Okay. I think the decision has been made! It doesn't seem like there's a need for a vote, we want the Celica GT-4!

But with a 3.2 million yen price-tag, we're going to need some more cash first.

Perhaps there's some other Gods we can take down in exchange for money. Let's go back to the Security Guard Job.

: Hey Taro-chan

: I'm counting on you again today.

: By the way, Taro-chan, Do you know the Kowloon Building?

Kowloon Building?

As in… Kowloon Walled City?!?

If you're not familiar with the Kowloon Walled City it's a fascinating bit of history. It was a former military base, the size of a couple of football stadiums in British occupied Hong Kong, but ‘owned’ by China, so the British government had no claim over it.

It became a haven for many downtrodden individuals to avoid taxation, and it soon grew to be a den of illegal gambling, prostitution, drugs and dog meat delicacies that you just couldn't get anywhere else.

With no actual planning codes or government intervention, the residents filled out all the available land, and when they ran out of room, they started to build up, and up, and up, to the point that most people living there had no sunlight, other than a common courtyard in the middle. The whole thing just filled the small area of land that once was a military fort.

There was a rats nest of stolen and hacked electrical cables, plumbing and all sorts of crazy unplanned infrastructure. Despite the squalor, people lived and made it work.

By the early 1990s it was home to 35,000 people. A staggering amount when you consider how small the footprint of land was.

Finally, in 1994, it was razed down and its inhabitants rehomed, but it left a legacy that has lasted for years since.

Just about every movie and videogame that involves a dystopian future slum owes some influence to the Kowloon Walled City.

… Including this one!

: Is it a scary building with a bunch of thugs hanging out?

: Well, actually… I'm working security at that building. I think I'd like you to go…

Better us than you… is what you're saying?

: Huh! I don't want to go to such a scary place.

: I can't do anything alone. I'm not saying that I have reliable friends.

: friends?

: That's right

: I have friends with incredible powers.

: You can choose two of them to take with you.

We can choose friends? Where is this going?

: Come on everyone, come over here.

: Please introduce yourself one by one.

: My name is Akane.

: Apparently her ancestors were ninjas. She's been able to use strange magic since she was little.

: It's dangerous, so I don't use it much. I always end up doing it to bad guys...

… Wow. We can be friends with a magical Ninja? Who else?

: My name is Marian.I'm a nurse in training, so if I get injured… Leave it to me.

I mean, let's be honest if she got injured in Kowloon Walled City we’d probably leave her behind to save ourselves anyway.

: I'm Shoko. I don't have any special skills.

: I do this job because the pay is good.

Well she has one special skill, I guess. She’s honest…

: My hobbies are traveling abroad and scuba diving. Nice to meet you.

Ok let's take stock so far. Magical ninja, healer and... lady who likes getting paid…

: The name of the clerk is Mudo. As a monk, he is skilled in the use of magic.

: I'm doing this job to train.

: I hate crooked things. Thank you for your cooperation.

A warrior monk who hates crooked things? Boy, he's going to hate all those askew haphazardly built Kowloon Walled City buildings.

Who's next?

: Everyone calls me Gintama Oyaji. My special skill is pachinko. Thank you for your help.

:stare:

.....

: How about it? Everyone is reliable, right?

Uhh….you want these guys to accompany us into Kowloon Walled City? Are you sure?

: You can form a party with them, three people. It's like adding fuel to the fire

A party… Wow… this really is a JRPG!!

Is this just a gag or will these people actually be useful?

: I wonder...Well, there were some reliable ones…

: Of course, the part-time wages at Kowloon Building are high. It's different from before.

: You'll do it! Yes / No ?

Well, we do need the money… so… Yes... but we don't have to share any profits with these guys, do we?

: I see, you can do it. Then, please choose two people from among them to go with you.

: You'd better get your gear now.

And there we have it. Cutesy JRPG versions of our party members and their stats. We really are choosing a battle party!

So Goons, we’re going to need your help. Which two do we want in our party to take on the Kowloon Walled City?

Is it Akane with her magical ninja powers?

Marion with her gift to heal others?

Shoko and her love of money?

Mudo the warrior monk with his magic staff?

Or… Gintama… the fat slob who likes pachinko?

You have two votes each!