What Could Be Inside?
(Captain) and company are at a teahouse when Kou, You, and Sui realize Ninetails has vanished. Their investigations bear no fruit until Himira, the successor of the second royal family, appears. He asks them to open a container, claiming it is related to Ninetails' disappearance. Despite their doubts about Himira and his strange behavior, the crew agree to help.
One peaceful day, voices ring out across a small tea house.
(Captain), Sui, and company are taking a break as they watch Kou and You, smiles on their faces.
Kou: Oh, You. You've got some cream from the parfait on your face.
You: Mrph... I can wipe it myself! Ehehe.
Sui: Hehe, I'm getting a sugar rush just from watching you two!
You: D-don't say stuff like that. Now I'm all embarrassed...
Kou: Hehe.
Kou: (After all that happened with Sui, Kuzure, and the freak of nature, these placid days are really nice.)
Kou: (Ninetails sure gave us a hard time before that, but she's been quiet for quite a while too. I suppose that's a good thing though...)
You. Kou. Societte. Yuel.
Their fates were once in the grasp of a living flame called Ninetails, a creature born a thousand years ago.
Kou: (Thanks to the help of (Captain)'s crew, we were able to seal Ninetails and her schemes a second time.)
Kou: (But I can still sense Ninetails's presence. I really hope nothing bad will happen again...)
Kou: ...!
You: ...!
Sui: ...!
Lyria: Wh-what's the matter?
Kou: Ninetails... I can't sense her anymore!
Vyrn: Say what!
Lyria: The slaughterstone where Ninetails is sealed should still be there... right?
Kou: Yes. The fragment of Ninetails that I was able to sense but never pinpoint has disappeared.
Kou: We should look into it. Who knows if this disappearance is another one of her plans.
You: Yeah... I can't imagine that old hag poofing on us so easily.
Kou: Yuel and Societte must've sensed something amiss as well. Let's look for clues together.
Sui: I'll use my father's flame and try looking for signs of Ninetails too!
The group splits off to gather more information on the creature.
However, clues are not so easily found, and the situation remains a mystery.
Kou: Nothing at all, huh... It's been days since we started looking around.
Sui: I believe Yuel and Societte are still searching with the help of the informant Buck Bronco...
You: Hrm... Do you really think that stubborn old hag would just up and disappear like that?
Half-Naked Man: Sorry to intrude, fellows.
Lyria: Wah! Wh-where's your shirt?
Kou: Himira! It's... been a while.
Lyria: Oh, um... Is this shirtless man a friend of yours, Kou?
Kou: Yes... Not just mine, but You's and Sui's as well. He's a descendant of the second royal family, you see...
Himira: The name's Himira, successor of Scarlet Piercer. Give me some affection and call me Big Bro Himira.
Lyria: B-Big Bro... Himira...
Himira: Oh yeah. That feels good.
Vyrn: You've, uh... got a really unique personality.
Himira: You lot must be (Captain)'s crew. I heard from You and Kou that you're all nice kids.
Vyrn: Didja now... That's great, but could you, like... put on a shirt or somethin'?
Himira: Some men look better unclothed. What d'you think? Am I killin' it or what?
You: Er, whatever you say... I'm just not sure where to look when I'm talkin' to you.
Himira: No worries, you'll get used to it. Anyway, I brought a bunch of random snacks over as a gift. Grab what you like.
Vyrn: You really march to your own drum, huh?
Himira: Here, this is for you, Kou. A special little something from me.
Kou: Wow, thank you!
Kou: These are... pants from a hakama set, right? Um... where's the rest of it?
Himira: Just put that on. Take off the rest. I always thought you could totally rock my look.
Kou: Wha? Er...
Himira: Hey, it's okay if you're not sure how to style it yet. Big Bro will teach you everything.
Kou: Huh? Wha! W-wait a minute!
You: Big Bro Himira's look... Meaning Bro Kou's gonna be shirtless?
You: Waaait! Hang on a second! No freaking way!
Sui: Hehe. You're so cute, You. But you've seen Kou without a shirt at the beach, right? Besides, you've even gotten in the same bath before...
You: Gyaaah! Don't talk about the bath! And that's not the problem!
Himira: Getting lively here, aren't we? We're done changing.
You: Waaah, hold it... I'm not ready yet...
Kou: Ahaha... Um, what do you think?
You: Huh? That actually looks... pretty good.
Kou: Th-thank you. Dressing exactly like Himira would've been a bit too much for me, so...
Himira: Look at you, all embarrassed like some young maiden. Lucky I bought the top half too, just in case. It would've been so much better without it, though.
Himira: Well, you let Big Bro know if you ever want it off—I'll teach you how to strip stylishly.
Kou: Please... I'm fine like this.
Himira: A new outfit, a new start. Perfect for going after Ninetails, don't you think?
Kou: Ninetails? Do you happen to know something about her disappearance?
Himira: Of course. What d'you think Big Bro's here for? Now, do me a favor and open this up for me.
Kou: Is this... some kind of container?
You: It's so big... What does this hafta do with the old hag?
Himira: ...
Sui: Why're you avoiding our gaze?
Himira: Big Bro's got his own secrets too. I... can't give any more details, I'm afraid. Not even on who's forbidding me to talk.
Himira: This does have something to do with Ninetails though—that's about all I can say. Long story short, I need your help getting this open.
Vyrn: What's that supposed to mean...
You: If he can't talk, there's nothing we can do about it... Let's take his word for it and open the thing.
You: I caused a lotta trouble for Big Bro before, so I wanna help this time.
Kou: You...
(Captain) thinks back to how You was once under the control of Ninetails and made to attack the successors.
Himira: Hrm, that's all in the past. But it'd be great if you could just open the container for me.
Kou: Okay, I can do it. From what I can tell, there don't seem to be any seals on it...
Kou: Hrrrgh!
Wait... How come it's not opening...
- Haha. Leave it to me!
Choose: Haha. Leave it to me!Sui: Ooh, someone as battle-worn as (Captain) should have no problem opening it.
(Captain) puts everything into prying open the lid of the container, veins and muscles bulging—but to no avail.
Lyria: It's no good... The lid's not moving at all.
Kou: Not even (Captain) could make it budge... This is a tough one.
Himira: Okay then, uh... How about... Uh-huh... Let's take it to someplace fun and see what happens.
Kou: Someplace fun?
Himira: Go and have as much fun as you can. Then just maybe... it'll, uh, open somehow. Yeah.
Lyria: Hmm, your words sound a lot clumsier than just a moment ago...
Kou: How would the container open just because it's somewhere fun? That sounds almost silly.
Himira: I know it's questionable, but... sorry, I can't tell you anything else...
Kou: No, no, it's all right! I understand you have your own reasons, so I won't pry any further.
You: Besides, you said this has something to do with the old hag, right? In that case, leave it all to Bro Kou and the rest of us!
Kou: It's a request from a fellow successor, after all. We'll be happy to oblige.
Himira: R-right... Thanks.
Sui: ...?
In hopes of finding a clue to Ninetails's disappearance, the crew decides to follow Himira's instructions to open the container.
Sui and (Captain) stay alert, keeping a close watch on Himira as doubts continue to swirl in their minds.
You Saw, Didn't You?
According to Himira, the container might open if taken to someplace fun. The crew decide to have a lakeside picnic, but when they open their box of kinako mochi, they find it empty. Despite Himira's confession that he had eaten them all himself, the container is mysteriously covered in kinako powder.
A man named Himira had suddenly appeared in front of the crew, asking them to open a mysterious container.
When they struggle to do so, Himira tells them that visiting someplace fun may help, so Kou leads them to a promising spot.
Kou: What do you think? This spot by the lake is quite the special place, isn't it?
You: Wow, the leaves are all the same color as Sui's hair! I can't take my eyes off of 'em!
Sui: Oh, You... That makes me happy and a little embarrassed at the same time.
Kou: Hehe. Are you enjoying yourself too, Himira?
Himira: I do love it when cherry trees are covered in vibrant leaves. Even out of season, they still look beautiful.
Kou: Indeed. Cherry trees are stunning at full bloom, but I think the trees have their own charm even after the blossoms are gone.
Sui: How did you find this lovely place, Kou?
Kou: I came across it by accident when I was traveling with Veight.
Kou: I thought it was a really nice area and have always wanted to bring friends here for a picnic.
Kou: It's a shame that Yuel and Societte aren't with us today...
You: Yeah... They said there's still a few things worth looking into about Ninetails, so they're busy investigating.
Himira: Nice of 'em to do that. There could be things even I don't know.
Vyrn: It'd be a lot faster if you just told us more about this container... You said it's got something to do with Ninetails, didn'tcha?
Himira: Urk... I'm really sorry. That's one thing I'm afraid I can't help with.
You: Can't say we aren't curious, but... seriously, it's fine. We don't wanna force it out of you.
You: Let's put it aside for now and have a good time! Look at all the people picnicking here. We should give it a shot too!
Kou: Yes... I'm sure we can come another time with Yuel and Societte.
Kou: Well then, shall we go buy our necessities for the picnic?
Lyria: Necessities... You mean like, something delicious?
Kou: Hehe, that's exactly what I mean. I know they sell some springtime kinako mochi close by.
Kou: Veight and I had some before, and it was one of the most delicious things I'd ever eaten.
Sui: Oooh! That sounds too good to pass up!
You: Let's hurry up and get some! Come on, Bro Kou!
Kou: Haha, the mochi won't be going anywhere. We can get plenty to share.
Kou: What? They're... all sold out?
Shop Owner: Sorry, kiddo... There's been an influx of tourists, you see.
Shop Owner: Even my prized kinako powder's all gone... Hoho, I'll have to close up shop early.
You: Bro Kou... The mochi's gone far, far away...
Kou: What bad luck... I wanted all of you to try the delicious mochi here too.
Himira: So what did it taste like anyway? Now that I can't have it, I'm even more curious.
Kou: Hmm, let's see... The mochi's evenly covered in a layer of fragrant kinako powder.
Kou: When you bite into it, it's nice and chewy... and the sweetness from the syrup fills your senses.
You: Hnnngh, that sounds so good. I'm sure it'd go perfectly with your favorite matcha.
Kou: Exactly! The matcha here is amazing too.
Shop Owner: Oho! Yes... I remember now. You came with your friend last time, didn't you?
Shop Owner: I'm sorry... Pains me that I can't give you what you want, even though you brought so many friends back with you.
Kou: Oh, no, please. No point asking for what isn't there, so we'll come back another time.
Sui: Ahaha... After hearing you describe that mochi, I got hungry... We were so close.
Kou: Me too... Thinking about it has my stomach wanting more...
You: The mochi...
Shop Owner: Aw... That makes me real happy. You know what? If you like it so much, then here you go.
Kou: Huh?
Kou receives a multitiered box from the shop owner and opens it.
The box is packed with slices of golden, gleaming mochi.
Kou: It's... springtime kinako mochi!
Sui: They're beautiful... Feels like I can almost see a halo around them!
Shop Owner: Aha, make sure to keep this a secret from everyone. I had just a bit left, you see. It's on the house—go ahead and enjoy them between yourselves.
Kou: But... didn't you say they were sold out?
Shop Owner: I love gorging on these, so I actually kept some for myself.
Shop Owner: But I'd love it even more if enthusiastic visitors like you got to taste them instead!
You: You're sure about this? Thanks so much, mister! We're gonna enjoy these together!
Kou: Thank you very much! I'll definitely be back!
Sui: We definitely will! And we'll bring even more friends next time! Enough to fill the whole shop!
Lyria: Isn't it wonderful? The shop owner was so kind!
Kou: When we come with Yuel and Societte next time, let's bring some refreshments for him as thanks.
You: Ehehe, I'm excited to try the mochi! This looks like a good place to sit down and eat. Mochi, mochi!
Sui: Mochi, mochi, kinako mochi, say hello to my mouth!
Their expectations high, the crew carefully lifts the lid of the tiered box...
You: Huh? There's nothing here! Where'd the mochi go?
Kou: No way... Did I drop them? But that can't be. I didn't open the lid at all...
Himira: ...
You: Our mochi...
Seeing You's dejected expression, the crew starts scouring the area when Kou suddenly notices something.
Kou: Wait... There's kinako powder on the container.
Himira: Urgh... I s-surrender...
Vyrn: Huh? Whaddya mean "surrender"... Don't tell me you ate everything when we weren't lookin'!
Himira: Well, it was a long trip here, so... I was tired and hungry. Couldn't help myself, you know?
Lyria: Still... eating it all yourself without asking is just wrong...
Himira: You're right, of course... I've got no excuse. It's all my fault. Off with my head, I say!
Sui: No need to go that far... But from what I remember, you weren't carrying the container. How did the powder get on it?
Himira: Ahh, right. I, uh... don't have the best table manners, so I got it everywhere.
Vyrn: How'd ya manage to do that... You're sayin' you got powder all over the place without us even noticing?
You: Our mochi...
Himira: Yeah... I'm... really sorry...
You: Nah... It's okay. You were hungry, so you had to eat something. We can always visit again!
Kou: Yes... You's right. That's a great way of looking at it. Now we can look forward to next time even more.
Vyrn: You really gotta thank your friends for bein' so nice to ya.
Himira: Urk... Yeah, seriously...
Sui: ...
Deciding to put the mochi incident behind them, Kou and company settle down for their picnic.
Every now and then they try to open the container, but are disappointed to find the lid still firmly shut.
You Saw, Didn't You?: Scene 2
The crew visit Alohas, where they try out the water slide, but once at the bottom, they are surprised to find the container also flying off the slide. The crew grow suspicious when they hear the sound of laughter coming from the container, but Himira plays it off. With lingering doubts, Kou and company continue enjoying themselves at the resort.
Despite the excellent picnic spot at the lakeside, the lid to the container remains stubbornly in place.
Refusing to give up, You takes her friends to a different location that she is confident will be fun for everyone.
Officer Tyranno: Groooar!
You: Whoooa! This is sooo cool!
Kou: This is my first time at the Alohas Super Resort!
Sui: So this is the famous Officer Tyranno... I learned about it from my father's flame, but to think it really exists...
Kou: But why is a large creature like this in charge of security?
Lyria: It's family to one of our friends, Tyra. Don't worry, it's very nice!
Kou: Hehe, I see. There, there. You're doing a great job.
You: I wanna pat it too! There, there!
Officer Tyranno: Groar!
Sui: A resort... It's definitely the perfect place to have fun. What a fantastic idea, You!
You: Ehehe! I heard about it from someone on the ship. I've always wanted to visit together with everyone!
You: Then before I knew it, out of nowhere, a beautiful, blonde lady appeared and gave me free tickets!
Vyrn: That's gotta be Friday. She's our friend who runs this place.
Kou: It may be that Friday is at Alohas today too. We'll have to thank her if we see her.
Kou: Now, where should we start? There're so many pools and attractions that it's hard to decide...
Himira: ...
Kou: Don't worry, Himira. It may be a little rowdy here, but we won't lose the container that easily.
Lyria: Yeah! We can take turns watching the container while others are enjoying the resort! No need to get anxious.
Himira: Er, right... There's nothing more I can say... I'm useless, aren't I...
Kou: Um, try not to push yourself too much! I'm sure the circumstances are complicated.
You: Hey, put some trust in us! The container will definitely open up once we have some fun!
Himira: You're such good kids... Seriously.
Himira: Just forget about the container for now. Since it's your first time here, you should go crazy and enjoy it however you like.
Sui: Are you not going to hang out with us, Himira?
Himira: I don't have a swimsuit, so you guys go ahead. I'll be your guardian big bro and watch over you from afar.
You: Big Bro...
Kou: There might be a reason why he can't enjoy the resort with us, just like how he can't talk about some things. It's unfortunate, but let's go on and make the most of our time.
Sui: Right. Where should we go first? There are so many facilities that I'm a little overwhelmed.
You: Oh! I wanna go on this Tyrannoslide!
Lyria: I didn't know they opened some new attractions too! Hehe, Tyra and Tyranno are working hard!
Kou and company head for the Tyrannoslide.
They arrive to find a gigantic pool with an equally gigantic water slide in the middle of it.
The group makes a beeline for the entrance of the attraction, and a very excited You volunteers to go first.
Sui: Ooh, we're quite high up... The slide is so steep too. A-are you going to be okay, You?
You: Y-yeah, I'm fine! Looks like you're supposed to slide with a float around you!
Kou: Don't push yourself, okay? It seems they allow you to slide in pairs too. Would you like me to go with you?
You: What! Yeah, I wanna slide together! We can go—
You: Wah!
In her excitement, You slips and starts going down the water slide without her float.
You: Waaah!
Sui & Kou: You!
- Hyahhh!
Choose: Hyahhh!Kou, Sui, and (Captain) leap into action at once and jump onto the slide without floats themselves.
Kou: The current's strong... We won't be able to reach You in time!
- Sui. Kou. I'm gonna give you a push!
Choose: Sui. Kou. I'm gonna give you a push!Sui: O-okay! We'll save you, You...
Sui-Kou Cannon, ready to fire!
Kou: Rrg... We're going faster now, but we still can't seem to catch her...
Sui: We can't give up yet! I'll boost you next, Kou.
Sui's Two-Stage Rocket, firing!
Kou: Waaah! Y-You!
With a push from Sui, Kou rushes toward You at accelerated speed. Finally, he catches up and throws his arms around her.
You: Bro Kou!
Kou: Good that we caught you in time... Are you okay?
You: Y-yeah...
Kou: Let's go apologize to the staff after this. Even though it was an accident, we didn't exactly go down the slide like we were supposed to.
Kou: (Captain) and Sui are sliding behind us. We should thank them for their help too.
You: (Captain) and Sui too? Ack... I'm sorry.
No. I mean... Thanks, Bro Kou.
You: But wait... Is it just me, or are we going even faster than before!
Kou: Oh no... We can't stop the momentum... You, grab onto me!
You & Kou: Waaah!
You: Bwah! Whoa, that was so fun! All those drops and twists were crazy!
Kou: I understand why they want you to use a float... You'll sink like a rock once you get to the pool with that much speed...
You: Ehehe... Lucky you taught me how to swim before, Bro Kou!
Sui: Pwaaah!
You: Oh, it's (Captain) and Sui! There they are.
Kou: Are the two of you okay?
- That was one intense ride.
- Let's go again!
Choose: That was one intense ride.You: It sure was! Thanks for coming to help, you two...
Choose: Let's go again!You: Ahaha! Yeah, sounds good to me! Thanks for coming to help me, you two!
Continue 1Lyria: We were worried... but I'm glad you had fun.
Why don't we give it a try too, Vyrn?
Vyrn: Uh, hold that thought. Where'd the container go! Weren't you just holdin' it, Lyria?
Lyria: H-huh? Did I accidentally drop it? What should we do!
Himira: Er, no... Pretty sure you didn't. It's fine...
The group turns to find Himira beside them, pointing up at the slide.
The container rockets off the slide, soaring straight into Kou's arms.
Kou: Whoa! How... did the container do that?
???: Hehehe...
Kou: Huh?
Sui: I... heard a laugh just now. But none of us are laughing...
You: Could it be that... the container wanted to have some fun? Was that the container laughing?
Vyrn: Haha, what the heck, You! That'd make a funny story, but no way a container can laugh!
You: Yeah, you're right. Containers don't laugh. Then what was that just now?
Himira: I... threw the container onto the water slide?
Sui: But why!
Himira: Your big bro here wanted to, er... practice! For the discus throw, you know? I couldn't help myself...
Vyrn: That's pretty far if you actually managed it. You've got some serious arm muscles...
Himira: R-right. Wait, I guess that was a bit of a stretch... Er, Big Bro? More like Big Throw, am I right!
Vyrn: I dunno, you're actin' kinda weird. Whenever you talk about the container, your words get all jumbled up...
Himira: Speaking of the container! Maybe it'll open now! Boy, I sure hope it works this time!
Kou: Rrg... Hrrrgh!
No luck... It's not budging.
Himira: Sigh... They're good kids. Stop making it so hard for 'em...
You: Hey, it's okay, Big Bro. You're not being difficult at all.
Himira: Wait a minute, wait a minute. Don't make that face... Ergh, my heart...
Kou: I don't think he was saying that to us just now...
You: Huh? Then who was he talking to?
Sui: Laughing... The container...
Sui: Kinako powder on the container...
You: Hm? Something the matter, Sui?
Sui: N-no! Nope, nope, nope! Nothing at all. Let's go down the water slide again!
You: Oh, um, sure...
Noticing Himira and Sui's strange behavior, the crew exchange puzzled glances.
Despite their lingering confusion and suspicion, Kou and company spend the rest of the day having their fill of fun at Alohas.
You Saw, Didn't You?: Scene 3
At the end of the day, the container remains tightly sealed. Himira is ready to give up but You refuses, dashing off to where the container is. Sui is worried there may be the severed head of someone inside it, but Himira insists he cannot tell them anything just yet. When Himira runs off as well, Kou and company go after You.
The crew try their best to open the container, over and over.
Finally the sun begins to set, with the lid still tightly sealed. Himira bows his head in apology.
Himira: It's okay. You've done enough.
Kou: But... you said this container has something to do with Ninetails's disappearance.
Himira: Well... y-yes...
Kou: In that case, we can't simply give up. We'll keep trying for as long as you allow us.
You: Besides, you're having trouble with it too, aren't you? We wanna help!
You: After all, I...
Kou: You... What happened back then wasn't just your fault.
Himira: Cut it out. You're just kids. It was never your fault—it was all Ninetails'. If you start blaming yourselves again...
Himira: I'm gonna strip Kou's shirt off.
Kou & You: Eek!
Himira: I'm joking, okay? Well, half-joking.
Kou: Why are you so set on me wearing less clothing...
Himira: Cause you're a great guy. And great guys have great fashion. Even swimwear looked good on you.
Himira: You. Gotta say, you're amazing for taking in all those regrets and reflecting on 'em. Not every kid can do that.
You: Right...
Himira: There's plenty of adults nowadays who can't even face their own mistakes.
Himira: I'm not sure whether she counts as an adult or not, but Ninetails is a pretty good example. She deceived us for a millennium.
Himira: Anyway, you've done enough atoning. What happened before doesn't bother me anymore, and I'm not a perfect person either.
Himira: If I'm being completely honest... I did take advantage of your kindness and guilt.
Sui: Was that because you wanted to? Did you wish to take advantage of them?
Himira: Er... Sorry, can't touch on that just yet. That's all I can say.
Kou: ...
Himira: The truth'll reveal itself soon enough. You did great today—thanks for everything.
You: Still... I wanna somehow open this container. I feel like I have to!
Kou: You? W-wait up!
Himira: She feels like she has to? Even if she still feels guilty for what she did to me, that's a little extreme...
Himira: Did you... do something to her? She's just a kid, and you're trying to manipulate her? As a big bro, I can't just sit back and let you do that!
Kou: H-Himira?
Sui: Please, wait. Um, while You's not here... I just want to clear something up...
Sui: It's not what I think it is, right?
Sui: It's not... someone's head inside the container, is it?
Kou: Wha?
Himira: ...!
Sui: I heard from my father long ago... that there's a small island where they take the head of the defeated... and put it in a container.
Sui: A container like this one. I realize it's a wild thought, but... it'd make sense.
Sui: Could there be someone who can stay alive... with just their head?
Kou: You mean eating the kinako mochi and jumping on the water slide...
Kou: Those were the doings of... a severed head?
Lyria: Th-there's no way... something that scary's inside the container... right?
Vyrn: Course not. It'd be crazy enough if there was a head inside—much less a head goin' around by itself like that...
Sui: Yes, you're right. I just thought Himira's behavior has been odd up until now.
Sui: Sometimes it appeared as if he was talking to the container... Like what he said just now. Those words didn't seem directed at us.
Lyria: Oh... Tell us it's not true, Big Bro Himira.
Himira: Hngh... I... I can't tell you just yet!
Kou: Wait! Himira, please!
Vyrn: Come on... Don't tell me there's actually a head inside it?
Lyria: Oh dear... If You manages to open the lid, she'll see something terrible!
Kou: We have to catch up to her!
You Saw, Didn't You?: Scene 4
When the crew reach the container, they find it already open. Inside is nothing but a piece of paper that says "Try Again." Himira tells the others that inside the container were the wishes of a creature called the Kishin Overlord, who had eaten the remaining fragment of Ninetails, and that she had wanted to spend time with the crew as a change of pace. Despite the unsatisfying answer, (Captain) decides to put the matter aside for now.
You: ...
By the time the others reach You, she has already opened the lid to the container.
Kou: Why did it have to be now! You, don't look inside it!
You: Huh? Um, but... Bro Kou...
Looking perplexed, You reaches into the container.
Sui: N-no, You!
But when You retracts her arm, in her hand is not someone's head, but a single piece of paper.
You: It says... "Try Again."
Kou: Try again?
Vyrn: Where's the head!
You: H-head? Why would a head be in here? There's only this slip of paper!
You: It just suddenly opened. I heard the laugh again...
You: And a voice saying, "Surprised? Ah, what fun!"
Sui: A voice?
Kou: I have a number of questions, but more importantly... I'm glad you're okay, You. Are you hurt or feeling unwell anywhere?
You: No, I'm fine. But... I was feeling a little weird earlier.
You: I'm okay now, but for some reason, I had this uncontrollable urge to come open the lid. I'm sorry I went off on my own like that...
Himira: No... don't apologize. I'll explain everything. Inside the container were... the wishes of someone who consumed Ninetails.
Kou: C-consumed Ninetails?
Himira: Yeah, her remaining fragment. The person ate it whole, right in front of me.
You: H-huh? I don't get it... The old hag... got eaten?
Sui: Is that why her presence suddenly disappeared?
Lyria: But who could do such a thing?
Himira: She said she was a cohort of Ninetails, but the details surrounding her are unclear. No grounds to deny her claim either.
Himira: She called herself the Kishin Overlord, but no one knows what the name's supposed to mean. As far as I can tell, she's some sort of fiend.
Sui: The Kishin Overlord? I've never heard of the name. And a cohort of Ninetails?
Kou: It's my first time hearing of this too... Perhaps it's a story that wasn't passed down through the royal family.
Himira: Right... The first and the third are working hard to get more info. Let's hope they find something.
Himira: But one thing I can say about her is...
Sui: Is... what?
Himira: She loves to party.
Vyrn: Loves to...
You: Party?
Himira: She's unbelievably energetic. She loves to play pranks and loves to laugh.
Himira: She's also unbelievably kind. Not a hint of malice in her.
Vyrn: But she's... basically a monster, right?
Himira: I guess that's the only way to describe her. So maybe it's less that she's kind, and more that she doesn't particularly have an interest in people.
Himira: That's probably why she controlled You for a short while as a prank. Her infuriating power is nothing short of a monster's.
Kou: Well, the fact that she ate Ninetails makes it clear she's far from ordinary...
Himira: But what's done is done. In my village, she's being praised as a savior.
Himira: She's revered as a god in place of Ninetails, even nominated as village chief—against her will.
Himira: In a way, it's sad. At first she did her best, taking her duties lightheartedly, but her workload from all the rituals and politics soon took over her life.
Himira: Why, she threw up just the other day from overwork.
Kou: I don't know what to think anymore... From how it sounds, this person has a sensible side to her despite consuming Ninetails...
Himira: To shake things up, she put her wishes into this container and had me carry it, then sent me to explore different places with you guys.
Himira: You're the most well-traveled of all the successors. She thought it was sure to be a good time with all of you.
Sui: I see... So it really was her that ate all the kinako mochi and hopped on the water slide.
Himira: I tried to cover for her, but... yes, everything was according to her wish.
Lyria: Now I understand why it got awkward for you sometimes... It must've been hard. Were your lips sealed by that person too?
Himira: Yeah... She said it wouldn't be as fun if you knew what was going on, so she didn't let me talk about it at all.
Himira: Sorry... I'm the worst big bro ever.
Vyrn: No one said you needed to be the big bro here...
You: I'm still processing everything, but... does that mean the Kishin Overlord saved us all?
Kou: If she actually extinguished the last of Ninetails... then that would make her our hero.
You: We've gotta thank her! You should take us to your village, Big Bro Himira!
Himira: You... Don't you realize she was using you this whole time? You don't have to be such a good girl.
Kou: Hehe. She is a good girl, isn't she?
Himira: Guh... What is this big brother aura radiating from you, Kou?
I accept my defeat...
Himira: I'll let you take over the big brother role. Instead, I'll be the Overbro! You can call me that from now on.
Kou: Overbro...
Himira: Oh yeah. Feels good.
Vyrn: Hey, don't just obey him blindly!
So you're sayin' everything's okay, right?
Himira: Pretty much.
Kou: That's good... We don't have to live in fear of Ninetails anymore.
Himira: I'm really sorry about all this. Tell you what—come visit our village next time and give that idiot a solid punch in the face.
Lyria: Ahaha... At the very least, I'm glad nothing bad happened, and that it was only someone's wishes inside the container.
Sui: How do wishes eat mochi though...
Himira: Well, now that my duty's over, why don't you all come hang out with your Overbro for a while longer?
Kou: Of course. We'd love to hear more about your village too.
Come on, let's be on our way.
Gently tugging on You's hand, Kou takes a step forward and leads the way to their next destination. Himira follows closely behind.
Himira: I properly chopped off her head and put it away... Just how'd that prankster manage to get out?
Vyrn: Wh-what did you just say?
Sui: So it really was... someone's head? Is that how she ate the mochi?
Kou's Voice: Sui! (Captain)! Is everything all right?
Lyria: Y-yes, we're fine! Coming!
Sui: Let's just leave it for now...
Sui: The least we want is for You and Kou to hear about this and start worrying...
Sui: I guess we'll find out the truth when we pay a visit to the village...
Lyria: Right... Yes, let's move on from all the talk about heads and Kishin-somethings...
The sudden end to their prolonged ties with Ninetails leaves Kou and company somewhat unsatisfied.
Still, (Captain) decides it may be best to enjoy this moment of peace and leave the lingering mysteries for another time.
