[Video // Backdated to the 24th]

[incites]

Hello, residents of Death City - friends, comrades and fellow soldiers in this war. My name is Kato Kiyomasa and I come to you today bearing news that brings me great sorrow. I have been long overdue in making this known and perhaps it has already been realized by many of you - it is time for me to cease mourning my loss and bring forth the news that I have kept hidden for so long.

[Kiyomasa clears his throat, taking a breath before proceeding.]

To those who may recall him, a man known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi - perhaps better known to some of you as Hashiba Hideyoshi - has left this city. While some may find it a relief to know a friend has returned to his homeland, I must bear grave news - the man you may have come to know has been dead for some time. [He slowly exhales, it's a difficult thing to admit. After being filled with such elation and joy to witness the man alive here once more, to know he will not get the chance to laugh and serve by Hideyoshi's side again is a painful revelation.]

Lord Hideyoshi was a man I deeply respected, my loyalty to the House of Toyotomi is one that knows no bounds. Even in death, it is in his name that I serve. He was more than simply a Lord to me, more than a man who's ideals and values I was content to call my own - he took me in as a child, raised me as his own and for that, I looked to him as my own father.

Whenever a battle would occur, whenever a heavy siege would be brought down across our countryside, there was one belief my lord held - and it was that all things can be rebuilt. In the wake of this earthquake, I offer my services to those who wish to repair this city to its former glory. Though the damage has been light, there are still many districts that have fallen. In my Lord's name, I will assist in any way that I can.

[There's another small pause before he continues - he isn't certain how to make a private post, so this will have to do:]

To those from the other Hi-no-Moto... I feel there may be questions you have for me. I welcome them and shall answer with due honesty. [Though he was not necessarily lying when he arrived and told them he served the Tokugawa.]




[ooc: Thiiiiis is long, long overdue. Actually any Kiyomasa post as a whole is long overdue. In before "wait we still have a Kiyomasa?" because yes, we do. Tags might be a bit delayed, I am currently sick as dog and... will probably be going to lay down now.]

Comments

voice

[incites]

Your drinking buddy...

[Kiyomasa repeats these words carefully, listening closely to the voice of the woman on the other end. "Drinking buddy" was potentially code for something his Lord was quite well known for, much to his wife's dismay. It makes Kiyomasa grimace but he decides to give this woman the benefit of the doubt.]

I do apologize... I am not familiar with you though it sounds as though you were indeed close with my Lord. I must offer my apologies for not bringing this news to your attention sooner.

Oh boy this is beautiful AHAHAHAHA

[conduit]

[ the way he states drinking buddy makes Rangiku's curiosity pique. She is pretty confused. ]

Yes. I'm his drinking buddy! We'd sometimes go out and drink and he'd always pay~! [ CLARIFICATION IS FOR THE IMPORTANT. ] It's all right though! There's no need to apologize!! We weren't too close so I wouldn't expect you to contact me specifically. Thank you for the news though.

He isn't a fan of daddy's mistresses :'(

[incites]

[She claims they weren't very close yet his Lord was always the one to buy her drinks. He's grateful that this is merely a voice-only conversation - the disappoint (and perhaps discomfort) across his face is quite evident.]

Ah... It seems he must have been quite fond of you then...

It's okay ): She most likely isn't!

[conduit]

[ Rangiku's voice remains chipper, completely unaware to the disappointment. ]

Yep! He'd buy me drinks! We'd talk, drink, and sometimes we'd dance or do normal things like go out to a restaurant. He was a really good friend

Rangiku are you my new mommy....

[incites]

It sounds like the two of you had quite the experience together... My Lord was very fond of surrounding himself with good company. [Even if it happened to be company Lady Nene would have disapproved of... Still, Kiyomasa lets out a short sigh and nods, even though there is no video feed. He might as well just accept this for what it is (or rather, what he's relatively convinced it is)]

I am certain you are among those my Lord will miss the most.

yes she is... || [video]

[conduit]

He had some of the best company he could imagine! I'll miss him very dearly you know! [ After this Rangiku switches the feed to video. There, Kato can see ...why Hideyoshi would like Rangiku so much. Blonde. Great assets. A nice smile. ]

I hope he returns one day so we can go out drinking again! Those will always be the days~!

[video]

[incites]

[As that video feed comes on, it's Kiyomasa's own natural reaction to turn the video on his end on as well - it would be rude not to do so and to disrespect someone Lord Hideyoshi was so fond of would be a great offence in itself.

She is quite the attractive woman. It's not difficult to see why Hideyoshi was so fond of her company. He does his best to remain respectful, not letting his dour mood show.]

I too would be elated if my Lord would return to this world before my own leave. There is still a great deal more I have to learn and experience by his side...

Perhaps the three of us could enjoy a night together? [He clears his throat a little, hoping she does not get the wrong impression.] Drinking together. M-making merriment in the wake of his return.

[video]

[conduit]

[ Rangiku isn't too aware of whole lord and whatever business. To her, Hideyoshi was just a warrior, she thinks, so she has a high chance of seeing him in a couple of years. Yep. ]

Hmm~? Do you not see your Lord often?

[ She chuckles at his skittishness. ] Of course, of course you could join us in our drinking! I'd be delighted to see the both of you! How else could one enjoy the night~? Drinking is something all three of us would look forward to! [ ...She doesn't seem to be aware of his implications. ]

[incites]

He is dead. [He can't fight the grimace at the blunt statement - but what use was it dancing around the subject?] I will not see him again, until we reunite in the afterlife. Perhaps the opportunity to drink with him will arise there but I am still young and have many battles left to face - my only chance to see my Lord Hideyoshi will be if he arrives once more in this world.

[conduit]

Oh. I'm sorry about that. If it's any consolation, there is an afterlife of sorts. [ She's a Shinigami. She should know. ] I really hope he returns, for both of us! He's a nice and caring man. You'll grow up to be a fine and sturdy man too, just like him! [ ...A pause. ]

[incites]

A great man, indeed... [He pauses as well before a bit of a bittersweet smile that crosses his face, letting out a soft laugh.]

Though, I do believe I have already grown up quite sturdy. [What with being considerably taller, broader and more muscular than the little monkey he considered a father. He does have a sense of humour. Sometimes.]

[conduit]

Hmmm! You know, I think he'd be proud of you for carrying on, you know? [ She has a slight giggle to her words. It's an earnest attempt to be uplifting. ]

I think so too~! But I was talking about confidence and everything. You seem a bit soft spoken! [ She claps and laughs though her voice retains a type of soft, comforting purr to it. ]

[incites]

Ah, I suppose I am not quite as boisterous as my Lord... [He reaches around, rubbing the back of his neck a bit.] My Lord Hideyoshi was quite the outspoken and vibrant one...

But I thank you for your kind words. I too believe that I am carrying out his will in a way he deems right. [And for a moment, there'a a slightly more adamant tone that surfaces. He does believe firmly that his path is right, even if it has caused a great rift between himself and Hideyoshi's other "children" back home.]

[conduit]

He was! But that was part of his charm! His confidence was something that made him a cut above the rest when it came to other people! [ Speaking of confidence, NOW THIS IS WHAT SHE LIKES TO SEE. She'll praise that adamance mentally. ]

I'm sure if you're close enough to tell the world that your dad isn't here anymore, that you're probably really good at carrying out his will! [ She'll let her fingers linger over her lips for a moment before asking. ] Does this will have anything about drinking with pretty women in it~?

[incites]

[He clears his throat a little at that, it's hard to tell if he's a touch embarrassed due to the praise or due to her offer.]

Are you... Requesting I take you out for a drink, my lady?

[conduit]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees~. [ Shameless. ]

[incites]

Ah... [Ohhh dear...] I am afraid that I may not be as good of a host as my Lord.

[But how could he say no to a lady's request?]

But if you request an escort, I will fulfil that role if you so desire.

[conduit]

Escort? No, no, I just want someone to drink with. [ Rangiku isn't really sure if he means escort like she means escort. It's still confusing, never the less. ] I

[incites]

That is what the term "escort" means... Does it not?

[Poor boy has a lot to learn.]

[conduit]

I thought an escort was when you get paid for sex. [ At least that's how Rangiku saw it. Also, that idea that she was sleeping with Hideyoshi should be pretty much shot by now. ] Though, your definition is much better!

[incites]

[At that comment, Kiyomasa's cheeks instantly redden, trying to lower his gaze - though the pinkness of his ears is still more than evident.]

T-that is not what I had meant to imply! I apologize my Lady for giving that impression...

[He wants to comment about how he had assumed it was she who was the brothel girl, someone his Lord would pay for a night of "entertaining". He is, thankfully, by some miracle, smart enough to bite his tongue and refrain.]

I assure you, I am a man of chivalry and honour.

[conduit]

[ Rangiku starts to giggle. It would have greatly offended her if he brought up his suspicions that she was a prostitute, but, since she is unaware to it, she just laughs heartily. ]

I know! I know! It's just a bit of a cultural barrier between our worlds, no need to get embarrassed or anything! [ Though, it really is adorable. ] Should we meet at the brew at seven? Or would you prefer a more classier establishment?

[incites]

[She can tell him to not be embarrassed but that isn't going to work at this point - he's been an awkward turtle this whole conversation and that's not about to change.]

As your company for this evening, I shall accompany you wherever it is you wish to go, My lady. [That's what his Lord would've wanted, isn't it?]

[conduit]

[ She notices how he doesn't quite stop his awkwardness. She finds it endearing on some level, but, she also thinks that she's going to make him her personal project. She's going to bring him out of his shell some way or another. ]

Hm! How about Bitch's Brew? Or would you prefer the more classy Martha's Graveyard? [ This place has the weirdest names. ]

[incites]

[To Kiyomasa, those both sound terribly unwelcoming...]

I suppose the first one would be best... You had mentioned that as a place you frequented with my Lord, did you not?