North and South Swordsman Record

note

As this event came in 3 parts, it's separated into 3 videos.

1: In Order to Overcome These Hardships!

Inami Suu: Hakobune Noa-chan... She's gotten better at MCing since last time, and when I went to shake her hand, she even remembered me!
Suu: And Sonomiya Eden-san winked at me too; this seriously made all the painful missions I've had to go through up till now worth it-! [The kanji in their names are puns on Noah's Ark and the Garden of Eden]
Asahina Hokuto: ......Right.
Suu: They're trying so hard...
Suu: You don't know how lucky we are we got tickets for such good seats. That's all thanks to you applying for the lottery for us, Hokuto-san!
Suu: Ah, what did you think, anyway? About Garden's mini-live concert!
Hokuto: This was my first time seeing an idol concert, so it felt very fresh...
Suu: I'm glad you liked it then~. I'll give you the CD and scarf towel I bought in case I could turn someone into a future fan!
Hokuto: Ah... Thank you. You really like those girls, don't you. I hadn't heard of these idols at all before though.
Suu: Garden still has that feeling like, only those in the know know how good they are, so I'm not surprised-.
Suu: Early on, the two of them both wanted to go solo, so they couldn't get along. Garden back then... You could say it was more of a wasteland.
Suu: But, after all the times they fought, you can see now just how well they get together.
Hokuto: Even though they fought, they turned out alright?
Suu: They did! At first, Noa-chan and Eden-san used to be so serious about their idol activities, and apparently they got in lots of arguments over where to take their careers.
Suu: They said that, in order to decide who'd lead them, they had a bunch of battles, like, who could get the highest score in karaoke, or who could hold a smile the longest.
Suu: But, as they did that, it made them start understanding each other better! Isn't that so idol-like!
Hokuto: I don't exactly know... what is and isn't idol-like. But it's true that battling can be a way to bring people together.
Suu: That whole story was another reason why I became a fan of theirs.
Suu: I want to watch over them until the day they spread their wings and make it out into the big open sky of showbiz!
Suu: Doesn't seeing cute girls sing and dance just fill you with energy!
Hokuto: ...I think I understand you somewhat. It's the fruit of their efforts.
Suu: After that... With the Renpu and Heijou joint-practice starting in three days...
Suu: I think I might be able to make it... maybe... somehow.
Hokuto: Be more assertive. Where did the energy you got from those girls go?
Suu: I already used it all up. Ever since I got assigned to be a member of this, I've been depressed... So depressed.
Suu: If you weren't going to be there, I would've faked being sick to get out of it!
Hokuto: Don't say that so shamelessly.
Suu: ...The joint-practice this time, if only it were like the Five Traditions sponsored idol event they did before, then I could've just watched all the toji who became idols...
Hokuto: Toji who... became idols?
Suu: It's real; I'm not making it up! They all... wore costumes, and sung and danced, and they were all sparkling.
Suu: And I even thought that, maybe... I might find someone new to be a fan of there.
Hokuto: ...I see.
Suu: I've got it! Why don't we go have fun somewhere tomorrow, so I can make it through the tough practice?
Hokuto: What are you saying? Tomorrow we're going to be training for the practice.
Hokuto: I came up with the perfect training regimen for you, Suu.
Suu: Ehhhhh!
Suu: Why do I have to do training before the practice though... You'll make me die from exhaustion.
Hokuto: You won't have to worry. I took into account your stamina and muscle mass while making this regimen.
Suu: Hokuto-san, you'd go that far... for me.
Suu: But that doesn't mean I have to do it... Right!?
Hokuto: ...I went along with you to your event, so join me in training for a while. Just a little while is fine.
Suu: Ahh-... I don't want to go to training or to practice.
Hokuto: An aradama signal...?
People on the Streets: A-ARADAMAAAA!?
Hokuto: ...!
Aradama: ...GRRUUU!
Hokuto: We're going... Suu.
Suu: C-Can't we at least wait for the toji in charge of the area to show up? Let's do that!
Hokuto: We can't. We mustn't turn a blind eye to aradama. Even if I have to go alone... I'm going.
Suu: Ahh-, fine~~... I-I got it. I got it, okay, so please, don't go off on your ownnn...!
Hokuto: Thank you. Let's hurry.
Hokuto: HAA!
Aradama: ......
Hokuto: Kh... There are too many people... This could be bad.
Suu: Hokutoo-saaaan... I can't go on any more-.
Hokuto: Once backup arrives, this will be easier... Just hold out a little longer. You can still use utsushi, can't you?
Suu: You said that a while ago~~...
Aradama: ...GUGGGGI!
Suu: Awawawa... There's a really big one coming our way-!?
Sanae: We're here to support you!
Suu: !!
Suu: Th-Thank you so much, thank you so much...!
Hiyori: Iwakura-san, let's stop that aradama from moving first.
Sanae: That would reduce the damage the most, wouldn't it.
Aradama: ...GUOOOOOOO!

2: This Was Supposed to Be My Day off to Recharge...

Sanae: --There!
Aradama: ooo...!!
Hiyori: --HAAAAAH!
Hokuto: Those two, we fought in the tournament qualifiers...
Suu: If some strong girls are here, then we should leave it to them and evacuate!
Hokuto: I don't think that's going to happen. Don't lose heart now.
Aradama: GRRRUUU...!
Suu: Why do they just keep coming one after the other...!?
Hokuto: We can't afford to leave everything to just those two.
Hokuto: YAAAAA-!
Aradama: ...uuuu!!
Sanae: Great job.
Sanae: Um, would you mind making a makeshift team with the four of us, to stop the aradama together? If we cooperate, I'm sure things will go more safely.
Hokuto: I'd be glad to.
Suu: I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't count me as part of that-!
Sanae: Err, but that's...
Hokuto: The four of us will fight.
Suu: Hey!?
Sanae: Then, Asahina-san and Juujou-san will respond to aradama as they appear.
Sanae: And, I'll go with the girl from Renpu, um...
Suu: It's... Inami. But, just to be clear, I'm not any good at fighting!
Sanae: Mm, that's fine. Inami-san and I will watch for any coming from the rear or your blind spots, and support the two in the vanguard.
Sanae: Also, we need to help with evacuations. There should be people who couldn't get away in time.
Sanae: That's the basic plan of action, but what do you think?
Suu: I feel like I should be the one evacuating right about now, but... I think I can do that...
Hokuto: I don't see an issue with that either.
Hiyori: Then, I'll be in your care.
Hokuto: Of course, likewise.
Hiyori: ! ...Looks like a new one showed up.
Aradama: ...GGGIII!
Sanae: Inami-san. Let's leave that aradama to them for now and watch the perimeter!
Suu: I want to run I want to run I want to run I want to run... Uuuu...!
Suu: ...Maybe another toji will happen to be passing by and swap with me!

3: Before I Knew it, I was With Three Heijou Institute Girls!

Hokuto: There were quite a lot of aradama, weren't there.
Suu: S... So tireddd... I was looking forward to this day off too...
Sanae: You did well. The toji in charge of the area are here, and the noro is being collected, so everything will be fine now.
Sanae: Thankfully, almost none of the people who came to enjoy Harajuku were hurt either.
Hokuto: Having your support made a huge difference, Juujou-san, Iwakura-san.
Sanae: I think it's more because of how quickly you two engaged the aradama, Asahina-san.
Suu: Umm-, do you three all know each other?
Hokuto: I know these two. Though...
Hiyori: I remember you too. We faced each other in the tournament qualifiers, after all.
Hokuto: ...You remember that?
Hiyori: Sure I do. You left an impression on me.
Sanae: And, I knew you long before we competed in the qualifiers.
Hokuto: You too, Iwakura-san...? I don't think we've ever spoken though. We haven't ever been on a mission together either.
Sanae: You're pretty famous around Heijou, Asahina-san.
Sanae: I hear a lot about the hard working senpai one year above us who spends an incredible amount of time training.
Hokuto: Ahh, that's why. I don't push myself as hard as I used to though.
Suu: No no no, you still train more than enough, Hokuto-san! I feel like, if I didn't ask you to come out with me, you'd be stuck training again.
Hokuto: What makes you think that...
Suu: Cause, every time we get together, you're always trying to get me to practice with you, aren't you!?
Hokuto: That's because you show a lot of promise, Suu. If you train properly, I know you'll become much stronger.
Suu: ...But, it's not like I want to be stronger.
Hokuto: Wouldn't that be a waste of your talents? You were chosen to be a part of this joint-practice as well, weren't you?
Suu: That must've been a mistake... It has to be.
Hiyori: You got selected too, Inami? Then that means all four of us will be at the practice.
Sanae: That's right. Since we'll all be together, why don't we go get some ice cream for now?
Sanae: There's a shop I was thinking of visiting before we ran into the aradama.
Suu: Ah, I'd love to go! This is how a day off should be!
Hokuto: With this many flavors... It's hard coming to a decision.
Hiyori: I recommend the chocolate mint then.
Hiyori: Ah, I mean, only if you're not sure. It's just my suggestion...
Hokuto: Thank you. I'll give it a try.
Suu: This mixed berry is so good~~!
Sanae: We were saying, next time we have a chance to come to Tokyo together, we had to come here.
Hiyori: I'm glad we came.
Hokuto: I've never really had chocolate mint before, but I think I might like this quite a bit.
Suu: They've been having chocolate mint flavored sweets in convenience stores and places a lot lately, haven't they?
Hiyori: ! Yeah, that's for sure.
Hiyori: There really are some people who get it out there.
Hokuto: By the way, have you two heard what exactly we'll be doing in this joint-practice?
Suu: Ah! Why didn't you ask me about that-?
Hokuto: Well, you... You wouldn't have closely read over the notice and paperwork, would you?
Suu: I did read them though...! I wanted to see if there was anything scary sounding, or dangerous!
Suu: There wasn't a lot explained in them though...
Sanae: I read through the paperwork after I was selected too, but it didn't say much, other than that its purpose was to strengthen our coordination.
Sanae: By the way, I couldn't help but notice, but, even though you come from different schools, you two are awfully close, aren't you.
Suu: We are! Every time Hokuto-san is in town, we go out to have a good time, like we were doing today!
Hokuto: ...Though I just keep Suu company.
Hiyori: Well... That kind of thing happens, even between girls from different schools...
Sanae: Fufu, I think it's really nice to be like that.
Hokuto: I do too.
Suu: Ahh... Anyway, about the practice... I wonder what we'll be doing...
Suu: Even if I know what we're doing, if I don't like it, I won't like it. But, not knowing what we'll be doing is scary... It's way too scary!
Sanae: I think I understand a little how you're feeling. But, if we just keep focused and work at it, it shouldn't be anything that'll hurt us.
Suu: It's hard enough just trying not to get hurt...
Hokuto: Suu. After coming this far, resolve yourself to see it through.
Suu: ......
Hokuto: If, in three days, either of you get paired with Suu at the joint-practice, please look after her.
Hiyori: Sure, if we're together.
Sanae: Of course, now that we've gotten to know each other here. Let's look after each other, Inami-san.
Suu: ............Okay.

4: Joint Training... It Started...

Before the start of the Renpu Heijou Joint-Training.

Suu: ...I'm overwhelmingly out of place here!
Hokuto: Could you not start shouting out of nowhere.
Suu: But, will you... just look around!
Kofuki: ......
Hiyori: ......
Sayaka: ......
Sanae: .....
Suu: Not only is there Juujou-san and Iwakura-san we met in Harajuku the other day...
Suu: There's girls like Itomi-san, who makes sure to finish any mission you give her, and that girl who loves fighting aradama way too much... Aradama-Must-Die-Man Shichinosato-san too!
Hokuto: I told you not to be so loud... They'll think it's rude if they hear you. And what's Aradama-Must-Die-Man anyway?
Suu: ...That's slang for her.
Suu: She loves fighting aradama and stuff. To where it's impossible to wrap your head around... Isn't she sort of scary...?
Suu: Please God, I'm begging you... Don't put me in the same group as her...
Hokuto: You're right that there are strong fighters here from both schools, but we're only here to train together. You're worrying too much.
Hokuto: And besides, she's another student from Renpu, the same as you.
Suu: That doesn't reassure me at a--
Suu: ......
Hokuto: ...What is it now? Why are you hiding behind me?
Suu: There, over there... It's Tsubakuro-san... and Satsuki-san, from the elite guard.
Yume: Yomi-onee-san, do I really have to be here for this too-?
Yomi: You do. This is a part of our duties as the elite guard.
Yume: What do we have to do?
Yomi: We need to instruct everyone gathered here on the details of their training. Though, I believe Shidou-san and Konohana-san will handle most of that...
Yume: Then, you don't need me, do you? If I don't get to fight all the strong people I want, then I want to go home-!
Suu: (I don't want to get involved with Tsubakuro-san... No, I don't want anything to do with anyone from the elite guard!)
Suu: (Back then... When we met in Okinawa, they were way too scary...!)
Maki: Well if it isn't Asahina Hokuto and Inami Suu.
Suu: HYAAU!?
Maki: ? What's wrong with her?
Hokuto: Don't worry about her, Shidou-san. Anyway, what did you need?
Maki: Nothing, just thought I'd say hi to you two. I'm sure this training will be helpful for you. I hope you'll make good use of it.
Hokuto: Of course; we plan on it.
Maki: It's about time for us to get started. Good luck out there.
Hokuto: She was only saying hello. You're too jumpy.
Suu: That was just, an irresistible force, or more like, a synergistic effect; a lot happened...
Suzuka: This training is organized to drill you on small-scale group battles, but it has one other objective. That is--
Suzuka: For you to be able to clearly convey your actions and intent to your allies in a short time, so that, even if you are partnered with someone new, you can work together to dispose of aradama.
Maki: If there's an increase in aradama appearances, the amount of missions will go up too. In which case, you won't only be fighting with the companions you're used to.
Maki: With that situation in mind, you'll be divided into groups by lottery. Don't go swapping your results after you draw them.
Maki: Twenty minutes after the groups are assembled, we'll carry out group battles!
Suu: (Hokuto-san, Hokuto-san! Please let me be with Hokuto-san!)
Suu: (Also, please don't let me be with anyone scary...!!)
Hokuto: This is how it goes sometimes.
Suu: Right, I'm so glad... God granted my prayers!
Suu: Or at least, half of them...
Kofuki: What, there's no aradama-chan here? ...This sucks.
Kiyoka: You shouldn't say things like that...
Hokuto: I'm Asahina Hokuto, first year in the Heijou Institute's high school division. Nice to meet you.
Suu: ......
Hokuto: Come on, you say yours, Suu.
Suu: I-I'm Inami Suu... second year in Renpu Girls' School's middle school division. Please go easy on me...
Kiyoka: Ah, you're in the same year as me, Inami-san. I'm Musumi Kiyoka. It's nice to meet you.
Kofuki: ...Do mine for me-.
Kiyoka: ...Honestly, Kofuki-san.
Kiyoka: This is Shichinosato Kofuki-san. She's a third year in middle school. We both work together in the Akabane swords investigation team.
Hokuto: So you two already know each other as well. That's good then; it should be easy for us to coordinate.
Kiyoka: Right. In this situation, what do you think we should go over first?
Hokuto: It seems, right after this, we'll be having group mock battles. So why don't we decide on our roles in battle? We'll start with choosing an attacker.
Kofuki: I'm not being the attacker. There's nothing fun about going up against other people.
Kiyoka: ...Y-You can't be like that right from the get go.
Kofuki: But there's no point in teams of toji fighting each other, is there? A toji's job is fighting aradama.
Suu: ...I-Isn't that right?
Hokuto: That's true. There might be some logic to what you're saying.
Kofuki: Oh, nice to see you two get it.
Hokuto: However, being able to coordinate with one another is more important than anything. That's why I won't consider this training a waste of our time.
Kofuki: If that's how you feel, then you guys can do something about this yourselves.
Hokuto: That won't do. If you won't participate seriously, this training will lose its meaning.
Hokuto: And on top of that... If we aren't able to coordinate during our missions, you might be injured beyond recovery.
Kofuki: ...Like I'm supposed to care.
Suu: Uhh, umm... Why don't we all take some deep breaths and calm down first!?
Kiyoka: ...Asahina-san is right, Kofuki-san. If you ended up getting hurt, I'd be upset.
Kofuki: ...Tch.
Kofuki: Fine, I get it. Let's just figure this out already.

5: Coordinating All of a Sudden Is... Hard to Do

Suu: (The rule is that whichever group has the most people with utsushi removed loses, but everyone's going at it so seriously... It's scary.)
Suu: (...I hope this ends soon. But, getting cut hurts, so I don't want that to happen...)
Suu: (So, right now, this is all I can do...)
Suu: --You can do it, Hokuto-san!
Sayaka: HAA!
Hokuto: Kh... She's quick!
Kiyoka: I'll be right--
Sanae: I'm not letting you go, Musumi-san!
Kiyoka: Eh, when did you...!?
Sanae: Now's our chance!
Tsugumi: Understood.
Kofuki: You're actually taking this seriously... Really?
Tsugumi: That's rude. I'm fundamentally a serious person, aren't I?
Tsugumi: It would be a problem if they didn't think I was serious and our research funding was reduced-.
Tsugumi: Though, you're not my opponent now anyway, Shichinosato-san.
Hokuto: ...Suu, stand firm!
Suu: Thinking about it, they have to be coming after me, right--!?
Tsugumi: Sorry about this. Anyway.
Suu: NOOOOOO!?
Suu: Even with utsushi, it still hurts... Uuu...
Kiyoka: I know what you mean... It sure hurts, doesn't it. When you're being slashed, you can't help but flinch against it.
Suu: Ahh, I'm so glad someone here understands! Thank you, Musumi-san!
Suu: I can't be useful at all, so I... I'm thinking of withdrawing from this. I feel like that's the best way for me to contribute!
Kiyoka: Eh... P-Please, hold on a minute!? We'll be in trouble without you, Inami-san!
Kiyoka: And also, this is just a maybe, but... If Kofuki-san and Asahina-san can't coordinate, then this group won't...
Suu: ...Right.
Hokuto: ......
Kiyoka: If you won't cooperate some more, we won't be able to practice anything...
Kofuki: There's no aradama-chan here, so no thanks-.
Kiyoka: ...But, didn't you say you understood that before?
Hokuto: ......
Suu: (Ah-... I think Hokuto-san's mad... I'm not even the one who made her mad, but I'm feeling sort of uneasy.)
Suu: (I wish that someone would step in and reconcile this... Even someone from the elite guard would be fine, just, won't someone stop them?)
Yume: Nn-? Huh, Onee-san?
Suu: Ah, I didn't mean it after all!
Yume: Didn't mean what?
Suu: ...It's nothing.
Yume: I think I might've seen you before. Did we meet somewhere, Onee-san?
Suu: Ehh-... Ahh-... Umm-... Uhh-...
Suu: (What should I do, what should I do... Maybe it'd be fine if I said honestly, we met last year in Okinawa? But, but, if I pretend like she's got the wrong person, maybe she'll lose interest and go away!?)
Yume: I can't tell what you mean when you just say "Uhh-...", Onee-san.
Suu: Th-There's no way we could have met anywhere before, Tsubakuro-sama...
Yume: Why're you calling me Tsubakuro-sama even though I'm younger? Wait, this feels familiar for some reason...
Suu: AWAWA...! Umm, umm... It looks like you elite guard are having another tough day of work, huh!
Yume: Not really-... There's nothing to do, so I'm just bored. It's not like I get to fight anybody strong either-.
Yume: I'm tired of this, so I'm going to go play with Yukari-sama! Bye bye~.
Suu: Tsubakuro-san... You're as free spirited as ever... I'm jealous...
Announcer: We are beginning the next match, so will the following groups please prepare straight away.

6: How Did it Come to This...?

Maki: So each group has gone through a number of battle exercises at this point. Hm...
Maki: (Though, there's groups that are coordinating well, and those that aren't. The difference is greater than I was expecting.)
Maki: (Even when you gather nothing but people greatly skilled at fighting, they might not function properly as a team in some cases.)
Maki: (Asahina and Shichinosato's coordination is going to take time to improve, won't it...)
Maki: (Getting rid of ignorance within a unit is another part of this training's goals. I'll watch them carefully for now.)
Suu: We lost again, didn't we...
Kofuki: The hell, I fought like you told me to, didn't I? And anyway, she's barely fighting worth anything either.
Suu: Ah, that's true...
Kiyoka: Hey... Kofuki-san!
Kiyoka: U-Um... Try not to let it get you down, Inami-san.
Hokuto: It's true that, with how fearful Suu is acting, I can't call her an asset to the team.
Hokuto: Even when I put her through training whenever we meet, I wouldn't say she's very enthusiastic.
Suu: Hokuto-san, even if it's true, when you say it out loud... You're making me depressed.
Hokuto: But, you should be capable of fighting harder than that. Shichinosato-san.
Kofuki: Yeah and, what about it?
Hokuto: I understand full well that you won't get serious unless you're fighting against aradama.
Hokuto: However, I'd hate it if this training went on like this. We were given the chance to participate, so I don't want it to go to waste.
Hokuto: Which is why...
Suu: They did! At first, Noa-chan and Eden-san used to be so serious about their idol activities, and apparently they got in lots of arguments over where to take their careers.
Suu: They said that, in order to decide who'd lead them, they had a bunch of battles, like, who could get the highest score in karaoke, or who could hold a smile the longest.
Suu: But, as they did that, it made them start understanding each other better! Isn't that so idol-like!
Hokuto: I don't exactly know... what is and isn't idol-like. But it's true that battling can be a way to bring people together.
Hokuto: ...Let's settle this with a match. What do you say we agree the loser will obey the winner for the remainder of this training?
Kofuki: ...Huh?
Hokuto: If you win, I won't complain.
Kofuki: Have you got muscles for brains or what...?
Kofuki: But, fine. If I win, then this lameass argument's done with too.
Suu: E-Eh... Is it really okay for you to duel like this?
Hokuto: It's not a duel. This is simply practice in the form of a standard match. Move away.
Suu: You can't go pushing yourself too hard just because your leg injury healed.
Hokuto: Thank you. I know.
Kiyoka: You could have just done the practice properly.
Kofuki: It's fine.
Kofuki: Let's get this started already.
Hokuto: I'm ready anytime.
Kofuki: Then I'll get right to it--!
Hokuto: You are strong... But!
Hokuto: --HAAA!
Kofuki: Tch...
Suu: What's going to happen...
Kiyoka: ...Mm.
Yomi: It seems like some people have started a match on their own...
Maki: Wait, just leave them for now. If the situation gets worse, we'll step in.
Maki: Hopefully this can bring about some kind of change in that group.
Suzuka: Maki-san, it seems a mass outbreak of aradama has occurred in Harajuku just now.
Maki: ...!
Suzuka: I only just got the report. This joint-training has been changed to a joint-operation. The elite guard are to direct their suppression.
Maki: Got it. Let's hurry!
Hokuto: It seems like now's not the time for our match.
Kofuki: Sounds like a whole load of aradama-chan are out there. Good thing I joined in on this training.
Hokuto: We'll be up against aradama, so I'll be depending on you readily.
Suu: Ahhh, why did this have to happen-!?

7: Everyone's... Pretty Motivated, Aren't They?

Yomi: From here, you will be organized into units formed by two or three groups from the earlier practice... and undertake this mission in Harajuku.
Yomi: These may be hasty arrangements, but... I ask you all for your support.
Hiyori: ...The silver lining is this happened while we were here training. With all these people, we can take care of it quick.
Sayaka: Mm... I want to show what we've learned from training.
Suu: Ahhh... Even though the training was hard, I thought we wouldn't be in any danger at least...
Suu: Ah--!?
Suu: With all these amazing people here, do they really need me? They don't need me, do they!
Hokuto: That won't do. This is your mission too, so you need to handle it properly.
Suu: But I think I'm definitely not needed here... Sigh... It's scary; I don't want to fight any aradama.
Kiyoka: I understand the way you're feeling. Me too... I don't want to have to fight if I can help it.
Suu: ...Musumi-san!
Suu: (They give me support and they help me out; maybe I can depend on people from Heijou...?)
Suu: I'll keep being in your care then!
Kiyoka: Nn? ...Mmhm, likewise.
Tsugumi: Shichinosato-san, I'm relying on you to get me aradama data.
Kofuki: Yeah, count on it.
Suu: (Ah... Thinking about this the other way around, with all these strong people here, doesn't that make this a really safe mission?)
Suu: Shichinosato-san's started looking all excited too.
Kiyoka: That's usually how she is before we go on a mission.
Kofuki: You better be letting me play with some aradama-chan tough enough to be worth it, okay?
Maki: No need to worry about that. We're expecting a lot from the group with you, Itomi, and Juujou.
Maki: The site you're going to has a high number of outbreaks.
Sayaka: Understood.
Suu: Ahhhhh... Why do you want to go to the most dangerous places?
Suu: (I just don't get it... Are Shichinosato-san and Itomi-san actually space aliens or something...?)
Hokuto: Don't make that face. If it comes down to it, I'll be there to save you.
Suu: Hokuto-san... I won't leave your side!!
Hokuto: Then we wouldn't be able to fight, would we...?
Suu: ...Are you feeling that motivated for this?
Hokuto: I am. It's rare to join a mission alongside a select group of top fighters. There's nothing to dislike about it.
Kiyoka: I am feeling a little nervous, but let's try our best to keep up, Asahina-san, Inami-san.
Hokuto: Of course. It looks like we're about to start. Let's go.
Suu: Ahhh~...

8: That's Why I Said I Didn't Want to Do This...

Hokuto: YAAH!
Hokuto: Leave the smaller sized aradama to us. Could you handle that big aradama!
Tsugumi: Don't worry about any coming up behind you, Itomi-san, Juujou-san.
Hiyori: Got it. Let's go, Sayaka.
Sayaka: Mm... We'll finish this quickly.
Kofuki: What's wrong, what's wrong!
Aradama: GUOOOOOO...!!
Kofuki: Oh! Looks like you wanna keep going; so I'll play with you!
Kiyoka: It feels like more and more aradama keep coming here...
Kiyoka: Kofuki-san, if it's possible, let's try sticking close together to fight!
Kiyoka: Ah, she ran off. Please come baaaack!
Kofuki: Just gimme a minute.
Aradama: ...GUGGGI!
Suu: ...Waaahh!? They came this way!?
Suu: I feel like I'm in danger; I'm running away!
Kiyoka: Not you too, Inami-san!? There's still aradama that way!
Aradama: ......
Kofuki: This's it for you--
Suu: Save me... pleaseeeeee...!
Kofuki: Huh!? Hey... You're getting in the way of the good part!
Suu: Buttt...
Kofuki: Well, I'll give you credit for bringing me more aradama-chan at least!
Aradama: ...GGGII!
Suu: Eeeeeek!?
Kiyoka: ...Inami-san!? Whatever you do, keep your utsushi up!
Elsewhere, Hokuto and the others were--

Hiyori: Things are taken care of over here.
Hiyori: It was a real help having you handle the aradama following the big one around, Asahina-san, Ban-san.
Sayaka: Mm... We could focus on it thanks to you and Tsugumi.
Tsugumi: No need to thank us. It's our mission.
Hokuto: I only did what I was capable of.
Hokuto: (Itomi Sayaka, Juujou Hiyori... They really are strong.)
Hokuto: (It's not that I think I'll get the chance to become that strong just by completing missions with them, but, a toji's strength... There might be no limit to it.)
Hokuto: (Though... Why are there this many talented individuals in one group to begin with?)
Screaming Voice: EEEEEEKK!?
Screaming Voice: SOMEBODY HELP MEEEEEEEEEE...!
Hiyori: Just now; that's...!
Hokuto: ...It's Suu. Let's hurry.
Suu: Musumi-san... Shichinosato-san! I'm begging you... I'm begging you, so... Hurry!
Kofuki: There's still way more aradama-chan to go through, so sit put!
Kiyoka: Inami-san, you reapplied utsushi just now, didn't you? That makes the third time... There aren't a lot of toji who can reuse utsushi that much.
Sayaka: We came to save you, but, you seem okay...?
Suu: I'm not okay at all... At all!
Sayaka: I saw you reapply utsushi just now. You can still fight.
Suu: I've been in a huge pinch this whole time!
Hokuto: She can still fight. Suu can use utsushi even more than this.
Suu: Why are you telling them that!?
Sayaka: That's amazing...
Kofuki: In that case, you can keep on being aradama bait for me!
Suu: Ehhhhh!?
Aradama: ......
Tsugumi: Certain data does indicate that aradama also tend to attack weaker seeming targets. Though it's still in need of verification.
Suu: Don't just decide that on your own...!! I'm not an aradama charmer, okay!?
Sayaka: You don't need to worry. We'll protect you, Suu.
Suu: Th-Thank you very much!
Suu: But still, I want you to save me right now! Get me out of this situation...!

9: If Possible... I'd Like a Break From Missions for a While

Suu: Eep!?
Tsugumi: Are you doing alright-?
Suu: I just got a little spooked by the sound of okatana hitting an aradama...
Suu: Even though I realize everyone's getting rid of the aradama.
Tsugumi: I see. Though, Inami-san, it seems like you can use utsushi a great number of times, so if you were able to overcome your fears facing aradama, it would be very unlikely you would get hurt.
Suu: Thinking about it is one thing, but actually doing it is a whole different story.
Tsugumi: I understand. Raw data gathered from aradama will be biased, so it's vital to see the aradama moving about up close like this as well.
Tsugumi: Today is looking to be an auspicious day, with all the aradama I've gotten to see and the data to collect.
Suu: Ah.
Suu: (This person too... She's dangerous after all!)
Suu: (I don't know how many times I've thought this now, but... Let this be over already-!)
Kiyoka: I'm leading this aradama over towards you!
Kofuki: Sure! Don't worry about beating 'em, just keep sending more and more aradama-chan my way!
Kiyoka: We're only doing it like this for today, okay?
Kofuki: I'm more than happy to do this anytime though.
Hokuto: Shichinosato-san! Would it be alright for me to send one more aradama at you then?
Kofuki: I'll take any of them you've got!
Kofuki: Step right up, fresh aradama-chan!
Hokuto: (We weren't at all able to reach the coordination we were working towards during practice, in the end.)
Hokuto: (With Shichinosato-san, we could hardly even take a formation.)
Kiyoka: Honestly... You're only paying attention to the aradama that come right in front of you.
Hokuto: (But outside of practice, Shichinosato-san is like a different person.)
Hokuto: (And Musumi-san, understanding her nature, smoothly supports her while fighting the aradama.)
Hokuto: I can't let myself lose here either... can I.
Sanae: Great work, everyone-. Today was a little rough on us, huh.
Hiyori: Were you in charge of leading a different group, Iwakura-san?
Sanae: Mmhm. I was working together with the people from my group to stop the aradama from leaving the predicted area, and also helping escort anyone who couldn't evacuate on time.
Sayaka: I wouldn't really be able to do that.
Sanae: Everyone has their own role. I wouldn't be able to fight like you can either, Itomi-san.
Hiyori: Sayaka. Since there were so many aradama, you must have taken out a lot of them, right?
Sayaka: I stopped remembering how many halfway.
Hokuto: If we're comparing numbers, you would have gotten the most, wouldn't you?
Kofuki: Probably-. I got to play with so many aradama-chan I couldn't even keep up counting, so I'm satisfied.
Kofuki: I've got her to thank for that too.
Hokuto: Suu wouldn't feel so fortunate though... You really do love to fight aradama, don't you.
Hokuto: I can't overlook that you ignored both orders and the unit's formation, but adaptability is a necessity, and I admire your dedication to the mission.
Hokuto: I suppose it's fine so long as you don't cause any trouble for the girls you're assigned to work with.
Kofuki: Heh, Kiyoka can handle it so it's all good.
Suu: I don't know how many times I thought I was going to die today... I mean it, I'm on my last legs.
Hokuto: Though, since you weren't hurt in the end, it turned out fine.
Suu: No way; this time was bad enough that I want a special vacation or something. My heart took more than enough damage!
Maki: What's this? I'd heard Inami was about to drop from exhaustion, but you look lively enough to me.
Suu: Shidou-san!? D-Did you need something from us?
Maki: Nothing in particular. Just checking in on the toji who took part in the mission.
Hokuto: You elite guard must have had your hands full too. Though, there's something on my mind. Mind if I ask you?
Maki: Go right ahead.
Hokuto: Whichever way you look at it, don't you think the group Suu and I were put in had an excessive amount of fighting strength?
Maki: Ahh, that's what you mean. The plan was always to make one team of more average ability and one with more capable fighters.
Maki: Just in order to counter any powerful aradama that appeared. On top of that, there were a lot of unique individuals, so it was Suzuka's thinking that having them all in one place would make them easier to manage.
Hokuto: ...Because of that, we had a lot of trouble.
Suu: And I... I ended up being some kind of aradama bait... It was the worst.
Maki: ...That must have been difficult. Though, while the average level of students chosen for this training was high, not many could keep up with that group you were in.
Maki: Knowing you two, I suggested you. And, it doesn't look like I was wrong.
Suu: Sigh... Just because I can use utsushi a little more than usual, I wish you wouldn't forget how weak I am...
Sayaka: I... I want to see how many times you can apply utsushi.
Suu: I-Itomi-sama!? How long have you been here for!?
Sayaka: Not long. I saw you from the front entrance.
Sayaka: But, why are you using "sama"? I'm... not that important.
Suu: Itomi-sama... You're way too strong, aren't you... So that's why!
Sayaka: There are toji stronger than me. ...You can call me Sayaka.
Suu: No no no... There's no way I could say your name that bluntly! At least let me use Sayaka-san!!
Sayaka: Alright. And... How many more times can you apply utsushi, Suu? I want to see.
Suu: How many more times...? I'm all out of stock for today, so I can't show you any more utsushis!
Sayaka: That's a shame...
Sayaka: But, we go to the same school. I'll look forward to when we go on missions together.
Suu: It's not like it's any fun to see either...
Hokuto: ......
Suu: Hokuto-san, why do you look like you're enjoying this. You're a bully.
Hokuto: That's not what I was smiling about. I was just thinking, it might have been difficult, but this was a good experience for you.
Hokuto: If nothing comes up, I won't be leaving for another two days, so do you want to go out somewhere and enjoy ourselves tomorrow?
Suu: Absolutely! I'll start coming up with a list of places to go right now!
Hokuto: You really do change moods at the drop of a hat, don't you.