Live A Hero Chapter 1 Episode 13: The Sun Rises and Sets

Instead of continuing with the action from before, the camera decides to shift somewhere else in Orient City, still in the same time frame. In some lab or secret surveillance looking room, some mystery man is talking to himself and stroking his chin. He talks about a Presence being detected, and he notes that you're actually rather talented. So much so that he admits to being astonished by that. Once you pass This Trial, your ability as an Observer will grow further. He wonders how you'll clear this remaining hurdle and says he'll keep close watch of you.

 

Back to your end of things, Justice is yelling loudly about using his full power as he almost always does before he breaks out Gigabolt Breaker. The powerful electric blast stops the Kaibutsu in its tracks and makes its shell fall apart. Crunching sounds arise and the monster's chest area hollows out. The shining blue core is exposed once again. Justice signals Akashi to go for it, entrusting him with the last strike. Akashi yells about putting his all into this one ball, creating a giant orb of flames and smashing it right at the Kaibutsu.

 

The Kaibutsu falls over, screaming its death cries and slowly dissolving into light. Shouen pants, and Akashi asks if it's over yet. Mokdai announces that all the Kaibutsu signals in the bay coast area have disappeared and all the heroes have stopped their broadcasts. The battle is over! The heroes and children all start cheering, and Huckle says he was worried when he heard that there was a lot of Kaibutsu appeared. He's surprised that you guys managed to get through it without issue. You call out to Akashi and cheer about his success.

 

Akashi says it's all because of you and thanks you. He's feeling super tired now, but he's also feeling great. Kyoichi runs up to him, and Akashi asks if anything's happened to his body. Akashi also apologizes for letting his guard down earlier and leading Kyoichi to getting caught. Kyoichi however waves it off as him underestimating the Kaibutsu, and it doesn't matter since Akashi saved him anyways, he says as he thanks him. And also, he's glad that Akashi returned to being a hero and got his dream back. Akashi nods at that.

 

Shouen comments in surprise that Akashi picked a dream that may not get fulfilled again. It might never come true until Kaibutsu stop appearing in this world, and he asks if Akashi can stick with it without giving up on it. Akashi says he knows that the dream might never come true. He talked about being a pro, but he talks about how simply giving up might have been easier. But now that he's gotten a clearer look at how he once wanted to turn out and how he wants to be now, he knows how to move forward now. He feels he won't lose his way anymore.

 

Akashi calls himself bad at giving up, and he says he feels he can keep going. Shouen approves after a moment, and Toshuu watches him from a little ways away. He talks to himself about how naive Akashi is for not understanding how hard it is to keep pushing for your dream. There's probably going to be many obstacles in his way, and he might feel like giving up again. But if Akashi keeps his eyes ahead and continues walking, then Toshuu says he'll support him from the shadows. You sigh at Toshuu and tell him he could just tell Akashi this in person. Toshuu is surprised that you heard him and insists that you don't tell Akashi what he said since he doesn't plan on going easy on him. He demands you to answer if you understand. You either are intimidated into doing so or ask if he's a tsundere. A has Toshuu leave things at that and says it's fine if you get it. B has Toshuu getting mad for you teasing him and threatening to punish you to change your ways. Mokdai steps in not knowing what's going on but tries to get Toshuu to calm down. Either way, Toshuu talks to himself about how he lacks training to snap like he did.

 

Camera moves over to the others as the children get excited and call Akashi cool. They were impressed with that last ball and ask to shake hands with him. Akashi finds all the attention embarrassing, and Ryekie laughs at how quickly he's getting popular. He's proud of him for that. Akashi protests and asks Ryekie to stop teasing him since he's not good at showing off to fans. Ryekie tells him he's going to have to get used to it if he's going to continue being a hero. He dramatically declares that until Akashi can do things to make the fans happy and fight on camera, he'll be with him all the time giving him special training. Akashi is taken aback and says that sounds awfully tough.

 

Mokdai laughs and says Akashi might have to give in and bear with it. Huckle tells Ryekie not to be too forceful because it'd be a problem if the company gained a reputation for being excessively harsh to work for. Ryekie laughs and says it's the company motto to not be like those workplaces from hell. He then decides to welcome Akashi to the group again, saying they'll do their best together as heroes fighting together. Akashi says he'll look forward to it.

 

Kyoichi cheers and offers to take you guys out to a meal to celebrate Akashi's hero comeback. He offers to pay for it all, so you guys can request whatever you like. Toshuu steps in to tell him he can't because that today's battle became classified as a emergency remote response. There's also the part where they went to battle under the direction of another agency's Operators. They have to go back to headquarters and fill out reports. Shouen puts together a haiku that goes over the syllable count about exchanging drinking cups at a party and having a mountain of paperwork hanging over them. Kyoichi almost falls over in shock saying he's tired as it is.

 

Toshuu teases that Kyoichi has the energy to fill out papers if he has the energy to go party with his kouhai. Kyoichi moans about how hard life is, saying that while he's called a hero, it's still a job in the end. You either ask him to hang in there or suggest that the three of you go eat out together when he's done. A has Kyoichi give in with one last whine, then says you should come eat with him and Akashi too. B has Kyoichi excited at the idea as he says he's suddenly getting the motivation to get it done. Toshuu sighs at him being simple.

 

Huckle says there is some paperwork to do, but he suggests taking the kids still around home first. Even with the Kaibutsu gone, you guys shouldn't let your guards down. Plus, the city's comm network is a mess. It's your guys' job to see them home safely. Huckle tells Ryekie to stop playing things up for the fans and to get the kids together. Ryekie starts calling the kids over when he notices something. The remains of the big Kaibutsu are still around, and he sees it slowly struggle to get at some children away from the main group. When it moves to strike, Ryekie jumps in and uses his own body to protect a kid.

 

You are caught surprised by what happened. Blood trickles down Ryekie's stomach, and narration says that the Kaibutsu's body turned into a thorn in an attempt to bring something near it down with the last of its power. Ryekie prevented it from doing so, but the thorn has gone almost right through his center.

 

Akashi yells out to Ryekie, and Toshuu swings his shinai at the Kaibutsu. It doesn't have the strength to tank an attack by someone not transformed, and it bursts into light dust and disappears. Huckle is in disbelief at this turn of events, and Ryekie is breathing hard as he gushes blood. He falls over, leaving Huckle to yell at him to hold on.

 

Camera then shifts over to Parallel Flight's office as Sui comes in saying she's brought Ryekie's spare suit. She notices no one is around and wonders if everyone is out dealing with some incident. Crowne also happens to be around and knows Sui, and she asks if she has business there. Sui says she's there on errands for her master, then asks if Crowne's also here for something. Crowne says she came to give Huckle a report, but she wasn't expecting this. She came directly from the airport ward so she doesn't know personally, but she has heard of a large problem happening in the bay coast ward that had all the heroes sent out to deal with it. She does think she caught the radio saying something about an outbreak of Kaibutsu, and she turns to check, pulling out her phone for the news.

 

Sui decides she'll just come tomorrow then, saying Ryekie tends to hang around the office even on his days off. Crowne wrinkles her eyebrows upon seeing the latest news report, prompting Sui to ask what's wrong when she notices. Crowne says Ryekie might not come back from the field anytime soon as she turns her phone to her, and Sui looks on in surprise.

 

Camera then shifts to the shady surveillance room as Mystery Man says you put on a good show and thanks you. But having said that, the man also says that you still don't realize how strong your power is. The strength of the ability to connect to parallel worlds will likely become a worry for you as something that will either save the world or destroy it. The man says that, as someone Like You, he's looking forward to the chance to consign you to oblivion with his own hands while you're tormented by your power. He'll recognize you as his Enemy as he calls you the Observer who is the most different in this world. End of Chapter 1.

 

Live A Hero Chapter 1 Episode 12: The Hero's Comeback

Things tune in with Akashi yelling at the Kaibutsu to eat fire as he creates and throws literal blazing fastballs. Shouen commands his writing to go and calls out the kanji for Destruction. He's noted to be keeping up with Akashi's pace as he swings his giant brush around, writing kanji after kanji. With the attacks flying, the situation turns around as the number of monsters around start to fall. You cheer that the battle is swinging your way and cheer them on.

Mokdai expresses his surprise at how beat up Shouen was before and that Akashi was unable to transform until just a moment ago. Now you guys are pushing the Kaibutsu back. Mokdai then thinks to himself that the number of viewers is blowing up and has an idea about what to do with that if things keep going like this. Voices then call out apologizing for keeping you guys waiting and telling you all to get down. You recognize the voices and realize who's come.

 

Toshuu comes swinging in as he calls his finishing move, Flash "Lion Warrior's Sword Dance." Justice swoops in to bust out his Gigabolt Breaker too, and between the lightning and sword sparks the entire area is lit up. The Kaibutsu are mangled enough that their body shapes fall apart, and they start dispersing into light in moments. Toshuu apologizes to Shouen and Akashi for being later, and Justice says they came to answer your call and tells you guys to leave things to them. You call out their names, then ask them about the clubhouse they were guarding.

 

Justice tells you to relax as the area around the clubhouse has been cleared of all Kaibutsu. Toshuu explains they did most of the extermination, and once their numbers were mostly thinned out it's unlikely for any more of them to appear over there. He also mentions that around this time, heroes from other agencies have arrived too. Justice says that the defense can be left to those guys, so they came over here to help.

 

Huckle walks up, greeting you and saying you did well. You process his arrival, and Huckle talks about how there were tons of Kaibutsu where they were at earlier, so they couldn't come running when Mokdai phoned for help. Also it turns out Mokdai had also explained to Huckle about most of what's happening on this end as Huckle asks if that one Kaibutsu is the one that ate Kyoichi. He looks over at the one Kaibutsu that looks different from all the others. It fires off ominous light, its belligerence still in full force. Huckle talks about having to destroy it in order to save Kyoichi, but there's still a bunch of others you guys need to keep in mind. Since those other ones are still small, he suggests defeating some of those ones first until you can focus fire on the big one. You agree and ask everyone to help.

 

Justice enthusiastically says yes, and Toshuu has a little laugh as he agrees to follow your orders. Shouen says he's a little tired, but he'll stick it out to the end. Akashi gets fired up and says he'll do it. Justice takes a moment to look at Akashi and smile. He yells about how great it is he's come back to the hero world and that he's happy for him. Toshuu mentions that Justice had been concerned for him all day, then teases Akashi he better not disappoint him since he's got a bit guy's attention. Akashi nods and apologizes for worrying him, then says he's okay now. He's sworn to save everyone after all. Toshuu is amused at how big Akashi is talking and challenges him to show it in battle. Akashi says he will. Huckle declares it's time to fight again, telling you to brace yourself and focus as the episode battle begins. The story continues after that.

 

After the battle, we pick back up with the Kaibutsu roaring and Akashi panting about how tough it is. With every fireball he's making he can feel it coming out of his strength. Justice tells him that if his abilities are the same type as his, then Akashi's fireballs are created from his own energy. Each time he uses his power it draws from his strength, and he suggests that Akashi control the size of the fireballs he's creating. He should save creating a big fireball for when he's using all of his power for one last attack, or in other words his finishing move.

 

Akashi says he understands now that he's not making something from nothing and thanks Justice. Justice laughs it off as a common rookie mistake, then points out that more importantly, Akashi's efforts have visibly reduced the amount of Kaibutsu running around. He says they should keep it up and finish it all up at once, telling Akashi to come with him. Akashi yells that he will. Justice talks about how all the Kaibutsu have a core inside their bodies that you guys should aim for. If you don't expose and attack it, you won't deal enough damage to destroy, which goes especially for the big ones. Akashi starts putting this to practice, and Justice approves of him catching on quick. He tells him to smack a ball in the moment he tears a hole in the Kaibutsu with his lightning. Justice continues to keep on top of his fighting as he advises Akashi, and he looks to be proud and having fun. You comment that they're like teacher and student or ask if Justice is enjoying himself. A gets Huckle to laugh and say that might be so.

 

Anyways, Huckle says that Justice really does look happy that his precious kouhai is back in action. When he gets excited like this he's at his strongest, which is something that he's the most familiar about. He never was able to return to his side to the front lines, which is probably why Justice gets overbearing at times. You are confused and ask Huckle what he means, but he waves it off as talking to himself.

 

Camera switches focus to Akashi as he says he's taken down another of the small Kaibutsu, then glares at the big one hanging back. Reminder, that's the one that ate Kyoichi. Akashi grips his bat, then roars as he swings it over his head. All the cameras in the area focus on him, and with them the eyes of all the viewers. He demands that Kyoichi be returned. Mokdai sees the view count and and Akashi's strong feelings, saying it can work now. He turns to you and tells you to open the Path to its largest setting. You are taken aback by this and ask how to do that.

 

Huckle says it's not hard to do. All you need to do is hold your hand up to Akashi and wholeheartedly believe that he will win. Mokdai jumps in to say that when you do that, Akashi will be able to pull off his Finishing Move. You nod after a moment and tell Akashi to do his best. You do as you were instructed, which causes a ring of light to form around Akashi and makes his bat shine red. Akashi is surprised by this, and Mokdai says it's working. All that's left is for Akashi to use his move with a strong wish. You tell Akashi he can use a finishing move now and urge him to blow it away.

 

Akashi says he understands, then yells as he runs in as close as he can, whereupon a bunch of balls of light form around him. He grips his bat tight again, then takes up a batting stance. He swings, calling out his ultimate, Finisher "Hundred Ardent Cannon Shots" (or something like that). All the balls fire forward as though his bat had split and hit them. With the power and speed behind them, they start opening holes in the monster's body on impact and expose the Kaibutsu's transparent and fluorescent blue shining core. It also causes Kyoichi's fainted body to appear.

 

Akashi runs in and starts climbing the Kaibutsu's body, but he realizes partway there that he won't make it in time before it regenerates. Moments later, both Kyoichi and the Kaibutsu's core are hidden from view again. Toshuu calls out to Akashi and tells him to keep his head down. His swords gleam several times, and he swings and stabs with them. Kyoichi and the core are exposed again, and shining ink is thrown at them after that. Shouen calls out his finisher next, Running Brush "99 Writings," casting the kanji for Pierce and Rescue.

 

The shining Pierce kanji stabs through the Kaibutsu's core and wraps around Kyoichi. Rescue activates by pulling Kyoichi out of the monster and into the air. Shouen tells Akashi to go and save Kyiochi, so he jumps off the Kaibutsu and spreads his arms out to catch him. He succeeds at that, and since he doesn't have flight in his power set, he has to break the fall by rolling when he lands. Kyoichi wakes up shortly after that, then snaps back to shocked alertness when he sees Akashi in hero mode. Akashi just pants and is glad he's okay.

 

The Kaibutsu is still up and thrashing around despite getting stabbed in the heart/core and glares at you guys. Shouen grunts about having been weakened and doesn't have enough power to destroy it as is. Toshuu says it's true that the Kaibutsu is weakened too, so if everyone works together you guys should be able to beat it in one more hit. Mokdai pipes up to say he's got an update in the news about the Kaibutsu. Most of the other areas are about done already, and the only big one left is the big one in the park right in front of you. You either tell everyone to hang in there for one last sprint, or you tell Akashi not to push himself. In A and B, everyone yells back in acknowledgment. In C, Akashi says you don't need to worry, and if it's almost done then he can push forward with all he's got. The episode ends with Justice leading the charge to finish things up.

 

 

 

Live A Hero Chapter 1 Episode 11: What You Can Do

We pick up on before with Shouen calling to Kyoichi, and narration points out how Shouen is the only hero left at the moment. The Kaibutsu starts to focus on Shouen, and in peak terrible timing more little Kaibutsu show up as you point out. At least three show up like they're responding to the bigger one's roaring, then start rushing you all. Shouen reacts by writing the kanji of Strike to beat them back, and while he does shake them off one by one, it also draws all the aggro to him. He gets his attacks in where he can, but the numbers start to overwhelm him. The shining light of the ink in his tail starts to dim.

Shouen bears with it as best as he can, but he notes that his ink is starting to run out. The battle goes further one-sided, and eventually Shouen is brought to his knees as you call out to him. Akashi is also alarmed at this turn of events, and the kids start asking him if Shouen is going to lose. They worry that only one hero came to help, which you pick up on as you say Kyoichi was just here. Akashi says that's how it goes, now that Kyoichi has disappeared from their memories. Now their memories have been overwritten to think that Shouen had been fighting alone the whole time. You comment about understanding what it means to be erased from someone's memories.

 

Mokdai calls Huckle to request reinforcements, telling him that Shouen will lose at the rate things are going. He has to yell to make himself heard with all the chaos going around. The children get frightened by the the Kaibutsu's roaring and crowd together as a result. Akashi starts swearing, asking if all he can do is watch as things happen, wishing he could transform like he could before. He pleads for the power to fight, so that he can save Kyoichi, Shouen and the kids, Mokdai, and you.

 

You and Akashi are surprised as your phone starts shining as if responding to Akashi. Once the light dies down, a window has popped up on your screen. A Path has been detected, but the response is exceedingly weak and the hero name is unknown. You ask if a Path has been found for Akashi, and Akashi tries to ask you to explain what the light is all about. You tell him that it's possible that he can become a hero again. He's surprised but pushes past it to ask you to transform him now, though you tell him it's still weak.

 

Akashi asks you what the weak thing means and if there's still something missing. Shouen starts talking to Akashi, telling him to listen to him as he uses his brush as a crutch to stand up. If what Akashi said is his true feelings and he is holding onto a new dream, then a Path should open and that person (I'm unsure if Shouen means you or Parallel Akashi) will help him. He tells Akashi to wish from the heart and swear to his true feelings. If he does, he should be able to become a hero again. Akashi thinks on this, and you ask him if what he said was how he really felt.

 

Akashi admits that he's not sure. He wasn't interested in being a hero to start with, and becoming one later was just how things happened. He never even thought about continuing to try at it...but still. His fists ball up as he brings out the words, and he talks about having no plans on speechifying about what justice is. But there are things he can't let pass. He intends to understand the grief at being erased from everyone's memories and the pain of those who disappeared, so he refuses to let what's happening ever repeat himself. If he, a guy who only knows about baseball, can do something and save everyone, then that's what he'll use his power for. He'll become a hero!

 

Mokdai is moved by the declaration, and your phone shines again. The window says a Path has been opened, and the Hero name is Akashi Tamamura. Do you want to open the Path? You tell Akashi that the window has opened, so things can work. Akashi asks you for your help, saying he's made his decision. You get to pressing the button as Akashi calls out his transformation.

 

When the button is pressed, a ring of light appears above Akashi's head, and your phone announces the start of the transformation process. Bit by bit, light covers Akashi's body. Once the light show stops, Akashi is in his hero suit. You cheer that it's a success. Akashi is surprised as he notes that this is the same suit he wore the first time around, and Mokdai cheers over his comeback. Shouen smiles about Akashi getting his dream back, and Akashi tells him what his name is since Shouen has been calling him young man this entire time. Akashi then apologizes for the troubles he's caused and asks to fight alongside him. He swears to save Kyoichi, just as he said he would. Shouen agrees, telling him to be careful, which Akashi acknowledges.

 

Akashi takes his shining red bat and points it at the Kaibutsu's nose, declaring he won't let them do as they please. He yells about getting Kyoichi back and that the monsters better be ready for that, and the Kaibutsu all start roaring in turn. You tell the two it's time to start and say you'll be counting on them. Shouen says he understands and will be counting on you too. Akashi says he'll handle it. He isn't planning on losing like a chump, and he says that this time he'll make his dream come true as the episode battle begins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Live A Hero Chapter 1 Episode 10: The Dream's Origin

We pick up with another Kaibutsu popping up, and children react to it by screaming and crying. Kyoichi tells the kids to not move, saying he'll come save them. He calls out that he'll show his finishing move, then pulls out Instruction "First Lesson in Tactics 180 Degrees" (or something along those lines). How his ultimate works in practice starts by creating a trapezoidal barrier that gets compared to a vaulting horse in shape around the children, then he grips his weapons as he spins his body to rip open a hole in the Kaibutsu's body.

With the monster destroyed, Kyoichi declares the lesson to be over. The children cheer for him, and Kyoichi tells the kids to stick with the party as he promises to take them somewhere safe. Akashi is surprised and impressed with how Kyoichi moved, mentioning that he was once nicknamed the Base Stealing King. Kyoichi hears this and glares at him, so Akashi quickly corrects by calling him Element Teacher and pointing out how easily he took the Kaibutsu out. Who could he possibly beeee. Kyoichi laughs about being complimented, then makes a point of pretending he doesn't know Akashi personally as he asks him to lead the kids.

 

Akashi sighs that Kyoichi transformed in view of the kids, so he wonders why he bothers trying to keep the secret identity schtick going. You either guess that Kyoichi is really mindful about being a pro, agree that there's no point to it, or tease Akashi about not getting the magic of it. C gets an extra line where Akashi is surprised by the remark and wonders if that's really a thing. But anyways the kids call Element Teacher cool and legitimately wonder who he is, then notice that Kyoichi isn't around. Akashi just looks on baffled.

 

Some time later Shouen notes that the area is mostly cleared. Mokdai agrees, saying the only places left would be the area around the clubhouse Justice is and the big open area by the entrance. Kyoichi notes that the park is huge and suggests it's possible that Kaibutsu might respawn in the areas they've already cleared. He suggests keeping a careful watch and regrouping with Justice, which Shouen agrees with. You ask if they're alright, ask if they're tired, or comment that you're tired yourself. For some reason only A triggers the extra dialogue where Kyoichi does admit to a little fatigue, but he turns the question on you to ask if the consecutive battles are tiring you out.

 

Mokdai notes that the camera has been rolling for an hour now and the battles have been pretty much constant. That said, Mokdai also brings up that the observed number of Kaibutsu is definitely going down. He suggests catching your breath for a second before moving on again.

 

Akashi is quiet, so one of the kids try talking to him and ask what's wrong. He's surprised by the concern, then brushes it off as nothing much. He puts on a smile as he tells them to stick close to him since they're going to move soon. He leads the kids on, and as he does so he starts reflecting on the origins of his dream.

 

Akashi narrates for a bit, talking about how he totally forgot about how hard he chased after his dream. Why did he ever think to become a pro? Why did he keep trying so stubbornly to be one of the pros he admired? It's true that there was a pro that he admired, but still... Akashi thinks to himself and wonders what solidified his decision. What did he want to do? He mentions feeling like he's on the verge of remembering something.

 

Back to more immediate issues, more Kaibutsu appear pop up, and Shouen tells Kyoichi to get ready to fight. Kyoichi sighs that there isn't any time to rest, but he steels himself saying he can't let the monsters be on their own in the city where his students live in. He yells that he can't let the children be erased from everyone's memories, getting into a battle ready stance again. And these words happen to stick with Akashi, pulling at his mind as he thinks on the part about disappearing from memories as the episode battle starts. More happens after that.

 

After the battle, the story picks up from there as the Kaibutsu are defeated, leaving a bunch of children in their wake as Shouen points out. Kyoichi yells out to the kids and asks if they're okay. Narration slips into Akashi's head to talk about knowing how people eaten by Kaibutsu are erased from people's memories. It's because he knew that he told you what happens, what with your memory lapse. But still, something seems stuck. It's the origin of why he began to try at becoming a pro athlete. It's an important, important promise covered in an intense memory.

 

Back outside, one kid is crying. Kyoichi attempts to comfort them saying they're safe now, but the kid cries about not knowing anything anymore. They've forgotten who they are and where they are, and they sob about not knowing what to do. Kyoichi realizes what's happened and is sympathetic, then tells the kid it'll be okay. He assures them that their memories will come back with a little bit of time. For now, they should stop worrying about things and come along as he promises to protect them. The kid sniffs and nods.

 

You ask if that child has amnesia. Mokdai says it happens from time to time. Sometimes when someone gets eaten by a Kaibutsu, a part of their memory breaks off and disappears, though Mokdai doesn't know why it happens. But once the Kaibutsu is defeated, it comes back. It's still a scary thing though. Akashi speaks up and says he mentioned it before, but that happened to you before. The both of you were eaten once, and then saved by a hero. Akashi mentions not knowing until recently that getting eaten by a Kaibutsu can make you lose your memories, so he panicked back then. He stops midsentence as he has an epiphany, eyes wide and mouth open. You talk to Akashi and ask him what's wrong. Akashi remembers why he wanted to become a pro, then asks why he forgot about something so important. He looks to you, then says it's you. You are the reason why he wanted to become a pro athlete, you and the promise he made with you back then.

 

Flashback kicks in at a ruined beach by a destroyed port city. Sunlight rises up upon a large Kaibutsu's body. There, Akashi cries out in desperation, calling out to someone as his voice grows hoarse and wiping off his tears. He's happy to have been saved, but that gets overshadowed by the despair that his friend has forgotten everything up to even their very name. The friend he was always with, the one more important to him than anyone else, now struck with amnesia. He wanted them to remember something, wanted to help them remember something. He cries about hating to be forgotten about by them. He continues calling out to you back then. Eventually, you say his name. He asks you in desperation if you remember, and if you know who he is. When you nod, he hugs you hard and cries even harder.

 

That evening on your way back, Akashi talks to you looking a little embarrassed. He asks you to listen to him, then talks about feeling scared and lonely at the idea of being forgotten by everyone. And he was really scared when you two were saved but you still didn't remember who he was. Because of that, he's decided on something. He decides he wants to be someone that no one can forget, even if you in particular wanted to forget him. When you ask him what that actually means, he has to think on it for a second. He then comes upon the idea of becoming a pro baseball athlete. Since he's good at baseball as it is, he's going to do his best to become a pro. He'll work hard, get famous, then become a big enough name that no one can forget him! That should work on you and everyone, right? He swears to it then and makes it a promise, telling you to watch him.

 

Back to the present, you ask if that happened. Akashi is a bit shocked you forgot about it too and says as much. But then your memories are a mess, so what can anyone do about that? But as the one who actually made the promise, him forgetting is some sad sort of funny. He laughs and calls himself a dumbass loser. He tried his damnedest to fulfill a dream, and then he went on to forget he did it because he didn't want to be forgotten by you. He looks embarrassed as he scratches his head, and he slowly walks up to you. He then surprises you by grabbing you into a tight hug. Akashi apologizes, then says he's okay now. He swears to never forget again. You either tell him he's starting to hurt you and insist you don't mind, or you hug him back.

 

There's no practical difference as Akashi realizes what he's doing and apologizes for getting caught up in the moment. He gets embarrassed as he says he needs to remember you're both adults now, immediately backing off and trying to compose himself while blushing hard. The children watching immediately start hassling Akashi, teasing him for being so red in the face and so totally into you. Akashi blusters and insists that it's not like that. Shouen has a quick laugh too.

 

Mokdai is smiling along with everyone until he catches sight of something and yells to Akashi something is behind him. A tentacle or whatever reaches out and snags Akashi to his surprise, lifting him up. At the other end of it is a Kaibutsu. You are alarmed at its sudden appearance, and Shouen points out that it's a full grown one. Akashi demands the thing let him go, attempting to break out of its hold as he hits the tentacle. This seems to do nothing, and the Kaibutsu starts grabbing nearby children and moving to toss everyone into its mouth. You call out to Akashi and the others.

 

Kyoichi jumps in, demanding that the Kaibutsu lets go of everyone as he cuts the tentacles with his weapons. The monster scream as it drops everyone, who seem mostly okay from the fall. Akashi starts to apologize for letting his guard down, but Kyoichi tells him to get down as it's not over yet. The Kaibutsu bends down and tries to eat people directly, and Kyoichi responds by jumping into its mouth and using his weapons to keep its mouth forced open.

 

Akashi calls out to Kyoichi in alarm, and Kyoichi tells Akashi to run. Kyoichi braces himself as his weapons start to make cracking sounds. He's shocked to see them starting to break, and the Kaibutsu opens it mouth again and swallows Kyoichi whole. Everyone is shocked to see this, and the episode ends with Akashi yelling out senpai.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Live A Hero Chapter 1 Episode 9: The Dream I Want to Fulfill

Things kick off with a flashback as an announcer says that Reiwa Gakuin University has toppled the undisputed kings of Hinowa College and are moving on to the next stage. Hinowa's 15-year streak has been broken, and the camera soon trails off on him. Some time after the game, Akashi is understandably upset as he apologizes to his team. His teammates tell him he doesn't need to apologize since it's not all his fault, saying they made their own mistakes and trying to cheer him up saying they'll win next time. Losing is frustrating, sure, but Akashi did his best. Akashi narrates how his team tried to encourage him, only to have the one person he didn't want talking to him the most ask to speak to him. The coach asks him to come over.

The coach admits what they're going to say is really awkward, but they order Akashi to think about looking for work outside of baseball. Akashi is shocked by this, and the coach says he understands how much effort Akashi has put into this already. But between what happened in the game and his pitching, it'd be strange for him to get scouted out for pro or sponsored amateur tournament teams. Akashi says nothing, and the coach feels like there's no more help to be given to Akashi in getting to the big leagues. He'd best start making a decision, because the coach feels there's no way no one can be a pro with stage fright like that.

 

Akashi narrates about how everything went dark when he heard what his coach said. He had always dreamed of becoming a pro, and he had always put in all the work he could to get there. And today that dream has died, what with him being told to give it up. He sees his team talking to a scout from the sides, and he quietly leaves the dome.

 

Back to the present, you say you see, say that was harsh, and/or say the coach has a point. Akashi admits knowing that it was going to be tough trying to be a pro the way he is. He still tried in spite of that, practicing and believing he could make it if he could cover for his stage fright. He did his best in his own way to overcome it. He tried. He really did. But as Shouen notes, reality slapping him in the face like that broke his heart.

 

Akashi talks about how he started to think he was never cut out for being a pro baseball athlete, but he never wanted to accept the idea. Kyoichi is indignant as he denies the suggestion, saying Akashi does have the skills to get into the pro league. He chose to look after Akashi so he could do all he can, and he's angry Akashi would crumble from just a few words from the coach.

 

Shouen steps in to tell Kyoichi that Akashi was serious, and that he sees there isn't a difference. He figures it's because Akashi was serious that what he was told hit so hard. Kyoichi is unable to come up with a response to this, and Shouen says he understands why Akashi can't transform. It's because he gave up on his dream. You are confused by this and ask why that is important.

 

Shouen starts with a disclaimer saying he's only passingly familiar about the subject, but he explains that a hero's abilities are deeply connected to the dreams and hopes they hold. Their wishing of "wanting to be like this" or "wanting to become like that" creates a connection to a world where they've accomplished that and makes them into heroes. Kyoichi sums it up by saying a hero is a hero so long as they have their dreams. He talks about wanting to be a hero who protects his students and how Shouen wants to write the writing that once existed. They can stay as heroes since they haven't given up on their dreams. But if you flip the point on its head, you can't be a hero if you give up on your dreams. You start to piece together why Akashi can't transform.

 

Kyoichi says Akashi had his heart shatter, and he can't become a hero anymore since he gave up. Akashi puts on a stoic face as he takes it to mean that his dream really is over and thinks on the point. He hands his head to himself. Suddenly more screaming arises, surprising everyone.

 

More Kaibutsu have appeared and are attacking the children, and Shouen notes it's the same group of kids you just saved. He considers for a sec whether telling them to get to someplace safe was a bad move after all, and Kyoichi angrily wonders what the hell is up today for so much to be happening. Mokdai comes up running and telling you things are bad, so you ask him what's wrong.

 

Mokdai informs you guys that there's a large outbreak of Kaibutsu throughout the entire bay coast area, which shocks Kyoichi. Both Kyoichi's and Shouen's phones ring at this point, and the city puts out an announcement to all heroes. A disaster order has been sent out by city hall, saying the affected area is the entire coast ward and that this is a level 3 emergency. 300 Kaibutsu are estimated to have appeared, and all heroes are asked to help guide citizens to safety and deal with the threat. You either express shock at the number of them, or you can ask what's meant by the emergency orders or the disaster level. B and C have Mokdai explain that the order is put out when there's not just one or two monsters running around. It's an order put out to all hero agencies asking for help, and there are five levels for classification. Level 3 is pretty bad.

 

Anyways, Mokdai says it looks like all agencies are sending heroes here for a brute force solution. Ryekie and Toshuu are protecting the club house shelter with Huckle as Operator, and since Huckle can handle the camera there Mokdai was asked to come over here to help. You either quickly ask him to come help with the camera or comment that it looks like things will be busy. A and B has Mokdai say he understands, asking you to hang in there since it'll be a while. C has Mokdai agree it'll be hard, but he'll be counting on you and will be taking care of the camera work.

 

Mokdai quickly gets to setting up the camera and prepping to film. Once he's done he tells you he's ready to start whenever. Shouen says you guys should get going then, and Kyoichi says it's time to punish the Kaibutsu eating his students. Akashi is quiet at the episode battle starts, and more story happens afterwards.

 

After the battle, the story picks back up with the children waking up after being saved and crying, and Kyoichi briefly cheers that things are good for now. Shouen thinks out loud about the current state of things and mentions again that it might be dangerous to have the children try to evacuate. He suggests the idea of keeping the kids around and protecting them themselves, saying it's also their job.

 

Kyoichi agrees, then tells the kids to come with them so that they can escort them to safety instead. He also asks Akashi if he can lead the children along since he, Shouen, Mokdai as cameraman, and you as Operator need to take point and clear the way. Akashi is initially too preoccupied with being unable to fight to answer, but once it gets through his head what Kyoichi said he agrees to do so. Kyoichi is still concerned for him, and you either comment that Akashi is depressed but understand why, or you tell him to get focused. C gets an extra line where Akashi apologizes and says he will.

 

Mokdai says he heard from you earlier when he called, but it's hitting him again to see that Akashi can't transform. He says that Huckle was surprised to hear it, though he thinks that the one most taken aback by this is Justice. After a quick flashback cut to show him reacting to this, Mokdai talks about how Justice was really worried about him. He couldn't leave his position though, and you finish Mokdai's sentence about how he was sent over instead. He nods, saying that Huckle mentioned that having to support two heroes puts a bigger burden on an Operator, so he should at least take over camera duty for you.

 

Shouen starts talking to Akashi and asking if he's frustrated with his inability to face against what's happening now. Akashi doesn't answer, and Shouen says he understands how he feels. It took him forever worrying over things before he could be firm with his determination, but he points out that it's also true that Akashi being lost for what to do is preventing him from doing anything. That said, whatever Akashi can do to himself will help a lot. Akashi nods at that.

 

Shouen thinks a little more and decides to ask him a question as someone older than him. Was Akashi's dream really so superficial that being told to stop was enough to convince him to give up on it? And just as Kyoichi said, is Akashi the type to throw in the towel at bring told of the difficulty he'll be up against? Kyoichi starts to protest this line of questioning, but Shouen brings his hand up to stop him. He admits that he doesn't have the standing to tell Akashi what to do with his dream one way or another, but he does suggest that he try remembering how he felt the time he first started to have his dream. Why did he want to be a pro? Why did he need to be a pro? If he does, he's sure to find some sort of clue as to how to clear his worries. You either call Shouen's name or comment that he's talking a lot now. B has Shouen get embarrassed as he says it happens sometimes. He had his worries like that too when he was younger.

 

Shouen apologizes for lecturing so highhandedly, then suggests heading off now because there are other Kaibutsu around in the park. Kyoichi agrees, then tells everyone it's time to go. Shouen and Kyoichi take the lead in guiding the entire group, and Akashi herds the children together while walking along. The episode ends as Akashi starts considering the point about when he first started to dream.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Live A Hero Chapter 1 Episode 8: Unfulfilled Conditions

Scene picks up the next since last episode, making it Day 2 of the hero event workshop. Once all the preparations are done for the assembly hall, all the children start gathering. In the corner of the place, workshop class prep is still going on and it turns out Akashi is here. He asks what to do next now that the power is connected. Mokdai thanks him and asks him to move a bunch of stuff to a square gazebo/summer house/some other place. Akashi agrees to do so and hops to it, and the game makes a quick mention to say Akashi has come because he isn't going to the second game of the tournament.

Mokdai asks if it's really okay for Akashi to be here, since it is literally the next day after the first game of a tournament he didn't manage to get through. Akashi insists that he's totally fine and isn't so weak that he'd fall over exhausted a day later. Mokdai tries to say he's not talking about being okay physically but isn't able to come up with the words. Akashi still insists that he's okay and reminds Mokdai to get his job done too. Mokdai backs down, and Toshuu is concerned for Akashi after having gotten a text on his phone. The text is a message sent to the school's teachers about the results of that baseball tournament.

 

Back to your side, you go greet Akashi good morning. He greets you back cheerfully enough, and you can either comment that he seems more energetic than usual or that he seems tired somehow. A has Akashi insists that he's the same as always. B has him deny being tired and continue that he's totally peppy. But either way he starts to comment that the things he's carrying are pretty heavy, then trips over a tree root. You call out to him in concern and ask if he's okay.

 

Akashi quips about being clumsy and continues to keep acting more chipper than he's ever been. Mokdai gets alarmed as he tells Akashi that he's crushing the stuff he's carrying. Akashi gets embarrassed at this and wonders what he accidentally destroyed, but it turns out he destroyed a lot of woodworking glue. He apologizes for the damage, but Mokdai says it's okay since there's a lot of it prepared already. More importantly he suggests that Akashi go wash his hands, so Akashi heads off to do so.

 

Mokdai turns to you and says it really does seem like something is wrong with Akashi. You ask if he thinks so too and/or agree. Mokdai comments that it seems like Akashi is forcing it but isn't quite sure beyond that thinking something is off with him. Akashi tripping over a tree root got him questioning if he was always like that, and he figures something must have happened yesterday. You go quiet as you bring up a memory of one of your selves from This Side about a time Akashi was acting like this.

 

Camera shifts over to Akashi, who is surprised at how cold the water is before sighing to himself. You come up to talk to him, shocking him since he didn't notice you and prompting him to ask you to not scare him. He then asks what brings you over, and that it wait until after he's done carrying stuff if you're here to talk about work. You jump straight into asking if Akashi is pushing himself and if he's hiding something he wants to talk about. Akashi is surprised by the question and claims that nothing is wrong, saying that it's not like anything bad happened when he was being fine.

 

You bring up that the last time Akashi was transparently acting he was actually depressed. He's shocked by your statement, and you admit that while it's still vague, you remember that bit. Akashi sighs at you remembering something that's inconvenient for him, but he goes on to admit he wouldn't be lying if he said he wasn't happy. You attempt to ask him to talk about the day before if he's okay with it, but Akashi doesn't think it's worth talking about with you. He feels nothing can be changed if he did talk about it, saying that he has nothing now. But when you try to ask for elaboration, screaming interrupts.

 

The screaming is coming from the children, terrified yells bursting through like a broken dam all around. Akashi figures the direction it's coming from and hurries you to go with him there. You agree or hang back to ask if he's okay. C prompts Akashi to push the subject aside to focus on what's happening now.

 

Elsewhere in the park, children are crying in fear and for help as smaller Kaibutsu have appeared. You arrive around now and see the monsters, of which there are three of them. They have tentacle-like arms snatching up children, and unlucky kid gets caught and Eaten yelling for help. More disappear by the second, and a call from Huckle reaches your phone. He tells you things are serious and apologizes for getting straight to business. Two heroes are being sent to your location, and he asks you to get the details from them. It's a huge emergency, and he asks you and Akashi to work with the heroes to destroy the Kaibutsu, and you say you understand.

 

Akashi says he won't let any more children get eaten, and he asks you to transform him and start rolling the camera. You either say okay or ask if he's really up for this, and B has Akashi say he has to do this. You start setting up your phone camera the way Mokdai had taught you at some point, turning on the app and stabilizing the camera until the Standby sign is showing. Akashi sees the camera is ready, so he asks you to transform him next. He gets ready, and you start the Operator app. Unfortunately, it won't activate as normal to your alarmed concern. It spits out an error message about being unable to find a Path, so you point out the obvious that this means Akashi can't transform.

 

Akashi is surprised as he asks why the transformation won't work. You say you don't know as the app reports there are no heroes present. When you repeat this to Akashi, he insists he's right there. Before he can think more on that, the Kaibutsu have noticed you guys. As they start to chase after you though, two figures step in to blow them away. Kyoichi and Shouen arrive in hero mode, and Kyoichi announces his presence as the instructor hero who protects children, Element Teacher, in classic toku hero fashion. He quickly turns his attention to you guys and asks if you're alright. Shouen sadly notes how awful things are and how quickly the children are disappearing. You can address either of them specifically or both of them together. A has Kyoichi insist you call him Element Teacher for now in keeping with superhero secret identity traditions. B has Shouen say he's glad you guys are alright and ask if you're hurt.

 

Anyways, Kyoichi says that for now the explanation will have to wait until after the Kaibutsu are defeated and the kids are saved. Shouen asks you to leave things to them and to give them your orders Master. You say you understand and/or that this is a lot of responsibility. Kyoichi suggests it's time for a special lesson, and Shouen says he has plenty of ink prepared. Kyoichi gets ready with his set square shaped blades, and Shouen dips the tip of his giant brush in front of his tail. The episode battle then begins as Akashi goes into a funk wondering why he can't transform. More story after that.

 

After the battle, the story picks up with two of the Kaibutsu defeated and Shouen focuses on the one remaining. He writes the kanji for destruction in the air, which then fires a light beam at the Kaibutsu and defeats it. The children released in their wake regain consciousness and try to process what's happening, and Kyoichi asks if they're okay. He also tells them that everyone else is hiding in the seminar house, so they should too. They all say they will and thank him, and Kyoichi approves of their answer and tells them to be careful even with the shelter so close. You declare the broadcast to be finished and thank them for their work.

 

Kyoichi and Shouen detransform at the same time the camera stops running. Shouen says you went through a lot too and thanks you for your efforts too. He then mentions that the real problem starts now, which Kyoichi agrees with as he says it's a big problem. You ask what they mean, so Kyoichi explains that there was a reason they came in already in hero mode. They were at a meeting with Huckle, Toshuu, Ryekie, and Mokdai at that square gazebo or whatever earlier when the Kaibutsu appeared and started eating kids. Shouen tells you that at that time, Kaibutsu signals were found throughout the entire park. They all split up with Huckle activating just their transformations, and then the two of them came here. You say you understand and thank them.

 

Shouen brings up that he heard that there was originally one more hero here, and Akashi realizes he's talking about him. Kyoichi admits that he already guessed something like this might happen, having noticed that Akashi was acting strange suddenly showing up and behaving so cheerfully. Kyoichi puts on a serious face as he asks Akashi if something happened yesterday, something that shook his dream to the core. He doesn't answer, and you ask what Kyoichi means by that.

 

Kyoichi attempts to ask Akashi why he's so depressed. He assures him he won't force an answer out, promising to back off if Akashi wants to keep it a secret. But even if he wants to keep it to himself, it's affecting his hero work now. Kyoichi says he's also not saying Akashi shouldn't have come since he has his own ways of coping. He's just surprised Akashi is so badly affected it's preventing him from transforming.

 

Akashi still won't say anything, so Kyoichi brings up that he already knows that Akashi lost the game yesterday and won't be going to the game today because it's already on the news. Kyoichi also brings up that he knows Akashi well enough that he's sure just losing the game wouldn't bring him this down, so he'd like to know why then. He's worried about him as his former senpai and as someone he works with. Akashi is surprised by this concern, and Kyoichi prompts him to talk about it if he wants to. Akashi is quiet at first, then admits that he was told it'd be better that he stop trying to become a pro. On that note the episode ends.

 

 

 

Live A Hero Chapter 1 Episode 7: Hero Showtime

Things begin with a horn blaring as Akashi's baseball game is over. The score has ended with 5-6 in Reiwa Gakuin University's favor. They are moving on to the next round while Hinowa Phys Ed College has lost against expectations, a 15-year winning streak broken. Akashi has crumbled on the pitcher's mound, and the announcer wonders if that last pitch was the shot heard around the world.

 

Akashi is panting hard while the coach tells him to stand up because the entire country is watching. The announcer reports that this national college tournament is being shown live on Channel 27 and the net, then continues on with commentating while Akashi has a panic attack. The next moment reveals that this was all just a dream, a bad dream as Akashi comments. He turns to look at his phone, and it turns out he work up an hour ahead of his alarm.

 

Akashi figures he may as well get ready if he's up, and he goes to check his face in the mirror when he goes to the bathroom. As can be expected, he looks awful. You wouldn't expect that he'd have a game with his future at stake later today. Fear covers his face, a pitiable expression indeed. Akashi attempts to give himself a pep talk, saying someone afraid of the camera could never be a pro athlete. He tries to remind himself that in his first hero battle, he was able to fight well and not worry about the camera. His entire baseball team has been trying for today, so he can't just let things go the same way his dream did. He quickly washes his face, then wipes it with a towel before clapping his hands against his cheeks, feeling ready for the day.

 

Narration starts to exposit about Orient City. It is a special autonomous city built in the Osaka capital region with 20 million residents living there, a mix of earthlings and aliens. It was original built as a interception fortress when a metropolis on the Kanto plain was destroyed by a giant Kaibutsu, and now it has grown into the world famous Capital of Heroes. Now that heroes are fully accepted in this time, heroes are the hope and the object of admiration for the people.

The camera then tunes in on your side in the train with Huckle explaining things and presumably the above, saying it's a really effective advertising board. Currently you guys are on the train heading to the park where the event you guys are helping in is taking place, with Huckle explaining things to you. He says that in Orient City alone there are 77 hero agencies, and Parallel Flight is just one of them. Since there's a lot of competition, in order to boost your reputation and name value, doing steady work like this is important too. You are a little surprised as you say you see, commenting on how being a hero is also a business and how harsh the world is.

 

Huckle explains that in your agency, you guys don't get much mass media exposure aside from livestreaming your hero battles. The rest of the time you guys have to do generalist work like doing events, publicity support, and finding pets. He says that Ryekie is pretty popular, but he also isn't suited for being a TV personality. Mokdai is also here and explains that you guys will be helping with a calligraphy class and putting on a hero show. And while he calls it a show, it's still going to be a practice battle with real heroes and real abilities used. Mokdai gets excited as he says even adults watching the show get into it as he turns to Ryekie.

 

Mokdai is surprised to see Ryekie attempting to practice speaking to a bunch of children like an entertainer. You comment on how hard Ryekie is practicing reading from a script, say he sucks at acting, or agree that Ryekie can't handle being a TV personality. Mokdai talks to Ryekie and says he doesn't need to try so hard to memorize lines even if they do have a script. Ryekie is shocked by this saying he was up all night doing so. Huckle sadly points out that for all the time Ryekie put into that, he isn't inspiring a vote of confidence. By this point, the PA announces the next stop is coming up, the main gate for Seaside Park. Huckle says you guys are here, so you should all get ready.

 

Scene shifts over to the park with some kids practicing kendo, and Toshu is instructing the kids, saying their form or whatever is good but they aren't stepping in far enough. He's also acting as their sparring partner as he tells them to come at him harder and yell from their stomachs. Kyoichi has divided his group of kids into teams and directs Teams A and C to put on their coats. They're gonna be playing dodgeball, and he reminds them not to hit anyone in the face. The game briefly mentions that each of the teachers from Heroic Educators are holding lessons in their specialties at the workshop, which the kids are enjoying.

 

Over in the calligraphy class, one child asks Shouen what to do when their writing brush gets bent. Shouen tells them to change how they're holding it, then quickly bring it down. The game goes on to describe how you can see him from the side while cleaning up some calligraphy done with a giant brush, and Shouen has a gentle smile as opposed to the stoic blankness he had the other day you met him. Mokdai says that Shouen likes children, pointing out that he's talking and smiling more compared to before. Shouen is also cleaning the big calligraphy stuff too, and Mokdai is a little surprised that Shouen can do that while focusing on the children. You either say it's nice for a hero to like kids, comment on how gentle the mood is, or say you wish he'd teach you too. C gets extra lines where Mokdai thinks you're interested in calligraphy, only to be confused when you say you aren't.

 

Anyways Mokdai comments that there are a lot of different reasons people become heroes, but he believes that all of them share strong feelings about protecting someone. There are also cases in a bigger category if you include family, lovers, or special someones like friends. Like for example, someone protects children because they like them or they protect a city because they love it. Mokdai wonders if what Shouen wants to protect is like these kids, saying that's the feeling he's getting. Even if it isn't, it'd be nice if it were. That's his opinion as someone who likes heroes and all, and you think on the idea of someone you want to protect.

 

Mokdai talks some more about how he thinks people who can put themselves into dangerous battles because there's someone they want to protect are amazing. That's what he likes about them. He used to think it'd be great if he could be like that too, though he still admires them now. You suggest that maybe he could be a hero now if he admires them, but Mokdai protests against the idea. It's not that he's not interested, but he doesn't think he can be a hero. He's not brave or cool like other heroes, so he feels it'd be presumptuous to stand with them. He thought it'd be nice to support them by being a cameraman, so that's why he does that. Mokdai says helping from the sides like that is enough for him, but you get the feeling he's saying so more to himself than to you, and you question his answer.

 

Shouen walks up to you guys and asks if you can bring some more calligraphy paper to some kids further in. With the weather being so nice, the ink is drying fast and things are proceeding smoothly. Mokdai agrees to do so and says you he will get some more from storage, then prompts you to come along too. You nod along, either slightly caught flatfooted or more on the ball. You two head for the tent that's being used for storage, and Mokdai quietly talks to himself so you can't hear, wondering if he could be a hero.

 

Time skips to the early afternoon with the calligraphy class done, with the camera focusing on an outdoor stage in a plaza. This is where the hero exhibition match will be taking place while lunch is on. Mokdai announces that the hero show will be starting and prompts the children to gather together. The children proceed to shuffle in to the audience area, and Kyoichi lines the kids up in a seating arrangement. You are off to the side of the stage getting things ready. Huckle says that while this is a show, this is a battle between heroes using real powers. The battle is pretty much a PR move, so he tells you to make it look good. You are shocked at being told you'll be the Operator here and not him.

 

Huckle says he thought it'd be good practice for you as he wishes you good luck. If it really does look bad then he'll step in and help. Mokdai acts as the announcer as he starts to introduce the heroes participating. In the blue corner is the S Class Hero of Thunder of Parallel Flight, Zap the Justice! Justice walks out yelling and thanking the kids for waiting. He goes on about how his roars is a vow to justice, swearing on his name to smite evil. Then he gets the kids to shout his hero name. Once they do, he thanks them and says he'll go all out and fight, which causes the children to cheer. You are either surprised at how popular he is or comment that he's getting into this. A has Huckle laugh and say he is the highest ranked hero on Earth despite how he is, and his popularity extends to the agency's. In B, Huckle laughs that Ryekie takes to things like this like fish do to water. That's how he became the S Rank Hero who gives people courage.

 

Mokdai then announces the hero of the red corner, the lone lion warrior of Heroic Educators. He is the A Rank Hero of Cutting, the kendoka Toshuu. Toshuu walks up silently still in his regular outfit, which causes the children to murmur among themselves when they see him. Justice is surprised by this and asks if he's not transforming. Toshuu smirks and says he was planning on motivating himself for this with something special. He draws out his sword and yells out his transformation, and when it looks like the winds around him are about to block him from view, he transforms into hero mode. He challenges anyone unafraid to come at him as the winds stop. All the kids find this to be super cool, and Justice sees what Toshuu was going for. Justice then says he'll answer his determination with his fists, and both announce the start of the battle as the episode battle begins. The story continues after that.

 

After the battle, Mokdai announces that the gong has run and the winner is the blue corner, Zap the Justice. Cheers fill the area, and Justice walks towards Toshuu. He offers his hand and says it was a good fight. Toshuu smirks in response and says he did great, taking his hand to even greater applause. And back at the stage, Huckle notes it was a big success as he tells you good job. You either thank him or call him a slave driver. B gets an extra line of Huckle laughing and telling you to be ready for the worst since there's probably going to be lots of jobs like this. Huckle says that now that the main work has been done, it ought to be time to take a break. He also asks if Akashi's game is about done by this point. You wonder how well he's doing. Over where Akashi is, his dream turns out to be line for line prophetic, and the episode ends with him swearing about how it all went down.

 

 

Live A Hero Chapter 1 Episode 6: Business Time

Things begin with a flashback to the end of the National Boys' Baseball Tournament, where a reporter is interviewing Akashi as the MVP of the game. The reporter talks Akashi up as part of the Honmachi Red Suns who've advanced all the way to the nationals, with Akashi playing well enough to put pro athletes to shame and getting called a genius. When the reporter asks Akashi to give a comment on how he's feeling, Akashi is too tongue tied to give an answer, eventually collapsing on camera and leading the reporter to call for a medic.

 

Akashi then starts narrating about how he's always had a problem being in front of a camera. Even just thinking about having a lot of people looking at him puts in him a state of nerves far above what's normal, and he ends up locking in place. It's stage fright, plain and simple. But for someone trying to be a pro athlete it's a fatal problem to have. So, he tried his best to overcome this issue. He tried to look away from the camera, tried to pretend it didn't exist, whatever he could think of. He has gotten a little better about it, but he never managed to overcome it completely. And now it's come back to haunt him in the worst possible time and place.

 

We then tune back in at some battle at night as Justice yells for some evildoers to stop, ordering them to drop the money and valuables they stole from a bank and to surrender. He also happens to be yelling into a megaphone, which causes some feedback noise at the level he's shouting. One of the villains tells him to shut up and points out the megaphone is pointless with him being so loud anyways, and he sprinkles random animal noises into his sentences. The second one says that if they get caught by a moron like him, then Team Animal Planet will have a black mark on it forevermore and adds in barking. Chump #3 yipyaps about how the S Rank means nothing and that their superpowers can totally take him down. You either look at the villains in disbelief, tell Ryekie to lower his voice, or comment that there's no tension here whatsoever.

 

Mokdai seems amused as he suggests everyone has their own gimmicks, and the way these villains are like trash mobs from old sentai shows makes him a little happy. Huckle comments his surprise on Mokdai being excited about that as he says he's known him for three years and never really understood his hobbies. Stooge #1 takes offense at being called a trash mob and calls Modkai a fat dog, which causes him to apologize before protesting at the rudeness of the insult. The villains argue he was rude first.

 

Justice laughs at how animated Team Angry Muppets are and says he likes them, so he'd best show his respect by blasting them at full power as he turns to Akashi for agreement. Akashi is surprised to be put on the spot and struggles to say anything, and Mokdai calls out that Akashi hasn't said a thing since the camera started rolling. A second later Mokdai realizes he's messed up as Akashi starts falling apart even faster. He does actually push himself to say something this time as he pulls a standard "stop villains!" line, but he flubs it to both the villains' and Mokdai's bafflement. You either are taken aback he messed that up, casually comment on how nervous he is, or say you get how he feels.

 

Justice is also taken aback that Akashi flubbed his line, and Mokdai rues that he put the camera back on Akashi's mind even though by this point he's known about Akashi's stage fright already. Akashi starts moving stiffly like a puppet with pins attached to its limbs as he grabs his bat. He tries to challenge the villains to fight, though Justice worries about whether he can even fight as is. Akashi says there'd be no point in him being a hero if he can't do it, so he'll do it. Justice is still concerned, but he goes along with it and says he'll support him. Akashi then says he'll do his best.

 

The villains awkwardly bluster a challenge at the two, claiming to not be afraid of them. When they start charging, Justice tells you and Huckle to get ready. Huckle says he's got the Path opened to its largest setting, then tells him to make it quick. Huckle turns to you and asks you to get ready as the battle is starting assuring you he'll be supporting you, so you should relax and go all out. You acknowledge the order and tell Akashi and Justice to go. Akashi says he'll be counting on you, then tries hard to not look at the camera as the episode battle begins. More happens after that.

 

After the battle, the story picks back up with the villain teams losing but not quite down yet as they yell about how strong you guys are and how they haven't found a chance to run. Akashi yells that he won't let them get away and attempts to throw a fireball at them. Unfortunately for him he happens to catch sight of the camera while doing so, which throws off his posture and causes the fireball to hit the ground and disperse at the villains' feet.

 

The villains laugh at Akashi for missing, and Akashi curses before apologizing to Justice. Justice tells him it's fine since he also got the mobs to group together. The three barely have time to react before Justice unleashes his max power and fires off Gigabolt Breaker at them. The villains' things break from the damage, and their transformations come undone. Mokdai announces that things are over and that the winners are our heroes. Justice prompts Akashi to yell with him, who is surprised by this but follows along as Justice mugs for the camera and shouting that justice has won. You thank them for their work, sigh that it's over now, or say you were worried how things were going to turn out for a bit.

 

Huckle sighs over the incident, then tells you he's already called the police. They'll be there in a few minutes. Mokdai stops the camera around this point and turns off the lighting when the police come to arrest the villains. Huckle talks about how difficulties came up when with you guys nabbing the villains in the end, and Mokdai laughs saying Huckle had been complaining about not getting enough exercise when he was in the hospital. Now he's making up for it by having to run around everywhere! Huckle concedes the point and says it's still better if villains like those guys never show up. He also comments about worrying about his stomach and considers going to a sports gym again.

 

Mokdai turns to you, telling you you did good and asking if you're used to being an Operator yet. You either be polite and thank Mokdai for his work as you call him senpai, tell him you're getting there, or say you're tired. A gets an extra response where Mokdai gets shy and says you can just call him by name since getting called senpai embarrasses him. But at any rate, Mokdai comments on how surprising you've gotten used to the work after just a few days. Up until now Huckle was the only Operator in the agency, so you being around is reassuring. He hopes that you'll take more work off of Huckle. Huckle gently calls him out on that, but he admits Ryekie was the only hero with them for a while. Now that Akashi is in, the business is a two-man hero organization too. He's personally glad that there's someone who can act as his replacement. You either thank him shyly, say you're glad to hear that, or say you've always been good at these games.

 

Huckle figures you must have had the background for being an Operator already, as he says that a majority of Observers have problems stabilizing a Path. As far as he knows, you've kept it stable from the beginning, and he comments it's almost unbelievable that you've never done it before. The level of an Observer's basic power correlates to their ability to control the Path, or at least that's how it looks like. Huckle comments that it's a first for him too to see an Observer as strong as you.

 

You go quiet as you think about the Broker, and Huckle notices as he asks if something's wrong. Ryekie walks over to interrupt, announcing his return as he thanks you guys for your work. He's also dragging Akashi along, who complains he's practically headlocking him instead of walking with his arm over his shoulder. Ryekie is surprised by this and apologizes for almost judo choking his cute kouhai. Akashi coughs as he asks Ryekie to go easier on him if he thinks he's cute. Huckle notes their return and thanks them for their work. You can either say the same as you address them both, say it to Akashi specifically, or tell Ryekie he was cool out there. In A, Akashi thanks you and sighs that he looked uncool while Ryekie thanks you for your efforts. In B, it just cuts out Ryekie's line above and has Akashi say his part on his own. In C the reverse is true, although Ryekie extends his thanks for one more line.

 

Mokdai tells Akashi he did good and gives him a drink. Akashi thanks him and apologizes for melting down on camera, but Mokdai waves the last part off and says it's his fault since he knew. You comment on Akashi's stage fright and ask if he's that terrible with them. Akashi is ashamed as he admits he's always been like that. He's not as nervous when he's at the dome and live people are watching him, but it gets worse when he starts thinking about how everything he does will be recorded. Mokdai notes that while the battles are live broadcasted, there are some viewers who watch the recording after a time shift.

 

Akashi talks about how it might be that way for hero work, but it bothers him when he messes up the same way at baseball. He knows he can't stay like this if he wants to go pro, and he sighs at the conundrum. You nod as you say baseball airs on TV and comment on how hard that sounds. Mokdai assures Akashi that it's clear he has strong arms, and he's just a regular when it comes to baseball. When Akashi isn't focused on the camera he's got some strong fastballs out there. Akashi says that comes from daily practice, and he feels confident enough to brag about his pitching accuracy. He also comments on getting fired up at practice recently since a tournament is coming up, and you ask about that.

 

Akashi tells you the tournament is next weekend, and it's important since pro baseball team scouts will be coming to see it. Mokdai realizes that's why Akashi has been working nights recently, and Akashi says he has to keep in the best condition possible so he won't make any mistakes. You either comment on how passionate he is, question whether pro scouts typically look at high schoolers, or wish him luck. B gets an extra section with Akashi being surprised at the question since that's not how it works now. He has heard of it being that way before aliens visited Earth with player drafting and all. When aliens started participating in Earth sports the basic level for entry had to go up, and now earthlings hoping to get scouted tend to be college students. Also, it's open to all sexes now as opposed to the guys only way he heard it used to be. C just has a line where he thanks you and says he's happiest with your support. In any case, Akashi tells you to watch him as he swears to catch his break this time as the light of hope and enthusiasm shine in his eyes.

 

Time skips to the next day as Mokdai and Akashi greet you good morning. You greet them both back or are surprised Akashi is here so early. B prompts Akashi to explainshis practice game is in the evening, so he'll be working here until then. Mokdai then says they're organizing things in storage and comments having an athlete is handy at times like this. But anyways Huckle walks in and greets you, complimenting your work from the previous night. He does think it's a bit rough to have you join a sudden night time emergency after joining so soon though. You either say you learned a lot from it or say you haven't felt any better even after getting some sleep. A has Huckle be glad at that, and he hopes you'll keep learning until he can leave things to you. B has Huckle ask if you're okay and comment that the work can be physically demanding at times.

 

Huckle says that things can go at a leisurely pace today so long as another emergency doesn't pop up. He also mentions that Ryekie is off on a compensatory holiday since he had to come in on a regular off day. And today, Huckle says he'd like for you to attend a business meeting happening later. It's a business meeting with a hero from Heroic Educators, a place they've contracted joint business with. You guys will be helping with an event their organization is holding this weekend. You then ask about the things he just said.

 

Mokdai explains that the work a hero agency performs generally falls into one of two things. The first is Public Order Maintenance Services where heroes go out fighting villains and Kaibutsu. The second is having heroes do promotional work and provide services through joint business efforts. Those are called Dispatch Operations, and that's where most of the revenue comes from. Huckle says that helping keep the peace of an area is a hero's main job, but a business still needs to make money to keep going. They also do business that makes use of popularity too. You say you see and compare the place to a media agency.

 

Akashi is surprised as he comments on heroes having to do all sorts of things, and he mentions often seeing them in magazine ads. Mokdai says it's the same for company overhead, and that heroes can't make a living just by fighting Kaibutsu. There aren't that many heroes who spend the majority of their time doing that to begin with, so most take hero work as a side job and do something else as their main. You are either shocked at this or comment that the world is harsh.

 

Huckle tells you that the heroes coming from Heroic Educators are also a collection of heroes who do it as a side job. And as the name implies, that agency is set up to manage and support heroes whose main work deals with education. Akashi nods and figures that means their heroes are teachers. Huckle says the event they're running this weekend is a workshop where people play and study together with the heroes. Since it'll be work on Saturday and Sunday he asks you guys to take two other days off for the week.

 

At this point, a voice calls out saying they're from Heroic Educators. Huckle comments on their timing and asks Mokdai to bring them over. Mokdai moves to obey, and Akashi mentions recognizing the voice. Kyoichi turns up to join the conversation saying he's heard about the meeting today. The game describes him as having a rough appearance, tanned skin, and short hair. He's also got the fresh smile of a sportsman. You either comment on how energetic he is, gasp at how cool he is, or question if he's a teacher too.

 

Akashi is surprised to see Kyoichi here as he refers to him as senpai. It takes a moment for Kyoichi to notice him, but Kyoichi does recognize him and says it's been a while. He asks why Akashi is here in a hero agency, then asks if he's a hero. But before Akashi can say anything Kyoichi turns his attention to Akashi's chest and comments on how big it is. He steps in closer making grabbing motions with his hands, but Akashi responds by giving him a body blow.

 

Mokdai is shocked by this treatment of a guest, and Akashi apologizes for falling into old conversation patterns. Kyoichi doesn't mind though, saying Akashi is always merciless to him. Akashi points out that Kyoichi hasn't changed much either since it hasn't even been 10 seconds since his arrival before he started with the sexual harassment. He asks if he's treating his own students the same way. Kyoichi insists that his students are fourth graders, so they aren't his type. You are surprised he's an elementary school teacher and ask if he's okay.

 

Akashi says Kyoichi has always sexually harrassed his kouhai. Kyoichi responds by calling him rude in shock and insists he draws a line to stop at some wholesome skinship. Huckle notes they seem familiar with each other and asks if Akashi knows Kyoichi. Akashi explains that Kyoichi is his senpai on the college baseball team, and Kyoichi says he's now a school teacher. Kyoichi also gives his full name of Kyoichi Ootomo as he greets everyone. Akashi introduces everyone present to Kyoichi, going from the director Huckle, cameraman Mokdai, and you his childhood friend and Operator. You either politely give your name and greet him or jump straight into asking if you can touch him. C has Kyoichi comment on how forward you are and tease that Akashi could stand to be like that too. Akashi gets mad and says he'll kick him if he touches you any more than he is.

 

Either way, Kyoichi mentions that he's heard about you from Akashi from a long time ago, though this is his first time meeting you. He'll probably be seeing a lot more of you from now on. Mokdai notices that Kyoichi seems to be alone and says he heard there were supposed to be three people showing up. Kyoichi explains the others had their own stuff to do at the colleges they teach at and are coming separately. They're supposed to show up soon, and Toshu and Shouen show up right on cue. Toshu excuses himself and says he came since he heard about the meeting. Shouen just nods. The game describes them as an alien with a tufty mane and an alien with a big soft build. Both look rustic, are dressed in Japanese clothes, and get described as a strange pair. You curiously call them a lion and a tanuki.

 

Huckle says they've been waiting for them, asking them to sit down as they get the meeting started. Toshu thanks him and is about to do so when he notices that Kyoichi is around. Kyoichi greets the two and says he got there just a while ago. Toshu comments that it's unusual for Kyoichi to not be late and starts worrying about whether this means there will be rain. Kyoichi protests that he's a working adult now so he does things right. Shouen just laughs from the side. Akashi recognizes Toshu as a kendo instructor and is surprised he's a hero too. Toshu recognizes him after a minute as he confirms that he's a hero, then asks if Akashi is working here part time. You ask if Akashi knows him, comment on how well known he is, or start touching Toshu's mane. C gets an extra scene with Toshu being shocked at this and demanding you fix your rudeness. Akashi tries to calm him down and promises to talk you out of this. He explains to you that Toshu starts purring if you touch his mane, but this just causes Toshu to get pissed at him too.

 

Anyways, Akashi explains that Toshu is a kendo instructor for his college and the kendo team coach. He then comments on how small the world is for both him and Kyoichi to be heroes too. Toshu apologizes for introducing himself late and says he's part of the job this time. He also introduces Shouen for him, calling him a calligraphist and hero. Shouen greets you guys quietly after that and bows his head. Toshu prompts him to speak a little louder, but Shouen instead starts writing something with his brush and hands the paper to Toshu. It's a poem about how his timidity is keeping him from speaking that Toshu reads aloud, and Toshu says the meeting can't start if he won't talk, even if he's sympathetic to him being nervous in front of strangers. You ask if he's shy, or you can call him cute or quiet and cute. B and C prompts Shouen to be surprised and blush.

 

Huckle suggests starting the meeting now that everyone's here. Since Akashi isn't supposed to be at the event, Huckle says it's okay for him to leave. Kyoichi is surprised and asks about him not coming, so Akashi answers he has a game coming up on the weekend. If he wins the first one, there's another game coming the day after, and the baseball team is practicing hard for it. Kyoichi notes it's almost time for that again and that Akashi is trying to go pro. He wishes him luck and is sure he'll make it through. Kyoichi also asks him to carry on for his sake since he gave up on going pro, and Akashi thanks him. Shouen laughs and comments on their youth. Akashi gets embarrassed about holding up the meeting and asks for you guys to start. Huckle assures him he knows it's a critical moment for him. He can't go watch him in person, but he'll be cheering for him, which Akashi nods at.

 

Time skips a bit as Akashi leaves for the day. His fists tighten as he holds onto everyone's words of encouragement, and he swears to do his best. His determination piles up as he reaches for his dream and his future, and the episode ends.