"Mm. Hopefully we can find more details about that part jow that those roudy students are delt with." Nonomi says as the bext episode starts.
Fade in to the PS68 office. Aru is on the phone with their employer, her teammates all watch as she is on the call.
Aru: Yes. As stated in the report, we underestimated them... Yes. Within the week?! N-No! We can do it. You can count on us.
"Nn. Unlikely if we beat them when they had backup." Shiroko states.
Aru hangs up, swings her chair around and sighs.
Kayoko: Boss, are we going after the Abydos students again?
Mutsuki: But with what money? We used up all our funds.
Kayoko: And paying rent on this office takes up whatever we have left.
"Not very smart financially." Ayane comments.
"Ah ha, maybe they should have started out smaller..." Hifumi suggests.
Aru slams her hands on her desk.
Aru: Shut up! Every decent company needs an office space!
Mutsuku: Personally I liked our tent in the park from before.
"Thats a viable operating space. Kind of a waste to spend the rescources on that office." Saki says.
"Maybe its to keep an apperance of being a legitimate buisness." Midori suggests. "After all, those Kaiser folks bought it."
Haruka: I-I don't care where as long as I'm with the boss.
"*Gasp* Does Aru have a lover?* Nonomi coos.
"Maybe, but this Haruka person is quite strange. She could mean something else and is just terrible with communication." Miyako suggests.
"Or Nonomi's right and the office isn't only to keep up appearances." Hanako suggestivly implies.
"W-W-What are you trying to imply!" Koharu shrieks.
Aru: Shut up already! I'll take out a loan.
Mutsuki: What? But you're on every bank's blacklist.
Aru: No I'm not! My accounts are just frozen because I'm a wanted criminal!
"I mean, thats not that far behind what she said..." Miyu mutters.
Mutsuki: Ah, right!
Aru: Just you watch. I won't let our commission end like this!
Cut to the debt collect in front of Abydos high school.
Debt collector: Thank you for doing business with Kaiser Loans. Your total was 7,883,250 yen, in cash.
"Man, you guys are insane to get that amount in such a short span of time." Momoi comments.
"Yep. I'm lucky my cute little juniors are so energetic and hardworking to keep up with the rent." Hoshino says.
"Your two years older, you can keep up." Serika shouts.
He holds a brief case with the cash.
Debt collector: Receipt confirmed. Then, until next month!
With that, he drives off, leaving the students and Sensei to watch the parting vehicle.
Hoshino: Safe for one more month...
Nonomi: But why does Kaiser Loans only accept cash payments?
"Only cash?! And the bank just lets you roam around with that kind of dough?" Momoi questions.
"We don't bother keeping a bank account or anything, not like theres a bank left in Abydos. Our boss's are fine paying us in cash." Serika answers.
Sensei: Good point. A bank transfer payment would be faster and easier.
Serika notices Shiroko still starring.
Serika: Shiroko! You can't attack that van, okay?
Shiroko: Yes, I know.
"Does she do those kinds of things often? Thinking about stealing I mean?" Miyako asks.
"No." Shiroko replies.
"Yea." The rest of the FTF answers.
Cut back to the FTF club room.
Ayane: So, let's start the daily meeting now. First, regarding the part we found... As expected, it was traded on the Black Market. A lot of banned contraband can be found there, as well as clubs unauthorized by the General Student Council, so its dangerous there.
"I've also heard hard to find things are there and scalped for high prices." Hanako says. "Things that are discontinued, or banned from a certain district. Trinity has a ban on a lot of the stuff you can find there." Hifumi and Koharu turn red, knowing the kind of stuff Hanako is talking about, also not helped by the fact the two would go there in search of said hard to find and banned items.
Ayane: Problem Solver 68 seems to frequent that market as well.
Shiroko: Problem Solver 68.
Serika: They're just like the Helmet Gangsters, trying to take over our school.
Hoshino: There must be something going on for everyone to come after us like this.
Nonomi: It's really concerning.
Ayane: Yes, investigating the connections between these incidents might be a good idea.
Hoshino stands.
Hoshino: Okay, It's settled then. Let's check it out!
Cut to said Black Market where animal people and students mill about.
Merchant: Get the newest guns here!
Student 1: Really?
Student 2: Isn't it amazing?
The Abydos students and Sensei make their way down the street taking in the sights.
Hoshino: So this is the Black Market...
Nonomi: It's really packed.
Shiroko: This place isn't controlled by the General Student Council, yet it's unbelievably massive.
"Kind of an embaressment for them." Saki said, refering to the GSC.
"Its not like they were formed after the President's disappearance and SRTs disbandment." Miyako informed her squadmate. "From what I understand, the Black Market has been what it is for some time now. Like a weed, its taken root and won't be easy to pull out."
'Would make a good hideout when all is said and done.' Azusa thought. 'When I've foiled Arius's plans and been oisted from Trinity, that and Abydos would be good places to hideout.'
Hoshino: I know we hardly ever leave Abydos, but outside our campus, theres lots of weird places.
Shiroko: Have you been here before?
Hoshino: No, it's my first time as well. But other schools have weird stuff too. I've heard of a giant water tank called an aquarium, I'd like to see it some day.
"I get that you wouldn't have an aquarium in Abydos, but you talk like the idea of an aquarium is new to you." Momoi says.
"On behalf of my sister, I wokld like to apologize for her ignorant and blunt manner." Midori says.
"Sall fine, Midori. Like TV me was just saying, theres gonna be differences in our knowledge between districts." Hoshino says. Unsaid though, was that she was wxplaining it like that because Shiroko didn't know what an aquarium was. At least, as far as the rest of the FTF knew.
Shiroko: Sounds nice.
From above, Ayane's drone follows the group. Ayane herself remains the the clubroom.
Ayane: Everyone, there's no telling what could happen there so please be careful.
Various: Yes. Okay!
A loud gunshot catches the groups attention. A student runs by the camera, their face unseen. She is chased by three thugs.
Thug 1: Stop right there!
A peroro backpack with two incindiary grenades hanging off of it is shown to be on the students back.
Hifumi: Please stop chasing me!
Koharu rounds on Hifumi in an instant. "What are you doing there! Its illegal for Trinity students to go where they shouldn't be!"
"D-Don't worry Koharu! I'm not doing anything illegal. And I'm not getting illegal contraband either!" Hifumi defends.
"My my, would you just so happend to be out looking for new reading material?" Hanako asks, with a smile.
"N-No! I'm not looking for anything indecent! I'm looking for something wholesome!" Hifumi adamantly exclaims.
Thug 2: No can do.
Thug 3: We told you to come with us!
We see Hifumi's halo before seeing her in full, running full tilt away from the thugs.
Hifumi: But I have nothing to say to you!
From her drone, Ayane can see the Trinity symbol on her uniform.
Ayane: This uniform is... from Trinity?
Hifymi keeps running until she passes Shiroko.
Shiroko: I'll handle it.
Hifumi: Huh?
"Straight to buisness. Thats our Shiroko." Hoshino says.
"It's time for their punishment!" Nonomi says in her sing-song
Hifumi stops with the group as the thugs stop thier own approach.
Nonomi: Are you okay?
Hifumi: Y-Yes.
Thug 1: Who are you guys? All we want is that girl.
All three aim their weapons.
Miyako cringes. "And just like that, talks have broken down."
"Like we'll listen to anything they say when they point their guns at us, first thing!" Serika agrees.
Thug 1: She's from Trinity General School, the richest school in all of Kivotos.
"Huh? I thought Gehenna and Millennium would be tied with Trinity for that." Momoi says.
"It's a common misconception that Trinity is the richest simply because its campus certainly looks like its had the most money put into it." Hanako says.
"Ah, Arisu would like to adventure there one day." Arisu says.
"Oh, You'll love it Arisu!" Hifumi exclaims. "Sometime when you syand outside, you can let the air of the place relax you and take your stress away."
"She's right. And if you strip, you can feel that air on your whole skin, amplifying the experiance." Hanako says.
"Death penalty!" Koharu retorts.
Thug 2: We're gonna kidnap her and demand a hefty ransom. Kidnap first, negotiate later. Its a good way to make money.
"I would think they'd send the Justice Task Force in to covertly rescue her in that case." Moe points out.
"Heck yeah we would." Koharu affirms.
Thug 1: We can team up if you are interested. We're willing to split the ransom money by-
They are immediately met with three quick and acurate bursts from Shiroko's rifle, knocking the thugs unconscious.
Shiroko: Not interested.
"Well. Thats that." Momoi says.
"Well, say what you will about Shiroko. She does have a strong sense of justice." Ayane says.
"I'm so relieved. Thank you." Hifumi exclaims.
Sensei: That was close.
Hifumi: Thank you very much!
She turns and bows to Sensei.
Hifumi: My name is Ajitani Hifumi.
Hoshino: Hifumi, you said? Nice to meet you. Anyway, whats a Trinity student doing here?
Hifumi: Actually, I'm looking for something. It's been discontinued, but I heard they still sell it here.
Shiroko: Tanks?
Hoshino: Or illegal guns?
Nonomi: Or chemical weapons?
Hifumi takes this in for a second before jumping back.
Hifumi: No, no! It's... Limited edition Peroro merch!
Serika: Peroro?
"Peroro?" Saki also questions.
"Are yoi talking about the bird from the popular momo and friends?" Yuzu timidly asks.
"Thats the one!" Hifumi exclaims, making the GDD member jump.
Hifumi: Yes, this one.
Hifumi pulls up her phone with an image of a Peroro plushie with what looked like mint icecream shoved in its beak.
Hifumi: This limited edition Peroro doll, with only 100 ever made.
"Okay, I have to ask. Why is there ice cream shoved down his gob?" Moe asks.
"Its from a scene in the comics." Hifumi explains.
"And they just make plushies based on individual scenes?" Serika questions.
"Depends on how well recived said scene is, but it is common." Hifumi says.
Nonomi's face lights up.
Nonomi: It's from the Momo friends series, right? I love them! Isn't Peroro so cute?
"Eh. His games ain't great, but thats pretty common for tie ins." Momoi says.
"But he is adorable." Hifumi argues.
"Eh, I suppose there could be an argument for that." Momoi says.
"I don't see the appeal in the hippo looking thing being suffocated." Saki bluntly puts.
'So... cute...' Azusa thinks.
Hifumi: You think so too?
Nonomi: Yes!
Hoshino: What are they talking about? This old timer doesn't get it.
Hifumi: But why are you all here?
Sensei: We're looking for something too.
Shiroko: Something very hard to get, but we heard its sold here.
Hifumi: I see. Same as me.
"Not really. We're more after what you typically think of when visiting a shady market rather than a collectors item." Hoshino says.
Sensei: You just came here to buy a doll, but ended up in a mishap.
Hifumi: Well, I knew this was a dangerous place. It's beyond the control of the General Student Council, so a lot of companies work outside the law here. They even have their own financial institutions and security forces.
Serika: And all these organizations are illegal and unauthorized, right?
Hifumi: Thats why we should avoid any security here.
Hoshino: Hifumi, you sure know a lot.
"That you do? Go there often?" Miyako asks.
"Um, I do so I did research on the Black Market. B-But only for Peroro merchandise! I'm not doing anything illegal, I promise!" Hifumi quickly explains.
Hifumi: No, not that much.
Hoshino: Okay! It's settled then. As a reward for saving you, can you help us find what we came here for?
Hifumi: H-HUH?!
"Hoshino, don't force these kinds of things onto other people." Ayane reprimands.
"Its okay. Its the least I can do after you guys helped me." Hifumi amends.
Cut to Problem Solver standing side by side looking at something off screen.
Kayoko: Are we really gonna take out a loan from here?
Its revealed they're standing in front of the Stygian Bank.
Kayoko: This is the Black Market Bank, you know.
Haruka: Th-The intrest rates must be crazy.
"I'd expect its to rip off whoevers desperate enough for a loan." Saki comments.
Mutsuki: Well, that is if Aru even gets approved for a loan.
Aru: Sh-Shut up! Of coarse I'll get approved!
Mutsuki simply grins at Aru.
Aru: Lets go in.
The four head into the building.
Hifumi: About the parts you're looking for,
Cut to the FTF plus Sensei and Hifumi in front of a Taiyaki shop.
Hifumi: there should be some kind of trail, but its so hard to follow. Like sales channels or storage records... It's as if someones deliberatly hidden all of it. Thats what it seems like, at least.
Sensei: Deliberately hidden it?
Hifumi: Yes. Even the companies that dominate this market don't normally do this.
Shiroko: Is it that unusual?
Hifumi: It's more like "why go to such lengths"? Everyone here openly engages in illegal activities, so it's even weirder that they're hiding things.
"They're being very thorough about this whole thing. They really woupdn't want the slimest chance for us to find proof." Ayane says.
"We'll find it anyway. Just gotta dig deeper into this scum." Serika affirms.
Hifumi points to the Stygian Bank.
Hifumi: Even that building over there. Thats the Black Market Bank, notorius even in this place.
Serika: Black Market Bank?
Hifumi: According to the rumours, nearly 15% of crime-related financial asserts in Kivotos flow through that bank. They get money from crimes like embezzlement, robbery, and kidnapping, and they use it to buy weapons for more crimes. And the vicious circle continues endlessly.
Nonomi: Which means that bank is facilitating criminal activities.
"If thats 15 percent of all illegal activity in Kivotos, you'd think it'd be a priority for the GSC to take it down. Why haven't they?" Azusa questions.
"Again, the district has influence in the GSC that keeps them off their property. Corruption in simpler terms." Ayane explains.
"Though 15% of crime in Kivotos is a lot. I'd think it'd be better if the GSC jump through however many hoops it has to, to get that place taken down." Miyako voices. "It could cast a crippling blow to Kivotos criminal empire."
Hifumi: Exactly. Here, even the banks are criminal organizations.
The group the notice something.
Hifumi: Thats... the Black Market guard!
The group sees a convoy of motercycles protecting a van.
Nonomi: Black Market Guard?
Hifumi: They're the best security organization here in the market.
"They look like the same security type droids to me." Koharu says.
"They have smarter programming which makes them more dangerous." Hifumi informs her.
Shiroko: They are escorting that van. A cash transport vehicle.
The group watch the convoy stop by the Stygian Bank.
Nonomi: Isn't that...
They watch the debt collector from before step out of the van and walk towards the guards.
Nonomi: The bank clerk who collects our payments?
Debt collector: Thanks for waiting. Here is this months collection.
He hands the other robot the briefcase Abydos gave him.
BM member: Well done. Sign here.
Debt collector: Okay.
After a moment of observation, Shiroko speaks up.
Shiroko: Kaiser Loans is colluding with the Black Market Bank.
"I mean, we knew already about that. But to find out all out hard work is going there..." Nonomi starts.
"Its sick! You mean to tell me we've been funding criminals this whole time?!" Serika exclaims.
"All of our work..." Ayane despares.
"Nn. They'll pay for this, Kaiser." Shiroko states with conviction.
Hifumi: K-Kaiser loans?
Nonomi: Hifumi, you know them?
Hifumi: Well... thats the loan shark company run by the notorious Kaiser Corperation, right?
Shiroko: Are they a bad company?
"Didn't you just agree that they're a bad company?" Moe questions.
"Nn. Had to be sure. Knowing public perception is important too." Shiroko states.
Hifumi: Yes, the Kaiser group may be a diversified company, but it walks a fine line between legality and illegality.
Sensei: That doesn't sound good.
Hifumi: Did you all take out a loan from Kaiser?
The Abydo's students varyingly look away.
Hoshino: It's a long story.
Nonomi: Then the only reason they accept cash is so they won't leave a paper trail?
Shiroko: I can't believe our money is going into the Black Market Bank.
Serika: Which means we've been funding criminal activities!
"I know I already said it, so shut up!" Serika demands.
"No one was going to say that, Serika. We all know how grave the situation is." Hifumi tries to assure her.
Ayane: W-We can't be sure yet. Theres no evidence that Kaiser loans has been depositing our money there.
"You've seen it with your own eyes! There may not be evidence yet, but you know!" Momoi exclaims.
"I know, its just so hard for me to believe." Ayane sighs.
Hifumi: You get a receipt whenever you make a payment, right? You'll have your evidence if you find their receipt records. Ah, But all those documents must be in their vaults already, so we've hit a dead end.
"Then looks like this will be a stealth mission. To retrive the evidence items." Arisu declares.
"Thats not happening. Sneaking through that bank unseen would be impossible." Ayane states.
"Then we won't sneak." Shiroko says.
The others look doscouraged at this.
Hifumi: The Black Market Bank has the strongest security system in the Black Market.
Hifumi joins in on the distraught looks.
Shiroko: Hey, Hoshino. Theres no other option.
"Oh no." Ayane realizes whats going on.
Hoshino: Huh? What option? Oh, that one!
Nonomi: Right, that should definitely work.
Serika takes a moment to process this.
Serika: By "that" you don't mean...
Sensei: You're not talking about what I'm thinking of, right?
Hifumi: U-Um, I don't understand.
Shiroko: Theres only one thing we can do. Rob the bank.
"Normally, we as SRT would be obliged to arrest you. But see the circumstances and your target, we'll let it pass." Miyako says.
"Always choose the loud approach when stealth is optional." Arisu advises.
"Man, I wish I could be a part of that." Momoi says.
"But, why?" Yuzu asks her clubmate.
"Just for the fun of it. And to say thats something I've actually done in my life." Momoi says.
"Hmm, it'll be interesting to see how this unfolds." Azusa mutters.
"Is this really happening?" Hifumi questions to herself.
Saying Hifumi was shocked, would be an understatement.
Hifumi: Whaaat?!
Sensei: Shiroko, wait! There has to be another way!
Shiroko: Don't worry. We're only trying to find evidence of their crimes.
Sensei: Is that really what this is?
Ayane: Understood. You wouldn't listen even if I tried to stop you.
Hifumi: Well, but thats...
Shiroko: Sorry Hifumi. I should have thought ahead and made you a mask too.
Hifumi: I'm going too?!
Nonomi: We're good people! We couldn't just abandon you!
"Like all good people, never leave a friend out of robbery." Midori quips.
"How inclusive!" Hanako chimes.
Hifumi: No, its okay! I don't mind at all!
Nonomi: Hifumi, you can wear this.
Nonomi raises a paper bag with a nice smile to the terrified Trinity student.
Hifumi: N-No, please wait. Nonomi-
Nonomi plops the bag over her head. Nonomi smiles at the result.
Nonomi: Yup, a perfect fit!
"Nonomi, thats also forcing people who have helped us to do something they may not want to do." Ayane reprimands.
"I know. But Hifumi shouldn't be left out of the fun." Nonomi says. "I'm just trying to make her feel included."
Hifumi: Does this mean... am I really going with you?
Hifumi's bag has eye holes cut out of it and a number 5 drawn on the forehead.
Hoshino: What are you talking about, Hifumi? Didn't you promise to help us out today?
"Ah, and the peer presure begins." Hanako says.
"Oh no. We don't mean it like that." Nonomi worrys.
"Relax Nonomi, I'm just teasing." Hanako assures her.
Hifumi is all nerves.
Hifumi: How will I... ever be able to face the student council again?
"Wait, you know the Tea Party? As in, are close with them?" Miyako brings up.
"Oh no, nothing like that. I'm just aquainted with Nagisa." Hifumi assures her.
Serika: It's find. We're not doing anything wrong.
Shiroko: Sensei?
Sensei: I'm in too. If your money is being used for criminal activities, I can't accept that.
Every nods at this.
Nonomi: Well then, Masked Swimsuit Gang, Lets go!
There are dramtic slices of everyone numbers befote we see a shot of all the gang members posing and Hifumi looking helpless.
"Masked Swimsuit gang?" Midori questions.
"But we're not wearing swimsuits." Seeika points out.
"Not yet, Serika. Not yet." Nonomi assures her.
"Now THAT souns fun." Hanako says. "I'd love to join."
"You'd be welcome Hanako-san! It will be fun, punishing evildoers in a swomsuit, while our identities are hidden away from them." Nonomi exclaims.
"My, that does sound fun." Hanako agrees.
"Arisu would also like to join this party for this quest." Arisu announces.
"R-Really?" Yuzu questions.
"Huh. I didn't tale her for that type of girl." Momoi says.
"I don't think she is. Same with Nonomi. The implications are going over their head." Midori says. "Unlike with some of us." She casts a glance at Koharu, who is red in the face.
"You wanna be executed for crime as well as indecent exposure?!"
Cut to the inside of the bank where buisness goes down as usual. There, PS68 wait for news on their loan.
"What a coincidence that we'll be running into them again." Hoshino says.
"I wonder what they do..." Ayane mutters.
"If they try to fight us, we'll make them wish they hadn't tried." Serika exclaims with Shiroko noding along with her.
Teller: Sorry to keep you waiting.
Aru: Yes, you should be. So am I approved? We need this money ASAP.
Teller: I'm afraid you'll need to look elsewhere.
Aru: Wait just one second! You won't give us a loan?!
Teller: Thats right.
Aru: Wait! We even have an office. Why not?
Teller: You rent your office, and your only assests are fire arms. We can't offer you a loan with just this.
"Suppose this was obvious. The bank would see it as a loss since it's unlikely Problem Solver would be able to pay them back." Ayane says.
Aru can only look really distaught at this.
Teller: If you had bankable assests or good credit, we could offer you a loan. So why don't you try getting a part time job?
"Thats what I said! Its wholesome and helpful." Nonomi says.
"Yes. It'd make for a more promising resume if sje could say she worked for a company that isn't... well... made up." Hifumi says.
"All companies are made up." Momoi quips.
"Y-You know what I mean."
Aru: Huh?!
In Aru's mind, she is beyond pissed as flames surround her.
Aru: Th-That really pisses me off. I ought to smash everything and rob them blind!
"Then you wouldn't be robbing them blind. You'd just be robbing them." Saki points out.
Aru takes one look at the guards.
Aru: No, I can't. The Black Market Guards are here. In the end, it really is hopeless. I don't have the guts to pick a fight with the Black Market. What is this? I'm so pathetic. I resolved to become the greatest outlaw in all of Kivotos. But now I'm being stymied with trivial matters like a loan approval.
It fades to an younger Aru with shorter hair sitting at a desk. Her school ID sits on the desk, showing along with her short hair, she has glasses. She sets said glasses down beaide the ID.
"Aw. Aru was adorable as a first year!" Nonomi coos.
"She's a pain right now." Shiroko simply states.
Aru: This isn't what I dreamed of. A hard boiled outlaw who fears nothing and isn't bound by anything...
As we fade to the present Aru, the shutters behind her start to close.
"I do at least have to commend her for being able to change herself to an image she perfers. I hear a lot of people can't do that." Miyako states.
"I see. Short hair and glasses, I wonder if she used to be a steryotypical nerd." Momoi says.
Despite herself, Hanako couldn't help but relate to Aru on some level. Even if the circumstances were different and means were different, she too worked to change everyones perceptions of herself. Even if Hanako's own methods were probably easier to employ over whatever Aru did.
Aru: Thats who I wanted to be.
The shutters fully close prompting Kayoko to notice. The lights are killed shortly after confusing all inside. One of the shutters then explodes, taking down two of the nearby guards. The Masked Swimsuit Gang then rushes in. Shiroko raises her rifle and fires some rounds into the air. The lights then chise then to turn back on.
Shiroko: Everyone drop your weapons and get on the ground!
Shiroko can't help but smile at witnessing this.
"Wow. You sound like a professional." Moe says.
"Shock and awe. Quite effective for the objective." Azusa notes.
She then aims her rifle at the banks occupants.
Aru: B-Bank robbers?
Nonomi: Do as you're told or I'll send you to hell!
"Now THAT is intense." Moe grins.
"Well, if we're going to strike fear in them, we can't do things by halves." Nonomi happily explains.
Nonomi raises her Minigun happily.
Hifumi: Umm, please get on the ground so you won't get hurt.
"Seems someone didn't get that memo." Hanako says.
"I-I'm trying my best!" Hifumi defends.
"Don't worry, Hifumi. We'll make it work." Hoshino assures the Trinity student.
One of the guards on the ground reaches for its gun, but a well placed shot deters it. Serika aims her Beretta AR-70/223 at the offending robot.
Serika: We told you to drop your weapons.
Sensei: Um, everyone.
Sensei waits outside on the Shittim Chest as he talks to them over the comms.
Sensei: Be careful not to hurt any ordinary citizens.
MSS Gang: Yeah! Okay.
Hoshino: Now then, since everything's going according to plan, is it time for the next step?
With that, Hoshino turns to Hifumi.
Hoshino: Boss Faust, give us the command!
Hifumi turns to look behind her, upon seeing no one there, darts back to Hoshino.
Hifumi: Is Faust me?
Hoshino: Of coarse.
Nonomi: Hifumi- No, Faust is our leader.
"Why do I have to be the leader?" Hifumi questions.
"Don't you get it? Your disguise is different from ours. That makes you stand out, so logically, you're our leader!" Hoshino explains. "All hail boss Faust."
Nonomi: You are the boss and I am...
Nonomi spins around and does her dumb pose.
Nonomi: Christina!
"And just like that, all the intimidation you built up is dead." Momoi quips.
"Nonesense. It was cool." Nonomi defends.
Kayoko: Huh, aren't they Abydos students?
"How'd they recognize us?" Shiroko pouts.
"I mean... you guys are still wearing your uniforms..." Yuzu shyly points out.
"Strange that nobody else has noticed." Saki comments.
Haruka: Sh-Should we counterattack?
Kayoko: No, we don't seem to be their targets.
Shiroko: Everyone, don't even think about resisting.
Shiroko approaches the bank teller while Aru watches, crouched behind her seat. She aims her rifle at him.
Shiroko: The delivery van that just came in...
Teller: I understand. We'll give you everything! Gold, cash, bonds!
Shiroko: No, all we want is the collection records.
It then switches to Aru's pov as she gazes upon Shiroko with stares in her eyes as she thinks to herself.
Aru: O-Oh my, Who are they? They have the guts to rob the Black Market Bank! What amazing skills! They're the ultimate professionals! C-Cool! I think I have a crush! These are real outlaws! Oh, I think I'm going to cry!
"Well, I didn't expect to get on her good side." Hoshino says.
"Looks like you guys just became an inspiration." Moe comments.
"Nn. It is cool." Shiroko agrees with Aru.
"Aw. Aru has a crush on our little Shiroko." Nonomi teases the wold girl, but she goes ignored.
The teller slams a full bag down on the desk.
Teller: H-Here you go. Please spare my life.
Sensei: Shir- I mean, Blue 2. Did you get the goods?
Shiroko: Yes, but...
Hoshino: Okay, lets run. Everyone retreat.
Nonomi: Adios!
The Masked Swimsuit Gang depart with Hifumi being the last out.
Hifumi: No one seems to be hurt, so... goodbye.
"Such kind robbers." Miyako says.
"And right after all the threatening too. Must be quite the whiplash for them." Momoi agrees.
She gives a bow before rushing out. PS68 watches them exit.
Teller: C-Catch them! Block the roads and contact the Black Market Guards!
"Nope. None of them care." Midori says.
Aru: Nice villainy!
"Except Aru in her own... way..." Momoi continues.
"Did she really just say nice villainy? Like theres a scale we scored high on or something?" Serika questions.
"I'm kinda intrested to see how such a scale would work." Momoi chimes in.
"Who cares. High or low, villainy is still villainy and shouldn't be tolerated." Koharu advocates.
Meanwhile, the Black Market blocks off it roads, which seems to be ineffective as they do not find the culprits. Said culprits take a rest on a bridge.
Ayane: Well done getting through the blockades, everyone!
Nonomi: Yay! We made it!
Sensei: Is it really okay for a teacher to be doing this?
"Its fine." Shiroko says.
"I don't think that will be enough to convince Sensei." Miyako says. "He does hold valid concerns."
Both he and Hifumi don't look particularly happy about what just went down.
Hoshino: Shiroko, do you have the records?
Shiroko: Here.
She hands Hoshino the bag she collected. They open it up to find stacks of cash inside.
"Woah! What a score!" Momoi exclaims.
"Just imagine the ammount of munitions can be bought with that!" Moe salivates.
"Or better yet, how much of the debt we can alliviate!" Serika exclaims. "Shiroko, this may be the one time one of your crazy ideas actually help!"
"Its not crazy if it works." Shiroko defends.
Hoshino: What is all of this?!
Serika: You just stole all the money, Shiroko?!
Shiroko: No. Here are the documents we wanted.
She emerges on screen with said documents.
"Thats good. We haven't lost sight of thr original objective." Ayane sighs with relief.
"Yes. You achived your objective while also obtaining the secondary objective. Well done." Azusa misunderstands her and congratulates her .
Hoshino: This must be at least a hundred million
Serika: Perfect! Let's take it all!
Sensei: Serika, wait
Serika: What is it? With this, our debt...
Ayane: We shouldn't do that, Serika.
Serika: Why not! We worked so hard to earn this money, and it just ended up in that Black Market Bank!
"Yeah! I don't understand why you wouldn't want to take this chance, Ayane!" Serika exclaims. "After all this time, we finally took a big step!"
"Yes, but its not right that we use this money!" Ayane defends.
"Not right?!" Serika questions.
Nonomi: She's right, And if we had left this money there, it could've been used by criminals to buy more guns.
Serika: Exactly! What's wrong with stealing money from bad people?
Nonomi: I agree with Serika, This is dirty money, so why can't we spend it for a good cause?
"You agreed twice." Koharu points out.
"I know, but I still stand with Serika when I say we should use the money." Nonomi amends.
"Thank you, Nonomi! Isn't the reason for the Foreclosure Taskforce is to find ways to get money to pay off the debt." Serika argues.
Serika: And this amount of money will really help with our debt!
Sensei: Is that really okay with you?
Serika blinks as she looks at him before looking away.
Hoshino: Shiroko, what do you think?
Shiroko: Why are you asking me? Hoshino will say no regardless.
Hoshino: Thats my Shiroko. You know me too well. We only need the documents, not the money. If we justify stealing from criminals now, what about the next time? And after that?
Serika looks down as Sensei smiles at Hoshino's words.
Hoshino: If this becomes a habit, when we're in another tough spot, we might become the criminals, and say it was inevitable. As an old-timer, I can't let you cute youngins do that.
The group looks amongst each other.
Hoshino: If we end up resorting to this, it'd have been better to use Nonomi's glorious gold card from the get-go.
Nonomi: But Hoshino, you said no to... I see. We need to pay off our debt the right way, or we won't Abydos High School anymore.
"Thank you, Hoshino. Like she said, we shpikd never compromise our moral integrity. Even for the sake of saving the school." Ayane says with finality. Serika and Nonomi seem to agree with this consensus.
Unbeknowns to them, Miyako wasn't as easily convinced. 'There situation isn't so much different from ours.' She thinks. 'If they could revive their school through morally questionable means, should they? So many students could end up graduation from Abydos with memories and experiances they would otherwise not get from some of the other schools, so would that justify a little evil if it brought so much good to others? If SRT could be revived though a similar circumstance, would it be okay to commit such acts in service for all the people future SRT recuits could help?' Miyako contiues to ponder these questions throighout the viewing.
Hoshino: Exactly.
Sensei: Then lets get back with just the documents we need. What do you all say?
All: Yes!
Hifumi: I don't exactly know your circumstances, but money like this will only bring you more trouble. Its like a cursed item.
Arisu shivers at that throught. "Always stay away from cursed gold. The troubke it cones with is not worth it.
"Like I keep telling you, sis." Midori stares down her sister, who has a habbit if doing just that in video games.
"Like I keep telling you, its worth it when you get out if danger." Momoi defends.
"Which for you, is never." Midori reminds her
Aru: Wait just a moment!
Aru comes running towards the group. She comes to catch her breath a few feet asay from them before continuing.
Aru: D-Don't worry, I'm not your enemy.
"Well, this'll be interesting." Moe comments.
It shows Abydos plus Hifumi had rapidly put back on thier disguises as they whisper to each other. Also, Sensei is just gone.
"Woah! How'd Sensei disappear so fast!" Koharu exclaims.
"Camera trick?" Saki points out like its obvious.
Nonomi: Why is she here?
Shiroko: Should we shoot her?
"Isn't that your first suggestion to everything?" Midori asks her sister.
"N-No!" Momoi vehemently defends.
"Better than our operator who perfere to blow her problems up. Any problem." Saki brings up.
"Its more entertaining that way." Moe defends.
Hoshino: We can't shoot her when she means no harm.
It is revealed Sensei is hiding behind a tree.
Hifumi: Do you know her?
Nonomi: Yes, just a little.
Aru: Well... I saw you guys at the bank. Robbing and retreating so effeciantly... Its rare to meet such amazing outlaws. To be honest, I was totally shocked. I really admire how bold you all were. I'll do my absolute best to not be bound by laws or rules, and become a truly free spirit. Thats the kind of outlaw I want to be!
Aru fangirls to the MMG.
"Great. With her fangirling, we'll never leave." Serika sighs.
"I like it. Maybe we can use this to make her a better person than someone who takes jobs from bad people." Nonomi says.
"You can fix her?" Hoshino lazily asks.
"On second thought, lets just not get into the same situation." Ayane says.
Serika: What is she talking about?
Hoshino: Dunno.
Aru: So, if you don't mind, can you tell me your name?
Shiroko: Name?
Aru: I mean the name of your organization or team. I want to always remember your wonderful deeds today.
"Eh? I guess I understand. I was half expecting her to ask us to give her out autograph." Hifumi brings up.
Nonomi: Okay, I understand what you are saying.
Serika: N-Nonomi...!
Nonomi: People call us...
She spins around and does her made up pose.
Nonomi: The Masked Swimsuit Gang!
Aru is shocked.
Aru: The Masked Swimsuit Gang?! What a cool and chic name!
"For a second I thought she was shocked by how stupid the pose was." Momoi says.
"Its not stupid." Nonomi pouts. "You're just jealous you didn't come up with it."
Hoshino steps forward.
Hoshino: An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Forsake mercy and walk the path of chaos. Thats our motto.
"You came up with that pretty quick." Hanako brings up.
"And as far as mottos go, it was pretty good." Midori adds.
"Ah, with age comes wisdom for thesee sorts of things." Hoshino happily sighs.
"How often do you come up with mottos if thats the case?" Serika questions.
Aru is absolutely over the moon for this.
Aru: C-C-Cool.
Eventually, the rest of Problem solver find the group, coming from the underside direction of the bridge.
Kayoko: What are they doing?
Serika: Thats enough. Lets go back.
Nonomi: Adios, then!
The gang moves out as Hoshino raises her fist to the sky.
Hoshino: We're riding off into the sunset!
Hifumi: The sun hasen't set yet.
Aru: "Walk the path of chaos," I'll engrave those words on my soul! I'll keep working hard!
Her team mates approach her from behind.
Kayoko: When should we tell her?
Mutsuki: It'll be funnier to tell her later.
"I can agree with her on that. I wanted to see how long it'd last when she was with them." Momoi says.
Haruka: U-Um. Did they leave that behind?
Haruka points to the bag Shiroko was carrying. Problem Solver open the bag and are shocked at all the money they find inside.
"Maybe with this, they'll be able to keep themselves afloat until they find a more, whomesome contract." Nonomi optimistically says.
"That or they'll use it to renew their attacks on us." Ayane brings up.
Haruka: Does this mean we won't have to skip meals anymore?
The scene fades back to their office at sunset as Aru looks out the window.
Aru: "Walk the path of chaos," Maybe I should write it down?
Haruka: Aru's been talking nonstop about the Mask Swimsuit Gang.
"Wow! We left a real good impression on her!" Nonomi cheers.
"Nn." Shiroko smiles.
Mutsuki: Kufufu. When will she realize the truth?
Kayoko: Boss, about that Masked Swimsuit Gang... They're the Abydos students.
Aru turns around and perfectly calmly, responds.
Aru: Oh, is that so?
"Huh?! She knew!" Serika exclaims.
A moment passes before the shock hits.
Aru: What did you say?!
"Nope. Guess it took awhile for her to process the information." Hoshino puts.
Mutsuki giggles while Kayoko sighs.
Mutsuki: Aru is totally shocked.
Aru: N-No way!
Episode end.
"Nn. Best episode." Shiroko states.
"It was intresting." Ayane admits.
"I got to agree with Shiroko." Hanako chimes in. "I hooe they gradually get more intresting as we go along."
AN: Look at me, done a little bit earlier, by that I mean 3 days. So I'v Alive event is global now. What did you all think of that? Me personally, I didn't really like it. I just don't have a care for any of the After School Sweets club students. And the whole Arc with Airi just seemed kind of out of no where and felt manufactued, at least to me. And I also throught it just kinda ended abruptly. But I wouldn't be surprised if my opinions on this are unpopular. I guess thats that. Please leave a review and see you next chapter.