"Whats the point in watching all this again?" Saki questions.
"Nn. Helped us a lot." Shiroko says.
"Thats great for you, but what about the rest of us?"
"I think we should be patient. We may not show up for awhile, so we just need to be patient until we do.* Miyako advises.
The episode starts with a shot of Hifumi's back pack beside Abydo's gun rack. Iron Horus is behind the back pack.
Serika: What'd you say?
Ayane: Hm?
Serika: Ayane, read it again.
Ayane: Calm down first, Serika...
Serika: I'm perfectly calm!
"Right! Picture perfect example of calmness!" Momoi quips which ears her an elbow to the ribs from her sister.
Sensei: She's right, Serika. We can't lose our heads.
Shiroko: You're shaking, Sensei.
Serika: Ayane, is it true?
Ayane: Yes. Based on these documents... Kaiser loans is funding the helmet gang.
"Huh?!?! So not only is our money going to criminals, they're going to the assholes that repeatedly harrass us?!" Serika screechs.
"They'll pay for this." Shiroko's tone may not have been to dissimilar to how it always was, but those who knew her knew she was furious.
"They will. We have the evidence right there to condem them." Ayane agrees.
"But when we get back from watching these videos, we'll need to get the evidence all over again." Nonomi states.
"Nn. Fine by me." Shiroko says.
"An... unfortunate task, but it is nessescary." Ayane reluctantly agrees.
Nonomi: What?
Serika: No way. If thats true, not only did the Helmet Gang try to ambush us... but our money paid for THEIR guns!
"Oh, that makes it even worse." Hifumi says.
"I think we can look the other way when they pull off thier heist." Miyako whispers to her team. If they had any reservations about this, no one voiced them.
It cuts to a close up shot of Hoshino looking over the paperwork.
Ayane: According to this, they've received about 7.88 million yen
Shiroko: Thats...
Ayane: Yes, exactly.
Hifumi: Um, what is so important about this 7.88 million yen? Wait, don't tell me-!
Ayane: Yes, its our last payment.
Hifumi: 7.88 million... You really owe that much?
Shiroko: That's just a fraction. We really owe 900 million.
"I bet the me in person there doesn't believe it as much as I do now... such a high number..." Hifumi says.
Nonomi: Hey, why don't we talk about that later. This document is a balance sheet from Kaiser Loans. You can see the 7.99 million yen that we paid back. This paper must have come from the cash delivery van from our school.
Shiroko: What about this? Right after they took our 7.88 million, they set aside 5 million as mission funds for the Kata-Kata Helmet Gang.
"5 million? Thats more then half the total payment." Koharu brings up.
"Quite curious. Why devote so much of thier funds into upending Abydos?" Hanako questions. "If they kick you lot out, they won't get thier mobey back, so why sacrifice so much of what they do get..."
"Ugh, could they just really hate us that much?!" Serika brings up.
"Uh-um... th-thats unlikly." Yuzu states. "A-As a company, Kaiser would be most dedicatef into whatever action g-gets them the most money reguardless of thier p-personal opinions."
"So whatever they're doing, they deem it worth the risk to loose a shit-ton of money." Moe concludes.
"But how? If they succeed, all they'll get is an old run down school district that has little natural resources and population for that matter." Nonomi worridly says. "It doesn't make any sense."
Sensei: Mission funds? They handed over 5 million to the Helmet Gang to pay for their campaign?
Hifumi: What campaign?
Ayane: I assume it's the one to get rid of us.
Hifumi: But that means...
Serika clenches her fist.
Serika: Our true enemy is Kaiser Loams.
"I thought that was already established." Saki questions.
"I'm pissed. Let me have this." Serika says.
A moment of silence passes.
Nonomi: Why would they do this? If the school goes bankrupt, they still won't get their money.
Shiroko remembers seeing their money handed off and the explanation of Kaiser Loans from last episode.
Shiroko: I doubt Kaiser Loans is acting alone.
Ayane: Shiroko?
Shiroko: The Kaiser Corporation must be behind this too.
Sensei : It's possible.
"Its kind of obvious." Miyako says.
"Nn. Just throwing it out there in case no one thought of it." Shiroko defends.
Hoshino looks down in thought. Cut to the outside of the school as the sun sets. Everyone stands in front of the school.
Hifumi: Thanks for your help today, everyone.
Nonomi: No, we should be thanking you. Sorry for the trouble.
Hifumi laughs a little before her expression becomes determined.
Hifumi: I'll let the Tea Party know!
Ayane: Hifumi?
Hifumi: The Kaiser Corporation is working with criminals and other shadowy forces. Your situation is proof! Now that I know, I can't just avert my eyes.
"*Gasp* You'd do that for us?" Nonomi asks with delight.
"Of coarse. Like I said, I won't over look this." Hifumi says.
"Just out of curiosity, how do you plan to get the Tea Party to listen to you?" Hanako asks.
"Oh, I'm friends with Nagisa. If I talk to her, I'm sure she'll bring it up to the rest of the Tea Party." Hifumi explains.
Hanako meanwhile, was not so optimistic. While she didn't know much about Nagisa personally, her time in the Tea Party was spent more woth Seia, she knew enough about Trinity politics to know Nagisa likely wouldn't do anything unless it would be of some benifit to her or the Tea Party as a whole.
Sensei: Hifumi...
Nonomi: Thank you so much! If Trinity's student council can help us, maybe we can fix this. Right, Hoshino?
Hoshino remains quiet.
Hifumi: Uh, One more thing that did surprise me is the fact that your debt is around 1 billion.
Serika: It's not a billion! Its 960 million!
"Because you absouly HAVE to let everyone know its 40 million less than that." Momoi says.
"Hey, I don't want any false impressions that our debt is bigger than it actually is." Serika defends.
"Yes. Every piece of currency counts." Arisu agrees.
Ayane: Serika, you're missing the point...
Hifumi: Anyway, once the Tea Party hears about this, surely they'll...
Hoshino: The Tea Party already knows.
Hifumi: Pardon?
"Huh?" Hifumi and Koharu question.
Hoshino: And not just the Tea Party. Gehenna and Millennium probably know too.
Hifumi: Wait, then why haven't they...?
Hoshino: They're playing blind on purpose.
Hifumi: On purpose?
"Yeah. Millennium is super tight on their budgets. Everyones always under threat of loosing monetary support from them. I don't see Seminar reach out to help unless they get some kind of cool new gadget to patent and sell." Midori agrees.
"Makes sense to me. I imagine the Tea Party thinks the same." Hanako says, still playing up her ignorant facade.
"Maybe... but Trinity has loads of money. Surely Nagisa would see it would hurt to spare some of it to help aliviate their troubles." Hifumi argues.
"Thats a sweet thought Hifumi. But the fact is if the Tea Party felt that way, they would have already reached out to us." Hoshino explains.
Hoshino: Hifumi, you're really sweet. But the world isn't. If the other schools intervene, it'll just create more trouble.
Shiroko: What do you mean?
Hoshino: Right now, Abydos High is on the verge of a shutdown. If larger schools like Trinity or Gehenna stepped in, we couldn't really object. Do you follow?
Hifumi: You're saying that if they did something bad while pretending to help, you couldn't stop them... Is that it?
"A bit of a poor way to explain it, but that makes sense." Miyako says.
"What do you mean? What are they talking about?" Koharu questions.
"She means that if Abydos accepts the Tea Party's help, if they later go and do something Abydos doesn't aprive of, they won't be able to stop it because they'll be indebted to them." Miyako explains.
"So..."
"So Trinity can prace about in Abydos and do whatever naughty things they like." Hanako says in a sultry voice.
"N-No way Trinity would do dirty things in Abydos! Not now! Not ever!" Koharu affirms.
"You're right. We can't put the Abydos students through that. Guess the dirty things will have to stay in Trinity!" Hanako smiles.
"NO! There are no dirty things in Trinity, otherwise they would be executed!" Koharu insists.
Hoshino nods.
Nonomi: Hoshino, isn't that a little cynical?
Serika: Right! Why wouldn't they help us?!
Ayane: I agree.
Hoshino: Don't ignore the "what-ifs".
Sensei: What ifs?
"Yeah. Like the stuff we were discussing." Hoshino affirms. "Its best we don't get any help from any big time folks who might have some unknown bad intentions."
"But there might be some put there that have no bad intentions and will help you." Hifumi argues.
"*Sigh* I see Hoshino's point, as much as I disagree with it. We shouldn't take that risk that we may end up in a deeper hole than the one we're already in." Ayane reluctantly replies.
Hifumi: I don't get it.
Sensei: Don't fret. We'll find a solution! Right?! Maybe...? Hopefully...
"So much for heroic speeches." Momoi pouts.
"Ah, Sensei is just haveing an off day. He usually is better at that sort of thing." Arisu assures the blonde.
"You speak as if you know him..." Yuzu mutters to herself.
Serika: Sensei, you're supposed to inspire confidence!
Sensei: Lets calm down and think.
Serika: This is no time to be calm.
"Why isn't this any time to be calm? Nothings happening?" Moe questions.
"Thats... Just, uh... Shut up!" Serika snaps back.
Sensei: Hey, don't stare at me like that.
While Serika and Hoshino chat, Hoshino can't help but guiltily look away.
Hoshino: "What-ifs."... We ignored the "What-ifs" back then. Now Abydos...
"Nn, what do you mean by that?" Shiroko asks her senior.
"Ah, its not important." Hoshino waves off, much to Shiroko's frustration. "Just the ramblings of this old ojisan."
Shiroko seems to hear Hoshino's mumbling to herself and looks to her. Hoshino catches it and shoots her a reassuring smile. Shiroko doesn't seem assured by this as Hoshino enters back into the conversation.
Hoshino: Wait a minute! What are you youngins talking about?
Ayane: Hifumi was just about to say something.
Hoshino: Whats the matter, "Faust"?
Hifumi: Please don't call me that!
"Why not? Kind of cool to have an alterego like that." Momoi says.
Nonomi: Okay... Hifumi, mastermind of the Swimsuit Gang!
Hifumi: Please stop saying that!
"Oh, but that sounds even better!" Moe exclaims.
"It makes her sound important." Miyu agrees.
Serika: Knock it off, you're embarrassing her.
Shiroko's concerned eyes are mainly on Hoshino as Hifumi nervously laughs it off.
"Aw, is my cute junior worried about this old gal?" Hoshino coos. "Don't worry Shiroko, I ain't ready for a retirment home yet."
Hifumi: I need to get going.
Shiroko: I had a nice time today.
Serika: Shiroko, you're the only one who had fun.
"Don't say that, I think the me on their had fun as well!" Nonomi exclaims. Serika can only sigh in disappointment.
Hoshino: Lets have some fun at your school next time.
"We'll welcome you with open arms!" Hanako exclaims.
"Just nothing lewd... or illegal." Koharu affirms.
Sensei: Do your best, Hifumi!
Hifumi: You too! I know things are hard, but don't give up!
'Their struggle may be vain. This could easily amount to nothing and they'll lose thier school anyway, yet they still struggle.' Azusa thought. Her respect for Abydos continually rising.
All: Right!
With that, Hifumi walks off, waving back to her new friends.
Hifumi: See you later!
The others wave back as Hifumi continues on her way.
Serika: Are we gonna be okay?
Hoshino: We can worry about it later. This old timers exhausted.
Ayane: Lets meet tomorrow then.
Sensei: Go home and get some rest everyone.
Nonomi: Staying up all night's bad for your complexion.
"I mean... true among other things..." Hifumi says.
"That is, unless you're having a lot of fun for the night." Hanako smirks.
"Just what do you mean by that!" Koharu accuses.
Cut to the PS68 offfice. The door to their office opens as Mutsuki is cleaning her weapon.
Aru: Morning.
Mutsuki adopts a look of shock as a half dead looking Aru stumbles in.
"Case in point." Nonomi cheefuly motions to Aru.
"She looks more sleep deprived than having a bad complexion." Miyako states.
"Either way, go to sleep kids." Nonomi states.
"This conversation is just getting weird." Midori mutters to her club mates.
Mutsuki: Aru, were you up late?
Aru: I slept great.
Mutsuki watches Aru meander to her desk before continuing.
Mutsuki: We planned the next attack on Abydos. Right, Kayoko?
The Abydos students sit up, intent to learn their plan and counter it.
Kayoko: We'll plant dozens of bombs in advance. The detonate them when out enemies pass by. Haruka will also...
Kayoko walks over to Aru to find her asleep.
Kayoko: Paying attention?
This snaps Aru awake.
Aru: Coarse I am!
Kayoko: But you were just-
Aru: I was thinking!
Kayoko: Look, please just confirm. Is this plan good?
"But she never finished the plan." Serika pouts.
"We just find and shoot Haruka before she does whatever she's supposed to do." Shiroko amends.
Aru: Yeah.
Mutsuki: Aru, if you're worried about money so much, lets use the cash from the bag we found.
Aru: No way. That's money they dropped on accident. Only losers would use that. It'd tank our reputation.
"Sorry, what?" Momoi questions.
"I don't get it either." Hifumi says.
"Its not to return it to "The Masked Swimsuit Gang" seeing as she knows who you are." Midori starts off.
"And its not about being traced. Blackmarket would be putting itself on the line of it got Valkyrie involved." Miyako adds.
"Very curious indeed. What to do with it..." Hanako says.
"And tank their reputation? With whom? Who would know?" Ayane questions.
"The game knows..." Arisu says.
"Uh, I don't think that applies here." Yuzu tells the android.
"So then the only conclusion is that Aru would simply feel guilty about the money and elects not to do anything with it." Miyako says.
"For a self proclaimed hard boiled outlaw, she seems to have some decent morals." Hifumi says.
Mutsuki: Could we ask our client for a deposit then?
Aru: No deposits. Thats against our code. Didn't I already tell you?
Kayoko: "If we take the clients money, we must follow the clients orders." That so?
Aru: Exactly.
"Smart move, actually." Hanako comments.
"Aren't they already following their orders?" Koharu questions.
"Yes, but Aru sees this way as being more freeing to do what she needs to do to complete the job without needing to conceed to any requirment from her employers." Ayane explains. "This way, PS68 is free to act at their discretion."
Mutsuki: Right, I remember you said that before.
Aru: We only take their money once the jobs done. Otherwise we'd never be able to achive our vision.
Mutsuki: We have a vision?
"Wow. Her employees don't even know the end goal." Saki smirks.
"I feel like I could watch her potential train wrecks for hours." Moe shares the sentiment.
Aru: Of coarse! "Hardboiled outlaws, untethered by rules or laws," Thats what Problem Solver 68 is.
"Untethered by rules and laws... but not morals." Momoi jokes.
"I'm glad that none if them are apart of this audiance here, otherwise they'd not be happy about what we are saying." Azusa states.
"No, just Aru by the looks of it. Something Mutsuki knows full well." Hanako corrects.
Aru seems to get winded by this and flops back down into her chair.
Kayoko: Boss, can we just give up and go home to Gehenna?
"Heh. After that speech, they were quick to give up." Midori giggles to herself.
"Speech check failed." Arisu confirms.
Mutsuki: You think the Prefect Team will let us?
Aru seems to flinch at this.
Kayoko: Right. The Prefect Team is a pain.
Mutsuki: They're one of the strongest groups in all of Kivotos.
We are shown a shot with the main 4 Prefect Team members with their backs to the camera. They stand amist rubble and there is a red light surrounding them.
Kayoko: That's just because of the Head Prefect, Hina. Its not a stretch to say the bulk of the teams strength is hers.
"One team member holding the power? I shouldn't have to tell you, but thats stupid." Saki says.
"Thats only what people say." Azusa advises. "The truth may be different."
"Azusa's right. The other Prefect members are pretty strong in their own right. Its just that the Head Prefect is thrice as strong as even them that they get the false reputation of being weak without their leader." Miyako says.
Hina gives a side glance to the camera, showing her glowing purple eye.
Koharu flinches at this. The Head Prefect could be as scary as President Tsurugi.
Kayoko: In other words, we can beat all the other Prefects except her.
Mutsuki: Thats a take.
"Not the worst I've heard." Saki says.
"Let me guess, the worst is some punk thinking she could take on SRT." Serika says with certainty.
Kayoko: IF we have a foolproof plan.
Aru slams her hands onto her desk.
Aru: We're not going back to Gehenna. We have to be hardboiled outlaws untethered by rules and laws.
Mutsuki: Isn't that the vision of Problem Solver 68?
Aru smirks.
Aru: Exactly.
The door opens and Haruka walks back in.
Kayoko: Welcome back, Haruka.
Mutsuki: Nice job.
Haruka: I'm back.
"I am admitidly curious as to how effective she is in placeing her explosives." Azusa admits.
Aru tries to stave off her sleepiness.
Haruka: Aru. If you ever need me, let me know.
Haruka gets close to Aru with an overjoyed smile.
Haruka: I'll crush anyone with these two hands. These hands.
"...is it me, or is this girl..." Serika fishs for the right words.
"Maybe she has a romantic crush on Aru!" Nonomi exlcaims.
"I could see it." Momoi says. "I ship it."
"Don't ship real people, sis." Midori advises.
"That or she really is just unhinged." Moe comments.
"That means a lot coming from you." Saki mutters to herself.
"Or its both." Shiroko throws out.
Aru can only look onward awkwardly until her stomach growls. Mutsuki giggles at this.
Mutsuki: Oh my, Aru. So you were just hungry?
Aru: You're so annoying.
Kayoko: Lets go eat.
Aru: All right.
Mutsuki: Where to? Shiba Seki Ramen?
Haruka: Um...
Haruka looks like she wants to say something.
"Poor Haruka." Nonomi says.
"Girl might try being more assertive." Azusa advises.
Mutsuki: Don't worry. The Abydos part timer only works afternoons.
Aru: Guess we have no other choice.
Mutsuki: Lets go Haruka.
Haruka: Okay.
Cut back to Abydos where Sensei yawns as he enters a room.
Nonomi: Good morning, Sensei. You're in early today.
Nonomi sits on a chair with Hoshino resting on her lap, the rest of her body resting on other chairs proped up beside Nonomi's.
"Comfortable, eh?" Momoi prods at Hoshino.
"Yup. One of the best places to nap." Hoshino confirms.
Hoshino: Morning, Sensei.
Sensei: Hoshino, Nonomi... what are you two doing here?
Hoshino: Forget it, this is my spot.
"Hey! No lewd things around the school like that!" Koharu screams at Hoshino and Nonomi. "Execution! And that goes for Sensei too."
"But we aren't in Trinity." Hoshino points out.
Sensei: Thats not what I mean't!
"You heard him, Koharu. Sensei isn't complicit." Hanako teases her fellow pinkette.
"Fine... he gets off this time." Koharu reluctantly mutters.
Nonomi: Right, Hoshino. Didn't anyone teach you to share?
"Oh, thats even better!" Hanako exclaims. "I'll have to keep that in mind for when I meet Sensei. This lap has room for one more, any takers? Koharu?"
"Absolutly not! You wanna get executed?!" Koharu exclaims.
"No, I just wanted to offer Sensei a way to, as you said, "get off"." Hanako smiles, knowing she's got the JTF girl.
Koharu to the surprise of no one, looks like she is dying.
Sensei: Thats not what I mean't either!
Hoshino: Oh my!
Hoshino gets up from Nonomi's lap and makes for the door.
Nonomi: Hoshino, where are you going?
Hoshino: Today's my day off, I'll be relaxing. Let me know if anything comes up!
"You were already in a comfortable spot to relax." Midori points out.
"Yeah, but I don't wanna tie Nonomi down like that." Hoshino says. "If the youngin needed to get up and move, this old lady wouldn't want to be in the way."
"Oh, it would be alright, Hoshino." Nonomi assures.
"And if not her, my lap is available." Hanako says. "That goes for everyone here who would like a nice lap pillow."
With that, the two watch her leave.
Sensei: Another nap?
Nonomi: Looks like.
Sensei: Its a nice day for it.
"No, nice day for it would be when its not a nice day." Serika huffs.
"Oh hush, any day is a nice day for a nap." Hoshino defends.
Nonomi: ...Hoshino's changed.
Sensei: Huh?
Nonomi: She's usually zoned out these days. But when we first met she moved like something was chasing her.
"Ah, back when I was young and had so much energy." Hoshino sighs with nostalgia.
"But you're still young! And have a lot of energy in combat!" Serika argues.
"Thats nuce of you to say, Serika. But my old bones ache after those fights." Hoshino nonchalantly replies.
Sensei: What was chasing her?
Nonomi: Honestly? Everything.
We see Hoshino walking down the hall as Nonomi talks.
Nonomi: From what I heard when Hoshino first arrived, there was this senior. She was the last of the Abydos Council.
Hoshino losses her smile for a second before putting it back on.
Hoshino looks up to the sign of the council room as she passes by.
Nonomi: She left and Hoshino took on her role. She was only a first year. Maybe thats why she never reached out to the other schools. Now, she's a lot more laid-back.
"I don't know what makes you think that, Nonomi. But I trithfully already told you why I didn't reach out." Hoshino explains, a light air still in her tone.
A moment of silence passes.
Nonomi: Still, I don't know all the details.
Sensei: You think I'm the reason?
Nonomi: Huh?
Sensei: For her change.
Sensei laughs at this.
Sensei: No? Sorry, what I mean't was...?
He is interupted by Nonomi softly giggling before she looks out the window.
Nonomi: I definitly believe it was you.
"Nn, but Hoshino acts the same as she always does." Shiroko says.
"Maybe, but there still something different about her..." Nonomi insists.
"Don't you youngins know its impolite to speak of your elders to their face that way?" Hoshino questions.
It then fades to Shiba Seki Ramen where PS68 sits with a full bowls of ramen for each of them.
Master Shiba: Thank you for waiting.
Mutsuki: At last! Thanks for the grub!
Mutsuki has some.
Mutsuki: So good!
Haruka: A bowl for each of us. Are you sure this is okay?
"So much for not using the money." Koharu states.
"How else can they afford the meal?" Midori agrees.
"In anycase, this is good. It'll go into Abydo's economy." Serika smiles.
Master Shiba: You came all this way to eat my ramen. Why not?
Haruka brightens up at this.
Haruka: Thank you. Thank you so much!
Aru can only stare at her own bowl in shock until she adopts a smile.
Aru: I'm truely grateful.
Master Shiba: Don't mention it.
Aru: We'll cherish every bite.
Master Shiba: Its on the house. Just dig in. After all, you lot are Serika's friends.
"Oh. Never mind then." Midori sighs.
"I really need to get on his case about that. Goodwill alone won't help the shop or Abydos." Serika sighs. Serika then registers the other thing he said. "A-And we're not friends!"
After Master Shiba says that, Aru remembered all that she's been through with the Forecloser Task Force.
Kayoko: No ones here, even with Ramen this good.
Mutsuki: Probably the location. This area's been losing residents from the desertification.
Aru: No... WE ARE NOT FRIENDS!
"You sure? You seem to be of the same mind?" Momoi smirks in a teasing manner.
"No! She's way more gullible than me." Serika affirms.
"She is?" Most of the theatre says, simultaneously.
"Agh!" Serika screams. "Point is, we are on opposing sides in this fight! We will NEVER be friends."
Master Shiba takes notice.
Kayoko: Don't shout.
Aru: I get it now. This shop is the problem. This shop!
Mutsuki: What do you mean? Don't you like the ramen here?
Aru: Of coarse I do! It's savoury, the portions are huge, Even the cook is great!
Kayoko: Then whats the problem.
Aru: Everything! We're here to work. Harboiled outlaws like us shouldn't be swayed by cheap kindness.
"Uh, I would have through hardboiled outlaws would just take the free stuff and go." Koharu states.
"Ah, but you have to remember. They're hardboiled outlaws with a moral code." Momoi says, sagely.
Silence except for Aru's heavy breathing reigns.
Kayoko: I don't get it.
Haruka: I understand.
Kayoko and Mutsuki: Haruka?
Aru: Haruka, you understand me, right?
Haruka: Yes. We've got to destroy this shop, right?
"Wh-What?!" Ayane shrieks.
"B-But its such a nice restaurant. We have so many memories there." Nonomi worridly says.
"They better not dare..." Serika darkly seeths.
Aru: Haruka, what do you mean by "destroy"?
Haruka: Just that.
With that, Haruka pulls out a detonater. Her team looks aprehensive of this.
"Oh my- she's actually serious." Hifumi gawks.
"So does this prove that Haruka's actually unhinged?" Saki questions.
"But she's doing it for Aru." Momoi points out. "So whether she has romantic feelings for Aru or is just crazy is still up in the air."
"No, she IS crazy. The other bit is an unknown." Miyako amends.
Kayoko: Why do you-?
Haruka smiles.
Haruka: Fire in the hole.
Aru: Wait, Haruka!
Haruka squeezes the trigger and the shop explodes off screen. Its smoke can be seen rising above the neighboring buildings.
"Why would she detonate her explosives while still in the building? She's given up a tactical advantage." Azusa pargnatically states.
"Who care about that! Those vermin blew up Shiba Seki Ramen! We're going to make them pay!" Serika rages.
An alarm blares back at Abydos.
Auane: There was an explosion within 10-kilometers of here. The location was...
Ayane gasps
Shiroko: Ayane?
Ayane: The location was... Shiba Seki Ramen.
Serika: Why there?!
Shiroko: What could they possibly be after?
"Who knows at this point." Hoshino says.
"I already forgot, oh wait, yeah. They blew up the ramen shop over Aru's overreaction." Midori reminds them.
Nonomi: Maybe Serika?
Serika: Me? Why?
Sensei: For now, lets head over!
Nonomi: What about Hoshino?
Ayane: I'll tell her. We have to rescue the master.
All: Right.
"You better join us." Serika tells her senior.
"Ah, if I'm not asleep. You kids are just fine on your own as is." Hoshino assures her.
"Reguardless, you will help us!" Serika demands.
Serika is the first to rush out with her teammates behind her.
Serika: Wait for us, Master!
Cuts to the street of the destroyed ramen shop. On lookers can only look on in shock at the devastation. In the wreckage, Aru recovers.
Aru: Ow...
She looks around and catches all the attention Harula's bomb caused.
Aru: What happened?
Mutsuki: Found you, Aru.
Mutsuki and Kayoko rush to her side.
Aru: Mutsuki, Kayoko...
Kayoko: You okay, boss?
Aru: Y-Yeah. Wheres Haruka?
Kayoko: She should be nearby. So she really planted a bomb at Shiba Seki.
"Likely multiple, given that the shop seems to be leveled." Azusa informs.
"Ah, thank you Azusa. Thats really not nessescary to state, through." Hifumi says, eyeing the seething Serika with caution.
Aru: Come to think of it, what was our plan, exactly?
Kayoko: We went over it this morning... But this wasn't part of it.
"It was a good plan, but setting off your own trap is a rookie mistake." Azusa says.
"How about just don't set the trap." Nonomi sternly replies.
Aru: What?!
Kayoko sighs.
Kayoko: What do we do now?
Mutsuki: What's the problem? Isn't this what you wanted? You said "destroy this shop".
Haruka: No, I said that.
"For our next game, I'm writing some characters based off this group. Reguadless of circumstances, they're entertaining." Momoi whispers to her clubmates.
Haruka joins the group.
Aru: Haruka, are you all right?
Haruka: Yes, I'm fine. Hey Aru... Did I mess up?
Aru adopts a smile, though an unconvincing one that says, "yeah, you did". Haruka adopts a look of shock and starts rapidly bowing.
Haruka: I'm so sorry! I was the one who set off that bomb. As penance, I offer up my life!
Haruka holds a grenade, ready to pull the pin.
"Woah! Woah! Where is this coming from?!" Hifumi exlclaims.
"They made a bad decision, but Haruka shouldn't literally kill herself over it." Nonomi adopts a look of worry.
"Not that a grenade will kill her, but I understand the disturbing thought." Azusa adds. 'Only explosive that could kill a student in one blast is the halo destroying bomb I have. And as far as I know, its the only one of its kind.'
"We've already seen she has low self esteem, but to thino it woiod be to the extent that she's suicidal..." Miyako says.
"She needs professional help." Hifumi concludes.
Kayoko: Stop that. We need to figure out our next move.
Kayoko finds Aru's shocked face.
Kayoko: Boss?
Aru looks at all the people garhered. At the smoke rising.
Aru: Look at this situation. We're real villains now, huh?
Mutsuki: Huh? So we met our goal?
Aru: What are you talking about?
Mutsuki: You wanted to be a villainess, right?
Aru: Huh?
Mutsuki: You blew up the ramen shop. They fed us, and you nuked them on a whim. You're so diabolical, Aru.
"Change of heart?" Midori questions.
Aru starts laughing and holds a nervous smile.
Aru: Of coarse I am! Merciless and ruthless! "We'll do the crime if you've got the dime!" Thats our motto.
"Nervously go along with it." Koharu amends the gamer.
Serika: Problem Solver 68!
Aru takes notice of Shiroko, Serika, and Nonomi armed and ready.
Mutsuki: Look over there, its the part timer from the ramen shop.
Serika: What are you doing here?
Mutsuki: Kufufu, what do you think?
Shiroko: Did you really blow up Shiba Seki Ramen?
Kayoko: If we did?
Nonomi: We won't let you get away with it.
Aru looks apprehensive.
Mutsuki: You hear that, Aru?
Kayoko: The timing's awful, but we have to deal with them eventually.
Kayoko readies her Heckler & Koch P30 from her jacket pocket.
"Bring it." Serika challenges.
"They're at a disadvantage from taking damage from their own trap." Azusa says.
"Their HP isn't at zero yet. They will still fight until it is." Arisu advises.
Haruka: I won't fail you again, Aru! Wh-What do I do?
Aru just looks very shocked at all thats happeneing.
Aru: Should I just tell the truth and say sorry? What about out reputation? What about my pride as an outlaw?!
"Again with this reputaion stuff..." Koharu muses.
"So just let everyone around you know you are a jerk whole attacks those that just show you kindness." Ayane summarizes.
Serika: Hey, don't just stand there glassy-eyed. Answer us!
Aru: Zip it! You're right. We were the ones who blew up Shiba Seki Ramen. Us, Problem Solver 68!
Serika titlts her head down, hiding her angry eyes under her bangs.
Aru: Now you know just how nasty we can be.
Mutsuku and Haruka: Aru!
Nonomi takes notice of Serika's foul mood.
Nonomi: Serika?
Ayane comes in in comms.
Ayane: The Master is safe.
Nonomi: How is he?
Ayane: Just some minor injuries. We'll get him to safet, then head your way.
"Oh my. What a relief." Nonomi says.
Serika sighs in relief. "That is good news."
Nonomi: Got it. Serika, good news!
Serika: Unforgivable.
Shiroko: Serika?
Serika: Shiroko. I'm sorry, but I can't just stand by.
Shiroko nods.
Shiroko: Me neither.
Aru strengthens her resolve.
Aru: All right, bring it!
Serika takes off.
Serika: Lets go!
Before they can clash, a bomb drops in between the two parties. Aru gasps as she is enveloped by the smoke. Several more explosions rack through out the street as panicked civillians fled. Mutsuki coughs through the smoke.
Mutsuki: What now?
"Oh yeah! Now that was a big one." Moe cheers.
"Huh? Helmet gang?" Shiroko questions.
"Maybe some other mercenary group." Ayane suggests.
Kayoko: Its them.
Mutsuki: Them?
Kayoko: Why now of all times?
"Ugh. Pronoun game it is." Momoi groans.
Haruka: Aru, wake up!
Kayoko turns around to find Haruka cradling an unconscious Aru.
Haruka: Aru, Aru!
Ayane and Sensei join the rest of the FTF.
Ayane: Is everyone okay?
Nonomi: I'm fine.
Serika: Where'd that artillary come from?
Shiroko: It was...
Sensei: The attack came from over there.
The smoke gradually clears to reveal an armada of students with multiple motars proped up. Their uniforms indicate they are all from the Prefect Team.
"Gehenna's Prefect Team?!" Miyako exclaims in surprise.
"What are they doing in Abydos territory?" Shiroko questions.
"Maybe coming to take back Problem Solver." Yuzu suggests.
"Even so, they can't operate in a district that is not their own unless they have express permission." Hanako states. 'What the hell are they doing?'
"This is blatant disrespect to Abydos as a separate district." Ayane says.
Prefect 1: Shelling successful. Targets are on the back foot.
A student is shown, only by the chin and upee chest, but its made clear that they aren't just a grunt. They have blonde hair tied off into two pig tails and although they're not on screen yet, elf ears and glasses.
Chinatsu: Whats our next move, Iori? It seems we have some unexpected guests.
"That girl. Wasn't she with the team that fought the Fox of Calamity?" Saki questions.
"You mean with that ruthless arithmetic and the two Trinity students?" Momoi questions.
Saki raises an eyebrow at the nickname, but nevertheless answers. "Yeah. Those ones.
We are shown Iori in a similar vain to Chinatsu. She has tanned skin and longer, silver twin tails tied higher.
Iori: Who are they? What was the name... Abydos?
Chinatsu: Right, the Abydos High School Foreclosure Task Force. What to do?
Iori: Thats obvious, Chinatsu. Anyone who gets in the way of our duties...
Iori's tails snaps itself like a whip. The two are then fully shown before zooming in on Iori.
Iori: ... Is an enemy.
Episode end.
"Coming into our district guns ablazing?" Nonomi questions. "Does the whole of Gehenna just not care for the law?!"
"I don't think so. Call it a feeling, but I don't think Gehenna's Head Prefect would do so ething like this." Hanako states.
"Then who would order them to do this?" Serika questions. "Or why would they themselves do this?"
"I dunno. But by watching the next episode, we could find out." Hoshino suggests.
AN: So far, this episode has been the hardest to write reactions for. If you noticed that the reactions towards the end are a little thin... well, I kind of struggled there. Reguardless, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The "Say Bing" Event is coming up here. (At least thats what I think they called it) What do you all think of that? Me personally, I don't really care much. I don't really have any particular likeing to the Valkyrie characters. Not that they're bad, I just don't have anything much to say about them. I'm mostly excited for the rest of Vol1 Ch3. Not just for the banners, but for the rest of the story. Some people on my discord talk as if they've already read through the whole thing, yet I can't find a translation anywhere. Anyone know whats up with that? No spoilers. Anyway, I've talked enough about the up and coming. Please leave a review. It helps with the next chapter and keeps me motivated. Until next time.