A flashback kicks in as random villagers who don't even get a label as they express their surprise and reluctance to go along with Nessen's plan to turn the town into a resort. Nessen argues that he feels this direction is necessary for the town to stay afloat and revive in the age of space travel. He's saved the money to pay for this, and he asks for everyone to cooperate with him. He also says he'll take on all responsibilities.
Nessen then starts narrating about how hard he studied tourism and hospitality to revive his dying village. He went to other tourist spots, read through so many books, and did so much research until he came to the conclusion to preserve all that was good about the village but turning it into a theme park. Of course, this wasn't something he could decide unilaterally, so he bowed and scraped to the villagers over and over, where he promised to take care of everything. He says that in other words, it's because they all trusted in him that the town is here now. He has to keep meeting everyone's expectations, which means he has to settle this problem with his own hands before it sinks the place.
Title card pops up, and this episode is called The Little Shoulders Holding the Burden.
Back to the present, things pick up towards the end of some battle as Akashi fires off his finishing move. Several Kaibutsu are defeated, and one attempts to escape. Subaru however stops it from doing so by writing that its feet get frozen, which he narrates aloud. With the thing locked in place, Mokdai goes for the opening by launching his own finisher at it too. After the monster is destroyed, you compliment the team's teamwork and comment on how well they did for an impromptu combination. Akashi cheers about things being settled here as he thanks you and the others for everyone's work before reverting to civilian form. Mokdai and Subaru follow suit shortly after.
Subaru pants as he comments that he's too out of shape and is already out of breath. Mokdai notes that you guys have swept the central area of the theme park now, which leaves the north mountainous area and the south train station area as Subaru picks up. Subaru also adds that the place being between such tall mountains is the silver lining to this mess. Huckle agrees, saying that Kaibutsu generally go where lots of people are, which in turn means they won't go uninhabited areas. There is one exception, but with the town being nestled in the mountains as it is it's unlikely there are monsters spread around.
Ryekie mentions that the entrance to the park has been restricted now and that the visiting guests have been told to stay in their rooms for as much as possible. He comments that this is the sort of response time you should expect from the manager of such a large theme park. The problem now is that you don't know where said manager is despite having gone over a large area already. You either comment on how many buildings you've been to already or ask Sui to check the map. B gets an extra line where Sui asks you to wait a second as she does so.
Sui shows you guys the map she's brought up on her phone with the places you've been too X'ed off and showing everywhere else Nessen might go to. Sui mentions that there's a large inn up in the mountain area that uses its great vantage point as a selling point, so there's probably people gathered there. If Nessen isn't down here with you guys, he might be heading there, though Sui notes that's pretty far away.
Huckle brings up that Nessen did seem to be in a big panic, so he probably thought of the place the most people would gather at first. Mokdai points out that there's traces of fighting at the places you guys have visited, but there doesn't seem to be any livestreaming signals around here, so he wonders if Nessen is fighting without broadcasting he's doing so. Subaru suggests he might be trying to prevent any needless worrying in the guests and says he might do something like that.
You bring up that Nessen wouldn't have much view power going for him in that case, and Akashi agrees as he brings out how in your first battle with him things slowly went against him. Akashi then asks if Nessen went on like that while fighting multiple successive battles. Huckle explains that as of now, heroes need an Operator to transform them, even if from a remote area. That means that when a hero inevitably transforms, there's at least the Operator to be the constant witness to what's happening. In which case, Nessen can fight, but he'll be able to tank far less attacks and will exhaust himself for sure. Akashi is alarmed at this and says you guys need to find him quick then.
Kyoichi calls to Akashi from offscreen, which Subaru also hears and takes as a cue to hide, shocking Mokdai. Kyoichi soon turns up with Flamier, who thanks you guys for your efforts so far and says they came in response to your reinforcement call. Kyoichi is put out by the Kaibutsu having turned up over here though, especially since he had already checked out of work mentally earlier. Akashi thanks the two for coming and apologizes for calling them out of their party.
Kyoichi waves it off and says he could never turn down his cute kouhai. That aside, Kyoichi asks for an update on how far the Kaibutsu have gotten. Huckle sadly informs him that you guys still don't have a clear picture on that, but he suggests that based on how they work you should think that the monsters are infesting the whole park. Kyoichi isn't surprised, then tells you guys they've already split into groups.
Ryekie is surprised by this and asks if he's talking about Shouen and Toshu. Kyoichi confirms and says the two of them have headed to the station area where there's a shortage of people. He and Flamier came to meet with you guys to get apprised of things and forward the information to them. Ryekie nods at this and says having everyone grouped together would take more time than needed to comb the park. He then thanks the Heroic Educators for their cooperation. You either comment on that being a rational strategy or be disappointed since you wanted to see the others too. B gets an extra line where Kyoichi laughs sympathetically and says you can see them whenever things are done, so you'll just have to make do with him.
As it turns out, Subaru is trying to hide behind Mokdai, who is weirded out by this and awkwardly tells him he's starting to stick out behind him. Subaru moans that he should have lost some weight, and Kyoichi notices him soon after, which Subaru is unhappy about. Kyoichi happily greets Subaru and comments on the coincidence of him being here too. Flamier recognizes Subaru in some surprise and tries to remember where she had seen him before. Kyoichi says Subaru hasn't come to visit lately so he hasn't seen him in forever, and he's happy to see him now. Subaru is not pleased to be seeing him and tells him to not put his arm over his shoulder since he's uncomfortably hot.
You ask how Kyoichi and Subaru know each other, so Kyoichi tells you they've been friends since back when they lived in their home town of Sendai. Once they entered middle school, Subaru moved to Hamamatsu (in Western Shizuoka Prefecture). Despite the distance, Kyoichi says they kept in touch and are great friends. Subaru however denies being friends with him and says he was forced to interact with Kyoichi because he wouldn't go away. Kyoichi isn't put off by this as he brings up that they used to bathe and sleep together when they were in elementary school. Subaru sputters at this, telling him to not bring stuff like that as he calls him annoying.
Akashi is surprised at the display and says it reminds him of his relationship with you. Sui wonders if they're childhood friends as she notes that Subaru is speaking a lot more casually to Kyoichi. You either comment on how well they get along, go all ara ara oh my at them, or express jealousy at them bathing together. C gets an extra part where Kyoichi is totally okay with bathing with you. Subaru points out that you never specified wanting to bathe with him as he calls Kyoichi excessively self-conscious. Kyoichi however flips it around and asks if Subaru's saying he'd be okay with bathing with you. Subaru gets embarrassed as he blushes and denies the idea.
Anyways, Flamier giggles as she says the two are getting along so well it makes her smile. Subaru denies the idea and says if anything, they have a terrible relationship and would like to get that on record. Kyoichi is taken aback at this rejection, though he says he's used to it. Subaru tells him he's misunderstanding and that he doesn't have time to horse around with him, then asks Kyoichi if he even knows why he's there. Kyoichi says he knows of course and is actually reassured to know Subaru is around. He knows how strong a hero Subaru is and will be counting on him. Subaru snorts, then tells Kyoichi to get going then.
Flamier also says to Kyoichi that they should get going...because she can't hold herself back anymore. She says that ever since they agreed to help out came to this resort town, she's been smelling the scent of sulfur, which she describes as the fragrant cologne (re: materials) that makes blue flowers (re: fires) bloom.
You start getting a little freaked out at Flamier wriggling in place and notice her eyes look different. Mokdai remembers at this point where he'd seen Flamier before and starts to talk about how she is after she transforms when Flamier suddenly gasps and says she wants to enjoy seeing the field of flowers (re: sea of flames) as soon as possible and runs off through the shadows of a nearby building. Kyoichi freaks out at this and says something terrible will happen if he leaves her alone.
Akashi starts to ask Kyoichi what he means when this giant explosion sound blows up from the direction Flamier ran off in. Kyoichi yells and excuses himself before running off after her, pleading for her to stop with her 'flower picking' and promising to fight. Huckle is baffled at the euphemism and says he heard something that would more likely make flowers scatter and burn. Mokdai then picks up from where he was saying and says she really is the mad scientist hero who can make gunpowder out of anything and cause explosions wherever she goes. You take note of the causing explosion bits and call it freaky. Ryekie wonders if it's okay to leave them be, and Akashi thinks it probably is given what Kyoichi said. Subaru suggests Flamier may be a terrifying person to drag Kyoichi around like that.
Time passes as the party ascends a large stairway towards the large inn at the northern mountain area. Mokdai is running out of breath and asks how many steps you've climbed already. Huckle doesn't know himself, but he says you guys have to deal with it, even if seeing how far you have to go still is spirit crushing. Akashi notes that the back of Mokdai's shirt is soaked through, then gives him a sports drink he has on hand to drink.
Ryekie is doing surprisingly just fine as he calls the other two weak.
He also brings up that Huckle had great legs back when he was a hero.
Huckle is taken aback as he says that was years ago, so he's lost his
old stamina and muscle. You either comment that the two fat guys seem to
be at their limit, say you're already tired, or ask Akashi to piggyback
you. A has an extra bit where Mokdai protests being grouped with
Huckle. He starts to admit he's heavier than Huckle before he decides to
ask him what he weighs now. Huckle responds by asking if Mokdai has
ever heard of the Earth expression 'pissing contest.' C has a different
extra bit where Akashi is surprised by the request as he tells you to
walk on your own since he won't do that much for you.
At this point Sui notices that someone is missing from the party. Akashi also realizes Subaru is gone and starts to ask where he went when Subaru walks over from a side path, commenting on making it at the same time you guys did and how faster than he expected you guys are on foot. You are shocked by this and ask if he warped himself while Akashi also asks where Subaru came from and how he passed you guys. Subaru answers he didn't really pass you guys and points to an elevator he used. Since the resort has such steep slopes, there are elevators like that everywhere.
Mokdai complains that Subaru should have told you guys earlier while you either tell Subaru not to be lazy or call him a jerk. Subaru is taken aback at the complaints and argues that being human is about using the tools of civilization. He doesn't like getting sweaty, so he chose to use the elevator. Huckle reminds you guys that your current goal isn't climbing to the top in itself, and Akashi says it's to find Nessen as he says it'd be a problem if they got split up.
Subaru says that since you guys took the stairs, there wasn't a problem. And if it turned out Nessen took an elevator you guys would have missed him, though this worked out. Akashi admits he has a point, even if he is ticked about it. Sui interrupts to point out that someone is coming from above, and this soon turns out to be Nessen. Both sides are surprised to see each other, and you call out to Nessen and say you've finally found him.
Nessen asks in surprise why you guys are here and asks you guys to go back since it's dangerous. Akashi refuses the suggestion as he says you all came because it's too much for Nessen to do on his own. Mokdai agrees and says that since there's a chance Kaibutsu can appear anywhere in the resort, it's too reckless to let Nessen go solo and asks that he let you guys help. Mokdai then catches sight of something, and Nessen follows his line of sight to realize he saw the cut on his hand, which he then hides.
Nessen tries to tell you guys that you don't need to worry, asking you to leave it to him so he won't trouble you guys. It's his job after all to protect the resort customers. Ryekie argues against the point and points out that Nessen is hurt, but Nessen insists that he's responsible for the town since he created it. He thanks you guys for your concern, but he asks you guys to go back again since he doesn't want you guys in any more danger. Nessen then spins on his heels and runs down a side path. Akashi tries calling after him, then calls Nessen stubborn when he fails to stop. You think about how obstinate Nessen is, say his sense of responsibility is too big, or say Akashi doesn't really have room to say that. C gets an extra line where he admits he knows he is, but he's not that bad.
Huckle says it looks like you'll have to intervene, even if it seems overbearing. He points out that it would take Nessen too much time to sweep the entire park, and in his current state he'd face life-threatening danger. Subaru agrees and suggests going after him, then says there should be a hot bath area up ahead. The party then runs down the same path after Nessen.
Camera follows Nessen for a moment, and the bath area he gets to has no customers but a lot of Kaibutsu around. Clearly the former was eaten by the latter. Nessen declares he won't let the monsters hurt the guests and the town any more as he calls the desk over his phone for a transformation. You guys arrive soon after as Akashi says this is pretty far in and looks for Nessen. Ryekie picks up on the sounds of fighting and points the way to the open air baths.
Nessen is fighting the Kaibutsu as narration describes him as being dressed like a male bathhouse attendant and carrying a board that's about as tall as he is, which he swings around wrapped with the water he makes at specified temperatures against the monsters. His attacks force them to gather in one location, where he then uses a single attack to destroy the lot in one strike. You either say Nessen is strong, cool, or wearing a sexy outfit. A has Akashi agree. B has Akashi be the one to bring up how strong Nessen is. C has Akashi react in shock demanding to know where you're looking before telling you to focus on the battle.
Anyways, Nessen is clearly struggling to keep things up. Huckle says it's obvious how hurt Nessen is and how bad the situation is. Ryekie agrees, noting that Nessen isn't broadcasting the fight and is sticking with only his Operator as the audience. Mokdai tries to suggest having your cameras running, but Nessen refuses the idea. Akashi is surprised Nessen has noticed your guys being here, but argues Nessen is already running ragged. If it goes on like this, Nessen will go down and everything will be for nothing.
Nessen tells you guys not to worry about him since he's chosen to give himself up for the town. Whatever happens here can't be allowed to spread to the world, and Nessen still insists on not causing the customers undue worry. Before he says any more, more Kaibutsu start arriving and jumping over the fence as Sui points out. Nessen repeats that he needs to handle this and says he'll carry all the responsibilities for the town, then attacks.
Huckle says Nessen's determination is commendable, but he's being too reckless. Subaru suggests that Nessen has only ever fought against villains since he's always in town and Kaibutsu normally don't appear around here, so he isn't fighting in a way suited for the monsters. Sui notes that Nessen's hero suit is almost falling apart, and between the steam fogging things up and his fatigue, the path is weakening. If Nessen takes any more attacks he'll be left defenseless.
Akashi is about to say something, but more Kaibutsu show up and start surrounding Nessen. He desperately tries to fight back, but his guard drops as one attacks from behind, and Nessen falls to his knees. Mokdai calls out to Nessen to try to warn him, and Nessen manages to use his board to block the monsters. They do however disarm Nessen unfortunately, who starts bemoaning how he has to defend the place.
Akashi can't stand to watch anymore as he turns to you and Huckle. You agree to help, and Huckle gives his permission to fight since it'll be too dangerous for Nessen if this goes on any further. Mokdai says he's tuned his camera to the smallest possible broadcast range, which would be the airwaves of the southeast part of Orient City. The average amount of possible viewers will be unstable, but that's the most that it can be pushed in consideration of Nessen's feelings. Mokdai then says he'll join the fight too and asks Ryekie to do camera duty. Ryekie agrees and tells you guys to be careful. You either talk to Akashi, Mokdai, or call out the group transformation. In A, Akashi says he'll handle it as he asks you to handle the operation. In B, Mokdai nods and asks you to operate.
Subaru sighs at how much of a pain Nessen is being, then asks you to
handle him too. Back to Nessen, he's panting as he says the water isn't
hot enough. If there were more viewers he could make it hotter, but he
still isn't willing to do that. A Kaibutsu tries to ambush him, and it
does manage to catch Nessen off guard. Subaru however intervenes by
writing and narrating that the Kaibutsu gets stuck midair, then signals
to the others once that takes effect. Akashi and Mokdai then attack with
their basic attacks, and Nessen is surprised by you guys joining in as
the monster disappears.
Subaru comments that they made it in time and says he personally feels his pen went faster then. Akashi apologizes for butting in, but he says he's joining the fight. Mokdai also informs Nessen that the battle is being broadcasted now and apologizes, though he notes the area has been limited. Nessen attempts to talk the party out of it, but Akashi shoots him down saying they came to help because he was in trouble. If something happened to him, then nothing would be fixed.
Nessen is shocked at the point and doesn't have an argument. Huckle talks to Nessen saying he'd like to respect his feelings, but due to the danger to his life they're stepping in. Nessen's agency affiliation the S&S Heroes have approved of the video transmission and have transferred their command authority over to you guys. Huckle then asks Nessen to fight while prioritizing his safety.
Nessen's clothes start repairing with the views coming in, and he doesn't respond. Huckle turns to you as he passes on a message from Nessen's Operator. "Please take care of that pig head." Huckle says he'll give you his best support, then says he's leaving the actual battle commanding to you. You acknowledge this and wish the four heroes out there good luck. Akashi gets determined to fight it out, and Mokdai notes that there are a lot now, but you guys should be able to handle it. Subaru says he's not good at cooperating, but he'll do his best for this. Nessen doesn't say anything, but he does take up a attack stance against the Kaibutsu. Huckle notes that he's accepted this, and Ryekie announces the resumption of the battle as the episode battle starts.
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