jigokufever | AUGUST 2022 TEST DRIVE

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AUGUST 2022 TEST DRIVE

1. SHUTEN TERRITORY - Muscling In

art by tohdraws

In the aftermath of the curse crisis, the Shuten Clan forgave a bunch of protection payments in the region, and helped cover the costs for rebuilding. Unfortunately, some of the street gangs in the area are much less civically minded. They have used the Shuten's relaxed policies as an opportunity to turn their own screws on the local business owners. These unaffiliated youth gangs have been much rougher with the locals, and have been asking for even larger collection fees. This has pissed off the folks who are just trying to get their lives and businesses back on track!

Unfortunately, the opening of Sai no Kawara in the underground drew so much of the clan's focus and manpower, that the issues up top just slipped through the cracks. Until now! Toraguma is in a bad mood and is looking for people to take it out on: the youth gangs will do just fine.

Volunteers are being solicited to join the regular Shuten enforcers in driving these interlopers out of Shuten territory. The gangs are wise to the usual Shuten tactics, though, and they're prepared for a fight. They are also appealing to the influx of Lost Souls: they act as though they're the victims of the factions' power struggles! They propose that taking up arms against the Shuten Clan will win them favor with the other groups in the city. (It will look less good with the Shuten Clan, should you be assigned to them.)

Fight with the Shutens, or with the gangs. Either way, a fight is coming.

2. TAMAMO TERRITORY - Throat Goat (NSFW)

at by akai riot

This prompt is overtly sexual in nature. Please use the proper NSFW labelling in your top levels and threads.

While the Palace of Sai in the underground is doing well, that doesn't mean the other businesses in the Tamamo Clan's collection have been slacking. One of the least "classy" soaplands has decided they're going to hold a contest to drive up business for themselves! They are partnering with some of the other sex clubs in the area for the sleaziest of events.

The Hyottoko Cup is looking for volunteer participants! The competition is pretty straightforward: a ruler is drawn on the throat of each participant and an array of members is presented to swallow. Whichever contestant can take the guests deepest and longest will take home the "coveted" Hyottoko Cup! Ok, there's a little judge favoritism involved too, so put on a show.

The guests have likewise been pulled in as volunteers, with instructions that they don't have to make this easy on the participants. Guests are provided with special seals that they can use for the length of the competition to enhance their natural assets. For those lacking the equipment entirely, there's a seal for that too.

Have fun and play nice.

3. TAMAMO TERRITORY - Strike a Poise (GEN)

Other businesses looking to jump start this month's earnings are also getting in on the spirit of competition! Businesses less oriented towards sexual service have come together as a means to draw in the high dollar clients, and one local club has proposed something old school.

Sign up for the Poise Contest, where contestants are placed into more and more ridiculous geta while tasked with serving drinks to the guest. Spills are expected, and the guests are cheerfully kitted out with cheap club-branded ponchos to protect their clothes. (Marketing, am I right?) While spills are expected, the contestant will lose points for each of the spilled drinks. Try to keep your balance as you attend to increasingly absurd drink orders. The intensity of the traditional footwear will only make your job that much harder.

Do you have what it takes to pour a champagne fountain while wearing teetering tengu geta? Prove your balance and dexterity is the best and the take home prize is some sweet cash. For Lost Souls freshly in the city, the chance to win some extra money can't really be passed up, huh…

4. SUTOKU TERRITORY - Jigokucho's Got Talent

Ever since Moonday's beloved singer – Ringo-chan – was kidnapped at the Tanabata festival, the band has had to cancel all of their scheduled gigs. Unfortunately, they were a hugely popular act, booked solid in most of the Sutoku Alliance's various nightclubs. This has left a ton of empty spots that need to be filled quickly, before the crowds get upset and demand… refunds.

That's where you come in, Lost Souls! Desperate promoters and talent bookers are literally grabbing Lost Souls off the street and begging, pleading, with them to perform a set for the night. They just need to have something to fill the space Moonday would have otherwise occupied. At least give the crowd something to see!

Acts do not need to be of the musical variety. Any performing talent is accepted, no matter how esoteric or bizarre! If it can fill out a 15-30 minute set, the club owners will be happy and the customers will at least see something interesting; even if it's a bad kind of interesting. So get on stage and show this city what you've got!

( Help us fill our time slots, please! We're desperate! 😩)

5. DEPARTMENT OF THE ENMA - Sticky Paws II: Outta the Bag

The Enma Department is busy: they have a kidnapping to investigate, a primordial god to pin down, and the crisis of their ever-shifting public image to manage. However, crime never sleeps and is always there to add to the troubled Department's workload. Worse still, we thought this little crime spree was over six months ago! But here it is again, much to the Enma's chagrin.

Cat cafés are a popular tourist attraction all across Jigokucho. About six months ago, a gang of bakeneko infiltrated several of the cafés to rob customers occupied with kitty bliss. Wallets, jewelry, and anything else those sticky paws could snatch away were being picked in droves. The cat capers are afoot once more!

Are you a hapless victim of these furry thieves, or are you helping the Department of the Enma track down these cat burglars? Unfortunately, the bakeneko are exceptionally clever and are using a seal to disguise their secondary tails. This makes them look just about like any normal cat. Better make sure your lead is good, or you'll be chasing down an ordinary Felis Catus. Soft to pet, but not going to return your pilfered cash.

Of course, the café staff might be in on this caper too… It's never easy to tell who's getting a cut of the profits. Be careful who you trust out there.

6. ALL OVER - The 100 Billion Yen Man (PLOT RELEVANT)

The local TV news has been announcing that Kaberou Kannazaki – the legendary finance wolf and the father of kidnapping victim, Ringo-chan – will be making an announcement this week. People have flocked to television sets throughout the city; at the squares, around TVs in bars, electronic stores, each other's phones, and any other venue with a connection. The kidnapping has been a highly public ordeal and the talk of the town. Many of the locals were present at the festival and witnessed the crime. They want to hear what the word is!

The public doesn't have to wait long. Wolf-eared Kaberou sits at a press desk, surrounded by microphones, and dazzled with flashbulbs. He clears his throat and, as he begins to speak, he is direct and to the point; not unlike a wolf lunging for the throat.

"As of today, I am issuing a bounty on the man known as the Iron Bear, who has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of my daughter, Ringo Kannazaki. The payout to the party responsible for bringing me Iron Bear, dead or alive, is 100 Billion Yen. Individuals or groups, I don't care. Just bring my daughter back to me, and the money is yours."

Well! The Department of the Enma's hopes of an orderly investigation have been dashed, but this is certainly an opportunity for anyone brave enough – or, more accurately, stupid enough – to traverse the Wasteland. Maybe one of you out there will find the legendary Iron Bear and bring him to some form of justice.

Local businesses are quick to leap at this opportunity, too. They begin to aggressively push sponsorships at would-be bounty hunters. Weapons? Armor? Survival gear? All at discount prices! Each faction has their interest in collecting the massive bounty as well. They will all be putting a lot of pressure on recruits to get ready to head out to the Wastes.

If you just got here? Well, it would definitely be in your interest to start finding gear, and finding people willing to collect that bounty with you. It could mean a big step forward toward your eventual contract, after all.

Welcome to the test drive meme!

First of all, big thanks to our discord chat for the "Throat Goat" prompt idea. Stay golden, gang.
IF YOU'RE TOP-LEVELING A NEW CHARACTER, post it here!
Characters already in the game can top level as well.
Threads here can be considered game canon.
Characters can be recruited to do work for any faction until they're given their official assignment.
If you have any questions about the TDM content, please ask them here! You can find information on the story so far here!
If you have questions about the game itself, please check out the premise, FAQ, and rules pages.
Reserves are open until September 5th.

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[ without really skipping a beat: ]

I believe you.

[ when he turns around, shou follows. not to pull him back or dissuade him from trudging off on his own, geta in tow, but to place the tips of his fingers at the small of his back. it's a surprisingly light touch, poised and unapologetic. balance here. ]

Think about something you don't have to think about when you do it. Something that just comes to you naturally.

[Even with his back turned, hearing words like those is enough to make Naito smile and laugh softly under his breath, elation clear in his tone. Holding his arms out a bit to the side for balance, he's still wobbling a bit as he tries to move forward. But upon feeling fingers gingerly touch his back, he briefly looks back over his shoulder.]

Thank you! Mmn, let me think... [Something that comes to him naturally? Maybe caring about his brother, or analyzing his surroundings, or how about...] Does smiling work? If it doesn't sound too silly, I mean!

[Of course, he isn't always smiling. Shou can probably tell that much already, given that Naito's expressions couldn't show more clearly on his face if he tried. But he's certainly exuding brightness now, beaming as he makes his way over to the seating area.]

Tenkuubashi-san, Tenkuubashi-san! I think I'm getting the hang of it!

[ whether or not he thinks it's silly is irrelevant if it works, and it seems like that just might be the trick. ]

Good. Keep going.

[ he gives it a few more steps before removing whatever gentle brace his touch had given, if any at all. shou recognizes it's more naito doing the work now than himself, so he wants to see it through. ]

[Honestly, balancing like this could be attributed just as much to him getting the hang of it little by little. But remembering Shou's advice, he continues making his way forward at a steady pace, and finally reaches a table that he promptly uses to brace himself with one hand.

But as soon as he has his balance, he's quick to turn toward the other boy, extending his free hand with a grin.]

Tenkuubashi-san! Now it's your turn!

[ there might have been a small part of him that was holding its breath until naito reached the table without eating it in the middle of this club, and that small part of him exhales when the deed is done. what he doesn't expect is for him to turn and beckon a hand out to him in turn, and it shows.

pausing, he looks uncertain for the first time. but ultimately, he decides on: ]

Very well.

[ he doesn't have nearly as much of an adventure getting across the floor even in geta, even looking mostly normal as he does so save a slightly more conscious gait.

now, the outstretched hand...

almost timidly, he reaches out to take it. ]

[The shift in Shou's expression doesn't go unnoticed, but he looks so collected as he walks across the room that Naito can't help thinking that he's just... incredibly cool. Maybe he should be able to come up with better words than that, but it's true! Besides, he's watching with a careful eye all the same. The least he can do is take in exactly how the other boy moves, seeming to glide across the floor with surprising poise. So that's the timing he should use...

Part of him didn't mean to leave his hand outstretched this long - it's honestly just instinct after years of endlessly doting on his brother. But the other part can't find a reason to be embarrassed by it, since Shou takes it so kindly without teasing him.

He'll wait for Shou to let go when he feels most comfortable, settling for a gentle grip of his own fingers. Stability comes first, after all!]

That was amazing! Wow... No wonder you're in such high geta. You make it look so effortless!

[Still all smiles.]

Maybe I should ask to be your apprentice or something! Just for today.

[ with naito not making a big deal out of it, it's easier for shou to do the same. so now they're just holding hands and having a conversation. ]

It's nothing so special. Mostly balance training. [ better to fight aliens with superhuman abilities when you can't get knocked off your target so easily... ] But if you're serious about wanting me to teach you...

[ well, has he been anything other than deathly serious so far about a task that is actually incredibly silly? ]

I believe I can do so.

[Balance training?! It's somehow not terribly surprising, even if it feels like cheating to find out after they've come this far. But for once, Naito's mind is stumbling over all of the questions he'd usually ask.]

Wait, really? You've already given me a lot of tips, but I can't say I'm not curious about it...

[Even if he'd certainly distract Shou even further from this competition. And on that note... "Not making a big deal out of it" unfortunately only lasts so long when Naito's involved, and as the seconds pass, his cheerfulness shifts closer and closer toward mild embarrassment. Aren't they just holding hands now?! He should try to stay calm because Shou doesn't seem fazed in the slightest, but he's still not used to this kind of thing!]

I, I just. Um. [Should he be taking someone's order right now? Yes. Does it change the fact that he's gradually turning as pink as one of the fruity drinks that's being served here? Absolutely not.] I don't want to ruin your chances in the competition... and stuff. You've been so nice to me.

Edited 2022-09-13 15:33 (UTC)

It's fine. [ only gradually realizing that the shift in personality and the rise in body heat seems to stem from their gripped hands, shou finally (mercifully...) lets go. ] I've already won a few rounds before this.

[ said with the casual ease of someone discussing the weather, as if naito definitely wouldn't have benefitted from knowing that before he'd had the chance to fuss so much. he'd let go to reach into his sleeve to produce a decent amount of cash. ]

These aren't the first geta I've worn tonight, just the tallest.

[ so it's just as well if he takes a break. ]

Go ahead and sit. Drinks and snacks are free for the winners.

[The freedom to stop worrying about whether he should let go or not is quickly forgotten once Shou's hand moves to grasp several bills rather than his fingers, and...

Well. Rather than exasperated, Naito honestly feels relieved.]

You should have said something sooner! Thank goodness.

[Though it's not that hard to figure out, in retrospect.]

But you're here because you want to win another round, right? I don't want to give up without trying, but it might not be a bad idea to forfeit this round and wait for the next one. [Because he's not winning against Shou.] I'll sit, but the drinks and snacks are for you, not me!

You seemed determined to try and I didn't want to deter you.

[ maybe it was a little bit of self-satisfaction on his part seeing naito go for it too but he doesn't need to say that much. sometimes he does have that little voice of reason telling him to keep his mouth shut. sometimes. ]

That said, because this is a nightclub, I assume there will be several more hours of competition. It's fine if I miss one.

[ rounding the table, shou considers his last answer with a quirked brow. ]

You don't want to share with me?

[Look, he may not have Shou's level of talent, but determination is one area he doesn't need training in!]

Several hours?! Ugh...

[Then, then... he'll just have to wait for a round that Shou isn't in! Yeah! But as Shou speaks up, Naito finds himself flushing a little out of habit, brows furrowing as he sinks slightly down in his chair. Why does this feel like the kind of tactic his brother uses when he wants Naito to do something?! This boy can't say no!]

I... I never said that. [...] If you really want me to, I will.

[ you might be waiting a while...

but at least it's in relative comfort. the environment is loud and flashy by the virtue of being what it is, but the tables not being used for the competitions are relatively out of the way and normal. as a competitor, he probably could have seated himself at the bartop despite his age, but...

it's still loud and has a splash zone. so he'd taken his winnings somewhere a little mellower. ]

Given our status right now, I think it'd be better to not turn down chances like this. [ quietly, he slips into the seat next to naito, toeing off the geta and leaving them neatly next to him. ] That's all.

[The promise of snacks really is generous, given that it's kind of hard to buy food without money, hence the competition. Neither Shou's logic or good will are lost on him, and just as quickly as he'd settled into frustration before, Naito's expression brightens in a matter of moments.]

Well, as long as you're sure it's okay, don't mind if I do! I really appreciate it. Thank you!

[Now that Shou has removed his geta, Naito feels much less awkward toeing his own off in much the same manner. Don't mind him swinging his feet just a little to fully appreciate the lack of weight.]

Ahhh, that's so much better! I bet you're relieved too, if you've been doing this for a while. And now we're closer to the same height, too!

[But Shou is still several inches taller, even when they're sitting...]

[ a moment passes where shou is keenly looking at him as if assessing whether or not he knows that his statement is blatantly false, but seeing as how he looks genuine... shou doesn't bother pointing it out. instead, he reaches out for one of the tall mocktails he was given before the ice in it melts: something blue and yellow with pineapple stars in it. ]

It is more comfortable without them, yes. [ the geta, he means. ] But it's been difficult to relax here anyway, so I thought I may as well participate to pass the time.

[ it's quite the bare-faced admission even though he's not giving off the impression that he's overly affected by being here. ]

[It's not false - they really are closer to the same height than before! But there's such a marked difference between them that saying so honestly sounds ridiculous.

But... ah. Those next sincere words give him pause, and Naito's expression turns a little pensive. Even Shou feels that way?]

It's a lot to take in, isn't it? Talking with you is nice, so this might be the most normal I've felt since I got here.

[Quietly, he folds his hands on the tabletop.]

I've been doing a lot of talking, but I'm a pretty good listener! If you want to talk about it, I mean.

[ what a strange sensation, knowing someone feels normal talking to him. ]

I'm glad it's put you at ease. [ genuine. ] And I don't believe it's anything out of the ordinary... it's simply an adjustment period to a big change.

[ there's nothing to indicate that he's being dishonest, either. "here" nor "there" seem to make any difference — hell or home, he just is where he is. ]

There is the matter of our contracts, but right now it's just waiting to see which faction will best let me fulfill it.

Yeah... That's one way to look at it.

[That's putting it awfully lightly, but Shou doesn't seem like he could possibly be any more genuine, so Naito won't press him on it.]

No matter where we end up, is it okay if we keep in touch? It would be nice to have a friend around my age.

[ he's usually more boldfaced, but he figures he doesn't need to bring up yuu or gunji akira. if this place will guarantee him their safety, he'll do anything.

only the question snaps his attention to, albeit gently. ]

...yes, I'm fine with that. [ fishing his phone out, he sets it on the table in front of naito, tapping the contacts list. ] Go ahead.

[Look at the way he absolutely lights up. If he was easy to read before, it's even more obvious now.]

Tenkuubashi-kun...! Thank you!

[Upgraded from -san to -kun on the spot. Grinning brightly, Naito sets his phone in front of Shou in much the same manner before entering his name on the other device.]

And Fu-u-ga... Na-i-to. There! All finished!

[He turns the phone back around, all sunshine and smiles. How ironic is it that "Fuuga" is written with the kanji for elegance and grace?]

You can just call me Naito, if you want! That's what everyone else does.

[ he might be blinded at this rate, but he figures... that's fine. though he's still mellow-mannered in the face of his sunny smile, shou picks up his phone, adds the contact, and then presses the call button. looking over, he presses the receiver to his ear —

pick up and you can hear him in stereo for this one. ]

Alright. Wherever we end up, I look forward to working with you, Naito-san.

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AUGUST 2022 TEST DRIVE

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