Skilled Yet Clumsy
After receiving coupons for use at an upcoming festival, Narmaya goes off with Azusa to the shooting gallery at the pre-festival in hopes of winning a yukata to impress (Captain). Narmaya succeeds, largely in part to Azusa's kind instruction in handling a gun.
Narmaya is a sword master who blends magic with her swordplay.
She is out buying sundries one day while stopping by on an island.
After payment, Narmaya is surprised to receive a mysterious stack of paper slips from the clerk.
Narmaya: Fes... pon?
Clerk: Yep, that's what we call coupons you can use at the upcoming town festival.
Narmaya: A festival coupon... Fes-pon... Haha, how cute.
Clerk: Ehehe. I take it you're a skyfarer, miss? I bet you'd have a real blast at the festival.
Clerk: Go check it out if you've got time. And don't forget to bring the fes-pons with you!
Narmaya: You're giving me so many... Are you sure about this?
Clerk: Haha, I just want you to have a good time in town. They're on the house!
Narmaya: Thank you! I'll take you up on the offer.
Narmaya: (Great! Now to invite (Captain) and the others.)
As she prepares to return to the Grandcypher, Narmaya spots a gaggle of girls clad in yukatas.
Narmaya: They look great in those yukatas...
Narmaya: Maybe if I wear one too, (Captain) will compliment me.
Narmaya: Teehee... Time to go look for one.
Azusa: Hm...
Narmaya begins scouring the clothing shops for a suitable yukata.
However...
Narmaya: Sigh...
Narmaya: Siigghh...
Narmaya: Siiiigghhh...
Narmaya: They're sold out everywhere...
None of the clothing shops in town seem to have yukatas in stock, perhaps because the festival is so near.
Narmaya: I guess I should just give up on it...
Narmaya: First though...
Azusa: Now's as good a chance as any to approach, but—
Azusa: Wait, where'd she go?
Narmaya: Azusa.
Azusa: Eep! Narmaya! When did you get behind me?
Azusa is a childhood friend and fellow swordswoman.
Though the two were on bad terms after a certain incident...
They've since gotten past the misunderstanding and consider each other close friends again.
Narmaya: I'm not sure why, but you followed me all the way, huh?
Azusa: Haha... I should've known there was no way I could hide my presence from you.
Narmaya: I wanted to invite you to come along actually, but I couldn't find the right timing...
Azusa: Me too... Forgive me.
Narmaya: Oh, there's nothing to apologize for! Anyway, did you have something in mind?
Azusa: Um... I believe you're searching for a yukata?
Azusa: I may be able to help.
Narmaya: Really? You found me a place where they have one in stock?
Azusa: Well, not exactly. I think it's faster if I simply show you.
Azusa: If you'll come with me for a bit, I promise not to waste your time.
Narmaya: Of course I'll come along, Azusa. No time spent with you could ever be a waste.
Azusa: O-okay then... This way.
Narmaya: It's so much more lively here. Is this where the festival's happening?
Narmaya: Strange, the shopkeep earlier said it happens in a few days.
Azusa: Oh, what we have here is more like a pre-festival. It's similar to the eve of the festival that some places celebrate.
Azusa: The whole occasion used to be much more of a formal affair...
Azusa: But nowadays the town just holds festivals for fun.
Narmaya: Wow! You really did your research, Azusa.
Azusa: Er, well, you could say, asking around about the local customs is one of my hobbies...
Narmaya: That's impressive, Azusa. That's why I love you soooo much.
Azusa: P-please don't tease me...
Narmaya: Teehee.
Narmaya: What's this?
Azusa: The shooting gallery. You see that?
Narmaya: A yukata's one of the prizes!
Shooting Stallkeep: Yep, it's a replica of the yukata that the shrine maiden will be wearing for the main festival. Only one of its kind!
Shooting Stallkeep: We wouldn't want it to get damaged, of course, so I'll be havin' you shoot something else.
Shooting Stallkeep: Care to try your hand at it? One fes-pon per go.
Narmaya: I was going to use my fes-pons for the main festival...
Narmaya: But I suppose I can spare a ticket or two to get my hands on that yukata. I'm ready, mister!
Shooting Stallkeep: All righty!
Narmaya: Okay, I can do this!
Narmaya: Yaah!
Shooting Stallkeep: Too bad!
Narmaya: Aw... Again!
Shooting Stallkeep: Ahaha, nice try!
Narmaya: One more!
Narmaya ends up challenging the shooting gallery again and again.
But to no avail.
Shooting Stallkeep: Sorry... You okay, miss?
Narmaya: Sniff...
Azusa: Um, Narmaya?
Azusa: If I'm not mistaken, every one of your bullets seems to be going completely off course...
Narmaya: I'm doing my best...
Azusa: What's your experience with shooting?
Narmaya: I've thrown some ranged weapons before, but this is my first time handling a gun...
Azusa: Oh... For some reason I was under the impression that there was nothing you couldn't do.
Narmaya: Eek! I'm nearly all out of fes-pons...
Azusa: It'll be okay. I'll help.
Narmaya: Huh?
Azusa: You want to load the bullets after cocking the gun. That'll give you more firepower.
Azusa: Also, try placing your shoulders on the counter to help keep the gun in place.
Narmaya: Like this?
Azusa: Mm-hm. Now just carefully aim and fire.
Narmaya: Okay... There.
Narmaya: Wow! The shot landed, Azusa!
Azusa: The prize is still standing, but you're making progress.
Narmaya: Looks like you're knowledgeable about not just festivals but shooting too!
Azusa: I just... happen to have a strange habit of trying my hand at everything...
Azusa: As for why I'm able to do it all... I ask those more knowledgeable than me and follow their example.
Azusa: I guess you could say my hobby is searching for an actual hobby. And I pick up a lot of things through that process...
Narmaya: That makes you super dependable! You deserve all the praise, Azusa.
Azusa: Y-you think so? It's nice to hear that...
Narmaya: That yukata's going to be mine thanks to your help! Give me another shot, mister!
Narmaya starts landing her shots thanks to Azusa's advice!
Shooting Stallkeep: U-unfortunate...
Narmaya: It won't fall... Why?
Azusa: (How is it still standing after taking so many hits? Is he cheating us?)
Shooting Stallkeep: Y-you've almost got it... Hang in there...
Azusa: (If he is cheating, then he's a remarkably good actor...)
Azusa: (The other possibility, which I don't want to admit, is...)
Azusa: (Narmaya's just really bad at this...)
Narmaya: Grr... Give me another go!
Narmaya: I can't believe I'm down to my last few fes-pons...
Narmaya: What do I do? I won't be able to enjoy the main festival without fes-pons, but I want that yukata...
Narmaya: Then again, using all my fes-pons to get the yukata defeats the whole purpose...
Narmaya: I should probably just give up.
Azusa: ...
Azusa: ...!
Azusa: Um, Narmaya? Are you sure that's all the fes-pons you have?
Narmaya: Huh?
Azusa: Take a closer look... Maybe check inside your shopping bag...
Narmaya: I'm pretty sure I put them all in my wallet...
Narmaya: Wha... I have so many more fes-pons in here!
Azusa: Good thing you checked. Now you can keep trying.
Narmaya: R-right...
Narmaya: Oh my gosh! I did it, Azusa!
Azusa: Yay!
Shooting Stallkeep: You sure did, miss! Congrats!
Shooting Stallkeep: The yukata's all yours. Hope you like it.
Narmaya: Ah...
Azusa: Great job, Narmaya.
Narmaya: Just one thing though...
Narmaya: You should be the one to wear it, Azusa.
Azusa: Wha?
Narmaya: The fes-pons in my bag were yours, weren't they?
Narmaya: You snuck them in there when I wasn't paying attention.
Azusa: Ahaha... I guess there's no fooling you after all.
Narmaya: I'm happy that you went out of your way for me, Azusa. Really.
Narmaya: But those fes-pons were yours. So it's only right that the yukata is also—
Azusa: Hm...
Azusa: You're right. The yukata's mine; I'll take it.
Narmaya: Mm...
Azusa: Of course, since it's mine, I'm free to do what I want with it.
Narmaya: Huh?
Azusa: I'm giving this to you... as a present.
Narmaya: Wha? B-but then...
Azusa: Earlier, I was only following you around because...
Azusa: I spotted the yukata and thought of how nice it'd look on you.
Azusa: That's also why I collected the fes-pons.
Azusa: Except I wasn't sure if you'd be happy to just be given it all.
Azusa: I thought you might have more fun getting the yukata for yourself...
Narmaya: Azusa...
Narmaya: I hope you'll forgive me. I didn't mean to disregard your good intentions.
Azusa: Oh, no, no! I... I probably should have been more upfront about it to begin with...
Narmaya: Ahaha... As knowledgeable and skilled as you are, Azusa, you can be kind of clumsy at times.
Narmaya: You and I are alike in so many ways.
Azusa: We're... alike...
Narmaya: Wait here for me!
Azusa: Huh? Where are you...
Narmaya: Ta-da! How do I look?
Azusa: ...
Narmaya: Azusa?
Azusa: Ah, sorry... I got lost in your beauty...
Azusa: But shouldn't you wait for the main festival before changing into it?
Narmaya: I wanted to enjoy the pre-festival with you right now, Azusa!
Narmaya: We won't be able to use many fes-pons, but we can still enjoy ourselves plenty!
Azusa: ...!
O-okay!
And so clad in her new yukata, Narmaya has a grand old time with Azusa.
The awkwardness between the two blossoms into a deeper friendship.
Fighting Shrine Festival
During the main festival, the crew learns that Azusa has been touring festivals all over the skies in anticipation of this special day with Narmaya. As they enjoy the various festivities, they are surprised to suddenly hear loud clashing sounds and battle cries.
On the day of the main festival...
Narmaya has invited (Captain) to go out with her.
Lyria: Wow... Narmaya! What a beautiful yukata!
Lyria: You look gorgeous in it!
Narmaya: Thanks, Lyria! Azusa gave it to me!
Azusa: I gave it to you? Well, I suppose I did...
Narmaya: Like you said, Azusa: a present for me, right?
Azusa: Mm...
Vyrn: Hehe, nice to see you two gettin' along so well now.
Narmaya: It's just too bad we couldn't get our hands on a second yukata. I bet Azusa and I would look great with matching yukatas.
Lyria: I'd love to see that! I'm sure Azusa would be so cute in one!
Narmaya: Oh, I can already picture how adorable she'd be!
- Me too.
Choose: Me too.Azusa: S-stop teasing me...
Azusa: Enough about me. Let's enjoy the festival... I'll show you the way.
Narmaya: Teehee. Thanks, Azusa.
Azusa guides the crew through the festival grounds, bringing them to one particular stall.
Narmaya: Look at all the fish! What are we supposed to do here?
Azusa: You use this paper scooper called "poi" to scoop them up. Like this...
Azusa: See?
Vyrn: Nice catch!
Narmaya: That looks fun... I'll give it a try too!
Azusa: Wait. You want this side of the poi to be facing upwards.
Narmaya: Huh? Isn't this supposed to be the backside?
Azusa: The extra curve on the backside makes it easier to scoop fish.
Narmaya: Oh yeah? Okay, here I go then.
Narmaya: Yaah.
Narmaya: You were right, Azusa! It's a lot easier this way!
Lyria: Yeah, they're so much easier to scoop up with the poi's backside!
Lyria: Ah...
Narmaya: Haha. Feeling hungry, Lyria?
Lyria: Ehehe... That sweet smell is stirring my appetite...
Azusa: A space for festivalgoers to make cotton candy themselves? How rare.
Narmaya: All right, leave it to Big Sister Narmaya to whip us up some cotton candy.
Azusa: I'll help too. Narmaya, can you put the granulated sugar in the center of the device?
Narmaya: Like this?
Azusa: Now hold the stick sideways above the device and keep it there.
Azusa: Good. Now start turning the stick from that position.
Narmaya: Wow! Azusa, (Captain), the cotton candy's getting so big so fast!
Vyrn: Drool... That's lookin' real good!
Azusa: Haha.
The crew continues touring the festival grounds with Azusa leading the way.
Narmaya: It's amazing how you know so much about festivals, Azusa!
Vyrn: So you've spent a lot of time lately checking out festivals at other islands, huh?
Vyrn: Lemme guess... You did it all for Narmaya?
Azusa: I-it's just a coincidence... I like looking for things to do...
Vyrn: Aw, is that you blushing? Your face is all red.
Azusa: You're teasing me again!
Vyrn: Ahaha, sorry! Ya see, it's usually Butterfly Girl taking the lead on things.
Lyria: But today it feels like you're the big sister, Azusa.
Azusa: Me? A big sister?
Narmaya: Hey, that's supposed to be my role...
Narmaya: I know! We can compete to see who's the bigger sister!
Azusa: Er, I don't think that's necessary!
Narmaya: Haha, I'm only kidding—
Men's Voices: Heave-ho! Heave-ho!
Narmaya: Wow!
Narmaya: What's that all about?
Fighting Shrine Festival: Scene 2
The commotion turns out to be practice for the fighting festival ritual, in which festivalgoers carry parade floats and crash into each other as shrine maidens battle atop each float. Narmaya joins one team as a deputy shrine maiden and dominates. However, an opposing team shows up with an equally surprising shrine maiden.
Azusa: Wh-what's happening?
The sound of fierce collisions and clamorous voices can be heard in the distance.
The crew approaches to get a closer look.
Festivalgoer 1: Grah! Heave-ho!
Festivalgoer 2: Oof... Damn you... Heeaave-ho!
Festivalgoer 1: Rrgh... Oh, no you don't! Heaaaave-hooo!
Lyria: My goodness, the crowds are so wild tonight!
Vyrn: The heck is goin' on! Calm down, you guys!
Festivalgoer 1: Ryaaah! Heave-hooooo!
Festivalgoer 2: Brgwah! Rgh... Heave-hooooo!
Lyria: Someone just went flying...
Lyria: Eep! There's blood!
Narmaya: Azusa!
Azusa: On it!
Festivalgoer 1: Heave—
Narmaya: Sorry.
Azusa: Go to sleep.
Festivalgoer 2: Ngh—
Narmaya and Azusa waste no time in incapacitating the rowdy men.
Festivalgoer 1: Mng...
Vyrn: Sounds like they're finally awake!
Lyria: Are you okay?
Festivalgoer 2: Ugh... Ouch... I'm all beaten and battered...
Narmaya: So... Can you tell us why a fight broke out to begin with?
Festivalgoer 1: Wha? Ah...
Festivalgoer 2: Aaaah!
Azusa: Huh?
Festivalgoer 1: The shrine maiden's right here!
Festivalgoer 2: There's no mistaking that yukata!
Narmaya: Wait, what?
Festivalgoer 1: She's a mighty shrine maiden at that, strong enough to knock us out in a single blow!
Festivalgoer 2: This way, miss! C'mon now!
Narmaya: Um... What's going on?
Vyrn: Hold up. Where are you guys takin' her?
Azusa: Unhand Narmaya right this instant.
Azusa: Or else...
Festivalgoer 2: Aiiee!
Narmaya: Wait! Settle down, everybody!
Narmaya: Can one of you please tell me what is going on here?
Festivalgoer 1: Ah, forgive me... I have a bad habit of getting caught up in the heat of the moment.
Festivalgoer 2: We were practicing for the festival ritual.
Lyria: Ritual, you say?
Festivalgoer 1: We bump into each other while hauling around these parade floats and screaming "heave-ho"!
Festivalgoer 2: And we keep at it until the parade floats are demolished!
Vyrn: Doesn't exactly sound peaceful...
Azusa: This is... a fighting festival, isn't it?
Narmaya: You know of it, Azusa?
Azusa: I've attended many festivals in my search for new hobbies and happened to see an event just like this.
Azusa: The shrine maidens of each town sit atop their respective parade floats, bumping into and jostling each other.
Azusa: It may look rather crude, but it's supposed to simulate the battles of male and female primal beasts.
Azusa: The ritual is meant to bring in a good harvest, a good hunt, and prosperity for descendants.
Vyrn: Well, it makes a lot more sense when you put it that way.
Festivalgoer 1: You bet it does! It's been a thing ever since my grandfather's grandfather's grandfather's grandfather's...
Festivalgoer 1: Grand... Well, you get the idea!
Narmaya: Then the squabbling I saw before was—
Festivalgoer 2: Practice for the main event!
Lyria: You mentioned "bumping into each other," but I think I saw plenty of punching and kicking too...
Festivalgoer 1: That's just what happens when you get heated up! Ahahaha!
Vyrn: I'd say it's a bit more than getting "heated up"...
Vyrn: Anyhoo, we get the gist of it now. But you guys suddenly dragging Butterfly Girl along is not cool.
Festivalgoer 2: Sorry about that... That's also 'cause we got heated up...
Vyrn: Talk about a convenient excuse.
Festivalgoer 1: Our apologies... The thing is, our regular maiden suddenly fell sick and couldn't come out.
Festivalgoer 1: We needed a replacement and happened to spot you wearing the maiden yukata.
Festivalgoer 2: Not to mention you're pretty strong, to boot! You seemed like the perfect fit...
Festivalgoer 1: So whaddya say? I'm not ready to lose to the other towns. We wanna win big! Please, lend us your help!
Lyria: Wh-what will you do, Narmaya?
Narmaya: Hm, they really are in a jam... Is it okay if I join, (Captain)?
- As long as you're cool with it.
- Just don't get hurt.
Choose: As long as you're cool with it.Narmaya: Okay then. Time to show what a big sis I can be!
Choose: Just don't get hurt.Narmaya: Teehee. Thanks for worrying about me, (Captain).
Narmaya: But I'll be fine. Everyone's seen what a strong big sis I can be.
Continue 1Vyrn: Hoo boy... You sure about this?
Azusa: If this is what Narmaya wants to do, I'm fine with it.
Festivalgoer 1: Great, then it's decided! We can start practicing right away, Deputy Shrine Maiden!
Narmaya: Okay, I'm ready to go!
And so Narmaya joins the ritual as a shrine maiden.
The time for the main event comes.
Festivalgoer 1: Heave-ho, heave-hooooo!
Narmaya: Hraaaah!
Festivalgoer 3: Gwuuugh! Why are they so strong!
The parade float housing Narmaya easily crushes the competition.
Festivalgoer 1: Hehe, it's all thanks to her! No one stands a chance against us—
Festivalgoer 4: We'll see about that.
Festivalgoer 2: You're from the neighboring town!
Narmaya: A friend of yours?
Festivalgoer 2: Yeah... They put up a pretty good fight every year.
Festivalgoer 1: Except we're on fire this year thanks to you, miss! No way are we gonna lose.
Festivalgoer 4: Hehe... Let's see how long you can keep up that attitude. Alright, we're counting on you, miss!
Narmaya: "Miss"?
Narmaya: Wait, whaaat...
Narmaya couldn't be more surprised to see the person in the neighboring town's parade float.
Fighting Shrine Festival: Scene 3
Azusa, as the opposing shrine maiden, puts up a beautiful fight against Narmaya. They continue battling even after their parade floats are destroyed, entertaining all in attendance.
Narmaya: Wh-why?
Narmaya: Azusa!
Vyrn: The heck?
Lyria: She was just watching beside us!
Azusa: Um, you see...
Festivalgoer 4: You wouldn't believe how kind at heart she is! She agreed to lend a hand when we asked for help!
Azusa: I found myself suddenly being pulled away by a large crowd...
Azusa: They all got on their knees, crying... I couldn't refuse...
Vyrn: I didn't even notice with everything going on...
Festivalgoer 1: Aww, gimme a break! You guys are cowards for bringing in extra help!
Festivalgoer 4: Look who's talking! Heck, your shrine maiden's a replacement too! Not to mention she's a total pro!
Festivalgoer 4: You gave us no choice but to go find our own pro!
Azusa: What he said... They noticed you and I incapacitating the rowdier ones earlier.
Azusa: I know you're far stronger than me, but when they called me a pro who's on your level...
Azusa: Teehee... I was so happy I just knew I had to do this.
Narmaya: Haha, so that's what happened.
Azusa: And to be honest, I've been wanting a rematch with you for some time now.
Narmaya: We really are alike in so many ways.
Azusa: Well then...
Narmaya: Let's do this.
Vyrn: Is it just me, or are those two way hyped? They've just gotta bump into each other from their shrines, right?
Lyria: I-I think so...
Festivalgoer 1: All righty, we're starting back up!
Heave-hoooo!
Festivalgoer 4: Heave-hoooo!
Narmaya & Azusa: Haaaah!
After a crushing onslaught of collisions, the two parade floats collapse simultaneously.
The festivalgoers participating in the ritual also collapse like dominoes.
Azusa: Ahahaha!
Narmaya: Hehe...
The two swordswomen draw their katanas and trade blows.
Festivalgoer 1: Whoa... Should we stop 'em? What they're doing now doesn't seem related to the ritual...
Festivalgoer 4: Stop 'em? Nuh-uh, there's no way I'm getting in between them...
Festivalgoer 2: Hot damn...
Festivalgoer 4: Beautiful, ain't it?
Things start getting heated up again as the crowds take in the enchanting display of swordplay.
However, the two are completely immersed in each other's world.
Narmaya: Azusa! How did you do that technique just now?
Azusa: I learned the movement from my knowledge of bonsai. You did a fine job of dodging an attack you've seen for the first time!
Azusa: How frustrating, Narmaya!
Narmaya: That look on your face is definitely not one of frustration! Haha!
Narmaya: Besides, you just dodged an attack I showed you for the time too!
Azusa: Haha! You did almost get me though!
Narmaya: Heh. I wish, you liar.
Vyrn: Um...
Lyria: Uh-huh?
Vyrn: I think I've seen Narmaya do that move before. It was when she dueled Samurai Grampa.
Vyrn: I guess they just really like fightin', huh...
Festivalgoer 1: Would you look at that! This could be a new kind of fighting festival! Imagine if we had this every year!
Festivalgoer 4: That'd be so sweet—even sweeter than the sake in my mouth! Hahahah!
Vyrn: Well, I guess it's all cool since everyone's havin' such a good time...
Narmaya: (Captain)! How would you like to join us?
Azusa: (Captain) too? That's a wonderful idea! I've been wanting to spar with (Captain)!
Narmaya: C'mon over here, (Captain)!
Vyrn: Whoa, you see those sparks fly? Those two mean business!
Lyria: (Captain)? You're not in the mood for it? Let's take it easy then.
The clashing of Narmaya's and Azusa's katanas continues until late into the night.
The townspeople shower Narmaya and Azusa with praise and ask if the two wouldn't mind stopping by occasionally for future fighting festivals.
The two trade glances and a soft chuckle, then gladly concede.