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“We've almost arrived, Kazuma.”

The small town of Hebi, not too far off from the city of Kingudoro, your home. While Hebi itself may seem dismal and dour compared to the bright lights of the nearby city, there is something that sets it apart in your mind. This town stands as the home of one of your closest friends... or perhaps a former friend. It all depends on how this visit goes.

Io Tanaka... the girl you never knew. The merchant of Dark Gate, Io was many things, and she'd have you believe she was many more. A scoundrel, a cheat and a compulsive liar, just about every word that came out of Io's mouth was soaked with layers of dishonesty, even when she made an apparent attempt to clean up her act. You could never trust her, because you had no true idea of who she was... was she a snake? A thief? Maybe... but the care she gave you, the friendship you and her shared... it felt genuine. Genuine enough that you found yourself on a train tracking her down in her hometown after she left.

“Are you sure you're ready for this?” Anri asks, sitting across from you as she thumbs through Yasunari's old journal. “If you're not, I can simply gain the information about that package from her and we can move on-”

“No,” you reply. “At the very least, I need to speak with her. I need to find out why she left us. To find out exactly who she is.”

As you lean back in your seat, your mind drifts back to the letter Io left in her wake...

But a snake will always be a snake, no matter how she sheds her skin. You want to know the worst part? Here I am, writing this farewell to you before I take off, and I still can't even bring myself to tell you why. Really pathetic, isn't it? Well, it's probably better that way. I leave without explanation, and you can put me right out of your mind. I'll just be some girl you once knew, some lying snake who crawled back to her pit once she had sucked the school dry. A girl who never truly liked you, never wanted to be part of your life. That's all I was, and all I'll ever be. Please, don't come after me. Goodbye, Kaz.

Well, you were held up with missions, but now the time has come for you to disobey Io's request.

“I understand,” Anri nods. “Well, it may prove difficult for you. I can tell that your feelings towards Io are... understandably complicated. Regardless, you won't be alone when you confront her.”

Anri's right. You certainly won't be alone. After all...

>I've got Anri by my side. She's a good friend.
>I brought Kiriko along for extra moral support.
>The Club is here with me. My friends have got my back.

>>1192132
>>I brought Kiriko along for extra moral support

>>1192132
>I've got Anri by my side. She's a good friend.
It's time for some answers.

>>1192132
>>I brought Kiriko along for extra moral support.
Steal Kiriko away from the brute for a while.

>>1192132
>I brought Kiriko along for extra moral support.

>>1192132
>>I've got Anri by my side. She's a good friend.

>>1192132
>>I brought Kiriko along for extra moral support.

>>1192132
>>I brought Kiriko along for extra moral support.

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>I brought Kiriko along for extra moral support.

You were nervous about confronting Io yourself, so Kiriko suggested that she come along to back you up as she always does. Good thing she did, too... you're not sure if you'll be able to handle this situation well without the support of your sister by your side. Besides, Kiriko considered Io a friend as well, and so seemed quite eager to see her again.

As she returns to the seat next to you from the bathroom, Kiriko stretches out and lets out a yawn. "Are we nearly there?"

"Nearly, yes," Anri replies.

"Alright!" Kiriko pumps her fist. "I can't wait to see Io again! What do you think she's been up to? Probably catching up with her folks or something."

"Something like that, maybe..." you mumble.

"Well, it'll be great to meet her family!" Kiriko enthusiastically replies. "Think about it, we might get to meet that sister she was talking about!"

"If that sister even exists..." you mumble. "Anri, you did background checks on almost all of us. What's Io story, anyway?"

"I don't know," Anri remarks. "While quite a few of the class where particularly secretive, Io seemed to take expert measures at hiding her past and covering all of her tracks. After extensive research I was able to discover her address, but no other personal information."

"I should have figured..."

"Hey, you're pretty secretive too!" Kiriko points out to Anri. "Will we get to meet your family next?"

Anri shakes her head. "Absolutely not."

As the train pulls into the station, the three of you step of onto the platform.

"Io's home isn't far from here," Anri explains, as your trio of investigators begin to make your way into town. It's drab, it's dirty, and there's a smell of hopelessness in the air. A lot of the buildings are boarded up, and broken bottles litter the floor.

"Watch out for the glass," Anri warns Kiriko.

"You said it," Kiriko replies. "You two are pretty lucky to be wearing boots."

It's not long into your journey into the town that you find yourself being drawn away by a voice.

"Hey you!"

You turn around to see a group of young men in leather jackets approaching you, some rolling up their sleeves and others clicking their fingers like their out of some musical about gangsters.

"Is that supposed to be threatening?" you ask.

"Supposed to?" The leader gasps. "It IS threatening! Don't you know who we are, chumps?"

"Can't say that we do," Kiriko replies.

Anri shakes her head. "I've done extensive on most criminal gangs throughout the area, and I'm afraid even I'm drawing a blank."

"We're the Mighty Mongeese! The roughest and toughest gang there is! This is our new turf!"

"That's nice," you nod. "Well... see you later."

"Don't ignore us!" the leader calls out. "You're just asking for an ass-whooping!"

>If you want a fight, I'm happy to give you one.
>Kiriko, you want to do the honours?
>Anri, why don't you cut loose a little, show these guys what you can do?
>Hmm... we're going to start ignoring you now.

>>1192132


>I've got Anri by my side. She's a good friend

>>1192152
>>Hmm... we're going to start ignoring you now.
This guys will never learn.

>>1192152

>Hmm... we're going to start ignoring you now.

>>1192152
>>Kiriko, you want to do the honours?
Maybe if they get beat by enough girls, they'll learn a lesson. Or maybe just develop a femdom fetish, either is fine.

>>1192152
>>Hmm... we're going to start ignoring you now.

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>1192152
>If you want a fight, I'm happy to give you one.
I'm ready for Kaz jobbing.

>>1192161
They moved out of town when they were beaten by a 70 year old granny that looks like she is 15, what if next time they decide to move to Dakugeto.

>>1192165
Jesus he kills them

>>1192165
Not with that roll

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>Hmm... we're going to start ignoring you now.

"Hey!" the gang leader shouts. "Stop ignoring us! Or else!"

"Or else what?" you ask as you casually walk away.

"Or else... or else this!" the gang leader yells as he rushes forward, punching the back of your head. Considering that you are an awakened human, a cut above the rest of humanity, and even an angel according to someone with more experience than yourself... it ends about as well for the gang leader as you expect. You feel absolutely nothing as the ruffians fist makes contact with the back of your head... but boy does he feel it judging by the crack you just heard.

"AGH! I think I broke my hand!" the leader screams in pain. "Why does this keep happening to us?!"

"That kid must be one of Tanaka's crew!" one of the other ruffians replies. "They've got the toughest crew imaginable!"

"No, we're the roughest and toughest gang!" the leader insists. "We're the Mighty Mongeese!"

You continue to walk on, but find yourself transfixed on that last comment. "Tanaka..."

"As in Io Tanaka, yes..." Anri mutters. "Curious. Could it be that Io's family holds some weight in the criminal underworld?"

"Maybe," you reply. "I mean... it would explain why she's so adept at scamming people. But..."

"What?" Kiriko asks.

You shake your head. "Would... would Io really leave us to return to a criminal life? That doesn't sound like her..."

"Well, I suppose we're about to find out," Anri explain. "According to what I've gathered, that's her house over there."

Hmm... in better condition than you were expecting. In fact, there's nothing that really stands out among the house before you... just a simple, traditional home.

"Huh... this is it?" you ask.

"Were you expecting something else?" Anri asks.

"I don't know..." you reply. "I guess with Io's varying tales, I expected her to live in either a mansion or a rat-pile. I didn't expect something so... average."

The three of you walk up to the front gate of the house. "Well Kazuma, I suppose you would like to do the honours," Anri mutters, as she points towards the front door. Io's behind there, huh? Just a few steps away... but god, that pathway seems awfully long.

>Okay... I can do this.
>On second thought, Anri... maybe you should lead.
>Kiriko... you mind knocking first?

>>1192185
>>Okay... I can do this.
Man the fuck up Kaz

>>1192185
>>Okay... I can do this

>>1192185
>>Okay... I can do this.
I feel like last time we did something with confidence we got really fucked over, but what could possibly go wrong this time!

>>1192185
>Okay... I can do this.
You got this Kaz!

>>1192185
>Okay... I can do this.
I can't wait for the social roll with her family.

>>1192185
>>Okay... I can do this.

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>Okay... I can do this.

You take a deep breath, as Kiriko places a hand on your shoulder. "Good luck Kaz. I know you can do it."

You silently nod, and march up to the front door and knock. You wait for just a moment before the door swing open, and an angry looking woman appears on the other side.

"Who the hell are you and what do you want?" she asks.

"W-well, I'm-"

"I'm your here for a charity, we're not interested."

"I'm not-"

"Okiku... who is it?" a raspy and wheezing voice calls out from inside the house.

"It's some kid, I'm taking care of it!" Okiku yells back. "Don't worry! Now, tell me what you want kid, or piss off."

"Well... I was hoping that I could speak to Io."

The woman stares at you, silently.

"Um... Io Tanaka?" you repeat. "This is the right house... right? Is she in?"

"Is this a joke?" Okiku asks.

"What?" you reply, raising an eyebrow. "No, I-"

"This is some joke, isn't it?" Okiku replies. "Well kid, you can get the hell out of here."

Okiku moves to slam the door, but you instinctively wedge your foot to stop it from shutting in your face. "So... Io's not here?"

"No, of course she's not."

"Then... could I speak to her sister?" you ask. "Wait... are you her sister or her mom? I'm sorry, I really don't know."

Okiku glares at you. "If you want to find my good for nothing step-daughter, she's in town somewhere. Hell if I know. Now leave us alone, this household demands peace!"

You pull your foot away and Okiku slams the door shut in your face. With a sigh, you return to the others.

"What did she say?" Kiriko asks.

"Io's not there... but her sister's in town somewhere," you reply. "We could speak to her, try to find out what's going on."

"Slight issue," Anri points out. "We don't know what Io's sister looks like."

"We just gotta search the town and hope there's a strong family resemblance," you point out. "Where first?"

"Let me think..." Anri ponders, placing a finger to her chin. "There's the town square, of course. Then there's the park by the river embankment. We could also head back towards the train station."

"And we could always wait here," Kiriko points out. "Io's sister is bound to return home eventually."

>Let's check the town square
>Let's check the park
>Let's check the train station
>Let's wait here

>>1192212
>"Io's sister is bound to return home eventually."
R-right, ha ha ha.

>>Let's check the park
Seems cliche enough, find her on the swing set or something.

>>1192212
>Let's check the town square
Let's check out the places with the most shekels first.

>>1192212
>>Let's check the train station
Fuck it we tried Lets go home

>>1192212
>>Let's check the train station

>>1192212
>Check the train station
Check route of egress first, then if no dice, maybe we can find those mighty mongeese and pump them for info

>>1192212
>Let's check the town square
Crowds of people more likely to be there.

>>1192212
>>Let's check the town square

>>1192212
>>Let's check the town square
Good to see you Book
lets just hope people are civil today

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>>1192247
>lets just hope people are civil today

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>>1192249
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaaaaaa

>>1192212
>>Let's check the train station

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>>1192255

>>1192249
Please kill yourself

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>>1192260

>>1192212
>>Let's check the town square

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>Let's check the train station

"Good thinking," Anri comments. "The town square is bound to be quite busy today, particularly when we're coming so close to Christmas. Our best bet would to be to search there for Io's sister."

Io's sister... damn, if only you were able to get a name from that woman... her step-mother, wasn't it? If only that Okiku was more open with information.

The three of you make your way down the street towards the town square, stopping every single passerby to ask questions.

"Have you seen a girl around here? She's... uhh... some height. Her hair is... a colour... that is, if she has hair... sorry, I really don't know much about her..."

"Last name Tanaka," Anri adds, sparing you from your misery.

"Tanaka?" a towns-person gasps. "N-no, we don't talk about them... no. P-please..."

As the towns-person pushes ahead and rushes down the street, you're left to shrug as you enter the town square. It's... well, it's much less busy than you expected. But in the end, that's a good thing, as it makes it all the easier to see... her.

"Io?" you mutter under your breath. But no... it's not her. Sure it looks like her, but her hair and eyes are completely different. As she runs a stall, pawning off a series of goods off to the people in the town square, Kiriko nudges your elbow.

"That has to be the sister!" she cries. "Just look at her! She's got the face, the looks, even suspenders!"

"I don't think wearing suspenders is a genetic trait," Anri points out.

"For Io, suspenders were something she wore religiously!" Kiriko points out. "They have to be related!"

You begin to approach the stall, as the girl operating it calls out to the crowd. "That's right, just in time for Christmas! You won't find these prices anywhere else but with me! Mio Tanaka, the merchant of Hebi!"

As you approach the stall, your eye meet with Mio's and she stares at you with a sudden wariness, but she quickly shakes it off.

"And may I help you, you fine young man?" she asks.

>Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about your sister, Io?
>You're Mio Tanaka, huh? Do you mind if we talk?
>Yeah, I just wanted to check to see of your wares are in proper condition.

>>1192270
>You're Mio Tanaka, huh? Do you mind if we talk?
>Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about your sister, Io?

>>1192270
>>Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about your sister, Io?
Tact? What is that, is it tasty?

>>1192270
>>You're Mio Tanaka, huh? Do you mind if we talk?
>Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about your sister, Io?

>>1192270
>>Yeah, I just wanted to check to see of your wares are in proper condition.

>
"And may I help you, you fine young man?" she asks.
Fuck off with this shit bitch

>>1192270
>>You're Mio Tanaka, huh? Do you mind if we talk?
>>Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about your sister, Io?

>>1192270
>Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about your sister, Io?
Let's hope Kaz doesn't go full Batman and start screaming at her.

>>1192270
>You are Io, aren't you
She is samefagging, her sister died and she did a switcheroo.
Anime Cliche Quest indeed.

>>1192270
>>Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about your sister, Io?
>>1192275
Yeah fuck someone running a shop asking if they can help!

>>1192285
How dare they just assume they can talk to people like that!
They even assumed Kaz's Gender, that Monster!

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>Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about your sister, Io?

"My... sister?" Mio asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah," you reply. "We're... classmates of hers, and I'd like to ask you a few questions about her."

"Classmates, huh?" Mio places her hands on her hips. "Well... okay, just wait until I've finished up here. I'm raking in the dough right now!"

You, Anri and Kiriko wait in the town square, sitting at a nearby bench while Mio finishes up her work at the stall. Eventually, as the day winds down, the stall is closed up, and Mio approaches you, happily counting her money and singing a tune. "You've gotta make your own kind of music, sing your own special sooong... ah, I love western music. So, what did you folks want to ask?"

"Well, Io left school a while back," you explain. "And we were hoping you knew her whereabouts."

Mio shakes her head. "Afraid I can't tell you much there."

You hang your head low. "Dammit... I thought she would have come back here..."

"You seem upset," Mio remarks. "I guess you and my sister were close..."

"We require important information from Io," Anri explains. "Information that would help me in a case."

"Oh..." Mio places her hands on her hips. "Well, there's not much I can tell you, like I said. She did pop by her a while back, but it was brief. She told us she had left school, but only came back here to pick up her things, then she ran out the door, and caught the next train out of here. Our step-mom tried to grab her by the hair and pull her back, but Io didn't let up for anyone. An adventurous spirit... I wish I had that. Would help me get away from here."

You let out a sigh. "No idea where she went?"

"None."

"Damn... that's all you can tell us?"

"Yeah... sorry, Kaz."

"Yeah, well thanks any... did you just call me Kaz?" you point out.

Mio stares at you, her eyes widened in silence.

"I didn't tell you my name," you mention.

Without skipping a beat, Mio runs down the street, breaking into a desperate sprint.

... That's not Mio, is it? Dammit.

>[ROLL 1D100 to catch her, BO3]

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>1192307
ahh the old classic

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>1192307
Totally won't fail

Rolled 47 (1d100)

>>1192307

Rolled 93 (1d100)

>>1192307
Go go go

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>>1192307

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>1192307
>>1192309
>>1192310
>>1192311
>>1192312
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA


Late roll just because

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>1192319
Might as well join the fun.
Also, called it.

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>Rolled 47 +5

You sprint after Mio... or is it Io after all? Either way, you give chase to the Tanaka girl as she rushes down the street. She's able to keep up with your superhuman speed, which immediately tells you... this is Io. But why is she running? Why is she trying to avoid you?

"Io, wait!" you call out.

"I'm not Io!" she fires back. "You have the wrong girl!"

"Io, I just want to talk to you!" you yell, as she rounds a corner into an alleyway. You turn into the alley as well... only to see her missing. "Wait, what the hell?"

Anri and Kiriko catch up to you, as Anri places her hand on your shoulder. "This is her town, she likely knows it like the back of her hand. She probably took some kind of hidden passageway so that we would lose her trail."

"Dammit..." you mutter. "Dammit!"

You punch the nearest wall, leaving a small crater in the side of the building.

"Kaz, calm down," Kiriko mumbles. "Come on, we can-"

"How can I calm down?" You yell. "We track down Io, arrive in her hometown, and when we get here she's going by a different name, changed her hair, is wearing contacts, and she runs from her best friend! What am I supposed to think anymore?"

"Look, maybe she's just not eager to face what she did," Kiriko points out. "She said in her letter that she didn't want you to follow her. Maybe she's ashamed?"

"Or perhaps she is attempting to conceal some evidence that incriminates her in my case," Anri replies.

"Not helping," Kiriko groans.

Anri shakes her head. "Apologies, I just felt the need to bring up that possibility. I'm not necessarily saying it's true, but if she does indeed have criminal connections..."

"Or maybe... she's just trying to move on," you mutter in an angry tone. "Maybe I should just let her do that..."

"Kaz, don't..." Kiriko mutters. "You came all this way, don't give up on her now!"

"Clearly she doesn't want me around!" you point out. "And you know what... maybe I don't want her around!"

"Kaz..."

"No, I mean it!" you stress. "Io was always kind of annoying! She was always babbling and kept going on and on, she was always trying to butter you up for favours, and not to mention how she'd lie through her ass! Why would I want her around-"

"She's your friend, you doofus!" Kiriko yells. "Kaz, don't be stupid!"

>No... I'm leaving. Forget about Io.
>Fine, let's keep looking around here for her.
>Fine... we'll go back to her house and wait for her.

>>1192337
>>Fine, let's keep looking around here for her.

>>1192337
>>Fine, let's keep looking around here for her.

>>1192337
>best friend
Yeah no

>>1192337
>>Fine, let's keep looking around here for her.

>>1192337
>>Fine, let's keep looking around here for her.

>>1192337
>>Fine... we'll go back to her house and wait for her.
Time to hold her family hostage by being terrible guests and never leaving

>>1192337
>Fine, let's keep looking around here for her.
She is going to get an earful when we find her, and perhaps a Bright slap.

>Fine, let's keep looking around here for her.

>>1192337
>Fine, let's keep looking around here for her.
We came here for information on Yasunari, we don't leave until we get that.

>>1192337
>Fine, let's keep looking around here for her.

Calling for
>Fine, let's keep looking around here for her.

Roll 1D100, Best of 3.

Rolled 9 (1d100)

>>1192360

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>1192360

Rolled 1 (1d100)

>>1192360

>>1192362
>>1192365
>>1192366
HAHAHAHAHAHA

>>1192362
>>1192365
>>1192366
The party has never won a hide and seek game on their lives

>>1192378
I don't think they've even played the game with rolls like these

>>1192381
If we were in combat would Kaz has rolled the 9, Kiriko the 38 and Anri the NAT 1? that just makes it even more hilarious

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>Rolled 38 +10

You, Anri and Kiriko all begin to search the surrounding area in the hopes of finding any sign of where Io ran off to. Despite Anri's superior detective skills backing you up, you aren't able to find a single trace of the girl.

"No sign of her," Anri remarks. "She just got away from us."

You sigh... of course she did. She's slippery.

"Hey Kaz..." Kiriko mutters. "You didn't mean what you said earlier, right? You were just angry."

"What if I did?" you fire back.

"Come on," Kiriko sighs. "You don't actually hate Io, do you?"

"Why shouldn't I?" you yell. "She lied to us. Abandoned us. She even said in her letter... she was just using me to get what she wants. I thought she was being nice... being my friend... but no, she was just flirting and using her looks and words to trick me into helping her! All so she could get what she wants!"

"You don't actually believe that, do you?" Kiriko replies. "Look, I know Io's never been an honest person, but nothing feels more like a lie than the stuff she wrote in that letter. I'm not the smartest tool in the drawer-"

"You mangled that phrase-"

"-Exactly! I'm not smart!" Kiriko yells. "But even I have better sense than you right now! Tell him, Anri! You're the genius here!"

"I'm not exactly adept at reading social situations," Anri points out. "I'm honestly more concerned about the case. Please don't drag me into this."

"That's right, the case!" Kiriko snaps her fingers. "Even if you're starting to lash out at Io, we still have information to get! Which still means we need to find her! Now come on, she has to be around here somewhere. Where do we look?"

>Let's try out the train station.
>The park by the river, maybe?
>Go back to her house, wait for her there.
>Why don't you look for her, Kiriko? I'm done here.

>>1192388
It pains me that I can see that happening

>>1192401
>>Go back to her house, wait for her there.

>Let's try out the train station.

>>1192401
>Go back to her house, wait for her there
Looting time

>>1192401
>>The park by the river, maybe?

>>1192401
>>Go back to her house, wait for her there.

>>1192401
>>Let's try out the train station.
She is running away again. Doubt she will go back to her house with us still here

>>1192401
>>The park by the river, maybe?

>>1192401
>>Go back to her house, wait for her there.
at the very least we can get info about the family

>>1192401
>The park by the river, maybe?
Damn it all Kaz. Calm your tits.

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>Go back to her house, wait for her there.

"Good," Kiriko smiles. "Let's be a little more rational about this, Kaz. Geez, leave it to your big sis to talk some sense into you."

You make your way down the street, heading back towards Io's house, but you're beginning to doubt why you should even bother. Anri's "case", if you can call it that, is pointless and she's just placing all her hopes on the closest thing that sounds like a clue. Not to mention, Io... you always questioned your friendship with her, but the moment she ran from you, you had your answer. Friends don't run. Io isn't your friend... so why even bother speaking to her? She's not worth it. She's never been worth it. She's nothing but a snake. That's all she is... a snake in the grass. You're glad to be rid of her.

You arrive at the front gate of Io's house, as Kiriko leans against it. "Considering how angry her step-mom is, I doubt they'll let us inside... I guess we just have to wait out here. Funny, I don't remember Io ever saying she had a step-mom."

"That's because she's a liar," you point out. "She also said she had a sister and her dad had died. Considering she was pretending to be this 'Mio' and that she has a step-mom, I doubt either are true."

"Kaz... you've gotten really angry about this," Kiriko comments.

"Of course I have," you mutter. "She betrayed me. Betrayed my trust."

You let out a sigh, as the three of you wait by the front gate in silence.

"I felt the two of your were friends," Anri mutters.

"Excuse me?"

"Well... she always seemed genuine when she was by your side."

"Well, Io seemed to be a lot of things, didn't she?" you spit back.

As you continue to wait, your group is approached by some woman with white hair... and an inexplicably familiar face.

"Oh, what are some nice kids doing here in a place like this?" she asks.

"Do I... know you?" you ask.

The girl shakes her head. "Can't say that you do. Why?"

"You look... familiar. Like I've seen you before."

The woman gives a shrug. "Well, I don't know what to tell you. I don't live in this town. I'm just visiting an old college friend."

"We're not from here either," Kiriko clarifies. "But I don't recognise your face."

"Oh... that's... nice?" The woman tilts her head. "Anyway, I hope you kids aren't up to much trouble! I best be going!"

Hmm, you recognise her face, but Kiriko doesn't... but from where? Wait... that's right, from those images. Back when you fought Yami, you saw into his memories... this woman was there.

>Wait... did you know a man by the name of Yami?
>Wait! I have to warn you... something horrible could be coming your way. Be safe.
>Let her go on. It's not important.

>>1192457
>>Wait... did you know a man by the name of Yami?
Psycho Kaz pls.

>>1192457
>Wait... did you know a man by the name of Yami?
He is about to get shot in the face by a guy who tries to hard to be edgy.

>>1192457
>Wait... did you know a man by the name of Yami?
Seriously not enjoying the way this Kaz is going. But I will wait for Kaz to flip back.

>>1192457
>>Wait... did you know a man by the name of Yami?

>>1192457
>>Wait... did you know a man by the name of Yami?
FUCK YEAH HUPPY GIRLFRIEND
I LOVE THIS GIRL
SHE TRIED SO HARD TO SAVE HIM

>>1192457
>>Wait... did you know a man by the name of Yami?

>>1192457
>Wait... did you know a man by the name of Yami?
Oh shit it's fucking Etsuko

>>1192457

>Wait... did you know a man by the name of Yami?

File: Etsuko.png (494 KB, 917x1200)

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>Wait... did you know a man by the name of Yami?

The woman spins around. "Um... yes. Yes I do. Do... you kids know Yami?"

You pause. "I guess you could say that."

"You guess?" she raises an eyebrow. "Geez, can I say it or not?"

"You can."

"Okay," she smiles. "Well, I haven't seen Yami in a couple years, but... I knew him pretty well. Really well. Uhh... I'm Etsuko. Etsuko Amagi."

"Nice to meet you," you reply.

"So, how do you know Yami?" Etsuko asks. "Are you his students? Ha, who am I kidding? I could never see Yami as a teacher!"

"Well... there's something you should know about Yami..." you mutter, wondering how to tackle this without mentioning anything of demons or the supernatural to this woman.

"What? Is there something wrong?" Etsuko asks, somewhat panicked. "He's not sick is he? Please, please tell me he's okay!"

"Well-"

"He's dead," Anri interjects. "He died a while back. I'm sorry."

Wait, what the hell?

"I... oh." Etsuko's eyes widen as she begins to tear up. "I... how did it happen?"

"Car accident," Anri replies. "He was in the back of a cab when it was hit by a truck."

"Oh my god..." Etsuko sniffles. "I... no, he can't really be gone, can he?"

Anri places a comforting hand on Etsuko's shoulder. "I'm sorry... but he's gone."

"I... I..." Etsuko mutters, before running off crying.

"Anri, what the hell was that?" you yell.

Anri rubs her temples as she shakes her head. "I don't know, I felt it was the best, most tactful story to give in place of the truth."

"That's the best you could come up with?"

"Well, my intention was to not mention Yami to anyone, but you forced my hand."

"... Good point," you admit. "Sorry, partner."

"I certainly don't feel like a partner right now," Anri mutters.

"What's that supposed to mean?" you remark.

"You don't take my case seriously," Anri replies. "I understand you were hurt by Io's departure, and I can empathise with that, but you've been making this entire trip revolve around your own issues... especially now that you're projecting this anger. Don't forget the main reason why we're here, and don't drive my one source of information away."

"Anri..."

She shakes her head. "I'm sorry for lashing out at you like that. This is just very frustrating, and I would appreciate it if you acted like my partner again."

>I'm sorry Anri, but your "case" isn't important.
>Okay... sorry, partner.
>We're here for different reasons, Anri. I won't disturb your case, but I need my own closure.

>>1192493
>>Okay... sorry, partner.
Last option might bring too much antagonism

>>1192493
>>We're here for different reasons, Anri. I won't disturb your case, but I need my own closure.
ehhh

>>1192493
>>We're here for different reasons, Anri. I won't disturb your case, but I need my own closure.
For fucks sake kaz
For fucks sake Anri
For fucks sake Io

Doing good so far Kiriko and Etsuko, keep it up.

>>1192493
>Okay... sorry, partner.
Anri you idiot, saying Yami's dead means he'll definitely visit Etsuko now.

>>1192493
>Okay... sorry, partner.
Jeez, everyone needs time outs save for Etsuko and Kiriko.

>>1192493
>>We're here for different reasons, Anri. I won't disturb your case, but I need my own closure.
Not that I don't care, I just have my own priorities.

>>1192493
>>We're here for different reasons, Anri. I won't disturb your case, but I need my own closure

>>1192504
This seems right

>>1192130
Can I play as an uber-muscular Black man with an enormous dick and a penchant for humiliating little white bois?

>>1192521
get outta here trick

File: whatchujustsaywhiteboi.png (878 KB, 787x1024)

878 KB PNG

>>1192524
Who's trick white boi?

>>1192525
get outta here sleepy

File: bitchasswhiteboi.jpg (100 KB, 500x920)

100 KB JPG

>>1192528
Who's sleepy white boi?

>>1192529
get outta here apollo

>Low voter turn out
>Shit rolls
>Trolls
Definitely an Io thread

File: Spoiler Image (61 KB, 900x661)

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>>1192532
Who's apollo white boi?

Psst I'm the BLACKED poster from /pol/

>>1192533
>clericman being mad
definitely an io thread
>>1192536
i dont know what that is and i dont care
get outta here

File: Anri03.jpg (60 KB, 800x800)

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>We're here for different reasons, Anri. I won't disturb your case, but I need my own closure

"I thought we were in this together," Anri mutters. "You were helping me with my case..."

"Yeah, and I'm not going to get in the way of that," you reply. "But I need to confront Io. I need to work out why she abandoned us."

"This wasn't about harassing a girl," Anri replies. "We just need answers."

"I wasn't going to harass her!" you protest.

"Guys, stop fighting!" Kiriko butts in. "You're friends! Look, you can both do what you want, so stop arguing about it!"

"Oh, am I interrupting something?"

An all too familiar voice rings out, as you raise your head to see Io approaching the gate. "I hope you weren't arguing about me."

"Io..." you mutter.

"I'm sorry for running," she sighs. "I also should have figured you'd wait for me here... look, I just need to get inside. Just ignore me."

"How about you stop hiding first?" you yell at her. "Take off that stupid wig and those contacts!"

"This is my real hair and my real eyes," Io replies. "I used to hide them before. Now I don't."

You pout. "Yeah? Well, why are you calling yourself Mio all of a sudden?"

"Because that's my name," she replies. "Always has been. Io... never existed. She was a lie. She's gone now, just accept it."

Mio makes a move to go inside her house, trying her damnedest not to look you in the eye as she does.

>Grab her by the arm
>What? Aren't you going to introduce me to your family? To your 'sister'?
>I deserve an explanation.
>Let her go. Leave her for Anri to question.

>>1192533
>>1192538
Don't you dare start this up again you two.

Save it for the discord.

>>1192540
>Grab her by the arm
>I deserve an explanation.

>>1192540
>>Grab her by the arm
>>I deserve an explanation.

>>1192540
>>I deserve an explanation.

>>1192540
>>Grab her by the arm
>>I deserve an explanation.

>>1192540
>I deserve an explanation.

File: BLECKED.jpg (123 KB, 700x1571)

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>>1192540
>Rape her

>>1192540
>grab her arm
>I deserve an explanation

>>1192540
>>Grab her by the arm
>>What? Aren't you going to introduce me to your family? To your 'sister'?
>>I deserve an explanation.
Fuck it all three why not

>>1192540
>What? Aren't you going to introduce me to your family? To your 'sister'?
How deep does this rabbit hole go?

>>1192540
>>I deserve an explanation.

>>1192547
ah fuck it I hate it but its in character and should reveal shit
So even if its the dickbag thing to do
>>Grab her by the arm
>>I deserve an explanation

>>1192540
>I deserve an explanation.

>>1192540
>>Grab her by the arm

File: Mio09.png (1.11 MB, 1000x1200)

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>Grab her by the arm
>I deserve an explanation

As you reach out and firmly grab Mio by the arm, she shrivels up and lets out a frightened squeak. Her body begins twitching and shaking as soon as you grab her, like some kind of reflex, or instinct.

"Please, don't..." she mutters under her breath, as you quickly release her grip.

"I... sorry, I didn't mean to..." you mumble. "B-but I still need an explanation. Come on, Io... Mio... whatever your damn name is. It's me... Kaz. I get it, you're a liar and a snake, and we were never truly friends. I see that now."

"You... do?" she cries.

"But are you really so damn heartless that you won't even give me an explanation?" you mutter. "That you won't tell me who you are? You spent all that time pretending to like me... for nothing?"

"I... I never pretended to..." she sighs. "Fine. You want your answer? You want to know who Io Tanaka is?"

"Yes," you answer.

"Fine," she replies. "Follow me."

Mio leads you through the streets of the town, taking you to the top of a hill, featuring an allotment by a church.

"Here we are," Mio presents the allotment to you. "Come on."

"Io, why did you lead me to a cemetery?" you ask.

Mio presses on ahead, before stopping at a pair of gravestones, which she proudly pats. "Hi mom. Hi sis. I'd have brought flowers, but it would be pretty pointless in this cold."

Oh... no. As you approach the headstones, you're able to read the messages written on them.

Here lies Arashio Tanaka, devoted mother and wife.

Here lies Io Tanaka, beloved sister and daughter.

"I... I don't understand," you mutter.

"You never knew Io," Mio explains. "It's a shame you didn't... my sister was a lovely person. I suppose I really ruined her good name, didn't I?"

"What happened?"

"Well... as it turns out, when your dad is the leader of a violent crime gang, a lot of people see your family as targets. Of course, my dad could just find a new wife... but I can't replace them."

You shake your head. "So... you're part of a crime family?"

"Giichi Tanaka, a feared crime boss... and my dad," Mio explains, staring at her family's headstones. "That the life I was born into Kaz. The life of a snake, a crook. From the moment I could walk and talk, I was taught the right way to walk, the right way to talk. All in the name of scamming people, taking their money, pawning off cheap goods for ten times what it's worth. I could never take part in the violent crimes... no matter how many times I was punished for my refusal. My dad was never a nice man."

"And your step-mom?"

Mio shakes her head. "That... that doesn't matter. I'm awakened now, and they can't hurt me like they used to... at least, they can't leave bruises. The words still hurt all the same."

>... I'm sorry.
>Then why did you come back here? Why did you leave?
>This is the life you deserve.

>>1192628
>>... I'm sorry.
>>Then why did you come back here? Why did you leave?

>>1192628
>>Then why did you come back here? Why did you leave?

>>1192628
>>... I'm sorry.
>Come back with us, get away from all of this, you can be better than this.

>>1192628
>>Then why did you come back here? Why did you leave?

>Then who the hell was this "sister" that was dropping off your supplies?

>>1192628
>Then why did you come back here? Why did you leave?

>>1192631
>>1192634
Fuck it changing to this

>>1192628
>>... I'm sorry.
>>Then why did you come back here? Why did you leave?

>>1192628
>>... I'm sorry.
>>Then why did you come back here? Why did you leave?

>>1192628
>... I'm sorry.
>Then why did you come back here? Why did you leave?
>Come back with us, get away from all of this, you can be better than this.
Hooo boy. It begins!

>>... I'm sorry.
>>Then why did you come back here? Why did you leave?

>>1192628
>Then why did you come back here? Why did you leave?

>>1192628
>>... I'm sorry.
>>Then why did you come back here? Why did you leave?

Also stop being such a sperg Kaz damn.

File: Mio07.jpg (86 KB, 850x1163)

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>Then why did you come back here? Why did you leave?

Mio lets out a weary sigh. "Kaz... remember when I received those new supplies for my store? The supplies I said were from my sister?"

"Yeah..."

"Well, obviously they weren't," Mio replies. "No... they were from my dad. They were his way of getting into contact with me. Telling me to come home."

"But why?" you demand to know. "Why the hell would you come back to a place like this."

"Kaz... my dad's dying. And soon..." Mio explains. "I know he wasn't the best person in the world... and he didn't treat me great... but he's still the only family I have left. I raised enough money so that I could support myself. So that I could come back here and make him comfortable in his last days. I don't owe him a lot, but I owe him that much."

"So... you'll be coming back?" you ask. "When you've made your dad comfortable, and he passes away... you'll return to the academy."

Mio shakes her head. "It... it's not just that, Kaz. I never belonged there. You know that just as well as I do. When I found out my father was dying, he told me something else... as his only living heir, I was to inherit the... family business."

"And you're not really going to do that, are you?"

"Of course I am," Mio replies. "My dad reminded me that... that this is what I am. A crook, a cheat, a snake... this is my calling. There's nowhere else for me. Better I stop trying to run and accept who I am. Io Tanaka was a sweetheart. My twin was so chatty and carefree and loved the boys... but I could never pretend to be her. The real me kept slipping through. Mio is none of those things... she's everything the other's say she is. A snake, a liar, an untrustworthy bitch... I belong here. This is my home, not the academy."

"But... you belong at the academy! Think of all the times we had together! Remember the festival? Remember Halloween? Christmas is right around the corner... we had a lot of fun times together!"

"Exactly," Mio looks down at the floor as she fidgets. "I don't deserve a life like that. I deserve this."

A silence falls between the two of you. A silence colder than the winter wind blowing against your face. Colder than the ice beneath your feet.

"Anyway... I should get home," Mio explains. "I've already kept them waiting long enough. You should probably go too. Goodbye, Kaz."

>No, you're coming home. With us.
>If you're going back to your house, then I'll join you.
>Goodbye, Io.

>>1192730
>>No, you're coming home. With us.
S-s-shonen friendship powers, g-go?

>>1192730
>No, you're coming home. With us.
#BringMioHome

>>1192730
>No, you're coming home. With us.
>hug

>>1192730
>>No, you're coming home. With us.
fuck family

>>1192730
>>No, you're coming home. With us. [i]Please.[/i]
You can be emotional about it without being a cunt.

>If you're going back to your house, then I'll join you.

>>1192730
>>No, you're coming home. With us.

What the fuck are you guys doing? We can just take her along with us if she doesn't want to go. And if we do bring her back with us what's stopping her from going back to her home?

>>1192730
>If you're going back to your house, then I'll join you.
What was in the fucking package Io?

>>1192744
We are saving a mafia princess from an abusive home

what do you think were doing

>>1192744
We're not kidnapping her, but we're gonna make an argument for her coming home with us.

I mean, with parents like hers, this town sure as hell ain't home.

>>1192744
I just don't care for the dad and don't wanna deal with him. Just bail and sort things out later. On the ride home or whatever.

>>1192730
>>If you're going back to your house, then I'll join you.

>>1192744
Anon, Kazuma may share the protagonist role with Ryoji, but he still burns with the power of friendship!

Calling for
>No, you're coming home. With us.

Roll 1D100 - 10 please, BO3.

>>1192730
>>No, you're coming home. With us.
prepare your rolls.

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>1192768
BURNING

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>1192768

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>1192768
For fucks sake

Rolled 95 (1d100)

>>1192768
>It's a social roll
Oh shit

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>1192768

>>1192744
Cut off her fucking legs then she can't run away again

>>1192773
Best roll is 4th roll
Not even surprised anymore.

>>1192775
Good idea Cleric

>>1192773
Good shit anon

>>1192773
This is not fun anymore...guess we will be going to her house and try again.

Rolled 99 - 10 (1d100 - 10)

>>1192768
rolling cause I didn't get to roll

>>1192793
>>1192773
fuk

>>1192789
Only one thing to do
We got to distroy the gang and fimaly bussnies so theres narthing for her here

>>1192793
ahahaha

aaaaa
aaaaaa
aaaaaaa

rolls in social threads are shit

>>1192793
Anon I love you, I'm dying of laughter.

>>1192798
T-tristan?

>>1192793
This episode in a nut shell

>>1192773
>>1192793
The fact this seems to happen to Kaz on a consistent basis makes me more suspicious than RNG should make a person

>>1192819
>Hiro follows the quest
>Keeps reprogramming the dice odds whenever it's a Kaz thread

File: Mio01.png (721 KB, 773x915)

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>Rolled 56 -10

"Didn't you hear anything I said?" Mio replies. "Kaz, I'm going to take care of my father, and then I'm going to take over the gang in his stead. This is my calling... I'm a liar and a scammer and a damn good one. This is what I'm destined for... and who knows, maybe I'll be able to turn it around, make it into a respectable business. I'd like that..."

"Please, come back with us. You don't owe that man anything-"

"Besides," Mio continues. "If I went back to the academy, it would only mean that men will be sent for me once my dad dies. Do you really want a group of criminals walking in on the academy? Discovering what we do?"

"This isn't worth abandoning us for-"

"I'm doing this for my family, Kaz-"

"WE'RE your family!" you yell, as you reach out and grab her by the hand. "Io, I-"

"I'm not Io!" Mio cries out as she forcefully pulls her hand away. "You don't know me at all! Please, Kaz... don't make this any harder than it already is."

Mio sniffles as she turns away from you. "Now... I'm going to say goodbye, and I'm never going to see you again, okay? It... it's easier on both of that way."

"But-"

"Goodbye," Mio tearfully mutters, before running off in the direction of her house. You can't even bring yourself to chase her. Instead, you simply hang your head low, as you make your way back to Anri and Kiriko, waiting for you at the bottom of the hill.

"H-how'd it go?" Kiriko asks.

You simply shake your head.

"Oh..."

Anri places a hand on your shoulder. "I'm sorry, Kazuma. I know how much that friendship meant to you... but sometimes, you just have to let things go."

"I guess you're right..." you mutter.

Anri lets out a sigh. "Now, I don't want to bother you further... but I still need information on the case. You... you don't have to come with me if it's too painful... but I'd like my partner by my side."

>Okay... I'll join you, partner.
>Sorry, I can't. I'll just wait for you here.

>>1192829
>>Okay... I'll join you, partner.

>>1192829
>>Okay... I'll join you, partner.
what could possibly go wrong now

>>1192829
>>Sorry, I can't. I'll just wait for you here.
Well, our "Bad Luck" is in full effect, so we might as well make use of our secondary trait "Brooding"

>>1192829
>>Sorry, I can't. I'll just wait for you here.
Yeah, that was ugly.

>>1192829
>>Okay... I'll join you, partner.
ihate

>Sorry, I can't. I'll just wait for you here.

>>1192829
>>Okay... I'll join you, partner.

>>1192829
>Sorry, I can't. I'll just wait for you here.
God damn it all. I just wanted our friend back...

>>1192829
>Okay... I'll join you, partner.
How crushed is Kaz going to be when he finds out he did all this for some porn mags Yasunari ordered?

>>1192829
>Okay... I'll join you, partner.

Call me a faggot, but I like Mio. But it seems the dice gods have decided it's her time to go to the character graveyard.

>>1192829


>Okay... I'll join you, partner.

>>1192833
>>1192829
You know what, switching to
>Sorry, I can't. I'll just wait for you here.

MAXIMUM EDGE

WE RAIDEN 2.0 NOW

>>1192803

I lives

I am just crushed right now...I mean, I want Mio to join us...maybe there is still something out there. Another day, another time, another moment...

I just don't think this is done and dusted, no matter what we do.

>>1192854
GET IN THE DISCORD. SAVE US

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>social rolls

>>1192851
The more i think about it, the only times Kaz has rolled well was when he was alone or just with one other person, he may be destined for a life of solitude and edge

>>1192857
Same here mate, I just dont understand rolls for social only threads.

But chin up, it's not over till the the thread finishes, and then it's not over after that either.
Work forward with a heart of hope, and one day we will find that glorious moment.

>>1192865
>All this rolls were meaninglesson the end
I am mad right now, but that would make me even angrierif that happened.
It is clear we failed right now but that doesn't mean it'sall over true,but it would be cheap to fix everything easily after so many failed rolls in a row.

>>1192869
SO WHAT IF THE ROLLS WERE FAILURES

KAZ IS A CHARATCER KNOWN FOR HIS FAILURES, AND HE'S STILL FUCKING HERE.

KAZ IS A MAN WHO GROWS FROM FAILURE AND THATS WHY WE CANT GIVE UP!

MIO IS BEING PRESSURED INTO A LIFE SHE DOESNT WANT BY A FAMILY THAT HATES HER AND ABUSES HER!

IF WE JUST LEAVE WE'RE NO BETTER THAN THEM!

WE NEED TO TAKE A FUCKING STAND

>>1192875
It's over anon

File: Cheers.gif (2.72 MB, 280x240)

2.72 MB GIF

>>1192875
What beautiful shonen spirit! let it explode!

>>1192884
THE THREAD IS STILL HERE
DARK GATE STILL STANDS TALL

AS LONG AS THERES ONE MAN WITH A BURNING SPIRIT AND A HEART OF HOPE NOTHING IS OVER

AS LONG AS INJUSTICE STANDS
AS LONG AS JOBBING REIGNS
AS LONG AS MEMES FIGHT AGAINST OPTIMISM

I WILL STAND AND BE PROUD OF WHO AND WHAT I AM

I AM AN OPTIMIST WHO BELIEVES IN EVERYONE
THAT
IS WHO I AM

>>1192875
No, Kaz is a character remember only by his failures, he has done his share of cool shit but everybody just cares about his mistakes.

Point is, right now we have failed every single roll, not even Kaz at his worst in the tournament it was this bad. How would you feel if we were in a boss fight and after failing every single roll we finally score something decent at the last chance and we OHKO the boss, it would fell cheap and many would cry bullshit over it.

>>1192892
Give up anon. You failed because you couldn't roll high enough. It's all your fault

>>1192893
NO
TO OVERCOME ADVERSITY AT THE RISK OF IT ALL
TO STAND TALL WHEN ALL LOGIC SAYS TO FALL AND RUN
TO FIGHT FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE BEAUTIFAL IDEAL

THAT IS WHAT IT MEANS TO FIGHT FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN
>>1192896
MAYBE
BUT IM STILL STANDING
IM STILL TRYING
I STILL BELIEVE IN A WORLD OF HOPE
THATS ALL I WANT YOU TO DO
LOOK INSIDE
FIND THAT BEAUTIFAL DREAM INSIDE OF YOU
AND LET IT EXPLODE OUT!

>>1192893
>score something decent at the last chance and we OHKO the boss
That's how a lot of fights happen, not in this quest, at least not often, but it's pretty much part of formula standard

>>1192901
Your Shonen powers don't work here. This is a slice of life genre

>>1192904
Yeah but I think Anon meant if we rolled pretty shit (like under 40) for the whole fight then rolled something like a 60 or 70 and OHKO the boss it'd be cheap as fuck considering it was wrecking our shit the entire fight.

>>1192911
Oh, i know, but this quest is still anime as fuck and the Dice Gods are fickle beings

>>1192907
YOU FAIL TO UNDERSTAND SO I WILL MAKE IT CLEAR
THIS ISNT JUST ABOUT THE QUEST

THIS IS A LESSON FOR EVERYTHING
IN THIS WORLD ITS SO EASY TO FALL INTO THE PIT OF CYNICISM
EVEN I HAVE FALLEN AT TIMES

BUT WHAT MATTERS IS THAT YOU NEVER STOP TRYING

IVE CLIMBED OUT OF THAT PIT AND FALLEN BACK IN A MILLION TIMES

ALL THAT MATTERS IS THAT THE NEXT TIME I FALL I CLIMB BACK OUT AGAIN

AND ITS THE SAME HERE

THERE ARE THOSE THAT SAY THAT FAILURE SHOULD BE ACCEPTED EVER WHEN THERE IS ANOTHER WAY

THERE ARE THOSE WHO CANT SEE THAT OTHER WAY

I WISH TO STAND AS THE GUIDE TO A PATH OTHER THAN PURE ACCEPTANCE

A PATH FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO TRY NO MATTER THE ODDS

THAT IS WHO I AM

>>1192914
8th grade syndrome

>>1192917
PERHAPS
MAYBE I DO NEED TO GROW UP
TO SEE REALITY FOR WHAT IT IS
but
I HAVE A CHANCE
A SMALL ONE
A CHANCE TO STAND UP AND FIGHT THE ODDS ONE ON ONE LIKE IVE ALWAYS DREAMED OF

TO STAND FOR SOMETHING YOU BELIEVE IN IS SOMETHING BEAUTIFAL

THATS ALL I CAN DO
AND DO IT I SHALL

File: Mio21.png (545 KB, 850x1200)

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>Okay... I'll join you, partner

Anri nods. "Thank you, Kazuma. I'm sorry to drag you into this once again."

"It's okay..." you reply. "I... just find it hard to accept. She... the life she just told me about... she doesn't deserve it. She deserves better."

"Well, I doubt we can convince her any further," Anri explains. "At the very least, she can still help us with the case."

"I'm coming too!" Kiriko exclaims. "Look Kaz... Io was my friend too! You think I don't miss her? If her life is as bad as you're making it out to be, then we have to do something!"

You let out a sigh... it's too late to convince Mio to come with you. But you still have to gather information.

The three of you make that now too familiar trek back to the Tanaka homestead, and you knock on the door. With little hesitation, Mio answers.

"How can I help... oh," her face droops as she sees you. "I thought I told you not to follow me, Kaz. Please don't make this any worse."

"I'm not here about that," you explain.

"In Yasunari's final journal entry before his death he mentions receiving a package from your store," Anri bluntly states. "Would you be able to tell us what that package contained?"

"Hmm..." Mio places a finger to her chin. "A package, huh? Well, it's tough to remember that far back..."

Anri reaches into her pocket and pulls out a handful of money. "Okay, perhaps this will refresh your memo-"

"I wasn't asking for a bribe!" Mio protests. "But... I think I remember what it was that he ordered."

"And what was that?"

"Salt."

"... What?" you ask. "Just Salt?"

"Yes, large crates of salt," Mio replies. "I remember because of how weird the order was... and how urgent he was about it."

"Are you sure?" Anri asks.

"Well, if you don't believe me, I can show you the receipt," Mio explains. "I always keep them."

"Damn... I guess it's another dead end, huh?" you mutter.

Anri ponders for a moment. "No... no, I think this might actually be a lead. I need to consult the journal further..."

How the hell could salt be a lead?

"Mio, didn't I tell you not to answer the door!" Okiku's voice calls out from inside.

"I'm talking to my friends!" Mio calls out, before you see a glass bottle flying through the air and hitting her in the back of the head, smashing as it make connection. With her powers, it doesn't hurt her... but Mio still winces to keep up the illusion.

"Don't lie to me, you no-good runaway tramp! You don't have any friends! Who is it? Some of your city-boy suitors from that school, I bet! You worthless little tart, close the door before it gets drafty!"

>How dare you talk to her like that!
>Mio... it's not too late to change your mind.
>Well... I suppose I should go, before you get into more trouble.

>>1192922
RIP your missing chromosome

>>1192914
That's chunni as fuck Anon.

Shame I have to unseal my Unholy Eye of Devastating Shitposting.

>>1192923
>>How dare you talk to her like that!
We can't change her mind, but that doesn't mean we don't stand by her

>>1192923
>>Well... I suppose I should go, before you get into more trouble.

>>1192923
>>Mio... it's not too late to change your mind.

>>1192923
>>How dare you talk to her like that!

>>1192923
Fucking top kek

>>1192923
>How dare you talk to her like that!
>Run inside
>>1192924
I SUPPOSE IN THE END THE RESULTS WILL SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES GOOD OR BAD
>>1192926
I WONT DENY THAT ANON
BUT MAYBE
THERES WORSE THINGS TO BE
ID RATHER BE DUMB AND OPTIMISTIC THAN SMART AND DEPRESSED

>>1192923
>>Well... I suppose I should go, before you get into more trouble.
He probably wanted the salt for episodes like this.

>>1192923
>How dare you talk to her like that!
>Mio... it's not too late to change your mind.
Always try. Always stand up for our friends.

>>1192923
>How dare you talk to her like that!

>Well... I suppose I should go, before you get into more trouble.

>>1192923
>How dare you talk to her like that!

Time to flip shit

>>1192923
>How dare you talk to her like that!

>Kaz rolls for throwing a bottle at Okiku
>Rolls under 10
>Hits Mio over the head instead

>>1192944
Kek

>>1192944
kek

>>1192923
>Proceed to punch her in the face

it'll help with stress relief

>>1192944
I fully expect to see this having happened when I catch up with the rest of the thread in the morning.

Rolled 43 (1d100)

>>1192962
I'll warm up the dice.

Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>1192965
Lemme get in this

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>1192962
time for a nat 100 to warm them up

>>1192965
>>1192966
Typical Kaz level rolls

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>1192965
>>1192966
>>1192970
Please, those numbers are far too high for Kaz

>>1192974
>4th roll is good
Kaz dice

>>1192965
>>1192966
>>1192970
DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED
LUCK?
CHANCE?
THOSE ARE THE EXCUSES OF THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE
THOSE WHO WILL COME AGAIN

BUT NOT US
NOT TODAY

TODAY WE TAKE A STAND
WE SAY WE DONT CARE ABOUT THE DICE
WE DONT CARE ABOUT WHAT LADY LUCK HAS TO SAY

TO OVERCOME ANY ODDS
TO STAND WHEN IT SHOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE

TO SEE LIGHT WHEN ALL OTHERS SEE DARK


THAT IS WHAT IT MEANS TO STAND TALL AS AN OPIMIST

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>1192966
>>1192970
>>1192971
>>1192974
You call that shit rolling?

Check out this Nat 1.

>>1192965
>>1192966
>>1192970
>>1192974
>>1192984
Is it me or is there a pattern here?
>Mid-Low/Mid-Low/Mid-Low/High/High
And then it resets?

>>1192986
IF YOU SEE THE PATH
THEN TAKE IT

FIND THE PATH TO VICTORY AND SEIZE IT
STAND TALL WITH EVERYTHING YOU HAVE

AND WITH A SMILE ON YOUR FACE

Rolled 19 (1d100)

>>1192986
wasting a mid-low then

>>1192986
We've cracked the Ka Zinci code.

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>1192992
I WOULD BE A HYPOCRITE TO NOT FOLLOW MY OWN ADIVCE
LOOK AT THE PATH FORWARD
EVEN IF IT LOOKS LIKE A TRAP

IF ITS THE ONLY WAY THEN

YOU MUST TAKE IT ANYWAY

File: Mio11.jpg (42 KB, 480x731)

42 KB JPG

>How dare you talk to her like that!

"Excuse me?!" Okiku exclaims from inside the house.

"Kazuma, please..." Mio mutters. "Don't do this... just walk away..."

Mio tries to close the door, but you stop her, pushing the door open with your hand and confronting her step-mother. "Yeah, you heard me. Who the hell do you think you are talking to her like that?!"

"Her mother!"

"No," you shake your head. "That's a title you earn. You don't deserve to be called a mother with the way you treat her."

"Kaz, stop..." a worried Mio whimpers.

"Listen to me, she didn't have the best time back at the academy, she didn't get along with everyone... but when we would hang out... when we would spend time together... she was happy. And no matter what anyone else tries to tell me, that was real! She was happy, and it was genuine... and I was happy too. Because this girl is wonderful. She's sweet and caring and while she might talk to much and be a little too forward... she has always looked out for me. When I was losing my damn mind... she was there. This whole time... I thought I never truly knew this girl. Well, whoever she is... she's one of the best friends I've ever had."

"Kaz... do you really mean that?" Mio mutters.

"And I'm not going to sit idly by while you treat her like trash!" you yell.

"Okiku, just who might be talking?" a voice murmurs as an older man step into the room. He has difficulty walking, and his breathing is heavy and rasping.

"Kazuma Asai," you answer honestly. "I'm a friend of your daughter."

"This is the kind of friend you make, runt?" her father asks.

"Yes sir."

"I'm not surprised."

With that, Mio's father wanders off into the hallway yet again, ignoring you.

"We are powerful people," Okiku angrily spits. "You best leave my house."

"Kazuma, we don't want to draw attention to ourselves," Anri whispers. "We should leave before things escalate."

You let out a deep sigh, and nod. "Okay... let's go."

"Kaz, wait!"

As you move to step out the door, Mio wraps her arms around you and holds you close. Hugging you tight and with tears in her eyes, she whispers. "I'll miss you..."

"I'll miss you too... Mio," you reply.

The hug lasts ten seconds. Ten seconds... and she's out of your life.

As the three of you make your way up to the train station, Kiriko breaks the deafening silence as she turns to you. "That was beautiful, Kaz. Did you really mean that?"

>Every word of it.
>Well, I was caught up in the moment...
>Don't answer. You'll keep the truth to yourself.

>>1193004
>>Every word of it.

>>1193004
>>Every word of it.

>>1193004
>>Well, I was caught up in the moment...

>>1193004
>>Every word of it.
I was just upset before.

>>1193004
>>Don't answer. You'll keep the truth to yourself.

>>1193004
>>Every word of it.
IN THE END
ALL WE HAVE

Is hope