Arc2 Ch6 Ep5

thanks bst for reviewing, sforzando, yai for some corrections
==============================

Break, Melt, Drip

Mitama
If things stay the way they are, the east will be misunderstood.

=====1=====

Kagome's Diary
The offshoot Mirrors connecting Kamihama and Futatsugi. A bloody battle waged on between Union, who were trying to erase the shortcut, and Promised Blood, who sought to protect it, with Union claiming victory as the curtain closed upon the stage.
But Union had paid the price for it - the life of a mahou shoujo. Their future actions became uncertain as a dark shadow loomed over them.
While that fierce battle went on, I was watching over Mitama-san.
I feel as if I can confirm my previous idea that society as a whole creates mahou shoujo, not Kyubey, as Kamihama wavers in the midst of its mayor election.
Also about this time, in the City of Yukuni, far from Kamihama, Satomi Nayuta-san continued her search for her father.
At the time I did not have the faintest idea. I didn't know that what happened between Mitama-san and Nayuta-san was connected...

-Mitama's Adjuster Shop-

[The problem of disparity between the east and west has been a topic of discussion for quite a long time, but the effects of this election are going to have a major impact on the citizens living here.]

Mitama
Nothing will be done about it, and then tomorrow they'll call for the ballots.

Mikage
And Mii was helping, Nee-cha, too...
All the people who gave support didn't do well...?

Mitama
Kanagi told me everything would be just fine,
but this looks kind of not fine...

Kagome
Excuse me...

Aru-chan
<Mitama-san, you were helping out along with others at the office, correct?>

Mitama
Yep, since there's the issue of age, it's work I can do that isn't campaigning for the election.

Aru-chan
<Why were you helping?>

Mitama
...Let's see.
Because I do want to like my city at least a little bit...maybe...
You see, the truth is I actually hate the people of Kamihama, regardless of east or west.
I've had a lot go on in my past...

Kagome
Yes...

Mitama
But, you know, with a disaster striking and everyone in Kamihama currently trying to support each other,
I feel like the people are beginning to change a little.
If the eastern candidate puts up a good fight,
I feel like the people's impression of the east will change dramatically.
We're not dangerous; we're just like everyone else.
If everyone's viewpoints change, then my impression of Kamihama will change, too.
That's why I've worked so hard.
Besides, it would also make the city better for Mii to live in.

Mikage
Why should Mii care about that when Mii is free to go to the west?
Plus the kids at Tomorrow Shop and Baa-chan are all fine.

Mitama
There's no telling after the election.
They could turn hostile towards you, saying "it's that easterner!" again.

Kagome
You mean it's not the goal to have the eastern candidate win, then?

Mitama
That's right.
I only hope it will be an opportunity for the west to look at us again in a new light.

Kagome
Then with all of the bad rumors about the east circulating the news...

Mitama
The truth is in the dark. Who knows if they will understand or not.

Kagome
And there isn't anything I can do...

[Some weekly publications have reported violations of the Public Offices Election Act by involving minors in the election campaign. We are working to confirm the authenticity of these allegations as well.]

Mitama
...Because of me?

Kagome's Diary
In the corner of the talk show that continued, the person in question flashed on the television screen, desperate to defend himself from the allegations raised by the media.
There were indeed minors who helped, but they were in compliance with the law, he said.
Just by listening to the show, Mikage-chan and I both knew it was specifically about Mitama-san.
When I took my eyes off the screen, I couldn't tell if Mitama-san was sad or angry. She stared at the screen with a look of mixed feelings.

---

Rabi
Shall we go now, Nayuta-sama? To Yukuni.

Nayuta
The sweets that Mikage-san gave me are in my bag.
Yes, everything is in order.
By the way...

Rabi
Yes.

Nayuta
Who is this person?

Alexandra
A pleasure to meet you, I am Kurisu Alexandra.
Please feel free to call me Sasha, uhuhu♪

Nayuta
Eh - ah - a foreigner...? Without a "hallo"...?

Rabi
Did she not just speak Japanese? I asked her to come because she is from the same town.

Nayuta
I understand now. I look forward to working with you.

Alexandra
Sure, I look forward to working with you.
~ Um, Rabi-chan, was it really okay for me to come along? ~

Rabi
~ The "what ifs" may be too difficult for me to handle on my own. ~

Alexandra
~ Also... ~
[~ I wasn't going to say anything until she finished going over her answers regarding the professor's words, but... ~]
[~ Since Nayuta's efforts have begun to bear fruit and the fact that she is getting closer and closer to the professor, I think it is about time we tell her about the connection between us and him. ~]

=====2=====

Nayuta
This is Yukuni.
It really feels like we are on vacation.

Rabi
While I'm tempted to say you have no sense of danger,
all the same, this is a hot springs region.
If you go towards the mountain, you will find several hot springs resorts.

Nayuta
I did some research beforehand.
I read that this is a luxurious town nestled between the sea and the mountains.

Alexandra
It will take some time, but you can go to the harbor.
There are ferries that you can take to other countries, which explains all the foot traffic here.

Rabi
Sasha, your father was a sailor, I believe?

Alexandra
Yep, he met Mama at the harbor and got married, uhuhu♪

Rabi
I didn't ask for that much...

Nayuta
For such a small town, it is quite packed.

Alexandra
The only tiny problem is how cloudy it is most days.

Rabi
Anyways, Nayuta-sama, what is your course of action for today?

Nayuta
I picked a few places where Papa may have went to,
so today we will be visiting the folklore museum.

Rabi
I wasn't aware of a folklore museum in Yukuni.

Alexandra
Mmm...
Ah - I got a result from searching♪
Characteristic sights at Yukuni's hot springs, about geothermal cooking...
It sounds like it's introducing traditional events that use Yukuni's climate.

Rabi
If you know the location, I think I could give directions,
so please specify where it is, Nayuta-sama.

Nayuta
I see.
Ah, but before that I would like to ask one thing:
Rabi-san, Sasha-san, did you meet Papa in Yukuni?

Rabi
...Indeed I did. He saved me from a dilemma,
and he showed me a way to save mahou shoujo.

Alexandra
He mentioned he was going to put it all in a book someday,
so he could be writing it right now, somewhere.

Nayuta
(I'm positive that must mean he wants to let the world know of us.)
(It seems he helped Rabi-san and Sasha-san as well,)
(so him giving up on saving mahou shoujo clearly must have been a mistake...)

Rabi
Is everything alright?

Nayuta
I was just thanking Papa for saving you and Sasha-san.
Because of him, I have you helping me so much every day, Rabi-san.

Rabi
Is that so.

Nayuta
So as a sign of my appreciation, I will purchase some souvenirs for you.

Rabi
Souvenirs from Yukuni for someone from Yukuni...?

Nayuta
That is true...
This is...

Alexandra
A witch's reaction. Let's go defeat it.

Rabi
Unlike Kamihama, we cannot manifest doppels here,
so please be careful.

Nayuta
Certainly.

Girl
.....

Nayuta
Stop, do not jump!

Rabi
Sasha, put her to sleep with your harp!
Nayuta-sama and I will defeat the witch!

Alexandra
Please leave it to me!

Nayuta
Understood!

---

Girl
Nn...u...

Nayuta
Thank goodness, you've opened your eyes.

Girl
Huh, I...

Nayuta
I happened to come to the roof and saw you on the ground,
so I was taking care of you.

Girl
I don't remember...anything...
――っ!?
That ring... You're a mahou shoujo, aren't you...?

Nayuta
Eh?
If you know about that, then, are you one as well?

Girl
N-no. You can't be near me...

Nayuta
...?
Well, there is no need to be frightened. There is no danger anymore.

Girl
You're lying...
I fell down because of you guys...

Nayuta
U-um, I believe there is a misunderstanding!
There is no need for hostilities, nor was it my intention.

Girl
But I heard that you mahou shoujo...
Ha-...

Rabi
.....

Alexandra
Claiming that we are the ones who caused your injury, how terrible...
You know without us you would have lost your life...?

Girl
Ah...u...

Rabi
You cannot simply throw the entire world into one generalization.
Before you get excited over "overblown rumors" and spout off ridiculous things,
I want you to take a look at the reality that you've been saved in.

Nayuta
Rabi-san? Sasha-san?

Girl
.....I'm sorry.

Nayuta
Eh - no, I'm glad you've come to understand.

Girl
But be careful,
because if people find out you're a mahou shoujo, there could be danger.

Nayuta
?

-Hotel Room-

Alexandra
Haa～♪
The dinner at this hotel was so delicious♪

Rabi
Yes, I was especially surprised by the roast beef.
Even though the theme was locally produced food, I never knew local wagyu beef could be this good.
Next time, I will have to challenge myself with recreating the seasoning.

Nayuta
...I still find this strange.

Rabi
Nayuta-sama?

Alexandra
Despite me being a local, are you still uncomfortable with me staying with you?

Nayuta
No, I don't mind the two of you staying together with me.
But I don't understand the reasoning behind this.

Rabi
As I said, it is to protect you, Nayuta-sama.

Alexandra
Right, there is no automatic purification system, so it would be too dangerous for you to be alone.

Nayuta
But, saying it is to protect me, what are you protecting me from...?
Naturally there are witches, but I feel this is being overblown...
And I am still lingering over what that girl we saved earlier had said.
Wait, are you saying you are protecting me from...the public...?

Alexandra
That's not it at all. Nayuta-chan, you're thinking too hard.
Really, Rabi-chan and I are just preparing for any unexpected bumps♪

Nayuta
Is that true...?

Rabi
By the way, regarding the way that girl we helped earlier reacted,
Yukuni has more people that know of mahou shoujo than any other town.
However, it is only among students, treated no differently from a rumor or urban legend.

Nayuta
(That was quite an overreaction for something like that...)

=====3=====

Alexandra
Nayuta-chan still hasn't come out of the museum yet, has she?
I wonder if she found some hopeful information about the professor?

Rabi
If so, we may have to wait a while longer.

Alexandra
...Hey, Rabi-chan.
Don't you think the rumors have quieted down since we went to Kamihama?

Rabi
Yeah, when we were last here, the student's reacted more harshly.
If it's as calm as it was yesterday, she may be fine on her own.

[*Shut!*]

Nayuta
I did it, Rabi-san!
...not! If you knew already, you should have told me!

Rabi
Oh my, whatever could you mean?

Nayuta
There seems to be an assistant professor who studies folklore at a university in this town
who happens to know Papa!!

Alexandra
Rabi-chan, did you know about this?

Rabi
You can hardly expect my intimate familiarity with his social interactions, can you?

Alexandra
~ Nayuta-chan is going to find the professor at this rate. ~
~ Don't you think you should tell her, Rabi-chan? ~

Rabi
~ Aside from wasting all of Nayuta's efforts, I will be the villain who hid the professor. ~

Alexandra
~ That is true... ~
~ If we don't explain the "possibility" we know to her, we will be backed into a corner... ~

Rabi
~ ...I would prefer we prepare our own place soon... ~

Alexandra
~ Prepare a meeting place? ~
~ I will contact the "The Cradle of the Earth" and "the professor" ~
~ and make arrangements for Nayuta and the professor to meet in Kamihama. ~

Nayuta
Now that I have an appointment, we can go.

---

Woman
Yes, I've assisted Professor Satomi on several occasions.
When I did fieldwork together with him,
I learned how to get into the mindset of the locals.
Huhu, I'm terribly sorry, I'm doing all the talking here.

Nayuta
N-no, I've only just met you.
I was hoping for some information regarding Papa, though...

Woman
I'm not sure I would be able to help you...
I've been trying to contact people who had a connection with Professor Satomi,
but no one has heard from him...

Nayuta
I see...
Um, do you happen to know the inn that Papa was staying in...?

Woman
Ah, that reminds me-

Nayuta
You know!?

Woman
I must be getting old, it completely slipped my mind.
Whenever Professor Satomi came to Yukuni, he would always stay at the same inn.

Nayuta
Truly!?

Woman
I believe it was a guesthouse called "The Cradle of the Earth."
I have the contact number, so you should try giving them a call.

Nayuta
Thank you so much!
Ahh...I am so glad I have not lost all traces...

Woman
...Don't keep your nose in the books, but rather find form through relationships with people.
For us to continue our research, it is important to keep our relationships with people.
If you are looking for Professor Satomi, who especially valued working with others,
I don't think your path will ever be cut short.

Nayuta
We will always be connected...?

Woman
Yes, I'm positive.

Nayuta
っ…！

Woman
Ahh, no more tears now.

Nayuta
I'm sorry, I just suddenly feel so relieved...

Woman
But if you are going to continue investigating in this town, don't feel safe yet.

Nayuta
Eh-

Woman
Talks of mahou shoujo are spread as rumors among students.
It's like an awful urban legend.

Nayuta
Then what Rabi-san was telling me yesterday was true...

Woman
If you're already in the know, then be careful. You're a mahou shoujo too, right?

Nayuta
You realized that...?

Woman
It's because of what Professor Satomi would say.
He wanted to somehow save his mahou shoujo daughter.

---

Nayuta
I'm sorry, I have kept you waiting.

Rabi
I've been drinking tea while waiting with Sasha, so there is no need to worry about it.

Alexandra
Yep♪
More importantly, were you able to find anything about your father's whereabouts?

Nayuta
Indeed I did! I have big news!
She told me of an inn that Papa used to stay at!

Alexandra
Isn't that the hotel near the train station?

Nayuta
It seemed to be a short ways away.
It must have been at the mountains Rabi-san spoke of yesterday.

Rabi
...What is the name of the inn?

Nayuta
"The Cradle of the Earth" it was. A strange little name.

Rabi
.....
Many places have hot spring resorts near the mountains, so with the name...
Are you going to call ahead?

Nayuta
I shall.
Let's see, the phone number is...
.....

[*Ring ring ring... Ring ring ring...*]
[*Click...*]

Nayuta
.....
Ah, I just have a small question I would like to ask.
Would it be possible for three people to stay there tonight?
.....
Yes, thank you very much! How wonderful!
...Yes, my name is Satomi Nayuta.
...Yes, the one displayed. The number you gave me is correct.
.....Eh?
That is right! I am Tasuke's daughter, Nayuta!

Rabi
.....
~ Fortune is in Nayuta's favor at just the right moment. ~

Alexandra
~ But I'm a little worried about this. ~
~ If she meets the professor and learns of the "possibility"... ~
~ Would Nayuta-chan be okay, you think...? ~

Rabi
~ I think she will suffer, but it is better for her to face it now. ~

Alexandra
~ So instead of getting hurt and being confused about it later, ~
~ You'd be happier that she got hurt now learning of the possibility? ~

Rabi
~ Yes, besides... ~

Nayuta
Really?
Tomorrow Papa is planning on staying there!?

Rabi
~ Nayuta is a lovely person to me. ~
~ The professor wanted me to hold back telling her as much as possible, with that ego of his. ~
~ Watching Nayuta continue struggling has been a little painful for me, too. ~

Alexandra
~ ...You're so kind, Rabi-chan. ~
~ But, once she hears the story at The Cradle of the Earth... ~

Rabi
~ I've arranged it so we can talk in Kamihama. ~

Nayuta
I made a reservation for three, and I will get to meet Papa tomorrow!
Thank you both for your cooperation!

Alexandra
No need to thank me♪

Nayuta
It has been so long since we've met, I will purchase a souvenir for him.

Rabi
Like I said, it is strange to buy a souvenir in Yukuni for someone in Yukuni.

Nayuta
I suppose it is...

Rabi
[I wonder if Nayuta will understand.]
[Saving mahou shoujo... Is a "possibility" that we are currently trying to "verify"...]

=====4=====

Nayuta
Though it is only a guesthouse at the inn, having a hot spring is wonderful~

Alexandra
Is it a nice inn, isn't it? The food is super delicious too♪

Nayuta
The vegetables are especially fine.
Even the carrots have a lovely smell. I'm quite amazed.

Rabi
Everything here is home-grown.
The meat comes from animals hunted up in the mountains.

Alexandra
It's what is called gibier cuisine, uhuhu♪

Nayuta
Speaking of hunting, Rabi-san did say she wanted to get a license.

Rabi
I do.
However, in my case it is not for a gun, but for trap hunting.

Nayuta
Ah...

Rabi
...Is there something on my face?

Nayuta
I feel that the seasoning on the food at this inn gives a rather calming feeling,
similar to the seasoning you use, Rabi-san.

Rabi
.....
Hu.
No matter where you go or what you eat, Nayuta-sama, everything tastes the same to you.

Nayuta
I do not have a fool's taste! I really mean it, too!

Rabi
Well, I am from this town, so it makes sense that the taste is similar.

[～～♪～～♪]

Rabi
That's the room phone, I will get it.

[*Clunk...*]

Rabi
Yes...
.....
.....Is that so.
Understood. I will tell her.

Nayuta
What was that?

Rabi
It seems your father has canceled his reservation to stay here tomorrow.

Nayuta
eeEHH!? It can't be - why would he!?

Rabi
I did not want to bother asking. That was what I was told.

Nayuta
I will go ask the miss working at the inn why!

Rabi
You will cause trouble.

Nayuta
I do not care if I do!

Alexandra
Um, why can't you just call your father directly?
Maybe he would tell you.

Nayuta
I have no contact with him, that is why I am searching for him!

Alexandra
Auu...

[*Ring♪*]

Alexandra
Hey, maybe that's your father!

Nayuta
That never happens! ...It never happened!?
What do I do!? Do I look at this!?

Rabi
You should look at it.

Alexandra
Yep, please hurry and read it.

Alexandra
Sasha-san, you are just like a prophet.

Alexandra
It's a total coincidence♪

Rabi
Huu...

Nayuta
.....

Nayuta's Father
[Nayuta, I apologize for not contacting you in such a long time.]
[I'm sure I've left you feeling lonely. Your Papa's ego is the only thing keeping me distant from you, so I don't mind if you are angry with me.]
[Papa feels guilty for his selfishness, but I've finally gotten time to settle down. I will be meeting with Nii-san next, so when that is over, let's meet again and talk after all this time.]
[I have so much I want to tell you, Nayuta.]

Nayuta
Thank goodness... The single thread I held onto didn't snap...

Alexandra
~ This was for the best, right? Rabi-chan... ~

Rabi
~ The professor seemed to be in agreement. ~

Alexandra
~ Will you be there too, Rabi-chan? ~

Rabi
~ A parent and his child together again after so long, I would pour water over the whole thing if I were there. ~
~ I will just say a few things briefly, ~
~ then while Nayuta-sama is enjoying herself, I will take care of other errands. ~

---

Kagome's Diary
It had been some time since Nayuta-san came to Kamihama, her search for her father a never-ending attempt to grasp the sky.
However, based on the information she received from her mother, Nayuta-san was finally going to be reunited with her father.
The reason for his sudden disappearance, his reason for giving up on the salvation of mahou shoujo, his reason for sending the letter, and what he was doing when he left for Yukuni, they were all mysteries to Nayuta-san.
Even so, she never stopped believing her father continued to write his book, "Mahou Shoujo: Their Hope and Despair."
Nayuta-san seemed excited for the reunion she would have in just a few short days, but the beautiful thread that connected them together would once again become entangled in complications.
On the other side, at Kamihama, even though the ballot counting for the mayoral election had been completed, the air remained restless.

-Mitama's Adjuster Shop-

Iroha
.....
Huu, how about now? Do you still hurt anywhere?

Kanagi
Hm...
I was mainly concerned about my stomach, but... Yeah, no problems.
Like this I should be able to at least serve at Makino-kun's event.
I've caused you trouble as well, Yakumo.

Mitama
Not at all.
This is Ikumi-san's last event, so I want you to give one heck of a show.

Kanagi
Hu, the masters are taking the lead role.
I merely do what I can to support them.

Kagome
Mitama-san, are you not going to the event...?

Iroha
Speaking of...
I believe Kanagi-san invited all of us, but-

Mitama
...I have to pass.

Iroha
Are you sure...?

Mitama
When I'm making adjustments I can see inside the person, you know?
I'm sure Ikumi-san's thoughts and hopes will come flashing back to me,
so I don't think I can bear to watch...
I would just sour everyone's mood, so I will be doing something else.

Mikage
You mean for the mayor election going on...?

Mitama
Yeah, if we leave things the way they are, the prejudice towards the east will only get much worse...

Kanagi
In that case, Yakumo, I would like you to speak to the office again.

Mitama
I intend to do that too.
The office has already called me.
Even though they don't know who we are,
the story about us is on television now, right...?
They want to apologize for that.

Kanagi
Then it's all fine.
What will you do, Mikage? Do you wish to come with me to Makino-kun's?

Mikage
No, Mii's going to the office with Nee-cha.

Kanagi
Is that so, okay.

[Even after the ballots have been counted, the uproar over the election has no end in sight, but this is clearly a crime by a disorderly group. While the problems between the east and west are being discussed together, we can only pray that there is no impact on the residents.]

Kanagi
That's a relief.

=====5=====

Shizuka
Another Union diviner has passed away...

Sunao
Day by the day the conflict is becoming more fierce...

Chiharu
I feel like I'm losing more than just my arm...

Sunao
Just thinking about it makes me shudder...
However, according to the message from Azusa-san
the shortcut that connected to Futatsugi has been removed,
so I believe Promised Blood is in a dilemma.

Chiharu
If that's true, I think Union's side is in a real tough situation right now,
and next is our turn.

Shizuka
Neo Magius tore us apart from the inside out and left us in pieces.

Chiharu
But we also realized we all have our own feelings,
so now that we've come to understand that and accept each other,
I feel like the Tokime's bond is stronger than ever.

Sunao
It may be just as Charu says.

Shizuka
Perhaps it's the same feeling as striking a hot iron until it hardens?

Sunao
'Tis true, we did become stronger after being struck by Neo Magius.

Shizuka
.....
Then I too shall decide and become stronger.

Chiharu
What are you deciding?

Shizuka
...The other day, Kamihama's leader was decided, no?

Chiharu
You mean the election?

Shizuka
Yeah...
I want to investigate that stone throwing incident once more.
Charu, lend me your aid!

Chiharu
Ehh-!?
Telling me this all of a sudden - it was just a coincidence that we saw that happen.
You know the police are already looking into what happened, right...?

Shizuka
Please.

-Flashback-

Himena
At least this cutie gets to be a part of the dirty scum.
If it's for Hiko-kun, I'll do any bad deed.
It will never change.
Even in humans there's all kinds of evil, and you help them equally.
---
Mifuyu
It may be surprising to you.
To me, there are those who will always be evil...

-End Flashback-

Shizuka
It is my belief that any evil person can become good.
I am a blade of the land of the rising sun, who believes all should be protected.
Like Aika Himena and Mikoshiba, some people die clutching to evil,
but they only died before they were given an opportunity to change,
so I will believe that the goodness inside humans has never faded away.

Chiharu
Yeah...
Then why do you want to go investigate...?

Shizuka
Because, if the leader who leads everyone is tainted by evil, they mustn't be left to do so.
We cannot overlook a situation where such a person is chosen.
Depending on the outcome, what could I do to protect the people of the land of the rising sun?
Those are my own thoughts on the matter.

Chiharu
...No, you've really got the spirit, and I do very much want to help, but...
Sunao-chaa~n, I just can't do it...

Sunao
It's too difficult to chase after someone with pure malice, isn't it?
That is too unreasonable to ask, Shizuka.

Shizuka
Muu, I suppose it is... I'm sorry...

Sunao
That being said, if there were some better way to...
Ah - how about stopping by Yakumo-san's place?
I believe she is involved with them, so maybe you could learn something.

Shizuka
Would it be okay despite our alliance being broken...?

Sunao
This matter has nothing to do with the Kimochi stones,
so is it not fine to do so?

---

Nayuta's Father
[I'm meeting Nii-san today, so could we wait in the lobby for me?]
[To tell you the truth, I am thinking of telling him about you and all the mahou shoujo again,
since as long as Touka remains a mahou shoujo, Nii-san is also tied to this.]
[What I am about to tell Nii-san here I will tell you later as well, Nayuta, so I would like you to try to prepare yourself.]

Nayuta
Prepare... I feel uneasy all of a sudden...

Rabi
Indeed.
.....
[What kind of reaction will Nayuta have? Will she stubbornly judge us, or will she join us...]
[Either way, it is as if I tricked her into living with me.]
[I didn't want the professor's daughter to know of his negative ego, so I refrained from putting a stop to her search for her father,]
[but I refused to stick my neck out for her, I prevented her from getting to the heart of the matter, and I didn't tell her where the professor was.]
[It would be strange of her to not hate me...]
[Maybe it's because we have been together so long. The thought of her hating me shocks me greatly... But Nayuta, I'm sure, will be much more shocked than I...]
Huu...
[Everything in this world is indistinguishable. I am me, I am not me. One is all, all is one. If the boundaries of words are completely devoid of all meaning, we lose all pain and comfort, and become nothing.]
[It's as if the shock is gone.]

……………………
…………

Nayuta
He is too late!

Rabi
――っ!?
It does appear to be way beyond our scheduled time.
I only wanted to say hello.

Nayuta
I cannot wait any longer. I will be gone for a while.

Rabi
Nayuta-sama!
If you charge in without an appointment, they will just turn you away...

Nayuta
Taking however many hours it's been, this is far too strange.
Oji-sama would never have this much time to begin with.
There, the director's office.

[―――]

Nayuta
He is on the phone...?
Papa already finished with his business and left...?
Where is he...!?

Touka's Father
[So, about my little brother...]

Nayuta
――っ!?

Touka's Father
[Yes, I listened to his little fantasy story because it involved my daughter, but it's really strange...]
[For the time being, I don't want him flapping his mouth and bringing more shame around here, so I'm having him cool his head off. It would be more of a problem if he went off hiding again.]
[Confinement is bad for his reputation. He's waiting for me to finish my work. He wants to try convincing me more.]
[Besides, as long as there's fear of confusing the public, I will have to eventually come out to the public to explain it from a scientific point of view.]
[Yes, we can discuss the details over dinner later.]

Nayuta
(Oji-sama confined Papa...?)
(Why, just to deny Papa's story again...?)

Nurse's Voice
Hey, what is that girl doing there!?

Nayuta
Ah-...!

Nurse
Wait right there!!

=====6=====

Nayuta
Rabi-san!

Rabi
(I knew it, she came back quickly.)

Nayuta
Papa has been imprisoned!

Rabi
...Ha?

Nayuta
Oji-sama took Papa!

Rabi
H-hold on, please calm yourself, Nayuta-sama.
People are staring. We can talk outside...

Rabi
I see, that is what happened... I understand the situation...

Nayuta
Yes, I have no idea what is going on.
But from what I have heard, he is trying to denounce Papa's story.
The only thing I can think of is that he has been imprisoned...

Rabi
(I haven't heard anything from the professor...)
(This is a completely unexpected crisis... But...in this situation...)
(I could sever the relationship between Nayuta and Touka...)
There is one more indirect thing, though I can only make a guess.

Nayuta
What is it...?

Rabi
There was one remark that could not be taken as denying him...
That your uncle could bring the story to the surface through a scientific point of view.
If that is true, then I think he is trying to confirm Otou-sama's story.

Nayuta
Then why would he capture Papa...?

Rabi
...To claim Otou-sama's work as his own.

Nayuta
Eh...?

Rabi
Proof of the existence of mahou shoujo, the impact of it would turn the world upside-down.
If the public recognizes that it isn't some tall tale, Oji-sama will be basking in the limelight.

Nayuta
But in order to explain that, he would need Papa too.
That would be an inconvenience for Oji-sama, given how he speaks ill of folklore.

Nayuta
――っ!?

Rabi
Besides, Nayuta-sama, you have been seen associating yourself with your cousin Touka-sama lately.
She is a prodigy of science.
If she is asking anything of you, you should be careful.

Nayuta
Oji-sama is denying Otou-sama, or trying to steal his accomplishments...

Rabi
Either way, something bad is happening.

Nayuta
And if Touka is supporting this... But, Touka was different last time!

Rabi
As a Magius, she selfishly tried to kill people-
do you honestly think she would be reformed so easily...?

Nayuta
You think she may be lying...?

Rabi
It wouldn't be a surprise to learn that she is involved with Otou-sama being confined.

-Flashback-

Touka
[Papa-sama said this, but Oji-sama's research is compleeetely useless, isn't it?]
[Papa-sama is a doctor and can help looots of people, and I'm a genius, too, so I can help looots of people,]
[but isn't it embarrassing that Oji-sama only cares about meaningless folklore, nyaa?]
[I didn't believe what Papa-sama said, but when I saw this I thought "ohhh!"]
[Mahou Shoujo: Their Hope and Despair.]
[Do people that work with folklore read too much manga?]

-End Flashback-

Nayuta
Touka...

Rabi
.....
[I'm sorry, Nayuta.]
[I want to tell you the truth, but I'm sure you would never be convinced hearing it from me.]
[So at the very least, I want to pluck the seeds sprouting misfortune from Satomi Nayuta and Satomi Touka, so that this conflict does not end in catastrophe...]

---

Mikage
Nee-cha, you're not going home yet?
You've looked through so many stores, and Mii's exhausted...
Mii's sure mister mayor doesn't do dinners...

Mitama
I heard it in the office. The new mayor is meeting over dinner.
I can't let this chance go by to learn the truth.

Kagome
It was certainly very busy, but...

Mitama
If things were that hectic, I would know the issues are being worked on.

Mikage
A bugging device may have been set up
so we bought a gadget in Electric Town, but it's not very useful, is it...?

Kagome
You're right, there isn't a single sound coming out of this receiver.

Mii
Yeah, we're poor and now Mii's allowance is going down the drain...

Mitama
Once we find where their dinner date is, we'll definitely need it.
If it were up to me, I would go undercover and sneak inside,
then plant a mic and a camera to pick up evidence.

Mii
Mii doesn't want Nee-cha to get angry...

Kagome
Um, Mitama-san, you are going to continue searching, right?

Mitama
Oh, it's almost time for Ikumi-san's event to start, isn't it.
Don't worry about me, head on over there.

Kagome
I'm sorry.
When it's over, I will go back to the adjuster shop with everyone.

Mitama
Sure, I'll be waiting for you.
Although, it looks like this next store will be the last to check, too.

Mikage
Is the last store around here?

Mitama
Yeah, this one's not even on the net. It's a popular store for those in the know.

Chiharu's Voice
It smells...it smells so bad...!

Mitama
Eh?

Charu
wha - uwawa!

Mitama
Eh, the Tokime clan!

Shizuka
To meet in a place like this!

Sunao
We finally found you. We've been looking everywhere for you, Yakumo-san.

Mitama
Is it something urgent...?
I'm sorry, but I don't have time to be making adjustments today.

Sunao
No, we had something to ask you.
It's about the incident surrounding the election in Kamihama...

Mitama
――っ!?

Shizuka
There was a stone thrown during the election, right?
We witnessed it and want to learn the truth behind it.

Chiharu
We were wondering if you knew anything about it, Mitama-san,
but we couldn't find you anywhere, so we started investigating ourselves.

Shizuka
We were relying on Charu's ability to sniff out malice, though.

Chiharu
Yeah, it's making me sick, so I really don't want to do it anymore...

Shizuka
Sorry...

Mitama
But why are the Tokime making a big deal out of a Kamihama problem...?

Shizuka
As protectors of the land of the rising sun, we wanted to be aware of the situation.

Mitama
Learning the truth will only be painful, though.

Shizuka
It is better to know than to know nothing.

Chiharu
Uu-...Shizuka-chan...!

Shizuka
There's a reaction...!?

Chiharu
At the end of this road... There's suddenly a massive reaction...
It's the same as when the stone was thrown... It feels so disgusting...

Shizuka
Something suddenly at the end of the road...

Mitama
There's one place - a restaurant.
That may be where they will be talking about it.

Shizuka
Let us make haste.

Man
.....

Mikage
A guy just walked in there...

Mitama
Just now... That was the one involved...

Mikage
Did the office people know where Nee-cha was searching?

Mitama
Yeah, I can see why they were in such a hurry...

Mikage
――っ!?
Ne-Nee-cha! There's a weird noise coming from the receiver!

Sunao
No way, is this the receiver to a bugging device...!?

Mitama
Yeah, it's probably coming from inside...
We can't be standing out, let's move to the rooftop...

=====7=====

Mitama
I'll tune the frequency.

Shizuka
I am not sure I understand, but please tell me if you hear anything.

Mitama
.....

[*Za...zaza...za...]

Mitama
.....Got it.

Shizuka
That voice, that's the voice of the person who threw the stone.

Mitama
Yes, it's Touka-chan's father...

Sunao
And the other voice is the mayor who was just elected...?

Mitama
It sounds like all the people who started this incident are gathering.

Chiharu
Uu, I'm gonna be sick...

Sunao
Charu, do you know who the malice is coming from...?

Chiharu
Probably...the mayor... I can't use my power anymore...

Touka's Father
[As for aiding mahou shoujo, since both my daughter and niece are involved, I'm going to believe in my little brother's story and support him.]
[I just recently was forced to revise my thinking, and despite my reluctance I concede the necessity of securing trustworthy means to protect the mahou shoujo in advance of their existence becoming known.]

[～～♪～～♪]

Touka's Father
[Excuse me, I need to take this call.]

Mayor
[Huu, he talks too much about his own agenda. If we were both politicians we could be allies, but as a doctor we can only share common interests.]
[Yes, just like dealing with the police or criminals...]
[Speaking of, keep an eye on the police and criminals in Mizuna.]
[There's a lot of people involved in pinning these false accusations on the east for everyone's benefit.]
[I'm sure the director is well aware by now after being hit with that stone, but soon he won't be able to quell them.]

Mitama
I never would have imagined it, but the west side really is scheming...

Mikage
Nee-cha...

Shizuka
Scheming... You mean Kamihama's leader is deceiving everyone, then...?

Chiharu
No wonder there's such a disgusting smell coming from them...

Shizuka
If evil takes over like it once did in the Tokime clan,
everyone will be complicit with evil deeds without even knowing it...
When Mikoshiba was the pillar of the village, we were the same way...

Sunao
Like how I was made to be an assassin...

Chiharu
That's a bit extreme...

Mikage
Nee-cha, are you okay...?

Mitama
No...
All of this was arranged, so the east was just being used again...?

[*Crack...eeee....*]

Mitama
It looks like they figured out they were wiretapped...

---

Kagome's Diary
I went to the adjuster's, spoke to Touka-chan and Nemu-chan, and went to Ikumi-san's event...
At the end of a busy day of moving about, the events that took place with Nayuta-san and the events that took place with Mitama-san became connected without the other knowing.
However, it was a twisted connection. Touka-chan's father's intentions of saving mahou shoujo were twisted and conveyed to Nayuta-san as self-interest, cracking her relationship with Touka-chan in the process.
Also at this time, the happenings behind the scenes of the Kamihama election caused countless mahou shoujo to sprout dark emotions.
Yes, the signs became all too clear before I saw the mahou shoujo divide into two...
I'm sure this time was, not only for Mitama-san and Nayuta-san, but also for Shizuka-san and Iroha-san, a great turning point.

-Mitama's Adjuster Shop-

Yachiyo
Hey, what is this feeling...

Sana
This magic power... Something about it feels ominous...

Momoko
It can't be - the adjuster's...!?

Kagome
Maybe something happened after we parted ways...

Kanagi
Yakumo...

Mikage
Nagitan! What do we do, Nee-cha is...!

Mitama
Kanagi...
All of it, it was just a plot by the west. We were completely set up...
They used the east's bad impressions and treated us as bad people...
Our reputation as people of the east has sunk again...

Kanagi
The fools...all of them...?

Mitama
Yes, every last one of them!!

-Flashback-

Mitama
All of them, I hate everyone...!
Why do I get treated this way just because I'm from Daito!
TELL ME WHAT I DID TO DESERVE THIS!

-End Flashback-

Mitama
What do I do Kanagi...

-Flashback-

Mitama
I hate... I hate everyone...!
If our history is bad, then so is this whole city's history!

Kyubey
In that case, what exactly is it that you desire?

-End Flashback-

Mitama
I'm going back to that time again...

-Flashback-

Mitama
Okay...then...
[I want to be the one that destroys Kamihama.]
---
Livia
You oughta be someone who helps. Your wish ain't gettin' granted.

-End Flashback-

Mitama
Hu...uu...

Momoko
Hang on! Calm down, adjuster!
Even if those western guys are bad, we're different!
Me and Yachiyo-san are both mahou shoujo just like you, aren't we?
Even Kanagi-san's said that, so doesn't that help ya!?

Kanagi
Indeed, what Togame says is true, we've been given support.
You could even call them our foundation.

Momoko
Right!?
We don't betray anyone! Especially not you, adjuster!

Kanagi
However, Togame, the society we live in is called Kamihama.
It makes no difference if we are mahou shoujo. As humans living in the east, we continue to be struck down.
It is as if our hearts have been caged, outcast from the world. It gives a feeling of emptiness.
You would never understand that void.
If we could impose the equality amongst mahou shoujo to create a society where everyone feels safe,
there is only one way to do that...to have mahou shoujo be the ones in control...
Don't worry, Yakumo, I too once desired destruction. I don't blame you for feeling that way.

Mitama
But, what should we do... We can't solve this with our own hands...!
Recently I've been able to get along with eastern people like I used to...
But because of my help, the people of the east will resent me all over again...
Mii is going to be bullied again...

Mikage
Mii will be just fine!
When Nee-cha came back to Daito, Mii was a little scared,
but it's been years since then, and nothing happens at all now!

Mitama
But, things are bound to get much worse now...

Kanagi
As Mikage says, it has been some time since then.
After we joined together in the reconstruction efforts, we showed them the east exists.
We need to wait and see.

Mitama
Yeah...that's right...you're right...

Iroha
(This is what I want, for everyone to be happy...)
.....
After all, I'm no different...

Ui
Onee-chan...

=====8=====

Iroha
.....
Haa... I can't lie to myself...

Ui
Onee-chan, are you alright...?

Iroha
Ui...Kagome-chan...
Sorry, I'm just letting my heart get the best of me...
Mitama-san is having a much harder time than me...

Kagome
Everyone is watching over her; it's okay.
Mitama-san has started to calm down a little.

Ui
I was more worried about you being alone, Onee-chan.

Kagome
Yes...

Iroha
Sorry, all of my feelings have been sinking down into my heart.
I'm just a bit confused...

Kagome
Your feelings, you said...?

Iroha
Yeah, I've been indecisive​ about my mindset for so long.
Kagome-chan, I'm not lost anymore.
No...I'm sure I've never been lost this whole time...
In the end, I've just never been confident in myself. I've been hiding my true feelings.
But then I looked at Mitama-san.
My feelings burst, my chest tightened.
I've realized it, that I wish for everyone's happiness, that I want to save them.
Kanagi-san, Mitama-san, Midori-san, and Ikumi-san.
Kureha-san and Hikaru-chan. Shizuka-chan and everyone at Mikazuki Villa.
Everyone, I want to save all of them...
And so...

Iroha
"I want to create a world where everyone can live."
"The mahou shoujo in Kamihama right now, their wishes, their circumstances, their goals, they're all completely different."
"But if you follow their roots, each of them is trying to escape from sadness and suffering. They still cry out their feelings of wanting to be saved, and I believe that is because they still have hope."
"I want to nurture such precious feelings, to answer their prayers."
"So if I'm going to fight, I think it will be to stop those that seek conflict."
"Because this conflict, this struggle for life, takes away any future where they can be saved, where their hope can be granted."

Iroha
I want Mitama-san and Kanagi-san to take it into their hands one day,
the kind future we all wish for...

Kagome
Even Promised Blood...?

Iroha
Yeah.
To crush someone's desire for salvation and their hope,
if they try to hurt anyone, then I will fight.
But if they don't hurt anyone, I won't deny Kureha-san or her friends,
because I don't think it's their feelings that are wrong, but their way of doing things.

Ui
What do we do about the Kimochi stones...? If we don't fight, we won't get them...

Iroha
We'll just have to have a proper talk with Tokime,
and Promised Blood, too, now that I think about it...
I guess there's no choice but to talk to them...

Ui
eeEHH...!?
Don't you feel like that's going backwards, Onee-chan?
And what if they attack us!?

Iroha
If the time comes, of course we would fight back.
The salvation and hope everyone desires is something to protect,
so to put an end to this conflict, we'll stop anyone who attacks.
But I will never fight to take someone's life,
because that would rob the hope from our opponents.

Ui
I see...

Iroha
I wonder if everyone would get mad at me for saying something like this...

Ui
If Touka-chan heard you talking about peace, she would say Onee-sama is naive.
And Nemu-chan, she would probably say it's better to not tell her while she's uninformed?

Iroha
Hmm...that sounds about right.

Kagome
I do not mind, though...

Iroha
Really...?

Kagome
In fact, to deny the words of those who desire peace,
it makes me think that person would rather fight.
What I mean is, umm...
Reasoning aside, I think it's good to carry those feelings.

Iroha
Thank you, Kagome-chan.
But I have to remember what Kanagi-san said.

-Flashback-

Kanagi
You can't sacrifice your companions by keeping that mindset.
The only thing we can do is stick to the greatest common factor.
"Look at reality, not just ideals" is what I'm saying.

-End Flashback-

Iroha
I wonder how far I can go...

Rabi
.....

-Folklore Aquarium-

Rabi
This makes everyone.
Now your reports.

Asahi
The Tokime clan is gradually rebuilding their system after its collapse,
though right now I am most worried about the head family's Shizuka-dono.
She is in utter shock over the incident involving the election,
and I believe she is in need of care by Sunao-dono and Chiharu-dono.

Alexandra
Neo Magius is still operating behind the scenes,
and it may be nearly time for them to show their faces to the other groups.
As for Hime-chan, there seems to be some girls she's interested in♪

Urara
Promised Blood is struggling now that their barrier has been removed.
At the moment they're carefully calculating what money they have left.
They're on a business trip looking for a hideout. It's hectic.

Rabi
...We'll have to see how it plays out for Promised Blood.

Urara
Ah, by the way, Satori Kagome talked to me.
She told me an interesting story.

Rabi
What?

Urara
The Magius combo of Satomi Touka and Hiiragi Nemu are at the center
of revealing the existence of mahou shoujo to the world.

Rabi
――っ!?
I'm glad I was prepared.

Alexandra
You mean about Nayuta-chan?

Rabi
The timing was right, so I was able to agitate her a little
and cut off her ties with Satomi Touka.
According to what Urara said, that was the correct thing to do.

Asahi
But even if they did show the world, I personally do not think it would spread.

Rabi
With two geniuses together there is no telling what would happen.

Asahi
Well, I suppose there is nothing wrong with remaining cautious, but...

Alexandra
Also, Rabi-chan,
how long do we have to stay hiding?

Rabi
The tides soon turn, but I wish to observe a little longer,
since unlike the other groups, we only make four.
By the way, I did learn of Tamaki Iroha's intentions.

Alexandra
Did you talk to her?

Rabi
No, it was just by chance I overheard her.

Asahi
Is she truly the only one who can bring salvation...?

Rabi
Yes...
For now, she is the only one who is resisting the "solution."

Asahi
The conflict between mahou shoujo is happening, so the only reason she could say she is resisting is...

Rabi
She is thinking as a Mohist.

Urara
Mohist?

Rabi
One of the Hundred Schools of Thought, philanthropism​ and pacifism.

Urara
Hearing that makes me feel like I can find hope.
Were those people able to keep peace?

Rabi
Legalism won and they disappeared.

Urara
Why'd I have to ask...

Rabi
In the first place, it's not something Tamaki Iroha can handle alone.
Even if she is hope, she is too tenuous...

Alexandra
She's going to be swallowed up anyway, by the Awakening...

Rabi
Yes, the Awakening in which we believe...
[We believe in the "Folklore of Zero": the Beginning of the End...]

---

Shizuka
What business do you have here...

San
Merely to check the state of affairs.



==============================
Check out Mohism and Legalism Chinese Philosophy for more info on what Rabi is talking about