Halloween Police Episode 2 Part 2

Scene tunes in over at Daikanyama Academy in Shibuya, going full swing ahead with its Halloween festivities. The school-organized customary festival has tons of visitors like usual, and as busy as it is it also has a calm, dignified mood to it as well. Hotei coos over how amazing it is here too with everyone smiling. Yoyogi had its energy, but Daikanyama is more relaxed. Hotei nods about how he likes both as smiles are everywhere.

Maria thanks Hotei, saying it's an honor that he's enjoying everything. She explains that the event is both for enjoying Halloween, but also themed after the original harvest festival and repose of souls the holiday had. The ideas are brought together with all the food and sweets being offered, and there's a play being put on by the students and volunteers. If there's anything you like, feel free to take it.

Elsewhere, Arslan is playing around as Frankenstein and asking for candy. Children are enjoying this and give him some, so Arslan approves, says he'll stop playing tricks, and suggests eating the candy together. The children agree to this, and Hotei notices that Touji isn't around and asks about him. You note that it's unusual for him to be late, decide to send a text, and/or shrug that he'll show up eventually.

Time passes as Maria leads you guys further inside to a break area for the event. Tables covered in orange tablecloths and antique benches have been set up for people. Maria invites you guys to sit down as she has some tea and snacks ready. You comment on how nice the atmosphere is there since everyone is having fun and tricks aren't a problem. Maria says it is for now, but it is a little worrying if you think about what happened yesterday at Yoyogi. Hotei agrees, saying what happened there was pretty much impossible to prevent. Maria says the school staff are keeping watch in Daikanyama too just in case, though she stops herself as she sets down some tea and snacks.

Azathoth warps in, laughing about seeing all the cookies and pies around. They're so standard, but he's starting to want some. He also asks if he can have a stamina drink instead of tea, then pouts when there isn't any. You react in shock to him suddenly appearing and complain about him not doing so unannounced, but Azathoth argues that he is haxx and the best at stealth games. Today he's playing solo though, and he stops for a second to say how good the cookies are. Hotei starts giving him more and asks for him to stop playing tricks now, but Azathoth jokes about being whimsical and might do so anyway even after accepting the sweets, which then causes Maria to react in dismay.

You ask Azathoth if he's not actually planning on playing tricks here, so Azathoth quickly tells you to relax and say it's all cool. He just wants to play around like a regular person, so Maria thanks him and offers to get him more cookies. She stands up and goes to collect said cookies from a nearby table, then quickly returns and passes them to Azathoth. They're Halloween seasonal items, and if Azathoth likes them then she'll be happy. Azathoth laughs about how good they are and is glad he came out for this event.

You think aloud about taking Azathoth at his word since he seems to be having fun. Hotei agrees, then prompts Azathoth to try some of the stuff Ebisu made. Azathoth is thrilled at that and says fat guys really are generous people. Hotei laughs and brags that his belly isn't just for show, though the subject reminds him that Ebisu has been doing something else since you guys got here and wonders what that is.

Ebisu returns in a mummy outfit, saying he dressed because it is Halloween and asking what you guys think of it. Hotei applauds Ebisu for getting into the spirit of things and says the mummy outfit looks good, though he does ask why he'd pick that. Ebisu brings up the food he made the day before, which he styled after mummies. He figured he might as well try dressing up the part himself to see what it'd be like. He's kind of embarrassed, but he figured he might as well go all the way because of the holiday. Hotei is surprised as he says Ebisu is the passive type, and Ebisu asks for your opinion and mentions he had someone else in a mummy costume help him dress up. You either say the bandages look good, cool and cute, or decide to start pulling on a bandage. In A, Ebisu asks if that's a compliment but is flattered anyway. In B, Ebisu is embarrassed since he's not used to being told either of those things. In C, Ebisu is shocked as he tells you to stop doing that in front of everyone.

Azathoth compliments Ebisu's outfit too, saying that accessory he's wearing is bringing his charm up a level. Ebisu asks if he's talking about the necklace he's wearing, but the topic makes him remember that he doesn't know where he got it from. Azathoth just laughs and claps as he looks at the dark shining necklace...

Some time later, Hotei comments that it's getting loud and realizes the noise is getting closer. Maria is on the phone thanking whoever is talking to her about the update, then informs you guys that Touji has finally made it to Daikanyama. He shows up with Alp, apologizing for being late and fumbling for the words to explain what's going on. Alp dejectedly apologizes after a beat.

You tell Touji that you guys have been waiting for him, happily note that Alp is in costume, or ask if something happened. Alp just barely responds audibly, and he is noticeably different from how excitable he usually is. Ebisu apprehensively asks if the ropes wrapped around Alp's wrists like makeshift handcuffs are part of his costume, but Alp denies it. Hotei freaks out about how heavy the mood is, and Maria attempts to ask Touji and Alp for an explanation for all of this. Touji admits he's not sure either since Alp has been like this the whole time, and Alp starts mumbling something as you point out.

Alp tells you guys he has a favor to ask, so Azathoth encourages him to speak up and get it all out there into the general chat with all caps or bold font or whatever to emphasize it. Alp then yells that he wants to be arrested, shocking everyone including Azathoth present. You either react in shock at the request, say everyone is starting to look over, or joke that you will arrest him. C gets an extra line from Hotei freaking out and saying everyone is looking over.

Alp talks about how his dance made a mess of things, then yells about how this is a police matter and the work of the devil. If it isn't put on that level, then it'd be an insult to everyone at his school. Azathoth asks if Alp is talking about him when he said devil, so you say no and bribe him with candy to sit back down. Azathoth cheers about the pumpkin sweets you give him, and Alp starts yelling again about wanting to be arrested, punished, and savaged body and soul. Touji attempts to shush him, but Alp's outburst is attracting a crowd to Ebisu's shock. Maria says you guys need to move away and leads you all to a staff area, so you pull Alp along and wonder what happened with him. He trails along, continuing to wail about wanting to be arrested and crying.

Time passes as the party heads into Daikanyama's campus and Zabaniya waves you guys over to him. Zabaniya calls to Maria to the chapel, and Maria thanks him before telling you guys to watch your step before going inside. Once the party is in, Zabaniya informs you guys that Arslan and Managarm are working to calm the disturbance at the event area. The commotion should pass soon enough, so he asks that you guys wait there for now. There's also going to be vendors and people involved with the play and parade they're doing here too, and he asks that you guys bear with that. You sigh in relief and thank Zabaniya, say you guys will be sitting there for now, or note that you see familiar faces are around.

Alice comments on how noisy things are to you as she calls you Assistant #2, and she asks if the Queen's soldiers chased you in here. Volos is also there as he notes that you guys seem tired and offers sweets made from his veggies somehow. Hotei thanks Hotei for the snacks and accepts them, then apologizes for any noise the party makes while they're resting. Alice however comments that Halloween is a time for everyone to be festive and see dreams. No one knows what will happen, and nothing is out of the realm of possibility, so she says things are fine since this is also Halloween.

Hotei says he doesn't understand, but he'll take Alice at her word and relax. Alice offers some wonderful pumpkin juice that Assistant #1 made. There's also pumpkin cookies, pumpkin cake, pumpkin chocolate, and pumpkin pudding too if you want any. Azathoth is baffled at all the pumpkin goodies, then says he's tired of them all. Alice is surprised by this, so Azathoth complains that pumpkins are everywhere. They're good, but the flavor profile being full on sweet is getting to him. He demands something new and threatens to play tricks if he doesn't get anything. You get alarmed at this, sigh that he's been munching on sweets nonstop, or ask in concern if there's anything else.

Alice acts mildly concerned and says that the only other thing available is bear meat as she looks to Assistant #1. Volos is put off and politely tries asking Alice to not say alarming things while looking at him. Hotei then asks Ebisu if he brought his test dish, which he only knows of as that wrapped up thingy. Ebisu quickly nods and asks Maria for a kitchen he can borrow, so Maria agrees and asks Zabaniya to show him the way. Zabaniya in turn agrees, saying it's a simplistic one if that's okay.

Time passes to the point where Ebisu comes back with his wrapped sausages, and Azathoth is pleased as he starts biting into them. Azathoth asks what the dish is called, then shrugs as he asks for more. Hotei cheers about Ebisu being successful, and Ebisu laughs in relief before asking everyone else to have a taste if they feel like it. He also encourages Alp to take one, and Alp agrees even while depressed.

Alice says she thought it was a regular old sausage wrap, but she can see it's beyond that now that she's had one as she compliments Ebisu for surprising her. Volos compliments how juicy and delicious it is, and Ebisu looks sad as he comments on how cooking is supposed to be like this. You comment that he's getting good reviews, notice that Ebisu doesn't look happy, then ask him about it.

Ebisu answers that he is happy, but he's also having a really hard time understanding something. He thought that having something salty would go over well since there's so many sweet things around, but so far children and randos aren't showing much interest. He wonders what he's missing with it. Zabaniya has one, saying it's delicious and observing that it's using mummies as a motif. Ebisu confirms that, but he repeats he feels he's still missing something like Halloween specific charm, so Zabaniya goes "I see."

Ebisu talks about being confident in the Ebisu-maki's taste, but it doesn't seem like it'll become a Halloween standard at this rate. He starts wondering aloud what the essence of a mummy is and what being Halloweeny really means. Alice takes an interest in the topic and offers to lend her wisdom as a Halloween detective, so you excitedly say you were waiting for this and plead for Alice's help.

Alice says she needs to back the conversation up a bit to talk about why people like the mummy costume motif for Halloween. She asks what you think, telling you that you can say anything no matter how foolish it may be. You either suggest it's because it's not everyday wear, that being unable to identify what something really is would be scary, or say that they're fascinating. C gets an extra line of Zabaniya thanking you shyly and asking if you were complimenting him.

Anyways Alice says that the mummy being unusual and scary over being unidentifiable are good answers, then gives you a backhanded compliment. She talks about how Halloween is a special festival where fearsome avatars of death come to the world of the living. And then there's the living who dress up like the dead with their hearts racing, hoping they won't get found out. The excitement of life and death brushing against each other with just a bandage to separate them attracts all~.

Ebisu thinks about this idea of excitement, and Alice talks more as she rhetorically asks which side someone dressed as a mummy belongs to. Wanting to see what they look like underneath the wrappings but being unable to just draws your attention in! And maybe some people will mistake that for love. That extreme sort of excitement is the charm of a mummy, and she asks if Ebisu understands anything now. She also adds that putting a dark vampire girl and a bright detective girl together makes both even more charming.

Ebisu seems doubtful but thanks Alice. Zabaniya talks about how people living now forget about death while going through their daily lives. But if they don't know about death, then they won't know the meaning of life either and the value of the lives within themselves. Ebisu starts getting the idea of wanting to see what's hidden from that, then looks at his wrapped sausages again. Ebisu then has something of an epiphany for what to do and tells you he can make it work now. He claps his hands together, and you get the feeling you saw the shadows of many hands behind his back. You then either happily note that Ebisu seems to have an idea now, or you freak out about seeing a lot of dark hands just now coming from his necklace before wondering if you imagined it. The latter has Ebisu asking in surprise what you're talking about before moving on. Anyways, Ebisu tells you he's thought of something and is going to try it out. He then turns to Volos to ask him a question. When Volos asks in some surprise what it is, Ebisu asks if he can prepare some ingredients for him as the episode part ends.

Halloween Police Episode 2 Part 1

We start off with Hotei sleeptalking and asking someone to not wake him up. He wakes up of course wondering where he is, noting that the place he's in is both familiar and not. He tries calling out to see if anyone is around, and when he hears a voice he decides to walk over towards it.

Hotei eventually wanders over to find a shadow bemoaning and muttering something to itself, calling itself a (Buddhist?) monk who's done something foolish and shameless. He doesn't remember how much charity he's received anymore, and he doesn't care anymore about how many favors he repaid with spite. He laments how big and heavy his bag has gotten.

Hotei doesn't seem to hear anything the shadow monk is talking about as he casually asks what it's doing there all alone. He offers to hear it out, but the monk ignores him as he says he just wanted to repay the favors done for him and return the kindness people have shown him. So many people have been good to him, even when they were poor and suffering themselves. Hotei nods about how nice it is for people to show you kindness, but the monk shadow continues on saying he wanted to save people no matter what, even if his body were to rot away. Hotei is a little put off by how the conversation isn't really a conversation, but he comments that they must have some sort of fate together to meet like this and asks for the monk's name. The monk talks about how people came to him seeking help, and everyone called him ___, the wanderer who holds mercy and gratitude in his bag.

Hotei wakes up for real this time, complaining loudly first about how he couldn't hear the part that was important, and then about how he was dreaming after all. He then decides to stop thinking about it for now and plops back down to sleep again. Ebisu runs into the room having heard the noise and asks in concern if Hotei was having a nightmare, but he comes in to find Hotei sleeptalking about someone being bad at being the straight man. Ebisu is relieved it’s nothing serious as he laughs and sighs about Hotei catching a cold if he leaves his stomach exposed.

Ebisu starts thinking back to his time on the Treasure Ship, where he, Benten, Bishamon, Hotei, and the other Lucky Gods toured around various worlds. They all originally came from different places and different faiths, but they just happened to get together to form a crew to go on a gig of sorts. So of course, there were times where they split off into smaller groups rather than go as a whole group of seven. For example, sometimes Fukurokuju and Juroujin would pair up as the South Pole☆Combination and Bishamon would work elsewhere as part of Team Four Heavenly Kings. The members are replaceable, so it can be similar to big name Japanese idol groups. The essence of that stays the same with Benten and her new improv band the Viral Dreamers.

Ebisu talks to himself about how he's paired off with Daikoku a lot, but he realizes while thinking on the subject that he can't remember why he paired with him. He gets the feeling that it has to do with some kind of fate, but when he tries to remember about things from that period of time, he has holes in his memories here and there. Ebisu just can't think of it, but he decides it must be because it was so long ago. He then remembers he was in the middle of thinking through his new dish when he came to investigate some noise, so he returns back to the kitchen.

Once in the kitchen area, Ebisu sits back down and thinks about what Durga had said to him before he left Yoyogi earlier. A flashback plays of Durga's comments, and after that's done Ebisu comments to himself that the presentation must be lacking. His regular work as a cook has already reminded him of it, but he's lacking in a lot of things. Plenty of people tell him his food tastes great, but it just seems to be missing something appearance-wise. Ebisu wonders what he can do about his shortcomings, and he takes a bite of his sausage wrap. It's a decent mix of sweet and salty that spreads across his tongue, a taste even he believes is good. Ebisu then wonders aloud what he's missing, thinking of taste, texture, scent, appearance, or simplicity among other things. He decides that just worrying about it won't get him anywhere, so he moves to make a few different patterns. Not long after he gets up though, he starts getting drowsy and falls asleep.

Ebisu then tunes into Azathoth's mental realm or whatever and freaks out, asking where he is since he was just in the kitchen. The place is described as filled with the scent of death, a lonely isolated place that could be described as the edge of the world. Ebisu then comments in surprise that the place seems familiar somehow, like there's a sort of loneliness to it he's felt something similar to.

Azathoth floats on over or whatever jokingly welcoming Ebisu to his dream. Ebisu is remarkably calm and casual as he greets Azathoth, telling him it's dangerous to be walking around outside so late. Azathoth chides him to act more surprised as he laughs, so Ebisu apologizes and asks him to go on. Azathoth comments on Ebisu being used to things and says he was going to make a dramatic show of things, but he decides to just dispense with it and say "I present this to thee."

Azathoth tosses over some warped polyhedral necklace at Ebisu. Upon closer inspection there looks to be some sort of dark hand inside it squirming and wriggling around like it's trying to invite someone in. The necklace feels like it's made of the darkness itself, like the opposite of the shining sky. Ebisu asks Azathoth about the necklace, saying it looks pretty but also ominous. Azathoth says he can't be bothered to play tutorial for him, but he does tell him to learn how to use items and equip the thing as he calls it rare, important, and something he can't throw away. He also decides to make a sound effect with his mouth since this is like one of those Dragon Quest cursed items you can't take off.

Ebisu freaks out and tries to ask Azathoth to let him back out of taking the thing, but Azathoth tries talking him into taking it since he thought he was familiar with the necklace. Ebisu tries to protest, but upon looking at the "hand" or whatever closely, he ends up speaking the words Ama no Sakate (Heavenly Reverse Clapping) without thinking about it, words he shouldn't have known. Azathoth cackles and says he knows nothing, then asks if that's what Ebisu internally calls the thing. Ebisu however doesn't seem to be aware of what he said and attempts to ask Azathoth for an explanation. Azathoth opts to peace out having said what he wanted to say, leaving Ebisu to wake up long enough to yell about it all being a dream before falling asleep once again.

Title card pops up, and this episode is called A Strong Enemy Appears! We are the Halloween Bad Brats Brigade!

It is now the day after the Halloween training meeting and we tune in to just before noon as we leave the school stuff to our classmates to go visit a certain little eatery. Specifically, the little restaurant Ebisu lives in and works at that has a decent base of regulars. You call out good morning, saying you came to pick Ebisu up and can smell food being heated up. Ebisu calls back to you from inside, asking you to wait as he comes out. Once he does get outside, Ebisu greets you good morning, though he wonders if he should be saying good afternoon given what time it is. He just got lunch done though, and he waves you in saying he made some for you too.

Once you enter the restaurant, Hotei is there in his vending machine getup speaking robo-speak at you about how food gives you energy and how you guys should do your best today too. He also robospeaks about how good miso soup is. You either express surprise at a vending machine drinking miso soup, or you casually greet Hotei. In the former (AB), Hotei keeps the robo-speak up as he laughs about you being surprised and says drinking soup like that is hard, man. In the latter (C), Hotei complains about you ignoring all the work he put into this to get a reaction. Either way, Hotei takes off the disguise and actually greets you before saying he'll go ahead and eat. Ebisu sighs about how Hotei finally took his getup off, saying he was waiting all day for a reaction before he'd take it off. But never mind that, it's time for Ebisu's limited time daily special!

Time skips to after the meal where Hotei thanks Ebisu for the food and says it's been a while since he had such a luxurious meal. He then starts bugging Ebisu for tea, who gets reminded of something first but passes the tea over warning him it's hot. You ask Hotei why he chooses to dress up as a vending machine, so Hotei starts ranting about how vending machines are things he's never seen before that can do anything. Pick whatever you like and it'll give it to you, and that makes it a present day grab bag that suits him perfectly! Okay so you do need money for it to work since nothing is free in life, but whatever. Hotei then gets to his tea and promptly burns himself.

You say you sort do and don't get what he's getting at, but you do see how into it he is. Hotei says it's more of an inspiration, which is good enough for an explanation. He then changes the subject to ask Ebisu for some dessert. Ebisu says giving blessings is something that fits Hotei, then asks if matcha tea ice cream is okay. Hotei thanks him and takes it, then asks Ebisu if he finished the thing he asked him for before they leave. Ebisu confirms, noting he's talking about the Halloween sweets he managed to finish in time. He does give a little awkward laugh as he wonders if you guys can carry it out though.

Ebisu takes a moment to bring out a carryout box filled with his handmade sweets meant to stop children from playing tricks. Hotei is shocked at how big the box is, saying the thing practically reaches the ceiling as he rubs Ebisu's stomach. Ebisu is embarrassed about making too many since he got into things making Western sweets after so long, then finally processes the stomach rubbing and gets mad about it. It's him that did all that work, not his stomach, thank you.

You wonder aloud how you'll take the box along, say this is about as much as a wholesaler's, or suggest not taking everything with you. Ebisu says he did his best to make it all stuff that can last for some time, so he starts suggesting just carrying out what you guys can actually carry. Hotei however steps up to say it's time for his bag to be put to use, surprising Ebisu. Hotei says he'll put all the sweets into his bag, and you are surprised as he proceeds to do just that.

Hotei gets smug as he fishes for compliments and shows off his bag, and Ebisu is taken aback at how forceful he is. Hotei explains his bag has the ability to store anything regardless of its size and weight. You are either impressed, surprised as you ask if that's actually a thing, or shocked as you ask if it's like a certain someone ignoring physics the same way. Hotei goes on to say that things stay the same freshness they went in with, but the bag itself is still as soft and springy as it looks. It's also comfy to sleep on no matter where you are, and every household should have one. Prices to come after the commercial! You either note that Hotei pulled out police uniforms out of the bag or point out that the bag must be expensive. If you go with the latter, Hotei starts saying you can get a good deal if you act now before he stops himself from getting swept up into things, saying it's not actually for sale.

Anyways, Hotei shrugs as he says he doesn't really know how his artifact works, but it's the only one he has. Ebisu is surprised at this comment, but Hotei prompts you guys that it's time to go before you're all late. You get a message from Touji at this point which you are curious about, and Hotei starts calling him a stuffy frowny police dude. He's so conscientious to contact you guys even though you'll be meeting soon, Hotei laughs. The episode part then ends as Ebisu talks to himself how odd it is for Hotei to say he only has his bag artifact since he had more when they were on the treasure ship.

Live A Hero Chapter 4 Episode 10: Invisible Arm

A government official is on air talking about how the whole city is under attack by Monsters and there is an emergency evacuation order being put out. All citizens are asked to please head to their nearest shelter to bunker down in. Out in the streets, the Monsters are screeching and approaching, and some mafia dudes are screaming in terror as they try to escape. They feel that they have no chance against them, so they're abandoning the fight to prioritize their own lives. Mafia Yellow attempts to reprimand them into staying, but he freaks out at the monsters approaching too. A random citizen tells him (or somebody else) to stop standing there until they too freak out about monsters being too close. A child cries, and a lady demands to know why the train station is closed up as she bangs on the door. The people are running scared, as are the heroes with no faith in their abilities. Sirens ring endlessly over the sounds of screams and destruction, and the city is a portrait of hell itself.

The party enters the city around this point, and Ryekie comments on how terrible it is, though he saw it coming. He's aghast that there are heroes running from the battle, but Mokdai sympathizes saying he'd have run too if he wasn't determined to fight. Sui points out that driving is supposed to be prohibited during evacuations, so she asks why people still tried to do so. Akashi points out that they're desperate and panicking, so they're in no shape to keep that in mind. Huckle says it's times like these that people want to pack their things into their car and get as close as they can to where they're going, but there's nothing to be done about that. Crowne still has some parts on her, but she warns the party that she won't be able to do much in repairs so everyone should be careful while battling.

The party pushes forward and through the crowds of panicking people towards the battle zones, and you start seeing the Monster's tentacle crushing buildings left and right and destroying a view you've come to familiarize yourself with. You express your sadness and horror at this, so Monomasa advises you to not look too much at at. He's heard that an Observer's abilities are highly dependent on their mental state, so stressing yourself like this too much will also affect the people going out to fight as well as yourself.

Melide gives a cry as she gets jostled by some random citizen, so Yoshiori catches her, asks if she's okay, and comments on the people losing sight of things around then at this point. He tells her to hang tight onto him since normal people will walk right through him. Melide does so, thanking Yoshiori. Yoshiori then asks if she can sense Exio around, but Melide says she doesn't. She only feels the three Observers present between you all, though an Observer on Exio's level would be something she could sense from some distance away. Yoshiori is disappointed and notes they'll just have to be patient and search around for him. He swears to find Exio before Crowne Alter does since his life is on the line, and Melide agrees.

Eventually the party reaches one of the front lines against the Monster swarms in the city, and there you find Barrel getting slammed by the giant Monster's tentacle and coughing from the impact. Gammei calls out to Barrel in concern, and Victom says they can't see where the attacks are coming so they can't avoid it. Furlong calls out to Victom that one of the buildings behind and to the left of them is coming down, and Victom is taken aback as he says he'll never be able to throw a defense up in time. Maculata says she'll take care of it, but the tentacle ends up knocking her aside before she can do so. Barrel calls out to her and is frustrated he's unable to hold his guns right, but Furlong tells him to not push himself because he's been damaged to the point he can barely see anything. You call out to Barrel, Maculata, or the group in general. A gets an extra bit of Barrel recognizing you by your voice and asking if you're there, apologizing because he can't see well. B instead has Maculata noting you guys came to help, and she thanks you before coughing a few times.

Anyways, Akashi is shocked speechless at how the group is. Gammei is relieved you guys showed up but trails off, so Huckle says they can tell how awful it is and how they seem to be at their limits. Furlong apologizes, saying they hung in there for an hour but things never really turned around. Victom says they can't land any attacks on the main body and can't tell where it's coming from. The smaller Monsters spawn in while that's been happening, so they go and destroy those, but it just loops back to where they started. Maculata says they're exhausted, and she notes if they keep going someone's going to die eventually as she looks towards Barrel.

Ryekie quietly assures them that you guys can handle this, then asks them to go get themselves some medical attention. Sui tries to talk to Maculata but can't come up with anything. Maculata apologizes to her, saying she didn't want to let her see how badly off she is. Sui however says it's fine, promising to fill in for her and asking her to rest. Maculata gives a little laugh about how reliable Sui's gotten and thanks her. Gammei apologizes about not being any condition to fight himself now that Barrel is doing badly, but that said he's barely standing himself. Barrel starts crying in frustration over how the fight went, but Gammei tells him to stop since he did plenty. He then lends his shoulder to Barrel, so Barrel thanks him as he accepts the help, bleeding from the head and unsteady on his feet.

Mokdai expresses concern for Barrel, and Furlong apologizes as he says they'll be leaving since UEHA's main office has put out an order to withdraw for now. Maculata says she'll take you guys up on your suggestions and bow out too, though she's reluctant to do so. Ryekie says they'll pick things up for them, assuring the group that you guys have six heroes still ready to go. Monomasa stays silent at that.

Gammei asks Huckle who the villain gang is, noting he feels like he's seen some of them before. As it is though, he can't think of anything. Huckle fumbles around for an answer to give him, so Monomasa speaks up and says they can't reveal their affiliation but assures Gammei they're allies. Yoshiori also adds that they won't stab them in the back, so Gammei decides to leave it at that and entrust them with things before he passes out. Furlong calls out to him in concern, and Victom tells him to carry Gammei while he'll take Barrel. Barrel is ashamed at his condition. Crowne tries to talk to Maculata but can't come up with anything, and Maculata asks Crowne to make sure Sui doesn't push herself too far before stumbling off with the UEHA heroes. Crowne worries about how badly Maculata was beaten since she's never seen her so damaged before. Akashi says the same thing about Barrel, and Mokdai says that those are signs of how crazy strong the Monster you guys are up against is.

Melide is alarmed as she senses something and warns the party an attack is coming. You are taken by surprise as a building behind you is destroyed by the giant Monster's tentacle. It slowly rises, then shrinks. Akashi calls out to you asking if you're okay and talking about how the building collapsed without anything touching it. Mokdai then notes that you and Melide are the only ones who can see the thing. He asks you guys what the Monster looks like and why it suddenly attacked.

You answer that the giant Monster is extending a tentacle out and flailing around with it. Crowne has to ask for clarification if you mean like an octopus tentacle, but Melide compares it to a jellyfish's instead. Huckle reasons that means an attack can come from any direction then, and Ryekie says that means you two operating for the party is that much more important.

You say you'll do your best and/or comment on the pressure you're feeling, and Melide says she'll do the best she can too, swearing not to let all the burden fall upon you. Monomasa looks proud of Melide stepping forward, but Yoshiori reminds you guys that things are happening as he points ahead. There are a ton of the larger type Monsters there which Sui notes, and these are ones spawned off from the giant one's tentacles too. 

You tell the party about the Monsters essentially dividing off the big one's tentacles and/or ask what's going on and call it creepy. Melide compares them to the giant Monster's cells that it releases into the city to get food for it. Akashi gets outraged at the idea that the monsters only see you all as food, and Mokdai worries if you guys can beat them all. Monomasa reminds Mokdai that they have to do this, and the monsters start roaring. Ryekie calls out to you that they're attacking, so it's time to start the battle. Yoshiori says he can't go down before you guys find Exio, so everyone needs to get to crushing the things. You call back that you understand as you roll out the transformations and start the episode battle, and more happens after that.

After the battle, things tune in at the end of it with the last of the monsters destroyed. Akashi pants and asks if you guys are done with them, so Mokdai says that seems to be the case. Yoshiori adds that this is only for where you guys are since they're still popping up elsewhere. They'd have to be to explain how the UEHA heroes got so beat up. Sui reluctantly agrees, saying they don't have time to feel tired.

Ryekie apologizes to Akashi, Mokdai, and Sui, saying he'd have preferred not to put them through such a harsh situation while they were still newbies if he could help it. Akashi however tells him he doesn't need to apologize and that more importantly, they need to get ready for the next skirmish. Ryekie sadly agrees, and you note in concern that he's unusually quiet.

Seeing how sad Ryekie looks, Huckle quietly tells Ryekie he should forget about that time for now, saying there was nothing he could have done about it. Ryekie gets upset at that, looking grimmer than he has ever expressed in front of you. He's about to say something, but he immediately gives up on doing so. Huckle tells him he understands how he feels since what's happening now is way too similar to what happened back then. Ryekie then apologizes for causing Huckle to worry about him.

You try to ask Huckle and Ryekie about what they're talking about, and Mokdai asks if this is the same thing Exio brought up to them before. Ryekie's eyes open in shock as he gets evasive on the subject, and just when it seems like he's readying himself to talk more on it the giant Monster's tentacle crashes into him and slams him into a wall behind him. The wall cracks up as it stops him, then crumbles to pieces.

Huckle yells out to Ryekie, then asks if Ryekie was hit directly by the tentacle. Ryekie says he thinks so, then asks you where the thing is. You look around for it to see it converging back together and go back to the main body. Your eyes follow along, leading you to make eye contact with the giant Monster. You see that it is clearly looking towards you, and you yell to the party that it's aiming for you guys.

Monomasa is shocked at that as he thinks through what that means, and Melide calls out to him to be careful from behind to the right. He barely manages to dodge in time, but now an attack is going towards Mokdai. You call out to Mokdai that it's coming from behind, and he is surprised as he tries to get away. The thing barely manages to graze him, which is still enough to send him tumbling on the ground.

Akashi calls out to Mokdai, but you call out to Akashi to crouch down since an attack is coming from the right. Akashi needs a second to process this and barely manages to scrape by the attack as the tentacle slides atop his head. Yoshiori clicks his tongue about how you guys are pinned down in this situation. Monomasa says you guys have your hands full just avoiding damage, but you'll never get anywhere if you stay on the defensive either. Sui points out that the party has six heroes fighting reliant on two people's directions and how there's not enough time to react, but you have to cut her off since an attack is coming from the right and below towards her.

Sui gets mad as she jumps away, using her threads to Spiderman her way over to a nearby building, easily clearing five stories in height while the tentacle grabs at where she was earlier. Sui sighs in relief, but Melide calls out to her that her strings are getting cut. Sui is unable to react in time, causing her to fall into the air. Akashi runs to save her, and he does manage to do so, though the impact causes him to slam to the ground himself. Sui apologizes as she gets up and asks if he's okay. He says he's fine, then asks if she's okay herself, so Sui says she's okay. You're relieved Sui's okay as she climbs down from Akashi's arms. Sui's attention is caught by something when she looks up, which is her strings brushing up against something transparent. This gives her an idea, and from the shadows there is someone watching the battle play out as the episode ends.

Halloween Police Episode 1 Part 2

Over in a part of Yoyogi there's a good-enough event area built up where Ashigara, Wakan Tanka, and Daisuke are lined up. Next to them is a line of random visitors carrying candy and queueing up for something. You express surprise at how quickly the event room was set up, take notice of Ashigara and the others, then ask what kind of event is going on. Rather than actually answering, Durga prompts you to join in and gives you some candy in lieu of a participation ticket. Yasuyori prompts you to follow him when you're ready and asks you who'd you'd like to pick. You then either pick Ashigara, Wakan Tanka, or Daisuke.

In A, Ashigara is happy you picked him and says you've got guts for doing that. Since you're involved he figures it's okay to not hold back as much, and he tells you to get ready to do some ukemi. He then charges at you yelling Trick or Treat, eyes flashing like a fighter running at his target. Ashigara proceeds to use his big strong hands to lift you up, and his hair stands on end as he starts to turn your body around. Or shake you I think? Anyways Ashigara then stops as he compliments you for bearing through that and takes your candy from you. He waves to you saying he'll see you later, and you leave the event zone to go back to the party.

In B, Wakan Tanka happily greets you with a smile, saying he saw you a little while ago and is happy you chose him. He says his heart is flying at the opportunity to show you the hot American football soul, and he proceeds to charge at you eyes glinting like a warrior seizing victory. Wakan then hits you with his tackle, a serious expression on his face as he glistens with sweat and holds you close. He carries you in his thick as log arms, dashing across the field... When he's done, Wakan sighs and asks you how it was. He then takes the candy Durga gave you, saying it was short but fun as he says he'll see you later, waving to you as you head back to the party.

In C, Daisuke is so surprised to see you that he slips up and calls you Brother, then backtracks and asks you to pretend he didn't say that. Nerves start getting to him, and he tries to psyche himself up about not needing to hold back before he asks if that's okay. If it hurts he asks that you let him know, and he charges yelling Trick or Treat. His eyes glint as he grabs you around the waist with a cobra twist in an instant, displaying his powerfully trained technique of a full body bind that doesn't hurt yet won't let you go. When Daisuke lets go he asks in concern if you're alright and apologizes. He then takes the candy you got because that's how this event they're doing works. He thanks you for coming, then asks that you not hate high school wrestling as he sees you off, looking half-worried and half-glad.

Anyways, you walk back to Li Chou, Ebisu, and Hotei all shocked silent at whatever just happened. Durga just laughs but says it's not a surprise they'd react like that as she says this is her school's special centerpiece for Halloween. Yasuyori explains that every sports team is having its students show off their moves under the pretense of it being a trick, which leads to Maria understanding why everyone lined up for it has candy with them. Yasuyori then says that giving the candy will end the trick, so that's how they're doing the trick or treat thing, though it's more a trick and treat after he gives it more thought.

Durga says that while it may look dangerous, they're very particular of keeping things safe. The senpais are doing their best to not hurt anyone, and Durga notes that it's been pretty popular, comparing it to being able to see famous athletes up close. Alp gasps at this and agrees they're giving off popularity vibes that he can try to study. Touji has his misgivings but can deal with it if he thinks of it as a master showing the basics to a newbie. Arc says only someone who went through it can understand it, so they ask what you thought of it. You say it was amazing, overwhelming, or awe-inspiring.

Back to the lines, a boy walks up to Ashigara. Ashigara asks him if it's his turn and jokes about playing tricks. The boy asks about this, so Wakan Tanka asks if he can take everything he can throw at him. The boy however questions the whole thing saying it's supposed to be kids playing tricks. Daisuke shrugs and says the kid has a point, then asks if he's going to do something. The boy decides he should do so since Halloween is the day children can play tricks, and Azathoth pops out laughing about how he looks enough like a kid.

Randos start yelling about how children are pranking the jocks with all the gravitas of someone saying there's a knife murderer on the loose, and this alarms the party. You yell about it finally happening, say it's time for the Halloween Police to roll out, and/or ask what kind of kids are acting up. Azathoth cackles before yelling Trick or Treat, demanding that people let him play tricks on them since he doesn't want candy.

Hotei is taken aback and tries prodding people into action instead of just standing there. You however have a bad feeling about trying to stop Azathoth as you call him the Greatest and Worst Prankster Ever and say the game is unwinnable. Azathoth thinks aloud about what sort of trick he should play, then decides it should be something everyone can laugh about. Arc is shocked at Azathoth being around since he usually only cares about his games. Arc also notes that Azathoth is wearing that costume Harlot secretly got for him, then starts commenting Harlot would be crying and yelling happily if she were here. You either remind Arc that the important point lies elsewhere or suggest sending a picture of this to Harlot. In the former (AB), Arc gets embarrassed and apologizes for getting caught up in things. In the latter (C), Arc does so. Harlot immediately sends back an emoji text full of hearts and tears.

Anyways, Azathoth has finally decided on what he's going to do, so he calls to the jocks and says them not being in costume must mean they're open to being pranked. His big idea is to teleport them into the sky, and he proceeds to make them float midair like rag dolls. Daisuke and Ashigara freak out about this, but Wakan Tanka laughs about how they're all up in the sky like eagles.

Back on the ground, Azathoth brags and asks if they're having fun as he cheers about Halloween and tricks. Random kids think the jocks flying in the air is cool, and you are confused at this being less intense than you thought it'd be or be amazed. Arc however says it's actually dangerous, so Maria asks if she's concerned. Arc explains that the jocks aren't actually flying, Azathoth is more playing them like yoyos. The biggest problem would be Azathoth getting bored of this, and Hotei figures that means Azathoth will dump everyone to the ground when he's tired of that.

The random children present laugh about how tricks are great and call Azathoth scary-cool. Since no one is actually stopping him or getting mad they think the rumor must be true and consider doing something themselves. Li Chou alerts you guys about how the costumed kids are starting to act strangely, and he asks if they're being influenced to play tricks. Ebisu asks if someone starting something causes the pranks to explode from there, and Durga is alarmed at things getting serious if you guys don't stop Azathoth. Maria asks how you guys can do that as she asks if Azathoth is the type to listen to others. Azathoth for his part laughs and considers aloud whether to send the jocks into space.

You note that Azathoth seems pretty excited and have your doubts that he'll listen to you guys. Touji tries to think of something and suggests physically forcing Azathoth to obey, but you point out that would be counterproductive with children and that you don't think it would be enough to begin with. Touji agrees after a bit more thought, but he has trouble coming up with anything else. Touji then tries thinking about what Hougen would do here, so the game plays a quick flashback to Hougen telling him that maybe people will find something while playing at being police because they weren't part of the force to begin with.

Touji has a eureka moment and tells you that the party should pretend to be like the Halloween children. You either ask Touji to explain or say you get what he means, and Ebisu asks anyway if you didn't. Touji points out that Azathoth said himself that he wouldn't be playing tricks on the kids dressed up in costumes, meaning he's dividing people between those in costumes playing tricks and those who get tricked. So, if you guys dress up you can pretend you aren't against him. Then you guys can use the Halloween tradition of giving candy to make him stop.

Arc expresses doubt about Touji's plan working since Azathoth plays by his own social rules and will happily ignore conventions. Touji clarifies that his intention is for the other children to pick up on what you guys are doing, surprising Arc. Touji explains that the party will show the children a different way of doing Halloween than Azathoth is doing, as it should be enough to prevent them from joining in on playing tricks. If they calm down then Azathoth may decide to stop himself, which Hotei compares to a comedian failing to get a reaction from their routine and stopping it. The idea of that happening makes Hotei shiver out of nerves.

Touji says that with the plan made, the problem is what you guys will dress up as. You think aloud that it has to be eye-catching and cool, and Ebisu agrees that if you guys had something as loud as Azathoth's you guys could gather attention. Li Chou adds that sometimes something terrifying like Sanat Kumara may be necessary at times. Durga starts thinking of something that would fit those criteria, and the party starts looking at Touji.

Hotei cheers about how the police outfit is the only option since children definitely have some fear towards them. Touji protests that it's a bit much for him to go it alone, but Hotei says he'll take care of it and tells everyone to keep up with him. You call out to Hotei and say you'll go together as you two run off, leaving Ebisu to call to you guys to slow down. Durga says she'll help too since her senpais are in trouble, and Alp volunteers to come along since he needs to stand out more than Azathoth.

Arc asks Maria to help them by combining their artifacts to make a net to catch the jocks just in case, figuring that would at least keep them from dying. Maria readily agrees, and Li Chou says he understands what's going on now. Touji says he'll abide by Hougen's teachings and prompts you to come along. Yasuyori on the other hand has no idea what's going on and tries to ask for an explanation.

A bit of time later, Azathoth is laughing and asks if his trick is thrilling. Hotei calls out to him to stop, causing Azathoth to complain about him ruining the mood as he talks about Halloween being the day it's okay for kids to play pranks. He points to the other children enjoying things, and rando kids are laughing about the bear and bull flying around. Daisuke tries politely asking to be let down since he's getting tired of it, though it is somewhat fun. Ashigara says it's nice that the children are laughing, but he's not thrilled that they're pointing at them while doing so. Wakan Tanka obliviously says he's happy that everyone is laughing while looking at them, prompting Ashigara to yell that making people laugh and being laughed at are different and say he really doesn't like him.

Hotei concedes that the children are laughing, but he insists that it's all wrong even if he can't articulate why. Azathoth says there's no answer anywhere, but he laughs about how he kinda likes that. He then asks if you guys really are gonna battle him as he calls himself Last Boss Tier. You play along and say you guys can't win if you go head to head with him, and Hotei laughs about it being time for the others to come into play. He calls Halloween a day where anyone can be anything, then prompts everyone to raise their police badge. You are either taken aback at this or do as he says. Ebisu, Durga, and Alp look surprised as you yell out Halloween Police Badge, and a bright light shines. What looks like a lead up to a transformation sequence instead seems to be Hotei quick-changing everyone himself.

You express amazement, say everyone looks cool, and/or think to yourself that changing clothes in a hurry is tiring. Ebisu is baffled as he asks if Hotei made the outfits, saying he still hasn't caught up to what's happening. Durga says it's kind of embarrassing, but she still resolves to become top cop. Alp simply thinks it's cool. Azathoth meanwhile laughs and enjoys this development. He says he can't hold back against you guys and considers that fair warning if his best tricks make you guys cry. Hotei leads everyone on as he says you guys are the protectors of Halloween's peace, tacking on his sunglasses as he leads things up to the title card and the episode battle. The episode title is Special Vigil! Halloween Police, and more happens after this.

Things tune back in with Azathoth cackling and seeing how things are going Like That, then laughs as he looks at one person in particular among your party. He talks about how he has to Act That Way if that's the game being played, and he hammily falls over about losing the battle, still throwing in a laugh while down. You are surprised at how easily Azathoth gave in and say he did so deliberately. Arc is also surprised and is about to ask Azathoth about it when Li Chou snaps at you guys to declare yourselves the winners already. Also you guys need to be loud enough for all the children to hear, so you turn to Hotei and ask him to do it.

Hotei starts grandstanding about how the Halloween Police have protected the peace and how they'll never stand for any pranks that make people sad. He thanks everyone for what they did and loudly hopes they'll keep doing it. Hotei then adds in a PSA about how kids should stop playing tricks if they're given candy, asking them to promise that to them. The kids start yelling about how cool the Halloween Police are and talk amongst themselves about how they really do want candy so they'll stop with the pranks. Meanwhile Arc and Maria have caught the jocks falling out of the sky and asks how they are. Daisuke, Ashigara, and Wakan Tanka are okay-ish aside from the fact that they did fall into a web of thorny vines and chains on fire.

Some time later, Hotei declares the current mess at Yoyogi to be over and cheers about the Halloween Police thing being a success. He figures if you guys keep it up the pranks will stop, and he says it's worth trying out. Yasuyori compliments you guys for doing well and says Li Chou did great handling the command of the battle and the catching of the jocks. Li brags that he has past experience he learned from and has a firm grip on safety, and this comment reminds Maria that Umamichi does hero shows.

Alp is thrilled about what went down and says next time he wants to be in the spotlight and praised again. Touji says he was worried about how things would go for a second, but for now it looks like you guys have a plan of counterattack. Maria says she has something else she has to get to and excuses herself, inviting you guys to see Daikanyama if you have time. Li Chou says Umamichi is doing stuff there too and insists that you guys take a look sometime. Alp says they're starting their stuff at Ueno too, and he asks everyone to see their festival for sure.

While all this is going on, Durga runs after Ebisu and is glad she caught him before he left. Ebisu thanks her for her efforts and asks if she needs him for something, so Durga says she wanted to say something to him. She brings up the stuff he brought to the party for lunch, so Ebisu says he's confident in it as a trial product and asks what she thought. Durga says they were great and is sure they'll take first place. She brings up that they do have the feel of "I want everyone to try this because I'm confident it tastes good," but she also says she got the feeling it also says "I'm not confident in anything else" and that the presentation is preemptively apologizing for it.

Ebisu is surprised at that comment, and Durga struggles to word her thoughts. She starts talking about how she likes running no matter what form it takes and how it fulfills her. She likes being first in a lot of things, so she likes being the winner. Durga tells Ebisu he doesn't need to put her thoughts together, but she does feel like it's a shame he doesn't have more confidence. Thinking you'll lose before you even begin just seems sad, especially with how good it is. That's the sort of thing she's getting at, and she encourages Ebisu to have more confidence. Durga also decides to suggest that Ebisu call his new dish the Ebisu-maki, then says bye to him as she's finished telling him what she wanted to say. Ebisu stands there silently, lost for words.

Arc starts talking to Azathoth saying they want to ask him something. Azathoth prompts her to go on, so Arc asks Why Azathoth pretended to lose. If he felt like it, it should be impossible for him to lose to you. So what is it he's thinking? Azathoth is quiet for a moment before calling Arc sharp, then answers that "the other game was more interesting." Arc is surprised by this, so Azathoth talks about how games always have rules. The game here is to pretend to be something else, which is both scary and fun, he laughs.

Azathoth looks over at Something (Hotei in his vending machine guise) and starts laughing like that's the only thing he can do. Arc says they still don't get what Azathoth is getting at, but they're glad he's having fun. Azathoth says that's why he likes them (I think), then suggests going home now. Touji apologizes and says he needs to go back now too since he has reports to fill out and junk. He does say dressing up the same as you and making some noise together again isn't as bad as he thought it'd be.

Hotei runs up to the two of you, glad to have found you guys as he asks you guys what you think. Touji has to ask him to clarify, so Hotei says he's talking about continuing on with the Halloween Police thing. He then asks that you guys come meet him again tomorrow morning before running off to Touji's surprise. You either protest and ask if you guys are doing this tomorrow too, or you excitedly agree. Solomon then pops up to comment he thought things would go this way and says it feels pretty messy. Still, he thinks you looked cool in your police outfit, and he says you guys will just have to protect Halloween at this rate as he wonders how it'll go. The party then leaves Yoyogi, but this wild tale has only begun as chaos crawls impatiently for Halloween in the darkness of night. End of episode.

Halloween Police Episode 1 Part 1

Someone once said that Halloween is a festival for those who are already dead. On this day, the, the spirits and monsters who have already me their bad ending are brought back from the dead for this period of time to march upon the land once more. The dead who return this way are believed to commit various kinds of tricks upon the world. And so people came to fear them, thinking they might drag them and their children back to the land of the dead with them.

For that reason, people began to dress themselves up like the returning dead out of the hope that they would not be attacked. They might pretend to be a vampire, a mummy, or perhaps Frankenstein. They would walk with the dead and act like them, playing tricks on others. So Halloween is about the living acting like the dead while hoping to not actually become one of the dead. At least, for the living. But what would Halloween mean for the dead? What significance would it hold for someone whose game is already over?

We then tune back the Kioh Police Academy, which is right by Kabukicho's shopping district in Shinjuku City. You have gathered along with students from other schools for a Halloween Training meeting. Ideas bandied about include checking the visitors, reviewing your equipment, and keeping preventative measures in mind. There's also discussions about how to curtail excessive tricks and how any of this would be announced to visitors. Sometimes Hotei adds in his two man comedy routine, and things go on in a calm manner. Eventually the discussions end, and everyone present starts chatting amongst themselves.

Arc comments that they never knew that the schools of Tokyo would put out a notice about cancelling their Halloween events. It's understandable given the situation, and yet here you are trying to put a stop to that. Arc approves of you refusing to roll over and let the cancellation happen. You tell Arc they're right, say you want to reopen the Halloween festivities somehow, or declare you won't stand for it to hit a bad end like this. C gets an extra bit of Arc being surprised at your phrasing and commenting you're saying something Azathoth would say.

Ebisu mentions that the schools are staggering their Halloween event schedules, and he worries how Shinjuku and Toyosu will handle things. He does agree with you about trying to keep them open though since he already put in the work to get ready for it. Durga says Yoyogi has already started their Halloween activities, so it'd be a pain to have to stop in the middle of things. Maria then notices upon checking the schedule that Shinjuku would be the last school to end their Halloween festival, which you confirm by saying you guys are charged with being the last performers of the day.

Alp yells as he remembers that Shinjuku is going to be the grand finale for the Halloween festivities, and Durga is dismayed since she was thinking of crashing the place with everyone at her school later. Li Chou says that when every school is opening their events in succession, the one going last would be the star attraction, and he calls this a situation of inescapable trouble.

Arc comments on it being tough since you guys haven't actually come up with a concrete plan yet, so you guys should first get a grasp on what could really happen. Li Chou puffs up as he suggests having everyone visit Umamichi's festival where you guys can see the skills of a bunch of hotheads. Alp brags that Ueno's festival is great too, and he asks that everyone be sure to come see since everyone there worked so hard for it. Maria agrees that visiting the areas would be important, saying it might give you guys a clue. You thank everyone, declare the cancellation isn't a sure thing yet, and say you guys need to think of something.

Arc comments on everyone there being optimistic, so they resolve themselves to help out too. There's not much time to get to it, but they suggest getting struggling together to find the answer. No one's going to get anywhere just waiting for a sentence to be handed down after all. Everyone looks encouraged, and Hotei has gotten back into his vending machine disguise as he wistfully sighs about how nice it is to be young and wanting to be included as he refers to himself as a vending machine. You either react in shock at the vending machine thing or ask Hotei if he does this all the time. B gets an extra bit of Hotei declaring the vending machine thing is HIS gag!

Anyways, Hotei pops out of the vending machine to thank everyone for all they've done in the meeting and says they've done well. Magami barks as he says he has sweets for everyone as a thank you participation gift. Tajikarao also says they have another special gift for everyone too, and Hotei prompts everyone to feast their eyes as he holds out a badge. You either are curious or think it's cool.

Magami excitedly asks what people think of this shiny new evil-correcting badge that he calls a treasure. Tajikarao says it has the Kioh Academy teachers' seal of approval, and with it you guys are going to be special police officers protecting Halloween. Hotei and the two of them are all stoked to inform you guys the thing is called the Halloween Police Badge, though Touji protests right after to say he hadn't heard a thing about this. Tajikarao says of course he wouldn't since the badges are a handmade rush job made the night before, and this fact further shocks Touji. Tajikarao assures Touji that Hougen has signed off on this, has actually pushed for it, and given some instructions.

Magami prompts everyone to line up so that they can get the badge and candy together. Touji starts having a conniption about how Improper™ for civilians to be holding something with Police in the name, but Hougen pops up out of nowhere to tell him to calm down. He's in front of civilians here, he shouldn't be yelling like that. Touji is surprised but still attempts to argue that there should be strict regulations on who gets to act like a public servant. Hougen prompts Touji to define what he means by "public servant," which throws him off, but Touji still says he thinks of it as someone who impartially upholds order and protects the peace. Hougen nods and says he's not wrong...IF said person can always act coexistently.

Touji is confused at Hougen's statement, so Hougen talks about how the police have become the bad guys for being the ones to put Halloween on hold right now. While this is meant to protect the public order, letting things stand as is will cause mistrust from the public and may lead to chaos later. Hougen says he wants everyone here to Act Like Police and learn things from acting in that position but not actually be a part of them. Touji's mind is blown away at this and says he's realized how inexperienced again. But off to the side, Magami asks Tajikarao why Hougen spent the night before during badge making yelling about how young people in tight police uniforms is the greatest thing ever. Tajikarao hushes him, mildly freaked out since Hougen is looking at them and concerned at how easily trolled Touji is. He's totally sure Touji is the type to get swindled out of everything, so he says he needs to work harder himself as his senpai.

Hougen clears his throat to move the conversation along, saying there are things that start with appearances and behavior. Maybe everyone else might notice something the police officers didn't precisely because they aren't police, and Hougen says Touji should know that better than anyone.  He knows how Touji spends his time acting human while living his best as an oni.

Touji nods after a moment at Hougen's speech, but when he turns around to look at everyone else, he sees Alp geeking out over the police badge and planning to brag about it to everyone at Ueno when he goes home. Li Chou is also excited at the idea of having a police badge on his chest, as is Ebisu who notes he feels nervous about it even if the badge is handmade. Durga sighs at the boys getting so worked up about the badges and asks Maria if she thinks so too. Maria politely plays noncommittal and asks if she thinks a nun habit looks too festive. Arc encourages Maria to put the badge on anyways since it might show a new side of her.

Tajikarao laughs about everyone getting into things, which made staying up late to make the badges all worth it. Magami chuckles about how he made one for himself too, saying there's something charming about having something special. Hotei asks Touji I guess what he thinks and nominates him to be part of the Halloween police. Touji is taken aback and doesn't have an immediate answer, so Hotei presses him to just take the badge. Touji gives up at this point and slips the thing into his chest pocket, trying to hide it away beneath the actual police crest on him.

By the time the meeting ends it's just a little past noon. Hotei thanks everyone for coming and greets them all a Happy Halloween, which is followed up by Tajikarao and Magami thanking everyone for their efforts. It's at this point that Ebisu decides to try talking to Hotei since his lack of a reaction to his presence is getting to him, and he tries asking Hotei for his contact info as an old shipmate. Hotei is surprised silent at Ebisu, but after a moment's prodding he finally greets Ebisu happily and asks how he's been.

Ebisu is so baffled that Hotei somehow just didn't see him all morning that he slaps him with his fish pillow, which he quickly apologizes for saying he did it without thinking about it. He asks Hotei if he hurt him, but when Hotei answers he's fine Ebisu whacks him again offended he was just reacting dramatically for a joke.

Hotei tones down the jokes as he says he really was surprised to see Ebisu. He was always the shy and quiet one, and here he's played the straight man to Hotei's buffoonery twice now. He asks Ebisu if the rough waters of Tokyo made him stronger, saying he's gotten cooler as he rubs Ebisu's belly. Ebisu is less than pleased by this as he asks Hotei to stop that, and you either comment on Hotei and Ebisu knowing each other, point out he said he was one of the Seven Lucky Gods earlier, or ask Hotei if he just forgot about Ebisu until just now. In A and B, Hotei laughs and says he's BFFs with Ebisu, swearing on his stomach about it. In C, Hotei is still upbeat as he asks that you not call him a stupid ass. He and Ebisu are BFFs, he swears on his stomach that he compares to a bag!

Ebisu doesn't protest being referred to as a BFF, but he yells again for Hotei to stop rubbing his stomach while saying that. Hotei brushes past that to ask what everyone else will be doing now with the meeting done. Maria thinks aloud and says that since they've all gotten acquainted, it might be nice to have a late lunch together. Durga then suggests that everyone come to Yoyogi then since they have a lot of food stalls set up over there. Ebisu gets excited at this and expresses an interest in seeing what they have, and Arc comments that a sports school festival ought to be pretty energetic. Li Chou attempts to humblebrag that his school's festival is better but is still open to coming along. Alp cheers, saying he's hungry so they should all go now. Hotei agrees since Yoyogi's festival sounds fun.

You ask Touji about coming along, but then it occurs to you he might still be in the middle of work. Touji is about to decline when Tajikarao and Magami huddle up to him and cut him off, saying Hougen told them to tell him to go as part of his training. Touji attempts to protest, but Tajikarao says community is the most important thing when protecting the public order. It's a little sad, but they'll have to send him over. Magami barks and asks Touji to get him a present while he's away.

Durga cheers about everyone agreeing to come, saying they should expect great things since her school is gunning for the top. She then tells everyone to follow her since she thinks Yoyogi is reasonably close enough to not need a bus. Everyone however is baffled at this, and you ask if she really plans on getting there on foot rather than bus or train. Durga assures you it'll just be a light jog, then immediately treats this as a race as she declares she'll get there first. Hotei freaks out at this and starts yelling for a taxi.

Time passes to the point where Durga makes it back to Yoyogi, cheering about getting there first and asking how the run was for everyone else. When she turns around though, she's shocked to see nobody followed her. You guys do pull up soon though, and Hotei protests that Durga ran out of sight within a few minutes of telling everyone to follow along. Durga goes 'oops' at forgetting she was supposed to be showing you guys the way instead of racing, leading Hotei to yell about how quickly that fell out of her mind.

Alp says Durga was still really cool the way she ran so fast she disappeared like that. Ebisu agrees, saying he respects her since he's bad at exercising himself. Durga gets a little shy at the compliments, saying that's nothing for someone who's always aiming for the top. Touji gets alarmed at seeing children in costumes nearby and yells for everyone to get ready for tricks to happen. Hotei, Ebisu, and Maria react in surprise, and some kids run by innocently trick or treating and laughing. One of them even waves to you guys as the pass by.

Alp laughs at how cute the kids are. Li Chou is surprised at how calm things are, noting that at Umamichi things are suitably messy. Durga agrees, saying that for all of Touji's warning the kids seem to be just cute kids not causing any problems. Maria says she got the same impression of things over at Daikanyama. Kids are playing pranks, but nothing anyone would be surprised by. Touji points out that it's a fact that the police have been getting reports of these pranks and is why you guys are even investigating this incident regarding cancelling Halloween events. Hotei shrugs and says Tokyo is a big place, figuring it's just different from area to area. After a moment, he changes the subject to say they should get some food, claiming to feel dizzy from hunger. Durga cheerfully leads the way and suggests you guys buy lunch at the stalls and eat at the sports grounds.

Time passes for a bit to the point where everyone is at the track and field ground. Maria is laying down a sheet and asks you to put some weights down on your end, and you comply as you note it feels like a picnic. Alp notes that it's a pleasant Halloween with a nice breeze out, then laughs about wanting to dance now. This draws the attention of some children who cheer about wanting to dance with him, so Alp does so as they enjoy dancing something like a ballet. Touji thinks to himself in surprise that things do seem calm and questions if there is a pranking incident happening. He then reminds himself of what Hougen said about how there must be some sort of clue to what's going on somewhere.

Hotei and Durga come back accompanied by Yasuyori, and Hotei apologizes for keeping you guys waiting since he was lost with all the choices available. You thank the two of them and express surprise at Yasuyori being with them, so Yasuyori says he came to greet you because he heard you were here. Durga says Yasuyori stopped listening to anything after she told him about you, but then shows you a stockpot she brought with her. Yasuyori says it's Yoyogi's sumo team Halloween special, pumpkin chanko stew, and he encourages everyone to have some.

You thank Yasuyori, say you can smell the pumpkin, and say it really is a Halloween chanko stew. Touji tries some and compliments the mild sweetness and soup stock. Yasuyori thanks him for the compliments and says there's plenty more left. Maria likes the drink she's having and notes that it looks like some kind of vegetable juice. Durga laughs that it's a smoothie with protein in it, then asks if she has any interest in becoming an athlete. Li Chou compliments how big the portions are, even if one decides to ignore that Yoyogi is a sports school. Alp is amazed at there's a big pumpkin with meat put into it, and he says he can't stop eating.

Hotei notices at this point that Ebisu isn't around and asks where he is. Durga starts to answer when Ebisu turns up, saying he was off making dessert. He's carrying a tray with wrapped sausages on a stick lined up on it, and Arc asks about them noting that they weren't sold here if he made them. Ebisu explains that he was talking with his gramps about making something for Halloween, so he brought a trial product with him. He based the idea off of mummy wrappings, and he asks people to try it as he says the taste should be good.

You compare the white dough or batter to bandages, say it smells nice, then pick one up. Li Chou says the dough is springy and delicious. Maria likes how it's fun to look at, noting that children would love it too. Yasuyori compliments it too and says he's looking forward to the final version. Hotei laughs and says Ebisu did great, noting he's always been good with his hands since their treasure ship days. Durga notably doesn't say anything, and Ebisu tries asking what her opinion on the food is.

Durga is slow to respond but eventually says it's good and notes Ebisu's great at cooking. You notice something off with Durga's response, but loud cheering from somewhere ends up drowning you out when you try to talk to her. Touji asks about all the noise, parsing that it doesn't seem to be terrified screaming at least. Yasuyori answers that their event must be starting and invites you guys to come see, and the episode half ends with Li Chou happily agreeing now that he's full.

Live A Hero Chapter 4 Episode 9: Screams of a City of Twenty Million

The giant Monster's invisible tentacles steadily reach into the city, scattering smaller Monsters as they go. The rain of merciless destruction and terror causes flames to flare up, which then amplifies the sounds of the panicking citizens' screaming and scrambling footsteps to escape. Gammei is trying to fight off the monsters in one area, and he asks in frustration what's going on with monsters constantly spawning in and buildings being crushed by something he can't see. Barrel tries to keep the citizenry calm as he says there's still space for them in refuges, saying they don't need to rush to them.

Furlong calls out to Barrel that something is coming from behind him, but the warning is too late as Barrel ends up eating an attack that knocks him over. When he gets back up, he says his ribs might be broken. Furlong gets angry at this and moves to shoot with his hose, but Victom tries to stop him saying it'd just waste energy to shoot at random. There's still people in the upper levels of the buildings, so Victom says Furlong can go for revenge after saving them as he prompts him to follow along. Furlong snaps out of it a second later and says he understands.

Barrel apologizes for getting incapacitated, but then he yelps in surprise when he sees some threads on him. This turns out to be Maculata's doing, and she says she's using that in place of a corset. She can't actually use it to heal him, but as a makeshift cast it'll help him fight at least. Barrel cheers at this, almost claiming it doesn't hurt at all before admitting it still does, but it does help a lot with mobility now. Maculata sternly tells him to go to a hospital after everything is done with and says he should think of her strings as emergency, temporary first aid. Barrel thanks her, then asks her to help them out with fighting. Maculata agrees, saying she's not a lady who'd stand for constantly losing. Gammei says he's going with them too since he needs to punish the monsters for hurting his cute kouhai.

Over in the park area, Kyoichi is battling it out with monsters there, covering for the evacuation of children among others fleeing to shelters. He swears to not let them lay a finger or whatever on them, but Toshu points out that the monsters seem endless as he asks where they're coming from. Shouen says they'll be tired out by the onslaught if it continues, and he suggests cutting the monsters off at their source.

More monsters pop up to Kyoichi's surprise and frustration, and they spawn in close enough that they'll ambush him like a chump. A voice however intervenes by narrating that the monsters suddenly freeze in place, and Subaru reveals himself as he prompts Kyoichi to destroy them while they're open. Kyoichi quickly does so, and after the monsters are eliminated Shouen asks Subaru about his presence there. Kyoichi thanks Subaru and compliments his way with words, but Subaru scoffs it as cheap flattery. He points out that he can't spam that ability all the time, and right now all he can do is stall for time so people can get back on their feet. Kyoichi smiles and says he'll make full use of that. Toshu says he can't see a way to win, but they can't give up either so he rallies the heroes there to continue fighting. 

Over at the beach area, Gomeisa is attempting to talk the monsters down and ask why they're doing all this. This has no effect as one jumps to attack him, but Kirsch jumps in with one of her martial arts moves to save him. Gomeisa thanks her in surprise, and Kirsch is incredulous as she tells him to keep his guard up. At the very least, the monsters popping up there don't seem the type to listen, so Kirsch tells Gomeisa to focus on defending the civilians and himself.

Gomeisa says he will, though he still seems upset about fighting. Procy tells him he's too nice, even if it is one of his good points. But for now he tells him to harden his heart before he gets himself killed. Hisaki is there too as he comments on that being a badass line straight out of some movie. Procy isn't amused as he says Hisaki should lend some of his sensibilities to Gomeisa, then asks if he's done with that mecha he's so proud of. Hisaki says it's good to go now thanks to Procy, though he does wish he could've had another ten minutes for it. He swears to do his best so that people who aren't good at fighting won't need to fight. Procy is amused by that and says it's go time. Hisaki, Kirsch, and Gomeisa all respond back affirmatively and ready themselves to keep the fight up.

Scene then shifts to your end as you point out how there's harsh battles going on everywhere and the city is turning into a mess. Mokdai agrees as he says that's how it looks like from a quick glance at all the livestreams going on, and he suggests it'll be like that everywhere else. Akashi is dismayed at everyone's home city getting turned upside down like this. Huckle says he's gotten reinforcement requests from the agency's allied offices, and counting the ones still outstanding instead of cancelled now there's 13 of them. Everyone must be running shorthanded, and even heroes who were already in a battle before things turned to hell have sent out calls for help.

Ryekie gets frustrated at the destruction going on and says the team should get in and help too. He admits that he's not sure one extra team fighting will actually amount to anything, but he feels it'd still be better than not fighting. Sui agrees with him saying that since Maculata is fighting out there, then she needs to help too. Crowne gets her car started and says it's good to go, so you guys should hurry and get back to the city before the highway interchange gets closed off.

Yoshiori speaks up to slow everyone down, reminding the party that they came to the outskirts of the city to go look for Exio. Ryekie isn't able to come up with a response to that to his regret, but Monomasa tells Yoshiori to stop. He reminds him that you guys are primarily heroes and are therefore obligated to help in times of emergencies. They don't have the right to force you guys to help them when normally you'd have little to do with them. Melide just hangs her head dejectedly in silence.

You express concern for Melide and apologize. Yoshiori attempts to argue but just yells about how they don't know where Exio is. Another voice drops into the conversation saying they wanna know where he is too, and everyone turns to look at Crowne in surprise thinking she said that. Crowne quickly denies having said anything, and Crowne Alter draws everyone's attention to their location as they offer to modify everyone's ears so they can hear them.

Crowne is shocked to see Crowne Alter, who is noted to look like her but carries a totally different vibe. Crowne Alter is sitting on the highway wall smiling eerily as they look down on everyone, and Yoshiori recognizes them upon seeing them. Crowne Alter is mildly surprised to see Yoshiori still alive, then comments in annoyance that he's as tough as he looks. They're also surprised to see Melide and Monomasa still kicking, though they say they don't care that much about them. Both stay mostly silent as they glare with hostility, and you either express surprise at how nasty or ask if that's really Crowne.

Yoshiori demands to know what happened to Exio from Crowne Alter or else. CAlter asks or else what and asks if Yoshiori wants his ass beat in like they did to him earlier. He gets pissier at this, and CAlter sighs about how Exio macguyvered an escape plan to get away to who knows where. Akashi picks up on this and asks if Exio is still alive. Mokdai says that seems to be the case, though he's not sure yet if this is a good thing. CAlter says it isn't as they call Mokdai a pig as they came here to put the kibosh on him. They reason that Exio must not have run to hide with you guys given your ignorance of his situation. Look at that goddamn bitch wasting time they don't have to spare.

Mokdai is actually really hurt at being called a pig, and Sui is concerned since it looks like he's about to burst into tears. Yoshiori says he's had enough of Crowne Alter talking shit about Exio, and it's way past time for them to get hit for that and for trying to off him. Monomasa agrees with Exio. CAlter is mildly amused and asks if they're gonna fight with That Thing again, creating a ball of light in their hand and throwing it like a pokeball. In response, Shadowmonster or whatever Procy jumps out from behind the wall and stands before the party.

Ryekie is shocked at seeing Not Procy. Huckle says it does look like him, but he turns to exchange a glance with you before nodding. You also sense what's up and declare the Not Procy to be a Monster that just resembles him. Crowne Alter says Monster Procy was made so that it would never attack them, then taunts the party about killing it if they can if they want to ask them anything.

Yoshiori is mad as he accepts the challenge, and Monomasa says he fully intends on forcing Crowne Alter to tell them what happened to Exio. The two look to Melide, who silently nods back as she casts a white light on them to transform them. Once they're suited up, they charge at Monster Procy and attack. Monster Procy just swats Yoshiori's bullets away and bumps Monomasa's rubber arm to the side. Yoshiori grits his teeth at the attacks failing, but he reminds himself he can't give up when Monomasa yells out a warning to him.

Yoshiori is caught by surprise as Monster Procy practically teleports behind him and swings back its hammer before batting him into the sky. Monomasa retaliates by stabbing a thorn into its center, and he says he got a reaction this time as he moves to follow up. Crowne Alter snorts as they raise a hand towards Monster Procy and make a grabbing motion. This causes the thing to start absorbing the thorn to Monomasa's shock, and Monomasa starts yelling in pain as a sizzling sound starts burning up.

Melide calls out to Monomasa, who falls to his knees from the pain. Yoshiori has fallen back to the ground by this point, and the impacts have rocked him to the point that he's finding it hard to stand. You are shocked at how strong Monster Procy is and say they can't win against it. Crowne Alter laughs about the two being pussies and taunts them, asking if they're done already. Monster Procy then goes over to Yoshiori to go beat on him with its hammer some more.

Ryekie reaches his breaking point and calls to you and Huckle, saying you guys should help them. Huckle is surprised at this given that the city is in a state of emergency, but Ryekie argues that he can't abandon a comrade right in front of him being wailed on. Melide is surprised that Ryekie would refer, so Ryekie repeats himself saying he sees anyone he's fought alongside with even once as a comrade. Anyone hurting his comrades is going to get his knuckles in their face.

Mokdai is inspired to join in on the fight, and Akashi follows behind saying he can't leave them be even if he's not sure you guys stand a chance. Sui is surprised, but she takes a moment to compose herself and chooses to join since she's a hero too. You are glad at this and ready yourself too. Huckle agrees to join in too, but he reminds everyone to pace themselves since there's still more to come, and you call out everyone's transformations.

Crowne Alter laughs about you guys wanting to join in and get your asses kicked in, and they taunt you guys by asking you at least keep her awake through this. Ryekie says this is their only chance to gloat before he makes them regret it all. Monomasa is surprised at Ryekie coming to help, then feels ashamed of himself. Akashi says it's CAlter who should be apologizing instead of him. CAlter laughs some more at this as they say your brains must've gone to mush, then dares you guys to beat Monster Procy. Ryekie accepts the challenge as he leads the party on, and the episode battle begins as Crowne gets grits her teeth at the proceedings. More story happens after that.

After the battle, the story picks back up towards the end where the party's attacks eventually causes Monster Procy to fall apart and disappear. Akashi cheers about defeating it, but you stop him and say it's not over yet. Akashi is shocked when Monster Procy reforms slowly itself, as is Mokdai as he says the thing revived itself. Ryekie is aghast as he says that should be impossible. Crowne Alter says it should normally melt away instead of revive, but they remind you guys that they are here too. As it turns out, Monsters are also affected by the power of an Observer looking at them just like heroes and villains are, and CAlter says Justice should know that too.

Ryekie curses Crowne Alter, and Sui is taken aback as she says the battle will never end at this rate. CAlter says she's right, pointing out that while you do have a powerful "authority" as an Observer, it's heavily unrefined. If you could sharpen it a bit more into something usable, you guys might be able to actually stand a chance against them. But then again CAlter says they don't give a shit about how well trash grows and cackles.

You get frustrated at your lack of skill, and Akashi gets offended on your behalf. Crowne Alter starts showing some irritation as they call Akashi by his full name and say he's always been bullheaded. They then comment that in their timeline, Akashi was more like a dumb husk after they killed you in front of him. Akashi is shocked by this while you are taken aback, and Monster Procy goes on to smack him. Mokdai yells to Akashi, and CAlter laughs at you guys for falling down already until a quake interrupts them.

The giant Monster at Mt. Fuji roars an earsplitting yell that shakes your eardrums, making you flinch in pain. Melide notices and asks if you can hear something in surprise. Crowne Alter clicks their tongue about having to cut things short the way things are going, commenting on the timing of things getting all weird and clustered together. They then comment on needing to gank Exio already and leave before everything flips it shit inside out.

Just before Crowne Alter moves to jump away, Crowne calls out to them to stop. CAlter actually does decide to stick around a moment longer to hear out anything Crowne has to say. Crowne says there's tons of questions she wants to ask, but she decides the first thing to settle is if CAlter actually is her. CAlter refuses to answer, emphasizing that they don't want to tell Crowne in particular. Crowne attempts to stop CAlter from leaving again, but CAlter gets irritated as they say they hate seeing how Crowne acts like a man but keeps her feminine emotions inside. This shocks Crowne and prevents her from saying anything further, so CAlter finally slips away. Monster Procy disappears too.

You note in resignation or frustration that Crowne Alter got away, and Yoshiori gets up mad that CAlter kicked his ass twice now. Akashi asks if he's okay since he's so beat up, so Yoshiori says he is somehow. He's more embarrassed that you guys saw him failing to do much of anything despite trying so hard. Monomasa says you guys know Exio is alive at least, but it's not the greatest of news right now. Monomasa then thanks you guys for stepping in to help. Yoshiori follows suit, scratching his cheek in embarrassment. You either say it's nothing or ask if he's blushing, and B gets Yoshiori mad as he denies he is, threatening to throw down over it.

Huckle asks the three if they have any ideas where Exio would go when he escaped. Melide says they don't since he'd probably avoid going anywhere he'd be found. Mokdai points out that he is dealing with an enemy who would actually invade his hideout, and Sui says it'd take tons of effort to find him now. That's not factoring the city being on fire and under attack yet either.

Ryekie decides to suggest to the three to have them help you guys fight the monsters in the city if they don't know where Exio is. While they do that, you guys will help them look for Exio along the way. It'd be better to have more people for both things after all, though he'll accept it if they say no. Monomasa thinks aloud that they have no leads to finding Exio, and if they're going to search the city then fighting monsters would be unavoidable. Yoshiori thinks on Ryekie's offer and says it's not a bad idea, noting that fighting is easier with you guys. He also wants to repay you guys for helping them out and keeping Monster Procy from beating them down even worse. Melide is surprised at them, but she agrees with the suggestion too. You nod or promise to find Exio, and B gets an extra line of Melide nodding and thanking you.

Huckle sums up that everyone is going to fight against the Monsters and look for Exio at the same time, asking if everyone agrees. Team Parallel Flight responds affirmatively, though Crowne looks preoccupied. Huckle asks if she's in on the plan, snapping her out of her thoughts as she agrees, though still distracted. Huckle starts to say he doesn't know what Crowne Alter meant when they said what they said, but Crowne says it's fine as it wasn't that bad. She then prompts everyone to get in the car since it'll be faster than going on foot, so Huckle lets the subject drop and says they'll be counting on her to drive. The party gets in and gets going towards the city, and the episode ends with the giant monster roaring again in the distance.

Halloween Police Prologue Part 2

Scene opens up with Surtr declaring his preparations are complete and announcing he will begin making desserts for Halloween. He asks Arc to guard the door and insists that Harlot not be let into the kitchen no matter what. Under no circumstances should a Halloween celebration be turned a trigger for setting off Ragnarok. Arc agrees to do their best, saying nobody else should become casualties besides themselves. Surtr thanks Arc for their determination and promises to make their favorite gratin later, which Arc cheers about.

Arc feels a little bad for Harlot, but they comment to themselves that adding four times the required sugar into the flour for cookies is a bit much. Harlot walks in at this point and asks what Arc was saying about her, so Arc quickly denies everything and changes the subject to ask why Harlot looks worried about something.

Harlot doesn't pursue the original topic and asks Arc if they've heard about the police holding a training class for Halloween events. Arc answers that they have, though they don't know what's supposed to actually happen there. Harlot says that the school they go to now normally holds a Halloween event, so maybe it'd be a good idea to go. She thought about going herself, but she has other business to attend to that's happening at the same scheduled time. As such, Harlot asks Arc if they can go instead and represent their school.

Arc agrees to go and assures Harlot she can go handle her own stuff in the meantime. Harlot thanks Arc and asks them to do their best. Harlot then remembers about Azathoth and asks if he's mashing buttons again with his games, though she says it's a good thing to have something to deeply enjoy. She got a costume for him which she's sure will look good on him, and she asks if Arc thinks so too. She puts a hand on her face, looking both bothered yet happy, and Arc in turn happily looks at Harlot.

Scene then jumps to Some Day in October over at Shinjuku Chuo Park where you are walking through with Solomon on your way to Kioh Police Academy. Solomon comments on how calm the park is at that time of year and composes a haiku about autumn before he starts fixating on potato sellers. You are either kind of baffled at his behavior, comment that the falling leaves must've taken his train of thought over, or ask if he's hungry.

Solomon talks about how people in Japan call autumn the season of good appetites and how food tastes better that season. On a related note, Solomon requests that if you come across any baked potato sellers that you buy and share one with him. A couple of kids run by yelling trick or treat and laughing. Solomon doesn't think much on this as he comments on how Halloween is coloring everything and how seeing the children makes him smile, only to stop when he notices something off.

You ask Solomon what's wrong and look ahead to where he's looking at, which is where the children who passed by came running from. There you see a vending machine toppled over, and you are taken aback about this and say it's not really a trick anymore. Solomon asks if those kids did this and says it's not really a prank to push a vending machine over. He then gets concerned and tells you not to get close because there might be broken glass on the ground. You however point out that it'd be bad to just leave it there and consider at least moving it to the side, though you're not sure that's possible. Solomon sighs and says it'd be faster to just call park management, at which point you hear some voice groaning in mild pain and wondering what happened. 

You ask Solomon if he just said something, so he denies it and suggests maybe the machine played some recorded messages because some new vending machines do that now. He's shocked when the vending machine starts yelling and talking to itself in a Kansai/Southern drawl about how things are worse than what they heard about in the rumors. It also gets up on its own as it talks about how with all the kids running wild he's gotta do something now. The machine then notices you looking at it while Solomon flaps his mouth wordlessly.

You freak out at the vending machine talking and moving on its own or figure it's some new mysterious technology. The machine apologizes for startling you and starts speaking like a robot and making its own sound effects, the latter of which you lampshade in shock. The machine drops the robospeak as he asks you to not sweat the small stuff, then tosses you a piece of candy. The candy looks like a Halloween seasonal candy you'd often find in a convenience store, and you either express surprise at being given it, say you didn't really do anything, or thank the machine.

The vending machine says it's all coo' because it's Halloween! Go eat that candy and give him a smile! He also points out that you were all ready to help pick up a vending machine you've never seen before, which he's happy about. What goes around comes around, and that includes good luck! Speaking of, the machine spits another piece of candy at you and suggests you give it to a friend. Solomon cheers about it and notes it's a fall-only pumpkin chocolate pie. You thank the machine, so the machine says it's fine and laughs it off. But on a different subject, the machine asks if you're going to Kioh Police Academy and asks you to take it there because he has stuff to do there.

Time passes to the point you meet Touji in front of Kioh Academy, who admonishes you for being five minutes late. He then says he knows how nice you are, so if you were late you must've stopped to help with some problem you came across. You either apologize to Touji, say he's right, or coo over how cool his police uniform is. In A and B, Touji says to tell him later since the meeting will be starting and prompts you to hurry after him. In C, Touji gets shy at the compliment, then remembers what's happening as he tells you to follow him to the meeting since it'll start soon.

A moment later after you guys get inside, Solomon notices that the vending machine is gone and informs you of such. It was with you guys until just a moment ago, and he says it was running like a car next to you guys earlier. Touji notices you looking around and asks if someone was with you since as far as he knew, you were alone. You awkwardly ask him if there was a vending machine running near you, and Touji has to process the question for a second before being baffled.

Time passes as you two get to the classroom, where Maria, Durga, Li Chou, Ebisu, Alp, and Arc have already arrived. You are glad that the meeting hasn't started yet and notice that there's a lot of people you know there. Touji sighs in relief that you guys made it in time and says he heard the teacher only just arrived. He then tells you he brought tea and passes some to you.

You thank Touji, then ask if he's participating too if he's there. Touji tells you he wasn't planning on it initially, but it turned out that way since he's the one assigned to work in the designated area. Also, Hougen put him up to this saying he might learn something here. You comment that Touji's been working hard, ask about him looking a bit different, and/or say you've been worried about him since he transferred out. Touji is surprised before coughing to cover for himself. He says he's learning a lot, but he frames it as just doing his best. Touji then asks how everyone in class is doing along with the teachers, but he picks up on the teacher for the meeting coming so he stops there for now, saying there's to be no whispering.

A curtain falls down while Touji says you guys should focus on the lecture, shocking everyone present. Tajikarao asks if this was supposed to be a thing, and Magami asks him if he can hear those kabuki wooden clappers being knocked on something. The vending machine from before pops up to their bafflement, and the machine thanks everyone for coming and asks if everyone has been smiling. It then talks about going from dream to dream, spreading fortune on a ship as it describes itself as one of the pillars of the laughing gang the Messengers of Seven Fortunes, represented with the sack, then reveals itself to be Hotei.

Hotei says he's the guy people are referring to in that one proverb about luck coming to those who smile, and everyone reacts in amazement after some time for what happened to sink in passes. Alp asks Hotei how he did the trick with the vending machine, and Maria asks if it was a magic trick. Durga laughs saying she doesn't know what happened, but she thinks Hotei is funny. Li Chou insists he totally wasn't surprised or anything, claiming he just opened his mouth to yawn. Arc mildly comments that they kinda like this sorta mood.

Hotei laughs, glad for the warm reception and saying that silence before the laughs was caring him. He's also glad everyone is so quick to get into the mood of things and says he likes that sorta thing. Ebisu starts freaking out about Hotei existing in Tokyo and asks in alarm what the laughing gang he brought up before is supposed to be.

Tajikarao tries to get things under control and asks people to hush as he comments on how crazy that entrance was. He then reintroduces Hotei and prompts everyone to please clap, so Hotei thanks him/you guys. Magami barks and asks that people start introducing themselves, so Hotei starts over and describes himself as one of the Seven Lucky Gods. He spent some time checking out Halloween and talks about the rumor about how people can play pranks if they don't get candy. He doesn't object to the idea in itself since pranks can make people smile and lighten things up. It's just that the pranks happening lately are getting dangerous, and it's not a good thing to make people sad.

Ebisu is a little taken aback at how serious Hotei is about the subject, and Hotei talks about how great Halloween is to dress up, get candy, and have fun. If people are enjoying themselves, their ancestors will be too. He asks everyone to help him think of something to do about the rumor together and bows deeply. Hotei bows so hard that he bangs his head on a desk. Everyone finds this funny or at least nothing to be concerned about, and Hotei seems fine as he declares the meeting to officially start as he asks people to think hard.

While this is happening, Somewhere Else in Tokyo a dark room is lit up by candles as several people have gathered together. A voice says everyone gathered together are the Top Pranksters who surprise everyone in their various fields. They also talk about going in and out of prison, drinking poison, engaging in buffoonery, going on rampages, and other sorts of nonsense. Arslan, Sanat Kumara, and Shennong are around at least, and the voice talks about how the pride of present day Halloween is in pranks, so they should go ham with them. Ashigara, Nezha, and Ziz are also present, as is Harlot who walks up and announces the meeting for the Prankster Aficionados to begin with a rallying cry of trick or treat.

Scene shifts again to elsewhere to a certain someone deciding to get in on the Halloween antics. Azathoth cackles about there being a boss union scenario and how it's rare for him to find everything annoying. Just one of those rare ass things that pops up every so often. It's time for a limited period event, and Azathoth notes that This Time is Something Special. He then says everyone should face the void together and cheer in chorus the words Happy Halloween. His terrifying cackles echo through the dark of night, neverending. And so the curtain rises on the banquet of mad dreams filled with hidden expectations as the episode ends.