[Masao Ando]

Another day at campus meant another day working away at her workshop. The third year support students had been assigned specific projects to work on for the week, meaning she was spending less time in class and more time working on her own. The only problem was she wasn't sure what she should make and document as her project. Usually commissions for her weapons were a bit backed up, but due to her rigorous schedule she was actually ahead for once, and it would feel like a waste if she made a weapon and no one wielded it.

That was why she started the week by posting up flyers around campus, making sure to advertise her services in noticeboards and by posting online in school related chatrooms. Once she was done spreading the word she went to get her supplies and brought them back to the workshop. With the materials secured, all she needed was an idea of what to shape the metals into.

She walked over to her workbench where she kept her schematics and looked through them one more time. A spear? A dagger? An axe? There weren't too many weapon wielders in the school she hadn't already met... Unless there were more swordsmen? Swords were popular, heck, she had fashioned one for herself already and while she could make another for herself that almost seemed overindulgent when she wasn't interested in the art of dual-wielding. Taking out her phone, she texted Enma for advice while she waited.

She had posted up her working hours so anyone that saw the flyers or her posts online would know where to find her and when she was available. Now it was just a matter of waiting...

Momoiro Sakurai

[Momoiro Sakurai]

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🌸 Masao Ando 🌸

Notes Here

because they fall we love them

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When Momoiro was traveling the world, they never had a need to keep a sword on hand. Beyond the fact that getting through airport security with one would be impossible, Momoiro had no interest in using one. The brief stint as a traveler was a vacation from the family's expectations, so the last thing they wanted was to have a grim reminder at their side. Now that they were at U.A. though...Well, Momoiro couldn't imagine that a bamboo sword was going to cut it. [break][break]

Getting a sword from their family would be quite trivial, but Momoiro had done their research. U.A. isn't just a place to learn how to be a hero. It's a place to start networking with future colleagues. It'd do them well to start forming potential business connections as soon as possible. Thus, Momoiro decided to get all of their equipment from fellow students. [break][break]

Lucky for them, finding one willing to forge them a sword was easy what with all the advertisements posted around campus. "Ando Masao..." [break][break]

---

Momoiro made their way to the Support Labs, following the directions left on the flyer. Opening the door, Momoiro knocked on the doorframe to announce their presence. "Hello? Is this Ando-san's lab? I was hoping to commission a sword."[break][break]

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[Masao Ando]

Masao was in the middle of moving a crate of materials, having donned her armor quirk to boost her strength when Momoiro walked in. She looked in their direction, her expression stoic, but otherwise intrigued by having a guest stop by her place. ''The very same. If you need a sword then you have come to the right place.'' She hoisted the crate up a bit, putting it away before turning to the new student, making her armor quirk disappear in the blink of an eye to reveal the dirty blacksmith's apron she was wearing over her student inform. ''Third year support student, Ando Masao, at your service.'' She bowed formally, her intense green eyes looking back at them. She didn't mean to, but due to how bad she was at expressing her emotions she was often misunderstood or came across as a bit tense. ''To whom do I owe the pleasure?'' She waited patiently for their reply before straightening her back again.

''I specialize not just in swords, but bladed weaponry.'' She started pacing, indicating one of the walls with her hand that contained a weapon rack with a myriad of weapon prototypes. ''Axes, daggers, chakrams, kunai, shuriken, tridents and so on.'' She stopped and turned to face them again. ''A sword is a trivial matter depending on the request. You need not know exactly what the sword you are commissioning is capable of, but I would like for you to elaborate on your commission. What do you hope to accomplish with the sword I make for you. Do you have any special features in mind?''

Momoiro Sakurai

[Momoiro Sakurai]

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🌸 Masao Ando 🌸

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because they fall we love them

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Momoiro straightened out their uniform and assumed a rigid posture. "First Year, Department of Heroes, Sakurai Momoiro. It's nice to meet you," he bowed.[break][break]

They followed their introduction, taking extra care to appraise Masao's weapon collection. At a glance, Momoiro could tell that they were certainly well crafted from an aesthetic point of view. Aesthetics were very important for a hero to stand out and gather a following. If Masao's weapons were as sharp as they were beautiful, then Momoiro had no fear that he was about to compromise on quality for the sake of networking. [break][break]

"Well, I was hoping for an ōdachi. I'd like for it to be something sharp, but also light enough that it won't be unruly for me to wield. Equally as important as the blade itself, however, is the scabbard. Swords are quite dangerous, and I'd prefer not to swing a real one if I can help it. I was thinking a sturdy scabbard that won't come loose, so I can use the sheathed blade like a normal kendo sword." [break][break]

While Momoiro may have growned up with a sword in their hand, they had never had to hold an actual blade against someone. Anytime Momoiro had a real sword, it was simply to feel its literal and metaphorical weight. All of Momoiro's practical combat experience came from using a bamboo version. While they would've preferred to continue using one, hero work is dangerous, and a bamboo sword won't cut it if they found themselves facing a real threat. [break][break]

They stepped forward into the room, bringing with them the scent of cherry blossom season. "I'm used to wielding a bamboo sword, but that's only about half the weight of the real deal, and that's not accounting for the weight of the scabbard. Ideally, I'd like to keep it as light as possible, but I also don't want to compromise its power and durability...What would your expert opinion be, Ando-san?"[break][break]

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[Masao Ando]

''A first year?'' Her expression softened a bit, but she was still undeniably stoic. ''I hope you find the school to your liking, Sakurai-san.'' That might explain why she didn't recognize them. Being in her third year, and a support student at that there were a lot of hero students she didn't get the chance to collaborate with. She crossed her arms as Momoiro explained what it was they were looking for. A sharp sword, yet one that could also remain dull when needed. As a concept that was simple enough for a smith like her, but their vision for it was incredibly intriguing to her. Enough so that she was already onboard and itching to make it.

''I see, you are used to wielding lighter weapons?'' They were probably more of a dexterous and fast fighter like her then. ''The way you describe it, an ōdachi with a scabbard that can also be weaponized is a trivial matter for someone like me. I commend you on the idea. A sword that can cut when you need it to, yet be blunt when the damage you need to inflict ought to be non-lethal, most swordsmen at the school do not get such ideas until late into their enrollment.'' Was this hinting at Momoiro having some latent potential? It was too early to say, after all this was just their first conversation, but they were making a strong first impression.

''As to the actual details of how we achieve this... There are many ways we can go about it.'' She picked up a prototype ōdachi from the weapon rack and held it in her hands. ''My suggestion, for not only practicality, but also ease of use, is to install a mechanism that fastens the scabbard to the blade. Think of it like a gun holster, but much more efficient.'' She looked for a moment, before fetching a scabbard that fit the prototype so she could demonstrate. ''With a simple click, you would be able to alternate between whether your scabbard is not only fastened to your side, but attached to your weapon.'' She pointed to the side of the hilt where the mechanism would most likely be. ''The downside is that drawing your sword might feel cumbersome at first, but through practice you will be learn to draw it in two ways.'' She held up two fingers. ''Lethal and non-lethal mode. The names aren't final, but they sufficiently describe what I mean. Simply draw the ōdachi with its blade or scabbard depending on the situation you find yourself in. With a secure scabbard, you can also fight at your utmost without worrying about the scabbard suddenly flying off the blade.'' Phew, that was a lot of talking, hopefully they were still following. ''What are your thoughts on this design?''

Momoiro Sakurai

[Momoiro Sakurai]

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🌸 Masao Ando 🌸

Notes Here

because they fall we love them

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Before even approaching Masao, Momoiro ran through several scenarios of how the exchange would likely go. After filtering out all of the ridiculously unlikely and negative scenarios out of their mind, Momoiro approached Masao with a mental script all written out. While the shower of praise was unexpected, nothing about their interaction was unpleasant. They breathed a sigh of relief, feeling all of that pressure they put on themselves ease up.[break][break]

"Thank you for your praise. I think that's a fine idea, Ando-san." they bowed.[break][break]

Of course, Momoiro had a few reservations. For one, they trained their whole life a certain way, and within a very specific sword weight range. Getting used to the new weight—which Momoiro could only imagine would be heavier than what they were used to—was one thing, but there was also the matter of whatever trigger mechanism she decided to install on their sword. That was an entire extra step that they'd have to get used to. Still, it was a minor inconvenience and one that Momoiro could overcome with enough training. And while it probably would've been fine to voice those concerns, they elected to keep it to themselves on account of not being able to think of an alternative and not wanting to come off as too unreasonable or demanding.[break][break]

There was also another matter that Momoiro was concerned with: aesthetics. Beyond the fact that Momoiro admired works of art, it was important that a hero have a cohesive aesthetic for marketability purposes. Marketability means recognition and recognition means success. Again, they elected to hold those concerns back for similar aforementioned reasons.[break][break]

"I believe that whatever you make, I'm sure I will be more than happy with. Thank you for generosity," they bowed again.

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[Masao Ando]

''I see.'' She smirked, turning back to the weapon rack. They were very agreeable, which made processing their commission all the more easy. She was so used to pushback, or her clients requiring something hyper specific that may or may not be feasible, but Momoiro was not only reasonable, they were entirely realistic with what they were looking to get. ''Let me draw up a quick sketch for you.'' She took a large piece of paper and a pen and put it on one of her work tables in the center. ''What we are looking at is most likely something like this.''

She quickly sketched up the scabbard at first, it was devoid of details, but it gave a good idea of the outline. Then she moved on to the ōdachi, once more finishing up a rudimentary version of what the final product would look like. ''How does this look? Making you a lighter weapon without sacrificing power will be quite easy, but there is one thing which we've yet to discuss, namely design.'' Something just as critical, if not more than the function itself. ''A warrior's soul is expressed in several parts. Their spirit, their weapon, and their looks.'' She looked over Momoiro. ''You strike me as the type who is familiar with aesthetics and fashion, Sakurai-san, do you have any preferences for the look of your weapon? Whatever vision you have in mind, I will do what I can to fulfill it.'' She fetched her own sword, Rosaria, which had a handle that looked like a red rose, with the blade coming out of the top of it. ''I myself use a rose aesthetic. It is the shared theme of all my weapons.'' She waited expectantly for their response, hoping that Momoiro would reply with something interesting.

Momoiro Sakurai

[Momoiro Sakurai]

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🌸 Masao Ando 🌸

Komorebi is a Japanese aesthetic that refers to the beauty of the light filtering through the trees.

because they fall we love them

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Momoiro had no real strong opinion of Masao's sketch. It was just that: a sketch. It was simple, generic, and lacking any sort of defining aesthetic characteristics that Momoiro oh so very much adored. At best, they could commend the mechanical skill that went into drawing it. The lines were straight, and the ratios looked correct to their eye. "Ah, I see. Yes, that all looks correct," they nodded, gripping their chin.[break][break]

"Hahah..." they laughed awkwardly. "I do, do I?" they smiled in response to Masao's comment about how they looked like someone concerned with aesthetics. Part of Momoiro's doubt and insecurity wondered if that was a subtle jab at them or if there was no malice meant behind it. Momoiro hated to assume malice where there where was none, but a more pessimistic part of them couldn't help but think that it was entirely possible. Nonetheless, they tried to brush it off and not dwell on those thoughts for very long.[break][break]

"W-well, uhh," Momoiro nervously rolled their eyes to to the side, gripping their side with one hand, while gently nibbling on their index finger. "Well, I'm, uh, partial to something that complements my quirk. So...Not to sound like I'm trying to copy your style, but yes a flower-based aesthetic." [break][break]

Momoiro held their hand out, which was a bit clammy now from all of the sudden anxiety, and activated their quirk to let petals bloom in the formation of a large cherry blossom the size of their palm. "I think white, pink, or pastel blue would be appropriate complementary colors. Maybe a white blade, so that it shines through all of the pink...L-like komorebi!" Momoiro lifted their hand up and sent the petals up toward the ceiling, arranging them randomly to cover the ceiling lights such that little rays of light could filter through.

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[Masao Ando]

''Indeed, there are multiple types of battles you will need to prepare yourself for on the field. It is not just fights for power, or will. You understand the battle of aesthetics. That makes you better than simple brutes who simply swing a weapon around with no regard for who they are or where they came from.'' It was meant only as a compliment, but with how serious she was while talking about it, it might not come across easily.

''Is that so?'' She smirked at their nervousness. ''Please, I do not have a patent on the flower-based aesthetic. Besides, I only focus on roses because that same pattern adorns my armor.'' And the much deeper secret, the fact that she just really liked flowers even if she rarely had the time to go into nature and admire them. She looked on in wonder and amazement as they demonstrated their power. A vibrant cherry blossom, undeniably striking and unique. Momoiro would have a hell of an easy time advertising and distinguishing themself as a hero later on. ''Magnificent, your power upon first inspection appears so delicate, and yet you wield a sword and take to the frontlines.'' Her head was already getting filled with all sorts of ideas for how it could look, what colors to mix and match with their approval. She turned to look at the ceiling as the petals scattered, taking in the shifting lights for a moment. ''That can certainly be arranged.'' She realized she was kind of dozing off in the moment and turned to face Momoiro again, clearing her throat. ''I can have it finished in a couple of days, would that suffice?''

Momoiro Sakurai

[Masao Ando]

She offered the student a small wave as they exited her workshop. ''Stop by this time in a couple of days, your sword will be ready for the training grounds by then. Any final tweaks or additions I can add after a practical test.''

And just like that she had secured herself another customer. She had to admit it was a relief to know that people were still interested in her craft, especially since getting into advertising during her first year as a support student had proven to be a steep learning curve. She was neither social, nor appeared friendly at a glance. Add to that, she was from a prestigious and rich family, all of this was bound to alienate her, and yet, somehow, she was managing. Taking it one step at a time.

She took a sip of water and a short break before she got to work drawing up the exact estimates and materials she needed, then she fired up the forge and got to work.

Momoiro Sakurai

[Jinx]

☆ MISSION SUCCESS ☆

Roses aren't the only ones carrying thorns~
Great thread you two!

+ 5,000 EXP!!

Masao: 25,500 // 30,500

tag: Masao Ando,Momoiro Sakurai