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“Kaz, are you even listening?”

You weren't, but you nod towards Kiriko anyway as you adjust your headphones. Kiriko rolls her eyes as she turns her head towards the rest of the group. With the music blaring, Kiriko knows better than anyone when you've zoned out.

“Okay folks!” Kiriko yells to the group. “Makoto's squad scoped out the scene, and in about two minutes that rock golem's gonna pop from behind that corner, and we gotta be ready to take it out!”

A standard incursion. After what your class has been through, this task feels as daunting as washing the dishes. A simple chore... which is why you're surprised to see Kiriko putting on her game face. While splitting up into two groups, Makoto placed Kiriko in charge of your group. Perhaps she's taking the sudden responsibility as a challenge, or perhaps the events of New Year have inspired her to work harder.

“Tch,” Roka crosses his arms. “If that squeaky clean nerd scouted the scene already, then why didn't he fight it?”

“Yeah, I'm sure his crew had no trouble picking a fight with a giant while wading through all those goblins down there,” Chuichi chuckles as he overlooks the hill. “Besides, what's the great Red Mask complaining for?”

Roka grumbles. “I-I'm not the Red Mask!”

“Sure,” Akuro smirks. “And Anri here's a fantastic detective.”

“W-why did you turn the insult onto me?!” Anri mumbles.

“Easy target,” Akuro shrugs.

“Can we stop for five seconds and come up with a plan?” Kiriko whines. “You don't see Risa there moaning or making jokes!”

“Huh?” Risa mutters, a forlorn look on her face. “Oh... right...”

Risa hasn't spoken much since she returned to the academy yesterday. Even when you asked how her winter vacation went she simply brushed it off. Very unusual for the most personable and social member of the club. Usually she'd be the one taking charge here.

“What plan do we need?!” Sae cracks her knuckles. “It's a big monster. We hit it, it falls down, we win! It's easy, and Kaz can sit there listening to music and Alice can keep sitting there singing that commercial jingle!”

Alice continues to sit in a cross-legged position, happily singing a jingle for a chocolate bar.

Chuichi places a finger to his chin and ponders. “Huh, just hit the monster really hard? How did I never think of that before! You've got a real breakthrough on your hands! Have you taken this to Principal Wei?”

“I swear, one more word and I break your face!” Sae threatens.

“Not if I get to him first!” Roka chimes in, clenching his fist.

“Stop that!” Kuin yells, pointing in the direction of Sae and Roka as Roka places the nervously smiling Chuichi into a headlock. “Only your benevolent dictator can order executions! And as Chuichi shares my superior green-hair trait... he deserves a fair trial!”

“Phew, I'm saved...” Chuichi breathes a sigh of relief as Roka tightens the headlock.

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Gado rubs his temples. “I'm the only one here who isn't an idiot, aren't I?”

“Uhh, guys?” Tami mutters.

“Well, our plan's not that complicated,” Kiriko continues. “Mayu, Kaz... it's all about you two.”

“W-what?!” you and Mayu blurt out at the same time. You look over to her, and as her eyes meet you, you both quickly look away. You haven't been able to hold a normal conversation with her without getting nervous and blushing since New Year.

Kiriko lets out a sigh at your reaction. “I mean, you're the two most capable swordsmen-”

“HEY!” Roka grumbles.

“-And you've got that cool cross attack!” Kiriko explains, making a chopping action with her hand. “We should probably distract that thing, keep crowd control with those goblins, then leave the final blow to you two!”

“O-oh... right...” you mutter, scratching the back of your head and letting out a nervous laugh. “That's what you meant, of course that's what you meant, how could you mean anything else...?”

Gado conks you on the top of the head to break you from your mutterings. “You're being more annoying than usual. Stop that.”

“Uhh, guys?!” Tami speaks louder, pointing off in the distance.

You turn your head, to see the Rock Golem already barrelling from behind the corner coming towards your direction.

“Oh crapbaskets!” Kiriko yells. “Okay, we gotta formulate that plan a lot faster now, so-”

“BRING IT ON!” Roka yells, as he leaps from the hill and pushes through the crowd of goblins, charging at full speed towards the monster.

“... Wait, what?” Kiriko mutters, her face going blank.

Roka tears through a horde of goblins who swarm him, leaping high to charge into the rock monster. “BRING IT ON, YOU DAMN DEMON! I'LL KILL YOU MYSELF! I'LL RIP AND TEAR OUT YOUR GUTS!”

“It's made of rock!” Kiriko yells. “It doesn't have any guts!”

“Your boyfriend's an idiot,” Anri sighs.

“I know...” Kiriko agrees, before strecthing out. “Welp, time to rescue him. Kaz, Mayu stay close behind me.”

You and Mayu both nod as you ready your blades, and Kiriko teleports off into the distance towards Roka, who is mindlessly trying to smash the rock monster into pieces to no avail. She grabs him and teleports him out of the way of a massive punch from the creature, as you switch the song on your music player. Looks like it's right back into action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lsn2tT5yTc

You dive into the fray, and begin to hack and slash through the mindless hordes of goblins in your path. They come at you in droves, but with you and Mayu watching each-other's backs, there's no trouble.

“What the hell do you think you're doing, you stupid ape?!” Kiriko chastises her new boyfriend. “I know you're dumb, but that's-”

“It's got a structural weakness around it's upper right shoulder,” Roka points out.

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Kiriko's eyes widen. “Oooh... you were looking for weak points. So there's method to your mind numbing stupidity...”

“Actually, I did just want to tear it to pieces,” Roka admits. “But I realised pretty quick. The spot isn't that great an opening, hammering away at it would take to long... but if we were able to get ice in the cracks, that would widen the opening, allow for the others to break through.”

Kiriko ponders for a moment. “I don't know how we're going to do that... but I'll tell the others.”

Kirko ports off to the hill with the rest of the group, while you and Mayu continue to work on the goblins below.

“KAZUMA, LOOK OUT!” Mayu yells, leaping across you and piercing her sword through a sneaking goblin. Her form when she fights is so graceful and elegant, she makes you look like a clumsy mess by comparison.

“Thanks, I really-”

“You should have seen that,” Mayu states coldly. “Do not lose focus in this battle, Kazuma.”

With that Mayu continues to tear through the Goblins as you follow her close behind. She's right, you let your mind wander. Appreciating her form in battle can come later.

“Ice?” Akuro asks, as Kiriko fills them in on the currently slapped together strategy. “Oh good thing we're up to our ankles in ice in this hellish wasteland!”

“What about Alice?” Chuichi suggests. “She can conjure up weird stuff, right? I'm sure she's got a little ice magic in there.”

“Probably!” Alice smiles innocently, unsure herself.

“If Alice tried to get up close to that thing, she'd be squashed,” Gado points out.

Kuin snaps her fingers with an idea. “But if she were to summon a canister of say liquid nitrogen just above the monster, one of our fine marksmen here could hit it from this distance and coat the beast in it, allowing our ground knights to hit the decisive blow!”

“Alice, care to do that?” Kiriko asks.

Alice stands up and dusts her dress off, pondering over it for the moment. “Hmm... okay!”

Within seconds the plan is in effect, with a canister hanging in the air above the monsters location. Risa silently readies her gun, but Tami stops her. “Ooh, let me!”

“You use a bow,” Anri points out.

“And I'm very accurate with it, thank you very much!” Tami points out. “Look at this!”

Tami readies her bow, and lets loose with an arrow which flies through the air at incredible speed... followed by a few more arrows that hit with picture perfect precision, the accumulated pressure causing the tank to explode above the creature, icing it's weak point over and freezing it in place.

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“There's our chance!” you exclaim to Mayu... though the horde of goblins in your path are becoming a littler too much to handle.

“Surrounded...” Mayu mutters in frustration as the ugly creatures close in on the two of you... only for those behind to be trapped with strings piercing and sewing through each of them, holding them in place.

“Crowd control!” Chuichi yells proudly, as he strains to keep his battle strings holding the enemies down.

“Well, there's still the matter of the goblins ahead of us,” you point out. “I don't know if we'll make it in... what's that noise?”

“It sounds like several thousand screaming elephants...” Mayu points out.

You look above to see the source of the sound... Roka coming in from above, ready to smash. “GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!”

Roka smashes into the ground in front of you, launching the vast majority of the goblins into the air and crumbling the earth beneath you and Mayu, launching you both into the air atop misplaced tiles. Well, that's one way to do things... damn is Roka strong.

You and Mayu nod, now having a clear path to the rock golem. You leap from your respective platforms and meeting in the middle, slashing through the frozen rock golem at the point of it's structural weakness, causing it to crumble as you come out the other side.

“Another successful cross attack,” Mayu states proudly.

“Yeah,” you smile. “I guess we make a great team, huh?”

This statement causes Mayu to blush and look away in shame, and you feel the urge to do the same. “Hey, Mayu...” you mutter, as you turn back to her. “I... look out!”

You ready your sword as a goblin springs from the rubble towards Mayu... only for it to be taken out with some quick gunfire. One of the sharpshooters in your squad? Nah, they're too far away, no way they could have acted so fast...

“Hey guys,” a familiar voice calls out from the smoke and rubble. The dust settles, and you see the smiling black haired girl with a turret strapped to her arm. “Miss me?”

“Mio!” You smile, relieved to see your friend so suddenly. “What are you doing here? I thought you were still...”

Mio's smile slowly begins to wane, and you can see the discomfort set in as she steels herself to answer your question. “Well... my dad died.”

>Oh... Mio, I'm so sorry.
>So, does that mean you're in charge of your family business?
>Hug her.
>And you returned here so soon? Why?

>>1965479
>Oh... Mio, I'm so sorry.
>Hug her.

I am legit shocked she is back so soon. Happy to have her, though!

>>1965479
>>Oh... Mio, I'm so sorry.
>>Hug her.
MY BABY

>>1965479
>Oh... Mio, I'm so sorry.
>So, does that mean you're in charge of your family business?

>>1965479
>And you returned here so soon? Why?
Oh I wasnt expecting her so early

>>1965479
>>So, does that mean you're in charge of your family business?
>>Hug her.

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>>1965479
>And you returned here so soon? Why?

>Not using Kaz's real OP picture
Nice try Booker.

>>1965479
>Oh... Mio, I'm so sorry.
>So, does that mean you're in charge of your family business?

>>1965479
>Oh... Mio, I'm so sorry.
>Hug her

>Appreciating her form
Kaz stop being a spaz and kiss her already, Or kiss her and puke your guts out so Ryoji can finally have something to bond with you.

>>1965479
>worst person is back
How can we make her finally leave us alone?

Calling for
>Oh... Mio, I'm so sorry.
>Hug her.

Writing now.

>>1965553
>Touching the snek
Hope Kaz brought lots of hand Sanitizer
100%Joking
All for the Mio loving anon

>>1965567
Im honoured you care so much about me cleric-kun

>>1965471
So what kinds of things can Alice summon up anyways? Can she just create anything that she wants or does it work like UBW where she has to conjure up from her own world or does the Dreamer just havebullshit powers that can spam nukes.

>>1965582
Seems to be the standard reality warping with the occasional laser thrown in. The more complex something is the harder it is to make it seems.

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>Oh... Mio, I'm so sorry.
>Hug her.

You rush to your friends side as you speak, throwing your arms around her in an embrace that is both excited to see the return of one of your closest companions, and comforting of her loss. You know Mio had far from a perfect relationship with her father, but you still know how difficult this must be for her.

Mio is quick to return the embrace, but manages to keep her composure as the Darkworld fades away at the end of the incursion.

After the incursion's end, you and Mio are quick to return to the dorms in order to catch up. Mio quickly throws a record onto the music player you brought to your dorm room from your old room back in Kingudoro before sitting herself on the edge of your bed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6Khmj1ATX0

Considering all that's happened, she seems to be in lighter spirits... but that's Mio, you suppose. Always putting on a cheerful face, whether it's to sell someone a used toaster or to hide her tears.

You hand Mio a warm mug of coffee which she happily sips at while bobbing her head along to the music.

"Are you sure you don't want to talk about anything...?" you ask.

Mio shakes her head. "Sorry, not ready for that yet. Maybe in a few days you and I can sit down and cry about our dads together, but... right now, I'm just happy to be back. I just want to slip back into life here, be the merchant of Dark Gate again... a more honest merchant, of course!"

"Of course," you smile.

"Besides, I'm hardly the important news around here!" Mio laughs. "We're... kinda celebrities now, aren't we?"

You sigh. "Yeah... not a fan to be honest. We've already had a few film crews bothering the academy... and I'm not great in front of cameras."

"I'm sure you'll be fine," Mio smiles comfortingly. "You're biggest problem is that you always doubt yourself when you talk. I think if you had a camera in your face, you'd learn to be more confident in what you're saying!"

"Or... it could make the problem worse."

"That too," Mio admits. "But it'll be exciting to find out!"

Mio, always looking on the bright side of things, though you certainly don't share her outlook.

"But even more importantly..." Mio smirks. "Let's talk about what you've been up to."

"Huh?"

"Well, I couldn't help but notice those googly eyes you and Mayu were giving each-other when I arrived," Mio points out. "Could it be that Kaz has found himself deep in the thralls of romance?"

>N-no, nothing like that!
>Well... I guess, kinda...
>It's uhh... complicated.

>>1965632
>N-no, nothing like that!
>Well... I guess, kinda...
>It's uhh... complicated.
It is the Kaz way to be awkward.

>>1965632
>>N-no, nothing like that!
>>Well... I guess, kinda...
>>It's uhh... complicated.
>>BABBLE AND FREAKOUT

good ol awkward kaz

>>1965632
>>It's uhh... complicated.

MayuxKaz never ever

>>1965632
>"We're... kinda celebrities now, aren't we?"
We? I didn't saw you fighting a demon god or its hellspawn

>N-no, nothing like that!
>Well... I guess, kinda...
>It's uhh... complicated.
One day we will have one MC who doesnt spill his spaghetti when he realizes that he is in love, but this is not the day

Rolled 71 (1d100)

>>1965632
>It's uhh... complicated.
>I keep getting weird thoughts about her

I'll warm up the spaz dice.

>>1965641
My friend I say this as someone with experiance

Sometimes you just need to accept where the wind has taken you.
And that wind has taken us to MayuxKaz

>>1965641
I am sorry to inform you that the MayuxKaz train has no breaks, but may I ask why are you against it?

>>1965661
>not resisting the winds of destiny, to forge your own fate.
baka famalam

>>1965662
I don't like it. I'm all for Mayu/Kaz friendship, and I like Mayu as a character, but shipping her with Kaz feels odd to me.

>>1965632
Well... I guess, kinda...

Calling for
>N-no, nothing like that!
>Well... I guess, kinda...
>It's uhh... complicated.

Writing now.

>>1965670
Really? Honestly she wasnt my first waifu choice for Kaz, or the second for that matter . But I think they had some nice development together and they complement very well.
Just for curiosity who do you ship Kaz with then?

>>1965694
KazXTotalMentalBreakdown

>>1965694
Eh nobody anymore

used to with Sae or maybe Kuin, but I'm not really feelin' it

>>1965704
Please dont vote for Kaz to kill himself again.
>>1965711
Oh Sae was actually my second choice for shipping Kaz too. But you cant really expect for a MC in a quest to dont have a waifu.

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>N-no, nothing like that!
>Well... I guess, kinda...
>It's uhh... complicated.

Mio's smirk widens into a full, devilish grin. "Oh, I see how it is! Our little Kaz has a big crush on a certain someone! What did you do?"

"W-wha?!" You throw your arms up defensively. "N-nothing! She's the one that kissed me!"

Oops, you shouldn't have said that, as Mio's face has now entered an overload of smug. "She what?"

"Forget I said that!"

"No! When?"

"New Year!"

"How romantic!"

"Oh... dammit..." you sigh, defeated. "But... we haven't really talked about it since. I don't know if it was a one time thing or not and I can barely hold a conversation with Mayu right now without getting embarrassed about it... and besides, we've had more important things to worry about lately."

Mio nods her head as she sips her coffee. "Well, do you want my advice?"

"Not particularly-"

"-You and Mayu are like... two penguins," Mio explains. "You're a little strange, you tend to wander and waddle around awkwardly, you're both pretty shy despite being cute as buttons... but when you do find that special someone, that someone is made for you, someone who'll stick by you for life. I think Mayu's your other penguin, you just need to waddle over her way."

"That was... a terrible analogy," you grumble.

Mio pouts. "Well, I improvised! I didn't know where I was going when I started that sentence, so it could have been worse."

The two of you share a small laugh as Mio lets out a yawn. "Oh well, I think it's time I got some rest. See you tomorrow, Kaz."

Mio makes her way to the door, opening it wide, and stepping out into the hallway... as she comes face to face with a pacing Risa.

"Oh... hi," Mio smiles, as Risa stares at her.

"Hello..." Risa replies. "I heard about your dad..."

"Yeah..." Mio shrugs. "I'm sure you aren't happy to see my around, but-"

Mio is interrupted by a quick hug from Risa, who holds her tight, placing her hand gently on the back of Mio's head. "It's okay..."

The two wander off to talk in the lounge, while you let out a yawn yourself. You haven't gotten much rest since New Year, and that incursion took more out of you than you expected.

>I should get an early night. Deal with everything in the morning.
>Hmm... maybe I should stop by Mayu's room...

>>1965760
>>I should get an early night. Deal with everything in the morning.
S L E E P

T I T E

>>1965760
>I should get an early night. Deal with everything in the morning.

>>1965760
>>Hmm... maybe I should stop by Mayu's room...
FULL AWKWARD AT ALL TIMES

>>1965760
>I should get an early night. Deal with everything in the morning.

>>1965760
>Hmm... maybe I should stop by Mayu's room...
Awww Risa is getting better about Mio!

>>1965760
>Hmm... maybe I should stop by Mayu's room...

KISSU KISSU KISSU
Also with the whole penguin analogy, does that mean Kaz should work quick if he doesn't want to be NTR'd?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrHeKcZV7vA

>>1965760
>Hmm... maybe I should stop by Mayu's room...

>>1965760
>>Hmm... maybe I should stop by Mayu's room...

>>1965760
>I should get an early night. Deal with everything in the morning.

Calling for
>Hmm... maybe I should stop by Mayu's room...

Writing now.

>>1965829
Kiss the girl Kaz!

>>1965829
So what are the odds that Mayu is in fact out of her room because SOMEONE brought company over...

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>Hmm... maybe I should stop by Mayu's room...

Mio's words weren't all that helpful at all. If anything, they only exacerbated your insecurities. But it did convince you that it's better to rip the band-aid off now rather than later. That way, it'll be quick and painless... you hope. Oh god, do you hope...

You make your way over to Kiriko and Mayu's dormroom and rap gently on the door. You hear some shuffling from inside before the door creaks open as you see a somewhat red-faced Mayu in her polka-dot pyjamas, holding tight onto... a penguin plushy? Of course.

"What's with the bedtime pal?" you ask.

"Oh..." Mayu mutters, realising she was still holding onto it, becoming more embarrassed in the process. "I have always had a great respect for the penguin, Kazuma. Its ability to survive in even the harshest of cold conditions and its odd form of socialisation have always appealed to me in a strange way I cannot describe..."

You probably could describe it.

"However, I must admit I did not intend for you to see Mr. Pengy here..."

It has a name?! Mayu certainly keeps a lot of details about herself close to the chest...

"Well, I only came by because..." you mutter and mumble, scratching your head as you try to find courage to speak. "Because... well... you know... because of the... well... uhm..."

"Kazuma, I am afraid I do not know," Mayu ponders.

"I... wanted to talk to you," you blurt out. "About... New Years Eve."

Mayu's face turns an even deeper shade of red, as she begins to stammer out a response. "W-well, I-I think that conversation is b-best left until morning... I... I am afraid I must get some rest."

"Oh... okay," you nod. "Well... goodnight."

"Goodnight, Kazuma..." Mayu nods, as the two of you lean in and give each-other a goodnight kiss.

... Wait, what did you just do?!

The two of you pull away quickly and begin to panic, with the mortified Mayu letting out a nervous squeak as she slams the door shut.

"G-goodnight!" Mayu panics, as you hear several locks clicking into place from behind the door.

You meanwhile quickly retreat to your own room and hide under your covers until you inevitably fall asleep.

You awake from being shaken by Chuichi's boot, as he rocks you back and forth. You wipe some drool from your mouth as you check the time. "W-wha?!" you exclaim. "Did I sleep through class?"

"Nah," Chuichi replies. "Mr Kudawa took the day off sick, so we've got some free time on our hands without homeroom. I was thinking you and I could grab some lunch on the roof. What do you say?"

>Lunch sounds good. I could do with a good meal.
>Maybe I should use this free time to train...

>>1965893
>>Lunch sounds good. I could do with a good meal.

>>1965893
>Maybe I should use this free time to train...

>>1965893
>Maybe I should use this free time to train...
>I should invite Mayu

>>1965893
>Lunch sounds good. I could do with a good meal.
Lets spend some time with out bro, it's been a while!

>>1965893
>>Lunch sounds good. I could do with a good meal.
GOD KAZ IS SO FUCKING AWKWARD ITS GREAT

>>1965893
>>Lunch sounds good. I could do with a good meal.

>>1965893
>Lunch sounds good. I could do with a good meal.

Calling for
>Lunch sounds good. I could do with a good meal.

Writing now.

>>1965893
>>Maybe I should use this free time to train...

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>Lunch sounds good. I could do with a good meal.

Chuichi chuckles. "Nice. I have enough left over from what I made last night for the two of us."

"That's nice of you," you reply.

Chuichi shrugs. "Anything the help you forget about whatever made you curl up in bed and fall asleep with your shoes still on."

You blush slightly as the memories flood back to you. Best to take your mind off that for now.

You rise out of bed and follow Chuichi out of the dorm and up to the roof and dig into a rather delicious lunch.

"Mmm, this rice is so good..." you mutter.

"Thanks!" Chuichi exclaims. "My mom's been giving me quick lessons in cooking whenever we both have the time. She keeps hammering home that if I can't be good at anything else, I need to at least be able to feed myself right!"

"Can't be good at anything else...?" you pry.

Chuichi simply leans back and shrugs. "Yeah... I mean, I'm kinda useless, all things considered. I've always tried to do a little of everything. Skateboarding, puppeteering, comedy, picking up girls... I'm kind of a jack of all trades... but not good enough at any of those. My parents would always lecture me about sitting down and sticking to one task... but I guess my brain doesn't work that way. I always wanted to try it all... anything and everything. Maybe that's stupid... that's stupid, right?"

>A little, yeah.
>No, I get it.
>You're not useless. You certainly weren't when you were helping us last night.
>Hey, you can pick up on things pretty quickly! That's a gift, man.

>>1966015
>>Hey, you can pick up on things pretty quickly! That's a gift, man.

>>1966015
>Hey, you can pick up on things pretty quickly! That's a gift, man.

>>1966015
>No, I get it.
>You're not useless. You certainly weren't when you were helping us last night.
>Hey, you can pick up on things pretty quickly! That's a gift, man.

Lets try that again...

Ain't nothing wrong with dabbling. Who knows, he might find the thing he's best at.

That said, he's also a valuable member of the team.

>>1966015
>Hey, you can pick up on things pretty quickly! That's a gift, man.
>Maybe you just need something to motivate you

>>1966015
>>You're not useless. You certainly weren't when you were helping us last night.
See his parents are totally alive, there is no way he killed them along with glasses kun and made puppets using their corpses.

>>1966015
>Hey, you can pick up on things pretty quickly! That's a gift, man.

Calling for
>Hey, you can pick up on things pretty quickly! That's a gift, man.

Writing now.

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>Hey, you can pick up on things pretty quickly! That's a gift, man.

"You really think so?" Chuichi beams with pride. "Thanks... I guess despite what my old folks say, it's not that bad to keep trying new things. Thanks for the advice man."

You shrug. "No problem. I guess I'm just a regular Yoda."

"Huh?"

"Oh, nothing..." you reply. "Just my favourite movie."

"You bunch of nerds," a voice growls.

You look in the direction of the voice to see none other than Roka up on the roof with you, staring out over the courtyard.

"What the?!" you exclaim. "Were you there the whole time?!"

"Long enough for you two to piss me off," Roka grumbles.

Chuichi chuckles. "I guess it's not so bad being a master of none. I could be a master of scowling and growling like Roka over here. I guess us nerds just aren't as cool as the guy who dresses like an 80s superhero."

"ME AND THE RED MASK ARE NOT THE SAME GUY!" Roka denies fruitlessly. "What are you nerds doing up at my spot anyway?!"

"Careful now," Chuichi smirks, pointing in your direction. "You don't want to piss off the boyfriend of your new girlfriend, do you?"

You see Roka's eye twitch as a vein bulges in his forehead. "Tch... whatever. I'm not going to pound on you two only because I like the fly..."

You sigh. "My sister has a name, you know."

"I know!" Roka yells. "And it's a nice name. Kiriko! K-i-r... uhh..."

Chuichi smirks. "Why did you try spelling it? That was only going to end badly for you..."

Roka angrily grumbles to himself as he turns around, looking out over the school. "Whatever... it was worth a shot..."

>Hey, what are you looking at?
>Do you want to join us for lunch?
>Thanks for helping out last night, by the way.
>So... what are your intentions with my sister, anyway?
>Ignore him, and continue with your lunch.

>>1966130
>>Ignore him, and continue with your lunch.
Piss off

>>1966130
>So... what are your intentions with my sister, anyway?
Protective brother mode on.

>>1966130
>Thanks for helping out last night, by the way.
>Do you want to join us for lunch?
>So... what are your intentions with my sister, anyway?
>Hey, what are you looking at?

Protective brotherdad, also, appreciative of help...also also...what has caught his eye? Is it some sneaky lady with a camera?

>>1966130
>>So... what are your intentions with my sister, anyway?
ANIKI MODE

>>1966130
>Ignore him, and continue with your lunch.

>>1966130
>Careful now," Chuichi smirks, pointing in your direction. "You don't want to piss off the boyfriend of your new girlfriend, do you
Nice typo
>Do you want to join us for lunch?
>Thanks for helping out last night, by the way

>>1966130
>Do you want to join us for lunch?

>>1966130
>I-k-o. That's ki-ri-ko
>>So... what are your intentions with my sister, anyway?

>>1966130
>>So... what are your intentions with my sister, anyway?

>inb4 the answer is fuck her

>>1966169
the only person that should do that is us

Calling for
>So... what are your intentions with my sister, anyway?

Writing now.

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>So... what are your intentions with my sister, anyway?

"Oh, look at you!" Chuichi chuckles. "Playing the overprotective dad type, are we?"

"Shut up Brocolli-head," Roka grumbles as he turns to face you. "What do you think my intentions are?"

You cross your arms and lean back, pondering. "Well, I was just curious. You certainly got plenty mushy with her despite how much you'd argue... but I never took you for the romance type."

"I'm not," Roka replies. "And I'm not mushy."

"Sure you're not," you reply. "So then... why my sister? Especially when it seemed like you hated each-other?"

Roka pauses, as he looks out over the school. You wait for a moment, but Roka remains in complete silence. "It's okay if you don't know-"

"-She's the only one who didn't avoid me."

A brief silence cuts through the two of you, only the sound of the winter wind permeating through the rooftop. "What?"

"I came to this school with one purpose..." Roka explains. "To get strong. To go down in the history books as the most powerful damn fighter that ever walked into this place."

"Just like my dad did," you point out.

Roka nods. "All I ever wanted to do was to be big and powerful... like all those heroes I'd see on tv. I wanted to be a real-life version of them, so ever since I was a kid I trained myself. I didn't learn math or history or even how to read or write... but I trained myself and my body. And when I got here... I saw people just as good as I was. You... the icy girl, the pipsqueak, the weird one who liked death... I saw a ton of rivals and obstacles in my wake."

"Do you still see us that w-"

"Yes."

"Oh..."

Roka cracks his neck as he looks to you. "So... I'm aggressive, and obsessed with fighting... and I'm pretty dumb. So people avoided me... all of you. You were scared of me... half of you before I even did anything. You would talk about me behind my back, treat me like some mindless brute to stay away from... but not her. She talked trash to my face! Every day! She was rude, and disrespectful, and made fun of me... but she was never scared of me."

"Roka..."

"And... she was pretty," Roka admits. "... And has a great ass."

Aaaand he ruined it.

"Right..." you sigh. "Thanks for the insight."

"No problem," Roka replies. "Hey... you mentioned your dad. He was real strong, wasn't he?"

"The best."

"Do you plan on being better?" Roka asks, with an earnest curiosity to his question.

>Yeah, of course. Gotta live up to his legacy.
>I don't know, I never put much thought into it.
>Nah... I respect my dad too much to try and beat him.

>>1966234
>Fuck that old man, he gave me a rock that drove me crazy.

>>1966234
>>I don't know, I never put much thought into it.
Gotta do the big strong

>>1966234
Damn Booker these choices
>"Yeah Stronger...... but in different ways, I don't want to sacrifice everything..... like he did"

>>1966234
Now this is an interesting problem, Kaz is rock free but he still has a whole book on daddy issues.
>>1966249
And cleric comes with a nice write in so Ill vote for this.

>>1966234
>"Yeah Stronger...... but in different ways, I don't want to sacrifice everything..... like he did"

>>1966241
This

>>1966234
This
>>1966249

>>1966234
>>I don't know, I never put much thought into it.

Calling for
>Yeah Stronger...... but in different ways, I don't want to sacrifice everything..... like he did

Writing now.

File: Konami Kimura01.png (458 KB, 500x600)

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>Yeah Stronger...... but in different ways, I don't want to sacrifice everything..... like he did

"Sacrifice...?" Roka ponders, raising an eyebrow. "Whatever... all that matters is that you wanna get strong. Good."

"Good?"

Roka nods. "It's not enough to want to overtake your dad. It's not enough to compare myself to some guy who's not around. I want a challenge. Competition. You... the icey girl... the pipsqueak...you're all in my way on the path to greatness. And that's the way I want it..."

"Well aren't you just a bundle of joy!" Chuichi jokes. "But uhh... you guys see what's happening by the gate over there?"

Huh? You stand up and look out over the school courtyard. A large crowd gathered by the school gate, making some sort of a commotion. "What's this, another camera crew?"

"I don't know," Chuichi replies. "Let's find out."

You rush down the steps and out into the courtyard, making your way down to the school gates. Definitely not a camera crew this time... in fact it's a protest. People with picket signs, a woman's voice blaring through a megaphone... what's going on?

"We can't forgive this!" The voice in the megaphone calls out from the crowd. "Children are not soldiers!"

Oh boy... this'll be awkward.

"Maybe we should just sit back for this one," Chuichi mutters. "Wait for the agents to shoo them off the site."

Just as Chuichi speaks, the girl with the megaphone climbs up onto the wall. A girl with dark hair with neatly placed red ribbon tied into it, piercing and passionate blue eyes... and a very familiar face. A very familiar face indeed...

"Uh oh..." you mutter.

"What's wrong?" Chuichi asks. "Who's this chick?"

The girl on the wall spots you and her eyes widen in shock. Her eyes then sharpen as she turns to the crowd and points in your direction. "This boy is an old classmate of mine in middle school. He's a sweet kid, who would keep to himself and listen to music... and now, he's being forced to fight for his life! Do these sound like heroes? Does this sound like justice?"

"Wait, what?!" Chuichi exclaims.

"Konami..." you mutter to yourself.

Konami Kimura was the most popular girl in your middle school, and for good reason. She was pretty, social, kind... and was very passionate on matter she felt where important. She always fancied herself a bit of an activist, often performing volunteer work on the streets of Kingudoro... and outside of Kiriko, she was just about the only person who would give you the time of day. Had you been a little less shy, the two of you would have been very close friends.

... Which makes it very awkward that she's leading a protest against your school. Oh well, that's just your luck, isn't it?

Calling it for tonight. Short session with a late start, but we'll be picking up where we left off for a longer session tomorrow to complete the episode (and expect a little bonus scene later tonight. Thanks for playing!

>>1966352
ahahahAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAAHAHAHAAHAHAH

Oh Kaz and his shit life.

>>1966352
Thanks for running Booker.
>DGA 2 days in a row
What kind of sorcery is this? also this new girls looks annoying hope she gets dragged into some Darkworld problem just to ger her ass saved.

>>1966352
Why do I get the feeling that Konami and Akio's ex are going to team up.

>>1966377
We dont know how competent is Konami but either if she is as incompetent as Michiko or if she is not retarded it will still be funny to see them together.

>>1966352
Thanks for Running Booker
Awww man I won't be around at all tomorrow unless you run really late

>>1966352
Good show boss. Look forward to tomorrow!

>short bonus scene
I am guessing either Mio/Risa, Mayu/Kiriko or Alice/Manabu...

>>1966377
If Konami is as competant as Michiko...we have nothing to worry about, save for maybe laughing to death.

>>1966367
Maybe. Maybe not. For now, sympathize with her lack of understanding.

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>BONUS SCENE

"I didn't expect you to be back so soon."

As Risa pours some tea in the dormitory lounge, Mio leans back snugly in the couch. "I didn't expect it either... but I guess as soon as I could... I couldn't help myself from coming back home."

"Home..." Risa mutters, as she takes a seat next to Mio. "You really think of this place as your home, huh?"

"Sorry..."

"Don't be," Risa corrects her. "I'm not offended by that. Just... a little ashamed."

Mio raises an eyebrow. "Ashamed?"

Risa nods. "Considering what my own family is responsible for, I was never really in a position to judge anyone... yet I judged you. And... I don't think I was wrong to do that. You were a liar and a cheat and a million different shades of dishonourable... but it wasn't in me to make you feel like you didn't belong here. We're all messed up in our own ways... this is no less your home than anyone else's."

"Except Tsuki," Mio points out.

Risa chuckles. "Yeah, I think he's a good place to draw the line."

Mio laughs, and as the laughter fades out her eyes turn to the ground. "Risa, I... did you hear that?"

The sound of a pot smashing just outside the dorm. Ever skittish, Risa and Mio are quick to rise to their feet and investigate. They step outside... to see a blonde boy in armour with his foot stuck in one of Ninsei's flower pots. He's trying to shake it off, but it making a lot of noise with his loud footsteps and the clinking of his armour and weapons on his person.

"Oh, hello ladies..." The guy smirks, trying to pose stylishly with his foot caught in the pot. "Little help?"

Mio and Risa are quick to ready their guns and point them in his direction, causing a bead of sweat to fall down his face. "Aw, what the hell?!"

"Who are you, and what are you doing here?!" Risa demands to know. "Are you a trespasser, a demon? Answer me before I fill you with lead!"

"Whoa, calm down there honey!" the guy laughs. "Don't you recognise me? I work for your dad!"

This does not dissuade Risa from putting down her gun. In fact, it urges her to tighten her finger on the trigger. "Yes, I remember you. You're the one who cheats at dice."

"And you're the plain-looking princess!" The boy adds, causing Risa's eye to twitch in frustration. "Katsuyori, at your service."

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"Somehow, I doubt that," Risa remarks. "Mio, I'll keep an eye on him. You go to the agents and tell them we've got an intruder."

"That'll be a little tough for them to believe," Katsuyori explains as he draws out his own pistol. "You think we didn't run this by your people?"

Katsuyori fires at the roof, calculating the ricochet of his bullet to hit the pot and break it apart on the rebound, freeing him from his embarrassing situation. Mio lets out a low whistle, impressed.

"Run what by the agents?" Risa asks. "What are you doing here? If you think you're going to drag me back home, then you've got another thing-"

"Nah, not that," Katsuyori explains, patting the soil from his pant leg. "Your old man realised that you're all headstrong about staying here, and he's not going to get in the way of that. But considering that his little girl is out fighting monsters almost every night, ol'Aoki couldn't live with himself if he didn't send a bodyguard your way!"

"You? My bodyguard?" Risa scoffs. "You know, the more you talk, the angrier I get. Why do you think that is?"

"Hormones?" Katsuyori asks, before Risa fires a bullet at his feet, causing him to skittishly hop out of the way. "I was joking!"

"You're not my bodyguard," Risa states. "You'll never be my bodyguard. I don't care what orders you got from my father or how much he's paying you to worm your way into my life and keep an eye on me. I neither need nor want the help of a low-down skeezy cheating hired goon with blood on his hands."

"Then don't think of me as a hired goon!" Katsuyori insists with a smile. "Think of me as... as a new member of the family!"

"Well in that case," Risa mutters before trailing off as she and Mio step inside. Katsuyori rushes after them, but discovers how quickly they locked the doors to the dorm.

"Oh come on!" Katsuyori yells. "I was told you'd be difficult, but I'm just doing my job here, lady! Am I really that bad-"

"Yes!" Risa's voice from behind the door yells.

"Fine, I'll just wait out here until you're ready to talk like a grown-up!" Katsuyori yells back, before leaning against the wall and letting out a sigh. "Dammit Katsuyori... what have you roped yourself into this time... idiot..."

Katsuyori hears the clicking of the lock as the dormitory door creaks open, Risa poking her head out while holding a blanket.

"Are you ready to talk-"

"No," Risa replies. "But you'll freeze to death if you wait out here. You can sleep on the couch for tonight."

Risa hands the blanket to a cautious Katsuyori, a look of confusion on his face. Risa can tell it's not often anyone shows him some generosity.

"Thanks, lady."

"Don't mention it. Seriously, if you do I'll shoot you."

END OF SCENE

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>Bonus Scene

"Excuse me..." Sayeka mutters as she approaches the hooded blonde boy sitting by the school gate. "Are you... lonely?"

Taiyo looks up from underneath his hood at the striking blind girl. "Excuse me?"

"O-oh, apologies..." Sayeka mutters, giving a respectful bow. "I meant to ask if you were alone."

"I see..." Taiyo replies. "Yes, I am. Though... I'm curious as to how you knew I was here. Considering you condition... I don't make a lot of noise, do I?"

Sayeka shakes her head. "No. I was lead here."

"By who?"

The squeak from the hedgehog resting on Sayeka's shoulder answers that question.

"I think she was eager to see you again," Sayeka explains. "She would start squeaking when you were nearby, and her squeaking would get louder the closer I was to you."

"I see..." Taiyo nods as he places out his hands for the hedgehog to walk into his palms. He lightly strokes and pets her before turning to Sayeka. "Did you ever decide on a name for her?"

"Yes," Sayeka replies. "Murble."

"Murble?"

"It was my friend Akemi's suggestion..." Sayeka explains. "I remembered what you said about wanting it to have an original name that it could claim for itself... so that's with I went with."

"In that case, it's an excellent name," Taiyo smiles. "I suppose I never did thank you for taking care of Murble in my absence."

"There's no need," Sayeka smiles. "In truth, I've grown quite attached to her. And besides... how could you thank me when we haven't spoken since that day? In fact, you seem adamant not to speak to anyone. You've even been preventing my visions from seeing you again."

Taiyo covers his face in his hood as he looks down at the ground. "I'm sorry... I've always had a reputation as a recluse here. Before it was because I wanted to stay hidden... now it's due to the shame a feel. For the destruction caused, the lives lost... at my hand."

"At Tsuki's hand," Sayeka correct him reassuringly. "You were an unwilling captive."

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Taiyo shakes his head. "No... this was all my fault. When we first split, I could have killed The Moon but chose not to out of mercy. After that, I thought that I could continue life while keeping him in line, preventing him from acting out of turn. I grew too confident in my abilities and underestimated his, began to disbelieve that The Moon would ever take action... and when he did I was taken completely by surprise. I could have prevented it... and when he merged us together again... I could feel all the blood on my hands. I can't look the people of this academy in the eye anymore... the only reason I remain is because I have nowhere else to go... and someone has to take care of these animals. Though it's been difficult finding some of my woodland friends..."

"Most animals hibernate during winter here on earth," Sayeka explains. "Murble should be as well, but she has boundless energy."

"Hmm, that sounds about right..." Taiyo smiles, gently stroking the hedgehog when a group of angry people begin to approach the school gate. "Hm?"

Sayeka listens out for the crowd, and as a girl begins to speak on a megaphone, she lets out a sigh. "Protesters... I've envisioned this happening..."

Taiyo's eyes dart back and forth in anxiousness. "I... I should go."

"No," Sayeka replies with determination. "Let's escape into town. I'll treat you to lunch."

"... Very well," Taiyo nods after giving it some thought. "Shall we go?"

"Yes, but you'll need to lead my by the arm," Sayeka explains. "The path into town I'm more familiar with is through the crowd. Do you mind?"

Taiyo smiles as he links his arm in Sayeka's, and the hedgehog lets out a happy squeak. "Not at all."

END OF SCENE

>>1972013
Awww, that was sweet. Murble is a nice name. Gotta run from those protestors.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9ffifs1L3k

The crowd is flared up, as Konami stands on the wall, pumping her fist with a megaphone in hand. "We demand justice!" Konami yells. "Justice for the children!"

"So... she's an old school-mate of yours?" Chuichi asks. "And old flame perhaps?"

"No," you sigh. "Oh, I really didn't expect to see her here... or at all."

"What the heck is going on?" Kiriko's voice calls out, as you turn around to see her, Mayu and Hanako standing by watching the commotion. You and Mayu lock eyes for a moment before you both look swiftly away. "Wait a minute... is that...?"

"K-Konami?!" Hanako gasps, completing the thought. Damn even she knows who Konami Kimura is... makes sense. While Hanako didn't attend your middle school, she lived in your neighbourhood, and Konami was very popular.

Konami turns around to see two more familiar faces and lets out a gasp. She instinctively hops down from the wall and begins to run towards your group. "Kiriko! Hanako!"

Kiriko rushes towards Konami and the two embrace in a hug. Hanako also moves to meet her old friend, but trips right out the starting gate.

"I can't believe it..." Konami mutters. "Are you guys okay? They're not hurting you right?"

You raise an eyebrow. "Hurting us?"

Konami wipes a passionate tear from her eye. "Oh, when I saw it on the news... it was just awful! Everyone celebrating this school that would force innocent students in those kinds of situations... I'm just glad to see you guys are okay."

Konami places a gentle hand on your shoulder as Chuichi smirks, ready to tease you later.

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"This is our duty," Mayu states with an icy stare in Konami's direction.

Konami pulls her hand from your shoulder and frowns. "Well, I'll save my accusations of this school taking advantage of the emotionally stunted for later... what are you doing in a place like this?"

"We live here," Kiriko explains. "And it's not as bad as it seems on paper. We like it here... we made friends. Hell, I have a boyfriend now!"

"Oh?" Konami ponders. "Where is he?"

Kiriko points to the school gate. "He's over there... arguing with some protesters..."

"Who you calling a scarred gorilla?" Roka yells, shaking the bars of the gate. "I'll show you a real demon!"

Kiriko sighs and ports over to pull Roka away while you turn to Konami. "We're volunteers... I know it looks shady... and it kinda is, but you really do have to hear the full story."

Konami nods. "Well... if I can't give my old classmate the benefit of the doubt, who can I? Your hair looks very nice, by the way."

"O-oh, thanks..."

"If you say I need to hear the full story, then I'm willing to hear!" Konami smiles. "How about you run it by me over some ramen tomorrow? We can sit down and catch up too! What do you say?"

>Sure, sounds great! It's good to see you again, Konami.
>Kiriko and Hanako can join in, I'm sure they've got more to tell you than I do...
>Eh, I don't know... I might be busy tomorrow, doing... uhh... something.
>Sorry, I might get in trouble for something like that. I'm sure the school will explain themselves soon.

>>1977737
>>Kiriko and Hanako can join in, I'm sure they've got more to tell you than I do...

>>1977737
>>Sure, sounds great! It's good to see you again, Konami.

>>1977737
>>Kiriko and Hanako can join in, I'm sure they've got more to tell you than I do...

>>1977737
>>Sure, sounds great! It's good to see you again, Konami
I feel like if we invite anyone else it'll end up with bringing the whole class.

>>1977737
>Kiriko and Hanako can join in, I'm sure they've got more to tell you than I do...

>>1977737
>Kiriko and Hanako can join in, I'm sure they've got more to tell you than I do...

Calling for
>Kiriko and Hanako can join in, I'm sure they've got more to tell you than I do...

Writing now.

>>1977756
>I feel like if we invite anyone else it'll end up with bringing the whole class
Implying that isn't exactly what I want to happen

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>Kiriko and Hanako can join in, I'm sure they've got more to tell you than I do...

"Oh, classic Kazuma!" Konami laughs, as she begins to rustle your hair, just as she did often back in middle school. "You're still being as hard on yourself as ever, I see. But... that sounds like an excellent idea! It'll be great to catch up on my old schoolmates, well apart from Hanako... you're kind of the black sheep in the situation."

"W-wha?!" Hanako whines in surprise.

"Anyway!" Konami smiles. "It's a date! We'll catch up... and maybe I'll find out something new about this supposed academy!"

Chuichi raises an eyebrow as he looks around the group. "Uhh, anyone else feeling the aura of quiet rage from Mayu right now? Just me? Okay..."

"BEGONE, MISCREANTS!" the voice of Kuin yells, as she shakes a riding crop in the air while approaching the scene alongside a tired Agent Blue. "You trespass in the domain of your glorious and benevolent dictator, a crime punishable by public execution! Don't make me sic my mightiest knight on you!"

"A dictator..." Konami gasps in shock, apparently taking Kuin's words at face value.

"Okay folks," Blue announces to the crowd. "I know you're all very excited about getting angry and yelling over something you don't even know about yet, but I'm gonna have to ask you all to get off our property. You can protest in the village and cause a public disturbance, or petition at the bottom of lake Dakugeto for all I care, but you can't stay here. The Principal of the school will be holding a press conference this Friday, maybe you can hold off getting your panties in a twist until then?"

Blue turns his head to Konami. "That includes you, missy. You really shouldn't be on school grounds."

"Sorry, she's an old friend," you explain.

Blue looks Konami up and down and nods. "Alright kiddo. In that case, I'll ask your friend to leave instead of tossing her over the gate."

"You're in a mood this morning," Chuichi explains. "You're starting to sound like your pal Green."

"Oof, you sure know how to wound a guy," Blue chuckles. "Okay lady, get your butt outta here."

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Konami waves goodbye to you and the group, joining the sea of protesters who follow her like a gang away from the gates. She was always good at gathering a following, but you never thought she could influence people just that strongly.

"Did they throw anything at you kids?" Blue asks.

"Looks like Roka got coated in tomatoes," Chuichi points out. "But he was kinda asking for it."

"And the tomatoes he dodged would go good in a soup!" Hanako smiles, hoping to look on the bright side of things as she holds a large pile of them in her arms. You're guessing under three minutes before that goes horribly wrong.

Blue sighs. "Dammit, I'm gonna need more cigarettes to get through today."

Blue takes off, and the rest of the group scatter as they realise they still have some classes left in the day... but you wait behind, staring at a red-faced Mayu.

"You didn't seem to like Konami very much," you joke. "Jealous?"

"A-Ah!" Mayu lets out a nervous squeak, becoming even more embarrassed. "Kazuma... last night when we... you must know, I-"

And just when you were about to get a conversation out of the girl, is when Hanako comes flying into Mayu from afar with a handful of tomatoes, coating the both of them, as Hanako lets out a mortified apology. You should have seen that coming...

Mayu rises to her feet, but is quick to run off... to embarrassed to hold the conversation any further. You don't blame her, you were just about ready to do the same. You let out a sigh, and head to class as usual.

After Miss Hirashi's English lesson comes to a close, you decide to stay in her classroom for the time being until your next class, hoping to avoid any more awkward situations like you've been saddled with thus far today. And it seems you're not the only one that got this idea.

You notice Risa staring out the window facing the courtyard, while Anri studies Yasunari's old diary at her desk with a stern expression.

>Talk to Risa
>Talk to Anri
>Keep to myself, don't talk to anyone

>>1977879
>Talk to Risa
Both Risa and Anri are pretty good to talk to. I will go with Risa. But ain't against mystery buds!

Also, damn it Hanako! You ruined it!

>>1977879
>Talk to Anri

>>1977879
>>Keep to myself, don't talk to anyone
CRAAAAAAAAAWLING IIIIIIIIIIN MY SKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN

>>1977879
>>Talk to Risa

>>1977879
>Talk to Anri

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>1977885
>>1977892
>Talk to Risa

>>1977886
>>1977901
>Talk to Anri

Rolling to break the tie.

>>1977879
>>Talk to Anri

>>1977931
Eh, I'll count this vote instead since it came so quickly.

Calling for
>Talk to Anri
Writing now.

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>Talk to Anri

Risa seems to be lost in thought, so you decide not to bother her. Besides, Anri is looking through Yasunari's old journal, she may have discovered something important regarding his death.

"I'm shocked to see you actually turning up for class," you comment as you approach her desk.

Anri looks up from the book and gives a nod. "Right... sorry, I'm focused on this journal at the moment."

"Discover anything new?" you ask.

Anri pauses. "Well... I noticed that there are a few missing pages from the centre of the journal. It's difficult not to find that suspect."

"You think someone tampered with the journal?" you ask.

Anri nods. "It seems that way, unless Yasunari tore out pages himself. But if so... what purpose was there behind such an action? My other suspicion... well, maybe I'm looking too much into things..."

"What is it?"

Anri thumbs through a page in the journal. "There are several mentions of him meeting up with Atasuke. There's nothing suspicious in his descriptions of the meetings... in fact, they're rather mundane. Eating lunch, discussing class projects, that sort of thing."

"Okay..." you mutter. "Then what's the problem?"

"Any time I've brought the subject of Yasunari in the past, Atasuke has acted as though he didn't know his name. Always referring to him as 'that boy' or 'the handsome boy who looked like a butler' or something along those lines. But by what's written in Atasuke's diary, they seemed to be acquaintances. At the very least on a first name basis, right?"

"Maybe," you reply. "But Atasuke is pretty vain. He tends to refer to most people in vague terms like that."

Anri leafs through the journal with a concerned look. "Perhaps... and it may be presumptuous of me to confront him on the matter without reading further. What do you think, Kazuma?"

>Yeah, I'd hold off on gathering more information before confronting him about it.
>It couldn't ask to ask him a few questions, could it?

>>1978000
>>It couldn't ask to ask him a few questions, could it?
Screen time

>>1978000
>It couldn't ask to ask him a few questions, could it?
>Be gentle though.

She can get a little...excites in the moment.

>>1978000
>It couldn't ask to ask him a few questions, could it?

>>1978000
>>It couldn't ask to ask him a few questions, could it?

Calling for
>It couldn't hurt to ask him a few questions, could it?

Writing now.

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>It couldn't hurt to ask him a few questions, could it?

"I suppose it couldn't..." Anri mutters. "As long as we approach the subject with tact... let's go."

"Right, well good luck with-wait what?" you ask. "Let's go?"

Anri nods as she springs from her chair, closing over the journal. "Right! If we're going to question Atasuke, I'll need to act fast, and have my partner with me. You're more intimidating than I am, which is an important aspect of questioning."

"Am I?!" You exclaim, but Anri has already made up her mind. You follow her out the door and down the hallway, making your way out into the courtyard where Atasuke is smelling some roses. Better than spying on people as he usually does.

"Oho, what's this?" Atasuke smiles. "You're approaching me with some solid determination, my dear detective. I know what you're asking... and of course you have permission to feature me in your next romantic fiction."

"H-how did you know about-" Anri begins, but catches herself with a cough. "No... Atasuke Toyama, I have something I need to ask you. How did you know Yasunari of Class 1?"

"Yasunari?" Atasuke ponders. "Oh yes, that nice black haired-"

"Don't play dumb," you chime in. "In his journal it mentions that you would eat lunch together. Why are you lying to us about how well you knew him?"

Atasuke raises an eyebrow. "Reading through a dead boys belongings? How utterly macabre of you! But... I suppose the evidence is there. No sense in hiding it anymore, oh... this pains me to reveal such a secret..."

"What is it?" Anri asks.

"Yasunari and I..." Atasuke sighs. "We were lovers."

"... What?" You reply.

"It's true!" Atasuke relies, choking up. "And I mourn the loss of that boy every day. He never wanted our relationship to be made public, but it seems my hand has been forced. I'm sorry, my dear Yasunari... I'm so sorry..."

Atasuke wipes tears from his eyes as he wanders off, quietly sobbing to himself. Well, that was awkward to see...

"He's still lying," Anri states.

You raise an eyebrow. "Can we be sure? I mean, he sounded pretty convincing... and Atasuke tends to have a lot of lovers..."

"Yes," Anri explains. "But in first semester I wrote romantic fiction on the two of them. My romantic fiction never comes true."

"Uhh... I don't think that holds up as evidence," you reply.

Anri places a finger to her chin. "He was obviously deflecting from the real questions... whether that's because he has something truly to hide or simply wants to avoid suspicion with a convincing enough cover story begs to be seen... but how am I supposed to get the truth out of him?"

>Maybe get Gado to interrogate him a little? Gado could probably scare the truth out of someone.
>Follow him around, try to figure out what he does all day.
>I don't condone it, but maybe he has a journal of his own? If you could get your hands on that...
>This lead seems pretty dead. Maybe you should consult Yasunari's journal for more information?

>>1978127
>I don't condone it, but maybe he has a journal of his own? If you could get your hands on that...
Inb4 we find Atasuke's little black book

>>1978127
>Table it for now Pursue other leads. Get him yo relax and drop his guard.
>Then follow him

Uhhhh where did everyone go?

>>1978127
>>I don't condone it, but maybe he has a journal of his own? If you could get your hands on that...

>>1978127
>>I don't condone it, but maybe he has a journal of his own? If you could get your hands on that...
FUCK PRIVACY

>>1978127
>>Follow him around, try to figure out what he does all day.
Not interested in the case but I want to know what is his deal, even fucking Ukon and Blond Ukon with boobies have had more screen time than him

Calling for
>I don't condone it, but maybe he has a journal of his own? If you could get your hands on that...

Writing now.

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>I don't condone it, but maybe he has a journal of his own? If you could get your hands on that..

"That would be stealing," Anri explains. "I'm not eager to commit a crime in order to solve another."

You shrug. "I mean, I'm not a fan of it either... but if it ends up being for the greater good, swiping one journal isn't all that bad. Haven't you ever stolen something before?"

"W-what?!" Anri yells. "N-no, of course not! I w-would never steal anything, who told you s-something like that?!"

"Uhh..." you mutter. "I was just..."

Anri sighs. "S-sorry... I suppose I got a little carried away... excuse me, Kazuma. I'm going to check out the dorms."

Anri rushes past you and makes her way to the dorms. What the hell was that about? Oh well... you head back inside and wander the hallway a little, before someone bumps into you from the side.

"Oh, don't-a mind-a me!" Takeshi calls out in a terrible Italian accent as he brushes by you carrying his mop bucket while... wearing a fake moustache. Oh boy.

"Takeshi-sensei, what are you doing?" you ask, before being shushed by Takeshi.

Takeshi peels back the fake moustache and whispers. "I'm in disguise!"

"Okay... explain yourself."

Takeshi smiles. "Well, I figured you might want a pep talk from your sensei, but you'd probably be embarrassed if your classmates saw me pulling you away for a private conversation, so I disguised myself as a janitor, bumped into you, and now our conversation seems perfectly normal and casual!"

"Sensei... you already are the janitor," you point out. Takeshi pauses in thought, and the look on his face tells you that his brain just short-circuited on processing that information.

"Oh... right. I think I forgot that over winter break," Takeshi admits. "Anyway... I've noticed you've been having some girl troubles."

"Oh god..." you mutter. "Not this stuff... and you're the last person I'd want to take advice from when it comes to romance... no offence."

"None taken," Takeshi smiles innocently. "After all, I'm with the love of my life!"

Crap he's got you there. Takeshi moves his mob bucket out of the way as he readies to give you a heart to heart. "Listen Kaz... I know what you're going through. I was your age when I first met Tekina, so I know what it's like. You've got all these feelings pent up-"

"-You don't know my feelings," you sigh. "Hell... I don't know my own feelings. They're..."

"... All over the place?" Takeshi finishes. "Yeah, I know how it is, little buddy. Everything that runs around in your brain, all that nasty stuff like all your fears and your doubts... it tends to do this thing where it coats itself in all good feelings, tries to taint them, telling you that... you don't deserve what you want... or trying to tell you that you don't know what you want. But what goes on in your head can't stop what goes on in your heart! Just look at me, I haven't listened to my head in years!"

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"I'm not surprised..."

Takeshi places a hand on your shoulder. "Look... I met the love of my life when I was 15 years old... and I didn't work up the nerve to do anything until I was 27. I missed out on what could have been 12 amazing years of my life because I was scared and held myself back... and I didn't act because it was easier to do so by that point. If anything, it was harder... but in truth, all those difficulties, all those apparent complications and obstacles standing in your way... it's not the giant wall you think it is. Most of the time, you're just looking at it from a bad angle. If you pushed forward and got closer... you'd see that it's only a foot tall, with a paradise on the other side... and sometimes it's even bigger than you thought. But you don't know until you make that charge forward... I suggest you do, Kaz. You don't want to end up a lame, stupid failure of a teacher like me."

"Sensei..." you mutter with a tone of pity. "You're not a-"

"It's okay, I know how people see me," Takeshi chuckles. "It's my own fault. I stumble and I bumble... hard to see me any other way. Kaz... I know you have your insecurities. Mayu does too. But if you two truly like each-other... you can't keep stumbling through conversations and avoiding your feelings because you're scared of what might happen. You'll take that one foot forward... and go to her. I mean... if that's what you want. Maybe I misread things and talked your ear off for nothing! W-well, take care buddy!"

Takeshi smiles and pats you on the back.as he drags his mop bucket back down the corridor. A bizarre, stupid pep talk... but one you just can't shake. His words... they seemed to make a lot of sense.

You like her... but your family... but that kiss... but her father... but that duel... but you're weak... but the way she looks at you... dammit... what are you doing?

>Go to her.
>Go to your room.

>>1978322
>>Go to her.

Might be stupid, but it's what we want anyway.

And honestly, becoming Takeshi-like wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, considering how happy he is.

>>1978322
>Go to your room.

>>1978322
>>Go to your room.
B E G O N E

T H O T

>>1978322
>>Go to her.

>>1978322
>Go to her
Based Janitor cleaning up the mess

>>1978322
>>Go to her.

>>1978322
>>Go to her.
I have accepted what is to come

>>1978322
>Go to her.

Calling for
>Go to her.

Writing now.

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Alright, folks.

Here it be.

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>Go to her

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfHfR1jAzWQ

You know what? Screw it. You've been tiptoeing around the fact for a long time now, and doing your best to avoid the truth... but to what end? So you wouldn't have to stand up and take action for yourself? That's pathetic. You need to grow up, and decide on what you want. No more second guesses, no more doubting. Think of what Takeshi said... and think of what Ryoji-senpai would do?

After internally vomiting that you turned to Ryoji for guidance, you make up your mind. From the time you spent together every day, to the duel in the tournament, to that moment on New Year... it's so damn obvious that you're in love with Mayu. And all of the pain and the hardship... the stone, the incident in the cave, your respective fathers... it's all in the past. Forgotten accidents and events that aren't your fault. She doesn't hold any resentment or blame towards you... the only thing that's been holding yourself back is yourself. Because you were scared... well, it's a New Year. Times have changed, and you're done being scared.

You run out the door, your feet instinctively taking you to where you know Mayu will be at this time of day. She'll just be finishing up her mid-afternoon training session right about now, so she'll be resting in the dorm lounge. You make your way there, and see Mayu patting her hair with a towel. She spots you, and her eyes widen, a sudden blush setting in.

"Kazuma..." she mutters... and you greet her with a kiss.

Mayu is quick to drop the towel by her side, instinctively returning the affection, but as you pull back, you see her frown, and tears forming in her eyes. "Kazuma... I am so sorry. We... It is not right for me to... it would be wrong of me to court you. With the history of our families, I-"

"I don't care about that," you reply. "I loved my father just as much as you loved yours, but they don't matter here. This isn't about our families, or our names, or the shadows we're lying in... this is about us. To me, you're not Mayu Nakatoni, daughter of Kano Nakatoni who was once a close friend of my father... you're just Mayu. Who am I to you?"

Mayu pauses, as her fingers lightly brush against your chest, staying close and pressed up to you in an embrace. "You are Kazuma... and that name means more to me than any other."

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So... she does feel the same way. After all the stuttering and bad attempts at conversation, you now know for certain that the two of you are on the same page. Now comes the hard part... actually putting your feelings to words. How... how are you supposed to do this? Confessing to a girl is... well, it's kinda nerve-wracking. But... but you can do it... you think. Just... just say it. Come on, just get it out there... no matter how nervous you are you just need to power through and say those three simple words that's on your mind.

"Mayu, I..." you mutter. "I... uhh, that is to say... well, you know... I..."

"I know."

Mayu looks at you with a small, yet powerful smile. "You do not need to say it. We both know what we feel. We can let it go unspoken."

Yeah... this girl gets you.

You embrace with Mayu, the two of you pressing your faces together as you hold the other close... and for once in your life, the whole world around you crumbles. Your father, your mother, your insecurities, the Darkworld... it all fades away, until it's just you and here. And you smile.

An hour later, you're awoken from your nap on the couch, Mayu nestling into your arms. The loud noise of the dorm entrance door bursting open jolts the both of you awake, with the protective Mayu quickly summoning her sword in the surprise.

"Keiji-senpai? What are you doing here? Where are you going?" you hear Maro's voice call out as footsteps enter the dorm. But... who the hell is Keiji?

You get your answer as a tall and elegant looking red-haired man comes into the lounge, carrying... what the?

Carried in his arms... is an unconscious Kaiya. But... she disappeared after the battle in Kingudoro. Who is this guy? How did he find her? How did he know to bring her here?

"Who are you?" Mayu demands to know, still considering him as an intruder and potential threat. You see why too... he's armed.

"It's okay," Maro explains. "This is Keiji... he's a former student of the academy. He was my upperclassmen."

"And I come bearing a gift!" he snidely jokes, holding Kaiya in his arms. "Do you mind moving out of the way, so that I may lay my sister on the couch?"

"S-sure..." you reply, still tired and drowzy. "W-wait a minute, did you just say-"

"You're a sharp tool, aren't you?" Keiji replies. "Kaiya here is my younger sister... what's left of her, anyway."

And just like that, the whole world comes flooding back, and you remember just how complicated it all is.

END OF EPISODE 3

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ePxx3VI_OQ

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

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

Thanks for playing! Took a bit longer to finish this thread than I expected with a few delays, but thanks for playing! Next thread will feature Saki whipping the rest of Class 2 into shape!

>Player Question
Well, Kaz found himself a routelock, how about that? How do you think Kaz and Mayu's relationship will go from here? And what are your thoughts on this Keiji guy?

>>1978567
First off. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! Go Penguins go!


And now my jaw drops with Kaiya reveal...I want to know where this goes so bad!

Damn it Booker!

>>1978606
Thanks for running booker.

> PQ
Keiji a rad, senpai characters are almost always cool. And he brought with him the best gift of all, the gift of a waifu. What a guy.

>>1978606
>Well, Kaz found himself a routelock, how about that?
Go team Penguin! Kiriko probably already sent Kaz's mom pictures of Mayu and Kaz cuddling on the sofa.
>How do you think Kaz and Mayu's relationship will go from here?
Quiet handholding and alot more sparing.
And then Kaz will have to face thr true final boss of his arc. Mayu's Mother...
>And what are your thoughts on this Keiji guy?
The meat eater is back and she brought her Onii-Chan along,I'm excited to see where this goes. Hanako will be ecstatic to have her roommate back.

>>1978606
it was all simply fated

>>1978567
Time for Kaz's new theme song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18ljLPZEfjs

>>1978606
>PQ
As someone that has wanted it since last season's finale. I am happu its come together.

I expect awkwardness and a relationship of helping the other get through their own demons. I also expect a rather intimate, albeit sexless relationship for a long while. That and I still wait for the awkward cringe of Kaz looking at Mayu's scar.

Here is to getting to the best joke. The reveal of the unsecret to class 1 that they are now a couple! It will be sweet and dramatic...well for them at least.

I am very shocked Mio AND Kaiya came back so soon. Though Kaiya is in the Raiden sphere of being there, but not "here". The mystery continues...

And now we have her brother. Which through me for a loop. His relationship with Maro will be fun, but his relationship with Class 1 will be amazing.

Good show, boss!

>>1978606
Missed the whole second half but I am glad that he finally sorted out his feelings and it was Takeshi of all people the one who gave him the little push he needed in a very Takeshi way.
>Player Question
They are not over their awkward phase, and with Rioji and Mio back in town I think they better get used to the teasing.
This new guy seems cool, and I am looking forward to learn more about Kaiya. Even if she stole Kaz season finale boss fight.