Original subtitles

Don't yawn like that while you're on the job. This is an escort mission - be a little more vigilant, won't you?

I know, I know. Isn't it weird pulling in to the harbor at the crack of dawn, though?

What sorta VIP are we meant to be guarding, anyway?

His name's Thomas Benedict. Former CIRF agent, now lying critically injured in a coma.

He was shot in the head while out on a mission half a year ago.

What's someone like that doing here at this time of the morning, and with armed bodyguards, to boot? That's weird!

We students don't have the right or the need to ask.

He's here.

Are you two from Kyousen Sakuragaoka!?

Yeah. Inagaki Vanilla and Inagaki Choco of SORD - Kyousen Sakuragaoka, Class A.

We're here for the "package".

Um, I'm afraid I can't give it to you...

Why? You don't want to hand over that precious package of yours to a couple of students?

No, I didn't mean it like that! Erm...

What? Quit mumbling and spit it out.

It's gone!!

Huh?

What's gone...?

The package...! Thomas Benedict's disappeared from the ship!

What?

What the hell? Oh, that's HILARIOUS. You're not messing with us, are you...?

At 0800 hours today, we received a distress call from one of SORD's designated campuses - Kyousen Sakuragaoka.

Ack! Kyousen Sakuragaoka...?

Quiet, Rena.

Okaaaay...

Apparently, they want us to help them search for a missing VIP.

According to the files, the individual in question was supposed to have been handed over at the border.

Before arriving in port, though, he vanished from the ship.

And who is this VIP?

A former CIRF agent by the name of "Thomas Benedict".

He's still lying critically injured in a coma, after being shot in the head while out on a mission half a year back.

It's a request from a former superior of Haruto's right?

In movies and TV shows, that's always the worst person to get an order from.

Murasaki?

What's up?

I don't need you with me for this, so can you go and dig up some more info on what's going on?

Yeah, got it...

Hey, don't just rush off by yourself. What'll you do if it's a trap?

If it's a trap, then U-chan... no, Inspector Ukawa can't have had any choice but to set me up, right?

All the more reason to help out, if he's in a bind.

Mmm, great stuff.

Oh? I can't believe it - it's little Choco!

Long time no see! How've you been?

No way! Rena!? It's been too long! Or not long enough!

(Haha! I wouldn't be here myself if I wasn't under orders! I'll kick your ass, Mocha Latte!) Sorry for making you come all this way, hun.

(Haha! I wouldn't be here myself if I wasn't under orders! I'll kick your ass, Mocha Latte!)

Where did these "orders" come from, then? (Haha! I wouldn't be here myself if I wasn't under orders! I'll kick your ass, Mocha Latte!)

Where did these "orders" come from, then?

(The name's Choco. And get your face away from me. I don't want to have to smell your rank breath.) Where did these "orders" come from, then?

(The name's Choco. And get your face away from me. I don't want to have to smell your rank breath.)

All we know is that the client holds a key position within CIRS, and that the "package" was a VIP of some description, and marked "fragile". (The name's Choco. And get your face away from me. I don't want to have to smell your rank breath.)

All we know is that the client holds a key position within CIRS, and that the "package" was a VIP of some description, and marked "fragile".

(What did you eat for breakfast? It's got this horrible, sickly sweet smell...) All we know is that the client holds a key position within CIRS, and that the "package" was a VIP of some description, and marked "fragile".

(What did you eat for breakfast? It's got this horrible, sickly sweet smell...)

As it was an important one, I armed the girls before sending them out to collect it... (What did you eat for breakfast? It's got this horrible, sickly sweet smell...)

As it was an important one, I armed the girls before sending them out to collect it...

But it had already disappeared from the ship, right?

Exactly.

There's nothing to do but gather up what little intel we can get our hands on, huh?

There's a bunch of issues we'll have to deal with, though.

Thanatos-san. It seems like we're certain the VIP was removed from the ship, but can you tell us any more?

Honestly, who do you think you're talking to? For me, nothing's impossible.

Have we got the right place? I feel like a bear's going to jump out at any moment...

According to Thanatos-san's calculations, there's no mistaking that the vehicle carrying the VIP went down this road.

Why so deep in the mountains...?

It's a mystery, all right.

Anyway, let's search the building.

Wow, it really reeks of blood...

Um, this is our Tommy, right?

Yes. There's no mistaking it, that's definitely him.

Geez, we're screwed...

What? He's dead?

Well, duh? It's like a chest-burster got him...

Hold on a sec, do you mind if I...?

Hey, Rena, stop that.

I don't mean any disrespect to the dead, but...

I mean you shouldn't contaminate the crime scene.

Anyway... Something's missing, isn't it?

You're right...

What's missing?

His heart...

So, do you have any new info for us?

I took a look at the national heart transplant waiting list, and found a Mr. Ishibe Mitsunori on there...

Ishibe... Isn't that Director Otsuka's...?

That's right, CIRS' deputy director. I heard that he'd been hospitalized last year, after suffering from chronic health problems...

Bad ticker, it seems.

So, the client is definitely Ishibe-san, no question?

Before I called you, I phoned Mr. Ishibe to check for myself.

When I told the receptionist I was calling about the "package", she put me straight through to him.

And then Mr. Ishibe gave me grief about getting the heart back by this evening.

I'm kind of losing the will to carry on at this point.

If you don't retrieve the extracted heart within three hours, it'll no longer be viable. Chop, chop!

Oh, I see...

Well, the guys who swiped the heart that Mr. Ishibe obtained through less-than-legal means work for Russia's biggest crime boss, Alexei Nikolaevich.

That name sounds familiar...

That's because Nikolaevich is on several most-wanted lists, including those of the FSB and the FBI.

Why in the world does someone that notorious have to steal a heart?

Nikolaevich has the same condition as Mr. Ishibe.

I found out that he's registered on the international heart transplant list, too...

It also seems like Nikolaevich is currently in Japan, since the success rates for heart surgery are so high here...

Also, Nikolaevich didn't steal the heart from Mr. Ishibe. He bought it, for double the price.

From whom?

From the same middleman who sold Mr. Ishibe the heart.

So, he was trying to get paid twice for the same goods?

Where is he?

Sorry.

I sent him flying with the car when I caught up with him.

Anyway, we have some idea who the enemy is now...

Can you do a bit more digging for me?

Okay, I'll try...

Oh yeah, Nikolaevich might panic if he can't get hold of this guy...

I'll try contacting him instead.

Got it. Thanks.

Father! You all right!?

Ohh, Viktor... You came...

It's Kolya, Father!! Viktor died last year!

Mikhail...?

No! Besides, there are eight Mikhails in the family. Who d'you mean!?

U-ugh... M-my heart...!!

Father! Father!!

Tch, he always gets this way at the worst moments...

His condition has worsened drastically since his heart began acting up...

Goddamn it! I need to get Father to hand over his estate before he dies, no matter what... Get me that heart, stat!!

Um, we just lost contact with the broker...

Who's there!?

Zdravstvuite, bitches!!

Who the hell are you!!?

Kak dela! I am dealer from Kaulakahi Trading, Tatiana Vetreya.

Hey, what the hell's she saying? Her accent's so thick she's not makin' a lick of sense.

In any case, it seems like she works for that broker I was telling you about.

Whoa, seriously? This pipsqueak's a dealer!?

I not pipsqueak, bitch...

Hey, you. This ain't the deal we made!

How're you gonna pay us back, eh?

You shut up, now. I already taken care of man in charge.

Oh? Something happen to him?

Da. Here, see? He not looking so good, right? If that not enough for you, I bring you his head, khorosho?

Tch... Killin' him doesn't fix this, missy.

I don't need the guy's head - just bring me that heart. How many times are you gonna make me say it?

Da, it will be here soon. No need to get panties in twist.

Pardon me...

What happened?

What? Understood. I'll send for backup.

Just keep the heart safe for now!

That was from the team transporting the heart.

It sounds like they were attacked by unknown assailants just as they were coming down off the mountain track.

Hey, what's this all about!?

Don't look at me! Tatiana knows nothing.

Their identity is as yet unknown, but they appeared to be armed.

One of ours was taken out.

Shit!! Get the guys over there!!

Hey, Maki! What are you waitin' for! Get that package back!

You listenin' to me, bitch!? Father's out cold!

You're his dog, and I'm tellin' you to do this for his sake!!

Understood...

Is that really okay, Boss? Freely giving orders to Maki?

It's fine. She's Father's lapdog.

And with Father in this condition, that makes me her master, right...?

But she really isn't one to follow orders.

She's a rabid dog; let her off her leash, and she'll maul everything in sight. To involve her in such a delicate operation is-

Shut it, Sergei. It doesn't matter which way this goes if Father dies.

This is no time to be holdin' back.

Oh, this one's still alive? Tough cookie, aren't you!

C'mon, put your hands where I can see them!

I surrender, I surrender...

Hey! Vanilla! Why'd you shoot him!?

And didn't he say something just now?

He did, but I couldn't tell you what. I don't know any Russian.

He was probably making fun of me, right? No one messes with me.

Vanilla-san, haven't you heard of the Geneva Convention?

You can't simply go killing a valuable source of information like that...

It's like a Pavlovian response. I just can't stop myself from shooting.

Is that right? You sure it's not just in your best interests to keep him from talking?

What? You suspect us?

What about the heart?

This should be it.

We should hurry. Around two hours have elapsed since the heart was removed.

I guess I'll call U-chan...

So? Did you get the heart back?

Things got a little messy, but we managed, somehow.

Really? That's wonderful, hun! Support's headed your way right this moment.

Support?

I sent a courier over to transport the heart back here as quickly as possible.

Once you've handed it over to them, they'll take care of everything, and you can wrap things up.

You got the package?

Thank you.

This is a perishable item, so be careful with it, okay?

I know.

Was it really okay to give it to him?

It's not too late to check with the boss...

I have my doubts too, but U-chan's not answering his phone. I wonder if he's turned it off...

I'll go and check on that vehicle.

H-hey! Hold on, Rena!

It's fine, I'm not going to do anything! I just want to make sure that the guy's actually delivering the goods!

Geez, you're like a dog chasing after a ball.

Should we go after her?

Haruto...

Oh, Murasaki. Do you have any new intel?

The Nikolaevichs claim to have bought the heart from the broker, but there's no record of any resale in his files...

What does that mean?

In other words, someone besides him was reselling the heart, and at three times the market price.

So there was clearly someone other than the middleman operating behind the scenes?

Also, one of Nikolaevich's lackeys is on the move. You shouldn't hand the heart over to anyone you don't know...

Wait, you're telling us this now!? We've already given it away!!

There's an urgent call coming in from Rena-san!

What's wrong?

We've got trouble! The package has been stolen!!

Calm down, Rena. Can you start from the beginning?

Umm! Hang on...!!

When was this?

Um, just a minute ago!!

I chased the cop as far as the hard shoulder, where he stopped. Then he shot at me when I approached the car!

After that he passed the package on to someone riding a motorbike! Then, um-!

Rena, what are you doing now?

Chasing after the motorbike that sped away with the package!!

So? What are we going to do?

We're going after them, of course.

Hey hey hey! I'm gonna getchaaaa!

Tch!!

I can't let her get away... I'm sorry, 9R, baby.

But it's all right. I'll be with you in death...

Take THIS! BANZAI!!

Wha-!?

Ah!

Sics...?

Bucks...?

I wonder how old I was back then...

As a baby, I was found and taken in by a colony of Asian beggars.

Petty crime was their second nature, and it wasn't uncommon for the kids to descend, ultimately, to theft and murder.

Sics and Bucks. It was in that dog-eat-dog world that the two of us met.

You little brat! This is OUR territory!

I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I was just hungry...

That's no reason to go stealin' our food, now is it?

D'ya think you have a chance against us?

I'm...

This is ours.

Hey!

What!?

Who's there!? Gahh!

You okay? Hurry, we should go.

Here, take this.

Huh?

No one here talks about their past, or their real name, and no one wants to hear about those sorts of things, either.

So starting from today, you're Bucks! Okay?

Bucks...?

It's short for "the girl who got beaten up behind Space Bucks."

If you don't have anywhere to go, you can stay at my place.

It's okay. It'll all work out somehow. There's always something we can do.

But...

No need to be a stranger, okay?

We're just under the stairs of this abandoned factory.

And there are all sorts of people around; everyone'll help you out.

That sounds kind of... scary...

Nah, it's cool. We're all bums like you here, so don't worry. You'll feel right at home.

Okay...

If you're still not sure, we can say you're my lil' sister. I'm sure they'll love you.

Little... sister...?

Yeah, Sics and Bucks - we sound like real partners in crime, don't we!

So that's how the two of us immigrant street urchins met.

The reality is, a lot of these kids don't live past the age of ten.

And as their numbers grow, they're pushed into one of two jobs: prostitution, or killing.

Those who don't like having to tend to unfamiliar men day in, day out...

Well, their only choice is to kill unfamiliar men day in, day out.

The question was what to become: a prostitute, or an assassin.

What are those, Sis?

They're tacos. Haven't you had one before?

No...

I see...

I've got some cash. Wanna buy one?

No, it's okay... I don't want one...

Why not? We won't be free to do what we like for a while, so this might be your last chance, y'know?

Still... It's okay, really...

Hmm... Suit yourself.

Take off your clothes.

Hrmm...

You'll be an assassin.

And you'll be a prostitute.

Huh!?

Ow-ow-ow...

Don't move!

You reckless fool. Only one girl in all the world could give me the willies like that...

So it is you, Sics...

Those eyes... I was already wondering if it was you, Bucks.

I never thought we'd meet again like this...

Bucks... Why...?

Why? The answer's obvious, isn't it? You and I ended up on different paths.

You were sold to the government, and I was sold to a criminal enterprise. That's all there is to it...

You're-!!

I know. There's a reason I was left unsold.

But you have to do the job you're sold to do, right...?

The fact that we'll do whatever our "parents" tell us is a measure of our worth... That's just how it is, isn't it?

Yeah, no arguing with that.

But you also understand, don't you, that I'm not going to just sit back and let everything go your way?

And by the way,

if you're going to threaten me with a Glock, at least hide the trigger.

It's totally obvious that the first round's not in the chamber.

Tch... You saw right through me, huh...?

Who do you think'll be faster: me, taking out my piece, or you, loading your first round?

Ack!

Argh...!

Shit!

This ain't a joke! I'm not stupid enough to face off with a .45!

You gonna run away!?

'Course I am, you jackass!!

Dammit!

The signal coming from Fukami Rena's vehicle indicates a total lack of movement.

Is Rena-san all right? How about the other girl?

I'll hack into her cellphone and connect you.

Rena!

Hey, Rena!

Oh? Is that the voice of my beloved I hear...?

Pick up your damn phone!!

Huh? I thought I'd turned it off!

Are you an idiot!? Do you really have to be so damn reckless? What happened?

Umm... I managed to stop her, thankfully, but it turned into a shootout, and she ran off into the mountains.

Were you shot?

The vest took two or three hits, but they were only 9mms. I'm fine. I can keep going.

How many hostiles?

Just one. But she's a tough one.

Okay. Wait for us to get to you. We'll be right there.

She'll get away if I wait!

Just stay where you are!

No...!

Rena!

I have to be the one to stop her. I'm sorry, Master...

Hey! Listen to me, Rena!

Then I'm gonna be a prostitute too!

It's no use. Those who obey orders without question are naturally suited to be an assassin.

And if she'll take her clothes off for anyone who asks, she won't be worth much as a hooker.

What'll you do, Bucks...?

I don't know... What should I do...?

She was the kind of girl who couldn't really decide things for herself, instead relying on other people's judgment.

They can make for strong assassins, in their own way.

I didn't necessarily believe that myself, but in the end, Bucks chose the assassin's path.

No fair! How many rounds have you got!?

As many as I need to kill you!!

Ugh. Sounds like a drag...

Don't you run away!!

Eek...!!

Sis... You know, right, Sis? I ain't like you, I'm no good at shooting...

I'm not as skillful as you, and to be honest, I'm not that clever either. An idiot, frankly.

Thing is, idiots like me just wind up failin' over and over at the kinds of things that real geniuses can manage on their first try.

We embarrass ourselves again and again; it takes us several times longer to achieve the exact same results...

You get it, right? We're talkin' quantity over quality.

Spraying bullets all over the place untill you eventually land a hit, I see!

That's exactly what I mean!!

What's wrong, Sis?

It's about time we settle the score, don'tcha think?

What, you're outta ammo?

There you are!!

Wha-!?

Wait, is it really okay to let Rena take care of this by herself!?

It's fine. She's not gonna lose.

What are you basing that on!?

You really think that girl's going to come back crying that she lost a fight?

For the record, not a single one of us would come crying home after losing a fight.

If the enemy fires off a hundred shots at us, she'll return a thousand; if she's out of ammo, she'll deal a thousand punches.

Don't go back until you've won; losers don't get fed.

That's the rules.

Using your bare hands when you've run out of ammo... That's crazy...

Oh, you didn't know? Rena's stronger without her gun.

-What!? -What!?

Hnngh... Dammit!

Urgh... You-!!

You...!

Heh! You think I'm still the same little girl I used to be!?

Go to hell!!

You cheeky little-...!!

That's what the bad guy's supposed to say, Sis!!

I can see right through you!!

Dammit!

Gotcha!

-It's useless!!

-YA-CHOOOOW!! -It's useless!!

PUPPY...

CHOOOOW!!

Oh, what's that? Your wrist is broken, isn't it...?

Let me guess, you hurt it when you fell off your bike?

Shut up!

Dammit...!

Hehe, come on!

Sh-shit, she's really flipped... She's getting in way more punches than I am!!

Hehe, one more!

Listen up, Bucks. Fukami Rena's my name now...

And to Fukami Rena, failure is the ultimate disgrace . That's why I won't admit defeat, even if I die...

Failure just isn't an option for me...

Failure means disgrace!

There is naught but victory, by whatever means possible!

Any show of weakness would bring Master shame!

And that's my only reason for wanting victory!

In that case, I'm just the same!!

I can't afford to lose!!

Sorry about this, but my man's waiting for me. So how about we finish this up real quick?

Straight from Master himself: Front Neck Chancery Drop!

Rena!!

Are you okay, Rena!?

Rena-san!?

Rena, can you hear me!?

Oh! Over there!

I arranged a helicopter for immediate dispatch to deliver the heart.

It should reach the helipad at the emergency center in 20 minutes. We should hurry along, too.

Oh, okay. I'll take the bike, then...

No way are you going back on the bike in that state. Get in the van.

Huh? But I'm fine...

You are most definitely NOT fine. Do as you're told.

But, but-!

Rena, this is an order from me. Follow your orders.

Master...

I'll take the bike back. You ride home in the van, okay?

Uh... Okay...

Good job, Junior. You delivered the package in one piece.

Um... U-chan? You're the one who resold the heart, right?

...Why, hun? Why would you think that?

It first hit me that something was off when I heard you'd given the Inagaki sisters weapons permits for a "simple" escort mission.

And you see, Ishibe-san was planning to submit a proposal at next month's general meeting to scale down SORD...

Naturally, the smallest facilities, such as Kyousen Sakuragaoka, would be first for the axe.

...It's just as you imagine, hun. The brains behind this whole operation was Little. Old. Me. Guess I got found out, teehee.

Don't giggle about it. Geez...

So? What are you gonna do? Report me?

I'll keep my mouth shut, this time.

Sorry, Junior...

It's okay. We got the package delivered in the end, and we didn't pick up too many injuries along the way.

Isn't Rena-chan injured?

That was my fault. It wasn't down to you, U-chan.

If you're going to apologize, go speak to the Inagaki sisters.

It doesn't seem like Choco's noticed, but Vanilla has a sense of what's going on.

You're right. That girl's got a good nose. She knows when something's up, but never makes a fuss.

It breaks my heart to watch her carry on, sometimes.

Wait, you're not planning to leave them both in my care and jet off overseas somewhere, are you?

Oops! Was it that obvious? How'd I give it away?

Even if I were to take them in, your girls would never forgive you for that, you know.

I know. I was just kidding, hun.

Actually, I don't think I'd ever forgive you myself.

Thanks, Junior. Catch you later.

Hey sis! We just got back!

Hey, welcome back.

A bit early though, isn't it? I thought you'd get the Mihama lot to buy you dinner before coming home.

We would have, but there are still loads of leftovers from the curry you made last night, aren't there?

Sis said the three of us should finish it off together, you see.

Were we wrong to come back?

Of course not, silly.

You're not going anywhere, are you...? This is still our home, right...?

Hmm? Of course, hun. What're you talking about?

You thought I'd disappear off somewhere, and leave you girls behind?

You really are the silliest...

Come on, let's go home and put dinner on! I'm hungry too!

Yessir!

(PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE)

...What was that? (PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE)

...What was that?

I said, the heart you recovered was no longer viable.

What? Then...

It wasn't worth goin' through all that trouble to get it back.

So Mr. Ishibe will have to procure a new heart, I suppose...

Nah, it won't come to that. Thanks to your diggin', Min-chan, Mr. Ishibe's involvement in illegal organ traffickin' has come to the attention of certain... interested parties.

It sounds like Mr. Ishibe's in a lot of trouble...

But Kyousen Sakuragaoka, the ones in charge of this whole organ smugglin' operation, seem to be denyin' any knowledge of it.

And they ain't likely to pry any deeper into Ishibe's affairs.

Otherwise, anyone who's asked Kyousen to transport a shady package is gonna find themselves in deep shit tomorrow.

Mr. Ishibe owes Kyousen Sakuragaoka an awful lot, doesn't he?

Both we and Mr. Ishibe were so totally duped, it makes me wonder if that wasn't Kyousen's goal to begin with...

I walked right into his trap...

Bringin' a little grief to everyone around him, and then reapin' just enough of the reward that no one else notices... Isn't that Ukawa's MO?

That's true...

But when you consider that the incident has brought down the largest criminal enterprise in Russia, can you really say that the op was a complete loss?

So, what did you want to tell me?

Erm... Um... You know...

Erm, I want to apologize... for ignoring your orders.

Do you know what "insubordination" means?

Yeah...

If you're going to disobey my orders, you'll have to bring me results I'm satisfied with, you got that?

Yeah, I know...

Right. In that case, there's no problem.

Huh...?

You won, just as you were ordered to.

But you can't go injuring yourself. There must've been better ways of achieving the same outcome.

Yes, Master...

If I looked angry, then it was because you were so careless with yourself.

But... I took care of things the only way I know how. I can't think what else I'm meant to do...

Hahhh... You win, Rena. Come over here...

Huh...?

I'll hug you for one minute, and one minute only...

Uh-huh...

Hey, Rena. You know what I'm like, don't you?

It frustrates me every time you girls come home sporting an injury.

It makes me kick myself for standing back and staying out of harm's way.

It strikes me just how powerless I am when you guys have been through the wringer, and all I can do is congratulate you on a job well done.

I even get jealous of you guys for being able to let loose on the battlefield.

I'm coming to think that being a handler's not for me...

So it's my fault. There's no reason for you to get all teary, or apologize like that...

That's not true.

I'm sorry, Master, but I think you're fine as you are. In fact, it works better this way.

I'll do anything for you, Master. I'll follow you wherever you go.

Even to the fires of hell...

Yeah...

Though I'd rather not go down into hell, if I can help it...

Saying that, I don't suppose I'm destined for heaven either.

I wouldn't be so sure. I'd definitely find it harder than you to get to heaven.

Sorry, Master, but you'll have to get by all alone up there when the time comes, okay?

Ah, that sounds awfully lonely...

And Master... Um...

What?

You know, I worked really, really hard today - I don't suppose you could give me a reward?

All right. What do you want?

I want...

A little sister...

Good evening. How are your injuries looking?

Oh? You're ignoring me? I guess you're moping around because you lost a fight to your sister, huh.

What happened to my watch...?

Your watch? Oh yeah, you were wearing one earlier.

Yeah...

We've confiscated all of your clothing and personal items, including your watch.

It was a nice watch, actually. Did your master give it to you?

That... that was the first thing Master gave to me.

Alexei Nikolaevich is dead.

...You're lying!

No, it's true. One of our undercover agents confirmed it. We're positive.

How!?

How did he die, you mean?

Yes!! Tell me!!

His heart gave out. Round about the time you and your sister were duking it out, it seems.

In fact, the situation's looking quite precarious for Alexei's son, Nikolai.

He and Sergei, his lackey, are trying to flee the country for their homeland.

I think we can still get a hold of Nikolai on the phone. Wanna confirm it for yourself?

No need...

You sure? Shouldn't you find out what's likely to happen to the organization going forward?

I'm the personal property of Alexei Nikolaevich... What happens to the organization has nothin' to do with me.

Well, that's the problem, you see...

Huh?

Your owner's already dead, and his gang's gonna leave you behind when they return to Russia...

What should we do with you? Who should we go to for your bail money?

Ha...! How should I know? Just kill me already if I'm in the way...

What? You don't value your life at all?

I've never once thought that my life belonged to me in the first place.

Oh, okay. Well in that case, do you mind if I borrow it?

Huh?

Now, I'll give you back your watch, as promised.

Good...

It really is important to you, huh.

Actually, I wonder about that...

First of all, Maki, I'm gonna give you this.

I can't accept something that expensive. And I'd rather have a gun than a watch.

It's fine, just take it.

Listen, Maki.

This watch needs winding every day, otherwise it'll stop.

And you need to set the time each day too, or it'll get out of sync after a while. It's kind of a nuisance if you're short on time...

But without annoyances like that, you'd never know to be grateful for all the conveniences you can't live without.

It's like not knowing to be grateful for the people who disciplined you in your youth.

This watch'll give you answers down the line that no amount of lecturing will. When you think about it that way, it's not such a steep price to pay.

Really...?

It's not clicking, huh...? Well, didn't think it would at first...

I kinda remember Master sayin' a buncha stuff to me when I got this from him, but...

I'm dumb, you see. I didn't get it.

Master...

Are you crying?

''Course not!! Why would I be crying!?

Fasten it properly to your wrist. You don't want to lose it.

I was gonna anyway...

How long are you gonna keep crying for!?

Owwww!!

I'm back.

Bucks!!

Oh, Rena. That name's forbidden from now on.

This girl's one of ours now, and she'll only be going by Inohara Maki.

She's in our care for the time being.

Oh Master! That's wonderful!!

What's going on? Gah, you're so noisy... Be quiet, it's late.

Oh, Tohka! Look, look! It's Maki, my little sister! She's going to be one of us!

Ah, right... Good for you.

What?

You're pretty big, aren't you?

And you're a bit of a midget.

Looks like another feisty one, all right...

Tch... What's that supposed to mean? If you've got something to say, spit it out.

It's all right. Tohka's like that with everyone.

And you are?

I'm Murasaki, a ninja.

You look familiar...

I disguised myself and infiltrated Nikolai's mansion.

Oh, right.

By the way, I was the one who cared for your master in his final moments.

I see. How was he?

Peaceful... Like he was drifting off to sleep.

Oh...

And who are you?

Oh? Me?

I'm, uh, a teacher...

Huh? A teacher? Of what?

Just normal academic subjects...

What's a schoolteacher doin' in a place like this?

Uhm, er... I heard that Rena-san got into a fight with her little sister, and that she might need a counseling session...

So, um... Er... I'm sorry!

Huh?

Miss Arisaka is in charge of Class A, which makes her your homeroom teacher.

What!? I have to go to school, too!?

What's so strange about that? I have no use for dummies, frankly, so you'd better bone up a bit.

Kh... I'm not a dummy by choice...

What!?

But Master likes airheads, right!? That's what you said, right?

Well... Depends how they look, I guess...?

Phew!

Then Maki and I are fine since we're both cute, right?

I wonder...

Hey, what're you lookin' at?

Yep, totally fine.

What's with this... Why're you all joking around?

Thanks for waiting.

Dinner's ready, everyone!

Great, food! Chris, did you prepare enough for Maki, too?

Yes, I made extra today.

Maki, this is Chris. Chris is like the den mother around here, so be careful not to make her mad.

I'm Kujirase Sakurako Christina. Please call me Chris, Maki-san.

A-ahh, err... I'm... Inohara... Moki...

Moki! Pfft!!

Shut up! Don't laugh!!

Ohh!

You look like you have a healthy appetite! I hope you like my cooking.

Well, you must be hungry. I pulled out all the stops for tonight's meal, so let's dig in, shall we?

Yeah! Awesome!!

Uhm,

Aren't you eating a bit too much!?

The more you eat, the fitter you'll get, and the fitter you get, the more jobs you'll be able to take on!

But that's way too much!

I bet you could make it into space if you keep eating that much.

Into space, huh? I've never been to space...

So you'd like to go to space?

Yeah! Just once'd do! I wanna go up into space, and try shooting down a nuclear missile with a handgun!

Um, it's good to dream big, but... erm... err...

Don't look at me for help! What am I meant to say to her!?

It's all right!

As a legendary CIRS agent once said,

"I may have my weak points, but nothing's downright impossible." QED!

What was that "QED" at the end for!?

That smug face of yours can really piss me off.

Oh, did you laugh just now, Maki-san?

...No, I'm not laughing!!

You ARE laughing, aren't you!

Let's see... Give us another laugh.

Stop it! Don't look at me!

What a cute smile you have. A far cry from your sister's.

Shut up!

If you wanna get launched into space, bring it! I'll kick your ass to the moon and back!!

I'd forgotten how this feels.

It's so nostalgic. Something that had sedimented inside me starts seeping away,

and I can't stop it.

Nothing I've ever eaten tasted of anything.

(Oh no! Miss, Please get her some water!) Nothing I've ever eaten tasted of anything.

(Oh no! Miss, Please get her some water!)

I didn't know food could taste this good. (Oh no! Miss, Please get her some water!)

I didn't know food could taste this good.

(Here you go!) I didn't know food could taste this good.

I didn't know food could taste this good.

(Thanks... Bwah! Is this booze!?) I didn't know food could taste this good.

(Thanks... Bwah! Is this booze!?)

(I'm sorry, I must've grabbed the wrong one!)

(It's a souvenir from Atami.)

(But I'm underage!)

That day, I felt like I'd found the strength to carry on again...

(You're more of a goody-goody than you look.) That day, I felt like I'd found the strength to carry on again...

That day, I felt like I'd found the strength to carry on again...

(Nice! Can I have some of that!?) That day, I felt like I'd found the strength to carry on again...

That day, I felt like I'd found the strength to carry on again...

(Absolutely not! You're underage too, aren't you!?) That day, I felt like I'd found the strength to carry on again...

(Absolutely not! You're underage too, aren't you!?)

(Come on, don't be a spoilsport.)

(All right then, just for this special occasion... I'll pour you some.)

(Yay!)

(I got some banana-gator sablés too.)