fullthottle | WEEK 6: THIS ISN'T A STANDING OVATION IT'S RIGOR MORTIS

So we will be having a trial... hahaha. They really are determined to work and milk us for all we're worth, aren't they? I wonder if we'd even be able to focus on whatever happens Thursday night, with all this to consider as well.

[ but before he gets too preoccupied with the gallows humor again, kanesan continues with That, and, well, ]

. . . Izuminokami-san. I understand that would be the most noble option, but we don't know how we all came to be here in the first place, do we? If we let those of you on the other side become demons, who's to say you won't find your way back to our worlds anyway? [ ... and as he says that, something occurs to him. ] Perhaps that's why the ruins of the citadel appeared when you made the transition over—and the same for the rest of the deceased, as well.

[ he pauses, heavily considering something... ]

That first option—where all of us end up trapped here. Will we become demons in that scenario, as well?

[ the mention of the citadel sees kanesan's shoulders tense, grip tightening on the sword at his side as he averts his eyes for a moment. it's not important now - not enough to waste time on, so he refuses to think about it, and when he looks back, his gaze is as determined as ever. ]

There is no guarantee... and the note said nothing about the rest of you if you stay, but given how things have gone up to now, it would make sense that we would all become one of them, given enough time.

[ he shakes his head, frustrated. ]

But is it worth risking our worlds to take us back with you, or to remain here with us? If it's likely that they can get back to our worlds even if we're left behind, then the same risk applies if all of you stay as well.

[ it really does sound like they're doomed no matter what, huh... ]

. . . That is something that I alone cannot answer.

[ well, he can, but he doesn't feel like it's his place to do so. ]

Though... if there is one thing I feel I can say with certainty regarding all this, I highly doubt Higekiri-san will accept any option that separates him and Hizamaru-san. The very suggestion may drive him to take extreme measures...

[ basically "hige will fucking tpk to stay with hiza"... but again, something suddenly occurs to him. ]

... Wait. You said "all the ones who have been possessed." How many demons are among us now?

That is something we've discussed, yes. Hizamaru told me that he plans to ask Chuuya for a special sageo embued with magic, one he hopes will keep Higekiri from causing further damage for his sake. We don't know if it will work, but we've decided to explore every option we have.

And if that fails... [ there's a small smile. ] I'm sure Hizamaru will write to him, one final time, to ask for his brother's cooperation.

As for that... we don't know any more than you. There have been more than one demon in a week before, right? It can just as easily happen again.

... It frustrates me to say "I suppose we'll wait and see," but... after I bring the discussion to the other survivors, it's not as if we have much choice in the matter until Saturday, then.

[ he sighs, but once again shakes his head to offer him a smile. it's a more genuine one this time, the type he's used to seeing from nikkari. ]

Regardless, thank you once again for your help, Izuminokami-san. I, Nikkari Aoe, will make sure your hard work does not go to waste.

Ah—one last thing, if you have no other information for me. Have you noticed anything strange about Carlos-san and Polly-boo? Junpei mentioned someting about them being... off, when he last spoke with them. Well, Carlos-san, at least.

I trust that you will, Nikkari Aoe. We will be relying on you, on the other side.

[ the next question brings a frown to his face, and kanesan crosses his arms. ]

If it started this week, it's probably because of the information they found - what I just told you. Obviously neither of them were happy about any of it, and there have been a few... extreme reactions to it on our side that haven't helped.

WEEK 6: THIS ISN'T A STANDING OVATION IT'S RIGOR MORTIS

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