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Kazuya: "Who is she?" Kazuya: "My sister?" Kazuya: "And..." Kazuya: "Mom?" Kazuya: "Kiriha-san?!" Kazuya: "Why?" Kazuya: "Why..." Kazuya: "...did we end up like this?" Eptitle Sign: "m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0 m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0" Eptitle: ""The Troubleshooters' Office"!" Kazuya: "Okay, enough! It's too hot as it is! How am I supposed to sleep like this?!" Kazuya: "Kiriha-san! How many times do I have to ask you to wear panties in bed?!" Kiriha: "Wasn't on purpose. They always seem to find their own way off of me." Kukuri: "Why were we sleepin' in here, again?" Kokuyou: "I accompanied you to the washroom in the night, then followed you here." Kukuri: "You sure that wasn't the night before last?" Kiriha: "None of this matters! Back to bed, Kazuya..." Kazuya: "Hey, Kiriha-san!" Kasumi: "How many times do I have to tell you to stop tempting Ya-kun?! You tsukumogami tart!" Kazuya: "Stop!" Kasumi: "Come on, Ya-kun. If you don't get ready and eat soon, you're going to be late." Kazuya: "You're right!" Kazuya: "Come on, Kiriha-san, aren't you coming?" Kazuya: "We need to explain everything to the others today." Osamu: "You seem exhausted as usual, Kagami-kun." Chisato: "It's because he never allows enough time." Kazuya: "I wish I had more to allow, believe me..." Guys: "Hey, Obina-san." Guys: "Where'd you go to school before this? Is that your natural hair color? Got any hobbies? What music do you like?" Kiriha: "What is all this? How am I meant to answer so many questions at once?" Kazuya: "Kiriha-san sure is a hit..." Guys: "Hey, Kagami. You're good friends with Obina-san, right? Did you grow up together or something?" Kazuya: "Uh, sorta." Shirou: "Then she must've lived in your neighborhood, huh?" Kiriha: "Neighborhood? We live in the same house, in fact." Shirou: "Well, if you were friends back then, did you bathe together and sleep together and all that?" Kiriha: "Don't be foolish." Kiriha: "We still sleep together, to say nothing of bathing." Kiriha: "It's Kazuya's duty to wash my back, after all." Shirou: "Judgment time! This perversion trial, held by our class of wholesome young men, has now convened!" Teacher: "Okay, everyone to your seats. What the—" Kazuya: "Sensei!" Shirou: "Defendant Kagami Kazuya! You are charged with cohabiting with a beautiful girl and engaging in lascivious activities!" Kazuya: "It's a misunderstanding! Kiriha-san's just confused, that's all! Her memory's, like... y'know!" Kiriha: "Rude." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san! No more jokes! Please?!" Chisato: "Your honor! I've seen the defendant in the bath and sleeping with Kiriha-san with my own eyes." Kazuya: "Chisato?!" Shirou: "I see no grounds for defense in this case!" Kazuya: "Sensei! Sensei, I don't think this is a legal trial!" Shirou: "In the name of this assembly of wholesome young men..." Teacher: "I don't know what you expect me to do!" Shirou: "you are hereby sentenced to the maximum punishment!" Shirou: "A tsukumogami, huh?" Kiriha: "Indeed I am. An obi tsukumogami, in fact. I've been attending to exorcisms in this area with Kazuya here." Osamu: "I see." Osamu: "Then the younger form you had before was only temporary? That is a shame." Kiriha: "It is?" Osamu: "I meant to say, a surprise." Osamu: "Incidentally, Kagami-kun..." Osamu: "This is a vacant room meant for one of the culture clubs." Shirou: "Oh, yeah. What did you wanna talk about? And for the record, there is no possible defense for the fact that you're cohabiting with a babe!" Kazuya: "What are you even..." Kazuya: "To be honest, I need to ask you all for help. You've seen it yourselves already," Kazuya: "but strange things keep happening at this school." Chisato: "You mean the incidents caused by amasogi?" Shirou: "Oh, that thing where people's desires turn stuff supernatural, right?" Shirou: "Man, that was pure hell." Kazuya: "The longer an amasogi causes trouble, the more intense the atonement it results in. So I want to try to gather information that'll help us deal with them faster." Kazuya: "Which is why I'm thinking of turning this room..." Kazuya: "into a place where students can come for help with their problems." Shirou: "Like, counseling? What the heck?" Osamu: "I understand. By getting information on rumors and troubles arising among students..." Chisato: "We might be able to uncover clues on amasogi!" Kazuya: "Right! But we wouldn't be able to do it alone." Osamu: "I assume that's where we come in." Shirou: "I gotta ask, why does all this stuff keep happening at our school, anyway?" Osamu: "A good question. I wonder if there's a particular cause." Kazuya: "There's..." Kiriha: "The birth of an amasogi is tied to something called malison." Shirou: "Malaysian?" Kiriha: "No." Kiriha: "Malison... is like a type of fog that has the power to make wishes come true. It occurs naturally throughout the world, having a subtle influence over all things that happen. We tsukumogami are generally the result of the accumulation of malison over an extended period of time. However, should an abnormally rich amount of malison come under the influence of an intense desire or wish, it can create an instant tsukumogami, one born without any rational intelligence. That's what amasogi are." Osamu: "Then this malison gathers more easily in our school?" Shirou: "Yeah, but I'm asking why!" Kiriha: "Because someone who attends school here has a condition that causes them to attract malison. They're born into every age," Kiriha: "dubbed "scorned children," and treated as the source of the scourge." Kazuya: "And it turns out..." Kazuya: "that I'm one of those scorned children." Shirou: "So this stuff is happening because of you, Kazuya?" Kazuya: "Yeah. And honestly, I should probably be dealing with this stuff by myself—" Kiriha: "You're wrong there. It's true that denser malison increases the likelihood of amasogi being born, but shunning the scorned children merely results in the malison collecting elsewhere." Kiriha: "All that changes is the time and place in which the amasogi are born. The real reason that amasogi are born is a heart so weak that it is overtaken by avarice. No one has the right to pass that blame on to the scorned child." Kiriha: "They are not at fault." Shirou: "Yeah, you've got a point." Shirou: "I'm the one who actually used that amasogi cologne, after all." Osamu: "Right, it wasn't Kagami-kun's fault." Osamu: "The best thing for us to do is prevent more damage where possible." Shirou: "And that's what this troubleshooting office is for? All right, I'm in!" Osamu: "I'll be splitting my time with the manga club, but I'll join you." Chisato: "I'd love to help, too." Kiriha: "You may enter!" Whiteboard Sign: "Hello" Tadataka: "Hello! Did everything go well, then?" Kazuya: "What are you two doing here?" Kiriha: "I gave them word ahead of time." Kiriha: "It's thanks to Tadataka that we have use of this room, you know." Tadataka: "Oh, it was the least I could do!" ko Sign: "I'll help, too." Kazuya: "But you both had to go through atonement because of me..." Kiriha: "Stop that." Kiriha: "I just said it wasn't your fault." Kiriha: "And besides... Nanako!" ko: "I'm grateful... to you... Kagami-senpai." Kazuya: "Her voice!" Kiriha: "Atonement is basically one's punishment for giving in to an amasogi's temptation." ko Sign: "It's coming back little by little." Kiriha: "If you accept that and are penitent, the effects will weaken in time." Tadataka: "I'm starting to see some hope, as well." Kiriha: "Listen well. Blaming yourself is not only pointless, but will also have the opposite effect." Kiriha: "Understood?" Kazuya: "Yeah." Kazuya: "Thank you, everyone!" Kiriha: "Very good! It's time for the Troubleshooters' Office to get to work." Kazuya: "And so..." Kiriha: "Let's waste no time. Has anyone heard anything?" Shirou: "Yeah, question! Why can't I get a girlfriend?!" Kiriha: "Your personality." Chisato: "Come to think of it..." Kiriha: "What is it?" Chisato: "Well, there's something that came to mind." Tadataka: "The student council's been privy to some information, as well." Kazuya: "What kind of information?" Tadataka: "It seems that lately, underwear seems to go missing after swimming classes. We've had the odd report of such incidents here and there." Kazuya: "An... underwear thief?" Kiriha: "Tsugu Tsugumomo!" Whiteboard Sign: "Tsugumomo ♥" Chisato: "Tsugu Tsugumomo!" Kazuya: "Thanks for agreeing to help, Chisato. I really do need you." Chisato: "Kazuya-kun..." Mimane: "Here we go..." Mimane: "Hey! Still asleep?" Mimane: "Okay, fast asleep. All right!" Azami: "Don't make so much noise." Mimane: "Aye-aye, sir!" Mimane: "Okay, it's gone!" Mimane: "Looks like smooth sailing." Shirou: "C... No, B." Osamu: "One vote for B." Kazuya: "Shirou, just for the record..." Shirou: "Come on, man, I'm not gonna steal anybody's underwear. It's what's on the inside that counts." Osamu: "And if there's a need, you can just buy some." Kazuya: "Right..." Kazuya: "Chisato!" Chisato: "Wh-What is it?" Kazuya: "I was wondering..." Chisato: "W-Wondering something about me?" Kazuya: "Well..." Kazuya: "Do you swim with your glasses on?" Chisato: "Sheesh... I must still be half-asleep..." g: "Ribbit!" Chisato: "Ribbit?" Whiteboard Sign: "Amasogi?! Class rep spots a mysterious creature The story of Chikaishi Chisato's strange encounter" Chisato: "And that's what happened..." Osamu: "And you think this creature was the one stealing underwear?" Kazuya: "It wasn't a cat or anything, was it?" Kiriha: "It's most likely an amasogi." Kiriha: "The malison forecast today was rather unsettling." Shirou: "Osamu, this calls for..." Osamu: "Right. An undercover operation." Shirou: "Now then, people..." Shirou: "We need to requisition your panties." Chisato: "Under no circumstances!" Tadataka: "If mine will suffice, you can have them." Shirou: "It obviously has to be a girl's!" Chisato: "That's sexual harassment!" Kiriha: "Amasogi are like animals, true enough. A bit of bait might be just what we need..." Kazuya: "Sorry about this, Kiriha-san." Kiriha: "Put them on, take them off... You just can't seem to decide, can you?" Kazuya: "Well, you always sit around the house without any on!" Kazuya: "Uh, forget I said anything." Shirou: "Does this really have any chance of working?" Osamu: "It is a fairly primitive trap." Kazuya: "Did we catch something?" Kiriha: "Careful, now." Shirou: "What the hell?" Osamu: "A frog... embroidered on a pair of underpants, it seems." Osamu: "Little girls' panties." Osamu: "I'm guessing the size is 120." Kazuya: "Hey, Chisato..." Kazuya: "Isn't this pair..." Chisato: "No, it's not!" g: "Ribbit!" Kazuya: "It ran!" Kiriha: "After it, Kazuya!" Kazuya: "It's gathering malison?!" g: "Ribbit!" Kiriha: "Seems ready for a fight." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san!" Kiriha: "Right!" Kiriha: "It's collecting malison from the surroundings. Best to wrap this up quickly." g: "Ribbit!" Kazuya: "Shield Weave!" Kiriha: "Grab it!" Kazuya: "Hand Weave!" g: "Ribbit!" Kazuya: "Sledgehammer Weave!" Kazuya: "No effect!" Kiriha: "Squishy little beast, isn't it?!" Chisato: "Kazuya-kun!" Shirou: "What the hell is that?!" Osamu: "I would assume it's the berserk amasogi." Shirou: "But it's a pair of p-p-p-panties! Indeed it is." Kazuya: "Hey, Chisato! That pair belongs to you, doesn't it?!" Kazuya: "I know it does! I remember seeing them before!" Chisato: "Why do you remember that?!" g: "Ribbit!" Shirou: "Whoa, it's even bigger!" Kiriha: "You need to admit it, Chisato!" Kazuya: "That's right! You were so desperate for underwear, it gave birth to an amasogi!" Shirou: "Damn, Chikaishi... Seriously?" Chisato: "This is exactly why I didn't want to admit it! Not to mention, I have no such desire!" Kazuya: "You don't?" Kiriha: "I thought that seemed odd." Chisato: "Kazuya-kun!" Kiriha: "All right, Kazuya! We can't let this thing continue to run rampant! We need to silence it in one blow!" g: "Ribbit!" Kazuya: "Three-point... Spiral Weave!" g: "Ribbit!" Kazuya: "What do we do about this?" Chisato: "It's true that those are mine, but... They're from when I was little, and they'd been put away for so long..." Chisato: "I have no idea how this happened." Kazuya: "What was it, then?" Kiriha: "Kazuya." Kiriha: "Strip." Kiriha: "I said strip, boy!" Kazuya: "Okay!" Kiriha: "I think it was lonely." Kiriha: "There's sorrow in unused, discarded items." Kiriha: "Let this be its small comfort." Chisato: "Was this for the best?" Kiriha: "Wouldn't you prefer to be with the one you longed for in the end?" Chisato: "I guess so." Kazuya: "Um..." Kazuya: "My underpants..." g: "Ribbit..." Kazuya: "Thanks for the meal." Kiriha: "I am stuffed!" Kasumi: "Would it kill you to clean up after yourself?!" Osamu: "I believe it was due to an atmospheric plasma discharge." Kazuya: "I wonder what that frog's deal actually was..." Kiriha: "If Chisato didn't give rise to the amasogi, it must have occurred naturally." Kazuya: "But that's supposed to take a long time, right?" Kiriha: "If a decade or so was enough to animate them, the world would be crawling with tsukumogami." Kiriha: "Dense malison or not, there'd have to be more to it..." Kasumi: "Ya-kun, is this all your laundry?" Kazuya: "Yeah." Kasumi: "No underpants... Did he lose them? Did they fall off? Or maybe..." Web Auction Signs: "Men > Underaged Super rare! Fresh! *A beautiful boy's under cludes pictures!)" Kasumi: "How much was it?! How much did they go for?!" Kazuya: "Do you think there'll be trouble again soon?" Kiriha: "No need to worry." Kiriha: "Is that not why we called upon your friends?" Kazuya: "I guess you're right." Kiriha: "Now, then..." Kiriha: "Sir, do you feel itchy anywhere else?" Kazuya: "No, not really." Kiriha: "What about here?" Kazuya: "Hey!" Kiriha: "down here? Perky as usual, I see!" Kazuya: "No!" Mimane: "Looks like it went down already." Akito: "That's fine." Yasuki: "Do we have another lead?" Arumi: "Yes." Akito: "For now, we'll do things Azami's way." Kazuya: "Sunao-san, who challenged me to a duel before, asked me to come to her house alone. I wasn't sure what to expect, but what happened still surprised me!"

Kukuri: "I feel real bad..." Kazuya: "Are you okay, Kukuri-chan?" Taguri: "Kukuri-chan's cute even when she's smashed!" Kiriha: "Pathetic, letting your drinking get away from you." Kiriha: "Now, Taguri..." Kiriha: "Hey!" Kiriha: "A regional goddess has come under assault. That's more or less unheard of." Kiriha: "How are you two planning to deal with this?" Taguri: "Good question..." Taguri: "For now, I've contacted Takamagahara." Kazuya: "Takamagahara?" Taguri: "Yes. They essentially manage the gods that govern Japan." Kazuya: "Wow. So they might send another god to come and help?" Taguri: "Sadly, that's not likely. Minor deities like myself lose their strength if they leave their territory, and when one domain has two gods in it, it creates a spiritual imbalance that causes malison disturbances." Taguri: "Which would mean more aberrations, and even more strain on Kukuri-chan." Kazuya: "So we can't have Honoka-sama come and help, either?" Kiriha: "Do you mean to tell me we're out of options?" Taguri: "Not at all. The gods of this region will spare no effort to help, myself included. And it sounds like Takamagahara sent a message to Tsuzuraden. I'm sure they'll send someone qualified to help." Kazuya: "Tsuzuraden... That's where they train malison exorcists, right?" Kiriha: "I'm not sure we can expect much from them." Kiriha: "Who could that be at this hour?" Kiriha: "You two?" Sunao: "It's good to see you again, Kiriha-sama." Eptitle Sign: "m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0 m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0" Akito: "What the..." Mimane: "Hey, hey, what the heck's going on here?!" Arumi: "Brother, we're under attack!" Mimane: "What are these grimy things?!" Azami: "Clay from a pottery wheel." Akito: "A pottery wheel? That'd be Sanjuurou... But he's usually only able to create enough clay for a single body!" Yasuki: "Stay on your toes. They're not done." Azami: "Shield Weave." Yasuki: "There's no end to them..." Azami: "Only one of the clay dummies is real." Azami: "Find it. Kill it." Akito: "But Sanjuurou is..." Azami: "He's destroyed many of Mayoiga's tsukumogami." Akito: "Mimane!" Mimane: "Gotcha!" Mimane: "Found him! Four rows from the back, seventh from the right!" Arumi: "Why would Sanjuurou attack us?" Akito: "What in the world is happening in Mayoiga?" Chikage: "Hey!" Aktio: "Chikage?" Chikage: "Good work." Chikage: "I'm glad you're all okay." Arumi: "It's good to see you, too, Chikage-san." Akito: "What's going on around here?" Chikage: "Well, this guy was the last of the troublemakers... But you're better off asking Old Bowl for the details." Mimane: "Chikage!" Mimane: "We're back, Chikage!" Chikage: "Hey, there. Good to see you." Akito: "The entire radical group rebelled together?!" Bowl: "That's right. They insisted on attacking the regional god as soon as possible and would not listen to reason." Akito: "I see. And with Genbu and the others having left..." Bowl: "Indeed. Genbu and his group were at the center of the radicals, and consequently were keeping them in check. With their leaders gone, the rest decided to run amok." Yasuki: "But Chikage and the other village leaders are among our most powerful. The agitators should've known they stood no chance, especially without Genbu's group." Bowl: "And that is why they committed the most forbidden of acts..." Bowl: "Feeding on humans." Bowl: "A tsukumogami gets their strength by working for a human. But they performed the heretical art that involves devouring a human's life, man-eating. Man-eating tsukumogami gain incredible power, but over time, they gradually lose their minds, becoming monsters." Bowl: "Mayoiga is a gathering of tsukumogami who are unable to bear the humans' tyranny. But even so, without humans, there can be no tsukumogami. As such, we are forbidden to defy the laws of nature. Do you understand?" Akito: "Yes, sir." Bowl: "Good. Now, tell me what's happened on your end... Shared Fate, Shared Dream" Bowl: "I see. Genbu and the others were killed... Weakened or otherwise, a regional god is still a god. At this point, I doubt the entire village would stand any chance." Bowl: "And Miurahi-sama's shard will only last a month or two more. We're running out of time. I'd like to consult a fortune before deciding what to do next..." Bowl: "Where is Arumi, anyway? Mimane and Azami, as well. They weren't killed, were they?!" Akito: "They just got a bit muddy and headed to the bath." Chikage: "I can't believe you!" Bowl: "Okay—" Bowl: "Th-The toilet! I just need to use the toilet!" Bowl: "Release me!" Chikage: "Mimane can be such a little nuisance." Arumi: "I'm glad no one was hurt." Chikage: "Hey! Rinse off first!" Chikage: "Azami, that mound's a projection of yours, right? You take pretty good care of it." Azami: "Yes. It's important." Azami: "Very important." Mimane: "Then I'll help you wash it!" Azami: "No need." Mimane: "Aw, come on!" Mimane: "Boing, boing!" Azami: "Hands off." Mimane: "Then I'll wash you off instead, Azami! Would that be okay?" Azami: "Well... fine." Arumi: "I feel like I should warn her..." Mimane: "Squish, squish! Rub, rub!" Mimane: "There you go! Washy-wash!" Azami: "That's enough! I'm already clean!" Bowl: "Oh, dear... I really do need to use the toilet now..." Bowl: "Oh... n-no..." Azami/Mimane: "Tsugu Tsugumomo. Tsugumomo!" Sunao: "Tsugu Tsugumomo." Kazuya: "I always feel refreshed after a full day of recuperating from exhaustion." Kazuya: "Sunao-san?!" Kazuya: "I see." Kazuya: "So the two of you are here to help out." Kukuri: "Normally you only get one malison exorcist per regional god... But the folks at Tsuzuraden made emergency arrangements." Sunao: "That being the case, we'll be staying here for the time being." Kotetsu: "Thank you for having us." Kazuya: "Wait, you're going to be living here?!" Kukuri: "You got it!" Kazuya: "And that uniform..." Sunao: "I'm Sumeragi Sunao. It's nice to meet you all." Sunao: "I'm in the same school as him... Say, "Ah!"" Sunao: "N-Not now..." Sunao: "Where does he sit?" Sunao: "Huh?" Shirou: "Hey! 2-4's supposed to have a hot new transfer student! And she's legit cute!" Kazuya: "We know." Kiriha: "So she's in another class?" Shirou: "Man, talk about a lukewarm response." Classmates: "Sumeragi-san seems kind of down." Classmates: "Maybe she misses her old school?" Sunao: "It's not over yet! I'll still have plenty of chances!" Classmates: "And now she's fired up? That's the look of someone with prey on their mind." Shirou: "What?! The beautiful transfer student's joining the Troubleshooters' Office?!" Shirou: "Explain, Kazuya!" Kazuya: "This is Sumeragi Sunao-san. She used to go to school in Komiya—" Shirou: "Not that part!" Shirou: "I'm asking why in the hell you have yet another hot lady friend!" Kazuya: "She's a malison exorcist, too! There was actually an attack from this place called Mayoiga, whose tsukumogami are targeting Kukuri-chan." Kazuya: "That's why she's here to help." Chisato: "I had no idea." Osamu: "Then Sumeragi has a tsugumomo, as well?" Sunao: "Yes." Kotetsu: "I'm the sword tsukumogami, Kotetsu. It's nice to meet you." Chisato: "Nice to meet you." Shirou: "That explains the sudden transfer. Must be a drag having to commute from the next town over, though." Sunao: "Oh, it's not a problem. I'm staying at the Kagami house." Shirou: "Oh, well, that's a relief!" Shirou: "How many times, you bastard?! How many times are you going to hog all the fun?!" Chisato: "Four women staying at the Kagami house... Plus his sister." Chisato: "Maybe I should move in, too?" Shirou: "Let's count your sins!" Kazuya: "It wasn't my idea!" Sunao: "Is this little talk over?" Sunao: "I need to see you for a sec." Sunao: "You know why I called you out here, right?" Kazuya: "No, not at all..." Kazuya: "Oh, wait, is this about before? The thing about training together?" Sunao: "Exactly!" Kazuya: "Ow!" Sunao: "Now apologize for standing me up when I spent every single day waiting for you!" Kazuya: "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Sunao: "Granted, you probably would've wussed out and not been able to stick with my training!" Sunao: "But you can't escape now! Because... Because..." Sunao: "Because we live together now!" Kotetsu: "Sunao-sama!" Sunao: "Put your back into it! Your footwork is terrible! And..." Sunao: "your defense is weak!" Sunao: "Well?!" Kazuya: "I admit defeat." Sunao: "You've gotten a little bit better, but your unarmed martial arts still have a long way to go." Kazuya: "I-I guess so. You're really strong, Sunao-san." Sunao: "Honestly, you need to get it together. You'll never be able to inherit our school otherwise." Kazuya: "Huh? Inherit?" Sunao: "That's not what I meant! I didn't mean to imply we'd be getting married or you'd join my family! You just need to shape up, is all!" Kazuya: "Okay..." Sunao: "Ugh, I can't believe that actually made me sweat..." Sunao: "Anyway, let's spar with our tsugumomo this time. Where's Kiriha-sama?" Kazuya: "Well, she's been kind of busy lately..." Kazuya: "Um... You could've just gone in first, Sunao-san." Sunao: "Don't be stupid. Guests shouldn't be the first ones in the bath." Sunao: "Plus, there are other concerns." Mom: "Staying at the Kagami household? Given the circumstances, I expect you to fulfill your duty." Sunao: "Right!" Mom: "This is actually an opportunity." Mom: "It's the perfect chance to begin a physical relationship with Kazuya-san." Sunao: "Mother?!" Mom: "If you intend to inherit the Sumeragi school of swordplay, there's no better partner than someone who was able to defeat you in combat." Mom: "This works out for you, as well, given your affection for him." Sunao: "I-I never said that I..." Mom: "Did you think I wouldn't notice this photo in your bag?" Mom: "Use this chance to grow closer to him. You know what will happen if you fail to accomplish anything..." Mom: "Don't you?" Sunao: "It was her idea." Kazuya: "I see." Sunao: "Anyway, this is to fool her! So we'll bathe together! Okay?" Kazuya: "R-Right!" Kazuya: "Uh, well, I'll wash off now, so could you hand me a sponge?" Sunao: "Oh, right." Sunao: "Here." Kazuya: "Thanks." Kazuya: "What?!" Sunao: "Don't look, stupid!" Sunao: "It's a bit cramped, huh?" Kazuya: "Well, yeah." Kazuya: "Our house isn't as big as yours... Oh, sorry." Sunao: "Hey." Sunao: "Did something happen with Kiriha-sama?" Kazuya: "Well, when Mayoiga attacked, I gave Kiriha-san a command with her real name." Kazuya: "I promised I wouldn't do it again, but she just won't forgive me..." Kazuya: "I don't know what to do." Sunao: "That's not all you don't know. For instance, you don't know why she's really mad." Kazuya: "You do?! Could you tell me?!" Sunao: "Keep the blindfold on, stupid!" Sunao: "Listen. I think Kiriha-sama's problem is..." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san!" Kazuya: "Please, hear me out, Kiriha-san. I..." Kazuya: "I want..." Kazuya: "You're the only tsukumogami I want to partner with for my entire life, Kiriha-san!" Sunao: "I'm sure being treated like a tool came as a bigger shock to her than being given a command. Think about it. Tools can be replaced, can't they?" Kazuya: "But I didn't mean to..." Sunao: "It doesn't matter what you intended, dummy, if that's the way she took it." Kiriha: "What in the world brought this on?!" Kazuya: "Well... there's no one who can replace you." Kazuya: "You're... the only person like you that I know, Kiriha-san." Kazuya: "So... that means you're really important to me!" Kiriha: "Pudding, then." Kiriha: "Ten richly-smooth puddings from Hamachiya, and you'll be absolved." Kazuya: "Okay!" Kukuri: "All right, time for some tsugumomo sparring. Now, we can't have ya getting wiped out too bad, so no Divine Possession." Kukuri: "Ready, and..." Kukuri: "Begin!" Kazuya: "Obi Jab!" Kotetsu: "Five?! He could only project three before!" Sunao: "I can handle that!" Kazuya: "Shield Weave!" Kiriha: "She's faster to strike now." Kazuya: "And she doesn't leave herself open after attacking anymore. Four-Point Knife Thrust!" Sunao: "Secret Sword: Wing Blade!" Shirou: "Holy cow!" Kiriha: "Very nice, you two!" Kiriha: "You're nothing like you were before." Sunao: "Thank you very much. The two of you have improved a lot, as well." Kukuri: "You done real good to come this far! Seems like we got some reliable help." Kiriha: "I'd still say we've got the edge." Sunao: "Oh, we'll surpass you in no time." Kazuya: "Sunao-san!" Kazuya: "Thank you so much for helping me with Kiriha-san!" Sunao: "You don't need to thank me. You helped me with Kotetsu before, remember?" Kazuya: "Sunao-san..." Kazuya: "You know, Sunao-san, when I think of you..." Sunao: "Wait, is he..." Kazuya: "I couldn't ask for a better friend!" Kazuya: "Um, Sunao-san?" Kiriha: "What's with you two? Did you have a fight?" Kazuya: "I really don't know. You have to help me, Kiriha-san!" Kazuya: "You've gotta know something, Kiriha-san!" Kiriha: "Cease your pestering." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san, please!" Kiriha: "You're pitiful." Kazuya: "Thanks for helping us, Ashimine-kun, Mimane-chan." Mimane: "Don't sweat it!" Akito: "What will you do when that flute tsukumogami is revived?" Akito: "Torture answers out of her?" Kazuya: "Of course not. I'd never do that. It's true that we could use answers, but I don't think forcing it is a good idea. I asked Kukuri-chan about it, and apparently Mayoiga is where a bunch of tsukumogami who had terrible human partners have gathered. She might've been treated poorly by humans, too." Kazuya: "If she does wake up, I'd like to find her a good partner." Akito: "Do you think you'll actually be able to?" Kazuya: "Probably not by myself, but if I ask the other exorcists and the gods for help... Maybe we can find good partners for all tsukumogami in Mayoiga, not just her. Then they wouldn't have to fight the gods, right?" Akito: "Tsukumogami and humans can't coexist. I've seen proof enough of that, for centuries." Akito: "He's just being naïve." Arumi: "Brother." Arumi: "Old Bowl is calling for everyone." Akito: "All right." Bowl: "To decide on how to deal with things going forward, I've had Arumi read a fortune." Bowl: "And what she saw was two shards." Akito: "Two of them?" Bowl: "With that as a sign, I've come to a decision. Please come out, Miurahi-sama." Miurahi: "This is the first time I'm meeting some of you." Miurahi: "Given how long I've been asleep, that's only natural." Miurahi: "So allow me to introduce myself. I am Miurahi, the tsukumogami of Mayoiga. Old Bowl has brought me up to date on what has transpired." Miurahi: "My failings have caused you all a great deal of trouble." Miurahi: "I'm sorry." Bowl: "Come now, there's no need for that, Miurahi-sama!" Chikage: "I'm more worried about how the shard goes out of control when you're awake. Are you okay?" Miurahi: "Yes. The shard has lost the majority of its power, compared to before. I can control it now." Miurahi: "As ironic as that is..." Bowl: "Before we discuss this matter, waking Miurahi-sama was my decision. And I did so because I believe we no longer have the luxury of waiting." Bowl: "The two shards shone in the crystal ball... I believe it speaks to a confrontation between Miurahi-sama and the regional goddess, each with their own shard." Chikage: "Then you wanted a meeting about..." Bowl: "Mayoiga is going to attack the land of the goddess." Bowl: "We will eliminate any resident gods and malison exorcists." Miurahi: "And I will defeat the regional goddess." Kazuya: "A giant ship comes floating in from the mountains. The tsukumogami of Mayoiga have come at us with an all-out attack. The final battle begins on the grounds of Hakusan Shrine."

Priest: "More nice weather today." Priest: "Wh-What in the world is that?" Priest: "A giant boat... Maybe a boat tsukumogami?" Priest: "People... No, they're tsukumogami. Hang on..." Priest: "Are those the Mayoiga villagers?!" Miyurahi: "A fusion of Mayoiga with the fishing boat, Kicchomaru." Miyurahi: "This should ensure that no one will run out of spiritual strength during our journey." Mimane: "We're so high up! Wow!" Arumi: "Miurahi-sama can do this kind of thing?" Akito: "It's incredible..." Miyurahi: "No, it's all thanks to the shard." Miyurahi: "The fusion and flight are taken care of. Next, we need to be hidden." Miyurahi: "That'll make sure malison exorcists and gods don't interfere." Priest: "It vanished?" Kukuri: "Say what?!" Kukuri: "I getcha." Kiriha: "What is it? Did something happen?" Kukuri: "Seems a giant boat just took to the skies from the mountains up in Tohoku." Kiriha: "A boat... in the mountains?" Kazuya: "Does that mean..." Kukuri: "Yeah. I figure it's gotta be the Mayoiga folks." Kukuri: "And they're prob'ly headed for Kamioka." Kukuri: "This ain't gonna be like last time." Kukuri: "They're comin' at us with everything they've got to settle this." Kazuya: "Oh, no." Kazuya: "What do we do, Kiriha-san?" Kiriha: "What else?" Kiriha: "We face them!" Eptitle Sign: "m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0 m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0" Eptitle Sign: ""Total War."" Taguri: "It's finally time." Kazuya: "Taguri-san, who's this?" Taguri: "Oh, this is Old Bell from the Tenshou Shrine." Omoikane: "The name's Yagokoro Omoinokane no Mikoto. Taguri-chan here asked me to help out." Kazuya: "Wait..." Kazuya: "Yagokoro-san... as in from the malison forecast?" Taguri: "Yep! He's a weather god." Taguri: "We're up against quite the little army. You sure you've still got enough fight for this?" Omoikane: "Well, I'd better charge up my vitality while I can!" Taguri: "Give that another shot after you've become a little girl." Kazuya: "Brutal..." Kukuri: "Heck no!" Kukuri: "Yer hurt, so buzz off!" Kokuyou: "I will not. This is no time for me to be bedridden." Kazuya: "Kokuyou-san..." Kiriha: "You can hardly blame her, given the danger Kukuri is in." Kukuri: "Yeah, but..." Kazuya: "By the way, you were unable to reach Akito and Mimane, right? Yeah. I was hoping they'd help..." Kukuri: "Yer all doing this for my sake... I sure am grateful." Kukuri: "But still, we're takin' on a bunch of powerful tsukumogami." Kukuri: "If push comes to shove, I'll use my last resort." Miurahi: "We're not to hurt the malison exorcist?" Miurahi: "That's going to be difficult. We're trying to kill the god of this land." Miurahi: "The exorcist will naturally try to prevent that. I doubt we can avoid fighting him." Azami: "It was a deal. Keep your end." Bowl: "You're asking too much, Azami. We'll do what we can, but..." Akito: "Please, wait!" Akito: "Arumi and I will deal with Kagami Kazuya and Kiriha!" Akito: "We're acquainted with them. We'll be able to keep them occupied!" Azami: "Fine." Azami: "But I won't be joining you." Bowl: "Why?" Azami: "Because I can't enter Kamioka." Azami: "Not while this barrier stands." Bowl: "We're about to enter the air over Kamioka." Miurahi: "Right." Miurahi: "As you all know, my shard's power is on the verge of running out." Miurahi: "We must kill the goddess and take her shard. Retreating is not even an option anymore." Miurahi: "This will be the battle that decides the fate of Mayoiga." Miurahi: "Remember that." Chikage: "What is this?!" Bowl: "A mesh of fire?! Our invisibility has been dispelled!" Honoka: "There you are!" Bowl: "Who goes there?!" Honoka: "The goddess of Komiya, the area you're flying over... The mighty Hi-no-Kagutsuchi!" Chikage: "A different regional goddess?! How did you see through our invisibility?" Honoka: "Nothing's easier than ambushing people making a beeline for their target." Bowl: "Even if you knew where we were headed, that's too little to have guessed..." Bowl: "Just how wide of a net did you set for us, you monster?!" Honoka: "Your stupid scheme's already spoiled, so run on home. Go now and I won't even hurt you." Honoka: "Might as well enjoy the time you've got left." Miurahi: "We may be at a disadvantage against a goddess," Miurahi: "but we accounted for disruptions in malison before setting out." Miurahi: "Mimane, take care of it." Mimane: "Aye-aye, sir!" Honoka: "So you wanna do this?" Honoka: "Probably underestimating me since I'm just a projection." Honoka: "Bad idea!" Miurahi: "Defensive positions!" Honoka: "Skyfire!" Honoka: "So they withstood that, huh? Should've expected as much from such a venerable bunch of tsukumogami." Miurahi: "We will not reach our goal if we can't evade this goddess! Let's do this, everyone!" Honoka: "You're on!" Honoka: "Karmic Skyfire..." Honoka: "Flame-Eater Raptor!" Honoka: "Blasted to kindling! Serves you right." Mimane: "Ha ha, fooled you! That was just a phony I whipped up with a mirror!" Honoka: "No wonder it seemed so easy!" Honoka: "There's no way two or three tsukumogami could've pulled off a ruse like that." Honoka: "The rest are probably still out there, and invisible again. But they can't have gotten far..." Honoka: "I get it! They want to slow me down. They're using the boat as a decoy, with their main forces heading into Kamioka. Then that's where I'm—" Yasuki: "Stop, fire goddess." Honoka: "What is it? I'm done with you fools." Yasuki: "That clash of spiritual power just now is likely to disturb malison in this area. That's going to give rise to aberrations that will cause chaos." Yasuki: "The gods of this region, and its malison exorcist, will take action..." Yasuki: "And we will then hunt them down." Yasuki: "Are you going to abandon your duty and let that happen?" Hinoka: "You pains in the ass..." Miurahi: "I don't believe we've met before." Miurahi: "Arbitrator of the gods, guardian of rainfall..." Miurahi: "Symbol of the holy mountains of Kaga, one of the great divine pillars... The patron deity of Hakusan Shrine..." Miurahi: "Kukurihime no Kami no Mikoto. It's an honor to meet you." Kukuri: "The youkai incarnation of the Miura residence, home to wealthy merchants of Tsuchibuchi Village..." Kukuri: "Founder and leader of the village for tsukumogami without masters, Mayoiga." Kukuri: "You must be Miurahi. I've been wanting to see you." Miurahi: "Mayoiga is a paradise for tsukumogami abandoned by selfish masters and forsaken by merciless gods." Miurahi: "And now, with the loss of our shard's spiritual strength, it is in danger." Miurahi: "Though the gods may save men, they did not save us tsukumogami." Miurahi: "You will atone for this injustice by surrendering your shard." Kukuri: "It ain't that Iwanagahime no Mikoto chose not to save the tsukumogami a millennium ago." Kukuri: "She couldn't save 'em." Kukuri: "Gods ain't all-powerful." Kukuri: "But we do all we can, trying to live up to our duties. God, human, or tsukumogami, you do what you can with what you've got, and hope for the best. You reach for more than that, and it'll all slip through yer fingers." Kukuri: "Those limits apply to everyone." Kukuri: "Tsukumogami can't exist without humans." Kukuri: "And if you've forgotten that..." Kukuri: "I ain't giving you anything!" Kazuya: "She's being pushed back!" Kiriha: "Not good!" Kazuya: "Kukuri-chan!" Kazuya: "Let me help!" Kukuri: "Nah! Just watch my back!" Kazuya: "But..." Kukuri: "I'm outta options..." Kukuri: "Barrier, release!" Chikage: "Is that..." Miurahi: "It can't be!" Kukuri: "The Patron Deity of Hakusan Shrine, Kukurihime no Ookami!" Miurahi: "Impossible! She was supposed to have been weakened!" Miurahi: "Is this her true form? Her true strength?!" Miurahi: "How much power was she expending on that barrier?!" Kukuri: "Come forth, great swell of the heavens..." Kukuri: "Water Impact." Chikage: "Miurahi-sama!" Kukuri: "This battle is over." Chikage: "Miurahi-sama!" Miurahi: "Stay back!" Miurahi: "It's not... over yet...." Kazuya: "Please, stop! If we can find good partners for all of you, there won't have to be any more fighting! I'll help! It might not be soon, but with someone you can trust, one day..." Miurahi: "And when will that be? A thousand years from now? Two thousand?" Miurahi: "Do the men and gods who look down upon us now deign to pity us?" Miurahi: "I've committed the crime of murdering a god. There is no other path for me!" Kokuyou: "You were waiting for this..." Kokuyou: "For the moment the barrier was released. Weren't you?" Kokuyou: "Azami." Kokuyou: "The shard? Oh, no!" Kazuya: "Is that..." Kazuya: "Mom?" Kukuri: "Tsugu Tsugumomo." Kanaka: "Tsugu Tsugumomo!" Sunao: "Kanaka-sama?!" Chikage: "Miurahi-sama..." Chikage: "Why would they..." Akito: "How? How didn't we see this coming?!" Miurahi: "I will fight the regional goddess alone." Miurahi: "The rest of you will stay back." Miurahi: "I doubt they want to kill anyone unless they need to. If I step forward by myself, I imagine she will do the same." Miurahi: "Could you check and see if this decision is wise?" Arumi: "Yes." Arumi: "It shouldn't be a problem." Miurahi: "Akito, Arumi, the technique you two perform together..." Miurahi: "Guiding Foresight and Mental Link?" Arumi: "Right. Guiding Foresight lets me see a few moments into the future, but I'm unable to move while using it. Which is why..." Arumi: "I use this hair ornament to communicate what I see to my brother with Mental Link." Miurahi: "I'd like the two of you to monitor things from a distance, then." Miurahi: "If you sense anything amiss, try to prevent it, or warn me." Akito: "Understood." Akito: "We were watching the future with Guiding Foresight!" Akito: "Why weren't we able to predict Azami's attack?! After all this time, checking so many fortunes, we've always tried to make the best decision for Mayoiga!" Akito: "And this is the result?!" Honoka: "The bow and arrow tsukumogami gets duplicated by the mirror tsukumogami... What a damned pain." Honoka: "What's that?" Yasuki: "Why did you become visible?! What's going on, Mifune?! She's going to target you!" Mifune: "I don't know! But Miurahi-sama's power just vanished!" Mifune: "I can't... hold on..." Bowl: "They're reverting to their original forms! Has Mayoiga's protection vanished?!" Bowl: "Shien, can you use your smoke to gather up the others?" Shien: "I can't! This is as much as I can manage!" Mimane: "Guys!" Honoka: "How's that?! I got all your survivors right here!" Bowl: "Wh-Why would you help us?!" Honoka: "Why? Because the fight's over! Your boat is falling apart and your buddies are running out of strength because Miurahi is dead, right?" Honoka: "If you guys come quietly, I'll use my power to keep you alive! What's your call?!" Honoka: "The longer you wait, the more casualties you risk!" Bowl: "I understand. We'll obey. Please, help our villagers." Kanaka: "Oh, yikes! I'm naked! Seriously?" Kanaka: "There we go." Kanaka: "Thank you two so much! Nice work!" Kanaka: "Now, then..." Kanaka: "Hi, gang! It's been a while!" Kiriha: "Impossible..." Kiriha: "I know that I killed Kanaka! I pierced her heart!" Kiriha: "So how... is she alive?!" Kiriha: "What is this, Kukuri?!" Kukuri: "We do not have the time for a full explanation." Kukuri: "Kazuya-san, listen closely." Kukuri: "Those two girls, Azami, are an amasogi that you created." Kazuya: "Me?" Kukuri: "She possessed Kanaka, who is now a part of them." Kazuya: "I... I created her?" Kazuya: "And Mom was possessed?" Kazuya: "And after that..." Kiriha: "Kazuya!" Kiriha: "Kanaka was strong. But..." Kiriha: "A weakness in her mind left her vulnerable, and she was tsukumo-possessed." Kazuya: "How..." Kiriha: "Kazuya!" Kazuya: "How can we save my mom?!" Kukuri: "Kanaka is already dead." Kukuri: "What you see is an empty husk being manipulated by an amasogi." Kazuya: "But... But she's still my mom!" Kazuya: "And those girls... If we just talk this through..." Kukuri: "It won't work. Their goal is incompatible with yours." Kazuya: "Goal? What's their goal?" Kukuri: "Azami's... That amasogi's goal..." Kukuri: "is to see you dead." Kazuya: "Why?" Kukuri: "Kazuya-san, this amasogi must be destroyed by the person who created it. If anyone else does so, you will be struck by an atonement curse equivalent to what she has wrought." Kukuri: "And this amasogi is beyond the pale! The atonement won't stop with your death." Kukuri: "The entire town will likely pay the toll." Kukuri: "There is only one to resolve this. You must slay Azami and Kanaka!" Kanaka: "And there you have it! Ya-kun, you took your sweet time catching on." Kanaka: "But now it's finally time!" Kanaka: "Y'know, I've been waiting for this moment for a long time." Kanaka: "The moment when..." Kanaka: "I get to experience the thrill of fighting you." Kazuya: "I have to fight Mom?" Kazuya: "I have to... kill..." Kazuya: "my mom?" Kazuya: "Azami's goal was using the power of a shard to revive my mother, Kagami Kanaka. And there's only one way to put an end to this: I have to kill my mom."

Kazuya: "Mom?" Eptitle Sign: "m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0 m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0" Kazuya/Eptitle Sign: ""Decision."" Kanaka: "Y'know, I've been waiting for this moment for a long time." Kanaka: "The moment when I get to experience the thrill of fighting you." Kazuya: "I have to... kill... my mom?" Kanaka: "Well, it's been a while, so why don't we all get reacquainted?" Chikage: "You!" Chikage: "You'll pay for what you did to Miurahi-sama!" Kanaka: "Oh, I should thank you! I'm back on my feet again because of this." Kanaka: "But now that I have it, I don't need you. Get in my way and I'll have to break you." Chikage: "Enough talk." Chikage: "Give that back!" Kanaka: "Oh?" Chikage: "Monster..." Kukuri: "Kanaka..." Kiriha: "Kazuya!" Kiriha: "You must run, Kazuya!" Kiriha: "You can't..." Kiriha: "You don't stand a chance against Kanaka." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san?" Akito: "How is she so strong?" Akito: "We were watching the future..." Akito: "But we never even saw her move." Akito: "And all... barehanded?" Arumi: "Brother!" Arumi: "We can't." Akito: "No matter what we do," Akito: "we won't win." Kiriha: "Run, Kazuya! We can at least make sure you..." Kukuri: "He cannot leave. There is no turning back." Kukuri: "Their goal is nothing short of killing Kazuya-san. We should put an end to this now." Kukuri: "We will fight first and keep her from moving. You will then have to finish her off permanently. You must make sure she dies!" Kanaka: "Wow, what's with you guys? This reunion's been a long time coming, but no one's happy to see me?" Kukuri: "I've always felt guilty for what happened to you, Kanaka." Kanaka: "Then do me a favor and butt out? I'm way overdue for some family time." Kanaka: "But first... would you mind undoing the seal you put on Kazuya? I want to fight my real son." Kukuri: "I will do no such thing, nor allow such a fight. Kazuya-san will only be landing the killing blow." Kanaka: "Oh, okay! So I get to fight the rest of you first, then?" Kukuri: "Correct." Taguri: "If we're going up against Kanaka-chan," Taguri: "we'd better bust out all the stops." Taguri: "Adamantine Pillar!" Taguri: "There's still more!" Taguri: "Adamantine Battering Ram!" Kanaka: "Very nice! You're up, Azami-chan!" Kanaka: "Here I come!" Taguri: "Old Bell!" Yagokoro: "Weather Bag:" Yagokoro: "Lightning Trident!" Kanaka: "That was a close one!" Sunao: "Kanaka-sama!" Sunao: "Sumeragi Sunao is here to face you!" Kanaka: "Sunao-chan, you've really grown up!" Sunao: "I've still got more! Come, Kotetsu!" Kotetsu: "Right!" Kanaka: "Oh, wow! And that's Divine Possession?! Show me what you've got, Sunao-chan!" Sunao/Sign: "War God Strike!" Kotetsu: "Did that do it?" Sunao: "Not yet." Sunao: "She didn't even dodge... She stood and deflected it!" Kotetsu: "That's crazy!" Taguri: "Adamantine Hammer!" Yagokoro: "Weather Bag: Torrential Homing Hail!" Kanaka: "Hup!" Kukuri: "From greatest heights, at the summit of the holy white mountain... To this place, ebbing and waning, the snake that rises from the riverside to offer last rites..." Kukuri: "Everflowing Serpent!" Kanaka: "That's not gonna work this time, either! Watershed!" Taguri: "Adamantine Pillar!" Yagokoro: "Weather Bag!" Taguri: "Armor-Piercing Stream!" Yagokoro: "Deicidal Ice!" Kukuri: "Kazuya-san, this is your chance!" Kiriha: "Kazuya..." Kukuri: "Quickly!" Kukuri: "Her arms are bare..." Kanaka: "This'll be the second time we've fought one-on-one, huh?" Kanaka: "I really got my butt kicked last time. It took me until today to recover!" Kanaka: "I wonder how it'll go this time." Kukuri: "The result won't change." Kukuri: "This ends now." Kanaka: "Sledgehammer Weave!" Kanaka: "Enlarged!" Kukuri: "Fist of the Water God's ultimate technique..." Sign/Kukuri: "Moonglade Guanyin!" Kanaka: "There it is! That's how you got me last time." Kanaka: "I'd better get ready!" Kanaka/Sign: "Twelve-Layered Power Obi!" Kukuri: "The same technique from before..." Kukuri: "Then the outcome won't change!" Kiriha: "What happened?" Kanaka: "Since the day you beat me, Kukuri-chan..." Kanaka: "Half of Azami has remained in this town." Kanaka: "My consciousness was hazy, but I was able to watch Kazuya's battles through her eyes..." Kanaka: "Which is why things are going to be different this time." Kanaka: "Divine Possession." Kiriha: "Kokuyou, don't!" Kazuya: "Kokuyou-san!" Kanaka: "Well, then..." Kanaka: "You ready?" Kanaka: "Say, Kiriha-chan..." Kanaka: "If... hypothetically, okay?" Kanaka: "If something happens to me, please take care of Kazuya." Kiriha: "Oh, please, you're practically invincible!" Kanaka: "I'm not." Kiriha: "All right, as you wish. I'll protect Kazuya, should it come to that." Kanaka: "Kiriha-chan..." Kanaka: "Thank you." Kiriha: "Kanaka..." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san... I..." Kiriha: "No one can blame you for being confused." Kiriha: "Kukuri and I didn't explain what happened." Kiriha: "But I can promise you this..." Kiriha: "That isn't Kanaka anymore." Kiriha: "It's the amasogi you created." Kiriha: "And it has to be defeated!" Kazuya: "Okay." Kazuya: "Divine Possession!" Kanaka: "No good." Kanaka: "I thought the two of you might have what it takes..." Kanaka: "but you don't." Kanaka: "I guess I'll keep my promise to Azami-chan, then." Kiriha: "Kazuya..." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san?" Kazuya: "Kiriha-san! Kiriha-san! Kiriha-san!" Kasumi: "Hold it!" Kasumi: "You're not killing Ya-kun, you old bitch!" Kazuya: "S-Sis?" Kasumi: "Get a grip, Ya-kun! I'll manage somehow!" Kanaka: "You will? Seriously, Kasumi-chan?" Kasumi: "Things are different now! Saori!" Kazuya: "The drain... from Divine Possession..." Kasumi: "I can buy you three years! You have to get stronger than her by then!" Kazuya: "Sis..." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san?" Kazuya: "Sis?" Kazuya: "Kukuri-chan? Kokuyou-san?" Kazuya: "Sunao-san... Kotetsu-kun?" Dad: "Kazuya!" Kazuya: "Dad?" Kazuya: "Have you seen the others? I can't find them." Dad: "Have a seat. We need to talk." Kazuya: "Okay." Kazuya: "Uh..." Dad: "Introduce yourself to our guest." Ouhi: "It's nice to meet you. I am the head of the malison exorcist training school Tsuzuraden, Oriobana Ouhi." Kazuya: "It's nice to meet you. I'm Kagami Kazuya." Bakura: "Nice to see you again." Kazuya: "Bakura-chan!" Kazuya: "So, what's all this about? Where is everyone?" Ouhi: "You seem to be a bit confused." Ouhi: "What do you remember before falling asleep?" Kazuya: "What do I remember?" Kazuya: "Well, Mom came back to life at Hakusan Shrine... She killed Kukuri-chan and Kiriha-san..." Kazuya: "And then my sister showed up..." Kazuya: "Wow, that's gotta be a dream. I must not be fully awake!" Ouhi: "Everything you just said really happened." Ouhi: "I understand. Allow me to explain what happened." Ouhi: "For now, the threat has passed..." Ouhi: "Well, it would be more accurate to say that it has been postponed." Ouhi: "From the look of things..." Ouhi: "We were too late." Ouhi: "We need to ascertain what happened here. Work in teams of two. Search the area and aid the injured, and restrain the tsukumogami from Mayoiga." Ouhi: "This shape... Is it one of the Mayoiga tsukumogami?" Saori: "Not at all." Ouhi: "And you are?" Saori: "Kagami Kasumi's tsukumogami, Saori the hourglass." Ouhi: "Pardon my rudeness. I am the head of Tsuzuraden, Oriobana Ouhi." Ouhi: "Can you explain what happened here?" Saori: "By all means!" Kasumi: "Hold it!" Saori: "By the time Kasumi-sama and I arrived, the battle had nearly concluded." Kasumi: "You're not killing Ya-kun, you old bitch!" Kasumi: "I can buy you three years! You have to get stronger than her by then!" Kanaka: "Huh? She's not moving fast enough to evade, and yet..." Kanaka: "Is this her tsukumogami power?" Saori: "As the sands of time cease their dance..." Kanaka: "Is this..." Kasumi: "Let the the flow of time be dammed!" Both: "Enshrined Moment!" Saori: "To stop Kanaka, Kasumi-sama and I deployed a barrier. Kanaka, her tsukumogami Azami, Kasumi-sama, and myself are now trapped inside a frozen moment for three years." Ouhi: "Then I'm not actually speaking to you? Exactly! I'm an illusion, left behind to explain what happened." Ouhi: "I understand." Ouhi: "I'll leave exorcists from Tsuzuraden to monitor the situation, as well." Saori: "We appreciate it." Ouhi: "That's what happened after you lost consciousness... And that was three days ago." Ouhi: "Your sister has bought you valuable time." Ouhi: "You now have two years and 362 days." Kazuya: "Sis..." Kazuya: "Wait, what happened to the others?" Ouhi: "Sumeragi Sunao-san and Kotetsu-kun aren't hurt." Ouhi: "They're at home, on standby. Yagokoro-sama and Kanayama-sama were badly injured, but are recuperating at their respective shrines. Kokuyou-san's injuries aren't life-threatening, and she's being treated by staff from the main hall of Hakusan Shrine." Kazuya: "Hakusan Shrine... Then what about Kukuri-chan?" Ouhi: "Kukurihime-sama has passed away." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san! What about Kiriha-san?!" Dad: "I need you to remain calm, Kazuya." Dad: "This is Kiriha-san." Ouhi: "Kazuya-san..." Ouhi: "I wish that I could give you more time, but I'm afraid that's not an option." Ouhi: "We cannot ignore an aberration with the strength to kill a god." Ouhi: "The fight against Kanaka is a foregone conclusion. But... even if the greatest fighters from Tsuzuraden were able to slay her in three years' time," Ouhi: "the malison atonement would cause a calamity in this town. There is only one way avoid that: you must defeat Kanaka." Ouhi: "That is why you must train at Tsuzuraden until that day comes." Ouhi: "Your father has already given his approval." Ouhi: "I'm afraid you have no choice in the matter." Ouhi: "But... I would still rather you choose to come." Ouhi: "Kagami Kazuya-san... what will you do?" Ouhi: "With the loss of people so close to him, at the hands of his own mother..." Ouhi: "I thought convincing him would be more difficult. It seems I underestimated him." Kazuya: "I'm going to go with Ouhi-san." Dad: "I see." Kazuya: "You knew everything, didn't you?" Dad: "I did." Kazuya: "Thank you." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san and Kukuri-chan... everyone..." Kazuya: "They did so much for me." Kazuya: "So now it's my turn to give back." Dad: "I see." Dad: "Kazuya..." Dad: "Take care of Kanaka." Kazuya: "Right." Bakura: "I was sure Kazuya-san would rise to the challenge." Ouhi: "Do you know him well?" Bakura: "People reveal their true selves in their dreams." Kazuya: "Sorry about the wait." Kazuya: "I'll be in your care for the next three years." Ouhi: "Of course."

Kiriha: "Ka...!" Kazuya: "And that was the dream. What do you think, Kukuri-chan?" Kukuri: "A black obi... and the woman usin' it?" Kukuri: "Those have gotta be his memories of that day." Kukuri: "But all those memories are s'posed to be sealed away. What coulda caused this?" Kukuri: "It's 'cause they used Divine Possession!" Kukuri: "That technique melds the minds of a tsugumomo an' their wielder." Kukuri: "Did their memories get mixed up, too?" Kukuri: "So... what happened after that?" Kazuya: "Well, the dream ended there." Kazuya: "But something about the lady with the black obi felt really familiar." Kukuri: "He's gonna get back the memories we went to the trouble of lockin' away!" Kukuri: "I gotta tell Kiriha to avoid usin' Divine Possession!" Kiriha: "Pardon me!" Kiriha: "Pardon me! Pardon—" Kiriha: "Hey, Sunao!" Kiriha: "What is this? What happened to you?!" Susumu: "Sunao-chan! Are you all right?! No pulled muscles?! No broken bones?! Let's get you to a hospital ASAP!" Suzuri: "Susumu-san." Suzuri: "You cannot baby her. The inheritor of the Sumeragi school has to be better than this." Dad: "Cut her some slack! Sunao-chan's already tuckered out!" Sunao: "It's all right, Father." Sunao: "Mother is right..." Susumu: "S-Sunao-chan?" Suzuri{Also Signs}: "Sumeragi School..." Suzuri{Also Signs}: "Tsuka Habaki!" Dad: "Sunao-chan!" Sunao: "I want to apologize for how rude I've been." Kiriha: "Well, your tune certainly has changed." Sunao: "The duel the other day... That was something I one-sidedly forced Kazuya-kun into. But after being beaten by the two of you, I realized how misguided I was." Sunao: "And now, I'm embarrassed about the way I've been behaving." Kiriha: "Well, you swore vengeance on Kanaka after she saved your life, a vendetta you then sought to take out on Kazuya," Kiriha: "to say nothing of your insults toward me, another who helped save your life. What a pitiful brain you must have." Sunao: "I'm sorry. When my temper gets going, I just..." Kiriha: "Incidentally, what's become of Kotetsu?" Sunao: "A swordsmith is repairing his grip." Sunao: "The blade itself didn't take any damage." Kiriha: "That's a relief." Sunao: "Yes." Sunao: "I need to apologize to him, as well." Sunao: "When I was little, I blamed Kotetsu for my brother's death. I didn't want to admit that the amasogi was stronger, so I laid all the blame on Kotetsu and treated him coldly, like a mere tool." Sunao: "But Kazuya-kun made me realize how wrong I was about it all." Kiriha: "The amasogi that struck down your brother was a match for someone as fierce as Kanaka, despite its injuries." Kiriha: "A typical malison exorcist would have stood no chance. You can take pride in that." Sunao: "Right." Sunao: "Kiriha-sama..." Kiriha: "What is it?" Sunao: "The reason I asked you here is because I had a question" Sunao: "that I doubt you would want to answer around Kazuya-kun." Kiriha: "About Kanaka, then..." Sunao: "Right. How did Kanaka-sama pass away?" Sunao: "Was she sick, or was it some kind of accident?" Kiriha: "No." Kiriha: "Kanaka was possessed by an amasogi." Sunao: "Then she..." Kiriha: "Right." Kiriha: "I killed Kanaka." Eptitle Sign: "m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0 m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0" Eptitle Sign: ""The False Fiancée."" Kazuya: "Talk about fancy." Kazuya: "I came over since Sunao-san asked me to, but..." Kazuya: "I can't take another step." Kazuya: "Every one of my senses is warning me of imminent danger." Susumu: "You'll pay! For harming my darling Sunao-chan with those filthy mitts," Susumu: "and not only that, but what's more..." Suzuri: "Susumu-san." Kazuya: "It's gone?" Kazuya: "That ominous feeling just vanished..." Suzuri: "Thank you for coming. I'm Sunao's mother, Sumeragi Suzuri." Kazuya: "H-Hello! I'm Kagami Kazuya." Suzuri: "I'm sorry if my daughter troubled you the other day." Kazuya: "Oh, not at all!" Suzuri: "Please, come right in." Kazuya: "Sure. Pardon m— ...eee?!" Suzuri: "Oh, excuse me. We made a bit of a mess." Kazuya: "A bit?!" Suzuri: "Right this way, please." Kazuya: "O-Okay..." Sunao: "Th-Thank you for coming... Kazuya-sama." Kazuya: "Kazuya-sama?!" Suzuri: "Please, take your time." Kazuya: "Your mom is really pretty." Suzuri: "On the outside, sure." Kazuya: "So, what did you want to talk about?" Sunao: "I talked to Kiriha-sama." Sunao: "About how you attract supernatural aberrations... And how you work as a malison exorcist to atone for the damage that causes. She also—" Kiriha: "Not a word to anyone else." Sunao: "My point is, I let my emotions get out of control, and I insulted and attacked you." Sunao: "I'm sorry about that." Sunao: "Plus... you helped me realize something important." Kazuya: "Tsukumogami aren't tools." Kazuya: "They're our partners!" Sunao: "So... thank you." Sunao: "What?" Kazuya: "I thought you were kind of aggressive and scary, Sunao-san... But you apologized when you felt bad about something, and even thanked me. You really are honest about your feelings... Just like the meaning of your name." Sunao: "Wh-What are you talking about?!" Kazuya: "Sorry. Was that weird?" Sunao: "He sounded like my brother again..." Kazuya: "You need something?" Sunao: "Yes. I didn't ask you over just to apologize." Kazuya: "So, what is it?" Sunao: "Well... I..." Sunao: "Could..." Sunao: "you and I..." Sunao: "Will you go out with me?!" Kazuya: "Um... and you don't mean, like, going out on an errand?" Sunao: "Right." Kazuya: "You mean in the romantic sense?" Sunao: "That's right!" Sunao: "Y-You've got it all wrong! Listen! My mom says I have to! The Sumeragi School of swordsmanship is supposed to be unparalleled, so this is the only way I can still run it!" Sunao: "I lost to you! If I lose, I can't inherit the school! So if we get married, we're family, and the loss doesn't count!" Sunao: "Okay?!" Kazuya: "No, not okay! I mean, marriage?!" Sunao: "If this doesn't work, I'll be punished! Disinherited, even!" Sunao: "So please! Pretend you're my boyfriend, just for today!" Kazuya: "B-But you can't just keep lying to her. I'm sure if you just apologize..." Sunao: "Are you crazy?!" Sunao: "Every single one of my mom's "punishments" are like the wrath of God! I'm begging you! Do me this favor!" Kazuya: "Punishment..." Sunao: "Say no and we'll write this off by writing you off! Permanently!" Suzuri: "Sunao?" Suzuri: "Is there anything wrong?" Sunao: "W-Well? How's that feel... K-Kazuya?" Kazuya: "F-Feels great... S-Sunao..." Suzuri: "It seems you've figured things out." Sunao: "Yes!" Sunao: "We're going to see each other romantically. Kazuya was so glad. Right?" Sunao: "Do you wanna die?" Kazuya: "I get it, I get it!" Kazuya: "I'll be going out with Sunao-san. I hope we have your blessing." Suzuri: "Of course. I'm glad to hear it." Sunao: "See, Mother? We're already this close! Right, Kazuya? We're not lying, right?!" Kazuya: "Right, right, right!" Suzuri: "Why, of course." Suzuri: "I have complete faith that you're not just playing house to placate me." Suzuri: "In that case, why don't the two of you get to know each other better?" Suzuri: "Everything is ready." Suzuri: "It's time for some naked intimacy." Sunao/Eyecatch Sign: "Tsugu Tsugumomo!" Susumu/Eyecatch: "Tsugu Tsugumomo." Suzuri: "Try harder." Students: "Thank you for your instruction..." Students: "Damn. Ow... Suzuri-san is super strong, as usual." Students: "No one's ever been able to score a point on her." Students: "I hear if you can land a point on her, you'll get to marry into the family. Seriously?! But I can't imagine being able to best her. Hey, where's Susumu? Well, since he never improves, practicing with him is a waste of time, so he's cleaning the place up instead. That's messed up!" Susumu: "It's not like that!" Susumu: "I'm so sorry, miss!" Suzuri: "Only my father has ever been able to land a strike on me..." Suzuri: "You're going to take responsibility for taking my first time." Suzuri: "And that means becoming a man befitting of the Sumeragi School!" Suzuri: "It's time for some naked intimacy." Sunao: "M-Mother?!" Suzuri: "Is this not commonplace for young people these days?" Suzuri: "Or was what you were saying about going out just a lie?" Sunao: "Get in here before she catches on!" Sunao: "Don't look at me!" Kazuya: "R-Right!" Suzuri: "Now, why don't you wash his back?" Both: "She's going to watch?!" Sunao: "You'd better not look at me in the mirror!" Sunao: "How did this even happen?" Suzuri: "It's your turn to be washed, Sunao." Sunao: "No way! He's gonna touch me?!" Suzuri: "Is there a problem?" Sunao: "Well..." Susumu: "Unacceptable. Absolutely unacceptable!" Susumu: "Even I don't get to bathe with Sunao-chan anymore!" Susumu: "And now this worm, whom I don't know from a horse's ass, just waltzes in here..." Sunao: "Hey! Watch the creepy hands." Kazuya: "Sorry, they're kind of shaky..." Sunao: "Whatever, let's just get in the hot water." Susumu: "Kagami Kazuya. Once you enter this water, I will unleash all my rage on your weak point!" Susumu: "There you are!" Susumu: "Take this! A Thousand Years of Death!" Susumu: "This feeling..." Suzuri: "Well, now. It looks like the bath has been contaminated. I guess you two won't get to soak after all." Kazuya: "R-Right..." Sunao: "What is this supposed to be?!" Suzuri: "I've prepared a place for you to sleep, of course." Suzuri: "Aren't all young people doing it these days? Or is this talk about going out a lie?" Sunao: "Kazuya... please." Suzuri: "You're leaving your clothes on?" Kazuya: "Wh-What do we do about this?" Sunao: "We wait it out." Sunao: "Give it some time, and then say we're finished." Kazuya: "Makes sense." Suzuri: "Save the pillow talk for after you've finished." Suzuri: "I'll be waiting out here." Sunao: "W-We just have to do this!" Kazuya: "D-Do what?!" Sunao: "D-Don't be stupid! We'll just be acting! It just has to sound like we're doing it!" Kazuya: "U-Uh..." Sunao: "Get on with it!" Kazuya: "Come on, come on! Oh, yes! Oh, yes!" Sunao: "Why in English?!" Kazuya: "I mean, how am I supposed to know?!" Sunao: "I-It's supposed to be like... "Can I touch you?" and "You're so pretty." That kind of stuff. I think." Kazuya: "O-Okay!" Sunao: "Hey—" Sunao: "Come on, you have to do it right! And remember, we're only acting." Kazuya: "Okay... Sunao." Kazuya: "You're pretty, Sunao." Kazuya: "Can I touch you?" Sunao: "Y-Yes..." Sunao: "B-Be gentle." Kazuya: "Does that feel good?" Sunao: "Don't actually touch me!" Kazuya: "Ow!" Kazuya: "You're the one who said to do it right!" Sunao: "I didn't mean to... actually..." Kazuya: "You're cute, Sunao." Sunao: "Something's wrong with me." Kazuya: "Sunao..." Sunao: "We're only acting..." Sunao: "I know it's just pretend, and yet..." Sunao: "I love you." Susumu: "I don't think so!" Susumu: "There you are! Taste my coup de grâce! Ten Thousand Years of Death!" Susumu: ""Eek"?" Susumu: "I'm so sorry, Sunao-chan! Damn you!" Susumu: "This time I won't miss!" Kazuya: "You okay?" Sunao: "He missed my weak points..." Suzuri: "What an unpleasant interruption." Suzuri: "It's okay now. Go right ahead." Kazuya: "A-Actually, we already finished." Suzuri: "Oh, excellent work. That was fast." Kazuya: "Fast..." Suzuri: "Sunao." Suzuri: "Let's see here..." Suzuri: "It's... still intact." Suzuri: "I see." Suzuri: "The two of you were trying to deceive me." Sunao: "M-M-Mother! It's not..." Suzuri: "Come along, now." Suzuri: "It's time for your punishment." Sunao: "Let me walk you to the gate." Suzuri: "Come visit again." Susumu: "Don't listen to her!" Susumu: "Damn it, you're going too far. This nonsense about getting married because she lost..." Suzuri: "When Sunao told me how their duel went, it gave me a good impression of him." Suzuri: "The way she described him is what gave me that impression." Suzuri: "Do you understand what I'm saying?" Susumu: "No way! I should kill him now, while I have the chance—" Suzuri: "Don't be rude, now, Susumu-san." Kazuya: "You want to train together as malison exorcists?" Sunao: "Yeah. I need to show Mother that we're getting along every now and then." Kazuya: "Huh? Do we really need to? She already figured out you were lying." Sunao: "I haven't been disinherited yet, so the lie is still in effect!" Kazuya: "Okay..." Sunao: "And about that stuff before... That thing where I said... I l-loved you... and kissed you..." Sunao: "All that was, uh... just pretend, or like..." Kazuya: "It was really convincing." Kazuya: "You're a heck of an actress!" Kazuya: "I knew the truth, but still got really nervous!" Sunao: "Th-That's right, I was acting! Of course! Don't get the wrong idea, now!" Kazuya: "Ow, ow, ow!" Suzuri: "Sunao, you're making too much noise." Kazuya: "The champion of striking out, Shiramine Shirou, has a girlfriend now?! What we didn't know was that this freak occurrence would be part of a case involving two girls!"

Kokuyou: "Thank you for your efforts, Kukuri-sama." Kukuri: "Kokuyou!" Kokuyou: "I've brought you a kettle with something to drink." Kukuri: "Seriously?! Lemme drink some of..." Kokuyou: "Kukuri-sama!" Kazuya: "I had no idea that happened!" Kiriha: "I suspected something was amiss." Kiriha: "So I tickled her until she confessed." Kazuya: "So what do we do?" Kiriha: "We remain calm. Keeping abreast of the town's malison levels is one of Kukuri's duties. And if you focus on your malison cleansing duties, it will take some of that burden off her." Teacher: "Set..." Teacher: "Hey, Mizushima." Teacher: "Mizushima!" Teacher: "What's up with you? Your time improved again!" Teacher: "Where've you been keeping all this speed?" Mitsu: "Th-Thank you." Teacher: "Aw, come on, aren't you happy about it?" Mana: "Hey!" Mana: "You can't single Mittsun out like that!" Mana: "Regardless, you did great, Mittsun! Looks like you've got me beat at the 100-meter now." Mitsu: "Thanks, Manana!" Mitsu: "You've always been my goal." Mitsu: "You help keep me motivated!" Eptitle Sign: "m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0 m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0" Kazuya: ""Shirou-kun's Big Day!"" Kiriha: "Now, then... We'll have to sort through everyone's concerns to see if we can find any signs of aberration trouble." Kazuya: ""My mother says I can't have any dirty books."" Osamu: "Breaking that taboo by enjoying them in secret is half of the fun." Kazuya: ""I have trouble with probabilities and simultaneous equations​."" Chihaya: "Always review what you've learned, and do practice drills!" Kazuya: ""My best friend is better than me at everything, and it's hard."" Kiriha: "None but you can determine your own worth!" Kiriha: "Anything else?" Osamu: "I'm seeing a lot of Shiramine-related submissions. "He won't take no for an answer." "He's a pain." "He tries to flirt with anyone remotely feminine."" Shirou: "Whoa, whoa, talk about rude! I'm not hitting on just anybody!" Shirou: "I only go after the ones with big boobs." Chisato: "You lascivious, lewd lecher! The majority of our requests seem to be about you!" Chisato: "Justice is served." Whiteboard Signs: "6" Whiteboard Signs: "Schoolwork trouble:" Kiriha: "Doesn't seem like there's anything supernatural afoot." Kiriha: "We'll leave it at that, then." Shirou: "Oh, crap! I've got places to be! I sent Manaka Mana-san from the track team a love letter and asked her to meet me on the roof!" Kazuya: "Another girl?" Shirou: "She's pretty, and busty, and friendly, and busty," Shirou: "and a great runner, and seriously busty! She's my whole world right now! See ya!" Chisato: "Would it kill you to learn?!" Shirou: "My beloved Manaka-san... Today, I'm finally gonna get a girlfriend!" Shirou: "Sorry, were you waiting long?" Shirou: "Huh?" Mitsu: "Y-You're the one who sent me this, right?" Mitsu: "There was no sender on it, so I thought it might be a prank..." Shirou: "According to my database of girls who attend Kamioka East... This girl is Mizushima Mitsuri! Her number on the roster is 22!" Mitsu: "S-So are you serious about this letter? About liking me and... wanting to go out with me? Even though Manana... There's a girl in my class, Manaka-san, who's prettier and has a great personality..." Mitsu: "Compared to her, I'm just a pebble..." Shirou: "Th-That's not true at all! In terms of cuteness, I'd say you're possibly even better than Manaka-san." Shirou: "A-Anyway, about the letter..." Mitsu: "Cute?" Shirou: "I-It turns out I, uh, I actually didn't realize that was your..." Mitsu: "H-He thinks I'm cuter than Manana?" Shirou: "You listening?" Mitsu: "Huh? Ah... O-Okay!" Mitsu: "I'd be glad to go out with you, if you'll have me!" Mitsu: "Bye!" Shirou: "Wha?!" Shirou: "What now?" Mitsu: "Amazing... This is amazing, Mitsu! I managed to beat Manana at the 100-meter dash, and now a guy said that I'm cuter than her!" Mitsu: "I'm winning?" Mitsu: "I've got her beat!" Mitsu: "I'm finally better at something than Manana!" Guys: "Wh-What the hell?!" Guys: "Impossible! The guy who misses every shot he takes..." Guys: "Shiramine Shirou has a girlfriend now?!" Shirou: "Uh, Mizushima-san, maybe we should be less obvious..." Mitsu: "Call me Mitsuri. We are going out now." Kiriha: "To think any girl would want to date Shirou..." Kazuya: "Wasn't he supposed to be confessing to a different girl?" Chisato: "He's incorrigible!" Osamu: "I need to ask for detailed reports on his first date, first kiss, and first experience." Crowd: "Shiramine-kun is totally going to cheat on her. Mizushima's in for a bad time." Mitsu: "Manana!" Mana: "You should break up right now." Mitsu: "I-It's none of your business, Manana! He's my boyfriend." Mana: "It is my business! I'm your friend, aren't I? This guy tries to get with every girl he lays eyes on. You shouldn't do this." Mitsu: "That's not true! Shirou-kun wrote about how he liked me in a letter! He said I'm cute!" Mana: "I'm trying to tell you that he says that to every girl! Open your eyes!" Mana: "I'm worried about you, Mittsun. Y-You say that... but you're just jealous that I got a boyfriend before you!" Mana: "That has to be it! Because you've always looked down on me! You're just jealous!" Mana: "Mittsun..." Mana: "Fine, then! Do what you want." Mitsu: "Hey, I made some cookies for you." Shirou: "O-Okay..." Mitsu: "Are they good?" Shirou: "Listen..." Mitsu: "Thank you, Shirou-kun." Mitsu: "See, I've always looked up to Manana." Mitsu: "She's cute... and pretty... and tall..." Mitsu: "She's a fast runner... and she's smart. Even her personality is great." Mitsu: "But I finally outdid her! I beat her best time." Mitsu: "And not just that, but you said I was cuter! So I'm really happy right now." Shirou: "I..." Shirou: "I've put myself out there to a lot of girls. Basically every one that was my type. I realize it's given me a bad reputation, and it's part of the reason I'm not very popular..." Shirou: "But I don't let it bother me. I don't get nervous because of it." Shirou: "Because I still like who I am." Shirou: "But you've been measuring yourself against someone else." Shirou: "You might be happy right now, but that'll only be temporary." Shirou: "You need to decide what you're worth for yourself." Shirou: "And..." Shirou: "That love letter..." Shirou: "I meant to put it in Manaka-san's shoe box." Shirou: "I'm sorry." Mitsu: "How could you? I finally..." Mitsu: "I finally beat her..." Mitsu: "You liar! You said I was cute!" Shirou: "H-Hang on a sec! I wasn't lying about that—" Mitsu: "Liar, liar, liar!" Shirou: "That's the thing that goes off around aberrations..." Shirou: "Is there an amasogi in her bag?!" Mitsu: "Tsugu Tsugumomo!" Mitsu: "Tsugu Tsugumomo." Shirou: "Mizushima-san. Have you come across anything with strange powers that you've been using lately?" Mitsu: "Strange?" Mitsu: "N-No! I haven't. That's a weird question, Shirou-kun." Shirou: "So you have..." Shirou: "Whatever it is, it's probably an amasogi, and it's dangerous. You really need to destroy it before something bad happens." Shirou: "Besides, anything you get from it isn't going to be worth the trouble. It'll be an illusion, and a temporary one at that." Mitsu: "N-No... You're wrong! You have to be! I finally found something to be proud of! It can't be an illusion!" Shirou: "Mizushima-san!" Kiriha: "Say what?!" Kiriha: "The girl has an amasogi?" Shirou: "Y-Yeah..." Osamu: ""My best friend is better than me at everything, and it's hard."" Osamu: "One of the notes we received was from Mizushima-san." Kiriha: "Where's she gone, then? And what was the amasogi?" Shirou: "Well, she ran off before I could check..." Kiriha: "We need to find her as soon as possible!" Shirou: "I-Is this really that bad?" Kiriha: "It's worse!" Kiriha: "The amasogi that Nanako created nearly killed her... This girl has lost the long-desired sense of affirmation that the amasogi gave her." Kiriha: "I hope she won't get any weird ideas, but..." Kazuya: "We'd better stop her, fast!" Kazuya: "Wait!" Kiriha: "You actually showed up." Kazuya: "Please snap out of it," Kazuya: "Mizushima Mitsuri-san!" Kazuya: "You were so distraught at your best friend, Manaka Mana-san, always outdoing you..." Kazuya: "And thanks to the amasogi, you were finally able to beat her. But when Shirou found out the truth, you were so frightened of losing the sense of triumph it gave you" Kazuya: "that you came here to kill Manaka-san!" Mitsu: "Me, kill Manana?" Mitsu: "What the heck?!" Mitsu: "I could never do that. She's my best friend." Kazuya: "Huh?" Kiriha: "You're completely off the mark! Some detective you are!" Kazuya: "You're the one who said she'd get a weird idea!" Mana: "Hey! Why are you all making a fuss outside my house?" Mitsu: "Manana!" Mana: "Did you need something? It's kind of late." Mitsu: "Well... I wanted to return these to you." Kazuya: "Shoes?" Mitsu: "I was really happy when you gave me these shoes." Mitsu: "So I practiced every day with them on." Mitsu: "But that was when my times stopped improving..." Mitsu: "And I figured I just didn't have any potential. But then, the shoes got caught on a corner and tore, so I had my mom fix them. In the meantime, I bought and wore another pair just like them, so you wouldn't notice. And then I suddenly felt a lot lighter. My times started improving drastically." Mitsu: "That was when Shirou-kun told me about these strange tools called amasogi." Mitsu: "My new times were because of an amasogi..." Mitsu: "I thought that was the case... but I was wrong. The replacement shoes weren't the ones in my bag. It was the shoes you gave me, Manana!" Mitsu: "I didn't suddenly get faster! I was being slowed down before!" Mitsu: "Why..." Mitsu: "Why did you do this to me?!" Mana: "Do you remember when we first met?" Mana: "I was short, and totally ordinary." Mana: "You were the center of attention..." Mana: "I looked up to you... No, I loved you." Mana: "That's why I tried to get good at sprints, like you... and started acting more cheerful, like you. I even did my hair the same way." Mana: "And then you became my friend! One day, you started to say I was your goal. I thought, if I could get out in front of you, maybe you'd start to like me in the same way..." Mana: "So I had to always be better than you." Mana: "But then..." Mana: "You gradually began to catch up to me." Mana: "I knew I wouldn't be able to stay as your goal for long..." Mana: "And that was when I found those shoes." Mana: "It's true. Your times weren't improving because of these shoes..." Mana: "Because of me." Mana: "And now it's all over... You'll never fall in love with me now." Mana: "You probably even hate me." Mitsu: "Manana..." Mana: "You'll never be mine." Mana: "And if you won't be mine..." Kiriha: "That was too close!" Mana: "Stay out of this." Kiriha: "Well, this one's certainly out for blood! Grab the girl and let's escape!" Kazuya: "Obi Wheels!" Kiriha: "She's catching up! We need to face her somewhere no one else will get involved!" Kazuya: "Right!" Mitsu: "Hey, what's going on?!" Kazuya: "The explanation will have to wait." Kiriha: "Incoming!" Kazuya: "Shield Weave!" Kiriha: "Pull back! The shield's not going to hold!" Kiriha: "We might've chosen our battleground poorly..." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san, let's use Divine Possession!" Kiriha: "No! That's our last resort! Don't be so quick to rely on it!" Kiriha: "Our defenses can't hold! Destroy the shoes!" Kazuya: "But... the atonement!" Kiriha: "That shouldn't be your concern right now!" Mitsu: "Manana..." Mana: "And if you won't be mine..." Kazuya: "Archery Weave!" Mitsu: "Manana!" Kazuya: "Stay back!" Mana: "M-Mittsun?" Mitsu: "Why? Why did you give up so easily?! Even if I got mad, you could still apologize!" Mitsu: "You could've worked hard so that I'd fall for you someday!" Mitsu: "Why won't you be the Manana who's my best friend again?" Mana: "I... was so terrible to you... I was betraying you this whole time... But you're willing to forgive me?" Mitsu: "Because I wouldn't be who I am now without you." Mana: "Mittsun..." Mitsu: "But just so you know, I don't like girls that way! So don't get the wrong idea!" Kazuya: "I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out, but..." Kiriha: "Now she just needs to destroy the shoes herself, and the matter will be settled." Akito: "I don't think so." Mana: "Mittsun..." Mana: "Run." Mana: "Mi... Mittsun... You're my..." Kazuya: "Woven Legs!" Kiriha: "This is bad! She's even more powerful now!" Mana: "Please..." Mana: "I can't control it... I don't want to hurt Mittsun. You have to kill me!" Mitsu: "Manana! Please, save her!" Kazuya: "Kiriha-san!" Kiriha: "We've got no choice! I'm not about to ignore the pleas of a pair of dear friends!" Sign/Kazuya: "Divine Possession!" Kazuya: "Power Obi: Hand Blade!" Kiriha: "Shoes are counted together as one pair. Destroy one, and sure enough..." Mitsu: "Manana!" Mana: "Mittsun?" Mitsu: "Manana!" Shirou: "I never would've guessed Manaka-san was the one behind the amasogi." Kiriha: "What is it?" Mana: "Hello there." Kazuya: "M-Manaka-san..." Mana: "Not long after I got home, I suddenly couldn't walk. It took a while for me to calm down." Kazuya: "It's because I couldn't fix this without destroying the amasogi..." Mana: "No." Mana: "I'm just paying for the trouble I caused. If anything, I'm grateful to you." Chisato: "What happened with Mizushima-san?" Mana: "She's right behind me!" Mitsu: "I was surprised, too." Mitsu: "It looks like the amasogi was slowing down more than just how fast I could run. Thanks for loaning me a uniform, Manana." Mana: "Well, you can't wear your old one anymore!" Shirou: "Mizushima-san." Mitsu: "Shirou-kun?" Shirou: "Would you be willing to go out with me again?!" Mitsu: "Sorry." Kazuya: "Don't "Augh!" Shirou!" Chisato: "You never learn!" Mana: "He's certainly brave..." Shirou: "I sure don't!" Kazuya: "Maybe you should!" Chisato: "Stop trying to spin this! Goodness gracious..." Kazuya: "Seriously, Shirou." Kiriha: "Still... the timing of how she lost control like that... hardly seems like a coincidence." Kiriha: "What, exactly, is going on here?" Kazuya: "It's our daily life, but a little bit different... Because now I'm a girl, and Kiriha-san's a guy?! What threat awaits us when we enter this gender-swapped world to figure out what's going on?"

Kirio: "Well." Kirio: "Good morning, Kazumi." Brother: "Damn it! Get your damned dirty paws off my Mi-chan!" Kazumi: "That's enough, Sis..." Kirio: "Damn that Kasumi! Was she trying to kill me?" Kazumi: "She wouldn't if you'd just behave." Shitone: "'Sup?" Chikao: "Good morning, Kagami." Osane: "Good morning." Kazumi: "Something feels... off." Chikao: "You think so, too?" Kirio: "What? Did you forget to put these on?" Chiako: "What do you think you're doing?!" Kirio: "You wanted to see as badly as I did!" Shirone: "Same old same old." Osane: "Yes. It seems that way." Osane: "Wait. Everyone, try to remember..." Osane: "exactly where we are." Eptitle Sign: "m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0 m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0" Kazuma: ""Swapped!"" Iraha: "Satou-san?" Satou: "Here." Iraha: "Takayama-kun?" Iraha: "Takayama-kun?" Iraha: "A lot of people absent today..." Student A: "Sensei, we can't have class like this!" Student B: "He's right. We should have a study period instead." Iraha: "I'm going to consult with the other teachers. Study quietly until I get back, okay?" Boys: "Yeah!" Student A: "Hey, wanna do versus mode?" Student B: "I'm starving, dude." Student: "Eat your lunch, then!" Iraha: "Keep it down, okay?" Students: "Sure!" Shirou: "Hey. You hear about how Takayama's been absent because of some kinda sleeping sickness?" Chisato: "A sleeping sickness?" Shirou: "He won't wake up, no matter what they try." Shirou: "The doctors have even thrown in the towel." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san?" Kiriha: "Indeed. This calls for the Troubleshooters' Office." Tadataka: "The sleeping sickness that has been spreading among the second-years" Whiteboard Sign: "Today's Subject: The Sleeping Sickness -More students have started missing classes over the last few days -Seems to be spreading among second-years -Once asleep, they don't wake up" Tadataka: "started a few days ago, and at this point, has affected about half of them." Shirou: "Even in the other classes?" Kiriha: "There's no doubt this is an amasogi's doing." Kazuya: "We'd better solve it fast, then." Kiriha: "Right. And on that note... I've arranged for an advisor to help this club of ours deal with these ever-increasing cases of aberrations." Shirou: "Is it a woman?" Kiriha: "Yes." Shirou: "Is she young?" Kiriha: "She looks that way, yes." Shirou: "Is she... pillowy?" Kiriha: "No." Kukuri: "I'm your advisor, Shirayama Kukuri." Osamu: "Yes!" Chisato: "A regional goddess... as an advisor?" Kazuya: "Anything goes, huh?" Kukuri: "That bein' the case," Kukuri: "you can leave this whole mess to me." Kukuri: "If an aberration's behind it all, we check the first student who got sick." Kiriha: "According to his mother, she thought he'd left for school as usual, but when she got home from work, he was still asleep in his room." Kukuri: "I've seen a ruckus caused by a tsukumogami pillow before." Kukuri: "The wielder at the time ended up draggin' other folks into his dream." Chisato: "That does sound similar to this sleeping sickness." Kukuri: "Yep. Which is why I figure this here pillow oughta be our amasogi!" Kukuri: "Huh?" Chisato: "We checked the first three students who fell to the sleeping sickness," Signs; Right To Left: "Mikawa Mitsuo Takayama Takashi Nazuki Natsuki" Chisato: "but there was no sign of the amasogi." Tadataka: "I see..." Kiriha: "This is what you "figured"? Because you were completely off." Kukuri: "I mean, it seemed real sketchy..." Osamu: "The reasoning of looking into the first victims made sense, but..." Shirou: "Those guys, huh?" Signs; Right To Left: "Mikawa Mitsuo Takayama Takashi Nazuki Natsuki" Shirou: "They always were hanging out, come to think of it. No telling what kind of trouble they got up to." Guys: "Man, that's nasty! I don't get you!" Iraha: "Come on, it's time for class." Kazuya: "Is there some clue about the three of them?" Kazuya: "Wait a minute..." Kazuya: "Sensei!" Iraha: "What's wrong?" Kazuya: "The attendance sheet. The first day he was absent, Takayama's mother didn't know he was still asleep. But you marked Takayama and his friends as "sick," without even checking with their parents!" Kazuya: "Which means... you must have known why they were absent from the start." Iraha: "I..." Kazuya: "Sensei, we know all about these kinds of incidents! You have to tell us what's going on so we can help you!" Chisato: "Sensei!" Kazuya: "Sorry for barging in like this." Kiriha: "It seems this pillow is the amasogi." Chisato: "Then after she wakes up, we need to ask her to destroy it." Kukuri: "Nah. She fled into her dreams. Isuzu ain't gonna wake up on her own." Kiirha: "What if we destroy the pillow?" Kukuri: "All the folks inside her dream are gonna end up stuck there." Kazuya: "What do we do, then?" Kukuri: "This is the kinda thing you need Shirayama-sensei for!" Bakura: "Hey there. I'm the dreaming pillow tsugumomo, Bakura." Kukuri: "Bakura-chan's got the power to get people in and outta dreams!" Kiriha: "I see. The idea is to try to convince Isuzu within her dream, then?" Bakura: "That would be ideal, since it would avoid malison atonement. If you're unable to convince her, the same pillow amasogi should exist in her dream realm, and you'll need to destroy that." Kazuya: "So either convince her... or destroy the pillow inside her dream?" Bakura: "The dream realm is distinct from reality, but connected by your mind. So if you're hurt inside the dream, it will have an affect on your body. Therefore, to minimize the danger, we'll be splitting your minds up, and your other half will be the one that enters the dream realm." Kazuya: "Other half?" Bakura: "On your initial entry into the dream, you may be confused and not realize it's a dream." Osamu: "In that case, maybe we could agree on a keyword I can write in my sketchbook? Once we see that, it should help us realize the truth." Kiriha: "Tadataka, be ready in case things go awry." Tadataka: "Leave it to me." Bakura: "Here we go, then. People and dreams, connected in a fleeting moment, in which all can be as they truly wish..." Kazumi: "That's right! We're inside Iraha-sensei's dream! In reality, I'm a boy, and Kirio-kun is a girl!" Kirio: "And our goal here is to talk sense into Isuzu!" Kazumi: "I didn't realize this is what she meant by our "other half"! It's kind of awkward to run!" Kirio: "I didn't realize these got in the way so much..." Kazumi: "Iraha-sensei!" Iraha: "What's wrong? You shouldn't be running in the hallway." Kazumi: "We've come to bring you back." Kirio: "Release the students from this dream! Or else we'll be forced to destroy that pillow of yours. An amasogi capable of something on this scale is going to result in a fierce atonement!" Kazumi: "Sensei, please!" Iraha: "You actually made your way into this dream, huh? You two live up to your reputation." Kirio: "What?" Iraha: "I knew you'd try to destroy the pillow, too. I'm thinking your friends are waiting nearby, waiting to destroy the pillow you stole from my room inside the dream when you give them the signal, right? Such a shame, though. That one's a decoy." Kirio: "How did you know all this?" Iraha: "I can't let anyone interrupt this dream." Iraha: "It's time for your shadows to consume you, too." Kazumi: "Tsugu Tsugumomo!" Kirio: "Tsugu Tsugumomo!" Kirio: "Who are they? Is that us?!" Kirio: "They can use obis, too?!" Kazumi: "This must be what Bakura-san warned us about!" Bakura: "There's one other thing to warn you about. Inside the dream, there's a chance your shadow selves, the portion of yourselves that you normally suppress, might come to the surface." Bakura: "If you encounter your shadow in the dream..." Kazuya: "What'll happen?" Bakura: "It'll attack you and try to take your place." Kazumi: "Sledgehammer Weave!" Kirio: "I suppose anyone would be evenly matched with their own shadow." Chikao: "Kagami!" Chikao: "Are these..." Osamu: "The shadows of the other students, most likely." Iraha: "That's right. And they're all so well-behaved. You know, people grow a lot by grappling with their shadows." Iraha: "If all of you can accept your shadows, I'll release the others from this dream." Iraha: "That way, everyone at school will be more obedient. That's a win for everyone, isn't it?" Chikao: "It isn't! You're just trying to control your students by forcing them to obey! We can't do as you ask." Iraha: "Fair enough. In that case..." Iraha: "I'll have to educate you, too!" Iraha: "They escaped..." Kirio: "What is this? How are we being forced back?!" Kazumi: "I thought we were supposed to be evenly matched!" Kazuya: "Even? What're you talking about? The two of you can only generate three obis, including the original." Kazuya: "But us? We can tap into all our latent strength, with none of the subconscious restraint." Kazumi: "Eight obis?!" Kirio: "We have to fight back somehow!" Kirio: "Hey, Kazumi!" Kazuya: "From now on, you will be controlled by your own shadow." Kirio: "Get your hands off my girl!" Isuzu: "That was the shadow of Iraha Isuzu." Isuzu: "She's trying to make everyone subservient by dragging them into this dream." Chikao: "You're..." Isuzu: "I'm the real Iraha Isuzu." Chikao: "But... you look..." Isuzu: "Well, we're inside a dream. Apparently, it's possible to change how you look." Chikao: "If you really are Iraha-sensei, can you explain how this happened?" Isuzu: "My students didn't take me seriously. That's why they'd never listen to me, and I could never bring any order to my classes. Everyone! Quiet down!" Isuzu: "That's what I was worrying about when I stumbled upon that pillow." Blackboard Sign: "No talking!!" Isuzu: "Inside my dreams, I could do exactly what I wanted." Blackboard Sign 2: "Please be quiet" Isuzu: "But in reality, I was the same as usual... And before I realized what was going on, I ended up dragging many students into my dream." Isuzu: "I think that's what my shadow wanted all along." Isuzu: "I managed to escape from her, and I've been hiding from her by staying in this form." Chikao: "To resolve this, we need to get our hands on the amasogi pillow..." Isuzu: "I'm pretty sure the shadow Isuzu has it." Chikao: "We need to think of a way to steal it." Shitone: "But how? Kazumi's busy, and if it's only us..." Osane: "I have an idea." Iraha: "This is where you've been hiding?" Iraha: "Are you finally done playing hide-and-seek?" Isuzu: "I was wrong to hope that my dreams could help me change for the better. Now, give my students back!" Iraha: "A pointer?!" Iraha: "How could she do that with a pointer?!" Isuzu: "There it is! She was hiding it inside her body?" Isuzu: "Now, if I can just destroy it..." Iraha: "Oh, I see. You used yojijukugo idioms. How fitting for a Japanese language teacher." Iraha: "A power born from the dream..." Iraha: "But unfortunately for you, this is a nightmare." Iraha: "And if you can use this power, then, as your shadow, so can I." Sign{After Transforming}: "Transforming of an Apparition" Kazumi: "I can't gather my strength..." Kazuya: "Don't waste your time resisting." Kazuya: "I'm you." Kazuya: "And you can't surpass yourself." Kazumi: "Surpass myself?" Kazumi: "Kirio-kun!" Kirio: "Right you are." Kazuya: "What a waste of time. But... the end result is going to be same!" Kazumi: "If this shadow is using all of my skills..." Kazumi: "Then I just have to go past that!" Kazuya: "Take this!" Kazumi: "Faster than yesterday... Stronger than yesterday... The same way... I always do!" Sign/Kazuya: "Spiral Weave: Eightfold Edges!" Kazuya: "She was able to use eight, too?! And that shape..." Kazuya: "Did she use a weave I don't know at the last second?!" Kirio: "Go, Kazumi!" Kazumi/Sign: "Spiral Weave:" Kazumi/Sign: "Flowering Eight Folds!" Kazuya: "Impossible!" Isuzu: "A spider..." Isuzu: "Help!" Iraha: "Wh-What are those things?" Osane: "My sketchbook creations." Shirane: "And my popularity fragrance! I'll keep the students out of your hair!" Iraha: "How can ordinary students like you do this?!" Osane: "These powers come from the amasogis we were involved with. We got the idea from how Sensei was able to change her appearance." Chikao: "We'll hold her down. Use that opportunity to get the pillow, Sensei!" Iraha: "You pests!" Iraha: "Hang on! I'll get you free!" Kazumi: "Sledgehammer Weave!" Chikao: "You're late, Kagami!" Kazumi: "Sorry! I had to help Shitone preserve her virtue on the way here!" Shitone: "Crap! It works too well!" Chikao: "Kagami! The pillow is inside her!" Kirio: "Remember to have Isuzu finish it!" Kazumi: "Got it!" Kazumi: "Sensei!" Isuzu: "Roger that!" Sign/Isuzu: "One Shot, One Kill!" Isuzu: "Thank you. You all saved me." Shitone: "All's well that ends well." Chikao: "Your willpower is what won in the end. Besides, we couldn't do much on our own..." Kirio: "All those acrobatics must've torn it open." Kazumi: "Eek!" Kirio: "No worries. I can cover you up." Chikao: "Hey! What're you doing?!" Bakura: "Hey! Good work, everyone." Chikao: "Bakura-san!" Kirio: "Right. The amasogi's creator destroyed it herself." Bakura: "That's a relief. I'll be waiting for you all to return." Kazumi: "Wait, how do we get back?" Bakura: "You're inside a dream. So if you go to sleep here, you'll wake up in reality." Osane: "I suppose we'll all head home and go to bed, then." Shitone: "Kind of an anticlimax, huh?" Kirio: "All right, off we go, Kazumi. Homeward bound." Kazumi: "I've got a really bad feeling about this." Kirio: "It's going to be a long night..." Bakura: "See you soon." Chikao: "Hey! What are you planning to do to Kagami?!" Isuzu: "Hey, no inappropriate relations!" Isuzu: "Excuse me, Takayama-kun! Where is your homework?" Kazuya: "Sensei seems to be feeling a lot better." Isuzu: "Don't "huh" me!" Kirio: "That's what she's really like." Kirio: "She's been repressing herself up until now." Isuzu: "Think about what you did!" Takayama: "Ow, ow, ow, ow!" Kiriha: "You're free to unleash all your pent-up aggression on me, if you like." Kazuya: "You're the one who just unleashed on me." Kiriha: "I was, er, caught up in the moment... you know, having trouble holding back..." Isuzu: "Obina-san! You're not supposed to make them cry!" Kiriha: "Sorry..." Shitone: "You can do whatever you want, Shirou-kun." Shitone: "No good!" Shitone: "I'm not getting turned on at all!" Osane: "It's only natural. Right now, we're women." Osane: "It stands to reason we'd be attracted to men." Shitone: "Wait, hang on a second..." Shitone: "Maybe..." Shitone: "I'm just not turned on from looking at myself!" Osane: "Please settle down." Shitone: "I feel like I've gained a new perspective." Osane: "You owe me big for this!" Kazuya: "Kotetsu-kun is unconscious and won't wake up. Sunao-san is worried about him, so we accompany her to a mysterious altar in the mountains. Will the two of them be reunited?"

Kiriha: "Say, Kazuya." Kazuya: "Yes?" Kiriha: "Hurry and hand me the next one!" Kazuya: "I'm not done reading it." Kiriha: "What? You're awfully slow." Kazuya: "Hey, don't eat in bed!" Kiriha: "What's this? Did you order some "inspiration" for your self-abuse?" Kazuya: "I did no such thing!" Kazuya: "Coming." Kazuya: "Huh? Sunao-san..." Below Kettle: "Kettle" Eptitle Sign: "m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0 m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0" Kukuri: "Whaddaya mean Kotetsu ain't wakin' up?" Sunao: "Well... His hilt was repaired yesterday, and he was sent home from the swordsmith, but I keep calling to him, and there's no response." Sunao: "I had Honoka-sama take a look right away, and..." Honoka: "As a tsukumogami, he's not quite dead," Honoka: "but his spiritual strength is just about gone." Honoka: "If he doesn't wake soon, you'll have nothing but a regular sword left." Kazuya: "That's terrible! Is there anything you can do?" Sunao: "She told me there was one option." Kukuri: "An echo stone from the Cave of the Divine Navel, huh?" Kazuya: "An echo stone?" Kukuri: "It's an altar made from stone that's been bathin' in spirit energy for hundreds of years. It's become a kinda spiritual amplifier that can even let people hear the voices of objects that ain't become tsukumogami yet." Kukuri: "That oughta let you talk to Kotetsu, all right." Kazuya: "Wait, so why didn't you head straight there?" Sunao: "Well..." Honoka: "The Cave of the Divine Navel is a spiritually unstable spot. There's no telling what could happen." Honoka: "Right now, you're just a normal human with a sword. It's too great a risk to let you go alone." Sunao: "Since the Divine Navel can amplify the voices of even inanimate objects, someone as powerful as Honoka-sama can't go with me, either." Kazuya: "I see." Kiriha: "Indeed. And that's where we come in, yes? Very well, then. In that case, let's get a move on." Kazuya: "Right now?" Kiriha: "Yes, right now!" Train Sign: "Tawami" Announcer: "The train arriving on track 14 is..." Train Sign: "Departures Tawami Scheduled Stops Scheduled Stops Scheduled Stops Tawami" Kazuya: "Fast!" Kazuya: "Huge! Spacious!" Kiriha: "Well, would you look at that?" Kiriha: "The room even has a bath attached to it!" Kazuya: "A room like this has to cost a fortune!" Kazuya: "I don't have that kind of money!" Kiriha: "Would you calm yourself? Our accommodations have been arranged for." Kazuya: "Really?" Kiriha: "Indeed. We already had our tickets, didn't we?" Kazuya: "You've got a point." Kiriha: "Hey! That's enough sulking, Sunao. You get to indulge a bit on someone else's coin. Why not enjoy yourself?" Sunao: "Sorry... I was just thinking about what I'll say to Kotetsu tomorrow." Kazuya: "Just tell him how you really feel." Kiriha: "He's right. That's what Kotetsu would want to hear, as well." Sunao: "I've treated Kotetsu terribly all this time." Sunao: "I want to give him a real apology tomorrow." Kazuya: "I don't necessarily need to be in here, do I?" Kiriha: "What're you on about? Don't waste an opportunity for mixed bathing." Sunao: "If you insist, Kiriha-sama..." Kiriha: "Oh, come now. Someone's being bashful." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san!" Kiriha: "You really should make sure it's clean. No telling what kind of use it might see tonight." Kazuya: "It won't be doing anything! C-Cut it out!" Kiriha: "Well, Sunao..." Kiriha: "Do you want Kazuya to wash you?" Kiriha: "What a feast! Eat, now! Don't let an opportunity like this pass you by!" Kazuya: "We should eat." Kazuya: "I'm not sure we can finish it all, though." Kiriha: "Oh, that looks good, too! Now, feed me!" Kazuya: "Kiriha-san, this isn't exactly good table manners." Kiriha: "How dare you feed me wasabi, you imbecile?!" Kazuya: "You were literally asking for it!" Kiriha: "That one next." Kazuya: "Come on, you can feed yourself." Kiriha: "This really is quite good!" Sunao: "You two sleep together?!" Kazuya: "She always forces the issue..." Kiriha: "What are you talking about? I know you love it." Kazuya: "You just have no concept of restraint!" Kiriha: "Less talk, more service!" Kazuya: "Hey! Stop grinding on me!" Kiriha: "There, there, there!" Kazuya: "Kiriha-san!" Kiriha: "What? Finally in the mood?" Kazuya: "No! We should be more considerate. Sunao-san's sad because she can't see Kotetsu-kun. I feel bad about the two of us getting along too well in front of her." Kiriha: "You don't understand a thing." Kiriha: "Sunao's mistaken about something. Even if she's able to see Kotetsu tomorrow, I don't think she'll be able to bring him back as things stand." Kazuya: "But why?" Kiriha: "Because she doesn't understand how Kotetsu feels." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san, do you know why Kotetsu-kun isn't waking up?!" Kiriha: "Of course. I'm a tsukumogami myself, you know." Kiriha: "I believe Honoka and Kukuri know, as well." Kazuya: "Then shouldn't somebody tell her?!" Kiriha: "Imbecile. This isn't the kind of thing you can just explain away." Kazuya: "But what if she doesn't catch on?" Kiriha: "Which is why, in order to make her realize the truth..." Kazuya: "Yeah?" Kiriha: "We are going to continue to fool around!" Kiriha: "How do you like that, then?!" Sunao: "Kotetsu!" Sunao: "What's wrong, Kotetsu? Are you feeling sick?" Sunao: "Listen, there's something I really need to tell you. After everything I've done—" Kotetsu: "I'm sorry." Sunao: "No! I'm the one who should apologize. Ever since I was little, I always—" Kotetsu: "I'm so useless." Sunao: "No! That was—" Kotetsu: "I'm the reason your brother died." Sunao: "Listen to me! The truth is—" Kotetsu: "Because I'm just a tool." Kotetsu: "I'm sorry, Sunao-sama." Sunao: "Kotetsu..." Kotetsu: "I can't stay with you anymore." Sunao: "Kotetsu!" Sunao: "Tsugu Tsugumomo!" Kotetsu: "Tsugu Tsugumomo." Kiriha: "It's farther away than I thought! Kazuya, carry me. You could just turn into an obi. Come on, you need to stay with us, or you'll get lost." Kiriha: "Spoilsport!" Sunao: "We're almost there." Kazuya: "This is the Cave of the Divine Navel?" Kazuya: "Looks deep." Kiriha: "I can already feel the spiritual pressure." Kazuya: "Sunao-san, slow down! It's dangerous!" Kiriha: "She's too tense..." Kazuya: "It's huge!" Kiriha: "The moss is glowing?" Sunao: "This must be the echo stone." Sunao: "Please wake up." Sunao: "Kotetsu! Kotetsu!" Sunao: "Kotetsu, listen to me, please!" Sunao: "I... I was always so mean to you!" Sunao: "I blamed you for my brother dying, called you a tool..." Sunao: "You're not waking up because you hate me, right?" Sunao: "And that's fine..." Sunao: "You can find a partner who'll actually take good care of you! Just... please wake up, Kotetsu!" Sunao: "Kotetsu..." Kiriha: "They're amasogi!" Kiriha: "Obi Jab!" Kazuya: "They're after Kotetsu-kun?" Sunao: "Are these..." Sunao: "The amasogi that Kotetsu and I exorcised?!" Kiriha: "If the echo stone created them..." Kiriha: "then they're Kotetsu's feelings!" Kiriha: "You could call them the manifestation of his self-doubt!" Kiriha: "If they reach him, he's done for! Keep calling out to Kotetsu, Sunao! We'll occupy them in the meantime!" Kiriha: "You have to give Kotetsu what he really wants!" Sunao: "Kotetsu! Kotetsu! What he really wants?" Sunao: "It's not an apology from me?" Kazuya: "There's no end to them!" Kiriha: "Stay on your toes!" Sunao: "I don't understand..." Sunao: "Kotetsu." Sunao: "Kotetsu..." Sunao: "Kotetsu!" Kotetsu: "I can hear Sunao-sama's voice." Kotetsu: "But I bet I'm just hearing it because I want to." Kotetsu: "I was never any help to her." Kotetsu: "And I let Suou-sama die." Kotetsu: "Even if I wake up, I know what Sunao-sama will say... "I don't need you."" Suou: "You must be terrified of hearing those words." Kotetsu: "Suou-sama?" Kotetsu: "It's because I let you..." Suou: "That's not what you need right now." Suou: "You're a sword. Fear and doubt will only dull your edge." Suou: "You need to focus on what you want the most instead." Kotetsu: "What I want the most?" Kiriha: "That's the aberration that killed Sunao's brother!" Kiriha: "It's not like the weaklings we've been dealing with." Kiriha: "Be on your guard!" Kazuya: "Right!" Kiriha: "Kazuya!" Sunao: "Stop!" Sunao: "Kotetsu!" Kazuya: "You can't, Sunao-san!" Sunao: "Let go of me!" Kazuya: "Kiriha-san, let's use Divine Possession!" Kiriha: "We can't!" Kazuya: "Why?!" Kiriha: "If Divine Possession runs out before we can finish it off, we will all die!" Kazuya: "But..." Kiriha: "This amasogi's strength is a reflection of the strength of Kotetsu's self-doubt." Kiriha: "If Kotetsu won't wake up, I don't think..." Sunao: "Kotetsu!" Sunao: "No..." Sunao: "I..." Sunao: "I wanted to apologize..." Sunao: "I just wanted him to live on..." Kotetsu: "Sunao-sama is crying?" Kotetsu: "Please don't cry." Kotetsu: "I want to protect her. To help her." Kotetsu: "That's all I..." Sunao: "That's all I..." Sunao: "All I wanted..." Sunao: "No." Sunao: "That's not all." Sunao: "I finally understand." Sunao: "I..." Kotetsu: "I..." Sunao: "...want to be..." Kotetsu: "...want to be..." Kotetsu: "..with Sunao-sama!" Sunao: "...with Kotetsu!" Sunao: "Kotetsu..." Kotetsu: "I'm so sorry, Sunao-sama. I... I thought you didn't want me anymore..." Kotetsu: "That you didn't need me anymore, and I was so scared!" Sunao: "Dummy! You should know better! I'm the one who needs to apologize!" Kotetsu: "Sunao-sama!" Sunao: "Kotetsu!" Kazuya: "What a relief!" Kirha: "Would you stop bawling?" Kazuya: "Wait, the amasogi—" Kazuya: "That's..." Kiriha: "Considering how connected they are, it's only natural." Kazuya: "Divine Possession." Kazuya: "Seriously, I am so glad that Kotetsu-kun made it back!" Kiriha: "This is tedious. How long do you intend to keep sobbing?" Kazuya: "But..." Kiriha: "Look, the problem's been resolved. We should take this night to relax. Especially given the state she's in." Sunao: "What the heck is this?!" Kotesu: "Sunao-sama!" Kazuya: "It's kind of like a side effect of the Divine Possession..." Kotetsu: "A side effect?! Wh-Wh-What's going to happen to her?!" Kiriha: "Relax. She'll just be too exhausted to move for a night." Kotetsu: "Oh, no! Sunao-sama!" Kiriha: "That being the case, make sure you take care of her." Kotetsu: "I can't see a thing!" Kazuya: "Why am I blindfolded?" Sunao: "You've got to be kidding me..." Kiriha: "Time to wash all the sweat, tears, and other miscellany away!" Kotetsu: "E-Excuse me, then..." Sunao: "Where are you touching?!" Kauzya: "I don't have an answer for that..." Kotetsu: "I-I'm so sorry! I really have no idea!" Sunao: "I can't deal with this!" Kazuya: "You'll have to help her with the toilet as well, mind you." Sunao: "Absolutely not!" Kukuri: "Well, that's good to hear!" K & S: "Thank you for everything." Kukuri: "Good to have ya back. Yes, indeedy." Kiriha: "The thought of your wielder not wanting you" Kiriha: "is enough to cause this kind of commotion. Tsugumomo are quite fragile creatures. Keep that in mind." Kazuya: "No need to worry. I want to be with you forever, Kiriha-san." Sunao: "You even paid for our stay... I can't begin to thank you enough." Kukuri: "I paid for what, now?" Kokuyou: "Kukuri-sama." Kokuyou: "You have a guest." Kukuri: "Well, that don't happen every day. For me?" Kokuyou: "Yes. It's Kanayama Taguri-sama." Taguri: "Good afternoon." Taguri: "I've come for her, as promised." Kukuri: "Wait, what promise is this?" Kiriha: "Right. Take her away!" Taguri: "Come along, now." Taguri: "This will be fun." Kukuri: "Why?! What the heck?!" Kazuya: "Were our expenses paid by..." Kiirha: "Correct. Taguri paid for it all in exchange for Kukuri staying over for three days." Kukuri: "No!" Taguri: "Now, Kukuri-chan, let's have lots of fun together..." Kukuri: "No!" Kazuya: "Four students have been involved with recent amasogi trouble. And they've been acting with an agenda in mind this entire time. What is at the core of this feud between the gods and tsukumogami that stretches back into the distant past?"

Kiriha: "Someone talked you into it?!" Iraha: "Yes. After we left the dream, it started coming back to me." Iraha: "I think the pillow was given to me by someone." Kiriha: "What?!" Kiriha: "And just who was it?!" Iraha: "I can't remember it very clearly. I think it may have been a student." Kazuya: "Do you think someone is trying to cause trouble?" Kiirha: "Most likely." Kiirha: "The way the shoe amasogi went berserk... And the matter of the underpants amasogi..." Kiirha: "It all seems a little too convenient to be simple malison disturbances." Kiirha: "If someone were arranging them, it'd go a long way toward explaining it." Kazuya: "But why would someone do that?" Kiriha: "I have no answer to that, but we'll need to be on our guard." Mimane: "Aw, this is so, so, so boring!" Yasuki: "Quiet down, Mimane." Mimane: "But things were just getting fun thanks to that pillow! And then those two had to mess it up again! Let's just kick their butts already!" Akito: "Not happening. We promised not to do anything to them." Mimane: "What's up with you, Akito?! Fine, then! I'll do it by myself!" Akito: "Both of you, stop!" Akito: "I apologize, Azami. I'll talk some sense into Mimane." Azami: "Keep your promise. Or no more help." Azami: "You're the ones short on time." Yasuki: "Can we really trust her?" Yasuki: "We still have no idea who she is or what she's after." Arumi: "She was the only clue that my fortune pointed us toward." Arumi: "I believe we should do as she says for now." Akito: "No matter who she is, we need her help." Mimane: "Meh!" Akito: "That's right. This is all to obtain a shard." Akito: "If we can manage that, we'll be saved." Eptitle Sign: "m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0 m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0" Episode Title: ""The Lost Village."" Akito: "At a certain house, there were three tools that had been lovingly used for three generations." Akito: "At around the same time, they ascended, becoming tsukumogami." Hifumi: "We tsukumogami want to be of use to you." Hifumi: "Please, direct us as you see fit. But first, we have three wishes we would like you to agree to," Hifumi: "after which we will share our true names with you, and accept you as our master." Master: "Very well. What are they?" Hifumi: "Right... Since the three of us are sworn siblings, we ask that you allow us to stay together. And while we are tools, we do have personhood, as well," Hifumi: "and would like to be treated as such. Finally, there are limitations to the powers of tsukumogami, so we ask that you do not demand more than is safe to provide." Master: "Very well." Master: "I welcome you all as guests in this house." Akito: "Arumi, the crystal ball, has the power to see the future, but her predictions become less accurate the further she is, in both time and distance, from the subject. She was mostly used to gain insight into the immediate future and to help make major decisions. As a pair of scissors, I may not be a weapon, but I do have an edge." Akito: "That meant I was skilled in combat and used as a bodyguard." Akito: "And the one who saw the most use..." Akito: "was Hifumi, a die that could manipulate fate." Akito: "Since her rolls could result in good luck, she served a far more critical role. We were honored to see how much our master relied on Hifumi, and were proud of her for it." Hifumi: "You think I'm more amazing? What are you talking about?" Hifumi: "Arumi can see the future and help avoid danger." Hifumi: "Akito is strong enough to protect people." Hifumi: "It's about who's right for the job, and we all serve our purpose well!" Hifumi: "You two need more confidence!" Arumi: "As long as we're able to make people happy." Akito: "We lived peaceful lives, for a while." Akito: "But then..." Akito: "After a while, strange monsters began to appear in the village." Akito: "And around the same time, Hifumi began to lose her strength." Akito: "Naturally, we had questions." Hifumi: "My die... It can manipulate fate based on the rolls, but not always for the better." Hifumi: "Should it roll a one, it brings misfortune to whomever rolls it... And if you continue to roll in spite of that," Hifumi: "the misfortune accumulates into a curse..." Hifumi: "One that turns people into monsters." Akito: "Our master had become obsessed with Hifumi's powers." Akito: "To ensure he would have only good luck, he would hire villagers to roll the die..." Akito: "and have them continue until they became monsters." Akito: "She tried to stop him, but..." Master: "And you don't care what becomes of the other two?" Akito: "And so she was forced into compliance." Akito: "We told the villagers the truth about what was happening." Akito: "We thought we were saving them, as well as Hifumi." Akito: "But..." Akito: "It didn't work out that way." Akito: "The rage of the villagers showed no mercy to the tool that had been used against them." Akito: "Hifumi... All of us..." Akito: "All we wanted was to be of use." Akito: "After leaving the village, we served several new masters, one after another." Akito: "But every time, they would inevitably disappoint us... until, after fleeing our fourteenth master," Akito: "we lost all interest in serving anyone ever again." Akito: "A tsukumogami without a master loses their strength over time." Akito: "As we wandered, we began to sense our end approaching." Akito: "It was then..." Akito: "that the door opened." Akito: "Where are we?" Arumi: "Stop!" Akito: "Who's there?!" Akito: "We mean no harm! Please, lower your bow!" Akito: "We wandered in here, following a strange red bowl! If we aren't welcome, we will leave!" Akito: "Arumi, I don't think he's willing to talk." Arumi: "Right." Arumi: "Three. Four. Half." Arumi: "One. Seven. Half. Two. Five." Yasuki: "Foresight? In that case..." Arumi: "He's using fire! Two beats from now, a radius of ten jou!" Yasuki: "Piercing Spirit Archery:" Yasuki: "Blazing Red Arrow!" Yasuki: "They parried it?" Akito: "But... I don't know if I can do it again." Akito: "What do I do?!" Mimane: "Wow! What was that, huh?! So neat! Where are you from? What do you want? What are these? Scissors? Tell me about the outside!" Tanmen: "Nothing like a tsugumomo with a fine behind." Tanmen: "So, I am the elder of this village, Tanmen the bowl tsukumogami. Everyone calls me Old Bowl." Akito: "A tsukumogami's true form can give away a lot about their powers and weaknesses." Akito: "Is he trying to demonstrate that he means us no harm?" Akito: "It's nice to meet you. I'm Akito, a pair of scissors." Arumi: "I'm Arumi, the crystal ball." Tanmen: "I'd like to welcome the two of you to Mayoiga, the lost village." Tanmen: "I also apologize for the reception our guard, Yasuki, gave you." Tanmen: "Terribly sorry." Tanmen: "There's a limit to the number of tsukumogami we can welcome here. And more than anything, we can't have the gods or their hounds finding our village." Akito: "It's all right. But I'd like to know more about this place." Akito: "Everyone here is a tsukumogami..." Akito: "And I don't sense the presence of any humans. We were on the verge of losing all strength before arriving here," Akito: "but we're both feeling much better now." Akito: "Where does this power come from?" Tanmen: "A long time ago," Tanmen: "there was a house tsukumogami that had a grand black front gate. The terrible treatment our kind was receiving wounded his heart, and he wished that tsukumogami could survive without humans." Akito: "This place can support all these tsukumogami without any humans?!" Tanmen: "Unfortunately, I can't answer all your questions yet. But rest assured, this place is a paradise for tsukumogami." Tanmen: "I imagine the two of you have become fed up with humans as well, yes? You're welcome to remain here, as one of us." Akito: "Thank you, sir." Akito: "After we arrived in Mayoiga, it wasn't long before we began to fit in." Mimane: "This sucks!" Akito: "Mimane, the mirror, was always looking for things to amuse her." Mimane: "Huh? And then? Eh?" Akito: "When we first arrived, she would buffet us with questions from morning to night." Mimane: "What? But why?" Akito: "Even Arumi and I grew tired of it." Mimane: "Hey, hey, hey, hey!" Akito: "Yasuki the bow was the exact opposite, speaking only when necessary." Yasuki: "I apologize for before." Yasuki: "Mimane starts to sulk about wanting to leave the village whenever newcomers appear." Akito: "That's why you were shooting at us?" Akito: "He made a terrible first impression, but it seems he's really just overprotective." Chikage: "Not bad at all!" Akito: "Chikage, the spear, is said to be the fiercest warrior in Mayoiga." Akito: "Old Bowl trusts her implicitly, and she would often organize the other tsukumogami." Chikage: "Up for another round?" Akito: "Yes, please. With no domineering or greedy humans to be found," Akito: "Mayoiga really was a paradise for tsukumogami." Akito: "But it had its mysteries, as well." Akito: "A bath like this, inside a house?" Akito: "What was the power that kept the village going?" Akito: "Why did Old Bowl let us in after telling us there was a limit to the population?" Akito: "And why were they hiding from the gods?" Akito: "Even Mimane wouldn't offer any answers." Tanmen: "Fitting in well, son?" Akito: "Yes." Tanmen: "That's good to hear." Tanmen: "Out of curiosity, have you known that Arumi girl for a while?" Akito: "Yes, we're like siblings. We've known each other for as long as we can remember." Tanmen: "I see." Tanmen: "A very nice ass on that one." Akito: "A great deal of time then passed." Akito: "We had started to consider the village our second birthplace." Akito: "But one day..." Villager: "Everyone, come quickly!" Villager: "It's Danjurou and Kirihime..." Akito: "They've reverted to their original forms?" Tanmen: "Lost their spiritual power." Akito: "I thought that couldn't happen here?" Tanmen: "Arumi, Akito... I need to speak with the two of you." Akito: "Where are we?" Tanmen: "The center of Mayoiga. A hallway that leads to the cornerstone everything was built on." Tanmen: "This is the tsukumogami of the lost village..." Tanmen: "Miurahi-sama." Arumi: "He's mummified?" Akito: "How did he end up like this?" Tanmen: "It began over a thousand years ago..." Tanmen: "There was a volcanic eruption, and a resulting catastrophe. As the people began to starve and suffer, the tsukumogami that served them suffered from abuse... and many lost their power as a result." Tanmen: "Miurahi-sama regretted this deeply, and appealed to the god of this region. He wished to create a place where tsukumogami on the verge of passing away could rest, if only temporarily." Tanmen: "But his wish fell upon deaf ears." Tanmen: "The god whose duty was to look after that area shirked their responsibility. And as he saw his fellows fall one by one, Miurahi-sama gathered a chosen group of tsukumogami..." Tanmen: "and slew the region's god." Akito: "That's why you all fear the gods..." Akito: "But why kill one?" Tanmen: "For a shard." Tanmen: "Gods who are entrusted with a region to oversee carry a shard within themselves." Tanmen: "A fragment of the pillar, Ame-no-Mihashira. Crystallized malison, capable of dictating the nature of existence itself. Miurahi-sama embedded the shard within himself, obtaining the very power of a god. But the power was immense, with even the slightest wavering thought growing into a maelstrom, given form. So Miurahi-sama decided to sever his own consciousness, meditating on the sole purpose of maintaining Mayoiga, until he was mummified. But that shard is on the verge of losing its strength... Seeing this inevitability, Miurahi-sama had us seek out tsukumogami who have grown tired of the ways of men." Akito: "You mean..." Tanmen: "Correct. In order to obtain another shard, we must once again slay a god." Akito: "I see. That definitely isn't the kind of thing you tell someone on their first day here." Akito: "Killing a god isn't a simple task." Akito: "Even if it succeeds, it means becoming the target of a divine vendetta." Akito: "Now that we know the truth, if we refuse, we'll probably be killed." Akito: "Could the two of us escape?" Akito: "But that would mean more hardship for Arumi..." Akito: "I don't want to lose anyone else." Akito: "Never again." Arumi: "I feel the same way, brother." Akito: "As the limit of the shard's power drew near, our planning commenced with the selection of the god who would be the best target." Tanmen: "The god we killed before, Iwanagahime, had grown weak after using her power to cope with a famine. Regardless, facing her with 108 powerful tsukumogami still resulted in a battle that lasted seven days and nights, with over a hundred casualties." Tanmen: "As such, the gods still seek to punish us. Which means we cannot afford to make any moves that will get us noticed." Akito: "Arumi." Arumi: "Right. My power, High Foresight, should be able to show us the path that leads to the future we desire." Akito: "Arumi's predictions can only be used once a month." Akito: "So, once a month, we had her take a look. Every time, the crystal ball showed nothing but the villagers of Mayoiga, with nothing out of the ordinary." Akito: "Which meant that staying the current course would be for the best." Akito: "But more villagers lost their strength as time passed..." Villagers: "Hey, woman! Are these predictions any good?! It's been thirty years now, with nothing to show for it!" Arumi: "If the results are the same, that means we're doing the right thing." Akito: "Some of the tsukumogami demanded that we take immediate action." Arumi: "It's not time to act yet..." Villagers: "Don't be a fool!" Akito: "But not long after that, there was a change in the crystal ball's vision..." Tanmen: "What is that?" Akito: "A black shape was revealed within the crystal ball." Akito: "And just as we had seen, we found it in a forest among the mountains." Akito: "It'd be dangerous to approach." Chikage: "True enough, but someone's decided to scout ahead." Mimane: "Wow, what is this thing?!" Yasuki: "Mimane!" Akito: "The black shape seemed to attack anyone who approached, almost defensively." Akito: "We attacked from every direction, and were able to capture it." Mimane: "Blood Mirror!" Mimane: "Gotcha!" Tanmen: "And this is the lead that the fortune led us to?" Akito: "The black obi tsukumogami who appeared before us said her name was Azami." Akito: "She didn't share much else about herself..." Akito: "But the fortune turned out to be true." Akito: "She knew which regional god was at their weakest, and how to weaken them further." Akito: "She had the exact information our village needed." Akito: "So, with Azami's guidance, we headed toward that region." Akito: "That was where we encountered another Azami, who was waiting." Akito: "We can't afford to lose Azami's help yet." Akito: "Keep that in mind." Mimane: "Fine." Kiriha: "Hey! Sorry for the wait." Kazuya: "It's okay. But that new game hasn't been installed yet." Kiriha: "Say what?! Why in the—" Arumi: "I can't believe Mayoiga even has a hot spring." Mimane: "Impressive, huh?" Mimane: "Hey, hey! What exactly is your relationship with Akito?" Arumi: "We're sworn siblings who were born in the same storehouse." Mimane: "Sworn siblings? What is that? So you're not lovers?" Arumi: "Lovers?! He and I would never..." Mimane: "Huh? But why not?" Mimane: "These are huge!" Mimane: "And he never does this?" Arumi: "He does not!" Mimane: "Why not? They're so big!" Arumi: "I don't know!" Mimane: "Hey, you're different here, too! Let me see, come on!" Arumi: "Wha... S-Stop!" Kazuya: "A fighting game amasogi has appeared at the arcade?! And an even more terrifying threat awaits us at school!"

Kiriha: "What is this place?!" Mc: "Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the combat paradise of Ironman Fist!" Akito: "This bizarre, arbitrary turn of events... It has to be an amasogi." Mimane: "You suck at this, Akito!" Akito: "You didn't catch anything yourself." Akito: "Haven't you had enough fun?" Mimane: "Nope! You said you'd take me out for the whole day! And you've gotta actually entertain me!" Akito: "Okay, fine..." Game: "Ironman Fist!" Mimane: "I wanna play you in that!" Kazuya: "Wh-What the?!" Mimane: "Hey, it's that guy! Kagami Kazuya!" Kazuya: "Could you get down?" Akito: "The malison exorcist and his tsugumomo!" Kiriha: "Is this a friend of yours?" Akito: "I've been able to keep an eye on them by pretending to be a student," Akito: "but I didn't expect to run into him here..." Mimane: "Kiriha's here, too!" Kiriha: "Have we met?" Akito: "Try and bluff through this, Mimane!" Mimane: "Let's see... I'm Miyou Mimane! I go to the same school as you guys!" Kiriha: "You look more like an elementary school student." Akito: "W-Well, that should work, but we need to get out of here..." Mimane: "Akito! Let's play with Kazuya!" Akito: "That idiot!" Kazuya: "Hey, Ashimine-kun! It's me, Kagami, from class. Didn't expect to see you here." Mimane: "Hup!" Kazuya: "Would you like to play, too?" Akito: "Uh, no, that's..." Mimane: "Come on, Akito!" Akito: "Mimane, no..." Akito: "Azami?" Akito: "Is she upset that we've made contact with the malison exorcist?!" Kiriha: "It's reacting..." Akito: "Azami must've radiated enough malison to create an amasogi." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san, do you think..." Kiriha: "Yes, it's definitely an amasogi." Kazuya: "We'd better deal with it fast, then." Kiriha: "Easier said than done. We don't know anything about the amasogi's true form, its master, or the wish..." Hiroki: "Welcome to the world of Ironman Fist! And I'm the tournament's organizer, Hirohashi Hiroki, age 33! And I just wanna play video games!" Trio: "That's simple enough." Hiroki: "Time for a red-hot clash between rugged competitors of wrought metal! Let the Ironman Fist tournament begin!" Kiriha: "In essence, we're inside a fighting game. So we'll need to win a 4-on-4 team battle and have that Hirohashi fellow destroy the game's cabinet." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san!" Kiriha: "You can enjoy the show from there. I'll handle all three foes." Akito: "For now, we should cooperate with them so we can escape this place." Mc: "Our opening match is Kiriha of Team Exorcist... versus Daruman of Team Kamioka Empire!" Kiriha: "I see no point in wasting time on this nonsense! Spiral Weave!" Kiriha: "Why can't I weave a spiral?!" Kazuya: "I get it! Spiral Weave is a finishing move," Kazuya: "so you can't use it without building up the meter first!" Kiriha: "What?! The fighting game logic goes that far?!" Kiriha: "Ow!" Kiriha: "Ow, ow, ow, ow! I can't move! What is this, one of those infinite combos?!" Kazuya: "No, Kiriha-san! It's a low attack, so you can't block it if you're standing!" Kiriha: "So annoying..." Mc: "Daruman wins!" Mimane: "That was weak, Kiriha!" Kazuya: "Are you okay, Kiriha-san?" Mc: "And now comes the penalty for the loser!" Mc: "It's a bikini and cat ears!" Akito: "Her costume was changed?" Kazuya: "I get it! If you lose, the other player gets to edit your costume!" Kiriha: "This is so aggravating..." Kazuya: "Wait, you're embarrassed, Kiriha-san?" Kazuya: "That's a shock." Kiriha: "Do you think I'm some sort of exhibitionist?" Kiriha: "It's not the same as being on display for you." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san..." Mc: "Now, it's time for the next fighter to come on down!" Akito: "I'll go." Kazuya: "Ashimine-kun?" Mimane: "Wait, what about me?!" Akito: "It'll be okay. I'm somewhat familiar with this game." Mc: "Daruman versus Team Exorcist's second man, Ashimine Akito!" Kazuya: "He's blocking everything!" Mimane: "Yeah, he's way better than Kiriha!" Kiriha: "Hush up." Akito: "I can't risk exposing my identity." Akito: "But if this is all he can do..." Akito: "I can win barehanded!" Mc: "The winner is Ashimine Akito! Now, what penalty costume awaits our loser—" Akito: "None." Mc: "Next up for Kamioka Empire is Kenshiro!" Kazuya: "Swords?!" Kiriha: "That's cheating!" Mc: "Not at all! Weapons are legal in this tournament!" Kazuya: "He's standing his ground?! That's crazy!" Akito: "This is still a video game. It's not hard to predict the paths of these swords." Akito: "At the moment of impact, I change my hands into scissors..." Akito: "and defend." Akito: "This way, they won't notice." Akito: "Time to put this meter to use!" Kazuya: "He won!" Mimane: "Nice, Akito!" Kiriha: "No, not quite!" Mc: "We've got a double K.O.! And that means both teams get a penalty!" Mc: "An eccentric choice!" Mc: "And highly rated to boot!" Akito: "But I'm the one who lost." Kenshiro: "The costume is chosen at the winner's discretion. Go ahead and pick something." Akito: "I already said don't want to!" Mc: "On to our next match! Both teams are fielding their penultimate fighters, with Qigong Master Namikawa representing Kamioka Empire! His opponent..." Mimane: "Right here! It's finally my turn!" Akito: "Listen. Don't use your powers. They'll figure out your identity." Mimane: "Got it! You can count on me!" Mc: "Miyou Mimane!" mikawa: "Qi Blast!" Mimane: "Blood Mirror!" Mimane: "Attack Symmetry!" Kiriha: "What was that move?!" Mc: "Winner: Mimane!" Kazuya: "What's with the mirror?" Kiriha: "It's nothing a normal human could use." Akito: "Mimane!" Hiroki: "I didn't think my turn would actually come..." Hiroki: "Fascinating!" Mc: "It's him! The captain of Kamioka Empire, Almighty Hiroki! Versus the Little Fighting Girl, Miyou Mimane!" Mimane: "Okay!" Mc: "Look at that speed! What can Hiroki do?!" Kiriha: "He can hit her from that distance?!" Hiroki: "Squirm all you want! I can still nail you with this!" Mc: "The winner is Almighty Hiroki! What penalty costume is coming up next?" Mc: "Naked with an apron!" Kazuya: "If weapons are allowed... Kiriha-san!" Kiriha: "Of course!" Kazuya: "Get equipped with: Tsukumogami!" Mc: "It's the head of Team Exorcist, Kagami Kazuya! This match will decide everything!" Hiroki: "Time to show you exactly why I'm called "Almighty"!" {Sign Also Says}: "Mode Change: Grappler!" Mc: "There it is! His specialty, mode changing!" Kiriha: "Avoid getting grabbed. Keep your distance!" Kazuya: "Right!" Hiroki: "You're not getting away! Vacuum!" Mc: "And Hiroki tries to pull his opponent in! He's dead-set on grappling!" Kazuya: "Woven Legs!" Akito: "He's fast!" Hiroki: "I can see why you went last. In that case..." Kazuya: "Obi Jab!" Hiroki: "Fireball!" Kiriha: "Here he comes!" Mc: "Folks, this combo is as heavy as it is hot!" Akito: "I guess this is it..." Kazuya: "Fan Weave!" Mc: "M-My flames!" Kazuya: "Power Obi:" Kazuya: "Hundred Flowers!" Mc: "Winner: Kazuya!" Mimane: "All right!" Akito: "He's strong. Even stronger than I expected." Kiriha: "We're back, then." Kazuya: "Looks like the amasogi's master destroyed it. That takes care of everything." Kiriha: "I'm cold after wearing next to nothing. Need to use the lavatory." Hiroki: "Thank you, Kazuya!" Hiroki: "Fighting you made me realize something. I was really hungry for a real pulse-pounding fight!" Kazuya: "S-Sure..." Hiroki: "All right, I'm gonna take tomorrow off work and travel!" Akito: "Uh, shouldn't a 33-year-old get back to work?" Akito: "Azami!" Akito: "She really is mad!" Akito: "Mimane, Azami's in a bad mood! We need to get away from Kazuya and Kiriha, fast!" Mimane: "I get you." Mimane: "Kazuya!" Mimane: "Smooch!" Akito: "Why?!" Mimane: "That was "Mimane, go and kiss Kazuya," right?" Akito: "No!" Kazuya: "Are you okay?" Kazuya: "Here, you can wipe your face with this." Akito: "Azami calmed down in a flash..." Kiriha: "Kazuya! What was that noise?" Kazuya: "Kiriha-san. The ceiling suddenly collapsed in. And this girl was..." Kazuya: "Huh?" Kiriha: "No matter, then. More importantly, Mimane..." Kiriha: "You're a mirror tsugumomo, aren't you?" Mimane: "Yup!" Sign/Akito: "Idiot!" Kiriha: "Quite the handy power you have there. Let's be friends!" Mimane: "Sure!" Kazuya: "Does that mean you're her partner, Ashimine-kun?" Akito: "Th-That's right." Akito: "This has only gotten more complicated..." Yasuki: "Mimane's identity has been exposed. You need to be more cautious, Akito." Akito: "I'm sorry." Mimane: "Seriously, get it together!" Akito: "And whose fault was it?!" Akito: "Regardless, we can't risk them finding out anything else." Akito: "Better to avoid them as much as possible." Akito: "Yet here we are!" Kiriha: "You got caught up in this one, too? Your luck seems terrible." Akito: "Tell me about it!" Akito: "A different amasogi caught me..." Kiriha: "Who's the girl?" Akito: "O-Oh, this is my sister." Arumi: "I'm Ashimine Arumi." Banner Sign: "Romantic Quiz Board Game" Wakana: "Welcome, everyone! You've been invited to this game as a pair of nice-looking couples!" Kazuya: "What game?" Wakana: "I call it the Romantic Quiz Board Game! You make progress based on your rolls of the dice, receiving questions depending on the space. Each couple will have to work together and aim for the goal!" Arumi: "Couples?" Kiriha: "Free us right now!" Wakana: "Not happening!" Wakana: "The only way to free everyone is to win the game!" Kazuya: "Wait, are these all couples from school?!" Kiriha: "I will not humor this prattle!" Kazuya: "Watch out, Kiriha-san!" Wakana: "Nice try. But you can only move forward by rolling the dice." Wakana: "I'll be waiting at the goal, everyone!" Kiriha: "Quite the little voyeur, isn't she?" Kiriha: "You two can wait here. We'll head to the goal and destroy the amasogi." Akito: "No, we'd like to help. Working together will improve our odds of getting out of this." Kazuya: "Thanks, Ashimine-kun!" Akito: "This "reward question" is a concern. I need to make sure we win this, to keep our identities and the plan a secret." Kazuya: "There!" Kazuya: "We both rolled two." Akito: "Next should be the question." Kazuya: "I wonder what it'll be about." Wakana/Sign: "Question: How many times have you had intercourse?" Kazuya: "This quiz is sexual harassment! What about in dreams?" Kiriha: "I doubt that counts." Akito: "We haven't, right?" Arumi: "No..." Both: "Zero times!" Wakana: "Correct!" Akito: "I guess the questions will be about our relationships. I doubt the two of us, who've been together for centuries, would lose to a team that's only formed recently." Kiriha: "Seems we'll be operating separately from here on. Good luck to you." Akito: "Yeah. You, too." Akito: "Okay, we're out in front now. Let's make sure it stays that way." Arumi: "Right." Wakana: "Here's a question for the man." Sign/Wakana: "Tell us your partner's most sensitive spot!" Akito: "What kind of question is that?!" Arumi: "B-Brother, maybe we should forf—" Akito: "Wait!" Akito: "We can't afford to let them win." Akito: "Come to think of it..." Mimane: "Y'know, if you go like this to Arumi in the bath, she starts yelping happily!" Akito: "That must be it!" Akito: "The answer is her chest!" Wakana: "Specifically?" Aktio: "S-Specifically...? Her n-nipples!" Wakana: "Wrong! The answer is her c—" Arumi: "No!" Akito: "How long was I unconscious?! Is this the penalty for getting a wrong answer?" Arumi: "N-No... You were asleep for about five minutes. The penalty was being sent back to the start." Arumi: "That and... my scarf." Arumi: "It seems the game continues until the girl is stripped nude." Akito: "So one article of clothing for each wrong answer..." Akito: "That means we can afford six more mistakes." Akito: "Kazuya and Kiriha might be moving ahead while we're here. Let's get a move on!" Arumi: "Okay." Sign/Wakana: "How many times have you kissed?" Both: "Zero!" Sign/Wakana: "Correct!" Sign/Wakana: "A question for the girl! Where is your partner most sensitive?" Arumi: "B-Bellybutton!" Wakana: "The correct answer is the fre—" Akito: "Nope!" Sign/Wakana: "How many times do you do it by yourself in a week?" Arumi: "I don't!" Wakana: "The correct answer is—" Arumi: "I don't!" Kiriha: "You've certainly missed a few." Akito: "She's only missing her scarf... You only got one question wrong?" Kazuya: "The questions weren't that hard." Kiriha: "A bit disappointing, really." Akito: "I underestimated them..." Wakana: "I'm glad to see you've all made it here! Now, it's time for the final question!" Wakana: "Either of you can answer this one. Who has he loved the most in his life? Now, ladies, I'm sure you thought, "It's obviously me!" Non, non, non!" Wakana: "To be frank, guys just want an outlet for their urges! They might not actually date the girl they're most interested in!" Wakana: "An honest answer might send your girl into a frenzy that'd lead to an instant split! And that means no crossing the goal! After all, to win, you need to reach the goal as a couple." Wakana: "And no couples have made it past this final hurdle so far! Now, let's hear those answers!" Kiriha: "Ridiculous. The answer is obviously Kiriha!" Kiriha: "Why the hell not?!" Wakana: "Nice try! Back to the start you go." Kiriha: "But what's the right answer?!" Wakana: "Now, then..." Wakana: "It's your turn." Akito: "Who is the girl I love the most?" Akito: "I've never paid much mind to love or romance, honestly. I wouldn't know where to begin..." Wakana: "Better answer quickly, or you'll be counted out!" Arumi: "Brother, do you not know?" Akito: "I hate to admit it, but I don't have a clue." Arumi: "Can I answer, then?" Akito: "Do you know who it is?!" Arumi: "Yes." Kiriha: "Why, you little—" Kiriha: "We're back in the school. Akito and Arumi must've won." Akito: "Hey, you two." Kiriha: "Well, how'd it go?" Akito: "Wakisaka Wakana willingly destroyed the amasogi as our reward for finishing the game. She was upset about being dumped," Akito: "and gave rise to the board game amasogi in order to break couples up." Kiirha: "Dealing with the aberration without incurring an atonement... Kazuya?" Kazuya: "Yeah. Ashimine-kun, we actually started a club to deal with supernatural trouble like this. Would you be willing to join and help us out?" Akito: "I can't go around helping solve these cases!" Akito: "S-Sorry, but I don't think I can..." Kiriha: "Come to think of it, Mimane was telling me all about you..." Kiriha: "It's on the tip of my tongue. Something about the bath?" Mimane: "Hey, let me see it!" Akito: "Cut it out!" Akito: "Damn it, Mimane!" Akito: "All right. I'll help." Arumi: "Brother?!" Kiriha: "Good boy." Kazuya: "Thanks a bunch, Ashimine-kun!" Akito: "That being the case... I've joined the troubleshooters' office." Kukuri: "What? You mean ta tell me ya ain't Kazuya's number one gal?!" Kiriha: "It seems so!" Kiriha: "Most likely a case of him failing to see my charms due to the close proximity." Kiriha: "What are you squirming for?" Kukuri: "Just wonderin' if I got a nice nightgown I could wear tonight..." Kiriha: "Going straight for the kill, eh?!" Kasumi: "Time to break out that pair of underwear..." Kiriha: "The pervert sister!" Kokuyou: "If that is what Kazuya desires, then I suppose I must." Kiriha: "Et tu, Kokuyou?! How do you all have the nerve to assume you're number one?!" Kokuyou: "Why don't we simply ask him, then?" Kazuya: "Stop it! Let me go!" Kukuri: "We're gettin' an answer whether you like it or not, Kazuyan! Sensei!" Bakura: "Hello there! It's the dream expert, Bakura-chan!" Kiriha: "Time for lights out!" Kazuya: "Zzz..." Bakura: "The object of Kazuya-san's affections should be up ahead." Kukuri: "There she is!" Kiriha: "Let's see just who the thieving hussy is!" Kukuri: "Who the..." Kiriha: "That's Kazuya after he turned into a girl in a dream." Bakura: "I suppose a female version of himself would be the ideal partner he could truly share everything with. It seems Kazuya-san's become fixated on the idea ever since becoming a girl during his dream the other day." Kiriha: "Let's head back." Kukuri: "Yup." Kokuyou: "Right." Kasumi: "Good idea." Bakura: "Sure thing." Kazuya: "With new members in the troubleshooters' office, we're ready for any supernatural trouble! Or so we thought, but then a group of mysterious tsukumogami appear in town! And they're trying to attack the regional god?!"

Kazuya: "Please be my friend." Kanaka: "Hey!" Kiriha: "He's made another amasogi?" Kanaka: "And I keep telling him not to." Kanaka: "Come on, you created it, so you have to send it back." Kazuya: "O-Okay..." Kazuya: "Bye-bye, Mr. Eraser." Kanaka: "That's it! Good boy!" Kazuya: "These are... my memories." Kazuya: "That's right. Mom was a malison exorcist. A really strong one." Kazuya: "I wonder why she died." Kazuya: "Actually... I had forgotten everything about her, not just how she died." Kanaka: "Because that's the point of the seal." Kazuya: "Seal?" Kanaka: "Yes. It's almost gone, though." Kazuya: "But why?" Kazuya: "Wait... Aren't you the exorcist who came before me? But the exorcist before me was Mom... so... Huh?" Kanaka: "You need to get ready, Kazuya." Kanaka: "It won't be long now. I'm looking forward to it." Kazuya: "Hey, wait!" Kazuya: "What won't be long?" Kiriha: "Bring more pudding..." Eptitle Sign: "m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0 m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0" Eptitle Sign: ""New Club Members."" Akito: "That being the case," Akito: "Mimane and I are going to be working with the troubleshooters' office." Akito: "I realize you don't like the idea of us getting near the exorcist, Azami... But there's something to be gained in knowing how they'll react to our plans going forward, too." Akito: "So, will you allow us do this?" Akito: "Azami?" Mimane: "Hey, answer already!" Azami: "Wh-What do you want?! If you need something, out with it." Akito: "R-Right..." Akito: "I was asking about us joining the troubleshooters' office." Azami: "Fine. Do as you will. But no harm is to come to the exorcist." Yasuki: "If Azami doesn't mind, then I suppose it's fine." Mimane: "Yay!" Yasuki: "But that group's advisor is the goddess of this region." Yasuki: "And our goal is to take her shard." Yasuki: "I'm not sure how smart it is to get close to her." Akito: "There are risks, but there are also benefits. We'll have to fight the exorcist eventually, and this will let us learn about his abilities. Not only that, but we'll be around when they get rid of the aberrations that we caused. Which means we might be able to hinder them." Mimane: "You worry too much, Yasuki!" Yasuki: "Fine. Just be sure to keep an eye out..." Yasuki: "for Mimane." Akito: "Of course." Mimane: "Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Akito: "Let's head to the club room, Mimane." Mimane: "Seriously, what's the deal?!" Azami: "The situation..." Azami: "...hasn't changed." Azami: "The disruptions in malison are starting to weaken the goddess. And on your end?" Azami: "Still asleep." Azami: "I see." Azami: "Wait." Azami: "I will." Mimane: "I'm Miyou Mimane, a mirror tsugumomo!" Akito: "And I'm her partner, Ashimine Akito." Chisato: "You had a tsugumomo, Ashimine-kun?" Shirou: "You have a sister, don't you?" Akito: "Y-Yes." Shirou: "With big boo—" Kiriha: "The two of them will take point when dealing with amasogi, like Kazuya and me." Akito: "But we're not suited for combat. I don't know if you should expect much." Kiriha: "There's actually an aberration to deal with right now." Kiriha: "So why don't we see what you two can do?" Akito: "What is this thing?" Kazuya: "A sea urchin?" Shirou: "What's that stinky fruit called?" Osamu: "Do you mean durians?" Akito: "Did you do this, Mimane?" Mimane: "Wasn't me!" Akito: "It must be naturally occurring, then." Osamu: "I think this amasogi may have been created out of a desire to withdraw from society." Akito: "Then the master is inside it?" Kiriha: "Doesn't seem any amount of convincing will work in this case. Why don't you try and take care of it?" Mimane: "Hey, I have a good idea!" Mimane: "First, I get your whole body reflected in the Blood Mirror... Then I can borrow your appearance and powers!" Blood Mirror: "It's Obina Kiriha!" Kiriha: "You really are a mirror! As beautiful as the real deal!" Mimane: "Not just looks, either! Here we go, Akito!" Akito: "I see. In that case... Obi Jab!" Akito: "Ashimine-kun can use obi techniques?" Kiriha: "He must've learned it from the battle in the arcade." Osamu: "It doesn't seem effective, though." Kiriha: "Very well, we'll teach you a few more." Akito: "Spear Weave!" Akito: "Spiral Weave!" Akito: "Sledgehammer Weave!" Mimane: "Akito, it's not working!" Kiriha: "Awfully durable, isn't it?" Kazuya: "They must really not want to go outside." Shirou: "This calls for boobs." Chisato: "Was I not hitting you hard enough?" Shirou: "No, you've got it all wrong! I mean like Ama-no-Iwato! The myth! Ama-no-Uzume did a naked dance in front of the cave, and then the goddess Amaterasu came out! Which means she was lured out with boobs!" Mimane: "Got it! Here!" Kiriha: "Don't use my body for this!" Osamu: "No response, it seems." Shirou: "I guess Kiriha-san doesn't have enough volume." Mimane: "I know! Wait a sec!" Kiriha: "Hey! Put some clothes on!" Mimane: "I'm back!" Shirou: "Now these are some honkers!" Arumi: "Mimane!" Mimane: "Owie..." Kiriha: "Nothing from Arumi, either?" Mimane: "I know! What if the Silhouette and the real deal offer a double dose of boobies?" Arumi: "Why don't you get naked yourself?!" Kiriha: "If we forget about Shirou's idea, I'm not sure what our options are..." Kiriha: "Well, that settles that!" Kiriha: "Troublesome as it was..." Kiriha: "It didn't play out as I imagined, but your powers seem quite handy. We'll be counting on you going forward." Akito: "Thank you." Kukuri: "Looks like ya got this one wrapped up. Nice work!" Akito: "The patron deity of Hakusan Shrine, Kukuri-hime no Kami!" Kukuri: "Nice to meet ya! I'm yer advisor, Shirayama Kukuri!" Akito: "Ashimine Akito." Mimane: "I'm Miyou Mimane!" Akito: "That's the goddess of this region?" Akito: "She just seems like a little girl..." Kukuri: "So yer Mimane-chan—" Kukuri: "Wait, what happened to your clothes?!" Mimane: "Oh, some stuff!" Kukuri: "C'mon, girl, ya gotta be more careful!" Akito: "I barely sense any spiritual force. Why even wait at this point?" Mimane: "I guess!" Azami: "It's too soon to move on the goddess. She must be weaker." Akito: "I don't think we can trust Azami... But we need her powers to contact and travel to Mayoiga." Akito: "You understand, don't you, Mimane? Choose your words carefully." Mimane: "Hey, aren't you a goddess, Kukuri?" Kukuri: "How'd ya know that?" Akito: "Mimane!" Mimane: "So show me your powers! Come on!" Kukuri: "Sure thing!" Kukuri: "Get a load of this!" Kukuri: "The great swell from the heavens, Water Impact!" Kiriha: "You idiot goddess!" Kiriha: "What do you think you're doing?!" Akito: "The goddess of this land is taking a drubbing from a normal tsugumomo..." Kuuri: "Ow, ow, ow!" Yasuki: "I see. The obi techniques of the exorcists, and the status of the goddess..." Yasuki: "Looks like we've already made some gains." Yasuki: "Although Mimane's behavior is concerning." Akito: "Right. We'll have to warn her to be more careful." Arumi: "Where exactly is she, anyway?" Akito: "What the?!" Mimane: "I'm here to spend the night!" Kiriha: "Well, that's abrupt." Mimane: "Well, you see, Akito wants to know lots about Kazuya!" Kazuya: "About me?" Mimane: "Yup! So let me see your wiener, Kazuya!" Kazuya: "Why?!" Mimane: "It's like an elephant's trunk! Pawoo!" Kazuya: "Don't pull on it!" Kukuri: "Kinda noisy down there, huh?" Kokuyou: "Kukuri-sama..." Kukuri: "I getcha, Kokuyou." Kukuri: "It's a regional goddess's job to get ridda all the built-up malison..." Kokyou: "Is something the matter?" Kukuri: "I think someone crossed the field around the town." Kukuri: "Four of 'em... All tsugumomo, too." Kokuyou: "Four at once strikes me as odd." Kukuri: "True enough. We oughta hear 'em out, since that's the custom. Can ya go bring 'em over?" Kokuyou: "Right." Kukuri: "Be careful!" Mimane: "It's the goddess!" Kukuri: "What's she doin' here?!" Kiriha: "Spending the night, apparently." Mimane: "Hey, y'know, Kazuya's..." Kazuya: "Don't say anything!" Kukuri: "What's the matter with you, Kazuyan?" Kazuya: "Sulk..." Mimane: "Y'know, Kazuya's wiener is cuter than Akito's! It's littler, and has a wrapping on top, and is like a little elephant!" Kazuya: "I can never go to school again..." Kiriha: "You shouldn't sob over such trivial matters. Besides, you've had that "hood" your entire life." Kukuri: "She's right, Kazuyan! It ain't all about size! Not to mention..." Mimane: "Are you sick?" Kukuri: "Naw, just got a chill from bein' out in the night wind." Mimane: "You should take a bath, too, Kukuri!" Kukuri: "W-Wait—" Kiriha: "She's a real bundle of energy." Mimane: "Wow, so tiny! Cute! So this is what a goddess is like, huh?" Kukuri: "What the heck are you doin'?!" Kukuri: "Cut it out! I'm a goddess, dang it! And yer club advisor!" Mimane: "Aw, come on! Let me see better!" Kiriha: "What did you do?" Kukuri: "Got overheated..." Kazuya: "Kokuyou-san?!" Mimane: "Tsugu Tsugumomo!" Kokyou: "Tsugu Tsugumomo." Kukuri: "Kokuyou..." Taguri: "I performed first aid, but she's hurt badly." Kazuya: "She's all beat up... Who did this?!" Kiriha: "What happened out there, Taguri?" Taguri: "Well..." Kokuyou: "I..." Kukuri: "Kokuyou!" Kokyou: "I should explain myself." Kukuri: "You oughta lie down!" Kokuyou: "I'm the only one who knows the entire story." Kokuyou: "I encountered the four tsukumogami Kukuri-sama spoke of on the outskirts of town." Kokuyou: "I serve the goddess of this land, Kamioka. I would like to know why you are here." Genbu: "We ran away from our tyrannical masters, and made our way here." Genbu: "We'd like to ask for sanctuary from this region's goddess." Jungo: "A land's goddess is supposed to offer protection to wandering tsukumogami." Senga: "We'd like to call upon her kindness." Kokuyou: "I understand the situation. However, the four of you all fleeing together strikes me as strange." Kokuyou: "Not only that, but you've come this far with little explanation. Wouldn't it make the most sense to turn to your own local god? If they then send you this way, I will gladly introduce you to my mistress." Kyouka: "We try to do this the easy way, and the goddess's servant starts getting uppity..." Kokuyou: "If your circumstances are murky enough that you would not turn to your own deity, then I will by no means allow you to meet with Kukuri-sama!" Taguri: "Oh, my. You've really taken a beating. What a nasty bunch." Taguri: "This girl is the priestess of the regional goddess. Did you all attack her knowing that?" Taguri: "If you still want to fight, I'll take you on." Taguri: "Afterward, I brought her here while she was unconscious." Kukuri: "I'm real sorry, Kokuyou! I shouldn't have sent ya by yer lonesome." Kokuyou: "No... I'm at fault for letting those tsugumomo get the best of me." Kazuya: "Why would they have attacked Kokuyou-san in the first place?" Taguri: "The fact that they're a group of renegade tsukumogami brings a possibility to mind. Don't you think, Kukuri-chan?" Kukuri: "They might be from Mayoiga." Kiriha: "Mayoiga? What's that?" Kukuri: "A real long time ago... A buncha tsukumogami who were fed up with bein' exploited by humans asked their local goddess for protection, but were turned away." Kukuri: "They ended up killing her and taking the shard that gave her powers. The tsukumogami who led them embedded that shard in his chest," Taguri: "The residents of Mayoiga are still in hiding from the gods, so this seems plausible." Kazuya: "Then the four of them..." Kukuri: "Yeah. They're after me." Kukuri: "The power they stole from the regional goddess ain't gonna last forever. I figure they were on the hunt for a weakened goddess, right as the power sustainin' them was runnin' out... So they wanna kill me and take my shard." Taguri: "To be honest, I was followed here. So they're likely to attack this place as soon as they've regrouped." Kukuri: "Then I gotta—" Taguri: "What's the point in their target waltzing out to greet them?" Taguri: "I can take two. That leaves two for Kiriha and Kazuya... That might be a bit too much." Kiirha: "Not quite. We've happened upon some additional soldiers." Akito: "An attack from Mayoiga?!" Mimane: "Yeah! Here's what they looked like." Akito: "These are..." Akito: "Genbu, the axe. Kyouka, the flute." Akito: "Senga, the fan." Akito: "And Jungou, the shield." Arumi: "The four of them wanted to attack the goddess as soon as possible. They were agitating for it." Yasuki: "Right. But how did they get out of Mayoiga?" Akito: "The other Azami wouldn't have just let them leave without doing something." Akito: "But she's not here..." Akito: "Did Azami not notice they left? Or maybe..." Yasuki: "This might be our chance. If we work together with them, we can defeat the regional goddess, her comrade," Yasuki: "and the malison exorcists..." Mimane: "Nope!" Mimane: "Way too optimistic, Yasuki." Yasuki: "What?" Mimane: "The real reason I came here was to ascertain how strong the goddess is." Akito: "And?" Mimane: "Well, as it stands, even all eight of us couldn't handle her!" Akito: "That can't be!" Mimane: "Aw, come on, trust me! I've been looking real closely!" Mimane: "So where's your weak spot, Kukuri?" Kukuri: "What the heck?! Quit starin'!" Mimane: "Aw, come on! Tell me!" Arumi: "I don't think the two of you should see any more!" Mimaine: "What? But I was just getting to the good stuff!" Arumi: "No means no!" Kazuya: "Thanks for coming over, Ashimine-kun." Akito: "Mimane told me what's going on." Akito: "We'll help however we can." Mimane: "Y'know, my blood mirror can talk to other mirrors!" Taguri: "That's handy." Mimane: "It can show anything I see, too!" Kukuri: "But I'm a goddess!" Taguri: "Let's be friends!" Mimane: "Sure!" Kazuya: "Are they actually going to attack?" Kiriha: "Yes... and they'll want to strike before we can strengthen our defenses." Taguri: "One other thing. We should take them alive, if we can." Taguri: "I want to make sure any pests buzzing around Kukuri-chan are made to suffer. And we could also interrogate them, I guess." Kiriha: "Like it's an afterthought?!" Kiriha: "Speak of the devil. Here they come." Kazuya: "They hurt Kokuyou-san..." Kazuya: "And they want to kill Kukuri-chan." Mimane: "Come on, let's go to the bath!" Arumi: "No. You're just going to misbehave again." Mimaine: "I will not! I'm just gonna touch your boobs." Arumi: "I said no!" Mimane: "But you were going "Oh! Oh!" like you liked it!" Arumi: "I was not!" Akito: "You weren't what?" Arumi: "Brother!" Arumi: "It's nothing!" Chikage: "You two seem to be getting along." Arumi: "How can I help you, Chikage-san?" Chikage: "I brought a futon for you two." Arumi: "Just the one for the two of us?" Chikage: "We didn't have any more to spare. Sorry about that!" Arumi: "I'm not sure if..." Akito: "I could make do with a cushion." Arumi: "I've been with my brother this entire time, but sleeping with him?" Chikage: "You know Arumi-chan would feel guilty if you did that!" Akito: "Well, I'm going to spar with Chikage." Arumi: "R-Right!" Arumi: "I'll be sleeping with him tonight..." Arumi: "Brother? You're back early." Arumi: "We can't! This is too sudden! I know it was only an oath, but we're still siblings..." Arumi: "Um... Brother..." Arumi: "Just, please, be gentle." Mimane: "Sure, you got it!" Arumi: "Mimane?" Mimane: "You figured it out?" Arumi: "What are you doing?!" Mimane: "I figured you'd let Akito touch your boobs!" Arumi: "You little—" Akito: "What's going on? Why the commotion—" Arumi: "Please wait! There's a reasonable explanation!" Kazuya: "Four assailants have arrived in Kamioka. Faced with powerful tsukumogami, we struggle in battle. But the fighting didn't end there, either. Even more enemies are after Kukuri-chan!"

Kiriha: "Here they come." Kazuya: "These are the tsukumogami from Mayoiga..." Akito: "We'll take the man in the motorcycle jacket." Taguri: "That leaves tubby and the beanpole for me." Kiriha: "And we take the woman." Kazuya: "Okay!" Genbu: "Stay out of this, Akito. They already know you're from Mayoiga, don't they?" Akito: "It's not the right time yet." Akito: "Stay away from the regional god." Genbu: "Do you know how many of our comrades have died waiting for "the right time"?!" Akito: "I'm sorry." Genbu: "I never liked you, anyway." Akito: "The feeling's mutual." Jungou: "What the?!" Senga: "A barrier?" Taguri: "Right." Taguri: "And no one will get in the way here. Now, let's enjoy ourselves." Kiriha: "Kazuya! What's wrong?!" Kyouka: "Seriously? This is pathetic." {Also Sign}: "Tremor Tone Flute: Sound Wall!" Eptitle Sign: "m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0 m 0 0 l 0 -10 l 10 -10 l 10 0" Eptitle Sign: ""Assassins."" Mimane: "Need any help, Akito?" Akito: "That won't be necessary." Genbu: "I guess training with Mayoiga's strongest fighter makes a difference after all." Mimane: "Nice, Akito!" Akito: "I've never landed a single hit on Chikage, though." Genbu: "You think this is gonna be easy? Don't take it personally, Akito! Battle Axe:" Genbu: "Divide!" Genbu: "Battle Axe: Shave!" Genbu: "Battle Axe: Reform!" Akito: "There was nothing there, but I was still slashed!" Mimane: "Akito!" Genbu: "I'm dominating him! I've got this!" Genbu: "When did he cut me?" Akito: "Take your friends and go back to Mayoiga." Akito: "Or it'll be more than a flesh wound next time." Genbu: "You never cease pissing me off." Genbu: "But I'm not about to back down!" Akito: "He blocked with one arm? Wait..." Akito: "My body..." Akito: "That's a scissors case." Genbu: "That's right. Tsukumogami like us are bound by the logic of the items from which we are born." Genbu: "Now, you're done, Akito!" Taguri: "Adamantine Column!" Jungou: "Heavenly Defense: Risen Shield!" Senga: "Fighting Fans: Fan Dance!" Taguri: "Adamantine Coins!" Jungou: "You're wasting your time!" Senga: "Fighting Fans: Scattered Flowers!" Taguri: "Adamantine Column, protect me!" Jungou: "Heavenly Defense: Shield Opening!" Senga: "Fool." Senga: "You must've underestimated us, thinking we're ordinary tsukumogami." Jungou: "A tsukumogami's power gains more breadth and becomes more vast the older they get." Jungou: "We've got powers that rival those of your average deity." Kyouka: "I missed? Lucky for you." Kiriha: "We can't get closer at this rate. We need to back away for now." Kiriha: "Kazuya?!" Kazuya: "Woven Legs!" Kyouka: "Tremor Tone Flute: Hammering Pipe Note!" Kyouka: "You're finished!" Kiriha: "I don't think so! Shield Weave!" Kiriha: "Invisible shock waves... What do we do?" Kazuya: "Kiriha-san..." Kazuya: "Let's use Divine Possession." Kazuya: "We have to beat her!" Kiriha: "What are you saying, you imbecile?! What if Divine Possession runs out before we find a way to take her down? You usually fight smarter than this! It's not like you to lose your head in a rage!" Kazuya: "But she..." Kyouka: "Aw, done already?" Kyouka: "I have to say, the crow priestess put up a much better fight." Kiriha: "What?" Kyouka: "It was a fierce fight, but she remained at a safe distance while throwing out sharp attacks..." Kyouka: "That said, she was completely outnumbered, so all she could really do was run." Kyouka: "And that's why, whenever I saw an opening, I shattered the smaller bones in her body." Kyouka: "One at a time... bit by bit." Kyouka: "That cool look on her face started to warp in agony... And before long, she couldn't choke back her anguished moans." Kyouka: "But I'm not satisfied in the least." Kyouka: "I need to hear the melody of my prey's last cries before dying..." Kyouka: "So I need to make sure I finish the crow off." Kyouka: "And when I get to this region's goddess, I'll spend twice the time... I mean, the death of a god? That's the kind of sound you'd be lucky to hear once in a lifetime!" Kyouka: "I'm really looking forward to it." Kiriha: "You wretch!" Kazuya: "Ayasakura." Kazuya: "Divine Possession." Kyouka: "No way..." Kyouka: "Divine Possession?! When a master and their tsukumogami unite as one... I've never seen it before!" Kiriha: "Kazuya commanded me?" Kiriha: "With my real name, so I couldn't refuse?" Kyouka: "High Impact Note: Four Part Harmony!" Kyouka: "Hammering Pipe Note!" Kazuya: "Obi Drum!" Kyouka: "He canceled it out with a lower tone?!" Kyouka: "I won't be able to defend in time." Kyouka: "In that case..." Kazuya: "Sound-Proof Shield Weave." Kyouka: "It can't be..." Kyouka: "W-Wait..." Kiriha: "Don't, Kazuya! Don't kill her!" Kazuya: "Coiling Serpent!" Kiriha: "You stopped short..." Jungou: "That was easy. So much for this resident goddess." Senga: "Well, that just leaves the one in charge of this region." Jungou: "Right." Taguri: "True enough..." Taguri: "You Mayoiga tsukumogami shouldn't be underestimated." Senga: "Scattered Flowers hit her dead-on!" Jungou: "Did it not affect her?!" Taguri: "Oh, you'll need more than that to get through to me." Taguri: "Now, then..." Taguri: "I've got an idea of your power, so it's time to put an end to this." Jungou: "That thing is bad news! Put everything you've got into blocking it! Heavenly Defense: Meteorite Shield!" Senga: "Fighting Fans: Stone Headpiece!" Taguri: "Adamantine Column..." Taguri: "Armor-Piercing Stream." Taguri: "I didn't expect to be forced to open one of my columns." Taguri: "Oh? And I was going to leave one of you alive... Oh, well." Taguri: "It's only natural that anyone who goes after Kukuri-chan dies for it." Genbu: "This is the end, Akito!" Genbu: "What the hell are these?!" Genbu: "Chopsticks?!" Akito: "We knew you were coming, so we had time to prepare." Akito: "Mimane brought those chopsticks from a neighborhood restaurant. They're made of iron birch, also known as "axe-breaking birch."" Genbu: "Using the same trick that I did, huh? Then I guess I'll have to hit you with my best move to beat your best, right?!" Genbu: "Battle-Axe..." Genbu: "God Axe Slash!" Akito: "Great Scissors' Edge." Mimane: "And Taguri said not to destroy him..." Akito: "It wouldn't have mattered." Akito: "Genbu wouldn't have given up any secrets, even if he was tortured until it destroyed him." Mimane: "Something's funny about this, though." Mimane: "Didn't Genbu and the others know they'd be fighting you? Not to mention the exorcist and the goddess..." Akito: "Right." Mimane: "Doesn't it seem like, even if they had won, they wouldn't have had the strength to return to Mayoiga?" Mimane: "It's not as if they could use malison crossing like us. So how were they gonna bring the shard back?" Akito: "That's it! Genbu and the others were a distraction!" Akito: "He'll have allies that are targeting the regional goddess!" Kukuri: "Assassins from Mayoiga. Yer after my shard, huh?" Kukuri: "We know that you've become so weak, you can't even summon water like you normally do." Kukuri: "I'll end this with one blow so you won't suffer." Mimane: "Yahoo! Hey, Super Kazuya!" Kazuya: "I'm glad to see you're okay!" Akito: "We can talk later! There might be others attacking Kukuri-hime as we speak!" Kazuya: "Kukuri-chan..." Kazuya: "Impossible..." Kazuya: "You're supposed to be weakened to the point of near-helplessness! But you were able to take Rokkaku out in the blink of an eye?! That shouldn't be possible!" Kukuri: "After what you've done to Kokuyou, yer gonna pay." Kukuri: "Fist of the Water God!" Kukuri: "She's still weakened! Let's get her! Yeah!" Kazuya: "Kukuri-chan!" Kazuya: "A barrier? I can't get through!" Kazuya: "Kukuri-chan!" Kazuya: "Amazing..." Akito: "She's still this strong after having been weakened?!" Kukuri: "Well, yer the last man standin' now." Kukuri: "Whaddaya say?" Kukuri: "I'm not going back empty-handed after all this!" Kukuri: "Answer the summons of my rod, abominable fish of the uncanny seas!" Kukuri: "Asura Tooth!" Kukuri: "Fist of the Water God: Glorious Aqua Needle!" Kazuya: "The barrier..." Kazuya: "The enemy must have put it up!" Kazuya: "Kukuri-chan!" Kukuri: "Kazuyan! I guess yer okay, huh?" Kazuya: "Yeah!" Kazuya: "You did great, Kukuri-chan! That was incredible!" Kukuri: "Aw, t'weren't nothin'." Taguri: "He's right. That really was something." Mimane: "Not bad, Kukuri!" Kazuya: "Kiriha-san." Kukuri: "Looks like yer okay, too, Kiriha! Go ahead an' praise me!" Kiriha: "Why'd you have to kill them all, you imbecile?!" Kukuri: "Wait, why?! Somebody else hadda leave one alive, right?!" Kazuya: "We can go over the details after we get back..." Kukuri: "They..." Kukuri: "They're all busted." Kukuri: "Now we can't ask 'em about Mayoiga!" Kiriha: "You destroyed more than anyone else!" Kukuri: "Wait, wasn't the flute tsugumomo still in one piece?" Kiriha: "True enough, and yet..." Kazuya: "You're going to tell us everything about your comrades and Mayoiga." Kiriha: "Is she still resisting?!" Kazuya: "Huh?" Kiriha: "And there you have it." Kukuri: "I getcha. Guess she used up too much strength to maintain her tsukumogami form. In that case..." Kukuri: "Kazuyan's gonna need to be her temp partner for a bit." Kukuri: "That oughta restore enough spiritual power to bring her back." Kazuya: "I see..." Kazuya: "I hope that works." Kukuri: "Well, I don't figure there's gonna be any more attacks just yet. Good work, people! Much appreciated!" Taguri: "Anything for you, Kukuri-chan!" Taguri: "You must be tired. Would you like to take a break?" Kukuri: "Would I?!" Kiriha: "In that case, Kukuri, let's head to the living room." Kiriha: "We can't be making a fuss around Kokuyou when she's sleeping." Kukuri: "Ya got a point there!" Kiriha: "Clearly..." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san..." Kazuya: "I'm sorry, Kiriha-san... about forcing you with the command..." Akito: "We'll go ahead and head back now." Kukuri: "Much obliged, you two!" Mimane: "Aw, I wanted to spend the night!" Akito: "We've got bigger concerns right now." Mimane: "Harrumph!" Akito: "For the time being, we don't have to worry about intel on Mayoiga leaking..." Akito: "But we've lost even more villagers." Akito: "For now, we should head back to the village and report on what's happened." Arumi: "Brother!" Akito: "Arumi?" Arumi: "There's trouble..." Akito: "What? What is it?" Arumi: "It's Mayoiga..." Arumi: "There's been a revolt!" Taguri: "Here we are, Kazuya-kun." Kukuri: "Wait long?" Kazuya: "I-I'm sorry about this. I always say one day without a bath wouldn't kill me, but..." Kukuri: "That ain't gonna do, Kazuya! Bathin's like laundry for your body! Wouldn't do to fall behind, y'know?" Kazuya: "Uh, Kukuri-chan..." Kazuya: "What about a blindfold? Because I'll see everything otherwise." Kukuri: "Don't sweat it, now!" Kukuri: "Come on, it's time to get ya clean!" Kazuya: "What's gotten into you, Kukuri-chan?" Taguri: "Oh, the celebratory party got a little bit out of hand." Kazuya: "A little bit?! Come on, snap out of it, Kukuri-chan!" Kukuri: "If I go like this, we both get clean together! Two birds with one stone!" Taguri: "Kukuri-chan is cute even when she's smashed!" Kazuya: "Why are you filming this?!" Taguri: "For a permanent record." Kazuya: "Neither of us want that!" Kukuri: "I heard all about it, Kazuyan..." Kukuri: "Why you used Divine Possession. Ya got all fired up over Kokuyou on my behalf, huh?" Kazuya?: "How dare you hurt Kukuri-chan?!" Kazuya: "W-Well, kind of..." Kukuri: "So this is just me showin' my gratitude!" Kukuri: "I'm startin' to feel light-headed... and it's kinda nice..." Kazuya: "Kanayama-san, help!" Taguri: "That'll be 20,000 yen." Kazuya: "You're charging?!" Taguri: "I can take it from there. Come on, Kukuri-chan." Kazuya: "Oh, come on!" Taguri: "Well, it's a good thing we're in the bath!" Kazuya: "With the regional goddess under attack, it's an emergency! And in preparation for the next battle, the Kagami household gets help from... Sunao-san?! Meanwhile, the revolt in Mayoiga leads to a final decision..."

Kazuya: "My name is Kagami Kazuya, and I live with a particular girl. Kiriha-san, it's morning." Kazuya: "Her name is Kiriha-san, and she's an obi sash tsukumogami." Kazuya: "Wake up, Kiriha-san." Kazuya: "Come on!" Kazuya: "You're naked again?!" Kazuya: "Two out of three times, Kiriha-san will be naked in the morning." Kazuya: "Get dressed already!" Kiriha: "Kazuya..." Kiriha: "Put my underwear on me!" Kazuya: "Again?!" Kazuya: "Come on, raise your hips." Kazuya: "Okay, sit up." Kazuya: "Good grief..." Kazuya: "Hey, Kiriha-san! Wake up already!" Kazuya: "And you buttoned your shirt wrong again!" Kiriha: "Fix it for me." Kazuya: "You need to get your act together. It takes a lot of effort to combat my baser instincts while getting her dressed every morning." Kazuya: "That is quite the view... No, no, I can't!" Students: "Huh? Is she a transfer student?" Kiriha: "At school, she does manage to look pretty sharp." Teacher: "Therefore, the area of this parallelogram would be two times that of this triangle, and by multiplying base by height... And based on that, we refer to the intersection of these two lines on the graph as "a."" Kiriha: "Kazuya! You're not eating?" Kiriha: "Give me yours, then!" Kazuya: "Honestly..." Kiriha: "The rolled omelet, too!" Kazuya: "Really? You're not shy, are you?" Kiriha: "Quickly, now!" Kazuya: "Avoiding attention is... difficult. Then there won't be any for me." Kiriha: "Sugary, sugary! Oh, how sweet it is!" Kazuya: "I can't lower my guard on the way back from school, either." Kiriha: "Pudding!" Kazuya: "I'm managing our allowances, and..." Kiriha: "Come on, Kazuya! It's apparently Pudding Day! It's the perfect occasion to indulge, isn't it?" Kazuya: "It isn't at all! You've already spent too much this month. I need to act like a proper tsukumogami master sometimes and be firm!" Kazuya: "Okay, okay, fine!" Crowd: "What's up with that? Good question." Kazuya: "Or at least... I try to." Kazuya: "In the end, I usually end up paying anyway. This means I have to refrain from buying the things I want instead." Kiriha: "Kazuya!" Kazuya: "But..." Kiriha: "Go on! It's good." Kiriha: "Well?" Kazuya: "Yeah, it really is good." Kiriha: "As I said!" Kazuya: "I do like seeing Kiriha-san in a good mood, though." Kazuya: "Once I'm back in my room, I can finally relax. Or so I think..." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san's casual wear is... very casual." Kazuya: "You might say it's better than her being nude, but I'm not so sure..." Kazuya: "given the way it casually rouses my inner beast." Kazuya: "And then..." Kazuya: "Once a day, my greatest trial awaits." Kazuya: "Bath time..." Kazuya: "When Kiriha-san takes her bath, she always drags me along with her." Kazuya: "Why start with the bottom?!" Kazuya: "So good!" Kazuya: "You're leaving them on the floor again?" Kazuya: "There's something visceral about the lingering body heat..." Kiriha: "What's keeping you?" Kiriha: "Get in here already." Kiriha: "And she never even tries to cover up!" Kiriha: "What's that?" Kiriha: "Already standing at attention?" Kazuya: "S-Stop it!" Kiriha: "There, there, there, there!" Kiriha: "That was no small amount." Kazuya: "Lately, I feel like I'm not lasting as long as I used to...." Kazuya: "Huh?" Kiriha: "What is it?" Kazuya: "I just realized the sponge isn't there... I'll go grab a towel." Kiriha: "Why not just use your hands?" Kiriha: "My bare hands?!" Kiriha: "O-Okay... here I come. Rubbing her body like this makes me all the more conscious of Kiriha-san's petite, supple body," Kiriha: "whether I want to be or not." Kiriha: "I-I don't know if I should... What's the issue? Get a move on." Kazuya: "O-Okay!" Kazuya: "S-So soft!" Kazuya: "They're not massive, but they're so squishy... Like marshmallows!" Kiriha: "That's enough with the chest." Kazuya: "Sorry! I spaced out. I'll rinse you off now." Kazuya: "Why? You're not finished yet." Kazuya: "There, too?!" Kazuya: "Here I go... Did she just—" Kazuya: "For the first time, I feel like I've gotten some retaliation." Kiriha: "Don't get full of yourself." Kazuya: "Whatever do you mean?" Kazuya: "This is my second defeat in the course of five minutes..." Kiriha: "Kazuya!" Kiriha: "Let's get to sleep." Kazuya: "Right..." Kazuya: "I managed to make it through another day, somehow." Kazuya: "Totally audacious, without a shred of shame... Completely free-spirited, and one of a kind." Kazuya: "Every day with Kiriha-san is full of trouble." Kazuya: "It's hard to restrain myself, but still..." Kazuya: "I don't want to ruin the way our relationship is now." Kazuya: "I hope things stay this way forever." Kiriha: "Stop that, Kazuya..." Kiriha: "That's not going to fit in there." Kazuya: "What're you dreaming about?!" Kazuya: "I honestly wish these days would never end." Kiriha: "Tsugumomo!" Kazuya: "Through a series of events," Kazuya: "the Kagami household is now hosting our local goddess and her priestess." Kukuri: "Ow, hot!" Kiriha: "Hey, Kazuya!" Kazuya: "Huh? Uh, okay." Bathhouse Sign: "Capybara Bathhouse" Kiriha: "Nyah! No underpants for you!" Kukuri: "Cut that out, Kiriha!" Chisato: "Hey! You could hurt yourself running around." Kiriha: "Oh, Chisato! You're here, too?" Chisato: "Kiriha-san? What a coincidence." Kukuri: "Hey, if it ain't Chisato!" Kukuri: "What's wrong?" Chisato: "Uh, nothing..." Kiriha: "Last one in's a rotten egg!" Chisato: "See? I tried to warn you." Kiriha: "Damn you!" Kukuri: "What was that for?!" Kukuri: "Cut it out!" Chisato: "Honestly..." Chisato: "If Kiriha-san and the others are here..." Chisato: "Is Kazuya-kun with them?" Kukuri: "Yeah! I'm first in!" Kiriha: "I have you now!" Sign/Kiriha: "One Thousand Years of Death!" Chisato: "What happened?!" Kiriha: "Oh, nothing! She just took a bit of a spill." Kukuri: "Chew on that!" Kiriha: "What was that for, you poverty goddess?!" Kukuri: "Shut yer yap, you rag youkai!" Chisato: "Will you two start behaving now?" Chisato: "Put some clothes on!" Kiriha: "Damn you, Kukuri! This calls for four-fingered impalement next time!" Chisato: "Tsugumomo!" Sunao: "Hey! What are you standing around for? You're my property, aren't you? So you should wash my back!" Kotetsu: "B-But..." Sunao: "But what?" Kotetsu: "Tsukumogami or not, I am a boy... And... bathing with a girl seems like..." Sunao: "Would you quit yapping?" Sunao: "Act like a man!" Sunao: "Pathetic. You need to get your act together, like my brother." Sunao: "Hey... Yours seems kind of weird." Sunao: "If I remember right, my brother's was more..." Kotetsu: "Wait—" Sunao: "Like this!" Kotetsu: "And Sunao-sama didn't stop there..." Sunao: "Kotetsu, do my homework." Kotetsu: "She never stops issuing crazy demands..." Sunao: "Kotetsu, give me your dorayaki." Sunao: "Kotetsu, you're the one who broke that vase." Kotetsu: "I surrender!" Sunao: "Kotetsu, you are such a wimp." Kotetsu: "Sunao-sama?" Kotetsu: "Sunao-sama... Your uniform is going to get all wrinkled if you sleep like that." Sunao: "Shut up." Sunao: "Take it off of me, then." Kotetsu: "But..." Sunao: "I'm tired, okay? Hurry up." Kotetsu: "O-Okay. Then..." Kotetsu: "Um, what should I do next?" Sunao: "It's tight." Sunao: "Around my chest." Koetsu: "Oh, right." Koetsu: "Um..." Koetsu: "P-Pardon me." Koetsu: "Um, Sunao-sama, you'll have to raise your rear end..." Koetsu: "Sunao-sama!" Sunao: "Brother..." Kotetsu: "Sleep well." Sunao: "Tsugumomo." Kazuya: "I don't often find myself alone with Kokuyou-san." Kazuya: "I wonder if I should say something..." Kazuya: "But what should we talk about?" Kokuyou: "Kazuya." Kokuyou: "Shall I give you a "boob job"?" Kazuya: "A wh-wh-wh-what?!" g Sign: "Boob Job" Kokuyou: "Boob job." g Sign: "I am grateful to you. You've been quite kind to Kukuri-sama." g Sign: "I've been thinking of a way to show you my gratitude... However, I'm a crow that has transformed, so I have no idea what you might like. If I were as adorable as Kukuri-sama, I'm sure you would enjoy my company more..." g Sign: "But all I have to offer are these slovenly breasts." Kazuya: "That's not true! You're pretty, with statuesque features, and you're tall, like a model! And having big boobs is a very good thing!" Kazuya: "You're a very attractive lady, Kokuyou-san!" Kazuya: "Although, it's kind of embarrassing to say all that to your face..." Kokuyou: "I've never really been concerned about my appearance..." Kokuyou: "But being praised for it isn't a bad feeling." Kokuyou: "Thank you." Kazuya: "It's no big deal..." Kokuyou: "Now, then," Kokuyou: "since you find my appearance suitable..." Kokuyou: "Let us begin." Kiriha: "Hey! We're back." Kukuri: "We're ho—" g Sign: "Boob Job" Kukuri: "B-B-B-Boob job?!" Kazuya: "No! Not yet!" Kokuyou: "Would you care to join us, Kukuri-sama?" Kukuri: "You know dang well that I can't!" Kokuyou: "My apologies, then." Kukuri: "Quit laughing!" Kokyou: "Tsugumomo." Kiriha: "All right, out with it, Kazuya." Kukuri: "Yeah, Kazuyan. Let's empty that tank." Kiriha: "You need a better grip, or he'll miss his mark." Kukuri: "It's all squishy..." Kiriha: "Come, now! Try a bit harder." Kukuri: "Ya gotta have a delicate touch, though." Kazuya: "Why is this happening to me?" Kiriha: "A side effect of Divine Possession... I didn't think he'd be this exhausted for so long." Kukuri: "You okay, Kazuyan? Does it hurt anywhere?" Kazuya: "No, I'm okay. But..." Kiriha: "What is it?" Kukuri: "What's up? You can tell us anything!" Kazuya: "I kinda... need to use the bathroom." Kukuri: "Come on, let's get that outta there." Kazuya: "This really isn't what I was asking for!" Kiriha: "It doesn't usually take so long." Kiriha: "This is getting tiresome. I'll just wring it out of him." Kazuya: "Wait— Hang on!" Kukuri: "Battle mode!" Kazuya: "No! That's not what I was trying to—" Kukuri: "It almost got in my eyes!" Kukuri: "We're out of options." Kukuri: "This calls for the last resort." Kazuya: "No! Anything but that!" Kukuri: "Give it up, Kazuyan!" Kukuri: "We ain't got any other choice!" Kukuri: "That oughta do!" Kiriha: "It suits you, Kazuya." Kazuya: "And so, yet again, I lost something that can never be recovered." Kukuri: "Tsugumomo..." Kazuya: "Kiriha-san likes to read with me." Kiriha: "This one's next!" Kazuya: "Yeah, okay. "You're quite the little masochist." "You'll make a delicious meal for us." "No, don't say that!"" Kazuya: "Where'd you get this?" Kazuya: "That's one less hiding spot for me, I guess!" Kiriha: "Come on, Kazuya, it's nothing to be embarrassed about. Now, tell me, which is your favorite?" Kazuya: "I can't tell you that!" Kiriha: "Then let's run a few trials." Kazuya: "But why?" Kazuya: "And why is the whole gang here?" Kiriha: "All right, then... Let's start with this." Kiriha: "And now you are my servant for eternity." Kiriha: "Wh-What's this? I'm impressed you have the guts to try and pin me down." Kiriha: "Well, now! I didn't know you were into that kind of thing." Kazuya: "This is so cruel..." Kokuyou: "Please, don't... My husband... My children..." Sunao: "I won't suffer this kind of humiliation!" Sunao: "Just kill me!" Kokuyou: "It seems these are some rather unrealistic fantasies intended to provide a degree of self-comfort." Sunao: "Disgusting." Kazuya: "Don't! Don't analyze them!" Kiriha: "Let's see, next is..." Kukuri: "That's right, Mommy's right here!" Kazuya: "Goo-goo, ga-ga..." Kiriha: "Well, this is a bit revolting." Chisato: "You want someone to do this for you?" Kazuya: "I asked you to stop!" Chisato: "If this will help you, Kazuya-kun..." Kazuya: "Please make it stop!" Kukuri: "He's actually crying!" Kiriha: "No cuckold material, though." Kazuya: "Why would you do this?" Kiriha: "Pure curiosity. Now, then, for the last book..." Kukuri: "That's the one that was hidden in the toilet tank." Kokuyou: "Does that mean it's the most special selection?" Kotetsu: "Are you sure? I'm a boy, you know." Kiriha: "You swing that way, too, Kazuya?" Kazuya: "Uh, that one isn't mine..."

A: "Were you on it?" B: "Hey, I'm in Class 3." C: "I'm Class 2." D: "There's me!" D: "Class 1." Aoi: "None of us are together." Chinatsu: "Are you with anyone?" Akane: "No one in the track club." Aoi: "Aww..." Chinatsu: "Hey, at least we can see each other in the club." Akane: "That's true." Chinatsu: "You think we'll get some first-years?" Akane: "I hope we get lots!" Chinatsu: "Shoot, I forgot about the poster!" Aoi: "What?" Chinatsu: "Hira asked me to do it." Aoi: "The lawyer one?" Chinatsu: "Yeah, that one." Aoi: "Want me to help?" Chinatsu: "Thanks." Aoi: "Cool, let's make this happen. Time to get serious! Right, Akane?" Akane: "Oh, yeah." Akane: "Starting today, I'll be a third-year in middle school." Sensei: "Good morning, everyone. It's April. The cherry trees are blooming, and it's the start of a new year. To the first-years, I hope that you will hold on to the fresh state of mind that you're in now, and that you'll live your coming years at this school to their fullest." Sensei: "To the new second and third-years, your classes..." A: "Man, I'm beat." B: "I can't wait to get home." Akane: "I'm so nervous." Akane: "Stay calm. Stay calm!" Akane: "Okay." Kotarou: "Even in middle school, there's inequality." Kotarou: "The upper and lower class." Kotarou: "The cool clubs and the lame ones." Kotarou: "Attractiveness and grades." Kotarou: "We use every weapon at our disposal to establish a pecking order." Roman: "Yay!" Roman: "Wow, you're popular." Daichi: "Damn, Roman." Roman: "What?" Daichi: "Player. You bastard!" Kotarou: "Get off me." Roman: "Check this out." Daichi: "What?" Roman: "This doesn't hurt. Your shoulder blades. See?" Daichi: "Dude, ow! Yeah, right. Ow! Seriously!" Roman: "Really?" Daichi: "Want me to try it on you?" Roman: "Sure. Doesn't hurt." Akane: "Um..." Roman: "Nope." Kotarou: "You guys..." Aira: "Akanecchi. It's me, Aira. Remember me? We were in the same third grade class." Akane: "Oh, yeah." Tsubasa: "You're in the track club, aren't you?" Akane: "Yeah. Nice to meet you." Roman: "Do you know her?" Kotarou: "No." Roman: "Ryouko-chan's here." Ryoko: "All right, take your seats, please." A: "I hope we get lots of first-years." B: "I know." C: "Can you believe we're third-years now?" Aoi: "Okay, let's do this!" Chinatsu: "Let's do this!" Akane: "Hey, look!" Akane: "It says "souper" wanted." Chinatsu: "Souper!" Aoi: "Who wrote that?" Chinatsu: "Soup wanted!" Akane: "Stop it, you're killing me!" Roman: "Kota!" Daichi: "Kotarou. See you tomorrow." Roman: "You'd better show me that novel." Kotarou: "I'm not showing you." Kotarou: "I'm taking the key." Chinatsu: "Ready? Go!" Aoi: "Akane, your arms!" Hira: "Keep going, Mizuno!" Akane: "I'm home." Mom: "Welcome home." Dad: "Welcome home." Ayane: "Apparently we're eating out today." Akane: "What? Really?" Mom: "Want to take a shower?" Akane: "I'll be quick." Mom: "Dear, turn the TV off." Dad: "Fine, fine." Akane: "I'm so hungry." A: "Table for four." Akane: "You're always on LINE." Ayane: "What do you care?" Dad: "That kid from before?" Akane: "I'll have the mixed grill and mini-ramen." Mom: "I brought us water." Dad: "Thanks." Ayane: "You'll get fat." Mom: "You don't want any, Kotarou?" Akane: "I run. Can I have dessert, too?" Kotarou: "I'll get the drink bar." Mom: "You should stick with tea. You're ordering too much. Eat well. You're working hard for your club." Akane: "What about you, Onee-chan?" Ayane: "Pasta salad and the drink bar." Akane: "That's it?" Mom: "The seasonal veggie meal is bamboo shoot rice. You're ordering beer and the drink bar, dear?" Dad: "Come on, what's wrong with that? That sounds good." Ayane: "Isn't that wasteful?" Dad: "I want both. That, and a beer." Ayane: "Please don't get drunk." Mom: "I thought I had it in here." Dad: "Man, my daughter's so cold. At least let me have a beer while we're out, would you? I told you to check before we left." Mom: "Found it. I think I'll have this one." Dad: "Okay." Dad: "Gratin and lasagna both sound good, too." Mom: "Want me to choose for you?" Dad: "Or maybe pasta?" Ayane: "Dad, be quiet." Dad: "It'll make me fat." Kotarou'S Dad: "Want to order a drink, Kotarou?" Kotarou'S Mom: "You're ordering from the drink bar, right, Kotarou?" Kotarou'S Dad: "Would you mind pressing the buzzer for me, honey?" Kotarou'S Mom: "Okay." Kotarou'S Mom: "Are you listening, Kotarou?" Kotarou: "I'll have the drink bar." Kotarou: "Dazai said... "How excruciatingly arduous and unbearable it is to live."" Akane'S Mom: "Want to order sautéed spinach, Akane? Iron is good for you." Ayane: "You're ordering too much." Akane'S Dad: "Akane will eat it. Right?" Akane'S Mom: "You have a tournament soon, right? You have to eat lots of healthy food." Akane'S Mom: "Stop it." Ayane: "Oh? What's wrong? Hey, chubby!" Akane'S Mom: "I'm going to get something to drink." Mom: "Akane, can you get some for the rest of us? The usual, please." Dad: "I think I'll have melon soda." Ayane: "Akane, can you carry all that?" Ayane: "Do you know him?" Akane: "He's in my class." Ayane: "Here you go." Mom: "Thanks." Ayane: "Hey, Mom, get this." Mom: "What? Really?" Akane: "Wait, what?" Akane'S Mom: "My daughter, Akane, is in his class." Kotarou'S Mom: "Oh, my." Kotarou'S Mom: "Kotarou didn't mention a thing." Kotarou'S Mom: "Pleased to meet you. I'm Azumi Kotarou's mother." Akane'S Dad: "Oh, hi. Nice to meet you." Kotarou'S Dad: "Hello there." A: "Will that be all for your order?" Ayane: "Wow, look at all this food! Hilarious!" Mom: "What's wrong with it? Eat up." Kotarou'S Dad: "Hey, she's cute." Kotarou'S Mom: "Don't do this to them, dear. Kotarou's a teenager now, you know." Kotarou'S Mom: "Are you okay, Kotarou?" Kotarou: "It's bitter..." A: "Thank you." Akane'S Mom: "Bye for now." Akane: "I'm so nervous. I want my squeezie." Akane: "H-Hey..." Akane: "Don't tell anyone at school about today." Akane: "It's embarrassing." Kotarou: "Okay." Akane: "Th-Thanks." Kotarou: "But that doesn't embarrass you? We haven't spoken since then," Kotarou: "even though we've both noticed each other." Sensei: "All right, now that we've finished assigning tasks... There's going to be a briefing after school today for each of the Sports Festival task groups. After the announcements, we're going to have each task group meet up in separate classrooms, and..." Hira: "Now that we're all here, I'd like to begin. I'm Hira of the track club. The track club will be taking on the equipment group's work. I'd like to ask you all to help with that. As I'm sure you're aware if you were involved last year, we'll be doing things like preparing the equipment for each event." Akane: "It's curling up..." Akane: "Huh? LINE?" Chika: "We made a group with the task members in our class last year. It made things really easy." Aoi: "You should ask them, Akane." Hira: "Hey, can you guys come here for a second?" Aoi: "What's up?" Roman: "Yo!" Daichi: "Don't you have club?" Kotarou: "I'm not going today." Roman: "Skipping?" Kotarou: "No. I'm writing at home today." Roman: "Let me read it when you're done." Kotarou: "No way." Roman: "Come on, what's there to lose?" Kotarou: "That's not what it's about." Roman: "Yeah, it is!" Akane: "LINE..." Akane: "Got it." Akane: "There we go." Akane: "Now I just need Curly-kun's." Setsuko: "Hey, Nagahara, did you check LINE yesterday?" Setsuko: "You never responded." Shou: "Sorry. Arcade." Aira: "Unbelievable!" Setsuko: "Jeez." Shou: "I said I'm sorry." Setsuko: "You're awful." Shou: "Sorry, Setsuko." Setsuko: "You ignored me last time, too." Shou: "I got "Perfect" on the taiko game." Setsuko: "Really? Wow! I'm a drum god." Aira: "Taiko? You don't know it?" Setsuko: "Taiko no Tetsujin." Aira: "I heard Nagahara's really good at it." Setsuko: "He's so damn cool!" Shou: "Yup, I am." Setsuko: "Yeah, I want to see." Miu: "Akanecchi, wanna go to the bathroom with me?" Akane: "Okay." Daisuke: "Hey." Kotarou: "Hello." Daisuke: "We're going to be practicing for the festival next week." Kotarou: "Okay." Daisuke: "That's a good short story." Daisuke: "Dazai writes a woman's inner thoughts in first-person. No way a normal guy would know how a girl feels, though, right?" Kotarou: "I guess." Daisuke: "Here you go." Daisuke: "The one we were talking about before." Kotarou: "Yudemen?" Daisuke: "It's the first album by a folk rock supergroup called Happy End. All the members ended up becoming huge in the music industry. They're an amazing group." Kotarou: "Wow..." Daisuke: "Hold on to it for as long as you want." Kotarou: "Thank you." Daisuke: "Any books you want?" Kotarou: "I'll take this one." Daisuke: "This one's on me." Daisuke: "You should read all kinds of books." Gym Teacher: "Azumi, you weren't there for the equipment group meeting." Kotarou: "I'm sorry." Gym Teacher: "Everyone else is doing their part. I'm going to have you help, too." Kotarou: "Okay." Gym Teacher: "The scoreboard is in the gym storage." Akane: "LINE!" Gym Teacher: "Bring it out." Kotarou: "Yes, sir." Akane: "U-Um..." Kotarou: "You scared me!" Akane: "I'm sorry, I forgot to contact you." Akane: "There's a contact list for the equipment group." Kotarou: "Oh..." Akane: "Can you give me your LINE ID?" Akane: "I made a group for the task members." Kotarou: "Oh." Kotarou: "I don't have my phone on me right now." Akane: "Then, uh..." Akane: "Here's mine." Kotarou: "Got it." Akane: "I'll help." Kotarou: "It's okay." Akane: "I feel bad, though." Kotarou: "But what about your club?" Akane: "I LINE'd them. It won't take long if we do it together." Akane: "You got dust on you." Kotarou: "Seriously?" Akane: "Your back. Uh-oh." Akane: "All better." Kotarou: "R-Right." Akane: "I'm really sorry." Kotarou: "It's fine." Akane: "Bye." Kotarou: "Yeah. Dazai once said that the feeling of joy is perhaps like a speck of gold, glimmering faintly at the bottom of a river of grief." Ayane: "Your boyfriend?" Akane: "No way!"

Akane: "Kotarou-kun?" Kotarou: "Sorry, you're moving?" Akane: "Yeah." Kotarou: "Where? When?" Akane: "I'm looking up schools in Chiba." Akane: "Have you heard of Koumei?" Kotarou: "Excuse me, um..." Ryoko: "Her grades are good. There shouldn't be a problem." Mom: "Really? That's a relief." Kotarou: "It must be difficult on you. I heard it was due to her father's work?" Mom: "Yes. I was worried because it's such a critical time." A: "Here's the application form." Akane: "Thank you." Kotarou: "Akane-chan!" Kotarou: "Your LINE message surprised me." Akane: "I wanted to talk." Kotarou: "Yeah." Akane: "I had my parent-teacher meeting today." Akane: "I'm going to apply to Koumei with a recommendation." Akane: "Sorry." Kotarou: "Why are you apologizing?" Akane: "We're going to be far apart." Akane: "I don't know what to do." Kotarou: "It's not your fault." Kotarou: "We'll be fine, even far apart." Akane: "Thanks." Kotarou: "Maybe I'll go to the same school." Kotarou: "Well, not on recommendation. Just general admission." Akane: "Really?" Kotarou: "It'll be really far, though." Akane: "Apparently it takes over two hours." Akane: "Oh, I decided to go to your cram school." Kotarou: "Really? Awesome!" Kotarou: "Let's go." Akane: "The Kawagoe Festival is this weekend, huh?" Kotarou: "Yeah." Akane: "I'll come watch." Kotarou: "Okay." A: "Cheers." B: "Cheers!" Chinatsu: "I saw him earlier." Aoi: "Oh, he's here?" Chinatsu: "Yeah. Everyone was there." Akane: "They're really good friends." Hira: "There you are." Chinatsu: "You're late!" Hira: "Sorry, sorry." Chinatsu: "Let's go." A: "Ready? Rock, paper, scissors." Chinatsu: "You did it!" A: "Damn, I missed!" Hira: "Hey, let's all go to the haunted house." Chinatsu: "That sounds fun!" Aoi: "Isn't that for kids?" Chinatsu: "Are you scared?" Aoi: "Don't bother trying to taunt me." Chinatsu: "That was so scary!" Aoi: "I'm sorry I made fun of it!" Chinatsu: "Actually, that was kind of awesome." Aoi: "Wasn't it?" Chinatsu: "Totally!" Akane: "That's the one Kotarou-kun's been doing." Chinatsu: "Wait, was that Azumi-kun?" Chinatsu: "He looked really cool." Chinatsu: "It's so hot." Daisuke: "That was pretty good." Kotarou: "It was all right." Daisuke: "You're pretty demanding." Daisuke: "Oh, right, about our light novel discussion..." Kotarou: "Yeah?" Daisuke: "I think you should keep it as it was." Kotarou: "What do you mean?" Daisuke: "That novel you had me read before... I think light novel fans would appreciate it, too." A: "Good job." A: "We have some time until the next shift. You can go enjoy the festival." Kotarou: "Okay." A: "See you soon." Daisuke: "Why don't you go relax?" Chinatsu: "Okay, let's start! Loser takes the trash." Chinatsu: "Rock, paper, scissors! One more time! Yes!" A: "Score!" B: "All right!" C: "Here you go! Thank you!" D: "I haven't had imokoi in forever." E: "Yeah, it's so good." D: "I know." Akane: "I want imokoi." Hira: "You're still hungry?" Akane: "Totally." Hira: "You quit the club. Should you be eating so much?" Akane: "Oh, shut up." Hira: "Hey, Mizuno." Hira: "Want to get some imokoi?" Akane: "Time to eat." Hira: "You're eating it already?" Akane: "It's fine, okay?" Hira: "You look so happy." Akane: "It's my favorite." Hira: "It's a Kawagoe specialty. You won't be able to have any once you move, huh?" Akane: "Why would you say that?" Hira: "Oh, my bad." Hira: "Sorry." Akane: "It's fine." Hira: "I just feel kind of weird." Hira: "When you told me you were moving, I didn't know what to do." Hira: "I've always had a crush on you." Hira: "I always saw you running so hard." Akane: "Sorry, um... I'm in a relationship." Hira: "I know." Hira: "But... why Azumi?" Hira: "I know you way better." Hira: "From the beginning..." Hira: "I've loved you more than anyone." Akane: "Sorry." Akane: "You're my friend, Hira." Akane: "You're important to me, but it's not the same." Hira: "All right." Hira: "I just wanted to tell you how I felt." Akane: "Thanks." Akane: "Good job." Akane: "I didn't think I'd get to see you." Akane: "I told everyone I was leaving early." Akane: "Is something wrong?" Kotarou: "Were you with Hira just now?" Akane: "Yeah." Kotarou: "Just the two of you?" Akane: "Yeah, we lost a game and had to throw away the trash." Akane: "Why?" Akane: "I saw your dance, Kotarou-kun." Akane: "It was really good." Akane: "How long is your break?" Kotarou: "About an hour. I have to go right back." Akane: "Oh..." Kotarou: "I think I'll have imokoi. How about you?" Akane: "I'm all full." A: "Oh, Kotarou!" B: "Hey, Kotarou. It's Kotarou." C: "Looking good." B: "Hey, you have a girlfriend, huh?" Kotarou: "What difference does it make?" C: "Come on, introduce us." Kotarou: "It's not like that." A: "Man, to be young..." C: "I won't tell your old man." A: "Go on, move it!" Akane: "Azumi-kun..." Akane: "You're acting different." Kotarou: "Not really." Akane: "Are you angry?" Kotarou: "Not really." Akane: "See?" Kotarou: "I'm not angry." Akane: "You are." Kotarou: "Is it about me moving?" Akane: "No." Kotarou: "But what else..." Akane: "Nothing." Kotarou: "Forget it." Kotarou: "I'm not angry." Akane: "Please tell me." Akane: "Why?" Akane: "Tell me." Akane: "We're at the festival." Kotarou: "I'm annoyed." Kotarou: "Another guy..." Kotarou: "Not that I care." Akane: "Hey..." Akane: "He confessed to me earlier." Akane: "I turned him down." Akane: "Should I get you some tea?" Kotarou: "It's fine." Kotarou: "I don't have time." Kotarou: "I'm gonna go." Kotarou: "See you." Setsuko: "I fell asleep again yesterday." Aira: "Me, too." Miu: "I get sleepy whenever I try to study." Aira: "Seriously." Miu: "So I'm like, "I'll just finish talking on LINE before I start studying..."" Aira: "And then your parents go, "Start studying!"" Miu: "Exactly! It just makes you want to give up." Setsuko: "I know." Miu: "Honestly..." Akane: "Excuse me..." Akane: "Why is this..." A: "Oh, we had a request for it." Akane: "They said they had a request for this." Kotarou: "Yeah." Akane: "Was it you?" Kotarou: "I'm applying." Kotarou: "I haven't even told my parents yet." Kotarou: "They probably won't approve." Kotarou: "But I'll convince them." Kotarou: "I was going to tell you after I talked to my parents." Kotarou: "I've thought about my future." Kotarou: "And writing and stuff." Kotarou: "And I made up my mind." Kotarou: "I want to be with you." Kotarou: "I'm serious about this." Akane: "Thank you." Akane: "I'm so happy." Kotarou: "Sorry about before." Akane: "I'm sorry, too." Akane: "I couldn't talk to you." Akane: "I thought you hated me now." Kotarou: "Of course not." Ryoko: "Literature club, gather here! We're taking pictures for the graduation album." Kotarou: "I never knew we had so many members who don't show up." Kotarou: "You're in the literature club?" Sakura: "Got a problem?" Kotarou: "Uh, no..." Kotarou: "I had no idea."

Kotarou: "I'm applying." Kotarou: "I haven't even told my parents yet." Kotarou: "All right." Mom: "It seems like Kotarou..." Mom: "has started studying for exams recently." Mom: "The Kawagoe Festival's over now, too." Mom: "I suppose he's finally taking his future more seriously." Kotarou: "Just as Dazai said... "To decide that I'm hopeless before I even begin is nothing but laziness."" Mom: "He's been so absorbed in his novels and the festival," Mom: "he wouldn't listen to me at all." Ryouko: "Is that so?" Mom: "We'd prefer it if he went to a local public school. A municipal high school would be convenient. I think that would suit his abilities, too." Ryouko: "So your preference is a municipal school?" Kotarou: "No." Kotarou: "A private school." Kotarou: "Koumei High School." Ryouko: "Koumei? Isn't that..." Ryouko: "the same one as Mizuno-san?" Kotarou: "Yeah." Mom: "Kotarou, what is this about?" Mom: "Tell me! What's going on here?" Ryouko: "Um..." Mom: "You didn't tell me about this!" Ryouko: "Uh..." Mom: "Where is Koumei?" Mom: "You never said a word to me." Mom: "Why didn't you talk to me first?" Kotarou: "Because I just recently decided." Mom: "Just recently? That's not for you to decide by yourself! Your future depends on this! Do you understand?" Kotarou: "I do." Dad: "Kotarou, why did you choose that school?" Dad: "Koumei, was it?" Mom: "Because a girl's going there?" Dad: "Say what?" Mom: "The teacher mentioned that a girl in his class is applying there." Mom: "I was so embarrassed." Mom: "This is important! And you chose it just because a girl you like is going there?" Kotarou: "I've thought this through." Mom: "You obviously haven't!" Kotarou: "I have." Mom: "Then can you tell me why you would go all the way to Chiba? What do you hope to do there?" Mom: "That's what I thought." Kotarou: "Shut up." Dad: "Kotarou!" Kotarou: "Sorry." Dad: "You shouldn't corner him like that. How is he—" Mom: "You're being too complacent! Is that really in his best interests? I say this because I care about—" Kotarou: "Either way, I've made up my mind." Mom: "Wait! Kotarou!" Ayane: "Aren't you prepping for entrance exams?" Akane: "But..." Ayane: "Don't blame me if you fail." Akane: "Fine." Akane: "Now, then..." Akane: "Done." Ayane: "You can't be serious." Ayane: "A hand-knit scarf? In this day and age?" Akane: "Wh-What's wrong with that?" Ayane: "Things are going well, huh?" Ayane: "Oh, but what are you doing after you graduate? Long-distance?" Akane: "It's fine." Ayane: "There's your inexplicable confidence again." Akane: "We're going to the same high school." Ayane: "Huh? What? You mean your boyfriend's applying to the same school as you?" Akane: "Don't tell Mom and Dad." Ayane: "Don't do that!" Ayane: "It's not like you'll be together your whole lives. What happens when you break up? Will you take responsibility?" Ayane: "I know how you feel, but..." Akane: "We won't break up." Ayane: "Akane..." Text: "Let's look at the summaries. The present progressive form is "am waiting." The past progressive form is "was waiting."" Kotarou: "I'm home." Mom: "Welcome home." Mom: "Kotarou, have your dinner." Kotarou: "No, thanks." Kotarou: "What?" Mom: "You need to have something to eat." A: "Really?" B: "There he is." A: "He's actually doing it?" C: "You're kidding." Roman: "Kota, you're awesome! You're applying to Mizuno-san's school?" Daichi: "People are talking about you." Kotarou: "They are?" Setsuko: "No way! Seriously?" Aira: "That's insane!" Akane: "No, it's nothing." Aira: "You're insanely in love!" Setsuko: "Just marry him already!" Roman: "I hate you." Daichi: "Lucky bastard. Damn it!" Daichi: "Mizuno-san has good grades, doesn't she?" Roman: "He'll make up for it with the power of love." Daichi: "Life's not that easy!" Kotarou: "Mercy! Mercy!" Daichi: "Are you serious?" Kotarou: "About what?" Daichi: "You'll never get into Koumei. You need a standard score over 60. I mean, I could do it, but..." Roman: "I'm rooting for you, Kota-chan." Kotarou: "Get off me already." Daichi: "Dude, you're so creepy." A: "The results of the mock exam are in." A: "Azumi." Chinatsu: "I heard you're applying for Koumei." Kotarou: "Oh, yeah..." Chinatsu: "That's awesome. My first choice is a public school." Kotarou: "Yeah?" Mom: "Hello, my son is in Class 3-1..." Ryouko: "Hello. Thanks for coming in." Mom: "Thank you very much for having me." Daisuke: "Exams are brutal, huh?" Kotarou: "My grades aren't good." Daisuke: "I see..." Kotarou: "I might not get into the school I want." Daisuke: "You look pale. You're pushing yourself too hard. Your family must be worried." Kotarou: "My parents are against it." Kotarou: "They probably hope I fail." Daisuke: "Don't be afraid to rest when things get rough. It's important to clear your mind, too." Daisuke: "Why don't you try talking to your parents again after things settle down a little?" Kotarou: "I'm home." Mom: "Welcome home." A: "It's so cute!" Kotarou: "Sorry, were you waiting long?" Akane: "No." Akane: "It's been a long time since it was just the two of us." Kotarou: "Yeah." Kotarou: "Hey... Hey..." Akane: "Sorry, I know you're studying." Kotarou: "You, too." Akane: "H-Hey..." Akane: "Merry Christmas." Kotarou: "Thanks." Kotarou: "I have something, too." Akane: "Can I open it?" Kotarou: "Sure." Kotarou: "I thought it might be useful for your club." Akane: "It's so cute! Thanks!" Kotarou: "Me next, then." Akane: "Yeah." Akane: "U-Um..." Akane: "Sorry it's so bad." Akane: "It was my first time knitting." Kotarou: "R-Really?" Kotarou: "Wow..." Akane: "Huh? No way... Why?" Akane: "I followed the book... Huh?" Akane: "Sorry." Kotarou: "It's fine." Kotarou: "See?" Kotarou: "It's warm." Akane: "Thank goodness." Kotarou: "Thanks, Akane-chan." Akane: "You're studying really hard, aren't you?" Kotarou: "Huh?" Akane: "You look sleepy in class." Akane: "Are you always up late studying?" Kotarou: "Yeah." Akane: "I see." Kotarou: "I'm running out of time. My mom's against it, so I want to get my grades up and show her," Kotarou: "but it's not working out." Akane: "Yeah." Akane: "Having your family's support is important, isn't it? At my last meet, my mom left a message in my lunch box saying, "Good work over the past three years."" Kotarou: "Yeah?" Akane: "I realized she'd been watching over me the whole time." Akane: "I cried a little." Kotarou: "Yeah?" Kotarou: "Either way, I'm just going to have to succeed." Akane: "Yeah." Akane: "Me, too." Akane: "Exams start right after New Year's." Kotarou: "Let's do this." Akane: "Yeah." Chinatsu: "Akane's getting her result today, right?" Kotarou: "Yeah." Chinatsu: "Did... Did she..." Chinatsu: "She passed?" Kotarou: "Yup!" Chinatsu: "All right!" Chinatsu: "Good for her." Kotarou: "Yeah." Chinatsu: "You can do it too, Azumi-kun." Kotarou: "Yeah." Kotarou: "Morning." Dad: "Were you up all night?" Kotarou: "Yeah, studying." Dad: "About your high school..." Kotarou: "I've heard enough." Dad: "You can apply to Koumei." Dad: "But if you fail, you're applying to a municipal high school." Dad: "Got it?" Dad: "Can you promise?" Kotarou: "Yeah." Kotarou: "Got it." Dad: "Your mom got called in by your homeroom teacher the other day." Dad: "She said you shouldn't try for Koumei with your current grades. But your mother apparently fought back, saying she wants to give you a chance" Dad: "since you're trying so hard." Dad: "She can be naggy, but..." Dad: "Well, there you have it." Mom: "Oh. What is it?" Mom: "Are you hungry? I was just about to bring this upstairs." Mom: "Have a seat." Mom: "Why don't you go back to sleeping earlier and being awake at normal times?" Mom: "You're putting so much work into this." Mom: "What good will it do you if you aren't fully awake at the exam?" Kotarou: "Yeah." Mom: "Here, tea." Mom: "Goodnight." Kotarou: "Goodnight." Mom: "Don't overdo it." Mom: "Do you have your exam ticket?" Kotarou: "I got it." Dad: "I wrote down your transfers and departure times. Don't you dare take the wrong train. It's really far." Kotarou: "I know." Mom: "Kotarou, here." Kotarou: "Thanks." Mom: "Hurry up, now. You don't want to be late." Kotarou: "I'm going." Mom: "Off you go."

Kotaro: "I've lived a life full of embarrassments." Kotaro: "Sorry." Kotaro: "I didn't get in." Akane: "It's okay. You worked so hard for me." Akane: "That's more than enough." Akane: "Thanks." Kotaro: "I'm going to apply for a municipal school." Akane: "Okay." Daisuke: "Yeah?" Daisuke: "You know..." Daisuke: "They say nothing an author goes through is in vain." Daisuke: "It all gets put to use in writing." Daisuke: "Why not write?" Daisuke: "You might feel a little better." Ayane: "That's how it goes sometimes." Ayane: "What are you going to do now?" Ayane: "With your boyfriend. Long distance?" Akane: "Yeah." Ayane: "Are you sure?" Akane: "About what?" Ayane: "Boys see that kind of thing as a hassle." Ayane: "I don't want to see you cry." Akane: "I'll be fine." Ayane: "Why don't you break up?" Akane: "You're a jerk, Nee-chan." Ayane: "I can't stop you if you like him, I guess." Chinatsu: "Hey." Chinatsu: "Did you get in?" Kotaro: "Yeah." Chinatsu: "Me, too!" Chinatsu: "Yay! I was actually kind of worried." Chinatsu: "We'll be together in high school, huh? Looking forward to it." Kotaro: "Me, too." Chinatsu: "I'm super, super happy." Kotaro: "It's not that big of a deal." Chinatsu: "It is." Chinatsu: "I feel a bit bad for Akane, though." Chinatsu: "Sorry, should I stop talking about this?" Kotaro: "It's fine." Chinatsu: "What are you going to do now?" Chinatsu: "With Akane." Kotaro: "What? I guess..." Kotaro: "we'll keep things the way they've been." Chinatsu: "Hey, I was never able to tell you..." Chinatsu: "Especially since Akane's a friend, and I don't want to hurt her..." Chinatsu: "But..." Chinatsu: "I have to tell you properly." Chinatsu: "I've always liked you, Kota." Chinatsu: "Would I not be good enough?" Kotaro: "Sorry." Chinatsu: "I'm glad I got that out." Chinatsu: "I'll see you in high school." Kotaro: "Right." Chinatsu: "Okay, later." Kotaro: "Yeah." Setsuko: "Crying already?" Miu: "We're going to be BFFs, okay?" Aira: "Azumi!" Aira: "Come on, stand closer, Azumi." Setsuko: "Okay, here we go." Aira: "You're both so stiff." Kotaro: "All right, see you." Akane: "Okay. Thanks." Roman: "You lucky bastard!" Daichi: "You looked like crap, Kota." Kotaro: "Really?" Daichi: "Your eyes were dead." Kotaro: "I stayed up all night writing." Daichi: "Are you writing again, Sensei?" Kotaro: "I guess." Roman: "What's it about?" Kotaro: "I'm not telling you." Daichi: "You're writing smut, aren't you?" Roman: "I bet you are!" Kotaro: "I'm not." Roman: "I want to read it." Kotaro: "Hell no." Daichi: "What's the point in writing, then?" Roman: "Post it on a novel board." Daichi: "A what?" Hira: "Mizuno." Hira: "You better keep running in high school." Akane: "Yeah. You, too." Hira: "I'll see you on the field again." Akane: "Yeah." Kotaro: "Akane-chan." Kotaro: "Sorry. Did I keep you waiting?" Akane: "No." Kotaro: "Moving must be a lot of work." Akane: "We're used to it." Kotaro: "It's tomorrow, huh?" Akane: "Yeah." Kotaro: "When can we meet again?" Akane: "Whenever." Kotaro: "Can I come visit you?" Akane: "Yeah." Kotaro: "I'll come every week." Akane: "Yeah..." Kotaro: "Should I not?" Akane: "No, I mean, train fare costs a lot." Kotaro: "I'll find work." Akane: "I will, too." Kotaro: "What about track?" Akane: "I want to continue, but..." Kotaro: "Don't worry, I'll go. I can make enough for train fare if I work, like, three times a week." Akane: "But..." Kotaro: "Two hours each way?" Akane: "Yeah." Kotaro: "I'll take the first train." Kotaro: "So we can have more time." Kotaro: "It'll be the same as always." Kotaro: "We have LINE, too." Akane: "But..." Akane: "You're taking on the whole burden." Kotaro: "It'll be fine." Akane: "I have money saved up, too." Kotaro: "Don't worry about it." Akane: "That's not it!" Kotaro: "Akane-chan..." Akane: "I want to ask you something." Kotaro: "Did she confess to you?" Akane: "Chinatsu told me." Kotaro: "She did." Akane: "Why?" Akane: "Why didn't you tell me?" Kotaro: "Well..." Kotaro: "I turned her down." Akane: "Shouldn't you tell me that?" Akane: "I get worried." Kotaro: "What's wrong?" Akane: "I don't know, but..." Kotaro: "Why?" Akane: "I keep getting anxious." Akane: "So anxious..." Akane: "I keep causing trouble for you." Akane: "That's what hurts me the most." Akane: "What should I do?" Dad: "Honey, can I throw this out?" Mom: "What is "this"? Don't get in the way of the movers." Ayane: "Mom, the movers are calling you." Mom: "Tell Dad." Mom: "Akane, do you have everything?" Akane: "Yeah." A: "That's everything." Chinatsu: "Crap, my nose hurts." B: "Got it." Akane: "Thanks for everything, guys." Chinatsu: "I'm going to be so lonely." Aoi: "Not again... Stop it, would you?" Aoi: "Come on, please!" Akane: "See you." Chinatsu: "Yeah." Aoi: "Yeah." Dad: "Akane! Want to catch the train later?" Akane: "Can I?" Dad: "Your friends are here." Mom: "Don't you want more time to talk with them?" Akane: "Yeah." Chinatsu: "Hey, Akane." Chinatsu: "What about Azumi-kun?" Akane: "Oh, yeah, well..." Chinatsu: "Oh, wait, hang on." Chinatsu: "Look." Chinatsu: "I found this." Akane: "Isn't this..." Akane: "About me and Kotarou-kun?" Daisuke: "Kotarou-kun." Daisuke: "Isn't the move today?" Daisuke: "Oh, yeah, I read your story online." Daisuke: "Hey, it's updated." Daisuke: "You've got quite a few comments." Daisuke: "See, look." Daisuke: "Did you not notice?" Daisuke: "Good for you. It's popular." Aira: "All right, take care, Akane." Chinatsu: "Come hang out with us once in a while." Akane: "Thanks." Akane: "Okay, well..." Kotaro: "Dazai once said, "The true substance of love lies in the act of howling words of love with the desperation of a man jumping into high seas."" Kotaro: "No." Akane: ""End"..." Kotaro: "I love you!" Kotaro: "She was my first love." Kotaro: "I knew nothing." Kotaro: "I was so nervous." Kotaro: "How to hold hands, how to kiss..." Kotaro: "We'd never even told our friends." Kotaro: "It was so embarrassing." Akane: "I never had any idea what to do." Akane: "But that day, he found the courage to tell me." Akane: "I could believe we would always walk together." Kotaro: "To think someone I loved would love me back..."

Mom: "You've been staying up late every night." Mom: "Here, your lunch." Mom: "Are you sure I shouldn't come to the sports festival?" Kotarou: "No. Don't." Mom: "Fine, fine." Dad: "Are you writing?" Dad: "It's fine. I was like that once, too." Dad: "Do what makes you happy. That's the whole point of being young." Kotarou: "I've never let anyone around me read my stories. After all, Dazai said, "One cannot influence another, nor can one be influenced by another."" B: "On your marks..." Chika: "The blue team's gonna win this year!" Aoi: "You're pretty gung-ho, Chinatsu." Chika: "It's the sports festival. I want to look good for once." Akane: "I'm getting nervous." A: "Get in place for the girls' 200!" Setsuko: "Don't you think these headbands look dorky?" Roman: "Long night?" Setsuko: "The deadline's coming up." Roman: "The newcomer award?" Setsuko: "Yeah." Roman: "Let me read it." Setsuko: "No way." Roman: "C'mon, let me read it." Setsuko: "Hey, cut it out." Aira: "Go, red team!" Roman: "What are you competing in, Kotarou?" Kotarou: "The boys' 200." Roman: "Oh, yeah?" Kotarou: "What lousy luck." Aira: "Akanecchi's up next." Aira: "Go for it, Akanecchi!" A: "Akanecchi!" B: "On your marks..." B: "Set..." Roman: "She's fast!" Kaneko: "Awesome!" gahara: "Hey, check out her butt." Kaneko: "I have equipment duty." Roman: "Later!" Hira: "Hey, buy me a drink if the yellow team wins." Akane: "What? No way." Hira: "Juice is fine." Akane: "You totally think you're going to win. What makes you so confident?" Hira: "All right, thanks in advance." Akane: "You can't be serious." Hira: "You don't think you'll win?" Akane: "Buy me juice if I win, then." Hira: "Sure. I'm going to win anyway." Akane: "What the heck?" Ogasawara: "Come on, be men!" Sonoda: "What are you doing here?" Roman: "Oh, Sonoda-sensei." Sonoda: "Don't drink the tea without asking." Sonoda: "Hey!" Roman: "Thanks for the tea!" Kotarou: "We won." Ogasawara: "I've done my part." Kotarou: "Your part?" Ogasawara: "My muscle." Ogasawara: "You're up, huh?" Kotarou: "I really don't want to." Ogasawara: "Go embarrass yourself." Kotarou: "Dazai said, "Be laughed at. Be laughed at, and become strong."" Kotarou: "I don't really want to get laughed at, though." Kaneko: "Who's up now?" gahara: "No idea." Ogasawara: "Curly-kun." Inaba: "Azumi's up." gahara: "Is he fast?" Kaneko: "Nope, not at all." Aira: "Uh-oh." Setsuko: "Yes! First!" gahara: "Not bad, second-years!" A: "Hira!" B: "Go get 'em!" C: "On your marks..." C: "Set..." Kaneko: "Yikes, Hira's fast." gahara: "There's no way he can keep up with him." Inaba: "He got passed." Kaneko: "No good." gahara: "That was sad." Miu: "Akane?" Aira: "Huh? Hey, what was that?" Setsuko: "You two heating up?" Akane: "It's nothing, I swear." Setsuko: "Hira's good-looking, don't you think?" Miu: "You're close to him in the track club, right, Akanecchi?" Setsuko: "Go out with him." Akane: "I-I'm not!" Miu: "She's blushing!" Akane: "I'm not..." A: "Okay, we'll see you." Chika: "Yeah, I'll be back as soon as I let the teachers know." Chika: "Sensei's not here right now. What's up?" Kotarou: "I fell on the track." Chika: "Are you hurt?" Chika: "Hey, are you Curly-kun? From Akane's class?" Chika: "Sorry, Akane told me there was a boy with really bad bedhead." Chika: "Oh, want me to treat you? Clean it out really well in the sink over there." Kotarou: "I already washed it at the tap outside." Chika: "Can I see your hand?" Chika: "You cleaned it pretty well." Chika: "Huh? What is it? Whoa, you're close." Kotarou: "Don't you need to disinfect it?" Chika: "Nah, it'll heal faster this way." Kotarou: "Ow!" Chika: "Sorry!" Chika: "See you." Kotarou: "So sloppy." Akane: "I was so hungry..." Mom: "I thought this might be the last time we do this, so I put a ton of effort into it." Mom: "Eat up." Akane: "It's so good!" Dad: "You won't be able to run if you eat too much." Akane: "There's only one more event. The team relays." Dad: "Oh, well, that'll be a piece of cake compared to a track meet." Akane: "Yeah, I guess." Dad: "I brought my camcorder. I'll be sure to film every moment." Akane: "Stop it! You're embarrassing me!" Dad: "Come on! The relay is the highlight of the sports festival. It's the main race." Mom: "Don't pressure her like that, Dad. You're making her nervous." Dad: "Am I?" Akane: "Jeez, Dad." Hira: "Hey, Mizuno!" Kotarou: "What was she doing?" Hira: "Let's work just as hard in the afternoon race. Boys, please prepare for the next event while the girls prepare for the scavenger hunt. The next event should be..." Hira: "Huh? Mizuno, do you have the program?" Akane: "Yeah." Akane: "Here you go." Hira: "After the scavenger hunt is... The obstacle course. Let's move the stuff in front along this wall here, and move the vault and balance beam to the exit." Hira: "All right, let's get to work." A: "All right." B: "Let's go." A: "This way!" B: "Okay." Hira: "Mizuno, thanks for this." Akane: "Oh, sure." Akane: "It's gone!" Akane: "Huh?" Chika: "The second-years are almost done. Did you put yours in?" Aoi: "Hey, Akane." Akane: "Huh? Oh, yeah. Now where did I put it?" Akane: "Where... Huh?" A: "On your marks..." A: "Set..." Roman: "It's missing." Roman: "Hey! It's empty." Hira: "The boxes are empty! Where are the slips for the third-years?" Akane: "Th-There." Kotarou: "Got them." Kotarou: "Hey!" Kotarou: "Take them from here." Roman: "Seriously?" Sonoda: "Oh?" Sonoda: "What? What's your item?" Roman: "Can't tell you." Akane: "Sorry." Akane: "Hey, have you seen my potato mascot around here?" Aoi: "Huh?" Chika: "Potato? You mean that thing?" Akane: "Yeah." Aoi: "This is bad, isn't it?" Chika: "It's bad." Kotarou: "Potato?" Aira: "Red team!" Aira; Setsuko; Miu: "Go!" Chika: "Give them a cheer, first-years!" gahara: "If we can take the next one, we'll win." Inaba: "Yellow's on our heels, though." Kaneko: "They've got Hira." B: "On your marks... Set..." Aoi: "Akane, are you okay?" Chika: "Did you find your potato?" Akane: "No." gahara: "You really messed that up." Akane: "Sorry." Setsuko: "Come on, guys." Aira: "Stop it. Don't be mean." Setsuko: "Akanecchi did her best." Aira: "Yeah. Seriously." A: "Don't let him get to you." Setsuko: "Why is he like that?" A: "I know, right?" Hira: "They told me to talk to you." Hira: "Are you bummed out?" Akane: "No." Hira: "Good thing it wasn't a track meet." Akane: "Yeah." Hira: "You'd better get serious at the preliminaries. You could make it to prefecturals." Hira: "You can do it, Mizuno. You got this!" Setsuko: "That's hilarious." Aira: "Seriously, she actually dropped the baton." Miu: "Come on, cut it out, you guys." Kotarou: "Is this yours, Mizuno-san?" Akane: "How?!" Kotarou: "I found it in the storage room." Akane: "Thank goodness! I get so nervous without this. I even messed up today, you know? I really don't like being in front of people. It's so embarrassing, but I really like running, so..." Akane: "I'm hopeless, right?" Kotarou: "N-No, you're not..." Kotarou: "You don't need to be embarrassed." Kotarou: "I think... you're fine the way you are." Kotarou: "See you later." Akane: "Oh, yeah." Daisuke: "Also, I think this part was a bit confusing." Daisuke: "Try to make it a bit clearer." Kotarou: "Okay." Daisuke: "It was actually a fun read." Kotarou: "Okay." Daisuke: "Didn't you say you were embarrassed to show people?" Kotarou: "Yeah..." Akane: "It's so embarrassing, but I really like running, so..." Kotarou: "I realized it's a complete lie that people can't influence each other." Aira: "I'm so jealous!" Miu: "Isn't that the expensive one?" Aira: "Such a celeb!" Setsuko: "I'm not, really." Miu: "You're so lucky, Secchan. You're so rich, and you're so close with your boyfriend." Aira: "What's Nagahara like?" Setsuko: "He's really nice, and he's a gentleman." Aira: "So he's manly only when he's around Setsuko." Miu: "Seriously." Akane: "I never knew." Setsuko: "Only when he wants to mess around." Sonoda: "No! He's my student!" Daichi: "You like Ryouko-sensei, Roman?" Roman: "Yup, I love her. She's an awesome teacher." Sonoda: "That kind of "like"?!" Kaneko: "Go out with me." Aira: "What?" Kaneko: "Just do it." Aira: "No way." Aira: "Wh-What?" Kaneko: "You're turning red." Aira: "W-Well, with you looking at me like that... H-Hey!" Kaneko: "What? Do you want me to?" Aira: "You idiot!" Kaneko: "Hurry up." Aira: "Wh-Why would I?"

Sensei: "All right, time's up." Sensei: "It's not over. You still have tomorrow." Miu: "How did you do?" Setsuko: "Terrible." Aira: "Come with us, Akanecchi." Aira: "Shopping." Miu: "The school trip is coming up." Aira: "When exams are over." Akane: "I have practice today." Aira: "Oh, okay." Setsuko: "Is it language arts tomorrow?" Aira: "Yeah." Miu: "What do you think will be on it?" Roman: "Kota! Hey, don't ignore me. Kota!" Kotaro: "What do you want?" Roman: "How was the test?" Kotaro: "No good." Daichi: "You're totally out of it." Roman: "Yeah." Daichi: "Want to see my new move?" Roman: "Do it, do it!" Kotaro: "Please don't." Daichi: "Ogasawara Dynamic!" Kotaro: "Stop it!" Daichi: "Ow!" Kotaro: "Cut it out, seriously." Daichi: "Ow..." Roman: "How's that different from your usual move?" Shige: "Kotarou-kun. You're here early. What about school?" Kotaro: "It's exam week." Shige: "Oh, yeah?" Kotaro: "What are you up to right now?" Shige: "Cleaning up around the kagura hall." Daisuke: "Huh? Hey, Kotarou-kun." Daisuke: "You're here early. What about school?" Kotaro: "It's exam week." Daisuke: "Is that that one book?" Daisuke: "The one you let me read before?" Kotaro: "That was my second story." Kotaro: "This one's my first." Shige: "Kotarou-kun, I'm counting on you for the Sunday practice." Kotaro: "Okay!" Daisuke: "You've submitted before? So you got the results?" Daisuke: "No time to be thinking about exams, huh?" Mom: "Kotarou! You'd better be studying." Kotaro: "I know." Kotaro: "I know that." Kotaro: "Would that be annoying?" Ayane: "Akane, did you take your bath yet?" Akane: "Oh, yeah, I did." Ayane: "Okay. I guess I will too, then." Kotaro: "Weird. I can't even manage to talk to her at school." Sensei: "Okay, time's up. Please pass your answer sheets forward." Roman: "Kota! What are you doing later? Wanna hang out?" Kotaro: "I have club." Daisuke: "I have club, too." Roman: "Seriously? But exams are finally over. Come on, let's hang. Let's hang!" Daisuke: "Go ask a girl out or something, Roman." Roman: "It's not like that." Daisuke: "Why? What's the matter?" Miu: "Akanecchi! Bye-bye!" Roman: "Come on. The school trip is coming up, after all." Aira: "See you tomorrow." Roman: "Let's go buy snacks." Akane: "Oh, yeah. Bye-bye!" Daisuke: "Snacks?" Roman: "Yeah." Daisuke: "I guess I can't say no to snacks." Roman: "Come on, let's go. Just skip your club." Daisuke: "I can't skip out on my club!" Roman: "Come on, just this once!" Daisuke: "I can't miss a day right now." Akane: "I can finally run." Chinatsu: "Right?" Chinatsu: "Oh, I'm gonna go toss this. Hold on a sec." Akane: "Okay." Chinatsu: "Hey, Curly-kun!" Chinatsu: "Hey!" Chinatsu: "We're friends now." Chinatsu: "You told me Curly-kun's cool, so..." Hira: "We have a week until the meet. Let's stay focused." All: "Okay!" Aoi: "Have you noticed?" Chinatsu: "Everyone's hooking up." Aoi: "For the school trip, I bet." Akane: "What? Is that it?" Aoi: "How dumb." Chinatsu: "Why? What's wrong with that? I wish I had a boyfriend. Right?" Akane: "Not especially." Chinatsu: "But what about Hira?" Akane: "Huh?" Hira: "What?" Aoi: "Nothing." Chinatsu: "Not gonna go out with him?" Akane: "Why?" Chinatsu: "I heard someone asked him out, but he said no." Aoi: "Seriously?" Chinatsu: "He said there's someone he likes." Aoi: "Definitely Akane." Chinatsu: "That's what I think, too." Kotaro: "The literature club has a superstition. Pick out a book at random," Kotaro: "and that book will give you the perfect life advice for your situation." Kotaro: "Really?" Chinatsu: "He should just ask her out." Aoi: "Hira?" Chinatsu: "I doubt Akane would turn him down." Aoi: "Not before the meet." Chinatsu: "After the meet, then, when emotions are high." Aoi: "Yeah, I can see that." Mom: "Have you decided which high school you want to go to?" Akane: "More or less." Mom: "Don't they ask after your midterms?" Akane: "I'm too busy thinking about the track meet." Dad: "Oh, that's right. Dad's gonna come cheer for you this time." Mom: "Why don't you go to your sister's school?" Ayane: "My school's nice." Akane: "Is it?" Ayane: "They're really focused on clubs, and everyone's pretty cool." Ayane: "I think it'd be good for you." Akane: "It's so far away, though." Ayane: "Let's move back to Tokyo. You're gonna be transferred again anyway, aren't you, Dad?" Dad: "That's a harsh thing to say..." Ayane: "Being so close would be convenient for me." Akane: "More, please." Chinatsu: "Go, go! Let's go, let's go, Akane!" A: "Go, go! Let's go, let's go, Akane!" Chinatsu: "Go, go, go, go, go, go, Akane!" A: "Go, go, go, go, go, go, Akane!" Chinatsu: "Go, go, Akane!" A: "Man, she's fast." Chinatsu: "Ready, and... Akane! Ready, and... Good job!" Chinatsu: "Just watch me." Ayane: "You're on LINE a lot these days." Akane: "Why do you care?" Kotaro: "I have practice on Sunday." Chinatsu: "He should just ask her out." Aoi: "Hira?" Chinatsu: "I doubt Akane would turn him down." Kotaro: "I want to ask, but..." Kotaro: "All right. Let's do this." Hira: "You're up soon, right?" Akane: "Yeah." Hira: "I hope you beat your personal best." Akane: "I don't know..." Hira: "You can do it. I've seen how hard you've worked." Akane: "Y-Yeah." Hira: "Let's both do our best." Akane: "Yeah." Hira: "Hey..." Hira: "Mizuno..." A: "Go, Rie!" Hira: "Nah, never mind. See you." Chinatsu: "Oh, Hira." Hira: "Hey. I'll be cheering up top." Dad: "Akane's nervous." Mom: "Go get 'em, Akane!" Dad: "Go!" Hira: "Go!" Kotaro: "I wonder how it went." A: "What should we get?" B: "I'm starvinging." C: "Say what?" Aoi: "Large vanilla shake." Chinatsu: "Wow, you're loaded." Aoi: "My parents gave me 1,000 yen." Chinatsu: "Lucky." Hira: "What about you, Mizuno?" Akane: "Huh? Oh, um..." A: "Wasn't that girl awesome?" A: "The one in Tanaka's heat." B: "Oh! Yeah, yeah!" Chinatsu: "I made up my mind. I'm gonna train like mad." Aoi: "Oh?" Chinatsu: "Starting tomorrow." Aoi: "But the school trip's coming up." Aoi: "Are you going to train in Kyoto?" Chinatsu: "Good idea!" Aoi: "Seriously?" Chinatsu: "By the way, did you hear? Kaneko confessed to Miyamoto-san." Aoi: "Jeez, really?" Chinatsu: "Aren't they in your class, Akane?" Akane: "What? I... I don't know." Hira: "What? What?" Chinatsu: "I wasn't asking you boys." Daisuke: "What's up?" Kotaro: "Bathroom." Kid: "Thank you very much." Shige: "Thank you very much. Well done." Kid: "Bye." Daisuke: "Later." Kotaro: "Mizuno-san." Akane: "Oh, um..." Kotaro: "Come over here." Akane: "Okay." Akane: "Is that..." Kotaro: "This is, uh..." Akane: "For the Kawagoe Festival?" Kotaro: "Yeah." Akane: "Wow!" Akane: "Are you in the march? Awesome!" Kotaro: "Nah, it's nothing." Kotaro: "So, um, how was the meet?" Akane: "I set a new personal best." Kotaro: "Nice! Congrats." Akane: "Thanks." Kotaro: "I was wondering how you did." Akane: "My battery died..." Akane: "I was on my way home, thinking you might be here..." Akane: "And I found you." Kotaro: "Yeah." Akane: "This is weird." Kotaro: "Who was it that translated "I love you" as "Isn't the moon beautiful tonight?"" Kotaro: "Was it Dazai Osamu or Natsume Souseki?" Kotaro: "The moon..." Akane: "Huh? The moon?" Akane: "I know. It's so pretty."

Akane: "Go out with you?" Akane: "I don't really know." Kotaro: "Yeah." Akane: "Give me some time to answer." Akane: "I've hardly talked to Azumi-kun since then." Roman: "Hi-yah!" Kotaro: "What the heck?" Roman: "Bullet train! Yay!" Kotaro: "You're pretty excited." Daichi: "Did you bring underwear, Kota?" Kotaro: "Shut up." Daichi: "Roman, I'm upgrading from boxers to make my boxer briefs debut today. Better look forward to it." Kotaro: "What? Finally?" Daichi: "Wait, really?" Kotaro: "I've always worn boxer briefs." Daichi: "My debut..." Sensei 1: "We're doing a luggage check." Miu: "Sensei, that's a girl's..." Sensei 1: "Okay, next." Sensei 2: "All right, I'll check it, then." Sensei 2: "No cell phones, remember?" Sensei 2: "I'll hold on to this." Miu: "She caught me!" Sensei 1: "All right, next." Miu: "They got quite a few of us." Aira: "Where were you hiding your phone?" Setsuko: "I hid mine in my underwear." Shou: "Her phone's in her panties?!" Tsubasa: "Dude, don't." Shou: "Panties!" Inaba: "Seriously? That's hot." Roman: "Ta-da." Kotaro: "Wow." Daichi: "You really can't tell." Roman: "I opened it once, then closed it with tape." Roman: "Here." Kotaro: "Good, now I'll be ready if she sends an answer." Miu: "Point the camera to the right, Akanecchi." Akane: "Like this?" Aira: "No... Up." Akane: "Like this?" A: "It's supposed to be a god of relationship success." Miu: "Hey, is "semi-good" good or bad?" Setsuko: ""Your luck ends where your money ends." What?!" Aira: "Nagahara! Nagahara!" Miu: "Hey, you got "excellent luck."" Akane: "Yeah." Chinatsu: "Akane!" Chinatsu: "Akane." Chinatsu: "Let's pick out gifts for the club members." Akane: "Good idea. One, two... For eight?" Setsuko: "Yeah, that's right." Akane: "How about handkerchiefs?" Setsuko: "That's kinda boring." Akane: "Keychains?" Setsuko: "Snacks for the boys." Setsuko: "Curly-kun." Setsuko: "Pick one." Kotaro: "Me?" Setsuko: "What kind do boys like?" Kotaro: "Um..." Kotaro: "I think the bigger one." Setsuko: "That's it!" Setsuko: "We're choosing gifts for our club." Kotaro: "Oh, really?" Setsuko: "Yeah. You know how guys eat a lot." Setsuko: "What do you like?" Kotaro: "Me?" Setsuko: "Yeah. For reference." Kotaro: "Anything." Chinatsu: "Really?" Kotaro: "Guys like sweets, too." Sensei 2: "Be done in ten minutes, please." A: "I wonder if they have open-air baths." Setsuko: "The bath's tiny." Miu: "I'll just take a shower." Aira: "Oh my God, whose panties are these?" Akane: "Is there a name on them?" Aira: "Crap, I think I've gained weight." Setsuko: "Let's see." Aira: "Don't look!" Roman: "Combo!" Daichi: "Damn it, no way..." Roman: "Combo, combo!" Roman: "Four combo!" Daichi: "Seriously, stop, please! Sorry, wait!" Roman: "Here comes a bunch of them." Daichi: "Crap, too many! What the heck?!" Roman: "I'm winning. I'm totally going to win." Daichi: "Shoot." Daichi: "Oh, crap, here they come..." Setsuko: "Is she gone?" Miu: "She's gone." Aira: "Are we clear?" Setsuko: "Are you sure?" D: "Yeah." Setsuko: "That's hilarious!" Miu: "It's not funny." Setsuko: "So, who's next?" Miu: "Akanecchi." Akane: "Me?" Setsuko: "You have someone, don't you?" Aira: "If you're curious about someone, that counts, too." Akane: "There is someone I'm curious about." Setsuko: "Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who?" Aira: "Hira?" Miu: "Did he ask you out?" Aira: "Hira's cool." Setsuko: "You should go out with him." Miu: "Just like that?" Akane: "No, I..." Shou: "That was close." Tsubasa: "The teacher was right there." Inaba: "That scared me." Setsuko: "Why are you guys here?" Tsubasa: "Why not?" Sho: "What's the problem?" Setsuko: "We're going to be the ones to get yelled at." Sho: "Why so cold?" Miu: "We don't want you here." Sho: "Come on, we're already here." Tsubasa: "Stop, idiot! Idiot!" Daichi: "Here we go! Combo! Four combo! Eight combo! Sixteen combo! Here we go! Here we go!" Roman: "Okay, here it comes!" Kotaro: "Hey..." Roman: "Let me see!" Kotaro: "No!" Roman: "Tickle, tickle..." Kotaro: "Stop it! Hey!" Roman: "Lengthwise four-quarter hold." Daichi: "Okay. Ogasawara Buster!" Kotaro: "Stop it! Hey! Hey! Hey!" Roman: "Passcode? Come on, stop it!" Daichi: "I bet it's his birthdate." Roman: "Right." Kotaro: "Come on!" Roman: "A girl?" Kotaro: "Stop it!" Roman: "Hey, I'm in." Sensei 1: "Hey, what are you up to?" Kotaro: "U-Um..." Sensei 1: "I'll be taking that." Sensei 2: "You have free time today until this evening. Once again, stay safe and be careful. Enjoy your school trip." Sensei 2: "Don't get too carried away. Be mindful and considerate of the people around you." Aira: "Hey, where's Setsuko?" Miu: "Off with Nagahara." Aira: "Where should we go first?" Miu: "What about Kaneko?" Aira: "Who cares? You're coming with us, right, Akanecchi?" Akane: "Um..." Aira: "Suspicious." Akane: "Uh... Yeah." Miu: "No secrets, remember?" Akane: "I, uh... My parents are asking about souvenirs." Miu: "Oh, that's all?" Aira: "Want to come with us, then?" Akane: "Oh, yeah." Aira: "Where should we go?" Miu: "I heard the bus might be faster." Daichi: "Yo, Kota." Roman: "Let's go!" Miu: "Want to?" Aira: "Let's do that." Miu: "Okay. Let's go to that place we were talking about yesterday." Aira: "Okay." Aira: "Aren't these famous?" Miu: "I heard they pick up a ton of oil." Akane: "Hey..." Akane: "I have something to do." Aira: "Huh? What?" Akane: "Shopping." Miu: "We'll come with you." Aira: "Where?" Aira: "Tell us." Miu: "We're friends, aren't we?" Akane: "I'm gonna get a drink." Miu: "A date?" Aira: "Why's she hiding it from us?" Miu: "Yeah, we're her friends." Aira: "What's wrong?" Akane: "Nothing." Miu: "What?" Miu: "Have to go?" Miu: "No?" Aira: "That's enough." Aira: "We're torturing her. Let's split up." Aira: "Let's go, Miu." Aira: "See you later!" Aoi: "Didn't you say you were going to practice here, Chinatsu?" Chinatsu: "Oh, yeah, that's right." Chinatsu: "No, I know I said I would, but..." Akane: "He's not answering me." A: "It's pouring." B: "It's so cold." B: "We're all wet." B: "Here, I'll wipe you off." A: "Hey, that tickles." Akane: "We aren't dating." Akane: "I never even gave him an answer." Akane: "He might not come." Kotaro: "H-Hey..." Chinatsu: "Curly-kun?" Aoi: "What?" Chinatsu: "You scared me for a second. I thought you were going to hit on us." Chinatsu: "You're soaked. What happened?" Kotaro: "Wait..." Aoi: "Can I go?" Chinatsu: "Sorry, I'll be in touch later." Chinatsu: "So what's up?" Kotaro: "I, uh..." Kotaro: "Can you lend me your phone?" Chinatsu: "Sure." Chinatsu: "Here." Kotaro: "Shoot, I don't know her number." Kotaro: "I can't ask her to tell me Mizuno-san's phone number." Kotaro: "I couldn't possibly..." Kotaro: "Actually, never mind." Chinatsu: "Let me guess..." Chinatsu: "Akane?" Kotaro: "Wh-Wh-Why?" Chinatsu: "I mean, come on, Curly-kun..." Chinatsu: "Oh, forget it. So are we calling Akane?" Kotaro: "Yes, please." Chinatsu: "Hello, Akane?" Chinatsu: "Here." Kotaro: "H-Hey..." Akane: "Who's this?" Kotaro: "Azumi." Akane: "Why?" Kotaro: "Some stuff happened..." Akane: "I don't get it." Akane: "I was waiting for you." Akane: "Where are you?" Akane: "You're so late." Kotaro: "Sorry." Akane: "You told me to meet you here," Akane: "so I came, but you weren't here." Akane: "It's raining, and you aren't answering your phone." Kotaro: "S-Sorry." Kotaro: "The teacher took my phone." Akane: "Why Chinatsu's phone?" Akane: "You guys are close, huh?" Kotaro: "She just happened to..." Akane: "I..." Kotaro: "What?" Akane: "Nothing." Akane: "I don't know. I don't know, but we can't even talk at all..." Akane: "I want..." Akane: "to talk with you more, Azumi-kun." Kotaro: "Is that..." Kotaro: "your answer?" Akane: "Yeah." A: "She's so cute!" Sensei 2: "Huh..." A: "Aren't you interested in maikos, Sensei?" Sensei 2: "Not especially, I guess." Roman: "I'm Roman the maiko." Sensei 2: "Holy crap, she's gorgeous!" A: "I thought you weren't interested..." Sensei 2: "How?!" Setsuko: "Where should we go first?" Sho: "I'll show you around." Setsuko: "Wow, he's actually really dependable! Shou-chan must be especially pumped because it's the school trip. That's so cute." Sho: "A school trip is special, isn't it?" Setsuko: "But we're in Kyoto." Sho: "Shoot, I don't have any money. Crap!" Setsuko: "Let's go back, then." Sho: "Sorry, Setsuko, can you take care of it?" Sho: "Let's go home with some good memories."

Setsuko: "Seriously, I was about to lose it. Who would ruin a school trip like that?" Miu: "It's so hot." Setsuko: "He's really not thinking about how I feel. He's not thinking about anything. It's unbelievable." Miu: "What's up?" Akane: "Huh? N-Nothing." Akane: "No one else knows, but Azumi-kun and I have started dating." Sensei: "Are you taking this seriously?" Sensei: "Your proficiency test scores will determine your future after middle school." Chinatsu: "Pardon me." Sensei: "You know..." Sensei: "I believe in you, Azumi-kun." Sensei: "But you might not get into the high school of your choice if you get a late start." Chinatsu: "His hair's not curling up." Kotaro: "Excuse me." Chinatsu: "Your hair's not curly today. Is something wrong?" Chinatsu: "Just kidding. Aren't you in the literature club?" Kotaro: "Yeah." Chinatsu: "I'm in trouble with language arts. Do you know of any good cram schools?" Kotaro: "The one I go to isn't too bad." Chinatsu: "Really?" A: "One, two, three, four..." B: "Five, six, seven, eight..." A: "Two, two, three, four..." B: "Five, six, seven, eight..." Aoi: "Chinatsu?" Aoi: "What's up?" Chinatsu: "Nothing." Aoi: "Huh..." Hira: "Mizuno, Nishio. Here." Akane: "What's that?" Akane: "The sprint training plan. We're going with this until the meet." Akane: "Jeez, that's rough." Chinatsu: "All right!" Aoi: "You sure are pumped up." Chinatsu: "It's our last summer. Let's do this, Akane." Akane: "Yeah." A: "Thank you very much." Shige: "Thank you very much." Shige: "Good work." Shige: "The adults are up next." Kotaro: "Hey..." Daisuke: "Yeah?" Kotaro: "I'm thinking about the next story." Daisuke: "How are things going?" Kotaro: "What things?" Daisuke: "Studying for entrance exams and stuff." Kotaro: "Dunno." Daisuke: "So?" Kotaro: "There's something I wanted to ask you." Daisuke: "What's that?" Kotaro: "What are you supposed to do when you're in a relationship?" Kotaro: "For my novel!" Daisuke: "Really?" Daisuke: "Sorry." Akane: "Dating is so hard." Ayane: "Oh, stop it. Goodnight." Akane: "Nee-chan." Akane: "What are you supposed to do when you're dating?" Ayane: "What?" Ayane: "You got a boyfriend, huh?" Ayane: "Good for you!" Akane: "D-Don't tell Mom yet." Ayane: "I know. Middle schoolers go on dates, walk home together, hang out at each other's homes..." Akane: "At home?" Ayane: "Why not bring him over?" Akane: "N-No way." Mom: "I'm coming in." Mom: "You'd better study." Kotaro: "I know." Mom: "You're banned from the festival and your writing if you do poorly on your finals. Understand?" Akane: "Keep it cool. Keep it cool." A: "I'm all sweaty." B: "Let's eat outside." Roman: "Kota, what about lunch?" Kotaro: "Sorry." A: "I'm starving." A: "I almost forgot to bring my lunch today." B: "Wow, that's bad." A: "I know. I was freaking out." Roman: "What the?" Daichi: "Restroom, probably." Roman: "Dude, Daichi, you eat too much." Daichi: "No, I don't." Miu: "It was scary. Akanecchi, let's eat." Roman: "Fatty." Daichi: "I'm not fat! This is muscle!" Roman: "Fatty." Sensei: "What's wrong?" Daichi: "Muscle. Muscle!" Akane: "Let's eat." Daichi: "See? It's all muscle." Chinatsu: "There you are, Curly-kun!" Chinatsu: "I guess you don't have the curl anymore." Akane: "Pardon me." Chinatsu: "I'll ask, then." Chinatsu: "Thank goodness." Chinatsu: "You saved me." Chinatsu: "Akane?" Chinatsu: "Huh? Were you two..." Akane: "What? No! That's not it! Sorry, I kind of..." Chinatsu: "It's fine. Right?" Chinatsu: "Azumi-kun goes to the cram school by the station." Chinatsu: "I'm thinking of going, too." Chinatsu: "Right?" Kotaro: "Yeah." Chinatsu: "Want to go visit it with me?" Chinatsu: "Our club takes up so much time." Akane: "Yeah." Chinatsu: "And my grades suck." Akane: "That's not true." Chinatsu: "Thanks for everything." Chinatsu: "Okay, see you, Akane." Kotaro: "Man, I don't know. Uh, so, do you want to come to the cram—" Akane: "No." Hira: "Here we go! Go!" Chinatsu: "Sorry, Sensei." Sensei: "Well, it's exam season. You're doing the best you can." Hira: "Here we go! Go!" Hira: "Mizuno." Hira: "Your time was pretty bad." Akane: "Sorry. I'm not doing too well." Hira: "Is something wrong?" Hira: "Want to talk on our way home?" Hira: "All right, let's get back to practice." A: "Okay." Hira: "Is something going on?" Hira: "Well, all right." Hira: "Hang in there." Hira: "We don't have much longer..." Hira: "to run together." Hira: "Later." Sensei: "Kokoro is a novel by Natsume Souseki." Sensei: "Put simply, it's a story about a love triangle during the Meiji era. Does that grab your interest, at least a little?" Chinatsu: "Not many people from Daisan Middle, huh?" Kotaro: "Yeah." Chinatsu: "Might be easier not knowing too many people there." Kotaro: "That's true." Chinatsu: "I'm going to go to that cram school." Kotaro: "Yeah?" Chinatsu: "Tell me your LINE ID?" Chinatsu: "Sorry." Kotaro: "Are you okay?" Chinatsu: "I'm fine." Daichi: "Man, I'm stuffed." Setsuko: "I'm thinking of breaking up with him." Aira: "What?! It's happening?" Miu: "Why?" Setsuko: "I mean, I'm not even enjoying dating him." Aira: "I guess things don't really work out how you expect." Setsuko: "Like, as a girl, I want to talk lots and date lots and cuddle and stuff." Miu: "I know." Setsuko: "He doesn't do any of that." Aira: "Straight to the hotel?" Setsuko: "What is he, a monkey?" Akane: "Dating is tough, huh?" Setsuko: "It is." Miu: "Is it tough for you, too, Akane?" Akane: "Wh-Why?" Miu: "No reason." Setsuko: "I think it's over." Roman: "I found a painful pressure point!" Kotaro: "Ow!" Kotaro: "No, I can handle it." Setsuko: "Seriously, he's unbelievable." A: "Hey, Mizuno-senpai." B: "Are you dating Hira-senpai?" Akane: "Huh?" C: "Someone saw you walking home with him." Akane: "Not at all." B: "Oh, okay!" A: "Thank goodness." C: "Thanks for your time." A: "So they aren't dating." B: "Told you so." Akane: "I just can't..." Daichi: "What is it?" Kotaro: "It's nothing." Daichi: "Are you stuck on your novel?" Daichi: "Were you asking about relationships for story ideas?" Daichi: "So what happened after that?" Kotaro: "It's not working too well." Kotaro: "We can't find a place to meet." Daichi: "Are you keeping it a secret?" Kotaro: "Yeah." Daichi: "I see." Daichi: "You can't go on dates when you don't have money, either. Of course it's hard, huh?" Daichi: "Hey, Kotarou..." Kotaro: "Thank goodness. Did you find the place okay?" Akane: "I used Maps." Akane: "Where are we?" Kotaro: "My friend's shop." Kotaro: "Uh..." Akane: "Yeah?" Kotaro: "I wanted to talk to you alone." Kotaro: "We don't get to at school." Akane: "Yeah." Kotaro: "We're finally going out, so..." Akane: "Yeah." Kotaro: "No one comes here." Akane: "Oh, really?" Kotaro: "He said he'll be back at seven." Akane: "You know..." Kotaro: "Yeah?" Akane: "I can't really talk when I'm at school." Kotaro: "Me neither." Kotaro: "Sorry about the library." Akane: "Y-Yeah." Akane: "Is Chinatsu going to your cram school?" Kotaro: "She said she's going to." Akane: "Oh." Kotaro: "How did the exam go?" Akane: "Decent." Kotaro: "Lucky." Kotaro: "I did awful." Akane: "Really?" Kotaro: "I'm not studying." Akane: "Your novel?" Kotaro: "Yeah." Akane: "That's okay, then." Akane: "I mean, I think it's okay." Akane: "Me too, actually." Akane: "The preliminary for the prefectural meet is coming up." Kotaro: "Yeah?" Akane: "I can't improve my time at all." Kotaro: "Watching you run..." Kotaro: "I guess I really..." Kotaro: "like it." Akane: "Thanks." Kotaro: "I think I'll go watch." Kotaro: "To cheer for you." Akane: "I, u-uh..." Kotaro: "If you don't want—" Akane: "No." Akane: "It's not that I don't want you to." Kotaro: "Dazai once said, "One thing that humans have, that other creatures don't: We have secrets."" Akane: "Sorry." Daichi: "You've gained weight, haven't you, Roman?" Roman: "Can you tell?" Daichi: "About two kilos." Roman: "Damn, spot on!" Daichi: "I can usually guess a person's weight just by looking." A: "Ack!" Miu: "What kind of superpower is that?" Aira: "Talk about unwanted." Miu: "Hey, hey. Which one's better?" Inaba: "This one." Miu: "I'll go with this one." Inaba: "Why'd you ask in the first place?" Miu: "Hey, hey, which one's better?" Inaba: "Whichever one you like." Miu: "You're so useless." Inaba: "What am I supposed to do?!" Dad: "What a noisy car." Mom: "Probably some hooligan." Ayane: "Hey, Dad, Mom!" Dad: "Ayane..." Ayane: "My boyfriend gave me a ride." Kasai: "Hello, I'm Ayane-san's boyfriend. My name is Kasai Riki." Kasai: "Nice to meet you." Mom: "He's surprisingly proper." Dad: "Well, I don't approve." Mom: "Are you in college?" Kasai: "Yes. I'm apprenticing as a carpenter with my boss." Kasai: "I hope to be a good craftsman someday." Mom: "He's surprisingly proper." Dad: "I don't approve!" Mom: "Bye!" Ayane: "He said he had enough to share." Mom: "Come say hi again!"

A: "Were you on it?" B: "Hey, I'm in Class 3." C: "I'm Class 2." D: "There's me!" D: "Class 1." Chinatsu: "Hey, at least we can see each other in the club." Akane: "That's true." Chinatsu: "You think we'll get some first-years?" Aoi: "I hope we get lots!" Roman: "Really?" Daichi: "Want me to try it on you?" Roman: "Sure." Akane: "It's curling up..." Akane: "LINE!" Akane: "Can you give me your LINE ID?" Akane: "No one else knows, but Azumi-kun and I have started dating." Aira: "Akanecchi's up next." Aira: "Go for it, Akanecchi!" Kotaro: "I really don't want to." Ogasawara: "Go embarrass yourself." Kotaro: "Dazai said, "Be laughed at. Be laughed at, and become strong."" Kotaro: "I don't really want to get laughed at, though." C: "Set..." Inaba: "He got passed." Kaneko: "No good." Akane: "Hey, have you seen my potato mascot around here?" Aoi: "Huh?" Chika: "Potato? You mean that thing?" Akane: "Yeah." Aoi: "This is bad, isn't it?" Chika: "It's bad." Kotarou: "Potato?" Kotarou: "Is this yours, Mizuno-san?" Akane: "How?!" Kotarou: "I found it in the storage room." Akane: "Thank goodness! I get so nervous without this. I even messed up today, you know? I really don't like being in front of people. It's so embarrassing, but I really like running, so..." Akane: "I'm hopeless, right?" Kotarou: "N-No, you're not..." Kotarou: "You don't need to be embarrassed." Kotarou: "I think... you're fine the way you are." Sensei: "Okay, time's up." Kotaro: "The literature club has a superstition. Pick out a book at random," Kotaro: "and that book will give you the perfect life advice for your situation." Kotaro: "Really?" Kotaro: "I have practice on Sunday." Chinatsu: "He should just ask her out." Aoi: "Hira?" Chinatsu: "I doubt Akane would turn him down." Kotaro: "I want to ask, but..." A: "Wasn't that girl awesome?" B: "Who?" Chinatsu: "I made up my mind. I'm gonna train like mad." Aoi: "Oh?" Chinatsu: "Starting tomorrow." Aoi: "But the school trip's coming up." Aoi: "Are you going to train in Kyoto?" Chinatsu: "Good idea!" Aoi: "Seriously?" A: "Thank you very much." Shige: "Thank you very much. Well done." Kotaro: "Mizuno-san." Akane: "Oh, um..." Akane: "Is that..." Kotaro: "This is, uh..." Akane: "For the Kawagoe Festival?" Kotaro: "Yeah." Akane: "Wow!" Akane: "Are you in the march? Awesome!" Kotaro: "Nah, it's nothing." Kotaro: "So, um, how was the meet?" Akane: "I set a new personal best." Kotaro: "Nice! Congrats." Akane: "Thanks." Kotaro: "I was wondering how you did." Akane: "My battery died..." Akane: "I was on my way home, thinking you might be here..." Akane: "And I found you." Akane: "This is weird." Kotaro: "Who was it that translated "I love you" as "Isn't the moon beautiful tonight?"" Kotaro: "Was it Dazai Osamu or Natsume Souseki?" Kotaro: "The moon..." Akane: "Huh? The moon?" Akane: "I know. It's so pretty." Kotaro: "Would you go out with me?" Chinatsu: "Curly-kun! Hey!" Chinatsu: "We're friends now." Chinatsu: "You told me Curly-kun's cool, so..." Chinatsu: "Akane!" Chinatsu: "Akane." Chinatsu: "Let's pick out gifts for the club members." Akane: "Good idea." Akane: "Keychains?" Setsuko: "Snacks for the boys." Setsuko: "Curly-kun." Setsuko: "Pick one." Kotaro: "Me?" Setsuko: "What kind do boys like?" Kotaro: "Um..." Kotaro: "I think the bigger one." Setsuko: "That's it!" Setsuko: "We're choosing gifts for our club." Kotaro: "Oh, really?" Setsuko: "Yeah. You know how guys eat a lot." Setsuko: "What do you like?" Kotaro: "Me?" Setsuko: "Yeah. For reference." Kotaro: "Anything." Chinatsu: "Really?" Setsuko: "So, who's next?" Miu: "Akanecchi." Akane: "Me?" Setsuko: "You have someone, don't you?" Aira: "If you're curious about someone, that counts, too." Akane: "There is someone I'm curious about." Setsuko: "Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? Who?" Aira: "Hira?" Miu: "Did he ask you out?" Aira: "Hira's cool." Setsuko: "You should go out with him." Miu: "Just like that?" Akane: "No, I..." Shou: "That was close." Tsubasa: "The teacher was right there." Inaba: "That scared me." Setsuko: "Why are you guys here?" Tsubasa: "Why not?" Sho: "What's the problem?" Setsuko: "We're going to be the ones to get yelled at." Sho: "Why so cold?" Miu: "We don't want you here." Sho: "Come on, we're already here." Aira: "Suspicious." Akane: "Uh... Yeah." Miu: "No secrets, remember?" Akane: "I, uh... My parents are asking about souvenirs." Aira: "What's wrong?" Akane: "Nothing." Miu: "What?" Miu: "Have to go?" Miu: "No?" Aira: "That's enough." Aira: "We're torturing her. Let's split up." Aira: "Let's go, Miu." Miu: "Huh?" Aira: "Come on." Miu: "Hey, wait..." Aira: "See you later!" Akane: "He's not answering me." Akane: "We aren't dating." Akane: "I never even gave him an answer." Akane: "He might not come." Chinatsu: "Hello, Akane?" Chinatsu: "Here." Kotaro: "H-Hey..." Akane: "Who's this?" Kotaro: "Azumi." Akane: "Why?" Kotaro: "Some stuff happened..." Akane: "I don't get it." Akane: "I was waiting for you." Akane: "Where are you?" Akane: "You're so late." Kotaro: "Sorry." Akane: "You told me to meet you here," Akane: "so I came, but you weren't here." Akane: "It's raining, and you aren't answering your phone." Kotaro: "S-Sorry." Kotaro: "The teacher took my phone." Akane: "Why Chinatsu's phone?" Akane: "You guys are close, huh?" Kotaro: "She just happened to..." Akane: "I..." Kotaro: "What?" Akane: "Nothing." Akane: "I don't know. I don't know, but we can't even talk at all..." Kotaro: "Yeah." Akane: "I want..." Akane: "to talk with you more, Azumi-kun." Kotaro: "Is that..." Kotaro: "your answer?" Akane: "Yeah." Akane: "Dating is so hard." Chinatsu: "I'm going to go to that cram school." Kotaro: "Yeah?" Chinatsu: "Tell me your LINE ID?" Kotaro: "Okay." Chinatsu: "Whoops... Sorry." Kotaro: "Are you okay?" Chinatsu: "I'm fine." Kotaro: "Thank goodness. Did you find the place okay?" Akane: "I used Maps." Kotaro: "How did the exam go?" Akane: "Decent." Kotaro: "Lucky." Kotaro: "I did awful." Akane: "Really?" Kotaro: "I'm not studying." Akane: "Your novel?" Kotaro: "Yeah." Akane: "That's okay, then." Akane: "I mean, I think it's okay." Akane: "Sorry." Chinatsu: "Can I have a bite?" Aoi: "This again?" Chinatsu: "It's so good!" Aoi: "What flavor is yours, Akane?" Akane: "Kinako mochi soda." Chinatsu: "Let me taste!" Akane: "Really? Wow!" Kotaro: "Yeah, the publisher called me and said they wanted to meet with me." Akane: "That's awesome!" Kotaro: "I don't know." Akane: "Wow..." Kotaro: "I still don't know what they want to say." Akane: "You might be winning that award." Kotaro: "Dunno..." Akane: "Good for you." Kotaro: "Yeah." Akane: "It really is amazing." Akane: "Your dream might come true." Kotaro: "Yeah." Kotaro: "Oh, but it's this Sunday." Akane: "The same day?" Kotaro: "Sorry I can't come cheer for you." Akane: "It's totally fine." Akane: "The same day, huh?" Kotaro: "Yeah." Akane: "Let's both do our best." Kotaro: "Yeah, let's." Kotaro: "What about you?" Kotaro: "You said you wanted to talk." Akane: "Oh, um..." Akane: "No, never mind. It's okay. Next time." Kotaro: "Are you sure?" Akane: "Yeah." Kitamura: "Oh, over here." Kitamura: "Hi." Chinatsu: "Hey..." Chinatsu: "About that LINE message the other day..." Akane: "S-Sorry." Chinatsu: "For what?" Akane: "I'm, uh..." Akane: "in... a relationship." Akane: "W-With Azumi-kun." Chinatsu: "I know." Chinatsu: "It's obvious. We're friends, after all." Akane: "Uh..." Chinatsu: "Thanks for letting me know." A: "Set!" Hira: "Mizuno, slow down!" Kitamura: "We're searching for young writers right now." Kotaro: "Right." Kitamura: "You're in middle school, aren't you?" Kotaro: "Yes." Kitamura: "Lucky you, being so young." Kitamura: "Well, to be honest, I don't think you're cut out for serious literature." Kitamura: "Why don't you try light novel-type stuff instead?" Kitamura: "I have a feeling you could do it, Azumi-san." Hira: "Mizuno." Hira: "What happened today? You weren't focused at all, were you?" Hira: "I was sure you could make it to prefecturals. Your time was actually worse than last year." Hira: "Come on, Mizuno..." Akane: "Sorry I didn't tell you we were dating." Chinatsu: "And I'm sorry I fell for him." Akane: "The truth is..." Chinatsu: "Yeah." Akane: "I don't know what to do." Chinatsu: "Yeah." Akane: "But... we're friends." Chinatsu: "Thanks, Akane." Chinatsu: "Can I confess to him?"

Chinatsu: "Woohoo, Dome City!" Hira: "There are so many people." Akane: "I know." Aira: "Hey, let's go on the Thunder Dolphin." Chinatsu: "Hey, hey, I looked it up. There's a ferris wheel, and then there's the roller coasters, and..." Roman: "What a weird bunch." Kotarou: "Why is it the nine of us?" Akane: "The amusement park?" Chinatsu: "My parents got free passes." Akane: "I'll go!" Chinatsu: "I'll invite Azumi-kun, too." Chinatsu: "And Hira, so it'll be the four of us." Kotarou: "Amusement park?" Roman: "Me, too! I'm in!" Chinatsu: "I don't have that many passes." Roman: "Come on, we can split the cost. Right?" Daichi: "Seriously? I have a practice match that day." Miu: "I'll be in Hawaii." Setsuko: "I'll invite Nagahara and the others." Aira: "The more the merrier, right?" Roman: "Agreed!" Setsuko: "Totally." Akane: "It'll be fun in a big group, though." Hira: "Yeah." A: "Is anyone available to board alone?" Roman: "We'd have one leftover, anyway." A: "Viva, off you go! Viva, off you go!" Hira: "Roman..." Chinatsu: "We'd have one leftover?" Kaneko: "How badly did he wanna go?" A: "Please make your way to the platform, and wait behind the white line on top of the white footprints." Chinatsu: "Hey, Azumi-kun, sit next to me." gahara: "Hey, Setsuko. Let's do that thing later." Chinatsu: "What? Are you crazy?" A: "Viva, off you go!" Chinatsu: "Wait, wait, it's starting." A: "Viva, off you go!" gahara: "No, I'm serious. Come on, let's do that thing!" Akane: "Crap... Oh crap, oh crap!" Hira: "Are you okay?" Akane: "Don't say it!" Hira: "We're so high up!" Akane: "I told you not to say it!" Hira: "Sorry, sorry." Chinatsu: "Azumi-kun, stuff like this doesn't bother you?" Kotarou: "Nah, not at all." Chinatsu: "Let's be like, "Viva Dome City!" on our way down." Chinatsu: "One, two..." A: "Viva, welcome back! Viva, welcome back!" Chinatsu: "That was fun." Hira: "I thought you'd handle it better." Akane: "It was scarier than I thought it'd be." Hira: "Are you okay?" Akane: "Th-Thanks." Setsuko: "That was so fun! Let's go again." gahara: "Can't we check out some other ones first?" Aira: "Are you okay, Akanecchi?" Akane: "Yeah, I'm fine. So you don't do well on rides?" Roman: "Viva cute!" Akane: "That looks good on you." Roman: "See?" Kotarou: "Really?" Roman: "You should buy it, Kota." Kotarou: "Nope, no way." Aira: "That looks good on you, Hira-kun!" Setsuko: "You should buy one with Akanecchi. Come on." Aira: "Hira-kun, Hira-kun! Over here. Say cheese." Setsuko: "You know..." Aira: "Right?" Hira: "What?" Setsuko: "Nothing!" Hira: "That looks good on you." Akane: "Stop it." Kaneko: "Huh? Where's Roman?" Kaneko: "He was here a second ago." A: "Anyone available to board alone?" Roman: "Me, me, me!" gahara: "He'll be fine." Kaneko: "Yeah." Kotarou: "I'll go look around." Kaneko: "Sure." Chinatsu: "Curly-kun!" Chinatsu: "Did you find Roman-kun?" Kotarou: "Nope." Kotarou: "Damn it." Chinatsu: "Oh, hey. Look. It's our picture from earlier." Kotarou: "What the heck?" Chinatsu: "I thought it'd make for a good souvenir." Kotarou: "Are you sure? This?" Chinatsu: "Yeah." Kotarou: "You have your eyes closed, Nishio-san." Chinatsu: "You can call me Chinatsu." Chinatsu: "That's what everyone calls me. Even the guys." Kotarou: "Yeah, but..." Chinatsu: "Can I call you Kota, too?" Chinatsu: "Kota. Kota, Kota, Kota!" Chinatsu: "Come on, say my name." Kotarou: "Ch-China..." Chinatsu: "I can't even hear you." Chinatsu: "Once more." Kotarou: "No, I'm good." Chinatsu: "Hey..." Akane: "Everyone went to line up for the next one." Chinatsu: "Oh, okay. Let's go." Kotarou: "What?!" A: "Yes?" Kotarou: "Um, I'm Yamashina Roman's friend." A: "Please come in." Kotarou: "Pardon me." Roman: "Kota." Kotarou: "What happened? And how?" Roman: "Heatstroke?" A: "You need to drink plenty of water." Roman: "Okay." A: "Please rest up before you go back out." Roman: "Okay." A: "You be sure to stay hydrated, too." Kotarou: "Right." Kotarou: "Man, you scared me." Roman: "Sorry, I'm kinda the sickly type." Kotarou: "Don't push yourself." Roman: "I went overboard." Roman: "What's wrong?" Kotarou: "Well, you know." Roman: "Ah... Her?" Kotarou: "Who?" Roman: "Mizuno-san." Roman: "Are you two dating?" Kotarou: "Why?" Roman: "Just a guess." Roman: "Everyone's here, though." Kotarou: "Yeah." Roman: "Why not get lost together?" Roman: "I'll help you out." Kotarou: "But..." Roman: "I'll call up Mizuno-san, so..." Kotarou: "Quit it." Roman: "What? No way..." Akane: "I think they should be around here." Hira: "I'm sure we'll find them soon." Hira: "Here." Akane: "Thanks." Hira: "Don't worry about it." Akane: "I feel bad, though." Hira: "I said it's fine." Akane: "No, no." Hira: "What are we, two old ladies?" Akane: "Fine, I'll keep it, then." Kaneko: "Man, that takes me back! The hero show rocked! I cheered like mad! Hey, did you know the Big O is 60 meters in diameter?" Chinatsu: "Azumi-kun." Kaneko: "It's 80 meters high." gahara: "You sure did your research." Kotarou: "Where's Mizuno-san?" gahara: "Give her some space." Kaneko: "Seriously." Setsuko: "He likes her." Aira: "They're so cute together." Setsuko: "Oh, yeah, take a look at this." Aira: "What?" Setsuko: "Isn't this great?" A: "Sorry." B: "Jeez, watch where you're going." Hira: "Are you okay?" Hira: "Let's go over there." Akane: "Oh, um... Sure." Kotaro: "Mizuno-san." Kotaro: "She's my girlfriend." Kotaro: "We're in a relationship." Hira: "Really?" Akane: "Yeah." Kotaro: "Let's go, Mizuno-san." Akane: "Okay." gahara: "Aren't we missing some people?" Setsuko: "We lost them." Aira: "I told them we'll be here on LINE." Hira: "Kaneko." Kotaro: "Hey. Huh? Are you alone?" Hira: "Can I ask you something?" Hira: "Is Mizuno in a relationship?" Aira: "What?! Wait, what, what, what?!" Hira: "With Azumi." Roman: "Yeah. They are." Setsuko: "What? Really?" Aira: "I had no idea." Setsuko: "I had absolutely no clue. Wait, Roman, you knew? Since when?" Kotaro: "Sorry, I got lost in the moment." Akane: "Nah." Akane: "It's the truth, after all." Kotaro: "Man, I'm hungry." Akane: "Me, too. I wonder where everyone went." Kotaro: "Can we..." Kotaro: "A little longer?" Akane: "I'll let them know." Akane: "Let's eat." Akane: "Hey, come to think of it... This is our first time eating together." Kotaro: "Yeah, it is." Kotaro: "Here we go!" Akane: "I'm soaked." Akane: "We're not even in the picture." Kotaro: "Really?" Akane: "Come closer." Akane: "Okay, here we go." Akane: "You startled me there." Kotaro: "Sorry. Can I see?" Akane: "Nice." Akane: "It's like..." Kotaro: "Looks good." Akane: "We really do look like we're going out." Kotaro: "We do." Setsuko: "Chinatsu-chan!" Chinatsu: "Sorry I'm late." Setsuko: "What's wrong?" Aira: "Did something happen?" Chinatsu: "Chinatsu?" gahara: "Hey, check this out!" Aira: "Enough." Chinatsu: "Have you seen Akane and..." Setsuko: "They're doing their own thing for now." Aira: "Apparently they're going out." Chinatsu: "Yeah." Setsuko: "Don't tell me..." Aira: "Azumi?" Chinatsu: "Are you okay?" Aira: "Let's go see the fireworks." Setsuko: "Sorry, we..." Aira: "It's starting! We had no idea." Akane: "It's almost over." Kotaro: "Let's come back sometime." Akane: "Just the two of us." Kotaro: "Yeah." A: "They're kissing!" Mom: "Get over here!" Chinatsu: "Hira..." Hira: "Yeah?" Chinatsu: "Sorry I invited you here today." Hira: "Why?" Chinatsu: "I don't know. Just because." Hira: "It's fine." Hira: "I'm not bothered by it." Akane: "Sorry." Daichi: "Sorry." Sakura: "What was that? Was it on purpose? That was on purpose!" Sakura: "Just because he can't bring himself to talk to me because he likes me..." Sakura: "We're not in elementary school, you know." Sakura: "Apparently Ogasawara-kun has a standard score above 65. He's pretty popular with the teachers. He looks pretty well-to-do. And he's a second son. He's got a lot going for him!" Sakura: "Too bad he's in the judo club." gahara: "See?" Inaba: "Oh, damn!" Setsuko: "Boys suck." Miu: "I mean, can you blame them?" Aira: "Ryouko-sensei's so pretty." Setsuko: "I guess." Miu: "I liked our last music teacher better, though." Setsuko: "Me, too." Miu: "I mean, I like Ryouko-sensei too, of course." Setsuko: "But she's just kind of..." Aira: "Kind of..." Setsuko: "Annoying." Aira: "I know, right?" gahara: "She smells so nice." Inaba: "Oh man, oh man, oh man..." Setsuko: "Boys suck." Miu: "Are teachers even supposed to be wearing perfume?" Aira: "It's kind of un-classy, don't you think?" Miu: "I know. She's a teacher." Akane: "Ryouko-sensei said she uses this." Setsuko: "Soap scent?" Miu: "Really? That's so childish." Miu: "Gimme." Setsuko: "Me, too." Aira: "I want to try." Aira: "Wait, I might actually like this." Miu: "It's pretty nice." Setsuko: "I think I like it." Akane: "Hey, look at this." Aira: "What? Isn't that Ryouko-sensei?" Setsuko: ""Charming Women We Spotted in Town"?" Miu: "I know this website. It's really popular. Wow! I saw you on that website, Ryouko-sensei." Setsuko: "Oh my God, you're so cute!" gahara: "Were the girls always so chummy with her?" Inaba: "Dunno." Setsuko: "I want to break up." gahara: "Why?" Setsuko: "Why? Because..." Setsuko: "That's all we ever do. You don't listen to me." gahara: "Okay. Let's take some time to talk." gahara: "We can spend plenty of time here." Setsuko: "This guy's a total loser. Creep." gahara: "Sorry... Can you pay?" Setsuko: "I know, I know!" Aira: "Nagahara and Setsuko broke up!" Sakura: "The biggest sleazeball in class is currently heartbroken." Sakura: "Maybe he's actually really sensitive with a heart of glass." Sakura: "Maybe I'm the only one who notices that. "Weird... This is our first time talking to each other, but it feels like we've known each other forever." "Could this be destiny?"" Sakura: "And the two of us fall in love..."

Aoi: "I didn't know you were in a relationship, Akane." Aoi: "Miu messaged me on LINE." Akane: "Why?" Aoi: "She was in my class in first year." Chinatsu: "The news is spreading?" Aoi: "I mean, even I'm getting messages about it now. School check-in day could be rough. You're going to get so much attention. Isn't it next week? August 10th?" Chinatsu: "Oh, yeah, you're right." Aoi: "School's such a pain." Daisuke: "Let's take ten." Kotaro: "Dazai once said, "There is such a thing as love in this world. I'm sure of it. It's the expression—the etiquette— of love that is so hard to find."" A: "What? Seriously?" B: "Yeah, Azumi and Mizuno." A: "No way!" A: "For real?" Roman: "Dude, Kota! Holy crap!" Daichi: "You're famous!" Daichi: "Is it sexy? Is it sexy? You dating? You dating?!" Akane: "Morning." Aoi: "Morning!" Setsuko: "Akanecchi!" Miu: "Over here." Kotaro: "B-But..." Miu: "Just come." Miu: "Hey, Akanecchi." Akane: "Yeah?" Miu: "Why Azumi?" Aira: "Miu, harsh!" Miu: "But I had no idea." Akane: "Sorry." Setsuko: "Hey, what do you like about him?" Setsuko: "What? Nothing? Nothing?" Aira: "There's obviously something." Akane: "No, it's..." Akane: "I don't know." Miu: "But you like him anyway?" Miu: "I totally thought it would be Hira." Setsuko: "I know." Aira: "Me, too." Miu: "No more secrets, okay?" Miu: "Let me know if you guys kiss." Setsuko: "I don't think Azumi can do it." Aira: "I don't think he has the guts." Sensei: "Please submit your summer break homework if you've finished it." Sensei: "There's less than half of summer break left. Be sure to keep up the pace." Roman: "Aren't you going home together?" Kotaro: "She has practice." Roman: "So wait for her." Daichi: "You're the literature club president, aren't you?" Roman: "Yeah." Kotaro: "Mizuno-san!" Kotaro: "I have club, too." Akane: "Okay." A: "Here we go. Ready... Go!" Aoi: "It's so hot." Chinatsu: "I'm so hungry." Aoi: "Want to stop by the convenience store?" Chinatsu: "Yeah, let's go." Aoi: "What flavor ice cream should I have today?" Akane: "H-Hey, I..." Aoi: "Gotta go?" Akane: "Yeah." Chinatsu: "Are you going home together?" Akane: "Yeah." Aoi: "Okay." Chinatsu: "Later." Chinatsu: "Lucky Akane." Aoi: "Boyfriends are just a hassle." Aoi: "I really don't get it." Kotaro: "Akane-chan." Kotaro: "Akane..." Kotaro: "Let's eat." Akane: "That hits the spot." Kotaro: "You old fart." Akane: "Well, it's so hot." Kotaro: "Is your club keeping you busy?" Akane: "Very. It's every day." Kotaro: "Wow." Akane: "And the literature club?" Kotaro: "We just do whatever." Kotaro: "Plus, I have summer lessons and festival prep." Akane: "Oh, right. Cram school." Kotaro: "Yeah." Akane: "I guess I'll start that after I retire from track." Kotaro: "In the fall?" Akane: "Yeah." Kotaro: "Sorry." Akane: "What's up?" Kotaro: "He's asking if I can come to practice today." Akane: "For the hayashi?" Kotaro: "Yeah." Akane: "I want to see!" Akane: "Can I come with you?" Kotaro: "Sure, I guess." Akane: "Yay!" Akane: "Sorry, would I be bothering you?" Kotaro: "No, not at all." Daichi: "Let's take it from the top." Kotaro: "Okay." A: "Well, this is unusual. Who might you be?" Akane: "Hello." Daichi: "Kotarou's girlfrie—" A: "His girlfriend!" A: "Oh, so this is your girlfriend, huh?" A: "Man..." Kotaro: "If you want..." Akane: "Thanks." Daisuke: "What did you think?" Akane: "It was so good." Akane: "I've never seen it before. I loved it." Daisuke: "Great." Daisuke: "Sorry to call you out during your time together." Kotaro: "It's fine." Daisuke: "Oh, yeah, Hikawa Shrine..." Daisuke: "They have wind chimes right now." Kotaro: "I've never been there." Daisuke: "It's awesome." A: "Good work today. Hang on. Here." A: "Just take it." Kotaro: "But..." Daisuke: "I'll take care of locking up." Akane: "I'm here." Akane: "I told my mom I was going to the festival, and she had me put it on." Akane: "What do you think?" Kotaro: "Y-You look great." Akane: "Thanks." Akane: "So much potato stuff." Kotaro: "Kawagoe's known for them." Akane: "Yeah." Akane: "Yum." Kotaro: "We have them at my place all the time." Akane: "Lucky." Kotaro: "I used to hate them. They're so old-fashioned." Kotaro: "I like them now, though." Akane: "I have one of these." Akane: "It feels really nice. Try it." Kotaro: "You're right. I want one, too." Akane: "Aw, these are cute!" Akane: "They're so adorable!" Akane: "I like Japanese-style stuff." Kotaro: "Yeah?" Kotaro: "Fortunes?" Akane: "When's your birthday?" Kotaro: "August 7th." Akane: "It's already past!" Akane: "Why?" Kotaro: "Why what?" Akane: "You should have told me!" Akane: "I didn't know. We didn't do anything to celebrate." Kotaro: "It's fine." Akane: "Aw, man..." Kotaro: "No one's ever celebrated it since it's during summer break." Akane: "I'm going to go call home again." Kotaro: "Home?" Akane: "Money..." Akane: "I'm back." Kotaro: "Done?" Akane: "Um..." Akane: "Let's go." Akane: "They're so pretty." Kotaro: "I've never been here before." Akane: "It's amazing." Kotaro: "Yeah." Akane: "Apparently you can write wishes on the chimes." Kotaro: "I'd like two." A: "One thousand yen, please." Kotaro: "What did you write?" Akane: "It's a secret." Akane: "It's embarrassing." Akane: "Want to keep going?" Kotaro: "Yeah, let's go." Akane: "Ow." Kotaro: "What's wrong?" Akane: "Sorry, I..." Akane: "Can you give me a minute?" Kotaro: "Let me." Kotaro: "There." Akane: "Thanks." Kotaro: "Let's go." Akane: "H-Hang on." Akane: "Here." Akane: "Happy birthday." Kotaro: "Thanks." Akane: "Open it." Akane: "Sorry, I didn't have time to choose, so it's the same as mine." Kotaro: "Wow... I love it." Kotaro: "Wait, did you just go buy it earlier?" Akane: "Yeah." Kotaro: "Wow!" Akane: "I'm glad you like it. I didn't know when to give it to you, or if you'd even like it. I couldn't stop thinking about it. The whole time I was thinking, "Wow, the wind chimes are pretty," my heart was pounding." Akane: "I'm glad I could give it to you, though." Kotaro: "Th... Thanks, Akane-chan." Kotaro: "Can I call you that?" Akane: "Yeah." Akane: "And I'll call you Kotarou-kun." Sensei: "I've never seen Azumi and Akanecchi talking, have you?" Miu: "Azumi's pretty plain." Aira: "Come on, what do you like about him?" Akane: "Azumi-kun kind of keeps to himself, but I feel really safe when I'm with him." Aira: "Have you changed, Akanecchi?" Sensei: "They say people change when they fall in love." Aira: "Has anything happened? Tell us!" Miu: "No secrets, remember?" Aira: "Hey, I know her." Kaneko: "Who is she?" Aira: "She's a new idol. She's in dramas and stuff lately. She's so cute, isn't she?" Kaneko: "Try doing that pose." Aira: "Are you crazy?" Kaneko: "I want to see you do it." Aira: "Here?" Aira: "L-Like this?" Kaneko: "You actually thought I was serious? Stupid." Aira: "Jeez!" Kaneko: "You're cute enough without doing that." Sensei: "Summer break is so long." A: "Welcome!" Miu: "Jeez, there are so many people. Hey, I want that." Inaba: "Two of these, please!" Miu: "I wish I were here with a boyfriend." Inaba: "What am I?!" Daichi: "Yo, Kota." Roman: "Wait up. Huh?" Roman: "Did you switch lip gloss?" Sakura: "Ew, creepy! How could he tell I changed my lip gloss? He's totally checking me out! Gross! Oh my God..." Sakura: "I mean, I am kinda happy..." A: "One, two, three, four..." Aoi: "How many times do I have to tell you? Come on, do it right. Ow, ow, ow!" A: "Yes, sir! Sorry, sir!" B: "Me too, Senpai." C: "I can't do it either, Senpai." Aoi: "Do it right!" Chinatsu: "Aoi's popular." Aoi: "Boys are so annoying." Sensei: "Graduation's so far off." Mom: "Novels?" Mom: "I was cleaning Kotarou's room, and I found his half-finished novels." Dad: "You read them?" Mom: "I haven't read them yet." Dad: "I can't condone you reading them, even as his mom. There must be rules against that." Mom: "You think so?" Dad: "You've got a pretty good grasp of how women think."

A: "Exams suck!" B: "I'm so sick of this." Roman: "Picked your first-choice school yet?" Kotaro: "Not yet." Roman: "Have you, Daichi?" Daichi: "More or less, I guess." Daichi: "I'll take what I can, with my grades." Roman: "I already know what I'm gonna do." Daichi: "Really? What?" Roman: "Amateur model." Daichi: "That's not a high school." Roman: "What's wrong with that?" Daichi: "Dude, stop it." Daichi: "Ow, ow! Sorry! Mercy! Mercy!" Kotaro: "High school, huh?" Aoi: "Are your parents coming to the fall meet?" Akane: "I think so." Chinatsu: "Your parents always come, Akanecchi." Aoi: "Mine are too, since it's my last one." Chinatsu: "Isn't it embarrassing?" Aoi: "Totally." Chinatsu: "Right? I'd hate that." Chinatsu: "Maybe I should buy new shoes." Akane: "Sounds good." Chinatsu: "I should, right?" Akane: "Yeah." Chinatsu: "Wait, wait, you're still going to do track in high school, right?" Akane: "I don't know." Aoi: "I think I will." Chinatsu: "Yeah? Oh, but I guess we still have exams first." Akane: "Sorry I'm late." Kotaro: "It's fine." Kotaro: "Have you chosen a high school?" Akane: "No." Kotaro: "Me, neither." Akane: "Private? Public?" Kotaro: "Probably public." Akane: "Yeah?" Akane: "My sister's in a private school." Kotaro: "Girls' school?" Akane: "Yeah." Kotaro: "You, too?" Akane: "I don't know yet." Kotaro: "The same school, maybe..." Kotaro: "If we can." Akane: "Yeah." Kotaro: "I don't know if I can, though." Akane: "Why not?" Kotaro: "You have really good grades." Akane: "Not at all." Kotaro: "We live close, though, even if we're at different high schools." Akane: "Yeah." Daisuke: "Hey, Akane-chan. Welcome." Akane: "Thanks for having me." Daisuke: "Thanks for watching the shop, Kotarou-kun. Here, a gift." Kotaro: "Thanks." Kotaro: "Did you find the record you wanted?" Daisuke: "Yup, found it. Honestly, thanks for watching the shop." Akane: "When do you want to do the parent-teacher meeting?" Mom: "Whenever you want." Akane: "Where should I go for high school?" Mom: "Have you decided?" Akane: "I'm still thinking." Mom: "Can you clear off the table for me?" Akane: "Sure." Dad: "Okay, your attention, please. Dad has an announcement to make." Mom: "What?" Dad: "I—" Ayane: "I'm home." Mom: "Welcome home." Akane: "Welcome home." Ayane: "I'm so hungry." Dad: "Welcome home." Dad: "I'm probably going to be transferred in the next reshuffle. I'll be at the head office." Akane: "Huh? We're moving?" Ayane: "Again?" Dad: "I won't know until they tell me." Mom: "Is it already that time again?" Ayane: "The head office in Chiba?" Dad: "Yeah." Akane: "This is too sudden." Ayane: "Hey, let's move to Tokyo, then." Dad: "Maybe." Mom: "It's dinner time. Put your stuff away and get changed." Ayane: "Okay." Ayane: "Where are we going, if we go to Chiba?" Dad: "Around Ichikawa, maybe." Ayane: "Nice! That's closer to my school." Mom: "It's been so far for you, huh? I'm sorry." Akane: "What should I do?" Ayane: "You don't know any schools in Chiba, do you?" Mom: "Come to think of it, I hear Koumei High School is a good one in that area." Akane: "Koumei?" Mom: "I heard about it in yoga class. The instructor's second daughter goes there. They love it. It's big on clubs, too." Ayane: "Koumei High School, right?" Ayane: "This one, I think." Editor: "You don't have talent." Editor: "Well, to be honest, I don't think you're cut out for serious literature." Editor: "Why don't you try light novel-type stuff instead?" Mom: "Dinner's ready, Kotarou." Dad: "Did you have practice again today?" Kotaro: "Yeah." Mom: "Kotarou, have you chosen a school yet?" Mom: "I hate to say this, but are you really thinking about your future?" Mom: "You hardly studied outside of cram school during the summer, either." Mom: "Are you listening?" Kotaro: "Yeah." Mom: "Honestly... Say something to him, dear." Dad: "Not right now. We're eating." Mom: "He has to start taking his exam studies more seriously." Mom: "He hasn't even chosen his high school yet. It's getting way too late." Dad: "I'm sure he's thinking about it, too." Mom: "He's just putting his problems off." Mom: "This is an important time. He has to choose his future." Daisuke: "What's up? You seem out of it." Kotaro: "No, nothing." Kotaro: "Hey..." Daisuke: "Yeah?" Kotaro: "Have you heard of light novels?" Daisuke: "I run a bookstore." Kotaro: "Have you read any?" Daisuke: "Sure." Kotaro: "Were they any good?" Daisuke: "Some of them. They're the same as regular novels. Some of them are good, and some of them suck." Daisuke: "It depends on your taste, too." Kotaro: "Huh..." Daisuke: "Why?" Kotaro: "Someone recommended them to me." Daisuke: "Why don't you read one, if you're curious? I have plenty, too." A: "Daisuke!" Daisuke: "Coming." Akane: "All right." Mom: "Take care. I'll come to cheer for you later." Akane: "Okay. See you." Chinatsu: "It's time." Akane: "Yeah." A: "She told me to upload it." B: "Together?" A: "I think so. Man, my turn's in the afternoon." B: "That's a problem?" A: "Well, not really." Kotaro: "I'd like one, please." Akane: "All right." Hira: "They're going to call for the third-year 100-meter soon." Chinatsu: "Let's go, Akane." Akane: "Okay." A: "Go, Senpai!" B: "You've got this." C: "Go!" Chinatsu: "Cheer for us, okay?" A: "Yup!" Dad: "There she is! Akane!" Mom: "Go, Akane!" A: "The eight competitors of group 1 in the girls' 100-meter dash will now enter." B: "On your marks..." B: "Set..." A: "The eight competitors of group 2 will now enter." B: "On your marks..." B: "Set..." Hira: "Mizuno!" Chinatsu: "Go!" Hira: "Yes! A new personal best!" Chinatsu: "Akane!" A: "Man, my nerves..." Chinatsu: "The boys start at noon, right?" Akane: "Yeah, 400." Aoi: "Good job. Personal best." Akane: "Thanks." Akane: "Jeez, Mom." Aoi: "What's up?" Akane: "Nothing." Chinatsu: "It's over." Akane: "Yeah." Chinatsu: "This is our last lunch together." Aoi: "Hey, don't say that." Chinatsu: "But..." Aoi: "Don't!" Chinatsu: "We ran so much." Aoi: "Seriously, don't. I'll cry." Chinatsu: "It was so exhausting." Aoi: "Chinatsu!" Aoi: "She's crying." Akane: "Well..." Chinatsu: "Akane." Akane: "Thanks for the past three years." Aoi: "You, too." Chinatsu: "I would've given up without you two." Aoi: "Chinatsu..." Aoi: "Thanks." Akane: "Don't laugh." Hira: "Well, your nose is really red." Chinatsu: "He's right." Aoi: "Bright red." Akane: "You're awful!" Hira: "Are you continuing?" Hira: "Track. In high school." Akane: "Are you?" Hira: "I am." Akane: "I think I want to." Akane: "I like running." Hira: "You should go to a competitive school, if you're serious about it." Hira: "The equipment and environment are way better. That's what last year's third-years told me." Akane: "Which school's competitive?" Hira: "Tokorozawa Sakae, or Saitama Academy..." Akane: "I can't go if I move, though." Akane: "It's not decided or anything yet. Don't tell anyone, okay?" Hira: "Where to?" Akane: "Chiba? I think they said Ichikawa." Hira: "Chiba..." Hira: "I think Koumei's good in Chiba. I think you could make it in on a recommendation." Akane: "I've heard of it." Akane: "My mom said it's good, too." Akane: "Okay." Hira: "You're moving, huh?" Akane: "I told you, I don't know." A: "Mizuno-senpai, Sensei's calling." Akane: "Okay." Chinatsu: "And then?" Aoi: "She just randomly started talking to me." Chinatsu: "Seriously?" Aoi: "I'm pretty sure we met at some track meet..." Chinatsu: "You remembered her?" Aoi: "Vaguely." Akane: "That's amazing." Chinatsu: "Sounds like she'll make for a good rival." Hira: "Hey..." Chinatsu: "Yeah?" Hira: "Why don't we all go to the Kawagoe Festival together next month?" Aoi: "Sounds good." Hira: "It'll be the last thing the track club does together." Akane: "Yeah, I'll go." Chinatsu: "Are you sure, Akane?" Chinatsu: "What about Azumi-kun?" Akane: "He's going to be in the hayashi." Chinatsu: "Oh, yeah." Hira: "All right, I'll message everyone on LINE later." Chinatsu: "Okay." Aoi: "Where should we go?" Chinatsu: "This is unusual." Hira: "Huh?" Chinatsu: "You, inviting everyone to go together." Hira: "I'm the club captain, after all." Chinatsu: "Yeah." Chinatsu: "Hey, Hira..." Chinatsu: "Have you not given up?" Hira: "On what?" Hira: "I haven't even taken a shot yet." Chinatsu: "I don't blame you." Chinatsu: "You can't change how you feel." Dad: "Can I come in?" Kotaro: "Yeah." Dad: "Listen," Dad: "about high school..." Dad: "You don't have to get into a good school." Dad: "Go wherever you need to go to do what you love." Dad: "Take it easy." Dad: "Well, goodnight." Akane: "No!" Ayane: "No what?" Akane: "Uh, nothing." Ayane: "You should go out with a guy with high specs. Smart, kind, good-looking, rich, and..." Kassai: "Truck coming through!" Kassai: "Sorry for the inconvenience. Pardon." Ayane: "He's the one!" Ayane: "And that's how I met my boyfriend." Kassai: "You should go out with a guy with a trade skill." gahara: "We went in Kyoto, too." Kaneko: "Seriously?" Inaba: "Damn!" Kaneko: "You had the money?" gahara: "Her parents are loaded." Inaba: "Holy crap." Kaneko: "You're a god." gahara: "I know, right?" Setsuko: "We went in Kyoto, too." Miu: "Ew!" Aira: "Gross." Miu: "Who paid?" Setsuko: "I did. All of it." Miu: "That sucks!" Aira: "What a parasite."

Makoto: "An isekai adventure normally starts like this... Or like this. A kind goddess grants a mortal heroic powers, and beloved by the residents of the other world," Makoto: "the hero enjoys adventures with cute heroines." Makoto: "I used to think that way, too." Makoto: "But these are my heroines." Makoto: "And these are my adventures." Makoto: "To top it all off, I suffer fates like these." Makoto: "What I've learned since coming to another world is... It is the case that when it comes to isekai I have awful luck." Makoto: "I am Misumi Makoto, and my life is a joke." Makoto: "It was an ordinary day. In the morning, I ate breakfast with my family. After school, I had archery practice." Makoto: "I went home and had dinner. After taking a bath, I browsed the web and did some reading." Makoto: "Hey, Dad's new book came out." Makoto: "It was an ordinary, peaceful day." Makoto: "So I should be asleep in my house." Makoto: "Where am I?" Tsukuyomi: "You seem rather calm." Makoto: "Who's there?" Tsukuyomi: "Would you believe me if I said I was a god?" Makoto: "Definitely not." Tsukuyomi: "You're about to enter another world. Please provide your signature to indicate your consent." Makoto: "I can't be suddenly whisked off into an isekai." Tsukuyomi: "That's odd. I was told they already ran the idea by you. Forgive me." Tsukuyomi: "I am the ruler of the realm of night, Tsukuyomi. I have come to make you a hero and hand you over to the goddess of another world." Makoto: "Tsukuyomi? As in Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto? As in one of the three noble children from Japanese mythology?" Tsukuyomi: "Ah, you're quite well-read." Makoto: "What's Tsukuyomi doing here?" Tsukuyomi: "You really don't know anything." Tsukuyomi: "First, your parents are from another world." Makoto: "Huh? What?! Now that you mention it, I've never met any of my relatives. But an isekai?" Tsukuyomi: "Due to certain circumstances, your parents signed a contract with the goddess of another world and came to Japan." Tsukuyomi: "They agreed to someday give her whatever was most important to them." Makoto: "You mean if I don't go, one of my sisters, Yukiko or Mari, will be taken?" Tsukuyomi: "Indeed." Makoto: "Very well, I'll go. But..." Tsukuyomi: "Do not worry, Makoto-dono." Tsukuyomi: "I shall dispose of the numerous products you own which depict the stuff of men's dreams." Makoto: "You really are a god!" Tsukuyomi: "The contract looks good. Are you sure this letter is the only thing I need to deliver to your family?" Makoto: "Yes." Tsukuyomi: "In that case..." Makoto: "What's this?" Tsukuyomi: "You must shed the world you've lived in until now." Tsukuyomi: "I shall grant you all the power I can." Makoto: "Thank... you?!" Tsukuyomi: "Goddess, do you intend to take him without even saying hello?" Tsukuyomi: "Makoto-dono, the goddess you're about to meet has a lot of problems. But try to be as patient with her as you can." Makoto: "I will. If you say so, then I'll accept her, no matter how ridiculous she may be." Makoto: "It's so bright!" Goddess: "You're already here? Old Tsukuyomi must have grown pretty weak." Makoto: "The g-goddess?" Goddess: "The demons and spirits of this world have begun doing as they please. My hyumans are in big trouble." Goddess: "I thought I'd summon you to help..." Goddess: "Are you really their child? But you're so ugly." Goddess: "Not a trace of swan in you. Whose ugly duckling are you?" Goddess: "Anyway, I guess I'll be using the cooling-off rule. Could you get out of my sight, please? Your existence disgusts and irritates me." Makoto: "Y-You're the one who summoned me!" Goddess: "You savage! Even your voice is ugly! I've found other heroes suitable for my world. You can stay put at the edge of my world, filth." Makoto: "What?" Goddess: "I hate to give you any power, but I'll compromise by giving you the ability to understand, speak, read, and write languages other than the hyuman language. What a hassle." Goddess: "Enjoy a meager life with lowly orcs and goblins. Whatever you do, don't spread your hideous seed among my hyumans." Goddess: "Now go." Goddess: "I wonder if the fall will kill him." Goddess: "I couldn't bear it if he came back." Makoto: "You can't be serious! You can't treat me like a pest! Damn it!" Tsukuyomi: "Makoto-dono." Makoto: "Tsukuyomi-sama!" Tsukuyomi: "I didn't think the goddess would resort to such violence. Well, you should be fine falling from this height." Makoto: "What?" Tsukuyomi: "The world you lived in was a harsh and barren world beyond our protection. Your magic powers and physical body were under considerable strain." Tsukuyomi: "Released from that burden, you should be quite powerful in this world." Makoto: "How awfully convenient." Tsukuyomi: "But you can still die. You've been warned." Makoto: "Huh?" Makoto: "Tsukuyomi-sama, your body..." Tsukuyomi: "This communication consumed a great deal of strength." Tsukuyomi: "I must now sleep for several centuries." Makoto: "No way..." Tsukuyomi: "The goddess herself stripped you of your role as a hero. There's no need for restraint. Misumi Makoto, in the name of Tsukuyomi," Tsukuyomi: "I grant you freedom in your new world." Tsukuyomi: "I pray we meet again in the cycle of life and death." Makoto: "Tsukuyomi-sama..." Makoto: "Understood. It's already been three days since I fell to this land and began walking toward that tall mountain." Makoto: "I haven't found any people, animals, or food." Makoto: "Am I still barely able to move after three days of no food or water because I'm superhuman?" Makoto: "Talking to myself feels so fruitless." Makoto: "For three days, I've heard nothing but my own voice, my footsteps, and the wind. Normally, some kind of event would've happened before I reached this point!" Makoto: "I'm so lonely." Emma: "Someone help me." Makoto: "Where? Where did that come from?" Emma: "Someone help me." Makoto: "This way!" Emma: "Someone help me." Makoto: "Gladly!" Makoto: "Huh? A two-headed dog..." Makoto: "and a pig wearing clothes?" Makoto: "No matter! It beats being alone!" Resoud: "Who are you?" Makoto: "Hello! I'm Makoto the human!" Resoud: "What? He's too fast!" Makoto: "Nice to meet you!" Makoto: "Huh?" Makoto: "Gross..." Makoto: "I-I screwed up." Makoto: "Uh, um..." Makoto: "Nice to meet you." Emma: "What? How is a hyuman speaking to me?" Makoto: "How am I speaking to a pig?" Makoto: "I-In any case, it's okay. I'm a kind, gentle guy." Emma: "Definitely not gentle..." Makoto: "But I saved you, right? In other words, I'm on your side." Emma: "O-Okay." Makoto: "Great!" Makoto: "I've actually been lost for three days. Do you know which way I should head to find other people?" Emma: "There aren't any hyuman villages nearby. This barren place, known as the Wasteland, is at the edge of the world." Makoto: "That crappy goddess really did send me to the Far Corner of the World." Emma: "I-I'm a Highland Orc. My name is Emma." Makoto: "Oh, I'm Makoto. Hey, is your village around here?" Emma: "No. I was on my way to that divine mountain to offer myself as a sacrifice to the Shin." Makoto: "It's an event!" Emma: "For the past several years, my village has been enveloped in a fog. Our crops stopped producing. Offering sacrifices caused the fog to subside." Makoto: "And now it's your turn?" Emma: "Up ahead is a place where you can purify yourself. To thank you for saving me from the risoud, you can wash away the exhaustion from your travels there." Makoto: "She's intelligent, and a good person, too. I'd like to save her if I can." Emma: "Makoto-sama?" Makoto: "What a nice floral smell. If I rescued this young woman..." Makoto: "She'd definitely become my heroine." Makoto: "My first meal in three days." Orcs: "I heard hyumans are a violent and cruel bunch. Maybe he's got some demi-human blood in him. Just look at him." Makoto: "Sorry I'm so ugly." Makoto: "No way! The bowls are floating!" Emma: "It's just everyday transportation magic." Makoto: "Emma-san, you can use magic?" Emma: "What? Makoto-sama, you can't?" Makoto: "No. Not at all, actually. Could you teach me how?" Emma: "Let's start with the basics." Emma: "I summon thee, flame that is the core of fire..." Emma: "Bhrid." Makoto: "Wow!" Emma: "This spell is like a magic key that gives mana properties or changes its nature. It's a little difficult to cast since it's not in orcish." Makoto: "It sounds like the same language to me." Makoto: "I summon thee, flame that is the core of fire." Makoto: "Bhrid." Makoto: "Whoa, I did it! What do I do now?" Emma: "I-Imagine a ball of fire and throw it at your target." Makoto: "Imagine, huh? Imagine..." Makoto: "Then fly!" Makoto: "All right!" Makoto: "Does this mean I've mastered the spell?" Emma: "I can't believe you did it so easily." Emma: "Makoto-sama, what's your current level?" Makoto: "There are levels?" Orcs: "What's going on? She's measuring his level. Let's see." Emma: "You're probably Level 200... no, probably 300. Please grab this paper." Makoto: "Okay." Makoto: "What level is this?" Emma: "Um..." Emma: "Level 1." Makoto: "One?" Emma: "Um, shall I teach you some other spells, too?" Makoto: "Yeah, thanks." Emma: "Makoto-sama?" Emma: "Makoto-sama?" Makoto: "Dear Emma." Makoto: "Thanks for yesterday." Makoto: "I'm taking the list of spells and equipment you gave me. It's not much of a thank you, but I'll see what I can do about the Shin." Emma: "I don't believe it." Makoto: "I was able to read that list of spells and write a letter. Must be that crappy goddess's power." Makoto: "If I disappear after defeating the Shin, I should be able to avoid a wedding event. Ideally, I'd like to talk things out, but I should practice in case we have to fight." Makoto: "Bhrid." Makoto: "All right. It works even if I don't speak the incantation. If I can change the shape of my mana, then I'll go with this." Makoto: "That'll work as a target." Makoto: "All right. It worked." Makoto: "What?!" Makoto: "Damn..." Makoto: "I'm sorry!" Demon: "Do you work for the orcs?" Makoto: "They very obviously look like bad guys." Demon: "We used the Shin's name to subjugate the orcs." Demon: "But you were rash. You laid waste to his home." Demon: "The Shin's wrath will surely become real now. It's what you deserve." Makoto: "Clouds?" Makoto: "No, mist?" Makoto: "According to folklore, shen are supposed to be giant clams that produce mirages." Makoto: "But what's normal to me isn't normal in this isekai." Makoto: "He's attacking already?" Makoto: "I'm safe. I'm still alive!" Makoto: "The mist is blinding me. And this is no ordinary mist." Makoto: "I dodged him. Was it instinct? No..." Makoto: "Is this the power Tsukuyomi-sama gave me?" Shen: "Fire bhrid, huh?" Shen: "Getting hit by that spell doesn't even tickle." Shen: "An injury? I'm injured?! But I'm resistant to fire!" Makoto: "Desperate!" Makoto: "Punch! Into! Backhand!" Shen: "Who is this creature? I'm supposed to be invincible." Makoto: "Now for the finisher! Frog Jump Uppercut!" Shen: "Damn you..." Shen: "Damn you!" Makoto: "Wh-What's going on?" Shen: "It's over now. You'll drown in happiness inside my memory illusion." Makoto: "I'm in great shape." Hasegawa: "E-Excuse me." Makoto: "Oh, Hasegawa. What's up?" Hasegawa: "U-Um, I..." Makoto: "A side ponytail. She's been doing her hair that way ever since I complimented it a while back." Makoto: "Doesn't it make her head hurt?" Hasegawa: "Misumi-senpai..." Hasegawa: "I've always looked up to you. I like you. Will you go out with me?" Makoto: "What?" Makoto: "Honestly, I'm not the best-looking." Makoto: "I like school, but I'm not very smart." Makoto: "On top of that..." Hasegawa: "Senpai?" Makoto: "No, wait. Wait a minute." Makoto: "This is too sudden." Makoto: "Wait!" Makoto: "Don't cry, Hasegawa." Hasegawa: "Then we can just try it out for a while." Hasegawa: "You can fall in love with me that way." Makoto: "Huh?!" Hasegawa: "We can't do that?" Makoto: "I-I can't say no." Shen: "Ah, he's a visitor from another world. Huh? This memory... What is this? I've never seen anything like this. I want to ask him about it... Have him tell me all about it!" Hasegawa: "When I saw you draw your bow, I couldn't take my eyes off of you." Hasegawa: "It's the reason I joined the archery club." Hasegawa: "Senpai?" Makoto: "I-I see. Thanks, Hasegawa." Hasegawa: "Please call me by my name." Hasegawa: "It's Nukumi." Makoto: "Okay, but right now, we're still..." Hasegawa: "Senpai, let's hang out a bunch over summer break." Makoto: "Y-Yeah, I'm looking forward to it." Makoto: "No. This isn't real." Makoto: "After all, what really happened was..." Makoto: "I made Hasegawa cry." Makoto: "Hasegawa, I'm sorry for making you act out this farce." Makoto: "I'm starting to understand the power Tsukuyomi-sama gave me." Makoto: "I can create a semicircular area around myself and manipulate the space inside it. For example, I can search the area without being noticed," Makoto: "as well as strengthen things." Makoto: "Shin, thank you for teaching me just how pathetic I am." Shen: "Such exceptional power!" Shen: "But I no longer feel any hostility toward him." Makoto: "Hey." Shen: "Please lay down your arms. Though it was merely an illusion depicting your desires, I apologize for the unpleasant experience." Makoto: "That was my desire?" Shen: "Visitor from another world, my name is Shin. As a greater dragon, I'm considered invincible." Makoto: "I'm Misumi Makoto. As you said, I came here from another world." Shen: "Makoto-dono, would you like to enter a contract with me?" Makoto: "A what?" Shen: "A contract is a special type of magic that grants various benefits when the parties pledge an oath to one another. Both parties are empowered, depending on each other's relative strength." Makoto: "In other words?" Shen: "I'll become your companion. I promise you won't be disappointed." Shen: "I'm terribly interested in your memories. I await your positive response." Makoto: "Hey, how much of my memories did you see? What secrets did you uncover?" Shen: "I wonder. I believe a contract would benefit the both of us." Makoto: "You schemer..." Makoto: "Fine! I look forward to working with you!" Shen: "I hope our relationship lasts for many years to come." Shen: "Then let us perform the contract ritual." Shen: "We'll start with a 50-50 pact." Shen: "He overpowered me? Then let's try 70-30." Shen: "He's too exceptional! Then let's try 80-20!" Shen: "It's finally approaching the correct balance." Shen: "I'm practically his slave, though." Shen: "No matter. I'm excited to see what he... no, what my master will do going forward." Shen: "The time I'm about to spend with my master will surely be the greatest period of my life." Shen: "I look forward to working with you, Master." Makoto: "A cool beauty in Japanese clothes?" Shen: "I prefer that you call me a samurai." Makoto: "You're more hero than heroine..."

Both: "We're gonna die!" Elaine: "Hey, hurry up and defeat those two!" Makoto: "Aw, jeez..." Mio: "I've had enough. I'll eat them all." Tomoe: "Looks like you're having a delightful time." Makoto: "Telepathy? Is that you, Tomoe?" Makoto: "Can you tell what's going on? Is there anything you can do about it?" Tomoe: "I don't know that I can help someone who left me by mineself to go on a date with Mio." Makoto: "A date? It's not like that!" Tomoe: "You were holding hands. If I even mention katanas or sake, you get mad at me." Makoto: "Fine! I'll allow you to pursue katana-making and rice farming!" Tomoe: "I've been waiting to hear you say that! Rewards and punishments are the way of the world!" Tomoe: "Create a smokescreen at the feet of the adventurers." Tomoe: "I'll take that opportunity to summon a mist gate, and..." Makoto: "We'll lead them to the illusory city." Tomoe: "Precisely. We can feed Mio some of her favorite food to bring her around. We can feed Mio some of her favorite food to bring her around." Makoto: "Her favorite food?" Makoto: "That's me." Aqua: "He set his companions on fire?" Makoto: "And for her..." Makoto: "Yah!" Makoto: "Ouch..." Makoto: "Come on, Mio! Return to your senses!" Makoto: "The feel of her tongue..." Aqua: "What are they doing?" Eris: "That's creepy." Mio: "Young Master, you were delicious." Makoto: "Now she's completely relaxed." Aqua: "Hyumans are such ridiculous creatures." Eris: "Our patience is nearing its limit." Makoto: "Mio, can you fight?" Mio: "Yes, Young Master." Eris: "Freeze, air. Be my blade." Makoto: "I think it's dark magic that counters enemy spells while the incantation is being spoken. She's efficiently consuming her mana. Mio really is amazing." Eris: "How very strange and mysterious. My spell won't activate." Mio: "Thanks for the meal." Makoto: "Mio, mind the light." Mio: "Got it." Aqua: "What?" Eris: "My eyes!" Makoto: "Mio, tie them up just in case." Malcolm: "Where are we?" Erine: "This isn't Tinarak Forest." Elaine: "What's going on? Where are we?" gment: "Welcome to the illusory city." Aqua: "In other words, you came to talk to us, not steal our flowers?" Makoto: "Yes. Despite my appearance, I'm actually a merchant. I'm interested in purchasing wares or making some kind of deal." Aqua: "We'll run it by the others." Eris: "We'll escort you to the village." Aqua: "I'm Aqua." Eris: "I'm Eris." Makoto: "When combined, their names sound like some kind of sports drink." Eris: "Welcome to Forest Ogre Village." Makoto: "It looks like the entire village is surrounded by a concealing barrier." Makoto: "I've felt this sensation before." Aqua: "The barrier protects the red lotuses and our village." Eris: "We invite all suspicious persons to visit our village." Eris: "Applause, please." Makoto: "You were definitely trying to kill us." Eris: "It happens. Not everything goes as planned. That's life." Makoto: "This girl is exhausting." Aqua: "Could you release our bonds? We'll take you to the elders." Makoto: "And this one is terrifying!" lgistori: "Welcome to Forest Ogre Village. I am Nilgistori, representative of the elders." Mio: "Forest ogres? You're not elves?" Elder 1: "Unlike the elves who draw strength from the spirits..." Elder 2: "We manage this forest using what we know." Elder 3: "In other words, we're a different species." Makoto: "Do the elders always speak in order?" Adono: "We're not a different species from the elves." Adono: "I am Nilgistori's son, Adono. I thought I'd greet our guests." Adono: "We forest ogres are the ancestors of the elves. We call ourselves by different names, but it doesn't change the truth." Elder 1: "The elves are dependent on the woods." Elder 2: "We forest ogres create the woods..." Elder 3: "And rule over them." Adono: "You insist that we continue to live in hiding, even after the dragon's barrier has weakened?" Makoto: "Huh? Dragon's barrier?" Adono: "I heard you are merchants." Makoto: "Yes. We came looking for medicinal ingredients." Adono: "Merchants powerful enough to defeat Aqua and Eris?" Makoto: "I-I know a bit about self-defense." Adono: "I'll choose to believe you for now." Adono: "Farewell." Makoto: "Is he suspicious of me?" lgistori: "Please excuse my son. He didn't behave that way before." lgistori: "Now, then, we have a few questions for you." Makoto: "They had all kinds of questions for us." Aqua: "This evening, we'll be holding a feast to apologize for keeping you constrained. But first, we'd like to introduce you to our master." Makoto: "Master? Yeah, no thanks." Eris: "Hey. It's okay. It only hurts at first. Just a little." Makoto: "It hurts?! No way!" Makoto: "I've been feeling emotionally unstable since I cut back on shooting a bow." Mio: "Young Master..." Mondo: "Hey!" Mondo: "You're the village's guests?" Makoto: "Aw, crap. What to do? Yet again, I'm faced with what's surely a headache." Aqua: "Master!" Eris: "Why'd you have to burst through the wall?" Makoto: "I knew this guy would be their master!" Mondo: "I heard you treated Aqua and Eris like children." Mondo: "I'm Mondo. First things first." Makoto: "I-I really don't want to do this, but..." Mondo: "Ah..." Mondo: "How intriguing." Makoto: "Could you let go now?" Aqua: "M-Master..." Eris: "Could it be..." Mondo: "It's been a while since I've felt anything that good." Mio: "Thirty-two!" Makoto: "Let go of me!" Mondo: "What?!" Both: "Master!" Makoto: "That was a forced exit." Mio: "I-I only got to hold your hand for 31 seconds. But that ruffian held your hand for 32 seconds. He deserves to die!" Makoto: "That's terrifying! And wait, you were counting?!" Mondo: "That strike... Who is she? That man didn't activate that power, either." Aqua: "Master!" Eris: "Found him." Eris: "Did you hit your head and lose your mind?" Mondo: "Neither one is an ordinary hyuman." Mondo: "They'll regret meeting me." Mio: "Reconnaissance?" Makoto: "Yeah. I want you to investigate that Adono guy who visited the elders and the master we just met." Mio: "That pervert?" Makoto: "Could you confirm that he's alive while also gathering information?" Mio: "Gather? You mean I'll be a spy. I saw it in your memories. They dodge red beams of light." Makoto: "Beams of light?" Mio: "I hope someday we can acquire the world's hidden treasures together. Well, I'm off." Makoto: "Mio's starting to resemble Tomoe." Mio: "Nothing delights me more than being used by the young master." Mio: "But lately, he seems anxious and impatient. If he's asking for my help because he's exhausted, that would make me a little sad." Mio: "Since acquiring this form, I've had more things to think about." Mio: "The 32-second pervert is coming." Mio: "That's odd. He's uninjured." Mio: "Powerful earth mana hangs about him." Mio: "I see. He must be possessed by something." Mio: "My memories from when I was a spider are responding to something." Mio: "They're telling me it's delicious." Mio: "Whoops!" Mio: "Something's caught in the threads I strung up in the village." Mio: "Is this a telepathic conversation?" Adono: "Yes. Recently, only research expeditions and merchants have come from Tsige." Mio: "One speaker is Adono. Who is the other?" Mio: "Oh? Is this wiretapping? It's my first wiretapping experience!" Adono: "It's all right. No one will investigate our connection to the demons." Makoto: "I see. So their master is possessed by something, and Adono is connected to the demons. Sounds complicated." Mio: "Yes. I did not have the opportunity to dodge any red beams of light, though." Makoto: "O-Oh, yeah? Anyway, I know you just came back, but could you swap with Tomoe in the demiplane? With Tomoe-san?" Makoto: "There's something I want to confirm." Makoto: "What a beautiful dance." Makoto: "What's that?" Mondo: "You can't fool me." Makoto: "Adono and the perverted master?" Adono: "Mondo, what are you—" Lich: "You shall fuel my material form." Adono: "No... Don't..." Makoto: "Why did you kill them?" Lich: "This one simply can't move because I've absorbed his vitality. But that one was associated with some troublesome creatures. I killed him because he became a nuisance." Makoto: "Did you have a falling-out?" Lich: "No, you're the one I want." Lich: "There's something I want to ask you." Makoto: "Your obsession with knowledge led you to acquire an immortal body." Makoto: "You must be a lich." Lich: "Ah, you're a bright one." Makoto: "Yeah, I learned that from a video game." Lich: "I'm intrigued that you can withstand my miasma. But not even you would be unaffected by this spell. And if you dodge it, the forest ogres will die." Makoto: "I don't intend to dodge it." Lich: "Then you shall fuel my knowledge!" Makoto: "Unfortunately for you, I have resistance to spells that inflict status effects." Lich: "My spell is ineffective?" Makoto: "I'm not as skillful as Mio, but I can do my best." Makoto: "Darkness, consume at my command!" Lich: "What is this spell?" Lich: "Stop! Don't consume me! B-But I wanted to become a grant!" Lich: "I just wanted to... once more..." Makoto: "Don't worry. I won't kill you." Makoto: "There really is something wrong with me. I can't believe looking down on a feebly trembling enemy made me feel a little better." All: "A monster? What's it doing in the village?" Makoto: "You came, Tomoe." Makoto: "I want to speak with this lich later." Tomoe: "Very well." All: "It vanished?" Elder 1: "What did you do?" Elder 2: "You're no merchant after all!" Elder 3: "We planned to lower your guard with a feast so we could execute you!" Makoto: "Execute me? That was their plan?" Tmoeo: "Huh? That ogre..." Tomoe: "Nilgistori, I'm glad to see you're doing well." lgistori: "I don't recall meeting you." Tomoe: "Unbelievable. You cried and begged for mineself to create a mist barrier." lgistori: "How do you know that name?" Makoto: "So it was Tomoe who made the barrier surrounding this village." Tomoe: "Was changing my form enough for you to fail to recognize me? You've grown weak, Nilgistori." lgistori: "Sh-Shin-sama! Everyone, bow your heads! This is Shin-sama, the greater dragon!" Tomoe: "You should be directing your respect toward the young master, not me." lgistori: "The young master?" Tomoe: "I am the servant of this man, Kuzunoha-sama." All: "Seriously?" Makoto: "Now, time to head back to the demiplane and question that lich." Makoto: "What were you doing in that village?" Lich: "I entered the body of a forest ogre so I could observe their abilities." Tomoe: "The young master is asking for your reason for doing that. What is your goal that you became immortal to achieve?" Lich: "Everything I do is in pursuit of becoming a grant." Tomoe: "Oh?" Makoto: "A grant?" Lich: "Grants are high-ranking hyumans. They are superior to ordinary hyumans in every way." Makoto: "This world has a species called grants, too?" Lich: "I have a question for you, too. What was that spell you used to defeat me?" Makoto: "That was plain old dark magic. I couldn't wield it as well as my followers, but I used dark mana to consume the spell you were casting." Lich: "Th-That takes a tremendous amount of mana. It's like buying a single copper coin for a hundred gold." Makoto: "You're right. Ordinarily, I'd never do something like that." Lich: "Don't be absurd! Are you saying you're the incarnation of a spirit?" Tomoe: "How dare you speak to the young master like that?" Mio: "Shall we scatter your body across the Wasteland?" Makoto: "Calm down, you two." Makoto: "You seem quite knowledgeable about magic." Makoto: "If you possess any spellbooks, I'd be interested in purchasing several." Lich: "You're inquiring about my spells now? Are you trying to offend me?" Makoto: "No, I simply want to learn. My magic textbook is a single sheet of paper written for me by an orc I know." Lich: "A s-single sheet of paper?!" Tomoe: "Young Master, perhaps you shouldn't unthinkingly murder him with your words." Makoto: "Huh?" Tomoe: "If you desire a book to teach you magic, then why not keep the entire lich? You want to become a grant because you're aware" Tomoe: "of the existence of another world that isn't the goddess's, don't you?" Makoto: "Tomoe, you mean—" Tomoe: "Through researching various documents and folklore, you came to define grants as high-ranking hyumans who could freely travel between worlds." Lich: "That... That's right. A grant could travel between worlds. I could travel to any world I desire!" Makoto: "Travel to any world he desires?" Makoto: "Even the world I came from?" Tomoe: "That's impossible." Lich: "What?" Tomoe: "You're mistaken. In the past, there were hyumans who found rifts in this world and entered them." Tomoe: "But most were drawn back into this world after seeing those other worlds. Only a handful of them went on to live new lives in other worlds instead of returning to this one." Tomoe: "They are what we call grants. In other words, they didn't travel to other worlds because they became grants." Tomoe: "Those who successfully traveled to other worlds are called grants." Lich: "N-No..." Makoto: "But there is a way to travel between worlds?" Tomoe: "I'm sure there is, but the odds of surviving such a trip are incredibly low. Even if this world's goddess allowed you to open a gate between worlds, you'd have less than a 10% chance of success." Makoto: "Less than 10%..." Makoto: "That's practically suicide." Lich: "Then what have all my efforts been for?" Tomoe: "I won't force you to tell us what you wanted. But if you still can't let go of that," Tomoe: "then form a contract with the young master and become his servant." Makoto: "Huh?!" Tomoe: "If you're interested in learning more about magic, it couldn't hurt to keep the lich around." Makoto: "You're not wrong." Lich: "Y-You have a need for a creature like me?" Makoto: "The lich was also searching for a world that isn't this one." Makoto: "Just like me." Makoto: "Yes. Lend me your strength." Elaine: "Jeez." Elaine: "These pigs are an eyesore." Erine: "But they said they'd share their rare goods with us." Elaine: "It's humiliating to accept charity from livestock. We should steal their treasures." Erine: "You're right." Malcolm: "Come to think of it, I saw something that looked like a treasury on the way here." Hokuto: "Fragment, where should I take these?" gment: "To that waste storage warehouse. Make sure it stays organized." gment: "Handle that stuff carefully." Hokuto: "Yes, ma'am." Hokuto: "What is it? It's time to go to sleep." Orc: "I gotta pee." Mio: "I can't believe they turned out to have a 10-0 pact of consumption. I'd never allow such an impurity to be absorbed into the master." Tomoe: "It took the young master suppressing his own mana and spent rings to finally reach a pact of control." Lich: "A-Are you sure you want me as a servant?" Makoto: "You've got wonderfully healthy bones. I expect great things from you." Makoto: "Come to think of it, I couldn't tell from just his bones, but this lich..." Lich: "So warm." Lich: "I feel the heartbeat of life." Tomoe: "Ah, so that's how it is." Mio: "Is this what he looked like before his death?" Makoto: "This isn't appropriate for the eyes of young women!" Lich: "Young Master, thank you for granting me the honor of becoming your servant." Makoto: "Yeah, sure. There's no need to be so formal. Welcome aboard." Lich: "Yes, sir." Tomoe: "Well, lich? I doubt you have any regrets." Mio: "You'll have to learn the rules of servitude as well as those concerning the young master." Makoto: "G-Go easy on him." Tomoe: "Anyway, Young Master, we have a lot to teach this former skeleton. We'll need to visit the memory vault to—" Makoto: "Tomoe?" Tomoe: "This is inconvenient." Makoto: "A-An explosion?" Tomoe: "Young Master, I am sorry." Tomoe: "I made a mistake." Mio: "Tomoe-san?" Makoto: "Tomoe!" Makoto: "Tomoe!"

Makoto: "What happened?" Makoto: "Mio, stop the bleeding." Makoto: "I'm heading to the site of the explosion." Makoto: "Lich, come with me." Lich: "Yes, Master." Lich: "I'm... sorry..." Makoto: "What's wrong?" Lich: "I'm unaccustomed to this flesh and blood body. I can't run very well." Makoto: "Like an old geezer?" Lich: "I thought it'd be better to save my mana to heal the injured rather than spend it getting there." Makoto: "What? You can use healing magic even though you're a lich?" Lich: "Yes, I'm quite good at it." Makoto: "I-If you can do it from here, then go ahead and do it." Lich: "Understood." Makoto: "M-My view on the undead is in tatters." Makoto: "Even the children..." Makoto: "Hokuto?" Makoto: "What about the alke's super regeneration?" Makoto: "They're not breathing. They're cold, too." Makoto: "I recognize this feeling." Young Makoto: "It's cold, and it's not moving." Makoto Mom: "Makoto, it's already dead." Makoto Mom: "I know it's sad, but..." Lich: "Young Master." Lich: "I've managed to save the creatures in the surrounding area. The ones closest to you are the most badly injured." Makoto: "Badly injured? Then they're not dead." Lich: "I shall focus my spell on them. Young Master, you should cast your own healing magic, too." Makoto: "I can only heal people using my Kai." Makoto: "It has no effect." Makoto: "If only I could cast healing magic..." Makoto: "If only I could combine my magic with his..." Makoto: "Combine? That's it! I'll cast another healing Kai on top of this one!" Makoto: "Good. Good!" Makoto: "Are you all right? Can you understand me?" Makoto: "Th-Thank goodness." Lich: "They seem to be stable now. I'll handle the rest." Makoto: "Thanks." Makoto: "That's odd." Makoto: "What is my mana doing all over this place?" Child Orc: "Y-Young Master..." Makoto: "That's..." Hayato: "I'm actually assigned to the next shift of guiding adventurers to the illusory city." Makoto: "This belongs to that orc." Child Orc: "He's over there with the fragment, trying to stop the hyumans." Makoto: "This is the site of the explosion." Makoto: "There are traces of a mist gate." Makoto: "Did the explosion happen to open the gate to Tsige we opened once before?" Makoto: "I sense an adventurer on the other side of the gate." Makoto: "The other two adventurers are over here." Makoto: "I sense Tomoe's fragment and an orc, too." Mio: "People can only diffuse their consciousness when they d-die." Makoto: "No! What happened?" Makoto: "I can ask the adventurer who entered the gate..." Elaine: "So that's Kuzunoha, huh?" Makoto: "What is this?" Elaine: "He seems like someone we can use." Makoto: "That woman's memories?" Tanuki: "P-Please give that back!" Elaine: "Oh, shut up. You should be happy to be useful to a hyuman. Oh, shut up. You should be happy to be useful to a hyuman. You're a nice guy, mister." Child Orc: "What are you doing, hyumans?" Malcolm: "Go to sleep, pig!" Hokuto: "What's wrong? Are you all right?" Hayato: "Stop! These items are flagged for disposal!" Erine: "Let go, demi-human!" Elaine: "Now, these are suitable for hyumans." Hayato: "Those are truly dangerous!" gment: "No, Hayato! Don't do anything reckless!" Elaine: "Stay back, livestock!" gment: "No! Wall of water!" Elaine: "A clay aegis..." Elaine: "Is this Tsige?" Elaine: "That's right. That ring exploded, and..." Elaine: "Where are the weapons we stole?" Elaine: "I survived." Elaine: "Mist?" Elaine: "Who's there?" Elaine: "Is that you, Kuzunoha? What's wrong with your face?" Makoto: "Oh, right. My mask. I forgot." Elaine: "You're hideous. Are you a demi-human, too?" Makoto: "I don't care what you think." Makoto: "Honestly, I'm disgusted with myself." Elaine: "What is that? A demi-human language?" Makoto: "I didn't understand" Makoto: "what it meant for demi-humans to offer their hospitality to hyumans." Elaine: "What do you want?" Makoto: "What a coincidence." Makoto: "Draupnir exploded. Thanks to the fragment's wall and the clay aegis, you happened to survive. The explosion happened to open a mist gate." Elaine: "Don't! Stay back!" Makoto: "Was it a miracle? Fate?" Makoto: "Hyumans are so ridiculously lucky." Elaine: "Wh-What are you saying?" Makoto: "Right now, from the bottom of my heart," Makoto: "I wish that I had killed you instead." Elaine: "I'm a Level 96 adventurer! I won't be beaten by a merchant!" Makoto: "This shortsword is the traditional weapon of the orc you killed during your pointless struggle." Elaine: "Stay back." Elaine: "You filthy creature..." Elaine: "Stay back!" Elaine: "I'm telling you to stay back!" Elaine: "My hands! My hands..." Makoto: "So what?" Makoto: "You killed them, too." Makoto: "Hyumans are number one. Your twisted values hurt the denizens of the demiplane" Makoto: "and killed Tomoe's fragment and a young orc." Elaine: "No... Stay back..." Elaine: "Please don't..." Makoto: "What a truly unpleasant sound." Makoto: "Goodbye." Makoto: "Come to think of it, this is the first time I've deliberately killed someone." Makoto: "So this is what it feels like." Makoto: "What? Why?" Makoto: "Is it because I killed someone for the first time?" Makoto: "Because Tomoe's fragment and the orc died?" Makoto: "No, that's not it." Makoto: "This is..." Young Makoto: "It's sad when things die?" Makoto: "Oh..." Makoto: "That's right." Makoto: "In the world I used to live in, dying is sad. The next day, I pretended I was fine, and held a memorial service for the orc and Tomoe's fragment." Makoto: "The feast of departed souls." Makoto: "A bonfire is lit, and a banquet is held to mourn their deaths." Makoto: "It's a traditional orc funeral. They didn't even leave bodies behind," Makoto: "because they were at the center of the explosion." Makoto: "I was naïve." Makoto: "I didn't understand the first thing about this world." Both: "Shiki?" Makoto: "As in "knowledge" or "common sense."" Makoto: "The lich seems to know a lot about magic." Shiki: "Thank you for the wonderful name." Makoto: "Yeah, you're welcome." Makoto: "Also, there's something I want to ask you, Tomoe." Tomoe: "What is it?" Makoto: "During the explosion, I witnessed an adventurer's memory." Makoto: "Seeing the memories of other creatures is your power, Tomoe." Tomoe: "I see. I'm pleased if this means you killed an insolent adventurer with your own hands and resolved to act as king of the demiplane." Makoto: "Is it possible that by forming contracts with you, I've become some non-human combination of dragon, spider, and undead?" Makoto: "Why are you laughing?!" Tomoe: "I thought you'd overcome a hurdle, but you seem rather confused instead. I couldn't help myself." Makoto: "Confused?" Shiki: "In a contract of control, no part of the servant enters the master's body." Mio: "After all, that would make you equals. You haven't changed at all, Young Master." Makoto: "R-Really?" Tomoe: "It was a coincidence that you were able to use that power. Your uncontrollable emotional response" Tomoe: "and the connection we've formed probably caused it." Makoto: "Huh?!" Mio: "Connection?" Makoto: "Tomoe-san?!" Tomoe: "I'm talking about our bond, or relationship of trust." Shiki: "If you wished, you could use your servants' powers as you pleased." Shiki: "But it does take time to recognize and grow accustomed to them." Shiki: "The exception would be when a master and his servant trust one another. Furthermore, when a master seeks to resolve an emergency, sometimes his servants' abilities manifest uncontrollably." Makoto: "Trust, huh?" Mio: "It was by chance." Mio: "It was just a coincidence! Nothing more! If the young master were ever badly injured, my power would activate!" Tomoe: "Yeah, yeah. That's right." Mio: "Does a make-believe samurai not understand words?" Tomoe: "You think you can compete with me? The young master and mineself have formed a bond." Tomoe: "I believe I'm on a different level than you." Mio: "W-Well, the young master and I have shared blood!" Makoto: "You mean you unilaterally sucked my blood." Tomoe: "Well, he pierced me until I was writhing in agony!" Makoto: "You mean I attacked you with a bhrid." Tomoe: "Shiki's the only one here who was overpowered by him!" Mio: "This isn't about that surplus servant!" Mio: "What's wrong with you?" Tomoe: "What's your problem?" Makoto: "Those two never change..." Emma: "A specialized division?" Makoto: "We'll encircle it with a wall so they believe that's the entire illusory city." Emma: "It's to prevent the weak and children from coming into contact with the adventurers, isn't it?" Makoto: "I'd like to ask the lizardmen to patrol the area." Liddy: "You can count on us." Makoto: "Next, the alke. How are Hokuto's injuries?" Haruna: "It's taken some time, but he's recovering smoothly." Haruna: "I must thank you once again for saving one of my kind." Makoto: "No, it was my mistake that caused this." Haruna: "Not at all. It reminded me that I'm glad to be serving you." Makoto: "Yeah..." Makoto: "Anyway, I want the alke to take turns pretending to be adventurers staying in the city." Makoto: "You'll keep watch and gather information." Haruna: "Yes, Young Master." Makoto: "I'm counting on you guys." Makoto: "I don't want anything like that to happen again." Beren: "About the waste storage warehouse... I've radically reconsidered its management, Waste materials are disposed of immediately, and I plan to install fire-extinguishing mechanisms and shock-absorbing walls." Makoto: "That should keep things safe for a while." Makoto: "Dwarven weapons are quite valuable to adventurers." Makoto: "I'd like you to carefully manage the goods we plan to sell in Tsige, as well." Beren: "I shall attend to my duties responsibly." Child Orc: "Take this!" Orc A: "Young Master!" Makoto: "You're the orc who was often seen with him." Orc A: "Yes." Makoto: "I just finished apologizing to his parents." Orc A: "Young Master, you saved our entire dying village." Orc A: "Giving our lives for the sake of the demiplane is the most any of us could ask for." Makoto: "His parents said the same thing." Makoto: "But I want to make things right." Makoto: "I'm really sorry for what I did." Orc A: "In that case, I'd appreciate words of gratitude rather than an apology." Makoto: "Okay." Makoto: "Thank you for defending the demiplane." Shiki: "Young Master?" Shiki: "Is something the matter?" Makoto: "It's nothing serious." Shiki: "Is something troubling you?" Makoto: "No. I've been thinking about the demiplane's future, and..." Makoto: "I've made up my mind." Rembrandt: "The town of Rotsgard Academy. It's the neutral city I previously told you about. With its numerous educational institutions, all manner of knowledge gathers there." Makoto: "What? If Hokkaido were here, this would basically be the Japanese archipelago." Rembrandt: "Is something the matter?" Makoto: "No." Morris: "Tsige is here." Morris: "The Limia Kingdom and Gritonia Empire are here." Morris: "Located between them is Rotsgard." Rembrandt: "For the time being, no other nations are involved in the area." Rembrandt: "There should be nothing to impede your business." Makoto: "Not having to get involved in espionage will help." Rembrandt: "Anyway, when will you be leaving?" Makoto: "I'm planning to let my associates handle opening the store in Tsige, so I can depart immediately." Rembrandt: "I understand. I'll write you a letter of recommendation." Makoto: "Thank you so much for everything." Makoto: "I truly appreciate your benevolence." Makoto: "It'd be rude to leave things like this." Makoto: "I lied to you about something." Rembrandt: "You lied?" Makoto: "It's about this mask." Rembrandt: "It's, uh... it's all right. My love for my wife and daughters never changed, even when that cursed disease caused them to transform." Rembrandt: "My trust for you is the same, Kuzunoha-dono." Makoto: "Rembrandt-san..." Makoto: "He made it sound so nice, but it was actually kind of mean." Tomoe: "How could you take only Shiki on such an interest—important mission?" Makoto: "You leaked your true thoughts." Mio: "Letting your new servant accompany you makes me jeal— is too great a responsibility!" Makoto: "You leaked your true thoughts, too." Shiki: "Young Master, I'm sorry I failed to convince the two of them." Makoto: "Yeah, sorry." Shiki: "Ah, what a beautiful shore." Makoto: "Don't head toward the water!" Makoto: "Shiki's perfect for the job since he's a former hyuman researcher. Besides, I doubt he'd destroy any towns." Tomoe: "But this is too sudden." Makoto: "I'm doing this because of that adventurer's memories. I thought it was only natural that this world was so incomprehensible, since it's managed by that goddess." Makoto: "But I can't accept that explanation anymore." Makoto: "I want to know more." Makoto: "About hyumans and the goddess." Makoto: "About magic and demons and grants." Makoto: "And about my parents, too." Makoto: "I may be able to learn more about this world if I go to the academy. I'm sorry to leave the demiplane and Tsige in an incomplete state, but I've decided to leave." Makoto: "So I got parting gifts for both of you." Tomoe: "Are these your memories?" Makoto: "Yeah. Yours is on swordsmanship, Tomoe. I learned some iai techniques while studying archery." Makoto: "Mio, yours is on the firearms you expressed an interest in. Since I never got much hands-on experience with them, it's primarily based in fiction." Mio: "Young Master..." Tomoe: "Fine, then. I suppose we'll give in this time." Tomoe: "While you're gone, perhaps I'll look for some new residents." Makoto: "You mean..." Tomoe: "The forest ogres." Makoto: "Them, huh?" Mio: "I'll further our efforts on the illusory city and your shop in Tsige." Makoto: "Okay." Makoto: "Mio, you'll make a great bodygua—poster girl." Mio: "P-Poster girl?!" Makoto: "All right. Normally, when departing for a journey, your friends see you off, you say goodbye to the people who helped you, you take roads and magic circles used by travelers," Makoto: "and new days full of hope await you." Makoto: "At one point, that's what I believed." Goddess: "Found you." Makoto: "Huh?" Rembrandt: "Limia and Gritonia?" Morris: "Yes. Main force units including heroes from both nations will be arriving on the front lines against the demons shortly." Rembrandt: "The war is finally beginning." Tomoe: "Shiki, what's going on?" Mio: "What happened to the young master?" Shiki: "The young master has vanished!" Makoto: "This feeling..." Makoto: "It's bloodlust!" Mitsurugi: "You failed to kill him, Sophia." Sophia: "Don't you mean your blade was too weak, Mitsurugi?" Makoto: "It burns. It hurts... Damn it. What happened?" Makoto: "This woman is strong."

Makoto: "Wh-What is this? What's going on?" Makoto: "My hand..." Makoto: "Calm down, calm down..." Mitsurugi: "A demi-human? Would the goddess ever choose one?" Sofia: "Perhaps even the goddess is short-handed." Makoto: "The goddess? That's right. Just before this happened, I heard that stupid goddess's voice." Makoto: "Tomoe, Mio, Shiki... Can anyone hear me? Answer me." Sofia: "Is his attention elsewhere?" Sofia: "You must be quite confident!" Makoto: "Even barriers and strengthening Kai can't completely block her attacks." Makoto: "My injury is worse than I thought, too." Makoto: "All I've got right now is my bowstring." Sofia: "Huh." Sofia: "I can see why the goddess summoned you." Makoto: "I'm a human!" Makoto: "Who are you? Why are you attacking me?" Mitsurugi: "He's using magic to write?" Sofia: "What a strange fellow." Makoto: "I don't recall doing anything to provoke an attack from you." Sofia: "Unfortunately for you, we sided with the demons instead of the hyumans." Sofia: "In other words, you're our enemy." Makoto: "What does that mean?" Makoto: "I don't get it." Sofia: "Nothing to say?" Sofia: "I suppose there's no reason for enemies to chat on the battlefield." Makoto: "Battlefield?" Makoto: "You mean..." Makoto: "An army? Wait, is this..." Makoto: "the war between demons and hyumans?" Makoto: "Have I gotten caught up in their war?" Mitsurugi: "He's preventing the demon army from advancing." Mitsuguri: "Remove the goddess' disciple quickly." Sofia: "I know, I intend to." Makoto: "I'll have to flee to the demiplane." Makoto: "No, I can't. They'd follow me." Makoto: "I need to buy time and space." Sofia: "Oh, that's your strategy?" Mitsurugi: "Don't let your guard down." Mitsurugi: "I sense mana converging." Makoto: "He knows? No matter! Rapid-fire bhrids!" Makoto: "Now's my chance. Concealing Kai!" Makoto: "Walls? When did these appear?" Makoto: "These make it hard to run." Makoto: "That was close!" Makoto: "I'll summon barriers around my feet." Makoto: "Take this!" Mitsurugi: "What a troublesome ability." Sofia: "Maybe he's better than we thought." Sofia: "Mitsurugi, make me some footholds." Sofia: "These things have some nerve chasing me!" Makoto: "Who are these people?" Makoto: "She vanished?" Makoto: "My barrier..." Makoto: "What should I do?" Sofia: "This is too much fun." Makoto: "That would've been bad if I hadn't been wearing this coat." Sofia: "What was that hilarious object? His fighting technique is negligible," Sofia: "but his basic abilities are freakish." Mitsurugi: "He seems to be receiving the goddess's protection." Sofia: "Which means..." Sofia: "Lay waste to his divine blessings." Sofia: "Now the goddess's protection is gone. Time to die." Makoto: "You can't be serious. I wasn't even receiving the goddess's protection." Mitsurugi: "Really? Now that's interesting." Makoto: "Huh?" Sofia: "Mitsurugi, you understood what he just said?" Mitsurugi: "Red one, what did you mean when you said you weren't receiving the goddess's protection?" Mitsurugi: "You descended rather conspicuously, wrapped in the goddess's gold." Makoto: "I'd like to know the answer to that question, too." Makoto: "In any case, there's no reason for me to fight you." Mitsurugi: "Is he begging for his life?" Sofia: "There's no point in listening to him." Makoto: "They refuse to listen." Mitsurugi: "Surely you don't want to be killed without the chance to identify yourself." Mitsurugi: "We'll allow you to tell us your name." Makoto: "I don't intend to die." Makoto: "Shouldn't you identify yourselves first?" Mitsurugi: "Very well." Mitsurugi: "Sofia Bulga. She's a famous woman also known as the Dragon Slayer." Mitsurugi: "And I am Lancer, more commonly known as Mitsurugi." Makoto: "What? Isn't that the world's strongest adventurer and the dragon she slayed? The ones I heard about in Zetsuya?" Mitsurugi: "What is your name?" Makoto: "Kuzunoha Makoto. I'm an ordinary merchant." Mitsurugi: "A merchant? Such a blatant lie." Sofia: "If you're a merchant, then we're ordinary adventurers who sided with the demons for some reason. And we're the people who will kill you." Makoto: "Yeah, okay." Mitsurugi: "Now, farewell." Sofia: "Here we come." Sofia: "Without the goddess's protection, this should be quick." Makoto: "You're the ones who wouldn't listen no matter how much I denied any connection to the goddess." Makoto: "Concealing to Strengthening Kai!" Makoto: "Release mana! Take this!" Makoto: "I'm not done yet. Strengthening to Investigative Kai." Makoto: "There they are." Makoto: "The dwarves made this uchine for me." Makoto: "I never thought I'd be using it so soon." Makoto: "Strike true." Makoto: "This arrow will hit its target." Sofia: "Incoming!" Makoto: "You're wasting your time." Mitsurugi: "Where is this power coming from?" Sofia: "He's gotten stronger!" Mitsurugi: "Impossible." Mitsurugi: "Has he been cursed by the goddess?" Mitsurugi: "Sofia, return your sword's power to me!" Makoto: "Go." Mitsurugi: "He's using water after fire?" Mitsurugi: "But against water, I have the advantage!" Makoto: "What?" Makoto: "That's what happens when two spells of the same element collide?" Mitsurugi: "His affinity for water is greater than mine?" Makoto: "Enjoy freezing together!" Sofia: "Maybe I can cut off your head!" Sofia: "It reacted again." Sofia: "What a hilarious object." Makoto: "What object?" Makoto: "Huh?" Makoto: "Crap!" Makoto: "An upward slash! I'm screwed!" Sofia: "No way..." Makoto: "Huh?" Makoto: "What was that?" Makoto: "Dwarven weapons are incredible." Sofia: "You're totally crazy, aren't you?" Makoto: "Let go of me!" Sofia: "Careful. You'll hurt yourself struggling." Sofia: "No need to rush. I'll release you." Sofia: "See you later, Kuzunoha!" Makoto: "This again?!" Makoto: "The way down sucks, too! No, I still have time." Mitsurugi: "Finished?" Sofia: "Probably. Let's signal the demon army to advance." Makoto: "Take these with you!" Mitsurugi: "No!" Makoto: "This is to thank you for toying with me!" Sofia: "Mitsurugi, are you alive?" Mitsurugi: "Barely." Sofia: "My armor's been destroyed. I'm naked." Mitsurugi: "I lost a leg." Sofia: "He's dead, right?" Mitsurugi: "Probably." Mitsurugi: "What was he, though?" Sofia: "Kuzunoha, huh?" Sofia: "If he's still alive, I'll find him and kill him." Makoto: "I'm at home in the demiplane?" Makoto: "Wh-What's going on here?" Makoto: "I mustn't look." Makoto: "Huh? My wounds..." Tomoe: "Young Master!" Mio: "Young Master!" Makoto: "Good morning." Morris: "Is that from our usual informant?" Rembrandt: "The battle for Fort Stella... Apparently those who miraculously survived the tragedy are saying that the explosion was caused by the goddess's third disciple." Rembrant: "They say it was a mage dressed in red." Tomoe: "Mitsurugi? That brat isn't dead?" Makoto: "Nope. He was with Sofia the Dragon Slayer. Apparently they mistook me for part of the hyuman army." Shiki: "The goddess probably tried to force you into fighting the demons. That's why she used the magic circle to send you to the battlefield." Makoto: "So it's all that stupid goddess's fault." Mio: "How dare she do that to the Young Master?" Makoto: "Now, now..." Makoto: "I was also careless and unprepared." Makoto: "In particular, it's imperative that I increase the amount of mana I can use at once." Shiki: "I believe you're correct." Makoto: "I'm sure things will change once I learn the basics of magic." Makoto: "I'm going to the academy with Shiki to study." Tomoe: "About that..." Tomoe: "I think it would be best if we joined you, too." Tomoe: "There's no telling when the goddess will interfere with your plans again." Makoto: "You're right. I'm worried about the goddess, too." Tomoe: "In that case..." Makoto: "That's why I want to keep you and Mio hidden from her. The goddess may already know about Shiki, and it's better if we travel together." Makoto: "But..." Makoto: "You two are my trump cards." Tomoe: "Well, I'm honored that you think of us that way." Tomoe: "I shall lie low for now." Makoto: "Okay." Makoto: "When the time for violence comes, I promise I'll call on you." Tomoe: "I look forward to it." Tomoe: "Additionally, there's someone I'd like to introduce to you." Makoto: "Huh?" Tomoe: "Sorry to have kept you waiting. Approach." Komoe: "Yes, ma'am." Makoto: "Tomoe's fragment? She survived?" Komoe: "Excuse me." Komoe: "I am Tomoe-sama's fragment." Komoe: "Nice to meet you." Makoto: "Nice to meet you?" Tomoe: "My fragments share my senses and consciousness, but each has a unique personality." Tomoe: "I used one of your expended rings as the core for this fragment." Tomoe: "She won't end up like the last one." Makoto: "You're right. Since you're a small Tomoe, I'll call you Komoe." Makoto: "I look forward to working with you." Komoe: "Yes, Young Master." Tomoe: "She's the product of our mana. She's practically our child." Makoto: "What?!" Tomoe: "Go on, Komoe. Say it." Komoe: "Yes, ma'am. Uh..." Komoe: "Father!" Mio: "Don't you mean "Young Master"?" Emma: "They're so full of energy." Eris: "How long is this boot camp going to continue?" Aqua: "Perhaps they've been facing something more horrifying than hyumans or demons." Mondo: "It depends on how you look at it." Mondo: "If we can endure this training, we'll become even stronger. Keep a positive outlook!" Eris: "Damn meathead! I've had enough of this!" Aqua: "Where are you going, Eris?" Eris: "I'm going to eat these yellow things and kill myself!" Aqua: "Don't do it!" Mondo: "The plants in this place are unholy!" Both: "Eris!" Eris: "These are poisonous. I'll dispose of all of them." Aqua: "Guys!" Mondo: "We've secured food!" Makoto: "She really did recruit them." Tomoe: "I plan to thoroughly tame— rather, train them so they can eventually participate in the Demiplane Ranking." Makoto: "She totally said "tame."" Akina: "Welcome to the illusory city." Akina: "I am an adventurer staying here. I've been hired as a mercenary for my skill. What's that? You can't believe a demi-human city exists? But here you can acquire valuable goods you won't find anywhere else, and above all, the food is delicious. I'll show you around." Makoto: "She handled that perfectly." Makoto: "The illusory city was off to a good start, and finally..." Makoto: "The store in Tsige opened, too." Adventurer B: "Your employees are demi-humans? You can't be serious!" Eris: "We've got a complaint." Adventurer B: "What was that?!" Beren: "What is this?" Adventurer B: "What are you doing?!" Beren: "The blade is in terrible shape." Adventurer B: "It's made of rare materials. Not many craftsmen can repair it." Mio: "What seems to be the problem?" Adventurer B: "This guy just took my—" Adventurer B: "Hey!" Beren: "Don't bother me. I could end up breaking the blade." Beren: "Mio-sama, could you check my work?" Mio: "Impressive as always." Eris: "Here." Mio: "Please forgive our employee's impertinence." Mio: "Naturally, there's no charge." Adventurer B: "Yeah, obviously not! What? I barely touched it." Eris: "Oh, no. Here, I'll heal you." Passerby: "His wound vanished? That's a high-quality medicine. If he's not careful, that could cost him tens of gold." Eris: "On the contrary. We're offering Kuzunoha's high-quality medicine for just one gold piece." All: "So cheap!" Mio: "To apologize for the trouble, we'd like to offer you samples of our shop's specialty." Passerby: "From the rumored illusory city? I heard that stuff's impossible to find!" All: "So good!" Beren: "We sell Dwarven weapons, too. We're also accepting commissions and repair requests." Passerby: "Seriously? I'll take some!" Adventurer B: "What is this shop?" Aqua: "I'm sorry for the trouble our employees caused you." Aqua: "You're welcome to have this." Aqua: "I refuse to screw up and be sent back to that boot camp!" Citrus: "Oh, there's a new store, huh?" Toa: "There it is. That's Kuzunoha-san's shop." Rinon: "Wow, how marvelous." Morris: "They've opened a general store, just like us." Rembrandt: "Ordinarily, that's something a large, well-funded company does." Rembrandt: "Goodness. Including his demi-human employees, everything he does is unexpected." Lime: "As you instructed, I left alone anyone who'd make a fuss." Tomoe: "Yes. It's a good way to attract attention. I actually wanted to put on a performance to sell our product." Lime: "I'm sure the boss would reject that idea." Shiki: "Everyone's doing an excellent job." Makoto: "Yeah." Shiki: "They seem to be enjoying themselves, too." Makoto: "Yeah. I later learned that both hyumans and demons suffered numerous casualties at the battlefield where the goddess deposited me." Makoto: "I threw all the mana I had at Sofia and Mitsurugi with the intention of annoying them. But I hadn't realized" Makoto: "the immense power of mana activated when one's life is in danger. Nor did I notice the presence of two other people from my world who were known as heroes." Makoto: "Naturally, though, I wouldn't meet them for a while yet." Makoto: "Dad, Mom..." Makoto: "I'm planning to take my time learning about you." Makoto: "You don't mind, do you?" Makoto: "Hasegawa..." Makoto: "I'm sorry for only remembering you when it's convenient, since I ran away and disappeared." Makoto: "I know I'm a terrible person." Makoto: "But I'll do my best." Makoto: "I'll do my best to become less terrible." Emma: "Young Master." Makoto: "Emma-san!" Emma: "Everyone's ready for the feast celebrating the opening of the store, and your farewell party." Makoto: "Sorry. I'll be right there. What a pleasant floral smell." Makoto: "This all started when I met Emma-san." Makoto: "A lot has happened since then, but yeah... Maybe living here in this strange other world is" Makoto: "better than I thought. Makoto Misumi, "Poems of the Heart."" Shiki: "Young Master, it's an emergency!" Tomoe: "Young Master, Mio is trying to eat my favorite historical dramas!" Mio: "You're at fault here, Tomoe-san!" Tomoe: "You're the one who won't memorize her lines to help me hawk goods!" Shiki: "What should I do?"

Makoto: "The so-called invincible greater dragon, Shin. She manipulates space, reads people's memories," Makoto: "and specializes in illusions." Makoto: "After forming a contract with her, Shin turned into..." Shen: "Is something the matter, Master?" Makoto: "I was hoping to make traveling a lot easier by riding on the back of a dragon. That form throws a wrench in my plans." Shen: "What?! In an 80-20 contract like ours, the weaker creature takes on the appearance of the dominant one." Makoto: "In other words, I'm the dominant one, right? You certainly don't act like it." Shen: "It's important that a samurai behave gallantly. No matter the circumstances, a warrior never shows weakness." Makoto: "Are the memories of mine that you're so interested in..." Shen: "I'd like to acquire a blade as soon as possible. A beautiful, single-edged blade." Makoto: ""Fires and fistfights are...?"" Shen: ""The flowers of Edo." Edo-period firemen are awesome!" Makoto: "It was the historical dramas?!" Makoto: "but can't you do something about that outfit? I don't know where to look." Shen: "Don't worry about that. Let your desires run wild." Makoto: "Forget it. You're so masculine, they're starting to look like abs." Shen: "More importantly, Master, there's something I'd like to check with you." Makoto: "Huh? Mist?" Shen: "Beyond this mist is a demiplane that I control." Makoto: "This better not be another illusion." Shen: "It's a space we can enter and exit through mist gates. This way, please." Makoto: "Shin, where are we?" Shen: "That's right. This place is..." Shen: "Where, exactly?" Makoto: "How should I know?!" Shen: "My demiplane is supposed to be a dark, empty space." Shen: "Everything was as I pleased in that place. I can't believe it's changed so much." Makoto: "Hey, persimmons." Shen: "Persimmons?" Makoto: "It's probably the same as the food that exists in my world. You can eat it as it is." Shen: "This is delicious!" Makoto: "It wasn't a sour persimmon, then..." Makoto: "Now that I look closer, I see a lot of plants I recognize." Makoto: "Let me check something." Makoto: "This place is huge! But it ends at the wall of mist on all sides." Shen: "Ah, is that one of your powers?" Makoto: "I can just sort of tell. I see. If this demiplane can only be reached through Shin's mist, then maybe that stupid goddess can't mess with me in here." Makoto: "If we could build a town in here, it would be an illusory city. Like "Arabian Nights," except in the Wasteland." Shen: "A city, huh?" Makoto: "Come to think of it, you had nothing to do with the Highland Orc sacrifices, right?" Shen: "What are you talking about?" Makoto: "Then let's head back to the orc village and clear up the misunderstanding." Shen: "Highland Orcs, huh?" Makoto: "It's so hot out here. The demiplane was so comfortable." Emma: "Makoto-sama!" Makoto: "Emma-san? Perfect timi—" Emma: "Please don't try to fight Shin. It's too reckless!" Shen: "I am Shin." Emma: "Huh?" Shen: "He suddenly attacked me. It really hurt, you know. No one will marry me now that I've been punched in the face." Makoto: "You're the one who suddenly attacked me!" Emma: "What? But you're known as the invincible greater dragon." Shen: "I was captivated by my master and formed a contract with him. One in which Makoto-dono is dominant." Shen: "Here. These scales came off during our fight." Shen: "Still don't believe me?" Emma: "That's definitely her." Makoto: "Emma-san!" Shen: "Such sweet ambrosia." Makoto: "Hey, don't drink too much." Shen: "I know. As the saying goes, "Drink like a fish and eat like a horse."" Makoto: "You're not even using that right." Emma: "It's hard to believe we ever experienced that nightmare. Perhaps I really am dreaming." Emma: "Where did Shin-sama go?" Makoto: "She had a lot to drink. Maybe she went to bed already. I should probably go to sleep soon, too." Emma: "Makoto-sama, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for saving me and my village." Makoto: "I-It was no big deal, really." Makoto: "Besides, you taught me how to use magic." Emma: "Makoto-sama, you're a truly mysterious person." Chief: "I see. So Makoto-sama avenged our daughters who were sacrificed." Shen: "Indeed, though I doubt my master would tell you about it himself." Chief: "Still, we'd like to formally thank him." Shen: "Don't worry about that." Shen: "But I do have one suggestion." Chief: "A suggestion?" Shen: "How would you like to live in a rich and fertile land?" Makoto: "All right, Shin. What is this?" Shen: "Can't you tell?" Makoto: "The orcs have packed up all their belongings so they can see us off?" Shen: "No, they're moving." Makoto: "What? Moving? In this Wasteland?" Chief: "We thought we'd humbly accept Shin-sama's generous offer to live in her sanctuary." Makoto: "Just what did you do overnight? What sanctuary?!" Shen: "My demiplane. That place my contract with you transformed into a fertile land. You said something yourself about building a town, remember?" Shen: "Don't worry. The water, air, and environment are all of exceptional quality. I've also thrown in an assortment of the creatures that live around here." Makoto: "An assortment? What if there are ferocious demons?!" gment: "If there are any, I'll deal with them." gment: "I'll be around, so they'll be fine." gment: "If they're attacked by any demons, I'll fend them off." Makoto: "Shin's child?!" Shen: "How dare you scream like that? This isn't my child. It's a fragment of me." Makoto: "You can make clones of yourself?! You should tell me what your abilities are!" Shen: "I shall, in due time." Makoto: "Are you sure this was a decision you wanted to make overnight?" Chief: "Of course." Makoto: "He's so determined." Emma: "I told everyone we'd be moving onto Shin-sama's land and supporting you, our savior." Makoto: "Emma-san... But where are they going to live?" Shen: "Not a problem. I'll absorb their entire village. Like this. See?" Shen: "I simply transported them using my mist. The Highland Orcs... They shall be the very first residents of my demiplane." Makoto: "Wait, are you planning to make everyone we meet live in your demiplane?" Shen: "They shall enjoy prosperous coexistence. Let us build a city the likes of which the world has never seen." Makoto: "Several days have passed since the Highland Orcs were invited to live inside the demiplane." Makoto: "Water, darkness, fire, earth, thunder... I have the strongest affinity for water. My skills with thunder are far from useful. A wind-based bhrid is the only one I can't create. I can change its type or make a whole bunch at once, though." Tv: "The matter is settled." Shen: "Historical dramas are truly marvelous. Killer Toyama Echizen and Cub is fantastic." Makoto: "You merged a bunch of titles." Shen: "Time for the next episode." Makoto: "You're watching more? How many have you seen?" Shen: "Why shouldn't I? All you do is practice your magic." Makoto: "That's because..." Shen: "You're going to help the orcs develop the land? That won't do. As the master of the land, you must act with dignity." Makoto: "...of what you said. Anyway, why am I the master?" Shen: "Because you're my master. It's only natural." Shen: "Then as master of the land, I declare no more historical dramas for today. How heartless! Just one more!" Catgirl: "I love going on dates, meow." Shen: "Oops. My hand slipped." Makoto: "Stop digging through my memories!" Shen: "How heartless. But I recorded them so I can watch them at any time." Makoto: "Then don't watch them directly!" Shen: "But it's so much more powerful, meow." Makoto: "Don't mimic that character!" Shen: "Please, Meowster." Makoto: "If you can explain how the experience is more powerful, I'll consider it." Shen: "It's the difference between a photo and video— no, between CG cutscenes and simple flashbacks." Makoto: "Okay, fine! I'll allow it! Just stop using terms only gamers understand!" Makoto: "How much does she know?" Shen: "I suppose it is inconvenient that you can't move while I'm viewing your memories. I'll need something to serve as a TV." Makoto: "Where are you going?" Shen: "While figuring out how to build a TV, I'm going to gather materials— media for recording your memories." Makoto: "Media? You learned that word, too? Just do whatever you want." Makoto: "These are the memories she recorded, huh? Don't just leave them in the open." Makoto: "This is a family photo we took in the entryway every year." Makoto: "We won't be taking any more of these." Makoto: "Come to think of it, my parents are from this world." Makoto: "It might be interesting to examine their path while traveling around this place." Makoto: "All right. I've got a goal. I'll follow the path my parents took." Makoto: "And to do that, I'll start by heading toward a hyuman village. All right. This is starting to sound more fun than I expected." Makoto: "See that, stupid goddess? I won't end up like you wanted!" Beren: "Why did you appear here," Beren: "Black Disaster?" Orc A: "This isn't good." Hayato: "The deforestation isn't going well." Makoto: "What's the problem?" Orc A: "Ah, Makoto-sama." Hayato: "We were clearing an area for you and Shin-sama to live, but the trees in this area are quite hard." Makoto: "Thanks for not only lending me a tent, but also building me a house. Are these the trees in your way?" Orc A: "Yes." Makoto: "I'll use the shortsword you gave me the other day. I decided to name this power given to me by Tsukuyomi-sama "Kai."" Makoto: "I'll make an area large enough for myself and bestow the strengthening property on it." Makoto: "Then I'll strengthen my own body." Makoto: "Where should I put this?" Hayato: "Uh, over there, please." Makoto: "Okay." Makoto: "This is a good shortsword. It's super sharp." Hayato: "I don't think that was just its sharpness." Makoto: "Huh? Are you hurt?" Hayato: "Oh, it's nothing I haven't dealt with before." Makoto: "Let me see that." Hayato: "Okay." Hayato: "What's this? You healed me without using mana." Makoto: "Huh?" Makoto: "Does Kai not expend mana? I see. That's why Shin didn't notice what I did then." Makoto: "What an overpowered skill! I wouldn't expect less from Tsukuyomi-sama's power!" Makoto: "I cut myself with my shortsword. Bestow healing property." Makoto: "It's not working." Makoto: "I can't use Kai's healing property on myself." Makoto: "And I couldn't use healing magic at all." Makoto: "Oh, well. I doubt I'll need much healing, anyway. Oh, you're ba— Wait." Makoto: "What am I seeing?! Did you do that to him?" Shen: "It wasn't me. The demiplane was attacked." Makoto: "What? Attacked?" Shen: "It was a peculiar creature. As usual, it seemed hungry." Shen: "These are its leftovers." Makoto: "An axe?" Shen: "Oh, are you injured? That's not good." Shen: "The smell of your blood will lure it here." Makoto: "Are you serious?!" Shen: "Oh, dear. I see it's as crazy as ever." Makoto: "You seem awfully composed, Shin-san! Couldn't you handle this? You seem to know each other!" Shen: "Since I'm carrying an injured person, I don't think I can. I don't even have a sword. I can't fight." Makoto: "Yeah, right!" Shen: "Don't worry. I shall defend the orcs and this dwarf." Makoto: "You're so far away! What about me?!" Shen: "Please drive off that creature." Makoto: "Give me a break!" Makoto: "It spat something!" Makoto: "Shin-san, what the hell is this thing?" Shen: "I don't know what it's called." Beren: "The Black Spider of Disaster." Beren: "An ancient creature plagued by an eternal hunger." Beren: "It'll eat anything." Shen: "I've fought it before, but its hunger had driven it to madness. I couldn't communicate with it." Makoto: "You mean you couldn't defeat it?" Shen: "I simply chose not to pursue it. It left after I wounded it to some extent." Makoto: "So it's like a battle event that ends after I deal a certain amount of damage." Makoto: "A spider-type monster. If it's a bug, does that mean it's weak to fire?" Makoto: "All right. Now's my chance." Makoto: "I'll keep my mana charged in the air. I'll give my shortsword the fire property, too." Makoto: "To start with, I'll attack with fire. Wait, what?" Makoto: "It's above me?!" Makoto: "Damn spider!" Makoto: "Huh? Its severed leg... Just how powerful is its regeneration?" Makoto: "It's softer than I expected, and its attack pattern is dull." Makoto: "But if it keeps regenerating, this fight will never end." Makoto: "I'll try to turn the tables." Makoto: "I'll use the bhrid I left charging in mid-air." Makoto: "Fire Spear!" Makoto: "I think I fought more calmly than I did against Shin. Is this what they call experience?" Makoto: "Shin-san, didn't you say it leaves after I deal a certain amount of damage to it?" Shen: "Master, it's possible that..." Shen: "it's taken a liking to you because you did too much damage." Makoto: "You can't be serious!" Makoto: "It's absorbing the magic I blasted it with and healing itself!" Shen: "I lured it here because I wanted to witness the monster-slaying I found in his memories." Shen: "I didn't think it would be this frightening." Beren: "What's with that guy? Not even elder dwarf weapons could wound it." Shen: "So you're an elder dwarf after all." Shen: "How convenient. You were worth saving." Makoto: "How are you chatting so calmly?" Makoto: "Piercing flames, numerous spears..." Makoto: "Fire Spear Volley!" Makoto: "It healed itself already?" Makoto: "Its attack pattern changed! Defensive Kai!" Shen: "Master!" Makoto: "I'm screwed. It's going to eat me." Makoto: "This spider..." Makoto: "Hey." Makoto: "How dare you happily drink my blood?" Shen: "What's this?" Beren: "Who are you two?" Shen: "Are those charged bhrids?" Shen: "No, that's not it." Shen: "He's launching multiple bhrids by firing and charging new ones as part of the same action." Shen: "He can keep firing forever as long as he has the mana for it." Shen: "He's been holding back for our sake and the demiplane's." Shen: "All I can do is laugh." Makoto: "Did you have your fill, you pervert?" Shen: "He's out of strength." Shen: "It regenerated?" Shen: "I won't make it in time!" Shen: "Master!" Spider: "Delicious!" Spider: "You're incredible. Amazing! It hurts so much. It tastes so delicious. It feels so good. I've never felt so fulfilled." Shen: "Ugh, a real pervert..." Shen: "Uh, could I interrupt you for a moment?" Spider: "I'm never letting you go. I'm staying with you forever." Shen: "Listen to me when I'm speaking!" Spider: "What was that for?" Shen: "I'm trying to let my master rest." Spider: "You just took a swing at me, didn't you?" Shen: "It's been a while, Black Spider." Spider: "Who are you?" Shen: "You don't recognize me because my appearance has changed? I'm Shin the greater dragon." Spider: "I don't recognize that name. Until now, I've been too hungry to think about anything besides eating." Spider: "More importantly, what's your relationship with that guy?" Shen: "I am basically his servant." Shen: "Spider, you said you'd be with him forever. What do you think of this form and my relationship with him?" Spider: "Your contract transformed you into a hyuman form?" Shen: "That's right." Shen: "Commanding both of us at once would be a simple task for him. Following him around in that form would distress him. Can't you at least look a little more like he does?" Spider: "But what about his consent?" Shen: "We can get it later." Spider: "Are you really his servant?" Shen: "Indeed. I would attend to him if he wished." Spider: "Unacceptable. I would do it first." Shen: "Very well. Let us perform the contract ritual immediately." Spider: "Thank you." Shen: "A contract of control, huh?" Shen: "Her level is roughly the same as mine." Shen: "What?!" Shen: "That form..." Shen: "Master, I wish I could've had black hair, too." Makoto: "Huh? My wound has healed. How did that encounter end?" Spider: "Thank you for the meal." Spider: "I offer you my body and soul. I shall serve you for life, Master." Makoto: "Uh... What is this? Even though she's cute looking at this girl gives me not the best feeling."

Shen: "I can't believe my master has no aptitude for healing magic." Emma: "Shin-sama, I shall assist you." Shen: "Master, I won't leave a single scratch on you." Spider: "And that's what happened." Makoto: "Emma-san really is an incredible wizard." Makoto: "So who are you?" Spider: "I acquired this form through our contract." Spider: "I am the Black Spider." Makoto: "I thought contracts required the consent of both parties?" Spider: "I offer you my body and soul, Master." Makoto: "In this isekai compulsory events are far too numerous." Shen: "Ah, Master." Shen: "It's better than having a spider follow you around." Makoto: "I'm blessed to have such loyal servants." Both: "Aw, we're not that great." Makoto: "I was being sarcastic, you idiots." Beren: "May I speak with you?" Makoto: "A dwarf?" Baren: "Yes, precisely." Shen: "You truly are well-informed, Master. But this is no ordinary dwarf. He comes from an ancient subrace of dwarves who produced famous sacred and noble artifacts. The type of dwarf is distinguished by the term "elder" in its name." Beren: "It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Beren the Elder Dwarf." Makoto: "My name is Misumi Makoto." Beren: "Because you drove back the Black Spider, my village has been saved from catastrophe. I was told that woman's curse has been lifted, and her original form has been restored." Shen: "Pretending it was a curse settles things nicely, doesn't it?" Beren: "I actually have a request for you, Makoto-sama." Makoto: "What is it?" Beren: "Could you allow us to move onto your land? We were stuck in the Wasteland for fear of raiders— That was quick." Makoto: "We've got land to spare. As long as you can get along with the orcs—" Shen: "You must help plan the town, provide armaments, and in the future, pay taxes on your land." Shen: "And you must recognize that my master is your lord." Makoto: "I bet she's been planning this from the start." Beren: "I have no objections. It'll take me two days to convince my people and bring them here." Shen: "Take this gift with you." Beren: "Greater dragon scales! With these, I'll have no trouble convincing the craftsmen." Shen: "Don't forget the armaments and all the rest." Makoto: "They're like an immoral magistrate and a trade broker. In order to trace my parents' path," Makoto: "each day, I spent several hours outside the demiplane searching for hyuman settlements." Makoto: "Is that a hyuman village? All right! If I hurry, I could make it there today." Shen: "Master!" Makoto: "What do you want?" Shen: "I have a very important request for you." Shen: "We'd like names." Makoto: "What?" Shen: "Without names, the citizens of the demiplane don't know what to call us." Makoto: "Y-You summoned me for this?" Shen: "What does that mean? It's a matter of great importance for us!" Makoto: "What's wrong with "Shin"?" Shen: "No. I want you to name me." Spider: "Me, too." Makoto: "Then how about Ms. Spider or Kuro-chan?" Kuro: "Absolutely not! I ask that you give me a beautiful name!" Shen: "Hey! I get a name first! Otherwise I'm not letting you attend to him first!" Makoto: "Attend to? As in all night long?!" Shen: "In any case, please grant me a name." Makoto: "A name, huh?" Makoto: "Hmm..." Makoto: "Um..." Shen: "I'm so excited!" Makoto: "Hmm..." Shen: "Is it that hard to come up with a name?!" Makoto: "Are you crying?! Okay, okay." Makoto: "All right." Makoto: "Tomoe." Shen: "Tomoe?" Makoto: "Yeah. It's the name of the most valiant female samurai I know." Shen: "There were women samurai?" Tomoe: "I accept the name "Tomoe."" Makoto: "Huh? You're glowing." Tomoe: "Receiving a name has increased my strength." Makoto: "You're not gonna tell me there's a name that would maximize your strength, are you?" Tomoe: "Of course there is." Makoto: "You should've told me! That's important!" Tomoe: "It's fine. I prefer whatever name you want to give me." Makoto: "Yeah, but..." Spider: "I'm next, dearest husband." Makoto: "Dearest husband? Find something else to call me! That's an order!" Spider: "An order? For me?" Makoto: "Also, if there are any rules for naming you, could you tell me what they are?" Spider: "Absolutely not. I prefer a name chosen naturally." Makoto: "Fine. In that case..." Makoto: "Until now, she's been perpetually hungry and nothing but a detriment." Makoto: "But now that she's been satiated, she's starting over from nothing, so... From now on, your name will be Mio." Spider: "Mio..." Makoto: "It's written as a combination of my country's characters for "zero" and my preferred element of "water."" Mio: "I humbly accept. If my name means "zero" and my master's preferred element, does this mean you've made me yours?" Makoto: "It's not like that." Mio: "Mio, Mio..." Makoto: "Hello..." Makoto: "Wh-What's about to happen?" Makoto: "There are a bunch of new species here that I haven't seen before." Tomoe: "Listen up, citizens. From now on, call me Tomoe." Mio: "Call me Mio." All: "Tomoe-sama! Mio-sama!" Makoto: "What is going on here?" Tomoe: "And you shall call our master..." Mio: ""Milord," "Young Master," or "Your Grace."" Both: "We'll let the majority decide!" Makoto: "What kind of choices are those?!" Mio: "Cheer now if you prefer "Milord."" Tomoe: "Cheer now if you prefer "Young Master." Cheer now if you prefer "Your Grace."" All: "We'll be calling you "Young Master."" Makoto: "Hey, you guys!" Tomoe: "It's the result of a democratic vote." Mio: "You have a vote to cast as well, Young Master." Makoto: "You're already calling me "Young Master"! I'm good with "Misumi" or "Makoto."" Makoto: ""Y-Young Master" is fine." Mio: "As you can see, new species have settled in the demiplane. You should greet them." Beren: "I-In that case, allow our village chief to offer you a greeting." Eld: "I lead the Elder Dwarves. My name is Eld. It's a pleasure to meet you." Makoto: "It's nice to meet you, too." Eld: "Young Master, you look barely hyuman to me." Makoto: "Barely?" Eld: "But your servants could not be commanded by a hyuman. Were you perhaps charged with a mission from the goddess who rules over this world?" Makoto: "What? Goddess? I'd never accept a mission from her! After thoroughly insulting me, she dropped me on the edge of the world! She's been nothing but terrible to me!" Eld: "Y-You haven't been given a mission by the goddess?" Makoto: "Nope. Definitely not." Eld: "I'm relieved to hear that. Our opinions differ from those of the goddess." Eld: "Perhaps it will be interesting to serve you." Makoto: "Th-Thanks." Tomoe: "I'm next." Tomoe: "These are my followers, the Mist Lizards." Tomoe: "They're a powerful species with both the water and air attributes." Tomoe: "Their greatest feature is their beautiful blue-green scales." Makoto: "You have followers? You should've told me." Tomoe: "If you include everyone who's chosen to serve me on their own, I have quite a few." Tomoe: "In any case, we look forward to serving you." Mio: "Young Master, these are my followers, the alke. They could not escape their hunger, but after receiving your essence, they have regained their senses." Makoto: "Wh-What do you mean by "essence"?!" Mio: "I'm talking about your blood and mana." Makoto: "Oh, that..." Mio: "And then we do this with it." Makoto: "Hey!" Makoto: "Gross! She's enjoying it!" Mio: "I'm glad you enjoyed your meal." Makoto: "She can regenerate, too?" Mio: "Children, you must offer your bodies and souls in service to the young master." Mio: "You're so quiet. If you disrespect the young master," Mio: "I'll eat you." Akina: "W-We are alke. It's nice to meet you." Mio: "You forgot the "very." Do you want to be eaten?" Makoto: "Don't worry about that part!" Makoto: "Elder Dwarves, Mist Lizards, and alke." Makoto: "It's nice to meet all of you." Makoto: "Tomoe and Mio, tell Eld-san everything he needs to know. You're free to choose wherever you want to live. Just don't fight over it. Later." Tomoe: "Young Master?" Mio: "Where are you going?" Makoto: "I'm desperate to meet some people. I'm going to the hyuman town." Makoto: "Finally, I can meet some people." Makoto: "I found a villager!" Makoto: "Wow, she's beautiful! Uh, excuse me!" Human 1: "Stay back!" Makoto: "What?" Human 1: "No! A monster!" Makoto: "A human just screamed and ran away from me." Makoto: "No, wait. What was that? Is there a monster behind me?" Makoto: "Nope." Makoto: "I probably look like someone that person doesn't like. Yeah, they probably mistook me for somebody else." Makoto: "Wait..." Makoto: "They're prepared for battle?!" Human: "Stay away! Leave this place, monster!" Makoto: "Um, I'd like to enter this village." Human 2: "What is it saying?" Human 3: "I don't know! Kill it!" Makoto: "Huh? W-Wait!" Makoto: "Why?!" Makoto: "We can't speak to each other! Could it be..." Goddess: "I'll compromise by giving you the ability to understand, speak, read, and write languages other than the hyuman language." Makoto: "That stupid goddess!" Emma: "I heard something terrible happened to you, Young Master." Makoto: "Emma-san, you're amazing. You can speak with other species. I couldn't understand the hyuman language." Emma: "Are you talking about Common?" Makoto: "Common?" Emma: "It's called that because hyumans are by far the most prosperous species in the world." Makoto: "Can you guys speak Common?" All: "We sure can." Makoto: "Even Mio?" Makoto: "But inability to communicate is no reason to attack someone." Tomoe: "Young Master, language isn't your problem." Emma: "It's your appearance." Makoto: "Is my face really that bad?" Tomoe: "Your face?" Tomoe: "Y-You certainly do have a unique appearance, but the reason is your mana." Makoto: "Huh?" Tomoe: "So much mana pours off of you that it distorts the area around you. It's like a haze." Makoto: "What did I look like to those hyumans?" Tomoe: "Probably as though several demon kings suddenly appeared." Makoto: "That's not good!" Emma: "It's possible to suppress your mana. Feel your mana and imagine putting a lid on it." Mio: "Wow, there's one less demon king now." Makoto: "That's a drop in the bucket!" Tomoe: "Are you going to give up on visiting the hyuman town?" Makoto: "This is nothing." Makoto: "First, I'll master Common. Then I'll acquire equipment to suppress my mana. They've already seen my face, so I'll need a mask, too." Emma: "O-Okay." Makoto: "I'll overcome this challenge. The eldest son of the Misumi family won't be so easily defeated!" Makoto: "I'll definitely overcome this." Makoto: "Or so I thought at one point." Makoto: "I've finally learned to read and write, but..." Tomoe: "I want to watch Hissatsu Shigotonin." Makoto: "Let's see... "Must"... "Kill"... "Job"... "Hyuman"... Another historical drama?!" Rugui: "Young Master." Rugui: "I've brought you a prototype." Makoto: "Thank you." Rugui: "It absorbs so much mana, it'll kill whoever wears it. It's a cursed ring. You should remove it immediately." Rugui: "It broke?!" Rugui: "I'll remake it so it will definitely kill you next time." Makoto: "His goal has changed..." Makoto: "A beautiful bueil." Mio: "Not "bue," it's "ve."" Makoto: "Be? Boe?" Mio: "Your voice sounds wonderful, but..." Makoto: "This is hard." Mio: "Don't say it's no use." Makoto: "Hey, maybe I could use this." Mio: "How marvelous." Rugui: "Young Master, it's finally done. I call it Draupnir." Makoto: "Draup...?" Rugui: "Draupnir. Not only does it absorb mana, it also compresses it." Makoto: "Wow, it's absorbing it!" Rugui: "It gradually changes color from white to red." Rugui: "Once it's completely red, it's reached its limit. You should remove it once that happens." Makoto: "All right! Now I can visit the hyuman town!" Makoto: "To the hyuman town." Makoto: "We stick out like sore thumbs! I'm pretty bad myself, but why are you dressed like that?!" Tomoe: "I'm a samurai. The dwarves aren't yet finished with the katana I asked them to forge, but..." Tomoe: "Come close, and I'll kill you." Makoto: "Mio, did you get new clothes, too?" Mio: "I wouldn't have minded wearing my other outfit." Makoto: "It looks good on you, though." Makoto: "Looks good... Looks good... Looks good..." Mio: "I'll go dressed in this." Makoto: "Uh, yeah?" Guard: "Are you transporting fruit?" Tomoe: "That's right. Is there a problem?" Guard: "No, but everyone comes here to either train or search for raw materials. It's just unusual." Tomoe: "We're checking out the merchandise? What a pain." Makoto: "I'm supposed to be a wealthy merchant's son touring the land. It would look weird if I didn't check out the market." Makoto: "Why is everyone so beautiful?" Tomoe: "I don't see anyone particularly beautiful." Mio: "Everyone's appearance looks average." Makoto: "This is average?" Makoto: "This world is so unkind to me." Tomoe: "Young Master, look." Makoto: "An adventurer's guild, huh?" Reception: "Welcome to the Zetsuya Adventurer's Guild." Makoto: "Even the receptionist is cute." Reception: "Would you like to register with the guild?" Reception: "You're dressed rather suspiciously, though." Makoto: "Even she's merciless!" Mio: "This man is the heir to a trading company. He became cursed on his journey." Tomoe: "He's forced to wear this mask and ring. Due to the curse, he cannot speak." Makoto: ""Hello."" Reception: "Our guild offers all kinds of jobs to adventurers." Reception: "Jobs are ranked according to difficulty. Completing jobs increases your rank by one. Everyone starts at Rank E." Mio: "We can only choose the lowest-ranked jobs?" Reception: "There are special rank jobs, which are the exception. In some cases, in exchange for no insurance benefits, completing a special job increases your rank by one." Makoto: "So it's high risk, high return." Reception: "In other cases, clients request a specific adventurer. You receive a reward for completing these jobs, but your rank remains unchanged. But since you're the heir to a trading company, I assume you're registered with the merchant's guild." Makoto: "There's a merchant's guild? "I actually lost my registration card."" Reception: "Around here, you can only get one reissued in the rather distant town of Tsige." Makoto: "The town of Tsige, huh?" Makoto: "The highest-ranking adventurer in Zetsuya is Mils Ace. Rank SS, level 444." Reception: "Th-This measuring scroll is good up to Level 400." Makoto: "They're in the top three highest-ranking adventurers." Reception: "Someone bring me a larger scroll." Junior: "Th-This scroll measures up to level 1,600." All: "A Level 1,600 scroll? Seriously? Unbelievable!" Reception: "T-Tomoe-sama, your level is..." Junior: "Level 1,320." All: "What?!" Junior: "M-Mio-sama, your level is 1,500." All: "What?!" Tomoe: "Excuse me?! There's no way I'm a lower level than Mio!" Mio: "I don't care which of us has a higher level." Tomoe: "Measure it again! Bring me another scroll!" Reception: "Y-You're both the highest levels within the entire adventurer's guild. You're now registered with the guild." Tomoe: "I can't accept this." Tomoe: "By the way, who's the next highest-level adventurer?" Reception: "The next highest would be Rank SSS." Reception: "Level 920, Sofia Bulga-sama, the Dragon Slayer." Tomoe: "Dragon slayer? What kind of dragon did she slay?" Reception: "I believe it was the greater dragon Lancer, who was nesting in the empire." Tomoe: "Lancer? Him, huh? It's that idiot's fault for having such a big head." Makoto: "Sofia Bulga..." Junior: "We can measure yours, too." Makoto: "Huh?" Makoto: "Oh, my level." Junior: "This was all we had left in storage." Makoto: "Maybe it's risen a little." Junior: "You're Rank E, Level 1." All: "Is he a child? Must be over-reliant on his servants." Makoto: "You're absolutely correct." Man: "This is overkill. They're getting carried away." Innkeeper: "You'd like to park your wagon here and rent some rooms?" Innkeeper: "For two rooms, that'll be six gold per night." Makoto: "Which means... Copper coins are 1,000 yen, silver coins are 10,000 yen, and gold coins are 100,000 yen, so..." Makoto: "600,000 per night? That's expensive!" Tomoe: "All the inns are full. We appreciate it. But the inn we were just at was charging one gold per night." Innkeeper: "We're the best inn in town." Tomoe: "I see, I see. If the price hadn't been appropriate, I might've torn this whole place down." Tomoe: "Whoops. Looks like your floor has rotted through." Innkeeper: "My mistake! It's two gold per night!" Makoto: "I can finally relax." Tomoe: "Inn prices aside, the cost of goods here is unusual." Makoto: "Yeah. A single drink costs several copper, and the materials and foods that can only be purchased in this town are unusually expensive." Tomoe: "It smells awfully fishy." Makoto: "Are you excited?" Tomoe: "You'll always find evil when you're changing the world for the better." Makoto: "Enough of your historical dramas." Makoto: "Let's get something to eat." Mio: "Food!" Makoto: "Tomoe, you're watching our goods tonight." Tomoe: "What?!" Makoto: "You know we're being followed, right?" Tomoe: "Tch. You noticed, too?" Makoto: "They've been following us since we left the guild. I'm sure merchants make easy targets. I thought you wanted to change the world for the better." Tomoe: "But what about dinner?" Makoto: "None for you." Tomoe: "You're heartless!" Tomoe: "Unbelievable." Tomoe: "The young master could stand to be a little kinder to..." Tomoe: "They're making their move." Mio: "Dinner together with the young master... I had a wonderful time." Rinon: "E-Excuse me." Makoto: "A girl?"

: "Joining Makoto Misumi on his quest to improve his isekai" : "is historical-drama-obsessed greater dragon Shin, now known as Tomoe. And Tomoe forced Makoto into a contract" : "with the Black Spider of Disaster who will eat anything, now known as Mio." : "Are isekai heroines always like this?" : "Either way, the hyuman village they finally found smells a bit fishy." Makoto: "What's a child doing out on her own at this hour?" Rinon: "U-Um, I..." Makoto: "She doesn't seem to just be lost." Makoto: "Mio, could you handle this?" Mio: "Very well." Mio: "Child, what do you want?" Mio: "If you have no business with us, then step aside. You're in the way." Makoto: "One moment." Mio: "What is it?" Makoto: "How could you say that to a child?!" Mio: "Well, I don't enjoy having my time with the young master interrupted!" Makoto: "That's no reason to threaten her!" Makoto: "Sorry for scaring you. What are you doing here?" Rinon: "I... I have a request..." Mio: "Get away from him!" Makoto: "We don't have a choice. Let's take her back to the inn for now." Mio: "What? Young Master, even that creature is a woman!" Makoto: "Mio, what are you talking about?" Mio: "Very well." Rinon: "We ended up living in this town for a while." Makoto: "Take your time." Rinon: "O-Okay." Rinon: "My sister left to look for work, and she's been missing ever since." Makoto: "When did you last see her?" Rinon: "About a month ago." Rinon: "I was kicked out of the home we were renting." Mio: "Perhaps she got caught up in some kind of trouble." Makoto: "Yeah." Makoto: "Zetsuya, the town at the end of the world." Makoto: "It's even fishier than I thought." Tomoe: "What business do you have" Tomoe: "with our wagon?" Tomoe: "You're slow and weak." Tomoe: "I held back as much as I could." Man: "What? She vanish—" Tomoe: "I simply leapt behind you to get in striking range." Tomoe: "Th-This sword is too sharp." Tomoe: "No! If I allow them to escape, I won't be able to interrogate them." Tomoe: "Good." Tomoe: "How very satisfactory." Makoto: "What's "satisfactory," you immoral magistrate?" Tomoe: "Their bodies were unexpectedly weak." Makoto: "If not an immoral magistrate, then a hooligan. You'd better thank Mio for handling the aftermath, you ruffian." Tomoe: "You have such a rich vocabulary." Makoto: "Also, how were you going to explain this?" Tomoe: "H-Her breasts popped out once you disarmed her!" Makoto: "Don't make it sound like my fault! You should've checked if they were a man or a woman!" Tomoe: "I was worried I'd seem like a pervert." Makoto: "Safety first, okay? Today, I'm going to lecture you until—" Makoto: "You're off the hook this time." Tomoe: "Thank you, child." Rinon: "M-My name is Rinon. Thank you for letting me use your hot water." Makoto: "She's in a bit of trouble because her sister is missing." Rinon: "Um, I thought you couldn't speak." Makoto: "Blah, blah, blah." Rinon: "Blah, blah, blah?" Makoto: "That's what I sound like to her?" Makoto: "Rinon-chan, we have one serving of food left over. You can eat that in the other room." Both: "Wha..." Tomoe: "Young Master, isn't that mine?" Makoto: "It's late. You can go ahead and sleep. We've got a spare bed, too." Tomoe: "Young Master, isn't that mine, too?" Rinon: "Thank you, bro—I mean, mister." Makoto: "Call me whatever you want." Rinon: "Brother, then. This is a sketch of my sister I drew earlier." Tomoe: "I see." Tomoe: "It's nicely drawn." Rinon: "I'm good at drawing." Rinon: "Thank you for the food. Goodnight." Mio: "That tasted disgusting. I have retur—" Mio: "Oh, my." Mio: "Are you checking the memories of our captive?" Mio: "Young Master? Something about him seems odd." Makoto: "Oh, welcome back. How did it go?" Mio: "Everything went fine. It tasted terribly disgusting, though." Tomoe: "Sorry about that." Makoto: "Thanks, Mio. These thieves were at the guild. They seem to be connected to Rinon, too." Mio: "Rinon? You mean that girl?" Tomoe: "Look." Mio: "What's this?" Makoto: "Rinon's sister. She's being held captive by these guys." Makoto: "I've found her approximate location, so could you go find her?" Tomoe: "Now?" Mio: "We don't know if she's alive. There's no need to hurry." Makoto: "Mio, please." Mio: "Th-Those eyes again..." Tomoe: "We have no choice." Tomoe: "The old lord shall watch over the troubled girl while he awaits word of our good deeds. After all, that's his job." Makoto: "I'm not an old lord!" Tomoe: "Also, Young Master, once this matter is settled... I'd like to refer to myself as "mineself."" Makoto: "Uh, s-sure. Do whatever you want." Mio: "Why would you even ask about that?" Tomoe: "I thought only old lords could say that. Now, Mio, let's go." Mio: "A-All right." Makoto: "I'm counting on you. If I went, I'm not sure I'd be able to remain calm." Makoto: "I know it can't be the same person." Makoto: "But she looks so much like her." Makoto: "Hasegawa..." Mio: "The young master is always so calm and kind." Tomoe: "Not to me." Mio: "But the moment we began discussing that woman in the sketch, his demeanor became odd." Tomoe: "You're right. The aggressive way he interrogated the captive wasn't like him." Mio: "Perhaps that woman in the sketch is an acquaintance of his." Tomoe: "Not possible. He doesn't have a single friend or acquaintance in this world." Mio: "How can you be so certain?" Tomoe: "Because I peered into his memories using my powers." Mio: "The young master's memories?! I'm s-so jeal—I mean, offended on his behalf! So just who is the young master?" Tomoe: "You should build trust with him and find out for yourself." Mio: "What? That's not fair!" Tomoe: "In any case, unless we safely rescue that woman, the young master will be stuck in that intense mood for a while." Mio: "No..." Tomoe: "Dawn is breaking. Let us hurry." Mio: "Understood. For now, we should focus on the task before us." Rinon: "The trading exchange?" Makoto: "It seems like anyone can sell their cargo there. I'm having Tomoe and Mio handle your sister, so don't worry." Rinon: "Thank you. Anyway, brother, I know you're the young master of a wealthy family, but I can't believe you can't drive a wagon." Rinon: "Aren't you a merchant's son?" Makoto: "You amaze me, Rinon-chan." Rinon: "Rinon is fine. And I can handle any ordinary task." Makoto: "I'm sure your sister appreciates that." Rinon: "Yeah." Rinon: "Sister..." Rinon: "We're in debt again? But we just paid it off!" Toa: "It's fine. Preparing for adventuring is expensive in this town, but it won't take long to earn it back." Rinon: "I hope you're right." Toa: "I failed to defeat the Rizou." Toa: "Rinon, you should go to Tsige, even if you have to go alone." Rinon: "But..." Toa: "I need to work to pay off my debt." Rinon: "This is all we have left." Underling B: "I heard she collapsed without even paying off half her debt." Underling C: "She's useless now." Underling C: "Doesn't she have a sister, though?" Rinon: "I need to run." Derek: "You brat." Derek: "Did you think you could get out of this town?" Toa: "My family have been adventurers for generations. One of my relatives was once defeated in battle against a powerful monster, and lost our family's treasured shortsword. In order to restore my family's lost honor, I entered the Wasteland in the Far Corner of the World." Toa: "Rinon, I'm sorry. I can't..." Mio: "This is the woman, isn't it?" Mio: "Good. She's still alive." Tomoe: "She's rather weak." Mio: "She was probably used as a guinea pig in magic experiments." Mio: "All she needs is..." Toa: "I can move!" Tomoe: "Wow, impressive." Toa: "Who are these two?" Mio: "Let us return to the young master quickly." Mio: "Jeez. This lock is in the way!" Toa: "H-Huh?" Tomoe: "Come on. This way." Mils: "Hey." Mils: "What are you doing?" Tomoe: "Who are you?" Toa: "H-He's Zetsuya's strongest adventurer..." Toa: "Mils Ace!" Makoto: "I can't believe some fruit I randomly harvested from the demiplane sold for 500 gold." Rinon: "Strange fruits," Rinon: "a suspicious mask, a curse of muteness..." Makoto: "We've arrived at the inn." Rinon: "Sexual harassment!" Makoto: "Sexual harassment exists in this world?!" Makoto: "We've arrived at the inn." Rinon: "Oh, I'm sorry..." Rinon: "H-Hold on. I'm going to get something I forgot at home." Makoto: "She said she was kicked out of her home." Makoto: "She's letting the lookouts upset her too much." Makoto: "Investigative Kai." Makoto: "Wait, is she going to call me a stalker now?" Derek: "You're late. What were you doing?" Rinon: "L-Last night, some people tried to steal the cargo in the wagon." Derek: "Those were our henchmen. I heard about their failure from the one who escaped." Derek: "Any other information?" Rinon: "His cargo was some strange fruit. He said he got them from a village within the mist." Derek: "A what?" Rinon: "They really were fruits I'd never seen before. And he sold them for 500 gold." Derek: "For 500 gold, huh?" Derek: "All right. Go steal that gold." Rinon: "B-But I don't want to steal." Derek: "It's enough to pay off your sister's debt. You'll be free." Derek: "He's a stupid rich kid. Fooling him should be easy." Rinon: "You'll really let my sister go?" Derek: "Yeah." Rinon: "Stealing money from someone who was kind to me is awful," Rinon: "but..." Rinon: "I'll be back soon." Derek: "That's a good girl." Makoto: "They're irredeemable." Makoto: "I'm not Tomoe, but this village really could use some improvement." Mils: "Your name is Toa, isn't it?" Mils: "You shouldn't be able to move." Tomoe: "What's this, strongest man in Zetsuya? You're not here to save this girl?" Mils: "Save her?" Toa: "No, Mils is..." Derek: "Boss, I set the brat on him." Mils: "Good." Toa: "Mils is their leader." Tomoe: "I see. He lets his minions do his dirty work while he plays the mighty hero. How cowardly." Mils: "What was that?" Derek: "You're that woman from the other day." Derek: "Over level 1,000 is way too much." Tomoe: "What are you talking about?" Derek: "You faked your level. If you overdo it, you'll be assigned jobs you can't handle." Mils: "Not long ago, a hyuman-like demihuman with a horrifying degree of mana appeared here in Zetsuya." Mils: "There are already bounties on that monster's head." Mils: "If you keep acting so tough, you'll be asked to take him on." Tomoe: "I'd have to pass on that." Mio: "We couldn't possibly defeat him." Mils: "Right? So I have a proposal." Mils: "Why don't the two of you join us? I'll show you how to conduct yourselves. You'll have all the money and fame you want." Tomoe: "No, thank you." Mio: "We must decline." Mils: "What? You're being faithful to that masked man? I don't know who that rich kid is, but he's a Level 1 idiot." Toa: "Th-The atmosphere changed." Mils: "He wears a mask. I'm sure he's as ugly as a goblin underneath it." Mils: "That was close. I'm the strongest man in Zetsuya. I've got the strength, equipment, and wealth to back it up." Toa: "The Clay Aegis..." Toa: "They say it's a powerful physical magic barrier." Toa: "He has that thing?" Rinon: "He was so kind to me. I can't steal from him." Innkeeper: "Hey." Innkeeper: "You're bad for business. Go somewhere else." Rinon: "I'm sorry, but—" Innkeeper: "Having filth like you around is a nuisance." Makoto: "Excuse me. She's a dear friend of mine." Innkeeper: "S-Sir, you..." Innkeeper: "Forgive me!" Makoto: "Are you okay?" Rinon: "A dear friend?" Rinon: "B-Brother, I'm sorry." Makoto: "They won't get away with pushing this girl so far." Makoto: "I hope it was all right to let those two handle it." Tomoe: "Mio, the first blow belongs to mineself." Mio: "My, my. I thought you were waiting until this was over to call yourself that." Tomoe: "Here comes a closed-fist punch. For Mio's sake, try not to die in one hit." Mils: "Are you m-mocking me? Get 'em, boys!" Mils: "What?!" Tomoe: "What's wrong? Come at me!" Mio: "What was that?" Mio: "You're in the way." Mio: "There you are." Mio: "Now I feel better." Tomoe: "You said you put Rinon up to something, didn't you?" Derek: "No, I had no choice but to do as the boss said..." Derek: "Just kidding!" Tomoe: "I owe Rinon for saving me from a lecture." Tomoe: "Pathetic." Tomoe: "Mio, are you holding back?" Mio: "Of course." Hazal: "Wh-What happened here?" Tomoe: "This hallway is a bit narrow." Mio: "Then let us widen it." Toa: "A-Am I dreaming?" Toa: "Mils!" Toa: "Right?" Mils: "If you want this woman to live, then— No, wait! Wait, wait, wait!" Tomoe: "Shut up!" Tomoe: "Perhaps we overdid it." Mio: "No, disrespecting the young master calls for death." Tomoe: "Mio, you've learned to hold back quite a bit. Though you nearly killed only half as many as mineself." Mio: "I believe I brutalized two more than you." Tomoe: "What? I brutalized three more than you." Mio: "No, I brutalized more." Toa: "Wait, stop." Tomoe: "Watch this, girl." Toa: "Okay!" Tomoe: "Well? Wouldn't you agree that I defeated more of them?" Mio: "Take this." Mio: "Wouldn't you agree that I did more?" Toa: "The town!" Tomoe: "I did more work than you!" Mio: "I was more useful!" Toa: "Could we set that matter aside for now?" Both: "Absolutely not!" Tomoe: "I am stronger!" Mio: "I'm more capable!" Tomoe: "You're not too bad at this!" Mio: "Neither are you, Tomoe!" Toa: "Rinon!" Rinon: "Sister?" Toa: "Rinon!" Toa: "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, Rinon!" Rinon: "Sister!" Tomoe: "Raise your heads." Toa: "O-Okay! Th-Thank you v-very much for r-rescuing me from..." Makoto: "She's stuttering like crazy." Makoto: "But aside from her hair color..." Makoto: "She's an exact copy of Hasegawa." Mio: "They fell asleep." Tomoe: "The tension must have left them." Makoto: "Now, then..." Tomoe: "That settles that." Makoto: "Mio, can you produce spider's silk?" Mio: "Yes, I can." Tomoe: "Young Master?" Makoto: "I'm glad I got this bow from the orcs in the demiplane." Makoto: "You two did a good job rescuing Toa safely." Makoto: "But..." Makoto: "Who told you to do all this?" Makoto: "Improving the world... That was my intention, but... They razed the town." Tomoe: "What? Uh..." Mio: "Young Master?" Makoto: "Go reflect on your actions!" Makoto: "What am I going to do now?" Makoto: "I won't be able to hide this if anyone finds out." Makoto: "And now my Japanese sounds weird!"

Makoto: "Several months have passed since I was transported to an isekai because of my parents. I've learned that in this world, there are hyumans who resemble Earth's humans, as well as demihumans and monsters. Among them, only the hyumans are seen as special by the goddess, and they receive various blessings." Makoto: "She treats them quite well, and all hyumans are beautiful. By worshiping several times at the temple, one can even learn their language. Driven by their resentment over the situation, demons have started wars with hyumans all across the land. Additionally, as one despised by the goddess, I can't speak Common and have been rejected by hyumans. Unwilling to be broken by the stupid goddess's cruelty," Makoto: "I decided to go on a journey with help from various species. In order to trace the path of my parents, who were from this world, I visited a hyuman village. But, in part because of a scoundrel named Mils Ace, the town was destroyed. Along with the adventurers being held captive by Ace, we're heading toward the next village, Tsige." Makoto: "This is the first base we arrived at after leaving Zetsuya. I've forgotten its name." Clerk: "What? The town of Zetsuya was destroyed?" Hazal: "That's right. A horde of terrifying monsters laid waste to the town. The townsfolk managed to escape, but there isn't a trace left of the town." Makoto: "By the way, thanks to Tomoe's power, the adventurers' memories have been altered, except for Toa-san and Rinon-san's." Clerk: "Are the monsters still at Zetsuya?" Hazal: "No, those two chased them off for us. After all, they're both apparently over level 1,000." Clerk: "Over level 1,000? Surely you're joking." Makoto: "I believe we registered as adventurers in Zetsuya." Clerk: "Is that right?" Clerk: "Then Zetsuya must have been destroyed before its information could be shared. You'll have to re-register in Tsige." Makoto: "Re-register, huh? What a pain in the rear. This is happening because... Tomoe, it was a contest of strength between you and Mio that led to the destruction of Zetsuya, right?" Tomoe: "Are you going to get angry again?" Makoto: "I understand why you got so worked up over it. You seemed quite bothered by the level difference between you and Mio." Tomoe: "L-Levels are just a rough measure of power! You're currently—" Makoto: "Knight errantry." Tomoe: "Huh?" Makoto: "Samurai once wandered harsh lands alone in order to hone their skills." Tomoe: "Knight errantry? If I trained to increase my level, then..." Makoto: "You're amazing, Tomoe!" Mio: "I can't hold a candle to you, Tomoe-san." Makoto: "She took the bait." Tomoe: "Young Master, I ask that you grant me permission to become a knight errant." Makoto: "I'll allow it." Tomoe: "Then I'm off!" Makoto: "Good luck." Mio: "If Tomoe-san is leaving to train, does that mean..." Mio: "I have the young master all to myself?" Mio: "At least, I thought he'd be all mine..." Rinon: "Sorry for getting in your way. I know you're his girlfriend." Mio: "I-I'm just his follower." Mio: "What a charming little girl." Rinon: "She's so easy to read." Makoto: "Mio, there are several monsters up ahead. Could you take care of them?" Mio: "Of course." Mio: "Take this." Toa: "I-Incredible." Hazal: "She killed those red bees in an instant." Ranina: "She's so strong." Louisa: "And brilliant." Mio: "That was nothing." Makoto: "She's so easy to read." Makoto: "Well, let's proceed." Toa: "What? We're not going to collect materials? They're valuable." Makoto: "But we've got a long road ahead." Makoto: "Do as you please." Toa: "Thank you!" Makoto: "It's not what you think!" Makoto: "I thought I'd be able to learn the basics of gathering materials!" Toa: "First, the eyes." Toa: "So fresh!" Makoto: "I never wanted to see someone wearing Hasegawa's face do that." Rinon: "Tsige is on the other side of that wall." Toa: "I was able to collect a lot of materials. Have you considered offering transport services at the Kuzunoha Trading Company?" Makoto: "Oh, right. I named my company the Kuzunoha Trading Company." Rinon: "Brother, look." Toa: "Ruby eyes. Those are fairly rare monsters." Makoto: "I'll leave them up to you." Hazal: "There's no way." Ranina: "They'd kill us all." Makoto: "Mio, you're up." Mio: "Again?" Toa: "Mio-sama, whatever you do, don't destroy their heads." Hazal: "Or their wings." Ranina: "Try to damage them as little as possible." Mio: "I don't want to do it. Young Master, you do it." Makoto: "Huh?!" Mio: "It's such a hassle. Every time, they demand I go after this or leave that undamaged." Makoto: "Guess I don't have a choice." Makoto: "The ruby eyes' weak spot is their head, right?" Hazal: "You can't hit their heads." Louisa: "You weren't even listening to us. This won't work." Makoto: "Just tell me what their weak spot is." Toa: "I believe it's their abdomen. It's difficult to hit, though." Ranina: "Hey, Toa." Louisa: "Isn't he Level 1?" Makoto: "That elven girl is merciless." Toa: "It's all right. Let's trust Kuzunoha-sama." Makoto: "Thanks, Toa-san. I'll do my best to live up to your—" Toa: "If it comes down to it, Mio-sama will act." Makoto: "I take back what I said!" Makoto: "I'm locked on." Makoto: "That's one." Makoto: "Two." Makoto: "Three." Makoto: "Four." Makoto: "Five." Makoto: "That's the last one." Rinon: "That was amazing, Brother." Louisa: "I don't believe it." Makoto: "I'm pretty impressive when you put a bow in my hands." Louisa: "It even has a special aiming effect?" Makoto: "No, this is an ordinary bow!" Toa: "Setting that aside..." All: "Let's harvest some materials!" Makoto: "They were only interested in me for a second!" Toa: "That should do it." Makoto: "I'll never get used to seeing that. Are you guys done?" Toa: "Yes. We were able to collect twelve flawless eyes from the ruby eyes." Makoto: "Then let's head to town." Makoto: "Onward to Tsige!" Guild: "Your re-registration is complete." Guild: "You're Level 1, Rank E." Makoto: "Still Level 1? How were those bees rare monsters?" Mio: "I wanted to re-register, as well." Makoto: "Just wait. It'll make Tomoe sulk again. Plus, it'll make me seem even more pitiful." Makoto: "All the quests left are A or B+." Makoto: "That's a special rank quest." Makoto: "If this request came from a client, I can accept it regardless of my rank." Makoto: "Rembrandt Trading Company. They're looking for... eyes from ruby eyes?" Makoto: "Perfect timing." Toa: "We leveled up quite a bit on this journey." Toa: "We have you to thank for that, Kuzunoha-san." Makoto: "Glad to hear it. Let's divide up the materials." Toa: "Kuzunoha-san, you get one of each material and twelve eyes from the ruby eyes." Toa: "Are you sure that's all you want?" Makoto: "Yes. Sorry for taking the rarest material." Toa: "It's fine. You're the one who defeated them." Toa: "Well, I guess this is goodbye." Makoto: "We did travel here together." Makoto: "Why don't we celebrate the end of our journey by having a meal together?" All: "Yeah!" Toa: "I'll choose the restaurant. I'll contact you later. Can we exchange card contacts?" Makoto: "Guild Cards. They seem inappropriately high-tech for this world. Their exact content differs according to rank, but the ability to communicate comes standard with all cards. They come with town maps, a monster encyclopedia, and even additional paid content. I can't believe we get all these benefits at the cost of a meager registration fee and annual guild dues!" Toa: "Kuzunoha-san!" Toa: "Over here!" Makoto: "A butcher shop? That's a super standard choice!" Toa: "Come in. We can begin right away." Mio: "That smells wonderful." Rinon: "I'm starving." Makoto: "Th-That's..." Makoto: "The manga meat-on-a-bone every human dreams of eating!" Toa: "To our return to Tsige and the fact that we met." All: "Cheers!" Makoto: "Let's dig in. If it tastes like vegetable juice while looking like this, I'm gonna be pissed off." Makoto: "It's so good!" Toa: "Is that worth crying over?" Louisa: "It's pretty commonly available." Makoto: "This elven girl with harsh eyes is Louisa-san the Bless Gunner." Louisa: "It's strange. I don't sense any desire or attachment in you. You're like a fluffy cloud... thing." Makoto: ""Thing"?" Louisa: "Above all, there's your skill with a bow. I've never seen anyone move like that." Makoto: "I'm not sure how to explain it." Hazal: "Kuzunoha-san..." Makoto: "So close! And he's already drunk!" Hazal: "What're you gonna do with those eyes from the ruby eyes? Gonna use them on your weapons or equipment?" Makoto: "Hazal-san, you're an Alchemy Meister, right?" Hazal: "That's right. Let me know if you ever need training." Makoto: "There was a job at the guild, so I'm planning on using them for that." Makoto: "She's hammered, too." Ranina: "By the way..." Makoto: "So close! And she reeks of alcohol!" Ranina: "Judging by the way you used that bow this afternoon, you must be pretty strong." Ranina: "I'll take you on." Makoto: "She wants to arm wrestle, right?" Makoto: "I'm in!" Ranina: "Rinon-dono, could you start us off?" Rinon: "Sure." Rinon: "Here we go." Rinon: "Begin!" Makoto: "Dwarves are certainly strong, but..." Rinon: "Brother wins!" Ranina: "I've never lost like that before. The world is vast indeed, it would seem." Mio: "Young Master, I brought you more meat." Makoto: "Thanks." Makoto: "Wait, Mio, is that all for you?" Mio: "Yes." Rinon: "It's so good, isn't it?" Toa: "I'm glad you're enjoying yourselves." Makoto: "Toa-san is a Dark Thief. What an ominous-sounding job." Makoto: "No, thank you. Both Mio and I are grateful." Toa: "No, I should thank you." Makoto: "Is this headed toward..." Toa: "Oh, by the way..." Toa: "About that job you're taking." Toa: "Is it a job for the Rembrandt Trading Company?" Makoto: "Yeah, what about it?" Toa: "The truth is, I've heard some troubling rumors about them." Makoto: "That was an amazing dinner." Mio: "I-It certainly was." Makoto: "Could you head back to our room without me? I'll bring in the materials from the wagon." Mio: "The materials?" Makoto: "Robbers might show up, like in Zetsuya, and I heard a troubling rumor." Mio: "A rumor?" Makoto: "Toa-san told me about it at the restaurant." Makoto: "Apparently, bad things happen to people who accept jobs for the Rembrandt Trading Company." Makoto: "So I thought I'd be careful." Mio: "I see. In that case, I shall change into my sleepwear and wait for you." Makoto: "You're right. The only thing left to do tonight is go to bed." Mio: "We didn't hear from Tomoe-san today, either, and tonight we have only one room." Mio: "Which means..." Mio: "We'll be alone together tonight. There are two beds," Mio: "but if something were to happen to one of them..." Makoto: "I'm back." Mio: "W-Welcome back." Makoto: "I brought just the valuable materials." Mio: "I-I see." Makoto: "Let's return to the demiplane first thing tomorrow morning." Makoto: "Emma-san may have heard from Tomoe." Makoto: "Mio, are you sleeping over there?" Makoto: "Well, goodnight." Mio: "What? We're not going to do anything?!" Mio: "I knew I should've destroyed a bed." Makoto: "Hup!" Makoto: "I've learned to create stable mist gates, too." gment: "Young Master!" Emma: "Welcome back." Makoto: "It's good to see the both of you again. We arrived safely in Tsige." gment: "Good work." Emma: "By the way, why are you conducting yourself so formally?" Makoto: "I've been speaking this way on the outside for a while. I'm thinking about starting a trading company over there." Emma: "Young Master..." Makoto: "Yes?" Emma: "I'm sure the outside world has rules for how you must conduct yourself." Emma: "But you mustn't act like that in the demiplane. You should act in a manner befitting your superior status." Makoto: "Uh, okay. I'll mind my behavior." Makoto: "I-I'll be careful." Emma: "Thank you." Makoto: "Emma-san has gained even more confidence." gment: "Yes." Emma: "First, I'd like to report on the situation of each species." Emma: "The alke will be settling in the mountains. The orcs and mist lizards are assisting them. While the dwarves work on construction and repairs, they're also making equipment for you to test." Emma: "I'm having the mist lizards clear farmland and guard the villages." gment: "And the orcs, primarily," gment: "are constructing a residence for you." Makoto: "It's huge! Are you building a castle or something?" gment: "We're also planning to use it as a meeting place." Makoto: "Oh, right. But doesn't it take up a lot of manpower and time?" Emma: "As of right now, there are no problems. We're establishing work procedures according to your memories we're able to access." Makoto: "My memories?" Mio: "The young master's memories?" Makoto: "Come to think of it, Tomoe used her power to save a bunch of my memories so they could be viewed." Makoto: "By the way, I can't get in touch with Tomoe. How about you, Emma-san?" Emma: "You can't, either? I haven't been able to." Makoto: "Fragment, have you heard anything?" gment: "What? Uh, my connection with Shin has been spotty." Eld: "Young Master!" Eld: "It's good to see you again, Young Master!" Makoto: "Eld-san? Where's your cane?" Eld: "I built a device to assist with walking. I can't let the youngsters do everything around here." Makoto: "Even an old dwarf is still a dwarf." Eld: "More importantly, there's something I'd like you to take a look at." Eld: "Leather armor." Eld: "Scale armor. Full plate armor. What do you think? My craftsmen made full use of their skills." Makoto: "Sorry, but no thanks." All: "What?!" Makoto: "Sorry, but I'm a merchant." All: "Sir!" Eld: "They're just not suitable for his purposes." Makoto: "I'd prefer something like a jacket or coat." Makoto: "Hey, that looks like a trench coat. Is that full-body protective gear that comes with matching pants?" Eld: "That protective gear was made by Rugui." Makoto: "Rugui? Isn't he..." Rugui: "I'd expect nothing less from the man who requested that ring. You're an unusual fellow." Makoto: "...the guy who made Draupnir!" Rugui: "That protective gear absorbs a specified amount of mana. It's the clothing version of Draupnir." Rugui: "But it absorbs mana exceptionally rapidly. In its current state, it absorbs mana so quickly it will kill you instantly, so— You're already wearing it?!" Makoto: "It does feel like it's absorbing more mana than Draupnir." Rugui: "It offers both high physical and high magical defense. See how the lining is red?" Makoto: "Yeah." Rugui: "Imagine it swapping with the outer layer." Makoto: "Like reversible clothing?" Makoto: "Wow, how cool!" Rugui: "When it's red, it prioritizes mobility over defense. You should be able to move quickly." Makoto: "Really? Let's see what that's like." Makoto: "I'm impressed you were able to make this. I'd like to use this imme—" Makoto: "Huh?" Rugui: "I-It's already absorbed its fill of mana." Makoto: "Could you make me an outfit that will last longer, maybe?" Rugui: "I promise I shall make you an outfit that will kill you immediately!" Makoto: "His goal changed again." Makoto: "What?" Haruna: "I'm Haruna." Akina: "I'm Akina." Hokuto: "I'm Hokuto." Minato: "I'm Minato." Makoto: "These people are alke?" Mio: "Yes. I've been having them practice transforming." Mio: "It's still difficult for them to maintain those forms for long, though." Minato: "We gathered these around here." Minato: "Could you tell us their properties?" Makoto: "Yikes, you even got poison fire coral." Makoto: "Did you pick these with your bare hands?" Hokuto: "Yes, they became inflamed." Makoto: "You should wear gloves!" Makoto: "Ingredients grown in the demiplane are more powerful than normal. A single bite of these mushrooms can kill a person." Makoto: "Huh?" Mio: "They're deliciously spicy." Makoto: "Setting aside my inability to get in touch with Tomoe and Mio's propensity for eating anything," Makoto: "I decided to meet the client alone." Makoto: "I safely arrived at the Rembrandt Trading Company, and I've got the required materials." Makoto: "My first job is going smoothly." Makoto: "There really was a time when I thought that." Rembrandt: "Everything you're doing is wrong." Rembrandt: "I'm sorry, but I have nothing more to discuss with you." Makoto: "My first adventure seems like it will be somewhat harder than I thought."

Lime: "Hey, what did he look like?" Lime: "What did the guy who took the Rembrandt job look like?" Guild: "H-He was dressed oddly. He was short and wore a mask." Rembrandt: "Kuzunoha-dono, was it?" Rembrandt: "I am Patrick Rembrandt, representative of the Rembrandt Trading Company." Makoto: "Nice to meet you. Due to certain circumstances, I communicate by writing." Rembrandt: "I-I see." Rembrandt: "By the way, how long have you been in Tsige?" Makoto: "I traveled here from Zetsuya via a base. I arrived yesterday." Rembrandt: "I see. Forgive me." Rembrandt: "I'm well-known among adventurers, but I didn't recognize your name." Makoto: "Not only am I Rank E, I'm also Level 1. On top of that, this is my first job." Makoto: "I'm thinking about establishing my own business eventually. I plan on joining the merchant's guild." Rembrandt: "I see." Rembrandt: "So you're hoping to establish a connection with our trading company." Rembrandt: "Everything you're doing is wrong." Rembrandt: "I'm sorry, but I have nothing more to discuss with you." Makoto: "Well, this is the reaction I expected." Rembrandt: "Ruby eyes are a rare, fierce monster. An adventurer of your level couldn't possibly—" Makoto: "Here are the goods you requested." Rembrandt: "I'm astonished. These are real!" Rembrandt: "I apologize. Since these goods are so valuable, I doubted you." Makoto: "Could you tell me why you need the eyes?" Rembrandt: "I shall, as an apology for my rudeness." Rembrandt: "We need them in order to produce a special medicine." Makoto: "Special medicine?" Rembrandt: "Ambrosia, the magical cure-all. My wife and daughters suffer from a cursed disease, and I need that medicine." Makoto: "I'm sorry, what's a cursed disease?" Rembrandt: "A type of curse caused by a witch doctor's ritual." Morris: "His wife and two daughters are afflicted by a Level 8 cursed disease. There's no way to save them except to treat them with ambrosia." Rembrandt: "The witch doctor was captured, but aside from the level of the cursed disease, they told us nothing to the very end." Makoto: ""To the very end," huh? In other words, this witch doctor is dead." Makoto: "I'd like to be present when this medicine is made." Rembrandt: "Why?" Makoto: "I know an Alchemy Meister. Asking him to make it should save you some trouble and time." Rembrandt: "Ah, most welcome news. Until now, I've felt nothing but despair, but I'll finally be able to take one step forward." Makoto: "One step?" Rembrandt: "Yes. Making enough medicine for one person requires two eyes." Makoto: "Then you should be able to save everyone with these." Morris: "Sir..." Rembrandt: "Morris..." All: "Yes! Great!" Rembrandt: "Thank you, everyone." Makoto: "Rembrandt-san's employees love him." Rembrandt: "I apologize for the trouble. Here's a signed receipt. The medicine will be made on another day." Makoto: "Got it. Well, I'm off to register with the merchant's guild." Rembrandt: "Ah, you hadn't registered yet?" Rembrandt: "I hope you pass the test." Makoto: "Thank you." Makoto: "What?" Makoto: "Test?" Guild: "Yes, joining the merchant's guild requires you to pass two tests." Makoto: "When are the tests held, and what do they involve?" Guild: "The tests themselves can be taken anytime. First, there's a written test. You can review the guild's manual for the content covered." Guild: "If you pass the written test, then there's the practical test. You'll be asked to procure supplies." Makoto: "What kind of supplies?" Guild: "Anything from easily acquired objects, such as empty potion bottles, to difficult objects such as the fangs of the howl fang. If you're able to pass both tests, you'll be asked to demonstrate your economic strength with either a deposit or annual dues." Makoto: "Well, you can't run a business without capital." Guild: "By the way, if you fail to pass the tests, you will be unable to take them again for half a year." Makoto: "Got it. May I have a manual?" Guild: "One copy costs two gold." Makoto: "That's expensive!" Guild: "You don't have to buy one. Most people study while working for a trading company." Makoto: "No, that's fine." Guild: "What? You're going to buy one?" Makoto: "I've still got money leftover from selling the demiplane fruit." Makoto: "Seriously? This is what's on the test?" Guild: "Ugh, he froze up." Guild: "It figures. Those questions are so difficult." Makoto: "Um, excuse me..." Guild: "It's about the contents of the manual, isn't it? Even I can answer a few questions." Makoto: "No, actually... Could I take the test right now?" Guild: "Huh?" Makoto: "All right." Makoto: "I've mostly memorized the prohibited items and licensed products." Examiner: "Thank you for waiting." Examiner: "Keep your test sheet face-down until the test begins. I'll hold on to your manual." Examiner: "The written test will now begin." Makoto: "As I thought, there aren't many rote memorization questions. That just leaves the calculation problems. If I brute-force translate them into Japanese..." Makoto: "They're problems suitable for late grade schoolers." Makoto: "These will be easy for a studious high school student like me." Examiner: "Difficult, isn't it?" Makoto: "I'm done." Examiner: "What? But you still have more than half the time left. I know they're difficult problems, but you shouldn't be negligent..." Examiner: "I've never heard of anyone scoring full marks in such a short amount of time. It's a miracle!" Makoto: "He looks so frustrated." Makoto: "Just how low is this world's education level? I'm starting to wonder if they even have schools." Examiner: "But the second test, supply procurement, is difficult. Pull out a ball." Examiner: "That symbol..." Examiner: "Ride crystal, maze forma, illuminatux, and howl fang. Get those four materials." Makoto: "Yikes!" Makoto: "Howl fang? Isn't that the difficult material I heard about earlier?" Examiner: "You must bring these, or materials of equal value, to the guild within three days." Examiner: "Looks like you got unlucky." Makoto: "I know that. I've been unlucky ever since that stupid goddess tossed me out here." Examiner: "Unfortunately, you need to be at least Level 50 to gather these materials." Makoto: "What? Level 50?" Makoto: "Aren't Toa-san and her party..." Makoto: "So they're all surprisingly high level. If they were barely able to defeat those monsters, then..." Makoto: "You'll accept materials of equal value, right?" Examiner: "R-Red bee eyes and antennae! And scythe ant fangs, too?! Where did you get these?" Makoto: "A party of adventurers gave them to me to thank me for letting them ride in my wagon." Examiner: "You have connections to such skilled and generous adventurers?" Examiner: "Congratulations. You're the first examinee we've seen who showed up unannounced and passed with full marks." Makoto: "Yay! I'm so happy." Examiner: "You should be happier than that! What you've done is incredible!" Makoto: "I am happy! Hooray! Speech bubbles alone make it rather difficult to express feelings." Guild: "Your guild card will be issued tomorrow, so come back then." Makoto: "Now this is what you call an abrupt change in attitude." Makoto: "I'm hungry. I guess I'll eat. Maybe I can get in touch with Tomoe now." Tomoe: "Delight in the fact that you could serve as sustenance in my knight errantry!" Tomoe: "I had no idea crabs lived in the Wasteland." Lizard: "I hear gain crabs are delicious." Lizard: "They are powerful, but I've never seen one this large. I am honored to join you on this occasion." Orc: "Tomoe-sama, do you not need to report this to the young master?" Tomoe: "This is no big deal." Tomoe: "I recall seeing in the young master's memories that people eat crab in silence." Tomoe: "No, wait. Is it eating crab that makes people fall silent?" Lizard: "You're right." Orc: "It's so good, it leaves me speechless." Tomoe: "Delicious!" Hayato: "Tomoe-sama! Mio-sama just entered the memory vault. She's viewing the young master's memories one after another." Tomoe: "What?! B-But there are still historical dramas I received from him that I haven't watched yet!" Mio: "The young master's memories are delicious." Tomoe: "Wait! Wait, Mio!" Orc: "What did Mio-sama do?" Hayato: "Oh, nothing in particular. That's just what Emma-sama told me to tell her." Orc: "Huh... Anyway, the crab is done boiling." Hayato: "All right!" Tomoe: "I won't let you eat them, Mio!" Tomoe: "Huh?" Emma: "Welcome back, Tomoe-sama." Tomoe: "Emma? Huh? I was told Mio was going through the young master's memories..." Emma: "Yes, that's right. Mio-sama is translating his memories one after another in your place." Tomoe: "Translating?" Emma: "Yes. There is still quite a lot of untranslated material, so we'd appreciate your help." Tomoe: "Uh, I..." Emma: "I won't tell the young master that you secretly returned to the demiplane and secretly feasted on crab as long as you do your job." Emma: "Thanks for your help." Tomoe: "Wha..." Tomoe: "Emma is a crafty girl." Mio: "She was lamenting that the demiplane's development would be delayed if we didn't make progress on these translations." Tomoe: "There's hardly any rush. Perhaps I'll watch Hachidai Shogun." Mio: "You're watching historical dramas now?" Tomoe: "You're looking at his memories, too." Mio: "I'm translating them. Were you even listening?" Tomoe: "Now, now. No need to be upset. You had the young master all to yourself while I was off performing my knight errantry." Mio: "Y-Yes, but..." Tomoe: "It was just you and him at the inn, wasn't it?" Mio: "Y-Yes, we spent the whole night together in the same room." Tomoe: "Wait, does that mean..." Mio: "I watched the young master sleep after he went to bed before me." Tomoe: "You just watched him? You didn't sleep with him?" Mio: "No." Tomoe: "It'll never be my turn to attend to him." Mio: "Sh-Shouldn't you be reporting to the young master instead of questioning me?" Tomoe: "Fine, fine. You sure love to nag." Mio: "Sheesh. Don't blame me if he tells you off." Mio: "What's this? The pictures move in time with the sounds." Mio: "I've never eaten this weapon before." Mio: "This is somewhat..." Mio: "No, it's very interesting." Makoto: "Crap!" Makoto: "I have no idea what these drinks taste like." Makoto: "Excuse me. Could I get one of these at the top?" Employee: "Y-Yes, sir." Makoto: "But seriously, what's going on? I haven't heard from Tomoe or Mio." Adventurer 1: "Did you hear? Recently the red bee swarms have stopped appearing in the woods." Adventurer 2: "Yeah, apparently it's because a horrifically powerful gain crab showed up." Makoto: ""Gain crab"? What kind of crab is that?" Emplyoee: "Thank you for waiting." Makoto: "Is this a citrus-flavored drink, like lemon or something? Bottoms up." Makoto: "I can't believe it was banana... and it hardly tastes like anything." Makoto: "Maybe it grows on you the more you drink it?" Makoto: "Nope." Makoto: "I miss the demiplane's food." gment: "All right, that's enough work for today." Hayato: "Good work, everyone." Orc: "Good work." Makoto: "Hey." gment: "Y-Young Master! I wasn't sneaking food! I was just tasting it!" Makoto: "I'm kidding. You can eat a little. I came to sneak some food, too." gment: "O-Okay..." Makoto: "The demiplane's food is so good. Thanks for picking these." gment: "It's nothing. I'm ashamed we produced less fruit than expected." gment: "The weather has been temperamental lately." Makoto: "What? It has?" gment: "Yes. It suddenly gets hot and cold. Last week, it snowed." Makoto: "You're right." Makoto: "If I don't find out the cause soon, it could affect business." Makoto: "Oh, right. Have they started planning the illusory city yet?" gment: "Apparently they've started, but honestly, they're not sure what you intended." Makoto: "Maybe I didn't explain it thoroughly enough." Makoto: "Allow me to explain. What is an illusory city? I'm going to begin trading the demiplane's goods, but it's hard to sell to someone who doesn't know an item's value. Furthermore, if only I possess goods not found in the outside world, it could eventually cause unneeded friction. So I'll make adventurers wander into the demiplane and send them back with a few things." Makoto: "I'll thereby establish a favorable reputation and spread rumors of an illusory city. That'll make it easier for us to conduct trade, too." Makoto: "Are you listening?" gment: "F-Forgive me." Tomoe: "Young Master!" Tomoe: "Young Master, are you available right now?" Makoto: "Don't suddenly scream at me telepathically! You haven't contacted me in ages!" Tomoe: "Mio... Something is seriously wrong with Mio!" Makoto: "What?" Tomoe: "Please come to the memory vault immediately!" Tomoe: "Let go of me, Mio!" Mio: "Absolutely not! I can't wait any longer!" Makoto: "Uh, what?" Mio: "Quickly! Quickly, give me the rest." Tomoe: "I told you, I haven't recorded it on the crystal tablets yet." Makoto: "What is this?" Mio: "Then do that this instant." Tomoe: "Shut up! Stop treating me like a household appliance! I'm done!" Mio: "How could you? I think I might eat all of these out of shock." Tomoe: "That's the remastered version of Mito Komon without distortion or commercials!" Makoto: "Since when did she become a videographer? Can you explain what happened here?" Haruna: "After you left, Mio-sama began translating memories. Tomoe-sama secretly returned to the demiplane." Makoto: "Damn that Tomoe..." Haruna: "Mio-sama accidentally saw a memory Tomoe-sama brought." Haruna: "Then this happened." Makoto: "That's an inadequate explanation!" Makoto: "Th-Thank you." Tomoe: "Forget it. Even if you eat them, I'll just re-edit them." Mio: "Oh? Then I'll eat all his memories." Tomoe: "Don't do it! Don't lose your..." Makoto: "Tomoe, what's going on here?" Tomoe: "Ah, Young Master!" Mio: "Young Master." Tomoe: "I'm glad you came! Please stop this idiot!" Mio: "Young Master, don't you think you show too much favoritism to Tomoe-san?" Tomoe: "What do you mean, favoritism? I do my job." Mio: "What are you talking about? All you've been doing is editing historical dramas!" Tomoe: "It's not like you've been working, either!" Makoto: "Just calm down!" Makoto: "First, Mio, give that back to Tomoe." Mio: "O-Okay." Makoto: "Tomoe, why didn't you contact me even though you'd returned to the demiplane?" Mio: "Because she was secretly eating crab and watching historical dramas." Tomoe: "I-Idiot!" Makoto: "Okay, and? How did you and Mio get into a fight?" Tomoe: "Mio was treating mineself like an appliance. She insisted on watching memories one after another." Makoto: "Mio, have you gotten hooked on historical dramas, too?" Mio: "I'm not interested in those things." Tomoe: "What do you mean, "those things"?" Makoto: "Tomoe, shut up for a second." Mio: "It's these that I want to watch." Makoto: "This is the anime my dad made me watch! And this is..." Hero: "Transform!" Makoto: "...a Sunday morning kids' show! It's my memory of being forced to watch it by a friend!" Mio: "I sensed depth within their intensity. They both seem so delicious." Makoto: "Fine. I'll allow you to watch them." Tomoe: "What?!" Mio: "Thank you, Young Master." Makoto: "But you know those are fake, right? Make sure you don't confuse them with reality." Tomoe: "Young Master, may I watch dramas, too?" Makoto: "You'll make your report, and then I'll lecture you. I came back to Tsige since I've got an early morning tomorrow, but I tired myself out for nothing. And the real work on that job is just beginning." Tomoe: "That trading company? They're a major company, but they've got integrity. They're well-regarded by the guild, as well." Tomoe: "Sounds too good to be true." Makoto: "Their representative seems like not just a good guy, but pretty influential, as well. I wish I could learn to conduct business from him." Tomoe: "You've a rather high opinion of him." Makoto: "By the way, this room only has two beds. Wouldn't you normally let your master take one?" Tomoe: "The young master is such a late bloomer that he didn't do anything with Mio when they were alone together." Tomoe: "Perhaps I'll make my own moves." Tomoe: "Choose whichever bed you'd prefer." Makoto: "Fine. I'll sleep on the sofa." Both: "Huh?!" Tomoe: "Mio, we'll have to come up with a plan." Mio: "A plan?" Makoto: "Go to sleep already." Makoto: "The alchemist guy sent me a message. These cards are so convenient." Hazal: "I can't believe I have the opportunity to be involved in the production of the wondrous ambrosia! I'll help you!" Makoto: "Now that I've secured an alchemist, I should be able to complete the job without issue." Makoto: "They're already asleep." Tomoe: "Stand... back..." Mio: "Trans... form..." Makoto: "Now I've got an anime and tokusatsu fan on top of my historical drama addict." Makoto: "My head hurts." Hazal: "Good morning. Thank you for the precious invitation." Makoto: "No, thank you. Let's head to the client's place immediately." Hazal: "Okay. Lead the way." Lime: "Damn it. Did that man really complete the job?" Cirtus: "Yeah, apparently he already had the necessary materials." Lime: "Gather all the adventurers you can." Citrus: "Are you serious?" Lime: "I'll pay any amount." Lime: "I won't let that bastard Rembrandt have his way anymore."

Witchdoctor: "My curse is perfect. Taste a pain greater than death," Witchdoctor: "Rembrandt." Makoto: "Sorry for not telling you the full story." Hazal: "E-Everyone in town knows the influential Rembrandt. If I end up on his bad side..." Rembrandt: "Thank you for waiting. Preparations have been made. Could you make your way over, please?" Hazal: "O-Of course!" Makoto: "Yeesh..." Makoto: "He's acting like he's headed to the gallows." Morris: "You'll find all the materials here." Hazal: "Ambrosia is made by combining several medicinal liquors with the liquid extracted from the eyes, and chilling set amounts." Hazal: "That's all?" Morris: "Yes. Aside from the unique extraction process, it's not a difficult medicine to produce." Makoto: "Since he called it a wondrous medicine, I thought we'd have to let it simmer in a jug for days or something." Hazal: "Blessings of the goddess who envelops and surrounds our world... Oh, divine power of the eternal and unchanging goddess!" Makoto: "Why does he have to keep saying "goddess"? He's weaving his magic inefficiently, too." Makoto: "With the ritual Emma-san taught me..." Makoto: "Fix the surrounding environment in place." Hazal: "Huh? The magical preparations are complete? I don't think I finished speaking the incantation, though." Makoto: "It's just your imagination." Hazal: "Um, does this production method use a substitute?" Morris: "Ah, you noticed? Normally the process uses ambrosia flowers, but they're difficult to acquire. We're using the eyes of ruby eyes as a substitute, since they primarily feed on the nectar of said flowers." Makoto: "Ambrosia flowers, huh? If I could find some of those, I bet they'd become the prize product of the Kuzunoha Trading Company." Hazal: "If we adjust the production process, we should be able to produce an additional dose." Hazal: "I've completed one dose of the wondrous ambrosia." Morris: "I shall take this to the master immediately." Hazal: "Whew! I want to go home and have a drink." Makoto: "Don't relax too much, now." Hazal: "I'm finished." Makoto: "Don't hold them like that! Can't you follow Morris-san's example?!" Morris: "Kuzunoha-sama!" Makoto: "You idiot! Investigative Kai." Makoto: "Where's the other one? I'll propel myself using water pressure!" Makoto: "My hand won't reach it in time!" Makoto: "Please let it fall somewhere on my body!" Hazal: "I-Impressive." Makoto: "Hazal, remind me to hit you twice later." Makoto: "Morris-san, is something wrong?" Morris: "Y-Yes. It's the master..." Rembrandt: "Kuzunoha-dono..." Makoto: "How did you get that injury?" Rembrandt: "When I tried to administer the medicine to my wife, she put up a fierce fight." Morris: "The guards and I were barely able to subdue her." Morris: "She's currently unconscious." Rembrandt: "She's never had a fit like that before." Hazal: "That wasn't a fit. It was probably a hindrance woven into the cursed disease" Hazal: "to prevent you from administering medicine." Morris: "The cursed disease is that powerful?" Hazal: "It's entirely possible for a Level 8 cursed disease." Rembrandt: "It started as a minor fever." Rembrandt: "But her symptoms didn't improve. She began to fear water." Rembrandt: "She feared the light and went on deranged rampages." Rembrandt: "Her hair fell out, her cheeks became sunken, and her eyes turned scarlet." Rembrandt: "There isn't a trace of her beauty left." Rembrandt: "That hell was supposed to end today." Makoto: "I should probably ask Toa-san's party or Tomoe and Mio to come," Makoto: "but..." Makoto: "Please take me to your wife." Makoto: "I'll restrain your wife so you can administer the medicine." Makoto: "Hazal, use the remaining ingredients to make another dose of the medicine." Hazal: "O-Okay." Rembrandt: "It's not possible for someone of your level. Not even Morris and several of the guards could restrain her." Hazal: "Kuzunoha-san will be fine. After all, he's the one who defeated the ruby eyes." Rembrandt: "What?" Morris: "I myself just witnessed a demonstration of his extraordinary physical abilities." Rembrandt: "You too, Morris?" Makoto: "Don't worry. I'll break this curse." Makoto: "It smells like the medicine." Morris: "The mistress is in that room." Makoto: "Please stay back until I've restrained her." Makoto: "If I can lure her to me using this smell..." Makoto: "She's in bad shape." Makoto: "And she's fast!" Makoto: "But I can't risk injuring her with a careless attack." Rembrandt: "Kuzunoha-dono!" Makoto: "Please stay back." Makoto: "My sister used to practice judo on me all the time." Makoto: "Back then, I couldn't copy her moves, but with my current physical abilities..." Makoto: "Quickly, administer the medicine!" Rembrandt: "Lisa!" Makoto: "Rembrandt-san!" Rembrandt: "Not a problem." Rembrandt: "Oh, Lisa..." Rembrandt: "Now you can smile and speak again." Makoto: "Your daughters are next." Makoto: "I underestimated the mother earlier, but now..." Makoto: "She's like a spider person." Makoto: "Hup." Hazal: "Kuzunoha-san! I finished the additional dose—" Makoto: "Really?! Now?!" Makoto: "What a butler!" Makoto: "Now for the last patient..." Shifu: "Run..." Makoto: "Huh?" Shifu: "Please..." Shifu: "Run..." Makoto: "She's still holding on to her senses." Makoto: "Don't worry. It'll be over soon." Rembrandt: "My wife and daughters are sleeping peacefully." Rembrandt: "Thank you so much, Kuzunoha-dono." Makoto: "I'm relieved to hear that. I hope they recover as soon as possible." Rembrandt: "Anyway, that was an impressive binding technique. Exactly who are you?" Makoto: "I'm just a merchant in training." Rembrandt: "In any case, I've been freed from this hell." Rembrandt: "Oh, goddess! I am so grateful for this day!" Makoto: "I wish he'd thank anyone but her." Makoto: "I forced the work of improving the medicine onto Hazal." Tomoe: "Young Master, I'm glad you're all right." Mio: "We've been waiting for you." Makoto: "What are you two doing here?" Tomoe: "It's only natural for followers to wait for their master." Makoto: "Yeah, right. You just want me to go with you to re-register with the guild." Mio: "Apparently Tomoe-san was curious about something." Makoto: "Huh?!" Citrus: "Die." Makoto: "What?! Tomoe! Mio!" Lime: "The masked man dodged the spell, huh?" Tomoe: "Is that all?" Mio: "Compared to the young master's bhrid, that was merely a warm breeze." Makoto: "Come on, guys. Just dodge the spell." Tomoe: "We had to determine the assassin's strength." Makoto: "Assassin?" Tomoe: "They've been watching you since you left the inn. I came here because I thought it might be fun—I mean, I was concerned for your safety." Makoto: "You gave yourself away." Makoto: "There are more than 20 of them." Lime: "Ladies, why don't you do yourselves a favor and join us?" Tomoe: "Didn't that scoundrel in Zetsuya say the same thing to us, Mio?" Mio: "For how much?" Tomoe: "What?!" Lime: "How does ten gold sound?" Mio: "Very well. I'll stay out of this fight." Tomoe: "Bitch!" Mio: "You can pay me later." Lime: "Lady in black, you've got a fine personality." Lime: "Sorry. This is just how the world works." Tomoe: "Bastard!" Tomoe: "I'm more than enough to take you all on mineself!" Mio: "How was that, Young Master?" Makoto: "Good. Thanks for going along with the plan. I was worried we'd see a repeat of Zetsuya if both of you got involved. But I can't believe you asked for money." Mio: "They're causing trouble for you. It's only natural." Tomoe: "Doesn't this make your blood quicken, Young Master?" Makoto: "Don't go overboard, Tomoe." Lime: "Such a shame. This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't gotten involved with Rembrandt." Makoto: "I knew it. This is related to Rembrandt-san." Makoto: "Tomoe, leave them barely alive." Lime: "Get them!" Makoto: "Hey, Tomoe? What are you doing?" Tomoe: "Nobody signaled the start of the fight. You know, the old lord's traditional thing." Makoto: "Traditional thing?" Makoto: "You mean that?" Makoto: "Do I have to say it?" Citrus: "Isn't the masked man Level 1?" Lime: "How did he move like that?" Makoto: ""T-Tomoe-san, go teach them a lesson."" Tomoe: "Yes, sir!" Tomoe: "Do not worry!" Tomoe: "I'll use the back of my sword!" Makoto: "Sh-She's inflicting this much damage with the back?" Tomoe: "That just leaves you two." Lime: "Hey, assist us!" Mio: "I simply said I wouldn't get involved. I never said I'd help you." Lime: "Wha... But we're paying you!" Mio: "It makes no difference to me whether I receive payment from you while you're alive or take it from your dead body." Citrus: "Oh sacred eight-legged horse, I beg thee..." Ctirus: "Take me to the location of my mark." Lime: "You asshole! You're running away?!" Tomoe: "Young Master, that's a transportation spell." Makoto: "Yeah." Makoto: "Sorry." Makoto: "I tried to hold back. He's not dead, is he?" Lime: "I'm Tsige's number one adventurer, Lime Latte!" Makoto: "That sounds like a gross drink." Tomoe: "This is a fine sword." Lime: "A-Am I gonna die? If I die here, then they'll..." Tomoe: "Huh? This man..." Lime: "P-Please! Spare me!" Lime: "Please forgive me!" Makoto: "You're begging for forgiveness now? After putting that horrible curse on them?" Lime: "I'm sorry for putting those young girls into a deep sleep." Makoto: "Sleep? That cursed disease kills people." Lime: "What? No, we just put them to sleep with a curse." Tomoe: "You're playing dumb?" Lime: "I wouldn't lie!" Makoto: "Explain." Lime: "It started several months ago." Lime: "I was at my favorite bar..." Witchdoctor: "That sounds awful. Countless adventurers who have incurred the Rembrandt Trading Company's ire are out of work and suffering." Lime: "That's right." Lime: "Because of that, some guys are taking on reckless jobs and dying for it." Lime: "It makes me sick." Witchdoctor: "I heard some adventurers from the orphanage died the other day." Witchdoctor: "Without education or money, it's difficult to leave the adventuring life. I'm sure more will continue to die." Lime: "Damn that Rembrandt!" Witchdoctor: "I have a suggestion." Lime: "We'd force him to reconsider his actions by sending his family into a cursed sleep." Lime: "That was the plan." Lime: "The curse wouldn't kill them. I agreed to help because that's what I was told. But once the witch doctor was caught," Lime: "there was no turning back." Makoto: "Tomoe, did you check his memories?" Tomoe: "Yes. I believe he's telling the truth." Makoto: "Fine. Enough." Lime: "You're going to let me go?" Makoto: "Go tend to your friends." Lime: "I'm sorry." Lime: "Lady in black?" Mio: "The payment you promised." Lime: "Oh, I'll pay you right—" Mio: "Here." Lime: "Huh? But it's empty." Mio: "Interest." Lime: "Interest?" Lime: "Y... Yes, ma'am." Mio: "Young Master, I made some incidental income." Makoto: "First the man was used. Then to top everything off, this is how it ends." Lime: "I'm really sorry!" Makoto: "Apparently Lime apologized to Rembrandt-san numerous times after that." Morris: "Sir, why don't we have him pay with his life?" Makoto: "Surprisingly, Morris-san's reaction was scarier than Rembrandt-san's." Rembrandt: "Fortunately, my wife and daughters are recovering well. Out of respect for Kuzunoha-dono, I shall accept your apology." Lime: "Thank you!" Rembrandt: "But going forward, your adventuring work will be limited. Agreed?" Lime: "Actually, I'm retiring from adventuring." Lime: "I have to set things right. I'm really sorry." Makoto: "If his resolve is that solid, then he should be fine. I doubt we'll meet again," Makoto: "but I got him a parting gift." Tomoe: "Ah, you cleaned up nice." Lime: "Blue-haired lady..." Tomoe: "What are you going to do now?" Lime: "I'll manage somehow. It's not like I've lost all my connections." Tomoe: "Isn't that the orphanage you wanted to protect?" Lime: "Huh? How do you know that?" Tomoe: "I see all." Lime: "Jeez. I'm no match for you." Lime: "That orphanage was the only place that didn't turn its back on me. So when I heard those guys from the orphanage were in trouble, I fell for his lie hook, line, and sinker." Lime: "Anyway, who are you guys?" Lime: "That masked guy is way too mysterious." Tomoe: "He's certainly mysterious, but he's a kind person." Tomoe: "Since I broke your sword, you can have this." Lime: "Wow..." Tomoe: "It's called a katana. It was forged by an ancient sort of dwarf. It's an imperfect product, though." Lime: "It looks really expensive." Tomoe: "I get the feeling you'll sell that if I leave you now." Tomoe: "Well? Why not come serve mineself?" Lime: "Serve you?" Tomoe: "First, you'll gather information. You'll be my spy." Lime: "You mean your dog." Tomoe: "This should cover any expenses for a while." Lime: "Th-This much?!" Tomoe: "If you'll work as hard as you can for me, I'll do what I can to protect what's important to you." Lime: "Then I'll choose to believe you." Tomoe: "Well, then, this matter is finally settled." Rembrandt: "Kuzunoha-dono, huh?" Morris: "If he establishes his own trading company..." Rembrandt: "We'll have to consider our own plan of action going forward." Rembrandt: "We didn't climb this high because our resolve was half-hearted." Tomoe: "So he's not simply a good person after all." Tomoe: "Perhaps the witch doctor who cursed them was a victim of Rembrandt's ambition, as well." Makoto: "And so, the matter with Rembrandt-san was resolved." Makoto: "I returned to the demiplane for the first time in a while... but there was apparently a minor issue plaguing the demiplane." Emma: "There's actually a minor problem concerning the three of you." Makoto: "Huh? What? I have a bad feeling about this."

Makoto: "A problem related to us?" Emma: "Yes. I suppose you could say our warriors have lost confidence after training with you." Tomoe: "What, they're depressed because they can't beat us?" Emma: "Broadly speaking, yes." Tomoe: "How pathetic." Mio: "Then shouldn't we simply stop training with them for a while?" Tomoe: "Then they'll think we've abandoned them. Use your head." Mio: "Use my head? But I'd have far more fun thinking about what's for dinner tonight." Tomoe: "Didn't you just finish eating, Grandma Mio?" Mio: "Are you saying you'll join me for some post-meal exercise, Tomoe-san?" Makoto: "Don't start a fight here. You'll kick up dust." Makoto: "In any case, I'd like to see how they're doing for myself." Emma: "Good idea. The orcs are currently taking a break." Makoto: "Tomoe, could you go talk to the lizardmen?" Tomoe: "What? That sounds like such a pain." Mio: "Tomoe-san, I'm not done talking to you." Tomoe: "Why don't you go talk to the alke?" Mio: "They aren't experiencing any dissatisfaction or anxiety related to training." Makoto: "Each individual alke is strong, and they only occasionally participate in training, since they're busy with medicine production and alchemy." Makoto: "Mio, do you want to come with me?" Mio: "Yes, I'll join you!" Orc A: "Let's try the bone meal next." Orc A: "Field work sure is great." Hayato: "Yeah. All your hard work takes physical shape. It clears your mind, too." Makoto: "Listening Kai! I don't feel great about eavesdropping, but they'd have a hard time talking to me about it directly." Orc A: "We're training with the young master this afternoon." Hayato: "Honestly, it's depressing. Training with Tomoe-sama and Mio-sama is fine. We can't damage them, but if you're good enough, they'll allow you to land attacks. But..." Orc A: "The young master..." Hayato: "He blasts you with bhrids before you can get close." Orc A: "Even if you somehow resist them, he sends you flying in the end." Makoto: "What am I, a warship?" Hayato: "I wonder what the lizardmen think." Orc A: "Who knows? We never get the opportunity to watch other species train." Makoto: "It's even worse than I thought. Maybe I should've held back a little." Emma: "I wouldn't say that." Mio: "Young Master..." Mio: "This vegetable is juicy and delicious." Makoto: "Yeah, that's a tomato. They're good raw or boiled. You can preserve them by dehydrating them and soaking them in oil, too. They're a good vegetable to cook with." Mio: "Cook?" Makoto: "Tomoe, how were the lizardmen?" Tomoe: "Their situation seems to be similar to the orcs'. They're less than 10% as strong as I'd hoped." Makoto: "From what I can tell, the various species don't exchange much information with each other." Emma: "You're right. Each species keeps its tactics confidential." Makoto: "I bet it would be interesting if lizardmen imitated orc fighting styles or orcs used lizardman tactics." Emma: "Well..." Tomoe: "Emma, the young master is asking if they think they can reach our level using only their own tactics." Makoto: "R-Rather than hiding their techniques from each other, maybe they should be improving them." Tomoe: "Young Master, I have a great idea regarding that!" Makoto: "A great idea? It better not be anything that'll lead to casualties." Emma: "C-Casualties?" Tomoe: "We've gathered you here today" Tomoe: "to assess a strength that can't be measured during our regular training sessions. Each species' strongest warriors shall fight and demonstrate their strength." Makoto: "In other words, one-on-one battles between each species' representatives." gment: "Agares will represent the Highland Orcs." gment: "Liddy will represent the Mist Lizards." gment: "Both parties, do your best. This is a no-limits, one-bout match." gment: "Begin!" Agares: "Barrier, protect me!" Agares: "Strength, flow through me!" Makoto: "Wow, they destroyed the platform! Whoops, Tomoe told me to remain expressionless during the match." Liddy: "Wind, rise!" gment: "Stop!" gment: "The winner is the Highland Orc, Agares!" Agares: "Young Master?" Tomoe: "I'm sure both of you fought as hard as you could." Tomoe: "But you're both hopeless!" Tomoe: "I am truly disappointed. Why aren't you stronger than this? What do you think the reason is?" Makoto: "My face is starting to get tired." Tomoe: "You there." Hayato: "Yes, ma'am. F-From your perspective, we may not seem impressive, but we believe they fought well." Tomoe: "In other words, because you're not the young master or mineself, you're strong enough? You're currently less than 10% as strong as I'd like! You're a bunch of nobodies!" Makoto: "Aren't you being a bit harsh?" Tomoe: "We want warriors strong enough for us to depend on!" Makoto: "You're ignoring me?" Tomoe: "That said, your true strength can't be measured, since you've been fighting us. So... From now on, once every seven days, everyone will participate in individual matches. We'll assess each individual's strength during the matches and rank you. We'll run the idea by the dwarves and alke, too." Hayato: "But..." Orc A: "We'd be revealing our tactics to each other." Tomoe: "Fools. You're not strong enough to worry about someone learning your tactics." Tomoe: "Abandon your worthless pride and reveal your tactics!" Tomoe: "Aim for greater heights together through friendly rivalry!" Tomoe: "That's the kind of person the young master wants!" Makoto: "What? I do?" Tomoe: "Winning the upcoming matches will measure your strength in the demiplane." Tomoe: "Those who rank high shall be warriors of honor." Tomoe: "Those who aren't motivated by that should give up on being warriors. Find more appropriate professions for yourselves." Tomoe: "Fighting isn't the only skill you have to offer to the demiplane. Now, then..." gment: "Finally, a word from the young master." Makoto: "Huh?!" Makoto: "In this atmosphere?" Makoto: "Uh... I agree with what Tomoe said. I don't think you're strong enough now to worry about concealing your tactics." Makoto: "But I do think you have a lot of potential." Agares: "Young Master..." Makoto: "I'm thinking about increasing the number of joint training sessions. I want you to strengthen each other." Makoto: "That's all I have to say on the subject." Makoto: "Individual matches for everyone... Fights to determine the strength of each species inhabiting the demiplane..." Makoto: "I guess I'd call it..." Tomoe: "Continue your training, everyone! The Demiplane Ranking will be coming soon!" Makoto: "Demiplane Ranking..." Makoto: "What a simple name. Isn't it too basic for such a grand event?" Ashes: "M-Mio-sama is..." Ashes: "Level 1,500?" Tomoe: "Quickly, what's my level?" Ashes: "T-Tomoe-sama, you're..." Tomoe: "Uh-huh?" Ashes: "Level 1,340." Tomoe: "What?! What about my knight errantry?!" Makoto: "When you're already over Level 1,000, twenty levels is a lot to gain." Ashes: "Y-You're Kuzunoha-sama's party, aren't you? The guild actually has a request for you. You see, the top adventurer retired, and many others are being treated for injuries." Ashes: "We're dangerously low on personnel at the moment." Makoto: "That's our fault, isn't it?" Ashes: "We'd like you to train an adventurer to become the successor to Tsige's former number one adventurer, Lime Latte." Makoto: "Training adventurers, huh?" Makoto: "I know a party of adventurers who are over Level 100." Ashes: "O-One of them could certainly do it." Tomoe: "You want me to train Toa's party?" Makoto: "Yeah. Do you think you could do that?" Makoto: "I figured we'd have an easier time if it was someone familiar. I-I didn't mean anything by that." Tomoe: "I know that." Tomoe: "Then I shall find an appropriate place to train at the guild." Makoto: "Thanks for doing this." Tomoe: "Toa, huh? Judging by his attitude in Zetsuya, she must look like someone he knew from his old world." Tomoe: "In other words, he has some lingering attachment to his old world." Tomoe: "That's not good. It hasn't been long since we met, but the time I've spent with the young master has been so brilliant. I must train her as quickly as possible so that she doesn't disturb the young master's heart further." Tomoe: "Toa's party must become independent as soon as possible." Toa: "T-Tomoe-sama!" Hazal: "A troop of shadow tails?!" Toa: "We can't beat these!" Toa: "Why, you..." Hazal: "Get back!" Louisa: "My aim..." Ranina: "A barrier?" Toa: "We're saved." Tomoe: "Why would you go charging in like idiots?" Tomoe: "What did I train you for? Didn't you learn anything?" Hazal: "But there are too many of them." Louisa: "We're not strong enough." Ranina: "We're not interested in becoming monkey food." Toa: "Yeah..." Tomoe: "So the three of you attacked while the alchemist provided healing and support. The dwarf aside, why did the thief and archer attack from the front?" Louisa: "Because I'd hit the other two if I attacked from too far away." Louisa: "I'm sure it'd be a different story if I were as accurate as Kuzunoha-san." Tomoe: "That said, charging in was extremely reckless. It's exactly the type of strategy I'd expect from hyumans puffed up by the goddess's divine protection." Tomoe: "Alchemist!" Hazal: "Yes?" Tomoe: "Why do you only use healing magic? Can't you use water and earth magic, too?" Toa: "What? Can you? Have you actually been amazing this whole time?" Hazal: "T-Technically I can, but my hands are full with healing and supporting. I can't cast offensive spells on top of that." Tomoe: "Constantly healing the other three who are recklessly charging in would certainly keep you busy." Tomoe: "Just this once, I shall teach you a simple strategy. First..." Tomoe: "Alchemist, lay a trap." Hazal: "A trap?" Tomoe: "Create a muddy area using water and earth magic." Hazal: "O-Okay." Tomoe: "Archer, get to a place where you can get a good view of them." Louisa: "Okay." Hazal: "Earth, become mud." Tomoe: "Put paralyzing poison in the mud." Tomoe: "I'm dispelling the barrier." Tomoe: "It's a simple poison marsh for slowing down your enemies. Archer, this should make them easy to shoot." Louisa: "We can defeat them this way!" Tomoe: "Don't let your guard down. They're clever." Hazal: "They're using the bodies as stepping stones!" Tomoe: "Dwarf, draw them to you." Ranina: "Over here, monkeys!" Tomoe: "Finally, Toa, use your thief skills to conceal yourself" Tomoe: "and take them down from behind." Tomoe: "With this strategy, only the dwarf needs support. You only need to provide minimal healing. You can use your leftover mana to attack." Hazal: "But I still can't afford to cast big spells." Tomoe: "No matter. They're living creatures, too." Tomoe: "A simple spell covering their noses and mouths is enough." Hazal: "A-Amazing..." All: "They went that way! I'll handle it! Over here!" Ranina: "Last!" Ranina: "One!" Toa: "W-We defeated them." Hazal: "The shadow tail lord's tail fetches a high price. Their venomous claws are treasures, too." Hazal: "The poison..." Louisa: "Are you stupid?" Tomoe: "All right, then..." Tomoe: "Next you'll defeat a monkey den like this one on your own." Toa: "What? But our levels aren't high enough yet." Tomoe: ""Level" is just a number." Tomoe: "You're already strong enough." Toa: "Tomoe-sama..." Tomoe: "Achieve such great results that your peers have to recognize your superiority." Tomoe: "Push yourselves as hard as you can without becoming reckless. Make people acknowledge that you're not just lucky adventurers, but the aces of Tsige." Tomoe: "Close to one hundred monkeys dwell in the next den. You have tonight to develop a strategy." Hazal: "What?" Louisa: "Tonight?" Tomoe: "You'll attack in the morning." Tomoe: "You'll find mineself waiting for you at the guild." Tomoe: "I expect you to succeed." Toa: "You're kidding, right?" Ashes: "What?" Ashes: "Wh-What did you just say?" Tomoe: "I said I left Toa's party at the shadow tail den." Ashes: "That's madness! Level 100 adventurers can barely defeat just one of those! Besides, that den..." Ashes: "is in an area known as Deathwish Road. The nearby Tinarak Forest is so dangerous that several adventuring parties have gone missing!" Toa: "Tomoe-sama..." Toa: "We've defeated the target." Hazal: "We used up our medicine and mana." Louisa: "My shoulders and hands hurt." Ranina: "I'm beyond sore." Ashes: "Two lord tails..." Ashes: "They really defeated two nests in one day?" Tomoe: "Good. You pass." Makoto: "And that's how the superiority of Toa-san's party was recognized among the guild. Perhaps legends of these great adventurers will someday be passed down." Makoto: "Mio, could you go look for ambrosia flowers?" Mio: "You mean those flowers used to make that wondrous medicine?" Makoto: "The other day, we substituted eyes from ruby eyes." Makoto: "But normally, those flowers are used instead." Makoto: "I thought they could become our prize product. Judging by the habitat of the ruby eyes that feed on those flowers," Makoto: "they probably grow in these woods." Mio: "That's Tinarak Forest. Very well." Mio: "But where will you go, Young Master?" Makoto: "I thought I'd begin setting up a shop. Even if we acquire merchandise, we can't do anything without someplace to sell it." Rembrandt: "What did you want to discuss?" Makoto: "When the Kuzunoha Trading Company begins operating, I was hoping I could rent some space inside your shop as your tenant." Rembrandt: "I'd be glad to assist you with that." Makoto: "You're sure?" Rembrandt: "Some space just opened up." Rembrandt: "Morris, contact the person in charge there." Morris: "Yes, sir." Morris: "Let's see, what would be a good location? There isn't actually any open space." Rembrandt: "Kuzunoha-dono, is a rented shop all you need to conduct your business?" Rembradnt: "Am I correct in assuming the reason you don't acquire your own shop is..." Makoto: "I'm impressed. Rembrandt-san saw through me." Tomoe: "Espionage?" Makoto: "Yeah. It's not necessary for selling goods or renting space in a trading company's shops, but if real estate is involved, then I'd have to submit a notification to the kingdom." Tomoe: "You'd receive an invitation to conduct espionage then?" Makoto: "The receptionist secretly told me about it when I received my merchant's guild card." Tomoe: "The Kingdom of Aion in which Tsige is located is certainly passionate when it comes to espionage." Makoto: "Apparently turning them down could harm business, so we'll have to rent space inside someone's store. That's why I came to ask him, but since Rembrandt-san owns stores, he's surely assisting them with their espionage." Rembrandt: "There are a lot of restrictions," Rembrandt: "but it can be done." Makoto: "Huh?" Rembrandt: "There's a neutral city that doesn't belong to any kingdom." Rembrandt: "You may be able to establish a shop to your liking there." Makoto: "A neutral city..." Rembrandt: "I have acquaintances in the city." Rembrandt: "I'll ask them about it. Could you give me a little time?" Makoto: "Of course. Thank you for everything." Makoto: "It's great when people owe you favors. That went really smoothly." Makoto: "Looks like I'll be busy preparing to open the Kuzunoha Trading Company." Mio: "This is Tinarak Forest. I doubt I'll find anything tasty here." Adventurer A: "I'd heard the ecosystem was in shambles, but..." Adventurer B: "It's quieter than I expected." Elise: "It's exhausting, isn't it? How could they lay waste to this place like that?" Aqua: "Hyumans only know how to steal." Aqua: "Apparently they're the goddess's beloved favorites." Elis: "That's hilarious." Elis: "Just how carefree are hyumans?"

Eris: "How dare they enter our woods in their filthy boots? Damn pipthieves." Aqua: "What's a pipthief?" Eris: "A combination of a pipsqueak and a sneak thief." Eris: "Anyway, Aqua, did you kill them?" Aqua: "They're alive. I'd have killed them if they touched the red lotuses, though." Eris: "Eggsactly." Aqua: "Egg...?" Aqua: "Eris, you've been saying a lot of strange words recently." gment: "Young Master!" gment: "We're ready!" All: "Young Master!" Makoto: "Uh... Thanks for throwing a party to celebrate the establishment of my trading company in the outside world." Makoto: "Tomoe, aren't you better at this kind of thing?" Tomoe: "They want to hear you speak, Young Master." gment: "Young Master, drink this." Makoto: "Thanks, Tomoe's fragment." Makoto: "What?" Tomoe: "Well, just... Since my fragment and I are connected, when you pat her head, I..." gment: "I..." Makoto: "What?" Mio: "Young Master, I found this dish in Tsige." Makoto: "It smells good." Mio: "Is this not an opportunity for me to feed him?" Makoto: "It's got a strong flavor. It's good." Mio: "He's so wonderfully feral." Makoto: "Oh, sorry. Was that ill-mannered of me?" Tomoe: "Come on, Mio. Let's make room at the young master's side for the demiplane residents today." Mio: "B-But..." Akina: "It's good to see you again. I am Akina the alke. I've learned to remain transformed for long periods of time." Makoto: "Wow, you've perfected your human form." Akina: "May I report on our visit to Tinarak Forest the other day?" Makoto: "Sure. Did you find any ambrosia?" Akina: "Yes. Here are the flower's coordinates and relevant details. We thought about bringing one back, but there seems to be a species tending the woods." Makoto: "That's fine. Sounds like carelessly harvesting them would cause problems." Makoto: "By the way, have the alke adjusted to life in the demiplane?" Akina: "Yes, thanks to you." Akina: "Haruna seems to enjoy using weapons. She even participates in combat training occasionally." Akina: "Minato is researching a variety of subjects, such as blacksmithing and alchemy." Akina: "Hokuto has thrown himself into construction work. He's currently assisting the orcs." Akina: "I often accompany Mio-sama." Akina: "While searching for the flower in the outside world, we visited a number of food stalls." Makoto: "That must have led to the dish Mio found." Akina: "It's all thanks to you, Young Master." Akina: "I should get going." Liddy: "Young Master." Makoto: "Hey, you fought for the lizards." Liddy: "My name is Liddy." Liddy: "Since then, I've acquired new tactics through our joint training sessions. I defeated Agares the other day." Makoto: "Sounds like it was worth it." Liddy: "Yes, sir. Recently, I've been training in unarmed combat to prepare for the Demiplane Ranking in three months." Makoto: "Sounds like something a swordsman would do. Could it be..." Liddy: "Yes, sir. Tomoe-sama is coaching me." Makoto: "Uh-oh... Tomoe's influence is taking over the demiplane." Beren: "You're staying in Tsige, Young Master? How is the hyuman town?" Makoto: "It's a nice, lively place. Tomoe and Mio stand out a little, though." Beren: "That said, I'm jealous that they get to accompany you. I'm sure every day is exciting." Makoto: "You guys haven't left the demiplane since you arrived, huh? I know it's a little bigger now, but still, do you sometimes find it suffocating?" Beren: "Huh?" Makoto: "Huh?" Beren: "Young Master, there's no suffocating, confined feeling to be found in this world." Makoto: "R-Really?" Beren: "This bountiful land is seemingly endless." Beren: "There are mountains in the distance and rivers flowing from unknown sources. What else could one possibly ask for in this paradise? Not only that, but I get to make arms for you. As a craftsman, I couldn't be happier." Makoto: "I see. I'm relieved to hear that." Beren: "But I am curious to know what kinds of arms are popular outside the demiplane." Makoto: "In that case, would you like to try running the shop we're renting in Tsige?" Beren: "Who, me?" Makoto: "Dwarves are known for being excellent blacksmiths. I'm sure people would hire you to make weapons for them." Beren: "You'd allow me to do that?" Makoto: "Yes, of course." Beren: "Then I look forward to that." Hayato: "Y-Young Master, you previously healed my injuries." Makoto: "Right, while logging." Hayato: "Y-You remember!" Hayato: "I'm actually assigned to the next shift of guiding adventurers to the illusory city." Makoto: "The illusory city. It's the fictional city we invented to distribute products that exist only in the demiplane via adventurers." Makoto: "Sorry for making you do that for my business." Hayato: "It's nothing." Hayato: "I've always wanted to do something for you, Young Master." All: "Let me speak to the young master, too! Me, too!" Tomoe: "Are they still hogging the young master?" Mio: "Don't ask me. You did this to yourself." Mio: "I wanted to report to him about the ambrosia. The creatures tending to that flower are probably..." Tomoe: "Mio, you shouldn't include speculation in your report. Communicate only the facts and trust the young master's judgment. We should only offer our opinions when we're asked for them." Mio: "You're right." Tomoe: "That's odd. I don't sense the young master nearby." Tomoe: "Did he return to his mansion?" Tomoe: "No, wait..." Mio: "No, Young Master!" Tomoe: "Mio, calm down!" Mio: "B-But, but..." Tomoe: "His presence has returned." Mio: "But..." Tomoe: "Let's head there. Quickly, without the others noticing." Makoto: "The target didn't break. I've learned to control my strength." Tomoe: "Young Master!" Makoto: "How long have you been standing there?!" Mio: "Young Master!" Makoto: "Hey!" Mio: "You're alive! You're still alive!" Makoto: "Y-You're so close. What are you talking—" Makoto: "Tomoe, are we under attack?" Tomoe: "No." Tomoe: "Were you training with a bow?" Makoto: "Yeah, since I had them make a simple range." Tomoe: "You've practiced like that all this time?" Makoto: "Yeah. So what?" Tomoe: "You can't be serious! You've died countless times!" Makoto: "Uh-huh..." Makoto: "But I'm alive." Tomoe: "May I ask how you draw your bow?" Makoto: "How? Well, normally I shoot while standing, but when I want to focus deeply, I'll kneel." Tomoe: "Skip the details!" Makoto: "You're the one who asked!" Tomoe: "You said "focus deeply," didn't you?" Tomoe: "Your actions caused your consciousness to waver. You appeared to blend into your surroundings." Makoto: "After clearing my mind, I imagine myself assimilating into everything between myself and the target, and—" Tomoe: "Young Master!" Makoto: "What?!" Tomoe: "You extended your consciousness to that distant target and then reconstituted yourself?" Makoto: "Yes!" Mio: "Y-Young Master," Mio: "people can only diffuse their consciousness when they d-die." Makoto: "What?" Mio: "What you were doing looked exactly like committing s-suicide!" Makoto: "She's crying!" Makoto: "But look, I'm actually alive. So there's no problem, right?" Tomoe: "There's a huge problem." Tomoe: "Your mana is increasing." Makoto: "Huh?" Tomoe: "Normally there's a limit to how much mana one can have. No amount of training can increase one's mana, but yours is growing at an absurd rate." Makoto: "My Draupnirs!" Makoto: "I just swapped them out, too!" Tomoe: "Your extreme focus—that act similar to dying and being reborn—is most likely causing your mana to increase." Makoto: "But all I did was shoot a bow." Tomoe: "You're experiencing death and rebirth. I've heard of several cases of one's mana increasing after such a miraculous event." Makoto: "I can't even shoot a bow?" Tomoe: "It should be possible for you to shoot without focusing. The bigger problem is your current mana level." Makoto: "You mean I'm overflowing with demon kings again?" Tomoe: "Not demon kings. The amount of mana you currently possess... is on the level of the goddess." Makoto: "What?" Tomoe: "Furthermore, as you've gained mana, the demiplane has expanded, too." Makoto: "The demiplane is growing?!" Tomoe: "Yes, probably because this demiplane is the product of interference between our powers." Makoto: "But..." Tomoe: "For example, look at the placement of the stars in the sky. I am not familiar with these." Makoto: "The stars..." Makoto: "Yeah, those are all constellations I know. The way their placement and seasons are all mixed up makes sense, too." Tomoe: "Anyway, this is bad news for us. If that goddess learns about this, she'll most likely move to exterminate you." Goddess: "There's an impurity in my beautiful world? Die, hideous creature!" Makoto: "I can easily imagine that." Tomoe: "For now, we'll counteract that by controlling your mana." Tomoe: "We'll have the dwarves rush to complete some mana-absorbing protective gear." Makoto: "I'll use my Kai to conceal my mana while visiting the outside world for a while." Tomoe: "I'll think of some more countermeasures before heading back." Tomoe: "Young Master, see Mio off." Makoto: "I-I'll do that." Tomoe: "How incredibly horrifying." Tomoe: "Who knew the man I chose as my master would approach the level of a god?" Tomoe: "Good grief. I don't have time to be bored when I'm with the young master." Tomoe: "Ah, I'm beat. I'm so shocked, I can't stand." Makoto: "There's a lot that needs to be done in preparation to open a store. I'm going shopping next." Makoto: "My head is a mess because I can't focus while shooting a bow. What happened yesterday was bad enough." Mio: "Um, Young Master?" Makoto: "What is it? It's late." Mio: "I thought... I could attend to you tonight." Makoto: "Huh? There's no more work to be done today. I'm going to sleep soon, too." Mio: "Uh, um..." Makoto: "You should get some rest, too. Goodnight." Mio: "Okay..." Tomoe: "That was rather quick!" Mio: "You're the one who told me to soothe the young master since he can't shoot a bow!" Makoto: "Attend to? Soothe?" Makoto: "Was she talking about sleeping with me?! Damn it, Tomoe! Why'd you have to do that?!" Makoto: "Ugh, my nerves are so frayed. Since I'm not physically tired, I'm that much more mentally exhausted." Makoto: "I'm even hallucinating a bag flying at me. No, wait!" Tanuki: "M-My bag!" Makoto: "He's not speaking Common. Is he a demihuman?" Makoto: "Are you all right?" Tanuki: "Y-Yes." Makoto: "Huh?" Tanuki: "Thank you." Makoto: "I'm starting to see why people say I have a demihuman face." Elaine: "You're a nice guy, mister." Makoto: "Huh?!" Elaine: "What's wrong? You look tired." Makoto: "I-Is this a red-light district?!" Elaine: "I'm not doing anything right now since I don't have any customers. Since you're so nice, I'll treat you to some special service." Makoto: "Service?!" Elaine: "Oh?" Makoto: "Huh? Wh-What?" Makoto: "Hey!" Makoto: "What's going on?" Makoto: "Hey... Why aren't you two saying anything?" Makoto: "I should run." Mio: "Young Master, where do you think you're going?" Makoto: "What do you think you're doing? You've gone too far with your pranks this time." Tomoe: "Pranks? Since you're such an inexperienced late bloomer, we were doing our best to be careful and assertive without being too pushy, but you were trying to pick up a prostitute, so we stopped you, and you call that a prank?" Makoto: "Why are you speaking so quickly all of a sudden? I think I heard something I shouldn't ignore, but I just happened to run into that woman. Wait, weren't you watching?" Tomoe: "Yes, it was quite the sight to behold." Makoto: "I... I wouldn't say that." Mio: "Are we not good enough for you?" Makoto: "I-It's not like that." Tomoe: "Then what's the problem?" Makoto: "Th-The two of you are l-like..." Tomoe: "Like?" Makoto: "I-I love them like family, but I could never say something so embarrassing." Makoto: "I-It's none of your business." Tomoe: "Mio." Mio: "Yes, Tomoe-san." Tomoe: "There's no time to worry about who's first." Mio: "You'll have relations with both of us here and now." Makoto: "Wh-What are you talking about?!" Tomoe: "Young Master..." Mio: "Young Master..." Both: "Come on." Makoto: "W-Wait, you two!" Makoto: "Cool your heads!" Tomoe: "He fled through a mist gate. Perhaps we were too forceful." Mio: "D-Did we anger the young master?" Tomoe: "No, he wasn't angry. More like..." Mio: "Perhaps he prefers more lascivious undergarments! It's because we were wearing unsexy cloth bandages!" Tomoe: "I don't think that was the problem. She's not listening." Emma: "Young Master!" Emma: "Young Master?" Makoto: "I remember now. That inn has two floors." Emma: "Your clothes have been torn to shreds. What happened?" Makoto: "Uh, well..." Emma: "Pink mist and spider's silk..." Emma: "You can't stay dressed in those clothes. Rugui-san just completed some magical protective gear. Why don't you go try it on?" Makoto: "Thanks for figuring it out on your own, Emma-san." Lugui: "Finally, link those chains to the inside of your coat." Lugui: "They function as previously described. I've greatly increased their durability, too." Makoto: "Looks good." Lugui: "That set's for business. I plan to make ones for social events and combat, too." Mio: "Excuse me, Young Master." Makoto: "Mio..." Mio: "I'm sorry about last night. I understand why you're so angry with us." Makoto: "No, I'm not mad." Makoto: "But from now on, maybe don't do that." Mio: "I understand." Makoto: "This is awkward." Makoto: "B-By the way, I heard there's a species that tends to the ambrosia flowers." Mio: "Y-Yes." Makoto: "I'm thinking about negotiating with them for a flower." Mio: "Oh, no." Mio: "I couldn't possibly take up your time with that." Mio: "Allow me to handle it." Makoto: "No, let's go together." Mio: "Together?" Makoto: "We can go there together, okay?" Mio: "Let's..." Mio: "Let's go! I wouldn't dream of not going!" Makoto: "What is that supposed to mean?" Makoto: "They're following us." Mio: "Yes. I left them alone since they were so insignificant," Mio: "but with your permission, I'll leave no trace of them." Makoto: "You don't need to do that." Makoto: "I doubt they'll cause any harm, but we might as well lose them." Mio: "Yes, Young Master." Malcolm: "Wh-What's this thread?" Erine: "It's stuck to me and won't come off!" Elaine: "Crap!" Makoto: "This is where the ambrosia grows. Someone's definitely tending to it." Makoto: "Whoops." Makoto: "We'll slip if we're not careful." Makoto: "It's slippery. Let's hold handsies." Mio: "Handsies?" Makoto: "That slipped out because I thought of my little sister. Sorry, that's not what I meant." Mio: "Not at all." Mio: "I'll hold on as tightly as I can!" Makoto: "Not that tight, please!" Mio: "The young master's hand..." Mio: "It's slightly larger than mine." Mio: "I'm so happy. I wish this moment would last forever." Aqua: "Halt!" Aqua: "Hyumans, what are you doing in our woods?" Makoto: "Those are the keepers of the forest?" Makoto: "We mean no harm. Can't we talk?" Mio: "Thirty-one seconds..." Mio: "A mere 31 seconds..." Mio: "How dare you interrupt my moment of happiness with the young master?" Elaine: "I sense mana coming from over here!" Makoto: "Crap! It's those adventurers!" Elaine: "Are those ambrosia flowers?" Elaine: "Those belong to us! We'll be taking every last one of those!" Makoto: "But why?!" Aqua: "I knew it! Thieves!" Makoto: "W-Wait! Calm down!" Mio: "Young Master, I can eat them, right? You don't mind if I kill all of them, do you?" Makoto: "Don't! You need to calm down the most!" Eris: "You, woman." Eris: "You smell like red lotus." Makoto: "Smell?" Makoto: "From the last time she investigated the flowers? But that was days ago." Eris: "Woof." Makoto: "Why did you bark?" Eris: "A divine revelation told me to bark." Aqua: "From who?" Eris: "From myself." Makoto: "Divine revelations don't come from yourself!" Eris: "Nice retort." Eris: "But a crime is a crime. Anywho, you'll pay with your lives." Makoto: ""Anywho"?" Eris: "Don't waste your breath!" Eris: "Death or die!" Makoto: "I'm dead either way!" Elaine: "Hey, why are you running? Defeat them!" Makoto: "Why is she giving me orders?" Makoto: "Wait, didn't I run into her yesterday?" Aqua: "He countered Eris's magic." Aqua: "In that case, we'll start with the small fry!" Makoto: "Defensive Kai!" Aqua: "What? He deflected them?" Makoto: "All right. I was able to use it while also using my mana-concealing Kai. That should improve the situation some." Makoto: "She's about to boil over! Things haven't improved at all!"

Makoto/N: "No one is unluckier than Misumi Makoto. Though many have been sent to other worlds, the goddess of this one is an absolute she-devil." Makoto/N: "Many moons have passed since I came to this isekai and began trying to improve the world. With only my attentive demihuman family to lean on," Makoto/N: "my journey to trace the steps of my parents who once lived here continues. Making a living as a merchant, we head to Rotsgard Academy to open a new store." Makoto: "If we're not careful, we could find ourselves thrown into a battlefield. It's all that shit goddess's fault." Shiki: "We're nearly at Rotsgard." Shiki: "I'll find us a room. Why don't you get something to eat, Young Master?" Makoto: "Anywhere is fine." Shiki: "Anywhere?! No, "anywhere" will not do! What would Tomoe-sama and Mio-sama, who await our return in the demiplane, say if I allowed you to stay at a cheap inn?" Makoto/Id: "Tomoe and Mio, huh?" Makoto/Id: "I wonder if it was okay to leave the demiplane in their hands while I'm gone." Mio: "I'm not sure what you expect me to say." Tomoe: "I was right to assign food tasters to the young master." Mio: "Food tasters? I simply prepared... curry rice? According to the young master's memories." Tomoe: "Have you ever eaten curry rice?" Mio: "Of course not. It's a dish from another world." Tomoe: "Did you ask the young master how to make it?" Mio: "No. After all, it was meant to be a surprise." Emma: "M-Mio-sama, this green stuff..." Beren: "It's mineral ore, isn't it?" Mio: "Yes." Mio: "It looked delicious in the young master's memories." Beren: "That's a soft emerald, a rare mineral found in the Wasteland." Emma: "The green ingredients used in curry are probably bell peppers or asparagus." Komoe: "The pot handle, too..." Mio: "Oh, my." Mio: "The pot melted." Tomoe: "You're gonna eat that?" Mio: "This didn't turn out as good as I hoped." Mio: "But is it really so agonizingly bad?" Tomoe: "Mio..." Tomoe: "Most creatures of the demiplane, the young master included, don't eat minerals." Mio: "What?" Tomoe: "Rather, they cannot. Nor can they consume armaments or structures." Mio: "What? Those aren't cooking ingredients?" Tomoe: "For you, everything in this world is food." Tomoe: "Have you even devoted any time to studying cooking?" Mio: "I know how to use a flame." Tomoe: "Then brown this bread for me," Tomoe: "the way Emma serves it at meals." Mio: "You mean toast, don't you? That simply involves scorching bread over a low flame." Tomoe: "That's a rather sinister-looking low flame." Mio: "But why?!" Tomoe: "Cooking, huh? You've got a long way to go." Makoto/Id: "Blue meat?" Makoto/Id: "What is this texture?" Shopkeeper: "Come on, man. Your face is sour enough already. Can't you at least act like you're enjoying your meal?" Makoto: "Forgive me. It has a unique texture, but it tastes good." Shopkeeper: "What?" Shopkeeper: "Magic writing?" Makoto: "For reasons, I cannot speak Common." Shopkeeper: "Huh." Makoto/Id: "It's because of that shit goddess." Makoto: "So is this dish made using slimes?" Shopkeeper: "How'd you know?" Shopkeeper: "You must be a pretty decent adventurer." Makoto/Id: "I thought so." Makoto/Id: "I guess slimes are pretty tasty after all." Shopkeeper: "I've submitted a hunting request to the guild. If you're an adventurer, I'd appreciate it if you caught some for me." Makoto: "I'm registered with the guild, but I work primarily as a merchant." Makoto: "I'm traveling from Tsige to Rotsgard." Shopkeeper: "That's quite the long journey." Makoto: "Thanks for the meal. Keep the change." Shopkeeper: "A gold coin? Hey!" Shopkeeper: "Are you sure?" Makoto/Id: "I'm out of small change." Makoto/Id: "Does this make me a bad merchant?" Hyumans: "Look at his face. It's dreadful. How tragic. He must be a demihuman. There's no way he's hyuman. Perhaps he's cursed." Makoto/Id: "I know I decided to stop wearing my mask, but I don't feel comfortable. But compared to the first time I visited a hyuman town," Makoto/Id: "this is way more tolerable." Hyumans: "Huh? What? Terrifying!" Male Receptionist: "You completed a special rank job when you're Level 1, Rank E?" Adventurers: "Rank E?" Makoto/Id: "Please don't mention my rank or level. For some reason, they never go up." Makoto/Id: "So the slime-hunting job is Rank B." Makoto/Id: "I can't take it on at Rank E." Lana: "I told you, Moon over the Ruined Castle is attacking!" Makoto/Id: ""Moon over the Ruined Castle"? I love that song." Makoto/Id: "What does she mean by "it's attacking"?" Lana: "I'm prepared to offer a reward. Why won't anyone do anything?" Male Receptionist: "No one can do anything right away." Male Receptionist: "They're brutal bandits. They have over a hundred members." Lana: "But several villagers have been killed as an example to others!" Male Receptionist: "We still lack adequate forces. We should be ready by the middle of next month. You'll have to wait until then." Lana: "But..." Lana: "Why? We've always offered prayers to the goddess." Adventurer A: "If prayers were enough for the goddess to save you, there wouldn't be adventurers anymore." Lana: "The goddess is angry because there are more people like you now!" Lana: "This is why she's so cruel to hyumans!" Makoto/Id: "The goddess's cruelty, huh? I feel like it's not as bad as what she's done to me." Adventurer A: "We'd be willing to consider your request for a special price." Lana: "Move." Lana: "Please move." Makoto: "I knew it." Makoto: "I shouldn't have paid a whole gold coin." Makoto/Id: "Three men followed from the tavern," Makoto/Id: "and four more left the guild." Lana: "Eto! Wake up, Eto!" Adventurer A: "Poor girl. We'll make you feel better." Lana: "No! Stop! Let go!" Adventurer A: "Don't waste your time praying to the goddess. If you're going to pray, pray to someone—" Adventurer A: "What was that?!" Lana: "You were at the guild." Adventurer A: "A man with a demihuman face siding with demihumans? We'll cut up your ugly fa—" Makoto/Id: "So many hyumans are such scumbags." Makoto: "Would you allow me to treat him?" Lana: "Are you a demihuman?" Lana: "Is that why you're helping us?" Makoto: "Despite my appearance, I'm actually a hyuman." Lana: "Huh? Wh-What are you doing?" Makoto/Id: "Healing Kai." Lana: "What? His wound..." Makoto/Id: "This power I received from Tsukuyomi-sama is incredible." Makoto: "I'm Kuzunoha. I'm an adventurer, but I work primarily as a merchant." Lana: "Oh, um... I'm sorry for saying such rude things. Thank you for helping us. I'm Lana, from Tapa Village. This is Eto the werewolf." Makoto/Id: "A werewolf?" Makoto/Id: "This little furry shota?" Makoto/Id: "No, I'm sure werewolves come in all shapes and sizes. Please let that be true." Lana: "Um?" Makoto: "Oh, sorry. Let me lend you a hand." Makoto: "By the way, about the Moon over the Ruined Castle attacking..." Lana: "Y-Yes?" Makoto: "Is it true that you can't afford to wait for a group to take them out?" Lana: "They tortured Barkley-san, the strongest fighter in our village, to death as a lesson to us. They killed his wife, too." Makoto/Id: "That's awful." Lana: "The other villagers say we should comply with their demands and hand over our supplies, but every village they've attacked so far has been slaughtered after having everything taken from them." Lana: "Tapa Village is finished." Lana: "Eto, are you okay?" Eto: "Yeah." Eto: "So will the guild help us?" Eto: "I'm sorry. If only I were stronger..." Makoto/Id: "I'm used to death by now. I've even killed people with my own hands. Even though it wasn't normal in my old world, I thought I'd accepted that it was a common occurrence in this isekai." Makoto: "I'll escort you to your village. Where is it?" Eto: "What?" Lana: "But our village is near those mountains. It takes a long time to get there." Makoto: "It's okay." Makoto: "Be careful you don't bite your tongue." Lana: "K-Kuzunoha-san?" Eto: "Wait!" Lana: "K-Kuzunoha-san, who exactly are you?!" Makoto: "I told you, I'm a merchant." Makoto/Id: "The village is smaller than I expected." Lana: "I'd like to thank you. Please wait here. I'll explain the situation to the villagers." Makoto: "You're not going to enter the village?" Eto: "What? You can speak the werewolf language?" Makoto: "Common is the only language I can't speak." Makoto: "So, you're not from this village?" Eto: "My village is in the woods over there. Lana and a few other villagers are kind to me, but most people wouldn't invite a demihuman into a hyuman village." Makoto: "I guess you're right." Makoto: "But we can't afford to worry about that right now." Eto: "Kuzunoha-san, is your sense of smell keen enough to know what's happening in the village?" Makoto: "So you knew." Makoto/Id: "Investigative Kai." Eto: "I smell blood." Makoto: "It's not just one or two people, either. The Moon over the Ruined Castle must've made examples of some villagers again." Eto: "Seriously, who are you?" Makoto: "I told you, I'm an adventuring merchant." Eto: "You certainly don't seem like one." Makoto: "By the way, you were actually awake while I was carrying you, weren't you?" Eto: "Huh?" Makoto: "You can tell if someone's conscious or not by how heavy they feel." Makoto: "Did you pretend to be asleep because you felt bad about putting her in danger?" Makoto/Id: "Whoops. Maybe I sounded a little mean there." Makoto: "If you want to be with her, then you should protect her next time." Eto: "Okay." Makoto/Id: "My Investigative Kai detected something." Makoto: "I figured they were nearby." Eto: "Kuzunoha-san?" Makoto: "I'm going for a walk in the mountains." Eto: "But that would be suicide!" Makoto: "So you know what's in the mountains, too." Eto: "Wh-Why? Why are you doing this for us?" Makoto: ""Moon over the Ruined Castle"" Makoto: "is the name of a song from a distant land that I liked." Makoto: "I don't like the idea of dastardly bandits using that name." Makoto: "Is that good enough?" Eto: "Is there anything I can do?" Makoto: "Well, I have demihumans working at my trading company. If they ever come to Tapa Village or your village, treat them to a delicious meal." Lime: "I can see the other side..." Emma: "I thought this might happen, so I brought some medicine." Komoe: "But we're too late." Mio: "Why?" Tomoe: "Why? You can't be serious." Tomoe: "Komoe, what was today's menu?" Komoe: "Salted chicken skewers and orcish vichyssoise." Tomoe: "These dishes are something else entirely!" Mio: "I heard the eyes of the potatoes used in the soup are poisonous, but while removing them with the skin..." Tomoe: "How?!" Lime: "These greens cut up the inside of my mouth." Mio: "Oh, I picked those in the Wasteland." Akina: "Those are killing weeds. It's a monster with blades for leaves, which it uses to slice its prey." Lime/Id: "It's a living monster?!" Tomoe: "Can they be made delicious?" Ema: "They can be processed into an abrasive paste." Mio: "But I'm confident in my meat dish." Agares: "I'm sorry, Mio-sama." Liddy: "No matter what we do, we can't bite through it." Mondo: "Bring it on!" Komoe: "All the strongest warriors of each species are dead." Mio: "That doesn't make sense." Mio: "I used the dishes I previously enjoyed with the young master as reference." Tomoe: "Preparing monster meat must require special techniques." Emma: "This oil is hephais oil. It's a rare lubricating oil." Eris: "Lubricating oil?" Aqua: "You mean... It's for industrial use?!" Eris: "Grease!" Aqua: "I only participated because I sensed bananas." Mondo: "I won't be beaten." Tomoe: "You served fruit as garnish for meat?" Mio: "There was a restaurant that served a delicious dish like that." Mio: "I heard sweet and sour pork contains fruit, as well." Tomoe: "That's a different fruit! Good ingredients don't guarantee the cooked dish will be delicious, especially since different species have varying senses of taste and preferences." Agares: "I prefer raw foods." Liddy: "I prefer salty dishes." All: "Bananas! Bananas!" Komoe: "I like persimmons!" Mio: "C-Cooking is so complex..." Tomoe: "If you're cooking to suit the young master's tastes, then asking Lime for his opinion as another hyuman would be best." Lime: "Me?!" Tomoe: "That said, the burden would be too much for him alone," Tomoe: "so I have an idea. You'll travel the world to gain insights on the fundamentals of cooking and ingredients. How does that sound?" Mio: "Tomoe-san, you..." Tomoe/Id: "She doesn't like the idea." Mio: "You have such fantastic ideas!" Tomoe: "Right?" All: "Oh, good." Mio: "I shall travel the land honing my cooking skills so that I can please the young master!" Tomoe/Id: "I must hurry with my own investigation." Tomoe/Id: "I can't allow the young master to get dragged into any more trouble." Bandit A: "What are the villagers doing?" Bandits: "They're collecting money. They should just hand it over already. How many can we kill today? Let's raise some hell." Makoto/Id: "I never thought I'd wear this again, but I don't want them to figure out who I am." Makoto/Id: "Finally, Silencing Kai." Bandit A/Id: "What's going on? I can't speak." Bandit A/Id: "No, all sounds have disappeared! Wha—" Bandit A/Id: "We're under attack?!" Makoto/Id: "Sheesh. I said I didn't want to get too deeply involved with hyumans," Makoto/Id: "but here I am exterminating bandits for them. But I decided to follow my heart when I'm not sure what to do." Bandit A/Id: "It's him." Makoto/Id: "I'm not shooting to kill. My arrows are enchanted to knock them out, though." Bandit A/Id: "Die!" Makoto/Id: "You can always count on Elder Dwarf equipment. Its defense is fantastic." Makoto/Id: "Anyway, why must there be so many of them?" Makoto/Id: "I don't want to waste my arrows." Makoto/Id: "When Emma-san first taught me, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to master it." Makoto/Id: "But I've gotten totally used to it." Bandit A: "The sound is back." Makoto/Id: "This arrow won't miss." Bandit A: "Whoa!" Bandit A: "S-Spare me!" Makoto: "I won't kill you, but before I go..." Makoto: "Don't call yourselves the Moon over the Ruined Castle ever again." Lana: "What happened here?" Villagers: "What happened to them? Does this mean we're saved?" Lana: "Was this..." Eto: "Yeah." Lana: "So our prayers were heard." Shiki: "Young Master, where have you been?" Makoto: "Out." Shiki: "I see." Makoto: "More importantly, did you find an inn?" Shiki: "Yes. I can finally escort you to a passable inn. It costs three gold coins per night." Makoto: "Three gold coins is 30,000 yen." Makoto: "Don't you think that's too expensive?" Shiki: "By the way, I heard the so-called heroes are treated quite hospitably by the Limia Kingdom and Gritonia Empire." Makoto: "What? Really?" Shiki: "As your follower, I cannot allow you to be the only one forced to live in poverty." Makoto: "Is that right?" Makoto/Id: "Heroes, huh?" Goddess: "I've found other heroes suitable for my world." Makoto/Id: "They were apparently present at the battlefield I was thrown into before." Makoto/Id: "I wonder when I'll run into them." Makoto/N: "Somewhere in this world Are a couple of heroes But where could they be?"

Makoto/N: "One afternoon in the not-so-distant past, several days before Misumi Makoto traveled to the isekai." Hibiki: "Misumi-kun." Makoto: "Otonashi-senpai." Hibiki: "Sorry, but the documents we just handed out at the student council meeting are dated wrong. Could you swap these for yours?" Makoto: "Sure. Thank you." Hibiki/Id: "Misumi Makoto-kun... I heard he's the average "hero" who snuck into the archery club that's otherwise full of beauties, but he doesn't seem like much of a hero." Hibiki/Id: "I might be a little jealous, though." Hibiki/Id: "I could always do everything with minimal effort. I doubt I'll ever try my best or fail at anything. Everything will probably go well for me." Hibiki/Id: "My life is smooth sailing." Hibiki/Id: "It's boring." Hibiki/Id: "Or so I thought." Goddess: "You're Otonashi Hibiki, are you not?" Hibiki: "Yes. Who are you?" Goddess: "I am the goddess of another world." Goddess: "The world I protect is currently under unprecedented threat from evil demons." Goddess: "I'd like your help." Goddess: "I'm planning to send you and one other to my world as heroes. Please guide the hyumans." Goddess: "I shall grant you as much power as I can." Hibiki: "Could you ask someone else?" Hibiki: "I've got a decent number of friends, and my life is going well." Goddess: "Do you really want to live an easy life with friends who you can neither relate to nor share your feelings with?" Hibiki: "What are you trying to say?" Goddess: "Your current world is too restrictive for you. Don't you actually long for a challenging existence where you risk your life alongside a companion you trust to watch your back?" Hibiki: "I..." Goddess: "Then it's decided, Otonashi Hibiki. I shall grant you powerful magical abilities, increased physical abilities, and the charisma to draw people to you. I shall also grant you this sacred treasure." Hibiki: "A silver sash?" Goddess: "So begins the divine trial. I know you'll be able to overcome it. I have high hopes for you." Augus: "We've received a divine revelation?" Joshua: "Yes. "I shall grant you a hero. Defeat the demons."" Augus: "I thought the goddess had abandoned us, but now Limia will be safe from demons." Priestess: "So this is her." Goddess: "This is your hero. The rest is in your hands." Hibiki: "What? That's the only explanation you're giving?!" Priestess: "Thank you! Hero!" Hibiki/Id: "I-Is this really another world?" Makoto/N: "But in my case," Makoto/N: "nobody came to meet me, and I was left wandering in a deserted wasteland." Hibiki: "I wonder how many days have passed since I came here." Hibiki: "It looks just like Japan. The demons were forced into a barren land by the hyumans, who received the goddess's protection, but over the past decade, they've expanded their territory. The great nation of Elysion has already been destroyed, but the allied Limia Kingdom and Gritonia Empire are holding the last line of defense." Hibiki: "The Gritonia Empire, huh?" llower 1: "There's another hero?" Hibiki: "Yes." llower 2: "So the stories about the empire acquiring a hero are true." llower 1: "But why was one sent to that nation?" Hibiki: "I guess it'd be stranger if two great neighboring nations got along." Hibiki: "Once the war against demons ends..." Hibiki: "I'll have to give it considerable thought." Hibiki: "Hey, are you listening?" Hibiki: "Then come on out." Hibiki/Id: "I was surprised to learn there was a wolf spirit in this sacred treasure." Hibiki: "Anyway, tomorrow I'll select party members from among the mercenaries. At the king's recommendation, Court Mage Woody and the promising new knight Verda have already been selected." Hibiki: "Sounds like they pulled some strings." Mercenaries: "Is that really her? She's beautiful." val: "So that's the hero, huh?" val: "She's trim and doesn't have a whiff of blood about her." val: "She's a flower not meant for the battlefield." Woody: "You're leaving?" val: "If it isn't Court Mage Woody, Limia's Mobile Battery." Woody: "I'm not fond of that nickname, Naval the Silver-Haired Ogre." val: "I've had enough of protecting precious honor students. All I care about is killing demons. Later." Hibiki: "Wait." Hibiki: "I could tell as soon as I saw you. You're the strongest one here, aren't you? I need a master to teach me to wield a sword and a partner I can trust to watch my back on the battlefield. I'd like you to do it." val: "I can't trust someone who needs to be taught how to wield a sword." Hibiki: "I thought you only cared about killing demons." Hibiki: "If you come with me, you'll be able to fight all the demons you want on the front lines." Hibiki: "You won't be bored. Doesn't that sound better than refusing my request and having a difficult time staying in this country?" val: "Fine." Verda/Id: "Hibiki the Hero is truly beautiful." Verda/Id: "I shall stand at her side." Makoto/N: "But in my case, I won the affection of a dragon obsessed with historical dramas." val: "This is why I don't like escort jobs." Woody: "Now, now. The Priestess of Laurel is honoring us with a visit." Verda: "B-Bad news! It's the priestess's carriage!" Chiya: "Stay where you are, everyone." val: "Kobolds, huh?" Verda: "They're monsters who become stronger by consuming powerful mana. Despite their appearance, they're actually quite strong." Woody: "I'm impressed by the Priestess of Laurel, though. That magical barrier will easily last until the kobolds have been finished off." val: "Four, huh? We'll each take down one at the same time. If you're not careful, they'll call for help." val: "Hibiki, have you never killed a monster before?" Hibiki: "It's fine. I can do it." Hibiki/Id: "Too shallow. I'll hit it again." Kobold 1: "S-Spare me..." Hibiki: "Th-They can speak?" val: "Hibiki, what are you doing?" Kobolds: "Mana! Strong!" Verda: "This isn't good!" Woody: "They've summoned allies." val: "Hibiki, stand back!" Woody: "It's no use. The magical barrier won't hold." Hibiki/Id: "Because I hesitated..." Chiya: "Help me, Hero." Hibiki: "I am the hero who will end this war!" Hibiki: "I can't stop here!" val: "Let's go! Follow Hibiki's lead!" val: "That was pretty good for your first time." Chiya: "Hero, thank you for saving us." Chiya: "I am Chiya, Priestess of Laurel. Please allow me to join your party. I'd like to help you." Verda: "D-Don't be absurd. Running off with their priestess would cause friction with the Laurel Commonwealth." Hibiki: "What?" Chiya: "I-If the people of Laurel see this hair, they'll think Limia did something to me." val: "Seriously?" Verda: "Unbelievable." Woody: "We'd lose our heads." Chiya: "I will fight with the hero to end this war!" Hibiki: "That threat doesn't make sense." Hibiki: "You ruined your beautiful hair." Chiya: "It may suit a priestess who serves as mere decoration, but it would get in the way on the battlefield." Hibiki: "Oh." Hibiki: "Then maybe I'll chop mine off, too." val: "Me, too." Chiya: "No! You two are really strong, so you don't need to cut yours!" Hibiki: "Don't call yourself decoration. Your magical barrier was incredible." Hibiki: "Could you teach me to use magic, Chiya-chan?" Chiya: "Sure!" Hibiki/N: "After that, we defeated the demons in one battle after another, never losing a single time." Hibiki/N: "Until we met that thing." Hibiki: "What is this monster?" Woody: "The Black Spider of Disaster. It consumes everything it encounters, whether person or thing." Verda: "The vanguard is finished." Verda: "I didn't expect to run into anything on the way to the battlefield." val: "Normally, all you can do is wait for it to pass. True to its name, it's a disaster." val: "Damn. I even had Chiya cast a strengthening spell on me, too." Verda: "Its attacks are heavy." Woody: "And my magic isn't working." val: "There has to be a limit..." val: "to how hard..." val: "something can be!" Hibiki: "We did it!" val: "What?" Hibiki: "It regenerated..." val: "Hibiki!" Hibiki: "Naval!" Hibiki: "Let go of her!" Hibiki: "Chiya-chan, heal her!" Chiya: "Got it." Woody: "I'll assist—" Hibiki: "I can still fight! Come at me!" Hibiki/Id: "Am I going to die?" Hibiki: "Horn, where are the others?" Hibiki: "Thank goodness! They're all right!" Hibiki/Id: "I had no idea fighting my hardest and losing would be so frustrating." Hibiki: "Thank you for this defeat, Black Spider of Disaster." Hibiki: "Next time, I'll win." Makoto/N: "One afternoon in the not-so-distant past, several days after Otonashi Hibiki traveled to the isekai." Boy 1: "We heard you're a model. Give us some spare change, will you?" Tomoki: "N-No." Boy 2: "What was that? We didn't hear you." Tomoki/Id: "Why is this happening to me?" Tomoki/Id: "I didn't do anything to them." Girl 1: "Are you guys bullying Tomoki-kun again?" Boy 1: "You're pathetic." Tomoki: "I..." Tomoki: "I'm not being bullied." Girl 1: "Beautiful fragile boys are great, aren't they?" Tomoki: "Damn it. Seriously?" Tomoki/Id: "Things don't even go well for me in games." Tomoki/Id: "An overpowered ability in an isekai, huh?" Tomoki/Id: "If I had an OP ability and lived somewhere else, then..." Tomoki: "Huh? What is this place? Am I dreaming?" Goddess: "You're Iwahashi Tomoki, are you not?" Tomoki: "Who are you?" Goddess: "I am the goddess of another world." Tomoki: "Huh?" Goddess: "The world I protect is overflowing with monsters. I can no longer handle the problem on my own." Goddess: "Please become a hero and save my world." Tomoki: "A hero?" Goddess: "Don't worry. I plan to send another hero, and I shall bless you with power, as well." Tomoki: "What kind of power?" Goddess: "A body capable of fighting beasts, and magic to overwhelm demons. I shall also grant you the skill Magic Eye, which allows you to enthrall others," Goddess: "and silver shoes that will allow you to fly through the skies and relieve your exhaustion." Tomoki/Id: "Wow. They're all overpowered. But I must be dreaming," Tomoki/Id: "so I might as well ask..." Tomoki: "Th-That's all?" Goddess: "In that case, though this will be a slight burden, I shall make you immortal at night. However, this ability will only function while the moon is out." Tomoki: "Could you also change my appearance to anything I desire?" Goddess: "Of course." Tomoki: "Thank you, Goddess." Tomoki: "I'll do my best to act as your hero." Goddess: "I'm counting on you." Tomoki: "So this is the goddess's world." Lily: "Are you the hero?" Tomoki: "Uh, yeah." Lily: "Good." Lily: "I am Lily Flont Gritonia." Lily: "I am the second princess of Gritonia." Tomoki: "I'm Iwahashi. Iwahashi Tomoki." Lily: "This is not the place for a conversation." Lily: "Will you come with me?" Tomoki: "Okay." Ginebia: "Your Highness." Ginebia: "Was the goddess's revelation true?" Lily: "Yes. This is the hero, Iwahashi Tomoki-sama." Lily: "Hero, this is Ginebia of the royal guard, who are our highest-ranking knights." Tomoki: "Wow! This is my first time seeing a lady knight." Ginebia: "Wha..." Ginebia: "You may be the hero, but how rude of you!" Tomoki: "Sorry." Ginebia: "It's fine. Um, I'd appreciate it if you didn't stare so much." Lily: "Hero, I'd like to examine your suitability for equipment and measure your level. This way, please." Tomoki: "Level?" Tomoki: "This world has levels?" Tomoki: "I'm exhausted." Lily: "I'll have some servants show you around the castle later. You can relax here for a while." Lily: "What are his results?" Doctor: "It's probably a type of magical eye specialized for charming others." Lily: "Then take measures to make myself and the imperial family immune to its effects. Tell no one about his abilities." Doctor: "Yes, Your Highness." Lily: "The hero's innocence doesn't sit right with me." Tomoki: "Lily?" Yukinatsu: "You're the hero?" Tomoki: "Huh? Who are you?" Lily: "This is Yukinatsu the alchemist." Lily: "She apparently wanted to speak with you." Yukinatsu: "I'm a force player. I'm skilled in controlling and constructing golems." Tomoki: "Golems? You can make golems?" Tomoki: "What kinds of golems?" Yukinatsu: "Hero, I hear you're able to use all of the empire's magical equipment. I'd love to chat with you about it. You should come to my room tonight." Lily: "Yukinatsu." Yukinatsu: "S-Sorry. I couldn't help myself." Lily: "We'll speak another day." Tomoki: "A magic eye, huh?" Tomoki: "A dragon?" Mora: "Who are you, mister?" Tomoki: "I'm Tomoki. I'm supposed to be the hero." Mora: "The hero?" Mora: "I'm Mora. I'm a dragon summoner." Tomoki: "Oh?" Mora: "Don't judge me by my looks, okay?" Mora: "I'll have you know I'm the greatest of all tamers." Tomoki: "I see. Does your whole family live in the castle?" Mora: "No. Her Highness Princess Lily brought me here after my village was attacked by demons." Tomoki: "Sorry. I didn't know." Mora: "It's fine. But in exchange, will you marry me?" Tomoki: "Huh?" Mora: "Um, I just want you to join my family. Or, you know, be my f-friend." Tomoki: "Sure. Thanks." Lily: "You want to form a party with the three of them?" Tomoki: "Th-They'll get the chance to work closely with me. Not a bad deal, right?" Lily: "You're right." Lily: "Ginebia, Yukinatsu, and Mora all seem to like you." Tomoki: "Like me?" Lily/Id: "It looks like he hasn't learned to control his magic eye yet." Tomoki: "Lily, what did you think of me when we first met?" Lily: "I knew at first glance that you'd be the one to lead us. You make a fantastic hero." Lily: "It's only natural that everyone likes you." Lily: "I shall gladly support you, as well." Tomoki: "Lily..." Tomoki/Id: "If I become the perfect hero," Tomoki/Id: "then the power of the magic eye will hardly be an issue." Lily/Id: "I'll give anything if it leads to the destruction of the demons, for my mother, who believed in that capricious goddess until the end." Makoto/N: "But in my case,"

Makoto/N: "Unbeknownst to Misumi Makoto as he was on the road to Rotsgard Academy, the two heroes were on the field of battle." Knight: "The hero has returned!" Lily: "Welcome back, Hero." Tomoki: "I'm back, Lily." Lily: "That was another fine display of martial skill." Lily: "We should be able to reclaim Fort Stella from the demons soon." Tomoki: "We'll be fighting alongside the Limia Army next, right?" Tomoki: "So I'll finally get to meet their hero." Lily: "Oh, you're interested in Limia's hero? I've heard she's quite beautiful." Tomoki: "Don't worry. I'm more than happy with you and the others." Hibiki: "So that's Fort Stella." Hibiki: "The war is finally beginning." val: "We've already secured the route to the fortress. It will be like a pre-battle pep rally." val: "Apparently Gritonia's hero will make a statement before the battle commences." Hibiki: "A statement requesting the goddess's blessing, huh?" val: "When fighting against demi-humans or demons, hyumans unconditionally receive the goddess's blessing." val: "We have a great advantage." val: "You don't look happy. Are you curious about the empire's hero?" Hibiki: "There's that, too." Hibiki: "I heard we came from the same world and are close in age." Lily: "Welcome, Hero of Limia and her retinue." Hibiki: "We are honored to receive your invitation, Your Majesty Queen Lily." Lily: "As you just heard, there are no major changes to the battle plan." Lily: "We've received the expected relief supplies and reinforcements from the King of Aion. From Laurel, we received less than expected. I'm sure the people of Limia know precisely the reason." Hibiki/Id: "It's because of the friction between our nations over Chiya." Lily: "However, our forces have quintuple the strength of the demons. Furthermore, once the goddess's blessing is requested, our advantage will be unshakable. Any other questions?" Hibiki: "May I ask why we chose to fight at night?" Tomoki: "Because we're accustomed to fighting at night." Hibiki: "Oh? How encouraging. We have little experience fighting at night." Tomoki: "Any strategies or information from Limia?" Hibiki: "None. We have nothing to offer." Tomoki: "Well, this is just a mid-boss battle. The goddess's blessing will buff us and debuff the demons. It should be an easy win." Hibiki: "Buff? Debuff?" Tomoki: "Let's reclaim the fortress quickly and receive words of praise from the goddess." Tomoki: "And for today, let's not stand on ceremony." Hibiki: "By the way, Tomoki-kun, did we ever meet in the other world?" Tomoki: "No." Hibiki: "But I'm sure I recognize you from somewhere." Hibiki: "Oh, I remember now. The model my friend liked had the same name." Tomoki: "We're two different, totally unrelated people." Hibiki: "You're right. I probably just mistook you for him. I'm sorry if I upset you." Tomoki: "What? I didn't say I was upset. Do I look upset to you?" Hibiki: "That's not what I..." Tomoki: "Hibiki-san, what's your level right now?" Hibiki: "Me? 430." Tomoki: "I'm 605." Hibiki/Id: "He's suddenly one-upping me." Hibiki: "Wow, you've accomplished so much." Tomoki: "I have." Tomoki: "So could you stop calling me Tomoki-kun?" Tomoki: "Tomoki-sama might be a bit too much, but at least call me Tomoki-san." Hibiki/Id: "Who said we wouldn't stand on ceremony?" Hibiki: "S-Sorry. I'll be careful from now on." Tomoki: "Also, mind if I speak casually? I'm no good with polite language." Hibiki: "Go right ahead." Hibiki/Id: "That was his idea of speaking politely? If this were a formal interview, he wouldn't have made the cut." val: "What's the matter? Can't sleep?" Hibiki: "Naval..." Hibiki: "I was just thinking about what a large operation this is." val: "I've never asked, but why did you come to this world?" Hibiki: "In my old world, I was born to a good family. I was blessed with fortunate circumstances and could do anything with a little effort. Impressive, right?" val: "I see." Hibiki: "Did you just think I'm kind of bitch?" val: "No, I know you are." Hibiki: "At least deny it a little." val: "I'm joking." val: "Anyway, I'm surprised you're going off to war." val: "I remember the fancy young lady who cried because she couldn't kill a single kobold." Hibiki: "That was the first time in my life that I'd failed like that." Hibiki: "This has been my first time meeting someone I trust to watch my back, too." Hibiki: "I'll probably face more struggles and difficulties going forward. But I don't regret coming to this world." val: "Hibiki..." Hibiki: "Come on. We'd better get to bed. There's a war starting." var: "Right." Tomoki: "O Gracious Goddess, behold our holy war. The two lights you granted this world have gathered here with these brave soldiers to request your blessing. O Merciful Goddess, grant the kindness of destruction to these base demons who harm your people. Grant your protection to those who serve you." Demon Soldier 1: "I have a report for Rona-sama." Demon Soldier 1: "We've identified Limia and Gritonia's troop placement and marching route. They just issued a request to receive the goddess's blessing and have begun marching." Rona: "We expected all of this." Rona: "I'm going to battle. Notify Io." Hibiki: "An impregnable fortress, huh?" val: "It's a steep slope, but we'll have to overwhelm them with our numbers." Woody: "Watch out for traps laid by the demons." Woody: "Many of my friends sleep beneath this road." Verda: "Many knights were slain, too." Tomoki: "Do not quail! Advance! We have the goddess's protection!" Hibiki: "That's odd." Hibiki: "They should be putting up more of a fight." val: "You're right. I've heard we've never even made it to the fortress until now." Hibiki: "Woody-san and Chiya-chan, raise a defensive barrier just in case. Also, prepare a floating ritual for high-speed travel." Hyumans: "The gates are opening! Go!" Demon Soldier 1: "Rona-sama, both targets have entered activation range." Rona: "Time to see how strong the heroes are." val: "What's this?" Chiya: "A magic circle!" Woody: "But it's so big..." Hibiki: "Everyone, prepare for attack!" Hibiki: "Woody-san!" Woody: "Got it." Tomoki: "Damn! A demon trap." Rona: "So that's the empire's hero." Rona: "Are those shoes allowing him to float?" Tomoki: "Divine Spear!" Rona: "He's no fun." Tomoki: "Did they all fall?" Yukinatsu: "Took you long enough to notice!" Yukinatsu: "These replica silver shoes aren't perfect. They're gonna make me fall when I carry something heavy!" Ginebia: "It's my equipment that's heavy!" Mora: "Don't fight. You're both heavier than me." Both: "Of course we are!" Tomoki: "Begin the counterattack. Mora, summon Nagi." Mora: "Got it." Rona: "A dragon." Tomoki: "You'll pay for doing that when you're only a mid-boss!" Rona: "Their firepower is as threatening as the rumors say." Rona: "But they cannot take this fortress." Tomoki: "Mora and Yukinatsu, provide support from the rear. Ginebia, let's go!" Ginebia: "Right!" Io: "So you're the hero." Tomoki: "Is this the mid-boss we've been waiting for?" Ginebia: "Tomoki!" Io: "You won't even state your name? What a boorish hero." Tomoki: "Manners don't matter on the battlefield!" Tomoki: "I suppose you wouldn't go down in one hit. But I'm not the only one you're fighting." Hibiki: "Did you wait long?" Hibiki: "I apologize if my companion was rude to you." Tomoki: "Hey, what does that mean?" Io: "It's fine. He's a truly hyuman hero." Hibiki: "I'm the Hero of the Limia Kingdom, Otonashi Hibiki." Io: "I am Third Brigade General of the Demon King's forces, Io the demigigant." Hibiki: "His regeneration rivals that of the Black Spider." Io: "I'm up against two heroes. I'll be using some secret stratagems, too. Take this power of the damnable goddess, this rampant absurdity, and these arrogant fools," Io: "and shatter them to pieces." Ginebia: "What's happening?" Ginebia: "Tomoki?" Tomoki: "I feel weak." Hibiki: "What did you do?" Io: "Within a limited area, I removed the blessing you received from the goddess." Tomoki: "What? The goddess's power vanished?" Goddess: "I shall make you immortal at night." Tomoki: "If I'm hit by an attack now, I'll die?!" Tomoki: "Let's retreat." Ginebia: "What?" Tomoki: "We're at a disadvantage. We're turning around." Ginebia: "But..." Tomoki: "Shut up! Do as you're told!" Hibiki: "We made it to their commander, and we're fleeing?" Tomoki: "You should retreat, too." Tomoki: "We're heroes. We can't fall here." Tomoki: "We can reorganize our forces and come back!" Hibiki: "Maybe you're right." Hibiki: "But only caring about saving your own skin?" Hibiki: "I'll never call someone like that a hero." Tomoki: "Oh, yeah?" Io: "I wasn't expecting him to flee. I'm disappointed. I didn't think I'd only be fighting one of you." Hibiki: "I'm not alone." Verda: "We oversaw the retreat of the remaining forces." val: "And took care of the rank and file in the area." Io: "I see. Then allow me to confirm the hero's power." Io: "Not with words, but with our skills." Goddess: "What's this? They've turned the tables on my hyumans. After I sent them two heroes, too." Goddess: "Huh? I can't believe he's here." Goddess: "I found you." Io: "It's morning already? You've held on for quite a long time." Io: "Not bad. That reached the bone." Hibiki: "It's stuck!" Io: "So you released your sword and erected a barrier." Hibiki/Id: "I can't do it." Hibiki/Id: "I'm not nearly strong enough." Rona: "How are things over there, Sofia?" Sofia: "They're going smoothly. I'm so eager to fight, I can't stand it." Mitsurugi: "Sofia, look." Sofia: "What?" Sofia: "Is that..." Rona: "Could it be..." Io: "The goddess's power?" Hibiki/Id: "If that's the goddess' light, then we still have hope." Hibiki: "Everyone! We'll struggle a little longer!" All: "Yeah!" Io: "You're barely standing with the help of support spells." Hibiki: "We won't give up. That's our greatest weapon!" val: "Woody. The magic device." val: "For Limia's sake, we cannot lose Hibiki. Not you, Verda, or Chiya, either." Woody: "B-But..." val: "Please. Let me save Hibiki and our companions." Woody: "That's not fair." val: "I'm falling back a bit. Verda, watch Hibiki." Verda: "What? Hey!" Verda: "You're a real ogre, you know that?" Woody: "Chiya, provide Naval with powerful support magic." Chiya: "Got it." val: "The Rose Sign, as well." Woody: "I'm starting." val: "Don't make that face." val: "I go." Chiya: "It's beautiful. Is this the effect of the magic device?" Woody: "Yes." Hibiki: "Verda-kun!" Io: "Your defense is decent, but your sword skills need work." val: "Stand back, Verda!" Io: "What?" val: "I can cut him." Hibiki: "Naval, what kind of spell is that?" val: "I used a special catalyst. Now fall in line and support me." Verda: "The Rose Sign?" Verda: "You're kidding." Io: "My regeneration can't keep up." Io: "I'll be stopping that sword of yours." val: "More!" Io: "I didn't expect to find spells I was unaware of among the people of this world." val: "I'm surprised, too. I can't believe we still haven't defeated the first demon commander after all this." Io: "Don't worry. I am the strongest demon in battle." val: "That's good news. If we can defeat you, we'll make tremendous progress!" Io: "Don't let your guard down." Verda: "Yeah, you wouldn't want to do that!" val: "Gotcha!" Io: "Impressive. I didn't think I'd get to use my full strength in this battle." val: "Get back, both of you!" Hibiki: "You're kidding, right? This is just the second phase?" Io: "I'm sorry, but it's not a joke." val: "Woody!" Hibiki: "Wh-What?" Woody: "We need to move at high speed. Chiya, assist me." Chiya: "What? But..." Hibiki: "Wait! Naval is still fighting!" Hibiki: "Woody, stop your spell! Stop!" Verda: "Don't!" Hibiki: "Stop it! Let me go!" Verda: "Hibiki, the Rose Sign Naval was using... It grants power beyond your limits at the cost of the user's life." Hibiki: "Her life?" Io: "It doesn't look like you can fight any longer. I'll be going after the hero now." val: "I won't let you." val: "I haven't given everything yet. A woman who only had a place killing her enemies on the battlefield found companions like family and a friend she could trust to watch her back." val: "Either way, her destiny was to cruelly and worthlessly die on the battlefield! I, Naval Polar, will decide where I die, gain meaning for my death," val: "and more than anything, remain in the memories of my friends." val: "Such a glorious moment is wasted on this sword ogre!" Io: "So you're prepared to die!" val: "Death Reward." val: "Come, flames of death." Io: "What's this?!" val: "Hibiki, I had fun." Hibiki: "No..." Hibiki: "Naval..." Hibiki: "Naval!" Tomoki: "Maybe I should've fought alongside the Hero of Limia, too." Lily: "No. You made the right choice." Lily: "Your continued existence gives hope to the people of Gritonia." Tomoki: "R-Right." Tomoki: "I'll get stronger..." Tomoki: "so I can fight without relying on the goddess's protection." Lily: "Yes." Lily: "I shall remain by your side and do as you wish of me." Rona: "Get up already. I've still got to mend the pit." Io: "How dare that bitch..." Io: "Naval, was it? I'll remember that name." Rona: "More importantly, Sofia's been killed." Io: "What? The Dragon Slayer?" Rona: "It was that column of the goddess's light." Rona: "I wonder what kind of monster she summoned." Mio: "Young Master!" Tomoe: "Mio. You'll lose your arm regenerating him like that." Mio: "I don't care! I don't care what happens to me." Tomoe: "Mio..." Makoto/N: "Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Misumi Makoto, the heroes had ended their battle," Makoto/N: "and his servants had rescued him. We return to the present, as their long journey to the academy draws to a close."

Tomoe: "The moon looks impressive tonight." Tomoe: "Traveling on moonlit nights is quite nice." Mio: "If only I could hear the young master's voice." Tomoe: "I thought you wanted to surprise him by learning to cook. Where are you headed?" Mio: "To the port town of Koran. I thought I'd acquire the seaweed and kelp used in the Japanese dishes he likes." Tomoe: "How admirable." Mio: "Tomoe-san, aren't you going to investigate the site of the battle against the Dragon Slayer?" Tomoe: "Yes. Apparently a massive lake formed after their battle. I must investigate the reason." Mio: "Then we'll both be lonely for a while." Tomoe: "Shiki reported that the young master has arrived in Rotsgard." Tomoe: "Once things settle down there, they'll be able to return to the demiplane." Mio: "So until that time..." Tomoe: "We must be patient." Makoto: "You're right. We'll start by walking around town to gather information." Makoto: "What are they doing?" Shiki: "Extorting her, perhaps?" Makoto: "Hyumans persecuting hyumans, huh?" Shiki: "It's not uncommon. There are few demihumans in cities." Makoto: "Hyumans generally act like they're the only victims in situations like these," Makoto: "but the look in her eyes seems more..." Makoto/Id: "Cold? Like she's given up? No, that's not right." Makoto: "I'm a bit curious." Shiki: "Young Master?" Ilumgand: "No, I just—" Luria: "I'm in a hurry." Luria: "Excuse me." Ilumgand: "Wait! Listen to me! Don't be rude!" Makoto: "That's enough." Student 1: "Are you insulting us?" Makoto/Id: "They don't even notice me." Students: "Who do you think you are? Apologize to Ilum-san." Shiki: "You there. Isn't that enough?" Makoto: "Why was that a question?" Ilumgand: "Who are you?" Student 2: "Can't you see these clothes?" Student 3: "Are you two idiots?" Makoto/Id: "Their clothes? I think those are Rotsgard Academy uniforms." Makoto/Id: "If I were with Tomoe or Mio..." Both: "Young Master, may we kill them?" Makoto/Id: "But Shiki..." Shiki: "Young Master, may I kill them?" Makoto: "Shiki?!" Shiki: "They dare to call me an idiot? Or were they calling you one? They must all die." Makoto: "W-Wait. Don't jump straight to murder." Shiki: "I see. Shall I inflict the greatest pain upon them first?" Makoto: "No! Just convince them to leave." Shiki: "Very well." Student 1: "Look at them. They're scared." Ilumgand: "I must speak with this woman. Stay out of my way." Shiki: "Listen, boys. Just get out of here. I promise I won't kill you." Student 1: "Wha—" Student 2: "Y-You can't be serious!" Makoto/Id: "He's totally picking a fight with them." Student 3: "Don't get ahead of yourself." Makoto/Id: "Wind magic, huh?" Makoto/Id: "I can't use that element, but..." Makoto/Id: "What? Why are they floating? At such low altitude, too." Student 1: "He's surprised by our floating spell." Makoto: "Um, aren't you going to attack? What's the point of making me watch you float?" Shiki: "You're provoking them as well, Young Master." Makoto: "That wasn't my intention!" Shiki: "Beings of the earth, obey my command and take new form." Luria: "Huh? What?" Makoto: "Aw, man. Shiki, I'm going to get rid of these. They should be fine since they're floating." Shiki: "Impressive. Soon, you'll have mastered counterspelling, too." Makoto: "Dispelling an ally's spell is hardly impressive." Makoto: "I still can't use it in a fight." Makoto: "Can you read? If you're okay, I'd appreciate it if you fled." Luria: "N-Nobody asked for your help." Makoto: "I'm not trying to make you indebted to me. You're welcome to forget this ever happened." Luria: "Um, I'm a waitress at the Gotetsu Restaurant up ahead." Luria: "If you stop by, I can thank you there." Luria: "We serve excellent hot pot dishes." Makoto: "Hot pot, huh? Let's head there later regardless." Shiki: "Anyway, that girl was rather rude despite us saving her." Makoto: "Was she?" Makoto: "I can see why she'd be suspicious of someone rescuing her for nothing in return. We put on quite the show, too." Makoto: "Wait a minute. Those guys..." Student: "We're gonna fall!" Ilumgand: "Don't run out of mana!" Shiki: "Eventually they'll exhaust their mana and fall. I hope they'll be happy in their next lives." Makoto: "Help them." Shiki: "Very well." Makoto/Id: "He dropped them." Makoto/Id: "How childish." Ilumgand: "Luria..." Ilumgand: "You'll pay for this!" Students: "Ilum-san! Wait for us!" Shiki: "Young Master, that kind of thing will always happen. I'm not sure getting involved is the right choice." Makoto: "I know that, but..." Makoto: "The look in her eyes made me curious." Shiki: "Then forgive me for being presumptuous." Makoto: "Now, let's find an inn." Makoto: "The entrance exam is in three days, right?" Shiki: "What?" Shiki: "You're planning to take the entrance exam?" Makoto: "I need to enter the academy to be recognized as a resident of this town and receive permission to open a new store." Shiki: "But the test you're taking isn't the new student entrance exam. It's the teacher employment examination." Makoto: "What?" Makoto: "What's the teacher employment examination?" Shiki: "It's the test you must take to become a teacher." Shiki: "It clearly says "teacher employment examination" on this document from Rembrandt." Makoto: "R-Rembrandt-san?!" Rembrandt: "Kuzunoha-dono should be arriving in Rotsgard soon." Rembrandt: "What is it, Morris?" Morris: "I've been struggling to read fine print recently." Morris: "Perhaps I'm getting old. I have no trouble at all with familiar words, but..." Rembrandt: "You should get some reading glasses before you make a mistake." Morris: "I'll do that." Makoto/Id: "Too late." Makoto/Id: "And then, on the day of the teacher employment examination..." Examinee: "It's time. I'm so nervous." Shiki: "Young Master, are you all right?" Makoto: "Shiki, could you call me Kuzunoha here?" Shiki: "Very well, Kuzunoha-sama." Makoto/Id: "Honestly, I would've run away if Rembrandt-san hadn't recommended me." Receptionist: "Kuzunoha Makoto-san, huh? Allow me to explain the test." Makoto: "I'm sorry, but before that..." Receptionist: "What? Writing?" Makoto: "I know this is the teacher exam, but are you looking to fill any other clerical positions?" Receptionist: "That's not a request we can accommodate. Lately, a lot of people have been trying to apply for other positions despite us clearly stating we're hiring teachers." Makoto/Id: "The complaints and insults keep coming..." Receptionist: "Looking for a backdoor because you can't apply normally won't... Huh?" Makoto/Id: "Crap! That's not a smile!" Shiki: "Wither, you worthless wooden fool." Makoto: "Shiki, calm down!" Makoto: "Forgive my friend." Makoto: "If there aren't any clerical positions, that's fine." Receptionist: "How can you act like nothing's wrong after that ridiculousness?" Shiki: ""That ridiculousness"?! How much do you think you insulted my master and made him listen to your ridiculous whining?!" Makoto/Id: "Please stop!" Entrance Exam Teacher: "Excuse me." Entrance Exam Teacher: "Allow me to apologize for that employee's behavior." Shiki: "You're offering an apology?" Entrance Exam Teacher: "Of course. Hurling complaints or rude language at an examinee is unacceptable," Entrance Exam Teacher: "even if he inappropriately asked if we were hiring clerical employees." Shiki: "My master simply asked if you had any openings available for clerical employees. That should be understandable." Entrance Exam Teacher: "We appreciate that you shared your valuable opinion. Now, regarding Kuzunoha-sama's exam..." Entrance Exam Teacher: "General tactics, is it?" Entrance Exam Teacher: "How would you like to take your test?" Entrance Exam Teacher: "You're allowed to choose your ratio of practical versus written assessment." Makoto/Id: "Um..." Entrance Exam Teacher: "Oh, you have a recommendation from the Rembrandt Trading Company." Entrance Exam Teacher: "You must be quite accomplished." Makoto/Id: "She's not trying to provoke me?" Entrance Exam Teacher: "So, what will it be? Since you're applying to teach general tactics, would you like to focus on practical assessment?" Makoto/Id: "Uh, um..." Shiki: "This one." Entrance Exam Teacher: "Huh?" Makoto/Id: "Shiki?!" Entrance Exam Teacher: "Are you sure?" Shiki: "Of course. As only a few have passed this incredibly difficult test," Shiki: "we shall take a practical-only assessment!" Makoto/Id: "Incredibly difficult?" Makoto/Id: "But I'm the one who has to take the test..." Proctor: "The exam will take place over three days." Proctor: "The examinees will now make their way to the testing area. As for the equipment you were given, use the feather-shaped item when you wish to return, and use the bell-shaped item if you wish to drop out." Makoto: "Were two separate items really necessary?" Proctor: "Only fighting between examinees is forbidden. However, since you'll be separated by physical distance, I doubt you'll come across one another. We can provide you with weapons, but you must procure food and other supplies on your own." Proctor: "Monsters live in the testing area, so do be careful." Makoto/Id: "So it's like a survival game." Proctor: "Everyone who meets the conditions will pass the test, which are..." Proctor: "These red, blue, and yellow orbs travel at high speeds. Return to the academy within three days with three of the three types of orbs." Proctor: "That's all." Makoto/Id: "Well, that's simple." Proctor: "Instructions for capturing the orbs are included with the items given to you." Proctor: "Good luck, everyone." Makoto: "So this is the testing area." Makoto/Id: "First, Investigative Kai." Makoto/Id: "Good." Makoto/Id: "I don't have to worry about water or food." Makoto/Id: "Compared to the wasteland I was first dropped into, this place is paradise." Makoto/Id: "Looks like the other examinees are pretty far away." Makoto/Id: "Okay, found an orb." Makoto: "Let's see... "Each orb can be damaged using the specified attacks." "After taking enough damage, orbs will stop moving and can be captured." "If attacked using methods other than the ones specified, the orbs will burst."" Makoto: "So only physical attacks are effective against the red orb." Makoto/Id: "I'll start with something gentle." Makoto: "Huh?" Makoto: "What? I didn't get the color wrong, did I?" Makoto: "L-Let me pull myself together." Makoto: "Only magic attacks are effective against yellow, so..." Makoto/Id: "Brid." Makoto: "Huh?" Makoto: "Only ranged attacks are effective against the blue orb." Makoto: "Even with a borrowed bow, this should be easy." Makoto: "Why?" Makoto/Id: "Are my attacks doing too much damage? Come to think of it, I'm constantly under the effect of a strengthening spell." Makoto/Id: "I should remove that." Makoto: "A red orb." Makoto: "What?!" Makoto: "Why?!" Makoto/Id: "I failed to capture a single one, and I'm sleeping under the stars." Makoto: "I'll erect a barrier that's pretty painful when touched." Makoto: "Huh?" Makoto: "Monsters..." Makoto: "Heave-ho!" Makoto/Id: "I wonder what the other examinees are up to." Makoto/Id: "Huh? The elf is missing. Did he finish in just one day?" Makoto/Id: "It's not a race, but I feel like I need to hurry." Makoto: "I'll start with the blue orb susceptible to ranged attacks. I'll try grazing it with just the fletching." Makoto: "A feather touch, if you will." Makoto/Id: "I distracted myself. I'll refocus, and..." Makoto/Id: "All right. Just what I wanted." Makoto: "What? No one said anything about them disappearing!" Makoto: "It teleported? Oh, come on!" Makoto/Id: "Okay, I'll burn this entire testing area down." Makoto/Id: "No, wait. Calm down." Makoto/Id: "I'll project the object I perceived with my Kai inside myself, and..." Makoto/Id: "I see it." Makoto: "Yes! I did it!" Makoto/Id: "Someone else disappeared. It was the hyuman this time." Makoto/Id: "Did they pass?" Makoto/Id: "No, it's possible they dropped out." Makoto/Id: "Either way, I need to keep trying." Makoto/Id: "Next, I'll go for the yellow orb susceptible to magic attacks." Makoto/Id: "I'll start by weakening myself using Kai. Then I'll adjust the power so it's neither too strong nor too weak, focus all my attention on it, and... Weak Brid." Makoto: "Yes!" Makoto: "I've still got one day left. I think I'm gonna make it!" Makoto: "My first meal since yesterday." Makoto/Id: "Someone new appeared this time. Can examinees join partway through the test?" Makoto/Id: "As long as they don't bother me, I guess it doesn't matter." Makoto: "What a refreshing morning." Makoto/Id: "But there's an obviously suspicious guy dressed in black." Makoto/Id: "They were pretending to be asleep?" Makoto/Id: "They vanished. Did they use a spell to hide themselves?" Makoto/Id: "I know exactly where they are thanks to my Kai, though. I should put some distance between us..." Makoto/Id: "Crap!" Makoto: "Don't think that's enough to harm me. Huh?" Makoto/Id: "My hand is cut. Not only that, but this looks like poison. How embarrassing. I'll have to wash it thoroughly later." Black: "You bastard..." Makoto: "Are you targeting the examinees?" Black: "Yeah. The others have already left. I wasn't too enthused about being hired just to threaten you," Black: "but you'll pay for breaking my blade." Makoto: "Are you trying to kill me?" Black: "You're already finished. This blade is coated with a fast-acting poison guaranteed to kill." Makoto: "Fast-acting?" Black: "Poi...son..." Black: "You neutralized that poison? Impossible!" Makoto: "If you tell me who you are and who hired you, I'll tell you how I did it." Black: "Unfortunately, I don't have any contact with the client when I get jobs through the assassins' guild." Makoto: "I see. I'm starting to get the sense I shouldn't stick my nose where it doesn't belong." Black: "A wise choice." Black: "I can't move!" Makoto: "I've temporarily paralyzed you from the neck down. You're interfering with my exam. Begone." Black: "I can't leave if I can't move!" Makoto/Id: "He's not wrong." Makoto: "I'll tell you how I did it for free. Apparently, I'm immune to poisons." Makoto: "It's an ability I gained recently." Black: "D-Don't give me that sh—" Black: "What are you doing?! Why are you running this wa—" Makoto: "Back to the exam. Let's finish this quickly so I can leave." Makoto/Id: "I can't perform pure physical attacks because my body constantly releases mana. The bow I borrowed is imbued with magic, too." Makoto: "I know!" Makoto: "I borrowed this knife to butcher fish. This should work." Makoto/Id: "It's a bit smelly, but I'll hit it with the back so I don't cut it in half." Makoto/Id: "It didn't explode. It teleported," Makoto/Id: "but I'll finish it off with this." Makoto: "That took forever! Farewell, nameless wilderness! I'll never forget the suffering I endured these past three days!" Makoto/Id: "Whoa, they're waiting for me." Proctor: "Kuzunoha-san, are you dropping out like they did?" Makoto/Id: "Did the man in black threaten them?" Makoto: "I gathered the orbs, of course." Proctor: "What?" Proctor: "A-Allow me to confirm." Proctor: "I don't believe it." Makoto: "I brought back three of each orb." Proctor: "When I said three, I meant three of the same color. Normally people return with three of the color susceptible to their best attack," Proctor: "but you brought back all three colors?" Makoto/Id: "What?" Proctor: "No one's ever passed the exam like this before." Komoe: "And so..." Makoto: "I had to go through a lot, but they've hired me as a temporary instructor." Shiki: "Good work, Young Master." Makoto: "We have some time until the next step in the process. Why don't we check out that hot pot restaurant sometime?" Shiki: "You mean Gotetsu? I look forward to it." Makoto: "I wonder if they serve shamonabe." Makoto/Id: "And so, unexpectedly, I became a teacher. My life at the academy city began thusly, but..." Proctor: "That's never happened before. No one was supposed to pass this time." Eva: "What do you mean by that?" Proctor: "Someone made a request. They said we have enough practical skill teachers and wanted to increase the difficulty of the exam." Proctor: "And he gathered all three colors anyway. I can't believe it!" Eva: "I see." Eva: "How very interesting."

Makoto/N: "My new life in Rotsgard. Having finally acquired permission to open a new store, Misumi Makoto unexpectedly becomes a teacher and receives his official acceptance letter, but..." Shiki: "The academy has summoned you rather abruptly, hasn't it?" Makoto: "Tell me about it. But I don't have to be there until this afternoon. We'll be right on time if we go after lunch." Luria: "Kuzunoha-san, welcome." Makoto: "Hello, Luria. We'll be stopping by again today." Luria: "We appreciate your business. Shiki-san, would you like your regular hot pot?" Shiki: "Yes, of course." Makoto: "Maybe I'll get the chicken hot pot today." Luria: "You two are unusual. Usually a group of people will share a single hot pot." Luria: "I'll show you to your table." Shiki: "I'm so excited." Makoto/Id: "This is our fifth day in a row eating at Gotetsu." Makoto/Id: "Shiki has become weirdly obsessed with the place." Ilumgand: "Damn it. They're always showing up around Luria." Karen: "You're Ilumgand-sama, aren't you?" Karen: "Don't worry. I'm a student at the academy. There's something I'd like to discuss with you." Makoto/Id: "Shiki's new obsession: cream hot pot." Shiki: "Nothing beats this sweetness." Makoto/Id: "Meat and vegetables in a super-sweet cream..." Luria: "Come to think of it, you work at the academy, don't you?" Makoto: "Yeah. I'm heading there after this." Luria: "In that case, when you get there, my—" Employee: "Luria, could you help me over here?" Luria: "Oh, no. The place is getting busy." Luria: "Well, take your time." Makoto: "Thanks." Shiki: "Young Master." Shiki: "May I order seconds?" Makoto: "Shiki, is there something wrong with your blood sugar?" Clerk: "As long as you don't exchange money on academy grounds, there's no problem." Makoto/Id: "So promoting my shop is okay." Clerk: "Currently, the academy employs several hundred faculty members. Teachers are paid ten silver coins per student." Clerk: "Part-time teachers can lecture to up to 30 students at once." Clerk: "Is next week all right for your first lecture?" Makoto: "Yes. I'm planning to hold a lecture for fewer than ten students, and starting next week should be no problem." Clerk: "How unusual. Most teachers try to gather as many students as possible." Makoto: "I'd like to teach as carefully as possible." Bright: "Do you have a moment?" Bright: "Excuse me. I am Bright, a full-time lecturer." Bright: "I see. You plan to teach a class focused on practical skills." Makoto: "Yes, with an emphasis on magic." Bright: "I focus on classroom learning, but I also teach combat techniques." Bright: "I'll send about ten of my students who seem interested your way." Makoto: "Thank you." Bright: "This year is full of especially exceptional students. Some can even casting floating spells and communicate telepathically." Makoto/Id: "Is he including them?" Makoto/Id: "Exceptional, huh?" Bright: "I hear you possess some outstanding abilities." Bright: "I look forward to seeing what you do." Makoto/Id: "So this is the library." Eva: "May I help you?" Makoto: "My assistant is off submitting a request to use facilities, so I'm here to find materials for my class." Eva: "I see." Eva: "I am the librarian here. If there are any books you're looking for, then I can help you." Makoto: "In that case, do you have any books on magic incantations?" Eva: "How rather bland for you, Kuzunoha-sama." Eva: "Incredible. You instantly created a magical barrier. It's like a magician's trick." Makoto: "Who are you? How do you know my name?" Eva: "I'm a librarian. I know the teachers' names." Makoto: "I heard the academy has hundreds of teachers. I find it hard to believe you learned a new teacher's name right away." Eva: "The truth is, I heard about you while eating with an exam proctor." Makoto: "Is that really all?" Eva: "Also, Luria of the Gotetsu Restaurant is my younger sister." Makoto/Id: "What?" Eva: "I heard she has some unusual regulars who always order two hot pots. She said Shiki-sama likes their cream hot pot." Luria: "In that case, when you get there, my—" Makoto/Id: "She must've been trying to tell me about her sister. I see. Their faces certainly look similar, but..." Eva: "Kuzunoha-sama..." Eva: "Men's gazes speak louder than their words. Do be careful." Makoto: "S-Sorry..." Eva: "Oh, were you imagining something inappropriate?" Makoto/Id: "I put my foot in my mouth!" Eva: "I'm joking. My name is Eva. I can usually be found at the counter. It's nice to meet you." Makoto/Id: "There's probably a lot of darkness behind that smile. She kind of seems like Mio." Mio: "Of course. I'm working at this shop so I can learn to cook." Baretta: "Since you've paid the owner to study here, I suppose I don't have a choice." Baretta: "But promise me you won't swing a knife around the kitchen again." Mio: "I only know how to use a knife in an eye-catching way." Baretta: "Anyway, here's how you do it." Mio: "So you use the base of the knife to remove the eyes of the potato. The last time I cut a potato, they vanished completely." Baretta: "We'll start with the basics." Mio: "Incredible. It's like a sheet of paper." Baretta: "The owner learned this technique in Laurel. It's apparently called rotary cutting." Mio: "Rotary? What does that mean?" Baretta: "I'm not sure exactly." Mio: "Rotary cutting seems like it could be useful outside of cooking." Baretta: "Useful for what?" Daena: "Apparently our next lecturer communicates through writing." Mithra: "He's got some kind of assistant, too." Izumo: "That doesn't sound promising for a practical lesson on incantations." Abelia: "We have to attend his class since Bright-sensei told us to." Jin: "I don't care what he does as long as it makes me stronger." Jin: "And as long as he's not incompetent." Girl 1: "Is the teacher a demihuman?" Girl 2: "I heard he's hyuman." Girl 3: "If he's ugly, I'm choosing another class." Makoto/Id: "Dispel Listening Kai." Shiki: "it weakens your position as an instructor." Shiki: "Are you sure you don't want me to play the bad cop?" Makoto: "If I'm nice to them, they'll never take me seriously." Makoto: "I'm going to be the scariest teacher I can be." Abelia: "Excuse me." Abelia: "Is this the right place for Kuzunoha-sensei's class?" Shiki: "Yes. I'm his assistant, Shiki." Shiki: "We're planning to open a shop in town eventually. We hope you'll stop by." Girls: "He's handsome. He seems nice." Shiki: "And this is..." Makoto: "I'm Kuzunoha. I'm a merchant. I ran a caravan in the wasteland." Daena: "He's got a kobold face." Mithra: "How awful." Jin: "This can't be good." Makoto: "I'll be teaching a tough class focused on magic. Make sure you pay attention." Jin: "But I specialize in swordplay." Makoto: "You there, how are your abilities with each of the elements?" Izumo: "I have an aptitude for wind." Makoto: "And the others?" Izumo: "The others? I can use a bit of earth and fire." Makoto: "What about you?" Abelia: "I can use fire and a bit of wind." Makoto: "Is there anyone here who can use multiple elements at the same level?" Makoto/Id: "I'll take a page out of Tomoe's book here." Makoto: "I see now what you're capable of." Makoto: "Unfortunately, as things stand, you'll never be better than third-rate." All: "What? Third-rate?" Abelia: "Aren't you being a bit harsh? We were admitted to the academy based on our abilities." Makoto: "I simply spoke the truth." Daena: "Specializing in your best element is common practice." Girls: "Yeah. That's normal. Right?" Makoto: "On the battlefield, if your one element is beaten, you'll be torn to shreds. At the very least, you must master three elements." Abelia: "It's easy to describe how things should be." Jin: "But are you capable of that, sir?" Makoto: "Shiki and I will conduct a mock battle." Makoto: "You can judge our power based on that." Daena: "Hey, that staff..." Izumo: "It contains so much mana." Abelia: "Of various elements, too." Jin/Id: "In contrast," Jin/Id: "I don't sense any mana from our instructor." Makoto: "Let's begin." Shiki: "Thank you for letting me practice my skills against you, Kuzunoha-san." Shiki: "Here I come." Daena: "He's fast. It's already ov—" Daena: "It's not over?" Jin: "That's a magical barrier." Makoto: "You've gotten faster, Shiki." Makoto: "When we formed our contract, you could barely run." Shiki: "Tomoe-dono and Mio-dono trained me. Just the other day, I practiced running on water." Makoto: "What are those two making you do?" Makoto: "An instant barrier. You're good." Shiki: "I appreciate the compliment." Jin/Id: "You're kidding, right? The teacher predicted his movements." Jin/Id: "Is this really a battle between mages?" Makoto: "How about this?" Makoto: "Damn it. Another counterspell." Makoto: "I'm impressed, Shiki." Mithra: "After using earth, now he's using fire and water simultaneously." Izumo: "I can't believe how powerful their silent spells are." Shiki: "It's because of my staff. The elder dwarves do good work." Makoto: "There's no point in letting this drag on." Shiki: "Let's end this with the next attack." Shiki: "Heavenly light like sunshine, ultimate flames reflecting the sun..." Makoto: "Voracious void, with the authority of shadows..." Daena: "They're speaking incantations for the first time." Mithra: "But I thought our teacher couldn't speak." Izumo: "Is that the ancient language?" Izumo: "If their spells are that powerful without incantations, then with them..." Shiki: "I am beaten." Makoto/Id: "Huh? Uh-oh." Makoto/Id: "I might've scared them all off." Makoto: "That's all for today." Makoto: "Whether or not you'll show up for the next class is up to you. If you want to become stronger, you're welcome to join me." Makoto: "Shiki, I injured one of them. Could you heal the girl with the ponytail?" Shiki: "Very well." Shiki/Id: "He didn't let a single attack through." Shiki: "Thank you for coming, everyone." Girls: "Wh-What was that? I'm not taking a class with him! I'm scared. There's no way." Daena: "That was so awesome!" Izumo: "That last incantation wasn't chanted in Common. Was it Noble? No, Graf? Maybe even Weird?" Mithra/Id: "That was terrifying." Abelia/Id: "After talking down to him like that, I couldn't even avoid the debris." Shiki: "Allow me." Abelia: "An ointment? Eek!" Shiki: "Forgive me. That must've been cold." Abelia: "Huh? My wound..." Abelia: "That must've been a pretty expensive magical medicine." Shiki: "At our shop, it's nothing special. I'm glad it didn't leave a scar." Jin/Id: "What was Bright-sensei thinking when he referred us to him?" Jin/Id: "I am so..." Jin/Id: "grateful!" Jin/Id: "For the first time since coming to the academy, I might've met someone I can call master!" Makoto: "I'm worried about the next lesson. What do you think?" Shiki: "I believe half will remain." Makoto: "I'm not sure. Anyway, what should I do about it?" Makoto: "My face is stuck like this." Shiki: "I think you look nice and fierce." Makoto/Id: "I shouldn't copy Tomoe so much in the future." Pegleg: "That's right." Tomoe: "I heard they're calling that lake formed by the battle Star Lake." Pegleg: "We're being punished." Pegleg: "He's punishing the hyumans for fighting the demons." Tomoe: "You mean the Goddess?" Pegleg: "No." Pegleg: "The Goddess always shows love to us hyumans." Pegleg: "So when we stray from the right path, who admonishes and punishes us?" Pegleg: "That is his responsibility. The sorcerer dressed in blue and red." Pegleg: "That's why he fired an arrow of punishment that destroys everything it touches." Tomoe: "Arrow of punishment?" Tomoe: "Forgive me, but I'm going to take a look at your memories." Tomoe: "I can't believe changing the scenery is his idea of annoying someone." Tomoe: "There's never a dull moment with the young master." Tomoe: "Now, what should I tell them?" Makoto/Id: "I didn't think five would stick around." Shiki: "I'm taking attendance." Shiki: "Mithra Casper." Mithra: "Here." Makoto/Id: "From Rotsgard. Both parents are affiliated with temples. His grades in classroom lectures are exceptional." Shiki: "Daena Severus." Daena: "Call me Daena. I married into my family name, and I'm still not used to it." Makoto/Id: "Despite how he seems, he's married. His wife is currently on maternity leave from the academy." Makoto/Id: "He's only my age, too." Shiki: "Abelia Hopleys." Abelia: "Here. You can call me Abelia. It can be a hassle otherwise." Makoto/Id: "If I recall correctly, there's another student named Hopleys." Makoto/Id: "He's the son of an aristocratic family from Limia." Shiki: "Izumo Kusakabe." Izumo: "Here." Makoto/Id: "An aspiring mage. His name sounds Japanese because he's from the Laurel Commonwealth." Shiki: "Jin Rohan." Jin: "Here." Makoto/Id: "An aspiring swordsman and top of his class in practical skills. My class is focused on magic. Is he sure he wants to be here?" Makoto/Id: "Oh, right. I confused them." Makoto: "Allow me to make a correction. Common is the only language I can't speak." Mithra: "Huh?" Daena: "What language was that?" Izumo: "That was, "Common is the only language I can't speak," right?" Makoto: "Right. Due to certain circumstances, Common is the only language I can't speak." Daena: "What kind of circumstances?" Makoto: "The lesson will now begin." Makoto: "What effect does spending mana have on the body?" Izumo: "Once a person has spent half their mana, they experience fatigue due to mental exhaustion." Abelia: "With only 20% left, they become lethargic. Spending all one's mana may cause vomiting and limited or loss of consciousness." Jin: "Exceeding one's limits can result in death." Daena: "That's a beginner lesson. Why are you asking us that now?" Makoto: "First, I'd like to identify your limits in battle." Makoto: "Keep in mind that injury is a possibility." Mithra: "Battle?" Daena: "Injury?" Makoto: "Don't worry. I've got enough mana and stamina recovery medicines to sell." Makoto: "Now, all of you come at me with everything you've got." Daena: "I've never used this much magic before." Abelia: "Pierce my enemies, flame lance." Shiki: "Abelia, that's enough." Abelia: "I can keep—" Jin/Id: "I can tell the teacher's holding back, but each of his attacks is so heavy." Jin: "Huh? Healing magic?" Mithra: "Jin, this is the last of my mana." Mithra: "Good luck." Jin: "Don't leave me, Mithra!" Makoto/Id: "Oh?" Makoto: "Rather than prolonging the battle with defense, he's trusting the battle to the strongest fighter. A good choice." Jin: "Damn it. At least let me land one hit!" Makoto: "Your swings are too wide." Makoto: "Don't charge in recklessly." Daena: "Ow." Mithra: "My willpower isn't recovering." Jin: "I couldn't land a single hit." Abelia: "I barfed in front of Shiki-san." Izumo: "Couldn't we have slowly worked up to this point?" Makoto: "Even if you know about limits, there's no point if you've never experienced them." Makoto: "Oh, right. Turn in a report on what you have to work on." All/Id: "He's evil!" Ref: "That's match. The winner is Ilumgand Hopleys." Student 1: "You've been doing great recently, Ilumgand-san." Ilumgand: "Yeah." Karen: "This is a magical medicine being developed at the academy." Karen: "It dramatically improves your physical and magical abilities." Karen: "Would you like to try it?" Ilumgand/Id: "What's he doing here?" Ilumgand/Id: "He's not an academy instructor, is he?" Makoto: "Those students have more potential than I expected." Shiki: "Indeed." Makoto: "This one... Izumo, right?" Makoto: "It's clear he's a mage. He was using some complex spells." Makoto: "Daena the married boy has a quick wit and good judgment. He's probably sharp." Makoto: "Abelia the lone girl uses her mana and physical strength well." Makoto: "Mithra the tall sacrificed himself to fight as a team." Makoto: "And finally, Jin remained standing until the end without expending all his stamina or mana." Makoto: "He was constantly checking on what and how the others were doing. He'd make a good leader." Shiki: "I'm impressed. You observed them closely." Makoto: "I'm not cut out to be a teacher, but I'll do my best." Makoto/N: "Whatever it is, once I choose to do something, I will see it through." Bright: "The assassins' guild did a rather sloppy job." Bright: "Not only were you beaten up by a mage, but he broke your weapon, too." Black: "Forgive me, but I wasn't told I'd be facing someone capable of shattering a blade made from the scales of the greater dragon Mitsurugi." Bright: "I don't want to hear excuses." Bright: "Get rid of that part-time teacher immediately."

Makoto/N: "Two weeks have passed since I became a teacher. Following the shop in Tsige, a new branch has been opened." Makoto/N: "The Kuzunoha Trading Company has begun operating in Rotsgard, but..." Makoto: "I'm replacing you." Aqua: "What? No way!" Eris: "Young Master, how could you?" Shiki: "I'm sorry, but the others are busy at the shop in Tsige." Aqua: "Please don't fire us! Who knows what Tomoe-sama and Mio-sama will do to us?" Eris: "Wah, wah..." Makoto: "Fine. These are the healing salves," Makoto: "these are the antidotes, and these are the antipyretic analgesics. And these are the energy drinks." Eris: "Write that down." Aqua: "Why me?" Makoto: "I'd like to promote our shop by word of mouth as a pharmacy and general store that's open late." Makoto: "I'm planning to operate until midnight." Eris: "Wow, that's exploitative." Aqua: "Shh!" Makoto: "Naturally, you'll alternate shifts and receive breaks. I'll provide a meal allowance, too." Aqua: "Breaks?" Eris: "Meals?" Makoto: "You won't have a manager nagging you. Since the shop just opened for business, you won't be busy." Makoto: "Sounds a lot nicer than working at the shop in Tsige to me." Aqua: "Easier..." Eris: "...than Tsige?" All: "Gloria!" Makoto: "The grand opening I'm about to lose my mind With anxiety" Makoto/Id: "My business and lessons are going well, but..." Girl 1: "Kuzunoha-sensei, please marry me." Makoto: "Huh?" Girl 1: "After you've married two other wives." Makoto/Id: "I wasn't expecting this world to be polygamous." Girls: "Marry me!" Makoto/Id: "They're ignoring my face and hoping to become my third" Girls: "Marry me!" Makoto/Id: "or subsequent wives to avoid any responsibilities." Girls: "Marry me!" Makoto/Id: "Is this what marriage is like?" Makoto/Id: "The concept of marriage I'm familiar with is more..." Eva: "Excuse me, but who are they?" Makoto: "I suppose you could say I owe them a great deal. The two of them were very close, so I find the students' view of marriage rather alien." Eva: "Many of our students are the daughters of nobles or merchants. Perhaps they don't see marriage as an act of love." Makoto: "They view marriage as political, then?" Makoto: "But they're still teens. It's hard to believe they think that way." Eva: "Kuzunoha-sensei, you're so naïve. No, you're pure." Makoto/Id: "Those two are starting to look a lot better since they're not in it for the money." Tomoe: "How was your investigation of the sea of trees?" Lime: "It seems someone fought Lyca the Waterfall before the Battle of Fort Stella." Tomoe: "I see." Lime: "It was probably Sofia Bulga the Dragon Slayer." Lime: "Did you learn anything about the ring that suppresses the goddess's power?" Tomoe: "No. I haven't found any information about it, though I think I know who created Star Lake." Lime: "It was almost certainly him. There's no one but the boss who could—" Tomoe: "Looks like you were followed." Lime: "Who is it?" Lily: "We are travelers. We came because we heard there's someone here with an unusual weapon." Lime/Id: "They're after this, huh?" Tomoe: "Come in." Lily: "Excuse us." Tomoki: "Huh? A samurai?! Is that cosplay?!" Tomoe: "My name is Tomoe. This is Lime. We serve as guards for the Kuzunoha Trading Company on the frontier." Lily: "I see." Lily: "So that's how you acquired those majestic weapons." Tomoki: "You've got an old-fashioned way of speaking. Gives you the vibes of a real badass." Tomoki: "How old are you?" Tomoe: "I don't know what you're talking about," Tomoe: "but it's inappropriate to ask a woman her age before stating your own name." Lily: "This is Iwahashi Tomoki-sama and the lady-in-waiting Mora." Lily: "My name is Lily." Lime/Id: "The second princess of Gritonia?" Lime/Id: "Which means this guy is their hero." Tomoe: "You seem like knights or nobles. What are you doing in a place like this?" Lily: "We came to study the lake that suddenly appeared—" Tomoe: "That's fine. The design of this blade—" Tomoki: "Oh, sorry. I don't care about that." Tomoki: "I can't draw it... Damn it!" Tomoe: "I do apologize, but it's made so that only I can unsheathe it." Tomoki: "That can't be right! I'm supposed to be able to wield any weapon in this world." Tomoe: "This blade is my partner." Tomoe: "Be gentle with it. If you wish to see the blade, this should satisfy you." Tomoe: "Its name is Shirafuji." Tomoe: "Behold." Tomoki: "Wow..." Lily: "That sword..." Mora: "It's beautiful." Tomoe: "Are you satisfied? We have business to attend to." Tomoe: "I ask that you leave now." Lily: "Your weapon..." Lily: "Would you be willing to part with it? Name your price." Tomoe: "I told you, only I can use it." Lily: "I hoped to keep this a secret, but you give me no choice. I am Princess Lily of the Gritonia Empire." Lily: "Tomoki-sama is the hero granted to us by the goddess." Lily: "For the future of hyumankind—no, of this world, will you assist us?" Tomoe: "I'm quaking in my boots." Tomoe: "It seems to me you have a reason for wanting this blade." Tomoe: "For example, perhaps you intend to use it to develop your own weapons." Lily: "Surely you jest." Tomoe: "No matter how much you offer me, I cannot let you have this." Tomoe: "This conversation is over." Lime: "Boss, they're the hero's party, and it would benefit the trading company. I'm sure he'd be able to use my katana. Why don't we—" Tomoe: "Keep your mouth shut." Lime: "Boss?" Tomoe: "Forgive me. My man has lost his mind." Tomoki: "Forget the katana." Mora: "Onii-chan?" Tomoki: "I am the hero." Tomoki: "I will defeat the demons and bring peace to this world." Tomoki: "So, Tomoe-san..." Tomoki: "I'd like your assistance. I want you to serve me." Tomoe: "Is that right?" Tomoe: "First, could you stop looking at me in such a disgusting manner?" Tomoki: "D-Disgusting?" Tomoe/Id: "I'd heard the hero was from another world, but I'm disappointed. On top of that, he looks at my body with insolence. He could learn a thing or two from the young master." Tomoki: "You haven't responded to my invitation yet." Tomoe: "My answer is no." Tomoe: "My body and mind already belong to another." Tomoki/Id: "My Magic Eye's charm isn't working?" Mora: "Tomoe, you're a dragon, aren't you?" Tomoe: "Oh?" Mora: "You're no ordinary dragon, either. You're a powerful dragon of great presence and strength." Lily/Id: "The most powerful dragon in the area is Lyca the Waterfall." Tomoe: "I am not Lyca." Lily/Id: "Sh-She read my thoughts?" Mora: "Tomoe! Join me in serving my brother!" Tomoe: "Oh? You possess the ability to command dragons." Tomoe: "You must be a dragon summoner." Mora: "Huh?" Mora: "T-Tomoe, I..." Tomoe: "Keep your meaningless thoughts away from me, girl!" Lime: "Huh? Why am I holding my katana?" Tomoki/Id: "Did that dispel the effect of my Magic Eye?" Lime: "Why was I trying to give it to this goon?" Tomoki: "Who are you calling a goon?" Tomoki: "You're a nobody!" Tomoe: "Good grief. You're like a child throwing a tantrum." Tomoki: "Shut up! I'm the hero!" Tomoe: "Hero of the empire," Tomoe: "you're a hopeless piece of trash." Tomoki: "Don't look at me like that!" Tomoe: "Princess Lily, I'll pretend we never met. If you fail to understand my meaning and act foolishly again, then know that the empire's hero will disappear before long." Lily/Id: "A mind-reading dragon who uses mists and illusions?" Tomoki: "Tomoe, you're a top-ranked rare character." Tomoe: "I want you. You will be mine!" Lime: "What was I thinking? How could I offer that fool the precious sword you gave me?" Tomoe: "Lime, will you become my clansman?" Lime: "Yes, Boss." Tomoe: "That was quick." Lime: "I've enjoyed becoming stronger," Lime: "but I was powerless when it mattered. I never want to experience that regret again." Tomoe: "Then let us begin." Tomoe: "Don't worry. This won't hurt. It'll be over soon." Mio/Id: "So these are seaweed scraps." Mio/Id: "I can't tell which is which." Mio/Id: "Why, it's delicious. The dried bits have umami, and they're soft enough for hyumans to chew. They're not poisonous, either." Hibiki: "Wait! Stop!" Mio: "So noisy." Mio: "My kimono is all wet." Mio: "Die, you mangy beast." Mio: "Are you its owner? Then you can die with it." Hibiki: "Are you all right?! Are you hurt?!" Mio: "Huh?" Hibiki: "I understand why you'd be upset when he suddenly jumped on you. I'm really sorry!" Mio/Id: "This hyuman is more concerned about my well-being than her own life? And her black hair..." Hibiki: "It's all my fault. I'll make sure he reflects on his actions, too." Mio: "Reflects?" Hibiki: "Horn, go back inside!" Mio: "Oh, my. It's a type of spirit." Hibiki: "Apparently he's a guardian beast or something like that." Hibiki: "I actually don't know too much about it." Mio/Id: "Why does she remind me of the young master?" Hibiki: "My name is Hibiki. I swear I'll see your injuries healed and your clothes mended." Mio: "I am Mio. I am not injured. The beast only left some marks on my clothes." Hibiki: "Then allow me to make it up to you somehow." Mio: "In that case..." Mio: "Could you select the best pieces from that pile of sea grass?" Hibiki: "You mean that seaweed and kelp over there?" Mio: "Seaweed! Did you say seaweed?!" Hibiki: "No, I'm Hibiki." Mio: "Yes, you mentioned that! You can tell the difference between seaweed and kelp?" Hibiki: "Uh, well... This is probably kelp, and that's probably seaweed." Mio: "So this is seaweed? I thought it was a more vivid green." Hibiki: "Boiling it gives it a beautiful green color." Hibiki: "It's good in miso—I mean, in soup. Ugh, it stinks." Mio: "Miso soup! You know how to prepare that dish, don't you? Oh, how marvelous! I must thank the young master for this encounter!" Hibiki: "Young master? Who— Ow, ow, ow! That hurts! You're so strong! Mio-san, let go of me!" Mio: "Well, no matter. Now, regarding that dish we were discussing that involves cooking the pot lid..." Hibiki: "I think you're talking about a drop lid. It's an item used when boiling food." Woody/Id: "Hibiki... She acts tough, but her emotional scars are deeper than anyone can imagine." Woody/Id: "She's been hiding her identity in her travels, hoping it'll lift her spirits, but..." Mio: "I have a question for you." Mio: "Are you strong?" Hibiki: "I'm a decent fighter." Mio: "I see. In that case, could I ask you to handle the rare creature that's headed this way?" Mio: "If not, I'll do it." Chiya: "What is that?" Woody: "The wind is blowing wildly." Hibiki: "Chiya-chan, erect a defensive barrier! Woody-san, back us up with support magic!" Both: "Got it!" Verda: "I'll handle this!" Mio/Id: "They're not bad, but they're poorly equipped." Verda/Id: "Why'd we have to encounter this thing before getting new equipment in Tsige?" Verda/Id: "I must be like Naval. I must fight for Hibiki!" Mio: "Idiot! Get out of the way!" Hibiki: "Verda-kun!" Woody: "We must regroup. Hibiki, your orders?" Hibiki: "Right." Hibiki: "No..." Hibiki: "Mio-san, please help us!" Mio: "Shame on you for not knowing your own strength." Mio: "Now die." Mio: "It's over." Both: "Huh?" Mio: "Is he all right?" Chiya: "Oh... Yes. He's not mortally wounded." Mio: "Then he doesn't require assistance. I'd like to harvest this monster's materials. Help me break down—" Hibiki: "Mio-san, behind you!" Makoto: "It looks good on you." Mio: "The young master praised how I looked in this kimono." Mio: "How dare you?!" Mio: "You pest!" Mio: "I hope this can be mended." Mio: "Looks like we won't be able to take our time anymore. We should hurry." Mio: "I see. We seem to have met before. That's why you bit me when we met." Mio: "I am different now. I rescued your master just now, did I not?" Mio: "I won't hurt you, so don't tell them what I truly am, mongrel." Mio: "What a clever boy." Mio: "I brought you and your friends to Tsige. When you wake up, seek out the Kuzunoha Trading Company." Hibiki: "The Kuzunoha Trading Company..." Mio: "Oh, you're finally here." Verda: "Thank you for your help." Hibiki: "Will your kimono be all right?" Mio: "I shall have it mended. The young master wouldn't look at me when I wore this one." Hibiki: "You invited us here to discuss the incident with the monster, didn't you?" Hibiki: "Ultimately, I turned to you for help." Hibiki: "I deserve whatever criticism you have for me." Mio: "Why would I criticize you? It's a good thing you didn't die, is it not?" Hibiki: "Then why did you invite us here?" Mio: "To cook." Hibiki: "Huh?" Mio: "You can repay me by giving me a bit of your time. You still haven't told me how to extract a broth from the sea grass." Hibiki: "A b-broth? That's all you want?" Mio: "Yes, that's all." Woody: "M-Mio-dono, we came to Tsige to acquire new equipment and train in the wasteland." Verda: "We don't have much time." Mio: "It would be pointless for a party that struggled against that monster to head into the wasteland." Mio: "You'd merely be feeding the monsters." Chiya: "But..." Hibiki: "Regardless, we must become stronger." Mio: "I don't know what your circumstances are, but this simply won't do." Beren: "How about this, then? We'll create equipment you can use to fight in the wasteland. You can pay for it later. During the three days it will take to create the equipment and at nights while you're training, could you teach Mio-sama to cook?" Mio: "Beren, new equipment won't guarantee their survival." Hibiki: "Mio-san..." Mio: "And do you think I can learn to create a broth in just three days?" Hibiki/Id: "That's what she's worried about?" Beren: "If you're worried, why not have Toa-dono and her companions accompany them?" Mio: "I see. They won't die if they go with them. That's a fantastic idea, Beren." Beren: "Thank you." Beren: "So, what do you all think?" Hibiki: "W-We appreciate the offer." Hibiki/Id: "She's gotten better at evaluating ingredients." Hibiki/Id: "Her knife skills are decent, too." Hibiki/Id: "But when it comes to applying force in other ways..." Mio: "Here I go." Mio: "Why?" Hibiki: "At least you've learned to succeed a third of the time." Hibiki: "Um, so are these for a dessert?" Hibiki: "Let me have a taste." Mio: "They're delicious and a bit spicy." Hibiki: "Oh?" Hibiki: "Yeugh!" Mio: "Also, this broth tastes better when it's not boiled." Hibiki: "Mio-san, I've learned something about your sense of taste, and that is... You have a high tolerance for untasty foods, but you're also very sensitive to tasty foods." Mio: "That means I've got a knack for cooking, doesn't it?" Hibiki: "If you can distinguish between the two, then there's hope. What is tasty, and what is not?" Hibiki: "We'll start by mastering that." Mio: "Understood!" Makoto/N: "An unexpected encounter unbeknownst to her master." Makoto/N: "The follower and the hero form a friendship." Makoto/N: "Meanwhile, we return once again to Rotsgard." Makoto: "What? Tomoe did?" Shiki: "Yes." Shiki: "She asked that we return to the demiplane, as she has much to report on." Makoto: "Come to think of it, we've only been communicating telepathically. I haven't been back at all." Shiki: "I've arranged for the forest ogres to handle the shop in Rotsgard." Makoto: "I'm a little worried, but if you say so, Manager Shiki." Makoto: "I trust you." Makoto: "Huh?"

Makoto: "It's so hot." Makoto: "What's going on?" Shiki: "The irregular changes in weather seem to be intensifying." Makoto/Id: "It's the middle of the night, but it's scorching hot." Makoto/Id: "What is happening to my demiplane sanctuary?" Makoto: "This is my house?" All: "Young Master, welcome home!" Makoto: "I-I'm back." Mio: "Welcome back, Young Master." Emma: "All the demiplane's residents have been waiting for you." Komoe: "We've been eagerly awaiting your return." Tomoe: "Why don't you lead a toast?" Makoto: "Okay." Makoto: "It's good to see all of you again. Thanks for building this majestic house for me." Makoto: "May today's celebration serve as a reward for all your hard work." Makoto: "So, uh..." Makoto: "Cheers!" All: "Cheers!" Tomoe: "You've been spending all your time dealing with children and conducting business at the academy." Emma: "We all missed you. You should stop by the demiplane more often." Makoto: "You're right. I'll be more careful about that." Mio: "Y-Young Master, would you like some of this?" Makoto: "Thanks, Mio. This looks like something I ate in Tsige." Makoto: "Oh, just how I like it. It's really good. Is this..." Tomoe: "Mio made that." Makoto: "Huh?" Tomoe: "She's been learning to cook lately." Tomoe: "Mio prepared most of those dishes." Makoto: "Wow." Makoto: "Mio, that's amazing. It's really good." Mio: "Young Master!" Mio: "I have learned the true joy of cooking. Next time, I shall prepare even more delicious dishes. Yes, even more delicious." Makoto: "Uh..." Makoto: "Where is Mio going?" Emma: "She's probably headed to Tsige. There's an adventurer there who possesses unusual culinary skills." Makoto: "I see. Either way, I'm glad she's enjoying herself." Tomoe: "We appreciate your kind words. Anyway..." Tomoe: "After this, we'll be holding a meeting to report what we learned. Take your time until then." Makoto: "Okay." Makoto: "This is going to be a long night." Tomoe: "Now, then..." Tomoe: "Regarding our investigation of the region where you once fought the Dragon Slayer..." Makoto: "Okay." Tomoe: "During our investigation, we encountered a hero." Makoto: "What?" Tomoe: "He was the hero of the Gritonia Empire. His name was Iwahashi Tomoki. He seemed to be around the same age as you." Makoto: "The same age as me, huh?" Makoto: "What was he like?" Tomoe: "He seemed to be up to no good." Tomoe: "To put it mildly, he was a scumbag." Makoto: "Even though he's a hero?" Tomoe: "He overestimates his own abilities and is consumed by his own desires. He may intend to go to war against other hyumans after defeating the demons. Also, when I read the thoughts of the princess accompanying him," Tomoe: "I detected a mental picture of a firearm." Makoto: "Huh?" Shiki: "Gritonia's hero must have explained the concept to the nation's hyumans." Makoto: "They're not as powerful as magic, but small firearms can be used for assassinations or mass murder, depending on the situation." Tomoe: "Honestly, I found them rather unpleasant." Tomoe: "I considered eliminating them without your knowledge." Makoto: "Yikes!" Makoto: "Even if they're unpleasant, you can't just kill someone out of nowhere. For now, we can watch and wait to see what they do." Tomoe: "Next, regarding the goddess's powers and the Dragon Slayer," Tomoe: "I was unfortunately unable to find any useful information." Makoto: "What about information on me?" Tomoe: "On you? I found nothing in particular." Tomoe: "There were rumors about someone who may or may not have caused a destructive rampage..." Tomoe: "and launched an arrow powerful enough to turn the entire battlefield into a lake." Makoto: "A lake?" Makoto: "What kind of monster is capable of that? Are you sure it wasn't the goddess?" Makoto: "Why are you laughing?" Tomoe: "Forgive me. By the way, they apparently say this person is a demon." Makoto: "A demon, huh?" Makoto: "Okay, now it's my turn to report what I learned." Tomoe: "Shiki has informed me of most of the goings-on at the academy city." Tomoe: "I heard you're rather popular." Makoto: "Wha— That's not worth reporting on." Tomoe: "I disagree. Why don't you make yourself comfortable and tell me all about it?" Makoto: "I-If Shiki's already told you about it, then I have nothing to report." Makoto: "More importantly..." Tomoe: "What is it?" Makoto: "Why is it so hot?" Tomoe: "Now that you mention it..." Tomoe: "This is unbearable." Makoto: "What's with the sudden heat wave?" Tomoe: "Emma has already reported on the demiplane's irregular weather changes." Shiki: "Some of the children and elderly residents of the demiplane have been falling ill." Tomoe: "The cause is probably..." Makoto: "Me?" Tomoe: "Indeed. To be precise, it may be the effect of the mist gates you created outside the demiplane." Makoto: "I've been placing gates all over the place at random." Tomoe: "Apparently, the location of the last gate you used broadly determines the weather." Makoto: "But the academy city was cool, wasn't it?" Shiki: "The climate at the gate's location isn't reflected as-is. The location information must be influencing the weather in some complex fashion." Tomoe: "I intend to look into how the locations of the gates influence the climate." Makoto/Id: "My movements change even the weather?" Makoto/Id: "I'll have to think carefully before I travel anywhere." Mio: "Wh-Why?" Mio: "But why?" Hibiki: "I'm sorry. I've been ordered to return by the people looking after me in Limia." Mio: "But the young master was delighted by my cooking." Hibiki: "I'm sorry, but I have something to..." Hibiki: "There's something I have to do." Mio: "I wish you could've taught me more about cooking, but it can't be helped." Hibiki: "Mio-san..." Hibiki: "The wasteland was a far more brutal place than I imagined." Hibiki: "If I hadn't met you, I doubt we would've survived." Hibiki: "Thank you so much." Mio: "Don't worry about it. I appreciate what you did for me, too." Hibiki: "Not at all. Beren-san made me this marvelous sword, too." Mio: "Then you should master wielding that toy quickly." Hibiki: "Mio-san, will you come with—" Mio: "No." Hibiki/Id: "That was quick!" Mio: "I have the young master." Hibiki: "Th-Then he could come, too." Mio: "He can't. He's too busy." Hibiki: "What if my request were related to the fate of the world?" Mio: "I don't care about the world. The only thing that matters is the young master." Hibiki: "Are you absolutely certain?" Mio: "Yes, absolutely." Hibiki: "Well, you shot me down hard." Mio: "I don't intend to follow anyone except the young master." Hibiki: "Yeah, yeah. Thank you for everything." Mio: "Hibiki, be careful on your way home." Hibiki: "Okay. Mio-san, please come to Limia someday. I'll remember a few more recipes for you." Mio: "Now that's an enticing offer." Mio: "I'll remember that." Makoto: "Wow, it's beautiful." Emma: "We've been growing milkvetches and white clover like you taught me." Emma: "It allows the farmland to rest and provides the children with a place to play." Makoto: "Looks like the harvests have increased, too." Emma: "We've improved the farmland under Shiki-san's instruction." Emma: "Currently, we're able to harvest every two weeks on average." Makoto: "You've taken forced cultivation to an impressive degree, Shiki." Shiki: "I simply told them what could be accomplished using earth magic based on your knowledge." Makoto: "We won't have to worry about food anymore. I'm a bit worried about the unstable weather, but let's increase the demiplane's population as planned." Emma: "Very well. We've already begun the selection process." Emma: "Tomoe-sama, Mio-sama, and Shiki-sama have each recommended a species." Makoto: "Thanks. I'd like to interview them while I'm here." Emma: "I'll make the arrangements. Also, Eld-sama wished to speak with you." Makoto: "What is this?" Eld: "Mio-sama brought this with her when she damaged her kimono the other day." Makoto: "What? Mio damaged her kimono?" Eld: "Yes, the back was torn up. Fortunately, her body was unscathed." Eld: "It's this material that's the problem." Makoto: "Is it from a powerful monster?" Eld: "I looked into it, and it seems to have been a monster that consumed a wind spirit." Makoto: "What? A spirit?" Eld: "Considering the strength of typical monsters, it's hard to believe one could have preyed on even a weakened spirit. Which means..." Makoto: "Someone did this deliberately?" Shiki: "Um..." Makoto: "What is it?" Shiki: "I-It was me." Makoto: "What was you?" Shiki: "I made that monster." Both: "What?!" Shiki: "It was one of the experiments I conducted while possessing a forest ogre before I met you." Shiki: "I captured several mid-level spirits, weakened them, and fed them to monsters." Makoto: "What?" Shiki: "I thought they'd turn into existing spirits or undergo similar changes, but I never got to see the results." Makoto: "So you abandoned them?" Shiki: "I'm sorry!" Makoto: "By the way, was that the only time you conducted that experiment?" Shiki: "I'd actually done it several times before." Shiki: "With not just insectoids, but crustaceans, as well." Makoto: "Crustaceans?" Makoto: "Oh, like that thing Tomoe ate." Eld: "Should we report this to Tomoe-sama and Mio-sama?" Makoto: "It'd do you some good to get in trouble. You did do something wrong, after all." Shiki: "Very well." Makoto/Id: "I never expected Shiki to end up in this position." Makoto: "I'm interviewing the new species today, right?" Emma: "Yes. They were selected according to their eating habits, sociability, special abilities, and other qualities. Tomoe-sama chose an unusual species, while Mio-sama chose based on her instincts, and Shiki-sama chose based on their abilities." Makoto: "I have a bad feeling about their choices." Emma: "I've already invited representatives from all three species." Makoto: "So we're not going to see them? Making them come here feels kind of arrogant." Emma: "They're hoping to relocate here." Emma: "It's only natural for them to send representatives." Makoto: "Emma-san? You're scaring me." Emma: "Young Master, this is a good opportunity to ask you to stop calling me Emma-san." Makoto: "Uh, but..." Emma: "You're the master. You should act like it." Makoto/Id: "She's so intense." Makoto: "N-Nice to meet you. Welcome to the demiplane." Kakun: "Nice to meet you. We appreciate you considering us as new residents of this marvelous place." Makoto: "I am Misumi Makoto. I run this place." Kakun: "I am Kakun, leader of the wingkin." Kakun: "This is my advisor, Shona." Shona: "Nice to meet you, Makoto-sama." Emma: "So, how long are you going to stay up there?" Kakun: "F-Forgive us." Makoto/Id: "Scary." Makoto: "So... wow, it looks like there's a lot of you. It's impressive, considering you live in a place even more remote than Tomoe's mountain." Shona: "It may be remote, but there are resource-rich places here and there." Makoto: "I see. Have you protected your village yourselves until now?" Kakun: "Yes. We're decent fighters." Shona: "Regarding the conditions for relocating here..." Kakun: "Will you really treat us equally to current residents and give us suitable jobs?" Makoto: "Yes, I intend to." Kakun: "I don't believe it." Shona: "You all live in this place together without taking resources from one another?" Makoto/Id: "Well, this is awkward." Makoto: "Um..." Makoto: "I know we've only just met, but could you remove your masks?" Gorgon Big: "But our eyes..." Gorgon Little: "...have a powerful petrifying effect." Makoto/Id: "Gorgons. In my world, they were also known as Medusas." Makoto: "I'll be fine. I'm protecting Emma, too." Gorgon Big: "But we don't sense much mana from you, Makoto-sama." Emma: "Do you underestimate our master?" Gorgon Big: "In that case..." Makoto: "Huh." Makoto: "You're right. Your eyes have a powerful effect." Makoto: "It's a type of magic eye, isn't it? I'm sure it's rather inconvenient for you." Gorgon Big: "Yes. They turn even our food to stone." Makoto: "According to these documents, your kind only has females." Gorgon Big: "That's correct. Until now, we've reproduced by absorbing energy from males of other species." Makoto/Id: "They absorbed their energy with masks on?" Gorgon Little: "All our children are born as gorgons. Our species has managed to survive until now, but..." Makoto/Id: "W-With masks on..." Emma: "Young Master?" Makoto: "Oh, um... Regarding your relocation, we can't provide you with mates, so you'll, um, have to find your own." Gorgon Big: "Of course." Gorgon Little: "But we're not sure if the other residents will be able to withstand these eyes." Makoto: "Don't worry about that. I plan to create something that has the same effect as your masks using glasses or something similar." Both: "Really?" Makoto: "Y-Yes. Also, since you're willing to share knowledge, participate in combat training," Makoto: "and help construct the town and perform other duties, there should be no problem." Gorgon Big: "Thank you, but are you sure?" Gorgon Little: "After all, we can turn things to stone, but we can't reverse it." Makoto: "That can probably be fixed, so it's not a problem." Both: "Huh?" Makoto: "Like this, probably?" Makoto: "I'll need to apply petrification resistance, too." Makoto: "In that case..." Gorgon Big: "It's not turning to stone. I don't believe it." Gorgon Big: "I thought I'd have to wear a mask forever." Both: "Makoto-sama!" Gorgon Big: "Please allow us to live here." Gorgon Little: "Please." Makoto: "A-As long as you don't cause any messes like infidelity or love triangles." Makoto: "If you're not used to having fathers around, then you could engage in one-night stands." Makoto/Id: "What am I saying?" Makoto: "Anyway... You fairies are trying to leave the forest you live in because you've been found by a pack of rizou?" Al-Elemera Advisor: "We're not fairies. We're Al-Elemera." Al-Elemera King: "We're better than those bugs." Makoto: "F-Forgive me." Al-Elemera King: "We're something between fairies and spirits. We can even command lower-ranking spirits." Al-Elemera Advisor: "We're also skilled at gathering nectar. We can easily communicate with each other, too." Emma: "How dare they act like this in your presence? Why would Mio-sama choose these creatures?" Makoto: "Th-There are a lot of them, but I bet they'd be useful for gathering information." Makoto: "They're small, too." Al-Elemera King: "You can count on us. We are the brave Al-Elemera." Makoto: "Then you should prepare to relocate—" Emma: "I'm against it." Emma: "Inviting these restless creatures into the demiplane would be a disaster." Makoto: "Uh... Emma-san?" Emma: "Emma-san?" Emma: "This is an interview that will determine the fate of your species! No representative should act like this!" Makoto: "Calm down. Stop." Emma: "No, I won't stand for this. You're too soft on them, Young Master." Emma: "Al-Elemera? Between fairies and spirits? Bah! Why don't you chase off that pack of rizou yourselves, then?" Al-Elemera Advisor: "Who do you think you are?" Al-Elemera King: "Yeah. You're just a pig." Emma: "What did you say?" Emma: "I'll throw you into a bird cage! I hope the rizou overrun your entire forest, you winged pests!" Makoto: "Emma, calm down!" Makoto: "It's relatively cool tonight." Shiki: "Two species passed their interview. I'll create prototype glasses and contact lenses for the gorgons." Tomoe: "Then I'll look after the wingkin. I'll come up with a training regimen, too." Makoto: "Thanks, you two." Tomoe: "Anyway, Mio chose a rather odd species to bring here." Mio: "Young Master!" Mio: "Try this." Makoto: "Vegetable sticks and... what? Is that mayonnaise? Did you make that?" Mio: "Yes. I put a lot of effort into it." Makoto: "Wow. Don't mind if I do." Makoto: "This brings back memories. It's great, Mio." Shiki: "So this is mayonnaise. Mio-dono, may I have some?" Mio: "You may. Make sure you savor it." Shiki: "What's this? Acidity, richness, and umami. It's a complex flavor." Shiki: "Perhaps I could find some way to use this in hot pot." Makoto/Id: "Mayonnaise hot pot?" Tomoe: "This is nothing compared to the miso I'm working on." Mio: "I've been recreating all these foods because you still haven't finished it. I want to make miso soup now." Tomoe: "It's almost ready." Makoto/Id: "I bet Tomoe would love morokyu." Makoto/N: "New species have joined the demiplane." Makoto/N: "Meanwhile, rumors of new students were spreading around the academy city." Daena: "Hey, have you heard?" Daena: "Those two are coming back next week." Jin: "Who?" Izumo: "You don't mean..." Mithra: "They've recovered from their illness already?" Daena: "Who knows if they were really sick?" Jin: "They're your typical nouveau riche. Terrible personalities." Mithra: "But they've got good grades, which only makes them worse." Izumo: "I heard they put more than a few students and teachers out of commission." Jin: "Does Kuzunoha-sensei know about them?" Daena: "Probably not, since he's new. I doubt they'll bother him since they only go after pretty faces." Jin: "I hope the Rembrandt sisters don't cause any problems."

Slate: "TSUKIMONOGATARI SECTOR FROM HERE" Koyomi: "Ononoki Yotsugi is a doll. To put in another way, she is not human. Not a person. Not an organism. Not ordinary..." Koyomi: "That is Ononoki Yotsugi... A tsukumo-gami that serves as a shikigami." Koyomi: "By appearance, she is a cute little girl. Eccentric in speech and actions. Though she is an amusing, expressionless child, her true nature is that of an apparition." Koyomi: "A monster. A phantom. She is one of those evil spirits." Slate: "BIRD BEE CAT CRAB EVIL SPIRITS SNAKE DEVIL CRAB MONKEY" Koyomi: "Because of that, she is hopelessly incompatible with human society." Shinobu: "No. You know, in reality that's not quite the case." Shinobu: "In her case." Shinobu: "Because she originated from a human corpse, and she is a doll..." Shinobu: "So in her structure, she resembles that of a human. She pretends to be human." Koyomi: "Does that... Does that mean that she's striving to be human... That she's doing her best to try and become human?" Koyomi: "Thinking that, I ask... However, according to Shinobu, that's not quite it either. Apparently, the fact she pretends to be one is apparently proof that she isn't trying." Slate: "IN THE END, IT IS MERELY THE MEANS TO BLEND INTO HUMAN SOCIETY. IT IS ONLY A MEANS TO BECOME COMPATIBLE. IT IS ONLY A MEANS TO BECOME COMPATIBLE. SO THEREFORE NOT A MEANS TO ASSIMILATE." Shinobu: "No matter how much you learn a foreign language, and how hard you study, and speak it fluently... That alone is still only a means to communicate with those of another country. It does not necessarily equal an effort to change your nationality. It's the same thing. How she was created in the likeness of humans is not to be a human, nor to become a human." Shinobu: "It is to be together with humans." Koyomi: "Not to be, not to become... But to be together with..." Slate: "TO CREATE AN AMICABLE RELATION WITH SOMEONE IN ANOTHER CULTURE, YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THAT FOREIGN CULTURE AND LOOK INTO IT-- WHEN IN ROME, DO AS THE ROMANS DO" Shinobu: "In the first place, you know..." Koyomi: "Why do apparitions in legends, or in other words so-called metamorphic monsters..." Shinobu: "To sum up, it is an existence in unreality, yet bases its shape on things that actually exist in reality. You've never really thought about it?" Slate: "I HAD NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT IT. THAT IS WELL, IF I CAN SAY SO, PERHAPS THE LIMITATIONS OF HUMAN IMAGINATION-- HUMANS CAN ONLY SPEAK ABOUT REALITY USING WORDS THEY KNOW--" Shinobu: "In the end... The apparition is one thanks to the people... One that exists because humans exist. This doesn't mean that the apparition is dependent on humans though. It just means that if there is nobody to observe, nobody is being observed." Shinobu: "Even myself, who was dubbed a legendary vampire..." Shinobu: "Without that legend, on that token, I would not be a vampire. If you can't speak of the apparition..." Shinobu: "...it is not an apparition." Shinobu: "A ghost story must be a story of the supernatural." Slate: "WELL, THIS IS MORE THE VALUES AND WAY OF THINKING FOR THAT UNPLEASANT GUY IN THE HAWAIIAN SHIRT--" Shinobu: "When you dig down, an apparition is just a devotion." Koyomi: "Devotion. Feelings. Can that perhaps be a feeling similar to sympathizing with a doll?" Koyomi: "For tsukumo-gami, and what people consider the "what-a-waste ghosts"... You could say that all of them are created that way." Koyomi: "The way of thinking that gods can reside in all things. The belief that there is a myriad of gods... I hear that's something unique to Japan. However, it doesn't matter if it's living or not... ...sympathy for something other than humans exists all over the world. That is why ghost stories are told all over the world." Koyomi: "They are told..." Koyomi: "...by humans. That was a story that I could see being convinced of." Koyomi: "No, it was a story that I had no choice but to be convinced of." Koyomi: "After the numerous apparitions... As someone who has told those stories of apparitions..." Koyomi: "About the vampire. About the cat. About the crab." Koyomi: "About the snail. About the monkey. About the snake." Koyomi: "About the bee." Koyomi: "About the phoenix. As one that told those stories, I have no choice but to be convinced." Koyomi: "And now, I am once again trying to tell the story. One of a doll... However, I sure feel that I have spoken slightly too much." Koyomi: "Urban legends... Street gossip... Secondhand information... " Koyomi: "If they are spoken of too much, they become more like mere chitchat. The hair-raising feeling and the imposing feeling both disappear." Koyomi: "Thinking back to the "darkness" that started the first day of the second term... ...or the incident of Sengoku Nadeko's divine incident concerning the snake god around the new year... I wonder how much longer things like this will continue. I am slightly fed up with it." Slate: "TO THE APPARITIONS WHICH I MEET ONE AFTER ANOTHER FEELING THAT TRICKERY IS STARTING TO NO LONGER WORK I ALSO FEEL DESPAIR FROM IT--" Koyomi: "However, such a feeling is a luxury." Koyomi: "The luxury that it will continue forever... Such a thing does not exist in this world. I should have known that." Koyomi: "No, this "should have" and such... Nothing starts by me saying that this late in the game. Every story is marked with "The End" at some point." Slate: "WHAT IS THIS? THE ROWDY DAYS SEEM TO CONTINUE FOR JUST A BIT LONGER? THE REPETITION OF SUCH WORDS WILL SOMEDAY REACH ITS LIMIT." Koyomi: "The story of the doll that I am going to tell is the story where I came to "understand" that concept. A story that I understood whether I wanted to or not." Koyomi: "That is why this is the beginning of the end." Koyomi: "About how a human named Araragi Koyomi... About how myself, Araragi Koyomi... ...is going to end, and begin. That is this story." Slate: "YOTSUGI DOLL PART ONE, EPISODE TAI (BODY) FROM HERE TSUKIMONOGATARI ONE" Karen: "Big Brother! Damn you, it's morning!" Koyomi: "Today, I suddenly wanted to think about having or not having an alarm clock. Bluntly put, the phrase "alarm clock" and the existence of such a thing is not something I like." Slate: "PARTS OF PASSAGE OMITTED" Koyomi: "That this hatred may be linked to that against alarm clocks..." Slate: "PARTS OF PASSAGE OMITTED" Koyomi: "Alarm clock... Alarm clock... Arm clock al..." Slate: "PARTS OF PASSAGE OMITTED" Koyomi: "To the phrase itself that states you awaken someone's eyes, I feel crazy pushiness, and because of that..." Slate: "PARTS OF PASSAGE OMITTED" Koyomi: "So, I would like to say this to the alarm clock." Koyomi: "Not from hatred, but with a feeling of thanks." Koyomi: "Thank you, and good night." Karen/Tsukihi: "Don't sleep!" Karen: "Just because you don't want to wake up, you're gonna use that big excuse?" Tsukihi: "In the first place, we're not clocks but your little sisters. We're alarm sisters." Koyomi: "Interesting. I'd like them to make figures out of you or something." Koyomi: "All right, I'm awake. My consciousness has fully awoken." Koyomi: "February 13th, huh?" Koyomi: "It's the day before Valentine's Day. Hey, little sisters, are you ready to give me some chocolate?" Tsukihi: "Wow!" Karen: "You know, Big Brother, it's not time for you to be worried about Valentine's Day. It's not, it's not. Come on, there's only a month left until you take those college entrance exams. You get that?" Karen: "If you don't get it, you understand that you're better off dead? I'll kill you!" Koyomi: "I don't recall being told that much, and I have no idea why I'd be killed off." Karen: "Geez. Geez, I say." Karen: "That's why you're nothing but trash, Big Brother." Karen: "Now, hurry up and wake up to study. Force yourself into that corner." Koyomi: "This may be time for a last spurt, but I don't think this is the time for me to corner myself... And as for you, if you let your guard down, you won't be able to advance up a grade either. It's not time for you to worry about just me." Koyomi: "Fine, I'll tickle you! Take that!" Karen: "That doesn't work! I've trained well, so the skin on the bottom of my feet are pretty thick!" Koyomi: "Fine, then I'll lick it!" Koyomi: "Take that!" Slate: "I will especially keep it a secret whether I actually licked or Karen pulled her foot back before I licked to preserve the privacy of us siblings." Karen: "Looks like you're fine now. Then, I'm gonna go running a bit. I'm gonna go a run - ning. So have the bath ready for me." Karen: "A bath so hot I'd get burned. If you'd like, how about coming to run with me a bit, Big Brother?" Koyomi: "There's no way I'd be able to keep up with your pace." Koyomi: "You always run at the pace of a 100-meter dash. And you run a full marathon. Like 42.195 kilometers! Go run with Kanbaru or something." Karen: "See ya! Big Brother Daddy-O!" Koyomi: "Now..." Koyomi: "I guess I'll go get that bath ready for Karen. This early in the morning, I can take the effort..." Tsukihi: "You're so condescending, Big Brother." Tsukihi: "You're forcing layers of condescendence." Koyomi: "She trains her body hard like a samurai sword. But this sharp mind thinks, why doesn't she join some athletic team or something?" Tsukihi: "Karen-chan can't join any athletic teams." Tsukihi: "It's the rule of her karate. All students are forbidden from joining any extracurriculars." Tsukihi: "'Cause they're the type about execution. 'Cause they're totally the type about execution. 'Cause they're the type. 'Cause." Koyomi: "I don't get it too well..." Koyomi: "Tsukihi, don't you think it's a waste to see that talent of Karen's getting buried away?" Tsukihi: "Meow?" Koyomi: "Though not as much as me, she is for sure a human that is overflowing in talent. Somehow, don't you want to have her stand in the center stage or something? Not just tied down to the dojo or the Fire Sisters." Koyomi: "That's right, we can have her aim to be an Olympic ath-- Ouch! What was that about?" Tsukihi: "What? You were the one that was sputtering something irritating, Big Brother..." Slate: "SEEMS LIKE SHE DOESN'T FEEL ANY DOUBT IN HER ACTIONS." Tsukihi: "Someone that tries to sever the ties of the Fire Sisters, even you, can't be forgiven." Koyomi: "What? You were thinking about disbanding too. You said you'd invite me to the disbanding party filled with junior high girls." Tsukihi: "It pisses me off when someone else says it. Well... Even without someone like you to tell me, Big Brother..." Tsukihi: "I'm sure lots of things will happen once she's in high school." Tsukihi: "I think all sorts of things will dazzle." Tsukihi: "The environment will change too. But even then, I don't think Karen-chan will quit going to that dojo." Tsukihi: "Karen-chan is totally fascinated with her master right now." Koyomi: "I see..." Koyomi: "Well, I don't know how my college entrance attempt will go. I don't know which way it will tumble. However, no matter what happens, in due time..." Koyomi: "Before that, to Karen and Tsukihi... My heart as the big brother feels I have to instill some logic into them. Surprisingly enough, such a thought is not lacking from my brain. Right. It's high time that the Fire Sisters woke up." Koyomi: "As do I." Slate: "FROM HERE TSUKIMONOGATARI" Koyomi: "I'll make it really hot, just how she likes it." Koyomi: "Now I want to take a bath too." Tsukihi: "Big Brother!" Slate: "APPEARANCE" Tsukihi: "Appearrance (teisai)! No wait, you're the worst (saitei)!" Slate: "THE WORST" Tsukihi: "You said you were drawing a bath just for Karen-chan, but you were planning on bathing first! You're the worst! The worst! The worst! The worst!" Koyomi: "Well, looking at how you are... Looking at your lack of modesty there, I can't help but think that you were thinking the exact same thing..." Tsukihi: "In any case, Big Brother, get out of my way. I'm going to soak in that bath. If you get in my way, even you won't see the end of it, Big Brother..." Koyomi: "My little sister... If you insist on taking this bath, you need to defeat your big brother here... Look out!" Koyomi: "That was dangerous! What the hell are you doing?" Tsukihi: "You just said, "Defeat your big brother."" Koyomi: "If you want to pass here... So scary!" Tsukihi: "Okay, got it. Big Brother, let's take the middle path." Koyomi: "The middle path?" Tsukihi: "Let's take the middle path and soak together." Slate: "TSUKIMONOGATARI" Koyomi: "Why..." Slate: "WHY IS THIS? HOW DID IT END UP LIKE THIS? "Eh? You don't want to go? Then, Big Brother, Do you lust after (yokujou) your little sister's nudes? Impossible! Impossible, because we'll be in the bathing area (yokujou)!" "Hey you, are you all talk? I guess you just rattle off, you precocious kid. You didn't have the guts to take a bath with me in reality, did you, you chicken girl!" It is not a bath as spacious as the anime version, or rather it is an average sized bath for an average family," Tsukihi: "Big Brother..." Koyomi: "What is it, little sister?" Tsukihi: "Please talk a little. This is a bit more awkward than I thought." Koyomi: "Oh... If you're feeling awkward, you can leave, Tsukihi." Koyomi: "You really do act like the good girl, don't you. If you're going to take back what you said, don't say it to begin with." Tsukihi: "Same for you, Big Brother. This is what "reaping what you sow" means. I was just saying I felt awkward looking at your meager body, Big Brother. I feel nothing about the fact we're bathing together. I absolutely feel nothing at all about that. Or, could it be, Big Brother, you want to hurry out because you're lusting after your own sister's naked body? Do you want to leave the bathing area?" Koyomi: "You're gonna say that twice? Are you really going to? You're the one that is charmed by my body in reality. You actually want to touch these toned abs, don't you?" Tsukihi: "I don't think that at all. Not that eight-pack of abs..." Koyomi: "Don't you be counting. Don't you be counting how my abs are built. You're staring!" Tsukihi: "As for you, you're totally staring at your little sister's boobs." Koyomi: "Impossible." Koyomi: "It's not like this is the first time I've seen them." Tsukihi: "Isn't that strange? For a big brother to have seen his little sister's boobs." Koyomi: "All of it! I know everything there is to know about those two clumps of meat." Tsukihi: "Don't call them clumps of meat. Don't make a girl's breasts sound like something at a Korean BBQ." Tsukihi: "Big Brother, then, you know..." Tsukihi: "Let's wash our hair one person at a time. We both have way too much hair..." Koyomi: "I don't think economy has anything to do with washing your hair, but..." Slate: "SOMETIMES SHE SAYS THINGS THAT ARE JUST RIGHT." Koyomi: "But still, Tsukihi, what are we going to do if we can't be side by side? One person washing at a time... What kind of position are you specifically talking about?" Tsukihi: "In other words, we do this!" Tsukihi: "I'm going to wash your hair like this, Big Brother!" Koyomi: "W-" Slate: "THIS "W-" WAS SHORT FOR "WHAT?" TO USE AS AN EXPRESSION OF SURPRISE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME IT WAS SHORT FOR "WOW, I SEE" AS WELL." Tsukihi: "Suds, suds!" Tsukihi: "Fine, I'll stand it up. Amazing! You're Astro Big Brother! You're Super Big Brother!" Koyomi: "Don't phrase it like I'm a Super Saiyan or something." Tsukihi: "I'll rinse it off now." Tsukihi: "Squeak, squeak, squeak. I'll continue on and wash your body now." Tsukihi: "Big Brother, Big Brother!" Koyomi: "What? You have that voice as if you just came up with something." Tsukihi: "I just thought of a one-liner. A really funny one." Koyomi: "What's with how you brought that up? Makes me uneasy." Tsukihi: "Come on, come on, look over here. Over here." Koyomi: "What is it?" Tsukihi: "The title: Metropolitan Ordinance." Koyomi: "So scary!" Tsukihi: "What are you doing?" Koyomi: "No, what are you doing!" Tsukihi: "To pose like this and raise both arms up together... ...and saying "Sky Tree!" might have been more roundabout and better." Slate: "BUT IN THAT CASE, IT MIGHT BE BETTER FOR KAREN TO DO SO--" Tsukihi: "Come on, I'll wash your body, so you can look away now. Suds, suds! Suds, suds!" Tsukihi: "Suds, suds!" Koyomi: "Hmm... Tsukihi..." Koyomi: "I don't know if you're wishing for something or not, but why don't you at least cut your bangs?" Tsukihi: "If I do a half-assed job cutting my hair..." Tsukihi: "No matter how much loving care I do, hair will always hurt if it gets into my eyes." Koyomi: "I see." Slate: "I DON'T GET IT TOO WELL." Tsukihi: "Speaking of bangs... Nadeko-chan was released from the hospital." Koyomi: "I see... That's good to hear." Tsukihi: "Huh? Your reaction wasn't as responsive as I thought. I thought you'd do a little dance in joy." Koyomi: "I see." Koyomi: "All I could say was "I see." I had no qualifications to say anything else." Koyomi: "But I'm glad if she was able to be released from the hospital." Koyomi: "Though I'm too ashamed to see Sengoku ever again..." Koyomi: "But still, I can say that I am glad. Somehow, I got to be able to think that way." Tsukihi: "Big Brother." Koyomi: "What?" Tsukihi: "Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch! My (ouch) head (ouch)... Are you trying to (ouch) crush it (ouch) like a (ouch) vise (ouch, ouch)?" Koyomi: "Oh, sorry, sorry. It seems like I put too much power in my hands there." Tsukihi: "I'm sure you don't want me to say this to you, Big Brother... I'll say it all the more so because you don't want me to say it. You're carrying too much weight, you know? You're pressuring yourself too much. The stuff about Nadeko-chan wasn't something you could carry on your shoulders, let alone handle!" Slate: "SHE SAYS SUCH OBVIOUS THINGS, IS NOT SOMETHING SHE KNOWS THE MINUTE DETAILS OF." Tsukihi: "Well, go see her again someday, will you? Nadeko-chan has to rest in her home for a while..." Koyomi: "Now that Sengoku Nadeko has descended from the mountain and her "disappearance" has been solved... Of course, that is a good thing. A wonderful thing..." Koyomi: "However, that good, wonderful thing has created in return, once again... ...a ghastly unstable area out of this town. Or so I was told. And without solving that issue, or at least doing something about that issue if it can't be solved... ...trouble will continue to brew within this town. I must say, leaving that here and leaving this town is slightly regretful. Let alone the stuff about my sisters." Koyomi: "Even if everything doesn't turn out completely fine, I have to at least make sure there is good balance here." Koyomi: "Balance, huh? Originally, that wasn't my role at all." Tsukihi: "It's not your role." Tsukihi: "You carry too much weight on your shoulders, Big Brother. It's not like you can solve anything and everything, Big Brother. You can toss stuff aside, leave it alone, and know your place in the world... You can live within your means and leave stuff for others. I don't think that's bad, you know? About Nadeko-chan... About Karen-chan... And about me, Big Brother... You worry about us too much." Tsukihi: "Or rather, Big Brother, how are your college entrance studies really going? You think one more month of studying will get you somewhere?" Koyomi: "Somewhere... is something I think I can get to." Slate: "SO THAT'S WHAT I HAD TO ANSWER. EVEN IF IT WASN'T, I HAD TO ANSWER THAT WAY. SUCH A SAD SELF-HYPNOSIS." Tsukihi: "That's why I'm saying it's time for you to corner yourself, not to carry stuff on your shoulders, Big Brother. I'm saying something good here, Big Brother. Is it really time for you to be washing your little sister's body right now?" Koyomi: "Well, about this, it's not like I feel responsibility and assign myself..." Koyomi: "It's not that I'm lathering you up or fondling you." Tsukihi: "In the first place, this hasn't solved the fundamental problem at all. By going in order for washing ourselves, we solved the problem about how cramped the washing space was. But, the first objective of the tub's narrowness..." Koyomi: "Yeah, that's right..." Koyomi: "...but the volume of this tub makes it difficult for me to do it with someone in junior high." Tsukihi: "A young girl?" Koyomi: "Nothing. Memories, begone!" Tsukihi: "Do more of that!" Tsukihi: "Do more of that! Do more of that! Hey, do more of that! More, more, more, more, more!" Koyomi: "The mirror was showing Tsukihi's naked body..." Koyomi: "However, there was something unnatural as well." Koyomi: "No. There was something supernatural." Koyomi: "My guise, the guise of Araragi Koyomi, was not present within that mirror. The mirror was not showing me. As if I was an immortal apparition... A vampire." Slate: "TSUKIMONOGATARI SECTOR FROM HERE" Tsukihi: "Big Brother, is something wrong?" Tsukihi: "W-What is it, Big Brother?" Tsukihi: "All right, I get it, big Brother." Karen: "Whew! That worked up a good sweat! Big Brother, thanks for getting that bath ready for me! I have to properly go say thanks later!" Karen: "Wait, what are you doing, fool!" Slate: "YOTSUGI DOLL PART TWO, EPISODE TAI (BODY)" Koyomi: "Hey, Shinobu. Shinobu. Shinobu, are you awake? No, please wake up. I beg you, Shinobu. Shinobu! Shinobu! Shinobu! Damn you, it's morning! You really need to get up already!" Koyomi: "Shinobu! I have donuts, Shinobu! It's Mister Donut, your favorite! I have Golden Chocolate!" Shinobu: "Impressive!" Koyomi: "...and that's how it goes." Shinobu: "Hmph, I see." Shinobu: "In other words, it wasn't that I sucked some of your blood, but you have turned into a vampire." Koyomi: "Yeah, that's right. That's what it means... No, it's slightly different." Shinobu: "Yeah. You said your little sister crushed it." Koyomi: "The fact that this hasn't healed, I think, means that I didn't turn into a vampire." Shinobu: "I see." Koyomi: "Ouch, ouch, ouch!" Shinobu: "Don't be so rowdy. You're breaking my concentration. Hmph. I see." Koyomi: "Y-You figured something out?" Shinobu: "Well, I kinda understand and kinda don't... But for now, you should put some clothes on." Slate: "TSUKIMONOGATARI FROM HERE TWO" Shinobu: "Starting with the conclusion, you've definitely turned into a vampire right now." Shinobu: "The fact that you don't show up in the mirror is not a phenomenon caused by some other apparition..." Koyomi: "The phenomenon of a vampire? But, see Shinobu, I'm telling you to look closely. My pinky toe..." Shinobu: ""Look closely" is my line. That toe has been healing." Koyomi: "Eh? Well, it doesn't look like it has healed much..." Shinobu: "That's only on the surface... Deep inside, it's a different story." Koyomi: "Deep inside?" Shinobu: "Most likely, when your little sister stomped on top of it, that pinky toe had suffered a broken bone." Koyomi: "A broken bone?" Shinobu: "In other words, you are healing, even if it's not perfectly healed." Koyomi: "But, how I'm healing is different from what I imagined would happen when I'm a vampire..." Shinobu: "I know you're dissatisfied with the conclusion. But, you know, I recommend closing those curtains over there. If a vampire with only that level of self-healing basked in sunlight, they wouldn't even burst into flames. They'd just turn to ash and it would be the end of them." Shinobu: "That's right. How about you ask that other one?" Koyomi: "Hmm? Other one?" Shinobu: "Well, it's for certain that there is some change going on in your physical body right now." Shinobu: "And if it is just like I presumed and it's a metamorphosis related to a vampire..." Slate: "A SPECIALIST..... DOES SHE MEAN OSHINO?" Koyomi: "Who is this "other one" that you're telling me to go ask?" Shinobu: "Ononoki Yotsugi." Slate: "FROM HERE TSUKIMONOGATARI" Koyomi: "Ononoki-chan, huh... Oh, but to be precise, it's not that Ononoki-chan is the specialist... ...but Kagenui Yoduru-san, the one that uses Ononoki-chan as a shikigami and handles her, right? Kagenui-san... Right. You're right. Of all the people I know, she is the "strongest" person by far... And if I look at it another way and have her on my side, I'm sure she's a very reliable person. No... Wait, hold on, Shinobu." Shinobu: "What is it?" Koyomi: "I don't know how to get in contact with those two at all." Shinobu: "What?" Shinobu: "Well, that puts us in a bind. Even if we can't call them, don't you have some way of getting in touch with them?" Koyomi: "Let's see..." Shinobu: "What about Kaiki? Can't you at least get in touch with Kaiki? You could contact Kaiki, and have him put you through to Kagenui? How's that?" Koyomi: "You're really going to say that? That's a last-ditch effort, or rather, something I can't even use as my last resort, Shinobu-chan." Shinobu: "Don't you add that "-chan" honorific on me." Shinobu: "Don't look so pathetic. That was just a joke. But, if that's the case, there is only one candidate left." Koyomi: "Candidate? There was someone else? Oh I see, it's Hanekawa, isn't it?" Shinobu: "That girl has sharp wits, but she is not a specialist..." Koyomi: "Gaen..." Slate: "I KNOW EVERYTHING--" Shinobu: "Gaen Izuko. She's the head honcho of the specialists, right?" Koyomi: "Gaen Izuko..." Koyomi: "What is this? The feeling of not wanting to seek help is growing more and more..." Shinobu: "Right. I can't recommend you directly relying on her, either. I didn't mean it as a joke, but I just put that out on the table." Shinobu: "So perhaps contacting Gaen after all..." Koyomi: "Okay, I have no objection to that. Thank you, Shinobu." Shinobu: "You don't have to thank me. Though, you do have to get me donuts." Slate: "Tonight at 7 o'clock Tonight at 7 o'clock 4th Floor of the department store across from the station If you go to the game corner You should be able to meet Yotsugi I have made those arrangements I have made those arrangements. This gratitude someday I hope you repay by your friendship. Your friend Your friend Gaen Izuko" Tsukihi: "Big Brother!" Tsukihi: "What did you mean by abandoning me and running off! Just how much do you think Karen-chan beat me up afterwards? Meow? Why do you have the curtains shut? You becoming a shut-in?" Koyomi: "No, no, the sunlight was a bit too bright." Tsukihi: "Meow... In any case, Big Brother, apologize to me. Apologize! Apologize! Shoot me with your words! Say it, shoot me, apologize! Admit your faults and apologize!" Koyomi: "You really do have some personality... All right, come over here for a bit." Tsukihi: "Oh? You're going to apologize?" Tsukihi: "No objections there!" Tsukihi: "Meow?" Koyomi: "Listen to one favor your big brother's gonna ask." Tsukihi: "What? You're not going to apologize but instead demand?" Koyomi: "Find it a blessing that I'm not calling this a command." Tsukihi: "A blessing story?" Koyomi: "Tsukihi, listen up. Tonight, you're going to go with Karen and spend the night over at Kanbaru's house." Tsukihi: "Eh? What do you mean?" Koyomi: "Don't ask me why. Don't ask." Koyomi: "Ononoki-chan aside, since I am trying to contact Kagenui-san right now, I have to quarantine Tsukihi away. At the very least, away from this house." Slate: "OR ELSE. IT WILL BE A SECOND COMING OF SUMMER BREAK." Tsukihi: "Hmm... All right. That's what you want me to do, right?" Koyomi: "Yeah. If you do that, I don't mind apologizing." Koyomi: "Sorry." Slate: "TSUKIMONOGATARI TWO PRIZE GAMES ALL 100 YEN DAY! GOING ON NOW EXCHANGE MEDALS INSERT BILLS HERE" Koyomi: "Ononoki-chan?" Koyomi: "Yotsugi-chan? Yo-tsu-gi!" Koyomi: "Yo-chan!" Koyomi: "I guess I'll try for starters." Shinobu: "You really suck too badly at this." Koyomi: "You woke up, Shinobu?" Shinobu: "Or rather, you shouldn't get so close to the glass case." Shinobu: "It will reflect." Koyomi: "Hmm? Or rather, Shinobu, you're showing up perfectly fine... Is this because your powers as a vampire are lost?" Shinobu: "For now, that's true." Shinobu: "For me, a weakness is not a weakness." Koyomi: "All right! Here!" Koyomi: "This arm has no power!" Shinobu: "No, no, you directly landed a hit on top of that girl's head. At the very least, that had enough power to change Ononoki's posture in there." Koyomi: "In other words?" Shinobu: "So... Don't try to pick Ononoki up with that arm..." Koyomi: "I did it, Shinobu! Now, we have a happy ending!" Shinobu: "I feel like we've forgotten the initial purpose for coming here..." Koyomi: "Our initial purpose? Our initial purpose was to get Ononoki-chan, wasn't it?" Shinobu: "No." Koyomi: "Impossible. Is there anything more important than getting a little girl?" Shinobu: "If you're fine with that, then hurry up and grab it, and let's go home." Koyomi: "Yotsugi-chan!" Slate: "...THERE IS NO ANSWER." Slate: "LOOKS LIKE A CORPSE." Yotsugi: "You took too long." Yotsugi: "Chop. Yeah! In any case, it's been a while, Big Demo-ther." Slate: "DEMON BIG DEMO-THER" Koyomi: "Don't call me Big Demo-ther." Yotsugi: "And Big Sister Shinobu, it's been a while." Shinobu: "Don't call me Big Sister Shinobu. What's up with that? How are we related?" Koyomi: "Anyway, Ononoki-chan..." Yotsugi: "What, what? Yeah!" Koyomi: "Kagenui-san isn't around here? So are you by yourself, Ononoki-chan?" Yotsugi: "No, no." Yoduru: "Welcome." Slate: "YOU'RE THE GUEST THAT DROPPED BY. TWO FROM HERE" Yoduru: "I see..." Yoduru: "Hm... Your toenail." Koyomi: "Yes?" Yoduru: "Your nail. Show me." Yoduru: "You really are a strange lad." Yoduru: "Look here." Koyomi: "Yes?" Yoduru: "See, it's completely healed already." Koyomi: "But, it's strange. This is strange, Kagenui-san..." Koyomi: "When I left my house and was putting my socks on to get ready to step out, it hadn't healed this much yet." Yotsugi: "The reasoning behind that is obvious. Very obvious it is, Big Demo-ther." Koyomi: "Oh, right. A vampire's powers strengthen during the night..." Yotsugi: "And you probably basked in a lot of moonlight too. Moonbathing, instead of sunbathing, heals a vampire's wounds. Yeah!" Koyomi: "That means Shinobu's analysis was correct after all. Shinobu's theory that I am turning into a vampire..." Yoduru: "No, I can't quite decide one way or the other yet... Hey, Yotsugi." Yotsugi: "What is it, Big Sister?" Yoduru: "Here, check this out." Yotsugi: "Yeah, yeah." Yotsugi: "Crunch, crunch." Koyomi: "No, don't use your teeth! Don't bite down!" Yotsugi: "Quit whining. It's only your pinky." Koyomi: "Whine!" Yoduru: "How is it, Yotsugi?" Yotsugi: "Analyzing." Yoduru: "I see. Then, Araragi-kun, while Yotsugi is analyzing the taste of your foot, let's move on to the next step. Lend me your hand." Koyomi: "Hand?" Yoduru: "Yeah. As if you wanted me to read your palm." Yoduru: "There." Slate: "BREAK EM." Yoduru: "You really are noisy. Well, I did put up a barrier, so no matter how much you scream, there won't be any problems." Koyomi: "W-What are you doing to me, Kagenui-san? To suddenly do something like this... Ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch!" Yoduru: "Oh, no, no. Don't just writhe around like that..." Yoduru: "This is a test to check your healing powers." Koyomi: "T-Test?" Yoduru: "Make an effort to ideologically and conceptually heal those fingers." Yoduru: "Come on, those are fingers on your right hand? How they broke, how they were broken... They won't glue back together in a mere month or two." Koyomi: "If these fingers don't heal..." Koyomi: "...I can't fondle Hanekawa's breasts!" Yoduru: "Just how deep in adolescence are you?" Yoduru: "But well, those healing powers, and how you healed... I got a good look. By the way, Yotsugi, what about the results of your analysis?" Yotsugi: "Well, I think I have a general idea now." Yotsugi: "Big Sister Shinobu's hunch that this is him turning into a vampire is probably correct." Yotsugi: "However..." Koyomi: "However?" Yotsugi: "Yeah, however... No, I can't be the one telling you the rest." Koyomi: "Come on, that bit makes me all the more curious about all of this." Yotsugi: "I think I want you to call out Big Sister Shinobu. Big Sister Shinobu, the one cooped up in your shadow..." Yoduru: "Well, right. I'll apologize for standing on top of her head earlier. I want you to call who was previously Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade out here." Koyomi: "Sure..." Slate: "IF IT'S GOING TO TAKE SOME EFFORT, I CAN JUST STICK MY ARM INTO YOUR SHADOW AND PULL HER OUT LIKE SOME INTERNAL ORGAN. I'LL GRAB ON WITH ENOUGH FEELING AS IF I WERE PULLING ALL HER BLONDE HAIR OUT--" Yoduru: "Hey, previously Heart-under-blade. Sorry about that for totally stepping on your head earlier." Shinobu: "Looks like your investigation of my master is complete now. I thank you for doing so in my place. Even the likes of you come to my master's aid..." Yoduru: "Sorry about that. I didn't want to force you into a situation where you'd have to recklessly show off like that. There was merely a head that looked easy to land on right there." Koyomi: "Please stop that..." Shinobu: "W-Watch your tongue, human. The reason why I'm not going to kill you right now... ...is from the expectations that you will solve the physical problems ailing my master. Don't forget that." Yoduru: "No, that's why I'm apologizing. About stepping on your head." Yoduru: "Don't hold it against me. You're so gloomy because you're a night-walker! Sorry, sorry. I'll be careful to not step on it again." Koyomi: "Please stop that, Kagenui-san." Koyomi: "And Shinobu, you give it up as well. No need to open wounds trying to take back the past." Shinobu: "B-But..." Koyomi: "Back then, you used your body to cover for me, so that Kagenui-san wouldn't stomp on my head." Koyomi: "That was a devoted act of self-sacrifice." Shinobu: "Oh, right..." Shinobu: "Right, right! I covered for you! I'm so awesome!" Yotsugi: "I really lost against someone like this?" Yoduru: "Now, we have all the actors on stage, all the information gathered, and all the answers figured out, I guess. Too bad I can't pause here for a challenge to the readers..." Koyomi: "Unravel the mystery..." Shinobu: "All right. Begin." Yotsugi: "Araragi Koyomi. Devilish Big Brother." Yotsugi: "Your body as of now, or rather, currently, slowly, bit by bit..." Koyomi: "Turning into a vampire... Hmm..." Yoduru: "What, mister, you're more calm than I expected." Koyomi: "Well I mean, until now, I've turned into a vampire numerous times... It's not for nothing that I've racked up many experiences the past year..." Yoduru: "Experiences, huh? I think you've racked up stupidity, not experience." Yotsugi: "Big Sister Shinobu, I want to make one final confirmation. You really have no idea what's going on? From your viewpoint, about the reason why your master, Devilish Big Brother of a master..." Shinobu: "If I did, I wouldn't rely on you guys." Yoduru: "You haven't heard from Oshino-kun, either?" Shinobu: "I haven't heard anything." Yoduru: "Well, that figures... What Oshino-kun couldn't see through was none other than your own actions, Araragi-kun." Yoduru: "Let's see, Araragi-kun..." Yotsugi: "You gained too much experience... Which means you did too many stupid things." Yotsugi: "So, Big Demo-ther." Yotsugi: "In solving all the various incidents, you relied too heavily on your powers as a vampire. And as a result, your soul fundamentally, completely independently from previously Heart-under-blade..." Yotsugi: "...is starting to lean towards being a vampire." Koyomi: "Lean towards..." Yotsugi: "Literally turned into a vampire and became one." Slate: "TSUKIMONOGATARI TWO FROM HERE" Yotsugi: "To make it extremely easy to understand, and direct to boot, Big Demo-ther..." Yotsugi: "You didn't turn into a vampire too many times, but got too accustomed to turning into one. You got accustomed to the fact that you could." Koyomi: "Hold on..." Yoduru: "Among the specialists, some end up becoming apparitions themselves like that. So we don't end up that way, we put up a substitute in between like this, for instance." Yoduru: "What Oshino-kun couldn't calculate was just that." Yoduru: "No, nothing was calculated from the beginning." Yoduru: "So, it would be something unexpected." Yotsugi: "The worst part of it all was, of course, the case about the snake god. Back then, Big Demo-ther, you became a vampire way, way, way too much... Virtually every day." Koyomi: "Of course... Because Sengoku turning out like that..." Koyomi: "At the very least, I felt responsible... That is why." Koyomi: "I have a general idea of the current circumstances. I can't say that I have a firm grasp of it all though..." Koyomi: "And so, what do I need to do, Ononoki-chan?" Yotsugi: "What do you mean, what do you need to do?" Koyomi: "How can I turn back into a human?" Yotsugi: "Devilish Big Brother..." Slate: "ONONOKI-CHAN SAID. WITH NO HESITATION AND NO CONSIDERATION. WITH DOLL-LIKE EYES, SHE SAID IN A DOLL-LIKE MANNER." Yotsugi: "Impossible. There's no way to fix this." Slate: "TSUKIMONOGATARI SECTOR FROM HERE" Koyomi: "VAMPIRE" Koyomi: "There is no way to fix this. There is no way to go back. VAMPIRE Strangely enough, that cruel declaration given by Ononoki-chan..." Slate: "TABLE DICTIONARY" Koyomi: "...the answer that is hopeless and lacking salvation whatsoever... ...once given, it was something I could easily accept." Koyomi: "I see..." Yoduru: "You're not going to throw a fit?" Koyomi: "No, well..." Koyomi: "I was pretty reckless for about the past six months. I turned into a vampire as if it was a matter of course, as if I was drinking an energy drink... ...and I relied on the power of immortality to fight against apparitions. And atonement for that..." Slate: "ATONEMENT?" Koyomi: "I should have to pay compensation for what I have done." Slate: "RIGHT, IT'S COMPENSATION." Yoduru: "Compensation, huh? Well, you wished it on yourself to wield that power, so I guess it couldn't have been helped... I guess you have no choice but to be satisfied with that answer. But well, that being said... ...it's not like you have lost everything about being human yet." Koyomi: "By that, you mean?" Yoduru: "There is no way to rewind, or to fix it." Yoduru: "However, there is a way to stop your metamorphosis into a vampire from progressing any further." Yoduru: "Well, you know... In a way... There is a method to keep the status quo." Koyomi: "And what is that method, Ononoki-chan?" Yotsugi: "That is to no longer rely on your powers as a vampire." Slate: "YOTSUGI DOLL PART THREE, EPISODE TAI (BODY)" Yotsugi: "Of course, you can continue to provide nutrition to Big Sister Shinobu..." Yotsugi: "You can continue to charge the battery through the shadow." Yotsugi: "Something of that level is, in return, not an issue at all anymore." Yotsugi: "However. You have to consider the pace at which you do so. And you should avoid explicitly turning into a vampire, of course. No matter what the condition." Koyomi: "I can't rely on my powers as a vampire anymore." Koyomi: "For instance... If while I'm human, there was something I absolutely had to do... ...that I could only do while being a vampire, would I be able to abstain from relying on those powers?" Yoduru: "It's better for you to not say anything past that, and to not think any further either." Yoduru: "If you turn into an immortal apparition any more than you are now... ...I will have to end up needing to kill you as a specialist." Yoduru: "I will have to totally kill you off." Shinobu: "When that happens, I'll kill you, specialist." Shinobu: "If my master is to die, if he is killed, I will be released from my restraints..." Shinobu: "Once I regain the powers I once had, I'm sure you will come after me anyway." Yoduru: "In that case, well, I'm sure we'll end up fighting each other..." Yoduru: "...because the acknowledgment that you are harmless is also dissolved at that point." Yotsugi: "That is something slightly in the future. Big Sister, and Big Sister Shinobu... Why are you getting so passionate about it now?" Yotsugi: "Devilish Big Brother... So I want to ask of you as a friend, Devilish Big Brother." Yotsugi: "Right here, right now." Yotsugi: "Never again. Never again. I want you to promise me that you will never again rely on the powers of the vampire... No matter what hardships you face, swear you will act without relying on the powers of the immortal." Yotsugi: "That you will live life hereon like a human would. That you'll live like a human." Yotsugi: "I want you to swear that you will." Slate: "ONONOKI-CHAN QUIETLY SAID SO." Yotsugi: "I am only a shikigami after all..." Yotsugi: "I have my personal feelings, but they're just there. That's how I was made." Koyomi: "Ononoki-chan..." Yotsugi: "You've had enough, right? You've experienced plenty of being immortal already. There's no doubt about this because I'm telling you as a corpse. Being immortal isn't as good as it seems. Or rather, even if you think about it, putting us aside, that's how it should be. The level you are at now is the limit for you, Big Demo-ther, to be a human... ...to pretend being human..." Yotsugi: "...and for continuing to live, isn't it?" Koyomi: "I understand, Ononoki-chan... And Kagenui-san... All right. I swear. I will not borrow the power of the vampire and use it to stand against an apparition ever again." Koyomi: "That makes it all good, right?" Yoduru: "Yeah, that's right. Just like you said. You'd help me out a lot if you could do that." Yoduru: "For our work, for your life, and for the life of previously Heart-under-blade." Yotsugi: "That's a pretty shallow oath." Koyomi: "If you say it's shallow, it perhaps is." Koyomi: "I myself don't have absolute confidence in whether or not I can uphold this oath when push comes to shove." Koyomi: "Because, in the end, no matter how many oaths I make..." Koyomi: "...or be in a condition that corresponds to such a situation... ...if I can prevent that from happening by turning into a vampire, I'm sure I will have no doubts in my mind." Koyomi: "I wouldn't think about the consequences, only about what's before my eyes." Koyomi: "That's the kind of guy Araragi Koyomi is." Koyomi: "Then, Kagenui-san, Ononoki-chan... Thank you very much." Yoduru: "Yeah, thanks! No, that's not it. We still have to check out your body again. We do, down to the details." Koyomi: "Is that so? Um, Shinobu..." Shinobu: "What is it?" Koyomi: "I'm sure I will be troubling you for a while... So, I'm sorry." Shinobu: "It's nothing you need to apologize for. I've already said it to the point of boredom. You and I are in the same boat. We share a destiny..." Shinobu: "Of course, the fact that you and I are here together in itself is an opportunistic miracle." Shinobu: "Just like you said, and even with just that, it's a given that there is that high a cost for it." Slate: "I DON'T FEEL IT IS MUCH OF AN INCONVENIENCE NOR A HANDICAP." Koyomi: "Waiting for tomorrow, or even later, is not an option right now, of course?" Yoduru: "Right. It's obvious that right now..." Yotsugi: "Don't worry, Big Demo-ther. It's mainly my job to do the examination... I'll do it myself. I'll attentively examine every inch of you." Yotsugi: "I won't give you any tests like the one Big Sister did earlier..." Koyomi: "I had not thought about that possibility..." Slate: "IF I ASK WHETHER OR NOT I'M RELIEVED ONONOKI IS DOING IT... BUT THOSE WORDS OF HERS, YOU FLIP IT OVER, AND YOU SOMEHOW FEEL IF IT'S NOT A SURPRISE ATTACK, SHE WILL BREAK BONES IT FEELS LIKE SHE JUST MADE THAT DECLARATION." Koyomi: "No, wait. Can it be, like how she sucked on my toes, Ononoki-chan is going to..." Koyomi: "Thinking about it that way, my heart races." Yotsugi: "Why are you grinning like that, Big Demo-ther... You're creepy." Yoduru: "Well then, let's start preparing..." Yoduru: "Are you all right not calling home?" Koyomi: "It's fine. They leave me alone for the most part. The naggy little sisters are having a pajama party tonight too." Slate: "KOYOMI-KUN PICTORIAL STORY THEATER" Koyomi: "However, when I ponder about it again, I think I did a big service to my junior classmate, Suruga Kanbaru." Slate: "THE END" Yoduru: "Well, I'll contact Gaen-senpai just in case. I'll tell her it didn't end up being much." Koyomi: "That's right. It didn't end up being much. It didn't. This is how it's supposed to be. Compared to these few months that Sengoku Nadeko lost, it's as if nothing had happened." Yoduru: "Yotsugi, the phone." Yotsugi: "Here you go, Big Sister." Yoduru: "Well, it's a shame that I couldn't totally kill you off, Araragi-kun. But to think I defanged an immortal apparition before it sprouted..." Yoduru: "Dum-dee-dum..." Koyomi: "You know, Kagenui-san." Yoduru: "What is it?" Koyomi: "Well, let's see..." Koyomi: "Why do you want to kill immortal apparitions so much, Kagenui-san?" Yoduru: "Yes? What was that, mister?" Koyomi: "Well, I mean... I just wondered why you wanted to kill immortal apparitions so much, Kagenui-san..." Koyomi: "Isn't that pretty peculiar for a specialization among apparitions?" Yoduru: "Is that so?" Yoduru: "In the first place, apparitions, in other words, ghosts, are all pretty much dead to begin with." Yoduru: "Right, Yotsugi?" Yotsugi: "Right... The criteria around there is a bit fuzzy, Big Demo-ther. Depending on how you interpret "immortal," you might even be able to say..." Yoduru: "Honestly, it's not like there aren't any other specialists out there that concentrate on immortal apparitions." Yoduru: "Well, it's true that I only know about one other guy that's like me who just wants to kill them all..." Koyomi: "...no matter what the cost." Yoduru: "But that guy is like a total hermit, so you don't have to worry about him, Araragi-kun." Yoduru: "He strayed away from Gaen-senpai's group, so he's truly astray." Yoduru: "What, Araragi-kun? You want to hear a side story-esque episode where you see how I got myself down this path?" Koyomi: "To be honest, it's on my mind enough that I think it's on my mind." Yoduru: "Well, instead of worrying about my reasons, if anything..." Koyomi: "Kagenui-san, what do you mean by that..." Slate: "CALL LENGTH" Yoduru: "Yes, hello, this is Kagenui..." Yoduru: "Oh, wait a sec, hold on just a second." Yoduru: "Senpai, you can't be serious. That's just way too cruel, no matter what you think..." Yoduru: "Yeah... Yeah... But that guy Tadatsuru right now..." Yoduru: "All right. I got it. I'll relay that to Araragi-kun." Yoduru: "Am I okay to stay like this? Like, continuing to go with the flow." Yoduru: "Bye." Slate: "CALL LENGTH" Yoduru: "Araragi-kun, the worst possible news comes in at the worst possible timing." Koyomi: "Eh? B-But that call just now was from Gaen-san, right?" Yoduru: "I'll lend Yotsugi to you for a while. So head over there as soon as possible." Koyomi: "As soon as possible... To where?" Yoduru: "To Kanbaru Suruga's house. The Kanbaru house where the daughter of Gaen Tooe, the little sister of Gaen-senpai, lives. Go see your little sisters that are currently there as soon as possible." Yoduru: "No... To be precise, there's already a chance that they're no longer there." Slate: "RIGHT EYE THREE FROM HERE" Yotsugi: "Let's go, Devilish Big Brother." Koyomi: "No... Hold on a sec..." Koyomi: "I currently don't have the physical strength..." Koyomi: "Shinobu... Sorry, can you lend me your shoulder?" Shinobu: "I guess I have no choice." Koyomi: "No... there's got to be three futons laid out." Slate: "So I checked the futons. It sounds like a cliche from a detective drama, but they were still warm. I proceeded to smell the pillows. The lingering scents of Karen and Tsukihi wafted from the pillow of one futon, and the lingering scent of Kanbaru came from the pillow of the other futon- so the three of them really were here until moments ago." Yotsugi: "What's wrong, Devilish Big Brother?" Koyomi: "Well, Ononoki-chan..." Koyomi: "This." Yotsugi: "Big Demo-ther, take this thing and pick it up." Koyomi: "Huh? But if that's supposed to be some sort of clue..." Yotsugi: "It's fine, Devilish Big Brother, if it's what I think it is." Koyomi: "All right." Koyomi: "H-Hey, Ononoki-chan..." Yotsugi: "Just as I thought." Koyomi: "J-Just as you thought?" Yotsugi: "It's the doings of someone we know. Someone Big Sister and I know of." Koyomi: "An intent to commit a crime? No, but, he already went through with the kidnapping? No, that's not it." Yotsugi: "That guy likes doing stuff like that magic trick." Yotsugi: "He's a guy that likes surprising people with malicious intent. But the reason why he made the message in the form of a crane this time around is pretty straightforward." Slate: "IS PRETTY STRAIGHTFORWARD" Koyomi: "And by that you mean?" Yotsugi: "A bird. The shape of a bird... The phoenix. In other words, that crane, that group of birds said to live a thousand years... ...points to your little sister, Araragi Tsukihi." Slate: "THREE FROM HERE" Yoduru: "Teori Tadatsuru. A dollmaster." Koyomi: "Tadatsuru... was it?" Koyomi: "Tadatsuru? But..." Slate: "YOGEN (YODURU) YOSETSU (YOTSUGI)" Yoduru: "Tadatsuru is a dollmaster, and well, yeah, a specialist... And just like me, he's a specialist that specializes in immortal apparitions." Koyomi: "You're saying he was the one that abducted my little sisters and my junior classmate? Then, what in the world is his objective?" Yoduru: "All I can say is that Tadatsuru tends to act on grudges and is a softie when it comes to work. So the situation isn't as hopeless as you may be thinking right now, Araragi-kun." Yoduru: "However..." Koyomi: "However, what?" Yoduru: "This time, you can't deal with this situation by relying on your powers as a vampire." Yoduru: "Things won't go as they usually go. You need to engrave that into your heart. Before you understand the situation and become enraged." Yoduru: "It also means that previously Heart-under-blade can't turn into a vampire either." Koyomi: "Yes... ...this is somewhat of a strange tale." Yoduru: "Hm? What is, Araragi-kun?" Koyomi: "Well, in the first place, back in spring break, I acted to seal away Shinobu's powers... ...and that was why I sought such a solution. But before I realized it, I used those powers of Shinobu to clear up matters." Koyomi: "That power was temporary, something I merely borrowed. Yet, before I realized it... ...I was using it as if it was ordinary to do so, as if it was already mine." Koyomi: "It may be natural for me to receive one divine punishment after another at this rate." Yotsugi: "Divine punishment?" Yotsugi: "I don't know about that." Yotsugi: "It's true that you asked for this situation to happen, Devilish Big Brother." Yotsugi: "But whether or not this is divine punishment..." Koyomi: "What do you mean by that?" Yoduru: "Well, the timing is too impeccable for this to be a mere coincidence." Yoduru: "When the timing is too impeccable, if it really isn't just a coincidence, then it's mostly the doings of some person." Slate: "NOT THE DOINGS OF HEAVEN BUT THE DOINGS OF A HUMAN" Yoduru: "On the day you don't see your reflection... ...in other words the day your metamorphosis into a vampire surpassed being human... ...your junior classmate and your little sisters are assaulted by someone I know. That's somehow... That feels like too many chance happenings at once." Koyomi: "It's not that uncommon for the collection of unpaid tabs to all come at once lately. Feels like lately everything is of that sort. It's as if what I had built up, what I had shelved away..." Koyomi: "...is all crashing down on me at once." Yoduru: "Maybe someone crashed it down on you? Like a game of Jenga." Yoduru: "Listening to Gaen-senpai's story, and listening to Yotsugi's story, it feels that way." Koyomi: "Ononoki-chan's story... Perhaps that was the story of the Darkness the other day..." Koyomi: "Right. That was the epitome of what I had shelved away. And the epitome of it being crashed down on me." Koyomi: "Can I ask one thing, Kagenui-san?" Yoduru: "What?" Koyomi: "Um, this is a weird way to put it, but this guy named Teori Tadatsuru... Is he the type that can't forgive mistakes or injustice? A man of justice? Someone that thinks there is a right shape for this world, and that it ought to be in that right shape..." Koyomi: "Is he one that holds such an ideology?" Yoduru: "Ideology?" Yoduru: "That makes me laugh. Stuff like that is completely unrelated to him. Let's say Tadatsuru actually had such a thing as ideology... If so, it would be aesthetic curiosity, I think. Though, I don't want to use the term "aesthetic" to describe it." Slate: "AESTHETIC CURIOSITY?" Yoduru: "The sensibility that things that god didn't create are what is beautiful... Someone with the sensibility that man-made existences known as apparitions are beautiful. Basically someone that thinks he's an artist, and that's where he's a softie." Yoduru: "In that aspect, he doesn't have an ideology, but some sort of obsession." Yoduru: "So your little sisters and junior classmate are still safe. At least, safer than me going after them." Koyomi: "But why is someone who has the sensibility to think..." Yoduru: "His position may be closer to Oshino-kun than others." Yoduru: "The middleman that mediates, I guess." Koyomi: "So, as the opponent that I need to confront at this point in time..." Koyomi: "...this Tadatsuru person sounds like the perfect specialist." Yoduru: "Don't drown too much." Yoduru: "I mean to yourself, not your powers. That's nothing other than narcissism." Slate: "NARCISSISM" Koyomi: "Narcissism..." Yoduru: "I mean, don't drown yourself in a tragic situation." Yoduru: "You merely had some weird idiot kidnap your two little sisters and your junior classmate. Concerning that, you're a one-sided victim. Let's say that, in the rare case, that there is something like divine punishment... ...that only goes so far towards you losing your humanity. It has nothing to do with those three being targeted for some means." Yoduru: "Right, Yotsugi?" Yotsugi: "Right." Koyomi: "Then, I have to rescue those three that have nothing to do with this... Finally, in any case, I have to. Kagenui-san, um..." Koyomi: "Are you going to help me? If anything, to rescue the three of them." Yoduru: "Gaen-senpai told me that I should, so I will... I will just go with the flow of the situation." Yoduru: "All my powers are specialized for defeating immortal apparitions." Yoduru: "Don't look like that. I'll continue to lend you Yotsugi... And I'll lend you some knowledge. In any case, what you need to do first is to inspect those thousand folded cranes. If that's a message, it should be a message for you, Araragi-kun." Koyomi: "For me?" Yoduru: "I don't know how much of the situation he has a hold of... Araragi-kun, what Tadatsuru is after is basically you." Koyomi: "Me? No, but, Tadatsuru is after..." Yoduru: "You, and previously Heart-under-blade." Yoduru: "The acknowledgment submitted by Oshino-kun that you two are harmless..." Yoduru: "It won't work against Tadatsuru, who lies outside of it." Koyomi: "Which means, this is really the worst timing possible for this to happen." Koyomi: "Right when Shinobu and I get into a condition where we're unable to fight... ...someone who is really after us shows up." Slate: "ARTIFICIAL INTENTIONAL THREE FROM HERE SHINOBU IS INSIDE THE SHADOW NORTH SHIRAHEBI SHRINE" Koyomi: "There is no specified time?" Yoduru: "Nope. The only thing specified is the location. But when you think about it, it must be sometime tonight..." Yoduru: "It's a little past one in the morning. I'd like to see things settled before morning." Yoduru: "Araragi-kun, your mission this time around..." Yoduru: "...back to the house, and toss them inside their futons." Koyomi: "Then, Ononoki-chan, I hate to ask, but can you do one more jump and give me a shortcut to head over? The location of North Shirahebi Shrine is..." Yoduru: "You probably shouldn't be doing that." Yoduru: "Landing from up above, assaulting from the sky where there's nothing to hide you... If you make yourself openly seen, that alone will take you out." Koyomi: "Then, I'll have Ononoki-chan transfer us by jumping to a place close to the mountain..." Yoduru: "I'll catch up to you using the standard route." Slate: "NORTH SHIRAHEBI SHRINE" Yoduru: "But, you don't have to wait for me to join up with you. To rescue the hostages, you need to go in at your own timing." Yoduru: "Move at your own discretion." Yoduru: "Even if we were to meet up, there's no way we'd be able to do some team play anyway." Koyomi: "Understood. Then..." Koyomi: "By the way, Ononoki-chan, just a tiny bit, somehow just a tad... Can you fly closer to the ground?" Yotsugi: "Impossible to do low-altitude." Yotsugi: "I can go at a slower speed. Would you like that?" Koyomi: "No." Koyomi: "You don't have to." Koyomi: "Blast us over there!" Slate: "TSUKIMONOGATARI" Ougi: "Oh, you were pretty late, Araragi-senpai." Ougi: "My loving Araragi-senpai, I was getting tired of waiting for you." Koyomi: "Hey, Ougi-chan..." Slate: "PLEASE PUSH" Koyomi: "In a place like this, this late... It's dangerous for a high school girl to be out by herself. You really are a chancy person." Koyomi: "I'll walk you back home." Ougi: "One hop over, like what you did just now, Araragi-senpai?" Ougi: "I think I'll pass. I don't have a home anyway." Slate: "PUSH-BUTTON SIGNAL" Ougi: "Oh, that's not what I mean." Slate: "IT'S COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. IT LOOKS LIKE YOU'RE IN A HURRY AS WELL, ARARAGI-SENPAI." Ougi: "I just thought, since you were heading into the battlefield..." Ougi: "So I've been waiting here ever since this morning." Koyomi: "Ever since this morning?" Slate: "YOTSUGI DOLL PART FOUR, EPISODE TAI (BODY)" Ougi: "Oh? I don't see her around. What happened to that young blonde girl, your usual lolita slave? This is too weird. According to the settings, you can't do anything without that girl, right, Araragi-senpai?" Koyomi: "I don't think that was the case all that much in the past..." Koyomi: "But nowadays, that's true. That's what the settings for me are. And I'm not that embarrassed about that either... It's a good thing to be able to rely on others' powers." Ougi: "You relied on them too much, didn't you? My uncle said it pretty often." Ougi: "Let's see... What was it? You know, the one that my uncle always said like it was his signature line." Ougi: "Um, well, you know..." Ougi: "What was it? That, that, that, that..." Slate: "I'M SURE SHE REMEMBERS." Koyomi: ""People can't save people. I won't save you. All you can do is save yourself on your own, Araragi-kun." Was it?" Ougi: "Oh, right, right. That's it. Why did I forget it? I'm too absent-minded. That's my uncle's signature line." Koyomi: "Right. It's your uncle's signature line. Not mine." Koyomi: "That's why I have no regrets. To a surprising degree. "Oh no, I was careless. I should have thought about it more and acted more carefully." I don't think things like that at all now." Ougi: "Right. Even if you knew, you would have probably done the same thing, Araragi-senpai... That is why, that is." Koyomi: "What do you mean by "that is why"?" Slate: ""THAT IS WHY" IS "THAT IS WHY." THERE IS NO MORE MEANING THERE THAN "THAT IS WHY."" Ougi: "In the end, the fact I am here as me right here doing this is... ...I believe, me being attracted to you being like that, Araragi-senpai." Ougi: "I don't know how to put it, but Araragi-senpai, I think you're someone that I can twist around." Koyomi: "What would you twist around?" Ougi: "Well, I'm telling you, all sorts of things. All sorts of things that aren't supposed to be twisted around. And well, I, you know, detest things that are twisted around. You could say I like being fair, to have the two sides of the balance scale evened out." Ougi: "I just want things to be proper. Proper." Slate: "PUSH-BUTTON SIGNAL" Ougi: "In reality, Araragi-senpai, you still rely on other people's powers like that even now." Ougi: "Another person, or rather, what was it? A little girl? Little girl. You tried to borrow the powers of a little child. Pathetic." Koyomi: "Yeah, you're right. It might be pathetic." Koyomi: "But, you just saw it yourself. She's not an ordinary child." Ougi: "I know. I've heard of it before." Slate: "PLEASE WAIT" Koyomi: "Did I tell her?" Slate: "PUSH-BUTTON SIGNAL" Koyomi: "Then why in the world does she say "a little child" in the beginning?" Koyomi: "Well, see you later." Ougi: "You've matured, Araragi-senpai. Don't you think so?" Ougi: "In the past few months, haven't you matured quite a bit?" Ougi: "In the past, you wouldn't have been able to stay in a calm mindset like now, right?" Ougi: "Back in spring break, you know, when you thought that you couldn't go back to being human again..." Ougi: "...didn't you shut yourself up in the gym closet and cry and stuff?" Ougi: "The fact that you can stay cool-headed right now like that is, what is it..." Ougi: "Does it mean that at the cost of all sorts of things, losing many things, you have matured?" Koyomi: "Maybe so." Koyomi: "But you know, Ougi-chan. That said, I can't think that failures and misfortunes, sacrifices and sadness, are all "good things." Neither should you think that they are." Koyomi: "If anything, I'd like to mature by succeeding. Of course, that's commonplace." Slate: "TSUKIMONOGATARI FROM HERE FOUR" Yotsugi: "Well, that girl earlier must be..." Koyomi: "Eh? What was that, Ononoki-chan?" Yotsugi: "No, I didn't say anything. I was merely reciting some random predictions. Even if they were true, I don't know what the motive is. Oh, but she did state what the motive was... For things to be proper." Yotsugi: "But what does it mean to be proper? What is correct?" Yotsugi: "I'm an apparition, a shikigami, a corpse, and a tsukumo-gami... That means that by this alone, the conclusion is that I'm not proper. I'm fooling about and living using every trick in the book, or rather, dying using every trick in the book." Yotsugi: "But that merely means that I am very extreme. And that humans are more or less the same way as well." Yotsugi: "Do you want to hear a story about Tadatsuru?" Koyomi: "To be honest, I don't want to hear it." Yotsugi: "Oh... Even though he's the guy that abducted three people dear to you, Big Demo-ther?" Koyomi: "Yeah. The ideal turn of events from here is..." Yotsugi: "Indeed, that is the best thing we can do. But that only lets us get by for now, and it won't solve anything." Slate: "IT'S JUST A CAT-AND-MOUSE GAME." Yotsugi: "So, that's why you have to "convince" him like usual, Big Demo-ther." Yotsugi: "Tadatsuru is indeed the same as Big Sister in the way that he specializes in immortal apparitions. But the meaning of an immortal apparition is slightly different." Yotsugi: "Big Sister specializes in the immortal but still living apparitions." Yotsugi: "Tadatsuru deals with apparitions that are primarily dead. That is the reason why they counter each other." Yotsugi: "Tadatsuru loves the life of a doll that doesn't harbor a life..." Yotsugi: "I, as an apparition, am an artificial one." Yotsugi: "Gaen-san... Gaen Izuko... Supposedly planned the project." Slate: "PROJECT PLANNER: GAEN IZUKO" Yotsugi: "Those that were involved in the production were Big Sister Kagenui Yoduru, Kaiki Deishu..." Slate: "PRODUCTION: KAGENUI YODURU, KAIKI DEISHU" Slate: "...and add to that Oshino Meme and Teori Tadatsuru." Yotsugi: "TADATSURU TEORI, MEME OSHINO" Yotsugi: "Well, in the beginning, it was..." Yotsugi: "An artificial tsukumo-gami using the corpse of a human that lived a hundred years." Yotsugi: "The feeling that Tadatsuru and Big Sister don't get along... That they quarrel to this day... The reason lies with me in the first place." Yotsugi: "They were fighting for ownership of the shikigami known as me." Koyomi: "I see... But to summarize, in the end..." Yotsugi: "No. I chose Big Sister." Yotsugi: "Ever since, the discord between Big Sister and Tadatsuru has continued." Yotsugi: "It wasn't like they were close friends to begin with, but that was the straw that broke the camel's back." Yotsugi: "Well, for a stray like Tadatsuru, someone that gets along with him is hard to come by. If I was forced to pick someone, I'd probably say Oshino Meme was the only one." Yotsugi: "Why I suddenly started talking about this, Big Demo-ther, is that in the worst-case scenario... In the worst-case scenario..." Yotsugi: "...and Big Sister doesn't make it here in time, and the hostages are about to be killed..." Yotsugi: "If there is no other way..." Yotsugi: "...I'm sure Tadatsuru will oblige. That's what I wanted to say." Yotsugi: "He still wants me to this day." Yotsugi: "I'm sure that's the purpose behind Big Sister lending me out to you, Big Demo-ther." Yotsugi: "Wow." Koyomi: "Wow, Ononoki-chan, you wear this kind of underwear? It's gonna be tough when they make your figurine." Yotsugi: "What are you doing, Big Demo-ther?" Koyomi: "Those that say stupid things get stupid things done to them... There is no way that I would offer you because I value my life so much. Belittling me like that is troubling." Yotsugi: "And I'm troubled if you flip my skirt." Koyomi: "Even Kagenui-san didn't mean it that way when she lent you to me, Ononoki-chan." Koyomi: "I'm sure she lent you to me because you can take care of helpless guys like me. Isn't that so?" Yotsugi: "But when I'm entrusted with someone that deliberately flips a little girl's skirt..." Koyomi: "No, I'm saying something good here, so talk about me other than when I'm flipping skirts." Yotsugi: "If you want me to, then let me go first." Yotsugi: "You're making a huge mistake if you're thinking I have no sense of shame because I am a doll." Koyomi: "Good god. I was turned on by Ononoki-chan's aura that seemed to lack a sense of shame... No wait, the lack of expression that seems to show no sense of shame..." Koyomi: "If I am to set up a plan that seems like a plan, this is how it goes, Ononoki-chan." Koyomi: "I am going to be the decoy and keep Tadatsuru's attention. The plan is I want you to watch for that chance and rescue the three. After rescuing them, use Unlimited Rulebook to immediately get away. I don't care where." Yotsugi: "So, according to that plan, what will you do afterwards, Big Demo-ther? Just yourself... Two, if you count previously Heart-under-blade..." Yotsugi: "So what will you do?" Koyomi: "It's fine. I have my secret plan... The grovel." Yotsugi: "You should keep that a secret for your entire life." Yotsugi: "Tadatsuru won't forgive you just by groveling. According to Tadatsuru's standards, even if you aren't a vampire right now, Big Demo-ther... ...once you've turned into a vampire even once, you're a target for extermination." Yotsugi: "Besides, no matter how much you groveled...." Yotsugi: "In the rare chance, the one-in-a-million chance, that you were forgiven, it's a no-go for Big Sister Shinobu. No way. Impossible. Oh, but there might be one way. By offering someone that used to be an apparition..." Koyomi: "The reverse of that pattern may exist, but that won't ever happen, Ononoki-chan." Yotsugi: "Figures. You weren't willing to offer me to him, so there's no way you'd offer Big Sister Shinobu to him." Yotsugi: "But Big Demo-ther, what you're saying hasn't changed from before at all." Yotsugi: "For you to safely recover all three hostages, without giving up me or Big Sister Shinobu..." Yotsugi: "That sounds reckless." Yotsugi: "Story goes that anyone trying to get something done needs compensation. Right? As payment for relying too much on the vampire's powers..." Yotsugi: "Unless you learn something from that, you will always put the bill on a tab..." Koyomi: "Though, there's something about you saying that while showing your underwear." Yotsugi: "I think it's 100% your fault, Big Demo-ther, that I'm showing my underwear." Koyomi: "It's not good to blame others." Slate: "TOPIC IS WHO ELSE CAN I BLAME FOR THIS SITUATION OUTSIDE OF YOU, BIG DEMO-THER." Yotsugi: "Well, it'd be boring if you completely matured into an adult. Big Demo-ther, if that's the case, there is an alternate plan that I can suggest." Koyomi: "Alternate plan?" Yotsugi: "After we get close without him noticing, I suddenly slam Unlimited Rulebook into Tadatsuru. A surprise attack. We can then take our time to rescue the three hostages after that." Koyomi: "In that case, what happens to Tadatsuru? Will he get by with just injuries?" Yotsugi: "He will die." Koyomi: "Of course!" Yotsugi: "I can't? I mean, he's a guy that kidnaps three girls. I feel it's only just compensation to be blown to smithereens." Koyomi: "No... That's no good in any way. No good, and impossible." Slate: "STOP BEING HUMAN" Yotsugi: "Humans are humans, even if they kill humans. Well, I can't say I hate peaceful values like that, and that's something necessary. It was good that I heard that." Yotsugi: "I said it was good that I heard that." Yotsugi: "Now, Big Demo-ther. Can you let go of my skirt already? The bottom half of my body is feeling rather cold now, so I'm afraid I'll catch a cold." Koyomi: "You'll catch a cold? You, Ononoki-chan, the tsukumo-gami and shikigami?" Yotsugi: "I wouldn't, but I feel like I'm going to. If we're talking about pulling or not, I'm really mentally pulling away from you, Big Demo-ther..." Koyomi: "I see." Koyomi: "In hindsight, I probably should not have let go of her at this point in time. What actions Ononoki-chan will go through from hereon. I should have been able to understand if I gave it some thought..." Koyomi: "But still, I followed what Ononoki-chan said and released my grip." Slate: "FOUR TSUKIMONOGATARI FROM HERE" Koyomi: "That's Tadatsuru?" Yotsugi: "Yeah." Koyomi: "I see..." Koyomi: "Can it be that he's counting time with that? Like we're out of time if the offertory box gets filled up?" Yotsugi: "How'd you figure that out? You're pretty sharp, Devilish Big Brother." Yotsugi: "Right, that's one of the laws of sines, the origami clock." Slate: "THE LAW OF SINES..." Koyomi: "From here, I can't tell when that offertory box is going to be full... But we're probably better off to think that we'll be out of time at any moment." Yotsugi: "It's probably best if we hurried up. The fact you're not going to utilize any of the plans I suggested means..." Koyomi: "I plan to." Yotsugi: "Then from here, I'll swing around to the back side of the shrine. Then, I'll look for the three girls, who are probably inside the building... ...hoist them up, and book it out of here with Unlimited Rulebook. That's what you wanted, right?" Koyomi: "Yeah, that's right." Yotsugi: "Then, time to set the plan in motion, Big Demo-ther. Big Demo-ther, use your chit-chat skill to do your best in keeping Tadatsuru's attention." Shinobu: "Hey, you..." Shinobu: "Let me tell you this. I cherish you a lot more than those three that were abducted. Besides, I don't harbor much feelings about having you lead a humanly life as a human. You turning into a vampire, for me, is not something I dislike." Shinobu: "If you are about to be killed by this Tadatsuru, at that instant I will suck your blood. I will turn you into a vampire, make you immortal, and then make you fight and win." Slate: "OF COURSE, I CAN JUST FIGHT HIM MYSELF AFTER SUCKING YOUR BLOOD AND POWERING UP" Shinobu: "By that, even if you were to lose a bit more of your humanity, that's none of my concern. Not at all." Koyomi: "Understood." Koyomi: "Where are you looking? I'm over here!" Koyomi: "This is a line that any guy would like to say at least once." Slate: "TSUKIMONOGATARI FOUR FROM HERE" Tadatsuru: "Finally, I guess... Well, hi." Tadatsuru: "You're... Araragi Koyomi-kun, right?" Koyomi: "Yeah, that's right. I'm Araragi Koyomi. You're Teori Tadatsuru... Is that right?" Tadatsuru: "Saying right or wrong, of course you're right..." Tadatsuru: "Are you alone, Araragi Koyomi-kun?" Koyomi: "Yeah. As you can tell, there aren't two or three people here." Tadatsuru: "I see... Is Yoduru doing well? This mountain path must be hard with her curse forbidding her from walking on the ground." Koyomi: "A curse, what do you mean... ...by Kagenui-san's curse?" Tadatsuru: "Yoduru and I have on our shoulders a curse of that sort. A childish curse that won't let us walk on the ground for the rest of our lives." Koyomi: "You too?" Tadatsuru: "Yeah, but the curse is just a strong way of saying paranoia. According to the one that casted it on us, it is merely making ends meet. The cost me and Yoduru paid in overreaching to seek something without knowing our place in the world." Tadatsuru: "Something you'd call compensation." Koyomi: "That's..." Tadatsuru: "No, wrong. That's not it." Tadatsuru: "I didn't do this because I wanted to have a chit-chat with you. Abducting the people close to you was something I did in order to exterminate the apparition known as you." Koyomi: "Oh, that's right... It's not like I came here to talk things out with you either." Koyomi: "I'd like you to return the hostages. They have nothing to do with this, right?" Tadatsuru: "Nothing to do with this? Come on now, you know that isn't the case at all. Because those girls precious to you, especially that girl named Tsukihi..." Tadatsuru: "No, wrong. This isn't it either." Tadatsuru: "Hey, Araragi-kun. Mind if I ask you one thing?" Koyomi: "What is it?" Tadatsuru: "Why in the world am I here?" Koyomi: "What do you mean? Why are you here? Of course, that's obvious. You yourself took my violent little sister, my worrisome little sister..." Slate: "NO GOOD." Koyomi: "...and my troublesome junior classmate, and kidnapped them." Slate: "IT'S NO GOOD TO SAY SOMETHING LIKE THIS." Koyomi: "I'd like you to stop feigning innocent and acting dumb." Slate: "CALM DOWN. I'M ALREADY NO LONGER HUMAN TO THE POINT WHERE I CAN'T RELY ON THE POWER OF THE VAMPIRE, RIGHT?" Koyomi: "Hurry up and let them go–" Tadatsuru: "Oh, right, right..." Tadatsuru: "However, Araragi-kun. I still don't understand... Why in the world I am here?" Koyomi: "What..." Tadatsuru: "I don't know. I can't come to understand. Not me." Koyomi: "What do you mean, you don't know? In what sense are you saying that you don't know? You're there to exterminate me. That's it. Isn't that so?" Tadatsuru: "That's right." Tadatsuru: "But I don't know." Koyomi: "About what?" Tadatsuru: "The reason behind why I would exterminate you." Tadatsuru: "It's true that I am a specialist. A specialist who specializes in immortal apparitions. I'm a stray specialist... More of an outlaw than the outlaws, no ideology and acts on grudges... Acknowledgment of harmlessness doesn't work, yet still has a full sense of aestheticism... Araragi-kun, I could say I am the best person to be casted to stand on the other side as you..." Tadatsuru: "Right. Casted. I can't shake the feeling that someone casted me for this role. I feel like I was chosen for this role merely because I'm the suitable person to fight right here like this. No, not just me... Yoduru and Yotsugi as well..." Tadatsuru: "Araragi-kun, don't you feel that way?" Tadatsuru: "That's how I am, at least." Koyomi: "What do you mean I have no choice? Are you saying you had no choice but to kidnap people dear to me?" Tadatsuru: "Even that anger. Aren't you getting angry because you're supposed to? Isn't that merely anger to fit your role? What is the difference between you and me? We're both just doing what we're supposed to. Each of us, in the situation that we were placed in, with the roles that we were given." Tadatsuru: "We are not allowed to ad lib." Tadatsuru: "Araragi-kun, look for Oshino." Tadatsuru: "I'm sure that he will..." Tadatsuru: "That is something that only he can do." Koyomi: "I've already looked far and wide for Oshino. By the way, Tadatsuru. I hear you're a friend of Oshino's. Then, by chance, do you know where Oshino is right now?" Tadatsuru: "If I knew, I wouldn't be in a place like this." Tadatsuru: "I wouldn't have had to do something like this. I wouldn't have had to do something this proper." Tadatsuru: "I wouldn't have had to be proper." Tadatsuru: "Well, shall we begin soon? Or rather, we're going to end it." Koyomi: "Tadatsuru, wait. Listen to me..." Tadatsuru: "I can't wait anymore. I'm sick of all of this." Tadatsuru: "Positioned like a pawn, moved around like a pawn, and working like a pawn... I'm sick of it already." Tadatsuru: "I don't want to help out in turning you into a vampire." Slate: "NORTH SHIRAHEBI SHRINE" Tadatsuru: "Araragi-kun, look for Oshino. If you can't do that, you have no choice but to "become proper."" Tadatsuru: "You can only gain, and lose." Koyomi: "Tadatsuru... I'm dense. I don't understand when you tell me in such a roundabout way. If there's something you want to ask of me, ask me clearly." Tadatsuru: "I won't ask you for anything. Because you are human..." Tadatsuru: "What I ask for is... That's right, you." Tadatsuru: "I beg you, just do it with resolution..." Slate: "HUMAN COMPASSION" Tadatsuru: "Do it with human compassion." Tadatsuru: "Oh, I'd like to ask something additional. I'd like to make my once-in-a-lifetime wish for goodness' sake. I hear you've gotten too embarrassed about it and won't say that line lately. But, I want to hear it one last time." Tadatsuru: "I really liked it. How your expressionless self recited that line in an effort to be full of expression..." Yotsugi: "Roger. "Unlimited Rulebook"... I said, with a posed look." Yotsugi: "I killed him." Yotsugi: "With maximum power, I slammed it into him at close range. You don't have to worry about it, Big Demo-ther. It's something I did on my own. You told me not to do it, Big Demo-ther, but I went against your wishes and did it on my own." Koyomi: "Wha..." Yotsugi: "That's not true, Devilish Big Brother." Yotsugi: "I'm sure that there was a way to not kill him in an effort to protect or to save. Yet, the reason why I still killed him..." Yotsugi: "...is because I am a monster." Koyomi: "Ononoki-chan..." Yotsugi: "Don't end up like this, Big Demo-ther. When humans end up like this (as monsters)..." Slate: "WHEN HUMANS END UP AS MONSTERS (LIKE THIS)..." Yotsugi: "It's the end of them." Slate: "FOUR TSUKIMONOGATARI FROM HERE" Koyomi: "What you'd call an epilogue... or the punch line for this episode. Karen, Tsukihi, and Kanbaru were all folded up and packed inside that offertory box." Koyomi: "I had been folded up by Kagenui-san in the past, but it was similar to that..." Yoduru: "You did it?" Yotsugi: "Yeah." Yoduru: "I can't handle power jobs." Yotsugi: "Good for you, Devilish Big Brother." Yotsugi: "For now, I guess your body, Big Demo-ther, won't disappear in the sunlight." Yotsugi: "You still have a body that can walk under the sun." Koyomi: "What kind of a story was this incident? I think it was was a story for me to witness a scene..." Koyomi: "A story where I understand inside my head, but I can't deny the instinctive disgust, and how I see her changes." Slate: "WISHY-WASHY, AND ABSTRACT SOMEWHAT FUDGED AND USING EVERY TRICK IN THE BOOK" Koyomi: "The objective must've been to create a fissure..." Koyomi: "The objective of that Darkness. Following Hachikuji Mayoi and Sengoku Nadeko, it pulled Ononoki Yotsugi away from me. Tadatsuru did not fight sacrificing himself to that." Koyomi: "That's what it all meant." Hitagi: "Here, this is your chocolate for Valentine's Day." Hitagi: "How is it? Tasty? Tasty? Koyokoyo, is it tasty?" Koyomi: "That's right. Today was Valentine's Day." Koyomi: "Yeah, it's tasty." Hitagi: "Yeah!" Hitagi: "Come in, come in, Koyokoyo. I still have a lot more chocolate." Koyomi: "There's a lot more?" Koyomi: "Actually, Senjyogahara..." Hitagi: "I see. If you can't see yourself in the mirror ever again, how is that troubling?" Koyomi: "How, you ask... Well, I guess I'd be in the spotlight when people notice it?" Hitagi: "If that's it, then well, it's fine. Even if a mirror doesn't show you, Araragi-kun, you will continue to be seen by my eyes." Hitagi: "Well, that said, you still have to think about what you're going to do from now on. You've consulted Hanekawa-san about this, right?" Koyomi: "Of course I wouldn't ask her before asking you. Or rather, I don't know what to tell her..." Koyomi: "Even if it's just not being able to see myself in the mirror, I have no guarantee this will last forever." Slate: "EVEN IF I DON'T LET SHINOBU SUCK MY BLOOD" Hitagi: "You don't think a specialist's analysis is reliable? Then why don't you make use of a second opinion?" Koyomi: "No, what isn't reliable is how I live my life." Slate: "WORLD HISTORY REVISED JAPANESE" Koyomi: "My everyday life, the life I can live doing what I've always done..." Hitagi: "The life you can live doing what you've always done, huh..." Hitagi: "You know, Araragi-kun. Kaiki..." Hitagi: "Kaiki was a guy that said stuff like that to show off. A peaceful every day life, or how relationships will continue forever... Those were things he never thought about. I guess you could say he hated his life to show signs of living." Hitagi: "Well, I did make the mistake of thinking such a stance was fashionable... But, if such a thing was really fashionable, then I think you're fine being unfashionable, Araragi. Wouldn't Hanekawa-san say the same thing now? That girl doesn't say "you should be proper" as much as before, right?" Koyomi: "Come to think of it... I wonder what Hanekawa is doing today?" Hitagi: "Who knows?" Hitagi: "She's probably still looking for Oshino-san." Hitagi: "It seems like there are a few circumstances that only she is aware of." Koyomi: "Look for Oshino... Tadatsuru was saying that too. Maybe that end is something I also need to properly..." Koyomi: "...talk to Hanekawa about." Koyomi: "So I was thinking about seeing her and talking to her on the way home today." Hitagi: "I see. Then, I have one request for you, Araragi-kun." Hitagi: "Please do that tomorrow." Koyomi: "Hey, Karen-chan, Tsukihi-chan!" Koyomi: "What are you doing?" Yotsugi: "I was sitting inside the UFO catcher, and your little sisters got me." Slate: "COMPARED TO YOU, DEVILISH BIG BROTHER, TSUKIHI-SAN HAS QUITE A BIT MORE SKILL. SHE GOT ME WITH JUST THREE COINS." Koyomi: "No, that's not it..." Yotsugi: "The objective of this incident was to put a fissure in our relationship. Gaen-san and Big Sister concluded that if that's the case, we need to go against that... Until this town stabilizes, they told me to be at your side." Yotsugi: "Rather, get even closer, and more intimate." Yotsugi: "So I'll be under your care for a while." Koyomi: "Wait... Hold on, damn you! You've got to be kidding!" Tsukihi: "What are you doing, Big Brother? Stop talking to the doll that I won with my skill and my money." Karen: "That's right, Big Brother. Sheesh, you're really a kid that can't ever grow up to be an adult." Tsukihi: "Yeah, really!" Shinobu: "Serves you right." Koyomi: "And so, what is this? It seems like the rowdy days will seem to continue for just a bit longer."

Shu: "Shiki." Shiki: "Ah, Shu." Shiki: "Good morning." Shu: "Good morning." Sora: "Morning." Koki: "Good morning." Sora: "You guys are here, too?" Koki: "What's today's meeting about?" Haiduki: "Everyone head to meeting room A. They're waiting for you." All: ""They"?" Hajime: "They're here." Shun: "We've been waiting for you." Tsukishiro: "Everyone's here now." Kurotsuki: "Take your seats, everyone." Tsukishiro: "Good morning, everyone." Tsukishiro: "We called this meeting today because we have something to tell you. The customary annual TSUKIPRO Concert will be held over two days this year." Koki: "Two days?" Sora: "We'll be performing for two days?" Hajime: "Probably." Shun: "They didn't say three days." Sora: "R-Right..." Tsukishiro: "This time, we plan to split the performers between the first and second days. On the first day, Six Gravity, Procellarum, Fluna, and Seleas will perform." Tsukishiro: "Then SolidS, QUELL, SOARA, and Growth will perform on the second day." Tsukishiro: "The concert will be held at the Budokan." Sora: "Uh, I'll do my very best!" Hajime: "The explanation isn't over yet." Shun: "We can tell you're excited, though." Shun: "Do your best." Tsukishiro: "Since this will be the first year with SOARA and Growth, we'll be filming a documentary leading up to the concert. You can tell us just how excited you are then." Sora: "Okay. Sorry." Tsukishiro: "Haiduki, could you help explain what the second day will look like?" Haiduki: "Sure." Haiduki: "As we explained earlier, the second day will be a joint concert between the four groups." Haiduki: "You boys are set to become our poster units. You've been working hard to catch up to Six Gravity and Procellarum." Haiduki: "At the Budokan, we're hoping you'll show that drive." Hajime: "Haiduki-san, excuse us." Shun: "Could we say something?" Hajime: "Many people who pursue music dream of performing at the Budokan someday. But only a few of them ever get the chance." Shun: "We accept that burden and will do what we can to put on the best performance possible for our fans." Haiduki: "This is just a rough schedule," Haiduki: "but we'd like you to submit your set lists by early November. We're asking the second day performers SolidS, QUELL, SOARA, and Growth to each prepare four new songs to perform." Koki: "New songs?" Sora: "Four of them?" Shun: "I'm looking forward to seeing whose songs will generate the most excitement." Hajime: "Indeed. Let's see how it goes." Shu: "We're going to have a busy end of the year." Koki: "But we have to do it." Sora: "L-Let's do it. We can do this! We'll do it! Yeah!" Haiduki: "What's wrong, Shi-kun?" Shiki: "Don't call me that." Shiki: "Last year was SolidS' first appearance at the TSUKIPRO Concert. We had our hands full just managing ourselves then." Shiki: "But this year, we'll be leading the others." Haiduki: "Yup." Shiki: "On top of that, we'll have four new songs toperform." Haiduki: "Exciting, isn't it? You'll be performing new songs in front of ten thousand people." Shiki: "You should put yourself in my shoes." Haiduki: "I am. I'll get you as much time as I can to work on your songs." Shiki: "We're counting on you to handle our schedule, manager." Haiduki: "You don't have anything scheduled after this. What do you want to do?" Haiduki: "Head straight back to the dorms?" Shiki: "No." Tsubasa: "I need to choose a topic for my master's thesis soon." end A: "Yeah. Anyway, I'm impressed you can handle grad school and work as a performer at the same time." Tsubasa: "I've got that under control." end B: "Damn it. You're lucky you don't have to look for a job." Tsubasa: "Good luck, children." end A: "I'm jealous. Your family's wealthy, you're handsome, and your music career's going well. Right?" Tsubasa: "Yeah." Tsubasa: "Shiki?" Tsubasa: "You took forever, Dai-chan. How long were you gonna make us wait?" Dai: "You're the one who suddenly showed up. Sorry for making you wait." Shiki: "It's fine." Tsubasa: "Hey, how can you treat us so differently?" Tsubasa: "Dai-chan, you're so cold to me." Dai: "You take advantage when I go easy on you." Tsubasa: "What are you talking about?" Dai: "Did something happen?" Shiki: "Sort of." Cameraman: "Look at the camera now, please." Rikka: "Thank you." Editor: "We got some really good shots. Your posing is fantastic, too." Rikka: "Thank you." Editor: "I saw you cooking on TV the other day." Editor: "I was surprised by how deft you were." Rikka: "I got into cooking when I worked as a model." Editor: "Rikka-san, you can do everything, can't you?" Rikka: "Not really..." Tsubasa: "Rikka!" Rikka: "Huh?" Tsubasa: "This one's great. You look like a beautiful young man." Shiki: "You shouldn't have brought those with you." Tsubasa: "They gave me permission. The article's about men who are more beautiful than women, right? That's perfect for you, Rikka." Rikka: "Thanks. I don't actually stand a chance against women, though." Rikka: "Anyway, I thought you guys had the afternoon off." Rikka: "Did something happen?" Tsubasa: "Apparently." Rikka: "Apparently?" Tsubasa: "Shiki won't tell us." Shiki: "I'll tell you when we get there." Rikka: "What on earth is it?" Tsubasa: "Shiki, did you..." Dai: "A tabloid article?" Shiki: "No." Rikka: "Then..." Tsubasa: "You're running for office." Dai: "I bet you'd be great at making speeches." Tsubasa: ""We need more votes."" Shiki: "That's what you would be saying." Shiki: "Where are your heads at?" Shiki: "It's not just about me. It affects the whole group." Rikka: "What?" Dai: "The whole group?" Tsubasa: "What? Don't tell me we're breaking up." Haiduki: "No, no." Haiduki: "You should be looking forward to hearing about it." Tsubasa: "The cherry blossoms are in full bloom." Tsubasa: "But I guess we're not here to see the flowers." Shiki: "No, we're here to see this." Tsubasa: "What? We're seriously here to look at flowers?" Shiki: "No." Shiki: "The Budokan." Shiki: "At the end of the year, we'll be standing on that stage." Shiki: "This year it's a two-day event. On the second day, we'll be standing on the Budokan stage with QUELL, Growth, and SOARA." Shiki: "SolidS debuted before the other three groups." Shiki: "Accordingly, we have a longer history and larger reputation. We're expected to be better than the others. We're expected to lead the other groups and put on a highly-polished performance." Shiki: "We can do it, can't we?" Tsubasa: "Of course." Rikka: "We have to." Dai: "We'll do it." Announcer: "Next up is entertainment news. It's been announced that the end-of-year concert featuring Tsukino Productions' groups will be held again this year. The first day will feature Six Gravity, Procellarum, Fluna, and Seleas. The second day will feature SOARA, the bright, energetic pop group of young men; Growth, the fantastic and enchanting group of aristocratic men;" Announcer: "and QUELL, the group popular for its inspiring and emotional music. And finally, making their second appearance is the group that inspires audiences with both its cold and hot passion:" Announcer: "SolidS." Announcer: "The Budokan will be a lively place at the end of the year." Haiduki: "Let's go over your backgrounds again. Shiki, on you." Haiduki: "Shiki?" Haiduki: "We're reviewing your characters for the commercial." Shiki: "Oh, sorry. I'm a straight-laced salaryman from the countryside who's swamped with work every day. Dai is my serious and rigid junior, the stubborn newbie." Shiki: "Rikka is the manager of a café I visit. He seems to have an interesting past. Tsubasa is the confident son of a wealthy family that gave him everything but love. He's actually lonely and starved for affection." Tsubasa: "Gave him everything, huh?" Rikka: "Tsubasa, does your character bother you?" Tsubasa: "Huh? Oh, no. I'm just thinking about how to approach it." Tsubasa: "I don't want to simply be unlikable, you know?" Dai: "Today we'll be filming your character drinking after being dumped by someone you were really into. To sober up..." Rikka: "You've come to my café, right?" Tsubasa: "Have you memorized your lines, darling?" Shiki: "You can count on me, honey." Shiki: "Maybe your overconfidence was the reason." Dai: "Sir, you're twisting the knife." Tsubasa: "Let's talk all night, boys." Rikka: "Unfortunately, we're closing soon." Tsubasa: "You're so cold." Rikka: "Don't worry." Rikka: "What you need is this." Cm Staff: "Okay, good." Tsubasa: "How's everyone doing?" Tsubasa: "It's time for SolidS Radio, a.k.a. Soli-Radio." Tsubasa: "Once again, I'm your main personality and host, Tsubasa Okui. And..." Dai: "I'm Dai Murase. Thanks for listening." Rikka: "I'm Rikka Sera. The four of us are SolidS." Rikka: "The other day the four of us went for a shoot, right?" Tsubasa: "That's right. We should be announcing soon what we were filming, so keep your ears open. So, Shiki..." Tsubasa: "Shiki?" Shiki: "I'm SolidS' leader, Shiki Takamura." Rikka: "We have challenges lined up for the rest of the year, right?" Shiki: "You're right." Shiki: "It's been three years since SolidS was formed. In order to reach greater heights, we need to take on challenges besides music. As members of SolidS, we must maximize our potential wherever we can. By bringing back what we learned, I hope we can show our fans a new and improved SolidS." Rikka: "Tsubasa, why don't we start by playing a song?" Tsubasa: "Oh, right. I was surprised by our leader's unusually serious attitude. Why don't we listen to this, then? "CRAZY BABY SHOW."" Rikka: "Thanks for waiting." Tsubasa: "This looks great." Dai: "Did Shiki seem weird to you today?" Rikka: "Yeah. His mind was somewhere else." Dai: "Did something happen?" Tsubasa: "Maybe he had a lot on his mind." Dai: "Huh?" Tsubasa: "Our characters from the commercial we shot the other day were written for us, right? Playing a character so close to myself made me take a hard look at who I am." Rikka: "You seemed a little down when we heard about the job, too." Tsubasa: "My character was coddled and given everything but love." Tsubasa: "It made me wonder if that's how other people see me. But what we choose to show other people is more important than worrying about how they see us." Rikka: "You're right. During a photo shoot the other day, I was told I could do everything. Since that can also mean I'm a jack of all trades and master of none, I felt a little conflicted." Rikka: "But I should think of that as what makes me unique, right?" Dai: "I don't like being incapable." Dai: "But recently I've turned things around. I think everything's worth trying." Tsubasa: "Dai-chan, that's so cool." Dai: "Shut up." Rikka: "We have to catch up to how large the name SolidS has grown, huh?" Dai: "We have to fight as hard as we can." Tsubasa: "Maybe Shiki's struggling with something, too." Dai: "If Shiki's struggling with anything, then it must be..." Rikka: "Music?" Tsubasa: "Come to think of it, we have to write four songs for the concert. I don't think I've heard any drafts yet." Tsubasa: "Do you think... he hasn't written anything yet?" Sora: "Huh? What's wrong, Tsubasa-san?" Tsubasa: "I had a question for you." Sora: "A question?" Tsubasa: "How many of your TSUKIPRO concert songs have you finished?" Sora: "We finished two, so we have two more to write." Tsubasa: "Seriously?" Sora: "There's less than three months to go." Tsubasa: "Right. What about QUELL and Growth? Do you know how they're doing?" Sora: "They've both finished two songs." Tsubasa: "Of course." Tsubasa: "Everyone's finished writing half of theirs." Dai: "Is Shiki okay?" Rikka: "Since we're talking about Shiki, ultimately he'll come up with something amazing, but..." Tsubasa: "Probably," Tsubasa: "but at this rate, we won't be leading the other units. We'll be holding them back." Dai: "I'd rather finish with time to spare." Tsubasa: "Okay. Rikka, go ask Shiki how he's doing. You know, like, "You working on anything?"" Rikka: "I'm not his mom." Tsubasa: "Hey, that could work." Tsubasa: "Oh, uh..." Rikka: "Tsubasa's worried about you. He thinks you might have writer's block." Tsubasa: "Hey, don't..." Shiki: "I've finished one song. I just can't think of the right title." Tsubasa: "Really?" Rikka: "We might be able to help you with the title." Dai: "What kind of song is it?" Shiki: "Remember how we went to the Budokan together the day the TSUKIPRO Concert was announced? It's a song about the beauty, strength, and resolve of the cherry blossoms we looked up at that night." Shiki: "It's irrelevant that they're destined to fall. They'll keep on blooming forever. That's what it's about. Like those cherry blossoms," Shiki: "we should strive to bloom ourselves. To dream of how we'll bloom," Shiki: "and proudly show them ourselves in full bloom." Shiki: "That's... who we are."

Sora: "Wow, it's so shiny." zomu: "It's so pretty." Morihito: "Seeing all the lights makes you feel like Christmas is coming soon." Ren: "It's almost December." Soshi: "It's not much longer until the TSUKIPRO concert." zomu: "Sora, did you finish the songs we're singing at the concert?" Sora: "Yikes!" Sora: "I'm still working on the lyrics. Things aren't looking so good." Morihito: "I think your idea of including a very SOARA message in the final song is a great idea." Morihito: "Good luck." Sora: "Mori!" Soshi: "Keep at it." Sora: "Soshi, thanks! Anyway, I know I'm the one who mentioned it, but I still haven't decided what it means to be very SOARA." Ren: "Good luck. We're looking forward to it, Sora-senpai." zomu: "Yeah. I'm excited, too." Sora: "Thanks, you two!" Announce: "Singer Oda Kazuya, who released a top album for the first time in ten years, held a concert today at the Osaka Dome." Announce: "Driving 40,000 fans into a frenzy, the concert was a lively event." zomu: "Whoa, it's my brother!" All: "What?" Morihito: "You mean your brother Izuru-san?" Sora: "Where is he?" zomu: "Playing the bass in the back." Sora: "Him?" zomu: "Yeah." Soshi: "He's as cool as ever, unlike Nozomu." Ren: "I agree." zomu: "Hey!" Sora: "He's a truly charismatic bassist." zomu: "Ahem. I'm proud of my brother and hope to be like him someday." Soshi: "As it stands, he's nothing like you." zomu: "What? Sure he is. Our auras are the same." Ren: "I can't see auras." zomu: "I'm Nozomu Nanase-kun, and I plan to become a charismatic bassist. Thanks for your support, everyone." Sora: "Who are you talking to?" zomu: "Yeah!" Sora: "We're back." Sora: "Good work today, everyone." All: "Good work." Soshi: "Good work. Apparently, there's ice cream in the freezer." zomu: "Seriously?" Morihito: "The documentary staff gave us some." Sora: "All right! I want to have ice cream while sitting at the kotatsu!" zomu: "Me, too!" Morihito: "After you wash your hands." Both: "Roger that." Both: "Thanks for the food." Sora: "Delicious. Nothing beats ice cream after a hard day's work." zomu: "Add a kotatsu to that, and it's even more divine." Ren: "I'm so glad to have ice cream with red beans." Soshi: "You sure do like red beans, Ren." Ren: "Yeah." Ren: "Thanks for the food." Soshi: "I prefer this." Morihito: "This seaweed tea you made is really good." Soshi: "Isn't it?" zomu: "Come to think of it, my brother likes ice cream with red beans, too." Ren: "Just like you." zomu: "Yeah. He used to buy it all the time so we could eat it together." Izuru: "Nozomu, I'm home." zomu: "Izu-nii, welcome back." Izuru: "Were you a good boy?" zomu: "Yeah, the whole time." Izuru: "Then this is for you." zomu: "Sometimes I wanted other flavors, though." Ren: "What?" Sora: "You didn't tell your brother?" zomu: "I didn't feel like I could make such selfish demands." Sora: "Your brother was a father figure to you, too." zomu: "Yeah, since my dad got sick and died. He and my mom raised me. And he's a charismatic bassist. I respect him so much." Sora: "His charismatic bassist aura was certainly nothing to scoff at." zomu: "Right?" Morihito: "Have you seen your brother lately?" zomu: "No, I haven't seen him. He's really busy. But we've been keeping in touch, so it's okay." Morihito: "I see." Ren: "Don't you miss him?" zomu: "A little. But since we're communicating, it's okay. Besides, I have this." All: "This?" zomu: "Ta-dah! It's my special good luck charm." Sora: "A pick?" zomu: "Yeah. My brother gave it to me when he debuted." Izuru: "Nozomu, I'll be waiting." zomu: "So I had it made into a keychain and keep it on me all the time." Ren: "I had no idea." zomu: "Really? I swear on this lucky charm that I'll work even harder, so I can perform with my brother someday!" Sora: "Good luck." Soshi: "Future charismatic bassist." zomu: "Keep talking." All: "Good luck, Nozomu." zomu: "Yeah! Thanks!" Sora: "SOARA's practices are heating up." Morihito: "Is everyone ready?" Soshi: "Yeah." Ren: "Yes." zomu: "I'm good." Sora: "Ready." Sora: "Let's start practicing." Sora: "Nozomu's amazing today." Sora: "He's full of spirit." Ren: "I think so, too." Soshi: "Maybe it's because he reminded himself of his goals yesterday." Morihito: "Yeah. Nozomu has always dreamed of performing with his brother." Sora: "Dreamed, huh?" Morihito: "Sora?" Sora: "You're right." Ren: "Here." zomu: "Thanks." Ren: "What's your brother like, Nozomu?" zomu: "Huh?" Ren: "I don't have siblings, so I'm kind of jealous." zomu: "My brother seems cool and like the opposite of me." zomu: "But the soul inside him burns with passion." zomu: "We're alike in that way." Ren: "Really?" Sora: "Nozomu certainly does burn with passion." Soshi: "He even includes the sun in his signature." zomu: "Yeah! I'm the shining, charismatic sunshine Nozomu!" zomu: "Whoa!" Ren: "Are you okay?" zomu: "Sorry." Morihito: "Once you finish cleaning that up, let's run through the music one more time." Morihito: "We have a release event at a CD store after that, Nozomu." zomu: "You can count on me." All: "Thank you!" All: "Thanks, everyone!" : "Nozomu-kun, over here!" zomu: "Okay." zomu: "Mori-senpai, what did you want to talk about?" Ren: "What?" Ren: "Just me and Nozomu?" zomu: "What's going on, Ren?" Ren: "The two of us will be performing on live TV." zomu: "Seriously?" Morihito: "I just heard from our manager." Morihito: "They want you to promote the live broadcast of the end-of-year concert." zomu: "Wow. All the members of SOARA have been invited before, but..." Ren: "This is the first time it's just the two of us." zomu: "I worked really hard today. It didn't take long to achieve results." Morihito: "It means you worked that hard." zomu: "I see. All right. I'll keep on working hard. Right, Ren?" Ren: "Uh, yeah. But I'm nervous about the live broadcast." zomu: "We'll be fine. Experience is everything. Let's do our best." Ren: "Okay..." zomu: "Are you okay, Ren?" Ren: "I-I'll do my best." zomu: "I'll be there with you. Good." Ren: "G-Good." zomu: "I'll let you borrow my lucky charm." zomu: "Huh? It's not here." Ren: "Huh? What's wrong?" zomu: "I always keep my brother's lucky charm in here. But it's not here. Why?" Ren: "C-Calm down, Nozomu. Retrace your steps." zomu: "Okay. I woke up this morning, stopped my alarm, went back to sleep..." Ren: "You went back to sleep? We should hurry. We don't have much time." zomu: "I got up, brushed my teeth, washed my face, fixed my hair, and..." Staff: "Ren-kun, Nozomu-kun. Get ready, please." zomu: "Huh?" Ren: "Okay. Nozomu, are you okay?" zomu: "Uh, yeah." Mc: "Today's guests are SOARA's Ren Munakata-kun and Nozomu Nanase-kun." Ren: "Th-Thanks for having us." zomu: "Thank you." Mc: "Let's start with "Tell Us! Your Favorite Shops in Your Neighborhood!!"" Mc: "Apparently this place has good minced meat cutlets. Looks like it." Mc: "Well, Nozomu-kun?" zomu: "Huh? Oh, right. Those look good." Mc: "Well, you couldn't look at that and say it looks bad." zomu: "Yeah." Ren: "Uh, um, uh..." Mc: "Ren-kun, do you like minced meat cutlets?" Ren: "Huh? Uh, yeah." Mc: "Do you have them often?" Ren: "Not often, but..." Mc: "Then maybe you don't like them." Ren: "I-I wouldn't say—" Mc: "You don't, do you? Just keep your mouth shut." Mc: "How about you, Nozomu-kun? What do you like?" zomu: "Uh, anything that isn't bitter." zomu: "Bro?" Mc: "Then you must like minced meat cutlets. Those aren't bitter." zomu: "Yeah..." Mc: "What? Are they?" Ren: "No, I don't think so." Ren: "Right, Nozomu?" zomu: "Huh? Uh, yeah. What did you say?" Mc: "If you keep spacing out, the show will end." Staff: "Okay, time for a commercial." zomu: "Yikes..." Staff: "Good work." Both: "Thank you." Both: "Thank you." Mc: "You two are on the show next week, right?" Both: "Yes, sir." Mc: "TV is a good chance to get some exposure. You should work harder to promote yourselves." Ren: "Yes, sir." zomu: "Sorry. Thank you." Mc: "Seriously, we're counting on you." Both: "We'll do our best." zomu: "Sorry, Ren. I wasn't okay at all." Ren: "No, I'm sorry. I knew you were worried about your missing good luck charm. I failed to support you." zomu: "No, it's not that. It's not because of the lucky... Uh, well..." zomu: "Maybe it was." Ren: "Yeah..." zomu: "This is no good. I feel bad for what I've done." zomu: "Maybe I've been relying on my lucky charm too much." zomu: "Even if I don't have it, I still need to do a good job." Ren: "Nozomu..." zomu: "Okay, Ren. Let's see what we can do together." Ren: "Yeah." Ren: "You're right. Yeah." Soshi: "Huh." Soshi: "So you're preparing for next week's episode?" zomu: "Yeah." Ren: "We need to make up for today's mistakes." zomu: "I never prepared for my school lessons, but even I'm studying for this." Sora: "Good boy." zomu: "Right?" Morihito: "If that's what you're doing, why not actually go there?" Both: "Huh?" Morihito: "Didn't you say experience is everything, Nozomu?" zomu: "Yeah." Morihito: "They say seeing is believing." Soshi: "Time to put it into practice." Sora: "Hey, great idea. Let's all go tomorrow." Ren: "But aren't you busy preparing for the concert?" zomu: "Oh, right." Soshi: "Well, Sora might be trying to escape from reality. Hurry up and write." Sora: "But the more you experience, the more ideas you come up with!" Soshi: "Oh, yeah?" Sora: "Yeah! I'm sure of it! It's definitely true!" Morihito: "You're right." Morihito: "It's important to take breaks. Why don't we go?" Soshi: "You're hopeless. Fine, then." Sora: "All right! Then we're going out together! Let's do it!" Morihito: "There's a croquette shop up ahead that's supposed to be good." Sora: "Where?" Ren: "Is that it?" zomu: "Looks like it. Huh?" Ren: "Nozomu, your pocket's already full." zomu: "Then I'll put it in this one." zomu: "Yeah, croquettes!" Sora: "Those look good." zomu: "It smells delicious." Ren: "What's this?" Ren: "It's called a ChriCro." zomu: "What's in it?" Soshi: "Maybe it's a chestnut croquette." Sora: "But the photo has Christmas colors." Morihito: "Should we try it?" All: "Yeah!" All: "Thanks for the food." Ren: "It's so hot." zomu: "It's so good." Sora: "It's so warm." Soshi: "This isn't chestnut." Morihito: "You're right. The red is tomato, and the green is basil. The rest is a potato croquette." zomu: "Impressive, Mori-senpai. It was so good, I forgot to check what the flavors were." Ren: "Tomato and basil, huh?" Morihito: "How is it?" Ren: "You're right. The way the flavors blend inside your mouth is delicious." zomu: "Yeah. I can't stop eating." Soshi: "Well, Sora? Getting any ideas?" Sora: "Yeah. The ideas are overflowing. Having a warm stomach makes you feel so happy." Morihito: "I'm looking forward to hearing the lyrics." Sora: "You can count on me. You won't want to miss these." Soshi: "Good grief." zomu: "Thanks for the food." Ren: "No, Nozomu. That goes in the trash." zomu: "Oh, right." Morihito: "Have you two figured anything out?" Ren: "Yes. Thank you. We'll be calm and collected next time we're on air." zomu: "Thank you." Soshi: "Don't thank us yet. You can thank us once you finish the show." Sora: "Yeah." Morihito: "Yeah." Both: "Okay!" Mc: ""Tell us! Your Favorite Shops in Your Neighborhood!!" Today, we're looking at a croquette shop in Azabu Juban." Ren: "That's right." Mc: "You went all the way there? So, how was it?" zomu: "Really good. Their seasonal ChriCro croquettes were particularly good." Mc: "ChriCro? Do they have a chestnut filling?" zomu: "Wrong." Mc: "A cream filling?" Ren: "It's a croquette with Christmas colors inside." Mc: "That's confusing!" zomu: "Isn't it?" Ren: "But the tomato, basil, and potato flavors blend inside your mouth to create an exquisite taste." Mc: "Exquisite? What kind of flavor is that?" zomu: "A very Christmas flavor." Ren: "Yeah. It was miraculous." Mc: "You're exaggerating." Mc: "Miraculous, huh? I'm not sure what that means, but I'd like to try one." zomu: "Don't you?" Soshi: "They seem okay." Morihito: "Yeah." Mc: "Ren-kun and Nozomu-kun, today's your last day on the show. You have an announcement, right?" Both: "Yeah." Ren: "Tickets are on sale now for the live TSUKIPRO concert." zomu: "We hope to see you there." Staff: "Time for a commercial." Both: "Thank you. Thank you." Mc: "You boys worked hard today. That was fun." Both: "Thank you." Both: "Yeah!" Ren: "Thanks, Nozomu. I'm glad we were able to recover." zomu: "Yeah. Thanks, Ren." Izuru: "Nozomu!" zomu: "Bro!" Izuru: "You seem well." zomu: "Yeah, I'm doing awesome." zomu: "This is Ren. He's in SOARA with me." Ren: "Nice to meet you. Nozomu-kun has been great to work with." Izuru: "Thanks for working with Nozomu." Ren: "It's fine." zomu: "Are you working too, Bro?" Izuru: "Yeah. Oda-san's singing after this as a special guest. I've been watching you since last week." zomu: "So you knew. You could've said something." Izuru: "Looks like you're working hard." zomu: "Yeah. I'm working hard so I can catch up to you. Oh, but..." Izuru: "What's wrong?" zomu: "Sorry. I lost the pick you gave me." Ren: "Oh, about that. Maybe it's in there." zomu: "Huh?" zomu: "Hey!" zomu: "It's here! But why?" Ren: "I knew it. Nozomu, you put everything in your pockets, so I thought it might be in there." zomu: "I see." Ren: "We should've checked there first." zomu: "Ren, thank you!" Izuru: "You haven't changed, Nozomu." Izuru: "But I'm glad you have friends looking out for you. I'm relieved." Izuru: "I hope you'll keep looking after Nozomu." Ren: "I-I will." Staff: "Izuru-san, please get ready." Izuru: "Okay." Izuru: "See you later, Nozomu." zomu: "Yeah." zomu: "Good luck, Bro." Izuru: "You, too." Izuru: "I'll be waiting." zomu: "So the pick's still my lucky charm," zomu: "but I'll try not to rely on it too much. And someday, I'll stand onstage with my brother." Ren: "Let's do it, Nozomu." zomu: "Yeah." Sora: "By having lots of experiences and trying again when you make mistakes, as long as you don't give up, you'll get closer to achieving your dreams, little by little." zomu: "Sora..." Morihito: "As long as you hold on to your dreams and head towards the future, someday you'll achieve them." Soshi: "Yeah. Someday." Both: "Yeah." Sora: "I've made my decision. The final song we'll sing at the Budokan"

Tsubasa: "Wow, so all four members of QUELL helped write your song." Tsubasa: "That's amazing." Eichi: "Yeah, but naturally, Shu came up with the bassline." Shu: "But Issei, Ichiru, and Eichi's essences are included the completed song." Ichiru: "It was our first time composing a song. It was fun, right?" Issei: "Yeah." Rikka: "QUELL gets along so well. And of course SolidS gets along, too." Dai: "Shiki writes all our songs, though." Tsubasa: "I know. He's so particular about what he wants." Shu: "Shiki's always had strong preferences. And he never lets them go." Shiki: "You're one to talk." All: "Thank you." Tsubasa: "Didn't Shiki and Shu seem weird at yesterday's recording?" Eichi: "Huh?" Eichi: "You thought so, too?" Dai: "Now that you mention it..." Eichi: "Things were awkward between them." Ichiru: "They've known each other for a long time, right?" Dai: "They worked in the same unit." Dai: "They've known each other for about ten years." Tsubasa: "They're stuck with each other." Issei: "Maybe something happened between them a long time ago." Tsubasa: "Maybe. Ultimately, Shiki left that unit. Do I smell... trouble?" Dai: "This isn't funny." Ichiru: "Maybe they haven't gotten over whatever happened." Tsubasa: "It's possible. Since the TSUKIPRO concert is coming up, I hope nothing comes of it." Eichi: "Yeah, but it happened a long time ago. Shu and Shiki-san are adults. I doubt there are any bad feelings left between them." Eichi: "Right, Shu?" Reporter: "Excuse me. I'm a reporter for the weekly magazine Moon." Eichi: "Huh?" Tsubasa: "Huh? What? Is there a scandal?" Reporter: "Oh, I'm not here for you. I have some questions about Shu Izumi-san and Shiki Takamura-san." Eichi: "What about them?" Reporter: "A little bird told me there's been bad blood between them since they were in their previous unit. The other day I heard from the agency that they can't work together." Ichiru: "You heard what?" Reporter: "How do you feel about their relationship?" Reporter: "Is it true that they can't work together?" Eichi: "It's nothing like that. Excuse us." Eichi: "Let's go, guys." All: "Okay..." Issei: "Is it true they can't work together?" Ichiru: "I dunno." Tsubasa: "That reporter seemed confident, though." Tsubasa: "Maybe they can work together in a group, but not as a pair." Dai: "This still isn't funny." Eichi: "Shu Izumi, Shiki Takamura, discord..." Eichi: "Looks like no one's really talking about it." Eichi: "Maybe it's just a rumor." Eichi: "Y-Yes?" Issei: "Eichi, tea's ready." Eichi: "I'll be right there." : "TSUKIPRO Concert: Two Days in Budokan!" : "Live viewing tickets are on sale now!" Echiru: "It's nearly time." Issei: "Yeah, it's getting close." Eichi: "I'm already nervous." Announcer: "Next week's guest on music talk and variety show Mu Talk is Solids' Shiki Takamura—" Chef: "Now add the salmon." Eichi: "Huh? Why did you change the channel?" Chef: "Add the shrimp, tofu," Shu: "No reason." Chef: "shirataki, prawns, Chinese cabbage," Issei: "Hey, salmon hot pot." Chef: "onions, shrimp, asparagus," Ichiru: "How nostalgic." Chef: "shiitake mushrooms, and shimeji mushrooms, Cover the pot, and let it simmer." Eichi: "A strange reporter came to see us today." Shu: "A reporter?" Eichi: "He said you and Shiki-san wouldn't work together." Eichi: "That's not true, is it?" Shu: "You should tell people like that to go through the agency." Eichi: "You're right. I'll do that next time." Shu: "Good." Eichi: "But the reporter said you two haven't gotten along since your previous unit." Eichi: "Can you believe it? What a joke, right?" Eichi: "Huh? Shu?" Shu: "Our previous unit, huh?" Shu: "I was thirteen when I first met Shiki." Employee: "This is Shu Izumi-kun, our newest member." Shu: "Nice to meet you. As the youngest in the group, I saw Shiki, who was three years older, as extremely mature. He was never good at fake smiles or spoke very much, but he was a straightforward person." Shu: "Maybe that's why we mysteriously got along from the moment we met." Shu: "Back then, we spent every day together." Shu: "But..." Shiki: "I want to work with a greater variety of music styles." Shiki: "It's not that I think this group's music is bad." Shiki: "It's just too restrictive for me right now." Shiki: "I'm quitting the unit." Shiki: "I want to work on music I believe in." Shu: "You don't have to quit to do that!" Shiki: "I'd be inconveniencing the rest of you with my preferences." Shiki: "But..." Shiki: "I can't compromise on this." Shiki: "Not on music." Shiki: "Shu, I'm sorry." Shiki: "Sorry." Shu: "Shiki..." Shu: "Shiki left me behind." Shu: "It's ancient history." Shu: "I have a shoot tomorrow morning. I'm going to bed." Ichiru: "Okay, good night." Issei: "Good night." Eichi: "See you tomorrow." Shu: "Yeah." Ichiru: "Maybe they really can't work together." Eichi: "What?" Ichiru: "Things are complicated. If you or Shu said you were quitting QUELL, I couldn't forgive you." Issei: "Yeah." Eichi: "I'm not quitting. Neither Shu nor I are quitting." Ichiru: "Of course you're not." Issei: "Yeah." Eichi: "But I can't believe Shu would be unable to work with Shiki over such a personal reason." Ichiru: "There are some things he can't tolerate." Issei: "Shu's human, too." Ichiru: "Yeah." Eichi: "You think so?" Issei: "We finally started to get closer with SolidS, too." Ichiru: "Yeah." Issei: "Will we lose the place where we belong again?" Ichiru: "Eichi..." Issei: "Eichi?" Eichi: "Don't worry. I'll handle it. I'll make Shu and Shiki-san make up." Eichi: "I asked all of you to come here for one reason." Eichi: ""Operation Friendship: Shu and Shiki-san" begins now." Rikka: "Operation Friendship?" Tsubasa: "What's that? I'm in." Dai: "Let's hear was he has to say first." Tsubasa: "Okay. Go ahead." Eichi: "Okay. Shu and Shiki-san once ended their friendship." Rikka: "Okay." Eichi: "But they've known each other longer than any of us. If they're honest with each other, I think they'd reach an understanding." Ichiru: "I see." Issei: "I see." Tsubasa: "You think it'll work?" Eichi: "Huh?" Tsubasa: "I just met with Sora earlier." Sora: "Are Shu-san and Shiki-san fighting? They seemed cold at the leaders' meeting." Tsubasa: "Cold?" Sora: "I'm talking Antarctic. Is the TSUKIPRO concert going to be okay?" Issei: "Antarctic?" Eichi: "Antarctic..." Rikka: "This may not be that simple." Dai: "Ten years of built up resentment has frozen into an iceberg." Tsubasa: "I know what you mean. The bit of the iceberg you see above the water is only a tiny piece. Beneath the surface, there's the giant iceberg itself." All: "Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho! Heave-ho!" Tsubasa: "In other words, it won't be easy to melt." Issei: "Will we lose our place to belong?" Ichiru: "Eichi..." Eichi: "I-It's okay. That's what Operation Friendship is for." Rikka: "What exactly are you going to do?" Eichi: "A hot pot party." Issei: "A hot pot party?" Eichi: "Yeah. QUELL and SolidS sharing warm hot pot will melt any ill feelings." All: "Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!" Tsubasa: "That could work. They say eating from the same hot pot brings people together." Dai: "It's just "pot."" Ichiru: "Great idea, Eichi." Issei: "Great idea." Eichi: "Shu and Shiki-san have tomorrow off, so I that's when I want to hold the hot pot party." All: "Yes, sir." Eichi: "But I'm not sure they'll come if we just invite them." Tsubasa: "That's a possibility." Eichi: "So I think we should keep it a secret from them and suddenly bring them to the party." Tsubasa: "So it's a surprise party." Rikka: "A surprise hot pot party sounds nice." Dai: "We'll handle Shiki." Eichi: "Thanks. We'll handle Shu. Icchi, Isse. I'll prepare the hot pot tomorrow. Could you take Shu someplace until the evening so he doesn't find out about the party?" Issei: "Got it." Ichiru: "You can count on us." Issei: "Shu, let's go out together." Shu: "Sure. Where are we going?" Ichiru: "Where?" Issei: "Where should we go?" Ichiru: "Shu, you must have someplace you want to go." Shu: "Actually, I was going to spend the day relaxing in my room." Issei: "No. You have to go somewhere." Shu: "Why?" Ichiru: "You just do. If you're around, the pa—" Eichi: "Shu, could you come with me?" Shu: "But Ichiru and Issei..." Eichi: "Oh, I'll handle that. Right?" Eichi: "It can't be helped now. You two handle the preparations." Issei: "Got it." Ichiru: "You can count on us." Shu: "Eichi, you don't usually invite me to go anywhere. Where are we going?" Eichi: "Huh? Uh... Oh." Eichi: "It's the Budokan." Shu: "Yeah." Shu: "What's gotten into you, Eichi?" Eichi: "I wanted to renew my resolve before the concert." Eichi: "I wanted to come here with you. I used to work behind the scenes as an AD, and soon I'll be performing onstage at the Budokan. I never imagined a future like that." Eichi: "I'm sure Icchi and Isse feel the same. Our lives have changed..." Eichi: "Since we met you." Eichi: "Shu, thanks for bringing us this far." Eichi: "I wanted to tell you that here." Shu: "Eichi..." Eichi: "I hope lots of people listen to the song we wrote together." Shu: "Yeah." Eichi: "I'm sure SolidS, SOARA and Growth feel the same way." Eichi: "So, Shu..." Shu: "Eichi, you're so nice." Eichi: "Huh?" Shu: "You're always so considerate of those around you." Shu: "You're the reason QUELL made it this far." Eichi: "What? Where did that come from? I'm totally preoccupied with myself." Shu: "I wish more people saw that side of you." Eichi: "Should we get going?" Shu: "Yeah." Shu: "The next time we come here will be for the concert." Shiki: "Surprise!" Eichi: "Huh?" All: "Happy birthday, Eichi!" All: "Congratulations! What a success!" Eichi: "Huh? What?" Shu: "Sorry, Eichi." Shiki: "Our good friend!" Tsubasa: "You've been pranked." Shiki: "Shu and I not being able to work together was a lie." Eichi: "What?" Tsubasa: "We're filming a "Before the TSUKIPRO Concert Special." Part of it involved a prank." Dai: "You were chosen as the target." Eichi: "Why me?" Rikka: "Because it was your birthday. And because we wanted people to see all the thankless work you do." Eichi: "Then the talk show we appeared on together?" Dai: "It was fake." Eichi: "And the icy atmosphere at the leaders' meeting?" Tsubasa: "Fake, of course." Sora: "Yeah!" Shu: "At first we didn't have any intention of deceiving you. But like Rikka said, we thought it'd be a good chance to show people your good side." Shiki: "I'm sure we got plenty of shots of your normally hidden good side." Reporter: "I got it all." Eichi: "What? You're that reporter!" Reporter: "Nice to meet you." Eichi: "So it was all planned." Eichi: "Icchi, Isse, you've gotten better at acting." Ichiru: "Eichi, you were too easy to fool." Eichi: "But the scenario seemed weirdly plausible." Eichi: "I thought something really did happen between Shu and Shiki-san. Shu seemed sad while he was reminiscing." Shu: "That part was true." Eichi: "Huh?" Shu: "Remembering that moment still makes my chest feel tight." Shiki: "I said I was sorry." Shiki: "Will I be saying that until the day I die?" Issei: "Probably even after you're dead." All: "Happy birthday, Eichi!" Eichi: "Thank you." Eichi: "How luxurious." Tsubasa: "We have salmon hot pot, kimchi hot pot, and your favorite, green curry hot pot." Ichiru: "Issei and I made the salmon hot pot." Issei: "The salmon's from Hokkaido." Eichi: "Really?" Dai: "Since you were gone, the kitchen was in chaos." Eichi: "What?" Tsubasa: "We needed Eichi to tell us what to do." Dai: "You were the cause of the chaos." Eichi: "Huh?" Rikka: "They secretly made this for you last night." Eichi: "Shu, Icchi, Isse..." Ichiru: "Eichi, make a wish." Eichi: "I hope the TSUKIPRO concert is a success." Issei: "You're not supposed to say it out loud." Eichi: "Huh? I take it back! Well, I don't take it back, but..." Shu: "Just blow out the candles." Eichi: "Okay." Shu: "Eichi..." Shu: "Remember how you thanked me at the Budokan earlier?" Eichi: "Yeah." Shu: "I should be thanking you. When my previous unit broke up, I wasn't sure what to do. I was able to start working again" Shu: "because of you, Ichiru, and Issei." Eichi: "Shu... I'm really glad" Eichi: "to be here with you guys."

Soshi: "Try calling again." Morihito: "It's no use. I keep getting his voice mail." Sora: "Seriously?" Ren: "This is my fault. When I wasn't looking..." Ren: "I'm sorry." Kensuke: "I guess we should get this out of the way. Where's Nozomu?" Soshi: "Well, he's..." Sora: "As the group's leader, allow me to explain. The strain of his day-to-day has turned Nozomu Nanase-kun from an idol into a beast— or something too cute to be called that, as you can see." Kensuke: "Seriously?" Mamoru: "Is it true that Nozomu-kun is missing?" Ren: "We left the dorm together, but he disappeared when I wasn't looking." Ren: "Then I learned the recording studio was suddenly changed to this one." Ryo: "So it's possible he went to the studio we were originally scheduled for." Morihito: "I'm really sorry. He tends get carried away." Koki: "It's all right, since it was a sudden change of plans." Ren: "I've e-mailed him. I'm really sorry for making you worry." Sora: "Let's believe Nozomu will be reborn as a human when he realizes being an idol is his destiny and keep moving forward!" Soshi: "Let's forget about Nozomu for now." Kensuke: "You switched gears quick." Soshi: "The 2017 TSUKIPRO Concert Winter Carnival is next week." Soshi: "So we're holding a pre-concert rally..." Kensuke: "Where we'll watch a documentary showcasing our everyday efforts at an early year-end party." Soshi: "The Iburaji Rally is being broadcast" Soshi: "live from Animate Ikebukuro." All: "And coming to you now!" : "April 2017. TSUKIPRO units SOARA and Growth receive an important announcement. They will perform new songs at the Budokan, the holy place all musical artists dream of performing at, alongside their senior units." : "We will follow the miracle of their path towards the stage they've always dreamed of." Sora: "Aw, man. I'm gonna start crying." zomu: "Seriously?" Sora: "Seriously." zomu: "All right!" Ren: "Y-Yeah." zomu: "Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!" Soshi: "We did it, Mori." Morihito: "Yeah, although it doesn't feel real yet." Koki: "The Budokan, huh?" Kensuke: "Yes." Mamoru: "I don't believe it." Ryota: "We'll finally be standing on a major stage." : "The units began preparing for the TSUKIPRO Concert." Tsubasa: "I had a question for you." Sora: "A question?" Tsubasa: "How many of your TSUKIPRO concert songs have you finished?" Sora: "We finished two, so we have two more to write." Sora: "I'd been making good progress on the songs until this point." Sora: "I had a really hard time writing our fourth song. The deadline was coming up, and I was having nightmares." Mamoru: "I know what you mean. About not having finished the song even though it's the day of the concert?" Sora: "That's the one." Morihito: "What's that?" Mamoru: "Pachirarira, pachirarira, pachira. Pachirarira, pachirarira, pachirarira, pachira. Pachirarira, pachirarira..." Mamoru: "Hey, wait! When did you film that?" Sora: "I understand why you'd want to worship a pachira." Morihito: "Sounds like you had a rough time." Ren: "Composing songs is hard work." Soshi: "Some guys trash their room when they're under pressure." Sora: "Huh?" Sora: "The staff acquired some shocking footage after this." Ren: "Wow, it's filthy." Sora: "Hey, that's mean. It's not filthy. As far as I'm concerned, everything's in its place." Sora: "I can't find things after they're moved around." Morihito: "That's a matter of opinion." Koki: "I like castles, too." Soshi: "Of course." Sora: "See? Look at this. It's Nozomu's room." Sora: "This is what you call filthy." Ryota: "Yikes." zomu: "Guys!" Ren: "Nozomu? Is that you, Nozomu?" zomu: "Sorry. I'm really sorry. Right now I'm at the Animate Annex." zomu: "I got the e-mail about the studio change and came to the wrong place." Ren: "What?" Sora: "Are you stupid?" Ren: "It's a live broadcast! Hurry up and get here!" Soshi: "Ren's mad." Sora: "Nozomu, return to us once you've realized you're an idol." Sora: "Otherwise we're replacing you with Arainu-kun!" zomu: "Yikes! Anything but that." Morihito: "He's already fitting in with SOARA." zomu: "Excuse me. What floor do you sell self-awareness as an idol on?" Soshi: "We're sending someone to get you. Stay there." Soshi: "Don't move." zomu: "Okay." Ren: "Will Nozomu get here before the program ends?" Kensuke: "It's about five minutes if you sprint." Koki: "I'm just glad he's all right." Soshi: "Let's forget about that idiot and cleanse our palates. Enjoy this behind-the-scenes footage from the drama Running Is Disgraceful, But It's Better Than Dying," Soshi: "starring QUELL's Shu-san. The final episode aired last night." : "Shu plays an elite trading company employee whose evil wife is trying to kill him. In the final episode," : "he's cornered on the rooftop helipad of a skyscraper apartment building." Director: "Cut!" Shu: "You surprised me." Ryota: "I was surprised to see the final episode's special guest star." Koki: "Apparently, Shu-san had no idea Shun-san would be in the episode." Mamoru: "Really?" Kensuke: "His surprised expression certainly looked real." Shu: "Yeah, it was real." Kensuke: "Oh, hello." Soshi: "We're on the line with QUELL's Shu-san." Kensuke: "Good work on your drama. You should've told us beforehand." Shu: "I enjoyed all the experiences I had filming the drama." Mamoru: "It's amazing that you can compose while shooting a major drama." Mamoru: "I appreciated all the advice you gave me, too." Sora: "What? Lucky. I want some advice, too." Shu: "Mamoru, can I ask you a question about composing?" Mamoru: "Who, me? Sure." Shu: "You've said that you taught yourself." Shu: "I've always wanted to ask how you approach composing a song." Mamoru: "Well, it depends." Sora: "He prays to a pachira." Koki: "Don't make fun of him." Mamoru: "For example, when I wrote a wedding song for my former coworker, I hadn't decided from the outset that I'd write something." Mamoru: "A series of coincidences inspired me to write the song." Mamoru: "Before I knew it, I was composing." Shu: "I see. Interesting." Soshi: "Since we're on the topic, we have a letter here from the wife you wrote the song for. "Dear GROWTH and Mamoru-san," "Thank you for the wonderful song you sang at our wedding." "I was a terrible cook before our marriage," "but now we work together" "to throw house parties where we serve our own food." "I hope you'll come visit someday." "I'll pray for your continued success."" Sora: "House parties? Lucky." Mamoru: "We have the fantastic chef Ko-kun in our group." Sora: "Hey, don't look so smug." Ryota: "GROWTH has house parties every day." Koki: "Cut me some slack." Sora: "No fair. You should invite me. I'll pick up something at the convenience store." Ren: "Speaking of convenience stores..." Soshi: "What is it?" Ren: "Tsubasa-san gave me a gift at some point." Ren: "A convenience store bag full of bread." Ren: "This is it." Sora: "I got fried chicken and oolong tea from Dai-chan, too. He said he got it on a drive." Soshi: "From where?" Sora: "Shiki-san said they headed to the beach to take a break from composing." Ryota: "I wonder where they went." Soshi: "Let's ask them directly." Soshi: "SolidS' Shiki-san?" Shiki: "Here." Shiki: "They probably bought that bread at a convenience store in Tochigi." Shiki: "I took a short nap, and when I woke up, we were in Tochigi." Morihito: "Tochigi doesn't have any beaches, does it?" Shiki: "No." Shiki: "The beach was far away." Sora: "But it did take your mind off things, right?" Shiki: "Yeah." Shiki: "Because of it, I was able to compose a good song." Kensuke: "Shiki-san, thanks for your help." Morihito: "We're having one guest after another." Ren: "What a surprise." zomu: "Guys!" Soshi: "Nozomu, where are you now?" zomu: "The observation deck at the Toshima ward office." Ren: "Why?" zomu: "To make up for being late, I thought I'd show you guys this view." zomu: "Isn't it pretty?" Soshi: "Okay, we get it. Now hurry up and get here." Morihito: "I'm sorry Nozomu's acting like this on such an important day." Both: "We're sorry." Kensuke: "It's time for a commercial." Soshi: "In the second half of the show, let's look back on the TSUKIPRO Sports Tournament." Sora: "Ta-dah! It's finally time for the Seventh TSUKIPRO Sports Tournament here at the MetLife Dome." Soshi: "I'm good at ball-based sports." Soshi: "I'll handle this." Mamoru: "A realistic life. Has anyone seen a realistic life?" zomu: "Uh, what's this called?" Morihito: ""GRAVITIC-LOVE."" Sora: "Mori, you figured it from just that?" Ren: "Way to go, Senpai." Morihito: "Nozomu, don't push the button unless you know." Tsukipro: "Thanks." Koki: "It was kind of embarrassing to have our lunches covered so closely." Tsukishiro: "Kakeru-kun. Rikka-kun." Tsukishiro: "Ren-kun." Both: "Ren-kun, you're so cute." Ren: "I can't do this. I'm too nervous." Sora: "Ren!" zomu: "You can do it!" Morihito: "It's okay!" Haiduki: "Finally, SOARA receives the Group Fighting Spirit Award." zomu: "The Fighting Spirit Award! Yeah!" Ren: "Thanks for your support, everyone." Sora: "We won the Fighting Spirit Award." Sora: "Thanks, everyone." All: "Thank you." Morihito: "Everyone went all out." Koki: "It was fun." Kensuke: "Come to think of it, we're all excitedly waiting for Nozomu to arrive. Where are you now?" Ren: "Where is he?" Ren: "He's eating something." Kensuke: "That looks like Bakudan Yaki." Kensuke: "He's close." Soshi: "While we wait for him to arrive, let's move on to the next topic." Soshi: "The youngest performers at the TSUKIPRO concert will be QUELL's Issei and Ichiru. The play they appeared in, Grimm the Stories, garnered a lot of attention." Man: "The first read-through will be next week." Issei: "I have a question." Ichiru: "Issei?" Issei: "There are a few things that feel wrong." moto: "Wrong?" Ichiru: "You can't. From now on, we'll live on our own." Issei: "On our own?" Ichiru: "Acting is hard." Issei: "Train?" Ichiru: "Yeah. We're the worst actors. We have to admit it." Ichiru: "But we have more time than the others." Issei: "You're right." Issei: "Mom, watch over us." Issei: "But we made it here with the support of others." Ichiru: "You're right." Ichiru: "This is where we belong." zomu: "It was super moving." Ren: "It inspired us to work harder." zomu: "Yeah. We can't fall behind." Ren: "It really was a great play." Soshi: "Yeah. SOARA doesn't get many acting jobs, but we work on a variety of projects." Morihito: "Yeah, like music programs and variety shows." Kensuke: "GROWTH's keeping up, too. We even do events." Koki: "January 13th, Capricorn." Makoto: "Former NEET." Koki: "A diamond." Makoto: "His sister's recommendation." Koki: "Makoto and Mitsuru." Makoto: "Seven hundred centimeters." Soshi: "Do you guys have any jobs you'd like to try eventually?" Kensuke: "Well, I'd like to play a mascot or be in a commercial." Koki: "Speaking of commercials, the cosmetics commercial Rikka-san and Dai-san were in is getting a lot of attention." Dai: "They're cosmetics, right? I understand choosing Rikka, but why me?" Dai: "I don't have miracles or magic. That's why I can only do my best." Haiduki: "Dai, are you ready?" Dai: "Yes." Rikka: "You don't need miracles or magic anymore." Dai: "Take off your glass slippers." Both: "Draw in your destiny." Kensuke: "I can't do this with Sora." Sora: "Why not? I wanna be in a commercial, too." Soshi: "Sora, you'd probably be suited to instant yakisoba." Sora: "Hey, great idea. How about you, Ko-kun?" Morihito: "Ko could probably do a cosmetics commercial." Ren: "Since he's good at cooking, kitchenware might be good, too." Ryota: "You'd probably be good for a job hunting site." Mamoru: "I did go from being a NEET to an entertainer." Kensuke: "We're waiting to hear your commercial and tie-in proposals." Kensuke: "Send all inquiries to the link below." Soshi: "First, let's focus on the jobs in front of us now." Ren: "Tickets are on sale now for the TSUKIPRO concert." zomu: "We hope to see you there." Mc: "You boys worked hard today. That was fun." Both: "Thank you." Ryota: "Being in the spotlight on Up and Down really broadens the scope of your work." Ryota: "You might even get pranked." Ren: "What? Really?" Morihito: "Eichi-san was the center of attention recently." Reporter: "Excuse me. I'm a reporter for the weekly magazine Moon." Eichi: "Huh? What?" Tsubasa: "Is there a scandal?" All: "Happy birthday!" Shiki: "Our good friend!" Tsukipro: "When the time comes, let's do our best." Ichiru: "Make a wish." Eichi: "I hope the TSUKIPRO Concert is a success." Kensuke: "And with that renewal of our resolve, the Iburaji Rally is nearing its end." Sora: "Nozomu didn't make it in time." Ryota: "He didn't make it to the studio, but Nozomu's presence was here." Morihito: "You're right." Soshi: "Looks like Nozomu-kun has finally arrived." zomu: "Guys!" Morihito: "Santa?" Sora: "Santa Nozomu is here!" Mamoru: "Nozomu-kun!" Koki: "Hurry!" Ryota: "When did he get changed?" Ren: "Nozomu, hurry!" Kensuke: "A lot happened this year. And this fruitful year is nearly over." Soshi: "Next week is the TSUKIPRO Concert. For those of you unable to come to the concert," Soshi: "there will be live theater viewings and TV broadcasts. We hope you'll be able to enjoy either one of those." Kensuke: "Make sure you bring your glow sticks." Kensuke: "You can wave them in front of your TV." zomu: "Whoa!" zomu: "Oof..." Koki: "Nozomu..." Ryota: "How pointlessly dramatic." zomu: "Thanks for waiting!" zomu: "I'm really sorry." Sora: "Let's end the show with a message from Nozomu." zomu: "Merry Christmas!"

Sora: "Hey, guys! Welcome to the TSUKIPRO Concert!" Sora: "We're here! We're at the Budokan!" Sora: "Sora Ohara has arrived!" zomu: "Budokan in SOARA! Is everyone excited?" Soshi: "Hey, Nozomu. That would mean the Budokan is inside SOARA." zomu: "Huh?" Ren: "Oh, Nozomu." Morihito: "Good evening, everyone!" All: "We are SOARA!" Morihito: "Thank you for coming to the TSUKIPRO Concert 2017 Winter Carnival." Morihito: "This is SOARA's first TSUKIPRO Concert. It's been about six months since it was announced that we'd be appearing at the concert, and we've been thinking about it this whole time." Soshi: "SOARA started on the stage of a middle school gym, and in just over two years, we're onstage at the Budokan." Soshi: "It's too good to be true." Soshi: "We're probably still lacking in a lot of ways." Soshi: "We know that better than anyone." Soshi: "But we'll keep working on it." Morihito: "Soshi, I thought you were going to say something serious for once." Soshi: "It doesn't sound right when we're too serious. Right, Sora?" Sora: "What are you asking me for?" Sora: "Not that you're wrong. The members of SOARA always have smiles on their faces." Ren: "Let's do what we can. Instead of mourning our incompetence or getting sad comparing ourselves to others, we plan to recognize our weaknesses, study, work hard, and enjoy making music." zomu: "Yeah. Fun comes first. SOARA's music is a call out to our fans and to ourselves!" zomu: "Anyway, I hope our music makes its way directly into your hearts!" Sora: "We hope it gives you energy!" Sora: "These songs were made with that message in mind. Check 'em out. Now let's get the music started!" Koki: "Good evening, everyone." Koki: "I'm Koki Eto of Growth." Kensuke: "We're at the Budokan! Kensuke Yaegashi has arrived!" Ryota: "Sora did that, too." Kensuke: "I copied him?" Ryota: "Good evening. I'm Ryota Sakuraba of Growth." Mamoru: "I'm Mamoru Fujimura." Koki: "Now that SOARA's music has gotten the entire stadium smiling, Growth is taking over the show." Kensuke: "Is everyone having fun?" Koki: "It's getting hot in here." Kensuke: "Yeah. I'm starting to get excited!" Ryota: "Really? Ken, you're not nervous today?" Kensuke: "Hey, don't tell them!" Mamoru: "Ken-kun was really nervous at this summer's concert." Kensuke: "Mamoru!" Mamoru: "Sorry, sorry." Koki: "Mamoru wrote these songs for us. Every line, every word is important. We want our fans to hear all of it. Of course, that pressure makes us nervous. Right, Ken?" Kensuke: "Ko..." Mamoru: "Ko-kun... All four members of Growth create—" Mamoru: "no, spin our music together." Mamoru: "I don't do it alone. Ko-kun, Ken-kun, Ryo-kun... Because you sing with me, my music reaches new worlds." Koki: "Growth's songs are journeys. They take you through worlds and visions you've never seen." Ryota: "But traveling with someone as bad at taking care of himself as Mamoru is hard work." Mamoru: "Sorry!" Ryota: "It's fun, though." Ryota: "Really fun." Mamoru: "Ryo-kun..." Kensuke: "Okay! Now that Ryo's showing some affection for once," Kensuke: "let's sing! It's time to embark on a journey with everyone in the stadium!" Koki: "Yeah. Check this out." Eichi: "Good evening, everyone!" Both: "Good evening!" Shu: "We are QUELL." Shu: "I'm the group's leader, Shu Izumi." Eichi: "I'm Eichi Horimiya, and honestly, I'm really nervous. Thanks for having me." Issei: "I'm Issei Kuga of QUELL. Thank you for having me." Ichiru: "I'm Ichiru Kuga! I'm with QUELL! Thanks for having me!" Shu: "We're proud of our twins." Ichiru: "Hey, stop that!" Eichi: "Shu loves them like a parent— or a leader—loves their children. Lately, Shu's been branching out into all sorts of new fields. I've experienced a lot of surprises." Shu: "You think so?" Shu: "I don't think I've been trying to act in any particular way." Ichiru: "Well, actually... We know you're just being yourself, but lately you've gotten more aggressive." Eichi: "Yeah." Shu: "Like how?" Ichiru: "Like during our recording sessions. When we were happily celebrating because you congratulated us on doing a good job," Ichiru: "you said, "We'll do even better next time," with a smile. You shouldn't push people around with your smile." Eichi: "I know what you mean. Shu's smile exerts immense pressure." Shu: "You guys aren't going easy on me." Issei: "Shu's right, though. Of the groups appearing at this year's TSUKIPRO Concert, we were the last to debut. We have the least experience." Issei: "I think it's only natural that we work harder to keep up." Both: "Y-You're right." Issei: "I want to work harder and get better." Issei: "We can't hold Shu back. In order to keep up with the pace Shu wants to set," Issei: "I—no, we have to work harder." Both: "Yeah!" Shu: "Thanks, Issei. Ichiru and Eichi, too." Shu: "I've been able to keep the pace I want. And whether our path takes us over mountains or through valleys, I'm having fun." Eichi: "Shu..." Eichi: "You're right. We're able to spend this time with all these people because we're part of QUELL. Thank you for your support!" Shu: "Now let's sing our songs of gratitude." All: "Yeah!" Shu: "Here's our QUELL medley." Tsubasa: "The concert is entering its second half! All you Ritzes out there! Let's raise our voices and have fun!" Rikka: "We've been itching to go on. Come on, Dai. Get ready to smile. Come on, smile." Dai: "You guys are overexcited. Well, I guess this is normal for you." Dai: "Then I'll be my usual self." Shiki: "Are you guys ready?" All: "Yeah!" Shiki: "Then let's show them what we've got." Shiki: "More intensity!" Tsubasa: "Show us that you want us!" Tsubasa: "That was fun!" Rikka: "Did you enjoy SolidS' medley?" Shiki: "Did you have fun, Dai?" Dai: "Yeah. That felt great." Shiki: "Good." Tsubasa: "How about you, leader?" Shiki: "Huh?" Tsubasa: "Being in prim mode all the time can't be fun. Did you get fired up?" Shiki: "Prim mode?" Shiki: "Do I look prim to you?" Rikka: "Not at all. Your eyes are glittering." Dai: "You really do love music to a fault." Shiki: "Hey, Dai..." Rikka: "You can reaffirm your love for each other later." Tsubasa: "Come on, everyone!" Soara: "Yahoo! Thank you!" Quell: "Thank you!" Growth: "Thank you! Thanks!" Sora: "Does everyone like music?" All: "Yeah!" Sora: "Me, too! I love music!" Koki: "You may be able to live without music," Koki: "but it's better to have it. It enriches your heart. It's like a loved one's smile." Shu: "Yeah." Shu: "For example..." Sora: "It's like a blue sky." Koki: "Like flowers blooming in a field." Shu: "Like cool, clear water." Shiki: "Like glittering, intense flames." Shu: "I hope our colorful music illuminates your everyday life." Shiki: "It's time for the last song. Give it everything you've got." All: "Yeah!" Shiki: "This song is for you."

Sora: "Oh, wow!" Sora: "We'll be performing at the Budokan?" Sora: "All right. Yes!" Sora: "Uh, I'll be doing my very best!" Sora: "I've always dreamed about the Budokan." Sora: "Aw, man. I'm gonna start crying." Morihito: "Excuse us." Morihito: "Sora?" Soshi: "What's wrong?" Sora: "What?" Ren: "We came because we heard there was an important meeting, but... Sora-senpai?" zomu: "Did something happen?" Sora: "Do you see this? Do you understand why I'm so excited?" Ren: "N-No..." zomu: "I don't understand." Soshi: "I don't get it." Morihito: "What's wrong?" Sora: "In that case..." Sora: "Now that you're all here, I'll make the announcement." Morihito: "Is that a camera?" Shoji: "Yeah." Ren: "It sure is." zomu: "Why? Is this a prank?" Sora: "In some ways, maybe it is. The truth is... Ta-dah! SOARA will be performing at the agency's" Sora: "Yeah! Applause, please." zomu: "Seriously?" Sora: "Seriously." zomu: "All right!" Ren: "Y-Yeah." zomu: "Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!" Morihito: "Yeah, although it doesn't feel real yet." Sora: "Right? It hasn't sunk in for me either, but it's for real. We're also going to be shooting a documentary until the day of the concert." Sora: "These are our cameramen." Sora: "Yeah!" zomu: "Yeah! Yeah, yeah, yeah! Yeah, yeah, yeah!" Morihito: "Uh, in that case..." Morihito: "Okay. Should we start by introducing ourselves?" Soshi: "Yeah." Ren: "Okay." zomu: "Okay." Sora: "Okay, guys." Sora: "I'm SOARA's lyricist, composer, and guitarist, Sora Ohara. I also sing the main vocals, and I guess I'm the group leader." Soshi: "You guess?" Sora: "Nice to meet you." Sora: "Mori, you're next." Morihito: "Hello, everyone. I'm Morihito Arihara." Morihito: "I play guitar with Sora. Nice to meet you." zomu: "Whoo! He's the real leader of SOARA." Sora: "Yeah, the real leader of— Hey, wait!" Soshi: "I'm Soshi Kagurazaka." Soshi: "Nice to meet you." Soshi: "I play drums for SOARA." Sora: "We're all the same age, and one year younger than us are..." Ren: "Oh, right." Ren: "I'm Ren Munakata, and I play keyboard for SOARA." Ren: "I'll do my best." Ren: "Nice to meet you." Sora: "That's Ren, who's always serious." zomu: "And I'm future iconic bassist Nozomu Nanase-kun." zomu: "Nice to meet you." Soshi: "Nozomu Nanase always charges ahead, no matter what." zomu: "Soshi-senpai, that's so mean." Sora: "The five of us are SOARA. You can read more about us here. Mister, can you put our homepage address here?" zomu: "Thanks." Sora: "We'd better come up with a bunch of great songs for the Budokan concert." Both: "Yeah. Yeah." Sora: "Let's work hard and do our best!" Both: "Yeah! Yeah!" Sora: "We'll do everything we can to deliver a fantastic performance." Sora: "So we appreciate your warm support." All: "Thank you!" Morihito: "Good morning, Soshi." Soshi: "Morning, Mori. The weather's nice." Sora: "Good morning, Soshi and Mori. Let's do our best today." Morihito: "Good morning, Sora. You're up early." Soshi: "It's going to snow." Sora: "Yeah, but we resume filming the documentary today." Soshi: "Oh, right." Sora: "It's been six months since the first day of filming. Let's show them how much we've grown." Morihito: "Yeah." Sora: "And as long as we're resuming filming, let's give them something extra. Let's show them our rooms." Both: "What?" Sora: "So, cameraman, are you ready?" Sora: "First up is... Ta-dah!" Sora: "Ren, good morning." Sora: "Huh? He's not here." Soshi: "Ren's in the dojo." Sora: "The dojo?" Morihito: "It's the lesson room downstairs." Soshi: "He's practicing his swing." Sora: "He does that? I had no idea." Soshi: "That's because you're always asleep." Sora: "By the way, Ren's family runs a kendo dojo and is neighbors with Soshi's family." Soshi: "We mentioned that the other day." Sora: "Right. Who's next? Let's check out Nozomu's room." Sora: "It's filthy." Sora: "There are comics, toys and snacks everywhere." Soshi: "There's no place to step." Morihito: "Yeah." Sora: "Whoops, found some socks. You should fold your laundry, Nozomu." Morihito: "Nozomu?" Morihito: "He's still asleep." Morihito: "It's past his alarm, though." Soshi: "What's the point of the alarm, then?" Sora: "Wake up, Nozomu. It's morning." zomu: "You can get my autograph later. Sorry, but I'm not working right now." Soshi: "He seems happy." Sora: "Next up is Mori's room." Sora: "It's full of books. And they're even arranged in order." Morihito: "You think so?" Soshi: "It's relaxing." Sora: "It's so soothing for some reason. Next up is my room." Sora: "Isn't my room soothing, too?" Soshi: "Not at all." Soshi: "You have too much stuff." Sora: "What?" Sora: "How about your room, then?" Soshi: "Sure." Sora: "It's relatively tidy. What's your point of interest?" Soshi: "Probably the castle over here." Sora: "There's your castle obsession." Morihito: "You mean this?" Soshi: "Yeah." Soshi: "In the future, I'd like to visit castles all around the country." Sora: "You sound like an old man." Soshi: "Whatever." Sora: "Let's go back to Nozomu-kun's room to see if he's finally awake." Soshi: "Nope." Soshi: "He's still asleep." Morihito: "If you don't wake up, you'll be late, Nozomu." zomu: "Fine, I'll be an egg!" Soshi: "What is he dreaming about?" Sora: "That concludes the SOARA room tour. We'll be charging through to the Budokan at the end of the year." Sora: "Thanks for the food." All: "Thanks for the food." Sora: "I'm hungry because I worked so hard this morning." Ren: "That's great. I wasn't in the documentary, though." Sora: "Ren-kun?" zomu: "You should've woken me up." Soshi: "We did." Sora: "Egg over rice?" Soshi: "It's good with this." Ren: "So-nii, what's that?" Soshi: "Truffle salt." Ren: "Truffle salt?" Morihito: "It's a blend of salt and truffles." Soshi: "Yeah. I've been into salt lately." Sora: "Salt after castles, huh?" Ren: "H-How austere of you, So-nii." Soshi: "Yeah." Soshi: "Tofu's good with citron and red pepper salt." Ren: "Wow, you've got all kinds." Soshi: "Salt has a lot of depth to it." Soshi: "Wanna try some?" Ren: "Sure, thanks." Sora: "Me, too." zomu: "Me, too." Sora: "It's so good." zomu: "It's seriously good." Ren: "Yeah." Morihito: "That's great." Soshi: "Mori, you don't like raw egg, right?" Morihito: "Unfortunately." Sora: "Then I'll have another." zomu: "Me, too." Soshi: "Nozomu, let Sora have it." Sora: "You sure?" zomu: "What?" Soshi: "We need him to write a bunch of good songs for us." Sora: "Yikes." zomu: "Oh, right. In that case, go ahead." Ren: "You can do it, Sora-senpai." Sora: "D-Don't pressure me so much." Morihito: "It's just that we're expecting great things from you." Morihito: "I'm looking forward to it, too." Sora: "Fine, I'll do my best." Sora: "Thanks." Sora: "We're off to class now." zomu: "See you later." All: "Later." Sora: "Yeah! In the afternoon, we have band practice." zomi: "Check out my charismatic playing." Sora: "Next, we have a photo shoot for the end-of-year concert's pamphlet." Sora: "Growth and QUELL are already working over there." Sora: "It's time for SOARA to get to work." Cameraman: "That's perfect, you two." Cameraman: "Nozomu-kun, try jumping with a little more energy." zomu: "Got it. Yeah!" Cameraman: "Okay, good." Sora: "That was great, Nozomu." zomu: "Of course." Ren: "I feel nervous." Sora: "You'll be fine." Ren: "Thanks." Cameraman: "Okay. Nice, Ren-kun." Cameraman: "Okay, Sora-kun." Sora: "Okay." Ren: "Sora-senpai's always so cheerful." zomu: "Yeah." Sora: "Next is the recording for TSUKIPRO Channel, which even we enjoy. Here we go." All: "TSUKIPRO Channel!" : "This is Tsukino Temple Sanctuary," : "Tonight, we've received a number of concerns." Soara: "Let's start with this one we received from Long Live the Glutton." Sora: "Concern #1. "What treats can I eat that won't make me fat?" I'd like to know the answer to that, too." zomu: "I know what you mean. For some reason, the worse something is for you, the better it tastes. So guilty!" Ren: "How about foods that are less likely to make you fat, like sugarless cookies?" Morihito: "Oh, those are good." Soshi: "Really?" Morihito: "There's also dried fruit," Soshi: "Seaweed's good." Ren: "H-How austere of you." Morihito: "Long Live the Glutton, give it a try." Sora: "Next is concern #2." Sora: "We have a concern from Can't Sleep At Night. "I can't sleep at night because I'm afraid of ghosts. What should I do?" Ghosts are scary. I can't handle horror, either." zomu: "Over there!" Sora: "Wh-What?" zomu: "Just kidding." Sora: "Don't do that, Nozomu." Ren: "Sora-senpai, you really don't like ghosts, do you?" Soshi: "Look behind you." Sora: "What?" Soshi: "Just kidding." Sora: "What are you gonna do if you summon a ghost? Stop that." Morihito: "They're only scary if you think they are. If you don't think of them as scary, they'll stop being scary." Ren: "Do you ever feel like someone's watching you" Sora: "What?" Soshi: "It's probably the conditioner watching you. He knows that he's next." Ren: "I like that explanation. It's cute." Sora: "Guys, stop. I don't know if I'm supposed to be scared anymore. I'm gonna be confused when I shampoo my hair." All: "Thank you!" Morihito: "This is the next episode's topic." zomu: "What's this? It's from Kitty Cat." Ren: ""Why did they stop liking them? I couldn't stop wondering if they didn't like me anymore, and I started to get scared. Lately, I've been too afraid to upload anything. What should I do?"" zomu: "I see. That's not uncommon." Ren: "Everyone worries about that kind of thing, huh?" Ren: "Morihito-senpai, we're supposed to think of an answer by the next recording session, right?" Morihito: "Yeah." zomu: "Got it." Soshi: "Sora?" Sora: "Uh, yeah. Got it. I'm all good." Sora: "And that concludes filming for today. Thank you, cameraman. Bye-bye for now, everyone." Sora: "Good night." zomu: "Good night." Morihito: "Sora's okay, right?" Soshi: "He's probably fine." Ren: "Is there something wrong with Sora-senpai?" zomu: "He was acting weird, wasn't he?" Morihito: "Uh, yeah." Soshi: "Well, see you tomorrow." Sora: "Scared of the internet, huh?" Announcer: "Everyone online is talking about the sounds created by" Announcer: "The song he wrote in music class became a hit overnight. Amazing, isn't it?" Sora: "Yes!" Announcer: "We look forward to hearing what he does next." Sora: "Am I really that bad?" Soshi: "Looking at online comments again?" Soshi: "You shouldn't worry about what strangers online say about you." Sora: "Soshi..." Soshi: "I know all your actual strengths and weaknesses." Soshi: "You're not that bad a guy." Soshi: "If it hurts you to read online comments, then don't." Soshi: "You don't need them to live." Morihito: "Sora." Morihito: "I don't think you need to be afraid of moving forward." Morihito: "You and us together make SOARA." Morihito: "Believe in yourself, Sora." Morihito: "I know you can write great songs." Sora: "If I'm completely rejected again, like I was then..." Sora: "I..." Morihito: "Sora." Morihito: "Sora, calm down." Morihito: "It's okay." Sora: "Mori." Morihito: "Look at me." Morihito: "I'm here for you." Soshi: "So am I." Sora: "Soshi." zomu: "Me, too." Ren: "I'm here, too." Morihito: "See? You're okay, Sora." Sora: "You're right." Sora: "This isn't just my song." Sora: "It's a powerful song we wrote together." Sora: "Okay." Sora: "Come on." Sora: "Let's start the music!" Sora: "There." Morihito: "Sora." Soshi: "Want some?" Sora: "Thanks." Sora: "What is this?" Morihito: "Morning seaweed tea." Sora: "Tall about austere." Soshi: "I recommend it." Soshi: "It's great after an all-nighter." Sora: "Did you guys stay up with me?" Soshi: "Yeah, right." Morihito: "We just woke up." Sora: "Liars. You've got bags under your eyes." Soshi: "Huh?" Sora: "Soshi, you've always been a terrible liar." Soshi: "Whatever." Sora: "Thanks." Morihito: "The weather's nice again today." Sora: "It's from Kitty Cat." Sora: "Cats are cute, aren't they?" zomu: "Their question comes after that." Sora: "I know, I know." Sora: "When you put something online, of course you'll be worried about the reaction." zomi: "But if you're afraid of how people might react, you could just not look." Ren: "That's an option. You might find the answer if you step away for a while." Soshi: "There's no reason to force yourself to look." Morihito: "Or you could ask the person who stopped responding why they stopped." Soshi: "That's an idea. It could be that their computer broke, or they've been busy." Morihito: "You're right." zomu: "What about you, Sora?" Sora: "Huh?" zomu: "What do you think?" Sora: "There was actually a time when I was afraid of the internet," Sora: "So I understand how you feel." zomu: "Really?" Sora: "But I had friends who told me that what people say about you" Sora: "They're very dear to me. That may not answer your question," Sora: "Why don't you try looking around you?" Sora: "You may have friends who are worried about you, like I did." Sora: "Everyone encounters problems, but you don't have to worry about them on your own. I'm sure you have friends who will worry with you." Sora: "And SOARA supports you, too." Sora: "Those are the feelings I wrote into this song. Check out our new song,"

Issei: "This fan interaction show is brought to you by us, QUELL, and you, the listeners." Ichiru: "This special live broadcast of Kube Radio..." Eichi: "And the show has begun. This episode of QUELL Radio, also known as Kube Radio, is being broadcast live today from our sponsor Ikebukuro Sunshine Tea's fountain plaza." Eichi: "Hello, everyone. I'm Eichi Horimiya of QUELL." Ichiru: "I'm Ichiru Kuga." Issei: "I'm Issei Kuga." Issei: "I'm Ichiru's older brother." Eichi: "Icchi and Isse are twins." Ichiru: "I think people can tell by looking at us. Kube Radio is a radio program featuring us, the members of QUELL." Issei: "Through interactions with our listeners, we hope you can get to know us better." Eichi: "Our leader, Shu Izumi," Eichi: "So unfortunately, he won't be joining us today. The drama series starring Shu Izumi, Running Is Disgraceful, But It's Better Than Dying, starts airing next week." Issei: "We hope you'll watch it." Ichiru: "We'll be promoting the show for Shu today." Eichi: "That's what Kube Radio is for. Shu's busy filming for his drama and composing for the end-of-year TSUKIPRO Concert, but we're also working hard every day at our dance and singing lessons." Ichiru: "We've got most of the choreography down." Issei: "My muscles are sore from dancing all day, but it's worth it." Eichi: "We've got a song for you now. We are QUELL, and this is..." All: ""BELIEVER."" Girl 1: "They're so cute." Girl 2: "Are they twins?" Ichiru: "They're all Shu." Ichiru: "Ow!" Eichi: "Isse, Icchi, are you guys okay?" Issei: "Yeah, sorry. I spaced out while looking at that." Eichi: "That?" Ichiru: "Amazing, isn't it?" Issei: "We're in a group with that guy." Eichi: "Okay, okay. Let's go, guys." Eichi: "Let's work hard at our dance lesson." Ichiru: "Yeah." Ichiru: "There are a lot of people in Tokyo." Issei: "Yeah." Eichi: "We could've taken a taxi, but I figured we could predict our arrival time better if we walked. Ah, found something good." Eichi: "We should eat before our lesson." Issei: "They're delicious and fluffy." Eichi: "I haven't had one in a while. They're good." Ichiru: "Mine's chestnut flavor. What's yours?" Issei: "Potato?" Eichi: "That flavor's only sold during fall." Eichi: "By the way, mine's pumpkin pumpkin." Issei: "Pumpkin?" Ichiru: "Pumpkin pumpkin?" Eichi: "Yeah, pumpkin pumpkin." Issei: "I wanna try it." Ichiru: "Me, too." Eichi: "Okay, okay." Eichi: "I feel like a mama bird." Eichi: "It's Tsubasa-kun. Good morning." Issei: "Good morning." Tsubasa: "Hey, good morning." Ichiru: "Ugh." Tsubasa: "What was that about, Ichiru?" Tsubasa: "You guys here for your lesson, too? Watch and learn." Ichiru: "You won't beat me!" Ishida: "Good morning, everyone." All: "Good morning." Ishida: "Get warmed up." All: "Yes, sir." Ishida: "One, two, three, four. Five, six, seven, eight. One, two, three, four. Five, six, seven, eight." Ishida: "Keep your head fixed when you turn." Ichiru: "Yes, sir." Ishida: "Drop like you're passing under a bar." Eichi: "Yes, sir." Eichi: "That was tough." Issei: "I'm sure Shu could've managed this easily." Ichiru: "Of course. He's had a different career path." Issei: "I want to catch up soon, though." Eichi: "Isse..." Issei: "I want to catch up and be his equal." Eichi: "I doubt it'll be easy, but we can't rely on Shu forever." Ichiru: "If what we lack is experience, then we just need more of it. We'll catch up in no time." Eichi: "Icchi's right. All we can do right now is frantically get all the experience we can." Issei: "Yeah." Tsubasa: "What's this, Ichiru? You seem fired up today." Ichiru: "Shut up." Eichi: "You heard that? How embarrassing." Tsubasa: "There's nothing embarrassing about it." Tsubasa: "You couldn't talk about being Shu's equal unless you really meant it." Tsubasa: "You won't beat SolidS, though." Tsubasa: "Good luck." Eichi: "Does he support us?" Ichiru: "Why's he acting like he's better than us?" Issei: "You and Tsubasa-san are kind of similar." Ichiru: "Similar how?" Eichi: "You're not honest about your feelings." Issei: "That's it." Ichiru: "What? We're nothing alike." Eichi: "But we do need to catch up soon. For our sake and Shu's." Mc: "Hello, everyone!" Mc: "May I come in? Today's guest is someone everyone knows," Mc: "Shu Izumi-kun." Shu: "I'm Shu Izumi. May I come in?" Issei: "Shu's on again." Mc: "While he needs no introduction, let's briefly go over Izumi-kun's profile. As everyone knows, Izumi-kun, you were part of a famous idol group. And when that group disbanded, you helped form a new group called QUELL." Mc: "Izumi-kun, could you tell us a little about QUELL?" Shu: "Sure. QUELL is a four-man group that focuses primarily on music. Our members include former TV assistant director Eichi Horimiya." Eichi: "How embarrassing." Shu: "Fate also brought the twins Ichiru Kuga and Issei Kuga to us." Ichiru: "Yikes..." Shu: "Then there's me." Mc: "So the group was formed around you." Shu: "Going forward, I plan to do as much as possible with QUELL." Mc: "That's enough about QUELL. Izumi-kun, you also work as a solo act. Izumi-kun, you also work as a solo act. You're starring in a drama that starts at 9:00 PM next week, Running Is Disgraceful, But It's Better Than Dying. Since this is your first show in a while, everyone's already talking about it." Shu: "Thank you." Issei: "Shu's amazing." Ichiru: "Let's get back to our lesson." Eichi: "Yeah." Mc: "This is a special advance screening of episode one of Running Is Disgraceful, But It's Better Than Dying." Mc: "And here's the star of the show, Shu Izumi." Shiki: "Shu." Shu: "Shiki." Shiki: "You seem busy." Shu: "So do you. On your way home?" Shiki: "Yeah." Shiki: "It's time to start focusing on composing for the end-of-year concert." Shiki: "Have you finished your songs yet?" Shu: "I haven't found the time, since I've been promoting my show." Shu: "I plan to start soon, though." Shiki: "I see." Shiki: "How's QUELL doing?" Shu: "Eichi, Ichiru, and Issei are working hard every day." Shiki: "QUELL is simply the group that Shu Izumi is a part of." Shiki: "It's written on your face." Shu: "Is it that obvious?" Shiki: "We've known each other a long time." Shu: "My previous group's shadow is still too large. But I'll have people calling me Shu from QUELL before long." Shiki: "You're a man of your word." Shiki: "I'm looking forward to it." Shu: "Thanks." Interviewer: "A foreign artist has been chosen to perform the theme song of your drama this time." Shu: "Yes. It's a fantastically mysterious song that perfectly suits the content of the show." Interviewer: "We're all excited for your drama and music. Thank you. There's a photo shoot after this. Wait here, please." Shu: "Got it. "SolidS' music is like a fire that burns with vivid intensity. They're performing a theme song for a movie opening this fall. In contrast, QUELL's music possesses the gentleness of perfectly clear water. They're songs you want to take your time listening to."" Shu: "I wish QUELL could've performed the drama's theme song." Shu: "I'm back." Ichiru: "Eichi, how do you cut an onion?" Issei: "I'm crying." Eichi: "Icchi, don't rub your eyes with your hands." Shu: "What are you guys doing?" Eichi: "Oh, Shu." Issei: "Welcome back." Ichiru: "Shu, help us." Shu: "Huh?" Eichi: "At Isse and Icchi's request, we're making gratin." Shu: "Gratin, huh? Sounds good." Issei: "Right?" Eichi: "Shu, do you know how to make white sauce?" Shu: "White sauce?" Shu: "White sauce. A fine sauce made from the simple ingredients of butter, flour, and milk. Its simplicity tests the skill of the cook. It must be stirred slowly and smoothly from the heart." Ichiru: "Eichi, should we use these to peel the potatoes?" Eichi: "Yeah, make sure you get the eyes." Both: "The eyes?" Eichi: "The eyes are poisonous." Both: "Poisonous?" Ichiru: "Hey, wait!" Shu: "Smoothly, smoothly. To finish the sauce, add a touch of white miso" Shu: "and let it soak up the flavor." Ichiru: "Eichi, there's not enough meat." Eichi: "Huh? You think so?" Ichiru: "There's not enough. Right, Issei?" Ichiru: "Meat, meat, meat, meat!" Eichi: "Okay, okay. I'll cook up some meat, too." Both: "Huh?" Both: "What?" Eichi: "Shu, I think that's the first time I've seen you laugh so happily." Shu: "Should we make a salad, too?" All: "Thanks for the food." Issei: "It's been a while since we last ate together." Eichi: "Shu's been busy filming and promoting his drama." Shu: "You're right." Ichiru: "Meat is delicious!" Issei: "Shu, your white sauce is good." Shu: "The potatoes you guys cut are the perfect thickness, too." Issei: "Cooking's pretty fun. We should cook together once in a while." Ichiru: "Delicious meat!" Eichi: "Ichiru, eat some vegetables, too." Ichiru: "I gotta get my meat first. I've been dancing all day. I need to replenish my energy." Shu: "All day?" Eichi: "Yeah. We've been in dance lessons since the radio broadcast ended." Issei: "We want to catch up to you." Ichiru: "We'll catch up— no, surpass you before long. You just wait." Shu: "Ichiru and Issei must've been exhausted." Eichi: "They worked really hard today." Shu: "You, too." Shu: "I heard the news. You approached Gravity Six's Hajime and Procellarum's Shun about getting major guests on Kube Radio." Eichi: "Yeah, I thought we should get more experience. I also want everyone to know our names so we can be your equals." Shu: "Equals?" Eichi: "It feels like we're still walking way behind you right now." Shu: "You're not." Eichi: "Huh?" Shu: "We're already walking together." Shu: "Thanks for meeting me, guys." Ichiru: "What's this about?" Issei: "Shu, is something wrong?" Shu: "We need new songs for the end-of-year TSUKIPRO Concert," Shu: "so..." Shu: "I want the four of us to compose them together." Eichi: "Together?" Issei: "You're not gonna compose them?" Ichiru: "We don't know anything about music. Can we do that?" Shu: "I've already composed a base to work off of. I want the four of us to complete it." Ichiru: "But..." Shu: "It doesn't matter if you don't know anything about music. If anything, your opinions will be closer to those of our listeners. I want you to help me think of how to make it resonate with people's hearts. This is QUELL's song. Our song." Ichiru: "Our song..." Issei: "I hope we can write something good." Shu: "Thank you. Listen to the base first." Issei: "Wow..." Eichi: "It's different from QUELL's other songs, but it's nice." Ichiru: "It seemed kind of bright." Eichi: "Yeah, I changed the tone on purpose. I wanted to express as much strength as SolidS does." Issei: "That was cool." Ichiru: "Yeah." Eichi: "If we were to add something..." Ichiru: "I want something at the start." Shu: "An intro, huh?" Shu: "How about this?" Eichi: "Nice, nice." Both: "Yeah." Eichi: "Maybe we can have a longer interlude and a tone shift." Ichiru: "We could dance during that at the concert." Shu: "Good idea. At some point," Shu: "I assumed I had to carry QUELL. As the leader, I was eager to lead the other three." Shu: "But..." Shu: "The four of us should move forward together as QUELL." Ichiru: "It's done." Issei: "We did it." Eichi: "It's a good song." Shu: "It's a new kind of QUELL song."

Tamaru: "Music Time! Today's guest, here for the first time, is Growth." Koki: "Thank you for having us." Kensuke: "Nice to meet you." Tamaru: "Well, it sounds like you've been through a lot, but since then you've debuted, appeared on TV, and at the end of the year, you'll be performing on a major stage." Kensuke: "We'll be doing our best, so we appreciate your support." Koki: "Thank you." Tamaru: "Let's head into the song. Growth, you're on." Mamoru: "Morning." Koki: "Morning." Mamoru: "We're having pancakes today?" Ryota: "Smells good." Mamoru: "I'll go wake Ken-kun." Koki: "Thanks." All: "Thanks for the food." Koki: "Dig in." Ryota: "These pancakes are fluffier than usual." Koki: "I added ricotta cheese." Mamoru: "Sounds awesome." Kensuke: "They're good." Ryota: "Those are some vague opinions." Mc: "Next up is our morning segment, "Sun Sun Fortunes." Makoto-kun and Mitsuru-kun of Six Gravity, go ahead." Makoto: "Sun Sun Fortunes! Today's unlucky people" Makoto: "are those born in March." Mitsuru: "You'll be prone to forgetting things, so be careful!" Kensuke: "Six Gravity is working hard." Mamoru: "Ko-kun, you guys and Six Gravity came from the same agency, right?" Koki: "If we had stayed there, we may have ended up on that segment." Ryota: "What? I'd never do that." Makoto: "Today's lucky people are those born in October." Koki: "Mamoru, your birthday's in October, right?" Mamoru: "Yeah." Mitsuru: "Apparently, you'll have an unexpected reunion." Makoto: "Sounds nice. We hope you have a wonderful reunion." Mitsuru: "We hope you have a happy day." Both: "With a sunny smile, have a lucky day." Kensuke: "They really are working hard." Ryota: "I'd definitely never do that." Mamoru: "A wonderful reunion, huh?" Mamoru: "Shu-san, good morning." Shu: "Good morning." Mamoru: "Are your preparations for the concert going well?" Shu: "Four new songs is a lot." Mamoru: "Yeah." Shu: "Good luck to us both." Mamoru: "Yes." Mamoru: "I was thinking about going for a walk while thinking of lyrics for a song. Do you know of any inspiring places?" Shu: "Personally, I'd recommend someplace quiet like a park or a shrine." Mamoru: "Good idea. Going somewhere I don't usually go might be helpful. Thank you." Mamoru: "I feel like something's missing." Mamoru: "I should eat first." Mamoru: "This place looks good." Mamoru: "This isn't what they meant by an unexpected reunion, right?" Mamoru: "But I feel like having noodles." Mamoru: "No way..." Mamoru: "I could have ramen." Employee: "Welcome." Mamoru: "Ito-senpai? Haven't heard from him in a while." Ito: "It's been a while. I watched yesterday's Music Time. I can't believe you're actually a performer." Ito: "I've been working hard, too. I'm actually getting married soon, and I'd love if you could come to the wedding. Let me know." Kensuke: "Good evening, everyone. Today on TSUKIPRO Channel, we're featuring negative ion source Growth's..." Koki: "As TSUKIPRO's masters of healing, so we'll be discussing healing-related topics." Kensuke: "Have you guys had any healing experiences recently?" Kensuke: "Ko?" Koki: "Probably when I made pancakes especially well." Mamoru: "Those were delicious." Ryota: "And healing." Koki: "I'm glad." Kensuke: "Ryo?" Ryota: "When I put sour cream on my pancakes." Kensuke: "Pancakes again?" Ryota: "What about you, then?" Kensuke: "Huh? I, well..." Kensuke: "I ran into Kai-san of Procellarum today at lunch, and he treated me to ramen." Mamoru: "You were there?" Kensuke: "What?" Mamoru: "Nothing." Kensuke: "What about you, Mamoru?" Mamoru: "Huh?" Mamoru: "Well... I received a message from a former coworker who I hadn't heard from in a while." Mamoru: "And he's getting married." Ryota: "Really?" Kensuke: "Congratulations." Mamoru: "This is him." Koki: "He seems nice." Mamoru: "He's great at taking care of others." Kensuke: "Mamoru in a suit?" Ryota: "He looks like a normal office worker." Mamoru: "I was a normal office worker!" Mamoru: "He invited me to the wedding, so I'm going." Kensuke: "A wedding, huh? Sounds fun." Ryota: "Don't commit any faux pas." Mamoru: "I'll try not to. I want to get him something since he did so much for me, but I don't know what to get. What do you think he'd like?" Kensuke: "Dishes?" Ryota: "A watch?" Mamoru: "Those are standard. I want to get him something special." Koki: "A new house?" Mamoru: "I can't afford that!" Employee: "Welcome. Welcome." Mamoru: "Senpai." Ito: "Hey." Mamoru: "It's been a while. You haven't changed at all." Ito: "I could say the same thing." Ito: "I thought you'd come wearing a mask and sunglasses." Mamoru: "No way. It's totally fine." Employee: "Welcome. What would you like to drink?" Mamoru: "I'll have a Ramune Sour." Employee: "Sure thing." Mamoru: "This place hasn't changed, either." Ito: "You're okay with this place? I would've thought you'd prefer a private room." Mamoru: "If I'm drinking with you, it has to be here. We haven't seen each other in a while." Ito: "I ordered some snacks." Mamoru: "I'm good as long as I have edamame." Ito: "I know. I ordered some." Employee: "Thank you for waiting." Mamoru: "Shall we make a toast to celebrate your wedding?" Ito: "And your entertainment debut." Mamoru: "So, what have you been up to?" Ito: "I'm working at a trading company." Mamoru: "A trading company? That's amazing." Ito: "I'm the new guy, though, so I'll have to work to make up for it." Mamoru: "I see. You seem busy. Your soon-to-be wife must have it rough." Ito: "She works at one of our subsidiaries. She understands." Mamoru: "A girlfriend who understands you? Sounds nice." Mamoru: "So, what's she like?" Ito: "Huh?" Mamoru: "Tell me. What's her name?" Ito: "Her name's Airi..." Mamoru: "Do you have a photo?" Ito: "Huh?" Mamoru: "Show me." Ito: "This is her." Mamoru: "She's beautiful." Ito: "She's strong-willed and frank. It's easy to get along with her." Mamoru: "I bet she lets you know when she doesn't like something." Ito: "She actually proposed to me, too." Ito: "I'm being transferred overseas, so we won't be able to see each other much." Mamoru: "She sounds cool. I bet she's great at her job and doing housework." Ito: "Actually, she doesn't do much housework since it makes her nails come off." Mamoru: "Huh?" Ito: "She doesn't seem to like cooking, either." Mamoru: "I see." Ito: "But since I'm better at cooking, cleaning, and laundry, it works out fine." Mamoru: "You sure are bean diligent." Ito: "I'll introduce you to her sometime. I hope you'll meet her." Mamoru: "Oh, sure." All: "Gladly! Gladly!" Kensuke: "Mamoru, your coworker sounds like a really nice person. But it sounds like his girlfriend is high-maintenance." Mamoru: "You think so?" Ryota: "Drawn by major brands and the idea of being an employee's wife," Ryota: "a woman marries a man only to kill him for his money." Mamoru: "What?" Ryota: "That's the story of the drama Shu-san's starring in." Kensuke: "Should you be saying "Senpai, run"?" Mamoru: "I-I'm starting to get worried." Koki: "That drama has nothing to do with your coworker." Mamoru: "Yeah. He'll be fine, right?" Interviewer: "I'm sure Tsukino Productions employs a lot of artists, but what makes Growth unique?" Koki: "First, there's our music. Mamoru is our composer, and he creates unique worlds of sound that tell a story." Kensuke: "We're all fans of Mamoru's music." Ryota: "At least our songs are top class." Kensuke: "Even the critical Ryo speaks highly of Mamoru's music." Interviewer: "How do you compose your music?" Mamoru: "I taught myself music, so I have my own style. That may be the reason for our unique music." Mamoru: "While composing, I attempt to create a new world." Mamoru: "Sometimes it's outer space, other times it's a tropical paradise. Lyrics come to mind when I imagine those kinds of worlds." Koki: "Growth's melodies vary significantly by song." Kensuke: "We're always excited to see what world we'll visit next." All: "Thank you." Koki: "That's all we have planned for today. We could split up now." Ryota: "Maybe I'll go see a movie." Kensuke: "Good idea." Ryota: "I didn't say I'd go with you." Kensuke: "What?" Mamoru: "I'm going to stop by somewhere." Mamoru: "Huh?" Mamoru: "It's my coworker's office." Mamoru: "It's here, huh?" Mamoru: "She looks familiar." Koki: "You know her?" Mamoru: "That's his girlfriend." Kensuke: "Oh, the woman drawn by major brands and the idea of being an employee's wife trying to kill her husband!" Koki: "That's the drama." Kensuke: "Heh." Ryota: "Mamoru, why don't you say hi to her?" Mamoru: "Huh?" Ryota: "You'll be at the wedding. Didn't he say he'd introduce you?" Mamoru: "But..." Ryota: "Aren't you curious what she's like?" Kensuke: "She's leaving." Mamoru: "Ken-kun, come with me." Kensuke: "Why?" Mamoru: "I need your communication skills." Kensuek: "What? Ko, you're Mamoru's guardian." Koki: "Hey." Kensuke: "Huh? Ryo, you're coming, too?" Ryota: "I'm curious." Kensuke: "She just cautiously inspected her surroundings." Ryota: "How suspicious." Mamoru: "What is?" Kensuke: "Let's go inside." Koki: "Hey." Koki: "Is this... a cooking school?" Instructor: "Is everyone ready?" Instructor: "We have a lot of male students today." Kensuke: "I think we stand out." Ryota: "It can't be helped. It's for the investigation." Mamoru: "What investigation?" Ryota: "According to Mamoru's coworker..." Ito: "She doesn't do much housework since it makes her nails come off." Ito: "She doesn't seem to like cooking, either." Ryota: "So what is she doing here?" Mamoru: "You're right." Koki: "Well, we paid for the class." Koki: "As long as we're here, let's learn the recipes." Mamoru: "Ko-kun, that's what you're interested in?" Koki: "Yeah." Instructor: "I'd like you to work in groups of five. Could you work with them?" Airi: "Okay." Kensuke: "Nice to meet you." Koki: "Nice to meet you." Mamori: "Let's make some delicious food together." Kensuke: "Impressive as always, Ko." Koki: "Ken, rehydrate the dried mushrooms. Ryota, cut the carrots." Kensuke: "I don't think you need to try that hard." Ryota: "If I'm cooking, I want to make a beautiful stew." Koki: "Mamoru, could you tear the konjac?" Mamoru: "I-I think I can manage that." Airi: "Ow." Instructor: "Are you all right?" Mamoru: "Are you okay?" Ryota: "Use this." Kensuke: "So feminine!" Airi: "Thank you." Ryota: "I have them since you get scrapes and trip all the time." Kensuke: "Yeah, yeah." All: "Thanks for the food." Airi: "Thanks for the food." Kensuke: "This is delicious. Knowing we made it ourselves makes it extra delicious." Ryota: "Ken, all you did was rehydrate some mushrooms." Mamoru: "Ko-kun did most of the work." Koki: "Good work, everyone." Airi: "Sorry I couldn't do anything." Mamoru: "You cut yourself. You couldn't help it." Airi: "Even if I hadn't cut myself, I may not have been able to help." Airi: "I'm a terrible cook." Mamoru: "Then what are you doing at a cooking class?" Ryota: "What's your motive?" Kensuke: "Are you maybe getting married?" Airi: "Huh?" Mamoru: "Oh, if you suddenly start attending cooking classes when you're not a good cook, your motive— I mean, a lot of people probably do for that reason. It's just a generalization." Airi: "You're exactly right." Airi: "I'm finally marrying someone I've always loved." Airi: "But he's better at all the housework. So I've been saying I can't cook because of my nails." Airi: "I need to do more now, though." Airi: "His friends and family seem worried about me, too." Mamoru: "Huh?" Airi: "They think I just have fun." Airi: "That I'm after major brands, or that I just want to be an employee's wife." Airi: "But he always defends me. He's always kind." Airi: "I wish I could at least cook for him." Koki: "I think that's a wonderful thought. But if he's better at cooking, maybe you can let him handle it." Airi: "Huh?" Ryota: "You should do what you can for him instead." Mamoru: "You're right. If he says it's fine, then maybe you can contribute with your respective strengths." Kensuke: "That's what we do. Maybe that's how a group works." Airi: "A group?" Mamoru: "Getting married must be like becoming a group with your husband, right?" Mamoru: "Don't worry too much about what other people say. If you're happy, that's all that matters." Airi: "Thank you." Mamoru: "Good luck." Airi: "Thanks." Kensuke: "Looks like we were worried for nothing." Ryota: "That wasn't a thriller at all." Koki: "Ryo, what were you hoping for?" Mamoru: "Guys, thanks for coming with me." Mamoru: "Thanks to you, I know what to get my coworker." Kensuke: "I'm exhausted from all the hubbub today." Ryota: "Ken, all you did was eat." Kensuke: "Where's Mamoru?" Koki: "He's concentrating. Let's leave him be." Mamoru: "Senpai, congratulations." Ito: "Fujimura, thanks for coming when you're so busy. Oh, he's the former coworker I told you about. I wanted to introduce you before the ceremony, but he was busy." Mamoru: "Congratulations." Airi: "Um, I..." Ito: "Thanks for making a speech." Mamoru: "Sure thing." Mc: "We hope you've been having a pleasant chat. The groom's former coworker, Fujimura-sama, will now make a speech." Mamoru: "Congratulations on your big day." Mamoru: "Senpai, you did so much for me when we worked together." Mamoru: "There's so much I want to thank you for and tell you. So I'd like to give you a song I wrote to capture those feelings."

Shiki: "This isn't good." Tsubasa: "Huh? What?" Shiki: "We passed the Ichinohashi Junction." Dai: "What happens now?" Rikka: "We won't make it back to the dorm." Tsubasa: "We'll be fine. Let's loop back around." Shiki: "But we're out of gas." Tsubasa: "Out of gas? Seriously?" Rikka: "Let's look for a parking area." Dai: "Seriously? Thirteen days before the incident Tsubasa calls "The Nightmare Drive"..." Tsubasa: "Our next question is from Sorilove-san" Shiki: "Thank you, Sorilove-san." Tsubasa: "They ask, "What have you guys been into lately?" I've been into online shopping." Tsubasa: "Dai-chan?" Dai: "Bouldering." Dai: "Yo from Procellarum invited me. It was fun." Tsubasa: "Sounds like you, Dai-chan. You sure like your exercise. Rikka?" Rikka: "Massage." Rikka: "Giving massages, that is. I want to heal tired people." Tsubasa: "Okay, you can practice on me. Last but not least, Shiki?" Shiki: "Hm?" Shiki: "Oh, I'm still into coffee, just like I've always been." Dai: "Don't you have anything else?" Tsubasa: "Yeah. Don't you have any new information?" Shiki: "I'm also into exploring new stand-up soba restaurants." Tsubasa: "What are you, a salaryman?" Shiki: "I am." Dai: "H-He said it with pride." Rikka: "People online have been posting sightings of Shiki eating soba lately." Rikka: "That really is you, huh?" Dai: "It's probably positive, if you imagine it makes him seem down-to-earth." Rikka: "Yeah." Shiki: "I'd love to stand up beside you." Tsubasa: "That had better not be a pun. It wasn't even a good joke. If this keeps up, things will go off the rails." Tsubasa: "Anyway, it's time for another song. Have a listen." Dai: "Shiki was quiet today." Tsubasa: "You call that quiet? I guess you're right, though. He did seem powered down compared to his usual stress-relieving, out-of-control radio demeanor." Tsubasa: "His jokes were as unfunny as usual, though." Rikka: "Maybe he's tired from his hard schedule." Tsubasa: "He has to write a song for a commercial when he still has songs to compose for the concert, right?" Rikka: "Yeah. He's been cooped up in his studio." Dai: "He has work to do as SolidS' producer, too. It must be difficult." Staff 1: "The cameras will be here and here." Shiki: "Understood. This should work." Staff 2: "What do you think of this lineup for the pamphlet photo?" Shiki: "Looks good." Staff 3: "Shiki-san, you haven't had lunch yet, right?" Shiki: "Thank you." Haiduki: "Shiki!" Haiduki: "The art team's here. Could you go to meeting room B?" Shiki: "Got it." Haiduki: "And there's a costume check in an hour." Shiki: "Roger that." Dai: "I'm home." Tsubasa: "I'm hungry." Dai: "I've never seen Shiki so defenseless." Tsubasa: "He must be tired." Rikka: "You guys had dance lessons, right?" Rikka: "You must be tired, too." Shiki: "Sorry." Rikka: "It's fine. You can rest." Dai: "Would you like some coffee?" Shiki: "Yeah." Tsubasa: "How about dinner? You haven't had a proper meal, have you?" Shiki: "I had meetings upon meetings today." Rikka: "Should I make something?" Shiki: "No. We're releasing the commercial song by the beginning of next week. I'll eat later." Shiki: "Come in." Tsubasa: "We brought gifts, darling." Rikka: "You have to eat something." Dai: "I can't guarantee it was made well, but I made coffee." Dai: "You can have some after you eat." Shiki: "Thanks." Tsubasa: "Ah, that reaction. Did you draw the one I made?" Rikka: "Tsubasa, what did you put in it?" Tsubasa: "I put super spicy pollock roe in it to help wake him up." Shiki: "Did you do something to the coffee, too?" Dai: "I didn't put anything in it." Tsubasa: "Thanks, everyone." Tsubasa: "Huh? Where's Shiki?" Rikka: "He's not here yet." Haiduki: "He's not answering his phone." Dai: "He's been in his office for the past three days." Tsubasa: "What? Is he okay?" Shiki: "Sorry I'm late." Rikka: "Shiki." Tsubasa: "You're alive." Shiki: "Of course I am." Haiduki: "Let's try on some costumes." Shiki: "Maybe I should make the chorus stand out more." Tsubasa: "At this rate, Shiki might actually collapse." Rikka: "Looks like he's stuck again." Dai: "Is there anything we can do?" Haiduki: "I don't have anything after this. Should I take you back to the dorm?" Shiki: "Yeah." Tsubasa: "Hey, hold up." Tsubasa: "Let's go shopping for a change of pace." Tsubasa: "You'd just keep working if we went back home." Rikka: "Yeah, a change of pace." Shiki: "But there's nothing I want to buy." Dai: "What about coffee?" Shiki: "I still have plenty." Tsubasa: "Then let's check out clothes for Dai-chan." Dai: "Me?" Tsubasa: "That's nice." Tsubasa: "Dai-chan, you look great." Rikka: "Yeah, looks good." Tsubasa: "Your shoulders are broad from swimming." Tsubasa: "You look awesome in suits. Right, Shiki?" Shiki: "Yeah." Dai: "Have you had enough yet? I'm not a doll for you to play dress-up with." Tsubasa: "I'm gonna go buy these." Dai: "You're not going to try them on?" Rikka: "Can we stop by the houseware section after this?" Rikka: "These plates look very versatile." Tsubasa: "Buy 'em, Rikka." Rikka: "Maybe I will." Dai: "You guys really like shopping." Tsubasa: "Well, yeah. Let's check out the accessories section next." Dai: "This is nice." Rikka: "You like it?" Tsubasa: "That one's good, but how about this?" Husband: "Whew." Husband: "Accompanying your wife on a shopping trip is hard work, isn't it?" Shiki: "Sure..." Dai: "Huh? Where's Shiki?" Dai: "This isn't good." Tsubasa: "I haven't shopped in a while. It was fun!" Dai: "Haven't we forgotten why we came?" Tsubasa: "Huh?" Dai: "Didn't we come so Shiki could take a break?" Tsubasa: "Oh..." Rikka: "Sorry for making you come shopping with us, Shiki." Shiki: "It's fine. I'm glad you guys had fun." Shiki: "This car..." Shiki: "Whose is it?" Tsubasa: "Apparently, it's the new company car." Haiduki: "Here." Haiduki: "It's a special treat." Tsubasa: "I begged him to let us drive it. Let's go for a drive, Shiki." Shiki: "What?" Dai: "It's not good for you to stay in your office all the time." Rikka: "This time, it'll be your break." Shiki: "You want me to drive?" Shiki: "I haven't driven in a while." Tsubasa: "Dad, you're always working. Take your family out once in a while." Tsubasa: "Come on. Take us out." Tsubasa: "Let's go." Shiki: "You're bringing that?" Tsubasa: "It was in the car." Shiki: "This car's navigation system is a tablet." Tsubasa: "It's a touchscreen, huh?" Rikka: "Maybe it's too late to ask, but you have your license, right?" Shiki: "Yeah." Tsubasa: "Let me see." Tsubasa: "Whoa! You look like you want to kill someone!" Tsubasa: "You can't let your fans see this." Shiki: "How dare you say that after demanding to see it." Rikka: "My license photo's pretty bad, too." Dai: "Rikka, you have a license, too?" Rikka: "Yeah, but I don't drive." Tsubasa: "I have one, too." Dai: "I'm the only one who doesn't?" Shiki: "I'm starting the car." Shiki: "Does everyone have their seat belt on?" All: "Yeah." Tsubasa: "This car's a little small for four guys." Dai: "You're the one who picked it out." Tsubasa: "This was the only one available." Rikka: "I think it's nice to sit close together." Dai: "What's the point of four guys sitting close together?" Shiki: "Where should we go?" Tsubasa: "What? You haven't decided where we're going on our date?" Shiki: "This isn't a date." Rikka: "Want to check out the beach?" Tsubasa: "There's a standard suggestion." Dai: "How about Odaiba?" Shiki: "It won't take long to get there if we take the freeway." Tsubasa: "Could you stop by the convenience store first? Don't you want drinks and snacks?" Dai: "What is this, a school trip?" Shiki: "Find a convenience store for me." Tsubasa: "Okay." Tsubasa: "There's one 100 meters ahead." Shiki: "We just passed it." Tsubasa: "I was too slow." Dai: "There's one on the right 500 meters ahead." Shiki: "It'll be hard to get to one on the right." Tsubasa: "Jeez, you're stubborn." Rikka: "Couldn't we get drinks at a vending machine?" Tsubasa: "And we can eat once we get there." Shiki: "I'll pull over." Tsubasa: "Dai-chan, go get our drinks." Dai: "It would be easier for you to get out." Tsubasa: "Fine. What do you guys want?" Rikka: "Hot tea, please." Dai: "Barley tea." Shiki: "Water." Rikka: "It's cold." Dai: "This is green tea." Rikka: "Our orders are slightly off." Shiki: "He bought me persimmon spring water." Tsubasa: "That just went on sale." Tsubasa: "Let me have some if it's good." Shiki: "You just wanted to drink this." Rikka: "The freeway's this way." Tsubasa: "Ritz-kun, it's the Hills." Tsubasa: "Ritz-kun, it's the Tokyo Tower." Shiki: "It's touching my face." Rikka: "The city's beautiful at night." Dai: "Tokyo's bright even at night." Shiki: "What are we going to eat at Odaiba?" Rikka: "It's a little cold, but dinner at a restaurant with a terrace would be nice." Tsubasa: "Good idea. That has maximum atmosphere." Dai: "What good is that with four guys?" Rikka: "Is there anything you want to eat, Shiki?" Shiki: "Anything's fine." Tsubasa: "Don't talk to the driver. He's nervous since he hasn't driven in a while." Shiki: "Of course I am. It'd be bad enough alone, but I'm driving you guys." Tsubasa: "Hey, it's the Rainbow Bridge." Rikka: "This is starting to feel like a real drive." Dai: "Do you think we could park?" Rikka: "We can't stop on the bridge." Rikka: "We're almost at Odaiba." Dai: "That was quick." Tsubasa: "We still haven't decided what we're eating." Rikka: "We can decide once we park." Shiki: "Sorry." Tsubasa: "Huh?" Shiki: "I missed the exit." Rikka: "What?" Dai: "Why don't you make a U-turn somewhere?" Tsubasa: "Dai-chan, you can't make a U-turn on the freeway." Shiki: "Sorry." Tsubasa: "It's fine. Here, have some persimmon spring water." Rikka: "We don't have to go to Odaiba." Tsubasa: "Yeah. I feel like driving a little longer anyway." Shiki: "Choose a new destination for me." Rikka: "Okay." Tsubasa: "I knew something was missing. It's music." Rikka: "Yeah. Some background music would be nice." Dai: "In that case..." Tsubasa: "It doesn't have to be our music." Rikka: "Do you have any good driving songs?" Tsubasa: "Like this?" Tsubasa: "Or this?" Tsubasa: "Or this?" Tsubasa: "Shiki, any requests?" Shiki: "Could you focus on picking a destination instead?" Tsubasa: "Where does this road take us?" Rikka: "Ryogoku, maybe?" Dai: "Sumo stew?" Rikka: "Asakusa?" Dai: "Thunder crackers?" Tsubasa: "That's not a meal." Rikka: "Where should we go, then?" Shiki: "I have an announcement." Shiki: "We've passed both." Tsubasa: "We can't have sumo stew or thunder crackers?" Dai: "Our thinking's not keeping up with the car." Rikka: "But if we passed those, then where are we headed now?" Shiki: "We can either take the Bayshore Route, or head toward Misato or Omiya." Tsubasa: "We're heading north, huh? In that case, wanna check out the Sea of Japan?" Dai: "The Sea of Japan?" Shiki: "That's too far." Tsubasa: "I'll drive for you." Shiki: "That's not the issue." Rikka: "Let's take the Tohoku Expressway and eat at a service area on the way?" Shiki: "That's the most I can handle." Rikka: "Service areas these days offer a lot on their menus." Dai: "Really?" Tsubasa: "Where are we going, then? Which service area should we stop at?" Tsubasa: "What are the Sano Service Area's vongole rosso-style noodles? Kamikawachi's double pot sticker dinner looks good, too." Tsubasa: "Yaitakita's ginger pork dinner sounds really good, too." Dai: "They all sound good." Rikka: "Why don't we stop at the closest service area and think about it?" Tsubasa: "Yeah. It's break time." Shiki: "Sure." Shiki: "Help me find the closest service area." Tsubasa: "Leave it to me." Tsubasa: "Okay, we're here." Dai: "They've got a lot of good food." Dai: "Why don't we just eat here?" Tsubasa: "Dai-chan, let's go a little farther." Rikka: "Shiki, are you tired?" Tsubasa: "Seriously, I'll drive." Shiki: "Thanks." Dai: "What? Tsubasa's going to drive?" Tsubasa: "It'll be fine. Let me handle it." Tsubasa: "Now enjoy my driving until we reach the Kamikawachi Service Area." Rikka: "You drive really smoothly." Tsubasa: "Right?" Rikka: "Shiki's sleeping." Tsubasa: "I don't want to drive behind that truck." Tsubasa: "I don't want to drive behind a bus, either." Rikka: "You're used to driving. It's hard to believe you haven't recently." Tsubasa: "I've always liked driving. What do you think, Dai-chan?" Tsubasa: "Dai-chan?" Rikka: "Dai, are you feeling sick?" Dai: "A little." Tsubasa: "Rikka, give Ritz-kun to Dai!" Rikka: "Huh? Okay." Dai: "What am I supposed to do with this?" Tsubasa: "You'll feel better if you hold it." Rikka: "Dai, do you get carsick easily?" Dai: "It's not normally this bad." Dai: "But knowing Tsubasa's driving made me nervous." Tsubasa: "What? It's my fault?" Rikka: "Should we switch, then?" Tsubasa: "And wake Shiki?" Rikka: "Let Shiki sleep." Rikka: "I'll drive this time." Rikka: "Here we go." Tsubasa: "Dai-chan, you okay?" Dai: "Y-Yeah." Rikka: "How do you feel?" Dai: "I'm fine now." Tsubasa: "Seriously? Have some faith." Dai: "Now that I'm relieved, I'm hungry." Rikka: "We're almost to the Kamikawachi Service Area." Tsubasa: "They have pot sticker curry, pot sticker bowls, and pot sticker dogs, Dai-chan." Dai: "It's the Mecca of pot stickers." Rikka: "I have an announcement." Tsubasa: "Seriously?" Rikka: "I missed the service area." Dai: "What..." Tsubasa: "Hey, Shiki." Tsubasa: "Morning." Shiki: "Where are we?" Tsubasa: "Somewhere in Tochigi." Rikka: "We made a mistake." Rikka: "So we got off the freeway." Dai: "We have pork buns and fried chicken." Tsubasa: "Let's head home after we eat." Shiki: "Unbelievable." Shiki: "Didn't they say this was supposed to be a break for me?" Shiki: "Dai, Tsubasa, Rikka..." Tsubasa: "Huh?" Rikka: "Sorry. I fell asleep." Shiki: "It's okay. Thanks to you, I got a change of pace." Shiki: "I came up with a good song." Tsubasa: "Seriously?" Shiki: "This isn't good." Tsubasa: "Huh? What?" Shiki: "We passed the Ichinohashi Junction." Dai: "What happens now?" Rikka: "We won't make it back to the dorm." Tsubasa: "We'll be fine. Let's make another loop." Shiki: "But we're out of gas." Tsubasa: "Out of gas?" Tsubasa: "Seriously?" Rikka: "Let's look for a parking lot." Tsubasa: "That was close. That was really close." Rikka: "I wasn't expecting this kind of disaster at the very end." Tsubasa: "It sure was dramatic." Shiki: "I'm never going driving with you guys again." Tsubasa: "What? Let's go again sometime."

Sora: "Good morning, everyone." Morihito: "Good morning." Soshi: "Hey." Ren: "Thank you for coming." zomu: "How's everybody doing?" All: "Great!" Sora: "Ta-dah! It's finally time for the Seventh TSUKIPRO Sports Tournament here at the MetLife Dome." All: "Yeah!" Morihito: "Is everyone excited?" All: "Yeah!" Morihito: "Of course you are." Soshi: "Apparently, he couldn't sleep last night." Ren: "Neither could I." zomu: "I slept soundly. I made a teru teru bozu yesterday, so it's really sunny today. Yeah!" Soshi: "This place has a dome. I doubt rain would've posed an issue." Morihito: "But it's nicer for the sun to be out when our fans have to come all the way here." zomu: "Right? Good job, me." Sora: "The members of SOARA will be officially supporting the tournament by providing commentary and reporting on the events." Morihito: "We wrote a theme song, too." Sora: "There's a mini-concert at the end, so don't miss it. So today..." All: "We appreciate you coming out!" Sora: "Now, let's head inside together." zomu: "Yeah!" Sora: "Okay." Sora: "Right now, we're here in the back of the stadium. Everyone in the stadium, can you see me?" All: "Yeah!" Sora: "Good, good." Sora: "You can't normally get back here, so this is a new experience." Ren: "Senpai, look over there." Sora: "Huh? What is it?" zomu: "Look at this." Morhito: "It's actually SOARA's first time appearing alongside Procellarum and Six Gravity." zomu: "Amazing, isn't it?" Ren: "My heart is already pounding." Soshi: "Ren, calm down. It hasn't even started yet." Ren: "Yeah." zomu: "It's a sports tournament, not a concert. Let's enjoy the exercise." Soshi: "Yeah." Sora: "Let's have fun." Morihito: "Indeed." Announce: "The event will begin in ten minutes. Please get ready." Morihito: "This concludes the pre-event report. The actual event is starting soon." Sora: "SOARA will be here soon." Tsukishiro: "The Seventh TSUKIPRO Sports Tournament..." Both: "...begins now!" Tsukishiro: "Emceeing this event and heading Team Red, I am Six Gravity's manager and associated with the color olive, Kanade Tsukishiro." Tsukishiro: "Thanks for having me." Haiduki: "Tsukishiro-san, was it necessary to include your color?" Tsukishiro: "I thought I'd do something to endear myself." Kurotsuki: "To reduce costs, also emceeing the event, I am Procellarum's manager..." Tsukishiro: "That's not why." Kurotsuki: "Heading Team White and associated with black, I am Dai Kurotsuki. Thanks for having me." Haiduki: "You're assigned to Team White, but your color is black?" Kurotsuki: "Sorry it's so confusing." Tsukishiro: "How about you?" Haiduki: "Right." Haiduki: "Assigned to the gray zone, I'll be walking the line. I'm SolidS' manager, Fumihiko Haiduki." Haiduki: "I'll be cheering for Red and White. Thanks for having me." Haiduki: "It's now time for our participants to take the field." Tsukishiro: "Let's begin with Team Red." Tsukishiro: "Six Gravity!" Tsukishiro: "SolidS!" Tsukishiro: "And SOARA!" Kurotsuki: "Team White is..." Kurotsuki: "Procellarum!" Kurotsuki: "QUELL!" Kurotsuki: "And Growth!" Tsukishiro: "Taking the athlete's oath is official supporter and leader of SOARA, Sora-kun." Sora: "Thanks." Sora: "I'm SOARA's Sora Ohara. Let's have some fun." Soshi: "Hey." Morihito: "Before we can have fun, you need to take the athlete's oath." Sora: "Oh, right." Procellarum: "Good luck." Tsubasa: "Sora, nice joke." Ren: "Y-You can do it, Sora-senpai." Sora: "Y-Yeah." zomu: "Show them what you've got." Sora: "Leave it to me. We, the athletes, swear not to forget to thank our fans and live up to their expectations as we fight fair and square to the best of our ability." Sora: "Athlete representative, Sora Ohara." Procellarum: "Sora, nice job." Gravity: "What a fantastically straightforward greeting. Right, Hajime? Yeah." Ichiru: "Let's win this thing, Issei." Issei: "Yeah. Let's do our best." Eichi: "Icchi, don't try too hard and hurt yourself." Tsukishiro: "Thank you. From here on out, SOARA will be helping us emcee." All: "Got it." Soshi: "Should we move on to the competition?" Ren: "We should get a little more pumped up first." Morihito: "Before the events, let's do the Tsuki Usa Exercise so we don't get hurt." Morihito: "Senseis, are you ready?" Procellarum: "Sensei, looking good." Gravity: "Th-They're senseis?" Procellarum: "They're certainly a lot better than my handmade mascots." Morihito: "Senseis, thank you." Soshi: "It's now time to begin the events." All: "Yeah!" Mc: "First up is the giant jump rope contest." Mc: "Participants, please gather quickly." All: "One! Two! Three! Four!" Tsukishiro: "Shiki-kun is jumping surprisingly well." Haiduki: "Impressive as always, Shi-kun." Kurotsuki: "Shi-kun?" Shiki: "Don't call me Shi-kun." Haiduki: "Sorry, sorry." Shiki: "He's not cheering for us. He's distracting us." All: "Yeah." Procellarum: "Too bad, Shi-kun." Shiki: "Shu, your name starts with "shi," too." Both: "Come to think of it..." Mc: "The next event is the ball throwing contest." All: "Yeah!" Soshi: "I'm good at ball-based sports." Soshi: "I'll handle this." Dai: "Does this count as a ball sport?" Ichiru: "One shot, one kill!" Issei: "Were you trying to say, "One pitch with all your might"?" Morihito: "Let's begin." Morihito: "Ready..." Mc: "Next is the delivery relay." Mc: "Choose any three cardboard boxes and deliver them to the finish line." Mamoru: "Ryo-kun, you can do it." Ryota: "I'm off." Mamoru: "Good luck, Ryo." Mamoru: "Is Ryo-kun a fast runner?" Kensuke: "He may not look it, but he's pretty— no, really fast." Kensuke: "He used to run relays." Koki: "And he hates losing. He doesn't like when others get in front of him." Mamoru: "I get it now." Dai: "Rikka, you'd better win." Rikka: "Is the athlete in you excited?" Dai: "Winning's better than losing." Rikka: "That's true." Rikka: "I'll do my best." Soshi: "Ready..." Ren: "Start!" Eichi: "It's time to use the skills I learned when I was an AD." Eichi: "I'm good at this sort of thing." Both: "Good luck, everyone!" Eichi: "What's that?" Procellarum: "It's Diablo." Eichi: "What?" Procellarum: "Well done, Diablo." Procellarum: "Cut!" Sora: "U-Uh, l-let's pretend we didn't see that." Mc: "Next is the scavenger hunt." Mc: "Find the object written on your piece of paper and bring it to the finish line." Soshi: "Ready..." Soshi: "Start." zomu: "What?" zomu: "Calmness?" Shu: "Lively energy?" zomu: "Wanna trade?" Shu: "Huh?" Morihito: "Glasses, huh?" Morihito: "I've got those." Mamoru: "A realistic life." Shiki: "Cooperation." Mamoru: "Has anyone seen a realistic life?" Issei: "Just being an entertainer takes you so far away from what's realistic." Mamoru: "I know, right?" Shiki: "Who's cooperative?" Procellarum: "Me. Why you?" Mc: "Next is the intro quiz." Sora: "Guess the song name." Tsukishiro: "Any entertainer of TSUKIPRO should be able to answer these." Kurotsuki: "Tsukishiro, you can be pretty harsh." Haiduki: "Indeed." Mc: "Here we go. Start the intro." zomu: "I know this one. It's that one, uh... what is it? It's from Growth's Beauty of Nature series. It's on the tip of my tongue." Procellarum: ""CORONA."" Mc: "Correct." Procellarum: "I like this sort of song." Mamoru: "Thank you." Mc: "Here's the next intro." zomu: "Uh, what's this called?" Morihito: ""GRAVITIC-LOVE."" Sora: "Mori, you figured it from just that?" Ren: "Way to go, Senpai." Morihito: "Nozomu, don't push the button unless you know." Mc: "Next intro." Procellarum: ""Seafloor."" Mc: "Next intro." Gravity: ""KARA DA KARA."" Ichiru: "Damn it. They're too fast." Eichi: "And they're right." Ichiru: "We can't let them beat us. We need to score some points." Issei: "Yeah." Mc: "Here's the next one." Issei: ""An Elephant's Cry."" Mc: "Close." zomu: "I know." Mc: "Here's the next intro." Shiki: ""Lots of Love."" Mc: "Correct." Shiki: "I can dance the chorus." Tsubasa: "Seriously?" Rikka: "Really well, too." Dai: "I almost want to see that." Sora: "I wanna see that." Mc: "The competition has been fierce. But Team Red is leading by a small margin." All: "Yeah!" Growth: "We're doing well." Growth: "Don't let your guard down." Growth: "Make sure no one gets hurt." All: "Got it." Tsubasa: "Shiki, don't blow your hip out." Shiki: "Don't treat me like an old man." Kurotsuki: "Team White, let's pick up the pace!" All: "Yeah!" Procellarum: "This is starting to get fun." Shu: "We're just getting started." Eichi: "Exactly." All: "Yeah." Tsukishiro: "We're finally down to the last event of the first half." Haiduki: "We call it... the "Aim For The Strike" bowling contest. Reporters, can you hear us?" All: "Loud and clear." Sora: "You'll score points by knocking over these pins." Mc: "You'll each get one bowl." All: "Got it." zomu: "Team Red, go!" Soshi: "Like I said, I'm good at ball-based sports. Leave it to me." Ren: "Yeah." Soshi: "Nice one, Ren." Ren: "So-nii! Oh, but..." Ren: "Normally, my luck's terrible. Doing so well gives me a bad feeling." Soshi: "You're overthinking it." Ren: "Yeah..." Mc: "If Shun makes this strike, Team White will win." Tsukishiro: "It disappeared?" Mc: "Seriously?" Sora: "Amazing." Morihito: "Yeah." Procellarum: "Thanks." Haiduki: "I guess he really is the White Demon King." Kurotsuki: "Looks like there was something wrong with the video." Tsukishiro: "We're very sorry. Anyway, the results are impressive. Though you're my opponent, well done." Haiduki: "Twenty points will be added to Team White's score." Kurotsuki: "We're tied! We did it, Team White!" Issei: "We caught up." Both: "All right." Sora: "After the commercials, it's time for lunch." Soshi: "Be on the lookout for food porn." Mc: "Here's how the stadium looks right now." Mc: "Yoru-kun and Koki-kun made an extremely delicious-looking lunch. They're both great cooks." Mc: "Hajime and Shun are relaxing, too." All: "Cheers." Mc: "SolidS, you're not drinking, are you?" Tsukishiro: "They seem to be having fun over there." Tsukishiro: "SOARA?" Sora: "Here. Ta-dah! Look at this." zomu: "So luxurious." zomu: "That's amazing. Can I have some? Can I have some?" Soshi: "Calm down, Nozomu." zomu: "I can't calm down. That looks so good. Wow, wow!" Tsukishiro: "SOARA must be hungry, too." Haiduki: "Eat up, everyone." All: "Yeah!" Morihito: "This concludes SOARA's report from the field." Sora: "Good work." Morihito: "We resume filming at two." All: "Okay." Ren: "I'm nervous about the final relay." zomu: "You'll be fine. You've been doing well so far." Ren: "That's what makes me worried." Sora: "Don't be." Ren: "Sora-senpai." Soshi: "Ren, you sure do worry a lot. You've always been a fast runner." Ren: "I was okay." Morihito: "You can do it, Ren." Ren: "Thanks." Morihito: "And the cheer routine's before that." Sora: "That's right. We're looking forward to it, Ren." Ren: "Huh? So-nii, I thought you were going to be in it." Soshi: "I'll be in it, too." Ren: "Too?" Mc: "It's the moment you've been waiting for." Mc: "The Red Versus White cheer routine!" Tsukishiro: "Let's introduce our participants. From the Red team..." Tsukishiro: "Arata-kun. Dai-kun." Tsukishiro: "Soshi-kun." Tsukishiro: "Kakeru-kun. Rikka-kun." Tsukishiro: "Ren-kun." Kurotsuki: "On the White team..." Kurotsuki: "Kai-kun." Kurotsuki: "Kensuke-kun. Eichi-kun." Kurotsuki: "Yoru-kun." Kurotsuki: "Ryota-kun." Kurotsuki: "Ichiru-kun." Both: "Ren-kun, you're so cute." Kurotsuki: "There's only one event remaining." Haiduki: "The final contest is the Red Versus White relay race. The current standings of both teams are..." Haiduki: "Would you believe it? They're tied." Kurotsuki: "Which means whoever wins the final event are the champions." Tsukishiro: "Indeed." Tsukishiro: "Now that things are heating up..." Haiduki: "Let's announce the participants." Ren: "I can't do this. I'm too nervous." Sora: "Ren." Ren: "Huh?" Sora: "Let's go." Ren: "Okay." Tsukishiro: "For Team Red..." Tsukishiro: "Six Gravity's Haru-kun and Hajime-kun." Tsukishiro: "SolidS' Dai-kun and Tsubasa-kun." Tsukishiro: "SOARA's Sora-kun and Ren-kun." Tsukishiro: "For Team White... Procellarum's Kai-kun and Shun-kun." Tsukishiro: "Growth's Koki-kun and Mamoru-kun." Tsukishiro: "QUELL's Eichi-kun and Shu-kun." Mamoru: "It's the last event." Koki: "Let's go, Mamoru." Mamoru: "Yeah." Mc: "On your marks." Mc: "Get set." Mc: "Start." Ren: "It's okay. I just have to run." Ren: "It's okay." Sora: "Ren!" Ren: "Okay." Sora: "Ren!" Sora: "Ren!" zomu: "You can do it!" Morihito: "It's okay!" Soshi: "Don't give up!" Ren: "Okay." Ren: "Here." Mc: "Goal! Congratulations!" Mc: "Team White wins!" All: "Yeah!" Gravity: "Sorry." Gravity: "I couldn't quite catch up." Ren: "I'm sorry." Gravity: "You saw it through to the end. Hold your head high." Gravity: "We'll win next time." Ren: "He stole the moment." Soshi: "He's the bigger man." Morihito: "Yeah." Sora: "He's amazing." zomu: "So cool." Soshi: "Ren, are you okay?" Ren: "Yeah. I promise I'll win next time." Morihito: "That's the spirit." Mc: "Team White wins the Seventh TSUKIPRO Sports Tournament." Procellarum: "Thanks, everyone. Let's celebrate the honor of the victorious White team" Procellarum: "and efforts of our Red friends who fought to the very end. Give them a round of applause." Tsukishiro: "Shun-kun, thank you." Tsukishiro: "We're also handing out a number of other awards based on fan voting." Kurotsuki: "First is the Beautiful Award." Kurotsuki: "Rikka Sera!" Kurotsuki: "The Cute Award." Kurotsuki: "Ichiru Kuga." Kurotsuki: "The Striving for a Stable Life Award." Kurotsuki: "Mamoru Fujimura." Haiduki: "Finally, SOARA receives the Group Fighting Spirit Award for emceeing, reporting, and participating in the event." zomu: "The Fighting Spirit Award! Yeah!" Sora: "Did you have fun today?" Morihito: "Thank you." zomu: "I had fun, too." Soshi: "That's great." Ren: "Thanks for your support, everyone." Morihito: "Let's wrap up the event with a theme song sung by us."

Shu: "Congratulations, you two." Issei: "A theatrical performance?" Ichiru: "For us?" Eichi: "This director won an award recently. Everyone's talking about him. This is amazing. Let's celebrate." Ichiru: "You idiot, you're getting ahead of yourself." Eichi: "There's no such thing as celebrating too soon or too late." Eichi: "I'm going to go downstairs and brag to Tsubasa-kun." Ichiru: "You idiot! Don't!" Eichi: "Why not?" Ichiru: "Just don't!" Eichi: "Who cares? Let's celebrate together." Shu: "Anxious?" Issei: "Am I? I'm not sure." Issei: "I don't know how I feel. We just got used to filming, but we still have zero acting experience." Shu: "I see." Issei: "I don't know if we can handle a play." Issei: "But we have to do our best, right?" Issei: "The more we can do, the more reason we have to be here. For me and Ichiru both." Shu: "Issei..." Shu: "Don't worry about it so much." Shu: "It's your first play. Go learn from your betters and have some fun." Issei: "Have fun?" Shu: "Yeah." Shu: "Why don't you invite the people who took care of you in Hokkaido?" Ichiru: "Huh?" Eichi: "You mean the people from the orphanage where he and Icchi were raised?" Shu: "Yeah." Shu: "They'd be relieved to know Icchi and Issei are performing on such a grand stage." Shu: "After all, they hurried off to Tokyo." Ichiru: "It wasn't our fault that it was rushed." Shu: "I'll admit I was a little pushy." Issei: "A little?" Eichi: "That was probably "a little," by your standards." Issei: "We're going to our meeting." Ichiru: "Later." Shu: "Sure." Eichi: "Good luck." Eichi: "They seemed a little nervous." Shu: "Yeah, but they seem excited to receive their scripts." Eichi: "Yeah. The title is "Grimm the Stories."" Eichi: "It's made up of a few stories based on Grimms' Fairy Tales." Shu: "Sounds like an interesting play." Eichi: "The Hansel and Gretel story they're in originally featured a brother and sister, but they changed it to twin brothers." Shu: "They probably rewrote it for Issei and Ichiru." Eichi: "Should we have let them go on their own? Maybe we should go with them." Shu: "Eichi." Eichi: "They're not children. They'll be fine, right?" Eichi: "I'm worried, though." Man: "We have one month to rehearse. Did you all receive the rehearsal schedule?" Man: "Make sure to check and see if you have any scheduling conflicts." Ichiru: "Let's see... There's surprisingly few days that we have to show up. I thought we'd have rehearsal every day." Issei: "Can we come on days that aren't marked?" Issei: "I'd rather participate as much as possible to get used to working at the theater." Ichiru: "I don't know." Ichiru: "Let's ask later." Issei: "They're all actors I've seen on TV before." Ichiru: "Yeah. We can't hold them back." Man: "Here's the writer and director, Nomoto-san." Man: "Do you have anything to say?" moto: "I'm the writer and director, Nomoto. In order to reach the widest possible audience, I've invited people from various parts of the industry to work on this project. Your ages and careers are varied, but I hope we can create something new together from that individuality." moto: "Thank you." All: "Thank you." Woman: "We'll hand out the scripts now." Ichiru: "Thank you." Issei: "Thank you." Man: "The first read-through will be next week." moto: "We're still putting on the finishing touches, so this isn't final script. We'll have to play things by ear." moto: "If you have any questions regarding the script, let us know." Issei: "I have a question." Ichiru: "Issei?" Ichiru: "Hey!" moto: "You're Kuga..." Issei: "...Issei. I'm Kuga Issei of Tsukino Talent Productions." moto: "Oh." Issei: "I have a question regarding the script." Man: "We just handed out the scripts." Ichiru: "You are a fast reader." moto: "It's fine. What's your question?" Issei: "We play twin boys raised in an orphanage." Issei: "I believe these roles were written after researching our own upbringing." Issei: "Given that, can I share my thoughts?" moto: "Of course." Issei: "There are a few things that feel wrong." moto: "Wrong?" Man: "How rude of you!" moto: "It's fine." moto: "What exactly do you feel is wrong?" Issei: "The characters we play leave the orphanage after a conflict with an employee." Issei: "But that's not what happens to everyone at an orphanage." Issei: "Not all the employees are mean. But this depiction makes it seem like living at the orphanage itself is the reason." moto: "I see." moto: "Perhaps it is too dramatic." moto: "It's a difficult question." moto: "We want realism. But in the limited time afforded by a play, we have to express a character's personality and life." moto: "Some elements become exaggerated." moto: "But we shouldn't cause any misunderstandings or prejudices." Shu: "Welcome home." Ichiru: "We're back, Shu." Shu: "How did the meeting go?" Issei: "I think I made a mistake." Shu: "A mistake?" Ichiru: "I don't know that I'd call it a mistake." Issei: "I may have been rude." Ichiru: "He told us to ask if we had questions." Ichiru: "And he didn't seem mad." Shu: "Was there a problem?" Issei: "I'm sorry. This is a good job, too." Shu: "You can tell me more tomorrow. You should rest for today." Issei: "Okay." Ichiru: "This is frustrating." Ichiru: "We want to do a good job, but we keep making mistakes." Ichiru: "Maybe we wouldn't make mistakes if we were raised in a proper household." Ichiru: "Maybe we make mistakes because we're lacking something." Shu: "Ichiru..." Ichiru: "Maybe we're a little different," Ichiru: "but I don't think everything Issei and I have done was wrong." Ichiru: "I don't want to think it was." Issei: "This is hard." Issei: "I wanted to do a good job, but I made a mistake." Issei: "I'm getting nowhere." Eichi: "Shu, how did it go?" Shu: "It wasn't that serious." Shu: "Issei gave his opinion, or rather his thoughts on the script." Eichi: "In front of everyone?" Eichi: "He's bold." Shu: "Indeed. A lot of writers and directors don't like actors giving their opinions on the script." Shu: "In that regard, it may have been a little dangerous." Eichi: "How did he take it?" Shu: "It's fine. He didn't seem upset, and he said he wasn't angry." Shu: "If anything, he practically apologized." Shu: "The people around them made things a little awkward." Eichi: "I see." Eichi: "What can we do to support them?" Shu: "Eichi, I think we should stay out of this one." Eichi: "Shu..." Shu: "We may be able to make some things easier for them." Shu: "But I think we should let them do as much as they can on their own." Shu: "They received this job as professionals. Even if they encounter difficulties, I want them to overcome those by themselves." Shu: "And if the play is a success, it will be their achievement. It will make them stronger and more confident." Shu: "We should trust and watch over them." Eichi: "You're right." Shu: "Yeah." Eichi: "I understand it in principle," Eichi: "but I'm still worried about them!" Shu: "You're being overprotective, Eichi." Ichiru: "We can't stay here any longer. Let's leave tomorrow." Issei: "I'll stay." Ichiru: "You can't. From now on, we'll live on our own." Issei: "On our own?" moto: "Stop." moto: "Could you say that part with more emotion?" Ichiru: "Okay." Ichiru: "Can we try that again?" moto: "One more time, then. Let's start at the beginning of scene two." Ichiru: "Okay." Ichiru: "Why? Why is this happening to us?" Issei: "I miss you, Mom. I miss you." moto: "No, no." moto: "That seems fake. Say it more realistically, more naturally. Say the lines like they're your own words." Issei: "My own words?" Issei: "Okay." moto: "Okay, again." Issei: "Ichiru..." Ichiru: "Acting is hard." Issei: "Yeah, it really is." Ichiru: "If you try to act, they say it's too fake. If you try not to act, they tell you to show more emotion." Issei: "The more I think about saying my lines naturally, like they're my own words, the more I think I'd never think this way." Ichiru: "That's the problem. Aw, man." Ichiru: "We're the only ones having problems." Issei: "They're probably disappointed after I gave my thoughts on the script." Ichiru: "I want to say that's not true, but I'm sure they are." Ichiru: "If I were in their shoes, I'd think the same thing." Issei: "Me, too." Ichiru: "Okay, Issei. Let's train." Issei: "Train?" Ichiru: "Yeah. We're the worst actors. We have to admit it." Ichiru: "But we have more time than the others." Issei: "You're right." Issei: "We don't have any other big projects." Ichiru: "Yeah, but let's not tell them that. In any case, let's do this, Issei. We can read our lines together and give each other feedback. Let's do everything we can." Shu: "You're still not going to sleep?" Shu: "You're working hard." Issei: "Shu, can I ask you for a favor?" Shu: "What is it?" Issei: "I want to go to the beach." Shu: "The beach?" Issei: "The story takes place in a city by the sea." Issei: "But I haven't really been to the sea, so I'm having trouble imagining it." Shu: "Got it. We'll go to the beach tomorrow." Issei: "So soon? Really?" Shu: "Yeah, sure." Issei: "But what about work?" Shu: "Don't worry about it. I don't make promises I can't keep." Issei: "Well, okay." Issei: "Thanks." Shu: "I'll tell Eichi." Shu: "You should wrap things up, too. Good night." Issei: "Shu..." Issei: "With new things happening every day, I keep making mistakes. There are lots of things I can't do well." Issei: "But I'm having fun." Shu: "Really? That's good." Ichiru: "It's the ocean!" Eichi: "You go on ahead. I'll park the car." Ichiru: "Whoa." Eichi: "Icchi, Isse! Let's have lunch." Ichiru: "Wow!" Ichiru: "This is amazing!" Issei: "You made lunch?" Eichi: "Yeah, with Shu." Issei: "Thanks." Ichiru: "This looks delicious!" Eichi: "There's warm miso soup, too." Shu: "It's a bit chilly for a picnic." Ichiru: "I'm totally fine. Let's eat." Shu: "Yeah." All: "Thanks for the food." Ichiru: "It's delicious!" Eichi: "Shu made the eggs." Shu: "I tried to make sure they were unburnt, fluffy, and beautiful." Issei: "They're really good." Ichiru: "There are octobuddies!" Issei: "You're right." Ichiru: "Yeah. That's what we called them at the orphanage." Issei: "We had them in our lunches when we went on field trips." Ichiru: "It brings back memories." Eichi: "Really?" Issei: "Most people feel bad for us when we say we were raised in an orphanage." Ichiru: "It might be different, but it was an important place to us." Issei: "We have lots of fun memories, too." Shu: "I see." Issei: "I'm sure today will become an important memory, too." Ichiru: "Thanks for bringing us, Shu and Eichi." Issei: "Thank you." Both: "Good morning." Man: "They're here." Woman: "Good morning, twins." Man: "Good news, guys." Issei: "Good news?" Man: "Here's the new script." Ichiru: "The new script?" Issei: "Has this changed?" Ichiru: "You're right. The wording of our parts is a little different." Issei: "So is the orphanage scene." moto: "Good morning." All: "Good morning." moto: "Does everyone have the new script? This is the final version." moto: "I tried to incorporate your opinions to create the best possible work. It's a little late to change other actors' lines or the overall story." moto: "But I've done what I can not to cause prejudice or misunderstandings." Issei: "This is amazing." Issei: "You didn't change much, but it creates a totally different impression." Ichiru: "Yeah, this is amazing. I love my role even more." Issei: "Yeah." moto: "I did everything I could." moto: "Just like you boys." moto: "There's less than a week until the show. Do your very best." All: "Yes, sir!" Ichiru: "I'll do my best!" Woman: "It's only a little, but your lines did change. You'll have to memorize them again." Man: "Let's do our best." Ichiru: "Yes, sir!" Actor: "My name is Jacob Grimm. Tonight, I'll be presenting a few of the stories I wrote with my brother Wilhelm. First up are the famous siblings Hansel and Gretel. But in this age, they've returned as twin brothers. Can they resist the temptation of the house of candy and reach home safely?" Ichiru: "Let's leave this place." Issei: "What? Why?" Ichiru: "This place is comfortable, but we can't rely on that forever." Ichiru: "I want to rely on our own strength." Ichiru: "We're certainly old enough." Issei: "All we know is this orphanage. But I want to see the outside world." Issei: "I want to rely on our own strength." Ichiru: "Yeah. I know we can do it." Issei: "Yeah." Issei: "Mom, watch over us." Ichiru: "Damn it! How dare they treat us like thieves!" Ichiru: "We'd never steal!" Ichiru: "Hey!" Man: "Your song touched me." Man: "Why don't you become singers?" Ichiru: "You seem super shady." Man: "I'm nothing of the sort." Issei: "Shady people always say that." Issei: "They're waiting to hear our song." Ichiru: "I never expected things to turn out this way." Issei: "We've finally made it home." Ichiru: "Our home?" Issei: "It's always been just us." Issei: "But we made it here with the support of others." Ichiru: "You're right." Ichiru: "This is where we belong. This is our home." Issei: "Mom's watching, isn't she?" moto: "Good work. You were great." moto: "Good work." Both: "Thank you." Ichiru: "Did we do a good job?" moto: "Yeah. Your acting drew the audience in. You did great." Issei: "Rehearsal was hard, but I'm having a lot of fun." Ichiru: "So am I." moto: "It's still only the first day. Keep it up until the end." Both: "Yes, sir." Ichiru: "There they are. Shu." Shu: "Sorry for asking you to meet us." Ichiru: "It's fine. What's up?" Ichiru: "What? No way." Woman: "Issei-kun, Ichiru-kun. It's been a while." Eichi: "When we invited her, she came running from Hokkaido." Ichiru: "Hey!" Issei: "We forgot to invite her ourselves." Eichi: "Don't worry. I thought you might, so I did it for you." Issei: "Eichi..." Shu: "You two were focused on acting." Shu: "Should we not have?" Woman: "I'm so glad you're doing well." Issei: "It's good to see you again. I'm sorry we didn't invite you ourselves." Ichiru: "I'm sorry, too. It was careless of us." Woman: "It's all right. It's wonderful that you have something that captivates your interest so much." Woman: "I'm so happy and proud that I got to see you today. Everyone at the orphanage will be delighted. I'm relieved. That was a fantastic play. Well done." Ichiru: "Thank you." Ichiru: "We're working hard every day." Ichiru: "You don't need to worry about us."

Koki: "Is this okay? To everyone watching the TSUKIPRO concert documentary, Road to Budokan, thanks for waiting." All: "We are Growth." Ryota: "Right now we've come to the TV station to appear on the popular quiz show Rival Fight." Kensuke: "We'll show you our greenroom." Mamoru: "Wow." Ryota: "We're sharing a room with ZIX, huh?" Koki: "It's locked." Kensuke: "Huh?" Kensuke: "By the way, ZIX is a group as old as ours. Hey." Ryota: "We're already having problems." Mitsuru: "Oh, sorry. I'm Mitsuru Hishida of ZIX." Makoto: "And I'm Makoto Sugai of ZIX." Mitsuru: "We didn't notice since we were changing." Ryota: "Yeah, right." Mitsuru: "It's true." Mitsuru: "That's right. Even though we're rivals, we're super good friends." Mitsuru: "Since we've finished changing, take your time." Makoto: "See you later." Kensuke: "What's wrong with this room? It's freezing." Mamoru: "The AC is on!" Koki: "This isn't a greenroom, it's a freezer." Ryota: "Those guys..." Mc: "We're inviting popular rivals from various industries to face off in..." Both: "...the quiz variety show Rival Fight!" Announcer 1: "Today's guests are..." Announcer 1: "In order to defeat your rival, you must know him. Both groups will be competing to see who knows more about the other unit." Mc: "Our first question is for ZIX." Announcer 1: "Last year Growth released four singles based on the four beauties of nature. What was the name of the title song on the second, bird-themed single?" Makoto: ""Phoenix Nebula."" Mc: "Impressive. You're really aware of their work. The members of ZIX and Growth, with the exception of Mamoru-kun, all came from the same agency, right?" Koki: "Yes." Makoto: "There were even talks about us debuting together." Mitsuru: "I wish we could've worked together." Koki: "That may have been interesting." Mc: "Sounds like you have a long history." Announcer 1: "Growth, it's your turn to answer. This spring, where did ZIX perform their first individual concert?" Ryota: "Zapp Odaiba. Tickets sold out in eight minutes and twenty-eight seconds." Kensuke: "Seriously?" Mc: "Do you follow how quickly your rivals' tickets sell?" Ryota: "Yeah." Ryota: "I wonder how fast they would've sold if it were Growth." Announcer 1: "Question for ZIX." Announcer 1: "Which blood type is not represented in Growth? Type A, type B, type AB, or type O?" Makoto: "Which isn't?" Mitsuru: "Type AB." Mitsuru: "The fact that both Ryota-kun and Mamoru-kun are Type B is just my thing." Mamoru: "He said it's his thing." Ryota: "He's dissing us." Mamoru: "Huh?" Announcer 1: "How does ZIX always end its morning fortune-telling corner, "Sun Sun Fortunes"?" All: "With a sunny smile, have a lucky day." Mamoru: "Day!" Ryota: "Excuse me." Ryota: "I want to hear them say it." Koki: "Ryo." Mitsuru: "Give me a break." Mc: "Why not? Your fans will enjoy it, too." Makoto: "Fine." Mitsuru: "We don't have a choice, do we?" Both: "With a sunny smile, have a lucky day." Ryota: "So cute." Koki: "Hey." Ryota: "I never back down from a fight." Mc: "Is this going to go into extra innings, producer?" Announcer 1: "Last year in the TSUKIPRO talent directory, Growth' s Koki-kun named this as "best with rice"—" Makoto: "Omelet." Announcer 1: "ZIX leader Makoto Sugai is a Leo born on August 15th—" Koki: "January 13th, Capricorn." Koki: "That's basic." Makoto: "Former NEET." Koki: "A diamond." Makoto: "His sister's recommendation." Koki: "Makoto and Mitsuru." Makoto: "Seven hundred centimeters." Mamoru: "This is really close. I'd better do my best." Kensuke: "Huh? Yeah, good luck." Announcer 1: "What does ZIX's Makoto-kun do every morning before he goes out?" Mamoru: "Uh, um... oh!" Mamoru: "Radio exercises." Both: "What?" Kensuke: "What?" Mamoru: "That's not it?" Mc: "Makoto-kun, what's the correct answer?" Makoto: "I tell Gonzaburo I'm leaving." Mc: "What a disappointing finish." Announcer 1: "With a score of 18 to 17, ZIX wins." Mc: "That was a good fight. You love your rivals, don't you?" Both: "Of course." Mc: "See you next week." Kensuke: "That was a good fight." Ryota: "But we lost." Kensuke: "It's a variety show. We should consider ourselves lucky the water wasn't scalding." Ryota: "Mamoru wouldn't be here if it were." Mamoru: "Ko-kun, good work today." Koki: "I'm a little tired." Mamoru: "You sure do know a lot about ZIX, though." Koki: "I can't help but be curious about them." Mitsuru: "Did you see Ryota's face? What a masterpiece. My stomach hurts from laughing!" Mitsuru: "What? You're not happy? Why not? We won." Makoto: "I hate that we know so much about Growth. Besides, Growth destroyed themselves." Makoto: "I want to win on our own strength, and for our victory to be absolute." Mitsuru: "I guess you're right." Makoto: "I just..." Makoto: "I just don't want to lose to Koki." Tamaru: "Music Time!" Kensuke: "It was really close, though." Mamoru: "It was my fault." Both: "Tee-hee." Tamaru: "Rivals, huh? How nice. Get on standby, please." Announcer 2: "On next week's Music Time special, Growth and ZIX will give the first live performances of their new songs." Tamaru: "Let's start with ZIX's song." Announcer 2: "Here's their new song, "brilliant."" Woman Talent: "Who had the incredible B-tier gourmet akashiyaki?" All: "Me!" Kensuke: "It looks like it's about to rain." Kensuke: "They gave us takoyaki. Want some?" Koki: "I'm good. Anyway, aren't those akashiyaki?" Kensuke: "Ko, you're looking a little pale." Ryota: "Are you not feeling well?" Mamoru: "Here, have some warm tea." Koki: "Thanks. I think I'm just a little tired." Koki: "I'm fine." Mamoru: "You've had a lot on your mind recently." Koki: "Not really." Ryota: "Are you sure you're okay?" Koki: "The leader can't be absent, can he?" Koki: "Good work." Makoto: "Do you have a cold? Maybe you're not taking care of yourself." Koki: "Sorry. That makes it harder to get close, doesn't it?" Woman Talent: "Arainu-kun, Growth and ZIX are here." Koki: "Hello. We are Growth." Makoto: "We're ZIX." Mitsuru: "Did everyone try some B-tier gourmet?" All: "Yeah!" Ryota: "What was good?" Woman Talent: "Growth and ZIX, please tell Arainu-kun the B-tier foods you chose for him." Mamoru: "My B-tier food is wings." Kensuke: "Seriously?" Ryota: "There weren't any here." Mamoru: "They have to be here?" Kensuke: "They have to be, right?" Ryota: "Now he's in a bad mood." Makoto: "Hold on." Koki: "Makoto." Mitsuru: "Hey, what's that?" Mitsuru: "It looks really good. Where did you get it?" Mitsuru: "Maybe I'll choose soft serve for my B-tier food." Ryota: "They didn't have that here, either." Mitsuru: "What? Seriously?" Kensuke: "You'll get in trouble with the food stall vendors." Koki: "Sorry about that. Thanks." Makoto: "I didn't do it for you. I did it for the event guests." Koki: "I know." Ryota: "Ko..." Mamoru: "Are you okay?" Mitsuru: "Did we go too far?" Koki: "I probably..." Koki: "...wounded them deeply." Mamoru: "You?" Koki: "So as long as we keep working as Growth and ZIX," Koki: "this will continue." Ryota: "We went a little too far." Kensuke: "A little?" Ryota: "Sorry." Kensuke: "You do tend to pick fights with ZIX." Ryota: "Maybe I should ignore them when they try to pick fights with us," Ryota: "but I can't." Ryota: "I knew it was bothering Ko, too. Even if I acted out, I thought Ko would smooth things over" Ryota: "as our leader." Kensuke: "That does sound like you." Ryota: "Sorry." Mamoru: "He said he's going to sleep." Kensuke: "What are you doing?" Mamoru: "I thought I'd make porridge for Ko." Mamoru: "Have you ever made porridge?" Ryota: "We'll do it." Mamoru: "You're awake?" Koki: "Yeah." Koki: "It's good. Now that I think about it, I haven't eaten much since this morning." Kensuke: "Ryo says he'll be a good boy starting tomorrow." Ryota: "What do you mean by good boy?" Koki: "Omelet..." Mamoru: "Ryo-kun made them." Mamoru: "I watched." Koki: "They're good." Mamoru: "I watched, okay?" Koki: "I'll get better by tomorrow." Koki: "I'll sleep once I finish eating." Mamoru: "Sure. Take it easy." Mamoru: "Good night." Ryota: "Wow." Mamoru: "This breakfast Ko-kun made looks delicious." Koki: "Good morning. Is coffee okay?" Ryota: "You're okay now?" Koki: "Yeah." Kensuke: "Thanks for the food." Mamoru: "Thanks." Koki: "We have our announcement today." Koki: "Let's do our best." Kensuke: "Yeah." Mamoru: "Delicious." Ryota: "So good." ews: "Here's our next story. A truck accident on Freeway 3 has traffic backed up in both directions." Staff: "Growth, you're good to go." All: "Thank you." Koki: "They're not here." Mamoru: "ZIX?" Mamoru: "Come to think of it, I haven't seen them yet." Kensuke: "We need to thank them for yesterday." Ryota: "Yeah." Staff: "The event is starting soon. Hurry, please." Tamaru: "Music Time!" Tamaru: "Thanks for coming, everyone." Announcer 2: "It's time for Music Time's public live broadcast." Ryota: "Where's Ko?" Kensuke: "Probably outside." Director: "ZIX still isn't here?" Staff A: "They just passed Sancha." Director: "How much dead time will we have?" Staff A: "About 20 minutes." Director: "That's too long to cover with conversation." Ryota: "What happened to ZIX?" Koki: "They're caught in traffic." Mitsuru: "But we're so close." Koki: "Since we don't when ZIX will be arriving, we'll be extending the interview." Koki: "Even after we sing, we may have to keep talking. Can we do it?" Kensuke: "No problem. Let's do it." Ryota: "It's time to repay the favor." Koki: "Excuse me." Koki: "We'll go on first in ZIX's place and keep the show going until they arrive." Staff A: "Huh?" Director: "Really? Thank you. We're counting on you, Growth." Staff A: "Get on standby immediately." Koki: "Let's go." Staff B: "ZIX has arrived." Staff A: "Got it." Makoto: "Sorry we're late." Makoto: "Growth..." Mitsuru: "They switched places for us." Kensuke: "Hey, guys. Listen to us sing until ZIX arrives." Staff A: "Growth volunteered to keep the show going until you arrived." Ryota: "Looks like they made it." Koki: "Yeah." Makoto: "Growth are..." Makoto: "...good rivals." Mitsuru: "Yeah." Mitsuru: "Peace." Koki: "Next up is our new song that Mamoru wrote."

Haiduki: "Good work, boys. I'm heading back to the office." Shiki: "Sure." Rikka: "Good work today." Dai: "Good work." Tsubasa: "Good work." Shiki: "Oh, right." Shiki: "Dai." Dai: "Yes?" Shiki: "And Rikka." Shiki: "Haiduki will probably fill you in on the details, but we received a commercial offer." Shiki: "For the two of you." Tsubasa: "I slept well." Rikka: "Good morning, Tsubasa." Tsubasa: "Rikka? You're up early." Tsubasa: "No, I got up late." Rikka: "You seem awfully tired." Tsubasa: "I just barely couldn't finish my report, so I stayed up late. Besides, I have today off." Rikka: "Here you go." Tsubasa: "Thanks." Rikka: "Don't push yourself too hard." Tsubasa: "That's good." Rikka: "You sound like Shiki after he's been up all night." Tsubasa: "Hey, uh, don't tell Shiki I was up late. I know he'll complain that I scold him for it." Rikka: "Got it." Tsubasa: "So, where's our producer who has lustrous skin despite staying up all night all the time?" Rikka: "I saw him in the kitchen when I came back from my morning run." Rikka: "He said he was going to sleep. He's probably still in bed." Tsubasa: "I see. His days and nights are reversed." Rikka: "Well, I'd better get going." Tsubasa: "For work?" Rikka: "Yeah. I have a meeting for the commercial we talked about the other day." Tsubasa: "That one with Dai-chan that Shiki mentioned?" Rikka: "Yeah, that." Rikka: "We still haven't heard what it's about yet." Tsubasa: "Wow... I'm really curious. Let me know what it is later." Rikka: "Okay. Bye." Rikka: "I'm off." Rikka: "There he is." Rikka: "Dai." Rikka: "Sorry. Thanks for waiting." Dai: "It's okay. I just got here." Rikka: "You had voice training, right? How was that?" Dai: "All right." Rikka: "You seem to be doing well. I'm excited for our next new song." Dai: "That's not much coming from you." Rikka: "What does that mean?" Dai: "The instructor said lately you've been holding your high notes really well." Rikka: "Really? I hope that's true." Dai: "You got a compliment. Just accept it gracefully." Rikka: "You're right." Rikka: "Shall we go?" Dai: "Yeah." Dai: "A commercial for women's cosmetics?" Rikka: "With the two of us?" Haiduki: "Yeah. Take a look at the second page of the proposal in front of you." Dai: "This is Six Gravity's Hajime. I've seen these photos before." Haiduki: "Since it's so popular, they've been continuing the series." Rikka: "It was really impactful the first time I saw it." Haiduki: "That's right. People couldn't stop talking about it after the commercial. Sales were great. They kept selling out. Since they're releasing a new line of products, we received an offer for another one" Haiduki: "of our agency's entertainers to promote it." Dai: "They're cosmetics, right? I understand choosing Rikka, but why me?" Haiduki: "I'll get to that. Don't rush. Turn to the next page." Rikka: "The theme of the proposal is a knight and a princess?" Haiduki: "It's a woman's ideal situation. A knight and princess. The concept is to have male entertainers play both roles. In our meeting earlier, Rikka was chosen to play the princess and Dai was chosen to play the escorting knight." Haiduki: "It's nearly time. We have a meeting with the client after this. Wait here." Rikka: "That was a surprise." Dai: "Yeah." Rikka: "But I'm excited. I'm a fairly predictable choice, but I'm sure you'll make a handsome knight." Rikka: "Dai as a knight, huh?" Dai: "Not Tsubasa or Shiki..." Dai: "But me as a knight?" Tsubasa: "Now let's pump up the night." Tsubasa: "Today's topic is our favorite products. I'm sure the members of SolidS have their preferences, but we're asking if there any products tonight you—" Dai: "Knight..." Tsubasa: "Dai-chan, I'm talking here. We've been asked to share if we have any products we just have to have." Tsubasa: "We'll start with Shiki." Shiki: "Well, let's see. Without shichimi spice, soba doesn't taste right!" Dai: "Knight?" Tsubasa: "Come to think of it, you used to sell shichimi spice. Rikka?" Rikka: "Well, I need lavender oil when I sleep at night." Dai: "Knight?!" Tsubasa: "Dai-chan, why do you keep reacting like that?" Dai: "Sorry." Dai: "I'm back." Tsubasa: "Welcome back, Dai-chan." Dai: "Tsubasa, you're here?" Tsubasa: "Ciao." Dai: "Don't scare me like that." Tsubasa: "I slack off when I'm in my room, so I'm working out here. I'm being good, right? Tell me I'm good." Dai: "A report, huh? Almost finished?" Tsubasa: "I'm working on it." Tsubasa: "Did you go running by yourself today? Where's Rikka?" Dai: "He's been modeling since this morning." Tsubasa: "Oh, right." Tsubasa: "I thought you and Rikka had a fight or something." Dai: "A fight? Why?" Tsubasa: "You've been acting weird around Rikka recently." Dai: "That's not true." Tsubasa: "And you haven't been running lately." Dai: "It keeps raining." Tsubasa: "You guys used to stretch together when it rained." Dai: "I just overslept." Tsubasa: "You can tell your big brother Tsubasa everything." Dai: "It's nothing." Tsubasa: "Oh, really?" Tsubasa: "Oh, right. Want some coffee?" Dai: "Sure." Tsubasa: "By the way, how's the commercial going?" Dai: "Nothing special. It's normal." Tsubasa: "That's not an answer." Dai: "We got fitted the other day, and we're filming the day after tomorrow." Tsubasa: "Already?" Dai: "I heard Rikka's shooting some stills tomorrow." Dai: "Thanks." Tsubasa: "You're welcome. It's sweet because of all the love I put in it." Dai: "Are you an idiot?" Tsubasa: "Have a scone, too. They're also full of my love." Dai: "Did you make these?" Tsubasa: "I bought them with love." Tsubasa: "You're lucky, Dai-chan." Tsubasa: "I want to do a commercial, too. And doing one with Rikka must be the best. I'm sure everyone would love it." Dai: "If you're so jealous, I'll switch with you." Tsubasa: "What's this?" Tsubasa: "Dai-chan, you're joking, right?" Dai: "Of course I'm joking. It was a slip of the tongue." Tsubasa: "I'll pretend I didn't hear that." Tsubasa: "So, why are you avoiding Rikka?" Dai: "I'm not." Tsubasa: "Oh, really?" Dai: "Maybe Rikka's different, but I've never had much to do with cosmetics until now." Dai: "I'm not great at gravure jobs, either. Since he was a model, when he's in front of a camera, he summons all kinds of expressions like magic." Dai: "I'm not sure I'm good enough to stand next to him." Dai: "Never mind." Tsubasa: "Okay, Dai-chan." Dai: "Hey! What are you doing?" Tsubasa: "Let's take some pictures together." Dai: "Why?" Tsubasa: "You need to get used to cameras so you can overcome your insecurities." Dai: "It can't be this easy." Tsubasa: "Come on." Dai: "Hey!" Tsubasa: "Show me a nice face." Dai: "Hey, Tsubasa!" Tsubasa: "Come on." Dai: "You idiot, stop that!" Tsubasa: "Dai-chan, relax. Look this way." Dai: "Listen to me!" Shiki: "What are you two doing so early?" Dai: "Shiki." Tsubasa: "Perfect timing. Shiki, get in the frame." Shiki: "No, thank you." Tsubasa: "Hey, don't you want to help Dai-chan?" Dai: "What do you mean, help me? I didn't ask for your help." Shiki: "Help Dai?" Shiki: "In that case, what should I do?" Tsubasa: "Hey, wait! Don't you think it's mean that you wouldn't help just me?" Shiki: "Shut up." Shiki: "I'm not sure what's going on, but you're taking pictures, right?" Tsubasa: "Yeah. Look this way. Show me that face. Come on, Dai-chan." Dai: "Why, you idiot?" Shiki: "Dai, just give up. You know he won't listen once he decides to do something." Girl 1: "Hey, look." Girl 2: "Isn't that Rikka from SolidS?" Girl 1: "Yeah." Staff 1: "Okay, that was good." Rikka: "Thank you." Director: "There's more people around now that it's rush hour. We should wrap up soon. Thank you." Staff: "Thank you." Rikka: "Thank you." Rikka: "Huh? I have a message from Tsubasa at this hour? I wonder what it is." Rikka: "Photos of Dai?" Rikka: "That looks fun. I can't believe they're having fun without me." Rikka: "Another message from Tsubasa. "Here's my recommendation"?" Rikka: "He said he didn't like being in front of cameras before." Rikka: "Now he can make this face." Rikka: "Right. I'm sorry for making an unreasonable request." Rikka: "Haiduki-san, I appreciate your help." Rikka: "Thanks for waiting." Staff 1: "It's fine. Where do you need to go?" Rikka: "I'll be heading back to the office. Could you drop me off nearby?" Staff 1: "Got it." Shiki: "You've learned to make nice expressions." Dai: "Don't make fun of me." Shiki: "You think I'm someone who can joke about that?" Dai: "No." Shiki: "See? Look at this one." Dai: "That brings back memories." Shiki: "It wasn't that long ago." Shiki: "It's a photo from when we first met. Your expression is completely different." Dai: "You're right." Shiki: "Getting used to cameras is a real thing. Experience makes you stronger, whether it's one year or one month." Shiki: "You're growing. Your expressions are better now." Shiki: "You should be confident, Dai." Dai: "Did Tsubasa say anything to you?" Shiki: "No, nothing." Dai: "You're not a very good liar, either." Shiki: "He didn't tell me anything." Dai: "Yeah, yeah." Dai: "But..." Dai: "Thanks. I feel sure of myself now. Even if I can't do something right now, there's no telling what will happen in a year. I don't have miracles or magic. That's why..." Dai: "I can only do my best." Haiduki: "Dai, are you ready?" Dai: "Yes." Haiduki: "That suits you. You look handsome." Dai: "Where's Rikka?" Haiduki: "He's already in camera rehearsal. He looks beautiful and handsome as well. Shiki would be—no, I'm proud of my princess and knight." Dai: "Haiduki-san..." Haiduki: "Come on." Haiduki: "Let's go." Dai: "Okay." Staff 1: "Camera one is okay." Staff 2: "Ready to test." Staff 1: "Murase-san's entering the set." Dai: "Let's work together." All: "Let's work together." Staff 2: "This way, please." Rikka: "Dai!" Rikka: "Good to see you. I look forward to working together today." Dai: "Yeah." Rikka: "Today, you won't beat me." Dai: "I could say the same thing." Staff 1: "We'll start with a test of the first scene." Staff 2: "Here we go. Take one." Rikka: "You don't need miracles or magic anymore." Dai: "Take off your glass slippers." Both: "Draw in your destiny." Tsubasa: "Wow." Shiki: "The final product is intense." Rikka: "I think Dai and I may have tried too hard." Shiki: "Hey." Dai: "The client and director thought it would be cooler for us to be aggressive." Dai: "We changed course slightly on the set." Tsubasa: "Slightly, huh?" Shiki: "Am I going to be getting a phone call later?" Tsubasa: "Good luck when that happens, Shiki." Tsubasa: "Anyway, who cares? This version has way more impact. Beautiful and handsome. It was worth casting two guys to do it. In fact..." Tsubasa: "It's awesome." Rikka: "Thanks." Tsubasa: "Hey, Dai-chan. Come back to us." Dai: "Shut up." Tsubasa: "You were cool. What are you so embarrassed about?" Dai: "Of course I'm embarrassed, idiot." Shiki: "It's pretty good. I'm sure people will like it." Dai: "Please don't talk so seriously about it." Tsubasa: "Give it up. This will be all over the country starting next week." Dai: "Don't say that." Eichi: "Excuse me." Eichi: "Good, you're all here." Tsubasa: "Hey, Eichi." Eichi: "Hey." Eichi: "I was going to invite you guys over for tea. Are you in the middle of something?" Tsubasa: "You came at the right time. We're having a screening party for a commercial. Want to watch it with us?" Dai: "Hey, Tsubasa!" Eichi: "What? You mean Rikka-san and Dai-kun's?" Tsubasa: "That's the one." Eichi: "Yes! I'd love to see it!" Ichiru: "You guys are too loud. We can hear you upstairs." Issei: "Good evening. What are you watching?" Rikka: "My and Dai's commercial. They sent it over since they just finished." Shiki: "You're welcome to watch it." Shiki: "Shu's not with you?" Issei: "He's working in his room. We asked if he wanted to have tea." Shiki: "I'll go get him." Dai: "Shiki!" Dai: "Give me a break." Ichiru: "Dai, do you really not want us to see it?" Dai: "It's not that, but..." Tsubasa: "It's crazy!" Ichiru: "I didn't ask you. And I have no idea what you mean by "crazy."" Tsubasa: "You'll see." Tsubasa: "Oh, right. Before that, Ichiru, I'll lend you those comics I mentioned. Come and get them." Ichiru: "What? Now?" Ichiru: "What a pain." Eichi: "I'll go make tea for everyone." Rikka: "Want some help?" Issei: "I'll do it." Rikka: "Thanks." Rikka: "It's not so bad. I'm sure everyone will like it." Dai: "I'm sure you'd enjoy that." Rikka: "Dai, you were cool. I was surprised." Rikka: "Honestly, I was overwhelmed during the shoot." Dai: "You liar. You looked so composed." Rikka: "I was, really. I have no idea when you learned to make that expression. It's not fair." Dai: "You don't have to compliment me." Dai: "I've always been trying to catch up to you." Rikka: "Dai..." Dai: "I'm younger and less experienced. I know I'm starting way behind you." Dai: "But..." Dai: "I'm a member of SolidS, too. Whether I'm standing by you or anyone else, I'll become someone who can hold their head high." Rikka: "Want to hear a secret?" Dai: "What?" Rikka: "Remember how I shot stills before you showed up?" Rikka: "I asked Haiduki-san for a meeting with the client. I told them your intensity would overwhelm me, so I asked to make some suggestions regarding the direction and makeup." Dai: "You did what?" Rikka: "That's just how much you've grown." Rikka: "I'm barely keeping up, too." Rikka: "I can't let you beat me in a one-on-one contest." Dai: "Have you always hated losing so much?" Rikka: "Thanks to you, I have since I joined SolidS." Rikka: "By the way, Dai." Rikka: "Will you do something for me?" Rikka: "Will you take pictures with me today? I was a little jealous the other day." Dai: "Without makeup, please."

Man: "What's that?" Woman: "What's going on?" Kisaragi: "Oh, man! The concert's starting soon!" Shiwasu: "Your face is stiff, Koi. Try to smile!" Kisaragi: "Thanks." Kannazuki: "Rui, your bowtie is crooked. Here." Minazuki: "Thanks, Ikkun." Kannazuki: "Sure." Hazuki: "I wonder how many people are here... Whoa, look at them all!" gatsuki: "I'm starting to get nervous." Satsuki: "Hang in there, Yoru." Satsuki: "For everyone waiting for us." gatsuki: "Yeah, you're right." Uzuki: "There you go again, Prince Charming." Satsuki: "Don't make fun of me, Arata." uzuki: "Hey, is Shun here?" Kisaragi: "I haven't seen him." uzuki: "Jeez, he's unbelievable." Kannazuki: "I'll go look for him." uzuki: "Oh, it's fine. I wouldn't want you to be late, too." uzuki: "You're finally here, Shun?" Shiwasu: "Hajime-san! Haru-san!" Mutsuki: "Sorry we're late." Yayoi: "Sorry. Our job before this ran behind schedule." Mutsuki: "Shun's not here?" uzuki: "I was just about to go look for him." Yayoi: "Good grief." Shimotsuki: "At last, the gang's all here." Kannazuki: "Shun-san!" uzuki: "We were waiting for you." Shimotsuki: "Sorry, Kai." Shimotsuki: "Come now, Black King." Shimotsuki: "Let us take this new stage... Just kidding." Mutsuki: "Let's go!" All: "Yeah!" Shiwasu: "Crap! We're late!" Kisaragi: "Man, I still can't get my hair set quite right... What should I do?" Shiwasu: "This is bad! We're late! Come on, Koi! Hurry up!" Kisaragi: "Give me a second, Kakeru. I just can't get my hair right. See? This spot right here." Shiwasu: "Your hair is fine! Perfectly fine!" Satsuki: "Good morning." Satsuki: "I made breakfast. Want some?" Kisaragi: "All right! Yes, please!" Shiwasu: "Koi, we seriously don't have time!" Kisaragi: "Huh?" Shiwasu: "Sorry, Aoi-san! Come on! We're off!" Satsuki: "See you later." Yayoi: "Be careful." Satsuki: "Here. Eat up." Yayoi: "Wow, this looks delicious." Satsuki: "Kakeru sure was in a hurry." Yayoi: "Apparently they've got a job related to the Full Moon Festival." Shiwasu: "What? You want us to get comments for the Full Moon Festival?" Tsukishiro: "Yes. We'd like the two of you to talk to all the members of Six Gravity and Procellarum and get enthusiastic comments from them about the festival, which we'll air on Tsukiuta Radio." Shiwasu: "Enthusiastic comments?" Kisaragi: "So the two of us would basically be the directors?" Tsukishiro: "Yes. Since you have so much personality, we'd like you to decide what and where you'll be recording. What do you think?" Kisaragi: "Let's do our best, Kakeru-san." Shiwasu: "Yeah, let's do it. This is an important promo for an important event, after all." Tsukishiro: "It certainly is. The Full Moon Festival is a big event that serves as a culmination of the year. We'd like you to get comments based around that theme." Both: "Right!" Tsukishiro: "If you need anything, just let me know. I'll help you in any way I can." Both: "Thank you!" Shiwasu: "Anyway, it's a culmination of the whole year, huh?" Kisaragi: "A culmination..." Shiwasu: "In any case, I want to power up our concerts more than ever before!" Kisaragi: "Yeah, like some kind of full-power super mode!" Shiwasu: "I'm sure that's what our fans will be hoping for at the Full Moon Festival. Let's give them a show with new and improved versions of ourselves!" Kisaragi: "Yeah! So, what were you thinking?" Shiwasu: "Well, like..." Shiwasu: "I can't come up with anything on the spot." Kisaragi: "Of course not." Shiwasu: "A new and improved Gravi and Procella... New and improved..." Kisaragi: "Thank you!" Kisaragi: "Kakeru, you're next." Shiwasu: "What would "better" even be?" Kisaragi: "Kakerun? Kakeru-san!" Shiwasu: "Huh? Oh, what is it?" Kisaragi: "You're up for recording." Shiwasu: "O-Okay, I'm coming!" Kisaragi: "Good luck." Shiwasu: "Thanks." Yayoi: "Whoa, there. Take it easy." Shiwasu: "Sorry." Kisaragi: "Is Kakeru okay?" Yayoi: "I heard you were asked to get comments for the festival?" Kisaragi: "Yeah. We're working on coming up with ideas for it right now." Yayoi: "I see. Good luck. I'm looking forward to it." Kisaragi: "You can count on us! Well, not that we have a plan yet..." Shiwasu: "A new and improved us, huh?" Kisaragi: "Yeah..." Uzuki: "You sure are gloomy." Satsuki: "What's wrong, guys?" Shiwasu: "How do you think someone finds a new and improved version of themselves?" Uzuki: "You're over 20 and still trying to find yourself? Did you eat something weird, Kakerun?" Shiwasu: "It's a serious question." Uzuki: "Sorry. This one's all yours, Aoi." Satsuki: "Huh?" Uzuki: "I bet you'd have better advice for Kakerun." Shiwasu: "Aoi-san, how would you find a new and improved version of yourself?" Satsuki: "Well, I guess I'd try doing something I've never done before." Satsuki: "Yeah, I think I'd try something new." Shiwasu: "Try something new? I see." Uzuki: "Like testing your limits to see how many strawberry milks you can drink?" Satsuki: "I get the feeling you do that frequently..." Uzuki: "Huh?" Shiwasu: "Thanks, Aoi-san! I think I'm onto something. All right, let's go, Koi!" Kisaragi: "What? Wait, Kakeru! Where are we going?" Shiwasu: "After hearing Aoi-san's advice, I figured it'd be better to act instead of just thinking about it." Shiwasu: "I thought we could start by checking out some magazines." Kisaragi: "Are you sure you're onto something here?" Shiwasu: "But of course. It's one step forward from agonizing over the problem, Koi." Kisaragi: "One step forward, huh?" Kisaragi: "I always check out this magazine!" Shiwasu: "Koi..." Kisaragi: "Sorry. But don't you think this magazine might give us some ideas?" Shiwasu: "Yeah, I guess so..." Shiwasu: "1,300 yen an hour?! That's a high-paying gig!" Kisaragi: "Kakeru-san, I doubt you'll find any ideas in there." Shiwasu: "Of course not... Force of habit." Shiwasu: "Finding a new and improved version of yourself is hard." Kisaragi: "Yeah... Huh? Kakeru, look!" Shiwasu: ""Turn over a new leaf with a super extravagant tour!" "Level up with a luxurious experience!"" Both: "This is it!" Shiwasu: "Guys!" Kisaragi: "Sorry we kept you waiting so long!" Shiwasu: "Allow us to explain how we'll be recording our festival comments." Uzuki: "Okay." Kannazuki: "How are we doing it?" Shiwasu: "Our theme is "a new you."" Hazuki: ""A new you"?" gatsuki: "We're not giving enthusiastic comments on the Full Moon Festival?" Shiwasu: "That hasn't changed. But as an overall theme for our comments, I thought we could all show off the new ways we're going to level up and improve ourselves." Kisaragi: "For example, in the case of me and Kakeru, we could talk about how we want to try this or that at the Full Moon Festival to show off our cool sides instead of just coming across as cute." Shiwasu: "We'd like to announce our goals on Tsukiuta Radio." Kannazuki: "Well, we are all legal adults now. It might not be a bad idea for us to try something new." Hazuki: "I see." Shiwasu: "Yeah!" uzuki: "What exactly are we going to do?" Shiwasu: "Well, the first part of it is where we'll be recording. We've chosen a few special places that'll express our "new you" theme." Kisaragi: "Tsukishiro-san has gotten us permission to use those locations, so we'll be moving around between them, and I'll be doing the filming." uzuki: "Wow, there are quite a few. We're visiting all of these in one day?" Shiwasu: "Yeah. If all goes according to schedule, we'll have time to visit every spot." Satsuki: "This last location is a park near the wharf. We'll be going pretty far." Shiwasu: "Even so, we plan to be finished by nightfall." Satsuki: "We should be fine, then. The one-week forecast says there'll be rain coming in that night." Kannazuki: "Um, I don't see a lunch break. What about our meals?" Shiwasu: "Sorry. There won't be time for us to all have lunch together, so we'll be asking everyone to eat boxed lunches when they have time." Minazuki: "What about this 150-yen limit on snacks?" Uzuki: "It's normally 300 yen, right?" Hazuki: "What is this, a field trip?" Yayoi: "The two of them worked hard to come up with this. Let's go along with it." uzuki: "You're right. Shun, do you have anything to add?" Shimotsuki: "Well..." Mutsuki: "You guys were asked to decide what kind of comments we'd be recording and worked together to come up with this, right?" Both: "Right." Kisaragi: "Aoi-san gave us the idea, and we worked really hard to come up with a plan." Shiwasu: "Really hard!" Mutsuki: "Good. Then we'll give it a shot." Kisaragi: "Hajime-san..." Shiwasu: "Thank you!" Shiwasu: "Guys!" All: "Off the bus!" All: "Oh, nice. Wow... This looks fun. It's gorgeous." Shiwasu: "We'll be recording here first." Kisaragi: "Yoru-san and You, if you please!" Hazuki: "Ta-da! Thanks for waiting." gatsuki: "Th-This does feel different from usual." Shiwasu: "You two look great!" Kisaragi: "Now... strike a pose!" Kisaragi: "Yoru-san, this is an excellent change of pace from your usual self!" gatsuki: "Y-You think so?" Kisaragi: "You, you look awesome, too! You're truly Procella's most fashionable member!" Kisaragi: "This is great, Kakeru. Let's keep it going and get their comments." Shiwasu: "They do look super cool, but something's missing. I feel like there should be something new beyond their appearances." Uzuki: "Kakerun, if you get too greedy, you could end up in over your head." Shiwasu: "I know, but this is for the Full Moon Festival, the culminating event of the year..." Satsuki: "This is going to be a long day." Uzuki: "Yeah." Shiwasu: "Next up are Hajime-san and Haru-san, if you please!" Shiwasu: "Wow, you're just brimming with mature appeal!" Kisaragi: "Positively brimming!" Mutsuki: "What does that mean? These yukata aren't part of our wardrobe..." Yayoi: "Maybe they rented them from a shop inside the tower." Shiwasu: "Bingo! We did some research and found a shop that rents them out, so we wanted you two to wear them." Shiwasu: "Shun-san?!" Shimotsuki: "Hajime in a yukata..." Shimotsuki: "So noble!" Shiwasu: "Who would've thought a simple yukata could affect Shun-san so deeply? The final boss of Gravi is not to be underestimated!" Shiwasu: "Ow, ow, ow..." Mutsuki: "Who are you calling a final boss?" Shimotsuki: "Thank you!" Shiwasu: "Haru-san, is something the matter?" Yayoi: "I'm just glad we're filming on the ground floor." Shiwasu: "Oh, yeah. You're afraid of heights, aren't you? Truth be told, we probably should go up to the observation deck since we're here..." Kisaragi: "But we knew we wouldn't have the time for it. Too bad!" Yayoi: "Yeah, it's really too bad. We just don't have the time. Truly, what a shame..." Mutsuki: "What's this, Haru? You're not going up there, even though you're showing off the new you?" Shiwasu: "Now that you mention it..." Kisaragi: "Maybe it's worth pushing the limit?" Yayoi: "No, no, no. We don't have to do that. I'm sure the new Haru-san is afraid of heights, too. Aren't we on a tight schedule? So let's do what we can here on the ground! Hajime and I are ready to record our comments!" uzuki: "Wow, that's a huge boat." Minazuki: "A real luxury liner." Shiwasu: "I'm glad Kai-san seems to be having fun." Kisaragi: "Yeah. We've been moving so fast that we've hardly had time for anything else." Shiwasu: "I know we decided to film our "new" selves in keeping with the theme, but maybe we should've done something everyone would've enjoyed more." Kisaragi: "Kakeru." Kisaragi: "I've come this far with you because your dedication inspired me. We're doing this for the Full Moon Festival, which means it's really for all of us and all of the festival guests, right? I think it's amazing how you can think and work so hard for everyone." Shiwasu: "Koi..." Kisaragi: "So let's see this through to the end!" Shiwasu: "Yeah!" Yayoi: "The waves are pretty high." Minazuki: "You're right. Didn't the weather report call for rain tonight?" uzuki: "Yeah, but we should be okay. We're scheduled to finish by then." Shiwasu: "Guys! We'd like to run through the rest of the schedule in one last push, so we appreciate your cooperation!" Kisaragi: "Oh, right. Listen, Kakeru... There are all kinds of rooms on the boat. Why don't we have everyone pick their favorite?" Shiwasu: "That's a great idea." All: "This is nice." Shiwasu: "Okay, we're going to start filming!" Uzuki: "This place sure sways a lot." uzuki: "I thought a boat this big would be okay." Hazuki: "Yeah." uzuki: "But the waves are rocking it a bit." Hazuki: "Wait, a bit? Don't you mean a lot?" uzuki: "It's not enough to make you seasick, though." Minazuki: "I'm sick..." gatsuki: "Sorry... I'm really sick." Satsuki: "Me, too..." uzuki: "Guess it's enough to make you sick after all." Shiwasu: "Are they okay?" Kisaragi: "Sorry, I think I got a little sick looking through the camera..." Shiwasu: "Koi, are you okay?" Mutsuki: "Looks like we won't be able to film here. We should call it off." Yayoi: "It's too bad. According to the reports, the waves weren't supposed to be this choppy here." Shiwasu: "Call it off?" Kisagari: "Sorry, Kakeru." Shiwasu: "N-No, it's fine. There's no point in making everyone suffer. I feel like my natural bad luck has returned with a vengeance." Kisaragi: "Kakeru..." Hazuki: "This pressure point relieves seasickness." gatsuki: "Thanks, You." Shiwasu: "The sun's going down." Kisaragi: "We were supposed to be done by nightfall, so we didn't bring any lighting." Shiwasu: "Oh, right..." Kisaragi: "We still have over half the comments left to film. We're screwed." Shiwasu: "And now it's raining." Kisaragi: "Man, it has to start raining now?" Hazuki: "Isn't this earlier than forecast?" Shiwasu: "It's my fault. You guys did your best to help, but our schedule was too tight, and my bad luck kicked in." Kisaragi: "Rain and seasickness aren't your fault. Besides, I helped come up with the schedule. I'm responsible, too." Shiwasu: "Koi..." Yayoi: "What should we do, Hajime?" Mutsuki: "Kakeru, Koi." Both: "Yes?" Mutsuki: "You guys planned today's shoot, right?" Shiwasu: "Yeah. We did our best to come up with something special for the Full Moon Festival." Kisaragi: "But we planned too much and couldn't get it all done." Both: "We're sorry!" Mutsuki: "You're right. Maybe it was too much. But we haven't failed yet." Shiwasu: "Huh?" Mutsuki: "Don't throw in the towel until it's over. Don't give up." Mutsuki: "You're our leaders today, aren't you?" Mutsuki: "I'll follow my leaders until the end." Shiwasu: "Hajime-san..." Mutsuki: "Everyone else here following you feels the same way." Kisaragi: "Guys..." Shimotsuki: "Procella can't sit back while Gravi is working this hard." uzuki: "See, we're already tempered by experience. Setbacks of this level are hardly setbacks at all." gatsuki: "We'll work hard until the end, too." Minazuki: "Fight on." Satsuki: "Yeah, fight on." Shiwasu: "Yoru-san, Aoi-san, Rui... Are you still feeling seasick?" Satsuki: "I'm fine. Thanks to You, I've already recovered." Minazuki: "I'm fine, too." Shiwasu: "Thank goodness." Kisaragi: "The ride was rough enough to make me sick, and I planned this." Both: "We're really sorry!" Shiwasu: "We were too focused on becoming new and improved versions of ourselves." Mutsuki: "That in and of itself isn't a bad thing. In fact, it's important. But this should tell you it's not worth pushing yourself past your limits to show off. We take on enough challenges as it is without doing that. We're always newer selves than we were a second ago." Shimotsuki: "From the moment we chose to live this way, we've always had the desire to achieve more and more. Naturally, so have you." Kisragi: "Yeah, you're right!" Shiwasu: "Yeah! I'm always unlucky, but I can still keep going because I don't give up. I can become better than I was before. That's who I am. So even though it's raining now, please let us film your comments." Both: "Please!" Minazuki: "So pretty..." Kannazuki: "Yeah, it's beautiful." uzuki: "Huh, we showed up just as the lights came on." Kisaragi: "It's bright enough that we might be able to manage without lighting. This is amazing, Kakeru. You're not unlucky at all." Yayoi: "You've turned misfortune into fortune. It was worth giving up on the luxury liner." Both: "Yeah!" Shiwasu: "You're right, Hajime-san. We'll see this through to the end." Shiwasu: "Six Gravity doesn't do anything half-baked!" Mutsuki: "Yeah." Kisaragi: "All right, one last push!" uzuki: "Anyway, was it really a coincidence that the lights came on when they did?" Shimotsuki: "Who knows? More importantly, Kai, I'm thirsty." uzuki: "Yeah, yeah. I think there are drinks on the bus." Shimotsuki: "Thanks, Kai." Yayoi: "Wow, you're actually relaxing while working for once." Mutsuki: "Is it that unusual?" Yayoi: "A bit. I'm glad things worked out." Mutsuki: "Yeah." Kisaragi: "Okay, the footage looks really good. All that's left is to re-record the comments." Kannazuki: "Good work, guys." Kisaragi: "Iku, Rui! Same to you." Kannazuki: "This turned out great. Everyone seems like they're having fun." Minazuki: "Yeah, and they're shining brighter now than they have all day." Kannazuki: "Even though this isn't that different from what we normally do." Minazuki: "Maybe it means we really don't have to push ourselves so hard." Shiwasu: "If only I'd realized that from the start..." Kannazuki: "But we're only able to smile like this because you guys did so much to encourage us to show off our new selves." Minazuki: "Yeah, it's all thanks to the two of you." Shiwasu: "Iku, Rui... Thank you." Kisaragi: "That means today's plan was a success, Kakeru-san." Shiwasu: "Yeah." Kisaragi: "Now, let's get out there and record some comments typical of ourselves!" Minazuki: "Kakeru, you should record the first one." Shiwasu: "Me?" Kisaragi: "Good idea! We gotta start with Kakeru!" Uzuki: "Why not?" Uzuki: "Show us how it's done." Kisaragi: "Kakeru, camera's rolling!" Shiwasu: "O-Okay!" Kisaragi: "Okay, thank you for the nice comment." Shiwasu: "It was pretty cliché, though. Oh, yeah! Before we start filming comments, we need to get a group shot of everyone." Uzuki: "We already recorded your comment, though." Shiwasu: "We'll handle that in editing!" Uzuki: "Okay, then, let's do it." Both: "Thank you!" Shiwasu: "Three! Two! One!" Shiwasu: "Hello! This is Shiwasu Kakeru of Six Gravity. Six Gravity and Procellarum may be separate teams, but we're the best of friends. And these best friends will be putting on the best concert."

Hazuki: "Aren't you being hasty?" gatsuki: "You never change." Hazuki: "Also, you're up too early, slacker." Yoru: "Huh?" You: "Yoru, the fireworks are starting. Let's hurry." Yoru: "Okay." Hazuki: "How long do I have?" Doctor: "Three months." Doctor: "I'm sorry." gatsuki: "Don't you worry about anything." gatsuki: "I promise... I'll avenge her." Director: "Cut! Yoru-kun, you were great. Amazing. I got goosebumps watching you." gatsuki: "Thank you." Hazuki: "You sure got a lot of praise. I'm proud of you, too. You're a great actor." gatsuki: "Cut it out." Kurotsuki: "Are you guys ready to go?" Hazuki: "Oh, sorry, Dai-chan. We need a few more minutes." Kurotsuki: "Got it. I'll wait at the car." gatsuki: "Okay." Hazuki: "Dance practice after a drama shoot... The life of a popular idol sure is busy." gatsuki: "Who calls themselves popular?" Hazuki: "You Hazuki-kun was born to make all the girls in the world happy. Super good-looking and super—" gatsuki: "Okay, that's enough." Hazuki: "So what song are we rehearsing at practice today?" gatsuki: ""DA☆KAI," I think." Hazuki: "Hey, nice! Yoru, do you remember the choreography?" gatsuki: "I think so." Hazuki: "It's been a while since we performed it. Well, I'm sure it'll come back to you while we're dancing." gatsuki: "Yeah." Ishihara: "Very nice, Yoru. You even nailed all the detailed movements during the hook that you were missing before. Good job." gatsuki: "Thank you." Hazuki: "Hey, what about me?" Ishihara: "You were good, too." Hazuki: "That's it? Talk about playing favorites!" Hazuki: "Nice job. You practiced on your own, didn't you?" gatsuki: "A little bit." Ishihara: "At this rate, it may not be long before Yoru surpasses you, You." Hazuki: "You must be joking! There's no way anyone could beat me at dancing!" Ishihara: "Since Yoru's dancing has gotten better, why don't we show off some new and improved choreo at the Full Moon Festival?" gatsuki: "New and improved?" Ishihara: "The stage production's going to be a little showy, right? I was thinking about changing part of the choreography to match by including some impressive acrobatic movements." gatsuki: "Acrobatic?" Hazuki: "Think you can do it, Yoru?" gatsuki: "I'll try my best." Ishihara: "All right. Let's show the audience how much you've grown." Both: "Yeah!" Hazuki: "Yoru, are you okay?" gatsuki: "Sorry... I need a minute..." Hazuki: "Sorry, can we stop?" Ishihara: "We went too hard from the start." gatsuki: "I'm fine." Ishihara: "You shouldn't push yourself. I heard you had a shoot early this morning. Sorry for putting so much on your plate." gatsuki: "Don't worry about it. Really, I'm fine." Hazuki: "Hey, Ishihara-san. I was thinking... what if we had some fun ticking during the interlude? Something like this." Hazuki: "Doesn't that seem fun? The fans might be able to copy it, too." gatsuki: "But You, the movements themselves aren't that different from the choreography just before it." Hazuki: "I'll figure something out. Just take it easy, Yoru. Here." gatsuki: "Thanks." Hazuki: "If the production's flashy, don't you think keeping the dancing simple will highlight it better? You know, less is more." Ishihara: "Hmm, it's an option..." gatsuki: "You." gatsuki: "Ishihara-san put a lot of work into coming up with new choreography for us. Shouldn't we use—" Hazuki: "Don't worry about it. You just rest. Let me handle the dancing." gatsuki: "I'm okay now. Let's try it one more time." Hazuki: "Don't push yourself. You're filming tomorrow morning, too. I can use the time to come up with—" gatsuki: "Are you lowering the difficulty to accommodate me?" Hazuki: "I didn't say that." gatsuki: "But ultimately, it's the same thing, right? I appreciate the thought, but I can't call myself your partner if all I do is follow your lead." Hazuki: "Don't get so worked up." gatsuki: "I'm serious." Hazuki: "Yoru..." gatsuki: "Sorry. I'm going to go wash my face." Satsuki: "Yoru!" Yayoi: "Have you got dance rehearsal? We're also getting ready for the Full Moon—" gatsuki: "Excuse me." Hazuki: "Can we talk?" gatsuki: "Sure." gatsuki: "Want to sit?" Hazuki: "No, I'm good here." gatsuki: "Okay." Hazuki: "Sorry about earlier." Hazuki: "But I wasn't trying to lower the difficulty to accommodate you." gatsuki: "Yeah. I got a little worked up." gatsuki: "It might be because you struck a nerve." Hazuki: "I struck a nerve?" gatsuki: "I've been gaining a little confidence in my work lately." gatsuki: "Maybe I let it go to my head without realizing it." gatsuki: "But as soon as we started dancing, I realized I still have a long way to go." gatsuki: "It was eye-opening." Hazuki: "That's not true. You've grown lots." gatsuki: "You say this after you simplified the choreography for me?" Hazuki: "Jeez, fine, I admit it. I did think we should lower the initial difficulty and work our way up." gatsuki: "So you were simplifying it." Hazuki: "Let me finish! I thought we could take things one step at a time. I thought it'd be easier on you if we gradually upped the difficulty." gatsuki: "I see." Hazuki: "Come on, you can trust me." gatsuki: "Sorry." gatsuki: "But I could say the same thing to you." Hazuki: "Yeah... I guess you're right." gatsuki: "Sorry. I've got an early morning, so..." Hazuki: "You're finishing filming tomorrow?" gatsuki: "Yeah. And you finish the day after, right?" Hazuki: "Yeah. So I guess we'll be working separately tomorrow." gatsuki: "Yeah." Hazuki: "Sorry to bother you. Good luck tomorrow. Goodnight." gatsuki: "Yeah, goodnight. You, I'm sorry. I was—" gatsuki: "Uh..." Yayoi: "I came to invite you to a late-night party." gatsuki: "What?" Yayoi: "Sorry for showing up unannounced." gatsuki: "It's fine. I was surprised, but I'm glad you did. A lot happened today." gatsuki: "It was a lot..." Yayoi: "Did something happen with You?" gatsuki: "Huh?" Yayoi: "If you want to talk, we'll listen." gatsuki: "The truth is..." Yayoi: "I see. So that's what happened." gatsuki: "I'm not mad at You. I'm mad at myself. No matter how much time passes, I still can't catch up to him. Not only that, but he covers for me. It's pathetic. But..." Satsuki: "Yoru..." Yayoi: "All right, let's drink tonight. When you're depressed, nothing beats sweets and warm tea." Satsuki: "You're right." gatsuki: "Haru-san, do you get depressed, too?" Yayoi: "Yeah, all the time. Not long ago, Hajime received an offer to be in the sequel of a play he starred in last year. But it didn't fit into his schedule, so I agreed to do it instead." gatsuki: "That play was amazing. Your performance really moved me." Yayoi: "Thanks. But it left me feeling the need to improve myself more." gatsuki: "What? Why?" Yayoi: "The swordfight scene was one of the highlights of the show. My performance didn't come close to Hajime's." Yayoi: "I realized I still wasn't nearly good enough." gatsuki: "You're not wrong about the swordfighting. Hajime-san's is the real deal. He trains in ancient martial arts. It's intense." gatsuki: "But I think you're good, too." Yayoi: "I wish I could accept your praise, but when there's someone clearly much better right next to you, you can't help but compare yourself." Satsuki: "I know what you mean. Your partner's strengths stand out even more because you're standing right next to them." gatsuki: "What? You too, Aoi?" Satsuki: "Recently, Arata and I appeared in a special one-shot drama." gatsuki: "I saw that. I recorded it and watched it over and over. You were both great." Satsuki: "Thanks. It was a really difficult role. It took me several days to understand it. But after reading the script just once, Arata said, "I kind of get how this guy feels."" Yayoi: "That sounds like him. He's flexible and lives off instinct." Satsuki: "That's right." Yayoi: "When you work as a duo, you're often compared to each other. Your differences become apparent. That's why we struggle to close that gap, but..." Yayoi: "On the other hand, watching my partner grow actually makes me happy." Satsuki: "Me, too. Sometimes it makes me happier to hear Arata receive praise than to receive it myself." gatsuki: "Same. You is my greatest rival, but sometimes I think I'm his number one fan." gatsuki: "I kind of feel relieved. Like me, you guys sometimes feel down when you're compared to your partners." gatsuki: "Thank you. I feel so fortunate to eat such tasty food." Satsuki: "And since it feels like our little secret, it's exciting." gatsuki: "What do you think Hajime-san, Arata, or You would say if they found out about this?" Satsuki: "I bet Arata would insist that we should've invited him." gatsuki: "If You found out, I bet he'd say he'd rather have something filling instead of sweets." gatsuki: "How would Hajime-san react?" Yayoi: "He'd just join us." gatsuki: "Huh?" Satsuki: "That's true. Surprisingly enough, Hajime-san does have a sweet tooth." gatsuki: "A late-night tea party with Hajime-san, huh?" gatsuki: "I think I'd like to try that, too." gatsuki: "But I think certain people would be quite jealous." Yayoi: "Then let's keep this late-night tea party our secret." Satsuki: "Partnerships are strange." Text: "To be honest, when I see Arata glowing, it makes me want to work even harder." Satsuki: "But at the same time, I want him to do even better, too." gatsuki: "I get that. I totally know what you mean." Yayoi: "Because we're nothing alike, we're compared in all kinds of ways. It makes you admire them." gatsuki: "Thanks for tonight. I feel great now." Yayoi: "Good." Yayoi: "Goodnight." Satsuki: "Goodnight, Yoru." gatsuki: "Goodnight, Haru-san and Aoi." gatsuki: "You, can I come in?" gatsuki: "Is he asleep?" gatsuki: "Yes?" Director: "Nagatsuki-san, please stand by." gatsuki: "Okay." gatsuki: "Why won't I kill you right away? Because I can't let this end with a mere moment of suffering. I'll inflict on you exactly what you did to her... The torment, fear, and despair." gatsuki: "I'll never kill you. That is your punishment." Director: "Cut!" Director: "That's a wrap, Yoru Nagatsuki-san." Director: "Good work." gatsuki: "Thank you!" Kurotsuki: "Good work. Get some rest tonight, Yoru." gatsuki: "Thanks for everything!" Hazuki: "Too bad." Hazuki: "The fireworks just ended." gatsuki: "You..." Hazuki: "Congratulations on finishing filming. I'm impressed you knew I'd be here. I mean, I knew you'd figure it out." gatsuki: "You, I'm really sorry." Hazuki: "Hey, I was going to say—" gatsuki: "It's my fault. I actually wanted to apologize sooner, but as your partner, I was too proud." gatsuki: "I'm sorry. For now, I'm still holding you back," gatsuki: "but I don't want to bring you down to my level. I want to work hard and get better so I can reach yours." Hazuki: "What? When have you ever held me back?" gatsuki: "Wait. Let me finish." Hazuki: "Okay." gatsuki: "Honestly, no matter how hard I work, I doubt I'll ever be the perfect dancer you are. I know that. But instead of starting in my comfort zone and doing what I can, I want to challenge myself. I want to grow, too... along with you. I want to put in the effort. I want that chance!" Hazuki: "Obviously." gatsuki: "Huh?" Hazuki: "I'm saying we'll both work hard together, partner." gatsuki: "You..." Hazuki: "Yoru, are you okay?" gatsuki: "I just suddenly felt weak with relief..." Hazuki: "Weak with relief?" gatsuki: "It's not that funny." Hazuki: "We used to practice here a lot together." gatsuki: "Yeah." Hazuki: "We worked like crazy back then. We didn't know anything about concerts. We'd never sung or danced before." gatsuki: "We were frantic. But every day was fulfilling and fun." Hazuki: "That was fun? Are you not having fun now?" gatsuki: "I am. There's just also a sense of responsibility now. I want to put on a polished, professional show for our fans." Hazuki: "You've grown, Yoru." gatsuki: "Don't make fun of me." gatsuki: "By the way, why did it take you so long to respond to my message?" Hazuki: "Oh... I was working last night." Hazuki: "Before I knew it, it was morning. I had an on-location shoot for a variety show, but I totally slept in." Hazuki: "Kai had to drag me there. Apparently, I dropped my phone here then." Hazuki: "Sorry. After what happened yesterday, you probably thought there was more to it." Hazuki: "Did it make you anxious?" Hazuki: "I knew it." gatsuki: "M-More importantly, what work were you doing here last night?" Hazuki: "Acting practice." gatsuki: "Huh?" Hazuki: "Because of you." Hazuki: "Seeing your performance the other day inspired me. I knew I had to live up to it." gatsuki: "You were practicing on your own time?" Hazuki: "Is it that out of character?" gatsuki: "No, just a surprise. It's not out of character. You've always hidden how hard you work from everyone else." gatsuki: "I get it now... You work even harder now than you used to. No wonder I still can't catch up." gatsuki: "Even if I feel like I've gotten closer, I still can't close the gap." Hazuki: "What?" gatsuki: "It can be frustrating, but more than anything, I'm happy. I'm proud to call you my childhood friend and partner. I'm proud that I get to stand next to you." Hazuki: "Right back at you." gatsuki: "Huh?" Hazuki: "You always notice the strengths of others, but you don't realize how amazing you are." gatsuki: "You think I'm amazing?" Hazuki: "For example, your acting. Your focus once you start... The way you naturally become your role... I could go on and on." Hazuki: "You're straightforward when it comes to things you like and your own interests." Hazuki: "And that straightforwardness is your unique strength." Hazuki: "You've been that way ever since we were kids." Hazuki: "It's amazing. I like that about you." gatsuki: "You..." gatsuki: "That's embarrassing." Hazuki: "Man, that was embarrassing! Enough with the heart-to-hearts! Let's practice dancing! I won't let you leave until it's perfect. Prepare yourself."

Yayoi: "What do we have planned for today?" Mutsuki: "Practicing for the Full Moon Festival again, right?" Yayoi: "Yeah." Mutsuki: "Sorry." Yayoi: "What are you talking about? You've got other work scheduled. It's unavoidable." Mutsuki: "I can't believe how little time I have for it, though." Yayoi: "We've already taken into account how busy your schedule is. We'll do everything we can." Kisaragi: "Good morning!" Yayoi: "Oh? You're up early." Shiwasu: "We're going to get in some dance practice on our own." Yayoi: "I see. Good luck." Kisaragi: "We'll have it down by the time you arrive, Hajime-san." Mutsuki: "I'm counting on you." Kisaragi: "Sure thing! We're off!" Mutsuki: "What is it?" Yayoi: "Just... your hands." Mutsuki: "My hands? Is there something on them?" Yayoi: "No, that's not what I meant. I never get tired of looking at them." Mutsuki: "My hands?" Yayoi: "You don't see it yourself?" Yayoi: "Well, I suppose that's just like you." Tsukishiro: "I'm sorry we couldn't make much time in your schedule for the Full Moon Festival." Tsukishiro: "Hajime-kun?" Mutsuki: "Sorry. What did you say?" Tsukishiro: "Once the Myth x Kiss shoot is over, you'll be able to take a breather. Let's work hard over the next two days." Mutsuki: "Sure." Staff 2: "Ow!" Staff 1: "Don't space out." Staff 2: "Right, sorry. He's amazing. That's Hajime Mutsuki, huh?" Camera: "Okay, that should do it." Mutsuki: "I'm sorry, but could we take a few more?" Camera: "What? I think we've got some pretty good shots." Mutsuki: "I think I tried too hard." Mutsuki: "I feel like a more subdued expression would create a better atmosphere." Camera: "I see. All right. Give me one shot just like that." Mutsuki: "Thank you." Staff 1: "I've heard the rumors, and he's as stoic as they say." Staff 2: "But it does seem better than before." Ogishima: "It's that time of year again." Tsukishiro: "Indeed. Thanks for reaching out to us again." Ogishima: "No, thank you. Honestly, using a male model to promote our line of women's cosmetics was a risk, but sales have been great ever since. I'm glad we asked you to do it." Mutsuki: "Thank you." Ogishima: "Now, about this project..." Suito: "We'd like you to be our model for this product, as well." Tsukishiro: "Is that..." Mutsuki: "Nail polish?" Suito: "Yes. It's our new nail polish. We'd like you to wear it for the next photo shoot, Mutsuki-san." Mutsuki: "Nail polish..." Mutsuki: "I've only ever worn it for concerts. Is that okay?" Ogishima: "We understand your concern. We would normally use a female hand model for this type of product..." Suito: "But the planning team insisted that you do it, so we'd like to use your hands." Mutsuki: "I see..." Mutsuki: "Well, if you're okay with my hands..." Suito: "Yes, your hands are exactly what we want. We hope you'll do it." Mutsuki: "Very well. If there's anything special I need to do, I'll try to have it down by the day of the shoot." Suito: "You'll be fine." Suito: "Your beautiful hands require no special preparations." Ogishima: "You can do the shoot just as you are." Mutsuki: "What do you think they meant by "no preparations required"?" Tsukishiro: "Exactly what it sounds like, I'd say." Mutsuki: "So... I shouldn't do anything?" Tsukishiro: "No, it just means you're attractive enough as you are." Mutsuki: "What is it?" Kisaragi: "It's just, uh... I was thinking that might be too hot to touch." Mutsuki: "It's empty." Kannazuki: "Oh, I'll wash that!" Minazuki: "Sit back and relax, Hajime." Mutsuki: "What's going on?" Both: "A reward for your hard work, Hajime-san!" Satsuki: "I heard high-quality protein is good for your nails, so I made nuggets out of chicken breast and tofu." gatsuki: "Apparently vitamin A is good for nails, too. It's more easily absorbed when consumed with fats, so I made some butter-sauteed spinach." Both: "Here you go!" Mutsuki: "I'll eat them later. Thanks." Satsuki: "Got it. We'll wrap them up and leave them in the refrigerator." gatsuki: "Heat them up when you're ready to eat." Mutsuki: "Sure." Hazuki: "Hajime-san, have some toner." Mutsuki: "Toner?" Hazuki: "The makeup artist I worked with today said it's good for moisturizing your hands, so I bought some." Mutsuki: "I appreciate it." Uzuki: "I found this hand cream at my filming location today. It smells like strawberry milk. It's a gift." Hazuki: "You just wanted that for yourself." Uzuki: "I bought some for me, too." Hazuki: "I thought so!" Mutsuki: "I'll use these." uzuki: "Good morning. Is Haru around?" uzuki: "Hajime, you're up early." Mutsuki: "Yeah." uzuki: "Oh? Should you be cutting your nails?" Mutsuki: "It's not a problem." uzuki: "You're not cutting them too short, are you?" Mutsuki: "It's fine." Yayoi: "Here, use this topcoat. It comes recommended by the ladies of the Yayoi family. It won't damage your nails. Want me to paint it on for you?" Mutsuki: "I'll accept your topcoat, but... Haru, why does everyone know about the shoot?" Yayoi: "Huh? Should I not have told them?" uzuki: "What's the big deal? Don't be mad at Haru." Mutsuki: "I'm not mad. It's just..." uzuki: "Everyone wants to support you." Mutsuki: "But they're worrying too much." uzuki: "There's no such thing as worrying too much before an important photo shoot." Mutsuki: "Unbelievable. Forget it." Yayoi: "Oh, dear." Shimotsuki: "Good morning, Hajime." Mutsuki: "It's unusual for you to be up this early." Shimotsuki: "Everyone likes your hands." Mutsuki: "Everyone says they like these hands." Shimotsuki: "What's this?" Mutsuki: "Tell me. What's so great about these hands?" Mutsuki: "What's so funny?" Shimotsuki: "You were just so cute. I couldn't help myself." Shimotsuki: "Sorry about that. But I do think it would be good for you to be a little more aware of your own attractiveness." Staff 1: "Okay, good! That concludes today's shoot." All: "Good work." Mutsuki: "Thank you." Tsukishiro: "Good work." Ogishima: "That really was impressive." Tsukishiro: "We're looking forward to more tomorrow." Suito: "We'll be photographing your hands tomorrow." Mutsuki: "I know it's a bit late to ask, but are you sure you're okay with using my hands?" Suito: "Yes. Your hands are the ones we want." Mutsuki: "Very well." Tsukishiro: "See you tomorrow, then." uzuki: "Hey, you handsome man. Wanna go for a drive with us?" Shimotsuki: "Hajime!" Yayoi: "This isn't so bad once in a while, right?" Mutsuki: "You guys..." uzuki: "Come on. Get in the car." Mutsuki: "I wanted to see the beach..." uzuki: "You're the one who suddenly said he wanted to see the ocean. Don't be greedy. You should be glad we got to come at all." Shimotsuki: "I guess you're right." Yayoi: "Think you'll make it to tomorrow's rehearsal?" Mutsuki: "Yeah. I'll rush over as soon as the shoot's finished." uzuki: "Good. Things are pretty dull without you. Including this guy." Shimotsuki: "What? You noticed?" uzuki: "It's kinda obvious." Mutsuki: "Got it." Yayoi: "Say, Hajime, what do you like about yourself?" Mutsuki: "Where did that come from?" Yayoi: "For me, it's this mole under my eye. It's my most attractive feature." uzuki: "Yeah, that is nice. Mine's probably..." uzuki: "My abs and forehead, I think." Shimotsuki: "I like everything about myself." uzuki: "I knew you'd say that." Yayoi: "How about you, Hajime?" Mutsuki: "I've never thought about it." Yayoi: "What? Really?" Mutsuki: "Yeah." Yayoi: "I had no idea it was this bad." Shimotsuki: "Then I'll tell you what I like about you! Could take until morning, though." uzuki: "Some other time." Yayoi: "I like your hands, Hajime. Unlike mine, they move so dexterously and beautifully." Shimotsuki: "My hands are pretty, too. Just look at them." uzuki: "Of course yours are nice and pretty, Shun. They never do any work." Shimotsuki: "Kai, that's mean." Mutsuki: "Are my hands really that great?" Yayoi: "How are you so oblivious to your own charm?" Mutsuki: "You keep suggesting that, but I don't understand it." Mutsuki: "My hands have been like this since I was born. It's not like I've done anything to them. When people compliment them, honestly, I don't know how to react." Shimotsuki: "I see. Hajime, you tend to look for the reasons behind the praise you get." uzuki: "You don't need a reason to like something." Mutsuki: "It would be different if it were anything else, but this is something that's just... me. If they were the result of hard work and self-improvement, I could be proud of them. But these hands..." Yayoi: "You're always so hard on yourself." Shimotsuki: "You're so serious, Hajime." Kisaragi: "Let's Chat Tonight!" All: "Yeah!" Kisaragi: "Yes, it's time for "Let's Chat Tonight," where we thoroughly discuss a single topic!" Shiwasu: "Tonight's topic is the appeal of Hajime-san's hands." Kisaragi: "I bet we'll have a lot to say on this one." Yayoi: "Is this some kind of show?" uzuki: "Apparently not." Shiwasu: "We'd like all of you to participate, as well." Yayoi: "Shall we, then?" Mutsuki: "What do you think you're doing?" Shimotsuki: "Come on. Everyone's waiting." Shiwasu: "All right, then! Let's hear what everyone likes about Hajime-san's hands. I'll go first. I like the way Hajime-san uses his hands to praise my hard work." Kisaragi: "I like that, too!" Kannazuki: "Me, too." Minazuki: "Me three." Shiwasu: "We got head pats again just this morning." Kisaragi: "Yeah." Kannazuki: "Lucky." Minazuki: "Yeah." uzuki: "That's a popular reason." Kisaragi: "I like it when Hajime-san uses his hands to scold me when I do something wrong. It hurts sometimes, though." Uzuki: "It hurts, but I can't quit it." Satsuki: "Hey, now..." Kannazuki: "I like how he always responds with a wave when I greet him in the morning, no matter how tired he is." Yayoi: "You always seem grouchy when I go to wake you." Mutsuki: "Do I?" Yayoi: "Wow, you didn't realize it?" Minazuki: "I like his hand placement when he plays the piano." Yayoi: "Apparently he's been playing to relax recently." Minazuki: "Really? I'd love to play with you." Mutsuki: "Next time." Satsuki: "I like seeing the way Hajime-san pets Kuroda." Shiwasu: "Is Kuroda agreeing with you?" Satsuki: "Looks like it." Uzuki: "I like the way Hajime-san silently hands me strawberry milk when I'm feeling down." Minazuki: "He gave me pudding once." Kisaragi: "I got chocolate. Always there to provide when you're feeling down... A true helping hand!" Hazuki: "I've got one! I like how he slaps you on the back when you're not sure what to do." gatsuki: "A push from Hajime-san does help steel your resolve. I like the way Hajime-san pulls you up when you're struggling with something." Hazuki: "We all like that." All: "Uh-huh." Mutsuki: "You guys..." Hazuki: "Nice reaction, Hajime-san. Let's keep going!" Satsuki: "I like how his hands seem like they could cook anything he put his mind to." gatsuki: "I always end up watching his hands with anything cooking-related. The way he holds a knife, the way he mixes things... Even the way he uses his hands when he eats my cooking." Satsuki: "He does hold his chopsticks beautifully." Uzuki: "I wish I could mimic those movements." Shiwasu: "I know what you mean!" Hazuki: "What else?" Hazuki: "You can't forget how expressive they are when he's dancing. Those hands!" Uzuki: "Speaking of, he always looks great holding a mic, too. The way he puts his hand on his chest during the hook is awesome, as well." Yayoi: "The way he touches his in-ear monitor while MCing is kind of cute." All: "Oh, yeah." Mutsuki: "You guys are watching me too closely." Kisaragi: "Haru-san, got anything else?" Yayoi: "Well..." Yayoi: "I like how powerful his hands are when he's getting us pumped before a concert." uzuki: "When I see that, it really feels like the show's about to start." Yayoi: "Words can't describe how much strength those hands have given us." Mutsuki: "Haru..." Shimotsuki: "Hajime, your hands aren't just attractive because of their appearance or shape. There are also the things, emotions, and possibilities they create. It's because everything that has value resides within them." Yayoi: "It's not just your hands. The same is probably true for your back and legs as well, but it's the most obvious with your hands." Yayoi: "Hajime, we hope you'll continue leading us with those hands." Shiwasu: "Please." All: "Please." Mutsuki: "You guys..." Yayoi: "Do you understand now?" Mutsuki: "All right." Staff 1: "Okay, let's get today's photo shoot started." Staff 2: "Mutsuki-san, please stand by." Tsukishiro: "We'll be right there. Are you ready?" Mutsuki: "Yes." Camera: "Well, Hajime-kun, shall we get started?" Mutsuki: "Yes, please." Staff 2: "He's even more amazing than yesterday." Staff 1: "Q-Quit spacing out!" Staff 2: "B-Back at you!" Camera: "Okay. That should do it." Mutsuki: "Thank you." Camera: "Should we take a few more?" Mutsuki: "No. I gave everything I had." Camera: "Now that's the expression I wanted to shoot." Ogishima: "Mutsuki-san, you were great." Suito: "Mutsuki-san, I knew you'd be amazing!" Mutsuki: "Thank you." Staff 1: "That concludes the photo shoot. Thanks, everyone." Kisaragi: "Hajime-san!" Mutsuki: "Looks like I made it in time." Yayoi: "Sounds like it went well." Mutsuki: "What's next?" uzuki: "You're ready to get to it, huh? You don't need to go over what we've been working on until now?" Mutsuki: "Not a problem. A talented officer filled me in on all the details." uzuki: "So you're all ready to go." Mutsuki: "Yeah." Shimotsuki: "Then let's take it from the opening." Shimotsuki: "Now all twelve of us can finally dance together." Mutsuki: "Shun..." Shimotsuki: "Come on, now. Hurry up. Aren't you going to help us nail this?" Mutsuki: "Of course." uzuki: "Hey, let's circle up. Bring it in." Yayoi: "All right, Hajime, lead us in the cheer." Mutsuki: "Sure." Mutsuki: "Everyone, put out your hands." Mutsuki: "Let's make this Full Moon Festival a success!" All: "Yeah!"

Mutsuki: "So tomorrow's the day..." Shimotsuki: "It'll be a new page added to our memories." Mutsuki: "I clearly see now what I vaguely sensed in you before." Shiwasu: "It's almost time to go." Yayoi: "Koi, are you ready?" Kisaragi: "Perfect! Kakeru-san, what do you think of my bangs?" Shiwasu: "Hey, they look great. Just perfect. So hurry it up." Kisaragi: "There's no rush. As you can see, I'm all ready to go." Shiwasu: "You really are..." Kisaragi: "Of course I am. Is it really that surprising? What? My phone's down to ten percent? Where did I put my charging cable?!" Shiwasu: "Probably in your room." Yayoi: "Sure is lively over there." Minazuki: "Kakeru, Koi, do you..." Kannazuki: "Those two are up to something again." Minazuki: "Yeah, as usual." Kisaragi: "I can't find it anywhere..." Kannazuki: "Oh, Rui, you've got something stuck to you." Minazuki: "Thanks." Minazuki: "Ikkun, you've got something here, too." Kannazuki: "Oh, you're right. Thanks, Rui." Satsuki: "Good morning, everyone." gatsuki: "I had some extra time, so I made boxed lunches for us to eat on the way. Let's take them with us." Shiwasu: "What?" Kisaragi: "Wow, awesome." Kannazuki: "Impressive!" Minazuki: "Looks good." Hazuki: "Yum!" gatsuki: "Come on, You. That's rude. Don't pick at the food." Hazuki: "A little bit won't hurt." Satsuki: "I have some leftover sides. Help yourself to these." Hazuki: "All right! Nice one, Aoi-chan!" gatsuki: "Make sure you sit while you eat." Hazuki: "Yeah, yeah." Uzuki: "Hey." Satsuki: "Good morning. Want some, Arata?" Uzuki: "Got anything that goes with strawberry milk?" Satsuki: "Uh, I don't know about that..." uzuki: "Morning! Is everyone here?" Yayoi: "Good morning, Kai." uzuki: "Where's Hajime?" Yayoi: "Not here yet." uzuki: "That's unusual. It's almost time, so I'll go get—" Mutsuki: "Good morning." Yayoi: "Ah, speak of the devil. Good morning, Hajime. Now we're just waiting on one more." Mutsuki: "One more? You mean him?" uzuki: "Bingo. Although I suppose that's always the case." Shimotsuki: "Are you talking about me?" uzuki: "There he is! He always shows up when you least expect it, too." Mutsuki: "How long have you been there?" Shimotsuki: "Oh, please. I'm always right beside you." Yayoi: "Okay, we're all here now, right? Is everyone ready?" Mutsuki: "The Full Moon Festival arena is in the city, but you guys know why we're getting there a day early, right? Take this time to thoroughly prepare so you'll be in top form for the actual event." All: "Right!" Shimotsuki: "Hajime, it's finally time. I'm excited to see what sights await us." Shiwasu: "It's been a while since the twelve of us traveled together. I'm excited." Kisaragi: "Yeah. It's like we're going on a trip." Yayoi: "Tsukishiro-san, we're heading to the hotel, right? We've still got some time before this evening's rehearsal." Tsukishiro: "Yes. You're free to do whatever you'd like until then." Kurotsuki: "You can take the time to rest, or start working to prepare for the event. How you spend your time is up to you guys." Hazuki: "All right!" Kurotsuki: "Just don't cut too loose." Hazuki: "We know that, Dai-chan!" gatsuki: "We've got two shows tomorrow. One during the day, and one at night. Make sure you conserve your energy." Hazuki: "Well, yeah. But recently, you haven't been running out of breath even when doing a series of intense steps. Have you gotten fitter?" gatsuki: "I hope so. The Full Moon Festival is important. I want to do my best." Kannazuki: "We do need to be in good shape for that, too." gatsuki: "Yeah." Minazuki: "What should I do during our free time?" Uzuki: "I feel like it'll fly by if we're just sitting around." Satsuki: "Yeah... But staying cooped up in the hotel seems suffocating. Hey, what do you think about buying gifts for the staff?" Kisaragi: "That's a good idea! Their day starts so early. I'd like to take them a gift to say thank you." Shiwasu: "Tsukishiro-san, would that be all right?" Tsukishiro: "Of course. I think that'd be great. We were actually thinking about getting the staff something, too. But I'm sure they'd appreciate it more coming from you guys." Kurotsuki: "Yeah, probably." Shiwasu: "Thank you!" Kannazuki: "What should we get them?" Minazuki: "Something sweet? Like pudding?" Kannazuki: "That's just what you want to eat. But it's a viable option." Uzuki: "Well, people crave sweets when they're tired." gatsuki: "There might be people on the staff who don't like sweets, though." Satsuki: "Let's get something that's sweet and something that isn't." Shiwasu: "Yeah, let's do that!" uzuki: "If we take it to them while they're working, it should be something they can eat quickly during breaks." Kannazuki: "Yeah, you're right." Kannazuki: "What should we get?" Shimotsuki: "Hey, Kai, if too many of us go at once, we'll attract attention. Let's let the others handle the shopping while we hold a meeting." uzuki: "Yeah. If all of us walk around together, we'll certainly draw a lot of attention... but you just don't want to do any walking, do you?" Yayoi: "That said, there are a few things I'd like to go over. Okay. The four of us will stay behind at the hotel and have a meeting. Is that okay with you, Hajime?" Hajime: "Yeah. You guys can handle the shopping." Kisaragi: "You can count on us!" Kannazuki: "We'll be back!" Shimotsuki: "See you later." Kisaragi: "Wow, there are so many shops." Shiwasu: "What should we buy? This is so much fun. It's like shopping for presents." gatsuki: "I wish we could look around, but we don't have that much time. Let's split into two groups." Uzuki: "Got it. Shun-san was right. We'll stand out if we're in a big group." Hazuki: "Then let's split up into Gravi and Procella members." Satsuki: "We'll each get something and meet up later." Minazuki: "Got it." Shiwasu: "We'll check out this direction." Minazuki: "We'll head this way." Kisaragi: "All right, then..." Kannazuki: "Let's go!" Shiwasu: "At first glance, this seems to be a business district, but between the buildings are shops that look like they have a lot of history." Uzuki: "We don't come to this area much, so it's a novel experience. See anywhere we might be able to buy something? What would be good?" Satsuki: "I did a quick search." Kisaragi: "Oh, those all look good." Uzuki: "It's hard to choose... I wish we could sample all of them." Satsuki: "I don't think we have the time for that." Kisaragi: "Hey, there's a shrine. Should we draw our fortunes?" Shiwasu: "I feel like I'd draw a bad one. I'll pass since we have a concert tomorrow." Kisaragi: "Oh, right. Sorry." Shiwasu: "I don't intend to rely on luck, but I want to avoid all the bad luck I can." Kisaragi: "Yeah, I get it." Satsuki: "Oh, speaking of luck..." Uzuki: "Huh?" Satsuki: "What do you think of getting taiyaki as a gift?" Shiwasu: "Taiyaki?" Uzuki: "Where'd that idea come from?" Satsuki: "You don't know? Sea bream is seen as a lucky fish, and red beans ward off misfortune. Since taiyaki have both, they've always been considered good luck. They're a classic gift idea." Uzuki: "Really? Come to think of it, I feel like I've seen taiyaki set out as snacks for us at performances." Kisaragi: "Taiyaki's a great idea. They'd keep away any bad luck." Shiwasu: "And they're delicious! All right! Let's get some taiyaki!" Kannazuki: "There are a lot of bookstores." Minazuki: "I wonder if they have sheet music." Hazuki: "Huh? Something smells good. Is it curry?" gatsuki: "Now that you mention it, there are curry restaurants here and there." Hazuki: "I don't know why, but seeing so many in a row makes me want to compare them." gatsuki: "Isn't curry a little heavy for a snack between meals?" Hazuki: "I know. I'll come back for them another time." Kannazuki: "What is it?" Minazuki: "My brother says he can come see our concert." Kannazuki: "Oh, so Rei-san's coming? That's great." Minazuki: "Yeah." gatsuki: "It's Aoi. Team Gravi says they're going to buy taiyaki." Minazuki: "Taiyaki? Good idea." Hazuki: "If they're buying something sweet, then we need to find something that isn't." Kannazuki: "Something not sweet, huh?" Minazuki: "I know." Hazuki: "Go ahead." Minazuki: "The inarizushi I received at a piano event was good." Kannazuki: "Now that you mention it, that's a standard gift at TV jobs. Does it mean anything?" gatsuki: "They're easy to eat, but they're also considered lucky, like taiyaki. So maybe it's for good luck." Kannazuki: "Really? I see." Hazuki: "All right! If they're getting taiyaki, let's get inarizushi." Minazuki: "Yeah." Kisaragi: "Thank you." Kisaragi: "Here are the taiyaki." Shiwasu: "Smells good." Hazuki: "Looks good." Shiwasu: "We're back." Yayoi: "Welcome back." uzuki: "Find anything good?" Satsuki: "We bought taiyaki." gatsuki: "And inarizushi." Yayoi: "Good choices. They're both lucky foods." Uzuki: "You truly are the king of fun facts. You knew that right off the bat." Shimotsuki: "They both sound delicious." uzuki: "They're for the staff, okay?" Satsuki: "Is the set basically complete?" eman: "We've completed the framework, so we're handing things over to the lighting team now." Radio: "Got it." Tsukishiro: "Mr. Foreman." eman: "Oh, Tsukishiro-san." All: "Thank you for your hard work. Thank you." eman: "What are you guys doing here?" Yayoi: "We wanted to see the stage being built and say hello to the staff." eman: "Thank you for taking the time to do that." Mutsuki: "Not at all. It's our concert, and it's where we'll be working." eman: "You're right." uzuki: "Ta-da!" uzuki: "Please enjoy these with the rest of the staff. They're gifts from us." eman: "Wow, this is great." eman: "Taiyaki and inarizushi, huh? Thank you for being so thoughtful." eman: "People, we just received a gift from the Gravi and Procella members." All: "Thank you! Thanks for the food!" Mutsuki: "I know you've got a hard job to do, but we appreciate it." All: "Thank you!" Kisaragi: "Everything's ready to go." Uzuki: "Huh? There's a note here." Satsuki: ""To Gravi and Procella, let's do our best at the Full Moon Festival!"" gatsuki: "This kind of thoughtfulness really makes you want to do your best, doesn't it?" Yayoi: "I feel blessed." uzuki: "We may be the ones on the stage, but there are a ton of people working behind the scenes. These performances are something we all create together." Kannazuki: "Let's make this concert a success!" Minazuki: "Yeah." Kisaragi: "I'm starting to get pumped!" Shimotsuki: "Those are some great expressions." Shimotsuki: "What is it, Hajime?" Mutsuki: "Shun..." Tsukishiro: "Looks like everyone's here. Let's get the final wardrobe check started." Mutsuki: "Let's go." Kannazuki: "Putting this on makes me realize how close we are to showtime!" Hazuki: "All right! Let's keep up this energy!" Mutsuki: "We look forward to working with you at tomorrow's event." All: "Thank you!" Shiwasu: "Are they here for our show?" Kisaragi: "Even some of the concertgoers get here a day early." Shiwasu: "Our fans have been getting ready for this, too. They're as excited as we are." Kisaragi: "All the more reason for us to do our best." Shiwasu: "Yeah." Tsukishiro: "We've booked everything from the eleventh floor up. That said, regular guests are staying on the lower floors. Please use the service elevators when going out or traveling between floors so you don't attract attention." All: "Okay!" Shiwasu: "How luxurious." Kisaragi: "It's nice that the arena is right next door. It'll be easy to get there." Kurotsuki: "Stop. You shouldn't go any farther." Kannazuki: "What?" Kisaragi: "Oh, that was close..." Satsuki: "We're right in front of the arena." Tsukishiro: "Indeed." Minazuki: "We should be careful not to cause a commotion." uzuki: "Yeah. And besides, we can provide all the fan service we want onstage tomorrow." Minazuki: "Yeah." Mutsuki: "Guys, we've done everything we can. Tomorrow, let's enjoy ourselves and make sure our fans have a good time, too." Shiwasu: "Yeah." Kisaragi: "We'll have tons of fun ourselves!" Uzuki: "Let's enjoy it with all we've got. Get pumped." Hazuki: "Sometimes I'm still not sure how to reconcile the discrepancy between what you say and your energy level." Mutsuki: "That's all. Dismissed." All: "Thank you." Mutsuki: "Is that you, Shun?" Shimotsuki: "What a coincidence. Or perhaps it's the work of fate." Mutsuki: "Is something the matter?" Shimotsuki: "Nothing like that. I just got excited wondering how everyone will feel standing here tomorrow." Shimotsuki: "It's been a while since you and I were alone together." Mutsuki: "You're right." Shimotsuki: "So much has happened since the Full Moon Festival was first announced." Mutsuki: "Yeah." Shimotsuki: "Our time was short, but everyone grew day by day." Shimotsuki: "Not one of them ever stopped moving forward." Shimotsuki: "Instead of simply advancing, they tried leading each other." Mutsuki: "They had clear goals and visions." Shimotsuki: "They deepened their bonds by finding the courage to take that first step." Mutsuki: "Instead of going with the flow, they demonstrated their own will." Shimotsuki: "They came closer to being more like the people they admire." Mutsuki: "They must've realized they could be like that themselves." Shimotsuki: "At times, they even found joy in problems that arose." Mutsuki: "It's good to be able to turn problems into opportunities." Shimotsuki: "They reaffirmed their own identities." Mutsuki: "Others often understand us better than we understand ourselves." Shimotsuki: "They reexamined the paths they've taken so far." Mutsuki: "It's important to value both who you are now and who you'll become in the future." Shimotsuki: "Instead of just watching, they became creators." Mutsuki: "The unrestrained imagination it takes to create an answer that wasn't there before is like magic." Shimotsuki: "They traveled between the ordinary and extraordinary." Mutsuki: "Both worlds were full of possibilities." Shimotsuki: "They broke out of their shells and showed tremendous growth." Mutsuki: "By challenging themselves, they found new versions of themselves." Shimotsuki: "They refused to give in." Mutsuki: "It probably reminded them to be grateful for those who can do that." Shimotsuki: "They learned to love the things they were born with." Mutsuki: "I learned to do that because I had you guys." Shimotsuki: "In short, I guess it means there's still much more evolving we can do." Mutsuki: "Yeah, and the culmination of all that is tomorrow's Full Moon Festival." Shimotsuki: "It'll be a new page added to our memories." Mutsuki: "I clearly see now what I vaguely sensed in you before." Shimotsuki: "Hajime?" Mutsuki: "You just said, "It'll be a new page added to our memories." You make it sound like this isn't about you. Like you're some outsider looking in." Shimotsuki: "Did I offend you?" Mutsuki: "No, that's probably how you are naturally. But just so you know, you're not someone turning the pages of this story." Mutsuki: "You're a character inside them." Shimotsuki: "Hajime..." Mutsuki: "I won't let you be a bystander anymore. Shun Shimotsuki, you're right here in this moment." Shimotsuki: "I wonder when it started. I can't remember anymore... At some point, people started saying I was special, even though I'd never really thought about it that way. I knew I was a little different from others, but it felt strange to be treated as though I was special. After all, this is what's normal for me." Shimotsuki: "There's a lot I know. There's a lot I can do. But the one thing I couldn't do was be normal. I couldn't be the same as everyone else. That's what I've always thought." Mutsuki: "You're certainly different from others." Mutsuki: "And we're all different from everyone else." Shimotsuki: "Huh?" Mutsuki: "Everyone possesses something that makes them different. We're all different. That's the core of our existence, what makes us unique, and something we should treasure. Everyone is different. It's natural that everyone is different. It's not special. It's not special..." Mutsuki: "but it's important." Mutsuki: "So, Shun Shimotsuki, I want you to enjoy tomorrow with the rest of us." Shimotsuki: "You got me. I didn't think you'd change my world this easily." Shimotsuki: "My heart is trembling. Do you understand this feeling?" Shimotsuki: "I really do like you." Shimotsuki: "You're right. I'm not a bystander. I'm a person living in this story, which means there's one thing I want... To sing the praises of each and every moment. For every day to be so fun that the people reading our story break into smiles." Shimotsuki: "To live each day so earnestly that it brings them to tears. You too, Hajime Mutsuki." Mutsuki: "Yeah." Kisaragi: "Oh? Hajime-san?" Kannazuki: "And Shun-san." Mutsuki: "What are you guys doing here?" Shiwasu: "We were feeling a little restless." Uzuki: "I found everyone else here when I came to check out the set." Satsuki: "Nobody invited us." gatsuki: "But we were all thinking the same thing." Minazuki: "How strange." Hazuki: "Maybe we get along too well." Yayoi: "That's a good thing. Our teamwork is perfect." uzuki: "Sure is. We don't have to worry about tomorrow." uzuki: "Guys, let's have fun!" All: "Yeah!" Kisaragi: "It's finally the day of the festival!" Shiwasu: "You seem happy." Kisaragi: "Of course I am! I love big events. Besides, all those people are waiting for us! There's no way I wouldn't be happy." Shiwasu: "Yeah! Don't forget to smile!" Kannazuki: "Rui, your bowtie." Minazuki: "Thanks. It's all right. I can do it myself." Kannazuki: "You practiced? Yup. Looks good." Hazuki: "I can't tell how far the seats extend on the monitors." gatsuki: "You'll know right away once we're onstage." Satsuki: "Yoru sounds so dependable. I'd better do my best, too." Uzuki: "Oh? Is the prince feeling hot-blooded today?" Satsuki: "Even I get fired up sometimes." uzuki: "Hey, is Shun here?" Yayoi: "Have you seen Hajime?" Kisaragi: "I haven't seen them." uzuki: "Where did they go?" Shimotsuki: "Hey." uzuki: "Everyone's finally here." Shimotsuki: "Come on, Black King. Let us take this new stage... Just kidding." Mutsuki: "It's finally time, but this isn't the end. A new page starts here. Let's race through to our new beginning."

Mutsuki: "Nice job. We're both going all-out from the start, huh?" Shimotsuki: "Of course. After all, we're here to have a great time with our fans today." uzuki: "You're not wrong. The Full Moon Festival rocks!" Yayoi: "We've missed you guys!" Kisaragi: "The senior members are already in high spirits." Minazuki: "Okay, let's join them. Yay!" All: "Yay!" Kannazuki: "Y-Yay?" Hazuki: "How are we supposed to respond to that incomprehensible energy?" Mutsuki: "Once again, welcome to the Full Moon Festival. I'm Six Gravity's leader, Hajime Mutsuki." Shimotsuki: "I'm Procellarum's leader, Shun Shimotsuki. Today is the day of the long-awaited joint Procella and Gravi concert, the Full Moon Festival! I'm so glad to see all of you here." Mutsuki: "Together, the twelve of us and all of you will create a dreamlike stage." Shimotsuki: "The Full Moon Festival..." All: "...starts now!" Satsuki: "That was great, Haru-san." Kisaragi: "Thank you!" Shiwasu: "We blew through those songs!" Uzuki: "Is everyone having fun? Yeah!" Mutsuki: "Three Gravi members have sung their solos, bringing the first half to a close." Satsuki: "Once the concert starts, it sure feels like time flies." Uzuki: "I know. I wish we could sing for so long that we wouldn't have time to end the show." Kisaragi: "That's a new one... but I get what you mean." Yayoi: "Kakeru got us off to an explosive start, and the rest of us rode that momentum." Satsuki: "That's right. Thanks for always starting us off, Kakeru." Kakeru: "Not at all! Honestly, I used to get nervous about opening the show, but these days, it feels wrong if I'm not the one starting!" Yayoi: "The six of us have totally different personalities. But when we come together, we're more than just the sum of our parts. That's true for both Gravi and Procella." Mutsuki: "Yeah. That charm is most apparent in our medleys." Kakeru: "Yeah! Although the outlook changes with each song, so the stage production seems difficult." Satsuki: "Lighting, sound, special effects... The staff is working at full power, too!" Uzuki: "We have three members left to perform, and Procella has four." Mutsuki: "Speak of the devil. Here's Procella now." Shimotsuki: "How do you do? We're the demon king and his merry men." uzuki: "Also known as Procellarum!" Hazuki: "That's really what you wanna go with?" Minazuki: "By the way, I'm the demon king." All: "Huh?" Shimotsuki: "Huh?" Shiwasu: "You too, Shun-san?" Yayoi: "All right, now we'll hand off the MCing to the fun guys of Procellarum." Yayoi: "Gravi will go back to getting ready." All: "Okay!" uzuki: "Gravi always keep things short." Hazuki: "Totally." Minazuki: "S-So, anyway... we're Procellarum!" Minazuki: "Thank you all for getting hyped up with us!" uzuki: "Iku forced us back on track." Shimotsuki: "How dependable." gatsuki: "Procella has four members left to perform solos, including me. I was watching the monitors backstage, and I started to get so excited that I could hardly wait for my turn. But I'm kinda feeling nervous, too." Hazuki: "What? Even now? There's no time to be nervous once we get started, is there?" gatsuki: "Not so! Nervousness is always right behind me." Hazuki: "What does that mean?" Kannazuki: "I always feel a kind of comfortable tension. You only get one shot at concerts and live events, so as stage performers, we have to nail it!" Shimotsuki: "I don't really get nervous..." Kannazuki: "I'm well aware of that." Shimotsuki: "But Yoru's nervousness, Iku's tension, and the excitement of everyone in the arena... I can feel all of the emotions overflowing this space. It makes my heart feel like it's floating." Minazuki: "I know what you mean. I'm the same way. I feel like I'm floating, too." Minazuki: "When you add music to that, it feels amazing." Minazuki: "It makes me wish I could stay here and sing forever." Shimotsuki: "Yeah. It's a truly wonderful experience." gatsuki: "All right, let's give everything we've got until the very end!" All: "Yeah!" Shimotsuki: "Well, let's continue the medley. Kai, start us off." uzuki: "Got it!" Mutsuki: "Did you enjoy that, White Demon King?" Shimotsuki: "Very much. How about you, Black King?" Mutsuki: "Do I even have to say it?" Shimotsuki: "Even if I know the answer, I want to hear you say it in your own words. Wouldn't you?" Mutsuki: "What if I'm so overwhelmed that words fail me?" Shimotsuki: "Summarize how you're feeling in a single phrase. You're good at that." Mutsuki: "Am I? I know I'm not a good speaker." Shimotsuki: "I'm not asking for much." Shimotsuki: "Just a phrase will do. I want to hear it. Let me hear you say it." Mutsuki: "I love you. I love everyone here. I love this place. I love this moment. I love myself as I stand here." Shimotsuki: "I knew you were good at it. That was powerful." Mutsuki: "This special moment we give to you exists within a more ordinary time." Shimotsuki: "Every day, we take the bad with the good. And some days, nothing much happens at all. But the thing that never changes is the fact that you're always right there." Mutsuki: "That you're standing on your own two feet. We want you to be proud of yourselves." Mutsuki: "Thank you for your support." Shimotsuki: "We're rooting for you, too. Always, forever, and at any time..." Both: "We're by your side." Mutsuki: "Let's go, Six Gravity!"

Kannazuki: "Let's jump right into the "Rui-kun does as he's told" shoot!" Minazuki: "Okay." Kannazuki: "Three, two, one... go!" uzuki: "Angry Rui." gatsuki: "Sad Rui." Shimotsuki: "Kitty Rui." Minazuki: "Meow." Hazuki: "Nice. Blow us a kiss, Rui." Kannazuki: "And finally, smiling Rui." Kannazuki: "Good work, Rui." Hazuki: "All right, I'm next. If Dai-chan says it's okay, let's upload this." Shimotsuki: "How was it, Rui?" Minazuki: "I'm not sure what that was, but it was fun." Minazuki: "I want to play with you, Onii-chan! If you don't like it, I'll quit playing the piano!" Rei: "Don't mock me. You can't be serious!" Rei: "Rui!" Hazuki: "Uh-oh. Now I've done it." gatsuki: "I'll get a broom." Kannazuki: "You always play the piano so beautifully, Rui." Kannazuki: "It makes my heart ache." Kannazuki: "I wish I could play like you." Minazuki: "I'm sure you can if you practice a bunch." Kannazuki: "Yeah... maybe if I practice, like, a ton." Kannazuki: "But I might learn faster if you teach me." Minazuki: "Piano isn't something you learn. It's something you feel." Kannazuki: "That's deep..." Kannazuki: "Are you okay?" Minazuki: "Yeah." Kannazuki: "I'll help." Kannazuki: "Huh?" Kannazuki: "This sheet music..." Kannazuki: ""Rainy moment"? Isn't this your debut song?" Minazuki: "Yeah, it's sheet music for a four-hands version of "Rainy moment." I'm still working on it." Kannazuki: ""Four hands" is when two people play one piano together, right? Sounds fun." Minazuki: "It is fun. I used to play with my brother all the time," Minazuki: "back when we were kids." Kannazuki: "Uh..." Minazuki: "Oh, my brother and I have reconciled. Don't worry about it." Minazuki: "We do tend to avoid discussing the piano, though." Kannazuki: "I see." Kannazuki: "Come in." Shimotsuki: "See? Here they are. Told you so." Kurotsuki: "Yeah, yeah." Kannazuki: "Shun-san, Kuro-nii. What's up?" Shimotsuki: "Rui, we've got a job for you." Minazuki: "For me?" Kurotsuki: "This." Minazuki: "An outdoor piano recital?" Kurotsuki: "Yeah, it's part of a publicity campaign to get more exposure among people who don't normally listen to idol songs leading up to the Full Moon Festival. It'll be broadcast live across the country on major networks." Kannazuki: "Nationwide on major networks? That's amazing, Rui! Good luck." Minazuki: "I'm the star?" Kurotsuki: "Yeah, so we'd like to respect your wishes with regard to what you play. The choice is all yours." Shimotsuki: "So on that note, let's all brainstorm together." Hazuki: "Yeah, let's not. Does he need to hear each and every one of our opinions?" Shimotsuki: "What's this, You? Rui's work is Procella's work. Don't you want to help Rui do the best job possible?" Hazuki: "Sure, but..." Shimotsuki: "Then we're counting on all of you!" Minazuki: "Please and thank you..." Kannazuki: "What kind of recital to play, huh?" Kannazuki: "That's a tough question..." gatsuki: "Should it have some idol-like quality?" Hazuki: "I'm not sure. Going for something mainstream that's out of character for Rui would be mixing up our priorities." Hazuki: "If it were me... I'd only allow girls in the audience, and I'd serve them my homemade curry while I play." Hazuki: "The "only girls" part is crucial! No dudes allowed!" gatsuki: "I'm glad you don't know how to play the piano." Hazuki: "Shut up! I guess that wouldn't suit Rui, though." Minazuki: "It could work." Both: "Really?!" Kannazuki: "I can't tell if you're joking or not." Satsuki: "What're you all up to?" gatsuki: "We're brainstorming for this." Satsuki: "Huh... an outdoor piano recital?" Shimotsuki: "Will you guys share your thoughts with, too? After all, Rui's work is Gravi's work." Kannazuki: "You just casually expanded the scope of this thing, Shun-san..." Uzuki: "I know! How about "Rui Saves the World: A Live 24-Hour Concert"?" Satsuki: "Wouldn't Rui collapse before he saved the world?" Uzuki: "I thought it was a good idea..." Minazuki: "It could work." All: "Really?!" gatsuki: "Uh... are you sure? Do you have the stamina for that?" Minazuki: "I'll make it happen." Kannazuki: "You sound like an athlete! No, seriously. There's only so much you can achieve through determination alone. Um, Shun-san, do you have any ideas?" Shimotsuki: "Me? Of course I do. I have the best idea you'll ever hear." Shimotsuki: "A captivating concert featuring Rui's piano and Hajime's violin!" Shimotsuki: "Rui and Hajime's ultimate harmony!" Shimotsuki: "Just imagining it is so fantastic! So marvelous! It's the birth of a new world!" Hazuki: "Yeah, yeah. A new world is born." Minazuki: "Harmony..." Kannazuki: "What is it?" Minazuki: "Oh, it's nothing." Kannazuki: "Rui?" Shimotsuki: "Since we've come this far, we should ask Procella's last member for his opinion, too." gatsuki: "Isn't Kai-san covering a story at the university hospital? Like, "24 Hours of the Unknown World of Medicine" or something?" Shimotsuki: "Exactly. And it's not that far from here. What do you say, Rui?" Minazuki: "I guess we can go." Minazuki: "Huh? This place..." Shimotsuki: "There he is. Kai." uzuki: "Hey, what are you guys doing here?" Kannazuki: "Well... So we're asking all the Procella members what kind of recital Rui should play, and we came to get your opinion." uzuki: "Right now?! I mean, I don't mind... But it's rare for you to leave the dorm, Shun." Shimotsuki: "That's mean, Kai. I may be the kind of guy who'd happily sleep until he's dead, but I'll work to help the other members." uzuki: "Okay, sorry. But we're actually about to start filming. Could you wait a bit?" Shimotsuki: "Sure, I'd be glad to." Kannazuki: "Oh, can I come, too? I'm interested in seeing what happens behind the scenes in medicine." Shimotsuki: "What about you, Rui?" Minazuki: "If everyone else goes, I will, too." uzuki: "Got it. I'll go get permission from the staff." Rei: "Rui." Minazuki: "Nii-san..." uzuki: "Hey, it's Rei." Rei: "I heard someone was coming to do a story. I didn't realize it was you guys." Minazuki: "I'm just here to observe, though." Kannazuki: "I had forgotten you were a med student. So you work at this hospital, huh?" Shimotsuki: "Wow, what an incredible coincidence." uzuki: "A coincidence, huh?" uzuki: "Well, we wouldn't want to butt in on a reunion between brothers. Let's go." Minazuki: "It's good to see you." Rei: "It's good to see you, too, Rui. How have you been? I hear you're performing at the Full Moon Festival again. I'm glad you seem to be doing well." Minazuki: "Yeah. How about you?" Rei: "I'm doing well, too. I'm pretty busy, but I imagine you're even busier getting ready for the festival." Minazuki: "Yeah, I guess." Rei: "I see." Minazuki: "Listen, I'm going to be playing a recital before the Full Moon Festival." Minazuki: "A piano recital." Rei: "I see. A piano recital, huh?" Rei: "I'm sure you'll do a great job." Minazuki: "What about you?" Rei: "Huh?" Minazuki: "Do you not play the piano anymore?" Rei: "Me? No, I don't play at all." Minazuki: "Not at all? I see..." Minazuki: "Um, if you'd like, why don't you come? If you have the time, that is." Rei: "No, I'll come. I can't promise I'll be there, but I'll do my best to make it." Minazuki: "Okay." Rei: "Sorry, Rui. I'm being interviewed, so I need to get going." Minazuki: "Okay." Rei: "Good luck with your recital. I'll be rooting for you." Minazuki: "Thanks." Rei: "Later, then." Minazuki: "Yeah. Later." uzuki: "Got it. Let's go with that, then." Kannazuki: "Sorry, but I've got to run. Excuse me." uzuki: "What's up?" Shimotsuki: "It's love. You know?" uzuki: "What?" Kannazuki: "What's wrong?" Rui: "My brother said he doesn't play the piano anymore." Rui: "Not at all, he said." Kannazuki: "I see." Rei: "I'm going to quit playing the piano." Minazuki: "What?" Rei: "It's not fun at all. I don't like it anymore." Rei: "Since I'm older than you, I started playing before you. I practice a ton every day." Rei: "But I'm still no good at it." Rei: "You started after me, and you're way better." Rei: "Mom always sighs during my lessons." Minazuki: "Onii-chan..." Rei: "Don't touch me!" Minazuki: "Don't be mad... I want to play with you, Onii-chan! If you don't like it, I'll quit playing the piano!" Rei: "Don't mock me. You can't be serious!" Rei: "Rui!" Minazuki: "I wonder if it's my fault that my brother stopped liking the piano." Minazuki: "I loved listening to him play..." uzuki: "I'm back." Minazuki: "Oh, Kai. Welcome back." uzuki: "Hey, sorry, Rui. I still haven't thought of any suggestions for your recital yet." Minazuki: "It's okay." uzuki: "I promise I'll think of something." uzuki: "Oh, that's right. I'm heading back to the university hospital tomorrow. Is there anything you want me to tell Rei?" Minazuki: "No, not really." uzuki: "You sure?" Minazuki: "I may have upset my brother. I brought up playing the piano, even though he doesn't play at all anymore." uzuki: "You're just like him, you know." Minazuki: "Huh?" uzuki: "After the interview, he had the same expression you do now." Rei: "Kai!" uzuki: "He was worried that the way he reacted during your conversation may have given you the wrong idea." uzuki: "He said it's not that he dislikes the piano." Minazuki: "What? But..." uzuki: "Maybe he just doesn't play because he's busy studying." Minazuki: "Did my brother really say that?" uzuki: "Yeah. He said he's looking forward to the recital." Minazuki: "I see..." uzuki: "You'd better practice hard." Minazuki: "Yeah." Kannazuki: "How's it going, Rui?" Minazuki: "Good. I want the performance to go well, so I'll do my best." Kannazuki: "That's good. I heard Rei-san is coming." Minazuki: "Yeah." Kannazuki: "This..." Minazuki: "It's almost done. I hope I can play with my brother again someday." Kannazuki: "Someday?" Minazuki: "Yeah, someday. Someday is fine. I miss hearing him play, but he's busy studying. For now, it's enough that he's coming to my recital." Kannazuki: "I see." Minazuki: "I'd better practice hard." Hazuki: "Hey, Rui. Working hard?" gatsuki: "Good evening." Minazuki: "You, Yoru... What is it?" Hazuki: "We brought a gift. Sweets are great when you're tired, right?" gatsuki: "Here." Minazuki: "Pudding..." Hazuki: "It's Mom's homemade—ow!" gatsuki: "Who're you calling "Mom"?" Minazuki: "Thanks, Mom." gatsuki: "It's kinda embarrassing to be called that right to my face..." Hazuki: "Hey!" Minazuki: "It's good." Hazuki: "I'm sure you'll push yourself too hard even if I tell you not to, but remember to take care of yourself." gatsuki: "If there's anything you want to eat, tell us." Minazuki: "Okay. Thanks, You and Yoru." uzuki: "Maybe it's because Rei came to watch, but Rui seems really happy." Shimotsuki: "Yeah. Every note he plays feels so alive." Hazuki: "He picked classical pieces everyone likes, right? I think these are all songs I've heard before." Shimotsuki: "I'm excited to see how this wonderful recital will end." Minazuki: "This is my first piano recital as Minazuki Rui of Procellarum. Thank you for coming." Minazuki: "This last song is a piano arrangement of my debut song as an idol." Kannazuki: "Rui!" : "That's Kannazuki-kun. What? What's going on?" Minazuki: "Ikkun..." Kannazuki: "Here's the sheet music for your last piece." Minazuki: "This is... the four-hands version." : "Who's that?" Minazuki: "Huh?" Minazuki: "Nii-san... Why..." Rei: "Iku-kun delivered this sheet music and your feelings to me." Rei: "You still tell people you like the way I play the piano." Kannazuki: "Sorry I didn't tell you..." Minazuki: "No, it's okay." Minazuki: "Ikkun, I..." Rei: "I'm nowhere near as good as you now," Rei: "but can I still play with you like we used to when we were kids?" Minazuki: "Y-Yeah... Nii-san, I still want to play piano with you!" Rei: "I was afraid." Rei: "I was afraid of playing with you and being compared to you." Minazuki: "Nii-san..." Rei: "But my desire to play with you was just as strong." Rei: "I... I like the way you play piano, too." Rei: "I love your sound, Rui." Minazuki: "Nii-san... I like the way you play the piano." Minazuki: "It doesn't matter if you're good or not." Minazuki: "You have such a clear, beautiful sound." Minazuki: "It's the sound that taught me how wonderful the piano can be." Minazuki: "It's always playing inside me." Rei: "Rui, I'm sorry." Minazuki: "Nii-san..." Minazuki: "Thank you." Minazuki: "Do you think we can play together again sometime?" Rei: "Next time, I'll play a little better." Minazuki: "I see." Rei: "That was a wonderful recital. And it's all thanks to those great friends of yours."

Uzuki: "Hello. Arata Uzuki here. It's a bit sudden, but I thought we could visit Aoi Satsuki-kun's room today." Satsuki: "Huh? What's going on?" Uzuki: "It's Aoi-kun." Satsuki: "Huh? Oh, good evening. I'm Aoi Satsuki." Uzuki: "What were you doing just now?" Satsuki: "Um... I'm preparing for our upcoming team meeting." Uzuki: "What? We have a team meeting?" Satsuki: "I'll tell you about it later." Uzuki: "Your room's always so tidy." Satsuki: "Don't film too much." Uzuki: "Oh, I found an album." Satsuki: "I came across that while I was organizing the other day." Satsuki: "I have pictures of you when you were little, too." Uzuki: "Let me see." Uzuki: "When was this taken?" Satsuki: "I'm not sure. Oh, Arata, you forgot about your camera..." Camera: "Very nice!" Woman: "The schedule for the Full Moon Festival has been set. I imagine preparations for the event are coming along. Is everything going smoothly?" Uzuki: "Well, there's still plenty of time. There are a lot of things we're still deliberating." Woman: "I heard each member is responsible for his own segment." Uzuki: "That's right. I hope everyone gets to do what they like for their individual segments. I guess that would mean mine will be a hero show." Woman: "You like superheroes?" Uzuki: "I sure do. Especially the shows that run on Sunday mornings." Woman: "That's surprising. I mean, you come across as so cool and collected." Uzuki: "I get that a lot." Woman: "How long have you liked them?" Uzuki: "For... as long as I can remember, I guess." Woman: "So you've been a fan since you were little? What do you like about heroes?" Uzuki: "The way they show up out of nowhere to rescue people, their transformation poses, and their special moves." Uzuki: "Don't you think they're cool?" Satsuki: "Good work." Satsuki: "How did the interview go? Were you promoting the Full Moon Festival?" Uzuki: "I did my best to sound excited, but I'm not sure it got across." Satsuki: "It'll probably be fine." Satsuki: "But you have always struggled to convey certain things." Uzuki: "I was listless as a child." Uzuki: "But when my parents took me to the hospital, the doctor said I was just sleepy." Satsuki: "I remember that." Satsuki: "There was that incident with the dog movie, too." Uzuki: "After seeing that movie, I really wanted a dog, so I went out looking for a stray. But strays aren't easy to find, so I was late getting home. I caused a huge fuss." Satsuki: "I didn't think the movie made an impression on you at all, so I was surprised." Satsuki: "Then in high school, you went for really spicy ramen with a friend." Uzuki: "I remember that. He thought I could handle it, so he ordered me the spiciest one. I know I didn't look like it, but I was not okay at all." Satsuki: "You must've looked like you were fine." Uzuki: "Also, people always assume I don't get brain freeze when I eat shaved ice, but I do, just like everyone else." Uzuki: "It's fine, though." Satsuki: "Is it?" Satsuki: "It's Tsukishiro-san. He wants us to come to the office." Uzuki: "I wonder what's up." Tsukishiro: "Hyper Tag. It's a popular program in which two-man teams race to the finish while fleeing from the people who are "it." You two have received an offer to appear on the show. What do you think?" Satsuki: "Sounds fun. Right, Arata?" Uzuki: "Yeah. I like this kind of thing." Uzuki: "I'm not sure I have the stamina to make to the end, though." Satsuki: "We'll be there to help each other. Let's do our best." Tsukishiro: "Incidentally, as for the prize..." Tsukishiro: "It's apparently an opportunity to appear on Hero Squad: Fifty Ninjas." Uzuki: "Seriously?" Tsukishiro: "Yes, seriously. It's a chance to be one of the Fifty Ninjas." Uzuki: "Aoi, let's do this." Satsuki: "You're into it now, huh?" Tsukishiro: "I'll let them know you accept, then." Shiwasu: "Welcome home!" Uzuki: "Hero Squad: Fifty Ninjas..." Satsuki: "We're back." Uzuki: "I have to get on that show." Shiwasu: "Did something happen?" Satsuki: "I know it's hard to tell, but he's apparently on fire." Yayoi: "For today's meeting, I'd like to brainstorm ideas for our individual segments." Yayoi: "Feasibility aside, let's start by discussing what we'd like to do." Shiwasu: "What we want to do, huh?" Yayoi: "Does anyone have any ideas?" Kisaragi: "Me! I'd like to do a fashion show." Shiwasu: "That's Gravi's most fashionable member for you! In that case..." Shiwasu: "I wanna try some aerial stunts!" Kisaragi: "You mean the thing that makes it look like you're flying in the sky?" Shiwasu: "Yeah, that. Doesn't it sound fun?" Kisaragi: "It really does!" Yayoi: "Th-That sounds good..." Kisaragi: "Right... Haru-san is afraid of heights." Shiwasu: "I was just kidding! What do you want to do, Haru-san?" Yayoi: "I know! I think I might like to try acting like a band, like SOARA." Mutsuki: "Sounds fun." Shiwasu: "If that's what we're doing, I'll practice hard!" Yayoi: "Well, it's just one idea. How about you, Hajime?" Mutsuki: "Let's see... It might be a little tricky, but what if we all tried calligraphy together?" Kisaragi: "Calligraphy? Like, that fancy writing?" Mutsuki: "Yeah." Satsuki: "If you'll teach us, I'd like to do it, even if it's not for work." Shiwasu: "Me, too!" Yayoi: "Calligraphy is a popular idea. Any others?" Yayoi: "Yes, Arata?" Uzuki: "Sir, I'd like to see a Heartbreak Rangers show." Kisaragi: "That's your suggestion? The Heartbreak Rangers came to be after a certain magazine ranked that song of yours as the top heartbreak song! There's Red, Green, and Purple, and they get tons of appearances!" Uzuki: "By the way, I'm totally not Heartbreak Red." Kisaragi: "Yeah, yeah..." Yayoi: "The Heartbreak Rangers, huh? It seems like they're no longer limited to April Fool's lately." Uzuki: "Exactly. Heartbreak Red thinks we should break them out again for this special occasion." Yayoi: "I see. I think Heartbreak Green would say that sounds interesting." Uzuki: "I believe Heartbreak Red would agree." Shiwasu: "What kind of obnoxious conversation is this?" Mutsuki: "Nope." Uzuki: "Hajime-san, what do you think Heartbreak Purple would say?" Mutsuki: "Nope." Uzuki: "What a coincidence... There just happen to be some sunglasses and a scarf here." Mutsuki: "Nope." Uzuki: ""Dear Heartbreak Purple..." "My five-year-old son loves you so much that he mimics you in front of the TV every day."" Mutsuki: "Nope." Mutsuki: "This is your handwriting." Uzuki: "Let's do it! I want to see Heartbreak Purple. Come on, Hajime-san." Mutsuki: "Nope. I'm not Purple." Uzuki: "Everyone wants to see the gallant Purple in action." Mutsuki: "Nope. I'm not Purple." Satsuki: "He's unusually persistent today." Uzuki: "Hajime-san!" Shiwasu: "He must really want to do it." Mutsuki: "Nope." Yayoi: "Okay, you two, that's enough. Have a seat. Let's continue the meeting." Satsuki: "I hope we get to do the hero show." Uzuki: "Yeah." Uzuki: "I'd like to play a hero at least once." Satsuki: "We might have our chance..." Satsuki: "with this." Satsuki: "Since it's a competition, why don't we come up with a strategy?" Uzuki: "Sure." Satsuki: "Participants enter as pairs. They must work together to flee those who are "it" while avoiding traps on the way to the finish line. Sounds difficult without good teamwork." Uzuki: "I'm sure we'll be fine." Satsuki: "Yeah, but what if we have a disagreement?" Uzuki: "I doubt we will... but we could play rock-paper-scissors." Satsuki: "Got it. I'll do my best to win so that we can become heroes." Uzuki: "I've always wanted to be one..." Uzuki: "Here it comes! Take this! Killer Beam! Zap, zap, zap!" Satsuki: "Kapow! That doesn't work against Dragon!" Uzuki: "Seriously? If you don't let me beat you, the fight won't end." Satsuki: "Yeah, but Dragon is strong." Uzuki: "Then I'll use my special—" Boy: "Hey, you two!" Boy: "This park is for our exclusive use now. Get out of here. Let's play soccer." Uzuki: "What does "exclusive" mean?" Satsuki: "It means it belongs to them." Boy: "Didn't you hear us? Scram already. You were playing heroes? You're such babies." Boy: "There's no such thing as monsters or heroes!" Boy: "Give me that!" Boy: "Want to play soccer with us? I guess we can include you if we have to. We'll beat you to a pulp." Satsuki: "N-No, thanks..." Boy: "Huh? Did you say something? You don't want to? But we're inviting you to play. Babies are hopeless." Satsuki: "Give that back!" Boy: "You mean, "Give that back, please."" Satsuki: "It's okay." Uzuki: "Aoi..." Uzuki: "It's not okay." Boy: "What? You got a problem?" Uzuki: "Give it back." Boy: "What?" Uzuki: "I said give it back." Boy: "I ain't scared of you one little bit." Uzuki: "Give it back!" Boy: "Here." Boy: "You can have it back. I said you can have it back! Do you even really want it?" Satsuki: "That's enough, Arata." Boy: "What? You don't want it? Then maybe I'll just throw it away." Boy: "That hurts! Ow, ow, ow... Who are you?!" Mutsuki: "Give it back." Boy: "Are you their friend or something?" Mutsuki: "No. This is the first time we've met." Boy: "Then stay out of this and scram! This place belongs to us! Yeah, that's right!" Mutsuki: "Who decided that?" Boy: "Me, obviously." Mutsuki: "What a brat." Boy: "What was that?!" Mutsuki: "I don't want to hurt you, but do you still want to fight? I won't hold back next time." Boy: "You'll pay for this!" Satsuki: "Wow..." Uzuki: "Yeah..." Mutsuki: "Here." Satsuki: "Thank you." Mutsuki: "You guys like this stuff?" Uzuki: "You don't know what it is? It's on TV right now." Mutsuki: "I don't really watch TV. Anyway... You were really cool," Mutsuki: "hero." Satsuki: "He was cool, wasn't he?" Uzuki: "I'm... a hero?" Satsuki: "What is it?" Uzuki: "Huh?" Uzuki: "Oh, nothing." Satsuki: "I see." Uzuki: "Aoi, let's do our best." Satsuki: "Yeah." Shiwasu: "It's starting!" Kisaragi: "I hope they win." Yayoi: "If they can work together, it should go well. Right, Hajime?" Mutsuki: "Yeah." Shiwasu: "There they are!" Reporter: "It's time for Hyper Tag! Today's game takes place in Tokyo's Edomura! It's normally used as a setting for movies and commercials, but we've received special permission to film here today! The rules are simple. Teams will work together and avoid the taggers as they race to the goal! The winning team will get to appear on the hero show Fifty Ninjas!" Boy: "We're totally gonna win! Yeah!" Reporter: "From grade school students to grown-up tokusatsu fans, a wide variety of teams will compete for a chance to become heroes! Which team will win and become heroes?!" Satsuki: "Let's do our best, Arata." Reporter: "Here's our first team! Could you look into the camera and say a few words?" Satsuki: "I'm Aoi Satsuki of Six Gravity. I'll do my best." Uzuki: "I'm Arata Uzuki, also of Six Gravity. I'll definitely win. I'll become a tag fiend if I have to." Satsuki: "I understand how you feel, Arata, but that's not what this is about." Yayoi: "He sure seems excited." Kisaragi: "His debut as a hero is riding on this, after all." Shiwasu: "It's so like him, isn't it?" Mutsuki: "You're right." Reporter: "Hyper Tag will now begin!" All: "Let's do this! All right!" Satsuki: "Let's go." Uzuki: "Yeah." Reporter: "The game has finally begun! The taggers who'll be chasing our participants are starting, as well!" Mutsuki: "They have to run from the guys in black, huh?" Kisaragi: "Is this your first time watching this, Hajime-san?" Mutsuki: "Yeah." All: "Hey! Come and get us! C'mon! We're over here!" Satsuki: "Since the taggers just ran through here, this area is probably safe." Uzuki: "Yeah." Uzuki: "No taggers here." Satsuki: "Yeah." Reporter: "It's first-timers Arata Uzuki-kun and Aoi Satsuki-kun of Six Gravity! They're predicting the movements of the taggers as they flee. This looks promising." Reporter: "And the lead group has already reached the famous "Hallway of Choice"! Right or left... Which will they choose?!" Reporter: "Wrong choice! They're out of the race!" Shiwasu: "This is totally up to chance. It's fifty-fifty! I'd definitely end up in the mud." Kisaragi: "I hope Aoi-san and Arata-san will be okay." Reporter: "The participants are cleverly evading taggers as they race toward the goal." Satsuki: "Looks like we lost them." Uzuki: "Yeah." Man: "Damn it..." Reporter: "Oh, no! They've been caught!" Satsuki: "Arata, what should we do?" Satsuki: "It's up to you." Uzuki: "Right." Satsuki: "Any reason?" Uzuki: "Nope." Satsuki: "Didn't think so." Reporter: "Correct!" Kisaragi: "All right! Nice!" Shiwasu: "Arata-san's mysterious animal-like instincts are strong." Yayoi: "They're doing well." Mutsuki: "They are." Reporter: "And now more taggers are joining the game! It's going to be even harder to evade them!" Mutsuki: "They're adding more?" Yayoi: "Apparently the game gets harder the closer they get to the goal. I hope they can do it." Mutsuki: "Arata, Aoi..." Man: "Damn it... Seriously?" Reporter: "It's the second half of the game! All the teams we started with have been narrowed down to three! And surprisingly... the grade schoolers are currently in the lead!" Boy: "Victory is ours!" Uzuki: "Found them." Satsuki: "Sorry, but we want to win, too." Boy: "At this rate, they're gonna catch us! In that case... Hey, taggers! There are guys over here!" Uzuki: "Crap!" Satsuki: "We'll have to go the long way around. This way." Mutsuki: "Where are Arata and Aoi?" Shiwasu: "Don't worry." Kisaragi: "They're childhood friends. Of course they've got good teamwork." Yayoi: "Our boys get things done when they have to." Shiwasu: "Arata-san's in trouble!" Reporter: "Oh, no! Taggers are closing in on Arata Uzuki-kun!" Uzuki: "This might be bad..." Satsuki: "Arata, up here!" Reporter: "Look at that! His partner, Aoi Satsuki-kun, has saved him! What a great play!" Uzuki: "Sorry. I panicked." Satsuki: "It didn't look that way to me." Uzuki: "I get that a lot." Reporter: "The Gravi team has taken the lead! Will they make it to the goal?!" Kisaragi: "They might actually pull it off!" Shiwasu: "Arata-san, Aoi-san! You can do it!" Reporter: "Only three teams currently remain. Which one will round this corner and reach the goal first?" Uzuki: "Are you tired?" Satsuki: "I'm okay. I can make it." Uzuki: "All right." Satsuki: "Arata, wait." Uzuki: "What is it?" Satsuki: "Look." Uzuki: "That's clearly not part of the course. Are they taking a shortcut?" Satsuki: "Let's go." Satsuki: "Guys, you need to be careful." Boy: "No! We're going to be on Fifty Ninjas!" Satsuki: "Watch out!" Reporter: "Huh? They should be getting here about now..." Reporter: "That's odd." Yayoi: "They're taking too long. Did something happen?" Reporter: "Oh, and here they are!" Reporter: "Goal! Just before the finish line, another team took the lead! What a comeback!" Reporter: "And here come the Gravi and grade schooler teams, who didn't quite make it. Their expressions are..." Reporter: "Huh?" Reporter: "They're beaming!" Satsuki: "That was close." Uzuki: "I guess. But I had fun, so it's all okay." Satsuki: "Yeah, you're right." Both: "Ready, and..." Satsuki: "We never played rock-paper-scissors." Uzuki: "Yeah." Shiwasu: "Good work, guys." Kisaragi: "That was so close." Satsuki: "You were watching?" Yayoi: "We were. So was Hajime." Uzuki: "Hajime-san, too?" Mutsuki: "Yeah." Mutsuki: "You were close." Satsuki: "Yeah. It's fine, though. Someday we'll become heroes on our own." Mutsuki: "I see." Uzuki: "Yeah. Even if we don't seem much like heroes." Mutsuki: "That's not true at all." Mutuski: "You may not have won," Mutsuki: "but I still think it'd be okay to have heroes that are like you." Mutsuki: "You did a good job." Satsuki: "He complimented us." Uzuki: "Yeah." Satsuki: "Arata?" Uzuki: "Huh? Oh, yeah..." Uzuki: "Nah, couldn't be." Woman: "Finally, Arata Uzuki-san, what is a hero to you?" Uzuki: "Someone who doesn't hesitate to lend a helping hand when others are in trouble... The kind of person I'd like to become myself."

Kisaragi: "What? Performing in a dance contest?" Hazuki: "Would we be participating as a hand-picked unit?" Kurotsuki: "Not quite. You'd be appearing as guests." Kurotsuki: "They want us to select a few skilled dancers from Tsukino Talent Production. As a special one-night-only unit, you'll dance as part of an exhibition." Tsukishiro: "In other words, it'll be a team of TsukiPro's best dancers." Tsukishiro: "We're sending you two, You-kun of Procella, and Koi-kun of Gravi to participate." Hazuki: "In that case, I guess Koi and I are the best choices. We're good at dancing." Kisaragi: "Yeah. Plus, we don't often get to work together as a pair. I'm excited." Kurotsuki: "It won't be just the two of you." Both: "Huh?" Kurotsuki: "Your other team members should be arriving soon." Both: "Our other team members?" Tsukishiro: "Here they are." Okui: "Hey!" Kisaragi: "Oh, Tsubasa!" Both: "Ken-chan!" Yaegashi: "Hello!" Kisaragi: "And you're from the VAZZROCK project?" zumi: "That's right! I'm Ruka Nazumi of ROCK DOWN! Nice to meet you." Kisaragi: "Wow. This really does feel like a hand-picked unit." Okui: "We haven't worked together since that joint performance." zumi: "It'll be our first time working so closely. I'm looking forward to it." Kurotsuki: "Let's go over the details one more time. The event is the High School Dance Colosseum, a contest for high school students." Okui: "DanColo, huh?" zumi: "It's so high-level that it's hard to believe they're all high schoolers." Tsukishiro: "That said, we're professionals. You'll need to perform accordingly." Kisaragi: "Of course." Yaegashi: "We'll be representing our groups here." Okui: "We'll show those high schoolers what's up." zumi: "Yeah." Hazuki: "This team is really something. Whoever's leading us will have it rough." Tsukishiro: "Speaking of, I wanted to ask if you'd be the center of the group, You-kun." Hazuki: "Oh..." Hazuki: "What?" Kisaragi: "You mean..." Kurotsuki: "Will you be the group's leader, You?" Hazuki: "You want me to be the leader?" gatsuki: "You were chosen to lead a hand-picked unit? That's amazing." Hazuki: "Really? You think so?" gatsuki: "What? You don't want to do it?" Hazuki: "It's not that I don't want to. I'm just not exactly the "leader" type." gatsuki: "You're not?" Hazuki: "Man... What am I gonna do?" Hazuki: "Okay, so... I'd like to begin our unit's training session now. Once again, I'm You Hazuki of Procella. Since I've been appointed the leader, I'd appreciate your cooperation." Okui: "All right! Let's get pumped up!" Both: "Yeah!" Hazuki: "You guys sure are excited." Kisaragi: "Well, yeah. We've got TsukiPro's best dancers here. Of course we are." Yaegashi: "Yeah. But we haven't decided what kind of dance we're doing, right?" Hazuki: "That's right. We're free to come up with our own song and choreography, or to get someone else to do it for us. What should we do?" Okui: "I know! Let's have my group's leader write us a song. He's great at writing songs that pump you up, and that fits a TsukiPro team best, right?" zuki: "Shiki-san's gonna write us a song?! All right! What a treat!" Hazuki: "I like the idea, too, but what about his schedule?" Okui: "I'm sure it's fine. I'll beg him to do it, and besides, I'm busting my butt here. It's only natural to expect him to contribute." zumi: "How bold..." Kisaragi: "But there's still the matter of our dance." zumi: "I'd like something flashy and intense! Like lots of jack-in-the-boxes!" Yaegashi: "Or fireworks?" Hazuki: "Those aren't dance moves. You're talking about the stage production." zumi: "Oh, right." Yaegashi: "Do you have any ideas, You?" Hazuki: "Well, why don't we start by just freestyling to random music, and see what everyone does? We can identify everyone's unique styles as well as get a feel for the group." Kisaragi: "Our unique styles?" Okui: "Yeah, it might feel more like "us" that way." zumi: "I agree!" Yaegashi: "All right. In that case..." Hazuki: "Let's dance!" Hazuki: "This already looks pretty good. I guess that's a given since we're all dancers." Yaegashi: "Our personalities sure clash, though. Dancing does bring out your personality." Okui: "So we all hate to lose." zumi: "That's for sure." Kisaragi: "If we're trying to show off our personalities, maybe we should come up with the choreography ourselves, too." Yaegashi: "I agree." Okui: "No objections." zumi: "No problems here!" Hazuki: "Then that's what we'll do. Once Shiki-san is finished with the song, we'll go hard on the choreography. But for today, let's just keep dancing." Yaegashi: "Nice!" zumi: "All right! Bring it on!" Kisaragi: "Let's give it our all!" Kisaragi: "I'm exhausted..." gatsuki: "Pardon me." Hazuki: "Yoru, what's up?" gatsuki: "I brought you guys a gift. I made a bunch of side dishes for you to enjoy together." Kisaragi: "All right! Thanks, Yoru-san." gatsuki: "How does it feel to be the leader?" Hazuki: "Well, I think I'm doing all right. It's still the first day." Kisaragi: "You is actually dancing without any of his usual flashiness." Hazuki: "What do you mean by "flashiness"?" gatsuki: "I'm glad things seem to be going well. Well, I should go." Kisaragi: "What? You're leaving already?" gatsuki: "Yeah. I was just stopping by." Hazuki: "Thanks." gatsuki: "Good luck, leader." Hazuki: "Shut up." Hazuki: "Well, I guess we should eat." Hazuki: "Yoru really overdid it this time..." Yaegashi: "I'd heard the rumors, but this is incredible." Okui: "It looks so good!" zumi: "Now this is what I call a bento! It looks great. I can't wait to eat it." Hazuki: "Yeah, yeah. Let's hurry and eat so we can get back to it." Kisragi: "Wait, guys! Look at the TV!" Announcer: "The Sun Promotion interview will now begin." Okui: "Hey, I know him. That's Makoto Sugai, right?" Yaegashi: "What? Makoto?" Hazuki: "You know him?" zumi: "Come to think of it, Ken-kun used to be with SunPro." Yaegashi: "Oh, yeah. Until I was a junior." Sugai: "As representatives of Sun Promotion Entertainment," Sugai: "the team you see here will be participating in the High School Dance Colosseum." Hazuki: "Whoa, whoa... So SunPro's going to be at DanColo, too?" Interviewer: "A Tsukino Talent Production team has already been selected for the exhibition. Can we assume we'll be seeing a dance battle between your agencies?" Sugai: "That's right. We've chosen our best dancers, as well. We professionals will be going at each other hard in order to hype up the high schoolers' dance battle." Hazuki: "Seriously?" Hazuki: "Dai-chan, what's going on?" Kisaragi: "We were surprised to hear the news." Kurotsuki: "Yeah, sorry. It was the first we've heard of it, too. It was the event sponsors." Yaegashi: "So they used us to promote the event." Tsukishiro: "That said, now that they've declared war on TV, we can't back down." Hazuki: "Of course not. I have absolutely no intention of running, much less losing, Dai-chan and Kanade-chan." Yaegashi: "If it's a fight they want, we just have to dance even better than them." zumi: "Yeah. Things are starting to get interesting. I'm on fire!" Okui: "We can't lose! I'll have Shiki finish the song as quickly as possible!" Kisaragi: "TsukiPro, fight on!" All: "Yeah!" Hazuki: "How about this here?" zumi: "Hey, that's pretty cool. Maybe I'll turn." Okui: "Then I'll move this way." Yaegashi: "Can I stop you for a second?" Kisaragi: "Is something wrong?" Yaegashi: "I've been thinking. The SunPro team will probably have the choreographer for Makoto's group come up with their choreography." Okui: "Their choreographer, huh? They always have big groups dancing in perfect sync. It's pretty intense." Yaegashi: "And we decided to do our own choreography. But the situation's changed. If we're going up against professionals, I was just thinking we might want professional help, too." Kisaragi: "That's a good point." zumi: "But doing our own choreography will let us show our strengths better, right? I think our uniqueness is our selling point." Kisaragi: "That's a good point, too." Okui: "Leader, what do you think?" Hazuki: "Oh, uh..." Hazuki: "Can you give me a day to think it over?" Hazuki: "What am I supposed to do?" gatsuki: "Worried about something?" Hazuki: "Yoru... Yeah, you could say that." gatsuki: "Koi told me about it. The group can't agree on the choreography?" Hazuki: "That brat..." gatsuki: "Is it tough being the leader?" Hazuki: "I guess. Everyone's cooperating, but they're all strong-willed. I'm not sure I can bring us together. Even when I try thinking like Hajime-san, I don't have the brains or charisma to say, "This is the right choice," and I don't think I can tie everything together in a satisfying way like Shun." Hazuki: "Maybe bringing everyone together is just out of character for me." gatsuki: "That's not true." gatsuki: "You've always brought us all together." Hazuki: "Huh?" gatsuki: "Remember when our class couldn't decide what to do for the cultural festival?" Student: "We're lacking a deciding factor..." Hazuki: "Then why don't we combine all of our ideas and do a cosplay café? We can put whatever we want to make on the menu. The guys can wear whatever ghost, zombie, or other fun costume they want, and the girls can wear what I'll produce for them!" Mattsun: "Hey, good idea." Hazuki: "Don't you guys want to see the girls in cute costumes?" All: "Seriously?" Student: "That sounds kind of fun. We can wear anything?" Mattsun: "You, we'll get an afro and star-shaped sunglasses for you." Hazuki: "What?! Why would I wear that?" Hazuki: "I remember that. The girls nearly got you to wear a maid outfit." gatsuki: "That's right." gatsuki: "I'm glad I was able to escape." Hazuki: "Just remembering it makes me laugh." gatsuki: "You always brought people together in your own way." Hazuki: "So I should just be myself, huh?" Hazuki: "Maybe you're right. I feel better. Thanks." gatsuki: "Sure. Do your best." Hazuki: "Yeah." Hazuki: "I did a lot of thinking yesterday." Hazuki: "Everyone here was a good enough dancer to be chosen for this." Hazuki: "What is it the five of us are dancing for?" Yaegashi: "To beat SunPro, right?" Okui: "We even had Shiki write us a song to that end. We can't lose now." Hazuki: "That goal came along later. We're supposed to be doing this to show high school students how amazing and fun dancing can be. Am I wrong?" Hazuki: "So we'll be sticking with our original plan. Let's come up with our own choreography that shows off our individual strengths." Hazuki: "We're not dancing to beat anyone. We'll be dancing to entertain everyone." Hazuki: "And now that I'm done talking like some model student..." Kisaragi: "Huh?" Hazuki: "As a group of sore losers, we don't want to lose, do we?" zumi: "Oh?" Hazuki: "Let's play to our strengths. We'll include both freestyle sections and sections where we dance as a unit. And when we're dancing as a unit, we'll be even more in sync than SunPro." Yaegashi: "Sounds good." Okui: "Yeah. Having freestyle and team parts should make each of our personalities stand out more." Hazuki: "So what do you think of revising our choreography along those lines?" Kisaragi: "I'm for it. Let's all share our ideas." Yaegashi: "Let's come up with choreography that shows what we're capable of." zumi: "And we'll do it ourselves." Okui: "All right! I'm on fire now!" Hazuki: "Ready to start, then?" All: "Yeah!" Hazuki: "Hey, those pants are nice. What brand are they?" zumi: "Oh, these? I'm not sure they're any brand. I got them at a store that opened beneath the station last month." Hazuki: "Seriously? I don't think I knew about that place. Did you?" Kisaragi: "Yeah. I go there all the time." Hazuki: "What?! You guys, too?" Yaegashi: "I've only been there once." Okui: "I've already checked it out, naturally." Hazuki: "Seriously? I'm the only one who didn't know?" zumi: "What? Wanna go check it out now, then?" Kisaragi: "Hey, good idea. We could buy matching clothes to celebrate the formation of our unit." Yaegashi: "You think this many people can find something matching to wear?" Hazuki: "That's it..." Kisaragi: "What's it?" Hazuki: "I just realized how we can beat SunPro." Yaegashi: "What?" Hazuki: "Let's put some thought into our outfits, too, and not just our dancing. We'll fight them with music, choreography, and fashion as entertainment." Hazuki: "Looking good is really important, right?" Kisaragi: "Good idea." Okui: "Hey, I look good no matter what I wear." Yaegashi: "That sounds like something you'd say." zumi: "Let's talk to a costume designer! Hooray!" gatsuki: "You're working hard, leader." Kisaragi: "I'm nervous..." Hazuki: "Why are you getting nervous at a rehearsal? Everything's gone fine. All that's left is to have fun." Yaegashi: "Exactly." Sugai: "Well, well. Hello, TsukiPro." Yaegashi: "Makoto..." Kisaragi: "It's Makoto Sugai-san of SunPro." Hazuki: "Glad to be working with you. I'm the TsukiPro team leader, You Hazuki." Sugai: "Ah, You Hazuki-san... So you're the group's leader. As representatives of our respective agencies, let's strive to put on a good show." Hazuki: "Of course. You don't need to tell me. That was already my intention." Sugai: "We'll be generating the most excitement, though." Okui: "Strong words there." zumi: "Right back at you, all wrapped up with a pretty bow on top." Sugai: "Is that so?" Hazuki: "Try not to let our performance scare you." Sugai: "Bring it on." Ad: "TsukiPro, we have an emergency!" Yaegashi: "What is it?" Okui: "Did something happen?" Staff: "Well, the thing is..." Kisaragi: "What?!" Staff: "I'm sorry! They ran into trouble during transport, and some of your costumes were stained." zumi: "Yikes..." Okui: "Jeez, those are some serious stains." Kisaragi: "We need to find replacement costumes." Hazuki: "Let's ask Dai-chan." uzuki: "This place is pretty big." Shimotsuki: "It's for the dance team led by our very own You. It had better be good." uzuki: "You seem happy." Shimotsuki: "Of course. As Procella's leader, I'm proud of him." Kannazuki: "We got here early." Minazuki: "There's still some time before the show." gatsuki: "Shall we visit their greenroom?" Shimotsuki: "Oh?" Staff: "This way! What is it?" Shimotsuki: "Looks like something's happened." gatsuki: "You." Hazuki: "Yoru... You guys are here?" Minazuki: "Did something happen?" Hazuki: "Well, actually..." Kurotsuki: "Got it. Bye, then. It's no use. They can't find any replacement costumes for you." Kisaragi: "Figures. Regular groups have whole wardrobes, but our team was chosen just for this event." Kannazuki: "Yikes..." Shimotsuki: "I see. Wardrobe troubles." uzuki: "Does it look bad?" Shimotsuki: "No..." Hazuki: "Now, then!" Yaegashi: "Let's shift gears." zumi: "What are we gonna do?" Okui: "We won't be able to wash this off. It's oil-based paint." Kisaragi: "Hey, I just had an idea." Hazuki: "Let's hear it." Kisaragi: "Let's just go with these. We can cut out the stained parts and remake the outfits with leftover cloth and accessories!" Yaegashi: "So we'll make it look deliberate." Kisaragi: "Yes!" Shimotsuki: "Seems like they're okay." uzuki: "Yeah." Kisaragi: "What do you think, You?" Hazuki: "Obviously, it's a great idea. Let's work together to come up with ideas." uzuki: "We'll help, too." gatsuki: "Where should we start?" Kannazuki: "Rui and I will lend a hand, too." Minazuki: "I'll do my best." Shimotsuki: "And I'll do my best to cheer you guys on." Hazuki: "Do something useful!" Hazuki: "Koi, what should we do with this part?" Kisaragi: "Let's cut the whole thing off!" zumi: "That's so bold! I love it!" Okui: "It's a little revealing, but let's just say it's a relaxed mature look." Kisaragi: "Okui-senpai, you're seriously awesome." Okui: "There's no way you really think that." Yaegashi: "We will make it?" Mc: "Next up is our special performance!" Mc: "First up is the Sun Promotion Entertainment team!" Kisaragi: "It's done!" Hazuki: "All right. This'll work." Okui: "Get changed, quick." Okui: "It's time." Yaegashi: "We've been through a lot from start to finish, but we made it this far thanks to You leading us." zumi: "Yeah. TsukiPro's poster boy, You Hazuki of Procella, never fails to impress." Kisaragi: "Don't forget about Koi Kisaragi of Gravi." Hazuki: "I don't need compliments from dudes. Besides, it wasn't just me. It was all of us." Hazuki: "Good job, guys." Sugai: "We showed them how professionals dance." Hazuki: "Ooh, how cool. Anyway, I guess it's our turn next." Sugai: "I'm looking forward to it." Mc: "Next up is the Tsukino Talent Production team!" Hazuki: "Let's go!" All: "Yeah!" Hazuki: "I'm not into long speeches before a performance, so I'll make this quick." Hazuki: "Do you guys like dancing?!" All: "Yes!" Hazuki: "We love it, too!" Hazuki: "So let's have fun together!" gatsuki: "You's having fun." gatsuki: "Just like back then..."

Student: "Attack, attack!" Student: "Over here! Hurry!" end 1: "Hey, where are you kicking that?" end 2: "Sorry! Haru, get the ball." Mutsuki: "Is this what you're looking for?" Yayoi: "Mutsuki-kun? You surprised me." Mutsuki: "I could say the same thing." Mutsuki: "A ball suddenly came flying my way." Yayoi: "Thanks... So, uh..." Mutsuki: "Is there something else?" Yayoi: "Um, I was just wondering what you were doing here." Mutsuki: "I was sleeping. Doesn't this time of year make you sleepy?" Yayoi: "Now that you mention it... You do always look sleepy in the morning." Mutsuki: "Should I be sorry for that? I'm not into sleeping in a classroom where everyone can see me, and there are too many people up on the roof these days for me to relax." Mutsuki: "But no one will find me here." Mutsuki: "I like to feel at ease when I sleep." Yayoi: "Really? Well, it's true that you're always surrounded by people. I guess being popular comes with its own difficulties." Mutsuki: "You make it sound like you're not popular. To me, it always seems like you're surrounded by people, Mr. Student Council Treasurer." Yayoi: "Huh? You know who I am?" Mutsuki: "I can at least recognize my classmates, Haru Yayoi." Yayoi: "Hearing you say my name is kind of exciting." Mutsuki: "That excites you? You're so weird." Mutsuki: "A dream..." Yayoi: "Oh, whoops. I didn't want you to catch cold. Looks like I woke you. Sorry." Mutsuki: "Yeah, twice." Yayoi: "What? Twice?" All: "Wow... Amazing!" Kisaragi: "These are the Fairy Tale Collection outfits." Shiwasu: "This brings back memories! It was the autumn before last, right?" Mutsuki: "Tsukishiro-san, why did you bring us these outfits?" Tsukishiro: "Well, the truth is... the official TsukiPro shop is going nationwide." All: "Nationwide?" Tsukishiro: "Yes. We've received lots of requests from fans who'd like to visit, so we're taking it around the country." Shiwasu: "That's awesome!" Kisaragi: "Yeah!" Mutsuki: "You seem happy, Tsukishiro-san." Satsuki: "I'm glad it's going over so well." Tsukishiro: "So in preparation for our nationwide expansion, we're planning a large-scale advertising campaign, and we were hoping to ask you Gravi boys to do a photo shoot in these Fairy Tale Collection outfits. They were popular with the fans, so it'd be a shame to only use them for one day." Yayoi: "I see." Tsukishiro: "Our product lineup has expanded considerably, too. Here are some samples of the products." All: "Wow! Awesome!" Shiwasu: ""TsukiPro Official Shop in Harajuku"?" Tsukishiro: "Yes, it's become a tradition. We'll be opening our official store in Harajuku for a limited time again this year. The second floor of the shop will be the café-style restaurant "Tsukinotei." We'll be selling the teas based on our idols that were popular last year." Uzuki: "Is strawberry milk on the menu?" Satsuki: "That's not a tea." Tsukishiro: "We'll also be selling limited edition goods you can only get at the store." Kisaragi: "This one in my image color is cute. I kind of want it." Shiwasu: "I want something, too. Can we pre-order these products?" Tsukishiro: "You don't need to pre-order anything. I'll get you whatever you want." Shiwasu: "No, I'd rather buy it myself. I want to pay with my own money. I may be a member of Gravi, but I'm also a fan." Kisaragi: "Yeah, I know what you mean. I'd like to buy a matching product myself." Tsukishiro: "Very well. I'll make the arrangements." Both: "Okay!" Shiwasu: "I can't wait for the shop to open." Kisaragi: "My heart's already pounding." Mutsuki: "The shop doesn't open for six months." Yayoi: "Will your heart last that long?" Yayoi: "The Fairy Tale Collection?" Tsukishiro: "Yes. That's today's main subject." Tsukishiro: "Our concept for the shop this time is fairy tales. As part of the ad campaign, we'd like you to participate in a fashion show wearing these Fairy Tale Collection outfits." Kisaragi: "A fashion show?" Tsukishiro: "Each group will wear outfits based on a fairy tale of their choosing and walk down a special runway set up in the streets of Harajuku." Satsuki: "Sounds impressive." Mutsuki: "And which fairy tale are we using?" Tsukishiro: "That hasn't been decided yet. We're leaving it up to each group to decide." Yayoi: "In other words, we get to choose for ourselves." Tsukishiro: "Yes. You're free to pick whatever you'd like." Mutsuki: "You heard him. Anyone have any ideas?" Kisaragi: "Fairy tales... Should we go with something impactful, like "Kintaro"?" Shiwasu: "Where did that idea come from? It may be impactful, but we'd be practically naked!" Kisaragi: "Good point..." Uzuki: "We can have Koi-kun dress up as Kintaro, then. As for me, I'd like to do "Thumbelina."" Satsuki: "I wasn't expecting you to pick something cute, Arata." Uzuki: "We can all become thumbs together." Satsuki: "That's definitely not the "Thumbelina" I remember." Yayoi: "Hajime, got any ideas?" Mutsuki: "I enjoy reading, but I've only read the most standard picture books." Yayoi: "What did you read as a child, then?" Mutsuki: "Kokoro by Natsume Soseki." Yayoi: "At what age?" Mutsuki: "Five." All: "Five?!" Uzuki: "What a crazy five-year-old." Shiwasu: "Reading Kokoro at five?" Tsukishiro: "Pardon me. Hello? Yes. Yes. Understood. Sorry to interrupt. Hajime-kun, we should get going. The car's waiting for you at the entrance." Mutsuki: "Got it." Shiwasu: "Hajime-san, you're going out to the countryside to film a commercial, right?" Mutsuki: "Yeah. I'll be gone for three days." Kisaragi: "Okay!" Tsukishiro: "Arata-kun and Aoi-kun, you should get going, too. Today's your first meeting, so you can't be late." Uzuki: "Meeting with who?" Satsuki: "It's about next month's Yumemigusa repeat performance." Uzuki: "Oh, that's today?" Satsuki: "Get it together, Boss." Uzuki: "Roger. You can count on me." Shiwasu: "Tsukishiro-san, Koi and I have a meeting for a magazine after this, right?" Tsukishiro: "Yes, and Haru-kun will be recording his solo song at the studio." Yayoi: "Got it." Tsukishiro: "So, regarding our next meeting..." Yayoi: "Tsukishiro-san, Hajime." Tsukshiro: "Yes?" Hajime: "Yeah?" Yayoi: "Since everyone's so busy right now, would you mind if I chose Gravi's fairy tale?" Mutsuki: "Has your passion for planning awakened?" Yayoi: "I do enjoy this kind of thing." Tsukishiro: "If it's fine by everyone else, of course it's fine by me." Mutsuki: "We're counting on you, Haru." Yayoi: "I'll do my best." Director: "Okay, good. We'll try to quickly tie it together. Haru-kun, you can take a break." Yayoi: "Okay." Yayoi: "Which fairy tale would be a good fit for Gravi? Are there any stories that symbolize us? Something that's shocking, but that also reflects us as a group... I'd prefer a story that will excite the fans. Something with a theme girls like would be ideal." Yayoi: "Girls... "Women of the Yayoi family, what are your favorite fairy tales?"" Yayoi: "That was quick. I see. Stories with princesses are classic." Yayoi: "Very tasteful, Mother. Thanks. You've been a big help." Yayoi: "Both are already on the list. Any other stories?" Yayoi: "All the classics are already taken." Yayoi: "Mom, stop recommending that!" Yayoi: "Come in." All: "Welcome back!" Yayoi: "Thanks. Do you need something?" All: "Ta-da." Satsuki: "I brought you dinner." Kisaragi: "We brought something for you, too." Kisaragi: "Ta-da! You like these cakes, right? We were in the area today for a shoot." Shiwasu: "There's freshly brewed tea, too. I'm not as good as you are, but I made it with all my heart." Uzuki: "And I have this to offer you. Strawberry Au Lait" Uzuki: "Something sweet for the exhaustion." Yayoi: "Thanks, guys. Since you brought all this, let's enjoy it together." Shiwasu: "But Haru-san, aren't you in the middle of something?" Yayoi: "It's okay." Yayoi: "I was just thinking about taking a break." Yayoi: "Welcome back from your shoot." Mutsuki: "When I see your face, I know I'm home." Yayoi: "Welcome home." Mutsuki: "Glad to be back." Mutsuki: "Did you settle on our theme for the Fairy Tale Collection?" Yayoi: "I'm kind of stuck, actually. I've been thinking all this time, but I haven't come up with anything. Maybe I'm thinking about it too hard." Mutsuki: "Haru, you're free tomorrow morning, aren't you?" Yayoi: "Yeah." Mutsuki: "I want you to come with me." Yayoi: "Huh?" Mutsuki: "You're looking for a fairy tale, right? Why not try returning to a childlike state?" Mutsuki: "This place seems like it should offer some hints, right?" Yayoi: "Wow, this brings back memories! I used to read this picture book to my sisters all the time. And this one was my mom's favorite. All the tricks made it so fun." Yayoi: "Maybe I'll take these with me the next time I go back home." Mutsuki: "We didn't come here to shop, you know." Yayoi: "I know." Yayoi: "Work, work..." Mutsuki: ""The Town Musicians of Bremen"? I've heard the title, but I don't know what it's about." Yayoi: "Most people don't." Yayoi: "It's actually a pretty plain story." Mutsuki: "And for some reason, you like this plain fairy tale." Yayoi: "Yeah. It might even be my favorite." Mutsuki: "Why?" Yayoi: "I wonder. It's not an exciting adventure, there aren't any pretty princesses, and there's no obvious "happily ever after."" Mutsuki: "It really is supremely plain, isn't it?" Yayoi: "Even I find it strange. Why am I so drawn to this story?" Yayoi: "What's that?" Mutsuki: "I forgot to get Kuroda a souvenir since I was busy with the shoot." Yayoi: "So you bought that instead? Who gives a rabbit a rabbit body pillow?" Mutsuki: "Is that what you've chosen?" Yayoi: "Oh, no. This is for something else." Mutsuki: "About the Fairy Tale Collection..." Kisaragi: "You decided on our fairy tale?" Yayoi: "Actually, I'm sorry, but—" Mutsuki: "Haru wants to go with this. "The Town Musicians of Bremen."" Mutsuki: "Honestly, compared to what the other groups chose, it's way more obscure. What do you think?" Uzuki: "You're right. I recognize the title, but I don't think I know what it's about." Satsuki: "I'm only vaguely familiar with it, too. It's about a group of animals, right?" Shiwasu: "But if it's what Haru-san chose, he must have an idea in mind." Yayoi: "Well, actually..." Kisaragi: "I'm interested because it's unknown. I'd like to try it." Uzuki: "In a manner of speaking, we're musicians, too." Satsuki: "I see. So that's why." Yayoi: "Huh?" Shiwasu: "And more importantly, Haru-san rarely asks for anything." Satsuki: "Yeah." Uzuki: "All right. Let's do our best." All: "Yeah!" Yayoi: "H-Hold on, guys. I know it's strange for me to say this, but we're talking about "The Town Musicians of Bremen." There aren't any cool princes or heroes. It's a plain story. Are you sure you're okay with that?" Shiwasu: "Huh? Since you suggested it, I thought you had some idea in mind." Yayoi: "I mean, it's not that I don't, but... well..." Shiwasu: "All of Gravi is on board with your idea, Haru-san." Kisaragi: "After all, you spent all that time thinking about it." Yayoi: "Designing the outfits might be difficult..." Kisaragi: "I'd like to come up with the rough designs." Shiwasu: "I'll help Koi!" Yayoi: "The main characters are old animals." Uzuki: "I think we can adapt that part as we see fit. Shall I try making them look like cute mascots?" Satsuki: "Good idea. You're good at that kind of thing." Uzuki: "Something like this?" Yayoi: "We'll need Tsukishiro-san and the president's approval." Mutsuki: "Sounds like a job for me." Yayoi: "Hajime..." Mutsuki: "Stop looking for reasons it won't work, Haru." Mutsuki: "Isn't this your favorite fairy tale? What's wrong with choosing it because of that?" Mutsuki: "Have some confidence in yourself." Yayoi: "All right. Let's do "The Town Musicians of Bremen" like no one else can!" All: "Yeah!" Yayoi: "How did you know "The Town Musicians of Bremen" was my favorite fairy tale?" Mutsuki: "Because you said so in the library when we were in middle school." Yayoi: "You remembered that?" Mutsuki: "Of course." Yayoi: "But we were just making small talk." Mutsuki: "My friend was talking about something he liked. How could I forget that?" Yayoi: "Hajime..." Mutsuki: "I'm going to the agency tomorrow for a meeting. I'll see the president and Tsukishiro-san while I'm there." Yayoi: "Can I go with you?" Mutsuki: "If you'd like." Yayoi: "Okay, now that that's settled, I need to finish drafting the plan tonight." Yayoi: "All right! The real work starts now." Mutsuki: "Yeah." Satsuki: "Since this is a chance for us to interact with our fans again, we should do something we can enjoy together." Uzuki: "You're right." Satsuki: "I'd also like to include something for the fans who couldn't make it to the shop." Uzuki: "Both? You sure are greedy, Aoi." Satsuki: "Huh?" Uzuki: "However, Six Gravity makes the impossible possible. Cool, right?" Satsuki: "Who says that about themselves?" Satsuki: "What is it?" Uzuki: "I forgot something really important." Satsuki: "Huh? What?" Uzuki: "What's "The Town Musicians of Bremen" about?" Minazuki: "I know." Both: "Kuroda?" Both: "Rui!" Minazuki: ""The Town Musicians of Bremen." It's story time. Once upon a time," Minazuki: "there was a donkey." Uzuki: "Stop. Where's the donkey?" Minazuki: "Huh? Right here." Minazuki: "May I continue?" Both: "S-Sure..." Minazuki: "The donkey was a hard worker, but he had grown old and weak. He couldn't carry heavy loads anymore. And so his master stopped feeding him. Thus the donkey left his shed and went on a journey. As he traveled, he happened to meet a dog, cat, and a rooster who all shared a similar story. "I'm confident in my voice." "Let us all go to Bremen and make our mainstream debut—" No, wait. "I'm thinking about starting a band." "Why don't you all come with me?"" Satsuki: "I thought the story was set in a town called Bremen, but it's their destination?" Minazuki: "The dog, cat, and rooster agreed to the donkey's proposal and joined him on his journey." Minazuki: "As night fell, the group passed by a mansion. It seemed like a very nice place to live. When they went to the window to peek inside, they saw thieves holding a feast. The animals decided to drive off the thieves and make the mansion their home. "Hee-haw!" "Arf, arf!" "Meow, meow!" "Cock-a-doodle-doo!" All the animals began crying at once. Frightened by what they thought to be a monster, the thieves fled the mansion as fast as they could. Having chased off the thieves, the animals lived happily ever after in the mansion." Uzuki: "So they don't even make it to Bremen?" Satsuki: "Even though it's "The Town Musicians of Bremen"?" Minazuki: "Nope." Satsuki: "And they never really played music..." Minazuki: "Nope. But they seem to have a good time, so it's a happy ending." Satsuki: "I-I guess so..." Kisaragi: "Do you think people will like our version of the Town Musicians?" Shiwasu: "Of course! I'm sure they'll like it." Mutsuki: "I think so, too." Mutsuki: "After all, we poured our hearts into this." Staff: "Six Gravity, please stand by." All: "Okay." Yayoi: "I finally realized why I like "The Town Musicians of Bremen." It's because I was encouraged by the animals searching for a place where they belonged with their friends." Yayoi: "It's okay if your goals change along the way. It's okay to go with the flow. When I was little, I wanted to go on that kind of adventure with friends like that." Mutsuki: "Then you got your wish." Yayoi: "Yeah."

Hazuki: "Hey! I'm You Hazuki. Nice to meet you." gatsuki: "You, this is our first time meeting them. You should greet them properly." Hazuki: "Okay, okay. Sorry. So, this serious guy is my childhood friend." gatsuki: "My name is Yoru Nagatsuki. We look forward to working with you." uzuki: "Thank you for the polite introduction. But come on, there's no need to be so formal." uzuki: "I'm Kai Fuzuki. Nice to meet you. Since I'm the most senior member of our group, I'll be our liaison with the agency." uzuki: "If you have any problems or there's anything you want to discuss, let me know." Kannazuki: "Okay." uzuki: "Now... Come on over, Rui." Minazuki: "Rui Minazuki. Nice to meet you." gatsuki: "It's nice to meet you, too." Kannazuki: "I guess I'm next!" Kannazuki: "I'm sixteen years old, just like Rui. I'm Iku Kannazuki!" Kannazuki: "I'm pretty confident in my athletic ability, and I'm originally from Hyogo. I promise to work hard. Nice to meet you." Hazuki: "Nice to meet you." gatsuki: "You're full of energy, Iku. Nice to meet you. And Kai-san, it's nice to meet you, as well." uzuki: "Same." Camera: "Nice, nice!" Camera: "Yeah, that's good!" uzuki: "It's been a while since we last wore these outfits. The theme is "Puss in Boots," right?" Shimotsuki: "A question for you. What is the story "Puss in Boots" about? Do you remember, Kai?" uzuki: "Yeah, yeah. Even I remember that one. It's... about a cat who secretly guides his master to success. Put simply, I think that's the gist of it." Shimotsuki: "If you say so." uzuki: "Hey, you're the one who asked about it." Kurotsuki: "Secretly guiding his master, huh?" Kurotsuki: "Sounds like a manager." Shimotsuki: "Does that make me your master?" Shimotsuki: "You're absolutely correct, Dai." Kurotsuki: "You honor me with your praise, White Demon King." uzuki: "Kurotsuki-san, is Gravi finished with their photo shoot?" Kurotsuki: "Yeah. It should make for some good promotional material. We can't let them outdo us." Shimotsuki: "No worries there. We have Kai on our side." uzuki: "Me?" Kurotsuki: "Did you forget? The last time we opened the TsukiPro shop, people said you were exceptionally cool. They spoke very highly of you, Kai." uzuki: "D-Did they?" Camera: "You're not the only one, Kai-kun. When you guys debuted, your outfits stood out more than you did. But now, you're totally in command. You've all grown." All: "Thank you." All: "Thank you." Kannazuki: "It's already been seven years since our debut." Kurotsuki: "Yeah. Those seven years went by so quickly." gatsuki: "A lot has happened in that time, but it's kind of been condensed. It feels like we just debuted yesterday." Hazuki: "Yoru, you sound like an old man." gatsuki: "Huh?" Minazuki: "I bet you like hanging out on your veranda in the sun." Hazuki: "Yeah, while drinking tea." gatsuki: "Please stop imagining me as an old man." uzuki: "We haven't gone on any adventures recently." Shimotsuki: "Adventures?" uzuki: "Uh, yeah..." uzuki: "In a lot of ways, we're just more stable now. That's a good thing, though." uzuki: "When we were jacks-of-all-trades, we had so much freedom. I was just thinking it was kind of fun not knowing what would happen the next day. It was like an adventure. Of course, every one of our jobs these days is like an adventure." Camera: "Adventures, huh? I like it. Let's have you go on adventure next, Kai-kun. Let's take lots more photos!" uzuki: "Okay." Kurotsuki: "Good work, everyone." All: "Thank you." Kurotsuki: "You've got a magazine interview at 4 PM. You're free until then." All: "Okay." Kurotsuki: "Kai, there's a questionnaire I'd like you to fill out urgently." uzuki: "Okay, got it. I'll do it during my break." Kurotsuki: "Thanks. Counting on you." Kannazuki: "Are you free after this?" Kannazuki: "Kai-san seemed kind of sad." Hazuki: "I had no idea he wanted to go adventuring that much. Is it his wild instincts?" gatsuki: "Hey, now... Even when he gets to visit secluded areas for work, his schedule these days usually requires him to return immediately." Minazuki: "And with the Full Moon Festival coming up, we'll probably have fewer dangerous shoots." Hazuki: "Just so you guys know, normal idols don't go to secluded areas or do dangerous shoots. Though it is true that Kai enjoyed those." Kannazuki: "We should do something so Kai-san can have an adventure." gatsuki: "Yeah. Kai-san always does so much for us." Minazuki: "We should return the favor." Hazuki: "But what should we do? Kai is as busy as ever, and we can't take over jobs that he's been chosen for specifically." Kannazuki: "You're right..." Kannazuki: "A day trip might be tough." Hazuki: "What about offering him a taste of adventure by giving him some adventure movie Blu-rays?" gatsuki: "Adventure movies? Like what?" Kannazuki: "There's action... though that's not quite the same thing, is it?" Minazuki: "What is adventure, anyway?" Kannazuki: "How worrisome... I can't believe we're contemplating the meaning of "adventure."" gatsuki: "Um... Why don't we try going on an adventure around the city?" Hazuki: "What would that even be?" gatsuki: "Well, uh... We could get off the train at an unfamiliar station." Kannazuki: "Or visit unfamiliar streets?" Minazuki: "This is starting to sound like an adventure." Hazuki: "Well, sitting around and thinking about it won't get us anywhere. We might be able to find something interesting. Let's check it out!" Kannazuki: "Agreed!" Hazuki: "By the way, where's Shun? Isn't this the kind of thing he should help us out with? He's our leader and Kai's partner in crime." Kannazuki: "I invited him to come talk with us, but..." Shimotsuki: "Sorry, I've got something important to do. Can you guys handle things on your own?" Kannazuki: "He smiled and walked off somewhere." Hazuki: "Jeez...To this day, I still never know what he's thinking." uzuki: ""We'll do our very best until the day of the event in hopes that people will watch us." There. Whew... it's done." uzuki: "I still have some time before the next job." uzuki: "Maybe I'll take a nap." uzuki: "What? A cat? What's going on? Where did you come from? Hey, wait!" uzuki: "Huh?" uzuki: "What's this? Is someone making all this smoke?" uzuki: "What's going on?" uzuki: "Whoa, whoa..." uzuki: "Hey! Is anyone there?" uzuki: "I had a signal just a minute ago..." uzuki: "This must be one of those things." uzuki: "Either a mysterious phenomenon or a dream." uzuki: "It's scary how accustomed I am to this." uzuki: "You didn't do this, did you? You want me to follow you?" uzuki: "What is it?" uzuki: "Where am I?" uzuki: "I recognize this street from somewhere... Wait, I need to get out of the rain." uzuki: "Come on. Let's go. Hey!" uzuki: "Rui!" Minazuki: "Who are you?" uzuki: "Who am I? What's wrong with you, Rui?" Minazuki: "Why do you know my name?" uzuki: "Because..." uzuki: "Wait, could this be..." uzuki: "Hey, how old are you?" Minazuki: "I'm sixteen." uzuki: "That's seven years ago..." uzuki: "Does this mean I've gone back to the past?" Minazuki: "What are you talking about?" uzuki: "Oh, uh, nothing. More importantly, if you stay out here, you'll catch a cold." Minazuki: "You..." uzuki: "Have you finally decided to accept my offer? Come on." uzuki: "I'm Kai Fuzuki. We'll be working together for a long time." Minazuki: "What?" uzuki: "I mean, I hope we'll be friends for a long time to come." Minazuki: "You're weird." uzuki: "It's coming down even harder." Minazuki: "I'm Rui. Rui Minazuki." uzuki: "I think I was scouted soon after meeting this guy." uzuki: "Now that I think about it, my time with Procella may have started right here." uzuki: "Rui?" uzuki: "Where are you taking me next? It's my experience that, in these situations, going as far as I can is the quickest path to the solution." uzuki: "What the heck kind of "experience" have I been acquiring, exactly?" uzuki: "Is that where we're headed next?" uzuki: "Pardon the intrusion. What are you guys up to?" Kannazuki: "Kai-san, You got into an argument with our co-star, so the shoot has been delayed." Minazuki: "Now Yoru is angry at You." gatsuki: "Even if someone's bad attitude makes you angry, I don't think it's right to inconvenience everyone else." Hazuki: "But I can only ignore so much. You heard him, didn't you? Going on about young idols and your dancing... If I hadn't said anything, he would've just kept running his mouth." gatsuki: "But you didn't have to grab him." Hazuki: "I didn't actually." gatsuki: "So you tried to, then." Hazuki: "Well, doesn't it piss you off?" Kannazuki: "They've been like this for a while." uzuki: "I see. I remember this. It was a difficult problem. I think it was about six months after we started making TV appearances. Back then, we were on edge everywhere we went." Kannazuki: "Kai-san, what should we do?" uzuki: "You want me to stop their argument? I know. There, there. It seems like you both have things you want to say," uzuki: "but if You nearly grabbed him, then we're unconditionally in the wrong. First, let's all go apologize together. If there's something you want to say to them, we can listen to each other and talk it out." Hazuki: "I might get into another fight." gatsuki: "You!" uzuki: "We won't know until we talk to him. Besides, I want to show him that you're a decent, reasonable guy. You actually feel bad about lashing out at him, don't you?" Hazuki: "If we're going to apologize, let's get it over with. Also, Yoru... Sorry for being stubborn." gatsuki: "It's okay. I understand that you got upset on the other members' behalf. I shouldn't have said all that. I'm sorry." uzuki: "After this, even Kurotsuki-san got lectured about not causing problems, and we all reflected on our actions together." uzuki: "Anyway, why are you showing me this?" Minazuki: "Kai, let's hurry. Ikkun's up soon." uzuki: "S-Sure." uzuki: "What's this?" Minazuki: "Oh, no. I nearly lost it." uzuki: "Is that..." Minazuki: "It's the good luck charm I drew for Ikkun so he could run his fastest at the track meet." uzuki: "You're going to give that to Iku?" Minazuki: "Yeah. Since he's working so hard, I want to offer whatever help I can. He's always supporting me." uzuki: "You're such a good kid, Rui." Minazuki: "Kai, you're embarrassing me." uzuki: "Almost time for Iku's race." Minazuki: "Yeah." uzuki: "I'm glad you got to give Iku the good luck charm." Minazuki: "Yeah." uzuki: "This was a really difficult time for us. Since everyone in Procella lived in Kansai, we had to travel back and forth between home and Tokyo. Iku was especially busy, with all of his track meets." uzuki: "But anyway..." uzuki: "Rui, where's Shun?" Minazuki: "Shun? Who's that?" uzuki: "Shun. You know, Shun. Shimotsuki Shun, the elegant White Demon King. He's our leader, remember?" Minazuki: "But you're Procella's leader." uzuki: "I'm the leader?" Kannazuki: "Thanks for waiting." Minazuki: "Good job." uzuki: "Good job, Iku." Kannazuki: "I really wanted to win... I gave it everything I had, though. Now, let's get going to our radio recording session!" uzuki: "Hey, hang on a sec." Kannazuki: "What is it?" uzuki: "Do you know who Shun is?" Kannazuki: "Shun? Um..." uzuki: "So you don't know, either..." uzuki: "Are you responsible for this, too?" uzuki: "This must have some kind of meaning." uzuki: "Fine. I've come this far. I'll follow you until the end." uzuki: "Hey. I wasn't expecting to perform a concert in Wonderland. I don't know where you're taking me, but I feel like I got to go on an adventure again. Thanks." gatsuki: "Kai-san, we're on soon." uzuki: "Got it." Hazuki: "Let's show them the fruits of our hard work." Minazuki: "The culmination our efforts." Hazuki: "There's no telling what'll happen before it's all over, but let's enjoy the ride." uzuki: "I get it now." Minazuki: "Kai?" Hazuki: "What's up with you? Let's go." uzuki: "You guys go on ahead. I'll be there soon." gatsuki: "We'll be waiting, then." uzuki: "I finally understand why you appeared. I've been on an adventure with them this whole time." uzuki: "You're right. When I'm with them, my heart is always pounding. Even when things are tough or uneventful, every day is a new day. I get to see sights I've never seen and walk paths I've never walked." uzuki: "The unknown adventure I've been looking for has already begun." uzuki: "Thanks for showing me that." uzuki: "Whenever I think he's gone, he's right by my side..." uzuki: "He never tells me anything, but he's still kind..." uzuki: "I know someone just like you." uzuki: "Will you let me see him now?" uzuki: "Are we finally approaching the finish line?" uzuki: "What an atmosphere..." uzuki: "Kurotsuki-san?" Kurotsuki: "Is that you, Kai? Be careful. A terrifying demon king lives in that castle!" uzuki: "Castle, huh? I'll be fine. The demon king who lives here isn't scary at all." uzuki: "He's a kind demon king." uzuki: "Let's go." Shimotsuki: "Nice to meet you, Kai Fuzuki-kun. I'm Shun Shimotsuki. Call me Shun. I'm your final puzzle piece and the White Demon King who rules over the end. We finally meet, Kai." uzuki: "Yeah, we finally do. I hope we'll continue being friends for years to come, Shun." uzuki: "Hey, are you taking me somewhere else?" Shimotsuki: "Go on, Kai. It'll be okay. You'll see me soon." uzuki: "All right." uzuki: "Huh?" uzuki: "I'm back here?" Shimotsuki: "Welcome back, Kai." Shimotsuki: "Did you enjoy your adventure?" uzuki: "Yeah. It was fun, like a treasure hunt. Thanks, Shun." uzuki: "You're one crazy Puss in Boots. Without anyone knowing it, you're always supporting me... no, all of us." Shimotsuki: "It's not just me. Unless all the members of Procella support each other, our adventure ends. So I, You, Yoru, Iku, Rui, and you, Kai.... We're all Puss in Boots." uzuki: "You're right." Shimotsuki: "But I'm the only one who's both cat and master. After all, I'm the demon king." uzuki: "You can say that again." Kannazuki: "Kai-san!" uzuki: "Hey, what's up? Why the hurry?" gatsuki: "There's something we want to give you." uzuki: "A board game?" Kannazuki: "It's a game about traveling the world. Now you can have a taste of adventure with us." Minazuki: "We thought really hard and picked it out." Hazuki: "Once the Full Moon Festival is over and things settle down, let's go on a real trip together." gatsuki: "Kai-san?" uzuki: "Sorry... It doesn't take much to make me cry these days." Hazuki: "What's this, Kai? You turning into an old man, too?" gatsuki: ""Too"? What's that supposed to mean?" uzuki: "Thanks. Because of you guys, I'll get to keep enjoying adventures every day. All right, let's go home and play this!" Hazuki: "Winner buys drinks for everyone else." Kannazuki: "Sounds good." Minazuki: "I'd rather have pudding." Hazuki: "Drinks are fine." uzuki: "Who cares what it is?" Minazuki: "But the pudding..." gatsuki: "What should we do after this?" All: "Welcome!" uzuki: "Welcome to the TsukiPro shop, mistress. We are your cats, and we will be showing you around the shop." Director: "And lastly, could we ask about your hopes for the future?" Shimotsuki: "Kai, would you mind answering for the group?" uzuki: "Who, me?" Shimotsuki: "There's no rule stating the leader has to do it." Hazuki: "Do your job." uzuki: "Fine, fine. I'll do it." Camera: "Okay, camera!" Camera: "We're rolling!"

Tsukishiro: "All right, let's take a thirty-minute break." Yayoi: "Guys, since our break is on the short side, don't leave the building." Satsuki: "Got it." Yayoi: "Where's Koi?" Shiwasu: "He's taking his break with the wardrobe staff." Uzuki: "Again?" Shiwasu: "Apparently he has fun discussing the latest fashion trends and such with them." Satsuki: "He is Gravi's most fashionable member." Uzuki: "He's a diligent student when it comes to that kind of stuff." Kisaragi: "Smiles, smiles..." Shiwasu: "Don't you think you're looking around a bit too much?" Kisaragi: "I have to. It's for research." Shiwasu: "Research?" Kisaragi: "Yeah. I'm currently researching things girls might like." Shiwasu: "Okay..." Kisaragi: "Hey, a new café. It has a real photogenic interior. All the girls standing in line are smiling so nicely." Shiwasu: "You suddenly said you wanted to go out, but what is this "research" all for?" Kisaragi: "Well..." Kisaragi: "Tsuge-san, I read your special issue from the other day!" Tsuge: "Thank you. So you even check out women's magazines, Koi-kun?" Kisaragi: "I love everything that has to do with fashion." Tsuge: "Oh, sorry. What? Now? That's a problem..." Kisaragi: "Is something the matter?" Tsuge: "Oh, it's all right. It's about our upcoming project." Tsuge: "Our magazine is doing a collaboration with a women's fashion brand. The concept is "clothes that make you smile." We're making outfits designed by celebrities, but one dropped out at the last minute." Kisaragi: "What?" Tsuge: "I need to find someone new in a hurry." Kisaragi: "Um..." Kisaragi: "Would it be all right if I did it?" Tsuge: "You? But you don't have any design experience..." Kisaragi: "It's true that I've never designed anything from scratch, but I'd like to give it a shot." Tsuge: "I appreciate the offer, but aren't you busy preparing for the Full Moon Festival?" Kisaragi: "I'll do a good job on both." Tsuge: "But..." Kisaragi: "Please, Tsuge-san." Tsuge: "If you insist. Honestly, it would be a huge help." Kisaragi: "All right! Thank you." Shiwasu: "That's how you got the job?" Kisaragi: "Nice to meet you. I'm Koi Kisaragi the designer." Shiwasu: "Not yet, you're not! That's a big decision to make, though." Kisaragi: "I've gotten more and more interested in fashion lately. I thought it'd be a good opportunity." Shiwasu: "But isn't it hard to design something from scratch?" Kisaragi: "I'm sure it is." Shiwasu: "And you're doing it anyway?" Kisaragi: "Yeah. I want to level up as Gravi's most fashionable member. Instead of just following trends, I want to try making something." Shiwasu: "Koi..." Shiwasu: "All right! I'll help you out." Kisaragi: "Thanks." Kisaragi: "These clothes are cute. Oh, this is nice, too." Shiwasu: "He seems to be having fun for now." Kisaragi: "I'm so happy!" Kisaragi: "Kakerun, Kakerun!" Shiwasu: "Good morning, Koi. You're up early." Kisaragi: "Ta-da!" Shiwasu: "You finished?" Kisaragi: "Exactly." Shiwasu: "Let me see, let me see!" Shiwasu: "It's cute!" Kisaragi: "Really?" Hazuki: "I heard the news, Koi. You're designing clothes, huh?" Shiwasu: "Hey, let's have You take a look, too." Hazuki: "You've already got something? All right. Procella's most fashionable member, You Hazuki-san, might have some advice for you." Kisaragi: "Thanks. I'm hoping to get input from as many people as I can." Hazuki: "Looks cute. I bet girls would like this. It's good." Kisaragi: "Thanks." Shiwasu: "I can't believe you finished it this far ahead of the deadline. Whoever's in charge is gonna be surprised." Hazuki: "You might even be able to debut as a designer with this." Shiwasu: "Then you'll really be Koi Kisaragi the designer." Shiwasu: "Koi?" Kisaragi: "Huh? Oh, yeah. I appreciate the compliments, and I agree that it's good, but..." Shiwasu: "But?" Kisaragi: "I feel like something's missing." Hazuki: "Something? Like what?" Shiwasu: "You're probably worrying too much." Kisaragi: "Yeah, you're right. Maybe it's my imagination. I'll try submitting this." Tsuge: "I'm surprised you've finished already. You truly are Gravi's most fashionable member." Kisargi: "I hope my design reflects that." Kisaragi: "What do you think?" Tsuge: "Yeah. It looks good." Kisaragi: "Really?" Tsuge: "Yes, it's perfect. Let me just take a picture for my report." Tsuge: "And... send." Tsuge: "Well, I should get going." Tsuge: "Thank you." Kisaragi: "Thank you very much." Tsukishiro: "That's great, Koi-kun." Kisaragi: "Yeah, I'm relieved." Kisaragi: "Anyway, I'm gonna go, too." Tsuge: "I just sent you the design. Have you looked at it? Right? I think it's really good. What? It's similar? To whose?" Tsuge: "I see... Well, this silhouette is popular right now. But since it's good, let's stick with it. Yeah. Sure." Kisaragi: "All right..." Tsuge: "Yeah, sure thing. We'll talk more at the office." Kisaragi: "U-Um..." Tsuge: "What is it?" Kisaragi: "I'd like to rethink my design. Is that all right?" Tsuge: "What? I think it's good as it is." Kisaragi: "There's still time before the deadline, right?" Kisaragi: "I'd like to use every minute I have to make the best possible design." Tsukishiro: "Tsuge-san, I'd like to second his request. The current design is more than nice enough, but I'm sure Koi-kun can come up with something even better." Kisaragi: "Tsukishiro-san..." Tsuge: "We can't extend the deadline..." Kisaragi: "It's next week, right? That's fine." Tsuge: "Then by all means. I'm looking forward to seeing an even better design." Kisaragi: "Thank you." Hazuki: "Well, what else would you do after hearing it looks like someone else's design?" Kisaragi: "Yeah. I took this job in the first place because I wanted to level up beyond just following trends. I felt it was missing something, too, so I'm going to redo it." Shiwasu: "That decisiveness is good and all, but how exactly are you going to change it?" Kisaragi: "It's missing something, and I need to figure out what that is." Hazuki: "Something, huh? I wonder what it is." Shiwasu: "The deadline is next week. You can't take your time here." Hazuki: "I know! Since this is women's fashion, why not ask some real girls?" Shiwasu: "Real girls?" Kisaragi: "Oh, right." Shiwasu: "Ai!" Ai: "You're designing clothes? I'm impressed, Brother." Kisaragi: "The theme is "clothes that make you smile." So? Does this make you smile?" Kisaragi: "Don't hold anything back." Ai: "Okay. It's definitely really cute, but..." Kisaragi: "But?" Ai: "I feel like it's one step short of making me smile." Ai: "I'm not sure how to explain it, though." Kisaragi: "So something's missing, huh?" Kisaragi: "I thought the same thing." Ai: "You, too?" Ai: "What's missing, though?" Kisaragi: "I don't know." Kisaragi: "But I can't move forward until I figure that out." Ai: "It's fashionable, and the colors would appeal to girls." Kisaragi: "But something's not right. I can tell. Man, designing women's clothes is hard." Ai: "Brother..." Ai: "Those clothes look good on you. They're cute." Kisaragi: "Huh? Where did that come from?" Ai: "Oh, sorry. I just happened to notice. I was thinking you really do like pink." Kisaragi: "Yeah, I do. I love it. I love cute things, so I always end up getting more pink." Ai: "In kindergarten, even though the boys wore blue and the girls wore pink, you said you preferred pink and insisted on wearing it." Kisaragi: "Yeah. Everyone said I was weird, but I always told them there was nothing wrong with a boy liking pink." Ai: "Now that I think about it, you've always loved pink." Kisaragi: "Maybe it's because I was always with you." Kisaragi: "I never cared much about what's boyish and what's girly." Ai: "Come to think of it, at our recent Fluna concert, it seemed like there were more female fans." Kisaragi: "I feel like we've gained more male fans, too." Kisaragi: "There's nothing wrong with girls liking female idols or boys liking male idols." Ai: "Yeah. I think both are fine." Kisaragi: "I'm home." Shiwasu: "Welcome back." Kisaragi: "We figured out what was missing." Hazuki: "So you figured it was wrong to focus on girls when designing an outfit meant to make everyone smile." Kisaragi: "Yeah. The concept wasn't limited to one gender." Kisaragi: "Since it's a women's clothing brand, it's probably more normal to focus on girls..." Kisaragi: "But some girls want to wear cool clothes, and some boys like cute clothes." Shiwasu: "Like you." Kisaragi: "Yeah." Kisaragi: "I want to design clothes that make everyone smile, regardless of gender." Shiwasu: "That's a good idea." Kisaragi: "Thanks." Hazuki: "So what exactly are clothes that make everyone smile?" Kisaragi: "I'm about to get on that." Hazuki: "Don't sound so proud!" Shiwasu: "Clothes that make everyone smile, huh?" Kisaragi: "I think I'll start by researching what makes people smile. I'm going to ask men for their opinions, and Ai's going to get opinions from girls." Hazuki: "So we're asking guys what makes them smile? Got it." Kisaragi: "You?" Hazuki: "The deadline's close, right? I'll help you get this done quick." Shiwasu: "Koi, I'll help, too." Kisaragi: "Thanks." Yayoi: "Okay, that's all for today." Uzuki: "What a workout..." Satsuki: "We were just going over formations, but we sure worked up a sweat." Kisaragi: "Aoi-san! Arata!" Kisaragi: "Here." Uzuki: "What's this? "What makes you smile?"" Satsuki: "Is this a survey?" Kisaragi: "Please respond if you have the time. Thanks for your help." Uzuki: "Hey, wait..." Yayoi: "What's that?" Satsuki: "Koi asked us to fill them out." Yayoi: "Oh? Is this related to the design job he's currently working on?" Shiwasu: "Yeah." Uzuki: "He's asking about smiles for a design job? What's that about?" Shiwasu: "Well..." Mutsuki: "Give me some time. I promise I'll fill it out and return it." Shiwasu: "Hajime-san!" Yayoi: "Okay. I'll fill one out, too." Satsuki: "Me, too. I'm not sure if it'll help, but I'll give it a shot." Uzuki: "I'll fill mine out now, too. Aoi, let me borrow your pen." Satsuki: "You've got your own." Shiwasu: "Thank you!" Shiwasu: "We got a lot of responses." Kisaragi: "I got them not just from Gravi and Procella, but from the other groups, too. It was all thanks to your help." Hazuki: "Yeah, don't forget to thank us." Ai: "Can we take a look?" Koi: "Of course." Shiwasu: "Let's see... "What makes you smile?" This one says, "Seeing everyone else smile makes me smile unconsciously, too."" Hazuki: "That sounds like Aoi-chan." Shiwasu: "Maybe." Kisaragi: "This one says, "Looking at pudding makes me smile."" Shiwasu: "There's no name on it, but we know who wrote that one." Hazuki: ""I get through tough spots in my exercises by shouting and smiling." That's definitely him." Kisaragi: "He does love to exercise." Shiwasu: ""When the expiration date on the strawberry milk I buy happens to be my birthday."" Ai: ""When my theories are proven true. It's the expected result, but it still makes me smile. Also, when I successfully surprise someone and get to see the look on their face. Ohoho!"" Shiwasu: "That's very obviously Kurisu-chan." Kisaragi: ""Ohoho," huh?" Ai: "Well, yeah..." Hazuki: "Wow, she actually wrote, "Ohoho!"" Hazuki: "Say, I've been wondering. What's that stack over there?" Kisaragi: "This morning, Shun-san..." Shiwasu: "...gave us this huge stack of papers." Hazuki: "Let me see... Whoa, it's heavy!" Hazuki: ""I smile when my beautiful Black King holds his breath just before he moves. Why is it that in that moment, in that very second, my soul trembles, and I unconsciously break into a smile?" It's too dangerous to continue! That's what my gut's telling me." Shiwasu: "He clearly conveyed his passion, at least." Kisaragi: "Okay, I think this is the last one. "What makes me smile?" "When I see Kakeru and Koi having fun over even the silliest of things, I sometimes find myself smiling with them."" Shiwasu: "Huh? That's Hajime-san, right? So we make him smile sometimes!" Kisaragi: ""But don't cause too much trouble."" Both: "Okay..." Ai: "By the way, you haven't responded to your own survey, have you?" Ai: "What makes you guys smile?" Hazuki: "I smile when I nail my choreography." Shiwasu: "Just seeing "half-off" stickers at the supermarket makes me smile!" Hazuki: "Frugal and relatable." Kisaragi: "I think I smile whenever I see cute pink clothes or accessories." Ai: "Me, too." Kisaragi: "Yeah, you two do love pink." Ai: "Yes, but I prefer light pink." Koi: "I think I prefer vivid pink." Hazuki: "So you like slightly different versions of the same thing." Koi: "Ai, what makes you smile?" Ai: "Eating chocolate and other sweets, I think." Kisaragi: "You do like those." Ai: "People tend to smile when they're eating food they like." Hazuki: "I think I smile while eating curry, too." Ai: "You mean Genau curry, right? I'd like to try that sometime." Shiwasu: "Genau..." Hazuki: "Koi!" Kisaragi: "Yikes! No, wait! Wait, wait! I'm sorry!" Ai: "It's also exciting when you and your friend share the same opinion on a movie." Hazuki: "Isn't it more interesting when you have different opinions?" Kisaragi: "Well, that's true. The back-and-forth can be fun, too." Hazuki: "Yeah, exactly." Shiwasu: "Whether or not you agree, it's fun to have someone to discuss things with." Hazuki: "They say smiles are contagious." Kisaragi: "Seeing someone smile makes you smile, huh?" Shiwasu: "As idols, are we making other people smile by smiling a lot ourselves?" Hazuki: "I like to think we are." Hazuki: "It's the reason we work hard. Of course, we're having fun, too." Kisaragi: "Yeah. It is fun." Ai: "I enjoy my work, too." Hazuki: "Having fun is best!" Kisaragi: "You're right. Having fun makes you smile." Shiwasu: "That might be the ultimate answer." Kisaragi: "Okay, I've made up my mind. Fun clothes! I'm going to make fun clothes!" Shiwasu: "You've chosen your direction?" Ai: "When's the deadline?" Kisaragi: "In three days." Hazuki: "You don't have much time." Kisaragi: "It's okay! I'll make sure I finish on time. I'll give form to all of the smiles we've gathered." Shiwasu: "And I'll keep helping!" Ai: "Me, too." All: "Let's do this!" Tsuge: "Koi-kun." Kisaragi: "Yes?" Tsuge: "I thought your previous design was good, but this is fantastic." Tsuge: "You really did come up with something even better. Thank you for this." Kisaragi: "Thank you." Reporter: "The next designer for the monthly magazine Yuno collab design project is Koi Kisaragi-san of Six Gravity. Welcome!" Kisaragi: "Everyone, thank you for coming today." Kisaragi: "I'd like to start by making a correction. I didn't come up with this design on my own." Kisaragi: "We made it as a team. The theme for this project was "clothes that make you smile," so we thought a lot about smiles. At first, I was only thinking of girls as the subject, but I realized there was no reason to limit the design." Kisaragi: "I've personally always liked pink since I was little. I don't think gender matters when it comes to preferences and what you think is cute. We concluded that all of us, boys and girls alike, smile when we're having fun. So I based my designs on the concept of clothes that anyone can enjoy, regardless of gender. Our team has put together all kinds of fun looks. Let's have Kakerun explain his outfit first." Shiwasu: "Hello! I'm Kakeru Shiwasu of Six Gravity. The concept of my look is an outfit you can wear on your days off to go have fun all over the place." Shiwasu: "Let's get walking!" Kisaragi: "It's a style that's easy to adopt. Next up, You. Go ahead." You: "I'm You Hazuki of Procellarum. I prefer to wear mature, low-key outfits to meetings and work venues." You: "Well? Do I look good?" Kisaragi: "Yeah. It's a good look for working people." Kisaragi: "And last is my younger twin sister, Ai. Go ahead." Ai: "Hello, everyone. I'm Ai Kisaragi of Fluna." Ai: "I went with a boyish look for cool girls." Ai: "I had so much fun working with my brother on this. Thank you." Kisaragi: "Ai helped me a lot on this project by gathering opinions from girls and offering her advice." Shiwasu: "We couldn't have done that ourselves." Kisaragi: "Yeah. Thanks, Ai." Hazuki: "Finally, let's hear some closing words from our team leader." Kisaragi: "Huh?" Shiwasu: "Koi-san." Ai: "Brother." Hazuki: "Go on." Kisaragi: "Guys..." Kisaragi: "This was my first time designing clothes. It might go without saying, but it was tough. I had trouble settling on an idea. But with the help of my team, we were able to complete the design." Kisaragi: "It was hard work, but it was also a lot of fun."

Operator: "Five Unidentified Mysterious Animals are rapidly approaching! Squad 7 is entering combat!" Mutsuki: "It's begun..." Operator: "The Hijiri has been struck! Sagumo and Yakumo, to the front. A new UMA has appeared from the gate! It's a class 4!" Mutsuki: "A class 4, huh?" Iguruma: "Hello. Can you hear me, Vice Admiral Mutsuki?" Mutsuki: "Yes. I'm aware of the situation." Iguruma: "Squad 7 is requesting backup. The rest is up to you, sir." Mutsuki: "Roger that." Mutsuki: "Let's go, Kuro." : "Peace has come to an abrupt end." : "A mysterious fleet of unknown origins suddenly appeared. Their forces consisted of numerous massive warships utilizing unknown technology. Having discovered the existence of intelligent life other than themselves, humanity sought to open a dialogue in spite of their surprise. However, they found no crew within these warships. And then, "they" suddenly bared their fangs. Indeed, the warships themselves were the invaders with a will of their own. In the face of overwhelming technological and military might, humanity saw destruction in their future. However, one last hope remained:" : "a small handful of enemy rebels who sought coexistence with humanity. They transformed themselves into small rings, granting their spirits and strength to the children of mankind who possessed them." : "The final battle for humanity's survival begins now!" Kannazuki: "Is the water boiling yet?" Hazuki: "Iku." Kannazuki: "You!" Hazuki: "So you're the reason the lights are on. Having a midnight snack?" Kannazuki: "Yeah. I woke up because I was hungry." Hazuki: "Still a growing boy, huh? Do we have more of those?" Kannazuki: "I think so." Hazuki: "Hey, it's the last one. Lucky me." Hazuki: "Is that the Tsukino Empire movie?" Kannazuki: "Yeah. I saw the Blu-ray over there and got curious." Hazuki: "That sure takes me back. It was four years ago, wasn't it?" Kannazuki: "I think so. Has it been that long already?" Hazuki: "I got the special edition pack as a gift, but I haven't watched it since it was out in theaters. Talk about nostalgic." Operator: "The Hijiri and Sagumo have both fallen silent! They appear to have been destroyed by UMAs Alpha and Beta. Squad 7 is continuing to engage five UMAs. UMA Zeta's attack has compromised the Squad 7 flagship, Orezumi! It's out of commission! Incoming message from the Orezumi! Requesting immediate backup! Requesting immediate backup, Commander Iguruma!" Iguruma: "I know, I know. You'll be all right. The fleet's strongest force is on the way." Akino: "Squad 1's First-Rank Genbu..." Operator: "Alpha has been destroyed." Akino: "First target down. Next..." Operator: "Beta has also been destroyed." Akino: "Another one. They're being overwhelmed." Iguruma: "It shouldn't be possible." Iguruma: "Operator! Target status?" Operator: "Gamma, Delta, and Epsilon have all been destroyed." Akino: "I suppose I should be impressed, First-Rank Genbu... rather, Vice Admiral Mutsuki." Hazuki: "Has it been three minutes?" Kannazuki: "Oh, I totally forgot." Hazuki: "That can't be good. They key is to drain the water without losing the noodles and other ingredients, but there's one member of our group who still can't manage that, isn't there?" Kannazuki: "Yeah, he's not really an instant noodle kind of guy in the first place. I guess he can't help it." Hazuki: "I think they're a little soggy..." Kannazuki: "Don't you think slightly soggy noodles can be good in their own way?" Hazuki: "I guess so." Kannazuki: "But since these are the last of the value pack, I've developed a taste for them." Hazuki: "Come to think of it, this calls for..." Hazuki: "Apparently adding some of this will change the flavor." Kannazuki: "What? Coffee? Really?" Hazuki: "Just take my word for it and give it a try." Kannazuki: "Who gave you this idea?" Hazuki: "Huh? Yoru." Kannazuki: "Then I'll try it." Hazuki: "Hey! Are you saying you wouldn't trust it if it was my idea? You jerk." Kannazuki: "I'm going for it." Hazuki: "Do it!" Hazuki: "Well?" Kannazuki: "It's good." Hazuki: "Seriously?" Kannazuki: "It makes the sauce taste a little burnt. Wait, why are you so surprised when you're the one who told me about this?" Hazuki: "I've actually never tried it myself." Kannazuki: "Come on..." gatsuki: "Found the midnight snackers." Kannazuki: "Yoru-san, good evening." Hazuki: "We were just testing out that food hack you said you wanted to try the other day." gatsuki: "Really?" Kannazuki: "It was good." gatsuki: "So you're having instant yakisoba with a movie in the middle of the night?" Kannazuki: "Uh, yeah..." Hazuki: "It's not so bad once in a while." gatsuki: "I know that stuff is convenient, but you need to eat some vegetables, too." Kannazuki: "You're right." Hazuki: "But chopping vegetables is such a pain." gatsuki: "You should at least try cooking." Kannazuki: "Cooking seems so challenging, though." gatsuki: "That's true if you jump right into cooking something complex. But if you start with simple stuff, it can be pretty fun. Shall we make something together?" Kannazuki: "What? Really?" gatsuki: "If you're going to eat, you should have a nutritionally balanced meal." Kannazuki: "I guess it's good to challenge yourself. Okay, let's do this!" Hazuki: "I'll just wait for you guys to finish." Kannazuki: "That said, we don't have any ingredients... And we just ate the last instant yakisoba." Kannazuki: "Working with what's in the fridge seems like it'll be tough, too..." gatsuki: "Ikkun, we agreed you'd eat vegetables. Look down there." Kannazuki: "Oh, right." gatsuki: "There's spinach. Let's use that." Kannazuki: "Okay." gatsuki: "Now, just try following my instructions." Kannazuki: "Got it." gatsuki: "We're going to be making spinach in yogurt sauce." Kannazuki: "Really? That name makes it sound really fancy and hard to make." gatsuki: "Don't worry." Kannazuki: "Something popped up!" gatsuki: "If you'd like, cook along with us." Kannazuki: "I've seen this on cooking shows before!" Kannazuki: "Let's see... We'll need spinach, consomme, pepper, mayonnaise, yogurt, salt, olive oil, and garlic paste." gatsuki: "Start by washing the spinach well. After you strain it, remove the stems. Chop the spinach into your preferred size, then saute with one teaspoon of consomme, the pepper, and two teaspoons olive oil." Kannazuki: "It's starting to feel like we're actually cooking!" gatsuki: "Looking good. Keep an eye on the heat so it doesn't burn." Kannazuki: "Okay." gatsuki: "Once you've sauteed the spinach, transfer it into a deep dish. Next, add one and a half tablespoons of mayonnaise, three tablespoons of yogurt, two pinches of salt, two teaspoons of olive oil, and half a clove's worth of garlic paste." Kannazuki: "This makes the sauce, right?" gatsuki: "That's right." gatsuki: "Mix it all together, and it's done." Kannazuki: "Huh. This was easier than I expected." gatsuki: "Right? Cooking is surprisingly easy once you try it." Kannazuki: "You're right." Kannazuki: "Thanks for waiting. This is spinach in yogurt sauce." Hazuki: "Hey, this looks like a proper dish." Hazuki: "Did you make this, Iku?" Kannazuki: "I was just following Yoru-san's instructions." Hazuki: "Let's see..." Hazuki: "It's good!" Kannazuki: "Really?" Kannazuki: "Oh, it is good. I can't believe I made this." Hazuki: "This is turning into a food porn episode." Operator: "Only the level 4 Zeta remains." Admiral: "Is that... the power of a human?" Operator: "Zeta has been destroyed." Admiral: "I'd heard the rumors, but his power is terrifying." Admiral: "This is the power of First-Rank Spirit Beast Genbu... and the man compatible with it, Vice Admiral Mutsuki." Mutsuki: "Nicely done, Kuro." Mutsuki: "I feel like his resistance is growing stronger. Is it a form of rejection? Despite offering their assistance, they still resist us. It's incomprehensible, but perhaps that's their spirit..." Hazuki: "Hajime-san is just so cool." gatsuki: "He's the strongest character in the movie." Kannazuki: "Yeah." Hazuki: "After this, Hajime-san gets caught up in a human conspiracy." Kannazuki: "That's right. He's attacked by humans while defending humanity." Hazuki: "This is so good." Minazuki: "What are you guys doing?" Kannazuki: "Hey, Rui." Hazuki: "Wanna watch the Tsukino Empire movie with us, Rui?" Minazuki: "That brings back memories." Minazuki: "Did you guys eat something?" gatsuki: "Yeah. Iku made us a midnight snack." Minazuki: "What? Ikkun cooked something?" Minazuki: "I wish I could've tried it..." gatsuki: "Want me to make you something?" Minazuki: "Are you sure? But if I'm going to eat something, I'd like it to be Ikkun's cooking." Kannazuki: "Mine? All right. Now that I've learned the fun of cooking, would you teach me how to make something else?" gatsuki: "Got it. Give us a few minutes." Minazuki: "Okay. Thanks." Kannazuki: "I got all fired up, but what are we supposed to make?" gatsuki: "He seems pretty hungry, so something filling might be good." Kannazuki: "Something filling, huh? Hey, we have one of these left in the cabinet." gatsuki: "Then let's use it to make a second dish." Kannazuki: "Okay." gatsuki: "Okay, I've got it. Our second dish is..." Kannazuki: "Our second dish is?" gatsuki: "Budae jjigae-style ramen made with instant miso ramen!" Kannazuki: "Budae jjigae?" gatsuki: "Budae jjigae is a Korean dish made by boiling sausage and instant ramen in a spicy soup." Kannazuki: "I can't imagine the finished product at all. We're supposed to turn miso ramen into a Korean-style dish?" gatsuki: "Well, let's get started." Kannazuki: "It popped up again! We'll need one package of instant miso ramen, 40 grams of wieners, 100 grams of kimchi, one slice of melting cheese, one and a half tablespoons of sesame oil, and 350 cc of water." gatsuki: "Let's get cooking. First, pour one and a half tablespoons of sesame oil into a hot frying pan, and saute the 40 grams of wieners and 100 grams of kimchi." Kannazuki: "Okay." gatsuki: "Once they're done, add 350 cc of water and the soup base, and bring it to a boil." Kannazuki: "We're making ramen in a frying pan?" gatsuki: "Yeah." Kannazuki: "It's starting to boil." gatsuki: "Now add the noodles and boil it all over low heat until the noodles are cooked." gatsuki: "Finally, add one slice of melting cheese along with the included spices, and you're done." Kannazuki: "It's done!" Kannazuki: "Thanks for waiting." Hazuki: "Mm, something smells good!" Kannazuki: "Eat up." Minazuki: "Did you really make this, Ikkun?" Kannazuki: "I just followed Yoru-san's instructions." Hazuki: "You made it, so it's your cooking. Isn't that right?" gatsuki: "Yeah. You're hungry, right?" gatsuki: "Go on, eat up." Minazuki: "Thanks. I will." Minazuki: "This dish... It's a miso-based broth, but the spices and kimchi make it a spicy Korean-style soup. Adding sausages and instant ramen make it filling, too." Minazuki: "But that's not all. The cheese and sesame oil provide an accent that makes you want more. It's amazingly delicious." Kannazuki: "Really?" Minazuki: "Yeah. I didn't know miso and cheese went together so well." gatsuki: "They're both fermented foods. They pair nicely." Kannazuki: "Oh, that makes sense." gatsuki: "The world of cooking is deep." Kannazuki: "You're right." gatsuki: "It's Ikkun and Rui's scene." Soldier: "Move aside! Our top-priority orders are the assassination of the vice admiral and the prince!" Shiwasu: "They're so stubborn." Kisaragi: "It's no wonder they're soldiers." Kannazuki: "Of course, we're soldiers, too." Shiwasu: "Go on!" Kannazuki: "We'll guard the way to Shun-san and Hajime-san!" Minazuki: "Sorry. We can't let you through." All: "We'll defend them!" gatsuki: "Ikkun, is something the matter?" Kannazuki: "We had to retake this scene a bunch of times." Hazuki: "Really?" Kannazuki: "That made me really attached to it." Kannazuki: "It made me wonder if my acting lived up to everyone's expectations." gatsuki: "Really?" Minazuki: "Don't worry. You look really cool. Ultimately, our performances are evaluated by the audience, but at the very least, you exceeded my expectations." Kannazuki: "Rui..." Kannazuki: "I see." Hazuki: "That's not something you should say while eating ramen." Kannazuki: "Well... the story's approaching its finale." Shimotsuki: "What was that? Guys!" Mutsuki: "Shun, let's go." Shimotsuki: "Hajime! But..." Mutsuki: "If we don't go now, it'll all be over." Mutsuki: "They won't die here. Have faith in them, Shun." Minazuki: "Ikkun..." Hazuki: "What's gotten into you?" Kannazuki: "I'm definitely here eating instant noodles with you guys," Kannazuki: "and that's definitely me in that movie." Kannazuki: "It just hit me how much I've been through, and I was a little overcome." Hazuki: "I think I know what you mean." Hazuki: "We've been through a lot, and it wasn't easy." Kannazuki: "Yeah. At first, I was clueless about acting, and I'd just charge into it without thinking." Kannazuki: "But we did our best, didn't we?" Minazuki: "Yeah, you're right." Hazuki: "We all grew." gatsuki: "You're right, though we still have a lot to learn." Kannazuki: "Yeah. We'll probably always be learning." Hazuki: "Did someone just get home?" Mutsuki: "We're back." Shimotsuki: "What are you guys all doing together?" gatsuki: "You were out late." Mutsuki: "We had a meeting for the Full Moon Festival. We struggled to find a time that worked for everyone, so we had to start late." Minazuki: "Welcome home." Shimotsuki: "That's quite a nostalgic movie you've chosen to watch." Minazuki: "We were reminiscing about the past together." Mutsuki: "Yeah?" Kannazuki: "When we were shooting this movie, things were tough since we didn't know a thing about acting." Hazuki: "We were talking about how we all overcome that together." Mutsuki: "I see." Shimotsuki: "Yeah, we've grown in all kinds of ways. The hard work of yesterday makes you who you are today. Amazing, isn't it?" Mutsuki: "Sometimes I'm surprised by how much we grow." Shimotsuki: "Yeah, same." Mutsuki: "Shun, since we're already here, why don't we watch it with them?" Shimotsuki: "Sure. And we can have a light snack afterward." Kannazuki: "U-Um, you two haven't eaten yet?" Mutsuki: "Our plans before the meeting ran late." Shimotsuki: "Then we had to rush straight to the meeting and missed our chance." Kannazuki: "Then shall I make you something?" Shimotsuki: "You, Ikkun?" Minazuki: "I had Ikkun make me a midnight snack." Mutsuki: "Oh? That's unusual. I'd like to try something, too." Kannazuki: "Since it's gone this far already, I'll be our chef tonight. I'll do my best!" gatsuki: "Maybe I'll leave everything up to you this time." Kannazuki: "Huh?" gatsuki: "Do you want my help?" Kannazuki: "No! Let me handle this!" Shimotsuki: "Then let's allow ourselves to be treated to a meal. Right, Hajime?" Mutsuki: "Indeed." Kannazuki: "You can count on me! That said, Shun-san has probably eaten a lot of good food, and Hajime-san is a first-rate chef. I can't believe I'm cooking for them." Kannazuki: "I feel like I'm being reckless... No, they were out late working. I want to at least fill their bellies." Kannazuki: "Which means..." Kannazuki: "We don't have anything that could serve as a main ingredient. What about in here?" Kannazuki: "Found some meat! But is meat too heavy for a midnight snack? And just frying it would be too dull. I need to put a little more into it... What I need is... All right! Come on out." Kannazuki: "It's amazing that it actually popped up. So... tonight's third dish is steak with onion butter ponzu sauce. We'll need 250 grams of steak, a quarter of an onion, 10 grams of butter, one tablespoon of mirin, and two tablespoons of ponzu." Kannazuki: "First, heat up two frying pans. Fry the steak in one, and saute the quarter of an onion with the butter in the other." Kannazuki: "Once the onion is done, add the tablespoon of mirin and boil it down. Check the color of the steak and flip it to achieve the desired temperature." Kannazuki: "When the onion sauce reduces, remove it from the heat. Add the ponzu and mix it all together." Kannazuki: "Then pour the sauce over the steak, and..." Kannazuki: "It's done!" Kannazuki: "Thanks for waiting." Hazuki: "Hey, smells good!" gatsuki: "You've already had a lot to eat, You. Limit yourself to just a taste, okay?" Hazuki: "What? But I always have room for meat." Minazuki: "Ikkun, what did you make?" Kannazuki: "Steak with onion butter ponzu sauce." Mutsuki: "It looks good." Kannazuki: "I hope you like it." Shimotsuki: "Yay!" All: "Let's eat!" Hazuki: "It's good!" gatsuki: "It looks like a rich, heavy dish, but the ponzu lightens it up." Minazuki: "Ikkun, you might have a knack for cooking." Kannazuki: "Y-You think so?" Shimotsuki: "Yeah, it's really good." Mutsuki: "Yes, it is. Feels like a reward for working late. Thanks, Iku." Kannazuki: "Having people eat my food makes me happy." gatsuki: "It's the best part of cooking." Kannazuki: "Maybe I'll continue to cook on occasion. I'd like to grow as a chef, too." Kannazuki: "I'm better than I was yesterday, and tomorrow I'll be even better. I'd like to keep expanding my potential." Minazuki: "Then should we rewatch your early years from the beginning one more time?" Kannazuki: "Huh?" Hazuki: "Maybe I'll watch with you, since I came in partway through. I'd like to check out my own acting with my own eyes." Kannazuki: "You..." gatsuki: "When you put it that way, I'd like to check out mine, too. Count me in." Mutsuki: "Shall we join them, too?" Shimotsuki: "Of course."

Shiwasu: "All right! Let's kick off tonight's episode of Tsukiuta Radio. This evening's show features me, Kakeru Shiwasu..." Satsuki: "Aoi Satsuki, and..." Uzuki: "Arata Uzuki." Shiwasu: "It'll be the three of us!" Shiwasu: "First, Aoi-san, congratulations on winning a certain publisher's Princely Award." Satsuki: "Thank you." Shiwasu: "Gravi is proud to call you its prince! We all agreed that you deserved it." Uzuki: "Why do you sound so proud, Kakeru?" Shiwasu: "I'm just so happy. By the way, Arata-san, as someone who always works closely with Aoi-san, what do you think is princely about him?" Uzuki: "Everything he does is princely." Uzuki: "I doubt he's aware of it, though." Shiwasu: "I feel like you didn't really answer the question, but I know what you mean." Satsuki: "R-Really?" Satsuki: "I'm genuinely happy to have won the award, though. I feel like I need to do my best to speak and act appropriately." Uzuki: "See? This is exactly what I meant." Shiwasu: "You're right. Once again, congratulations on winning the Princely Award. Next, we'd like our listeners to get to know Aoi-san and Arata-san even better, so we're starting Tsukiuta Radio's first special project." Shiwasu: "Aoi-san and Arata-san will be producing an event we can enjoy with our fans!" Uzuki: "That sounds fun." Satsuki: "It's a big responsibility, but I'll do my best." Shiwasu: "Let's start by choosing a theme that will determine the type of event." Shiwasu: "Ta-da! I have three cards here with potential themes written on them: food, sports, and adventure. I'll just shuffle them together... And one of you will pick a card." Uzuki: "These themes are all over the place." Satsuki: "Yeah. No matter which one we choose, we have to make sure our fans will enjoy it." Shiwasu: "Such a prince! Always thinking of the fans first. That's important." Uzuki: "Well, since he just experienced some good fortune, let's have Aoi choose." Satsuki: "If you insist, Arata." Satsuki: "In that case... this one. "Adventure."" Uzuki: "You picked the most difficult one." Satsuki: "Yeah..." Shiwasu: "I'm personally excited to see what you come up with. The theme for the fan event is "adventure." Listeners, we hope you'll enjoy Aoi-san and Arata-san's adventure-themed event." Satsuki: "Adventure, huh?" Uzuki: "Adventure, huh..." Uzuki: "Hey, how about this?" Satsuki: "What?" Uzuki: "Guided by a legendary sword, a hero sets out on an adventure to defeat the demon king and acquire the hidden treasure." Uzuki: "We'll do it as a musical with audience participation." Satsuki: "I-It sounded good at first, but a musical with audience participation? Wouldn't that be super difficult?" Uzuki: "You think so? I thought "Arata the Hero's Great Adventure" was a good idea." Satsuki: "You might be right. Including a story could be a good idea. By the way, what's the hidden treasure?" Uzuki: "Strawberry milk." Satsuki: "You'd certainly consider that a treasure, but would the audience?" Satsuki: "What is an "adventure," anyway?" Uzuki: "It might be the most alien thing imaginable to you." Satsuki: "Huh?" Uzuki: "Adventure." Satsuki: "Maybe. It's strange to say about myself, but I'm not particularly adventurous in my everyday life. When we were really little, we used to go on adventures at the park in our neighborhood." Uzuki: "That takes me back." Satsuki: "It was fun, wasn't it? But I feel like you were always up to something dangerous." Satsuki: "Like when you climbed that tree and couldn't get back down. You caused such a fuss." Uzuki: "You got the locals to help us, right?" Satsuki: "I feel like you're always going on adventures without really trying to." Uzuki: "You think so?" Satsuki: "That's how it seems to me. I feel like you're always finding fresh new surprises and delights." Satsuki: "I'd like to go on an adventure, too, just like you." Uzuki: "Then let's do it," Uzuki: "starting with this project." Satsuki: "Yeah. I imagine adventures as crossing mountains and valleys to find hidden treasure in mysterious lands. The way there is blocked by unknown creatures and other people seeking the treasure themselves. But since our fans will be participating, the event shouldn't be anything too thrilling or dangerous. Is there anyplace safe where people can experience something out of the ordinary?" Uzuki: "I see... An event that gives you unfamiliar thrills as well as a sense of accomplishment." Satsuki: "Yeah. I think I've decided on a direction, but I'm not sure what comes next." Satsuki: "How do you think we can make it happen?" Uzuki: "All right, let's do some searches." Satsuki: "What did you find?" Uzuki: "Well... Huh? Oh." Satsuki: "Huh? It's a zoo." Uzuki: "This one's super cool, but cute, too." Satsuki: "Yeah. Aw, those paw pads look squishable." Uzuki: "Come to think of it, zoos are out of the ordinary, right? You get to see animals not found in Japan." Satsuki: "Yeah, you're right. If we could find a way to experience thrills and a sense of accomplishment at the zoo..." Uzuki: "That would be an adventure." Satsuki: "Yeah! All right. I feel like we've had a breakthrough. Now we just need to come up with a little something extra of our own to add to it." Uzuki: "That's the hard part... Should we do another search? I'll change the keywords. "Thrilling" and "sense of accomplishment."" Satsuki: "Arata, what do you think of this?" Uzuki: "Puzzles and escape rooms?" Satsuki: "Yeah. A puzzle and escape room at the zoo... I bet that would offer excitement and a sense of accomplishment." Uzuki: "Sounds good." Satsuki: "Then it's decided." Uzuki: "All right. Let's make a concrete plan. The real work starts here." Satsuki: "There's actually something I want to add to the event." Uzuki: "You want to add something?" Satsuki: "This thing you came up with." Satsuki: "All right! I'm so glad Tobu Zoo approved our idea." Uzuki: "Their condition was that we rehearse the event first. That's understandable. We need to make sure it's not dangerous and that it actually works as a game." Satsuki: "Which means we need people to play the part of guests." Uzuki: "We've got plenty of people." Satsuki: "You mean Gravi and Procella?" Minazuki: "I'm sleepy..." Kisaragi: "Me, too. I was so excited, I didn't get much sleep last night." Kannazuki: "Stretching in the morning feels great." Shiwasu: "I used to work the first shift when I worked part-time. I'm totally fine being up early in the morning." Kisaragi: "Kakeru-san, you're definitely a morning person. Although sometimes you sleep in really late when your alarm clock breaks." Shiwasu: "My unluckiness is part of my charm!" Satsuki: "Good morning, everyone." Shiwasu: "Aoi-sa—" Satsuki: "Welcome to Tobu Zoo. I'm Alan. As you can see, I'm an adventurer." Shiwasu: "Wow, it's an adventurer!" Kannazuki: "You look cool." Minazuki: "And authentic." Kisaragi: "Alan!" Satsuki: "Nice reaction. Ahem. Thank you all for coming today. Let's get to know the animals while we go on an adventure together." Uzuki: "Hold it right there!" Uzuki: "Did you really think it'd go that smoothly?" Satsuki: "Who are you?!" Uzuki: "I am Shaman Orange." Satsuki: "Shaman Orange?!" Shiwasu: "Arata-san's a shaman, huh?" Kisaragi: "He looks so needlessly stylish..." Kannazaki: "And his name is Shaman Orange!" Minazuki: "There's so much I could say about this." Uzuki: "Adventurer Alan, my magic has trapped all of you in here. You cannot leave this zoo." Satsuki: "What?" Uzuki: "If you wish to escape, you must solve the puzzles I have prepared for you. Will you be able to make it out unscathed?" Satsuki: "Wait, Shaman Orange! Guys, please help me solve the puzzles so we can escape this zoo." Shiwasu: "I see. So that's the setup!" Kisaragi: "All right. Let's get pumped up." Minazuki: "Yeah." Kannazuki: "I'm excited to solve the puzzles, Adventurer Alan." Satsuki: "Thanks. Then let's head to the first puzzle. Go!" Satsuki: "This is Brown Bear Forest. Shaman Orange's puzzle should be around here somewhere. Help me look for it." All: "Okay! Sure!" Shiwasu: "Let's see here... "The noble queen lives in the woods." "Her favorite foods are apples and fish." "What does the queen dislike?"" Kisaragi: "Who's the noble queen?" Kisaragi: "It's Ayame-chan, right?" Kisaragi: "Hey, what do you dislike?" Kisaragi: "Not that she can tell us..." Kannazuki: "Should we ask the staff?" Satsuki: "Wait, guys! There's something written here." Minazuki: "Could this be a hint?" Shiwasu: "He's guiding us so we can solve it ourselves." Kannazuki: "Well, what does it say?" Minazuki: ""If you don't know the answer, go back one. C, B, O, B, O, B."" Kannazuki: "Go back one?" Kisaragi: "Kakeru-san, can you read English?" Kisaragi: "Alan, do you have any more hints?" Satsuki: "Huh? That's odd. Arata... I mean, Shaman Orange was supposed to show up here." Kisaragi: "Alan, is something wrong?" Satsuki: "N-Nothing at all! Sorry, guys. Go on and head to the next puzzle once you solve this one." Minazuki: "He left..." Tsukishiro: "I see. I understand." Tsukishiro: "Okay. Talk to you later." Uzuki: "No luck?" Tsukishiro: "Yeah." Satsuki: "Arata, you're up! Did something happen?" Uzuki: "Aoi, it's the extras." Satsuki: "What? They can't come?" Tsukishiro: "They're stuck in traffic. They don't know when they'll get here." Satsuki: "What should we do? The extras are supposed to be up soon." Arata: "Where are the guys?" Satsuki: "They're solving the puzzle by themselves." Tsukishiro: "Should we explain the situation and cancel?" Uzuki: "Either that or, since this is a rehearsal, we could cut Alan's story short." Satsuki: "This is our first special project. Let's do everything we can during the rehearsal." Uzuki: "Got it." Minazuki: "How cute!" Kannazuki: "Is it time for their walk? It says, "The penguins kept in this exhibit are Humboldt penguins and what other species?"" Shiwasu: "It must mean this species. Let's see..." Kisaragi: "Hey, it's Shaman Orange." Uzuki: "Alan the Adventurer seems to be missing." Minazuki: "Now that you mention it, Alan hasn't come back yet." Satsuki: "Thanks for waiting!" Shiwasu: "A-Ala—" Satsuki: "I am Alan's friend, Eric." Shiwasu: "It's not Alan!" Kisaragi: "A different character appeared..." Satsuki: "Shaman Orange, I'll take you on instead! While I buy us time, you guys hurry up and solve this puzzle! Let's go, Shaman Orange!" Uzuki: "Curse you, Eric!" Shiwasu: "It's a hero show!" Kannazuki: "There's so much to it!" Satsuki: "I'll handle all the other roles." Tsukishiro: "What? All of them?" Uzuki: "There's a lot." Satsuki: "Yeah, but Shaman Orange is in all the scenes. You can't take on any other roles. I have to do it. I promise I'll finish the show, so let us finish the adventure." Tsukishiro: "All right. I'll let the staff know what's going on." Satsuki: "Thank you." Kannazuki: "Oh, I got it." Kannazuki: "The answer is king penguins!" Uzuki: "Correct." Uzuki: "But this isn't over yet! I'll be waiting at the sheep deck!" Satsuki: "Wait, Shaman Orange! Adios, guys! We'll meet again!" Minazuki: "They're both so enthusiastic." Shiwasu: "Yeah. I'm excited for what's next." Satsuki: "Have you learned the names of all the sheep, misters?" Satsuki: "I'm Sam the information broker." Satsuki: "I'm the village chief who protects this hidden treasure." Uzuki: "Good work." Satsuki: "Thanks." Satsuki: "We're almost done." Uzuki: "Yeah. The next scene is the last one. Isn't it going to be a little tough without the extras, though?" Satsuki: "It's okay. I have a plan." Uzuki: "Okay, got it. Let's give them a cool finale." Satsuki: "Yeah." Shiwasu: "Aoi-san's been playing a bunch of different roles by himself." Kannazuki: "I wonder who he'll play next." Minazuki: "I wish Alan would come back." Kisaragi: "Me, too." Kisaragi: "Hey, a white tiger." Uzuki: "Congratulations on making it this far. You may be my foes, but I'm still impressed." Shiwasu: "It's Shaman Orange!" Satsuki: "Guys, this is Tobu Zoo's living treasure, Princess Carla the white tiger. Shaman Orange is surely trying to kidnap her!" Minazuki: "Alan's here!" Kisaragi: "We can't let him kidnap the princess." Uzuki: "Then try solving this final puzzle. If you do, I'll admit defeat and leave this place." Shiwasu: ""The noble princess is white, but her hands are actually ___."" Minazuki: "What? The color of her hands?" Minazuki: "Her fur is white." Kannazuki: "Maybe it means her paw pads." Kisaragi: "Paw pads?" Kisaragi: "I... I can't see them." Uzuki: "You seem to be struggling. This is my chance! Come, my puppets!" Kisaragi: "Huh? Nothing's happening." Minazuki: "Is there a problem?" Uzuki: "My puppets are all invisible." All: "What?" Satsuki: "Guys, I'll stop them here. I need you all to solve the puzzle!" Shiwasu: "Uh... but... what?" Uzuki: "Let's go, Alan! This place will be your grave." Satsuki: "Right back at you!" Kisaragi: "They're both amazing." Minazuki: "It's like a hero show. It's fun." Kannazuki: "You can do it!" Satsuki: "Hurry up and solve the puzzle, guys!" Shiwasu: "All right. Let's do our best, too." All: "Yeah." Kannazuki: "We can't see her paw pads. But I imagine they're white... no, maybe black?" Shiwasu: "But then it would've have said "actually" or something." Minazuki: "Come here." Kisaragi: "Please stand up. Stand up, Princess Carla." Shiwasu: "Alan, we have the answer!" Satsuki: "Thanks, guys." Uzuki: "Out with it, then." Uzuki: "What is the answer?" Shiwasu: "The answer is..." All: "Pink!" Uzuki: "Correct." All: "All right!" Satsuki: "Impressive work, guys. Thanks for coming on this adventure with me." Uzuki: "Good work, Aoi." Satsuki: "You too, Arata." Shiwasu: "That was so much fun, Aoi-san and Arata-san!" Kisaragi: "Yeah. There was so much to do and see." Minazuki: "I feel accomplished." Kannazuki: "You did great." Uzuki: "Right? It's because our prince nailed the ending." Satsuki: "I'm a little too muddy to be a prince, though. Besides," Satsuki: "we did it together." Shiwasu: "I was surprised to learn after the fact that there were supposed to be extras. Great job, really." Uzuki: "I think it worked well, considering it was improvised." Satsuki: "I'm glad you initiated the fight scene." Shiwasu: "What? That was ad libbed, too?" Satsuki: "If it didn't seem that way, I'm glad." Shiwasu: "It didn't seem that way at all. You were so in sync with each other, I thought it was choreographed." Uzuki: "We could pull that off because we've known each other for so long." Satsuki: "Maybe so." Shiwasu: "Finally, I have a question about the Brown Bear Forest puzzle. Iku and Rui solved it for us, but I actually still don't really get it. What was the solution?" Satsuki: "The hint was, "If you don't know the answer, go back one." That meant go back one letter in the alphabet for each one given." Shiwasu: "B comes before C. A comes before B. In other words..." Shiwasu: "It's banana!" Satsuki: "That's right. Ayame-chan the brown bear apparently doesn't like bananas." Shiwasu: "I see! I feel so much better now. And now that I do, here's the info on the event. This event will run from January 9th to March 14th at Tobu Zoo." Satsuki: "Join us on an adventure at Tobu Zoo." Uzuki: "Come hang out." All: "We'll be waiting." Tsukishiro: "Aoi-kun, I hate to bother you when you've just finished, but could you fill out this questionnaire?" Tsukishiro: "It's for the Full Moon Festival." Satsuki: "Okay, sure." Uzuki: "We'll be waiting outside, then." Satsuki: "Okay." Satsuki: "What's a recent memorable experience I've had? Recently, I had the opportunity to go an adventure as part of a project." Satsuki: "It was a lot of work, but I got to try things I don't normally do. I think I grew a little as a result. I'd like to take the confidence I gained from the experience and try going on more adventures." Satsuki: "What am I looking forward to the most?"

A: "I got called over by my crush." A: "It must be a confession." A: "I'm ecstatic." A: "It's been ten minutes. Have you still not worked up the courage?" A: "H-Hey..." B: "Wait!" B: "D-Do you have a crush on anyone or anything, Takase?" Takase: "What's the correct answer in this situation?" Takase: "Should I just say, "you"? But then I'd be stealing her confession. But it's not like I don't have a crush..." B: "Oh, you do?" Takase: "No, I didn't mean that." B: "What? You aren't making sense. Just say so if you do." Takase: "F-Fine, then, I don't." B: "What do you mean, "Fine, then"?" Takase: "I mean I don't." B: "Really?" Takase: "Wasn't there something you wanted to talk to me about?" B: "L-Like I said, I wanted to know if you had a crush on anyone." Takase: "So? I'll tell you, and then what?" Takase: "Are you done? I'm leaving." B: "It's not that I'm done. But I kind of missed my chance today." Takase: "All right, I'm leaving, then." B: "W-Wait." B: "H-Hey..." B: "W-Would you..." Takase: "All right, bring it!" B: "Would you meet up with me tomorrow, too?" Takase: "I guess I should do it." B: "I-I'll tell you tomorrow." Takase: "Nah, it's fine. But first, there's something I..." B: "Really? You'll meet up with me?" B: "S-Sorry about today." B: "I forgot what I was going to say." Takase: "No." Takase: "About that..." Takase: "Huh?" B: "I-I'll tell you tomorrow that I like you." Takase: "Okay, see you tomorrow." Green: "Minagawa-san, the class rep, doesn't do her job." Green: "Could you help me out a little, Minagawa-san?" Minagawa: "But I'm too lazy." Green: "Then why did you become the class rep?" Minagawa: "Because I like you, Furuya-kun." uruya: "Could you please not mess with me?" Minagawa: "Oh? Are you angry?" Minagawa: "Sorry. That wasn't my intent." uruya: "I-I'm not angry, really." Minagawa: "It's true that I like you, though." uruya: "Is that supposed to be a confession?" Minagawa: "Of course. Will you go out with me?" uruya: "But there are rumors that you hang out with lots of guys." Minagawa: "I'm a virgin, though." Minagawa: "Besides, I have guy friends, but it's not like that." uruya: "Y-Yeah?" Minagawa: "Do you think I'm lying?" uruya: "Not really." Minagawa: "You think I'd sleep with anyone, don't you?" uruya: "N-Not really." Minagawa: "You're getting horny just imagining me having sex." uruya: "No, I'm not! I knew it, you're just toying with me!" Minagawa: "Sorry." Minagawa: "But these things are always really awkward." uruya: "That's why I can't tell if you're serious or not." Minagawa: "Then will you give me an answer if I told you properly?" uruya: "A-Answer? I don't know you that well." uruya: "Besides, why me? You could get with anyone." Minagawa: "I like you." Minagawa: "And what about you?" uruya: "I-I don't know anything about dating yet. But..." uruya: "What are you grinning about?" Minagawa: "You're too adorable, Furuya-kun." uruya: "No more, we're done talking about this!" Minagawa: "You haven't given me an answer." uruya: "You're going to laugh at me again if I try to answer, aren't you?" Minagawa: "Yup." Minagawa: "Did I make you hate me?" uruya: "Yeah, specifically how flippant you are." Minagawa: "So reject me, then." uruya: "Seriously, can we not talk about this?" Minagawa: "So you don't totally hate me." uruya: "I seriously hate you!" Blonde: "The student council president saw me smoking." Text: "Dammit." President: "That's no good, Kaji-san." Kaji: "Akagi! You aren't going to rat me out, are you?" President: "Nope, I'm not a monster. I'll let you off the hook just this once." Kaji: "You're pretty cool." President: "If you give me a kiss, that is." Kaji: "Are you messing with me?" President: "I'm being serious. There's something that's been on my mind, actually." President: "I've never been in love with a woman." Kaji: "What are you, gay?" President: "Nope, I tested that." Kaji: "Huh? Tested what?" President: "I just have a hard time finding interest in women. I can't figure out what's so fun about dating." Kaji: "So you want to kiss someone to find out?" Kaji: "Sure, that sounds fun. I'll teach you how to kiss." President: "No, I know how to kiss." Kaji: "Oh, sorry." President: "You're surprisingly cooperative." Kaji: "Well, it's not like this is my first time." Kaji: "I'll kiss anyone for money." President: "Really? Then how much would you sell your body for?" Kaji: "Say, 100,000 yen?" President: "That's perfect." Kaji: "Why do you have that much?!" President: "Are you scared?" Kaji: "What? I'm not scared." President: "You've never actually prostituted yourself, have you?" Kaji: "What? Who do you think you're talking to?" President: "No one asks for 100,000. That proves you've never actually sold yourself before." President: "But 100,000 is actually too little." President: "I want you to value yourself more." Kaji: "Akagi..." President: "I'm still asking for that kiss, though." Kaji: "You are?!" President: "Of course. Don't forget our agreement about your smoking." President: "Are you scared?" Kaji: "N-No, I'm not scared." President: "All right, here we go." President: "You reek of tar." President: "You reek, Kaji-san." Kaji: "Shut up! What'd you expect?!" President: "You should quit smoking." Kaji: "Bite me! What are you, my boyfriend?" President: "That doesn't sound bad." President: "I think I can fall in love with you." President: "As long as you quit smoking." Kaji: "Piss off!" A: "Yukawa-senpai is a third-year. He's graduating tomorrow." A: "Senpai, show me the stars again tonight." Yukawa: "No way. You're too annoying, Sasahara." Sasahara: "You suck. I was going to confess to you, too." Yukawa: "How many hundreds of times has it been?" Sasahara: "Shucks, you got me." Yukawa: "I'm sick of it." Sasahara: "This is a bad habit of mine. I make a joke of my feelings for him." Sasahara: "I want to tell him how I feel, for real this time." Sasahara: "First, I think it's important to set the mood." Sasahara: "Senpai, it's cold. Is it all right if I huddle up with you?" Yukawa: "Yeah, stay out of my way." Sasahara: "Also, is it okay if I push you down?" Yukawa: "What?" Sasahara: "Sorry. This is our last time seeing the stars from here." Yukawa: "It is." Sasahara: "This is the last time seeing the stars with you, too." Yukawa: "It is." Sasahara: "I mean, we could see the stars together if we really tried, though." Yukawa: "Shut up, already." Yukawa: "Have you learned any of the stars yet?" Sasahara: "No, well, uhh..." Sasahara: "Spica, I guess?" Yukawa: "That's the first one I taught you." Sasahara: "I'd never forget a star that you taught me, Senpai." Yukawa: "Point out Spica, then." Yukawa: "Get it together. You're the only member in this club next year." Sasahara: "That's your fault, Senpai. You always look so grouchy." Yukawa: "Then why did you join?" Sasahara: "For love, of course." Yukawa: "Sure, sure. I'm glad my juniors love me." Sasahara: "Would you be glad if I really liked you?" Sasahara: "I did it! I told him I like him without joking about it! I wonder if Yukawa-senpai will appreciate it." Sasahara: "Maybe he won't." Sasahara: "Huh? What's with this vibe? Am I making a mistake?" Sasahara: "Did I blow it? No, no, no..." Yukawa: "Sasahara." Sasahara: "Just kidding! Did you think I was being serious?" Yukawa: "I blew it. I can't tell him I like him anymore. He wouldn't believe me." Sasahara: "I told Senpai I like him so many times over the past two years we spent together. I could never tell him I was serious." Sasahara: "Senpai's graduating." Sasahara: "I'll never get to tell him I like him." Sasahara: "I'm going to cry." Sasahara: "No, no. I don't want to cry in front of Senpai. I don't want to worry him. I don't want to make it awkward. I want him to smile like he did before. Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry..." Sasahara: "Please don't cry." Yukawa: "I'm tired of hearing you say you like me." Sasahara: "You're awful." Yukawa: "But that ends tonight." Yukawa: "I want to hear it one more time before I go." Yukawa: "I'll say it, if you won't." Sasahara: "Senpai... I seriously love you." Yukawa: "Stop crying, idiot."

Guy: "My name is Motoyama Tomomichi. I'm ugly. My friend wants to meet behind the school building. What could he want? Yamane-dono!" Green: "Motoyama-kun." Guy: "She would be Kurihara-dono. The kind lady who has shown affection to as gross a man as Yamane-dono." Guy: "Why would you bring me here when you're alone together?" Green: "Well, Kurihara-san called me here. It's the first time a girl's asked me to meet behind the school. I was afraid of coming alone, so I wanted you to come along." Green: "S-So what did you want, Kurihara-san?" Girl: "I made too much pudding, so I thought I'd share it." Guy: "What a clumsy excuse." Green: "I-I don't deserve that." Guy: "Yamane-dono appears to be so fixed on his ugliness, he can't understand what the lady is trying to do." Guy: "Accept it with the greatest of gratefulness. She made it with you in mind." Green: "No way, no way! Absolutely no way! You're insulting her." Guy: "If Yamane isn't going to budge..." Guy: "Kurihara-dono, was it? I apologize for interrupting. I shall leave you two alone—" Girl: "No, please stay here." Guy: "You, too?! You're a wuss, too?!" Guy: "You're accepting the pudding, Yamane-dono!" Green: "I don't think I should be the only one, though..." Girl: "I actually brought two." Green: "Really? That's great, huh? Motoyama-kun?" Guy: "She made that pudding for you, Yamane-dono!" Green: "Wh-What are you talking about?! Kuriyama-san's sharing them out of courtesy!" Guy: "No. She called you behind the school. It's not out of courtesy! You've noticed, have you not? About how Kurihara-dono feels about you?" Green: "S-Stop it! Rumors would start flying if she gave me pudding in public! If let for while..." Guy: "You're far too self-deprecating, Yamane-dono. Just accept the gesture." Green: "How could you, Motoyama-kun?" Guy: "Y-You got me." Green: "Huh? What? I didn't push you that hard." Guy: "It seems that Kurihara-dono is more important to you than me, your best friend." Guy: "Then I shall be on my way. Have the pudding amongst yourselves." Green: "M-Motoyama-kun!" Girl: "U-Um..." Guy: "W-Would you please take a hint? I'm embarrassed with my terrible acting. I want to get out of here!" Girl: "Next time, I'll make some for you, too, okay?" Guy: "She's a better woman than I'd imagined. Best of luck, you two." Girl: "Okay, I'll be going." Green: "O-Okay. Thanks." Guy: "I think my girlfriend's been on edge lately." Green: "Goda-kun, could you open this lid for me?" Guy: "Here." Green: "Oh man, thanks!" Guy: "What's wrong?" Guy: "Kamine, have I done something recently?" Girl: "Huh? Wh-Why?" Guy: "I get the sense that you're angry at me." Girl: "N-Not really. You haven't done anything." Guy: "Oh." White: "Takeru, let's arm wrestle." White: "Ready, and..." Guy: "I'm pretty sure Kamine's angry about something." Orange: "Goda!" Guy: "I need to apologize to Kamine. I need to go to our usual meeting spot." Guy: "She's not here. Is she not here yet?" Guy: "I-Is she blocking me? She's that angry?" Girl: "Guess who." Guy: "K-Kamine. You're here." Girl: "Yeah. Did you think I went home?" Guy: "Went home? I thought you were done with me." Girl: "Ah, no. Sorry." Girl: "I wanted you to worry about me, so I was being a bit mean." Guy: "You were so angry at me that you had to be mean? S-Sorry. Let's go home." Girl: "Aren't you going to hold hands with me? I mean, you held hands with Patricia-chan." Guy: "Are you upset that I arm wrestled with Patricia?" Guy: "Oh. You could have told me. I would have arm wrestled with you." Girl: "No! It's not that I want to arm wrestle with you. In fact, I don't want you to." Guy: "What does that mean?" Girl: "Nah, you'll just hate me if I told you. Sorry for troubling you." Guy: "Why would I ever hate you, Kamine? I'm your boyfriend, aren't I? I'll hear anything you need to say." Girl: "R-Really? You won't hate me?" Guy: "I won't." Girl: "Then..." Girl: "Don't get too close to other girls. Call me by my first name from now on. I can't blame Patricia-chan, but I'm the only one who can call you Takeru. And don't hold hands with other girls, not even arm wrestling. I'm the only one who can hold hands with you. You can help them open plastic bottles, but if you're nice to someone, you have to be even nicer to me!" Guy: "So that's what it was." Girl: "I'm so needy, aren't I?" Guy: "No, but you did surprise me." Girl: "It's fine! I know I'm being stupid, too!" Guy: "No, I don't mind." Girl: "Call me Ayaka, then." Guy: "Uh... It's been a while since my girlfriend and I started dating, but we haven't even kissed yet." Guy: "How can I get to kiss her?" Girl: "Hey, Chiaki..." Guy: "What's up, Kana? Gotta poop?" Girl: "No, you idiot! Look!" Guy: "Isn't that Goda and Kamine-san?" Girl: "They don't mess around in class. They've been doing it here." Other Girl: "T-Takeru-kun..." Other Guy: "Yeah, Kamine?" Other Girl: "Aren't you going to call me by my first name?" Guy: "Was Kamine-san always like that?!" Other Guy: "R-Right. Ayaka-san." Other Girl: "That's it." Other Guy: "So?" Other Girl: "It's nothing. I just wanted you to say my name." Other Guy: "I'll say your name as much as you want, Ayaka." Guy: "Was Goda-san always that manly?! I guess people do change when they're in love." Girl: "We haven't changed, though..." Other Guy: "Kami— Ayaka, you've changed since we started going out." Other Girl: "Sorry, am I annoying?" Other Guy: "No, you've gotten cuter." Guy: "You've gotten cuter, too, Kana-san." Girl: "I'll destroy you." Guy: "Let's get going. This hurts to watch." Girl: "Y-Yeah." Other Girl: "Can I be more needy, then?" Other Guy: "What is it?" Other Girl: "So... I want to kiss." Other Guy: "Now?" Other Girl: "No?" Guy: "Of course not! You're in broad daylight! Right, Kana-san?" Girl: "No kidding!" Other Guy: "All right." Guy: "D-Does it really work like that? How much is Goda kissing all the time?" Girl: "No, Goda-kun's right! It's that sense of initiative that you don't have, Chiaki!" Guy: "N-No way!" Other Girl: "Wait, Goda-kun, I wasn't ready for that!" Other Guy: "You weren't?" Other Girl: "Goda— Takeru-kun, you're always so sudden." Other Guy: "Sorry." Other Girl: "Take this." Guy: "No way! You see that?! The Kamine-san! Doing that!" Girl: "Huh?! You expect me to do that?!" Guy: "There's nothing wrong with the girl making the first move." Girl: "Jeez, and you call yourself a guy?" Other Girl: "Let's do it properly next time." Other Guy: "Yeah." Girl: "There's no sense fighting." Guy: "Yeah." Guy: "Okay, I'll kiss you, then." Girl: "I-It's fine. I'll start." Guy: "On the count of three, then?" Girl: "Fine." Guy: "One, two, three..." Other Girl: "Hey, it's Chiaki-kun and Kana-san." Guy: "It's Goda and Kamine-san!" Other Guy: "What are you guys doing here?" Guy: "N-Nothing, really." Girl: "What were you guys doing?" Other Girl: "Huh? Um..." Other Guy: "Nothing, really." Guy: "What a coincidence!" Guy: "I invited my girlfriend over." Girl: "Thanks for having me." Guy: "No one's home today." Guy: "I'm gonna kiss my girlfriend today! E-Everyone's on vacation right now. Oh, what time do you have to be home today? No, I'll take it even further." Girl: "I have to be home by eight." Guy: "Oh, okay." Girl: "Damn Chiaki. I mean, we haven't even kissed yet, so I kind of expected that much, but..." Girl: "Huh? Am I wearing good undies today?" Guy: "I have 'til eight. I have 'til eight. Good." Guy: "Okay... Why don't we study for exams?" Girl: "G-Good idea." Guy: "Uh... Is the air conditioner setting okay?" Girl: "I-I guess it's a bit hot." Guy: "Why am I avoiding this? I decided I'd make a move today! Kana!" Girl: "Y-Yes?" Guy: "Ki..." Guy: "Was kinematics on the exam?" Girl: "Huh? Yeah." Guy: "Ki... What about kinetic energy?" Girl: "That is too, yes." Guy: "Shit. W-Want to take a break? I'll get something to drink." Girl: "O-Okay." Guy: "I'm going to strike out again. Why can't I just go for it?" Girl: "We're running out of time. I have to leave before seven. I want the mood to be right for our first kiss, though. There's no point rushing it." Girl: "What's wrong, Chiaki?" Guy: "Nothing." Girl: "Where are the drinks? And why are you so red?" Guy: "Kana, want to kiss?" Girl: "This kid..." Guy: "There we go." Guy: "Kana..." Girl: "Wait a second! Did you drink something weird? I don't want to do it like this!" Guy: "You keep telling me to take the initiative!" Girl: "That doesn't mean anything goes! Besides, our first kiss is going to be a precious memory." Guy: "Kana!" Girl: "Listen to me!" Girl: "I do want to kiss you, too, but I want to kiss the normal Chiaki." Girl: "I don't need a special mood or anything. I just want to kiss you normally. I can't believe you'd rely on that stuff." Guy: "You're right. This is wrong." Girl: "Chiaki..." Guy: "Psyche! I'm just acting!" Guy: "Yes! I've finally kissed you!" Girl: "You're so low." Guy: "Why so serious? You gotta play along." Guy: "Next time, why not start one pretending that you're getting attacked by an alien? Or how about a soccer PK goal into one?" Guy: "Ow!" Girl: "I'm going home." Guy: "Are you actually upset? That was just another one of our skits." Girl: "I'm done with our duo!" Guy: "Wait, say what? How am I supposed to react to that?" Guy: "Kana-chan?"

A: "All right, we're going to begin the match between Class 1 and Class 7." Guy: "It's Sports Day." Guy: "Take it! Someone, take it! I want to go home and sleep." Girl: "Yamane-san." Girl: "G-Go get them!" Guy: "Kurihara-san!" Guy: "I-I want to go home and sleep!" Other Girl: "Takase!" Other Girl: "Is it too obvious I like him if I cheer for him?" Other Other Girl: "C-Class 1!" Other Guy: "It'd be too obvious I like Kanda if I look at her, right?" Sister: "Furuya!" Sister: "Go, go, Onii-chan!" Orange: "Yo, Goda! Looks like it's down to you guys and us." Brown: "Noro..." Orange: "Yo, what's up? Just so you know, no one with a girlfriend—" Brown: "You're handling too much. Can you make the next match?" Orange: "What?! I can't?!" Orange: "Why?!" Brown: "Don't you know the rules?" A: "All right, let's clean this up." Orange: "Why?!" B: "Yeah." A: "Later." Girl: "Chiaki, next match is the final, right? I'll be rooting for you." Guy: "Yeah, thanks." Girl: "Come on, Kana, make up. U-Uh..." Guy: "L-Later." Girl: "Chiaki, you ass!" Girl: "Keisuke, I want to play in boys' soccer, too." Boy: "I don't think you can." A: "You can play. Ask someone to switch." Boy: "Seriously? But who?" Girl: "Keisuke, switch!" A: "All right, we're starting the final match." Girls: "Go, Class 1!" Orange: "Goda's mine, Takase!" Other Guy: "Sure. Just don't handle the ball." Girls And Keisuke: "Go, Class 4!" Pink: "You got this, goalie." Gouda: "Yeah." Girl: "Come on!" Left Girl: "Sugawara-kun's amazing." Right Girl: "Y-Yeah." Left Girl: "Look, again." Right Girl: "You're right." Left Girl: "Look, look!" Right Girl: "Why are you telling me, Yo-chan?" Pink: "Takano, are you watching me?" Pink: "Come on, why haven't I let go? I don't stand a chance." Guy: "Ow!" Girl: "Th-Thanks." Guy: "I-I was just trying to get the ball." Girl: "It would have been ours if you hadn't touched it!" Guy: "Oh, please, I helped you!" Girl: "I don't need your help, idiot!" Orange: "What's up, Chiaki? Lovers' quarrel?" Guy: "Shut up! It ain't!" Orange: "Heh, all this flirting... All you bastards with girlfriends..." Guy: "The ball wasn't out of play." Orange: "You tricked me!" Blue: "Class 4 is going to lose at this rate. Let's all cheer for them." Girls: "Yeah!" Blue: "One, two... Go, Class 4! Get them!" Guy: "I bet Kana isn't cheering for me." Guy: "Well, what can I expect?" Guy: "We've broken up already." Girl: "Chiaki!" Girl: "Quit screwing around! Hurry up and run!" Guy: "Wh-What's your problem? You call that cheering?" Girl: "Impress me, you idiot!" A: "Chiaki!" Guy: "Dammit, Kana, you aren't even my girlfriend anymore. You really think you scream that I'm an idiot" Guy: "without making me want to act like a boyfriend?" Girl: "Go, Chiaki!" Orange: "Safe!" Orange: "I told you, I'm not letting some chick's boyfriend take me down!" Guy: "I'm not going down!" Orange: "I'm in a sports club. You have no chance!" Girl: "High five! High five!" A: "So, again, you better watch yourselves." B: "Okay." Girl: "Suga-yan, is the soccer club busy during summer break?" Guy: "Huh? Yeah. Why?" A: "All rise." Girl: "We're planning to go to the beach. You should come with us." Guy: "Depends on club, I guess." A: "Bow." Girl: "Chii-chan's supposed to come, too." Girl 2: "Huh? I'll pass. I'm shy about wearing a swimsuit and stuff." Girl: "So am I, but everyone's coming. Ayaka-chan, Goda-kun, and Pattie, too." Girl 2: "I don't know." Girl: "So is Sugawara-kun." Guy: "Later." Girl: "Bye." Girl 2: "Come on, Kana, go make up with Chiaki." Girl: "O-Okay. Ch-Ch—" Guy: "Chiaki, you guys are going to the beach with us, right?" Guy 2: "I dunno, I'm thinking about it." Guy: "Are you sure it's okay if I come?" Guy 2: "Why?" Guy: "Apparently, Takano's coming, too. Wouldn't it get awkward if I came?" Guy 2: "I thrive on that awkwardness." Girl: "Sugawara-kun's not coming?" Girl 2: "He doesn't know yet. He says it depends on his club." Girl: "Okay." Girl 2: "So you two are coming for sure, right, Yo-chan? Chii-chan?" Girl 3: "Yup." Girl: "What should I do? It'll be weird trying to meet Chiaki once summer break starts." Girl: "Will he agree to stay?" Guy: "Crap, my battery's dead." A: "One, two, three, four..." B: "Five, six, seven, eight..." Guy: "There's actually no club work that day. I could go. But going to the beach will make me think about Takano again, even though I know there's nothing between us." Guy 2: "Come on, dude. She doesn't think anything of it, does she?" Guy: "I'd just be miserable, going when she doesn't think anything of me." Girl: "It doesn't even say he read it." Girl: "Did Chiaki actually go home?" Girl 2: "Oh, can we practice here?" Guy: "Hey, Suga-yan, what's up?" Guy 2: "I forgot something." Guy: "So are you going to the beach or not?" Guy 2: "I'm not going." Girl: "It'll suck if Sugawara-kun doesn't come, huh?" Girl 2: "You still like Sugawara-kun, Yo-chan?" Girl: "N-No, not anymore." Girl: "I knew I didn't have a chance to begin with." Girl 2: "Really?" Girl: "What about you?" Girl 2: "I guess Chiaki doesn't want to patch things up anymore." Girl 2: "He really did leave." Girl 2: "I guess I'm going to be alone this summer." Girl: "Sorry, that was a weird thing to ask." Girl: "I'm going to the bathroom!" Girl 2: "O-Okay." Girl 2: "It's true that I'm always thinking about Sugawara-kun these days." Girl 2: "And if Sugawara-kun doesn't come to the beach..." Girl 2: "Huh? What's wrong, Yo-cha—" Guy: "Took you a while. Were you doing something?" Girl: "You didn't see my message?" Guy: "Sorry, my battery died. I was waiting for you, so we could talk in person." Girl: "Why? You're going to patch things up with me?" Guy: "No, we've broken up already." Girl: "Wh-What's wrong, Sugawara-kun?" Guy: "I forgot my wallet." Guy: "What about you? Practicing by yourself?" Girl: "No, Yo-chan's in the bathroom right now." Guy: "Ah." Guy: "Later!" Girl: "Aren't you going to the beach?" Guy: "Honestly, I didn't think you would break up with me, no matter what. I got too comfortable." Guy: "If we patched things up now, it would be like that never happened. It would feel bad." Guy: "I don't think our relationship would last like that." Guy: "So let's break up properly." Guy: "Once that's done, I want to confess again." Guy 2: "Oh, I decided not to go." Girl: "Why not? Your club?" Guy 2: "Nah, I just don't really like that kind of thing." Guy 2: "You're going, right? Have fun." Girl: "I don't think it'll be fun if you aren't there." Girl 2: "Fine. Try confessing, then." Girl 2: "I'll reject you a hundred times." Guy: "A-All right." Girl: "You better mean it." Guy: "Okay." Guy: "I don't want to lose you anymore, Kana." Guy: "Please..." Guy: "Please go out with me." Girl: "Okay." Guy: "Shucks." Guy: "I'll have to buy a swimsuit for the beach, then." Girl: "Me, too."

Hotaru: "My name is Furuya Hotaru. Today is my first day of high school." Hotaru: "I have an awesome brother." Hotaru: "He's the class representative. His job is to take care of his whole class. It's too bad he's so serious that he can't get a girlfriend." Hotaru: "Onii-chan!" Minagawa: "Furuya-kun! We're in the same class again." uruya: "M-Minagawa-san. Get off me." Hotaru: "Onii-chan." uruya: "Ho-Hotaru?" Minagawa: "Your sister?" uruya: "Yeah." Hotaru: "Th-Thanks for taking care of my brother." Minagawa: "My, you're so polite. Thank you." Hotaru: "I'm just being polite. Onii-chan, who is this? Is she just a classmate? Are you close? Do you have more girl friends?" uruya: "Stop it, Hotaru, that's rude." Minagawa: "You love your brother, huh?" Hotaru: "Huh? The hell are you talking about? I'm normal!" uruya: "Sorry, she's really attached to me." Minagawa: "What's wrong with that? She's adorable." Hotaru: "And what are you to my brother?" Minagawa: "What am I, huh?" uruya: "Huh?" Hotaru: "What is she?! I'm sure I'm wrong, but to be really sure, you two aren't dating, are you?" Minagawa: "No. We're just friends." Hotaru: "O-Of course. I thought so— For now." uruya: "Hotaru, you're hurting me." Minagawa: "I confessed to him, but he hasn't given me an answer yet. So not yet." Hotaru: "Onii-chan, she's trolling me. The answer's obvious, right?" uruya: "Well, um..." Hotaru: "What's wrong? Hurry up and reject her. You'll hurt her if you lead her on." uruya: "H-Hotaru..." Minagawa: "She's right, Furuya-kun. Reject me if you have to." uruya: "Well, I... It's not that I..." Hotaru: "Go, go, Onii-chan!" uruya: "It's not that I don't like you." Hotaru: "You idiot, Onii-chan! Can't you tell I'm worried for you? She's just toying with you. You'll only get hurt if you go out with her." uruya: "Hotaru... I'm not thinking of dating her or anything." Minagawa: "Have I just been rejected?" uruya: "Exactly!" Hotaru: "You don't need a girlfriend, right? You have me." uruya: "Sorry, Minagawa-san, I can't go out with you without thinking it through. I mean, if we did, we'd have to think about marriage, and finances, and then kids..." Minagawa: "You've been that serious about me?" uruya: "N-No, that's not what I meant." Hotaru: "Of course not! My brother's always serious!" Minagawa: "You're right. He really is serious. That's why I like him." Minagawa: "Maybe I'll give you some more time." uruya: "Y-Your choice." Minagawa: "You'll be rooting for me, right, Hotaru-chan?" Hotaru: "No! You can't have my brother!" Minagawa: "It's all right. I'll adore both of you together." Hotaru: "I freaking hate you!" Kaga: "There isn't really anything that I'm drawn to. I have no interests or hobbies that keep me engaged. I know that I'm a boring person. But is anyone really interested by what they say they are?" Sasahara: "Hey there." Sasahara: "You look like you'd like stars and stuff. Wanna join the astronomy club?" Kaga: "Thanks, but no thanks. I'm not interested." Sasahara: "Grab! Come on, at least hear me out. What's your name?" Kaga: "Kaga." Sasahara: "Have you chosen a club yet?" Kaga: "No." Sasahara: "Then want to join me in watching an orchestra of stars?" Sasahara: "Huh? Did I mess that up? Huh?" Kaga: "Is it any fun watching the stars?" Sasahara: "Of course it is! They're pretty!" Kaga: "Don't you get bored just watching them?" Kaga: "You do? Is there anything else interesting about it?" Sasahara: "For sure! Club members are popular. Bam!" Sasahara: "So far, 100% of its members have hooked up. Well? What do you think?" Kaga: "Liar." Kaga: "You don't really like stars that much, do you, Senpai?" Kaga: "So why are you in the astronomy club?" Sasahara: "Well, y'know, I like the vibe of it!" Kaga: "Yeah? How many other members are there?" Kaga: "Don't tell me zero." Sasahara: "Please. You aren't interested in any other clubs, right?" Kaga: "But..." Sasahara: "Let me tell you a story that'll make you like stars, then. Bam!" Sasahara: "Look over there. There's a star called Spica somewhere around there. It looks like one big star," Sasahara: "but it's actually two stars spinning around and pulling each other. Or something. Two stars help each other and become one big light." Sasahara: "Isn't that philosophical?" Kaga: "Sure." Sasahara: "Are you interested now?" Kaga: "Not really." Sasahara: "That's so weird. Is that all you've got?" Sasahara: "Mars!" Sasahara: "I had delicious takoyaki while watching Mars. My senpai, who just graduated, was, like, "Martians look like octopus, don't they?" So I made takoyaki as we watched Mars. But Senpai stared at Mars the whole time, so I scarfed them all down by myself." Kaga: "This isn't even about stars anymore." Kaga: "She must really love the astronomy club." Kaga: "I wish I could be absorbed by something, the way she is." Sasahara: "Come on, Kaga-kun!" Sasahara: "I'm sure you'll enjoy it!" Kaga: "There isn't really anything that I'm drawn to. I was sick of being such a boring person, so I'd been looking for something to like." Kaga: "Is this what I've been looking for? I don't know." Kaga: "But I felt the need to see more of this smile." Sasahara: "Okay." Goda: "Kamine sits next to me. She avoids me a lot." Goda: "Why?" Goda: "Why?" Goda: "Kamine, aren't you going home?" Kamine: "I-I will, soon." Goda: "She won't even look at me." Goda: "Did I do something wrong?" Goda: "I'll just go home." Kamine: "G-Gouda-kun!" Goda: "Wh-What's wrong?!" Kamine: "W-Well... I just lost a contact lens. So, um..." Goda: "I see. I'll take care not to step on it. Don't worry." Kamine: "I want you to help me look for it!" Goda: "All right. Let's look for it. I guess she doesn't really hate me. Do you lose your contacts often?" Kamine: "Sometimes. Like when I wipe away my sweat." Goda: "You are sweating a lot." Goda: "Kamine, is there something that you want to tell me?" Goda: "I intend to answer to your wishes to the best of my ability. So you can tell me anything." Kamine: "You must already know," Kamine: "considering what you've said." Goda: "I'm not sure what you might mean." Goda: "Did I do something?" Kamine: "Remember how you lent me your notebook when I was having a hard time seeing in class because of my eyesight?" Goda: "What about that?" Kamine: "I mean, you're so kind." Goda: "I guess that was uncalled for." Goda: "Sorry, I didn't notice." Kamine: "No, you don't need to apologize." Goda: "Let's find your contact. If I can at least find it for you..." Kamine: "Gouda-kun." Goda: "Did you find it?" Kamine: "What's your answer?" Goda: "My answer?" Kamine: "Nothing. I just wanted to tell you how I feel." Goda: "Are you asking me to own up?" Kamine: "No way. I just want to know how you feel." Goda: "All right, if that'll make you feel better." Goda: "I'm sorry. It's me, not you." Goda: "Honestly, it's not easy for me to understand how girls feel." Kamine: "No, it's fine." Goda: "I'll surely cause you more trouble if I were to be near you." Goda: "If you'll accept me nonetheless, then please." Goda: "I found your contact!" Goda: "Why are you crying?" Kamine: "Does that mean you'll go out with me?" Goda: "Go out? Of course, that was implied by what I just said." Kamine: "Thank you!" Goda: "Are you all right? Kamine?" Goda: "Am I crazy?" Kamine: "No, I'm sorry, too." Kamine: "I still haven't confessed properly, have I?" Goda: "What? If there's something you want to tell me, go ahead." Kamine: "I like you." Takano: "It wasn't supposed to rain." Sugawara: "Takano. No umbrella?" Takano: "Sugawara-kun is in my class. I've never really talked to him before." Sugawara: "Have mine." Sugawara: "I'll run." Takano: "But..." Takano: "I felt bad, so we walked home together part way." Takano: "Sorry. It must be embarrassing, walking home with a girl." Sugawara: "N-No, it's fine. Not with you." Takano: "I guess he means no one would suspect anything if it's just me. That's good." Takano: "Your shoulder's getting wet." Sugawara: "Don't worry about me." Takano: "Come closer, then." Takano: "Sorry. A little closer." Sugawara: "A-Aren't you embarrassed doing this with a guy?" Takano: "Not really. No one's looking." Sugawara: "B-But I mean, what if your crush saw you or something?" Takano: "I don't really have one." Sugawara: "Why are you grinning?" Takano: "I don't know much about dating." Sugawara: "What if someone confessed to you, then?" Takano: "No one would do that." Sugawara: "Hypothetically. What if someone confessed to you?" Takano: "I think I'd turn them down." Sugawara: "Wh-Why?" Takano: "There has to be something wrong with anyone who'd confess to me." Takano: "I'm not cute. I'm gloomy." Sugawara: "Th-That's not true. You're always helping people clean, and you take care of the pupfish. I know." Sugawara: "That's why I..." Takano: "I'm taking the bus here." Takano: "Weren't you about to say something?" Sugawara: "Oh, no, it was nothing." Takano: "Okay. See you." Takano: "Dating, huh? I don't think I can." Takano: "Sugawara-kun's really nice. I'm sure he's popular." Takano: "Huh?" Takano: "What's wrong?" Sugawara: "I was about to say something. I figured I'd finish saying it." Sugawara: "S-So, um, Takano... I-I like you." Takano: "Thanks." Takano: "You're trying to cheer me up, right?" Takano: "No?" Sugawara: "No, I..." Sugawara: "I am." Sugawara: "Well, this is my stop." Takano: "Oh? Bye." Takano: "Sugawara-kun's really nice." Takano: "Maybe I'll bake him cookies as thanks for the umbrella."

Guy: "(Where did that even come from, right?)" Girl: "I decided I'm going to confess to my crush." Girl: "I'm going to do it today. By text. "Hey, Takase, I know I'm being a wuss, but I always freak out when I try to tell you in person, so let me say it in a text. I like you."" Girl: "I can't." Guy: "It's from Kanda." Guy: "Crap, I'm nervous. "Taking a dump."" Guy: "Wait, no, she's a girl." Girl: "Crap, I'm nervous." Girl: "I gotta do things in order. "It's not a big deal," Girl: "but you seem surprisingly popular with girls. But you don't have a girlfriend. Why's that? Are you gay?"" Guy: ""I'm not popular! I'm not gay! I want a girlfriend!"" Girl: "Yes! Yes, yes, yes!" Girl: ""Oh, yeah? You want a girlfriend, huh? I want a boyfriend, too!"" Brother: "Nii-chan, can I play video games?" Mom: "Saki-chan, want some peaches?" Girl: "No thanks!" Guy: ""Why don't you find a boyfriend? Aren't you interested in anyone?"" Girl: "Actually, I do!" Guy: "She's not replying. Was that a bad thing to ask?" Girl: "Should I confess now? But by text?" Girl: "But when am I going to do it if not now?" Girl: "What if he rejects me, though? Dammit! Tell him! Tell him! Tell him!" Guy: "Wait, this conversation..." Guy: "Is it safe for me to confess? No, by text, though?" Girl: ""I'm interested in you, Takase." Girl: "Sorry to tell you like this, but I like you. Please go out with me."" Girl: "I don't care if you reject me. Just please don't hate me... I don't care if you reject me. Just please don't hate me!" Guy: "Can I tell her? But by text, though? I mean, this is going well, but..." Guy: ""Are you asleep? Passed out? About what we were saying, there's actually someone I like." Guy: "I like you, Kanda-san. Please be my girlfriend."" Girl: "That was a quick reply." Girl: "Maybe he sent me something at the same time." Girl: "Huh?" Girl: ""Are you asleep? Passed out? About what we were saying, there's actually someone I like. I'll tell you at school tomorrow. Can you wait for me after school?"" Guy: ""You know those people who confess by text? I think that's pretty shitty. Okay, good night!"" Brother: "Nii-chan, I'm going to sleep, so turn off the lights—" Brother: "Nii-chan?" Mom: "Saki-chan, I need the peach plate back." Mom: "Saki-chan, are you asleep?" Guy: "My childhood friend, Nanase, always looks grouchy." Girl: "That's just my normal face." Pink: "Good job, Kaga-kun! You found us a really cute new member!" Guy: "Nah, not really." Pink: "That's the next president for you! Shall I rub your shoulders?" Guy: "Wait, Sasahara-senpai! No, thank you!" Girl: "I'm only here because I'm interested in stars. It's not because Kaga invited me." Pink: "Oh? Really? You two seem close, I thought you were dati—" Guy: "We aren't! Nanase and I just happen to live close together. This happens as soon as I say we're childhood friends. I don't think anything of Nanase." Girl: "I don't think anything of him, either. Besides, it seems Kaga has a crush on someone else." Pink: "Really, Kaga-kun?" Guy: "O-Of course I don't!" Girl: "Are you sure? I can more-or-less tell. Want me to take a guess? Hmm?" Brown: "Sasahara, Sakamoto-sensei's calling you." Pink: "And it was just getting good. Let's come back to this later." Girl: "So it is Sasahara-senpai." Girl: "There's no way you'd be interested in stars. You're after Senpai, aren't you?" Guy: "No, dammit! It's not any of your business, either! Why do you keep asking me?" Girl: "Because I want her to reject you already." Guy: "Why? What did I do?" Girl: "You started ignoring me ever since middle school. Because people supposedly tease you." Guy: "Do you like it when people think we're weirdly attached and stuff?" Girl: "You don't like it when people think we're close, huh?" Guy: "What? Of course not." Girl: "Oh, really? You don't want people spreading rumors about us?" Guy: "What's your problem? I was doing that for your sake." Girl: "What do you mean, for my sake? You just suddenly started ignoring me." Guy: "So did you. You hated me." Girl: "You were the one who hated me first." Guy: "Who cares either way? We both hate each other." Girl: "I wouldn't go to the same school as you if I hated you!" Guy: "I have no idea what you're talking about." Girl: "Kaga, you idiot, can you still not figure it out? You don't have a problem talking to anyone else," Girl: "and yet you ignore me." Guy: "Th-That's not it!" Girl: "You were indifferent to everyone else, though, so I thought you'd never be interested in anyone." Guy: "Wait, calm down." Girl: "Why Sasahara-senpai?" Guy: "All right, sorry. It's my fault." Guy: "I wasn't thinking about how you felt." Guy: "You've been worried for me all this time, haven't you?" Guy: "Because, well..." Guy: "...we've been friends for a long time." Girl: "We've been friends for a long time? So what? You don't get it, do you?" Guy: "Huh? But..." Girl: "Do you honestly think I'd do all this for you just because we've been friends?" Guy: "B-But you just said you don't hate me." Girl: "I absolutely hate you!" Guy: "S-So you do hate me! So, what? You joined the astronomy club just to piss me off?" Pink: "I'm back. So, who's Kaga-kun's crush—" Pink: "Sorry." Girl: "I confessed to my crush, and now we're dating." Girl: "But things have been..." Girl: "...a bit awkward since then. G-Goda-kun, let's walk home together—" Guy: "Sorry, Kamine, I have club work. Maybe some other time." Girl: "Maybe we should have stayed friends. Nah, we've only just started dating. I need to be more proactive." Guy: "What is it, Kamine? You're still here?" Girl: "S-Sorry. I had stuff to do." Guy: "I'm sorry I made you wait, too." Girl: "I'm here late on days I have club work. From now on, why don't we—" Guy: "No, it's not safe to go home late." Girl: "I-It's fine. I have you, too." Guy: "Only until my bus stop." Girl: "I wonder if he didn't want to go out with me." Girl: "I wonder if I'm just making him uncomfortable." Girl: "No, Goda-kun's just a nice person. He always has been." Girl: "Did he avoid me just now? He did." Girl: "Maybe he's worried he might be sweaty from club work? Is that it? It is, right?" Girl: "He wasn't avoiding me, was he?" Guy: "Kamine, let's stop doing this." Guy: "Sorry, I should have told you sooner." Guy: "This is my first time dating anyone. I didn't know what it's supposed to be like. But I've been thinking, and this isn't good." Guy: "So I want to make this easy for you." Girl: "All right." Guy: "Sorry. I probably shouldn't tell you like this, but..." Girl: "No, thanks for telling me. Thanks for going out with me." Girl: "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Guy: "S-Sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry." Girl: "Nah. Can we go back to how things were?" Guy: "I guess. But maybe not exactly how it was." Girl: "I know. This is my fault. I'm sorry." Guy: "Why don't we try holding hands or something?" Guy: "We're in a relationship, after all." Girl: "What do you mean?" Guy: "Sorry, was it too early?" Girl: "No, weren't you about to dump me?" Guy: "Dump you? I never said anything like that." Guy: "I just meant we should stop being so tense around each other." Guy: "Was I the only one who was getting tense? Sorry, I had the wrong idea. I, well, thought it would be weird to start acting like a boyfriend as soon as we started dating. So I was trying to act like everything was how it had always been, but that's kind of cold, too. So I've been thinking about your walk home and stuff. Was that uncalled-for?" Girl: "Then why did you avoid me when I tried to get next to you?" Guy: "Well... I was sweaty from club work." Guy: "No, actually, it's because I'm shy." Girl: "I'm such an idiot. Such an idiot." Pink: "Sorry, I didn't see anything!" Guy: "No, that was Nanase..." Guy: "I'm terrible. I'm seriously terrible." Mom: "Yuki, can you take these apples to Nanase-san's place?" Guy: "No way! You go, Mom." Mom: "What's the matter with you? Did you get in a fight with Kaoru-chan?" Guy: "We didn't, but she kind of hates me." Mom: "What? I thought Kaoru-chan had a crush on you." Mom: "Wait, was this still a secret? Sorry, forget I said that." Guy: "Uh..."

Guy: "So for this problem—" Girl: "What? I still don't get it." Girl: "Akagi, why did you decide to go out with me?" Guy: "Ryoko-chan, you're calling me Ma-kun, not Akagi. Remember?" Girl: "Are we seriously doing that?" Guy: "I'm not answering your question unless you call me Ma-kun." Girl: "Ma-kun." Guy: "I couldn't hear you. Say it up close." Girl: "Ma-kun." Girl: "Seriously, we were talking about something important!" Guy: "You knew I was going to do that." Girl: "What did you even see in me anyway?!" Guy: "I wonder." Girl: "Dammit, we were in the middle of something serious!" Guy: "You knew I was going to do that." Guy: "What do I like about you? Your face, I guess." Girl: "What? So my personality doesn't matter, does it?!" Guy: "You have a cute face, though." Girl: "You don't care about what's on the inside at all?" Guy: "Well, you're cute." Girl: "Again, not the point." Guy: "You're cute, Ryoko-chan." Girl: "Dammit, shut up!" Girl: "Then what if you found someone cuter than me? Would you go for her?" Guy: "It's possible." Girl: "Die!" Guy: "Don't get upset. You've got plenty of things going for you. Like your boobs—" Girl: "Face, boobs... That's all you care about! You don't care about who I am, do you?!" Guy: "I never said that, did I?" Guy: "I think I do care about what's on the inside." Girl: "What's so good about me, then?" Guy: "Nothing." Girl: "Nothing? Not at all?" Guy: "Nope. You said it yourself. You're short-tempered and crass." Girl: "Well, sorry. Guess I'm not..." Guy: "And you're a pain in the ass when you sulk like that." Girl: "Then why don't we break up already?!" Guy: "There you go again." Guy: "Sure, you've got a lot of problems, but..." Girl: "Shut up! I don't want to hear it!" Guy: "But I still like you." Girl: "Y-You just like my boobs or some shit, right?" Guy: "I like your personality, too." Guy: "Your short temper, your crassness... I'm obsessed with you." Guy: "If you're happy, you can show it, you know." Girl: "Shut up, jeez!" Guy: "It's true, though. You're so cute, you make me want to bully you." Girl: "Then tell me you like me again." Guy: "You don't want me to tell you I love you?" Girl: "Fine, tell me you love me." Guy: ""Tell me, please."" Girl: "Tell me, please." Guy: "Call me Ma-kun." Girl: "Just hurry up and say it." Guy: "Ryoko, I love you." Girl: "Things got good with my boyfriend the other day." Girl: "But we ended up not doing anything." Guy: "Even dramas get special effects these days." Girl: "Neither of us has been able to make a move since then." Girl: "It's like we've been avoiding that kind of stuff." Girl: "I wonder why." Girl: "I wonder if he's embarrassed that he got cockblocked." Girl: "It didn't bother me, though. I wouldn't mind him being a bit more aggressive. Then again, I'd feel weird about bringing it up." Guy: "So have you seen it, Kana?" Girl: "Huh? What were we talking about again?" Guy: "The drama. We said we'd get our comedy ideas from dramas because "bang" was getting old, remember?" Girl: "Oh... Yeah... So let's try me as the detective and you as the suspect. Wait, I've never seen that show." Guy: "It's fine. I'll just go with the flow. Just follow my lead." Girl: "Honestly, I don't care about comedy ideas right now." Guy: "FBI! Hands behind your head!" Girl: "W-Wait." Guy: "Close your eyes. Don't resist arrest." Girl: "Fool! You've let your guard down!" Guy: "D-Despicable." Girl: "You too, mister." Guy: "Wait, we've broken character." Girl: "Oh, yeah." Girl: "Did he try to kiss me just now?" Guy: "Glance." Girl: "Don't tell me he's gonna do it via skit. No, no, no, you can't be serious." Guy: "All right, I'll be an alien next!" Girl: "You can't be serious!" Guy: "And you're the FBI agent this time." Girl: "U-Uh, all right, I'll try." Girl: "A-Assuming... Assuming he was trying to kiss me, this set up can only mean..." Girl: "You can't be serious! Are you for real?!" Girl: "Stay back! Stay back, or I'll shoot!" Girl: "Seriously?!" Guy: "Something like that." Guy: "Er... I don't know. This bit doesn't have a punch line. We need to come up with something." Girl: "Hey..." Girl: "Let's just go home." Guy: "Yeah." Girl: "I heard you like movies, so if you're up for it..." Guy: "I-I don't mind, but..." Girl: "Okay, see you tomorrow at the theater!" Third Wheel: "Yamane-dono!" Third Wheel: "How did the exam go?" Guy: "Motoyama-kun! What? Nothing." Third Wheel: "Let me guess, you were thinking about tomorrow." Guy: "Tomorrow?! Dunno what you're talking about..." Third Wheel: "We have plans to see a movie tomorrow, remember? I've been so excited about it, I couldn't focus on the test." Guy: "Was that tomorrow?" Third Wheel: "Don't tell me you've forgotten. We're supposed to watch Magic Shin-chan. I never miss a movie in that series." Guy: "C-Can we do that the day after tomorrow? I actually have—" Third Wheel: "It better not be a jezebel." Guy: "No." Third Wheel: "That was a joke. You? With a woman?" Guy: "O-Of course not." Third Wheel: "Such vile pigs deserve not to bask in the youth of we whom they deem gross!" Guy: "I-I know, right?! I hate girls, too. I was invited by a guy friend, actually." Third Wheel: "Oh, you have friends besides me?" Guy: "M-My friend from middle school. He texted that we should catch up—" Third Wheel: "Oh, is that the case?" Third Wheel: "Then I, Motoyama Tomomichi, shall yield to your previous engagement. We are nothing if not repulsive. Thus, the bonds of our friendships are our greatest treasure. Do kindly introduce me to your friend someday." Guy: "Motoyama-kun!" Third Wheel: "I shall watch the movie by myself." Guy: "You're such a good man, Motoyama-kun. And yet, I..." Guy: "And yet I lie just to spend time with a girl." Girl: "Okay, see you tomorrow at the theater!" Guy: "I'm worthless. I don't need a woman!" Third Wheel: "Sorry, Motoyama-kun, I'm lying!" Girl: "Wh-What?!" Guy: "I don't have another friend. My phonebook is only your number and my parents', and in fact—" Third Wheel: "Yamane-dono!" Third Wheel: "Well done, confiding in me a shameful truth. I have never had the pleasure of having a soulmate." Guy: "Motoyama-kun!" Third Wheel: "Do what you must do tomorrow, Yamane-dono. I shall not pry further, if you are inclined to hide it so." Guy: "It's fine. We're friends, I'll tell you. Although, it's just that a girl I know asked me to watch a movie with her. We actually had lunch together before, but we didn't really hit it off, so I don't know why she's inviting me again." Third Wheel: "You lied to keep a woman hidden from me?" Guy: "S-Sorry, Motoyama-kun! But I can't go with you tomorrow—" Third Wheel: "I implore you to choose her!" Third Wheel: "It warrants no mention that I despise women. I would like nothing more than to render blind those eyes with which they gaze upon me as though I am foul. Nevertheless! Just how could I possibly find fault in so pure a maiden that she would call upon as repugnant a man as Yamane-dono? I... I..." Third Wheel: "Have the two of you entered into a relationship?" Guy: "No way. It's nothing like that!" Guy: "We're really just friends. I mean, even that's presumptuous of me. I don't even know what she's thinking, really." Third Wheel: "I see, that is a platonic relationship." Guy: "Would you like to come with us? I'm sure she's going to bring her friends. If you don't mind hanging out with girls." Third Wheel: "Any friend of yours is perfectly acceptable to me." goya Curls: "A lot of people come to me for dating advice. But I've never been in a relationship." goya Curls: "Why do people ask me? I wish I—" Senpai: "Oh, what?" goya Curls: "Who are you?!" Senpai: "Sorry, but I don't care to talk to girls from above." goya Curls: "What's with this guy? Why was he in the tree?" Senpai: "Come out, little kitten." goya Curls: "Were you helping a kitten stuck in the tree?" Senpai: "Nah, I just felt like climbing the tree. So, what's on your mind?" goya Curls: "So you were listening?" Senpai: "Nah." Senpai: "You just had the same troubled look on your face as that kitty." goya Curls: "What's up with this guy, calling me a cute little kitty?" Senpai: "You don't think I'm a dating master, do you?" goya Curls: "What? N-Not really." Senpai: "Bingo." goya Curls: "Dating master? Do you think you're cool or something?" Senpai: "Of course I don't." Senpai: "There's nothing cool about a man who's made more girls cry than smile. Oh dear, I'd better stop calling myself the dating master, or the dating gods will smite me. Oh dear." goya Curls: "He's so cool!" goya Curls: "What is this feeling? I'm falling..." Senpai: "You can tell me anything. If I'm good enough for you." goya Curls: "Are you my prince?" Senpai: "Oui." goya Curls: "Then will you—" Senpai: "I can't do that, my kitten. I'm everyone's prince. Fall for me, and you'll get burnt." goya Curls: "I don't care!" Senpai: "That's just my afterimage." Senpai: "Give it up, my kitten. No one can hold me down." goya Curls: "Fine! Come on, help me like you helped that kitty! Meow!" goya Curls: "Help me, meow!" Senpai: "Silly kitten." Senpai: "Whoosh!" goya Curls: "Y-You're bleeding!" Senpai: "I'm all right. It's the spaghetti I had for lunch." goya Curls: "I'm sorry. It's all because I was being stupid." Senpai: "Being stupid? What are you talking about?" Senpai: "It's a prince's job to save a kitten in distress." goya Curls: "I love you!" Senpai: "Farewell, my kitten. Don't put yourself in danger anymore." goya Curls: "Wait... Wait, what's your name?" Senpai: "Katori Shin'ichi. Toodles."

: "When was that? And where?" : "I only remember one thing." : "Just one sound..." : "A sound like soaring. Like a ray of light flashing in the dark." Mina: "Mom, what's that "whum" sound?" Mom: "It's called "tsurune." It's the sound made by the bowstring when the arrow is released." Mina: ""Tsurune"..." Mina: "Rise!" Mina: "Begin!" Ann: "The boys' group finals will now begin." Ann: "At hall one: Kirisaki Private Middle School." Ann: "Shooting first: Narumiya." Ann: "Shooting second: Takehaya." Ann: "Shooting third: Fujiwara." Ann: "At hall two: Ishikawa Daiichi Middle School. Shooting first: Komatsu." Ann: "Shooting second..." Mina: "I forgot my towel. Um..." Mina: "Hey, Kuma!" Mina: "Well, you're in a good mood today, I see." Mina: "Good morning, sir..." Sei: "Morning, Minato." Mina: "Seiya? Why are you here?" Sei: "Dad's under the weather, so he's not up to walking. I offered to walk Kuma instead." Mina: "Best of luck." Sei: "Don't you need to dry your hair first? You don't want to be sick at your school entrance ceremony, do you?" Mina: "You'll be there too, won't you, Seiya?" Sei: "You knew about that, huh?" Mina: "Your dad told me earlier." Sei: "Too bad. I was hoping to bump into you at school and surprise you." Mina: "I'm plenty surprised already." Sei: "I'm relieved that we get to go to high school together." Sei: "Good thing I passed the exam." Mina: "You could have just gone to the affiliated high school." Mina: "Kazemai was an easy pass, right?" Sei: "Nah, I was real nervous about it." Sei: ""What am I gonna do if I fail?" I thought. We, your new arrivals, swear to spread our wings and fly as hard and far as we can towards this new sky known as Kazemai." Girl: "I heard he was the top of this class. Wow!" Boy: "Wanna join the soccer club?" Boy: "Hey, you've got a good frame!" Kai: "What's that?" Boy: "I just thought you might want to play soccer..." : "Hey, now! Don't threaten our senpai." : "Sorry, my boy here can kill with a glance." Kai: "Since when am I "your boy"?" Girls: "It's Nanao-kun! Nanao-kun!" : "Hey, there!" Mina: "What on Earth?" Sei: "Kazemai excels in both literature and athletics. It sure makes it lively." Sei: "Have you decided, Minato?" Sei: "Which club you want to join." Mina: "I don't want to j—" Hei: "I finally found you!" Mina: "Please, stop! I'm not doing any clubs!" Hei: "It's Minato and Seiya, right?" Hei: "Reunited in high school, and I'm so freakin' happy!" Sei: "Wait, are you Ryohei?" Sei: "Yamanouchi Ryohei?" Ryo: "It's been forever, huh?" Mina: "How'd you get so tall?" Ryo: "I put on thirty centimeters since I transferred!" Sei: "No wonder I didn't recognize you." Mina: "That was our fifth year of elementary. Has it really been over four years?" Ryo: "Actually, in my second year of middle school—" Tom: "There is no greater delight than a friend" Tom: "who visits from afar." Ryo: "Tommy-sensei!" Min: ""Tommy"?" Hei: "This is my homeroom teacher, Morioka Tomio-sensei. We call him Tommy!" Tom: "I'm a first-year at Kazemai, too, in my own way. A pleasure. You're Takehaya Seiya-kun? Yes." Tom: "Narumiya Minato-kun, yes? Yes." Tom: "The truth is, I'm working on an important mission. In order to complete that mission," Tom: "I require the aid of some hip young folks." Sei: ""Hip young folks?" A mission? What is it?!" Tom: "I mustn't speak of it here. Would you come along with me?" Sei: "What should we do?" Mina: "How should I know?" Ryo: "Let's go!" Min: "Wha— Hey! Why?" Ryu: "C'mon, it sounds fun!" Sei: "I remember that energy, at least..." Tom: "My mission involves resurrection. Bringing the dead back to life." Ryo: "You mean like CPR? Or like reincarnation? Or zombies?!" Tom: "Close, but not quite." Tom: "There." Tom: "Step on in." Ryo: "Sure!" Ryo: "Wow!" Tom: "We have this wonderful shooting range, and yet the kyudo club hasn't had members in quite some time. Thus, the principal has entrusted me with the mission of reviving the Kazemai High School Kyudo Club." Ryo: "Hell yeah! My middle school required a martial art, so I was in kyudo since the last term of my second year there!" Sei: "You were? Yeah! I'd been hoping to keep it up in high school, too!" Sei: "Tommy-sensei!" Sei: "These two... Minato and Seiya are freakin' awesome at kyudo!" Tom: "Oh, they're veterans?" Ryo: "Yeah! They've been in the kyudo club since middle school!" Mina: "How did you..." Tom: "What luck, finding three veterans at once!" Min: "But..." Tom: "We have some girls who expressed interest in joining as well, which means I'm practically in the clear!" Mina: "Wait a minute!" Mina: "I wasn't planning to join a club." Tom: "Why is that?" Min: "Ever since my mother died, I've been handling most of the housework." Tom: "Gracious me..." Ryo: "Your mom passed? I'm sorry! I never heard!" Min: "It was the summer of our sixth year. It's okay." Tom: "I see." Tom: "It's a shame, but I won't force you." Tom: "How about you two?" Ryo: "I'll do it! It really stinks that Minato won't join, but I wanna do kyudo!" Tom: "How about you, Takehaya-kun?" Sei: "I'd love to join." Tom: "I'm delighted to hear that. Narumiya-kun, if you change your mind, feel free to come by and watch. We'll be glad to have you any time." Mina: "Yes, sir." Sei: "Minato." Sei: "Are you sure?" Mina: "I don't do kyudo anymore." Sei: "I know that you still carry your treasure around." Mina: "What's the matter, Kuma?" Mina: "Your master's gonna be late. Forget him." Mina: "I'm okay." Mom: "Minato-kun, welcome home!" Min: "Oh, hello..." Mom: "Seiya's not with you?" Min: "He had some things to take care of, I think." Mom: "I see." Mom: "You're the only ones going from Kirisaki to Kazemai, right?" Mom: "Take care of each other, okay?" Min: "Yes, ma'am." Min: "I'm home." Hiro: "Ko-chan, what club are you gonna join?" Ko: "Basketball. You, Hiro? Soccer! I'm joining the drawing club!" Ko: "There's no way!" Teach: "You'll have your physicals next Tuesday, so be sure to read the print-out in advance. As for your club forms," Teach: "be sure to turn those in next week." All: "Okay!" Girl: "It's safe to assume we've both applied to the club, right?" Sei: "Yeah. That's fine. For today's briefing, we were hoping" Sei: "to demonstrate for inexperienced club hopefuls... Let's go, Takehaya." Sei: "Sorry." Ryo: "Darn you, Minato!" Ryo: "Why didn't you tell me you'd be going out the back gate?" Ryo: "I was staking out the front gate this whole time!" Min: "Ryohei..." Ryo: "Come on, just one favor!" Min: "I can't." Ryo: "Sure you can! Let's go to the kyudo club briefing!" Min: "No way." Ryo: "The Minato I know would never say that! When I was near tears 'cause I couldn't eat the pineapple in my sweet and sour pork, you're the one who ate it for me!" Min: "That was ages ago!" Ryo: "Please, Minato! There's all these weird girls there, and I'm getting cold feet!" Min: "Weird girls?" Girl: "Merha!" Girls: "Merha!" Girls: "Is Nanao-kun here yet? He's still getting ready." Ryo: "Bail me out here! Minato, you're my hero!" Min: "Stop talking like a little kid. We're in high school now." Ryo: "What's the problem?" Ryo: "What's different now?" Hana: "The targets are in place!" Tom: "Preparations complete, and smooth sailing ahead." Tom: "Oh, I have one more bit of good news." Tom: "Two more veterans are coming to join us." Sei: "I see." Tom: "Yes, and it looks like all the targets are in place." Sei: "Sensei." Sei: "Your mission to revive the kyudo club..." Sei: "I intend to make it a success." Tom: "I'll be counting on you!" Ryo: "In the summer of my second year of middle school, I saw you doing kyudo. You looked so freakin' cool, I was freakin' inspired!" Ryo: "That's why I started up kyudo in middle school." Ryo: "But classes were just once a week, so I barely know the basics. When I got to high school and learned I'd be here with you and Seiya, I thought, "This is awesome!" We have to do it!" Ryo: "It's like we're being told to do it!" Ryo: "If you're busy with housework, I'll help out with that!" Ryo: "I'll carry your bags, too!" Min: "Hey, it's okay..." Ryo: "Come on. Please." Min: "Only to watch." Ryo: "Hell yeah!" Min: "Give that back!" Man: "Have you ever done kyudo before?" Man: "No. But it seems pretty easy, you know?" Girl: "I watch them do kyudo on TV around New Year's. Hakama are so cool! Yeah!" Girl: "Whoa, kyudo girls are pretty hot." Girl: "Is it the hakama boost? You think we'd get that boost, too? That's the plan!" Girl: "Merha! Merha!" Girl: "What took you so long?" : "Sorry, a teacher needed my help." Kai: "Shut your damned mouths in the sacred kyudo hall." : "Up goes the Kacchan barrier!" Girl: "Who's that? Nanao-kun's cousin, I hear. But I can't have you scaring the girls." Kai: "Stop calling me "Kacchan."" : "You're Kacchan, though!" : "I can't start calling you something else now." Kai: "I have to go to the same high school as you, and be in the same club at that... This blows." : "Why not join the soccer club then, Kacchan?" Kai: "I'm serious about archery." : "Merha!" : "I didn't start doing kyudo just because I want to wear hakama." : "But my hakama beauty is more than skin deep!" Hana: "You guys are our veterans, right?" Hana: "Could you come over here?" : "Okay!" Kai: "Who are all of you?" Tom: "They're the Kazemai High School kyudo club's female members." Tom: "Seo Rika-san. Shiragiku Noa-san. Hanazawa Yuna-san. Nice to meet you!" Tom: "There's no gender segregation in kyudo. Please get along. Okay." Sei: "A pleasure." Sei: "I'm Takehaya Seiya." : "I'm Kisaragi Nanao, and Mr. Scary-Face here is Onogi Kaito!" Kai: "I don't have a scary face." : "You can just call us Nanao and Kacchan!" Kai: "No, they can't!" Kai: "Have I met you somewhere before?" Sei: "The entrance ceremony, perhaps?" Ryo: "I'm here!" Sei: "Good job, Ryohei!" Tom: "I see our kyudo club briefing has drawn quite a crowd. Thank you all." Tom: "Feel free to relax your seating posture a bit." Tom: "First, let me make a request. Kyudo is a martial art." Tom: "That means I want spirited responses!" All: "Yes, sir!" Tom: "Now, what's the minimum number of tools required by kyudo, do you think?" Tom: "Bow and arrow? Sorry, there's one more. The yugake!" Tom: "It's like a glove. Let's begin with a demonstration of the art by one of our veterans." Tom: "You there. Narumiya Minato-kun. Would you fire one for us?" Sei: "Good!" Sei: "That's not what we scheduled..." Mom: "I can't." Min: "I'm not a member of the club." Tom: "Most people here aren't." Min: "But Seiya or Ryohei could..." Tom: "I hear you've got one heck of a shooting form." Tom: "Won't you let us see it, just once?" Tom: "You'd all like to see Narumiya-kun shoot, don't you?" Kai: "Um... I..." Kai: "Hey. What's your draw weight?" Min: "Fifteen... W-Wait a minute! I never agreed to do this..." Kai: "No one cares if you suck or not." Min: "It's not about that..." Kai: "Your name got called, so quit squirming and just do it." Kai: "Don't you have the slightest shred of pride as an archer?" Kai: "Mine are a little long for you, I guess." Tom: "That's how you measure your proper arrow length." Sei: "You can borrow my gym uniform." : "Narumiya Minato, was it? What's your hand size?" Min: "Did you tell Morioka-sensei?" Sei: "About what?" Min: "That I... carry it with me." Sei: "No." : "Hey, what glove do you want?" Min: "I don't need one." Tom: "Okay, all ready? In kyudo, there's a process to drawing the bow." Tom: "First, you bow. Then you take sliding steps to your designated spot." Min: "It's okay." Min: "I'm okay now." Min: "I know I'm okay." Tom: "Stand up straight." Tom: "Gauge your stance." Tom: "Look at the target." Tom: "Get ready." Min: "It's not going to be like last time." Tom: "Then draw the arrow back slowly." : "Too soon!" Han: "He released it too soon." All: "He missed!" Tom: "I'm sure he's nervous about being watched. Now, one more time." Min: "I'm not any better." Tom: "In kyudo, you'll shoot either two or four arrows in one set." Min: "I've never been better." Min: "This whole time... I've still..." Kai: "Hey, what the hell was that? At least take it seriously." Min: "I told you, I can't do this." Kai: "I'm not talking about that!" Kai: "That half-assed shot..." Kai: "Don't you have any pride as an archer?!" Kai: "I'm not an archer anymore!" Kai: "Hey, wait!" Ryo: "Minato... do you not feel good, or something?" Ryo: "Minato!" Tom: "Takehaya-kun, does he have..." Sei: "Target panic." Man: "What's the big deal? He just has to hold it. He does it because he thinks he'll hit, right? Narumiya's finished as an archer, I guess. He was on such a roll, too. Poor guy." Min: "I'm sorry." Min: "I'm sorry." Sei: "It's okay, Minato." Min: "What a..." Min: "What a beautiful draw..." Min: "Ow!" Min: "An owl?"

Min: "I'm not here for a walk. We're going to school." Mom: "Oh, Minato-kun! Didn't Seiya tell you? He's staying home today. He came home soaking wet yesterday, and this morning he said his head hurt." Min: "Okay. Tell him to take care." Mom: "Have a good day!" Sei: "What am I doing?" Teach: "Narumiya." Teach: "Can you bring Takehaya today's handouts?" Min: "Sure." Teach: "How are you liking Kazemai? Used to it yet?" Min: "Yes." Teach: "I see. You're the only two who came here from Kirisaki, so I was a bit curious." Teach: "Sorry. As long as things are okay, that's what matters." Teach: "See you." Min: "Right..." Kai: "I heard Takehaya stayed home today." Min: "Yeah, he said he wasn't feeling well." Kai: "I always figured he was hardier than he looked." Min: "I think he really wasn't feeling well." Kai: "What do you mean, you think? Something wrong after all?" Min: ""After all"?" Min: "While you were out yesterday, he was acting pretty weird." Min: "Extra pissy, snapping at Masa-san... I guess it wasn't just yesterday, but since the prelims in general that he's been weird." Min: "You don't know anything about it? Sorry." Kai: "And you call yourselves besties?" Min: "Well, I think we are, but..." Kai: "Fine, whatever." Kai: "If Takehaya's off at the tournament, we're all in trouble." Kai: "We can't win without him. We need to do formal movement practice, too," Kai: "which we can't do without all five of us. Do something, already." Min: "Sure." Kai: "I'm countin' on you, Narumiya." Min: "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry, Seiya!" Sei: "It's okay." Min: "I kinda begged to join the practice myself," Min: "and the teacher said it was okay, so..." Min: "I thought it'd be okay for you to join, too..." Sei: "It's okay. What can you do?" Min: "It would've been fun to do it with you, though..." Sei: "Don't worry. Kirisaki has a kyudo club, too." Sei: "If I get in, I'll do my best." Min: "Okay." Sei: "You do your best for now too, Minato. Then, when we get into middle school, you can teach me." Min: "Me? Teach you?" Sei: "Yeah. Of course, I'll work hard if I get into the club, but..." Min: "Okay! I might get to hold a real bow soon!" Min: "Then I'll get even better!" Sei: "I'll wait." Kai: "Quit messing around, you guys." : "You think we have time to mess around?" Min: "Everyone has off days." Kai: "Sheesh! I'm relying on you people..." Kai: "Damn." Ryo: "Kaito, your arrow tip's drooping again." Kai: "What was that?" Ryo: "I mean, i-it looked like that... I guess?" : "Don't second-guess yourself. It was." : "Right, Minato?" Min: "You are a little tense." Kai: "You guys really have time to be ridin' my ass?!" : "You did it first." Shira: "They were getting along so well before..." Hana: "Who can understand boys?" Seo: "I guess they need both Narumiya and Takehaya to function..." Shira: "Coach." Shira: "Coach Takigawa. Could you please do something about the boys?" Taki: "Huh?" Hana: "Don't space out on us. Look!" Taki: "Whoops." Taki: "Hey, now. Why are you locking horns like rhino beetles put in the same cage?" Shira: "Rhino beetles?" Taki: "Looks like I'll have to use my secret weapon." Seo: "What's that?" Taki: "On the day before the festival, our shrine gives out talismans. I hear they're quite effective." Taki: "You should all come and get one." Seo: "What do you mean by "you hear"?" Taki: "It's kind of a faith-based thing, you know? It helps those who believe in it." Shira: "So it comes down to the owner's mindset?" Taki: "Yep." Taki: "Of course, we only hand them out that day. They're talismans for those in the know. Extremely rare." Kai: "We'll—" : "Really? We'll come!" Kai: "What, it's up to you now?" : "Is that bad? You're not going, Kacchan?" Kai: "Of course I am!" Taki: "Minato, could you tell Seiya, too?" Min: "Sure." Taki: "Thank you." Ryo: "I hope Seiya's feeling better." Min: "Yeah." Kai: "Let's meet up at the shrine on the day of." : "No being late, okay?" Kai: "You're the most likely culprit there." Tom: "Oh, Takigawa-kun. Good to see you." Tom: "Sorry to leave you in charge all day." Taki: "Morioka-sensei, I'm the one who should apologize. Staying so late... I'll head home soon." Tom: "After the students go home, having the kyudo hall to oneself— or rather, to ourselves—is one of the privileges of adulthood." Tom: "Adulthood, eh?" Tom: "When I was a kid, all the grown-ups really looked like adults. But now that I've reached that age myself, I feel like I'm constantly outmatched, always struggling. Like I'm just presenting a façade of adulthood." Tom: "I think everyone feels the same way. I'm the same way, myself." Taki: "Are you, Sensei?" Tom: "Yasaka 8-dan, Saionji 7-dan, Osone 7-dan... When their generation was in its prime," Tom: "I never thought I'd reach their level." Masa: "I don't know what my grandfather's level was." Masa: "I just..." Masa: "Suddenly, I was doing things I hated having done to me." Masa: "Even though I swore I'd never act that way." Masa: "I wonder why..." Tom: "Takigawa-kun, you're a fine coach." Masa: ""Are you doing kyudo out of love for it?"" Masa: "I was asked that once." Masa: "But it wasn't really a question. It forbid any response but, "Yes." From it, I knew both the questioner's arrogance, and the pressure of the limitations it put on the one answering." Masa: "And yet, I asked that same question." Tom: "Takigawa-kun, you loved your teacher more than you can bear. Obsession, adoration, and admiration can be quite similar things." Masa: "I..." Tom: "So, what did the young Takigawa think up in response to that question?" Masa: "I don't know." Masa: "I felt like anything I said would be wrong." Tom: "But you did think about it, didn't you?" Masa: "Yes." Tom: "That's good enough." Sei: "I'll go if I feel up to it." Min: "You're still feeling unwell?" Sei: "A little. Sorry." Min: "Okay." Min: "You tell him too, Kuma." Kai: "How's our president doing?" Min: "He said he'd come if he feels up to it." Kai: "What in the world..." : "Now there's a response that would need a lot of thought if it came from a girl." Ryo: "What do you mean?" : "Sometimes she's letting you down easy because you're on the rocks. Sometimes it means, "Try harder to invite me! Make a fuss!"" Ryo: "That's so annoying! Really? I think it's cute!" Kai: "So, which one is our president doing?" Min: "Um, well, Seiya's a guy..." Kai: "But he's annoying in the same way." Ryo: "Maybe we all should've gone to invite him together." Kai: "What, like stand in a line and shout "Seiya-kun!" at him? Yeah, right." Min: "Oh, I think it's starting soon." : "Really? Uh-oh!" Ryo: "Over there!" Kai: "Looks like we made it in time." Ryo: "I wish Seiya could have seen this." Min: "Yeah..." Moto: "But I'm impressed that you know about this." Sa: "I was looking for a present for Noririn, and I thought a talisman would be cool." Sen: "Figures, it's Noririn." Man: "It's hard to know what to get an idol, right?" Sa: "You children can't comprehend the purity of my love for Noririn." Momo: "Huh?" Momo: "They're doing something..." Momo: "Hey, isn't that Kazemai's..." Moto: "What's this about Kazemai?" Momo: "That priest is Kazemai's coach." Sei: "What is it, Kuma?" Sen: "My, my! If it isn't Kazemai, the team that squeaked through the prelims!" Man: "What're you doing here? Praying for luck?" Moto: "Both of you, be quiet." Sen: "C'mon, Prez, we're just saying hi!" Man: "That's right! What do you say during a miraculous encounter like this? "At last, we meet again"?" Yu: "That's when you're taking revenge." Man: "Silly me! Revenge would imply they'd hurt us somehow." Sen: "And they haven't. Not at all. They're barely on our radar." Kai: "Like you're not here to pray for luck, too!" Sen: "Oh, hardly. We don't need that stuff." Man: "You really think some talisman is gonna help Kazemai? With your target panic guy and your buckling under pressure guy..." Sen: "Maybe someone will develop target panic again." Min: "With how fast you shoot, it might be you." Sen: "What was that? Was that a dig?" Man: "Pretty sneaky of you." Min: "I didn't mean it that way. If you don't hold your draw properly, you'll gradually lose track of your firing form." Sen: "Concern-trolling now, huh?" Kai: "You're the ones who started this crap!" : "Hey, is that Noririn?" Sa: "You've heard of her? You must be hardcore!" : "No, I don't know much, but that's the T-shirt from her tour two years ago, right?" Sa: "That's right! With Noririn's tear-jerking solo performance! Boy, I can't believe there's a chevalier at Kazemai, too!" Ryo: "What's a chevalier?" Moto: "Another name for a fan." : "That was Noririn's solo concert, right?" Sa: "Well, the other four did solo concerts too, but..." Shu: "Seiya's not here?" Min: "No." Shu: "Sorry to hear it." Shu: "But it's to be expected." Shu: "He can't be with you all the time. You knew you'd have to break away sometime." Min: "What does that mean?" Shu: "Seiya didn't mention it?" Min: "Mention what?" Shu: "I told Seiya that he was just practicing archery because of his obsession with you." Shu: "That's not good for him, and not good for you, either." Min: ""Not good"?" Shu: "Archery is something you do alone," Shu: "not for someone else." Min: "I..." : "Hey, they're about to hand out the talismans!" Shu: "Minato, you'll understand soon enough." Sei: "Kuma... don't go that way. That's..." Sei: "Why?" Min: "I just feel like it doesn't matter anymore." Sei: "It does matter." Sei: "We're going to Kirisaki together to do archery!" Sei: "No matter what!" Min: "Seiya, you've never even done archery before." Sei: "I'm going to start." Sei: "That's why you have to do archery, Minato!" : "Looks normal." Kai: "What did you think it would look like?" : "I dunno, I thought it might fill me with power or something." Ryo: "Like, burst with light or something?" Kai: "You're all so stupid." Kai: "Narumiya." Kai: "You take it." Min: "Are you sure?" Kai: "Yeah, I'm sure." Kai: "I'm telling you to take it to the prez." Min: "Oh..." : "Okay, then let's channel our energy into it!" : "One, two..." All: "Go!" : "Join in, Kacchan." Kai: "Win that match! Hit that target! Kaichu for all!" All: "For all!" Shu: "Who are you?" Sei: "Takehaya Seiya." Min: "Shu, I..." Min: "I'm sorry I never called." Shu: "You're still doing archery?" Min: "Yeah." Min: "Because Seiya said I should." Shu: "I'm sure Saionji-sensei will be relieved." : "I really do want to shoot." : "Welcome to the Kazemai Kyudo Club. We're happy to have you back, Minato." Min: "Seiya!" Min: "What are you doing all the way out here, Seiya?" Min: "You feel a little hot. Let's go home. Oh, I know." Min: "A talisman. It's for you." Min: "It's charged with everyone's energy." Sei: "No." Sei: "I don't need it." Sei: "I'm not worthy of it." Min: "What do you mean, not worthy? Of course you are." Min: "You're the president of Kazemai's club." Sei: "You don't need me anymore." Sei: "I can't do anything more for you!" Sei: "So..." : "Because you don't love archery." : "Do you love kyudo?" Sei: "So..." Sei: "I'm not..." Min: "You're not doing archery anymore?" Min: "But you're wrong." Min: "You're going to shoot." Min: "From now on. With me." Sei: "You're fine without me now, Minato." Min: "You don't get to decide that!" Min: "It's not about whether I need you or not!" Min: "I want to shoot with you!" Min: "If that's your decision, then it's fine." Min: "But in that case, I'll be the one waiting this time. When Mom died, when I got target panic," Min: "it was because you waited for me that I was able to come back. So this time, it's my turn." Min: "I'll wait." Sei: "That's not fair, Minato." Sei: "I can't exactly leave you waiting now, can I?" Min: "Yeah." Min: "Seiya?" Sei: "Let me rest for just a minute." Min: "Sure." Masa: "Hi there." All: "Hello!" Masa: "You're feeling better?" Sei: "Yes, thank you." Masa: "I'm sorry about before." Masa: "I... I shouldn't have asked you that." Sei: "I don't know if I love kyudo or not yet."

All: "Yes!" All: "Yes!" All: "Yes!" All: "Yes!" Ann: "The result: Matsuyuki High School, 14 hits. Kazemai High School, 16 hits." Ann: "Kazemai High School advances to the finals." Ann: "Rise!" Kai: "Yes!" Ryo: "The finals? This is so cool..." Sei: "Stop hanging off me, Ryohei." Tom: "Splendidly done. Splendid." Kai: "Thank you very much!" Hana: "You guys! I can't believe you're in the finals!" Shira: "I never thought you'd get this far!" Seo: "It's very impressive." ka: "It's Masaki's headbands that did it, I bet." Min: "Should we shoot Ren-san a message?" : "Nice joke." Min: "I wasn't trying to make a joke." Min: "I thought if we told Ren-san, he'd let Masa-san know." Sen: "They sure hype themselves up." Sen: "Talk about small-timers, huh?" Man: "Yeah, it's sad more than anything." Guy: "Sen'ichi-kun. Manji-kun. It's time." Both: "Fine!" Guy: "Hey, Fujiwara. There are former members of our club at Kazemai, aren't there?" uji: "Two of them, yes." Guy: "You think you can beat them?" uji: "I don't know. I never think in terms of winning and losing." Guy: "Are you kidding me?! Don't get mad. Let's just leave it to Fujiwara. Right?" Sei: "I'll give it my best." Ann: "We will now hold the second match of the boys' semifinals. At hall one: Wakura High School. Shooting first: Nomiya. Shooting second: Murata." Sai: "Minato? What's wrong with you today? All of your focus is on your draw hand." Sai: "You really must push with your bow hand as well." Min: "Yes, ma'am." uji: "Saionji-sensei, Minato hurt the base of his thumb." Min: "I'm fine! I can still practice! It doesn't hurt!" Sai: "You needn't rush these things." Sai: "It would be far worse for you to learn bad form due to impatience." Min: "Yes, ma'am..." Sai: "I'm impressed that you noticed it, Shu. Thank you for telling me." uji: "I want Minato to do well, too." uji: "Sure." uji: "I'll be back at the usual time." uji: "What is it?" Min: "Nothing." Min: "I just wanted to see you before I went home." Min: "Okay, Shu! See you later!" All: "Yes!" Sei: "Curious?" Min: "Yes. He has a beautiful form." Sei: "True. But..." Sei: "I like yours better." Sei: "No particular reason. I just think it's nice." Min: "Thank you." All: "Yes!" : "I want to reach greater heights." : "You need to take responsibility for that." Min: "Responsibility?" Min: "After you've "given it all you've got," what comes next?" Min: "What comes after the results you get for giving 100%?" Sei: "I..." Ann: "The results: Wakura High School, 13 hits. Kirisaki High School, 18 hits. Kirisaki High School advances to the finals." : "Are you kidding?" Ann: "Rise!" Kai: "What is it?" : "Um..." Ann: "Bow!" : "Oh, there he is!" : "Ren-san!" ka: "Was Masaki okay with you coming here?" Hana: "Seriously! Shouldn't you be looking after him?" Ren: "He said he'd be fine, and that he wanted me to take pictures of the match." ka: "Kazemai already beat Matsuyuki and advanced to the finals." Ren: "Are you kidding? And I didn't get one shot! Masaki's gonna be so mad!" Ren: "Well, it's all down to the win. Well? Think they'll pull it off?" Shira: "You make it sound so easy!" Hana: "They're facing Kirisaki, you know." Ren: "You're supposed to say, "You bet they will!" Even if it's a lie." Shira: "Even if it's a lie?" Seo: "No, the boys are firing well today. Their expressions, too..." Shira: "Their expressions?" Sen: "There you are." Sen: "What's wrong?" Man: "Nothing." Sen: "You think we'll totally crush 'em in the finals? We need to make it clear" Sen: "they're not worthy to stand in our presence." Man: "Shut up already, Sen-nii." Man: "Don't you ever get tired of trashing people?" Ryo: "Having Ren-san here has me so nervous all of a sudden!" Kai: "Why?" Ryo: "I don't want him to get a picture of me screwing up." Sei: "Try not to be so self-conscious about it." Kai: "For the love of... You're way too self-conscious." : "You're the one who tied his hakama wrong, Kacchan." : "Just kidding!" Kai: "Nanao!" Sei: "Try not to waste your energy before the match." Man: "So annoying." Sen: "Yeah, they're really riding high, huh? But that's when it's easiest to sabotage yourself." Sen: "Maybe someone'll wind up with target panic again." Ryo: "My headband!" Man: "Hey! What are you doing?" Ryo: "S-Sorry..." Man: "You could have damaged my bow!" Ryo: "I said I'm sorry!" Sei: "I'm sorry. Would you like a member of the staff to look at it?" Sen: "Hey, he didn't even apologize!" Moto: "Knock it off, you two. C'mon!" Man: "Why?" Sen: "He's the one who started it!" Moto: "I'm very sorry about them." Moto: "I understand that you want to win." Moto: "But you have to calm down." Man: "I'm perfectly calm." Moto: "This will be the final tournament for Sase and I." Sase: "I want Kirisaki's chosen members to give a performance we can be proud of." Sase: "And I want Noririn to be proud of us, too!" Sase: "Even if I can never tell her face-to-face!" Moto: "Well, you heard him." uji: "Are you still chasing Minato?" Sei: "I'm not chasing him anymore." Sei: "I'm doing this with him." uji: "With him, eh?" Sei: "Yes." Sei: "I've stopped both leading him, and waiting for him to wait for me." Sei: "We walk side-by-side." uji: "I'm thrilled to get to shoot against you again." Min: "So am I." Min: "The thought of challenging you guys with my team makes me so happy I could cry." uji: "I look forward to it." Staff: "It's time. Both teams, enter your halls." Staff: "Rise." ka: "I see. So he managed to meet with Osone-sensei?" ka: "But that's not the reason he got into the accident, was it?" Ren: "Masaki's not that kind of guy. It's just—" Sai: "I'm so glad I'm in time." ka: "Saionji-sensei!" Sai: "My, my, Nakazaki-san. How unexpected." ka: "That's my line! What are you doing at a children's tournament?" Sai: "Well, my students are participating. Why wouldn't I be here?" ka: "Students?" Ann: "Rise!" Ann: "Begin! The boys' group finals will now begin." Ann: "At hall one: Kazemai High School." Ann: "Shooting first: Onogi." Ann: "Shooting second: Yamanouchi. Shooting third: Takehaya. Shooting fourth: Kisaragi. Shooting fifth: Narumiya." Ann: "At hall two: Kirisaki High School. Shooting first: Motomura." Ann: "Shooting second: Sugawara Sen'ichi." Ann: "Shooting third: Sugawara Manji." Ann: "Shooting fourth: Sase." Ann: "Shooting fifth: Fujiwara." All: "Yes!" All: "Yes!" All: "Yes!" All: "Yes! Yes!" All: "Yes!" All: "Yes!" Hana: "All ten of them hit the target!" Ren: "Is that amazing? It is, right?" Girls: "Yes, it is!" Min: "How strange." Min: "It's like the rain's stopped, and I can see so clearly..." Min: "Not just myself..." Min: "I know everyone here." Min: "Kaito is taking his footing." Min: "He's surprisingly sensitive." Min: "He can't move on to the next motion until everything feels just right to him." Min: "Ryohei's at his best when he pours his heart into it." Min: "He's perfectly focused on the target." Min: "Seiya..." Min: "He takes every gesture with perfect ease. Like a vertical line drawn with a brush," Min: "no motion wasted." Min: "Nanao." Min: "So supple and easygoing." Min: "Not a trace of tension anywhere." All: "Yes!" All: "Yes!" ka: "Hey, what's going on here? This is incredible!" All: "Yes!" Min: "Kaito starts us off." All: "Yes!" Min: "He shows us the way, and we follow his lead." All: "Yes!" : "A miss at last." : "Everyone was hitting before that." Guy: "He missed? Hey, did he just..." Min: "Ryohei inherits confidence from Kaito and illuminates the way." ka: "Oops! Did that throw him off?" Seo: "It's okay. He'll hit the next one." Min: "With his cool head, Seiya holds up the center." All: "Yes!" All: "Yes!" Min: "Nanao revs things up again in preparation for the ochi." All: "Yes!" Min: "And then I..." Min: "I..." All: "Yes!" Sai: "How unusual, to see Shu so worked up..." All: "Yes!" All: "Yes!" All: "Yes!" ka: "Poor kid. At a level where you need 17 or 18 hits to win, the pressure becomes intense." All: "Yes!" Hana: "I can't watch!" Seo: "It's going to come down to the two ochi." Shira: "But Kirisaki has the unstoppable Fujiwara Shu, and Narumiya-kun still gets target panic..." Sai: "My dears. Things may not turn out as you expect. You see, Minato is looking at the target, but Shu is not." Min: "It's okay." Min: "I won't waver anymore." Min: "If I miss, the others will hit. If someone else misses, then I'll hit." Min: "That's why doing this with them means something." Min: "I have a reason to be here." Masa: "Minato... do you understand?" Masa: "Everyone here is watching you shoot." Masa: "Ah..." Masa: "What a beautiful draw..." All: "Yes!" Min: "I finally see why Masa-san told me to go back that day." Min: "Archery should be done with a team." Min: "He was telling me I needed this place." All: "We did it!" Kai: "Get off, Nanao!" Sei: "Kaito, why so bashful?" Kai: "I ain't bashful!" Ryo: "Minato, you were incredible! That last shot..." : "What went through your mind in that moment, Sensei?" Kai: "I thought... "Yeah, that's my boy."" : "What was that? Couldn't hear you!" Sei: "You should bellow it out, like you usually do." Min: "But now my hands are shaking!" Sei: "Congratulations." Min: "You too, Seiya." Ryo: "Yeah!" : "Join in, Kacchan!" Kai: "Yeah, whatever." Masa: "Congratulations." Ren: "Shouldn't you be in the hospital?" Masa: "I slipped out." ka: "Hey now..." Masa: "They really did it, didn't they?" Girls: "Congratulations, everyone!" Tom: "Takigawa-kun, I admit that I do have one regret." Girls: "I was so moved by your shots! My heart was racing!" Tom: "That I forced Narumiya-kun to shoot during the club briefing." Tom: "One must never stop thinking and reflecting." Tom: "I still have a long way to go on my path to guide and teach others." Masa: "Indeed." Guy: "Don't cry!" Guy: "Kirisaki's archers hold their heads high! Where'd all that attitude go?" Man: "I'm not crying!" Guy: "Yeah, there it is." Min: "Shu... I shot my way." Min: "Though it's not the way you shoot..." Ryo: "Minato? What's wrong?" Min: "Nothing." Min: "For now, that's all I need." Masa: "The wind was so strong," Masa: "and the gulls were so loud. It was hard to enjoy as a journey." Min: "At Osone-san's place, you mean?" Masa: "I told him that, and he said my grandfather said the same thing." Masa: "Apparently he'd shot at Osone-san's dojo a few times." Min: "How'd your nosha go?" Masa: "Smoothly. Although... it's a strange thing, but I felt my grandfather's presence more strongly when I shot there, compared to here. It felt strange, like he was watching me the entire time." Min: "You think he was worried about you?" Masa: "Don't be stupid." Masa: "I still hit the target." Masa: "I was told I looked like my grandfather." Masa: "In the way I shot..." Masa: "Even though I hated and resented him as a teacher." Yasa: "Let him shoot here some day." Yasa: "He's going to become a good archer." Masa: "He was just flattering himself. What good does it do to tell me that now?" Min: "Do you love archery, Masa-san?" Masa: "Yes... though I took a few detours getting there." Min: "But... I want to believe you couldn't have done it any other way. That everything in the world, even up to my target panic, happens for a reason!" Masa: "Minato, that was very poetic." Min: "Well... it's true." Masa: "Happens for a reason, eh?" Masa: "In that case, I'm taking back the last of my 10,000 shots."

Tom: "Midterms will be starting next week. Your everyday classes are important, but I hope you'll put a teeny bit of extra effort into your studies for this." Ryo: "Okay!" : "I appreciate the invitation, but my tournament's around then." : "I know! Can't you all come to cheer for me?" Ryo: "Nanao! Merha!" : "Merha!" : "Well, I'll be in touch!" : "Ryohei, nice assist there." Ryo: "Whaddya mean?" : "Boy, am I exhausted." Ryo: "With what?" : "The girls! I'm pretty fired up about kyudo right now, but they won't cut me any slack." Ryo: "Whoa, is that a brag?" Ryo: "Hey, it's Minato and Seiya. Hey!" Kai: "Masa-san." Kai: "There's something I want you to help me with." Masa: "Oh? What is it?" Kai: "Well, I—" All: "Hello!" Ryo: "What? Are we not welcome?" Kai: "Shut up!" : "Kacchan, we're sorry." Kai: "About what?!" Girls: "Hello!" Masa: "Hey, you're all early today. What's up?" Sei: "It's the last club day. Clubs shut down for one week for test preparation." Masa: "Oh!" Masa: "That's right, that does happen..." Masa: "That was so long ago." Ryo: "Masa-san, you sound like an old man sometimes." Masa: "Sorry, I was closest to my grandpa." All: "Oh?" Masa: "Well, then let's put you through your paces today to make up for that lost week." All: "Yes, sir!" Masa: "Be gentle with the bow. Don't grasp it so hard." Ryo: "Gotcha!" Ryo: "Damn. I missed again..." Masa: "Your shoulders are too tense. Be careful about that." Ryo: "Thanks, Masa-san!" Masa: "Kaito, what were you going to ask earlier?" Kai: "Well..." Masa: "If you don't tell me now, you'll have to wait a week." Kai: "I want my bow to turn." Kai: "You mean like this?" Masa: "That's a good thing to want. The bow's turn is something that happens naturally when you fire an arrow properly and cleanly." Masa: "If it's not happening, it means you're still lacking something." Kai: "Lacking?" Masa: "Of course, getting a bow turn is cool, and it lets you act like a hotshot." Kai: "That's not what I..." Masa: "The simplest way is to flick your wrist after you fire." Kai: "That misses the damn point!" Seo: "That's not the bow turning! It's you turning the bow!" Masa: "Kaito." Masa: "Try drawing without an arrow." Masa: "Be conscious of the draw." Masa: "That's right." Masa: "Don't pull the string. Push the bow." Masa: "Then wait as long as you can until the bow turn happens naturally." Kai: "Wait?!" Masa: "Bow turning is a result, not a goal." Masa: "If you get that out of order, you'll fail." Masa: "Want to try firing one? I told Ryohei this too," Masa: "but how you hold it is important." Masa: "If you grip the bow too hard, of course the turn won't happen." Masa: "I told you not to rush. Focus less on the bow turn and more on firing the arrow properly." Masa: "Of course, it might be best to not alter your current form." Masa: "Understand?" Masa: "A beautiful shot won't always hit." Masa: "But..." Masa: "A proper shot is extremely beautiful." Masa: "That's what my master taught me! Coach! My arrow placement tends toward one side." Masa: "Mine, too! Would it be good to aim for the other side of the target?" Ryo: "Masa-san, can I ask a question, too? Masa-san! Coach!" Masa: "Wait a minute! One at a time!" Kai: "Oh, damn it!" Kai: "Why do we have to go on break?!" : "I wanna practice!" Masa: "Over break, take your dogi and hakama home and wash them properly. You boys especially." All: "Right." Masa: "Your tabi, too. You'll get athlete's foot otherwise. Ugh." Seo: "We didn't need that image." Min: "Masa-san. Yes? Should I have returned my kimono from the yawatashi as-is?" Masa: "Oh, you mean from the training camp?" Masa: "That was fine. It doesn't need to be washed that often." Mina: "You said it belonged to your grandfather." Mina: "Was the master you mentioned... your grandfather?" Masa: "That's right. Good instinct." Masa: "My grandfather's teachings made me an archer." Masa: "Hurry it up! The school's closing soon!" Masa: "I'll be returning the key after this." All: "Right!" Masa: "And if you fail even one test, you're back in the servant tees!" Ryo: "No way!" Kai: "Are you kidding?!" Ryo: "A week's a long time, huh? My body's gonna get soft." Kai: "Try training on your own." Kai: "But the tests coming up are important, too. If you fail even one..." : "The servant tees..." Woman: "Thanks for coming!" : "You think Kirisaki gets to keep practicing?" Kai: "There's no way they take breaks for tests over there. It's an escalator school." Min: "I feel like we did, but I'm not sure..." Kai: "You don't even remember?" Sei: "We certainly had off on the test days themselves." Ryo: "Lucky." Kai: "Knock off the "lucky" crap. Being jealous all the time is pathetic." Ryo: "Oh. Sorry." Sei: "Kazemai is quite nice in its own way." : "Tommy-sensei's pretty hands-off, but Masa-san's different." Kai: "I wish he'd teach us a little more, though." Kai: ""Don't rush, just wait," he says... He's holding out on me." : "Kacchan just wants attention." Kai: "Do not!" Sei: "Takigawa-san's teaching methods aside," Sei: "his statement that a proper shot is beautiful is true, I believe." : "Hey. If it was Masa-san's master who said that, does that mean that guy's even better than Masa-san?" : "He must be pretty awesome, huh?" Min: "He said it's his grandfather." Min: "I'm pretty sure he passed away, though." : "When'd he pass?" Min: "I don't know." Ryo: "He said he was closest to his grandpa... so, past tense." Ryo: "Minato!" Kai: "Hey!" Ryo: "It was gonna drop!" Min: "It's fine. You can pay for mine next time, Ryohei." Ryo: "No way! I'll give it back! Gross." Tom: "Well done today." Masa: "Morioka-sensei. They're all gone already." Tom: "Oh, that's fine. You're the one I wanted to talk to." Masa: "I am?" Tom: "How do you feel about this weekend?" Tom: "I'm asking you on a date." All: "Yes!" All: "Yes!" Man: "Sorry." Sen: "Hey, Manji, quit aiming at my target." Man: "Same to you, Sen-nii." Sen: "Cut it out!" Moto: "Sugawara Sen'ichi-kun. Manji-kun. No personal banter in front of the targets." Both: "Right!" Moto: "And if you don't hit your own target, it counts as a miss." Both: "Right..." Sa: "As usual, the twins do things their own way." Moto: "Their form is so different from what born-and-bred Kirisaki shooters like us use." Moto: "Bold and swift..." All: "Yes!" Sa: "How can they hit with speed like that?" Moto: "They're the definition of "rapid fire."" All: "Yes!" Sa: "There's the Young Prince. The thought of missing never entered his head." Moto: "Ever since his first year of middle school, he's fired the most beautiful shots." Sa: "What's wrong, Motomura?" Moto: "There was another boy in his year." Moto: "He had a beautiful firing form, too..." Sa: "Who was it?" Moto: "Oh, er..." Moto: "I don't think he's one of our first-years here." Sa: "You think he quit?" Muto: "Attention, everyone! Starting at 4:00 this Saturday, we'll have tryouts to determine who participates in the prefectural tournament preliminaries." Muto: "Those intending to participate should meet here in the kyudo hall." Both: "Question!" Muto: "Yes?" Man: "First year, Sugawara Manji. What are the criteria for selection?" Sen: "Sugawara Sen'ichi. Can even first-years participate if we want to?" Muto: "Of course." Muto: "Listen up, everyone." Muto: "Men and women alike will take ten shots. The seven best will participate in the group tournament either as starters or alternates." Muto: "I don't care about class year or experience." Muto: "I will choose based purely on performance." Kaba: "Muto-sensei, choosing based on one round of shooting..." Muto: "A tournament only happens once, too. Consider luck to be a part of ability." Muto: "I won't put weak or lousy shots in the tournament." Muto: "That is all." : "Man, talk about obsessed." Kai: "What was that?" : "He told you not to rush it, didn't he?" Kai: "It ain't like that..." : "If you want to practice, that's fine. I'll just be off studying and getting good grades." Min: "Did you want to talk about something?" Sei: "Nothing in particular." Min: "Listen, Seiya." Min: "I know I'm not great at talking about myself." Min: "And I'm bad at understanding how other people feel, too." Min: "But I've decided to try hard to talk to people in the future. So I hope you will, too." Sei: "Will you do that with Shu, too?" Sei: "If you attend the tournament preliminaries, you'll run into him one way or another." Min: "Into Shu?" Man: "We're retrieving the arrows now!" Sen: "Are you kidding me, Man? You hit the target frame?" Man: "A hit is a hit." Muto: "Next, group four." Muto: "Get 'em, Fujiwara!" Muto: "Crush those upperclassmen!" Muto: "Quiet down, you!" Min: "Shu's forgotten all about me by now, I'm sure." Sei: "How about you, Minato?" Min: "To be honest, I'm a bit afraid. I also feel bad." Sei: "Shu would be happy to know that you're still doing kyudo." Min: "You think?" Sei: "Yeah." Sei: "Because Shu loves archery." Min: "I hope you're right..." Min: "Maybe I can face him again, then." Sen: "Hey, Fujiwara. Can we sit here?" Man: "Us and Fujiwara were the only first years." Sen: "Hitting all our shots." Sen: "President Motomura hit all his shots too, of course, but... Lousy showing from the others. Talk about disappointment. I expected better from Kirisaki. Yeah." Sen: "We've acknowledged your skill, Fujiwara." Sen: "That reminds me. That one guy's gone, huh? The one who self-destructed at last year's prefecturals." Sen: "I never saw someone slip into target panic with my own eyes before." Sen: "No wonder he fell off the face of the planet. Yeah." uji: "Are you acting this way intentionally?" Man: "What do you mean?" uji: "I feel like you're intentionally trash-talking others." Man: "The lack of enemies in kyudo is one thing we like about it." Sen: "You just try to hit the target. Winning or losing comes down to your own skill." uji: "You say that, but it sounds like you're trying hard to make enemies." Man: "We just like people who're good at what they do. Yeah, it's that simple." Kaba: "Do you mind?" uji: "Certainly not. Er..." Kaba: "Kabashima, second year." uji: "Certainly not, Kabashima-senpai." uji: "And..." Kaba: "You're our kouhai. You need to show some manners." uji: "You mean, offer our seats to you?" Kaba: "Yeah." Kaba: "Wait, not that!" Kaba: "I'm talking about the qualifiers." Kaba: "You know this, don't you?" Man: "Nope." Sen: "We don't know nothin'." Kaba: "I'm telling you to show some consideration and let your upperclassmen be on the team." uji: "Are you asking us to miss intentionally?" Kaba: "This will be the last high school tournament for the third years. First years should stay—" Man: "Oh? Senpai, aren't you a second year? If that's how you feel, you should give up your place, too!" Kaba: "Don't quibble! Kabashima. You said what you wanted to say. Let's go." Kaba: "Just do the right thing. Got it?" Kaba: "Stupid. Hippo. Just forget what that jerk has to say. Right, Fujiwara?" Man: "Welcome!" Tom: "Over here!" Masa: "Beer, please. Sure thing. A bit early, isn't it?" Tom: "The day drink tastes the sweetest." Tom: "How are things at the shrine?" Masa: "We had a ground-breaking ceremony this morning." Man: "Here's your beer." Masa: "Thanks." Man: "But I'm free for the rest of today." Tom: "I see, I see." Tom: "Today's a thank you from me, so you help yourself." Masa: "A thank you?" Tom: "For becoming our coach." Tom: "I only did it on a whim." Tom: ""On a whim" is fine with me." Tom: "You blew me off the first time, after all." Masa: "That's right, I did." Masa: "Regarding your request, Morioka-sensei..." Masa: "I'm sorry." Tom: "The second time I called you, it was the proverbial "nothing to lose" call. I didn't really think you'd accept it," Tom: "so even the great Morioka Tomio was shocked." Masa: "It's not that big a deal." Tom: "I beg to differ. I'm well aware of the strength in your resolve and high-mindedness." Tom: "You were taught by the great master, after all." Masa: "I'm not like my grandfather. The reason I took the coach role was for revenge." Tom: "Revenge?" Masa: "Yes. My grandfather was a great archer," Masa: "but as a teacher, he was a very hard man to deal with." Masa: "Hard on himself, hard on others..." Masa: "I never warmed up to his teaching methods." Masa: ""Your shots are messy. You're just target-shooting."" Masa: "In the end, he never taught me anything about what a proper shot looked like." Tom: "The great master..." Masa: "That was the only way he knew how to teach, I'm sure. So if I can teach them to become decent archers without becoming the same way," Masa: "I feel like I'll be able to..." Masa: "Surpass my grandpa?" Masa: "Forgive him?" Masa: "Forget him?" Masa: "One of those, anyway..." Masa: "I'm not sure which." Tom: "I see. You consider that revenge, Takigawa-kun?" Masa: "I'm sorry for having such impure motives." Tom: "The essence of martial arts is more than just self-improvement." Tom: "Teaching the next generation is crucial as well. To digest what you've been taught in ways only you can, and communicate it in all-new ways. Yet you call that "revenge."" Tom: "I'm completely on board." Ryo: "Yes! It's... ...all..." Ryo: "...over!" Muto: "Third years: Motomura, Sase. Sir." Second Years: "Second years: Kabashima, Yushima. Sir." st Years: "First years: Sugawara Sen'ichi and Manji. Sir!" st Years: "And Fujiwara." st Years: "Sir." Ryo: "First one in!" Kai: "Damn it!" Kai: "Masa-san! Hello!" Masa: "Oh, you're here early. We got the programs for the prefectural tournament prelims." Kai: "Show us!"

Min: "This is the last one." Min: "This time..." Min: "That sound!" Min: "I guess not..." Gm: "Oh? I've never seen you before." Shu: "Who are you?" Min: "I'll be seeing him for the first time in so long..." Min: "The forecast was right. Guess it'll be cloudy all day..." : "But why did you make me the ochi?" : "That's top secret." : "When you realize the reason, you'll all get a lot better." : "You could sit, Kacchan." : "Kacchan?" : "Hey, Kaito-kun!" Kai: "Leave me alone. I'm doing image training for the match." : "You could do that sitting down." Kai: "I'd wrinkle my hakama." : "C'mon, try to relax! If you stress yourself out now, you'll be all stiff when it's time to shoot." Kai: "How the hell am I supposed to relax?" Kai: "Our club just formed this year. In other words, this is our debut match. First impressions are real important!" : "You think? I figured it was more, "We're new, so they'll give us a pass if we mess up."" : "Wait, I get it! You wanna charge on in and get people saying, "Hey, what school is that?!" "Kazemai, you say?!" "A powerful foe has entered the stage!" Stuff like that, right?" Kai: "That ain't it!" Kai: "It's just that everyone's been working really hard for this." Kai: "Who wouldn't wanna see that pay off?" : "Oh, well, that's true. Let's make sure it pays off, then." Min: "Kuma!" Sei: "Morning, Minato." Mom: "Morning, Minato-kun." Min: "Thank you for helping us today." Mom: "Oh, please. No need for that." Mom: "Now, let's head out!" Mom: "You boys aren't participating in the individuals today, are you? But you're still wearing hakama and taking your bows?" Sei: "Yes, the opening ceremony is today. The bows are so we can practice at school on the way back if we have time." Mom: "I see." Mom: "It's been a while since we drove out like this. In middle school, it felt like you had a match or a trip somewhere every weekend... Oh, that's right. It was the three of you then. What was his name again... The really handsome one! Is he still shooting?" Min: "Yes, I believe so." Sei: "Mom, focus on the road." Mom: "All right." Ryo: "This is a real splurge, so show me a little love, okay?" Ryo: "Please don't let me mess everyone up! Oh, and let everyone's shots hit!" Ryo: "And let Minato recover from his target panic!" Tom: "Good morning, everyone." All: "Good morning." Tom: "A fine response. You all seem quite revved up today." All: "Yes, sir!" Tom: "That's what I like to hear. But don't get too spirited just because it's a tournament." Tom: "You want to shoot here the same way you shoot at practice." Tom: "So fire each shot carefully and properly, the way you always do." Tom: "And that's all I have to say." Masa: "Today is the Kazemai High School Kyudo Club's first public match. I know I can't tell you not to work yourselves up, but try your best to relax. I'm sure it's easier for those of you used to tournaments, but for our first-timers Shiragiku and Hanazawa especially..." Masa: "You're not looking well. Are you all right?" Shira: "I'm just a bit nervous." Masa: "Well, all right." Masa: "But don't push yourself too hard." Shira: "I won't." Masa: "Listen. A tournament has its own unique atmosphere." Masa: "It's something you just have to get used to. Generally, it's best to assume said atmosphere will overwhelm you." Masa: "If that happens, don't resist. Just let it take you. If you feel like you're drowning, remember that struggling will just make it worse." Masa: "If you keep calm, let it carry you a while and look around." Masa: "You'll find the presence of mind to breathe again." All: "Yes, sir!" Tom: "With that, Takigawa-kun and I have some things to discuss with the organizers, so we'll go in first. Don't be late to the opening ceremony!" Tom: "Mission start!" Ryo: "This is pretty amazing, though..." Ryo: "Everyone here does kyudo, y'know? I didn't think there'd be so many." Sei: "Well, in our prefecture, this is a much more popular high school competitive martial arts than judo and kendo. Oh, really?" Kai: ""Oh, really?" How the hell did you not know?" : "It's also nice that there are so many girls in kyudo." Sei: "In many co-ed schools, it seems to be either half and half, or more women than men." : "But well, you know..." Ryo: "Yeah, I think I know why." Min: "Why is that?" Ryo: "Well, you know..." : "Yeah, girls in hakama look awesome!" : "I can see why girls join up hoping to wear them." Ryo: "That's not really what I..." : "Don't be shy." : "They look nice in hakama with a jacket or parka on top, too." Kai: "Hey, there's Kirisaki." Ryo: "Kirisaki? You mean..." Ryo: "Aren't they the favorites here? Wow, I bet they're good! Wait, huh?" : "Hey, that girl's cute! Maybe I'll talk to her!" Kai: "Hey!" : "Scary Kacchan face! I was just kidding." Man: "Hey, playboy." Man: "Our girls aren't interested in shallow dreamers like you." : "Wow, sharp ears." Sen: "Oh, you're Kazemai High, huh? We're the Suguwaras from Kirisaki High School. It's nice to meet some fellow first-years. Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh? You two! Weren't you the guys on Shu's team in middle school? Narumiya-kun and Takehaya-kun, wasn't it? Yeah! He was the omae in that three-person team. He got target panic and self-destructed at the prefecturals, right? You still got target panic? But we fire fast, too, so it's no biggie. Sen-nii, firing fast isn't the same as target panic. Oh, really?" Kai: "You sons of bitches!" Kai: "Standing here like a pair of half-assed doppelgangers... Maybe I'll make a real horror movie outta your faces!" Sei: "Stop it, Onogi." Kai: "Shut up! As if I'm gonna let 'em talk shit about about my team!" Moto: "What are you fighting about?" Man: "Nothing, Prez." Ryo: "He's the club president? Of Kirisaki? You know him? K-Kind of..." uji: "Sen. Man." uji: "You should let this go." uji: "Motomura-senpai. I think they realized those are old friends of mine and decided to say hello." Moto: "Friends?" uji: "We were in the same year at Kirisaki Middle. Do you remember them, Senpai?" Moto: "Our middle school?" uji: "It's been a while, Seiya, Minato." Min: "Shu..." Sei: "It's been a while, Shu." uji: "You're the same as ever, Seiya... Still serving as Minato's knight." uji: "I was surprised it wasn't just Minato... You chose a different high school, as well." Sei: "You're the same as ever, too. I heard you landed a 20-shot kaichu recently. The "Young Prince" lives on, I see." Shu: "Well, I hardly care about the title. Minato, are you participating in the individuals today?" Min: "Just tomorrow's group match." Shu: "We won't face off until tomorrow, then." Shu: "It's a shame, but I look forward to it." Kai: "I'm participating today!" Man: "Oh? So what? There's no way he's dreaming about competing with Shu! Some crappy little kyudo club, gunning for Fujiwara Shu, the ace of this prefecture's best school?" Man: "Pretty ballsy!" Kai: "You sons of..." : "Stop it, Kacchan. Sen'ichi, Manji. Same to you two. Daigo, please take them away. You got it. C'mon, you mass production models!" Twins: "Mass production?! That's mean!" Moto: "It's been a while. You're Takehaya-kun, then?" Moto: "And you're Narumiya-kun? I'll give them a talking-to about this, so I hope we can keep it between us." Sei: "Certainly." Moto: "Thank you." Shu: "How's your injury?" Min: "It's... better now." Shu: "I'm glad." Shu: "Minato, I had faith that you'd return." Shu: "I hope to see you shoot again." Girl: "We, the participants here today, hereby pledge to give our every shot the utmost focus, reflecting the fruits of our daily training, and with full gratitude to those who kindly arranged this tournament." Sei: "You didn't know he was the president of Kirisaki's club at the time?" Ryo: "Nope." Ryo: "So I carelessly told him about your target panic..." Ryo: "I'm sorry, Minato. That might be why those doppel-bros homed in on you..." Sei: "Even if they did, it's not your fault. It's the result of their own poor upbringing." Ryo: "Still, I leaked info to a rival school without even thinking..." Ryo: "I feel so stupid, I can't stand myself." Man: "I was happy to hear you did that, though." Man: "You were trying to help me by finding a way to cure target panic, right? It reminded me that I've got a team that really cares about me..." Man: "And I thought that was really nice..." Ryo: "Take that, you! You!" Min: "What are you doing?" Sei: "So we should be sure to cheer on our team." Sei: "They're starting now." All: "Yes!" All: "Ryohei!" Sei: "You only applaud for a kaichu." Ryo: "Oh, right. I forgot!" Sei: "It's her first tournament. It's understandable." Min: "It would be nice if you could change how you feel, but..." Ryo: "But kyudo's so, like, subdued. You know... stoic? You don't really cheer for anyone, and the only time you shout out is..." All: "Yes!" Ryo: "When someone gets a hit, like that." Sei: "I prefer the quiet, personally." All: "Yes!" Ryo: "I might feel that way if I were the one shooting, but..." All: "Yes!" Sei: "It looks like Shiragiku's struggling." Ryo: "You know, isn't this when you just want to shout to her?" Ryo: ""Don't worry!" and, "You're doing great!" and stuff." Ryo: "So close!" Sei: "Seo hit a kaichu of four. Hanazawa hit one. Shiragiku missed them all." Sei: "She's looked under the weather all day..." Ryo: "But missing all your shots in a tournament... that's rough." Ryo: "Hey, Seiya. How many do you have to hit to stick around for the second round?" Sei: "Two out of four. So Seo is the only one of our girls who advances." Ryo: "There's no way I could hit half my shots! Good thing I didn't participate..." Min: "You usually hit about that many, Ryohei." Ryo: "Yeah, but there's no way I could in this environment." Min: "The atmosphere at tomorrow's group tournament will be similar, though." Min: "Maybe I should've participated today, just to get used to it!" : "Apparently Shiragiku-san woke up with a fever." : "The girls said they'd take her to the infirmary. It looks like she forced herself to participate," : "to be in her first match with everyone." Sen: "Wow!" Sen: "Look at her cry. Probably realized she shouldn't compete if she sucks too much to hit a single shot." Kai: "The hell was that?!" : "Step back, Kacchan." uji: "Sen, Man. Don't be rude." uji: "For a newly established club, winning is secondary." uji: "Just participating has meaning." uji: "It's not right to mock that." Kai: "To hell with that "secondary" crap! We came here to win!" uji: "I beg your pardon, then." uji: "Let's each wish the other luck, then." Ryo: "Here they come!" Min: "Onogi's in the same group as Shu..." Man: "Rise!" Min: "Shu..." Man: "Begin!" Woman: "The boys' individual qualifier will now begin. At the first target..." Ono: "Watch this." All: "Yes!" Ryo: "Did Kaito just make his bow turn?" Min: "Has he been practicing in secret?" : "We were told not to rush it, though." All: "Yes!" Kai: "I'm going to beat you, you bastard." : "Oh, heck..." Ryo: "So close!" Sei: "No, he's completely off his game." Sei: "He's forcing his bow to turn, which makes his shots unstable." Sei: "He's looking at Shu, not the target." Ryo: "But the Kirisaki guys are behind him..." Sei: "I don't mean literally. I think you know what I'm saying, Ryohei." Min: "Onogi..." All: "Yes!" Man: "A kaichu!" Sei: "Shu really is the same as ever." Ryo: "Man, poor Kaito... Ending up in the same group as that guy..." Ryo: "Minato? Nanao's up next, man." Min: "I need to go to the bathroom." Min: "He's not the same at all. Shu..." Min: "He's even more..." Shu: "Who are you?" Min: "I want to bow!" Shu: "The term is "shoot."" Shu: "To shoot a bow. Or "fire."" Min: "Oh, I see." Min: "Then, I want to shoot!" Min: "Onogi?" Kai: "Damn it!" Man: "Man, the boys' preliminaries were amazing! An eight-shot kaichu to a sudden death showdown." Man: "They're both Kirisaki, right? Yeah, the team captain and the first-year Fujiwara. The one who's been famous since middle school. The Young Prince, right? In the end, Motomura missed his fourth shot, and Fujiwara won..." Masa: "Shiragiku's feeling better, but just to be safe, I sent her home first." Masa: "She'll be just fine." Masa: "Seo, you managed to advance to the tournament." Tom: "And Nanao-kun, you made it to the second round. That's very impressive." Tom: "The rest of you worked very hard, too. I'm very impressed with you." Masa: "What's with all the doom and gloom? You've still got the group competition tomorrow." Tom: ""Tomorrow, a new wind will blow." I won't tell you to forget what happened today, but there's also no need to dwell on it. Don't practice today. Just have a good meal, wash up, and get a good night's sleep." Tom: "That's all!" All: "Thank you, sir!" Kai: "Masa-san, I..." Kai: "Bow turning is a result, not a goal." Kai: "You need to drop this obsession." Kai: "I know that's hard for you right now, but..." Kai: "There it is." Kai: "Back then, I won some and lost some..."

Meg: "Wait up, you two! Okay!" Meg: "You did this." Meg: "It's your fault this happened." Meg: "Because you became their friend!" Miru: "Meguru..." Title: ""The Collapse of a Heart."" Yuki: "Nui-sama and Veil-chan are absent again today?" Chi: "I thought they said they were going to focus on their studies..." Koro: "Maybe they're tired from the concert, baa?" Yu: "Maybe that's it!" Ura: "Indeed. And a fine concert it was." Koro: "Yeah, baa!" Chi: "It sure was fun!" Yu: "Though to be honest, I don't remember too many details about it. I only remember the first song." Chi: "You, too?" Ura: "Same for me, actually." Koro: "How mysterious, baa!" Yu: "Hey, Meguru." Meg: "U-Um..." Sum: "We haven't heard anything." Yu: "I see..." Miru: "We have enough sacred energy, but..." Miru: "Meguru!" Miru: "You're going to Sumire's after school today, right?" Miru: "Let's take Run-Run and Rin-Rin out for a walk together. I think it'll pick up your spirits! Miruku-chan." Miru: "Don't worry about me." Miru: "With Meguru acting that way..." Miru: "And we still don't know where big sisters Haruka and Aoi are..." Chi: "The flow of the river never stops," Chi: "The bubbles that appear where the water pauses sometimes disappear," Sum: "Meguru..." Chi: "It is the same for the people and the places where they dwell in this world." Teach: "What's wrong, Amatsuki-san?" Teach: "You don't look well at all." Meg: "Uh, I'm fine." Tech: "You're sure?" Sumire: "Sensei!" Sumire: "I'll go with her." Sum: "Are you okay?" Meg: "I'm fine." Sum: "But..." Meg: "Really, I'm fine." Mary: "Where does it hurt?" Meg: "My chest, a little..." Mary: "How awful." Mary: "I'll ask Tahara-sensei to let you leave school early." Meg: "But..." Mary: "Don't overtax yourself just because you're young. Okay?" Meg: "Okay..." Sum: "I'll go get your things." Meg: "It's okay. I'll go by myself." Meg: "You don't have to worry about me, really." Sum: "Meguru..." Mary: "It's just about time." Meg: "It's my fault." Sum: "I've never seen Meguru like that before." Sum: "I want to help her, but I don't know how." Miru: "Sumire..." Miru: "What did Meguru do?" Miru: "When you first met, you ignored her, but she still reached out, right?" Miru: "Sometimes people just need to do that for each other, don't they?" Sum: "Yeah..." Pri: "To make the fullest use of your summer vacation," Pri: "Self-discipline is important. For instance..." Girl: "Where should we go? Let's go to the beach!" Chi: "Meguru!" Chi: "What are you doing for summer vacation?" Meg: "I'm..." Koro: "Baa!" Koro: "Going back home to Chiichi Island, baa?" Meg: "Yeah..." Yu: "What's wrong? You've seemed kind of down lately." Chi: "Did something happen?" Meg: "No... I'm fine." Koro: "You okay, baa?" Meg: "You really don't have to worry about me." Meg: "Sumire-chan..." Sum: "I think you did the best you could." Sum: "That wasn't your fault." Sum: "So you shouldn't blame yourself." Meg: "No." Meg: "I was wrong." Meg: "It's my fault!" Meg: "Because I didn't consider my actions..." Meg: "Nui-kun told me to stay away." Meg: "I knew we were enemies. I never even thought about what would happen" Meg: "I just talked about being a hero..." Meg: "That's why they..." Meg: "Because I tried to be their friend!" Sum: "Still, it isn't your fault!" Meg: "Then..." Meg: "Then why did they die?!" Meg: "Just leave me alone." Sum: "But..." Meg: "Leave me alone!" Miru: "A letter from big brother Yuito?" Hei: "Yes." Hei: "Yuito-sama recently investigated the enemy camp." Hei: "He secretly sent information he's acquired on Chiichi Island to me." Miru: "I see. What about him?" Hei: "I have received no word from him since then." Hei: "I cannot contact him, either." Miru: "I see..." Hei: "The real issue regards what is written in the letter." Miru: "What is written in it?" Hei: "A secret concerning Amatsuki Meguru-sama." Miru: "Meguru?" Meg: "I'm an awful person..." Mary: "Oh, my. Are you all right?" Mary: "You seem to be in pain." Meg: "Oginome-sensei?" Mary: "What a troublemaker you are. Picking a fight with your dear friend Sumire-chan..." Mary: "And Nui and Veil died because of you." Mary: "It would be terrible if you got Sumire-chan hurt, too. Maybe it's a good thing you had a fight with her." Mary: "Everyone meets a tragic end when you're around. You don't belong here." Mary: "Now, come with me." Miru: "Sumire! Where's Meguru?" Sum: "We split up a little while ago." Miru: "I knew it!" Sum: "What's wrong?" Miru: "Meguru's missing! We have to find her soon, or something awful will happen!" Sum: "I have to find her..." Miru: "Are you okay?" Sum: "I've never felt this way before." Sum: "To think that being unable to help someone could be this frustrating..." Miru: "Sumire..." Hei: "Please wait a moment." Miru: "Nagatsuki?" Sum: "Who are you?" Hei: "I am Nagatsuki Heinojo. We met once when you were very young, but it is understandable that you don't remember." Sum: "O-Okay..." Miru: "So where's Meguru?" Hei: "I regret to say that we were too late. She is likely no longer in Tokyo." Sum: "Just what is going on?" Hei: "I shall explain. Let us return to the estate." Tah: "Right. Today, I'll ask her out! My feelings are burning like the summer sun!" Tah: "Maybe she's out?" Mary: "Soon..." Mary: "Soon, I'll get to see him again..." Saki: "I'm sorry to call you here so suddenly. Please, sit down." Sum: "Y-Yes, ma'am." Sak: "I am Kannazuki Sakie," Sak: "This is my younger sister," Mis: "Kannazuki Misae." Sum: "I'm Kisaragi Sumire." Miru: "Sumire, they're from the main family that runs the messengers of Heaven. They also used to be Twin Angel." Saki: "You may have already heard this from Nagatsuki, but Amatsuki Meguru-san has been taken by the enemy." Hei: "We've caught sight of a suspicious high-speed cruiser traveling over the Pacific. Meguru-sama is likely on that boat." Saki: "They're surely heading for Chiichi Island." Sum: "Why did they want Meguru?" Mi: "To explain that, we must first tell you about the Amatsuki family. Since long ago," Mi: "They purged evil using the power of the gods." Mi: "But then, a member of the Amatsuki family fell prey to a demon's temptation. Ever since, darkness has come to dwell within the members of the Amatsuki family," Miru: "So Meguru wouldn't normally have become a Twin Angel. They didn't know what might trigger the dark power." Miru: "But..." Mi: "When the last Twin Angel fell into enemy hands," Mi: "But the only one with the potential to become a Twin Angel was you, Sumire-san. Twin Angel can only realize its true power when two people support and complement each other. That's why, despite the risk, we called Meguru-san to Tokyo." Miru: "It was the Kisaragi family who built the shrine on Chiichi Island and sealed the Amatsuki family there. That's why they decided that Meguru's dark power might not activate if you were a pair." Sum: "If we were a pair?" Mis: "The fact is, we never saw any sign of it until now." Mis: "But the enemy has realized that what they seek lies inside Meguru-san." Miru: "What is it they want?" Sak: "The power to amplify darkness tremendously. It could exponentially enhance the purity of the medals they have." Miru: "So if they have Meguru, then even without collecting any new medals..." Mi: "That's correct." Hei: "The enemy set a trap for Meguru-sama. To thrust her into deep sorrow," Mary: "It has truly been such a long time..." Mary: "Zelucifer-sama..." Mary: "Soon, I shall be by your side..." Mis: "Their goal is to use the power of medals to revive the Great Demon Lord Zelucifer. If Zelucifer is revived," Mis: "We've already asked the main branch in Italy for their aid. The minute they're ready," Mis: "Sumire-san, wait here until then." Sum: "No!" Sum: "I can't just sit here and wait! I don't know anything about any dark power, but Meguru... Meguru had her friends stolen and was kidnapped by the enemy," Sum: "What has she done to deserve all that?!" Miru: "Sumire..." Sum: "I'm going to Chiichi Island to save Meguru at once." Sum: "Because Meguru... Meguru is my precious friend!" Miru: "I'm going, too! I can't let her go alone! Because Meguru and Sumire are the Twin Angel that I chose!" Sak: "The Kisaragi Shrine on the island has an entrance to the other world, known as the Great Mirror." Sak: "The enemy surely intends to use that to revive him. The moment we're ready," Mis: "We'll be counting on you until then." Both: "Yes, ma'am!" Hei: "We shall reach Chiichi Island in no time. Let us begin." Sak: "I heard she was a cold child," Mis: "Yes." Miru: "You sounded so cool back there." Miru: "When you told them you were going to go on your own." Sum: "You were cool too, Miruku-chan." Miru: "It won't be easy." Sum: "I know." Sum: "Wait for me, Meguru." Mary: "Oh, you're awake?" Meg: "Oginome-sensei?" Meg: "Wh-What's going on here?" Mary: "Don't move. It's in your best interest not to resist." Meg: "Is that a medal?" Mary: "Yes! You know all about these, don't you?" Meg: "Then you're..." Meg: "Mary!" Mary: "You finally figured it out?" Mary: "Oh, great! You're amazing, Miss Amatsuki! Your dark power is excellent!" Meg: "Dark... power?" Mary: "Yes! You didn't know? A dark power dwells within you. I'm going to make full use of that power." Meg: "No..." Mary: "Incredible! You're truly wonderful, Miss Amatsuki! As expected of a hero who's kind to everyone." Meg: "A... hero?" Mary: "This plan is perfect." Billy: "That woman..." Billy: "I will have revenge for this humiliation. I, the great genius Billy!"

Sum: "Dealing with people takes too much effort." Sum: "Avoiding them means one less annoyance in my life." Sum: "Brother? I've been waiting to hear from you! You wouldn't respond to my emails. We can have a nice, long talk today, right?" Sum: "Oh... I see. You're busy, then? Okay. I'll be waiting for your next call. So long as I have my brother," Sum: "I don't need anyone else." Title: ""Fragments of Friendship."" Meg: "Su-mi-re-chan!" Meg: "Miruku-chan told me where your house was!" Mir: "What was I supposed to do? Meguru said she wanted to get to know you, and you're Twin Angel, so it would be better if you'd fight together!" Meg: "Sumire-chan, did you watch TV yesterday? Tokyo has so many different shows, huh?" Meg: "What shows do you like?" Sum: "I don't watch TV." Meg: "I see! So you're a radio person?" Sum: "I don't listen to the radio, either." Meg: "Really? Then what do you usually do?" Sum: "There are many things I'd like to say to you, but I'll keep it to one." Meg: "Aw, just one? You can say more!" Sum: "Don't yell in front of my house. It's embarrassing, and it bothers the neighbors." Meg: "I see! Then should we schedule a time to meet?" Sum: "I don't need you to come meet me." Meg: "But I wanna walk with you!" Sum: "I don't. I told you this before, but I have no interest in you." Miru: "She rejected you again." Meg: "You think so? She talked to me more this time," Mir: "You'll spin anything to make it seem positive..." Meg: "Really?" Mary: "Hi, everyone! I'll be the school nurse starting today. My name is Oginome Ari. A pleasure to meet you all!" Tea: "Oginome-sensei has been researching anti-aging treatments in an Italian facility." Ta: "What a résumé! And what remarkable beauty!" Ta: "Oginome-sensei, I look forward to working with you!" Ma: "It's a pleasure." Ta: "Hnnng!" Sum: "I'm finished." Teach: "Correct!" Meg: "Amazing, Sumire-chan!" Meg: "That was too loud, I guess..." Meg: "Oh, it got tangled? Can I see?" Meg: "That should do it. It's fixed now!" Meg: "Sewing machines are the one gadget I can handle..." Meg: "Sumire-chan, let's draw together..." Meg: "Sumire-chan, let's..." Yu: "Who acts that way?" Yu: "You were trying so hard to be nice to her!" Koro: "Yeah, baa!" Meg: "Don't worry about me, Yuki. What matters is that Sumire-chan's listening to me." Rei: "It appears less like "listening to" and more like "forced to hear" to me..." Chi: "Well, Kisaragi-san does seem stubborn. She puts out that "I don't want friends" vibe." Meg: "I don't think that's true." Meg: "There's no girl out there who doesn't want friends." Chi: "That's just your opinion, Meguru." Meg: "I know, but..." Yu: "Kisaragi-san is more comfortable by herself." Meg: "Let's eat!" Sum: "How long are you going to follow me?" Meg: "Until you agree to be my friend!" Sum: "I told you, I'm not interested." Meg: "But I want to be friends with you, Sumire-chan." Sum: "Why?" Meg: "It's hard to explain, but..." Meg: "For instance, when we're eating lunch, like now. I think it would be nice to talk about how good our lunches are!" Meg: "That's how I want us to be." Meg: "Because your lunches always look so delicious!" Boy: "Wow, Kisaragi, your lunch is amazing! Look at all that rice!" Girl: "Kisaragi-san's a real glutton! You sure don't look it, though." Sum: "I just get hungry so easily... Is that strange?" Girl: "Well, it's a lot bigger than our lunches... Right? Y-Yeah..." Sum: "Why does everyone have to be the same?" Sum: "Adjusting to suit others takes too much effort." Sum: "Dealing with people takes too much effort." Meg: "Your lunches always look so delicious!" Yu: "Meguru, you're too strong!" Meg: "Sorry!" Teach: "Could you go fetch it, please?" Sum: "Yes, sir." Mir: "Hey! Cut it out!" Mir: "That tickles! Stop it!" Sum: "Cute! It's too cute!" Mir: "Hey, Sumire! Stop taking pictures and come save me!" Sum: "Don't move! Hold that pose!" Miru: "No! That tickles!" Meg: "So you found him, huh?" Meg: "But I'm glad it was you and not someone else." Sum: "Where'd he come from?" Meg: "I found him in the park this morning. He was abandoned. I couldn't just leave him," Meg: "So I decided to take him with me for now." Miru: "She asked me to keep an eye on him during class, but I've had enough!" Meg: "Want to hold him?" Meg: "Huh? You don't want to go to Sumire-chan? Well, let's just hide him here until class is—" Teach: "You two." Tah: "Honestly, what do you think this place is?" Tah: "You know you can't bring animals to school! And a porcupine, too?" Meg: "Sorry. They were so cute, I couldn't help it." Tah: "You need to obey the rules! You too, Amatsuki." Meg: "Yes, sir..." Sum: "I don't believe she's done anything wrong." Tah: "What was that, Kisaragi? You, too?" Sum: "I'm merely saying what I believe." Teach: "What?" Mary: "Now, now. What's the problem?" Mary: "Personally, I think people who love animals are wonderful." Tah: "R-Really? Well, all lives are equally precious..." Mary: "You're so kind, Tahara-sensei." Tah: "Oh, please!" Tah: "Um, anyway, are you free after class today?" Tah: "You two may go." Both: "Excuse us." Meg: "Thank goodness! The school nurse really saved us." Miru: "Mistaking me for a porcupine! I can't believe it! Unforgivable! It's so infuriating!" Meg: "But what will we do about him? I can't keep him at my dorm..." Sum: "I'll take him." Meg: "There, there. That's a good boy." Sum: "Why don't you go home?" Meg: "Because he still hasn't warmed up to you." Sum: "Warmed up?" Meg: "You've never had a pet before, have you, Sumire-chan?" Meg: "I'll come to feed him breakfast and dinner, too. Miruku-chan will play with him, too." Miru: "Hey! Don't just volunteer me!" Meg: "See? The puppy's having fun, too! That's right, we need to think of a name!" Sum: "A name..." Sum: "Some popular names are... Koko, Maron, Moko... None of those seem quite right." Meg: "Names are hard, huh?" Meg: "What about Lin-Lin?" Sum: "Sounds like a panda." Meg: "Then what about Fan-Fan or Mei-Mei?" Sum: "Even more like a panda." Sum: "How about Run-Run?" Sum: "If you want a repeating name, that sounds cuter." Meg: "Okay, sounds good!" Meg: "Then it's decided!" Meg: "Look at this, Sumire-chan!" Sum: "This Sunday?" Meg: "Let's go together! Okay?" Meg: "There are so many animals!" Sum: "Yeah..." Meg: "Look at that! Porcupines!" Meg: "I didn't know porcupines were so big!" Mir: "See? I told you! Porcupines and hedgehogs are totally different!" Mir: "H-Hey! What? I'm not afraid of you guys, okay?!" Tah: "Oh, I'm so happy! I get to go out on a d-date with you, Oginome-sensei! Thank you so much for inviting me!" Mary: "Not at all. It's an apology for turning down your invitation after class the other day." Mary: "And I heard you liked animals..." An: "Everyone, your attention, please. It's time for the Woof Mew Oink Mew race." Ann: "The grand prize is a year's worth of pet food!" Meg: "A year's worth, she said! Wow!" Sum: "It is an appealing prize..." Sum: "But I don't think Run-Run's ready for it yet." Meg: "True. But a year's worth of food is hard to say no to..." Sum: "True..." Mir: "Don't look at me that way! I'm not going to race!" Sum: "If you race, I'll be a Twin Angel." Man: "Ready..." Girl: "Francois-chan, go!" Man: "Kotetsu, hang in there!" Meg: "Isn't this amazing, Sumire-chan?" Sum: "All the animals are so cute!" Meg: "You're amazing too, Sumire..." Ann: "The animals are turning the corner now!" Man: "Hey! Don't get in my pig's way, you cheating cat!" Girl: "Yours is the one in the way!" Man: "Hey, mouse! Clear out! You're in the way! What was that?! What?!" Meg: "Miruku-chan! Stop, stop!" Mir: "What are you saying? Don't get in my way!" Meg: "The medals! The medals!" Mir: "And I was almost to the finish line!" Mir: "Let's go, Meguru! Sumire!" Mir: "You said you'd be a Twin Angel, right?" Sum: "I will." Meg: "Run-Run, wait here, okay?" Meg: "Lovely Crystal!" Sum: "Jewelry Angel!" Meg: "A dazzling sun in the first rays of dawn's light! Angel Rose!" Sum: "The first star of the evening, twinkling in twilight! Angel Sapphire!" Both: "Let's open a shining future!" Both: "Twin Angel Break!" Meg: "I've never seen you transform before, Sumire-chan! That was really cool!" Sum: "Was it?" Mir: "Come on, let's go!" Mary: "Oh, my. It's been some time, little hedgehog. I'm so glad you found someone you could gather medals with." Mary: "So those girls are Twin Angel?" Miru: "I'm not giving any medals to you!" Mary: "I told you, I have a name. It's Mary! Let's exercise!" Meg: "They're here!" Meg: "Wow! Wow! So cool! So great!" Miru: "Stop watching in awe and start fighting!" Meg: "Oh, right!" Sum: "Don't get in my way! At this rate..." Sum: "It'd be easier to fight by myself!" Meg: "That one!" Mary: "How can she have so much raw power?" Mary: "Such a lively girl. I'm at a disadvantage today, so I'll retreat for now." Meg: "Are you okay?" Sum: "Yes..." Sum: "How did we end up like this?" Meg: "Well, after you work up a sweat, you need a bath, right?" Sum: "Then use the one in your own room." Meg: "The baths in the dorm are small, so we couldn't go in together!" Sum: "We don't need to go in together." Meg: "Oh, you! No need to be shy!" Sum: "I'm not being shy. Why do you want to hang around me, anyway?" Meg: "Hey, I know the answer to that now!" Meg: "It's because you're a hero, Sumire-chan! It's hard for you to talk about how you feel," Meg: "So I want to know more about you!" Sum: "You're making too much of me." Sum: "Dealing with people takes too much effort." Sum: "It does, but..." Mir: "It's still not enough..." Mir: "I need to do something, quickly."

Mary: "Oh, great Zelucifer-sama..." Mary: "My beauty and youth exist for you." Mary: "I want to give myself to you soon." Mary: "I swear, I will revive you." Mary: "Her receptiveness... It demands more research," Mary: "She comes from... Chiichi Island. Terra incognita, eh?" s: "Hello?" Mary: "I have a request for you, Nasty Knight." Mary: "It's an important mission." Title: ""The Long-Awaited School Life! Veil's Club Visit."" Meg: "The black rose man hasn't shown up lately." Meg: "Miruku-chan says her Poketen's been quiet, too." Sum: "Oh?" Meg: "But that means no one else will get—" Meg: "Huh?" Sum: "B-Big brother!" Meg: "Good morning!" Yui: "Good morning, Miss Sumire. Miss Meguru." Sum: "Miss Sumire?" Meg: "Are you going on a trip?" Yui: "Yes... I suppose I am." Sum: "Big brother, I'm so happy to see you again after so long! But why haven't you gotten in touch with me?" Sum: "This is the longest you've ever gone without messaging me." Yui: "Oh, sorry. I'll send you one now." Sum: "B-Big brother?" Meg: "She's right here, though!" Yui: "That's a good point." Yui: "I won't send it, after all." Yui: "I'd better get going. I might not be able to message you for a while." Sum: "Really?" Yui: "Miss Meguru, take care of Miss Sumire." Meg: "O-Okay..." Yui: "Well, goodbye." Sum: "Big brother?" Meg: "Your brother's very mysterious, isn't he?" Sum: "I do like that about him..." Sum: "But I wonder what's going on..." ui: "Here you go." Stu: "Thank you so much!" Yu: "Nui-sama and Veil-chan really are good people! Total angels!" Chi: "No matter how swarmed they get," Chi: "Because they're idols, baa?" Ura: "No, there are many idols who are not so composed." Ura: "When a human is uncomfortable, it shows on their face." Ura: "But their expressions demonstrate no pretense." Yu: "That's because they're natural-born idols!" Vei: "Good morning to you!" Meg: "Morning! It's been a rough one for you guys, huh?" ui: "Not at all. I'm truly grateful that they've all welcomed us so warmly." Yu: "Oh, no! We're the ones who are grateful! We get to see our beloved Twenty-Eights, especially Nui-sama, every day!" ui: "Thank you. I'm flattered." Chi: "Veil-san, have you gotten used to school?" Veil: "There's still so much I don't understand." Meg: "Like what?" Veil: "Why do you write the date on the blackboard?" Meg: "That's a good question, actually." Veil: "And why are there mirrors on the stairwell landings?" Meg: "Oh, yeah!" Meg: "Sumire-chan, do you know why?" Sum: "No." Chi: "Because that's what schools do, I guess?" Ura: "Yes. According to my grandmother's tales," Ura: "Ever since, the lemon dance has been treated as a special festival, and that day was written on the blackboard to count the days until the festival." Chi: "I'm pretty sure your grandmother was making things up." Veil: "It is a difficult question..." Tah: "Okay, take your seats, everyone." Meg: "Sensei, why do we have to write the date on the blackboard?" Koro: "Why are there mirrors on the stairwell landings, baa?" Tah: "A-Are you trying to confuse me by asking me philosophical questions" Tah: "Ask the principal about that!" Meg: "Okay!" Koro: "Baa!" Meg: "Veil-chan, have you picked your club?" Veil: "Club? What's that?" Meg: "Um, how to explain it... The volleyball club, or the soccer club..." Chi: "They're extracurricular activities you perform after class is over" Koro: "That's our chairman, baa!" Ura: "There are many clubs." Veil: "Observe?" Meg: "I'll go around and look with you after class! Okay?" Veil: "Thank you! I wish to know more about school!" Koro: "Baa!" Woman: "Kisaragi-san." Woman: "Sorry to ask, but could you fetch me a stopwatch from the staff office?" Sum: "Yes, ma'am." Mary: "What a bad boy you are." Mary: "Faking illness to avoid the pool." ui: "I just can't handle water." Mary: "So? Are you getting accustomed to school? The classes are simpler than expected. Easier than concerts. Oh, really? Making any friends?" ui: "I don't need any. When they make a fuss over me," ui: "I don't want to get any more involved." Mary: "If your fans learned of this, they'd be disappointed." ui: "I don't mind." ui: "Humans never think about anything." ui: "Though it is annoying, having to smile all day long." Mary: "Well, do as you like." Sum: "I won't tell anyone. I don't care." Meg: "And then we said we'd check out the clubs together!" Sum: "I see." Meg: "Veil-chan said she'd invite Nui-kun, too." Meg: "You should join us, Sumire-chan. Let's all check out the clubs together!" Sum: "I'll pass. I have my own club." Meg: "Oh, yeah. Too bad." ui: "I don't need any. When they make a fuss over me," Sum: "I wonder what they're really like." Sum: "Oh, nothing." Meg: "You're thinking about them that much... I'm so jealous! I wish you'd think about me, too!" Sum: "I do think about you, though..." Sum: "Nothing." ui: "Here you go!" Veil: "Here!" ui: "Here." Yuki: "The tuna prepared by the Twenty-Eights is so fresh!" Veil: "A fisherman friend of ours gave us some of his catch." Chi: "I never thought we'd get to eat sushi at school!" Koro: "Delicious, baa!" Ura: "The negitoro and torotaku are both absolutely delicious!" Veil: "Meguru! There's more, so help yourself!" Meg: "Can I? Really?" ui: "You want some too, Kisaragi-san?" Sum: "No, I'm not hungry." Yu: "Sumire?" Chi: "She usually eats anything you hand her." ui: "Oh, really?" Meg: "I wish Nui-kun could have come, too." Veil: "He said there was one he wanted to investigate on his own." Meg: "Are there any clubs here you're interested in?" Veil: "I don't know." Meg: "I guess you wouldn't. Well, for now, let's look all around." Meg: "Amazing! A new school record!" Meg: "Amazing! An out-of-the-park home run!" Meg: "You've got amazing lung capacity!" Meg: "Your art is amazing in its own way, too..." Meg: "So what did you think?" Veil: "Hmm... It's hard to choose." Veil: "What club are you in, Meguru?" Meg: "Me? I'm in the home ec club." Veil: "Home ec club?" Meg: "We cook and sew and stuff." Meg: "It's all pretty mundane, though." Veil: "I want to try your club!" Meg: "Are you sure?" Veil: "The home ec club sounds fun! I want to see it!" Ref: "Begin!" Stu: "I lost." ui: "That was amazing! Your shift from stillness to action was brilliant. Would you like to try a match with me," ui: "Kisaragi Sumire-san?" Sumire: "You don't need equipment?" ui: "No, I'll be fine." Judge: "Begin!" Veil: "Wow! They look like costumes!" Veil: "You made these?" Meg: "Yeah. I love making clothing." Veil: "They're amazing!" Meg: "Would you like to try them on?" Meg: "I'm sure they'd look cute on you, Veil-chan!" Sto: "I'm sure they'll look cute on you two." Meg: "Veil-chan?" Veil: "Sure! I'll wear them!" ui: "I lose." ui: "You really are good." Meg: "Looking good!" Meg: "You're so cute!" Meg: "It really makes me happy when someone wears my clothing!" Veil: "Does it?" Meg: "Yeah." Veil: "Is that another rule of society?" Meg: "Oh, no, it's not a rule." Veil: "Then why does it make you happy?" Veil: "It's not for you." Meg: "That's a tough one." Veil: "You don't know?" Meg: "No. But when you see someone smile, doesn't it make you happy, too? You think, "That's so great for them!" And when I see someone feeling sad," Meg: "That's why I want to see everyone smile." Meg: "That's right!" Meg: "I'm sure it'll look great on you!" Veil: "Okay!" ui: "People like you really set my mind at ease. There are so many people who," Sum: "Do you want something?" ui: "Nothing in particular. But I'm a bit curious about you. You heard my conversation with Oginome-sensei before," ui: "Most people would be disillusioned after hearing something like that." Sume: "I guess everybody's different." ui: "That's why you interest me. You seem a bit different from most people." ui: "Learning that someone like you exists has been very educational for me." ui: "Thank you for the match." Sum: "I wonder if Meguru is finished..." Meg: "You really looked so cute!" Veil: "You should make our stage costumes for our next show, Meguru!" Meg: "Huh? Really?" Meg: "But that's an important job..." Veil: "It'll be okay. I love your clothing, Meguru!" Meg: "Thanks, Veil-chan!" Meg: "Sumire-chan!" Meg: "Were you waiting for me?" Sum: "I only came to get something I forgot." Meg: "Really?" Sum: "You can go on without me." Meg: "Sumire-chan?" Veil: "Let's go, Meguru." Meg: "O-Okay..." Sum: "I should have just told her I was waiting." Veil: "Do you and Sumire get along well?" Meg: "Of course we do!" Veil: "You're always together. It looks fun." Meg: "But you're always with Nui-kun, right?" Veil: "We're siblings, so that's only natural." Meg: "I see!" Meg: "Crêpes! Want one?" Veil: "Sure!" Meg: "Okay, trade!" Meg: "You can really taste the salt in the tuna!" Veil: "The blueberry is delicious, too!" Veil: "Meguru, you're very nice." Meg: "Am I? I think this is normal." Veil: "It's not." Veil: "Other than our grandmother." Meg: "Grandmother?" Veil: "She took very good care of us. We were very happy with her. You're a bit like our grandmother, Meguru." Meg: "I'm happy to hear that, but it makes me feel bashful." Veil: "Bashful?" Meg: "Oh, um... How to put it... It's not exactly like feeling embarrassed... That's a tricky one." Veil: "It's okay. I think I understand." Meg: "I'm glad!" Veil: "Do we get along?" Meg: "Of course! We get along, and we're friends!" Veil: "Friends?" Meg: "It means people who always get along." Meg: "We cry, we laugh, and we help each other. Our hearts are always in tune. That's the sort of relationship it is." Veil: "Hearts in tune?" Meg: "It's a hard concept, I guess." Veil: "Friend!" Veil: "You and I are friends!" Meg: "Yeah!" Sum: "I guess it has to be Meguru, huh?" Sum: "Thanks." Sum: "Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to be honest." Meg: "That reminds me!" Miru: "Really?" Meg: "Yeah!" Miru: "Was there anything else strange about him?" Meg: "I don't think so!" Miru: "I see..." Miru: "Nagatsuka said the black rose man might be big brother Yuito..." Miru: "But maybe he was mistaken, after all." Meg: "Hey, Miruku-chan..." Meg: "Do you and Sumire-chan's brother know each other?" Miru: "Yeah, I guess you could say that..." Meg: "Oh, right!" Meg: "And you're connected to them," Miru: "It's not something I need to hide, but..." Miru: "Big brother Yuito..." s: "Hello? I've arrived." Mary: "Initiate the investigation in the morning." Mary: "Report everything you learn, no matter how small." ui: "I thought so." Veil: "I'm back." ui: "Welcome back. You were out quite late." ui: "How did you enjoy your club visits?" Veil: "It was fun, thanks to Meguru. We had crêpes on the way back, too." ui: "I told you, you shouldn't eat pastries and cream and such." Veil: "I'm sorry. I was so happy, I forgot myself." ui: "It's okay." Veil: "It feels a bit heavy." ui: "Go on, strip down." ui: "Next time, turn her down. And you should probably stay away from this Meguru girl." Veil: "Why?" ui: "If she happens to find out that we're androids," ui: "she might not like us anymore." Veil: "Okay." Veil: "Nui..." Veil: "Do you think we can become human?" ui: "Of course." ui: "With enough medals, we can do it in no time."

Roku: "I'm sorry..." Roku: "Yuto..." Roku: "Hikari... Yuna..." Roku: "Kacchan... Tatsuya..." Roku: "Ami... Tetsuji..." Roku: "I'm sorry..." Roku: "So much for becoming... the strongest exorcist!" Kinu: "You should get ready. It's nearly time for your trip to Tokyo, Benio-sama. I believe such a sudden summons means they've acknowledged your growth as an exorcist." Kinu: "But there is one thing that concerns me..." Kinu: "or possibly greater than, your own being chosen." Beni: "Greater than my own..." Roku: "I can't imagine a greater girl than you! So please, go out with—" Girl: "Sorry!" Roku: "That was fast!" Girl: "I don't hate you or anything, Rokuro-kun," Girl: "but I like mature guys..." Roku: "I'll work hard to become your ideal man! If there's anything wrong with me, just say so!" Girl: "Well, I guess I could ask you... What do you think is good about you, Rokuro-kun?" Roku: "Uh... Well.. Erm..." Mayu: "Rokuro?" Roku: "Mayura..." Mayu: "Making a mad dash home after another rejection?" Mayu: "You never learn... It's like you're practicing getting your heart broken." Roku: "What does that even mean?" Mayu: "Maybe you should stop going after every random girl you see?" Roku: "I can't stop. I read in a book that love changes your whole life!" Mayu: "Are you that desperate for a change?" Roku: "Never mind that! Is there anything good about me? You'd probably know, right?!" Mayu: "Let's see..." Mayu: "Well, you'll eat anything and say it's good, for one thing. You know how to tie your shoelaces... Beyond that..." Mayu: "Oh, you know right from left, don't you?" Roku: "Huh... I'm actually feeling worse now... What the..." Mayu: "That's one of the things that's cute about you..." Roku: "What'd you say?" Kid: "Give it back!" Bully: "Say "Give it back, please," a hundred times and you can have it!" Kid: "Give it back!" Roku: "Hey! Why are you ganging up on—" Mayu: "Rokuro?!" Roku: "Gib it bagk... Gib... it..." Bully: "bagk! Take it! Let's get out of here!" Bullies: "Y-Yeah!" Kid: "U-Um..." Kid: "Thank you." Crowd: "What's going on? A blackout?" Kinako: "Benio-sama, this feeling... Is it Kegare?" Kid: "Mama, what happened?" Mama: "It's okay. It'll come back on soon." Kinako: "Oh, no! Benio-sama! We're totally surrounded! At this rate, someone's gonna get hurt!" Benio: "No... casualties. Though it be unthinkable, I ask for passage through the gate of the gods. With humility and respect in my plea, I beg your peaceful and willing aid." Benio: "Magano gate, open." Benio: "Come forth at once!" Ryo: "You called, Jissama?" Zen: "Look at this." Ryo: "That's..." Ryo: "For the compass to react this strongly..." Ryo: "Where is it?" Zen: "In Yokohama." Ryo: "This direction... There's one in our area, too!" Zen: "It's two and a half ri to the east by southeast. Can you take care of it?" Ryo: "Understood." Ryo: "Atsushi! Shinnosuke!" Ryo: "We've got a job." Ryo: "A sinkhole near Solamachi..." Ryo: "That'll be it! Shinnosuke, you drive." Ryo: "Atsushi, get ready in the car so we can enter Magano as soon as we arrive." Atsushi: "Got it!" Roku: "Ow..." Ryo: "Rokuro!" Roku: "Crap!" Ryo: "Good timing. Today, you're coming with us." Roku: "Give it up already, Ryogo... I told you, I'm not helping with Kegare exorcism!" Ryogo: "Look, you don't get special treatment, okay? Come on already." Roku: "I told you, I'm not doing it!" Shinnosuke: "Running off, as usual..." Atsushi: "Why is he even here? He never even trains, and Jissama still babies him..." Ryo: "Before he came here two years ago," Ryo: "he was an amazing exorcist whom everyone respected." Atsushi: "Rokuro was, huh?" Shinnosuke: "Two years ago... He'd have been only 12 then." Atsushi: "So, how'd he end up like this?" Ryo: "Rokuro survived the Hinatsuki tragedy." Kinako: "Oh, no!" Kinako: "You're gonna die if you don't get your defenses up!" Beni: "I know. Vajra talisman, Iron Cliff Wall, come forth at once!" Ryo: "Impressive, Rokuro! You've got a promising future ahead of you." Roku: "Leave it to me! I'll get rid of all the Kegare!" Roku: "As if I'll ever be an exorcist..." Kinako: "B-B-Benio-sama!" Beni: "It's fine. Might talisman, Pulverizing Lion's Strength, come forth at once!" Beni: "Flame talisman, come forth at once!" Beni: "Ashen Immolation!" Kinako: "Well done, Benio-sama!" Benio: "Too... hungry..." Benio: "Losing... consciousness..." Roku: "Damn it!" Roku: "Whoa, watch out!" Roku: "I thought I was done for..." Roku: "Oh, um... Are you okay? Actually, thanks..." Roku: "What is this? A map?" Roku: "You want to go to where this star is?" Roku: "What's "Kuniden"? I don't think it's the same thing as Narukami Station..." Roku: "W-Well, whatever! I'll show you the way." Roku: "I've never seen that uniform before. Where'd you come from?" Roku: "Why don't you talk?" Beni: "Conversations... annoying." Roku: "Crap... Where are we?!" Roku: "Yeah, I know! I got lost! But this is all because your map—" Beni: "You live around here... Correct?" Roku: "Man, where did I make a wrong turn? Let's see..." Roku: "What is it?" Roku: "The candy store?" Roku: "You're hungry?" Roku: "Why don't you buy a snack?" Beni: "No money." Roku: "Just one thing, okay?" Roku: "I said one thing! I did say that, didn't I?!" Roku: "Don't just eat it with that happy expression! Just how much do you love ohagi?!" Roku: "Say something!" Roku: "Let me have one, too..." Roku: "What was that for?!" Roku: "Don't snarl at me!" Roku: "Do you realize you bought that with my allowance?!" Roku: "I wanna go home... Wanna go home so bad..." Kid: "Kohana, are you keeping up?" Kohana: "Wait! Wait! You're going too fast, Onii-chan!" Roku: "Why'd you fall out of the sky, anyway?" Roku: "Hey..." Roku: "This is..." Roku: "Hey, what happened to those kids?" Beni: "Magano gate, open." Roku: "She's an exorcist..." Roku: "Magano..." Kohana: "Get up! Get up, Onii-chan!" Bro: "Kohana... Run..." Kohana: "No! Let's go home together, Onii—" Roku: "She's a really strong exorcist, too!" Beni: "It's okay now..." Kohana: "No! No..." Roku: "There are so many Kegare..." Beni: "Might talisman, Skanda talisman, Vajra talisman, Star-Sight talisman..." Beni: "Exorcist Enchantments!" Beni: "Pulverizing Lion's Strength!" Beni: "Heaven Striding Speed!" Beni: "Adamantine Raiment!" Beni: "Calamity Foresight!" Beni: "Come forth at once!" Beni: "Shores of Enlightenment Dance!" Roku: "Fast! She's super fast!" Kohana: "Onii-chan! Onii-chan! Please, Onii-chan!" Beni: "It's okay." Beni: "Om tathagata udbhavaye svaha." Kohana: "Onii-chan! Thank goodness!" Bro: "Kohana." Roku: "That was pretty impressive." Beni: "Wh-What are you doing here?!" Roku: "You're the one who dragged me in! I never wanted to come to Magano..." Beni: "You know about Magano?" Beni: "Are you..." Beni: "Protect them with your life!" Roku: "A-Are you okay?" Beni: "Barely..." Beni: "If I hadn't cast the enchantments, that would've finished me..." Roku: "What is that thing? It's huge for a Kegare, and it's really strong!" Beni: "Take them and leave Magano." Roku: "What about you?" Beni: "That's obvious. I'll defeat that thing." Roku: "Can you really exorcise something like that?!" Beni: "Don't know." Roku: "You don't know?!" Beni: "Honestly, I've never fought one like it before." Roku: "Th-Then you need to—" Beni: "I can't run away." Beni: "Because I'm an exorcist. To create a future where no one suffers because of Kegare," Beni: "I will exorcise all evil Kegare." Beni: "That's my dream." Roku: "What do you mean," Roku: "all of them?" Beni: "Take care of the kids." Beni: "It's really solid..." Beni: "But if that's all it can do..." Beni: "Ephemeral Lotus Dance!" Kohana: "No more! I wanna go home!" Kohana: "Help! Please help!" Beni: "I'm not... done yet!" Beni: "No! My enchantments!" Beni: "No spare talismans left..." Beni: "You... Why..." Roku: "You said you're getting rid of all Kegare, and you let this happen?" Roku: "Don't talk big if you can't back it up!" Beni: "What do you—" Roku: "If you die..." Roku: "You don't get to eat ohagi anymore." Beni: "It's coming!" Beni: "A talisman?" Roku: "Cleanse..." Roku: "So much for..." Roku: "Purify..." Roku: "...becoming the strongest exorcist..." Beni: "I will exorcise all evil Kegare." Beni: "That's my dream." Roku: "I'm gonna get rid of all the bad Kegare!" Roku: "Cleanse! Purify!" Beni: "Watch out!" Roku: "Come forth at once!" Beni: "What happened... to his arm?" Roku: "Bring it on!" Roku: "I'll wipe away the sins and the Kegare!" Beni: "With just one hit..." Beni: "I've never seen power like this before." Roku: "This power is nothing but a curse..." Guy: ""Enmado Rokuro... Adashino Benio."" Guy: "This is it... It's them..." Guy: "These two are the Twin Star Exorcists!" Roku: "I said I'm not gonna be an exorcist! Now this weird underpants guy shows up, and he wants me to fight Benio?!" Beni: "Dante wrote that only souls who repent will be forgiven."

Roku: "Please, Seigen!" Roku: "I need you to train me!" Benio: "I'd like to ask, as well." Seigen: "Ambition alone isn't enough to accomplish anything." Seigen: "Though, I do see that you two are serious about this..." Roku: "Then..." Seigen: "I'm too busy." Roku: "This isn't good enough... I need to get stronger!" Roku: "But..." Roku: "Wh-Why are you looking at me?!" Benio: "No reason." Benio: "You were in my way, so I thought I'd glare at you." Roku: "Say what?!" Benio: "Move aside." Roku: "What the heck's with her? She's always so crabby. Not cute at al—" Subaru: "Good morning, there." Roku: "Uh, g-good morning." Subaru: "This room is awfully drab, isn't it?" Subaru: "Don't you think you should give a bit more thought to the decor?" Roku: "Oh, sorry about... Wait, who are you?!" Benio: "It's good to see you again! I had no idea you were here, Subaru-sama." Subaru: "Good to see you again, Benio-han." Benio: "This is Mitejima Subaru-sama." Benio: "She was once my master." Roku: "Your master?" Subaru: "That takes me back. I think Benio-han was around 5 or 6 years old when we trained in Kyoto." Subaru: "She's grown so much." Roku: "Then she's an exorcist, too?" Benio: "Of course. My master is one of the Twelve Guardians, with the title of Tenko, the Goddess." Roku: "The Twelve Guardians?!" Roku: "Seriously?" Subaru: "And that there is Tatara." Roku: "Where'd you come from?!" Roku: "Quit munching on bread crusts so happily! And what kind of expression is that?!" Subaru: "Tatara's feelings show themselves on the cloth over his face." Subaru: "Convenient, huh?" Roku: "Is convenience really the issue?" Subaru: "So, I hear you two are the Twin Star Exorcists..." Subaru: "How's the newlywed life treating you?" Roku: "Th-That's just something that pervy underpants guy decided! Neither of us have said we'll get married! Right?!" Benio: "Marriage would be impossible. Not a chance. Not even if the world were ending." Roku: "Uh, that's kind of harsh... A-Anyway, there you have it!" Roku: "What's so funny?!" Subaru: "Well, I'm just laughing because you two are so funny." Roku: "Hey, is she really that strong?" Benio: "You can't become one of the Twelve Guardians if you aren't skilled." Roku: "I guess that's true..." Roku: "Wait... Maybe this is our chance? Taking lessons from one of the Twelve Guardians could help us get stronger!" Roku: "Maybe that's why she came here." Roku: "I have a favor to ask!" Roku: "I want to get stronger! There's someone I need to grow strong enough to defeat." Roku: "You've gotta train us! I mean, please train us!" Benio: "Please." Subaru: "Sure thing." Roku: "That's great!" Benio: "Thank you so much." Subaru: "Well, let's get cracking, then." Roku: "What is this?" Benio: "Our training regimen, is it not?" Subaru: "Go on, get going." Roku: ""Go here."" Roku: "Is this where we're going to train?" Roku: "What's up?" Benio: "I'll look at it. Better than you, with your poor sense of direction." Roku: "I can read a map! This way!" Roku: "Uh..." Roku: "Please!" Benio: "This is it." Roku: "Here?" Waiter: "Welcome!" Waiter: "Enmado Rokuro-sama and Adashino Benio-sama, yes?" Waiter: "Mitejima-sama told us you were coming. We've prepared everything she requested." Roku: "What's with these clothes?" Roku: "What kind of training are we gonna do in these?" Kinako: "That's my Benio-sama! No matter what she wears, she looks fantastic!" Roku: "She seems totally different than usual..." Roku: "Never mind. It's still her." Roku: "Let's see... "Say what you thought when you saw Benio."" Roku: "Why?" Benio: "All of my master's instructions have a meaning." Roku: "Yeah, but I'm not even sure what I'm supposed t—" Subaru: "What do you think? My car's a real beauty, huh?" Roku: "That was dangerous!" Subaru: "You're just a kid, aren't you?" Roku: "I'm not a kid!" Subaru: "Not being able to compliment a lady when she's dressed up proves you're a kid." Roku: "I can do that!" Roku: "Y-You... look okay, I guess?" Subaru: "Boorish, foolish, and worthless." Subaru: "On to the next one!" Benio: "This is it." Roku: "We're not training here, are we? What does she want us to do now?" Roku: "You have it rough, too, huh? Uh... No bread crust for me, thanks. Let's see... "You must hold hands." Wh-Why, exactly?!" Benio: "All of my master's instructions have a meaning. I think." Roku: "W-Well, I guess holding hands isn't a big deal..." Roku: "Huh? Why? It's just holding hands... It won't even be the first time... But... I'm feeling..." Benio: "What's... wrong? H-Holding h-h-hands i-i-isn't such a—" Roku: "She's nervous, too!" Roku: "How is this training, anyway?! Is she really one of the Twelve Guardians?" Benio: "It's foolish of you to doubt my master!" Roku: "Then what kind of training did you do with her?" Benio: "My master... taught me a great deal." Benio: "The basics of combat..." Benio: "How to increase my spell power..." Benio: "It was very rigorous training." Subaru: "Remember, never get roped in by stupid boys trying to pick you up on the street. If one of them makes a move on you," Subaru: "give them a bit of this!" Benio: "R-Right!" Benio: "Rigorous training..." Subaru: "If there's one thing I regret in this world, it's the lack of good men." Subaru: "Where on earth is the perfect man for me?" Benio: "Ow!" Subaru: "Are you listening to me?" Benio: "Y-Yes." Benio: "Was that training?" Roku: "This is all starting to feel ridiculous!" Roku: "I told you, that's dangerous!" Subaru: "If you're not taking this seriously, you can take off, kiddo." Benio: "Master, what is this training for?" Subaru: "What do you think?" Benio: "It seems meaningless to me." Subaru: "You've always been like that." Subaru: "You've done all kinds of combat and spell training, but nothing else. That's why you haven't grown. It doesn't matter, y'know. You can give up if you—" Benio: "I'll keep going!" Subaru: "Well, good luck, then." Girl: "They say that if a couple feeds each other these Love-Love Pancakes, they'll find happiness together. Ma-kun, say "ahh."" Boy: "Ahh!" Boy: "This is bliss!" Both: "Love-love!" Both: "Love-love!" Kinako: "Impossible!" Kinako: "There are some things even Benio-sama can't do!" Server: "Here's your order." Server: "Please enjoy." Kinako: "Benio-sama's really gonna do it!" Benio: ""A-Ahh..."" Roku: "A-A-Ahh...." Roku: "I can't do this!" Roku: "What are you trying to make us do?!" Subaru: "Exactly what it says on the note." Subaru: "On to the next one." Roku: "I wanna get strong, okay?! I want to train to get strong!" Roku: "I don't have time to goof around like this!" Subaru: "And?" Benio: "Master..." Benio: "Did the Chief Exorcist ask you to do this?" Roku: "Chief Exorcist..." Roku: "The pervy underpants guy?!" Subaru: "Arima-sama is picking up the tab, so make sure you enjoy yourselves." Roku: "No more! I've had enough!" Kinako: "Benio-sama!" Subaru: "You're staying with me for now." Roku: "I thought this was weird!" Roku: "She never intended to train us in the first place... Damn it, we were tricked!" Roku: "Excuse me!" Roku: "Can we get some ohagi?" Roku: "Look, underpants guy is paying for it." Roku: "Eat all you want!" Roku: "Let's empty his wallet!" Roku: "Can you eat all that?" Benio: "Easily." Roku: "Okay, then..." Roku: "You look so happy when you're eating ohagi." Roku: "Eat up!" Roku: "If it makes you happy, keep on going!" Benio: "Here." Benio: "Take it." Roku: "O-Okay... I will..." Kinako: "Benio-sama!" Benio: "Kinako?" Kinako: "Subaru-sama just wouldn't let me go, so I had to duck out. Wait! Oh, no! Kegare!" Roku: "That's..." Benio: "Magano gate, open." Roku: "What are they trying to do?" Benio: "They're trying to pry their way through." Roku: "If they pull that off..." Benio: "Kegare will enter the physical realm." Roku: "I don't think so!" Roku: "Cleanse!" Roku: "Purify! Come forth at once!" Roku: "Let's go!" Subaru: "That's one unruly arm he's got. Not to mention... Dangerous." Subaru: "Running into Ijika Yuto seems to have driven it mad." Benio: "Rokuro!" Kinako: "Wh-What do you think you're doing, you stupid imp?!" Roku: "Benio..." Roku: "Run..." Benio: "I..." Benio: "I won't run! Exorcist Enchantment, Tranquility Spell Talisman, come forth at once!" Roku: "This is..." Benio: "It's a talisman to restrain power. I placed an enchantment on it." Kinako: "Oh, no! She overdid it! Placing an enchantment on someone else drains a ton of spell power!" Benio: "You said..." Benio: "we'd get stronger together!" Kinako: "This is really bad! We're completely surrounded!" Kinako: "Oh, no!" Kinako: "Y-You creeps! Lay a hand on Benio-sama, and you'll answer to me!" Roku: "Benio!" Benio: "Rokuro..." Subaru: "Earnestly holding hands and embracing..." Subaru: "Seems you finally managed that." Subaru: "If that's all it takes to embarrass you, you've got a long way to go. The two of you make one whole, so you need get closer if you want to get stronger." Subaru: ""Twin Star Exorcists" is a title given to a married couple." Subaru: "Calling you husband and wife when you haven't even gone on a date is a joke!" Subaru: "Come on down." Subaru: "Star Empress Master Talisman, come forth at once!" Roku: "Guns?" Benio: "Guns made of my master's spell power." Subaru: "You Kegare are just like your name suggests..." Subaru: "Irritating to hear, and nasty to look at." Subaru: "And the way you viciously attack humans without rest..." Subaru: "You're as impure as they come. I'll purify" Subaru: "the whole lot of you." Roku: "A-Amazing..." Roku: "Look out!" Roku: "What just happened?" Benio: "I think that was his power as one of the Twelve Guardians, Toda, the Flying Serpent. Tatara's power of Toda is said to be the most sinister, violent, and chaotic of all Twelve Guardians." Subaru: "Scatter..." Subaru: "Endless Rhapsody." Subaru: "Disperse beautifully." Subaru: "There, all done! Scenes of crimes or accidents tend to collect negative human emotions, which weakens the boundary between worlds. We don't want Kegare coming through," Subaru: "so I'm gonna patch this up." Subaru: "Om kiri kiri hara hara fudaran basvaha." Subaru: "Om basara toshakaku." Subaru: "That ought to do it." Subaru: "Tatara, let's go." Subaru: "We'll head on back." Roku: "Mitejima Subaru..." Roku: "She was amazing." Roku: "I guess she earned her spot in the Twelve Guardians. We'd better train harder, too." Roku: "What's up? Something wrong?" Benio: "It's as Master said..." Roku: "What is?" Benio: "I've never been on" Benio: "a date." Benio: "Is this... a date?" Roku: "I-Is it? I don't really know..." Benio: "I see." Roku: "What is this place?!" Subaru: "What took you so long?" Roku: "You thought you could barge in here agai—" Roku: "How can you dress like that in someone else's house?!" Benio: "Why is your nose bleeding?" Roku: "Ow! What was that for?!" Benio: "Indecent..." Roku: "Wh-What is?!" Benio: "Your eyes, nose, mouth, and face. Everything, in other words!" Roku: "I-It's her fault for dressing like that!" Benio: "Typical pervert excuse..." Roku: "This is character assassination!" Subaru: "A married couple's quarrel! Isn't that nice?" Roku: "We're not married! And what are you doing here, anyway?!" Roku: "You're obvious enough! You're eating bread crusts!" Subaru: "Well, this room was so drab, so I rearranged it a little." Roku: "This isn't a little! It's a total remodel!" Benio: "Master, are you staying the night?" Subaru: "Well, of course." Subaru: "Your real training is just getting started." Subaru: "We need to work on nightly marital activities, too." Roku: "N-Nightly..." Benio: "Act...ivity..." Subaru: "Now, let's continue your training for marriage." Roku: "Go..." Roku: "Go..." Roku: "Go home!" Benio: "Subaru-sama, if you please." Subaru: "The monk Shinran said, "When you suffer alone, think of it as if you're suffering together."" Benio: "Does that have something to do with the next episode?"

Benio: "This is Mitejima Subaru-sama. She was once my master." Roku: "I have a favor to ask!" Roku: "I want to get stronger!" Roku: "You've gotta train us! I mean, please train us! Let's see... "You must hold hands." Wh-Why, exactly?!" Subaru: "What do you think? My car's a real beauty, huh?" Roku: "That was dangerous!" Subaru: "You're just a kid, aren't you?" Kinako: "This is really bad! We're completely surrounded!" Subaru: "The two of you make one whole, so you need get closer if you want to get stronger." Subaru: ""Twin Star Exorcists" is a title given to a married couple." Subaru: "Now, let's continue your training for marriage." Roku: "N-Now this is a real challenge..." Roku: "Ow! Aw, man! Why do I gotta do tedious crap like this?!" Benio: "I'm sure there's a point to it. Your right arm was out of control because its increased spell power was too much for you to control. Therefore, Master is telling you to dedicate your daily training to improving your focus and maintaining a calm state of mind." Benio: "I think." Roku: "Looks like your focus isn't that great, either!" Benio: "Compared to yours, it is!" Roku: "Y-Your skirt..." Roku: "I-It's important to keep your cool, right?" Roku: "Right?!" Roku: "Ow, ow, ow, ow!" Man: "Why don't you understand" Man: "the way I feel about you? I love you so much!" Woman: "If you had only told me sooner..." Subaru: "He's such an idiot." Woman: "I'm sorry!" Subaru: "Feelings aren't visible, so how was she supposed to know?" Roku: "Hey, your tea is ready." Subaru: "This looks good." Roku: "H-Hey, tea..." Subaru: "Hay tea?" Roku: "Your tea is ready, Subaru-sama." Subaru: "You're not too considerate, are you? Who serves tea without tea cakes?" Roku: "What do you expect me to do?" Benio: "I'm sorry for the wait." Subaru: "I'm not really in the mood for something this sweet today." Subaru: "As my pupil, shouldn't you be able to tell how your master feels?" Benio: "I-I'm sorry." Roku: "What are you thinking?! You expect us to be able to read your mind?!" Subaru: "It's non-verbal communication! Like knowing where to scratch when the other's itchy, or finishing each other's sentences. Then again, you're newlyweds, so I guess that's still unknown territory." Benio: "Newlyweds..." Roku: "L-Like we keep saying, it's not like that..." Subaru: "This is some tasty green tea. But all this lecturing is making my shoulders stiff." Subaru: "So, so exhausted..." Roku: "Ow!" Subaru: "If you move when I drop such an obvious hint, it comes off like I'm ordering you around. Gosh, you're going to make me feel bad." Roku: "Enough already! When are you going to give us some serious training?!" Benio: "Rokuro—" Roku: "Since you showed up, we've just been looking after you, and you haven't done anything!" Roku: "We don't have time to waste! There's so much we need to be doing to get stronger." Roku: "Even my arm going berserk..." Benio: "Exorcist Enchantment, Tranquility Spell Talisman, come forth at once!" Roku: "This is..." Benio: "It's a talisman to restrain power. I placed an enchantment on it." Roku: "I can't always rely on her to cover for me." Roku: "I need to be able to handle things myself..." Subaru: "The way you two are now, no amount of training is gonna do any good." Roku: "Why?!" Subaru: "Well, why do you think? At the least, you're gonna be in trouble until you can figure out what I want, and what I'm thinking." Roku: "How do we do that?! And what does that have to do with training?!" Subaru: "Thinking about it like that shows how far you've got to go." Subaru: "I'm stepping out for a walk." Benio: "I feel the same as Rokuro." Subaru: "The same, huh?" Subaru: "Fair enough. Just for a bit, then." Both: "Hide and seek?!" Roku: "That's..." Benio: "...the training?" Subaru: "If you two can find me before the sun sets, then you two win." Subaru: "Do that, and I'll work you so hard, you'll regret it." Roku: "Dressed like that?" Subaru: "That's right." Subaru: "Something wrong with that?" Roku: "Well, I mean..." Roku: "This'll be easy! I gotta say, though, the Twelve Guardians sure are a bunch of weirdos." Subaru: "Let's get started, then. Three, two, one..." Benio: "Already?" Roku: "Hey, aren't you gonna hide?" Subaru: "Zero." Subaru: "Come and get me." Roku: "Wh-What the?!" Benio: "A familiar?" Roku: "Really? When did she switch out?" Roku: "Let's split up and find her!" Benio: "Right." Roku: "Of course she wouldn't be there..." Roku: "Man, where did that Subaru run off to?" Roku: "What's wrong?! Did you find her?" Benio: "What..." Benio: "is this?!" Roku: "H-How did you find that?!" Benio: "I found it while I was looking for Master," Benio: "in the back of one of your desk drawers." Roku: "A-Are you... It's obvious she wouldn't be there! And—" Benio: "What is this?" Roku: "Wh-What is..." Kinako: "Come on now, let's hear it! You hormonal little imp!" Benio: "Be quiet, Kinako!" Kinako: "Y-Yes, ma'am..." Roku: "L-Look, it's just... I said I didn't want it, but the guys pushed it into my hands, that's all! Talk about obnoxious, right?!" Benio: "Sex fiends must die." Roku: "I'm... sorry, I guess..." Subaru: "A couple shouldn't hide things from each other." Roku: "That little..." Benio: "There's more." Subaru: "Oh, also, I'm gonna step out for a bit." Roku: "She's messing with us! Well, this game ends right now!" Benio: "Wait..." Roku: "No matter where she's hiding, I'll find her!" Roku: "But... where do I start looking?" Benio: "That finally occurred to you?" Benio: "You should cool your head. Running around with no plan is just stupid." Roku: "Quit calling me stupid! Do you have some bright idea, then?" Benio: "I'm thinking." Girl: "Hey, did you see that woman? Maybe she's some kind of entertainer? She was dressed so fancy, I couldn't help staring!" Girl 2: "That was a Kyoto dialect she used, right? The way she talked was so hilarious!" Roku: "Where did you see her?! The fancypants with the Kyoto dialect!" Roku: "Damn it! We're too late." Benio: "Excuse me, what happened to the lady who sat here?" Lady: "Oh... And you two are?" Roku: "Well, we were supposed to meet her here, but it looks like we missed her..." Lady: "Oh, you're with that beautiful lady?" Lady: "She said she was going to look around at the clothes shops." Shop: "Yes, she was here. I think she said she was headed to an antique shop next." Shop 2: "Oh, she said she was hungry when she left." Roku: "She's not here, either. I bet she's doing this on purpose!" Shop 3: "Excuse me, are you two looking for Mitejima-san?" Benio: "Yes!" Shop 3: "She's actually been coming by fairly regularly lately." Roku: "Did she say where she was going next?!" Shop 3: "Oh, I don't know about that..." Shop 3: "But she did say her party would pay her bill when they arrived later. Here." Shop 3: "Come again!" Roku: "Damn her! How did she eat that much by herself?! And so fast?! She can't be human!" Benio: "But we're out of leads now." Roku: "All my money is gone, too! She totally played us. I hate to say it, but I give up." Benio: "We can't just chase her." Benio: "We have to think ahead..." Benio: "What is she thinking, and what does she want?" Benio: "If we can predict that..." Roku: "Then we'll know where she's going?" Subaru: "Gosh, I'm stuffed!" Benio: "I think I know." Roku: "What?!" Roku: "D-Dieting?!" Roku: "Wh-What does that have to do with where Subaru is hiding?" Benio: "Master once said..." Subaru: "Oh, this is awful." Benio: "Master?" Subaru: "Isn't there anything I can do about this flab around here?" Benio: "I-I don't know..." Subaru: "Oh, dear." Roku: "So she's dieting?" Benio: "I think so, anyway..." Roku: "So that's how you read her? Still, even if Subaru is crazy, you think she'd just go to the gym, like a normal person?" Benio: "Call it... women's intuition." Roku: "It's just intuition?! And "women's"? Wait... Women?" Benio: "Rokuro?" Subaru: "This looks good." Roku: "That might be it!" Benio: "She's here!" Roku: "We've got you, Subaru!" Roku: "Whoa!" Instructor: "You've got a knack for this." Roku: "How'd she put you up to this?! And you fit in perfectly!" Subaru: "That was a good guess, but sadly, not the right one. Nice try." Roku: "Damn her!" Benio: "Sorry. I was wrong." Roku: "Not really." Roku: "Since Tatara was there, you couldn't have been that far off." Roku: "Just like Subaru's note said, it was a good guess." Roku: "We've almost got her! I can't wait to see the look on that smug face when we catch her!" Benio: "Right." Roku: "Think about her feelings, huh..." Roku: "I guess we just have to imagine what she's thinking." Subaru: "Foolish, useless, good-for-nothing, not to mention—" Roku: "Not good! All I can imagine is her insulting me!" Benio: "Calm down. Of course, those are more like facts than insults." Roku: "What?! What do you mean, facts?! Wait, how did you know what I was thinking?" Benio: "It's pretty easy to tell what you're thinking." Benio: "Because you're a simpleton." Roku: "O-Oh, yeah? Well, if that's how it goes, I can tell what you're thinking, too!" Roku: "I've got it!" Roku: "You want to eat some ohagi." Roku: "Am I right? See, it's easy for me to tell what you're— Ow, ow, ow, ow!" Benio: "That's..." Roku: "Magano's torn open again?!" Kinako: "It can't be! I didn't sense anything!" Roku: "Doesn't matter!" Benio: "Magano gate, open." Benio: "Come forth at once!" Roku: "Where are the Kegare?!" Benio: "Look out!" Roku: "Here they come!" Roku: "Magic Bullet Talisman!" Roku: "Air Fissure Bullet, come forth at once!" Roku: "Go!" Benio: "Shores of Enlightenment Dance!" Benio: "Our attacks aren't working. What's with this thing?!" Benio: "But if we could... ...focus our attacks on one spot..." Roku: "Where are you, Benio?" Benio: "Rokuro... Where are you?" Roku: "Stop messing with me, you stupid octopus!" Roku: "I can't. If I'm not careful, I could hit Benio!" Benio: "What do I do? If I could predict how it'll move..." Roku: "The Kegare's movements..." Roku: "No, not that." Benio: "It's not the Kegare's movements I should be trying to anticipate." Roku: "That's right. I can tell..." Benio: "...exactly what he's thinking." Roku: "What would you do?" Benio: "What would you do?" Benio: "The first to move would be Rokuro!" Roku: "Back me up!" Benio: "A familiar?" Roku: "That means..." Subaru: "See? You can do it if you try!" Subaru: "To be honest, I didn't expect you to do this well, though." Subaru: "Even your arm didn't do anything naughty this time." Roku: "Oh, now that you mention it..." Subaru: "Trying to grab hold of something you can't see is pointless." Subaru: "Feelings are like spell power. You just need to sense them." Roku: "Sensing spell power..." Benio: "Putting that aside, the sun hasn't set yet." Roku: "That means the hide-and-seek game isn't over yet! Looks like we win!" Benio: "Found you, Master." Subaru: "Oh, dear... A little bit of praise and you get like this? You two still need to shape up." Roku: "N-No way... Damn it!" Subaru: "That said..." Subaru: "That was quite the show you gave me." Subaru: "You were wonderful hosts! Sorry to impose on you newlyweds for so long." Roku: "We're not newlyweds!" Subaru: "I see you're still just a kid in that regard." Benio: "Thank you, Master." Subaru: "Don't thank me until you accomplish what you're after." Subaru: "Isn't that right?" Subaru: "See y'all later." Roku: "In the end, she barely trained us at all." Benio: "I think I learned a lot, though." Roku: "Yeah." Benio: "A note from Master?" Roku: "What's wrong?" Roku: "What's all the fuss?" Benio: "What is this?" Roku: "L-Like I told you, the guys forced it on me... Also, don't just dig around in my room!" Benio: "Sex fiends must die!" Roku: "I'm really sorry, I guess." Subaru: "Nothing's more beautiful than a healthy relationship." Kamui: "Give me a break..." Roku: "Hey, I found this in a book by that Nijuuichiche guy. "The worst enemy you can meet will always be yourself."" Benio: "That's quite deep, coming from you, Rokuro!"

Roku: "N-Now this is a real challenge..." Benio: "I'm sure there's a point to it." Roku: "Why do I gotta do tedious crap like this?! There's so much we need to be doing to get stronger." Benio: "I feel the same as Rokuro." Both: "Hide and seek?!" Subaru: "Zero." Subaru: "Come and get me." Roku: "Wh-What the?!" Benio: "What is this?" Roku: "It's just..." Subaru: "Gosh, I'm stuffed!" Benio: "We have to think ahead..." Roku: "Think about her feelings, huh..." Subaru: "Feelings aren't visible, so how was she supposed to know?" Roku: "Wait, how did you know what I was thinking?" Benio: "Look out!" Benio: "Our attacks aren't working." Benio: "It's not the Kegare's movements I should be trying to anticipate." Roku: "I can tell..." Benio: "...exactly what he's thinking." Subaru: "See? You can do it if you try! Trying to grab hold of something you can't see is pointless. You just need to sense them." Benio: "What is this?" Roku: "L-Like I told you, the guys forced it on me..." Benio: "Sex fiends must die!" Subaru: "Nothing's more beautiful than a healthy relationship." Subaru: "See y'all later." Kamui: "Hey, you..." Kamui: "Do you happen to know where the Twin Star Exorcists are?" Kamui: "Yeah, all right... I guess I'm wasting my time asking you." Kamui: "Give me a break..." Kamui: "You wouldn't even make a decent snack." Roku: "My right arm's spell power has increased." Roku: "That makes it harder to control, but..." Roku: "Yes!" Roku: "I'm able to control its spell power much better now!" Roku: "Still..." Roku: "There's no way I can beat Yuto if control is all I work on." Roku: "Well, getting anxious won't help. I guess I'll call it a day." Roku: "What the heck is that?!" Roku: "I knew it was you!" Roku: "Wh-What are you doing?!" Benio: "Preparing dinner." Roku: "D-Dinner?" Benio: "I'm working on a special drink that contains vegetables, dried sardines, and various herbs." Roku: "That's not dinner!" Roku: "J-Just what kind of dinners did you have as a kid?" Benio: "Our family always ate ohagi and curry." Roku: "What kind of family is that?!" Roku: "Oh..." Roku: "Sorry, that was going too far." Benio: "It's ready!" Roku: "That's what you were focusing on?!" Benio: "For this drink, the mixture of fresh cream and viper extract you add at the end is tough to get right..." Roku: "What the hell kind of drink is this?" Benio: "The super nutritious..." Benio: "Benio Special!" Roku: "You're actually gonna drink that?" Roku: "What?" Roku: "Don't tell me... You made some for me, too?" Benio: "Since I was making some anyway..." Roku: "Oh, okay..." Roku: "Hey, that's pretty considerate!" Roku: "Well, I appreciate the sentiment, but... Right now, I..." Roku: "You chugged it?!" Roku: "Fine..." Roku: "A man's gotta have guts!" Roku: "Bitter! Bitter, bitter, bitter! And spicy! Way, way, way too spicy! And it stinks! So bad!" Roku: "Huh? But it's also slightly sweet?" Roku: "But the way it all comes together is nasty! Nasty! Nasty, nasty, nasty!" Benio: "It's a sophisticated flavor." Roku: "Don't make excuses for it!" Roku: "Nope, I can't do this! I can't live with you! You can't even make food that's fit for human consumption!" Benio: "How rude!" Benio: "It's not as if you can cook, either." Roku: "What?! Of course I can cook!" Roku: "Hey, what's that face supposed to mean?! Stop it! Stop making that "Really? A klutz like you can cook?" look right now!" Roku: "All right, let's do this... We'll rotate dinner duty by the day!" Roku: "And tonight, I'll be making dinner! But, if you eat my food and actually like it, then that becomes the standard for meals in this house! Got it? That means even if it's your turn, you're not allowed to make any nasty drinks like that ever again!" Benio: "It's not a nasty drink." Benio: "It's the Benio Special." Roku: "It doesn't matter what it's called!" Roku: "I'm going to make you gasp in amazement!" Benio: "Gasp?" Roku: "Hey! Where are you going?!" Benio: "Evening jogging." Roku: "You're going today, again?" Benio: "I'll work up an appetite. Maybe that way," Benio: "your food will actually taste kind of good." Roku: "What do you mean, "kind of"?!" Arima: "And here I am!" Shimon: "There was some strange activity on the third stratum underground, so a group of specialists went to check on it." Arima: "Oh, okay. Good work with that." Arima: "Thanks to you Twelve Guardians, everything in Kyoto is so, so safe..." Arima: "For now." Arima: "By the way... How are things in Narukami, Su-chan?" Subaru: "Well, mean ol' Seigen-han is on the case, so it'll probably be fine." Arima: "He is mean-looking..." Arima: "And what of the Twin Star Exorcists?" Subaru: "Not much to say... They're not gonna be of much use any time soon." Subaru: "However... Depending on how they're trained, something interesting could happen." Subaru: "Especially the boy, Rokuro..." Arima: "Wonderful, wonderful, simply wonderful!" Arima: "Well, then, I'm going to step out myself." Shimon: "Where are you going, sir?" Arima: "It's a secret!" Arima: "I hear something rather amusing is going on." Roku: "Just you wait, stupid Benio... I'll get you to say, "It's delicious!"" Roku: "Seriously, though..." Roku: "What kind of food did she grow up eating?" Roku: "And what kind of kid was she, anyway?" Roku: "Crap, it's burning!" Girl: "Mom!" Girl: "What are we having for dinner?" Mom: "We're having curry tonight." Girl: "Yay!" Exorcist: "It's huge!" Saki: "It's dangerous, so get a little further back, okay?" Saki: "We'd better finish this before the sale at the supermarket ends." Saki: "Hyoga-kun, what would you like for dinner?" Hyoga: "Ohagi." Saki: "I thought you'd say that..." Saki: "All right, tonight we're having curry." Hyoga: "I don't like spicy food, Saki." Both: "Ensemble Shores of Enlightenment Dance!" Exorcists: "Seriously?! They took out that huge Kegare in seconds! They're amazing!" Benio: "Father! Mother!" Saki: "Benio! Did you see how cool your mom was just now?" Benio: "Yes!" Benio: "Father and Mother, you were both very cool!" Saki: "Go on, say something to her." Hyoga: "O-Oh... Yeah." Benio: "Father! Mother! I'll try to grow up soon and work hard so I can help you two!" Kamui: "I'll wait ten seconds for your decision." Roku: "All right, it's ready!" Roku: "My specialty oyakodon! The Rokuro Super Deluxe!" Roku: "I knew I could do it if I just tried." Roku: "And I did a taste test... Now I just need to wait for Benio to get back." Roku: "Come to think of it, she's pretty late." Roku: "It won't taste as good if it gets cold." Kinako: "Benio-sama... Maybe we should be heading back now?" Kinako: "It's gotten pretty dark... And the imp said he'd make dinner." Kinako: "Well... I doubt any dinner he makes would be that good, anyway." Benio: "Dinner, huh?" Kinako: "Benio-sama..." Kinako: "You know I, your familiar, Kinako, will always be with you! Wait!" Kinako: "Oh, no! There's a Kegare!" Kinako: "A big one, too!" Kinako: "It's close by. What do you want to do, Benio-sama?" Benio: "Obviously, I'll go and purify it." Roku: "Not here, either... Where exactly are you running, Benio?" Roku: "She wouldn't go to purify a Kegare on her own, would she?" Kinako: "B-B-B-B-Benio-sama!" Benio: "This should help me work up an appetite." Benio: "This is the end!" Kamui: "You're in the way." Kamui: "Hey, you're an exorcist?" Kamui: "You are, right? I've got a question for you," Kamui: "so answer me." Kamui: "Do you know where the Twin Star Exorcists are?" Kamui: "If you don't know, I'll kill you right here." Kamui: "If you know and don't tell me, I'll kill you, as well." Kamui: "If you tell me, I guess I could let you go." Kamui: "Yeah." Kamui: "I'll give you the privilege to choose." Kamui: "I'll wait ten seconds for your decision." Kamui: "Ten..." Kamui: "Nine..." Kamui: "Eight..." Benio: "You..." Kamui: "Well? Which is it? Seven..." Benio: "I've..." Kamui: "Your father..." Hyoga: "Run." Kamui: "Or your mother." Saki: "Benio!" Kamui: "I'll spare one of them. Six..." Benio: "I have been..." Kamui: "Five..." Benio: "Now, choose, human child." Kamui: "Four..." Benio: "...searching for you this whole time!" Kamui: "Three..." Benio: "Two..." Benio: "I'll wait ten seconds for your decision. Kamui!" Kamui: "How do you know who I am?" Benio: "Do you not remember the exorcists that you've killed before?! Do you not remember the exorcist couple that you crushed six years ago?!" Kamui: "Give me a break. Are you telling me you remember how many ants you've stepped on, and what each one looked like?" Kamui: "What you're after..." Kamui: "It's called revenge, isn't it? That means you've lived your life, all this time," Kamui: "thinking about killing me, right?" Kamui: "Then isn't this so pathetic, it's almost shocking?" Kamui: "I'll let you decide in the end. Would you rather I crush you to death, the way I crushed them, or have your head smashed in by my foot?" Kamui: "I'll wait ten seconds for your decision." Benio: "Father, Mother..." Benio: "Please watch me." Benio: "I swear..." Benio: "I'll avenge you!" Kamui: "Ten..." Kamui: "Nine..." Kamui: "Eight..." Kamui: "Seven... Six... Five..." Kamui: "Four..." Benio: "I couldn't..." Benio: "I couldn't do a single thing..." Kamui: "Three..." Kamui: "Two..." Kamui: "One..." Roku: "What're you doing out here? You're running off on your own," Roku: "being totally reckless, again... I went to the trouble of making dinner," Roku: "and now it's cold." Benio: "You came here just because of that?" Roku: ""Just because of that"?" Roku: "A promise to eat dinner together is an important reason, isn't it?" Roku: "Come on! Let's get you patched up," Roku: "head home, and have dinner together!" Benio: "Okay." Kamui: "Oh, come on... Give me a break." Roku: "He's a Kegare, right?" Roku: "But he can talk?" Kamui: "Getting knocked around by a human..." Kamui: "If the others found out, I'd be a laughingstock." Roku: "I put a lot of power into that punch, but it didn't purify him?!" Kamui: "But still... How long has it been since I ran into an exorcist who could hurt me?" Roku: "Just who the hell is this guy?!" Kinako: "Benio-sama, calm down! Don't do anything crazy!" Benio: "But..." Kinako: "Y'know, Buddha once said, "Do not be controlled by irrational emotions, but control them instead."" Kinako: "Just do that!"

Arima: "Hello, this is Arima!" Arima: "Oh, yes, yes." Arima: "Otomi-san from Narukami." Arima: "Good to hear from you." Zen: "Arima-sama, there's something I wanted you to know. In Narukami, there's—" Arima: "An incredibly powerful Kegare, right?" Zen: "You already knew?" Zen: "Is it..." Zen: "Could it be..." Arima: "It's a Basara." Kinako: "Benio-sama!" Roku: "Benio!" Kamui: "Who're you?" Kamui: "You're interrupting my fun." Roku: "You call this fun?" Benio: "Run..." Benio: "Get out of here." Roku: "Why?" Benio: "You mustn't fight him..." Benio: "That Kegare..." Benio: "is not a normal Kegare." Benio: "He's... a Basara." Roku: "Basara?" Arima: "Despite their human appearance, they are not human... And although they are Kegare, they are far stronger than the typical kind. They have devoured the spell power of their prey to the point that they evolve into a superior class of Kegare." Arima: "That is a Basara. Currently the Exorcist Union has confirmed the existence of a handful of Basara, one of which is in Narukami. Their spell power is off the charts, and only someone on par with the Twelve Guardians stands a chance." Zen: "If an exorcist runs into a Basara, what should they do?" Arima: "Avoid battle." Arima: "That is the wisest choice." Benio: "You mustn't fight him. Hurry and r—" Roku: "Benio!" Kinako: "Benio-sama! Hang in there!" Kamui: "That's an interesting arm you've got there." Kamui: "Not that it really matters." Kamui: "All I want to know is whether you're strong or weak." Kamui: "You're still alive?" Kamui: "They sure took off fast. You won't even make a decent snack," Kamui: "you damn pipsqueak." Kinako: "Benio-sama!" Roku: "I need to borrow your gear!" Roku: "Om tathagata udbhavaye svaha." Roku: "Hey! Where are you going?!" Benio: "Back to Magano." Roku: "You..." Benio: "I have to defeat him." Roku: "What exactly happened?" Roku: "Who is that Basara?" Benio: "He killed my mother and father. Six years ago," Benio: "my parents died battling that Basara." Benio: "It took me six years to find him..." Benio: "I have to... I have to defeat him," Benio: "no matter what." Benio: "If the alternative is running away... and living in shame..." Benio: "I'd rather die fighting!" Roku: "Idiot! What are you talking about?! If you die, there's no point!" Roku: "And you've been shaking this whole time." Roku: "You're actually scared, aren't you?" Roku: "You can't beat him fighting like that, idiot!" Benio: "You keep calling me an idiot." Benio: "I don't want an idiot like you calling me an idiot!" Roku: "Well, if an idiot calls you an idiot, that makes you twice the idiot!" Roku: "Do you realize you're not making any sense? You tell me not to fight, but are about to do just that. You say you'd rather die, but are obviously scared." Roku: "You need to calm down and think this over!" Benio: "Father... Mother..." Benio: "I swear I'll avenge you!" Benio: "Revenge..." Kamui: "Isn't this so pathetic, it's almost shocking?" Benio: "I..." Benio: "I don't know..." Benio: "what to do... I've been looking for him for so long," Benio: "so I could defeat him." Benio: "But I couldn't even touch him." Benio: "And the thought of dying without being able to do anything terrifies me... I realize I don't stand a chance, and that I'm scared, but if I run away now," Benio: "I won't be able to face my mother and father..." Benio: "And if that happened..." Benio: "Then there would be no point in me being alive." Roku: "What's with this girl?" Roku: "She's just..." Roku: "like me." Roku: "Here, eat! It's my specialty oyakodon, the Rokuro Super Deluxe!" Roku: "Eat this and cheer up!" Roku: "I'll slow him down in the meantime." Roku: "We're gonna exorcise the hell out of that Basara, you and I!" Roku: "You want to beat him, right?" Roku: "If you can't do it alone, maybe we can together." Benio: "This is my battle..." Benio: "You have no reason to fight." Roku: "I do." Roku: "Because I'm an exorcist. Before I met you, I was running from my bad memories." Roku: "I was scared to fight, and I didn't want to feel that pain again." Roku: "But... Now I realize that even this accursed power" Roku: "can be used to help people." Roku: "And the one who helped me realize that... was you." Roku: "So don't say you'd rather be dead. I'm pretty sure your mom and dad" Roku: "want you to go on living." Kinako: "How patronizing can you get? Like he understands anything!" Kinako: "Is it cat food?" Kamui: "Not even a snack..." Roku: "Still hungry?" Roku: "I guess Basaras have big appetites." Roku: "I'll take you on if you want." Kamui: "Here's hoping you're up to the challenge." Roku: "Don't talk big if you can't back it up!" Roku: "If you die..." Roku: "You don't get to eat ohagi anymore." Roku: "Thank you, Adashino Benio!" Roku: "I'm glad you were there!" Roku: "Let's get stronger, Benio." Kinako: "Is it any good, Benio-sama?" Kinako: "Thanks!" Kinako: "Disgusting! How dare he feed someone this garbage?! Is something wrong with his tongue?!" Benio: "But it's strange..." Benio: "Somehow, I feel braver." Roku: "Damn it, he looks totally unfazed... I keep punching, but it's like there's no chance he'll be exorcised!" Kamui: "Not bad. You've got potential." Kamui: "I'm starting to think it'd be a waste to kill you." Roku: "What're you talking about?" Kamui: "I like fighting strong exorcists. Plus, the stronger they are, the more spell power I get when I kill them." Roku: "Enough of your crap!" Kamui: "I know... I'll let you decide." Kamui: "We can keep fighting if you want, or I can let you go. I'll give you ten seconds to decide." Roku: "You say that now, but you plan to attack me once I turn to run, don't you?!" Kamui: "I always keep my word. Because, honestly, either way works for me." Kamui: "Letting humans have options is just a hobby of mine." Roku: "A hobby?" Kamui: "It's pretty interesting to see how a human on the brink of death reacts. While I'm counting, some attack me, and some cry and beg for mercy." Kamui: "Some have even sacrificed their comrades to save their own skin. When it comes down to it, hardly anyone has ever sacrificed themselves for someone else." Kamui: "Oh, that's right. I remember that girl now." Kamui: "I see... So she's the kid from back then." Kamui: "I had her choose whether I'd spare her mother or her father." Kamui: "But she was so scared, she couldn't choose either one." Kamui: "So then I asked her parents... I believe it was..." Kamui: "Should I spare their lives, or that of their child? I gave them ten seconds to decide." Kamui: "They both answered without hesitating that I should spare the child." Kamui: "Yeah, they were the rare exceptions." Roku: "And what did you do then?" Kamui: "I killed them, of course." Kamui: "That was the deal." Roku: "That was six years ago..." Roku: "Six years ago, she'd have only been eight!" Roku: "How..." Roku: "How could you do that in front of a kid?!" Roku: "Just how corrupt are you?!" Kamui: "Well, that's why I'm a Kegare." Kamui: "I am going to exorcise you right here!" Kamui: "How was that?!" Kamui: "Good." Kamui: "That was good... Very good. I haven't been this excited in a long time." Roku: "He can still move?!" Kamui: "Right..." Kamui: "Maybe with you, I can actually use this. Let's see, where'd I put it? Oh, there it is." Roku: "A spirit talisman?!" Kamui: "A curse talisman. I'm gonna get a little serious now, so don't disappoint me." Kamui: "Talons that rend gods, come forth at once." Kamui: "Wrap them in a filthy death shroud." Roku: "How can you use enchantments—" Kamui: "Blocking won't do any good against this." Kamui: "The impact is transmitted through your entire body from the point of contact." Kamui: "And seriously, what's up? You're not done already, are you?" Kamui: "I brought out my curse talisman. Make this a little more entertaining." Roku: "Beni...o..." Kamui: "Why did you come back here?" Kamui: "Get lost. Fighting you is boring." Kamui: "What is this? She seems completely different now." Benio: "Father, Mother, give me courage..." Benio: "The courage to overcome my fear!" Saki: "Benio!" Hyoga: "Run." Benio: "The courage to move forward!" Benio: "The courage to respond to his courage!" Benio: "Dance of the Tiger Lily on the White Path!" Kamui: "I don't know if this is some last-minute desperation or what... But you need to understand that" Kamui: "pluck and determination can't make up the difference between us. With your spell power, you could hit me hundreds of times and it wouldn't help." Benio: "Then even if it takes a thousand, or ten thousand," Benio: "I will keep striking until you fall!" Benio: "I am going to purify you!" Benio: "So close..." Benio: "So close..." Benio: "I'm so close!" Benio: "Rokuro?" Roku: "I'm not gonna just watch." Benio: "I suddenly feel lighter..." Roku: "Let's purify this guy right now," Roku: "with our pluck and determination!" Benio: "Right!" Roku: "I guess we can agree once in a while." Benio: "Yes. Once in a century, maybe." Roku: "The sword..." Benio: "...changed shape?" Kamui: "Their spell powers are resonating?" Kamui: "I get it... It's you... You two are..." Both: "Your sins and and corruption..." Kamui: "Entertain me more!" Both: "We'll wipe you and all of them away!" Roku: "D-Did we get him?" Roku: "We got him, right?" Roku: "B-Benio..." Kamui: "I was careless." Kamui: "I should've figured it out sooner." Roku: "No way..." Roku: "That didn't exorcise him, either?" Kamui: "Hey, you two are the Twin Star Exorcists, are you not?" Roku: "How do you know about the Twin Stars?!" Kamui: "Of course I know. The Kegare and exorcists have been fighting for over a thousand years." Roku: "What do you..." Roku: "What do you Kegare want?!" Kamui: "You exorcists want to eradicate the Kegare, right?" Kamui: "Well, that would make our goal the exact opposite. If this Miko is actually going to have the power to eradicate us," Kamui: "I really ought to kill the two of you, who shall bring forth the Miko." Kamui: "Though I must say..." Kamui: "I don't really care who gets eradicated." Roku: "What?!" Kamui: "All I really care about is whether I'm entertained." Roku: "Wait! This fight isn't over ye—" Roku: "Huh?" Benio: "Rokuro?" Kamui: "Today was the most fun I've had in a while. For our next encounter, at least gain enough power to force me to use half my strength. Oh, you can give birth to the Miko and I'll fight them instead, if you want." Roku: "Don't give me that bull!" Kamui: "Either way, you two are my quarry." Kamui: "Don't let the others catch you in the meantime." Roku: "Hey! Wait!" Roku: "Benio? We need to get out of Magano..." Roku: "Benio..." Arima: "Nicely done." Benio: "Father, Mother, are you not afraid of fighting Kegare?" Saki: "We're afraid." Saki: "No exorcist fights because they want to." Hyoga: "Which is why we do it for the future." Saki: "So that when you're grown up, you won't have to go to Magano. Your father and I have a duty to make the future a place like that." Saki: "It's okay to be afraid." Saki: "Because..." Hyoga: "We're not alone." Benio: "Not alone..." Benio: "This is that room..." Benio: "I'm positive he's behind this!" Arima: "Yes, I did it!" Benio: "Ultimately, I wasn't able to manage anything on my own... I need to re-train and become much stronger," Benio: "so that next time, I can strike down that Basara! If it weren't for him," Benio: "I wouldn't be here, thinking about this." Benio: "Thank you, Rokuro." Arima: "The strongest exorcist husband and wife give birth to the ultimate exorcist." Kamui: "You can give birth to the Miko and I'll fight them instead, if you want." Benio: "No! Not happening! That cannot happen!" Roku: "Benio..." Benio: "He's talking in his sleep?" Benio: "Dreaming of me?" Roku: "You know..." Roku: "I know you like red bean jam, but bathing in it?! That's messed up! Talk about gross! Maybe you have red bean jam where your brain should be?" Roku: "What? Oh, a dream... A terrible one, too. Ow! What the— Benio?" Roku: "What are you so mad about?! Stop! I don't know what I did, but I'm sorry!" Benio: "Hesse said, "Only one with the courage to shoulder the burden of their own fate can be called a hero."" Roku: "Are you talking about me?" Benio: "No. I'm talking about someone I look up to. The new hero who'll be showing up next time." Roku: "Huh? Who?!"

Atsushi: "All right! It's starting to shape up." Shin: "Kinu-san sure does stick to her guns..." Atsushi: "Rokuro, hurry up and and write yours!" Roku: "I don't know what to wish for..." Benio: "Everyone." Benio: "The noodles are ready." Benio: "I prepared these myself." Benio: "Enjoy them gratefully." Roku: "R-Right..." Benio: "Incidentally, the dipping sauce is the Benio Special." Atsushi: "Benio-chan! You can cook?!" Benio: "Try some." Atsushi: "Well, since you offered..." Atsushi: "I'll just dig in!" Roku: "Acchan, don't!" Roku: "Acchan!" Ryogo: "Hey!" Ryogo: "Mayura-chan's here." Mayura: "Um..." Mayura: "Thanks for... having me." Roku: "I told you not to serve that Benio Special to anyone!" Benio: "When it's so delicious? You confuse me." Roku: "Your sense of taste is screwed up!" Roku: "Your sauce is the best." Benio: "I'm so gwad you wike it." Roku: "Seriously, you are so—" Mayura: "R-Rokuro!" Roku: "Oh! Mayura. You're late." Roku: "What's up?" Mayu: "You... You flaunting sweet sergeant!" Roku: "Wh-Why?!" Mayura: "I know it's Tanabata, but two middle school students being so flirty is totally inappropriate!" Roku: "Why would I flirt with her?! And what exactly is a sweet sergeant?!" Mayura: "You're a sergeant at being sweet! That's you!" Roku: "What do you even mean by "sweet"?!" Benio: "A Tanabata wish..." Kinako: "You want some, punk?" Roku: "Hey, Mayura." Roku: "That thing earlier reminded me. You say really weird stuff at times, don't you?" Mayura Fb: "It's like you're practicing getting your heart broken. Mister Chief of Melancholy! You're like a summer sale on ignorance. You puberty top-runner! You legendary blockhead of worldly desires!" Roku: "Do you think those things up beforehand and stock up on them?" Mayura: "I don't prepare them beforehand!" Benio: "She actually doesn't?" Roku: "What're you writing?" Kinako: "Hey, you stupid imp! Where do you get off peeping at Benio-sama's tanzaku?!" Benio: "I'm going to wish for Ohagi Man to get a movie adaptation." Roku: "Ohagi Man?" Kinako: "You don't even know about Ohagi Man?!" Kinako: "It's the incredibly cool and righteous superhero Benio-sama came up with!" Roku: "I didn't know you could draw." Benio: "I have a story ready, too." Benio: "I'm Ohagi Man. My body is made of red bean paste, and my heart is made of mochi rice." Roku: "Well, that's what ohagi is..." Benio: "I swear on my righteous, heroic name, when I find any bad guys, I'll blast them with coarse red bean paste!" Roku: "Is that gonna beat them?" Benio: "No need to worry." Benio: "I fire coarse red bean paste at Mach 2 speed. That's enough force to pierce the armor of a tank." Roku: "Bad guys, run away!" Benio: "I'll tell all the good kids out there who cheer me on a secret, just between us. The source of my power..." Benio: "is appetite." Roku: "His appetite?!" Benio: "I mean my appetite." Roku: "Yours?!" Atsushi: "Ryogo-san. What did you write?" Ryogo: "Oh, nothing special." Atsushi: "That's just like you, Ryogo-san." Ryogo: "It's normal to wish for your family's health and safety, right?" Shinnosuke: "There's been so much trouble lately, we could use all the health we can get." Ryogo: "You're right. But still," Roku: "What's with that crazy backstory?" Ryogo: "it's thanks to those two that we've come through." Benio: "It's not crazy. It's classic." Roku: "And what was with that voice?" Benio: "What voice?" Atsushi: "I never thought Rokuro would start working as an exorcist." Shinnosuke: "Before, it was like we had to twist his arm, or we were arguing with a wall. No matter how much Ryogo-san asked, he would never come along." Ryogo: "Yeah..." Ryogo: "And I knew how great he used to be, so it was even more frustrating." Ryogo: "Even I started to think he'd never fight as an exorcist again." Ryogo: "I had half given up." Ryogo: "But when Benio-san came along, everything changed." Shin: "I'd heard she was the heir to Kyoto's famous Adashino clan, so I knew she'd be strong, but she was far better than I had imagined." Atsushi: "That's right! It's crazy that she can use six enchantments at a time when she's only fourteen!" Ryogo: "Rokuro and Benio-san... The two of them are different in every way," Ryogo: "but they both share the same desire." Benio: "That's my dream." Roku: "I'll wipe away the sins and the Kegare!" Ryogo: "That's why I thought that Benio-san might be able to lead Rokuro back to the path of fighting as an exorcist." Atsushi: "Actually, I'm kinda surprised that Rokuro was as strong as you made him sound, Ryogo-san." Shinnosuke: "Yeah, he was able to fight evenly against Benio-san." Atsushi: "Tell me about it! That right arm is practically cheating! Not to mention... They skipped dating and went straight to being engaged!" Atsushi: "Damned normie! I hope he gets cursed!" Shinnosuke: "It's great that he's an exorcist again." Atsushi: "I want a girlfriend... I want a girlfriend..." Ryogo: "Yeah... Although, now that he's back in action, I have to worry about him overdoing it." Shinnosuke: "Ryogo-san..." Roku: "Just stay still!" Ryogo: "I guess I'm just an overprotective brother..." Kinako: "Only Benio-sama is allowed to doodle on my face!" Mayura: "Rokuro, stop being so immature!" Roku: "Ryogo!" Roku: "I'll give you... I'll give you..." Roku: "This! I'll make you my servant!" Ryogo: "Hurry and become the strongest exorcist," Ryogo: "and make me your servant, Rokuro." Benio: "I've got it." Roku: "You decided on a wish?" Benio: "Kinako..." Benio: "My sketchbook." Kinako: "Got it! Here." Roku: "More Ohagi Man?!" Benio: "Episode two. When I, Ohagi Man, see children who are hungry, I share a portion of my body with them." Roku: "He feeds them his body?!" Benio: "Now, eat me!" Benio: "It's okay. There are no preservatives or artificial colors." Roku: "Is that explanation needed here?!" Benio: "Hurry and eat me... My expiration date is today!" Roku: "Can't that part be more fantastical?!" Kinako: "And when Ohagi Man feeds his face to children, he always says..." Benio: "Even if my body is destroyed, my righteous heart will never die." Roku: "No one could eat him then! They'd feel too guilty!" Benio: "However, since Ohagi Man has no actual body, once he is completely eaten, he is finished." Roku: "Okay, what? That's super depressing." Benio: "Please look forward to Ohagi Man episode three." Roku: "There's still more?!" Roku: "Wait, am I actually kind of looking forward to it?" Mayura: "Rokuro, Adashino-san, hurry and hang up your tanzaku!" Roku: "W-Well... I haven't written anything on mine yet." Benio: "Neither have I." Mayura: "You don't have any wishes?" Roku: "Nothing's coming to me at all." Mayura: "Rokuro..." Mayura: "You're hurt." Roku: "Oh, nah! I just fell down some stairs..." Mayura: "I see..." Mayura: "I guess I couldn't stop you, after all. You were useless at everything, and everyone always made fun of you... But when I saw you at the center of everyone's smiles, you always seemed to be shining." Mayura: "But I know your heart's been hurt badly, too. You didn't have to be cool... I just wanted you to stay the way you were... But before I knew it, you had made your decision" Mayura: "to once again fight as an exorcist." Mayura: "And..." Mayura: "I think the reason you decided to do that was because of Adashino-san." Mayura: "Even so... Even though I knew it was too late, I still didn't want you to fight." Mayura: "Because when I saw you fighting, I knew that I couldn't stop you anymore..." Mayura: "Because it seemed to be the place where you really belong." Roku: "Oh, yeah!" Roku: "You're wearing a yukata today, huh? What?! You just noticed?!" Roku: "Rokuro..." Roku: "What... do you think..." Roku: "of my yukata?" Roku: "O-Oh..." Roku: "Looks good, I guess?" Mayura: "Thanks..." Benio: "Boys and girls..." Benio: "The wait is over. It's time for Ohagi Man." Roku: "Wow, that started out of nowhere." Benio: "Ohagi Man's trustworthy companion has appeared." Benio: "His name is Botamochi-Man." Roku: "I can't tell them apart!" Benio: "But even these two superheroes share a weakness." Roku: "What, are they weak to water?" Benio: "You're half correct. Ohagi Man and Botamochi-Man, when doused in hot water," Benio: "turn into Oshiruko Man." Benio: "They melt into goo..." Benio: "I have... no strength..." Roku: "That's terrifying! They're actually in their death throes!" Seigen: "Yo." Shimon: "Seigen-san..." Seigen: "Getting into the bath before me? I guess you're a big deal now." Shimon: "Sorry about that, Seigen-san! Let me wash your back." Seigen: "All right." Shimon: "I see you've got new scars." Seigen: "You'd better be ready for some yourself. You'll be lucky to get away with a few scratches like these in the fight that's about start." Shimon: "Right." Shimon: "Arima-sama told me about it..." Shimon: "The most recently confirmed Basara, Kamui, has appeared." Seigen: "Yeah. Kegare that become Basara are so powerful, even we Twelve Guardians are better off avoiding one-on-one fights with them." Shimon: "And yet the Twin Star Exorcists," Shimon: "Enmado Rokuro and Adashino Benio, were able to fend one off? Is that true?" Seigen: "Well, that's probably overstating it..." Seigen: "It'd be more accurate to say they managed to survive." Shimon: "I still can't believe that such an amateur survived a battle against a Basara." Seigen: "It's true the runt's a small fry who can't compare to you," Seigen: "but he's trying to become strong enough to fight that Kegare corruption, remember?" Shimon: "He wants to fight a Kegare corruption?" Seigen: "Kegare corruptions have far more power than the normal kind. They are, in truth, humans who were turned into Kegare through the use of forbidden sorcery." Shimon: "In the millennia since exorcists began fighting, none have attempted that darkest of dark arts." Seigen: "Yeah, well, it looks like someone finally did." Shimon: "Ijika Yuto, right?" Shimon: "I can't imagine what he's after, and that just makes it more ominous." Seigen: "Right... I guess after idiot pupil #1, I now have to clean up idiot pupil #2's mess." Shimon: "Seigen-san..." Subaru: "This water's great. This should loosen up my shoulders a bit." Subaru: "I wonder if Benio-han is taking a bath with her husband right now..." Subaru: "Yeah, right." Subaru: "There's no way that wimpy boy could handle that." Arima: "You're so right!" Arima: "And after I gave them a love nest as a present... Rokuro-kun needs to act more, you know, impulsively!" Subaru: "And you, on the other hand, should show a little more self-control, Arima-sama." Arima: "Painfully true, that." Subaru: "So, the sight of my nude body" Subaru: "is probably not what you're here for, right?" Arima: "Right. You haven't given me your report on the Twin Stars yet." Arima: "I was hoping we could have a drink and discuss it in detail." Subaru: "You're incorrigible, Arima-sama." Arima: "Thanks for taking care of it." Arima: "Dealing with the Twin Stars must have been a lot of work." Subaru: "You've got that right... I was trying to teach them how important it is for a couple to consider each other's feelings, so I set them up on a date, and played hide-and-seek with them... I tried a few different approaches." Arima: "I can picture the sight of you toying with them, Su-chan!" Subaru: "You make it sound so sinister! I was trying to help a young couple from the bottom of my heart!" Subaru: "Sob, sob..." Arima: "Oh, dear! I'm so weak to a woman's tears. But, Su-chan, helping the two of them get together wasn't all I asked you to do, was it? The power of the Twin Stars, depending on how it's used, could grow exponentially. And the key to that will be a bond born from understanding and trusting each other." Arima: "I'm pretty sure I asked you to make that clear to them." Arima: "So how did that go?" Subaru: "Good question. I wonder how it went." Subaru: "Tell me, Arima-sama... Even if the two of them get married," Subaru: "you know that doesn't guarantee a happy future, right?" Arima: "It's true, the web of fate they find themselves tangled in is quite complex... But I do believe that the two of them will give birth to the Miko that will end the war with the Kegare!" Subaru: "You really are incorrigible." Arima: "Whoa, there..." Arima: "Tonight is Tanabata. Rather than drink gazing at the moon, why don't we drink gazing at the stars for a lark?" Subaru: "Good idea." Arima: "The Twin Star Exorcists..." Arima: "I wonder what kind of trials await the two of you." Mayura: "I guess you can't see the Milky Way in Tokyo. Orihime and Hikoboshi were too in love and forgot to do their important duty, which angered the gods, and the two of them were separated, right?" Benio: "Orihime and Hikoboshi... When you compare Vega and Altair's ages to the human lifespan, it'd be like they're together every few seconds..." Benio: "apparently." Mayura: "Are you serious?! I'd say they're too in love!" Roku: "Actually, I'm impressed you know that." Mayura: "And wouldn't that mean they're not lonely at all?" Benio: "It's only natural, for an exorcist." Mayura: "If anything, it sounds like they're suddenly getting hot and heavy under a coat made for two..." Kinako: "Benio-sama really knows her stuff when it comes to astrology, y'know. She's strong, smart, and beautiful... Behold! The perfect, beautiful ohagi empress!" Roku: "Is that a compliment?" Benio: "Two stars meeting..." Benio: "A young exorcist as strong as me, or stronger, in eastern Japan..." Benio: "At first I couldn't believe it was Enmado Rokuro." Benio: "A coward who avoided fighting Kegare... But when he would actually fight, the strength he wielded belied that weakness. I couldn't understand it..." Benio: "Until I learned the cause of it all was my brother, Ijika Yuto. Nii-sama gave Rokuro an emotional scar that will never fade," Benio: "along with a sinister and massive power." Benio: "And despite all that, he chose to fight as an exorcist once again." Benio: "And his choice to stand strong in the face of a cursed fate is what saved me. I'm going to get stronger, so that I can defeat Kamui and stop my brother, who has sullied his hands with dark arts." Benio: "Enmado Rokuro... Was my meeting with him fate," Benio: "or was it..." Roku: "There!" Roku: "What?" Benio: "Nothing." Mayura: "What did you write, Rokuro?" Roku: "D-Don't look! Don't they say that if someone sees your wish it, won't come true?" Benio: "Isn't that for" Benio: "visiting a shrine during the Hour of the Ox?" Roku: "What is with you, Benio?! You're always finding fault with me!" Benio: "I wasn't finding fault." Benio: "I was just questioning your education." Mayura: "This is what I'm always talking about! You should at least do your homework!" Kinako: "Oh, say it again, say it again! Damn it, what the hell?! You're both making fun of me now?!" Ryogo: "What's all the fuss? You'll disturb the neighbors." Ryogo: "Come on, the watermelon's cut." Ryogo: "Gon Chunagon Atsutada wrote... "Having met my love, afterward my passion was, when I measured it with the feeling of the past, as if, then, I had not loved."" Roku: "What's gotten into you, Ryogo?!" Ryogo: "Watch next time. Do it."

Rokuro: "Hey..." Atsushi: "Hey, you two. You're always together, huh?" Shin: "You're really looking like a married couple now." Roku: "Shut up! We're both Seika Dorm exorcists, so it makes sense for us to be here!" Zen: "You have more than your share of burdens, Seigen." Seigen: "This is all normal fare for people of the Amawaka clan." Seigen: "Take care of Yukari and Mayura for me." Roku: "Where's Ryogo?" Zen: "Oh, Ryogo was contacted by an exorcist from the Ayame branch named Fushihara, and stepped out." ushi: "Hey there!" ushi: "I'm sorry to make you wait." Ryo: "You asked me to come dressed in normal clothes, so I wore this... What is it you wanted?" ushi: "Well, you see..." ushi: "There's someone I want you to meet." Haruka: "Hi there." Haruka: "I'm Kaibara Haruka. Nice to meet you." Ryo: "Na... Najitsuji... Er, I mean, I'm Nagitsuji Ryogo." ushihara: "Kaibara-kun is an exorcist like us, but is also studying art. She'd been going to school in Spain, and when she returned a while back, she registered under the Ayame branch... But she has no one to spend her day off with, and I thought you'd be perfect for that. That's why I asked you over." ushihara: "Uh, are you listening?" Ryogo: "Y-Yeah!" ushihara: "Well, then... I need to get ready for my daycare job." ushihara: "See you later. Show her a good time." Ryogo: "Wait... Uh... Fushihara-san!" Haruka: "So, where are we going?" Ryogo: "Where? Well..." Ryogo: "Uh..." Haruka: "Nagitsuji-san, are you interested in art?" Haruka: "You know, if you stare at each one like that, you'll tire your eyes out." Ryogo: "Nah, I'm fine!" Ryogo: "I'll try my hardest!" Haruka: "You're just like Fushihara-san said." Ryogo: "What?" Haruka: "He's always praising you, saying, "Nagitsuji-kun tries his hardest." He talks about you like he would a little brother, with a happy look on his face." Haruka: "You really are the earnest type." Ryogo: "No, it's not that... It's just... There's nothing really special about me," Ryogo: "so all I can do is try my hardest." Haruka: "What's wrong with that? I like people who work hard without trying to look cool more than people who are confident for no reason." Haruka: "That meal was great." Ryo: "Yeah." Ryo: "I'm sorry about today. I don't really understand anything about art, and had nothing interesting to say." Ryo: "And this was your day off..." Haruka: "When can I see you again?" Roku: "Ryogo's got a date?! No way! Ryogo, the guy who only ever talks about work and school, has a date?! Benio, can you believe that?" Benio: "It's not that strange..." Benio: "I think." Roku: "So, what's this girl like?" Shinnosuke: "She's apparently an exorcist with the Ayame branch. We've never met her before, so I can't be sure," {Kinako; In Bg: "but I'd guess she's an older sister type who has her act together. The salt makes it perfect!" Atsushi: "I bet she's been whipping Ryogo-san into shape!" Atsushi: "When he's talking to her on the phone, he stands at attention!" Atsushi: "Right, Jissama?" Zen: "Yeah, that sounds right." Shimon: "Pardon me." Shimon: "Arima-sama, there's something I need to ask you... Normally, the security of our headquarters in the west is the duty of the Twelve Guardians' Byakko, Seigen-san, so why have you stationed him in Narukami for so long?" Arima: "Why, you ask?" Arima: "Because there's someone in Narukami that I need one of the Amawaka clan to deal with." Shimon: "It's true that the Amawaka clan has been tasked with eliminating threats to the Exorcist Union..." Shimon: "But there's more to it than that this time, isn't there? Aren't you using Seigen-san's kindness to manipulate him into" Shimon: "shouldering the burden of all these recent problems himself?" Arima: "And if I am..." Arima: "What of it?" Arima: "More importantly...." Arima: "I only showed you a little bit of Sayaka-chan's swimsuit photo book, right?" Seigen: "They just keep making more trouble for me..." Seigen: "Idiot pupils." Ryogo: "Haruka-san?!" Haruka: "Why are you so surprised?" Ryogo: "Y-Your hand..." Haruka: "Well, we're on a date, aren't we?" Ryogo: "Right." Haruka: "I kept waiting for you to hold my hand, Ryogo-kun... But you never did." Ryogo: "I'm sorry." Haruka: "If you're going to apologize, next time, you be the one to take my hand." Ryogo: "I'll try my best." Haruka: "If you're trying your best, you could at least give me a kiss." Ryogo: "No! That's... a bit..." Haruka: "You're so hopeless." Haruka: "Well, I guess I'll just be patient." Ryogo: "Sorry to bother you while you're working..." Ryogo: "There's something I wanted to ask you about." Children: "Fusshi, who's this guy?" ushi: "He's my friend." ushi: "His name is Ryogo-kun." Kids: "Okay, Ryogo! Fight me!" Ryogo: "Hey! Cut that out!" ushi: "I'm glad to see things seem to be going well with you and Kaibara-kun." ushi: "She always looks so happy when she talks about you." Ryogo: "Well, it's about that... Ow, ow, ow!" Ryogo: "Is it really okay if I keep going out with her?" ushi: "What do you mean?" Ryogo: "As exorcists, there's no telling when we might die..." ushi: "But she's an exorcist, too, so it goes both ways, doesn't it?" Ryogo: "Well... but..." ushi: "I think this is more a "because" than a "but." This might seem rude toward you, but unlike the Twin Star Exorcists and the Twelve Guardians, we're not capable of protecting the world." ushi: "But there are things we can protect..." ushi: "Things we should want to protect." ushi: "For me, it's these children. Ouch, ouch! I give up, I give up! Whether it's family, or lovers, or friends, drawing on and giving strength to the people around you seems like a natural thing..." ushi: "But don't you think that's a wonderful kind of happiness in itself?" ushi: "Aren't we fighting to protect those small kinds of happiness? That's why I think someone who doesn't understand that happiness" ushi: "can't risk their life to fight for its sake." Ryogo: "Fushihara-san..." Ryogo: "I..." Ryogo: "Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!" Ryogo: "Thank you for the advice." Ryogo: "My mind feels a bit clearer now." ushi: "I'm glad to hear that, but..." ushi: "I don't usually give lectures like that, and now I'm embarrassed." Ryogo: "Well, I'll head out now." Kids: "Ryogo! Come back again! We'll play with you whenever!" Roku: "Yo!" Roku: "You're here, Ryogo? No date today?" Ryuogo: "Nah." Ryuogo: "Haruka-san's been kind of busy lately... Wait, you knew?" Roku: "I've heard all about it from Acchan and Shin-chan. Well, just try not to get dumped!" Ryogo: "I don't need that from you!" Benio: "May you have eternal happiness together." Ryogo: "You too, Benio-san?!" Atsushi: "Th-There's big trouble, Ryogo-san!" Ryogo: "What's wrong, you two?" Atsushi: "This was just delivered here!" Ryogo: "What is it?" Ryogo: "Calm down and explain." Shinnosuke: "It's about Fushihara-san at the Ayame branch..." Shinnosuke: "There was a report that he died in Magano." Ryogo: "Fushihara-san's dead?!" Ryogo: "That can't be! Is the report certain?!" Ryogo: "Couldn't it be a mistake?! "Fushihara Toru, exorcist at the Ayame Branch, entered Magano for a Kegare exorcism, where contact was lost. After a thorough search," Ryogo: "all that was found was a picture of children that he was known to carry. His survival could not be confirmed, leaving no option but to conclude that he was killed in action."" Roku: "Are you okay, Ryogo?" Ryogo: "I'm going to see Haruka-san." Zen: "I had heard that the exorcist Fushihara Toru was incredibly skilled." Zen: "For someone like him to die in Magano..." Roku: "Hey, Jissama..." Roku: "Can I ask you one thing?" Roku: "Are you hiding something?" Roku: "First I thought it was just Seigen coming back, but then we found out Yuto was alive." Roku: "And since then, Seigen's been acting separately from the rest of us." Roku: "Come on, Jissama..." Roku: "Is there something really dangerous going on in this town?" Zen: "I suppose I can't keep this hidden any longer." Zen: "Seigen had asked me to keep this secret from the rest of you, but... As of late, Kegare corruptions keep appearing regularly" Zen: "in the areas of Magano around Narukami." Ryogo: "Haruka-san..." Haruka: "Ryogo..." Ryogo: "Let's go inside." Ryogo: "You'll get soaked out here." Haruka: "I... I felt like if I said out loud that he was gone," Haruka: "then Fushihara-san really would disappear!" Haruka: "I'm sorry I didn't tell you!" Ryogo: "It's okay." Ryogo: "I understand how you feel." Roku: "Hey, Benio." Roku: "I know Yuto's your brother, but..." Roku: "I don't think I can ever forgive him." Benio: "I understand that what my brother did, what he's doing," Benio: "is beyond forgiveness." Kinako: "Oh, no!" Kinako: "A Kegare with incredible spell power just showed up, Benio-sama!" Zen: "With Kegare corruptions, the amount of spell power they had in their human form is compounded, making them incredibly strong. And unlike normal Kegare, the marks on their bodies are green." Roku: "He's..." Roku: "a Kegare corruption!" Benio: "He transformed spell power into light, and fired it?" Roku: "Benio!" Roku: "Stop!" Roku: "That night..." Roku: "I wasn't able to save the Hinatsuki kids, either!" Roku: "Once they turn into that..." Roku: "All you can do is exorcise them!" Roku: "Benio..." Roku: "Let's do that thing from when we fought the Basara." Roku: "Here we go." Seigen: "I heard you two fought a Basara and lived, so I figured you had shaped up a little..." Seigen: "But I guess that's still all you've got." Seigen: "If you don't wanna get caught up in this, then stay where you are." Seigen: "Beast Claw Master Talisman." Seigen: "White Lotus Tiger Cannon, come forth at once!" Seigen: "You shouldn't linger around here for long." Seigen: "You've suffered enough..." Seigen: "Tiger Strike: Kagutsuchi!" Seigen: "Return to the stars." Seigen: "To do that in front of a Kegare corruption..." Seigen: "You realize what that means, right?" Seigen: "You're just dead weight." Seigen: "That's all you are when you come to Magano with that half-assed commitment." Seigen: "Get out already." Seigen: "And don't come back!" Seigen: "Don't you get it?" Seigen: "I'm saying you're not fit to be exorcists!" Seigen: "I'm the only one who should have to take on this kind of job." Kids: "Hey, it's Ryogo!" Kids: "Ryogo, today we'll find out who's toughest! Hey, who's this lady? Your girlfriend?" Boss: "Nagitsuji-san..." Boss: "This is a picture of the kids that Fushihara-kun cherished to the very end." Kids: "Hey, Ryogo! Where's Fusshi?" Roku: "Why'd this happen?! It's so awful!" Kinako: "Sorry, kid, but don't you know what Shakespeare wrote? "And worse I may be yet. The worst is not, so long as we can say 'This is the worst.'"" Roku: "Stop making it sound even worse!"

Roku: "I couldn't do anything..." Seigen: "You're just dead weight." Seigen: "I'm saying you're not fit to be exorcists!" Mayu: "What's wrong, Rokuro? Did something happen?" Roku: "It's nothing." Mayu: "You're lying! I mean... You've been weird all morning." Roku: "I said it's nothing." Mayu: "It's not nothing!" Roku: "If I say it's nothing, then it's nothing, okay?!" Mayu: "Rokuro..." Zen: "Oh... So Fushihara-kun is..." Zen: "The Exorcist Union never runs out of terrible duties for you." Seigen: "Give it a rest, Gramps. It's my job..." Seigen: "And this way is easier on me than letting someone else handle it." Seigen: "Quit worrying, all right? I'll wrap this all up." Zen: "How were Rokuro and Benio?" Zen: "The two of them finally seem to be realizing what's at stake. Rokuro's growth, in particular, has been remarkable. How about it? Maybe it's time you gave him—" Seigen: "No, it's not." Seigen: "You think he's grown? What a joke." Seigen: "He was totally useless against that Kegare corruption." Seigen: "If you ask me, both of them are useless half-wits." Mayu: "Rokuro and Adashino-san must be worried about exorcist stuff..." Mayu: "Dad!" Seigen: "Mayura..." Mayu: "I finally get to see you! You hardly ever come home!" Seigen: "I'm just in the area for work." Seigen: "How's Yukari?" Mayu: "Mom is doing good, as usual." Seigen: "I see." Mayu: "Say, Dad, are you..." Seigen: "Listen... When are you gonna stop calling me that?" Seigen: "I'm not your father anymore." Seigen: "I'm the bum who left home just to do whatever I want. Forget about me." Mayu: "I know you actually like being called that." Mayu: "You can growl all you want, but it won't scare me!" Mayu: "Dad... Mom and I both know you're risking your life to fight, and that you left home so we wouldn't get hurt because of it." Mayu: "We're family, after all." Seigen: "Well..." Mayu: "But you know, today at school, Rokuro and Adashino-san were acting weird. Did you do something?" Seigen: "Who knows? Nothing comes to mind." Mayu: "I knew it! I figured it had to be that. I bet you put them through your crazy strict training, like you used to! Honestly!" Seigen: "What, do you still like the runt or something?" Mayu: "That's not it at all! We're childhood friends and classmates, so I'm just worried about him!" Seigen: "Look, you're free to do what you want," Seigen: "but stay away from the runt." Seigen: "He's different from us, on a fundamental level." Seigen: "I'm not giving you advice as your father." Seigen: "I'm giving you a warning as an exorcist." Mayu: "Dad, wait..." Seigen: "Remember, I warned you." Mayu: "Wh-What is with everyone?" Girl: "I'm always left out... I mean, I'm not an exorcist, so I don't understand the complicated stuff, but..." Girl: "I don't need to understand the complicated stuff!" Boy: "Just leave me alone." Girl: "I'm trying to tell you it's not like that!" Boy: "I said forget it!" Girl: "I won't! If I give up..." Mayu: "Yeah! I can't just ignore them!" Guy: "I can't just ignore this!" Lady: "You're going, then?" Underling: "Boss! Take me with you, please!" Boss: "You stay right here. You'd just be dead weight!" Benio: "Dead..." Roku: "Dead weight..." ewcaster: "No matter how you look at it, he's not fit for office!" Roku: "Not..." Benio: "Not fit..." Kinako: "What is this?! Are you tweaking me?! Look, you can't take what that baby-faced old man said seriously! Everyone respects your strength, Benio-sama!" Benio: "No, Kinako." Benio: "I'm not upset about what he said. It's because I realized myself" Benio: "just how weak I am." Roku: "Yeah..." Roku: "We're mad at ourselves." Mayu: "Good evening! You two haven't had dinner, right?" Mayu: "I bought some ingredients, so let's all eat together!" Mayu: "All right, time to eat!" Mayu: "And this is for you, Kinako-chan." Kinako: "My fave!" Kinako: "You really know your stuff!" Kinako: "This is great!" Mayu: "What's wrong? Aren't you two going to eat?" Roku: "Oh, uh..." Roku: "Why are you doing this, anyway?" Mayu: "Well, you two have been kind of down... And you didn't eat lunch." Mayu: "C-Come on, you can't feel better if you don't eat something! Okay?" Roku: "I envy you, being so cheerful all the time..." Benio: "And carefree." Mayura: "Seriously! What are you guys, the Low Tension Acting Dojo Masters?!" Roku: "I have no idea what that means!" Mayu: "Rokuro! I don't know what happened, but men aren't supposed to sulk forever! Cheer up already!" Mayu: "And you, Adashino-san! What's the point of sulking along with him?! Rokuro can be a real sad sack at times, so if you're m—" Mayu: "Married... to him..." Mayu: "You need to take the lead more! N-Not that I've accepted your marriage..." Benio: "Otomi-san..." Mayu: "I'm not an exorcist," Mayu: "so I can't help you two, but..." Mayu: "I still want to be there for you." Roku: "Mayura..." Benio: "Let's eat our dinner." Rokuro: "Yeah, you're right." Rokuro: "Time to eat!" Rokuro: "Hey, this is good!" Benio: "Delicious." Mayu: "Really?!" Roku: "Man, a normal dinner really is the best!" Benio: "Are you implying my cooking isn't normal?" Roku: "If that stuff is normal, than this stuff is miraculous." Roku: "Ow!" Roku: "What was that for?!" Mayu: "Okay, okay, not that I've accepted this whole deal, but save your lover's quarrels for after I go home." Both: "We're not lovers!" Roku: "What's that look for?!" Mayu: "Nothing..." Kinako: "Nee-chan, is there any more fried fish?" Mayu: "So cute!" Roku: "All right, I'm gonna see her home." Mayul: "Thanks." Mayul: "Be good to each other, but not enough to break school rules about student relations." Roku: "Mind your own business!" Kinako: "Thanks again, Nee-chan! Cook some more fried fish for me, okay?" Mayu: "Okay." Benio: "Um..." Benio: "Thank you... for everything." Mayu: "I'll see you tomorrow, Adashino-san!" Roku: "Thanks, Mayura. Somehow, whenever I'm feeling down, you're always there to cheer me up." Roku: "I'm grateful." Mayu: "R-Really?" Mayu: "Well, you are a handful, Rokuro!" Roku: "I just... felt so ashamed... I'm so weak," Roku: "and nothing seems to work out." Mayu: "You're not weak at all, Rokuro." Mayu: "I honestly didn't want you to go back to being an exorcist." Mayu: "Because you might go through something awful again..." Mayu: "I didn't want you to experience something like that again." Roku: "Mayura..." Mayu: "But you started working as an exorcist again. I think that was a really hard decision for you to make." Mayu: "Because it meant you'd have to face something really painful..." Mayu: "You were amazing when you saved me from that Kegare the other day." Mayu: "You had accepted everything and were trying to move forward." Mayu: "And I saw you doing it." Mayu: "So..." Mayu: "Do your best, Rokuro!" Roku: "I see..." Roku: "You're right!" Roku: "Thanks, Mayura." Mayu: "It's like you've been thanking me non-stop." Roku: "Yeah, I guess so." Roku: "Okay, let's go." Mayu: "It's because you're like that... that I..." Kinako: "Oh, no!" Kinako: "This is really bad, Benio-sama!" Roku: "Mayura!" Roku: "I-Is this..." Benio: "Rokuro! Otomi-san!" Benio: "It can't be..." Benio: "Kegare corruption?" Roku: "This can't be real..." Roku: "Why?" Roku: "Wh-Why, damn it?!" Roku: "Mayura!" Benio: "Rokuro, snap out of it!" Roku: "B-But, but... That's Mayura! Mayu—" Benio: "Rokuro!" Roku: "Stop it, Mayura!" Roku: "Ma..." Roku: "Mayura, is it really too late?" Roku: "Do we have to..." Roku: "exorcise you?!" Seigen: "Runt..." Seigen: "Are you just not satisfied if you're not at the center of every incident that comes up?" Seigen: "So, I have to ask..." Seigen: "Is that Mayura?" Seigen: "I see..." Seigen: "You two, leave Magano right now." Seigen: "I will exorcise that thing." Roku: "Wha..." Roku: "Wh-What do you mean, "that thing"?! That's Mayura! That's really her!" Seigen: "Mayura is..." Seigen: "already dead." Seigen: "What you see is an enemy that needs to be defeated." Roku: "That... can't..." Seigen: "If someone is going to get rid of her eventually..." Seigen: "I'll exorcise her." Seigen: "I guess in the end, I wasn't able to do anything for you as a father..." Seigen: "I'll at least give you a painless death." Seigen: "Beast Claw Master Talisman." Roku: "Damn it!" Roku: "It's happening again?" Roku: "What the hell is wrong with me?! Can't I do anything?!" Roku: "Can't I protect..." Roku: "anything?!" Benio: "Rokuro..." Mayu: "Rokuro." Roku: "Mayura?" Benio: "Otomi-san?" Roku: "W-Was that voice..." Mayu: "Rokuro..." Mayu: "Adashino-san... Help..." Roku: "Mayura?" Roku: "Is that you?" Benio: "You can hear it, too?" Roku: "Then you can hear her?!" Benio: "When I touched you, I could hear a faint voice." Benio: "This must be a power belonging to the Twin Stars." Roku: "A Twin Star power..." Benio: "I..." Benio: "We are both weak." Benio: "We can't compare to the Twelve Guardians or the Basara." Benio: "But maybe there's still something we can do." Benio: "There may still be a way that's only possible for the Twin Stars." Seigen: "A... A third one?!" Seigen: "All these damn cheap tricks..." Seigen: "You little shrew..." Roku: "Seigen!" Seigen: "Was that Resonance?" Seigen: "Then these two really are..." Roku: "Seigen, listen to me!" Seigen: "You heard Mayura's voice?" Benio: "When we touch, we can hear her..." Benio: "But the more time passes, the further away the voice gets." Seigen: "Hearing the voice of a Kegare corruption..." Seigen: "Is this a power the Twin Stars have?" Roku: "Please tell us! What do we need to do to save Mayura?!" Benio: "Please, share your wisdom with us!" Seigen: "There's just one thing..." Seigen: "Something that only the two of you, the Twin Stars, might be able to pull off." Seigen: "Protection From Calamity, come forth at once!" Seigen: "Ready for more family time?" Seigen: "The Furu no Koto." Seigen: "It's the ultimate spell that's supposed to be able to cleanse any impurity... But it requires such immense spell power" Seigen: "that there's currently no one in the Exorcist Union who can use it." Seigen: "But the Twin Stars have an ability to explosively boost their spell power. It's called Resonance." Roku: "Resonance?" Seigen: "You combine spell power, magnifying it." Seigen: "It's one of the secret spells that only the Twin Stars can use." Seigen: "The two of you are the only ones who can do it." Seigen: "And even then..." Seigen: "There's no guarantee, and hardly any probability, that it'll work." Roku: "It's not about probabilities!" Roku: "This isn't some enemy we have to defeat." Roku: "It's Mayura, someone we need to save! Even if our chance is 0%," Roku: "if someone needs help, then I'll reach out to them..." Roku: "As an exorcist!" Seigen: "You're spouting that idealistic crap again..." Seigen: "But..." Seigen: "You should keep doing it." Seigen: "Prove to me that it's not just talk." Roku: "Seigen..." Roku: "Let's do this, Benio!" Roku: "No need to think about anything else." Benio: "Focus completely on one thing..." Roku: "Mayura..." Benio: "Otomi-san..." Both: "I want to save her! Hito, Futa, Mi, Yo, Itsu, Mu, Nana, Ya, Kokono," Both: "Toonari Keriya!" Both: "Furube Yura Yura To Furube!" Seigen: "Show me your power." Seigen: "With that power... Become the stars that will" Seigen: "purify all sin and corruption!" Seigen: "Twin Star Exorcists!" Twin Stars: "Cleanse! Purify!" Twin Stars: "Come forth at once!" Roku: "I'm sorry, Mayura..." Roku: "I'm sorry you had to go through that." Benio: "It's okay now, Otomi-san." Seigen: "She's just sleeping." Seigen: "She'll wake up in time." Benio: "What's wrong, Rokuro?" Roku: "If I'd had this power then," Roku: "I could've saved the Hinatsuki kids, and all those others... If I'd had this power, they wouldn't have had to die!" Roku: "They all... could have been saved!" Seigen: "It's not over yet." Roku: "You..." Roku: "Yuto!" Yuto: "How've you been, Roku?" Mayu: "I think it was Beethoven who said, "This is the mark of a really admirable man: steadfastness in the face of trouble."" Roku: "I get it! I'd better hang in there, then!" Mayu: "You can do it, Hard-Working Cherry Fang Boy!"

Duo: "Cleanse!" Duo: "Purify!" Duo: "Come forth at once!" Roku: "If I'd had this power then," Roku: "I could've saved the Hinatsuki kids, and all those others..." Seigen: "It's not over yet." Yuto: "How've you been, Roku?" Roku: "Yuto..." Roku: "You..." Yuto: "It's good to see you again, Roku." Yuto: "Haven't seen you since that last time." Yuto: "You know, when you were totally helpless against me." Benio: "Please, Nii-sama, tell me why! How could you? How could you do this?!" Benio: "Could it be... You want to recreate the tragedy?" Benio: "Do you want to make the Hinatsuki tragedy happen again?!" Yuto: "Shut up, Benio." Yuto: "This doesn't concern you." Yuto: "Well, Roku? How did you like my presents?" Yuto: "Oh, you know, I figured getting powerful Kegare to wreak havoc" Yuto: "would be the best way to test how strong you are now." Yuto: "But I'm a little disappointed. I went to the trouble of making Mayura-chan a Kegare corruption, and you just panicked like an idiot." Yuto: "Maybe you're really not committed enough yet, Roku." Roku: "This isn't funny..." Roku: "Just what do you..." Roku: "What do you think human beings are?!" Roku: "I'm going to kick your ass!" Roku: "What was that for, Seigen?!" Seigen: "Stay out of this. You and the Adashino girl have hardly any spell power left after using the Furu no Koto." Seigen: "I know the kind of baggage you have..." Seigen: "But I'm just as pissed as you are." Seigen: "This time I'm cleaning up your mess for good, idiot pupil #2." Yuto: "I see you still dote on your students, Seigen-san." Yuto: "But..." Yuto: "You're kind of annoying. I mean, you already went around exorcising the other Kegare corruptions I made for Roku." Yuto: "Please stop getting in my way. Let those who turn away from divine blessings be struck through with the divine arrow..." Roku: "Is that Air Fissure Bullet?!" Yuto: "As good as you are, Seigen-san," Yuto: "you're going to have trouble dodging this with your hands full." Roku: "Wh-What is that?!" Yuto: "Light-Warping Bullet, come forth at once!" Yuto: "Amawaka Seigen of the Twelve Guardians!" Yuto: "Killing you here will be my declaration of war on the Exorcist Union!" Seigen: "White Tiger Crystal Talisman." Seigen: "We don't just borrow the name of the original Twelve Guardians..." Seigen: "We wield powers that belonged to the familiars we inherited our titles from." Seigen: "That's what makes us who we are." Seigen: "White Lotus Tiger Cannon, Divine Enchantment!" Roku: "A-Amazing..." Benio: "This is the true form of one of the Twelve Guardians..." Yuto: "What an honor!" Yuto: "Seigen-san is actually taking me seriously." Yuto: "Then I should probably get a little more serious myself." Seigen: "I won't be able to hold back, you know." Yuto: "Well, it wouldn't be any fun if you did." Seigen: "I'm going to end all of this, here and now." Yuto: "It's sad..." Yuto: "It's so terribly sad." Yuto: "I never imagined... that in just two years..." Yuto: "I'd grow so much stronger than you." Roku: "Seigen!" Yuto: "Just kidding." Roku: "Damn it, quit messing around!" Roku: "I won't accept this!" Roku: "I will never accept this!" Yuto: "Wow, amazing! Roku stood up! Now, what's he going to do next?" Benio: "You can't, in your condition..." Benio: "Our bodies and spell power are both at their limit..." Benio: "We can't..." Roku: "Don't give me that. We're not done yet." Roku: "This isn't over!" Roku: "It was for this day... We swore we'd get stronger for this moment!" Roku: "We can't let it end yet!" Yuto: "Wow, still not giving up, huh?" Roku: "Of course not! Right now," Roku: "you're the embodiment of the sins and corruption I have to purify!" Yuto: "You're right about that! Well, in that case..." Yuto: "Why don't you try and exorcise me?! If you think you can, that is!" Roku: "Seigen!" Yuto: "Wow, so you can still move?" Seigen: "An end to seven torments, as seven leagues return to the stars, come forth at once!" Roku: "What are you doing, Seigen?!" Seigen: "I won't let the Twin Stars die..." Seigen: "Even if it costs me my life." Seigen: "That's my duty..." Seigen: "as one of the Twelve Guardians." Yuto: "Your life's not worth much, then." Yuto: "What's this?" Seigen: "Phoenix Eruption Talisman, Fortress Destroys Mountain... Come forth at once!" Yuto: "Now, do you really think that sneaky little spell will—" Seigen: "Take Mayura and leave Magano while you can. This barrier won't hold for long." Roku: "Wh-What are you saying? If we're running, we all need to go..." Seigen: "There's no way to end the Kegare corruption other than beating Yuto!" Seigen: "If he isn't stopped here, there's going to be a second tragedy, and a third..." Seigen: "On a scale that'll make what happened at Hinatsuki look trivial." Seigen: "Listen to me, runt." Seigen: "I gave the old man at Seika Dorm something I was thinking of giving you." Seigen: "Once you're out of here, go pick it up." Roku: "Wait a minute! What are you talking about?!" Seigen: "Stars... Just as stars reach the end of their lives," Seigen: "fall apart, and give rise to new stars... You, who rose up after you were beaten down," Seigen: "should be able to put it to good use." Roku: "I-I don't understand! If you've got something to give to me, then do it in person! Stop talking this way! It's not like you!" Seigen: "They say the Miko will end the war with the Kegare. To give one's own life to protect the Miko's parents" Seigen: "is an honor for one of the Twelve Guardians." Seigen: "From the beginning, my life has been for the two of you." Seigen: "For saving Mayura..." Seigen: "I thank you." Roku: "W-Wait a minute, Seigen! Seigen!" Benio: "Amawaka-san!" Roku: "Quit trying to show off! Let us out! Let us out of here! Let us out!" Yuto: "All done saying goodbye?" Seigen: "Honor to the great wise men in times of calamity... I now speed to their side. Like the sky changing to reflect time's passing" Yuto: "The same Phoenix Eruption Talisman from before?" Seigen: "man seeks his ultimate place in the heavens. May the sorrow accompanying the end of this existence" Roku: "He's putting more spell power into the same talisman?" Seigen: "be joined with this scouring flame..." Roku: "But..." Roku: "He's using too much!" Yuto: "Seigen-san..." Yuto: "Are you serious?" Seigen: "That arm of yours doesn't save people..." Seigen: "It's for pushing aside the hands of people who are looking for help, isn't it?" Roku: "If someone needs help, then I'll reach out to them..." Roku: "As an exorcist!" Seigen: "In the end... I didn't need to be quite so protective, did I? I kind of wish I could see a bit more" Seigen: "of your growth as an exorcist, though." Seigen: "How about it... Rokuro?" Seigen: "Starfall Grandeur, come forth at once!" Roku: "D-Don't!" Yuto: "Blowing himself up? Lame." Yuto: "How about the others?" Yuto: "They're bound to have run." Yuto: "Roku?" Roku: "Yuto!" Yuto: "Whew, you scared me!" Yuto: "I didn't think you'd even be able to touch my face." Yuto: "You must've broken that barrier from the inside..." Yuto: "Not bad!" Yuto: "But it looks like you're really at your limit now." Yuto: "Okay, how about this?" Yuto: "If you come with me, you can consider survival guaranteed." Roku: "What?" Yuto: "I told you before, didn't I? The one thing I acknowledge is your potential. And now that you're a bit stronger..." Yuto: "You've become even more interesting, Roku." Roku: "Are you stupid?! I told you before, too!" Roku: "I'd die before I would ever work with you!" Yuto: "Aren't you the stupid one? I didn't say I'd guarantee your survival." Yuto: "I was talking about everyone else." Roku: "You can't mean..." Yuto: "Ryogo-san and the Seika Dorm people, and all your friends at school, waking up tomorrow and becoming Kegare corruptions... Something like that just might happen!" Benio: "Nii-sama... How could you..." Roku: "Yuto... You bastard!" Yuto: "I'll give you one day. Why don't we meet tomorrow, at around this time, and you can tell me your response?" Yuto: "We'll meet in Magano at..." Yuto: "Oh, I know where. Say, Roku, what's a place that holds memories for both of us?" Roku: "The Hinatsuki Dorm..." Yuto: "Tomorrow should be fun!" Yuto: "But don't forget, Roku..." Yuto: "You've done nothing but dance around in the palm of my hand for a long time now." Roku: "Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" Benio: "Nii-sama..." Benio: "Otomi-san..." Benio: "This happened to you because of my brother..." Kinu: "Benio-sama." Roku: "Benio..." Zen: "Can I have a moment, Rokuro?" Roku: "The Exorcist Union?!" Zen: "Yes. A unit is being put together specifically to eliminate Yuto." Zen: "The members are from the Twelve Guardians... A quartet of Suzaku, Taijo, Daion, and Seiryu." Zen: "Once they're ready, they'll be dispatched to Narukami." Roku: "The Twelve Guardians..." Yuto: "Why don't we meet tomorrow, at around this time?" Zen: "What's wrong?" Roku: "No, it's nothing." Zen: "If the Exorcist Union had acted sooner, maybe this wouldn't have happened to Seigen. "Exorcise the recent string of Kegare corruptions, and eliminate the cause, Ijika Yuto."" Zen: "Those were the orders Arima-sama gave Seigen. Seigen didn't want you and Yuto fighting, so he played the bad guy to try and keep you away from Magano." Roku: "Jissama... Will Seigen..." Zen: "Even if he does survive..." Zen: "He'll never be able to fight as an exorcist again." Roku: "No way..." Zen: "Rokuro." Roku: "What is this?" Roku: "Seigen wanted me to have it?" Roku: "But what is it?" Roku: "A red Master Star Armor Talisman?" Ryogo: "It looks good on you, Rokuro." Roku: "Now I get to be a real exorcist!" Ryogo: "Dummy. You're just standing at the starting line!" Roku: "But how come Seigen's is black? I'd rather have one like that!" Seigen: "It'll be about a hundred years before you can wear one of these." Seigen: "Only exorcists with power and commitment befitting it get to wear black uniforms." Seigen: "The fact that a brat like you is wearing one at all is a damn mistake." Ryogo: "S-Seigen-san, that's a little harsh..." Seigen: "Thanks to us useless adults, kids like you now have to fight... When you should be acting like kids, only thinking about goofing off with your friends." Roku: "Seigen?" Seigen: "Well, if you wanna wear one of these so badly..." Seigen: "Make me think you've earned it." Seigen: "Become a real exorcist." Seigen: "Do that, and you can have as many as you want." Roku: "A real..." Roku: "exorcist..." Yuto: "Your crime is" Yuto: "your lack of commitment to becoming truly powerful." Mayura: "Men aren't supposed to sulk forever! Cheer up already!" Mayura: "Do your best, Rokuro!" Kamui: "For our next encounter, at least gain enough power to force me to use half my strength." Benio: "I will exorcise every evil Kegare." Benio: "That is my dream." Roku: "Okay, I'll do it! I'll become the strongest exorcist of all," Roku: "and I'll get rid of all the bad Kegare!" Seigen: "But you should keep doing it." Seigen: "Prove to me it's not just talk." Benio: "Father... Mother..." Yukari: "Excuse me, where's Otomi Mayura? I heard she was admitted here." urse: "Are you a relative?" Yukari: "Yes, I'm her mother." urse: "This way, please." Benio: "Nii-sama..." Roku: "Benio, can you hear me?" Roku: "Tomorrow, I'm..." Roku: "going to defeat Yuto. I don't care what the Exorcist Union decided, or if the Twelve Guardians are on their way." Roku: "I have to settle this myself." Roku: "He took down Seigen..." Roku: "And I know that he's so much stronger, it's almost stupid." Roku: "But... I still have to go." Roku: "I have to beat him!" Roku: "Because..." Roku: "I'm... Because I'm" Roku: "an exorcist!" Yuto: "Caesar himself said it: "The die is cast."" Roku: "Why are we talking about metalworking?" Yuto: "Not a metal die, a playing die. He meant there's no turning back now, and I'm talking about you, Roku!"

Roku: "Tomorrow, I'm..." Roku: "going to defeat Yuto." Roku: "Because..." Roku: "I'm..." Roku: "Because I'm..." Roku: "an exorcist!" Roku: "I already died once, two years ago." Roku: "But when you..." Roku: "When you came into my life, Benio, I was revived." Roku: "Time had stopped for me, and you got it moving again." Roku: "And that's why I won't hesitate anymore!" Benio: "I now understand how determined you are." Benio: "When you fight my brother tomorrow..." Benio: "I'm going with you." Roku: "But can you really fight Yuto, a member of your own family?" Benio: "It's not about whether I want to." Benio: "I don't want to see anyone else get hurt because of him." Benio: "Because I'm an exorcist, too." Roku: "I've got less than 24 hours until I'm supposed to meet Yuto." Roku: "I need to be as ready as I can be." Benio: "Well, let's begin." Roku: "Are you running away from home?" Benio: "These are the spirit talismans I've written and saved, as well as weapons." Benio: "We should start by formulating a strategy and practicing it." Benio: "We need to figure out a way to beat my brother." Roku: "Oh, wow!" Benio: "But just having a lot of talismans and weapons won't be enough." Benio: "What matters is how many enchantments we can use at once..." Benio: "That is, enchantment combinations." Benio: "Other than your arm's power, how many can you use at once?" Benio: "I can use six." Roku: "One..." Benio: "Huh?" Roku: "I said just one!" Roku: "I-It's not my fault! They never finished teaching us back at Hinatsuki!" Benio: "I was able to use a combination of five enchantments when I was 12." Roku: "The point is... I can't combine enchantments like you, so we have to fight with the talismans and enchantments we have!" Benio: "It's true, there's not enough time for him to learn how to use enchantment combinations." Roku: "I'd better include this, too." Benio: "A red talisman?" Benio: "What is it?" Roku: "The talisman Seigen gave me." Roku: "It came with my new uniform." Roku: "It's probably the Master Star Armor Talisman..." Roku: "I figure it's an upgrade to the black talisman I use to release my arm's power. Anyway, for our plan, I figure I can use the Might Talisman to boost my arm's power to smash him!" Roku: "Or the Skanda Talisman to zip around and lay into him!" Roku: "One of those two, I think." Benio: "A waste of time." Roku: "Why?!" Benio: "My brother's strength, both power and resilience, are on another level." Benio: "Did you forget what happened to Amawaka-san?" Benio: "There is an option for this battle other than enchantments..." Benio: "No, it's our only real option." Benio: "A technique that only we can use... Resonance." Roku: "Resonance..." Seigen: "You combine spell power, magnifying it." Seigen: "It's one of the secret spells that only the Twin Stars can use." Benio: "We should use the time we have left to figure out how to activate it, how long we can keep it up, and how many times we can use it." Benio: "It has to be Resonance." Roku: "You're right... Resonance." Roku: "Let's get it fully mastered and leave your stupid brother speechless!" Roku: "All right, let's start with what we do know." Benio: "First, how to activate it." Roku: "Just gotta hold hands, right?" Roku: "Here." Roku: "What is it? Hurry up." Roku: "So, are we, like, resonating now?" Roku: "Huh? What's wrong? You got quiet all of a sudden." Roku: "Now that I think about it, there was no time to realize it during the fight, but... I'm..." Roku: "holding hands with a girl!" Roku: "And it's just the two of us in here! Crap, now that I'm thinking about it, I'm super nervous! Y'know, something about doing this, at a time like this, is kinda embarrassing, huh?" Benio: "How exactly?" Benio: "It's just holding h-hands... That's n-n-nothing to... get n-n-n-nerv..." Roku: "Hey, y-you're more t-tense than I am!" Roku: "Th-This isn't the first time, me!" Roku: "Quit getting so excited, me!" Roku: "Pipe down, my heartbeat!" Kinako: "I can't stand to watch! You stupid imp! Don't grin like a fool just 'cause you've got Benio-sama's hand!" Roku: "I'm just trying to activate Resonance..." Kinako: "I don't care if it's Resonance or the Renaissance! Just do it already!" Benio: "A-Anyway, we can use it for an enchantment or something. Let's just do it." Roku: "G-Good idea!" Roku: "How about my Air Fissure Bullet?" Benio: "It doesn't matter, just hurry!" Roku: "R-Right!" Roku: "Air Fissure Bullet, come forth at once!" Roku: "Huh? That didn't seem too different from usual." Benio: "I think it may not be enough to just... be in contact." Benio: "Our wills... Our hearts have to be united, or it won't work." Roku: "O-Our hearts?" Benio: "Before, it was the will to fight the Basara, or our desire to save Otomi-san... We were thinking with one mind, without even having to consider it." Benio: "I think the Resonance isn't activating because of your dirty thoughts." Roku: "Why just me?!" Benio: "You were the one who got nervous over holding hands!" Roku: "You were so nervous, your palms were sweating!" Benio: "I was not!" Roku: "You were!" Kinako: "This is no time for arguing! We ain't got much time, y'know!" Benio: "He's right... We need to focus." Roku: "Yeah. Yuto is waiting." Yuto: "And most foolish of all, they died trying to protect you." Yuto: "All your friends waking up tomorrow and becoming Kegare corruptions... Something like that just might happen!" Roku: "Yuto..." Benio: "Nii-sama..." Roku: "I won't let you..." Benio: "...hurt anyone..." Both: "...again!" Roku: "Air Fissure Bullet, come forth at once!" Roku: "Awesome! We did it, right? The Resonance worked!" Benio: "Yes. This doesn't even the odds, by any means, but we now have a way to fight Nii-sama." Benio: "Working together gives us some hope." Roku: "That clears up how to activate it! That just leaves..." Benio: "Duration and number of uses." Roku: "Okay!" Roku: "We should probably come up with a signal for when to start the Resonance, right?" Benio: "Good idea." Kinako: "Looks like they don't need me this time." Yuto: "It's gonna be so much fun..." Yuto: "I wish tomorrow would come sooner." Benio: "I think we've figured out the broad strokes of Resonance." Roku: "Yeah, there's no hard limit on how many times we can use it." Roku: "As long as we have the spell power and stamina, we can keep going." Benio: "We can maintain it for as long as we can stay focused." Roku: "It makes our attacks 5 to 10 times more powerful than normal." Benio: "But it has a weakness. The stronger our attacks, the more spell power the enchantments consume." Roku: "So if we get carried away, just using Resonance can leave us wiped out." Roku: "But we still have to do it." Roku: "One more time!" Benio: "No, we should wrap up now." Benio: "If we overdo it, it'll hurt us tomorrow." Roku: "But I'm still..." Benio: "We already used up all our spell power once recently, using Furu no Koto. Making sure we have the strength to fight is the most important preparation we can make." Roku: "Yeah... I guess you're right." Roku: "Still... Sorry, but just a little more!" Roku: "There's something I want to try." Roku: "After that, I'll rest." Benio: "Just don't overdo it." Yuto: "But don't forget, Roku..." Yuto: "You've done nothing but dance around in the palm of my hand for a long time now." Roku: "We have to do it!" Yuto: "Close your childish mouth right now." Yuto: "Would you get out of my sight?" Yuto: "Benio..." Yuto: "You are so pitiful." Yuto: "Benio..." Kegare: "Benio! Benio... Benio... Benio... Benio... Benio... Benio..." Kinu: "Who goes there?!" Kinu: "Benio-sama..." Kinu: "What's the matter?" Kinu: "Please, come inside." Kinu: "Benio-sama." Kinu: "I just prepared some ohagi. I was planning to bring it over tomorrow." Roku: "You look so happy when you're eating ohagi." Roku: "Eat up! If it makes you happy, keep on going!" Kinu: "No appetite, then?" Kinu: "Would you like to try some light reading, for a change of pace?" Benio: "Granny..." Benio: "I'm sorry." Benio: "I just don't know what to do." Benio: "My body shakes..." Kinu: "It's okay to run." Kinu: "You've fought so much already, Benio-sama." Kinu: "Who could blame you at this point?" Benio: "It's okay... to run?" Kinu: "Yes, that would be fine. Sometimes, running away is the best choice." Kinu: "If that's what will be your salvation, then please, run away." Kinu: "However..." Kinu: "Just don't do anything you will regret." Kinu: "Whatever you end up deciding, make sure it's something you won't regret." Kinu: "The more regrets you have, the more they will bind you. And as time passes, the greater the regret, the tighter it will bind you, causing you more suffering." Kinu: "But if it's not something you will regret... If it's not something you will wish you had done differently," Kinu: "then run away." Benio: "I'm scared..." Benio: "But..." Benio: "If I run now..." Benio: "If I leave Rokuro alone..." Benio: "I know I'll regret it." Kinu: "Benio-sama." Kinu: "Take this." Benio: "What is it?" Kinu: "You've changed a great deal since meeting the fang boy. You get so intense, and raise your voice... I've always found your self-control admirable, but seeing you express yourself honestly is nice, too." Benio: "Granny..." Benio: "Thank you." Benio: "Rokuro..." Benio: "Rokuro!" Benio: "This is the new power Amawaka-san entrusted to him?" Benio: "Rokuro may have been desperate to ease his nerves, too." Benio: "But still, going overboard would make it all meaningless..." Roku: "What was that for, Benio?" Benio: "You truly are... such an oddball, you know that?" Benio: "You're reckless, rude, and completely useless..." Benio: "And yet, you... You've shown me the way out of the darkness so many times already." Roku: "Wh-Why are you sleeping here?!" Benio: "B-Because you were asleep!" Roku: "It's my fault?!" Benio: "It's your fault that I fell so soundly asleep!" Roku: "Well, I was out cold, too! Even though we're heading into a life-or-death battle!" Benio: "Your arm..." Benio: "Your red arm... Is it part of a Kegare corruption's body?" Roku: "That's right. It's a Kegare's arm. Seigen made the black talisman to unleash a portion of the Kegare power that had been sealed away." Benio: "And it happened..." Benio: "on the day of the Hinatsuki tragedy?" Roku: "Yeah." Roku: "My own right arm was eaten by my friends after they became Kegare corruptions." Roku: "I lost my arm..." Roku: "And one by one, the others were becoming Kegare corruptions. I thought I had to stop Yuto," Roku: "and to help the others, but..." Roku: "In the end, I received the same Kegare corruption baptism as the others." Roku: "I don't know why, but... For some reason, I didn't get corrupted, but was able to use the power as my own." Hikari: "Help me, Roku!" Roku: "Tetsuji!" Tetsuji: "Hey, Rokuro..." Tetsuji: "Our lives did have a meaning, right?" Tetsuji: "After we were born..." Tetsuji: "We thought about what we wanted to be... What we could be..." Tetsuji: "But none of it happened, huh?" Ami: "I don't want to die... I don't want to die!" Ami: "I want to live longer! If I'm going to turn into a Kegare, I'd rather have you exorcise me, Roku." Ami: "I'm sorry, Roku..." Ami: "Thank you." Roku: "In the end, I couldn't save anyone..." Benio: "I honestly have no idea" Benio: "how to make it up to you..." Roku: "Th-There's no reason for you to apologize! And I'm grateful to you, anyway." Roku: "To be honest... I was pretty scared." Roku: "I mean, I was prepared to fight alone, but..." Roku: "That doesn't change the fact that it's scary." Roku: "So when you said you'd come along, I was actually really happy." Roku: "I realized I wasn't alone, and I was glad for it." Benio: "I feel the same way." Roku: "You've got a black uniform, too! And it's got a skirt-like design, huh?" Benio: "It's a Granny custom. She said I fight like boy, so I should at least try to have a feminine appearance." Benio: "Quite rude." Roku: "I guess even your Granny can make sense sometimes." Roku: "Ow! Oh, come on!" Benio: "Ohagi. Let's make it back here alive, and eat some ohagi. Together." Roku: "Yeah!" Roku: "All right, let's go!" Benio: "Right!" Yuto: "Hey." Roku: "Hey!" Benio: "Thoreau said, "All misfortune is but a stepping stone to fortune."" Roku: "Whoa!" Benio: "And I say this: "No matter how much ohagi you eat, it's never too much."" Roku: "You ruined that awesome quote!"

Roku: "Here I am, Yuto!" Yuto: "I'm so glad you kept your promise, Roku!" Roku: "Choosing this place for our fight..." Roku: "You're as screwed up as ever!" Yuto: "Aw, and I thought you would like it." Roku: "Yuto!" Yuto: "They were a collection of worthless idiots... But we were all friends, after all." Yuto: "By the way, I've got one here for you, too, Roku." Yuto: "So, what will you do?" Yuto: "If you ask to join me, there'll be no need for this flower..." Roku: "I..." Roku: "would rather die than join you! I'm here" Roku: "to exorcise the impurity of Ijika Yuto, as an exorcist!" Yuto: "How cool!" Yuto: "It's like I'm looking at the old you!" Yuto: "And what about you?" Benio: "I..." Benio: "As your sister, and as your family..." Benio: "I can no longer avert my eyes from your foolish actions." Benio: "Nii-sama, prepare yourself!" Yuto: "This is so ridiculous, I'm speechless. I demonstrated the difference between us when I fought Seigen-san, didn't I? And you come here with Benio, of all people, helping you... I wonder how that makes you think you can beat me, Roku." Yuto: "I guess I don't need you after all." Yuto: "I'll pulverize you and turn you into food for the Kegare." Roku: "Incoming!" Roku: "This speed and power, without even using any enchantments..." Roku: "Where does he get it all from?!" Yuto: "You're so calm and composed, Roku. Is this any time to spend thinking about things?" Benio: "Ephemeral Lotus Dance, Point-Blank Range," Benio: "Ceremonial Fierce Tiger Form!" Yuto: "What was that?" Yuto: "Is that all the power you can muster? Are you screwing with me, you useless fool?!" Roku: "Air-Fissure Bullet!" Yuto: "With your spell power, these are like grains of rice. Right now, you're being more insulting than brave, Roku!" Roku: "This is it!" Roku: "We're just getting started!" Roku: "Burning Stone!" Benio: "Crimson Strike!" Twin Stars: "Resonance!" Roku: "Sky Striker!" Yuto: "Wasn't that..." Yuto: "the thing you used to save Mayura-chan?" Yuto: "Talk about desperate..." Roku: "Yuto!" Yuto: "What's with your form? You're wide open..." Roku: "Burning Blade!" Benio: "Crimson Cut!" Twin Stars: "Resonance!" Roku: "World End Overlay!" Roku: "Yes! A direct hit!" Yuto: "Resonance!" Yuto: "A technique that only Twin Stars can use, right? You spent a whole day refining it, thinking it'd be ready for use in combat?" Roku: "He's not even scratched?!" Yuto: "I was just starting to get a bit excited. You're not done already, are you?" Roku: "Don't you worry! We've still got the big guns left!" Roku: "Let's go, Seigen." Roku: "Star Armor Master Talisman, Inferno! Cleanse, purify, defend, and bless! Come forth at once!" Yuto: "Unleashing your spell power and adding an enchantment?" Yuto: "And he's directly enchanting his Kegare arm on top of that?" Roku: "Exorcism Enchantment Ensemble: Astral Disaster!" Yuto: "Interesting! Roku, you really do know how to keep me amused!" Roku: "Here comes the real deal! Meteor Talisman!" Roku: "Meteor Smash!" Roku: "Yuto!" Yuto: "Y-You little..." Yuto: "He's fast!" Yuto: "Are you insane, Roku? You can only use one enchantment at a time, which means, other than your arm, you're completely unprotected... That arm is definitely powerful, but the fact that you need to cook up a scheme for a direct hit proves it's—" Roku: "Flame Contact!" Benio: "Crimson Blast!" Yuto: "This one, too?" Twin Stars: "Resonance!" Twin Stars: "Crimson Meteor Smash!" Yuto: "That one... was pretty good." Yuto: "But it wasn't quite a one-shot kill." Roku: "Yuto... You..." Roku: "Your entire body is a Kegare!" Yuto: "Well, I would've taken more damage if I had kept holding back my power." Roku: "You were holding back?!" Yuto: "Yeah, of course." Yuto: "Just like that black talisman of yours. To retain a human form, you need to contain the Kegare power somehow." Yuto: "See, my true form's spell power is too great. This body can't withstand it for lo—" Yuto: "What?" Yuto: "Why..." Roku: "It's working!" Roku: "Yuto!" Yuto: "Tough luck!" Roku: "Yuto?!" Yuto: "Your attacks" Yuto: "have no effect on me at all!" Yuto: "You didn't actually think for a second that you'd won, did you?" Benio: "Rokuro!" Yuto: "Talentless waste with nothing but speed..." Yuto: "Dealing with your speed is starting to get tedious." Yuto: "Let's be rid of it." Roku: "Benio!" Yuto: "Your scream is simply delightful, Benio!" Roku: "Yuto, you bastard!" Roku: "What kind of older brother does that?!" Yuto: "That kind of reaction is why you and she are always going to be second-rate." Yuto: "Sorry about that! All I did was give you a little push." Yuto: "Come on, Roku. You really should've cast Iron Armor. Still, I guess in the end," Yuto: "a loser will never be any more than a loser, huh?" Yuto: "You know..." Yuto: "You weren't really trying to kill me at first, were you?" Yuto: "I'm sure I'm wrong, but..." Yuto: "Did you perhaps think this was all some kind of misunderstanding? That maybe I was someone other than the brother you knew? You didn't believe that, did you?! The fact that you're still wearing the hair tie I gave you" Yuto: "proves how pathetic you are." Yuto: "You really don't deserve to live. Neither as a human being nor an exorcist." Yuto: "I don't even need to destroy you myself." Yuto: "Go on hating your own weakness as you die a meaningless death." Benio: "Nii-sama..." Benio: "What..." Benio: "What am I doing?!" Benio: "Am I..." Benio: "In a place like this..." Benio: "This..." Benio: "This can't..." Kamui: "Where do you get off having a cool fight without me?" Yuto: "Please just stay down this time, Roku. It's really hard to hold back enough to avoid killing you." Yuto: "Listen up, Roku." Yuto: "This is your last warning." Roku: "What... are you..." Yuto: "I said this yesterday, too..." Yuto: "It's easier for me to achieve my goal with you at my side. If you do as I say—" Roku: "If I do that..." Roku: "You're saying you'll spare Ryogo and the others, right?" Yuto: "You're right, I did say that." Yuto: "Sorry, though." Yuto: "The truth is, I was just lying to move things along. Now that I have the body and power of a Kegare, just like they do, I can steal the spell power of humans and become stronger by killing them." Yuto: "I'll have power surpassing that of any exorcist." Yuto: "And to have that, I need one thing..." Yuto: "The spell power of everyone in the country!" Roku: "You... They'll all die if you do that!" Yuto: "Maybe so. But when you think about what's to come, oddly, it makes the sacrifices at Hinatsuki seem a bit insignificant, doesn't it?" Roku: "Are you..." Roku: "Are you being serious?" Yuto: "Listen, Roku. Exorcist or Kegare, no matter who the strongest is, they're still not perfect. If you say that human spell power has a yang nature, that would mean the Kegare have a yin nature. The people who can control the power of both yin and yang—" Yuto: "Those are exorcists!" Yuto: "I strive to become the user of ultimate spell power... A sublime, superior existence..." Yuto: "That's right! In other words, the strongest exorcist!" Roku: "You bastard!" Benio: "Kamui..." Kamui: "If people could get stronger by crying, life would be pretty easy." Benio: "What are you doing here?!" Kamui: "Do you want to keep fighting?" Kamui: "Answer me." Kamui: "Do you want the power to keep fighting?" Benio: "What... are you talking about?" Kamui: "Rather slow on the uptake, aren't you?" Kamui: "I can use Kegare power to replace the legs you've lost." Kamui: "The same deal the fang boy made with his right arm." Benio: "Wh-What would you gain from doing that?!" Kamui: "It's merely for pleasure." Benio: "Pleasure?" Kamui: "I just enjoy fighting strong people. And the one thing I enjoy most is to let people with potential get stronger so I can fight them again later." Kamui: "That blue-haired guy is pretty strong, but..." Kamui: "The way he likes to flaunt it gets on my nerves." Kamui: "Now, what's your answer? If you don't want help from someone you plan to kill, you can die clinging to your ideals." Kamui: "Or, to survive, to keep fighting, you can take a curse upon yourself and rise up." Kamui: "I'll wait ten seconds for your decision." Yuto: "So what's your answer? Will you follow me? How about it?" Roku: "I'm gonna kick your ass right here!" Yuto: "Really? That's a shame." Yuto: "You can go ahead and die, then." Yuto: "Goodbye, Roku." Benio: "Rokuro!" Kamui: "Ten..." Kamui: "Nine..." Kamui: "Eight..." Kamui: "Seven..." Kamui: "Six..." Benio: "I..." Kamui: "Five..." Roku: "This power is nothing but a curse..." Kamui: "Four..." Benio: "I..." Roku: "If this power can be used to protect people, I want to do that." Roku: "I already died once, two years ago." Roku: "But when you..." Roku: "When you came into my life, Benio, I was revived." Yuto: "You really don't deserve to live. Neither as a human being nor an exorcist." Kamui: "Two..." Kamui: "One..." Benio: "Power..." Benio: "I want power!" Benio: "So I can fight with Rokuro..." Benio: "I want the power to fight by his side!" Benio: "I want the power to stop my brother!" Benio: "I want... I want the power" Benio: "to kill you!" Kamui: "Good answer!" Kamui: "If the Kegare corruption gets you, I'll take responsibility and kill you myself." Kamui: "Ahariya asobasuto moosenu asakurani... Kegare-no-ohokami orimaseshimase." Yuto: "Is that..." Roku: "That's..." Roku: "The Basara?!" Roku: "Wait a minute..." Roku: "What are you doing?!" Roku: "What did you do?!" Roku: "Benio!" Kegare: "Never forgive you... I'll kill you..." Benio: "What is this?" Kegare: "I'll never, ever forgive you!" Benio: "The voice of a Kegare... No, more like the thoughts of one?" Kegare: "Go to Hell!" Benio: "A dark, heavy, negative aura..." Kegare: "Die, die, die!" Benio: "Wh-What?! No... Don't come in here... No more..." Benio: "Any more and I'll... I'll lose myself!" Benio: "Someone..." Benio: "Some... one..." Kegare: "Never forgive you..." Kegare: "Kill you... Never forgive you... Benio..." Kegare: "Die..." Roku: "Benio!" Roku: "Benio!" Benio: "Rokuro?" Benio: "I wonder what it is..." Benio: "When I call his name... When he calls my name... I somehow feel so peaceful," Benio: "and I can feel my chest growing warmer inside..." Benio: "It's so strange." Benio: "When did this happen to me?" Benio: "Oh, I see...." Benio: "So that's it..." Benio: "At some point..." Benio: "You became the one I... Even if weakness is a sin," Benio: "and even if wanting strength is an impure desire..." Benio: "If it lets me continue on with Rokuro, I'll..." Benio: "I'll accept both the sin and the impurity!" Yuto: "How could the likes of Benio be chosen?!" Roku: "That's Benio?" Kamui: "Give me a break..." Kamui: "This..." Kamui: "This is far too beautiful to be called impure." Benio: "Futabatei Shimei once said, "Yes, life is all about spirit."" Roku: "Coming from you, that's sort of refreshing." Benio: "But I think the spirit I have now is because of you." Roku: "R-Really?!"

Roku: "What about you?" Benio: "I can't run away." Benio: "Because I'm an exorcist." Benio: "I will exorcise all evil Kegare." Roku: "Don't talk big if you can't back it up!" Benio: "With just one hit..." Roku: "This power is nothing but a curse..." Roku: "Don't tell anybody about today, all right? I don't wanna be an exorcist." Roku: "Ow, ow, ow! You're stepping on my foot!" Roku: "What's the big idea?!" Benio: "I didn't ask for help." Benio: "The Kegare wasn't that strong. I could have beaten it alone." Roku: "You liar! You were almost dead!" Benio: "I was not... almost dead." Roku: "Well, if you can act that tough, you can handle the rest on your own, right?" Roku: "See ya!" Benio: "Wait." Benio: "I'm... Adashino Benio." Benio: "Who are you?" Roku: "Rokuro. Enmado Rokuro." Roku: "H-Hey!" Roku: "Wh-What the... What the heck is her deal?!" Roku: "You said you're getting rid of all Kegare, and you let this happen?" Roku: "Don't talk big if you can't back it up!" Benio: "Enmado Rokuro..." Benio: "I don't like him!" Roku: "Damn, I got held up by a real weirdo... And she's an exorcist, of all things?" Roku: "My bag! From when I fell in the river..." Roku: "Guess I'll just buy some juice." Roku: "Adashino Benio..." Roku: "I hope I never see her again!" Roku: "I'm back." Zen: "Go ahead, eat up." Shinnosuke: "Here's your tea." Roku: "Wh-What are you doing here?!" Zen: "As of today, she'll be living here at the Seika Dorm. This is Adashino Benio-san. Be nice to her, now." Ryogo: "She's the same age as you!" Ryogo: "Looks like you've got a rival now! Isn't that great, Rokuro?" Roku: "Not really..." Roku: "What're you glaring at me for, you little jerk?!" Kinako: "And where do you get off giving the stink eye, you little imp?!" Roku: "Who are you?!" Kinako: "I'm Benio-sama's loyal familiar, Kinako!" Kinako: "Mess with Benio-sama and you'll be answering to me!" Roku: "I'm not gonna do anything! I don't even want anything to do with her!" Atsushi: "Wow, you have a familiar, Benio-chan." Shinnosuke: "The Adashino clan really is impressive." Roku: "You're ignoring me?! I'm going to bed!" Atsushi: "Oh, man... He's mad." Roku: "Wh-What?! Is the world ending?!" Roku: "Y-You?!" Roku: "Wh-What are you doing in my room?" Benio: "I knocked several times..." Roku: "You knocked...?" Roku: "It's only 5:00 AM!" Roku: "What do you want?" Benio: "Let's go to Magano together, right now." Roku: "To Magano?" Benio: "Your power yesterday was amazing." Roku: "So what?" Benio: "That wounded my pride." Roku: "Why?" Kinako: "It doesn't matter why! What matters is that Benio-sama wants to see who's the better exorcist!" Roku: "Absolutely no way!" Roku: "I never want to go to Magano again! And do you really think anyone is gonna be like, "Sure, let's go!" just because you asked?!" Benio: "It's a friendly contest." Roku: "Your expression doesn't match your tone!" Ryogo: "Get up! A Kegare has appeared!" Roku: "Let me use this chance to make myself clear." Roku: "I fought that Kegare yesterday, but only in the heat of the moment. It was a fluke! I hate exorcists!" Roku: "If you get it now, leave me alone!" Ryogo: "Rokuro... fought?" Shinnosuke: "What is it?" Ryogo: "Oh, nothing..." Benio: "Is there a Kegare?" Ryogo: "Oh, yeah." Benio: "Let me come with you, please." Atsushi: "I-It's huge!" Ryogo: "Here it comes!" Shinnosuke: "Right!" Ryogo: "Amazing..." Benio: "The Kegare he fought yesterday..." Benio: "was much stronger than this." Yuto: "You should become stronger than anyone, Benio." Benio: "I will, Nii-sama." Benio: "I'll become an exorcist stronger than any other. He was strong," Benio: "and yet he..." Roku: "I hate exorcists!" Ryogo: "You really are amazing!" Ryogo: "Benio-san." Ryogo: "Did Rokuro really fight?" Ryogo: "I overheard you two in the hall." Ryogo: "I thought... he was strong." Ryogo: "Maybe you could change him back to how he used to be." Ryogo: "I've known Rokuro since he was little." Benio: "Were you both in the Seika Dorm?" Ryogo: "No, that's not where we grew up." Ryogo: "I moved here five years back, and he moved in two years ago." Benio: "Two years ago?" Ryogo: "Yeah." Ryogo: "I don't know all the details, but something really tragic happened..." Ryogo: "And when I met him again in the dorm, he had already quit being an exorcist." Ryogo: "But I think Rokuro is being the most true to himself when he fights as one." Benio: "Why?" Ryogo: "Because I know how brilliant he used to be. He always said he would become the strongest exorcist," Benio: "I will exorcise all evil Kegare." Roku: "So much for the strongest exorcist..." Roku: "Damn it... All the bad memories have been coming back since I met her." Roku: "I'll just wash my face..." Roku: "Sh-She..." Ryogo: "Rokuro! What are you doing?!" Ryogo: "Didn't you see the note on the door?!" Roku: "Huh?! What note?!" Zen: "Oh, hello! How nice of you to make the trip." Kinu: "Has Benio-sama settled in yet?" Roku: "Hang on a sec!" Roku: "Put the sword away! Just put the sword away!" Benio: "Sex Fiend Obliteration, come forth at once!" Roku: "Who are you calling a sex fiend?!" Ari: "It's improper to run around in bare feet, young man." Roku: "Who's the underpants guy?! Some kind of pervert?!" Kinu: "Y-You imbecile! Have you no idea who that gentleman is?!" Zen: "This is the head of all exorcists, Chief Exorcist Tsuchimikado Arima-sama!" Ari: "Now then, let me tell you about how I got here! I received an oracle that, after making sure it was genuine, filled me with unprecedented excitement! I immediately left for Tokyo to let you all in on the good news... But, realizing it would be best to calm down a little, I approached a lovely lady in the city, not knowing that she had a lover whose occupation starts with "Ya." And I'll let you all imagine the events that happened between that and my arrival here..." Roku: "What's with this failure of an adult?" Ari: "More importantly, the reason I have come here is the two of you." Kinu: "Th-Then Benio-sama's sudden reassignment was..." Ari: "Precisely. Zenkichi-kun, assemble the exorcist leadership from around the country in the Hall of Five Mirrors immediately! I've got a special surprise for everyone!" Roku: "This is the neighborhood shrine..." Atsushi: "Is this really the right place, Jissama?" Atsushi: "Where are we going, Jissama? We're behind the main hall." Zen: "Would you pipe down? Honestly." Atsushi: "Whoa... What is that?!" Jissama: "Hurry, now." Roku: "Wh-What is this?!" Ryo: "There was something like this underneath the shrine?" Shinnosuke: "Where'd all these people come from?" Leader A: "Benio-sama. It is good to see you again." Leader B: "I'm glad to see you look well." Leader C: "How you've grown! You look even more beautiful!" Atsushi: "The exorcist leaders are all sucking up to Benio-chan!" Shinnosuke: "She really is a big deal. I think we stick out like sore thumbs, though..." Ari: "Sorry for the wait, everyone!" Ari: "It is I, Chief Exorcist Tsuchimikado Arima!" Ari: "Thank you for gathering here today!" Ari: "I've called you all here for one reason... To deliver some really wonderful, big news! Aw, yeah!" Exorcists: "He is as excitable as ever..." Ari: "I recently received a truly, truly fantastic oracle! The oracle leads me to believe that the long, long battle between us exorcists and the Kegare is finally, at long last, coming to an end! Yes, I've been made aware that the child of the gods, the Miko, will be arriving soon!" Ari: "Isn't that exciting?!" Crowd: "At long last... Remarkable..." Roku: "The Miko?" Ari: "The chosen one that has been spoken of since ancient times, wielding sorcery beyond that of even the great historical exorcist, Abe no Seimei-sama, the one who will purify all Kegare and bring an end to the abominable Magano, the ultimate exorcist!" Ari: "That is the Miko!" Leader D: "Then, at last, someone has obtained power worthy of the name?" Crowd: "Who could it be?" Ari: "Adashino Benio-kun..." Ari: "Would you step forward, please?" Crowd: "Benio-sama! The head of Kyoto's famous Adashino clan! It makes sense it would be her!" Ari: "Still popular with the old fogies, I see." Ari: "Has being pampered by peons helped you overcome your trauma a bit?" Ari: "Now, the other..." Ari: "Enmado Rokuro!" Roku: "What?" Ari: "Rokuro-kun, please come forward, as well." Roku: "Why me?" Ryogo: "I don't know either, but get up there!" Crowd: "What?" Crowd: "Another child?" Ari: "Let me introduce you... These two are both fourteen, but their potential as exorcists is greater than that of anyone else here! East Japan's strongest, Enmado Rokuro, and West Japan's strongest, Adashino Benio." Atsuhi: "Rokuro?!" Crowd: "I had no idea there was someone that strong in Kanto... I've never heard the name Enmado Rokuro before." Rokuro: "Hey, quit making stuff up, man!" Ari: "I'm not making anything up." Ari: "Now, everyone, it's time for the main event! These two are going to show off their skill!" Ari: "You will both fight with your full strength..." Ari: "As if you intend to kill each other." Zen: "Arima-sama!" Rokuro: "Screw you! I'm not interested, and have no reason to!" Ari: "The future of exorcists... No, the future of Japan itself rests upon this historic event. There is no place here for your individual will." Ari: "Plus..." Ari: "She looks more than ready to go." Roku: "You..." Roku: "Stop it!" Roku: "I said I don't want anything to do with exorcists!" Benio: "I want to beat you!" Kinu: "What is Arima-sama thinking?!" Zen: "If those two are the Miko candidates..." Zen: "Then the victor is the Miko?" Ryogo: "Rokuro!" Benio: "Use your black talisman!" Roku: "Not happening!" Benio: "Still not taking this seriously?" Crowd: "It's so one-sided... Is that boy really the strongest in Kanto?" Ari: "Benio-kun, you can push him harder. An exorcist who won't fight is worthless, and weak exorcists are destined to die." Ari: "Much like your old friends..." Ari: "They died because they were weak." Ari: "That's all there is to it." Ari: "Well, their deaths were inconsequential." Ari: "It just proves how useless they really were. Trash who couldn't accomplish a single thing as an exorcist would have only grown up to remain trash, after all!" Ryogo: "How can you say that?!" Atsushi: "Wh-What is that?!" Ryogo: "I... don't know..." Ryogo: "Rokuro, you..." Crowd: "An enchantment? Is he..." Kinu: "Fang boy, that power is..." Benio: "Exorcist enchantments!" Kinu: "Wha—" Benio: "I'm the one you're fighting." Kinu: "That talisman..." Kinu: "It's too powerful!" Benio: "Ashen Immolation!" Benio: "I will defeat you! To become the strongest exorcist—" Roku: "Stop!" Roku: "I don't wanna hear it!" Benio: "Why? It was what you wanted, too, wasn't it? To be the strongest exor—" Roku: "I said shut up!" Crowd: "P-Preposterous! Benio-sama is completely on the defensive!" Benio: "Father... Mother..." Kinu: "No! Benio-sama!" Zen: "What is this?!" Kinu: "Speed the eye can't hope to track! This is where Benio-sama truly shines!" Benio: "Trying to blind me? That won't stop my attacks!" Benio: "No! He was baiting me!" Ari: "That's enough!" Benio: "My enchantments..." Benio: "They were dispelled?" Ari: "Splendid, you two! That was an incredible fight." Ari: "My apologies, Rokuro-kun. In order to witness your true power, I insulted your friends, even though I didn't mean it." Ari: "Forgive me." Roku: "You tricked me?" Ari: "Now, then." Ari: "Did you see their skill, everyone?" Ari: "Never has there been a pair more worthy of being called the Twin Star Exorcists!" Atsushi: "Twin Stars?" Shinnosuke: "What's that mean?" Ryogo: "Wasn't one of them going to be the Miko?" Ari: ""When the flames of the malevolent planet begin to envelop all, the Twin Stars will blaze through the sky at its darkest. When these Twin Stars unite, the threat is dispelled."" Ari: "Understand?" Benio: "The Twin Stars... I've heard the name before, but what does it mean?" Ari: "The Miko brings an end to Magano, and the Miko is the child of the Twin Stars. In other words, the Twin Stars is the title given to the exorcists whose union brings forth the Miko." Ari: "The strongest exorcist husband and wife give birth to the ultimate exorcist." Ari: "In other words, you two will get married and have a baby." Ari: "It's decided! Congrats!" Roku: "Get married?! Screw you! We're still in middle school!" Benio: "Schopenhauer wrote that the great do not decry their destiny." Roku: "What are you getting at?!"

Benio: "My name is Adashino Benio." Benio: "Kamui... You should prepare yourself. These fangs that you have given me" Benio: "will one day be coming after you!" Kamui: "If that makes for a good fight, I couldn't ask for more." Benio: "But... now I can fight with Rokuro again." Benio: "Thank you, Kamui." Kamui: "What... are you saying?" Benio: "Face me, Nii-sama." Benio: "Face me, Nii-sama." Benio: "Unarmed Ephemeral Lotus..." Benio: "Ceremonial Swallow Form!" Benio: "Here I come!" Yuto: "Wh-What?!" Roku: "Amazing! She's totally pushing him back!" Kamui: "Looks like he was already badly injured..." Benio: "It wasn't an act after all! My brother always acted as if nothing bothered him," Benio: "Rokuro, our attacks are working!" Yuto: "Damn you!" Yuto: "Don't get so cocky!" Yuto: "She absorbed the shock?!" Benio: "More... I need to go higher!" Benio: "To be faster!" Benio: "To be stronger!" Benio: "Nii-sama!" Rokuro: "Th-That was awesome!" Yuto: "Damn it..." Yuto: "Damn it!" Yuto: "I... Someone like me..." Yuto: "beaten by Benio... Benio, of all people?!" Benio: "This is it for you, Nii-sama..." Benio: "No, Ijika Yuto." Benio: "Ambitions soaked in the blood of others will never be achieved. Your sins and impurity" Benio: "will vanish, like the cursed tears I shed for you!" Yuto: "You... Beni—" Benio: "I can do this... If I just continue pouring it on!" Kamui: "She's out of time." Yuto: "And..." Yuto: "You're done!" Benio: "What is this?" Yuto: "Like I said, you're done." Roku: "Benio!" Yuto: "Well, of course that's what would happen! Kegare corruption is, by nature, implanting an inhuman power in a person's body. And considering it was a Basara who drew it out, it stands to reason that it'll give out if the vessel isn't strong enough, right?!" Yuto: "Hey, now! Don't you move!" Yuto: "It's not like you can fight anymore, either, Roku." Yuto: "Don't you get it? There's nothing left that either of you can do!" Yuto: "You were getting pretty full of yourself there, huh, Benio?" Yuto: "It would only take a little effort to kill you in an instant..." Yuto: "But that wouldn't be much fun, and frankly, I wouldn't be satisfied!" Yuto: "Get up. First those annoying legs, then both your arms... I think I'll tear them off one by one, slowly... That way, I can show you how stupid and powerless you are. And once you're fully aware of that, I'll kill you, okay?!" Yuto: "Roku?!" Roku: "A brother shouldn't be grinning like an ass when he's beating on his sister!" Benio: "Rokuro..." Roku: "I can still fight—" Yuto: "Sorry, I wasn't listening. You can still what, now?" Benio: "Ro... Rokuro!" Yuto: "No need to scream. You're getting it next." Benio: "Roku...ro?" Roku: "Don't look at me like that." Roku: "This isn't enough to kill me." Roku: "I told you... I won't hesitate anymore." Roku: "These wounds are nothing." Roku: "I'm not gonna stop now!" Yuto: "Wha... What just happened?" Yuto: "Light Warping Bullet, come forth at once!" Yuto: "My Kegare biology..." Yuto: "Roku, how are you capable of this?" Yuto: "No... That doesn't matter." Yuto: "I'm going to make sure you're dead." Roku: "Screw that! It's time we settle our old score!" Yuto: "You think you can beat me?" Yuto: "Don't kid yourself!" Seigen: "This is Ijika Yuto." Seigen: "Be good to him." Hinatsuki Kids: "Come on, you two!" Tetsuji: "Maybe these two really can end the war with the Kegare!" Roku: "And yet..." Roku: "And yet, how could you?!" Roku: "Yuto!" Yuto: "Go down already, Roku!" Roku: "Why does it hurt so bad?" Roku: "Why am I so sad?" Roku: "Why does it weigh on me so much?!" Roku: "Why's it so hard?!" Yuna: "Stop Yuto..." Hikari: "Help me, Roku!" Tetsuji: "Please, Roku..." Ami: "I want to live longer!" Rokuro: "I will..." Rokuro: "I will..." Rokuro: "That's why..." Rokuro: "I will..." Rokuro: "I will get stronger, whatever it takes!" Yuto: "So damn full of yourself..." Yuto: "I said go down already! You stupid corpse!" Kids: "Roku! Get up! Roku, you can do it!" Yuto: "You rotten corpses!" Yuto: "Damn you, Roku!" Benio: "Do..." Benio: "Do it, Rokuro!" Yuto: "Roku!" Benio: "Roku...ro..." Benio: "Thank goodness... He's breathing." Roku: "Benio..." Roku: "What happened to Yuto?" Benio: "He fell into the darkness." Roku: "I see..." Roku: "He's..." Roku: "probably not finished." Roku: "You went way too far!" Roku: "Using the power of Kegare corruption like that..." Roku: "What were you gonna do if it didn't work?! You're the other Twin Star... If you become a Kegare," Roku: "we can't save anyone!" Benio: "That goes for you, too... For someone who worries so much about others," Benio: "you always rush in with no concern for your life... I thought.... you might actually die," Benio: "but... you survived." Benio: "Rokuro, you're alive!" Roku: "I guess so." Roku: "We're both..." Benio: "Yes." Roku: "When we get home," Benio: "Yes!" Benio: "Good morning." Roku: "Benio..." Roku: "Is that..." Benio: "Oh, it's just to be on the safe side." Benio: "They said to take it easy for now." Roku: "I see. So, where are we?" Benio: "We're in..." Roku: "Kyoto?!" Zen: "Oh, I see you're awake, Rokuro!" Roku: "Jissama." Zen: "Once your exams are over, we'll head to the exorcist dorms. Arima-sama is waiting for you." Roku: "Pervy underpants guy?" Arima: "Well, hello there! I see you're finally awake, Rokuro-kun! I waited for you here with eleven of the Twelve Guardians!" Roku: "What's this all about? You realize we're injured, right?" Roku: "And Benio..." Shimon: "Hey!" Shimon: "Watch your tongue." Arima: "Now, now, don't worry." Arima: "I guess I should introduce everyone, right? Let's see..." Roku: "Forget it. I'll never remember them all, anyway. What is it you want? Let's get this over with." Shin: "Beni-tan told us about the battle with Ijika Yuto." Roku: "B-Beni-tan?" Arima: "He adds a "tan" to all girls' names." Shin: "It's not gender-biased, Arima-tan." Shin: "What we want is the details on the conclusion of the battle." Shin: "Once we know that, you can be discharged... and disciplined." Roku: "Disciplined?!" Shin: "Of course. Why did you fight him without waiting for us? As a result, one of you is permanently injured, and the target got away." Shin: "If you have an explanation, let's hear it." Roku: "Hold on!" Shimon: "We're not making it sound that way. You are to blame." Shimon: "Don't you understand? If you had stayed out of it, we would've beaten Ijika Yuto. What if there had been more casualties because you two weaklings butted in? How would you take responsibility?" Benio: "At the time," Benio: "Ijika Yuto called us out earlier than you all would have arrived." Benio: "He said he'd afflict our friends and family with Kegare corruption if we didn't come." Benio: "We'll accept any punishment." Benio: "But if we'd sat idly by, I'm certain the casualties would have been worse." Subaru: "Well, when you think about it, if Seigen-han had taken care of it in the first place, it would've solved things then and there." Shimon: "That's not..." Roku: "If you find out where he is, please let me know!" Roku: "This is one instance where I have to beat him myself. So, please!" Arima: "Rokuro-kun..." Arima: "Save the dreams for when you're asleep, okay?" Arima: "You two fought together and couldn't beat him, remember?" Arima: "What exactly do you think you can do?" Roku: "Th-That's..." Arima: "There is but one thing you can do!" Arima: "Marry Benio-kun, and have a baby... The Miko that will bring an end to this millennia-old conflict!" Arima: "You need not concern yourself with dangerous missions, special training, or anything else. Just start some peaceful family planning in this warm, safe place." Roku: "Okay, how about this?" Roku: "Benio! Let's get married, right now!" Roku: "Then we'll go home and make a baby!" Benio: "Wh-Wha..." Benio: "What are you... Ridiculous..." Roku: "Would that satisfy you? Once the Miko's born, the Twin Stars have fulfilled their duty," Arima: "Well, yes, that would suffice, but..." Roku: "No, it wouldn't!" Shimon: "What's your point, exactly?" Roku: "Even if the Miko really will bring an end to the fighting," Roku: "how could you just leave everything to that baby?!" Roku: "I won't give an unborn child that kind of burden!" Roku: "Before the kid is born... I'll be the one" Roku: "who puts an end to the war with the Kegare!" Benio: "I..." Benio: "feel the same way." Arima: "Very well. Then we'll wait two years." Roku: "Two years?" Arima: "The prophecy states that a great calamity is approaching, you see." Roku: "What kind of calamity?" Arima: "The actual details are still unclear... But it is most definitely coming. I imagine the Twelve Guardians can hold it off for a while, but who knows if they can hold out for two years?" Benio: "Is something that dangerous really going to happen?" Arima: "Yep. So, two years. We'll wait two years! In that time," Arima: "you must become stronger than the Twelve Guardians you see here! If you can't manage that, then you'll make that baby!" Arima: "Agreed?" Roku: "Yeah! We just gotta surpass them, right?" Roku: "Challenge accepted!" Mayura: "I figured you'd be here." Mayura: "Honestly, Dad... You sickly-looking bartender tiger man!" Seigen: "That was a little less sharp than usual." Mayura: "That doesn't matter! You have to tell me. How do I become an exorcist?" Seigen: "Where's this coming from? Quit dreami—" Mayura: "I don't want to hold them back anymore!" Mayura: "I realized I need to be strong myself." Mayura: "And then..." Mayura: "I want to fight alongside them!" Benio: "Hey..." Benio: "How serious were you... about that?" Roku: "About what?" Benio: "G-Getting married and... the baby..." Roku: "O-Oh, that?!" Roku: "Uh, that was..." Roku: "I'm sorry, I don't really know." Roku: "Getting married, having a kid... I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested, but... Right now, I think the way things are now is how I'd like it to stay, for a while." Roku: "Wh-What about you?" Benio: "I-I..." Benio: "I agree." Roku: "We made the most of that!" Benio: "I think this might be the first time I've enjoyed a festival so much." Roku: "Yeah?" Benio: "But... I'm sorry." Roku: "For what?" Benio: "I appreciate you taking me out, but..." Benio: "Right now..." Benio: "I can't smile from the heart." Roku: "Wait here a second. I'll be right back." Benio: "He's late..." Benio: "The ohagi's going to go bad..." Roku: "Sorry about that!" Benio: "What are you doing?" Roku: "Ow, ow, ow... Hold out your hand." Benio: "Are these..." Roku: "They were a shooting gallery prize, so they weren't exactly expensive..." Benio: "And yet your wallet appears empty." Roku: "Don't look in there!" Benio: "I can imagine your anguished look at the shooting gallery." Roku: "Look, if you don't like them, you don't have to wear them." Benio: "No..." Benio: "I'm deeply moved." Roku: "At that moment, I honestly felt, pretty seriously," Roku: "that I wanted to see Benio smiling from the heart. There are tough times ahead, and our path will be steep and rocky," Roku: "but I told you, didn't I, Benio?" Roku: "I'm not going to hesitate. I'll look up, hold my chin high, kick the ground as hard as I can, and run! I'll run onward!" Roku: "With my eyes facing forward..." Roku: "I'll push on! Lu Xun said, "There is no need to look back, for in front of you, there are countless roads!"" Benio: "Rokuro casually spouted a famous quote!" Roku: "Yeah! Well, I'm in high school now!" Benio: "You can look forward to our growth next time."

Atsushi: "Are we at the rendezvous point yet?" Shin: "Make sure to remember the plan." Shin: "This is a big one." Atsushi: "I know! Let's do this, Shinnosuke!" Shin: "Okay!" Duo: "Impure Legion Banishment!" Duo: "Come forth at once!" Atsushi: "It's all yours, Haruka-san!" Haruka: "Okay, come on over!" Haruka: "Es pan comido." Ryogo: "Sky Ray Strike!" Ryogo: "Are you okay, Haruka-san?" Haruka: "Yes, thanks." Shin: "We're not done here!" Ryogo: "I know!" Ryogo: "We're not going to let small fry like you get past here!" Ryogo: "It's up to you to handle the big one." Mayura: "E-Everyone's so amazing... W-Well, this is the stage for my debut, so surely my first random lucky shots will go well!" Mayura: "Don't tell me..." Mayura: "It's..." Mayura: "already here?" Roku: "It's good that we drew out the boss, but... The bastard just had to keep darting around underground. I got some dirt in my mouth!" Benio: "That's your fault for having your mouth open during combat." Roku: "That's rich, coming from someone wearing a mask!" Mayura: "Rokuro. Adashino-san." Roku: "This is your debut fight, Mayura. You ready?" Benio: "If you want to quit, now's the time." Mayura: "I won't!" Mayura: "I worked hard to get here..." Mayura: "I won't quit now!" Roku: "Sounds good!" Roku: "Mayura!" Mayura: "I'm okay!" Mayura: "Rokuro! Adashino-san!" Mayura: "Arresting Hold! Come forth at once!" Mayura: "It worked!" Roku: "Nice, Mayura! Air Fissure Bullet!" Benio: "Moonset Reflection Slash!" Mayura: "Whoa..." Roku: "That was good for your first try, Mayura!" Benio: "In terms of spell power, you're on even footing with us. Although, I suppose that's to be expected." Mayura: "No..." Roku: "M-Mayura?!" Mayura: "Why is it wrapping around me?!" Mayura: "Hurry, exorcise the Kegare! Save me!" Roku: "R-Right! Got it!" Mayura: "Why... can't I get loose?!" Roku: "Let's do it, Benio!" Benio: "Right." Benio: "Air Fissure Sound Mixture! Morning Glory Fan!" Twin Stars: "Resonance!" Twin Stars: "Glory Impulse!" Roku: "And that's mission complete, right?" Ryogo: "Good work, Rokuro!" Atsushi: "That was really impressive!" Shin: "You made it look easy." Roku: "So did you guys." Mayura: "Hey! Rokuro! Adashino-san!" Mayura: "Huh?" Benio: "G-Get off... Get off him!" Mayura: "Sorry!" Roku: "Man, you've always been a klutz, Mayura." Mayura: "I-I don't want to hear that from you, Rokuro!" Benio: "Spirit talismans react to their user's will in order to manifest their power. Otomi-san, did you want to be bound like that?" Mayu: "O-Of course not! Don't say weird stuff like that, Adashino-san!" Atsushi; In The Background: "Normies... I wanna kill 'em all!" Kinako: "Oh, no! We gotta hurry or you'll be late, Benio-sama! You're a high school student starting today!" Roku: "Oh, yeah! Let's hurry!" Ryogo: "Do you have everything ready for school? You didn't forget—" Roku: "I've got it!" Benio: "I'm sorry." Benio: "I went too far earlier..." Mayura: "Oh, it's okay!" Mayura: "You know, that seriously was an accident!" Benio: "What do you mean? When I grabbed Rokuro like that... I didn't do it on purpose at all." Benio: "Why explain that to me?" Mayura: "Well, I mean... How do I put this? It's been two years, right? Since you started to l-live together... by yourselves." Benio: "Th-That's... true, but..." Mayura: "How are things... really?" Benio: "Th-There is..." Benio: "nothing between me and him." Benio: "We haven't kissed or anything yet..." Benio: "I didn't mean to say "yet"!" Subaru: "Well, now... I never imagined I'd get to see a hole this big in my life." Arima: "Folks... This is completely unprecedented." Tatara: "K-Ku... Ku Ku Ku... Kura... K-Ku... Kuranashi! Kuranashi! Kuranashi! Kuranashi! Kuranashi! Kuranashi! Kuranashi!" Subaru: "Easy there..." Arima: "I see. Kuranashi, eh?" Arima: "I suppose the only one capable of this would be a Basara." Shimon: "Arima-sama, give us the order to attack!" Shimon: "There are signs that he's gathering a group of Basara." Subaru: "Not a very Basara-like thing to do..." Arima: "Let's keep an eye on things for now." Arima: "I doubt this is really the end of it, after all." Roku: "Thanks, Ryogo." Classmates: "Hey, Rokuro! I almost put on the middle school uniform this morning. You sure are looking sharp." Roku: "Flattery won't get you anywhere!" Chiaki: "Oh, good morning, Rokuro-kun." Roku: "Hey, good morning." Chiaki: "So, um... It looks like we're in the same class." Chiaki: "Here's to a good year." Roku: "Yeah." Mayura: "That girl rejected Rokuro before." Mayura: "I guess people really do change..." Mayura: "Actually, I guess Rokuro's the one who's changed. After that battle, he started working a lot harder." Mayura: "He's been studying and exercising on a regular schedule..." Mayura: "Once he's motivated, he doesn't cut corners." Benio: "It's the same way at home." Benio: "Not only with crafting talismans and training... Now he's just as diligent" Benio: "at doing housework, too, and he handles it normally." Mayura: "I guess, looking at him now, Rokuro's actually pretty cool, huh?" Benio: "Even though he's still Rokuro." Mayura: "Are you thinking about Rokuro?" Benio: "N-Not really..." Mayura: "You're in the adolescent maiden unbalanced zone! You've been living with him for two years, and you work together as partners perfectly..." Mayura: "Here, I'll lend you this!" Benio: "What is it?" Mayura: "The romance bible of four million maidens. If you read this..." Mayura: "See? Like this! And this!" Mayura: "Look! And this! You see?" Mayura: "Rokuro's taking things seriously now, so you should take him seriously, too." Benio: "I don't see what that has to do with..." Mayura: "If I get serious, you never know what might happen, after all." Mayura: "If you're not gonna eat that, then I will!" Benio: "No! It's mine." Benio: "Can we... talk?" Benio: "I've given it... some serious consideration." Roku: "What do you mean?" Benio: "About what it means... to have a baby." Roku: "Wh-Where did this come from?!" Benio: "Over the past two years, I think I've come to understand you pretty well." Benio: "We've fought a lot, but..." Benio: "I've come to know lots of good things about you, too." Benio: "Occasionally, I've thought..." Benio: "about what it means to share the fate of being the Twin Stars with you." Roku: "I think I understand..." Roku: "It's kinda like... We've been fighting together so long," Roku: "I can't really imagine life without you anymore..." Benio: "Do you suppose it means that much, much further down the line, we might be having a baby?" Roku: "M-Maybe..." Benio: "If that's the case..." Benio: "I want to treasure that sentiment." Roku: "Y-Yeah..." Benio: "Wh-What am I saying?! F-Forget what I said! Just forget it!" Benio: "Having a baby" Benio: "is probably a lot of work..." Benio: "And it's probably wonderful." ews: "Twenty-five from the prefecture have been hospitalized this week with matching symptoms from an unidentified condition, bringing the country's total afflicted to 47. There are now suspicions of mass infection," Roku: "Mass infections?" ews: "with more details to follow as the investigation continues." Roku: "Like with food poisoning?" ews: "Our next story, on the robbery in..." Benio: "Rokuro, come get the miso soup!" Roku: "Sure." Roku: "Food poisoning!" Kinako: "Oh, no! There are Kegare!" Seigen: "Gramps, did you see the news this morning?" Zen: "It bothered you, too, then?" Seigen: "Did HQ say anything?" Zen: "There haven't been any notable messages of late." Zen: "And that's troubling. There was a general order one week ago to strengthen security measures against the Basara," Zen: "but nothing since then." Roku: "Sorry, I took care of it." Mayura: "I didn't get to do anything! I guess I still have a ways to go." Roku: "You just have to evolve as you go." Mayu: "What's wrong?" Roku: "Nothing... Just that light..." Ryogo: "Light?" Benio: "Rokuro?" Roku: "A kid?" Roku: "What's she doing here?" Benio: "Rokuro!" Benio: "That girl..." Benio: "Did a Kegare pull drag her here?" Roku: "Sure doesn't seem like it." Roku: "But... For a kid to be here on her own..." Roku: "That's definitely not normal." Mayura: "Hey, what's your name?" Benio: "I'm, uh... sorry." Roku: "F-For now, let's take her with us." Ryogo: "I checked the department stores and asked the local police," Ryogo: "but there were no reports of a missing child." Kinu: "If a Kegare actually had pulled her into Magano, it's hard to imagine she could have survived on her own." Tv: "It confuses you, huh, Mimura-san?" Seigen: "This is the same as before..." Zen: "Yes." Seigen: "You don't see too many kids who would be smiling in the Hell that is Magano." Seigen: "Let's be cautious here." Roku: "If the Kegare from before dragged her in, that would mean she'd been in Magano for quite a while." Mayura: "A little girl like this should be completely exhausted by something like that..." Sae: "It confuses you, huh, Mimura-san?" Sae: "It's turrible!" Roku: "You can actually talk?" Sae: "I'm so hungry, it's gotta be curry!" Mayura: "That commercial..." Mayura: "And before that, it was a line from a variety show! She's mimicking the TV." Sae: "And now our next story.... Prime Minister Yonai is currently touring Europe, and attended a breakfast assembly in Brussels, Belgium, at 9 AM local time." Atsushi: "That's impressive!" Shin: "She can talk this much after just watching a little bit?" Sae: "Sure I can!" Shin: "Now she's actually talking!" Sae: "Papa, let's play!" Roku: "P-Papa?" Sae: "Yeah, Papa!" Mayura: "Then..." Mayura: "Is this Mama?" Roku: "Actually, what is your name?" Sae: "Name?" Roku: "Yeah. Mine's Rokuro. And this is Benio, and Mayura..." Shin: "I'm Shinnosuke." Atsushi: "Atsushi!" Ryogo: "Ryogo." Haruka: "I'm Haruka." Roku: "And this is Granny." Kinu: "My name is Kinu!" Benio: "This is Kinako." Kinako: "The name's Kinako! Kinako the professional shikigami!" Miko: "Papa, Benio!" Roku: "So, what about you?" Roku: "Sae..." Roku: "Why don't we just call her Sae for now?" Sae: "Sae?" Roku: "Sae!" Sae: "Sae! Sae, Sae, Sae!" Roku: "Hey, Jissama... Do you think" Roku: "it'd be okay if she stayed at our house?" Zen: "Your house?" Benio: "Our house?" Roku: "Yeah... I dunno what it is, but I don't want to leave her alone." Benio: "If... you say so." Zen: "Right..." Zen: "I'll contact HQ about it, too." Sae: "Yay!" Roku: "Hey, come on!" Roku: "That's dangerous!" Sae: "I'm sorry, Benio. Are you okay?" Benio: "Mostly..." Sae: "I wanna try!" Sae: "Yay, yay!" Roku: "You're pretty amazing..." Roku: "It's ready!" Sae: "Okay!" Sae: "Yummy!" Benio: "Do you want to take a bath after dinner?" Sae: "I want to take one with Papa!" Roku: "Hey, now, settle down already..." Sae: "Come on, Papa, hurry!" Roku: "I know what I just said, but.." Roku: "Okay, time for bed!" Sae: "Tell me a story!" Roku: "A story?" Roku: "Well, let's see..." Benio: "I'll be going, then." Roku: "Hey, tell her "Ohagi Man."" Benio: "Me?" Sae: "Yeah!" Benio: "Then..." Benio: "Let me tell you the incredible story of Ohagi Man." Benio: "One day..." Benio: "All ohagi suddenly disappeared throughout Japan. "This is bad. We'll have to call Ohagi Man..."" Sae: "What's ohagi?" Benio: "That's where we start?" Benio: "This is ohagi." Benio: "Okay?" Sae: "I see!" Roku: "The girl's a genius..." Benio: "Now, once again... The story of Ohagi Man." Benio: "One day, all ohagi suddenly disappeared throughout Japan. "This is bad! We'll have to call Ohagi Man!" "Ohagi Man!"" Benio: "She's already asleep... Was it too boring?" Roku: "Your voice was just that soothing." Benio: "I'll go, then..." Sae: "What happened next?" Benio: "You were awake?" Sae: "Keep going!" Benio: "Then..." Benio: ""Ohagi Man! It's the Higan holiday, but we don't have any ohagi for offerings!" "That's terrible news! If a part of me will do, then you can have it!" "Yay!" And then, suddenly, Ohagi Man was—" Benio: "I might... not be good with kids." Benio: "Granny, everyone, please take care of her." Kinu: "We certainly will." Sae: "Bye-bye, Papa, Benio!" Roku: "Yeah! Be good, now!" Sae: "Go! Go, go, Ohagi Man!" Haruka: "What's that song, Sae-chan?" Sae: "The Ohagi Man song!" Haruka: "I see..." Sae: "Fly! Fly, fly, Ohagi Man! Ohagi Man!" Roku: "Good for you." Benio: "We'll be back soon, Sae-chan." Mayura: "So how was Sae-chan?" Roku: "The same as when we first found her." Roku: "Maybe once she settles in more, we can start asking her questions." Roku: "Well, we just gotta be patient." Benio: "Is this..." Roku: "What the?" Benio: "Just hang in there!" Roku: "What the hell's going on?" Suzu: "Plato said it himself, y'know? "Rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul!"" Roku: "Who the hell are you?!" Suzu: "You'll have to find out next time, y'know?!"

Roku: "The bastard just had to keep darting around underground. I got some dirt in my mouth!" Benio: "That's your fault for having your mouth open during combat." Mayu: "It worked!" Roku: "Nice, Mayura! Air Fissure Bullet!" Benio: "Moonset Reflection Slash!" Twin Stars: "Resonance!" Twin Stars: "Glory Impulse!" Benio: "Can we... talk?" Benio: "About what it means... to have a baby." Subaru: "I never imagined I'd get to see a hole this big in my life." Arima: "Kuranashi, eh?" Arima: "I suppose the only one capable of this..." Roku: "A kid?" Sae: "Papa, Benio!" Roku: "So, what about you?" Roku: "Why don't we just call her Sae for now?" Sae: "Sae?" Roku: "Sae!" Sae: "Sae!" Sae: "Sae, Sae, Sae!" Roku: "Maybe once she settles in more, we can start asking her questions." Roku: "Well, we just gotta be patient." Roku: "What the?" Benio: "Just hang in there!" Benio: "What the hell's going on?" Benio: "The color of their eyes..." Benio: "It's like..." Roku: "Yeah. It's like Kegare corruption." Mayura: "Then are all these people becoming Kegare corruptions?" Benio: "No..." Benio: "It's the miasma flowing through here that's causing it." Mayura: "This nasty air is the reason?" Roku: "Yeah." Mayu: "It's like we're in Magano or something." Roku: "Even we exorcists can get lightheaded if we're not careful." Roku: "Higher spell power helps you endure it, but..." Roku: "An average person would lose consciousness..." Benio: "Rokuro. I think we'll find the cause of all this" Benio: "beyond that miasma." Roku: "Could something have happened to the barrier around Magano?" Kinako: "Oh, no! Ugh, disgusting... Man, talk about nasty... Wait, no! Look! Look over there! There's a ton of Kegare coming through!" Roku: "What the hell is this?" Roku: "How are Kegare able to cross into our world?!" Kinako: "Oh, man! This is disgusting! Benio-sama! I'm so sorry! My spell power... It ain't enough... against this nasty atmosphere." Kinako: "I can't take it..." Roku: "Star Armor Master Talisman: Inferno!" Roku: "Exorcism Enchantment Ensemble: Astral Disaster!" Mayura: "They're both... amazing..." Roku: "Let's hurry!" Roku: "The whole town's gonna end up like Magano at this rate!" Roku: "Mayura, we're gonna find where all this nasty air is coming from. Let Seigen know what's going on." Benio: "Otomi-san, please." Mayura: "Okay, got it!" Arima: "Another Dragon Spot has opened..." Arima: "It seems things have gone downhill much faster than we anticipated." Arima: "The price for getting carried away..." Arima: "will be paid with your impure life, Kuranashi." Arima: "We have no time to mull over past mistakes." Arima: "My dear Twelve Guardians..." Arima: "Prepare to be worked to death." Zen: "I was finally able to contact the Exorcist Union HQ." Zen: "I reported what's going on to Arima-sama, but..." Seigen: "Dragon Spots, huh?" Zen: "Dragon Spots?" Seigen: "With so much weird crap going on all over the place lately, I was worried one might open eventually..." Seigen: "This has turned into a real pain in the ass." Mayura: "Dad! I have a message from Rokuro and Benio!" Mayura: "There's this nasty air all over town, and things are getting really bad!" Mayura: "A bunch of people have collapsed, and there are Kegare in the town!" Ryo: "Inside the town?" Haruka: "There are Kegare?!" Mayura: "Rokuro and Adashino-san said they were going to try and find the source." Seigen: "That..." Seigen: "is a Dragon Spot." Seigen: "We don't have time to dawdle around." Seigen: "You two old folks, stay here and keep in contact with the Exorcist Union." Seigen: "Ryogo and Haruka, head into town to exorcise the Kegare." Ryogo & Haruka: "Right!" Seigen: "Everyone else, come with me." Sae: "Let's go!" Seigen: "All right, off we go." Mayura: "Dad, wait! Shouldn't we leave Sae-chan—" Seigen: "There are Kegare running around town, right? Then wherever the runt and the girl are is the safest place to be, don't you think?" Seigen: "Now, get moving!" Seigen: "Rokuro..." Seigen: "Do I really have to seek your help again?" Girl: "You're a man, so do something!" Guy: "This happened because you were too damn slow!" Guy: "See ya!" Girl: "You jerk! You heartless, inhuman bastard! Help me!" Suzu: "You just let your lover die, didn't you?" Guy: "Sh-Shut up! Who are you?! Show yourself!" Suzu: "You didn't want to die, so you offered up her life..." Suzu: "Is it equivalent exchange?" Guy: "I said shut up!" Suzu: "An insatiable hunger for self-preservation, is it?" Guy: "How long do I have to listen to your nonsense?!" Suzu: "In other words, this world..." Suzu: "is pretty impure, y'know?!" Guy: "Quit your babbling, or I'll kill you!" Suzu: "A misconstrual. In other words..." Suzu: "You're dead wrong, y'know?!" Suzu: "You're not killing anyone." Suzu: "I'm going to kill you." Suzu: "Not that I care who you kill, but..." Suzu: "You need to think about it more philosophically, y'know?!" Suzu: "Your judgment's arrived now! And you thought you could just mock me?! Keep hoping for a reprieve, but none is coming! Because the gate to Hell's about to open! Welcome to my Hell! Welcome to my Hell! Time to repent in the end! Because the door to Hell is about to open! Guilty or not guilty? Guilty or not guilty?" Suzu: "Goodbye!" Suzu: "Goodbye! Kill me! I don't need any of it! Burn it down, burn it down, let it all ****! Destroy, leave nothing standing! Your friends, your job, everything in the world! You don't need anything because you're guilty! And the old folks next door are guilty, too! Kill me! I don't need any of it! Burn it down, burn it down, let it all burn! Get rid of all the pointless crap in the world! Let all the rot in the world be blown away! Closer, closer, closer, until it's over! Kill you, kill you, kill you, I'll kill you!" Roku: "The mist keeps getting thicker..." Roku: "That must be it." Roku: "Sae?!" Roku: "Why are you here?" Seigen: "Rokuro." Roku: "Seigen... Why'd you bring Sae here?" Seigen: "I was curious about something." Roku: "Sae?" Seigen: "How about it, little lady?" Seigen: "You sense anything?" Sae: "I dunno!" Roku: "What are you talking about?" Seigen: "Well... I might have been overthinking things." Seigen: "Anyway, we need to do something about the source of this mess, and fast." Roku: "Seigen, is this thing..." Seigen: "Yeah. There's a hole in the border between our world and Magano. They were called "Dragon Spots" in the old days, but this is the first time I've ever seen one in person." Roku: "Dragon Spots..." Seigen: "This is on a whole different level than the border cracks I've sealed before." Seigen: "It's gonna be a real pain to plug this one." Roku: "But if we can do that, the town will go back to normal?" Seigen: "Yeah." Roku: "Let's try it, then! What do we need to do, Seigen?" Seigen: "We'll have to start by trying the conventional method..." Seigen: "But to do that, we'll need to take care of them first." Roku: "Then let's make it quick!" Roku: "Astral Disaster!" Seigen: "Air Fissure Bullet!" Atsushi/Shinnosuke: "Impure Legion Banishment!" Mayura: "Arresting Hold!" Atsushi: "Thanks, Mayura-chan!" Shin: "Nice follow-up!" Atsushi: "Mayura-chan!" Shin: "Behind you!" Roku: "Mayura!" Benio: "Otomi-san?" Mayura: "Arresting Hold!" Mayura: "No!" Seigen: "Mayura!" Suzu: "Peon Kegare are cumbersome... In other words," Suzu: "they're a huge drag, y'know?" Roku: "Who are you guys?" Roku: "A demand for an individual to identify themselves... In other words..." Roku: "You wanna know who I am, y'know?!" Roku: "My name is Suzu." Roku: "A pleasure to make your acquaintance." Kegare Ladies: "It's your pleasure!" Roku: "What century are you people from?" Seigen: "Are you the one behind this stupid prank," Seigen: "little Basara girl?" Roku: "A Basara? Then she's like that Kamui guy we fought before..." Suzu: "I'm not sure what you mean, scary old man!" Suzu: "We saw a hole, so we just walked through it, y'know?" Suzu: "But how lucky for us that we did! Because I found something interesting, y'know?!" Roku: "What're you planning to do to Sae?!" Suzu: "Observation and consideration." Roku: "What?!" Benio: "Why would a Basara..." Suzu: "This girl has a very unique scent..." Suzu: "You could say that she piques my philosophical interest, in a sense." Suzu: "Thus, I will observe her, and consider her nature." Suzu: "Actually, you people also have a unique scent..." Suzu: "So I must also observe and consider you." Roku: "What the heck are you saying?" Suzu: "And now, I request another encounter at a later time..." Suzu: "In other words..." Suzu: "See ya next time, y'know?" Seigen: "We just wasted a lot of time..." Seigen: "But we've still got another job to do." Seigen: "Impure Legion Banishment, come forth at once!" Roku: "It shrank!" Atsushi: "Damn it! It's not getting any smaller!" Roku: "In that case..." Roku: "Benio!" Roku: "We won't have enough spell power at this rate." Benio: "But with Resonance..." Roku: "Yeah. Sae, stay back." Roku: "Let's do it." Twin Stars: "Resonance!" Atsushi: "Huge!" Twin Stars: "Cleanse! Purify! Impure Legion Banishment, come forth at once!" Seigen: "I never thought the basic cleansing and exorcism spell could have this great an effect..." Seigen: "So, now the Dragon Spot that had opened up in this town is sealed... But if my guess is correct, there's no telling when and where another one might open." Roku: "You mean some other town might start turning into Magano?" Seigen: "And a damn Basara showed up, too..." Seigen: "I don't know what they have to do with this, but it could be a huge deal." Roku: "Then we'd better do something!" Seigen: "That means sealing any Dragon Spots that do open." Seigen: "But..." Roku: "I know, Seigen." Roku: "You need my and Benio's Resonance to do that, right?" Roku: "In that case... No matter where they pop up in Japan," Roku: "we'll go there, and seal any Dragon Spots!" Sae: "Hemingway once said, "Never go on trips with anyone you do not love."" Roku: "Where'd the sophisticated quote come from, Sae?!" Benio: "Y-You can't get us to drop this with a sweet smile this time!"