KS: It's me again. Here with more SIN-surrection. Truth be told, I'm really looking forward to this one. Why? Because we got more divergence, folks! Enjoy.

Hachiman looked at Otome curiously. How he gave the shorter girl an idea to break her slump was beyond his knowledge.

"As you are no doubt aware, despite the Law for Public Morals and Healthy Child-Raising being passed, several groups of individuals who resist said law emerged like roaches," Otome said.

"Weird way to start, but true enough," Hachiman replied.

"As the times go on, a lot have fallen, but few remain strong," Otome continued. "Some notable examples are the Yakuza Convocation, which as their title implies, is a collective of yakuza families who have survived the crackdowns the law imposed on them and keeping their businesses afloat while maintaining a low profile."

"The name definitely rings a bell," Hachiman said. "Come to think of it, I might have met someone from that particular group a few days ago."

"I'm sure you have," Otome replied. "The next group is known as Sure Fire, who are known to have a military motif among them. Despite public belief, some members actually have military experience and has trained their members with what they have learned. With the addition of modified airsoft guns, the Decency Squad has had no end of difficulty with them."

"I also met some people from that group," Hachiman commented. "Only, they weren't as civil as the other people I met, if you catch my drift."

"I already did," Otome deadpanned. "And then we have this group. They're not as threatening or organized as the last two, but they're on the radar for numerous reasons: vandalism, destruction of property and disturbance of peace. These people are known as the Wastrels."

"Wastrels, huh?" Hachiman leaned on the table. "Seems like an accurate name for them."

"Which brings me to what I was about to say," Otome said. "I found an absolute disgrace of a mural the other day in Shibuya. The graffiti sighted there was completely nonsensical and absurd. Day in and day out, my mind is plagued with memories of that mess."

"Okay, then," Hachiman said. "I take it you want me to cover the up the mural."

"Yes," Otome replied. "And in addition, I want you to beat up those wretches who put it up in the first place. They are both a menace to society and the artistic community."

"Uh… I think you're exaggerating that last part," Hachiman deadpanned.

"Well, I'm not," Otome said with certainty. "Every art website I've perused has stated that the Wastrels constantly spit on everything art stands for and that they have the untested gall to boast about it. Many wanted someone to knock them down a few pegs, but few have the courage to do so."

"And you believe me to be the man for the task," Hachiman summarized. "Alright, I'm in. If this is what helps you break out of your slump, then I'll happily knock out some teeth out of the Wastrels."

Otome grinned. "Perfect. I'm glad I can count on you, Hachiman Hikigaya."

(The World Ends With You OST: Calling)

Shibuya was a popular ward in Tokyo among the younger generation. It was packed with clothing stores, restaurants and nightclubs. Whether it was day or night, many people came to have a great time.

But for two people in particular, they were in Shibuya to deal with some hoodlums defacing buildings with their horrid graffiti.

Hachiman walked down streets with Otome beside him. While she remained wearing her uniform, he wore a gray jacket over a red shirt, jeans and black sneakers.

"I understand that you changed your attire to better deal with the Wastrels," Otome said.

"More or less," Hachiman replied with a shrug. "Honestly, I'd rather not stain my uniform with blood. I'd have a hard time getting out and an even harder time explaining where I got it from."

"Of course," Otome mused. "Nothing like showing up at school with a uniform soaked in blood to further ruin one's already tarnished reputation."

"Hey," Hachiman interjected. "As the song said, I don't give a d-" He immediately stopped himself when he saw a pair of Decency Squad officers in view. He quickly walked past them with Otome following him. Once they got away from them, he continued. "I don't care about my reputation."

Otome narrowed her eyes. "You were going to say something else, weren't you?"

"Not important," Hachiman said. "Where did you say some of these Wastrels were?"

"They've been sighted near the Design Festa Gallery," Otome replied. "They make a habit of visiting it and other art galleries in Shibuya to express their… ugh, creativity."

"Then we'll be doing Shibuya and the art community a public service by knocking them down a few pegs," Hachiman said. "Seems easy enough."

(End song)

Standing in front of the Design Festa Gallery were 15 of punks wearing very absurd clothes. Tank tops with paint hand prints all over, ripped jeans and shoes that look worn out. The most notable feature of the punks was that all of them wore paint respirators on their faces. These were the Wastrels.

Two of the punks were spraying on the walls while the rest cheered them on.

"Yeah, paint that wall!" one of them shouted. "We'll show Shibuya that we're good as artists!"

"No chance they'll look down on us now!" another cut in.

"Oh, they're gonna do a lot more than look down you," a voice sneered. "They'll have you in cages and paraded like the shameless animals you are!"

"Huh?! Who said that?!"

The Wastrels turned towards the source of the voice, who was Otome, standing a few feet away from them with her hands on her hips and a wide grin.

"Well, well, well," a Wastrel said, smirking beneath his mask. "What's a pretty little girl like you doing on her lonesome at this hour of night?"

"I've come to witness your long overdue judgement," Otome boasted. "And I have just the person for the job."

The Wastrels immediately laugh at the boast.

"Oh, really? And who do you have that's going to judge us?" one mockingly asked.

"That would be me," a voice called out.

Stepping out of the shadows was Hachiman, wearing a red and white oni mask that covered his face.

"Who are you?" one of the Wastrels asked.

"My name is Kumo," the masked man said. "And I'm about to ruin your day."

"Oh, we'll see about that!" another Wastrel shouted. "Come on, guys, let's waste him!"

(The World Ends With You OST: Someday)

The Wastrels charged at Kumo with intention to beat him up. Unfortunately for them, their opponent was no amateur. He dodged all of their strikes, punching them in their faces and kicking them in the groin.

"Who is this narc?!" one of them shouted.

Immediately, Kumo kicked him in the face, sending him to the ground. One of the Wastrels took out a black spray can and aimed it at Kumo's face with intent to blind him. Kumo caught on to his plan and pulled another Wastrel to stand in front of him, forcing the poor soul to take the brunt of his companion's intended attack. Kumo kicked him into his friend, sending them both to the ground.

Otome watched the scene with widened eyes. Never in her life has she seen such action. All of her art focused on tranquility and beauty. But now? She had the urge to shift her focus on action.

"I'm getting real tired of this," a Wastrel growled, picking up a broom and snapping it in half, spinning them menacingly.

"You and me both," Kumo said, cracking his knuckles.

The remaining Wastrels rushed Kumo, but the scenario was all the same. One by one, they all fell down until the one wielding the broking broom was left.

Unlike the others, he paid close attention to Kumo's moves. He dodged when needed, and struck whenever he saw an opening. Of course, Kumo was privy to his plan and made sure to not make it easy for him in the slightest. The two exchanged blows, dodged blows and even engaged in the occasional tit for tat.

"Your mask is stupid."

"No, yours is."

Eventually, after minutes of dodging, countering and taunting, Kumo swiftly moved behind the Wastrel and kicked him in the back of his head, rendering him unconscious.

(End song)

Kumo breathed in relief that the fight was over and took his mask off. "And like that, the world of art can rest easy. For now, anyway."

He felt someone tugging on his sleeve, and looked to see Otome looking down while blushing lightly.

"Hachiman… thank you," she said quietly.

Hachiman blinked. "For what?"

She showed him her sketchbook. Inside were numerous sketches of him fighting the Wastrels and coming out triumphant.

"Huh. These look pretty good."

"I'm nowhere near my original spark, but this is a good start as any," Otome said. "There is still the matter of my love life."

"Yeah, I've been wondering about that," Hachiman replied. "Who's got your heart fluttering."

Otome blushed harder and shifted nervously. "Under normal circumstances, I would beat you senseless with an iron rod. But considering that you went out of your way to fulfill my request, I suppose I owe you one." She looked up at him. "It's Anna Nishikinomiya."

Hachiman widened his eyes in surprise. Otome was immediately annoyed by it.

"I swear to God, if you so much as make a smart aleck remark-"

"No remark this time," Hachiman interrupted. "I'm just processing this."

Otome huffed and walked away. "Whatever."

As he left, Hachiman began to think for a while.

"She has a crush on Anna. But wouldn't that… No, it can't be. It's another cliché the world can do without. Still, it's worth sleeping over."

He quickly followed after the smaller woman to ensure she did not get lost.

The next day in the student council room, everyone was gathered. Anna appeared to be somewhat distraught.

"We gathered here today in order to discuss next month signature collecting for the X-Prohibition-"

As she reached for the paper, she knocked over a water bottle and it fell on the floor, causing her to yelp in shock.

"Are you okay?" Ayame asked with concern as she rushed Anna's side, only to see the source of her fright. "Oh. You just dropped your water bottle."

Anna felt embarrassed to be spooked by such a pointless thing. "I'm sorry. I just-"

Goriki let out a low growl which got louder. "I can't take it anymore!" He rose from the chair and pointed an accusatory finger at Hachiman. "We all know this low-down, dirty dingo did it!"

Hachiman sighed as he facepalmed. "Again with this racket…"

"Mr. Goriki," Anna said with regained composure. "You're wrong about him. Mr. Hikigaya is not that kind of boy."

The comment only added fuel Goriki's ire. "Madam President, you still don't see it?!" He then glared at Hachiman, slamming down a collection of pictures of Anna with messages taped on them. "Hikigaya! This is your handiwork, isn't it?"

Hachiman shot him a dirty look. "Look Winston, I don't what you've got rattling in that skull of yours, I'm not the-"

"LIAR!" Goriki shouted, grabbing Hachiman by his collar and lifting him up.

"Stop this!" Anna shouted. "I'm telling you, Mr. Hikigaya would never do anything like that!"

Goriki was still skeptical, but relented and put Hachiman down. "Sorry, I guess."

"Whatever," Hachiman spat.

"I apologize for not being more forthright about this, but there's no need for you to worry," Anna said. "The matter will be resolved soon enough."

Hachiman didn't believe her, but decided not the press the issue. "If you say so."

Anna gave a reassuring smile, but neither he nor Ayame believed it.

Hachiman and Ayame were on the school roof, discussing the current matter.

"In case you haven't noticed, Goriki likes Anna," Ayame said. "Though I'm not sure he even knows it."

Hachiman was honestly surprised to hear that. "I certainly didn't expect that."

(Yakuza Kiwami OST: Renewed Unrest)

"That's why he totally flipped out when Anna suggested you join the council and why he's had it in for you ever since," Ayame continued, walking towards the railing. "Now with the stalker situation, his instincts to protect Anna have kicked him and only hardened him."

"Wow," Hachiman said. "And here I thought he was busting my grill solely because of my background. Guess I was only half right."

Ayame chuckled turned around with her phone unflipped.

(Pause song)

"By the way, in case it wasn't clear, I meant hardened his heart, not his dick, though maybe!"

Hachiman growled in frustration. "Again with this crap. Is it really impossible for you to go five whole minutes without being a degenerate?"

"Five holes," Ayame said thoughtfully. "That's a lot of orifices."

Hachiman sighed. "Okay, I walked into that one."

(Resume song)

"The sad thing is, Goriki is still better off than most," Ayame said. "Ever since the law for public order was put into place, all of the ways people used to express love have been censored. So eventually, it got to the point where they forgot how to love. Even worse, there are more and more people who feel love, but don't realize it."

Hachiman crossed his arms. "Hmm… perhaps Otome is among those people."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Ayame asked.

Hachiman sighed. "Okay, here's the run down."

He explained everything regarding Otome to Ayame. What followed afterwards made him regret doing so.

(End song)

"FUCK MEEEEEEEE!" Ayame shouted at the top of her lungs, much to Hachiman's displeasure. Then she began to roll back and forth on the ground, spewing out profanity. "Shit! Piss! Fuck! Cunt! Cocksucker! Motherfucker! Tits!"

"Are… you possessed by George Carlin or something?" Hachiman asked rhetorically. "What's this about?"

Ayame stopped rolling and looked at him as she stood up. "It was staring us in the face! Once you put all the pieces together, then there's really no doubt that Saotome has got to be Anna's stalker! She doesn't know how to show her affection for Anna in a healthy way, so she's resorted to sending creepy letters and photos!"

"Hold on," Hachiman said. "You might be jumping the gun-"

"It all makes total sense," Ayame interrupted while opening her phone. "That's why she glared at me with the envy of a horny little virgin boy eyeing a lacy double-D brassiere for the first time. Oh, but if I don't handle this delicately, I'll ruin my chance to have her draw dirty, dirty pornographic pictures for me!" She let out a distressed groan and shook with frustration.

"Alright, Ms. Kajo," Hachiman said in a surprisingly good German accent. "I need you to bring it back for me, take a deep breath…"

Ayame continued screeching.

"Contain… ze calamity… zat is your mammaries."

Ayame broke out of her panic to give Hachiman a dry look. "Really? Did you have to do that?"

"Well, it got you to finally cool it," Hachiman replied. "Anyway, I don't think Otome is the one stalking Anna."

"Do you have any proof?" Ayame asked.

"Well, after hanging with her for a while, she appears to lack the textbook characteristics of a stalker, namely narcissism and deceptiveness," Hachiman said. "The rest is basically instinct."

"Oh, your instinct." Ayame smiled despite herself. "Instinct is crucial. It's also known as your libido."

"Quiet, they're completely different from each other," Hachiman snapped.

"Oh, who cares?" Ayame said, turning around and walking towards the railing once more. "The important thing is, you should trust your instincts and always act on them, which is beautiful." She turned around to face Hachiman. "Alright, then. I have faith in your assessment of Saotome's character."

Hachiman blinked. "Really? Well, cool."

Ayame grinned widely. "Ooh, I just had the greatest idea ever! We'll trap the stalker and get Saotome to capitulate. We can screw both things- I mean, do both things at once!"

(Trauma Team OST: Conference ~ Emergency Procedure)

At the student council, Ayame pitched the idea to trap Anna's stalker. As expected, there were some objections from the usual suspects.

"Are you cuckoo banana-pants?" Goriki asked with his arms crossed. "You wanna lure the stalker?"

"That's right," Ayame replied. "See, I'm gonna dress up like a boy and then go out on a date with Anna in the park. When the stalker sees this, he'll lose his mind, go mad with pure primal jealousy and rush to attack me."

"It's too dangerous," Goriki protested.

"I can take care of myself," Anna said firmly.

Goriki was taken aback, but persisted. "Then at the very least, let me be your date."

"But you have no dating experience," Ayame responded in a blunt tone. "Besides, if you pose as her date, the stalker will be too scared to show himself. No, you should stay hidden so you can jump out when we need your muscle."

Goriki didn't like the idea one bit, but knew that any objections he made would be shot down and relented.

She turned towards Hachiman. "Just in case, Mr. Hikigaya, you keep watch here." She threw in a little smirk.

"Will do," he said.

(End song)

In the storage room, Otome was behind Hachiman, combing his hair back and applying a little gel while the latter was seated. Hachiman told her what the student council had planned.

"Very interesting," she said. "Well, the two of us will have to follow them to the park, then. That way, as soon as the stalker exposes himself, I shall rescue Anna."

The thought of saving Anna from her stalker made Otome giddy, causing her to comb back a little too hard.

"Ow!" Hachiman shouted. "Watch it, you little twerp."

Otome ignored him and continued combing. "And when I capture that scoundrel, I'll capture Anna's heart as well and then it will throb only for me."

"Uh-huh," Hachiman deadpanned. "Hand me a mirror. I want to see how bad you did."

Otome huffed and gave him the mirror. Hachiman saw that his hair was straightened back and shining.

"Perfect," he said. "Perhaps you could moonlight as a stylist."

"Do you mean that?" Otome asked.

"Of course I do," Hachiman replied honestly.

"Liar," Otome said with a pout.

-Several days later-

Hachiman and Otome, were at the park. Otome had a purple hat on her head and is dressed in a t-shirt and shorts along with a backpack while Hachiman wore sunglasses, a gray tank top, ripped pants and sneakers.

Immediately, they saw Anna and Ayame walking together, the latter dressed in a yellow hoodie and pants with the hood pulled over her head.

"Darn you, Ayame," Otome cursed silently. "How dare you be so close to my beloved?"

Hachiman continued to watch, only to hear a rather… specific form of breathing. He looked down to see Otome blushing harder while breathing in a very peculiar manner.

"Why didn't you tell me you were expecting?" he asked sarcastically.

What he got was a scream from the shorter girl, who threw her sketchbook and pencils in the air before catching them and opening a page in the book, drawing like her life depended on it. Hachiman looked closer to see a sketch of Anna sitting on the bench. Otome yelped and covered it up when she saw him look.

"Who told you you could peek?" she said quickly.

"How can I not look?" Hachiman said. "That's amazing, what you just drew. Is this 'slump' of yours psychosomatic?"

To his shock, Otome began crying and beat her head against her book.

"What now?" he asked in a distraught tone.

Teary-eyed, Otome showed him her sketch. "This is the one way I have to express my love! The only pictures I want to draw are of Anna!"

Once again, Hachiman could only blink. Otome held the sketchbook close to her chest once more.

(Genshin Impact OST: Slight Distress)

"It may sound strange, but up until recently, I had never used anybody as a model for my artwork," she began. "Before, I created all my paintings from images that were floating around within my mind. But Anna is the first person I ever really wanted to paint. Since the day I met her, I've spent every waking moment trying to commit her image to canvas. But even after hundreds of attempts, I still couldn't get it right. And I could never figure out what was missing. I thought if we became lovers, maybe it'd be clear, but I don't have the ability to express it outside of my art."

Hachiman was silent, taking in everything Otome was saying.

"And that's the reason why I'm in a slump. My only purpose in life is to create art, and yet tragically, all I could do now is desecrate Anna's image like this." She resumed crying, unaware that her tear drops are falling on the sketch book. "She must be utterly disgusted with me."

Hachiman felt bad for Otome, knowing the true reason behind her slump… and a growing contempt towards the powers that be who are responsible.

"I swear, this damn law has done nothing but stunt the growth of this country, both on a physical and emotional level. I'm going to enjoy tearing them a new one when all is said and done."

(End song)

Hachiman was broken from his musings when he heard rustling behind him. The one responsible was Goriki.

"Saotome? What in the blazes are you doing here? Stop loafing about and start winning our school some more art shows- huh?"

He paused when he saw Hachiman in his attire. At first, he didn't recognize him, until…

"'Sup, Winston?"

The tone with underlying snark was all to familiar to him. "Wait, Hikigaya?" He became annoyed immediately as he grabbed his arm. "What are you up to out here?"

"Hey, what are you doing?" Hachiman shouted. "You're gonna blow the whole bit!"

(Yakuza 0 OST: Parry Addiction)

A loud roar was heard nearby, causing both men to stop. They saw a larger man charging towards Ayame with a rock in hand.

"Oh no!" Hachiman got out of Goriki's grasp and chased after the man, but the distance between them was too great. "Curses, I'm not gonna make it!"

"Eat fist, twerp!" the man shouted, throwing a fist, only for Ayame to dodge it and kick him in the groin, sending him down.

"Is that man gonna be okay?" Anna asked with concern.

"Oh, don't you worry," Ayame replied. "I got him in his vitals."

Hachiman made it to where the two girls were. "Man, you're full of surprises, aren't you, Kajo?"

"This isn't over yet!" Otome shouted, running past him. "Don't just stand there, Hachiman!"

"What?"

Immediately, two more men armed with rocks jumped out of the bushes,

"Anna, why are you with him?!" one shouted.

"How could you just throw away our love like that?!" the other added.

Anna and Ayame gasped in shock at the surprise attack.

"Look out!" Hachiman shouted as Otome charged towards one of the men and grasped on his his leg. He immediately threw her off and she flew towards Hachiman's direction, who caught her and tossed her over to Goriki. "All yours, Kong!"

"What do I look like-" Goriki's irate remark cut short by Otome landing on his face, sending him down.

Hachiman turned towards the two men, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a bunch of small marbles. "Hey, blockheads!"

The moment they turned towards him, Hachiman threw the marbles at the mens' faces, rushed over to Ayame and Anna, moving them out of the way and tapping a screen on his PM, causing the marbles to explode and release smoke around the two men, making them cough violently to the point of losing consciousness.

"Didn't anyone ever tell you?" Hachiman took off his glasses, ran his hair back with his hand and smirked at the unconscious men. "Smoking's bad for you."

(End song)

Anna was moved by his bravery while Ayame grinned at the very bad one-liner he made.

"Hachiman, you saved us," she said. "I… I don't know how I can ever repay you."

Hachiman waved it off. "Think nothing of it. Now, how about we send these miscreants packing?"

As he dialed the number for the police on his PM, Anna stared at him with intent.

"He was so fearless when dealing with them… I wish to be like him to an extent."

Suddenly, she felt her heart beating softly.

"What… what is this odd sensation?" She put her hands to her chest. "Why do I feel so warm… in here?"

Change is in the air. How it will affect those present remains to be seen.

KS: Well, well. Looks like Anna's developing feelings for Hachiman from saving her. This is sure to open up some doors in the near future... and lock up that one door that leads to... (shudders) Love Nectar. Anyway, if you liked this, make sure to fave, follow and leave a comment below. Until next chapter, I'll see you when I'll see you. Peace.