[Date Oshiro]

The fucken media rats of all people. Of all that Hojo has done for them and this is how they repay us? Date was really peeved. A pile a shit was put on her desk. A pile of shit she had nothing to do with. Some employee was blabbing too much at a bar. Talking about quirk experiments and let some details slip about when Hojo conducts these quirk experiments. The official line was always been that quirk experiments and studies were performed on consenting adults and were within the confines of Japanese law. The people that work on those experiments are sworn to secrecy. Each assignment was on a need to know basis and very limited AND YET! People couldn't shut up.

Some newby from Kyoto. A thing that she already had to deal with but that was delegated to someone less important. No, no, no. This journalist was here problem to deal with. A problem that could be either very easy or a massive pain in her backside. She would always hope it was the latter but she wouldn't have her job if she was doing easy jobs.

Sitting on Yamada's desk, she was waiting for the lawyer to arrive. Yamada would only be told that some documents needed signing urgently, hence why coming in at such a late hour. Clicking her tongue, she looked out of the opened window. Hojo corporate plaza. Full of buildings that Hojo owns or operates. The pride of Japan. The beacons of light. Date isn't going to let some journalist sully the name of the corporation and the family.

Sighing, she took another pull from her cigarette. What a miserable fucking night.

[tamaki]

Knowing how time sensitive business agreements and other things could be, especially for a company that was always doing something somewhere, Tamaki didn't mind coming in late to sign something. Sure, it had been a little bit of a hassle to swap out of relax-at-home mode and back into work mode, but she honestly hadn't had much going on this evening anyways. In a way, being a workaholic was kind of a blessing because she often found herself bored when she had absolutely no work to do.

None of that meant she was prepared to see a woman sitting on her desk, cigarette in hand, when she opened the door to her office.

Giving a start and nearly fumbling her keys, almost dropped the briefcase tucked under her arm, and the cup of tea she had in her other hand nearly spilled. But thankfully she barely managed to avoid dropping everything before giving the woman a wary attempt at a pleasant smile and composing herself. "Ah, excuse me, I seem to have forgotten we had a meeting scheduled...?" She was certain no meeting had been scheduled, and as she put her keys away in her suit pocket she was ready grab her taser if she needed to. Maybe it was the yakuza or someone that was less-than-pleased with the outcome of a case? She couldn't help the way her eyebrows furrowed in concern at that possibility, even as she tried to keep her expression calm. Somewhere in the back of her head she thought she had seen this woman before too, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

Date Oshiro,

[Date Oshiro]

Date's eyes followed the lawyer's movement precisely, tracking what she might be doing. The thermal vision was a very handy thing, especially if people had their hands on a concealed weapons. Like a taser for example. It probably was the standard issue. Something Date could shrug off but she would doubt it would come to that. Date was a very diplomatic person when it comes to loyal employees, something the data file scrolling past her eye was telling her. Lawyers like Tamaki are useful. Know enough to get shit done but not enough to bother the higher ups.

"Oh we do. I'm the paperwork you got called in to sign." Date smiled before flicking her fingers. The office door behind Tamaki locked. Perks of being logged into the system at all time.

Getting up from the desk, she gave Tamaki a small smile. "Date. Now. If you look up my name in the standard databases, we have the same employer. Standard manufacturing job." That was the normal cover for Date's office. Working on manufacturing plans. Something most people in Hojo would pay no mind to.

"I'm in the Counterintelligence Office. We clean up messes so no one has to worry about their jobs." Date paused before flicking a data shard at Tamaki. "Journo. Overheard a newby talking about some secret quirk experiments. Thinkin we are doing things wen't supposed to. Name is Kurosawa, Ai. Real peach. Want info on her and I know you have it. School acquaintance, right?" Data does her homework.

[tamaki]

The answer put Tamaki at ease enough to not worry about pulling out her taser, but it left her admittedly confused as she shifting her briefcase into her now free hand. The door clicking behind her was... ominous, but she would have locked the door for confidentiality anyways. Maybe it was a quirk, or just a remote key or some other piece of technology. Tamaki couldn't say, and honestly she didn't really care as long as she wasn't actually in any danger and this was just a late night case being brought to her. Why it was phrased as papers instead of telling her they were sending someone to her office would have made her huff in annoyance if she wasn't in front of someone. So instead just pushed her mild irritation aside to move over to the desk, setting her briefcase aside as she listened to what the woman - Date, as she introduced herself - explained.

"I see." She noted, and while she was listening she took a seat and got her computer up and running. She was mostly doing so for note taking and ease of any quick research she might need to be doing , but she did actually take a moment to confirm Date's identity in the company database. The data shard being tossed her way caught her by surprise, and this time her reflexes weren't good enough as it bounced off her hand. Thankfully it just fell into her lap instead of under the desk or anything, quickly retrieving it and clearing her throat as she once more composed herself and replied in a slow and measured tone as she tried to recall everything she could about her old classmate. "Kurosawa-san... Yes, I remember her." She gave a sigh as she glanced down at the data shard in her hand. "She's gotten into trouble over plagiarism, omitting details to make something more 'eye-catching', and outright fabricating her stories. Never really bothered with the 'investigative' side of journalism. We don't exactly get along, but last I heard she'd gone more straight-and-narrow after her most recent scandal blew up in her face."

Typing a few things out, she paused to glance up at Date as she took a sip of her tea. "If this was just a libel or slander case, they'd just email me. So I assume she's gotten this insider info and is making it look bad intentionally somehow? Or selling company info off to the highest bidder?"

[Date Oshiro]

Great. One of those types. Bleeding heart who has opinions on how Hojo does things. Those things were always annoying. If it was a openly malicious actor, Date could just do a hit and call it a day. No. These people would be noticed or missed if they go missing. They would just get replaced by another bleeding heart and the cycle continues. It was a frustration that she wished she would not have to deal with. Luckily, there was some new bills in the Diet that would make journalistic attacks on Hojo harder. "Alright, so spotty rep in the past. If she goes public, that be easy to bury. Our reputation would easily outweigh her's."

Data tapped her finger on her cigarette before jumping up from the desk. It was concerning to think about that someone might be leaking info. It has been a option that she considered but that wasn't her area. She probably could put Section 7 on that matter. They're good at finding internal leaks. "I'll get Section 7 on observing if there are any suspicious information packages or data being duplicated. They can at least find the internal." Data sighed, tapping her finger on her cigarette again.

"If she's selling info, it wouldn't be to other corpos. We have that stuff down pat. Plus with our relationship with UVS, it wouldn't be them trying to encroach on our markets. We'll keep an eye out on the news outlets as well." Date gave Tamaki a contemplative look, impatiently tapping her foot. "Could you get a meeting with Kurosawa? Nothing formal. Just going out for coffee or somethin?" Even if they didn't get along, it be a easy meeting for her to listen to.

[tamaki]

Tamaki kept her focus on the computer, giving a quick nod and a hum sound of agreement. When it came to reputation, Hojo was beloved for a reason and journalists were widely reviled for a reason. Which only made her even more certain that it was much more serious than just the usual slander cases that she could tackle in her sleep. Taking another sip of her tea, Date hopping off her desk gave her a little start even though she hadn't really leapt around the room or anything. Tamaki just was not used to the whole energy Date was giving off and between that and the late hours it was putting her on edge.

Composing herself, eyes watching a trail of ashes come off of Date's cigarette and making a mental note to get an ash tray for meetings with smokers in the future, Tamaki didn't have too much to say about Date's plan of action. She clearly had experience with her side of these kinds of things and Tamaki was just a lawyer that did personal investigations now and then, she didn't set up investigations so much as just cooperated with the investigators and helped use their findings in court. She did agree with Date's assessment though about it being unlikely to be sold to other corporations, drumming her fingers thoughtfully on the side of her cup. It didn't seem like there was any benefit to Kurosawa attempting to twist whatever leaked info she had gotten ahold of into slandering Hojo and the only thing Tamaki could think of personally was that it was some desperate attempt at boosting her career by 'defeating' a popular and powerful corporation.

"I can set something up." Tamaki pursed her lips in a brief moment of distaste. Both at the coffee and at the prospect of having to listen to Kurosawa ramble. But it was only for a moment and then she had smoothed her expression out again and gave Date her best attempt at a confidence-assuring smile. "If it's casual, I assume you want me to assist as a civilian catching up with a classmate rather than going there as a lawyer. Is there a particular day or time that would work best for you?" It wasn't too outside the realm of investigation she had done in the past, but she had never really hidden her role as a lawyer before.

She'd have to make sure to do her best to not slip into 'work-mode' while meeting with Kurosawa.

Date Oshiro,

[Date Oshiro]

Good. A employee that doesn't need to be told every detail to catch on about a plan. That's a the type of worker Date appreciated. No wonder Hojo hired someone like Tamaki as a lawyer. Tapping her foot, Date put out the cigarette on her arm (it doesn't hurt as her arm is mostly cybernetic), she threw used bud into the bin in Tamaki's office. Flicking out another cigarette from her a pack she carried, she extended on to Tamaki in case she wanted one. It looked like Tamaki didn't have a ashtray so she probably didn't smoke but Date didn't want to be too rude.

Lighting up the cigarette, she nodded to what Tamaki was saying "Yes, you would be a 'get together' as people like to call it. Nothing too invasive. Kinda catch up, see if she tries to probe you on your work." Date wanted the journo dealt with. Feeding her false info wasn't enough. She wanted to make an example. A private example but still a example. Leading her into a trap where she gets arrested for trespassing would be the easiest way.

"I'd be there as your work friend that happens to run into you while you're catching up. I will walk in once she says something she shouldn't know. Then I will talk to her. We'll go on a walk. You don't need to be present for that if that occurs." Date didn't state on what would happen but the walk would include the consequences of the journo's meddling. Those can range from benign (To Date) to fairly violent but she doubts it would come to this.

Any objections?" Date would add, pulling on her cigarette.

[tamaki]

Tamaki couldn't help but flinch, just a little bit, at Date putting a cigarette out on her own arm. It was obvious it didn't hurt, but just the idea of it made her imagine that it should. When she got offered a cigarette Tamaki brought her hands up, palms flat, with a smile on her face as she shook her head to politely decline. As much as Date's whole energy put her on edge she didn't get the sense that she would be offended or anything. If this was a more diplomatic meeting where deals needed to be made with someone, that'd be different and she'd feel obligated to accept just to keep things going smoothly.

Listening to the plan though, Tamaki spent a quiet moment trying to think of anything she could mention or point out, but nothing came to mind. "None, that sounds like a solid enough course of action." Then a thought did come to mind, drumming her fingers on her desk as she quickly added: "Ah, but if we're supposed to be work friends running into each other, how should I greet you? Date-san? Date-chan?"

It was a minor thing but she didn't want to mess up at an important moment. Both because that'd cause problems for Hojo, and because she didn't want Date's efforts to go to waste. And maybe a little bit because she took pride in her work, and if she was going to do something she wanted to do it well.

Date Oshiro,

[Date Oshiro]

"Whatever you prefer. I have no preference." Date was a professional. She could care less about how she was addressed. Being addressed -san or -chan isn't the most complicated thing she has done. She's pretended to be one of her colleague's wife for a mission. What Date does for Hojo. There isn't a place she wouldn't go for them. After all that was her job. Jumping up, she gave a small bow to Tamaki before heading for the exit of the office. Mostly, her job was done for now. At least, Tamaki's job for tonight.

Date still had some things to do. Pay a visit to a former employee who might need some realignments regarding their nose. Maybe need to pop a socket or two. Depends on how stubborn they'll be. This guy was a small fry anyway. Cried when he was fired. Getting fired was going to be least of his worries now. "By the way, Yamada. I wasn't here. What we are doing isn't a official job. Counterintelligence does not exist. Only the employees who work there and you know that we exist. So, try not to mention it to our colleagues on why I was here. Your boss is gonna have question why someone like me would need to talk to you. Just say its related to the patent we are filing that's on your desk. Remember, a brighter Future. Together." Date gave a small smile before bowing out of the office. It wasn't a pleasant smile though for those people who knew what Date was about. It was a threat. It was a keep in line. It was a way to show who has the power.

Date has the power. Hojo has the right to determine what is wrong and right. Hojo has the power to bring justice. Hojo will bring justice.

[tamaki]

Tamaki gave a just-slightly-hesitant nod. It was a minor detail after all, not something to get hung up on. She'd just have to settle on one herself, and try to be more relaxed around Date so she didn't blow it. The hop up startled her slightly, sitting up a bit straighter before rising to her feet herself to return the bow. Starting to sit back down as Date turned away, Date pausing to add another... piece of advice that felt a lot more like a warning and prompting Tamaki to give a little too broad of a smile as she gave a nod and a little laugh to try and hide her nervousness. "Of course, Date-san! Standard NDA procedure."

It was a little more excessive than most NDA procedures, but she didn't actually mind Hojo's focus on privacy. Date was just really scary, and Tamaki returned the second bow and waited a long moment to make sure Date had actually left before giving a small sigh and sitting back down. Taking up her tea again to take a sip she took a moment to calm herself down. Given what had happened with another employee for this case... she understood why Date might have felt the need to come on a little intense. It wasn't personal. Tamaki knew herself, knew Hojo, and knew that she couldn't even imagine doing anything that wasn't in the companies best interest. She owed them way too much for that.

So with her nerves settled, Tamaki finished up what she needed to and soon enough was heading back home herself... and found herself more dreading having to interact with Kurosawa. Why did it have to be someone that annoying?

Date Oshiro,