"We've managed to climb up again." Sho said.
"By sacrificing the lives of others." Himeno said.
"Urgh… Don't remind us of that. I'm trying to get it out of my head." Agito said.
"I don't think that needs to be said, Himeno…" Yoko said.
"Himeno, everyone already understands this. You don't have to say things like that." Sho said.
"Because not putting it into words will help us forget?" Himeno asked. "If that's the case, the way you think desecrates the memory of those who've lost their lives. Just because you've forgotten about it doesn't change the fact that they're gone now."
"We understand that very well, but… still!" Yoko said.
"So we need to remember that we're the ones who wiped them out? Is that what you're getting at, Himeno? You're a strict one." Mana said. "But… I suppose that's how you show your kindness."
"You're so strong, Himeno…" Marco said. "I-It's almost too much for me to handle. I just wanna forget all about it...but I don't think any of us will forget what we've done."
"Himeno… I understand what you're saying. I have no intention of forgetting about the lives we've sacrificed." Chikasu said.
"That's why we continue to climb…" Sho said.
"Because they were sacrificed? That's a rather skewed way of looking at things." Himeno said. "There isn't a single thing that the living can do for the dead."
"Whoa! I can't believe you said that…! What about visiting loved ones' graves and stuff!?" Agito asked.
"Perhaps I have a more clinical approach on these matters, but I agree with Himeno's opinion." Sojiro said.
"However much people pray, their message will never reach those who have died." Himeno said. "Memorial services are only held to comfort those that are left behind. Nothing more."
"So you're saying that doing something for those who died is merely for our own gratification?" Yoko asked.
"In some ways, that's kind of true, but that's also a way of honoring their memory." Chikasu said.
"That may be so. Granting peace to the dead is nothing more than a delusion for the living." Nagi said.
"We constantly obey the living world and follow our own desires." Himeno said. "So don't force your reasons to move forward onto others. We need to move forward by our own accord."
"Because...that's what it means to live, right?" Chikasu asked.
After hearing that philosophical speech, Chikasu has a follow-up conversation with Yoko.
"Today, why don't I listen to your life story or something as thanks for all you've done?" Yoko asked.
"Well, someone's cheerful today." Chikasu said.
"Mm-hm. Thanks to you, I feel refreshed. Like a weight's been lifted off my back." Yoko said. "All my doubts and worries are gone, and I'm in full force."
"We still have a lot of ground to cover. Can you handle it?" Chikasu asked.
"Yeah… We still have some Judgments left, but no matter what happens, I'll keep fighting until the end." Yoko said. "Oh, right. I have to tell you something. Want to hear it?"
"If it's good news, then sure." Chikasu said.
"Well, of course it is. Hence my mood." Yoko said. "Well, I put plenty of thought into what you said to me. You said that Telepathy was a good ability to have. And so...I've decided to keep my ability. I figured I should accept a power that was given to me, and learn to coexist along with it."
"I see. I think that's great." Chikasu said. "But I don't think you can get rid of telepathy in the first place. But I still think that it's good that you finally decided to accept it."
"Haha, right?" Yoko asked. "It'll probably be challenging, but I'm going to sing with so much feeling that I won't lose to my telepathy! As I do with my power, I will put my heart into my songs and sing away. No matter what song it may be."
"What professionalism. I can't wait to hear it." Chikasu said.
Yoko laughed nervously. "Don't be so hasty. It'll be a while until my debut. Thanks for everything, Chikasu!"
After a series of battles in an industrial area, Chikasu and the group head to the Judgment room again.
