「 TDM 01 」

[watertrade]

i. Arrival

There isn't any strange feeling or sudden blackout to warn someone of what's to come; it simply happens. One moment they're in their own world attending to their own business, and the next they're underwater. Specifically, the dark, cold waters of the Sumida River. With air temperatures in the high 40s it's not a pleasant experience and the sudden shock leaves new arrivals at risk of drowning.

Luckily, they aren't alone. The crews that constantly patrol the river are quick to fish the newcomers out, dry them off, warm them up, and explain the situation. Maybe the names mean something to said newcomers, and maybe they don't. No matter the case, they're the same for everyone: you're in Yoshiwara, near the city of Tokyo in the country of Japan, and you're here to stay.

New arrivals that feel up to the task are encouraged to help with retrieving other newcomers. Those that don't welcome to huddle under blankets until the boats return to docks. Once there everyone is given directions to their faction headquarters, where they can receive their housing and job assignments - and maybe a change of clothes. Those that still feel overwhelmed are permitted to mingle on the docks. There's not much to do but sit around and shiver, but at least there are friendly locals that are willing to answer any questions for them.

ii. Loose Change

It's easy to drop things in crowded areas and hard to retrieve them. Luckily that doesn't seem to be the case this time. The sound of a coin hitting the ground is quite clear and the coin itself is easy to locate. Considering that single coin likely represents a distressingly high percentage of any given newcomer's wealth, picking it up is highly advised. The supernaturally inclined might sense the faint magical buzz around the coin, but nothing significant.

Maybe two people reach for the same coin at the same time. Maybe one of them realizes it's not theirs and turns it over. Whatever the case, the second they're both touching the coin they find themselves stuck to it. No amount of tugging or prying can get it to detach, even though there's no sign of any sort of adhesive holding them in place.

Upon closer examination the coin isn't a real one and is instead inscribed with the words 'Pinky Swear', along with an image of the act in question. And that's the only clue to the method of escape: the two parties must link pinkies and make a solemn oath to one another before they can let go of the coin. Fortunately is seems any oath will do, even one as simple as 'I solemnly swear to give you a high five'. They shouldn't take their newfound freedom for granted, however. Breaking the oath or leaving without trying to fulfill it will result in the two being stuck together again and a new oath will be required to escape a second time.

iii. Hot Chocolate

Despite their reputation the people in Yoshiwara can be generous. Anyone who looks appropriately cold, bored, or just plain unoccupied will find themselves approached by attractive young men and women bearing sample cups of hot chocolate. The beverage is rich, warm, and expertly crafted, and even comes in dark, milk, and white varieties. If someone wants more, they're in luck: the cafe Lazy is running a special promotion in which all newcomers can receive a full serving for free.

Anyone who accepts will find themselves whisked into the cafe, seated at one of several kotatsu (which are all partitioned off with thick curtains), and presented with a tall mug of the hot chocolate of their choice. They won't be alone, either. Everyone is seated with at least one partner and encouraged to make idle chatter while they drink. The socially awkward might find the small book labeled 'conversations starters' helpful, and if that doesn't work there's also a small box of goodies on each table. It sure is a friendly atmosphere.

Perhaps too friendly. It turns out that the hot chocolate is laced with aphro, a variety that causes both arousal and mild giddiness. The thick, nearly soundproof curtains might make more sense now: they're clearly meant to muffle the sounds of lovemaking from other patrons. Visitors don't have to mingle so extensively, of course. But the 'conversation starters' book goes from fairly innocent subjects to ones likes 'describe your ideal sexual partner' in a hurry, and the box's goodies consist of lubricant, sexual position guides, and bullet vibrators. Sex is clearly the intent here.

On the way out customers will be told that the whole process is an advertisement for the cafe's 'couples service', thanked for their participation, and sent on their way with a smile. Maybe it's a good idea to accept Yoshiwara's generosity with caution from now on.

iv. Later That Night

No one would call Yoshiwara safe, but the dangers are predictable. An actor might end up with a stalker, a prostitute might have to deal with a violent client, and a business owner might have to deal with a criminal extorting protection money. There aren't really surprises when it comes to the sort of threats one can expect to face. The rigid control exerted by the four factions ensures that.

But there's money to be made in Yoshiwara, especially when it comes to visitors from off world. For some groups the reward outweighs the risk. Newcomers in particular tend to be disoriented and there's rarely anyone to miss them, which makes them ideal targets. Any new arrivals alone on the streets after dark run the risk of being kidnapped by a group of shady individuals prowling the town. Their methods range from snatch and grab tactics to luring targets into dark alleys, but once caught everyone is given the same treatment: gagged, hands bound, and left in a dimly lit room to wait until they can be removed from Yoshiwara and sold to a third party.

But the kidnappers are hasty and prone to mistakes. Victims may get a chance to shout before they're subdued. Their bindings are often loose. The rooms they're left in often have one or more other occupants. Escape is quite possible, especially with a little teamwork. The police are on the case, as well, and they're not picky about the help they'll accept. Newcomers can assist the cops in tracking down and freeing people as well, and help from already escaped victims is especially valuable.

But not everyone is opposed to this operation. Sufficiently motivated newcomers may also be recruited to assist the kidnappers. It's dangerous work, but the profits are high and the connections one makes in the process are invaluable.

Between the police and the assistance from newcomers most victims will be freed shortly after they're kidnapped. For those that aren't, the kidnappers will be stopped as they try to leave town and any remaining victims will be rescued at that time.

OOC

Hello, and welcome to the very first TDM for Yoshiwara Nights! Use this post to voice test characters, decide who you want to app, and get a feel for the game and your fellow potential players.

Events of the TDM may be kept as game canon. Once you're accepted you can submit a five comment thread of your character pulling people out of the river (Arrival), assisting the kidnapping victims (Later That Night), or assisting the kidnappers (Later That Night) to gain bonus reputation with your starting faction, the police, or an unknown third faction, respectively.

Reserves will open on February 3rd! Our schedule for the next few weeks can be found here. If you haven't already please make yourself familiar with our information pages.

If you have any questions about the TDM prompts please direct them here. You can also follow us on Plurk at yoshiwara for further updates.

Comments

Mammon - Katekyo Hitman Reborn - ota

[avidita]

A - Arrival v1

In quick order, the shock of water quickly becomes a secondary thing from the second that Mammon becomes aware of it. For one thing, their first thought is that it must be an illusion of some sort, that they're under attack- and to believe in an illusion is to lose to it. But that's not the most alarming thing... Far from it. Instead, as they try to move their limbs, things feel- wrong. For more years than they've wanted to bear, they've been stuck in a body with too small proportions. But this, this...

As embarrassing as it is, the shock leaves them fine prey to being hauled up from the water. Frankly, although they'd sooner bite off their tongue than admit it, they have to say that it's probably for the better. They couldn't fight against river currents in the form of a child, and their current body is too... They need some time.

Some people who've been deposited onto dry land might see the petite figure wobbling about. With their hood down and just under 5 feet tall, soaked like a sewer rat, Mammon looks particularly vulnerable as they test one foot after the other cautiously. It's as if they're just learning to walk for the first time.

For anyone who doesn't approach in concern, that's fine. Mammon will make their way on their own time and ask bluntly, "Have you seen a large frog with red eyes around?"

B - Arrival v2

With Fantasma retrieved and feeling a little dryer, Mammon doesn't waste any time. This sort of reversal of the curse should have taken years. They have a lot of questions for their so-called "rescuers"... but Mammon can recognize a time and place. For now, it's time to put some of their teamwork skills to use, and prove themself a valuable ally.

So, for those who've found themselves flailing in the water, they'll soon see a boat coming towards them. Mammon can't row by themself- and it's doubtful they'd be allowed to by the people who actually own them- but they have a light and good eyes. "Here!" they call, setting it down and soon stretching out an oar to whatever sucker is threatening to drown.

And is it just that same sucker who feels a strange push to their back...? Don't worry about it. Worry about the drowning.

C - Loose Change

One of the handy things about Fantasma is that, due to decades of experimentation, she's become a very handy when it comes to sensing changes of a particularly... supernatural sort, one could say. Anything outside the regular. Usually, that's the notice of other potent illusionists, or anything else strange. However, Mammon has come to learn that, in this place, other things might get her attention...

Which is why when the fat frog on their shoulder starts stamping her feet once Mammon heads for that coin, the illusionist stops. Instead of picking it up, they looks around for a handy stooge and put on a non-offensive look.

"Excuse me, that coin is mine. Could you give it to me?" They'll see what happens next.

D - Hot Chocolate (potential porn option!)

For those who were just hoping for a nice bit of hot chocolate, well... They've been shoved into a booth where there's already someone waiting. Mammon seems almost bored as they thumb through the book that's been left for them... which is sure an expression to have considering that one might also notice the sounds of sex around them.

This doesn't seem to bother them at all. Instead, the illusionist just passes a glance at their newfound company. "Oh, hello." Their gaze flickers back to the book. "So, what sort of fetish do you have?"

[ooc: Note that this can be as hilarious or sexy or both as you want. If you're purposefully gunning to immediately play out smut, just let me know and I can help steer the thread that way! Mammon is nonbinary, but their illusions can bullshit any sort of genitals, so just let me know if you have a preference. Mammon is legal, they're just extremely short.]

E - Later That Night

It's not particularly important how Mammon gets roped into a little... extracurricular activities. All that matters is that their ability to be subtle and work well with a team has been noted, or perhaps they're just lucky. Either way, it's a good chance to make some more money and possibly develop another persona...

So anyone walking late at night will find themselves being approached by what looks like a younger girl with her hair done up in braided loops and wearing pale blue clothing. She's the utter look of innocence and anxiety as she peers up from beneath her eyelashes. "Ex... Excuse me? Could you help me, please...? I'm lost..."

[ooc: If anyone wants to get kidnapped, Mammon is totally your person!]

D - Starting Gen

[megaenvy]

Hustled in, a cup of hot cocoa thrust in front of her, the hooded woman was pushed towards a seat and the curtain finally drawn. She let out a tiny huff that was close to a sigh, gloved hands wrapping around the cup when she seemed to become aware that she was not alone in the little space. This person was speaking to her, looking at a book and asking a question that would have made most people squack in a bit of umbrage. It was a really personal question, after all.

She, however, said nothing for a second, breathing in the scent of her cocoa before setting it down. "Analyzing... Testing... Experimenting?" It was like she was trying to think of which word was correct. Her voice was high pitched, girlish for a woman in her twenties. Finally she almost smiled and nodded. "Experimenting." It looked like she had settled on an answer. And, since they were speaking out of a book why shouldn't she continue to pay the favor forward?

"And... what do you have?"

[avidita]

Well, now, wasn't that an upfront answer? Mammon had admittedly wanted to rile a random stranger, but they had to admit that this was just as amusing to deal with. Their lips quirked up in a faint smile and the inclined their head. "Let's see... 'Experimentation' of its own sort, I suppose. Keeping in control and seeing how far one can push or drag things out... They're a little bit similar, I suppose."

To hell with it. This is enough to have earned their name. "I'm Mammon. I take it you're a scientist?" And already more tolerable than Verde, amazing.

[megaenvy]

She listened to Mammon in a detached sort of way, holding her cup up so that she could let the steam rise in front of her gaze. The warmth flowing over her legs beneath her skirt was nice. It felt good to get the chill out of her bones. She was dressed more for the comparative warmth of the Hoenn summer, not to mention the season had still been quite warm when she'd been whisked away thanks to Groudon's interference. So, the kotetsu was appreciated.

The answer she received was filed away in her mind. Control, of pleasure? Sensation? Experience? She could see the appeal, and certainly she understood controlling people. "Researcher..." There were always these little pregnant pauses in the way that she spoke, her tone halting. It was like she was always thinking about something. A sip and she found a giggle bubbling into her throat. "...More applied than pure theory."

Science for its own sake was, after all, a waste of a good mind. It was meant to be acted upon.

[avidita]

With the chill in the air, it wasn't like anyone was honestly in a rush to go anywhere, and Mammon had enough patience to spare. It had been a talent they'd had to cultivate over the decades, for a variety of matters. There had been the matter of sharpening their illusion, and then working through the curse... Although, perhaps the most important test of their patience had been when they joined the Varia. Bickering over to impress the Boss, adopting a small child with as good a tendency for assassination as his bad personality, the Boss himself...

In contrast, a researcher with not stunning social skills was the least troublesome thing to deal with. In fact, if anything, it was almost a vacation.

"There's no point if it isn't applied," they agreed easily enough. "Although I suppose it would be interesting to see it applied as a fetish."

[megaenvy]

She looked at him, briefly a hint of surprise in her eyes. Did he understand what he was suggesting? After all, most of her experiments involved pokemon and he was suggesting the use of her experiments as a fetish in and of themselves. Did people do that? No, no, of course there was bound to be someone who did. There were perverse people everywhere, though she doubted that they made it public knowledge, even with all the fascination for a gardevoir's supposed beauty.

She giggled and put her hands up to her face. No, no, he couldn't be that perverse. But it was still amusing. "I ... do not think... would approve. But... interesting. You are right, though... research meant to be applied."

"Without advancement... futility."

[avidita]

That's certainly a response, but informative in its own way. That didn't stop Mammon from huffing faintly. "You could share the joke, you know..." Not like it was important, but still. Their pride wasn't as bad as Squalo's, but it was still pretty notable. Still, with their former reputation meaning nothing, somehow that made it... not as annoying.

It was almost like being young again. Funny.

"What do you research in particular, then?" Since they still have a lot of their own cup to go through, they might as well talk while working through it.

E

[im_gonna_heal_u]

Konoka blinked as she was approached, stopping for the seemingly lost girl. Given their hair and dress style standing out, Konoka figured that they were an 'off-worlder' like herself, so it seemed believable, right?

"I don't know how much help I would be given that I'm a little lost myself," Konoka admitted. But she gives a reassuring smile and offers a hand. "But c'mon, we can find a way to safety." Just as long as they don't go into any place obviously dangerous, then they should be good, right?

[avidita]

"Thank you so much!" Smiling in apparent gratitude, the girl hurries over to accept the hand offered. "I thought I was on the right path, but there was an accident, I think... There were too many people, and I couldn't get through. I thought I knew a shortcut, but..." Her head droops. "I just made myself more lost."

Meanwhile, from within the illusion, Mammon observes their target. It's good that was gone with so easily... Some of the other 'newcomers' who've arrived have turned out to be a lot more sharp and untrusting... including themself. Still, the whole event seems utterly randomized. That means not everyone so suspicious... which works out well for those with unscrupulous means, or who are looking to make a quick yen. Hopefully it continues to turn out in their favor.

[im_gonna_heal_u]

"Ah," Konoka nodded in understanding with a smile and an almost-laugh. The long-haired brunette shrugs as if in understanding. "That can happen in an entirely new place... or an old place if you're disoriented enough. So... where are you staying?"

Though Konoka holds a lot of magic, she was still training in it, and thus wasn't able to see through Mammon's illusion. Though still, there's at least one thing that makes Konoka wonder. "Are your parents around?"

[avidita]

"I'm staying with my older sister and a friend of hers. Oh- I'm sorry." The girl smiles up at Konoka. "I'm Danya. We live in an apartment together, although it's not really the best..." She rubs her hand along her neck. "It's in the North district. But it fits all three of us, so that's nice."

They just need to get to somewhere seedy enough, honestly.... Fortunately, Mammon has a building in mind ahead of time. They could outright mug her, like any common idiot, but that would draw too much attention. They have something more subtle in mind.

"You said you were lost too, didn't you? If you stayed at our apartment building, my sister could help you after she gets off work."

[im_gonna_heal_u]

"Oh! That sounds great!" Konoka smiled. She'd be able to get this girl home, and then safely get herself home before she stumbled into something she didn't need to! "I guess we need to find a map of some kind so we can get back North." She was staying in the North anyway, so to be honest she was likely home free the moment she managed to find this girl both back home and saw enough of the safe route.

Either way, she would start making her way back north, holding the girl's hand.

[avidita]

"It would definitely help." Even outside of this particular instance, Mammon had to admit. They had been growing familiar with the city on their own, relying on old skills they hadn't had to fall back on in ages... but a physical map would definitely be good, no matter how inaccurate it was. The only problem was money, really...

Oh well. They'd figure it out when they got there, in this particular instance. Meanwhile, the girl holding onto Konoka's hand swung it idly. "I wonder if there are any stores with maps even open this late at night... Before we get to the north district."

D - Two can play at that game.

[hantale]

It's with a curious, light step that the nature spirit finds themselves directed to a booth, a bit hesitant around so many people, but much more comfortable once they're inside. Nice, it looked cozy! Sound dampening curtains, a neat little table, a hot mug of this 'cocoa' drink they had tried. Though there's also a detail that stands out the most. Another person, mostly obscured by clothes and sitting on the other side.

Thanks to the spaciousness of each booth, the noise dampening curtains, and some idle music playing overhead (wow, what a marvel!) The sounds of sex have been drowned out, or at least limited to barely noticeable. Though if one tried to hear it...

"Oh? Why hello... Sorry, I didn't expect to be seated with anyone." Between the two of them, there's a lot to take in visually. Their eyebrow perks up at the second question, vertical pupuls narrowing to a slit in the light. Are their eyes shining a little, or is that just a reflection? Who knows.

"Fetish? My... You humans sure are a curious bunch. I haven't had too many chances to explore like that... but getting the teeth involved for a bit of biting is always fun, no?" They're speaking Japanese, sure, but the accent is very off. It's softer and a bit more slurred, with an ancient musical tone. "And what about you?"

Done answering questions, the fey can finally start to take a few more sips at their hot chocolate, unable to stop a smile from curling onto their lips whenever they set it down. It's sweet and earthy at the same time, how lovely.

[avidita]

Well, what an interesting answer that they hadn't been expecting... at least, if he's telling the truth and not merely the type to also yank people around by the chain. Once upon a time, Mammon would have dismissed the statement as something that simply been understood yet, but whose speaker was still understandably human. However, they've... seen a lot of things in the time they've been alive, and a great deal of things they've seen in the last couple of years have really had them reconsider some things.

So they merely take a pause, absorbing not only the statement but also the particular tilt of the man's Japanese, before inclining their head.

"Oh, a few things," they say, and leave it at that. It's not a big secret or anything, although they're greatly apathetic to most things despite being perfectly able to do them or find pleasure in them. Money is a good motivator. "If you find such things curious, you'll be interested to know it was simply a... recommended icebreaker." Their fingers tap along their book, in a row and just once. "They leave rather interesting books here."

[hantale]

A few things. One arm shifts up, resting their elbow on the table and fixing their gaze on the stranger, a mock, playful pout on their lips. "That's hardly an answer, you know." Nothing makes them more curious than information deliberately withheld. The return question was merely to be polite, but now Fran genuinely wanted to know.

Those unnatural (For a human, at least) eyes blinked over to the book, considering it for a moment before simply ignoring it. They enjoyed books, but people were a much more interesting thing to study, and they had found a rather curious one right here. Even the slowly building buzz of warmth through their body from the drink wasn't enough to distract them yet.

"Perhaps I'll give them a read later. For now... I'd like to know more about you. Such as who you are~" There's a soft trill to their tone, the room around them seems to go still. Perhaps a bit of 'convincing' would help loosen their lips and calm them down. Some very light fey magic to leave their soul feeling more relaxed. It's subtle magic, meant to draw the gaze in, to make Fran look friendlier and more welcoming to those that are hesitant, maintained mostly through eye contact if they can maintain it. "Why not... open up a little?"

Go on, play this game with them.

[avidita]

"Hardly an answer is still, technically, an answer," Mammon quips back, letting the book rest along the ground while propping their chin up on interlaced fingers. Honestly, it's not that big a deal, because they're certainly not shy. If they were, then they wouldn't be asking strangers about their fetishes. Sometimes, however... Sometimes it's simply fun to play hard to get.

So they smirk at him, ignoring the lazy warmth that was in their own body as well, and ponder how much of the truth to tell. 'Who they are' is such a complicated question, after so long with so many different names that have passed through their life.

"That's hardly any fun for me," they say, raising up one finger from its position to press up against their lips. "I get paid for secrets, after all. I don't suppose you have anything of value to trade for the privilege...?" Yes, this might just be them being difficult... but why not? Maybe their mood will get better and they'll offer it for free. Or maybe they'll get lucky and actually get something in return. There's no harm in trying.

[hantale]

A brief, playful smile appears on the nymph's lips, conceding that they were right. If they're playing hard sell, then Fran will play along, they have time. The mug is lifted, taking a few slow sips as if deliberately delaying the other's question.

"That depends, what do you consider valuable? Secrets are normally my thing." Hmmm, their magic doesn't appear to be having much effect. How odd. Is it even working in this new world? It should be... "Humans like to trade for coin, yes? I'm afraid I only have a little of that on me. But I wasn't expecting to find myself in a river, either. I'm not sure what else I could offer."

Fran had been trying to get a read on the other's gender, in the meantime, scanning over their figure and facial features with little luck. It seemed neither of them were very obvious.

[avidita]

Alright, that earns a faint huff of laughter. "Coin is a very useful thing," they agree, "although I guess we've made it that way." But now that people are so far into using it, well, there's hardly any reason to go back. It works for them just fine, too. Money is much easier to hoard than anything else. Which is why it's so annoying that they'll have to work themselves up once again...

It doesn't escape them how keenly they're being investigated in the meanwhile, which isn't a particularly abnormal reaction. They can remember it happening a lot, back when they were younger and more independent, not tied down to the Varia. Still, that's something they can use in this little game, isn't it? Reaching up, they take a bit of their hood inbetween two fingers and lightly tug on it.

"How about secrets for secrets? I'm interested in the kind you know." The details probably won't be relevant in such a new place... but it can be a good foundation for other things in the future, possibly.

E

[sharktrash]

It's definitely the ability to be subtle.

Squalo isn't exactly expecting to see Mammon here. That, and they usually hold themselves differently, dress differently, and look about four feet shorter, so at first he doesn't even bother to get a proper look at the young girl, just sort of glancing out of the corner of his eye, which in turn means that he doesn't immediately recognize his old sort-of-friend even if he might have under different circumstances.

"Do I look like a fucking information stand to you?" It's more brisk than volatile; he must be preoccupied with something more important.

Like kidnapping hapless newbies.

...

"On a second thought --"

[avidita]

That's the good thing about illusions: they work very well as surprise attacks. Too unexpected, too fast, and they can affect just about anyone unless they're superhuman freaks. (They're not going to say the two names which spring to mind, Reborn and fucking Fon.) It's good to experiment on even their coworkers sometimes, just to remind them of how even Varia quality can be affected if they're absentminded enough.

That's their excuse when Squalo eventually sees through the illusion, anyway. If it's sometimes amusing to fuck with their coworkers, well, it's what they deserve.

They're close to leaving him right now, however, just to mock tease him later about it when he suddenly seems to change his mind. The "young girl" hesitates, taking a step back and looking up with those wide ol' eyes. "What is it, Mister?" they ask in their best Clueless Damsel voice. Which, with illusions backing it up, is a pretty good voice.

[sharktrash]

Squalo does his best to grin in a non-threatening way. It is, naturally, unsuccessful. Just like the way he 'reassuringly' lands a hand on the girl's shoulder except he's totally gripping it to keep her put. "Well, if you really want me to take you to mommy --"

This is where he finally gets a proper look. Mammon is good, the best, actually, no matter what some second-rate greenhorns may think of themselves, but Squalo doesn't have the stamp of Varia Quality for nothing either. He recognizes the Flames first, realizing what he needs to look for, and then finally tunes out the illusion layer.

His hold on the other relaxes as he rolls his eyes. This is embarrassing. "Fuck."

[avidita]

Just like that, the wide eyed guileless look is exchanged for a warped little smile, and they tilt their chin up at Squalo. "Now now, is that the kind of language to use around a little girl, sir?"

Yeah, it wouldn't be the Varia if they didn't give each other shit over every minor fuck up, would it? Besides, Squalo at least knows Mammon won't be quite as annoying about it. It's why they got such a good paycheck. From somewhere inside the illusion, and quite possibly Mammoon's clothes, there's a familiar ribbit.

Fantasma says 'hi'.

[sharktrash]

That's much more like it. Though it's just a bit creepy that Mammon apparently intends to continue with the game. Was anyone watching? He could play along. Whatever.

"Hey, I'm being fucking PG here," he retorts, crossing his arms with a huff. Nobody's ever stopped swearing for Bel when he was eight, and he sure wasn't going to do that just because he's (theoretically) ran into some kid. He answers the ribbit with a small smirk. "What the hell are you doing in this place? Actually, what am I? Know anything?"

[avidita]

Bel attempted to murder his brother when he was eight, so can they really count on Bel for any sort of standard besides assassin? Either way, Mammon relaxes besides Squalo. It'll be fine if they keep this illusion on and at the ready, in case they spot an actual target that isn't a coworker.

"Well, I'm doing a job, of course." Gotta make that cash. But they know that's not really what Squalo is asking about. They begin to walk along, gesturing for him to follow. They'll catch him up while they work... And an additional illusion will keep them from being easily overheard. "But I am working on gathering as much intelligence as I can... You recall what sort of nuisance power that Byakuran has, don't you?" As if being able to connect to different universes and timelines is just a pain in the ass instead of a very powerful ability...