#Where's Date-sama??? ;o;! Where's my Yuki??? ;~;!

[mysticdragon3md3]

When Capcom Japan's official art of all their major franchises, doesn't include Sengoku Basara...I get worried. o~O?!

[emilycollins00]

Hey, if you want to (you don‘t have to through) could you maybe write a Muku x Reader, in which Muku‘s crush writes him a anonymous love letter but he recognizes his crush’s handwriting? But if you don’t to write it for Muku, than it can be somebody else! Like idk... Juza or Sakuya (that would have been cute too). Everybody’s just great🥺❤️ Have a great day!~ (*´꒳`*)🌸

Sorry for the delay, love. You are the sweetest thing! I don’t really mind if reader is the same age, also crushes are the cutest thing so... Muku it is! 💕

Hope you enjoy!

Title: Love letter

Pairing: Muku Sakisaka x reader

“I don’t know Yuki-kun, I’m sure Sakyo-san also wants the play to be a success. Why would he try to make it difficult?”

With school hours finally ended for the day, both middle schoolers talked as they prepared to go back to the dorm.

Yuki clicked his tongue “If he wanted the performance to be good he should at least be more lenient with the budget” he mused opening his locker, already making a mental list of the materials he would have to buy to make up for the cut he had been informed in the morning “That money grabbing yakuza… he could at least think how much work is to piece everything together”

“I-I’m sure you’ll do an amazing job! We’ll all make sure to help if it gets too much!”

“Of course I was already counting on it. I haven’t been training you all for nothing”

Muku laughed nervously at his retort.

“Muku-kun!”

His heart made a leap at the unexpected sound of your voice. Turning around, he found you running in his direction from the crowded hall.

“Y/N-san?”

Once you managed to catch up you held a hand up, asking silently for a few seconds to regain breath. Finally you lifted your head, cheeks slightly flushed from the sprint “Sorry, I wanted to give back the volume you let me before you left!”

“Ah, you shouldn’t have had to bother coming all the way!” Muku stuttered, taking the manga from your hands and holding it against his chest. He glanced at you hopeful “Um... What did you think about it?”

You clapped your hands, beaming “Oh, I couldn’t put it down! The main character was so sweet it made me want to cheer for them so much!”

Muku felt his previous tension being released. He had been the one who had recommended it after all. He smiled happily “I thought so too! T-the way the festival had…”

As always happened when he talked to you lately, Muku hoped he wasn’t blushing too much or sounded too weird. It had been a few months since you both started exchanging romance novels due to mutual interest and the more you got to know each other, the more Muku noticed he had developed quite the crush on you.

“I see you guys are leaving already. Practice?”

Muku played with the string of his schoolbag, self-consciously “W-well, spring troupe is next so we usually make street acts for the time being until Tsuzuru-san writes ours- ah, he’s the person I told you that writes such wonderful stories!”

“Oh! I hope summer comes soon then” you chuckled, making Muku’s stomach stir “I have to go now too, see you both tomorrow!” .

Once you were out of sight, Yuki glanced at the former athlete sighing with a hand placed in his chest and rolled his eyes “Why don’t you just invite them somewhere? I doubt they’d say no”

“Uh?”

“Y/N” his pointed the way you had left with his chin “You are painfully obvious, you know”

Muku waved his arms neglectingly, flushing “I-I can’t! If only I had the charismatic aura of Itaru-san or the elegance of Citron-sama b-but I don’t have any of those qualities and...!

“I keep telling you those two are the worst examples you should be trying to learn from”

He kept shaking his head stubbornly. You had become someone he truly admired for always doing their best. Your approach and attitude were so nice, so warm...  The thought of dating was too much! “A-anyway, shouldn’t we hurry to get to the dorm?”

Yuki squinted his eyes, but opted to shrug it off “Sure, I need to change before going to that thrift shop by Veludo Station. Last time the worker there showed me some…”

Muku relaxed inwardly, seeing Yuki was already on work mode. As he opened the locker to change his shoes though, something white fell from inside. He crouched down to the floor to retrieve it “A letter?”

He turned it, but saw no sign anywhere, which made him tilt his head confused. Why was a letter inside…?

Something clicked in his head as he stood up, blue eyes staring at the white envelope.

It couldn’t be real. He must be daydreaming.

“Maybe I could even- Muku?”

Oh god, what if he had been transported to one of his mangas? What if he now had to overcome the plot of the story to be able to get back and…?

“Hey! Earth to Muku, geez!”

Snapping out of it, he finally focused on the annoyed green-haired in front of him “Yuki-kun…? Have you also been transported into the manga world?”

“What are you talking about” the young designer sighed, crossing his arms over his chest when he noticed the envelope “Was that inside your locker?”

“You can see it too?!”

“Of course I can idiot. You didn’t have that before”

Muku nodded to himself blinking at the letter. So he wasn’t imagining it…

“Well, aren’t you going to open it?” Yuki leaned his back on the lockers, bending curiously.

“Yuki-kun”

“Mhm”

“I-I can’t”

                                           -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

“Mucchan received a WHAT?!”

“Could you say it any louder, you idiotic dog? It’s just a letter, who cares”

“Mukkun, I’m shook!” as Taichi kept crying about wanting to find love too, Kazunari jumped in completely elated “Isn’t this like the highlight of your school life mangas in real life? You def have to open it!”

Taichi’s reactions and Kazunari’s comments didn’t reach Muku, still zoning in and out of the conversation. After a long banter in school, he hadn’t had the guts to open the letter, so Yuki decided for him to take it home and give him time to process the situation.

Which is the reason he was now sitting on the couch in the middle of the lounge, surrounded.

It was true he had often dreamed of love letters. Who wouldn’t? They were so romantic! To receive a handwritten confession maybe even in poetry professing an undying love, rushing off to a midnight rendezvous with one’s true love… the mere thought made Muku swoon.

But one thing was his imagination, and another one real life, as much as he sometimes mixed both.

To think something like that actually happened to him didn’t feel real.

“I…I already told Yuki-kun this must be a mistake” he murmured fidgeting, not able to take his eyes off the yet-to-be-open envelope on the table “Who would want to write to someone who is a half-pint, small, dried-up stale beansprout like me?”

“You sure s’not a letter for a challenge, right” Juza grumbled from the other couch, throwing daggers to the letter.

“J-juza-san?!”

“Why am I not surprised that’s your first thought, Standard Gangster”

Muku lifted his head gasping with eyes wide open, scared “I-I hadn’t even think about that! What if I did something and now they are looking for revenge and…!”

“S’okay, Muku” Juza stopped him, cracking his knuckles “I’ll take care of ‘em if that’s the case”

“Whoa, whoa, hold on, dude!” Kazunari laughed nervously, placing a hand his shoulder to calm him down “Before we decide it’s something like that, how about opening it?”

“Mr. Extrovert is right for once” Yuki rested his chin on the back on his hand “You are taking too long”

As everyone watched expectantly, Muku glanced at the letter once more, swallowing with difficulty. Even just looking at it made his heartbeat go wild. He shook his head, took a deep breath, and carefully tore the edges apart.

The first thought that came to his mind was the fact that the colour of the paper was the same as his hair.

Then, the fact that his whole face was probably heating up after he read his name.

“Mucchan?”

“Just tell me who I have to beat up”

The summer troupe member lifted his head flustered, forgetting where he was “S-sorry I- it’s okay, Ju-chan! um, it’s not that type of letter!”

As he kept reading the content, Muku felt his heart ringing in his ears as well as the heat reaching and warming his cheeks. The message of the letter was definitely a confession worthy of a manga and the way he was being described… nothing could compare to what he was feeling at that moment, eyes fixed on the letter, practically glowing.

By the second read though, he noticed something weird. A somewhat familiar feeling, as if he had read this before.

He read it again. What was it?

“Let me see, let me see!” Kazunari soon moved to his side, reading with him and whistling “Mukkun whoever this is you have to find them, this is totes cute!”

He didn’t answer, still in deep thought. This handwriting… where had he…?

You.

A flashback of him looking at your notes in class and thinking how beautiful your handwriting looked crossed his mind. Muku covered his mouth from the sudden revelation.

“Muku!?”

“You okay, Mukkun?”

If he was blushing before, his face must now be a downright crimson mess.

Could it be a joke? Or was he daydreaming again? B-but that WAS your handwriting. He had caught himself so many times staring that it.

He checked once more afraid. No, it definitely was yours.

“B-but Y/N-san, they…”

“Y/N?” the surprise on Yuki’s face when he heard your name was palpable. He grabbed the letter, smiling at the end “Well, aren’t you lucky Wonder Boy”

“Who’s Y/N?”

“Ah, Muku’s crush”

“WAIT- MUKKUN’S!?”

“MUCCHAN’S?!”

“Muku, you…”

“W-wait, what if they did this as a way to test my acting? O-or to try to recreate a scene for a new manga?” his mind kept rejecting the idea “They said they wanted to see our performance, what if tomorrow they keep asking me what happened today and I can’t act naturally and then they think I was spying on them only to be told that-!

“Muku, please” Yuki rolled his eyes “As if someone like them would do this as a prank”

The young actor looked around everyone in the room insecure and then again at your letter, taking it with both hands carefully “It’s just… I’m just me” he finally whispered.

Kazunari chuckled softly, ruffling his hair.

“Well, that’s plenty for us, you know it! And judging by the letter it’s the same for them”

                                           -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Next day Muku paced around the entrance of the school, waiting for you. No matter how many mangas he had read, nothing had given him the answer for how to act. 

Was this how the heroines felt? His lower body was barely being able to sustain him.

“Muku-kun, you called for me?”

Okay, stay calm Muku. Y-you got this! He forced himself not to let his nerves show as you walked up “Y-yeah! Um, do you have a moment to talk?”

“Sure?” you tilted your head curiously.

He had to avert his gaze “t-The thing is, um; yesterday this was on my locker…” Muku took out the letter from his pocket, praying for a reaction.

You stared at it dumbfounded, and for the first time, Muku saw your cheeks growing slightly red. He kept talking “I… I somehow recognized your handwriting! S-so I wanted to say that I too-!”

He couldn’t finish as he watched you covering your face, which caused him to frown confused “Y-Y/N-san...?”

“Please hide me” Muku could tell your ears were bright red at this point “Sorry, this is not… it wasn’t…”

You groaned to yourself. You worked so hard to not let it show, appearing even before he saw the letter and your handwriting was what gave it away in the end…? Talk about embarrassment.

“Ugh, I’m so lame”

“It wasn’t lame! Not at all!” Muku’s heart squeezed, talking louder than he had imagined, but he wanted to make his point clear this time. Lame was the last thing that could have crossed his mind when he read it “You are so cool and the letter was beautiful!”

“I-It was…?”

He nodded although you couldn’t see him “Y/N-san” you felt his hands holding yours, taking them away from your face. Once you couldn’t hide anymore you looked up, a blushing Muku welcoming you with a warm smile.

“If you are okay with me, would... would you like to meet up sometime?”

He really looked like a prince.

_______________________________________________________________

Wishing you all a wonderful day! 💕

[amenomiko]

Thank you for requesting @otome-land 😘😘😘💕💕💕💕💕

IkeSen Lords x Pokemon

Nobunaga

First of all, he will name 6 of his pokemon with the name of his vassals, and MC.

The possibility for him to choose anything related to them is high. Nah. Knowing him he will make it possible.

Like.. Having Mankey (Hideyoshi), Dragonite (Masamune), Ninetales (Mitsuhide), Jigglypuff (Ieyasu) and Psyduck (Mitsunari).

And Torchic (MC).

"EXCUSE ME??" - MC

"It's adorable. Besides. It is a fire pokemon like you, my fireball. As I couldn't find pokemon based on lucky charm."

Also, named his rival as "Tiger Wannabe".

Favorite Pokemon - Ho-oh. Reason: Majestic and Legendary.

Masamune: Is it because you always say the word "Hooh?"

*Is jabbed hard on his waist by Hideyoshi*

Hideyoshi

Obviously will do a shopping spree on potions, defense items, power-up items, particularly on those things to take care of his pokemon's well being.

Gasp dramatically when his Pokemon's HP is less than 30%.

+Heavy breathing when they are poisoned / cursed / paralyzed / put on sleep powder.

"MY BABIES!"

Complains a lot about the main character's age.

"What kind of game that allows 10 year old children goes for his adventure A L O N E??"

Favorite Pokemon: Arcanine. Why?

Mitsuhide: LOYAL because he is a dog? Pfft-

"....*groans*"

Masamune

Relate himself to Lance.

Cause... Dragon Pokemon.

Name his rival "Ghey". Because "G*y" is inappropriate and he is lectured by Hideyoshi about names.

"Will you name your son like that?? Will you?? MC will cry!!"

"Psssh it's just a game~~"

"It's just a game?? Then is dating and marrying and having child with MC is a game to you??"

How did this escalated like that-- anyway-

Favorite Pokemon: Rapidash.

He really wish it exists so he can go for a Formula 1 riding. Horse version.

Mitsuhide

Was grinning the entire time of playing until Hideyoshi assume he uses hack in it.

"My my how silly of you, I am playing fair and square."

"Then care to explain WHY your pokemon is level 100???"

"I wonder. I don't understand modern things ¯\_(ツ)_/¯."

Yeah right.

His team is nothing but those of ghost pokemon, dark pokemon, and psychic pokemon a.k.a the pokemon that puts misery on their opponent.

His favorite would be Ninetails. Cause... Fox.

Ieyasu: I thought your favorite is Gengar. The grin is the same 😒.

Hideyoshi: Did you just name your rival as "Castle Hen"--

Ieyasu

Psssh.

He won't play this childlike game.

Also Ieyasu: His team are of those cute looking pokemon.

Instantly heal his Pokemon just like Hideyoshi.

"It's not that I care or anything-- they must stay strong in order to win. Hmf."

Have this certain happiness whenever he win against a magikarp with 1 hit-k.o.

*Points at Magikarp and show it to Mitsunari* "You."

Milotic is his favorite. He relate Milotic to his past of where its first evolve is weak and shunned, then grow into stronger pokemon once it evolved.

Meanwhile, Masamune: I see Seadra or Jigglypuff in you when you are angry though. HEH.

Ieyasu: ಠ_ಠ I hate you.

Mitsunari

The one who take his sweet time to grow his Pokemon.

Most probably need a month to finish it as he will read those walkthrough and tips and storyline behind each Pokemon to understand it better.

Also one of those who named his Pokemon after his fellow vassals, but those Pokemon will be a majestic and stronger ones.

Oh our dear angel (´；д；`).

Anyway-

Despite taking his time to play the game, he is always ranked no.1 thanks to his tactics and planning. There's no single loss in each of his battles.

His favorite Pokemon is Skitty. "Because I want Neko-san to be my pet, even in this world (❁´◡`❁)."

MC: HNNGGGHHH MY KOKORO.

Then Ieyasu: I don't understand why Psyduck is not your favorite. That is your twin, do you know that?

Mitsunari: But I don't have any siblings, Ieyasu-sama (´・д・｀).

Kenshin

"......*glares*"

Shingen: There he goes again, glaring into his game as if he is the one who is battling someone.

Yukimura: Nah. If he does, he will stab them and become a Pokemon Master in 3 days.

"...Be quiet or I will Dragon Rage you both (눈‸눈)."

Sasuke peeks to Kenshin's favorite Pokemon, Kingdra. "I see that you are fond of this Pokemon, Kenshin-sama. Is it because you have the same color (Blue and Yellow)?"

"Hm. He is a majestic water and dragon type. And he kills in just one attack. Just like me."

Sasuke: Please refrain the word 'Kill'. That game is not rated R-18 you know.

Shingen: Kingdra? I thought you are a beedrill who likes to stab people-- *stabbed* H E Y

Shingen

Indifferent face to male NPC, and suddenly sparkles when he is met with female NPC.

"Ah, yes, Nurse Joy. Please heal my Pokemon as your name brings my heart with joy 😏😏✨✨✨✨."

Yukimura: Shingen-sama. If that is a pun, I want to tell you that I wish to reverse time so I could get out from this room.

Also Yukimura: Did you just put my name for your Piplup just because I'm Tsundere??

Sasuke: He didn't even deny he is a Tsundere.

"Now now Yuki, allow me to focus on capturing my favorite Pokemon. Ah, here comes Entei..! He is very charismatic, just like me 😏😏😏."

Kenshin: *Casually* I was confident you are like Jynx.

Yukimura

"Tsk. This Team Rocket is annoying. Why did they even choose that kind of name in the first place--"

Sasuke: Prepare for trouble, bro.

"...Sasuke stop."

Sasuke: And make it double, bro.

"Sasuke, we have discussed about this."

Sasuke: To protect the world from devastation--

"Sasuke, for the 157th time, STOP OAO! My Pokemon passed out AGAIN!"

Sasuke: ......

"....😒😒😒"

MC: *Skips into the room* Team rocket blast off the speed of light ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ!

Sasuke: Surrender now or prepare to fight (/OAO)/!

Both: Meowth! That's right ٩( ᐛ )( ᐖ )۶!

"...If only Moltres is here, I've already burn both of you like those chestnut buns ʕʘ̅͜ʘ̅ʔ.

Sasuke

+Also the type to name his Pokemon after his lord, bff, gf, and most importantly... Ieyasu.

...And it was Jigglypuff. Except the name is Ieyasupuff.

Kinda freeze when he have to battle NPC that has butterfrees. Poor Sasuke.

He have this habit of calling Pokemon with the names of people that has the same features too.

*Encounters Sylveon* "Oh. It's Yoshimoto-san." *Encounters Sharpedo* "*Gasp* Oh wait, it's just Motonari-san."

*Fights with Beedrill* "Kenshin-sama please don't poison sting me, I'm out of antidotes-- you just did. *sigh* As expected of you. No mercy indeed."

MC: Who is your favorite Pokemon, Sasuke?

"Hmm.. Staryu."

MC: Ah! I know! It can heal his own HP right? How convenient--

"Because he sounds like Ultraman and acts like Ultraman when it is injured. You know, the red thing on its center?"

MC: Ah.. Haaah. I see (´・w・｀).

[ikemenfics]

The Kiss That Begins with C

Word Count: 1983

Happy valentine’s: The finale of our crazy crack comes to an end!  

“They went aft th' Uesugi Takeda alliance, too?”  The white haired man leaned back, looking all but flabbergasted hearing the recent events regarding the Oda and Takeda incidents.  “They mad?  That’s madness.”

The messenger nodded, agreeing with the pirate warlord, “There were no casualties though.  That’s the strangest part…”  They sat, contemplating their sake as they spoke.  

“So ye're tellin' me that a lone figure broke into th' Oda 'n Uesugi castles.  Nah only that, they went aft th' warrior monk, too.  Hmm..."  an idea spawned into Motonari’s head.  If he could get ahold of the geniuses that broke into the castles AND got to the warrior monk, that could spell complete chaos on all sides.  Motonari’s face broke into a grin at the thought, dismissing his subordinate.  

"Now all that's needed be gettin' th' apparent trespassers t' come t' me."

Elsewhere, around a table sat figures playing cards.  One perked his head up, gave a nod, then excused himself from the game.  Another figure reached to peek at his cards but found his hand smacked away before he could eye the hand.

Motonari had wandered into the woods.  His intention was to question Kennyo himself, as an “ally”, about the recent drama.  After all, Kennyo had also failed to take the town he had planned to raid.  There was definitely suspicious intelligence at work and if it was against Oda, Takeda/Uesugi, and Kennyo...they were people he definitely wanted to see.

His vision warped and he nearly fell over as his mind tried to reorient itself.  A point pierced reality, slicing cleanly downward.  A figure in white stepped from the tear in the world, giving a bow of flourish.

“Pardon me,” the man said, raising from his bow, “My name is Edgar and I have been commanded to bring you this.”  A small bag appeared in the man’s hand and was tossed towards the pirate warlord.  “You are to use this to bring joy-”

[Now’s me chance] Motonari didn’t let Edgar finish.  He charged towards the man, hitting him near his midsection, knocking him off balance.  The two tumbled into the tear in reality, Motonari already standing to dash away into the realm behind the tear.  Edgar stood and considered giving chase. “It seems, I must notify the king of my failure.”

Figures at the table started placing their cards down. “Straight.”

“Gay!”

“I got nothing.”

“Pair...10’s.” “Two pair, queens and aces.” “Go fish.” “Wrong game, but good try.” “What did Edgar have, though…” another hand reached for his cards.  “Royal Flush..ace high.  How?!” Before the conversation around the table could continue, a figure burst into the room, rushing past the players without a word.  Several pairs of confused eyes followed him as he left, Edgar close behind. “My king…” Edgar panted, “we have a breach.” 

Chaos erupted as everyone stood, dawning back their full uniforms, preparing to apprehend the man. “Wait.”  The red king glanced in the direction Motonari had gone, “Reinforcements might be needed.  We can’t risk the citizens.” “Agreed,” the black king nodded.

Orders were given and soon the members all split in two directions, some towards the border of reality, others into Cradle.

You were walking through the halls, delivering various repaired garments to their respective owners when the world warped. “AGAIN?!” Was all you could cry before familiar aqua hair appeared. “Yoohoo~!”  Seth stepped into reality, followed by a figure you’d never seen before.  His companion was tall...very tall.  You craned your neck to get a good look at him.  He stared down at you and you were sure he started hunching so you wouldn’t have to look up so far.  “We need your help,” the man said, “Where is your king?”

You and your new guests arrived at the war room to alert Nobunaga and co.  There wasn’t a meeting and messengers had to be sent, leaving time for introductions between you, Sirius, and Seth Hyde. “A queen?  But you’re a...?” You trailed off, letting the question hang lest you accidentally offended someone. “Not that kind of queen, little lady.” “More like a queen in a deck of cards, second to the king, as it were.”

The war room doors slid open with a loud thwack as men charged into the room.  “Motonari has done what?!”  Hideyoshi’s cry preceded him as men filed into the room.

You explained, “They said that Motonari walked through the tear that the strange man with the chocolate had made.  They are asking for help in tracking him..” “I can track him easily.”  Mitsuhide turned to Nobunaga, awaiting his orders.

“You can’t track him in another land, Mitsuhide,” came Hideyoshi’s response, “Even you aren’t that talented.  Damn that thrice cursed cur for causing all this trouble!  Nobunaga-sama, let me lead men into the realm and we will bring him back for your justice.” “Hey, now,” Sirius interrupted, “Calm down.  We have armies, we need someone who knows the pirate to help us track him.  We don’t need more war on our hands.”

“I will *not* calm down.  Not while that lunatic pirate heathen is out there causing trouble.” “So you’re just going to make more trouble for everyone trying to stop his?  Great plan,” Ieyasu crossed his arms, watching Hideyoshi fume.

“If we’re sending people out to track, I can help,” Masamune said, “I got speed to go with Mitsuhide’s intelligence.  We’ll bring him back in no time.” “And probably with half your parts missing, too,” Ieyasu muttered to no one in particular. “I haven’t lost any yet!” “Care to adjust that eyepatch?  I think it’s blinding your good eye.” Nobunaga raised a hand, all bickering coming to a halt.  “I will send Mitsuhide and Masamune.”  He stood, intending on leaving the war council when a thought struck him, “You’ll take my lucky charm with you.  I can’t risk losing two of my best to this task.”

Meanwhile, in a tower, two men sat and discussed a possible alliance. “YOu are telling me you can rid me of both armies and all I have to do is give you lodgings?  You can’t be serious.” “I be perfectly serious.  I needs them in chaos as much as ye do.”

Amon sighed, moving a bishop across the board, “Then it seems I have little choice as you already ransacked much of our stash.  Where did you learn to fight like that?”

“A scallywag has t' throw away all th' rules o' fightin' if he hopes t' survive th' sea.  Thar be no honor outside o' yer crew among pirates.  Even then…”

And so it was that you, Masamune Date, and Mitsuhide Akechi found yourselves in Cradle.  It was a wonder to your eyes.  You’d read about the elaborate rose gardens of Europe, but nothing quite correctly encompassed what assaulted your senses.  The roses were perfectly red and bushes all but made a wall around you.  There was a large table, a red and black table cloth covering the wood.  You found other figures and a shocking sight. “Shingen-sama?!  Yukimura-kun?  And Sasuke-san?!” Yuki blanched but Shingen was quicker, “Ah, so they have acquired the aid of a goddess.  I do not have to worry so much about being out of my element, for surely we now have luck on our side.”

“Masamune,” a man whom Sirius had been speaking with while you gawked approached, “You will work with Luka and Fenrir, my jack and ace.  I’m told you make a rather formidable ace yourself.” Masa nodded his agreement to the team, moving to join them. “Luka, first we need to prepare rations for the search parties.  Fenrir, get the gear ready for them.  Masa can help with either.” “I’ll cook,” the one eyed dragon stated. “Roger that,” came Luka’s response. “On it,” Fenrir’s.

“Oh...I was told to give you this..” Ray lifted your hand, placing a small kiss in it.  This kiss was different than previous kisses, for this one’s wrapping was brown with lighter tan stripes.  A caramel Hershey’s kiss.  You glanced up confused and all Ray said was, “I don’t know.  I was just told to give it to you.  I’m sure you’ll find out why later.”

Parties split, each moving to their respective headquarters, leaving you to follow the black army somewhat helplessly.  You moved from the garden to a place called Central Quarter and from there to the Black Army Bridge.

You, however, didn't get to cross it.  An arm shot out, your mouth covered as you were dragged away.  In an alley, figures in white examined you.  They seemed to be confirming something before a flash of light found you in a new place.

“I did warn ya nah t' let me catch ye, once, seamstress.”  Your eyes widened as you met Motonari’s.

“How did you even get here?”  You had a million questions but you had to keep calm, buy time, the others would find you, right?  In that time, you needed to get Motonari to spill all you could get from him. “Doors don't jus' open one sided, seamstress,” Motonari said, “When th' scallywag wit' th' thin cutlass sliced th' world, I jus' stepped into his side o' it.”

You pressed more, trying to ask where you were, who the people in robes were, but Motonari was done with talking.  He held up a bag that you recognized.

“Wha' th' heck are these?  th' metal be lame 'n doesn't make decent bullets, but th' brown stuff underneath be too soft fer anythin'.”

“They’re...kisses…” you said, weakly, realizing what your task was going to wind up being.

He eyed the bag, questioning your sanity or education regarding displays of affection.  It was a familiar conversation.

“Strange thin' t' call these.  But I didn' make 'em so I don't much care.  Take 'em.”

You shook your head, realizing what you had to do.  “You can’t just thrust them at someone.  There’s an order to things.”  You removed the caramel kiss from your kimono, holding it out to him. “It’s diff’rent.” He took the sweet and you leaned, kissing his jaw.  Motonari’s entire body went stiff at the touch, the man turning into an almost human statue.  Moving back you held out your hand. “Now you can give me one kiss.  That’s it.”

Motonari eyed you in shock.  He silently took a kiss from the bag, flicking it at you.  You caught it, almost fumbling trying to hold onto it.  You closed your eyes, waiting for the kiss but none came.

Opening your eyes, you found him smirking at you.  “Didn' realize ye were that way fer me..”  He took the bag, placing the whole thing in your hands.  Your hands holding the bag, he took the opportunity to seize your face in his own.  “Now, where's me kisses?” His mouth pressed against yours, his tongue already invading.  It was passionate, him breaking on occasion to nip and lick, before pressing his lips to yours again.  You moaned at the attention before he finally parted.

“Was that a bag's worth o' kisses?”  You stared at Motonari, nodding in response.

The tower rumbled, panicked voiced filling the areas around you.  Motonari took your hand, both of you leaving as the world seemed to stretch and strain against some chaotic movement.  You traveled to the garden, through the tear and back into the woods that Motonari had once occupied.  You panted, catching your breath, and glanced back to the pirate, only for him to cover your eyes.

“Don't stare at me anymore wit' those eyes.  They look too deep.  I don't like that.  Go galleon.  Ye're nah far from th' Oda.” You stumbled home, finding everyone had made it safe.  The rips in the world had been repaired, everyone back where they belonged.  You, though, found yourself staring again at the forest where a pirate seemed a little honest to you.

“Huh...bag’s worth, indeed, Motonari.”

What happened to the tower? Dunno You wrote it? Look, shoehorning...shoehorning They ok? Probably Didn’t you promise us Jonah About that... You’re not giving us much. Look here- -flings Edgar at you and flees- At least this is the last time...

[jokertrap-ran]

[Drama CD]   7′Scarlet Limited Edition Bonus CD: According to the candy in the skull Translations

*Commissioned by @melynir, Thank you! *Spoiler free: Translations under cut

Commissions are still open!

Who is it…? Hurry and name yourself!

I can’t believe it...There’s a murderer among us?

Don’t do this, please! It’s not good to be suspecting each other like this...I can’t...I can’t stand doing this!

You can’t be joking, right? Are you serious? And in the first place…

Yeah. I’m dead serious. There’s certainly someone here among us who’s a murderer, wearing the facade of a human; an undead who has returned to the living.

7’Scarlet limited edition drama CD: According to the candy in the skull.

Undead…? I do know that there’s been a story being passed down around this place that dates back to a long time ago. But...are you...are you seriously saying that it’s true?

That’s right, Kushinada-san. Look. Look closely at the eyes of the owner. He doesn’t seem like he’s joking in the least bit now, does he? And he’s the one who brought it up…

Do you think I’d joke about something like this!? If you’re going to continue fussing about this and being in denial, Isora, I’m going to write you off as the undead himself!

Wha- Why!?

Calm down, both of you! How about you look at Kagatsuchi instead? It seems like he has somehow come to a conclusion about this matter.

R-Really!? Hino-kun!

...Well, I guess.

There’s no longer any need to withhold any information back. Now, Kagatsuchi. Will you tell us exactly what it is that you’ve figured out?

Ngh!

Very well. I’ve actually felt that something was off for quite some time now, but I simply shrugged it off, thinking that it was just my imagination. However, after watching his actions and behaviours for some time...that feeling only got stronger.

Enough of the long-winded talk, Kagetsuchi. Just point the guy out already. Who’s the undead? The murderer not of this world!

I’ll leave the explanations for later then. I’ll tell you who this murderer who’s been making the death toll increase here in Okuzaneto! The worst murderer of this generation! Are you all prepared?

Y-Yes, I am.

Yeah…!

Of course.

The undead...is you!!

What!?

Isora, you say!?

Heh. Hahahaha!! There’s nothing I can do now that I’ve been found out. I’m the undead that has just been introduced by yours truly…

Argh!! Wait a minute--! I really don’t want to act as the undead anymore! I don’t wanna!!

Hey! Isora! That line wasn’t written in the script!

It doesn’t have anything to do with the lines! I can’t help not wanting to do what I don’t want to! I don’t like it! Why do I have to be the undead!?

It’s a role that has to be filled!

You lost at rock-paper-scissors!

Just accept it already.

It’s not like I can, either! I’ve never died before, so I don’t understand how the undead’s supposed to be feeling!

Isora-kun...If your words are true, then you won’t be able to act. Acting, you see, is to express and show something that can never happen; to bring something that you;ve never experienced into reality. Actors who cannot act without having prior experience before will never make it far in this world and they’ll never be able to score a big job either!

You know...It’s not like I want to be an actor in the future or anything.

What? Neko-megane! You seem awfully knowledgeable about these things?

Ah! Could you, perhaps-!?

Urk! O-Oh no…

Could it be that-!?

Please, Hino-kun. Don’t go on any further…!

You’re an only child!?

Ah...That’s all?

Kagutsuchi...You should stop that habit of yours of immediately assuming any and everything. Plus I’ve never heard you assuming anything else about him, other than him being an only child.

I can guess his blood type too!

K-Kagetsuchi! If I may please hear more about that?

I don’t care about his status as the only child or his blood type! Can someone else please take the role of the undead!? It’s not for me. It’s not like I’ve ever acted before. I’m not really good at it and I don’t aspire to be an actor in the future either!

Isora! There’s no need for all that! The only question here is, will you do it or not?

He totally took Isora’s words as if he was just talking to himself…

It’s one thing to make Isora feel that strongly about something, but in all honesty, I’m not one to be putting up with this farce either. Besides, why do I, of all people, have to act in something like this? I am THE Yuzuki, you know?

It’s not like we have a choice either. We’re lacking in manpower. Plus, we only roped you in under the Owner’s orders via Yuki.

Honestly, for crying out loud...Right, someone go fetch Yuki here. I bet he’s the one who came up with the casting and the scenarios. I’m going to make him amend everything before my very eyes!

Yuki says that he’ll only be back late because he has some stuff to wrap up in a meeting regarding a live tomorrow.

A meeting, you say? So he’s off having tea with some idol while I’m stuck here being an embarrassment on his whim?

Well...But he said that Eito-san won’t be participating, despite being the lead. So everyone brought up the question of whether a meeting can really be held without the star. 

But, she said that “I cleared my schedule the day before the show so I can give it my all when the live comes!”

Oh? Really? Wait, Neko-megane!? You’re awfully knowledgeable about Eito-sama…

Ahh!! Now, could you perhaps-!?

O-Oh no!!

Enough of this turn of events; we’ve heard it plenty.

This act of ours is supposed to come before that live, right? Why is this even required?

Seems like everything was set up according to Eito’s wishes! And Yuki whipped up a script real quick after having received the job.

Yuki seems really taken with Eito. I’m sure he went all “Leave it to me! I’ll pour all of my heart and soul into coming up with the script!”

I’m kind of indebted to him…

Even still, why did you have to drag all the people staying in this inn right now? Can’t you just leave this to the high-schoolers or something?

That was also because of Eito’s request. Am I right, Neko-megane?

“Yes. Hanamaki-san would be happier about it if that were the case. And I wanted to join too…”

“I wanted to join too?”

“No, I wanted to play the role of an adult once!” So, Yuki-kun said.

He was the one who wrote this script...but who would’ve thought that it would be centered around the undead. Isn’t this going too far? 

Well, I think he also wanted to do something Okunezato-esque.

But it’s not all that unusual to do a play based on old myths and legends either, right?

Even after all that, this is still a piece that has quite a bit of suspense in it so we need actors with an adequate amount of acting ability.

How ridiculous. We’re not actors, therefore we’ve got no responsibility nor obligation to be acting in this.

Well, I don’t disagree with acting itself. It’s pretty fun, actually. Oh! Or is it that the Owner’s embarrassed to appear up the stage alone while acting?

Don’t be stupid. I’ve already gotten used to appearing alone a long time ago. Speaking off...I dare say that my acting skill is the best out of all of us here. I may look like this, but I’ve received the best pity acting award during my time in school when I had a part to play in the school’s play!

The best pity...acting...award? Isn’t that bad?

In any case! I’m taking my leave from here! I’m not signing to act like a bunch of monkeys under the farce of a play.

Wait. Don’t be so quick to come to a decision, Owner. Yuki-kun went through all the effort of writing the script! Are you sure you want to put all his hard work to waste? He, who managed to pen all of this down during his free-time even though he was all so busy? The script is one thing, but it must have been hard for him to set everything up like this. Adding all of the time he might have spent on this, just how much effort do you think he put into this?

...You’re actually counting them all?

It is said that the average pay is 50,000Yen. Which means that he should have netted about a hundred or so Yen per shift.

Has Sousuke-san gone stir-crazy…? 

But he hasn’t sought payment as if he were working a shift. He was simply doing what he needed to be. Therefore, I think that he has to be repaid in some way, even if it’s to bring what he was working on into reality. Don’t you think so?

Ah...Someone should stop him.

Besides, if we’re so ready to blindside how much work a girl’s putting in, then perhaps we should make the men drop the amount of shifts they’re taking and-

Err, in other words, he’s trying to say that we should do it since Yuki had put so much effort into it. He’d be sad if we don’t so won’t you help us out here?

Amari! That’s just it! That was exactly what I wanted to say!

Seriously? All I just did just now was to wing it-

For Yuki’s sake…? It’s kind of unfair for you to be throwing such a lowball, but...I’ll do it.

Ehhhh? He accepted pretty readily!?

Only this time. And I have a condition.

What is it?

Change the script. It’s not good to be fooling around like that with a script revolving around the undead. It goes against the very will of Okunezato. No matter how much effort Yuki has placed into this, I won’t allow something like that.

After acting along with us this far? I wonder why you’re saying this only now, all of a sudden?

Owner...he must have remembered all the lines by heart. I mean, he’s the only one who didn’t bring a script with him…

Right!? I’m sure he prepared before coming here!

You all...Are you pretending not to have heard what I just said?

No...I understand where you’re coming from. But in all honesty, it’s also pretty hard for me to call this scenario that Yuki has written up to be a job well done.

Really? I think it’s pretty interesting, though.

And just which part exactly are you referring too?

Which part? Well…

The part where the undead opened his mouth and spewed fire, burning everything into ashes! That was impactful!

I don’t really know about that, myself. I mean, destroying the stage? That’s a recipe for disaster.

That’s why we need it to be re-written! So no accidents and woes happen!

It’s fine, isn’t it? It’s just fiction! It’s just a corpse, anyway. And the ending was great too! Everyone breaks out into a dance after the undead being is defeated!

Were you already prepared to break out in dance…? REWRITE!

I suppose rewrite it is...But what will we do about the script? The act’s slated for tomorrow and there’s no way we can write up a new one now.

Simple! We just have to have an original story to base it off. If we are to use an old legend and myth like we’re doing right now, there are tons of it out there!

Ahh...I see. Then...How about Momotaro?

It’s lame but It’s been turning up in commercials lately so it wouldn’t be that odd of a story to be replacing it with. The era, though…

Okaay! It’s decided then. Who wants to be Momotaro? Whoa, wait a minute! 5 people can’t be playing Momotaro!

So you say, but you’ve got your hand raised too.

I’m glad to see that everyone’s enthusiastic about this.

Way too enthusiastic, don’t you think!? Even the Owner has his hand up!

Okay, okay! 5 people acting as Momotaro’s just plain impossible!

Really? I heard that some other place had everyone acting as Momotaro though.

There’s no need to compare to them now, is there? Plus, if everyone’s playing Momotaro, then where’s the bird, the monkey and the dog!? And even if we did make it to the island, there wouldn’t be any Oni.

It’s certainly interesting, but don’t you think this would be hard to act out? If we add the old man and the old woman...5 people wouldn’t even be close to enough.

What if we ask Tsukiyomi-san and Karasuma-san?

The declined.

They...declined…? There was an option of declining!?

He turned it down immediately, thinking of it as simply being a gag prank.

Ugh! I totally thought that I absolutely had to participate in this no matter what…How could I have foreseen this…!?

You know, I’ve always wondered about this ever since I was a kid, but Momotaro must really be one lucky guy to not have died after the Old woman opened the peach as she did. I mean, she sliced it cleanly into half...Oh! How about we have a suspense scene for that? A Momotaro murder! The catchphrase...right! Who killed Momotaro!?

The perpetrator’s the old woman, isn’t it?

To hide the evidence of the act she committed, she closed up the peach and sealed it back up.

And the Old man came back from the mountains, only to be roped into her own conspiracy…

I really can’t see the old granny doing that though...but...I’m kind of interested to hear what comes next!

...Enough. Anyway, we should really think about an act that includes all 5 of us, each in different roles.

Then...How about Urashima Taro? You can be Otohime-sama, Owner.

Rejected! Next.

Then Kintaro! No girls appear in there so it’s settled, isn’t it?

Okaaay! Who wants to be Kintaro? Wha- NOBODY!?

Kintaro...he ends up naked after all.

I...Being naked’s NG for me.

Like hell I’m going to bare my chest for all to see just because of this! REJECTED. Next!

Then, Chikarataro! 

No, no, it should be Monogusataro. 

Sannetaro!!

Enough of the Taro series! Move away from it! Taro, taro, taro..Enough of it!! Isn’t there anything else!? Something simple! Something that everyone knows!

How about you suggest something then? You were the one who wanted a change of the script, so shouldn’t you suggest something!?

It’s not like I can help it now, can I? Let’s go about this logically. There’s not enough time right not to make an entirely new script. Therefore, it’s only plausible if we go for a story that all of us know; all five of us. In other words, there’s only THAT story.

What’s “that”?

Shakespeare!

Shake...-!?

There’s no way we can go wrong with this. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the entire world knows of his works. It may be embarrassing to act his works out, but there is no easier play to enact in this world than shakespeare. All of his stories are famous beyond famous. So even if we’re only capable of doing a patchy job...Hm? What’s wrong? You’re all being so silent!

Ah!? My…!

Ah...Shakespeare, you say?

Indeed. Which of his stories would you prefer? I’ll let you have the option of at least that much.

Ahh, anything’s fine! Right?

Y-Yeah…! That one’s fine and that one too! Right, Kushinada-san!?

Ah...Yes! The tearful one might be good! They say that nothing’s better than a sob-story, right?

Hm…? Kushinada? Which story are you talking about…?

Ah…That one. You know, the one where someone dies…?

Hm...That’s hard. Most of Shakespeare's works end in tragedy. It’s hard to pin-point which one you’re talking about unless you’re more detailed about it. Isora, which work is he referring to?

Ehh!? W-Which!? The emotional one! You know where the main character dies...or not...or so!

And, you know…! Where the main character falls into despair...or not...or so!?

I...see?

A UFO...UFO!!!

You guys...are you saying that none of you know of Shakespere? Is this how it is, Kagutsuchi?

Urk...I don’t know! Goddamnit! I do know of at least Romeo and Juliet though! But something famous beyond famous!?

S-Sorry...it didn’t really feel like I could deny it...There’s nothing but Shakespere, yeah...actually, Shakespeare, who?

It’s finally out now! I don’t know and it’s hard lying about it like that! Having everything out in the open like this feels much better, right? Right!?

No, all of you were pretty interesting. I never thought that he’d take all of you so seriously when you were all just pretending to have understood whatever he had been going on about. I suppose this is truly what ad-lib acting is!

Sousuke-san, you know about it?

Of course! It would do you good to remember the 4 great tragedies at least! Macbeth, Othello, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet. They’re all also famous beyond their time!

Huh? Amadeus? Learlo? Riaju?

It’s all muddled up, you know.

But! I know at least Romeo and Juliet!

Ahem! “Oh Romeo! Where art thou Roemo!”

Enough! Anyway, Owner. Anything Shakesperaren is out of the cards! It’s simply an impossible undertaking!

Isn’t there anything easier? Something with simple enough lines that all of us know about!?

Kushinada, suggest something.

M-Me!? Then...how about Cinderella or-

Blergh! Don’t you think it’s a little disgusting for all the actors to be men for that?

I don’t particularly mind.

Y-You don’t!?

Ahem! “Cinderella! Please finish cleaning the house up before we return home!”

Hey, Kagutsuchi! Don’t go off starting it all on your own like that! And why in the world are you voicing all the female roles!?

“Oh no! The seams on my dress have come off. Fix it for me!”

Did something like that even happen!?

Well then. “I’m going to the ball! I’ll be leaving the night shift to you then~!”

Aren’t there way too many of her mean sisters here?

“Allow me to magic up this pumpkin…!”

Kushinada…! The fairy godmother has appeared even though Cinderella hasn’t made a debut. Isn’t this bad!?

Hurry, Owner! Cinderella! You’re Cinderella!!

You mean...you’re making…me. Me! You’re making me participate in this...farce?

So, say something?

“Ah...I want to go to the ball too…”

CUUUUUUUT!! Owner! You’re way too despondent about this! Are you even putting your heart in this!?

Don’t turn the tables on me! You had other choices, didn’t you!?

Ehh? But it was proceeding on pretty smoothly!

Kushinada...You haven’t really read Cinderella before, have you? Your fairy godmother seems like it came right out of ‘The man who made flowers bloom’!

Seems like we went a full circle from Momotaro and back again to these old tales.

Did not!!

Argh!! We can’t seem to be able to decide anything at all! And look at the time! Can we really settle this and come up with something new before tomorrow!?

And we said that we’d think of something to base if off since it’s impossible to re-write a script now...but our Cinderella’s practically the original one.

Talk and talk, we did. But we still didn’t decide anything in the end…

Enough. Let’s just stick to the undead story…

That’s right! All we can do now is to do our best with the lines that we’ve already memorised!

Humph. In other words, we were all thrown for a loop...only to come back to the original story about the undead. I suppose there’s nothing we can do about it. It was a mistake to attempt changing out act on such short notice. So let’s go with the undead story. However, let’s change at least the ending.

The ending? Oh! You mean the dance part?

Yes! There’s that too, but this entire story’s ending is way too big for my taste. I’d rather it end off properly, you know?

Then, can’t we just end it off when the undead disappears into the forest? Everything else along with the dance should only come after that.

Right! That’s precisely it! We can’t change too much, else it’ll become a flop.

Let’s do that then! We’ve all already memorized our lines anyway so we’ll only be writing off the big celebration and dance.

What a pity~ The dance was pretty interesting too!

I don’t mind the dance...not really, anyway…

Really!?

Hmmmmmmm? You seem to have all your lines down to pat. Now, now, Yuzuki-sama…?

Did he perfect his dance too!?

I...It was only my responsibility, having taken up this job.

That’s amazing, Owner! I admire actors like that with the hardworking trait! They don’t only remember their own lines, but they also go out of their way to remember everybody’s!

I don’t have to?

Amazing! Owner, you’re a blessing from the gods! A natural-born actor!

No, he’s just a veteran.

The celebration’s a no-go but the dance gets a pass! Alright, once more from the top!

I’ll follow after you, Owner!

Scene 18: Flurin Cafe, start!

Who is it? Hurry and name yourself!

I can’t believe it...There’s a murderer among us?

Don’t do this, please! It’s not good to be suspecting each other like this...I can’t...I can’t stand doing this!

You can’t be joking, right? Are you serious? And in the first place…

Yeah. I’m dead serious. There’s certainly someone here among us who’s a murderer, wearing the facade of a human; an undead who has returned to the living.

Wait, hold up!

What is it now, Isora!? Why are you stopping us again!?

Thinking it through, nothing’s been settled at all! I don’t want to act as the undead! I don’t want to!

You were the one who lost at rock-paper-scissors!

What a sore loser…

Um...we’re repeating the same pattern again..

You have it good, Hino-kun. You have a line that goes “YOU are the undead!!”. I have it pretty hard on the other hand...I mean, what is this line!? “Hehehehe. There’s nothing I can do now that I’ve been found out. I’m the undead that has just been introduced by yours truly, Isora!” This isn’t a vow in a marriage or anything like that!

No good...This doesn’t seem like it’ll get itself settled anytime soon...

[prism-rush]

King of Prism Road to Shiny Seven Stars event 3 translation

Well Then, Let’s Creep the Night in Kyoto

Since this is the third event in the Road to SSS series, you may want to read the previous ones if you haven’t yet:

Road to SSS 1 Main Story Road to SSS 2 Main Story

Translator’s notes: Event synopsis: Kakeru has a new crush. But really though, even though Kakeru and Yukinojo headline for this event, it’s actually about a lot of characters. It touches upon Taiga’s relationship with Alexander, Leo’s insecurities, and it even has a long Shin/Louis tangent. If you feel like you have read the Shin/Louis part before, you probably have. I translated it immediately after it came out. (Which is also why the images are differently sized in just that part. I used to have a different method of resizing images...) I don’t remember posting much about the rest of this event when it was going on though, because I was busy or couldn’t figure out how to break it down or whatnot. (At the time, I had no idea things such as Shabadaba and the mysterious golden haired and silver haired boys which appear briefly would be important.....) So now I can finally make it up to you guys. This is what you missed!

(One day, in front of the entrance to Edel Rose...)

Shin: *yawn* ... For some reason I woke up before my alarm. I guess I’ll go running. 

...Huh? There’s something in the mailbox. A letter...? This is from Louis--

Yukinojo: Good morning, Shin. You’re up early this morning. 

Shin: Ah, Yukinojo-san! Good morning. Are you heading out already?

Yukinojo: Yes. I have a family matter to attend to. I’m going to stop by my parents’ house before heading to a performance at a theater in Kyoto. 

Shin: Kyoto!? Wow, that’s great! Take care then! 

Yukinojo: Thank you. Let everyone else know I said goodbye. 

Shin: No problem! (Yukinojo-san is always so busy...) Okay, time to get to running. 

(A few hours later)

Kazuki: Mornin’! Man I really had a blast with you guys at the Rainbow Hot Springs the other day.

Taiga: Kazuki-san!? Shouldn’t you be on the way to university.... !?

Kazuki: Hey, Taiga. I don’t have any classes until afternoon today. By the way, you guys, have you decided who you’re gonna pair with for the duo tournament?

Taiga: K-K-K-KAZUKI-SAN!!

Kazuki: Huh?

Taiga: (AH! It just slipped out!) 

Uh, um, I mean… n… not yet…

Kazuki: ??? What’s wrong Taiga? You’re face is like a ripe apple! 

Taiga: ……….. (I want to partner with Kazuk-san, but he’s probably gonna pair with Hiro-san and I don’t have the courage to ask him... What! No! I have plenty of that! That thing! Courage I mean!)

Leo: Um... not yet....

(I think I would be the happiest if I could get to pair with Yuki-sama, but... I haven’t seen him all morning. Come to think of it I haven’t seen Kakeru-kun either. I’d like to ask Shin as well, but... I haven’t been able to find him. And Taiga-kun... I’m sure he’s got someone else in mind.) ........*sigh*

Taiga: .............*sigh*

Kazuki: Hey hey hey now, what’s with this chorus of sighs. If there’s something on your minds I’m here to listen. So don’t look so glum, OK?

Leo: Kazuki-san....!

Taiga: Got it! Thank you!

Kazuki: Oh yeah I heard Minato’s gonna pair up with Kouji! Kouji told me about it. 

Leo: Huh!? Really!?

Minato: Yup! To think I’m going to be able to perform a show with Kouji... it’s like a dream! When I decided to just gather up my courage and ask him straight, he actually agreed...

 A flavor mariage with Kouji-san! I’m so excited!

Leo: Wow... wow wow....

Taiga: .............

Kazuki: Well I think that’s great! I think Kouji and Minato will make a perfect flavor combination! Yu, what about you?

Yu: Me?

Leo: *gasp* (Maybe I could form a duo with Yu...?)

Yu: I’m sure anyone would be grateful to pair with me, but when it all comes down to it I’m just not interested in the street-style! 

Leo: Huuh?

Yu: (There was a brief moment when I felt something with Hiro during the table tennis tournament at Five Star Hotel, but...) This is the age of rock! And I’m a rock song composer! I for live it! I breathe it!

Leo: Oh.... Yuki-sama, Shin-kun... Where are you!

Shin: Uh... umm... Well I’m right here. And Yukinojo-san is--

Leo: Shin-kun!? Where have you been!

Shin: O-Oh, I randomly woke up early so I went running. Then I got on a role and didn’t want to stop exercising so I came back to get a ball and went to go play some soccer. 

Leo: Oh, I see... I didn’t even notice you come back....

Kazuki: Oh ho! You’re really active this morning, Shin! That’s the spirit!  

Shin: Oh, Kazuki-san! Good morning! 

Kazuki: Yo! Mornin’! By the way, Shin. You were saying something about Yukinojo?

Shin: Oh yeah, that’s right. I saw him this morning. He said he’s going to Kyoto for his family. 

Leo: Kyoto!? Oh yeah, I think he did mention it earlier... He won’t be coming back tonight, then. 

Shin: I guess not? Sorry, Leo. I didn’t think to ask him how long he’d be gone for. 

Leo: No, no it’s not your fault. .....Um, Shin-kun......

Shin: ….Ah! Oh no, it’s already this late? I gotta go!

Leo: Huh?! Go where…

Shin: Sorry, there’s something I have to do! Kazuki-san, everyone, I’m heading out! See you later!!

Kazuki: Alright! Take care!

Leo: He only just got back but he’s gone already… Where is he off to in such a hurry?

Yu: Probably off to see his girlfriend.

Leo: ….?! S… Shin-kun… has a…. girlfriend?! B… but who…?!

Yu: Hm? Oh no, I was just kidding…

Leo: B… But he’s in senior high school now.

So, it’s probably only natural that he would…

Yu: Hey! Leo! Look, I didn’t mean it, OK? You can come back now!

Taiga: .............

…. U.. UM! K… K-K-Kazuki-san! Do you have…s… s… someone?!

Kazuki: Huh? What do you mean?

Taiga: I mean… A… Are you… with someone? Do you have a p-p-p-partner?

Kazuki: Partner?! Are you asking…

I…. I.. No I’m not dating anyone!

Taiga: *THUMP*

Minato: Kougami’s on the floor?!

Yu: ........ (Everyone’s so immature.)

Taiga: .....Ow.....

Minato: Are you OK? Here, let me give you a hand.

Taiga: ......kay... My bad..... (If I don’t get my act together soon I may not even make it into the duo tournament at all. At a time like this, there’s only one place to go.)

(A little earlier, at Tokyo station)

???: Oh ho ho! Well if it isn’t chan-Yuki!

Yukinojo: Kakeru? What are you doing here? And dressed to the nines... for work?

Kakeru: Yes indeed. I have sudden business to attend to in Kyoto. 

Heheh. I sure look sharp in a suit, don’t I?

Yukinojo: ...Heheh. Indeed you do. By the way, I’ll be heading to Kyoto too. 

Kakeru: No kidding? What time is your train? If you have some extra time, how about we get some tea?

Yukinojo: Let me see, my ticket is... ah, here it is. 

Kakeru: Lemme see ♪ ......Oh?

Yukinojo: Hm? What’s wrong?

Kakeru: This... is the exact same train I’m going to be on! And we’re even sitting right next to each other!?

Yukinojo: ....What? You’re right. But I guess....

Yukinojo & Kakeru: I guess it’s possible... / I guess such things can happen!

Kakeru: Ahah. Even our reaction is in sync. But this really is such a huge coincidence! 

Yukinojo: Indeed... it really is.

Kakeru: Well you know, I think everything happens for a reason. So, let’s use this fateful encounter as a chance to enjoy a trip to Kyoto together. 

Yukinojo: Yes. Surely things won’t ever get boring having you along. Sorry this is so sudden, but I’m looking forward to spending time with you. 

Kakeru: That’s my line ♪ Well, how about we start off by going ahead and getting lunchboxes to eat on the train. I’ll give you a special tour of the best eats at Tokyo station!

Yukinojo: That would be wonderful. And I’ll show you where to buy Japanese sweets. 

Kakeru: Yay! ☆ Well then let’s go! But man, it really took a whole chain of coincidences lining up for something like this to happen.

Yukinojo: You’re right. Perhaps all these coincidences had some kind of a purpose-- 

*grumble*

Yukinojo: ..........

Kakeru: .........

Kakeru: Heheh... I guess I’m hungry. 

Yukinojo: Okay. Let’s hurry to your favorite lunchbox shop.

Kakeru: Roger that! Let’s book it!

(Tokyo Station, lunchbox shop)

Kakeru: Oh boy! No matter when I come here there’s always people, people, and more people. 

Yukinojo: This place has lunches made with famous local delicacies from all over the country....

Kakeru: I know right? And they are all suuuuper delish!

Yukinojo: Hmm....

Kakeru: Ah-hah! ☆ Yuki-chan-sensei, such deep concentration! Now, I wonder which one I should get....

(At Edel Rose)

Minato: Sorry to keep you waiting! Lunch is here. Today I have made original-style, authentic carbonara pasta without heavy cream. Kouji taught me the recipe ♪

Kazuki: ....Woah, this is great! You’ve managed to copy Kouji’s recipe to a T!

Yu: *chew, chew* .....Delicious! Seconds, please!

Taiga: *chew, chew* ...... Mm. Seconds. 

Minato: Step right up. There’s more where that came from.

Leo: Wow wow... it’s so good ♡ (I wonder if Yuki-sama is enjoying his lunch right now too.)

(Tokyo station, lunchbox shop)

Yukinojo: Hmm....

Kakeru: Yuki-chan, I think it’s about time to make that decision! 

Yukinojo: Yes. Sorry for keeping you. I have narrowed it down to two selections, but the competition is steep...

Kakeru: ....Really?

Yukinojo: Hm?

Kakeru: Ah, it’s just that I’ve narrowed it down to two myself. By the way, the ones I’m considering are the light sushi lunchbox and the hearty beef lunchbox...

Yukinojo: What!? I was considering those exact two...

Kakeru: ...Ahah, I knew it! Something gave me that feeling. So how about we buy both and split them half and half? ♪

Yukinojo: Yes. What a great plan. 

Kakeru: Heyhey, do you think our level of synchronicity increased since that time we did karaoke together?

Yukinojo: It does seem that way. You know, I never noticed it before, but now that I think about it, we have always had somewhat similar taste haven’t we...

Kakeru: Heheh. You’re getting me all riled up ♪

Yukinojo: Riled up?

Kakeru: It’s just so neat discovering we have so many similarities all of a sudden. It’s like we’re two peas in a pod. For example, I think the best spot in Kyoto is Nanzen temple. What about you?

Yukinojo: I agree... gazing upon the canal really soothes my soul...

Kakeru: I know right!! It’s so relaxing... Oh, oh, and what else? You know what I love, that roasted green tea-flavored soft serve--

Yukinojo: Could you possible be referring to the small shop near Nishi Hongan Temple?

Kakeru: Ding ding ding! I knew you’d catch on ☆ That place isn’t even listed in any guidebooks! We really are tied by some kind of fate aren’t we ♪

Yukinojo: Indeed. Just talking about it really makes me want to go get some of that soft serve for old times sake...

Kakeru: Heyhey, do you also feel like this is the beginning of a new love story?

Yukinojo: About our love for soft serve? Yeah. I do. 

Kakeru: .......Well great ☆

Yukinojo: Kakeru?

Kakeru: ....Oh! I think we ought to start heading to the platform, don’t you think?

Yukinojo: Oh? Wow it’s already getting this late. 

(While Yukinojo and Kakeru began their journey to Kyoto, down by the river was...)

Shin: Hmm… I think it was around here, wasn’t it?

Louis: Hey.

Shin: Oh! There you are Louis! I’m so glad I was able to find you!

Louis: Eheh. Thanks for coming.

Shin: I was pretty surprised when I woke up and suddenly found a letter…

Since it said “I’ll be waiting for you where we first met” I figured I ought to come here.

Louis: You remembered. That makes me happy.

Shin: Louis…? This was really sudden! What happened? Is everything OK?

Louis: I’m fine. I just thought that…

I wanted to see your face again.

Shin: Really?

Louis: …Am I bothering you?

Shin: What! Of course not! I was just thinking I wanted to meet up with you too.

Louis: …Really? You… wanted to see me?

Shin: Yeah! I missed you! So as soon as I saw that letter I was really happy!

Louis: I see… I’m glad. So, shall we go for a walk? The weather is nice.

Shin: Of course! We might as well. Actually I’ve been exercising all morning.

Louis: You have?

Shin: Yeah. I went jogging because I woke up early, and then I even played some soccer!

Louis: I see. You’re so sporty.

Shin: Ehehe. You’re exaggerating. Oh! Look Louis! These flowers are so beautiful!

Louis: Yeah… they really are. …

…Hey Shin. Do you have a partner for the duo tournament?

Shin: Huh? Um no, not yet… When I think of “street style”, I think about super strong and cool guys like Kazuki-san and Taiga-kun… Oh yeah! And Alexander-kun from Schwarz Rose too! I don’t know if I can handle street style, or even a duo audition….

Louis: Eheh. Shin, you can do it. I know you can.

Shin: Really? Something about hearing you say that just gave me the confidence to start believing I can.

Louis: …Oh. I think I just saw a fish jump out of the water over there.

Shin: Really? Where where?

Louis: The water surface is shining…. It’s so beautiful. Being able to enjoy this scenery with you, Shin… I can’t think of anything better….

Shin: L… Louis… now you’re really exaggerating…

(…Huh? What is this feeling?)

Aah! I suddenly remembered!

Louis: …Shin?

Shin: (Before the Prism King Cup… Louis and I… )

(Meanwhile at Edel Rose)

Leo: Yuki-sama hasn’t returned my text messages.... I wanted to ask him about the duo tournament, but.... I guess he’s just too busy. (Minato-san said he’s going to pair with Kouji-san, and Kakeru-kun is busy with his job... Yu-kun doesn’t seem to be interested, and Shin-kun disappeared off somewhere....)

I guess maybe I should just give up on the duo tournament...

....YUKI-SAMaaAAA.....!!

(Back to the river)

Louis: …Shin? What’s wrong?

Shin: Yeah… Oh yeah! I think the two of us did a duo show together here one time!

Louis: …Wha.

Shin: Yeah!! But, it was just a dream I had…

Louis: ……. A dream……. …What kind of a dream was it?

Shin: Hmmm…. You know, it felt so real…. I was just riding my bike down this way. And you were here. And then…

You took me hand and invited me to do a show with you! It was really fun! But…

Then I was really… scared.

Louis: …Why?

Shin: Well. I noticed all of a sudden I couldn’t move. And then you… with a sword… right here…

You…. stabbed me from behind.

Louis: ……!

Shin: W… Well it was only a dream! I’m sorry, this suddenly got weird.

Louis: ….. ……..Hey Shin, do you remember anything else?

Shin: Anything else? Hmm… let me think… Oh! Now that you mention it! I think before you stabbed me, you told me something….?

Louis: *gasp*

Shin: You got up real close to me, and then…

Louis: A… And then?

Shin: Uhh… I feel like you did… something… But I don’t really remember!

Louis: ……….

Shin: Well, it was such a long time ago. I guess I forgot.

Louis: ……….

Well if you don’t remember, I guess I just have to make you remember.

Shin: What?! Um um, Louis?! You’re getting pretty close to me…?!

Louis: ………

Shin: Louis? W.. What’s going on…?!

Louis: ….Nevermind. Just kidding.

Shin: Huh? Huh?? (That scared me for a second…)

Louis: Ahaha. Sorry about that.

…But what I’m about to say next is serious.

Shin: …Huh?

Louis: Shin… Let’s be partners in the duo tournament!

Shin: Wha…. WHAAT?! Me! And you! Together?!

Louis: Sure. You said you don’t have a partner, right?

Shin: Well, um…

Louis: You don’t want to be my partner?

Shin: N-No no, it’s not that at all! I’d love to enter the tournament with you! But… 

Louis: But?

Shin: Um, well… I’m just worried that… since we’re from different organizations… do you think we can?

Louis: Well… I don’t know.

(Meanwhile, at Schwarz Rose)

Jin: Alexander Yamato. Regarding the street duo tournament that’s going to be held soon... I’ll be having you enter with Louis.

Alexander: HUH!? I came all the way up here just to hear you spew that senseless nonsense? I’ll enter by myself--

Jin: I do not repeat myself. This isn’t a request, it’s an order. 

Alexander: .....Gah......

Jin: ...Hmph. It seems you have understood. You are dismissed. 

Alexander: Ugh. 

(At the practice rink)

Alexander: (Enter the street duo tournament with Louis Kisaragi...)

Joji: Oh oh oh! If it isn’t the muscle meathead! You’re looking especially terrifying today ☆

Alexader: GR!

Joji: So scawwy! You could stick a whole deck of cards in between those forehead wrinkles! 

Alexander: Hmph...

Joji: Hey. Hold on. 

(While Yukinojo and Kakeru enthusiastically enjoyed their lunchboxes on the train.)

Kakeru: Delish! ♪ This sweet and sour beef just melts in your mouth! 

Yukinojo: *chew, chew* Indeed... it’s very tasty! And the wonderful, non-fishy aroma of this this pressed mackerel sushi is like a symphony my nostrils...

Kakeru: You don’t say!? Heyhey, isn’t about time we trade ♪

Yukinojo: Ah, you’re right. 

Kakeru: ....Hey, Yuki-chan.

Yukinojo: Hm? If it’s about the lunchbox, just give me one more bite...

Kakeru: Ahaha! No I’m not that impatient. 

I was just wondering what you were thinking... about the duo tournament. 

Yukinojo: Oh, that. Well I... I don’t really feel I’m cut out for the street style...

Kakeru: You’re really not interested at all?

Yukinojo: No, that’s not it. To be honest I am quite interested. But it’s just not an area where I have any expertise, so... it’s difficult to come to any sort of conclusion.

Kakeru: ....I see. But hey! You’re sure into hard rock kinda songs, aren’t you chan-Yuki? If you ask me, I totally think “street Yuki-sama” could be a thing ♪

Yukinojo: I... I already told you to lay off the “-sama” once before. But now that you have breached the subject, what were you thinking Kakeru? When we were at the hot springs you seemed to show a hint of resistance. 

Kakeru: Woah woah! No fair throwing the same question at me when you haven’t decided yourself, chan-Yuki! But, did it really seem that way?

Yukinojo: It’s also not very fair of you to hide your true intentions. 

Kakeru: *gulp* 

Oh you.... I can’t take such a straightforward, pure-hearted approach. It’s not allowed.

Yukinojo: *staaaaare*

Kakeru: C... cut it out already! Okay, I got it! I got it already! I’ll tell you! I was thinking the same thing as you, Yuki-chan. I’m definitely interested, but... Hey! I’m a gentleman after all. The street just isn’t my style y’know ☆

Yukinojo: Oh really? I think “street Kakeru-kun” could be a thing.

Kakeru: Wha... how-so!?

Yukinojo: Well you’re always trying to be cool.

Kakeru: That didn’t sound like a compliment!?

Yukinojo: No, it was. I find myself in awe at your inquisitive nature and drive to take action. You have really helped us out a lot at Edel Rose. 

Kakeru: O..Oh.... But hey hey! You just snuck in a Kakeru”-kun” didn’t you!

Yukinojo: ....Mm-hm. This beef lunchbox is quite delicious as well. 

Kakeru: Ah! You changed the subject already! 

-----♪

Yukinojo: Kakeru, your phone.

Kakeru: Grr.... Okay, okay. Take care. ...........Hm.

Yukinojo: A business call?

Kakeru: Ah, yeah. My evening dinner meeting was cancelled all of a sudden. Oh well, it can’t be helped--Oh! Yuki-chan! What are you up to for dinner?

Yukinojo: Hm? After the performance I plan to exchange pleasantries with my family friends, but after that I don’t have any particular plans. 

Kakeru: All right ♪ In that case, come eat with me! 

Yukinojo: Sure, sounds good. I’ll make a reservation at Kawadoko. 

Kakeru: Yaay! I knew I could could on you! Well then, when you’ve finished all your this and that, give me a ring!

Yukinojo: Understood. I’ll go ahead and make that reservation first thing--

Hm? 

Kakeru: What’s wrong?

Yukinojo: It’s... I.... I can’t find my phone. 

Kakeru: No way! Should I try and call it?

Yukinojo: Yes, sorry to be a bother.

Kakeru: No prob, no prob. ♪ ....Hmm. It doesn’t seem to be around here does it....?

Yukinojo: It seems I must have forgotten it at the dorm. I might forget my head if it wasn’t attached to me....

Kakeru: Don’t sweat it, that’s just another part of your charm. No worries, no worries. For now, I’ll just plan to wait outside the theater this afternoon. Surely I’ll run into you ♪

Yukinojo: That would be fine. Thank you. 

Kakeru: No trouble. Oh yeah, shall I tell the Edel Rose home team that you don’t have your phone?

Yukinojo: No, I have already informed Shin and Yamada-san that I would be in Kyoto at the theater. So it shouldn’t be a problem....  If anything comes up they should be able to contact me there.

Kakeru: Okay! Then I’ll reserve the restaurant tout suite! 

Yukinojo: Kakeru.... 

Kakeru: What’s this? Did I just melt your heart with my gentlemanly ways?

Yukinojo: Ah, indeed. Earlier I said you were always trying to be cool. So I think I’ll add trying to be suave as well.

Kakeru: ...Uh... thank you.

(Back at Edel Rose)

Leo: *staaaaaare* 

Grr......... 

Wah..... Yuki-sama...... 

(I texted him hours ago and there’s still no response.... There’s no way he couldn’t have seen it.... Yuki-sama.... This can only mean he doesn’t want to pair with me.... The more I think of it, I may be not worthy of being Yuki-sama’s partner anyway.... ) ....*sigh*....

*footsteps*

Leo: Ah.... that sounds like...! 

(Downstairs)

Leo: Shin-kun!!!

Shin: Woaaaaah!!! L-Leo-kun!? What’s going on! You seem so frantic! 

Leo: Shin-kun! Have you decided your partner for the duo tournament!? 

Shin: EEEK! (W-W-What do I do.... Could it be, did he hear what Louis and I were talking about...)

Leo: Shin-kun? Is something wrong?

Shin: NO um! Nothing.... 

Leo: .........  If it’s OK with you, would you enter the duo tournament with me!?

Shin: Huh!? .....Um........ Well I........... 

(What do I do now. It makes me happy to hear Leo-kun wants to pair with me, but...) Umm, ummm! 

Leo: Please I’m begging you! I’ll work really, really hard!

Shin: (WOOaaaAAAah!!! What do I do!?)

Leo: Are you still listening..... Shin-kun?

Shin: I AM!! 

Leo: *sniff* .... Shin-kun, you hate me don’t you.....

Shin: What!? No of course I don’t! (Aaahhhaaaahhhh what do I do! Leo-kun looks so sad! I have to find some way not to mention Louis, and to not hurt his feelings either.. ahh....) 

O-Oh yeah! Yes! On that day I have to go to... a memorial service! 

Leo: ...A memorial service?

Oh, I see... In that case there’s no use. I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had something like that to do. I’m sorry for troubling you. 

Shin: N-No, it was no trouble! Don’t worry about me! Really! (Well now what do I do!? I just spit out a lie in the spur of the moment... I’m sorry, Leo-kun....! A-And now it’s only a matter of time before he finds out....!?) 

Leo: ....I’m going to keep looking for someone to pair with. Thank you for listening to me. 

Shin: O-Okay! You’re welcome. 

Leo: *gloom*

Shin: ..... He left. Aaah.... I’ve done something terrible.... *sigh* ... I’m really sorry Leo-kun.... 

(At the dance battle club, Nest of Dragon)

Taiga: ......I don’t even know if I have the strength to step into the ring here. 

???: I have no choice. Here goes.

Taiga: Huh? It’s you.... Alexander!

Alexander: Oh? Taiga Kougami....

Taiga: .....Why do you have to show up everywhere I go these days.....

Alexander: Hah. That’s my line. I think it’s a little early for a brat like you to be at a joint like this, no?

Taiga: WHAT!! What did you say!? Who are you calling a brat!?

 Alexander: ....Heh heh.... The person who is whining like one. ...... Hmph. Hey! How much longer are you going to follow me huh?!

Taiga: Oh shut up! You’re the one who’s following me!

(Inside)

Hiro: This place is....

Kouji: Hehe. It really seems to have piqued your interest. 

Hiro: Ahah, no way! Kouji, you’re kidding! Hey, Kazuki. I know Kouji could use some preparation for the street duo tournament, but why am I here too? I’m not entering, you know. 

Kouji: ...You heard him. Kazuki?

Kazuki: Oh just relax and enjoy it! It’s fun to check out some street battles every so often, isn’t it?

Hiro: ..........

Kazuki: Hiro, are you alright? You can leave early if you really don’t like it....

Hiro: No, I don’t mind. It’s not that I’m overly bothered, I just... 

Kouji: ....Heh.

Hiro: ...What. 

Kouji: Eheh, nothing. But anyway, this is really a collection of rough-looking fellows, I’d say. Just watching them really makes you feel the pressure.

Kazuki: I know, right? This tense atmosphere really makes you feel like the heat is on! 

Hiro: Hm? ...Hey, guys...... Isn’t that Taiga?

Kouji: It is. And the boy he’s with... it’s Yamato-kun, right?

Alexander: Huuuaaah! 

Taiga: Huaaaaaah! 

Alexander: Headspin Levitation! 

Taiga:  Festival! Celebrate! Flowers for a Fortune Boy!

Street Dancer 1: W-What’s with those guys....!

Street Dancer 2: They are battling each other continuously while squashing other opponents at the same time...! This isn’t something you see every day! 

Street Dancer 3: Hah! This is great! Let them have at it until one of them falls!

Taiga: I’m not done yet! 

Alexander: You really think you have a chance against me?

Taiga: Just you wait and see! 

Alexander: (....To think I have to use this much of my strength against him.)

Taiga: (Alexander... is really strong. I want to get stronger!!) Hey! You guys over there! I’ll take all of you on at once!

Hiro: ....That’s amazing. No regular competitors stand a chance against them....

Kouji: It’s like they are second to none. There are two of them, though. 

Kazuki: ......... 

You know, Taiga and Alec make a good combo.

Kouji: Yeah, I think so too. If only they would get along. 

Hiro: True. Right now the source of their energy is their drive to defeat each other.

Taiga: *panting*

Alexander: *panting* ....I think I’ll let you off here, for now.....

Taiga: ....What. You’re just making an excuse to run away. 

Alexander: I’m showing mercy by giving you an opportunity to run away. Be grateful. 

Taiga: YOU....!! 

Hiro: Okay, okay, settle down you too. I know you’re having fun together and all, but let’s take a break for today. 

Kouji: Yes, yes. I bet you’re starting to get hungry aren’t you. 

Taiga: Wha.... Hiro-san and Kouji-san!? What are you two doing here....

Kazuki: I brought them. You guys were on fire as always! Today’s battle was the best! 

Alexander: KA-KAZUKI NISHINA! 

Kouji: You did a good job keeping each other on your toes. Rather than a battle it looked more like a synchronized show. 

Taiga: Synchronized!?

Alexander: Show!?

Kazuki: I thought so too! I could feel your passionate emotions clashing against each other very clearly. You guys would make a pretty good combo, y’know?

Taiga: Hey, not you too Kazuki-san!? No way in hell!!!

Kazuki: But you don’t have a duo partner yet, do you?

Taiga: W...Well I don’t but... I... I want to pair with y....

Kazuki: Who?

Taiga: ...A... Anyway! Even if you say so Kazuki-san, the chance of me making a good combination with Alexander is negative 1000%! We belong to different organizations, anyway....

Alexander: Hmph. For once we agree on something. 

Kazuki Nishina! Don’t make me laugh! ....Pffft. I don’t have time for this. I’m out. 

Kazuki: Hey, wait a sec! Alec! Haha, he’s straight to the point as always. 

Hiro: But we really had a good time watching you two battle, whether you agree on forming a combo or not. 

Taiga: Hiro-san..... thanks.....

Hiro: But of course, I for one would like to see you two form an overwhelmingly powerful duo. But even if you pair with someone from Edel Rose, I’m sure you’ll be able to show us a well coordinated duo show!

Kouji: Yes, yes. Before you know it the time you have spent with someone becomes a powerful bond. Your bond with Yamato-san is a bit different, but I think the two of you have the potential to push each other to your limits.

Taiga: ....A partner.... Hm.....

Kouji: Taiga, you seem really troubled. Well. No matter who you pair with, I think it will open up a new world for you. Don’t you think?

Taiga: A new... world....

Hiro: I agree. Competing as a duo is in itself a new challenge. 

Kouji: Perhaps the true appeal of the duo tournament is the chance to try out a new method of performing. 

Taiga: ....Yeah. Thanks. (I guess you could put it that way...)

Kazuki: I think it would be great if you could find a partner you are comfortable around, without needing to to overthink things.  

Hiro: Oh ho ho! I’m really looking forward to seeing who you end up pairing with, Taiga! 

Kouji: Me too. If we end up in the ring together, please go easy on me!

Kazuki: I have never had an official battle with you, Taiga. But if we ever do, I’m really looking forward to seeing how it’d go!

Taiga: (.....! Kazuki-san’s looking forward to battling me....!) ........ (Someone I can be comfortable around, huh....)

(Shijo, Kyoto)

Kakeru: Ah, there he is.

Yuki-chuwan! All finished for the day? ☆

Yukinojo: Ah, Kakeru. You too? I’m glad we could meet up at the same time. ...Well then, we have still got some time before our reservation. Shall we go kill time somewhere?

Kakeru: Ah, about that. There’s somewhere I’d like to go. 

Yukinojo: Oh?

Kakeru: I just heard from someone at the company... What was it called... I’ll look for it on the map. Hold on a sec.... Ah! Yes yes, it’s here! Shabadaba!

Yukinojo: ...? Sha... ba... daba...?? It has a very... unique... name....

Kakeru: Apparently this is a place where they do street-style prism shows! You know, like that “Nest of Dragon” place Taiga-kyun talks about! 

Yukinojo: Oh really. So there is a place like that in Kyoto too...

Kakeru: And there are some suuuuper tough prism stars there too!

Yukinojo: I see. So we’ll be checking out the competition. You really are interested in being in the duo tournament, aren’t you?

Kakeru: Maybe so. You’re about half right. But let’s not dwell too much on having a reason. We came all the way out to Kyoto after all, so why not check it out?

Yukinojo: Indeed. You have my attention. I’d like to see it as well. 

Kakeru: Alright, “competitor Yuki-chan”. You really are interested the duo tournament too, aren’t you?

Yukinojo: Heheh. You’re about half right. 

(Kyoto, Shabadaba in Ponto town)

Kakeru: Wooowee! This really is quite the collection of rock-hard street stars, isn’t it? 

It’s such a sausage festival too. I can’t see any beautiful mademoiselles anywhere. 

Yukinojo: Well, it is where all the street ruffians gather. By the way, Kakeru. What are we wearing?

Kakeru: I borrowed these from the theater. This hair, make-up, and color contact getup is pretty sweet, isn’t it?

Yukinojo: Yeah. Not bad. 

....But that wasn’t my concern.....

Kakeru: It’s difficult to blend in wearing casual clothes. Besides, since I came for work I only packed suits. 

Yukinojo: ....Oh yeah. I’d already forgotten that this meeting occurred by chance. 

Kakeru: Exactly. I don’t have the courage to go to a place like this in a three-piece suit. 

Yukinojo: Heheh. I wouldn’t either. Okay. Let’s see if we can find the strongest prism stars. 

Kakeru: Roger that. ☆ Hmm hmm I see. So this is what a place like this is like. Where are those two I’ve heard rumors about... Oh! 

Yukinojo: It looks like there are two people performing a show on center stage.

Kakeru: Hmm... So could it be, those two are...? 

Street Dancer 1: Hey, hey you guys. I haven’t seen you around here before. Ya new?

Kakeru: ...Wow. You could sail across the ocean with that hair. 

Street Dancer 2: Hm? Nah, I think I have seen these guys before... 

Street Dance 3: ....Ah! Aren’t these those guys from that Edel Rose place in Tokyo!

Street Dancer 4: HAH! What are a couple academy-style worms doing in a place like this?

Street Dancer 5: Whatever. You’ll get what’s coming to you either way. 

Kakeru: ............

Yukinojo: How did they recognize us.... I thought our disguises were flawless....

Kakeru: I guess there’s just no disguising our aura. I’m a lover, not a fighter though...

Yukinojo: Understood. But that aside, we shouldn’t do anything that could cause trouble for Edel Rose. 

Kakeru: I agree. .... This is gonna take some improv, but follow my lead, OK?

Yukinojo: Improv?

Kakeru: YES! I’m counting on you, “princess”!

Yukinojo: .......! 

....Understood. 

Kakeru: Whaaa? What’s an Edel Rose? Never heard of it. Have you, “Hana-chan”?

Yukinojo: ....Me neither. I have no idea what they’re talking about, “Juu-chan”.

Kakeru: The two of us are nothing but a humble street duo. We heard there were some pretty tough guys here so we came to see for ourselves!

???: Well, good ta have ya here.

Yukinojo & Kakeru: ....!?

???: You guys came to gawk at our shows huh? Do we look funny ta you? Well, this is a good opportunity. How ‘bout we have ourselves a little match? What d’ya say, Yubacchi?

Yubacchi: I see yer point, Hamocchi. These guys think they can just waltz in here like they own da place....

Hamocchi: It’s like they are expecting us ta bow to them like gods that flew down from Kiyomizu Temple....

Kakeru: (The number of weirdos keeps growing...!) 

Yuki.. *cough* I mean, Y...Yubacchi-san and Hamocchi-san, huh.... 

“Hana-chan” what do you think....

Yukinojo: It looks like we’ve got no choice. ...We’ve got to defeat them. 

(And so Yukinojo and Kakeru became caught up in an unexpected battle...)

Hamocchi: Let’s do this, Yubacchi! 

Yubacchi: Right with you, Hamocchi!

Yubacchi & Hamocchi: Last one! Will you be taking that meal to go...!

Audience: They nailed it! O-BANZAI’S finishing jump! No one can win against that! 

Kakeru: Woah, those guys are no small potatoes. Welp, we’re up next. 

Yukinojo: Yes. But since whoever fires up the crowd the most is the winner... We are at a great disadvantage being unknowns. 

Kakeru: You don’t say? But you’re already all fired up, aren’t you “Hana-chan”?

Yukinojo: Oh, I am, am I? For someone who is a lover, not a fighter, you sure look as though you are looking forward to this, “Juu-chan”.

Street Dancers: What’s with those guys! How can they dance like that right out of the gate!? 

Yubacchi: They’re in total sync... Those guys may be pretty tough after all. 

Hamocchi: Maybe so. But they ain’t nothing compared to us.... huh!?

Kakeru: And here’s the finale! 

GINZA No. 1 Glamorous Heaven! 

I’m about to put you under my spell! 

Yukinojo: This is it! Like roaring thunder! Kunitachiya Secret Move!

 Hidden Moonlit Heavenly Lightning!

Audience: Woah...! I’ve never seen a show like this! Juu-chan is so cool! Hana-chan is so beautiful!

Golden-haired boy: ....!

Silver-haired boy: .....!

Yukinojo: (So this is the street-style...? So this is a duo show....)

Kakeru: (The duo tournament... is really gonna be off the chain....)

Yukinojo & Kakeru: This is so fun!

 Yukinojo: I want to keep performing duo shows for as long as time allows! 

Kakeru: Ahah. When we run out of time, we can always find more. Let me ask you one again, about the duo tournament...

(And so night fell...)

Yukinojo: We’re home. 

Kakeru: We’re home. ....But aren’t all good little children supposed to be in bed by now?

Yukinojo: Indeed. It’s gotten very late so I imagine nobody’s still up--

*footsteps*

Leo: ....I knew it! Yuki-sama you’re back! And Kakeru! Welcome back! 

Yukinojo: Leo! You were still awake?

Kakeru: ....Leo-kyun, what’s wrong? Why are you still up at this hour?

Leo: It’s because I wanted to apologize to Yuki-sama....

Yukinojo: Apologize to me? I can’t imagine why...

Leo: I’m sorry for sending you so many texts....! I made you mad, didn’t I....?

Yukinojo: Texts....? 

I’m sorry. The truth is I forgot to bring my phone. 

Leo: ........Huh? So.... so the reason you never replied to me wasn’t because you were angry...?

Yukinojo: Of course I’m not angry. I’m sorry for worrying you. 

Leo: Oh, oh I see! Phew, that’s a relief....

Kakeru: ....I guess we should have gave you guys a heads up after all. But at least we got that all cleared up ♪

Leo: ...Ahem, Yuki-sama!

Yukinojo: What’s wrong? You look so serious all of a sudden. Did something else happen?

Leo: About the duo tournament.... Please be my partner! 

Yukinojo: ........What?

Kakeru: Huh.......

Yukinojo: Leo, about that....

Leo: .........?

Yukinojo: The truth is, I have already agreed to pair with Kakeru.

Leo: Whaaaaaaat!? (Oh nooooooo!!)

Kakeru: Ah. Well, if you two would rather be together, I wouldn’t want to stand in your way...

Leo: No, no that’s alright! I couldn’t bear to break you two apart if you already promised each other!

(But... what do I do now....)

(And so, on a bittersweet note, a new partnership was formed.)

(What will become of our stars who haven’t yet found partners...!?)

Continue to Road To SSS 4.

[heroes-never-discourse]

i'm not op of that 'if you read yaoi' post but i'll take some cute bl recs anyway. i literally only just started reading manga this week and i'd love to add some more titles to my to read list

!!!!

absolutely anon, let me tell you I spent three weeks reading nothing but bl and it was Great and now I have Many recs for you

warning! this is Gonna Be Very Long so my recs’ll be under the cut (bolded ones are my favorites!)

1K Apartment no Koi

24 Jikan Eigyouchuu

After Morning Love and its spin-off Before Daylight Love

Ai ga Love Shite You nanosa(this one is as ridiculous as it is adorable, so fucking funny)

Amayadori wa Basu-tei de

Ameiro no Toge

Ameiro Paradox(this one is still ongoing; i usually hate when love interests do nothing but bicker? but the journalist boyfriends just do something right for me. and Natsume Isaku is just one of my favorite mangakas! love most of her work)

Ano Koi no Tsuzuki

Arashi no Ato

Bikkuri suru hodo Doji na Koi

Body Talk Paradox(the second and third stories are the best ones, really love the art style, it’s very crisp, and one of the side characters/one half of the secondary couple has one of the most unique designs I’ve seen in a BL)

Boku no Ano Ko

Boku to Neko to Hatsukoi Kousa

Bokura wa Sore wo Hitei Dekinai

Chiisana Koi no Melody

Chikatetsu no Inu

Colorful Line

Konbini-kun.(I love Junko’s art style it’s very very cute)

Count 0(boy can see a counter above everyone’s heads that counts the number of lies that person has told in their life and is jaded because of it, until he meets another boy whose counter reads 0, very cute)

Doukyuusei and its sequels Sotsugyousei and O.B.

Doushitemo Furetakunai and its spin-off Soredemo, Yasashii Koi o Suru(Doushitemo is top tier okay, it’s one of my absolute favorites, the romance is lowkey and sweet and they’re just so good ;~;)

Doushiyoumo Nai Keredo

Endou-kun no Kansatsu Nikki

Faraway

Gentei Kareshi

Gosan no Heart and its spin-off Owaranai Fukou ni Tsuite no Hanashi

Gunjou no Subete

Hachimitsu Darling

Hana no Mizo Shiru(very very sweet, I’m pretty sure I teared up at one point)

Hanagaya Eigyousho no Kare

Hand Which

Harapeko Usagi to Koisuru Ookami

Hare no Hi

Hatsukoi (Kakine)(very silly, there’s like four different love stories happening in this one boarding house, it’s great)

Hatsukoi (Kazuki)(so this mangaka has a huge list of Haikyuu doujins they’ve done, and I hadn’t watched Haikyuu before I read this but now that I have I can’t unsee the fact that the main characters look like Kageyama and Hinata lmfao)

Hatsukoi no Atosaki

Heart no Kakurega(the secondary couple are hit or miss but the main couple Izumi and Haru are so pure?? they’re so sweet I love them a lot)

Hibi Koikoi

Himegoto Asobi(I’m a goddamn sucker for single dad falls in love stories and this one is one of the best)

The Iberiko Buta series(this manga is so fucking funny?? the initial couple are cute and hilarious idiots, while the second couple are a bit more lowkey and bittersweet, and overall it’s such a funny cute read)

Illumination(this manga is melancholy in book form, I really love this mangakas writing style, the stories are all bittersweet and its some beautiful, beautiful angst)

Kaeru no Prince-sama

Kakugo wo Kimete

Kanemochi-kun to Binbou-kun (“I fell in love when I was sixteen”. great. thanks manga. now i’m crying.)

Kasa no Shita, Futari

Katappashi Kara Zenbu Koi

Kigurumi Planet (the premise for this one??? is so off the wall and ridiculous lmao this manga has no right to be as good as it is, the couple is very sweet and the story is actually pretty good if you can get past how fucking bonkers the premise is)

Kimi to Aruku

Kimi to Date (short and sweet! I love the art style)

Konya mo Nemurenai and its spin-off Kimi to Kore kara(college boy accidentally summons a demon who decides to stick around so he doesn’t have to go home and marry his childhood friend - I fucking love Konya so much, and the love interest Endo is legit one of my favorite characters, I usually hate assholeish semes but he just pulls it off so well; the spin-off features the secondary couple of Konya)

Kimi wa Natsu no Naka

Kiraboshi Dial

Kirakira no Hibi

Kodomo ga Neta Ato de

Koi made Hyakurin and its spin-off Akunin o Nakaseru Houhou (young heir to his grandfather’s yakuza group starts hero-worshiping an ex-yakuza florist (who now hates yakuza) and eventually they fall for each other - listen this manga was made for me, I love yakuza with a heart of gold and ex-yakuza archetypes so fucking much, i love this manga a lot and the main couple is so sweet; the spin-off features ex-yakuza’s older brother)

Koi ni mo Naranai.

Koi no Hanashi ga Shitai

Koko ni Aru, Kimi no Oto

Konya, Mister de

Kuchizuke wa Niji no Ue de (the premise for this is so cute and unique! a man who’s followed by sunny weather and a man who’s followed by stormy weather meet and decide to go mountain climbing! very cute)

Kurayami ni Strobe

Life, Love (okay listen this one! i did enjoy this one How. Ever. it’s a story where a seemingly not so smart man is made to guard the man that he and his boss kidnapped, and then they maybe??? fall in love over the course of the kidnapping and that’s the first half of the story, and the relationships are very weird and complex and the characters are also weird and complex? and it’s very unsatisfying as a romance but still somehow satisfying? except the ending which left me just shocked laughing like ‘that’s it?????’ and i’m still not sure how i feel about it but i’m pretty sure i liked it and yeah disclaimer over)

Link: Boku to Kimi no Aida

Lotus Eater

Lucky Number 13(okay no this one is so sweet and cute, a huge baseball otaku falls for a boy who is plagued with bad luck unless he’s dating someone, in which case his bad luck transfers to his partner, they’re such a pure couple and it’s a very sweet and funny story and I love it)

Mad Cinderella(this one isn’t totally scanlated :( but there’s still a lot of it scanned and it’s all very cute and worth)

Mahoutsukai no Koi

The Mainichi Seiten Series; Mainichi Seiten, Kodomo wa Tomaranai, Children’s Time, Kodomo no Iibun, Aki-chan no Iibun, Isoganaide, Hanaya no Nikai de(very very slice of life, three couples in all, the first volume is kind of slow and the art is kinda rough and the couple is very chaste but still cute and the art gets better through the series, and the other two relationships are top tier and overall this series is one of my absolute favorites)

Mayoke no Darling

Mazu wa, Hitokuchi.(okay but the premise is a farm that secretly raises flying pigs how amazing is that)

Me wo Tojite 3-Byou

Merry Checker

Motto Aishiaimasho

Nakanai Hotaru

Nee Senpai, Oshiete yo

Negative-kun to Positive-kun

Neko no Koi (I really love young masters who are in love with their less well-off childhood friend/keeper that’s some good shit)

Nennen Saisai

Nichijousahan Bi - Beautiful Life

No Color

Number Call

Okujou no Bye-Bye

Omamori Shimasu, Dokomademo

Ringo ni Hachimitsu and its sequel Kare no Barairo no Jinsei (i really love this mangakas art style and way of writing, very good)

Rutta to Kodama (listen these boys will be the death of me, I love delinquents especially delinquents with hearts of gold, and Rutta is the epitome of that, he and Kodama are so fucking sweet and I just love them so so much, one of my absolute favorites)

Saiyaku wa Boku wo Suki Sugiru(this one is still ongoing! it’s basically a soul mate au where if one half gets injured the other is the one who sustains the injury, turned into a family curse that lasts a year upon the younger one’s 17th birthday, so very very good)

Sannin Gurashi (i love this one it’s so sweet ;~;)

Sawattemo Ii kana (also not completely scanlated and I cry every day because of it)

Sayonara, Heron

Sayonara, Itoshi no My Friend

Seinen wa Ai o Kou

Sense of Love

Seven Days

Shitteru yo.

Shuuden Elegy

Signal

Soko ni Suwaru na

Sonna Me de Mitekure (this one??? is fUCKing ridiculous, I laughed through the entire thing it’s fucking ridiculous omg)

Sono Koi ni wa Wake ga Aru(love!!!! i love this one! so much! stoic but gentle semes are my fucking kryptonite okay and Azuma is that in spades, he and Aoi are just so fucking cute)

Sono Mama de

Sore wa Isshun no Hikari, dewa Naku

Sore o Koigokoro to Yobu no Nara

Sorenari ni Shinken Nan desu.(this is basically a sick fic featuring an overworked single dad and his playboy regular who’s in love with him, literally one of my absolute favorites and I think the first yaoi I ever read? Oosawa and Yoshioka are top tier and it’s just so sweet and feel-good, ugh I love)

Spotlight Lover

Star-like Words

Sugar Code(mix competent yakuza with useless gay and you get Oodoi, it’s beautiful; I love Oodoi and Akira a lot)

Suteneko no Karte

Te o Tsunai de Koi o(”oh you guys don’t get along? okay now you have to hold hands the entire walk home until you do” lmao archery club president knows what’s up)

Tear Drop

The Killer

Tight Rope(i’ve already exposed my love for yakuza and ‘young master in love with his childhood friend’ archetypes which means me loving Tight Rope was written in the fucking stars because Ryuu is b o t h, and I just really love Naoki as well)

Toki no Maigo o Sagashite!(amnesia plot!)

Tsukiatte Agete mo Ii n Dakara ne (this one is f u c k i n g ridiculous, the love interest is a giant fucking ham, it’s r i d i c u l o u s lmfao)

Twinkle (Kanda)

Wakabaryou de, Kimi to

Wakadanna ni Goyoujin

Work In

Yachin Hanbun no Ibasho desu

Yakozen

Yamada to Shounen

Yamete Kudasai,(this one gave me cavities)

Yozora no Sumikko de,

Yuki no Shita no Qualia

Yuugure no Machi

Zantei, Koibito