It happened days ago… Iroha Yabu, before she was stricken with Euphoria, was walking to a table, in a church. She called, "Excuse me… Father Tainaka?"

She met a woman in brown hair, with her bangs covering her eyes, and wearing a blue outfit. It was the same hooded woman from before, only she was unmasked, and dressed as a priest.

"Come right in, child." The priest said, "Have a seat."

Her name is Ritsu Tainaka. She is a member of The Watchers, alongside Azusa Nakano and Budo Itsuki. The Watchers were responsible for overseeing events that lead to either peace or chaos. The Watchers are also known for the knowledge of the Moji Mikisa, aka Enrico Pucci's Alternate World Fusion from 2011. Azusa is the leader of the faction, and has the knowledge of many histories and events, including its most recognizable event in humanity's history – The Joestar Bloodline.

Iroha sat down, as Ritsu asked, "Want a bite?" She offered some fruit, but Iroha said, "No, thank you."

Ritsu worked part-time as a priest, under her real name, and is dressed as a dude. Ritsu's petite body mistakes her for a man, which is why she is dressed this way, working part-time as a minister. Of course, they always think of her as male, but only a select few know her true gender. She never explained why and how.

Episode 9 - Chapter 1: The Sad Story of Iroha Yabu…
Euphoria or Despair?

Iroha was lying in the bed, as she was unconscious. Mizuki said, as she supervised, "No changes in her systems… Her brain activity is normal, but her functions as a human are offline. In other words, there's no way she'll wake up from a coma."

Mundy said, "You say that like she's a machine."

"She's not. But it almost feels like it…"

"Well, anyway, Naoki will watch over her. Wanna go for a drink?"

"Sure." Mizuki said, "You up for the club, tonight? I cannot dare go back to that club, but… I figured that I revisit the Euphoria issue, especially with what happened to July."

"Oi, I hear you, love. April & January were worried about all of them…" Mundy said, "Shame we can't bring them with. They're still broken, after what happened with Ran Kuzuryu."

"Plus, I have been acting upset, ever since Peter suffered at the hands of that Stand, Night Samba."

"I see Asahi gave you the heads-up."

"Yeah. I'll explain later, in full detail. For now, we'll take a break and hit Club Lettuce Leaf."

Miki asked, "You mean the club Ri-san worked in?" She and Yamabuki arrived, as Miki said, "I apologize if she posed there."

"That's alright. As long as it's safe now." Mizuki said, "I wanna revisit the Euphoria Case, after our trip from Iowa."

Yamabuki asked, "What of the others? Should we bring them along for the club?"

Mizuki said, "Steven, Asahi, Farra, & Cassandra are still in Florida, as we speak. And no update on the pardon of Krystle Giese… nor do we know of Peter's condition. We're still mapping out the details of what happened that day…" She stated, "However, Steven believes we're screwed. They returned to Solitary, and found John-Johnny A dead in his cell. He killed himself."

They gasped, as she continued, "And that's it. Still, we learn a few things from Asahi's story. A Stand that steals memories and Stand Powers, and uses discs to create enemies."

Miki moaned, "Whoa… I hope I never run into that thing."

Yamabuki asked, "Does this Stand have a name?"

Mundy said, "Night Samba. However, the Stand User is still unknown, as we speak."

Mizuki said, "Anyways, we're gonna take a break. If anyone sees Percival, we want nothing to do with him, until Peter lives…"

Miki said, "It's my fault, Mizuki… I shouldn't have said that."

Yamabuki said, "What's done is done, Miki. However, upset by the fact that his sister is in jail, and ended up a victim to Night Samba, I pray fer Peter Giese… But do not blame Percival fer Peter's own actions. He acted on his own… and if he didn't step in to save his sister, then Krystle wouldn't even be here now."

Mizuki nodded, "I understand. Anyways, Miki, watch Iroha. The rest of us are heading to Club Lettuce Leaf."

Yamabuki grinned, "In that case, I'll join you. I have been doing a favor for the owner of the club. And she's my friend."

Mizuki huffed, "Yeah, right… Come on, we'll take the BattleVan. The Aces and Cassie took a jet to Florida. We'll pick them up, once we're done."

They left, as Miki sat by Iroha. Miki whispered, "Poor girl… Taken by the drug that used her… except she's perfectly clean." She felt her forehead and said, "Hm? It's cold. Is she suffering the chills?"

XXXXX

That evening, they arrived at the club, as Yamabuki said, "Wait until ya guys see what I have planned fer tonight. See, I happen to know the owner of the club, and the rest is laid out."

"Whatever…" Mizuki growled, annoyed by Yamabuki's surprise, "I'm just still reeling from my last visit…"

"So, what was the plan?" Mundy asked.

"Well, before April kicked him in the balls, the bouncer was strict about permission for seeing the owner. Yamabuki, what was her name again?"

"Nanao Kashima. She goes by, often times, Nanao Kashiwa." Yamabuki said, "It's more of an alias. Especially since our adventures."

Mizuki said, "Curious, was she involved in your time with June & Beth Nevins?"

Yamabuki said, "Correct. She was one of the survivors in the battle with Haruhi. After that, she retired and owned the strip club that Tanukichi Okuma was left to by Ayame Kajou."

"It used to be Kajou's… before she died."

"True… However, Ayame was revived, only fer her to die again… This place holds a dark secret."

"So I've heard."

They stepped in, as the place was livelier than ever. Mundy whispered, "Holy doody… It's a unisex bordello…"

Mizuki replied, "This place was all Ayame-bots… but that was before Nanao changed the demographic to 50-50 male and female, and 50-50 human and robot… or other."

Yamabuki said, "Other is correct. The owner welcomed all types, from humans, to robots, to aliens, beasts, demigods, fish people, even animal people (or anthropomorphic people). But NO furries."

"Forget I asked…" Mizuki huffed.

"At least the humans are still working. So, this is where July used to work fer?"

"April and January were given the message… July lost her job."

Mizuki spotted the bouncer, Tyrone, and said, "There he is."

They approached him, as Mizuki said, "Excuse me. Remember me?"

"Oh, yes. I remember you…" He said, "If I wasn't in pain, after one of this Goth-Loli bitches kicked me in the balls, I'd teach you a lesson. Luckily, the owner is an excellent doctor. She didn't need to pull my pants down."

Mundy gagged, "Eugh… How is that even possible?"

Yamabuki said, "That's Nanao. She has a healing power, unique to Chazz Princeton's ability." She asked, "We'd like to see your boss! It's an important business matter."

"If it's about the new talent, she's got them covered." Tyrone said, "But if it's for a meeting with her, she's busy."

Mizuki growled, "This again? Look, I'm not here to start a fight–."

Mundy stepped in, "I'll handle this." He approached Tyrone and flashed his badge, "Oscar Gooden – Interpol." Tyrone gulped, as Mundy continued, "We'd like to speak to Nanao Kashiwa, or should we say, Nanao Kashima? It's about her discussion with the drug called Euphoria, and it took one of your former employees' life… despite the fact that she was an android."

Yamabuki added, "Yeah. And I'm a member of MEA - Ministry of Extraordinary Affairs."

Mizuki bowed, "I'm freelance."

Tyrone said, "Well, I believe you… except the cyborg here… Freelancers don't swing that way… But still, any friend of the boss is okay by me. But I want no more pain… Those two bitches smashed my crotch, and I'm reeling from the recovery.""

Mizuki asked, "So… Will you let us see her?"

Tyrone said, "Fine… I will address this to the boss, shortly. In the meantime, you three enjoy yourself. I will notify you when you will see her. And you, Suou, was it? Your talent is up next."

Yamabuki grinned, "Thank you~!"

He went backstage, as the rest went to sit down. Mizuki said, "Well, that was easy. You saved us back there, Oscar."

Mundy said, "Hey, you guys aren't top tier agencies, but ICPO is the top dogs, next to FBI and CIA. (The latter which should be cleansed, god have mercy on Hawley and Slater)."

Yamabuki said, "So, while we enjoy the entertainment… We have a bit of a snag. Euphoria has reached, and it is manned by Ran Kuzuryu, a traitor to Real Ninja. Satoko Hojo is the mastermind behind it, yet we confirmed that she's been dead for years."

Mizuki said, "Maybe Satoko's revival is because of the RESET Button."

"RESET Button?"

"Remember the Moji Mikisa? And remember Hope's Peak… Many died in Hope's Peak, before the mess-up happened. The Tragedy… and the Road to Despair… They were revived by Pucci, and given a second chance in life."

Yamabuki stated, "No… They were given worse off… The Hope's Peak students that played the game became Mafioso. Traitors to the family – The Hitman Squad. Luckily, a few lived on, reformed."

Mundy asked, "Really? Then, when the AUs melded together, it created a new persona for them. But not many were given a new life. Some chose to keep their old selves."

"I bet that's what happened to everyone, including Junko Enoshima." Mizuki said, "What a shame… At least, Despair has subsided… for now, at least."

The PA called, "And now, ladies and gentlemen, lemme introduce you to some local talent… Meet Betty & Lori!"

Two girls appeared in black bikinis and garters. It was Yozuki & Iori, only they are android clones.

Mizuki shrieked, "WHAT THE HELL?"

Yamabuki smiled, "Surprise!"

They started dancing and making sultry positions, as Yamabuki grinned, "Yeah, this is awesome!"

Mundy said, "Makes you think, huh, love? Is this why the robot clones vanished suddenly?"

Mizuki said, "Uhhh… yeah… Yamabuki Suou, what the fuck is this?"

Yamabuki grinned, "A little extracurricular activity fer our androids. Besides, Yozuki-6 & Iori-9 needed some exercise. So I asked Nanao to hire them as part-timers, to make them more flexible and agile."

Mizuki roared, "BUT TO HIRE THEM AS STRIPPERS?!"

"The fans seem to like them."

The boys were cheering on, as they threw money at the android clones, showing off their skin and such. Mundy grumbled, "This is bloody ridiculous…"

Yamabuki grinned, "I know! But it's fun for me to see big boobies bounce, fam!" Mizuki snarled, and she seethed, "You little…"

Mizuki slammed her fist to Yamabuki's head, "YOU ARE SUCH A PERVERTED SKANK!"
POW!
"OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!"

Yamabuki was lying on the table, with a lump on her head. She moaned, "System error… Mal… function…"

Mundy said, "Uhh, I think you broke her…"

Mizuki barked, "Good! Maybe she needs to do a little thinking…"

XXXXX

At her office, Tyrone said to Nanao, who was sitting at her desk, "Miss Kashiwa… Three people wish to see you."

"What is it about?"

"The Euphoria Drug, and what happened with July Marciano. One of them is an ICPO agent, along with Miss Suou… and that big breasted cyborg in red hair, who is Freelance."

Nanao nodded and said, "Send them in. Since Yamabuki Suou is here, I have something to share about the talent she brought in. And as for the drug, I believe that they need to know more on this matter. You're excused, Tyrone Bevins."

He stepped out, as Nanao sighed, "Poor July… And this drug… Can not say for sure."

Mizuki, Mundy, and Yamabuki appeared, but Yamabuki was glitching a bit. Mizuki asked, "Are you Nanao Kashima?"

Nanao turned to them, in her blue vest and white shirt, and responded, "Affirmative. I am Nanao Kashima, owner of Club Lettuce Leaf."

Mundy asked, "Eh? Why did she say affirmative?"

Nanao said, "Sorry, but I am an android."

Mizuki gasped, "YOU? You owned a club, and you're a robot?"

"Android. But as an android, I am capable of limited functions. Anyways, I believe you are here to ask questions… OH! Yamabuki Suou, what a surprise."

Yamabuki beeped, "Error. System malfunction. Cannot reply."

Mizuki moaned, "My fault. Sorry."

Nanao blushed, "Don't be, you big boobed fembot…" She held her chest and grumbled, "What is she, H-Cup? Packed…"

Mizuki asked, "I'm sorry, but are you staring at my boobs?"

"Yeah! And I am jealous of your huge rack!" Nanao protested and blushed heavily.

Yamabuki beeped, "Error."

Mizuki said, "I'm sorry that you're so insecure. Anyways… If you're a healing android, can you fix her?"

Nanao nodded, "Certainly, big-boobie cyborg." She approached Yamabuki and used her healing functions to repair Yamabuki. Yamabuki woke up and said, "Whoa… Nanao!"

They hugged, as Nanao smiled, "It has been a while, Yamabuki Suou…"

Mundy said, "Miss Kashima, let's get down to brass taxes. My name's Oscar Gooden, this is Mizuki Takase. We're from a Freelance area of the team. We also happen to know Tanukichi Okuma, the former owner of the club."

Nanao said, "Oh, yes. I do remember. And the reason you are here is…"

"It's about the Euphoria drug."

Nanao replied, "Acknowledged. If you wish to talk more, after hours. I am available at that time."

"Nanao, we also have bad news on another problem. One of the girls was victimized by Euphoria… A girl named Iroha Yabu."

"Iroha?" She gasped, "No… Is she okay?"

Mizuki asked, "You know about her?"

Nanao nodded, "Affirmative, Mizuki Takase. Iroha Yabu is just like me. She is an android."

Mizuki gasped, "WHAT?"

Yamabuki cried, "IROHA'S AN ANDROID, TOO?"

Mundy said, "But she's human! We saw her, after we recovered her from the drug!"

Nanao said, "She was a member of Real Ninja, but she suffered a complete relapse, and was disabled. She is a sleeper agent, created in Targus City, as one of our android ninja units. I, however, am built by Emily Maynard, who currently resides (albeit via quarantine) in said city, and is functional in all combat skills. She is one of the sleeper units."

Mizuki asked, "Wait, why would an android be sick with Euphoria? The drug hurts androids, and she suffered memory loss."

Nanao stated, "That is something I cannot explain, as I have no answer to it. And yes, Yamabuki Suou and I are from the same cloth, except she is not a robot at all. The time in Italy changed us both…"

Mizuki asked, "So… How did you know Iroha?"

Nanao explained, "Iroha Yabu and I met, back in Targus City, moments after our battle in Italy. After Emily Maynard gave me the deed to Club Lettuce Leaf, I decided to do a little talent search. From there, I met an android girl, and she was healing a visitor's wounds."

Iroha was healing a man's leg, as her hands were glowing green. She stopped and said, "There you are. Good as new."

"Thanks. You should become a doctor." The man said.

"Oh, I don't know… But I hope to study and become one. It takes a while to study medical practice."

After that, Iroha was on her merry way. She met Nanao, dressed in a white shirt and pale blue pants, with her hair long, up to her shoulders, and she said to her, "Excuse me… Miss Android. I like your style of healing. Do you have the same function as I do?"

"Who the hell are you?" Iroha barked.

"Nanao Kashima. And you are?"

"Iroha Yabu. What are you, some sort of Robo-Bimbo?"

"Rude!" Nanao barked, "I'll have you know… that I am programmed to heal units, and can even shoot bullets from my wrists. I'm somewhat of a combat android."

"I see… I've heard about you, back in Europe. The story behind an android that saved Despair… Only for someone to eliminate drugs from the world. You don't find me doing drugs."

"It is true… We are heroes. But I prefer the term "Survivor". I survived… and lived to tell the tale. Someday, if you have an adventure of your own… You, too, could be a survivor."

Iroha was stunned, as Nanao walked off, passing her, "Good day, Iroha Yabu. Our paths may cross again, someday."

Nanao continued, as she was upset, "After that, I have not seen her, ever since. Real Ninja was formed, during the Pandemic, and I was preparing the grand opening of this club. But there were still COVID Protocols to update and issue, before I opened the doors." She sniffled, "I am so glad she is safe… Iroha Yabu… She suffered so much."

Mizuki said, "How about you come by, tomorrow, and we'll let you meet her. We want to know everything about Real Ninja and Euphoria."

"Understood." Nanao nodded, and then bowed, "I live to serve, as allies to my creator, and to Yamabuki Suou. In fact, I have heard about The Gang, from June Nevins."

Yamabuki said, "It's true. June, Beth, Emily, & Tanukichi all survived… and we learned about yer somewhat heroics. Even so, ya guys saved the world… and that's all that matters, fam."

Nanao smiled, "Indeed. Yamabuki Suou? I have a request about your talent… Will they be working full-time? They are a smash hit. More importantly, do you have spares that I can own? What is your production line for the Yozuki and Iori Fembots?"

Yamabuki replied, "They're not fer sale… But they are available upon request by my superiors… But ya're welcome to have AK & Borchardt, until we need them fer battle. They are my allies, and they needed stretchin'."

Nanao said, "Deal. I will borrow your androids, from time to time." She said to Mizuki, "By the way, Mizuki Takase… I am sorry for insulting your huge knockers."

Mizuki blushed, and said, "Eh-yeah… Don't mention it…" She thought in anger, "For someone who's a centimeter bigger than Yamabuki, this robot is so antisocial…"

Mundy said, "Eh, at least your melons are bigger than theirs, love."

Mizuki glares at him. "Don't start…" She huffed, "Pervert…"

XXXXX

Later that night, in a local bar, Percival was calling Farra on his phone. But he got cut off, before he could answer.

"Farra's ignoring me, is she?" He said, "I know the others won't speak to me, but I wanted to know how the mission in Florida is going. I even called Asahi and Cassandra, but they're not picking up. I know they're busy and all…"

He sighed, as he texted to Farra.
"Farra, I know you're mad about what happened to Peter… but I want to know your status at St. Dolphin."

He got a reply:
"DON'T talk to me… bastard!"

Farra's text message says all. Percival was sad. "Farra… Is it because of what I did? Dammit… Why did I allow a Plea Bargain?"

"I see you're upset about your past, again, eh, Percival?"

A short woman in brown hair, wearing her jacket and jeans, appeared in the bar. It was Michelle Nevins, and she walked to him, with her cane in hand.

"Michelle? It's been a while." He said.

"I overheard you lot had a fight. I thought it was something else, but…"

"It's a long story."

"Anyways… I'm sorry about the Big Lad."

"Who told you?"

"I'm psychic, you know. But still, I can't always know what your problem is, every time."

She sat down and said, "Come on… I'll buy ya a pint."

"Well, if it'll break off my drama with Farra, so be it."

They shared a drink, as Michelle was slightly drunk. She said to him, as they were thinking, "You know… What happened, all these years ago… when you stopped Chris McLean… It was worth it. You did your best, but what's done is done. You made a mess of things, but you promised yourself you'd clean it up. Then you learned of the real truth…"

"Yeah… It wasn't Chris McLean or Tohru Honda. It was Enrico Pucci…"

"Isn't Pucci dead?"

"Yes… But the drama towards that year was heartbreaking… We have no idea why he'd create such an AU mess-up, but it was the start of a new beginning… only it ended in despair and hell. I was at fault for what happened. And I thought I was cleansed of my past… until I learned the truth."

"I'm sorry. You have a Stand now, only now, you plan on using it for last resorts. You learn a lot of the mysteries behind the Moji Mikisa…"

"I'll look high and low, but I'll always end up in a dead end. And I end up dragging people I know and love with me. First, Eri… then, you and Steven… now, my own wife and friends."

He sat up and growled, "This accursed AU Fusion World… Now, at last, I'm at checkmate. A game of chance, and I lost." He sighed. Michelle draped her arm around his and said, "Not your fault, lad."

A woman with green hair and dark skin asked, "Excuse me, Miss? Haven't you had enough? I already cut your tab here."

"HERE NOW!" She barked, "I'm having a touching moment with this lad! I'll go when I'm ready!"

Percival said, "That's okay, Miss Barkeep… She's with me."

The bartender huffed, "Well… Make sure she's at a 2-drink minimum. No other bar would take her."

"How so?"

"She has been banned from over 10 bars, after drinking over the limit, and acting like a drunken hooligan."

"You know her?"

Michelle hiccupped, and then moaned, "I'm trying to abstain from strong liquor, to erase my own family affairs."

Percival said, "Well… If you don't mind, I'll watch her tonight."

"See that you do!"

He said to her, "Michelle, you gotta stop drinking a lot."

"I'm trying… But the moments with my family, MIO, even F City… There's so much a woman can take…" Michelle slurred.

He helped her up and said, "Put it on my tab. I'm going home."

The barkeep asked, "WHAT? You usually pay for the beers!"

"I SAID, PUT IT ON MY FUCKING TAB! I GOT NO TIME FOR THIS!" He yelled. He calmed down and said, "I'm going home…"

The bartender called, "Goodnight." She cleaned a glass and sighed, "Thank goodness."

A girl in black hair and green eyes walked by and nodded to the bartender. They departed, as the bartender went to the other room.

XXXXX

Miki said, as the others arrived, the next day, "So, you're saying that this is a robot?"

Nanao said, "Affirmative. Miki Naoki, thank you for watching over her. I will take care of this."

They all stepped back, as Yamabuki said, "If this won't wake her up, nothing will."

Nanao nudged her and said, "Iroha Yabu? Iroha Yabu?"

Iroha woke up and saw Nanao's face. She whispered, "Hm? You're the…"

"Do you remember me?"

"No… I don't remember…"

"Do you know about Euphoria?"

"I don't… remember…"

Iroha moaned, holding her head, and replied, "I don't know… Who am I? What am I? I don't… remember…"

Mizuki said, "We examined her. She has NO traces of Euphoria, but she has chronic amnesia. It comes and it goes."

Miki added, "If she were to be caught in the drug, she'd malfunction."

"She already has…" Nanao bowed her head. She removed Iroha's faceplate, as Iroha's speakermouth spoke in a loop "I don't remember. I don't remember."

Nanao viewed the faceplate and said, "Ah-ha. Here's the problem." Inside the faceplate was a small chrome bump from her forehead. She explained, "This jab here was the cause of her malfunction. It somehow made her lose memories and her cloud data was not saved."

Mundy asked, "What? Then, where did she get the bump?"

Nanao felt the forehead and said, "Hmm… The inside of her faceplate is dented. It was like it was forced hard onto the surface, like a pointed object."

Miki asked, "Let me see… Should I figure it out?"

"You may."

She gave her the face, and Miki said, "That dent… it's a corner. It's like she was jabbed in the corner of a table, forcefully. The impact made this huge dent, and caused her CPU to not respond."

Mizuki nodded, "So that's why Iroha couldn't respond… Nanao, let me borrow her faceplate and repair the damages. Iroha cannot respond, since–."

"Oh, but I can." Iroha beeped.
SLASH!
Iroha decapitated Nanao, and her head rolled to the floor.

Mizuki shrieked, "NANAO!"

Her head went to Miki's feet, and she shrieked. Nanao beeped, "Ouch. That was uncalled for."

Mundy cried, "WHAT THE BLOODY HELL? Why did you do that?"

Iroha suddenly stood up and said, "I was aware of the Euphoria drug, and only because I had to eliminate my enemies. My loyalty is with Real Ninja. And this android failure has helped enough…"

SMASH!
She stomped on Nanao's headless body, through her chest, and she broke apart. Iroha beeped, "Now, I will eliminate all those who dare fight against my master."

Nanao moaned, "I should have known it to be true…"

Iroha said, "Shut it, Robo-bimbo."

"That is hurtful."

"Nope… This is."

She stomped on Nanao's head, but Miki rescued her, with Four Weeks. She held her head and said, "What did she ever do to you, Iroha? You monster!"

Iroha said, "I am a ninja android from Real Ninja. I do not obey your kind, as you are labeled as Freelance Agents. Civilians will not be harmed, as long as they cooperate with Iroha." She analyzed them, and said, "Yamabuki Suou… Mizuki Takase… You are androids, as well. Nanao Kashima is destroyed, beyond repair. But you will pay for rescuing this fembot."

Miki growled, "You bitch…"

Mizuki growled, "Who do you work for? You're not with Real Ninja, are you?"

Iroha beeped, "Engage." A figure emerged from her body, and Mizuki cried, "It's…"

"IT CAN'T BE!" Yamabuki cried.

Miki yelled, "SHE'S A STAND USER! LOOK OUT!"

Her Stand punched away all of them, as Iroha beeped, "Engaging power ability. The Stand. You are about to be terminated by… Metro City."

Metro City (aka Metropolis)
NOTE: A fitting name of a Stand, held by a robot; named after the famous silent movie from 1927.

Mizuki snarled, "I can't believe it… We were had!"

Mundy said, "No, we weren't. This android was programmed to kill us. She's used, only the programming made her act this way."

Iroha shone from her LED red eyes, "Target acquired. Beginning mission."

Iroha Yabu is a terminator gynoid! NOW WHAT?

To be continued…

Iroha was seated, as Ritsu was sitting across the table from her. "Iroha Yabu, Real Ninja… I've heard that ninjas exist now in this world."

"Thank you… But I'm not much of a fighter."

Ritsu went to her bowl and said, "What do you wish for?"

Iroha said, "Anyways… I don't remember who or what I am, after the years went by, back in Targus City… So I came to you, Father, for help in remembering who I am. I was born without a past, and after years ago, involving a deadly cyborg and a ballistic missile, something inside started to disappear. I was hoping you, Father, will help me remember just who I was…"

Ritsu munched on a cherry and then responded, "Recent studies show… If given the proper training, animals like dogs or canaries could learn to read and write, create fire, or even appreciate art. If that's the case, then what's the difference between man and machine. I'm saying this to you… because you're a machine."

Iroha gasped, and she looked at her hand, "I'm… I'm a robot?"

"Yes. Memory loss is common… like a virus or a bug."

"But that's a lie! I am not androi–!"
"Just a moment." She halted her and chewed on the cherry stems, creating a perfect knot, with the seeds still in the stems.

"How did you–?"

"It's done. Have you ever tried it? Being a robot, you are able to complete it, at easy difficulty. But the challenge for humans comes after the first cherry with it still in your mouth. Now which tooth would you use to bite into the second? If you accidentally bit off the first seed that you went into the trouble of completing, it wouldn't end well."

"But you didn't answer my question… I am not an android."

"Yes, you are. You just don't know it, but in life, even machines want to be human, as well. If you stay as a human, you won't go off the rails, not knowing who you really are. You are very special, Iroha Yabu."

Iroha calmed down and said, "Thank you, Father… I feel better already…"

She sat up, but…
SLAM!
Ritsu slammed her head onto the corner of the table, breaking off her faceplate. Iroha collapsed, and she slurred down, "Error… mallll… fuuuunnn… shrrrrrr…" Her eyes went black and smoke came from her face.

"Silly doll…" Ritsu smirked, "You are human, and you are special, but once they know who you really are, chances are that they are to use you as a puppet. I've taken a liking… to the ninja world and its human-shaped tools. Your ill-fated self will never be fixed. But… I cannot ignore the talents you possess."

Night Samba appeared and inserted two Discs into Iroha. One was for her memories, and the other was for her Stand, Metro City.

"They will be of much use to me… By no means The Gang OR Krystle Giese can save Peter Giese… And as for the drug called Euphoria, I have tasked a friend of mine to make sure the rest of The Gang cannot stop it again. So, I'm leaving the task of holding them off to you, Iroha Yabu."

Iroha's eyes lit up and responded, "Engaging…"

Iroha was reprogrammed by Ritsu Tainaka, the same hooded woman… who is also the Stand User for Night Samba. And it led to today…
And big trouble for the team back in New York.