Live A Hero Midsummer Hero Festival Episode 8

Title card pops up, and this episode is called Goodbye! Fun Summer Festival

It is the last day of the weeklong Hero City Summer Festival, and things tune in at Parallel Flight's beach cafe at the festival stall area. Ryekie confirms that the gas and the water service for the office's stall has been shut off to Huckle, so Huckle checks that off the list and says all that's left is turning the place over to the dismantlers. Mokdai comments on how quickly things went, saying the week was busy but fun. Akashi agrees, saying he only came as a visitor (despite working the business's stove for a while?), but he's picked up a lot of experiences he wouldn't have had if he didn't help with the shop. Pretty stimulating stuff.

Sui giggles a little, noting that Akashi spent most of his time in the kitchen, but when he got to the counter he received fan letters. He also got requests for his autograph, so he asked Ryekie to show him how to do that. Akashi gets embarrassed as he tries to excuse himself, saying it was the first time he had fans ask something like that from him. Mokdai laughs, saying that's proof Akashi's being recognized as a hero and encouraging him to be more proud of himself. Akashi is taken aback at the idea as he says it feels weird. You either take an interest that customers like that came, say you wish you could've spent more time running the shop with everyone, or say Akashi is cool. B gets an extra line of Akashi shrugging but asking why you look so sad about it, though he does note you were the only one doing something different. C gets a different bit of Akashi getting embarrassed again and accusing you of making fun of him. Sui is surprised as she comments on Akashi not being used to being complimented by people aside from her. Then like in B, Akashi comments on you looking sad and noting you were off doing something else.

Mokdai admits he was a little jealous that you could go join the Hero Grand Prix, but he still says you did a great job in it and is glad you managed to get first place with the team. Akashi agrees as he says he and Mokdai were watching from the stands. Pretty crazy you started this week knowing nothing about the festival and ended it taking a team to the crown. You thank the two of them, get a little happily embarrassed, or sigh that it was rough.

Huckle approves of the fact that you gained a lot of experience over the course of the festival, and he hopes that next year the whole agency can participate. Ryekie will be fine by then, and his return to hero duty means the office will have enough members to go in. Ryekie gets excited at the idea and suggests that you guys all aim for the top then, and he tells everyone to be ready for his special training. Sui is concerned at this and wonders if she could keep up with Ryekie's regimen. Mokdai is freaked out as he says he has trouble keeping up with the running he has to do know. Akashi is resigned as he tells them they'll get used to it quick. He has already. You note that Akashi is the only one looking far ahead, wonder what Ryekie makes him do for training, and/or ask Ryekie to go easy on them.

Crowne walks up at this point, asking in surprise if you guys are done closing up shop. She mentions the other agencies are closing up their stands too, so the ones run by civilians are starting to get lines. She suggests checking them out quick as she munches on something, and Mokdai is taken aback to find out she went off buying stuff while she was gone. He also asks about the squid and beer she has, complaining that he wants some too. Sui sighs about Crowne being shrewd.

Crowne tries to placate the two and suggests they go buy some quick. She also tells Sui that the stand that makes that pretty fruit candy she had her eyes on is still open, which causes Sui to hesitate for a bit since she wants some. Huckle chuckles at this and suggests that the rest of the agency go look around the festival too. They never got a chance to go enjoy the other stalls, so they ought to at least go today. In fact, he offers to treat everyone for all their hard work. You get excited at this and thank Huckle, or you can say you love him. C gets an extra bit where it turns out you also go hug him, prompting Huckle to tell you to stop in surprise as he says he's still pretty sweaty.

Akashi gets excited and cheers as he says there's a ton of stuff he wants to eat. Mokdai follows suit and wonders aloud where he or everyone should go. He then specifically wonders about whether a BBQ beef kebob shop is still open. Crowne gets dismayed saying she could've waited a little longer and not use her own money on things. Ryekie laughs and says HE's going to go eat on Huckle's dime at least, but Huckle walks up behind them and informs them he's not paying for them. They're a bit too casual with his generosity so they'll have to pay their own way, causing the two to loudly complain.

Time passes as it starts to get dark out, and Parallel Flight is wandering around through the festival stall area. It's crowded and lively, just like a summer festival should be. Mokdai comments on the crowds, noting it really is the last day of the festival. He also notes on there being heroes here and there, with everyone having fun. Sui mentions that when she comes with Maculata, it's usually also on the last day. She'd always buy the candy she has. Akashi really likes the fries he has and suggests you try one. You either accept his offer and take one, say you're holding off on fried foods, or ask Akashi to feed you. B gets an extra line of Akashi noting that they are a little oily, but that isn't really stopping him from munching on them. C gets a different extra line of Akashi being shocked but agreeing to do so anyway.

Anyways, Ryekie is excited as he shows everyone all the water balloon yoyos he got out of one of the festival games. Huckle is exasperated as he asks what he wants with all the yoyos, saying Ryekie isn't a kid anymore. Ryekie is embarrassed as he tries to say it's fine since he'll play with them all until they're used up. Crowne points out there's only one way to play with them though, and Mokdai gets curious as he notices some people coming your way.

Kyoichi, Shouen, and Toshu turn up in their summer clothes, and Kyoichi excitedly greets you guys as he sees you're all together. He immediately segues into going all "owo wats this" at Akashi until Akashi slugs him, sighing about how he's always doing that every summer. You either comment on how Akashi just went right into it, ask Kyoichi if he's okay, or be amazed to see Kyoichi in street clothes. B gets extra lines of Kyoichi trying to laugh it off and saying he's fine while Akashi sighs about asking him to stop groping him. C has different extra lines where Kyoichi says it's the festival and all, so he figured he'd dress lighter. Akashi points out that Kyoichi is a lot tanner than usual and asks about that, so Kyoichi explains that he chaperones the kids at his school pool.

Toshu sighs at Kyoichi and tells him to be a little more festival appropriate. Shouen doesn't take in what happened to comment on how nice a chilled cucumber is as he eats it, which prompts Toshu to remind him you guys are here. Shouen quickly apologizes and blushes madly. You either compliment Toshu's casual clothes, be amazed to see Shouen in a yukata, or ask where Marfik went. In A, Toshu is surprised but says it's nice to be complimented. He figured he should wear something with good mobility when going to a festival, and he's proud of it looking good. In B, Shouen is surprised as he mentions his sash wasn't long enough when he got dressed, so he was worried about it. But since you think it looks nice, he's feeling a bit happier about it. In C, Toshu needs a moment to process the question before he remembers you saw Marfik at the arena earlier. Shouen answers that Marfik left to go back on his investigations, and Toshu sighs at how busy he is.

Anyways, Ryekie laughs and says it's good how everyone is together and dressed up. Huckle asks the trio if they're looking around the festival, so Kyoichi confirms and says everyone was free because of the tournament. Toshu says he's not really at the age to loudly have fun at one and wonders if he should have said no earlier. Sui then notices something stuck to Toshu's mane on his chin, which Shouen says it's the cotton candy he was eating earlier. Toshu is shocked at this and initially attempts to deny it before just apologizing.

Crowne comments that it's a pretty cute thing for Toshu to be eating. Akashi laughs and comments that Toshu's having a good time too, prompting Toshu to get mad at him for laughing. Toshu then threatens Akashi with an origami shinai, causing Akashi to freak out and point out that they're in public. He also asks why Toshu is only threatening him and not Crowne, so Toshu says Akashi was the only one to laugh. Mokdai starts wondering if Akashi actually wants to piss Toshu off given how often it happens, but Kyoichi opines that it's just a matter of Toshu being that easy to set off. Shouen laughs and says they're still young.

Kyoichi then changes the subject as he remembers that UEHA was looking for you guys earlier and mentions so. He told them you guys might be around the stalls still, but he's feeling kinda bad about that. Huckle is surprised to hear UEHA may be looking for you guys, and you wonder why they would be and suggest going back to where the agency's stall was.

Huckle agrees with the idea of going back and says as much when he ends up bumping into Monomasa. Monomasa doesn't say anything in response to this, and Huckle apologizes for walking into him. Monomasa decides to apologize himself and asks if Huckle got hurt. When Huckle says he's fine, Monomasa says that's fine and excuses himself. Sui is a little shaken by the encounter, saying Monomasa was a little scary, but ultimately a kind person. Mokdai is thinking to himself, and Akashi asks if he's thinking about him when he notices. Mokdai nods in response and says he feels he's seen him somewhere before. You wonder if he's a hero, villain, or stay quiet, and in any case Mokdai is unsure as he continues thinking on it. Scene then briefly follows Monomasa as he meets with Melide on some rooftop. She asks him if something wrong, but Monomasa says it's nothing before commenting to himself about apparently recognizing someone among you guys.

Time passes as the group returns to where their cafe stall was where you find the guys from UEHA waiting around. Okitaka notices you guys coming back, greeting you guys as he says they were looking for you all. He was just about to try calling too. Huckle apologizes for keeping them waiting and says they should've let informed them they'd be elsewhere, but Okitaka waves it off saying they're the ones who showed up unannounced.

Barrel greets the office and notes he saw you only a little while ago. Gammei tells Barrel off for eating and speaking at the same time since he's getting stuff everywhere, so Barrel apologizes and scarfs whatever it is down quickly. Furlong is glad they found you guys in time, adding that there's still time to go buy some stall food too. Victom says it'd still be better to hurry since it might take longer than expected.

You ask what they're talking about, but Ryekie figures it out and remembers that it IS the last day of the festival. Barrel tells him he's right, but Crowne says she doesn't get what they're getting at. She tries asking about what they mean, but Okitaka decides to play coy and says it'll be more exciting to wait and find out if they don't know. Mokdai clues in at this point, so he suggests buying some beer. He also asks if you guys are going to go somewhere else and asks where in particular. Barrel just laughs and says you guys should just follow them and find out.

Time passes as the UEHA heroes take you guys to the rooftop of a building near the festival grounds. Up there you have both a view of the whole festival below and the sea of the night up above. Akashi asks about the spot since he doesn't see anyone else around, so Gammei explains that they're on the police bachelor hostel. His own room happens to be right underneath you guys. Most everyone else residing there is out for the day, so the rooftop has been reserved for everyone there. Sui says it's a nice spot and figures the view from up there would be nice during the day. Okitaka laughs and says you guys are gonna be seeing something nice during the night.

You ask Okitaka what he means, but Ryekie says it's starting and directs everyone's attention to the direction of the sea. Loud explosions start going off as fireworks are launched, shining the surroundings in an array of colors. You are amazed at the display, as is Akashi who says he usually has to see it while in the middle of a huge crowd. Huckle is pleased as he calls the rooftop a special secret spot to watch the fireworks from. Furlong laughs as he says UEHA comes to that spot every year, and Victom prompts everyone to get something to eat before it gets cold.

Mokdai is surprised to see Victom laying out so much food and asks if they paid for that much. Okitaka says it's fine since they got so much to thank you guys. You ask what he means, so Barrel says it's thanks for both you for leading the team to the championship while Furlong says it's a thank you to Parallel Flight for letting you help them. In other words, it's a party to celebrate everyone's efforts as Victom says.

Ryekie is excited about you guys having a party, and Crowne is surprised to see so much alcohol and soft drinks around. Okitaka says the soft drinks are because there's minors and a lightweight. Sui is curious who Okitaka is talking about if she's the minor, and Akashi realizes in shock after a moment it'd be him as he asks how Okitaka found out about that. Barrel tells him he heard about that from Mokdai some time before, where at this welcoming party Akashi got drunk on the booze. Akashi gets mad at Mokdai for blabbing about this, and Mokdai apologizes in a panic as he says it was an indirect question at the time. You are either mildly surprised at Akashi being a lightweight or get ideas about getting Akashi drunk. B gets an extra bit where Mokdai suggests against that, saying Akashi got so drunk Mokdai had to take him to his own house instead of where Akashi lives. Akashi then cuts him off out of embarrassment.

Ryekie comments that the world takes all kinds of people as he considers which drink to get, but Huckle stops him from trying to get a kiwi highball. Ryekie protests it should be okay for the one day, but Crowne sighs that they'd rather not have to drag his sloshed ass back if he does.

Time passes a bit later where Barrel asks if everyone has a drink, then asks Okitaka and Huckle to lead everyone for a toast. Huckle is shocked at being asked to make a speech too, but Okitaka points out they're the two bosses of their groups as he suggests they just stand together and get to it. He also brings up that they used to fight together and are good friends who exchanged drinks. Huckle says that's true, but he says he's bad at these kinds of things.

Despite his protests, Huckle gets up and doesn't seem that against it as he takes a spot next to Okitaka. Huckle keeps his speech short by thanking everyone for all they've done the past week. Parallel Flight is still a small agency right now, and things may get tough for everyone. But even so, he hopes that everyone will stick it out and stick around. Okitaka applauds his team's efforts and celebrates how UEHA won the crown thanks to you helping out. The top brass of their agency is celebrating it too, and he encourages the two offices to work together more to save the people of the city. And on that note, Okitaka raises his drink to a toast for the day's work and his hopes that their hero work will get better as time goes on. Everyone toasts as well, and all present enjoys themselves on the last night of the summer festival while fireworks continue to fly in the sky. The End.

Hell's Hot Paradise Epilogue

Someone once said that to live is to pile upon more impurity onto yourself. There are plenty of times where you must choose between the needs of the many and the needs of the one. And there are plenty of times where you are forced to choose whether to do something for yourself or to do something for someone else. There are plenty of times where you don't have the time to consider which you'd choose to do, or where the important choices won't make it in time.

When a choice is presented to you, you may feel as though you are unable to choose. You might have chosen one thing or you might have chosen another, but neither gets selected. Every time that happens, you get hurt and worry. You may choose regardless, but you press on holding doubts as to whether your choice was right. Eventually, you may start thinking of those regrets as a part of you. You believe that you have done something unpardonable, so you believe the sin of it is something that can't be separated from you. When that impurity sticks to you, you believe that you must be that way.

However, this also is just another belief you may be caught up in. Maybe living is sinning, but that doesn't mean you have to carry it forever. If you want to, you can take it along. Or you could set it down and leave it behind. Onamuji then takes over narration to welcome you to the hot springs town of hell and asks how your stay was. You do look fatigued to have gotten so far, but he asks if you've managed to get some of the grime off yourself. But it's about time for you to go, isn't it? Time flies when you're having fun, so be careful on your way back. Sarutahiko then throws in a line about how he'll move forward from there.

Title card pops up, and the epilogue is titled The Days Returning to Life

Scene then tunes over at the casino where Xolotl looks at the clock and says it's time for him to go or else he'll be late for his meeting. He then turns to Hakumen saying he's taken the day off and is about to go. Hakumen casually tells him to go and not be late. It's noted that Xolotl looks more cheerful and confident than he has before, and Xolotl asks if Hakumen will be okay with him gone. Hakumen finds this funny, assuring him there's no need to worry since she'll be going to a beauty salon. Just before Xolotl leaves though, Hakumen decides to tell him he's done good. Xolotl is taken aback at this and asks if she remembers what happened in Hell. Hakumen cocks her head to the side and says she doesn't know what he means. She just thought it'd be fine to compliment him once in a while. Xolotl accepts this as he thanks her, saying working hard was worth it. Hakumen thinks he's being weird, but shrugs it off as she heads out herself.

Scene then shifts to the police station where Daikoku is ending training drills for the day and tells everyone they did well. Tajikarao thanks him and decides to invite him to socialize. Daikoku declines saying he has something he can't step away from, though he admits it is just going to a bathhouse with some friends. He does encourage Tajikarao to ask him again another time, saying that maybe he'll join then if he feels like it. Tajikarao accepts this and asks Daikoku be careful on his way over.

Daikoku leaves the station, and it turns out Mineaki is standing outside waiting for him. Daikoku jokes that Mineaki must be excited to come get him, but Mineaki says he's here to make sure he shows up and not disappoint Zhurong. Daikoku comments on Mineaki not trusting him despite all he did to help during the incident, and he brings up he could have just ignored everything and escaped on his own. Mineaki sighs at this, but then suggests they talk as they walk, and the two of them seem to have their own fun as they verbally snipe at each other the whole way.

Scene shifts again over to the Berserkers' arena where Kamui is sparring with Xolotl. Xolotl concedes the fight when Kamui pulls out his NP with a kick at him, noting how strong Kamui is. Kamui however say it was a good training match for himself too, and he says Xolotl can ask him to spar whenever he likes as he refers to him as a close friend. The fight was a lot more hardcore than sparring would imply, so Kamui suggests taking a break for the time being. Xolotl thanks him, then asks if Kamui changed in some way. Kamui says he might have after a moment, saying it's thanks to Xolotl.

Narration talks about how Kamui has always carried the guilt and the past where he had sent the children he raised to their deaths. He thought he'd never be forgiven for it as long as he lived. But if he still couldn't be forgiven after death, then the same thing would've happened to the children he raised again. If there is a next time, then he's thought about how he wants to share his fate with them until his end comes. If that wish were to come true, then that may be the time when he sees what comes next and moves on as well.

Scene then shifts to your end as you reach Asakusa with Zhurong, who nods about how nice the streets there are and how it reminds him of Hourai. You either wave Zhurong over to where you are, say you like Asakusa's streets too, or comment on him being there so quick. Zhurong is looking around at things through his camera, and he greets you and says it's been a while. He notes himself it hasn't actually been that long though, and while he does see you at school every day it just felt like a while after not seeing you for a bit. Zhurong thanks you for coming with him today, and he's heard the rest of the party will be there soon.

You ask Zhurong if it's okay for him to take pictures with his camera, so Zhurong tells you Mineaki told him about the Kamata Crafters. They took a look at his camera and modded it so it won't activate on its own anymore. He looks happy as he holds his camera up, and it's been a few days since the incident has happened. The rumors of Awakage-sama have died down too, like it was never a thing to begin with. At the same time, the only ones who seem to remember what happened at Hell is the party.

You wonder aloud why only you guys remember what had happened. Zhurong says he gets the feeling that there's a commonality between everyone who remembers, which he theorizes is everyone carrying someone within themselves who lent them power. He's not sure if it's actually correct, but that's what he tells you. Narration talks about how the Color Out of Space absorbed the roles and powers that defined their lives from the people of Tokyo. But even among those people were those who had another person living within themselves, and maybe they allowed you guys to remember.

Zhurong figures you must have someone within you who isn't actually you. He himself has Zhurong, and while he can't delineate himself from him now, he hopes that he can thank him one day. You say it'd be nice to talk to them one day, say you don't get the feeling at all, or consider talking to Solomon later on. Zhurong says it's thanks to Zhurong that he can be together with everyone, and narration talks about how Colorong absorbed and fused with Zhurong and gained a life he could live in Tokyo. He can't see where the two of them separate yet, but he hopes that he one day will. It'd be nice if one day the Color Out of Space will get his own body, then say thank you and goodbye to Zhurong. Zhurong then suggests that you guys go inside the bathhouse since that's where you're all meeting. He's also finished up his newspaper article and wants to show Sarutahiko, and so he runs off ahead.

Once you two are at the bathhouse, Zhurong calls out to Sarutahiko. Sarutahiko greets him and notes he's earlier than the agreed upon time. Zhurong laughs and says he wanted to show him his finished article. He's all smiles as he hands it over, but Sarutahiko doesn't pick it up. You ask Sarutahiko if he's alright since you notice he's pale and shaking. Sarutahiko admits he's scared of looking at it and seeing there's stuff written about people trashing the place because of him. Zhurong continues smiling and assures him it's fine as he says he knows how great Sarutahiko is.

Sarutahiko still won't take the newspaper, which prompts the oni running the place to come down from the attendant's booth to nag at him. The oni asks if Sarutahiko has that little faith in his work, but Sarutahiko brings up the boss called him an incompetent doofus before. The oni gets exasperated at this, denying he said that and saying Sarutahiko misheard him. Sarutahiko insists he totally said it as he's not the type to just forget anything said about him.

The argument goes on for a bit before the boss oni visibly seems to remember something. Sarutahiko jumps at this and says he wasn't lying about. The oni says he wasn't calling him a liar, but he asks if Sarutahiko remembers what he said after that. Sarutahiko falters at this question as he admits he didn't because of the slander. The oni teases him about running away and asks if he cried like a little baby, so Sarutahiko blushes like mad as he admits he did and hid out back to do so. He still wanted to repay the boss for taking him in though, so he did his best to get his approval.

Seeing Sarutahiko ball his fists up in frustration makes the boss oni awkwardly scratch underneath his nose, calling him a dope as he says he and all the customers know about his efforts. He points at Zhurong's newspaper, which drives Sarutahiko to finally open up if reluctantly so. There are some comments written in about how the bathhouse has a homey feeling and the bath house attendant there working so hard inspires them to try harder too. Another person says Sarutahiko talked to them a lot there, and they always have fun when he does.

The boss oni says that if he were to hand over the business to someone else, Sarutahiko's the only person he can think of to do so. He just never said so out loud before because he's sure Sarutahiko would have let it go to his head. The oni's voice then drops to a whisper as he tells Sarutahiko to stop looking so sad as he thanks him for everything. He quickly walks off to his post to hide his embarrassment, and it doesn't take too long before Sarutahiko and Zhurong to start sniffling and ugly crying.

You either express exasperation at how much the two cry, try to comfort them, or say Onamuji would be worried if he saw them now. Sarutahiko gets embarrassed and tells you to not look at him, claiming he got something into his eyes. Zhurong on the other hand wails and says he's glad for Sarutahiko, and everyone watches with mild smiles on their faces as they wait for the two to stop.

Zhurong eventually remembers something and asks if Sarutahiko looked at the whole article and found that special message for him. He points to a space in the paper where a brief comment from Onamuji is inserted: "I'm glad you were here. Let's meet again. Your proud friend, Onamuji" Zhurong says he managed to get it from Onamuji just before they came back. He excitedly asks Sarutahiko is surprised, only to be surprised himself when Sarutahiko grabs him in a hug. Zhurong tries getting Sarutahiko to let him go by saying it's starting to hurt, so Sarutahiko promises to take him somewhere with some good food next time. Zhurong cheers at this and thanks him, but Sarutahiko says it should be him that's thanking Zhurong.

As the two awkwardly tell each other how they feel, Mineaki and the others arrive at the bath house. He comments on the three of you being here already and is glad to see you guys are okay. Daikoku compliments the place and notes that Sarutahiko's presence is a sign of how closely the cleaning is done. Kamui greets Zhurong, asking how he is and noting that he probably doesn't need to worry since he seems fine. Xolotl suggests that they take a group picture with Zhurong's camera since they're all there. The party is reunited after the hell incident, and Sarutahiko clears his throat before officially welcoming everyone to the bath house. The End.

Live A Hero Midsummer Hero Festival Episode 7

The next day after where we left off, we tune in at the stadium as the O-1 Hero Grand Prix is going through the last battle of the A block team tournament. Toshu signals to Kyoichi, and Kyoichi moves to attack against UEHA Japan. Victom however intercepts and uses his surfboard as a shield to Kyoichi's surprise. Furlong says he'll cover for Victom and sprays his water, which causes Kyoichi to lose his footing. Marfik then intervenes by using his ultimate to summon an old fortress watchtower as a wall for Heroic Educators.

Furlong is surprised by the building suddenly popping up, and Kyoichi thanks Marfik for saving him. Marfik waves it off, but he reminds them they can't turtle away since the wall will only last a few minutes. Also the fortress wall he summoned is from late 1700s Japan and made of wood in the Edo period, so it won't hold up against much attacks either. UEHA is starting to break through as Marfik points out, so Shouen says he'll cast one of his words when it does break. Toshu then plans to charge in after that and continues discussing the attack plan.

On the other side of the wall, Barrel open fires on the wall and says the other team only has this moment to hide away. Cracks start appearing on the wall as he attacks, and Okitaka suggests leaving the wall breaking to Barrel. The bigger issue is what will happen after the walls come down, and he predicts that the other party will attack then. He thinks aloud about how there's plenty of possible plans, but he thinks it's likely going to center around Shouen. So in that case, Okitaka suggests Formation O-F and says he'll be counting on you. You either respond affirmatively or ask Okitaka what that formation is. The latter gets an extra line of Okitaka being taken aback and having to quickly explain using sound effects for the people assigned O and F, even though I'm pretty sure he's just using initials for these.

Anyways, Victom points out that the wall is coming down and that the team needs to get ready. The whole building Marfik summoned fades away from getting destroyed, and Shouen jumps out to writecast "Board." Okitaka sees that he was correct, so he opens up his fan and twists himself around to swing at the word and sends a blast of wind at it. The word hangs suspended in the air while the wind attacks the other team. Shouen is surprised at this, and Okitaka prompts you to continue with the plan. You respond affirmatively and signal to Furlong as you send him a ton of VP. Furlong thanks you as he aims at the word, firing his ultimate to break it. The word dissolves back into ink, which then rains on Team Heroic Educators.

Marfik spits out some of the inky water saying he swallowed some of it, and Shouen is dejected about this turn of events. They've also had their transformations undone, and it's noted Toshu and Kyoichi are down for the count too. The announcer calls the end of the match and declares the winners of Block A to be Team UEHA Japan and going on to the finals. Heroic Educators will be fighting for third place and the rankings will be sorted out then.

You cheer about the team winning, thank everyone for their efforts, and/or wonder if the other team is okay. Barrel cheers about making it to the finals and hugs Furlong. Furlong is embarrassed as he tells Barrel to stop that since they're in front of so many people. Kyoichi is disappointed they lost but notes that you guys are pretty strong and, Toshu admits you guys outplayed them. Kyoichi then notes that the ink is getting sticky and considers just jumping as is into the ocean for a swim, prompting Toshu to yell at him to not pollute the the water. Shouen mumbles that he feels his ink isn't that dirty, so Toshu backtracks in shock about how he didn't mean it like that. Marfik laughs about how the team is the same as always and comments that it's nice to come back to Earth after a while.

Title card pops up, and this episode is called Fight! Midsummer Hero Festival

Scene then shifts to UEHA's waiting room as Okitaka thanks everyone for their work and getting them so far. He also thanks you, saying it was worth it staying up late to come up with so many plans. You either compliment Okitaka, start to say something about what it means to get here so smoothly, or say you're drowsy from sleep deprivation. C gets an extra line of Okitaka being concerned for you, asking if you can hang in a little longer since there's one battle left.

Gammei asks what's going on since it's both weird that Okitaka stepped up to fight in a battle and partnered up with someone who wasn't a veteran Operator for strategizing. And yet despite you joining temporarily for the tournament, he's surprised Okitaka could pull something like the strategy just now out of his sleeves. Victom snorts in amusement.

Barrel changes the subject to ask who the team is going to be going up against, already excited to go. Okitaka checks his phone or whatever, then informs you guys the other finalists are from S&S HEROS. You think on the name on a bit and say you feel you've heard it somewhere before, so Okitaka explains it's the hero agency for heroes who also do work in inns, hotels, and department store services among other things. Them making it up to this point is pretty good proof of their ability to earn Views. UEHA doesn't really associate with them much, so there's not much he can tell you though. Furlong says they usually don't make it to the finals, so he wonders what kind of people they are. Victom says he heard that the team leader is the head clerk from a Japanese inn in the city, and while he only saw the matches in passing he does seem pretty strong.

You start getting your suspicions when you hear the mention of a Japanese inn worker, and at that point someone knocks on the waiting room door. Okitaka is curious about who it could be and goes to answer it. When he opens the door, the visitor politely bows as he comes in. It's Nessen, and he says he came to greet everyone before the final match. He introduces himself to everyone with his full name and a description of his day job and hero affiliation. You either react in surprise at Nessen being there, be amazed at his casual clothes, or treat him as a stranger and note how polite he is. A and B has an extra bit of Nessen being mildly surprised to see you there and says the rumors were true. He then says that while he's going up against you, he hopes that you'll go easy on him.

Nessen peacefully smiles, and Gammei is taken aback at Nessen's demeanor. Barrel is surprised that Nessen is your guys' opponent and feels let down. Furlong asks Victom if Nessen was the guy he was talking about, and Victom confirms, though he seems to be in disbelief as well. Okitaka is also surprised, but he goes on to politely introduce himself back and suggests both teams give their all for the final match. Nessen says he's heard much of UEHA's activities, so his team won't be acting carelessly then.

Okitaka and Nessen shake hands, and the first thing Okitaka notices is that Nessen's hand is wet. Nessen is confused for a second before he apologizes, saying he's both an inn manager and just someone who likes bathing. He went to wash up right after his last match, and he's usually in there for half an hour after every battle, which he's a little embarrassed to admit. You either express shock at that statement, sigh and says that sounds like Nessen, or suggest joining him after the last battle. C gets an extra bit with Nessen being shocked at the idea and Okitaka dismayed as he tells you not to flirt there.

Anyways, Gammei is baffled at the idea of Nessen bathing so often and mentions that there are just some days where all he does is wipe down with a towel. Barrel says that sounds like too little cleaning to him, so Gammei gets embarrassed and blames the city's water bills for being expensive. Furlong says he thought he smelled shampoo earlier and notes that Nessen really likes keeping clean. Victom says Furlong always did have a good nose, though all he can smell himself is Gammei. Gammei is offended and says he washed up the day before even with his leg injury. Okitaka is embarrassed by the team's bantering and tells them to stop acting like that in front of an opposing team member. Nessen just laughs at how lively they are and figures their teamwork comes from how well they get along, but Okitaka apologizes for the display.

Nessen leaves soon after, and Okitaka talks to himself about understanding something just now. You curiously ask him if something was up with Nessen, so Okitaka asks if you're up for an unorthodox strategy based on some assumptions on certain conditions happening. You ask for further detail, and Barrel is surprised Okitaka picked up something from that short amount of time. Okitaka prompts the team to get together so he can explain, saying that if he's right it should lead you guys to victory.

Time skips over to the announcer saying it's time for the tournament title match, UEHA Japan vs. S&S HEROS. UEHA was the winning agency from last year and S&S HEROS has made it to the finals again five years from last time they did so, and the announcer hypes about who the winners will be. Nessen turns to his team and says their agency has been wanting this for five years, so they should do everything they can to win. He is accompanied by trainee mob heroes who are every bit the excitable newbies raring to go as they call Nessen 'young master.' Nessen just sighs that he asked them to stop calling him that, then says they're going with the Goose formation and prompts everyone to transform.

S&S HEROS all move into their designated positions and proceed to suit up. Once Nessen is in hero mode too, he tells you guys that after getting this far they can't hold back. Barrel is surprised at how differently Nessen acts when transformed, though he notes it's not as extreme as Furlong's change. This comes as a shock to Furlong as he says he doesn't go that hard, and Victom remembers that Furlong has no self-awareness of his personality shifts. Okitaka tells the team to can the small talk and get to transforming and signals to you, so you respond affirmatively and hit the button for the whole party.

Furlong is the first to suit up and drops a line about extinguishing flames with his own hands. Barrel announces his hero mode next and says he's gunning for the crown. Victom says he'll put all his efforts in this time to make everyone believing in him smile. Okitaka says he'll guide the team to victory and to leave things to him. The team takes a moment to pose before getting into position themselves, and Okitaka tells you that the plan is to stick to Formation B-F-V-O until it's time to pull out the secret strategy. If the state of battle turns that way they'll go for it, and he asks if you understand. You respond affirmatively, though you hope it'll work out right. Gammei wishes the team luck, and the announcer declares the start of the episode battle. More happens after that.

 The story tunes back in midway as Barrel fires off at Nessen's team, but Nessen counters by heating his water sword to 250℃. Barrel yelps at how hot that attack is, and Furlong is pressured as he tries to keep the team formation up. Trainee Red attacks with a fire blast to interfere with that, and Furlong frantically attempts to put it out despite the flames continue to appear.

Nessen uses Red's fires to evaporate his water blade to make a cloud, and Green follows up with Vine Whip to scatter said cloud into a cooling mist over the spectators and creates a rainbow. The audience oohs in amazement. Yellow explains to the crowds that this is Orient Spring Resort's specialty, the Jouren Waterfall Splash, and he advertises the resort as 30 minutes by express train from Central Station. Okitaka is impressed they worked an ad into that, shocking Victom into telling him to stop. Okitaka says he knows and notes they've planned for this, so it might be better to scrap the original strategy and come up with something else.

Okitaka thinks to himself for a minute, then calls out to you to change the tactics to go with the Firewall plan. You are taken aback at this and ask what that even is, and narration says it's different than what he came up with in the waiting room. This one is meant for use against a more fire-heavy team. You point out to Okitaka that it's not really the most suited situation to be using it and ask if he's sure. Okitaka tells you it's fine and insists he'll make it work, looking at you with a serious expression as he asks that you believe in him.

You decide to throw your lot in with Okitaka, ask him to do his best, and say you believe. You send cues out to the whole party and split the VP between them. Barrel is shocked at this, asking what happened to the old plan and if you guys are sure. Furlong also has misgivings and says it doesn't have a good shot at working. Okitaka however is sure it'll be fine as he says he believes in everyone's strength, then fans his fan at the party. This is one of his abilities, a morale booster called the Wind of Victory. The rest of the party rallies together and agrees to go with the new plan.

Victom jumps onto his surfboard and rides into the sky with it, then flings his floatation ring at Nessen. Barrel follows up by firing his ultimate at the ring, shooting it with multicolored water. Red is shocked that Barrel didn't fire his attack at them, then shocked at the water that splashes on him. Green initially thinks it's paint before realizing it's colored water. The two are distracted enough by this ploy that Victom and Okitaka take the opportunity to attack them, knocking them out of the fight. Green manages to get an apology out to Nessen as he goes down.

Nessen is concerned for his two eliminated teammates, then tries fighting back by cutting at Victom's ring. When he hits it though, the colored water inside the thing bursts out and coats him, surprising him and Yellow. You either cheer about Nessen falling for the plan, note how wet he is, or comment that it's kinda sexy.

Nessen spits out some of the water and plants his sword into the ground, letting out a bunch of steam from it to evaporate the water. He quickly realizes Okitaka must've come up with this when he shook hands with him earlier. Nessen then comments that it's a shallow plan not nearly good enough to be called an actual counter strategy. Water and sweat drips off him as he stands imposingly in the middle of the steam, unapproachable due to said steam. Okitaka however taunts him about underestimating his planning, and Nessen is surprised as the steam is blown away before someone swoops in.

Furlong is the one charging in close given his innate heat resistance, and he lets loose with his ultimate at point blank range. The force of it blows him away, and Yellow attempts to go help him. Okitaka pops up behind Nessen and declares it's checkmate, using his own ultimate Capture "Wind Change Victory Blade" to slash with his fan. Nessen's suit cancels out, and he admits defeat.

Silence passes for a moment for everyone to process this before the announcer declares UEHA Japan the winners of the O-1 Hero Grand Prix 2221. The crowd roars with cheers and flings confetti into the air, which showers over both teams. You cheer about the team winning and how every effort paid off, and Barrel cheers too as he runs over to grab you in a hug and call you the best Operator.

You react in surprise as you tell Barrel to stop since he's hugging you too hard, but you're still enjoying it. Furlong tells Barrel to stop too as he's getting you soaked, though he also thanks you for all you did. Gammei apologizes for the team idiot and asks you let it go for the day. Victom isn't saying anything, prompting Gammei to comment on him being rather quiet for having won. Victom says he's not the type to go on an emotional rollercoaster when winning, but he does decide to turn to you and holds his right hand out for a fist bump. You either fist bump him back or grab his hand, and either way he says you did good.

Okitaka sighs in amusement about how young people are, pointing out that they have interviews to do later. Nessen walks over to congratulate Okitaka, saying both he and you are strong. Okitaka thanks him, saying they wouldn't have won this time without you and that you did well for how young you are. Nessen says it's indisputable that he lost, and he graciously says it was a good match as he holds his hand out for a handshake. Okitaka is taken aback at this, asking if he's sure since he could read into them again this way. Nessen laughs at this, and Okitaka soon joins him for a bit before the episode ends with Okitaka shaking his hand and saying it was a good match.

Hell's Hot Paradise Episode 5 Part 2

Zhurong starts narrating about himself, describing himself as an otherworldly light that drifted through the space of Old Ones. He would absorb surrounding colors and shine in any hue, so he was called the Color Out of Space. But these colors originally weren't his, but ones he absorbed from someone else. All he did was float around in space in perpetuity, hearing the carols of praise for the king coming off in the distance. All he had was essentially pure instinct to take in colors from around himself, and it wasn't until he crossed the rainbow bridge that he learned that this was loneliness.

When he arrived in Tokyo for whatever reason, the first person he saw shone brilliant in rainbow colors. When they saw him, he thinks they extended their hand to him, but the next thing he knew he was the only one around. Now that he looks back on it, Zhurong figures he must've absorbed Zhurong Original into himself. It was the first time he had a name, so he went on believing that he was Zhurong. Since then, he took in many colors/lives into himself until he turned black as the colors/sins piled up. Zhurong feels he's done something he can never take back, and he apologizes to Zhurong Original and everyone else. It won't be long until he disappears...

Back to the present, Colorong says he wants to disappear but can't, and he asks what he needs to do to give everything back to Zhurong. His despair deepens as he plaintively asks why he can't release Zhurong's life (re: role and power), and you say Zhurong's cries are filling your head. Mineaki talks about having heard of the name Zhurong as belonging to a Transient from Hourai, and he describes him as a shining heavenly aurora reflecting any kind of color onto its surroundings that gained a beastman form. Mineaki then talks about the Transient from Old Ones, the Color Out of Space, something imperceptible to the human eye and said to have the power to draw in the surrounding light into itself. The two are believed to come from different worlds yet share a common identity, and he suggests that's why the two were drawn together and fused.

Mineaki then starts talking about how Transients from Old Ones have the ability to teleport without being restricted by Enclosed Areas. Nyarlathotep for example uses this power to shadow clone himself however many times he likes. Mineaki suggests that maybe the Color Out of Space did the same sort of thing. If they overlapped themselves over a ton of people all over Tokyo and absorbed their lives, it could explain why this incident's overworld shift acts differently from other kinds.

Daikoku adds to that by suggesting the faith directed towards Ne no Kuni or Awakage-sama dragged himself along with it, but his presence is what allowed you guys to have a method for escaping the place. Daikoku needles Mineaki for suspecting him of having a hand in the incident again, but he stops when elemental bursts go off in the area. Kamui leaps forward to defend you with the fire wheels, but he is shocked when the things disappear upon hitting Zhurong. Xolotl sends the burning turquoise snakes after Zhurong next, concerned he'll gather so much energy he'll overload and explode. This fails to work either as you point out and wonder what to do under these circumstances.

Kamui's fire wheels were originally Zhurong's so they just got taken back, but Zhurong gives no reaction to Xolotl's attacks. And while this is going, Sarutahiko presses forward towards Zhurong, tanking calamitous attacks going off as he goes. You look to him in concern, tell him to come back because of the danger, or quietly watch him go. Sarutahiko talks about how nothing can't be made up for as you can do it once everything is done with. It happened with him, when he was saved when he arrived in Hell. He knows that he has no idea what'll be in store for him as long as he's alive. And since Sarutahiko was saved, if he doesn't save Zhurong next then things won't make sense.

The damage done to Sarutahiko piles up as he continues getting hit by storm and fire, but he walks forward undaunted. Sarutahiko scoffs at the idea of Zhurong not being the real Zhurong as dumb, as he is the one Sarutahiko thinks of when it comes to Zhurong. You get the feeling Zhurong reacted slightly to Sarutahiko's emotional yells, and you say that while things were different at first, Colorong is also Zhurong.

Zhurong's eyes start reclaiming their color which everyone can see. Kamui calls out to him saying Zhurong promised to show him his newspaper when it was done and make the Berserkers look cool in it. Xolotl says Zhurong isn't the only one to make a mistake, and he wants him to keep living in spite of that. They smile gently for Zhurong even when powerful attacks strike them.

Mineaki talks to Colorong and says that human eyes probably can't perceive him, but his eye can with the clairvoyant eye he borrowed from someone else that wasn't him. He observes that Colorong and Zhurong look very similar, almost indistinguishable, and he mentions Zhurong is smiling inside him. Just as Colorong thought Zhurong was brilliant and colorful, Zhurong thought the same of him, and Colorong is surprised by this.

Daikoku compares the Color Out of Space and Zhurong to two peas in a pod, saying that if they came from the same world people would probably have considered them one and the same. But once the walls dividing the worlds were put up, they were split into separate beings. Colorong tries to argue that he and Zhurong are distinct beings from each other and asks what he should do. Daikoku starts suggesting that if Colorong no longer needs Zhurong and gets a response to his own wish, he might get a separate body. Daikoku then says that he and Colorong are similar in that they have only their own wishes and a borrowed body. He himself was once syncretized to Okuninushi into one identity and is now wearing the shadow of the Transient Daikoku.

Daikoku admits that he really doesn't want to say what he's about to, but he says that once his true wish is granted, Daikoku is probably going to say goodbye to him. Daikoku is to him the same as Zhurong is to Colorong, so Zhurong exists inside Colorong as a difficult to detach entity until he can say goodbye to him with a smile one day. He swears upon his will and tenacity that it's true.

A rainbow teardrop trickles down from Zhurong's emotionally broken eyes. Onamuji starts talking to Sarutahiko, asking if he's always been in a part of Sarutahiko's heart even into the distant future. He's not going to ask what happens to him later, but he plans on living out his life to the fullest. Whatever future comes, he'll be looking forward to the day he can see him again. Sarutahiko is touched by this, and Daikoku says nothing. Onamuji says that's all a lead up for what he wants to say to Zhurong, which is a thank you for letting him meet everyone.

Sarutahiko wipes away his tears as he yells again at Zhurong, asking if he heard everyone's messages meant just for him. You follow up and ask Zhurong to answer you guys if he did and/or say you love him. The colors return to Zhurong's eyes, and he cries as he asks for everyone to save him. He wants to go back with everyone including Zhurong, wanting to be with everyone until he can be himself. Everyone's artifacts start glowing in response, and you approve of Zhurong's declaration. Mineaki tells you you're the key to this, and he instructs you to use your Rending power at the point he directs you to. You either roll with it, or agree to it for now but ask in shock why he knows what your ability is. The latter gets an extra line of Mineaki laughing and saying he's just well-informed and asks you not to worry about that.

Anyways, Mineaki calls to the rest of the party to cut a path forward for you. Kamui has received Zhurong's fire wheels again and swears to use them to save him. Xolotl tells you to get onto his snake since it prooobably won't bite you. You do as Xolotl says while Kamui swings the wheels around, but dark flame walls block the way as a rampage effect of someone's power inside Zhurong.

Sarutahiko volunteers to deal with them, saying that cleaning up after people is his top specialty. He casts his NP, and in a departure to how everyone else does it normally, he separates the literary term all CSes are paired with and unpuns it to its original form, followed by the original spelling of his NP name. This causes a flood of bubbles to come out and put out the flames. Onamuji is amazed at this and asks if Sarutahiko was being serious when he said he'd be better at cleaning things if he could've used his power. Sarutahiko brags a little and says it's true as he tells Onamuji to keep watching. You either thank Sarutahiko or promise him something nice later. In A, Sarutahiko cheers you on and swears you'll never hear the end of it if you mess up. In B, he gets embarrassed and tells you to do these things in the right order.

You continue advancing while a bunch of magic powers go off at you, but a shining arrow shot from behind dispels them all. Daikoku tells Onamuji to watch how he uses the bow carefully since he may need to know it someday. Onamuji is taken aback at this and says he will, but before he says what he's about to say after that Daikoku says it's so he can go down a different direction Sarutahiko or Okuninushi did.

At this point, you call to Mineaki and ask if you're at the right spot. Mineaki confirms it and tells you to swing your power down hard, and you comply as you do the invocation spiel. Once you cast your NP, the mass of blue fireballs Zhurong absorbed scatter, and residents of hell reappear as they were. Zhurong also releases all the other people he absorbed and returns their original roles to their original owners. He falls out of the air unconscious, and you immediately go to catch him. The rest of the party runs up soon after to come check on Zhurong.

Zhurong awakens after a moment, slowly processing everyone's presence before remembering what happened and starts apologizing in great big tears. Sarutahiko however tells him he has something else he should be saying instead, guiding him towards the path he wants to take. Everyone nods to Zhurong, so Zhurong thanks you all for saving him and says he's come back. He looks ready to cry as he smiles, but everyone else smiles upon seeing that. Xolotl starts crying in relief himself now that Zhurong is okay. Mineaki laughs and says crying would detract from his face, but he's glad about how things ended. Sarutahiko and Xolotl hug Zhurong hard between themselves, and while it does hurt him a little, he looks plenty happy about it.

Some time later, you talk aloud about how this may be the last time you can use the hot springs at the inn, which is kinda sad so you figure you may as well enjoy it now. While you are thinking to yourself, Zhurong runs up to you from behind, asking you for some time to talk about something. You agree unconditionally, or agree and ask him to call you nii-chan, or nee-chan. Zhurong thanks you as he either goes with his default based on your set gender or complies with whichever you went with. You then decide whether to take a foot bath or a dip in the water.

Anyways, you and Zhurong go over to a slightly warmed, shining jacuzzi. Zhurong expresses interest in how bubbly it is and how something like that actually exists. But then he remembers he wanted to talk to you about something else, and he asks if it's true you have someone else inside you like he and Daikoku do. You either express shock and ask who he heard that from, say that seems to be the case but you aren't sure, or start to say Things happen to people who hear about that. C gets an extra line of Zhurong freaking out and asking what's going to happen to him.

Zhurong says it's okay to not talk about it if you don't want to, but he was wondering if you ever felt anxious about that. Like in his case, he loves cameras. He's just starting to doubt whether that love of cameras is really coming from him specifically. You sorta shrug and say it did bother you before because you kept running into strangers who know who you are. Zhurong says that in his case, he's totally taken over Zhurong's memories and lived as him. He wonders what's different between you and him, and he floats the idea that there's something else mixed in too.

Zhurong starts wondering whether Zhurong Original would have walked the same path he did if he hadn't absorbed him. And if he became somebody else, would he have become totally different? You tell Zhurong he's overthinking things as what-ifs don't exist as you/he are the ones around at this point. Zhurong is surprised at this, so you talk about having friends who will call you by your name and how Zhurong has all of you. That should be enough, right?

Your words hit Zhurong hard as he says that may be true, since everyone calls him Zhurong. For now, he laughs about that being good enough. He thinks about something to himself for a bit, then starts telling you he wants to apologize to Zhurong Original one day. And actually talk to him before that. You either express some concern about that or say you'll cheer him on. In A, Zhurong acknowledges that he doesn't know how it'd turn out, but he still wants to do so. And he'll do his best to be able to talk to him and separate from him. In B, Zhurong smiles and thanks you, saying he'll do his best.

Zhurong smiles, looking the same as ever if you ignore how his eyes seem close to tearing up. With that subject off his chest, the two of you start talking about random things. Eventually the topic gets to what he'd want to do once he gets back to Tokyo. Zhurong says he wants to go somewhere with everyone, and it doesn't need to be anywhere far. He asks if you'll go with him when that happens, so you agree, say he should pick somewhere to go to, or say everyone will come.

Zhurong floats the idea of going to Sarutahiko's bath house with the party, and he starts to get to what he'd want to do after that when he gives a big yawn. He seems to have cried himself to drowsiness, and he mumbles about feeling sleepy before leaning on your shoulder and snoring softly. You sigh about this, say it's dangerous to sleep in a hot spring, and/or say you'll let him sleep. You pick Zhurong up and carry him in either your arms or on your back, and Zhurong sleep talks about how he loves everyone. You turn to look and see if he woke up, but all you see his him looking happy.

Time passes, and no one knows what could happen in an unknown space. So with that in mind, there's no way for anyone to linger for long. Time flies when you're having fun, and the time to say goodbye comes crashing down in a flash as the party gathers in front of the inn. Daikoku says that a majority of the Transients in Hell have been sent back to Tokyo with the bow and arrow. But now the place is getting highly unstable, but once you guys leave it or you guys should go back to where it's/you all are supposed to be. That in turn means this would be the last chance for you guys to talk to Onamuji.

Sarutahiko knows that Onamuji isn't someone from Tokyo, but rather someone fallen in from some other world. He'd always have to say goodbye to him, but now that it's come he's looking sad about it. Daikoku says he'll give the bow to Onamuji and asks if he'll use it to send the party back to their present. Onamuji sadly agrees but asks if it's fine since the bow and arrow should be valuable. Daikoku laughs and says it's fine since he doesn't need it now. It's better off in Onamuji's hands instead. Daikoku asks that Onamuji not walk the same path Daikoku did, for his sake. If he still gets to the point where he feels like he'll get crushed, he should remember how deeply determined Daikoku lived.

Onamuji turns to Sarutahiko, who has been staying quiet. Onamuji says goodbye and is glad he could see him like this. He promises to meet him again and jokes that it might be in his own future at Tokyo as he sideglances at Daikoku and smiles. Onamuji then thanks Mineaki for all he's taught him and wishes the best for the rest of the party. His voice quivers a little, and it seems he's doing his best to smile for you guys.

Sarutahiko tells Onamuji he'll do his best in Tokyo and one day run his own great bathhouse. If Onamuji ever comes by, Sarutahiko invites him to come see it. Onamuji agrees, saying Sarutahiko should be able to do it. Everyone else says their own goodbyes to Sarutahiko (sic) until it gets to Zhurong's turn. Zhurong says he wants to take a picture of everyone and give it to Onamuji. Mineaki nods at this and asks to Borrow the thing since the thing is Zhurong's. They proceed to ask some rando oni to take the picture for you guys, who agrees and prompts the party to get together. Zhurong is the one to prompt when the picture is taken, and the oni snaps it on cue.

Scene then shifts to the police station where Daikoku is snapped out of his thoughts as Tajikarao runs up yelling for him. A faded sepia photograph is in his hands, and he looks at it with distant eyes and a sardonic smile. Tajikaro expresses surprise at Daikoku smiling and looking at a photo, so Daikoku apologizes and says he was just thinking about some stupid things in the past. He opens up his desk and puts it face down inside. Tajikarao expresses interest in hearing more about it, though he realizes Daikoku may hate talking about his past. Daikoku however says he'll tell him about it someday, sometime later on when today becomes the past. To be continued in the epilogue!

Hell's Hot Paradise Episode 5 Part 1

Someone once said that life begins with nothing and ends with nothing. In Tokyo, there are many kinds of people there. You have angels, demons, oni, mermaids, and cyborgs. You have people with wings, scales, or mechanical body parts, and you have people given all sorts of roles and powers. But no matter who you refer to, everyone was pure, untinted light before they were born. That light gets poured into a vessel known as a body, then begins living a life. Then those people meet various kinds of people who were given different things than they were in life. For example, someone who can't fly may admire wings. The inelegant may admire those with grace. 

The things you may not like about yourself is something other people envy. The things people wish for and are sought for leads them to know affection, sadness, longing, and jealousy. They gain various shaded emotions until they become something else completely. A pure innocence that held nothing to begin with becomes painted with many other colors. If you refer to this as becoming sullied, then you could say living is about becoming impure. But say that something unsullied was given a certain something. Say that pure thing like light was given a role by the world. What would they start wanting? What would they look for? That thing would start wanting the things it wasn't given. It would admire the varied colors that it wasn't, mindlessly gathering the things and never once thinking that this would be tantamount to taking life.

Title card pops up, and this episode is called Zhurong's Secret.

Back to your side of things, you talk about how you guys never managed to find Krampus and the others anywhere, but for a lack of any better idea you suggest heading back to the inn. Zhurong excitedly says he wants to take some pictures before you guys head back. Daikoku comments that Zhurong always has such clear, bright eyes for looking at photo subjects, which Zhurong is confused by. Daikoku says that Hell/Ne no Kuni is a place that's pretty much a deposit of filth and impurity, so he'd rather not look at it more than he has to. And yet Zhurong seems happy to look at anything around with the same innocent look in his eyes he always has, which Daikoku notes was also the case when he came to the police station for an interview.

Zhurong doesn't have a comment to that, so Daikoku continues by saying that Zhurong is without a doubt too much of an innocent child and asks how he sees the world. Zhurong says he's not sure what Daikoku means, but he answers that everything looks bright and shiny to him. It's enough to make him cry in envy and to snap a picture of the moment without a second thought. Daikoku laughs after a moment and asks if Zhurong is including him in that statement. It's more something a world-weary person like himself (re: people from older times) would say when they're jealous of how full of potential the young are.

Zhurong denies the idea, saying he could never Be Like Daikoku. Daikoku doesn't give a response to that, and Zhurong says he's not clear about it himself, but it's because of that feeling that he's jealous of him. He wants to be like Daikoku, yet he also knows that he can't, so he at least wants to save a picture to keep the idea in his head. Zhurong then pulls his camera up and is about to ask Daikoku for a picture when he stops himself for some reason in confusion. Daikoku declines and asks Zhurong if he knows that people used to believe that having your picture taken takes your soul away. Zhurong is surprised by this, and Daikoku talks about how everyone in Ne no Kuni is just a soul, so if Zhurong took his picture he might disappear. Zhurong gets concerned at this and asks if it'd be the same as what happened with Krampus, so Daikoku solemnly confirms as much.

You notice that Zhurong looks upset and ask him what's wrong, or you scold Daikoku over what he said. Daikoku laughs and says he was just doing an old person joke as he apologizes to Zhurong. Zhurong doesn't look any better, but he claims to be okay and suggests that the party goes back to the hot springs town, still perturbed.

When the party gets back there's a crowd of mobs at the inn, leading Xolotl to wonder if you guys are at the right place and Kamui to ask what happened while you guys were gone. The crowd parts ways a bit to let Sarutahiko and Onamuji through, and Sarutahiko welcomes you guys back and figures things must've gone well. Onamuji is glad everyone is okay and invites you all in, and you either express your shock at this sudden boom in business, ask what the hell happened, or compliment the other team for their good work.

Onamuji modestly says that it's all thanks to Mineaki and Sarutahiko, but Mineaki says it's actually due to Onamuji's straightforward determination. There's also how quick Onamuji is to learn things, and while Mineaki was only planning on teaching him some first aid for common hot springs area accidents he ended up teaching him a whole bunch of medical stuff he'd never need.

Off to the side, Zhurong is hanging his head while Sarutahiko starts talking to him. He talks about how hard Zhurong must've worked and how brave he is despite his age. It's not something he can say to anyone else, and he points out it'd be natural to start crying if you find yourself in the world of the dead. Zhurong awkwardly thanks him and says he didn't really do much. Sarutahiko can tell something is wrong and asks if he's depressed about not contributing much, then adds if he went himself he'd have totally dragged the team down. He couldn't even be there since he couldn't use a power to fight.

Sarutahiko sadly laughs as he says he's always been like that. Something important was going on, and he wasn't there. He's a half-asser worrying from the back about whether he could have done something, and in the end he does jack shit and gets talked about behind his back. Just remembering that incident that happened before he went to Tokyo embarrasses him, and the regrets he has always feel like they're sticking onto him like slimy crap. Daikoku can hear this but doesn't join the conversation.

Zhurong is surprised at the mention of things that happened before coming to Tokyo. Sarutahiko doesn't give his reaction much thought, but he does notice Zhurong going quiet and preoccupied so he tries to ask what's wrong. Since Zhurong doesn't answer Sarutahiko asks you if he said something wrong, and you tell him you don't know since he's been like that for a while. Daikoku however says he has some things to talk about related to that and asks Mineaki to join you guys and give his opinion.

Time passes as you, Daikoku, Mineaki, and Sarutahiko move to a nearby hallway to discuss things. Daikoku can't help but point out that this is the same hallway from back then and asks Mineaki if he's done suspecting him yet. Mineaki is dismayed at him bringing it up and apologizes for that particular instance. Daikoku laughs and claims it was a joke to lighten the mood before getting into darker topics.

Mineaki glares at Daikoku before the conversation starts up. Daikoku goes over what happened with Krampus and the others at Enma's office, along with Xolotl being able to use an artifact and power that he borrowed from someone else. Mineaki picks up that Daikoku is suggesting there's something suspicious about Zhurong being able to use His Own flame power. Sarutahiko looks back and forth at the two of them before turning to you, hoping that you don't get it either. You either bug the two to spell out their thoughts, exclaim that you see it too, or look shocked and stay quiet.

Mineaki talks about how here in Hell, everyone has their own role and power sealed off, citing you and himself as examples. He then brings up that you guys discovered a loophole around that by using somebody else's power instead. Daikoku supports that by citing how Kamui was able to use fire magic from Zhurong, and you think about how Harlot was also using a power that wasn't originally hers. Mineaki however brings up that it's not as simple as him just picking up your sword and swinging its power around. He suspects that the conditions for this loophole is to either Be Entrusted with Everything in a Dying Wish or Being Detached as if Resigned Over Something That was Never Yours. Mineaki then stops thinking on this saying it's not that important, but what is important is that this would mean Zhurong's fire power belonged to someone else. Daikoku says he sees what Mineaki is getting at, but Sarutahiko says he doesn't and asks what's up with Zhurong.

Mineaki says nothing as he stares back at Sarutahiko. Sarutahiko is slightly taken aback at this and complains Mineaki may as well not have said anything to begin with if he won't speak now. Mineaki steels himself for what he's about to say, opening up with a request that Sarutahiko stay calm and listen. He admits it's all theoretical, but he's feeling confident enough to say that it isn't just some random possibility. Sarutahiko gulps down as he braces himself, and Mineaki jumps straight to suggesting Zhurong is the cause of this incident. Sarutahiko is shocked at this, and he can see that Mineaki clearly isn't joking about it. Mineaki has some hard to describe expression on his face at how upset Sarutahiko is, then mentions that everyone who fought against you guys used a power borrowed from someone else. He reasons that whoever gave them that power is the culprit of the incident and asks if he agrees with that logic.

You say Mineaki is correct regarding Tadatomo and the others, and Mineaki explains that class roles and power concepts are a package deal. If given away, nobody would be able to live since they pretty much define living, especially for people contracted with the app. This would mean that the culprit's role and power was something Taken From Someone Else. And based on that, the power of the one who caused this incident is the ability to take the role and power from others and transfer them. Daikoku brings up it's also possible it's less transferring and more giving a near-perfect copy, but in this case it's not that important a distinction. You guys have already seen this happen in front of you, and Sarutahiko angrily asks if he's talking about how Zhurong gave Kamui the fire wheels.

You ask how he intends to explain away what happened at Enma's office. Daikoku admits that he doesn't have a definite answer, but he says it did look like Zhurong's camera had sucked in everyone there when it went off. Daikoku reasons that the camera must be Zhurong's artifact, which probably has the power to control the roles and powers of people it has absorbed. When it took away their powers and roles, they disappeared. Sarutahiko is noted to look upset as Daikoku's reasoning is laid out.

Mineaki speaks up to tell you guys he had investigated his students after Awakage-sama had attacked them. They seem to be literally empty shells now, totally scooped out. Normal dead people don't turn out like that as they always leave some sort of trace behind. Sarutahiko meanwhile starts covering his ears and begs you guys to stop talking. Daikoku meanwhile brings up that people used to believe cameras could steal souls, and the idea still stuck around in part in superstitions and ghost stories.

You are dismayed and try to suggest that maybe they got something wrong. Sarutahiko doesn't try to deny Daikoku and Mineaki's suspicions about Zhurong's power for now and argues that it doesn't actually implicate Zhurong as the cause. He brings up how young Zhurong is and threatens to fight if they treat him like a criminal. He then attempts to support his argument further by mentioning that Zhurong himself has no idea what his actual power is, but he trails off in despair when he realizes what that'd mean.

Mineaki clarifies that he isn't saying Zhurong intentionally caused this incident, and setting aside how large scale this is, there's plenty of cases where Transients have unconsciously used their powers or rampaged. You suggest turning off the app to reset things if Zhurong's power is causing all of this, but Daikoku tells you there are cases of powers not reverting even when the app's Enclosed Areas are taken down like the teleportation abilities of people from a certain world or artificially made Enclosed Areas. Since you guys don't know how to make it stop, there's no guarantee it'll work.

Sarutahiko starts crying as he thinks about Zhurong. He pleads and asks if it's possible for everyone to feign ignorance and go back to Tokyo on a happy note. He worries that Zhurong's heart would break if he found out about this. Mineaki looks sympathetic as he passes a handkerchief to him. He says he'd like to do that if possible, and that it'd be a good idea to break it to Zhurong gently so that Zhurong won't get overwhelmed by the shock.

Before he can say any more, you guys hear something getting dropped, and the party turns to see a wooden bucket and bath products spilled on the floor as a small familiar figure runs away. You are alarmed about Zhurong overhearing you guys and think he was crying. Mineaki is horrified and worried at how Zhurong found out about the situation, so he says everyone should run after him.

It doesn't take long for the party to catch up to Zhurong after he runs out of the inn. No one, not even Sarutahiko, is able to bring themselves to say anything, so you all just look at Zhurong as his shoulders quiver. Zhurong starts asking whether if everyone would be better off if he just died, and big tears of grief fall from his eyes. Sarutahiko tries to comfort him saying he'd be sad if Zhurong were gone, and he pleads for him to stop saying stuff like that.

You attempt to talk Zhurong into coming back with you guys to the inn since everyone else is waiting for him. He snaps and yells for you to stay away, causing bursts of fire, ice, and lightning to explode around him. Zhurong says he can't go back because he's not actually Zhurong, he just took his name from the original Zhurong. Everyone is stunned silent at this, and Zhurong goes on by saying he remembered everything when he unconsciously used his power back at Enma's office. When he first came to Tokyo, he didn't have a will of his own as he was just a Color. When he saw Zhurong soon after that point, he ended up absorbing and becoming Zhurong. The spikes in Zhurong's emotional state causes more magical bursts, and you attempt to tell him to calm down and/or say you can't get close.

Oni start walking over hearing a kid crying on the road but somehow not elemental explosions, and they obliviously ask if anyone brought candy to calm the crying. The ones that get close to Zhurong disappear as if sucked away, and only then do the remaining randos realizes something is wrong, calling Zhurong a monster and saying to stay away from him. Zhurong cries loudly, and what look like blue fireballs from the people approaching him fly out from them and get absorbed by him. His sanity takes a hit every time this happens. Mineaki says this is terrible, and if Zhurong keeps absorbing power like this his body won't be able to take it. You call out to Mineaki and ask if he's okay, ask what you guys should do, or say you guys need to save Zhurong quickly, and the party looks serious in the face of the situation.

Back at the inn, Kamui and Xolotl are washing each other's backs in the springs. Xolotl apologizes for asking Kamui to do this, saying he hasn't done stuff like this much so his heart is pounding. Kamui says it's fine and calls him the MVP this time around. Xolotl smiles at this and says it's actually because of everyone's help. Him being really determined to protect everyone helped him overcome his trauma. If he were alone he'd probably shaking and crying somewhere and got nothing done. Kamui laughs and says it reminds him of a child who left and said the same thing.

Kamui focuses on washing up a tougher piece of fur, rinsing off with a shower head and checking the temp with his hand before using it on Xolotl. Xolotl says he should be the one thanking everyone. He also mentions that he respected Kamui a bit more when he saw how hard he was fighting so hard for others. Kamui is taken aback by this since he doesn't feel he deserves anything like that, having raised many children to heroes and sent them off to their deaths. The mention of that causes Xolotl to remember his own journey to the netherworld with his brother.

Kamui says it'd have been better if even one of them ran away, and he feels responsible for their deaths. He feels the sin will stick with him for as long as he lives, but Xolotl points out they're technically dead and asks if he still feels that way. Kamui is taken aback, unable to respond to that point, and Xolotl starts talking about having a shameful past himself. He ran away during an important point in time so he feels he may not be the most appropriate person to be saying what he's saying, but if Kamui feels he can't be forgiven even after death, then the children he loves in his memories might never smile. Kamui is surprised at this, and Xolotl apologizes for sounding self-important despite feeling the same as he does. Before he can say anymore though, the two of them start hearing the explosions from outside and run to investigate.

Kamui and Xolotl don't really bother to get dressed on their way over. They meet up with Onamuji along the way who has also noticed that something is happening, and the three of them soon regroup with the rest of the party.  You take note of them showing up and ask for their help with Zhurong, who is currently floating in midair and sucking power in like a black hole. The absorption is steadily getting stronger, and Zhurong himself is now eerily quiet as opposed to weeping hard like before. His eyes stare blankly in the party's direction like his emotions have disappeared. Onamuji asks what's going on in concern and says the guests at the inn are disappearing. Xolotl attempts to ask Zhurong what happened to him, but Mineaki tells him the explanation will have to wait until after saving him. The pressure coming off him increases with every blue fireball he absorbs, and it's to the point it feels crushing. Sarutahiko begs the party for help in saving Zhurong, and Daikoku sighs about things coming to this point as he agrees to assist. You express surprise that Daikoku is volunteering to help without asking for payment of some kind, and you can suggest he's not doing this out of kindness. C gets an extra line of Daikoku complimenting you for understanding him so well.

Daikoku starts talking about how he once threw away something he had only one of. He worked in a bathhouse washing the hair of his ancestors and undergone many trials in Ne no Kuni. In the end he gained the name, role, and power of Master of the Land from Susanoo, but then he went and abandoned all that. Onamuji expresses surprise at hearing that, and Daikoku says the only thing of his he kept was his memories of disgraceful and humiliating defeat. Nothing else mattered to him anymore, and he laughs about them not belonging to him. But then Zhurong told him he actually envied his impure past because of how dirty it was. He saw it as proof of Daikoku's identity, so Daikoku says he'll lose his pride as himself if he doesn't lift a finger to help Zhurong now. You either express sympathy for Daikoku, ask what he meant by abandoning things besides his humiliation, or accuse him of being in it for himself. C has an extra line of Daikoku cheerfully admitting his main driving motivation is doing things for his own sake.

Daikoku turns to Sarutahiko, first calling him by name before deciding to formally call on him as servant of the leader of the Kunitsukami Okuninushi, Sarutahiko no Mikoto. Sarutahiko is shocked at being referred to this way, and Daikoku brings up that he showed himself after the Transfer of the Land had happened. Sarutahiko looks guilty, and Daikoku says everyone doubted him and called him a traitor. He then says that Okuninushi knew that Sarutahiko did a great job of cleansing away the end of the Kunitsukamis' defeat, to Sarutahiko's surprise. If he hadn't done that, it would have just prolonged the indignity, and he did well guiding the celestial deities to settle things after the incident. Daikoku says Sarutahiko knew full well who Okuninushi really hated, and he commends him for bringing the Transfer of the Land to a clean stop.

Sarutahiko starts calling Daikoku Okuninushi, but Daikoku refuses the term of address and says he's just a man who threw away his past name. But now, he intends on borrowing the old shining power of Okuninushi and use it to help Okuninushi's pride and prompts you to come with him. You agree and lead the party forward, and everyone says they'll help Zhurong as the episode battle begins.

Live A Hero Midsummer Hero Festival Episode 6

At the stadium, the announcer is hyping up the O-1 Hero Grand Prix now that the first phase of the competition has been finished up. The top eight scoring agencies have been determined, and they will now go on to the tournament phase which the announcer will now name. Scene then jumps over to Parallel Flight's office as Mokdai excitedly points out to you that UEHA Japan made it in, though he then remembers you would have been told that earlier in the morning. It's still amazing, even if UEHA has always made it to this phase of the competition every year. Since this is your first time in it, Mokdai says it must be pretty awesome. You uneasily thank Mokdai or nod along, which surprises him into asking you if you aren't happy about this. You deny that idea and/or stay quiet, and you look at the email Okitaka has sent you on your phone.

Title card pops up, and this episode is called Meander! Intellectual Commander

Time then passes to the point where you reach UEHA's waiting room at the stadium. Okitaka greets you and apologizes for suddenly calling you over. There's a heavy mood in the air, and Gammei is here with a cast on his leg because of what happened last night. Gammei apologizes for messing up, and you either ask him if he's okay in concern, say you're glad it isn't a serious injury, or ask what happened.

Victom explains that Gammei saw a cat on the road near his home nearly get run over by a car, so he jumped in to save it. He ended up getting hit instead. Barrel adds that the damage is limited to Gammei's ribs and foot, but it'd still take a week for it to all heal. Furlong says the doctors have pulled Gammei out of the competition, though that's to be expected. Gammei apologizes again for putting the team in this position, especially with all the work you've put in.

You wave off Gammei's concern, say he's kind, and tell him to focus on getting better. Okitaka says it is like Gammei to try to save any lives in danger in front of him, figuring he acted on instinct. It's the right thing to do for heroes, so he's not blaming him for having done so. It is a problem to be down a hero right before the final act tournament though. Victom asks what the plan is now since you guys can't stay if you don't have enough heroes, so Barrel brings up the idea of getting a hero from one of the other branch offices in Japan. Okitaka says there has been talks about the branches helping if it isn't a problem, but it's just not realistic to send anyone over on such short notice. Furlong sadly concedes the point, then asks if you guys will have to withdraw. Okitaka firmly states that it won't come to that if he switches out for Gammei. Barrel is shocked at this, and you either express surprise at Okitaka volunteering or ask if he can even fight. The latter gets an extra bit of Okitaka being taken aback at your shock as he insists he's a hero too.

Okitaka says while he is filling in for a blank spot, it's not like he's helpless in a fight, and he intends on showing you guys how the boss fights. Victom brings up that Okitaka hasn't actually fight in almost a year by that point, and despite his position it'd be natural for him to get rusty at it. Gammei agrees, saying UEHA Japan is going to flip its lid if anything happens to him, though it's weird coming from him. Okitaka insists it'll be fine as he laughs about how Victom and Gammei are worrywarts. And on a completely unrelated note, he wants to go get some warming up done as he starts looking at Furlong, and Furlong is confused by this.

Scene shifts over to UEHA Japan's underground level simulation room, which has been set to resemble a city park in a space like a TV studio set. You express your amazement at this, and Okitaka explains that this is a place they use to train their heroes. You can program the stage settings to a bunch of different scenarios, or you can get it to do so automatically. The trees and buildings you see just holograms though.

Furlong starts getting nervous about sparring with Okitaka, so Okitata attempts to point out he's an actual hero, even if he hasn't been doing it that long. He also tells Furlong he needs the courage to go up against any opponent no matter who it is, then challenges him to come at him. Furlong starts psyching himself up with his self-hypnosis or whatever, then asks over his phone to some other Operator working remotely to transform him. Once he gets suited up, he says he's ready to go at any time. Okitaka approves of his determination, then prompts you to transform him now. The window hides Okitaka's code name but tells you the path connection is strong as it brings up the prompt button.

You click on the button and get the transformation rolling. Once Okitaka is dressed up, he announces his hero name as The Commander, posing with his half-transparent fan fanned out. You take note of Okitaka's hero form aloud or say he looks awesome. In A, Okitaka is slightly disappointed you gave less of a reaction than he was expecting, then tries fishing for compliments. In B, Okitaka is pleased as he laughs, then tells you that you can keep the compliments coming.

Anyways, Victom is taken aback at Okitaka's behavior and asks if he knows why he's doing all this.  Okitaka is chastised a little as he says he knows he's here for battle practice. Barrel explains to you that their training battles are viewable only by their channel followers and streamed to where spectating is possible, so you can go on as normal. He also tells you he'll be cheering for you and wishes you good luck, prompting Okitaka to complain and ask if he's cheering for the actual heroes fighting too. 

Gammei tells them this isn't the time for a two-man comedy act and says Furlong is getting impatient. Furlong is surprised by this as he denies the statement, but Okitaka figures it's about time they got started. He once again challenges Furlong to come at him hard since he'll be responding in kind. Furlong says he'll do his best, so Okitaka prompts you to start the battle stream. You comply, and the two start going at it. Okitaka gets the advantage at first, but as the battle goes on it slides into a deadlock. Barrel is surprised Furlong can equal Okitaka in a fight, but Gammei points out that this isn't happening because Furlong got stronger and tells him too look closer. Gammei immediately takes it back but trails off on explaining any further to Barrel's confusion.

Every time Okitaka fends off one of Furlong's attacks, his legs can be seen bracing hard on the ground like he's trying his best to keep Furlong from getting any further. You soon realize that Furlong is starting to overwhelm him and try to encourage Okitaka. Okitaka says he's doing his best to defend and starts saying no strategy he can come up with will turn things around before stopping himself and trailing odd. He looks sad and frustrated, and he jumps back after the next attack. Okitaka calls off the sparring match and thanks Furlong for helping him as he cancels out of his suit. Furlong is shocked at this, as are you since it hasn't really concluded decisively.

Okitaka says it's fine since he's gotten a grasp on where his capabilities are right now, sighing as he smiles wryly. He tries laughing off and preemptively apologizing if the team loses the tournament due to him. He then says he'll go rest since he's getting older, then thanks Furlong one more time and says he'll be counting on him tomorrow. Furlong is still taken aback as he thanks Okitaka for his own efforts, and Okitaka thanks you next, saying your operation made it easier for him to fight. You awkwardly thank him and/or look at him in concern. Okitaka decides to excuse himself, then says everyone should get ready by getting some food and rest, waving as he goes. Barrel is surprised as he says Okitaka is usually the last to leave. Gammei tells him to think about it and expresses regret about getting injured. Victom just watches Okitaka go silently.

Time moves on to the evening as the scene shifts over to Parallel Flight's festival stall cafe, and Mokdai walks up to you to switch places with you for his shift. He also thanks you for coming to help since you have the tournament to deal with too. You can either say it's fine, thank Mokdai, or ask-but-not-really him to let you play with his stomach because you're tired. C gets an extra bit of Mokdai being shocked at you touching him and getting ticklish. Akashi then yells at you guys to get serious.

Akashi sympathizes with you for having been working through things day after day, so he says you should at least get some rest after this. He's been so worried about you he hasn't been able to look away from you, and he suggests you might be overworking yourself. Sui asks Akashi about being as excited today as he was the first day of the festival. Mokdai figures he's happy to be working with you, and he says he feels the same way. Akashi gets blushy and embarrassed as he claims it totally isn't that. You either tell everyone to not argue, casually comment on how well they get on, or be touched as you say Akashi's name.

Ryekie laughs about how it's good to be engaged, but you guys should also be having fun with other people. This is a public place with customers, so everyone should be focused on work. Akashi quickly complies and prompts everyone else to get back to it. Sui agrees, then wishes you good luck for the tournament tomorrow. Mokdai promises to come watch as he wishes you luck too. Ryekie remembers at this point that he has your share of the staff meal, and he says you should eat it in the back before you go home and before it gets cold. It's a bento box of curry in a bag he gives you, and you thank Ryekie and/or cheer about the curry before heading to the back.

A little time later, you comment on the spiciness of the curry, whether it's too much, just right, or not enough. Victom comes by soon after and asks for a moment to talk, so you ask why he showed up. Victom says he heard you were there from the others, then apologizes for taking your time when you're about to leave. He says he has a favor to ask, then sighs.

You ask about this favor, so Victom asks if you'll go see Okitaka. He should be at the training room you guys were at earlier in the day, though since it's inside their agency, Victom gives you a guest pass that'll let you inside. When he hands you the key card, you agree and can ask why he's asking you. B gets an extra line of Victom saying it's because it's specifically you that he wanted to ask. But anyways since you're going to be Master Operator for Okitaka tomorrow, Victom wanted you to cheer him up. He then leaves, and you think to yourself that Okitaka must be depressed then like you suspected.

Time passes as you head straight over to UEHA Japan's underground simulation room, and Okitaka is down there just like Victom said he would be. He's training himself against an automatic dummy with unarmed martial arts in civilian mode, and he eventually stops for a moment to catch his breath and comment to himself it isn't enough yet. You call over to Okitaka and ask if he's doing some self training, and Okitaka is initially surprised to see you there before he figures Victom must have put you up to this. He looks embarrassed as he scratches his head, wipes some sweat off his brow, then shrugs and says it's a good time as any to take a break and asks you to hang around with him.

Some time later, Okitaka laughs in a self-deprecating manner about looking lame there, carrying a Reversi board in his hands. He starts setting the board up for a game and apologizes for suddenly asking you to play it with him. He's actually better at shogi and likes that more, but he figures if you don't know how to play it then it wouldn't be any fun. He asks if you've ever played before, so you say you have a little bit, say you're good at it, or say you know nothing about it. In A and B, Okitaka is excited to hear that and suggests playing that next time, then warns you that he's a strong player. In C, Okitaka laughs and says he figured as much. Then again, kids nowadays don't play stuff like that either. If you have time and interest later, then he offers to teach you since he'd like to play a game of that with you.

Okitaka says it's your turn and that you have a chance to flip a lot of his pieces. You think to yourself about where you should play, say you aren't good at Reversi, or say you don't know much about the rules. B has extra lines where Okitaka is surprised and apologizes for pushing you to play him. He does ask you to stick with him on it, saying that he wants to sort his thoughts and that he'll hold back. C also has extra lines that are mostly the same, though he instead suggests reading the rulebook with you while he thinks.

The game continues on anyways as you place your tile, and your white tiles flip Okitaka's black. Okitaka says that was a good move, but then puts his piece in a spot you didn't think about. He tells you that while he'd be holding back, he'll still go take what he can. He pretty much wins the game there, and he talks about how profound Reversi can be. Learning takes a minute, but mastering takes a lifetime. He stops to take a long drink of something, and when he starts talking again he says he's the type who's good at strategies. In battles he typically discusses the situation with Operators and gives commands to his comrades, and he's always thinking about how to actually win.

You comment on how unusual Okitaka's role is for being a hero. Okitaka says he's often told that, but since he's not particularly good at attacking, it's the position he shines best in. So because of that, it's how he handled every battle he's been in. His experience grew little by little until he was eventually given the post of branch commander. He was always better at directing people so he was happy about the job, and so he was withdrawn from the front lines. He comments that if veterans always get fielded, then newer heroes would never get a chance to grow.

You nod along as you process how a hero became a commander, and Okitaka makes a point of saying he didn't actually hate going out to battle. The position was weirdly comfortable to him, and he's spent years issuing commands and never stepping forward to fight himself. But if he doesn't get out there once in a while he'll get rusty, he notes with a bitter, sad smile. Okitaka sounds resigned as he says it was stupid of him to sub in for Gammei, especially since Gammei has been actively battling. There was just no one else who could take his place when he got hurt, but even so he wants to do the best he can.

You call Okitaka's name sympathetically or stay quiet. Okitaka muses aloud that if he linked up with an experienced Operator, then maybe he could fight and strategize at the same time. But in this case he's either going to be working with you, or somebody over the phone, so there's no way he can fight like normal. Maybe that's why he can't seem to get things to come together.

You stare at the Reversi board, and you note how Okitaka has been steadily winning strategically even if he was holding back. You decide to ask Okitaka why, but a lack of a complete question prompts him to ask you to clarify. You then ask Okitaka why he has to fight like he normally fights. Okitaka is surprised by this, so he explains with it unclear how rusty he is, it'll be impossible to work with you since he doesn't know how well he can do anything himself. He wanted to get back his old familiarity back, but that's turning out to be a bit much. That means as far as he can tell, his only options are to sit back and strategize, or step forward and leave commanding to someone else. And as it is, he has to step forward.

Okitaka sighs about how it's just theorycrafting, and with neither of you two knowing each other that well and Okitaka not knowing his own ability level, he'd rather not throw in more information that would confuse you. You then suggest that the two of you start being more open with each other, surprising him. You ask Okitaka to do what comes easiest to him, say you want to know him better, and/or suggest that you guys win the tourney together. Okitaka is taken aback as he thinks in silence for a bit, but when he speaks again he has a mischievous grin as he warns you that this will take a while and asks if you're okay with that. On that note, the episode ends.