bakerstreet | back to my home, sweet home

Ohohohoho~

[A laugh chimes out from above.]

Did I not warn thee? [The voice admonishes with a faint chuckle.] Smoking indoors is quite illegal, is it not?

[If Rosinante wants to know the origins of that voice, all he has to do is look up. High above upon that dusty chandelier, seats a masked entity with impressive horns and a mane of red hair. The whites of his eyes are bright green pulsating with power and his mask is a flurry of white, red and even black. He looks cross between a kabuki actor and a ninja. An odd mix to say the least but the ninja seems friendly considering that he's waving down at him. However, he's armed with two swords. One being the standard katana with an elaborate red and black sheath and the other being a shorter tachi.]

[At least there's a clear direction to the voice this time. He looks up, then up some more. It's an awkward angle, given his height - when seated, he's still nearly as tall as an average standing human, and he does barely even fit at the table. It's good fortune they had a chair suitable for someone his size. The... person? Creature? Up there somehow manages to stand out even more than he does, though.

Wait - that's a ninja mask, isn't it? Ooh, is this a real ninja? His eyes widen and his mouth gapes slightly, and the half-cigarette tumbles to his lap. He claps a hand to his mouth in surprised realization, then goes to write another note only to find that the newspaper is now completely on fire. Hurriedly, he slaps at the flames with his notepad, suffering a few burns in the process, then wads up the tattered newsprint to completely extinguish it. Ugh, what a mess, there are ashes in his coffee.

Is smoking indoors illegal? News to him, and it's unimportant now, as he scribbles a message and holds it up to the man above.]

Are you a ninja??

[A lyrical laugh escapes Yoshimitsu as he watches how the man's expression changes from shock to pure elation. It's rather comical to be frank. Never in his days has he ever seen a man as tall as this behemoth here. He's tall enough to damn near touch the chandelier with ease. This strange fella certainly dwarfs Yoshimitsu by several feet since the ninja is a meager five foot six at best. His grand attire and decorative oni mask gives him that larger than life persona that makes him stand as tall as any damiyo.

Once the fire is put out and the message written, Yoshimitsu hops down from the chandelier and onto the table with surprising grace. The table doesn't buckle under his weight and that cup of coffee is shockingly undisturbed. He sits upon his haunches at the edge of the table looking very much like the fabled ninjas of old. While he's covered from head-to-toe, Rosinante is libel to notice that his right arm is completely mechanical made out of gears and bolts, and there's hints of black lurking within that bright red mane giving a mere hint of his humanity. He's no demon, friend. He's a human.]

Yoshimitsu of the Manji Clan. [He announces with the same fervor and pitch worthy of any actor.] I was born ninja and will die as one.

[So cool! Wow, every little detail on his outfit is larger than life. As a child, he'd happened across a few fantastical tales of ninjas and samurai and epic battles against dragons and all sorts of mystical things and part of him to this day had hoped it was actually all real. Wano, that fabled country, was said to hold them but with their closed borders and remote location, he had expected it all to remain stories only. But here is a ninja, just like in the books he'd read over and over again as a dreaming preteen looking for escapism.

Can he trust a ninja? He probably shouldn't risk it. He's not totally oblivious, he's just star-struck, and his pen doesn't move as quickly as his tongue would. Still. Best to keep up the act.]

Are you from here? This city? What do you do?

[While Yoshimitsu finds it curious that this man doesn't speak, he doesn't dare question it. Everyone has their secrets but it's out of respect that he doesn't pry. It would be rude for him to do so. Though, he cannot help but notice some oddities about this enormous man other than his staggering height. Those odd markings upon his face must hold some symbolism, no? Whatever they might mean fail to convince Yoshimitsu that they're nothing more than just odd scribbles. Again, he's too polite to question it.]

I'm not a native of these lands. [The ninja answers with a boisterous chuckle. I hail from the Land of the Rising Sun. A realm that had long closed its borders to outsiders in fear of invasion.

A brutal civil war brews there, one that my people had tried to avoid.

[He falls quiet for a time, his thoughts lost for a moment before dares to continue.]

I have come far into these lands in search of a fabled sword. The widely coveted Soul Edge.

[He is from Wano, then! Or that's sure what it sounds like. A real country out there in those mystical, dangerous waters, with real ninjas! How cool is that?

Though maybe it's not that cool if they're bordering on war. That's troubling, actually. He sips at his coffee in the silence, and purses his lips, trying to think if he's ever heard of a sword with that name, but nothing comes to mind.]

I don't know it. Sorry your home is in trouble. I wish I could help.

[Genuinely. But he has another kingdom to protect, which is why this mute act exists at all. The ninja has found him in a rare short mission away from his brother's pirate crew, but otherwise he exists in his brother's shadow. Mutes don't share secrets. Doflamingo's sympathy for his silent sibling has earned him more intel in a year than any other spy might have gathered in a lifetime. Their loss. Dressrosa's gain, eventually. Or so he hopes.]

[Nooooot exactly. Although , Yoshimitsu is none the wiser about all that.

A deep sigh is heard under the mask once Rosinante admits to never hearing about the sword. Despite his efforts in searching for the accursed blade, it seems his journeys thus far has him straying further and further away from it. While it's a tad frustrating, Yoshimitsu knows he cannot deny the truth.]

Perhaps it's fate.

[He mutters to himself before suddenly launching off the table. He back flips off the ledge without shaking the entire table and lands beside the empty spare chair. Contemplating whether or not he should leave, Yoshimitsu decides to sit. He unhooks his katana off his back and places it besides the chair. Then he unhooks the tachi off his belt and rests that cross his lap.]

Fear not. I'll continue with my quest soon enough.

[The ninja says as he brings his left hand, the real one, up to his face. With just a blink of an eye, the mask vanished revealing a the shockingly sullen face beneath it.]

For now, I'll rest.

[HE IS SO COOL because he is not only a NINJA but he has a ROBOT ARM and Rosinante is able to keep his calm only because of his acting talent. He wants to shout about how cool this experience is! Look, everyone in the coffee shop! There's a ninja here with a robot arm and a magic mask and he does flips! It's amazing!

Quietly, he grins into his coffee instead. Anyway, he does also have the good social sense to not jump up and down when someone is clearly in a bad place. He probably doesn't need the attention. Instead he pushes a note across the table.]

Coffee? I'll pay. Least I can do.

[Yes, Rosinante is about to have coffee with a real life ninja. A shinobi, even. Yoshimitsu is a master after all. He succeeded his father as leader during the onslaught. While he hasn't gotten a chance to fully get used to the title, he certainly became well acquainted with that cursed sword of his. However, enough about that. Yoshimitsu just wants to enjoy this reprieve from battle.]

You are most kind.

[That little note brightens his dour expression.]

Already welcoming me to a drink and I don't even know your name.

[Admittedly, Yoshimitsu doesn't quite know what "coffee" is. Never had it before but he's curious about it. It looks nothing like tea from what he spied but boasts a rather tempting aroma.]

Corazón.

[Name, codename, close enough. Anyone in this end of the North Blue who pays attention has already noticed the Donquixote executive officer sitting there quietly with the paper and a coffee, and has either turned around and gone to some other cafe or has wisely left him very alone. He turns to get out of his seat, bumps a table leg with a too-long knee and the ensuing rattle of dishware and thunk-drag of the table a few inches across the floor catches a waitress' immediate attention. She holds out a hand and insists he stay seated, she'll take care of things, and as he holds up his cup as if for a refill he also points to his new ninja buddy and nods. Yes, one more, for him. She understands, and soon enough his refill is granted and another cup is brought to the table.

That settled, Rosinante gives a contented smile and gestures to the coffee as if presenting a gift.]

Edited (DON'T MIND ME casually fucking up lmao) 2019-05-03 18:16 (UTC)

Corazón?

[The name feels rather foreign upon his tongue but Yoshimitsu manages not to butcher it too badly. The ninja has traveled half the globe in search of the infamous Soul Edge. He's met a plethora of people hailing from various backgrounds and professions, so Yoshimitsu is worldly enough not to mangle his new companion's name. Still, his accent is rather thick when he's not putting on a "show". Whenever he dons that oni mask, he virtually becomes a different person. One who used to be filled with vengeance but now filled with righteousness.]

Is that...Latin?

[He questions while waiting patiently to try the coffee. Unlike his colleague here, Yoshimitsu is virtually motionless much like a statue. You can't even see his chest rise and fall as he breathes. It's like he's there but not there at the same time. Somewhat eerie.]

I suppose so. I've heard others speak it before.

[One of those "others" being none other than the famed alchemist, Ivy Valentine. She was a rather difficult opponent to face.]

Ah, is this it? [He questions curiously as he peers into the cup.] It's almost as black as obsidian.

[Yoshimitsu cautiously picks up the cup and brings it to his lips. The first sip is tentative at best but soon he's drinking the coffee leisurely.]

You have my gratitude, Corazón. This is quite delicious.

[He dips his head in a nod, a silent "you're welcome" without having to take the time to write it out.

He does, however, answer the question about language on his notepad while the other man enjoys his drink.]

Old Dressrosan. My parents were interested in history. Can't speak a word of it myself.

[His parents were probably not interested in history much at all except for that of ancient bloodlines and false divinity but the lie is vastly preferable to the truth. He's no king, no god, just a guy with a cumbersome name and a vengeful tyrant sibling.

There's a pot of cream and a bowl of sugar near his own setting and he tops off his cup with the former but foregoes the latter, and nudges both in his companion's direction should he like them. And then the craving kicks in again - he hadn't even gotten to finish his last cigarette! - so he rummages in his pockets and pulls out the pack and his lighter, and meanwhile keeps his eyes on Yoshimitsu as if issuing a challenge. What was that about smoking being illegal? Must be a local quirk. If he's acting the role of a pirate, then what's the harm in breaking a law here and there? He's going to have his damn cigarette.]

Dressrosan?

[That is yet another unfamiliar term for him. It seems that these two truly hail from two very different worlds but for now, Yoshimitsu assumes that Corazón hails from some small country in Europe.]

They must've possessed a love for language and history. I know my own father once possessed a similar interest when it came to Japan's rich history.

[He mentions while eyeing the cream and sugar upon the table. Honestly, Yoshimitsu might be the type to like his coffee black. He usually drinks his teas without any additives and most likely won't be adding any here. Although, when in Rome---] Tempting my blade again?

[The ninja questions without glancing up, his gaze focused upon the table.]

I can see your reflection within the porcelain.

[Despite his dry tone, there's a hints of mirth. Yoshimitsu is toying with him, isn't he? Like a cat toying with a mouse, though not hardly as viscous.]

[Japan? Hm. He'll have to ask - in a bit.

In one hand he holds his unlit cigarette. In the other, his lighter, but he sets it down beside the oversized and slightly garish snail in exchange for his pen.]

Nobody here had a problem with me smoking.

[Or at least nobody bothered to stop him, so how would he know if it was a problem? This guy is the only one who's said anything and as super cool as his speed and invisibility and ninja powers are, he doesn't really want every single one of his smokes cut in half. That's not cool.]

Clearly they don't considering the lack of signs. [He mutters as he takes another sip of his coffee.] Though, be my guest if you so desire.

I shan't harass you.

[Both his swords are still sheathed, meaning Yoshimitsu won't attack any time soon. He's too busy trying to figure out the mysteries behind this fiendishly addictive brew of coffee. Everyone will have this pirate to thank for a hyperactive ninja running a muck in town.

Evil doers beware! A demon will run a wild through these streets soon! ]

Go on. I won't pester you.

Edited 2019-05-03 20:03 (UTC)

[That's a relief, then. Seriously, it's just a bit of tobacco, what's the harm? Maybe it's a Japan thing. Maybe it's a ninja thing! Like the smoke interferes with his cool ninja smoke bombs!

No, calm down Rosi, that's dumb. He's still not quite over the fact that there's a real live ninja sitting at his table having coffee, though.

He reclaims his lighter and flicks the flame on over the end of his cigarette. His hair is not completely clear of his face, as happens so often when it's long and a little unruly, and the fire bursts upward through his bangs and onto his hat. Rosinante practically squeaks his surprise, a sound much too high for his usual low voice when it manages to make itself heard, and drops both cigarette and lighter in his lap to panic-slap at the fire before it can do anything like completely engulf him in a matter of seconds. It happens at least once a week.]

Karma.

[Yoshimitsu jokes with a grand smirk once this poor fool accidentally sets his hair on fire. While he vowed to not pester Corazón any further, it seems that Karma has decided to step in his place. So cue in that telltale smug smirk of his as he smiles into his cup. This coffee is quite delicious black.]

It seems that the deities have their eyes upon you, evil doer.

[He snickers.]

[After wildly smacking out his hair with his sleeve, he takes his hat and throws it to the floor and stomps at it under the heel of his boot until he's convinced it's not burning anymore. Phew. Poor hat. He leans down, picks it up, shakes it off with a frown, then pops it back onto his head, even with it singed hem and bootprints. It's fine. Nothing new.

Still, he has to level a frown at the ninja. Come on, smoking isn't evil! He's just clumsy, that's all. He picks his cigarette and lighter up and gets to trying again. See? He's perfectly fine. Just wants a smoke already so he can get back to his coffee too before it gets cold. And then he can ask about Japan! Maybe it's part of Wano? Maybe it's some other kingdom?]

[That humored smirk lingers upon Yoshimitsu's face until he notices a small orange flame budding at the top of Corazón's odd hat. That's when the ninja snatches his grabs his cursed blade by the hilt with his robotic hand and spins it rapidly like the rotating blades of a fan. The powerful gust of wind is enough to put out that tiny flame but Yoshimitsu accidentally blows all the papers off the table.]

Gomen-ne! [He quickly says after sheathing his sword again.] Flame is fond of you.

[Not one to let others clean up his messes, Yoshimitsu hops out of the chair and starts collecting the papers. Tissues and all.]

[At first he thinks he's under attack, which seems abrupt and unfair, but as his hand darts to the pistol holstered at his hip, the reason for the apparent assault becomes clear in the man's words. What? Again?

It all happens quickly and he watches, startled - but while the ninja is hopefully distracted, he gives it one last go. Cups his hand over the top of the lighter to shield the flame, desperate for a puff of smoke to finally hit his lungs, and maybe it's all the repeated attempts but he's finally satisfied by the blackened curl of the paper and the scent of tobacco.

Right. That's that, then. Relieved, he takes a drag, then alternates it with a sip of his coffee before jotting down a quick message.]

Thank you. [For the fire and the paper both but it's too much effort to write it all out explicitly. He'll understand.]

Tell me about Japan? Which sea is it in?

[Once all the papers are gathered and everything is less of a disaster, Yoshimitsu returns to his seat as if nothing ever happened. He smiles at that brief show of gratitude before taking another sip of this bewitching brew. The ninja is growing fonder of coffee with every sip.]

[He let's out a hum once Rosinante writes the following. It seems that his companion is quite interested in his origins for whatever the reason. This doesn't bother Yoshimitsu too much but he's hesitant to speak of his fallen clan. Thankfully, this question here is rather harmless.]

The Sea of Okhotsk is north of the Four Islands of Japan. [He explains tersely. His solemn expression remains the same but the tone of his voice is still quite animated.] Hokkaido to the north, Honshu at its center, Shikoku towards the south and Kyushu at the stern.

[It's times like this that Yoshimitsu wishes he possessed a map. He figures that his new companion could use the visual representation.]

However, Japan is also home to many smaller islands off the coast of the four.

Edited 2019-05-04 01:18 (UTC)

[An archipelago - so not part of Wano but its own nation. Large, by the sound of it. It has to be somewhere in the New World if he's never heard of it, and that sea is an unknown name to him as well, but it must be a local name for the part of the Grand Line the islands are in. Nothing else makes much sense.

Part of him really just wants to ask about ninjas but maybe this is an opportunity to learn about something more useful first.]

Tell me about the sword you're looking for. I can help watch for it. I travel often.

[And more importantly to looking for a powerful or famous weapon, his brother runs the global underground. He may not pull the strings in every black market trade operation, just... most of them.]

[That oppressive silence from earlier makes it return once Corazón mentions Soul Edge. He takes his time to finish his coffee before answering. Yoshimitsu doesn't know how to quite describe this accused blade since never truly seen it himself. Its wielder, Nightmare, kept eluding his grasp at every turn. It's been frustrating to say the least.

However, he won't dwell on that now.]

Soul Edge is a sword that was forged centuries ago by a mad king seeking to obtain glory.

[He explains quietly while keeping his gaze locked on the pirate.]

After being bathed in the blood of countless souls, the sword became tainted. It was possessed by a great evil. From its blade, Soul Edge absorbs in the essence of life and feeds off the vitality of its wielders.

[A cursed blade! He listens to the description with rapt attention. Cursed blades are another thing he's heard stories of, though it's rare that the wielders can name the curses with such specificity - and this Soul Edge sounds terrifying, if any of that story is true. He's skeptical.

Again though he does note the silence. Notices too how it came up without any obvious command, so it's probably not Devil Fruit based. Which makes sense; he's the calm-calm owner and he's never heard of anybody else being able to do what he can.]

How do you do this silence?

[The next question catches Yoshimitsu off guard momentarily.]

Unlike you, I'm not exactly mortal anymore. [He answers as he brings up his mechanical hand.] While most of me remains flesh and bone, other parts have...changed.

[He presses his mechanical hand to his face and suddenly that decorative oni mask reappears.]

Behold!

[His voice loses its sullen sincerity and is replaced with this shrill flamboyant tone that seems to echo throughout the cafe. His voice is much louder now. Almost as if the ninja is talking through a megaphone.]

Great magic lurks within both myself and the sword I'm named after, the Yoshimitsu!

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