[Fuyuko]

"This is a pleasant surprise"

Fuyuko exclaims once she enters the bar that her colleagues recommended. The atmosphere that it sells are great and comfy but what gives her a surprise was not the interior design nor the drink collection that it has offer. But instead, it is the bartender and not for the reason that other would guess. Sure, he is quite a good looking man but that was not her reason to be surprise. She know the man, an old memories resurface back to when she was still fully active as a hero unlike nowadays where she only dive down to the field based on request from others when her expertise is needed.

"It has been a good while, shu. How have you been?" Fuyuko softly asks the man as she take a seat as she ponders which drinks she wants to order for the night. Fuyuko start to think that this night is going to be a long night since Shu is here and there are lot of things to reminisces. "Any recommendation? Perhaps something that is light but taste nice"

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[shu]

 

For the tanuki this was a night just like any other. Just another day in the malaise that was his life. Fortunately, Zazie was able to stop by earlier in the day with some of her school friends. Like her mother, she was able to illuminate his life with her smile. He cherished the time that they spent together, even with all her newfound teenage angst. And in those moments, he felt grateful to see her grow. Happy to give her at least part of what he'd been denied growing up—a parent's love.

But when she was gone. Sent home to do her homework and chores. The gray fog returned, sapping the color from the world around him. Everything resumed it's agonizing lull. 

Oh well. At least Noyote was good for business. As he poured the martini that he'd been working on into two glasses his eyes scanned the bar. The usual patrons were back, sitting cozy in "their" booths. A few new faces were sprinkled out around the place, appreciating the ambiance and trying to figure out what to order. Though there was one guy that looked like a hot mess. He'd been running up a tab, but if he had the money for it and kept to himself then Shu didn't really care. 

As he passed the drinks off to a waiter the chime of the door being opened caught his ear—he claimed that it was to add to the homey feel or the place, but he simply wanted to be alerted when people entered or left his space. The voice that followed caught him by surprise for sure.

Kamigawa Fuyuko. The Watcher. Currently employed at U.A. University. Mother of one. Single parent. They certainly had enough in common. Of the heroes listed in the U.A.U. faculty roster, Fuyuko was placed high on his list of people to reach out to when the time came for Zazie to apply to the school. While he was no longer a pro-hero, Shu was more than willing to exploit is past work if it meant securing his daughter what she desired.

"A pleasant surprise indeed," Shu replied as she approached the bar. Cleaning out the shaker he had just used to make the previous cocktails, he let her personal question linger for a bit. He was an Icarus. When they last worked together he had only just started dating Shahar. Never would he have imagined that he'd have lost so much in just a few years. "I'm as good as can be," he decided on as an answer. "You look good," he continued after she asked for a drink recommendation. "I have to believe you're doing well for yourself."

Placing the clean shaker down he pulled out a few supplies from the fridge. His following movements were decisive and precise. Golden eyes focused intently on the task at hand. It was an intensity that she might have remembered in the past. As it was exactly the same highly analytical look in his eye that he had on the battlefield. When all the components were prepared he shook and poured the drink for Fuyuko.

A bright pink cocktail flowed into the glass. It carried a fruity scent of strawberry and lychees, the main flavor profile of the drink. There would be a subtle taste of mint mixed in, as he used extract instead of fresh leaves to preserve the visual aesthetic. The liquor of choice was soju, something he knew would blend in well with the flavors of the fruit. In fact, she most likely wouldn't even taste the alcohol at all.

"It's called Red String," Shu said as he slid the drink to her. "If you don't like it then it's on the house."

AUTHOR'S NOTES: 
Now I'm gonna have to actually try and make this drink. Though, it's basically just a mojito. Lol. Either way, looking forward to seeing how things play out.

   

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[Fuyuko]

The sharp yet sweet and fruity flavor wash throughout her mouth, leaving her with a satisfied sigh as the glass partways with her mouth. Fuyuko gently place the glass back to the counter and decide to savor the drink in patience. I would likely get sued for defamation if I say the taste is less than superb Fuyuko states with a small smile painted on her face.

Even as a bartender, you haven't lose your edge Shu. Others might find you to be scary, don't you think? Smile a little bit Fuyuko notes his ever-serious expression, the same expression that she has seen in the past and the expression that tingle that memories. Call it the sickness of older people but they sometimes like to reminisce the past.

Speaking of the past, our last meeting was that drug busting operation. Isn't it? Fuyuko asks trying to recall the past. At that time, she already had the the though od retiring. The discussion of having a baby with her husband was already on the table and they have made a plan. If her memory serves her correctly, that operation was one of her last missions before retiring.

shu

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[shu]

 

Like a hunter observing its prey, Shu watched as Fuyuko tasted the drink. While it was the furthest thing from what could be considered a passion, Shu was at least confident in his ability to craft an enjoyable drink. His "godly insight" finding its uses even outside of the field. And even as demure as his views on life may be, the tanuki could never be separated from his vanity. A smirk tugged at the edge of his lips when she let out the satisfied sigh.  

As she spoke about his edge and generally intimidating presence all he could do was shrug. It simply was who he was. There was no way he could hide it. He had to assume that some people found his genuineness to be either refreshing or appealing in some manner. Or they were masochists. As long as they kept coming back to Noyote then he didn't care either way.

"I named the drink Red String to symbolize the bond between people," he decided to explain while cleaning up after himself. If she noticed there were a couple of people throughout the bar that had ordered the drink themselves. "It's a good opener for the evening. It lets people get more comfortable. Let down their hair a bit, so to speak."

Setting the shaker aside he returned his focus to Fukuyo and allowed the smirk to form a bit. It was the best that he could do at the moment.

At the mention of their last encounter, Shu tilted his head upwards and to the left. He narrowed his eyes as if trying to view the distant past to dredge up the memory. 

"That was the incident in the Minato ward," he started to recall. "The Inagawa-kai were smuggling in narcotics from the States. That's how I caught wind of it." That had been around the time that he started to work internationally—attempting to maximize the benefits of his dual heritage. As the memory of that event became more clear a particular face resurfaced.


 

"Asano Kakuji," Shu's face soured as the name came from his lips. He was the leader of the Inagawa-kai at the time and the primary reason that the pro-heroes had been summoned. Vicious, cruel, and dogmatic. Kakuji was a villain that cared little for the lives of others, often using the potential of his powers as a threat to coerce his opposition to backing down. "He was such a pain in the ass."

AUTHOR'S NOTES: 
The Inagawa-kai is an actual yakuza clan based out of Minato, Tokyo. Figured that I might as well rely on some real world representation. Their main source of profit was from gambling but they dabbled in drug trafficking as well. They are also one of the first yakuza clans to expand its operations outside of Japan. 

   

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[Fuyuko]

"Pain in the ass is such an understatement considering on how the man behaves Fuyuko states reminiscing how the man use their subordinates as a meat shield without batting an eye. Asano is such a resourceful yet cunning man, a tyrant that is feared by those who works under him to the point they have been conditioned that it is better to die than opposed their boss. It still churns my guts whenever I think of him Fuyuko take another sip before letting out a deep exhales.

Fuyuko suddenly went silent a little bit as if trying to contemplate upon something. Something that she never thought of back in the days but as she grow up older, the thought comes up to her once in a while. Have you ever think what happened to the villains that we arrested in the past right now? Fuyuko stares at her glass. While she doesn't feel any regret on her action as she still hold firm believe that if she didn't do anything; thing would get worse. The question was just nothing more than a mere momentarily reflection.

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[shu]

 

The tanuki's stoic expression returned when Fuyuko posed the question. It was a topic that, for the majority of his pro-hero career, that he never gave to thoughts about. It was his job to protect people from villains. To capture them and let the system take care of the rest. If they managed to escape then he would be there to put them right back. That was the being a hero worked in his younger self's mind. The only thing that he needed to be concerned about was being strong enough to do the job required. 





The memory surged forth with all the grace of a tactical nuke. The unbridled rage that Pride had for War Dog. The unhinged fervor in his voice as the villain began his assault on Shu's family.

"TWENTY. YEARS. IDRIS!!!" The words blared in his mind as his whole body tensed up. He could feel his heart rate starting to rise as thoughts of that night began clawing their way to the surface. 

No. Not now. Not here, Shu thought to himself as he took a deep breath. He attempted to play it off as a sigh. Trying to keep the grief at bay.

"I never used to care," the tanuki admitted while trying to keep his tone level. "I think that's part of the problem with hero culture," he added on. "Making the world safe and making the world better are two completely different things."

APRIL 24, 2083
Minato Ward, Tokyo, Japan • 8:45 P.M.

"That's Tatsuyama Seijuro, the yakuza peddler we caught the other day. He was very forthcoming with information under the circumstances that we don't extradite him," a feminine voice explained through the device. Her voice, carrying an African accent, was smooth and velvety with a slight playfulness in her tone.

"Gotta love a snitch," a much younger Tanuki said with an amused huff. A cocky smirk already on his face as he scanned through the documents being displayed from his watch. "Makes the job so much easier. Send me the coordinates and I'll wrap this up. Then I can head back home and we—"

"Aht," Shahar interrupted. "Can you act like a professional, please? Thank you." The intensity of her eye roll was palpable even across the ocean. "Besides, this is a co-op mission between our agency and the local heroes. They're the one's taking the lead on this. You're just support." 

Shu sucked his teeth.

"Behave," Shahar chided.

"Yeah, yeah," the tanuki grumbled. "Where is this hero that I'm supposed to be 'supporting,' anyway?"

"Don't air quote me," Shahar admonished. "According to her agency, The Watcher should be at your location any moment now."

AUTHOR'S NOTES: 
Figure we can do a couple of posts in the flashback now. Have them run through the mission before returning to the present. 

   

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[Fuyuko]

Her mind wander in the past after listening to Shu's answer.

APRIL 24, 2083
Minato Ward, Tokyo, Japan • 8:00 P.M.

The moniker of The Watcher is not something that people can easily ignores. Once she set her eyes upon to; no one can wishes that they manages to escapes her meticulous watch. It is no difference to her current target - The Inagawa-kai. Young Fuyuko rest on her self-made throne on the hidden place near where her support should come and meet her in less than an hour later. However, she didn't just sit still and do nothing. Three of her spectres appear midair and make rounds keeping an eyes on her surroundings. Surprises is the last thing she would like to have right now.

Months of effort is soon to be paid off as she manages to bait out one of the member despite the fear that grabs his hearts psychologically and shares the inside info. Even with her expertise over espionage, Asano has clearly shown his intelligence that manages to evade her eyes. At least until now. Fuyuko doesn't need a cannon to destroy an empire; all she need is a single person from that empire.

Honey, it is okay. Everything should be fine. But I am sorry that we can't have a dinner together tonight... Fuyuko talks to her husband calmly on phone while her eyes sees three different locations almost simultaneously. She tries to covers the area as further as she can and for now she can say that there is no chance of an ambush. With her spectres she already sweep every nook and cranny around the place discreetly.

Forty-five minutes pass and one of her spectre saw the hero that is going to work together with her. A rather cocky young man from what she can see. Fuyuko texts a message to her agency to tell whoever responsible to the man that she is arriving there soon. But she takes a bit of time to eavesdrop a little bit. Making sure the timing right, Fuyuko swaps position with her spectre when the woman mention her name. Giving her the illusion that she appears from thin air

A feisty one Young Fuyuko states with a matter-of-factually tone. Doesn't matter as long as he doesn't jeopardize the whole operations with his attitude. Follow me, our intel await us She lead the way without introducing herself solely because she forgot.

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[shu]

 

There is a palpable tension in the air when Fuyuko makes her appearance and a very evident sense of strained hesitation. Every instinct in the tanuki's body—honed from years of combat training—roared for him to strike. But the cries of those instincts was muted by the seething raged that boiled within the man. Anger from being startled. Frustration from allowing himself to be caught off-guard. Annoyed by the gall to disregard him. There would be no doubt that Fuyuko could feel the golden daggers being glared at her as she walked past him.

That said, knowing the nature of her soon-to-be husband, Shahar interceded.

"It's our pleasure to meet you Watcher," Shahar greeted in an even keeled tone, a staple of her diplomatic nature. "The Warbound is enthusiastic to have the opportunity to work alongside Watchtower in this joint operation."

Shu offered no words. He simply followed behind Fuyuko, observing her movements as they made their way to the rendezvous point. Tempermental as the young tanuki might be, as the face and leader of the Warbound's Japanese branch he couldn't afford to jeopardize the relationship between the agencies—yet. The old man was still giving him grief for cutting ties with that Rokuhane bastard.

Discreetly the pair arrived at a seemingly abandoned warehouse in the area near the port. Fuyuko lead Shu to the upper levels and escorted him to what could only be described as a typical stakeout room. From an initial assessment, Shu would have assumed the room to be empty. However, once the two were completely inside the door shut behind them. Once again, the tanuki was taken off guard and as he whirled around to see who had done it a blade forged from his black sand was already in hand ready to strike.

And once again, he forced himself to hesitate.

Standing behind them was a massive man, dressed in some kind of stealth suit, who looked as if he'd rather be anywhere else but at this location seemed to melt from the shadows. On his shoulder was the icon for Watchtower, clearly one of Fuyuko's sidekicks. 

"Can't any of you people approach people normally?" Shu grumbled. He glared at the man, annoyed that yet another person was able to slip past his guard. He had been clearly distracted when Fuyuko appeared—which was the story he was sticking to and the hill he would die on. But he had been on full alert ever since he followed Fuyuko. 

"Ah...," the man started nervously, shifting his eyes to avoid the glare and rubbing the back of his head. "S-sorry about that." A nervous chuckle escaped him. "The agency said you were on the way, but you can never be too careful. I'm, uh, In-n-Out. Same name as my quick," the timid hero offered as a greeting. "Cause it helps me get...in and out of places without people noticing me."

"Tanuki," Shu curtly replied. "Like the tanuki."

"R-right." Meekly the man walked over to the table he had set up and placed down the laptop he had been concealing. Upon opening it up an image appeared immediately on the screen. 





"T-this photo was taken less than thirty minutes ago. Asano Kakuji, accompanied by his bodyguard, Rokuguri Shin, was seen leaving the Gold Dragon Gentlemen's Club," In-n-Out explained. "We could not get eyes on what happened inside of the club, but based on the intel received from the Warbound's interrogation it's believed that final arrangements for tonight's deal was settled there. Which means he should be in-route to oversee the transaction now." With the press of a button a new visual appeared on the screen. The mild-mannered hero then pointed to the telescope which would show a row of warehouses across the port. "The Inagawa-kai has men stationed in no less than ten of those warehouses."

"A smokescreen," Shu chimed in as he peeked through the lens. Even from this distance he could see a few shadowed movements around the structures. "Even they probably don't know where the deal will happen exactly."

"C-correct," In-n-Out stated, not having been prepared to be cut off like that. "There is a secret entrance in each of the warehouses that they will use to facilitate the deal, ensuring that prying eyes won't see Asano or the dealer. T-that's where you two come in," he continued. "Infiltrating and monitoring multiple warehouses will be simple for the two of you. Once Asano shows up then we can get clear documentation of his illegal dealings and hopefully take him down for good."

AUTHOR'S NOTES: 
The Warbound is the hero agency created by the American top hero War Dog, Shu's adoptive father. When Shu started to work internationally between Japan and the USA he opened up a new branch of the agency. It still operated under the same name, but Shu was the head of the organization. Following War Dog's death and Shu's retirement, the Warbound disbanded.

   

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[Fuyuko]

The sight of Shu got startled from a simple entrance amused her very much. Watchtower's member has many people with similar kind of mobility that makes her hard to be startled from a simple entrance like that. The good old In-n-Out, while he is a timid person but his skill on stakeout is a real deal and can't be scoffs at. He is kind enough to lend a hand to her with this operation that has been running for a lot while before Tanuki is called in.

Fuyuko stay silents as she keep a scrutinizing eyes upon the picture and the information that In-N-Out is talking about, even Shu chimes in sharing his view which is a reasonable one. Everything looks and sounds clear.

But...

Fuyuko can't help to feel that everything is too easy, her past experiences tells her that. However, she doesn't have any proper explanations nor evidence to back it up so she shove it to the back of her head for now. Trap or not, it is irrefutable that this is a good chance for them to hit.

Ten warehouse and there is three of us. I can cover four warehouses consecutively while I believe both of you can only handle one each Fuyuko states as she is trying to rack her brain on how to approach this. Even if they spread thin, they can only handle six warehouse at the same time. No, scratch that. Make it five.

With her quirk is spread out, she would be left out defenseless and if by any chance that she receive a surprise attack - it would be problematic for her.

I have decided, two of my eyes will cover two warehouses at both end. While, my last eye will be a bird eye view of the outside. Fuyuko says, snapping her finger as three semi-translucent spectre appear. In this state, I will be defenseless. So, I want you Tanuki to cover my back in the case of a surprise attack while we check the rest of warehouze. While In-n-Out can check other warehouse but do not engage if you see them. Contact us, got it In-n-Out? Fuyuko laid out the plan while turning her body for a moment.

Y- yes ma'am In-N-Out say flustered. Miss Watcher is so beautiful when she is serious. Wait no, in-n-out snapped out of it he murmurs silently that can only be heard by Shu who happened near him at that time.

Make some preparations if you need it, Tanuki. The operation starts in t-15 minutes

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