has a number of inches to grow. Questionable sexuality.
Hideyama Kenako is 6' 1” and is fully grown. Sexuality is probably cat.

>>2275486
>[] Have Yui-niji-chan serve her more tea and have everyone else relax and sit down; de-escalation is also in your repertoire.
>[] Expand on your willingness to talk; she's understandably upset, after all.
Hi XS, how are you doing this morning?

>>2275486
>[] Have Yui-niji-chan serve her more tea and have everyone else relax and sit down; de-escalation is also in your repertoire.

>>2275486
>[x] Point out that you're not going to apologize, but you will happily ask some of the warriors to leave if it would make her feel better....which won't actually make her safer.
>[x] Have Yui-niji-chan serve her more tea and have everyone else relax and sit down; de-escalation is also in your repertoire.
Ryukusa time!

>>2275504
Fairly well thank you.

>>2275528
Late, but yes.

>>2275486
>[] Say nothing; everything has been said and she will either take the offer or leave.
Is your distraction a new kitten or old kitten?

>>2275486
>[] Expand on your willingness to talk; she's understandably upset, after all.
>[] Have Yui-niji-chan serve her more tea and have everyone else relax and sit down; de-escalation is also in your repertoire.

>>2275541
Roomates very kittenish kitten who neede to be OUTSIDE desperately enough to get out and scare the bejeezuz out of herself through overstimulation. And you can imagine how catching a scared, overstimulated kitten WITH REALLY SHARP CLAWS works.

>>2275486
>[x] Expand on your willingness to talk; she's understandably upset, after all.
>[x] Have Yui-niji-chan serve her more tea and have everyone else relax and sit down; de-escalation is also in your repertoire.
The threat is made, present and understood, no need to dwell on it.

Also two questions: Hoa did we figure out what sort of spirit child she was, is this just reasoned from her shifting maw? And what does being a manticore imply for her nature?

>>2275554
Ouch. Hope you didn't suffer too many wounds.

>>2275564
>Hoa did we figure out what sort of spirit child she was
Anon worked it out months ago, and XS awarded good stuff for figuring it out. This is just the first time XS put it in a post so explicitly.

>>2275578
Damn I totally missed that. But I still don't know anything.

>>2275564
>>2275584
Shortly after Ryukusa's first meeting with Hinata-hakase during the rescue of Jinyuu from Kushinada and Hidesato, she assigned Akarin the task of discovering what type of spirit child she was. The guesswork by varied anons revelaed the truth - a manticore-child. However, what Ryukusa knows is limite to the fact that she has a lot of very sharp teeth, an abundance of poisons, toxins, and venoms in her body that she can manipulate, and that she probably has to hide from Amaterasu-Omikami and Tsukiyomi-Okami when under the sky. Sadly, that's all she has definite knowledge of - being a youkai-child, she has no elemental affinities per se. As a priestess she's a very good healer and has some spiritual powers, and as the head of a temple she very likely has a lot of power to call upon if given a chance.

>>2275595
Perhaps we can glean some more information if we have a chat with her!

>>2275595
Last thread didn't we also learn that Hinata is the kind of person who sort of gets off on having some power or control over people stronger/more dangerous than her, even (especially?) if she's putting her own life on the line?

>>2275619
You did.

>>2275619
I'm not sure if that has anything to do with her nature specifically, unless manticores get off on hunting things even more dangerous than themselves. Which I only question because I'm not sure what those things would *be*.

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[XX] Have Yui-niji-chan serve her more tea and have everyone else relax and sit down; de-escalation is also in your repertoire.
[X] Expand on your willingness to talk; she's understandably upset, after all.
[x] Point out that you're not going to apologize, but you will happily ask some of the warriors to leave if it would make her feel better....which won't actually make her safer.

Hinata-hakase's heart is speeding up, and while her blood temperature might remain the same, the new toxins that are flooding her veins are likely to be the equivalent of a Fire dragonette's heated temper. You suspect they will also make her angrier and less tractable.

You lower the hand pointing at the couch and turn, gesturing mildly to Yuuhi and Inau-kun to relax. Inau-kun seems uncertain at first, but Yuuhi's tail swishes back and forth and she steps over to Inau-kun and lays a hand on her shoulder, getting her to relax some. Akari sits on the floor once more, which makes her no less dangerous, while you turn to Yui-niji-chan. “Could you have Jinyuu-onee-sama prepare some syrup green tea? We would be honored if you would serve, Yui-niji-chan.”

She nods shortly, and bows slightly to you. “At once, Ryukusa-oyakata.” You can't stop your eyebrows from escaping to your upper forehead at the title. Apparently she took her own speech about you being the daimyo very seriously....though that is also an honorific used by the Yakuza for their leader as well. At least she didn't call you 'uncle'.

The others also relax – to an extent. Shoko leans against the wall near the kitchen doorway, while Jinyuu goes inside to prepare the tea. Rishi-chan crosses her arms and snorts a puff of flame and smoke out her nose, much to the surprise of several people, and she doesn't quite stand down, though she does cross her arms and glare at Hinata. You manage to hide the smile from she and Fuuta-chan, who is still looking surprised and a little befuddled by the Fire dragonette's protectiveness.

“The fact that I had my people tell me how to deal with the problems you presented me shouldn't be taken personally,” you tell Hinata-hakase, as you sit down. The effort of not revealing how much pain the act of standing and sitting is causing you is draining, but worth it for now. If it stops being worth it, you'll probably have to end the conversation. “It's really nothing I wouldn't have done in any other case. I might not have done it out loud, of course, but you've had dealings with Clan Ryo. I'd have been surprised if you hadn't guessed or didn't notice.”

“As far as oyabun go, we could do much worse than our Ryukusa-chan,” states Kiki-hime proudly, and perhaps a little pridefully.

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>>2275679
“Step-father always had a preference for the best. He was foolish to presume she would not see through things in her way.” Kiku-chan's mild comment makes Hinata-hakase narrow her eyes, nostrils flaring. “It will be unfortunate when they meet face to face again, I am sure.”

“That's neither here nor there, Kiku-chan.” you chide gently. “Hinata-hakase is not our enemy. If anything, I see her as an ally. One with duties she has to fulfill, as I do.” You lean back and lace your fingers together, setting them in your lap. Kiki-hime takes advantage of the opportunity, and snuggles up to you, half turning and pulling her feet onto the couch, resting both hand son your shoulder and laying her head against the, looking at Hinata with a coy smile. “We are on the same side right now – preserving Japan, though different parts of it.”

Looking at the strange youkai-born priestess, who is looking annoyed but relatively mollified, you smile faintly. “I can clear some of the room, if it would help you feel better. My family and clan are very protective. It's understandable, I hope.”

Hinata-hakase smiles bitterly. “That will not be necessary,” she claims. Despite that claim, she sits down, and begins to untie the mask from her belt.

You lay a hand upon Akari's shoulder as you lean forward to pick up the medicine cup you emptied. Yui-niji-chan arrives, serving Hinata-hakase the tea, then yourself and Kiki-hime. Placing the cup on the tray, you feel relieved that Akari took the hint and calmed herself.

Setting the mask on the table carefully, Hinata-hakase takes her teacup in both hands and sips slowly. She seems pleased by it, and a little surprised to be pleased by it. Relaxing a little more she sighs softly. “So, I did expect someone other than you, but it was not Horobi. That you are still you shows a strength of yours I had suspected but did not believe in. your family is right to be wary and concerned. They will serve you well, but I am nothing much compared to that person.”

Kiki-hime asks before you do. “That person?”

Hinata-hakase's eyes flash fiery orange for an instant. “Siatmakko Yayoi.”

You narrow your eyes. “Oba-san.”

[] What do you know of Oba-san?
[] Don't bother asking – she'll try and use it against you.
[] You have information she will probably want....that Kinashut might be escaping her priestess.
[] That's definitely something frightening, if Hinata-hakase is humbled by Yayoi-tan.
[] What do you have against Oba-san, that you are willing to help people thwart her desires....such as helping Kiku-chan and Er Yin-sensei?

>>2275684
>[x] What do you know of Oba-san?
>[x] You have information she will probably want....that Kinashut might be escaping her priestess.
>[x] What do you have against Oba-san, that you are willing to help people thwart her desires....such as helping Kiku-chan and Er Yin-sensei?
Haha yes, let us make discourse and exchanges. This is business I like.

>>2275684
>[] What do you have against Oba-san, that you are willing to help people thwart her desires....such as helping Kiku-chan and Er Yin-sensei?
>[] You have information she will probably want....that Kinashut might be escaping her priestess.

>>2275678

They hunt heroes and conquerors. So...

>>2275684
>[x] What do you have against Oba-san, that you are willing to help people thwart her desires....such as helping Kiku-chan and Er Yin-sensei?

>>2275684
>[] You have information she will probably want....that Kinashut might be escaping her priestess.
>[] What do you have against Oba-san, that you are willing to help people thwart her desires....such as helping Kiku-chan and Er Yin-sensei?
So wait, is Hinata saying that she was expecting Oba-san to have killed us by the time she got to our apartment?

>>2275717
Sounds like it! Didn't think it was so long ago we last had contact with Hinata though, at least not if we count the times we sent people for her to deal with.

>>2275717
>>2275736
Rather, she was expecting Siatmakko Yayoi to have possessed Ryukusa.

>>2275684
>[] Don't bother asking – she'll try and use it against you.
>[] That's definitely something frightening, if Hinata-hakase is humbled by Yayoi-tan.

>>2275684
>[] That's definitely something frightening, if Hinata-hakase is humbled by Yayoi-tan.
>[] What do you have against Oba-san, that you are willing to help people thwart her desires....such as helping Kiku-chan and Er Yin-sensei?

>>2275684
>"Showing a strength of mine, you say? I'll take it as a compliment."

>[] What do you have against Oba-san, that you are willing to help people thwart her desires....such as helping Kiku-chan and Er Yin-sensei?

>Of course she might have helped them in order to hold some power over them while Kiku lived in her temple, but you're politely not going to mention it or imply it, or even show you are aware of the possibility.

>"Tell me, Hinata-hakase... I am not the first incarnation, or potential one, of Horobi that you are aware Oba-san is trying to mess with, am I?"

>"Is it why you wanted the tide-controlling jewel? To have some control over the situation if Oba-san managed to take over?"

>>2275746
Could you give me a refresher on Siatmakko? I know that she's a priestess of Kinashut Kamuy that has actually managed to possess/imprison Kinashut within herself, which I'm pretty sure grants her great power and she wants to become a Grand Kami or whatever the specific term is, but is she a snake-spirit child or was she originally human and that's just the most recent body she stole, I don't remember.

>>2275684
>[X] What do you have against Oba-san, that you are willing to help people thwart her desires....such as helping Kiku-chan and Er Yin-sensei?

>>2275751
>"Tell me, Hinata-hakase... I am not the first incarnation, or potential one, of Horobi that you are aware Oba-san is trying to mess with, am I?"
This could be a nice question to get an answer to for sure.

>>2275787
she's a human priestess who possessed the actual kamuy of snakes, and has plotted to take over other powerful demigods - specifically she was going to possess Ryukusa to become an actual goddess by becoming Horobi. Her contingency plan was to possess Akari, who could possibly defeat Ryukusa.

>>2275886
Thank you

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[X] That's definitely something frightening, if Hinata-hakase is humbled by Yayoi-tan.
[XX] You have information she will probably want....that Kinashut might be escaping her
[XXX] What do you have against Oba-san, that you are willing to help people thwart her desires....such as helping Kiku-chan and Er Yin-sensei?
[+] What about previous incarnations? I know about Er Yin and Kiku's work...
[+] So the Tide Lowering Jewel was insurance against Yayoi as well?

To consider a monster on the scale of Hinata-hakase – who at the very least could deal with Natto-san as an equal as opposed to being forced to deal with him on his terms – considers Oba-san something to be feared....ah, that's isn't quite what she said, is it? She said that compared to her, your family would be very hard pressed to deal with Oba-san. Not quite the same at all. Still, it does say something that she respects your warriors and family enough to admit it would be a loss in her side, even with the spirit of a nue at hand and all the power she might be able to draw from her temple.

Having experienced first hand how much power over you Kiku-chan can muster with just a small shrine to your name, that's a shining star on everyone's exam for the day.

Not that it isn't frightening to an extent, but you knew she was. To possess a Kamuy is no small matter, even for a priestess of that Kamuy. Oba-san's spiritual power is frightening.

You toy with a lock of your wife's hai idly, twirling it around your finger. “You have gone out of your way to thwart Oba-san on a few occasions. Even, specifically, to help me at some cost to yourself. I would guess the Tide Lowering Jewel wa part of that – it would probably have a very nasty effect on me if used against me directly, wouldn't it.” Kiki-hime looks alarmed and sits up while Er Yin tilts her her head, curious as to what you may mean.

It might be just a guess on your part, but a shrewd one. Hinata-hakase smiles wryly, her lips twisting into a near caricature of the expression. “So, the Tide Lowering Jewel is a powerful weapon against the wani and those dragons who serve Ryujin-Owatatsumi. It is likely to be a potent weapon against your power over the oceans and the darkness of its depths.” Akari shifts slightly and you run a hand along your own horn.

“What does she mean, Ryukusa?” Kiki-hime's voice is touched with worry, but her demand is almost straightforward.

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>>2275921
“Kanju and Manju have power over the tides, but sympathetically, also over those who control the tides and serve the ocean. Having one of the jewels gives you power over the denizens of the undersea Heaven of Ryujin. Tamatori-hime was able to steal the jewels and return them to the Emperor for a while, and he used them to invade Korea, in the distant past. The wani and dragons of Korea were just as defenseless against the power of the jewels as the tides themselves are.” All eyes are on Er Yin as she speaks. “Not even the Great Dragon God of the Eastern Sky can resist them, but the Black Dragon-Turtle of the North assisted him, and removed the hands of the emperor, toppling the jewels back into the ocean where Ryujin-Owatatsumi recovered them both.”

“So, the jewel would be able to strop Ryukusa-sama of her strength, and so allow one to at least drive her away, if not defeat her.” Hinata-hakase looks at you seriously. “Ame-no-Horobi-no-Mikado would not be especially concerned, however. If the disasters foretold occurred, I would know who I was facing.”

“But that doesn't answer my previous question,” you point out, and she smiles thinly at you, her mouth unpleasantly wide despite the compression of her lips. “Why would you assist us against Oba-san?” You keep the thought that it would be to gain power over you and yours to yourself – at least for the moment. “you're powerful, but you're not someone she would have to concern herself with. The Temple of Forgotten Stones and Flowers would be strong after Horobi wrecked the island, but she would still be a Great Kami. I would think that it would be in your best interest to help her.”

That causes some nervous tension to rise but she shakes her head. “She has power over me, a secret untold and unkept, yet no less a danger. So, I have no love for Siatmakko Yayoi, and it would serve her well to release the youkai whom I shepherd. How better to become a hero to the people than to slay monsters and demons? Horobi is a Great Kamuy, or a Great Kami....the destroyer who serves Amaterasu-Omikami as her katana, cutting where and what she wills. For Yayoi-hakase to become Horobi would be a terrible thing for all. Her cunning and skills, with the power of a true kami? Unthinkable.”

You narrow your eyes, your temper fraying as you realize what happened. “So you assisted Kiku-chan and Er Yin-sensei in order to give them the opportunity to 'vet' those who might become Horobi.” You were going to ask about how she interacted with previous incarnations, but her fear of Oba-san actually succeeding made that answer perfectly clear. “Only someone who was both caring and ruthless, who could love and yet fulfill her duty would be allowed to become Horobi.”

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>>2275925
You can feel the warriors and sorcerers behind you looking at one another nervously, their tensions spiking. A gentle, delicate hand, still calloused with long practice, rests on your shoulder. The urge to either throw it off or bring the person to their knees is very strong....the cold blooded manipulation, the outright acceptance of so much sacrifice.... Hinata-hakase looks at you unapologetically.

[] Let it pass – Kiku and Er Yin had their duty too.
[] How many half-sisters – how many full sisters died for her assurance?
[] Let Yuuhi-chan calm you down. She's right, you can't afford to be angry over this....it's not like you're any better.
[] Fuck this. Have her call the nue – after you've prepared your warriors to kill it.
[] All those lives....she'll have to take responsibility now. She made you, but you don't belong to her.

>>2275930
>[] How many half-sisters – how many full sisters died for her assurance?
>[] Let Yuuhi-chan calm you down. She's right, you can't afford to be angry over this....it's not like you're any better.

>>2275930
>[] Let Yuuhi-chan calm you down. She's right, you can't afford to be angry over this....it's not like you're any better.
I'd argue that based on what we've done so far we're at least a bit better, it's more what we're prepared to do in the future.

>>2275930
>[x] How many half-sisters – how many full sisters died for her assurance?
Perhaps unwise to find out. But I can't help but wonder!

>>2275967
I feel like Er Yin and Kiku would know as well, since weren't they also involved?

>>2275930
>[] Let Yuuhi-chan calm you down. She's right, you can't afford to be angry over this....it's not like you're any better.
>[] How many half-sisters – how many full sisters died for her assurance?

>>2275930
>[] Let it pass – Kiku and Er Yin had their duty too.
Well this is a but of a bummer

>>2275977
That might be so. Though if we're talking in terms of involvement they might not be quite as informed necessarily.

>>2275977
>>2276006
They were directly involved. Kiku discovered and studied them, and Er Yin killed them if they failed the test. Ryukusa knew that....what she didn't expect was that Hinata engineered it.

>>2275930
>[x] Let Yuuhi-chan calm you down. She's right, you can't afford to be angry over this....it's not like you're any better.
>[x] How many half-sisters – how many full sisters died for her assurance?

>>2275930
>[] Let it pass – Kiku and Er Yin had their duty too.
I feel like this is worth adding to my previous vote, because while it's nice to be comforted and I don't feel that it's wrong for Ryukusa to be upset, it's not like Hinata forced or deceived them, or even that they disagreed with the underlying logic.

>>2275953
>>2275967
>>2275977
>>2276002
>>2275986

Just to point out:

This mean she certainly killed way more than the ones Kiku and Er Yin would normally have. Specifically those who would have met the conditions to pass Er Yin's test, but not the Hinata's standards to accomplish her goals.

>>2276025
Like was Hinata even the one who provided the rubric on which the potential Horobis are to be judged, or did Er Yin make her own standards?

>>2276047
Are you sure? I don't really feel like that's what is being conveyed

>>2276047
I dunno if that's clear because as >>2276049 said, Er Yin might have been the sole one to make the judgement - whether because Hinata agreed with her standards or because she imposed her own on Er Yin's tests though, who knows.

Wait, why wouldn't there have been any brothers?

>>2275930

>[] Let Yuuhi-chan calm you down. She's right, you can't afford to be angry over this....it's not like you're any better.

>[] Let it pass – Kiku and Er Yin had their duty too.


>You don't belong to her, no more than you belong to Oba-san. You didn't need this revelation to know this.

>Ask about her involvement with your sister that ended up in the Forest of Suicide. Or as the Forest.

>>2276076

Our father made sure of it.

>>2276076
Silly anon, boys could never become yakuza dragonettes so they never passed the requirements to be quest protagonist.

>>2276076
Because the direct male descendant of Ryujin-Owatatsumi became the Emperor Jimmu of Japan, and it would be very disruptive to have a new potential Emperor born who would actually be the rightful heir to Japan's imperial Palace.. The emperor is the spiritual heart and soul of Japan.

>>2276103

That makes Japan in the WWII era even more fucked up, if possible.

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[X] Let it pass – Kiku and Er Yin had their duty too.
[XX] How many half-sisters – how many full sisters died for her assurance?
[XXX] Let Yuuhi-chan calm you down. She's right, you can't afford to be angry over this....it's not like you're any better.
[+] She may have arranged things, but that doesn't make you beholden to her.
[+] And what of Ryuu Nabiki and the Forest of Suicides?

You don't pull away from that gentle touch, though you would like to. You probably wouldn't kill Hinata-hakase....but you definitely want to hurt her. Punish her, for what she's done. Er Yin-sensei and Kiku-chan might have been performing a duty but if it was a duty imposed or one they chose....that would make a difference.

A terrible, terrible difference.

Akari is staring at Hinata-hakase, her dark pupils lost in the shadow of her changed iris. Kiki-hime gently wraps both hands around your arm and holds you. Not entraps you, not attempting to keep you from rising, but to let you feel her there, the ring you traded to her glistening like pale blood. Yui's short tail wraps around your ankle as well,and you feel Kiki-hime's along your back. All it would take is a single gesture, a word, perhaps even a thought, and Hinata-hakase would die.

Of course, there would be blood, and poison, and it's unlikely that any of your loved ones would come out unscathed. Hinata's reasoning is sound, horrible as it was, and she's not entirely wrong. You can easily see how she could justify it, and that justification isn't exactly one you haven't used yourself in a few instances.

Taking a deep, slow breath, you ask the question that you don't want the answer to. “....How many?”

Hinata-hakase doesn't even try to pretend ignorance or misunderstanding. “Thirty-eight.” You stomach does a slow turn. “Er Yin-sama knows of fifteen. Kiku-sama of twenty-two.”

“Seven were victims of Clan Ryo. Casualties of training.” Kiku-chan's voice is soft, and while there is no apology, but there is regret. You've heard that same regret in her voice when you learned of your blood sister's existence.

You open your eyes and Hinata recoils at the burning light of them. Yuuhi's hand tenses on your shoulder while Yui yelps and turns away from the brightness. Akari's head turns as well, but she neither closes her eyes nor relaxes. Pain is a distant, unimportant thing to what she is at this moment. The soft voice of your wife comes from next to you. “Ryu-chan....”

“And Ryuu Nabiki? Or should I say, the Spirit of the Forest of Suicides? What of her?” Your voice is thick with emotion, the thought of those lives, those sisters and siblings you never had. How many times did your mother – your actual mother – carry to term? Just twice?

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>>2276197
“She came to me tainted with the magics of Siatmakko Yayoi. So, there was nothing I could do for her. Er Yin's mercy cost others their lives, undoubtedly, but those lives would still have been lost in other ways, in other places.” Hinata clasps her hands and presses them towards you, and the burning light of your anger is snuffed, though the anger itself remains. “Perhaps another would have found better ways. I was the one who was there.”

You lean back, and Kiki-hime buries her face in your shoulder, while Yuuhi's gently fingers trace your ear, collects coil of your hair. Yui-niji-chan glares at Hinata, just shy of aan Angry Face. Akari remains as she is, face turned aside, dark eyes open, gazing sidelong at Hinata. Er Yin gently strokes the hair of your priestess and you sigh, their pain silent and hidden, mostly...but still pain.

Kiku-chan has already cried for them.

“I owe you nothing. Your....part in this matter may have resulted in my life, but I am the one who has chosen, who has made these promises. If there was any debt owed for anything I have done for you, this pays for it. I will not seek to revenge myself for my sisters' deaths, but you are owed nothing by myself, by any member of Clan Ryuu. I will ask my father for the Tide Lowering Jewel, but anything else you will earn.” You take a slow, deep breath, your heart pounding. There is wetness along your back, your thigh; you draw the blood back, and sit up. “If you try and lay any claim upon Er yin-sensei or Kiku-jinshu-chan, it will go very badly for you, no matter how clandestine the attempt.” Yuuhi plays lightly with your hair and you sigh, covering your eyes.

“Kiki-hime. Arm Yuuhi with a yumi, and bring out your own. Inau-kun, give them arrows and you as well. Everyone is to prepare for battle. Akari, Yui, protect the princess. Shoko, clear the room of furniture, and have everyone assemble at our backs, across the room. No one is to attack except by my order.” You stand up and glare at Hinata-hakase. “Prepare your ritual, priestess.” You rise slowly, and the room is suddenly a whirl of activity.

[] Go talk to your youngest warriors.
[] Take Hime-chan aside.
[] Kneel with Akari and Yui.
[] Go speak with Er Yin and Kiku.
[] Go find Rie.

>>2276199
>[x] Go talk to your youngest warriors.
I am kind of interested in what we'd talk to Rie about though.

>>2276199
>[] Go find Rie.
I'm curious as to why she showed up, though she is of course always welcome.

>>2276199
>[] Go talk to your youngest warriors.
>[] Go speak with Er Yin and Kiku.
>[] Go find Rie.

The first need some explanations. The second needs big hugs. The third is a cat.

>>2276206
>>2276233

I think it's VERY important to talk with Er Yin and Kiku, because we're going to face a Nue.

And Nue are the kind of things you don't face with a troubled heart.

>[x] Go talk to your youngest warriors.
>[x] Go find Rie.

>>2276199
>[] Go speak with Er Yin and Kiku.
>[] Go find Rie.
I'll listen to anon.

>>2276239
Hmmm, I do see your point. But I dunno if digging up these old wounds was really enough to shake Ryukusa's love and trust in her family.

>>2276282

Oh, it wasn't going to shake Ruykusa, but I think hugging them and telling them how much we love them and checking if they're ok is for the best.

>>2276326
Fair enough

>>2276199
>[] Go speak with Er Yin and Kiku.
I guess it's very unlikely to hurt checking in on them.

Also wow, Ryukusa got upset enough that she momentarily forgot to keep holding herself together with magic.

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[X] Go talk to your youngest warriors.
[XX] Go speak with Er Yin and Kiku.
[XXX] Go find Rie.

You turn and reach down to help Kiki-hime to her feet, and are preempted by Yui-chan and Akari-chan, who both stand up next to you and reach for her hands. She smiles brilliantly at them and you sigh, mostly because Yui is giving you the evil eye so hard you can feel your kimono smoldering.

Between Yui and Akari, Kiki-hime is lifted to her feet as if she were no lighter and a child and with the skill of a ballerina. Placing her directly before you, the move close, squaring off with you and somewhat hiding you. It is Kiki-hime you lean forward to kiss, but it is Akari's hand you take in yours, while your tail slides around Yui's back, and side, until you place the soft fan of it along Kiki-hime's back. Kiki-hime leans forward and accepts your kiss, but you notice her hand slipping into Yui's, the other moving to your breast even as you lay your palm over her heart. Her tail slips around your back, the shimmering fin pressed along your lower back, just above your tail....from behind Akari. Akari's free hand meets with Yui's free hand under your and Kiki-hime's arms, fingers gently interlaced.

Even after the kiss breaks, the four of you remain there, leaning into one another, heads nearly toughing, horns close together. The hand in your is cool and strong, and squeezes ever so gently. You look into eyes as soft and rich as the earth, carnelian glistening with love and appreciation. Yui's head rests against Kiki's, their horns touching, and you kiss the white bronze of the oni-child's horn lightly, tasting electricity and cold air; she turns to you with eyes filled to brimming with tears and adoration. Kiki kisses Akari's ear softly, making your best friend, your dearest friend, making your Akari blush.

When you finally pull apart, the wonder and envy with which you are presented is surprisingly intense, though it is mostly from your newest warriors. Hebiki Rishi is awestruck, and her blood is so hot it would melt steel; and her cheeks are red as coal. Kaga Kei is....surprisingly envious, and very surprised. You suspect monsters that bring about the end of the world aren't supposed to love. If there is a word for what you have just shared, that would be it. Shoko is nodding with approval as she moves the easy chairs and couch, while Fuuta-chan is looking into the kitchen, most carefully not looking despite how red her ears are. Chisato is staring, and looks a little breathless, surprisingly. Reiha, standing next to her, is covering Peta-chan's eyes while Peta-chan is giving you pair fox-heads of approval.

Poor, innocent Reiha.

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>>2276441
Yuuhi is keeping an eye on Hinata-hakase, as is Kiku-chan, though both are some distance away from her. Er Yin is on one knee behind Kiku-chan, her hands on the delicate woman-child's shoulders, her forehead touching the back of Kiku's head, their horns barely touching. Kiku's steely determination is only undermined by the fine tremble in her delicate tail as it wraps about Er Yin's legs. Inau-kun is keeping her eye on the four of you, even as you split up. Her hand rests on the hilt of the ancient bronze sword, and there is a deep, warm appreciation in her eyes as she watches you....but you're certain if Hinata so much as twitches wrong she will be the target of your huntress' ire.

Kiki-hime moves to give Yuuhi the bow you requested for her, flanked by Yui – who gives you one last adoring look – and Akari, whose slight smile hints at nothing unlike the rosy blush of her cheeks. You instead walk to the group of young warriors – humans, oni-child, dragon-child, nogitsune-born. Typically the oyabun doesn't do touchy feely type stuff....

But fuck it. You're Ryuu Ryukusa, and these aren't just warriors. They're family too. You pull out a bottle of liquor, and gesture at Reiha. “Six cups, please, Reiha. Shoko-chan, you come over here too.” You glance at the very fine, very old bottle of Japanese Scotch. One of 127 bottles, and worth 75,000 yen at auction. As Shoko sets down the couch, she looks curiously at you, and the others glance at each other or you in trepidation.

“Aside form Rishi-chan and Chisato-chan...do any of you know what it means to drink with the oyabun....?” The two whom you have named stare at you with shock, as you use a talon to pop the cork free.

>To Be Continued....

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We will continue with the vote as stands next session. Thank you for reading and playing.

There is a link to a new AskFM in the information post (which is why I didn't post the treasure list) and feel free to contact me with questions, observations, or comments. It may stay up, it may not. I'll check it later tonight either way.

>>2276451
Thanks for running! It was fun.

>>2276451
Thanks for running.

>>2276441
D'awww
Thanks for running, hopefully we can deal with that scary Nue soon

>>2276451
Thanks for running, this was a nice bit of drama.

Also man vetting Horobi candidates doesn't seem remotely like Hinata's duties or her business for that matter. But I guess someone had to.

>>2276444
Thanks for running XS

>>2276512
No one remembered who or what Horobi was, which is the whole purpose of the Temple of forgotten Stones and Flowers. Not that Hinata thought of that when she made her decisions..

On the surface, a selfish act; underneath, an act of necessity driven by self preservation, resulting in exactly what Amaterasu-Omikami needed.

>>2276451
Thanks for running XS

Thanks for running

>>2276444
>“Aside form Rishi-chan and Chisato-chan...do any of you know what it means to drink with the oyabun....?”
That's the initiation ritual into the yakuza, correct? Who of our numbers aren't really "one of us"?

>>2277335
It's the same ritual that Shinkai Yamada took with his oyabun, making him directly family, rather than a yakuza thug who works for him - with the same threat of revenge if someone harms them.