Live A Hero Book 2 Chapter 1 Episode 8: Escaping the Siege (Abridged)

Evil Red: Shin Ashihara, banzai! Make Japan great again! Down with the establishment government and their kidnapping ways! We will take the key person for our patriotic salvation into our cArE or die trying!
Explosions! Ground shakes! Danzo calling in! Central Osaka is on fire on the TV!
TV Reporter: Oh no, another explosion! Somebody help the people trapped inside that building! I know the Shin Ashihara just accused the government of kidnapping, but the government isn't saying anything! Also the railroads have just said they're stopping outbound trains from Osaka because of the emergency! This just in from our information department...
Alliance Safehouse
MC: Oh no!
Seiichirou: Is calling us kidnappers their way of internally justifying their actions? Bastards. And it looks like they're using the elimination of aliens from the capital city to get their soldiers to come along. But if they're doing this, their agents hidden inside the government can't ignore it.
Akashi: They're hurting innocent people! This is like...!
Ryekie: Random terrorism. I have to go save the people!

Huckle: Ryekie, stop! They're after MC!
Santetsu: If we're too conspicuous they might come converging on us. It'll be very dangerous.
Exio: We either sit here quietly, or we have to figure out a way to slip past them all...
Click
Danzo: Uh guys, we might not have a choice anymore. There's just the one squad here, but they've started searching the area the safehouse is. They're gonna find it eventually, and if I mess up a move, I'll just draw more attention here... I think it'll be better to break out now before they bog us down!
Roiker: ...I like this place, but I suppose we'll have to go. (sighs and eye-signals to Seiichirou)
Seiichirou: We're abandoning the base and figuring out a route out of Osaka! Danzo, can you lead the way!?
Danzo: Yep! There's a lot of them, so this might get tricky!

Later
Danzo: ...okay, move to the next alleyway now.
The party slips past the villains with Danzo's directions and slowly heads north.
Danzo: We're cool, looks like we made it without them noticing. There's a big factory up ahead that we can sneak in through. The back exit leads to an old sewer that leads to the Yodo River.
Santetsu: ...I hope the villains' siege doesn't extend to the sewers.
Seiichirou: It's still possible, but we have to bet on it. We could take sky transit, but with the sky trains being out, they'd spot us quickly. We'll head to Kyoto through the old sewer line. Kyoto still has a lot of old Japanese scenery that the Shin Ashihara would never try to attack, so they at least can't try anything too risky.
Danzo: Uh, guys I just saw something I wish I didn't...
Roiker: You don't mean...?
Danzo: Yeah, somebody else besides the Shin Ashihara is making their move and taking advantage of things. (sends pictures to Seiichirou's phone)

Seiichirou: ...it feels like these are also designated villain organizations.
Danzo: Yeah, other groups after MC.
Akashi: Goddammit, what is MC to these guys?
Exio: Probably just a tool to make the world the way they want it. I don't think any organization has a good idea of what Observers are. They're blinded by the big spectacle of Mt. Fuji being brought back.
Huckle: ...how sad. MC's a person with feelings too.
Akashi: ...MC, you okay? You don't look so good.
MC: I'm kinda tired... / Maybe I should let myself get caught... / I'm not gonna let them have their way...!
(A) Akashi: Tell me if it's too much, and I'll carry you on my back.
Huckle: ...I know how it hurts to have so many innocents caught up in this. But it's easy to see how things can get so much worse than it is now if you did get caught. And...we don't want to sacrifice you. Just think about getting to safety.
(B) Akashi: What!? Do you realize what they'll do to you!?
Huckle: ...I know how it hurts to have so many innocents caught up in this. But it's easy to see how things can get so much worse than it is now if you did get caught. And...we don't want to sacrifice you. Just think about getting to safety.
(C) Akashi: Whoa...
Huckle: Heh, you've got guts and spirit. But you clearly do look like you're getting tired. I'd rather not push you too much, but it hurts that I can't really say that now. Just keep moving for now.

Later
Danzo: Now, get to the next block. You'll reach the factory once you get past the next block. They've searched around long enough that it looks like no one is left, so now's your chance to get ahead.
Huckle: The street is pretty big, so it's a little hard to estimate when to move.
Akashi: Don't people go into manholes when they get to this part of the movies? What difference would going down now make if we're going into a sewer anyway?
Seiichirou: The underground spaces around here have been reconstructed so that they're only big enough for maintenance bots to move around. It'd be hard to walk around half-submerged, and if they find us then, we'd likely all get caught.
MC: Oh...
Akashi: Right, bad idea...
Seiichirou: The sewers we're heading for were made before the reconstruction, so they should still be open spaced. They aren't even being used now, so we should be able to move more freely within.
Ryekie: ...huh?

There's a little girl rubbing her eyes up ahead.
Huckle: ...a girl? Did she fall behind while running away? It's too dangerous to leave her alone.
Ryekie: What do we do Huckle? Do we look after her?
Roiker: ...wait, with the siege being this heavy, it's unnatural for her to be left alone like this. It's possible she's been left as hero bait.
Ryekie: B-but we can't just leave her alone, right?
Roiker: W-well, yes but...
Santetsu: (frowns and looks at the lost girl with mixed emotions)
MC: Oh no, another explosion!

The building near the girl starts crumbling!
Girl: Aah!
The girl falls down and rubble starts falling near her!
Ryekie: No!
Huckle: RYEKIE!
A sign falls where the girl was, but Ryekie manages to diving save her!
Ryekie: You okay!?
Girl: Y-yes, thank you...
Ryekie: Good. But why are you here alone?
Girl: ...um, I was staying in a hotel, but the hotel fell down. Mommy and Daddy told me to run, but I lost them somewhere along the way...
Ryekie: ...oh, that's terrible. You're okay now, I--
Evil Ninja: LOOK, IT'S ZAP THE JUSTICE!
Ryekie: Oh no!

Evil Ninjas start converging!
Danzo: Shit's bad guys! Tons incoming from all directions! We'll never get out if they keep coming!
MC: OH NO / Ugh, I guess we have to fight!
Huckle: ...no other choice. Ryekie and I will hold the line here. I promise we'll catch up, so all of you take MC and run!
Akashi: But!
Huckle runs off towards Ryekie.
Exio: I'll go too. Two heroes alone won't help anything.
Roiker: Exio, you too!?
Exio: ...that girl reminds me of Melide. If no one acts, I will. So...I want to thank Justice.
Exio runs over and transforms Ryekie and Huckle!
Danzo: Live feed is on! Now they HAVE to break through! If they lose sight of things they'll get stomped!
Roiker: ...we'll just have to believe. It hurts to divide our forces like this.
MC: We're LEAVING them!? / But...! / Can they do this!?

Akashi: ...he really is a natural hero. I couldn't come to a decision then...I can't waste their efforts. I'm gonna protect MC no matter what and get us out of here.
Santetsu: ...I also want to personally give Justice my respects. Whenever I see a child all alone, I'm reminded of my past. So...I want to thank him too for saving her.
Danzo: That's the spirit! Milord, transform me too!
Seiichirou: Right. We are breaking through by force. Don't let your guards down.
The party transforms as Seiichirou holds his hand up.
Danzo: Let's do it! Ready guys!?
Roiker: Of course. I'm barely a hero, but I can fight when I need to.
Akashi: Yeah! Come at me, jerks!
Santetsu: ...same. I'll show that I can help too.

MC gets on Danzo's back at his insistence. Then he immediately runs into the fighting.
Ryekie: JUSTICE PUNNNNCH!
Evil Red: AUGH! DAMMIT!
Evil Blue: Here comes the target! Don't get too distracted by Justice!
Huckle: Don't think it'll be that easy. Adventurer Kick!
Evil Yellow: Wha--AAAAA
Exio: Now!
Evil Purple: Stop them!
Akashi: Back off dillholes!
Seiichirou: MC! We're splitting the commands! Ready!?
MC: Yes! I won't let everyone's hopes go to waste!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

The party minus sub team Ryekie breaks through enemy lines!
Evil Red: There they are! Get them!
Lots of small skirmishes as the party continues running!
Evil Purple: Don't think you'll get away!
The endless battles keep chipping away at the party...
Seiichirou: We haven't even gotten a kilometer away and they still keep coming!
Roiker: Turning our live cameras on and off in this chaos and trying to hide our location cuts down on the VP we can get...how long will we have to keep this up?
Akashi: Quit whining and help fight! They'll surround us again if we--urk!
Santetsu: ...I suppose we are pushing you a lot. Your shoulder movements look unnatural.
Akashi: N-no you aren't! This is nothing!
MC: Akashi, you're hurt!? Don't push yourself!

Akashi: N-nothing you need to worry about! I'm pretty tough, so I won't go down from this!
Danzo: ...this ain't good. They're coming from behind.
Seiichirou: What!? Is it the guys we let go earlier!?
Danzo: Nah, he'd come even if we did let him go. It's gonna be terribad if we get pincered while this tired out.
Akashi: Bad!? What do we do then!?
Evil Green: The target! Hurry, over here!
Seiichirou: ...Danzo. If it comes to it, run from here with MC by yourself. We'll hold them back this time.
MC: NO!

Akashi: ...oh well. That way, MC won't get caught at least.
Santetsu: If Danzo has to protect and escape with MC alone...well it's not that good a plan, but sometimes you just have to make some sacrifices.
Roiker: ...indeed. We might not be able to handle all this by ourselves...hmm?
Roiker's starglobe radar is giving Roiker some surprising info.
Roiker: Enemy numbers are...decreasing?
Akashi: What!? Does that mean Justice and the others are...!?
Roiker: ...no. An enemy is...taking down the other enemies?
MC: What?

Seiichirou: What's going on? Internal discord?
Santetsu: L-look, over there...
Santetsu points to Akashi Alter, incoming!
MC: I-it's him!
Akashi: !! That asshole!
The party readies to fight and Danzo holds tightly to MC. Akashi Alter slowly approaches.
Akashi Alter: ...
But Akashi Alter is holding some steel beam piece over his shoulders and doesn't seem to be coming
to attack the party. He actually walks past the party when he gets close enough. Reaction shots all around!
Akashi: Wha...?
Akashi Alter stops in front of the Evil Ninjas.

Evil Purple: !? What!?
Evil Yellow: Why aren't you capturing them!? And why are you pointing your weapon at us!?
Akashi Alter: ...! Knight of Owner!
Evil Purple: Wha--AAAA
Evil Yellow: What are you--aaaagh!
Double hit!
Akashi: What!?
Seiichirou: Danzo, what's going on!?
Danzo: I-I don't know! This is outside the scope of what I've seen!
Evil Red: HQ! HQ! The new guy betrayed us! We need reinforceme--huh!?
Akashi Alter: Oh it'll be over before they get here. (swings)
Evil Red: OOUGH
Evil Blue: Damn you--WAAGH

MC: WAIT WHAT
Akashi Alter smashes ALL the Evil Ninjas! But none of them can even find the time to get back up to try to fight back.
Roiker: He...saved us?
Santetsu: We can't relax, but...it seems so...
Finally, all Evil Ninjas defeated. Everyone stares in shock. Akashi Alter dumps the steel beam and looks up into the sky, apparently muttering to himself.
Akashi Alter: ...I really WAS off the mark.
End of Episode

Kabukicho Night Festival Episode 1 Part You (Abridged)

A few days after MC was picked to go on the student exchange program. Some host club Tsukuyomi invited MC to.
Tetsugyuu: Welcome, Boss! Wow you really came! Tell me if you're gonna go out in town so I can come with!
Ibaraki: Tetsuya's gonna yell again if you do. MC isn't really one of us Outlaws. And Senpai? You gotta follow our rules if you're gonna stay on our turf. I'm your kouhai at Shinkuku, but here I'll be the big guy who'll show you the ways of--
Suzuka: Yeah sure whatever, calm down Ibaraki. MC's the Emperor's guest and still an outsider, not a freeloader underling you can lord over. And MC, you need to understand this too if you're staying in Kabukicho. Got it?
MC: Hi Tetsugyuu! / I'll follow you, Big Bro Ibaraki! / Should I call you Sis then, Suzuka?
(A) Tetsugyuu: Yeah! Man, maybe I'll get picked to go on an exchange program too? I think I'll ask Gang Leader Sanat Kumara and student council Sanmoto tomorrow!
Ibaraki: ...you don't get it? Fine, I'll explain it to you again.
(B) Ibaraki: Oh my god you can't just call me that! You have to call someone as great as Shuten that!
Suzuka: Come on, you can just show off your good side here too then, right?
(C) Suzuka: Y-you idiot! Don't go dissing me during your exchange student stay! But if you're going to go that far, I'll just have to watch over you!
Tetsugyuu: But I wanted to take care of the boss!

Tsukuyomi: Aww, I'm so happy everyone is opening up to you so fast, MC.
Lots of the Outlaws have come to welcome Tsukuyomi and MC. And then there's Tetsuya to the side making a face.
Tetsuya: ...what's so great about this? Even Suzuka is jumping for joy, god.
Ellie: Tetsuya you always act like a thug, but you never loosen up.
Tsukuyomi: Oh no Queen, it's because we got someone like Tetsuya around that we can do what we want.
Tetsuya: (sigh) Well thanks for giving a mutt like me the annoying work that suits me. And if you really are thankful for me, you could stand to work more since you're the boss.
Tsukuyomi: Boys, can you pass out drinks to everyone? We should have a toast with MC here.
Ellie: I'mma go on a walk, leave mine on the table.
Tetsuya: Goddammit.

Gyoubu: Now now, Onogami you can let it go for today. Customers and guests like it better when things are more relaxed. I'll take patrol for the day, so please watch over everyone in the club.
Gyoubu walks out, and MC then walks up to Tetsuya.
MC: I'll be in your care for now / Sorry for the trouble / So we good now?
(A) Tetsuya: I don't look after people who aren't paying. It's Tsukuyomi who had your room set up. Just go to school like a good kid and there'll be less problems going around.
(B) Tetsuya: Yeah, this is a huge pain in the ass and you got balls to come anyway...but if you're gonna be that compliant, I can at least treat you as a customer.
(C) Tetsuya: Did you not get yet that you piss me off acting that way? You're still gonna be an outsider here, and the town won't like you as long as you're part of some other guild. You could at least stop barging through the front door like you own the place, god.

Tetsuya: Come on, stop bothering with me, take your drink, and go back to everyone else. (takes two drinks from a coming mobster and gives one to MC)
Tsukuyomi: Everyone have a drink? My treat today, so please get along with my guest. To Kabukichi's development, the Outlaws's future, and our guest. Cheers.
And so the calm welcoming party went on into the night as MC's Kabukicho life began.
The next day
MC: I should wake up Tsukuyomi up soon / I should've napped too / Time to go to school...
---
(A) MC goes into Tsukuyomi's room and shakes him.
Tsukuyomi: ...hrmmm? Is it time to go? Yawn...
---
Once Tsukuyomi is up, MC gets ready. Then they picked up some clothes in the corner that Tsukuyomi had talked about last night.
MC: I have to wear this? Why?

Later
Fortuneteller Tsukuyomi: Oh, have you changed too MC? It looks like we have matching costumes.
MC: You look great! / You always look good in anything / Are you a wizard?
---
(A) Tsukuyomi: Thanks. Heh, you look great too. I'm glad we happened to get matching costumes.
---
Tsukuyomi: Kresnik-sensei gave me these clothes and told me the idea was that I'd be a fortune teller in a vampire's castle. He wanted us to come to school dressed for the Fes starting tomorrow. I suppose it's meant to show us positively participating in the festival despite being outsiders?
MC: Huh...? Am I not welcome? / I like this.
(AB) Tsukuyomi: Remember what Kabukicho people are like. They never like anyone at first brush. This is the same thing. Everyone who comes here has been hurt, and that includes the school. But relax. Suzuka, Ellie, and I can come help if anything happens.
(C) Tsukuyomi: Haha, you don't fear anything ever, do you? Maybe you'll fit in better at the school than I will.

Tsukuyomi: ...you know, a fortuneteller fits me so well, even if this is just a costume.
MC: What's the connection? Can you tell fortunes? / Can people from Takamagahara tell fortunes?
---
(AB) Tsukuyomi: I've learned a lot of things to entertain my guests. I don't know much about divination, but I'm interested in simple fortune telling at least.
(C) Tsukuyomi: I could do anything for you...kidding. But life took me around so I know about Wa no Kuni's sukuyoudo astrology and Tokyo's astrology. It's only dabbling though, just good enough for entertaining guests and some other things.
---
Tsukuyomi: If you're interested, I could show you sometime. (checks the time) It's about time we go. Ready? There's no class today, but it'd be better if we didn't get off on the wrong foot by being late.

Later
Tsukuyomi: Hmm, it's hard going around wet streets in this outfit. Or maybe I should consider us lucky that the rain stopped when it was time for us to go to school? Now how about we go over what we talked about the other day? Kabukicho Academy is holding a festival starting tomorrow, and the Queen has told me the theme is a castle a vampire lives in. That'd make us fortune tellers the vampire invited over. We weren't told to act in particular way, so I guess it's fine for us to treat it like one big costume party?
MC: How about we set up a fortune telling booth? / Is Ellie dressing up? / Are only some of the students dressing up?
---
(A) Tsukuyomi: Ooh, nice idea. I'll think about it if the students accept us.
(BC) Tsukuyomi: Secret~.
---
Tsukuyomi: Oh right, the Outlaws said they'd come on the day the Fes starts.

Meanwhile at Kabukicho
Sphinx: Waaah! My power won't work and some crazy strong pharaoh smashed my mask! And what the hell is this tablet thingy!?
Sphinx is wandering in the school grounds fiddling with his free phone.
Sphinx: Wow, it's like the ocean is spreading here. Is it all the rain? It's been raining all day after the sun came up. I'm glad I found that school store thing that had food inside that temple though...but I haven't found anyone from Aaru so far. Is there anyone like that here in Tokyo...?
Sphinx loses interest in the phone and thinks back on what's happened so far. He's lost and seen all sorts of new races, but none with features he recognized. The only one he feels a connection to was the one they called Queen.
In Aaru, pharaohs are people with a specific duty chosen directly by the World Representative. If they exist inside temples, then Tokyo must have a similar faith to Aaru. Or at least that's what Sphinx thinks from what he's seen. But again, Sphinx hasn't met anyone he feels like they also came from Aaru, and he worries he might be here alone in some strange place.

Sphinx: ...ugh, I should stop thinking about things that aren't even assumptions. Anyways, how do I get my power back? OOF!
Sphinx bumps into MC.
MC: Sorry, you okay?
Sphinx: Ow. No, I should apologize. Wait, I dropped that tablet thingy!
MC: (looks around) What's it look like? Is it the thing Tsukuyomi caught?
Tsukuyomi: ...I see. You call this a tablet? I'm glad I caught it before it fell into a puddle. Did you just get summoned to Tokyo? (gives back phone)
Sphinx: Y-yes...wait, you know what this is!?
Tsukuyomi: Yep. Pretty much every Transient in Tokyo knows what it is. And people with the App on their phones, right MC?
MC: Don't look at ME! / Yep. Want me to teach you?
(A) Tsukuyomi: Whoops, I'm in the habit of leaving a lot of tasks to my guildmates. But you were thinking you can't just leave this boy alone now, right?

Sphinx: Really!? Okay, tell m--I MEAN I'll figure it out if you tell me how it works! But I can hear you out if you wanna show me!
MC: (teach him) / I'll show you if you let me pet you
---
(B) Sphinx: Wat. We literally just met! Are you as stupid as Seth!? You probably won't understand, but that's a huge diss right there. I'll think about letting you pet me if you grovel and lick my feet though. If not, then get lost. I'll let you go if you leave with your tail between your legs!
Tsukuyomi: Aww, that's too bad. I hear MC's petting has the mysterious magic touch to it.
Sphinx: GASP! Y-you're just trying to bait me! Whatever, just tell me how this phone? thingy works already!
---
MC teaches Sphinx how to use the phone and the app and also a simple explanation of the worlds and Transients.
Sphinx: ...oh, so this app is translating for us. Dunno who made it, but I guess that's how Tokyo keeps orderly with all these world connections. And I can use the phone to talk to or send messages to people far away. Cool!

Tsukuyomi: Wow, I'm surprised at how much you gleaned from that little explanation.
Sphinx: Ha! My brain's on another level compared to your trash brains! But still, thanks about the app and phone stuff. Oh right I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Sphinx, from Aaru.
Tsukuyomi: I'm Tsukuyomi. I'm from Takamagahara even though I'm dressed like this.
MC: I'm MC.
Sphinx: Cool, I guess I can be friends with you guys! (swaggers as he puts his hand out to shake MC's)
Sphinx: !! What just happened? I thought I felt something bad...maybe I imagined it?
Tsukuyomi: ...
Sphinx: Whoops, gotta go! See ya after I test something out! (runs off)
Tsukuyomi: Hey wait, didn't he just run into the school? Didn't he just transfer worlds?
MC: Did he come because of some process? / Yeah actually...is he an intruder?
---
(A) Tsukuyomi: Maybe, but would he really come here alone knowing so little of Tokyo?
---
Tsukuyomi: Running around isn't my thing, but I think we should go after him. Okay the--!?
MC: Wait what's this light!?
Elsewhere like a minute ago
Sphinx: Okay, here we go now. Redacted Invocation activate!
All the hieroglyphs power up, causing the school to overlap with some other world's scenery.
End of Episode

Kabukicho Night Festival Episode 1 Part Tsukuyomi (Abridged)

Tsukuyomi (narrating): You wanna know why I shine? To light you up, baby! This place is just a stage on the play of life, and I am your spotlight. You can shine brighter, you know. I'm here to show you that. It's hard being out there, isn't it? Lemme dry your tears! It's just you and me here, in a special place meant to make you glow. Look at the audience seats, look at how my shadow hides who's there. Over there are spectators and not spectators, and over here are people on stage and people who aren't. Now that we've split them up, let's begin with our story.
Present
Tsukuyomi (narrating): Hmm, maybe my big entrance with my cheerleader hype men was too much for my kouhais. Then again, I half look like my famous little brother from my old world like this, so I can't help it if it oozes charm, hehe.
Shirou: Umm...are you going as an exchange student too then?
Tsukuyomi: Yep. I'm the third years' representative. What a coincidence that they picked me of all people since I'm famous there.
Kengo: WTF is going on anymore!?
Ryouta: But wouldn't it be better for MC to have someone who's familiar with Kabukicho along?
Tsukuyomi: Haha, I thought the same thing as you Kengo. So blunt and straightforward. And thanks for your vote of confidence Ryouta.
Tsukuyomi (narrating): Oh MC's friends are talking so happily together. Far as I can remember, Touji and Moritaka are included this time too. My Pillar can only hold happy memories though.

Later
Tsukuyomi: So yeah, Shinjuku got notice of the exchange program the other day haha!
Tetsuya: THAT'S why you called us over for all of a sudden?
Ibaraki: Is this gonna affect Kabukicho the city much?
Tetsugyuu: Hey, does that mean Boss is gonna be a Kabukicho guy? Aww yeah! I wish I could've been exchanged from Umamichi to here so we could rumble every day!
Suzuka: ...well that wouldn't have changed much anyway. Kabukicho Academy's a school for strays. Not a welcoming place for outsiders, especially so close to the Fes. You know it'll be bad if you or MC slip up even once, right Emperor?
Ellie: Shleeep...
Suzuka: Stop yawning and snap to it, Ellie. Oh right, where are we gonna keep MC?

Tetsuya: Just put them on some sofa of some shop that's open during the day.
Suzuka: They're a guildmaster you idiot. They'll get attacked if we don't put them somewhere good enough! And then we'll get a war in West Shinjuku! I'll take on any fight, but don't go picking one, jackass. And we have plenty of people we can't just let be seen too.
Marchosias: ...thank you for your consideration. So what now?
Tsukuyomi: Weeeell, I've been thinking of putting MC in one of our guild safehouses.
Reaction shot
Tsukuyomi: I can't decide that alone, which is why I wanted to gather everyone together.
Tetsugyuu: Oh! Well obviously I--
Tetsuya: Slow down you. You have to think about it with a cool head as a Kabukicho citizen.
Tsukuyomi (narrating): Ahh Tetsuya, there you go again. Always thinking of keeping Kabukicho safe.

Tetsuya: Tsukuyomi, it sounds to me like you wanna accept an outsider for personal reasons. Are you trying to bug us into accepting them?
Tsukuyomi (narrating): Hmm, what do I say? He's right though. It IS true I want to accept MC for personal reasons this time, but...
Gyoubu: Sheesh. Tsukuyomi, shouldn't you tell us what's on your mind more? Maybe Tetsuya would agree to your suggestions then.
Kresnik: ...you're doing this for the guild, right?
Tsukuyomi (narrating): I smiled at how right I was to call Kresnik here. He's a Kabukicho teacher, which led to us all agreeing to him joining the guild too.
Tsukuyomi: Bingo, Kresnik! I can't give a detailed explanation though. Or more accurately I don't know it myself.
Shino: You don't have a memory of it?
Tsukuyomi (narrating): Convenient timing! Wow I'm always being helped by the adults. Maybe if we had adults around back when us siblings were...oops I'm getting off track.

Tsukuyomi: Well guys, like my name means, I'm the Moon Reader here to shine a light on the guild's path. I won't say I see everything that happens, but I can see it. You can read up all sorts of futures from the world's history, and from the compiled traces of the past on the moon. That said, all I can read are things that I personally find happy. I always do my best to tell you all these things, but I totally should be able to see what would happen if MC were attending Kabukicho. But the future's all clouded up.
Marchosias: ...meaning, there's something uncertain your reading can't see?
Tsukuyomi (narrating): Everyone started looking at each other when I nodded to Marchosias.
Tsukuyomi: Based on what little I can see, if something happens it'll happen because of me, MC, or something that happens at Kabukicho Academy. There's little basis to go off though...which is why I'd like to keep MC nearby for personal reasons.

Tetsuya: You indirect ass. If you're doing this for the guild, then I don't need to butt in. I'll just follow along and you do whatever.
Tsukuyomi: Heh, thanks Tetsuya. You never give your honest answers, do you? But I like that you take it upon yourself to butt in when it's hard to cut into things.
Tsukuyomi (narrating): Since we both know MC, I doubt there'd have been a problem if we agreed on the two answers. And Tetsuya gave his frank advice about not letting the guild be used in ways beyond its original goal. He probably thinks if things don't go through the right way, we might lose sight of our goal. It's cute how he looks so calm but is the most passionate about it.
Tsukuyomi: So is everyone okay with this?
Tsukuyomi (narrating): Everyone nodded.
Tsukuyomi: Thanks. I'll bring MC over tomorrow then.
Tsukuyomi (narrating): And so we all went back to do our own things until someone called out to me.
Kresnik: Wait, I need to talk to you.
Tsukuyomi: ...oh, Kresnik?
Kresnik: I'm sorry to ask this of you after the selections were just made, but...
Tsukuyomi (narrating): And now we move on to the day me and MC arrive at Kabukicho. I wonder if I'll remember anything here?
End of Episode Part

Kabukicho Night Festival Episode 1 Part Sandayu (Abridged)

Sandayu: ...Krezzy why are we here?
Kresnik: We're at the park because it was your idea that we eat and talk.
Sandayu: You coulda at least picked somethin' classier like an oden stall by the train tracks! And after all my help with markin' your students' homework. (sighs and grabs some convenience store finger food)
Kresnik: You're always playing dumb. You know this is safer, Sensei.
Sandayu: !!
Sandayu: Heh. Guess ya know me too well from all the times we fought in our old jobs.
Sandayu (narrating): We're on some bench in the park with no visual cover nearby and bushes kinda far away, so we can see anyone comin' and nothin' to be used against us. Nice wind, no foot traffic. Just two teacher pals gabbin' in the night! And we talkin' about that exchange student thing because of course we are!

Sandayu: So I thought those big three guilds were pullin' somethin' with this program, but it turns out only one of the big bosses from the guilds (Yoritomo) put this up. The REAL plan with this thing is for him to send out his own pawns wherever with no problems to spy. But then again you gotta be a bigwig with pawns to throw to use the program this way to begin with.
Kresnik: Seems to have been made insubstantial of concrete evidence because of interference from other guilds. I've tried looking into this exchange's details, but there's no signs of a third party intervening in Shinjuku or Kabukicho. For now it doesn't seem to be a guild war thing. Maybe the native upper admins are just using it since it's there.
Sandayu: Checks out with what I've found out.
Kresnik: Yes, it should be fine to judge this to be low risk. The students can enjoy their Fes without issues. Now we just have to worry about how the students will react to the exchange students... So anyways Sensei, thanks for supporting our students. Don't go overboard.
Sandayu: wait what

Kresnik: Well you know a bit more than me, so I'll be counting on you.
Sandayu: Welp, changin' things around to fit the situation and blend into the background is my best specialty!
Kresnik: Like how you sometimes call yourself an old man? You talk a little different now than when we fought before.
Sandayu: Hell's bells you noticed, Krezzy!? ...well, it'sa way to compartmentalize being a cool teacher at Kabukicho from being undercover.
Kresnik: You're suited for teaching and I'm not. Jealous.
Sandayu: Whoa Krezzy
Kresnik: I'm...tired of my old bloody life, so I thought about trying out a more peaceful life. I wanted to try teaching, guiding, and living with my brethren's children, but unfortunately I'm not...never mind actually.

Sandayu (narrating): A role sticks with you in this world, whether you cut it off or not. Anyways I'm Momochi Sandayu. I know who's worth knowin', and I'm the great teacher of the Iga Ninja Corps. I trained up a lot of students and sent them off, so I guess I am kinda suited to teach. It's why I kept being a teacher as a cover when I came to Tokyo. But Krezzy...what I taught were the ninja ways of doing things and survival tricks for getting through the Sengoku period. You had to know how to play dirty to be good, even with your students and teachers. It's why I thought always thought my students would turn on me someday.
Sandayu: So Krezzy...I can't believe a word of what ya say about living together with them. Not that I'll say that to your face. But you probably--never mind. Anyways, I just gotta use my skills to make my livin' here in Tokyo!
Sandayu (narrating): Bein' a teacher's just a job ta me. I'll take on any dirty job to make some money!

Later
Sandayu: ...what the hell am I wearin'!? Wha...? You got forced by the students to wear something too? But yer just tellin' me to shut up and wear this thing the whole Fes!
Sandayu (narrating): It's been days since the park talk and now the day before the Fes, and here I am puttin' on some dumb costume that's funnier than a three dollar note. Damn, these cute little jerks here sure know how ta pull the teachers into their crap.
Boy A: Wow you look great in that costume, Sandayu!
Boy B: I wanna see, I wanna see! ...It's so true!
Girl C: omg what genius put that costume together!?
Boy D: Good, looks it's fine even when you move in it. We made it with techniques from our home world! It's light, huh? It's not much as actual armor, but it's just for show right?

Girl E: You look just like a dullahan, Sandayu!
Sandayu: STOP CALLING ME BY NAME! Wait, you made this by hand? Holy crap in a flapjack! Dullahans are those headless knights from Tir na Nog, right? Hmm... okay, Sensei's gonna catch ya slippin' if you don't watch out during the Fes!
Girl E: It's hilarious how much more you're into this than us! Keep it up tomorrow!
Sandayu (narrating): We joked some more, then the students went back to the classroom while I went down the hallway. Gettin' along is part of work, and getting along pays. I am totally not makin' excuses...he says to no one in particular. Whatever, time to keep patrollin'. No classes today, but I should still do last minute checks and take attendance.

Sandayu: Man, the students sure are clever. They didn't really need to decorate much to make this place look like an old fashioned manor or castle. They even set the mood up by putting graffiti on the walls an--wait what?
Sandayu (narrating): There's something written in small giving off this weird vibe. Reminds me of stuff from my home world.
Sandayu: ...ain't this a curse o' some kind? Who'd do that?
Sandayu (narrating): I hurried back to the teacher's office tell Krezzy, and I saw those curse things a buncha times along the way.
Elsewhere
Kresnik: ...did an intruder get in? But when did they do this? I didn't see anything like this yesterday.
Sandayu: Maybe the conditions kicked in for the curse to start today. I've seen these marks before... (remembers) Aaru has these two different sets of scripts, one for everyday use and one for rituals and spells. I can't READ them, but I think the second one was called hieroglyphs...
Sandayu (narrating): And then suddenly the place shook in a way not like an earthquake and there was light everywhere.
End of Episode Part

Kabukicho Night Festival Episode 1 Part Kresnik (Abridged)

Kresnik (narrating): Being a teacher isn't easy, even compared to my old job. I spend every day looking after dumb kids who are too stupid to know what fear is. It's five more days before the School Fes starts at this point, and I'm doing the rounds around the school again.
Boy A: Later, Teacher!
Kresnik: Bye. Do a real greeting tomorrow. Also don't run in the hallways.
Boy B: Sliding's okay then, right!? Bye Krester!
Kresnik: No it wouldn't. How would you even--STOP! ...sigh.
Kresnik (narrating): After I see the kids going home off, I go to the classrooms where the lights are on and students are working on the Fes. I can totally see the traps they set up once I get to the door. If I fall for it, they call me lame. But if I just dodge it, they go boo. Ugh, fine then...

Boy A: Aww, he dodged it! Well I guess it was really obvious.
Kresnik: Haha, yes it was easy to see coming. Even I could--WAAAGH
Kresnik (narrating): Once I avoided the falling blackboard eraser, I intentionally slipped on the banana peel they put down.
Boy A: Yeeees, I win!
Girl B: Dammit, I bet he wouldn't have fallen for something that stupid. Fiiine, what's the deal? Am I buying from the school store or going to a vending machine?
Kresnik: Sheesh, aren't you guys supposed to be busy with getting ready for the Fes?
Kresnik (narrating): Every day I'm always asking myself if I'm doing alright as a teacher for my fellow nightfolk. My eyes have an ability that draws them to vampire True Ancestors, but they can't see an answer to that question. Geez, being a teacher is hard. How am I supposed to connect with them? I spent my whole life up until now hunting nightfolk, and now I have to teach and guide them? I mean I think this way is better, but it still blows up on me a lot. Looking from above, people would say I'm being rebelled against and just sticking my head into needless trouble.

Boy C: Hey don't you need to practice? You're playing in a band for the Fes, aren't you?
Boy D: It's cool, I can play it all blindfolded! Maybe!
Boy E: I'll just say you're working for our classes today. Wasn't he talking about the Fes's purpose or something?
Girl F: We're making the Fes for our sakes! Heh, sounds good huh?
Kresnik (narrating): The Kabukicho students are slowly uniting as they prepare for the festival...or at least it looks that way. Most of them are looking for a sense of belonging and have situations where they can find sympathies that go beyond racial borders. That gives me the sense that this is still having a good influence on them.
Kresnik: Everything seems to be going well...oh, this costume looks impressive.
Girl G: Aww, Nicky! We made it ourselves. Cool, huh!?
Boy D: We can do it if we want to! Well I knew that already but still.

Kresnik: ...well I got a favor to ask of you guys. Listen to me for a second.
Boy H: What's up?
Kresnik: So I mentioned this before, but the acceptance term for the exchange student program has been set. This is very short notice, but we've been informed their first day here will be four days from now.
Not Fergus: But that's the day before the Fes starts! Are they barging in on OUR event!?
Girl G: Nicky I know it's not your fault, but don't stick that on our festival!
Boy D: What the hell are we supposed to do in that little time?
Kresnik (narrating): Most of the students were against it, some were sprawled on the ground, and everyone seemed confused. Kabukicho is filled with people wary of outsiders since so many of them were chased away from other areas. Anything that comes from outside makes them anxious and even more cautious.

Kresnik: I know what you want to say: Kabukicho has its own way of doing things, right? But you guys also say you don't reject anyone coming in. Can you at least take a look at the exchange students come in and then decide how you feel?
Students: ...
Kresnik (narrating): They all looked at each other for a while in silence. Then someone kicked the door open.
Girl K: Hey, sorry I'm late! ...oh god it's tense in here I gotta puts on some music!
valentines.mp3
Not Fergus: ...HAHAHA! God you are ruining the mood here!
Girl K: Hey I can read what's going on! You better thank me for lightening the mood when it gets dark!
Boy D: Sigh...okay I'm calm now. Okay fine Mister, these exchange students can come over.
Kresnik: Oh good! Sorry for the sudden announcement.
Boy I'm Losing Track Now: Hold on, if we're listening to you we're making a deal here.
Kresnik (narrating): He holds up that costume and smiles.
Boy Whoever: The exchange students AND you teachers gotta help us as one of us with the festival!
Kresnik (narrating): And so I went back to the teacher's office with four costumes. I could only smile wryly at how they're always putting me through the wringer.

Kresnik (narrating): Being a teacher is HARD. Just spending a day with students makes me worry about so many things. If they veer off their path, could I bring them back to it? Am I actually able to be a model when I spent so much time hunting people like them? But after being worn down from all the hunting and being called a hero, I got a wish here in Tokyo because of all that fighting. I wanted to protect these children driven to the Sleepless City and their homes, and I swore that on my gun and knife.
Kresnik: A vampire castle lord costume, huh? The irony. Still, it does suit me.
Kresnik (narrating): And now it's suddenly the day before the Fes, and I put on the costume the students gave me. There are no classes today, and I hoped it'd all go smoothly with no incidents.
Sandayu: Krezzy! Something's up, come with me!
Kresnik (narrating): And so Tokyo surprises me again with how experience and common sense mean nothing in an instant.
End of Episode Part

Kabukicho Night Festival Episode 1 Part Ellie (Abridged)

Ellie (narrating): That day I became a vampire and not human anymore, became famous, and looked at Tokyo's nightscape from the top of some skyscraper, I could see the light of every corner in this city. I look at that light alone, and it bothers me less than I thought it would when I think about that. I chose to be alone. I don't care about other people, and what other people say doesn't bother me. I thought I'd always be like that and always would be. When that guy who gave me his blood disappeared from this city, I decided I'd start being a queen.
Ellie: Hello, Suzuka? I remember about us going to school together today. Do we meet at the safehouse? Okay, I'll change and meet you there.
Ellie (narrating): The day before the Fes, Suzuka came with me to the school we go to. She knows how much I cut class, so she comes get me when it's important.
Ellie (narrating): So like I'm pretty sure everyone in Tokyo knows me, but I'll introduce myself anyways. I'm Ellie, the girl who walks nighttime Kabukicho alone. You wanna know who says that? Pffft, who cares? I think it's a better catchphrase than calling myself that poor girl who got turned into a vampire. You can take your sympathy and shove it. I be who I want to be, though people who think about hard stuff use different words to describe me.

Later
Suzuka: I gotta stop by the classroom, so can you go on to the clothing room?
Ellie: 'kay. I'll take the clothes with me.
Ellie (narrating): Suzuka and I split off after we got to school. I could hear the other students walking behind me talking about me as I walked down the hall.
Girl A: ...she came. Is it okay for you to not say hi?
Girl B: Ellie? ...aren't you scared too?
Girl A: She never gets close to us even though we go to the same school.
Girl C: Maybe she's afraid of us? ...kidding. No way.
Girl D: She's a high school model. That's amazing, but it feels like she's in a different world from us.
Ellie (narrating): Look at them all pretending to be all casual while they side eye my every move.
Boy A: Man, look at her! Feels like I'll be her slave if I just get near her. Thank you world for letting me see her rare school attendance!
Boy B: You guys don't get it. She's a pitiful girl! She was human and she got bit by a vampire. Gross...

Ellie (narrating): Whenever I come to school, people say things about me. Some nag saw this happening once and started asking me if I was distant with my classmates or if I was happy at school. I just coldly said I didn't care, and it doesn't matter to me if it's true. The more time passed, the more I became more like him, the vampire True Ancestor who sucked my blood and isn't in Tokyo anymore. I remember that he was colder, more beautiful, and more terrifying than anyone. Going by vampire common sense, when he disappeared, their first minion meaning me would be the closest to a True Ancestor. But sometimes I wonder why he picked me. Why me from a first glance?

Suzuka: Sorry Ellie. Ready to begin?
Ellie: I wanna say I can dress myself...but this dress is pretty complicated.
Suzuka: Yeah. I wouldn't be able to look you in the eye if you ruined your one good dress trying to put it on.
Ellie: Yeah...and isn't this dress super awesome? You can just tell by looking and touching it's better than an off the shelf dress.
Suzuka: Wow, you really know your stuff as a model who wore tons of brands. But yeah, that's what makes Arachne's stuff so good. We met over the weirdest thing and now she's gotten so good. I'm proud of her.
Ellie: Nice. Okay help me put it on, Suzuka.
Suzuka: Okay. You're so self-interested, Queen.
Ellie (narrating): That was when there was a voice from somewhere inside the room. I didn't hear it because I was too busy fawning over the dress.

Suzuka: ...Ellie.
Ellie: Huh? What?
Ellie (narrating): Suzuka put her hand on mine to stop me from unbuttoning my blazer. She signaled to a locker in the room with her eyes.
Ellie: (...someone's here?)
Ellie (narrating): Suzuka nodded, then quietly approached the locker. Don't people outside of Kabukicho call our school a haunted house? It isn't, but it is relatively filled with more delinquents. I guess there would be someone who'd try to peep like now.
Suzuka: WHOMST
Sphinx: AAAAAA
Ellie: !!

Suzuka: ...a kid? I honestly thought it was some idiot from our school.
Sphinx: I am NOT a kid or an idiot! (huff) Also I was not surprised by the likes of thee! Mine name is Sphinx. (huff) I descended to this land from (huff) from a pillar of light...
Ellie: You can take the mask off if it's hard on you.
Sphinx: I-I'm thinking of doing that right now! I'm not doing it because you said so! Mgrgrgrgrg...I can't get it off! Even though it got on just fine! Waaah, stop standing there and help me!
Ellie: (stares in vampire)
Ellie: Pow.
Sphinx: AAAAAA
Suzuka: Oh my god Ellie! You okay kid?
Ellie (narrating): All I did was poke him in the forehead, and then the mask cracked in half...is that gold? Do I have to pay damages for this?

Sphinx: FREAK MONSTER STRENGTH! Even pharaohs have some clue about restraint!
Ellie: (stare)
Sphinx: ?
Ellie: oh no he's cute
Sphinx: AAAAAA
Ellie (narrating): It was adoration at first sight
Ellie: Hey, hey. Where'd you come from? What's your name? What do you like? Wannagetlunchwithyourbigsis
Sphinx: HEEEEELP, CREEPY PHARAOH

Ellie: Oh wait are you talking about me? Sorry about breaking your mask. I might have had to cut off your head otherwise.
Sphinx: SHE'S GONNA EAT ME! SOMEBODY SAVE MEEEEE (runs)
Suzuka: Hey wait!
Ellie: Uhh, is that bad? Maybe he was really scared.
Suzuka: I've never seen him before, but maybe he's a new elementary student here. You should apologize if you see him again. I'll let the teachers know later. But let's get back to your dress.
Ellie: ...okay. Let's take a pic after I put it on and send it to everyone in the guild.
Ellie (narrating): Maybe Suzuka and I let our guards down since the Fes was so close. Maybe things wouldn't have happened the way they did if we talked to a teacher right away.
Hallway
Sandayu: Did someone write a curse on the walls or something
End of Episode Part

Kabukicho Night Festival Episode 1 Part Sphinx (Abridged)

The light dies down.
Sphinx: ...where am I? Why am I here?
Strange plants! Roads made of not rocks! Obelisk-like buildings with holes of light! A pool surrounded by rocks! An oasis?
Sphinx: Who am I? Oh wait I know. I'm Sphinx, the one who sees the sun off in Aaru. But how and why am I here?
Sphinx (narrating): I ponder my memory loss while approaching that oasis thing.
Sphinx: This oasis is weird. There's lots plants and trees but only this much water?
Sphinx (narrating): The sky is dark. Must be night. No water clock to tell time though. Lights too bright to see the stars too. No pyramids around, and nothing that looks like a shrine.
Sphinx: (frown)
???: ROOOOARRR
Sphinx (narrating): A wild animal just roared behind me! There's something huge beyond the bushes coming this way!
Sphinx: NOOOOO
Sphinx (narrating): I can win against it in a contest of wits, but I can't win in a fight since I'm a shrimp! At least it's still bright out at night. Run towards the light!

Later
Sphinx: wheeeze Did I lose it? I hope I did.
Sphinx (narrating): I don't remember where I went, but I came to this one building by slipping through an iron fence. I tried pushing a door and it just opened up. Then it started raining so I ran inside.
Sphinx: Huh. Lots of people here, and lots of races I never seen before.
Sphinx (narrating): Nobody looks violent right now, but I can't assume they're friendly either. I'd better hide and watch for now. Most of them are sitting in chairs looking at some open book while one other person is talking to them.
Sphinx: A priest and servants? Is this a shrine then? Whatever, there's lots of people here so this place is fine. Better find a good place while they're focused on whatever ritual they're doing.
Sphinx (narrating): I slip out while no one is looking and look around. Then I find an empty, dark room.

Sphinx: Hehehe...let's get started!
Sphinx (narrating): I point to the sky and send the pen between my wings to float in the air...
Sphinx: ...uh?
Sphinx (narrating): ...but nothing happened. I touched my wings with the back of my hand wondering if I lost them.
Sphinx: No, I still have them. Ugh, fine I'll just write on the walls.
Sphinx (narrating): Back in my home world, I could make my pen move and write in the air with my mind.
Sphinx: Okay, done writing! Time to make my playground!
Sphinx (narrating): ...I said, standing on the biggest desk in the room. That'll turn this place into my temple so I can play games with these people! Also I pulled out the mask I hid somehow and put it on.
Sphinx: The sand of mine sanctuary is at mine feet, now fulfill my wish!
Sphinx:
Sphinx: NOTHING'S HAPPENING!

Sphinx (narrating): If I put my seal on an area, I can change an area into a sanctuary you can't leave without fulfilling conditions I set up. I'm doing it like I always do, but something weird about Tokyo is making it not happen.
Sphinx: Godsdammit, I'll just have to try it somewhere else!
Sphinx (narrating): Back then I didn't know anything about Tokyo, so I didn't know there were conditions to using my powers now. I just kept scrawling on everything everywhere. Maybe if I kept my cool I'd have realized earlier that I had some tablet thing on me when I picked up my mask. Free phones apparently!
???: Queen, you are so self-interested.
Sphinx: There are pharaohs in Tokyo!?
Suzuka: WHOMST
Sphinx: AAAAAA
Sphinx (narrating): And that's how this incident started the day before this Fes ritual thing.
End of Episode Part

Live A Hero Book 2 Chapter 1 Episode 7: The End Goal (Abridged)

Ryekie: Akashi, he moved! (he says after blasting Evil Ninjas with lightning)
Akashi: What? Whoa!?
Akashi manages to block a traffic sign swing with his bat, clashing not-swords for a bit before pushing it back.
Akashi Alter: ...huh. You actually stopped that. Whatever, you still have less battle experience than I do.
Akashi: Shut your mouth! I'll stop you no matter what it takes! I'll never give MC to anyone like you!
Akashi Alter: ...man, fighting someone who won't give up is really turning into a pain in the ass.
Akashi Alter drops the traffic sign and jumps back.
Akashi: NOW!
Akashi creates a fireball in his gloved hand and readies to bat it, but...
Akashi Alter: You're too slow.
Akashi Alter grabbed car chains at some point and uses them to catch Akashi's bat.
Akashi: WHAT
Akashi Alter then slams Akashi into his own fireball, then into the ground.
MC: Akashi! / WHAT

Akashi: Dammit, how's he reading my moves!?
Akashi Alter: ...you're really easy to read. Must be nice to live in a world where you don't have to think much!
Ryekie: Akashi! No!
Ryekie fires a lightning bolt at the chain. It's made of metal, so it hits Akashi Alter too.
Akashi Alter: Ow! (lets go of the chain and glares at Ryekie) ...I really do need to focus on you first. Stop bothering me.
Part of Akashi Alter's suit melts off into some fluid that slithers over to grab the KOed Evil Ninjas. Akashi Alter then throws about 10 of them at Ryekie to pin him down.
Ryekie: Ugh! Dammit, they're heavy!

Akashi Alter approaches Akashi.
Akashi: Justice! You bastard...!
Akashi picks up his bat, gets up, and starts running.
Akashi Alter: So your Parallel Weapon is...a bat.
Akashi Alter uses a liquid tentacle from his suit to steal Akashi's bat!
Akashi: HEY!
Akashi runs over to grab his bat back while Akashi Alter just stands there. Once he gets in reach...
Akashi Alter: ...
Akashi: !?
Akashi gets another look at Akashi Alter's face, features and bitter expression.
Akashi Alter: Get the hell out of here. Now. (Mega Kicks Akashi)
Akashi: AAAUUUGH!!
Akashi is sent flying and bounces 2-3 times off the ground and rolls before he stops.
Akashi: U-ugh...shit...
Akashi's suit cancels out, taking the bat with it.

MC: Akashi! Are you okay!?
Danzo: Hey, wait!
MC rushes out without thinking about it to Akashi.
Akashi: MC...g-get back! They'll catch you! (holds his stomach and coughs while warning MC)
Akashi Alter is already in front of MC and Akashi.
Exio: No!
Akashi Alter looks Highly Displeased at MC.
MC: W-what...!? / You ass! / I-I'm scared...
Akashi Alter is pulling MC up by the collar!
MC: WHAT!? L-let go!
Akashi: MC!
Akashi Alter: ...nothing personal. This is just something I have to do for my own goals...still, you guys seriously piss me off.
At this close a distance, MC gets a better look at Akashi Alter's face. His expression looks different and his face looks older, but his features and eye color is definitely Akashi's.
MC: Y-you...!

Danzo: 'scuse me, cutting in! (pulls MC away from Akashi Alter)
MC: Danzo!
Small Monster: REEEEEEE (body slams Akashi Alter to the ground)
Akashi Alter: Ugh!
Small Monster: Whoooop (disappears into a nearby Path)
Exio: Danzo, do it!
Danzo: I got it! (throws flashbang)
Akashi Alter: !?
When the light dies down, MC, Akashi, Rykie, and the rest of the party is gone. Evil Ninjas run out from the building.
Evil Red: Hey, where'd the target go!?
Akashi Alter: ...tch.

Later
Akashi: ...ngh?
Akashi wakes up in a clean bed. He's still bruising from the beatdown he took.
Akashi: ...is this a hospital?
Roiker: No, it's our safehouse.
Akashi: Uh, Roiker was it? Why am I here?
Roiker: You had a light concussion from all that damage you took, but I think you're okay now. Danzo got you all out of it by causing a disturbance by the time you passed out. He then brought you all to one of our safehouses where Santetsu, Seiichirou, Huckle, and I regrouped with you. I treated you and Ryekie, and everyone is in the next room over.
Akashi: Oh...so everyone's okay?

Akashi: Everyone's up, right? I'll head over too. It still kinda hurts...but I can move.
Roiker: Sure. I made dinner too. Come over once you're dressed.
Akashi: Wait, what...?
Roiker: ...oh, you didn't notice?
Roiker points next to Akashi's bed where his clothes (or at least his top) have been cleaned up and folded.
Akashi: ...oh. (pulls bedsheet up to his shoulders)
Roiker: Sorry, they were sweaty. And more importantly they were in the way of treating your injuries. Don't worry, only Exio and I saw anything when we were bandaging you up. Your clothes are dry now too.
Akashi: ...thanks.

Later
Akashi walks into a large but somewhat dim room.
MC: Akashi, you're up! How are you feeling?
Akashi: Y-yeah, I'm fine. Sorry to worry you.
Ryekie: Oh, you're up! Hungry? Come over and eat!
Huckle: Again Ryekie, stop talking while you're in the middle of eating. Anyways, you must have had a hard time Akashi. We're safe for now, so you can relax.
Akashi: R-right...
Akashi looks over to see Seiichirou in the middle of thinking.
Akashi: YOU!
MC: Akashi, what!?

Akashi grabs Seiichirou's collar before anyone can stop him.
Akashi: You promised you'd keep MC safe when you brought us here to Osaka! What the hell happened back there!? We walked into the lion's den and got surrounded! They almost got them!
MC: Akashi, stop! / ...
Huckle: Akashi, wait! I know how you feel, but...
Seiichirou: ...no, he's right to be angry. It's true MC was in danger, so he can be angry with me. (looks seriously at Akashi)
Seiichirou: I'm sorry for putting your childhood friend in that position.
Akashi: ...I'm sorry for losing my cool there. (lets go and slumps into a sofa)

Seiichirou: The enemies shouldn't know about this place. I've sent Danzo to scout around just in case, but he hasn't reported anything of note so far. We should be fine for the time being.
Seiichirou leaves the room.
Akashi: Why is this all happening...? I don't get it anymore.
Exio: Akashi...
Santetsu: ...please forgive him. (closes the book he was reading and sighs)
Santetsu: National organizations are strict on the chain of command, so he couldn't oppose them. He also seems deeply hurt about being betrayed by the subordinate he trusted the most. You don't have to sympathize with him, but it'd be nice if you could leave it at that.
Akashi: ...right.

Akashi looks down to see a meal set in front of him. Fluffy white rice, a nice miso soup, some sides, and some ginger fried pork.
Akashi: Uhh, what is this?
Roiker: Oh, everyone already ate. I just remade this for you. It's all I could put together on short notice.
Ryekie: Yeah, it's great! (puts chopsticks down and claps his hands together)
Roiker: I'm glad you liked it. There's more soup and rice if you want any. (picks up Ryekie's dishes and goes back to the kitchen)
Santetsu: It's not poisoned or anything. Laundry and cooking are like hobbies for Roiker.
MC: Yeah it's good / He's more domestic than I thought...
Akashi: What is he, my mom or something?

Later
Roiker: I see. So MC got to look at that man from up close and says they really do resemble Akashi.
MC: Yeah. There were a lot of differences though.
Akashi: I was surprised too...he knew what I was thinking and saw everything I was going to do. And right before he kicked me... (flashback!) He looked just like me back when I was told I couldn't make it to the pros...
Ryekie: Isn't he way too different from Akashi even if he is a parallel self? His Parallel Weapon was a suit that could melt and use anything around to attack, but Akashi uses baseball stuff for his powerset.
Huckle: If the wish he has is different, then so will the the form of the Parallel Weapon he has. Hero 101. If he is Akashi, then something must've made his wish change. In Crowne's case, a difference caused a divergence in time and changed her whole personality. Something just as big must've happened to Akashi too then...
Akashi: Huh...I'd rather not think about what that could be...
Exio: (crosses arms) The Alliance already had an idea about that Akashi, right?
MC: wait what

Exio: When I came in contact with him, I sensed the same ether flow around him as Akashi. There are some differences, but I believe it's highly likely he's Akashi. Someone in the Alliance who met Akashi before must have told you that the Shin Ashihara's collaborator has the same ether flow as him, didn't they? Is that why Seiichirou plotted to have Akashi come along to the meeting too?
Santetsu: ...someone did sense it, yes. But it's true we had no evidence it was Akashi. No one in the Alliance has met Akashi before, but we knew about him since he's in the same agency as MC. And just before this situation happened, we got news from the Alliance of a strong villain within the Shin Ashihara. They said someone resembling Akashi had appeared and seems to be important.
Roiker: Parallel Flight has MC, who the Broker is fixated upon. And earlier they met a person from a parallel world. Wouldn't it be natural to think that a What If version of Akashi exists then?
MC: New proper noun!

Roiker: We call parallel versions of specific people What If beings, as in What If this one thing had happened.
Huckle: You think he's Akashi's What If since he looks like Akashi?
Roiker: Yes, I realize judging based off that is hasty, but we had no way of verifying it. It's why we wanted to meet Akashi. If the man we heard about was What If Akashi and opposed us, we'd know one part about his identity. We thought we'd need a hint from Akashi to protect MC from the villains.
Akashi: Hmm...but I couldn't really hold up against him...
Roiker: ...it's true he's more experienced with battles. It feels less like those are skills he's picked up and more...I'm getting to far into speculation, I should stop. Point being, we still don't have enough information to determine if he really is What If Akashi. Planning countermeasures against him still requires figuring that part out.

Seiichirou walks in.
Seiichirou: We didn't have much time to begin with, but it looks like we can't stay for much longer. (turns up the volume of his phone and shows it to the party)
News: We have multiple witnesses to the attack that happened in front of the National Defense Ministry office building, and the Tachiarai Unified Chief of Staff has suggested they may be a terrorist organization with connections within the government administration. The police and Defense Department are cooperating with their investigations. More news as reports allow...
Santetsu: ...so their political power can't hide things anymore.
Seiichirou: Yes...but it seems they still have enough to force us out of hiding. The inner group may be composed of particularly stubborn types, and it looks like they can't control them. Who knows what will happen if their rampage continues?
Ryekie: That bad, huh? We need to think even harder about how to keep MC safe.
MC: Okay this is really bad...

Roiker: ...you may be wondering what we can do in this situation. (sits down and focuses on MC)
Roiker: MC, will you join the Alliance?
MC: what?
Roiker: I'd been thinking about how to bring this subject up to you while thinking about ways out of this mess. Based on what's happening, I figured it was a good idea to suggest it.
Exio: ...I see.
Akashi: ...w-wait, can't we do something about what's going on? What would change with MC joining you guys?
Roiker: ...there are reasons for this, and I plan on making it advantageous for MC as well. First off, Exio might have an idea as to where I'm going with this since he's connected with the underworld, but we're known by various influential groups, especially those looking for Observers. But there are power differences between Observers, which makes what they can do unknown. It's why you can often see connected Observers like Exio and Melide using Monsters.
Exio: ...to be specific, I'm just controlling the Path instead of the Monster.

Roiker: Whatever the case is, it's true that's how others see it. Allied Observers are seen as people who could wreak all sorts of unforeseeable revenge if you go against them.
Huckle: So...MC joining you guys would mean organizations who would try to attack MC wouldn't be able to do so anymore?
Roiker: Yes. Our existence can be used as a deterrence. There's also something else: joining us makes it easier to plan ways to defend you. It'd allow for tighter information sharing and mutual protection, but... Exio being partly distanced and MC being a total outsider makes protecting them makes controlling information leak risks and ways of sharing information now rather limiting.
Seiichirou: Personally, I couldn't make any plans outside of sending in a false job request and meeting summons, then forcing you along with insufficient explanation. Should something like this happen again, I won't be able to completely set you up for safety.

Santetsu: ...I think you can also get some useful info about using your Observer abilities. Many Observers use their powers while not knowing what they're capable of.
Roiker: Yes, you can use us as a means of learning more about yourself. So please...would you consider it?
MC: Hmm...
Ryekie: But isn't the Alliance...?
Seiichirou: Yes, the goal is to take down the Broker. That is still our end goal. Joining with us would mean deciding to fight against the Broker and that is undoubtedly going to be a dangerous fight, so we can't force you to join. You don't need to answer quickly...but please at least think about it.
Akashi: MC...what do you wanna do? This is escalating really hard now.
MC: ...I'll think about it. I can't answer right now.
Roiker: ...that's okay. You can take as long as you want. We'll still think of ways to protect you from the outside until then.

That night, Somewhere in Osaka
Evil Red Leader: ...damn. The Alliance getting involved means this won't be straightforward. They've gone and hidden themselves. What now?
Akashi Alter: I plan to keep things as low key as possible like always. The government officials seem like they'll give up if they can't cover their asses.
Evil Red Leader: Hmph. You underestimate our organization's great justice. Aliens have already taken over GLORIOUS NIPPON almost to the point of no return. With that as our stage, how can we not go full power to take it back? Too many are sitting on the fence waiting and seeing.
Akashi Alter: ...stomping over books was just one big performance to you, asshole?
Akashi Alter is filled with disgust but keeps calm by thinking about his goals.
Akashi Alter: ...think of the consequences. The organization going public brings in way more risk. It isn't going to help with eliminating Monsters from Earth either.

Evil Red Leader: If we get That Thing, that'll be a secondary goal we can accomplish! Have you forgotten how Observers and Monsters are related!? I thought you were being weirdly talkative today, but all you're doing is needling us! I don't know why the superiors put you in with us, and I was never happy with how much power an upstart like you was given. You care about the target or something? There's rumors you're friends with them.
Akashi Alter: ...
Evil Red Leader: We gave you a second chance and you failed. We don't trust you and don't care about your opinions anymore.
Akashi Alter: >:(
Evil Red Leader: We'll have to stop caring about appearances now. The future of GLORIOUS NIPPON rests on our shoulders, so we can't let this chance slip by us. Osaka can go to hell if we get them.
Akashi Alter: ...you're getting dumber by the second. That's going even further from our goals.
Evil Red Leader: I thought I told you to shut the fuck up! Who CARES if your friends get in danger!? We will bring them back even if they're pushed to near death! The brain is the only part that matters, we can preserve their life however. Tell everyone we move out tomorrow morning.
Akashi Alter: ...
And then the next morning a giant explosion blows up in the center of Osaka.
End of Episode

Kabukicho Night Festival Prologue Part 2 (Abridged)

There are others besides Ellie when it comes to what Kabukicho Academy calls vampires, but there are big differences. For starters, they're considerably obscure in Kabukicho, and no student at the school knows about their past. That vampire is Kresnik, someone who is forever closely linked to vampires. Like other vampires, he can transform into an animal and has regeneration nearly on par with immortality. He used that power to fight against vampires in the past, and he never talks about it with others. And now fate has brought him to teach vampires and nightfolk like Ellie...
Present, Kabukicho Academy staff room. Kresnik is at his desk looking at a paper a student gave him.
Sandayu: Man, I've been to a buncha schools and damn are the students here crazy too.
Kresnik: It's good that they're doing well in school, but I wish they listened to me more.
Sandayu: Yeah I remember my first day here. I come in and I see them calling ya by nicknames and not listenin' to anything you say. Who'da thunk an ex-security officer would be doin' this? Haha!

Sandayu is just sitting there talking for fun, and he knows what sorts of things Kresnik has done in the past and is now stuck with him. Nobody else is around, and Kresnik is less than enthused about having to talk to him.
Kresnik: I was surprised too, you know. I hear that we're getting a new temp teacher and it turns out to be you of all people. You're the professional operative for social disruption and subversion, Momochi Sandayu. I can't question why you're a teacher given that I'm here, but I won't show any mercy if you expose the students to any danger.
Sandayu: Hey hey, I already said I ain't up to that right now. I can't really ask ya to believe me after all we did fightin' against each other in the past though...
Kresnik: I don't believe you at all...but I'm no longer in any position to chase you. If you leave the school and my students alone, then I won't say anything.
Sandayu: I won't, swear on my heart. Cool? We'll both just focus on helpin' out the kids!

Sandayu: Subject change! I got a question for you, Krezzy.
Kresnik: Stop calling me that at work. And what is it?
Sandayu: What's this thingy? It wasn't a thing when I was at other schools yet.
Kresnik: Oh right, they didn't do that in those other schools...
Sandayu has a notice sent out by the admins to every school about a school function. Kresnik is about to explain when Sandayu cuts across him.
Sandayu: No, I know the details! I'mma teacher too, geez. I'm just wondering why it's a thing at all.
Kresnik: If that's your question, then knock it off seriously. It's just us in here, but who knows where there's eyes and ears watching and listening? But then again I don't think I need to tell you to not be careless.
Kresnik hasn't looked away at his student's paper until now and has marked off where it needs corrections. He's still not looking away as he keeps at it.
Sandayu: ...heh. You thinkin' what I'm thinkin'? How 'bout we get somethin' to eat and talk about teacher stuff?
Kresnik: Alright, once I'm done.
Sandayu stands up and looks at the pile of papers on Kresnik's desk.
Sandayu: ...and when's that?

Over at Shinjuku Academy, that school function thing Kresnik and Sandayu were talking about is happening.
One day after school, MC is walking down the hallway thinking about what they just heard.
MC: Hmm...I should talk to the gang about it. Sounds like fun.
Classroom
Shirou: MC, why were you called to the teachers' office?
Shirou walks over as soon as MC opens the door. Inside is everyone else waiting for MC to come back.
MC: They said something about a short term exchange student thing. I'm the rep for our school year.
Shirou: They picked you for that!?
MC: Yeah. I still don't get it, but it's a temp thing.

Kengo: What's up Shirou? Something happen with MC?
Ryouta: What? MC, you got picked to be our exchange student for another school!? Maria told me about that. Something about schools trading students for a bit, right?
Shirou: Correct. It's a system implemented among the schools of Tokyo meant to expand the views of natives and Transients by exchanging students as representatives.
Touji: I never thought they'd pick you for it. Won't that mean you'll be living your school life at a different school for the time being?
Moritaka: So MC has to leave us...?
MC: Can't wait to see which school I'll go to! / I don't wanna say goodbye, guys / Well it's just a temp thing
(A) Ryouta: It's a chance to make more friends! I'm jealous.
Moritaka: Hmm. Well a change in environment can also mean a chance for new experiences.
(B) Shirou: ...yes, neither do I. I should go talk with the teachers and--
Ryouta: NO WAIT calm down, Class Rep! If they already picked the school, they can't just change it like that!
(C) Touji: Always the optimist...but that's your strong suit.
Kengo: MC's right, it's only for a little bit. And we can always meet up after school.

Kengo: What school is MC going to for this exchange thingy anyway?
MC: Uh, it's printed out on this sheet here...
MC: ...Kabukicho Academy. They had a school? That's still inside the ward!
Ryouta: What!? So you aren't going that far out?
Shirou: It'd still be a big change to their schedule since Kabukicho is a night school. Plus...I hear most of the students there are Transients while Shinjuku isn't quite so heavily skewed. They've also got some bad rumors about them, but I can't deny that that may be because of mutual fear. That might be why this exchange program is so important. Still, I'm relieved. Since it's so close, we can come running if anything happens.
MC: How can you casually drop scary news like that!? / What kinda Transients? / I'll solve things with force if I need to.
(A) Shirou: Oh no! I'm sorry, remember they're just rumors!
Moritaka: It's okay MC. I'll help if anything happens!
(B) Touji: ...there's still plenty of natives who can't accept Transients even with more coming. The rumors Shirou heard could be baseless accusations those people have spread.
Ryouta: Who knows, you might make friends with them if you go see. Introduce me if you do!
(C) Kengo: Yeah, you said it! Show everyone that you're top dog! I'll go on the exchange too!
Touji: That's not something you can decide yourself, Kengo.

Kengo: Isn't this whole thing way too sudden? Wouldn't they have talked to you about it?
Shirou: As Kengo has noticed, the program basically isn't based on recommendations or applications, but rather the school arbitrarily picking students. I can't speak for the adults, but it's why us students aren't fond of it.
Kengo: You wanna say something nerd!? Who'd be happy about being picked out to do this crap!?
Shirou: Most students agree. I'd be confused if I were picked too.
Ryouta: Huh? Maria said the student going to her school was really into it...
Shirou: Oh yes, I've heard that too. Since Ophion nominated Aizen to go, it's been going relatively smoothly. It'd be nice if Shinjuku did that too, but none of us Summoners have an in with the school administration... (looks at MC's printout again)
Shirou: (This may be temporary, but it's still plenty burdensome on students. Besides which, I can't get a read on the goal of this somewhat forceful enforcement from the formal announcement. It's one thing if it we were using the program for building alliances with the Berserkers, Missionaries, and Tycoons but...no wait, it's still all conjecture. I shouldn't say anything to upset MC.)

Ryouta: Hey wait. MC, you were picked as the second year's rep, right? So there's other reps picked for this exchange program?
The door slams open and mobsters flood the room!
Touji: WHO GOES THERE
Red: Oh, relax y'all we got permission from the office. Can ya tell us where dem electric outlets are?
Shirou: That is a visitation permit from the office, yes. Uhh, the outlet is over there.
Red: Coolio, thanks!
The mobsters start plugging a bunch of stuff in and check that their stuff works.
Kengo: Speakers? Mic? What? Is there a show starting up?
Ryouta: Oh wow they have a disco ball! And some other stuff I've never seen before!
Click.

MC: The lights went out! / how'd you do that / yeah yeah, get on with it
The mobs gather by the door and start beatboxing into the mic.
MC: WHAT / uhhhh / Yeah!
Mobsters: Mic check complete, yeah! THANKS FOR YOUR COOPERATION! It's curtain call time in Shinjuku from our store in Kabukicho! Give a round for our surprise guest! YEAAAHH!
The bass is making the whole building shake, which of course draws the attention of every other student on the floor leaning out to gawk at the racket.
Wolf A: Hey what the hell man?
FLASH
Girl B: MY EYYYYEEESS
Fog machines start up and blow smoke by the class door. Someone is standing in it.
MC: I know that silhouette! / oh it's just Tsukuyomi / YAAAS KING
Red: Shinjuku Academy 3rd year and our number one bar host! A word please, Kabukicho Night King!
Tsukuyomi: Hi, did I keep you waiting my cute kouhais? I came to see you.
Mobsters: YEEEAAAAH
And that's how MC became an exchange student to Kabukicho. The Nightless City isn't only tied by fate to natives as a visitor from another world will be one of them too.
Shinjuku Park, someone suddenly gets summoned over there
Sphinx: ...where am I?
End of Episode

Kabukicho Night Festival Prologue Part 1 (Abridged)

In Tokyo Transients have to be part of a school, them's the rules. Still, not everyone can go to school during normal people hours like spirits and night demons, so they go to night school instead. The main night school is in the Sleepless Nightless City of Kabukicho, way past its shopping district and neon signs. It's got a huge metal fence around some Victorian ass looking building that natives who don't live in Kabukicho say you should never get near. It's filled with maneating monsters and butterfly souls of the dead they say!
Present
Green Wraith: I barely made it! I ran all this way and now I'm tired...
Blue Wraith: What. We got plenty of time before class you dumb bitch
Green Wraith: Hey wait my clock froze! Aww man...
Kabukicho Academy sure runs and acts like any other school though. The main difference between it and other schools is that most of the students are Transients and that it starts at night.
Red Yaksa: Morning! You guys are early.
Purple Wraith: You say early but it's night.
Black Wraith: Early enough for us.
These people having problems living in the light aren't limited to people with racial reasons for doing so. Some lost their homes and have moved to Kabukicho. Others just strayed into town. And now something's happening at school.

Yellow Yasha: Hi Suzuka! And Miss Ellie! Wow, you actually came to school today.
Suzuka: Hey!
Ellie: Morning...schleepy. I might sleep through class.
Blue Yaksa: Yo Suzuka. You okay for the Fes meeting later? ...a-and you can come too if you want Miss Ellie.
Suzuka: Yeah I know. That's why I brought her to school today and told her she should come in today at least.
Blue Yaksa: O-oh. Well thank you for coming! We count on Suzuka so much.
Black Yasha: You don't have to force yourself, Miss Ellie. Being a model must be t--ahh!
Ellie: It's cool. I can make time if I feel like it. I even got a costume.
Black Yasha: ...o-okay, I'm sorry. T-thank you...
Others talk to Suzuka and Ellie too. People are clearly friendly with Suzuka and awkward with Ellie, especially as Ellie is drawing a crowd at a distance. Suzuka seems more bothered by this than Ellie.

Suzuka: ...you sure this is fine, Ellie? You can tell me if you're uncomfortable and--
Ellie: It's all cool Suzuka. So what if people crowd up at arm's length from me like they always do? That's nothing new.
A chill goes down Suzuka's back.
Ellie: It's how I am when I approach the True Ancestor and all. Anyways...
Ellie looks at a flyer the school passed out for the Festival they're running that has why it was set up and what its goals are written on it.
Ellie: "School festivals are for deepening relationships between students, Transients or otherwise, and for helping them find a place to belong. Kabukicho's school festival has the students take charge to handle the prep and organization to promote school unity." ...well okay. The teachers are giving us something hard. Also that reminds me, when people say Fes, they mean our school festival right?
Suzuka: Yeah, organizers from each class got together while you were out to hash it out.

Flashback
Green Yaksha: Hey how about we shorten Kabukicho Academy School Festival to ChoFes to make it cuter?
Green Wraith: Yeah! Actually, how about we shorten it further to Fes?
Not Fergus: Whichever. But what the hell do they mean by unity!?
Black Yaksha: These words are breaking my brain and now I can't write music!
Organizers were quickly elected when classes were told they'd be the ones to make the festival work. Everyone's enthusiastic, but some of the students are worried about how formal the printed news on the fliers were. One of them faces the others being down.
Green Wraith: Lemme translate for you guys. "Y'all let's be BFFs by throwing Vibe Check the Festival! It'll be the shit!"
Black Wraith: You made that sound hilariously stupid, but that works for us!
Brown Wraith: So it'll be fine if we make it so we can better learn about each other?
Silver Wraith: How about we make the clothes and accessories we had in our home world?
Purple Yaksha: omg ur brain. I wanna decorate the classrooms! ...oh wait, but it's dark in there.
Red Wraith: I sleep during the day so I'm out if I gotta do any heavy lifting.
Not Fergus: Well we don't have to do it like other schools. Just do what we can, yeah?
Green Yaksa: Yeah! The Fes is for us anyway!
Silver Yasha: Let's limit the number of classes who can wear costumes to make it special. We're short on time and that's totally something a school of gangsters would agree to!
Brown Yasha: What theme do we do?

Present
Suzuka: And that's how they hammered out the plans.
Ellie: Hmm. A very Shinjuku-style Do It All Yourself kind of doing things. Kinda cool everyone here is like that.
Suzuka: Doesn't bother me either. I think it's good events are managed according to the students' wishes. And if the school is doing well, so will Kabukicho itself.
Suzuka speaks favorably, but part of her looks unhappy. Ellie notices, but before she can ask...
Suzuka: ...but I'm worried about whether you'll be able to enjoy the Fes you decided to join in on. Especially the theme this time is Vampire Castle.
The Fes is an event made for interracial understanding, but since it's also an Event if needs things for attendants to enjoy, so the night people decided to pick vampires as an attention grabber as one does.

Suzuka: I don't think they're doing this to tweak you, but it still bothers me. You're supposed to be human after all, Ellie. If you're too heavily drawn to the vampire side...
Ellie: Pffft, worrywart. But yeah being a stand-in for the neighborhood union can be a lot of work. It's nice that you think the people of Kabukicho can be put into a framework of groups though.
Ellie's life sometimes becomes the talk of the town. She has her admirers and haters, as many as the rumors flying around her. She's at the center of it all, distanced from them all so much that it's hard to see her for who she really is. The Kabukicho students have their own ideas too and look at her as the Kabukicho Queen from a distance. Suzuka's the only one to walk around school with her, which is exactly why she worries about her.
Ellie: I'm fine Suzuka, I'm always doing whatever I feel like. And maybe the vampire theme was made for me as Queen? Everyone in class recommended me to handle cosplaying, so I wanna do that one costume. I'm still just doing what I want.
Suzuka: Oh. Well if you're that into it, I'm fine with it. (smiles as if she worried for nothing)
Ellie: Oh right, that one costume. Thanks for getting it ready. I'm looking forward to the design your friend makes.
Suzuka: Yeah it'll be great. She's the one who made my suit, so she's sure to surprise a model like you.

Classes start, and school goes on just like it does for any other place. Since it's a night school, the students have a moonlit night sky to look at instead. The moon is a fickle thing, sometimes up when classes start and sometimes down at that time. The students admire it for being so whimsical.
Two teachers enter a classroom.
Kresnik: Hello everyone. The school festival...the Fes as you've chosen to call it? It's good to see you're making good progress on it.
Purple Yasha: Heeey, come help us Nicky. You must not have anything to do if you're just doing the rounds.
Kresnik: I am patrolling, I'll have you know. Very important teacher work. Figure out the preparations yourselves.
Red Wraith: Then how about cancelling class until the Fes is over, Krester? Come on, talk to the headmaster for us?
Kresnik: Students are supposed to be learning, so cancelling class in favor of events is counterproductive. And as I've said already, stop calling me by nicknames.
Red Wraith: Boo, you're no fun. It's too long to call you by your name and title!

After night school, some of the students work all night on getting the festival ready in what little time they have. Kresnik is there to check on the students staying, but...as soon as he talks to them they drop what they're doing to talk to him. Also they treat him more like an equal than a teacher.
Sandayu: Aww, you get along so well with them Kresnik-Sensei. You using all your teacher's luck to get them to like you so much?
Kresnik: ...you can just say they don't respect me as a teacher, Mister Sandayu.
Kresnik's coworker just smirks and watches him.
Sandayu: Hey y'all, how 'bout a nickname for a lil ol' man like me? (casually joins the conversation)
Kresnik: (Old man?)
Students: What's wrong with Sandayu?
Sandayu: HEY you can't just call me by my first name!

Kresnik acts serious while Sandayu jokes around with them. They're opposite approaches, but both want admiration from the students. A thoughtless remark or a problematic action could turn into a commotion in Tokyo's teaching community. But their being able to communicate without crossing lines is thanks to mutual permissive relationships.
Kresnik: (...maybe that's what the students are feeling, but I'm sure it's also because he has real skills.)
Kresnik thinks about Sandayu's previous job before he was a teacher as he investigated him for reasons some other time. In Wa no Kuni there are several ninja groups and one of them was the Iga. The Iga had what they called like the Three Masters and all of them were Sandayu. He used the body split ability to act as all three to raise ninjas, be a skilled teacher and act as an Agent familiar with the human mind as he keeps as conveniently close to the students as he wants. He can slip away into the night, without anyone noticing.
Purple Yasha: ...what's up Nicky? Hungry? Bathroom?
Kresnik: Am I a large animal to you people or something? Never mind. Anyways I remembered I had some work left, so we should be going back to the teacher's office. Let's go, Mister Sandayu.
Sandayu: See y'all tomorrow! Don't stay up too later!
The two leave, so many responsibilities to hold in their respective positions. It's still not time.
End of Episode half

Live A Hero Book 2 Chapter 1 Episode 6: The Assassin from Another World (Abridged)

The next day in Osaka Suminoe Ward, the National Ministry of Defense's office building. The day of the meeting. MC and the others get out of the car and look up at the building.
MC: This is it? I'm getting nervous...
Seiichirou: You can relax a bit. I'll be with you, and I've argued with them tons of times. It's okay to answer that you don't know when you don't. And if you don't want to answer, you can decline. I think I have a good idea as to who is in the Shin Ashihara, so when we go in I'll introduce you to everyone. I'll also tell you who it's okay to answer and who you can not reply to.
MC: O-okay...
Seiichirou: Also, it looks like we can't really have much anyone else besides MC in the meeting. I've talked them into accepting Huckle coming into the room since he's your boss, but everyone else will have to stand by in another room. I've asked Danzo to let you know if anything happens right away.
Exio: Yeah, we can't push too hard in a government facility...and I'm originally an outlaw.
Ryekie: We'll come running if you're in danger!
Akashi: MC, uh... good luck in there. I'll be there if anything happens!
MC: Thanks guys / I-I'll do my best! / This is gonna suck

Huckle: MC, stay by me as much as you can during the meeting. I don't know if it'll reassure you, but... I can at least act as your bodyguard. If you get stuck I'll try to say something, so don't get too worked up.
MC: Yes, Director / I'm counting on you / So you CAN be cool sometimes
---
(C) Huckle: W-what? You could stand to respect me as your boss some more.
---
Seiichirou: Oh right, one more thing. One of my workers is going to be here today. He'll mostly be handling the things I've brought, but if you need anything feel free to ask him for it.
Some guy in a suit walks over.
Huckle: ...isn't he the driver from yesterday?
Seiichirou's Secretary: Yes I also work as his chauffeur. I am Moriguchi, Ministry of Defense Secretary. Pleased to meet you.
MC: N-nice to meet you! / Huh. / Whoa you have your own secretary?
Seiichirou's Chore Boy: Now that that's settled, this way. Everyone on standby, please wait in the lobby until I come lead you to the other room.
And so the party follows Bit Character M.

Later in the upper floors, MC is taken to a fancy meeting room where a bunch of allegedly young men with no portraits come one by one to shake hands with them. Seiichirou whispers a running commentary.
Seiichirou: He's the Defense Department Director. He's cool. The second guy is the National Defense Vice Minister. He's kinda sus. Third guy is the Ministry of Culture and Stuff's parliamentary official. Hugely sus, don't answer any of his questions.
Once the meet and greet is done, the government officials go back to their seats.
MC: There's more of them than I thought. What's wrong with this country?
Seiichirou: I don't blame you for thinking that. It became like this before we knew it. But I've duked it out tons of times in this situation, so I'll back you up perfectly. The meeting is supposed to be three hours long at the latest. If you get stuck, I'll feed you an answer.
When MC looks at Huckle, Huckle silently shows his space smartwatch connected with Ryekie's phone number on the screen.
Huckle: ...I can call them if we need to. If it's a big emergency, you can transform me.
MC: ...okay / (silently nod)
MC then sits down and the interrogation begins.

Elsewhere during the meeting, the rest of the party is in a waiting room.
Akashi: ...I know we have to be ready at all times, but I'm still getting a little bored having to wait three hours.
Exio: That's three hours assuming nothing happens, but that can be fine sometimes. Can't get too worked up.
Ryekie: Standing by is Hero 101! Stay on guard in case of emergencies, and if nothing happens you relax and pull out! Isn't that how hero work goes!?
Akashi: I-I guess...?

Danzo: Hey hey hey, snap to it pal! You know everyone else is in the trenches.
Akashi: I-I know! Wait, where were you and what were you doing? You've been on the line the whole time, but all I heard you do was hum to yourself.
Danzo: Ninja work! I was on alert where I could see them. A window cleaner almost saw me!
Akashi: ...the wind did sound loud, but does that mean you were hanging outside on the windows? We're like 20 floors up!
Danzo: Ninja!
Akashi: O-oh...
Danzo: Oh right, that drink you wanted? I don't think any vending machines in the government office building have any since they're stocked for old people.
Akashi: Seriously? I was wondering why they all had tea and health drinks and crap.
Danzo: Well there is ONE whole machine in here with sodas in it, right by the security guard's office. Better go now if you want one since the meeting is going through materials.
Akashi: Hmm...should I?
Ryekie: Might as well! Who knows how long they'll take?
Akashi: Well okay then. (heads out)

By the guard station
Akashi: Oh hey there really is a vending machine with sodas. Mkay the--what?
Something's next to the guard station. It's a person. Actually it's Akashi Alter who walks out of the guard station!
Akashi: !!
Back upstairs
MC has been asked so many questions in the meeting. Did MC bring back Mt. Fuji? How'd they do it? How'd they get so strong? Can they control themselves? On and on and on, and MC ended up saying "I don't know" to everything. When the questions got more harsh, Seiichirou whispers an answer to MC to make it stop.
Two hours later
Chairman: ...15 minute break.
Everyone starts talking among themselves or getting up to go take care of whatever.

MC: Tired...we still have to keep going?
Seiichirou: They seemed desperate to figure out your secrets. Suckers. But are you okay MC? This will probably go for another hour, so now's your chance to regroup if you need to.
MC: Restroom...
Huckle: Okay, I'll walk you to them just in case.
MC and Huckle go over to the restrooms. When MC is done and comes out, someone else comes over.
Seiichirou's Secretary: Hello MC. Would you like some tea?
MC: Oh, Moriguchi, I think? Thank you.
Moriguchi gives Huckle and MC tea.
Huckle: Thank you, Moriguchi. You've been in the meeting with us the whole time too, haven't you?
Seiichirou's Secretary: Yes, I have to aid Mr. Seiichirou. I'm used to it. Are you okay? I doubt you've been in meetings this long before.
MC: Ehh. Tired from being asked so many questions.

Seiichirou's Secretary: ...of course. Very few of Japan's government officials know much about Observers. Mr. Seiichirou was heavily questioned before since he's an Observer as well.
Huckle: Oh...Earth doesn't have that many people who understand yet, right?
Seiichirou's Secretary: Yes, those with no skills or talents have no knowledge at all. They see them as some mystery that came along with aliens... That's why we all want to know so desperately.
MC: ...what?
Seiichirou's Secretary: Yes...you might have the power to change this country. Many people want to know...many hope you will help.
Huckle: ...Moriguchi?
Seiichirou's secretary glares at Huckle before taking a step towards MC.
MC: U-uh...

Seiichirou's Secretary: Hail Ashihara. All them aliens messing up our country and stealing jobs. You'll help of course, even though there's like half a chance you aren't human either right?
Huckle: !!
Evil Blue: OOF
Huckle suddenly kicked out behind him and knocks out a mob who popped out! Except there are suddenly a bunch of evil ninjas surrounding him and MC!
MC: Oh no!
Huckle: MC, get behind--
Seiichirou's Secretary: No wait we can't have that.
A mob jumps in between MC and Huckle.
Seiichirou's Secretary: So MC, your answer?
MC: Uhh...
Seiichirou's Secretary: Answer me now! Come with us quietly or we will take you with us!

Seiichirou: MORIGUCHI!
Seiichirou's Secretary: S-Sir--OUGH
Seiichirou lays out his secretary with one kick to the back!
Seiichirou: Danzo!
Danzo: Got it! Emergency escape!
Danzo has crashed in through a window in hero mode.
Seiichirou: Director Huckle, will you help me!?
Huckle: Yes!
Seiichirou transforms Huckle. Huckle jumps up and...
Huckle: Rider Kick!
Evil Green: AUGH
Huckle KOs an evil ninja trying to sneak up on MC!

Huckle, Danzo, and Seiichirou encircle MC. The mobs kick the secretary out of the way and approach.
Seiichirou: It's always darkest at your feet, isn't it? I can't believe Moriguchi was with them... My apologies MC. I tried to protect you but put you in danger.
Huckle: Save your regrets for later. We need to get MC away from here.
Seiichirou: Yes, of course. Danzo, take MC and get out. It's my fault we are in this position, so I will hold them back.
Huckle: I'll stay too. It's reckless for you to fend all them off alone. We'll regroup with MC and everyone else when we find an opening to escape.
Seiichirou: Very well, no objections. Danzo!
Danzo: Yes Milord! Okay, hang on tight MC! (scoops MC up)
MC: Whoa! / Wait, how are we getting out! / omg you're so buff
Danzo runs and slips past the mobs, and Huckle kicks the lights of pursuing mobs one by one. Danzo then gets to a 20th floor window.
MC: ...wait
Danzo: Wind's rough out there, so don't get blown away!
And then suddenly Danzo jumps outside with MC and drops down.
MC: AAAAAA
Danzo: It's okay, I'm a pro ninja!
CRASH

MC: I-I'm alive...what's up with your body??
Danzo: Heh, that's a secret...hm?
Akashi (in hero mode): MC get out of here!
MC: wait what
Lightning gets shot towards MC and Danzo, but Danzo dodges the attack!
Danzo: WAIT WHAT
MC and Danzo look at the direction the lightning came from.
Akashi: Damn these guys!
It's Akashi Alter in hero mode.
MC: I-it's him!
Akashi Alter has something wrapped around a street sign, which he then points at the party.
Akashi Alter: ...someone new. You got another Operator?
That is totally Akashi's voice, if slightly more hoarse. Also he has Evil Ninjas around him.

Akashi Alter: So you came out yourself. Convenient. I thought this hardline plan was a terrible one, but whatever helps with my own goal. Everything works out as long as I can get MC. Now gimme them.
MC: ...!
Ryekie: For the third time, never!
Akashi: Yeah! I'll hang on and never let go!
Akashi Alter: ... (looks like he hasn't heard what Akashi and Ryekie said)
Exio: MC I know this is sudden, but can you help? He's been trying to end this fight by going after Operators. Akashi and Justice have been a little hamstrung trying to stop him. He hasn't tried to avoid taking damage, so making him flinch isn't going to work. And if I can't concentrate on which hero to operate, we can't get past him.
Akashi Alter: ...hmph.
Akashi Alter does have signs of being hit by Akashi and Ryekie's attacks, but apparently is either avoiding serious damage or ignoring anything less than that.

Akashi: That guy's been using everything around him as a weapon when something from his suit wraps around it! What kind of Parallel Weapon is that!?
Ryekie: Probably the type where his suit unravels and wraps around something else to control it! I can't get a read on it, but we can't worry about it!
Danzo: What do you want to do, MC? I won't stop you, whatever it is. I'll just put everything I've got into keeping you safe.
MC: ...okay! I'm not sure about this though!
Exio: Thank you. And as a reminder, he's strong. His "nature" has been different from everything else we've fought until now. Stay focused.
Akashi Alter looks so baffled and disgusted with Akashi.
Akashi Alter: ...if I were you I'd never have accepted this happening...whatever, put 'em up. We just have our own goals to fulfill.
Akashi: !? What--
Ryekie: Here he comes! Akashi, get ready!
BATTLE START