#kuma rintarou

[yumapii]

[Event Story] Gold ☆ Hunter [1/12]

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

{ strap in guys, this one’s a little bit of a doozy } { also thanks @/nyavericked on twitter for the comm } 

[scene: courtyard] 

// The time is early evening, the place is Shinonome Academy. As both to present the completed Kiichi statue and to welcome the season of spring, a magnificent party is being held. //

Rintarou: Happy New Yearz! Here’s to a happy, smiling year ☆ Cheers ♪ 

// Along with the cries of “cheers”, the tinkling of glasses could be heard. Seeing one another again after a long break, tales of each other’s activities spring fourth naturally, lifting the mood. 

Mamoru: Hi everyone, happy new year! It is I, Hodo Mamoru, the one who intends to pursue the truth this year as well. The Press Club and I are in your care! 

Rintarou: Oh! Mamo-chan! Oh, I know, why don’t I accompany you for the first part of your ‘view ☆

// I grab onto Mamo-chan’s shoulders as he was in the midst of filming and wave my hands at the camera. // 

Mamoru: Why, Kuma-kun! We would very much be honoured to have you participate in our Spring ☆ Special Interview! 

Rintarou: Okie dokie! Then let’s start with Mr. Swirling Grape Juice In His Wine Glass over there, Jiiiiiin! ! 

Jin: Oh, it’s Rintarou-san. 

Mamoru: We’ve got an amazing catch! Jin-sama, Head of the Black Dorm, Ryugasaki-kun! ! ! Can I get your aspirations for this year? 

Jin: I will devote myself to the leadership and development of the Black Dorm, that is all. 

Chizuru: As expected of Jin-san! This plebeian has just received the blessing of Jin-san’s highly revered answers so early into the year, feel free to grovel and shed tears of gratitude. 

Rintarou: Hyuu~ ♪ Chizu-chan’s diss ability grows every year! Even though he was so mumbly when we first met ☆ 

Chizuru: Excuse me?! 

Mikage: Exposed on live TV~ 

Senri: Oh! It’s the Press Club Guy! This year, I will continue to go all out with my acting career, so I’ll be counting on you for publicity again ♪ 

Takaomi: ...Annoying. 

Rintarou: Huh? Is Touji in the middle of a speech? 

Touji: Happy New Year, everybody, it is I, Harimiya Touji, Harimiya Touji! So as to become a trustworthy person, with intentions as clear as the New Year sky, this year as well, I pledge to be diligent in my studies! In regards to last year, other than the matter of trouble in the entertainment industry, there was also a lack of transparency in the financial sector. With each passing year, a gloomy shadow seems to fall ever darker upon us, but fret not! 

Touji: For as long as I, Harimiya Touji, am around, this year for sure, I shall deliver a year of stability for all Japanese people and even to the global- 

Yuni: Tadah! I’ll stick the Bianchi Family specially made secret weapon No.#20 “Anti-Blabber Sticker” onto Harimi ♪ 

Touji: U-uwah, what are you doing Bianchi-kun?! Mogamogamogagagaga! !

Shion: An idiot? 

Mamoru: What about Mikekado-kun, any aspirations for this year? 

Shion: Not really… If I had to name something, I would like to raise a cat. 

Touji: Mogugugugu~ ~ 

Takaomi: You can’t keep pets in the dorms, he says. 

Shion: What a boring man. shion leaves 

Touji: ! ! ! ! ! touji collapses

Mamoru: Oh, he left. 

Rintarou: A true Cool Beauty ☆ 

Issei: Hey! Rintarou-san and Hodo. Are you guys conducting an interview together? 

Mamoru: Hello, Torasawa-kun. May we ask your aspirations for the new year? 

Issei: Why, of course. As for me- 

Mikage: “I wo~n’t lose to Jin.” 

Issei: Asagiri? 

Mikage: Since the other party announced the “development of Black Dorm”, then we have to respond in kind, no? 

Issei: Hah! You’re absolutely right!  

Mikage: Yeah, yeah. 

???: … Help~ 

Rintarou: ? I hear a voice… 

Mamoru: Th-that’s? ! ? !

Shinya: hey guys, happy new year… 

Shigure: Shinya?! Why are you hanging from a tree?! 

Shinya: Ahaha, when I popped open a bottle of Chamorii (1), the force sent me flying all the way here. 

Shigure: Even after I said I would do that… 

Mamoru: Pardon me for asking while you’re in such a state but does Shibasaki-kun have any aspirations for the year that you’d like to share? 

Rintarou: The reporter spirit burns ☆ 

Shinya: Hmmm… I guess for me it’s to stay in Shigure’s good graces… 

Shigure: Let’s see… For one, I’d be happy if you could reduce your number of injuries. Here, give me your hand. 

Shinya: Thank you, Shigure. 

Rintarou: Shin-chan’s safety first~ 

Mamoru: Well then, let’s move on. Ah, that figure hiding in the shadows over there…

--

(1) from what i could tell, this is a play on chamoris, which is producer of japanese wine

[shionmikekado]

《New Year's Greeting Dance》 Gacha

•SSR Asagiri Mikage

•SSR Hakka Shigure

•SR Shishimaru Takaomi

•R Kuma Rintarou

[dreaming-translations]

[MAIN STORY] Carnation (Chapter 4)

chapter 4 of act I, part II of dream!ing’s second season. enjoy! ↓

Mamoru: Now then, the moment you’ve all been waiting for! I will now announce the stars of today’s show!

Mamoru: The candidates for the role of student council president and the ones who have been nominated to give speeches today, special class second-years Shigure Hakka-kun and Minato Ushiwaka-kun!

Mamoru: And finally, this year we have a shimmering new hope! From the special class, first-year Touji Harimiya-kun!

Senri: Eh!? Harii is running?!

Takaomi: He’s insane.

Touji: There are no regulations against a first-year running for office, after all!

Yuma: …Good luck, Harimiya.

Touji: Thank you, my dear friend! Please cast your noble vote for Touji Harimiya!

Mamoru: Now then, let the student council general election begin! Starting us off with his speech is our candidate Touji Harimiya-kun!

Rintarou: KSO~ ☆

Rintarou: President Kumarin / is watching from beyond the screen / to cheer you all on ☆ Everyone have fun and do your best~

As President Kumarin gave a little wave on the gigantic screen, Touji-kun bowed in a perfect right angle at him and then stood in front of the mic.

Touji: Good afternoon, everyone! I am your candidate for Shinonome Gakuen student council president, Touji Harimiya! That’s “Touji Harimiya”!

Takaomi: What are you, a politician…?

Touji: In the event that I become student council president, I shall take the utmost care to preserve the autonomy of all students, and shall bear the responsibility of safeguarding not only the future of Japan, but of the world – nay, the universe! – and ––

Shinya: (Amazing… Touji-kun’s only a first-year, yet he’s so confident. He’s got a broad perspective that someone like me couldn’t even begin to compare with, and most of all, he’s really conveying his passion in his words.)

Touji: My partner will now deliver my endorsement speech ––

Shinya: (Ah, Shion-san?)

Touji: As Mikekado-senpai is incredibly busy at the moment, I will be serving as his representative!

Touji: “The man known as Touji Harimiya possesses an unparalleled spirit of majesty and a spirit that transcends time, and on top of such is always prepared to lead fiercely without falling victim to arrogance––”

Senri: Harii… you’re endorsing yourself…

Yuma: Amazing, Harimiya…

Yanagi: ––Ah, Minato’s next.

Minato: Hi everyone~ I’m Minato Ushiwaka~. If I become student council president, the first thing I wanna do is create a siesta time.

Chizuru: That worthless piece of junk… he’s going completely off-script…!

Minato: If everyone has a nice siesta every day, we’ll become a school where everyone works hard in their studies~

Minato: That’s it. The end~

Shinya: (It’s been scientifically proven that taking midday naps improves focus and increases efficiency. Delivering a solid philosophy with such a mellow presence, it’s very Minato-like.)

Kasuka: –– I am Kasuka Shibutani. I do not endorse Minato Ushiwaka. That is all. Goodbye.

Minato: Ehehe.

Senri: U-Ushiwaka-senpai, you poor thing…

Yanagi: Well, with those two this is about what I’d expect.

Shinya: (Next up is ––… it’s Shigure’s turn. I have to do my best at my endorsement speech too!)

Shigure: –– I am Shigure Hakka of the second-year special class. Last year I served as the vice president of the student council. For this past year, I have sincerely done my best to perform my duties ––

Senri: Ah~ Hakka-senpai’s so stable and confident.

Touji: Hmm… He’s laying his foundation with steady, reliable claims and speaking with a vocabulary that embodies his personal sense of values and originality… Impressive as always, Hakka-senpai…

Shigure: … The time we have left to enjoy our immaturity of youth is short. We have only “a few years left”, so I…

Shigure: ––––

Shinya: (…? Shigure…?)

Mikage: ……

Shinya: … So I hope to be the one to fulfill the duties of the student council president.

[applause]

Shinya: (Ah, it’s my turn now!)

As I stood in front of the microphone, I looked over at Shigure.

Shigure: (Shinya…)

Shinya: (Don’t worry! Leave it to me, Shigure!)

Shinya: –– I have had the pleasure of closely watching Shigure Hakka-san in his role of vice student council president this past year. He is an incredibly gentle and fair person of character overflowing with compassion. I truly respect him.

Shigure: ………

Shinya: (Shigure…? Why is he making such a sad face?)

––After that, he immediately returned to that crisp, composed expression he had had in his speech, but…

Shigure’s depressed expression… no, that expression like he was tormented by his thoughts… left a deep impression on me, and I couldn’t help but worry.

––And so.

Senri: Agh~ when we get back to our rooms we have to vote, huh~. Hey, Yumapi, you’re going to vote for Harii right—

Shinya: Senri-kun!

Senri: Ah, Senpai, good job today! I could feel your friendship come through in your endorsement speech. It was really moving!

Shinya: Thank you.

Shinya: … Um, I’m sorry to ask so suddenly, but I have a bit of a favor.

Senri: A favor?

TO BE CONTINUED

[incorrect-kaosdiva-bullcrap-blog]

Yuni: Where did you get these? I thought they stopped making them!

Shigure: Well, we heard that too, and since they're your favourite -

Rintaro: We went out and stole a bunch.

Shigure:... I went back and paid for them.

[yumapii]

[Event Story] D.C. 10 Count [1/12]

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

{ this was a commission but in any case, i got emotional }

[park] 

// The scenery before me expands and tilts. // 

// As my equilibrium warps, my eyes instinctively track my opponent. I review my position. My reflexive counter attack meets empty air, and then-- // 

// A textbook perfect uppercut connects with my exposed jaw. // 

// A slightly blurry sky comes to view, the sun’s light looks just like the lights on “that day.” My wavering mind cuts off from my body, as if it belonged to a different person, and it seemed to take ages before I hit the ground. // 

// I’m sure you’re wondering why the Super Hero was caught by him with an uppercut. // 

Rintarou: ( Why did I, the Super Hero, get caught by Mikepon’s counter uppercut, you ask? ) 

// It happened a couple of days ago… // 

Rintarou: ( It happened a couple of days ago… ) 

[kumayuni room] 

Rintarou: Yuniyuni, I’m back~! The Rocket Launching Festival in Thailand was super stimulating ☆ I got some souvenirs at the Return party so let’s- oh 

Yuni: President-san, welcome back! 

Rintarou: Oyoyo? It’s super rare to encounter Mikepon in my room! What’s the tea? Is it a secret from mua? 

Shion: He’s noisy as usual… 

Yuni: One of Shions’ amichi got their purse snatched, it seems. 

Rintarou: Say what?! As a hero, I can’t let that slide. MKK ☆ Won’t you/ tell me/ more about the incident?! 

Shion: I won’t forgive someone who targets the elderly. 

Yuni: He’s an unfair person. Resorting to theft instead of accumulating his own lottery tickets! 

Rintarou: Yup, yup, that is certainly underhanded… huh? Lottery ticket? 

Shion: The shopping district is having a campaign. If you collect 10 tickets, you can pull the lottery once. 

Yuni: Shion’s amichi was just 1 ticket away from 10 and yet, the 9 pieces she worked hard to collect were stolen… That’s just too sad! 

Yuni: That’s why we’re currently having a strategy meeting on how to catch the culprit, what to do with him, and which ocean he should be sunk into to become food for the fishes. 

Rintarou: Ohhhhhhh. 

Rintarou: ( Usually here’s where I sweep in and coolly offer my help but perhaps this time I won’t. They look like they’re really pouring their souls into it but more importantly… ) 

// I won’t be around anymore once I graduate. // 

Shion: The culprit is dangerous. He attacked my friend right when she took out her wallet to put her tickets away. Because of that, she even sustained a cut to the finger 2-3 millimetres in length. 

Rintarou: ( Only the tickets and not the wallet…? ) 

Yuni: He’s too fixated on lottery tickets. 

Yuni: But on the other hand, that makes it easy to lure him out. Someone just has to stand around with lottery tickets in hand. 

Rintarou: ( Eh?! Isn’t it kinda unwise to engage a dangerous criminal like that? Well, if it were someone confident in their grip strength like me then maybe but… ) 

Shion: Then what about Touji? 

Rintarou: ( Hmmm~ ~ ~ Kinda a diss on Touji but I’m ☆ Worried ) 

Yuni: Good idea! Harimi is noisy even when he doesn’t speak so I’m sure he’ll attract the culprit’s attention quickly! 

Shion: …On further thought, he might actually be too conspicuous. There should be a more suitable person. Someone better at acting natural… 

Rintarou: ( Wait, wait, wait, wait, I have so many comments about this. ) 

Rintarou: ( I want to advise them on a better method but then it’ll turn into me solving the problem again… Mmmm, but still! ! ) 

Yuni: But I think that alone is still too dangerous. We might need to enlist the help of someone strong. 

Rintarou: ( Ho. ) 

Shion: Do you have anyone in mind? 

Rintarou: ( Aww Mikepon, what a feint~ Isn’t the strongest helper right before your eyes--- ) 

Yuni: Actually, Father is currently having the Bianchi Family Engineers prepare a special Secret Weapon for some big project in the works. And it just so happens that they’re looking to test the weapon on an opponent so… I think it fits our situation perfectly. 

Shion: Hmm… I guess anything’s fine as long as it’s strong. 

Yuni: Kufufu, not just strong. That weapon is our finest masterpiece, the “strongest”. 

Rintarou: ! 

Yuni: It’s the strongest Secret Weapon in the world ♪ 

Rintarou: ( …Interesting. The “strongest in the world”, huh~ ) 

[student council room] 

// A few days later. // 

Rintarou: Mu… Mumu? 

// My nap on top of a line of chairs was disturbed by the faint sounds of excited cheering from somewhere far away. // 

Rintarou: Huh? No one’s here. Am I hearing things? 

Rintarou: Wait, it’s well into lunch break right now! I was supposed to do hand over with Usshi but he didn’t show up so I somehow spent the night here! 

// I return the chairs that I used as a bed to their original positions and stretch out my body which had gone stiff. // 

Rintarou: Well, nothing to be done that he didn’t show. Guess, I’ll grab something to eat first. 

[cafeteria] 

// While patting my growling stomach, I head towards the cafeteria where there was a surprising amount of people. // 

Male Student: Go! ! 

Female Student: That’s it! ! 

Rintarou: ( Oyo? Maybe this was what I heard earlier… ) 

// Taking a peek into the middle of the crowd, there was an unexpected person, in an unexpected appearance, doing an unexpected thing. // 

Rintarou: Mikepon?! 

Shion?: …..

[yumapii]

[Event Story] D.C. 10 Count [12/12]

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

Mamoru: Round 2 is about to start! ! Bianchi-kun got knocked down once in the first round but I wonder what will happen this time?! 

Champ: You good? I’ll make sure to K.O you this time.  

Yuni: If you can… Then go ahead and try! 

Champ: ! 

[flashback: 

Yuni: Let’s make a deal. 

Champ: A deal? 

Yuni: Go all out against me in our match. 

Champ: ….. 

Champ: Hey now, I’m a pro ya know? 

Yuni: And I’m a proud Sicilian. Holding back will conversely hurt me even more. 

Champ: …..

Yuni: Just like the athletes in this match, I want you to come at me with everything you’ve got. Otherwise the match would be pointless. 

Champ: What’s this DVD? 

/end flashback] 

Champ: You’re still going? 

Yuni: pant, pant 

Champ: It’s about time to end this farce. 

Shion: ! 

Rintarou: ( No, his step is too shallow, that must be-- ) 

Yuni: ( A fake! Now’s my chance! ! ! ! ) 

Shigure: ?! 

// Knocking he wouldn’t connect, Yuniyuni takes a big step forward, full of courage, and takes the punch face first on his own accord. // 

Champ: ?! 

// Slipping into his enemy’s space, a full body counter. Yuniyuni’s right hand breaks through, aiming for the Champ’s cheek-- // 

Shion: ! 

// Climbing over the ropes, the Ringside Doctor catches the tiny warrior. // 

Shinya: Call it off! This match is over! 

Yuni: Shibasaki… Don’t do… useless… things… 

Shigure: Someone get a stretcher! 

// The venue was in uproar. With Shin-chan as the leader, the first aid unit start treating Yuniyuni. // 

// Amidst the chaos, completely ignoring the mood, one man takes up the mic and begins to speak. // 

Champ: Mic test. 

Champ: Hey, you’re here right? 

// His strange question was met with an awkward silence. // 

Champ: Then come. 

// Of course I know who those words were directed at. Besides… That was my feeling too. // 

Mamoru: Wh-what is going on here?! 

Mamoru: Bianchi-kun’s secret weapon who was the star of the previous arm wrestling tournament has stepped into the ring! ! ! 

Shion: No way… Is that you? 

// To answer his question, I perform a Spinosaurus Fist with SHION’s body. (That was the pose I used to make when giving advanced warning that I was aiming for a K.O. ) // 

// The reason I was so late to Yuniyuni’s match was because I had been training to fight by possessing SHION. // 

Champ: Wow, you can do that?! 

Champ: Well, at least this way, we’re able to face off properly. 

Rintarou: Hah, I sure kept you waiting, huh, “myself”? 

// After making sure Yuniyuni was safely escorted off the venue, I take the mallet and ring the gong myself. And my opponent is “the part of me that didn’t progress”. // 

Champ: Round 1, Start ♪ 

Rintarou: Alright! 

// Jab, One-two, and then a Middle Kick. I dodge the attacks directed at me, and go for a Front Kick, which was evaded with a Sidestep. It’ll be over in an instant if I’m caught. No, I will catch him first! // 

[flashback:

Shion: Take revenge. 

Yuni: As long as you continue to breathe, your melody will never end. Wounds are the cornerstone of change. You can’t play the same melody forever, can you? The 10 Count is already over! 

Champ: I think I’m more suited to being “me”. And you’re more suited to wandering for eternity, don’t you think. 

// sigh I’m tired. Tired of struggling. // 

/end flashback] 

// Inviting a counter, I intentionally approach with lowered defence. // 

// And then he, who hates taking a Backstep, comes forward like a mirror reflection. // 

Rintarou: ( Now, now is the time! ) 

// For the longest time, I had been imprisoned by that ring, together with that neverending 10 Count. Staring up at the sky disgracefully, always being washed over by the bright stadium lights. //

// I put more strength into my legs, pushing myself off the floor no matter how unsightly I may seem. // 

Rintarou: ( If I don’t force this one step, I will, never, defeat myself! ! ! ) 

// With the Brave Heart that I have regained. Towards the world beyond that 10 Count, I can proudly say… // 

Rintarou: That the me as I am now is the most like me! ! ! 

// I take a huge step forward, much bigger than the one I took before. While experiencing sensation in my legs for the first time in a long while, I put all my power into a punch, landing straight on my past self’s cheek. // 

Shion: Cross Counter… 

Mamoru: He did it… As expected of Bianchi-kun’s strongest weapon! ! ! He’s splendidly defeated Kuma-kun~ ~ ! ! 

// The explosive cheers of the crowd sound so far away. // 

Rintarou: ( Yeah… I’m the strongest. Because I’m a God after all. ) 

// The view before me is the same as it was then, however the brightness of the lights was different. I raise a fist towards that light. // 

Rintarou: That was a good punch, self. 

// My raised arm was lit by the lights above. // 

[courtyard] 

// A few days later. // 

Shion: Does that mean we have to part? 

Yuni: Yes. We finished testing his capabilities so it’s time to send him back to Father for mass production. 

Touji: Please ensure that all the future models have a different design! If so many Mikekado-senpais were to appear… When two already stirred up my heart so… Oooh, a crowd of Mikekado-swenpwai… 

Yuni: He’s in his own world again… 

Shion: Leave him be. 

Yuni: President-san, don’t you want to say goodbye to SHION? 

// Yuniyuni turned back to call out to me but his interest was shifted to something else. // 

Yuni: Are those the gloves you lent me the other day? 

Rintarou: Yup. You’ve got to take them out to air sometimes. 

Yuni: Everyone says your match at the end was amazing. How regrettable! I wish I could have seen it too! 

Rintarou: Nyahaha! Well but considering the state you were in then. 

Rintarou: But I’m really thankful to Yuniyuni and Mikepon. 

Rintarou: Thank you. 

Shion: I didn’t really do anything.

Yuni: You’re very welcome ♪ 

// Yuniyuni smiles as bright as the sun and I return a smile of my own. Then I casually look up at the sky. // 

Rintarou: ( Perhaps that guy was also trying to help me move forward. Though there’s no way of knowing now. ) 

// And though it was supposed to be the same sky as always, for some reason… // 

Rintarou: ( The sky today is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. )

[yumapii]

[Character Story] Ryugasaki Jin [1/9]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

{ personal agenda tl ➁ }

[scene: supermarket]

// On a certain day, Yuma and Senri had gone to the nearby supermarket to buy snacks. // 

Senri: It’s so cheap! One bag of chips is only 57yen. 

Yuma: Yeah, it’s at least 50yen cheaper than convenience stores. 

Senri: Guess it’s true that supermarkets are the ally of commoners ♪ Oh, it’s our turn at the cashier- 

Shop Staff???: Welcome. Do you have a point card? 

Senri & Yuma: ?! 

Shop Staff???: Sirs? You’ve dropped your money. 

Senri: Ah… Errrrm… Eh? EH?! 

Yuma: Is that you, Ryugasaki-senpai? 

Den: No, my name is Ryugasaki Den. 

Senri & Yuma: Den…? 

Den: I’ll tally up your items now. You have 1 item at 57yen. 1 item at 57yen. 1 item at 57yen… 

Senri & Yuma: ….. 

Den: That’s a total of 6 items for 342yen. 

Senri: He-here… 

Den: I’ve received 500yen. 

Senri & Yuma: ….. 

Den: Here’s your change of 158yen and your receipt. Thank you very much for your patronage. 

Senri: Haaaaaa….... You’re definitely Ryugasaki-senpai, aren’t you? 

Den: No, I am Ryugasaki Den. 

Senri & Yuma: Den… 

// As Senri and Yuma stuff the 6 packets of chips in a shopping bag, they keep stealing glances at the Shop Staff: Ryugasaki Den. // 

Jin: ( Needless to say, I am Ryugasaki Jin.) 

// 2 weeks before the incident. // 

[scene: jinchizu room]

Rintarou: Jin, let’s part time together ♪ 

Jin: Part time? 

// That day, Rintarou-san who had been in the midst of recounting his experience of wandering India, suddenly said such an odd thing to me. // 

Rintarou: See, it’s gonna be summer vacay soon, right? I wanna get a driving licence. Gonna lickety-split at a driving camp ♪ So I need to earn some cash, I’m thinking like 250k ☆

Jin: Ho. And you intend to involve me in your eccentricity? Don’t you have that kind of amount at your disposal? 

Rintarou: I don’t save money, ya know. 

Jin: A shallow lie, did you think you could fool me? Based on my understanding, just by winning fights, you should have much more than you could know what to do with. 

Rintarou: ZLS ☆ ( I donated / everything / it felt great ) 

Jin: Huh? 

Rintarou: Having money on hand is a thing of the past ♪ Having a set goal to work towards is what makes money worth working for. Besides, the experience of toiling away is valuable. Oh damn, I'm seriously a genius, my future is just too bright. 

Jin: … I see. That way of thinking is certainly very like you, however it doesn’t seem terribly efficient. 

Chizuru: Pardon my intrusion.

Rintarou: Oh, Chizu-chan, otsu. 

Chizuru: ….. 

Chizuru: Thank you for your hard work, President. Jin-san, I am sorry for interrupting your conversation. 

Jin: Is it already time? 

Chizuru: Yes. I have already made proper preparations for the meeting. 

Rintarou: Meeting? You have to work even though it’s a day off? 

Jin: It is an important meeting. Please tell me more about India at the next opportunity. 

Jin: Oh and I have to decline the thing about the part time job, I prefer to witness your whims instead. 

Rintarou: Nyahaha. Jin is always busy like a bee, huh? Hey, before I go can I just ask you one thing? 

Jin: What is it? 

Rintarou: What’s the meeting for?

[yumapii]

[Event Story] D.C. 10 Count [10/12]

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

[track] 

Touji: How was it on your end?! 

Shion: No use, I can’t find him. 

Touji: Oh no… Just where did he fly off to? Don’t tell me he drifted off into space?! If that’s the case we won’t have any means of retrieving him… 

Senri: I don’t think it’s that grave… But this situation is so strange, even the famed detective Senri-kun can’t find him… 

Takaomi: He’s most likely stuck in some tree somewhere, right? Why did he fly off in the first place? 

Touji: Bianchi-kun and I were competing, and then some stuff happened, and after that Bianchi-kun said some stuff, and before any of us knew it, he was already floating away… 

Yuma: I don’t get it. 

Yuni: “I will make you remember your loss.” 

Yuni: He chickened out after I said that to the Champ. 

Shion: ….. 

Senri: For real? 

Yuni: ….. 

Touji: Bianchi-kun?! Where are you going?! 

Yuma: Harimiya, let’s regroup for now. It’ll be hard to look for a balloon without a proper plan. 

Touji: He’s not a balloon, he’s Kuma-senpai! ! 

Touji: However, what you say is true… We’re going to need a thorough plan. Now’s the time to activate this Harimiya brain. I’ll even contact Yoshiji to employ the Private Police blahblahblah~ 

Shion: ….. 

[kumayuni room] 

Champ: Huff, huff, huff… 

// Returning to the room, someone I “didn’t recognise” was working out passionately in the dark. // 

Yuni: ….. 

Champ: Why are you standing there~? Oh, since you’re here, what about training with me? 

Yuni: ….. 

Champ: ….. sigh 

// Growing impatient at my lack of words, this person who merely looks like President-san steps off his machine to stand before me. // 

Champ: What’s wrong? 

// A little bit of moonlight illuminates the room. We exchange looks. Pushing down the weirdness of facing that appearance, I firmly return his stare. // 

Yuni: Let’s make a deal. 

Champ: A deal? 

// With a snort, he drops his gaze. // 

// After that, my “favourite disc” was snatched away. // 

// In the dark of the night, someone yelled. // 

???: rou

???: Kuma Rintarou! 

Rintarou: … like I said… 

Rintarou: It’s Kumarin to you… 

// Coaxed to open my eyes at those words, the starry sky comes to view. // 

Rintarou: ( Too dazzling… ) 

[park] 

// A voice in the darkness had called me back to reality. // 

Shion: You’re finally awake. 

Rintarou: Huh? Why am I in a tree again? 

Shion: Don’t say such troublesome things. You were the one who flew away, no? 

// Those words trigger my memory. // 

Rintarou: ( Yeah~ That’s right. I let myself float off without any resistance but to think I would be caught by a branch so nearby. ) 

Shion: Anyway, come down. Everyone’s worried… 

Rintarou: Nyahaha, sorz sorz-- 

Champ: I found Mikepon. 

// I stiffen at the voice. // 

Champ: I happened to be out training but this saves me a trip to your room ☆ 

Shion: What? 

Champ: Hey now, I was just greeting ya ♪ Too much frowning and you’ll ruin your natural beauty, you know? 

Shion: Right back at you, you’re just picking a fight aren’t you? 

Champ: Well, I wouldn’t say it’s to that extent but I guess? 

Rintarou: ….. 

// Although this guy caused tension around him, he himself was looking around nonchalantly. // 

Champ: Is that supposed “other me” over there? 

Shion: What does it matter to you? 

Champ: Well what’s it matter to you? I only asked if he was around, what’s wrong with that? 

// For some reason he’s being snappy. // 

Rintarou: ( What’s this about? ) 

// Mikepon senses it too and sneaks a small glance at me but-- // 

Shion: He’s not here… 

Champ: Bingo ☆ I could tell from your eye movement. 

Champ: Hey, other me, are you looking? 

Shion: ….. 

Champ: I have a request, ya see? 

// My body looks at Mikepon, no at SHION. // 

Champ: You were the one who knocked “me” out at the park, right? Then how bout challenging me too? 

Rintarou: ! 

Shion: Stop it, that’s-- 

Champ: Mikepon, it’s uncouth to get in between fights amongst men. 

Shion: ….. 

Champ: Anyway, SHION-chan was made for combat, right? I don’t really get it but it’s a stain that you defeated “the other me” so I’ll take you on, come now. 

// The Champ stands imposingly, doing some light stretches as he continues to taunt. Then SHION steps forward without orders. // 

SHION: ….. 

Shion: Wait-- 

// He longer hears or sees anything else. I know this because it is “me”. // 

Champ: Ready, Go! 

// At once, I witness a familiar move. And just like I did that time, the other me reflexively goes for the counter. // 

Rintarou: ( He’ll lose. ) 

// Like a replay reel, the same moves are being repeated again, so the conclusion will be the same. But-- // 

// The “Champ” takes a huge step forward into his opponent’s space and then-- // 

SHION: !  

// With a strong punch, catches SHION in the cheek with a clean hit. // 

Shion: ! 

// Losing balance, SHION falls to the ground, unmoving. // 

// With just one move, this guy easily defeated the opponent who knocked me out. // 

Champ: Haha. Just like I thought. 

Champ: Err, this way? Oh or was it there? Hey~ I don’t know where you’ve gone but… 

// Although the Champ wasn’t supposed to be able to see me, his gaze was firmly fixed onto me. // 

Champ: I think I’m more suited to being “me”. And you’re more suited to wandering for eternity, don’t you think?  

Rintarou: ( ….. ) 

Champ: Did he say something? 

Shion: I don’t know, just go away already. 

Champ: Aww, I’m sorry, then just one more thing. 

Champ: I’m still more suited to being “me” but I will be doing the match with Yuniyuni who wants to knock me out, so you should come watch. 

// He takes a look at the silent Mikepon, then with a lazy smile, he leaves the area. // 

Shion: ….. 

Rintarou: ….. 

Rintarou: sigh 

// I heave a huge sigh, trying to organise my thoughts. Even the silence couldn’t bury this patheticness. // 

Rintarou: Ah crap, I’m strong, man… 

// Recklessly facing any opponent, a heart that simply doesn’t know defeat, with surprising audacity, he mercilessly charges forward to deliver a finishing blow. // 

Rintarou: If only I didn’t lose then… 

Shion: Take revenge. 

Rintarou: Eh? 

// I blink my eyes at Mikepon. // 

Shion: Take your revenge. You are you. Because this version of you is the you of the present. If you have the energy to chase after “what ifs”, then stand up and show us your guts. 

Rintarou: ( Stand up… ) 

// It was rare for Mikepon to be so imploring. // 

Shion: It doesn’t matter if you’re motivated by anger or regret, it’s better than standing still, and letting yourself be left behind by the current. 

Rintarou: ….. 

// Back then, I didn’t stand back up. // 

Rintarou: ( “What if at that time?” “What if at that time?” Thinking like that will turn even today into a “what if at that time?” ) 

SHION: ….. 

// I had been clenching my fist hard enough to leave marks when SHION soundlessly stands up. // 

Rintarou: ( You’re going to struggle with me? ) 

// Although I couldn’t feel the ground, I put my feet down, lowering my waist, both fists at the ready.  

Rintarou: This is literally shadow boxing, huh? 

--

there’s a bit of ‘people die when they are killed’ type of talking in this story, haha

[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”. //

[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 [9/12]

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

Yuma: Erm, Kumarin-senpai. 

Rintarou: Huh? Wassup, Yuma-kun. That’s a serious expression you’ve got there. 

Yuma: I… Can I use some golden potatoes to make Sweet Potato Soup? I just really miss the taste of Kagoshima… 

Rintarou: ! 

Rintarou: Of course ☆ 

// At Yuma-kun’s proposal, we cut up a bunch of chicken, burdock, carrot, radish, konjac, wheat, onion, and deep fried tofu, to mix together. Plus a sprinkle of miso at the end for flavour. // 

Rintarou: How’s it? 

// Yuma-kun pinched some of the soup, chewed, then titled his head. // 

Yuma: Something’s… different… 

Yanagi: It’s delicious but I guess it’s because we made Sweet Potato Soup without sweet potatoes? 

// Yanayana poked at a golden potato and laughed. // 

Rintarou: Maybe it’s the different seasoning? This is rice miso, after all. 

Yuma: Ah, I think that’s possible… 

Rintarou: The one you use at your place is wheat miso, right? 

Yuma: Yes. 

Rintarou: As I thought ☆ 

Yuma: …But I get the feeling that’s not all. 

Rintarou: ( Oh, it’s that thing, huh? ) 

Rintarou: Because this place isn’t home? 

// Yuma-kun nods, then as if thinking of the sea in his hometown, he closes his eyes. // 

Yanagi: Well, Yuma’s Granma is a really good cook after all. 

Yuma: Mari always asks for too much and I end up eating her leftovers. Even though it’s become cold, it’s still delicious. 

Yuni: They call that the ‘taste of family’ don’t they? 

Rintarou: Yuniyuni? 

Yuni: I also like nii-sama’s cooking so I understand. 

Yuma & Yuni: ….. 

Yanagi: Hmm, I guess you’re homesick. 

Rintarou: Homesick?! 

Rintarou: ( That’s something I don’t understand~ ) 

// It just doesn’t make sense to me. // 

Rintarou: ( I understand treasuring your family members, but why is there a need to feel dispirited when the other party is still alive? …Is what I think but I prolly shouldn’t say that. ) 

Rintarou: Yanayana, what should we do at a time like this? Should we invite everyone’s families here? 

Yanagi: Err… I don’t think that’s… 

Yuni: Mou man tai! Because the proof of love is right here! 

Rintarou: And this is? 

Yuni: Nii-sama’s cooking recipes. 

Yuni: When it was decided that nii-sama would go to Shinonome, he left a collection of my favourite recipes with the family chef, and I stole it ♪ From Menthol Zata to Cassata and Granita… Each one is very buono! (1)

// Taking a look at the notebook, apart from the list of sweet, cold desserts perfect for summer, there were also some staple Italian pasta dishes. // 

Rintarou: Way to go, Shigure-chan. Oh, there’s even a recipe for potato Gnocchi! (1)

Yuni: It’s very good! 

Rintarou: Then let’s make some golden potato Gnocchi ☆ 

Yuni: Yay! 

// Yuniyuni and Yuma-kun’s eyes lit up. // 

// We boil the golden potatoes and add some flour, then knead the mixture together with salt and olive oil. From the huge ball of dough, we pinch out smaller rolls, and use a fork to create the patterns. Then, we boil those with a lot of water, and after draining, dress with sauce, and voila. // 

………. 

[scene: lounge] 

// Surely this potato-ey menu would restore the overall mood, I think, as we bring out each dish to the lounge, ready to start the Golden Potato Party. // 

// Even the others who didn’t participate in the treasure hunt were lured over by the smell. // 

Touji: Mikekado-senpai! I had been meaning to ask, but how did you and your family spend the holidays? 

Shion: What’s up with that all of a sudden? 

Touji: Ah, no, I am surely not asking out of a guilty conscience! I was wondering if Mikekado-senpai’s family also passed the year favourably, or something! 

Shion: I don’t know.

Touji: You don’t know? 

Shion: Since I didn’t go back. 

// Saying his piece, Mikepon leaves the area. // 

Touji: Didn’t go back? Not once throughout the holiday?! Mikekado-senpai! …He’s gone. 

Touji: What a thing! Does this mean my plan failed? No wait, maybe I just have to increase the volume! 

// Murmuring something to himself, Touji exits the longue hastily. // 

Rintarou: ( Huh? ) 

// That’s the direction of… //

--

(1) another list of food they talk about - menthol zata is the only thing here i transliterated because i couldn’t find a corresponding item description in english, however i do gather that it’s a type of minty drink and in particular was featured as the kumayuni pair item during dream!ing’s white day cafe event - cassata: traditional sicilian cake - granita: frozen dessert similar to shaved ice - gnocchi: a type of pasta

[yumapii]

[Event Story] Gold ☆ Hunter [8/12]

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

Yanagi: Though… I wish I were at least good at peeling fruits… 

Rintarou: For whom? 

Yanagi: Oh, I didn’t think you would respond to that. 

Rintarou: Was I not supposed to hear it? 

Yanagi: It’s alright… It’s for my younger sibling. 

Rintarou: Ooh, brother? Sister? 

Yanagi: ...Sister. What about Rin-senpai? 

Rintarou: I have younger sisters too ♪ In total there are 3 of us ☆ 

Yanagi: You guys seem to get along. 

Rintarou: Hmm~ We didn’t live together for very long though so maybe they’ve forgotten me already hahaha

Yanagi: Ahh, because you’ve been travelling a lot since childhood, huh? 

Rintarou: Yuppers ☆ I virtually never go home. 

Yanagi: I see. How old are your sisters? 

Rintarou: Middle school! 

Yanagi: Oh? And the other one would be in elementary school perhaps? 

Rintarou: Nwope, they’re both the same age! 

Yanagi: Eh, twins? 

Rintarou: Exactly! They even speak in unison, it’s super interesting ☆ 

Yanagi: You find it interesting, huh? 

Rintarou: Well, I’ve known them since they were born I guess. Whenever I happen to go home, we would chat and play, so they seem more like long time friends~ Maybe we get along simply because we are related by blood. 

Rintarou: What does your sister mean to you? 

// Yuma-kun starts to sauté the onions he cut with some Hanabusa brand butter that Yanayana brought out. 

Btw, Yuniyuni had prepared a huge pair of sunglasses in anticipation for the fight with the onions but still ended up crying anyway. “This is revenge!” He cries out and firmly chops some more, which resulted in more tears ☆ // 

Yanagi: What she… means to me… 

// Though it was a normal question given the flow of the conversation, for some reason Yanayana suddenly falls into an uncomfortable silence. So to cover that mood, I turn my attention to frying. // 

Yanagi: As an older brother, she’s someone I should protect. 

Rintarou: Whoot~ What an outstanding brother. 

Yanagi: I wonder if that is so. Well, I suppose that would differ from family to family anyway. 

Rintarou: Maybe… So to Yanayana, your sister is Super Ultra “Special”.  

Yanagi: ….. 

// We add water and soup stock in with the onions and potatoes to boil. // 

Yanagi: Aren’t they special to you too? 

Rintarou: I don’t really know much bout that. See, I don’t think of “family” and “strangers” as separate groups. 

Yanagi: Ahhh, I see. 

// Once the potatoes became soft, we transferred them to a mixer, where Yuniyuni happily flipped the switch. // 

Yuni: Grind into dust. 

Rintarou: Oh Yuniyuni, not to dust but to a pulp, okay? 

Yuni: Si! Until they’re smooth as blood! 

// After mashing up the potatoes, we put them in the pot once again. Add in some Hanabusa brand milk, and simmer over low heat. 

With awkward inexperienced movements, Yanayana stirred the Potage with an unusually kind expression. // 

Yanagi: Do you need something?  

Rintarou: Nya, it’s nothing. Are you intending to bring some of that to your Sweeties? 

Yanagi: No, I’m not going to any Honey’s. 

Rintarou: How rare! 

Yanagi: Today I’m feel like I want to be healed by a scarlet rose. 

Rintarou: Rose? 

Yanagi: Yes, no matter how many golden roses surround you, some days you just want to run towards the only genuine flower, no? 

Rintarou: Hmmm? 

Rintarou: ( Meaning, he’s going to bring some to his sister? ) 

// Although I had that thought, I intuitively didn’t voice it. // 

Rintarou: ( I kinda thought Yanayana would be quite indifferent to his family but it’s actually the opposite? ) 

// Sure, I was aware there weren’t many people like me who rarely go home, but it never bothered me. Yet, seeing this unexpected side to Yanayana made me suddenly think. //

Rintarou: ( Are people like me actually rarer than I imagined?! ) 

Yuma: Erm, Kumarin-senpai. 

Rintarou: Huh? Wassup, Yuma-kun. That’s a serious expression you’ve got there. 

Yuma: I…

[yumapii]

[Event Story] Gold ☆ Hunter [7/12]

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

[scene: greenery] 

Yuma: Are we in El Dorado? 

Yuni: Doesn’t look like it. 

Rintarou: Nya, the treasure shouldn’t be too far away ☆ North-North-East! ! ! 

Yuni: Roger! 

[scene: field] 

// Heading in that direction for a while, the scenery opens up to a potato field at least 100 square feet in breadth. // 

Yanagi: Hmm… To think there was such a place nearby. 

Rintarou: Ikr ☆ It’s my secret spot ♪ 

Yanagi: Huh, wait, then Rin-senpai, you’ve come here before? 

Rintarou: Yeah! It’s my Golden Potato farm! ! ! 

Yuma: G-golden potatoes?! 

// I pulled out a stalk to reveal a sparkling, glittering ☆ Golden Potato! // 

Yuni: Wow! They’re really oro patate, golden potatoes~! 

Rintarou: Fu, fu, fu! A reputable potato researcher from Idaho gave these golden potatoes to me! They’re low maintenance, strong against pests, and don’t require any complex farming systems. Just looking at them is fun, and they’re super delicious! Plus, they’re good for the health, man, there’s really nothing else to say about them ☆ 

Yanagi: It’s also rare to be able to harvest potatoes in the winter. 

Rintarou: Hehehe, well I buried the seed potatoes at the end of summer and pretty much just left them alone until now ☆

Rintarou: And now just so happens to be right for the picking! So, let’s collect the treasure! Grand Potato Harvest Time ☆

Yuma: More digging… 

// After we dug up a large number of golden potatoes and put them into bags, I led the others back to school through the shortest route, and we were at the dorms in 5 minutes ☆ // 

………. 

[scene: lounge] 

Rintarou: Good work, everyone ☆ How did you guys find the treasure hunt? 

Yuni: It was fun! 

Yuma: I’m glad we were able to gather so many golden potatoes. Looks like I don’t have to worry about food for awhile… 

Yanagi: I even found out I could be attacked from underground. 

Rintarou: I see, I see ☆ 

// Just then, a breeze blows in through the open window. // 

Yuni: But… 

Rintarou: What’s wrong, Yuniyuni? 

Yuni: As I thought, I still want to drink Sicily’s Arancia Rossa juice… 

Yuma: Me too… Especially when I’m tired like this, I want to have Sweet Potato Soup… 

Yanagi: That’s true, even I’m thinking of having Potage or something. 

Rintarou: What what? 

Rintarou: ( And they just got pumped from the treasure hunt too… Everyone got sad again? ) 

Yuni: I can hear the nostalgic melody again today… 

Rintarou: Huh?? 

// If I really listen, sure enough, there seems to be a faint trace of a song coming from somewhere. // 

Rintarou: ( I thought only Yuniyuni was able to hear it but perhaps the clamour from yesterday’s party was drowning out the music? ) 

// In any case, the others’ moods start to deflate before my eyes. // 

Rintarou: I got it! ! ! 

Yuni: Wh-what? 

Rintarou: I bet you guys are hungry! 

Yuma: …? 

Yuma: Well I am feeling hungry but… 

Rintarou: Alrighty! Then let’s cook up the treasures we found for a Tater Party ☆

Yanagi: ( …Are they really okay for consumption? ) 

[scene: kitchen] 

// Everyone peeled the potatoes but in Yanayana’s case he more or less hacked them with a knife, amassing a fine lump of distorted shapes. // 

Rintarou: As expected of Yanayana, how avant garde?! 

Yanagi: You think so? 

Yuni: In comparison to nii-sama’s artful peeling, it looks like there is much, much more skin than edible parts here. 

Yanagi: That’s because I’ve never cooked. 

// Yanayana made to throw his mess away but seeing the waste of resources, Yuma-kun desperately stops him. // 

Yuma: It’s okay. As long as you wash it properly, fresh potato skin can be eaten! 

Yanagi: I didn’t know that. 

// We cut the peeled potatoes into moderate slices, and boil them with Andean rock salt. While waiting for that to be done, Yuma-kun and Yuniyuni start wrestling with the onions over at the other counter. // 

Rintarou: Welp, even if you’re not good at using knives, you can still roast potatoes wholesale and eat that with butter! Isn’t that wild ☆ 

Yanagi: Oh, I see. 

Yanagi: Though… I wish I were at least good at peeling fruits… 

Rintarou: For whom?

[yumapii]

[Event Story] Gold ☆ Hunter [6/12]

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

[scene: gazebo]

Yuma: By the way, what kind of treasure are we looking for? 

Yanagi: Yuma, wouldn’t it be boring if you knew that beforehand? 

Yuma: Oh, that’s true. 

Yuni: But I would like a hint, President-san. 

Rintarou: Okie ☆ The treasure that we’re looking for is… 

Yuma: Is...? 

Rintarou: Gold! ☆ 

Yuni: Oro? 

Yuma: Gold…! 

Yanagi: Ahh, hence “Gold Rush”? 

Rintarou: Yup! We’re aiming for El Dorado! ☆ 

Yuma: The fabled ‘village of gold’. If we ever reach it, I have to take reference! 

Yanagi: Recently some Kitties have started using drones in their recon so going underground might be helpful for me. 

Yuni: Sounds fun! 

Yuni: Ah, hey look, there’s a doll. 

// For some reason where there was a circular patch of withered grass, three flat stones were stacked atop one another, and a small doll sitting on the top. // 

Yuma: That’s weird… 

Yanagi: Weird? 

Yuma: This hay doll has strangely long hair, and somehow seems to be releasing pheromones. Kind of like Yanagi-senpai. 

Yanagi: Haha, for you to think that- 

Yanagi: Oh. 

// As Yanayana approached the doll with a smile, a loud ZUGOGOGO sound echoed, and the ground beneath our feet crumbled away. // 

Yuni: Kya! 

Yuma: Uwa. 

Rintarou: Uhyo~ ♪ 

………. 

Rintarou: Are you guys alright? 

Yanagi: Owowow… 

Yuma: My butt hurts a little but I’m fine. 

Yuni: That was really dangerous. 

// Since the darkness was inconvenient, I switched on the LED lights in my teddy bear’s eyes, casting light onto the surroundings. // 

Rintarou: Ok-ay, Yuniyuni, Yuma-kun, Yanayana, and myself. That’s a relief! Everyone’s here. 

Rintarou: Owo? And there’s another hole beside us. Doesn’t it look big enough for us to go through. 

Yuma: It does. 

Yuma: ( So that bear was a flashlight… ) 

Yuma: sneeze 

Rintarou: Are you alwight? It’s pretty cold in here so let’s quickly look for the exit. 

// With that conviction, we walk around for some time, and gradually start to see some light. // 

Yuni: We can finally go outside! 

[scene: cavern] 

Rintarou: ( A cavern…? ) 

// To think there was a cavern rivalling the size of Vietnam’s Sơn Đoòng caves (1) underneath the school. Even I didn’t know that. // 

Yuni: Was this a trap to catch Yana? 

Rintarou: If that’s true, then it was a Kitty who dug this hole?! 

Yanagi: Now that’s going a little far… 

Yuma: Actually I’ve seen a Kitty-san searching for you in a bulldozer before so I think it’s possible. 

Yanagi: ….. 

Yuni: It’s like that horror film monster that lives underground, Ladywise. (2)

Yanagi: … I guess underground was not as safe as I thought, haha. 

Yuma: We might be able to get out from here but… What do we do, there doesn’t seem to be anything to help us climb… 

Yuni: And on the other side is nothing but spring water. We’ll have to dive under if we want to proceed but I don’t want to get wet. 

Rintarou: Mou man tai! (3) When there isn’t a path, we just have to forge one! ! 

Yanagi: Forge? 

Rintarou: It’s Yanayana’s shovel’s time to shine! We’re aiming for Breakthrough ☆ 

Yanagi: … Here, Yuma. 

Yuma: Eh? 

Yuni: We’re counting on you. 

Yanagi: Honest labour is your specialty, no? 

Yuma: In the first place-- 

Yanagi: And who was the person who accidentally drank my milk over New Years? 

Yuma: … I understand. 

Yanagi: Oh, but make sure you don’t injure your hands, alright? 

Yuma: I know that. 

// Yuma-kun receives the shovel and starts scraping away at the mud walls. How pure ☆ // 

………. 

// A few hours later. The last of the mud falls away, revealing a large hole. // 

Rintarou: Oh! We’re finally free ♪

--

(1)  sơn doòng cave, in vietnam, is the world's largest natural cave

(2) a nod to pennywise

(3) cantonese for: no problem

[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