Author's note: I find it unexpected to know that this fanfic would be viewed for a couple of times just recently.
Enough of that though. This is Chapter 20, the second chapter of TBWHS to feature cosplay. This chapter is based on the episode of the first series called "Extreme Pokemon".
P.S.: The dub name of Cynthia's butler, Jeremy, is confirmed to be Jervis. In order to provide consistency with the previous chapters featuring him, he will be referred by his Japanese name.
Chapter 20
Cosplay II
The following morning, the gang left the Pokemon Center, now heading back on the road.
The nine walked in the shores of Humilau City when suddenly, Haruhi rushed after Kyon, holding a flyer.
"Haruhi, what's that flyer in your hand?" asked Kyon as he grabbed the flyer from Haruhi's hand.
"The third annual Extreme Pokemon Cosplay Race," Kyon said, reading the flyer, "What's that? And where did you get that flyer?"
Haruhi replied, "Someone handed it to me, and according to the guidelines listed in this flyer, participating Pokemon Trainers should cosplay as characters from anime, video games, etc. whilst riding on skateboards pulled by their Pokemon. There are two winners; the one who gets to cross the finish line, and the contestant who makes it with his/her outfit still neat and intact. Crossdressing is optionally allowed."
"Are there any obstacles in the race?"
"Well, of course, Kyon. The guide says that there are obstacles in the race. They will only be revealed on the day of the race, and that's tomorrow!"
"But I'm supposed to go for the Unova League!" Ash replied, complaining.
"The Unova League will have to wait," said Cilan, "Besides, none of us has an idea where it will take place."
Suddenly a limousine appeared in front of the gang. It was driven by none other than Jeremy, the same butler who was serving for Cynthia in her villa.
"It's Jeremy!" Ash exclaimed.
"Jeremy, how did you come here?" asked Iris.
"The costumes of the race will be provided in Miss Cynthia's villa."
"How did you know?" asked Iris.
Jeremy replied, "Miss Cynthia is officially one of the hosts for tomorrow's cosplay race."
After a few words of exchange with Jeremy, the gang got inside the limousine. It went away, heading back all the way to Cynthia's villa. Meloetta sneaked inside the limousine, hiding its presence.
When the vehicle arrived at the villa, everyone disembarked.
"Look like we're back in the villa again," said Kyon.
In the dressing room:
"Kyon, what should you dress up for the cosplay race?" Brendan asked.
That was when Kyon dressed up as Shizuo Heiwajima.
"Kyon, Itsuki's supposed to dress up as Shizuo," replied Brendan, "Do you want to borrow that outfit?"
"Well, I was also thinking of dressing up in the outfit that Koizumi just wore."
Because Itsuki's supposed outfit was already worn by Kyon, he dressed up instead as Battler Ushiromiya.
"Itsuki looks good on that outfit," remarked Cilan.
"Cilan, are you thinking of what's the next character you should dress up as?" asked Haruhi, who was now dressed as Nanael.
"I know just the thing."
After a few minutes later, Cilan was now dressed as Shinku Izumi.
"Cilan's looking handsome!" remarked Ash, who once again dressed up as Ryou Bakura.
"You too, Ash," Cilan replied.
"I wonder what should Mikuru dress up as this time," wondered Haruhi. When she had an idea, she suddenly exclaimed, "I know what should Mikuru dress up as!"
Mikuru was nervous as she was going to be dragged into the changing room by Haruhi. When she did get dragged to the changing room to change clothes, Kyon thought, "I hope Haruhi would mind the children."
When Mikuru came out, she was now dressed as Anya Alstreim.
"Isn't Mikuru great in her outfit, Kyon?" Haruhi bragged.
"Well, Miss Asahina is looking good," remarked Kyon.
He then asked, "Miss Nagato, are you going to dress up too?"
That was when Yuki dressed up as Euphemia li Britannia.
"I don't think that costume would fit you," Kyon remarked.
"It is," replied Yuki.
Iris went back into the changing room, and after a few minutes, she was dressed up as Mio Aoyama.
"A new outfit? I thought you were better off dressing up as Madoka in her magical girl outfit, Iris," said Brendan.
"I've finally found my second most favorite cosplay outfit after Madoka," replied Iris.
Cilan, who was now cosplaying as Masaomi Kida, asked Brendan, "What should you dress up as this time?"
After a few minutes, Brendan was back from the changing room, now dressed up as Nadeshiko Fujisaki.
"Why are you dressed up like a girl?" Kyon asked.
"Nadeshiko's actually a boy forced to dress up as a girl," replied Brendan, "And according to the guidelines, crossdressing is optionally allowed in the race."
Kyon muttered, "I never expected him to dress up as a girl a lot."
Brendan yelled, "Nadeshiko's not a girl, I tell you! He was just forced to dress up like one!"
"I don't think I should dress up as Nanael for the cosplay race," said Haruhi as she went back to the changing room.
When she came back, she was now dressed up as Ume Kurumizawa.
"Looks good on ya," commented Ash, who was now dressed up as Finn.
"I'd consider dressing up as Misa Amane instead though," Haruhi thought.
"Kyon, do you want to change outfits?" asked Brendan.
"I was wondering if there are some more cosplay outfits," replied Kyon.
"Do you want to dress up as Yuichi Aizawa again?"
"No. That's too embarrassing."
"Ok, then. If that's fine with you. . . . . ."
Kyon then went off to the changing room. When he came back, he was dressed up as Joseph Joestar.
"That's a good outfit you got there," Brendan said.
"I have to admit, that outfit of yours fits you," said Itsuki, who was now dressed up as Yu Narukami.
"Well, thank you for the compliment, Koizumi."
Brendan muttered, "The only thing that's missing in Kyon's costume is a Stand."
Kyon facepalmed.
"You know, Kyon. A form of supernatural power."
"So, now that everyone has dressed up, everyone should think of the outfit that they should wear for tomorrow's cosplay race!" exclaimed Haruhi.
Meloetta, still hiding its presence, was still in a cheerful mood as it looked at all of the cosplay outfits worn by the gang.
Kyon muttered, "If the cosplay race is indeed an obstacle course, I wonder how hard can it be."
The next day:
The gang returned to Humilau City.
On the day of the race, Ash was dressed up as Roy Mustang, his Pikachu was stylized to look like the Demi Fiend, Iris was dressed up as Madoka Kaname in her magical girl outfit, while Cilan once again dressed up as Setsuna F. Seiei.
Meanwhile, Haruhi dressed up as Dokuro Mitsukai, complete with Excalibolg, Kyon dressed up as Kazuyoshi "Switch" Usui, Yuki was dressed up once again as Kagura Tsuchimiya, Mikuru dressed up once again as Kaede Fuyou, and lastly, Itsuki cosplayed as Hugh Anthony Disward.
"I wonder where's Brendan?" asked Ash.
When Brendan showed up, that was when he was dressed up like Archer.
"Why did you change clothes?" asked Ash.
"As you can see, I like his outfit better."
Cynthia was walking when she suddenly saw the gang in cosplay outfits.
"Are all of you competing in the cosplay race?" she asked.
"It's Cynthia!" exclaimed Ash.
"Well, yes, Cynthia. We all are," replied Cilan.
"Are you dressed up as a character from an anime or video game?" asked Kyon.
"Actually, I'm one of the judges for the race," replied Cynthia, "I do not need to dress up and cosplay."
When Kyon tilted his head and moved slightly away, he noticed two familiar faces not far from them.
When said people turned their faces, it was none other than Sasaki and Fujiwara, cosplaying as Hatsune Miku, complete with a leek, and the Eleventh Doctor, respectively.
"It's those two again!" thought Kyon, "And why are they here for?"
"Kyon, what's wrong?" asked Haruhi.
"Oh, it's nothing. I'm kinda nervous, that's all."
Sasaki and Fujiwara both captured the attention of Kyon as they approached him.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here. It's Kyon and his gang of misfits," said Fujiwara.
"I told you, Fujiwara. I don't like that name," Kyon replied with a deadpan look on his face, "Where's Miss Suou and Miss Tachibana?"
"They're watching on the big screen over there," replied Sasaki, as she pointed her finger on the bleachers, where Kuyou and Kyouko were watching on the screen.
"What's your purpose of joining in this race," Kyon asked, "To beat Haruhi?"
"Not really. We came here just to compete, that's all," replied Sasaki.
"If you're only competing just to get in my way, would you kindly stop that?" added Fujiwara.
"And now, the 3rd annual Extreme Pokemon Cosplay Race is about to begin!" announced Marlon, the Gym Leader of Humilau City, who was beside Cynthia in the announcer's booth.
"Here are the guidelines for the cosplay race," announced Cynthia, "Pokemon Trainers must cosplay as characters from anime, video games and other media, whilst riding on skateboards pulled by their Pokemon. Crossdressing is allowed. There will be two winners; the one who gets to the finish line first, and the participant who enters the finish line with his or her costume mostly still intact."
"I'm so psyched," said Ash as he did get pumped up for the race, "Let's win this, Pikachu."
"Ash, remember that Haruhi's also getting pumped up too," said Cilan, "Not to mention, we're gonna be facing off against each other."
When Itsuki checked out the map that Cynthia provided prior to their arrival in the contest proper, he informed Kyon, "There are several obstacles in the terrain for the race."
"That's pretty obvious for a cosplay obstacle race," Kyon replied.
"To get past said obstacles you and your Pokemon must avoid them in order to ensure that your costume remains intact."
"I already loaned you the Pokemon that you will use in the race, as well as the Pokemon that Haruhi, Mikuru, Yuki, and Itsuki will use," said Brendan as he approached Kyon.
"The two winners of the Extreme Pokemon Cosplay Race will get to receive a plaque," Marlon announced, "while the runner-ups and non-winning participants will get to receive a plaque as indication of participation in the cosplay race."
"Participants, prepare your Pokemon to be used for the race!" Marlon added.
The gang is now ready with each having provided their own skateboard and rope as well as with the rest of the participants. Ash sent out Krookodile, Iris sent out her Dragonite, Cilan brought out Pansage, while Brendan sent out Hydreigon. In the case of the SOS Brigade, the five brought out the Pokemon Brendan loaned to them earlier. Haruhi, Kyon, Itsuki, Mikuru, and Yuki all sent out Scolipede, Eelektross, Mienfoo, Yanmega, and Magmortar, respectively.
Sasaki decided to use her Stoutland, while Fujiwara chose his Haxorus.
"On your skateboards, get set. . . . . . . . ."
"Go!" When it was heard, all the participants left the starting line, including Sasaki and Fujiwara.
But Mikuru was struggling to maintain her balance as she was being pulled by Yanmega on her skateboard. Fortunately, Brendan came in to help her.
"Mikuru, just take it easy, calm down, and relax. You'll get the hang of it," convinced Brendan, as Mikuru eventually gained momentum.
In the commentator's booth:
"And it looks like Brendan is helping Mikuru out. Isn't helping others allowed?" asked Marlon.
"Well, it helps to be generous to other Trainers," replied Cynthia.
Back in the race:
A Poke Ball-shaped balloon was floating in the air, in which two cameramen providing the entire coverage of the cosplay race can be found. The footage was then displayed in a giant screen on the starting line where all the spectators were watching on the bleachers.
Every Trainer in the race was off to a good start, but two Pokemon Trainers with a Scrafty and a Beartic who were dressed up as Aria H. Kanzaki and Tatsumi Oga respectively, both lost their balance on their skateboards, leading to several competitors dressed up as Link, Sakura Kinomoto, and Hitagi Senjogahara to fall off. Fortunately, Ash, Iris, Cilan, Brendan, and all the members of the SOS Brigade were left unharmed. But Fujiwara was taking the lead.
At the announcer's booth, Cynthia remarked, "And it looks like Fujiwara is taking in the lead, dressed up as the Eleventh Doctor!"
"I wonder if he had a certain time-travelling police box," remarked Marlon, causing the audience to laugh at his comment.
Kyon gritted his teeth when he noticed Fujiwara and Sasaki taking in the lead.
"Eelektross, try to move a little faster!" Kyon exclaimed as the EleFish Pokemon tried to move a little faster and catch up.
"Quick, Krookodile, turn left and dodge!" commanded Ash as Krookodile charged and dodged towards two racers who were dressed up as Tuxedo Mask and Lum Invader.
The participants were approaching the first obstacle course of the race, the rugged terrain that was filled with potholes.
"I never expected the first obstacle of the race to be rugged terrain," thought Kyon.
"Keep your balance on this one," replied Itsuki, "Because of the potholes, this is going to be one tough ride."
When Fujiwara arrived on the obstacles, his Haxorus avoided all the potholes as he turned carefully on his skateboard. Ash, Iris, Brendan, and Cilan also managed to get past the potholes along with their respective Pokemon.
While Scolipede sped past the terrain, Haruhi avoided all the potholes as she also turned her skateboard past them. So did Kyon, as he tried to dodge past the potholes on his own skateboard pulled by Eelektross.
Fujiwara thought, "I don't think Kyon's got the chance to get past those potholes and get away from the terrain safely."
Yuki used her superhuman reflexes to dodge the potholes on her own skateboard with agility as Magmortar got through them as well.
More potholes appeared before the Trainers as some of them got past them safely. Unfortunately, a Trainer with a Skarmory who was dressed up as Kazuto Kirigaya fell through one of the potholes, causing three participants with a Chandelure, Altaria, and a Jellicent who cosplayed as Maka Albarn, Laura Bodewig, and Kuroyukihime respectively, to fall back.
On the other hand, another racer with a Honchkrow who dressed up as Tsunayoshi Sawada suffered the same accident, causing a mess that led to two racers cosplaying as Tohru Honda and Conan Edogawa to crash and fall over.
"It looks like several Trainers fell through the potholes in the terrain," remarked Marlon, who was still in the announcer's booth, "Who will be the first to make it through?"
Fujiwara managed to get past the first obstacle, followed by Sasaki. The latter was then caught up by Kyon, Haruhi, Yuki, Itsuki, and Mikuru, who barely got past the potholes.
"Miss Asahina, how did you get past those obstacles?" asked Kyon.
"I didn't know how did I end up getting past them," replied Mikuru as Yanmega sped away, dragging her on her skateboard.
"That Mikuru. She was starting to get the hang of it," thought Kyon.
"It's good to know that you got past the first obstacle," Itsuki said to Kyon, "The next one is much harder."
"What is it, Koizumi?"
"The next obstacle takes place in a winding road. There are oil slicks in the curves which would make the roads a bit slippery, so it is best to avoid them carefully."
"That can't be right," responded the deadpan Kyon.
On the announcer's booth, Marlon exclaimed, "It looks like some of the Trainers have gotten past the first obstacle!"
Meloetta was hiding its presence on top of the bleachers, watching the entire coverage of the cosplay race.
Suddenly, a Trainer with an Accelgor who cosplayed as Char Aznable, complete with blonde hair and mask, managed to speed up and get past Sasaki and Fujiwara, now taking in the lead.
"That Trainer who dressed up as Quattro, he's always a Char," remarked Brendan, who then instructed Hydreigon to catch up after the said Trainer.
"Of course, I am a Char! And that's why my Accelgor's three times faster, dopes!" yelled the Trainer as he sped away with his Accelgor.
Unfortunately, when he arrived at the second obstacle course, his skateboard went in one of the oil slicks, causing him to fall over. The crash also caused another racer with a Samurott who was dressed up as Kenshin Himura to fall over from his skateboard on another oil slick.
"And it looks like there's a Trainer who went on the next obstacle course!" announced Marlon back on the announcer's booth.
Now at the second obstacle course, the gang attempted to dodge the oil slicks on their respective skateboards as fast as they could.
Itsuki ended up slipping after the wheels of his skateboard ended up on one of the oil slicks.
"Koizumi!" yelled Kyon.
"Don't worry, I'll catch up," replied Itsuki as he was left behind, struggling to get back up.
"Now, I wonder how should I avoid those oil slicks," Kyon thought. That was when Yuki caught up, floating above the ground along with Magmortar.
"How did you and Magmortar float above the ground like that?" asked Kyon.
"Brendan's Magmortar is now able to use Psychic," replied Yuki.
Mikuru is struggling herself to dodge all the oil slicks. But she slipped herself after landing on one.
"Miss Asahina!" Kyon yelled.
Meanwhile, Ash, Iris, Brendan, Cilan, and their respective Pokemon were also at their attempts to dodge all the oil slicks easily. However, Cilan's Pansage landed its foot on one of them, causing it to slip. Cilan, Ash, Iris, and Brendan stopped themselves.
"Cilan, is Pansage alright?" asked Ash.
"Cilan will be fine," replied Cilan, "Go ahead!"
Ash, Brendan, and Iris are now back in the race, managing to catch up after Haruhi, Yuki, and Kyon, who in turn, are attempting to catch up after Sasaki and Fujiwara, who are still in the lead.
Now leaving the second obstacle course, the remaining participants arrived at the third and final obstacle course.
"Brendan, do you have any idea what's on the next course?" Kyon asked.
"In the last obstacle course, there are mud puddles, and the objective is to land your skateboard on them to splash your opponent's costume. You must make sure you have to keep distance from the other trainers who would attempt to stain your costume with mud using the moving wheels on their skateboards. Of course, you have to get to the finish line first."
"That can't be good," muttered Kyon.
"You said that all over again every time you come to a harder obstacle course," said Brendan.
Back at the announcer's table, Marlon announced, "It looks like the remaining participants are now on the third and final course! Will one of the trainers make it unscathed by the mud?"
Iris, already caught up after Fujiwara, attempts to splash his costume with mud. But, to his advantage, Fujiwara landed his skateboard on one of the mud puddles, causing Iris's costume to get immersed by the mud.
"That was rude!" Iris exclaimed.
Back at the announcer's booth:
"And it looks like the participants are having fun in the mud!" exclaimed Marlon. Cynthia sweatdropped when she looked at the screen the trainers who were splashed by the mud.
Haruhi managed to get ahead, her costume still intact. A Trainer with an Drapion who cosplayed as Integra attempted to splash Haruhi's costume with mud, however, Haruhi avoided it and she eventually splashed her back with mud when she landed her skateboard on another puddle.
Meanwhile, on the other trainers:
A Trainer with a Swoobat who cosplayed as Moka attempted to avoid her costume from getting stained with mud by another Trainer with a Gliscor who cosplayed as Hei. On the other hand, another participant with a Drifblim who was dressed up as Allen Walker got his torso stained in mud by Ash after his skateboard landed on another puddle.
When Ash and Kyon find a shortcut, the two commanded Krookodile and Eelektross, respectively, to redirect, leaving Iris and Haruhi confused.
"I wonder why's Ash and Kyon leaving," thought Haruhi and Iris.
That was when the two saw Ash and Kyon fly on a slope, now taking in the lead.
Fujiwara was not amused. "Haxorus, catch up after those two!" he exclaimed, as the Axe Jaw Pokemon ran a little faster, eventually catching up.
"Excadrill, catch up as well!" exclaimed Iris, as she also did the same, eventually going ahead of Sasaki.
Sasaki deliberately attempted to spill some mud on Kyon's costume. When she did, Kyon avoided it, leaving his costume with only a few stains in his torso.
Yuki managed to avoid her costume from getting stained by mud as she avoided all the mud puddles. However, her skirt eventually became soaked from the mud.
Brendan's costume was partially splashed by a participant with an Emboar who was dressed up as the Pyro. Fortunately, said participant was splashed back by mud as Ash spotted a puddle and landed on one of them.
Meanwhile, with the other participants in the race:
Two female participants with a Lilligant and Sunflora who cosplayed as Cures Blossom and Marine crashed into each other from their skateboards and ended up splashing themselves into a mud puddle, causing several others who were dressed up as Kururu, Maetel, Akari Kamigishi, Loran Cehack, Renton Thurston, and Ventus to slow down.
Another accident in the race took place when a Kamen Rider Blade cosplayer with a Bisharp lost control of his skateboard as he splashed himself in another puddle, leading to several racers who dressed up as Marisa Kirisame, Shoutmon, Nano, Rebecca Miyamoto, Kiki, and Il Palazzo to fall back.
Back at the announcer's booth, Marlon remarked, "And it looks like the participants are having fun getting their costumes soaked up with mud!"
When Haruhi noticed Sasaki, she thought, "I wonder if I should soil her costume with mud as well."
"Scolipede, move a little faster!" When Haruhi was accumulating some speed on her skateboard, she attempted to splash some mud on Sasaki's costume.
"Looks like I'll have to avoid Kyon's 'girlfriend' from getting into my costume," thought Sasaki, "Stoutland, move a little slower!"
When Kyon noticed Sasaki about to reach a puddle just to splash some mud on Haruhi's costume, he attempted to intercept her.
"Dodge it, Haruhi!" exclaimed Kyon.
"Dodge what?"
When Sasaki landed her skateboard on a puddle, that was when Haruhi ended up avoiding the splash and almost had her costume stained with mud. Only a splot was there in her shoe.
Fujiwara was still in the lead along with his Haxorus when he was suddenly being overtaken by Ash, whose Krookodile suddenly started to speed up.
"Haxorus, move a little faster!"
Fujiwara noticed a puddle and attempted to stain Ash's costume. But Ash curved to another shortcut, causing Fujiwara to wonder where Ash went.
Suddenly, he lost his balance and tripped into a puddle, soiling his own costume.
At the announcer's booth, Marlon announced, "And it looks like the participants are now close to the finish line! Who will be the first to make it?"
Ash jumped on a ramp to gain the lead and is now back on the race. However, Sasaki was catching up to him with her Stoutland picking up some speed. She then landed on a small puddle and soiled Ash's torso with some mud.
On the other hand, Iris and Yuki managed to catch up after her.
"Iris, what happened to your costume?" asked Ash.
"Someone went into a puddle and splashed some mud on my costume," replied Iris, "Ash, your costume is also stained with mud."
"Well, yeah, Iris. Krookodile, go!"
Ash's Krookodile attempted to pick up some more speed as Haruhi, Yuki, and Kyon eventually caught up after him.
Scolipede, Magmortar and Eelektross both worked out on a way to gain the lead from Ash, Iris, and Sasaki. Brendan also managed to catch up along with his Hydreigon.
At the announcer's booth, Cynthia remarked, "And it looks like it's going to be difficult determining who's gonna win the race."
Kyon yelled, "Eelektross, go!"
That was when he overtook Sasaki at the finish line. However, Haruhi went there first with Scolipede leading by the horn.
Meanwhile, Ash caught up with Kyon to become the third to cross the finish line with Sasaki, Iris, and Yuki catching up to him.
"We now have our winner for this year's Pokemon Cosplay Race, and it'Haruhi Suzumiya! She wins the race by a photo finish!" Marlon exclaimed.
"What? Haruhi won?"
That was when Kyon became surprised.
"But that's not all! We also have a winner for our surprise award for the most intact costume!" Marlon exclaimed, "Based according to Cynthia's scoring, the contestant whose costume remains neatly clean and still intact is none other than Kyon!"
Kyon was astounded.
Cynthia remarked, "His costume is still intact and only his torso is stained with a little mud. Here is my approval rating for his costume."
The screen facing the bleachers displayed the said approval rating as 98%.
Brendan remarked at Kyon, saying, "98% approval rating? Sounds like an approval rating percentage of a certain student council president to me. . . . . "
The deadpan Kyon thought, "Now there goes the obligatory Medaka Box reference. I never thought an otaku like Brendan would let us sink that low."
"That was just a coincidence, Kyon," said Brendan.
When all the participants, including Itsuki, Cilan, and Mikuru went back to the starting point to watch the closing program, Haruhi and Kyon went to the center of the stage to pose for a picture with Cynthia as they received their plaques from her.
Ash, Iris, Brendan, Cilan, Yuki, Mikuru, Itsuki, and the rest of the participants went on to the stage one by one to receive their plaques of participation.
"And there you have it, folks! This marks the conclusion of this year's Pokemon Cosplay Race, and we'll see you all on the Pokemon Cosplay race next year!" announced Marlon.
When the race ended, Fujiwara approached Kyon.
"You have gotten in my way again!" exclaimed the former, "That's the reason why I don't like you at all! And don't forget Mikuru too. I seem not to like her either."
He then left off along with Sasaki, Kuyou, and Kyouko.
The cosplay race became a success. Now back in their respective clothes prior to the end of the contest, the nine looked forward to the challenges ahead of them.
Kyon thought, "I wonder if those cosplay outfits we wore for today would be in laundry today."
Meloetta caught up, following after them without showing its presence.
But the misadventures of the SOS Brigade in the world of Pokemon are still not over just yet. . . . . . .
On the next chapter:
The gang meets up with Brendan's pen pal, Fami, who wished to leave the Humilau City anime club in order to set up her own ramen shop. However, the subordinates disagree about her decision. In order to settle the differences, two of the members of the anime club decided to challenge Fami and Brendan to a tag Pokemon battle. Will the two be able to win it? Find out in the next chapter of The Best Wishes of Haruhi Suzumiya!
References: Beginning with this chapter, the references list will be revamped.
* When the approval rating for Kyon's costume is revealed to be 98%, it ends with Brendan making a reference to Medaka Box.
* "If you're only competing just to get in my way, would you kindly stop that?" This phrase contains a Bioshock reference.
* The cosplay outfits featured in this chapter are references to:
Durarara!, Umineko no Naku Koro ni, Queen's Blade, Dog Days, Yu-Gi-Oh, Code Geass, The World God Only Knows, Shugo Chara, Kimi ni Todoke, Adventure Time, JoJos Bizarre Adventure, Persona 4 The Animation, Rozen Maiden, Fullmetal Alchemist, Shin Megami Tensei III Nocturne, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Bludgeoning Angel Dokuro-chan, SKET Dance, Shuffle!, Ga-Rei Zero, Bibliotheca Mystica de Dantalian, Fate/stay night, Vocaloid, Doctor Who, Hidan no Aria, Beelzebub, The Legend of Zelda, Cardcaptor Sakura, Bakemonogatari, Sailor Moon, Urusei Yatsura, Sword Art Online, Soul Eater, Infinite Stratos, Accel World, Katekyo Hitman Reborn, Fruits Basket, Detective Conan, Mobile Suit Gundam, Rurouni Kenshin, Hellsing, Rosario + Vampire, Darker Than Black, D. Gray-man, Team Fortress 2, Heartcatch Precure, Keroro Gunsou, Galaxy Express 999, ToHeart, Turn A Gundam, Eureka Seven, Kingdom Hearts, Kamen Rider Blade, Touhou Project, Digimon Xros Wars, Nichijou, Pani Poni Dash, Kiki's Delivery Service, Excel Saga