reloves | fractura inbox.

[Sometime during her work shift, Minako will find a piece of paper discretely left on her seat. A note addressed to her as directions from the Family Head.

It sounds like Chuuya would like to know how things currently are in the family, and what the Mori are inclined to say about the state of things - and whether or not they're happy! Neutral Party Girls get the job done better than the boss for that, he figures. Plus, they're cute.

For this directive, Minako will be assigned to work with Utsutsu (

glooming). Please make contact with the player and mosey on over to World Investigations if you'd like to take up the task!]

[ Hello, Minako. Wherever she is, whatever she may be doing in public, Shinobu pops up by her side with a smile.

She acts like nothing is out of the ordinary and that invading personal space bubbles is just fine—even if it's out of ordinary for her to approach her randomly. It's fine, though, because she just announced she's going neutral. ]

Good afternoon. Does a bar singer have her ear close to any grapevines?

[ Some people might be disturbed by such a sudden invasion of privacy. Most people would, really.

Not Minako though. Maybe it's the fact that she herself constantly invades other people's private spaces, or maybe it's the fact that Shinobu doesn't seem like she's about to stab her, but Minako seems to remain fairly calm under suddenly having the other next to her like this. ]

Huh? [ See, that surprise is not for the suddenness of it all. It's more just the question. ] Why are you asking?

[ Even if the going neutral announcement may or may not have reached Minako already, she's a little wary of sharing stuff so easily. ]

I want to see if you've heard anything about the kidnappings.

[ Shinobu takes a step back, giving Minako space, and smiling. She's smiling, but it's possible that Minako can get the sense that Shinobu is serious. ]

The more information someone knows, the more quickly something can be done to stop it. Unless... you don't care about that?

[ Wow, a little passive aggressive near the end there, huh. But somehow that kind of fits with the way this girl smiles, despite them clearly not having a very cheerful talk right now. ]

Is there anyone in this city who doesn't care about that right now?

[ Smart roundabout answer, Minako. Although it's obvious she cares anyway. ]

I'm not sure how much useful information I can tell you about that though. I'm mostly just worried about ending up as one of the victims, just as many other people are, I'm sure. [ At least that's 100% Minako being genuine. Usually it's a worry she wouldn't admit to, but when it has to be such a commonly shared one, it doesn't feel as weird to say it. ] All I know is that this probably isn't my family's doing.

There are. There always are.

[ People who are so self-absorbed and self-interested who don't care until it affects them. They live in a mafia town? Some people accept it. Some people are the ones doing it. It's disgusting, and it makes Shinobu so sick inside even if doesn't show in her expression. ]

Outsiders are involved. The victims are being sold, and it looks like they choose people who aren't easily noticed.

[ There's something hard to her smile. Every time she has to say this aloud, her anger boils underneath the surface. ]

[ Outsiders, huh. That's what Minako was assuming too, considering what she knows about the Mori and has heard about the Xian Le. ]

I'm sorry, I can't see that I've noticed anyone suspicious yet. I've been keeping an eye out while performing, but it's hard to tell with how many people there can be at the bar. [ She does sound at least somewhat regretful about that. Minako does want to solve these kidnappings, if not just so no one will get hurt because of it anymore. ]

I figured though that they were probably lurking somewhere outside instead, waiting for easy victims.

It's fine.

[ The entire situation is not fine, but it's not an answer that surprises her. That's what she's getting from most people (and that includes herself). The leads people have received aren't enough for Shinobu, who just wants to amputate the kidnapping ring like a limb that can't be saved. ]

As long as you keep an eye out for anything strange, that's all anyone can do right now.

[ "The entire situation is not fine" mirrors Minako's feelings right now exactly.. And it sucks not being able to do more. It was so much easier back home, with being a sailor soldier and all. All problems somehow felt more mangeable than in this strange city. ]

It doesn't feel like it's enough though, huh? [ She says it with a relatively casual tone, trying to downplay her own worries about it while still somewhat getting them out there. ]

No, it never does. It won't feel enough until an end is put to it.

[ Shinobu's tone is just as casual, but her eyes are dark with how serious she is. They must put an end to it. ]

Before long, things may escalate to something that can't be stopped at all.

[ Accusations are being slung around. War is not impossible. ]

Then they have to be stopped before that happens.

[ Somehow. Some way. Minako doesn't have all the answers ready, and she hates that. All she can do is try, even if that doesn't feel like enough. But it's a simple fact of the matter that this must be stopped, one way or another. ]

I know it's not much, but.. I'll try to keep an eye out even more. I have a friend who walks me home at night, but I'll see if I can get him to make a bit of a detour in case we might find anything.

[ She pauses briefly before looking at Shinobu. ]

Please tell me if you think of anything. I'm willing to help with anything if it's to solve this, so come see me if you need help.

Please be careful. I don't know you well, but I would hate for you to be taken.

[ She means it wholeheartedly. She doesn't want anyone to be taken at all. ]

Thank you for doing what you can to help. The more of us who will work together to solve this, the better chance we have of stopping them.

[ A bit of the seriousness vanishes from Minako's face as she instead laughs. ]

Don't worry, don't worry. I can take care of myself. [ More than anyone here can imagine, probably... ] Besides, it's for a good cause, isn't it? And something you don't get any results if you're not willing to face some risks.

That's true, but some risks shouldn't be taken.

[ In some ways, she knows that's hypocritical of her to say, but she doesn't know Minako well enough to know how deeply she cares about any of this. ]

No one would fault you for staying safe.

Well..

[ She lets out a sigh, and although she does smile right after, it's almost like a sentiment that's slightly more serious slips out despite her smile as she speaks up. ]

I'd fault myself, probably. If I didn't at least do something.

Me, too.

[ She echoes the sentiment softly but with sincerity. That's why she won't stop Minako from doing what she wants to do. ]

Do what you feel is right.

[ As long as Minako isn't a filthy murderer or kidnapper, it should be fine. ]

[Hello lovebirds! Hope you aren't feeling too sour grapes over the Date Auction fiasco or the, uh... murder!

You'll find yourself being handed a gift basket by one of the volunteers who worked the Date Auction now that they've finalized all the bids. It'll contain a single unhinged lock (no key) as a suggestion to maybe make a promise with your beloved on Peony Bridge, as well as a letter to announce your date:

Your winning bid was by Hajime Ichinose in the amount of $50,000.00.

Have a memorable Azalea Lights Festival! All proceeds from the Date Auction will be sent full of love to charity. ♥

Isn't that nice? :) What a good cause. ]

Miss Aino. Got a minute?

[He'll approach during a slower period at the bar, flashing her a quick grin, but he looks a little preoccupied.]

If you can spare the time, let's talk somewhere a little more private.

[ For a moment Minako looks a little surprised, but then she nods without much hesitation. ]

Of course. [ If he's approaching her like that, there has to be something important going on, right? So she gets off the stage right away to move to a less busy place with him. ]

fractura inbox.

HM...?

actiooon

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dw ate my first comment

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