[ Brig sees the lacquered box and wonders what it could be. And from the three of them ]
A gift, Sensei? [ He has never really been one to take gifts. He's understood well enough though that in some cultures, it would be an insult not to take it. He takes it with both hands and bows his head. ] Thank you, An'yu-sama.
What is it? [ He doesn't open the box just yet. Not quite sure why he deserved a token. He was just doing his job. ]
[It's a simple response. J had done the research and the talking to Brig, Kitty had started on it, and An'yu had smoothed everything out and finished the job. A labor of love for someone who mattered to them.]
[ Brigade carefully opens the box and finds a gunmetal mask, stylized to look like a scratched, scarred, and battered face of Death. He recalls researching with J on what Japanese myth he should select as its inspiration. His eyes fell on the Shinigami and he'd told her he'd find time to commission someone to make it.
He didn't know she planned to make it with K and An'yu. ]
I am... [ He pauses long, very much moved by the gesture. It's from his family, and the family of a good friend. ] deeply honored. [ He would never have been able to make anything quite like this on his own. His creativity was limited to combat and military, not the arts ]
I will wear it with pride, Brother Blacksmith. [ A gunmetal mask from a shaper of metal ]
I'd be banned from J's house and wake up with pentel pen markings on my face every morning if I didn't.
[ Brigade turns it over in his hand ] And it would be a dishonor to you, Sensei. [ He puts the mask on and feels it cover his face. Amazingly, it doesn't affect his vision like other masks do. It feels like it isn't even there. The workmanship was amazing. ] How do I look, sir?
I guess I should find a way to always keep this on my person then. [ He feels a sudden attachment to the mask. Shinigami. He laughs to himself. I inadvertently picked Hikaru. And the side of him I wish he didn't have to keep. ]
[ He then thinks of the tech he's read in the Vice Armory files ] Maybe get a Vice Enterprises upgrade that hides this as a small flat strip at the back of my neck and forms into this mask at mental command.
[ He thinks on something else belatedly ] Sir, am I allowed to make this into a form-fitting helmet? So that the mask extends out and covers my whole head?
[An'yu, on the other hand, is used to this. He is the best Alchemist that Zangyaku has at the moment, and perhaps one of the best in the world. People come to him all the time to watch him work.
As things stand, he is done in record time. Handing it back now, before fetching his cup.]
It will respond to the Azoth within you. A thought on your end, and it will do as you want it to.
[ Brigade takes the masks back with both hands. ] If I hadn't received so much of your kindness already, An'yu-sama, you keep giving me more. [ He bows his head again in gratitude ] Thank you. [ He puts the mask on, and with a thought, he feels its metal wrap itself over his head. Then with another thought, he feels it recede into a negligible strip at the back of his neck. ]
Your work, as always, is amazing. [ He offers a toast and drinks. ]
[ He pauses as his thoughts move to the weight of his shield on his back, and to the other shield. ] Any news on Gintoki's shield, sir?
[ Brig is ecstatic at the news ] That's wonderful news, sir! He's alive! Your friend's alive! [ He puts a hand on An'yu's shoulder and presses reassuringly. ]
Is there anything we can do to help bring him back, sir? Were you able to get a chance to speak with him?
That's good to see her. [ Brigade is genuinely happy for An'yu ] How were you able to speak to him, sir?
[ Brig pauses and adds ] Keep him close to you, sir. Hikaru may have given the shield to me but I only see myself as the messenger to you. Keep the shield if it'll bring Gintoki back quicker.
I would be honored to bear him where I go, sir. [ He smiles as he says so. ]
[ But Brigade wonders at the other statement ] You told him about me, sir? [ An'yu said their conversation had been short. Brigade's sure there were more important things to talk about than him ]
[ Brigade bows his head ] Thank you, sir. I will take good care of him.
[ Brigade takes a puff of his cigarette and sips on his sake. He'd have a new travelling companion strapped to his back. He'd be like Josh, Taning and Yulia now, with their own personal companions with them where they go. ] Is there a way I can speak to him, sir? If there is, I would like to get to know him, really.
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A gift, Sensei? [ He has never really been one to take gifts. He's understood well enough though that in some cultures, it would be an insult not to take it. He takes it with both hands and bows his head. ] Thank you, An'yu-sama.
What is it? [ He doesn't open the box just yet. Not quite sure why he deserved a token. He was just doing his job. ]
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[It's a simple response. J had done the research and the talking to Brig, Kitty had started on it, and An'yu had smoothed everything out and finished the job. A labor of love for someone who mattered to them.]
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He didn't know she planned to make it with K and An'yu. ]
I am... [ He pauses long, very much moved by the gesture. It's from his family, and the family of a good friend. ] deeply honored. [ He would never have been able to make anything quite like this on his own. His creativity was limited to combat and military, not the arts ]
I will wear it with pride, Brother Blacksmith. [ A gunmetal mask from a shaper of metal ]
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You had better, or Kitty is going to be very upset with you.
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I'd be banned from J's house and wake up with pentel pen markings on my face every morning if I didn't.
[ Brigade turns it over in his hand ] And it would be a dishonor to you, Sensei. [ He puts the mask on and feels it cover his face. Amazingly, it doesn't affect his vision like other masks do. It feels like it isn't even there. The workmanship was amazing. ] How do I look, sir?
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[Zangyaku Style Compliment, ayup.]
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[ He then thinks of the tech he's read in the Vice Armory files ] Maybe get a Vice Enterprises upgrade that hides this as a small flat strip at the back of my neck and forms into this mask at mental command.
[ He thinks on something else belatedly ] Sir, am I allowed to make this into a form-fitting helmet? So that the mask extends out and covers my whole head?
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[He doesn't mind at all. Besides, it's nice to see someone enjoy the work that he has done.]
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It'll be free of charge too. I'm sure you're aware of this fact, but Jessiah Vice is a dick.
[What was that again? 'You owe me, An'yu'? He still hasn't managed to pay the man back in a satisfactory fashion for that.]
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Is there a way I can help in the modification, sir?
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[Even if you could, Brig, he isn't going to let you. He wants to do this.
Aaand getting to work now. Cue An'yu Oyama looking very focused on the mask in his hands. It's already shifting, already moving to follow his will.]
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He reaches for the keg behind them, without taking his eyes off of An'yu working, and fills two cups at the faucet, waiting for An'yu to finish. ]
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As things stand, he is done in record time. Handing it back now, before fetching his cup.]
It will respond to the Azoth within you. A thought on your end, and it will do as you want it to.
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Your work, as always, is amazing. [ He offers a toast and drinks. ]
[ He pauses as his thoughts move to the weight of his shield on his back, and to the other shield. ] Any news on Gintoki's shield, sir?
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Yes, actually. Gintoki is in there, as far as I can tell. He is very weak, and still recovering himself, but... he is there.
[And this makes An'yu happier than he could ever possibly describe.]
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Is there anything we can do to help bring him back, sir? Were you able to get a chance to speak with him?
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[Picking up his drink now, to take another sip. He can't stop smiling.]
We were able to talk for a bit.
[It wasn't enough, but well. There is always next time.]
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[ Brig pauses and adds ] Keep him close to you, sir. Hikaru may have given the shield to me but I only see myself as the messenger to you. Keep the shield if it'll bring Gintoki back quicker.
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[Then, with a teasing look:]
He is curious about you, Brigade, and raring to travel again. He's always been a wanderer at heart.
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[ But Brigade wonders at the other statement ] You told him about me, sir? [ An'yu said their conversation had been short. Brigade's sure there were more important things to talk about than him ]
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[ Brigade takes a puff of his cigarette and sips on his sake. He'd have a new travelling companion strapped to his back. He'd be like Josh, Taning and Yulia now, with their own personal companions with them where they go. ] Is there a way I can speak to him, sir? If there is, I would like to get to know him, really.
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[Tilts head at the shield.]
He appears to be resting for the moment, though.
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[ He looks at the shield ] I'm having trouble thinking of using him as a weapon, sir. It might hurt him.
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