Valentine Crossroad Episode 3 Part 2 (Abridged)

Takeminakata was once known as a great warrior in Takamagahara. But there were also haters who called him that giant idiot who ate shit SO hard when he represented Okuninushi in the Kuni-yuzuri. Both are right. He trusted Okuninushi a lot, and he was his champion. But Takamagahara said the battles that mattered weren't in the one on one sumo matches, so Okuninushi losing his position was supposed to be inevitable. Such was his fated role. It's a regretful memory for Takeminakata, but he managed to guard the bare minimum of family honor in this war of the gods. Sure he lost the fight and lost his original arms, but then he found the artifact Mizuchi to be his new arms and power. And so he goes on, looking for new possibilities...
Present
Taishakuten: Fight back, dammit!
Takeminakata: no
Takeminakata out here dodging Taishakuten's hands except for when he feels like it, all to keep Taishakuten busy while the rest of the party tries to solve the problem of the day.
Takeminakata: Come at me, man!
MC: I gotta hurry...! (search desks)

MC's searching the desks near where Taishakuten was sitting.
Hippolytus: How can we not find some suspicious drug thing right away!?
MC: Maybe it's not in a jar since scent matters so much. Did they use something else?
Hmm...
MC: Hippolytus, did you bring that flower? Search that one desk!
MC points at the desk right behind Taishakuten's.
Hippolytus: But I searched it already! Wait... oh! I found it!
Hippolytus finds some white flower and seals it in a bag!
Takeminakata: Great! Now to make Taishakuten sane again somehow. Can I breathe normally yet!? (blows out tissue plugs)
MC: I'll help! / (maybe I should call Volkh) / he'll be fine soon, maybe!
(A) Takeminakata: Not now!
(B) Masanori: He should be fine soon! It was like that the first day, correct?
Takeminakata: Um, I guess so then!
(C) Oh yeah the randos from Day 1 were fine in like five minutes or something.
Takeminakata: Oh okay then!

Outside
Mermaid A: ...wait why am I running out here? And how for that matter when I don't have legs?
Guy B: (wheezing) dying...wait what
Robot C: Weren't we in a flower crafting workshop...?
Krampus: (whoa that was fast, did everyone fix things already?)
Krampus: Uh, sorry. We had you coming with me for safety's sake. I'll explain when we get back.
Wrestler D: oh okay. Also weren't you speaking differently earlier or something?
Krampus: Uh, you're imaging things!
Krampus gives the TLDR version first and texts Masanori. Masanori texts back that things are okay now.

Workshop
Taishakuten: MY BAD GUYS
MC: no one was hurt, it's cool / damn you were shit back there / it's okay
---
(A) Taishakuten: Yeah. I don't really wanna send anyone to the hospital or anything.
(B) Taishakuten: IT HURTS BECAUSE IT'S TRUE
(C) Taishakuten: Is not!
---
Taishakuten: Sorry, Takeminakata!
Takeminakata: It's cool, we're friends. You didn't mean it.
Masanori: Krampus's plan to lead the affected students out worked. I questioned the ones who were still okay.
Krampus: What? You figure out who did it?
Masanori: No. But I might have some clues. First though, what should we do about the workshop classes?

Hippolytus: Oh. Hmm...it sucks but we might have to suspend them for now.
Girl A: Noooo!
Wolf B: They can't keep doing this though, can they?
Drone Pilot C: Whoever did it is probably long gone already.
Lizard D: You can check our bags if that'll keep classes going.
Hippolytus: uhhh wow I was not expecting that
MC: Isn't that nice? / isn't this dangerous still? / hmm...
The party does want to continue the classes, but safety first.
Hippolytus: ...okay. Give me some time, so go on break. We'll pick up later!
The randos leave.

Taishakuten: W-wait, you sure about this Hippolytus?
Hippolytus: Should be since my power can theoretically handle it.
Hippolytus pulls out a bunch of flowers. Circuit lights shine on his hands as his artifact activates and he starts weaving the flowers.
MC: wait what's happening
Hippolytus: Okay done! Can you guys put these wreaths on? Then one of you try sniffing that drug!
Taishakuten: EXCUSE ME???
Masanori: Yes he really said that. He must think it'll be okay. In theory.
MC: I'll do it / (whistle)
(A) Krampus: W-wait, I'll do it instead!
(B) Krampus: ...I'll do it.

Krampus takes a whiff of drugs.
Krampus: ...huh, smells funny but I don't feel any better or worse. Like this is jasmine mixed with perfume.
Masanori: You think so too? Perfume is so fitting. Like some mixed extracts.
Hippolytus: Interesting, but the wreaths work right?
Krampus: I-I think so, yeah.
Takeminakata: Okay, time to get ready before everyone comes back!
And so class picks back up without incident for the day.

Later
Hippolytus: Oh god it's over today, thanks everyone.
Party: (sighhhh)
MC: Everyone's tired. Same. / (hand out drinks)
---
(C) Takeminakata: Oh thank you MC! So that's when you give drinks to be nice. Notes taken!
---
Masanori: So busy today, but still more to go. Shall we pick up our discussion from earlier?
Hippolytus: Okay! About that flower we found, right?
Masanori: Right. The jasmine flower affect some students, but it doesn't seem to have done it on its own. but look at this flower petal I found on the first day of class.
Krampus: ...a pansy? Those are weird flowers you can find in Tir na Nog. I didn't know Tokyo had them too. Does Setagaya grow them?
Hippolytus: Uhhh, we have violas everywhere if you mean that. They aren't Tir na Nog originals, but maybe the research building has some.
MC: So it's a Tokyo origin flower? / so flowers are related to things? / what's that thing you were growing, Hippolytus?
(A) Masanori: I can't tell. Hippolytus?
Hippolytus: I need the whole plant to figure that out.
(B) Masanori: Maybe. Hippolytus, your expert opinion?
Hippolytus: I mean...it's possible?
(C) Hippolytus: Oh that flower from yesterday? It's a ylang-ylang.

Hippolytus: ...wait. OH NO!
confusedmathlady.jpg
Hippolytus: Pansies, ylang-ylang canangas, and jasmines are all believed to be love potions here!
MC: WHAT / really? / hmmmm...
---
(C) Hippolytus: No you may not cook, MC. :|
---
Masanori: Well if beans can hurt onis on Setsubun, then I suppose the faith argument works here too.
Taishakuten: ...so flowers really be the cause of every problem we had so far?
Takeminakata: But no one tried anything sexy. Taishakuten threw HANDS.
MC: It's a bust? / is someone testing stuff on us? / I wish I threw hands with Taishakuten
(A) Masanori: One would think they'd try to make it last longer. But if this is all according to keikaku, where are they going with it?
(B) Masanori: ...hmm, it's possible.
(C) Taishakuten: HELL YEAH
Masanori: Love comes in all kinds, I suppose. But do that later.

Masanori: And that's all the evidence I have so far. No clues to motives or suspects. But I'm worried this will happen again after we got the class back on track.
Hippolytus: Hmm. I'll have to report to Volkh. All we can do is ask the festival committee for security, I guess.
knock knock
MC: whomst? oh no is it a crowd of crazies again?
Hippolytus: No, class is over already. It must be Volkh. :|
Krampus: Breathe, Hippolytus.
Takeminakata: I'm freaked out too, so I'll check quietly... (tiptoes towards door and opens it) helloooo?
Mobs: (SCREAMING)
Party: (MORE SCREAMING)
MC: OMGWHAT / (too surprised to scream)

Takeminakata: WHAT IS--aren't you guys from the class today?
Guy A: omg it's you, I stan you so much!
Takeminakata: Me? What?
Guy A: Yeah!
Mermaid B: Thanks for saving us earlier today!
Boy C: So we were the people Youtuber Muramasa evacuated outside...
Guy A: But we heard you trying so hard for us. We wanted to thank everyone again. Especially you, Takeminakata!
Takeminakata: (stares)
Takeminakata: WHAAAAAT (looks at party)
MC: Yay for you!

Takeminakata: ...weeheeheehee. I mean, I'm a city boy now, it's what I do!
Taishakuten: Stop looking like a dumbass, airhead! ...eh, I guess that's fine for some people.
Masanori: Well his personal charms aren't in being cultured. It's in helping others without looking for returns. Like a trusted down to earth leader, which I suppose is why he's a Tycoon.
Krampus: So he's the only one who didn't realize it?
MC: Maybe so / wow he hasn't noticed / god he's annoying
Takeminakata: Why don't you say hi to my friends?
Takeminakata introduces the mobs to the party. Someone is watching evilly from further away.

Later
MC is heading back to the Setagaya dorm and sees Takeminakata in the dorm cafeteria.
Takeminakata: Hey, MC! Rough day, huh?
MC: Yeah / You eating dinner now? Didn't you just eat?
---
(A) Takeminakata: (awkward stares)
Takeminakata: I was really hungry all day. Huh? Oh, feels awkward to be the only one eating.
(BC) Takeminakata: Yeah, I've been hungry all day.
---
Takeminakata: Eh, it's been busy. But wow, Hippolytus and Masanori had to think the whole time too... wait am I the only one who didn't!?
Takeminakata keeps eating and talking.
Takeminakata: Whew, I'm good now! Oh, sorry I dominated the conversation
MC: It's cool / I like listening / talking while eating? ruuuude
(C) Takeminakata: Oh my god you sound just like Hakumen!

Takeminakata: That last thing in the end really surprised me. So many people thanked me for throwing myself at Taishakuten, kinda reminds me of this one time back home. Except that it wasn't my idea. I just did what I was told.
MC: Aww, so humble / that's cool too / (wait for him to continue)
---
(A) Takeminakata: Nah, I just followed someone who was better.
(B) Takeminakata: Wow thanks!
---
Takeminakata: Having to live without a big boss to follow is hard, man. Oh wait, never mind me.
MC: Tell me?
Takeminakata: (stares)
Takeminakata: Well okay then! Did I ever tell you about Lord Onamuji? I haven't thought of him in a while. Being a big city boss is hard. (pours tea for two)
Takeminakata: After coming here, I had to think about how to be a ruler and being good enough to not embarrass him. But being here with y'all reminds me of old times where I could be myself and talk with people...what?
MC: Slick! / omg sweet airhead / nothing, go on

Takeminakata: O-okay? Well it's fun feeling like old times...but I can't be who I was back then when I didn't know what it meant to lose. So... (sips tea pensively)
Takeminakata: Do I really need to choose a new way of life? I was a natural ruler there in Izumo, but do I have to change here in Tokyo? I can't give up that old life.
Does he try being the ideal servant or go his own way?
This could be very important.
MC: Decide later? / Do both?
---
(A) Takeminakata: ...sorry this is all dumb stuff, but thanks for listening. You're weirdly calming. I'll keep at it
(B) Takeminakata: Can I even hack it??? ...what, sumo has multiple kinds of finishing moves? I guess. Now that I think about it, it's not like all the Tycoons are all the same.
[Flag set!]
---
 Takeminakata: Thanks MC. I'm hungry again...wait, I should stop for today!
And so Takeminakata puts his dishes away and the two of you go back to your rooms.
End of Episode

Valentine Crossroad Episode 3 Part 1 (Abridged)

Takeminakata (narrating): Why am I trying to be a city boy? For Daddy! He's Okuni--oh wait he told me to call him Onamuji. Anyways if he becomes top ruler again I should become better! And now that I live in Tokyo maybe I changed just because of that. If I smile, my lord and daddy smiles.
Takeminakata (narrating): You think I'd do anything Onamuji tells me to? Hell yeah! I mean I have to pay him back for loving me, but it's also because when he was fighting for the throne of the world, he asked me to hang on to All the authority. He gave me a choice in a time I got like nothing about what was going on, but I want to be my best for him.
Present
Mornings start early in Setagay. MC goes to get breakfast.
Masanori: Morning. Did you recover from last night?
MC: Wow you're up early / Yep / schleepy
(A) Masanori: Coincidence.
(B) Masanori: Excellent.
(C) Masanori: Oh. Well I suppose it happens.

Masanori: Wow, Day 3 at being at Setagaya already. Look at the pretty flowers outside the window. And do you see the little birdies on the tree branch over there? (points)
MC: Oh yeah! Cute! / where / (slide closer to Masanori and look)
---
(A) Masanori: It must be nice for them to be at a farming school.
(B) Masanori: Maybe you should step closer this way. Then try following my finger.
Good times. [now jump to C]
(C) MC steps closer.
Masanori: Do you see it yet? It's...cute.
---
Masanori: I apologize for taking your time when you're here to eat.
Someone's coming in.
Takeminakata: I got done with training! I'm starving now. And thanks for joining me, Krampus!
Krampus: I-it's cool, I was already planning to jog. Gotta work out on the off season.
MC: Morning guys. / Man jocks start early... / Working out already!?
(AB) Krampus: Morning you two. No one else here yet?
Takeminakata: Sumo training starts even earlier! ...but only I get up that early.
(C) Krampus: This school's bigger than I thought.
Takeminakata: I thought we got lost. But the greenery reminds me of Lake Suwa.

Takeminaka: So is anyone else up yet?
Krampus: Taishakuten and Hippolytus? Maybe.
Masanori: They are. They finished breakfast a while ago and went to talk about plants. They'll be back soon.
Takeminakata: Oh. Guess I'll eat then! Breakfast buffets are nice.
Krampus: Do they grow everything on campus?
MC, Krampus, and Takeminakata go line up for food. They even have Utopia drinks!
MC: Is this a hotel breakfast? / They get this much every day? Dammit Setagaya!
(BC) Masanori: Volkh says at the bare minimum it's a little different from a hotel buffet. Director Perun thought up all this.
Takeminakata: Damn, wow.

Masanori: The perks of being a farm school, I suppose.
Takeminakata: Gee thanks, farm people!
MC: So you good with bread, Takeminakata? / oh no, too many choices / (get what you got yesterday)
(A) Takeminakata: Yes, I'm a student so I can adapt. I saw rice and nori seaweed on the counter too though, so I'll get some of that.
(B) Krampus: How about I pick for you?
Krampus makes some ham and cheese sandwiches, then grabs fruit, salad, and soup.
Takeminakata: Wow, get some for me too!
Krampus: Haha, okay. I guess you'll need twice as much.
(C) Krampus: You like that? Maybe I should get some too. Uh, not that I mean anything by that!
Takeminakata: Me too then! Friendship!
Krampus: Uhh, r-right!

Masanori smiles as the present party comes back to the table.
Masanori: I ate earlier, but I think I'll stay. It's nice seeing you all have fun.
Takeminakata: Masanori, are you always so cultured? I want to be like that!
MC: The drip! / You seem different, Takeminakata / Your new outfit looks great too, Krampus
(A) Masanori: I just figured I should dress the part of a classroom assistant, but thank you.
(B) Takeminakata: Right? My sponsor put this these clothes together! And Hakumen recommended a hairstylist.
[Flag Set!]
(C) Krampus: UHHH...thanks! I tried to not look scary off campus, so...I'm glad it looks good.

Oh look, Taishakuten and Hippolytus are coming back.
Taishakuten: S'up? Want some tea? Hippolytus, can I stick this weed in that teapot?
Hippolytus: Um, that's an herb. Morning everyone! Taishakuten is so studious about herbal teas.
Taishakuten: Aren't herbs medicinal grasses? There's a bunch growing around near home so maybe I can market that.
Hippolytus: I was showing him greenhouse herbs as thanks for yesterday's work.
MC: Farmers and merchants start early, huh. Maybe you'd like Andvari. / nice outfit
---
(C) Taishakuten: Thanks! It ain't anything special. Made in Shibamata, baby!
---
Conversation continues, now with tea.
Taishakuten: Did you always have that haircut, Takeminakata? You seem different from when I saw you in Ryougoku.
Flag check! Did you say Takeminakata seemed different too?
(Yes) Takeminakata: Yeah we were just talking about that! It's thanks to everyone helping me with a makeover!
(No) Takeminakata: Yeah, I had my hair stlyed to match my clothes! All thanks to my sponsor and Roppongi friends.

Takeminakata: Now I just need to be the slickest, most popular stylish city boy ever after I finish the workshop.
Krampus: I...don't think that's related.
Takeminakata: It's amazing how many things are connected! Popularity needs behavior in addition to appearance! If I change drastically, I'll naturally start acting graceful!
Krampus: Uhhhh...?
MC: Maybe...? / I think everyone else just gave canned advice / do you even know what you're saying
(A) Masanori: ...so you got advice but you don't completely understand it?
(B) Takeminakata: THEY DID
(C) Takeminakata: NO

Takeminakata: Everyone I talked to put their whole chest out when they gave their advice, and the guild's Foreigner gave me a flyer for the event so it HAS to be related to popularity!
Hippolytus: Are you talking about... :|
Masanori: No, it's not romance talk. He's talking about personal generic charm and likability.
Hippolytus: O-oh, okay. But how's that related to the workshop?
Masanori: Well there's many kinds of gifts to be made there with many ways to craft a message and present. How about that?
Krampus: ...the consideration in trying to make someone happy. Like Santa.
Masanori: Indeed. If you can manage it with one person, you can expand that to others and learn to do it casually. The considerate can get the trust and favor of many.
Taishakuten: Oh, like how trust is number one in business!
Masanori: And the workshop also touches upon Tokyo's seasons and natural sciences, so Takeminakata's participation can teach him culture.
Takeminakata: So that's what Tsathoggua was getting at... thanks, Masanori! I gotta work harder!
Hippolytus: Good luck with that! Let me know if I can help!
MC: Good luck! / Aren't you cultured enough? / hopefully everyone comes...
---
(AB) Takeminakata: Thanks MC. I'm going to be even better!
(C) Takeminakata: It's okay. I'm sure they will later!
---
Takeminakata: Okay, let's go!
Hippolytus: Right! Let's do our best, everyone!

Everyone gets ready and heads to the workshop. Lots of seasonal and Valentines stuff is open today on campus.
Workshop
Hippolytus: why :|
MC: TOO MUCH GOING ON
Rando A: Teach me about stuff beyond flowers, Hippolytus!
Rando B: Tell me I did good, Hippolytus!
Rando C: What flowers do you like, Hippolytus? I'll make a bouquet with both our favorites!
Hippolytus: [insert quiet rant about what's happening]
Masanori: Oh no he's disassociating!
MC: Damn, he's blowing up in popularity? I mean I can get it but something seems off!

Masanori: We need to calm the students!
Krampus: I'll hel--(mobbed by randos)--WHAT
Wrestler E: Let's wrassle after this!
Guy F: Bitch I got here first! Hey baby, wanna trade oils later?
Masanori is also getting mobbed.
Maid G: Wanna be my private tutor, handsome?
Wolf H: I'm your biggest fan!
The mobs seem crazy.
Masanori: I smell something kind of familiar...like the past few days recently familiar.
MC: Hmmmm... someone using Charm like Sitri? / ooh ooh, me too!
(C) Takeminakata: MC, you can't be joking now!

Takeminakata: I should help too! Taisha--
Masanori: EVERYONE OUTSIDE, NOW
The not crazy students are surprised but start getting out of the classroom. Hippolytus stops dissociating too.
Masanori: Get masks on, there's a suspicious smell!
Hippolytus: Umm, I only smell flowers?
Masanori: It's weak enough that therians can barely sense it. It's some sort of drug, and I smelled it the other day too.
Krampus: These people are drugged!? Whatever the deal is, we gotta get these people out and--
Mermaid A: Step on me bro!
Krampus: You aren't even REALLY naughty, calm down girl!
Guy B: Spank me, I’ve been a BAD BOY!
Krampus: HELP???
MC: I got this! Maybe!
Plot Sword activate!
MC: It had no effect!

Masanori: Well we can't just bop them in the head in an app battle. How do we get them out gently?
Hippolytus: uhhh, let's split up! Masanori, guard the sane students! Takeminakata, Taishakuten, please hold down the cra--
Takeminakata is blocking for randos while Taishakuten is throwing hands!
Taishakuten: God DAMN do I need to kick some ass! Where's Sanat Kumara when you need him!? COME AT ME, WORLD!
Krampus, Masanori, and Hippolytus: OH NO
MC: Oh god! / wait why is it only him / I see no difference
Taishakuten: Every one of you bitches, fight me!
Takeminakata: No man, we go one on one! I'll fight you all by myself! (slaps his body) I'll handle Taishakuten, Hippolytus! In the meantime...stop this crazy thing!
Krampus: R-right. How do we do that, though? Not like we can have the students come ove--wait
Krampus remembers this one time he snuck out to see a hero show. Or be in one? Either or.
Krampus: I guess we'll just have to try it!

Krampus pushes through, climbs to a higher position, then psyches himself up!
Krampus: C-can everyone hear me!?
Randos: YES
MC: is he trying to put on a show? Kinda calm since he's not being a Black Santa / YES
---
(AB) Krampus: (okay wow it's working?)
(C) Krampus: (okay wow it's working even on MC)
---
Krampus: Cool! So I need your help guys. Who here is brave enough to help me find the villain disturbing our seasonal event class?
Randos: MEEEE
Krampus: Great! Move out, Super Dragon Squad!
MC: Nice going, Krampus! / what / omg me too!
Krampus: Okay I'm taking these guys outside. Handle everything else, MC!
MC: Thanks! / goddammit / we have to hurry!

Hippolytus: MC, we need to search for that drug! Masanori, stay outside with the other students since you can smell it!
Masanori: Understood. I suggest you search near where Taishakuten sat. If he was the only one affected, he must have sat closest to where the drug is.
MC: Makes sense / helpful! / Takeminkata!
---
(AB) Hippolytus: Takeminakata, keep Taishakuten busy!
---
Takeminakata: Okay! AAAAHHH (grabs Taishakuten and drags him near the wall)
Hippolytus: MC, get away from the drug if you do find it! My power protects me from its effects so I'll get rid of it. Also, why IS Takeminakata okay?
Takeminakata: I STUFFED MY NOSE WITH TISSUES
Hippolytus: ...w-well okay then!
Taishakuten: Hell yeah this rocks, brah!
Takeminakata: Oh you like sumo wrestling? I should've brought--no wait, I'm supposed to stall you! Bring it!
BATTLE START

Live A Hero Book 2 Chapter 2 Episode 8: Isolation Beyond Imagination (Abridged)

Ominous Voice: i have a new body. it doesn't hurt to be alive, and i don't get hungry. but i still wanna eat... oh no wait, it's something else. i wanna chew up and burn everything i hate
Imaginary Point
The Port Light is ringing and MC is feeling super sick!
MC: (oof)
The world's gonna fall apart! Terror is blowing up while observing things! But MC can't just stop!
Danzo: MC, deep breaths.
Oh huh, MC is on their knees now.
MC: r-right...

Okay good MC is breathing again and back on the ground mentally speaking.
Danzo: Okay you're cool now. I can't see whatever it is you're seeing, but anyways don't push yourself!
Headpats from Danzo!
Monomasa: Okay that's enough headpats while MC's head is unstable.
Danzo: Oh! My bad!
Monomasa: You okay MC? What did you see?
MC: ...things are super messed up and warped.
Yeeeeahhh there's no chance of getting to Galvo's spaceship ride from here.
Galvo: Oh, escaping from here is unrealistic. Thank you anyways, Observer. What now then? ...hm?
Danzo: I hear something. MC, get ready to go.
Monomasa: But where is it coming from?

Hmm. Sounds like the sound is coming from another world. And it's getting louder!
Danzo: Hmm, this is bad. Monomasa, handle MC for a sec!
Some orb pops up! It's dark with geometric patterns and it starts spinning.
Seiichirou: Grigory, the line went through!
Grigory: Whaaat? Yaaaay, it actually worked!
Seiichirou: Yes, we did have to spend all that VP for this...
Hologram phone call!
MC: omg Grigory!? / omg Seiichirou!?
(A) Grigory: Hooray MC, you're allll good!
(B) Seiichirou: Well it's good to see you're okay. Nice job, Danzo.
Danzo: Thanks! But a little more of that would be nice!

Akashi: You guys! Everyone okay!?
Mokdai: Is this thing working!?
Sui: There you are, MC!
Melide: Monomasa! MC!
MC: Guys!
Monomasa: Melide...I'm sorry to make you worry.
Galvo: Oooh, art these thine friends from thine world, MC?
Monomasa: Yes, theirs and mine.
Ryekie: MC, you're okay!
Huckle: But we can't stay on the line for long, so listen closely.
He's mildly stressed.

Grigory: Okaaay, short version! That's my Parallel Weapon there and it can auto-fly to any hero I think about, so I sent it to Danzo. But uhhhh, sending it to another world is a first for me so it's costing a lot to keep up.
Crowne: We're using this Mystery Source VP. Same for you guys?
MC thinks.
MC: ...yeah, somehow we have VP coming from somewhere
Crowne: Okay cool. One more question, is there a lab over there too?
Danzo: Yeah, Exio and Yoshiori are holing up there as a base!
Grigory: Oh. Hmmmm... well they're in the way, whatever it is they're doing. Still, we need you to go there.

Galvo: Pardon the interruption, but I am Galvo and an allied hero journeying with MC. There are white Monsters spawning near the lab, so must we face them head on?
Grigory: ...yes. Because if you staaay, you'll all become Unobservable and--oh no the call's about to drop!
Huckle: MC, take Grigory's weapon with you!
Seiichirou: We're about to run out of VP. Danzo, take everyone to the lab.
Danzo: Okay but DAMN that's a tall order for a perfect ninja like me!
Seiichirou: You'll be fine if you can quip about it. I trust in you.
Melide: Monomasa, MC, don't push yourselves! I'll be waiting.
Monomasa: We'll be there.
Grigory: Okay we're really really about to lose the call! If you have anything to say MC, say it noooow!
Well MC has lots of thoughts but not much time to say them. Flashback!
Galvo: You must consider what your true wish is. Who is the hero you share goals and support with?
Present
Hmm... also MC is up against a person, so...

Flag check! Who did you pick in 2-6?
[Akashi Route]
MC: Akashi
Akashi: Y-yeah?
MC: Will you fight with me?
Akashi: MC... (frowns)
You need to figure out who you can best support and be supported by. Someone who trusts you and stands by you.
Akashi: (smiles) Yeah! You're my Observer, and I'm your hero!
[Mokdai Route]
MC: Mokdai
Mokdai: U-uh, what!?
MC: Will you fight with me?
Mokdai: MC...?
You need to figure out who you can best support and be supported by. Someone who listens with worry and determination.
Mokdai: ...reminded me of things. Yeah, we'll do it together!
[Sui Route]
MC: Sui
Sui: Yes?
MC: Will you fight with me?
Sui: Heh...
You need to figure out who you can best support and be supported by. Someone who accepts who you are and looks for their ideal place.
Sui: You saw my dream, haven't you? That's when I decided I'll fight with you.

Okay, phone call dropped.
MC: ...
Galvo: ...were you naught to carry this, MC? (picks up Grigory's weapon and hands it to MC)
MC: ...thanks. (takes Grigory's weapon and hugs it)
The party smiles. And then sudden plot twist!
???: Hey. Done with the phone now?
Someone's behind the party!
MC: Yoshio--!?
okay what is that
Yoshiori: Damn Grigory, I didn't think we could get a space phone call out here.
Monomasa: Yoshiori... (frowns)
Yoshiori: What? You still haven't decided what to do when you saw me? I've been watching you this whole time.
Danzo: Damn, that's some Presence Concealment if I couldn't pick up on the Invisible Soldier being here! But fun fact, sudden appearances...?
Danzo disappears for a second! Yoshiori shoots! Danzo's kunais are blocked, but that's still enough of an opening for Danzo.
Danzo: Means whoever pops up can't whine if they get cut down...hey wait, how come I didn't reach you?
Yoshiori: Him. Which you probably can't see.
MC: Danzo get away, there's a Monster there!

Danzo: WHA--(power tackled!)
Galvo: Danzo, art thou okay!? What just--
Yoshiori: Galvo, Exio says we're cool if you don't fight against us.
Galvo is surprised as he turns up the heat.
Galvo: ...dost thou claim the Exio who knows myself is here?
Ooh he on the hunt now.
Yoshiori: Welp, Exio said this might happen.
MC: Yoshiori, why are you with a Monster!?
Yoshiori: So you CAN see him. In that case...
Yoshiori lets go of Id Replica so it can reveal itself. It looks like some snake that isn't really alive but is, somehow.
Id Replica: [Weird Screaming]
A hollow but also wrathful roar.
Danzo: damn what that?
Oh hey Danzo is next to MC now.
MC: Danzo!

Danzo: Whoopsies, I got my ass kicked for a second! But uh, how are we dealing with that?
He sounds casual but he definitely took damage. He just isn't showing it.
Galvo: I've never seen such a thing before...
Monomasa is picking some stuff up.
Monomasa: Exio...? This thing is... your...?
Yoshiori: Id Replica... fight them after we do our thing. Exio's orders.
Id Replica faces up and screams REALLY loudly!
Monomasa: ..."eat everyone?" Wait--
Yoshiori: You know what he's saying? 'cause I seriously don't.
Id Replica stops yelling. Things are quiet for a literal second before the ground shakes like tons of things are coming in from underground!
Danzo: Uhh...

Monsters incoming!
Yoshiori: You guys are headed for the lab, right? So are they.
The world starts shifting!
MC: uhh
World warping!
Danzo: ...damn things really getting crazier up in here.
Galvo: Is this what MC saw?
MC: ...!
Sudden headache makes MC close their eyes, one worse than anything else so far since coming. But Monsters are coming so MC needs to open their--
MC: wait what
Welp, there's a curtain in the world now. Light particles are floating from the ground.
Monomasa: What's going on with this crazy world?
Yeah the world seems to be collapsing from the ground up to him.
Galvo: Even I can tell. The world is...
Id Replica screams again and faces the party!
Yoshiori: Welp, your first fight. Go catch th--
Id Replica attacks!
BATTLE START (more happens after)

Id Replica keeps screaming as it attacks the party!
Danzo: Does this thing even take damage, bro!?
So the bone things react to being attacked, but Id Replica shows no reaction to attacks.
Danzo: And we gotta stay away from the mud fire stuff!
Everything thrown at Id Replica disappears inside it. Same for the ground it ends up eating.
Galvo: Then we must defeat it without making contact! Fire Claw swing!
A big hit!
Id Replica: [Weird Screaming]
But Id Replica keeps on going! Monomasa watches Yoshiori. Yoshiori is just watching the fight.
Monomasa: Yoshiori!
Monomasa suddently attacks Yoshiori!
MC: Monomasa!?

Monomasa swings with an arm blade! Yoshiori blocks with his gun!
Monomasa: Make him stop right now! Or else--
Yoshiori: Or else what? You'll cut me down? To do what's right?
Monomasa: !!
Yoshiori: What do I matter to you anymore? YOU have a home that accepts you now. Must be nice to not feel like some lost drifter anymore! Remember who gave us a place to be when we had nothing left? Go on, tell me.
Monomasa: Yoshiori, you...
Yoshiori: Hell yeah I'm pissed too.
Monomasa: ...! You're using that trick again.
Yoshiori uses Presence Concealment! Except it's not like he slipped through dimensions or anything as Monomasa swings his arm as a whip until he hits something!
Monomasa: THERE YOU ARE

Yoshiori falls back!
Yoshiori: Hmph. So you had a plan at least. Jackass.
Monomasa: Give up, you can't get past me. Stop Id Replica now.
Yoshiori: ...you know I can't since it doesn't listen to me, right? It obeys Exio, I just make it remember. On another note...you may have been an S Rank Hero before, but you're a rookie when it comes to fighting other people! (disappears again)
Monomasa: You really think that will wo--!?
Yoshiori doesn't even make footstep sounds this time.
MC: Yoshiori!
Monomasa: !!

Yoshiori has his gun up to Monomasa. The harder he pushes that trick, the harder it is on his body and the more he wants to come back. But what did he use as a guide?
Monomasa: ...Yoshiori, you...
Yoshiori: oof that cut down way too much, geez.
Yoshiori is breathing hard as he holds up his gun. Monomasa drops his aggression.
???: This is stupid. Let's stop.
Monomasa: !?
A voice comes from within Drovyne.
Monomasa: The voice is using my skin!?
Monomasa's body acts against his will. Because it's not just his will in there.
Yoshiori: wait WHAT
Monomasa's Venom Skin swallows up him and Yoshiori into some big ball!
Monomasa: Monomasa... is that you...?
End of Episode