Takasugi Shinsaku

Live Interestingly In An Uninteresting World, RP Blog Affiliated with Citta Alveare

[shinsaku-kun]

Forward, the Kiheitai!

[headphonehitokiri]

Bansai catches himself smiling (ever so slightly) at these boasts– they’re all but worthless in this place, but they do still tell him exactly what sort of person this is, and give him the impression the two of them have come from much the same sort of–

Of… what was that? He shifts from a look of mild attentiveness to staring down at the other, bewildered.

The name Takasugi was hardly unique, but there are too many familiar aspects here to call it a coincidence, from his story (though the war he’s familiar with was never won) to his title to the tone he takes.

This man is obviously not Shinsuke, but in some way, in some version of reality, he must be. He knows there is more than one version of Earth represented among this city’s residents…

But he’s hesitated too long. He continues as though he hasn’t wasted a moment, however: “It is an honour to meet you, then, Takasugi-dono. I’m afraid I haven’t much strength to offer in this situation, but I suppose it is better than nothing; I’ll lend you what I can.”

Anything, he thinks instinctively, but… oh, how rude of him, he didn’t introduce himself. He forgot he had to, perhaps. “Ah… I am called Kawakami Bansai, the hitokiri. If that is of any consequence.”

[shinsaku-kun]

He wasn’t prepared for instant acquiescence, even if he had felt confidence in his target. The man had listened to him at first with a sort of bemused tolerance, the hint of an patronizing smile on his otherwise deadpan face. He’d wipe off that smile, by and by. He’d done it many times before.

But he doesn’t need to. The moment he gives his name, the man’s manner changes abruptly. A few awkward seconds later, he’s promising his assistance. It’s the fastest connection he’s ever made with another person. 

"A hitokiri, already made. Certainly that has consequence. I don’t have to teach you killing then.”

He tries to reply lightly, but there are so many strange associations and memories crowding his mind here. Not in a thousand years would anyone confuse Himura Kenshin with this man, but how many hitokiri with such humble speech patterns does one meet in a lifetime? Is it possible Himura has kickstarted a trend?  

“Right now, I need a weapon. I’d thought to take a gun from a straggler, but the local thugs stick too well together. But two can take them on better. Do you have a weapon under that coat, Kawakami? To back up my wooden sword?” 

If he seems suddenly and perversely gleeful, remember, he’s going into battle with a companion by his side. This is what he lives his life for. 

[shinsaku-kun]

Forward, the Kiheitai!

[headphonehitokiri]

Bansai knows what he’s doing to be crossing out in the open, of course. There is an old ruse somewhere in it: he looks to be off his guard, yet unperturbed enough by the scene of chaos to give people pause– and if anyone does want to try him he can hear threats coming before they even get the idea.

He is long accustomed to fighting enemies more powerful, more numerous, and more self-important than his own side, after all. His blade cares not for the difference.

But he cannot help but think, eyeing the extent of the damage to the city already, that if the Jouishishi back home had this sort of power they might well have driven out the Amanto after all. Or else blown up the whole planet.

Ah, how sweet it is to think of home.

The voice calling out to him startles him slightly, but he is aware there’s someone there. Someone… he has the strong impression he knows from somewhere. He sounds like someone of the same world as himself, at the least.

“You will, will you…?” Something about the choice of words is enough to get him off the street, approaching this curious little man in his hiding spot.

“Ah… but I am not one to let just any stranger tell me how to use my life.”

[shinsaku-kun]

Takasugi stands up from his crouching position as the man joins him in his spot against the wall. It’s not as safe to stand but there are some speeches that cannot be delivered from ground level to a looming audience. True, even standing, the stranger towers over him, but he’s used to that experience. He has the man’s full attention, 

The man’s skeptical reply elicits a genuine chuckle from Takasugi. “At least, then, I am not just any stranger. I’m a samurai, whatever that is worth today. But more importantly, I’ve recruited, outfitted, and commanded my own army through a real war, and emerged victorious.“

He glances down at the wooden sword at his waist, which rather belies his rhetoric.

“It would seem I have to begin again here,” he says simply. “My name is Takasugi Shinsaku, Commander of the Kiheitai. Will you lend me your strength?”

[shinsaku-kun]

Forward, the Kiheitai!

@headphonehitokiri

This city has never been overly friendly, not in the month Takasugi’s been here. Now it’s turned outright hostile.The citizens want the strange foreigners gone from their streets. They’re blaming the outsiders for all the troubles brought upon them. Crowds roam the street, who won’t rest until they’ve sated themselves with blood.

Takasugi fully recognizes the irony here. The super-powered vigilante leading his mob around the corner is just as unreachable as a younger Takasugi would have been to an Englishman trying to talk him out of burning down the English embassy in Yokahama. Expelling the foreigners is a different experience when you are the foreigner.

Unlike the Westerners in Japan, Takasugi would love to go home. He has no way to do that, though. Instead, he’s huddled up behind a brick wall, surrounded by piles of rubble. The local patriots have already destroyed this place, so they won’t be back here immediately. It’s a relatively safe place to catch a breath and make a plan. 

How to take over a neighbourhood with one wooden sword and a pellet gun. 

The first step: recruit your troops.

And here comes a promising man. He’s tall, and ever so arrogant to be striding along down the middle of this forsaken ruined street instead of creeping through the shadows. His long leather coat might give him some protection, but he runs the risk of snagging it on nearly everything. The darkened eyeglasses are ridiculous: it’s already grey here from the smoke. As for his ear coverings ... perhaps there’s a reason for that.

All in all, Takasugi would be inclined to let him pass, and wait for a surer prospect. This man is unpredictable. But  then there’s the shamisen, carried upon the man’s back through a battlefield, and that little detail decides him. 

“Come out of the street, idiot!” he shouts at the passing man. “You’ll die alone out there. I’ll show you how to fight and live.”

[shinsaku-kun]

(´ q ` ” )

(´ q ` ” ) = The character’s “guilty” pleasure

Sake, smoking, and women. His hometown would add playing the shamisen. That’s supposed to be an instrument for women and lower-class entertainers, not a manly samurai. Sure, those decadent city-dwellers in Edo and Osaka and other places might think it’s okay for everyone to play the shamisen, but what is this world coming to? 

Takasugi plays the shamisen very well. Rumour has it he’s even played it on the battlefield. But was it to inspire his men or serenade the enemy corpses?

[shinsaku-kun]

(*^◇^)_旦 = What the character likes to eat and drink

He’s not picky. He’ll eat the most expensive, well-prepared Japanese food available. Ahhhh that is, he’s a spoiled brat with expensive tastes, and has only tasted a small bit of Western/Chinese food in short trips to Nagasaki and Shanghai, and didn’t like it.

As for drink, sake and lots of it.

[citta-alveare-deactivated201811]

[MINI EVENT] COUNTERINSURGENCY PT. 1

vindictive

adjective

having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge.

Keep reading

Send me questions about my character's series

[shinsaku-kun]

♥

♥ = Character’s preference for relationships (sexuality, type of person, etc.)

He’s definitely heterosexual, but his views of relationships are informed by his society’s, in which women have certain constrained roles. He’s never considered the modern idea of a soulmate who is your closest friend and takes part in all facets of your life, and the closest to that in his life would probably be a guy friend, anyway, minus any sexual relationship. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that in Edo period society.)

When it comes to women, he has horribly deficient morals, and there have definitely been times when any moderately pretty woman would do for a night. Blame his behaviour on his culture. The pleasure quarters are way too tempting. 

Or don’t, because he’s actually been taught a lot better. His adored dead sensei was always gently pushing him towards a less vice-filled life. 

To his credit, he best likes women who are witty, talented artists (musicians, poets etc.) who can keep up with him in conversation. And he has women friends whom he isn’t romantically involved with. 

But what most deeply affects him is being loved. It may not change his behaviour towards a) his wife b) a lover, but he’ll feel guilty about treating them badly.

anonymously tell me what you think of my character portrayal

[shinsaku-kun]

¥

¥ = How the character handles money or spends it

BADLY. Takasugi’s family is rich, and his relatively high family status has always made borrowing money easy from other Choshu people. They know his Dad’s good for it, even if Shinsaku himself wastes it. And Shinsaku keeps getting jobs and commissions with money attached, and spends money as fast (or faster) as it comes in. Since he led the coup to put the shishi in power, he honestly expects the Choshu government to pay for everything. Drinking, gambling, feasts, entertainment, women, weapons, boats. 

(ok, the last two are more useful, but when you haven’t ordered a damn boat and he just shows up on your doorstep with one, and expects you to pay for it: True Story)

In HIve City, he has no money, and needs to find people to borrow from.

[shinsaku-kun]

(/□＼*)・゜

(/□＼*)・゜ = What makes the character blush

It’s hard to imagine. It’s really difficult to embarrass or discomfit Takasugi. He’s quite used to doing and saying things, and ending up in situations that should shame most people. His face can get flushed when he’s angry, passionate or drinking, but blushing, nope. He’s the one makes other people blush.

There’s one person who definitely made him blush once, and that was for praising him for qualities he didn’t see in himself or value enough. That was Shoin-sensei, doubtful anyone can do the same now. It’s possible someone who reminds him of his sensei would put him at ill enough ease to blush.

[isolaeotr1]

ツ

[memexauxqueen]

bold what applies to your muse: flaws edition !

feel free to add more.

easily scared | whiny | repetitive | selfish | arrogant | easily excitable | too silly | stubborn | blank minded | overly cautious | loud | easily bored | untrustworthy | disloyal | manipulative | over sensitive | possessive | clingy | obnoxious | gullible | annoying | judgemental | tactless | merciless | unlucky | soft-hearted | sarcastic | reckless | paranoid | unsophisticated | pushy | self critical | smart-ass | infamy | solemn | erratic | 

[shinsaku-kun]

½ {^.^v}

½ = How the character feels about people taller or shorter than them

Of course, you’d pick that one. Of course. (Admission: I actually reblogged immediately when I saw that one.)

Takasugi is 5 ft 3/160 cms, and even in Edo period Japan, that is short. He’s been mercilessly teased over his height since childhood. His friends joke that his long sword trails along the ground when he walks. He would never, ever admit that he’s bothered by being so short, but he’s also never let himself be photographed standing up straight beside other adults. (True fact) 

His resentment over height was strongest as a teenager, as he desperately hoped for a few more inches. He was jealous and angry with most of his peers as a teenager, for way more reasons than his height. That just made it more difficult to endure. Why did all the useless idiots have to be handsome and tall? 

He’s adjusted better to his height as he’s grown older and won more respect from others. If his old schoolmates now sometimes tease about his height, they also scramble to obey his military commands. 

Plus, he’s still taller than most of the women in his life. (Rei’s an exception.)

This all goes for his existence outside of Citta. On coming to Hive City, he’s rapidly rediscovering his animosity to all the tall people here.

[deceptive-fox]

Headcanons list! (Add more if you wish)

½ = How the character feels about people taller or shorter than them

± = The character and what they think about math

† = How the character feels about murder

@ = How the character appears online

¥ = How the character handles money or spends it

° = The character’s temperature preferences 

æ = The character and languages (Known or Want to Learn)

↔ = The character’s ability to read directions

♥ = Character’s preference for relationships (sexuality, type of person, etc.)

zzz= What time the character enjoys sleep or being awake

☂ = Weather the character enjoys

♪ = What music the character likes

( =①ω①=) = What animals the character likes and if they have a pet/pets

(・∀・ ) = The character’s emotional state most of the time

☆～（ゝ。∂）= How the character greets people

⊙﹏☉ = What flusters the character

(≧∇≦) = What makes the character happy

(/□＼*)・゜ = What makes the character blush

(;╹⌓╹) = What scares the character

（；へ：） = What makes the character cry

(´ q ` ” ) = The character’s “guilty” pleasure

（・□・；） = What makes the character uncomfortable

(*^◇^)_旦 = What the character likes to eat and drink

｡ﾟ(TヮT)ﾟ｡ = What makes the character laugh

(´；Д；｀) = What worries the character

(⑅ ‘﹃’ ) = What the character daydreams or thinks about

( ⌒o⌒)人(⌒-⌒ ) = Friends the character has or would like to make

[isolaeotr1]

Ronin

[isolaeotr1]

“Holy shit! THE Shinsaku? Who would have thought i meet a big shot here? Me? I took a job to deal with someone paying me to teach these cops a lesson so that what i did. Rebellion against authority and all that. Sounds familiar?”

Well damn who know a big shot be here? Boshin War. Play a MAJOR role in the Meiji restoration that got his lord and adoptive family annihilated and the leader of the Choshu group as it’s people like Takasugi who famous throughout history. Judging from the look of it he still in his prime as someone 

Died age 28. Tuberculous a bitch.

“Hmm seem like these guys buddies just arrive.”

Three OTHER cops appear behind Takasugi as they look hell bent on making the two of them pay.

[shinsaku-kun]

He didn’t know what to expect from the man with the real katana, but it wasn’t having his name recognized. No one in this alien city has yet recognized it,. That isn’t odd. Takasugi has some fame/infamy in odd quarters across Japan. But he’s not vain enough to think every person in Japan knows him.

He would question the swordsman about his own origins, but this second wave of police officers cuts off conversation possibilities. There’s no time to investigate the rights and wrongs of this altercation. But, he reflects as he pulls out his wooden sword again, he doesn’t really have to. The authorities here kidnapped him. Their servants deserve far worse than being knocked out with a wooden practice weapon. 

The first blow he deals is to the neck of one of their attackers. With steel, it would have cut the man’s artery. It stills fells his opponent. The man’s screams show he’s still alive, but he doesn’t get up. 

“You’re right. This is my kind of scene,” he calls out to his new friend.  His chest is painfully tight, and he knows he can’t continue very long like this in his weakened condition, but the lessons learnt from past relentless training haven’t deserted him. He feels gloriously alive fighting with a sword again, even if his body itself feels half-dead.

[renegade-disciple]

It had been awhile since he had seen a scene like this one. Not since that one time in Serdin, best to forget about that though. The man who was starting trouble was a fairly average looking guy, kinda short too- not that Asin was really one to talk about height.

Maybe it would be a good idea to step in. On the other hand maybe it’d also be a good idea to watch a barfight start. And yet then again he didn’t know this city or this place very well yet, so maybe not. He always liked to have as many details as he could before starting anything.

He approached the bartender rather casually. Sliding him some money. “How about I cover that for you.” He paused, looking over the man slowly, before turning back to the bartender and sliding him a few more bills. “Maybe get him another, he looks like he needs it.” He probably shouldn’t be aiding the man’s drinking habits at all, especially with how little money he had himself. But he could respect a guy as… Determined as he was.

[shinsaku-kun]

Takasugi gives his new benefactor a nod. He isn’t going to be effusively grateful, however. Nothing in this world ever comes without a price. This blue-haired stranger - wait, was his hair dyed like that, or was it natural? .... well anyway, this stranger wasn’t necessarily his new best friend. 

He could be, though. Who really knew?

“Thank you for that, kid.  I guess you’re the one who has my tab now. Anything you want out of this? I’d offer you some of this shochu, but I did cough on it.”