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You resist the immediate urge to swear about how dangerous that setup is and silently compose yourself. "That's... more than a little overboard. Tripping them is fine, but the nails are way too dangerous. You CANNOT spill those around. No matter what they did to you you're just trying to put a proper scare into them and show them that they can't mess with you, right?" You stare at Kame as you say this, trying to size him up. After a few moments he simply nods. "Y'know what, you're right, the nails are more dangerous than I thought. I'll refrain." He then grabs the piano wire and nonchalantly returns to his task of booby-trapping the shrine, although he does seem a bit deflated. Unable to see any indication that it was more than a mistake in evaluating the danger of such a trap made in his overeagerness to help, you do your best to remember what Hiro told you and begin getting the cameras set up.

This task doesn't end until rather late at night, but when you do finally return home your parents are still awake. If your memories aren't failing you in your exhaustion, they should be heading to a hot spring tomorrow morning. ...God, you wish you could blow everything off and go to one yourself. You should tell them goodbye before they leave, your morning schedule is tight as is. You approach the two of them, who appear to be watching some sort of romance movie. Your father has a stolid expression on his face as he attempts to stealthily retrieve a book lying on your coffee table, while your mother is intensely focusing on the film.

"The girl in this movie has such a nice attitude. It really is a shame you don't have someone like that." ...Going on the offense before you even speak. Impressive. You ignore the comment and wish your parents goodbye, mentioning that you won't be able to send them off in the morning. Your father just says to take care of yourself and to consider what he said before, while your mother proceeds to fuss over you. Some of it's annoying (particularly the reminder about your brother's birthday- you forgot about it once 25 years ago and she hasn't forgotten to remind you a single year since), but it still makes you happy nonetheless. After about 15 minutes you manage to extricate yourself and fall into your bed.

The next day is the end of the week meeting, which passes relatively quick. In between such important discussions as which coffee machine to purchase for the kitchen and what color it should be (following up a lengthy discussion at the start of week meeting about the pros and cons of replacing the current coffee machine) you finish with the busy work thrust upon your boss and later thrust upon you, compose a list of potential new clients you can either call yourself or pass to someone under you, and finish reading over yet another set of reports about the current state of Sony in preparation for your meeting tonight.

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>>4785328
Kame was, fortunately, able to delay the meeting at the shrine back a day when you prompted him about it, so you aren't in too much of a hurry. You leave the end of week meeting "early" (8:45 PM) citing your need to prepare for the Sony meeting, and then grab your car from a nearby parking lot. It's generally a lot easier (and more sleep efficient) to use public transport, but the whole reason you have a fancy car is for this sort of thing- it wouldn't seem proper not to bring one to a meeting like this.

By 9:30 PM you're waiting outside an upscale bar in Edogawa, the easternmost ward of Tokyo. After a short wait you walk in, around 15 minutes early. Uyeda-san, the might Vice-President of the Edogawa Office, enters at 10 PM on the dot. You greet him, exchange business cards, and wait for him to indicate whether he'd prefer a booth or the bar itself. He goes for a booth.

Matters of business are left aside for a moment as Uyeda immediately orders food on top of a drink. He puts forth an embarrassed smile and apologizes, although after your previous conversation you can't help but be suspicious about whether any of that is genuine. Fortunately it's just him acting hungry, so you don't have to- as far as you can tell there are no mindgames here. ...Or at least not ones that can affect you. Once you order a drink Uyeda seems content to begin to go on about unimportant business, not even inching towards the deal at hand.
>You just sit there and go along with it. If he wants to get around to it he will, and if not he won't. Business involves a lot of building rapport for deals like this, so if he wants to avoid the topic until your second or third meeting you'll just have to drink with him and go along with it. [Rapport challenge]
>You can play his game, but you don't plan on acting passively. You'll try to seize control of the conversation a little and gently prod at him, getter a better idea of his personality, and his likes and dislikes. You know he does things a little underhanded, but not much more than that. [Empathy challenge]
>You honestly can't be bothered to sit through meetings of meaningless chatter anymore, important deal or not. You'll just politely bulldoze through his conversation and get to the point of this entire meeting. What are the specifics of the Edogawa office and how can your company best fulfill them. [Rapport challenge to attempt to do with some semblance of tact]
>Write-in

Ah, forgot to add the character sheet in the OP.
Character Sheet: https://pastebin.com/7bsv4A8y
That should be all then, I'm glad to be back. Sorry for the disappearing yet. Not putting a 100% guarantee on it yet, but this week will probably be daily updates, and if votes permit after that I may speed things up a bit since the semester is ending.

shit, dude. I thought you died

>>4785334
>>Write-in
Let's break his stride. Bring up the Maid cafe you tend to frequent a lot because of a client. Or perhaps our recent foray into Death Metal

>>4785334
>It's Just Business
Hopefully to applies to this scenario
>You can play his game, but you don't plan on acting passively. You'll try to seize control of the conversation a little and gently prod at him, getter a better idea of his personality, and his likes and dislikes. You know he does things a little underhanded, but not much more than that. [Empathy challenge]
Empathy so far is our strongest skill.

>>4785456
support

>>4785456
Support

Rolled 88, 51, 11, 100, 17, 23, 60, 27, 71, 59, 86, 27, 76, 38, 83, 15 = 832 (16d100)

Sugimoto Daisuke is attempting to lead the conversation along and glean some information through Uyeda Raiden's formidable poker face.
Sugimoto Daisuke's Empathy Skill: 4/Amazing
+1 Skill Rank from It's Just Business

Uyeda Raiden's Deceive Skill: 4/Amazing
+2: Hidden Modifier

Final Rolls: best of 32d100 vs. best of 16d100+3
as always, roll as many dice from the 32 as you want, it would be horrifying if they had to be rolled one at a time

Rolled 64, 17, 24, 37, 21, 65, 59, 13, 12, 55, 41, 72, 95, 71, 33, 7 = 686 (16d100)

>>4786568
I'll roll a modest 16d100

Rolled 60, 42, 65, 20, 6, 28, 48, 80, 25, 6, 60, 23, 95, 49, 56, 17 = 680 (16d100)

>>4786568

Rolled 83, 29, 74, 44, 2, 76, 21, 66, 32, 52 = 479 (10d100)

>>4786568

>>4786568
>gets 100
FFS!

Uyeda's on his A-game today, huh.
Alright, that's 95 vs. 102, failure. Will write the update within the next hour or two, just woke up.

Damn Uyeda, that deceitful bastard!

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>>4786589
>>4787216
>>4787379
Well, if you're going to be making small talk for the next hour or two you may as well make the best of it. You take the offense and begin leading the conversation. Some topics are related to his 'industry', some to yours, and some are completely unrelated. The only common link is that all of them are just to assess his likes and dislikes and his behavior, but you achieve surprisingly little on that front. Despite intensely scrutinizing Uyeda's every response you can't get a read on him. No topics he likes or hates, no behavioral quirks, not even what mood he's in.

Although you suppose saying you discovered nothing isn't entirely true- if pressed you'd be able to say you found out one thing. Uyeda Raiden is an abnormally cautious man who has one hell of a poker face. You've gone through a lot of big business meetings in the past quarter century, and you could count the number of people who were this guarded during them on one hand. It's just supposed to be breaking the ice before some relatively minor business deal (on their end) for the furnishings inside his new office. Why would anyone in his position place be so careful about this?!

Eventually you're forced to give up on your analysis and simply conclude that Uyeda Raiden has his guard up all the time. That can't be normal from your experience, but given that he works in the upper echelons of a company as large as Sony, it's at least explainable- from what you've heard some of the corporate scuffles at that level can be brutal. After an hour of conversation Uyeda has downed his food and a frankly impressive amount of alcohol, and moves to bring the conversation to a close.

"Well, I think we've made a lot of progress here Sugimoto-san, and I'll consider your company's offers. I'd hand you some of the specifics regarding the requirements of the Edogawa office, but I don't have them on me- secretary's mistake." As he says this he smiles what you think is the first genuine smile you've seen from him tonight. "You'll have to swing by the office and pick up the documents tomorrow. I'll be busy, but my secretary can take care of you. Er- if they're not busy that is. Either way someone will get the documents to you."

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>>4787981
Didn't bring the documents your ass, he never even opened up his briefcase to check. If he knew he didn't have something like that ahead of time he would've mentioned it leading into the conversation. This is clearly just disrespect at this point. Whether he just gets a kick out of making people he doesn't need to be polite to run around at his expense or if this is something more targeted, you can't tell. Maybe it's another unnecessary mindgame of his? You could certainly see it throw off someone less experienced than yourself.
>"That's a shame. I'll send someone over to pick the documents up tomorrow." Fuck if you're going along with this, you'll just send someone else to get them.
>"I'll come over to pick up the specifications tomorrow around noon then." Weird hobby, mindgame, or targeted attack, it doesn't really matter. It's just a short trip.
>"Electronic copies will suffice. Our fax is..." If he wants to play around with you he can try it another day, you don't need the physical copies.
>"We'll just have to delay things until after our next meeting then. Make sure you're not too hard on your secretary for their mistake- it was just an accident after all." If he's not going to be polite you won't be either. [Provoke challenge]
>Write-in

>>4787983
>"That's a shame. I'll send someone over to pick the documents up tomorrow." Fuck if you're going along with this, you'll just send someone else to get them.

>>4787983
>"I'll come over to pick up the specifications tomorrow around noon then." Weird hobby, mindgame, or targeted attack, it doesn't really matter. It's just a short trip.
I get the feeling, he'll give us the slip if we don't go there ourselves

>>4787983
>>"We'll just have to delay things until after our next meeting then. Make sure you're not too hard on your secretary for their mistake- it was just an accident after all." If he's not going to be polite you won't be either.
Impossibru. He's pulling our leg just to see how our cock swings. Well, let's show him!

Oh look, a tie

>>4787983
>"We'll just have to delay things until after our next meeting then. Make sure you're not too hard on your secretary for their mistake- it was just an accident after all." If he's not going to be polite you won't be either.
Oh look, a tiebreaker

>>4788761
Oh look, another based [Provoke challenge] chad

>>4788789
Oh look, I was just passing by when I saw this absolutely cringe tie. Had to do something about it.

>>4787983
>"I'll come over to pick up the specifications tomorrow around noon then." Weird hobby, mindgame, or targeted attack, it doesn't really matter. It's just a short trip.

Oh look. Guess we're tied again

>>4789301
Cheeky bastard you are

Well, ties mean I wrote decent choices.
Will close the vote in about 12 hours, after I cram for an exam and do a few other miscellaneous things.

>>4787983
Feels like he will have a sexy secretary harras us then blackmail us or just directly say we are a rapist and ruin our life if one thing japan has is a unfair legal system and even if not proven guilty people will treat us like that

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Rolled 1 (1d2)

Well, I suppose the tie will be left up to the dice gods to break.
1. Head there yourself tomorrow
2. Provoke challenge

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>>4788009
>>4788166
>>4788223
>>4788761
>>4789301
You almost lose your temper and make a few lightly-veiled insults, but thanks to the years of training your boss has brought you in this field you manage to barely stop yourself. You simply nod and pick up your briefcase. "I'll come over to pick up the specifications tomorrow around noon then." Uyeda rises as well. "I'll make sure to inform them you're coming. Drive safe and have a good night."

After returning a few pleasantries of your own you leave and head back to your car. A few muttered swears can be heard over the sound of your radio as you drive away into the night. You're brain is on autopilot as you drive, most of your attention focused on silently complaining to yourself. Why are you always the one who has to deal with these assholes? Can't they at least be the somewhat fun kind of annoying? At this point you'd rather take another meeting with Miyoshi at that godforsaken maid cafe- no, TWO meetings with Miyoshi- than another one with that bastard.

Unfortunately your complaints are for naught, although they do help you dissipate most of your frustration by the time you arrive home. It's still only midnight, so you consider getting a couple extra hours in before you go to sleep, but eh... you have to help Kame deal with his bullies tomorrow. A couple extra hours of sleep wouldn't hurt.

Saturday morning goes without any real surprises. Your routine is still the same, the trains all arrive on time, and work is still as much of a pain as ever. Out of low-hanging fruit in terms of work and not wanting to cold call a bunch of potential clients, you simply pop around the department and deal with problems unsolicited. You don't think anyone is struggling too much under the workload right now given the sheer amount of hours they have to get it done in, but it never hurts to work on stuff preemptively.

As you finish your self-appointed task, you remember that phone call you got from Tadashi a couple days ago. You figured you'd give him space for a few days, but at this point you might want to call him back. He didn't say he needed any help, but you feel some responsibility to make sure the president hasn't literally driven one of your employees to insanity nonetheless.
>You'll just give him a quick call and then head over to Sony. He's probably alright on his own.
>His address should be on record somewhere. Once you're done picking up the documents you'll head over to his house and see how he's doing. Maybe even bring a few of these pills you have for nervous breakdowns, just in case he wants some now.
>You'll pay him a visit, but today isn't a good time, what with your plans for tonight. You may as well get done with the Sony thing and then use it as an excuse to leave for the day. With all the importance Junpei places on this it just gives you more excuses than ever to not be here.
>Write-in
Next update tonight

>>4790584
>>You'll pay him a visit, but today isn't a good time, what with your plans for tonight. You may as well get done with the Sony thing and then use it as an excuse to leave for the day. With all the importance Junpei places on this it just gives you more excuses than ever to not be here.

>>4790584
>You'll pay him a visit, but today isn't a good time, what with your plans for tonight. You may as well get done with the Sony thing and then use it as an excuse to leave for the day. With all the importance Junpei places on this it just gives you more excuses than ever to not be here.
>You'll just give him a quick call and then head over to Sony. He's probably alright on his own.
>Write-in
If hes feeling down, ask if he would like to hang out when we have the time. Karaoke, food, bars, etc.

>>4790789
+1

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>>4790676
>>4790789
>>4790940
Given your plans for tonight visiting Tadashi may just be an unwelcome... complication, so you'll just give him a call for now. Hell, for all you know he's doing perfectly fine and visiting him while he's working through things would just be a bother. He's an adult after all, you're sure he can handle himself.

"I'm fine, I'm fine- absolutely perfect. Right now I'm planning on doing something big- unprecedented. Well, at least for me." "...And what is that exactly?" "Dunno yet. But it's going to be awesome. I have the energy. I just need time. I'm sure I can think of something." You've never heard Tadashi speak like this. He sounds happy on the surface, but something feels off about the way he's speaking. His words are moving at a breakneck pace, and he sounds... desperate for lack of a better word. You wonder if he actually feels this way or if he's forcing himself. "I still have those pills if you're interested. They help." "No, no, I just said, I'm fine, I'm fine. I'll be back in a week or three, don't worry about it."
...Despite his request, you're still worried about it.
>Perhaps a visit is in order. You have the day off tomorrow, so you'll pop over then.
>Well, if he says he's fine he's fine. You'll just keep an eye on things and watch it play out.
>Write-in

With the call done with you take care of a few minor things before heading over to Sony's headquarters in Minato. It's a massive, imposing skyscraper housed among many similarly massive and imposing skyscrapers. An impressive sight for someone visiting Tokyo's business districts for the first time, but one that you have long since been dulled to. To be frank, you wish it was all prettied up a little- yes, skyscrapers are efficient, but they lack what truly matters: soul. Couldn't they at least paint the thing? Red stripes are pretty aesthetic. Intimidating. And maybe while they're at it they can pop a mecha head on top as a sort of penthouse...

As you consider the logistics behind decorating skyscrapers as mechas in worrying detail, you arrive at the front desk. After stating your name and appointment you are informed that you are not on the list and will need to wait. Lovely. While security stares you down you make a call to Uyeda, who does not pick up. After nearly a quarter hour his secretary says she'll pass the info on, but that she's busy at the moment. It takes another half hour of awkwardly sitting in the lobby before she does pass this info on.

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>>4792239
Unfortunately, this is not the end of your delays. The printer is supposedly broken, and you're left to awkwardly wait in the break room. Not that you mind too much. Once the first delay cropped up you figured it was intentional, and didn't expect to be done here any time soon. At this point you'd say you're halfway done with your skyscraper-mecha redecoration plan. It's a damn shame you're not an architect, you're missing a lot of the knowledge you'd need to flesh things out. Ah, but that can't be changed- at least not in the short term- more importantly, you need to something to sketch on. Good thing you have your briefcase...

"Apologies for the wait Sugimoto-san. Writing up something?" "Yes, I figured I'd just get a short report finished while I was waiting. No use wasting the time." You hurriedly stuff Project Mechascraper back into your briefcase before Uyeda's secretary can take a look at what you've written. She finally hands you the documents you came here for as you do so. "Very diligent of you. Here are the specifications for the Edogawa Office. I wish you best of luck with the designs, as I'll be one of the employees utilizing them."

You take the documents off her hands and scan through them. They appear to be what you came for at least- no more tricks. The secretary brews herself a cup of coffee as you pack your things and get ready to leave. As you do so, something occurs to you. ...It's risky, but this might be a chance to figure out what's going on in Uyeda's head. His secretary has to be familiar with how he acts, probably moreso than anyone else. Of course, that comes with problems- his secretary could be closer to him than anyone else. Mining her for information might irritate the both of them depending on how you do it.
>You'd like to know more about the man, but eh... there's no need. You can get that done in time. This is too risky. You'll just leave and enjoy the time you have left before your Salary Man duties.
>"I have a few minutes before I should leave for my next meeting. Do you want to chat?" Maybe you'll get info about Uyeda, maybe you won't, but it's an innocuous way you can go about things. You suppose the only risk is coming off like you're hitting on her, but that shouldn't happen. ...Probably [Rapport challenge]
>"Uyeda-san certainly in an interesting fellow. Would you mind telling me more about him?" This is clearly you mining for information, but eh, while it's a breach of etiquette it's a rather minor. More than excusable. [Rapport challenge]
>"I'm sorry to be rude, but I'm going to have to be frank. Why is Uyeda-san so... unpleasant?" With a boss like that, there's no way she doesn't dislike him. You should just ask.
>Write-in

>>4792244
>"Uyeda-san certainly in an interesting fellow. Would you mind telling me more about him?" This is clearly you mining for information, but eh, while it's a breach of etiquette it's a rather minor. More than excusable. [Rapport challenge]

>>4792239
>>Perhaps a visit is in order. You have the day off tomorrow, so you'll pop over then.

>>4792244
>Perhaps a visit is in order. You have the day off tomorrow, so you'll pop over then.
I forgot. Do we have plans for tomorrow?

>"I have a few minutes before I should leave for my next meeting. Do you want to chat?" Maybe you'll get info about Uyeda, maybe you won't, but it's an innocuous way you can go about things. You suppose the only risk is coming off like you're hitting on her, but that shouldn't happen. ...Probably [Rapport challenge]

>>4792239
>>Well, if he says he's fine he's fine. You'll just keep an eye on things and watch it play out.

>>4792244
Chickenshit bastards.
>"Uyeda-san certainly in an interesting fellow. Would you mind telling me more about him?" This is clearly you mining for information, but eh, while it's a breach of etiquette it's a rather minor. More than excusable. [Rapport challenge]

>>4792244
I'd like to study the secretary first. From the way she acts, i don't think she's nearly as machiavellian as her boss, but is competent enough to play out her part of the act properly. She's likely either a 2 or 3 on the decieve scale, both of which we can crack through with some luck.
The main problem is that she will report our every action to him, and as we don't know what kind of man he is we don't know what behavior he wants to see. Is Uyeda measuring our competence? For what reason? He may just respect the qualities he himself excells in, and prefer dealing with people on his level, or he could prefer to steer clear of skilled negotiators because he gets better deals out of the obviously inferior. Hell, maybe he's passively scouting us for Sony, if they happen to need someonw with our expertise and seniority/experience. Junpeis incompetence has to be an open secret considering how obvious he's being, and being looked over for promotion because we are needed to babysit our boss makes us an easy grab on paper.
I don't know enough about japanese work culture to know if jumping companies at our level is frowned upon or not, but if we get the offer we should consider it

>>4792244
Also, i love your quest QM. Just finished the archived content and you're absolutely great. This has been the comfiest read on the board since i don't even know when, and your characterisation holds up to printed fiction standard. Thank you for running. I mean it.

>>4792239
>Perhaps a visit is in order. You have the day off tomorrow, so you'll pop over then.
And take the pills with us.

>"I have a few minutes before I should leave for my next meeting. Do you want to chat?" Maybe you'll get info about Uyeda, maybe you won't, but it's an innocuous way you can go about things. You suppose the only risk is coming off like you're hitting on her, but that shouldn't happen. ...Probably [Rapport challenge]
Worst case scenario we end up cucking the man.

>>4792239
>>4792244
>Perhaps a visit is in order. You have the day off tomorrow, so you'll pop over then.

>"I have a few minutes before I should leave for my next meeting. Do you want to chat?" Maybe you'll get info about Uyeda, maybe you won't, but it's an innocuous way you can go about things. You suppose the only risk is coming off like you're hitting on her, but that shouldn't happen. ...Probably [Rapport challenge]
tiebreaker!!!!!

>>4792275
>>4792297
>>4792312
>>4792669
>>4792818
>>4793616
Sugimoto Daisuke is attempting to have a polite conversation with Uyeda Raiden's secretary where he discreetly mines her for information.
Sugimoto Daisuke's Rapport Skill: 3/Great
+1 Skill Rank: It's Just Business
-10: It's quite the task to lead the conversation around whilst concealing your motive.
-5: This woman is required to be polite to you, but she also just want to get her coffee and get back to work. You are on a time limit.

Static DCs: 60, 70, 80
Final Rolls: bo16d100-15 vs. Static DCs
>>4792733
Thanks!

Rolled 24, 77, 2, 19, 87, 21, 55, 69, 12, 49, 1, 27, 59, 70, 56, 19 + 15 = 662 (16d100 + 15)

>>4793930
rollen

Rolled 31, 94, 65, 93, 2, 12, 7, 79, 22, 61, 79, 28, 75, 2, 39, 4 - 15 = 678 (16d100 - 15)

>>4793930
Rollolol

>>4793939
You couldn't even apply the modifier right

Rolled 52, 88, 72, 13, 72, 19, 3, 46, 65, 46, 89, 31, 22, 37, 38, 44 + 15 = 752 (16d100 + 15)

>>4793930

>>4793939
alright, that's a final roll of 72, 2/3 DCs passed
expect an update in 1-2 hours
also
>64 dice in thread and none of them passed the highest DC
that is a 1.9% chance, I am impressed

>>4793983
how do I apply -15 modifier?

Rolled 91 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>4793984
uh, the first roll is fine since it has 16d100 but for future reference:
dice+XdY+-Z
ex. dice+1d100+-10
inb4 I forgot how to do it too and that's totally wrong

Rolled 86, 57, 35, 34, 25, 82, 100, 26, 68, 92, 16, 69, 79, 88, 85, 21 - 15 = 948 (16d100 - 15)

>>4793930

>>4793993
are you not entertained!?

>>4793987
understandable, thanks

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>>4793987
>>4793984
>>4793952
>Anons, I-
Modifiers only affect the grand total of the roll, not each individual dice roll. Unfortunately, QM, you're just going to have to subtract each number in your head. Or add +15 to the DC's? I'm tired and drunk so don't quote me on that logic.

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Rolled 52, 22, 82, 12, 18, 12, 96, 64, 73, 83, 64, 60, 77, 15, 2, 75 = 807 (16d100)

>>4793930

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>>4793939
>>4793952
>>4793958
>>4794086
Well, there's no harm in sticking around for a few minutes and trying to have a chat. Probably.

As you approach the door you pause for a moment and glance at your watch. "Hm, it looks like I'll be rather early for my next meeting if I leave now. Would you like to chat for a moment, miss...?" "Kuno." She doesn't say anything after that, but you suppose you have her permission to continue.

"We actually have a deal with the manufacturer of that coffee machine." "Oh?" She seems genuinely interested. Now how to go from here. Going further on the topic is technically a leak of 'secret' information, but it's not like Sony, or Uyeda Raiden for that matter, are unaware of how your industry works or the brands you push. As long as you don't go into specific numbers there's no problem with the information you're providing.

"For most of their machines, that model included, we're able to buy at a heavily discounted price. Not at cost or anything ridiculous, but enough that we're able to get a profit when stocking offices with them. We do have to purchase a certain quantity of machines per month, but that's not a problem- almost every office has at least one coffee machine, usually more. We deal with restocking offices so we have a few similar deals with companies providing perishables like coffee beans, although delivery and storage can cut into the profits on that. In fact..."

After going on about your work for a couple of minutes you bring things to a close. She seemed interested enough, but there's no need to drag things on. That wasn't your goal anyways. "Interesting. I wouldn't suppose I'd be able to buy one off of you?" You politely laugh. "I wouldn't mind, but we don't do really do individual sales. If Uyeda-san closes the deal with us then maybe you can bring it up with him." You can, in fact, do personal sales if you personally take care of the paperwork (the company would never be against earning a little extra), but effectively bribing Uyeda's secretary in response to a joke is probably not a good idea.

Now that you've had a chance to naturally mention Uyeda, you don't hesitate to ask your question. "Speaking of Uyeda-san, what do you think about him? He's certainly an interesting fellow." ...It's still clear you're mining for info to anyone who thinks about it, but, well, you had a conversation beforehand. You naturally brought up your question and you've done so politely. Whether she answers is up to her, but you don't this could be considered a gaffe of any sort, even a minor one.

She hesitates for a moment before nodding. "Vice President Uyeda is interesting. If I had to describe him, I'd say he's a talented and driven man. Maybe a bit too driven." She frowns slightly as she says that, before cutting the conversation off. "I should be getting back to work. It was nice speaking with you Sugimoto-san." "Same to you Kuno-san. Have a nice day."

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>>4794111
Dammit, you didn't expect to hear anything too interesting, but you feel like you almost got something there, before she cut herself off. What did she mean by too driven? Him climbing the ladder caused friction? It's why he's so manipulate and guarded? Maybe just that he's a workaholic? Maybe ALL of that?

After a minute you force yourself to stop thinking about it. You don't have enough information to narrow things down, so mulling over it more would just be wasting time. Once you're out of the Sony building you slow down and think about things. That took far longer than it should have, but it's only around 2. You have plenty of time until tonight. Now you just need to figure out what to do until then.

As if reading your thoughts, your personal phone vibrates. You glance at it and see a text from Miyoshi. "oyyyyyyyy get drinks with me" "How did you know I was done with work already?" "i meant later but now i do!" A few moments later you get another text from her. "www" You don't understand that one.
>You'll have to pass. You haven't gone on patrol in a while and now is a good time to do so. Time to spread some justice.
>Well, you're not normally one for drinking, but you can have a drink or two and chat.
>Ah, what the hell. Too early to drink, but not like you have anything better to do. You can figure out something to do.
>Eh, there's a chance this could end up being a complainingfest. You'll pass this time. Maybe that dude you met at the metal concert is free...
>Write-in
>>4794086
aye, I was fine with the first roll, I can subtract 15 from the highest roll in my head
nothing wrong with anons rolling for one DC so much they're causing a dice shortage rivaling Wong's though

>>4794117
>Compulsive need to socialise intensifies
Fug. We should really be doing some last minute recog on that bully. See where he lives, how big/violent he seems. Maybe figure out who his family members are, and if using them to guilt him will work tonight. I vote for contacting our bullying victim and asking for the adress ASAP

>>4794117
>Well, you're not normally one for drinking, but you can have a drink or two and chat.
This looks like another scenario where we might need to drive her home again.

We still need to visit the meet up shrine location at night to install all the stuff, right OP, or did we do all that already?

>>4794478
You installed all the stuff a couple days ago, start of thread/end of last thread update. You do want to arrive a bit early to doublecheck it all though.
Also, just remembered if somebody asked if the MC has plans for tomorrow, he does not. ...Well, except the house visit, but that's why they asked.

>>4794117
>Ah, what the hell. Too early to drink, but not like you have anything better to do. You can figure out something to do.

We can't get drunk before the shrine, that's a recipe for disaster, but we can find some way to spend time with her.

>>4794117
>You'll have to pass. You haven't gone on patrol in a while and now is a good time to do so. Time to spread some justice.

Have to take care of some stuff today, might not be an update. If there is it will be about half a day from now.

>>4794117
>>Eh, there's a chance this could end up being a complainingfest. You'll pass this time. Maybe that dude you met at the metal concert is free...

Rolled 3 (1d5)

>five votes
>a five way tie
I am impressed

>>4798338
as per the dice, looks like the vote is this then:
>Ah, what the hell. Too early to drink, but not like you have anything better to do. You can figure out something to do.
Not able to update immediately but should be able to get to it within the next few hours.
...unless I am shanghaied away for lunch today, which is possible because I just returned home and it is Mothers' Day

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>>4794195
>>4794478
>>4794699
>>4794728
>>4797483
Just realized I made a major typo because its been so long I forgot a name. I meant Imamura, not Miyoshi. The chick you went on a 'date' with a while back, Miyoshi doesn't have your personal number (fortunately). Only realized because I was mentioning them both in this post.


Well, you can't drink anything right now, but you wouldn't be against hanging out for a while. It's not like you have anything better to do whilst waiting for tonight's... confrontation. "I can't drink, but I don't mind hanging out. Should I head over to Akihabara?" "sure i just got off a shift" A few moments later you get sent an address. "meet me here, ill be doing some shopping".

You head back to Shibuya via train, switch out your briefcases at the coin locker you keep at the station (transferring the documents from today over ahead of time- you might take a brief look at them this weekend) before heading back to Akihabara. 10 minutes of navigating the crowded main streets of Akihabara later, and you reach your destination. The fourth floor of an unassuming business building... not the main store, but one of Akihabara's own Gamers[i/].

Instead of taking the elevator up to the 4th floor, you opt for the stairs. The elevator is too dangerous- no easy retreat in case you run into Miyoshi. You think she works at an office, but you can't be too careful - you've never actually been inside one of these stores, so on the off chance the offices are somehow integrated with the storefronts... you must be ready.

Although you enter with an overabundance of caution, it turns out it's all for naught. Despite scanning the store several times you don't catch sight of Miyoshi. Just a few scattered customers and employees. As you slowly make your way deeper into the labyrinth of shelves covered in merchandise, you find Imamura intensely examining two Pokemon plushies.

Only once you find her do you let your guard down completely- you have reached your destination without being intercepted. Mission success. She just nods at you as you enter. "Which is cuter?" "...You're not asking me about that 'moe' thing, are you?" "Uh, that too, but which is cuter." After a moment, you point towards the yellow one. Pika-whatever. "Your opinion has been duly noted. I will come to a final decision within a minute or two and then we can get out of here."

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>>4798903
Now that you have a couple minutes to yourself, you take a closer look at the merchandise. As you do, you come across your metaphorical holy grail. Situated among the stacks of games, books, and posters you have no desire for are a couple shelves packed to the brim with garage kits. What a beauty. You already have a few, but there's plenty you don't recognize. You should look around, carefully, see what ones are worth making...

"Do you need some time alone with the robots?" You freeze up as you hear Imamura speak up from directly behind you. "Yes, I do, but I would appreciate if you didn't make it sound like that." "Alright. Enjoy your private time with the robots then and make sure nobody catches you. I'm going to check out." Before you can retort Imamura is gone. ...Oh well, back the garage kits.

The base line for quality is somewhat... lacking given the pains you've gone through in trying to acquire the many garage kits you currently have (particularly learning to buy things via the internet, that was a week of pure suffering), but there's certainly plenty to choose from. And with quantity come a sufficient number that meet your stringent quality standards.
>But you don't have room to buy all of them AND display them nicely without adding more shelves or taking up one of your unused rooms. You must take your time and decide on things carefully. You will purchase five kits today, and no more. Now to make that brutal decision...
>You don't really have time to choose between all of them. You'll go through them all, make a quick yes or no call, and then purchase anything that gets a yes. Whether your room likes tidy is not important. What is important is that you have the freedom of choice when you need. Who knows, maybe you'll get off of work some time at 7, or even 6 PM, and have the sudden desire to make a model kit of an incredibly specific type? How will you fulfill this need without a wide selection?
>Neither quantity or quality are possible here. You're in somewhat of a hurry, and you can't feasibly carry everything without it being... inconvenient. You will find some that are good enough, and then schedule your return to this wondrous place for later.
>Write-in
Next update should be sometime tonight
also, holy shit, a hawk landed on my window midpost, fuck that thing

>>4798906
>Write-in
Buy only two. You're a man who prides himself in his kits. Only the best for your displays. Do they got any European ones? Gotta have some variety. Battletech. Silcore.WH40K. Armored Core.

>>4798906
>>Neither quantity or quality are possible here. You're in somewhat of a hurry, and you can't feasibly carry everything without it being... inconvenient. You will find some that are good enough, and then schedule your return to this wondrous place for later.

>>4798906
>>4799907
I will support this unless our guy is hardcore Japan mecha only

>>4799907
>>4800521
You are not a mecha nationalist. Updating in an hour or two.
also, entirely non-quest related tangent but
I watched Anno's first movie Love & Pop yesterday and wow, the shitposting about him is well deserved. Not like the movie is shit or anything, but it's definitely, uh, interesting
BRAVO ANNO
*CLAP*

Whoops, sorry for dropping the ball like that. Outlined the update but fell asleep before I actually wrote it out. Been busy today so haven't had the time to write it until now. Going to check a couple of things and then write it in full.

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>>4799907
>>4800469
>>4800521
While you could just buy everything that catches your eye and be done with this,. you're above that. You're a man of taste and refinement, not a hoarder with too much money to spend. You'll go through the shelf and find the two perfect garage kits. Two that fit your sensibilities and which you have both a drive to complete and a vision for painting. It will surely be an arduous process to pare your desires down like that, but it will result in you having two kits which you have a burning passion to complete and display as soon as possible.

Eight boxes sit on the ground in front of you. You pick two up, mentally comparing their worth with each other. A sigh slips out of your mouth unbidden and with a shake of the head you hesitantly place one back on the shelf- a massive model of a Gundam that's roughly three feet tall. The prospect of working on it excites you to no end, but... frankly, you don't have the time to do so right now. With sadness in your heart, you continue making these comparisons until only two kits remain. One is an old, old kit for the original Getter Robo which you hold oh so close to your heart, and the other is a foreign model, something that you aren't horribly familiar with- a mecha from something called TItanfall. The design is striking to you, and you have some VERY interesting ideas on how to paint it.

With your selection made, you stand up. In the process you almost bump into Imamura, who has been behind you for an undetermined amount of time. "Two? Polygamy isn't legal in Japan you know." "That one was a bit forced." "...You're right actually. I'll save the jabs for when I have something better thought out." The two of you head to the checkout, chatting, and you purchase your two mechas. From there you return to the street and work out your plans. "How long do you have?" "Five hours until the event, and I want to get there early so... I'd say about three hours, maybe a little more. If we head towards Nerima I'll have a more time, that's where my meeting is."

Imamura seems to think for a moment before suddenly walking off in a different direction. You hurriedly follow after her. "I have just the idea. Have you played mahjong before?" "I'm not terribly familiar, but I've played before, yes." "Great! Then what about we head down the mahjong parlor? Even if you're bad it's pretty fun- the regulars are entertaining." She pauses for a moment and turns back towards you. "Er, I just remembered- they play for cash. Are you fine losing a bit? Worst case scenario is 5000, maybe 6000 yen." Eh, you've spent more than that on meals. Not a big deal at all. "I don't mind. That's the price you pay to get 'trained' by experts. Although how are you so sure I'll lose?" She chuckles. "We're both dabblers, it's normal for us to lose to the old men who pop in every week or two. I'm sure you're pretty good, it's just how much we've played." "Right. That's fair."

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>>4803502
A fat hand slams down onto the table as its owner stares at you, mouth agape, in shock. "How did you know my real wait?! I misdirected you perfectly, but you still threw the tiles I should've needed out fearlessly." Your opponent isn't angry as much as he is... appreciative of your move, but you're afraid you can't explain things to him. The truth is your mahjong skills are mediocre at best, but your ability at reading tells? Exceptional. If a normal person tries to mislead you like that when you're looking out for it, they're bound to fail. ...If that person was put on guard because you told them you were reading them like an open book though? Then things might get dicey. "I was just lucky. My hand would've fallen apart if I played around you wait, so I just gambled on it being something else and played into it. I guess it was a good bet."

While you do have your impressive "luck" to rely on, your lack of mahjong skills hold you back. You play four games with Imamura and two regulars here she's vaguely acquainted with, but at no point during that period you're are you able to truly come out on top. You may be able to read your opponents, but when they play straightforwardly and rely on their fundamental skill at mahjong to construct a good hand and win a round? You're doomed.

Despite this problem, you don't lose much either. In the storm of Hanemans, Baimans, and Sanbaimans, you're able to hold your own. You're even up a little! ...But both of the regulars are too. The only real loser in your two hours plus of playing mahjong is Imamura, who has been crushed spectacularly by everyone else at the table. After the fourth game you have a bit of time left, but decide to end things early both for the sake of her psyche and her wallet. You bid farewell to the two regulars, who seem to treat you as a rival and tell you to come back soon.

As soon as you walk out the door Imamura speaks up. "Holy shit! You haven't just played a little before, you're really good!" You smile and let out a small laugh. "Maybe you're just worse than you think?" Some retribution for the mecha jokes earlier. You only let it stand for a couple of seconds before you retract it though- she already got stomped on for the past couple of hours, no need for you to add quite literal insult to (monetary) injury. "Just kidding. Truth to be told, I'm really not all that good at mahjong. I was just reading them- they don't have good poker faces." "...Makes sense I guess. Can you tell what I'm thinking now?" Imamura stares at you with a blank face. Well, a mostly blank face- there's a slight smile that she can't manage to hide.

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>>4803522
"You're thinking you want your money back?" "No, th- Well, yes now that you mention it, but that's not what I meant!" "A number between 1 and 10?" "Not that either! You get one more guess!" "...You want to get drunk?" Her eyes widen and she stares at you, seemingly in shock. "How the fuck?!" You struggle to hold back your laughter. "That was just a wild guess actually, I never expected to get that right. I still can't drink, although I do have a bit longer to kill." "Eh. I'll just grab a beer from the convince store and we can loiter around then?" "Sounds fine to me. Somewhere near the station though." "Mhm."

The last of your time hanging out with Imamura is spent watching her devour a Sapporo on a park bench while the two of you talk about Street Fighter. You offer to give her back the small amount of cash you won off her at the mahjong parlor, but she turns it down- she's feeling the pinch, but you won it 'fair and square', so it's yours to keep. Fair enough. The two of you part ways around 5:45, and you head to the station to take a train to Nerima.

You opt to stay in your suit in Nerima, only hiding somewhere to put on your mask once you get close to the shrine. You decide to change into your metal-plated suit and so on once you're in the shrine proper- the less of a chance one of the bullies has to see someone dressed up like a superhero around their meetup point, the better.

The trip to the shrine is without incident, and you arrive an hour before the appointed meetup time. Kame is not yet here. You change into your costume and doublecheck the equipment you set up the other day- it's all good. With 40 minutes left before the meeting, Kame arrives. Both nervousness and excitement covers his face. The nervousness is self-explanatory, as is the excitement... although you're not sure you can fully endorse being excited about the chance to beat up your bullies. Then again, since you're effectively endorsing the act itself, you guess you don't have anything to say about it.

"It's almost time. Are you ready?" "I believe so. Are you?" Kame nods. "Good. I suppose I'll take my position then, just in case they show up early." You look around before hiding...
>In the nearby trees where most of the recording equipment is set up. Kame is near the shrine with the rest of it and knows where it is, so it's best you're over here, just in case you need to grab everything and leave on short notice.
>Inside the shrine. The two will meet near the shrine itself, and when fighting breaks out it will be around that area. You don't plan to get involved in the fighting itself, but in case something happens and you have to, it's best you're nearby.
>In the bushes next to the path up to the shrine. The shrine is on a tree-filled hill and only has one proper exit- a stairway leading the up hill. If you hide next to it, you can keep an eye out for any coincidental visitors or sudden reinforcements that could mess with things.
>Write-in

>>4803528
>In the bushes next to the path up to the shrine. The shrine is on a tree-filled hill and only has one proper exit- a stairway leading the up hill. If you hide next to it, you can keep an eye out for any coincidental visitors or sudden reinforcements that could mess with things.

>>4803528
>In the bushes next to the path up to the shrine. The shrine is on a tree-filled hill and only has one proper exit- a stairway leading the up hill. If you hide next to it, you can keep an eye out for any coincidental visitors or sudden reinforcements that could mess with things.
How certain are we(Satou) about our Stealth skills?

>>4803528
>>Inside the shrine. The two will meet near the shrine itself, and when fighting breaks out it will be around that area. You don't plan to get involved in the fighting itself, but in case something happens and you have to, it's best you're nearby.

>>4804419
Not at all really! For Stealth challenges you roll worst of 2d100. You will just be staying as still as you can in the exact same place until you notice shit begin to go down.

>>4803528
>Write-in
Where ever is the easiest to hide.

I like being in the shrine. By the way anon, caught up on this during the afternoon, really good stuff. The neice of the orange farmer is Miyoshi 100% and we should set up that date eventually to prove me right.

>>4806638
Who is Miyoshi? Also glad you caught up.

>>4803778
>>4804419
2 bushes
>>4804760
>>4806638
2 shrine
>>4805754
Wherever it's easiest to hide, stealth won't be a major concern as long as you stay still and shut up, but the latter would be easier.

Inside the shrine it is then, update this afternoon or tonight, the update will probably be particularly long and I'm in a bit of a crunch and need to prepare for a presentation. Only two more days of uni shit left this semester!

>>4806704
Miyoshi is the Broccoli representative that took us to the maid cafe, not to be confused with the waitress we've gone out twice with.

Rolled 3 + 2 (1d3 + 2)

...er, wait, that should've been a 1d3, not a 1d5, I'm dumb

intriguing

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>>4809673
>1d5
NANI!?

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Rolled 68, 54, 29, 96, 78, 22 = 347 (6d100)

After a cursory look around you step into the dilapidated shrine. It's not in the best of shape, and there are a few holes in the thing, but thankfully the washi paper door between you and the front is still in perfect shape. As long as you sit still and don't turn on a light or something, nobody will spot you. Just to be careful you'll even get away from that front door- just in case.

Seconds turn into minutes, and minutes almost into an hour before you finally hear something. The sound of a small group of people walking, their shoes crunching against the dirt. You can't tell how many it is. Probably at least three. They come to a stop after a moment, and then you can hear yelling.

"Sup Turtlehead? Figured I'd swing by here and grab the money before heading out for some ka-re-o-KEEEE with the boys here." There's a short pause before Kame responds to the unknown voice with a quieter one. "I have it. You can count it, it's all here." You hear someone else respond. "Thanks for the cash- my grandpa really needed it. It'll totally help. Bring it over here." "...How long do you think that would take? I have a broken leg. I know you chose this place just so that I'd have to go up a practically fucking endless set of stairs with no railing."

There's a lot of laughing after that. Four voices? Maybe five? The laughing subsides after a moment before the first voice speaks again. "You got me. Just some fun between friends, don't hold it against me. ...So you bringing the cash over?" After a moment he lets out yet another annoying laugh and continues. "Just kidding- don't wanna waste too much time over here. Got a hot date later. Big tits, real nice ass. You'd love her. I'll take the cash."

You hear a single set of footsteps drawing nearer before the thwack of wood hitting flesh sounds out. The voice you've been hearing so much of lets out a pained grunt before two more thwacks sound out and you hear something heavy thud to the ground. You guess Kame floored the bastard? Since the fighting started now should be a decent time to get a peek, while they're all distracted and see if you need to intervene...

[r]Kame[/r] is attempting to take [r]'Eight'[/r] by surprise after flooring their leader, 'Sparrow', with a wooden crutch.
Kame's Fighting Skill: 2/4d100 - Good
+10: Armed with the crutch of vengeance.

'Eight''s Fighting Skill: 0/1d100 - Average
-1 Skill Rank: Isn't his leg broken?! Why the fuck is the little pisshead fighting back now?! What the fuck?!

Final Rolls: bo4d100+10 vs. w02d100 [First 4 are Kame's, last 2 are 'Eight''s]

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Rolled 23, 13 + 10 = 46 (2d100 + 10)

>>4809704
the time for blood is now mortals

Rolled 50, 53, 36, 75, 7 = 221 (5d100)

96 vs. 22, Kame sucees
You're greeted by the site of Kame rushing up to a tall, thin boy and delivering what can only be described as a devastating blow to his crotch. The boy lets out a high-pitched squeal as he involuntarily falls to the ground, rolling around and clutching at his jewels. Kame delivers a parting hit to the chest before backing up.

Now that the element of surprise has begun to wear off, you see the remainders of the group begin to launch a counteroffensive. Despite the two incapacitated members, they still have three left- more than enough to fight back. They chase after Kame who begins to... run away. That is worrying. You do, however, remember that he's running towards one of the tripwires he set up- you had to map out where they were so you didn't accidentally get caught in one. You suppose he's trying to lead them into a trap then?
>Quietly follow behind the moving group in order to keep an eye on the situation.
>Stay here and make sure these two don't decide to join the fight.
>Go and retrieve the cameras and microphones now in case things deteriorate. You already have footage of them extorting him anyways.
>Write-in

Also: I'm rolling a 2d100, 2d100, and 1d100 against DC 70.

>>4809717
>Write-in
Pull out some zip-ties and tie their ankles and wrists together before following after the kids. Do we have Zip-ties?

>>4809723
You do have an entire briefcase of miscellaneous heroics shit on you, so I think it's fair to say at some point during your preparations to become Salary Man you went "Yeah, I'll need zipties or toy handcuffs or something. What hero can't even cuff someone?"
So yeah, I'll allow that.

>>4809730
What about a strong flashlight? depending on how dark it is, how powerful the flashlight is, and if we remember to close our eyes before turning it on and off, we could temporarily blind someone before doing something.

>>4809739
You just use your phone as a flashlight (thanks goes to your brother for using it as one in front of you a couple years ago, otherwise you would've never known), it didn't occur to you to get a stronger one. You can always pick one up afterwards.

>>4809717
>Heroic Zipties
>Quietly follow behind the moving group in order to keep an eye on the situation.
Stay close in case Kame needs assistance.

>>4809717
>>4809723
Support

>>4809723
>>4809759
>>4811539
Restrain and follow it is then.
Update later tonight, I have now officially finished everything I have to do for uni this semester. Hopefully this will free up my schedule in the coming weeks. so I can up the pace a little, don't have a ton planned.

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>>4809723
>>4809759
>>4811539
There's a trap set up, but it's three on one. Things could turn bad. You need to go help. You instinctively leave the temple and get ready to follow after them, but then you remember the two teenagers on the ground here. You don't know if they'll be able to get up or not, but you need to make sure since you're not going to be here to watch them. You need to... restrain them.

You go through your briefcase looking for something to do the job. You should have zipties for this. After a moment of searching you take them out and then immediately realize you can't remember how to use them. You might be panicking. No matter, there's another choice... duct tape! It's not why you have it, but it'll work all the same.

With a roll of silver tape and a pair of scissors (safety cover already removed) in hand, you approach the teen nearest to the temple. You crouch down and begin fussing with the roll of duct tape- opening up the roll is always the hardest part. Once you're done you move to grab the boy's legs. He kicks away. Well, at least that means he's fine overall. "Stop squirming around and sit still or I might accidently cut you."

His legs only kick harder for a few moments, but after you lower your knee onto him he stops and lies still. You spin the roll of duct tape around his ankles before cutting it with the scissors and making sure it's firmly fastened. Same with the wrists. After that you go to temporary eunuch- he doesn't seem to be in the mood to resist. The whole process takes a minute, and once you're done you quickly shove your things back into your briefcase and run towards the wire Kame should've been leading them towards.

Rolled 19, 56, 67, 48, 23, 34 = 247 (6d100)

>>4813872
One, two, one, two, one, two. Just put one foot in front of the other and watch for the wire. You just need to reach it and then hopefully it will take care of the rest.

The wire! Although the distance was pretty short, to Kame it felt like a long time. But he'd made it. He stepped over the wire and kept running- stopping now might tip them off to something. As he did so he heard somebody yell out behind him. "Watch out- there's something in front!" Damn it! Kame turned around and was pleasantly surprised by what he saw. One of his pursuers stepped over the wire and kept running towards him, but then suddenly paused as his companions fell. One of them fell face first, letting out a muffled scream, while the other was able to respond slightly and twist away to his shoulder.

The one on the right wouldn't be getting up any time soon, the one on the left still needed a bit, and the middle was slowly backing away from him now that he was alone. He had to strike while the iron was hot so the two couldn't gang up on him. Kame dashed forward towards the boy, crutch in hand and vitriol and nervousness filling his veins.

The same few thoughts echoed through his head. "Don't hit their heads. Don't hit their heads. I don't want to go to prison. An eye for an eye. An eye for an eye. An eye for an eye. Fuck these bastards. Fuck these bastards. Don't hit their heads..."

Kame is attempting to down [r]'Scorpion'[/r] before his friend can get up.
Kame's Fighting Skill: 2/4d100 - Good
+10: Armed with the crutch of vengeance.

'Scorpion''s Fighting Skill: 1/2d100 - Fair
+20: No need to push forward now, once Joe gets up we'll beat the snot out of the little shit. Jus' need to play it safe and stall for time.

Final Rolls: 4d100+10 vs. 2d100+20 (First four rolls are Kame, last two are 'Scoprion'

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>>4813873
I would love to fix a couple of typos from last post, but it has the dice so oh well.
Final Result: 77 vs. 54

Kame pushed forward, and his enemy fell back towards his ally, keeping his arms near his face. He was ready to guard until his friend got up. He needed to. This retreat kept Kame from landing any hits for a while, as his opponent kept backtracking, but eventually 'Scorpion' misjudged the distance glancing through his guard and didn't back away far enough. The end of the crutch slammed into his arms, and 'Scorpion' stumbled slightly, caught off guard.

That opening was all it took for the situation to change. Kame moved further in and knocked the crutches against his opponent's legs. Now that 'Scorpion' was prepared the attack wasn't as effective, but that wasn't the most important part. The most important part was that he was now in range. Instead of trying to hit 'Scorpion' with the crutch again, giving him the opportunity to get away, Kame pushed further in. He grabbed his opponent's shirt and pulled him towards himself.

A short, brutal struggle ensued. Kame took a couple of blows to the chest, and in exchange dealt a few back. Both of their attacks hurt, but they weren't at the same level. 'Scorpion' was barely a street fighter, if that, and while he was in pretty good shape... his opponent knew judo. Even if he wasn't a professional, it was enough. After a few blows were exchanged Kame got a hold of 'Scorpion'. 'Scorpion' did his best to struggle against the hold, but it wasn't enough. A few seconds later he was brought to the ground and subdued.

With his opponent on the ground, Kame had free reign to attack. He avoided any dangerous attacks, but launched more than a few hits at 'Scorpion'. As he did so 'Scorpion' stopped trying to throw Kame off of him, not willing to fight back and invite more pain upon himself. Kame took this as a signal to stand up and return his focus to the other threat.

The one who fell on the right was still down, while the one on the left was... struggling to get up. He'd scraped himself in a couple places in the fall, and he was leaning against a tree while trying to get up. Probably a sprained ankle? Kame neared him, and unable to make an effective retreat, his legs were swept by the crutch without much trouble.

As he stared at all of them, lying on the ground Kame felt... a bit empty. He'd beaten them all up, but he wasn't excited or relieved like he thought he would be. It was all a bit lacking. Would this really scare them off? ...Would this really satisfy him even if it did? ...No. No it wouldn't.

https://youtu.be/bvHD_Plk4c4
An eye for an eye.
An eye for an eye.

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>>4813892
After a minute of jogging, you finally catch sight of Kame and his pursuers. To your relief, the bullies are lying on the ground, whilst Kame is still standing. You'll hurry over and start to restrain them, and then the two of you can retrieve the cameras and microphones and figure out how to finish everything up.

As you think this, you take a closer look at Kame. You immediately notice that something seems off about him. Before you can pin down exactly what, you see him slowly approach one of the boys on the ground, stretch out his leg, and then put his own up against it.

Oh no. Oh fuck. You think he's about to try and break his leg.
>You can't let this happen. You need to get to him as fast as possible and stop him. [Athletics challenge]
>Fuck, you don't think you can get there in time, but you're still in yelling distance. You need to talk him out of it, or at least stall him until you can get there. [Rapport challenge]
>You don't think someone in that state of mind can be easily convinced. The best way to stop him is to distract him. ...By telling him about how he's doing is no different from what they did in the most provocative fashion you can. If he's pissed at you, he's not focused on them. [Provoke challenge]
>Shit, you didn't expect anything like this to happen. This is way past your pay grade. You need to get the equipment you set up and get the hell out of here.
>Write-in

>>4813896
>Fuck, you don't think you can get there in time, but you're still in yelling distance. You need to talk him out of it, or at least stall him until you can get there. [Rapport challenge]

>>4813896
>Write-in
Try to talk him down. If that fails, use our pitching skills and toss the GLORIOUS duck-tape at him

>>4814201
>>4814250
+2

>>4813896
>>Fuck, you don't think you can get there in time, but you're still in yelling distance. You need to talk him out of it, or at least stall him until you can get there. [Rapport challenge]

>>4814250
Changing my vote to this instead.

Yell at him. Good choice with the Higurashi music, really fits with the stuff. 1500 SECONDS AND SCORPION IS DEAD!

>>4814201
>>4814250
>>4814726
>>4814740
>>4815292
Salary Man is attempting to stop Kame from breaking a downed bully's leg, or at least stall him until he can get over there.
Salary Man's Rapport Skill: 3/Great - 8d100

Static DCs: 80, 90, 95, 98

Final Rolls: bo8d100 vs. Static DCs

Rolled 4, 76, 60, 7, 55, 9, 28, 23 = 262 (8d100)

>>4816060
WE CAN DO IT BROTHERS!

Rolled 94, 74, 64, 42, 5, 66, 52, 58 = 455 (8d100)

>>4816099
damn, dude. You fucked us hard.

>>4816099
Ya dumb bitch. You didnt have to roll all the dice at once.

Will update after I get my first Covid shot assuming I feel fine afterwards. Rolled physique for Kame behind the QM curtain already.
>>4815292
Thanks, still on Episode 5 (of the VN) right now though, hopefully I get around to finishing it soon, it's a very good read.

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>>4816099
>>4816104
>>4816417
This isn't good- you need to talk him out of it. You're no doctor or fighting expert, and you don't know if he'll be able to break his leg just like that, but either way you need to do SOMETHING. You yell towards him to get his attention. "Hey! Kame!" He turns to face your for a moment. You get ready to convince him out of it, but as you start he just turns his attention away from you and back to his leg.

"HEY! WAIT! STOP!" He ignores you. After softly placing his leg against his victim's flattened leg a few times, he stomps down. You can barely hear the boy beneath him let out a cry of pain before he flails around slightly. Kame frowns and looks at his leg before flexing it back and forth again. ...You don't think he's going to calm down any time soon. You need to stop him.

You're not sure if you can get to him in time. If you're fast, maybe he stomps down another 1, 2 times. If you're slow, it could be more. Even if he doesn't break a bone (if he hasn't already), he's going to do some serious damage if he keeps that up. You need to do something from here. You take a deep breath, drop your duct tape and scissors for a moment, and grab something from your utility belt- a baseball. Time to pitch.

Aiming at the head is too dangerous, especially without the helmet. Aiming at the body would hurt a little, but ultimately be ineffective. Same for the arms. Ultimately, you need to go for the legs- namely, his standing leg. If he's planning on using one leg to kick and leg to stand, then it'll be easy- well, easier- to knock him off balance than normal. You just need a good hit to the standing leg. One that he's not expecting. While he's on the ground you'll move over, block him from attacking, and then trying to talk him down again, when he can't just ignore you.

This is a dire situation, but you need to take things carefully. After the first ball he'll be on guard and might not even fall over if you land a solid hit straight-on next time. It has to be the first ball, and it has to be timed correctly. As you watch Kame you see him stop examining his leg and glance at the guy on the ground again- he's about to strike. It's time.

Athletics 2 (+1 Skill Rank from Baseball Club) vs. Static DCs
Final Roll: 94 (borrowing from the second set of rolls, 94 and 74)

Deep breath, wind up, and pitch! The ball sails out of your hand and into the air, heading through the air towards Kame. It follows an extremely straight path as it does so, like a train glued to its tracks. As Kame begins to stomp down it simultaneously hits against his other leg. As you run towards him you see him stumble, his leg missing its target and sailing into the air as he falls backward. Frankly, you didn't expect such luck- your timing wasn't THAT exact- but there's no way you're complaining.
>Write-in

>>4816869
After a hurried sprint you reach Kame's location. He reaches his feet at the same time you reach him. As for the three teenagers on the ground... the one whose leg got stomped is lying nearby, still groaning, while the other two are "sneakily" staring at the two of you from the ground, seemingly eager to play dead and watch the chaos play out- they seem to think it's a better idea than escaping when they're already somewhat injured.

As you take up a position between Kame and his target, he frowns. "Move out of the way. They tried to break my leg, so I'm going to break his leg. It's only fair."
>"Make me. This is too far and you know it." Either he'll make you... or he'll calm down. He might be in a weird place right now, but beating you up is a huge jump from beating them up. [Intimidation challenge. Failure may or may not matter.]
>"There's a certain line where fear turns back into anger. You're beginning to cross it. If you break his leg it's only going to escalate things." If he's not going to listen to moral logic for now, it's best to appeal to his fear of retribution. [Rapport challenge]
>"If you do this you're no better than them. You know that." If you know what makes this kid tick, being compared to them should piss him right off. Whether it just riles him up or convinces him to stop... well, you're not sure either way. But it shouldn't be too hard to accomplish- not now. [Provoke challenge]
>Write-in

>>4816881
>"If you do this you're no better than them. You know that." If you know what makes this kid tick, being compared to them should piss him right off. Whether it just riles him up or convinces him to stop... well, you're not sure either way. But it shouldn't be too hard to accomplish- not now. [Provoke challenge]
this is a tough one. Do we get a Empathy bonus on this Provoke challenge?

>>4817142
You think the difficulty of provoking him should be relatively low since you partially know what makes him tick and he's already in a weird state of mind, so effectively yes, whether that ends up being a lower DC or a +[whatever].

>>4816881
>"There's a certain line where fear turns back into anger. You're beginning to cross it. If you break his leg it's only going to escalate things." If he's not going to listen to moral logic for now, it's best to appeal to his fear of retribution. [Rapport challenge]
I cant help you anymore if you do this. You're only hurting yourself.

>>4816881
>"If you do this you're no better than them. You know that." If you know what makes this kid tick, being compared to them should piss him right off. Whether it just riles him up or convinces him to stop... well, you're not sure either way. But it shouldn't be too hard to accomplish- not now. [Provoke challenge]

>>4817142
+1

>>4816881
>>4817198
Support.

>>4817142
>>4817198
>>4817236
>>4817284
>>4817520
Salary Man is attempting to provoke Kame by comparing his actions to those of his former bullies. Ideally this should snap him out of it and convince him to stop... although it might just draw his ire onto Salary Man instead.
Salary Man's Provoke Skill: 3/Great - 8d100

Static DCs: 60, 70, 98, 100

Rolled 17, 74, 61 = 152 (3d100)

>>4818108
Fuck. Why did we have to use the lesser of our proficient skills?

>>4818121
Actual very minor 'spoiler' below related to your comment
If you're worried about hitting the top DCs, uh.
Provoking someone extremely well is not necessarily a good thing.

Rolled 78, 94 = 172 (2d100)

>>4818108
Hopefully this smaller offering will compensate for the bad roll I made earlier.

Rolled 34, 93, 20 = 147 (3d100)

>>4818108
No one else? Alright fine, I'll roll the rest, just don't blame me for these.

Final result for the roll is 94. DCs 60/70 passed, DCs 98/100 not passed.
Sorry, been occupied. Will update some time today (as in the period within the next 9 hours delineating this day, not the vague period in the next 24 hours I can feasibly stretch it to).

>>4818121
>>4818463
"If you do this you're no better than them- just a bully. You know that." Kame frowns and finally focuses all of his attention you- you guess it's working. "You've already taken care of things. Maiming people who are already down isn't justifiable and is just as bad as anything they've done. You know that."

You continue saying a few disparaging remarks along this line of thinking until Kame suddenly steps towards you. He stares deep into your face as he grabs you by the collar. "Say that one more time." ...He's putting up a tough front, but you feel like he's faltering slightly. You'll oblige him. "Sure. If you do this you're just as bad as them. Stand down." Kame clicks his tongue before letting go of you and lightly pushing you away from him.

There's a long pause between the two of you before Kame speaks up. "Sorry about that. I overreacted. Let's finish this. What do I need to do?" Well, looks like he's snapped out of it. ...Or he's willing to put down his grudge for the time being. You suppose the distinction doesn't matter all that much right now. As you give orders you consciously avoid mentioning the tape in front of the three, afraid they'll realize what's going on and try to run away. "Grab the things I dropped over there and come back. I'll keep a watch on these three in the meantime and examine them for any major wounds."

You take a look at the leg Kame stomped on first. When you lightly press against it the owner lets out a few grunts of pain, and there's a nasty bruise, but... you can't tell if it's broken. Still, it's not bleeding or anything, so you suppose you can leave it for now. You end your cursory examination with a sigh before checking the other two. The one tripped initially appears to have knocked out a couple teeth in the fall, in addition to a bloody nose and a few scrapes. Nothing to major. The last of them looks the worst on the surface, with an array of bruises left behind from the fight with Kame. Fortunately, although you're only a layman, none of them look serious, and he isn't complaining that much (...although he is clearly pretending to be unconscious).

By the time you're done with your checkups Kame has returned. You have him keep watch over the one he fought with before restraining the one who initially tripped. He struggles a bit, but after you mention that the quicker you get this over with the quicker they can leave they decide to give in. The next one is not so easily pacified, but with the two of you there, he doesn't manage to do much. Finally you restrain the one he stomped on, taking care to avoid the bruise on his leg as you do so.

>>4821213
Once the three are restrained you make sure your voice changer is still working and deliver a warning. "We'll be back in a little while to let you go. In the meantime don't raise a ruckus or... well, we won't be able to do that. Ok?" You see the trio nod before you walk off into the distance with Kame. Before you can say anything he hurriedly speaks. "They said they were going to karaoke afterwards. There's probably more of them there. Their boss has too much undeserved pride to call for help, but if we don't take care of things quickly then we could have more guests."

...He's right. And now that you think of it, you have not only those cameras and microphones to retrieve, but the tripwires to clean up- they're clear evidence of a premeditated fight here, and you have to be careful about cutting them. This will all take... around half an hour at least? You don't that's enough to ruin you- the place could be a ways away, and it's unlikely they'd notice something was off by then, but... you don't know. You don't have enough information.

>You'll have to be decisive. Since there's a chance of reinforcements coming you need to leave. Retrieve the worst hidden equipment near the shrine and then leave. You'll be gone within a few minutes.
>You'll have to take care of the most visible traces and then head back later. Go around cutting the tripwires and retrieve the equipment on the ground, leaving the stuff in the trees for later. It's unlikely to be found soon, and you probably can reduce your time here to 20 minutes without it.
>There's no worry- it's just half an hour, maybe a little more. You'll get rid of everything you left here and then leave.
>Write-in

...And then there's the question of what to do with these guys. Their friends will PROBABLY come for them... but you have no guarantee. They could just as easily not, and if you left them here overnight you don't know how the weather might treat them, particularly if it rains overnight.
>Worst case scenario they're left here overnight and their friends don't find them until after school tomorrow. You'll just leave them here- tape isn't that strong anyways, given an entire night to break out of it.
>You'll find the one most likely to go along with it, cut their hands free, and tell them they should wait, count to 1000, and then free themselves and the rest of their friends.
>Write-in

>>4821215
>Write-in
Split the work with him. We'll get the surveillance stuff, he gets a glove and wire cutters.

>You'll find the one most likely to go along with it, cut their hands free, and tell them they should wait, count to 1000, and then free themselves and the rest of their friends.
>Write-in
Dig into their wallet to find their ID. We find their ID, we know where they live. We know where they live, well. Let's just say it's in his best interest to comply.
Actually.
>Write-in
I want to hear his suggestion on what to do with them first.

>>4821250
+1

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>>4821250
>>4821425
Eh, it's safe enough. Another half an hour isn't too long given that they were still on their way when they arrived. You turn to Kame. "You brought something to clear up the tripwires with like I mentioned, right?" "Yup, it's in hidden in donation box." As you silently question the ethics of taking the 'donation' back, you head towards the shrine. "I'll grab the stuff hidden by the shrine and the equipment to cut the wires, you go get the electronics out of the trees. I can't climb them in this." "Got it."

You head back to the shrine (making sure your two guests are still staying put) and inform the two that they'll be released soon before returning to your main task. You retrieve a small wireless microphone and camera from the nearby surroundings before circling around the shrine. After looking for a bit you find a mostly intact donation box. You remove the wooden slats at the top and find a layer of wet gunk and leaves inside, as well as a large pair of wire cutters, leather gloves, and goggles. After stowing the implements away in your briefcase you head towards the treeline to meet up with Kame.

When you arrive Kame is still up in the middle of a tree, grabbing a camera that was overlooking the whole scene. You have to wait a few minutes before he's done as you are currently both unable and unwilling to climb up a tree to try and help. As he wipes a few stray leaves out of his hair you hand him his wire cutter and protective wear. "I'm guessing you don't have a second set?" "Nope, sorry. Hm. Well, guess you'll have to do all the cutting then. I can clean up the wire after you have it properly cut." Kame lets out a grunt of acknowledgement and the two of you go to clean up the area.

The only thought in your mind as the two of you methodically go from tripwire to tripwire is "Maybe we didn't need this many". Still, better safe than sorry you suppose. This takes the longest out of all the tasks, and does leave some subtle marks behind on the trees the wires were wrapped around, but thankfully its nothing terribly noticeable or damaging- it's a different situation, but you'd still feel bad if you hurt the trees after all that talk about the environment whenever you see someone littering.

Once the cleanup is done you check your watch. 28 minutes- slightly faster than you expected, and no trouble! It's just time to deal with the five elephants in the room then. You have a couple of ideas, but you'll get Kame's opinion first though- maybe you missed something. "What do you want to do with 'Sparrow' and his friends?" "Leave them?" "...No." "Oh. You have anything in mind then?" "I was thinking to take a look at their ID, threaten them a little saying I know who they are and where they live, then cut their arms free and tell them to count to 1000 before freeing their friends. Sound good?"

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>>4824588
"...Are you sure you're a hero?" "Of course I am. I'm not the one who tried to break one of their legs." You're still annoyed by that, but you do your best to make that sound like a joke. "Anyways, it's not like I'm going to do anything to them, and we can't just leave them here. Come with me."

The two of you go through three of their wallets before you find someone with an ID. It is a fake ID, but besides the age most everything else appears to be correct- while Kame doesn't know their specific address, what's on the ID lines up with the neighborhood he should live in, so at the very least you know the area. "Hey, kid." The boy stares up at you, a bit scared and confused. "I know where you live Seo Yuichi, so listen to me very closely..."

"998... 999... 1000." By the time he finishes counting and releases his legs, you're already on the train back. There were some hiccups tonight, but everything seems to have gone alright. ...Hopefully none of it bites you in the ass later. You quietly sigh to yourself, unable to fall asleep on public transport for once. You can't help but feel a bit uneasy about everything, even if you don't think you did anything wrong (both morally and in execution).

Once you arrive home you switch out of your costume, hide your heroics briefcase in the back of a crowded closet, and fill a travel bag full of clothes and other necessities. ...Just in case. After giving in a bit to your nervous instincts, you work on a garage kit for a bit before reluctantly heading to bed.

It is Sunday morning, and nothing has happened to you. You feel much better. You head downstairs and grab some fruit and milk for breakfast before idly flipping through television channels. You're planning on heading over to Tadashi's house later today, but besides that... you're completely free. How blissful.
>Guess you'll shower, take care of a couple chores around the house, and then head out on patrol. Whether you're resting or not, Tokyo will still be plagued by crime. It's Salary Man's duty to help.
>It should be fine, but you can't help but be a bit nervous about last night- what if you're wanted... somehow. ...Ok, now that you're really thinking about it it seems ridiculous, but you're still kind of worried. Maybe you should just kick back and find someone to hang out with on this fine morning. [State who]
>You have several garage kits you'd like to build and unsolicited metal album recommendations that you'd like to listen to. You'll just stay home this morning, until it's time to visit Tadashi.
>Write-in

Oh, almost forgot. Will also update before I head to bed tonight, proudly 9-10 hours from now.

>>4824598
>>Guess you'll shower, take care of a couple chores around the house, and then head out on patrol. Whether you're resting or not, Tokyo will still be plagued by crime. It's Salary Man's duty to help.

>>4824598
We need to rest. Do some garage kits, listen to some jams, do well.

>>4824598
>>You have several garage kits you'd like to build and unsolicited metal album recommendations that you'd like to listen to. You'll just stay home this morning, until it's time to visit Tadashi.

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>>4824815
>>4824985
>>4825673
Eh, there's a lot of things you COULD do, but last night was stressful and you just want to relax for a while. You're taking this morning off. You prepped that garage kit for painting and assembly last night, and the guy from the concert, Takeo, sent you a few recommendations that seem to have already arrived through the post (thanks to more than a little help from Hiro in figuring out Amazon), so you have more than enough to keep you occupied. Once you clean up a bit and take your clothes to get laundered you'll take a load off and enjoy a blissful morning.

Fortunately your dry cleaners of choice opens early (that's part of why you chose them, besides proximity to your home), so you're done with the few tasks you assigned to yourself by 7 AM. You return to your home with a slip to retrieve your clothes and a slice of convenience store cake in hand. You place the slip down on a mostly empty end table and pop in one of the CDs you ordered before settling down to eat your cake.

https://youtu.be/a7A0IBjif00
You planned to think about how exactly you were going to paint the garage kit you prepped while you snacked, but you can't help but have your attention drawn by the song you're listening to. Although you probably shouldn't, you find it very relatable. It makes you think of your boss. You think you'll play this song again later, after you've gone through the albums you ordered.

Although you didn't have the paintjob for your next kit well visualized before you started, you actually end up with something you really like after a few hours of work. It's really bright and vibrant- some people might say too much so, but you think it matches the design. From what you know the source material is pretty serious, but you feel like the mecha itself gives off this 'playful' feeling to it. It has to do with the shape of it all- more round than most, less angular. That does a lot to change the mood. Of course, that's not all...

As your consciousness departs on increasingly confusing train of though, you prep the next garage kit you're interested in, removing the parts from the mold and taking care of other minor tasks. While you're at it you also take care of some of the sanding, but leave most of it for later- you won't know exactly how much you should do until you start piecing it together anyways. Once you're finished it's already 11, and you wanted to visit around noon, so it's about the right time to leave. You enshrine your new creation in the display case, stow the parts for the next kit away, and after switching into more formal clothes head out the door, still humming that first song to yourself. "Can I smash your head with a baseball bat, or stab you with a smile in the back, I wanna kill you..."

You did clear the visit over a quick message to Tadashi yesterday, but since you didn't set an exact time you check in with him again.

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>>4825844
He seems fine either way, and mentions that he'll show you the 'projects' he's working on. Oh boy. After a short public transit-fueled nap you've arrived at your destination- one of the many residential districts of Tokyo. You leave the subway and head aboveground, where after a short walk you arrive at a large apartment building. You glance at the sleeping security guard by the front desk and head up.

"Hey boss- glad to see you made it. I made some food if you're hungry- er, a few things of food, but I didn't make it all for you. Was wondering if I might be a chef. I might be you know- never tried to become one. So who knows. Maybe you should try your hand- make a soufflé or something!" A smiling Tadashi stares at you through the doorway, lightly hopping around like a child who had too much sugar. This is DEFINITELY an abnormal state for him, although you can't tell if it's necessarily a terrible one just yet. Time to investigate.

You take off your shoes and head into the apartment. A large spread of food sits on the kitchen counter, and a canvas half covered in paint splotches, a violin, and a board covered in darts sit in the living room. It seems that Tadashi has certainly been... busy. You help yourself to some pasta as you watch him continue to randomly splatter paint across the canvas.

"...How did you get that violin?" "Borrowed it. Cousin has one. Used to be a violinist. Long as it comes back fine he's good. Had to pay for a tuning though- hadn't used it in a while." "Do you know how to play it?" "Listened to a tutorial while cooking. Can't do it very well. Learned one piece though!" Tadashi puts down his paintbrush and quickly washes his hands before heading over to the violin. A sound akin to that of a chorus of dying cats comes off of it, although it seems to have a vague rhythm to it. Thankfully Tadashi stops before you have to ask him to- you think you could hear the neighbor closest to you complaining.

The next hour is spent about learning many of Tadashi's... newly attempted careers. Besides the violin and cooking he has spent the last few days dabbling in physical conditioning (for what sport neither of you know), painting in several styles, playing darts, and writing. You can't say that any of it is particularly impressive, although not all of it terrible- the pasta was pretty good.
>Well, the situation here appears to be alright, if a bit chaotic. You will wish Tadashi the best of luck and go... do something else. [If you have a preference for what state it, if not I'll decide on something.]
>You're already here, you may as well help Tadashi search for the something big he can do for a little bit. It will be entertaining if nothing else.
>You can't help but be worried by this situation. You'll check and see if you can get him to seriously talk to someone about this, preferably a psychiatrist, before you leave.
>Write-in

>>4825845
This is tough. Tadashi is a real homie, but I don't want to shit on his dreams. This is a tough choice.

>>4825845
>Write-in
Let's help him search for something big and try to get him to talk about what triggered his sudden crisis. If it's serious then we can try and get him some professional help.
P. S. RIP Kentaro Miura GOAT

He's in the same boat we are. Trying to do something with his life, fulfilling his childhood dreams!
Ask Tadashi if he has ever had any interest in superheroes and crime fighting.

>>4826421
>>4826423
these

>>4826423
I don't know how I didn't see it from an "outside" perspective before like this but as insane Tadashi seems to be to us at the moment, how insane does a man being "Salary Man" seem from a perspective not our own?

>>4826421
This. Helping him with his "something big" is a good way to make chit-chat until we can get him to open up and once he starts talking about what triggered his crisis, whatever "it" is, we can help him deal with it and cope in a way that doesn't make it look like he's on amphetamines. This kind of thing is definitely in our Salary Man's wheelhouse. If what he needs isn't a Salary Man, but a psychiatrist, then we'll recommend him one.

Sorry for the wait, will get an update by the end of the day at the latest.

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>>4825940
>>4826421
>>4826423
>>4826423
Alright, you can help. Maybe he's a bit insane, but... frankly, you might be too. You're biased because its your own 'hobby', but you're sure the outside world wouldn't (doesn't?) look too fondly on an almost 50 year-old man suddenly deciding to become a superhero. Now, what should you start with first? Maybe Tadashi has similar inclinations as you- you might as well ask.

"What about becoming a hero? You know, fighting crime and stuff. Maybe you'd be good at it." Tadashi thinks for a moment before shaking his head. "Not interested. Sounds dangerous. I'd need a lawyer on retainer too." Well, those are fair concerns. ...Although you personally don't have any legal help assigned to you. Uh, that should be fine.

Anyways, you need another approach then. "Maybe something more academic? Were you ever good at science? Math? Technology?" Tadashi takes longer to consider your explanation this time. "That would work. Math was interesting. Let's go." You follow him to his computer, where he types in a search for 'statistics tutorials'. He opens one of the first results and begins watching, ignoring you.

You expected more discussion before he just suddenly went off to try, but, uh... well, at least he's motivated. You sit there and watch as he goes through sped-up lectures for a while... until one of them mentions calculus. He frowns and then searches for calculus tutorials. The same process begins until he hits something he doesn't understand. After about 90 minutes of this (a good portion of which you spend reading news articles on your phone), you see him suddenly everything and stand up. "I don't like math anymore. What's the use anyways. I have 20 years left. Maybe 30. Only weeks off work from that. Too little time. Need to focus on something I can do faster."

The next hour is spent brainstorming and achieving impressively little. At some point you suggest that Tadashi just choose one thing and focus on it, but he seems venomously opposed to that. He has not discovered his talent yet, but he has to have one. If he didn't have one, that'd just be too unfair. He has to find it. You think to yourself that life is inherently a bit unfair, but don't mention it.

With your discussion winding down, you prepare to take your leave. Tadashi bids you farewell. "Thanks for covering for me. I'll be back at work in a few weeks. I'll figure it out by then. Need something besides work. Realized that I already wasted 50 years. Can't waste the rest. I'll achieve something. Something I can be proud of. Something I can leave behind. Then I'll show that asshole Junpei who's the boss while I'm at it."

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>>4832464
After leaving you contemplate your odd experience. It's clear that Tadashi is having a bit of a breakdown, but it is probably not major. Probably. There doesn't seem be any immediate event causing it either, unless a few rough reamings from the boss pushed him overboard. He has been ground down by the corporate machine, same as you, he's just reacting differently. Hell, not even that differently now that you think about it. If you hadn't had your childhood dreams to fall back on would you be flailing around for a purpose like that? ...Best not to think about it.
[b]Select one from each group[/b]
>Since Tadashi appears to be fine, you should take a more hands-off approach. He'll figure it out.
>It'll eat up some time, but you'll keep in touch on his... pursuits. Hopefully he doesn't drag you into anything odd.
>Just in case you should refer Tadashi to... someone. You don't think he'd listen to you if you mentioned psychiatric help, but maybe you can get in contact with his relatives and see what they think? You're his boss so it wouldn't be too odd. You're just making sure he doesn't snap.
>Write-in

>Now that that's over with it's time to head out on patrol. Justice has rested, but it's time to get going again.
>You're tired. You'll head back home and find something to occupy the rest of the day. Maybe there's a movie or something you want to watch. You don't know.
>You're free, but you don't have anything in mind you'd like to do. Maybe someone else does. [Choose someone to call]
>...Maybe you do need that lawyer on retainer. Guess you'll get that taken care of.
>Write-in

>>4832473
>Just in case you should refer Tadashi to... someone. You don't think he'd listen to you if you mentioned psychiatric help, but maybe you can get in contact with his relatives and see what they think? You're his boss so it wouldn't be too odd. You're just making sure he doesn't snap.

>You're free, but you don't have anything in mind you'd like to do. Maybe someone else does. [Choose someone to call]
Hiro. How's the presentation coming along? Does he need some help?

>>4832473
>>Just in case you should refer Tadashi to... someone. You don't think he'd listen to you if you mentioned psychiatric help, but maybe you can get in contact with his relatives and see what they think? You're his boss so it wouldn't be too odd. You're just making sure he doesn't snap.
>>...Maybe you do need that lawyer on retainer. Guess you'll get that taken care of.

>>4832473
>>Just in case you should refer Tadashi to... someone. You don't think he'd listen to you if you mentioned psychiatric help, but maybe you can get in contact with his relatives and see what they think? You're his boss so it wouldn't be too odd. You're just making sure he doesn't snap.

>Now that that's over with it's time to head out on patrol. Justice has rested, but it's time to get going again.

I see that we're all split for the 2nd group? perhaps we can come to an understanding?

I'll break the tide, let's see how Hiro is doing.

>>4832473
Holy shit you're back, I missed this quest for a while after thread 3 ended and I didn't notice thread 4 because I didn't check /qst/ after thread 4 didn't appear immediately after thread 3
tldr: I'm dumb and nice quest
>>4833990
Seconding

>>4838807
Welcome back!
Some things happened, free again, will update tonight and hopefully tomorrow afternoonish, then probably making a new thread after that.

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>>4832499
>>4832709
>>4832764
>>4833990
>>4838807
Tadashi seems... functional, at the very least, but you think you'll pursue the issue a little further. In the coming days maybe you can track down one of his relative's phone numbers and ask them if this is normal. It might be a slight invasion of privacy, but eh. You're just making sure he doesn't snap. ...Even if you might've already done it yourself. Although if you did, you personally think you have been handling it excellently.

Maybe you can check in with Hiro about that report he was preparing for the boss. You don't like to do anything work-related on off days, but it's not like you have anything else, and if he does succeed then he'll be freeing god knows how many future 'IT' workers from breaking and leaving within a few months at most.

"Is it fine if I head over and discuss the report you're working on?" You get a reply a few minutes later. "Not a great time, but I suppose. Here's my address." ...You almost forgot that it was the weekend, but it looks like you've got the go ahead anyways. Now just to head over.

After a short train ride you arrive in a relatively suburban area near the outskirts of Tokyo. It's not quite as far as your home from Shinjuku, but the commute is still relatively long. You adjust your tie and such for a moment as you slowly snake through a maze streets and side-streets to get to your destination. Eventually you arrive at a small two-story house cramped between a couple of almost identical houses. You approach and knock on the door.

About 10 or 20 seconds pass. Eventually someone opens the door. He looks a bit younger than Hiro- a university student? The two of you examine each other for a few seconds before he steps back and makes way for you to enter. He points towards a stairway to the left of the entrance. "Shou lives upstairs." With that said he disappears into a side room, muttering something or other about math.

Hiro's room is a simultaneously cramped but clean place. Everything is in order and has its place, but there's enough everything that the room struggles to contain it. That's not because the room is necessarily small , but because a massive, cleared off, 'workstation' takes up a large portion of it. Hiro sits at it in a high-back office chair, wearing a pair of headphones and speaking into a microphone that's mounted on the wall. Three monitors sit in front of him. Nearly half a minute after you enter the room he slips off his headphones and turns towards you.

"Sorry, it'll be a second. I can't really be a 'good' host and make you tea, but feel free to help yourself to a drink from the fridge. What's the email I should send the documents over to?" You repeat your work email for Hiro and he nods as he slips on the headphones again. "Should have the work-in-progress over to you in five minutes, first I- Oh fuc-" He glances back to you and cuts himself off. "Heck, heck, I told you had to take over for a minute, don't lure the mobs over here!"

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>>4841956
You accept Hiro's hospitality and head downstairs to glance through the fridge. It is similar to Hiro's room in nature- filled to the brim, yet organized. The top two shelves are filled with various kinds of drinks arranged in rows, and there's also a few held in a side container- mainly alcohol. After some consideration you grab a can of black coffee and head back upstairs. From what you can tell Hiro is playing some game while struggling to command a few people who sound... less than competent based off of his reactions. You sit down next to a plastic table on the far end of the room and wait.

"This is a good spot, cover me again and DO NOT ADVANCE. Please." Hiro turns his head to face a second monitor and starts tapping at the keyboard at a blindingly fast speed. About 30 seconds pass before he turns to you. "It should be sent. The email has both a presentation portion and the underlying research behind it all attached. Should be free to go over it with you by the time I'm done here." He slips the headphones back on.

The presentation is still a bit rough and rather bulky, running at a length that you estimate would be over half an hour, although it depends on the oration of the person presenting it. It is well-made graphically, but you feel like it might go over your head a bit, let alone the president's. He did include some ass-kissing, like you recommended, but not enough. The boss needs to be guided to feel like it was all his idea in the first place- that's when it has the best chance of being implemented.

Once you get through the document, noting down anything important on a piece of paper you retrieved from your briefcase, you start browsing through the research. It is probably well-written, and it is heavily cited, but around half of it is incomprehensible to you. You get all the business related parts- a lot about the difference in manhours spend on different approaches to software- but whenever it gets to a technical section you just freeze up. That... might not be a bad thing. It's not like the research is going to be presented, and if it's hard enough to read the president might just assume it's all very sound and supportive of Hiro's argument without even trying to get through it.

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>>4841958
You finish going through the documents in around 25 minutes. Hiro takes a while longer to wrap up what he's doing. Once he's done he puts the headphones on a stand on his desk, pushes the microphone upwards, and heads over to the table you're sitting at. The two of you go over the issues you have with his presentation, and while he seems frankly disgusted by the amount of ass-kissing you're proposing in certain sections, he does not oppose it. You are, after all, the one who understands the twisted psyche of Junpei Hiroshi, and he wants this to succeed many times more than you do. With everything gone over, you come up with a timeframe for things. Hiro can probably have all the written elements done by the end of this week, but will will need towards the middle of next week for Hiro to finish practicing and memorizing everything. You tentatively plan the presentation for 11 AM next Wednesday.

With your discussion over, Hiro gets up and stretches for a minute. "I'm making dinner. You want some?" Well, you have been here for a while, and it's about that time. Sure, why not. "Sure. Should I chip in for the ingredient costs?" Hiro does not refuse. You hand him a 1000 yen bill, and while he pauses for a moment he still pockets it. He heads downstairs after mentioning that you can grab another drink from the fridge if you'd like.

Around half an hour later the two of you are sitting downstairs eating some sort of pasta and chicken dish. It is surprisingly good given Hiro's age... better than Tadashi's cooking actually. You suppose that's another possible talent gone bust on his end. "So, how's the hero stuff going? Site working fine?" "It's going alright. Had a bit of a chaotic outing last night, but it ended fine. The site and the email are working fine. Thanks for that by the way." Hiro nods satisfactorily. "No problem- I could use the cash anyways. Used to be a relative's so I don't have to pay for the house, but living costs are still pretty high here. Tell me if anything breaks with it."

As the two of you eat, you continue to make conversation.
>You discuss your heroics in more detail, and attempts to pick Hiro's brain regarding the whole thing. Two heads are better than one.
>You discuss the less consequential side of life. Music, sports, that kind of thing. Nothing terribly important.
>You talk about what Hiro has been up to lately. He knows your secret but you don't know that much about him, may as well let him control the conversation.
>Write-in

>>4841965
>>You talk about what Hiro has been up to lately. He knows your secret but you don't know that much about him, may as well let him control the conversation.
Who's the Uni student living downstairs? A relative?

>>4841965
>You talk about what Hiro has been up to lately. He knows your secret but you don't know that much about him, may as well let him control the conversation.
>Write-in
Ask if he would like to schedule a day to practice for the presentation to the boss. If we do this, would this help him succeed? If we help with the presentation would he be more likely to succeed? What about buying him a nicer set of suit, cuffs, hair gel, glasses, shoes, and a tie?
We'll be like the dad to his job interview, or something. I wanna see this guy succeed where others failed. He can have the bright career we didnt get when we first started out.

>>4841965
>>You talk about what Hiro has been up to lately. He knows your secret but you don't know that much about him, may as well let him control the conversation.

New thread will be up in the morning.