Chapter 11: Sake brawl!
"Alright, now that everyone has their disguises, we are free to move about without being spotted." Mona tells the team as they settle into Leblanc. "Now we can relax before starting our next mission."
"Still, this café is really something." Ohya suddenly points out randomly. "Outside, it's all feudal, yet in here, it's all modern! If only the TV would work."
"Be thankful that I can still cook coffee and curry." Sojiro remarks, setting down another cup. "Never underestimate the power of Leblanc."
"By the way, Toshiro, you've and quite the adventure so far." Erina suddenly says with a grin. "First, you were a groom in my country, and now you're a criminal here. Just what did you do to get such notoriety. And this is coming from a fugitive!"
"Please don't remind me…" Toshiro groans, face in hand.
"But, if you are a criminal, then you must have done something, right? But if Yoshida-sensei trusts you so much, then maybe what they call a 'crime' is them being overreactive about it." Makoto suggests, with Yoshida nodding in reply.
"I wish I could confirm that, but as it stands, I have no recollection of anything other than Marie and your actions." Toshiro replies. "But there is nothing more serious than being chased around for a crime you did not commit."
"Oh, we know. More than you would ever know." Ren says with some bitterness in his voice with a similar look. One matched by the other original seven Thieves. Toshiro couldn't help but notice how these eight seemed to know something else from the others. Well, everyone apart from Tao and Erina was on it, but these eight were talking like they had seen it firsthand.
What were they keeping secret from him? He should ask them about this sometime. But speaking of Erina…
"..Yuki-san. Do you know anything about any alternate worlds?" She asks Yuki, who looks at her with surprise before shaking her head.
"I'm afraid not. I've been living in this town since I was born. Here, people don't really think about what's outside." Yuki reveals, with Erina slowly nodding her head.
"I see. It's the same with me. My country, or world, I guess, was all I even knew. When I first heard the story from the Phantom Thieves and Toshiro, I was at a complete loss. But when I thought about how there are worlds other than the one I know, I couldn't help but feel excited. I mean, the world you all come from is much bigger than ours, right?"
"Very." Kawakami replies with a grin. "So many countries, different biomes and cultures, you name it we probably have it. Of course, with so many people, there are naturally a lot of grievances as well. Some want to expand their boards at the cost of other nations' integrity. Some dream of ruling the world with an iron fist. And then you have countries like you, Erina."
"Kawakami-san is right. There are many people, both good and bad, in our world. And most of the time, it is those with selfish interests who have power. Greedy individuals who only want to further their own power at the cost of others. Like Shido." Toshiro remarks with a frown. "The many people he killed so he could rule over Japan… it is inhuman."
"And… is that the very reason why the Phantom Thieves stood up in the first place?" Yuki asks, looking at Ren.
"It's a bit more complicated than that, but if we were to boil it down, then yes. That is the reason why we stood up against Shido." Ren replies, folding his arms. "To bring to an end the rampant abuse of power from a corrupt man and his cronies. All so that people don't end up like us. Even if there will be people who take issue with our actions." He casts a glance at Toshiro, who gives off a sigh.
"While I am one of those people, I will not deny that your actions saved countless people who would have been sacrificed by Shido. To do so would be sheer hypocrisy."
"I see what you mean by complicated." Yuki admits. "But, I suppose people will always have differing opinions. It is how we are." Silence fills the teahouse as everyone rests for the upcoming mission. But there was something that was bothering Tao.
"What's up, Yusuke? You've been staring at the ceiling for a while now." Tao asks, seeing the distant eyes of Yusuke. Of one who had his mind latched to an idea.
"Something occurred to me during one of our fights."
"Oh? Did you figure out the enemy's weakness? Or perhaps you found something else advantageous to us?" Erina asks with wide eyes. But Yusuke shakes his head.
"It was something that came to mind when I saw the enemy fall from an elevated spot." Yusuke comments. "It made me wonder what the view was like when they're falling…"
"Oh, you're wondering what the view is like and if it can give you inspiration." Tao instantly picks up. Yusuke snaps his fingers at his fellow artist with a grin.
"Correct. I tried doing a handstand to mimic the sensation, but it lacked realism. Plus, I couldn't sketch that position into my sketchbook. That, and I would never ask anyone to fall from a great height. They could get dangerously hurt." Yusuke sighs in disappointment while Haru gently shakes her head at him. "If only I could witness it up close…"
"I know what you mean. I could get some nifty ideas myself." Tao agrees, bobbing her head up and down.
"In that case, I believe we have something perfect for you." Yoshida remarks, drawing their attention as he taps onto a map. "While we were coming back, I overheard the townspeople talking about the Aizen Squad and some elevated ground they have 'obtained'. If you want to gain inspiration yet not cause any harm…" He glances up at Yusuke with a knowing look. "Then how about you 'recruit' these members into helping you." A lightbulb goes off next to Yusuke's head as he smiles at the idea.
"That is a wonderful proposal. Would you like to join me, Haru?" Yusuke asks, holding a hand up, with Haru taking it.
"It would be my pleasure."
"I'll come too. Figure I could get some ideas as well." Tao comments, and before anyone can stop them, the trio leave the café in their disguises.
"Well… that happened." Futaba remarks as Sojiro shakes his head.
"I'm sure they will be fine." Chihaya replies, holding her cards. "So long as they don't do anything too crazy."
"That might be hard…" Shiho comments before a hum from Ryuji draws eyes to him.
"By the way, does anyone remember seeing a strange lookin' box in the middle of town?"
"A strange box?" Ren asks before cupping his chin. "Now that you mention it, I think I did see something while we were running from the Aizen Squad. But with what was happening, I didn't have a chance to look at it."
"Are you talking about that wooden crate? Because I saw it too." Mona asks, with Ryuji snapping his fingers at them.
"Yeah! That's the one! It's been buggin' me all day. I bet there's somthin' worthwhile inside."
"I admit, it's caught my attention too." Makoto adds, brushing some hair. "If it's something that can be valuable in battle, maybe we should get our hands on it."
"In that case, let's go get it." Ren comments, standing up. "Better it be in our hands than theirs."
"Yeah, I'd say it's worth looking into." Makoto agrees, standing up. "Although I'd suspect it will be guarded by enemies. It may be smarter to just bring the whole box back with us."
"Don't be surprised if it weighs more than it looks." Mona comments. "I'll tag along as well to help."
"Count me in, too." Ann comments, standing up next to Ryuji. "More hands make light work, right?"
"That's right." Ryuji agrees, nodding to her as the five head for the exit. "Let's go get that box!" And with that, the five head on outside, leaving the rest in Teahouse Leblanc to discuss further ideas for the infiltration plan.
No chances could be taken.
"So this is our destination. I see, what a perfect height to have them fall down." Fox comments, glancing from a shadowy alleyway. Before them, Aizen Squad members stood atop the houses overlooking the street. Already turning it into a security checkpoint just by having boxes lining the roof edges.
"Hmmm, I think we should have someone wait on the street." Noir comments. "That way, as they are falling, we can take them out before they land."
"Well, in that case, let me take the street." Guernica comments, checking her automatic pistol. "My gun is more suited for quick moving than either of you two."
"In that case, the floor is yours, Guernica, while Noir and I shall send our foes flying" Fox replies, before chuckling to himself. "I can hardly contain my excitement."
"Indeed. Let it rain, people." Noir finishes with a smirk as the three move into their positions, with Fox and Noir climbing on top of the houses and Guernica ready to move down the street.
Hiding behind a box, Guernica holds the position until a signal from Fox tells her to move. Taking a breath, Guernica walks forward, catching the attention of an Aizen Squad member.
"Hold it right—!" Before it could finish speaking, Fox dashes from the shadows and slices into its back, sending it flying as Guernica shoots it out of the sky. The ones along the other end recoil in shock before one of their own meets the same fate from Noir as she dashes past. Swinging her axe as though she was chopping down trees.
As each one is sent flying off the roofs, Guernica nails each and every one with her gun. Dissolving them into mist before they even touch the ground. There were a few that managed to survive, but before they could even stand, they were caught in the middle of a triple threat by the three Thieves.
Who, as quickly as they appeared, vanished into the shadows the moment the last of the Aizen Squad were eliminated. Leaving the team that came in to check on them confused and concerned about their mysterious attackers.
While in an alleyway not far away, Fox, Guernica and Noir exit onto a street in their disguises.
"How was that Fox? Did it help?" Noir asks as they walk down the street, members of the Aizen Squad walking past them without a second thought.
"I am deeply moved." Fox replies with a smile. "The different ways they fell, their expressions, their voices… They all had a story to tell. All that is now inside me that I shall commit to paper so I do not forget."
"Not sure what you mean, but I think I get it." Guernica replies. "No two falls were the same, and each one had their own styles to them. I think I've got a good idea of what to make when we get back home." Noir shakes her head at the two.
"For me, I simply enjoyed getting the chance to let off some stress. It was exhilarating." She comments before gazing at the camera-filled sky. "I wonder what the others are doing?"
"Probably planning for what's next or something else that's boring." Guernica replies, giving her arms a slight stretch as they head back to the hideout. It was a fair guess. After all, who would be crazy enough to do a mission right before an infiltration?
"There it is! That crate is as good as ours!" Skull points to a wooden crate not that far from them, right next to a tower of paper-wrapped boxes.
"It's not as big as I thought it would be. Think maybe we need only two of us to carry it." Panther remarks with a hand on her hip.
"If our assumption is correct, that box is filled with supplies we can use." Queen comments. "Although, it's bound to be heavy even for its small size. Skull, Joker, do you think you could carry it back to the hideout?"
"With the two of us? No problem. Provided someone doesn't shoot me in the back." Joker replies, pointing at a few troopers watching over the area.
"That will be a problem. The longer we wait, the more we will get swarmed by the Aizen Squad." Mona quips with a worried look.
"In that case, how about we bash it?" Skull remarks, and before anyone can counter him, he rushes out to the box and hits it hard with his pipe. Surprisingly, it doesn't shatter from the impact and goes quite a distance. Unfortunately, he wasn't stealthy about it.
"What are you doing!?" One of the Aizen troopers shouts, firing from above. The shots land around Skull as Panther strikes them with a Maragi spell.
"Damn it, Skull!" Mona shouts as the four break from cover, chasing after the box as the Aizen Squad chases after them while he lets some slingshot ball fly at them. "Think before you leap!"
"Hey, it worked, didn't it!?" Skull shouts back, hitting the box again and sending it farther down the street. Parallel to an alleyway.
"Talk about method AFTER we get back to the hideout! Maeiga!" Joker shouts, surrounding a wall of curse energy around the chasing troopers just as a brute lumbers out from a building.
"Hold it!" It shouts, leaping into the air and landing in the middle of them. Which turned out to be a bad choice as Queen punched the brute in the gut, sending it flying and landing with its head stuck in the ground.
"Keep moving!" Queen shouts as Skull gives the create another good swing, sending it into the alleyway before rushing after it. Followed quickly by everyone else. As for the Aizen Squad, the moment they saw the Thieves rush into the alley, they gave up the chase, knowing how pointless it was to chase after them in that maze.
While on the other side, free of members from the Aizen Squad, Joker and his group emerge in their disguises, with Skull and Panther carrying the box.
"Well… That went well." Queen remarks, glancing around. "And it seems we lost them as well."
"Yeah. Who knew that Skull's recklessness would have worked." Mona quips, sending him a smirk
"Ah, shut it, cat." Skull comments before changing his holding on the box. "But for real… Just what is in this?"
"Seriously… Why is it so heavy?" Panther asks, changing her own holding position. Joker and Queen glance at each other, sighing as one while Mona rushes underneath it to give them a hand.
"Let's get back to the hideout. Fox and the others should be back as well." Joker comments as the two lead the trio back to the hideout. It didn't take long for them to return, and finding Yusuke, Haru, and Tao had also returned.
"There you guys are! What were you doing?" Tao asks before seeing the large box being carried by Ryuji, Ann and Morgana. "Huh. I see."
"Put it on the table." Iwai comments, getting a crowbar out. "Let's see what's inside." Not wasting a second, the three places the box on the table as Iwai gets to work opening it up. But what they found inside was… Not what they were expecting.
"W-What the heck is this!?" Mishima comments on the contents of the box, which were most definitely not supplies.
"Don't tell me the entire box is filled with…" Shiho comments as Tae picks up… Yoshiki's merchandise…
"Ukiyo-e posters hand-signed by Yoshiki, bromide sets, figurines…" Futaba lists off with a bored expression.
"A complete set of DVDs called 'Lovercising with Lord Yoshiki'… That's just sad…" Kawakami remarks, pacing the set back in the box.
"This is just as bad as that 'secret document' you got from Maire." Shinya remarks, getting Ren and Makoto's attention after removing their facepalms.
"Secret document?" They both ask, although, judging by the looks they got from everyone, it was clear they did not want to talk about it.
"You might want to talk to me about any treasure in the future…" Chinya remarks, indicating to her cards showing a reverse Wheel of Fortune. With all five would be treasure hunters groaning in disappointment.
"What are we going to do with all this junk!?" Morgana shouts, tossing several items in front of the Edelweiss model. "Because I don't want it."
"Not me."
"Nope."
"I'm good."
"No room."
One by one, each person refused to keep the junk until it was unceremoniously dumped outside in an alleyway. Fitting for junk that no one wanted. With the matter settled, the team donned their disguises and left for the Aizen base. But no one bothered to check the tarot cards left by Chihaya as they left.
Wheel of Fortune, the Tower, and Aeon.
As for the Yoshiki merchandise left on the table, it now sported tracks running along it, tearing it up and ruining it. While the model of the Edelweiss rests innocently on the bar.
"So this must be their main base." Fox remarks as Joker's group approaches the entrance. "It certainly is intimidating."
"Urgh…now that we're here, I'm actually a little nervous." Panther remarks, tightening her kimono. "We're trying to pose as Aizen Squad members, right?"
"That's the plan." Joker replies. "While we act as a 'Samurai escort' for Queen and the others. Let's hope the others have luck on the other side."
"Considering who is on Boss's team, I have a feeling we need not worry about them." Crow comments as they approach the door.
"Let's hope that they take the sake and food we have with us and hold a banquet." Queen remarks. "And keep their hands off us."
"If any of them do, I'll break their hand." Erina remarks before noticing the looks she is getting. "If they keep on doing so! I won't break our cover."
"A good thing some of these have water and not sake, in case they drag us into it as well." Outlaw remarks, tilting his Samurai hat. "Now…how do we even get inside?"
"Ahoy?"
"We have a search warrant?"
"How art thou?"
The three suggestion from Spring, Panther and Skull did not bolster their confidence. They were starting to wonder if Boss should have come with them as well…
"Who goes there?" An Aizen Squad member suddenly asks from above, startling them. "Who are you? I've not seen you before… If you are here to cause trouble…"
"Please forgive them, good sir." Shadow suddenly says, drawing his eyes. "They were recently hired as new guards to escort us here. We come bearing gifts from Lord Yoshiki."
"Gifts, you say?" The guard asks, completely fooled.
"Indeed. We come on Lord Yoshiki's behalf to express his gratitude for your service. As Lord Yoshiki's humble servants." Noir adds, with a slight bow.
"Ah, so that's what this is about. New recruits on a personal mission from Lord Yoshiki. And I wouldn't dare disregard Lord Yoshiki's thoughtfulness. Very well, you may enter." With that, he vanishes from sight before opening the door to the base. "Follow me." The group followed him, noting how spacious it was inside the encampment as they were led to a large building.
"Nice work, you two." Joker tells Shadow and Noir. "That was some quick thinking."
"I'm honestly surprised at how easily the guard believed us…" Shadow comments.
"We can talk later. For now, let's stay in character." Noir quietly replies as their 'Samurai escort' takes up formation around them. Eventually, they were led inside the building, where they found Boss's group already there handing out their own gifts of sake and food laced with sake. The guards, already pleased by what they were given, became ecstatic when they heard even more gifts for a banquet were brought to them.
With them quickly setting the hall up as the food and drink were all laid out on the tables. Sensei was given a seat of honour right at the top, while Teach and Fortune were right next to him. Boss and Gecko stood on either end while Devil, Athena and King joined Joker's group to the side.
"What's going on?" Violet asks quietly to Devil, who was shooting one of the brutes a subtle stink eye.
"One of the brutes mistook Sensei as their new commander and gave him the seat of honour while thinking Teach and Fortune are 'his girls'." She replies with a disgusted look. "Boss and Gecko are there to make sure none of the laced food and Sake reach him."
This might make things complicated…" Joker remarks quietly as a brute gives a speech about the banquet. A long, boring speech that threatened to make them fall asleep.
"…And there you have it! Now, let's enjoy Lord Yoshiki's generosity!" The brute ends as the Aizen Squad members begin to feast at a rapid rate. While the disguised Thieves silently shake their heads.
"Just say the guy's name, and they believe anything." King remarks, tightening his outfit.
"It just shows how much control Yoshiki has over this place." Spring remarks, with the others silently agreeing.
"Okay, now that we are in, it is time to investigate." Athena quietly tells the others. "Split up into small groups and walk about. Try and initiate conversation if possible."
"Good idea." Joker replies, glancing around as Queen slides up to him, followed by the other couples in the team gravitating towards each other. Shadow and Erina pair up while Athena and Devil join up with King as they split up and mingle in with the partying members.
Meanwhile, outside, the third group was getting restless.
"Hey, Oracle, any word from the others?" Mona asks, taking a glance outside their small hidden area. It had been some time since both teams had managed to enter the Aizen Squad base, with them sneaking in soon after when all the guards went into the banquet hall.
But it had been worryingly quiet since then.
"Not yet, but they are working on it." Oracle replies, shaking her head. "Although the girls have been hit on by a number of drunk troopers, and the boys are struggling to hold their anger back. Not helped that Teach and Fortune are being treated like they are part of Sensei's harem, which is pissing all three of them off."
"Yeesh… I wouldn't last long in there. They have the patience of saints." Guernica remarks, shaking her head.
"I do not want to even imagine Sensei's face right now…" Toshiro remarks with a wince as he nervously squeezes his hands. Something that Yuki catches.
"Are you tense?" She asks gently, drawing Toshiro's attention.
"Well…yes." Toshiro admits, letting his hands fall. "I find it very hard that everything will go smoothly. Sensei has already been forced into a position none of us believed would happen. I can't help but worry something else will happen to them…" Yuki giggles at him, placing a hand over her heart.
"You have a big heart, don't you, Toshiro-san?"
"Well, I wouldn't exactly say I'm trying to be considerate." Toshiro replies quietly. "The others…especially Erina, often behave far differently from what I expect. Which is perhaps a fault on my part. After all, I have not experienced what they have. But even so…just seeing that makes me feel so restless."
"Maybe, you are actually feeling envious of them doing that?" Medic suddenly says, drawing his attention. "That's the impression I'm getting from you."
"I agree with Medic." Yuki replies. "When I see Erina-san and the others taking a stand for what they believe in, I think it's quite a wonderful sight. You must feel the same way, Toshiro-san, but I suppose it's not my place to say such things." Toshiro stays silent, unsure of what to say back to her, before Oracle suddenly speaks up.
"Uh-huh… Roger that! Leave it to me!" She drops her hand from her ear, turning to the others with a large grin on her face. "Booyah! We've got the location! And it sounds like they've got citizens imprisoned there, too! Is everyone ready?"
"Do you even have to ask? Let's roll!" Guernica replies with a smirk. Oracle nods at her before shooting off towards one of the buildings on the far end. And without any guards to block their way, this should be a breeze.
Back inside, the party was still going strong. It had been a while since they told Oracle of the location where the citizens were, but they had yet to hear back from them. And it was starting to get on their nerves.
"I hope they are okay…" Violet comments, taking a sip of water.
"We just have to wait and believe in them." Joker tells her, taking a chance to look at Sensei and the others. They had managed to put up a convincing show, especially with Boss and Gecko acting as superb guards for them, but it was clear that it was starting to take its toll on them as well. Even Teach and her 'Becky' persona was reaching her limit.
"Hopefully, we can get away before they catch us…but…" King remarks, glancing around them. Every single member of the Aizen Squad was drunk on Sake. It was an amusing sight if they were not her undercover, that is.
"Hey, you! What the hell are you doing!?" A brute suddenly shouts at a haggard citizen kneeling on the floor.
"I-I'm sorry, sir… Please forgive me…"
"You spill my sake, and you think you're gonna get off with an apology!?" The brute shouts, grabbing the citizen with its giant hand. "You wanna go back to the basement that badly, huh!?"
"Aieee! N-No, please! Anything but that! Any longer in there and I-I'll—!" The brute tightens its grip around the citizen as other members of the Squad cheer him on.
"And you'll what? Are you saying service for Lord Yoshiki is a burden!?" The citizen screams in pain as the brute tightens in grip without actually crushing him. While the Thieves look on with a building anger inside them.
"Even here…" Erina hisses, willing herself to stay still. But the look on her face was anything but calm. And by the look on everyone else, they were struggling to keep composure as well.
"Oracle… We've got a situation here…how much longer?" Devil whispers into a mic, willing herself not to grab a sake bottle and throw it at the brute.
"Just a little more! Right past this door and… wait, a lock!? Sorry! Just hang tight for now!"
"I'm not sure if any of us can do that…" Devil remarks, watching as the brute continues to keep the citizen in its had.
"Hey, let's have some fun and make this guy squeal, huh?" The brute suddenly says, earning a cheering ovation from the troopers around it. While the citizen's eyes widen in fear and horror.
"I like the sound of that! It'll be the perfect side to my sake!" A drunk trooper shouts, making the citizens' straw hat turn pale.
"This is getting worse by the second…" Spring hisses, barely holding back her rage.
"Guy, I know how much this is pissing you off, but we have to—" Joker tries to speak, but the citizen's screams cut him off. With Joker gritting his teeth at the sound before turning around to glare at the sight. Alongside everyone else.
"Ahahaha! Is someone a little scared? All of you just need to shut up and quit your pitiful whining! Can't you fools understand you're nothing without Lord Yoshiki's love!? Maybe some punishment will help get that through your thick skulls!"
"Oracle…we can't hold our anger back anymore…how much longer?" Queen hisses into her own headset.
"Urgh! I'm so close! I just gotta do something about this password…"
"Sorry! But I'm borrowing this for a bit!"
"Wha!? Toshiro, what are you—huh!?"
As the brute continues to squeeze the citizen, Queen silently and calmly walks up to him with Joker by her side. Grabbing the brutes' attention.
"Huh? You got a problem, lovebirds?" He asks condescendingly, as the two are ready to snap. Along with everyone else as they all calmly walk up to the drunk squad members. Even Sensei and his group stood up, walking to them with an air of authority. All it would take is a single word, and hell would be unleashed.
"A-All right! Looks like we're clear on our end! The ball's in your court, guys! Go wild!"
"What is up with all of you? You want me to punish you, too?" The drunk brute asks, dropping the citizen to the floor as it stares at the disguised thieves.
"Actually… the one who is getting punished… ARE YOU, YOU SICK BASTARD!" Queen shouts, delivering a powerful uppercut to the brute, sending it flying into the wall. At that moment, all the collective anger the Thieves had accumulated was let out. Either drawing swords or grabbing bottles, the Thieves launched their surprise attack on the Aizen Squad members who, in their drunken haze, were unable to do anything.
"What the hell is going on!?" A drunk troop stumbles in before being cut down by Fox.
"Silence! Those who break the code of chivalry are shown no mercy!" He shouts, slicing up another trooper who wandered too close to him.
"Haha! Now, this is more like it!" Skull shouts, cutting a drummer in two.
"Don't let the anger cloud your eyes! Let it guide your blade!" Outlaw shouts, slicing another trooper.
"When did you get philosophical!?" Spring asks, slamming an empty sake bottle on a drummer.
"He's been hanging around Fox too much!" Shadow remarks, using her kunai and chain to grab a drunk ninja and drag it towards her. Before it was cut down by Crow.
"I suppose that makes sense." Crow remarks, blocking a strike behind him before bringing his laser gun out and shooting the trooper point blank in the head.
"Intruders! Have at them!" More drunk Aizen Squad members rush in, sloppily holding katanas that were easily kicked out of their hands by Gecko and Boss.
"These are supposed to be elite? How pitiful." Boss remarks, beheading one while Gecko rams his own into a brute gut.
"Liquor is a powerful foe." Gecko remarks, pulling his gun out and clocking on in the head.
"Sorry Erina, I told you to hold back, but…" Queen says, giving another brute an uppercut, sending them flying into the ceiling.
"It's fine! We were all going to snap sooner or later!" Erina replies as she wraps her arms around the neck of a trooper in a chokehold before body slamming them onto the floor.
"Besides, that was really cool!" Devil remarks, slamming a Kotatsu table onto a trooper.
"You thought you could order me around, huh? Well, here is some 'geisha service', free of charge!" Teach yells, slamming another Kotatsu on a brute as Fortune whacks its head with a full sake bottle.
"The cards were not in your favour." Fortune remarks, smirking to herself from the fortune she read to the Aizen Members. And in their drunken haze believed anything she said.
Two drunk troopers charge at Sensei, who calmly draws both his katana and wakizashi before easily striking both down and slowly sheathing his blades. With both members disintegrating the moment he sheaths the blades.
"Now you're just showing off! King remarks as he dual-wields with his own blades, with Sensei laughing in response.
"How are they so strong!?" A drunk ninja asks before it is cut down by Joker who goes back to back with Skull as he pulls out his gun.
"How are you holding up?" Joker asks, letting a few shots ring out.
"Doing fine!" Skull replies, deflecting a bow from a trooper before it is thrown to the side by a brute. Tossed towards it by Athena, who had another trooper in a stranglehold before kicking it into the ceiling. While Noir brings her grenade launcher out (where did she even stash that!?) and fires a grenade at a group of troopers. Blowing a hole in the wall at the same time.
"Damn you! Don't think you'll get away with this! Lord Yoshiki will—augh!" The trooper's rant was cut short by Violet, who karate chops the back of its next before tossing it over to Spring who kicks the trooper into the all.
"Lord Yoshiki this, Lord Yoshiki that! Just shut up already!" Panther shouts, crossing blades with one of the few non-drunk tropers before it is attacked from behind by Outlaw. As the last trooper falls, the flames of rebellion flow over the Thieves while those without persona dramatically throw their disguises off. And somehow having all of their weapons appear on them.
Cognition for the win once more!
"Why, you little… Hey! Get them!" A flustered brute calls out as more drunken Aizen members rush in. While the Thieves smirk in trepidation for the upcoming fight. This was going to be a great way to relieve stress!
