Day 3
Dex-Starr and Neku have awaken
Dex-Starr: Where…? The scramble again? Where's Francis?
Neku: And Joshua?
They saw them talking on the phone and reading a Book
Neku: …He's on the phone again.
Dex-Starr: And doing Tarot Cards and a Book?
They watching them
Joshua: Yup… I'll be there today. You'll have it all ready for me, won't you?
Francis: Let's see. The Fool representing Beginning and Infinite Possiblity. And the World Represent individual's full awareness of his place in the world.
Dex-Starr's Though: What's with the talking? Is he talking about the Tarot Cards or the Book?
Neku's Though: Who's he talking to? Same person as yesterday? ... Well, shouldn't be long till the mission shows up. … … …
But the Mission didn't show up yet
Dex-Starr's Though: OK… What's the deal? It never takes this long. Are we even getting reception?
Joshua: Say, Boys
They smile at them
Dex-Starr's Though: His smile is really creepy.
Neku's Though:…That smile makes me nervous. What are you scheming now?
Dex-Starr & Neku: Yeees?
Joshua: You're coming with us today, right? There's someplace I'd like to go.
They look silent
Francis: You never followed through on your promise yesterday. So today, you're making it up to me. …Right? We haven't got anything else to do yet. So let's go take care of our stuff first.
Dex-Starr: No way! We told you yesterday-first, we do the mission. Then you can play around. Besides, the mission could show up any sec-
Then the Joshua's Phone has a Message
Joshua: Whoa, you're right. There it is, Boys! Let's see… "Proceed to Cat Street. Time limit: 15 minutes."
Dex-Starr: Fifteen minutes!? That's on the other side of Shibuya!
Francis: We'd better hurry, then.
Neku: No joke! Shut up and start running! Come on!
Joshua & Francis: Yes, sir!
They went to Central Street
Francis: Say, Neku, Dex-Starr. Hate to bother you when you're in a hurry, but-
Dex-Starr: What do you want!? Just run!
Joshua: If we're going to Cat Street, it's a lot faster to go past the Shibu Department store.
Neku: Wha-Why didn't you say so before!?
Joshua: You seemed to know where you were going. I figured you had some brilliant plan. Hee hee…
Neku's Though: Like beating you senseless?
Neku: Ugh, fine. Let's just hurry!
In Cadoi City, they saw Reaper
Reaper: …
Neku: Ugh! Not one of THEM?
Joshua: Looks like there's a wall up ahead.
Dex-Starr: Dammit, we don't have time for this!
Dex-Starr's Though: …There's only one way to Cat Street. And that's through here.
Dex-Starr: Quick, let's clear the wall!
After they completed the Reaper's Demand, they finally apmade it
Neku: (Panting) Made it! Did we clear the mission!?
Dex-Starr and Neku look at timer on their hands and Watch, but no timer
Dex-Starr: Huh?! No timer… Wait! Was there ever a timer? I never stopped to notice before…
Neku: But our phones got the… What? There's no mission mail…
Joshua: Whew! We finally made it. It's that café just over there, Neku and Dex-Starr.
Neku: Wait… Don't tell me… You lied to us!?
Francis: Kinda, yeah. I'm surprised it worked this well.
Dex-Starr: You…UGH! I can't believe you!
Joshua: Oh, come on. No harm done. It's not like we have a real mission yet. Anyway, here we are-so let me get this done.
They all went inside the WildKat
Joshua: Mr. H? You in?
Mr. H: Heyyy! I was waiting for ya, Josh and Francis.
Neku and Dex-Starr look surprised to see him
Neku & Dex-Starr: Mr. Hanekoma!?
Mr. H: Hmm? Oh, Phones and Tiger Cat! What, you're in the Game again?
Dex-Starr: Yeah… And because of that, Shiki and B'dg's… They were our entry fee.
Mr. H: They took the young lady and the Squirrel, huh… Well, buck up. Nothin' you can do about that right now. 'Sides, boss, I'm sure they understands.
Neku: …Thanks.
Joshua: I see you two are acquainted.
Neku: Yeah. He saved our asses more than once last week.
Francis: What a coincidence. He's been in the business of saving me and Francis's ass for some time.
Neku's Though: The three seem to go way back. Is this where Joshua learned all about the UG?
Joshua: I hate to seem impatient, but could we, you know?
Mr. H: Sure thing, J. Lemme see your phones. And your watch, Francis
Joshua: Yours too, Neku and Dex-Starr.
Neku: Our phone and Watch? What do you need with it?
Joshua: Just doing a little upgrade.
Mr. H: More features the better, right? Gimme just a sec, guys.
He went off to upgrade the Phone and Watches
Joshua: I told them we were coming, so it shouldn't take long.
Dex-Starr: Told him how? Wait, so you the person you were talking to on the phone was-
Francis: Mr. H, of course.
Dex-Starr's Though: Man, now me and that boy feel like an idiot. Mr. Hanekoma's got his secrets, but we trust him over this kid and the cat. I guess…if Mr. H is OK with them, we don't have to worry quite so much.
Then he came back with the Phones and Watches
Mr. H: Sorry for the wait, guys. Here ya go.
Joshua: Thanks. Now we can finally go on a little hunt.
Neku: A hunt? For what?
Joshua: You'll see when we find it. Let's step out front and give the tracker a whirl. Hmm, no response around here.
Dex-Starr's Though: …Just what is this tracker tracking?
Francis: Ready to go, you too? We'll canvass Shibuya and look for signals.
Neku's Though: Should I really go along with this?
Mr. H: What's up, Phones and Tiger Cat? You look like ya got something on your mind.
Neku: So this is your place?
Mr. H: Yup! I call it "WildKat." Pretty hip, right?
Neku: Yeah…
Neku's Though: It's a nice enough looking place, but…nobody's here. How's he paying the rent?
Mr. H: Always did love me some beans. I got to be such an addict, I started up my own café.
Dex-Starr: Because you love…beans.
Dex-Starr's Though: Who get into coffee because they like BEANS? That's just… No.
Mr. H: Oh, hey! I said I'd fix you up with a cuppa last time, huh? Have one for the road, man. …Only 250 yen.
Neku & Dex-Starr's Though: You're CHARGING?
Neku: So how do you three know each other?
Mr. H: What, me, Francis and Josh? I've known Joshua for a while now. He'd swing by when he was bored, and we'd talk. See, he's a little special…
Neki: "Special"?
Mr. H: Yeah. He sees things.
Dex-Starr: Things? Like what? "I see dead people," kind of sees things?
Mr. H: Pretty much. That's how he knew about the Game. He saw Players and Reapers and all when he was still alive.
Neku: Oh…
Mr. H: And when he wanted to talk about it, he came to me. There aren't many folks who'd listen, If you know what I mean. In a way, he's been alone all his life. He's pretty aloof, and can get prickly from time to time, but he's not a bad kid. In any case, he's your partner. You're gonna have to make friendly.
Dex-Starr: What about Francis.
Mr. H: Yeah, he became Joshua's Companion and two of them are getting along quite well.
Dex-Starr: You don't say. How did he find him?
Mr. H: Well, I saw him attack by the Noise, so I saved his life. And Joshua want a Companion to be with. Being alone is not good for him.
Dex-Starr: Wait... Does that mean...
Mr. H: Yep. I'm his Owner, he doesn't know why he showed up here with no one else, so I adopted him to become my pet.
Dex-Starr: And why did he became Joshua's Companion?
Mr. H: Because like him so much, so I made Joshua his Companion. And Plus, he's very good in detective skills.
Dex-Starr: I see.
N: The Reapers are supposed to give out one mission per day, right? We still haven't gotten one today.
Mr. H: That's what I hear. The Game Master's the one who handles all the missions, so I can't tell you what I don't know. But yeah, usually it's one mission per day.
Neku's Though: The Game Master… This time, it's that whack-job junk collector. He's capable of anything… Doesn't matter, though. I'm not letting the Grim Heaper trash Shiki and Badger's life. The cat and I have to beat him, for them!
Mr. H: The missions are guaranteed to show up on your phone. When one's issued, you'll know. So don't go losin' that phone and watch, Phones and Tiger Cat.
Dex-Starr: So what's this phone and Watch upgrade you gave us?
Mr. H: Oh, the tracker?
Neku: Whatever you call it. So…what, it picks up some kind of signal?
Mr. H: Pretty much. I set both your phones to locate energy spikes now. The tracker will point you towards the nearest spike.
Dex-Starr: What exactly is an energy spike?
Mr. H: You can ask Josh and Francis what you guys are looking for.
Dex-Starr's Though … Not if I want a straight answer.
Mr. H: There's one other feature in there now, too.
Neku: Another one? What's it do?
Mr. H: I told Josh and Francis how to use it. Ask them.
Neku's Though: … Not if I want a straight answer.
After that, they had enough
Mr. H If you're bored, go take a walk with Joshua. You still don't have a mission, right? It'd be a waste to just sit around all day.
Neku: Yeah, but…
Mr. H: You don't look convinced. Did you forget already? If you wanna survive in this Shibuya, you gotta-
Dex-Starr Trust my partner and believe your companion, we know. It's just…
Mr. H: You still got a long way to go, Tiger Cat and Phones. Knowing it in your head doesn't mean much if you don't act on it.
Neku and Dex-Starr seem silent for this
Mr. H: Enjoy every moment with all ya got.
Neku: What!? What did you just say?
Mr. H: Huh? I say something weird?
Neku: "Enjoy every moment with all you've got." That's the motto of the one person I respect. I've made it my mantra. It's the way I live.
Mr. H: You coulda fooled me.
Dex-Starr: Well, now's not really the time to be enjoying life.
Mr. H: Uh-huh… You really have got a long way to go. Listen up, Phones and Tiger Cat! The world ends with you. If you want to enjoy life, expand your world. You gotta push your horizons out as far as they'll go.
Dex-Starr: Are you kidding? I'm stuck in the Reapers' Game. I can't even leave Shibuya. How an I supposed to go back to Ysmault for this?
Mr. H: That's for you to figure out.
Neku & Dex-Starr: Expand my world…
Mr. H: Now go on! Get!
They went off and then
Beat: (Voice) Found ya!
Neku: Who's there!?
They saw Beat, Streaky with two Noise
Beat: Get ready to hurt, Phones! You gonna bleed today, yo!
Dex-Starr: Beat, Streaky… You're OK!
Streaky: Better'n OK. See for yourself.
They saw Wing on them
Neku: You've got…wings!
Dex-Starr: No... Does that mean...
Beat: Pretty badass, huh? Proves I'm a Reaper, yo.
Neku: A Reaper… You really joined them?
Dex-Starr and Neku look down
Francis: Neku, Dex-Starr, you have Reaper friends, too? My, my. You certainly do get around.
Best: He ain't no friend a' mine. I only came here to erase you punks.
Neku: What? You don't really-
Beat: Yo, you hear what I said? Bring it!
Streaky: Come on, Grumpy Cat!
They began to fight, and they look tired
Neku: He's…strong…
Beat: Pfft! That it? Your psychs is limp, yo! I was hopin' for a real fight, man. But your weak ass ain't worth beatin' down. Go on, get lost. An' consider yourself lucky.
Streaky: If we see you again, we'll hurt you more.
Neku: Hey, wait!
They left, Neku and Dex-Starr look sad for them
Joshua: Ugh, talk about your delinquent Reapers. A direct attack on Players three days in? Such egregious rule-breaking!
Dex-Starr: Then they're really our enemy now…
Francis: If not, they could've fooled us. They weren't pulling any punches, Neku, Dex-Starr.
Neku's Though: But why would they join the Reapers?
Joshua: I should be careful, hanging out with you. If that was a friend, I'd hate to run into one of your enemies… Brr! Anyway, let's move on.
They went off and they see Yammer and Shooter
Shooter: Where'd he disappear to after he beat me? I want a rematch…
Yammer: Sucks what happened yesterday. I thought you had it in the bag, Shooter.
Shooter: Yeah… The bro in the headphones took off, too. What was the big rush? Hope he shows up at Stride so we can play.
They heard everything about them
Joshua: Hee hee… Sounds like you have a fan, Neku.
Neku look silent
They went back to the Scramble
Joshua: Hold it! Neku, we're getting a response!
Neku: A response?
They look at Joshua's Phone and it was Responding
Joshua: It means we're close. It's got to be around here.
Dex-Starr: Around here where?
Francis: I don't know…We need to pinpoint this. Let's keep looking around.
They went to Hachiko
Joshua: Wait, Neku, Dex-Starr. The signal's getting weaker.
Neku: So we're going the wrong way?
Joshua: Let's try another spot.
They went Doganzaka
Francis: Hmm?
Neku: What, pick something up?
Joshua: Yeah… That.
They saw People lining up
Neku: What's up with the line?
Joshua: Let's go take a look.
He went off with Francis in his Bag
Dex-Starr: H-hey! Wait up! What are we even looking for?
Ramen Don owner: Sigh…
They went inside Shadow Ramen
Dex-Starr: Is this a ramen shop?
Francis: Looks pretty new. My phone says this is the place.
Neku: Here?
Ramen Owner: Hey! No cutting! Boys, boys, boys… You need to wait in line, same as everybody else.
Neku: Uhh, guess we're waiting outside, then.
Francis: That's no good…
They went outsidd
Dex-Starr: Wait…We're invisible outside! We CAN'T wait in line!
Joshua: You're just realizing this now?
They look silent
Joshua: Ugh, and the line isn't getting any shorter. The signal's definitely coming from in there, though…
Neku: …We've been tracking down ramen?
Francis: Wouldn't that be a hoot?
Dex-Starr: … Look, just tell us. What are we after?
Joshua and Francis is thinking something
Neku: … Wait! Do you feel that!?
They look at Don
Don: I don't get why that place is so popular. The taste is nothing to write home about…
They saw Noise around him
Neku: Negativity. And it's coming from him.
Francis: He's staring at the line.
Neku: You think something's up with this shop?
Joshua: That might explain the signal I picked up.
Dex-Starr: Let's start with the Noise on that guy.
They are fighting and Don look better now
Don: Buh! What am I doing out here? I can't afford to sit around complaining! I've gotta come up with the next big thing in ramen!
He went inside of his own Restaurant
Neku: He went inside.
Joshua: Let's drop by and talk to him. It's not like this line's going anywhere.
Neku: Yeah…
Neku's Though: No mission yet, either… Weird.
They went inside and hide their Animal Companions in their Bag
Don: Irasshai!
Neku and Dex-Starr smell something and it's awful
Neku's Though: Ugh, what's that smell?
Dex-Starr's Though: It's smell like rotten eggs.
Joshua: I don't see anybody else, but…sounds like he's open.
Don: What'll you boys have today? We've got a new limited-time-only seasonal special in! "The Big Catch."
Neku's Though: What the heck kinda name is that? I'm afraid to ask what's in it. I'll play it safe, thanks.
Neku: Just give me a plain old shoyu ra-
Joshua: Exciting! Make mine the Big Catch!
Neku's Though: No way! He's either brave or stupid.
Joshua: Him, too.
Neku's Though: (WHAT!?)
Don: You got it! Here ya go!
He give them two bowl of The Big Catch
Neku's Thought: What, it's already done!? Is this…food?
Joshua tried it
Joshua: Mmm! Fantastic.
Dex-Starr is peeking out of Neku's Bag and he look grossed out
Dex-Starr's Though: Ugh, he's EATING it! I like Fish, but this one isn't.
Joshia: Mister, this is excellent!
Don: Like it? Gah ha ha! Ya got good taste, son! What's wrong? Eat up while it's hot, Neku.
Neku: …Right...
He tried it
Neku: …Huh? It's…not terrible… It's actually kinda good!
Joshua: Using cheese as a hidden flavor really gives the soup body. The bold inclusion of a whole sea bream gives it flavor and presence, as well as a sense of austere majesty.
Don: For a young kid, you know your noodles! Good to see there are still some folks left in Shibuya who get it.
Neku's Though: I'll admit, it's tasty. But…still. Who would order this?
Dex-Starr's Though: Man, I am kinda Hungry. Big Catch? I might get a fish for it.
Makoto: (Voice) Hmm? Closed again today?
They saw him
Neku's Though: Another customer?
Don: We're OPEN. Can't you see these customers? I can't work with you around. Go away.
Makoto: Ahh, my mistake. The place was so empty, I just assumed. So… Give my offer any thought?
Neku's Though: It's the guy who bounced us from that other place. …Why does he look so familiar?
Don: I've got nothing to talk about with you. Now get out.
Makoto: Come on, champ. I need an answer soon. Do yourself a favor and join up with us. I guarantee you your profits will explode.
Don seem to listen
Makoto: What do the people of Shibuya want from a bowl of ramen? It's not flavor. It's adventure. Something different. Eating noodles in this town is an event…an experience! That experience beings the moment they get in line. What's important is the presentation. How you sell it. I'm sure half of them couldn't tell good ramen if it bit them. Anyway, give it some thought. The offer's only open for a month.
He left
Don: Ha ha…. Sorry you boys had to see that…
Joshua: Are you in some kind of trouble?
Don: Heh… Must be, if I got kids asking about it. So, what, you wanna hear the story?
Neku's Thought: Hear it and do what? We can't help him…
Flashback has startee
Neku: Shh! What're you-
Badger: (Whisper) Let's hear him out. Sometimes all people need is a good listener. We might even be able to solve his problem. If not, don't worry. I promise, I'll say no.
Flashback has ended
Neku: … We can listen. But don't expect any miracles.
Don: Ha ha, hey, that's more than enough!
Neki: Then, uh…go for it.
Don: As you can see, business is hardly booming. If I don't turn out some serious profits this month, I'll have to close the shop.
Joshua: But that ramen was so good! You're closing?
Don: Well, if I let those guys buy me out, I can keep going…
Neku: But you don't want to?
Don: The noodles they serve aren't bad, but…there's no love. They treat ramen as a way to make cash. Plus they hook customers with cheap tricks, not flavor. I say let our noodles do the talking!
Fangirls: Eeeeeek!
Neku: What the…
Don: Ugh, the show begins… Go on out and see for yourselves.
Fangirls: Eeeeeek! It's the Prince! He's sooo dreamy!
Dex-Starr peek out of Neku's Bag and saw the Prince
Dex-Starr: Wait, that's…
Dex-Starr's Thought: The guy we met at 104. Mr. Spicy Tuna Roll or whatever.
Joshua: He went into that other ramen place. Let's go see.
They went inside the Shadow Ramen
Prince: Exquisite! I can die in bliss. F this ramen! F…for FABULOUS!
Fangirl1: Omigosh, you hear that!? He F'd it!
Fangirl2: He only F's the stuff he really likes! I want to try what he got!
Neku: That's-
Joshua: Eiji Oji. The prince of Ennui. His blog "F Everything" sees 100,000 hits a day.
Neku's Though: …So I've heard.
Francis peek out of Joshua's Bag and speak to Neku
Francis: When the Prince mentions a place on his blog, this happens. People flock there.
Neku: Hmph. Well, the noodles do look pretty good…
Joshua: I'll say. They didn't cut any corners with the presentation.
Dex-Starr: Whoa, what? The staff dance as they cook!?
Joshua: I guess it's half food, half show.
Dex-Starr: This isn't a theme park…
Francis: I see what he meant by "adventure."
Prince: The savory ramen, the eclectic venue-I know my readers will love it here. You can bet I'll be back soon.
Ramen Owner: Always a pleasure, sir! This month's our grand opening special! Every customer takes home a special gift! It's a doozy, too… We're giving out the hottest pin in town… This!
Fangirl1: Whoa! That's like, super-rare!
Fangirl2: We seriously all get one!?
N:eku That pin… Yeah. It's the one we promoted for a mission.
Joshua: You don't say…
Neku: Me, the cat, Badger and Shiki, we had to make that pin catch on. Wait a minute… That's him! That guy in the suit is the promoter guy!
Joshua: Another friend of yours, Neku?
Neku: He looks totally different. I hardly recognize him!
Joshua: That's people for you: always quick to do a 180.
Dex-Starr's Thought: Uh, 180? Try a 1260.
Joshua: Still… Interesting. OK, Boys. Let's go.
Neku: Huh?
Joshua: Stick around, and we'll get yelled at again for cutting.
Ramen Owner: …AHEM.
Neku: Right… Out we go.
They left the Shadow Ramen
Joshua: My, my, Neku… I believe we have an incident on our hands.
Neku: Huh?
Joshua: A new ramen shop explodes onto the scene-its owner, an overnight success story. And those red pins… This could be what my phone responded to.
Dex-Starr: You think the pins are the source of the energy spike?
Francis: Oh! And don't forget the ramen that's not selling. Odd, don't you think, considering how good it is?
Neku's Though: Hellooo? You listening?
Joshua: That settles it. We'll spend today getting to the bottom of this mystery.
Neku: "We"? I'm not about to ignore the mission when-
Francis: What mission, Neku?
Neku seem silent
Joshua: Now, let's start sniffing out the reason this place is such a big hit.
They went to Shadow Ramen again
Mina: Hey, c'mon, wait your turn…
Joshua: I just have a few quick questions. Do you mind?
Neku's Though: Wow, he cuts right to the chase…
Mina: Huh? About what? I'm here with a friend, so keep it short, OK?
Joshua: Why do you like the ramen here so much?
Mina: Why? Uh, 'cause it's the most popular spot in Shibuya?
Neku's Though: She likes it because it's popular?
Mina: And it's fun, don't you think? Where else do they dance while making your food?
Neku's Though: And that has what to do with the ramen?
Mina: Plus, they gave me this cool limited-edition pin. How could anyone NOT like this place?
Joshu: But it's pretty new, right? How did it get this big this fast?
Mina: The Prince wrote about it on his blog. I mean, he F'd it! How can I resist food this fabulous? The 5,000-yen price tag is a little painful, but… After this, I can tell all my friends I ate here! Ooh, I should snap a photo and mail them!
Joshua: I see…
Neku: So how's it taste? Good?
Mina: Totally! The Prince said it was great. For 5,000 yen, it must be. Just look at the photo!
They saw a Ramen
Neku's Though: It's got a friggin' steak on it…
Joshua: So where else do you go for ramen?
Mina: Huh? For ramen? Umm… I dunno, noodles aren't really my thing. I barely ever eat ramen.
Neku's Though: Then what the hell are you doing here?
Mina: Ooh! That said… It'd be awesome to see, like, a dessert ramen!
Neku: Dessert…ramen?
Dex-Starr's Though: Is that a Thing?
Mina: Yeah! Like, all fruity and sweet!
Joshua: A tantalizing possibility.
Neku doesn't know about it
Joshua: Well, thanks. That was informative.
Mina: OK. I'm gonna go eat, then.
Joshua: All right, then. Let's head out.
They went off to see Don
Don: I need to outsell that sorry excuse for a ramen shop… I need…something new. Something fresh.
Dex-Starr's imprinted him with Dessert
Don: Yes! That's it!
He went inside, Neku and the others went inside the Restaurant
Don: Oh! Perfect timing, boys! I'm trying out a new idea. Have a taste! I give you…dessert ramen!
He give two bowl of Dessert Ramen
Neku's Though: Unreal...
They taste it
Joshua: Mmm! Very tasty!
Neku: Yeah… This is pretty good!
Joshua: Kudos, mister! Still… It's missing something.
Don: Hrm… Yeah… I thought so, too. These silly experiments won't solve anything. Maybe that slicked-down kid is right. All people in Shibuya care about are trends. Nobody cares about the taste.
Joshu: Hey, now…
Neku: That's messed up. The ramen here is awesome, and nobody notices. But people line up outside for that other place, no matter how the food is. It's stupid.
Joshua: Welcome to capitalism, Neku.
Neku: But why are they all up on that place? They don't even like the food.
Joshua: It's a conversation piece. People are always scrounging for something to talk about. "I came, I waited…I slurped." They're after a story, not a meal.
Neku: Ugh, they're sheep!
Joshua: Maybe all of Shibuya is.
Don: Gah ha ha… Well, thanks anyway, boys. But I'm not giving up yet. I'll keep making ramen as long as I can. If you come up with any brilliant ideas, let me know.
After that, they went to A-East and they saw Makoto and Prince talking to each other
Makoto: Prince, baby. You're killing me.
Prince: Mick…
Makoto: Gotta obey that contract, hmm?
Prince: But-
Neku and the other are listening to them
Neku: Hey, it's those two.
Joshua: Sounds like trouble in paradise. Let's check it out.
Makoto: Why'd you change your blog entry?
Prince: I told you. It's my blog. I write it.
Makoto: I feel you, Prince. I really do. But this is business. Your popularity is the real deal. I respect that. But the text you wrote is…limp. It won't sell me any noodles. We decided this when you signed the contract. I provide the text.
Prince: But, Mick… Then it's not my blog anymore. Plus the ramen you serve there isn't that good. When I tasted the test batch it was great, but… Look, I don't want to lie-in person, or on my blog. I can't do that when my fans-
Makoto: Eiji, Eiji, Eiji… Babe. Prince. It's fine! None of those people care how it tastes! Follow me? The whole game is about image. And whoever sells the most wins.
Prince: Mick…
Makoto: I'll send you next text and some pics by tonight. You'll have them up on your blog tomorrow, right? Fabulous. See ya!
He left, Neku and the other heard everything about it
Dex-Starr: Aha.
Francis: Exactly. Although it looks like the Prince is tired of playing puppet.
Neku: Hey! The Noise have got him!
Joshua: Hmm… So they do.
They are fighting all the Noise
Prince: This isn't right. I can't lie to my public. I'll try talking to Mick one more time. I write my own blog. I list my own thoughts, my own feelings… The ramen I'd actually like to eat. Sigh… I miss the old stuff. Like the ramen Sebastian used to make… Just noodles and broth. Warm, simple ramen. I'd kill for a bowl of that right now…
Neku and the other knows what he mean
Joshua: Even the Prince of Ennui has his woes. I guess we all do.
Dex-Starr: Dunno why he's so hung up on ramen.
Francis: Hee hee. We all have our hang-ups.
Neku: Ugh, I don't get it.
Joshua: Of course you don't.
Neku: What?
Joshua: Everyone has their own little internal world-a secret garden only they can enter. Each world follows its own internal logic-individuality. And the logic of one world means nothing in another. …Understanding other people isn't hard, Neku and Dex-Starr. It's impossible.
Neku: Yeah.
Neku's Through: Even if I could, I wouldn't want to see inside other people. They can keep their secret gardens, thanks.
They went to Dogenzaka
Makoto: Thank you all for coming out today. We appreciate your patience. As an apology for keeping you waiting, help yourselves to one of these. CAT-designed and hard to find! Today's your last chance to get these pins here, folks!
And then Francis's watch is responding
Francis: Hmm? My watch's responding.
Neku: To those pins!? Is that what you're hunting? Rare pins?
Joshua: Not quite. What I'm looking for isn't a thing.
Dex-Starr: … So… CAT designed these pins?
Francis: CAT's the big graphic designer, right?
Neku: Yes and no. They do artwork, clothes, even furniture. And that's just the start. Photo, music, video…CAT's an uber multi-talent. Shibuya's full of their billboard ads.
Joshua: Like the one at Towa Records?
Dex-Starr: Yup. CAT doesn't just make art. CAT IS art.
Joshua: You're awfully knowledgeable. Are you two a fan?
Neku: Hell, yes! CAT's all about enjoying every moment, with all you've got. Do what you want, how you want, when you want. How cool is that?
Dex-Starr: I heard about CAT in New York. When I was a little Kitten, I was so amazed by them.
Francis: Wow, you sound so devoted.
Neku: That's why this pisses me and the Cat off. He's using CAT's work to trick people.
So Dex-Starr imprinted Don with Simple
Don: Yes! That's it!
He went inside of his own restaurant, Neku and the other enter here
Don: Irasshai! Hey! I've been waiting for you two. Take a taste! See what you think!
He give them two Regular Ramen
Joshua: This is…
Neku: Regular old ramen?
Joshua: Interesting… Well, here goes.
Prince: (Voice) Hold it! Please… Let me try that.
They saw him enter the ResturRest
Joshua: … Fine…
Prince: Thank you. Now, to dig in…
He eat the ramen
Prince: … Amazing! Is it OK for ramen to taste this good!? F this ramen! F it to high heaven!
Don: Uhh… Is that a compliment?
Prince: Of course! F for FABULOUS! …Still. This ramen is exceptional. Let me guess: a whole chicken in the soup? That, and a hint of pork bone, seaweed and sardines… It all blends together so perfectly! Truly, the handiwork of a ramen artisan! This is the ramen Sebastian made!
Don: It's the same ramen I've always made. Haven't changed a thing. I just serve up the kind of ramen I'd want to eat.
Prince: Among the flavors, I… I can taste the love you've put in this. Your love of ramen… No. Your love for ramen-lovers! Are you… Is that you, Sebas-
Don: Everybody hits rough patches in life. So next time you're down, drop on by and I'll fix you a bowl. Remember-the future is a clean slate, and you're the chalk!
Prince: The future's a clean slate…
Makoto: Ha ha! Try a blank slate pops. Considering this place is gone in a month.
They saw him Enter
Prince: What!?
Makoto: And you… Prince, baby. You're my walking billboard. Can't have you eating at the other guy's joint, can I?
Prince: … I've come to a decision, Mick. I won't work with you on this any longer.
Makoto: Babe, babe… Calm down. You're talking crazy, Prince.
Prince: I knew after tasting Sebastian's ramen again. I refuse to be a part of this! Not if it requires me to keep lying. And you've got it backwards, Mick. A store isn't good because people talk about it. It's the product. The taste! People talk about a store because it's good! There's love in Sebastian's soup-love for the people eating it. That's the sort of ramen I want other people to know about!
Makoto: Ugh…Eiji.
Joshua: Shibuya today is inundated with "adventure." And when all anybody offers is "something different"…you get hungry for the familiar. It's comforting. Love has always been the world's best secret ingredient.
Neku: Gotta fill more than just your belly.
Don: Heh… Love, huh? Guess I forgot that somewhere along the way. I'd harp on about it left and right, but…those new experiments were all just me trying to get in on the show. I forgot the important part-the smile on a satisfied customer when they're done eating. My job is making ramen that makes people happy. Popularity is no reason to change my soup. I've wasted all this time…
Prince: But you've still got your chalk.
Don: Heh… Right. I can cook a lotta ramen in one month! I'm stickin' to my guns!
They left the Restaurant
Neku: Hopefully the guy's place will take off.
Joshua: I was thinking. "Something different"… Maybe everyone in Shibuya is here searching, struggling for a peek into their neighbor's worlds. When those neighbors change, they get scared, feel they have to change themselves-even what makes them who they are.
Neku: Right. You don't want to change, but you don't want to be left behind either. And so does Francis.
Francis: Of course not. We can't go through life alone. We're part of a community. We have to live by its rules. And the move we connect with people, the trickier those rules get.
Dex-Starr: Yeah, and the more people hold you back. Screw living in a world choked by rules. I'm living free. Like CAT. It's just easier on my own. Nobody else's baggage. Nobody else tying me down. …People aren't meant to figure each other out.
Francis: My thoughts exactly. I'd rather just get rid of them.
Neku & Dex-Starr What?
Joshua: Same as you, Neku and Dex-Starr. Those headphones and the Red Ring you wear say it all.
Neku's Thought: Yeah, so what? I don't like other people. I've got no use for the next world over…so don't come barging in on mine. My own world's all I need… Unless…
Dex-Starr's Though: Whatever. I don't like teams and other people. I've got nothing left for this world... So don't come barging in on mine. My own world and Atrocities is all I need... Maybe...
Josjua: Will you look at the time!
Neku: And still no mission…
Francis: It's probably too late now. Our little hunt will have to continue tomorrow, too.
Neku & Dex-Starr: Huh?
Francis: The signal's disappearing.
Neku: But before it was reacting to these pins, right? It's still picking mine up faintly.
Joshua: There was a whole bunch of them before. Maybe they added up to a stronger signal?
Dex-Starr: So why CAT's pin, anyway?
Francis: It's not what I'm looking for. I know that…
Neku: OK… Then what ARE you looking for?
Joshua: Well, put simply…
They are listening to them
Francis: We're looking for what this tracker is tracking.
Dex-Starr's Though: What the… Oh, that's real helpful! What the hell is this kid and that Cat after?
Day End
Roamin' The Streeeeets