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“They're ready for us out there.”

It feels like it's been a hell of a lot longer than three days, that's for damn sure.

You never expected much out of Dark Gate Academy when you first showed up there last April. Just another stop in a long string of schools you would go to and be expelled from for being a complete jackass. Oh, how wrong you were... it's only now, and you stand in a suit that's annoyingly tight, standing behind the curtain in a studio where you're about to interviewed as one of “The saviours of Japan” that the true absurdity of it all has finally managed to sink in. You'd laugh, but this piece of crap tie is practically choking you as it is.

Saki stands before you, in a garish long dress, her short frame all the more apparent while she's drowning in the cloth, rapidly tapping the heel of her foot as she waits.

“The real question is are you ready?” you point out.

“Ughh...” Saki nervously groans. “Is this dress okay? I wanted something that looked professional and wasn't too revealing... but maybe I went a little too out of date?”

“Sak, it looks fine,” you reply.

“Really?”

“Yeah,” you reply. “Assuming this is the first tv broadcast ever, your get-up is only about 40 years outdated.”

“Ryojiiiii!” Saki whines. You've been missing that whine the last few days. With the stream of attention on the school, it's been all business as Wei and the government attempt to deal with Dakugeto's big coming out party to the rest of the world. You've barely slept in that time. Saki meanwhile hasn't slept at all.

“I don't see why you're so nervous,” you sigh. “You're head of our class, you're used to given speeches and acting professional. Professional is your default state.”

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“But I always prepare those speeches a thousand time beforehand!” Saki worries, clenching her fists, her palms sweating. “I mean, I did categorise the two hundred most likely questions we'll be asked and prepare adequate statements for each... but I haven't had enough time to review that folder! And what if we get thrown a curveball? I won't be able to handle-”

You wave a hand in front of Saki's face, grabbing her attention before she continues down her train of thought. “Sak, you're doing that thing again, where you overthink everything and become a panicking mess,” you remind her. “Look, you fight demons for a living. Three days ago, you summoned a giant dragon and defeated a God.”

“Oh... yeah, I did do that,” Saki mutters with a small smile of pride.

“Yes, and it was awesome. You can handle one tv interview.”

Saki sighs. “But what if I can't? This is the school's first real impression with the outside world, what if we screw this up-”

“Hey, if the questions get too much and you're a little lost out there, just squeeze my hand. I'm right next to you.”

Saki pauses, then gives a confident nod. “Right! Let's do this Ryoji! Oh, and I forgot to ask! What does The Stranger think of all this?”

“I'll ask him,” you reply.

“Ryoji...” Nina mutters. “We both know that's not happening. Stranger hasn't materialised since the battle ended...”

“I know,” you think. “But no need to worry Sak with that. Whatever's keeping him quiet, we'll find out in our own time.”

Stranger... it's strange. Despite the voice in your head almost driving you insane at every opportunity... you go three days in silence and you actually start to miss his snide commentary. Maybe that's all Stranger's doing right now, trying to make you miss him, some sort of lesson about appreciating what he's done for you or some other bullshit... maybe he's just camera-shy. Either way, you don't like it. Not one bit.

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“You're on in ten,” a stagehand reports to you and Saki.

“Minutes?” Saki asks.

“Seconds.”

Cue to nervous hum from Saki.

As the studio band begins to play, you hear the words of the host, Antonio Sakaguchi, from behind the curtain. You can also hear the anxious buzz in the crowd, for what is sure to be one of the most anticipated interviews in the countries history.

“And now, for the moment you've all waited for. On New Years Day, we bore witness to one of the most large scale disasters of all time... something once that belonged in the world of science fiction fantasy. Giant monsters from another world, attacking our cities, our people... but from that disaster, we witnessed something else. Hope. The greatest hope for humanity... saviours... superheroes. And now, for the first time ever, we can finally speak to two of these heroes. Please welcome, from the elusive Dakugeto Institute of higher education... Saki Kobashi and Ryoji Shida!”

The audience applauds and sits in reverence as the two of you enter onto the stage. It's strange... in appearance, you and Saki are regular high-school students, but the people... they look at you like they're seeing something from another world. Something from out of a comic book. It's hard not to feel weird as you take your seat in the studio... you never fancied yourself a Superman.

“Wow, these lights are bright...” Saki nervously chuckles to you as she takes her seat, trying hard to hide her anxiety in front of the crowd. She's desperate to make a strong impression on the people... you meanwhile casually plop yourself down, your long legs spread out in the chair as you hunch over.

“It's a pleasure to have the two of you on my show,” Antonio greets you.

Saki nods. “A pleasure to be here. We've both been very excited to properly introduce ourselves.”

“Then by all means, go ahead. Introduce yourselves, and we can slip right into the interview,” Antonio smiles.

Saki smiles back and turns to the audience, her anxiety turning to excitement as she slips into a tone of hers you're used to. It's the same tone she develops when she's eagerly presenting powerpoints and lectures... she certainly has her hobbies.

“Well, I'm Saki Kobashi, head of Class 2 in the Dakugeto Institute for higher education, my Grandfather is the current principal of the academy. Next to me is another... highly valued member of the school. I'll allow my classmate to make his own introduction.”

“Yo. I'm Ryoji.”

You sit there, as many in the audience lean forward, waiting on you to continue.

“Aaaaaand...?” Antonio Sakaguchi drags out.

“What, you want more?” you ask.

Saki laughs off your statement and tries to recover. “Oh, that's Ryoji! He's a very forward man, always straight to the point!”

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“Then let me get straight to the point,” Antonio speaks. “The news cycle on your school has been constant. We've all seen the reports, a government owned training academy for people like you. But what we don't know, and what we all want to know is the origin of your abilities. We've all seen the footage, the unbelievable display. You're capable of things that no human is capable of. What is this? Is it a government experiment? Body enhancements? Dare I say mystical in origin?”

“Well, as much research we've put into it in Dakugeto,” Saki explains. “We're honestly not fully certain ourselves. It seems to be partly genetic, though it is possible for someone to have these innate abilities even if their parents don't. Of course, these powers don't appear until your first exposure to the Darkworld-”

“Excuse me, Darkworld?” Antonio asks amongst the curious murmurs of the crowd.

“Yes,” Saki explains. “Sorry, the Darkworld is the name given to the dimension from which these creatures spawned. Our school exists upon a rift between our world and theirs, and we make regular expeditions within. The demons within the Darkworld are more often than not contained there, but we've now seen exceptions... demons that can enter our reality. Of course, you all know that now, after our battle with The Eclipse-”

“The Eclipse?” Antonio asks.

Saki shakes her head with a smile. “Oh, sorry again. The Eclipse is the name of the monster we faced. That giant snake with wings.”

“Interesting,” Antonio comments. “A regular supervillain name, how appropriate.”

“Well, The Eclipse isn't what I'd call a supervillain, he was really more of a-”

“Now,” Sakaguchi interrupts, “This seems to be a regular occurrence for the two of you, despite your age.”

“Well, it may seem odd,” Saki explains. “But despite our age and appearance, we're perfectly qualified.”

“Well, surely it can't be healthy for an average teenager to have to go through something like this.”

“Well...”

“As a matter of fact... do you have any kind of life outside of your apparent duties?” Sakaguchi questions. “Or are you simply a soldier, a slave for this institute?”

“Well, we...” Saki mutters, before reaching out and squeezing your hand as you advised her to. Unfortunately for Saki's nerves, this draws the attention and murmurs from the crowd, and Sakaguchi is quick to jump on it.

“Well, what do we have here?” Antonio lets out a small chuckle, as the crowd oohs and aahs.

Saki squeezes your hand even tighter in response, her brow sweating under the heat of the stage lights.

“Is it safe to say I'm detecting a hint of romance?” Antonio adds with a smirk.

Saki's vice grip is practically crushing your fingers now as your tomato-faced girlfriend completely freezes up.

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“Yeah,” you answer in her stead. “We're dating. Hell, we've been together for months.”

“Interesting... your partner seems to be a little mortified.”

“This kind of junk always embarrasses Sak,” you reply with a smirk. “You should have seen her before we dated, everything I'd do would get her all flustered and red-in-the-face. She's still so easy to tease.”

Sakaguchi leans forward, as does many of the crowd, drawn in by your words. A brief silence passes, as you furrow your brow in confusion.

“Why are you all so shocked?” you fire back. “We ain't freakin' aliens. We're teenagers. We have lives. We have eachother.”

“R-right,” Sakaguchi mutters, “I just think we're all taken aback by how... casual and normal the two of you have been-”

“Why?” you ask. “We're not superheroes, we aren't aincent mystics, and we aren't inter-dimensional warriors, or whatever you've read on the internet... we're people. Like you. We've got our loves, our hobbies, our hopes, our dreams... We aren't a freakshow. Well... not any more than the average family is a freakshow.”

The silence is broken by the audience members applauding your statement as Antonio clears his throat. “Well, then... I have another question for you... what is your motivation?”

“Well, the school's motivation is simple,” Saki explains. “It's our duty to push back the Darkworld and-”

“Not the school's motivation,” Antonio interrupts. “I think we can all figure out what the academy wants to do. I want to know your motivation for staying in this academy. It's awfully dangerous, I'm sure, and there doesn't seem to be anything personal benefit... what keeps you going? What makes you do what you do?”

“That's easy...” Saki replies. “I want to help people. To save lives. It's our duty and responsibility to help those in need.”

“And you, Ryoji?” Antonio asks. “What keeps you in the academy?”

>The same. We're here to help.
>I'm just interested in doing the right thing.
>I'm here for answers. There's so many mysteries I can't let go unsolved.
>To keep the people I care about alive.
>I dunno. No other school would have me.

>>1848726
>I'm here because Saki convinced me to say.
>To keep the people I care about alive.

>>1848726

>The same. We're here to help.

>>1848726
>To keep the people I care about alive.

>Besides, no other school would take me. I'm a rebel!

Pause for cheesy laughter.

>>1848726
>>The same. We're here to help.

>>1848726
>The same. We're here to help.
>To keep the people I care about alive.
>Besides, no other school would take me. I'm a rebel!

>>1848726
>>I'm here because Saki convinced me to say.
>>To keep the people I care about alive.

>>1848726

BOOOOOOOOOKER
YOU YOU DIDNT LIE
>To keep the people I care about alive.
>I'm here because Saki convinced me to say.

Calling for
>To keep the people I care about alive.

Writing now.

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>To keep the people I care about alive.

As you speak, Saki's vice grip on your hand loosens into something much gentler as she turns to you and smiles. The audience lets out a loud aww, and Saki takes that time to mouth the words "I love you" in your direction.

"A fine answer, a fine answer," Sakaguchi mutters. "I assume you must have family of your own out there."

"Yeah," you reply. "My mom and dad are watching at home right now, actually..."

From that point on, the interview is standard. Saki regains her composure, and her well-prepared answers come through with every question asked. Sakaguchi asks for a handshake, and before you know it you're being carted off stage and escorted to the back.

"Damn, I need a smoke after that..." You mutter, loosening your tie.

Saki wipes some sweat from her forehead. "Did I crush your hand during all that?"

"Just a little," you reply. "Don't worry about the guy with a healing factor, Saki."

The two of you step out of a pair of double doors and into a corridor, where some familiar faces are waiting.

"That was an absolute disaster..." Agent Green mutters in shame.

Agent Blue scoffs. "Oh come on! I thought it went pretty well!"

"They were thrown a bunch of serious question, and the both came across as immature kids," Green explains. "Not exactly the image the academy needs."

"Maybe not the image you want," Blue smirks.

"Oh, I thought it was absolutely delightful!" Chihiro clasps her hands together with a smile. "Oh, you looked amazing in your makeup, Saki!"

"Thanks, you did a great job on it," Saki smiles. "Though the dress was a handful..."

"Well, I did say you could have borrowed mine," Chihiro explains. "I think it would have worked better than what Yamano-sensei gave you."

"What?!" Yamano gasps. "Saki was spilling out of that other dress! I think you looked perfectly wholesome, Saki!"

"Hey, where's Alice?" you ask, looking for the often straggling member of your group.

"Got her right here," Ken replies, descending from a ladder with the flighty girl slung over his shoulder. "She decided to take a nap in the rafters during your interview."

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This was the group sent out to the city of Hariuddo for Dark Gate Academy's first foray into actual media appearances. The city where all the stars are born... it's odd to think that you're supposed to be among the celebrities now.

"So, what's next on the agenda?" Blue asks. "I really want to get this over and done with so I can stop chaperoning and spend some time in a nice bar. A friend of mine from here recommended it to me, says it's just the right amount of seedy."

"You really have no shame, do you?" Chihiro smiles. "I approve."

"Well, according to this list prepared by Aki-Chan..." Yamano smiles, though her smile fades and eyes widen as she realises what she just said.

"Aki-Chan?" Ken raises an eyebrow.

"AKIHITO-SENSEI," Yamano corrects herself in a stilted robotic voice. "HE IS A TEACHER AT THE SCHOOL AND WORK COLLEAGUE, NOTHING MORE."

"O...k..." Ken mutters, as Chihiro swipes the list from the frozen in shame Yamano.

"Ah, here we are!" Chihiro smiles. "Us ladies simply need to meet with the magazine editor for a future interview, maybe talk my way into a photoshoot-"

"I don't think you'll need to do much talking," you intterupt.

"-And then, we simply go back to the academy! Oh, what a delightful outing this has been!"

"This isn't an outing, Chihiro..." Saki mutters. "This is serious business. The entire fate of the school rests on how the world sees us now..."

Chihiro lets out her trademark laugh, before placing a hand on Saki's shoulder. "Oh Saki my dear, they're going to love us regardless! Look at me! Look at you! No need to worry about such impossible things!"

"But-"

"Now, come along!" Chihiro smiles, pushing Saki along. "You too, Alice!"

Suddenly, Alice springs to life and hops from Ken's shoulder, following her niece and the others as Ken lags behind in confusion.

"I don't get it, is she a heavy or light sleeper?" he mumbles. "Oh well, should we go with them, Ryoji? Not like we're needed for that part... we could just wait around here and play cards or something."

>Sounds good, let's wait.
>Nah, let's follow them. Doesn't the idea of those photo-shoots entice you?
>Hmm... you know what? We've got some time, let's look around town, meet up with the others later.

>>1848763
>>Hmm... you know what? We've got some time, let's look around town, meet up with the others later.
Go 'splorin

>>1848763
>>Hmm... you know what? We've got some time, let's look around town, meet up with the others later.
no being lewd ryoji

>>1848763
>>Sounds good, let's wait.
Time to be the lazy motherfucker we always were.

>>1848763
>>Nah, let's follow them. Doesn't the idea of those photo-shoots entice you?

>>1848763
>>Nah, let's follow them. Doesn't the idea of those photo-shoots entice you?

>>1848763
>>Hmm... you know what? We've got some time, let's look around town, meet up with the others later.

Calling for
>Hmm... you know what? We've got some time, let's look around town, meet up with the others later.
Writing now

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>Hmm... you know what? We've got some time, let's look around town, meet up with the others later.

"Should have figured you'd get adventurous," Ken laughs. "Okay, we'll be two countryside hicks exploring the city of lights."

"Might as well enjoy ourselves now," you reply while stretching out. "Our winter break was fun while it lasted."

"Oh yeah," Ken replies. "How'd you spend your few days of freedom?"

You shrug. "Home with the parents. My mother doting over Saki, enjoying some homemade cookies, watching the news..."

As you talk, your phone goes off. You hold it up to see the caller ID before answering. "Speak of the devil..." you mutter before answering and pressing the phone to your ear. "Hey mom, how's it going?"

"Oh! Your father and I just saw you and Saki on tv!" your excited mother's face calls out on the other end. "You looked very handsome in your suit!"

"Thanks mom."

"And Saki was such a beauty, she's really suited to be on television, you know! You both looked so wonderful together! Gee, I wonder when a certain someone is going to put a certain ring on a certain finger..."

"Okay mom, that's enough outta you," you sigh. "Me and Ken are gonna look around the city."

"Don't forget to wear a jacket! I'm so proud of you sweetums!"

"I love your mother... but she's not great for your delinquent look, is she?"

"Anyway..." you continue, as you and Ken walk down the corridor and out the building. "How was your break? What did you do, besides growing out your hair."

"Thanks for noticing! Well, I met Nanami's parents," Ken explains. "They were nice... but a little weird. I can see where she gets her flair for the dramatic now."

You shake your head. Trying to imagine a family of Nanamis is... a difficult image.

"But more importantly... what's wrong?" Ken asks.

"The hell are you talking about?" you reply as the two of you step out onto the street. In this bright city of lights, the cold of winter is overpowered by the sun.

Ken crosses his arms. "Ryoji, you really expect your best friend to not notice when you're lost in thought? Come on, something's on your mind. Tell me."

>It's nothing, seriously.
>Stranger's gone silent. He won't talk... won't even appear.

>>1848799
>Stranger's gone silent. He won't talk... won't even appear.

>>1848799
>>Stranger's gone silent. He won't talk... won't even appear.

>>1848799
>>Stranger's gone silent. He won't talk... won't even appear.
>Don't tell anyone

>>1848799
>Stranger's gone silent. He won't talk... won't even appear.

>>1848799
>>Stranger's gone silent. He won't talk... won't even appear.
>Don't tell anyone

>>1848799
>>Stranger's gone silent. He won't talk... won't even appear.
Told you ghost Nina was a mistake she is killing Stranger.

Calling for
>Stranger's gone silent. He won't talk... won't even appear.
Writing now.

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>Stranger's gone silent. He won't talk... won't even appear.

"Right..." Ken mutters. "Well, maybe that doesn't instantly mean something bad. We don't know how demon gods work, maybe they just sometimes have to... hibernate."

"Hibernate?"

"Yeah, like a... squirrel."

"Did... Ken just compare the God of paranoia to... a squirrel."

"Paranoia..." you mutter. "Maybe he's just making me paranoid..."

"I didn't mention Paranoia," Ken raises an eyebrow. "Are you talking to Nina out loud?"

"... Dammit."

"I suppose it's better than that blank stare you do when you're talking within yourself," Ken replies. "So, does Saki know about the Stranger thing?"

"Not yet," you reply. "She's been working herself half to death lately, don't want to worry her anymore over something that might not mean anything."

Ken shrugs. "Yeah, you're right... still, let's take our mind of that. You ever been here before?"

"Nope," you reply. "I'm from the ass-end of nowhere, why would I be in the land of the major actors and celebrities?"

"Good point, I don't know my way around either..." Ken sighs. "Wait a minute... tourist maps!"

Ken finds a stall with a stack of tourist maps and rushes over to them. "Crap, these cost 500 yen! What a rip-off!"

"You got any cash on you?" you ask.

"Nope..." Ken sighs. "You?"

"For once, yeah..." you explain. "I was sure to throw my wallet into my pants pocket before going to bed last..."

As you hand reaches into your pocket, you're flooded to horrific flashbacks of chasing that damn black cat out of your room this morning. Yep... no wallet.

"Remind me to kill Nariko when we get back," you mutter.

"Crap..." Ken sighs. "Look at us, we're supposed to be famous superheroes now, but we're still so unlucky we can't even scrape enough yen to buy some maps..."

>Good thing you're here with the master delinquent, Ken. I can swipe one of those maps without the vendor noticing a thing.
>Hmm... maybe we can throw that fame around a little? Convince the vendor to give us a free map in return for saving the world?
>Forget it, Ken... I'm sure we won't get lost if we wander around a little. We're not idiots.

>>1848832
>Forget it, Ken... I'm sure we won't get lost if we wander around a little. We're not idiots.

wHaT CoUlD pOsSiBly gO WRonG

>>1848832
>>Good thing you're here with the master delinquent, Ken. I can swipe one of those maps without the vendor noticing a thing.
MASTER
DELINQUENT

>>1848832
>>Forget it, Ken... I'm sure we won't get lost if we wander around a little. We're not idiots.

>>1848832
>>Good thing you're here with the master delinquent, Ken. I can swipe one of those maps without the vendor noticing a thing.
Time to pull it off.

>>1848832
>Forget it, Ken... I'm sure we won't get lost if we wander around a little. We're not idiots.

God damn it Daisukitteh...

Besides, if we get lost, we always have our phones with us.

>>1848832
>Good thing you're here with the master delinquent, Ken. I can swipe one of those maps without the vendor noticing a thing.

>>1848832
>Good thing you're here with the master delinquent, Ken. I can swipe one of those maps without the vendor noticing a thing.

what could go wrong

Calling for
>Good thing you're here with the master delinquent, Ken. I can swipe one of those maps without the vendor noticing a thing.

Roll 1d100 BO3

Rolled 30 (1d100)

>>1848853

Rolled 96 (1d100)

>>1848853
HOLY FUCKING SHIT TIME TO FUCK UP THE FIRST ROLL OF THE SEASON

Rolled 33 (1d100)

>>1848853

>>1848856
Or not.

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>Rolled 96

"What?" Ken whispers. "Ryoji, do you really think I'll let you break the law?"

"Don't get your panties in a twist," you reply. "When we meet up with the others, we can come back and pay for the thing. It's all good, I'm sure Chihiro's got at least 500 yen on her."

"Okay... if you say so..." Ken replies.

You nod. "Trust me, Ken. It'll be fine. You go over to talk to the vendor, and I'll do my magic."

"Superheroes..." Ken sighs. "We're superheroes..."

Ken walks up the the vendor and begins to small-talk with the guy, as you pass by the stall a few seconds later. Drawing little attention to yourself, you swipe what you need while the vendor is preoccupied and hurry down the street, stopping behind an alley where Ken joins you moments later.

"I feel dirty..." Ken replies. "We better pay the guy back double. He was a lovely guy!"

"Of course we will," you reply, before handing him a small ball of rice and wrapped with seafood. "I also swiped us a little lunch."

"Dude, why?!" Ken groans, uncomfortable with all the sudden delinquency.

"You're a menace, Ryoji."

"We'll pay him back!" you assure your friend. "In double! Now, do you want the snack or not?"

Ken's stomach growls, and he reluctantly tucks in. "So, what's on the map?"

"Damn... how do you read this thing?" you remark.

"You've never read a map before?"

"Never had to," you reply. "I'm from a small town... damn, this place is huge."

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"I know, right?" Ken remarks. "I'm such a stranger to the big city myself. Outside of the New Years Battle, my only experience in a place like this was when my dad took me on one of his business trips to Kingudoro... and he was holding my hand the entire time."

"Wow, what a nerd."

"I was four!" Ken protests. "Let me see that map... okay, the production studio we came from is here... which means we're here... what's going on around us? The modelling studio with the girls isn't far, we've got the walk of fame, that's always a popular destination..."

"Is that a casino?" you ask.

"I think so, but we don't have any money to gamble... we're too young for that anyway. But I guess we could look around, those places always have some entertainment going on. Hmm, there's also a News Station, we can catch up on what people are saying about us in person... let's see, we've also-OH. MY. GOD."

"What?"

"Ryoji!" Ken hurriedly points at a spot on the map. "There's a theatre here premiering the new live action Red Mask movie! Right now!"

Oh yeah, Ken can get swept up in his fandom of superhero shows, Red Mask in particular. He's barely able to contain his excitement.

"We wouldn't be able to get into the premiere without tickets."

"Yeah, but maybe there's something going on outside!" Ken explains. "Maybe an autograph signing or a meet and greet with the stars!"

"A lot going on in the city, huh? I suppose we should try not to get too carried away under all the glamour and bright lights..."

>Let's check out the News Station
>Let's check out the Casino
>Let's check out the Theatre
>Let's go to the modelling studio
>Hmm... let's just walk the streets, get a feel for the city. I'm sure we'll stumble onto something exciting now that we can't get lost.

>>1848901
>>Let's check out the Theatre
Might as well indulge him, he's yer bro

>>1848901
>>Let's check out the Theatre
RED MASK

>>1848901
>Let's check out the Theatre

Fine, let's let the nerd nerd for a bit. It'll be funny.

>>1848901
>Let's check out the Theatre

Sentai or bust

>>1848901
>Hmm... let's just walk the streets, get a feel for the city. I'm sure we'll stumble onto something exciting now that we can't get lost

I slept through 4 different alarms this morning.......
Oh well time to get lost

>>1848901
>>Let's check out the Theatre

>>1848901
>>Let's check out the Theatre
Fucking nerd.

Calling for
>Let's check out the Theatre

Writing now.

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"Yes!" Ken pumps his fist. "Let's do it, man! You're the best!"

As Ken topples you over with a hug, you awkwardly try to clear some space. "Geez, okay... no need to get so handsy, Ken."

"Oh, sorry..." Ken chuckles as he scratches the back of his head. "You know how excited I can get over stuff like this."

"It's fine..." you reply. Besides, after all the stress you've been through since New Year, who are you to deny your best friend a little fun?

Ken rolls up the map and begins to rush in the direction of the theatre. You let out a sigh as you try to keep up with him, though Ken's starting to look like Rei with how incredibly fast he's going.

As you approach the theatre, the two of you notice the massive crowd that seems to be gathered around an erected stage out front of the place. The people seem to be buzzing with excitement as a podium rest atop the stage.

"The hell is this?" you ask. "I thought there'd be a red carpet laid out. Is a politician speaking first or something?"

"I don't know..." Ken ponders, confused. "The people seem to know what's going on, let's just wait and see."

You wait around in the crowd for an uncomfortable long time, before things finally start to get moving, a spotlight shining down on the stage as a helicopter flies up above. Through the massive amps erected at each side of the stage, a sole voice calls out, accompanied by music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsYdLeeHiu0

"THERE ARE HEROES AMONG US..."

"Huh?" Ken mutters. "Does he mean..."

"INDEED, WE LIVE IN A WORLD OF HEROES!" the voice continues. "A WORLD WHERE THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE, WHERE THE MIGHTY THRIVE AND THE STRONG OF HEART SURVIVE! THERE ARE HEROES WALKING AMONG YOU THIS VERY MOMENT! IN FACT... A HERO IS ALREADY HERE."

You look around in confusion, glancing over your shoulder. Does... does that voice know you're here? What's going on?

"Look up there!" a screaming man yells as he points towards the helicopter. Indeed, you see a man falling from it, his trajectory... the stage. He lets out his parachute and lands gracefully on stage. Awkwardly removing his parachute, the black haired man decked in a ridiculous costume then draws a gigantic sword, swinging it and cutting the podium in two.

"Why did he do that?"

"AND THAT HEROES NAME..." the man speaks, "IS KING THUNDER!"

File: King Thunder01.jpg (195 KB, 1000x1400)

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The crowd explodes with cheers as Ken looks over to you. "Whoa... hey Ryoji, you okay? You've got that thousand yard stare going on."

"It's fine..." you mutter, staring dead ahead. "Just remembering back to when I thought the Darkworld was the crazy one."

"Oh my god, it's King Thunder!" a teenage girl swoons.

You lean over to Ken. "For those of us who aren't nerds, care explaining who King Thunder is?"

"He's the guy they chose to play the new Red Mask," Ken explains. "He was a controversial choice because of his... eccentricity, but the guy's certainly famous enough and popular enough."

"How?"

"Well he gained a reputation as a celebrity hero after taking down a few crooks and stopping a few petty robberies in Raibaru city."

"Raibaru City..." you mutter. "You mean that city that was attacked on New Years? And he was nowhere to be seen?"

"I think actual demon attacks may be a little out of his wheelhouse," Ken remarks.

"NOW, THE TRUTH IS I AM NOT THE ONLY HERO HERE TONIGHT," King Thunder explains, as you still recover the braincells lost from speaking that name. "I AM BUT MERELY THE GREATEST. BUT THE POTENTIAL TO BE A HERO LIES IN EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!"

"He's like Isamu... only an adult, so he has no excuse..." Ken whispers. Despite your reactions, the crowd seems to be eating it up.

"IN FACT, I SHALL NOW TAKE A VOLUNTEER UP ON STAGE, AND USE MY MYSTIC POWERS TO READ THEIR INNATE HEROIC ABILITY! DOES ANYONE WANT TO TEST THEIR METTLE UP HERE WITH THE GREAT KING THUNDER?"

>Raise Ken's hand
>Raise your own hand
>Stand there in silence as you slowly die inside

>>1848964
>Raise Ken's hand

>>1848964
>>Raise Ken's hand
duh

>>1848964
>Raise Ken's hand

>>1848964
>>Raise Ken's hand
THIS DUDE IS THE BEST
THIS OPM MUSIC IS THE BEST
GOD I HAVE FUCKING MISSED DGA

>>1848964
>>Raise Ken's hand
We did something similar once, with good results if I remember correctly.

>>1848964
>Raise Ken's hand
>Raise your own hand

Calling for
>Raise Ken's hand

Writing now.

File: King Thunder04.jpg (107 KB, 600x847)

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>Raise Ken's hand

He might be a little too shy to do it, but you're sure Ken would get a kick out of being chosen by the live-action Red Mask... and so would you. You grab Ken by the wrist and hold his hand up among the sea of others in the crowd.

King Thunder scans the crowd, before pointing in the direction of you and Ken. "You there! The boy volunteering against his will! Get up here!"

"W-what?!" Ken exclaims. "Ryoji! What do I..."

"Go ahead," you shrug. "Don't act like you won't enjoy it."

"True..." Ken admits, as he wades through the sea of humanity in order to climb onto the stage.

King Thunder chuckle as Ken comes up onto stage. "Now, what's your name my scraggly haired friend?"

"Scraggly? I mean... Ken. Ken Tajiri."

"Well, Ben Dachiro..."

"That w-wasn't even close to-"

"It's TIME! TIME TO TEST YOUR METTLE WITH THE GREAT KING THUUUUUUUUNDER!"

The crowd cheers as Ken awkwardly stands on stage. "Right... so what do we do? Are we going to spar, or...?"

"Spar?" King Thunder gasps. "My boy, no! With my incredible strength, even if I were to hold back I would break your neck with a mere chop! We don't want that! NO! INSTEAD, YOU SHALL STAND IN POSITION AND I SHALL USE MY MYSTIC POWERS TO READ YOUR HEROIC POTENTIAL, TO DISCOVER JUST HOW MUCH OF A HERO YOU CAN GROW TO BE!"

"Right..." Ken mutters.

"Mystic powers..." you scoff. "What a crock of shit. What do you think of this, Nina?"

"I don't think you should laugh, Ryoji... his power levels... they're off the charts."

"What, really?" you ask.

"No! Of course not!"

He chuckle. "Damn, this guy's such a joke that even you're having fun with it."

"I-I can have fun!"

As Ken stands awkwardly on the stage, King Thunder waves his arms around and does a ridiculous dance... assumedly channelling his 'mystic' powers. Still, the crowd is eating it up.

"I'M SENSING..." King Thunder exclaims. "LOOKING DEEP WITHIN YOU... OH... OH DEAR!"

"What?"

"I... I hate to tell you this..." King Thunder replies. "But... there's nothing. You have no latent heroic potential at all."

File: King Thunder03.jpg (1.11 MB, 956x1500)

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The crowd groans in disappointment and in sympathy of Ken as he looks in confusion.

"What?!"

"I'm sorry, boy... this almost never happens," King Thunder explains. "Some people are born to be heroes, champions of might and Justice... most have at least some heroic potential in them... and there are a select few who... just aren't cut out for that. It's not the end of the world, though... after all, the world needs people like you. Average, mediocre people who may not ever amount to anything great... but when King Thunder needs to print out a poster, he knows exactly who he's turning to! I'm sorry."

"... WHAT?!"

Ken is quickly corralled off stage as King Thunder pulls another volunteer on stage... this time a rather chesty blonde young woman. Wouldn't you know it, her heroic potential is off the charts, and King Thunder would like to see her after the screening to discuss joining his training academy! Wow, what were the odds of that?

Ken passes by you as you place a hand on his shoulder.

"That was... weird," he comments.

You shrug. "Don't let it get to you. It's just the words of some hack fraud."

"I know..." Ken replies. "But it wasn't exactly nice to hear. Come on, let's go."

"You don't want to stick around?" you ask. "We've still got some time, and I'm sure there'll be autograph signings for-"

"Nah..." Ken mutters, shoving his hands into his pockets.

>Don't sulk. Now's not a time to be sulking.
>That guy doesn't know what he's talking about. His name is King Thunder, for crying out loud.
>Hey, I think you're a hero Ken.
>So... you see the chest on that girl he called up? What a sleaze, right?

>>1849044
>Hey, I think you're a hero Ken.
>You're the Hero of Justice after all

>>1849044
>Hey, I think you're a hero Ken.
>That guy doesn't know what he's talking about. His name is King Thunder, for crying out loud.

>>1849044
>>Hey, I think you're a hero Ken
I wonder if we would have had hero potential.

>>1849044
>I guess the heros are missing out on a great guy, but that means I'm free to recruit you into the esteemed league of Master Delinquents. Now lets go find some rotten fruit to throw at him!

>>1849044
>Hey, I think you're a hero Ken.
I believe we have a laundry list of times he has saved our asses or the asses of others...

Calling for
>Hey, I think you're a hero Ken

Writing now

File: Eri10.jpg (101 KB, 811x1697)

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>Hey, I think you're a hero Ken

"Thanks, pal..." Ken replies.

"And hey, when we get back to the academy you'll be sure to receive a heroes welcome," you explain. "Do you really need me to rattle off all the time you've saved our asses?"

"No..." Ken mutters, before a small smile forms on his face. "But I wouldn't mind if you did."

You smirk. "Okay, let's start off with our first fight against Yami. We were all dead to rights until-"

"Umm, excuse me?"

You and Ken turn around to see a girl staring back at the two of you... and a handful of her friends standing a good distance behind her, seemingly egging her on.

"Yeah, what do you want?" you ask, crossing your arms.

"Well..." the girl nervously chuckles. "You're... them, aren't you? You were on the news? The... the academy heroes?"

You and Ken look to eachother and look back at the girl. "Yeah," you reply.

"Well... well then..."

"Typical Eri!" her red-haired friend yells. "Can't expect that weirdo to talk to anyone!"

"Stop it, Kairi!" the girl yells back, before turning to you and bowing. "I... I... MyNameIsEriInokiAndISawYouOnTheNewsAndI'mABigFanAnd-"

"Calm down," You mutter. "I didn't get a word of that... Eri?"

"Yes," Eri nods. "Eri Inoki... I... me and my friends were watching you on the news and... well, we saw you and I thought it would be super duper cool if I could get an autograph..."

"Super Duper Cool, you say?" Ken smiles, amused at the sight of a fan. "Sure thing, we don't see any problem in that. What do you say, Ryoji?"

"Wow!" Eri's eyes light up. "That's fantastirific to the nth degree! What do you say, Ryo-Chan?"

Ryo-Chan? Fantastirific?

"The way she talks is... unusual."

>No problems here. Your friends want autographs too?
>As long as you promise never to call me Ryo-Chan again.
>I don't know, we really should get going. Meet up with the others.

>>1849104
>As long as you promise never to call me Ryo-Chan again.

>>1849104
>>No problems here. Your friends want autographs too?
And who are these strange girls who are obviously gay lovers.

>>1849104
>As long as you promise never to call me Ryo-Chan again
Ryo-Chan oh gods no

>>1849104
>No problems here. Your friends want autographs too?

Make Ryo-chan trend.

>>1849104
>As long as you promise never to call me Ryo-Chan again.

>>1849104
>>As long as you promise never to call me Ryo-Chan again.


>Inoki

>>1849104
>As long as you promise never to call me Ryo-Chan again.

Calling for
>As long as you promise never to call me Ryo-Chan again.

Writing now.

File: Eri09.jpg (41 KB, 500x1005)

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"Oh okay!" Eri nods. "I'm very sorry, Ryoji-oniisan!"

"Don't call me that either!" you protest.

Eri turns her attention over to Ken. "You don't mind if I call you Kenny-Chan, right?"

"Uhh... I guess not?" Ken shrugs.

"Amazeful!" She exclaims. Is... is this how kids talk now? Wait, you're still a kid, this shouldn't be confusing you so much! Gah!

You and Ken sign a handful of autographs for Eri, as her face light up. She may be strange and annoying, but it actually feels good to see someone that delighted to see you. You suppose it doesn't hurt to have a number one fan.

"Umm... before you go," Eri ponders. "You said that people like you go to an academy for your powers... do... do you think one day I could go there? I'm only a semester away from leaving middle school so..."

"Well," Ken explains. "It all depends on if you have the ability to be awakened within you, and not a lot of people do... but it is possible."

"It is..." Eri mutters with a smile. "Mondo cool! Then I'm not going to stop dreaming and wishing until then, cause then my dreams will come true!"

Eri shuts her eyes and clenches her fists, straining to... keep dreaming? You don't know. As she returns to her friends, the red-haired one is quick to tease her and poke at her puffed out cheeks as she concentrates.

"That was nice," Ken replies. "I guess we're gonna have to get used to stuff like that."

"Yeah, hopefully the rest of our fans talk like normal people," you remark, as the two of you head down the street.

"Did you hear that?" Ken pauses, holding you back suddenly in the street.

"Hear what?"

"... Must be my imagination," Ken shakes his head. "Whatever, let's get-"

Ken quickly reacts to another noise, summoning his rod and swinging it behind him... directly onto the head of another girl.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTFbNkr4GD4

"Oh geez, I'm so sorry!" Ken apologises as the girl hunkers down, nursing her new bruise with tears in her eyes.

"Y-you jerk!" the girl yells back.

"Y-you charged at us!" Ken fumbles over his words. "I thought you were a demon!"

"Well... I'm worse than any demon you could ever meet!" the girl exclaims. "For I'm your academy's worst nightmare... Michiko Saji!"

A long silence passes as the girl proudly presses her thumb to her chest.

"... Who?" you ask.

"W-what?!" Michiko yells. "You don't remember Michiko Saji?"

"Nope, never heard of you," you remark.

"B-but I..."

"Wait, I know that name!" Ken snaps his fingers. "You're that girl Akio dumped, right?"

Michiko's face scrunches up into another pout, as her eyes water some more. "N-no! I mean... yes! But... but I'm the girl who has video evidence of your actions!"

"You and every news station," you reply.

"But do they have evidence of the misdoings of the academy?" Michiko asks. "Because that's what I obtained when I filmed your friends, Kosuke and Rini?"

"Oh yeah, that's you..." you remark. "Great job, you have video evidence of a married couple getting frisky."

"N-no, that's not all!" she yells. "I also have evidence of your classmates assaulting an innocent bystander by destroying my phone!"

"If they destroyed your phone how do you still have evidence?" you ask.

Michiko smirks proudly. "Well, your brute of a friend forgot to destroy the SD card, which I was easily able to recover!"

You cross your arms with a sigh. "Okay... so what do you want? You must think this is important enough to blackmail us over. What do you want?"

"Simple!" Michiko explains. "I want the location of your academy! So I can start my investigation into the true seedy underbelly of your establishment and write an eye-opening case study that earns me a pulitzer prize!"

"What seedy underbelly?" you ask.

"I-I don't know!" Michiko whines. "I need the location of your academy to find that out!"

Ken takes you aside for a moment. "I know whatever video footage she has is pretty weak, but maybe we should try to avoid any controversy with the academy early on? Then again... I don't really want to bow to her demands."

>What demands? The only thing she could do with our location is embarrass herself more. Let's just tell her.
>No deal. She's got nothing on us, and I'm not gonna give anything away.
>This is ridiculous. Our location isn't a secret, she could just search it online...

>>1849191
>What demands? The only thing she could do with our location is embarrass herself more. Let's just tell her.
>Our location isn't a secret, she could just search it online

And so it begins...

>>1849191
>>This is ridiculous. Our location isn't a secret, she could just search it online...

NOT PLAYING YOUR GAME

>>1849191
>This is ridiculous. Our location isn't a secret, she could just search it online...
>You do know what the internet is right?

>>1849191
>This is ridiculous. Our location isn't a secret, she could just search it online...
BEGONE THOT

>>1849191
>>This is ridiculous. Our location isn't a secret, she could just search it online...

>>1849191
>>This is ridiculous. Our location isn't a secret, she could just search it online...
>>You do know what the internet is right?
this is a bad girl
why do we have to see this bad girl after seeing new good girl

Calling for
>This is ridiculous. Our location isn't a secret, she could just search it online...

Writing now

File: BritBongGivesGoodAdvice.jpg (54 KB, 540x608)

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>>1849205
Balance anon. For every best girl out there, there must be a worst girl.

File: waifu.png (1.01 MB, 960x1080)

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>>1849217
That's not good advice at all! Now this, this is good advice.

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>This is ridiculous. Our location isn't a secret, she could just search it online...

"I can?" Michiko exclaims, eavesdropping on your conversation in a very unsubtle manner, her hands on both your shoulders as she pokes her head into your huddle. "I-I mean... I knew that! It was just a testing you for.... shut up!"

"Wow, you really are an idiot, aren't you?" you ask.

"No I'm noooooot!" Michiko whines. "I'm a reporter! An investigator! And I'll figure out the deep dark secret of Dark Gate Academy and share it with the world! Uhh... just as soon as I look it up on maps..."

Michiko turns to her phone and begins typing while walking... which of course leads to her tripping and falling face first, both exposing her rear end to the world and smashing her phone in the process. "F-Fine!" Michiko yells. "I'll uncover the deep dark secret... at the internet cafe!"

As Michiko runs off, red in the face and tears streaming from her eyes, you scratch the back of your head. "... That was stupid."

"How long did she stalk us to reach that anti-climax?" Ken wonders.

"Whatever," you sigh. "That's wasted enough time, let's just go meet the others."

As you make your way to the modelling studio, you turn to Ken and ask the question. "So... was the world always this nuts?"

"That's the big city for you..." Ken shrugs. "And I suppose it just comes with the trappings of fame."

"Oh god..." you groan. "I'd rather face a hundred Archdemons with a rusty spoon than deal with any more of this crap."

"Well, we're gonna have to," Ken laughs. "You especially, Ryoji. I think you really endeared yourself to the people with that interview. They're gonna want to see more of The Young Dragon and The Stranger."

"Don't give us superhero names," you yawn. "And definitely don't make mine The Stranger."

You arrive at the modelling studio, just in time to catch the rest of the group exiting through the front. You catch up with Saki and she gives a quick wave. "Ryoji, Ken! What did you two get up to?"

>Fill her in on everything
>Eh, nothing special.
>Let's just say this place is a little crazy.

>>1849258
>>Fill her in on everything
Leave nothing out.

>>1849258
>Some crazy bullshit

>>1849258
>>Let's just say this place is a little crazy.
We can spill everything back home in the comfort of DGA.

>>1849258
>Eh, nothing special
>On a side note Ken needs some money to pay for this map

>>1849258
>Let's just say this place is a little crazy
Good thing that we will never see all this people again right?

>>1849258
>Fill her in on everything
>Let's just say this place is a little crazy.
>How about you?
Give the truth, and speak plainly.

Michiko a great comedy antagonist.

>>1849268
And the riceballs!

>>1849258
>Fill her in on everything

>>1849258
>Eh, nothing special.
They must never know of Ryo-Chan.

>>1849263
>>1849286
>>1849290
>Fill her in on everything

>>1849265
>>1849284
>>1849286
>Let's just say this place is a little crazy

Calling for a combination of both.

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>Fill her in on everything
>Let's just say this place is a little crazy

You quickly give Saki a rundown of everything that you and Ken got up to, from King Thunder to Eri to Michiko, and with each one her eyes widen further.

"Wow..." Saki mutters. "And here I thought I'd stop being surprised after all we've seen in the academy..."

"So how did you guys fare?" Ken asks.

"Splendidly!" Chihiro exclaims, striking a pose with her hand on her hip. "In fact, you're looking at the cover star of next week's issue! The photoshoot will be in a few days. and-"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0btRCbrZRQ

Chihiro is cut off by a long black limousine pulling up in front of the studio. A man steps out, and opens the back door of the limo. A long slender leg comes peeking out the limo in high heels... and as the limo driver falls to his hands and knees, the woman steps out, stepping on the back of the man and standing atop him as a pair of other men step out and roll out a red carpet for her. More men from the car pile out, and hunker down for the woman as well, who steps across them, using the men as a pathway towards the building, her red-hair flowing elegantly in the wind, and her eyes without mercy.

"And just who in the hell..." you mutter.

"We saw posters with her all over the studio," Saki explains.

"Kanako Iwatani," Chihiro gasps, more than a little starstruck. "The most glamorous model in all of Japan!"

"And a bit of a dominatrix, by the looks of things," Blue scoffs.

Kanako steps along the men, finding herself standing right before each of you as you wait by the doorway.

He eyes scan each of you, before turning to her driver. "Who are these peons blocking my path?"

"I-I'm very sorry!" Her driver mumbles. "I'll ask for them to leave-"

Before he springs into action, Kanako draws out a whip, cracking it in front of the driver, preventing him from moving further as she continues to examine each of you.

File: Kanako_Iwatani03.png (196 KB, 980x784)

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"Explain yourselves," Kanako states as the 'peon' beneath her provides her with a comfortable seat.

"We are the students with Dark Gate Academy," Saki explains. "I'm sure you've seen us on the news. We were just talking with your publishers about-"

Kanako leans in, examining Saki. "No... too stout."

"W-what?" Saki mumbles, her face beaming red.

Kanako looks to Alice. "No... too innocent."

"You smell like mushrooms!" Alice exclaims.

Kanako looks to Miss Yamano. "Absolutely not... Christmas Cake."

"B-but I'm just here as a chaperone..." Yamano whines.

Kanako finally turns her head to Chihiro, before standing atop the manservant once more. He crawls closer to Chihiro as Kanako leans down and inspects the girl. "... Hello."

"Hello," Chihiro responds in kind, as Kanako begins to run her fingers up and down Chihiro's arm. Damn, you've never seen Chihiro so frozen up like this, so caught off-guard.

Kanako reaches into her brassiere and pulls out a small card, before handing it to Chihiro. "If you wish to become more than a lowly peon... call me."

Kanako slowly and methodically runs her fingernails along Chihiro's neck and up past her chin and... good god, are those hearts in Chihiro's pupils? Geez, she's completely in awe.

"Why does this woman scare me more than anyone else?"

"Some people just have that kind of presence."

Kanako passes by, the waves of men in suits following behind her, as Chihiro walks up to the rest of you, business card in hand.

"Wow..." Chihiro gasps, short on breath and looking more than a little flushed. "Quite the glamorous woman, don't you think?"

>Looked more like a sociopath to me
>If you say so. Modelling isn't exactly my expertise.
>Like looking into the future, eh Chihiro?

>>1849373
>>Looked more like a sociopath to me

>>1849373
>Looked more like a sociopath to me

>>1849373
>If you say so. Modelling isn't exactly my expertise.

>>1849373
>looks like a bitch

>>1849373
>>If you say so. Modelling isn't exactly my expertise.
>>Like looking into the future, eh Chihiro?

>>1849373
>A grade A cunt you mean

>>1849373
>Looked more like a sociopath to me
Chihiro has shit taste in waifus.

>>1849373
>A grade A cunt you mean
Omfg
I made it near the end
Damm you booker and putting this on durning y work times

>>1849373
>Chihiro, I say this with all sincerity and I mean this as your friend;

>Please never, EVER become like that woman.

Calling for
>Looked more like a sociopath to me

Writing now

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>Looked more like a sociopath to me

"Ryoji, how rude!" Chihiro protest, giving you a light slap on the wrist. "I'm sure she seems forceful, but that's the first step in being truly glamorous! Kanako Iwatani is a strong, powerful woman who knows what she wants... don't you think that's just wonderful? Inspiring?"

"No," you reply. "And it weirds me out that you'd idolise someone like that."

"It's not as strange as it seems!" Chihiro winks. "I think I would look quite dashing with a whip in hand, wouldn't you agree, Saki?"

"Umm..." is all Saki can reply with.

The idea of Chihiro becoming like that is both horrifying, and scarily not too far fetched.

"Alright, I think we're done for the day!" Blue cracks his knuckles and yawns. "If anyone needs me, I'll be trying out my moves in the nearest-"

"No you won't," Green replies. "We need to head back to the academy."

"That's right!" Saki bounces with joy. "Classes will be starting early again! Isn't it exciting, Ryoji?"

"Exciting is one word for it," you reply. Well, at least with the cat out of the bag, your parents can visit whenever you want them to now.

>Later

The trip back home, and the entire group is packed within Green's minivan, driving the entire way back to Dakugeto. It's a long drive of about eight hours. The night sky is already out in full force, and by the time you make it back to the village it'll be morning again. With little space in the van, you and Saki are bunched very close together. While she was embarrassed to be seen snuggling in front of many others, soon she simply got comfortable, nestling her head into your shoulder.

"Despite all the strangeness..." Saki mutters. "Today was a wonderful day, Ryoji. Ooh, check out that shooting star!"

"Yeah... if anything, it was definitely an experience," you mutter. "Things really are changing a lot... but I suppose it wasn't too bad."

"What you said in that interview..." Saki mutters. "It was just right, Ryoji. I think... I think...."

Saki lets out a long yawn.

"I think you should get some sleep," you smirk, "It's about time you got some rest."

Saki seems like she's about to protest, but is quick to shut her eyes and drift off, snoozing lightly as you play with her hair.

"She really tuckered herself out..."

"Yeah..." you reply within yourself.

"So, Ryoji... that ring in your pocket. The one your dad gave you before we came here. Are you...?"

>Just waiting for the right moment.
>I... I don't know yet.
>Not anytime soon. But it's good to have... just in case.

>>1849464
>Someday
>At the right moment

>>1849464
>>Not anytime soon. But it's good to have... just in case.
Not yet

>>1849464
>>Just waiting for the right moment.

The whole side-theme of this entire story seems to be 'live like you're dyin'. Might as well.

>>1849464
>Not anytime soon. But it's good to have... just in case.
Got to save it for when we visit the flag emporium.

>>1849464
>>I... I don't know yet.

>>1849464

>Just waiting for the right moment

>>1849464
>>Just waiting for the right moment.

Calling for
>Just waiting for the right moment.

Writing now.

>>1849464
>Not anytime soon. But it's good to have... just in case.
Buy he certainly is going to do it eventually.

File: Manabu01.jpg (145 KB, 1026x820)

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>Just waiting for the right moment.

"And just what is this right moment?" Nina asks.

"Hell if I know," you reply. "But from what I was told... our first kiss up on the roof was just the right moment. So... I guess I'll know it when I see it. And when I do..."

You run your fingers through Saki's hair as she begins to drool on you. "This prissy, whiny, annoying stuck-up rules lover... is gonna be my wife."

You smile and close your eyes, hugging into Saki as you too get some much, much needed sleep.

...


...
...


"You really think it's that easy?"

You jolt awake, still in the minivan. The morning sun hits your eyes and you struggle to adjust. Seems Green is pulling in by the school gate. "Did you hear that, Nina?"

"Hear what?"

"Thought I heard... must have been the dream."

Saki wakes up next to you and rubs the tiredness from her eyes as Green herds all of you out of the minivan. Some of you make your through the school gates, while you and Saki stop for a brief moment, looking over the horizon.

"What a beautiful morning..." Saki mutters.

"Yeah..." you reply, but soon you attention is caught by the sight of a small boy, a few years younger than you in age, hiking his way up the snowy hill towards you. A parasol in one hand... and a sheathed blade at his side.

You turn your attention to the boy right away, as Saki readies herself.

"Ryoji Shida..." the boy speaks, catching you off-guard. He knows you by name, "Saki Kobashi..."

"And you are?" you ask.

The boy pauses, looking up at you. His face is gentle, yet his eyes show and unmoving determination. "My name is Manabu Misasa. You know my brother... Yamato."

"Yamato..." your eyes widen.

Manabu sets his parasol to the ground and grabs the hilt of his blade. "He attended this school... and you, Ryoji Shida, killed him in cold blood. I have come to avenge his life... and I will defeat you."

... Of course this is happening. Why not? Just another damn semester at the worst school on earth.

END OF EPISODE 1

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>Ending Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZLEXj52lcc

>Archive
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?tags=Dark%20Gate%20Academy

>Twitter
https://twitter.com/bookerman32

>Discord
https://discord.gg/yz7sDra

And we're back! After a much, much longer break than I had originally planned, but DGA is back in action! And man, I had almost forgotten how fun this was. Thank you all for your patience during the wait, and thank you all so much for playing!

>Player Question
Well, Season 3 is here and a lot of pieces are being added to the board already. What are you most excited for in the coming episodes?

>>1849536
I got major Afro Samurai vibes. I don't know why, this story is nothing LIKE Afro Samurai.

>>1849536
He knows his brother was a prick right?

>>1849546
Thank for Running Booker
Saki MC Episodes sooon woooo

>>1849563
Yamato didn't do anything wrong, he's the only reason Class 3 are even alive.

>>1849546
Im excited for punching machosist ladies teeth out!
Its a shame we will never ever ever see those gay girls again tho.
>>1849569
No he did awful things
he just did them for good reason
and by the time we killed him, yamato was already dead, that was the charmer.

>>1849546
Thanks for running Booker, is almost weird to be back but it was fun.

>PQ
I'm not really sure if there's one big thing I'm super hyped for but I look forward to both new and old characters

>>1849546
Good show book, great to be back at DGA!

>PQ
Well for one thing I am wortied about Chihiro, but I suppose something like this was inevitable.

The Manabu situation seems fun because good luck convincing him initially of what >>1849572 brings up. Hell it will be hard to convince him that Ryoji wasn't the one who did it, seeing as that distinction was on Shinji.

Stranger was ominous, but likely sulking. Going to need to meditate a bit for that one.

Also, Michiko is a great "villian". I look foreward to her "nefarious deeds" and "in depth investigations".

>>1849546
But Ryoji didn't kill Yamato he failed almost all his rolls against him.
Good to see this quest back I also forgot how fun it was. I am looking forward too all of this new characters I just hope it doesn't become too much of a villian of the episode deal but I am sure it won't.

I am quite excited to see how this new spurt of popularity is going to affect the rest of the students.

>>1849546
Man, I fucking love this quest. Words can't even express how happy I am that this is back. I honestly think this is my favorite quest. Thanks so much for running, Booker! I'm very excited for what's coming up in Season 3.

>>1849774
Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay

>>1849902
I probably am.

>>1849774
That's pretty sad

>>1848716
Fucking die already

Knowing you use Ginko for this piece of trash makes me sad

>>1849546
No amount of shitty heckling can lame up DGA, it's rad to see you back.

>>1849546
I caught up to this right at the end of the last thread, I can tell you that the waiting was awful.

>Player Question
The public reaction, and how on earth the darkworld will escalate

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>>1848716
HOW THE FLYING FUCK I AM SO LATE FOR THIS. I'VE MISSED BOOKER, MY FAVORITE QUEST IS BACK.

HELL YES