"I feel like just by watching these with you all is bringing us closer together." Hanako cheerily says.
"Okay, again with the way you speak. Can you not do that?" Saki asks.
"What way?" Hanako questions.
"Nevermind."
The episode begins with a shot of an unassuming building in Abydos. An old style telephone rings, to which a white gloved hand answers.
Aru: Hello. Problem Solver 68. Rikuhachima speaking.
"Seems we'll be getting some insight on this new group." Ayane says.
Lucky you. I gotta jump through a bunch of cyber security to do that." Moe says.
There is silence as Aru is presumably listening to the caller.
Aru: Yes, of coarse. We speclize in intelligence as well as muscle for conflict. We'll do the crime if you got the dime.
On the wall is a board that simply says "An Evil a Day."
"Huh? Do I see that right?" Koharu questions. Maybe her seniors might be right about this specific group of Gehenna students.
"The whole "An evil a day" thing, yeah." Momoi confirms. You can't make that stuff up.
"Unless you are them." Midori amends.
"See? Villains." Arisu declares.
Aru: Very well. Understood.
The other three members of Problem Solver ready their weapons.
Aru: Problem Solver 68 is on the job.
It then cuts to Shiroko sitting in front of a tank part, which rests on the FTF table.
Shiroko: Ayane, what is this?
Ayane: I found this yesterday inside one of the Kata-Kata Helmet Gang's armoured vehicles.
We see a flashback of the fight from last episode.
Ayane: According to my investigation, these shells are supposed to be totally prohibited.
"Illegal weapons, why am I not surprised." Ayane sighs.
"Illegal? Why? Those rounds they were firing off that last episode were pitiful." Moe states.
Nonomi: How did the Helmet Gang even get this kind of stuff?
Serika: The Black Market, maybe?
"Black Market?" Saki questions.
"I'm surprised you don't know about it." Ayane says. "The Black Market is basically like a small district that borders just outside Abydos. It is were most illicit activity in the entirty of Kivotos originates."
"And the GSC just lets all this go down?!" Saki questions.
"Not willingly. I hear it has enough influance to keep the GSC out of their area." Hifumi chimes in.
"Pathetic. SRT has the authority to bypass all that crap. Just bring us back and send us in. Problem Solved." Saki states.
"I think it would be more complicated then that." Miyako says.
Ayane: Could be. But wouldn't that be difficult to find, let alone afford?
Hoshino: Sounds like they've got themselves a backer.
"That explains why they keep coming back to take the school after we beat them, multiple times." Serika says
Sensei: By investigating how these parts were distributed, we could pin down who's helping the Helmet Gang.
Ayane: Right. Plus, we might figure out the reason they've been targeting our school over and over again. So everyone, lets start our morning meeting. Sensei will also be joining us today so please be serious for once.
"But we're always serious?" Shiroko questions.
"Really? Could have fooled me." Ayane says, unusually harsh.
"W-What do you mean by t-" Miyu is stopped by Moe.
"I'm sure we'll see it first hand." Moe smiles.
Serika: What? You make it sound as if we're never serious!
"Don't even." Serika demands to Nonomi, knowing she make a joke about repeating herself or something.
Nonomi chuckles at this.
Hoshino: Welcome to Abydos, Sensei.
She waves.
Sensei: Thanks.
Ayane: Are there any suggestions on what the Foreclosure Task Force should do for our next move?
Serika sticks her hand up.
Serika: Me, me!
Ayane: First year Kuromi Serika has the floor.
Serika springs out of her seat.
Serika: As the Foreclosure Task Force's accountant, let me remind you all that our school is on the brink of bankruptcy. Just catching criminals, or taking on part time jobs won't nearly be enough.
As Serika talks, we see flashes of the Task Force taking down a robot and Serika working at no the ramen shop.
Serika: So I say lets go for the jackpot!
"Your solution is to try your hand at the lottery?" Midori questions.
"I was gonna say gambling." Moe adds.
"Those are basically the same." Koharu says.
Sensei: And the jackpot is...
Serika: This right here!
Serika all dramatically takes out a poster for Germanium Bracelets.
Ayane: Overruled.
"What! You didn't let me explain!" Serika exclaims.
"The fact that she would need to is very telling." Saki says.
"Whats that supposed to mean?!" Serika demands. "The poster says germanium gives a big boost to luck to whoever's wearing it. Its been proven!"
"Arisu thinks its doubtable that the item will give a boost to luck." Arisu says.
"So the plan WAS to gamble with the increased luck." Hanako prods.
"NO GAMBLING!" Serika exclaims.
Sensei: Serika, thats a pyramid scheme.
Shiroko: It'll never work.
Serika cries out in panic and embaressment. She flops down onto her chair and drops the poster. She brings her shaking hand up.
Serika: N-No way... I already bought two of them.
We see two of then on her wrist.
Nonomi: Serika's a little gullible. It's so cute!
"Uh yeah, I don't see how you would think just any little trinket would boost your luck." Hifumi honestly states.
"Maybe do some research next time." Miyako advises.
Ayane: So, anyone else?
Hoshino: Here here!
Hoshino raises her arm.
Ayane: All right. Third year Takanashi Hoshino speaking. Please please be serious.
Hoshino stands.
Hoshino: Our schools biggest problem... is that we only have five of us here.
Nonomi: Hm.
Hoshino: A schools strength lies in its student body. Therfore... we need more students.
Sensei claps.
Ayane: Wise words, but whats your plan?
Hoshino: Easy, Peasy. We Hijack buses from other schools.
"Did I-"
"Yes, you heard it right..." Hifumi interrupts Koharu.
Ayane and Sensei jump up in shock and surprise.
Ayane: What?!
Sensei: Stealing school buses?!
Hoshino: We threaten the passangers to sign transfers if they want to get off the bus.
It shows the Abydo's students holding up the passengers of a bus. There only disquise is sunglasses. One student walks up to Hoshino and signs the papers before sulking away, Hoshino laughing like a villain all the while.
Hoshino: Then watch as put enrollment numbers skyrocket!
"Solid plan on the surface, but there is one big problem." Azusa states. "The passengers may have a loyalty issue."
"R-Really? Thats the flaw you see in this plan?" Serika disbelieveingly states.
"Oh? What am I missing?" Azusa geniunly asks.
"Oh I dunno, that its just WRONG!" Serika exclaims.
Flashback to reality where Ayane looks perturbed.
Shiroko: Sounds like a solid plan. Who's our target? Trinity? or Gehenna? Millennium?
"Woah, this is acceptable to you?!" Koharu exclaims.
"Nn. It is an acceptable plan." Shiroko says.
"No, its not." Ayane seeths. Also slightly embaressed that this type of thing is on full display for the other schools to see.
Ayane starts to look angrier, the light reflecting off her glasses masking her eyes.
Ayane: Overruled! Take this more seriously!
She points to Shiroko.
Ayane: Will the students really sign the transfers under duress?
She switches to Hoshino.
Ayane: Not to mention how the other schools student councils would respond.
"She's right. C and C would be right after all your asses!" Momoi exclaims.
"Yeah, so would the Justice Task Force if you came after Trinity!" Koharu feels the need to add.
Hoshino sheepishly scratches her cheek.
Hoshino: Yeah, you're right.
Ayane sighs.
Ayane: Please remember to think before you speak, everyone.
Shiroko: Hey, Ayane. I have an idea.
Ayane doesn't look too hopeful.
Ayane: Speak, second year Sunaookami Shiroko.
Shiroko aims her rifle.
Shiroko: Lets rob a bank.
"Do we have to come over to Abydos and arrest you all?" Saki questions to the Abydos students.
"I do have to agree that this is concerning behaviour." Miyako agrees.
"We don't commit any crimes. We have never and WILL never commit any crimes." Ayane assures. "Right you two?"
"Heh heh, right." Hoshino lazily replies.
"Nn. Fine." Shiroko pouts.
Ayane: WHAT?!
Sensei: N-Not another crime!
Shiroko: It's the surest method.
The screen shows the Abydos first central bank
Shiroko: Our target is the First Central Bank downtown.
It then shows a vault, then guards doing their rounds followed by a van driving down the street.
Shiroko: I've already scouted the location of the vault, the guards' patrols, and the route of the cash trucks.
Shiroko watches this all from her laptop. And of coarse...
"To be fair to her, its nice to she she's got a plan." Moe says.
"Mm. It would be an effective strategy to remove the debt were it not prohibited." Azusa states.
Shiroko dispenses multi coloured ski masks. Each with a number on the forehead. Hoshino and Nonomi pick theirs up.
Hoshino: Oh my! Did you make these yourself Shiroko?
Nonomi: We'll look just like masked wrestlers.
Sensei: You really thought this through, Shiroko.
"Our Shiroko is nothing if not dedicated!" Nonomi declares.
"O-On the bright side s-she does s-something thats w-wholesome and not a c-crime?" Yuzu nervously suggests.
Ayane looks like she can't even. Shiroko nods at Sensei's words. Hoshino inspects her mask. The pink one with a number 1 on it.
Hoshino: This looks great! Life's all about shooting your shot! Right Serika?
"Heres to that!" Moe agrees.
"Hell yeah!" Also Momoi.
"Aren't these types of things what make life worth living." Hanako also agrees.
"I mean, yeah I can see what you mean, but you'll do all that within limits right?" Hifumi asks. Hanako just shoots her a sweet smile. "Right?"
Serika, who was lying face down on the table since her own rejection, bolts upright.
Serika: Are you kidding me!?
Ayane: She's right. Overruled. Absolutely no crimes!
Shiroko pouts.
Ayane: You know that sort of thing is wrong, so stop sulking.
"Oh holy shit, she was serious." Momoi gawks.
"Our little Shiroko is always serious." Hoshino replies.
Ayane: Everyone, please suggest ideas we can actually do.
Nonomi: Hey! Its my turn!
Ayane: Go, second year Izayoi Nonomi. No more crimes or scams please.
Nonomi stands.
Nonomi: Of coarse! Its neither a crime, nor a scam, but legal, wholesome, and helpful.
Ayane: Nonomi!
Ayane looks really hopeful.
Nonomi: How about we become... idols! High school idols!
"I guess thats... a viable option?" Midori cringes.
"Oh like Peroro does! It would be so cool to perform with him on stage!" Hifumi gushes.
"Ah, idol seems like it would be a cool class for Arisu to try." Arisu agrees.
Ayane's hopes die within the space of a second.
"Oof. All thats gotta be rough on her." Momoi comments on Ayane's state.
"I can't... even..." Ayane sighs.
Sensei: Idols?
Nonomi: That right! Being idols is a sure fire way to revive the school.
We all see Nonomi's mental image of how this goes down. The Abydos students are in cute outfits as they wave to their fans.
"See, don't we all look great!" Nonomi exclaims. "Seeing this, I'm sure this is the right choice."
"Perhaps. Not that I don't like the outfits, but maybe they can show off more." Hanako suggests.
"Hey, what do you mean by show off more! No lewdness aloud on the stage! Or anywhere." Koharu affirms.
Nonomi: Once we make our big debut-
Ayane: Overruled!
"You sure shut that down faster than the crimes and scam." Miyako comments.
"I'm done." Ayane seethes in place.
"There there, Ayane. It hasn't happened yet." Serika assures her.
"Doesn't make it any less embarrassing to have it shown off to all these other students." Ayane says. "And that this is considered the scope of our options."
Nonomi: Why not? I already came up with our ending pose.
Nonomi places her hands over her eyes in a binocular like fashion but upside down.
"Is that supposed to be cool? Cute?" Momoi asks. "Cause it kind of comes off as just goofy."
"It can be both cool and cute, right?" Nonomi looks around the theatre to find no one agreeing with her.
Ayane: Did any of you actually think about this?
Nonomi looks down in disappointment.
Ayane: Keep this up, and you can forget about this meeting!
Hoshino: Hold on, Ayane. How about we let Sensei chip in?
Sensei: Huh? Me?
Hoshino: Yeah, Sensei. Which of today's ideas did you like?
"Don't drag Sensei into this, Hoshino." Ayane demands if her senior.
"I think anythings worth a try." Hoshino defends herself.
Sensei: W-Which one?
Shiroko: Naturally, the bank robbery.
Hoshino: No, it was the bus hijacking.
Nonomi: Idols please!
"None!" Ayane yells.
"I dunno. A big heist could work." Momoi voices her opinion much to Shiroko's delight.
"I think Nonomi might be on to something with the idols gig." Hanako voices her opinion. "Just a few tweaks here and there and its the perfect plan." Seeing the two throw their votes in, the rest of the audisnce decide to play the game as well.
"I like Nonomi's idea of the idols." Hifumi pitches in.
"The bank robbery is the most subtle of the suggestions. Plus, if it is pulled off, the money is guaranteed." Azusa says.
"I don't like any of those ideals. Two are illegal and the other is a breeding ground for inappropriate things." Koharu obstinately answers.
"Difficult decision, but Arisu would like to try being an idol." Arisu answers.
"Oh, but hijacking a bus and holding up a bunch students would be so much fun." Moe says.
"No, bank robbery would be the better option." Midori says. "Its the option thats not so out in the open."
"Morals and legalitise aside, I suppose hijacking a bus could be good training." Miyako says.
"Are you serious, Miyako?" Saki questions.
"No, but you know. Thats how it is with hypotheticals." Miyako answers. "Which option would you go with?"
"How about none." Saki replies.
"Killjoy." Moe says.
Luckily for them, everyone forgot to ask Yuzu and Miyu, which was fine by them.
Sensei: -M-Maybe the idols...
"We have a winner!" Nonomi exclaims. Shiroko pouts at Sensei not picking hers.
Ayane: You all...
Everyone seems shocked at Ayane's tone of voice.
Ayane: Enough is... enough!
FTF: We made Ayane mad...
"Soemthinh tells me this sort of thing is a common occurance." Miyako says.
"Unfortunately." Ayane sighs as she massages her head.
As that last line is said, the screen shows a ship out at sea which suddenly explodes. A smaller boat quickly flees the site. We see Mutsuki is driving.
"Back with these Problem Solver people, huh?" Midori states.
"If thats what they do regularly, I'm gonna like watching them." Moe eyes the exploded and on fire boat.
A pet carrier is placed in front of the camera, blocking the view of her. Haruka sits.
Mutsuki: Target aquired. Aru, did we really have to go so far over a simple retrieval job?
"As long as the mission is completed in perferable standards, any length is acceptable." Azusa says.
"Though it does seem like a bit much just to retrive someones pet." Hifumi says. "At least, thats what I assume is going on."
Aru: Call me Boss when we're working, Chief Mutsuki. Sometimes you have to crack eggs to make an omelette. Don't fret over every minor detail. Thats what real outlaws do.
"Sounds like she's aiming to make the mother of all omelettes." Momoi quips.
"You video game references are not subtle." Midori tells her sister.
As Aru talks, Kayoko inspects the carrier. Mutsuki grins.
Mutsuki: Aru's being a weirdo again.
Kayoko: Uh, boss...
Aru: Wh-Whats wrong, Department Head Kayoko?
Kayoko: The client wanted the target brought back unharmed, right?
Aru: Of coarse. Is there a problem?
Kayoko moves the carrier to face Aru. Aru then perrs down into it. Inside is a bedrangled cat which definitly doesn't look unharmed. Aru recoils at the sight.
"A shame. Although its not my specialty, safe transport of the objective would be paramount on this mission." Azusa says. "I would like to have thought I would do better in such a situation."
"We are trained on retrival, so yeah, we SRT students would do better." Miyako adds in the two cents for her team.
"Oh no! Poor kitty." Arisu coos in worry.
Haruka: Boss, are we...
Mutsuki: No pay for us.
Kayoko sighs.
Aru: Wh-Wh-What?! What did you say?!
Cut back to a very pissed off Ayane at Shibi Seki Ramen.
Hoshino: We said we're sorry, Ayane. The ramen's on us, so don't be angry.
Ayane: I'm not angry.
"Very convincing." Momoi says, which ears her a glare from the elf girl, causeing her to flinch.
"You were kinda asking for that one." Midori whispers to her sister.
Shes clearly still upset as she turns to Nonomi.
Nonomi: Let me get that for you.
She wipes some food off Ayanes mouth to then have her turn away.
Ayane: Don't treat me like a child.
Serika: Have some more, Ayane.
Ayane: Fine.
Serika hears the door open and turns to it.
Serika: Welcome!
Haruka peeks in.
"So, this is where they come into play." Shiroko comments
Serika: How many in your group?
Haruka: Pardon. What is the cheapest item on your menu?
Serika: That'd be our Shiba Seki Ramen at 580 yen. Its our delicious house special.
Haruka: Thank you!
She closes the door and begins talking to the rest of Problem Solver unseen. Much to the confusion of everyone there.
"Another shy one." Miyako comments.
"Poor thing. I hooe she gets more comfortable." Nonomi coos.
Haruka: Aru, the special here costs 580 yen.
Mutsuki: Finally, some food under 600 yen.
Aru: See, everything worked out fine. Just as planned.
"Wow, the previous job must have been hell on their finances." Serika says. "They proabbly don't have anyone who's good at managing money."
The FTF can hear the whole conversation through the wall. The door opens again.
Serika: Welcome! Table for four? Right this way.
Mutsuki: Oh, no. We're only ordering one bowl, so take out is fine.
Serika: But you're already here. Please have a seat and eat. We have plenty of room.
Mutsuki: What friendly staff. You know, what? Why not. Oh waiter, four pairs of chopsticks, please.
"This girl on the other hand, polar opposite." Hanako says.
"To think she just... inadvertantly told their situation to the whole store." Yuzu nots how loud Mutsuki was, her mind spinning at the thought of just doing what she did.
Serika: Eh, wait a minute... Are you four sharing a single bowl?
Haruka: S-Sorry!
Haruka bows to Serika.
Haruka: We're all flat broke.
Aru looks aprehensive after Haruka reveals thier financial state.
Serika: Its okay, you don't have to apologize.
Haruka: You don't understand. No money means no life. We don't deserve to live. We are less than insects. Sorry for being penniless insects.
"Woah, kids got a lot of energy." Hoshino comments.
"Shy? This is just extreme in some weird way." Serika says.
"Oh, she should be so self depricating." Hifumi says.
Kayoko: Haruka, people are stareing.
Serika: What are you saying? Being broke is not a sin. Right Master?
Master Shiba: Sure thing. Money comes and goes. You girls are students, right?
"Money comes and goes... but the most importwnt thing will always be the people in this room." Momoi says. Midori and Yuzu shoot their clubmate a look. "Sorry. Couldn't resist the quote."
Aru: Y-Yes.
Master Shiba: But you pooled your money, just to have my ramen. That warms my heart. I'll get cooking.
Serika: Please, take a seat while you wait.
Haruka: Y-Yes.
Serika leaves them to assist elsewhere.
Kayoko: I think they're overdoing it a bit.
Mutsuki: Yeah, we're not always this broke, right? It's only because Aru is terrible with money.
"Figured." Serika says.
"I would hope in a group like this, at lesst one of them could look after their money" Ayad. Says
Kayoko: We didn't make a dime from our last gig. Then we had to drain our savings hiring muscle for the next one.
Aru chuckles.
Aru: And yet here we are about to enjoy delicious ramen, right? Just as planned.
"I'm gonna make a guess here and say this Aru person is gonna be trying so hard to put in a tough act, but she's really an idiot underneath." Momoi says.
"Um, I don't think its nice to call people you've never met idiots." Hifumi says to the Millennium student.
"Well, whatever. You know what I mean."
Kayoko: But boss... is our next target strong enough that we need that many people?
Aru: Thats...
Mutsuki: I'm convinced Aru doesn't even know herself. So she hired a whole squadron out of fear.
"Better safe than sorry." Shiroko agrees.
"There is no such thing as overkill. As long as thw mission is completed." Azusa agrees.
"I'll have to disagree with you both on that. Managing resources is important." Saki mutters, to which her clubmates nod in agreement.
Aru slams her hands on the table.
Aru: Who says I'm scared? Failure is not an option. Expect the unexpected! You all know that's Problem Solver 68's motto.
"I suppose thats fair." Saki relents. "But the overkill still isn't the way to go."
Kayoko: I don't remember us haveing that motto.
Mutsuki: Thats because she just came up with it.
Aru: Shut up!
Serika returns.
Serika: Thank you for waiting.
She gives the group a ludicrously large bowl.
"Wow. Isn't that huge!" Hanako exclaims. Koharu squirms in her seat.
Aru: Wh-What is this?
Mutsuki: What a huge bowl!
Kayoko: Looks like enough for 10 people.
Haruka: Is this the right order? We can't afford something like this.
Serika: Nope, this is all yours. A Shibi Seki Ramen for 580 yen. Right, Master?
Master Shiba: I measured out the ingredients wrong... so you girls can eat the extras.
PS68 seems ecstatic about this.
Aru: I didn't expect this... but if he worked so hard, we can't waste it can we?
Mutsuki: Lets eat, Aru!
Aru: Of coarse!
PS68: Thank you for the food!
The four slowly try the ramen. Aru's eyes light up.
"He he. Looks like you'll be having new regulars Serika." Hoshino says.
"Thats good. They get some good ramen and we get more money that we can use to keep the shop ooen and help the school. Win win for everyone." Serika smiles.
Mutsuki: So good!
Master Shiba smiles at this. By this point, the rest if Abydos walks over.
Nonomi: Isn't it? The ramen here's the best.
Aru: It really is. I've eaten at a lot of different restaurants. But ramen this delicious is a rarity.
"Wow. They must travel a lot." Hifumi says.
"I kind of want to mee them now." Momoi says. "I'm sure they'd have a lot of stories to tell. Stories that could be used as inspiration for our new game."
Shiroko: Is that uniform from Gehenna academy? You came a long way to eat.
Haruka: Y-Yes.
Hoshino: We're all regulars here.
Aru: Is that so? I envy you.
Mutsuki: Kayoko. Aren't they...?
Kayoko: Mmm
The two notice Nonomi's badge.
Kayoko: They're Abydos students.
"I mean... we're in Abydos so... Abydos students..." Serika says.
Aru: Its so nice to meet people that I click with. Unexpected encounters like this... are what make life interesting.
"Oh she can say that again." Hanako says. "I wish I could click together with more people."
"You want to what?!" Koharu exlcaims.
Aru holds out her hand to Shiroko.
Shiroko: Agreed.
Shiroko accepts and handshakes with Aru while Haruka is awkwardly in between them.
Mutsuki: Aru still doesn't realize it?
Kayoko: Should we tell her?
Mutsuki: No, its funnier this way.
"Uh, why would school affiliation matter?" Serika questions. Hoshino narrows her eyes in suspicion.
Cut to later in the day when the two groups are leaving the ramen shop.
Serika: Well, take care.
Nonomi: Good luck making money out there.
Aru: Same to you as well. I'll be rooting for you. See ya!
After Aru's enthusiastic send off, PS68 makes its way down the street.
Aru: Weren't they nice?
Kayoko and Mutsuki share a look.
Kayoko: Uh, boss...
Aru: Yes, Department Head Kayoko?
Kayoko: Did you get a good look at their uniforms?
Aru: Uniforms? What about them?
Mutsuki grins.
Mutsuki: They're stydents from Abydos High School.
Aru back steps in shock.
Aru: Wh-What? What did you say?!
Aru's face is the picture of comical shock. Mutsuki laughs at Aru's reaction.
Mutsuki: The look on your face.
Haruka: That means they're our next target? Should I persue them?
"Hah?! They've been hired to take us out?!" Serika exclaims.
"Seems that way." Hoshino yawns. "Well well, we'll just have to disipline these youngsters."
Shiroko nods. "If they do attack, I'll make sure they regret it."
"Oh, but maybe now that they know us they won't attack." Nonomi optimistically states.
Mutsuki: No, they're gone already. I figure we'll take them on soon enough. You can cut loose then, Haruka.
"Sorry Nonomi. Looks like thats not enough." Miyako states.
"I guess this callousness matches this whole outlaw persona they're going for." Midori comments.
Haruka: R-Right.
Aru: N-No way! I can't believe they were our next target.
"Though it seems Aru has some sympathy for us at least. Not that I'm any less upset with her for eventually coming to attack us." Ayane says.
Mutsuki: Don't sweat it. "We'll do the crime if you've got the dime." Thats our motto, right? So whats the problem?
Aru: You're right, but...
Kayoko: The Boss is a giant softy. This is gonna be a pain.
Aru gasps before shaking her head.
Aru: Now that won't do, Aru. You're the boss that charts our coarse. Lets go!
"Say what you will about her, but she sure is entertaining." Momoi says. "Maybe I should base a character off her in our next game. Would make good comic relief."
"Yeah J-Just don't tell her you're gonna do that..." Yuzu stutters.
Fade back to Abydos the next day. The FTF and Sensei sit around in the club room.
Sensei: Eh? Is that what you all got up to yesterday?
Nonomi: Yep! We became friends with some students from Gehenna.
Serika: They were wowed by the masters ramen.
Nonomi: Right?
Sensei: The masters ramen really is the best. What were they like?
Ayane: Apparently, they run some kind of buisness-
Alarms blareing from Ayane's tablet interrupt her.
Ayane: The moniters south of the school detect an armed forve approaching.
Shiroko: Is it the helmet gang again?
Ayane: No.
Her eyes widen.
Ayane: Looks like... a mercenary company.
Aru: Are you ready?
Merc 1: Of coarse. We'll fight whoever, just no overtime. Especially at your pay.
"Maybe should have spent less on the number of thugs and put more into the pay if each thug." Miyako says.
"At least this gives us a strategy. We just have to outlast them if we can't beat them and it'll be over." Nonomi says.
"Ah, I hope it doesn't come to that. Ol- Oji-san doesn't want to miss her afternoon nap." Hoshino says.
"The people we just met are coming to attack us and all you can think about is sleeping?!" Serika questions. "I shouldn't be surprised but I'm still just disappointed."
"Ah, you'll understand when you get to my ripe old age, Serika." Hoshino waves off.
"So, two years? I hope not."
Aru: Quiet about that. Now then, lets go attack Abydos High School.
Meecs: Roger.
Nonomi then arrives to defense.
Nonomi: Weren't they at Shibi Seki Ramen?
Sensei: Nonomi?
Sensei and the rest of the FTF are with her.
Hoshino: Sensei, those are the Gehenna students we mentioned earleir.
Serika: You traitors!
"So much for elemt of surpise." Saki scoffs.
"Truely disappointing. So much damage could have ben done to their ranks before they knew what was happening." Azusa says.
"Why am I getting all that hate now? They're attacking us!" Serika defends.
Serika's shouting grabs the attention of the Gehenna students and mercs.
Serika: To think we gave you an extra large ramen! Ingrates!
Mutsuki starts laughing.
Mutsuki: Thanks a bunch yesterday. But that was then. This is now.
She hefts up her H and K MG5 Machine Gun for emphasis.
Mutsuki: You know we're broke, right?
"Thats no justification." Hifumi says.
"Yeah. Get part time jobs like the rest of us." Momoi agrees.
Kayoko: We don't mix buisness with pleasure. We were paid for this job, so we have to work.
"Hmm... this girl seems like the brains of the outfit." Miyako comments.
"She does seem to be the most logical and composed." Ayane agrees.
Aru: Indeed. Its just who we are. Problem Solver 68.
Shiroko: I see. So you hired a lot of guns.
Nonomi: You're students! You should have more wholesome part time jobs!
"So what we said." Momoi says.
"No one should be harrassing anybody for money! Or at all!" Nonomi agrees with her onscreen self.
Aru: This isn't some part time job, its a serious buisness! We even have proper titles too.
Aru gestures to herself.
Aru: I'm the boss.
Aru motions to Mutsuki.
Aru: She's the chief.
Then to Kayoko.
Aru: And this is our Department Head.
Kayoko: You're making us look silly.
"Gotta agree with goth girl. The way Aru is explaining this is if they're just playing some roleplaying game." Midori says.
"Still. Information about their chosen classes could help in fighting them." Arisu says. "You can use it to know their weaknesses."
"I-I don't think thats how it works." Koharu says. "It just sounds like they gave each other thise titles and they don't mean anything."
Haruka squirms in excitment as everyone keeps talking.
Shiroko: Who hired you?
Aru: Thats a trade secret.
Haruka looks disappointed at not being mentioned.
"Guess she doesn't have much prescense as the others." Miyako says.
"I... know what that's like.." Miyu mutters to herself.
Shiroko: Guess we'll have to make you talk.
Aru: We're just following orders. Don't take it so personally.
"And good soldiers follow orders." Momoi quips.
"Alright, thats it. One more quote from you and you're getting a wegie in front of everyone." Midori says.
"Calling them soldiers would be inaccurate. Their organization is too sloppy." Azusa takes the quip litterally.
Aru aims and fires her rifle one handed. Hoshino jumps in front of Shiroko and deflects it with her sheild.
Hoshino: Everyone, lets go.
Merc 1: Lets make this quick.
Merc 2: Sure.
All the mercenarys begin opening fire.
Mutsuki: Stop resisting and just hand over the school.
Mutsuki opens fire from her cover.
Nonomi: We'll never do that!
Nonomi returns fire. Mutsuki grins.
Mutsuki: Now, Kayoko!
Nonomi turns around to see the department head coming at her.
Kayoko: Nice, Mutsuki.
"Nonomi!" Ayane exclaims in worry.
"Hmm, deceptive little punks." Shiroko frowns.
Kayoko comes in, trying to get in some high kicks before falling back slightly and firing in Nonomi who desperatly blocks the shots with her minigun.
'While presumably not proficient in CQC, Nonomi's done well with what she has.' Miyako thinks. "You did a good job defending yourself with such a heavy weapon."
"Thanks, though I never imagined I'd use Mini-No5 for this." Nonomi says.
Serika then comes up behind Kayoko, aiming down her rifle.
Serika: Drop your weapon.
Kayoko stands with her hands up, though a ring with a pin can be seen on her finger.
'Jump back.' Hoshino's insticts were screaming at her.
Serika flinches as she notices a grenade roll toward her before going off.
Ayane: Serika!
Hoshino and Shiroko: Serika!
Serika: Don't worry. I'm fine.
Shiroko turns her attention back to the battle only to have a sniper round narrowly miss her head. Aru is shown aiming down her rifle.
Aru: I have you now.
"Must... resist..." Momoi silently grunts to herself. Midori can only sigh at this.
She fires again, to which the two duck under the round.
Hoshino: Geez.
The two scatter. Shiroko going to a position which has purple C4 planted to her right.
"Nn, this is gonna hurt." Shiroko grunts.
Haruka: C4
Haruka presses on her detonator. Shiroko tries to run but is caught and knocked back by the explosion. She lands by a similar coloured claymore mine.
Haruka: Claymore.
Shiroko can only look on in shock as the explosive goes off.
"Gotta hand it to her, this girl sure knows her stuff." Moe comments.
"Yeah. Not just the explosives, but effective placement as well." Saki also praises.
Sensei: Shiroko?!
Shiroko: I'm alright.
We see Hoshino arrived just in time to defend Shiroko with her shield.
"Man, that shield sure seems handy." Momoi comments. "It feels like its solved a lot of the problems you guys have cone across so far.
"Ehe, thanks Momoi. It is quite valuble." Hoshino says. 'In a lot more than just its functionality.' She thinks, mind on an old friend.
Hoshino: That was close.
Ayane looks relived as she watches the battle from her tablet.
Ayane: We're cornered.
Cut to a lot later in the day where the battle still rages on at the front gate, where Abydos has set up and held a choke point.
"If we've held put for this long, we really have a chance of beating them." Nonomi smiles.
"But our ammo..." Ayane cringes as how much they must have wasted from this fight.
"Ah, but you've hot some from Schale, right? That should help shouldn't it?" Hifumi questions.
"Yes, but then thats coming from Schale and hurting Sensei instead." Ayane says.
"Now, now Ayane. If Sensei's been the one to help solve the tower problem in D.U. and appointed by the GSC president herself, he's gotta have a good pay, right?" Hoshino assures her.
"That would make sense, yeah." Ayane agrees.
"Yeah. It'd be pretty stupid to have him do all that then pay him scraps of yen." Momoi says.
Mutsuki: Take this!
Mutsuki throws a grenade at the fortifications.
Shiroko: They're no pushovers.
Sensei narrows his eyes as he observes Aru through her forces.
Sensei: Even if we can match their strength, we can't match their numbers.
'In that case, take out the small fry.' Saki throught. 'Once there numbers are culled down, their strength will wane, allowing the rest to be overtaken.' She recites in her mind from her SRT handbook.
Sensei: In that case... Everyone! I have a plan! Listen closely.
Shiroko: Sensei.
Sensei: Shiroko, theres something I need you to do.
Shiroko looks determined as she hears Sensei's plan. Meanwhile, the mercenary forces continue fire.
Aru: They still haven't surrendered? Keep shooting until they do!
Aru then notices Hoshino charge down the middle with her shield up, blocking all fire coming her way.
"See? With that shield, I'm surprised you haven't just moved up and destroyed everyone already while negating their fire." Momoi says.
"Eh, too much work. I'm only doing it cause I have to." Hoshino sighs.
Hoshino: Here we go.
Merc 1: Wh-What?
Merc 2: Why are they so fired up?
The two are shot as Hoshino keeps her charge, Serika and Nonomi following behind her.
Serika: We're not just gonna sit and take it.
Nonomi: Just give up.
The two unleash their own hellfire, quickly taking down more grunts. Haruka fires her shotgun, turning back to her boss as Hoshino approaches.
Haruka: Aru.
Hoshino one hands her shotgun as she charges at the purplette. Haruka gets close and tries to physically push on her shield. She pushes back and tries to fire her shotgun but misses, giving Hoshino the opportunity to go in and deliver a shell to her stomach.
"I have to say, pretty stupid of her to try to push down on the sheild like that." Miyako says.
"Yes. She left herself wide open to attack doing that." Azusa agrees. "It could have worked, but she would have needed a lot more agility to pull it off."
Mutsuki: Haruka!
Kayoko: Whats with the change in tactics?
Kayoko seems to notice something and looks around. She spies all the Abydos members but one.
"She's pretty perceptive." Hanako says.
"And in the middle of battle as well. You can loose track of everyone pretty easily and simply not worry about them until they just kind of... show up again." Miyako adds.
Kayoko: Could it be... Boss, watch out!
Aru: For what?
Shiroko is seen running.
"Oh, this is gonna be good." Serika smiles. "Tear her appart Shiroko."
"Nn. I will."
Aru: Oh no.
Shiroko leaps off a building, toward Aru, who is shocked at the brazen tactic. Shiroko lands mere meters from Aru, to which she makes a mad dash towards the Gehenna student.
Kayoko: Boss!
Mutsuki: Aru!
Aru aims at Shiroko.
Aru: We are Problem Solver 68!
She fires, to which Shiroko weaves out of the way, still running.
Aru: We always get the job done. Give up and hand over your school.
"Hmm, looks like the tide is turning. She doesn't really have much room to talk." Moe says.
She fires again, Shiroko dodging to the left.
Shiroko: No way.
The two continue to charge each other, aiming down-sight their rifles. They both eventually fire, but the camera doesn't show it. It cuts back though, showing Shiroko slightly on the ground, still aiming her rifle at Aru though who is doing the same to the Abydos student.
"Lucky shot. But I'll still come out on top." Shiroko says.
The two seem content to stare each other down as Abydos bell rings.
"You will, just not in the eay you're expecting I supose." Ayane says, knowing times up and the fights over.
"And victory has arrived for the heros!" Arisu exclaims.
Merc 3: Quitting time. And we said no overtime.
Aru has a comical look of shock and confusion.
"Hahaha! Okay, now thats a funny face." Momoi says.
"Absolute cluelessness." Midori agrees.
Merc 4: That's out shift.
Merc 5: Yep.
Aru: N-Now wait a minute! We're so close!
Merc 3: You said no overtime pay.
Merc 4: You guys handle it.
All of Problem Solver 68's mercs simply walk off.
Merc 3: I'm beat.
Merc 5: Want some burgers?
Merc 3: Sounds good.
Merc 4: Can I come too?
Hoshino approaches Shiroko.
Hoshino: Seems mercenaries never work for free.
Aru: They all left.
Kayoko: Guess we lost.
Mutsuki: We're in trouble now. Think we should bail, Aru?
"Uh, she sounds rather chipper for "being in trouble."" Hifumi says.
"I suppose she just enjoys whatever life has to throw at her." Hanako concludes.
Aru turns and points to the Abydos students.
Aru: This battle isn't over!
Mutsuki laughs at this.
Mutsuki: Aru, you sound like a B-movie supervillain.
"Hey, I was gonna say it." Momoi pouts.
"U-um... I, I'm sure they'll be another chance..." Yuzu tries to comfort.
Aru: Shut up. Run! I mean, retreat!
Aru, Mutsuki, and Haruka run off while Kayoko hangs behind.
Haruka: Wait up, Aru!
Kayoko turns back to Abydos.
Kayoko: Later.
She then takes off after the others.
"I also get an air, that she doesn't really care and is just along for the ride." Ayane says.
"Truely an intresting cast we have here." Hanako concludes.
Sensei: What interesting girls.
Ayane: What even was that?
Serika: Who knows...
Shiroko's stomach rumbles.
Shiroko: I'm starving.
Nonomi: Now that everything's settled, wanna get something to eat?
Both Hoshino and Serika raise their hands.
Serika: I'm in.
Hoshino: Yep!
Hoshino: Will you treat us, Sensei?
"Senpai, its rude to force others to pay for you." Ayane lectures Hoshino.
"Yeah. Don't add freeloader on top of your laziness." Serika agrees.
Sensei: H-Hold on! Let me make sure I have the money!
Hoshino: Thanks a bunch!
Fade to black.
Cut to a dark office space where a lone, heavy set, robot sits at a desk. He looks over a report that mentions Aru and Problem Solver 68.
PMC Director: What trash... It seems these Abydos girls are more persistent than our data suggests.
"So, this scum is who's had Problem Solver 68 attack us." Serika scowls. Shiroko growls.
"This may give us a little insight." Ayane says.
Laughing comes from else where to which a man in a dark suit approaches.
Black Suit: But the data is always changing. Don't worry. I'll root out this little error.
We are shown Black Suits face.
"Woah, what the hell is that?!" Momoi screetchs.
"Whatever that thing... that person is, they aren't from Kivotos." Saki says.
"So we have some eldrich abomination after us to?! Just great." Serika unhappily says. Koharu and Yuzu shake in place at seeing the... thing.
Episode ends.
"*Gasp* What a cruel cliffhanger." Arisu says.
"Ah, b-but don't worry Arisu. We can watch the next one right now." Hifumi assures her. "As for that... person, I hope he won't do anything too damaging..."
AN: Phew. This one was hard to write the reactions for. But I hope you all find the reactions satisfactory. Anyway, Blue Archive kind of been quiet recently. No real main storyline news coming our way, events over in JP don't look like anything too special, at least to me. But hey, Figma Yuuka and Mika are up for preorder and I'm pretty excited to get my hands on them. Any of you excited for them? Any of you actually care? Anyway, see you all in chapter 4. Don't expect it on the 5th, the fact that this one and the last one came out on the fith of this month are just coincidences.