Description: After a run-in with Billy Kane, Raizo Imawano, principle of Justice High, meets the would-be King of Southtown himself in order to discuss matters both new and old.
It was some weeks ago that Billy Kane came to the office of the Principal of Justice High, and made a simple offer: Geese Howard had an interest in making a donation, on the condition that Raizo faced Billy in combat right then and there.
Having thoroughly trounced Billy, Raizo has now had several weeks to ponder exactly where the deadly trap would be in this offer, while Geese and Raizo's respective secretaries engaged in a merry game of phone tag. Men like Howard are rare, and such men never have small ambitions. Raizo's not completely sure what Geese is seeking, but he has a feeling that allowing the baron of Southtown any control over Justice High's development would be...bad.
Still, no use letting paranoia and a small chance of getting thrown out a window slow him down. It wouldn't be the first time he'd had to use the grappling hooks, and probably wouldn't be the last.
Thus it is that Raizo Imawano, right on time for his scheduled appointment, stands outside Geese's office in one of his better suits, hands folded respectfully, face a mask of thoughtful contemplation and betraying little of his concern over how this meeting might progress, awaiting the pleasure of Geese Howard.
"Mr. Howard?" a faint voice intones over a speaker phone. Geese Howard, sitting pristinely on his makeshift throne, turns a lazy eye to the speaker, a faint frown slipping past his lips.
"What is it?"
"There's a man here for you, Mr. Howard. A 'Raizo Imawano?'" And that frown quickly becomes a smile.
"Ah, Mr. Imawano. Please, please, send him in."
Geese Howard, King of Southtown. The would-be crimeboss sits down on his opulant throne, hands resting in his lap as he calmly waits for the arrival of his guest. A smooth, easy smile spreads across his lips as he looks upward, pale blue eyes shutting. Now this is a meeting he has been looking -forward- to. If there's any truly noteworthy schools, after all, it is Justice High... and their unusual principle.
It will be interesting, to say the least, to see what comes of it.
As soon as Raizo enters, Howard stands to offer Raizo a formal greeting, a hand extending towards the large man. "Mr. Imawano. It certainly is a -pleasure- to meet you in circumstances not involving physical violence. Let's have a chat... shall we?"
Raizo is, as ever, a sight. He and Geese have met before, of course, but even men who've worked closely with Raizo for years are occasionally taken aback by how completely bizarre he looks - all muscle, mass, and the great mane of hair wreathing his head, looking like nothing so much as he resembles something escape from the zoo...except dressed in a rather well-made suit, and possessed of an affable demeanor that, to judge by the veritable /fortress/ that is Justice High, is apparently more than convincing enough for would-be investors. Raizo is not sure that charm will be of use today - although he does notice with some grim amusement that he was not greeted with fireballs, which is an excellent start.
He accepts Geese's proferred hand, shaking with a professional proportion of the prodigious strength he is known for, and provides, "Mister Howard," with slightly less enthusiasm than the King of Southtown but providing one of his friendly BEAR GRINS to make up the difference. It's always slightly odd, meeting a man you've seen fight in a situation like this. Raizo is more accustomed to being the other man in such a situation, admittedly. "It's been some time since our last encounter. Meeting in peaceful circumstances like these is certainly a more pleasant affair, I do agree."
A wild bear in a suit. It's certainly an appearance that draws no small amount of entertainment. The massive animal of a man is met with a firm shake of the hand, Howard quickly withdrawing to slide both hands into the pockets of his slacks. Taking a step back, Howard considers the renowned principle of Justice High, and slowly those lips split into a charismatic and confident smirk.
"Billy told me good things about you. And of course, I know about your fighting skills first hand. But I didn't ask you here to talk about your abilities to fight." Geese turns smoothly, wandering away from Raizo as he moves towards the edge of the rooftop office, looking out to the city skyline beyond.
"I'd like to offer you a helping hand, Mr. Imawano." Howard looks over his shoulder at Raizo as he speaks, a brow arching faintly. "I'm sure you think I've brought you here for some ill-begotten reason, but that couldn't be further from the truth. I asked you here... out of concern." A hand sweeps out, gesturing towards the city beyond. "Believe it or not, I care a good deal about my city -- and about the people who live here. About the -children- and ensuring their futures are safe. Your school -- Justice High -- seems to have the same interests in mind. Molding students into strong men and women. I have a great deal of respect for what you do, Mr. Imawano... which is why I'd like to offer a hand of -help- to the next generation of leaders." A truly benevolent offer? Probably not. But Howard says nothing of ulterior motives, instead turning towards Raizo again.
"I'd like to offer a hand of help to -you-, Mr. Imawano."
The first thing Raizo notices is that this is a sales pitch from someone Raizo cannot /confirm/ is evil beyond all reckoning, but he can at least be sure that most of the major warning signs are there. Honey-tongued scoundrels are stock and trade, for Raizo - he comes from the Imawano, after all, a clan that specialized in purging their enemies through control and domination where violence failed. Mental domination was their trademark, but the power to crush the mind is not the only way to shepherd the weak of will.
Still, Raizo merely arcs an eyebrow as Geese speaks - interested, but attempting not to make too obvious his misgivings. "Justice High School is an ambitious project," Raizo eventually says, thoughtfull. "And I've been quite fortunate to witness so much success with it in only the few short years we've been operating. To mold our students into the incorruptible super-elites of tomorrow...yes, I can see why a man of your stature would be be intrigued by our school's efforts." He offers a grin, to show that the comment is no insult - any man in Geese's position would find Project Justice interesting, surely! Not that Raizo has any intention of letting Geese find out just how deep Project Justice runs...
"The youth can use all the help they can get," Raizo admits, with a chuckle. "I'm curious, though. How would you help us, Mister Howard? How would you help me?"
"I am a lot of things, Mr. Imawano. A fighter, a benefactor... ... a father," the last words come out slowly and with some measure of remorse and sadness from Howard that certainly -seems- genuine. "But at the end of the day, I'm a businessman. I built this company from the ground up, it's in my blood. And I know a good investment when I see one." Howard speaks smoothly, turning on his heel towards the makeshift pond nestled comfortably in a corner of his spacious rooftop office, hands clasping behind his back.
"There's a lot of waste running rampant in this place. You could say the value of my city has been on a downhill slope. And your Justice High is just the kind of thing worth investing interest in. The students of your school are raised with discipline. Etiquette. -Drive-, ambition. All the qualities needed of the people capable of crafting the world of the future." Geese allows himself a calm smile, icy eyes once more turning to Raizo to size up the bizarre-looking man. "So yes, I'm intrigued. A good businessman always knows when to seize up opportunity when it strikes."
Turning on his heel, Howard faces Raizo fully, the King of Southtown lifting a brow as his lips part once more. "Well, there's the obvious financial backing, Mr. Imawano. I'm sure your school has decent enough resources, but there's something to be said of the value of assistance... even something as simple as monetary concerns." He pauses here, letting the words sink in. "Not only this, but I have something of a vested interest in seeing these kids grow into something spectacular, to help my city in times of need. Protection and other services can be offered. I know your school has had some rather... -markable- notoriety. I'm sure your children can handle themselves, but no one could spurn someone watching their back, eh? Your school no doubt has formed its share of enemies. I'd like to help ensure they don't do any... -unjust- harm to your students. In the interest of all."
Yes. Markable - defying the corruption of the evils that feed the likes of Vega, Rugal, and Geese, the graduates of Justice High invariably become veritable /crusaders/ in their chosen fields...exactly as Raizo wanted. The success of Project Justice must surely, he knows, baffle and infuriate those who thrive on the corruption of the human spirit.
There must be a secret. Mustn't there? Or has Raizo Imawano simply discovered the holy grail of virtue - the means of unlocking within ordinary men and women the incorruptible, indomitable will inherent to any human being?
Any sane mind that thinks about it long enough surely imagines the first, for to be able to transform the students thus without some morally dubious trickery would surely make Raizo some sort of angel...and a frightful one, at that.
The bear principal says nothing on the matter as Geese speaks, merely nodding his head in comprehension as the King of Southtown lays out his argument. "Oh, yes, quite true. We've made quite a few enemies in our time, Mister Howard, quite a few. Yet we stand tall and unbowed. I'm quite proud of my students - even young Hyo walks the path of Justice, now that he has been shown the light." With extreme prejudice, admittedly. "And while we welcome your enthusiasm, and any donations you may wish to make are more than welcome..."
He smiles, in that calm, professional way that is very nearly unimaginable on his huge, leering frame. It's hard to imagine a man of his features looking scholarly and refined, and yet he somehow manages that impression with regularity. "...in the name of our school's status as an unblemished body seeking justice for all, I will have to decline your offers of protection." He tilts his head downward, respectfully, as he explains further: "While it is true that Justice has many enemies, and equally true that more allies could be nothing but good news, it is also true that our reputation relies on refraining from any sort of exclusive arrangements. To be closely associated with your esteemed organization...you can imagine the rumors even now, can't you? You honor me and my academy with your interest, Mister Howard, but I am afraid that the universality of Justice cannot be allowed to waver, even given such a generous offer."
"... Hmm." Howard shifts briefly as he considers Raizo's words. One polished shoe shifts in a short and easy pivot that takes him about-faced, strolling once more to his spacious desk and regally decorated chair. The blonde-haired man settles into his seat, leaning elbows on the armrests and tapping two fingers together. His expression is silent -- contemplative -- as Raizo speaks, brows knitting together in some semblence of disappointment.
"Well, that -is- too sad to hear, Mr. Imawano." Howard continues his vaguely silent rumination as the disappointed words are mulled out, as if weighing risks vs reward. His gaze shifts up to Raizo, quiet for a moment longer until-- "But you certainly have your reasons, I'm sure. My interest, in the end, is in the interest of my city. And I'd certainly like us to work together to ensure nothing -bad- should happen to this city. Like what poor, deluded Hyo Imawano tried to accomplish years ago. It'd be... regrettable if it should happen again."
On the subject of Hyo, Howard leans forward, resting chin on his hands as he levels a calm gaze towards the mighty, bear-like principle. "I'll take your word for it," he remarks on Hyo's reformation. "But snakes in the high grass aren't always alone, principle. You should still keep a watchful eye, hm? Who knows what sort of threats are still lurking from Hyo's last rampage... or otherwise. I'd hate to see that pristine school of yours twisted by some corrupt and ambitious youngsters." Teens. Always so violent.
Geese heaves a deep breath as he leans back once more, hands folding in his lap. "In any case, I would very much like to work alongside the legendary founder of Justice High himself. I don't think I could afford an enemy like you," a hearty chuckle escapes Howard, "and besides... I think we have mutual goals. After all..." Howard smiles a slow, easy smile. Ever so -convincingly- sincere.
"... at the end of the day, I have the best interests of this city and this world at my heart. A sentiment I think you can appreciate. Right, Principle Imawano...?"
"I blame nobody for mistrusting Hyo," Raizo admits, still managing to look completely composed even as Geese does exactly what Raizo expected he'd do. He doesn't mention Kurow. If Geese has not deduced the boy's existance, better not to give him more ammunition.
Besides which, Kurow has been handled for the time being.
"We do have quite similar goals in that respect," Raizo says, as the topic turns slightly toward something Raizo can tolerate. Howard's hands directly in Justice affairs? Never. Working with Howard the same way Justice works with other powerful employers and companies...that, the old bear-man could tolerate, at least for the moment.
He sees that smile - that maddeningly easy smile, the kind of look that could break a woman's heart or warm a man to friendship in moments. It nags at him. Are his suspicion's unfounded? But Hyo's findings...they don't point to Howard directly, no, but Howard is certainly near the top of the list of men who could set in motion what Raizo's nephew found.
He chooses to go forward with caution. "Yes. Justice seeks only the best for the city, country, and world. That is, in the end, why we exist."
Raizo straightens his posture, slightly, while Howard paces from ornament to desk. Howard is reminding him - through simple action, very basic choices of motion and positionality - who is in charge, here. Raizo carries on. Howard probably will not do anything /now/, unless Raizo for some reason were to grow beligerent. The old man refocuses, trying not to distract himself with trying to outplan a man of Geese Howard's capabilities.
"Please don't misunderstand, Mister Howard," Raizo says, offering a consiliatory smile. "We of Justice would be honored and grateful to work with you. I merely cannot offer you opportunities I could not offer equally to other associates of the school. It is a policy of mine - to maintain the sanctity of the school's reputation." And to keep at arms' length people who might want to guide students away from the path of righteousness, to one more easily malleable by men of evil.
Kurow Kirishima. Of course Geese knows of the boy -- knows of him quite well. If he knows anything more than surface details, he doesn't say as much. After all, as Raizo well knows -- some information is best kept to oneself.
Howard's expression and demeanor is overall friendly, if not one of a businessman. Little more than that, though, even as Raizo speaks once more. "Of course. A philanthropist like myself can only do so much. Flinging money around has its limits of success, you know." Geese allows himself a wry little smile as he taps a finger against the back of his left hand in an idle gesture. "People like you and your school, if done right, could do much more than anything my generous checkbook ever could. I envy you. Of course, a force like that could be a miracle... or a catastrophe.
"But I have faith in your abilities."
As Raizo speaks once more, Howard pauses, considering the words of the man, polite as they are. His brows knit in thought, leaning forward. Ultimately, a broad smile crosses his lips as he stands up, striding back towards the large principle. "Don't worry, Mr. Imawano, I don't hold your decision against you! You have a strong set of etiquette! I respect that. You're a rare man in these times." He pauses, right hand lifting up slowly. "A man of honor. What a extraordinary thing. Don't worry, my funding will be as much involvement I require in your little... project." That hand comes down, to smack Raizo on the shoulder in a friendly gesture. "I think that about covers it, sir. Should you need anything from me, don't hesitate to ask, hm?
"I'd like you to think of me as a friend."
A rare man indeed. Raizo allows himself to grin at that. Hopefully Raizo's breed will be less endangered, someday. That's what Project Justice is about, after all.
Howard steps forward and offers a friendly clap on the shoulder, which Raizo meets with an affable smile and a comprehending nod. Is this the end? No, probably not...but it's not a bad beginning, by Raizo's estimation. Everything by the book. Good. "Thank you, Mister Howard," Raizo says, with that amused bear grin on his great big lips. "I do try. I don't think there's anything else, however. And..."
The bear chuckles, stepping back to a distance appropriate to excuse himself from: "I'm sure I'll call on you, if I should need anything." Unlikely....but not impossible, no.
A noble goal. Geese would like to see it grow.
In his own, unique way, of course.
Howard makes no effort to keep Raizo as the man excuses himself, offering a brief and respectful nod. "Good to finally have a chat, Mr. Imawano. Please be sure to take care of yourself, hm?" Geese moves once more to his desk, settling down in his chair in mild contemplation. As soon as Raizo sees fit to leave, Howard gives a brief, parting wave.
"You be sure to do that," the would-be King of Southtown offers as Raizo exits, fingers pressing together in front of his face, smoothed into a thoughtful expression. One that is soon accompanied by an amused and arrogant smile as he leans back once more in his seat. It's good to be King.
And he has plans to make, now.
Log created on 17:53:51 04/29/2008 by Geese, and last modified on 16:13:10 04/30/2008.