Chapter 11 Episode 19: The Third Choice 1

Things tune in with Mahakala talking aloud about how his 'empty' vessel is being filled with the power of Deva Loka. Narration says that the role Shiva had been denying has been replaced with Mahakala, turning him into a substitute vessel for his power instead. This turns into a manifested Shadow that starts covering and absorbing the town. Things look as if the present world and world of the dead have switched places. There are no signs of anyone alive around, and the town looks like the realm of the dead where shadows of the deceased wander about.

 

Camera then tunes in where Tanetomo is, who realizes he can't move. All of Kabukicho is starting to sink into darkness, which sticks like coal tar that binds and blinds Tanetomo. Daikoku starts talking about how the darkness is the very memories of the dead, those who died in Tokyo. He then starts sighing about how familiar his body is with Mahakala's Great Darkness, then laughs. Daikoku proclaims his name and states that he has the same class as the Great Darkness. Daikoku is noted to be the only one around who can move freely among the sticking shadows, though narration backtracks on this to say it's more like Daikoku can manipulate the darkness as if it were a part of his own body, then says it's proof that Daikoku was once one and the same as the darkness.

 

Tanetomo tries to ask if Daikoku really is the same as the darkness, but Daikoku says Tanetomo knows too much now and decides it's time for him to go. He comments that he needs to keep the number of people who know he attacked a World Representative to be as low as possible, and he says Minamoto would agree. Daikoku then tells Tanetomo to rest in peace within his darkness before cackling like a lunatic. He moves onto ranting next about getting repayment for the disgraceful days he had to live hiding from the sun and associating with the Shadows in Ne no Kuni. He now has power (re: an army) that can work above ground, and he says he can finally oppose Amaterasu when a voice in the darkness interrupts to verbally side eye him for being too much of a wuss for not being able to walk outside without having a crowd with him.

 

Daikoku demands to know who's there as he sends some of his possessed minions towards the source of the voice. Said mobs are quickly slapped aside, which Daikoku grudgingly is impressed by. Ellie then reveals herself and greets Daikoku. She also adds that if she struck a nerve with her comment she'll apologize about that. Tanetomo is shocked to see her, and Daikoku attempts to be cordial as he moves to ask Ellie a question. Specifically, he asks how it is Ellie can move around without any issues inside the darkness. Ellie finds the question surprising, then explains that it's because she's a vampire. Anything that belongs to the night is something that she can get used to, whether it be bats, the mist, or darkness itself. She then tells Daikoku to remember who she is, for she is the girl who can walk alone in Kabukicho no matter how dark it gets.

 

Scene then jumps back to Ikebukuro, which is starting to get dragged into darkness like Kabukicho is. But just as things are looking to reach a new level of badness, Cthugha has shown up as reinforcements. A bunch of mobs try to rush him, so Cthugha yells about shining brighter than the sun before he attacks, yelling dramatic sound effects to punctuate it. The fire blast he unleashes dispels the Shadows possessing some of the mobs, and they come to as they note that they've regained control of themselves and the Shadows being blasted away.

 

You yell to the mobs to run away now and wave them towards you while they still can since the Shadows will return. One of the bug soldiers recognizes you as the one who saved them back in Kabukicho, then thanks you. Meanwhile Cthugha is singlehandedly blowing away the Shadow minions, and you are amazed at his strength and/or at him doing this alone. Cthugha can hear you and interprets you saying alone as 'all alone,' which triggers a minor emotional meltdown as he says it may be true but you shouldn't say it. He also threatens to burn you to ashes over how upset he is, so you quickly try to appease him and say you didn't say that.

 

Cthugha accepts your explanation well enough, then tries to restart the conversation so he'll look cooler this time. He introduces himself as Cthugha of the Berserkers and describes himself as something of an OP reincarnation. You express some surprise at him being a Berserker and ask he's who Snow was sending, then thank him. Kengo says he's never heard of him, but he compliments Cthugha for being so strong. You add your own compliments by calling Cthugha strong, cool, or say you might be falling for him. Cthugha badly attempts to play humble when he's really happy about the comments. He tries to remember your names, then wonders if you guys are actually good guys and says he totally wouldn't mind being friends with you guys or anything before visibly sorting through his emotions. Meanwhile Mahakala cannot comprehend how Cthugha could be moving around, then reasons aloud that being unable to put his shadows around a new fire Transient means...something transition cuts him off on.

 

Camera jumps back to the underground base as Snow starts up expositon about Cthugha. He describes him as someone from Old Ones and is believed to carry flames that can burn down even the horizon. It might not compare to the world without a horizon Shangri La and its power though. Shirou is amazed at his strength and asks about Cthugha being a Berserker, then teases Snow for being mean for keeping him hidden. Snow is quiet for a moment before confirming that Cthugha is indeed the Berserkers' secret weapon, though he coughs and adds that it'd be better if Cthugha stayed a secret. Shirou is baffled by this, so Snow says as the manager of the underground arena he never put Cthugha up for any of the matches, then decides he should talk about the first time Cthugha appeared at the underground fight ring.

 

Flashback kicks in, and Cthugha walks into the Ikebukuro arena commenting on how many people are and says he got there through following some rumors. He also comments on it being way different from his home star Fomalhaut in Old Ones, then insists to no one in particular that he's not some hick from out of town. Cthugha takes a moment to clear his throat as he wonders if this will be the start of his legend. He believes that if he keeps winning down there he'll get rich and popular, only to claim to himself that he doesn't need popularity and only came over to seek strength. He immediately laughs at himself over how cool that sounds, then starts fantasizing about making a harem as per light novel standards. Cthugha then says he needs to make a catchphrase and tries to remember what he wrote down in his notes, then picks "Call my name three times at dawn's horizon! The Living Flame Cthugha is here!" After that he realizes it's time for his debut fight and moves to get focused on that.

 

Over in the spectator stands, Claude takes notice of Cthugha and asks if he's the new rising star they've been expecting. Snow is surprised that Claude has shown up to watch one of the unranked matches, then confirms as such and says Cthugha is even stronger than he had expected. Pollux and Bathym are also watching, and Pollux is impressed as he asks for Cthugha's name. Bathym describes Cthugha's battle style as hot, beautiful, and not bad. Ikutoshi comments that his strength is reminding him of someone, though it's a little different from what he prefers. Andvari is also impressed as he considers organizing photo collections and meet and greets, and Macan takes a shine to Cthugha and tells him to get through the ranks so he can fight him already.

 

Everyone in the stands and on stage focus their attentions on Cthugha, and he takes note of this as he wonders if people are going to become his future frenemies/rivals. He gets into his head that he'll have the type of friends he can spar with and get along with, and the idea gets him so nervous that he says he could blow his fuse at any second. Snow observes Cthugha suddenly acting strangely and notes that he's starting to do badly. Rando swordsman takes advantage of Cthugha being distracted to attack him, and Cthugha freaks out and tells him to stop because touching him in that moment would be bad. But he's too late as he starts winding up to explode. Claude is baffled as he asks what's happening, and Snow yells for Claude to hide behind him as he covers him. The entire arena is nuked, and Macan stands long enough to cough up some smoke.

 

Flashback flashes forward a bit as Snow comments Cthugha really was a new rising star. Or rather, a new supernova. Cthugha's explosion had flat out leveled the entire underground arena, and Snow says he's deeply thankful the app could rewind all that. Now that aside, Snow asks Cthugha what's wrong. Cthugha turns out to be ugly crying in the corner of the room sitting there arms around his knees, and he sobs about doing it again and his dreams of being the strongest legend, having a hundred friends, and a harem have all gone up in smoke. Snow glances at him from the side of his eyes before sighing.

 

Snow starts talking about how Cthugha's outrageous physical abilities seem to be balanced out by his mental strength being...something he struggles to word politely. Cthugha gets further upset as he pleads for Snow to not call him trash mob tier shit for brains and launches more projectile tears. Snow says he wouldn't go that far, but he does note that Cthugha certainly can't go out in front of an audience looking like this. Cthugha starts begging for Snow not to kick him out since every other guild has done so and he finally made it here. He's finally gotten to somewhere where no one knows anything about him (re: some world that isn't Old Ones), then moans that he doesn't want to be all alone again.

 

Snow asks Claude what he thinks, so Claude considers for a second before deciding to ask Cthugha what it is he hopes to get out of fighting. Cthugha answers that he wants friends, anything really. He just doesn't want to be alone anymore. Claude asks if he can fight for that reason, no matter how strong an opponent he may be up against. Cthugha says he has nothing but strength, so Claude nods and says that's a good answer.

 

Cthugha is surprised by this, so Claude starts making a speech about how people who shine when looked upon and go mad in battle and people who know their isolation and what they want are the berserkers that he loves to see in his theater. Snow is happy to hear that Claude seems to be accepting Cthugha, and Claude goes on to proclaim that Cthugha is one of the Berserkers now. Cthugha is thrilled about this and yells to himself that he's so happy he can't hold himself back anymore, at which point he realizes he's going to blow again. Snow notices too, so he runs to chump block for Claude again.

 

The flashback ends as Shirou and R-19 are quietly taken aback at the story. Snow shrugs and says that was why Cthugha was appointed the guild's secret weapon, but right now is the perfect time to be sending him out. R-19 asks Snow to explain, so he answers that Cthugha is focused on his isolation and moves straightforward towards what he wants. He then talks about how Shiva is powerful and how Mahakala may be unlimited. If you put them together, they may Look Like they're one being now, but then Snow brings up the question about whether the two of them really do see and want the same things as each other.

 

Back to your end, Snow calls up Cthugha and asks him to take you and Kengo back to base as planned. Cthugha moves as directed, and you are confused for a second before you process the sudden movements. The two of you then appear in the underground base where Shirou welcomes you guys back and is relieved you're both okay. Kengo had fallen on his ass in the meantime, but once he sees the control team he asks how this can be happening. You note that you guys are at the underground labyrinth and ask how you guys got there so fast.

 

Snow welcomes you guys back, then answers your question by asking if you know about the power that only Transients from Old Ones have, at which point you figure out it's teleportation like Nyarlathotep and Tsathoggua have. Snow proceeds to say that while things get ready down here, Cthugha 'and the others' should go buy some time. You start to protest about Cthugha being out on his own until you process that Snow said others.

 

Back above ground, Cthugha is doing his best mowing down tons of mobs around, though he does need to stop to breathe as he says they just keep on coming. He then notices something coming, and Macan runs in laughing and calling out his NP. After kicking some possessed giants aside, Macan laughs and says he won't let Cthugha hog everything to himself and calls him a newbie as he greets him again after so long. Cthugha is surprised he, Andvari, and Pollux all came to help out, and he's so moved by this he starts to cry. Andvari and Pollux (despite having a defensive NP himself) freak out at this and hide behind Macan, who is slow to pick up on what's happening. Scene cuts back to the underground labyrinth as Kengo is surprised by a sudden shockwave coming from above ground, which he compares to an explosion like some sort of volcanic eruption. Snow tells him not to worry about it and says they're buying time just as planned.

 

Over to where Shiva and Mahakala are, Mahakala notes that all the Shadow soldiers he can see have been obliterated in one fell swoop. Now with all of them gone, there's nothing around to obstruct anyone's views, and Shiva-Mahakala mutters to themselves as they glare down at Cthugha. Mahakala comments that his soldiers are infinite, so this doesn't mean anything. He can just resummon them to fight for him, so no one can actually make it to where he is. He declares that the outcome is already decided and is about to say you guys have no chance at winning when Shiva actually speaks for himself about finding an opponent worth fighting who has strength from isolation. He runs off on his own, surprising Mahakala into telling him to stop.

 

Back at base, Snow talks to Mahakala of Shangri La and calls him king of the destroyed. He concedes that you guys might never manage to fight your way over to where he is since he can just sit back behind a limitless army. He can't lose if he does that, but what does Shiva think? Shirou speaks up to agree with Snow as he tells him Touji, Ryouta, and the others have been investigation for him. What they've found out is that Shiva has been wanting to fight strong opponents for the purposes of training.

 

Snow says if that's the case, Shiva might not just sit quietly when any of their stronger units get put out. He talks about how the term 'ultimate weapon' is appropriate for Shiva-Mahakala, and he concedes that he can be a trump card for his side...if they can obtain the power of Deva Loka's World Representative. Snow however notes that Mahakala is Not Shiva. He is a king while Shiva is an ascetic monk who wants rivals, and this difference is what you guys are planning to exploit.

 

Snow then turns around to ask how the preparations are going, so Moritaka and Shuuichi turn up as Moritaka tells you and Kengo the preparations are done. Shuuichi declares it's finally time for the results of the Wisemen's long research to be revealed. You ask about this research and start to ask if it's what you're thinking it is, so Shuuichi laughs and says he once talked about the idea of an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. So for a controlled Exception, you should bring a controlled Exception. The Warmongers have just set up the ideal environment for you guys, so Shuuichi says you guys may as well take advantage of that. While the conditions are the same, the strategy just closely resembles theirs. He shrugs that this was originally Duo's plan, so it's not weird that a kid genius on the other side thought of the same thing. Kengo then turns up with Thor with him, and you recognize Thor as the episode ends.

 

 

 

Chapter 11 Episode 18: The Gap Between Heaven and Earth 3

Shiva starts narrating, though that's not immediately obvious. He talks about how there is something that goes through the three realms of existence where the three poisons of Buddhism flow to take in all desires and corrupt all living things, like a poisonous snake or a poisonous dragon. It's what you, Varuna-Kamadeva, left him. Deva Loka, with its System of Reincarnation, demanded that Shiva take on the role that would make the world turn. It's why Varuna-Kamadeva shot love into him, pushing Shiva into being the World Representative for the System of Reincarnation. Love is the attachment to the bond with someone, and Shiva compares it to a poisonous desire that took him into the cycle of reincarnation. It is because you love things and desire things that you cannot escape reincarnation.

 

Because of the above, Shiva rejected love. He chose to live the life of isolation rather than live as the World Representative or connect with someone. He denied the flames of love that burned within himself, deciding it was the best way to control himself. Shiva then talks about how he went against the path of life the world showed him and picked something for himself. That was his own decision...and yet, why was he still suffering so much? He wonders if even this pain was something that was set as part of the world's System. Why did Varuna-Kamadeva give him love? He knows the other devas put him up to it, but Shiva wanted to know why Varuna-Kamadeva chose to go along with it.

 

Shiva's narration then focuses on you, reincarnation of the primordial dragon Varuna-Kamadeva who was accompanied by the sea beast Makara. He sealed his third eye ever since the incident that gave him love, but he can still see you as you were back then. The first time he awoke to love and opened his third eye, you were there. It was then that he swore to himself that he had to destroy you.

 

Back to the present, the Outlaws react in shock at seeing Possessed Shiva and Suzuka asks who or what he is. Ellie is somewhere in the sky as she comments on hearing a voice, a voice which seems to be coming from Shiva-Mahakala. Camera then shifts over to Shiva-Mahakala introducing himself as such and proclaiming to everyone suffering within the cycle of reincarnation that he will end all such suffering now with the destruction of the cycle. A part of Mahakala wraps around Shiva as Shiva descends onto Ikebukuro. His voice has a curious echo that spreads far and wide while seeming to absorb everything into it.

 

Camera shifts over to Teda standing around in some of the damage at Ikebukuro. He sees Shiva coming and gets pissed about how he was punched out by him earlier, so he tries to get payback for it by firing his NP at him. The arrow he shoots is like the flash of light of the sun itself, and it fires in a straight line right at Shiva-Mahakala. This arrow has the power to shine upon and destroy all shadows, and normally it can vaporize any Shadow in a blink no matter how big they are. It also has the power to strike true no matter how far the distance is between Teda and his target.

 

Despite all those powers, the arrow disappears silently as if sucked into a void to Teda's shock. After a moment, he understands what's going on due to his war god status. It's not some virtual image of a shadow he shot at, and he starts remembering something similar that happened back in Nirai Kanai. Teda calls it something like the abyss of the whole world, and he laughs about this being interesting. He runs off undaunted to make his next move.

 

Pollux, Andvari, and Macan are reacting in confusion as they look at what's happening, and Snow starts calling Macan over the headphones or whatever at this point. Macan complains that he's trying to think and that Snow is too loud, so Snow apologizes and says he'll turn the volume down as he asks Macan to not throw his communicator away. But back to what he was calling about, Snow asks Macan what he's thinking about what he sees. Macan says it's the power of Shangri La, the Bringer of Immortality that the both of them use. Snow agrees as he further describes it as that which moves life aside, reaches the void throne, and perpetuates existence.

 

Narration talks about how this is the basis of Shangri La's System, the faith of the void where the atman, the true self, does not exist anywhere. Snow's artifact is much the same, based on the same faith and represents the same power. The self is made of three components which is the body, the mind, and the spirit. The faith of Shangri La however holds that none of them are the real self, and as such they can say that so long as the three bodies are not destroyed at once, the true self won't be destroyed either. An enemy's attack will never reach your true self, and paradoxically that is how your self attains immortality. This is all due to faith of Shangri La, the world on the reverse side of Deva Loka and the world that has lost its horizon.

 

Snow picks back up to say that no attack will work on Shiva-Mahakala because of the above reasons. He compares him to a black hole that sucks everything in, then calls him a manifestation of the bringer of the faiths of Deva Loka and Shangri La using the former's power and the latter's class.

 

Scene then shifts to the Warmongers' base where Mephistopheles talks about how Shiva had rejected becoming a World Representative since the start of the game. He refused to accept the role of ending Reincarnation, which meant he also never perfectly displayed the power that came with it. RIght now however, he's been given a different role from outside, the role of Mahakala. Everything up to using the vessel that is Shiva was the point where the other Warmongers shared a common goal.

 

Duo says nothing as he listens, so Mephistopheles continues talking about how Shiva, the vessel who rejected his role, was combined with Mahakala, the contents who held no power. A Pseudo Enclosed Area and the breakthrough of the boundaries was needed to make this happen. Mephisto says it was a dangerous gamble, but hey look it worked. At this point, Mephisto supposes that if the enclosed area were to be taken down, Shiva won't return to his original state. He reasons that if the zone were let up, Shiva wouldn't be affected by the memory rollback. The memories of the guardian of Shadows Mahakala are already hidden within Shiva and won't be removed, he says.

 

Scene then shifts to your end as Mahakala speaks to you through Shiva, his voice described as full of pity that seems it could permeate to your soul. You either say Mahakala's name or stay silent, but either way Mahakala talks about how he finally has the power to save those worthy of mercy. You ask what he means by saving or mercy, so Mahakala asks if you don't think you and Mononobe are people to be pitied. As he says this, Mononobe has somehow been teleported next to him, which alarms you.

 

Mahakala talks about how Mononobe has been worn out from countless loops, then asks again if you feel if eternal reincarnation is something to be pitied. He argues that an eternal dream is what causes misery, so he'll save people from that pain. You ask him if he means he's going to end the game, so Mahakala confirms as such and says he'll also put an end to people who would try to continue the endless war game. He'd also put an end to everyone living in this world, no distinctions will be made between people. Good, evil, children, adults, those forcing the reincarnation and those forced into reincarnation. All of them put to an end. When you ask further into this, Mahakala says salvation exists even for those who bring reincarnation. It's why he was sealed in the void horizon by the people who imprisoned Tokyo in eternal reincarnation.

 

Narration starts up about how there are things that will never happen in this world, like the land shaking, the sky tearing apart, and the miracle of gold falling from the sky. The World Representatives all know that sacrifice is necessary for maintaining the world. So long as they wish for the happiness for the greatest number of people possible at the smallest amount of suffering, someone will be forced to bear the misfortune and be fated to be exiled from the world. Tokyo is no exception.

 

Back to the present, Mahakala keeps talking about how everyone will be saved, even the ones who watch over the cycle of reincarnation. No one will have to suffer for eternity. Everything will end with equality, and that is what his salvation is. You ask after a moment what will be left after Mahakala brings about his salvation, so he answers that nothing will be left. Everything will be returned to zero. Maybe things might restart from the beginning again, but no one who exists now would know because no one who would remember would be left. Mahakala insists that this is the only way to be saved, and there is no alternative to denying the eternity of the 24 worlds. Mahakala then asks for your agreement as the pitable one who was toyed with by the eternal ones, saying that would be salvation in itself. You keep silent.

 

Mahakala talks about how you tried to break the game and rejected the endless repetitions. He argues that its opposite should be the correct answer you're looking for, and Shiva is noted to not say anything. The two of them stare at you as they await your answer, and you tell them that they might be right in that there is no other way. Mahakala looks sad for a moment before he starts interpreting your answer as an agreement when you cut him off to talk about what Mononobe had told you on the first day you came to school. He's curious as to what you're getting at, so he lets you continue.

 

You think back to the day you transferred in, and a flashback occurs of that time where Mononobe notices the gang, Jinn, and Triton all spying on you guys as he sighs about how peeking isn't an admirable thing to do. Ryouta laughs about hearing about you coming to their school, and Shirou trips over his tongue saying he wanted to welcome you. Kengo says he didn't really care, but the other two bugged him into coming along. Triton is happy to have another beloved student join in while Jinn excitedly offers to show you around and to the dorms. Mononobe comments that they could have waited until after a decision was made at least.

 

But back to the current conversation, you talk about you were given many futures at that time, and how Mononobe always let you choose and gave you the time to make a decision. Kengo calls your name in concern, and you talk about how there's always other possibilities and that you'll probably always worry about them. But based on those thoughts, you reject the idea that the only choices before you is eternal suffering or the end of all things. Mahakala starts to say something about your position when you preempt him and tell him you won't let everything end yet.

 

Mahakala is quiet for a moment before saying he knew what your answer would be. He then refers to you as the Exile of Shangri La and says war really can be the only thing between the two of you. Mahakala then activates his power under the name of Shiva-Mahakala to summon the dead, and a bunch of soldier mobs start screaming about being dragged into the shadows before they come back up possessed. Balor has been summoned as one of the possessed too. Kengo notes how many mobs have been summoned and points out the big guy standing up front. You also see the numbers summoned against you as you are now surrounded and see Balor among them.

 

Mahakala says it's not just the Warmongers troops he's got, but everyone who has fallen up to this point is part of his power as possessed angels turn up too. Mahakala talks about how the regrets of those who fell in past loops all become his strength, and he says that they wish for an end to the repeating sadness. He declares that you guys have no chance of winning this war, and Kengo looks concerned about the odds stacked against you guys. Mahakala talks about how power is the only thing that matters in war, and the ones who are always in power are the ones who make their choices a reality. The majority overrides the minority, and this is the truth of the world that no amount of people can overturn. Mahakala then proclaims to you that the minority can only accept the will of the majority, no matter the world they're in.

 

Scene then shifts to Claude and Minamoto's Zoom call as they've apparently been talking about the current situation and Warmongers' plans, and Claude comments on understanding what those plans are now. They're using a majority to suppress the battlefield, and Claude notes that numbers do matter when it comes to war. In chess, the king is the only ally you have, your enemies are perfect, and you have no ways of escaping. In that situation, it would be checkmate. There was never a chance of winning to begin with...but that only applies if this is war Claude says. He then informs Minamoto that he stopped being interested in playing the same game a long time ago.

 

Minamoto looks surprised, and Claude talks about how in chess you don't get to pick up new forces. But shogi however, this is totally a thing. Claude talks about not being interested in winning a chess game. What he cares about is the gorgeous entrance of his beloved fighters and the brilliant stage of battle. The Berserkers have an ace up their sleeves just like the Warmongers have their ultimate weapon. Claude does admit that they wouldn't be any help in a war since they'd always destroy everyone's plans whether enemy or ally. Their brilliance is first rate though, and Claude promises their magnificence and buffoonery is the best. Claude then orders the joker of the Berserkers to get on the board.

 

Scene shifts back to Ikebukuro as Cthugha reveals himself by yelling out a dramatic sound effect. You react with confusion then alarm since Cthugha also threw in an explosion of the ground to his arrival, and Cthugha starts worrying he messed up again as he says he tried to make a fireball that was only 8000 degrees. Kengo is baffled at his arrival and asks who Cthugha is supposed to be, so Cthugha introduces himself as the Living Flame from Old Ones and gives his name, then asks if this is the long awaited entrance of the protagonist.

 

You are baffled at Cthugha's speech, and Snow starts trying to talk to you at this point. He asks you buy him some time since the preparations are almost done, at which point he says he'll manage the show. Snow then addresses everyone else he's talking to to say that the dull repeated war is now a thing of the past, and what now lies before you guys is the magnificent stage of battle that Claude wishes for as the episode battle begins.

 

Chapter 11 Episode 17: The Gap Between Heaven and Earth 2

Things tune in with Daikoku stating that it's almost time for Operation Mahakala to enter its final stage. It doesn't look like there's going to be any interrupts from the Invaders, but Daikoku says he can't let his guard down. They aren't a monolith, same as the Warmongers. He then asks Tanetomo to take command of his troops and handle any of the Invaders' ambushes. A couple of his shadow-possessed mob underlings appear at his side, and Tanetomo remains silent.

 

Daikoku talks about how great his Shadow soldiers are because they don't fear death, though he laughs over the detail that they're already dead. He then tells Tanetomo he holds his commanding ability in high regard, and that he'll tell good things about him to his superior before asking if he'll go do as he asked again. He puts his gloved hand on Tanetomo's shoulder, and Tanetomo decides to try asking Daikoku what his actual goals are for this operation as he words his question carefully.

 

Daikoku responds to the question by asking his own question on what Tanetomo thinks of what's happening at present. Tanetomo agrees to answer then, though he tells Daikoku it's all based on guesses on top of other conjectures. He takes a look around at Kabukicho again before speaking. Tanetomo describes the area as a place where neither the sun nor moon rise while the smell of death abounds while shadow-cloaked dead lumber about, which he compares to the land of dead Ne no Kuni of legends. Tanetomo then mentions having gotten memories from his boss about something similar that happened in a past loop, an Overworld Shift. Tanetomo then supposes what's going on is an intentional yet false recreation of that land of the dead.

 

Daikoku says nothing as he prompts Tanetomo to continue on, so Tanetomo observes that Daikoku has the power to give life to the dead, though he doesn't know the particulars of it. But in exchange for this life, Tanetomo supposes they're bound to follow Daikoku's commands. He calls it an application of Shadows, the memories of the dead. Wrapping the Shadows around the living and making use of them is Daikoku's general strategy, though Tanetomo suggests that the Shadows are weak to the sun. They're ranked lower than the sun, and Tanetomo asks if the same applied back in his home world.

 

Daikoku's forehead pulses angrily for a second at those words, and Tanetomo goes on saying Daikoku made an elaborate plan to exclude the sun by bombarding the area to kick up dust clouds that would cover the place in darkness. Once the placed was filled with darkness, Mahakala the one calling himself the guardian of Shadows was summoned from the depths of the earth. If Daikoku is following his standard battle strategies, then Tanetomo supposes Daikoku is planning to cover Something with that Shadow, and he asks what Daikoku thinks of that.

 

Scene then shifts to your side as you continue running to the north, pulling Mononobe along with you as you and Kengo run along the walls to try and run away from Marduk's pursuit. Kengo complains about how persistent Marduk is in chasing you guys since he's also taken to flying to continue doing so, and Marduk demands that you guys stop. He's hanging onto Mushussu as he flies, and as soon as you guys run past the dust wall and head the way towards Ikebukuro, Kengo tells you to stop.

 

Shiva turns out to be standing in front of the way, and he says he found you and won't let you run away. Kengo clicks his tongue and figures this is some sort of pincer attack with Marduk. Kengo also starts thinking about how Shiva being here means something happened to Balor when he helped you guys escape from him the first time. You flashback to him and Shiva fighting for a second before calling out to Balor and gritting your teeth at this unfortunate development after finally finding Mononobe, but then a voice yells out to stop.

 

Marduk flies in and lands in between you guys and Shiva, which you are surprised about. Marduk takes a stance as if to defend you guys, then starts talking to Shiva. Marduk insists Shiva will have to get in line because it's his turn to challenge you to battle, and if Shiva has a problem with that Marduk proclaims he'll beat him down. You ask Marduk why he's doing this, so Marduk says you guys told him you saved him earlier before he was reborn. He doesn't know if that's true and has no memory of it, and he admits to never remembering anything since he forgets it all when he gets reborn. All he does remember is his name, mission, and the power he was given to accomplish said mission.

 

Narration takes a moment to talk about how Marduk was always afraid since he knew nothing about the world he was born in. He never knew who to trust or distrust, and the feeling is compared to being stuck in darkness. Marduk then continues speaking about how he'd never say something he forgot about never happened as a result of that. That isn't honesty, it's just believing in what other people say. Marduk says he'll fight and defeat you, which is a thing which won't change. But if he has a debt to repay before that, then he says he'll repay it. As a hero, that's all he's doing.

 

Shiva angrily demands that Marduk piss off, so Marduk challenges him to come at him. Kengo turns to you and asks what you want to do, pointing out that you guys could just cut and run. Maybe Shiva and Marduk will knock each other out even. You turn to Kengo and then to Mononobe as you say their names, and Mononobe is described as someone whose soul has worn out. It's the result of repeating a far off time repeatedly that you guys don't remember. What did he see, and what did he feel? But still, those loops existed. Someday it might move someone's heart.

 

Balor crosses your mind, and narration says that it must have been the same for him. Something happened in a loop you have no knowledge of, and that lead to Balor deciding to protect you guys and let you guys escape. You apologize to Mononobe and ask him to wait. You refuse to run away and leave anyone behind again, so you tell Kengo you're going to fight. Kengo laughs and says he figured you'd say so since that's what you'd do. Kengo then comments on feeling a little bad about ganging up on Shiva, but then he reacts in shock when two more Shivas appear. Kengo says he's not sure if they're body doubles or something, but he decides it's fine, then tells you to get ready as the episode battle begins. More story happens after that.

 

After the battle, the story picks back up midway as you say you can't draw upon your strength and ask if you'll have to use Dual Heaven Dragon at this point. Kengo tries to warn you about one of the Shivas charging at you, and you are unable to react in time. Shiva doesn't manage to actually hit you to your surprise as it turns out that Mononobe has moved in a flash to defend you by pulling you behind himself.

 

You yell out that Mononobe is moving and wonder if his memories have returned, then react in disbelief he'd protect you using himself. But the next instant later you can see it's not Mononobe's face there and realize it's Mahakala, and Shiva reacts with what seems to be pained surprise as Mahakala starts possessing him. Your ring starts shining violently, just like that time you connected with Solomon.

 

Camera then cuts over to the Warmongers base where Bertro talks about how the endgame of this operation was completed thanks to the data Tezcatlipoca left behind in his last battle. Narration talks about your Dual Heaven Dragon and calls it a cheat move of overlapping yourself with a similar being. Your ring is what makes this possible, and Bertro focuses on it as it's described as the ring with the power of Omniscience that surpasses all worlds and allows for all interactions and conversations.

 

Bertro says he's made the calculations that if this (operation I think he means) is used, then the true ultimate weapon will be materialized. Narration talks about how the power of the world of Deva Loka can destroy the world and even the universe, something of an incomparable scale. But Shiva who was supposed to be summoned as Deva Loka's World Representative has never displayed power of that level. And Shiva is the lynchpin of Operation Mahakala, the plan to change something into the true ultimate weapon.

 

Scene then shifts to wherever Temujin is who comments that things are looking interesting as he sees Possessed Shiva and smiles boldly at the large shadow. Shinya is surprised as he directs Kalki's attention to the same thing, and Kalki starts talking about something that's been passed down in Deva Loka. Kalki himself is the one who destroys the impure world, but over there is the one who would destroy even a pure world. He is the furious destroyer who would even swallow up Shiva and bring the end of all living things, the great darkness Shiva-Mahakala. On that note the episode ends.

 

Sunrise New Year Episode 3 Part 2

We pick up from before as we tune in to Toshigami crying and asking what's going on. As a reminder, energy from leylines is flowing into Toshigami and making him giant sized, and every time he moves he ends up hitting the party with wind pressure. You try to withstand it as you note how strong it is, which is strong enough to prevent you guys from getting any closer. Gyumao figures he's the only one able to do something against someone that big as he slips back to his gangster persona before activating his NP, then tells you all to get behind him.

 

Toshigami freaks out at the scary cowman showing up, and Ahab expresses surprise at Gyumao being able to do the same thing Aegir can. Shennong stays focused on the matter at hand and notes that with Toshigami's movements stopped, you and Wakan Tanka can charge in. Wakan laughs after a second, which prompts you to ask him why. Wakan answers that he's running together with you, which is making him incredibly happy. He then says to you that you guys should go on to the beginning of a new path. You tell him you don't get what he means, but you nod along and agree with the latter point.

 

Meanwhile, Toshigami tries telling Gyumao to let go of him, but Gyumao tells him to sit still for a sec and urges you to move. You call out the activation of your power to cut the connection between Toshigami and the leyline (how you know to do this is a mystery to me), but the moment you try to materialize your artifact it slips through your butterfingers and gets tossed into the distance to the shock of the entire party. It also falls onto the kagami mochi you guys brought with you, and you find you can't pull your sword out of it. Wakan Tanka however tells you not to stop and refers to you as his lightning since you guys have to open up a path, but you start to argue that you can't use your power without your sword until you have a flashback to Shennong explaining about how the decorations around kagami mochi are patterned after the three imperial regalia of Japan (one of which is a sword).

 

Once you remember what items comprise the imperial regalia, which narration says you either only recently heard of somewhere or had always known from some time, you continue running forward, sword in hand with mochi still stuck on it. Shennong is baffled you're getting ready to attack like that, and you go on ahead and call out your NP. Everyone in the party is dumbfounded you did so while Toshigami casually notes that he recognizes the light coming from your sword as coming from Gozu Tennoh's...wife I presume since he trails off on that.

 

Narration starts talking about how there are many Toshigami out there in every region in the land who protect those areas and give blessings on New Year's. Part of their power/Authority comes from the belief in Gozu Tennoh's wife Harisainyo. Narration also mentions that Gozu Tennoh's syncretized manifestation is Susanoo, the one who possesses a dragon tail sword.

 

But anyways, you succeed at cutting Toshigami off from the land's leyline. He immediately shrinks to a more normal size to Gyumao's surprise, and as he falls to the ground Wakan Tanka keeps running forward. He says he saw the path he should take as he activates his NP, and the light of his artifact guides him forward. This eventually puts him in a position to gently catch Toshigami, who is surprised that Wakan came to help him. Wakan answers that he wanted to talk to him, the isolated spirit bound to the earth. Wakan also tells Toshigami that he and the rest of the party isn't his enemy and asks him to believe him. Toshigami is caught off guard by this, and Wakan says he knows how hard Toshigami tried to protect the land and made an unfortunate mistake. Toshigami reacts by bursting into tears like a baby.

 

Time passes to the point where Wakan Tanka comes back holding Toshigami in his arms. He announces his return to the party and then to you. You welcome him back and ask if that kid really is Toshigami, so Toshigami answers himself and says he's one of the Toshigami, entrusted with the protection and prosperity of this mountain area. He doesn't remember what his actual name is, so he asks you all to just call him Toshigami. Ahab asks about a little squirt like him turning huge through the power of the leyline, then comments on not getting what happens on land and that he's more suited to being on a ship.

 

Asterios notes that the huge mass of power has flowed back to the bottom of the land, and Shennong says it looks like some strange connection caused Toshigami to link to a more volatile part of the leyline. He's been cut off from it now though so it'll be fine, though now it's time to talk about Toshigami himself. Toshigami looks apologetic, and Gyumao is quiet. You try to talk to Gyumao and speak up in Toshigami's defense, and Gyumao eventually prompts Toshigami to explain himself in his own words what he was doing to everyone.

 

Toshigami explains in some trepidation that he thought that someone was trying to take over the inn again, so he thought he could scare you guys away. Gyumao asks if that's what all those issues that popped up were all about, which Toshigami admits to. Gyumao says they talked to the inn people earlier and asks if that was a misunderstanding. Toshigami agrees after a moment, so Gyumao says there's something he ought to be saying then for all those problems. Toshigami shrinks back prompting Taurus Mask to try to talk Gyumao into lightening up.

 

You call out to Gyumao or tell Taurus Mask it's okay, and Gyumao's assistant also says it's fine; things just need to go through the proper channels. Toshigami apologizes for what he's done, so Gyumao forgives him. Toshigami was expecting to be hit or yelled at and reacts accordingly until he processes what Gyumao said. Gyumao picks Toshigami up and sticks him on his shoulders as he smiles broadly. He talks about how Toshigami did what he did to protect the inn so that the original owners and crew could come back, then says that putting your body on the line to protect your friends and family is the Gyumao Family creed. He also adds that having a Toshigami show up in the beginning of the year is the best sign of good luck, though he laughs that having a herd of ox like them should be just as good.

 

Toshigami is surprised to the point he's having some trouble keeping up and asks if you're all really forgiving him, then asks if the original owners are coming back. Gyumao swears upon his name, then says that the workers are in the middle of recuperating. He also laughs that with his Gyumao brand exercising, a strained back or slipped disk will be nothing and that the owner will be fine in no time. Toshigami's slime minions jiggle around, and he nods at them saying you guys weren't bad people at all and that the old workers will be coming back.

 

Gyumao turns the topic to business for a moment and asks if Toshigami will stay as he is to protect the inn and the land, saying it'd be a huge help. Toshigami smiles and nods. Gyumao approves of the fast response and declares him a blood brother, so you either comment on surprise at how quickly he did that or ask if there'll be a problem if there's too many blood brothers around.

 

Gyumao laughs and tells everyone to come closer since they're all part of his family. Shennong points out that since the main points are covered, you guys ought to hurry on since sunrise will be happening soon. Gyumao asks if it's that time already, then tells everyone to follow him. Wakan Tanka invites Toshigami along as he calls him a buffalo. Taurus Mask also prompts everyone to hurry along and offers to carry Toshigami on his back. Toshigami is surprised by this and asks if it's okay for him to go too. Ahab mentions not understanding what the hell people are talking about, but he says having more good luck signs is a good thing. Marduk calls it the fresh new year's beginning visit from Buddha (despite not coming from Buddhist beliefs) to welcome the dead's spirits and tells Toshigami to come too. Toshigami excitedly agrees.

 

The sunrise comes, which you observe as you say you feel refreshed and point out how Tokyo is being embraced in light. Shennong asks if you've heard as he starts talking about how there are various theories, but there's a story about how Toshigami come in with the first sunrise of the year. New Year's decorations are meant to welcome Toshigami, so you can think of the sunrise as something that brings up the welcoming.

 

Gyumao calls to you guys and tells you that Asterios and the others have made warm drinks for everyone and asks if anyone wants any here in the cold mountain top. Asterios offers Toshigami some hot milk and asks if he can drink it, so Toshigami thanks him. Asterios nods and warns him to be careful since it's hot. Gyumao talks to Ahab and notices the smell around him, so Ahab comments on him having a good nose to notice the bit of booze he always brings around with him. Ahab says this is a lucky place, so it'd be a waste to be here sober. And since it's New Year's he offers to share some with Gyumao.

 

Gyumao laughs and accepts, then compliments Ahab on his leadership earlier. He talks about how he's heard Ahab is part of Toyosu Marine Academy doing sea training and oceanic fieldwork with his skills, then mentions how Roppongi has plans to do some business development in Tokyo Bay. He doesn't know much about the sea though, so he asks if Ahab would help him with that, remembering to switch back to his polite business persona at this point.

 

Ahab snorts and says he's just a sailor, then tells Gyumao to take up business talks with Aegir or development talks with Dagon. He does admit an interest in Tokyo Bay as he says it has too many strange parts too it. Gyumao says that's reassuring to hear, then turns to Shennong to ask if he's interested in being a ship doctor for a cruise liner he's hiring people for. Shennong laughs at how business minded Gyumao is, then tells him he'll think about it if his students get on board.

 

Toshigami is having some of his hot milk and comments on how warm it is, so you ask him how the milk is and talk about the sunrise being nice. Toshigami takes a moment to remember your name as he thanks you for helping him earlier. He talks about how things would be different if he had tried talking to you guys in the beginning, and you respond by either denying it, apologizing for scaring him, or say you're happy to talk like this.

 

Toshigami stays quiet, and the sunrise's light falls upon him. A transformation occurs, and Toshigami's clothes get switched out for New Year's formal wear. He recognizes it as the things the inn workers put together for him. Gyumao notes his surprise at that, then says it's a good thing he brought what he did just in case. In his hand is the paulownia wood box that's opened up, and you tell Toshigami he looks good in those clothes and/or(?) wonder if they're meant for him. Toshigami starts crying, then says he wants to see the owner, hostess, and all the workers again. His slime minions draw closer to him as if to watch over him.

 

Some time passes, and Gyumao suggests it's time to pray to the sunrise for your hopes, dreams, and good health. Everyone prays silently and fervently with their own thoughts, and the only sounds that people hear is the blowing of the wind. You pray towards the sunrise as well, and eventually Gyumao, Wakan Tanka, and Shennong all suggest doing the Tokyo thing and visit a shrine or whatever.

 

Time passes some more, and Taurus Mask comments on how you guys are seeing more and more people as you descend. Gyumao explains that the mountain you guys were on is his company's private property, so it'd be surprising if anyone waltzed in. Tetsugyuu then notices that Gyumao's assistant is gone and asks where he went, so Gyumao answers that he unfortunately had other work to attend to. They'll visit a shrine some other time. Gyumao then declares it's free time for everyone and says he'll go see the shrine priest. Wakan Tanka asks what you'll do and invites you to come with him if you'd like. You can either choose to go with either of them to see their event special scenes, or go see what the others in the party are thinking.

 

I'll get to the individual scenes in a moment, but if you pick C here, Shennong wonders aloud about what he'll do before inviting you to go visit the shrine with him. Ahab comments on being bored and considers getting booze because it's 5 o clock somewhere. He then hears about amazake and wonders if there's any of that around. The choices come up to see either of their scenes or to cycle through the party again. The third set has Taurus Mask and Tetsugyuu. Taurus Mask considers buying some charms, though he's not sure whether he should pick victory or safety. Tetsugyuu meanwhile is hungry and considers buying something from the stalls as he invites you to go with him.

 

The fourth set has Asterios and Marduk. Asterios says he's not good with crowded places and will be somewhere a bit distanced and asks you to call him when it's time to go. Marduk looks surprised as he asks about this being a sort of festival and welcoming gate for something great. He considers bringing Teda with him next time as he asks you if you'll show him around. C loops the choices back to Gyumao and Wakan Tanka while D is the choice to skip the extra scenes or stop if you've seen them all already. So a reminder (Gyumao and Wakan Tanka), (Shennong and Ahab), (Taurus Mask and Tetsugyuu), and (Asterios and Marduk). The choices to see someone's scene comes up again once you're done with one person's bit, and also these lead-ins won't play if you pick someone early on. I'll be doing these scenes in the given order.

 

In Gyumao's scene, Gyumao starts by apologizing for keeping you waiting as he says he offered some new kagami mochi, and now the job is finished. He comments that it doesn't happen much for him to be done with work while the sun is out, then says he's feeling great. Gyumao notes that there's still some time before needing to regroup, so he drops the business persona as he invites you to linger with him for a bit. You actually ask about him stopping with the business talk for the moment, so he laughs and asks if you really mind that much. He assures you he'll go back to it soon after leaving this place.

 

Gyumao admits to being surprised at how much he slipped back to his old roughhousing moods. When he's on a mountain where hot things boil up, he starts remembering old memories and the days he spent with his blood brothers. But anyways he says he's having fun now because he has his underlings, and he has you too. Gyumao talks about how with his business talks done, he can finally have some more private talks. He tells you how his apartment/room has an order of 30 boxes of osechi like a mountain, and he asks you to spend a bit more time with him while he's in this mood as you two quietly hold hands among the crowd as his scene ends.

 

Wakan Tanka's scene starts with him talking about how nice it is to come down from somewhere high to walk on the ground and pray with other people. He looks deeply moved for a moment and seems to remember something from long ago as he looks around, then comments that you're here with him now, which he's happy about more than anything. You two get bumped into each other, surprising Wakan as he asks if you're okay and commenting on how the crowds can jostle people.

 

Wakan Tanka then says he's got a good idea and suggests you guys stand shoulder to shoulder in a scrum. He then tells you to put your hands to his waist or his shoulder to stick close to him and not get separated. Whatever you apparently do, Wakan approves and asks you not to go away somewhere. He notes it's almost your guys' turn at the front of the line, at which point you ask what he's wishing for. He has to think about it for a second, then says he wishes that the two of you can welcome spring together, which is something he says he's always wishing for. The scene then ends as the two of you gently hold hands.

 

In Shennong's scene, Shennong comments on how many people are around and wonders if that many people are here to wish for good luck or good health. Shennong then notices that there are fortune sticks around, which he remembers are called omikuji in Tokyo. He suggests pulling one since it's there, then offers to treat you to a draw that he asks that you keep a secret from everyone else.

 

You two pull, and Shennong looks at his curiously. He then mentions hearing that this shrine is supposed to be good with love fortunes. He figures a student like you would be interested in something like that, though he's interrupted when someone bumps you which then makes you bump into him. Shennong comments on how dangerous it is to have so many people around as he tells you to stay close to him. He makes a point of saying he's not treating you as a child, but rather the opposite of that. The two of you then gently hold hands as his scene ends.

 

In Ahab's scene, he's already tipsy as he calls you over to him. He denies being totally drunk off the amazake which is supposed to be light on alcohol content, all the while hiccuping from it. Ahab talks about getting a fortune for his next sailing voyage somewhere, and he plans on going back to his anchored ship to sleep once things are done. He's surprised when you ask to go with him and worries that you have no one else to hang out with. He shrugs and agrees to look after you, though before that he says there's still the shrine visit to do first. Ahab then tells you not to get separated from him in the crowd, and the two of you hold hands as the scene ends.

 

In Taurus Mask's scene, Daisuke has at some point taken off his mask as he talks about his determination about how this will be the year he gets over his stage fright. He mentions hearing that the prayer you make on a New Year's shrine visit is better done as a vow rather than a request, which is why he took off his mask. He cuts himself off midsentence when he notices you there and pretends this meeting is totally a coincidence. Taurus Mask? Oh is he here? Daisuke claims he's here to visit the shrine without a mask on so that he can do his best at the last match for the third years when he decides to backtrack and say it's nothing.

 

Daisuke makes an observation of how big the crowd is, at which point someone bumps into you. Daisuke quickly moves to catch you, and after that's dealt with Daisuke quickly starts apologizing and saying he didn't mean to do that. You tell him that you're going to visit the shrine too, so Daisuke tells you to wait since it'll be dangerous to go alone. He offers to go with you and asks to take your hand, so the two of you hold hands and go as his scene ends.

 

For Tetsugyuu's scene, Tetsugyuu comes back and tells you he got a three item set of yakisoba, takoyaki, and hot dogs on a stick. He then notes how crowded the place is and offers to grab some seats. You tell him he can't go scaring people out of theirs, so he laughs about how well you know him. Tetsugyuu then suggests sitting over at the curb, by which he means he sits on the curb and you sit in his lap. He hands you some chopsticks, then asks what you'd like as a drink. There is some alcohol, but there's also juice around too.

 

The two of you settle down to eat, and Tetsugyuu talks about how nice the food is and how lucky it is for the two of you to be alone together. Speaking of, Tetsugyuu invites you to eat out with him during the New Year's period in Kabukicho and says some of the Outlaws have recommended a place to him. He insists on making it a promise and gets excited at the idea, smiling innocently at you. You notice some red ginger on his face and move to get it off. Tetsugyuu is confused at first before laughing about how you're always treating him as a kid. But now that you're both done eating he suggests getting in line for the shrine, and he tells you his wish is to stay with you forever. The wording he uses specifically means married for life. The two of you then hold hands as you go, and his scene ends.

 

In Asterios's scene, Asterios is surprised you came with him since he figures you'd have more fun being with the others. When you deny that, Asterios calls you a weirdo who's always like that. He then asks if you want to get something to drink since it can be cold in the mountains. Asterios goes through his bags and pulls out a gas cooker he's lugging around for some reason, and he starts talking about some guy he once met in the mountains who taught him about camping. Ever since then he's liked mountains, and the chirps of birds, the running of water, and the rustling of plants make him not feel lonely. He invites you to come with him next time, saying you wouldn't turn things into a loud commotion.

 

Narration notes that Asterios is speaking casually and not actually looking at you as he works, and soon he's finished with his cooking. Asterios says he couldn't bring it out earlier because there were too many people, then hands you the soup he made. He mentions only having the one cup though, so he asks if it's okay to share the thing. You bring up the idea of an indirect kiss, which flusters Asterios as he tells you to stop being stupid and drink the damn soup. You respond by telling him he's loud, so he apologizes and laughs, and the two of you hold hands as his scene ends.

 

Finally, in Marduk's scene Marduk starts off talking to himself about the customs at a shrine, like the belief that you shouldn't walk down the center of a shrine's road since that's where gods and other things walk. He comments on how seeing and hearing that is new to him and compares himself to a newborn baby. He then takes notice of you and refers to you as the reincarnation of his archenemy who once ate him, Tiamat. He says he's never thought that after the days he would run into you and fight you, he'd be spending time with you like this.

 

Still, Marduk notes that people change just like anything else, and he compares this to a new sun greeting a new year. Marduk then asks you to teach him the customs of Tokyo and how he ought to behave as the hero of the sun. What is he supposed to fight against as a hero and warrior? It's something he thought about going over again with you here at the beginning of the year. And so the two of you hold hands as you head into the crowds and his extra scene ends.

 

Once you're done seeing the scenes you want to see, the party heads back to the inn. You announce that you're back and that you're hungry, then notice that someone else is here and ask about them. The gang turns out to be present as Ryouta welcomes you guys back and greets you a happy new year. Shirou says you did well in climbing the mountains and figures it must've been cold. He tells you the food is ready and says the rest of them helped out. Kengo comments on how nice it is to have a bath you can swim in and invites you to go with him again later. Moritaka greets you a happy New Year's and does the customary formal greetings. Gullinbursti has turned up and adds his New Year's greetings, and Touji says they finally made it. He sees Toshigami next to you and says a lot of things must have happened as he guesses as much in his head.

 

When you guys get to banquet hall, Benten asks who the little kid is and wonders if someone here knows him or if he's already a customer. Gyumao introduces Toshigami as his new business partner who'll help make the business prosper with everyone. Toshigami turns to Ebisu and starts trying to talk to him, so when Ebisu asks what's up, Toshigami thanks him for the soba saying it was good and asks for another offering of it some time. Ebisu tells him he's welcome and is glad he liked it, then laughs to himself.

 

Agyou starts talking to you next and says you've finally come, then tells you they've finished cleaning up the safe house. You are surprised to see everyone here, including Agyou and Gullinbursti. You then ask how it is they're here, so Shirou tells Gyumao snuck over to explain things to the gang while the rest of you were getting on the bus. A flashback kicks in where Gyumao tells the gang he'd like them to come and gives them bus fare. He thanks them for their kindness, though he says he also wants them to treasure their time with you too. If they can help him out with stuff after they're done with their business, he'll be glad about that. He also offers to pay the guys for doing so, then excuses himself and says he'll be waiting for them at the inn.

 

Back to the present, Ryouta talks about how that was how they got their travel expenses to get here, then adds that the rest of them wanted to see the new year with you too. Moritaka says they're here now because they took up Gyumao's offer as he asks you to come over. Touji tells you to put out your glass as he'll pour a drink for you out of appreciation, and he assures you it's just juice. Gyumao asks if everyone else has their glass too, then raises a toast to the health, prosperity, and bright future for everyone this year, and everyone yells Happy New Year's in unison.

 

Gyumao starts laughing as he calls the party a lavish feast and starts handing out New Year's money, which he says is also the part time wages. Kengo laughs to himself about it being worth it to come out here, then gets indignant when Shirou takes his out of his hands. Shirou tells him the guild will hang onto it since Kengo never actually paid back what he owes for buying workout equipment with guild funds on his own.

 

Taurus Mask looks over the osechi dishes and says it's all very lucky, then says he'll be winning the spring match ups for sure. Taurus Mask then turns to you and starts asking if you've heard about the origins and meanings behind some of the dishes. Ebisu mentions that Taurus Mask helped out with some of the cooking, especially the ozoni rice cakes, and he says it's nice how large they are. Ahab meanwhile is drinking again, and he says the food goes great as snacks and orders someone to bring him more booze.

 

Some time later, Ryouta cheers about getting into the hot springs in the beginning of the year and calls it lucky. Asterios tries to warn Ryouta against going in all of a sudden because of the slimes inside, but he's too late as the things start tickling Ryouta. Ryouta laughs and attempts to stop them from going inside his towel or something. Asterios sighs and says that startling the slimes like that will cause them to swarm you. In the meantime, Ryouta has pulled Touji in with him as the latter unsuccessfully tells him to stop.

 

Asterios shakes his head at how loud the two are, and the topic reminds him to wonder where that one guy went. Asterios then notices Daisuke around, who is taken aback and says he left his mask behind since he thought no one would be here yet. Asterios thinks Daisuke is just some random customer, though he does get the feeling he's seen him before. Daisuke attempts to deny it before his shyness gets the better of him and he pleads for Asterios to not look at him. Asterios sympathizes with him and invites Daisuke to come talk with him for a bit.

 

Shennong is in the hot springs and comments on how amazing the Flaming Mountain brand filtration device is, then tells Gyumao he never thought he could get in the same pool as everyone before when he couldn't even touch anyone. Gyumao laughs and says he's thankful he can demonstrate his new product working, though he does ask for Shennong to lend his medical expertise to help improve it. Shennong agrees, then raises a small toast to him.

 

Some time later you're outside with Solomon as he says it's time to fly kites. He brags about wanting to show you Kite Flying Rank 3 Certifaction skills before Snow and Cait Sith come by. Shennong is also flying a kite as he talks aloud about relaxing himself and not going against the wind. Benten is impressed by him and takes it upon herself to show off too by reading the flow of things. Tetsugyuu notes that everyone else is doing well with it while he's having problems trying to not brute force his kite flying. Not even five seconds later his kite is on the verge of tearing up, so Moritaka shows him how to handle it more delicately. Tetsuguu gives it a try, then gets excited when it starts working and asks if you were watching.

 

Gouryou is around and comments on not liking manual labor, but he doesn't mind it so much for making mochi. Toshigami is also trying to lift the mallet, but he's struggling to do so and is frustrated Gouryou is making it look so easy. Agyou goes over to help him, so the two of them start swinging the mallet together.

 

Wakan Tanka is over at the vantage point again and talks about how it's been a fun, lively start of the year. You ask him what's up and ask about what he wanted to talk about, so Wakan starts saying January is the season that tells him the times he'll spending with you are almost at an end. Everything changes regardless of what you think of it as time always moves forward. Still, Wakan says that no matter what happens next, the time he spent with you still meant something. He asks that you remember that this shivering joy was here, so you either nod, tilt your head, or stare at him. Wakan says it's fine either way since it'll still hold meaning someday even if you don't understand now. He then says everyone is waiting, so he suggests going together to the new year. He takes your hand as the two of you run off, and so the beginning of the new year comes and goes. The End.

 

 

 

Sunrise New Year Episode 3 Part 1

Things pick up with you and Marduk in the middle of cleaning the front entrance of the inn as Marduk starts talking about how clean, fresh, and just like brand new gates and entrances should be. It turns out that's the very first thing Marduk started doing as soon as he got here, and once the two of you are done the area is sparkling clean. You either comment on how clean it is now and thank Marduk for his efforts, or you say you're tired. Marduk says a clean gate really is great and says his mount Mushussu is happy too as Mushussu starts ambling closer. Mushussu then cuts Marduk off midsentence as it starts putting its mouth around Marduk's head, who protests in alarm that he doesn't need to be made brand new too and starts freaking out about it being dark and cramped.

 

Shennong walks by and casually comments on how having a dragon in a clean entryway is a combination for good fortune. You either ask about dragons being in the entry area being good luck or you react with more alarm and say you guys should help Marduk. Shennong just continues with his explanation and says dragons are Things That Flow as well as a symbol of natural upheaval and tyranny. According to feng shui from his home world, having a dragon at the entrance stimulates the leyline flows inside a house. The paths of chi that run through the earth are also known as dragon veins, though Shennong catches himself at this point here and says this isn't really time to leisurely exposit about things. Next to you guys, Marduk is flailing and kicking around his legs, like half swallowed by Mushussu.

 

Time passes as you and Shennong pull Marduk out of Mushussu, and he pants and thanks you guys for saving him since he was almost factory rebooted. Shennong comments on how clean the place is and says it feels like the place is finally ready to welcome guests again. He then apologizes to Marduk for making him work as soon as he got there, but Marduk waves it off, saying there's plenty for a first year student like him to learn by working together with his senpai and teachers. You either express surprise that Marduk is a kouhai or you remark that he's a good person.

 

Marduk asks you what you're surprised about as he calls himself just a bright and sparkling first year student. Shennong comments that the other guys should be done with setting up the New Year's soba by now, so invites you, Marduk, and Mushussu to have some. He then notices that you seem distracted and asks you what's up before telling you you ought to go before the noodles get soggy. The ghost kid slips by, and Marduk asks you what's wrong too. You tell them you saw a kid you didn't recognize for a second, but you're unsure about it so you decide not to press the subject.

 

Time skips to the point where everyone has gathered into the banquet hall where Ebisu says he's got his New Year's special soba with lots of tempura course ready to go. There's also a whole bunch of choices as to what people want as their tempura aside from shrimp, like chicken, onions, burdock roots, mixed veg and fish, chikuwa, and corn. And of course there's also a lot more noodles prepped, so if people want seconds they're free to ask for more. Marduk is impressed as he comments on how the tasty sensation of the noodles going down is and how it's filled with love. The texture and skills that made them is simply amazing. Ebisu thanks him for enjoying it and says there's still plenty available, so he can keep eating if he'd like. Marduk says he will have some more, then turns to Mushussu and asks what he/it/whatever thinks of the noodles, only to try getting the dragon to stop again with dog commands like before as Mushussu attempts to eat him again. Ebisu freaks out at seeing this.

 

Meanwhile, Tetsugyuu is talking with Wakan Tanka and ask if he's sure he saw a kid around. He also thinks it's weird of him to bring up that there might be some dead kid around when everyone's gathered together to eat, then says he wouldn't want to come back as a ghost if he dies. Wakan says it's not really a child he's talking about, more an earth spirit that's taken root in this land for a long time. He also gets the feeling that it's something that 'is supposed to be here on New Year's' more than anything and that that is where the correct path is. You ask him about this, say you don't understand what he means, or have an idea as to what he's talking about.

 

Shennong is also following along this conversation and asks if Wakan Tanka is saying that the kid ghost is actually Toshigami. Asterios asks if Toshigami is that prankster spirit that can come into the place despite the shimenawa ropes around the inn, so Shennong answers that there is some regional differences in faith, but that it is something like that. He then reasons that all the issues that have been happening around the place make sense if you think of it as Toshigami manipulating them all. He's siccing the slimes on you guys for...some reason.

 

Tetsugyuu asks why Toshigami would have a problem with you guys since you guys just came to clean the place up, not kill or steal anything. You either tell Tetsugyuu he's being too loud, agree that the motive is a mystery, or just go hmm. Shennong suggests asking someone who knows more about what's going on then, which in this case would be Gyumao. When he turns to look for him, he realizes he's not there, which he finds weird since he thought he was with the banquet hall team. Tetsugyuu attempts to ask Gyumao's assistant if he's seen where Gyumao went, only to be taken aback when the pirate is preoccupied with slurping noodles.

 

You either attempt to get the pirate's attention yourself, note that he seems to be enjoying the food, or be shocked that he's stacking three seafood and veggie tempura patties together. The pirate tunes back in at any rate, apologizing for spacing out while eating as he comments on how nice the noodles and tempura are. But anyways, he tells you guys that Gyumao went to check on a paulownia wood box they found in the banquet hall earlier.

 

You ask about them finding a paulownia wood box earlier, so Tetsugyuu remembers you guys ended up passing by each other earlier. He also tells you they found a hidden compartment earlier, at which point Gyumao comes back apologizing about leaving for a second before noting that you guys are talking about the box he brought with him. The box itself looks to be high class. Gyumao mentions that a whole bunch of boxes like it were hidden in that compartment, and that he just had the owner confirm the one he's brought over. He got their permission to open it up, and then he tells everyone to take a look at the contents.

 

When Gyumao opens up the box, you guys find an old complete set of crest-emblazoned Japanese formal clothing. Gyumao mentions that it apparently belongs to Toshigami and that the hostess decorates it every year for good luck. Wakan Tanka repeats Toshigami's name as everybody else present looks at Gyumao in surprise, which prompts him to ask why you're all doing that. You then start explaining what's up to Gyumao what's going on as you call him either CEO or Boss.

 

After an offscreened explanation, Gyumao nods and says it's possible, but then asks why Toshigami would try to attack you guys. Ebisu suggests the possibility that you guys surprised him, which Benten agrees with as she reasons out that he could have come here on New Year's like usual, only to find a bunch of strangers instead of the people he knows. Asterios sympathizes with how that would feel, saying he'd be scared if that happened to him. Shennong says that's even more reason to try to talk to Toshigami the next time something happens, and Wakan Tanka says he wants to talk to them too.

 

Ebisu puts down some soba noodles at an elevated location, which Ahab asks about. Ebisu tells him they can't eat that portion of it since it's an offering. If Toshigami really is around, Ebisu says they should share some of it with them. He does hope Toshigami will have some and think it's good though. Benten nods and says it doesn't feel bad to be given something, then says the Lucky Gods used to get a lot of food offerings too. She waxes nostalgic about how she, Daikoku, and the others would go on tour to different worlds, and you comment how nice that is to Ebisu and say a lot's happened with Benten too.

 

Shennong nods and says that's good to you and Ebisu, then says that mutual understanding starts with respecting the other party. Marduk speaks up to you and Shennong and says it's almost time. Shennong checks and realizes what time it is, so he prompts everyone to do what they should be doing since greetings are important, so everyone says Happy New Year's to each other.

 

Once that's done, Gyumao says there's some time until sunrise, so he suggests people get some rest in the bedding that's been set up. Watching the sunrise is another good luck tradition around here after all. Tetsugyuu is excited about everyone sleeping in a large room together because that doesn't happen often, then suggests to you to have a pillow fight. Taurus Mask supports the idea and suggests showing off the graceful teamwork between the two of you. Asterios is against this however and says he wants to sleep in peace, and Marduk thinks about sunrise to himself.

 

Somewhere outside, the slimes are jiggling around while Toshigami is having the soba noodles and says they're good as he starts to consider you guys may be good people. He then takes this idea back and says that if the owner and hostess aren't here, you guys must have chased them off. Something like this has happened before, which was called a takeover. Back then he did manage to drive off the scary people though. Toshigami talks about how people shouldn't make the owner and hostess cry, then says it'll be enough if he makes you all go away. That said, he comments on feeling some sort of strange bond with you and wonders why that is. The cook slimes are with him too chugging away, so Toshigami asks if they'll open up soon and asks where they came from for that matter.

 

Some time later, Tetsugyuu asks what's up since it's still dark out and invites you to sleep next to or with him. Wakan Tanka is also awake, saying he understands wanting to get more sleep but says it's time to get ready for the sunrise. Tetsugyuu asks about that. Later over in the hot springs, Asterios wonders why you guys are going in there. Shennong explains that it's a purification of the mind and body and that you're supposed to start things off fresh. He's not actually in the water though, which you ask him about.

 

Shennong says it's because the poison in his body would leach out if he got in, so he makes sure not to get in with people when he goes to places like this. He asks you not to pay any mind to that, and Gyumao comments that That Thing his company is in the middle of developing might come in handy, so he considers having it sent over later. Shennong is curious about this but doesn't ask into it, and Taurus Mask comments on how the cold air and warm water are melting away his early morning workout fatigue. Wakan Tanka meanwhile says the sense of unity in being in the hot spring with everyone is so nice. Gyumao laughs and says it reminds him of Flaming Mountains when he did this with his underlings then. Tetsugyuu excitedly tells you they've got a bunch of milk available and asks if you'd like fruit milk, strawberry milk, regular, or something else.

 

Time passes again as almost everyone gets dressed in New Year's formal wear. After the camera pans over the people wearing them, Gyumao laughs and says they look great, then asks if everyone's fine with them since there are larger sizes available. Wakan Tanka says they're comfortable and that they tense up the mind when he stretches straight up. Shennong notes how these are New Year's clothes and asks how he looks, so you say he looks great, wonder how yours looks, and say it's hard to move in it since you aren't used to it.

 

Taurus Mask says you look great in the clothes and tells you to look at him so he can take a picture. Ebisu talks about how they probably should have brought their own formal wear too if this was how things would be. He also needs to dry his old New Year's work clothes out in the sun from time to time too. Benten says she might have left the cleaning to someone else. Gyumao says it's about time to head to the viewpoint spot if everyone is ready, and his assistant warns him to be careful because his old demeanor is showing through more and more.

 

Ebisu tells you guys that he and Benten will be prepping for the party for when you guys get back, so there'll be a lot of good good waiting for you guys. Benten adds that they'll be busy with other stuff too, so they need to conserve their energy. Ebisu then remembers that Gyumao asked him to make something, so he hands it over and asks you to hang onto it. You look and see that it's a package of kagami mochi, so Gyumao thanks Ebisu and says it's a shrine offering. Gyumao says they'll be going now and leaves the two of them to hold down the fort. If anything happens, they've got the emergency hotline they can use to contact him.

 

Ebisu nods, then starts thinking about Toshigami and comments on mysterious connections to the year of the ox. Benten asks him why he's talking about Toshigami now, which surprises Ebisu as he asks if she's forgotten about how back in Wa no Kuni, every Toshigami from every region served a certain person. He then asks if she remembers ever going around and greeting the Toshigami as a messenger of the Seven Lucky Gods. None of this rings a bell for Benten, and Ebisu remembers all of that work got dumped onto him. But anyways he starts describing this person as the wife of Gozu Tennoh, the man with a bull's head and a human's body. He also starts linking Gozu Tennoh to That Person's home land when transition cuts him off.

 

Scene shifts to your end where the party is heading to the vantage point for the new year's sunrise. You comment on all the bulls around and how that feels like such a good omen that this year ought to be a good one. Gyumao laughs and asks you what's up, so you tell him you were thinking about how there's so many bulls around and started wondering if it was okay for you to be with them. He laughs some more asking if you were worried about that, then assures you that you have the talents of an ox. You ask in surprise what that even means or sigh and ask him to take this seriously.

 

Gyumao starts talking about how you can be here among them all and not give off the feeling like you're out of place with them, but Shennong cuts in partway through to say it's fine to talk, although he warns you guys to watch your steps. He talks about how you guys are taking this mountain path up to the vantage point, and while it is spacious enough it's not paved. Taurus Mask notes that it's a pretty rugged or steep path, though it does make for good leg training. Gyumao asks you all to get excited about the vantage point and says it's a special spot his company found. Tetsugyuu comments on how dark it is and remembers aloud how it's just like that one path he escaped to with his old boss. Ahab is taken aback at that topic and tells him to stop talking about it since it'll jinx you guys.

 

Camera shifts over to Toshigami, who comments on you guys showing up and resolves to scare you guys away this time. He decides to do this by tapping into the leylines and borrow some power to make himself bigger, which seems to go well at first until he sees some light that freaks him out, and he compares it to the light besides the true form of a buddha. A huge surge of energy flows into Toshigami's spiritual body, which narration compares to a rampaging dragon.

 

Back to the party, Ahab warns Gyumao to be careful because his scars are aching, which means a storm is coming. Gyumao is surprised and asks what he means by that, so Ahab says it's the instinct of a sailor. He's aware of how dumb that sounds while on land though. But he explains that it's a sign of something bad happening, something he shouldn't talk about. Before he says much more, he's surprised speechless when he sees Giant Toshigami. Nobody else has any words to say when they look at him either.

 

Ahab points to Toshigami, who at this point is even bigger than a mountain. Toshigami for his part loudly crying and asking why this is happening, and Wakan Tanka recognizes him as the ghost kid he saw flying around the inn. Tetsugyuu is also shocked at a little kid suddenly turning into a giant, though he stops for a second as he mentions feeling like he's seen him somewhere before. Shennong asks if that's Toshigami who Wakan saw earlier, and Wakan nods to him with a serious expression on his face. Toshigami cries and begs for someone to help him, so you tell everyone to get ready to go and help and that you want to talk to him.

 

Tetsugyuu playfully complains about there being too many fights at the beginning of the year, but he says that suits you. Asterios says he'll handle it and agrees that you shouldn't leave a kid who's crying alone. Taurus Mask agrees to help out, saying a hero who doesn't save kids is no hero at all. Marduk joins in for pretty much the same reasoning. Ahab points out that there's a difference between bravery and recklessness, then says his crew would have a plan for fighting against something stupidly huge. You say the plan is to get to the kid's location at which point you'll do something about things as you hold your sword out to everyone.

 

Ahab comments on you working out a plan and approves, calling this a rehearsal for a big hunt. Ahab then commands the rest of the party to pin down Toshigami's movements to cut a path forward for you, which they acknowledge. Gyumao slips further back into his old gangster mannerisms as he refers to the party as a group of hoodlums, asking if they're ready and offering to give New Year's money to anyone who does well. The pirate assistant is here too as he tells Gyumao he's backsliding, but then again he likes that side of him and proclaims his admiration of him. The episode battle then begins as Wakan Tanka activates his NP, asking for the buffalo to lead the way to the other side of the mountain.