Arc2 Ch4 Ep1

Slightly edited April 2021, currently still self-reviewed only
===============
The Last Gamble

Sakurako
| I wonder why Sensei is talking about the disaster. |

=====1=====

Kagome's Diary
Dark emotions that I can't put into words are swelling within me.
Because of that, my head is caught in a haze that is preventing me from working properly.
It's my fault this happened.
I understand my feelings, but I don't accept them. I keep turning away from reality and running away from them...
Thinking back on it, this began a little while ago.
When Iroha-chan and her group saved Ui-chan, and when everyone from Promised Blood got two Kimochi stones.
Around that time I, with Touka-chan's and Nemu-chan's help, collected the photos Ryou-san took and tried to send them.
With "two remaining" Kimochi stones, I feel that a desperate struggle will start soon, but I have to keep my impatience under control...

-Flashback-
Kagome
Haa... There's eight Kimochi stones in total...
There's no other option, so a struggle is inevitable...

Aru-chan
<Are you worried about everyone...?>

Kagome
Yeah, but you know...
I'm more worried that I can't follow everyone...because I'm not strong enough...
[However, back then I was scared to witness mahou shoujo fighting.]
[Even with the Uwasa of Rii-chan, I was anxious I may become involved one day.]

-End Flashback-

Kagome's Diary
I want to yell out "don't be scared anymore!" to my past self. I want to warn myself that I didn't try hard enough to prevent this terrible situation from becoming a reality.
However, at this point I know I shouldn't feel regret, that it's better to reflect on the past than to be depressed.
So, once again, let's fight against the stream.
Iroha-san's group is moving, Ryou-san and Alina-san are moving, Kureha-san's group is moving, Shizuka-san's group is moving, and Himena-san and her friends have started to move...
There's no going back to that time...

=========Chapter 4=========
========Main Quest========
The Other Side of Ultramarine

-Classroom-

Sakurako
.....

Teacher
It's a miracle that there were zero casualties in the disaster that struck Kamihama,
but we can't say that we've made a full recovery yet either,
so I've handed out printouts for anyone that would like to volunteer.
We the faculty will be with you, so don't hesitate to join us if you'd like.
I've been told often that students from other classes and grades begin thinking about their lives while volunteering.

Sakurako
| ...Life. |

Teacher
Does Hiiragi-san also think about life?

Sakurako
| Yes. |
| My life will disappear someday, but I don't want to be forgotten. |
| That is why I want to leave a mark that will remain in everyone's hearts. |

Teacher
A...mark?
I think that's a nice way of looking at life.
It's hard to think about since you're still so young with a full future ahead of you.
[Now then, everyone once again please consider if you'll join us.]
[Especially now that Kamihama's reconstruction has caused the east and west to join hands together, it may be good not only for thinking about your own lives, but the history of Kamihama as well.]
[However, if you do join, please do not behave in a way that would be embarassing as students of Minaminagi Liberty Academy.]
[Because even if you do good things, your behavior can "easily break" your relationships.]

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
.....

-Flashback-

[*Snap!*]

Ryou
It's exactly how I suspected Magius did it...
The fact that they appeared here means there's a secret route nearby...

-End Flashback-

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.

-Outside School-

Ikumi
Eh, then Ryou-chan went off somewhere?

Hinano
If I were to guess, she's looking around for the shortcut.

Ikumi
You said that was Promised Blood's secret, right?
We just had that discussion and decided on "no fighting,"
but going off to investigate alone is fine...?

Hinano
It's not fine at all...
However, this so-called "cooperative route" may be our last big gamble,
but Ryou is Ryou, and if there's an emergency she's going to be in trouble.

Ikumi
It's dangerous, so I think she should stop, though...

Hinano
...It's troublesome, but I can chase after her and stop her...
Sakurako, what will you do? I have no problem if you want to come with me.

Sakurako
| I will be going home because Touka and Nemu are coming. |

Hinano
I see, then give those two my regards.

Sakurako
| Sure. |

Ikumi
Oh...

Hinano
What's up?

Ikumi
A message from Karin-chan says that Alina appears to be strange.

Hinano
She's always strange.

Ikumi
That's true, but, Kumi is a little scared~

Hinano
I'm happy that she was discharged, but what can we do about that-
speaking of, that was a reaction from where Alina was...

Ikumi
Then, you think that could be Ryou-chan with Alina...?

Hinano
Ideally Iroha and her group would be the ones to take care of this...
After her...!

---

Ryou
(I wasn't going to make a move today, but this is bad, Hinano-san...)
(Midori-san knows it was part of Union's plan.)

-Flashback-

Hinano
What, after all this time, you still intend to join hands with Promised Blood?

Ryou
Didn't they kidnap Ui-chan and try to kill Tamaki-san!?

Ikumi
Kumi doesn't want to fight, but there doesn't seem to be a bright future...

Iroha
Everyone is opposed after all, then...

Kanagi
What Tamaki-kun says doesn't make any sense.
Until now, we've had to deal with this ourselves to not let damage be done,
but now we should be striking Promised Blood with everything we have.
That is the only method to minimize the damage done to us.

Iroha
I also...think that is true...
And I really can't forgive them for kidnapping Ui...
But, when I was in Futatsugi with Kureha-san I was thinking...
Kureha-san wishes for anger, and is taking action against us because of her grudge.
That, I know, is the opposite of kindness...
Even if someone like that takes revenge, I don't think her sorrow will ever clear away...

Kanagi
Then you mean to join hands with our opponents after considering their feelings...?

Iroha
This is purely to end the suffering of mahou shoujo.
Although, discussing a solution with them is a gamble,
so I have to rely on what kindness may remain in Kureha-san...

Tsuruno
But, if you succeed that would be huge.
The Tokime clan would cooperate with Union, and Neo Magius would be harmless.

Yachiyo
Though, our chain of command has always stood in the front line,
so even if we negotiate against an all-out war, our strength will always leave behind uneasiness.

Iroha
So please give me one last chance.
I think uniting everyone by their feelings of wanting to save each other
will be the shortcut to saving all mahou shoujo throughout the world.
It's really the only way to not hurt anyone...

Kanagi
According to Kyubey, two Kimochi stones remain.
The severity of this situation is because of the scramble for them. That's more obvious than watching the fires burn...
If we miss the timing, this will become a mudslinging battle...

Hinano
Also, if we go through with the cooperative route, we can't just give up the remaining stones.
If we don't intend to fight, it's meaningless if we can't show it.

Iroha
So, in an attempt to join together with them,
until I reach a conclusion with Promised Blood,
I'd like to ask all of you to not take any action.

Ryou
Tamaki-san's looking around with a finger in her mouth.

Hinano
Ryou...

Ryou
Sorry, that was wrong of me to say, but I understand where you're coming from.
In total, we have three Kimochi stones with Tokime,
and those guys also have three Kimochi stones.
Even if our opponents get a stone out of thin air, this won't end.

Tsuruno
Then, what's everyone's thoughts?
This is your last chance...!

Hinano
Well, none of us want a pointless fight.
When we gave up two stones, we were competing for the finale.
The south has no objections.

Kanagi
.....
Saving mahou shoujo around the world...
Thinking about that plan, doesn't it make sense to save those girls, too?
That reckless way of thinking, it's just one of Tamaki-kun's charms.

Iroha
Kanagi-san...

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.

-End Flashback-

Ryou
[Because of the risk of all-out war, we have to inform every member that has kept their distance from the fighting.]
[Tamaki-san succesfully negotiating for cooperation, honestly, I think would be a dream story.]
(Just in case of an emergency, Midori-san will take the decisive strike.)

[*Ring♪*]

Ryou
Mm?
(Ah, Satori-chan, huh...)

Kagome
[Tomorrow, at the radio telescope, I will be talking with Touka-chan and Nemu-chan, but would Ryou-san like to join too? I would like to hear various stories from you, including the story of your photos from the other day.]

Ryou
(It's bad of me, but right now there's a scoop to be had.)
(Although, it's bad that Satori-chan's always inviting me right when I'm this close...)

=====2=====

Tsuruno
How's it going on Felicia's end?
Can someone from Promised Blood get us connected to Kureha Yuna?

Felicia
Nah, it was impossible like always!

Tsuruno
Huaa... Felicia's in a real bad mood...

Felicia
I tried talkin' with them in Minaminagi,
but Tokime was crackling and the fire girl was just glarin'.
Nnaa! Just thinkin' about it makes me feel mad...!

Sana
Ah, by the way, Sunao-san was saying...
She couldn't find the Kimochi at the container terminal
and was at a stalemate against Promised Blood...

Felicia
Then say that first...! Can't you tell I'm angry!?

Sana
Y-you're already angry though...! But, um, I'm sorry...!

Felicia
Then how'd it go for Sana, you get them to talk?

Sana
I talked to them, but they turned their noses and laughed...

Felicia
I'm really gonna smash 'em next time we meet...

Sana
You can't...! We're supposed to be talking about making peace...!

Felicia
Before we can make peace they gotta start listenin'!

Iroha
I would like an opportunity to talk to Kureha-san directly,
but it's difficult when we really need to...

Tsuruno
There's only two Kimochi stones left and our opponents are prepared for war...

Iroha
Hmm....if this is the way it's going to be, am I going to have to rely on that person?

Tsuruno
Well, if you get caught, don't you think that's the best way to be heard?

Sana
Who is "that person...?"

Tsuruno
She's a spy at our school.

Sana
Spy...? Ah, I get it...!

Iroha
Well, we're going to try moving again, so please continue with your work.

Sana
Okay...!

Felicia
'Kehhy...

Tsuruno
Was Felicia's response an "ehh" or an "okay...?"

Iroha
I wonder.

Sakuya
So, the spy you want to put your trust in was me?

Iroha
Ah, Sakuya-san, so you were nearby.

Sakuya
Oh, you already noticed me.

Iroha
I felt the reaction of some magic power.

Sakuya
Well, it's fine, I had some business with you as well.

Tsuruno
Then, that means you want to investigate what's happening too, right!?

Sakuya
Yeah, I was starting to worry since Union hasn't been moving.
Tokime is only aiming for the Kimochi at the container terminal,
and they're not looking for the last Kimochi.

Tsuruno
We needed that explanation, so this was good timing.

Iroha
Yes, as Sakuya-san said we aren't moving.

Sakuya
Is there a reason as to why...?

Iroha
"To join hands with Promised Blood."

Sakuya
What, are you still half asleep...you're not fully awake yet are you...?
You do understand what I've done, right...?
Even if there were no grudges, it doesn't make sense for us to join hands
because Futatsugi's mahou shoujo still need the automatic purification system.

Iroha
From the start, our Union's goal was to spread the system throughout the world,
so if they don't steal it, Futatsugi City will be included too.

Sakuya
...I've heard that somewhere before, but do you have any basis for that...?

Tsuruno
Of course we do.
When Eve was still the automatic purification system,
Magius was collecting energy to expand it.

Iroha
The collected energy was fragmented into the Kimochi stones,
so by using that vast energy, we plan to expand the system.

Tsuruno
And in its current state there's no body to take care of,
so Touka and the Magius think it can expand throughout the world.

Sakuya
Mm, well, I think I understand that reasoning?
If it covers the whole world, naturally Futatsugi is included in that.

Iroha
Yes, so if we join hands, we'll minimize the harm done and save everyone!

Tsuruno
Sakuya-chan, please! Get us a place where we can speak with Kureha Yuna!
We keep getting refused, so we can only depend on Sakuya-chan!

Sakuya
Mm, but, you know I'm just the mediator between this agreement?

Tsuruno
You're the closest to Kureha Yuna!

Sakuya
I know that, but there's a structure to confronting others.

Iroha
If we can join hands, we'll offer only the best conditions!
I want to stop this before anyone dies...!

Sakuya
.....Ahh, damn.
I get it, I'll try to consult them, but only once...

Iroha
Ah, thank you so much!

Tsuruno
That's my number one bestest Promised Blood girl~!

Sakuya
My enemies knowing my true nature just makes me weak...

-In Battle-

Momoko
Ah.
A message from Tsuruno just came sayin' they're one step closer to negotiations.

Rena
Rena just got a message from Iroha too.

Kaede
It's going little by little, but I'm glad the talks are still continuing.
I just hope it all ends peacefully, though...

Rena
Right,
there's no need for Promised Blood and Tokime to clash...

Momoko
It'd be nice if we could watch over this situation without all the tension, huh...

Shizuka
.....

Juri
.....

-End Battle-

Shizuka
Out of the two remaining stones, we know one is here...

Chiharu
The other one still hasn't been found, right?

Sunao
It seems that Ui-chan tried sensing it before,
but there was no reaction...

Chiharu
In other words, the Kimochi here is unavoidable...
Muu...this is stressful...

Shizuka
We know the rough location of it, but Ooba Juri is planted firmly in place.
Which emotion corresponds to it is unknown, so it's difficult to find it.

Asahi
Should I contact Union and ask to borrow Ui-dono's power?

Shizuka
It's called a cooperative relationship, but would Union be willing to cooperate?
It would be troublesome to get ask for their help...

Sunao
That's right.
They may have interpreted us as not wanting to have discussions with them.

Asahi
I understand your reasoning, but are we not still in cooperation with them...?

Chiharu
Ah...

Asahi
Did Chiharu-dono come up with a good idea!?

Chiharu
Ryouko-chan contacted me asking what to make for dinner...

Asahi
So yet another day is going to end without action, then...

Juri
Huaa~AH...
The only unidentified emotions are "fear" and "sorrow."
It's irritating knowing this while facing these guys in our spare time.

Ranka
Isn't it about time to make the choice for our players to leave and head back to the base?

Juri
Probably.
Ahh, why's it gotta be like this when we're on the front line...

---

Ao
Well, I checked the smartphones of the other girls,
but after kidnapping Tamaki Ui, it seems that only the phones of
some mahou shoujo who were investigating Union's movement were strange.

Hikaru
Thanks to them, Hikaru's smartphone's also under repairs...
Shoulda had Yuna-san's pics backed up beforehand.

Ao
If you reformatted it, all that data would've been erased, you know.

Hikaru
When the time comes, Hikaru's gonna reformat the offender and erase 'em...

Yuna
It's unknown what Union did coming up here, but they may have set something up.
However, for now it's good that it was able to be fixed.

Ao
If we weren't in a stalemate, we wouldn't have had time to investigate, huh~

Hikaru
Speaking of, is Minaminagi's Kimochi still not moving as usual?

Yuna
Even if the barrier is located, it's a situation that's lacking a decisive blow.

Hikaru
We just need to make the first strike like with those two Neo Magius.
Our enemy will feel fear, and boom, we'll find that barrier.

Ao
But, it's exhausting over there, and nothing's serious over here~

Hikaru
Is that so?

Ao
Of course it's better to get more stones,
but since it's a competition, maybe it's fine like this.
We also have three stones, right?

Urara
Then, if it's a competition from here on,
we should attack Union before all eight are found.

Yuna
Then the self-control phase is over, as Urara says.
If Union puts their full effort in, then I'll move the "mechanism."
It will be prepared in a little while...

Ao
.....

[*Ring♪*]

Hikaru
A message from Juri-san!? It's finally happening!?

Yuna
No, from Sakuya.
.....
Huhu.

Hikaru
What's so funny?

Yuna
What a very irritating child she is, this Tamaki Iroha...
This time she's reaching out, asking for negotiations.
Fine then, we'll move this situation out of the stalemate...
[Even now that girl still wants to join hands, even after her sister was kidnapped and she herself was saved by her strange fate, despite meeting my unfathomable wrath...]
[It's as if she won't break... As if she won't twist... As if she won't be shredded to pieces... I wonder if she's forgotten what I said...]
[That's fine, I'll listen for now. Let's see what kind of proposal you have...]

=====3=====

-Mikazuki Manor-

[*Whooooosh...*]

Iroha
There, it's completely dry, Felicia-chan.

Felicia
Thank you!
Wonder if I could get a little gaming in now.

Iroha
Before that, don't forget to brush your teeth, okay?

Felicia
Ohh, I'm bein' careless, I don't wanna get cavities.

Sana
Um, has Suzuka-san still not replied yet...?

Yachiyo
It's concerning, but our opponents probably need time to think on it.
Besides, if it ends up getting too late, they can always talk to her at school tomorrow.

Sana
I see, Tsuruno-san is in the same high school, so it should be okay...

Ui
I hope everyone can get along like this. Right, Onee-chan?

Iroha
But what should I do about the compensation that Kanagi-san was talking about...

Nemu
If you try negotiating as things are, it's evident that the whole thing will break apart.

Touka
That's right.

Ui
That's because there's no compensation...?

Nemu
Right, we need to convert all of that accumulated malice into something appealing enough for them to alter their course,
which is something we don't have.
It's like pushing the curtain from a store, putting a nail in rice bran, or putting a clamp into tofu. ¹

Felicia
I don't know what you're talkin' about, but do you have any bright ideas?

Touka
I've specially prepared a method that should increase the probability of everyone joining hands
since I'm in the company of adults that are too foolish to deny me.
Kuhuhu.

Iroha
What method is that?

Nemu
It's a secret until the day comes, mufu.

Touka
So when you have your discussion you will take us with you.

Iroha
Eh, sure... But won't you be in danger...?

Yachiyo
They may already bear a grudge against us, but can you try to not anger them further...?

Touka
It's fine, it's fine!

Nemu
You can rest easy on the boat because we have no intention to cause problems.

Ui
Huaahh...

Iroha
Shall we call it a day and go to sleep?

Yachiyo
Yeah, it's quite late.

Sakurako
.....

Nemu
Sakurako, we will be staying.

Sakurako
.....

Nemu
How unusual, are you thinking about something?

Sakurako
| Yes, about how to live, and my life. |
| However, I just got the answer. |

Nemu
And the answer is?

Sakurako
| I live for you four girls. |
| Though, I also want to leave a mark of my life in everyone's hearts. |

Nemu
(Uwasa...what incredibly mysterious beings.)
(She has changed in a way that is irrelevant to her storyline...)

Sakurako
| Nemu, are you happy? |

Nemu
Seeing Sakurako think about various things, it feels like you've grown.

Sakurako
| Grown? |

Nemu
Like Nanashi-san...and Ai were,
you rumors have grown more than I thought you would, by your connections to society.
(I wanted to see that change myself, but I came to the conclusion with Touka...)
(that it could be a bad thing for Sakurako...)
(No, Satori Kagome, and Touka's older cousin Satomi Nayuta too.)
My intention to atone will create more sin, there's no running away, at all...
This magic power is...!?

[*Crash!*]

Juri's Voice
Huu, it woulda been bad if I got the wrong house, but

Juri
this is a real nice bingo. Nihi.

-In Battle-

Yachiyo
You, with your shoes on in my house...! I mean, the windows!!

Juri
To give a warning would spoil the impact, wouldn't it?

Yachiyo
Such a foolish reason...
Even though there's other houses nearby, I can't believe this...

Juri
Well, as mahou shoujo, we don't want to be troubling the public, but
that depends on your response.
If worst comes to worst, each and every one of your memories are gonna get burned.

-End Battle-

Yachiyo
Tell me what you want quickly.

Juri
To get right to the point, this is the answer to your negotiation proposal.

Iroha
Do you have any terms in order to meet Kureha Yuna-san?

Juri
That's a good guess.
First, before you can meet Nee-san face to face, you'll have to meet Kirari and Suzuka.
At that time, you will tell them what our compensation for joining forces will be.
The judgement will be made depending on what that is.

Touka
Hmm,
you just want to show us you're better until the very end.

Nemu
There's already a leader here, but she's only in the upper echelon of their group.
It should be obvious that they've created that kind of psychological organization.

Juri
Juri-sama doesn't understand Nee-san's intentions, but
there'll be conditions to meet Kirari and Suzuka.

Sana
No way...

Felicia
You tryin' to be sly...?

Yachiyo
What are the conditions?

Juri
You guys know the Tokime that are confronting us at Minaminagi, right?

Yachiyo
Yeah...

Juri
To keep it short, we want that stalemate situation to be moved.

Iroha
That's...

Juri
We're not askin' to hand over Tamaki Ui. Rather, we just want the barrier found.

Ui
――!?

Yachiyo
So you just want to move where the war is...

Ui
Onee-chan, Yachiyo-san, I'll be okay...?

Iroha
...And if we refuse?

Juri
One burned down house is gonna be all over the news.

Iroha
Isn't that just a threat...!?
...Yachiyo-san.

Yachiyo
I understand. We accept the conditions...

Iroha
(If this battle can end smoothly, then Futatsugi's people should calm down...)
(We can end this time where it's natural to kill or be killed...)

Kagome's Diary
Thus Iroha-san and her friends began moving towards cooperation with Promised Blood.
That was...supposed to be the day we could set our eyes on hope.

=====4=====

-Hozumi Cafe-

Shizuku
Sorry for the wait.
[Two blends.]
[One cafe latte.]
[One mixed juice.]
[Two cream sodas.]
[And one American.]
Was all of that correct?

Iroha
Yeah, thank you Shizuku-chan.

Shizuku
Not at all, take it easy.

Hikaru
Choosing a companion's store to have our discussion
puts me on edge.

Sakuya
Naturally, it's perfectly reasonable to feel that way.

Iroha
I'm sorry. There wasn't any deeper meaning to it.
This was the only coffee house that I know well.

Yachiyo
Since you already understand the situation, there's no reason to care who sees you here, right?

Sakuya
I suppose that's true.

Iroha
Ui contacted me that she's arrived at the container terminal,
but did you also receive confirmation?

Hikaru
The eldest sister made contact.
Mitsuki Felicia and Futaba Sana appear to be together,
but it would be more suspicious if they were alone, so there's no problems.

Iroha
That's good.

Sakuya
Well, let's get this started right away?

Iroha
Yes.

Sakuya
To start, I'll ask you straight away:
in these cold circumstances, how do you intend for us to join together?

Hikaru
It's understandable that the forever-good Tamaki-san would say something wild,
but Futatsugi's grudge won't disappear that easily.

Iroha
I know...
That's why I've put a lot of thought into it and decided on one answer.
But, before I tell you that, I was wondering
if I could convince you two with a promise...

Sakuya
A promise...?

Iroha
Yes, to free every single person in Futatsugi from the fate of mahou shoujo.

Sakuya
Wha?

Hikaru
Is saying that supposed to convince us?

Tsuruno
Our goal is to save all mahou shoujo throughout the world,
which means saving the people of Futatsugi just as equally.

Yachiyo
Right, so if you're so intent on stealing the automatic purification system,
why not turn your blade of revenge towards saving everyone...?

Sakuya
Union is something difficult to talk about,
but it's like you're telling us to just endure it.

Hikaru
Why did you think that promise would convince us...?

Iroha
Because the sharper the blade is that points at us, the kinder Kureha-san seems to become.

Hikaru
――!?

Iroha
I'm sure Kureha-san is incredibly kind...
Otherwise, I don't think she would get so angry because of her friends...
So, just maybe, she could change her mind in the end.

Hikaru
Impossible.
Hikaru's grudge, Sakuya-san's grief,
everyone's sadness, and Yuna-san's anger,
none of these can be contained by mere words, and our distrust won't just vanish.
Yuna-san is especially kind, so much so that she's become like an oni...

Yachiyo
This is a negotiation after all, so we need to offer something.

Sakuya
I think that's only fair.
How does Union plan to stop the fighting when you're only trying to stop us?
We need something more to heal than just be told to endure this.

Touka & Nemu
.....

---

Sakuya
How does Union plan to stop the fighting when you're only trying to stop us?
We need something more to heal than just be told to endure this.

Touka & Nemu
.....

Hikaru
Will Tamaki-san give her answer to us now?

Iroha
To remove all distrust, the only idea I could come up with is
something that I can't do on my own, which is for Union to surrender.

Sakuya
――!?

Hikaru
Haa!?

Yachiyo
Iroha...!

Tsuruno
W-wait, don't you know what that means!?

Iroha
Of course there would be conditions.
I want you to respect our personal safety and our goal.

Hikaru
Union joining under us would be a good deal...

Sakuya
I wonder... If we respect Unions goal,
then that means we have to help them achieve it.
Even if Futatsugi is saved, that's just yet another burden to bear.

Hikaru
Does that mean we'd have even more limits?

Sakuya
But I think Union is by far the greater risk.
...I'll pretend you didn't hear what I just said.

Yachiyo
Iroha, there's no way we can surrender...
Even if it makes sense, the fact that we lost will remain,
and even if we're equals in name, a natural hierarchy will form
and Union members will be trapped in a suffocating environment.

Tsuruno
And before that, anyone that doesn't agree may leave Union...
If you're not careful, there could be an even worse conflict...

Iroha
...I'm sorry...

Hikaru
Like how Hikaru and others have been killing daily,
it's easy to imagine.
Hikaru will pretend to have not heard that this time,
and only that you pointlessly requested to not fight, pointlessly.

Iroha
.....

Sakuya
However, if that will be the case, is there nothing else you could propose?

=====5=====

Iroha
.....

Sakuya
However, if that will be the case, is there nothing else you could propose?

Touka
Reminder that we're here nyaa.

Nemu
We didn't come here just to listen.

Iroha
Touka-chan, Nemu-chan.

Yachiyo
You mean a method to strike a deal?

Touka
Something like that.

Sakuya
Then, lastly we'll hear from the former Magius.

Touka
It won't be something complex, okay?

Nemu
Right, it's plain and simple.

Hikaru
What do you mean by this?

Nemu
So you're aware of these then. We Magius are the cause for Futatsugi's suffering.
It will be difficult for us to arrange for Alina's share, but we can offer our share right in front of you.

Sakuya
So, what do you want us to do?

Touka
You're pretty dim huh. You should use your head properly.

Sakuya
What, are you calling me stupid?

Touka
Yep, you can destroy our soul gems with all of your anger.

Nemu
Even the kind Kureha Yuna should be able to kill us war criminals without a pang of conscience.

Hikaru
Wha...

Iroha
What are you two saying!?

Touka
Didn't Onee-sama just say something outrageous too?

Nemu
For us, this will be the last resort.

Iroha
Weren't you talking to Kagome-chan, though...?
If you two aren't here...to spread the word about mahou shoujo...!

Nemu
It would be better to give up our lives if it means saving mahou shoujo in the future.

Touka
That includes all of the mahou shoujo in front of us too.

Nemu
As Onee-san said, this is our shortcut to strike a deal.
I don't think there is another way to satisfy Promised Blood.

Sakuya
...This is a surprise.

Nemu
When you're ruthless with your own life, this is a natural decision.

Sakuya
Hikaru, is it okay if we take this matter back to them...?

Hikaru
These people are risking their lives, but we can't give 'em an answer here...

Sakuya
So for now, we'll wait for the eldest sister's reply.

Nemu
I don't mind at all.

Touka
I'll also leave the judgement up to you.

Tsuruno
~ Hey, you two have some kind of strategy, right...? ~

Yachiyo
~ Are you perhaps using your position to show good faith...? ~

Touka
~ It's better if we do. ~

Nemu
~ Naturally, we have to calculate our own sacrifice into this. ~

Tsuruno
~ I understand your reasoning, but that's not something I can forgive...! ~

Touka
~ But a half-hearted shake up wouldn't make sense you know? ~

Iroha
~ E-even so, I...! ~

Nemu
~ It's useless to try to stop us, Onee-san, if you're going to "save the many." ~

Iroha
~ ... ~

Yachiyo
~ We're still only proposing things, so let's continue talking about it... ~

Sakuya
Is there anything else left to be used for negotiations?

Iroha
You really, really can't let Touka-chan and Nemu-chan...

Touka
Nemu and I are only talking about it now.

Nemu
I think what we mentioned is the best proposal.

Hikaru
Then, this will be the end of discussions.

Sakuya
You'll have to wait a little until we get a reply.
By now, the eldest sister should be fighting the Kimochi.

Tsuruno
Well then, do we just wait here for a while?

Hikaru
If there's spare time, 'sit okay if Hikaru goes shopping?
There's a famous ice cream shop here, so Hikaru wantsa get some for the eldest sister before going home.

Sakuya
Eh, if I'm the only one here it'll be awkward. Besides, do you even know where it is?

Hikaru
Can just look it up.

Yachiyo
You can leave seperately if you want. We'll be waiting here.

Sakuya
You know, Hikaru.

Hikaru
.....

Sakuya
Hikaru?

Hikaru
Nothing, it's just hard to actually find on a map...

Sakuya
Ehh...?

Iroha
Um, then maybe I could guide you to it...?

Sakuya
You can't possibly be in the mood to do that when your companions are risking their lives...

Iroha
I'm more worried about staying still.
With Touka-chan and Nemu-chan trying to connect us together,
I think I'd rather be moving so that's not put to waste...

Hikaru
Hikaru doesn't want to go shopping with this terrible feeling...
But, Tamaki-san is owed gratitude today, so it's fine...

Sakuya
Either way, you don't know where the store is.

Nemu
Well, we are tentatively dead, so if you'll excuse us from here.

Touka
We have other things to do.

Iroha
Sure...

=====6=====

Iroha
[I can't believe it, Touka-chan and Nemu-chan were thinking about sacrificing themselves...]
[It's a neccessary decision in order to "save the many."]
[What Nemu-chan said may be right, but when it comes down to it, I can't just nod my head obediently.]
[Though even then I'm sure they decided on their own, I feel like I'm the "selfish" one...]
[It's too sorrowful to think a world where no one gets hurt is too hopeful...]

-Mall-

Hikaru
Sorry to keep ya waiting.

Iroha
Welcome back, Hikaru-chan. Did you find what you were looking for?

Hikaru
Es.
Hikaru asked them to deliver it for me.

Yachiyo
This is a gelato shop that's popular on SNS
that we've stopped by before during a magazine photoshoot.

Iroha
This is the shop I helped at for that photoshoot.

Hikaru
By the way, what happened to Sakuya-san?

Yachiyo
She went with Tsuruno to look at sporting goods.

Hikaru
No way, you can't leave Hikaru alone...!

Yachiyo
So obedient.

Iroha
.....

Yachiyo
.....

Hikaru
.....
(This is really suffocating...)

Iroha
Oh...?

Hikaru
W-whattaya want...?

Iroha
Hikaru-chan, the button on your uniform is about to come off.

Yachiyo
Do you need a sewing kit?

Iroha
Ah, yes. Thank you very much.

Hikaru
What, you just gonna suddenly fix it up?

Iroha
But, if you leave it like that you'll lose it.
I'm going to fix it because I care, so don't worry about it, Hikaru-chan.

Hikaru
～～～～！
This feels so embarrassing 'n out of place.

Iroha
.....

Yachiyo
.....

Hikaru
The top button was fixed by the eldest sister...

Yachiyo
Eh... Excuse my rudeness but that is surprising... I didn't expect her to have a familial side.

Iroha
We've only ever known her for her anger.

Hikaru
She's always helping me, and Tamaki-san can't ever hope to be as nice as she is.
Hikaru can't quit club activities, but she was there to help me through my crying.
The handkerchief Hikaru got back then is still treasured.

Yachiyo
Really, Kirari-san, you seem like her faithful servant.

Hikaru
But, Hikaru's relationship improved
because Hikaru got to be with the eldest sister.

Yachiyo
That...sounds complicated.

Hikaru
The rest's a secret.
.....

Iroha
Mm?

Hikaru
To think that Tamaki-san would help me...

Iroha
You're overreacting because of a single button.

Hikaru
.....

Iroha
If there was an emergency, would you help Touka-chan and Nemu-chan...?

Hikaru
That's an impossible request you know.

Iroha
I suppose it is...

Tsuruno
Oh, we've returned to a strange sight.

Sakuya
I wonder what happened while we were gone.

Tsuruno
...Sakuya-san,
don't you think it's ideal to get along like this?

Sakuya
Yeah, it is ideal.

Tsuruno
Right?

Sakuya
As Yui-san says, it is "ideal."

---

-Sakura Uwasa Area-

Kagome
Well, now they're shopping together.

Touka
Since they're talking to Onee-sama, I was thinking
they would get along at least a little, nyaa.

Nemu
As hearts get closer, people become more tolerant. That in itself is true.
Even at the level of dialogue between nations, the importance of relationships between leaders exists.
So, was Midori Ryou not caught today?

Kagome
The message said she will come over once her errands are done.

Touka
Errands?

Sakurako
| Ryou went to the east to get a scoop, |
| and Hinano and Ikumi went to stop her. |

Touka
I hope you don't mean the offshoot of the Mirrors nyaa...

Nemu
This ended up being a dark horse.
I know how you feel, but it's a double-edged sword.

Nemu
That's nyiight.
The moment she gets caught, things will start to fall apart...

Nemu
It will be a complete collapse.

Aru-chan
<I'm worried...>

Kagome
Yeah, I hope she will be safe...

Sakurako
.....

-Flashback of Sensei-
[Because even if you do good things, your behavior can "easily break" your relationships.]
-End Flashback-

Sakurako
| I'm...scared... |

Nemu
That's an unusual reaction...

-Train-

Hagumu
It's been a while since we've gathered as friends, but things have changed.

Shigure
Yeah...I've always done things only for myself,
but now I can say I'm confident enough to work hard for those "princesses..."

Hagumu
We'll take responsibility for all of our sadness and crying here.

Shigure
That's right...
We'll go to Juri-san's place and have a fresh start...
[We're weak because we thought if we kept clinging to others, one day we would grow up a little.]

Hagumu
[But I think that we've been given strength because we're working hard for someone and supporting them.]

Shigure
[So now we can be a little more positive, a little stronger.]

Hagumu
[From now on, we need to change into people that can stand on their own and be the support that we wanted.]

Shigure
[Even if we look inexperienced from everyone's point of view, even if the road we walk is twisted, this is what we need right now.]

---

-Interview Recording-
    Minami Rena

Rena
"Haa? What Rena desires? Like in the future?"
"Rena doesn't really know, career counselors just talk about going right into high school..."
"...Rena is just a jerk, right...? Rena has had to transfer schools many times for protection, Rena is unsociable and not even that cute, and hates being looked down on..."
"Rena is such a troublesome girl..."
"Sometimes Rena unconsciously does things to test Momoko. Rena hates that part of herself, and feels like scum for it..."
"And yet Rena is afraid of being separated, so she's also just selfish... Haa..."
"But, even for being such an awkward girl, Momoko...and Kaede...still associate with me..."
"These days Iroha may be as well... Rena can't say for sure, but Rena can't believe Iroha wants to be friends with me..."
"That's why...It may be impossible to do more than a little at a time, but Rena wants to change, and one day be able to thank everyone without hiding away or anything."
"So, that's it, maybe what Rena desires is to be able to grow up together with everyone..."



===============
¹ These are all expressions that amount to "a waste of time and effort," much like my attempt to translate this entire chapter