Angel: Just to make the record clear, that last chapter was meant for Whitemare only, so nobody else did anything wrong. If anyone felt bad about giving me ideas in the past, please don't, because it was just Whitemare. I will take desireepurnellsandi's because you know, I actually like it and they're not pressuring me unlike certain guests lately. And plus it's not as uncomfortable as beheading someone. I didn't put their idea in this chapter or the next, but I will keep it in mind.
And one final thing to Whitemare: So far, there have been two people who expressed distaste for the sexual assault, and it's been a few days since it came out. You can't speak for most of the fans when almost every single opinion will differ and not match your own. And I do leave warnings for them to not read certain pieces of content if they don't want to. I don't force people to read sensitive stuff if they don't want to, so if people want to complain despite the warning they're free to do so. Episode four I did the same thing and I haven't heard any complaints if there are any. Everyone's free to let me know though, just not to pressure me into rewriting it. And I don't have anything else to say to Whitemare.
"We're going to the moon!" Senku announced to everyone. Gen was the first to react with a nervous laugh.
"I was at the point where I didn't think any of our cockamanie projects could shock me, but a full-blown moon landing in the stone world?" He asked in disbelief; he hadn't felt this way in a long time, but now it was coming back full circle.
"Ah!" Suika recoiled back in alarm. "How can we get to the moon when we're all the way down here, Senku and Sumi?" She cried out while waving her arms.
Senku chuckled as he and Sumi stepped forward. "The same way that the Kingdom of Science always does things. Taking it one step at a time!" He revealed to them.
"Sure, it's a big ask, but that doesn't mean it's impossible," Sumi hummed a little. She placed a hand in front of her forehead looking up to the stars. "We just have to be patient, just like with the ship."
"It's totally different, though," Nikki pointed out while crossing her arms. "Cept for the part about how crazy it sounds. But this is crazy on steroids!"
"Ha," Kohaku scoffed while crossing her arms. "Now that we know our enemy's base is somewhere on the moon, do we just try to ignore them and await our fate? No, that's never been our style."
Ryusui laughed while raising up his fingers to snap them. "So in this new world, we even desire the very stars in the sky!" All of them were looking up towards the moon.
"Too cool! Science is so unbelievably bad!" Chrome gushed from the news.
"Yeah, well," Taiju placed a basket on his back, knowing that his friends would need materials for this new project. "Building rockets is Senku and Sumi's specialties, so it's meant to be! What sort of things are we gathering this time, buddies?"
Senku chuckled again as he and Sumi turned around to him. "We're collecting materials from all over the world. The New World Moon Landing Project begins now! So get excited!" He announced to the group.
"This is where we're really testing our limits!" Sumi grinned while clenching a fist.
The next morning, the villagers were using the revival fluid to free more statues. Either that, or gathering them from various spots. One of them was revived while another was getting clothing. Ginro chuckled maliciously as he held a jar of revival fluid over a woman. "There!" He poured it over her and then in an instant, she was turned from stone to flesh.
"My word!" Matsukaze recoiled back in shock from this. "The offending stone imprisonment is melting away. How very mysterious."
"I know!" Ginro smiled widely at him. "Pretty cool, huh?"
"Wait, what...happened?" She murmured while looking around and Ginro cackled. Senku, Suika, and Sumi were all reviving people themselves. Kinro glanced at his brother blankly, carrying a basket of fish for revived villagers.
"You have zero reason to be smug about this..." He muttered at the blond.
"Don't worry," Suika smiled at the little boy in front of her that was just revived. He had on a watermelon mask just like hers, just with no leaves and a small branch. "You're safe now! The entire island's safe, in fact!" The woman who was just revived bent down with a smile, patting him on the head.
"I feel completely awestruck," Matsukaze glanced to the side. "This 'science sorcery' is wondrous. If only we'd had this knowledge when those horrid devices first rained down and ruined our lives." Senku and Sumi walked up to the group.
"Unfortunately, your people are probably either buried into the ground or got thrown into the river and then carried away into the current, at this point," Sumi frowned a little. "But that doesn't mean they'll be forgotten."
"So, um, are there any other devices laying around?" Chrome wondered with his mouth full of food. "Since there was a whole storm of them and all."
"No," Matsukaze confirmed while shaking his head. "My lord had me destroy the lot of them. Save for the device the bandits took, that is."
Gen looked to the pouch hanging from Kohaku's rope belt. "Then our Medusa is the only gorgon left..." The mentalist murmured in thought. Kohaku was tasked with keeping it away from the radio, given that she was the fastest from the Kingdom of Science.
"And long as we have a statue, we can cure its effects," Senku gave a small smirk. "So let's wake everyone up and get the hell off this island, guys!"
"Yeah!" Chrome and Ginro cheered in unison.
"Let's go!" Suika cried out in excitement.
Soyuz glanced back at them with a small frown, since...no matter what they did, one person could never be revived. Not everyone... He looked up towards the master's hut still sitting in the distance. He reached the hut and moved away the curtain, the same deep frown still on his face. His father's statue was moved back into the middle of the room...as it was the only representation of his father's legacy to remain. Father, I'm sorry I couldn't save you in time! And now...we're leaving.
Revival fluid was poured onto one of the guards that they were at war with. Ginro then hid behind Matsukaze for both protection and out of fear. "We're reviving the warrior guys too? Isn't that risky?"
"Even if it was, it's just like with Kirisame," Sumi pointed out, hands on her hips. "And I don't like playing God to decide who and who doesn't deserve to be revived. They're still people just like the other statues."
"They won't be so hostile now," Ryusui gave a small smile after pouring the bottle. "Ibara was the evil one, whereas they were just tricked into serving a false master."
"Seems you've forgotten Ryusui wants all he sees, including former foes," Gen gave a small smile as Sumi left them behind.
Kirisame walked up to Soyuz, getting his attention. The sun was starting to set behind her and he then stepped out of the hut. He looked down to see more guards lined up on the pathway leading up to him. They then all bowed to him and he gasped in shock. "After 20 long years, it's good to see you well, Prince Soyuz," Kirisame spoke up, her eyes closed. "Pardon. My master."
Oarashi had his head down, but this was enough for Soyuz to know that...he had the man's respect. Even though Soyuz did chase him down not too long ago to look for the Medusa. He couldn't believe his eyes...even though he was the heir to the island now, part of it just...didn't feel right...especially when his father wasn't able to witness this very important moment.
Kohaku, Senku, Sumi, and Suika were all looking at them from a cliff. Suika held Sumi and Senku's hands looking towards the sight. "I'm sad about Soyuz's dad. It's gotta be hard to see him sitting right there, but still not be able to talk to him at all." Senku closed his eyes as the wind blew in their hair. Sumi had a very wistful smile on her face as Kohaku glanced to the two. She knew that deep down...they wanted to talk to Byukaya and Lillian too...yet there was no way to do so now.
"I'm sure he appreciates you worrying about him," Sumi patted Suika on the head. "But he also knows that his father would've been very proud, too. It's not every day you got to help make peace in a place that used to be happier before..." She didn't finish her sentence since she didn't even wanna say Ibara's name out loud. The black-haired woman then clamped her mouth shut, closing her eyes with a small sigh.
The next day, the Kingdom of Science was gathered on the Perseus. "Okay," Senku spoke up to everyone. "We've got one more crucial mission to carry out before we set sail."
"It's kinda a big deal too," Sumi chimed in next to him as they faced everyone.
"There's another mission?" Kohaku asked them in confusion. "I thought we were done."
"Heh heh heh. A good kingdom needs allies, so ours will forge an alliance with the people of this island," He revealed and everyone gasped in shock.
"Wait, what do you mean by that?" Taiju wondered to the duo.
"Well," Senku dug his pinky into his ear. "Getting ourselves to the moon is going to be a ridiculously difficult endeavor, right? It would be a little less ridiculous if we had some stuff built here on Treasure Island."
"We do need a lot of things in order to even get this thing running, so it's a good idea to get resources from this island when we need them," Sumi gave a one-armed shrug.
Senku then had a dark grin on his face. "Let's try to convince the locals to see our side of things. And once they're on board, we can put 'em straight to work."
Taiju, Titan, and Yuzuriha all recoiled back in alarm. "Like, a lot of work?" Yuzuriha questioned with a nervous expression on her face.
"Yep, I know that face," Suika was shaking with lines over her mask. "He makes it when he has a plan, and devious intentions."
"I'm just being realistic here, and facts are facts," Senku waved a hand. "The manpower we'll need for this project is insane."
"As devious as he is being, he's not wrong," Sumi closed her eyes. "It'd be great if we had a lot more hands to smooth some things along. Because this project is gonna be one of the most grueling we've ever done. Much more complicated than this ship, I can tell you that much."
Kokuyo hummed in thought. "Be nice if it pans out the way you two want, cause I can tell you right now, being a ruler isn't easy," Soyuz gasped from this statement, since he was already having doubts of if he could even be his father... "Considering the islanders were only just freed from Ibara, I doubt they'd be open to us bossin' them around. And even if they are, they won't all be as driven as Kinro here," He glanced to the guard right next to him.
"Tch," Senku gave a small smirk, gesturing to the former chief. "Brilliantly put, which is why the plan is to let them independently decide if they want to ally with our kingdom. Them having the right to choose is key in making this happen. Right, Gen? It's essential."
"It's just like you showed us once with the hot air balloon," Sumi smiled, hugging herself underneath her chest. "Having people choose for themselves is important. No one faction becomes stronger...if people don't let others pick what they want, or at least convey it to those they respect," She giggled knowingly since she knew that was his intention when they had the ship-building contest, or when they were picking one last person for the hot air balloon test.
Gen flinched in shock and then pointed at them with a small smile. "Keep thinking like that, and you'll both be on the right track to becoming mentalists too."
"Thanks, bestie!" Sumi closed her eyes with a small smile.
"I...I want to handle this," Soyuz suddenly spoke up and everyone turned to him. "My father may be gone, but I can keep his legacy alive by unifying all of our people!" Gen gave him a little smile, Sumi and Senku doing the same.
"Fair enough," Senku took a blueprint from behind his back. "It's in your capable hands, Soyuz," He handed the man the paper.
"Um, thanks," He opened up the blueprints, and was confused by the radio tower. "What is this?"
"Oh-ho!" Chrome smiled while rubbing his chin.
"What are you oh-hoing about?!" Kaseki jumped up and down.
"I wanna see what we're making this time too!" Suika jumped along with him.
"You've got this, Soyuz," Sumi gave him an encouraging smile, hands behind her back. "You're part of the Kingdom of Science too, you know. And the islanders trust you the most as their prince. So we're counting on you to get the word out and possibly smooth things over with hostile ones."
The islanders were minding their own business. "Hey!" They turned to Soyuz running up to them. "We have to quickly build a structure of great size, and we could really use some help!" They all glanced to each other questionably. "Please lend us a hand. It would benefit the whole island!" He gave them a bright smile.
Sumi was walking on the ship with the blueprint in her hand, smiling as she had no doubt Soyuz could pull it off. But also, she had a list from Senku that she needed to complete, though he wouldn't tell her why.
"Sumi!" She looked up to see Suika approaching, the little girl smiling eagerly up towards the black-haired scientist. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Sure, Suika," Sumi smiled softly at her. "There's some items that Senku wants me to get he's running low on. You can help me find them on the island. I'm leaving in a few minutes, so make sure you tell him you're coming with me."
"Okay!" Suika cried out and ran off. Gen watched the two with a small smile. He had made the connection a while ago, but seeing the two interact...it was like Sumi was a surrogate mother now to Suika. She did tend to have the more sweeter moments with her or Senku, even if the two never noticed it because it was just instinct on how much they cared for the little girl.
"Isn't that sweet?" Gen spoke up, getting Suika's attention as she was about to open the door that led to the stairs. "You, Senku, and Mire-Chan are like a little family. Do you think so, Suika?" He gave her a smile.
"Eh?" The little girl blinked at being called that and then she stood up straight, looking sure of herself. "Senku and Sumi are the best to me." Sumi turned around as she could hear her, though Suika didn't know that. She looked over her shoulder, and several people were walking by so thankfully neither of them noticed her staring. "They both get ten billion points, I love being with them," Suika murmured happily with a slight blush over her face. "I wish I could stay the same age so I can spend all the time in the world with them. Even when I sometimes don't understand what they're saying, I like seeing how passionate they are about science. Although I do miss Sagara and Chalk a lot..."
Sumi smiled softly at Suika for her explanation, feeling touched. And that was when she got an idea.
"Hey, Sen?" She called out and he looked up to her as she approached him in the mobile lab. "I know we have a lot of work to do to prepare for the trip back, but..." She leaned in to whisper in his ear and he blinked. After hearing her plan, he gave a small smirk.
"Hmm...yeah, we have time for that."
Sumi ordered the villagers to gather up hemp, and soon, she was carrying it back to the mobile lab. She stepped inside as Senku was guiding Yuzuirha while showing her a blueprint of what they wanted. She gasped as her eyes shined and then to the bewilderment of the two, she started crafting a big shape of cloth in seconds. Senku and Sumi helped her by gathering up the hemp and stuffing it inside two big pieces of cloth. The two then got out some paint and started using it over the clothing, one brown and one white. Chrome, Gen, and Kohaku then knocked on the door, revealing some rope with smiles. The duo took them to finish off their little project, and once they were done, the two stood over the objects proudly. Sumi smiled while wiping the back of her forehead with her wrist.
"Hey, Suika!" She looked up from Sumi's voice. She was sweeping up the deck of the ship to help make it clean before the journey home. "We have something for you!"
She turned around and then gasped, dropping her mop in shock. Sumi and Senku were standing behind her, the former holding a big plush of Chalk in her hands. Senku was carrying one of Sagara, both of them having small smiles on their faces looking down at her. "Figures you were all depressed and crap, so we took the liberty of making these. That way, if you're separated from them again, you have these dumb things," Senku dug a pinky in his ear.
"You know, that could've been worded better," Sumi deadpanned towards him a bit before grinning towards the shocked little girl. "He means that whenever you miss them, you'll have these plushies to snuggle with at night whenever you're away. And you can bounce on them, they're stuffed with hemp and Yuzuriha's sewing never disappoints!"
"You made these for me...?" Suika murmured before giving a beaming smile. "I love them!" She laughed while taking them into her hands. The two watched, Sumi looking especially pleased as Suika laughed while bouncing on them. She then did a big bounce to soar towards Sumi, who caught her in alarm as the little girl hugged her.
"Oh!" Sumi flinched in surprise as...it was the same exact hug she shared with Lillian when she showed the little girl her new lab.
"Thank you!" Suika smiled warmly with her eyes closed and Sumi hummed, returning the hug and placing her cheek on top of the watermelon mask. She had a smile just as warm as Suika's, some tears in her eyes. She didn't think she'd experience a hug like this ever again...and she wished it didn't take thousands of years to have that same warm feeling again. But the wait was absolutely worth it.
"Yeah, yeah, no need," Senku waved it off while looking away, though he was still smiling just a little bit.
And so, wood got chopped down as Soyuz was guiding a team of gatherers for wood. Taiju held up a bunch of it, shocking everyone around him. They then hauled it over to a good place to set it up, carving out the wood. Suika and Chrome helped some women and children make wires. A tower structure was being formed, with Soyuz leading the project. Though Ginro did not look happy to be put to hard work...later that evening, they threw off the ropes as they had made a wind turbine in order to have a cell phone tower!
Everyone cheered at this. "Whoa! Look at that giant thing go!"
Chrome smiled proudly, as the wind would be enough energy for power. They didn't have enough time to make the hydroelectric generator back at Ishigami Village, so this was the next best thing. Sumi smiled while approaching him. "It's just what they'll need. They're all really coming together, huh? And all because of Soyuz," She smiled towards the man a little.
"Yup. But uh, is Senku even here to see?" He looked around, but didn't see the green-haired scientist anywhere. And he'd think that Senku would've been here to see this scientific achievement. In fact, Chrome hadn't seen him in a while.
"Oh, he said he'd be in the lab for something, and that I'm not allowed inside right now," Sumi answered for him. "But I did smell something suspicious in there, so would you check up on him for me and see how he's doing? Maybe I'm just worrying too much, but some part of me feels like he's doing something that's hurting him."
"Sure thing, I get it." Chrome nodded in agreement. "I guess we both know who's really the worrywart~" He teased and she grunted, giving him a small pout in response watching him leave.
Chrome made it back to the mobile lab as it was now nighttime. He gave a small knowing smile as he ran up and opened the door. "What are you doing in the lab when the rest of us are celebrating, man? Sumi said I'd find you here."
However, Senku looked like an old man, his hair sticking out in every direction. He almost looked like he was dying. "Working on a project to get the ol' ticker really pumping," He answered in a weak tired voice.
"The hell?!" Chrome shouted at him, turning around to the lab. "SUMI! We need you."
"No, don't get her," Senku said as loud as he could. Chrome turned around in confusion as he saw Senku drink something to get him back to normal. He then sighed in relief, as he was surrounded by a bunch of white powder on the ground. There were also some other powders nearby as he seemed to be mixing something.
"Uh, what's this stuff?" Chrome examined the white powder on the ground.
"Ah, it's called zeolite, a highly potent drying agent," Senku pointed to a thermometer of sorts nearby.
"Oh, it dries you out. That explains it," The brunet murmured a bit awkwardly. "Because if Sumi saw you like that, she would've freaked out on you. That must've been what she smelled. But why is she not allowed in? Is it another surprise like the Christmas tree?" He gave Senku a teasing smile, earning an eye-roll.
"She's been through a lot lately and I don't know how much longer I can handle that. So this oughta get her back to normal. Can't exactly have her in here if she'll be able to tell what the final result is," Senku deadpanned a bit.
Chrome gave a small smile. He may acted like this wasn't a big deal, but he was doing it because he cared about Sumi's feelings. Chrome then noticed the other materials. "Gunpowder? Salt? And iron too. Is this all for the project you wanna give her?"
"Yeah. I'm doing flame test reactions, or..." He glanced towards Chrome with a small smirk. "Chrome's badass sorcery."
He gasped in realization, remembering when he thought he could defeat Senku and Sumi when he met them.
Senku and Sumi simply sat down next to each other. Sumi really didn't wanna do this, but if it would get him to stop... "Alright," Chrome started off to them while standing in front of the fire. "Ready for some badass sorcery? Check out my Rainbow Bridge!" He tossed something white into the flames, causing it to turn yellow. Everyone except the two scientists yelped while recoiling back as the flames got larger. Then Chrome threw in a blue powder to change the color twice.
Chrome rubbed his chin in thought. "Okay, but...I still don't get what you're aiming to do."
Senku let out a small chuckle. "Let's just say it's for persuading any islanders who aren't convinced yet. As for Violet, she'll know exactly what it is when she sees it."
"Whoa!" Chrome exclaimed, Gen having a small smile on his face while overhearing their conversation. "I mean, I've done the same thing a ton of times before..."
Gen hummed while glancing towards the open door of the lab. "So that's his plan," He slowly walked away, glancing back knowingly. "In which case, guess I could hype it up. Too bad I can't tell Mire-Chan if it's a surprise," He turned around and recoiled back in alarm to see Francois standing right behind him. They already had gear on for scavenging.
"Very well," Francois adjusted the lamp over their hair. "I shall begin preparations for our guests right way." The butler turned on the lamp and then shuffled away.
"Uh! But I didn't say what I had in mind!" Gen called out after them in disbelief. "They anticipate things like a legit fortune teller..."
"Hm," Suika was walking up to the lab with a lantern in her hand to light the way. Sumi would've been there to watch over her like a mama bear, but she still couldn't get near the lab. "Should we be excited for something?"
The next morning, the villagers were either murmuring or looking towards the cell phone tower in awe. "Whoo-hoo!" Kaseki cheered while standing at the top of it. "No time like the present! Let's go!" He was surrounded by Chrome, Sumi, and Soyuz.
"Go ahead, Kaseki! You were a big help building this, after all," Sumi gave him a small smile.
He flipped the switch and this activated the radio waves. Ryusui, Kirisame, and Ukyo were on a boat a good distance away from the island. They had a cell phone with them as well as the latter looked at the radar. "Nice. It's working," He then gave Kirisame a thumbs up. "Go on and start talking."
She gasped a little and then put her mouth to the speaker. "Um, hello? Testing. We're, um, reporting from the water," Everyone gasped as she spoke so loud and clearly.
"Yeah, go team!" Chrome pumped his fists in excitement.
Sumi laughed happily while clapping a little. "This is so great!"
Chrome laughed as well as he, Kaseki, and Sumi shared a three-way high five. "We can hear you loud and clear on the island!" Soyuz reported to the female warrior. "Is my voice getting through?"
"Oh, yes!" Kirisame blushed a little, astonished by how this worked. "I can hear you! Very clearly! It's like you're speaking right beside me."
All the villagers down below cheered. Chrome, Sumi, and Kaseki spoke to excited villagers as they were in awe of how it worked as well. And so, they were asking questions left and right. Soyuz closed his eyes happily as science was able to sway them so much in so little time. This must be what being a leader felt like...
On the beach later that night, a whole gathering was there. Kinda of like a carnival of sorts. "It's the eetest-sway and uffiest-flay!" Gen cried out while making cotton candy, for free since they didn't want the villagers getting greedy over money like a certain captain he knew...
"Got your noodles with rich broth and extra green onions!" A villager announced to another as there was also a ramen cart.
Francois then presented a very fancy looking meal on a leaf acting as a plate. "Blue-spotted wrasse Poele. With water celery and cauliflower fungus saute. Bon Appetit." All of the villagers around them looked amazed by it.
Two of them grabbed a piece with chopsticks. "Well, it smells amazing..."
Both of them then took a bite, their eyes shining from the taste. "Jeez! Tastes even better!"
A woman was trying on Suika's mask, and she was amazed by how clearly she could see. "Ah! I see so clearly now!"
"Through a mask?" A little girl asked, earning a small laugh from Suika.
Sumi was dancing with some little kids and singing, all of them looking up at her happily. Some other villagers clapped for her voice as she held the kids' hands in a dance circle. Once she stopped, she lifted up her skirt to do a small playful curtsy, giggling. Suika ran up to her with some cotton candy in her hands, and Sumi took one happily. The two held hands while talking to the little kids of the island. Everyone was enjoying themselves and having fun. Francois, Gen, and Kokuyo all smiled while looking up ahead, as they made all of this happen. And they could just how much the island was missing on, they wouldn't have any of this without the Kingdom of Science.
Senku came up from another side, and saw what was going on. Obviously, he had no knowledge of it. "What in the world...?" He murmured in disbelief and Gen turned to him.
"Hey, there you are! We're here and ready for a show!"
"Hold on," Senku started off suspiciously. "I probably should've expected as much, but you were eavesdropping, weren't you?" Gen gave an innocent smile and shrug. "You better not have told you-know-who about it," He glared at the mentalist a little. He did have Sumi confess to Senku over the cell phone, so the green-haired scientist wouldn't be surprised if he ended up telling his lover about the surprise he had.
"Come now, I'm not that cruel~" Gen smiled playfully towards Sumi, who blinked in confusion.
"What is he talking about?" Suika wondered to the woman.
"I don't know, but something tells me I don't need to learn about it right now," She gave a sheepish smile. Whatever it was Senku was talking about, she knew he'd tell her one of these days.
Senku gave the two of them a small smile as Sumi and Suika were sharing the cotton candy. The little girl giggled and hugged Sumi happily. He wouldn't go as far to call them a family, but he could see himself starting one with Sumi...waaaaaaaaay into the future, though. They had more important things in life to accomplish before settling down.
Soyuz then stood up bravely. "Senku, Sumi, do you have a minute?" He wondered and Sumi glanced towards Senku curiously. She then stood up and walked over to stand by his side to face Soyuz. Sumi then nodded encouragingly for Soyuz to go on. "I...I'm staying. I'm going to help all of the islanders start anew. I want to see them progress the way the Kingdom of Science does," He glanced back at all of the islanders enjoying themselves, which...was something that hadn't been seen ever since Ibara took over. And he wanted to make sure it'd stay that way.
"Then stay," Senku gave a small grin.
"It's great that you wanna embrace where you came from," Sumi gave a small beaming smile. "And I don't blame you. They need someone to look up to after all."
"Only if it's what you really want, though," Senku finished for the two.
Soyuz looked back at them in shock and then smiled happily. "It is. Thanks, Senku, Sumi."
Senku let out a small chuckle. "Is there really a reason you should be thanking us, dumbass? Our goal is to revive the world, and if you remain here, you'll help us achieve that," He looked away with a small smile on his face.
"I could've done without the dumbass part," Sumi gave Senku a blank look before looking back to Soyuz. "But yeah, there are still people on this island to revive. Can't really do much if the prince of the island goes back to Ishigami Village."
"...Yeah. You bet I will," Soyuz smiled in determination. "You'll always have a tried-and-true ally in me. And I know how to make the revival fluid."
Gen popped up behind him. "Though you just saw it once, you know it? You have an astounding memory!"
"I promise to revive them all. Though it'll take some time, it's my duty to save them. As the island's new master!" He had a fond smile on his face from finally knowing who he really was after 20 years. And now he had become to embrace that role wholeheartedly.
"You'll also have us to help you out," Amaryllis gestured to herself while standing next to Kirisame. "With permission of course, Master Soyuz."
"If I may...I have a proposition," Kirisame spoke up while stepping forward. "Sumi's ideals...it reminded me of our fallen master. They were just like his. So if Master Soyuz is staying, please..." She revealed a flower crown accessory of sorts, holding it out to Sumi while bowing her head. She did not like where this was going as she gave a nervous sound. "Will you become our Queen and marry our master, Sumire?"
Sumi gave a flabbergasted sound as her eyes turned comically wide and white. Some blue lines were over her forehead as everyone stared in bewilderment. "...HUUUUUUUUUUUUH?!" Soyuz, Senku, and Sumi all shouted in unison with white eyes.
"Oh, that is priceless!" Gen laughed while hugging his stomach.
"Ha ha! It's not hard to see why! Sumi is a desirable contender for a bride!" Ryusui patted Sumi on the back. "Although, I think you misunderstand the relationship between her and Soyuz, Kirisame."
"She's serious..." Senku muttered while trying to get over his stupor.
"Um. Well, uh..." Soyuz stammered, looking between her and Senku, unsure of how to break it to Kirisame. She saw Kohaku, Senku, and Sumi share a hug, but it was never confirmed if the latter two were a couple to her. Especially since they didn't act like one.
"Unless you are already her lover?" Kirisame looked back up while staring at the two.
"Ahh!" Sumi screamed as her face turned red. She then squeezed her eyes shut while clenching her fists. "He's not, he's not, he's not, he's not!" She shouted in embarrassment that this was even a discussion. "I'm already in a commitment with someone else!"
"Well, you could just marry both of them if you wanted to!" Ginro grinned widely, yelping in pain as Sumi gave him a lot of head bumps. She then patted his back comfortingly.
"I'm sorry, but it needed to be done."
"Then...who are you committed to?" Kirisame blinked in confusion at the black-haired scientist.
"Heh heh," Senku grinned while crossing his arms. "I have the honor of being in a relationship with Sumi! So, no Queen for you guys!" He then cackled with an evil smile on his face. Sumi shook her head slowly at him while some villagers stared up ahead in disbelief. Just looking at the two, they just didn't seem so...lovey-dovey like they were expecting.
"But he's so..." One guard murmured to himself.
"And she's..." The other one chimed in.
"He was divorced, so that would just be a bit weird..." Sumi gave a nervous laugh towards Kirisame. "So I'll take this as a sign of friendship," She took the accessory sheepishly. "But I'm sorry, I can't marry your master..." It wasn't like she hated Soyuz or anything like that. It was just...that she was already in a relationship with someone she loved very much. And she couldn't really see herself giving that up even if she wanted to.
"I see. Senku and Sumire's group has this 'Why-Man' to contend with," Kirisame then pointed out.
"That's true," Soyuz nodded in agreement with a smile. "He's dangerous, too. So please join their fight, Kirisame."
"Me...?" She murmured in shock at his suggestion.
"Yes, you. They're about to embark on a quest for resources around the world. They're going to need some fierce warriors to aid them," He explained and she stared at him for a bit. She then gave a small hum of confirmation, stepping up to him.
"Understood," She bowed to him. "I vow to prove myself worthy."
"No need, Kirisame. You're already a strong fighter, and we'll be glad to have you," Sumi gave a small smile. "After telling us about not actually petrifying me and the others, that was enough to earn my trust."
Kirisame gasped towards her, her eyes shining. "...Thank you!" She bowed her head again. "That means a lot to me, Master Sumire."
"Just none of that Master Sumire stuff, kay?" Sumi gave a small sweat drop at the back of her head.
"Wow, good point!" Ginro had one of his sleazy smiles on his face as he realized something. "Matsukaze should tag along too! Your old lord's reincarnation could use a meat shield! I mean, loyal attendant and personal ripped bodyguard!"
Ginro laughed manically as everyone watched, Matsukaze bowing to him. "Yes! I shall prove my worth as well."
"Master Soyuz and Ginro both said the same thing in essence, but..." Amaryllis started off not too far away.
"Only one was thinking of the greater good. Shows how different their mentalities really are..." Kohaku finished for her.
"Ha ha!" Ryusui grinned while snapping his fingers. "Matsukaze's impressive skills are extremely tempting! Desiring him isn't wrong."
Gen popped up while sweating. "He doesn't have the same honest avarice that's so deeply rooted in you, Ryusui. I think his carried-away-ness just reached level two..."
Sumi sighed with a hand on her forehead. "If we don't let Ginro take him, he's just gonna-"
Suddenly the lights dimmed, interrupting her and they looked up in confusion. "What the?"
"Who turned out the lights?"
"Hey, do you hear me?" Chrome's voice came out of some speakers. "We're gonna show you something so bad it'll leave the whole of Treasure Island speechless and wanting more!" Chrome was standing elsewhere while wearing the cell phone. "Brace yourselves, everyone, for Rainbow Bridge Max Level! Sumi, get ready for a nostalgia trip!"
"Hm?" She blinked in confusion at this.
"Aye aye!" Kaseki moved down some levers as he and Chrome ducked for cover. Some sparkles moved over to two rows of cannons, going over to a pile of gunpowder. A burst of light suddenly went to the sky...and exploded into a firework. Sumi gasped sharply as she looked up, her eyes shaking while holding Suika's hand. More of them appeared, and all of them looked up in amazement. All they could do was stare, and then grew excited by the sight.
Yuzuriha had a small frown on her face, Nikki looking wistful behind her. "I thought...I'd never see fireworks again," A few tears appeared in her eyes.
"They're called fireworks," Gen explained, earning Soyuz's attention. He and Ryusui continued looking up towards the sky. "They were a symbol of hope in our era. And prayer. We used to shoot them off to chase away bad spirits, as well as soothe the lost souls of our loved ones. They're something special. And Senku could've reintroduced them anywhere, but he chose here. He chose to do this...for helping Sumi regain some of her lost hope she had on being on this island."
Soyuz gasped a little, looking back up. Another firework appeared and he gave a small smile, reflecting on what Gen said. He thought of his father...and a single tear went down his cheek remembering him. Senku, Suika, and Sumi were nearby the group. The little girl was holding both of their hands looking at them in awe.
Sumi slowly stepped past Senku and Sumi while still watching the fireworks. Her eyes shook while she couldn't take her eyes off them, the light reflecting off her body. "So pretty..." She murmured as she tried not to cry. It was the same feeling she had with the Christmas tree all over again.
"You and Senku must've watched tons of these growing up, huh?" Suika smiled towards her, and neither of them answered the question. They kept their eyes towards the sky.
"Look! Here comes a big one!" As the fireworks show continued, a big smile face appeared, along with hearts and rings. Byukaya was holding cotton candy and had a cat mask, along with some bags in his hand. He pointed up to the sky with a big smile on his face. "What did I tell ya guys, huh? Not only was it big, it was a giant smiley face!"
"Yeah," Senku commented as Byukaya got him to come here. He was wearing a green kimono. "Looked about 5 hundred and 30 meters in diameter. A number four firework, then. Sodium oxalate made the yellow, and they probably used strontium nitrate to get that kind of red," He explained while holding some meat. Sumi had some cotton candy of course. Her hair was in a side ponytail, and it was in a big spiral too. She had on a red kimono and it had a dotted pattern all over it, a purple sash around her waist.
"I can't believe that's how a preschooler just described fireworks!" Byukaya looked down at him in disbelief. Sumi giggled in response, having a bite of her cotton candy. Her driver was behind the crowd, passing himself off as a man watching the firework show. Lillian obviously couldn't show up with her, but she understood why. She'd be bombarded with people, and then their secret might've been discovered. She was at a concert in America, anyway.
"Well, that's Sen, alright!" She smiled happily towards him.
"You wouldn't be able to repeat anything I just said," Senku smirked towards her.
"Not true! So mean!" She pouted at him and he chuckled.
"Oh yeah?" Senku glanced between the two. "Well, you are still young, and yet a grown-up is acting giddier than a kid. Plus if I'm so mean, I wouldn't have even invited you out here." Both her and Byukaya recoiled back in shock. "You're making way more of a fuss than I am, the both of you."
Sumi let out a long sigh, closing her eyes. "I can't even respond to that..." Byukaya hid his cotton candy and then giggled sheepishly.
"I've always had a real appreciation for fireworks, so that makes Sumi and I kindred spirits!" He picked the girl up and put her onto his shoulders, earning a laugh. Her driver looked up ahead with a small smile, glad that she was having fun with people she could trust. "Of course they're a beautiful sight to see, but a lot of prep went into creating them!" Senku turned to the sky blankly. "Craftspeople gave it all they had!" Byukaya then held out his hand to the sparkling sight in front of them. "And for a fleeting moment, their work dazzles everyone from above!" After a continuous burst of fireworks, there were then sparklers, aweing the crowd. Sumi opened her mouth in awe. "The science of gunpowder lives on in the hearts of many, and gives hope for the future. Fireworks are proof of that, which is real beauty."
Senku gave a small smile from the memory, everyone continuing to watch the fireworks show. He walked up to Sumi, placing a hand on her shoulder. She glanced towards him and Suika, the little girl taking her hand again. He hummed and she gave a happy look as they didn't need to say anything. All three looked back up towards the sky together, the fireworks getting bigger in front of them.
It was now dawn as the area was clear of people. Senku and Sumi looked up to a tree in front of them in silence. It was the same one where the Soyuz spaceship was held. A pair of sandaled feet walked up to them from behind. Sumi didn't even need to smell who it was to know. "What brings you here?" Senku wondered without turning around.
"Just an early morning stroll," Kohaku came to a stop between the two of them. "You know, the same reason as you two. Unless I'm interrupting something?" She gave them a teasing smile.
"Not this again," Sumi groaned a bit. "You know, I thought the rumors would die down after that stupid phone message, but if Gen's around to hear that, it's all I'll hear for the next week..."
Kohaku gave a small amused giggle at her before they turned back to the tree. It was silence for a couple of seconds. "Thousands of years ago, Byakuya and his fellow astronauts came down from outer space, and into a new, empty world. Where they started over, at the very spot we're standing. They've long since gone. Nothing's left of them, aside from a few shards of stone."
Sumi's eyes saddened from his words, as she knew deep down, he missed Byukaya as much as Soyuz missed his own father...and she was right there with them regarding her own mother. She never got to see just how happy Sumi was to learn that she was Lillian's daughter...it would've made her so glad. But life just didn't work that way...
Kohaku laughed while running and climbing up the tree. "That isn't true!" She then landed in front of the treasure box. She gave a sad smile while looking at it. "Every person alive is doomed to die. Someday, we'll all return to dust." The two didn't acknowledge this. "But our hopes and dreams are passed down, and refined..." The sun started to rise nearby. "That ties us to the future even in death," She walked up to look down at the duo. "Didn't humanity call that whole process science? You two taught me, so you should know. Am I right?"
Senku let out a small chuckle at her question as Sumi gave a small smile. "Ten billion points," He looked towards the sun. "We'll fly farther than they ever did, all the way to the moon, and become astronauts ourselves." Sumi looked towards the sky happily as she knew that Senku would soon achieve his dream, and she'd be right there with him.
"My mom bought that seat since she knew I couldn't go. She wanted to tell me what it was like...if she had made it back home..." She gave a wistful look. Lillian masked it with recording a song in space, but really...Sumi was the inspiration of going in the first place.
Kohaku landed on a tree branch. "You said nothing's left of your father's team. But there is. They left the whole world for us to inherit," She gave a small smile as her hair blew in the wind. Sumi's hair also flew as she thought of another memory of her mother that she recalled after last night.
After getting home from the fireworks show, Sumi was escorted back to the mansion. She sighed a bit as she wished she could have Lillian meet Senku and Byukaya. Sure, she had told her guardian about them, but she wanted all of them together there...Sumi then shrugged it off as she was sure she'd get used to this secret home life of hers. She was about to head inside to head for bed with a loud sound caught her ears. She blinked as she had no idea where it was coming from, looking around. She then heard a pop, looking up to see a single firework right above the roof.
Sumi stared at it for a few seconds and then realized it was coming from the backyard. She ran through the house and opened up the back door to the pool. Lillian was standing in the patch of grass, lighting up fireworks. Sumi gasped in shock to see her, unable to move or process what was happening. The woman looked up at the little girl with a small smile.
"Well, don't make me enjoy these by myself, sweetie!"
Sumi's eyes shined as she shed a few happy tears, running over with a happy laugh as more fireworks were shot into the air. She hugged Lillian's legs, the woman patting her on the head fondly. Sumi then turned around to the fireworks, waving her hands happily at the sight. "So sparkly!"
Her agent was pretty mad she cut her concert short for this, but she made a promise to Rika to make Sumi happy. Lillian smiled at the little girl jumping up and down from getting her own fireworks show at home; if only Rika could see her now...
"You and Lillian were really close, huh?" Kohaku murmured a bit fondly while still looking towards the sun.
"Yeah...she gave me life again, honestly. If it wasn't for her, I probably wouldn't be standing here right now..." Sumi murmured quietly while her hands were on her skirt in front of her.
"I wouldn't worry about pointless theories or any fate crap," Senku dug his pinky into his ear.
"Always the same, even around your lover..." Kohaku remarked with a small knowing sigh.
"You know..." Sumi let out a small sniff looking towards the sun. "I can't even describe how much of a difference it was living with her. It's like with her, all I felt was love and happiness, when before that, it was like I kept getting hit by a car..." She tried to keep it in as her voice broke, Senku and Kohaku staying silent. The blonde closed her eyes, gritting her teeth as she wanted to hurt Sumi's father so much for leaving her with memories like that. Senku also had his eyes closed, his teeth clenched. "And I kept trying to understand for so long why did I have to hide? What did I do so wrong, that I deserved to be a punching bag from someone who is never supposed to hurt me?" She covered her mouth with her hand, her tears pooling from her eyes. It was still tense silence in the air as they just let her speak, so she could get it out of her system after thousands of years. "And it hurt so damn much every single day of my life, it felt like it was on repeat over and over and over," She said that sentence with so much hate that she couldn't express as a kid because above all else...she was just trying to make sure she stayed alive. "I. Had. No life for months because of him, and I can't even tell that to his face..." She let out a shaky breath, looking away. Senku and Kohaku took a few moments to let her words sink in.
"He doesn't deserve it," Senku spoke after what felt like a while. "Because I'd rather not have you learn if he's even still out there. This is honestly...one of the few people I can't say I'd be a fan of reviving," He clenched a fist. He did want to revive every single last person...but people like Ibara or her father he just couldn't be able to stomach. Both of them left scars on someone he cared for, and he couldn't forgive them for that.
She wiped her eyes with her hand shakily, sniffing with a weak smile. "My mom may be gone, but I have things to remember her by. I still have her song...and now this whole island that she used to be on all those years ago..."
"Yeah...and you too." Sumi blinked while looking up at Senku. "After all, if your mom hadn't moved to Japan so she'd be closer to our school...I wouldn't have you as a partner today. That's the only gift I need."
She shed a happy tear, sniffling. "You're gonna make me start bawling again, Senku...!"
Kohaku hummed as Senku gave a blank look, but patted Sumi on the head. The blonde then jumped off the branch again, heading towards the duo. "This place...really lived up to the name Treasure Island!"
And so, the next day was their departure of Treasure Island. The two factions faced each other as the Kingdom of Science were looking down at the islanders. Soyuz gave a happy smile and looked up at Sumi. "Thank you...for being the starting line of discovering who I was."
She returned the smile and didn't say anything back. Senku gave a small smirk knowingly.
"Hey, Sumi!" Yuzuriha called out to her, getting the woman's attention. "I came up with an idea while we were helping the islanders. Since you're still wearing that bulky ribbon...why don't we give you something new to wear?"
"Uh?" Sumi blinked in utter shock and then waved it off. "Ahh, I'm really okay. Besides, if I wear anything too fancy, I wouldn't want it to get damaged with my exp-"
"Don't worry about that!" Yuzuriha grabbed her hand and dragged her away. "Come on!" Sumi yelped and then had a sheepish expression on her face. She had a small feeling this was to get a reaction out of Senku. "Don't leave without us, guys, we won't take long!"
A few of them blinked, a bit baffled to say the least.
Minutes had gone by as Senku sighed in annoyance while picking at his ear. "Are we able to set sail now? Can't believe we put this on hold just for an outfit change," Senku deadpanned since everyone wanted to see the outfit too. Though he already knew their intentions, so he didn't see the point...
"Alright, we're ready! Sorry about the wait," Yuzuriha smiled while stepping onto the deck first. Sumi then stepped out behind her, the male villagers giving a sound of shock. Senku's eyes slowly widened as she now had a purple vine-like head accessory that had a portion of her hair in a pair of tails resting on the sides. It also had two violet flowers, one for both sides of her head. She now had a scalloped cream dress with a petticoat, with purple lining but it wasn't too big. She also had her old pink ribbon tied around her waist now, the bow at the back. And of course, she still had the formula lined up at the left side.
"Thanks, Yuzuriha. I can always count the best craftswoman I know," Sumi smiled while doing a small twirl.
"You look so pretty!" Suika waved her hands as Kohaku gave a small laugh.
"Well, it certainly makes a statement."
"...That's all? Sheesh, you made it such a big deal," Senku deadpanned, earning surprised huhs from everyone.
"Nothing ever gets to you when it comes to her, does it?" Gen gave him a blank look. Sumi gave a small giggle in response, since she already knew from Senku that he could care less about it. That was one thing she loved, is that he never sugarcoated anything unless it was to protect her feelings.
That's my Sen, alright.
As the ship left, Ginro waved his hands, surrounded by Kirisame and Matsukaze. "Buh-bye!"
Senku chuckled into the speaker for the phone. Sumi smiled happily with her hands behind her back. "Please bear in mind it's not a permanent goodbye. We've got the power of radio. So save your tears." Soyuz was crying though, along with Amaryllis as the islanders hollered to them while waving. "Even if we end up ridiculously far apart, those waves of science will keep us connected. After all...this island is the Kingdom of Science's powerful ally." It wasn't just because they were allies of the Kingdom of Science now...it was because of the six astronauts that started it all.
Sumi blinked as he had said just this morning he didn't believe in fate. She then smiled with a small giggle, knowing that he believed in it a little. "Well, we do have our separate missions as our own factions. So I'm sure that we'll see them all again someday. Although it is a little sad given that we've now established them as a small scientific community..."
Soyuz dropped his hand, tears streaming down his face. The Perseus was now out of sight. "Goodbye...for now..."
"Let's recap," Senku spoke up to people in the control room. He and Sumi stood side by side. "Since we secured the platinum from Treasure Island, we can make revival fluid by the boatload. Our next step is to gather more allies and assets," He started off.
"Building a modern day rocket in the stone world isn't gonna be easy, obviously," Sumi held up a finger. "But I'm sure we'll make it work if we all try hard enough and prioritize the steps one by one. If we can group together tasks or resources in one go, that'd be a big help!"
"Ha-ha!" Ryusui grinned gleefully while clenching a fist. "Amaze me, Kingdom of Science! I want a luxury moon tour rocket! Build a ship that can sail to the stars!"
"Oh-ho-ho-ho!" Kaseki waved around a model ship above his head in excitement. "I've built many a vessel over the years, as you know, but I can't even imagine what this one is gonna turn out like! Will it be a whopper or small but mighty?"
"Is it like the hot air balloon, maybe?" Chrome couldn't help but wonder.
"Well, in terms of size, yes," Ukyo spoke up near the radar. "Byakuya and his crew rode in Soyuz capsules, which seated three."
"So only a few will be going," Kohaku turned to him. "But the question is, who?"
"Goes without saying that we'll need a pilot," Senku smirked towards the two.
"That's me!" Ryusui popped up with a big grin, earning a small chuckle from Sumi.
"Well, yes, but not just a pilot. We can't send just anyone. When the Soyuz was sent out into space before the world was petrified, they made it essential to pick the right candidates based on skill and experience. Well, maybe except my mom, who had just influence and popularity..." Sumi scratched her cheek sheepishly.
"Yup," Senku smirked while giving her a peck on the forehead. She blushed in embarrassment as a few others either smiled or giggled at the two. "And we may as well stay grounded without a scientist. Whoever is most apt come launch day will receive that esteemed honor."
Suika popped up staring at him. Which'll be either Senku or Sumi.
Yo then popped up with a small smirk. Senku for sure.
Nikki then joined the two. I'm placing my bets on Sumi...have they even talked about this?
"How very you," Gen gave the green-haired scientist a knowing smile. "Not outright declaring yourself the prime choice because goodness knows why."
"We'll also need a fighting force, ready to leap into action," Ukyo smirked, tipping his hat. "I'd rather not think about what combat on the moon is like, but Why-Man is one massive enigma, so..."
Magma laughed while punching his fists, surrounded by Kirisame and Matsukaze. "Sounds like those seats will belong to whoever proves the strongest. Makes it super simple then! We'll choose by holding an official Grand Bout!"
"Who said you were leader to make decisions like that?" Sumi deadpanned towards him in a bit of annoyance. "Anyway, no, we don't have that kind of time. Not when Why-Man tried to harm us and could easily do another attempt by the time it's done."
"Tourneys are fun, but nah," Senku turned to him as well and he dropped his fists in confusion. "Just a big waste of our time. You'd think Violet would be the easiest pick, but we already know who the strongest guy around is."
"Yup. Even stronger than me," Sumi chuckled a bit, crossing her arms. "Even without him, I wouldn't call myself the strongest."
"What'd I say about that?" Senku closed his eyes knowingly and she rubbed her neck apologetically.
Mirai was climbing up to the cliff near the waterfall. She panted while wearing a basket. She then looked up in confusion and gasped as she saw the Perseus heading their way. She laughed breathlessly as she ran up. "They're back!" She giggled while running off to alert the others. Once they all gathered, they cheered and waved in excitement.
"Hey, welcome home!" Mirai called out to them.
Ginro chuckled confidently, crossing his arms. "Dear, sweet Ruri! Check it out!" He stood at the top of the ship, arms crossed. "I don't mean to brag, but we adventurers ventured and come bearing treasures!"
Magma and Gen popped up from the side. The former groaned at this. "Wanna explain why a pipsqueak like Ginro is suddenly acting like he's chief of the village?"
"I assume it's because by sheer dumb luck, he's got the mighty Matsukaze as his right hand man. But so it goes..." Gen piped up next.
Everyone started to walk off the ship, Minami holding Chalk. She blinked as she noticed something, Sagara next to her feet. "Hang on. The cracks on their faces are gone! Yeah?"
"Yes, all gone!" Ruri blinked as she noticed it too. "Which can only mean..."
"You guessed it!" Chrome ran up to her, Mirai, and Minami. He then held up the Medusa. "Got the device and unlimited revival fluid! By petrifying and reviving ourselves, we can heal the baddest of wounds now without stressing out Sumi! Together they're the Dr. Stone set!"
Ruri gasped while examining it, Minami walking over to get a look for herself. "Well, that's science, a powerful force to be reckoned with," Ruri spoke up with a small smile. "The terrifying power that turned everyone to stone thousands of years ago is now ours to control. And we're using that power for good!"
Mirai gasped in realization and her eyes shook with hope. "So, finally...we can...help him!" She murmured happily as Chalk licked at Minami's face.
Senku chuckled as he and Sumi walked up from behind. "That's right, Mirai," She smiled with a hand on her hip. "With this set in our hands, it's finally possible. Been a few months, but there's no reason why it shouldn't work."
"Yeah," Senku agreed with his lover, holding her hand. "Let's wake him from that cold sleep and let him thaw. We're gonna need the strongest primate high schooler..."
Tsukasa was still frozen in the fridge, his eyes closed as frost was all over his body.
"Shishio Tsukasa!" He and Sumi announced in unison.