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“Almost there, kids. Sit tight.”

You barely pay attention to Blue's words, staring out the window with your head resting on your palm. The minibus Blue's driving is rather cramped with all the students they've packed in, and he still hasn't even revealed where this supposed school trip is supposed to be.

“I hope you're not taking us to some boring factory tour,” Chuichi groans in the seat beside yours. “I'm hoping fun fair or above!”

No offence to Chuichi, but you'd much rather be seated beside Mayu. I'm sure your friend couldn't blame you for wanting that. Unfortunately, it's the teacher they decided should chaperone this trip that stands in your way...

You look over to see Mayu adjusting her fringe, before Act's hand reaches out and stops her. “My baby, your hair is already perfect... and if anyone disagrees, I'll rip out their tongue!”

Yep, Act has been detachable from her beloved daughter all morning. Mayu isn't often one to wear her expressions on her sleeve, but you can tell from the look on her face that she's conflicted. Grateful that her mother is by her side and fussing over her to boot, but also uncomfortable with Act Nakatoni's... unique personality. You're just bummed that this surprise trip wasn't enough to separate you from Act, and give you a chance to be with your girlfriend without worrying about her unhinged mother wanting to slice your head off for defiling her precious baby or something.

“Did you really have to follow me here, too?” Risa mutters, as Katsuyori leans back in his chair.

“What do you expect me to do?” he points out. “I'm supposed to be your bodyguard. That includes when you're off-campus. Sorry for doing my job right, princess.”

Risa scoffs. “Whatever. Just don't think you can throw your weight around civilians. Ninsei and Gado have their eyes on you, right guys?”

“Hm?” Gado raises an eyebrow. “Oh... sure.”

Risa pauses. “You guys have been soft on Katsuyori all morning. What's up?”

“Maybe they've been taken in by my charming personality?” Katsuyori suggests, earning a poke in the ribs from a ticked off Risa.

“Are we there yet?” Kuin exclaims. “The dictator demands we stop... mainly because I have to pee...”

“We'll be there soon,” Gado reassures her.

Katsuyori chuckles. “Weird that you follow around a girl in a cape pretending to be a dictator.”

“And you follow the real deal,” Risa mutters. “What's your point?”

“I'd also like to stop soon,” Chuichi adds. “Alice has been sleeping across our legs so my foot's asleep, and Kaiya is... staring.”

“My sister will do that,” Keiji smirks, having chosen to accompany his homunculus sister on this trip.

“Then anyone care to explain why this creep keeps staring at me?” Sae states, pointing towards Atasuke.

“Darling, you shouldn't think of yourself as a special case,” Atasuke points out. “I has my eyes on Tanaka-san here just as often!”

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“I don't know if I should be complimented or disgusted,” Mio sighs.

Anri pokes her head between seats and begins to whisper to you. “Don't you think this sudden trip is quite mysterious? I feel it's in our best interests to investigate it.”

You sigh. “Can't we just enjoy it, whatever it is?”

Akuro chuckles from the front seat. “God, you guys are all such babies. This is why I was allowed to sit up front!”

Akuro continues to chuckle, but jumps in fear when she sees an upset Act looming over her. “Did you insult my Mayu, little girl?”

“N-no ma'am!” Akuro cries in fear. “Mayu and me are just great friends, right?”

“We are?” Mayu pauses, before a poke from Mio fills her in on what her answer is. “Ah... yes. We are. Best friends, in fact. I would never be apart from my most treasured ally...”

“Akuro,” Akuro fills her in on her name out of valid fear that she had forgotten. “See? W-we even finish each-others sentences! Haha!”

The minibus comes to a stop as Blue addresses the students. “Welcome to the small town of Esukēpu.” It's nothing special, you've probably never heard of it. Just a nice simple quiet town.”

“Then why did you bring us here?” you ask.

“Because,” Blue explains, as he steps out of the bus. The rest of you do in turn. “This small simple quiet town happens to have... ta-dah! A beach!”

Blue presents before you... a rather dismal looking beach. I mean, what could he have expected? It's a small town, and it's the middle of winter. Hardly the most impressive time to go to the beach.

“You took us to the beach... in January?” Chuichi points out. “Geez Blue, you must be the king of dashing hopes and dreams.”

“You really know how to wound a guy, you know that?” Blue smirks. “Look, the beach is the beach, and I imagine half of you like the idea of getting away to a quiet place for the day, no matter where it is. Be thankful, it took me half a tank of gas to get you here-”

“Pee, pee, pee!” Kuin exclaims as she runs off to find the nearest suitable bathroom while Gado chases after her.

“Well, this is pretty depressing,” you mutter, stepping onto the beach.

“I know, right?” Mio states. “Two young lovers take a trip to the beach, and yet they can't be together, due to a disturbed samurai in the way...”

Mio swoons, as you sigh. “Not what I meant.”

You see a smirk developing on Mio's face. Seems a lightbulb has gone off in her head. “But what if... I was able to keep Act distracted for the entire day? It would allow you and Mayu to have an actual date on the beach! It would be the best thing to come out of this trip!”

“You think you could keep her distracted?” you ask.

Mio chuckles and strikes a pose. “Kaz! Did you forget who you were talking to? Mio Tanaka could sell a bible to an Archdemon!”

>Thanks, Mio. It'd be nice to spend some time with Mayu today.
>Forget about it. You don't need to do anything for my sake.

>>2386111
>>Thanks, Mio. It'd be nice to spend some time with Mayu today.

I guess this is when we kill Mio off.
(Also Booker if you'd just maybe consider renaming Kaiya to a "HAMunculus" that'd be greatly appreciated thanks.)

>>2386111
>Thanks, Mio. It'd be nice to spend some time with Mayu today.
Sounds like a lame and with no swimsuits beach episode, also I think Mio has a death wish.

>>2386111
>Thanks, Mio. It'd be nice to spend some time with Mayu today.
>But do be careful...and let us know if things go wrong

>>2386111
>>Thanks, Mio. It'd be nice to spend some time with Mayu today.
Now that is an interesting cast for today's episode.
Also Chuichi you dense idiot just because someone is an abomination against nature filled with Dark World magic doesn't mean she has no feelings.

>>2386111
>Thanks, Mio. It'd be nice to spend some time with Mayu today.

>“Two young lovers take a trip to the beach, and yet they can't be together, due to a disturbed samurai in the way...”
Mio's secretly salty she lost the Kazbowl to the sword autist.

>>2386111
>Thanks, Mio. It'd be nice to spend some time with Mayu today.

Calling for
>Thanks, Mio. It'd be nice to spend some time with Mayu today.

Writing now.

>>2386125
>Mio's secretly salty

Oh, that salt's no secret to anyone, 'cept Kaz of course.

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>>2386125
>>2386139
She is good hiding it.

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>Thanks, Mio. It'd be nice to spend some time with Mayu today.

"Anything for a friend!" Mio smiles as she lightly boops you on the nose with her finger. "Now, I should find someone to rope in to keep me company, and help keep her distracted... now, who wouldn't mind, and would keep Act constantly busy with random things while in... I got it!"

As Kuin returns to the scene, Mio grabs her by the wrist and quickly explains her plan, doing the same with a half-asleep Alice.

"Oh, Nakatoni-sensei~!" Mio chimes with a singsong voice, striding up to the solemn samurai. Act doesn't look very happy to be bothered by a student.

"What do you want?" Act mutters, not exactly capturing the spirit of a caretaker.

Mio smirks. "Well, we're at the beach! I thought that the girls and I should start shopping for some swimsuits! But of course, we do need a teacher to accompany us into town... and something tells me you have a better eye for fashion than Agent Blue!"

"I don't know, he's got twice as many eyes," Act points out, causing Mio to chuckle.

"Oh sensei, you have such a lovely sense of humour!" she smiles. "Please, come with us!"

"Yes!" Kuin yells. "Your glorious dictator demands it!"

Alice goes back to snoozing on her feet, but Act thinks it over regardless without the need for her to chime in.

"Fine," Act mutters. "But don't think about buying one for me! They're so restrictive!"

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Act allows the girls to take her away into town. It's going to be a lot longer than a simple shopping trip with Alice and Kuin involved. They'll find a million things in town to steal their attention, and Act as chaperone will have to take care of them while they do. A brilliant selection by the merchant of Dark Gate, no doubt.

"You owe me one," Mio whispers with a smirk as she passes by, taking Act out of the picture.

"I heard something about swimsuits?" Chuichi says as he approaches.

You shrug. "They weren't serious. It's far too cold for something like that."

Chuichi lets out a disappointed sigh. "Yeah... I hadn't even considered that. The main appeal of the beach for any full-blooded teenage boy is the chance to see the girls in their swimsuits... but even that's being robbed from us, isn't it? Damn you, Blue! You're making a mockery of my wildest dreams!"

"Deal with it kid," Blue replies, smoking while leaning against his minibus.

The girls... in swimsuits? You hadn't thought about it... but as you look over at Mayu staring silently off towards the vast ocean, the vision of her in more beach appropriate clothing than her uniform starts to creep into your head... oh boy, you're starting to turn red...

"Did the thought alone embarrass you?" Chuichi chuckles.

"I-I wasn't thinking about it!" you deny, before rushing over to Mayu. "Hey, Mayu!"

"Hm?" Mayu perks her head, looking over to you. "Oh, Kazuma. Did my mother leave?"

"Mio dragged her off," you explain. "So... you and I can spend some time together today."

A small smile creeps onto Mayu's face, as she gives a small blush. "Excellent. Though I feel our options are limited if our mother is in town... I am happy as long as you are by my side."

>Well, I was thinking we could walk along the beach. Even on a cold day like this, it's still romantic, right?
>We could go exploring! This beach isn't tiny, maybe there's a cool cave or something around here!
>I brought a pack of cards. We can hang out and play in the bus.

>>2386170
>Well, I was thinking we could walk along the beach. Even on a cold day like this, it's still romantic, right?
Booker is making a mockery of the beach episode sacred traditions.

>>2386170
>Well, I was thinking we could walk along the beach. Even on a cold day like this, it's still romantic, right?
>We could go exploring! This beach isn't tiny, maybe there's a cool cave or something around here!
I feel like we must do both of these things. Because walks along beaches are very romantic and a thing they would do.

And the idea of heading into the cave to explore...too much fun to pass up!

>Well, I was thinking we could walk along the beach. Even on a cold day like this, it's still romantic, right?
For a moment I thought Mayu was actually going to wear a swimsuit in January.
Also Mayu's Mayus are pretty big when she stops binding them.

>>2386170
>We could go exploring! This beach isn't tiny, maybe there's a cool cave or something around here!

>>2386170
>>Well, I was thinking we could walk along the beach. Even on a cold day like this, it's still romantic, right?
>>We could go exploring! This beach isn't tiny, maybe there's a cool cave or something around here!

>>2386170
>Well, I was thinking we could walk along the beach. Even on a cold day like this, it's still romantic, right?

Calling for
>Well, I was thinking we could walk along the beach. Even on a cold day like this, it's still romantic, right?

Writing now.

>>2386170
>>We could go exploring! This beach isn't tiny, maybe there's a cool cave or something around here!

>>2386202
damn that didn't update right oh well

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>Well, I was thinking we could walk along the beach. Even on a cold day like this, it's still romantic, right?

Mayu doesn't even hesitate to reach out and take your hand. Surprisingly forward for Mayu, but you supposed she's missed the closeness between the two of you just as much as you have. Especially since Act isn't going anywhere anytime soon, who knows when you could have an opportunity like this again?

"Yes, Kazuma. That sounds like a wonderful idea."

The two of you begin to walk hand-in-hand along the beach, as Mayu keeps staring at you. "Something wrong?" you ask.

Mayu shakes her head. "Hm? No... I simply expected you to wear shorts to the beach, in place of your school uniform. Of course, we were not made aware of our destination, and I imagine you would be cold in such a condition..."

"Yeah, same reason why you aren't in a swimsuit," you laugh.

Mayu pauses, tilting her head slightly. "Swimsuit? Why would I be in a swimsuit?"

"Wait, are you saying that even if it were hot out you'd still be wearing your school uniform?" you point out.

Mayu nods decisively. "Yes. The way I wear this uniform perfectly suits my needs for range of movement and comfort should battle break out. It may be hot, but I would simply see that as a worthy challenge and a necessary sacrifice in the name of preparedness. Why?"

"N-no reason..." you mumble with a blush.

Mayu pauses. "Did you want to see me in a swimsuit?"

"A-ah, no!" you deny, panicking slightly with embarrassment. "I-I'm not some kind of pervert who wants to ogle you on the beach! Heh heh..."

Mayu looks forward. "I see... though I understand it is the norm to wish to see your partner in such attire. Perhaps I have been mislead by those magazines Kiriko forces me to read..."

"W-well... I wouldn't mind seeing it..." you mutter, scratching the back of your head with a nervous chuckle.

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Mayu looks to the floor and sees a small pebble. "Kazuma, I have been practising my ability to skip stones these last few days. Would you like to see my progress?"

Mayu tosses the stone towards the water, where it doesn't even manage a single bounce across the surface. "Oh... perhaps not," Mayu mutters, disappointed.

"The waves of the sea make it a lot more difficult than with a lakebed," you point out. "You can show me when we're back in Dakugeto."

Mayu looks away, a forlorn look on her face. "That is... if we see eachother once we return. Keeping this secret from my mother has been... taxing. In several ways."

"Mayu..." you mutter. "It's tearing me apart, too. And we've only been doing this for about a day."

Mayu lets out a sigh. "After all this time... my early resentment, my denial of my feelings, my fear of pursuing them... they no longer stand in the way. Yet fate finds away to distance us... perhaps the universe itself disapproves of our bond. Perhaps the Asai and Nakatoni are destined to be apart... I fear that possibility, Kazuma."

You hold tight onto Mayu's hand. "I'm not leaving your side, Mayu. We'll always be together."

"Kazuma..." Mayu mutters, her face resting close to yours.

>Why don't we just... tell your mother? I think she can handle it... as long as she doesn't know who my dad is.
>We should give each-other little heirlooms. So that even when we're apart, we'll have a piece of the other there.
>Kiss Mayu, and make it one she won't forget.

>>2386227
>>Kiss Mayu, and make it one she won't forget.
>>We should give each-other little heirlooms. So that even when we're apart, we'll have a piece of the other there.

>>2386227
>>We should give each-other little heirlooms. So that even when we're apart, we'll have a piece of the other there.
>>Kiss Mayu, and make it one she won't forget.
Something physical and some memories to go together. Also damn Mayu has some sweet lines.

>>2386227
>>We should give each-other little heirlooms. So that even when we're apart, we'll have a piece of the other there.
>>Kiss Mayu, and make it one she won't forget
Too early to tell Act, I am sure she will find out eventually.

>>2386227
>We should give each-other little heirlooms. So that even when we're apart, we'll have a piece of the other there.
>Kiss Mayu, and make it one she won't forget.
As if there was any other way to do this.

These two are still so adorable together. I am rooting for their happiness...one day it will be a more permanent thing!

>>2386227
>We should give each-other little heirlooms. So that even when we're apart, we'll have a piece of the other there.
>Kiss Mayu, and make it one she won't forget

Calling for

>We should give each-other little heirlooms. So that even when we're apart, we'll have a piece of the other there.
>Kiss Mayu, and make it one she won't forget

Writing now.

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>We should give each-other little heirlooms. So that even when we're apart, we'll have a piece of the other there.
>Kiss Mayu, and make it one she won't forget

As you speak, you pull Mayu in by the hand, locking lips with her by the shore, placing one hand on her lower back and the other on her cheek. The two of you stay locked together, the kiss becoming more and more passionate, before slowly breaking away, still pressing your foreheads together, the cold of the metal plate of her headpand pressing against you. You threw all you had into that kiss, it might be one of your proudest achievements. Mayu is blushing bright red now as she speaks.

"K-Kazuma... that sounds like a perfect-"

You should have been paying attention to the ocean, as a large wave comes up to shore and topples you both over, lying back in the sand.

You let out a small laugh at the situation, as Mayu smiles in turn. Still soaking wet, she turns, almost crawling on top of you as she plants a kiss on your cheek. "It seems the ocean itself is displeased."

"Let it be displeased," you chuckle. "We... wait, was that a joke."

"A joke?" Mayu ponders. "I am unsure. I saw it simply as observation."

Still... she's coming more and more out of her shell as you spend time with her. It's wonderful to see. "Anyway..." you continue, trying to control your laughter. "Before the ocean so rudely interrupted me, I think we should give each-other something. So that... whenever we're apart, we can always look to that heirloom and remember that... we're always together."

"An excellent idea," Mayu nods. "Though I struggle to find something with meaning... did you have anything in mind?"

"Yes... actually," you reply. "To be honest, I kinda made something already... this idea wasn't all that spontaneous. I made you this..."

You pull out a small cassette tape from your pocket and hand it over to Mayu. "Hopefully it still works..." you mention.

"I see..." Mayu replies. "What is this? Some sort of futuristic case?"

Futuristic? Mayu must be real old fashioned to think that's futuristic. "No, it's a... mix tape. I put songs on it that make me think of you."

"Kazuma..." Mayu mutters, before looking at the tape and nodding. "This is wonderful. I will treasure it forever. Now, my gift to you... apologies that this is less planned..."

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Mayu reaches into her sleeve and begins to unravel some of the white tape around her arms, the white tape that she wraps herself in before battle, to hold down many of her... inconvenient assets, while fighting. She tears of a piece that was wrapped around her forearm and leans over to you, wrapping it around your head. "See? A headband, like mine," she explains, pointing to the green headband on her forehead. "We will always be partners in battle, in spirit... in romance. I hope that will remind you when you look to it."

"Mayu... I love it," you smile, as you notice Mayu's eyes welling up. "Mayu, is something wrong?"

"Kazuma," Mayu explains, fighting back tears. "I am... happy. So happy, Kazuma."

"Me too."

You and Mayu lay back in the sand, holding onto each-other tight. You could stay like this all day. All week, all month, all year. This... this is perfection.

"I never thought we'd end up like this..." you point out.

"Indeed," Mayu states. "When I first met you, I was not able to see past the face of your father, the face of my family's enemy. I cannot imagine you thought so highly of me, either."

>Yeah, I did think you were kind of cold. In my defence, you didn't like me at all.
>I didn't dislike you... I felt bad for you. You always seemed so sad.
>To be honest... I've always found you beautiful, Mayu.
>Let's not focus on the past. Let's look to the future.

>>2386300
>Yeah, I did think you were kind of cold. In my defence, you didn't like me at all.
Treated us like shit for a good part of S2.

>>2386300
>>Yeah, I did think you were kind of cold. In my defence, you didn't like me at all.
>>Let's not focus on the past. Let's look to the future.

>>2386300
>>Let's not focus on the past. Let's look to the future.

This is getting way too cute, damn it.

>>2386300
>Yeah, I did think you were kind of cold. In my defence, you didn't like me at all.
>Let's not focus on the past. Let's look to the future.
Honest, but hopeful

>>2386300
>>Yeah, I did think you were kind of cold. In my defence, you didn't like me at all.

>>2386300
>Yeah, I did think you were kind of cold. In my defence, you didn't like me at all.

>>2386300
>>Let's not focus on the past. Let's look to the future.

>>2386306
Indeed I wasn't expecting to get diabetes from this thread.

Calling for
>Yeah, I did think you were kind of cold. In my defence, you didn't like me at all.

Writing now.

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>Yeah, I did think you were kind of cold. In my defence, you didn't like me at all.

"And yet..." Mayu mutters. "You were so kind to me. You accepted me, you treated me as a fan in that time... Kazuma, words cannot express the guilt I feel for the way I treated you."

"Water under the bridge," you reply. "It's not like I didn't understand why you were wary of me... and look at us now! We're as close as can be. Don't feel bad about the past."

"I suppose you are right..." Mayu sniffles. "Still... I wish that I could go back to the day of the school dance..."

"Why then?" you ask.

Mayu looks out to the ocean. "That was the day I told you that I did not like you. Do you remember how you replied?"

"No?"

"You told me I looked nice in my dress," Mayu explains. "The only thing that held our relationship back... was me. I wish I could return to that day, and ask you to dance. To be perfectly honest, Kazuma... looking back, I feel jealous of those you did dance with."

"Well..." you mutter. "Why don't we dance now?"

"E-excuse me?" Mayu stammers out, shocked. "Oh, Kazuma... it was a symbolic gesture, I'm honestly not t-that confident in my-"

You sweep Mayu to her feet as you pull her in. "Don't worry, I'll show you some moves. Just imagine there's some music and a rhythm to dance to."

"Kazuma, I do not believe music would assist in my ability here," Mayu states bluntly. "The difference would be negligible."

"Good, then it's not needed!" you laugh. "Look... dancing is a lot like fighting, in a... odd way."

"This seems untrue."

"Believe me!" you laugh. "You'll catch on!"

The two of you begin to bop on the beach, as you try to show her the ropes. She's picking it up quickly, as you expected, but her footsteps are still quite clunky and unsure. You're shocked that she can move so gracefully in battle yet so awkwardly here, but you suppose that's part of her charm.

Still, a few awkward steps later, and she's falling onto your chest, as you land back on the sand once more.

"Well... you're getting there!" you laugh, as an embarrassed Mayu pulls herself off your chest and sits upright. "You know... I wasn't expecting to dance on the beach today, but I guess you just bring that goofy side out of me."

"Yes..." a blushing Mayu smiles nervously. "It truly was s-something. Now that I think about it... we must have looked so foolish... snrk!"

What a charming-wait a minute.

Wait just a damn minute.

That cute little snrk noise. Was... was that?

"Mayu... did you just laugh?"

Mayu looks at you, her eyes wide. "Excuse me?"

"You laughed!" you exclaim. "I heard it! You... you finally laughed at something!"

Mayu blushes once more. "Kazuma... I have no idea what you mean." Ah, sticking to denial. Classic strategy.

"It's a really nice laugh..." you point out, a sense of wonder and discovery in your tone. "It's... adorable."

"K-Kazuma..." Mayu mutters. "This is quite embarrassing..."

>Mayu... I love you.
>Well, I hope to hear that laugh more often.

>>2386361
>>Well, I hope to hear that laugh more often.
>>Mayu... I love you.

I'm gonna have to get treated for diabetes after this thread.

>>2386361
>Well, I hope to hear that laugh more often.

>>2386361
>Mayu... I love you.
>Well, I hope to hear that laugh more often.

THESE TWO GUYS! MY GOD!

>>2386361
>>Mayu... I love you.
My fucking Kokoro.

>>2386361

>Mayu... I love you.

>>2386361
>>Mayu... I love you.
>>Well, I hope to hear that laugh more often.
I can't believe Act is right behind us

>>2386361
>>Mayu... I love you.
Just checked the archive, it is true, first we asked her why she didn’t like him, but then Kaz said she looked nice, deepest lore.

>>2386361
>Well, I hope to hear that laugh more often.

Calling for
>Mayu... I love you.

Writing now.

>>2386372
This is all just a hallucination as Kaz loses blood. It's how he'd want to go out.

>>2386372
Come on now, it's not Act. It's someone else from Class 1. This is a swerve.

>>2386398
TSUKI IS BACK FOR REVENGE

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>Mayu... I love you.

At first, all you hear is the waves of the ocean, as Mayu stares at you in silence. Did... did you say the wrong thing? Did you say the right thing, but say it wrong? Oh man, you screwed it up, didn't you?

It's then that you notice Mayu's confused face glowing bright red, with steam rising off the top of her head in the winter cold. "K-Kazuma!" she yells, clutching as her skirt as she rests on her knees and holds her head down, shielding her face. "Y-you cannot simply take me off guard with... with a declaration of love like that! It... it is inappropriate to throw out such a declaration without presenting me w-with adequate time to prepare and respond with the fact that... that... I love you, as well. My heart belongs to you, Kazuma."

Great, now both you and Mayu's eyes are welling up. There goes trying to look cool... you lean in and deliver another kiss. Now, this is the kind of date you wanted... and the kind you likely won't have often, not if Act has anything to say about it. Still... to hear her say those magic words, it means the world to you.

"We should return to the others soon," Mayu explains. "My mother can only be kept busy for so long. Should she return to the main beach and find the two of us missing... there is no telling how she would react."

"Good idea," you reply, as you both stand up. "Let's head back to the... hey, is that Sae?"

Indeed it is, sitting by a large rock is Sae. Her knees pressed up with a small book leaning against them, she seems to be writing something within. "Sae, how long were you there?"

"The whole time," she points out. "You too were too busy being all gooey that you didn't notice. And I wasn't going to give up my spot by feeling awkward, o-okay? I was here first, dammit!"

"That's fine," you reply. "Say... what are you writing."

"W-writing?!" Sae snaps, launching to her feet and hiding the book behind her back. "N-nothing! None of your business! Scram before I break your face!"

"Come on," you reply. "You're not going to let your friend see? Is it embarrassing or something?"

Sae looks away, blushing slightly. "Well... kinda. But... now that you mention it, I want you to look at it!"

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Sae presents the book to you and you take a look at the cover. "Sakura's Rumble Story? Wait... is this a manga?"

"It's... a work in progress!"

"I didn't know you were an artist."

"I'm not really... more aspiring," Sae nervously mutters. "And I don't have to share everything with you, idiot..."

Mayu looks to the book, then to Sae. "I see... is this your passion?"

"I mean, it's something more than eating and target practice..." Sae admits. "To be honest... ever since I was a kid I wanted to be a mangaka. I never shared it with anyone because... well, I didn't have anyone to share it with. And I figured they'd laugh at me... then I'd have to punch them, then I'd get in trouble..."

You open the first page. Seems it some kind Battle School manga. Sae's artwork is surprisingly decent for an amateur, albeit sloppy in a few places. The plot is generic but kinda entertaining. You can feel a strong sense of character design from each page. It's not exactly mind-blowing, but you're still surprised to see artwork from Sae of all people in the first place.

"So... what do you think?" Sae nervously asks. "I want your honest opinion... I can tell if you're lying, so I'll sock you if you do!"

>I love it. You've got your first customer.
>It could use a little work, but like you said. Work in progress. Keep it up, Sae.
>Ehh, not a fan. But I'm proud of you for trying it out.

>>2386413
>>I love it. You've got your first customer.
>>It could use a little work, but like you said. Work in progress. Keep it up, Sae.

>>2386413
>It could use a little work, but like you said. Work in progress. Keep it up, Sae.

>Battle School manga
Sae needs to ask her mother for references she can use for her h-doujins.

>>2386413
>It could use a little work, but like you said. Work in progress. Keep it up, Sae.

>>2386413
>With a bit more refining you could have a real hit on your hands Sae!

>>2386413
>I love it. You've got your first customer.
>It could use a little work, but like you said. Work in progress. Keep it up, Sae.

Of all the people I expected to be lurking and watching all this go down, Sae was not the one I picked...which makes this scene all the more hilarious!

>>2386413
>I love it. You've got your first customer.

>>2386422
She was also blushing by the pure unadulterated sweetness that Mayu and Kaz were radiating.

>>2386424
Akira should hang out with these two, she'll get the sugar rush she needs just by watching them.

>>2386413
>I love it. You've got your first customer

Calling for
>It could use a little work, but like you said. Work in progress. Keep it up, Sae.
>I love it. You've got your first customer.

Writing now.

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>It could use a little work, but like you said. Work in progress. Keep it up, Sae.
>I love it. You've got your first customer.

"R-Really?!" Sae exclaims, embarrassed. "I-I mean... I'm not looking for customers. I'm not trying to make money and sell out, okay?! But... thanks, Kazuma."

"Yeah," you smile. "I could give a few pointers. I noticed the flow of combat isn't as smooth as it can be, I guess you're more used to long range than hand to hand fighting, but there's ways you could make it more clear..."

"I would be willing to model for any fighting images you require," Mayu adds.

Sae shuts the book as she's handed it back and places it into her bag. "Okay, you don't have to be too nice! I already said thanks! But... if you ever want to look at more, just ask."

"I'm just happy to see you practising your passion," you reply. "I'm sure it'll work out great for you."

The three of you return to the main portion of the beach, where you see Act fast approaching, with Kuin and Alice hanging by her ankles being dragged along, doing anything they can to try and distract her.

"Look over there!" Kuin yells. "I want to play at that arcade, don't you?"

"Let's all take a nap!" Alice exclaims. "Come on! Sensei nap time!"

No stopping Act as she returns to the beach, probably didn't want to be removed from her daughter for too long, and there was nothing Mio or anyone else could do to stop her. Oh well, at least with Sae by your side, the scene doesn't look too suspicious.

"Mother, welcome back!" Mayu gives a respectful bow, as Act stares right in your direction. It... it doesn't looks suspicious, right?"

"Mayu the bottom of your skirt is all wet," she points out, before looking at you. "So are the bottom of your pants. And the glutton's bone dry..."

"What did she call me?" Sae mutters, as you begin to panic. Crap, you forgot about the waves, it sure makes you and Mayu look suspicious. Crap, there's gotta be some way out of-

"K-Kaz, my darling!" Mio runs down the beach, leaping into your arms and planting a quick peck just right of your lips. "I missed you so much while we were in town. I hope my love is doing well?"

Mio stays close to you, her eyes wide in fear that Act won't buy it.

"Kids are getting together too often these days," Act mutters. "Learn to take it slow, children."

Phew, a nice save by Mio to throw Act off the scent... even if it caused some more major blushing from Mayu. Still... this is another lie to add to the fire, forcing you to keep up appearances around her.

Act takes her daughter by the hand and begins to walk off with her. Mayu looks back at you and you blow her a kiss while Act's back is turned.

"Sorry I couldn't keep her for longer..." Mio points out. "Nothing could rattle her. I even ended up having to buy three swimsuits!"

>You saved my butt twice now... you're a good friend, Mio.
>I really do owe you one. I should help you get a date! Fair's fair!

>>2386490
>>You saved my butt twice now... you're a good friend, Mio.
Why do you taunt me, the only surviving Mio-fag so booker.

>>"Kids are getting together too often these days," Act mutters. "Learn to take it slow, children."
I MEAAAAAN SHES NOT WRONG

>>2386490
>>You saved my butt twice now... you're a good friend, Mio.

>>2386490
>You saved my butt twice now... you're a good friend, Mio.
Kaz is an idiot, a friendly idiot, but an idiot nonetheless.

Also
>The three of you return to the main portion of the beach, where you see Act fast approaching, with Kuin and Alice hanging by her ankles being dragged along, doing anything they can to try and distract her.

>"Look over there!" Kuin yells. "I want to play at that arcade, don't you?"

>"Let's all take a nap!" Alice exclaims. "Come on! Sensei nap time!"
Adorable they are the true MVPs

>>2386497
Didn't she also break Mayu's dad hips when they were sixteen?

>>2386490
>You saved my butt twice now... you're a good friend, Mio.
>I really do owe you one. I should help you get a date! Fair's fair!
I mean, if Mio wants a date, of course. She may be okay as a solo...

The trio tried their very best!

>>2386497
Hey, Reiji/Hoshi are taking it slow

>>2386500
I expect that was because of training,not from dating...

>>2386490
>You saved my butt twice now... you're a good friend, Mio.
Act is surprisingly observant for someone who is drunk 24/7

>>2386507
She took the prestige class Drunken Fighter. There is all sorts of perks to that class.

>>2386490
>I really do owe you one. I should help you get a date! Fair's fair!
inb4 Mio argues the case that Kaz needs to keep up the lie and pretend to be together until Act dies a natural death 40 years from now.

>>2386497
No Mio-fag will stand alone as long as I breathe anon.

>>2386515
Good thing she fails at math and hasn't realized that 15 years ago Kazmom was still married to Ghostdad, unless she thinks Kazmom was cheating on Ghostdad before the divorce and she is quite happy with her friend.

Calling for
>You saved my butt twice now... you're a good friend, Mio.

Writing now.

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>You saved my butt twice now... you're a good friend, Mio

"And don't you forget it..." Mio smiles. "I hope you and Mayu had a good time."

"A great time," you reply. "Thanks to you."

Mio gives a small smile. "Yeah, glad I could help. I'm so happy for you two, you know that?"

"Of course," you smile.

"You know, Kaz..." Mio adds. "I used to have a real crush on you."

You pause. "W-wha? Really?"

Mio snorts with laughter. "Don't panic! I'm way past that now! Even then, I still considered our friendship more important. Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't notice."

"Mio, when have I ever been an observant guy?"

"Fair point," Mio laughs. "But... seeing you happy, it makes me happy. Is that weird? It's probably weird."

You shake your head. "No, sounds like friendship to me. You being happy makes me happy as well, you know."

"It does?" Mio tilts her head. "Heh, can you tell I'm not used to the whole friendship thing? Anyway... I mentioned the crush thing because I wanted to close the book on it. And I felt like not telling you how I once felt wasn't the right kind of closure. Now, I can put it in the past, look to the future! It's a lot of weight off my shoulders... thanks Kaz."

"I mean... I didn't really do anything," you admit. "You kinda did that all yourself. But... thanks. You mean a lot to me, Mio."

"Agreed," Mio smiles and nods.

"Mio, your leader demands you join us!" Kuin exclaims, as you look to see her on all fours in the sand, Alice beside her. "So that we may join forces to make a human pyramid! Comprised of myself and the many loyal ladies of my court!"

"So I'm excluded?" you ask.

"The loyal knights come next!" Kuin explains.

"Well, we need more than just the three of us..." Mio points out. "Sae, you should join me at the base. Kuin should be the top because she's the smallest-"

"I don't like heights!" Kuin complains.

"Alice, then. And we need someone else. Anri, and... where's Risa?"

"She was in town with that boy I don't know!" Alice beams. "I think she was swooping, or sweeping, or..."

"Shopping?"

"Maybe!"

Kuin points at you. "I command you to find Lady Risa so that she may join our glorious pyramid!"

Welp, you had your relaxing time at the beach, now to return to errand duty...

>Sure thing. I'll find her quick.
>Sure thing. Chuichi, come with!
>Sure thing. Ninsei, come with!

>>2386557
>Sure thing. Chuichi, come with!

>>2386557
>>Sure thing. Chuichi, come with!
Some bondint time with our bro.

>>2386557
>Sure thing. Chuichi, come with!
I was really finding myself struggling on who to choose. Ninsei would have also been great.

>"Hey Chuichi, do you feel like you're being watched?"
>"Well I mean, Kaiya is right behind you, but that's about it."

>>2386557
>Sure thing. Chuichi, come with!
Also where is Kaiya?

>>2386557
>>Sure thing. Chuichi, come with!
Room bros!

also I am in immense emotional pain

Calling for
>Sure thing. Chuichi, come with!

Writing now.

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>Sure thing. Chuichi, come with!

Chuichi stands up from the sand and looks at you. "Huh? Why me?"

You shrug. "Why not? Come on."

"Sure..." Chuichi explains. "Anything to get away from... the staring."

As Chuichi follows you, you see Kaiya standing up as well where she had been sitting beside her brother. Keiji calmly keeps his eyes fixed on his book as he reaches out and grabs Kaiya by the wrist. "Where are you going?"

"I was..." Kaiya mutters, looking in the direction of you and Chuichi. She looks back to her brother, before sitting down again.

"Don't wander off," Keiji states again. "I don't want you to get lost in town."

As you enter the main town, Chuichi throws his hands behind his head. "Man, you are so lucky. You got to have a romantic getaway while the rest of us are stuck on the worlds gloomiest beach."

You shrug. "Come on man, it's all about making the most of it. There's ways to have fun still."

"I guess," Chuichi points out. "I don't want to be a Roka. He's just been sitting by the shore staring off at the sea all day."

"Really?" you ask. "Why?"

"Must be lonely since Kiriko isn't here," Chuichi points out.

"But why doesn't he hang out with his friends instead?" you ask.

Chuichi raises an eyebrow. "Uhh... what friends? Did you forget we were talking about Roka? Nobody likes that guy."

"Kiriko does."

"And we're all very concerned," Chuichi jokes. "Come on, don't feel bad for him. He wouldn't for you. This is the guy who's made it his life goal to kick your ass, remember?"

You pause. "I guess so."

Chuichi nods. "Yeah, so what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

>Okay, let's do it.
>... I'm gonna ask Roka to join us.

>>2386626
>Okay, let's do it.
Need more bonding time for Best Bro.

>>2386626
>... I'm gonna ask Roka to join us.
Kiriko would want it that way.

>>2386626
>>Okay, let's do it.
Is Keiji playing the part of overprotective father/brother/necromancer at the same time?

>>2386626
>Okay, let's do i
Too son for Roka to join us. He will get there eventually.

>>2386626
>Okay, let's do it.

>>2386642
Having a sister that comes back more insane every time she dies probably makes him a bit more protective than most.

>>2386626
>>... I'm gonna ask Roka to join us.

>>2386626
>>... I'm gonna ask Roka to join us.
aw maaaaaaaan

>>2386652
it is quite obvious that the thing she lacks is the power of love, Hanako can only do so much for herself.

Calling for
>Okay, let's do it.

Writing now.

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>Okay, let's do it.

You consider asking Roka to join, but you know he'd just refuse anyway. Besides, Chuichi's right. Roka isn't eager to make friends, least of all with the guy he considers his rival.

You and Chuichi head into town, and begin to chat.

"Did you hear about the Demon Hunters?" Chuichi points out. "Turns out all the pairs of them are actually couples."

"So... Omitsu and Soshu in our class are...?"

"Yep," Chuichi sighs. "It feels pretty weird to me."

You shrug. "I mean, I know you have a thing for Omitsu, but you have that for plenty of girls."

"No, it's not that..." Chuichi explains. "Well, I guess it's kinda that. It could just be jealousy, but... that Soshu guy doesn't send me good vibes."

He has a point. When you first tried to talk to them, Soshu was pretty uncooperative. Omitsu seemed sweet, though.

"I hope it's just that he doesn't trust us," Chuichi adds. "Cause if it turns out that he's treating that beautiful mute lady like crap... well, that'd just break my heart! Why's there gotta be so many jerks in this world?"

"I don't know..." you mutter.

"I mean, I guess I'm not a saint myself," Chuichi admits. "I keep trying to hit on the girls. If they weren't my friends I'd probably be abandoned and alone like Roka back there... then again, even that jackass has a girlfriend. A pretty sweet girlfriend, who-"

"Is my sister, remember?" you interrupt, stopping Chuichi before he can gross you out by going into more detail.

Chuichi chuckles. "Oops. Sorry... still, being a hopeless romantic sure isn't working out for me right now, is it? I've been rejected by almost every girl in class, I think..."

>What about Hanako? She's sweet, and you two get along.
>What about Kaiya? She has a... weird interest in you.
>Don't worry about this stuff now, man. You don't have to be some high school casanova.

>>2386698
>What about Kaiya? She has a... weird interest in you.
>Don't worry about this stuff now, man. You don't have to be some high school casanova.
We can reassure him, and also ask about the relationship he has with Kaiya. Who is a very nice girl.

>>2386698
>>What about Kaiya? She has a... weird interest in you.

>>2386698
>>What about Kaiya? She has a... weird interest in you.
To be honest Chuichi does act a little desperate most of the time.

>>2386698
>Don't worry about this stuff now, man. You don't have to be some high school casanova.

>That first option
Wow Kaz, didn't know you hated Chuichi enough to set him up with a murderer.

>>2386698
>>What about Kaiya? She has a... weird interest in you.
>>Don't worry about this stuff now, man. You don't have to be some high school casanova.

HEY ITS ALMOST LIKE ACT IS RIGHT AND ALL OF US WHO ARE IN REALTIONSHIPS ARE FUCKING WEIRD

>>2386698
>What about Kaiya? She has a... weird interest in you.
So what if she is a lich, we have a couple of immortal lesbians and a 70 year old who looks 15 that is gonna probably /ss/ an actual 14 year old boy.

>>2386698
>Don't worry about this stuff now, man. You don't have to be some high school casanova.

Calling for
>What about Kaiya? She has a... weird interest in you.

Writing now.

>>2386698
>Don't worry about this stuff now, man. You don't have to be some high school casanova.
> besides, in this school, most of us who are in relationships are like five different kinds of fucked up. Don't know if you want to be part of that club.

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>What about Kaiya? She has a... weird interest in you.

"Kaiya?" Chuichi raises an eyebrow. "I don't think that's the kind of interest you think it is, dude. But... I mean, she's cute. In a weird, somewhat terrifying way. But she's got that brother of hers looking after her, and I don't know how she'd react to me asking her out. I'm not sure I wanna know..."

You shrug. "Don't worry about it. She's still a human being, so you shouldn't be scared of how she'd react. Plus, you should try to seem a little less desperate. That doesn't really help your chances."

"I'm not that desperate, am I?" Chuichi chuckles.

"I can see it radiating from you."

"Gah, true..." Chuichi admits. "I really oughtta tone that down... hey, isn't that Risa there?"

"Be careful, my lady!" you see Katsuyori exclaiming in a tone dripping with sarcasm as Risa picks up an apple at a market. "A wicked witch could have poisoned that apple! I demand to taste test for you!"

Risa rolls her eyes as she sets the apple down and walks aside... before Katsuyori throws himself in front of her. "Careful, there's a puddle ahead my lady! Use me as a bridge!"

"Would you cut it out already?" Risa groans, as Katsuyori rises with a smirk.

"Hey!" Katsuyori wags his finger. "You were the one who said I couldn't be more obnoxious! I'm just showing you how obnoxious I could be! Be thankful I'm not one of those guys!"

Risa sighs, for you notice her fighting back an amused grin. "Fine, I'll give you a point there... you're not the MOST obnoxious. But you are top five."

"I aim to please," Katsuyori jokes.

Risa lets out an amused snort. "You looked like a complete idiot, you know? People were staring."

"Hey, looks like you two are starting to get along!" Chuichi beams as the two of you approach.

"Pft," Risa scoffs, folding her arms. "As if. His little comedy act isn't going to change how I feel."

"Yep, that's the princess I know." Katsuyori lets out a laugh, before his attention is grabbed by a stranger's voice. "You! You there!"

He turns around, as you see a woman around 30 years old rushing up to him. "I'd know that armour anywhere..." she states. "You're one of... them, aren't you? You work for that man?"

"Well technically I'm a freelancer," Katsuyori explains. "But I-"

His sentence is cut off by a thunderous slap across his face. One that silences the entire street as her hand comes right across his face, leaving a bright red mark on his cheek. It likely didn't hurt him, but it froze Katsuyori were he stood.

"I barely escaped that country with my life!" she screams in his face. "You people beat us... you battered us! You took my husband... he... he's gone isn't he? Buried in a ditch! How... how dare you step foot in this town? How dare you stand there and laugh and joke when you know of the blood on your hands! You... you monster!"

>Hang on, Katsuyori didn't do anything! He's just a kid!
>Aren't you going to speak for yourself, Katsuyori?
>Remain silent. You shouldn't get involved.

>>2386779
>>Hang on, Katsuyori didn't do anything! He's just a kid!
A kid working for "not Hitler" but he is still a kid.

>>2386779
>>Hang on, Katsuyori didn't do anything! He's just a kid!

>>2386779
>>Aren't you going to speak for yourself, Katsuyori?
YEEEEEESSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

>>2386779
>Aren't you going to speak for yourself, Katsuyori?

>Katsuyori says he's only here to protect Aoki's daughter
>Risa gets pissed because now the old lady is giving her grief
>Despite the fact she's fine with everyone giving him shit about just working for the guy
Honestly every time Risa complains about Kats she's coming across as a massive hypocrite, seeing as how she was the one that benefited from Aoki's blood money.

>>2386779
>Aren't you going to speak for yourself, Katsuyori?

Calling for
>Aren't you going to speak for yourself, Katsuyori?

Writing now.

>>2386779
>Aren't you going to speak for yourself, Katsuyori?

>>2386779
>Hang on, Katsuyori didn't do anything! He's just a kid.

But yeah dude he's going to have to expect to get hit with this one a lot.

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>Aren't you going to speak for yourself, Katsuyori?

Katsuyori remains silent, looking away in shame after the slap. "I'm sorry..." he mutters, not meeting eyes with the woman.

"Sorry doesn't bring my husband back," the woman cries, tears in her eyes. "I hope you suffer the loss I have. Get out of my sight, monster."

The woman goes to push through, but Katsuyori simply lets her aside.

As she leaves, the atmosphere is tight. Risa crosses her arms. "That poor woman... I can't say you didn't deserve that."

"Yeah..." Katsuyori mutters, looking away.

"The heartbreak, the death... that's what my father's forces cause," Risa explains. "It tears me up inside knowing how much suffering was kept from me... I hope you realise how many people have been hurt by the man you work for."

Katsuyori doesn't speak a word. Instead, he simply starts walking again in the direction of the beach.

"Umm... aren't you going to say anything?" Risa yells. "D-don't ignore me!"

Katsuyori continues towards the beach.

"Well... you always wanted him to shut up," Chuichi points out.

The three of you arrive at the beach, where Anri is quick to rush up to Risa. "Risa, I've gathered information on the past of that bodyguard," she explains. "Just as you asked me to."

"Now isn't really a good..." Risa mumbles, but then trails off.

"Katsuyori Kondo," Anri reads from her notes. "Sixteen years of age. Was born in a border village in Rubi... one of the first villages to be razed in the Safaia invasion. As a child, his home, his siblings, his parents... all taken from him and burned to the ground. He spent the majority of his childhood in a prison camp, before he caught the eyes of one Major Goa..."

"Major Goa..." Risa mutters. "I've heard of him. He's my father's second, I believe."

Anri riffles through her notes some more. "Since the age of seven, Katsuyori Kitao has been in the possession of Major Goa."

"Possession?" you mutter. "You mean, he's a slave?"

"Essentially," Anri points out. "He has worked countless mercenary jobs under Goa. He has a perfect success rate in his missions, though interestingly it seems he's never killed anyone on any of these missions. Even during those that ended in wild gunfights."

"How do you get this stuff?" Chuichi asks.

"Contacts," Anri explains. "Countless people stuck living in the occupied Rubi doing all they can to document everything. You just need to know where to look to get this information."

"So... he's a prisoner?" Risa mutters. "He's forced into this work."

"Many in Rubi are," Ninsei explains, walking into the conversation. "He told me and Roka the truth recently. I still don't trust the guy or like his attitude... but I know the pain of what he went through. He's as much of a victim as I am... maybe more."

>That's... rough. He must feel like crap.
>Well, why doesn't he just run now that he's here? Why's he still doing his job?

>>2386891
>>Well, why doesn't he just run now that he's here? Why's he still doing his job?
The answer must be
S M A L L B O M B S

>>2386891
>>Well, why doesn't he just run now that he's here? Why's he still doing his job?

>>2386895
Battler pls...actually that makes sense this the country with the cyborg army and all that

>>2386891
>Well, why doesn't he just run now that he's here? Why's he still doing his job?

>>2386891
>That's... rough. He must feel like crap.

>>2386891
>Well, why doesn't he just run now that he's here? Why's he still doing his job?

>Anri can get all this dirt on a dictator's secret agent
>Couldn't figure out Mio was pretending to be her ded superior sister
THE DETECTIVE POWER LEVELS

>>2386891
>>Well, why doesn't he just run now that he's here? Why's he still doing his job?

>>2386911
To be fair. Is Katsuyori's secret actively guarded? Who knows?

>>2386911
Anri's investigation consist in googling the target's name and see if she finds anything, not her fault the Yakuza probably didn't want the media to write anything about the deaths of the family's boss.

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>Well, why doesn't he just run now that he's here? Why's he still doing his job?

"You don't just run away from Aoki," Ninsei explains. "Refugees and escapees are one thing, and it was difficult enough for us... but someone like Katsuyori... a fighter, an awakened one at that... he'll always be on their radar. There's no escape for him. Not until the day he dies."

"But that's today," Kaiya states, as she points to a large rock face... which Katsuyori is walking off, falling into the ocean below.

Risa immediately pushes through, running across the beach and leaping into the water.

"Risa, wait!" you yell. "The waves!"

The waves are strong, yes... but Risa is able to brave them. Either she's a capable swimmer or just fuelled by the instinctual need to save someone, but she grabs a hold of the lifeless Katsuyori, and begins to drag him to the shore. She lays him out on the sand, as she begins compressing his chest.

Katsuyori coughs and spits up water, before slowly opening his eyes. "It's that... an angel? I... wait, it's just you."

That remark earns Katsuyori a slap across the face from an angry Risa. "Why did you do that?!" she demands.

"Why did you save me?" Katsuyori fires back.

"I'm not going to let you die!"

"Dying was the better option!" he fires back. "You ruined my whole day!"

Risa hangs her head low, clutching at her knees.

"Hey..." Katsuyori mutters. "Don't cry..."

"I'm not crying!" Risa points out. "I'm pissed off! You... I was giving you grief since you arrived, calling you nothing but a thug and a killer and... and you just let me! And now I find out you're being forced into this... why didn't you tell me?"

"You didn't ask," Katsuyori explains. "You were just another job. I wasn't keen to share my life story with another job... especially the general's daughter. I was just going to keep an eye on you then it was back to Rubi, back to servitude."

"So you'd let me think you were just another monster?" Risa yells. "Why?"

Katsuyori shrugs. "I was worried that if I told you... you'd try to help me."

"Of course I would!"

"And that's a problem," Katsuyori explains. "You don't want to help me. That'll just cause more problems for both of us."

"You are so impossible..." Risa mutters. "I just wanna punch you!"

The two fall into a long silence. Risa looks down. Katsuyori is the first to speak.

"Sorry..." he mutters. "If it helps you, I can be one of those silent, personality-less bodyguards. They're the least obnoxious, right?"

>You really are an idiot, aren't you Katsuyori?
>You should try to run, Katsuyori. Surely there's some chance you can escape this work?
>I think at this point it's safe to call you one of us, Katsuyori. No point hiding from that.

>>2387005
>>You really are an idiot, aren't you Katsuyori?
JESUS FUCKING CHRIST MY DUDE THAT WAS THE MOST CHILL SUICIDE ATTEMPT EVER

>>2387005
>You should try to run, Katsuyori. Surely there's some chance you can escape this work?

>>2387005
>>I think at this point it's safe to call you one of us, Katsuyori. No point hiding from that.

Kaiya's death shtick saves the day.

>>2387005
>I think at this point it's safe to call you one of us, Katsuyori. No point hiding from that.
>You really are an idiot, aren't you Katsuyori?

Ha ha...happy beach episode!

>>2387026
The hero we need. Always.

>>2387005
>You should try to run, Katsuyori. Surely there's some chance you can escape this work?

>>2387026
Kaiya once again shows why she's the best Oracle in DGA.

>>2387005
>You really are an idiot, aren't you Katsuyori?

>>2387005
>You really are an idiot, aren't you Katsuyori?
>I think at this point it's safe to call you one of us, Katsuyori. No point hiding from that.

>>2387026
>>2387040
I know Sayeka would probably just stay quiet and let him die being afraid of what might change in the future. Not Kaiya she just warns us, saying fuck the consequences.

Calling for
>You really are an idiot, aren't you Katsuyori?

Writing now.

>>2387039
>I think at this point it's safe to call you one of us, Katsuyori. No point hiding from that.
Going to just vote for this. I like both but it needs to tie for both to go through.

>>2387068
Hope Booker gives some leeway and includes this.

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>You really are an idiot, aren't you Katsuyori?

"Hey, cut me some slack..." Katsuyori gives a small laugh.

"He's right, though..." Risa points out. "It's giving me a headache just thinking about how dumb you are. You really are a complete dumbass... you're gonna be okay, Kats. As long as we're here, we're not going to let you get hurt."

"Why?" Katsuyori mutters.

Risa gives a small smile. "Because... that's what we do. We help people. Besides... at this point it's safe to say you're one of us, Kats."

"Can't say that I get it..." Katsuyori mutters. "And Kats? What, you trying out a nickname?"

"What, you can call me princess but I can't call you Kats?" Risa chuckles. "You hypocrite!"

Katsuyori shares a laugh as well. "Heh... thanks, princess. I'll try to be less annoying from now on."

"Don't," Risa shakes her head. "I'd rather you be... you. As much as I'll probably regret that in about five minutes."

Katsuyori smirks. "So... I suppose now's a bad time to point out the water left your shirt see-through?"

Well... you were just waiting for him to spoil the moment by mentioning that. The rest of you were just ignoring it.

Risa turns bright-red before letting out an embarrassed squeal, kicking Katsuyori in the chest before hunkering down and covering her front with crossed arms. "You... I'm already regretting it! I set the time window to five minutes and you do it in ten seconds! You're impossible!"

Katsuyori falls back, chuckling madly to himself. "I know! Well, if you want to go have fun on the beach, I'm not gonna stop you. I'll just be here."

Risa shakes her head as she plops herself down in the sand next to him. "No way. After what just happened? I'll sit with you."

"You really don't have to-"

"I want to," Risa states. "Let's talk. I want to know more about you..."

You smile and turns around, into Gado staring at the scene. "Well... how about that?"

"Do you trust him?" you ask.

"I don't completely trust anyone," Gado points out. "But after Anri's sources confirmed the story he told us... I don't really mind having him around."

Ninsei nods. "Gonna be hard to trust him considering his work... but he seems genuine. Albeit an ass."

>Yeah... I think it'll be good to have him around.
>Yeah... it's a shame that we can't do anything to help.
>I'm still worried this could turn out to be a trick.

>>2387135
>I'm still worried this could turn out to be a trick

>>2387135
>Yeah... I think it'll be good to have him around.
>Yeah... it's a shame that we can't do anything to help

>>2387135
>>Yeah... I think it'll be good to have him around.
>>Yeah... it's a shame that we can't do anything to help

>>2387135
>>Yeah... I think it'll be good to have him around.

Calling for
>Yeah... I think it'll be good to have him around.

Writing now.

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>Yeah... I think it'll be good to have him around.

"Well, I wouldn't go that far," Ninsei mutters.

Gado nods. "Yeah. Still, he's not the worst guy in the world. Considering the types that work under Aoki, we're lucky he sent someone who actually seems to care about keeping Risa safe."

You wonder about that. Katsuyori is an unwilling worker under Aoki's top major, yet Aoki selected him to protect Risa. Is he so egotistical that he doesn't realise Katsuyori isn't loyal to him? Or does he care about his daughter enough to send a more compassionate soldier to protect her? You'll likely never know the answer.

You don't have much time to think it over either, as Akuro comes storming to the middle of the beach, dragging Blue with him. "Tell them," she mutters, her face red with anger. "Tell them now!"

"Tell us what?" Mio asks.

"Blue just told me the truth," Akuro explains. "The reason why he brought us here."

Blue sighs. "This trip... was ordered by Agent White. He went over the heads of the principal and vice principal to do it. He also specified who should go."

"And he chose us?" you mutter. "Why?"

"Because..." Blue explains. "He wanted you all off campus. With that actor's arrival and the recent assassination attempt, the press are going to be crawling over the school all-day. You all are junior students who were deemed... unhealthy cases. He didn't want any camera near you, lest it hurt our image."

"So... we're the rejects," Chuichi points out. "The ones you want to hide away from the world."

"I didn't want to!" Blue protests. "Hell, he just told me to get you all off-campus. I'm the one who wanted to take you somewhere fun!"

"... Why was I on the list?" Akuro points out.

Blue sighs. "Don't make me say it, kid... isn't it obvious. Orphan, lost your home a few months back, and then the situation with your brother... you weren't considered emotionally stable."

"B-but I'm one of the agents!" Akuro exclaims. "I... you can't just treat me like a child."

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"So... Gado and Ninsei are war refugees," Mio points out. "My family has criminal connections, Risa's father is a warmonger, Kaiya and Alice are... Kaiya and Alice..."

"What's wrong with Kuin?" Gado asks. "What the hell's wrong with Kuin?"

"Her history of several foster homes..." Blue mutters. "I thought she was okay to stay, but White disagreed."

Ninsei crosses his arms. "He sees us as freaks. Inconveniences. Liabilities."

"Mayu and Kazuma were flagged for their respective emotional and psychological problems... and it gave us the chance to take Act off campus. Roka... his history of lashing out against others throughout childhood, his lack of education, and his hatred for the famous man coming to our school..."

You clench your fist into the ball. You're all just being checked off a list, like you're nothing more than errors and bugs in a code.

"And what's my deal?!" Sae exclaims. "Is it because of my mom? If it is, I'll deck you!"

"No, it's because of your anger issues..." Blue explains. "Then there's Atasuke's family-"

"I suggest you stop speaking," Atasuke grins like a chesire cat. "My juicy little secrets are mine and mine alone."

"Wait..." you mutter. "What about Chuichi? He's as normal as they come."

"Yeah, what about me!" Chuichi adds. "What's your little file say on me?"

"I thought that one was pretty obvious," Blue mutters. "Considering what happened to your parents."

His... parents? What? "What are you talking about?" you mutter. "Chuichi's parents live in the village. They travel a lot for work, but that's hardly reason to-"

"Kaz... buddy," Chuichi places his hand on your shoulder. "I lied about that. My parents... they're dead."

>What? Chuichi... I'm so sorry.
>Chuichi... why didn't you tell me? Why did you lie?

>>2387269
>What? Chuichi... I'm so sorry.
I am 60% sure he didn’t kill them.

>>2387269
>What? Chuichi... I'm so sorry.

Team Dead Parent(s) just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

>>2387269
>Chuichi... why didn't you tell me? Why did you lie?
CHUICHI MURDERED HIS OWN PARENTS AND REPLACED THEM WITH LIFESEZED PUPPETS

>>2387269
>What? Chuichi... I'm so sorry.

>That second option
Probably because any chance we had to hang out before got shot down and we ditched him.

>>2387269
>What? Chuichi... I'm so sorry.
And there it is...poor dude tried a replacement family to fill the void.

>>2387269
>>What? Chuichi... I'm so sorry.

Calling for
>What? Chuichi... I'm so sorry.

Writing now.

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>What? Chuichi... I'm so sorry.

"Don't be," Chuichi mutters. "It's not your fault."

"Chuichi..." Mayu looks to him. "I am sorry for your loss."

"What... happened?" you ask. "If... you don't mind talking..."

Chuichi lets out a sigh. "About seven years ago, there was a Darkworld incursion at the academy. No big deal, happens all the time. Thing is... my parents were just civilians. Villagers. We didn't know about the Darkworld. This incursion... it just so happened to reach out and pull people in just past the school gates. It happens, some incursions have a wider range than others, which is why the Academy is so removed from the village up on that hill. My parents just happened to be the poor souls who were taking me for a walk on the hill, and we all got sucked in."

"You were sucked in... when you were nine?" you ask. "Oh... that's awful."

"Next thing I know, I'm... watching my parents torn apart by monsters. Monsters they can't even see, but I can..." Chuichi states. "I... I figured I was going to wake up any minute, and it'd just be a nightmare... but it wasn't. I didn't. If it weren't for one of the teachers jumping in and saving me, I'd be a goner... but it was too late for mom and dad."

"Since then," Blue continues. "He's left in the care of the school. He owns that house to himself, and Wei has paid for his food, clothing, linens, you name it."

"And yet..." Ninsei mutters. "After that, you still joined the academy."

Chuichi nods. "Well... yeah. After seeing that, after seeing what the heroes in that school were dealing with... I just knew I had to help. I was awakened, I had the ability, so why wouldn't I? I had the opportunity... to make sure another little kid doesn't have to go through what I did."

"Chuichi..." you mutter, ready to give your friend a hug... but someone else beats you to the punch. Kaiya hunkering down and wrapping her arms around his waist, hugging him tight.

"W-what are you doing?" Chuichi panics, as Kaiya hugs tighter. She only looks up and gives a smile in return.

Blue dusts off his hands, before Akuro places a hand on his shoulder. "You're not done. Why is she here?"

Akuro points at Anri, as Blue shakes his head. "C'mon kid... I can't tell you-"

"It's because of my criminal record, isn't it?" Anri notes.

Everyone stops to look at Anri.

"Your... what?!" you exclaim.

"Brainiac..." Gado mutters.

Akuro stares at Anri, then back to Blue. "Criminal record? The detective has a criminal record? What?"

"Tell her," Anri says to Blue.

Blue lets out a sigh. "You remember that master thief a while back? The Emerald Phantom?"

"Of course I do!" Akuro exclaims. "That was the biggest mystery of my life! The case that's alluded me for over a year now! My greatest criminal rival... no."

Blue points at Anri.

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"It was... you?" Akuro gasps.

"Yes..." Anri looks to Akuro with a look of regret. Akuro simply stomps her foot in the sand.

"No!" she yells. "No, it's not! Nobody ever caught the-"

"She called us and confessed to the crime after two weeks," Blue explains. "Of course, it didn't take this scamp long to escape imprisonment and go on the run again. By the time we found her again, she was at this academy, doing too much good for us to arrest her again."

"I... I don't understand," a wide-eyed Akuro cries. "Why didn't you tell me?!"

Blue sighs. "White... that old geezer wanted to test you. See how long you would fixate on an unsolved case before moving onto another one. The fact that you spent so long doing that... it's part of why he doesn't have faith in you."

"Hang on..." Chuichi slaps his head. "Anri's a master thief?! I was just getting over the fact that she was a girl!"

"You..." Akuro mutters.

"I'm sorry kidd-"

"Don't touch me!" Akuro slaps Blue's hand out of the way. "You... you're supposed to be my friend! But you've been lying to me this whole time? Stay away from me!"

Akuro runs off down the beach. Blue simply sighs, sitting down and placing his head in his hands. "That girl... I'm sorry kids. I... wanted to make this a good day for you all. You've all been through so much crap... and you're good kids. I really mean that."

>It's okay... you had our best interests at heart.
>And a swell fine day you've given us, huh?
>Don't talk to us... we can't forgive you for this.

>>2387405
>...could've at least taken us to a carnival or something.
> It's whatever. We'll deal with it.

>>2387405
>It's okay... you had our best interests at heart

>>2387405
>It's okay... you had our best interests at heart.
I mean, Kaz' day hasn't been so bad, now has it?

Serriously though. So much has happened today! I am loving it.

Poor gay dad Blue though. Hurts to hurt your not-quite-but-totally adopted daughter

>>2387405
>It's okay... you had our best interests at heart
We can’t forgive White but Blue is cool.
So many revelations on a single day. Chuichi is probably clean, otherwise Kaiya wouldn’t have hugged him, she probably could detect the smell or aura of a murderer if she had to.

>>2387405
>It's okay... you had our best interests at heart.

>>2387405
>>It's okay... you had our best interests at heart.

Calling for
>It's okay... you had our best interests at heart.

Writing now.

>>2387405
>...could've at least taken us to a carnival or something.

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>It's okay... you had our best interests at heart.

Blue shakes his head. "Dammit... I really hate this job. I just broke my kid's heart."

You sigh. "It's okay. I'll talk to her."

You barely get the chance to before Anri dashes by you, chasing after the young agent. As the waves crash on the shore, Akuro spins around to confront her. "Leave me alone!"

"Arrest me!"

... What?

"What?!" Akuro exclaims.

"You heard me," Anri replies, holding out her hands. "This is your chance to arrest the one criminal who escaped you. Who... has haunted you all this time."

"Are... you mocking me?" Akuro asks.

"No!" Anri insists. "I... I mean it. Put simply... I am a criminal. And you've been robbed of the right to arrest me. For... for your sake, and the sake of justice..."

Anri gets onto her knees. "I allow you to arrest me!"

Akuro stares at Anri, the fury of the waves becoming more and more violent. "Well... I'm not going to do that."

"Huh?" Anri mutters. "Why not?"

"Because you're too useful," Akuro replies. "You're an awakened human... and besides, you've saved my life more than once. I... I can't arrest you."

Anri pauses. "Refusing at this juncture would make you a terrible agent."

"I already am a terrible agent, what's one more screw-up for the pile?"

"I see..." Anri nods. "You won't arrest a friend."

"Did I say friend?" Akuro glares. "Don't go putting words into my mouth!"

Akuro looks away, before looking back. "Get off your knees, you look stupid."

Anri rises to her feet. "Akuro... I'm sorry for my secrecy. I want you to know that I did wish to tell you, and that I've been trying to make up for my past-"

"Why were you a thief?" Akuro asks. "Or is that a secre-"

"I needed the money," Anri explains. "My Aunt had medical bills to pay."

"Right..." Akuro mutters. "Did she make it?"

"I don't know. I've been too afraid to get in contact," Anri explains. "To find out."

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Akuro sighs as she moves to walk... before being caught in a hug from Anri. "What? What are you-"

"I respect you, Akuro." Anri hugs her tighter. "As an agent, as a classmate, as a colleague, as a fri-"

"Don't say it," Akuro snarls. "Don't say it... and I might hug you back."

The two return to the beach silently, though you know the tension has not boiled over between the two of them. And it certainly hasn't boiled over between her and Blue.

"Kid..." Blue mutters, only to be ignored by Akuro. His face tells you that he expected this. He did conceal truth from the person who looked up to him and only him. Even if he had no choice in the matter.

Half an hour passes, and nobody speaks a word to the other. You all sit distant from each-other, silent. The only sounds being the waves and Act splashing in the ocean, oblivious to your arguments.

Roka is the first to stand up, from his spot that he hadn't left since arriving at the beach. "The hell are you all moping about?" he asks.

"Didn't you hear?" Chuichi asks.

"Yeah..." Roka states. "I heard it all. But I don't care. I think you're all stupid."

"You don't care?" Mio yells. "We've been outcast as rejects and freaks!"

"I am a reject and a freak!" Roka points out. "So are all of you! Who cares? Why should anyone care that you're from a mob family? Why should any care that she's a criminal? Why should anyone care that your parents are dead?"

"You might want to rephrase that last one..." Chuichi mumbles.

"People care about how you're a friendly guy who makes annoying jokes. They care that you're a smartypants detective. They care that you're helpful all the time! Nobody cares about your past! They care about who you are! And you're a bunch of freaks! Why would you pretend to be anything else?"

>Shut up, Roka! Nobody wants to hear it right now!
>He's right... stupid, but right.

>>2387519
>He's right... stupid, but right.

>>2387519
>>He's right... stupid, but right.
As much as I dislike Roka he is saying what it needs to be said.

>>2387519
>>He's right... stupid, but right.

My fucking sides.

>>2387519
>Shut up, Roka! Nobody wants to hear it right now!

>Why should anyone care that you're from a mob family?
>Bullet proof superhuman that works for a criminal organisation that physically harms people if they don't get what they want
>Shouldn't care
Roka, come on, there's dumb then there's retarded.

>>2387519
>He's right... stupid, but right.
Roka a best.

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>He's right... stupid, but right.

"I am?" Roka raises his eyebrow.

You nod. "For once, yes. Guys... who cares how someone like Agent White wants to label us? He doesn't know who we are. We know who we are! We're good people! We're friends! You know... if White wants us to call us freaks, then let him! We're freaks, it doesn't matter! I say... screw him, let's have fun on this crappy beach!"

Mio smiles and rises to her feet. "Yeah, let's do it!"

Mayu rises to her feet as well. "I am behind Kazuma. Always!"

Chuichi in turn stands. "Yeah... I'm not going to give up! I'm gonna have a great day!"

In turn, every member of the group stands up, with newfound drives and energy.

"Sorry for jacking your speech," you say to Roka.

Roka looks at you, confused. "I was making a speech?"

Chuichi chuckles. "You know what this saucy beach party needs? Some music! Kaz, hit us up, buddy!"

"I have this strange box that plays music," Mayu states, holding up the cassette tape. "I do not know how to unlock its secrets, though."

"The bus has a cassette player," Blue shakes his head at the youth of the day, not realising that Mayu finds the cassette tape to futuristic for her old-school tastes.

Blue walks over to the bus and sticks in the cassette tape, turning the volume up to full.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyAJ4V06izg

Nice pick. At least he didn't start on one of the sappier romantic songs on the tape. There's... quite a few of those.

"Now!" Kuin poses. "I demand we begin these human pyramids!"

The girls and boys split up and start to build their own pyramids in the sand. Even Roka and Katsuyori get involved. Kuin's insistence to not be on top causes the girl's pyramid to collapse... that and Alice falling asleep and losing balance. Mayu's fall from the top was not graceful.

"Is this yours?" Anri later asks Sae, handing her the manga.

"Oh... yeah, I've been working on it..." Sae admits.

Anri smiles. "It's quite good. You know... I illustrate stories myself."

"Really? What kind?"

"B-boy's... uhh... boy's love..." Anri whispers, embarrassed.

"Heh, you pervert!" Sae chuckles heartily. "We should work together sometime!"

Later, Chuichi returns from a quick dip in the ocean with a red face, putting his shirt back on. "Mayu... your mother just returned to shore."

"And?" you ask.

"You didn't mention she went swimming without her robe... that was... something to see..." Chuichi smiles awkwardly, a small drop of blood dripping from his nose.

"I'LL GET YOU, KAZUMA!" Roka yells, laughing maniacally during the game of cavalry in the ocean.

"Get him, Kaz!" Mio cheers you on as she helps carry you.

"Don't screw this up!" Sae tells Roka. The match ends in a draw after Roka leaps from his team to catch you with a clothesline, the both of you toppling into the water together.

More and more games, followed by making a fire as it gets dark to dry off and roast marshmallows Blue got from town.

You look to Mayu and share a loving smile. You look to Chuichi who shoots some finger guns. Mio nudges you on the elbow and grins brightly, as Alice shares some of her marshmallows with you. You look to Roka, who gives a simple nod.

"We should bring the others here some day," Risa points out. "Rest of the class missed out... let's do it when it's warmer, though."

"Agreed!" you all yell in unison.

What a day. What a strange, gloomy, depressing day.

But you had fun.

Not bad for a bunch of freaks, right?

END OF EPISODE 14

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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

>Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/BookerMan

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

Thanks for playing! Next thread will be up either Monday or Tuesday!

>Player Question
Which Class 1 character has the most interesting past? Which Class 1 characters have your favourite dynamic?

>>2387701
Thanks for Running Booker

>>2387701
Man, fuck agent White. Good run Booker

>>2387701
Thanks for running Booker this is probably one of my favorite Class 1 threads ever.

>Player Question
For me it was Chuichi and Katsuyori, we already knew Kats secret from the bonus scene but now that their secrets are out and they are probably going to be more open with the rest of the class.

>>2387701
Wonderful thread Booker. That was quite a rollercoaster of emotions.

>PQ
I need to know more about Anri. Her being a thief sounds very very interesting.

Best dynamic is tough. Love the Mayu/Kaz dynamic. Mio/Kaz as friends is great. Kaiya/Chuichi is delightful. And now with the secrets our, Risa/Katsuyori/Gado/Ninsei should be real fun.

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“Have you ever considered just... running away?”

Katsuyori looks over to Risa, piling up handfuls of sand and allowing the grains to fall back onto the beach. “Run away? What, like elope with you?”

“What? No!”

“Because no offence but I think I could do a lot better,” Katsuyori smirks. “Someone less plain-”

For his troubles, Katsuyori receives a quick jab to the ribs.

“Not me!” Risa yells. “You knew what I meant... I know it must be tough to escape the radar of my father, but... it's possible, right? Wouldn't the chance of success be worth the risk?”

“Even if I did manage to run away,” Katsuyori explains. “I'd be spending the rest of my life looking over my shoulder. A life of paranoia, never being able to trust anyone. So what's the point?”

Risa sighs. “I never thought of it like that. That's awful...”

Katsuyori shrugs. “Eh, it's just my luck. I'm an exceptionally unlucky person, you know.”

“Is that so?” Risa raises an eyebrow. “I know a lot of people who like to complain about bad luck. It seems to be a common complaint. Everyone believes themselves to be exceptionally unlucky, but few ever are.”

“Well, I mean it!” Katsuyori laughs. “Here... look at this.”

Katsuyori reaches into his pocket and pulls out a ten yen coin, handing it to Risa. “Flip that.”

“Okay...” Risa mutters. “Heads or tails?”

“Heads,” Katsuyori answers.

Risa flips the coin into the air, catching it in her palm and placing it atop the back of her right hand, unveiling it slowly. “It's... tails.”

Katsuyori smirks. “Do it again.”

“Okay, heads or-”

“Tails.”

Risa flips. “Heads.”

This process continues, with Katsuyori calling the flip, and getting it wrong every single time. After twenty-five unsuccessful calls, Risa looks to Katsuyori. “Huh... I guess you're right. That's pretty unlucky.”

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“Now watch,” Katsuyori replies as he takes the coin. “Heads.”

Katsuyori flips the coin into the air, before catching it and unveiling it slowly. “Check it out.”

“Heads...” Risa mutters. “How did...?”

“Because I calculated it. I'm constantly calculating the exact outcomes of every single action I make to guarantee success. Because relying on luck for anything... well, it's never paid off for me. Not even once. Training myself to think this way... it's the only reason I've survived this long.”

Risa pauses, looking to Katsuyori. “That's... honestly impressive. You seem a lot dumber than you actually are.”

“Thanks-”

“Because you seem really stupid,” Risa remarks, with a smirk of her own.

Katsuyori chuckles. “Got me there, Princess.”

“But... I'm glad you came up with something like that. I'm glad you've survived... to be honest, I don't... regret meeting you, Katsuyori.”

Katsuyori scoffs. “The highest of praise, princess! What's next, you'll consider me valuable lick-spittle? You'll admit that I'm worthy of cleaning your shoes?”

“Hey, I'm being nice you ass!” Risa exclaims, holding back a laugh.

“I'd hate to see you being cruel,” Katsuyori chuckles.

“You jerk!” Risa throws a playful swing at Katsuyori, but the mercenary leans back to avoid the fist. Risa loses her balance and falls forward, her face landing in Katsuyori's upper chest.

The two begin to laugh, as Risa pokes her head up to looks at Katsuyori, who looks down towards Risa. It's only then that the notice how close their faces are to each-other. Katsuyori is the first to blush, and seeing that causes Risa to blush as she immediately pushes herself away and the two sit a solid extra foot or two apart than when they started. Katsuyori clears his throat, as Risa looks off, biting her lip.

Katsuyori lets out a nervous chuckle, as Risa looks down. “Uhh... where were we?” Katsuyori asks through his laughter.

“Well...” Risa mumbles. “You were being an ass, and I was having none of it.”

“Oh yeah!” Katsuyori chuckles. “Hey, you wanna hear the story of how I broke my first bone? It's not a sad story, I promise.”

Risa looks over to Katsuyori after he elected to move on with a new topic. “Sure,” she smiles warmly.

With that, the two sit by the beach shore and continue to trade stories back and forth. An odd friendship forming... but a friendship nonetheless.

END OF SCENE

>>2390921
It's a cute scene but...
I don't even remotely ship this

>>2390933
What do you ship