Stealth Mission (Locked to minipancake)

[undyingcrow]

It was embarrassing, the way that multiple children embarrassed Karasu when he declared his challenge. In hindsight, he should have expected it. It was a public challenge, where everyone could see it. He did so specifically to make his intentions clear and to make an impact.

Which he did, obviously. Just not the impact he desired.

Goro Akechi has endured more defeats than he'd care to admit, and some damning ones, at that. Pancakes, spicy takoyaki... yet somehow, being verbally pummeled by a thirteen year old ranks above all the rest.

But it is what it is, and he can do little but move forward, anticipating his next move. His first stop? Daidara Metalworks, naturally. Untouchable's wares are useful enough in the Metaverse, but why pass up the opportunity to test a real saber? As he steps inside, he examines the various swords and katana with one hand beneath his chin.

He hears the door subtly shut behind him, but initially pays it no mind. Still, he'd be a fool to completely lower his guard, so he's listening all the same.

Comments

[minipancake]

"She said." This last is less certain. He becomes hesitant.

"Ken said she could be trusted. My Ken, I mean. He lives at the Iwatodai dorm with me. And Haru-san likes her. I mean, she really likes her. And as for Crow..."

Crow had insisted Mitsuru-san would help him. And, to all appearances, she has. Dr Sonomura had begun to pick apart the wall of mistrust that surrounds him, in their short time together. But, perhaps led a little by Magpie, Wagtail thinks Crow is just a little naïve.

[undyingcrow]

"Do you not trust Crow's judgment?" It's not an especially pointed question. It's just interesting to pick up on that hesitance.

[minipancake]

"Of course I do." Perfectly even, without hesitation, looking Karasu right in the eye; a flawless lie. He trusts Crow as much as he trusts any adult, which is not entirely.

[undyingcrow]

Flawless, certainly, but Karasu is Goro Akechi. If anyone could tell... "It's all right if you don't. I won't tell him."

[minipancake]

He holds Karasu's eye for a long moment, defiant, then deflates, looking down. "I trust him to do what he thinks is the right thing. He's come through for me and the others, over and over."

But. But, but, but.

[undyingcrow]

"Even so, you're allowed to have doubts. You're allowed to remain skeptical, when this turn in your life is still so recent." And maybe he hasn't heard that yet. Maybe he needs to hear it.

Karasu's voice is soft, subdued. No edge, no judgment.

[minipancake]

But, perhaps unsurprisingly, it's the soft tone that makes Wagtail's head snap up with sudden mistrust. "Yeah. I guess so."

Pulling his bags to him, he starts to scrape his leftover beef bowl into the pot provided. Time to go.

[undyingcrow]

"Leaving so soon?" Well, they have had quite the lengthy conversation, so Karasu won't push it. He does watch, but he remains seated for now.

[minipancake]

"Well, I can't take up your afternoon forever. You know how it is." The smile is still automatic, bright and shining like a mirror. Karasu probably sees himself in it.

He takes one bag in each hand, and gets ready to go. Some help would be nice, but he'll text Raven. "Thank you for talking to me. I'll think about what you've said."

No, really, he will.

[undyingcrow]

He does, all too well. It's a smile he's worn many times. A mask so tight, he can still feel it against his skin.

"Take your time. I'm sure that Crow and the others have their own perspectives as well."