[video] May 12th, early afternoon

[heavenly_earth]

[The feed flips on for no apparent reason as silence filters through a still video. In the Death Room, Neji's taken up a still meditative pose on the floor, veined white eyes focused in a far-off direction. Silence reigns for several long minutes, his expression distant and preoccupied until he blinks and seems to come back to himself]

We've found them.

[He pauses, brows drawn and considering how to elaborate] They're alive with minor injuries and none are in critical condition. They don't seem traumatized, just subdued from being force-fed sedatives. They know we're coming, since now that we have their location, we can organize a team. However...

[Neji glances somewhere off-camera, then places a hand on his knee to stand]

We still don't know what their captor's intentions are. This means no one is getting their exact location until we've organized to avoid rash behavior that could further compromise the captives. I apologize, but this is necessary for their safety. I can assure you that I'll be monitoring them until they've been retrieved.

Azusa-san is in the planning stages of the operation, and I'm certain we'll have no shortage of volunteers. We'll have to expect an increase in security, so although they're being held by civilians, be certain to come prepared. Once again however, the use of lethal force will be forbidden.

All interested parties should meet at Shibusen for a briefing this evening in classroom 54. Thank you.


Filter- Kanji
I've spoken with Naoto. She says she apologizes for not returning and worrying you. She doesn't wish to leave you alone.


Filter- Obito
Obito-san, there's something I need you to investigate for me..

Comments

[obimycommands]

Thou suspecteth a trap?

[heavenly_earth]

To a degree. Best to be cautious, at any rate. We don't know what purpose they captured them for.

[obimycommands]

It certainly be odd they've yet to make any demands, if they're mean as hostages.

[heavenly_earth]

I agree. While I doubt they'd be held for a regular ransom, it's difficult to tell what their motivations are at the current moment.

[obimycommands]

A statement, perhaps? Hmm...

Art they truly being held by citizen of this city?

[heavenly_earth]

So far as we're aware. They don't have the souls of Witches or Kishin Eggs, though they are wearing masks.

[obimycommands]

I wonder if they aren't being manipulated. Certainly, relations have been rough, but given no other objectives, it seemeth as though the only purpose of this stunt is to make them worse.

[heavenly_earth]

It's possible, and if that's the case, this situation is more serious than we've previously anticipated. It's not likely, but hopefully with continued observation, we'll be able to better understand the circumstances before we head in.

[obimycommands]

Hmph...

Well, thou mayest count me in to help with any operations. I can talk to Amaterasu about teaming up, but I also be a decent fighter on mine own, if it's just against normal people. And mine form is suited to non-lethal combat.

[heavenly_earth]

That sounds ideal. Your assistance would be appreciated, as well as hers.

[obimycommands]

Yea. And while we be on the topic, who all have been kidnapped anyway? Wert there any particular thing connecting them, besides their affiliation with Shibusen?

[heavenly_earth]

Shirogane Naoto, Katsuragi Yako, John Egbert, C.A Cupid, and Matt Jeevas are the ones who have been captured. The only apparent trait they all share is that they are all Weapons.

[obimycommands]

I see... then perhaps they had some intention to wield them?

[heavenly_earth]

Attempting to force resonance would only backfire, even if they were capable.

[obimycommands]

Hmm, I supposeth so. I wonder what their intentions are...

Well, it won't matter so long as we rescue them before those plans bear fruit.

[heavenly_earth]

Yes. We'll put our efforts toward that goal.