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“Hold on a second...”

Well, this was unexpected. It seems that a good night's sleep doesn't prevent the world from being there when you wake up. And like anything else that has come your way in the last few months, you and Ryoji are standing and facing a newly presented and mysterious obstacle... though this one is a good deal smaller than the others. And more youthful... and with a face too innocent for the words coming from his mouth.

“You might want to run that by me all again, kid...” Ryoji replies.

“I'm not a kid,” replies the shaky-voiced Manabu... Misawa? A name you thought you wouldn't hear again. Yamato Misawa, the head of Class 3, a young man who for the longest time was the shining hope of Dark Gate Academy. A brave leader in the face of danger, a kind and polite professional... a hero. The man even proved to be somewhat of a mentor to you in your early days at the school, until... the hero was gone, and instead a demon donned Yamato's armour. You'll never forgot the day you fought... your first true encounter with an Archdemon, a malevolent god of evil... even now it's hard to separate the good in the Misawa name from the monster he came to be.

“You sure look like a kid to me,” Ryoji casually replies.

“I'll be 15 next month!”

You sigh. “Ryoji, he's armed and just challenged you! Why are you teasing him?”

“I don't know,” Ryoji shrugs. “I just woke up. This is my default state, Sak.”

You hate to admit it, but he has a point. You should know this is what Ryoji's like by now. Instead of arguing the point further, you concede with a low grumble.

“Now, how about you rewind a little?” Ryoji comments. “My ears must be going a little funny, cause it almost sounded like you said you were Yamato's younger brother.”

“That's correct,” Manabu explains, placing his parasol gently in the snow as his hand moves toward the hilt of his blade. “My brother was Yamato Misawa. He was a senior at this school. He was a great man... and the best brother in the world. And... I know you were responsible for his death.”

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As the cold from the snowflakes begins to set in, you note the expression on Manabu's face. He's doing his best to keep a calm and composed expression, but his eyes tell no lies. He's still a kid, and he's just sad and confused...

“Damn...” Ryoji mutters, scratching the back of his head. “That's a real bummer. Look kid, I don't know where you got the idea that we're some bad guys but-”

“W-why are you so lax about this?” A increasingly nervous Manabu asks. “I'm challenging you to a conclusive duel of two fates, and you're... you're standing there like it's nothing special!”

“Welllll...” you drag out, pushing your index finger inquisitively to your chin. “Technically speaking... it isn't really special. I mean, this is far from the first time our lives have been threatened this week.”

Manabu's face forms into an annoyed pout. “I... I trained all this time... take me seriously!”

Ryoji sighs. “Kid, it's obvious you have some wires crossed. We aren't the people you should be angry with-”

“E-Enough!” the unsure Manabu yells. “Have at you!”

“Have at me?” Ryoji raises an eyebrow, but Manabu has already charged forward... of course, you're just as quick to move, summoning your shield and knocking the young boy back with it.

“I don't think so,” you mutter as Manabu falls back into the snow and quickly rolls to his feet. He hasn't even drawn his blade yet. “We don't want a fight.”

“You have no choice!” Manabu yells. “This is for my brother! For his memory!”

You sigh... looks like there's no avoiding this. The boy already has his mind set on this battle... he must have been preparing for it for ages. Your best bet is to try and pacify the young boy as peacefully as possible.

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Manabu grabs his parasol and zips towards you. He's small and quick, surprisingly so. You hop back, dodging the strike from his parasol. As you do you throw a hand back on Ryoji's chest and shove him back hard, moving him out of the way of the fight.

“Hey!” Ryoji yells as he falls into a pile of snow.

“Sorry! It's just easier this way!” you yell back at him before returning your attention to Manabu. “If you want Ryoji, you'll have to go through me.”

“Fine then,” Manabu replies. “Be on your guard, Saki Kobashi.”

Manabu charges, but you knock him back with your shield again. You don't want your lance to come into play here. You'd much rather avoid grievously injuring a kid today.

You move on the offensive, swiping with your shield, hoping to take him down with the blunt force of the object, but Manabu is much faster than you expected. The way he strafes back is not only fast, but it has a certain elegance to it, as if this all comes naturally to the boy.

You keep up the attack, driving Manabu back... until the boy is backed up against a fence.

“Nowhere to go, I suggest you give this up before things get ugly,” you explain in your best attempt at an intimidating voice.

Manabu simply shakes his head and leaps back, reaching the top of the fence and bouncing off it onto the rooftop of one of the houses. You're shocked, the boy can really move around... it seems that he just might be awakened. Now, just how did that happen? Either way, you're going to have to keep on him. You don't want him getting closer to Ryoji, and you certainly don't want him retreating to return another day before this business is actually cleared up.

>Fire your shield at him, knocking him off the roof.
>Follow him up onto the rooftops, try to keep this combat as close quarters as possible.

>>1928221
>Follow him up onto the rooftops, try to keep this combat as close quarters as possible.
Knocking him off the roof sounds a lot like grievously wounding him, lets not, shall we?

>>1928221
>>Fire your shield at him, knocking him off the roof.

>>1928221
>>Fire your shield at him, knocking him off the roof.
It's been 84 years.

>>1928221
>Follow him up onto the rooftops, try to keep this combat as close quarters as possible

>>1928221
>Follow him up onto the rooftops, try to keep this combat as close quarters as possible.
I don't think Sak has learned Shield Boomerang so throwing our only non-lethal weapon sounds like a bad idea.

>>1928221
>>Follow him up onto the rooftops, try to keep this combat as close quarters as possible.

Calling for
>Follow him up onto the rooftops, try to keep this combat as close quarters as possible.

Roll 1d100, BO3

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>1928242

Rolled 49 (1d100)

>>1928242
TIME TO CONTINUE THE JOBBING SAGA

Rolled 62 (1d100)

>>1928242

Rolled 54 (1d100)

>>1928242

Rolled 24 (1d100)

>>1928242

>>1928246
I guess that this is barely pass with bonus.

>>1928244
Unlike this one that would have made Saki slip and fall off the roof.

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>Rolled 62+3

You follow Manabu up onto the rooftop, leaping up and planting your feet down with authority. The classic slanted tiles of the Dakugeto rooftops make it a little difficult to keep your usual balance, but you can still move and have Manabu placed in your sights.

"Oh darn it..." you mutter. "I don't want to cause damage to someone's roof..."

"Yet you didn't hesitate to strike down my brother!" Manabu replies.

"Look, its... complicated. We can explain everything if you just..." you begin, before realising it's no use. You'll have to pacify Manabu before you he'll listen to anything you say. Time for action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsssOcnp9Ro

You charge forward with your shield, only for Manabu to hop onto your shield and flip over you. He's using his manoeuvrability to his advantage, perhaps the only advantage he has over you. You swing again but he blocks with his parasol, before retreating back behind a chimney. You chase after and inspect behind the chimney... to find nothing.

Huh? Where did he go?

He was just here a moment ago... ah, fiddlesticks. Did he manage to retreat? You stand atop the rooftop in confusion, pondering where the young Manabu disappeared to... and then it hit you.

The roof tile that is, striking you in the side of the head, causing you to stumble back, barely keeping your balance on the slanted roof. You raise up your shield in the direction the tile came from... before being hit from another angle, this time in the shoulder. Then another in the back of the knee, then on the back of the head. He's moving fast, and he's just kicking those tiles at you from a distance. It doesn't hurt too much, but it is very annoying, and is sure to wear you down if you don't find a way to stop him.

>Keep the shield up and charge forward like a battering ram until you catch him
>Drop the shield and sprint, using speed to catch up with him and wrestle him to the ground

>>1928262
>>Drop the shield and sprint, using speed to catch up with him and wrestle him to the ground

>>1928262
>>Keep the shield up and charge forward like a battering ram until you catch him
You just said he is dexfag and Saki is a shield shitter, will never catch up to him unless we get a godly roll.

>>1928262
>Keep the shield up and charge forward like a battering ram until you catch him
Time to go full charger.

>ah, fiddlesticks

Oh, Saki...

>>1928262
>Drop the shield and sprint, using speed to catch up with him and wrestle him to the ground
Let's just go archangel and summon Mr Garudo already. Little shit's gonna get what for.

>>1928262
>Drop the shield and sprint, using speed to catch up with him and wrestle him to the ground

>>1928262
>Keep the shield up and charge forward like a battering ram until you catch him
>"You better apologize to the nice lady whose roof you are ruining!"

>"Oh darn it..." you mutter. "I don't want to cause damage to someone's roof..."
>"Yet you didn't hesitate to strike down my brother!" Manabu replies.
Can we tell him that we kissed Yamato? It's obvious that he respects his brother so a girl who's friendly with Yamato should be someone to be kind to. If not, psychological damage is always the way to go.

>>1928270
>Can we tell him that we kissed Yamato
Your wording is a bit off Saki didn't kiss the Yam-man
He forced himself on Saki like the vile brute he was

>>1928265
>"You better apologize to the nice lady whose roof you are ruining!"
Too good to not used.

>>1928270
I would vote to give him a cooldown hug but there hasn't been a chance yet.[/ spoiler]

>>1928272
Yeah but Manabu doesn't need to know that. Just say "Your brother and I kissed!" to throw him off for a bit.
>>1928274
I assume that'll come a bit after the wrestling and grappling.

>>1928274
Soon. Sooon.

Man what are those useless agents doing?
Oi Blue, Green do something useful for once
Call this babbies parents or something

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>1928263
>>1928266
>>1928267
>Drop the shield and sprint, using speed to catch up with him and wrestle him to the ground

>>1928264
>>1928265
>>1928268
>Keep the shield up and charge forward like a battering ram until you catch him

Rolling to break the tie

>>1928282
But that would mean Saki would have to admit that the disgusting Yam-man stole her first kissu

Calling for
>Drop the shield and sprint, using speed to catch up with him and wrestle him to the ground

Roll 1d100, BO3

Rolled 60 (1d100)

>>1928288

Rolled 92 (1d100)

>>1928288

>>1928288
Dice+1d100
>>1928291
I guess we did get a godly roll.

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>1928288

>>1928291
I guess the dice were feeling merciful after that fucking 2.

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>1928288
>>1928292
And I messed up my roll.

>>1928291
I guess it's time for Saki to unleash her startlingly high Strength stat on mini-yam and break his back in the grapple

Drop your shield, 'knowwhatImean?

Perfect.

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>Rolled 92+3

Manabu may be a kid, but he's smart. You've caught onto his strategy already. He's planning for a war of attrition in order to take you down, and the longer you stay on the defensive with your shield raised the more you'll simply be worn down and give away the victory to the young boy. No, you need to make a charge.

You drop your shield to the side, unburdening yourself of the weight as you sprint in Manabu's direction, leaping from rooftop to rooftop as he attempts to keep a distance and fling tiles to slow your progress. You dodge each attack and keep running until you are inches from Manabu. You see the look of panic in his face as you tackle him... the both of you flying off the roof as you do.

You hold Manabu tight in mid-air and turn around, so that you'll land first and the boy's fall will be cushioned... though you're lucky to land in a pile of snow that softens your own impact.

"Ow..." you groan.

"L-let go of me!" Manabu yells, squirming in your grip.

"No!" you reply. "We're going to clear up this misunderstanding... and you're going to apologise to the nice people who's roofs you ruined, mister!"

Manabu squirms free, and finally goes for the hilt of his blade. As Manabu pulls his blade from the hilt, you instinctively throw up your arms... and his weapon breaks off into splinters the second it smashes against the vambrace of your armour.

"Wood...?" you mutter to yourself. Of course... now you know why he didn't draw his sword until the very end. He didn't have one. This Manabu... he had no intentions of seriously hurting anybody. Just to confront the pair he believes responsible for his brother's death. At the end of the day... he is just a kid.

"Ah!" Manabu yells in panic, his body shaking. "I... I..."

Before Manabu can finish his thought, a flash of motion appears behind him. You hear a knock on the back of his head, as the boy falls forward, standing behind him an incredibly fast girl in a baseball cap.

"Good to see you, Rei..." you mutter. "But you didn't really need to do that."

"Classic Kobashi!" Rei boasts. "Always needing my help! You looked in serious trouble there... against a kid! You're supposed to be my rival, you know! You've got to do better than that!"

"His sword was made of wood," you explain. "He was never a genuine threat."

"Ooooow, that hurt!" the young Manabu begins to sob clutching the back of his head with his face covered in the snow.

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Rei rolls her eyes. "Newsflash kid, that's what a fight feels like. You never been in one before?"

"I don't think he has," you explain.

"And you decided to pick a fight with the second best fighter on the planet?" Rei laughs.

"No need to rub it in..." Manabu sniffles as he sits up in a crossed legged position with his head hanging low, admitting defeat.

Rei adjust her hat as she turns to you. "I heard the fighting from the school gate. What's this guy's story?"

"He's Yamato's little brother..." you reply.

Rei pauses as she examines Manabu. "Are you sure? I mean... Yamato was tall, muscular, charismatic... he's kinda small, scrawny... and kind of a baby, to be honest."

Manabu keeps his head low in disgrace as you let out a sigh and the agents make their way over to you.

"Brr, it's cold as hell out here!" Blue remarks in his usual casual attitude.

"Then put on a jacket," Green mutters. "Ryoji filled us in, Kobashi. We'll take it from here."

"Hold up!" Blue replies. "We'll take it from here? Shida barely filled us in, and he called you a dirty pig... we don't even know if this little guy is a proper threat or not."

"Fine," Green sighs. "Kobashi, you assessed the risk, did you not? What course of action should we take with this intruder?"

>Keep him in your custody for the time being, until we learn more from him.
>Bring him to Class 3. They'll know how to handle him.

>>1928315
>Keep him in your custody for the time being, until we learn more from him.


Bring him to Class 3. They'll know how to handle him.
So they can treat him like they did Alice?
Or have him sit across from Shinji until he cries after Maro orders Shinji to explain why he killed the Yam-man?
Man class 3 has a horrible record of keeping prisoners
They all get treates like shit and then broken out

>>1928315
>>Keep him in your custody for the time being, until we learn more from him.

>>1928315
>Bring him to Class 3. They'll know how to handle him.
The boy needs to know who his brother was.

>>1928315
>Keep him in your custody for the time being, until we learn more from him.
With the intent of gently revealing the truth with class 3.

Calling for

>Keep him in your custody for the time being, until we learn more from him.

Writing now.

>>1928320
>>Bring him to Class 3. They'll know how to handle him.
That was just Yamato's archdemon influencing everyone and Taka being S1 Taka.
Too bad I was too late to vote

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>Keep him in your custody for the time being, until we learn more from him.

"You got it," Blue nods as he grabs Manabu and helps him up. "Damn, you really are just a kid. What made you think you could wander up here and pick a fight anyway?"

Manabu remains silent as the two Agents begin to herd him off. Green turns briefly over to you as he speaks. "By the way Kobashi, your grandfather has been asking about you. He'll be waiting in his office."

"Oh boy, a chat with the principal," Rei remarks. "I'm sure that's bound to be fun."

You simply rub your forehead in frustration. The last few days have been so stressful, and there's still so much more work left to do.

You make your way over to Ryoji, who's waiting by the school gates with cigarette in mouth.

"You know, of all the things I expected to wake up to..." Ryoji mutters. "Whatever, I'm sure others will take care of it. Kinda feel bad for that kid, though... he's clearly been lied to by someone. Or just misunderstanding the situation... damn it."

"Well, don't you worry yourself with it," you give a small smile. "I didn't hurt you too much when I shoved you, right?"

"Nothing a good rest in my bed won't fix," Ryoji remarks. "I'm too tired to function, so I think I'll be checking out for the day."

"That's good," you smile. "You could really use a rest, jellybean."

"I need the sleep?" Ryoji asks incredulously. "What about you, Sak? You're exhausted. How about you join me, let everyone else take care of things for one day."

You sigh. "Sorry, I can't... I've still got so much to take care of before I can even think about sleeping. As soon as I'm done, I promise I'll join you... okay?"

"You better," Ryoji replies, as he makes his way through the gate. "I don't want my number one girl collapsing from exhaustion."

"That won't happen," you assure him. "I have a supremely low centre of gravity, it's very hard to knock me over."

"Sure thing, Sak..." Ryoji chuckles as he makes his way back to the school, retiring for the time being.

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"He's got a point, Kobashi..." Rei remarks, startling you. You thought you and Ryoji were having a private romantic moment! You didn't realise Rei was still there, watching it all! Darn, how embarrassing...

"I know," you yawn. "But I still can't in good conscience abandon my work. Anyway, how was your winter break?"

"Noisy," Rei explains. "But in the best way. Isamu and his siblings are a handful... but a fun one. His family are super nice, it's weird."

"That's good," you smile. "Did Isamu get to meet your family?"

Rei frowns. "Yeah... I don't think that's gonna happen."

"Oh... sorry," you reply. "I didn't realise you were on bad terms with..."

"Well... yeah..." Rei scratches the back of her head. "Well, I don't really need to tell you about bad families..."

"Right..." you mumble. "So, what are you doing up so early? Training?"

"OH CRAP!" Rei smacks herself on the forehead. "I was! Dammit, I just left Sayeka waiting like an idiot!"

"Sayeka?" You ask. "Don't you mean Akira?"

"No, I started training Sayeka yesterday!" Rei explains. "Hey... why don't you join us? I'm sure Sayeka would appreciate your take on things!"

>You know, that sounds great. I'll be happy to help Sayeka out.
>Sorry, I don't want to keep my Grandfather waiting. I really should meet with him before anything else.

>>1928359
>>Sorry, I don't want to keep my Grandfather waiting. I really should meet with him before anything else.

>>1928359
>>Sorry, I don't want to keep my Grandfather waiting. I really should meet with him before anything else.
Can we try to catch up with them after whatever plot advancing talk Wei is going to give us.

>>1928359
>Sorry, I don't want to keep my Grandfather waiting. I really should meet with him before anything else.
Bye Rei

>>1928359
>Sorry, I don't want to keep my Grandfather waiting. I really should meet with him before anything else.
>I will join you later.

Got to help our friends!

Calling for
>Sorry, I don't want to keep my Grandfather waiting. I really should meet with him before anything else.

Writing now

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>Sorry, I don't want to keep my Grandfather waiting. I really should meet with him before anything else.

"Oh, I see how it is!" Rei smirks. "You're worried that I'll prove to be the better trainer than you are, isn't that right Kobashi?"

"What?"

"Typical, you're always too proud to concede defeat!" Rei laughs. "Well, jokes on you! I'm adding this a a point in favour of Rei Arisato! That makes it 157 for me compared to your meagre 138!"

"Wait, you've actually been keeping-"

"Later Kobashi, can't keep Sayeka waiting!" Rei jokes as she zips out of your sight in a second. Darn...

You make your way to the main school grounds, the snow making a pleasant crunch beneath your feet. You have to admit, as much as you enjoyed your time with the Shida's over the holiday, it feels good to be back in the school again. More than anything, this massive, mostly empty building feels like home. And to think, not long ago it felt like a prison. In the past, you were friendless, lonely... and confined to his place you felt destined to one day inherit. And while taking charge of the school is still among your lifelong goals... you feel much more free knowing that it is a choice you've taken, and not a pre-arranged fate.

You arrive at your grandfather, the principal's office and knock gently on the door.

"Enter."

You creak the door open and step inside, revealing the massive frame of your Grandfather, the great Wei Kobashi. Even while seated in his chair he cuts a towering and imposing presence.

"You wanted to see me?"

"I wished to speak with you, yes..." Wei replies. "Have a seat, Saki."

You look around the office before grabbing the chair opposite Wei.

"You seem to be lost in thought," Wei remarks. "Does something in my office catch your eye?"

"No..." you reply. "It's just that... well, I'm not in here very often. You don't call for me much, and when I'd usually come to your office... you'd turn me away."

"Right... well you can't expect me to have time for you whenever you seek it," Wei explains in his usual, stern demeanour.

You nod. "Oh... of course."

"This upsets you?"

"N-no..." you mutter. "I understand."

Wei nods. "Hmph... let me ask you, Saki. Do you hate me?"

"W-what?" you ask. "You're... you're my grandfather-"

"Let's not pretend that means anything," Wei remarks. "You hate your father. You hate your mother. I hate your father, my only son. We're both smart enough to not let familial ties cloud our judgement of another. Speak honestly, girl... do you hate me?"

>... No. Of course not.
>... Yes.
>... I don't know.

>>1928390
>... I don't know.
We'll tell him that we love him when he inevitably sacrifices his life for us.

>>1928390
>... I don't know.
>"I spent my childhood Idolizing you, and this summer I really did hate you..... But right now I don't think I know you well enough to say.... "

Where did everyone go?

>>1928393
This plus.

>"But I don't think I can hate you. Not now."

Sorry. Been delayed.

Calling for
>... I don't know.
>"I spent my childhood Idolizing you, and this summer I really did hate you..... But right now I don't think I know you well enough to say.... "

Writing now

>>1928390
>>... Yes.

It's not a frothing, vicious hate, but it's there.

>>1928390
>>... I don't know.

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>... I don't know.
>"I spent my childhood Idolizing you, and this summer I really did hate you..... But right now I don't think I know you well enough to say.... "

"Is that so?" Wei mutters. "I expected a more decisive answer from someone as headstrong as yourself."

"Sorry..." you reply. "It's just hard to put into words. You were my hero... then you weren't, and now... I don't know. But... I don't think I can hate you. Not now."

"I see..." Wei replies. "Saki, I am an old man."

"Yes, you are."

Wei groans. "I'm not getting any younger... and I'm sure you know as well as I do that my time is numbered. It's unlikely that I will still be here five years from now."

"... Yes, I'm aware."

Wei shakes his head. "I doubt it's something you like to think about, but... it's the way of the world. One day, I will die... and I will need someone to carry on my legacy."

"My father..." you mutter.

"Your father?" Wei growls, spitting at the suggestion. "I would sooner see the earth crumble and us all consumed in magma than see that witless arrogant fool take control. No... my sights are set elsewhere."

Wei stares in your direction, and you instinctively look behind you. Surely he's looking at someone else, right?

"Wait... me?" you ask. Wei nods.

"You are the one last hope for the Kobashi name," Wei explains. "I have done all in my power to raise you right, to build your strength of character, and despite their best efforts your parents could not corrupt your spirit. And yet... you're still young. I doubt you'll be ready to carry on my legacy by the time I leave the mortal plane."

"I... I'll work hard!" you exclaim. "I've always worked hard! If you want me to... I wouldn't dare let you down!"

"I would have believed that once," Wei replies. "But recently... you've grown soft."

"S-soft?" you mutter.

Wei nods. "Not physically. You're incredibly powerful, as powerful as the Dragon on our sigil Saki. And I don't begrudge you for the company you have chosen, the people you have associated yourself with... you know how little I regard Mr Shida, but if he proves a positive influence, then I will not condemn your relationship with the boy. Regardless... you've lost focus. You've lost sight of your responsibilities. You've become too embroiled in this pathetic idea of friendship and sentimentality with your schoolmates, and it's pulled you away from the drive that made you a true Kobashi. If you're truly serious about carrying on the name I've worked so hard to build... then you must promise me that you will show me that strength again. Can you do that... or will I have to look for someone else?"

>I... I will. I promise, I won't lose sight of what's important!
>You're wrong, I'm stronger than I've ever been. I don't need to be like you to be a good leader!

>>1928422
>>You're wrong, I'm stronger than I've ever been. I don't need to be like you to be a good leader!
They dig this shit don't they?

>>1928422
>>You're wrong, I'm stronger than I've ever been. I don't need to be like you to be a good leader!

>>1928422
>I... I will. I promise, I won't lose sight of what's important!
>My friendships were what drove me to grow during the summer holiday

>>1928422
>You're wrong, I'm stronger than I've ever been. I don't need to be like you to be a good leader!

>>1928422
>My friendships were what drove me to grow during the summer holiday

>>1928422
>>You're wrong, I'm stronger than I've ever been. I don't need to be like you to be a good leader!
No one wants to see the lonely Saki again, as fun as it was seeing how pathetic and sad she was.

Calling for
>You're wrong, I'm stronger than I've ever been. I don't need to be like you to be a good leader!

Writing now.

>>1928437
>inb4 Saki unleashes her inner delinquent
Shut up old man, i don't need your approval anymore! I have my Jellybean for that now!

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>You're wrong, I'm stronger than I've ever been. I don't need to be like you to be a good leader!

"Like me?" Wei asks.

"Lonely, bitter, miserable..." you reply, standing up from your chair. "I tried that before... and it didn't work. I was so unhappy, so unsatisfied... I was never going to make it the way you wanted me to. But I can prove to you how worthy I am, how worthy I've been, and I'll do it my way! My friends are the reason I'm this strong, they drove me to grow, to improve myself... and I'm only getting better. You might now believe in me, so I'm just going to have to show you! And one day, you'll know that I deserve to carry the Kobashi legacy... to carry your shield..."

"Saki," Wei interrupts. "You will never carry my shield."

You shake your head. "Why are you so stubborn? I've done more than enough for our family, and I know I'm on the right path! One day I'll-"

"No," Wei explains. "Do you remember who gave you your current shield?"

"You did," you reply. "On my first day of school. It's taken it's fair share of abuse since then..."

Wei nods. "Yes... and you were so obsessed with one day growing old enough to inherit my own... that you never asked who that shield belonged to."

"It didn't belong to anyone," you remark. "Father told me it was just a starter shield for children."

"Saki... that was your grandmothers."

You pause. No... you never knew that. All this time...

Wei grunts as he rises from his chair. "You'll never know how much you remind me of Mizuki. That spirit, that passion of yours... it all comes from her. You'll never bear my shield... because the spirit of your grandmother has protected you far better than mine ever could. My spirit would cause you nothing but harm... just as I have in life."

A long silence breaks out between the two of you, as you look into your grandfather's eyes. Behind that stern, angry expression... there's a weakness. A regretful side. Maybe if things had been different... your relationship could have been a happier one.

"This conversation is over," Wei grumbles, before returning to his chair. "I'm sure you remember where the door is."

"Thank you, grandpa."

"Address me by my title as principal," Wei grumbles.

"Okay... thank you, sir."

You make your way out into the hallway, and let out a deep breath. Encounters with your grandfather are always so tense.

"Yo!" you hear the voice of Raiden's sister Akuro call out as she approaches you in the hallway. "Agent White's calling for your assistance in interrogating the intruder?"

"Interrogating?!" you exclaim.

"Sorry," Akuro shakes her head. "Questioning... whatever you wanna call it. Nobody's been hurt... so far. Depends on how things go, doesn't it?"

>Can I take a minute to myself first? I need to clear my thoughts.
>Okay... lead the way.

>>1928437
Yo book, sorry I couldn't say earlier but that fight scene was really well done!

I like the fact that you are using the greatest ost of all time.

>>1928455
>>Okay... lead the way.

>>1928455
>>Okay... lead the way.
We need to clear this shit up asap

>>1928455
>Okay... lead the way
Ono has Agent White been waterboarding Children again?

>>1928455
>>Can I take a minute to myself first? I need to clear my thoughts.

>>1928459
hmmmmmm
>Agents waterboarding kids
>Kids bombing the agents

DGA WAS AN ALLAGORY FOR DOMESTIC TERRORISM ALL ALONG

>>1928455
>>Okay... lead the way.
>>1928459
Silly anon is not torture if it's done by the "good guys" and is certainly not torture if it gives results.

>>1928455
>Okay... lead the way
Time to rip off his toenails and fingernails

>>1928455
>Okay... lead the way

Oh how fun it will be to get Wei and Saki's relationship up. Very rewarding.

>>1928468
>Time to rip off his toenails and fingernails
This Japan gotta cut off the first knuckle of each of his pinky fingers

>>1928455
>Nah, lets go train with Rei and Sayeka

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>Okay... lead the way

Akuro leads you to one of the solitary confinement rooms the agents installed in the school, with one of the doors lying open. Green is waiting outside, his arms crossed, and he nods to acknowledge your arrival on the scene.

"He's inside."

You step into the room to see Manabu seated in a chair at a table, his head hanging low... with a bento box in front of him.

"What's with the food?" you ask, turning to Agent Blue.

"The kid looked hungry," Blue replies. "He hasn't taken a bite, though. Hasn't said a word, either."

You sigh as you look at the defeated Manabu. Poor kid probably didn't know what he was getting in to.

You sit down opposite Manabu and wear a smile on your face. "Hi, I'm Saki Kobashi of Class 2... but I suppose you already knew that."

Manabu doesn't say a word.

"Nothing?"

Nothing.

"Well, let's start off simple. You're awakened... why is that?"

No answer.

"Well, apparently he's the brother of Yamato Misawa..." Akuro explains. "We weren't around for that incident, but I dug up his file... my bet? Maybe being in contact with his brother while that thing was present inside him was enough to do it, even before it took over fully."

Sounds like a reasonable deduction, and you doubt Manabu would even know for sure if he did speak. Better to ask him something else.

>Okay, let's cut to the chase. You think we killed your brother. Why?
>If you were so ready to battle Ryoji... why did you bring a wooden sword?
>Aren't you hungry? You should eat something.

>>1928487
>>Okay, let's cut to the chase. You think we killed your brother. Why?

>>1928487
>>Okay, let's cut to the chase. You think we killed your brother. Why?

>>1928487
>You know, Yamato forcefully took my first kiss

>>1928487

>Okay, let's cut to the chase. You think we killed your brother. Why?
That was Shinji, Yam-man beat poor Ryoji black and blue

>>1928487
>>Okay, let's cut to the chase. You think we killed your brother. Why?

>>1928487
>>Okay, let's cut to the chase. You think we killed your brother. Why?

WAIT!
WHAT IF HES NOT YAMS BROTHER
HES CHARMERS BROTHER!

>>1928499
>Mini-Yam is actually Mini-Demi-Yam

>>1928487
>Aren't you hungry? You should eat something
Gently...

Calling for
>Okay, let's cut to the chase. You think we killed your brother. Why?

Writing Now.

Have we sent anyone to look around the academy? He knew exactly who we were and what we could do, so there's a chance that he might have allies waiting around in hiding.

>>1928501
>Gently....
Roll a 1 to encourage him to eat and end up slamming his face into the bento while shouting "YOU MUST HUNGARY"

>>1928507
>Hungary....
Phone plz
Hungry*

>>1928508
No it's a nat1 she would yell "HUNGARY"

>>1928507
>HUNGARY
I laughed harder than expected

File: Spoiler Image (1.03 MB, 1663x911)

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>>1928501
Maybe he just doesn't like bentos.

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>Okay, let's cut to the chase. You think we killed your brother. Why?

You don't have time to beat around the bush. The sooner you can get through to this kid the better... you certainly don't want the agents to turn this into an actual interrogation.

Manabu remains silent, before pulling a small slip of paper from his pocket and sliding it over to you on the table. You raise your eyebrow as you pull out what appears to be a note.

My Dear brother Manabu,

I'm afraid that by the time you receive this letter, I may already be dead. Last we met, I informed you on the secret of the academy which I attend... but it seems that my fate has taken a much darker turn. I have taken a dangerous demon into my custody, but due to a power struggle this may be the last act for humanity I ever do. This academy has been influenced by a demonic boy by the name of Ryoji Shida, one who's words and ideas have corrupted the rest of the school body. He has even turned my trusted kouhai Saki Kobashi to the dark... and together they plan to rise against me, to claim the academy in favour of the DarkWorld and its inhabitants. I will mount one last defence alongside Shinji and my other friends, but I fear their forces may be strong enough to kill me. Should I fail, this letter will serve as my last chance to say goodbye... and to tell you who to seek vengeance upon. I love you, Manabu... and I hope that you will remember me. Your faithful brother, Yamato.

Of course... that devious Charmer. He must have sent this out, as a sort of insurance policy. The monster that took control of Yamato, sending something like this to his own family... it makes you sick.

"Manabu..." you sigh. "I know this is hard to believe... but your brother never wrote this."

"... It's in his handwriting," Manabu mutters.

"Yes..." you admit. "But he didn't write it. I know this sounds fantastical, but Yamato did inform you of the nature of this school... the Yamato that wrote to you was a demon that took over his body. We never rose up, nor did we kill him in cold blood. He was prepared to torture and kill an innocent girl. Even then we never wanted him to die, but were brought to the brink of self-defence..."

"No..." Manabu mutters. "You're lying. Yamato would never do that."

"No, but The Charmer... the demon that took hold of him, would. Your brother was a good man, he was a mentor to me, but desperation saw him taking the help of a demon without knowing what it was... and tragedy followed."

"No!" Manabu slams his hands on the table. "My brother is strong! He would never give in to a demon! He... he wouldn't... your words mean nothing! You can't prove a word you say!"

>We gave Yamato the respect of a burial and a funeral. We didn't murder him.
>You don't seem to believe him yourself. You came with a wooden sword because you didn't want vengeance. You wanted answers.
>Would you prefer to ask his friends? Shinji was more loyal to him than anyone, will you believe his word?

>>1928535
>>Would you prefer to ask his friends? Shinji was more loyal to him than anyone, will you believe his word?

>>1928535
>>Would you prefer to ask his friends? Shinji was more loyal to him than anyone, will you believe his word?

>>1928535
>>Would you prefer to ask his friends? Shinji was more loyal to him than anyone, will you believe his word?
There are cameras in the dorms right? Could we just bring up an old tape of the battle and show it to him?

>>1928535
>>Would you prefer to ask his friends? Shinji was more loyal to him than anyone, will you believe his word

It is my head canon that Yamato ORDERED Shinji to kill him the first chance he had if he ever thought Yamato was crossing he line, which he did.

>>1928535
>We gave Yamato the respect of a burial and a funeral. We didn't murder him.
>Would you prefer to ask his friends? Shinji was more loyal to him than anyone, will you believe his word?
Give truth, as well as a coroberation.

>>1928535
>>Would you prefer to ask his friends? Shinji was more loyal to him than anyone, will you believe his word?

Maaaaan
FUCK THE CHARMER hes a cunt

Calling for
>Would you prefer to ask his friends? Shinji was more loyal to him than anyone, will you believe his word?

Writing now.

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>Would you prefer to ask his friends? Shinji was more loyal to him than anyone, will you believe his word?

"Shinji...?" Manabu mutters.

"Is Shinji around?" you ask, turning to Akuro.

"I'll get him," she replies as she sprints out the door.

As Akuro leaves, Manabu begins to pick away at the bento box.

"Hungry?" you ask.

"Yeah..." Manabu sniffles.

Blue smiles. "There's more where that came from, kid. Just ask."

Manabu has almost finished the bento box, eagerly eating away before Akuro returns with Shinji in tow. He takes one look at the boy in the chair, and you can see his heart sink into his stomach. "Manabu..."

"Shinji..." Manabu mutters. "You were my brother's best friend."

"I still am," Shinji replies, before turning to you. "Sorry, do you mind if I speak to him in private?"

"Go ahead," you smile as you offer him up your seat.

You wait outside with the agents, your arms folded. you catch yourself biting your nails as you await the results.

Before long, Shinji steps outside with a tearful eyed Manabu by his side, Shinji hand resting atop his head in a comforting stance.

"Can... can I see him?" Manabu asks. "My brother... where he's buried. Will... will you take me there?"

>Of course. Follow me.
>I think it's better to get some rest right now.

>>1928565
>Of course. Follow me.
>Did anyone else read that letter?

>>1928565
>Of course. Follow me.
You know Saki is handling this better than expected, certainly better than anything Ryojicoukd ever do.

>>1928565
>>Of course. Follow me.
Man it is a shame what happened to yam

>>1928565
>Of course. Follow me

>>1928565
>Of course. Follow me.
Poor Manabu...

>>1928569
To be fair. Saki is the personification of Good Cop. Ryoji is good in a lot of ways, but this situation was never going to be his strong suit.

Calling for
>Of course. Follow me.

Writing now

>>1928569
>>1928577
I think it's a great episode to show why Saki should be a main POV, she has her own unique way of doing things, seperate from the snark of Ryoji and the uuuuuuuh
Uniqueness of Kaz.

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"T-thank you..." Manabu mutters as you begin to lead him down the hallway. Manabu then stops and gives a small bow. "I'm... I'm sorry for attacking you. And I'll be sure to apologise to the people who's roofs I destroyed..."

"That's okay," you smile. "Come on."

You lead Manabu outside into the school grounds, through the courtyard until finally the two of you reach the Class 3 cemetery. Several gravestones adorn the plot, as a wide-eyed Manabu looks through them.

"Nina Nagata... I remember her," Manabu remarks. "She was scary..."

It's then that Manabu's eyes are set on his brother's grave.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vQyBnmBi0o

"Oh... hey big bro..." Manabu mutters, before hunkering down on his knees before his brother's burial site. It's not long before the tears are streaming from his face.

"Why'd you do it?" Manabu asks the grave. "You... you always told me that if you kept looking forward, and never gave up hope... that anything was possible. That brighter times were always around the corner, as long as you believed in yourself... well, I guess that just wasn't true, was it?"

Manabu hunkers over the grave and begins to blubber. "You lied to me! You gave up! You... you never believed at all!"

Manabu sobs over the grave for a while, before stopping himself. He clenches his fist as he rises to his feet and wipes his eyes with his other hand. "No... you did. I know you believed, right until the end... Brother, that's why... I'm going to carry on what you started. The virtue of the Misawa name... I'll keep it going... and with you running by my side, I know... I'll never fall. I'll make you proud, big bro... this is how I'll remember you..."

Well said... guess you're not the only one trying to live up to her family name.

"NEW PERSON!"

... What?

You look up, to see none other than Alice swooping out of the tree above. "Alice, what were you doing up there?"

"Napping," Alice replies, before turning her attention to Manabu and sniffing. "You smell like a smell I know! Yam... Yam... you smell like a sweet potato!"

"Uhh... what?" a confused Manabu mumbles. "I was kinda in the middle of...."

>Manabu, this is Alice.
>I'll leave Alice to make a friend herself. I think now I can rest.

>>1928608
>>Manabu, this is Alice.

>>1928608
>Manabu, this is Alice.
uh oh... is manabu the new charmer?

>>1928608
>>Manabu, this is Alice.
HOPE NO ONE MENTIONS THE HORRIBLE TORTURE OR THE PLANNED RAPE BABY

>>1928608
>>Manabu, this is Alice.
"She's the one Yamato tried to rape."

Calling for
>Manabu, this is Alice.
Writing Now.

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>Manabu, this is Alice.

"O-oh..." Manabu mutters before taking a bow. "It... It's a pleasure to meet you, Alice."

"Why are so sad?" Alice asks.

"S-sad?" Manabu replies.

"You look like you were crying!" Alice mentions. "Your eyes are all red... or do you just have red eyes? Oh well! Oh, this is Yamato's grave!"

As Alice hunkers down, Manabu lets out an awkward cough. "You... knew him?"

"Yep! He kidnapped me!" Alice laughs.

Manabu gasps. "So... that was you. I... I'm so sorry! I will do anything in my power to make up for my brother's actions!"

"Brother...?" Alice mumbles in thought. "Oh... you're Yammy's brother!"

"Yammy?" Manabu mutters, before shaking his head. "Uhh... yes. I'm Manabu, and I swear, I will do anything I can to make things right and restore the Misawa name! Name it, I'll do anything."

"I'm hungry... and sleepy..." Alice notes.

"Then I shall take you out for food, my treat!" Manabu replies. "And then I will sleep with-wait, not that. Definitely not that... let's just focus on food, okay?"

"Okay!" Alice exclaims, as the two wander off together.

You smile. You don't know what Manabu's future holds, or how long he intends to stay here... but you're happy to see the boy moving on, taking those first steps into maturing. But now... you're about to collapse from exhaustion, so you head back to the dorms.

You arrive at Ryoji's door and slowly creak it open while knocking. "Jellybean?" you whisper, not wanting to wake him... when instead you find an empty bed and a note attached. "What the...?"

Sak, I hate having to leave a stupid note like this... but something important came up. Stranger-related. I won't be gone long, but I left you my jacket. I know you love the smell. Catch you soon, Sak.

"Ryoji..." you mutter to yourself. "Whatever you're doing... you better be careful."

With that, you collapse onto the bed and begin to drift off into sleep. You have enough faith in Ryoji to leave him to his sudden move... and you're too tired to move.

It's an exhausting life being Saki Kobashi... and tomorrow the cycle starts all over. Honestly... you can't wait.

END OF EPISODE 2

>>1928630
>Missed the last vote
Darn
Thanks for Running Booker

>>1928630
Thanks for running Book Book.
Manabu is a sad and lewd.
KLK music is a greatest of all time.
Yam a poor sod who deserved better.

>>1928630
Thanks for running Booker! Guess Manabu's gonna keep up the family tradition of wanting Alice.

File: Manabu05.png (1.02 MB, 1000x1600)

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNug9CpZ4EM

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dark%20Gate%20Academy

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

Thanks for playing! I didn't expect this much of a break between episode 1 and 2, but we should be back on a more regular schedule from here on!

>Player Question
What are your thoughts on Manabu? What does his future hold?

>>1928642
Goid show, Book.

Manabu seems like a future Alice bodyguard. Self imposed, of course. Which is hilarious when you consider her "mom" and "dad", let alone Alice herself.

>>1928642
>What are your thoughts on Manabu?
He needs to apologize for destroying people's roofs in the middle of winter
>What does his future hold?
Mini-Yam is going to be blindsided by some of the characters at the school
Oh and lots of sads for the mini-yam

>>1928642
Short run, was nice to be back though. Good run Booker.

> PQ
I actually like him more than I expected I would. Him keeping up the Yammy tradition will be good, as will shenanigans with the youngsters.

>>1928642
That ending theme is a big jam
THE BIGGEST JAM
>PQ
I concur with some other people here, i like him more than i thought i would, I have no idea what hes going to do tho. I guess he'll be in the next class 1 when graduation happens.

>>1928649
Alice teams up with Akemi to make Mini-Yam less sad through baked goods, costumes and puppet shows when Booker?

>>1928658
AlicexMini-YamxAkemi when

>Alice teams up with Akemi to make Mini-Yam less sad through baked goods, costumes and puppet shows when Booker?

As soon as the next filler episode probably.

>>1928662
WHENS THE NEXT FESTIVAL BOOKER

>>1928664
SOOOOON

Well, not soon soon.

But fairly soon. There'll be one this season.

>>1928664
After the beach episode, of course! So soon.

>>1928662
>next filler episode probably
So any episode between 4-70
Got it boss

>>1928665
So next thread is Kaz and his unlimited Awkward works right

Well snap, I remember to check and I miss a second episode already because it's a quickie :(
Still a fun read to catch-up though

>>1928642
>PQ
Seems a nice enough boy, and an interesting character to act as a starting point for a bunch of story...
Also if he wasn't dazed and confused enough yet with learning the details of yammys demise, spending time with Alice right off the bat should leave him thoroughly lost, if at least suitably acquainted with a large variety of precarious napping spots. At least he can keep up with her what with being a spider, now I just have to wonder what will happen to derail that obvious ship.

>>1928642
gay quest

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"Dammit, it's cold..."

Ryoji puffs on his cigarette as he treads through the snow in his boots, hoping to warm himself up.

"Maybe you shouldn't have left your best jacket back at the academy..."

"Who are you, my mother?" Ryoji scoffs. "Besides, it's to let Saki know I'll be back. I already disappeared on her before, I wasn't planning on doing it again."

"And yet you just got up and left based on... what? Some apparent message from Stranger that could just have been a dream? Ryoji... I didn't hear him speak, you'd think I would..."

"I know..." Ryoji mutters as he continues to tread through the snow. "But... I can't shake it. I heard his voice, he told me to travel out here."

Ryoji recalls to the message he heard. Stranger's voice calling to him in the sleep, repeating a string of numbers. Looking it up on his phone when he awoke, Ryoji found it to be co-ordinates to a spot not too far from the academy. At first he intended to ignore it... any string of numbers is a co-ordinate, probably. Didn't mean anything... if only it weren't Stranger's voice. As much as Ryoji was glad that the demon god had up and disappeared recently... he couldn't shake the curiosity of why. The confusion... the fear. He needed to know what was happening.

"It's probably a lack of sleep... you don't want to drive yourself mad."

"I'm not going mad, Nina. That's other people's jobs. You know me, I'm the cool-headed delinquent with an attitude..."

"You're hiking in the freezing cold through the middle of nowhere..."

"Good point... but we're almost there. It would be stupid to turn back now, right?"

Nina pauses. "I don't know... I think you're just imagining things, but... I think I'm more worried that you're not."

File: Ryo07.jpg (474 KB, 1000x1017)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ4_YvskQm0

Ryoji reaches the top of the hill... and looks out over the crater below. "Well... how's that for a moment of truth? Nina... any idea what the hell this is?"

"I... huh. Remember that shooting star last night while we driving home from the city? Maybe it was a meteor and... no. You feel it too, right?"

"Yeah..." Ryoji replies. "This sure as hell didn't fall from space. It came from that other place..."

Ryoji doesn't waste time in running down the hill towards the crater's centre.

"R-Ryoji! Wait a minute, don't rush into-"

Too late, as Ryoji skids down to the bottom, almost embracing the heat emanating from the ground below. Still warm, still fresh... but no traces of anything else. Whatever landed here has already left. "Shit..."

Ryoji looks around, and his eyes are caught by something protruding from the earth. "Hey, what the hell is that?"

"It looks like... some kind of plaque? The runes... the must be Darkworld inscriptions..."

"But I can understand them," Ryoji remarks. "Must be Stranger rubbing off on me... let's see..."

Ryoji hunkers down and begins to read the inscriptions aloud. "On this earth, we eleven mighty gods... damn, the list of names is frozen over, I can't make it out..."

"Keep going."

"... Hereby mark the historic occasion on which the Great Demon Race begins. On this date, we began our contest to see who may claim this new world on their behalf, to be ruled under their name from now until eternity... shit."

Ryoji runs his hands through his hair as he rises back to his feet. "You know what this means, Nina?"

"Those demons... those that Stranger unleashed... they're already here..."

"No, not just that..." Ryoji grimaces. "They called it a god-damned race. A contest... they're moving fast, and we're not ready to stop them."

And in that moment, Ryoji felt truly, truly cold.

END OF SCENE

>>1931500
RIP half the earth's population

>>1931500
I guess S3 is the International edition of DGA
Time to go abroad and stop ArchDemon incursion where ever they happen