Arc2 Ch4 Ep3

Warning: Alina speaks in this chapter. If you would prefer plain english or want an easy way to know what to localize / italianize / change for a video, use the alternate version on my pastebin ending in: ybVzfU2z (can't link to it anymore, thank pastebin's filters)
Currently self-reviewed only. Slightly edited April 2021.
=========================================================

Countdown to Breakdown

Ryou
The cooperation route, huh... Midori-san's thinking we should try something else.

=====1=====

Kagome's Diary
There was a single thread that connected to Promised Blood. The thread that Iroha-san and her friends spun little by little had snapped for unknown reasons.
The cause was because the mahou shoujo of the south and Alina-san's group, who were acting independently, both became deeply involved, driving Kureha-san into a fury...
As I unravel the actions that these girls took during that time, I have begun to piece together the events that drew my attention and eased my doubts.
This was eight days before Iroha-san's group tried to negotiate. From Union's discussions...
After they had decided to follow the route to cooperation, Iroha-san and her friends continued to talk about the Mirrors...

<8 Days Before Negotiations>

Kanagi
I think it's a bad move, but the east can try to see a miracle one more time.
However, our opponents say we are no different than Kyubey,
so I think suitable compensation and agreements are required.

Iroha
I understand.

Yachiyo
For now, I think we need to negotiate with Promised Blood.

Kanagi
This is our last opportunity. Making it work out would be great.

Yachiyo
Yeah...

Hinano
So that's the plan for now.
The rest of our discussion is now about the Endless Mirrors.

Yachiyo
Right, I believe everyone was sent a message before coming here,
but I fear that Promised blood may be using them
as a shortcut between Kamihama and Futatsugi.

Hinano
Sounds like it's something that's happened before.

Yachiyo
Yeah, Mitama used to deal with the Mirrors,
but now the Mirror's familiars have grown,
and they seem to have some special properties.

Kanagi
Speaking of, Yakumo had told me
that the barriers of the "offshoot witch" and the original witch are connected,
and that the structure of their barriers are complex and strange...

Ikumi
But, how does that tie in with the shortcut?

Yachiyo
When these barriers are connected, the distance between their bodies is ignored.

Ikumi
Then...that means...?

Yachiyo
Even if the witches are 100km apart, if their barriers are connected, it becomes zero.

Ikumi
Like...a warp...!?

Yachiyo
Something like that.
Furthermore, the offshoot witches that are making this possible are increasing.

Tsuruno
I checked with the Tokime clan, too,
and they seem to also be using a Mirrors route to get to Kamihama.

Hinano
Then they're multiplying everywhere without us even knowing...

Ryou
While we were trying to take out the witch, they've just been growing...

Ikumi
Maybe Eve's impurities are also affecting them...?

Yachiyo
As long as they're scattered, there's a possibilty that they're being absorbed...

Iroha
...Then we need a countermeasure against the Mirrors as soon as possible.

Yachiyo
If we can't cut them off at the source, then we at least need to remove these routes.
That would prove fatal against Promised Blood.

Ryou
Would that be good enough?
Satomi-san from Magius asked me to keep a close watch in the east.
Would you take a look at this photo?

Iroha
This is...of Daito...?

Yachiyo
It's a fake street...

Iroha
You were over there?

Yachiyo
This is the place where we first identified the offshoot Mirrors.

Ryou
This smells like scoop material to me.

Ikumi
Geez, Ryou-chan, do you have to make such a bad face?

Kanagi
However, I do believe this is sufficiently newsworthy.
A witch like Mirrors isn't that difficult to find.

Ryou
This means that we can hit Promised Blood's weakpoint.

Ikumi
This is great, Ryou-chan! This will be a scoop~

Tsuruno
But, now isn't the time to be doing something like that. You might affect our negotiations...

Hinano
That could make us have to give up the Kimochi...

Ryou
.....

Hinano
Ryou?

Ryou
Mm? It's nothing.

Iroha
Now all that's left is what to do about the original witch...

Mifuyu
Haa...huu...
As for that...haa...may I start?

Yachiyo
Oh, I didn't think you would make it today...

Mifuyu
I finished...my homework from Touka...
But that is not why I'm here. I have information about the Mirrors.
No, it may be more appropriate to say that it is about Alina.

Yachiyo
Alina...? Is she related to the Mirrors...?

Mifuyu
It seems that she lost her memories within the Mirrors.

Tsuruno
Eh, ehh? Alina's memories? What are you talking about...?

Mifuyu
I don't understand, either.
But, she has been seeing herself in the Mirrors every time she dreams,
and the further she goes in, the more of a reaction she feels...
All of those paintings she made, they were maps to finding it.

Yachiyo
A map of the Mirrors... Then maybe...

Mifuyu
Yes, if Alina's recovering memories and the witch's location are linked,
we may be able to reach the innermost area of the barrier through what she sees.

Kanagi
Will I finally get what I've sought after all this time...
When the time is right, we need to form an investigation team.

Tsuruno
That's right, hm hm!
If we can defeat the original witch, the other groups can't come through,
and Kamihama will be safe and secure!

Iroha
We're in a situation where we can plan against Promised Blood,
so once negotiations with them are over, then we can start moving.
Also, Mifuyu-san.

Mifuyu
Yes?

Iroha
How is Karin-chan since last time...?

Mifuyu
She's already been discharged from the hospital. It seems her injuries have already healed.

Iroha
Thank goodness...

Mifuyu
Ah, and Alina was discharged at the same time
because there wasn't anything for her to do.

Tsuruno
That's...going to make it harder to monitor her...

Ryou
.....

Hinano
(What's with Ryou... She's thinking something weird...)

---

<3 Days Before Negotiations>

-Science Room-

Hinano
How strange...

Sakurako
| What's wrong? |

Hinano
Nothing, it's just there's no cardboard even though it's recycling day.
Or at least I thought it was today...

Sakurako
| Are you going to make an animal house? |
| Isn't Felicia constructing a home for Mokyu? |

Hinano
Nah, I'm prepping some teaching material for the children's chemistry expirement class.

Sakurako
| I see, it's that drug that makes Hinano taller. |

Hinano
Hahaha, yeah, yeah.
It'll make the kids grow up really quick and~ wait, you're wrong!
First of all, that's not something you can do with cardboard!

Sakurako
| ..... |
| I was yelled at... |

Hinano
I was just going along with the tsukkomi joke, but I suppose that's hard for Sakurako...
That's my bad...
By the way, Sakurako, why haven't you gone to the newspaper club?

Sakurako
| Because Ryou went out to find a scoop. |

Hinano
A scoop...?

Sakurako
| She said she wanted to narrow it down because it's useless as it is now. |
| But what she meant isn't something I understand. |

Hinano
Ahh...

-Flashback-

Ryou
.....

Hinano
Ryou?

Ryou
Mm? It's nothing.

-End Flashback-

Hinano
She seemed pretty unhappy...
(It's true that incomplete evidence can't be used effectively.)
(If you're going to deal the finishing blow to someone, you have to go one step further.)
Although, that's not allowed now...
Sakurako, I think I'm going to be leaving school early today, too.

Sakurako
| Then I will also go home. It would be boring without Hinano. |

Hinano
Go ahead.
(I should probably contact Ikumi... She'll listen to her more than me...)

=====2=====

-Hospital-

Mifuyu
First of all, congratulations on being discharged.

Alina
Alina was discharged once before though.

Mifuyu
And this is for Karin-san.

Karin
Thanks a lot!
I'm feeling so much better, I think I can draw the best manga ever now!

Alina
Don't think that will happen until your drawing improves though.

Karin
Uu...

Mifuyu
Is your family coming to get you today?

Karin
Yeah, Obaa-chan and everyone said they'll be here!
She said she needed me to do various things for her? Or something.

Mifuyu
And Alina?

Alina
Alina is furii, therefore Alina is leaving on her own.

Karin
Alina-senpai!

Alina
Wattsu?

Karin
Don't ever forget about the Magical Kirin you read in the hospital!
Especially the one about the phantom thief girl
stopping a researcher from destroying the earth by giving her words of affection;
that one is for Alina-senpai!
Right now Alina-senpai's heart should be full of sweetness!
That's why you're supposed to be rehabilitated- nyu!

[*Bunyu bunyu bunyu bunyu!*] ¹

Karin
Stahp pijig mah jeeks!

Alina
Alina is sick of being called daatii, ya know...
Besides, since we go to the same school,
eventually we'll encounter each other and talk again.
Alina's not going to forget, ya know.

Karin
Alina-senpai, will you be going to club activities?

Alina
That may cause Alina's memorii to return, yes.

Karin
That's great!

Momoko
Karin-chan, your mother and family came to get you.

Rena
Why don't you show them just how great you're feeling?

Karin
Ah, okay.

Alina
.....
Mifuyu.

Mifuyu
Yes?

Alina
It's true Union is also going to chekku the Mirrors?

Mifuyu
It is just as I told you the other day.
There is a lot of suspicious things surrounding the Mirrors,
so they are talking about forming an investigation team.

Alina
Hmm...
Then tell Alina when we take akushon, okay.
We have to dive diipu,
because otherwise Alina's memorii may never come back.

Mifuyu
I understand...

Karin's Voice
Alina-senpaaii!

Karin
I'll see you school yeah!

Alina
We're in a hosupitaru, but she's so noiji, isn't she.
Fuuru Gaaru...

Mifuyu
Is Alina going to go home?

Alina
Alina is going to the fake street.

Mifuyu
Hold on, right now we cannot move and risk the negotiations...
Besides that, Alina is still a Magius you know...?

Alina
Notto mataa.
Because Alina has nothing to do with Union, Alina does what she wants, ya know.

Mifuyu
Please wait a minute!

-Under Bridge / Highway-

Ryou
Hinano-san, Makino-chan... You guys didn't have to follow me...

Hinano
If this is really a weakpoint for Promised Blood,
then if you're found out the negotiations will be all for nothing.

Ikumi
She's right, Ryou-chan,
it's especially not a good idea to go alone~
Besides, you said you would take pictures at my next volleyball game,
and you promised we would talk about what pictures to take, didn't you~

Ryou
Just like Makino-chan, Midori-san is gettin' pretty popular these days.
But, sorry I forgot...

Ikumi
Geez!

Hinano
Oi, don't change the subject.

Ryou
Mm, what...?

Hinano
Come on, you can't wiggle your way out of this...

Ryou
No, isn't that...Alina-san over there...?

Hinano
Don't be ridiculous.

Alina
So there's no reaction around here in particular...

Mifuyu
Hey, Alina, this is really dangerous, so we need to keep it down.
Denjaa, Denjaa.

Alina
Sharap. Mifuyu can go home alone ya know.

Mifuyu
Geez, Alina, what will you do if something were to happen to you!?
You know you are making me angry now?

Hinano
That fool! Even Mifuyu-san!?

Ryou
See, I was right...?

---

Hinano
I see...

Alina
It's been said already, but Alina has nothing to do with Union.
It's fine if you want the akushon to sutoppu,
but Alina wants you to stop forcing me, ya know.

Mifuyu
Is there a reason why Alina is forcing me to go along with this?

Hinano
Alina wanted to investigate, and Mifuyu wanted her to stop,
so you guys were having a dispute.

Ikumi
Then it's the same as us.

Ryou
You're right, but...

Alina
Haa... Do you even understand Alina in the first place?
What it feels like to have your memorii rosuto.

Mifuyu
――っ!?

Alina
This baddo fiiringu of standing in a world where you understand nothing...

Mifuyu
That's...

Alina
Besides, Alina has encountered a mahou shoujo that is risaachingu the Mirrors,
so Alina has no reason to go suruu with this anymore.

Ryou
Are you talkin' about Midori-san?

Alina
ofukousu.
Except for the mappu dorouingu of the original Mirrors from Alina's point of view,
Alina is notto niido, yeah?
That's why Alina wants to see and chekku the offshoot Mirrors,
because no dorouingu is required to find the offshoot's magical reaction.

Hinano
Sorry, but I can't let you take Ryou.
It would be really bad if they found out she's a part of Union...

Ryou
Hinano-san...

Ikumi
Kumi really understands how Ryou-chan feels,
but Kumi thinks it's better to follow what Hinano-san said and stay back for now.

Ryou
...At any rate, it doesn't seem like we'd catch anything given the current situation...

Mifuyu
Just to confirm again, what is the current situation?

Ryou
To give a rough summary, we've been looking for this offshoot Mirrors,
there's the offshoot Mirrors that Yakumo-san took care of,
and eyewitness reports of concentrations of Promised Blood in the east.
Also, Midori-san snapped a picture of Ooba Juri.
When you add it all up, this whole place smells fishy.

Hinano
But, you've reached a dead end here.

Ryou
There's no magical reaction here to clue me in,
so my ability to never miss a photo opportunity won't kick in.
That's why it seems like Midori-san has to give up.

Mifuyu
Then, if you would please, just refrain from doing anything for now.

Ryou
Azusa-san, are you really okay with that?
As it is, you know we won't have a weakpoint to exploit in case there's an emergency, right?

Mifuyu
Right now our top priority should be negotiating successfully.
If there is an emergency, then we can rely on your ability.

Ryou
So that's it, huh. Azusa-san's also going for convenience.

Mifuyu
Apologies.
Alina, you should go home for today as well and wait a little while.
Since there are no clues to follow, we will just be exposed to tricks.

Alina
Haa, okay...
Besides, it seems like what looks like Alina's mazaa is at the hosupitaru...

Mifuyu
Did you not say she was not coming to get you earlier!?

Alina
Maybe Alina didn't hear properly, so the puran was actually to come get me?
Really...
Everyone is so vague, it's all baddonesu...

=====3=====

<1 Day Before Negotiations>

Alina
.....

Karin
That painting of the Mirrors that you did at the hospital,
aren't you going to continue working on it?

Alina
.....

Karin
She came all the way to the club, but she's sleeping...

-Dream of Mirrors-

Alina
These hideous barriers keep spreading in my dreams.

――――

Alina
There's a woman's voice very far away,
and Alina's own reaction is somewhere deep within...
That is exactly where Alina's memorii is...
[The more Alina dives in and chases that voice, the closer the memorii becomes,]
[but suddenly Alina can't move forward; it feels like a deddorokku...]

――――

Alina
[Yet that woman's voice still calls out, telling Alina to get to the diipu end.]
[But that must mean Alina needs to dive into the Mirrors, if it's impossible to go deeper within the doriimu.]
[That's why Alina wants to proceed with the mappu meikingu, but there's still one puroburemu...that this is an offshoot of the Mirrors...]
[The magical pataan has to be grasped, otherwise Alina will have to continue doroingu useless mappu...]

――――

Alina
Tch, VAAAAH!
So, if you want Alina to come to you, where is this offshoot Mirrors?
Alina wants you to say it clear as day now!
Alina doesn't give a damn what part of Alina you are!
However, the way things are going, don't you think YOU are going to be in trouble too!?
.....
Once again, Alina is going to Daito...
so if you fiiru anything, let Alina know, okay.

-End Dream-

Alina
Ha...

Karin
Senpai's finally up!
I want you to tell me how the name of the manga I drew in the hospital was.

Alina
Hold it, Alina is going to Minaminagi.

Karin
Heh...?

Alina
Midori Ryou...that mahou shoujo should still be interested, yes...

Karin
Eh, eh...!?
.....
Alina-senpai! Wait up!

---

-Science Room-

Hinano
From the look of things, you haven't been to Daito yet.

Ryou
Well, yeah, after I got talked to like that.

Hinano
Well, I'm just glad you listened to what I had to say,
but why can't you work on your newspaper in your own clubroom?

Ryou
Because, isn't our member Sakurako-san moving around as she pleases?
She's always wandering about and stopping by the chemistry room,
so Midori-san thought it would be fine to be here, too.

Hinano
She does always seem to have free time.

Ryou
But she has things to keep her busy, doesn't she?

Sakurako
| Hinano. |

Ryou
And there she is.

Hinano
There's no Hinano, go help Ryou with her newspaper club.

Ryou
It's fine, don't worry about it. Was today another free day for you?

Sakurako
| Today Sensei had a little interesting story to tell me. |

Hinano
Huh, that's unusual. What did she talk about?

Sakurako
| The story of the disaster in Kamihama. |

Ryou
――っ!?
~ .....Alina-san? ~

Alina
~ You don't have to ask, Alina believes we met at the fake street. ~

Ryou
~ No, you're right... ~
~ And I know I'm a former white feather and Alina-san is a Magius... ~
~ So, what can I do for you...? ~

Alina
~ Tomorrow, we're going to Daito again. ~

Ryou
~ ... ~

Alina
~ You were also interested in the offshoot Mirrors, yes? ~
~ Alina will be uetingu at the fake street, ~
~ so if you're interested, you're coming too, yeah. ~
~ Aha... ~

Ryou
.....

Alina
.....

Sakurako
| Ryou, were you listening just now? |

Ryou
Eh?

Hinano
Your head isn't here, huh...
Sakurako was telling you what Sensei told her.
Were you thinking about the Endless Mirrors?

Sakurako
| Mirrors? |

Hinano
Ryou's worried about Promised Blood's secret.

Ryou
.....
Well, it made me curious, but
if Union isn't going to spring into action, then I won't keep investigating it.
Although right now I'm thinking about what Satori-chan told me.

Hinano
You mean spreading the story of mahou shoujo around using Ryou's photos?

Ryou
Yeah yeah, that's it.
I was enthusiastic looking for shots, but I got nothin' decent.
I never thought I'd be chasin' mahou shoujo for photos,
but isn't it better than dirtying my lens with a teacher's love gossip?

Hinano
That's pretty admirable, isn't it?

Ryou
Then, Midori-san is gonna look for some scoop material.

Hinano
Oi, didn't you just unfold that paper?

Ryou
I'm not running from my work, but I can do this another time.

Hinano
...Just don't get caught up in trouble.

Sakurako
| It appears that she is running away. |

Hinano
Agreed.

---

-Hozumi Coffeehouse-

Ryou
Yo, Hozumi-chan.

Shizuku
Ryou-san, would you like the usual today?

Ryou
If by the usual, you mean the cheapest blend ya got?

Shizuku
Huhu, that it is.
It's rare for you to be here so early.

Ryou
I heard Union and Promised Blood were gonna have their negotiations here.

Shizuku
It seems they are. Were you also participating?

Ryou
Nah, I just came to scope the situation a little before it starts.
.....
Hozumi-chan, do you think the negotiations will go well...?

Shizuku
...I wonder.
Unlike Ryou-san and Ikumi-san, I'm not in the middle of all of this...
But I did hear that if this fails, there could be an all-out war...

Ryou
I see...
There's a mahou shoujo nearby...?

Shizuku
It's been a few days, but I feel a reaction that I don't know of.

Ryou
...Maybe they weren't planning to talk from the very beginning.

Shizuku
Eh?

Ryou
It's nothing. Well, Midori-san is off.
Sorry, I'm just killing time. I'll be back for a drink later.

Shizuku
We're a coffeehouse, but Ryou-san makes it sound like we serve alcohol.

Ryou
Maybe I should take Alina-san's invitation...

=====4=====

<The Day of Negotiations>

Ryou
I'm here.

Alina
Okay, you didn't bring anyone else?

Ryou
Not with how this situation is.
So, even though we couldn't sense anything last time,
you think we can find the offshoot Mirrors today?

Alina
If you use your hiaringu, you'll surely understand ya know.
And when Alina's gaido is over,
next is your taan
to show off your abiriti.

Ryou
I get it.

Alina
Then, Alina wants you to ueito a little.
.....

Ryou
(She's sleeping...?)

Alina
.....

-Dream Mirrors-

Alina

So we've arrived at the place where the offshoot Mirrors was in Daito before.
If Alina can figure out this offshoot's magical pataan, there will be no need for any useless mappu.
So hurry up and tell me.
――っ!?
Alina wasn't the one sensing just now...
It was you that is inside Alina...you sensed it and told Alina...?
Whether you're the former Alina, or someone else entirely, is unknown to me.
Well, thank you for now.
[Alina will find you one day, so keep waiting.]

-Dream End-

Alina
Faundo...

Ryou
You found it, huh.

Hinano
AND WE FOUND YOU TOO!

Ryou
――っ!?
Hinano-san...

Hinano
What's with you and not staying back, dumbass!? You're going too far!

Karin
Alina-senpai, too. It's terrible that you haven't stopped!

Alina
Alina is going.

Ryou
Hinano-san,
it's possible that Promised Blood knows where all the Kamihama mahou shoujo live.

Hinano
Haa?

Ryou
The negotiations might have already broken down, and they're gonna kill everyone before there's time to react.
If it's happening today, then we're out of time.
We have to hit their weakpoint right now, while we still can.

Ikumi
You're really serious...?

Ryou
I'm convinced that they're hiding around Hozumi-chan's shop.

Ikumi
Ryou-chan...

Hinano
You're really going through with this...?

Ryou
I'm going with Alina-san. From here on it's Midori-san's turn.

Hinano
I understand... I'll go with you, then...
I can't just leave you alone.

Ryou
You're just gonna get in the way.

Hinano
I can't believe you...

Ryou
Alina-san, where's this place at?

Karin
If Alina-senpai is going, then I'm going too!

Alina
...Do whatever you want?
By the way, the place is near the border of Daito and Minaminagi, yes.
Looking at this mappu, Alina thinks it's around here.

Ryou
This is...

Alina
Yuuno?

Ryou
...I'm sure this is in Kamihama Prison.

---

-Kamihama Prison-

Alina
This is a purizun?

Karin
It's scary even during the day... Ghosts might even show up...

Hinano
Oi, aren't you supposed to be the mahou shoujo born of Halloween...?

Ryou
Midori-san never found any ghosts when entering on a dare before.
So, you're positive this is where the magical reactions are?

Alina
It seems they're coming from andaguraundo.
But beyond that, Alina doesn't know where.

Ikumi
Huh, you're not looking for magical power, though.

Alina
Alina is just following what she was told.

Ikumi
There's someone inside Alina...?

Alina
Zattsuraito.

Ryou
Alright, it's time for Midori-san's ability to come into play here.

Hinano
You mean you're going to find a scoop underground?

Ryou
Yep, we're gonna find the secret by snapping it through my viewfinder.

Ikumi
But, Ryou-chan... Is there even a way to get underground...?

Ryou
It sounds complicated, but if nothing's changed since I did my dare here, there won't be any problems.

Hinano
Then, we'll hide ourselves until Ryou gets back.

Karin
Ah, things would get really bad if Promised Blood found us...

Hinano
That's what I thought.

Ryou
Even if enemies show up, just leave us alone, Hinano-san.
I wouldn't want you getting involved in that.

=====5=====

Kagome's Diary
At this point, Miyako-san and her group had arrived at Kamihama Prison, unable to stop Ryou-san.
She wouldn't admit it herself, but she seemed to give up on the idea of stopping Ryou-san since Alina-san was going either way...
So I think everyone really just wanted to blame Alina-san.
However, they would not do that because they knew Alina-san is not in Union, and that she wouldn't understand anyway...
The day that Iroha-san and her friends began negotiations... I wonder if even Kureha-san was a little shaken, with no way to control her emotions...
No matter what miracle was close to happening, one wrong step would ruin everything...

-Kamihama Prison-

Ao
I guess it was better to be late meeting up with the eldest sister~
Magius' Alina and the mahou shoujo from the south are here...

Urara
It'll be fine, third sister.
Even if they break into the prison, they won't find the entrance to the barrier.

Ao
No, all it'll take is that Midori Ryou's ability to find it...

Urara
Eh...!

Ao
It's alert level max. What members are here...?

Urara
Including myself and the third sister, there's eight of us.

Ao
As long as Alina is here, it's not an easy game,
but aside from Midori Ryou, there's four enemies here, so we need to hold them off.
But before that, I need to contact the eldest sister.

-Ai's Barrier-

PB Girl
Haa, haa, Yuna-san...

Yuna
You...came from outside...?
I appreciate the concern, but we're waiting for an opportunity, so we don't need reinforcements.

PB Girl
Ah, haa, that's not it, I was contacted and came to tell you...

Yuna
Contacted? Wonder if it's Sakuya...
(If negotiations break down, we'll have to proceed with preparing the "mechanism...")
(But, can it even be done...?)

-Flashback in the Catacombs-

Sana
All of the Futatsugi mahou shoujo are resting here...

Tsuruno
Yeah...
We're not the kind of people that would ruin the resting place of the dead...

Yuna
.....
So...you're thinking...about these girls...

-End Flashback-

Yuna
...Tell me.

PB Girl
That is...if what I've been told is correct...

Yuna
.....

PB Girl
It seems that Union has just appeared at the front of the prison.
Also, I was told that Midori Ryou is amongst them...
The third sister believes they're going to cut off our lifeline...

Yuna
Everything you just told me is the truth, yes...?

PB Girl
Yes...!

Yuna
Then tell Sakuya immediately...
that negotiations have been broken off.
Even if they send reinforcements, keep them out of the prison!

PB Girl
I-I understand!

Yuna
So this is what the people of Kamihama do.
You must have prepared plenty of sweet-talk to invite us
for an opportunity to have a discussion...

-Mall-

[*Snip...*]

Iroha
Okay, I think that shouldn't come off for a while.

Hikaru
Thanks to you, Tamaki-san.

Iroha
No, this was something simple.

[～～♪～～♪]

Sakuya
Ah, sorry, it's them, it must be their answer to what talked about earlier.

Yachiyo
Well... I wonder how this will go...

Iroha
.....

Tsuruno
I'm really nervous...

Sakuya
Hello, it's me...
.....Yeah.
.....Eh?
W-wait a minute! Did I hear you correctly...!?
The conditions Union gave us are huge!
.....Yeah.
What's going on over there...?
What...no way...you mean that...?
Yeah...I don't think the third sister would lie...
...I understand, and I'll move right away.

Hikaru
That sounded really serious...

Iroha
It did...

Sakuya
Unfortunately, Tamaki-san, things aren't going to work out.
Let's go, Hikaru.

Hikaru
Wai- whattaya talking about!? Those two even said they'd give up their lives!

Sakuya
I'll explain the reason on the way.

Yachiyo
Wait! We want to hear why too!

Sakuya
If you ask your heart, you'll already have the answer!

Hikaru
Eh, um, Tamaki-san...

Iroha
I don't understand either...!

Hikaru
っ...!

Tsuruno
Do they really want to kill all of us that badly...
I hate to say it, but we need to talk about mobilizing every member of Union...

Iroha
And talk about Promised Blood's shortcut, too...

Yachiyo
Right...I'll go ask Miyako-san to get to work...

---

-Phone Call-

Hinano
Yachiyo-san, is this about the negotiations...?

Yachiyo
Yes...they broke down spectacularly... And I don't know the reason why...

Hinano
I see, so it couldn't work out...

Yachiyo
I need to ask something of you, though.

Hinano
What is it?

Yachiyo
Midori-san took a picture of Ooba Juri over there, right?
Using that, I would like to find Promised Blood's shortcut
and strike at their weakpoint before this conflict worsens.

Hinano
I thought about stopping her, but I suppose that isn't necessary...

Yachiyo
Eh?

Hinano
That Ryou, I was trying to tell her to stop, but she went on ahead
in case something were to go wrong, like right now.

Yachiyo
So that's what happened. That helps.
.....
Wait, you mean she was moving on her own until now...?

Hinano
I'm sorry, I couldn't stop her...

Yachiyo
Were there any Promised Blood magical reactions nearby...?

Hinano
No, we haven't sensed anything, but what's going on...?

Yachiyo
I think the negotiations broke because they caught you guys moving.

Hinano
Wha...

Yachiyo
If you were caught at this time, from their point of view...
We're sweet-talking them at the table, but trying to cut their lifeline behind their backs.

Hinano
This is my fault, Yachiyo-san... I should have stopped her forcibly...

Yachiyo
I'm not so sure about that, though...
More importantly, if my assumption is correct, their anger
is more evidence that there is a shortcut nearby.

Hinano
Tch, now that we've broken the rules, we have to find it...

Yachiyo
I'm asking you...

-End Phone Call-

Yachiyo
Haa...

Tsuruno
Yachiyo...?

Yachiyo
The south was looking for Promised Blood's shortcut.

Iroha
Um, then are Hinano-san and her friends in danger...!?
Promised Blood may start attacking everyone...!

Tsuruno
I'll ask Kanagi for backup!

Iroha
Me too, I'll ask Momoko-san's team to go join them!
(If things don't go well, Hinano-san's team is only three people.)
(If Kureha-san starts moving people, though...)
[Even though the container terminal is in Minaminagi Ward, it's near Daito and where Hinano-san's team is...]
[Even if Kanagi-san's team makes it in time, they won't stand a chance...]

-Sakura Uwasa Area-

Kagome
Eh...Hinano-san's group, and Promised Blood...?

Touka
It sounds exactly like what Onee-sama was saying.
It's interesting that Alina is also there. Kuhuhu.

Nemu
Our resolution and Onee-san's hope have both been wasted.
And since we're the cause of all of this, I have no optimism.

Sakurako
| Is Ryou okay...? |

Nemu
There's no doubt that she's Promised Blood's target.
But now that negotiations are broken, we must get that evidence.

Touka
The time has finally come when eeeveryone is going to be involved in a battle...

Sakurako
| ..... |

Touka
For now, all we can do is wait for Ryou to come here.
Satori Kagome has gathered us to spread everything about mahou shoujo,
so we can't fight anyway.

Kagome
.....Yeah.

=====6=====

-Kamihama Prison-

Ao
It's pointless trying to hide.

Karin
We were found...

Hinano
Since we give off magical reactions, it was only a matter of time.

Ao
Huh~? Aren't we missing one more?

Hinano
Mm? Now that you mention it, I wonder where she went.

Ao
So now we know what each other knows?

Hinano
Hu, you're diggin' your grave. It's like you just declared you're in a pinch,
because the more hostile you get, the more of a sense of doom you seem to give off.

Ao
Can you be so sure about that~?

Urara
If we're going to chase after her, we'd be better off finishing this quickly.

Ao
Yeah, you're right.

Alina
Haa...
Alina just wants to get her memorii back though...

Karin
You can't just say that and expect them to let us pass...
We're in big trouble...

Ikumi
It's alright, Karin-chan,
I sent for help from Kanagi-san...

Hinano
(Just asking her alone won't be enough...)

-Prison Interior-

Ryou
This is troubling... I'm completely lost...
I said I've been past the entrance before, but I may have underestimated this...

---

-Flashback at Hozumi Coffeehouse-

Shizuku
Ryou-san, did you write some coverage article today?

Ikumi
An article about taking a dare to go in Kamihama Prison. It's so scary~

Shizuku
Heeh...there's another prison in the basement of a place like that.

Ryou
Yep, it may sound like an urban legend, but it's all true.
And it looks like it was built just for a single criminal,
so the passage is grid-like with no lighting.

Ikumi
That's more like a dungeon or a labyrinth.

Ryou
Plus it's pitch black.

Shizuku
The only light is in the prison built somewhere within...

Ikumi
Yaan, Kumi's scared.
Ah, but with Kumi's power to win everyone's hearts,
the dungeon might light up with a sparkle.

Shizuku
...When you get there, you'll become the helpless maid.

Ryou
She'd lose her signal there.

Ikumi
Hueeh, you think so...

-End Flashback-

Ryou
If Makino-chan was capable of such a thing,
I would have loved for her to do this.
(But there's no way I could drag her into here.)
(I wonder if should leave evidence behind so I can find my way back...)
Evidence...
(If Promised Blood also comes through here,)
(then they'd be making the shortest route...)
(There's no magic left behind...?)
For now I have no choice but to keep steadily exploring while protecting myself...

=====7=====

Ryou
There's no sign of magical power, nor any landmarks...
In that case, I'm gonna have to risk using my ability to find any scoop...

-Outside-

Hinano
Damn, that Ryou, hasn't she gotten her evidence yet...!?

Ao
If she entered that way, the entire basement is a labyrinth,
so it's in your best interest to withdraw before she gets cornered~

Hinano
If you're so worried about Ryou, why the hell would we withdraw!?

Urara
Then we have no choice but to finish you one by one.

Hinano
っ!

Ikumi
Hinano-san!

Urara
There, now you're all wrapped up!
Third sister, let's take care of them all at once!

Ao
Yeah! No more hesitating...!

Karin
That's not happening!

-Flashback of well-done Karin-

Karin
Aah...Uoo...

Kaede
Karin-chan, Karin-chan!!

-End Flashback-

Ao
っ...!
Easy mode... Easy game...!

Hinano
The restraints are off...nice save!

Karin
Hm, there is no evil deed that my scythe cannot cut!
But more importantly... Alina-senpai, help us out!

Alina
Alina is only interested in the Mirrors
and has nothing to do with Union, so if you want to fight, do it yourself.

Karin
How could you...!

Ao
Hey, if this were an FPS, looking away would give me a free headshot you know~?

Karin
Ah!

Ao
Ah, who!?

Kanagi
Izumi Kanagi.

Mitama
And Yakumo Mitama here.

Kanagi
Artist, are you all right?

Karin
Nagitan! Thanks yeah!

Kanagi
So it's true. Negotiations really did break down.

Hinano
Sorry... I didn't take stopping Ryou serious enough.

Kanagi
No, it seems our opponents here were already searching for the homes of mahou shoujo.
Either way, the negotiations would have broken down or become increasingly more difficult.

Mitama
However, that doesn't mean we intended to kill them either.

Kanagi
I don't want this grudge to swirl around like how the east and west used to.

Urara
...Besides the Magius that doesn't want to fight, this makes five opponents.

Ao
They were able to close the gap a little, but there's still a chance to win here~

Mitama
You know it's only a matter of time before more Union reinforcements come, riight?

Ao
Kusu.
And you know my sister's on her way too, right~?

Hinano
Tch, Mitama... She's right about that...
The mahou shoujo we asked for help are getting caught up trying to get here.

Mitama
How could they...

-Rooftop-

Momoko
Damn, how'd they know we were comin'?

Rena
Hey you, you're in our way, so could you move it?

Hikaru
You're the one in our way.
And we've already heard the story. You can't play the victim card here.

Rena
Haa!?

Hikaru
It's cowardly to be moving behind our backs while whispering sweet nothings.

Sakuya
I even started to have faith in you guys.

Kaede
Um, you know, you're wrong. It was kind of an accident...

Sakuya
You expect us to trust your group when you have people causing accidents?

Kaede
M-maybe...but...

Hikaru
We don't need your excuses.

-In Battle-

Momoko
We may be blocked, but it'll be okay.
Someone will find a way to get to Kamihama Prison.

Hikaru
If you're talking 'bout Tamaki-san's group, you'd be better off giving up on 'em.

Momoko
So you've already arranged for them...

-End Battle-

[*Ring♪*]

Kaede
[We made it to Kosho Ward, but we were caught by Hikaru-chan's team...]
[It seems like some other girls noticed the message and started moving, but they're all saying people from Promised Blood won't let them through...]

[*Ring♪*]

Kanagi
[We've arrived at Kamihama Prison, but our opponents still outmatch us, and Ooba Juri is closing in.]
[Honestly, I can only say we have limited time, given the current situation.]

-Streets-

Iroha
Promised Blood doesn't want everyone to get to the prison...

Yachiyo
At least we should be able to...

Yuna
We can't go any further, and neither can you...

Iroha
Kureha-san...

Yuna
The only one capable of getting evidence from the prison is that Midori Ryou.
Sorry, but she'll definitely be erased.

Iroha
You're wrong, it was a misunderstanding!

Tsuruno
That's right, she just happened to find it by chance while looking around.

Yuna
You closed the door to negotiations yourself, so let's stop with the pathetic excuses...?

Yachiyo
...If we were to compromise, what would you have done?

Yuna
Instead of ceasing the slaughter of all mahou shoujo in Kamihama,
I was going to put them under Futatsugi and work them to death.

Iroha
.....

Tsuruno
The kind Kureha Yuna that Iroha-chan felt
doesn't have the capacity to love all mahou shoujo.

Yuna
Didn't I tell you that we're going to hell?
If not, then I'll show you how to live a life of damnation...
A way that's different from killing.

-Kamihama Prison (Interior)-

Ryou
Found it...
(Though, this isn't a place that anyone but Midori-san could find...)
(Then, where does Promised Blood come and go from...)
.....
――っ!?
Could it be this door...? It's relatively new...
Inside is...
...I see, so that's how this works.

=====8=====

-Kamihama Prison (Outside)-

Ao
Haa...haa...
They're not making this easy~

Ikumi
Of course we're not...huu... If we let you through then you'll get inside...
I won't let you hurt Ryou-chan...

Urara
From what I heard, I thought the former feathers were supposed to be weak...

Ikumi
We've changed a little since we were feathers...

PB Girl
Tch, this has become annoying now that the east has joined...

Kanagi
We may not be equal in number, but our true ability more than makes up for it.

-Street-

Ranka
How long does it take for the third sister to destroy a single wall?

Juri
We slipped by those Neo Magius guys,
so what the hell are they doing...

Ranka
Why don't we just sneak into the prison and pursue our target?

Juri
For sure, while they still haven't seen us.
Tch...this is bad timing...
Looks like they followed us from where the Kimochi was.

Sana
Haa...huu...we heard that...
Promised Blood is going after the people from the south, right...?

Ui
They think Union was doing something,
but I'm sure they're mistaken...

Ranka
Even if there was a mistake, we need to move, understand?

Sana
Then you are not going anywhere... We are going to stop you from getting to the prison...

Felicia
Forget that, we're gonna smash the hell outta these guys!

Ranka
Vicious animal. Don't take those words back now, okay?

Juri
Juri-sama loves makin' strong people well-done.

Felicia
Nuu...

Juri
What the hell, we don't have time to be playin' with you riiight noooow!

Felicia
What? Don't you run away from me!

Juri's Voice
This isn't the place to be getting fired up over a match, dumbass!

Felicia
Wha, I'm not a dumbass! I gotta 60 in Japanese the other day!

Sana
Calm down, Felicia-san! We need to chase afer them...!

Ranka
We have to protect our lifeline as a group,
so only the second sister is going.

Juri
HEY, THIRD SISTER!!
DON'T BE A WEAKLING WHEN WE NEED YOU!!

-Kamihama Prison (Outside)-

Juri's Voice
DON'T BE A WEAKLING!!

Ao
Nee-chan...
(This isn't the time for hesitation.)
(If we waste time, more help is going to come for them...)
As the third daughter, I've made my resolve. I will break through and create an opening...!

Ikumi
Kya!

Hinano
Ikumi!

Ikumi
I couldn't stop her from getting through...

Karin
This is where I make my stand!

Ao
That thing's too big, the delay is too long!

Karin
Uo!

Ao
See ya~

Karin
At this rate, they're going to get through...

Alina
Alina thinks you should just let them go.

Karin
Alina-senpai!

Alina
It's an emaajenshii as expected. We should make our esukeepu.

Karin
I can't! I!

Alina
The only one that can damage Alina's work is Alina ya know.

Karin
Au...

Ikumi
Karin-chan!

Hinano
Oi, Alina, you bastard!

Alina
As for the Mirrors, we'll come back and search for it another time.
Bai baai.

Hinano
Damn you!!

Ao
(Alright, just a little further.)
Ah...

Kanagi
Your subordinates have been taken care of, now it's your turn to yield!

Mitama
If you come any closer, I'll mess with your entire being.

Kanagi
Mu...!?

Urara
Ao-san, go on ahead!

Kanagi
Another one was still here!?

Ao
Thank you!
A little further...!

Ryou
Haa, finally out of there... Now to just get this thing developed...

Ao
She's already made it out...!

Ikumi's Voice
Ryou-chan, run!

Ryou
Eh, Makino-chan!?

Ao
That camera, and your life...! I'll cut them both down!

Juri
Third sister, let's crush her together!

Mifuyu
That...huu...will not happen...!

Juri
Shit, more backup...!? Why isn't Nee-san stopping them!?

Mifuyu
I heard about it...haa...so I had to take quite a detour...!

-In Battle-

Ao
(Now, I'm the only one who can stop Midori Ryou...!)
(I'm not letting you take that evidence home.)
(At the very least, I must break that camera...!)

Ryou
(A battle axe is a really dangerous weapon, but she swings it so fast!)
(If she keeps coming at me like this, I'm not going to be able to save it...!)
(Can I make it in time...I have to make it...! I have to use my bazooka at point-blank range...!)

Ao
YAAAAAAA!

Ryou
BRING IT OOOON!

-End Battle-

-Hozumi Coffeehouse-

Shizuku
(Ryou-san, you said you would be back again later.)
(Maybe she'll be here soon for an interview or something.)
(A lot of cats have shown up around here...)
It's time for today's cat diary...
Maybe I'll go take some pictures too...
.....
(Why do I...feel so uncertain...)
Ah, welcome. Are you with a group...!?

Shizuku's Voice
Otou-san, could you help me here?

[*Ring♪*]
[I have a request for everyone in Union.]
[Currently, the mahou shoujo of the south are being cornered by Promised Blood. If anyone sees this message, please help them.]
[Recently, we had talks of pooling all of our efforts together, and I know it's much earlier than expected, but I will be grateful for any help you can offer.]
[Thank you for your work.]

-Apartments-

Tsuruno
Haa...huu...
We managed to get away from Kureha Yuna, but are we going to make it in time...!?

Yachiyo
We have to believe...
And we need to be careful because she could still be right behind us!

Tsuruno
Iroha-chan, were you able to get in touch with the Tokime clan?

Iroha
Not at all.
Sana-chan told me she was able to contact Neo Magius,
but something may have happened over there...

Yachiyo
They may also be caught in a dangerous situation...

-Sakura Uwasa Area-

Nemu
Things are not going well at Kamihama Prison...

Touka
Thus, since we can't fight in their stupid battles,
Satori Kagome's decision to gather us here deserves a gold star.

Nemu
Yeah.
If we can make mahou shoujo known throughout the world, countless eyes will be on them.

Kagome
I think because the world of mahou shoujo is cut off from the rest of the world,
we have to make decisions using our own common sense
and fight without worrying about our surroundings.
But, if we're connected to the rest of the world, they will see that this situation is abnormal.

Nemu
But unless your words carry persuasiveness, you'll be rejected for speaking nonsense.

Touka
Persuasiveness...
Hmm...

Nemu
What's with you?

Touka
I'm wondering if I should invite someone.

Nemu
Are you acquainted with someone that fits that criteria?

Touka
She really hates me though, so I don't know if she would come.

Nemu
If Touka thinks we need someone, I think you should at least ask.
Personality aside, Touka's brain is something else.

Touka
Shut your meowth.
So, Ryou is coming here today, right? Assuming she survives.

Nemu
That's what I was trying to tell you. We're in trouble if she can't make it.

-Interview Recording-
    Makino Ikumi

Ikumi
"Hawawa, Kumi is surprised that you came to see me~"
"Eh? Ah, so after this you're going to Hinano-san and Ryou-chan."
"So, this is about what I desire in the future, right?"
"Then, Kumi has already decided! It's to make boys and girls of all ages around the world go crazy over Kumi and make them kyun kyun!"
"Every time Kumi strikes a cute pose with a pop, or winks with a snap and a heart flies out, and every time Kumi sings with all my heart with a mic in hand, everyone will cheer up from Kumi's bubbly~ healing aura."
"Of course the stage won't just be at a maid cafe; Kumi wants a great big dome~"
"And then there's Yumi, the girl that exchanged dreams with Kumi as a customer~ And the stage effects will be handled by Hinano-san~ And Kumi's exclusive photographer will be Ryou-chan."
"I've...never really done much as a mahou shoujo, have I?"
"And in my personal life, Ryou-chan, who's four years younger than me, has always been more reliable. Even in the Wings of Magius, the Ryou-chan back then was a higher rank white feather."
"That's why, at least once, I want to be the best I can be in front of everyone, you know?"



================

¹Alina pinches Karin's cheeks and squishes them, so you can imagine whatever sound effect that may be.