>>4548553
>Marksmanship
It also develops discipline, focus and proper form, and it can be used with a concealable weapon.

>>4548553
>Marksmanship

>>4548553
> Swordplay
Easy to get hold of good quality swords, works in tight spaces, easy to justify for Winslet and works in cyberspace.

>>4548553
Welcome back op!

>>4548553
She made some good points about Archery, but I'm willing to try our hand at another craft if the others are willing to. I'd like to keep Archery going on a semi-regular basis though, to try and master it, however antiquated it seems.

Also, welcome back Noir!

>>4548553
>>Marksmanship

>>4548553
>Swordplay

>>4548553
>swordplay

>>4548651
>>4548926
>>4549256
>>4548651
If we go for swordplay, we'll always be in Kyune's shadow.

>>4549266
sounds good, Kaguya imo should stick to archery but if she desires kenjutsu she must follow her cousin

>>4549266
We need an effective form of martial art to defend ourselves, as we cannot always rely on an Enforcer for defense.

Some form of unarmed combat would be the best, but that would require social combat with the archery instructor, and probably Winslet, and we haven't had good rolls in quite a while. Also we're dangerously low on Cynical to get us good saves.

If we opt for Marksmanship, which is a natural continuation of Archery, we will need to get a weapon and a steady supply of ammo, and to carry on our person at all times. We also need concealed weapons.

I don't know how good cybernetics in this world, but I'm thinking about arm guns, arm swords and thigh holsters.

It seems easier to press through a need for quality swords and sword augs on Winslet explaining it on embracing traditional Japanese culture.

Although I understand that if we take Marksmanship, we can form a team with seemingly Kyune so that we can cover for her dealing damage from behind while she tanks for us.

Also with Chekov's Aug, our best choice seems to be taking up cyberwarfare, and getting into offensive security, which would make us one step ahead of the competition.

>>4549271
It's not like we won't have to carry a weapon on our person at all times if we go for swordsmanship. Swords are also much harder to conceal.

And finally, it's much faster to become an acceptably competent shooter than a swordsfighter.

I['d like also to note that we can't just carry a sword on an outing into the city - i.e. the place where we actually need security measures.

>>4549275
she can use daggers, they are more fit for a woman

>>4548553
>>Marksmanship

>>4549278
Knife fighting is much closer to unarmed fighting than to sword fencing. Little transferable skills.

>>4549282
good, let's do markmanship, but she should learn close combat too, long distance fights are boring

>>4549286
We've already had our chance with a character who could have non-boring fights.

>>4549275
Ok.

Please change my vote >>4548651
to > Marksmasnship

>>4548553
>Marksmanship

>>4549271
I'd hate to bring this up, but Kaguya is still developing her muscles, is she not? This is something we'd have to keep in mind if we're going to switch training, as Archery does work the muscles.

>>4548553
>Marksmanship
wb noir!

>>4549811
What about marksmanship and an unarmed martial art? Yhe latter will develop our musculature, the first will get us defence.

>>4550133
That would be fine. I would like to achieve mastery in Archery, but that can be put on the back burner for the moment.

>>4550153
Archery is a great thing to do, and ultimately master, but we have enough on our plates. We need effective self-defense capabilities, we need to figure out the politics of the Castle to finally get a retainer (or just patch it with a drone), and we have to prepare for more excursions into the City because once Kaguya levels up in fighting, I expect a quest line in meatspace, cyberspace or both to rescue Kentaro

File: Kaguya.jpg (284 KB, 899x500)

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“I’d like to begin learning how to use a firearm.” You say. Guns were the primary weapon in the modern world, weren’t they? Besides, switching from one ranged weapon to another might make the transition easier.

“A firearm?” Your Tutor blanches, as if the thought itself was unpleasant. “Those aren’t weapons suited to a young lady of your position.”

“Marksmanship also develops discipline, focus and proper form. Why would it be so different from archery?” You point out.

“Perhaps you think the two are the same simply because you aim and shoot in both. But gunplay and archery could not be more different. Here ...” Your tutor hands you a bow.

The traditionally crafted yumi bow was two meters long, much longer than you were tall. Made from bamboo kept in tension by a hemp string that took all your might to draw back. It was an unwieldy instrument that required perfect form and concentration from you to even fire, let alone hit the target.

“This is a noble instrument.” Your Tutor declares, “Specially commissioned and handcrafted by an artisan who created it with the exact same means they were crafted with five centuries ago. A piece of history. Without our patronage, the means of crafting a traditional yumi bow would have been lost long ago. It is a martial weapon. It demands a warrior’s spirit, cultivating form and concentration every time you pull it back. And yet, it was not born with malicious intent. A yumi bow has not been fired in conflict for centuries. This bow was created so that you could hold your birthright in your hands.”

You nod. You’ve been told this all before. But then, your Tutor does something different. He reaches into the folds of his robes, drawing out a stubby metal object.

“Take it.” He tells you, offering it to you grip-first.

The object is surprisingly heavy. So heavy that as soon as he releases it, you almost drop it. The grip digs uncomfortably into your hands, all metal, angular ridges like the rest of the object. It is an ugly, grey thing.

“This is a killing instrument.” Your Tutor whispers in a hushed voice, “Created in a factory out of standardized parts, alongside tens of thousands of identical twins. Put together either by a factory worker divorced from their craft, or a soulless drone. Designed for the purpose of taking lives. And yet requiring nothing more from you than you point it at a ‘target’. Right now, someone is lying in an alleyway, freshly riddled with holes from a weapon identical to the one you’re holding. It is a cold and callous weapon. And this is only one form of the many you’ll learn to use if you decide to learn marksmanship.”

“Have you … ever used it to?” You nervously ask. Your Tutor refuses to answer.

File: K4.png (340 KB, 954x462)

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“Why don’t you try firing it before you decide to learn how to use it?” Your Tutor suggests. “Point it at one of the archery targets. You’ll be learning to point it at humans.”

>Fire it at a target (Roll 3 1d20’s. 1 Success required.)

>Your Tutor’s right. Carrying a weapon like this isn’t for you. (+3 Hopeful)

>>4550223
Be your own person, Kaguya-chan!
>Fire
Do we roll right now?

>>4550223
>Your Tutor’s right. Carrying a weapon like this isn’t for you. (+3 Hopeful)

>>4550225
No

>>4550234
damn ok I'll delete the roll

>>4550221
The exact response I've expected.

>>4550223
> Fire

>>4550221
Also, even in this setting, you have traditional "gunpowder" (nitrocellulose) weapons? Didn't the setting advance to electronic (handheld railguns) or energy-based (laser rifle) weapons?

>>4550285
Would that make it more Cyberpunk? If not, then you have your answer.

>>4550223
>>Fire it at a target (Roll 3 1d20’s. 1 Success required.)

>>4550223
>Fire it at a target (Roll 3 1d20’s. 1 Success required.)
We're going to roll nat 1s and kill the tutor

>>4550374
14.25%. You just know it.

>>4550315
In cyberpunk settings I know of, disillusioned military types are everywhere from The Last War. They usually suffer PTSD as well as other mental disorders from the war, and super-soldier augs, many of which they have kept.

In case of weapons, heavy ordnance and military grade weapons are extremely common in the hands of civilians, and are ridiculously easy to find (either sold openly by some military corp after a 2nd amendment lobby, or on the black market with the availability of pot in real life). This lead to cops being armored to the teeth as well wearing heavy armor, and carrying armor-piercing munitions.

It's maybe /k/ autism, but I expect futuristic heavy weapons available to Kaguya, with some easy to conceal options to begin with like a semi-auto handgun with the stopping power of today's assault rifles. These weapons would be of course heavier on Kaguya's tiny frame (imagine having to shoot a rifle by holding it in two hands as you would a hangun), so that's where discipline, focus, form, and physical condition would come in.

>>4550223
>Fire it at a target (Roll 3 1d20’s. 1 Success required.)

>>4550223
>Fire it at a target (Roll 3 1d20’s. 1 Success required.)

>>4550223
Ask to be briefed on how it works/how to fire it safely, then
>Fire it at a target (Roll 3 1d20’s. 1 Success required.)
on a scale of one to ten, how much /k/ will you allow to be released?

Rolled 15 (1d20)

>>4550223

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>4550223

I don't think we are to roll now.

>>4550285
There are railguns and laser rifles, but railguns are very expensive and laser rifles are almost competely experimental. Both are absolute top-of-the-line weapons. Most people use traditional gunpowder weapons.
>>4550626
I don't mind any level of discussion since I draw some inspiration from what players suggest anyways. Just please forgive me for any inaccuracies regarding guns since my own /k/ autism levels are quite low.
>>4550766
>>4550880
I apologize since I was kinda vague, but we don't roll until the decision to do so has locked in here.

You take a deep breath before lifting your Tutor’s gun to eye level. Despite it’s compact size, it took both hands to lift it. In contrast, aiming it was incredibly easy. Compared to the bow, the sights of the gun were remarkably intuitive.

You take aim at the target across the courtyard. Then … You fire.

>Roll 3 1d20’s 1 success required.

Rolled 6 (1d20)

>>4551289

Rolled 13 (1d20)

>>4551289
I still like Archery, by the way.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>4551289
5%

>2 Successes, pass

The first thing you notice is the crack of the gun firing ringing painfully in your ears. And immediately after that, the painful recoil of the gun jarring your arm and almost bowling you over. One second the gun was steady in your hand, the next it was lifting itself over your head, impossible to control. And finally, the sharp smell of gunpowder, making your eyes water.

“Not bad. You hit the target with your first shot.” Your Tutor remarks, “But always follow up your first shot with another one. It’s insurance. Not everyone you encounter will be put down by one bullet from a mere handgun.”

You mutely nod in response to your Tutor’s advice. Five seconds ago he had been warning you against the violence that using a gun entailed, and now he was already teaching you how to most efficiently kill someone.

“Now, what are you waiting for? Take your follow-up shot.”

You shoot again. Like before, you hit the target. The gun seems easier to use already.
…

You can’t use the gun more than a few times without drawing attention, so before long you return to archery class. Your hands are still tender from firing the gun, so much so that gripping the bamboo shaft of the yumi bow is slightly painful. After firing a gun, you realize there was a meditative contemplativeness to archery. It began and ended in one shot, involving every part of you from your stance to your breathing. With a gun, you barely noticed you had fired until the recoil hit you.

But soon, your archery class ends. You refresh yourself with the customary barley tea, then head off back to your suite to shower and change for the rest of your lessons.

Perhaps the rest of today will just be a normal day?

>Lesson: The History of Noir

>Lesson: The Districts of Noir

>Write-in

>>4552616
>Lesson: The Districts of Noir

>>4552616
By the way, shooting a gun also involves stance, breathing and a state of mindfulness. We need a non-prejudiced gun teacher.

>>4552616
>The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter

>>4552616
>Lesson: The Districts of Noir

>>4552616
>Lesson: The Districts of Noir

>>4552616
>Lesson: The History of Noir

>>4552616
>>Lesson: The Districts of Noir

>>4552616
>Lesson: The History of Noir

Looks like the Noir District lorepost will be a big one. No update tonight, sorry.

>>4553923
Rip, sweet prince.

File: TheStacks.jpg (3.6 MB, 2500x1103)

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While both the Greater Noir Area and by extension the Island it is situated on is too vast and divided into too many districts to fit on one page, there are several major ones of great note that primarily sit on the main highways.

>The Spires
A prime of example of what corporate-owned arcologies should be. The Spires is a glamorous cluster of towers near the heart of Noir and a landmark of the city. Primarily a Blank neighbourhood, the Spires is highly prized as one of the few residential areas with acceptable living conditions close to the city center. A vast population of Blanks live within its confines. With residential quarters, shopping and entertainment hubs, and office spaces all in close proximity, connected by a bewildering network of skyways. A Blank has little reason to leave the confines of the Spire except on vacation. Rule of law is strictly enforced by the corporations that own segments of the Spires. The residents have earned their safety through their steep rent after all.

>The Stacks
In contrast to the orderly Spires, the Stacks are a disorganized maze of prefabricated buildings. The result of the loosening of immigration laws in response to a need for cheap labour during a factory-building boom. As a result, the Stacks are perhaps the most culturally diverse district of Noir, after Canalside. It is easy to get lost in the maze of identical buildings. However, it is even more important to know how to navigate the complicated web of organized crime rampant in the district.

>The Plaza
The Plaza is the cultural heart of Noir. A district of museums, theaters, art galleries, and event halls. This is where the elite of Noir spend their nights on the town, before retiring to the most prestigious and high end restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues in the city. At the center of The Plaza is the city square for which the district is named, around which what few buildings belonging to the municipal government and public services are built.

>The Financial District
The real heart of Noir. A cold neighbourhood of glass and steel consisting of Noir’s banks, insurance companies, and corporate HQ’s. It is said that every building on this district’s street dwarf any of the government buildings at City Square. While the entire district is tightly controlled by the Corporations and crime is not permitted at all, the district is also commonly a deceptively deadly battleground. Many an elite enforcer has died holding a hallway against assassins as their master escaped.

File: PlazaView.jpg (2.09 MB, 1900x996)

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>Central Noir
Once Noir grew into more than a boom town and started attracting a more middle and upper-class population, a more cultured-seeming neighbourhood was needed than the prefabricated neighbourhoods scattered around the valley. A sizeable building boom began, creating dozens of new arcologies in a heavily adorned, baroque style. This trend in building continued for almost a century. However, the original neighbourhoods built in this fashion had long since lost their glamour, becoming as desperately poverty-stricken and crime-ridden as any other district. However, the ornamentations of the buildings, cast with durable, modern methods, endured even as they sunk into squalor. Incidentally, most of the toll-free roads in modern Noir center on this district, meaning that many workers have to pass through this bad part of town on their way to work.

>Port 001
The main harbour of Noir, although it is less one harbour and more a continuous narrow strip of harbours stretching across the entire coast. It is a vast complex of loading and unloading docks, piers, and warehouses broken every so often by monolithic shipyards vast enough to service the floating farms that help feed the hungry population. The Wharf is prime real estate for organized crime outfits in the city, being an ideal place to smuggle things in and out as well as ‘requisition’ shipments of bulk supplies. Whether kitchenware or sophisticated weaponry, too much cargo flows in and out for anyone to notice if an extra shipping container goes missing … or is added. However, the gangs make sure to stay clear of Corporate High-Priority convoys, armed to the teeth and prepared to slaughter anyone foolish enough to get in their way.

>Canalside
Stretching in from the harbour deep into Noir are canals since it is often cheaper to ship bulk supplies directly to the factories or shopping centers. Canalside has since replaced the Stacks as the main arrival ground of economic immigrants with the ease of smuggling them in via the harbours. However, with no open space to expand, shanty towns have risen, hugging the sides of the vast arcologies. Every so often, part of the city will collapse into the canals, creating areas that are strange ghost towns of partially submerged buildings populated by colonies of vagrants. Unlike the messy and complex organized crime scene in The Stacks, Canalside is dominated by one party: The Triad.

File: Cyber13.jpg (202 KB, 1600x1040)

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>The Park
The largest Industrial Center in Noir. Over half of the city’s factories, power plants, and refineries are here. 24 hours a day, the factories are active, belching heavy, black smoke into the sky that is carried by the wind all over Noir. Interspersed between the factories and the thick, heavy pipes and causeways that connect them are dorms of workers that have signed away their freedom in contract to the corps, quartered next to their workplace so that as little time as possible can be wasted traveling to and from the neverending shifts. Once, The Park was on the banks of a great river which allowed access to the Sea. Since then, the river has been turned by the ceaseless discharge of the factories into a poisonous mire of muck laden with heavy metals. With the loss of cheap cargo transport, The Park is going a slow, and inevitable, decline as it is replaced by newer and more modern industrial facilities on the banks of the canals.

>The Junkyard
The largest dump site in Noir. Located on the shores of the sea and stretching kilometers inland. There were once efforts to ship the refuse of the island away, but they have long been abandoned. Since then, the growing landfill has buried entire neighbourhoods. It is possible to make a living scavenging the junk dunes and so they are dotted by shanty towns and scavenger colonies. However, life expectancy is short for the air and water that can be found is barely fit for life. That being said, the Junkyard is one of the few places in Noir one doesn’t have to pay rent.

>Old Noir
The oldest district of Noir. An ancient complex of quickly thrown-up concrete buildings adorned in a brutalist style, it once had facilities to fulfill every function entire districts are dedicated to in the present day. But as the city grew, Old Noir was slowly buried under more and more buildings until the original complex was indistinguishable from the maze of sub-basements and maintenance tunnels that extend far below every district of the city. Nothing lives in Old Noir anymore, not even vagrants. Most of it has actually been flooded by burst sewers. However, there are rumors of things that skitter in the deepest tunnels and abandoned subway lines.

File: Canalside.jpg (278 KB, 765x1024)

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>Southern End
An old, gentrified district of Noir. Built on the lower slopes of the southernmost hills in Noir, it was built around a foreign Mission that served as a point of stability. It has endured as a relatively good neighbourhood in the face of periods of economic downturn due to heavy levels of investing from foreign corporations, possibly as a means of money laundering. Before the carving out of the Hillside Terraces, the Southern End served as the neighbourhood where upper-middle class Blanks would live and to this day it remains prime real estate. Ancient building codes enforce an archaic, victorian-esque style of architecture. Southern End is also the location of the Noir University’s City Campus.

>The Hillside Terraces
There has never been enough room on the Island for suburbs, so that was simply carved out of the surrounding mountains. While the neighborhoods at first glance resemble the suburbia so common in the past, in reality it is a mark of great privilege to live here. Only the most skilled professionals, owners of successful businesses, and high-ranking corporate managers live here. The existence of the terraces is in itself a remarkable feat of engineering, with the soil on the terraces imported at great expense, and their fertility painstakingly maintained by careful tending in an eternal battle against the pollution of the city below. If there is a good neighbourhood in Noir, the Hillside Terraces are it. However, not even this district is free of crime as criminal-inspired music has grown popular with the young, inspiring them to take to their ‘cycles and attempt to emulate what their songs of choice about.

At long last, your morning classes are over. Today’s lesson was long, but now it is time for lunch.

“Kaguya-sama.” A voice you are starting to become familiar with greets you. It is Hosoda-san, here to deliver your lunch.

>Ask her how her situation with the Assistant Head-Maid is.

>Make small-talk with her to try to get to know her better

>Nothing, just eat your lunch

>>4556355
>>Nothing, just eat your lunch
markswomen are snobs

>>4556355
>Make small-talk with her to try to get to know her better
>Ask her how her situation with the Assistant Head-Maid is.

>>4556364
+1

>>4556364
Support

>>4556354
>Nothing, just eat your lunch

>>4556355
>Ask her how her situation with the Assistant Head-Maid is.

>>4556355
>Ask her how her situation with the Assistant Head-Maid is.

>>4556364
+1

“Hosoda-san.” You greet amiably. “Thank you for bringing my lunch.”

“Y-You’re welcome, Kaguya-sama!” Hosoda-san bows in reply, seemingly more grateful for your acknowledgement than you were for your lunch.”

“Is your entire day spent doing such tasks?” You ask. “Lunchtime must be a busy time for you Maids.”

“It is.” Hosoda nods, “I deliver the lunches of people all over the manor … but most of the time, it’s spent cleaning, doing laundry, and doing errands.”

“I see.” You nod, “Well if lunch is so busy for you, then you must be tired. Perhaps then I will ask you to keep me company today so that I may have someone to talk to while I eat and so you may rest.”

“T-thank you, Kaguya-sama.” Hosoda-san bows again, sighing in relief that she doesn’t need to spend yet another shift wandering around the Manor delivering boxed lunches. You wouldn’t be surprised if the bottom of her feet were hard and calloused from walking down the Manor’s hallways all day. Did Maids even have weekends?

>Any casual questions for Hosoda-san?

>>4557795
How's she handling withdrawal?

Maid administration been giving her any trouble?

>>4557936
>How's she handling withdrawal?
That's not the most casual of questions anon.

>Maid administration been giving her any trouble?
I'd say Kaguya could phrase that in a conversational way.

>>4557795
What do you like to do in your spare time?

>>4557795
How's your health been?
With the implication of "how're you handling withdrawal?"

Hosoda-san sighs. “With so much work, it can be hard to end the day with energy for my hobbies.”

“Is that so?” You ask, “What hobbies do you have?”

“I watch a lot of old films.” Hosoda-san explains. “Chanbara. Jidaigeki. Period pieces in general.”

“I see.” You nod. Just like Kentaro-kun, Hosoda-san had unique hobbies.

“If I may ask … what hobbies does Kaguya-sama have?”

“Hmm …” You ponder this question. What hobbies did you have? Before when Kentaro-kun had asked you this very same question, you had listed your arts-related classes that had been the pastimes of the nobility in ancient times. But he hadn’t liked that answer much. “I guess I listen to music while I study.”

“What kind of music?” Hosoda-san asks.

“Whatever’s on the radio.” You say.

“That’s about all I listen to too.” Hosoda-san says.

Your conversation drifts over similar topics for the next few minutes. But eventually, it drifts to more serious topics.

“Ah, by the way, how's your health been?” You innocently ask. It would be an innocuous question in any other casual conversation. But since you already know Hosoda-san’s past with narcotics as well as the health issues they’ve caused, it is a particularly loaded question.

“It’s been, um … Fine …” Hosoda-san reluctantly says. But you can tell she’s lying. There was a new scent clinging to her. The heavy scent of a flower cocktail perfume. The varied scents it carried could cover up any bodily odor. But you could still smell the faint acrid-sweet smell of her narcotics of choice. The chemical undertones to Hosoda-san’s scent stung your nose. It was obvious she was using just as heavily as before. You wonder why she’s suddenly able to afford perfume.

“I’ve been meaning to ask this … but has the servant administration been giving her any trouble?” You finally broach a heavier topic directly.

“Actually … no!” Hosoda-san says with all honesty.

“Really? That’s good!” You exclaim. But inwardly, you’re wondering what changed. Before, one of Hosoda-san’s largest problems was the trouble the Assistant-Head Maid had been causing her. But now … she was just being left alone? “Did something change.”

“Something did change!” Hosoda-san says, before leaning in closer and whispering. “I began seeing someone more seriously. An Enforcer who’s pretty high-up in the Household. And ever since … No one’s caused me any trouble!”

That would explain what had changed. If Hosoda-san was seeing a highly-ranked Enforcer, or a retainer for some important family member, then that might be enough to make the Assistant Head-Maid back off. It would explain how she had enough money to buy perfume too … as well as how she had a steady supply of Narcotics. But these circumstances would only last as long as she held that Enforcer’s favor.

And you doubt any Enforcer with a promising career would tie themselves down permanently to some Maid deeply in debt.

“Do you know what rank this Enforcer holds?” You ask.

“He said that information about his work was classified, but he’s a retainer for your Father.” Hosoda-san tells you, “His name is Takahiro.”

>The current situation is unsustainable. Remind Hosoda-san that this is the case and that she needs real help. Also, you’re not sure her new boyfriend is reliable. (+1 Hopeful)

>If Hosoda-san isn’t in trouble with Assistant-Head Maid then you won’t be able to learn anything about Kentaro-kun’s situation by observing her. Subtly encourage her that this new relationship won’t be good for her. (+3 Cynical)

>Hosoda-san isn’t in trouble with the Assistant-Head Maid anymore and has a steady supply of drugs so she won’t go into withdrawal. It’s best to leave things as is.

>>4559378
>The current situation is unsustainable. Remind Hosoda-san that this is the case and that she needs real help. Also, you’re not sure her new boyfriend is reliable. (+1 Hopeful)

>>4559378
>The current situation is unsustainable. Remind Hosoda-san that this is the case and that she needs real help. Also, you’re not sure her new boyfriend is reliable. (+1 Hopeful)

>>4559378
>The current situation is unsustainable. Remind Hosoda-san that this is the case and that she needs real help. Also, you’re not sure her new boyfriend is reliable. (+1 Hopeful)

Sorry, even with that tempting Cynical bonus, the Hopeful choice best represents my thoughts on the matter.

>>4559378
>The current situation is unsustainable. Remind Hosoda-san that this is the case and that she needs real help. Also, you’re not sure her new boyfriend is reliable. (+1 Hopeful)

>>4559378

>>4559486
^ this.

>>4559378
>Hosoda-san isn’t in trouble with the Assistant-Head Maid anymore and has a steady supply of drugs so she won’t go into withdrawal. It’s best to leave things as is.

>>4559378
>The current situation is unsustainable. Remind Hosoda-san that this is the case and that she needs real help. Also, you’re not sure her new boyfriend is reliable. (+1 Hopeful)

>>4559378
>>If Hosoda-san isn’t in trouble with Assistant-Head Maid then you won’t be able to learn anything about Kentaro-kun’s situation by observing her. Subtly encourage her that this new relationship won’t be good for her. (+3 Cynical)
Time to be evil

>>4559378
>>The current situation is unsustainable. Remind Hosoda-san that this is the case and that she needs real help. Also, you’re not sure her new boyfriend is reliable. (+1 Hopeful)

>>4559378
>The current situation is unsustainable. Remind Hosoda-san that this is the case and that she needs real help. Also, you’re not sure her new boyfriend is reliable. (+1 Hopeful)

“Hosoda-san …” You begin as gently as possible. “It might not be my place, but as a mutual friend of Kentaro-kun, I have to tell you. You know that your current situation will not last forever, right?”

“I know.” Hosoda-san says, although it does not sound like she recognizes it, “B-but Takahiro-san doesn’t seem like an unkind man. It might not end so badly!”

“Hosoda-san. None of my father’s Enforcers are men that you should trust so easily. Please consider your history with them. Furthermore, consider your position!” You speak bluntly now.

“I … know …” Hosoda-san says again. “But it’s been so hard. Now that things are getting easier for once, is it so wrong to enjoy it while it lasts?”

Your current happiness is founded on false pretenses. How can you think that is a good thing? Or at least that’s what you want to say to Hosoda-san. But all the same, it will be bad for her if she gets comfortable.

>Be blunt with Hosoda-san. Lay down what’s at stake on the table. What would Kentaro-kun think if she made a mess of herself?

>Be gentle with Hosoda-san. At least she should stop relying on Takahiro-san for money and narcotics. (Roll)

>You’ve said what you have to say. The rest is up to Hosoda-san.

>>4560519
>Be gentle with Hosoda-san. At least she should stop relying on Takahiro-san for money and narcotics. (Roll)

We should try to be gentle, at least.

>>4560519
She's obviously in love, if we're blunt, we will break her.
> Be gentle

>>4560519
>"It's not wrong. You're not a bad person for doing this, Hosoda-san."
Establish that it's not an attack against her character, and that we're on her side of the issue.
>"You want to be happy, like all of us. I too would like you to be happy."
Avoid saying "but"
>"I've grown up in some rough circumstances, and I've seen how these things end."
Show that we can relate to her situation
>"When you get a lucky break, it's a good time to start ensuring the bad times will never come back."
Don't say "you have to"
>"I believe that you have what it takes. You're a hardy person, Hosoda-san."
Imply she's special and show we have faith in her.
Disclaimer: I have very little idea what I'm doing

>>4560519
>Be blunt with Hosoda-san. Lay down what’s at stake on the table. What would Kentaro-kun think if she made a mess of herself?

>>4560540
Nah, man, I don't believe you. This shit is too good for you to not know what your doing.

>>4560519
>Be gentle with Hosoda-san. At least she should stop relying on Takahiro-san for money and narcotics. (Roll)

Just narcotics even

>>4560519

>>4560538
^ belay that.

>>4560540
^ this.

"It's not wrong. You're not a bad person for doing this, Hosoda-san." You say as gently as possible. "You want to be happy, like all of us. I too would like you to be happy. I've grown up in some rough circumstances, and I've seen how these things end. When you get a lucky break, it's a good time to start ensuring the bad times will never come back. I believe that you have what it takes. You're a hardy person, Hosoda-san."

>Roll 3 1d20’s. Two successes required.

Rolled 5 (1d20)

>>4561765
14.25%...

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>4561765
14.5% chance of a nat 20.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>4561765

Hi guys, I have an unfortunate announcement to make. Due to IRL shit picking up, the quest is going to be on hiatus for a bit.

Whenever I can write again, we will begin right where we left off.

Sorry and hopefully see you soon.

>>4562718
No worries, mate. Hope you get the best out of the situation!

>>4562718
Hang in there mate.

>>4562718
Good luck OP

>+1 Good write-in
>2 successes, pass

“Y-you’re right.” Hosoda admits, “I can’t afford to be so shortsighted here.”

“It’s all right.” You reassure her, “But you have to look out for yourself.”

“I will.” Hosoda-san promises. “But without Takahiro, I don’t know what I’ll do about … you know?”

“I wouldn’t want you to exchange one debt for another.”

“I know. I’ll try not to become reliant on him” Hosoda-san nods. “Um, and by the way, thanks for letting me talk to you.”

“It was no problem at all.” You reassure her.

You finish your lunch without incident, then begin heading to your next class. But on your way, you can’t stop thinking about Hosoda-san’s situation. It really was an unfortunate one. To have to choose between being reliant on a superior that was intent on exploiting her, or to be reliant like a child to a man she could not trust. At least she had no illusions about Takahiro-san’s trustworthiness. But still, as long as she was short on money and addicted to those narcotics of hers, things wouldn’t get better. And then, there was still the link between her addiction and Kentaro-kun’s coma.

But just then, a firm hand grips your shoulder from behind. “Yo, Kaguya! What’s got you looking so down?”

“Kyune-onee chan!” You exclaim, turning around to face your older cousin. Then you pause. “Kyune-onee-chan, why aren’t you at school? Are you skipping again?”

“Skipping? Tch, no. Not this time.” Kyune says, scratching the back of her head. “I was stuck in an all-day meeting with my Father and some of the corporation’s executives today. Just got back. These are just some things that I need to do as my father’s Heir.”

“I see.” You nod your head. Kyune-Onee chan usually didn’t talk about it, but every now and then some aspect of her role as her father’s heir slipped into what you saw of her. Since the Muramoto Corporation was owned by family, every one of the highest-of-high executive positions was filled by a family member. One day, she would assume her place as Branch Manager of the Muramoto Corporation. In was in stark contrast to your future, of which you knew nothing except that you would be taken care of as an illegitimate daughter of the Muramoto Family. Did someone already have plans and uses for you, or would you simply be tucked away into a comfortable and luxurious, but otherwise unobtrusive life?

“Anyways, I was just about to grab lunch. Do you wanna join me?” Kyune offers.

“I actually just finished lunch.” You apologetically smile, “Besides, I have classes to get to.”

“Oh. I see.” Kyune frowns a little, “Well, if it’s that way, it’s that way, huh? Another time then ...”

Kyune casually folds her arms and starts to walk away. But as you watch her vanish away the hallway ...

“Wait!” You shout for some reason.

Kyune turns around again. “Yes?”

Choose One

>Ask her what her opinion for you learning Gunplay is

>Ask her about her knowledge of the Manor’s internal hierarchy

>Ask her if she knows anything about narcotic addictions

>Ask her what the meeting was about

>”... It’s nothing.”

>>4568983
>>Ask her about her knowledge of the Manor’s internal hierarchy
Yay it's back

>>4568983
I can't choose between the options, I just wanted to say I'm glad you're back. Hope your life got in order.

>>4568983
>Ask her what her opinion for you learning Gunplay is

>>4568983
Can't choose either, glad your back though. I hope things calmed down a bit.

>>4569040
>>4569138
>Get the fuck up, QM, you have a quest to run.

Anyways, thanks for your concern guys. It's good to be back.

>>4568983
>>Ask her what the meeting was about

>>4568983
>Ask her what her opinion for you learning Gunplay is

>>4568983
>Ask her about her knowledge of the Manor’s internal hierarchy

>>4568983
>>Ask her what her opinion for you learning Gunplay is

“Um, recently I decided to quit archery.” You say, “Instead, I’m going to try to start taking lessons in gunplay.”

“Are you?” Kyune comments, cocking an eyebrow in surprise, “How did that go over with your tutor.”

“Well … he warned me against it.” You admit, “He said that unlike the bow in archery, a gun is a deadly weapon.”

“He’s right.” Kyune tells you, “You can’t master a weapon meant for killing people unless you master the intent behind it.”

“But bows are weapons too.” You protest, “Is archery really different than learning how to use a gun? I’m practising it to cultivate a martial spirit, aren’t I?”

“It’s a lot different using a relic from the past compared to something you’re learning to kill people with.” Kyune says, patting you affectionately on the head.

You sigh. “I know. My Tutor told me the same.”

“Well I’d be surprised if he didn’t.” Kyune says.

“Still though … is the intent really that important?” You question.

Kyune sighs good-naturedly. “Well, whatever it is you’re doing, if you’re looking at it from a purely biomechanical perspective, then no! … You are keeping up with your kinesthetics classes, right?”

“I am.” You nod.

“Just checking …” Kyune says, “But archery is more than just motions, just like shooting a gun, or swinging a sword. Like it or not, your intent colors the actions you make. When you fire your bow, hell actually in all your lessons, from calligraphy to flower arranging, they tell you to put your heart and mind into it, right?”

“That’s right.”

Kyune leans back against the wall. “Listen Kaguya, if you’re just trying to have fun, it’s okay to mess around. But if you’re taking things seriously, then Don’t. Hold. Back. So I have to ask. What do you intend to use a gun for?”

>Just … in case?

>So that I can shoot people (+1 Cynical)

>I want to be more useful

>>4575499
>Just … in case?

>>4575499
>>So that I can shoot people (+1 Cynical)

>>4575499
>>So that I can shoot people (+1 Cynical)

>>4575499
>I want to be more useful

Honesty, though my imaginings of the cynical answer was in sarcasm, which gave me a laugh.

>>4575722
Like, complete deadpan.

>>4575499
>>So that I can shoot people (+1 Cynical)
I hope this is Kaguya on sarcasm mode

>>4575499
>>I want to be more useful

>>4575499
>Just … in case?

You sigh. You didn’t want to admit it, but ...

“I guess I intended to use it on people from the very beginning.”

Yes, that had been your intention, hadn’t it? As much as you had thought it had been just in case, or just another skill to improve yourself, in your heart of hearts you knew that if you learned how to use a gun, you would end up shooting someone someday.

“I knew it.” Kyune smiles. “Well as long as you realize that, I’ll support you.”

“You … will?” You explain, surprised. You hadn’t expected someone to approve of an expressed intent to kill.

“Sure I do.” Kyune laughs, “It’d be pretty strange for me not to, right? I practise my own martial arts after all.”

You nod. “Your sword …”

“That’s right.” Kyune rests her hand on the familiar katana at her side, “Personally, it’s the weapon that suits me best. In my hands, it feels like a part of my body that is deadly. It’s lethality is completely my own.”

“Have you ever used it for … that?” You ask.

“No comment.” Kyune bluntly says, her smile temporarily melting away.

There is a long and uncomfortable pause in the conversation.

“Anyways, how did it go over with Miss Winslet?” Kyune asks.

“Oh, I haven’t told her yet.” You say, “I think my Tutor is going to talk it over with her first.”

“I see.” Kyune nods, “Well, as long as she knows. Not too familiar with her, but I doubt she’ll take the news well or not.”

“My tutor seemed to think he could convince Winslet-san to let me change classes.” You tell Kyune.

“Frag, that’s surprising.” Kyune says. “Gotta say, that man has balls standing up to a Plutocrat’s governess even though he’s a mere tutor. Still, if he says he can do it …”

“I hope he does.”

“Me too, Kaguya.” Kyune laughs again, “Archery’s never been my thing y’know? I get why you wouldn’t want to quit it.”

“I actually like archery.” You say. Actually, you suspect that you’ll miss your classes slightly once you stop.

“Huh.” Kyune shrugs noncommittally, “Anyways, you better get going now or you’ll miss your classes. You don’t like missing them, do you?”

“I’m not like you, Kyune-onee chan!” You slyly say.

Kyune snorts. “Yeah yeah … Anyways, if you want, I can go talk to Miss Winslet about it. Maybe explain your situation a bit?”

>Kyune may be able to influence Winslet-san to your advantage.

>Kyune technically has no authority over Winslet-san, it would look bad to try

>>4577850
>Kyune technically has no authority over Winslet-san, it would look bad to try

>>4577850
>missing classes

Not all of us are pure-bred Plutocrats. We have to work to fit in.

No opinion on the vote, just wanted to mention that we should try and up our social skills, because while gunplay may help us survive, only by social prowess will we actually be relevant within the family, and thus not just subject to their whims and wants.

>>4577850
>>Kyune may be able to influence Winslet-san to your advantage.

>>4577850
>Kyune may be able to influence Winslet-san to your advantage.
As long as it doesn't look like we directed her to do it, it shouldn't hurt.

>>4577850
>>Kyune may be able to influence Winslet-san to your advantage.

“Is that … really allowed?” You ask, “You just approaching Winslet-san with no reason to?”

“Why not? It’s just a friendly chat.”

Sometimes, you forgot that despite both being members of the Muramoto family, Kyune’s status was much higher than yours. She could do things that you could never dream of daring to try. You’d hate to see how intimidating her own governess must have been to rein her in when she was your age.

“Well in that case, I greatly appreciate it, Kyune-onee chan.” You thank Kyune. It was a generous offer. Kyune was going out of her way for you. You really were grateful.

“Don’t mention it. “ Kyune says, “You should be able to choose what you do with your life at least this much. Remember, I’m supporting you, Kaguya ...”
…

It isn’t too long until your classes end. You return to your room, worn out after the day.

But lying in front of your door is something unexpected. A cardboard box? It was black, except for a logo of a black iron cross and a red rose. Was this … the dress you had ordered? It had finally arrived?

You’re barely able to contain your excitement as you carry the box back with you into your room. Even the cardboard feels expensive, laminated and stiff to the point that you suspect the entire box is watertight. Not bothering to wait, you set it down on the coffee table as soon as you close the door and begin unpacking.

And as you expected, inside the box is the dress you ordered. It’s exactly what it looked like from the store page. A Voluminous dress, draped in layers and layers of frills and lace, with an outer layer of silk dyed black as night, tasteful slashes revealing the blood-red inner lining. Dangling from thin silver chains that wrapped around the dress were hard iron ornaments cast in religious iconography both holy and profane. The entire dress was given it’s shape by a stiff outer corset of panels decorated with dark abstractions of flowers. Included with the dress were a pair of leather platform shoes, as well as snow-white silk gloves.

You try the dress on before admiring yourself in the mirror. It was all skulls and crosses and flowers. A far cry from the usual colorful yukata you wore … although you suppose the floral imagery was shared.

>It’s nice to have an outfit other than your many yukatas, as well as the overly glamorous and high-end outfit you had first purchased.

>But it goes beyond having another outfit. Something about the dark and gloomy aesthetic appeals to you on a deeper level (Kaguya gains Gothloli taste)

>>4580305
I like frills, but iron skulls might be too chuuni.
>It’s nice to have an outfit other than your many yukatas, as well as the overly glamorous and high-end outfit you had first purchased.

>>4580305
>It’s nice to have an outfit other than your many yukatas, as well as the overly glamorous and high-end outfit you had first purchased.

>>4580305
>It’s nice to have an outfit other than your many yukatas, as well as the overly glamorous and high-end outfit you had first purchased.

>>4580305
>>It’s nice to have an outfit other than your many yukatas, as well as the overly glamorous and high-end outfit you had first purchased.

>>4580305
>It’s nice to have an outfit other than your many yukatas, as well as the overly glamorous and high-end outfit you had first purchased.

>>4580305
>>But it goes beyond having another outfit. Something about the dark and gloomy aesthetic appeals to you on a deeper level (Kaguya gains Gothloli taste)

>>4580305
>>It’s nice to have an outfit other than your many yukatas, as well as the overly glamorous and high-end outfit you had first purchased.

>>4577903
> we should try and up our social skills
^this. Rich people get rich and stay rich by using money to network. Their value and power lies in their network, and the better networked we are, the better we may be. Combine this with gunplay, and we may be in the direction of becoming a Godmother. Combining it with Yamato Nadeshiko isn't a stretch, because YNs aren't doormats.

>>4580305
> black and red rococo dress
> stained with skulls, and crosses
Why?

>>4580305
> It’s nice to have an outfit other than your many yukatas, as well as the overly glamorous and high-end outfit you had first purchased.
We want something to blend in, and maybe fight in. We want something elegant and practical.

It’s nice to have an outfit other than your many yukatas, as well as the overly glamorous and high-end outfit you had first purchased. The other outfit you had bought had turned out to be a bit too high-end to escape attention. While this one also attracted attention, it was clear that that was what you were looking for … although, perhaps you should find a more casual outfit as well. A tracksuit, maybe?

You wonder what Winslet-san would think about your outfit. Would she find it an extravagant, tasteless mess? Or would she admire the historical roots it drew from? You suspect it would be the former. Kyune-onee chan would find it appealing, you think. And Kentaro-kun would call you cute if he ever saw it.

Without noticing it, your thoughts drift to that boy you met down in that Terrace shelter. What would Hikaru-kun think about your current outfit? He was the one that first told you that your first one had been unusual … perhaps you’ll show it to him sometime. You still have his contact information after all.

You admire yourself one last time in the mirror before taking your whole outfit off. As much as you liked it, it wasn’t practical for relaxing in. You change to a much lighter yukata and grab an ujinkitoki soda from your fridge. Still … a new outfit today!

Many good things happened today. For once, you look forward to your dreams tonight.

End of Thread

Extra Scene

>Hosoda-san’s night

>Kyune’s meeting

>Angelique catalogue contents

>>4581723
>Kyune’s meeting

>>4581723
>Kyune’s meeting

>>4581723
>>Angelique catalogue contents

>>4581723
>Angelique catalogue contents

>>4581723
>Kyune’s meeting

>>4581723
>Angelique catalogue contents

>>4581723
>Kyune’s meeting

>>4581723
>Kyune’s meeting

>>4581723
>>Angelique catalogue contents

Boardroom 003, Noir-Muramoto HQ

“Moving on with our agenda … Item 077. Ishii Peace Offer.” The Chair announced.

The Noir-Muramoto board room was currently occupied by more branch executives than was common for a meeting. Every single department was represented. From security and warfare, to intel, to counter-intel, to even the more mundane departments like PR and sales. A mix of men and women with appearances old, experienced veterans and intimidatingly young prodigies and the occasional individual showing the telltale marks of extensive plastic surgery or rejuvinative treatments. Some had dataslates in front of them while others were jacked into dataports concealed in the table. A few stubborn old-timers shuffled sheaves of paper in their hands. The boardroom was at full capacity, every seat was filled. But still, the massive table, and the cavernous chamber they were in, seemed to dwarf them all.

At the far head of the table sat Lord Muramoto, dressed in a sable black haori. The wall behind him had an alcove where his sword rested in an antique stand at odds with the steel and alloy fixtures of the room. A heavily augmented aide with a thick forest of cables sprouting from his datajack to a port suspended from the ceiling stood at his left side, occasionally leaning over to whisper in their master’s ear. And on his left was a stunningly beautiful girl, dressed in a sky-blue kimono decorated with the white outlines of clouds. A katana leaned against her high-backed chair.

Lord Muramoto presided over the meeting in silence, merely observing as the various executives in the room bickered and vied for favor even as they efficiently scanned the information presented to them. Nothing more was needed. Each and every man and woman here was competent to a rare degree, having climbed the corporate ladder all the way to their current positions. It spoke of a great deal of ability and talent to become even a municipal executive for a corporation as large as the Muramoto … and no small degree of politicking either. But despite that, all the powerful men and women gathered here were nothing but tools and servants to him. Being a corporation owned entirely by one clan, no outsider could ever gain a position of true power at Muramoto. Even his household servants and guards, despite holding only a shadow of the ambition and drive of the men and women gathered here, held more power. Guarding him and his family in sleep, they could just as easily turn their blades against him. It was a story repeated with the personal guard of many a powerful figure throughout history, time and time again.

All he needed to do was direct the efforts of this capable gathering … as well as hold it towards the grander, international design of the corporation. As talented as they were, they sometimes lost perspective, only focusing on their day-to-day, year-to-year struggles of increasing revenue and income. Sometimes baseline humans were so … shortsighted. Lord Muramoto spared a proud glance at his daughter, Kyune, although it would have been imperceptible to any onlookers. One day, she would sit where he sat, directing this branch of the Muramoto as a force in History, not just a corporate engine of enrichment, capitalism, and self-perpetuation.

Total Muramoto expenditure: 2 billion sincreds
employee lives lost: 706.

Estimated Ishii expenditure: 3.3 billion sincreds.
employee lives lost: 522

Total Outside Party asset damage: 900 million sincreds
Civilian lives lost: 2

Muramoto PR Damage: Negligible
Ishii PR Damage: Negligible

Conclusion: While the Ishii Conglomerate was eventually forced to concede its presence on the streets, as well as lose confirmed-as-owned facilities to sabotage, it was able to expand its influence in the criminal underworld. With the number of direct Muramoto Personnel operations against puppet gang organizations necessary to combat Ishii tactics, It is predicted that the Muramoto Corporation will find it hard to acquire or utilize underworld assets for the next five years. With new data gathered during the war, it is now updated that an entire 6.6 percent of the Noir-Ishii income comes from criminal businesses as compared to the baseline of 2 percent. However, an estimated 50% of the Ishii war expenditures were drawn from the incomes of criminal ventures, as well as shell-owned underworld assets connected to the Ishii. As expected, the Ishii stick to their usual tactic of eschew the use of assets of the main corporation itself in favor of pouring the money into highly disparate brands, proxies, and assets.
…

“Uncle didn’t come.” Kyune observes, as the meeting attendees filed out of the room, leaving her and her father more and more alone.

“There was no need. None of his divisions were involved in the war.” Lord Muramoto simply says as he slipped his katana back into his belt.

“Still. He doesn’t concern himself much with the corporation much at all.” Kyune mutters, “Just delegates most of his work.”

“You’re correct.” Her father nods, “Kyune, my grip on the corporation itself is too strong for him. It will undoubtedly support you when the time comes. That is why it would be a waste of time for him to play his power-seeking games there. But beware of the household. The officials there are of smaller minds and a man such as your Uncle would have little trouble swaying their minds to his support if no resistance is offered.”

“I know.” Kyune says, “Mother told me as much.”

“And she is right in what she says.” Her Father reminds her.

“Yeah yeah.” Kyune nonchalantly shrugs her shoulders. “Still, this was a surprisingly short war.”

“It stopped as soon as it started.” Her Father agrees, “Very strange. I still haven’t figured out the reason behind it.”

“Speaking of my uncle and the war, why not give the task of organizing the customary intercorporation social events to my aunt? She was a pretty good event organizer before she got married.” Kyune suggests.

“I’ve heard the Ishii Branch Manager has a wife and two children.” Lord Muramoto muses, “A small daughter … as well as a teenage son ...”

Merry christmas anons! Have you bought the twenty near-mandatory merchandise items from your local megamarket yet? Remember to stick to trusted brands and not from the street vendors!

New thread sunday, probably.

>>4583192
Merry Christmas and thanks for running!

>>4583192
Merry Christmas!