Construction Chronicles of the Heartbroken Carpenter 3

Things start off with narration about Takemaru. He doesn’t remember much about before, which is compared to being so new as to be cut away from the world. He only remembers that there is no where for him to go home to. He doesn’t even know where he should have gone home. He never had anything, so he decided he’d make a place to go back to himself.

Flashback then tunes in as Takemaru finishes up building something and calls it a job done. He says it doesn’t look that professionally done though. Narration says oni are lawless beings chased away from the world, so they have no land to live safely in and continue wandering, lost. As such, they want a home for themselves, a place to settle down.

An oni walks up to Takemaru and asks about the house he built. Takemaru says it’s not the ideal he was going for and calls it not much to look at. The oni questions this since he thinks it’s a pretty nice place as it is. Takemaru offers it to him if he likes it so much, to the oni’s surprise.

Takemaru says he plans to keep building until he’s made something he’s happy with. The oni asks how he can repay him since it’s too much to just give away for nothing. Takemaru is fine with him just being happy with the thing, but after some thinking he asks him to help with his next attempt.

And so, the number of oni steadily grew. They brought in building materials from everywhere, and with it they made another home for somebody. The first oni talks to Takemaru and refers to him as Boss or similar, saying another oni has come asking for a place to live in. Takemaru laughs since there isn’t one available, so they’ll just have to make another one.

The oni asks to say something to him, acknowledging that it’s rude of him given he also received a house from him. Takemaru tells him to say what’s on his mind, so the oni says Takemaru is too accepting of people. He suggests that Takemaru be more careful of who he gives a house to.

The oni also says because of all the oni looking for homes from him gathering here, the city folk and the rulers have been paying attention to him. He asks if Takemaru understands what would happen if they decided to make a move.

Takemaru says he’s known from the start, but he still empathizes with the homeless oni as they were ones too before. The oni decides he won’t argue any more then, saying they’ll protect his ideal home while he should just do as he likes.

Some time later in the flashback, the village or whatever Takemaru’s built burns up in flames. Takemaru is in shock, unable to comprehend why it is the humans and city people wanted the oni gone so much. No idea, and no talks with them to find out why. Not even how they look at the oni with their eyes.

The first oni is hurt badly, and Takemaru tries to talk to him. The oni sees that he’s fine and tells him to leave, which Takemaru protests. He says it was his fault that girl of the heavens came and thus why everything happened. On a side note this differs from the story I saw outlined saying it was her idea to come.

Anyways, narration says Takemaru fell in love with someone, which it doesn’t say but is Suzuka. As a result, he lost his love, his home, and his friends. The oni drops the title of address and asks Takemaru to hear his last words. He tells him he was happy to have met him and received a home from him. He’s sure Takemaru will forever regret this, so he tries to tell him not to forget what he said, but unfortunately dies mid sentence.

And so began a cycle of revenge. In the end though, Takemaru gave himself up and put his head down on the chopping block. Beheading isn’t enough to kill an oni though, and when it happened, he was summoned to Tokyo. Narration says he probably remembers something, and now maybe he remembers.

Title card pops up, and this title is called The Homework’s Answer. Since I didn’t think it was relevant earlier I left out that when the MC asked the gang to think up something for Setsubun, they called it homework.

Things tune back to the present, and narration says those memories live on even now, with how the oni gather materials for Takemaru and protect the drop points. They still do it now, even though they don’t understand who’s stealing from them.

The oni attack Takemaru. Each time he looks back at his past, he remembers something about each oni that appears in front of him. He stands there with his eyes open, making no move to defend himself and tanking it all.

A tear falls from an oni’s eyes. You call out to Takemaru, and he calls himself pathetic. He talks to the oni, asking if he’s causing them suffering by letting himself be hurt like this. With the faces they’re making, no wonder the city folk were afraid.

Takemaru says he wanted a forever home, so he kept building them with that in mind. But then he says he was wrong, saying the time he spent with them was fun. The oni suddenly stop attacking, so Takemaru says it’s enough. He remembers now, so they can rest.

He rubs the cheeks of some of the phantom oni, and in that instance they turn into light. As they disappear, they turn into the materials Takemaru was looking for. You privately think to yourself, suspecting what the materials might really be.

Takemaru continues watching the lights fade away as he faces away from you. When the last one goes, he turns around to look at you. He talks about how he can’t really fight well without his swords, then apologizes to you and says he’s okay now. You either ask if he really is or stay quiet.

He says he is, then says he’s embarrassed by how he showed himself while in front of you despite being older than you. Then he offers to bandage you up since you’re hurt. You can either accept or worry about him instead. In A he gets to it, and in B he thanks you for worrying.

Either way he laughs, then says to tell everyone this will be the base point. Oniwaka is off to the side somewhere watching as you guys walk away. Some time later, Shuten and the others are bringing materials over to the base until there’s a mountain of the stuff collected.

Takemaru thanks everyone for helping and calls it a day. He also offers to pay everyone as his way of showing thanks. Ibaraki takes it saying there’s something he wants, then invites Shuten to eat with him. Shuten warns him against splurging it all in a flash.

Shuten then turns to Takemaru and thanks him, saying he’ll do something for him next time. Takemaru agrees, then offers to pay Oniwaka. Oniwaka tries to turn it down saying he didn’t do anything, though Takemaru says he’s been watching over you guys from the shadows. He asks if he was going to show up if things got bad, and says he’s a good guy despite his looks.

You talk to Oniwaka and thank him for protecting everyone. He complains about Takemaru’s comment on his appearance, then decides to clear something up. He’s there to protect you, and anyone else is just happenstance. Takemaru insists on giving him money, so Oniwaka relents and takes it.

Motosumi asks if it’s really okay for him to be paid too, given the point of all this is to fix up his temple, which he hasn’t paid Takemaru to do for that matter. Takemaru repeats that this is to thank him for taking care of the oni babies, then suggests he buy them something nice.

Motosumi says it still doesn’t sit right with him. Takemaru says that meeting with him saved him, which confuses Motosumi as he hasn’t done anything in particular with him. Takemaru says he’s finally figured what he wants to do with himself, then says it’s fine if he doesn’t know what he means. He also brings up that he’ll be getting paid by his guild for this since they can use the things he picked up, so Motosumi should just take the money.

You can either express shock that the Crafters pay a salary, complain that this is unfair, or say that’s the assets of a college student. Takemaru laughs, so Shuten asks if something put him in a good mood earlier. He says things happened and turns to you. You either agree, wink at him, or laugh it off.

In any case Shuten says he’s glad Takemaru’s worries are cleared up, so now he can go fall in love again. You ask about this, so Shuten tells you Takemaru once sobbed at him at some diner about wanting to be in love. He figures it’d work out if he got you involved.

You can either be shocked at being punted upon, say that’s too sloppy a method, or say you like that side of Shuten. Going with A, Ibaraki is impressed with Shuten’s insight, and Takemaru says that he feels like he just got publically executed. He feels like he can open up a bit though, so he then asks if you’d live together with him.

You either express disbelief at how casual that was or say it’s too abrupt. Takemaru doesn’t see anything wrong with what he asked, so Oniwaka protests he’s not handing you over. It’s only after a bit more thinking that Takemaru figures out what it sounded like, then tries to explain himself.

He rewords it to be an invitation to his place if ever you’re lonely, which he then realizes sounds worse. Takemaru says he’s not that easy, then changes tacks and says Oniwaka does a nice menacing look. He asks if you two really *are* Like That like he was asking about before.

You remember that this conversation happened and ask what went on. Takemaru tries to answer, but Oniwaka stops him. He then asks why he did that. Oniwaka pulls him over and asks if he’s teasing him. Takemaru denies it and says he actually looks up to him. He knows what he wants to protect and makes it happen, so Takemaru wants to be more like that.

Takemaru also figures if Oniwaka helps with fixing the temple something will happen, but he stops before saying what. He does call Oniwaka childish despite not being frank, which offends him and prompts him to say he shouldn’t talk about your relationship like he knows.

Some time later, Takemaru uses his power to take down his Reality Marble and bring you all back. The sun is still high up, and not much time has passed. But you’re back with a load of materials to work with now.

Motosumi says he should go make dinner for the kids, and Takemaru remembers that he needs to carry the things to the parking lot. Ibaraki asks how many people can fit in the truck and figures he may as well stick out for the whole job given the pay. Takemaru accepts, saying it can seat six and offers to drive everyone home after things are done.

You either say you’ll help or comment on getting a ride back now. Oniwaka has a snit as he says he should help out too if you are. Takemaru just smiles like he knows, then thanks him.

Outside the temple those two kids from before are throwing beans again and cursing the place. Motosumi comments on them being back and Ibaraki says he’s used to this happening. Motosumi is about to go talk to them again when Takemaru asks him to wait.

He offers to show the answer to the question he was asked about earlier, and Motosumi asks if he’s sure. Takemaru says he’ll do it, and Shuten tells him he believes him. Takemaru then goes over to the kids, who are surprised an oni did show up in response to their bean throwing.

Takemaru taunts them about whether they’re scared, despite their bullying behavior. The kids claim not to be scared and say getting rid of oni will be better for people. They also ask if Takemaru is scared of the beans, then are surprised when he admits that he is.

Takemaru says he’s afraid of pain and being hated, but he won’t run or hide. He tells them to throw them at him. The girl tries to stop because it’s pointless, but the boy says he knew it was to begin with. He still throws the beans anyways.

The beans hurt him, and Takemaru explains to Motosumi that if the people of Tokyo believe it, then means can destroy evil. You’re about to move to intervene, but he stops you. The boy blames Takemaru for losing their home, and Takemaru says he won’t go even though it hurts. He doesn’t believe leaving is the right thing to do either.

Takemaru then asks the kids why they hate him. They ask why he wants to know since he’s uninvolved. He says he wants to know what they’re thinking, because maybe he could help. The girl turns to her brother and tries to suggest talking with Takemaru.

The boy says he doesn’t trust him and says all oni are alike. When Takemaru comments on this hate, the boy says oni are violent and scary and have done nothing of worth. Takemaru tells him he plans on fixing the temple.

The boy says he doesn’t care, so Takemaru explains that Motosumi takes in human and oni children and shelters them. Anyone in trouble really. The girl asks if that’s true, and he says it is. He finds it amazing.

Oniwaka’s shoulders twitch at Takemaru’s comment, and he calls him an idiot who doesn’t know how the world is. He also pulls his hood to cover his eyes. Takemaru continues and asks if the kids will see him in a new light if he fixes the place up. It’s not something an oni who is just a savage can do after all.

The girl turns to her brother, and he decides to sulk off. After they go, you talk to Takemaru and says he’s been hurt a lot. He waves it off as no big deal and tells Motosumi that this is the answer to his question earlier. However, while a lot of Tokyo believes it, not everyone does. If the kids don’t then his injuries won’t be a problem. Also oni can eat beans whenever with no problems.

Anyways Takemaru says the kids probably won’t be throwing beans anytime soon. Motosumi lashes out at him for putting himself out like that to his shock, then tells him to come in so he can fix him up. He also threatens to wrap Takemaru up like a mummy.

Scene shifts to the Shinjuku school library as Ryouta says he can’t figure out what to do for a more inclusive Setsubun. Since he can’t think of anything anymore he says he’ll go out to buy something. Shirou says it’s fine but if they’ll have to leave the library to eat.

Kengo is there dozing off, which Shirou disapproves of but says he wasn’t expecting anything from him. He asks if Moritaka or Touji have any ideas. Moritaka brings up the idea of throwing mochi at a crowd, which is something often done with new buildings in old Japan but may not be relevant.

He doesn’t know that many details but he explains it’s done before new buildings are made and is an offering to the heavens and earth. He’s also checking with Touji to see if Tokyo ever had that tradition either. When Ryouta asks, Touji says there are old records of that being done with new shrines and temples.

Ryouta says mochi can be hard and asks if it’ll be okay. Touji tells him to get his chin off his shoulder, then composes himself and says newly made mochi should be soft. Shirou says they just need a place and equipment, but thinks Touji might not be able to pull the strings for that. Touji says if he had time it could be possible, but with such little notice it’ll be hard.

Ryouta begs Touji to make it happen. Touji is surprised the guys are pushing so hard. Even if you did suggest this, it’s just a seasonal thing. Ryouta then explains that oni are special to you guys, because it was the first thing you fought when you came over.

Touji says he can stop, then says he can at least get the tools since he knows a temple that used them for New Years. Ryouta leaps up and hugs him, and Touji is embarrassed by this to the point he asks if Ryouta has any shame. Shirou says he’s reliable *unlike someone else*. Kengo pops up to volunteer with making the mochi.

Shirou asks if he was awake since he thought he was fast asleep. Kengo says he was asleep, so Shirou pinches his cheeks. Ryouta says he’s nervous about making mochi even though he seems excited. Moritaka tells him he needs to get into the rhythm with someone who’s pounding it out with a mallet and offers to help.

Shirou asks what people want to eat and says he’ll call you. Ryouta suggests they get what Touji likes tonight, who says they need to get their curfews extended at the dorm first. Then he hears a loud voice asking if you’re there.

Ryouta is shocked by this and wonders if you got into something again. Shirou manages to call you up and tells you about that yelling voice. He also tells you to be careful coming back, then tells the gang you’re on your way back after he hangs up.

You also told him you have no idea why anyone would be yelling for you, so Shirou floats the idea of just ignoring that. Said voice then yells and asks if anyone knows where you are. Ryouta wonders if the teachers are all out, and Shirou suggests taking a look since he doesn’t want them involved if this is app business.

Touji agrees, so Shirou says he and Kengo will go check it out. He asks everyone else to watch from out of sight. Camera jumps to the front of the school where Suzuka figures you must be out. Kagutsuchi asks what the oni will do then.

The oni says his contract is to respond when you wish for it. But he doesn’t know where you are, which is the issue. Suzuka says they’ll have to wait and offers to give the oni a place to live in Kabukicho. He’d have to work for it though.

Mononobe walks over to see what the fuss is about, then asks what they want with you. Suzuka demands he tell her where you are, and Kagutsuchi is in shock as he tells her she sounds like she’s picking a fight. Mononobe is glad that isn’t the case, and Suzuka explains it’s actually the oni who has business with you.

Mononobe says you’re out, so the oni asks when you might be back. Mononobe says you should be back by curfew, then asks to be there when you see them. The oni asks why, so he says it’s to check what sorts of friends you’re making in case it blows up somehow. The oni agrees if he’ll see you that way.

Shirou walks up at this point and asks Mononobe what’s happening. He explains, then asks if Shirou knows any of the people there. Shirou recognizes Suzuka, and Kengo turns out to know Kagutsuchi. Ryouta walks over and says he knows the oni, greeting him with a smile.

The oni asks Ryouta about you, and you conveniently show up at this point asking if something happened for everyone to get together. Mononobe says you have guests, and the oni asks why it is you called for him. You figure out what he means soon or are disappointed you can’t surprise him with this now.

Takemaru asks Oniwaka what the red oni is to you. Oniwaka tells him, adding that he doesn’t plan to hand you over to him either. Takemaru calls you popular, then notices Suzuka there. She’s casual about meeting him and says it’s a coincidence. She tries to ask about the barricades, but he backs off and freaks.

You tell Suzuka she’s scaring Takemaru and ask what she did to him. You also express some understanding for him but you trail off on that. Suzuka claims she doesn’t know, and Takemaru talks to himself and pretends Suzuka just happens to look like someone he knows that is so much more ladylike, classy, and cute. She attacks him out of outraged offense.

Suzuka also calls him rude and says she’s a cool dangerous girl. You can either call her merciless, try to no comment your way out of the topic, or call her cute. She gets flustered if you go with C and says you can only be so cheeky.

Anyways Takemaru says he needs to find a new love fast or else this will happen every time he sees her. He lost count of the times she cut his head off. Takemaru then tells her he’ll get to work on making the barricades soon and that it’ll be done by the settlement date.

Suzuka thanks him for his work and offers to bring get well gifts later. Takemaru tries to turn her down but changes his mind and accepts. She asks if something happened since he turned down her end of the year gift before. He just says it was a little something.

Ryouta then speaks up and suggests making mochi this Setsubun. He also thinks it might be fate that so many oni are here. You can either ask what he’s talking about or call it the answer to the homework. Going with A, Shirou explains what the gang did earlier and invites everyone else to come.

Takemaru thinks it’s interesting, then says he’s fixing up a temple so that could be where the party can be held. Moritaka suggests taking up the offer, and Shirou says if you’re okay with it you guys should do so. You agree of course, thanking everyone as you get excited for it.

You also turn and invite Takemaru to join, and he asks if he can invite someone else. If so, he’ll get on fixing the temple until the day of, then asks Shuten and Ibaraki to help him whenever they have time. He’ll pay of course. Shuten agrees while turning down the money, saying they’re friends. Ibaraki says he’ll come too despite not knowing what’s going on.

Shuten then whispers into Takemaru about what his plan is, saying it’s even more reason not to take his money if so. Takemaru asks him to stop doing this in front of everyone because he’s embarrassed by it. Ibaraki gets pissed since that’s his spot.

You can either comment on how well they get along, say you’re jealous about who’s next to Shuten, or suggest to Ibaraki that you guys should get closer together. Going with A, Suzuka compares Ibaraki to a dog and says she worries for his future sometimes.

Suzuka then asks if you’ll take Kagutsuchi to the mochi party, pressing your oni in bit into your face to make you agree. You either invite them both, or say of course you’ll invite your beloved Kagutsuchi. Going with the former, Kagutsuchi thanks you and says he’s looking forward to it.

You then say Motosumi will be happy about this, and it turns out Kagutsuchi knows him too. Suzuka is surprised by this, saying she didn’t need to worry after all. Kagutsuchi thanks her anyways and says he looks forward to going with her too.

Suzuka asks why she has to go since she has to go on patrol. He starts tearing up, so she gives in and says she’ll make time like she’s out looking for Ibaraki. The episode ends as you say you’ll meet at the temple and everyone agrees.