!!New Challenger Approaches!!
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from [this ask] and subsequent accidental 'Parent Trap AU'
Meanwhile, in detention:
Mondo has an eye for detail when it counts
[I've explained what the hell Ultimate Devil's Advocate is supposed to mean under the cut cos it got a little wordy; along with a bunch of Taka/Ishida twin asks!]
(edit: some more [asks] about this au)
Alright - so hear me out; this might get a little esoteric (and probably really pretentious, feel free to drag me for that)
The main thought was something that was in direct opposition to Taka's 'Moral Compass' (which itself doesn't really have a concrete meaning); something rebellious and tempestuous, that still came from a place of hard work- not just pure talent.
And since Taka often sides with societal expectation and the authorities; perhaps someone who challenges them, and exposes the flaws in the system.
Then, the idea was that perhaps Ishida advocates on behalf of those who can't, speaks up and challenges the power structures on their behalf, through any means at his disposal, rather than blindly rebel like Mondo might; utilising Taka's sense of righteousness.
A Devil's Advocate is someone who takes the opposite stance, arguing an unpopular position to provoke debate, and as such could find themselves naturally in opposition to A Moral Compass who places his faith in the more widely accepted rules and regulations, established by the authorities. And if Ishida's position proves to be untenable, by his challenging someone's ideals, they can strengthen their own position and tighten their resolve.
Plus, linguistically, the DEVIL'S advocate contrasts nicely with the MORAL compass.
Ishida was raised with his maternal family - a Togami like business conglomerate, and he was expected to become an asset to them. Through years of being exposed to corporate double speak and two faced business deals Ishida taught himself to unravel the threads of someone's intentions from their actual words, developing extremely strong debating abilities but also an intense dislike of the machinations of whole system and how it was built on deceit and profiteering (not unlike the behaviour of Toranosuke). He worked hard to sharpen his skills and used them to expose the lies and loopholes that the system was built around, in direct opposition of his maternal grandfather, and earning enemies in high places, but also allies in surprising ones.
Taka finds comfort in rules, Mondo needs to break them, but Ishida wants to dismantle them.
There were some fab suggestions for Ishida's ultimate:
@ladymage @yaysof11037 @honestlyboringperson
I liked the suggestions of Ishida working in conjunction with Taka, like where he protects him, or even where he's a direct threat to him - and I thought what could encompass both of these was something that took Taka to task, by challenging his preconceptions, much how Mondo did when they actually connected. Having someone confront you on your beliefs can be arduous but could leave you stronger for it - either strengthening your values, or confronting your flaws. Much like how the Leader of the Opposition is supposed to confront the Prime Minister. Chaos or Vigilante are a really cool angles too, as were the more physical talents which definitely leaned into the aggressive 'Mondo' side. Ishida is not afraid to get his hands dirty in his quest to stand opposed to the powers that be, no stranger to resorting to violence if necessary to be heard. (I wanted him to be colourful and flashy as well rather than using just darker colours like Mondo, another inverse of Taka's strict need to conform, a bright Hannya graphic T in reference to his talent and a construction helmet and shinai for when he has to fight his way out)
Ishida just strolling in, casual as you like, as the very picture of Taka having an absolute breakdown and just being floored by all the very genuine heartfelt care that the class shows him. Taka meanwhile, giving out detentions, having NO IDEA the class think he has completely cracked and are desperately trying to get Mikan to fix him.
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It would be WILD foremost because seeing Taka and Ishida interact would give the class another more human perspective of the 'Hardass', just like with Mondo, especially since Ishida LOVES to share little titbits that embarrass Taka (although nothing actually hurtful: just things like Taka dying his hair in an effort to soften his intense appearance and it in fact having absolutely no effect at all)
Ishida is more like Taka then they expect; he seems the polar opposite being socially savvy, casual in dress and speech and an iconoclast, but he is also exceedingly passionate (and with that LOUD), feels a sense of responsibility to those around him and is surprisingly studious. Although not in aid of his schooling; he studies excessively in order to have plenty of ammunition against people who would patronise, dismiss or lie to him. It takes a while to realise that the twins get along famously because every conversation they have seems to be a screaming argument, but in reality they thrive off the competition and debate, as exhausting as it can be for those around them.
At first glance, he comes across as aggressive and volatile, and though he does have a temper and won't shy away from violence, he plays up his 'delinquent' tendencies so that people will underestimate him. He can read a room well, and will adjust his attitude to match: being loud and boisterous with say Taka or Hina, but being quieter and calmer with the shyer members of the class. He doesn't want to be seen as a bully, so he won't start conflict with people who he thinks won't handle it well (his assessments are usually pretty good, but he can be arrogant at times) He ADORES debating with Togami for example, even if he hates him as a person, cos he loves the challenge of getting a rise out of him, and Togami won't turn down an opportunity to 'best a lesser' Conversely, he likes Hiro as a person, but HATES any conversation topic he brings up because: "ALIENS AREN'T REAL HIRO!!" It takes the longest for Mondo and Ishida to warm up to one another. Not least because of a spark of anxiety Ishida gets from Taka having friends outside of him, but also because Mondo does not do well with his biker gang rhetoric being challenged. It takes time, maturity and mellowing but they do end up very close, having far more in common than not. (Taka is thrilled by this development)
@chinchillasinunison if this is true than the hideous colour pallet of the school is a greater evil than any of her bloody war crimes. I'm gonna put blame for how long this comic took me to finish SQUARLY on Junko's terrible design sense. (But also my laptop came up with the trick of overheating when being charged if it was turned on, so that slowed me to a CRAWL lemme tell you)
