#kiichi saruwatari

[kosenart]

Something different: Miyazawa Kiichi from Saruwatari Tetsuya's Tough.

[dreaming-translations]

[MAIN STORY] 3am, Inverted (Chapter 3)

chapter 3 of act I, part I of dream!ing’s second season ↓

A gunshot rang out.

Shigure: Ah—

Touji & Takaomi: !!

—— Pointed toward the ceiling, the gun’s muzzle went off in a spray of petals and colorful paint.

Male Student A: Hahaha! Oh man! I’m totally covered in pink!

Male Student B: With green and yellow petals on top! Hakka-senpai, this is great!

“We want more!” “Give us an even more exciting show!”

Paralyzed by the nightlife’s wild thrall, the students were charged up with a bizarre fervor. Some had even begun to dance, covered head-to-toe in paint.

Touji: Wha… Settle down, all of you…! Stop pushing me…!

Takaomi: They’re totally out of their minds. Out of the goddamn way…!

Taking advantage of the chaos, the masked man roughly shook himself free from Shigure’s arms and took off running.

Shigure: We musn’t let him get away. Shishimaru-kun, Harimiya-kun—!

Takaomi: Like I said, quit giving me orders!

Touji: We’ve managed to chase him this far. I shall see the moment the Heavens strike him down with my own eyes!

Touji: SECRET ART! SUPER LONG-DISTANCE SHOE CATAPULT—! (NAME CREDIT: NITO-KUN) (he literally says the parentheses here im dead)

Takaomi: HUH!?

Masked Man: —!

As he took Touji’s shoe right to the back of the head, the man’s fleeing footsteps faltered.

— Not a single eye in the room failed to notice that very moment.

Takaomi: Making us run around for no reason… You’d better remember to compensate us with a Live Ticket.

Shigure: I shall make sure of it. I swear on the Family’s name.

Touji: Accept your fate! You may hide your face with that mask, but you cannot hide your sins!

The three of them had him surrounded.

There was nowhere left for the masked man to run.

Shigure: I shall reveal your true identity.

Masked Man: ……

Shigure faced the man and took a step toward him — and just then.

As the quiet snap of the man’s fingers rang out, the floor beneath the three of them suddenly disappeared.

All 3: —!

With no way to resist the void that opened up ——

They fell deeper and deeper into the pitch darkness.

 ____________________________________________

Shigure: —— We will now begin our report on the “Illegal Dream World Organized by an Unknown Perpetrator”.

Mikage: Begiiin.

Hakka-san cast a cold gaze at me.

It seemed that my kindhearted attempt to lighten the suffocating atmosphere surrounding our three teachers wasn’t well-received. Bummer.

Shigure: Allow me to begin with a brief summary. If you log into the Yume System around 3:00 a.m., it is possible to enter this dream by inputting a specific operation code.

Saruwatari: Mhm, mhm. And?

Shigure:  Around the same time that students began summer vacation, an add-on for special app designed by Shinonome Gakuen that allows one to easily turn their smartphone into a Yume Mask began circulating.

Shigure: The ease of login combined with the students’ extended period of free time resulted in an explosive number of users joining the app craze.

Shigure: As we entered September and even up until present, the number of students logging in to this dream continues to increase.

Saruwatari: That’s wonderful!

Shigure: Eh…?

Saruwatari: I can see without a doubt that the developer is a brilliant person overflowing with curiosity, humor and entrepreneurial spirit! I can feel their passion.

Inoh: Should the acting chairman really be saying that...?

Saruwatari: Haha, sorry. I just couldn’t help getting worked up as I listened to that report.

Saruwatari: Certainly, it is a clear violation of the system’s fraud detection, but there’s something beautiful about it. Possessing such deep knowledge of the Yume System and using that knowledge so precisely, you can feel the attention to every evil detail, no?

Inoh: The work of someone familiar with the Yume System…

Inoh: —! … Don’t tell me this is your doing.

As he took a small jab from an elbow with a thwump, Kiritani-sensei furrowed his brow and looked carefully at the notebook laptop on his lap.

Kiritani: I’m analyzing the source code right now, but it’s encrypted so many times over you’d think they’re hiding the secrets to someone’s murder in there. What a pain in the ass.

Inoh: Don’t talk like that in front of your students. Always saying such things, it’s because you live such a lazy and undisciplined lifestyle that the culprit is looking down on us—

Turning toward Kiritani-sensei as he zoned out of Inoh’s scolding, I raised a finger and gave it a little wave.

Noticing the motion, Sensei sighed and let his gaze trail out the window.

Shigure: —Allow me to continue.

Shigure: The building’s exterior bears resemblance to the casinos in Las Vegas. Inside, there are various amusement areas on each floor.

Shigure: Just like a mobile game, players are given a common currency of play coins, and just by logging in every night, they can receive enough coins to keep playing throughout the entire night.

Shigure: And those who collect a large number of coins are granted access to the exclusive luxury VIP room on the top floor, where they can play even higher-stakes games.

Inoh: So it’s a system that makes you believe your worth is based on how much coin you possess.

Kiritani: Making people feel inferior even inside dreams, huh. Kids these days sure don’t have anything better to do.

Saruwatari: The dangerous point where dreams meet reality.

Shigure: This danger-filled dream has been hence nicknamed the “27club” (ninakurabu).

Shigure: Unfortunately, we failed to apprehend the suspicious figure last night, but the student council intends to continue its investigation to our fullest ability.

Mikage: Yes we dooo.

Saruwatari: We’re counting on you. If you make any progress in the investigation, however small, please tell me right away.

 TO BE CONTINUED

[yumapii]

[Event Story] Gold ☆ Hunter [12/12]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Rintarou: And, why did you think Mikepon wanted to go home? 

Touji: That is… Because I am privy to something that proves to me that no how much senpai says otherwise, in his heart he must have wanted to go home. I wanted to support him no matter what, and so I tried everything I could, but never produced any results. I know my own worthlessness better than anyone. 

Shion: What are you talking about? 

Touji: The truth is, at the time when the statue was being constructed, I heard you say something. Ah! Rest assured, it wasn’t because I was spying on you or anything! I just so happened to overhear it! Your heartbreaking wish to spend the New Years with your family! ! ! 

Shion: I don’t remember saying such a thing though. 

Touji: No, I definitely heard it with mine own ears. “Even though I really wanted to spend it with everyone,” Mikekado-senpai’s sincere wish! That’s why I-- 

Shion: Oh, perhaps you’re talking about that time? 

[flashback: 

Shion: sigh I can’t believe I have to spend the New Years with sticky hands and clothes. Even though I really wanted to spend it with everyone. 

/end flashback] 

Shion: I… was talking to my cat friends. 

Touji: Pardon? 

Shion: I hadn’t seen them around recently so I was a little concerned. But I’ve found them now, here, look. 

Cat: Nya

Touji: Nya? Th-thyen, was I mistaken… 

Yuni: Going through great vains. 

Yuma: It’s: going through great pain in vain. 

Rintarou: ….. 

// Wishing to go home, homesickness. Having so much sympathy that one wishes to send another home. // 

Rintarou: ( It’s truly a gift to purely express such kindness and love. ) 

Yuni: If Shion wanted to go home, he would have done so himself. 

Yuma: I think Harimiya is really kind though. 

Yanagi: Well, no matter the situation, a man who strives to please a lady is always comical. 

// With the now purposeless “Samba of the Fireflies” as background music, Touji curls into a ball on top of the platform. // 

Touji: Uggh, I want to return home… 

Rintarou: Owo, even Touji is affected. 

// At this moment, Jin and Chizu-chan show up wearing headphones and operating some suspicious device. // 

Jin: This melody triggers the homing instinct in humans. Over time, it has been imprinted into the DNA of the Japanese population and can even be considered a method of hypnosis. In addition, I just concluded research on the unique characteristic of passing the sound through the Kiichi statue, and it seems the reverberation within the statue’s cavern amplifies the IOH value even higher. 

Rintarou: IOH? 

Chizuru: Desire to/ enter the futon/ at home immediately value, aka IOH. Through Ryuuou Corporation’s patent pending technology, we are able to measure it.

Chizuru: At present, more than half of the students and 2/3 of faculty staff who heard the song have already applied for leave of absence and are on their way home. 

Rintarou: Wow, so many ♪ 

// If this were to continue, the damage would be enormous. Imagine coming back to Shinonome right after the New Year holiday and finding the school to be a ghost town. // 

Chizuru: At this rate, we can’t start the next term. 

// Still wearing the soundproofing equipment, Jin never once uncrosses his arms as he looks at me. Instantly, I knew the fate of the golden Kiichi. // 

Jin: Rintarou-san. 

Rintarou: ( Well, I guess there isn’t much of a choice. ) 

Rintarou: Okie ♪ 

// Taking on the task, I pop my knuckles in preparation. Kiichi-sensei takes one look at me and grows pale. // 

Kiichi: Eh? You’re joking, right? 

Rintarou: ( The desire to go home? No thanks. The desire to be by someone? No thanks. ) 

Rintarou: But a little sentimentality is alright, I guess… 

Rintarou: Still, “the present” is the most important though! ! ! 

// Aiming for the statue’s solar plexus, I take a hopstep, leaping into the air to deliver a powerful bodyblow. // 

Kiichi: AHHHHHHHHHH! ! ! ! ! 

// Amidst the pristine winter sky, a scream rings out. Sparkling and crumbling, a gold statue is sent off. The noisy “Samba of the Fireflies” also finally fades out… // 

// A few days later. // 

[scene: classroom] 

// A rare occurrence was happening, for though unnaturally all the third years had assembled in class, our homeroom teacher was nowhere to be seen. // 

Rintarou: What happened to Kiichi-sensei? 

Jin: It seems he went into shock after the destruction of that statue, so he’s gone on holiday. 

Issei: What’s with that… 

Rintarou: Nyahaha, so he’s not cooped up at home ♪ 

// Time waits for no man. For someone who walks along with it, no as someone who rushes to overtake it, there is simply no time for looking back or sentimentality. 

And so this year, too. // 

Rintarou: Then how bout the 3 of us go gyming ☆ 

Issei: Sure! 

Jin: Hmph. 

// I will live fiercely with the companions by my side. In “the present”. //

[dreaming-translations]

An Entrance Ceremony on the Bed (Chapter 5)

I want to trust Saruwatari but I’m so afraid. 

For the best experience, I recommend reading along with the game, as the main story is fully voiced! Part I Chapter 5 of the DREAM!ing main story under the cut!

Kiritani: Hope you’re all asleep. If you try waking up however you please… you’ll die.

Yuma: (!?)

Takaomi: Haa!?

Senri: Scary! What kind of joke is that!?

Touji: Sensei, I think a prior explanation would be better after al––

Kiritani: The special entrance ceremony has now begun.

Yuma: (Ah, there’s a screen on the ceiling…)

????: Ahem. To the new students of the Elite Class, I’m so happy to meet you.

Saruwatari: I am the acting chairman, Kiichi Saruwatari.

Saruwatari: While it is sudden, I would like to take a moment to explain the conditions for securing the top seat here at Shinonome Academy.

Saruwatari: Up until last year, the results were decided based on intellect and strength alone–– but from this year on, they will include “charisma” as well.

Saruwatari: Now, allow me to explain how that element will be measured.

Saruwatari: First, two people will perform lives as a unit, and from the popularity acquired by that performance – in other words, the number of followers – we will determine one’s “charisma”.

Yuma & Senri: Live…?

Touji: I don’t quite know where to begin… first, why two people as a unit? Is the top seat at Shinonome not supposed to be granted to only one person every year?

Saruwatari: A wonderful question!

Saruwatari: Why two as one?

Saruwatari: Why a live?

Saruwatari: Those answers… I’d like for you to find them on your own.

Takaomi: Haa? Quit blabbering on and on about stuff that doesn’t make any sense––

Kiritani: Behave yourselves, now.

Takaomi: !?

Yuma: (What’s with that mask…?)

Immediately following my surprise, the sound of something jetting out with a pshhhh sound echoed into the room––

Yuma: Eh…

Some type of unknown fog quickly snatched away our visibility.

Senri: Whoa, what is this!?

Touji: What do you intend to do to us…!?

Takaomi: Don’t fuck with me! What are you planning––

Takaomi: Ngh…

Senri: Ca… I can’t move…

Touji: Wh…y…

Yuma: (My strength is…)

Saruwatari: Worry not, my cute lambs.

Saruwatari: From now on, you will create true bonds here at Shinonome Academy.

Saruwatari: Both kind and unkind––––inside of a deep, deep dream.

Yuma: (Dream…?)

Yuma: (Ah… my consciousness is… fading…)

……

………….

………………… Huh?

Yuma: ––!

As soon as I became aware of my own consciousness, I felt my body lunge forward forcefully with fear.

Yuma: … This is…

Senri: Ngh…

Yuma: Ah, Nito…!

The other two were already waking up beside us, surprised by the darkness surrounding us.

Yuma: Just what is this––

????: Hello.

Yuma: (!?)

We all turned around toward the sound of the voice together, and there stood––

Yuma: (Wow, a crazy beautiful girl…)

Senri: Who…?

Touji: !......

????: Congratulations on your admission. I sincerely welcome you all.

TO BE CONTINUED

Please enjoy “Yume no Sekai he Youkoso” (Shion Mikekado (CV: Aoi Shouta) and Yanagi Hanabusa (CV: Makoto Furukawa))~

[yumapii]

[Event Story] Gold ☆ Hunter [11/12]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Kiichi: What’s wrong, Rintarou? 

Rintarou: I was just thinking that maybe familial love doesn’t have to be something you are born into, but is also something you can make. 

Kiichi: Why, isn’t that natural? Even in this generation, there are people who choose to become family with strangers, no? 

Rintarou: ( If I ever get married and started a “family”, would that mean I have to settle down and become the backbone of the house? ) 

Rintarou: Please invite me to your wedding. 

Kiichi: Hahaha, of course! Though I’ll probably be asked for a divorce about 20 times! 

Rintarou: So true ☆ 

Kiichi: Does Rintarou have a special person like that? 

Rintarou: ….. 

// I was startled. 

There isn’t a place I can think of that I want to return to. Nor was there a person I could think of whom I would want to meet so dearly, I could put off the things I want to do. // 

Rintarou: ( Maybe if I had someone like that… ) 

// Then, the feeling of wanting someone to return to me, the feeling of “homesickness”, maybe then I’d understand. // 

Rintarou: ( ….. ) 

Kiichi: Hmm? What is this melody? 

Rintarou: Eh? 

// When I lifted my head… // 

Yuma: I have to go back… Do you think I might still make it for the last boat for Kagoshima… 

Takaomi: You’ll make it. It’s pretty close, just like Kanagawa is for me... 

Minato: My house is in France so I can’t go so soon~ I know, I’ll give Mamon and Papa a call. 

Kasuka: Think about the time difference. 

Mikage: If we minus 8 hours, it’s actually just nice though? 

Issei: Irregardless, letting your family know you’re okay is a good thing. 

Rintarou: ( Is that true?! ) 

Kiichi: Oh I got it! This is the tune that you hear at department stores during closing hours, “Samba of the Fireflies”! 

// Kiichi-sensei, who had been pondering over it for awhile, was finally able to put a finger on the song’s title. // 

Yuni: That’s the nostalgic melody that I’ve been hearing this whole time. 

Yuma: It makes me want to meet Granma, Mari, and my mother so dearly that my chest hurts. 

Kiichi: I don’t feel that at all though? 

Yanagi: Still, where is the sound coming from-- 

Rintarou: Over there! 

………. 

[scene: courtyard] 

// Our destination was the golden Kiichi statue where “Samba of the Fireflies” was blasting from. In addition-- // 

Touji: Louder! Until it reaches Mikekado-senpai! 

// Having climbed onto the platform, Touji could be seen tinkering with some machine. // 

Rintarou: ( What the heck is he doing? ) 

Shion: Until what reaches me? 

Touji: ?! 

// Having noticed us, Touji spots Mikepon and panics. // 

Touji: Mi-mi-mikekado-senpai, what are you doing here?! Does this mean the song didn’t work… ? 

Shion: What are you talking about? 

Touji: Well, you see, I was hoping listening to this song would strengthen your nostalgia, and then maybe you would resolve to visit your family or to give them a call, or something like that…? 

Shion: As if I would. 

Touji: But… why? Why doesn’t anything work on Mikekado-senpai?! 

Rintarou: Hey, so Touji’s the one that’s been playing the song then? 

// After I call out to him, Touji looks down at the faces of all the students who had gathered and resigns himself to speaking. // 

Touji: Actually, in order to allow Mikekado-senpai to spend some time alone with his family, I concocted a plan. 

Shion: Hah? 

Touji: Because I heard Nito-kun say that anyone who hears “Samba of the Fireflies” would definitely feel like going home! So I immediately ordered Yoshiji to get a recording of the song performed by a full orchestra! However, even when I played it in the room as he slept, it didn’t seem to be working, so then I thought that if all the school staff went home, and the dorm was forced to be shut, then even if it was reluctantly, he would have to go home. 

Touji: Thus I started playing the song from the Kiichi statue along with the 5 o’clock chime but… 

Yuma: Oh was that what that was? 

[flashback: 

Touji: ( Mikekado-senpai… )

Touji: ( As I thought, I’m sure what she truly wants is to spend the New Years with her family. Guh, my small scale project is not enough, at this rate Mikekado-senpai will be met with sadness… ) 

Touji: ( But I, Harimiya Touji, have devoted this life to senpai, there is no storm I would not weather. Nay, I would weather even a hundred storms! ) 

Yuma: ( Harimiya? Why is he sneaking around on the platform? ) 

/end flashback] 

Touji: Mochizuki-kun, you saw that? 

Rintarou: And, why did you think Mikepon wanted to go home?

[yumapii]

[Event Story] Gold ☆ Hunter [10/12]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Kiichi: Thanks for inviting me, Rintarou! So this is the outcome of your marvelous adventure! ! ! 

Rintarou: Yeye ☆ This is the treasure we found together.  

Yosuke: Huh? So the treasure was just potatoes? 

Masachika: And they’re sharing that treasure with you so don’t be rude. 

Yosuke: I was expecting physical gol- oh this is delicious. 

Masachika: Why are you snitching food, where are your manners?! 

Rintarou: That’s fine, that’s fine ☆ Eat your fill! 

Kiichi: Haha, with the gold statue and all these golden potatoes, everyone’s financial luck this year is bound to be high! ! 

Yuma: I didn’t know that! In that case, I’ll eat lots. 

// Beside Yuma-kun who was gulping down his food seriously, Shin-chan and Shigure-chan approached Yuniyuni. // 

Shinya: Yuni-kun, this feast looks really grand! Golden potatoes, huh… I think they could be used to make my favourite Beef Potato Stew too. 

Yuni: Hmph. I’ll never make anything Shibasaki likes! 

Shigure: Yuni. 

Yuni: Nii-sama! This Gnocchi is nii-sama’s recipe! Please have some! 

Shigure: Yes, then thank you for the meal. And here, have this. 

// Shigure took out a fancy bottle filled with blood red liquid. There was Italian engraved onto it. // 

Yuni: Wah! Arancia Rossa juice! ! Thank you, nii-sama! ! ! 

Rintarou: ( Come to think of it, Yuniyuni said he wanted to drink that yesterday. ) 

Shingure: If you’d like, President and everyone can have some too. It’s freshly squeezed organic blood orange juice sent directly from Sicily. 

Rintarou: Woah, thanksies ☆ 

Rintarou: ( Did he order this yesterday? ) 

Senri: I-I thought it was blood… 

Takaomi: As if that’s possible. 

Shigure: Oh and, Yuni, this too. 

Yuni: ? 

Yuni: Ah, it’s a letter from Father! 

Shigure: It came along with the juice. 

// Yuniyuni receives the letter and opens it straight away, quickly scanning the contents. 

At the same time, Shin-chan who had at some point gone off to take food on his own, knocks over a glass with great clamour. // 

Shigure: Shinya! 

// Shigure moves towards him immediately. // 

Yuni: Nii-sama! 

Shigure: I will be back soon. 

// Although Yuniyuni protested with his gaze, Shigure still went to Shin-chan’s side. 

Having finished reading the letter, Yuniyuni quietly puts it into his pocket, and the angel’s face grew cloudy. // 

Yuma: Bianchi? Was there something unpleasant written in the letter? 

Yuni: That’s not it. It’s the same message as usual. Father talking how cute I am, how cute I am, saying that he loves me, that he treasures me. 

Yuma: Then why do you look so troubled? 

Yuni: Because… Father always leaves the dangerous things to nii-sama or the other family members but he’ll never let me anywhere near it! Everyone has been keeping me away from danger since I was small, but even I am a member of the Bianchi Famiglia! I will become an outstanding Godfather just like Father! ! 

Yuni: If we are robbed, we steal it back, if we are slighted, we return it 3 times, that is the family’s rule, and that’s why I will completely destroy Shibasaki with my own hands! 

Rintarou: Wow! Nero Yuniyuni~ ♪ (1)

Shinya: Errm… Did I do something wrong? 

// As Shigure finished cleaning up the broken shards, a dejected Shin-chan came over. // 

Yuni: It’s nothing! ! 

Shigure: Yuni, this is really delicious. 

// To diffuse the situation, Shigure, who had taken a bite of the Gnocchi, offered compliments to Yuniyuni. // 

Yuni: Really? 

Shigure: Yes, it seems Yuni was able to grasp the taste of my cooking. 

Yuni: Of course! Nii-sama and I are connected by something thicker than blood! I will definitely never hand you over to someone like Shibasaki! ! 

Shigure: Yuni, there’s no need to worry about that because I am a member of the Bianchi Family. 

Yuni: Nii-sama! ! ! 

// Shigure successfully placated Yuniyuni. // 

Rintarou: Hmm… 

Kiichi: What’s wrong, Rintarou?

--

(1) nero, most likely a reference to the roman emperor who is known to be a very no good man in general

[yumapii]

[Event Story] Gold ☆ Hunter [5/12]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Rintarou: And so, Let’s ☆ Adventure! Onwards to a treasure hunt! ! ! 

Yuni & Yuma: Treasure hunt? 

Rintarou: Yea ☆ Tadah! Check out this bona fide Treasure Map! ! ! 

Yuni: Mappa! Let me see! 

Rintarou: Here ya go ☆

Yuma: Mappa? 

// Taking a backwards glance at the surprised Yuma, I spread out the treasure map (mappa) before Yuniyuni. As I did so, the others also got curious. // 

Yuni: Shinonome? You mean the treasure is somewhere in this school? 

Rintarou: Righto ☆ So let’s OMY! 

Yuma: OMY? 

Rintarou: Find/ the treasure and/ split the earnings! You’re in, right? 

Yuni: Of course! 

Yosuke: Ohh, a treasure hunt, huh? Was there such a thing here? 

Kiichi: That’s great! That’s youth! Go ahead, get some treasure! ! ! 

Masachika: Representative Board Chairman, please don’t fan the flames too much. It should go without saying but doing dangerous things on campus is not allowed. 

Yosuke: Yeah! Do it where the teachers can’t see. Oh, but make sure you report to me when you find the treasure. 

Masachika: Mr Kiritani… 

Rintarou: Alright! Since that’s decided, let's report at this ☆ marked spot tomorrow morning at oh nine hundred hours ☆ Make sure to bring along an item that you think is indispensable for adventuring! 

Yuni: Si! 

Rintarou: ( Looks like Yuniyuni and the rest have recovered a little but… ) 

// Who woulda thunk the treasure map I made for fun would turn out useful in a situation like this. // 

………. 

[scene: ☆]

// The next day. January XX, 9am. An elite force had gathered at the ☆ marked spot. // 

Rintarou: Welcome, Treasure Hunters! From here on out, we will be following the path outlined on this map. But first, roll call, let’s go down the line~! 

Yuni: Uno. 

Yuma: 2. 

Yanagi: Three. 

Rintarou: Fwour! 

Yuma: ? Kumarin-senpai isn’t the troupe leader? 

Rintarou: Oh yeah, I am! Nyahaha, but what about the others? 

Yuma: I tried inviting them but they were either on the phones with their families, or had gone back. Oh, but Nito was at rehearsals. 

Yuni: Nii-sama was also busy… 

Rintarou: ( Hnnnnn… Even though I’m sure everyone would cheer up if they took part. ) 

Rintarou: Well, no choice. 

Yuma: Although I’m surprised that Yanagi-senpai is interested in such things. 

Yanagi: Rather than being interested, it’s not good for me to stay in a predictable spot otherwise some dangerous Kitties might catch me. 

Yuma: Are you in some kind of trouble again? 

Yanagi: ….. 

Rintarou: What matters most is that you’re here ♪ Alright, now let’s share our secret weapons! What kind of equipment did everyone bring? 

Rintarou: By the way, this is mine! 

// From a sack large enough to rival Santa Claus’, I pull out a huge teddy bear, to the surprise of the others. // 

Yuni: That’s so cute! 

Rintarou: Right? ☆ 

Yuma: Erm, I brought a piggy bank… 

Rintarou: Ooh! It’s shaped like a golden pig! Make sure to stuff a lot of treasure into it, kay?  

Yuma: Yes! 

Yuni: I brought sigaretta. 

Rintarou: Wow ☆ Yuniyuni so kewl~! I really like cigarette cookies ☆ (1)

Yuni: Snacks are important for an adventure. 

Rintarou: Yuniyuni… 

Rintarou: You’re exactly right! ! ! But only 300yen worth! And no bananas ☆ 

Yuni: ! I didn’t know that? 

Yanagi: Well, crap… Should I have brought a gag item then? I’ve just brought along something normal though. 

// Saying that, Yanayana took out a gardening shovel. // 

Rintarou: Non non! What’s most important is the feeling of excitement ☆ Then, let’s depart for the Gold Rush! Onwards! 

Yuma & Yuni: Onwards! 

// We, the Shinonome Treasure Hunters, have set out in search for some treasure, nyaha ☆ //

--

(1) well, it’s rolled biscuits that resemble a cigar

[yumapii]

[Event Story] FRIENDSx7DAYS [17/18]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18

Senri: Don’t look down, don’t look down, don’t look down… Oh please, can this wind just stop! ! !

Dylan: Senri, calm down. If we get down safely, let’s go eat hamburgers again.

Senri: Dylan, don’t raise any flags!

Dylan: Flags? Oh well, let’s synchronise our descent. 1, 2. 1, 2. Err…

Senri: 1...2… 1… Eep, it’s shaking…

// His legs lost their footing and dangled in mid-air. All of his weight transferred to his hands, but due to poor grip strength, he began to slip downwards. //

Dylan: Senri!

// A hand cuts through the air. At the moment the gathering crowd had given up hope, a hand shot out of the neighbouring window, catching Senri’s. //

Senri: …! ! Judah!

Judah: Are you okay?

Dylan: Damn! That was a great catch!

// From the side view of the building, through the window frame, Judah was supporting a person’s weight with his hands and legs, creating a strange sense of reliability. //

Senri: I was saved… Thank you, Judah… Can you lift me up, by the way? I’ve lost all strength in my hands.

Judah: No that is impossible.

Dylan: Huh?

Judah: It’s taking everything I have to maintain this position for even another minute.

Dylan: Oi?! Didn’t you come here with any plans?!

Judah: None.

Dylan: Seriously?!

Senri: Then the number of rescuees just increased! Help us~ ~ ~! ! !

Dylan: Shit. Then, Senri, try coming back to the ladder…

Judah: Fu

Senri: Is this the time to laugh?! Wait, I guess some might want to die smiling!

Judah: It’s a “prank”.

Dylan: What?

Judah: Look down. Takaomi’s plan made it in time.

Senri: Down?

// Looking down, instead of the wide expanse of concrete ground they saw earlier, there was a large inflated balloon that was big enough to cushion their fall. And standing beside the balloon, was Takaomi looking up at their dumbfounded faces.  

……….

Above the school building, the Ryu-ou Corporation’s Fire Extinguishing Drone was making its rounds, a smoky smell starts to hang over the surrounding area. //

Senri: Huff… Huff… That was so scary~ ~

Dylan: Haha, guess that was too much thrill.

Judah: It was rather stimulating.

Takaomi: “Stimulating” is rich coming from someone who was essentially Spiderman.

Dylan: Speaking of, where were the two of you?

Senri: That’s right! We were looking for you!

Takaomi: Erm…

Judah: I went all the way to the airport to rescue a soul who had lost courage.

Takaomi: HAH?! Speaking of, hurry up and return my guitar!

Judah: No need for concern, I have buried it in a safe place.

Takaomi: You what?!

Senri: What exactly is going on…?

Dylan: Who knows? But I’m glad the four of us are gathered again.

Mamoru: Pardon my intrusion! I’m from the Press Club! Firstly, it is a relief to know that you are all safe!

Mamoru: By the way, why were Nito-kun and Dylan-kun in the school building? It should have been made out of bounds shortly before the commencement of the Handsome Men Contest.

Senri: Oh… About that.

Judah: ?

// Stealing a glance at Judah, Senri takes out a squirming Mash from under his clothes. //

Judah: !

Dylan: This little guy is Judah’s precious family. We were running around campus looking for it and just happened to be in the school building-

Kiichi: Marvelous! ! !

Takaomi: Huh?

Kiichi: In order to protect the things dear to your comrades, you engaged in a rescue with no regard for your lives… This is exactly what it means to be a Superman! The victory is yours! ! !

Senri & Judah & Takaomi & Dylan: …..

Senri: Se-seriously?

Judah: Superman?

Takaomi: I bet it’s the topic of the Third Challenge.

Dylan: Haha, we did it!

[yumapii]

[Event Story] FRIENDSx7DAYS [16/18]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18

// A booming sound goes off and a portion of the school building collapses at the same time. The glass from the window shatters and falls like cherry blossoms. //

Kiichi: What a grand show! How did you construct such a realistic explosion? Is it the latest Projection Mapping technology?

Jin: I only remember preparing a few fire simulation holograms… Maybe this is Rintarou-san’s request?

Issei: I don’t know. Rintarou-san is in Mongolia right now participating in a Naadam.*

Masachika: I only approved the use of smoke bombs though?!

Yosuke: So like, that’s real, right? It’s burning.

Mikage: Aha. The school building is on fire.

Dylan: cough Senri, are you alright? What about Mash?

Senri: cough I thought I was a goner…

// Senri rose slowly. From his cupped hands that he held close to his chest, Mash poked its little head out. //

Dylan: It’s too early to be relieved. Looks like that explosion caused the building to catch fire.

Senri: You’re right! We can’t approach the stairs!

Senri: Er, Dylan, what are you doing?

// Dylan took out his rope again and began to tie something like mesh patterns into it. //

Dylan: I’m making a ladder. To prevent Mash from inhaling too much smoke, we’ll have to go outside, otherwise it’ll be tough to endure.

// 1 floor, 2 floors, 3 floors, while tying, he gets a whiff of the smoke and coughs violently. //

Senri: Dylan!

Dylan: I’m fine, don’t worry. If I can’t protect my precious friends, I have no place to return to anyway.

Female Student A: Something’s coming out from the window!

Female Student B: Eh?! You mean there were people in the building?

Male Student: But that area should have been out of bounds…

// The rope ladder that came out from the 4th floor window caused a stir among the onlooking students. //

Issei: Hey look at that! I see human figures in the smoke.

Jin: ?!

Minato: Something’s waving. Hello~

Yosuke: It’s not the rescue mannequin?

// As the flames grew in intensity and more sounds of rubble fell apart, some urgent voices could be heard. //

Dylan: Senri! We’re going down!

Masachika: Now, impossible, this must just be another act.

Dylan: cough, cough, cough Senri, are you okay? Go on ahead and descend first.

Senri: Eh? But you were the one who made the ladder!

Dylan: It’s alright. I’ll follow soon, right behind you and Mash.

Senri: …! I understand.

// Rearranging Mash, whom he’d tucked under his shirt, Senri held the rope ladder that lead downwards. The window frame had gotten unbearably hot and as the ladder was swaying, it was hard to maintain footing. //

Senri: …!

// Stamping out the nerves, Senri encouraged himself and climbed out the window. //

Yuma: It’s Nito!

// The rope ladder Senri had descended sometimes swayed in the wind. During those moments, he would stop, making his descent extremely slow. But quickly after, Dylan’s form also appeared, moving downwards. //

Touji: I-I-I-I-I-I’ll contact Yoshi-ji** right now! And the Harimiya private police!

???: Oi, what’s going on here?

Shinya: Ah…

Shinya: Takaomi-kun!

Shigure: It appears an accident occurred during the final battle. Late to escape, the two appear to have been caught in the flames.

Shion: Though they’re attempting to escape by rope ladder, the wind is strong and I can’t bear the sight of it. Do something.

Chizuru: I have just contacted the specialised forces RRR (Ryu-ou Corporation Relief Rangers), they are heading over right now.

// What Takaomi was looking ahead at was Senri, who was clinging onto the ladder with great effort as the hot wind fanned the rope unsteady. //

Takaomi: …..

Takaomi: Old man, how long til the rescue team gets here?

Jin: Roughly 7 minutes.

Takaomi: Judging by the look of things, even if Dylan is able to withstand it, that stupid rabbit can’t. Isn’t there-

Judah: I’ll go.

Takaomi: ?!

Judah: There is no problem. You should know my speed.

Takaomi: Judah, go buy us some time.

Judah: Understood.

// Faster than you can speak, with a speed like a beast’s, Judah headed for the school building. //

Minato: Wow, he’s fast~

Takaomi: Oi Hanabusa, assist me!

 Yanagi: Er, me?

--

* naadam is a traditional mongolian festival comprising of mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery. interestingly enough, the festival this year actually took place while this event was running

** jic but yoshi-ji is touji’s butler/ aid

[yumapii]

[Event Story] FRIENDSx7DAYS [14/18]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18

// The airport lobby where many people come and go.

Takaomi who carries a guitar case, and one person who stands in his way. //

Judah: …..

Takaomi: What is it?

Judah: Will you abandon your country?

Takaomi: Huh?

Takaomi: No way… My shitty parents are abroad right now so I was just going there for a while. Though, by the time I’m back, you guys would be done with your exchange.

Judah: It doesn’t change the fact that you are running with your tail between your legs.

Takaomi: I don’t know what kind of stunt you’re trying to pull here but it’s not like what I do concerns you. Didn’t you say you didn’t have any intentions of herding with people either?

Judah: …..

Takaomi: Then do your best for the next two days.

// Stepping past Judah, Takaomi heads for the boarding gates as Judah watched silently-- or so that was supposed to be the case. //

Takaomi: ?!

// His shoulders suddenly felt light. Turning around, his disappeared guitar case was in Judah’s hands. //

Takaomi: Bastard…

// His beloved Gibson Les Paul Model. As Takaomi reached out his arm with the intention of taking it back, silent as a shadow, Judah slipped away. //

Takaomi: !

// With no warning or footsteps. //

Judah: Not flocking with with others and not facing others is not the same thing. You are simply running away. A coward has no use for this sort of thing, I shall give it a burial.

// Whilst holding on to the guitar case, Judah turns and runs. //

Takaomi: Burial… WHAT?!

[scene change: gym]

// Meanwhile. In the Shinonome gymnasium, the students’ gazes were all fixed upon Kiichi. //

Kiichi: A measure of their ability to escort woman, a battle of dignity and chivalry, the Gentleman Showdown.

Kiichi: A measure of their ability to live in society, a battle of manners and currying favour, the Salaryman Showdown.

Kiichi: The great battle for the title of Handsome Man, the Worldwide Handsome Men, 3 Point Contest is finally reaching its final mission.

Yanagi: Gentleman, Salaryman… I wonder what’s next?

Shinya: Debridement*, maybe?

Mikage: What’s that?

Kiichi: --This world is filled with outrageous things. Justice does not always prevail. As the result of poor luck, unfortunate accidents could occur that jeopardise your lives. When something you treasure is threatened like this, a man needs the strength not just to protect himself but also those around him.

Kiichi: Exactly! The final topic is, protecting your loved ones through any means necessary, whether brute strength or brains, the Superman Showdown!

Yosuke: Having said that, this time we’re not using the Yume System, it’ll be a real physical battle so good luck.

Mamoru: The last topic of the 3 Point Contest is “Superman Showdown”! After this, a dummy rescue mannequin will be placed somewhere on school grounds, the team that finds and rescues the dummy will earn points.

Jin: The development of this mannequin was entrusted to us. However, there is one warning to heed, listen well. Tell them, Chizuru.

Chizuru: Yes, Jin-san. The rescue mannequin that was developed by Ryu-ou Corporation is naturally, a super high performance humanoid robot but due to the busy schedules of our teams, it must be noted that durability tests were not complete. Hence, upon encountering the mannequin please treat it as if it were made of glass and handle it with caution. We seek your cooperation.

Mamoru: All teams will start at the same time for the last challenge. Dear Handsome Man candidates, are you ready?!

Touji: Mochizuki-kun, Nito-kun and the others are not back yet…

Yuma: Yeah, at this rate they will lose by default.

[scene change: school road]

Dylan: Senri, did you see it?

Senri: Doesn’t seem to be here. But earlier I asked for eye witness information on Shinonome Network…

// The two of them look at Senri’s smartphone together. //

Senri’s Switter Friend: I might have seen a mouse like shape run towards the school along the school road.

Senri’s Switter Friend: Don’t see it around the water fountains but I’ll look out!

// As notifications pop up one after the other, Dylan’s eyes begin to spin. //

Dylan: It’s like you’re an informant with a ton of allies. Senri has a lot of friends, huh?

Senri: Unlike a certain someone, I want to connect and treasure my bonds with everyone I meet.

Mamoru: In a few moments the Handsome Men, 3 Point Contest: Superman Showdown will begin! If the Multinational Team do not enter ASAP, they will be disqualified!

Dylan & Senri: ! !

// Both the announcement and the voices of the Regular Students were brought to them by the wind. //

Dylan: ( ….. )

[flashback:

Senri: I was serious so I don’t think it just “couldn’t be helped”. I wanted to win with everyone.

/end flashback]

Dylan: ( Last night, Senri and Takaomi got angry at me for not being serious about the matches. Being sent on an exchange at the reprimand of my brothers, to be honest I did think of half-assing the 7 days but now… )

Dylan: Senri, please give up on the match. Right now, finding Mash is a bigger priority.

Senri: ! Of course! We have to find Judah’s precious family! !

Dylan: Alright, we’ll definitely find him!

Senri: AHHHHH! Dylan, over there! !

Dylan: ! ! Mash!

Senri: Wait up~!

--

* debridement: the removal of damaged tissue or foreign objects from a wound (also note that it ends with a ‘man’ sound in japanese and hence is shinya’s little joke)

[yumapii]

[Event Story] FRIENDSx7DAYS [11/18]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18

Judah: I don’t have confidence that my shadow is shaped like a human’s.

Takaomi: Haa?

Senri: What do you mean?

Judah: … I am not like normal humans. As I am someone who was unable to live amongst people, and so I have drifted away.

Dylan: …..

Judah: To be honest, I did not want to come on exchange, I had no intention of getting along with anybody. I thought it wasn’t possible for me to blend in anymore, after all this time… but then you lot came and searched for me who was buried in the bustling streets of Shibuya…

Senri: …..

// In the midst of the words Judah hesitates to speak, the sun continues to sink lower, thinning out their shadows and mixing it with the approaching darkness. //

Takaomi: --That don’t matter. Just by being able to appreciate the guitarist of a legendary band already qualifies you as being more human than that stupid rabbit over there.

Judah: …..

Senri: Excuse me. You sure expertly snuck in a diss right there.

Dylan: Well, you might have your circumstances but we all do, I guess. Don’t you think so too, Senri?

Senri: Eh? Yeah, of course. Everyone has a little something they want to hide, there’s no saying whose burdens are tougher than others.

Takaomi: Besides, whether I like it or not, there are way too many not-”normal” people at Shinonome, it’s hardly surprising at this point.

Dylan: Haha, that’s true.

Judah: …..

Judah: I suppose.

Senri: Hmm I thought this earlier too but Judah’s smile…

Judah: …?

Senri: is SUPER! ! IKEMEN! !

Senri: If you’d continued to stay in Shibuya unguarded, you’d have been eaten alive by onee-samas for sure! I’m so glad we found you!

Takaomi: Are you an idiot?

Judah:  I will not sit around and passively be eaten by females.

Senri: Judah is a carnivore! Judah is a carnivore! That’s going to make him even more popular!

Dylan: If that’s the case then we’ll be Worldwide Handsome Men!

// Even if the exchange comes with some uncertainty, there is only 3 days left… //

Mamoru: Good evening, fellow students of Shinonome! The topic that’s been the centre of attention, the “Worldwide Handsome Men: 3 Point Contest”, is finally beginning its long-awaited Second Round! After the Gentlemen of Shinonome battled it out tooth and nail, the ensuing result is as follows! Everyone please check the overhead screen for the rankings!

Senri: Hold on…

Dylan: For real?! Overall, we are in second place?! Wow, we’ve really got a chance!

Mamoru: The highlight of this event, the Multinational Team comprising of two exchange students and two first-years, are at an unexpected 2nd place! Could this be?! Could this be?!

Male Student: whistle Good luck, exchange students!

Female Student: Takaomi-kun, Senri-kun, good luck for the next match!

Senri: Thanks for the support!

Dylan: Thanks!

???: Waon!

Female Student: ?!

Senri: Did you just hear a howl?!

Mamoru: And now, on to the Second Round. The topic is about to be announced by none other than…

Masachika: I’m Inoh Masachika. Before they are handsome men, they are first and foremost, man, who are social creatures by nature. It is by forming communities and building agreements with one another that we have been able to live together, and to prosper. Of course, there are moments when one is inflated on ego. Thinking of oneself as “special”, as being superior to others, a period when they wish that the spotlight falls upon them more than any other.

Yosuke: A dark past?

Masachika: However! If that attitude is allowed to cultivate, the fabric of society will be torn asunder. A majority will have no choice but to live like gears in a machine. Merely surviving in a world that oppresses them through power harassment, OT, and stress. Accepting the unreasonable and unjust, if you can’t beat them, join them, yielding to political power, to be obsequious, but even so! To protect what you ought to protect, that is to be an adult.

Takaomi: Lame…

Kiichi: What a speech!

Yosuke: Let’s just start…

Masachika: tch

Masachika: Now then, the topic this time is “Salaryman Showdown”.

Senri: Salaryman?!  

Dylan: What’s a sala-ry-man?

Takaomi: In short, it’s a white-collar worker. It’s a Japanese office worker.

Judah: To be a handsome man is a profound task.

// Jin approached Masachika’s side, and the chattering noise fell silent. //

Jin: This time I will be the Heart. Let’s get this started.

// Despite the four still being bewildered, the scenery begins to change around them irregardless, and opens to a scene of… //

Senri: Wh-where…?

Jin: A place where a corporate warrior’s true skill is thoroughly tested. The place of a Drinking Party (First Site).

Kiichi: Nomi-nication!* After 5 is when the common man can shine!

Shinya: This… is Ryugasaki-senpai’s dream, right?

Shion: It’s a detailed recreation but… has that person ever been to such a place before?

Chizuru: As expected of Jin-san! He even perfectly understands the lifestyle of the lower class! This is why he stands at the top!

Jin: Hmph. Well then, bring out the current top-ranking teams, they shall start the battle.

Takaomi: So sudden…

Dylan: I still don’t know a thing about Japanese salaryman though.

Senri: Fo-for starters, just try reading the atmosphere! Don’t disrespect people senior to you-

Judah: Detecting scents in the atmosphere is my specialty.

Senri: ( Of all things, this topic is the least suitable for that shitty stupid lion~ ~! In any case, I should try to come up with something… )

???: Ha-ha-ha-ha! We shall be taking this victory! !

Senri: ?!

--

* nomi-nication, portmanteau of 飲み(nomi) and communication, is a drinking get-together that is like a social experience. here’s a more eloquent article

[yumapii]

[Event Story] FRIENDSx7DAYS [7/18]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18

Mamoru: Good afternoon fellow students of Shinonome Academy! I’m Hodo Mamoru, President of the Press Club here to support your bright and vigorous school lives. Because of Representative Board Chairman Saruwatari’s sudden “Handsome Men, 3 Point Contest”, the tension right now is explosive!

Rintarou: Rascals, are you handsome men? I am Shinonome Academy Student Council President, Kuma Rintarou… “Kumarin” for short ☆

Rintarou: The first round, Gentleman Showdown, will be hosted in my dream. Let’s assess how sharply these guys can escort a woman, okie?  

Kiichi: Then I will now announce the first challengers! Please come to the stage if your name is called.

// A nerve wrecking moment.

In a flash the regular lights go out and colourful spotlights start dancing about the audience. //

Kiichi: Social standing, lineage, familial connections, all those things mean nothing on the stage! With true skill, he’s made it this far by himself on his own efforts, Black Dorm’s mood-maker, Nito Senri-kun!

Senri: Us already?!

Kiichi: There is no mystery that can’t be solved. The extolled Special Course entrant. With unparalleled problem solving abilities, he completely saw through the intentions of the exam setter, deducing his way to full marks with overwhelming originality, the former detective, Shishimaru Takaomi-kun!

Takaomi: How tiresome…

Kiichi: No fault can’t be fixed with a solid kick! This man has crossed all of America with his trusty old companion. The Bounty Hunter who’s hard at work earning money for his family, Dylan Ales-kun!

Dylan: I just have to do this.

Kiichi: Living in the deep forests of Switzerland, a boy wrapped in a mysterious fog that you might mistake for a missing person. A wandering spirit whose destination is unknown. The lone wolf who doesn’t stick with people, Judah Baal Aversa-kun!

Judah: …..

Mamoru: The first group to be selected is the buzz of the town, with the two exchange students, they are the Multinational Team! When you speak of foreigners, they’ve got an image of handling ladies well but is that really the truth?!

Yosuke: And the opposing team will be announced by me. Okay, Hanabusa~ Ushiwaka~ Mikekado~ Asagiri~

// To match his flat beyond imagination delivery, the lights also shone without fanfare but in the next moment-- //

Mamoru: Wh-wha-wha-what-what?! The school, no Japan, no it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say the world, at the name of the most atrocious feminist, Hanabusa Yanagi, the venue is about to erupt!

Yanagi: Haha, well when it comes to girls, I more or less have knowledge I suppose.

Minato: I’m good at giving hugs~

Mikage: Hmm~ I’m better at making them cry, I guess.

Shion: sigh

Mamoru: Battling the forces of an unreasonable society by the sheer power of his face alone, the unfairness of being handsome! The model Ushiwaka Minato and-

Mamoru: An aura of languidness, he’s been given the title of investor since he was conceived! Playing with stocks as if it a toy, perhaps he’s addicted to them?! Asagiri Mikage!

Mamoru: And the final nail in the coffin! Possessing the daintiness of a girl, and an exceptional singing voice, his whimsical nature turns from hostile to kind, and you can’t your eyes off him, Mikekado Shion!

Female Students: Kyaaaa!

Mamoru: It’s like these men were born to compete in the Gentleman Showdown. There is no need for further affirmation, the Multinational Team is in a pinch!

Dylan: They’re super popular.

Yanagi: Please go easy on us.

Female Student: Good luck, Yanagi-kun!

Female Student: Minato!

Senri: Th-they’re strong!

Rintarou: Nyahaha! Both teams ready? Then let’s go!

// Rintarou put on the Heart Yume Mic and the surrounding began to change…

An elegant space where a grand fountain flows. It was the scene of a high class hotel lobby. //

Rintarou: YKP ( Yay / Tonight’s / Party night ) ☆ 

Rintarou: This is the setting! A good investor friend of yours is holding a party to celebrate his 60th birthday! You are to perfectly escort your fabulous partner, who hails from London, and demonstrate your Gentleman powers for all to see!

Shion: Partner?

Minato: Are we supposed to escort Shion-chan?

Takaomi: That would be unfair.

Rintarou: Fu fu fu… The anticipated Princess is here! Come on!

Jin: Escort me.

Takaomi & Dylan & Senri: ?!?!?!?!?!?!

Mikage: lmao

// The moment Mikage let out a laugh, a large illuminated board appears over the participant’s heads, and on that display numbers were moving furiously. //

Mamoru: Oh?! The team led by Hanabusa-kun, Team Pheromone, received negative points right at the opening! Their current points are at -200. What is the meaning of this?!

Male Student: Anyone who scoffs at Jin-sama’s crossdressing appearance is unfit to be called human…

Female Student: There’s no way someone can laugh at Jin-sama! ! !

Mamoru: Ju...just like that, the votes from the Regular Students are rolling in left and right.

Senri & Takaomi: ( … A little longer and that would have been us. )

Mikage: Oh dearie me, I’m sorry, but it’s even more impossible not to laugh at that sudden appearance, no?

Shion: The worst.

Yanagi: But the match is just beginning.

Jin: Escort. Me.

Yanagi: Let’s go. We can’t keep our lovely Sweetie waiting.

Minato: Yup~

Jin: …..

Yanagi: Sorry to keep you waiting, My Sweet Sugar Queen. For you are too ethereal that I mistook you for a Charles Mallerin* Fairy and was late to approach. Do forgive me. Now then, I offer my hand. To be beside you, whose beauty and brilliance knows no equal, that must surely be every man’s pride.

Female Students: Yanagi-kun~ ~ ~! My Prince~ ~ ~!

Mamoru: As expected of Hanabusai-kun! After escaping countless bloodshed, he has polished this skill with his very life, his escort technique is the real deal! The points are rolling in! From -200, Team Pheromone have suddenly shot up to 18,000 points!

Dylan: For real?!

Judah: As it stands we will lose.

Yanagi: Shall we go? Oh watch your step.

Senri: This is bad! We can’t win against them~

Takaomi: tch We gotta look for some kind of opening to attack from…

// However… //

--

* charles mallerin is a type of rose, so yanagi called jin a flower fairy

[yumapii]

[Event Story] FRIENDSx7DAYS [6/18]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18

Dylan: Eh?

Takaomi: Judah isn’t here.

Senri: Huh? But he was with us just a minute a… go?

// Taking a look at their surroundings, that attention-grabbing silver hair was nowhere to be seen. Even though he usually stands out from the crowd. //

Senri: Eh? Wh-wh-wh-wha-what do we do?! He got lost?!

Senri: Judah said it was his first time in Japan and yet I lost sight of him-- What if he gets kidnapped and smuggled by foreigners?! Taken out of the country by boat?!  

Dylan: Calm down. First of all, I’ll get my Cadillaco.

Senri: That’s the worst possible decision! This. is. public road!

Takaomi: Stop panicking, stupid rabbit. First the police station, we should give them a description of his characteristics. Since he was definitely with us until just awhile ago, we’ll search the nearby areas. Incidentally, we should contact the pancake shop from earlier too, just in case.

Senri: Are you okay? You suddenly sound like a detective.

Takaomi: We should split up and search. If you find him, phone the others. Even if you don’t, we’ll gather in an hour.

Senri: I understand.

Takaomi: Dylan, you might not know the geography well so you’re with me, let’s go.

Dylan: Roger!

// One hour since Judah’s disappearance-- //

Takaomi: Did you find him?

Senri: No…

Dylan: We tried asking around too but no one’s seen a person matching his description.

Senri: Where on Earth did he go…

Dylan: Maybe he walked back to the dorm?

Senri: Unlikely, it’s quite a distance and he doesn’t know the way. It’s not like he’s a dog.

Takaomi: ! Wait, don’t tell me…

// As the sun began to set, the number of people on the streets increased. The station entrance was teeming with people meeting up with their companions. Ignoring that mass of people, standing in front of the bronze statue. //

Judah: …..

Judah: ( That’s a good tail. )

Takaomi: Oi!

Judah: ? What’s the matter?

Dylan: What do you mean, what’s the matter?

Senri: I’m so relieved we found you~ ~ ! Sheesh, here let’s hold hands. Don’t wander off and get lost again, you hear!

Judah: I didn’t intend to get separated, I was just too curious about Tarokou so I returned.

Takaomi: Just on that impulse, are you nuts?

Dylan: We searched for you, you know.

Judah: Searched? Why?

Senri: Because we came to play today as four people, it’s scary to imagine what might happen to someone who suddenly disappears. It’s concerning! It’s worrying!

Judah: …..

Judah: I’m sorry for causing trouble.

Dylan: Shouldn’t you be saying “thank you” instead?

Judah: Thank you?

// The light turns green and a huge wave of people start moving. Amidst the throng, in order to find him, the reason the others were so out of breath is made abundantly clear. //

Judah: …..

Judah: I give you my thanks.

Senri: Well we were able to reunite without any casualties, come on let’s go get that tapioca.

Judah: No thank you.

Senri: Eh.

Takaomi: I agree.

Senri: Then what about tonkotsu ramen!

Judah: I’ll go.

Dylan: Haha!

// The next day. 

On stage, a single light shines upon the Representative Board Chairman. //

Kiichi: Heya, my beloved little lambs. Good day to you! It is finally the day, yes, today is the First Round of the 3 Point Contest!

Touji: Calm down, Harimiya… Approach this competition with peace of mind for there is no doubt that the one who diligently studies over the course of their days in the strongest! Hard work will not betray you! Harimiya Touji has no blind spot!

Kasuka: This “handsome man” or whatever is of no consequence… I just feel everyone’s malice in wanting to laugh at my blunders…

Kiichi: And here are the judges. The pride of Shinonome Academy’s faculty, Kiritani Yosuke-kun and Inoh Masachika-chan.

Kiichi: Additionally, as fickle as the weather, the elusive third-year trio who may or may not be in Japan at any given time.

Kiichi: --Last but not least, the final deciding factor of a team’s victory: every single student across all the Shinonome Branches each have a vote! Though it has been said that these points do not count towards graduation of “Top Seat”, as men, don’t you think there is merit in accumulating supporters?

Senri & Takaomi: … !

Kiichi: Haha. The fighting spirit burns, the look in their eyes sparkle like gemstones. Why, I should have brought a treasure chest to collect them.

Kiichi: Then, I shall announce it now! The first topic of the Handsome Men, 3 Point Contest is… “Gentleman Showdown”! ! !

Senri: Gentleman?!

Dylan: So like testing our chivalry or…?

Judah: A showdown means we’re against another team? Who are we-

???: It seems like your first battle will be against us.

[yumapii]

[Event Story] FRIENDSx7DAYS [2/18]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18

Female Student F: Kyaaa! Everyone, look up!

Judah: Up?

// Looking up, there was a huge hot air balloon with a gondola attached to it, and from there two humans could be seen leaning forward, waving their hands. //

Minato: Good morning, everyone~

Yanagi: It’s as if I am about to alight upon a field of flowers. Good day to you, my cute Sweeties.

Female Student G: Kya! It’s Yanagi-kun and Minato-kun, two of the “Heaven’s 3”! The three students with unparalleled pheromones secretion! They came to school by hot air balloon today!

Female Student H: Yanagi! ! ! Hurry up and get down here! ! ! Who was that girl you were at the cinema with yesterday? I swear upon this chainsaw that I shall make you speak the truth! ! !

Yanagi: Whoops… Maybe we should turn up the fire a little.

// As the hot air balloon started to rise once again, in the next moment, as if to stop the balloon from rising any further, a helicopter arrives, obstructing the sun. //

Male Student: Oh! That’s… The Ryu-ou Corporation helicopter?!

Female Student I: Yanagi-kun and Minato-kun on the hot air balloon, and on top of that Jin-sama’s heli… Then right now, the H3 are assembled!

// Amidst the commotion that rivals the sound of the helicopter’s hovering, the door opens and three people could be seen. //

Rintarou: Ready… Set, Go!

jump

Jin: Ha.

jump

Issei: Righty. You guys better not loiter along the way and become late~!

jump

Female Student J: By some miracle, the third-year childhood friends trio have parachuted to school today! We have to go greet them! !

// Resembling a retreating wave, the large number of students dashed towards the landing point, and in a few minutes, the sound of morning twitterings returned. //

Judah: …..

???: What… was that…

// Just as the boy opened his mouth. //

???: Are you by chance Dylan-kun and Judah-kun?

Shinya: I hope I didn’t keep you waiting. Nice to meet you, I am a second-year, Special Course, Shibasaki Shinya.

???: Oh, ohh…

Dylan: I’m Dylan Ales, from America. In America I would be a second-year but it seems I’ll be treated as a first-year here in Japan. I’ll be in your care for the next 7 days.

Judah: … Judah. Judah Baal Aversa. I hail from Switzerland.

Dylan: So you were an exchange student too!

Judah: …..

Shinya: Oh so the two of you already met. Glad to have you for these 7 days!

Shinya: Shigure~ I found the exchange students~!

Shigure: Welcome. I am the Student Council Vice-President, Hakka Shigure. It must have been a long journey for the two of you…

// Where Shinya had turned towards, the boy known as Shigure was requesting a handshake from the trees along the street. //

Shinya: Shigure, Shigure! That’s a tree! Dylan-kun and Judah-kun are over here.

Shigure: Ahh…

Shigure: My apologies, mornings aren’t my strong suit. Once again, I am Hakka Shigure. As the Vice-President I have come to welcome you two but… I let you see an embarrassing scene instead…

Dylan: Haha, no sweat. And, erm, so being Special Course Students… Does that mean you guys have some sort of strange talent as well?

Judah: I hope it’s not going to get even more annoying.

Shinya: Eh? Oh, I’m nothing special. I work as a doctor but Shigure here is a mafia heir! Isn’t that super cool!

Dylan: Mafia?

Judah: Heir…

[scene change: gym]

Kiichi: Heya, my adorable little lambs! Are you leading a satisfactory school life? It’s been awhile since I’ve spoken to the whole school like this so my heart is throbbing with excitement.

Kiichi: Now I believe some of you already know this but… starting today, for the next 7 days, we will have some exchange students in our school.

// That day, before lunch, in light of an address, the entire student body gathered in the gymnasium. //

Senri: Ah! That person was at the school gate, I think.

Takaomi: Huh?

Kiichi: From Shinonome Academy, American Branch, Dylan Ales-kun.

Kiichi: And from the Switzerland Branch, Judah Baal Aversa-kun.

Kiichi: These two will be spending time with the first-year Special Course. While letting them experience the Yume Live, I’m also thinking of issuing a special challenge at the same time, as part of the Exchange Student Programme.

Touji: A special… programme?

Kiichi: It shall be called-

Kiichi: “Team Battle: Worldwide Handsome Men*, 3 Point Contest” !

Senri: Worldwide Handsome Men, 3 Point Contest? ? ?

Yosuke: Woooow. Clap, clap, clap.

Masachika: What’s that? I didn’t hear of this…

Kiichi: Since we have such excellent male students joining us, why not let us decide who are the “handsome men” who possess the ability to operate anywhere in the world over this 7 day period. The rules are extremely simple. Over the next 7 days, 3 challenges will be held on different aspects of a “handsome man”, and the team with the most points at the end will be the victors! To test your decision-making and knowledge, the topics will only be announced before the challenge. Everyone, I suggest you polish your abilities.

Dylan: Did you hear about this?

Judah: No.

Touji: Representative Board Chairman! May I be allowed to put forth a question!

Kiichi: Thank you for that splendid raise of your hand, “handsome man” candidate Harimiya Touji-kun. Go ahead.

Touji: Is there any form of reward for the victors? It is of my opinion that all things in life should be approached with the utmost effort but I also believe it is best to understand any situation thoroughly in advance, and besides it might spur a change in motivation in some others.

Kiichi: What a wonderful question. A round of applause for him. There is a wonderful medal of honour that you can look forward to-

Senri: gasp Don’t tell me, it’s something to do with getting Top Seat?!

Kiichi: fufu It’s even better.

Takaomi: Even…

Yuma: … Better?

Kiichi: That I, shall recognise you, as a worldwide “handsome man”!

The Entire Student Population: …..

Kiichi: …..

// And so, the school assembly came to a close. //

[scene change: student council room]

Shigure: Now then, from here on out, Shishimaru-kun, Nito-kun, please guide the exchange students around the school as ambassadors.

--

* ‘handsome man’ is hard to describe in english, it’s similar to ikemen but has a focus on personality traits considered handsome/ manly on top of the visual aspect

[yumapii]

[Event Story] FRIENDSx7DAYS [13/18]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18

// The Salaryman Showdown ended pitifully. After the four log out of the Yume System, without looking each other in the eyes, they gathered behind the school building that night. //

Senri: I guess it’s to be expected…

// Checking the homepage of the Shinonome Network, the Multinational Team who were just 2nd have dropped to last place. //

Judah: An appropriate evaluation.

Senri: Just when we had all that great expectations from placing 2nd… Just when we became a hot topic in school… Just when…

Takaomi: If you got a complaint, just spit it out.

Dylan: I’m sorry. It’s because I was saying weird things to Takaomi.

Takaomi: What, you’re going to apologise? Lame.

Senri: Hey, can you please stop it. Can’t you tell that Dylan is trying to compromise?

Takaomi: Who asked him to do such a thing? Flattery, self-servingness, it’s only “friendship” for profit. And to replicate that kind of shit here for no reason? That’s not a joke, don’t mess with me.

Senri: Then how are you going to have mutual relations? You say that about eloquent people but in reality, an argumentative brat like you won’t be able to make friends no matter where you go!

Takaomi: I’m saying it’s lame to have to stick to groups all the time. Besides, bending over backwards and compromise are two different things, study Japanese before you want to come and talk shit, stupid rabbit!

Senri: What?! More like I don’t even wanna try and reach any agreements with people who talk like you! Nor do I want to hear about taking Japanese lessons! 

Senri: Just because you can’t read the mood, you don’t get to make light of cooperation or the Japanese spirit of virtue!

Takaomi: It��s not about what I can or cannot do! It’s the fact that Japanese people blindly subscribe to an illogical culture. Haa, seems I can’t have a proper argument with you, hysterical rabbit.

Senri: Grrr ! ! Then get the hell out of this country! !

Takaomi: Sure, I’ll leave this past its prime country!

Dylan: Come on guys, you two should calm down.

Senri: Dylan, I didn’t say anything wrong, did I?

Dylan: Ahh, well, Senri isn’t wrong but neither is Takaomi. Today’s result is a pity but it couldn’t be helped. There’s only two days left so let’s all get along, alright?

// Dylan forcibly pulls the two together in a huge shoulder hug. //

Takaomi: Hah?

Senri: What’s that?

Dylan: ?

Senri: So you don’t feel anything about today?

Takaomi: Guess not, since you’re just gonna go back to America in two days anyway.

Dylan: That’s not true. But what’s past is past, there’s no use quarrelling over it.

Senri: But still!

Takaomi: That’s the worst part about being an adult. In the end, you think that sloppily taking care of troublesome things is good enough.

// Letting out a loud harumph, Takaomi leaves. Because of his height, Dylan is able to see Senri’s downcast expression. He makes eye contact with Judah but no conclusion comes through. //

Dylan: Senri, I just want to end things on a good note…

Senri: I was serious so I don’t think it just “couldn’t be helped”.

Dylan: …..

Senri: I wanted to win with everyone.

// Never once looking up, Senri also leaves the area, in the complete opposite direction that Takaomi had gone, and they scatter- //

Dylan: sigh

Dylan: ( That didn’t go well. )

// Dylan scratches his head. //

Judah: Your sighs.

Dylan: ! My bad.

Judah: Let’s go back, it will rain.

Dylan: Eh…

// Looking up at the starry sky, it didn’t look at all like it was about to rain though…

That night, the weather turned, just as Judah had said.

The dawn after a rainy night, amidst the strong sun rays, a cheerful voice rings out with a school announcement. //

Mamoru: Good morning, fellow students of Shinonome, it is Hodo Mamoru of the Press Club.

Mamoru: Fresh on the tails of yesterday’s passionate Salaryman Showdown, today the Final Round of the Worldwide Handsome Men, 3 Point Contest shall occur!

Kiichi: A sunny day after last night’s rain, meeting a new day with such a refreshing feeling is better than anything.

Mamoru: Saruwatari-sensei! Do you have an announcement to make regarding the Final Round?

Kiichi: Ah! All students, do gather in the gymnasium immediately! I shall explain the rules there.

// -- In a flash, the gymnasium was packed with students who had rushed to come. //

Yuma: Why in the gymnasium?

Touji: Perhaps there is possibility that the decisive match will not be held in the Yume System.

Yuma: Graffiti Showdown?!

Senri: Oh there you are! Yumapi, Hari, did you guys see the runaway lion?

Touji: You mean Shishimaru-kun? Nope, I haven’t seen him today.

Senri: When I woke up today his guitar and games were all gone, don’t tell me he…

Dylan: Senri!

Dylan: I can’t find Judah anywhere. We returned to the dorms together last night though.

Senri: … Is that so…

Yuma & Touji: ?

// As Yuma and Touji inclined their heads towards Senri who had an unpleasant look on his face, Minato cut across them while letting out a loud yawn.

Minato: yawn Senri, Dylan, good morning~

Yuma: Ushiwaka-senpai, it’s rare for you to reach school in the morning.

Minato: I was asked by Kasuka to definitely participate in the Handsome Men Showdown~ Because I’m on the same team as Yanagi. But thanks to that, I was able to see something cute on my way to school. There is value in coming to school early~

Touji: Something cute?

Touji: gasp Don’t tell me it’s Shishimaru-kun and Aversa-kun? But no matter how you slice it, I wouldn’t think either of them to be cute…

Minato: Nope. It was brown and fluffy, something round that fits in your hand. Seeing it run pitter patter on its little feet was so cute~

Senri: Pitter patter?

Dylan: ! !

[yumapii]

[Winter Magic] Nito Senri [1/ 2]

{ i’m a bit tired so i might edit this later on but i had to do it for my boy }

Parts 1 / 2

Saruwatari:

It’s been decided, we’ll hold a Christmas Yume Live!

Each pair will show us what they consider to be the ideal Christmas. Now, I wonder what kind of Dreams they will show us, I’ll be looking forward to it!

Senri:

Saruwatari-sensei always has unreasonable demands but this time round I think it’s a nice idea!

A Live during Christmas sounds super exciting~!

Takaomi:

I’m not doing that. That bastard Saruwatari is just doing unnecessary things.

Senri:

It’s fine, isn’t it. It’s fine, isn’t it. Sometimes a little bit is fine, isn’t! It’s not fun to be by yourself all the time, isn’t it!

Takaomi:

Isn’t it, isn’t it, shut up you stupid rabbit.

Senri:

But speaking of Christmas, I wanna eat that thing- Santa Claus!

Takaomi:

… I guess you’ve always been nutty.

Senri:

Huh? Do I hear the voice of an idiot who seems to have misunderstood something? I’m talking about the thing on top of the cake though. It’s sweet and nice~ But maybe idiots don’t understand?

Takaomi:

Those that would say they want to eat something so disgusting are the stupid ones!

Senri:

Ah geez! Fine I won’t say anything anymore! You can just go be by yourself for the rest of your life!

Takaomi:

That was my intention. I don’t need shallow friends. Inviting me to boring events, even my family is the same.

Senri:

Saying that about your family, you’re at the rebellious age, huh? How very young Takaomi-kun is.

Takaomi:

Haa? … Then how is the stupid rabbit age* going to spend his Christmas?

Senri:

Oh, me? I’ve already got a date.

Takaomi:

What a lie, no one in Shinonome would-

// Just then, Shishimaru’s smartphone starts ringing. //

--

* takaomi is responding to being labelled ‘rebellious age’ by replacing rebellious with... stupid rabbit