Scenario:Setsuna Sakurazaki - Soaring to a Brighter Tomorrow

Soaring to a Brighter Tomorrow

While training one day, Setsuna confides in Mirin and others about her struggle with feeling worthy of her goal to protect Konoka. They reassure Setsuna but suggest that she and Konoka talk things out directly.

---

Mirin: Here I go!

Setsuna: Ghk!

Mirin: Revolving Phoenix!

Setsuna: Shinmei School Secret Technique!

Sato: Wow, Suna-bae's going hard. I can't believe she's having a one-vee-one with Miri-bae when she just fought us.

Shion: Indeed. Her skill is beyond her years, and she's clearly dedicated to her training. I'm impressed.

Shion: But today, I can tell she's especially enthusiastic.

Sato: For real, though...

Mirin: Gozaruuu... I can't call that a win.

Setsuna: No, you overpowered me in the end. I lost fair and square.

Mirin: But you fought all three of us in a row without taking any breaks. That's some real strength.

Mirin: You've inspired me—I need to spend more time devoting myself to the blade!

Setsuna: Mirin-san, you're always straight as an arrow.

Mirin: Daily practice is what makes or breaks a samurai, after all!

Sato: You're a straight shooter yourself, Suna-bae. Like, just as much as Miri-bae.

Sato: Though you seem a little twisted right now.

Setsuna: Ngh... You can tell?

Shion: To be honest... yes. Quite easily, in fact.

Mirin: Ahaha... We could kinda tell you had something on your mind.

Mirin: I get it though; when you don't know the answer, sometimes you just want to swing your blade all out. So I'll practice with you as long as you need.

Mirin: But if this doesn't clear your mind, I think you should try talking it out with friends too!

Setsuna: ...
Right, of course. I've been told I tend to get caught up in my own thoughts.

Sato: Yeah, it happens. Since your teacher's around, can't you ask him for advice?

Setsuna: Oh, no. Negi-sensei's been terribly busy. I haven't really had the chance to talk to him...

Setsuna: So, well... I was thinking perhaps I could ask you all instead, if that's okay?

Shion: That's more than okay.

Mirin: It's super okay!

Sato: Pour your heart out, Suna-bae. I mean, we're basically sisters anyway, and what are sisters for!

Setsuna: Thank you!

Mirin: So, you're worried about the future?

Sato: Wow, that's... surprisingly an age-appropriate concern.

Setsuna: P-please don't laugh!

Shion: Hmm. It's a rather more serious topic than we'd thought.

Shion: You've traveled from your world to the magic world, and now to our skies. Having experienced different worlds, I'm not surprised you'd waver on your path.

Sato: Oh, that's true. Sorry Suna-bae, I shouldn't have teased you.

Setsuna: Oh no, don't worry! But just to be clear, I don't mean to say I dislike being here or that I want to return to my world this instant.

Setsuna: You guys took me in right after I got here, and you even helped us fight... I'm nothing but thankful for this crew.

Setsuna: So I don't object to Negi-sensei's decision whatsoever, and after spending time with you all, I finally feel like I've gotten a handle on things in this world.

Setsuna: It's just... the more I settle into this life, the more I wonder if I'm really good enough for Konoka-ojosama.

Mirin: G-gozaru?

Shion: Why wouldn't you be?

Sato: Doubting yourself's legit kinda rude to your master, don't you think? Especially since you two do so much flirting.

Setsuna: F-flirting! I never intended to...

Sato: Um, looks like someone lacks a little self-awareness...

Mirin: Ahaha... You and Konoka do seem very close.

Mirin: Yet, for some reason, you're still worried. Why is that?

Setsuna: To be honest, being in the crew reminds me that I still don't know what I'm doing in life.

Setsuna: I don't have an unshakable goal or dream like you all or Negi-sensei. And there are always ever higher reaches to attain in swordsmanship.

Shion: Ahh, I see. I understand how you feel.

Shion: You have someone you'd like to tread your path with, hand in hand, but you're afraid they're moving on far ahead of you.

Setsuna: ...
You might be right.

Setsuna: Negi-sensei and the others are working to return to the magic world.

Setsuna: I would help them, of course, if they need me to!

Setsuna: It's just, well...

Setsuna: There's nothing more important to me than protecting Konoka-ojosama.

Setsuna: But this crew has plenty of swordmasters who are far more skilled than I am.

Setsuna: I wonder what she thinks, considering I hardly measure up to others in the crew...

Setsuna: I feel like I'm adrift, like I have no clear goal. Am I really the best choice for her?

Sato: You're way overthinking things. Period.

Setsuna: Huh?

Mirin: S-Satty! That was too harsh!

Sato: Like, we can listen to her all day, but she's just gonna keep gushing about her ojosama.

Setsuna: I didn't mean to do that at all!

Shion: Hmm. In my opinion...

Shion: While you hold us in high regard, you also hold something near and dear to your heart.

Mirin: Gozaru! Exactly!

Mirin: I've learned that the ideal samurai is different for everyone.

Mirin: I'll continue chasing after my own ideal. And I think it's fine for you to be the best "you" that you want to be.

Setsuna: The me I want to be...

Setsuna: Do you have something like that, Satty?

Sato: Well, I guess if we're all giving legit answers, I should give one too.

Sato: I've got both, to be honest. An ideal, and someone I want to protect.

Setsuna: Oh, that's right. You're really close to Yuzuriha-san...

Sato: Yep. And Yu-yu's kinda actually my master too, I guess? Heh. Me and you, we're total twinsies.

Sato: But anyway, it doesn't really matter which you focus on—being your ideal "you," or the desire to protect someone—because both'll bring you strength, y'know?

Setsuna: You... really think so? Is wanting to protect Konoka-ojosama all that I need?

Mirin: Gozaru! If that's what it means to be a samurai to you, then yes!

Shion: The path you yourself have chosen can't possibly be wrong.

Setsuna: Thank you...

Sato: But like, have you talked to Kono-coco about this?

Setsuna: No... I couldn't possibly bother her with something so silly.

Sato: See, that's bad. You can't be getting down in the dumps and distancing yourself from her like this, girl. It doesn't help anyone—least of all yourself.

Setsuna: Oof... H-how did you know I was doing that?

Sato: Oh, so this isn't your first rodeo. Gosh, Suna-bae, you're an open book.

Mirin: I think it's best if you talk it over with Konoka too!

Shion: Agreed.

Setsuna: (It's true that I haven't had a quiet moment to chat with Ojosama since we arrived.)

Setsuna: Right... I'll try talking to her about this, then.

Setsuna: And I'll be sure to tell her exactly how I feel!

Mirin: Gozaru! That's the spirit! Go for it!

Sato: (Hmm, like... she's got the drive, but it's totally obvious she's outta her depth when it comes to having a serious talk.)

Sato: (And she's talking to her beloved Kono-coco on top of everything. Can she really have a decent heart-to-heart with her?)

Soaring to a Brighter Tomorrow: Scene 2

Setsuna is about to express her feelings to Konoka during an outing, only to have a merchant cry out for help. (Captain) and company saved the merchant from monsters, but can now use some help themselves. Sato, Chamomile, and Asuna also show up to assist.

---

Sato: Whew, my first break in ages... I gotta stock up on some stuff. Guess it's shopping for me today, what a pain.

Sato: Oh?

Sato: Suna-bae?

Setsuna: Ack, Satty! Did you need something?

Sato: That's what I wanna ask you. What's up? Why're you sneaking around like a ninja?

Sato: ...
Hm?

Konoka: There, all better. Don't push yourself too hard, Negi-kun.

Negi: Ahaha... I'll try not to.

Sato: Hmm. So who is it?

Setsuna: Who what?

Sato: Who're you crushing on? Though a relationship with either your master or your teacher would be real spicy.

Setsuna: Who said anything about a relationship! I just wanted to speak to Konoka-ojosama... Ah!

Sato: Huh? You still haven't talked to her?

Setsuna: W-well, I haven't not spoken to her...

Sato: C'mon, be real with me.

Setsuna: Sorry... I haven't discussed the issue with her yet.

Sato: Sigh. Well, I guess that's what makes you a cutie pie.

Sato: All right, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Ninja Sato the Brilliant Beauty's got your back!

Sato: Here, take this.

Setsuna: Um, Satty... this looks like a regular old shopping list.

Sato: Because it is. That's my resupply list. And I was planning on getting everything on it today.

Sato: So like, say it's for the crew and invite Kono-coco to come along.

Sato: Oh, and it's not like you need to pick up the stuff right away. Just get 'em while you have yourselves a nice date.

Setsuna: A d-date? With Ojosama? I-I could never!

Sato: Yeah, yeah, yeah. C'mon, get going. Happy shopping!

Setsuna: Ah! Wait!

Setsuna: Urk, she's gone. I guess ninjas are slippery in every world.

Setsuna: Still... she did give me the perfect chance.

Setsuna's Voice: Ojosama!

Sato: Whew, that girl really needs a push to get her going. Good luck, Suna-bae!

Sato: Anyway, how do I burn time... Now that my shopping's being taken care of, maybe I'll go hang out with Miri-bae and Shio-boo.

???: Heheheh. If you're free, then how about you spend some time with us!

Sato: Who's there?

???: Ahh! Hold on, let's not be hasty! We're not weirdos, promise!

Sato: Huh? Aren't you two—

???: Admit it—you wanna know how things'll end up with those two lovebirds too, right?

???: Come with us and let's find out.

Konoka: So, did we get everything?

Setsuna: I believe so, yes. Sorry for making you come with me on an errand...

Konoka: It's okay. Besides, there weren't too many things on the list.

Konoka: I'm actually really happy I got to go out with you, Set-chan.

Konoka: We haven't had the opportunity to spend time together lately, after all.

Setsuna: I-I'm happy too!

Setsuna: (This is my chance! All I have to do is tell her I have something I want to talk about!)

Setsuna: (Wait, but then what would I say? It's not like I could just ask, "Am I good enough for you?")

Setsuna: (And what if, on the off chance, she says she'd prefer someone else? I'd die on the spot!)

Konoka: Oh, look, Set-chan! A quaint little stall. Can we check it out?

Setsuna: O-Of course!

Setsuna: (Calm down! There has to be a smoother way to ask. Maybe like—)

Konoka: Set-chan, say "ahh."

Setsuna: Ahhh... Mm, this cookie is delicious.

Konoka: Right? Sweets are the best thing to have when you've got a problem on your plate.

Setsuna: You could tell, Ojosama?

Konoka: Yes. You make it easy with the way you scrunch your brow up! You've been thinking in circles again, haven't you?

Konoka: It seemed like you might come out of your shell and talk to me this time, so I decided to wait until you were ready.

Setsuna: Actually, Satty, Mirin-san, and Shion-san all told me to talk to you.

Konoka: Oh my, really? They've been looking out for you this whole time.

Setsuna: Truly...

Setsuna: (That's right. They've gone this far to set up a chance for me to talk to her, so I can't be wishy-washy about it now.)

Setsuna: O-Ojosama! There's something I'd like to ask you!

Setsuna: What do you want for the future, Ojosama?

Konoka: Huh? You mean my plans?

Setsuna: No matter what path you choose, I swear I'll always be by your side to protect you.

Setsuna: But—

Man's Voice: S-someone, anyone! Please, help!

Setsuna: ...!
Ojosama!

Konoka: Right! Let's go, Set-chan!

Merchant: Please! Cough! Is there anyone here who can fight?

Setsuna: Are you all right, sir?

Konoka: What a terrible wound! Don't speak; I'll heal you right away.

Merchant: Never mind me! Tell the town watch to bring anyone who can swing a weapon!

Merchant: I was attacked by a horde of monsters on the road into town. A passing skyfarer saved me, but there were just so many...

Setsuna: (A skyfarer? Wait, (Captain)-san had plans out of town today!)

Setsuna: Sir! Was that skyfarer accompanied by a girl with blue hair and a flying red lizard?

Merchant: That's right. Do you know them? They need help!

Merchant: I've never seen so many monsters. If you don't go now, they won't make it out alive!

Konoka: Set-chan, is he talking about (Captain)-san?

Setsuna: I believe so. We must hurry!

Setsuna: (The two of us won't be enough. Maybe I could use the Pactio to contact Negi-sensei and ask him to bring reinforcements from the Grandcypher...)

Setsuna: (But wait, I don't even know where he is. If I contacted him telepathically, would I even reach him? Would it be faster for me to fly to the ship?)

Setsuna: (Will we need Ojosama's healing magic? Maybe I should go scout ahead first. Ugh, I don't have time to be thinking about all of this!)

Konoka: Set-chan!

Setsuna: Huh?

Setsuna, sinking into an abyss of her own thoughts, raises her head to see Konoka's eyes shining with a resolute light.

Konoka: Calm down. I'm sure they'll be fine. We're talking about (Captain)-san here—the monsters are the ones in trouble.

Konoka: You have a plan, right? Is there something I can do to help?

Setsuna: ...
Thank you, Ojosama. I can think clearly now.

Setsuna: Contact Negi-sensei, then return to the Grandcypher and rally backup.

Setsuna: I'll head to the fight! Please hurry, Ojosama!

Konoka: Got it!

???: Nooo, what are you doing? You should be asking Kono-coco to go with you, Suna-bae.

???: Seriously. With her artifact, Konoka-anesan can heal any injury within three minutes of getting it.

Setsuna: That's true, but considering the situation...

Setsuna: Wait, huh?

Asuna: We've heard everything and we're here to help, Setsuna-san!

Soaring to a Brighter Tomorrow: Scene 3

The girls rush in to assist (Captain), successfully defending the town from monsters. Later, Konoka shares her dreams for the future and expresses her desire for Setsuna to be a part of it. The swordswoman resolves once more to become one who truly deserves to be by Konoka's side.

---

Vyrn: There's no end to 'em! We can't hold out forever!

Lyria: At this rate, the monsters will overrun the town!

Setsuna: Shinmei School Secret Technique: Hyakuretsu Oukazan!

Vyrn: That technique! It must be...

Setsuna: Are you all right, (Captain)-san? And what about you, Lyria-san, Vyrn-san?

Lyria: Setsuna! You came to help!

Setsuna: I heard about the situation from the merchant you saved.

Setsuna: But I should've known the three of you would be able to hold the monsters off, despite their numbers.

Vyrn: But we're at the end of our ropes! Thanks for coming, but this might be it!

Setsuna: Don't worry. I didn't come alone.

Negi: With this many monsters, it'd probably be best if I fire from the rear. The vanguard's all yours, Asuna-san!

Asuna: Okay! You got it!

Asuna: I don't care how many of them there are—they're not getting past me!

Mirin: Whew! Look at all these monsters... Good thing we caught them before they got to the town!

Shion: Sato, might we meet them at the fore?

Sato: Okay, sure. Don't worry, I'll pick off any that get past you guys.

Sato: Now then, time to add another story to my legend!

Vyrn: Nice! With this many people, we'll send 'em packing!

Lyria: But how did everyone get here so quickly?

Chamomile: Heh, heh, heh! That would be thanks to yours truly!

Chamomile: Me, Anesan, and Sato-nesan all happened to be around when we heard the news, so we called in the cavalry!

Konoka: So you say, but you three were actually tailing my shopping trip with Set-chan.

Vyrn: Not surprised about Chamo, but how'd Asuna and Ninja Girl get looped into his antics?

Vyrn: Hang on, was it okay to drag Konoka into this monster infestation?

Setsuna: I determined that you all would need Ojosama's healing magic. Besides—

Monster: Grrrr!

Setsuna: She'll be safe. As long as I'm here, no beast's claws will find her.

Konoka: Yes, exactly. I have nothing to worry about with Set-chan by my side.

Konoka: We only need to hold out a little while longer, (Captain)-san.
Cura!

Lyria: Everyone's been healed! We can keep going now!

Vyrn: Yeah! Let's kick monster butt!

Setsuna: Yes. No mercy!

Merchant: Thank you all for what you've done! You're my lifesavers—no, the saviors of the entire town!

Merchant: Everything's on me. Have yourselves a good time!

Asuna: Woohoo! Thanks!

Mirin: Gozaru! The menu's so packed, I want to try everything!

Sato: Oh, 'scuse me. Could I get the Hella Fire Parfait, Heat Level: Hellfire with extra spice on top?

Negi: Is she okay? And I mean that in the nicest way possible.

Setsuna: Hehe.

Setsuna: (This is so peaceful. Not too long ago, I never could have imagined a world like this where I'm surrounded by so many friends.)

Setsuna: (I guess this means I've changed a little. Ojosama has too...)

Konoka: Calm down. I'm sure they'll be fine. We're talking about (Captain)-san here—the monsters are the ones in trouble.

Konoka: You have a plan, right? Is there something I can help with?

Setsuna: (When Negi-sensei was attacked and critically wounded by Fate, I was the one who stayed calm. But now it's Ojosama's turn.)

Konoka: Set-chan, what's on your mind? You look like the happiest girl in the world.

Setsuna: Oh, it's just... I realized you've gotten quite strong.

Konoka: Huh? Set-chan! If you spring compliments on me like that, I'll melt from embarrassment!

Setsuna: It's only the truth. The way you handled the merchant's injury was also truly admirable.

Konoka: Keep telling me how great I am, and I'll have to return fire! You fought so valiantly, Set-chan, and you protected me too.

Konoka: I'm so glad you were with me. All I'd be able to do on my own is tend to wounds.

Setsuna: You say that like it's a bad thing!

Konoka: But it's true, and I know it. That's why I need you.

Konoka: You know, it's my dream to one day become a great Magister Magi.

Setsuna: ...!

Setsuna: (Is that her answer to my question from earlier?)

Konoka: If I see someone hurt and suffering, I have to save them—just like I did today.

Konoka: After traveling to the magic world, then to this world, and experiencing so many things, I've decided that's what I want for my future.

Konoka: And I want you to be right there with me when I make it happen, just like you are now.

Setsuna: Are you sure you want me by your side? I still have so much to learn...

Konoka: You can't be saying things like that. I don't want anyone other than you, Set-chan.

Konoka: There's nothing wrong being green. I'm still in training myself.

Konoka: Let's do our best to keep helping people, just like today.

Setsuna: (Oh... What was I so anxious about in the first place?)

Setsuna: ...
Allow me to pledge my oath to you once more.

Setsuna: I swear to protect you, now and forever!

Konoka: Yeah! Let's be together forever!

Setsuna: (I get it now. It's not about whether I'm good enough for her.)

Setsuna: (It's about becoming someone worthy of her. I'll do it, and become just as amazing as all the people around us.)

Chamomile: Mwohohoho... An oath, you say?

Chamomile: If you're after an oath, you know what you girls need? A Pactio to seal the deal!

Setsuna: Wha—! Were you eavesdropping?

Sato: You two were talking so loud, you could barely call it eavesdropping. But thanks for the tea, it was delicious.

Mirin: Um, um! We'll pray for your happiness!

Setsuna: Y-y-you don't have to do that! O-Ojosama, what should we tell them?

Negi: So you want to be a Magister Magi, Konoka-san? I'll support you all the way! Feel free to ask if you have any questions!

Konoka: Really? That'd be a wonderful help.

Setsuna: (O-oh no. It looks like they're about to have a serious conversation! It'd be rude of me to interrupt them and ask for their help!)

Chamomile: Don't think I didn't hear ya. So you wanna be Konoka-anesan's partner for life, eh?

Chamomile: A real-life partner wouldn't be scared of a little Pactio, now would they? Oh, unless you're thinking of going for a permanent one—

Setsuna: N-no, I mean, I don't mean no, but...

Setsuna: No!

With their oaths forged anew, the girls spread their wings and take their first bold step toward their dreams.

Whether their dreams come true is a story for another time.