jigokufever | February 2022 Test Drive

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February 2022 Test Drive

1. ENTRY

It feels like a dream as you wake up in what appears to be a government office. It is remarkably mundane: white walls, small screens with the number that is being served and at what desk, chairs along the perimeter of the room, and pleasant music playing from unseen speakers. There's nothing out of the ordinary, right?

Then you take a look at the inhabitants in the office: Lost Souls and youkai alike make up the ranks of a never-ending line in front of a desk manned by an akaname in a suit. However, another youkai, a hyakume, is your first contact in this world. You're instructed to take a number and stand in the queue. Take a seat if you want– but you're reminded to be quick when your number is called or you'll be passed by.

Congratulations: you're in Hell.

If you're lucky, you're in line behind a fellow Lost Soul. If you're less lucky, you're stuck behind any number of youkai that may be disturbing to look at or ones that may actively try to harm you. The ones with long arms may even try to steal your ticket from further back in the line.

Make small talk, try not to freak out, and keep your ticket safe (or maybe try to steal a better one) as you make your way up in the line.

2. THE CITY

Once you've been processed through the line, you're given your assignment to one of the four possible clans with directions to their respective clan offices. The city itself looks remarkably similar to a modern Japanese city, complete with narrow alleyways connecting wider streets. Glaring neon signs advertising various businesses compete for your attention, even the most mundane businesses.

Once you tear your attention away from the myriad distractions, your task is to find your way to the office. The akaname didn't exactly give you clear directions, just a piece of paper with an address printed on it. You’re on your own to find your way there.

Those assigned to the Shuten Clan are directed to the gambling district.
The Tamamo Clan members are directed to the red light district.
New members of the Sutoku Alliance are pointed to the entertainment district.
Those assigned to The Department of the Enma are sent to the administrative district.
Ask your fellow Lost Souls for directions or stubbornly find your way to the office all on your own. No matter how you get there, once you've made your way to the office you're given your lodgings (for rookies, it’s always the cheapest inn or apartment block in the area) and told to go out and get a feel for the city.

3. STREET FIGHT - SHUTEN TERRITORY

Scuffles break out all the time in Jigokucho, especially in the district dominated by the Shuten Clan. Whether it's a rival clan posturing over someone being on the wrong turf, shakedowns of all sorts, or just someone with a chip on their shoulder picking a fight: it always draws a crowd of onlookers.

No matter what street you're going down or what you're on your way to do, there always seems to be a fight to block the way. Take a look, take bets, or maybe you're the one caught in the brawl. Maybe someone decided they didn't like the way you looked at them or maybe they're trying to catch you in a petty scam. You may also feel the need to step in when fights are looking particularly one-sided.

Get used to this happening.

4. STICKY PAWS - SUTOKU TERRITORY

One of the more adorable features in the city is a cat cafe. Located within Sutoku territory, it always draws a steady crowd. If you're lured in by the adorable cats in the window, you're welcomed into a pleasant, cat-friendly environment with cats of every shape, color, and size lounging on various surfaces while being doted on by patrons. Of course not everything is as it seems: these are no ordinary cats. They're bakeneko in disguise and this cafe is a clever way to spirit away a few more coins for the Sutoku Alliance's coffers.

You may notice your wallet is a few (thousand) bills lighter at some point during your visit or your wallet may be missing entirely. Maybe it was one of your fellow patrons helping themselves while you were playing with a cat or maybe it was one of the cats. Who's to say? You quickly realize this place is not on the up and up; you have to do something about it.

Chase down one of the cats, confront your fellow patrons, or maybe try to shake down the owner for information. The latter won't get you very far, but maybe it'll make you feel better about losing your cash to a cute scam.

5. HELP WANTED - TAMAMO TERRITORY

CW: potentially NSFW, optional aphro

If you find yourself in the red light district, you might find yourself pulled into something else entirely. A scout in front of one of the numerous clubs drags you in off the street, assuming you're from the Tamamo Clan. It doesn't matter if you are or not, the scout is not listening to your protests. They say something about staffing shortages as you're shoved into the employee area of the club. The club manager then pushes some clothes at you and tells you to get out onto the floor once you're dressed. It might be a host club, it might be a bikini or banana bar, or maybe something even more salacious – whatever it is, you're working there for the night.

There are also barkers aggressively recruiting clients for these clubs, promising a good time for anyone who wants it. Whether it be the company of a pretty host or hostess, the lurid appeal of a strip show, or perhaps even other pleasures of the flesh: there's plenty to tempt even the most resistant.

Work at a club for the night or partake in the pleasures. Drinks flow like water, some with a little something extra to help things along. Everything is transactional here. As you have the money, you're bound to find something that tickles your fancy.

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[He's been exploring the district with the young man, looking at the sights with plenty of curiosities. So when Gojyo get dragged away, he blinks and laughs before following along.]

Of course! If it turns out to be fun and I miss out on it, I would be so sad.

[What kind of "fun"? Of course, he's aware of what these kind of districts offer. And this is a good opportunity to check it out for himself. So! He follows after Gojyo and the other person into a building.]

[It was odd with Norimune following him along like this. But he couldn't find himself judging the guy too harshly, not when they both seemed to be having so much fun simply traversing around as they had.

Having a night out with the guys left an exhilarated feeling with Gojyo that he hadn't felt in some time.

This experience was going to be nice.]

Right? Right? Besides, we were sent out to explore and help out where we can, yeah? And it sounds like this guy needs some help.

[ Gojyo says with a big wide grin. As if the concept of helping an 'ailing business' was a perfect excuse to run in and have his fun.

Turning away with the rush of the business owners urging Norimune and Gojyo seemed to be lured into what appeared to be a low-lit menagerie. A mix of warm neon lights mixed among plants and trees littered the walls and ceilings. Small tables and cages all scattered, leading up to a large center stage.

Even Gojyo had to whistle out in appreciation.]

Dang. I can't wait to see the performers if this is how the inside looks.

That's right~ It's only natural to lend our aid if someone earnestly ask for it.

[No, it technically isn't for him, being a tool and all. But he does have the choice to come along, and also it might be amusing.

As they enter the building, Norimune looks around curiously. The decor is quite pleasant enough on the eye, both in actual decorations and the lighting. The cages are a rather curious choice, but who knows what stylistic choices have grown trendy over the years?]

Oho, all of this look wonderful. I am rather curious about some parts of this.

Oh? Like what parts?

[Gojyo chimed in teasingly. He was playfully nudging Norimune in the side to egg him on as he said it. He had shared drinks with the guy before and knew the alleged 'old man' was not the type to avoid fun. Gojyo still didn't quite know enough about him to understand what he expected out of all of this, though.

Instead, Gojyo looked up to the owner curiously, realizing that there was one crucial question they should be asking.]

So what was it you wanted us to do here anyway? Guard the entrance? Make drinks?

[The owner looked a little fidgety with that. Shifting a bit before turning to look up at the both of them.]

"I want you to lure customers in."

The cages. Like what are they for?

[He can understand most of what he sees here, or can make educated guesses. Such as areas where a performer might stand on for their art. However, he doesn't understand the cage's use, yet.

Norimune glances over at the owner with a raised brow. Until they told them what they wanted.]

Ho... And what do we get in return?

"The cages? Well, um, they're for, that is--"

[The owner seemed to be quite obviously thrown off by the strange question. Flustering as he thought of how to explain it before Gojyo threw up a finger to cut him off with a smirk.]

Ahh? Don't you know that much? Surely you can make an educated guess, yeah? They're for dancing in. There's an aesthetic to the people taking center stage while being separate from regular clientele. It means they're special. ♥

[ Nonetheless, he had to agree with Norimune regarding payment. Gojyo may be more willing to explore more peculiar career opportunities than most, but he wasn't a cheap body by any means.]

But our dear curious blondie here is correct. What is it we get out of it? It better be something nice since we're taking on work so very last minute for you, yeah?

[The owner gulped back with that. Shuffling as he quickly tried to think up of a feasible income.]

"3000¥ for every client you bring in plus any tips you acquire."

Oh, how interesting!

[When put it like that, he can see why people might like it. Humans have that tendency to frame and decorate things nicely, it's not strange for spirits to have that as well.

With that question answered, there's the other one... payment. Which the owner answered just now. It sounds like this place is desperate for customers, which might hint at their financial state.]

I believe we can go a little higher than that. Don't you agree, my friend?

[He could be nice. But why not push it a little?]

[The youkais' face seemed to pale at the sudden mention of a higher price. His mouth gaped slightly as his mix of emotions read clear as day.

Worry about his finances, anger, probably aimed more towards his missing dancers, and panic over the sheer thought that these guys he just found were asking for more.

Well-- He was the one who dragged them in.

Gojyo, in particular, seemed to be growing a wide and devious grin in response to Norimune's haggling. He was giddy at thinking they could haggle things a little more.]

"Ah... More.. Um... Yes... 3-32000?"

Ah? That's the most you can do? The least you can do is give us some excellent benefits out of it, yeah? If you really want some strapping and attractive young men like us.

[Yeah, Gojyo was more than happy to help Norimune in egging this guy on.]

"3200¥ and on the house drinks! Will that do it?!"

Uhahaha, that sounds good to me. What do you think?

[Honestly, it's the free drinks that did it for him. How much they will drink, and likely make the poor youkai regret making the offer? Only time will tell. It just seem fair enough in his eye for a one-time job.

If it's longer than that, Norimune would've push it more. Probably.]

I'd be happy to take this job for that payment. I do hope your drinks are good.

[If they are, that's one easy marketing point they can use.]

"D-deal! It's a deal!"

[ The youkai was eager to seal the deal before he thought he might have to bargain further. He may be wiped out for the night with his alcohol, but at least he has a running business!

Amused by the heckling, Gojyo could only walk up, resting the weight of his elbow onto Norimunes shoulder as he grinned out.

Damn straight. It looks like Gojyo and Norimune were going to have a fun night.]

Hah. So I guess we're doing this, huh?

[He tilted his head to the side with acceptance. His eyes closed for a moment, and blue fin-like ears slightly lowered as he contemplated the semantics of his new temp job.]

So all we have to do is host, yeah? Lure people in and entertain in whatever way we can? That doesn't sound too hard.

Where's that alcohol you said you had?

[Norimune glance at Gojyo with a cheeky glint in his eyes.]

Uhahaha! That's right. Might as well have fun while we're here.

[If they lure enough customers, the manager might find his short-term financial woes solved. The long-term? Not Norimune's problem at all. Right now, they should start on their new tasks: luring in potential customers with their charms.]

And we'll start having fun once we bring in customers. This place is directly competing with others in this district... but there's surely some customers around who haven't decide where to go, yet.

[Strategising on the go? Well, why not.]

Ah, well, if anything, this place will undoubtedly have a particular clientele base that's far less catered to. That in itself is a good start, I think.

[And by 'certain clientele,' he had meant women.

Gojyo was planning on flirting to get as many cute girls into the venue as possible. The offer of free alcohol not at all being a big incentive to initially start drawing them in.]

There are so many places catered to the 'male gaze,' yeah? Why can't there be more places to let the girls have their fun? We already have two beauties who can offer plenty of fun company right here, yeah?

[He winked playfully with that. Making his way behind the counter and digging through the bars supply only to pull out two glasses for the both of them. Grabbing the classiest looking vile of rum he could find and pouring them each a shot before sliding one of the glasses to Norimune.]

What do you say? To a night of 'good business'?

[He's able to keep up with where Gojyo's going at, as well as his particular phrases. New phrases, words, will always pop up over time, but the context seems particularly obvious to him.

In other words, he just learned what "female gaze" means. Somewhat!]

Ah, the 'female gaze' instead? I agree, all women deserves to have fun as well, away from their worries and obligations.

[He follows after Gojyo to the bar. His eyes watching him pour out a glass for both of them, and he easily catches his drink. With a smile, he raise his glass.]

And 'great entertainment' for all of us, my friend.

[It's with a small chuckle that Gojyo reached up to lightly tap the rim of his glass against Norimune's before downing the shot in one go. Letting out a soft sigh of satisfaction before focusing his gaze on the man across from him with a small smirk.]

Hey. What do you say we make a bet?

[No one said they couldn't have some fun while working for the night.]

[Norimune drink his as well, savouring the liquid going down his throat. It's distinctively different from drinking sake, but he quite like it. After he's done, he lower his cup and raise a brow.]

A bet? What kind of bet, my friend?

[Since they're here for a job, it might be a contest.]

Hmmm, let's see, let's see--

[He playfully leans back on his stool as if acting like he doesn't already have a plan in mind.]

Ah! That's right!

[Only to quickly snap back to it. Raising his index finger in explanation with a grin.]

Whoever brings in more guests tonight has gotta buy all alcohol that the other buys for a month.

Oho!

[He leans forward with a grin, his eyes lighten up in clear interest.]

How interesting. I hope this means you're ready to lose.

[You know, as a ~possibility~]

Mn, that confident in your skills are you?

[He smirks with that. A gleam entered Gojyo's eye to the reciprocating challenge.]

Let's see if ladies prefer redheads or blondes, yeah? ♥

[With that, he placed the glass down and pushed himself up to a stand.]

All right then! Gojyo and Norimune's sexy nightclub extravaganza is a go!

[Time to get hyped!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

February 2022 Test Drive

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