Aotsuki Tsukamoto and the Unsanctioned Construction

Construction beginning/end

Aotsuki Tsukamoto had only finished digesting the fact that he had just walked in on his adviser and Fubuki opening up a no-doubt-cursed ancient coffin when Abe no Seimei contacted him with another issue. After first verifying that the young Daimyō would not be traveling with his Matsumoto ally to Echizen Province, she informed him of something else that could require his attention. Deep in the eastern recesses of Mino Province, someone had begun founding a town. Seimei attributed this to a person of some renown, the nameless "Master" who had played an important role in the rebuilding of Wakayama.

While the sudden, unauthorized appearance of a new town wasn’t a bad thing, Aotsuki agreed that he’d better go take a look. Calling upon Shigeaki Fujino for transport, he was surprised to find that she already possessed a share of knowledge about their destination. The “town,” she explained, had sprung up around a stage built by Parapara Starlight; Japan’s newest boy band sensation. A lot of this was lost on Aotsuki, but Fujino was pleased to take him to see for himself. The band, after all, was between sets right now, so she wouldn’t be missing much.   Upon their arrival, Aotsuki found himself in a strange pseudo-town obviously still under construction. The settlement spanned around a large wooden stage, with new buildings and tents sprouting up in a reckless, but not disorderly scramble. The sound of hammering filled the air, and it was not long before Aotsuki met its source. “Master,” the tireless worker of legend, turned out to be a tall, muscular man with stony eyes and slate hair done up in a long ponytail. He greeted Aotsuki with apparent respect, but proved to be mute. Even when added to the Hashinara Mental Network, he opted not to voice a single word or transmit a single thought. Still, there was communication of a sort, if not with Aotsuki.   A new man had appeared, a sulky type with his sharp featured hidden by a hooded forest-green cloak. This newcomer, identified by Fujino as Uchiue Akira, drummer for Parapara Starlight, exchanged silent nods with “Master.” The two appeared to converse in their own way, but it was all lost on Aotsuki until the second member of the band arrived. This fellow, who introduced himself as Akuhara Omenosuke, leaned fully into the “bad boy,” role, calling Aotsuki a “goody-two-shoes” and ribbing him an a not-unfriendly manner. Finally, in negotiations with this sub-vocalist of the band, Aotsuki managed to secure an audience with the lead vocalist and headsman.   Kyōdō Shinsaburō, as much of a leader as could be found around here, explained that Parapara Starlight had only chosen this spot because it was a nice, open area with easy access from surrounding villages. Soon after, “Master” had shown up and helped them build the stage, then just… hadn’t stopped. Before they knew it, a real town was starting to spring up around them. Aotsuki was surprised to hear of the settlement’s origins, but gave his implicit approval. Perhaps sensing something in him, a kindred soul, Shinsaburō asked for a private conversation, and the two had a heart-to-heart away from other ears. It was Shinsaburō’s dream to spread peace through music, to effect change without violence and make Japan a better place. In his own turn, Aotsuki had nothing but admiration for this ideal, and answered the other’s soulful request for patronage with a strong affirmative. With official backing, Parapara Starlight would continue to put up concerts across Ōtsu Province and Mino alike. Perhaps they would even help Aotsuki directly whenever he might have need of music. Details aside, the two had found kindred spirits in each other, and Shinsaburō offered Aotsuki his deepest thanks before returning to the stage for his next set.   It was at about this time that Fujino returned from that very same stage, a struggling cat in her arms. This particular feline was obviously not normal. The way it struggled and swore and called Fujino names in perfect Japanese was evidence enough of this. The fact seemed lost on the mentalist herself, however. She was eventually persuaded to let the cat, Kaichi, go, but only after much back and forth. He was henceforth scooped up by Shinsaburō with much less objection, and carried off to perform as guitarist in the coming songs.   Aotsuki gave Fujino the short version, and asserted that he would be staying for the upcoming performance. He called up his wife, and had her brought in as well. Together, they proceeded to the stage, but not before “Master” stopped him once more to hand over a simple, wooden hammer. The Meijin’s Hammer.   A heartwarming concert and some touching words between the couple later, Tokku-hime returned to Ōtsu in order to continue her work. Aotsuki, however, opted to stay and help with the construction. He would make for Shimonoseki in time to see his champions participate, but until then, he took Meijin’s Hammer in hand and got to work.