#ride my kusogaki

[incorrecttowerofgodquotes]

Gundam: The Witch from Mercury Season 2 Episode 4 Review

- So much happened in this episode and so there will be a lot of talking in this review. Most of it will be fawning over the characters cause there was so many amazing moments with a wide variety of them.

- Secelia and Rouji continue to be trapped inside the dueling committee room. The interactions between these two are so sweet. When Secelia asks if Rouji is leaving, he throws the question back at her, implying that he won’t leave as long as she stays. It’s also great to see Secelia so dedicated to her duty. She spent most of the first season just hanging around but now she’s really taking up the mantle to support the other kids

- Shaddiq continues to be a total loser. I hope to god he loses the election. His harem also continues to just blindly follow them. Even Sabina, who tries to paint herself as an equal to Shaddiq, is just another follower at the end of the day. There’s looking to make the world a better place, and then there’s getting 12 innocent students killed in a terrorist attack that only worsened relations between Earth and space.

- Nika is a precious bean. She refuses to take the easy route of just giving into a higher power. She wants to do things herself, her way, which means no undue suffering upon others. She refuses to be a victim or victimize anyone, unlike Belmeria

- Now, I’ve been a staunch supporter of Belmeria from the beginning, I thought she was just a poor woman forced into helping the enhanced children. However, knowing that she was the one who created them in the first place and caused their suffering really changed my mind. As El5n said perfectly in this episode, she just wanted to save herself, and now that she’s being forced to confront the horror of her actions, she just cowers and tries to shift the blame. Her helping the Earth House group seems to be her trying to seek atonement, but that doesn’t work when there are still people being actively hurt by her actions, like El5n and all the other kids who are being experimented on to replace him

- Really interested in that two second scene with Felsi. Her looking at the destroyed Dilanza with a resolute expression has got me intrigued, especially since the voice over from Secelia makes it seem like she’ll be vying for the Holder title. If not, then I want her to become a friend to Earth House. My FelChu shipping will not cease. I hope she doesn’t do anything too drastic. Especially now that Guel is back

- Poor Lauda. Dude has head trauma and is still being forced to work just to keep the Jeturk family afloat. Him passing out after seeing Guel really shows just how much stress he was under. He didn’t have any time to grieve his father’s death and was left wonder where his brother was, all while dealing with accusations that Jeturk was responsible for the terrorist attack. He desperately needs a rest and a happy ending

- Petra is such a sweetie. She’s staying by Lauda’s side and helping him with work despite just being a mechanic. She’s changed from just being a schoolyard bully. She’s resolutely helping the person she loves. And now Guel left her in charge of Lauda for real.

- Speaking of Guel. THE BOY IS BACK IN TOWN! The true wild card has made his appearance and he’ll be fucking up all of Shaddiq and Prospera’s plans, but how? Will he run in the election and finally get a W? Or is he going to become the scapegoat? His words to Petra seem to imply that. Will he take on all the responsibility of the terrorist attacks to clear Lauda and the rest of the Jeturk family? After all, he now has connections to Dawn of Fold through Olcott. God, I just want him to be happy. He’s stepping onto a corporate battlefield, but hopefully his sudden appearance will shake up everything

- El5n, my baby girl, I’m crying at what he’s going through. Seeing the large amount of people saying that the scene with him and Eri was satisfying honestly makes me mad. He’s probably the character that’s suffering the most, because he has no one. No one is on his side. All everyone’s ever done to him is torture him. And the one person who would be able to understand him, El4n, is dead, not even a force ghost like Eri. He’s outright threatened with murder and all he can do is smile and pretend everything’s all right. The fact that after experiencing such a horrible violation of his mind, he snaps back to his happy personality in front of Belmeria is tragic. It’s only when she starts playing the victim that he finally snaps and beats her ass, letting out the anger and suffering that’s been building inside him for years. He was tortured, experimented on, and then robbed of his very existence. He’s forced to act nice when all he really wants is to punch the fuck out of everyone. He carries the same hatred and resentment Norea has, but unlike her, he can’t act on it. There’s nowhere for it to go but inside. He needs help.

- Earth House is the best group of people I’ve ever met, and I want Prospera to keep her dirty fucking hands away from them or I’ll give her another bionic arm. Chuchu is righteously worried and angry about what happened, and wants Nika’s name cleared, but she also won’t rush in blindly. She trusts Miorine to do the right thing. Martin is finally standing up as leader, ready to protect his group from harm. The latest attacks have shown him that he needs to become a leader. And finally, my boy Till is the number one SuleMio shipper and I love him. He pushes Suletta to act all without saying a word. I hope he continues to support her, as his quiet and non confrontational can help Suletta reach an answer by herself.

- That greenhouse is the destroyer of relationships. No love can be found amongst the tomatoes. But the fact that Miorine cut off Shaddiq’s unripe tomato but works to keep Suletta’s is so sweet. She truly loves her and wants nothing but the best. Before Suletta came, she had only been fighting for herself, but now she’s fighting for Suletta, GUND-ARM, and everyone’s futures. I can only hope we see a bountiful harvest

- Suletta needs a cult deprogrammer stat. She’s willing to give up her own wants and dreams for her mother. To Suletta, her mom is always doing good so if she tells her to kill or stop something, it’s obviously because that’s the right thing to do. Much like Elan, she’s lost her identity and is meant to act as a replacement. A replacement for the daughter Prospera lost.

- Eri is stuck in that Gundam, waiting to be freed. The only company she has is the many clones of herself and Suletta whenever she gets in the pilot seat. But once she hits Permet 8, she’ll be able to escape into space, or she’ll take over Suletta’s body. The ending is suddenly even more haunting. The loss of Suletta’s hairband perhaps signifies her transforming into Eri. Eri’s line to El5n that he can’t come in may be because he isn’t the vessel she’s looking for.

- Prospera is a terrifying woman. Once she realizes her bullshit doesn’t work on Miorine, she immediately flips the script and starts blaming Miorine and her father. And while yes Delling is an evil asshat, Miorine is entirely blameless, just like Suletta. But Prospera doesn’t see it that way. For her, everything is cyclical. As long as the blood of Delling runs through her veins, then Miorine is just as guilty as he is. The PTSD and survivor’s guilt she’s suffering from is pushing her into committing atrocities. She’s cut herself off from every emotional attachment but Eri. She’s a tragic person, lost in her grief, but that’s doesn’t excuse the actions she’s taken. She an adult. A grown woman who can make her own decisions, and she chose to hurt innocent people. Prospera deserves sympathy, but nothing more.

I don’t think I’m ready for next episode. There are so many moving pieces and each one affects the other. I’m hoping my boy Guel can clinch the win over Shaddiq and Prospera, but that still won’t help Miorine, Suletta, or El5n. These children should have received nothing but unconditional love but each one has been forced into the cruel world of adults. I can only hope they make it out safely.

[nebulous-wanderings]

Tsukista TV Ep 5 Summary Notes

This week’s episode focused on Washio Shuuto, who plays You, and Tani Yoshiki, who plays Yoru. Read under the cut for the summary, screencaps, and gifs! I have to say, I knew Tani was the type of person who goofs off, but this episode really exemplified that to an even greater extent. Shuuto is also a precious cinnamon roll who puts up with Tani’s antics all the time. You’re always welcome to correct me on anything or ask me stuff if my writing isn’t clear! (Side note: next week’s Ep 6 notes will be delayed due to my final exams, but Ep 1 will be posted shortly after the Ep 6 notes.)

Tani did that challenge again to describe Procellarum in six seconds. He got as far as to say it’s the latin word for “sea of storms”  and that on stage Procellarum shines while singing and dancing.

Tomotsune calls them Tani-kun and Shuuto-kun

Discussing Tani’s Personality:

Tsubasa: He’s like a toy box (as in full of surprises) Tomotsune: So you pick him up and shake him? wwww

Tsubasa also said something about Tani being hot-headed and Tani complained. Tomotsune’s like “you made him boiling-mad now” but Tani’s yelling at him “I’m not hot-headed!!!!” (lol)

Yuusaku: “Tani-kun’s yellow-colored ‘image’ got stronger.” (By this I think they mean Tani’s connection to Yoru) Shuuto: “Well, he does always have a banana every day.” Tani: “I do not!”

Yuusaku says Tani’s like a dandelion

Tomotsune to Doi: “What do you think of Tani, Doi-san?” Doi: “‘Doi-san? Why aren’t you calling me ‘Doi-kun’ instead?”

Doi just agrees with Tsubasa and Yuusaku’s description. He also praises Tani’s skills. Tani says it makes him happy to hear that. Tomotsune: “Oh really? Stop being fake” wwww (I translated that to be more colloquial English, but that’s basically what Tomotsune said lol) Tani: *angrily* “What?? What do you mean?? This is a serious topic here” (he’s joking around as usual)

Shuuto: “He doesn’t have a bad mouth, he’s just a shitty brat” (he literally said “kusogaki” here, I’m dying lol)

(Tani laughing as Shuuto makes fun of him)

Discussing Shuuto’s personality:

Tomotsune says Shuuto is very skilled. “I want a Shuuto-kun in my family” www. Shuuto is super humble and is like “no, no, no” the entire time.

Tomotsune also says his line memorization is good. He said あんきもとこいいらしい (anki mo to ii rashii) but Tsubasa misheard the “ankimo” as one word which means monkfish liver lol

Doi agrees that Shuuto memorizes lines really fast. Shuuto’s reply was something like he studies lines as much as he can until he can’t do it anymore. (I wish I could understand it better since Shuuto was being really serious) Tani: *sarcastically* “Yes, of course. I, too, do that” Tomotsune: “Can you just…sit back for a bit.” Everyone laughs as Tomotsune tries to shut Tani up Shuuto: “It’s not your turn” wwwww Tani: “Yeah but I’m part of the nenchuu-gumi” wwww

Yuusaku: “Shuuto is extremely thorough” (he used some colloquial expression I had to look up). He gave an example where the six of them were at a photoshoot and Shuuto kept worrying about whether his shots were okay or not.

Tomotsune: “This has become a ‘Compliment Shuuto’ meeting” Tani: *sarcastically* “Ok let’s stop then”

Tomotsune asks about Shuuto’s parents. Shuuto: “If I asked my mom to pack a lunch for me, she’ll just give me a Weider In Jelly” (Weider is the company, “In Jelly” is the product. It’s an energy jelly drink) Tomotsune: *to the camera* “Hey, Shuuto’s mom, are you watching this??” Shuuto: “That’s okay, let her hear this” (lmao) Shuuto: “And the amount [of food she packed] wasn’t enough. My stomach was never full. The next day I would bring two lunches.” www

Tsubasa: “Shuuto doesn’t have any weakness. I think he’s invincible.” Tomotsune: “Shuuto, your popularity is rising.” Shuuto: “That’s a lot of pressure on me.” Tani says he should protect that likability of his.

Tomotsune asks Doi what he thinks Tani and Shuuto’s private lives are. But first he calls him Kazumi-san (Doi’s last name) and then he purposely miscalls him “Dote-san” since it’s one character off from Doi. Doi’s like “who is this ‘Kazoe’ you speak of??” (The joke is that one of the kanji’s for his last name means “ocean” but the “ka” in the Kazoe he said means “river” and Kazoe is also one syllable off from his actual last name) Shuuto: Oh snap, nice comeback!

Discussing an unexpected side of Tani:

Shuuto says whenever he goes to the theater or to practice it feels like Tani’s just relaxing at home. Tani will say “good morning” when he walks in, but he won’t do the warmup stretches. Instead, he’s somewhere brushing his teeth (lmaooooo)

Yuusaku says he feels like Tani brushes his teeth ten times a day since he always brushes them. Tomotsune: “You’re a toothbrush demon.” Tani: “Who are you calling a toothbrush demon??? It’s not like that.”

Discussing an unexpected side of Shuuto:

Tsubasa says Tani’s [weird] mannerisms rub off on Shuuto

(Tani being buddy-buddy with Shuuto)

Tani says (jokingly as always) that no one should stop Shuuto from becoming more like him. 

Shuuto says the two of them are different types of people. “He doesn’t have substance, I have substance. He doesn’t have goals, I have goals.” www

(“Tsukista TV!!”)

For the “Everyday Life” video portion of the show, Tani and Shuuto are sitting on a couch in the cafe. They must’ve been talking about something before the camera cut in because they were laughing and Shuuto was like “Tani, calm down” and fed him his drink.

(Shuuto making Tani drink)

Shuuto’s “Everyday Life” video:

Shuuto is outdoors walking along a street. In the video he says “I have a few words for Taniyan: I want you to stop making unreasonable requests. Taniyan, you’re like a second grader but you’re 29 years old. You should start acting more like an adult. Even if it’s just a little bit, let’s both become proper adults. Alright, that’s all~ *waves at the camera* ”

Shuuto says there’s a difference in their mental ages versus their actual ages and that their characters’ personalities (You and Yoru) are reversed for their actual selves. Basically, Shuuto is more like Yoru whereas Tani is more like You.

Tani’s “Everyday Life” video:

They click “play” on the video but they don’t show it on the screen yet. All you hear so far is Tani screaming “buwaaaa~” in the video but then Shuuto pauses it.

Shuuto: “Are you hanging in midair in your everyday life??” Tani: “That’s from when I was in Oita on a day off. Just keep watching the video.”

(In the video, Tani is on one of those amusement park rides where you get dropped and swing in midair)

The first couple of seconds of the video is Tani on that ride, and that’s why he was screaming (lol)

The rest of the video is him talking to the camera while sitting in a moving van at night. It’s after practice, and he just talks about how he’s going home for the night and wants to eat something. “I’ll do my best for the show, and I’ll do my best for the remaining practices~ Please take care of me, Tsukista TV~” 

Tani: “Wasn’t that drop scary?”

Tani then explains how that time when he’s off after practices accurately shows his everyday life.

Shuuto: “What time do you get off?” Tani: “About 3:00am” Shuuto: “That’s late!”

They move onto other topics like talking about their work and motivation

Tani: “Even though I’m reckless, I still like expressing myself through [the] words” (I think he was talking about portraying characters on stage ?)

Shuuto: “Even now, there are things in front of me, things I can’t do. At those times, I think ‘what am I supposed to do?’ I want to be able to get past stuff like that.”

Shuuto talks a lot about how he has to always have a clear goal in mind so that he always knows what he’s trying to accomplish. (Sorry this part’s so short, they talked a lot but since all of it was very motivational and abstract I couldn’t understand it too well…)

(“We are… Procellarum!!)

Tsukiusa T-shirt Designs:

(unveiling their designs)

Tani: I drew a moon~ (next to the moon it says “Yoru-yan” since Tani’s nickname is Taniyan)

Shuuto: I think my design is very Haduki You-like. He’s August [so he drew a sun] and also “genau” (of course lol) “I want a t-shirt that says GENAU on it”

Tani: “Let me add on to your drawing” *reaches for it*+ Shuuto: “I’m good. *pulls it away from Tani* It’s fine as it is” www

*video cuts to Tani drawing on Shuuto’s design anyway*

(Shuuto’s design ft. additional work by Tani)

Tani added a face to the sun and wrote “You-yan” so that their designs match (lol)

Tani: “Yeah! Now this is a design I want.” (Tani why you do dis to Shuuto) Shuuto: “Yes, thank you….”

Tani talking about his own design: It’s simple, and I put “Yoru-yan”

They wrap up the episode by saying thank you to the viewers and stuff and then the director says “cut” to end it. The camera is still rolling after that though, but it looks like the editor left this end bit in because after the director said “cut” Shuuto turns to Tani and said “I can’t believe you actually drew on it!” and you can hear the staff laughing.

[kakiokuru]

NOBORIZAKA: NOVEMBER RAIN

Chapter Seven | Information and Formation

“Alright everyone, settle down.” Reika wore an air of confidence as she spoke; making sure her laptop was securely hooked up to the borrowed projector. Reika wasn't a fighter, but there was a reason she was a part of the team and this was it. If you needed a game plan and thorough information, she was the best. With her moment to shine, Reika adjusted her glasses while waiting for her comrades to get comfortable. “Majijo is currently leaderless, but that isn't to say they are weak. Let me fill you in on what we’re up against.” Time to get right to business.

Lifting a small remote, she moved to the next slide of her PowerPoint. Yes, she made a PowerPoint. The first photo up was of a young woman with bobbed hair and wearing a red velvet sukajan. “Otabe, real name Yokoyama Yui, is the closest thing to the leader now. She's repeated many years for unspecified reasons but doing the math from when she first transferred in, I suspect she's around twenty-two. She’s what you can consider a seasoned Rappappa member, previously the president of the second generation of Rappappa but now acts as the advisor and a Heavenly Queen. She fought against Sakura once and they were evenly matched, however Otabe does possess strength powerful enough to break through blocks. Maiyan, I suggest she be your target.”

Mai gave a firm nod at the screen, burning the face into her mind. “I saw her at the gate. She shouldn't be a problem.”

“Now, under her are what you can call lieutenants. Or in their terms Heavenly Queens." Reika clicked her remote to bring up the next slide. “Magic, AKA Kizaki Yuria. Yoga, AKA Iriyama Anna. Katsuzetsu, AKA Kodama Haruka. Both Magic and Yoga have been Queens for some time, since before Sakura transferred in. They have some… unconventional fighting styles. Magic is the ‘third’ Queen and incorporates, as you would have guessed, magic into her attacks as distractions and sabotage, though her combative capabilities lay with the use her legs and her speed. Yoga, to be put bluntly, is the weakest among the Queens. Because of her proficiency in yoga, she’s rather quick, flexible, and prefers to dodge attacks and counter. Katsuzetsu… is more unofficial than anything. She transferred in recently to follow Sakura but some digging revealed that she was somewhat of a lackey and possibly harbours romantic feelings for Sakura. She was as bold was as bold as to infiltrate Rappappa’s clubroom and declare herself as the president. ” Reika continued on to explain her analysis on the battles between Sakura and the Queens.

“I want the magic girl.” Nanase rested her chin in hand, staring at the screen with little interest in the others. “Sakura almost lost when she was caught. I'm too fast, even with tricks. I'm sure to win against someone like that.” She smirked with anticipation. “Besides, someone who relies on magic and tricks to win a fight has no place in a real fight.”

Reika shook her head. “While you did clear up to the gate in under five minutes and probability of success looks to be in the green…” She pushed up her glasses and brought up the next slide, showing an image of her recommended formation of attack, flowcharts, graphs and all. At a glance, it was a sound and solid plan. “We will need the gate to be re-cleared of all the miscellaneous others before we charge the stairs.”

Nanase made a displeased face, rolling her eyes. “Make Kazumin do it! She's the tank! She could clear the small fry altogether in under three minutes.”

“Eh, I don't want to fight!” Kazumi pouted, still enjoying a bag of chips in her lap. “Maiyan said I didn’t have too!” She protested, in between crunches.

A loud sigh interrupted the chewing. “An attack like this is unreasonable. These are yankees.” Even Erika understood that. “There are systems and rules. Going in so boldly would be looked down upon even if we were victorious.”

“She's right.” Yumi sat up on the couch, lazily slouching against the leatherback. As a yankee herself, she understood unspoken yankee ‘traditions’ the best. “If we want to take down Majijo without a leader then we need to work up the totem pole. Reika had the right idea, declare war by clearing their gate but then attack their lower teams and work up.” She sighed, as if reading off a script. Anyone who attacked Majijo seemed to stick with this structure and eventually it became a system that all yankees abided by. “When we solidify ourselves as a threat, then we can take on their top fighters.”

“That seems tedious.” Erika furrowed her brow at Yumi, crossing her arms.

Yumi sighed, waving her hand listlessly. “It is, but anyone who has done anything different failed. We already have a strike against us for not having a student transfer there.”

“It’s all superstition.” Mai stood and stole the remote from the bespectacled girls hand, turning the slides back and forth until she could see every member. “We aren't everyone else.” Mai glanced over every image, the gears turning in her head. “We’re Noborizaka students, not yankees. Mai would want us to uphold Noborizaka’s name, and go about this with class. We will do this by their rules. Confer with Wakatsuki on these rules, Reika.” Turning on her heels, Mai crossed her arms. “Nanase already completed step one, clearing the gates.”

“Well, if I have to again to prove a point, then I don’t mind~” Nanase grinned, twirling her fingers in her hair. “But like I said, I already picked the girl I want.”

Mai rolled her eyes, trying to keep focus. “We don’t get to pick… But we’ll see how everything will turn out. Our next task is taking out Team Hinabe. Who should clear the second tier?” She turned slightly to view her team, lips curling in thought. Kazumi would be preferable but she had already told the tank of a girl she was allowed to stand on the sidelines. Going back on her word and forcing her would be wrong.

“Hinabe, this generation’s food-themed team. They’re actually significantly stronger than their previous incarnations. They are currently comprised of four members…” Reika tapped the photos against the wall with her stylus. “So if we go by yankee rules, wouldn’t it take a matching amount of girls to fight them?”

“Nah, these girls are chicken shit. Uonome, Dodobusu, Jisedai, and Kusogaki. All of them get downed with little to no trouble. They only got into Rappappa by riding on Sakura’s coat tails.” Yumi smirked to herself, stating the fact. She glanced to the student body president, her imagination picturing an amusing thought. “Even you could do it, Reika.”

The group snickered at the thought, although Reika didn’t seem as amused. Reika wouldn’t last very long at all, even against the weakest member. Hell, her tablet case had more endurance than her. If she didn’t shield herself when Erika darted her stylus towards her, the metal would have went right through her like a bullet.

Such a thought broke her out of her confident and serious demeanour prior to the presentation. “No-no-no-no way! I can’t even slap my hands to kill a fly without hurting myself.” She waved her hand a bit in front of her face. To return to the topic at hand, she turned to look the projected images. An idea struck her. “Nishino-san cleared the gates before, by herself, didn’t she? That wasn't a declaration of war, just scouting. So, why don't we all go together…? Aren't teams still in the rules? Going together might stir up enough buzz to properly declare war and they’ll see us as a threat.”

Erika scoffed. “Fight a team of flies together to declare war?”

“Hm… Considering we don’t meet their ‘transfer’ rule, it's not out of the question…” Yumi nodded a bit while she spoke.

“Then, I don’t… hate the idea.”

“Together? I want to come! I don’t want to fight but I want to come!” Kazumi jumped in, hand raised in the air.

Mai’s eyes glanced around the room, tossing the remote into Reika’s possession. “Seems we’re all in agreement here.”

Reika fumbled with the device as she tried to catch it, pulling in the next slide. “Ah, there's still the third tier. Kamisori, AKA Kojima Mako, and Katabutsu, AKA Okada Nana. They aren't stair guards and they also don’t really fit into Rappappa either but they’re still a level above Team Hinabe. At least according to the order Sakura fought them in… Not quite Heavenly Queens, but still in the highest positions. We could also take them on at the same time as Hinabe since they’re never far behind in terms of proximity.”

Nanase’s eyes dropped to her nails. “So in the end, it’s six against six.”

“That means the black hole and Reika has to fight.”

“Eh!!” Kazumi let out a loud groan in protest, a large open mouth frown decorating her face. “Do I have too?”

“I… would really rather not.”

“If what Wakatsuki said was true and one of us can do it alone, I'm sure four can pick up Kazumin’s and Reika’s slack.” Mai smiled softly, patting the sitting, tall girl on the head. “You don’t have to fight, remember? Ikuchan, Naachan, Wakatsuki, and I are more than enough.”

“Isn’t that unfair?” Erika snapped her attention over. “Kazumin is a member of this team so I say she do her part. I don’t want to fight either but I’m here, aren’t I?” Erika looked over, her eyes growing cold. “Even Reika is doing something for the team so why isn’t Kazumin.” Crossing her arms, she looked out the window while her fingers tapped against her skin in a rhythmic fashion. “I think even Reika should fight, but we all know that’ll never happen… pussy…”

“I–…” The student body president opened her mouth but she couldn’t deny that it was for a fact that she never plans on raising a fist against another person. She eyes slowly dropped to her floor, ultimately feeling disappointed in herself still. “I’m sorry…”

Mai lifted her arm protectively in front of Reika and faced Erika with the same authority. “We aren't yankees. We aren't a fighting team with a hierarchy. We're friends. While I would want everyone to make the effort, if someone doesn't want to join the fight then they don’t need to fight. But if they want to be here for MaiMai’s sake–”

“MaiMai’s, or yours?” The pianist injected, giving her leader a hard glare.

There was a heavy tension in the room. All of the girls glanced at each other as if mom and dad were fighting at the dinner table. All stayed still, except for the loud uncomfortable crunch as Kazumi slid a potato chip into her mouth. Nanase sharply kicked the noisy girl in the back to quiet her, grunting at her softly with as stern a look she could muster. Kazumin nearly choked on the chip, finally taking in the atmosphere. She glanced in between Mai and Erika, seeing the sparks flashing between them even when no words were exchanged. Like a tiger clashing with a dragon. She hated it. There hadn’t been an air like this since–

“…I’m calling Nanamin!!”

Kazumi shouted, visibly upset after Nanase’s kick. She almost resembled an angry toddler as she dropped the bag of chips to get her phone from her skirt pocket. Wakatsuki fell off the couch, quickly scrambling to try towards her in an attempt to stop her from dialling her phone. Even Mai and Erika broke their non-verbal argument and lunged forward to halt her from bringing the embodiment of their worst nightmare into this mayhem of a team.

“No, no, no, no–!! Wait!! Stop!! Kazumin, don’t–!!”

But it was too late. It took no longer than twenty minutes for the air of dread to grow unbearable. Knowing death was soon upon them, the girls stayed as far as they could from each other in the small clubroom. No one particularly wanted to meet eyes with each other, or acknowledge the doom coming for them. Reika hid behind her tablet, Nanase hiding her nose in a manga, Erika staring at the window but her fingers fidgeted with nervousness. Even Wakatsuki was keeping focus on her phone while Mai studied the photos on the laptop. Then the door opened so quickly it almost fell off its rollers and everyone froze mid activity.

“I was in the middle of my shift.”

A tall woman with lightened hair peered into the darkened room. Every girl stiffened, fighting to even look at her. The woman had a large pair of sunglasses on, and was dressed to match her age and profession of fashion consultant standing poised and proud. Well, angry and proud.

“Nanamin!” Kazumi bounced up, still sporting that upset, immature face. “Everyone's fighting again! Make them get along!! They tried to make me fight too!! And Naachan kicked me!!” Kazumi hugged the woman’s arm, with an accusing point aimed at the group who were all still hiding behind books and electronic devices. Some even sunk into their seats to avoid ‘dad’s wrath’. Nanamin tugged the sunglasses from her face, shirking Kazumi off. With her long slender legs, it only took a few intimidating steps to make it to the back of the room where she ripped the blankets away from the windows to let proper light in. Without even turning to face the inside of the room, she tapped her foot expectantly.

“Everyone, line up.”

Even if she spoke with an eerily calm tone, her voice thundered through the room. The girls all raised their hands to their eyes, hissing from the sudden influx of light. With the curtain down you could properly see how destroyed the room had become. Dust everywhere, things nonchalantly thrown in the formerly dark corners of the room. Even the furniture hadn’t had a good cleaning in quite some time, Wakatsuki’s shape taking a permanent indent in the couch. Nanami’s head shifted slightly, her eyes scanned the room in growing anger. The girls hadn’t even moved from their spots out of fear.

“I said… Line. Up.”

Nanami stomped her heel into the floor, threatening to crack the tile. It was all that was needed. All of them leapt from their spots, forming a line three paces from her. There was no denying the woman’s power; she could shake the very will of even the most hardened souls. When Nanami finally turned around, she stared directly into each girl’s frightened eyes. Her eyes were like ice, freezing each of them to their very core, her aura like a queen that would destroy any and all walls in the name of conquest. The only person not to be intimidated by Nanami was MaiMai. But with MaiMai gone…

“I cannot believe this. You are all a mess.” Nanami crossed her arms, tilting her chin upwards with a brow raised in disbelief. “What would Mai think? Blindly calling out war, fighting amongst each other. On top of that, you trashed the club room.” She really did sound like a disapproving father, beginning to pace in front of them. She gave an exasperated sigh, dropping her hands to her waist. “I called in a fake emergency for this?”

“But, Kazumin–”

“Had a genuine concern for her teammates, Sakurai.” Each girl snapped her attention over the second Reika opened her mouth. No one spoke back at Nanami, no one but MaiMai. “Kazumin did what MaiMai told her to do if the situation called for it, something that should have been done a month ago. Are you insane Mai?” Nanami looked more than pissed. She barely cared for what would happen to this council but she was seething at what has become of MaiMai’s beloved team. “This situation at a glance is beyond ridiculous. Starting a war with Majisuka Jogakuen? You are not yankees. You are Noborizaka Elite Private Academy students.”

“Actually, Nishino and I are–” Yumi shakily raised her hand with an uncomfortable pout and matching soft tone.

The graduate immediately lifted her forefinger out towards the yankee girl, promptly silencing her. “You are both children stuck in your middle school rebellious stage. You will be silent, Wakatsuki.”

Yumi lowered her head just as fast as she had raised it. Nanase didn’t even bother, knowing Nanami’s wrath better than any of them. Erika smirked to herself, keeping her head down as she attempted not to laugh. Of course, it didn’t go unnoticed.

“And you, Erika. You had your temper under control, what the hell happened? Has MaiMai moving on really made you uncontrollable again? Destroying property, challenging anyone with a different opinion? Huh?” Nanami raised her brow at her, stepping forward. “Didn’t we tell you to channel your anger into the piano? Oh, and I know what you did to Reika’s tablet. I expect you to pay her back for it.”

The short-tempered girl gulped. “Y-Yes, ma’am. Sorry ma’am.”

Nanami gazed over each of her former teammates once more before taking a deep breath to calm her annoyed nerves. “Kazumin filled me in on what's going on, has been for quite some time. I’m more surprised it took until now for you all to need me.” Turning around, Nanami strode to the projector, debilitating Reika’s formation. “This composition will only work if everyone pulls their own weight. It’s how teams work.” She sighed softly, grabbing the remote to slide through photos of their opponents. “That means Kazumin and Sakurai, too.”

“Eh… But…” Kazumi wasn’t expecting to hear that.

“Kazumin.” Nanami glanced at her before extending her hand to the girl. Without a shred of hesitation, Kazumi took Nanami’s hand, staying close even if she was pouting the entire time. “I know you dislike fighting, but try to think of it like this. You’re protecting your family instead of fighting for the sake of fighting. Doesn’t that sound better?” Nanami tilted her head as she offered a small smile, trying to relate to her to appeal to her peace-loving nature. Nanami was pretty good at it, often consoling her in the past when Fukugawa Mai couldn’t. She had to learn the skill slowly, knowing that depending on Nanase to be a voice of reason was impossible. It was a side of her that few people experienced.

“I guess it does…” Kazumi looked down in thought, even if her mind was very gullible and easily swayed. Yet, after a few moments she raised her head with a smile, giving the most energetic nod. “I’ll do it! For my family and my school!”

“Atta girl.” Nanami grinned, patting her head before sending her back to join the others.

“But Nanamin… what about me…?” Reika hugged her tablet, unsure of her position in the team. If everyone was going to fight, where does she stand? “I can’t even properly punch someone…”

“That’s fine.” Nanami shifted from Kazumi, placing a hand on her shoulder. “That’s why you won’t be alone. You have everyone with you.” She held her head high, trying to boost the girl’s confidence. “They’ll help you become stronger and stand your ground. I know you’re not a violent person but you can’t be afraid. Let them teach you.”

If you looked close enough, you could see Reika smile at Nanami’s words, giving her a nod. Everyone always benefited from Nanami visiting. Whether it is with her lectures or pep talks, Nanami always said what was needed rather than what was wanted. Even if she was clearly biased towards Kazumi as the favorite of her children, she was the father figure to MaiMai’s mother figure of the group. Nothing went by without her knowing about it.

Nanami exhaled and stepped back, striding towards the laptop. “Okay, everyone, sit down. I’ll figure this plan out in a way that everyone will have a winning chance with little to no trouble.” She grabbed the remote the PowerPoint, watching everyone file into their seats. As well as a fashion consultant, she was also a proficient strategist. Reika had to have learned from someone to be where she is now. “With any luck we can knock the declaration and first battle out of the way in one fell swoop to save time. Just trust in me, Dad will help.”

Dad will always be there to help.

To be continued…