Lossy's Journal

Koakuma

Stop! I'm not going to let you get away today! Where are you hiding?!

Marisa

*sigh* Geez, I just wanna borrow books from the library. Why do they have to chase me around like this every time?

Marisa

Well, I found an interesting magic book, so I'll just show myself out for today―

Koakuma

Found you!

Marisa

Whoa...! C-Calm down. Let's talk it out.

Koakuma

Put the hakkero and the book on the floor and kneel! Now! Lady Patchouli told me not to let you get away today!

Marisa

I'm gonna give it back once I'm dead! I promise!

Koakuma

OK, so that means today is the day you'll be giving it back.

Marisa

Whoa, scary. You sound like a devil.

Koakuma

I AM a devil.

Marisa

Oh, right!

Koakuma

Now, surrender!

Marisa

By the way, Patchouli is being crushed under a mountain of books behind you. You sure you don't wanna help her out?

Koakuma

Stop trying to sacrifice Lady Patchouli even as a joke! You're the one who sounds like a devil! You can't fool me today!

Marisa

Are you sure? What if I'm not lying? You'd be leaving your master to die.

Koakuma

Argh... all right. I'll look behind to check... but just for a second. And if you're lying―

Marisa

Great! See ya!

Koakuma

Ah! Stop! At least wait until I turn around!

Marisa

It was a close call this time... But I got away thanks to some quick thinking. They'll never catch me so easily.

Marisa

Well then, I'll quickly head back home and get to reading this―Hm?

Marisa

What's this? There's a piece of a page from another book inside this magic book.

Marisa

Let me see... Unknown energy... high efficiency... leading to new research... this theory is...

Marisa

It's no good... The page is too worn-out. I can barely read this.

Marisa

But―

Marisa

―this is such a fascinating array of words!

Patchouli

So you've shamelessly come here to ask about a piece of paper you found in a book you stole from me?

Marisa

I told you. I didn't steal it. I'm just borrowing it... until I die, that is.

Patchouli

*sigh*... Nothing new about that. But nice timing. Alice is here too.

Patchouli

Can you tell us what you think about it, Alice?

Alice

It's hard to say anything with so little information... What do you want to do by studying this book anyway?

Marisa

Increase the power of my magic, of course!

Patchouli

You're so short-sighted as usual...

Alice

But you can barely read what's on here, right? I doubt you can grasp the complete picture with just scattered words.

Marisa

I thought so, too, at first. But then I found other similar pieces of paper in the book.

Alice

Is this a... topographic map? But what is this a map of? I can't really tell... Can you, Marisa?

Marisa

Nope, I've got no idea. But look closely at this map.

Patchouli

There are... eight strange markings.

Marisa

This is just my assumption, but maybe connecting those markings on the map will create an enormous magic circle.

Alice

If that's true... isn't it extremely dangerous? With a magic circle so huge, the impact would be unfathomable...

Marisa

I know, right?! There's no way a magician wouldn't find this exciting!

Patchouli

OK, I'm confiscating this book and these scraps of paper.

Marisa

Hey! You can't do that! Don't ya also find this interesting?!

Patchouli

It certainly is interesting, but I'm still confiscating them. This is too dangerous.

Alice

I agree. We shouldn't carelessly go ahead with this plan of yours without knowing the full picture.

Marisa

You guys have no sense of adventure...!

Patchouli

For now, I'll see if I can find any similar books. Don't worry, I'll let you know if I find anything.

Marisa

Hmph... fine. It ain't my book to begin with.

Patchouli

Oh, wow. It's unusual to see you be so reasonable.

Patchouli

I was sure you'd put up more of a fight. It's kind of anticlimactic.

Alice

I agree once again. I was ready for Marisa to attack.

Marisa

Geez, what do you guys take me for...?

Patchouli

A firepower-crazy thief.

Alice

Gensokyo's risk factor.

Marisa

Don't give me weird nicknames in sync like that!

Marisa

OK, I'm home. Well... I mostly expected it to go that way.

Marisa

Now I better get started with the preparations!

Marisa

Great... Reimu doesn't seem to be around.

Marisa

Hey, PLAYER. Got a minute?

Oh, hello, Marisa.

Marisa... are you looking for trouble again?

Marisa

I've come to rescue you from Reimu's slave labor!

Marisa

So, come with me for a bit. I'll let Reimu know about it later.

Marisa

I wanna keep this a secret from Reimu for now. Don't ask me why...

I'd like to know what we're going to do first...

I-I still have to finish the laundry...

You just dragged me along anyway...

Marisa

Stop looking so dejected!

Marisa

I just need your help with a little something. I didn't have sufficient time or enough hands to help me with this.

Marisa

Basically, I just want you to help me gather participants for an event.

Oh, if that's all you need...

This really isn't going to cause any trouble, right?

Marisa

You're still doubting me? Don't worry! It's a proper, meaningful, and interesting event!

Marisa

Oh, by the way, just remember that Reimu, Yukari, Patchouli, and Alice can't be involved in this event.

But the event hasn't even begun yet...!

Marisa

I have my reasons. I'll let you know later. All right! Let's split up and look for participants!

Marisa

Awesome! This is looking good!

Yuuka

What kind of an event are you planning to hold with this many people? You haven't even properly explained anything yet.

Marisa

Now, now. I'll explain everything once everyone's here.

Kokoro

What's with everyone nonchalantly showing up without even getting a proper explanation...? Oh, that includes me too!

Hina

With these members... I can mostly guess what's about to happen.

Komachi

I don't get it at all. But well, I do like festivals.

Shion

I feel like all the unlucky ones have gathered here... especially me...

Marisa

Oh, nice catch, Shion. I'm sure all of you have some personal opinion on exorcising misfortune, spirits, and the like.

Marisa

With that said, we're gonna have an event to exorcise misfortune organized by meーMarisa Kirisame!

Hina

I thought it'd be something like that... But what I really want to know is, why are you the one organizing this?

Komachi

That's true... She's not the kind of person to volunteer.

Marisa

It ain't good to judge a book by its cover, y'know?!

Komachi

We're judging you by your personality though...

I'm back! I got some people to join as well.

Wow! We've gathered so many already...!

Yuuka

I see even PLAYER has been dragged into this...

Marisa

Thanks! You're such a lifesaver! They're the ones you gathered, right?

Parsee

To be able to gather people so easily... I'm jealous of how popular you are...

Minamitsu

I heard there's going to be an event. I see Marisa is the organizer. This looks like it will be fun!

Kogasa

And to add to that fun... Tada! It's me, Kogasa! Are you all surprised?!

Yuuka

Hm... Your unrelenting attitude is commendable, so I don't mind acting surprised for you.

Kogasa

Huh, what do you mean―

Marisa

Ahem! Now that everyone is here, let me explain this misfortune-exorcising event!

Marisa

In short, y'all get to ward off misfortune while having fun. It's a meaningful event to help maintain peace in Gensokyo!

Marisa

First, you're all gonna form teams! Each team can have up to a maximum of three members, excluding the leader!

Marisa

Then the teams will compete against each other in a match! I'll also be arranging an extravagant prize for the winners!

Minamitsu

There are ten of us here, which means... at best, we'll have around three to four teams.

Marisa

No, I'll be doing the commentary, and PLAYER is only here to help. So you can count us out.

Kokoro

So that leaves us with eight people... and with that, we'll have three teams at the most. Is that enough for a competition?

Marisa

No, there will be eight teams. You all are the leaders of those teams. There will be other members.

Shion

Huh? Uh... so that means...

Marisa

You need to go look for your own team members. Each one of you can pick your members at your own discretion.

Hina

By the way, what's this extravagant prize for the winners?

Marisa

I haven't decided yet!

Parsee

This all sounds pretty haphazard...

Marisa

I see you guys have gathered all your members... I'm really glad to see that you are all on board.

Marisa

OK, now let's take a moment to confirm all the members! Let's start with Team Kogasa!

Kogasa

I really had to think about who would be willing to join my team...

Benben

I thought I'd help out a fellow tsukumogami by joining Kogasa's team.

Yatsuhashi

Same here! I don't know anything about this competition, but I'm here to have fun and give it my best!

Raiko

Kogasa seemed troubled because she couldn't surprise anyone. So I thought I'd help her out.

Marisa

There's nothing new about Kogasa not being able to surprise anyone... Well, it's good that you guys are here.

Marisa

Next up is Team Kokoro!

Kokoro

Victory. That's the only thing I have my eyes on.

Saki

We'll win no matter what the competition may be! But if it's a race, we'll definitely win even if Hell freezes over!

Aya

All our members are known for their speed. Just like how no scoop can escape my camera!

Utsuho

Even if it's a competition to heat things up, there's no doubt we'll win!

Marisa

If heating things up was all I needed, then I wouldn't have gathered so many people...

Marisa

Next is Team Yuuka!

Yuuka

It's OK if I only have one team member, right?

Medicine

I'm here to return a favor to Yuuka and also for the prize! I'm going to cover you all in poison!

Marisa

Anything up to three members is your choice. I've already thought about minimizing the disadvantage for smaller teams.

Marisa

Also... poison is dangerous, so don't go overboard with it.

Marisa

Next up is Team Hina!

Hina

I'm counting on you, Nitori!

Nitori

No matter what the competition might be, you can count on me! This will truly be a test of my engineering skills!

Marisa

They might be a dark horse... Nobody can predict what she's capable of pulling off...

Marisa

And next is Team Komachi!

Komachi

All of this was so sudden, so lots of my friends had their hands full! It was really difficult to find someone.

Kutaka

I was invited since I also work at Higan. And now that I'm here, I'm going to give it my best!

Urumi

I can't refuse someone who asks for help! I'm going to go all out too!

Marisa

Now we just gotta see whether the leader is gonna stop slacking off and give it her best too.

Marisa

All right! Next, we have Team Shion!

Shion

I-I'll do my best not to hold anyone back!

Tenshi

I'm the only member, but this will be a walk in the park for me. You can head home if you want, Shion.

Marisa

Don't ask your leader to leave.

Shion

I'll go if it's an order...

Marisa

What? No! Don't leave!

Marisa

Ahem... Umm, next we have Team Parsee!

Parsee

I'm kind of relieved to see that not everyone has gathered three members...

Yuugi

I doubt there's anyone who can beat me in terms of power!

Marisa

No one said it's gonna be a power competition though...

Parsee

Actually, Suika was also supposed to join... But I can't find her, nor can I contact her... I think she ditched last-minute.

Yuugi

I bet she's getting sloshed somewhere... Don't worry, I'll take responsibility and beat some sense into her later.

Marisa

Well, you can do as you please...

Marisa

And now for our last team! Team Minamitsu led by Captain Murasa!

Minamitsu

Come on! It's time to leave port! Anchors up! And set sail!

Shou

As a representative of Myouren Temple, I'm going to give it my best.

Ichirin

I'll do everything I can to make sure I don't bring shame upon the name of Myouren Temple!

Marisa

You both are pretty much saying the same thing... but well, you've conveyed your feelings.

I'll do my best not to get in anyone's way!

I'm a little worried, but let's do our best...

Marisa

PLAYER?!

Minamitsu

If I brought anyone else from Myouren Temple, they'd be left shorthanded, so I asked her to join instead!

Marisa

Y-Yeah, I left her out of the leader role, but I didn't say she couldn't participate as a member.

Marisa

And well, if she doesn't mind, then I have no qualms either.

Marisa

This wraps up the team introductions. But we also have Hatate, who has come to help with the live commentary.

Hatate

I was so sure I'd have to fight Aya for this... I never would've guessed that she'd be participating as a member.

Hatate

Thanks to that, I get to be in this position without any effort. And this is also a rare opportunity to cover a story on Aya.

Hatate

So I'll be watching everyone from up above. I'm looking forward to a dramatic competition full of ups and downs!

Marisa

But there's one thing I don't get... Why is the leader of every team dressed in cheerleader-style clothes...?

Minamitsu

Cheerleader style is the way to go!

Marisa

That doesn't answer my question!

Parsee

I don't want to be the only one in normal clothes.

Yuuka

Considering the lineup we've got here, these clothes felt natural. And every competition requires cheerleaders, no?

Marisa

Well, I guess it helps distinguish the leaders.

Kogasa

Also, I thought that if I dressed the same, then maybe I'd surprise everyone!

Marisa

Is that really the kind of surprise you're looking to give? I'm more surprised at those words of yours.

Hina

I'll try to cheer in a way that's not exhausting, so I can always be ready to accept misfortune.

Kokoro

I want to test what it feels like to cheer. That's all.

Marisa

Umm, I don't think the leader is supposed to be the one cheering... Or well, no. Maybe that isn't completely wrong...?

Shion

I thought since I have Miss Tenshi with me, maybe it'd be OK if I just stuck to cheering.

Komachi

I-I just wanted to focus on cheering. That's why I agreed to wear matching outfits.

Marisa

Shouldn't you come up with a more convincing reason if all you want to do is slack off...?

Komachi

Was it that obvious...?

Marisa

Now that we know all our members, let me explain the competition―

Hatate

But before that, it's interview time! I want to know how they're feeling and how they gathered all their members!

Marisa

Huh...? Can't you do that after I've explained the competition...?

Hatate

No! It has to be now!

Hatate

Other crow tengu are showing up after hearing rumors about the event. At this rate, someone will steal a march on me.

Hatate

That's why it's better to do it now! It'll be fair and peaceful! And it won't take much time either!

Marisa

You seem more fired up than usual...

Hatate

That's because it's been a while since I've gotten to cover such a juicy story! So please let me do the interviews!

Marisa

Fine... just make it quick, OK?

Hatate

Thank you! All right! It's time for some interviews!

Minamitsu

Aren't you going to ask us for permission?!

Hatate

Thank you for your cooperation! I'm satisfied for now! You can get back to your explanation.

Marisa

Geez, and here I thought you had come to help me with the live commentary...

Marisa

Well, whatever. I guess it's fine as long as I get to continue in peace now.

Marisa

OK, listen up. I'll now explain the competition. I don't want to repeat myself, so make sure ya listen carefully!

Marisa

This competition is going to be―

Marisa

―a race!

Kokoro

Woohoo! I guessed right! Victory is ours!

Hatate

Calm down. The organizer hasn't finished explaining the rules. Everyone, please be quiet.

Marisa

O-Oh wow. I didn't know you were good at handling things like this.

Hatate

I'm on the management side of this event, after all. This is part of my job.

Marisa

I see. OK, thanks. I'll continue with the rules.

Marisa

Though it's a race, it's not going to be a simple running or flying race.

Marisa

The team members will carry their leader and then run to each of the checkpoints I specify.

Marisa

One-member teams will carry the leader on their shoulders. Two member teams will do that in a three-legged state.

Marisa

Three-member teams will do the same with their limbs tied. The handicap varies depending on the number of members.

Marisa

And so flying between checkpoints isn't allowed. I'll overlook floating as long as it doesn't cross the line to flying.

Marisa

Is everything clear so far? Any questions?

Nitori

Are we allowed to use our abilities or tools while carrying our leader?

Marisa

That's fine, as long as that ability or tool belongs to someone in your team. And you can't use them to fly either.

Nitori

So basically, we can't use tools made by others, and non-team members can't help us with their abilities. Hm...

Tenshi

I have a question too. Can we use the permitted abilities and tools to sabotage other teams?

Marisa

Yep. You're free to even directly attack them with bullets if you want.

Tenshi

Hm... now you're talking. This is going to be a fun event.

Shou

That's rather extreme...

Marisa

Any other questions? No? OK, then I'll continue.

Marisa

Now, let me explain the checkpoints and the conditions for winning the race. This is important, so listen up.

Marisa

Each team will receive a map. There will be eight checkpoints marked on it.

Marisa

You have to go to each checkpoint in order and then come back here. The first team to return wins.

Hatate

Here are the maps. The team leaders can check them.

Yuugi

Let me see. Hmm... so we need to go around all of Gensokyo.

Aya

It looks like we'll have to travel quite a distance. We'll need to plan our pace and the route as well.

Marisa

By the way, you don't just have to visit all the checkpoints. You also have to clear a mission at every checkpoint.

Marisa

You'll find wooden dolls marked with each leader's name at every checkpoint. You have to destroy your team's doll.

Marisa

You can go all out and destroy the wooden dolls with bullets if you like. That'll be proof of you clearing the checkpoint.

Marisa

Again, wooden dolls are at all eight checkpoints. The team that destroys all of them and returns here the fastest will win.

Marisa

Got it? Make sure you properly destroy them. You gotta blow them up with bullets and leave no trace of them behind.

Raiko

You don't need to keep repeating yourself. The rules are pretty clear.

Hina

By the way, how is this race related to exorcising misfortune?

Marisa

Oops, I forgot to explain that.

Marisa

You've heard of nagashi-bina, right? The ritual where dolls carrying misfortune are released into the river?

Marisa

But dolls are expensive, and it's such a waste to throw them in the river. It's kinda sad.

Marisa

So I've used plain wooden dolls. You'll be destroying them completely, so we don't need to worry about pollution either!

Yuuka

You know, if we use bullets to destroy them, that's likely to cause damage to nature, right...?

Marisa

Um... don't use your full power then!

Marisa

But you better not hold back too much and not fully destroy the wooden dolls!

Kutaka

Y-You sure are obsessed with destroying them completely...

Marisa

Well?! What do ya think?! Isn't it the most beneficial and significant event?! And also the most thrilling and fun event!

It certainly does sound like a pretty decent event...

I'm sorry I doubted your intentions, Marisa.

Marisa

It's well thought-out, right? I'm glad to see that you finally get it!

Hatate

OK, so those were all the rules. All teams, please stand by at the start line.

Kogasa

A-All right! Let's do this!

Minamitsu

We're carrying the flag of Myouren Temple this time! So we have no intention of losing!

Parsee

It must be nice with so many members...

Yuugi

It's not a numbers game. If you have few members, it's just a matter of making it work to your advantage.

Tenshi

Well said. But the fact is that each individual's power becomes more important when there are few members.

Yuugi

Hm? What are you getting at?

Tenshi

What? You seem to think you can compete against me with your strength alone. So I thought I'd give you a little warning.

Yuugi

Oh? Thank you for that. I'm greatly obliged. By the way, your blessed feet are on the start line.

Tenshi

Oops... how careless of me. I'm already at an advantage, and that would've given me an even bigger advantage.

Yuugi

That's OK. I was just making sure that you weren't just all talk and planning to break the rules to win.

Tenshi

...How amusing. But shouldn't you be careful about what you say?

Yuugi

Right back at ya. Do you wanna retire before the race even starts?

Parsee

What's going on, Yuugi?! Why are you getting so riled up all of a sudden?!

Shion

M-Miss Tenshi! Please... calm down...!

Tenshi

You've got some nerve! It's been a long time since anyone tried to boast like that in front of me!

Yuugi

I'll show you that I'm not just all talk, unlike you! Prepare yourself!

Minamitsu

Oh, dear! W-We need to stop them, or there will no longer be a race to compete in!

Parsee

W-Why...?

Shion

Why did we get dragged into this...?

Marisa

Sorry about that, but you are the team leaders. So it's kind of your responsibility.

Hatate

We're on the verge of starting the race, and what's this?! Both your teams will be disqualified if you don't stop!

Tenshi

Th-That'll be a problem... Sorry, I'll be careful going forward...

Yuugi

Looks like I got a bit too heated before the race... I'm sorry...

Hatate

Good! OK, so once again. Everyone, please get ready to start.

Hatate

It's time for the Gensokyo Anti-Misfortune Grand Prix, featuring humans, youkai, and gods!

Marisa

Someone is awfully high-spirited... But I like it!

Hatate

I, Hatate Himekaidou, will be presenting the live commentary along with the organizer of this eventーMarisa Kirisame.

Marisa

I look forward to it!

Hatate

Let's introduce all the teams participating in the race!

Hatate

First up is the organizer's favorite for the most promising team! Team Minamitsu!

Marisa

"Strong bonds bind the people of Myouren Temple! Can they ride the raging waves of bullets to the yet-to-be-seen goal?!"

Marisa

"Can the members hold on and follow the lead of Captain Murasa, who challenges the stormy seas?!"

Hatate

Next up is the organizer's second favorite! Team Kogasa!

Marisa

"The tsukumogami weave a cheerful melody!"

Marisa

"Will their song soar through the sky and bring them first to the finish line?!"

Hatate

And the organizer's third favoriteーTeam Parsee!

Marisa

"An alliance between the gatekeeper of the Underworld and the manager of Former Hell's Hot Spring Town!"

Marisa

"Who wouldn't be jealous of this team overflowing with power?! But how will they convert this power to speed?!"

Hatate

In addition to these three teams, there are five others. A total of eight teams will be participating in this race!

Marisa

The other teams are also very promising!

Marisa

I'm sure they're gonna give us a heated race that'll keep us on the edge of our seats until the very end!

Saki

Hey! Stop lumping us together as "other teams"! Give us a proper introduction!

Marisa

Well, actually... we have time constraints... And it's not like there's an audience, to begin with.

Hatate

And frankly speaking, we were just doing it to set the mood.

Urumi

Are you seriously OK with that sort of management?!

Tenshi

And first of all, why aren't I at the top of the favorites list?! That doesn't make any sense!

Marisa

You? You mean your "team"! That attitude is exactly why you're not on the top of the list!

Kokoro

Whatever. I don't agree with this biased introduction. You have to give us an appealing introduction too.

Yuuka

I agree. Which team you support is your choice, but we expect to at least be treated with impartiality.

Komachi & Hina

Yeah!

Marisa

OK, OK! I get it! We'll introduce you guys too!

Hatate

Roger that. Ahem... I'll now introduce the other teams.

Hatate

Next, we have Team Kokoro!

Marisa

"A race is all about speed! And if that's the case, not a single shadow will be seen ahead of this team!"

Marisa

"Will they be like the wind and cut the finish line tape with their wings?! They've got huge potential to win!"

Hatate

Next up is Team Yuuka!

Marisa

"Two flowers blooming on the battlefield! Pretty and elegant! Even rivals stop at the sight of them!"

Marisa

"Somehow, being a team of two makes them even more menacing...! Will their beguiling scent cause an upset?!"

Hatate

And next is Team Hina!

Marisa

"Misfortune isn't the only thing she's gathered! The misfortune god brought along the top inventor in Gensokyo!"

Marisa

"They make up for their lack of members with brains and inventions! For better or worse, this team has infinite tactics!"

Hatate

Up next is Team Komachi!

Marisa

"Across the Sanzu River is always the final destination! That's a truth known to every mortal!"

Marisa

"Will the ferrywoman live up to her title and lead the other teams?!"

Hatate

Next, we have Team Shion!

Marisa

"Chaos caused by the most-terrifying bad luck and the best good luck! Even they can't predict which will work when!"

Marisa

"Go over and beyond the expectations, imaginations, and the corpses of your rivals! But just don't go too crazy..."

Hatate

And those were the eight teams that will be participating in this race!

Hatate

All the teams are at the start line! They are awaiting the signal from the organizer of this raceーMarisa Kirisame!

Marisa

Ahem... Anti-Misfortune Grand Prix―

Marisa

―START!

Minamitsu

Come on! It's time to set sail! Let's focus and make sure we don't bring shame to the name of Myouren Temple―

Yuugi

Move it! We're coming through!

Tenshi

You've got some good physical strength and running speed. But don't think you'll be able to run in front of me!

Aya

Excuse us, we'll be going ahead!

Minamitsu

Wh-Whoa... their momentum was amazing! We can't let them win! Full speed ahead!

There's no way I can keep up with that speed!

I wonder if I could run that fast if I were a youkai...

Ichirin

Oh, that's right. You're a human.

Shou

We're the ones who invited you, so you don't need to worry about not being able to run as fast. Just do the best you can!

Minamitsu

Exactly! Now, let's give it our all and push forward!

Komachi

We can't afford to get left behind. Come on, let's go!

Hina

Everyone is speeding ahead... What should we do?

Nitori

Just wait a while longer. I'm setting up an invention that will increase our mobility.

Yuuka

Oh? Another team seems to be thinking of doing something similar to us... Well? Is it all set to go, Medicine?

Medicine

It's ready! This should work now!

Yuuka

Great! Let's start then. Don't overexert yourself, OK?

Hatate

All the teams are rushing toward the Nameless Hill one after another! They're about to reach their first checkpoint.

Marisa

Overall, the teams with more members are faster. But they can't fully use their speed due to their poor coordination.

Hatate

It was obvious this would happen, wasn't it?

Marisa

Yeah. But well, there are exceptions...

Minamitsu

We started off slow, but I think we've mostly caught up! Let's quickly find the wooden doll and destroy it!

Ichirin

Isn't that it? There are still plenty of other dolls remaining. Did we overtake the other leading teams somewhere?

Shou

Wait a minute... Do you hear that?

???

―...!

Minamitsu

Now that you mention it, I hear a voice...

Tenshi

―aaaaaAAAAAAAAAA!

Tenshi

*sigh*... How could I make such a blunder?! I completely forgot about the wooden doll and went past the checkpoint.

Shion

M-Miss Tenshi... my eyes... my head... everything is spinning round and round...

Tenshi

What's wrong, Shion? Weren't you holding on tight?

Minamitsu

Hey! Don't shove us aside and then ignore us all together!

Tenshi

Hm? Oh, I didn't see you there. Sorry, I was running at full speed, so I didn't spot you.

Ichirin

You're crazy as usual...

Tenshi

I can't just let everyone know that I shamefully backtracked after giving all that smack talk...

Tenshi

OK! I'll just shoot bullets everywhere to sweep it under the carpet!

Minamitsu

Whoa! She started shooting?!

Shou

How violent...! We need to fight back before we get caught in the crossfire!

Tenshi

*sob* I forgot Shion was dizzy! I was completely exhausted after running at full speed, but this is still disgraceful!

Shion

I-I'm sorry, Miss Tenshi... But I think we can still make a comeback...

Minamitsu

Come on! Let's destroy the wooden doll while we still can and rush ahead! We've got a long road ahead of us!

Hatate

Uh oh! That's going to be a drastic loss of time for Team Shion, who was in the lead!

Marisa

By the way, where did Kokoro's team go? I haven't seen them at all since we started.

Hatate

Oh, they started arguing over which way was the shortcut, and then they went completely off course.

Marisa

I should've known...

Ichirin

This seems to be the next checkpoint... But I'm so tired.

Shou

We might be three but running while carrying someone is exhausting. This is certainly a novel experience.

There's still a long way to go. Let's take a short break.

I-I'm beat... L-Let's rest a bit...!

Minamitsu

Sorry... You guys are carrying me, but all I can do is cheer...

Ichirin

That's the rule, so don't worry about it!

Ichirin

I'm more concerned about this place. Did this place... always look like this?

Shou

Now that you mention it... the overgrown flowers look like walls in an intricate pattern... like a maze.

Marisa

Oh, that's thanks to Yuuka's ability. The Garden of the Sun is a sunflower maze right now.

Minamitsu

Eep?! Please don't appear out of nowhere! Where did you even come from?!

Hatate

Didn't we tell you? We are constantly watching the race from above.

Marisa

That way, we can deal with any trouble or rule violations. We can also answer any questions when required.

Ichirin

Team Yuuka was behind us all this time... When did they overtake us...?

Hatate

Oh, it looks like the other teams are also arriving one after another. We should get back to covering the race.

Marisa

Yeah, you're right. Well then, we'll be going. Good luck with overcoming the maze!

Minamitsu

And they're gone... So what should we do about this maze?

Shou

It's amazing that she was able to create such a massive maze in so short a time.

Minamitsu

It's probably pretty intricate if she created it to slow down the other teams. We'll just get lost if we go in blind...

Ichirin

This maze seems to be made of sunflowers. So how about we force our way through it in a straight line?

Shou

Wouldn't that damage the stems and leaves? I think it'd be best to avoid doing such a thing...

Minamitsu

Looks like our opinions are divided... What about you, PLAYER? What do you think we should do?

Yuuka

Do it the normal way a maze is supposed to be solved.

Minamitsu

Where did you come from?! And why did you answer for PLAYER?!

Shou

Your team started off late... but now you've overtaken everyone. How on earth did you do that?

Yuuka

Let me answer that for you too. We were able to overtake you despite having a late start...

Yuuka

...all thanks to them. Right, Medicine?

Medicine

Conpallo, conpallo! Full throttle! Help us out, you guys!

Shou

What's this...?! You're being carried by countless dolls...!

Yuuka

It works by endlessly supplying them with poison. Us being here right now should give you an idea about the speed.

Minamitsu

It's like a palanquin... a mikoshi carried by kids...! It looks like fun!

Medicine

Heehee!

Minamitsu

But then... if you've already overtaken us and have finished setting up this maze... what are you still doing here?

Yuuka

Yes, of course, we planned on going ahead. But we had to hurry back...

Yuuka

...because the flowers were afraid of your plans. Don't you learn how sacred flowers are at that temple of yours?

Medicine

I won't let you hurt the flowers! You've made me mad too!

Ichirin

Ah... are they talking about...?

Shou

Yes, it has got to be about the plan we were just discussing.

Minamitsu

But we haven't done anything yet!

Yuuka

Just thinking about it deserves punishment. Fools who recklessly try to destroy flowers must be punished.

Yuuka

Don't worry. I'll make sure you don't have to retire from the race after I'm done with you.

Medicine

But we'll make sure you can't move for a while! So prepare yourselves!

Yuuka

I guess that should do it.

Minamitsu

We're sorry... We won't think of doing such a thing ever again...

Shou

I apologize...

Ichirin

I'm sorry, we shouldn't even have considered it...

Medicine

Yuuka. The other teams are slowly starting to find the exit. If we don't go now, even the shortcut won't help us...

Shou

Aha! So there is a shortcut?!

Medicine

Oops!

Yuuka

It's OK, Medicine. They might know that there's a shortcut, but they don't know where it is.

Medicine

T-True! Thanks!

Yuuka

Well then, we'll take our leave now. Good luck.

Minamitsu

Ah! Wait―Whoa! A wall of sunflowers?!

Shou

It looks like she used her powers in the same way she made this maze. I didn't know she could do that...

Minamitsu

But if we lose sight of them here, we'll never find the shortcut. We'll have to trudge through the maze, looking for the exit!

Ichirin

Well then, just leave it to me! Unzan, please help us from above!

Minamitsu

Oh, I get it! You're going to get Unzan to find the shortcut for us!

Shou

There are no signs of Marisa and Hatate coming to warn us, so they must've allowed it as Ichirin's ability.

Ichirin

We're not going to give up just because we got scolded! We'll give them a nice surprise!

Marisa

Team Minamitsu has successfully managed to outwit Team Yuuka, but what's gonna happen next?!

Hatate

Minamitsu's team is steadily getting stronger. Come to think of it, all of them are generally calm and dependable people.

Marisa

But it won't be easy for them to pass through the Garden of the Sun. Team Parsee lies ahead, right around the corner.

Hatate

At this rate, they'll run right into each other. What about the other teams? What's going on with them?

Marisa

I think now is a good time to go over the positions of all the teams. The gap between each team is beginning to widen.

Hatate

Team Yuuka is in the lead, followed by Team Parsee. And Team Minamitsu is third.

Hatate

We can't confirm the positions of the rest of the teams from here. This maze is a good tactic, but it's blocking our view...

Parsee

Ew. A chummy team is coming this way. Are they doing it out of spite for me?

Minamitsu

Of course not. It's just that we caught up to you.

Parsee

The way you said that so casually just makes me even more suspicious.

Yuugi

Come to think of it... PLAYER, you're a human, aren't you?

That's right. But what about it?

Um... (Would it have been better to tell her she's wrong?)

Yuugi

You don't need to be so wary. I'm just a little curious.

Yuugi

I wanna know how humans, or you, rather, would tackle this race. You must've thought up some tactics, right?

I'm just cooperating with everyone as a team. That's all.

I'm just doing my best to keep up with everyone.

Yuugi

Haha! I see you're holding your cards close to your chest. You've got guts. I'll give you that.

Yuugi

But this is a race where battles and sabotage are all OK. And now that we've met, I can't let you just pass.

Parsee

Yuugi! What are you saying all of a sudden?!

Yuugi

Chill. I'm just having a little fun. Just a little game. Who knows? Maybe we can get along?

Parsee

S-So what exactly do you plan on doing...?

Shou

Games are nice and all, but if it's going to be a contest of strength, then we're at a disadvantage...

Yuugi

That sounds like fun too, but the race has only just begun. We don't wanna pointlessly tire ourselves out, do we?

Yuugi

So that's why we're gonna have a more peaceful game... with those.

Parsee

Sunflowers...?

Yuugi

We're gonna play a game of Loves Me, Loves Me Not using sunflowers!

Ichirin

Oh, wow. She suddenly went down the fairytale route.

Yuugi

If the last petal ends on "she loves me"...

Parsee

Then the winner will be showered with attention, right? Fine. Let's play this.

Minamitsu

So what actually happens to the winner?

Parsee

They'll be showered with attention!

Minamitsu

Sorry, but I'm going to ignore you for now...

Yuugi

If you win, you get the right to go ahead. The losing team will have to wait until the other team is no longer visible.

Ichirin

All right. So basically, it's a game of luck.

Parsee

She loves me not, she loves me, she loves me not, she loves me... Uh! I've only got one petal left to go!

Parsee

I'm so jealous! Hmph!

Ichirin

Ah! She plucked two petals at once!

Parsee

There. It ended on "she loves me." I win!

Shou

Isn't that cheating...?

Parsee

Then we'll just have to settle this with a battle of bullets!

Yuugi

Whoa... I asked for this peaceful game exactly because we wanted to avoid battles. It doesn't look good to do this now...

Parsee

*huff*... *huff*... Not bad. This is so frustrating. It feels like I'm burning with jealousy.

Yuugi

Let it go this time. We lost. I mean, I didn't even think you'd do something like that...

Parsee

How rude! I was just playing it smart, OK!

Minamitsu

That's a nice way to twist it. And anyway, I doubt you guys went all out in the battle we just had.

Yuugi

I told ya we wanna avoid exhaustion this early in the race. It just isn't the right time to be giving it our all.

Ichirin

Hm, OK, then let's leave it at that.

Parsee

Hmph! Stop with your one-sided agreements. And can you stop flirting with my team member?

Yuugi

Now, now. Calm down already. Anyway, we lost this time. So you guys can go on ahead.

Yuugi

But remember. Things won't go your way if we meet again. I'll fight you over and over if I have to.

Shou

Got it.

Minamitsu

Well, this is bad...

Minamitsu

The scenery looks the same. We can't even tell if we're making any progress.

Shou

We just escaped the maze, but now we're in another place where the scenery doesn't change. That's Gensokyo for you.

Ichirin

But aren't you the captain of the Palanquin Ship? You'll safely guide us to our destination, won't you?

Minamitsu

O-Of course! Hip hip hooray!

Shou

Are you cheering to encourage us to do our best instead...?

Tenshi

Hm?! Oh, it's you guys. I thought I heard someone cheering for me...

Shion

Hello... Looks like we've crossed paths again.

Minamitsu

Ack... It's Team Shion. The troublesome team... in more ways than one...

Tenshi

By the way, I have a question for you, youkai temple gang. What's your position in this race right now?

Shou

We were second to Team Yuuka when we got past the Garden of the Sun. But that's just my guess based on what we know.

Tenshi

Hm. We've recovered considerably from our previous battle. At this rate, we should be able to catch up to them in no time.

Ichirin

You've already made a comeback...? That's impressive.

Ichirin

But aren't you doomed to lose if you're always with the poverty god?

Shion

Miss Tenshi is undaunted by the bad luck that comes with me. That is how much luck she has.

Tenshi

Do you really have the time to be worrying about others? I'm an opponent who has made a huge comeback in a short time.

Tenshi

Oh, I see... So you guys are lost, huh?

Minamitsu

That feels all the more humiliating when you say it!

Tenshi

Hahaha! I see I hit the mark. But wait, what do you mean by that?!

Shou

What about you two then? I find it hard to believe that you just happened to be around...

Minamitsu

Maybe... you guys are also lost and running in circles...

Shion

Miss Tenshi, they've figured it out...

Tenshi

Nonsense! We were just taking a break and strolling around. The race would be over already if I didn't take it easy!

Tenshi

But the organizer even arranged for a prize and all. So I thought It would be mean to embarrass her!

Shion

Yeah! We are the ones who will take away the extravagant prize at the end―

???

I doubt that.

Tenshi

Argh... It's you again.

Yuugi

Such a nice way to greet someone. I heard some noise, so I just came to see what was going on.

Parsee

Why are you all having fun without me... I couldn't be more jealous!

Minamitsu

Even Team Parsee is here?! They've already caught up?!

Yuugi

That's 'cause you're loafing around even after we kept our end of the bargain and waited back there.

Tenshi

So? Why are you still here? If you're done checking, why don't you scamper off already?

Parsee

No way. Our team will be taking the extravagant prize!

Yuugi

Exactly. This is our chance to take down our rivals. How can we pass up this opportunity?

Shion

M-Miss Tenshi... What should we do?

Tenshi

There's no need to worry, Shion. We'll fight them fair and square, turn the tables on them, and end it.

Parsee

There you go acting all high and mighty as usual...! Come on, I'll make you cry now!

Yuugi

Absolutely. We were held back at the starting line. So let's settle this for good, here and now!

Ichirin

We keep meeting both of these teams...

I don't think we should interfere. Let's keep going.

It'd be best to leave this place at full speed while we can!

Minamitsu

I agree...! Let's leave them to sort each other out―

Tenshi & Yuugi

Hold it!

Minamitsu

I knew this would happen...

Tenshi

We're all opponents participating in this race! It's obvious what has to happen the moment we cross paths!

Shion

If we manage to take down two teams right now, then we'll instantly be closer to victory...! I-I must do my best!

Yuugi

I told ya, didn't I? That I'll fight you over and over if I have to. You're gonna play with me until the end!

Parsee

That means we're going to decide which team is the most chummy, right? I'm all fired up now...!

Shou

How is that related to this battle...?

Ichirin

Well, I suppose it is kind of related...

Tenshi

This is not good... We won't get anywhere if we keep having a three-way battle.

Yuugi

Haha! Then you better run. I see you finally found a good excuse for that.

Tenshi

Grrrr... you!

Shion

Miss Tenshi! Let's prioritize the race for now! At this rate, even you won't be able to...

Tenshi

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...! Try catching up to us again! I'll finish you off when you do!

Yuugi

Ahahaha! Did you see that? Did you see that annoyed face of hers? Ah, that made me feel better!

Parsee

Do you really think this is funny?! We've wasted a lot of time! We need to hurry too!

Yuugi

I-I know...

Yuugi

OK, then PLAYER, we'll be going. Let's settle this for good next time!

Minamitsu

And they're gone as quick as they came...

Shou

The direction in which they both went... isn't that the same direction Parsee's team came from?

Ichirin

Does that mean they're backtracking the course?

Team Minamitsu

...

We don't have time to worry about other teams!

I'm sure they'll be fine! They'll catch up!

Minamitsu

Y-Yeah...! Competitions can be ruthless sometimes!

Kogasa

Hey, how about we ambush the next team that comes by and give them a surprise?

Raiko

Many teams seem to be getting stuck in this bamboo forest. So it's a good idea to try and slow them down even further.

Kogasa

Exactly! Well? Can we do it? Pretty please?! It's a good opportunity!

Yatsuhashi

Well, it is kind of boring to just keep running all the time. OK! Let's do this, Benben!

Benben

I guess there's no harm in giving it a try. So what exactly are we going to do?

Kogasa

Eh? Oh... how about we hide somewhere and then suddenly jump out and surprise the next team that passes by?

Raiko

Wouldn't that literally do nothing other than just surprise them...?

Minamitsu

Oh, nice idea! It's different from what the other teams are doing, and it's also entertaining.

Team Kogasa

Eeeeeeeeeeeeep?!

Shou

S-Sorry... Looks like we surprised you.

Ichirin

We were passing by when we heard voices, so we just came to check which team was here...

Ichirin

The Garden of the Sun and the battle from earlier have taken a toll. The teams that were lagging behind have caught up.

Minamitsu

The closer to first, the more intense the competition... Maybe it was a bad idea to aim for the lead from the very start...

Shou

But being too careful can also be dangerous. If we miss the chance to turn the tables, then there's no way we can win.

Minamitsu

That's true. Racing is pretty complicated...

Minamitsu

And now we've once again encountered another team. What do we do? Will they just let us pass?

Kogasa

We can't do that! It was such a nice opportunity to surprise someone, and you ruined it!

Shou

I see it's not going to be that easy...

Kogasa

Hey, PLAYER! Act like you're surprised, OK? I don't care if it's out of pity! Here I go... BOO!

Whoooaaa, that scared me.

I'm sorry. I'd feel bad for you if I pretended like that...

Benben

Hehe. Listen, Kogasa. Since we're your team members, I'll let you in on something good.

Benben

Jump scares aren't the only way to surprise people, you know?

Kogasa

Really?!

Yatsuhashi

Yep. The feeling of surprise is basically a rush of emotion. So feeling impressed is also a kind of surprise!

Benben

People get impressed when they experience something amazing. And that has always been the case.

Raiko

Gosh, Benben, Yatsuhashi...

Raiko

That's a great idea! Come on, let's give it our best and perform!

Kogasa

B-But I can't play any musical instrument!

Raiko

Then all you have to do is dance! No one said that music is the only way to impress!

Yatsuhashi

We're going to give the best performance as a team! We're counting on you, leader!

Benben

Hehe! This reminds me of that concert we had!

Kogasa

O-OK! I'll give it a go!

Raiko

That's the spirit! Now let's raise the curtain on the best performance with a mix of singing, dancing, and bullets!

Raiko

Team Minamitsu! Can you keep up with our wild beat until the very end?!

Shou

Hm... so it's a special concert just for us.

Ichirin

I wouldn't like to lose time for just a plain old battle of bullets, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Minamitsu

It's a challenge to us, who have conquered the raging waves numerous times! We accept!

Benben

I give up. We surrender.

Yatsuhashi

We lost even though we performed with all our might... It's so frustrating...

Kogasa

I'm sorry... Your performance was awesome. I'm the one who couldn't keep up...

Raiko

Don't worry about it. This was our first performance together without preparation.

Raiko

If we just practice and learn to get in sync, we can be much better! Right?

Kogasa

Y-Yes! I'll work harder! It was frustrating... but it was also a lot of fun!

Raiko

I came up with a new phrase during this battle we had. Let's try to change up the composition of the song next time.

Benben

I'd love to hear it. I'll make sure I perform the perfect melody.

Yatsuhashi

Hey, how about we come up with a theme for the race? It's good to try out completely different kinds of music sometimes!

Ichirin

They left while performing... and all while shouldering their leader. They were such a cheerful bunch from start to finish.

Minamitsu

I'm not sure whether we won or lost...

Shou

I think we at least didn't lose in terms of coordination.

Shou

But there's still room for improvement. Just like them...

Minamitsu

The same can be said about all the other teams... No one knows how this race is going to turn out...

Minamitsu

Let's use this as motivation and keep going!

Team Minamitsu

YEEEEAAAAH!

Hatate

The leading teams are about to reach the fourth checkpointー The Misty Lake!

Marisa

Teams that were lagging behind have caught up thanks to all the battles. Now, which team will break away from the pack?!

Hatate

Let's take a look at the leading team! That's... Team Komachi! Team Komachi has jumped into first place!

Marisa

It's good I made the procrastinator Komachi a leader. Her laziness won't affect the race if all she has to do is get carried.

Komachi

Hey! I can hear you, you know?! You can't just say whatever you feel like from up there!

Marisa

It's one of the perks of being a commentator. So just accept it!

Komachi

I probably should've asked this earlier, but is this commentatory even being broadcasted to anyone?!

Marisa

Who knows...

Komachi

You can't be serious!

Kutaka

Hey! Please stop moving around so much! You're messing up our balance!

Urumi

You're not putting any effort into this race anyway, so the least you could do is not make our job harder.

Komachi

How rude! I've been earnestly cheering for you guys! I even have this team cheer flag for you!

Kutaka

Please stop moving already! We lose balance every time you wave that flag around!

Urumi

I could almost negate her weight if I used more of my powers, but then I wouldn't be able to last until the end...

Kutaka

You're already helping a lot, you know? Thanks to that, I can somehow manage to support her even with my strength.

Komachi

That's such a convenient ability. Now, if you could just reduce the weight of my ferry too, it'd make my job much easier.

Kutaka

Geez... You're constantly only thinking about how to make things easier, aren't you...?

Hatate

Oh, what's this? Another team is catching up! It's Team Minamitsu! They'll now fight Team Komachi for the lead!

Marisa

The consistent Team Minamitsu has got themselves in a good position! They're living up to my expectations!

Minamitsu

Did you hear that?! We're currently second! We just need to overtake Team Komachi, and we'll be first!

Shou

We've avoided the other teams as much as possible after Team Kogasa. Sometimes running away is the best tactic!

Ichirin

Let's ride this momentum and push through the rest of the race! But... Huh? Shouldn't Team Yuuka be first...?

Hatate

Team Yuuka decided to take a little break after the Bamboo Forest of the Lost as Medicine was completely exhausted.

Marisa

Although they've been relying on dolls to carry them, Medicine is the source of that power. So she's been working really hard.

Hatate

Once she recovers, they'll make a comeback with their kiddy mikoshi tactic. Other teams can't let their guard down.

Let's just think about overtaking Team Komachi first!

Not just Team Yuuka! We must watch out for all of them!

Minamitsu

Roger! We'll first overtake Team Komachi and take the lead! Then all we will need to do is watch our back!

Kutaka

Urgh! We worked so hard to get this lead! And now they've closed in on us all because you were messing around!

Komachi

Should I cheer you on with the flag more...?

Kutaka

Isn't there something else you could do to help?!

Urumi

By the way, Komachi... you can manipulate distance, can't you?

Urumi

Can't you just use that ability to quickly get us to where the wooden doll is?

Komachi

Well, about that... Marisa has already warned me not to use that ability...

Urumi

She did? She didn't tell me about that.

Marisa

The ability to manipulate distance would invalidate the race. Sorry, but we can't allow you to use it.

Marisa

But it'd also be unfair to simply ban it, so we've allowed Urumi to use her ability instead.

Urumi

I see... For someone who's messing around, it seems you have actually thought things through.

Hatate

We're not messing around! I'm covering this race extremely seriously, OK?!

Urumi

O-Oh! Sorry, I wasn't trying to offend you.

Hatate

Oops... I didn't mean to say it that way. Ahem, well, as long as you understand, we're all good!

Kutaka

So they're seriously messing around... Miss Komachi, you should learn something from this.

Kutaka

If you don't take this a bit more seriously, I'm going to complain to the Yama about it.

Urumi

The Misty Lake, huh...?

Urumi

This place feels kind of creepy. It reminds me of the Sanzu River. I wonder what kind of fish are here.

Kutaka

Hey! Get back to reality!

Urumi

Wait! Something just moved in the lake! There's a big fish there!

Kutaka

Miss Urumi... not you too...!

Urumi

Sorry... But I can't help myself when it's about fish... Maybe this is what they call an occupational hazard...

Komachi

Why don't you shoot some bullets at the lake? If any fish get hit, you can just come and collect them later.

Urumi

That's a good idea! OK... we might as well deal with Team Minamitsu while we're at it.

Minamitsu

Whoa?! How violent!

Komachi

The splashes of water are helping to hide our position! You two concentrate on running! I'll take charge of the attacks!

Komachi

Water is our territory! We won't let you do as you please!

Komachi

I'm also worried about what might happen later if I don't sometimes act like a proper leader.

Minamitsu

You sure have some guts to say such a thing to me...! These are your captain's orders! Team Minamitsu, prepare to fire!

Kutaka

*sob*...

Urumi

What's with that fighting spirit...? Gosh...

Komachi

Whoops... It looks like I brought Minamitsu's wrath down upon us...

Minamitsu

This is payback for what you said earlier!

Shou

Come on, let's go ahead while they can't move! There's no one in our way anymore!

Ichirin

It's time we show how powerful Myouren Temple is!

Hatate

Team Komachi suffers a major loss of time here! How will this battle affect the outcome of the race?!

Marisa

But that Murasa sure was full of fighting spirit. I hope they keep making the race exciting just like that!

Marisa

Thanks to better visibility, we now have a clear view. All the teams seem to have made exceptional progress.

Hatate

Let's go over everything we know at this point. We'll start with the positions of all the teams...

Hatate

Team Minamitsu is currently in the lead. They're a team with a distinctively high level of cooperation and fighting spirit.

Hatate

Although they've had a few battles with other teams, they've overcome them and are running at a steady pace. Nextー

Marisa

Hey... wait a minute. I only see seven teams. Where did Team Kokoro go?

Hatate

They're so fast that I only managed to see them once or twice. Their movements are also irregular... random, even.

Marisa

Are they even following the course?

Marisa

They can clear checkpoints in any order, but if they've taken the shortest route, it shouldn't be so hard to spot them.

Hatate

Well, you know how their team members are... They might have thought up their own plan... Maybe...

Marisa

Ack! What's that?!

Hatate

Th-That's...! A team is closing in on Team Minamitsu at high speed! It's Team Kogasa!

Kogasa

I can see Team Minamitsu! Let's keep going and overtake them with our billowing music!

Yatsuhashi

We'll draw the attention of passers-by and move forward while enjoying the music! This is the true beauty of music!

Benben

There are no obstacles around, so there's nothing blocking the sound! The excitement is slowly catching on!

Raiko

I'm going to take the rhythm up a notch! Keep up with me, you guys!

Minamitsu

What?! Wh-Wh-What's that?!

Shou

I don't know! Team Kogasa is accompanied by a procession of fairies and phantoms... I don't get what's happening!

Ichirin

They're closing in at an outrageously fast speed! And they all look like they're having a lot of fun... Th-They're scary!

Marisa

Everyone who's being drawn in by their music is helping. With so many carrying the team, it'll be an easy win for them.

Hatate

This is similar to Team Yuuka's mikoshi tactic, but the fairies and phantoms aren't team members. Isn't it a rule violation?

Marisa

Their abilities are essentially music itself, so it's not like they're accepting help from someone else's ability...

Marisa

So I'll allow it! Because more than anything, it's entertaining.

Hatate

The organizer has given the OK! Now, how will Team Minamitsu deal with this hot pursuit?!

Minamitsu

Hard-a-port! Change course at full speed! Intercept the enemy fleet once again!

Shou

Good call! They'll soon overtake us if we don't stop them.

Ichirin

Then we need to engage the enemy soon... Our first place is on the line. L-Let's do this!

All right... Let's battle!

Hard-a-port! Keep it steady!

Raiko

Team Minamitsu has stopped! It looks like they're planning to take us head-on!

Benben

They've got guts! Let's have an encore!

Yatsuhashi

Although we exchanged blows not long ago, we've trained extra hard! It's not going to end like that last battle!

Kogasa

My dance skills have come a long way! I'm now in perfect sync with the music! It's time to show off the results of my training!

Minamitsu

Victory belongs to us! Gun salute... FIRE!

Shou

I don't want to rain on your parade... but I think we should start moving ahead while we still have the chance.

Ichirin

We're only halfway through the race, and they aren't our only rivals.

Minamitsu

Oops. Sorry, I got a bit carried away...

Minamitsu

That was a good fight. We won this time, but it's not over yet.

Minamitsu

We might have to fight you again down the line. Let's fight fair and square when the time comes! So long!

Benben

*sob*... I can't believe we lost again...

Yatsuhashi

Their teamwork was as good as... no, it was even better than ours... So this is the secret behind their strength...

Raiko

We need more training... If we continue like this, we'll just keep losing no matter how many times we challenge them...

Kogasa

You haven't seen the last of us! Music is indestructible!

Marisa

Team Kogasa stopped running for a while after that battle. Now let's continue our report that we stopped midway.

Hatate

OK, then once again, here's a current update on the race.

Hatate

Team Minamitsu is still first. Second is Team Hina, and we have Team Yuuka in third place.

Marisa

Team Hina seems to have come this far without any battles. It may be devious, but fishing in troubled waters is a good tactic.

Marisa

Team Yuuka took a break for Medicine to recover, but they were already in a good position, so it didn't affect them much.

Hatate

Behind them is Team Kogasa since they fell behind not that long ago. In fifth place, we have Team Komachi.

Hatate

At six and seven, we have Team Parsee and Team Shion running side-by-side, fighting all the while.

Marisa

They're still at it... It wouldn't be hard for them to catch up if they just ran properly...

Marisa

What about Team Kokoro? Are they still missing?

Hatate

Seems like it. I've been looking for them, but I can't find them anywhere.

Marisa

I wonder where they went...

Nitori

Sup! Youkai temple gang!

Hina

We finally caught up!

Shou

Team Hina?! There were no signs of your team anywhere until now!

Nitori

We were busy gathering intel on other teams while avoiding conflict! It was easy with my optical camouflage suit!

Nitori

And I made some wonderful inventions by taking ideas from everyone's strategies! Now we no longer have any blind spots!

Hina

Thanks to that, we were able to catch up with ease. Now it's time to counterattack!

Minamitsu

We're not going to just give up our top position without resistance! We'll beat you at your own game!

Ichirin

Wait! Charging in recklessly might be dangerous...! There's no way to predict what her inventions can do...

Minamitsu

Have we got any other option...?!

Nitori

You're wide open! New invention No. 1ーRapid Ampoule Triple Z!

Hina

Let me explain! Rapid Ampoule Triple Z is a nutrient that imbues immense vitality into the weeds nearby!

Hina

It transforms knee-length weeds into tall plant walls that you need to strain your neck to see the top of.

Hina

Did I get that right?

Nitori

Yep!

Team Minamitsu

...

Hina

Huh?! Wait, what's this?! Forget transforming into a wall―they're not growing at all!

Nitori

Oh, whoops... I think I got the concentration wrong... It seems like it was too diluted.

Minamitsu

Can we go now...?

Nitori

Grr! Like I'll let you! New invention No. 2ーAuto Kappa Squad Ver. 9! Surround them!

Ichirin

An army of kappa?! Were you hiding them in the bushes?!

Hina

Let me explain! Auto Kappa Squad Ver. 9 are autonomous dolls modeled after Nitori's kappa friends!

Hina

They look and behave exactly the same as the originals! They're outstanding soldiers who obey almost every request!

Hina

Did I get that right?

Nitori

Yep!

Shou

Doll soldiers?! I didn't know the kappa's technical prowess was this advanced...!

Shou

Is that how you managed to catch up so quickly...? You probably got that idea from Medicine's mikoshi palanquin.

Ichirin

That nutrient you tried to use earlier also sounds similar to Team Yuuka's strategy. But... these dolls...

Minamitsu

Ah! So you see it too, Ichirin?! I feel like there's something not quite right with these dolls!

Nitori

*gulp*

Minamitsu

Their mannerisms are too real for dolls...

Ichirin

I know, right...? It's as though they're alive.

Hina

*gulp*

Shou

Oh... I get it. When you think it over, it's pretty obvious.

Shou

It's impossible to invent something so incredible in such a short time... even for you.

Shou

But it wouldn't take much time to call your friends and explain the situation to them.

Minamitsu

Huh? Do you mean...?

Nitori... you can't cheat.

Just tell us the truth. We won't get mad.

Team Hina

...

Team Minamitsu

...

Nitori

Those are all false accusations! Inventing something like this isn't impossible with my engineering skills!

Hina

Y-Yeah... (Looks like Nitori plans to stick to the story...)

Nitori

Let's go, Auto Kappa Army! Crush Team Minamitsu!

Minamitsu

Marisa and Hatate will soon come to pass their verdict... We just need to hold on until then, and the victory is ours!

Shou

They're desperate, and we're outnumbered. Let's fight while covering each other's backs!

Ichirin

This will be a test of our teamwork... Bring it on!

Hina

We're sorry. We cheated.

Nitori

We won't do it again. I'm sorry.

Shou

*sigh*... And I was this close to commending you on your brilliant strategy.

Minamitsu

You had other inventions that were against the rules, so as the captain leading everyone, I took the liberty to destroy them.

Nitori

You being a captain is irrelevant, right?!

Ichirin

Oh, it looks like the kappa want to have a word with you guys. Something about getting payment for helping you...

Team Hina

Uh oh...

???

The kappa aren't the only ones who want to have a word with you!

Team Hina

Eeep?!

Marisa

You've really gone and done it this time, Nitori. But I guess this was to be expected.

Hatate

We're now going to discuss how we'll deal with you, but there is one thing for certain... You better be ready for punishment.

Team Hina

OK...

Marisa

Sorry about that, Team Minamitsu. You can let us deal with them now.

Hatate

We should've intervened earlier. But we were delayed because there was something else we had to check on.

Hatate

I'm sorry. As the person entrusted with managing this race, I apologize to you.

Minamitsu

Did something similar happen elsewhere too?

Marisa

No, it's just that I was a little worried about the flow of temperament. Something didn't feel right.

Marisa

Well, it's nothing important that'll affect the race. Don't worry about it and concentrate on running, OK?

Hatate

Even if something happens, we'll deal with it. So please don't worry and aim for the finish line!

Minamitsu

Oh, OK...

Shou

Well, if they're saying it's OK, then I think we should just move on.

Ichirin

Yes, let's hurry on ahead.

Hatate

The leading Team Minamitsu has almost arrived at the sixth checkpoint near the Human Village.

Hatate

Nameless Hill, the Garden of the Sun, Bamboo Forest of the Lost, Misty Lake, Youkai Mountain, and now...

Hatate

...such an ordinary place? Is there a reason for choosing this place as a checkpoint?

Marisa

Hm? Ah, well, there aren't many obstacles, so it's easier to cover the race here.

Hatate

Well... I guess. But did you make this a checkpoint just for that?

Marisa

Yeah, pretty much. But more importantly, aren't you forgetting about covering the race again?

Hatate

Oops... my bad.

Hatate

Getting back to the action... Team Minamitsu has stopped! It looks like they've run into some sort of trouble!

Ichirin

Miss PLAYER, are you all right?

Sorry. I'm just really feeling the fatigue right now...

I'm OK. Sweat just got in my eyes.

Shou

It's become hotter ever since we came down the mountain. But even if it was cool, constantly running is really exhausting.

Ichirin

Now that you mention it, it does feel hotter all of a sudden... Maybe we should go a bit slower for now?

Minamitsu

That'd be a shame. We've made it this far at a decent pace... But if we fall over now, then it will have all been for nothing.

Shou

Stop it, Murasa. That's called greed. It's important for humans and youkai to overcome hardships together.

Shou

Since we're bearing the flag of Myouren Temple, we must have the right intentions.

Minamitsu

You're right! Sometimes it's important to take a break! Maybe I was too fixated on the extravagant prize...

Ichirin

What do you mean?!

Minamitsu

Huh?! S-Sorry!

Ichirin

Ah, no. I didn't mean you. Unzan suddenly said something strange...

Shou

What's wrong...?

Ichirin

Well... according to Unzan, the temperament of this area is strange. It's almost the same as midsummer.

Minamitsu

Hm, yes, it really shouldn't be so hot this time of the year. Maybe something's up...?

Shou

Well, it's possible that one of the other teams might be trying to sabotage us. Or maybe it's a setup by the management...

Minamitsu

In either case, it's a bit extreme...

Minamitsu

Ah! What's that?! S-Some people have collapsed in the middle of the road!

Shou

Oh, no! We should help! They might be suffering from heatstroke!

Ichirin

Are you all right?

Kokoro & Utsuho

Hm...?

Ichirin

Eh...? Aren't you... Team Kokoro?

Kokoro

Whoa! Team Minamitsu! That means we're back on track!

Minamitsu

Um... what're you doing here? And what about the other two? Are they all right?

Saki & Aya

Wa... ter...

Utsuho

We've constantly been running around in this heat. They got too exhausted and couldn't move anymore.

Utsuho

This isn't that hot for me, but it seems like these two couldn't take it...

Kokoro

These three were carrying me, so I don't feel that hot. Well, it's hot but not enough to make me faint.

Kokoro

But never mind that. Do you have any water? We need to hurry and give them a drink...

Shou

Luckily, we still have plenty of water. Here, please give it to them.

Kokoro

Wow! Thanks!

Saki

Phew! I feel alive again! Thank you!

Aya

I shudder to think what would've happened to us without you. I'll write about this in the Bunbunmaru Newspaper as thanks!

Minamitsu

You seem to be fine now. I'm glad to see you're safe!

Shou

But why didn't you guys stock up on water? You should've come across a lake or mountain stream on the way here.

Kokoro

No, we didn't see any such thing.

Ichirin

Huh?! But you guys took the lead right at the start... What route did you take?

Kokoro

Obviously, the most efficient route to take us through all the checkpoints.

Shou

It wouldn't make sense to take any other route. But... that makes your current situation all the more strange.

Aya

See! I told you so! We didn't need to take any dangerous shortcuts!

Saki

Aren't you the one who said we need to be overwhelmingly fast?! And even Utsuho agreed to take the shortcut!

Utsuho

I did agree to the shortcut, but I wanted to go a different route! But Kokoro said the leader decides which way we go...

Kokoro

Didn't all of you agree with me in the end?! We either swim together or sink together. Isn't that what a team is about?!

Minamitsu

Oh... so that's why you've all been following a completely messed up route.

Shou

Marisa was right... Too many cooks can spoil the broth.

Ichirin

Wait... so does that mean you guys still haven't cleared even a single checkpoint?

Kokoro

No, we found some checkpoints. We destroyed the wooden dolls here, at Hakurei Shrine, and in the Forest of Magic.

Minamitsu

Wow, they even skipped the very first checkpoint at the Nameless Hill! Or rather, they're going backward!

Aya

Oh? Backward... Ah, that's right! You've made me realize something!

Saki

Huh? What do you mean?

Aya

We've been clearing checkpoints randomly without thinking about the order.

Aya

But luckily, all those checkpoints were the furthest from the starting line.

Kokoro

Oh! Then we just need to head back to the starting line from here while clearing all the remaining checkpoints!

Utsuho

Wow! Did you think about all this when you picked that route?!

Kokoro

Huh...? Ah... yes! That is exactly right!

Saki

I don't really understand what happened... but basically, we haven't lost yet, right?

Aya

Correct. But no more shortcuts, OK? We can't destroy our last hope by self-destructive tactics.

Saki

I-I know that!

Kokoro

Thank you for the water. And you even gave us good info. We can't thank you enough.

Kokoro

Here, this is the least I can do. Take these bento I prepared in case we got hungry.

Ichirin

We don't need bento that have been sitting under the scorching sun for ages! They've obviously gone bad!

Minamitsu

But what should we do now...? We've unintentionally helped a rival team...

Shou

And they are the kind of people who'll easily win if they just keep running. We can't just let them go.

Ichirin

Y-Yeah! We have no other choice but to fight!

Minamitsu

Team Kokoro! Team Minamitsu challenges you to a battle right here, right now!

Team Kokoro

Huh?

Kokoro

Wh-Why...? You were so kind to us just a second ago...

Aya

The exhaustion from earlier isn't helping...

Saki

Argh... surprise attacks aren't fair...

Utsuho

Aaah... it's daytime... but I'm seeing stars...

Minamitsu

S-Sorry... This is all because of my slip of the tongue...

Shou

But we're all in it to win. So we won't ask you to forgive us.

Ichirin

Why are we suddenly the bad guys?! I don't approve of this...!

We won't let Team Kokoro's sacrifice go to waste!

It doesn't sit right... but we didn't have any other option.

Marisa

Team Kokoro... So this is where they are...

Hatate

If you ask me, they deserved that... It's the same with the art of warfare. You can't give your enemy an opening.

Marisa

But now Team Kokoro is back in the game. It's still possible for them to recover and steal the win.

Hatate

Hmm, I'm looking forward to seeing how this will play out.

Hatate

We're nearing the seventh checkpointーHakurei Shrine. The lead switched hands while Team Minamitsu was battling.

Hatate

They were overtaken by Team Yuuka and Team Kogasa, who were on their tail. They've now entered Hakurei Shrine.

Marisa

It's going to be a fierce last-minute rush for first place! I love this intense development!

Yuuka

I thought we made a comeback at the right time... but it doesn't look like things are going to be that easy.

Medicine

Don't worry, Yuuka! I've recovered after taking a break, so I can still keep going!

Kogasa

We're not going to stop just because we suffered a setback once or twice! We're going to win and surprise everyone!

Raiko

Of course! Come on, you guys. I'm going to rock the best beat, so ride the rhythm and keep up with me!

Yatsuhashi

Great! Let's keep the tempo up!

Benben

Just don't get too carried away and mess up our pace. We won't recover if we make a big mistake this late into the race.

Hatate

Both teams have sped up even more! They're trying to throw the other team off while looking for the wooden dolls.

Marisa

Which team will be able to outmaneuver the other...?! This right here is what makes races exciting!

Reimu

What's all that noise?! Why are you guys running around in my shrine?!

Yuuka

Huh?! Where did she suddenly come from―Medicine! Stop!

Medicine

Huh?! A-All of a sudden―Aaaaaaargh!

Yuuka

Phew... Hey! That was dangerous!

Reimu

You're the dangerous ones! What on earth are you guys doingー?

Kogasa

Watch out! Get out of the wayー!

Raiko

Stop! Everyone, stop!

Yatsuhashi

Huh? What happened?

Benben

Yatsuhashi! Look where you're going! Front! Look in front of you!

Reimu

Ack! Why are you guys also running this way―?

Hatate

Oops! And there's a major crash! The two teams couldn't avoid Reimu, who was suddenly obstructing the course!

Marisa

She jumped out onto the race course out of nowhere... This was bound to happen.

Marisa

But why is she so serious about cleaning today of all days...? I messed up by making Hakurei Shrine a checkpoint...

Kogasa

S-Sorry, Miss Reimu. Are you all right?

Reimu

You've got some nerve to attack me inside Hakurei Shrine... Or were you just trying to surprise me...?

Kogasa

Not at all! I wasn't trying to attack or surprise you!

Yuuka

Reimu is the one at fault here. Why do we need to apologize...?

Medicine

That's right... is it?

Reimu

Oh, wow. That's the attitude you give after crashing into someone? Why don't you just say that you want to fight?!

Raiko

Wait a minute! We can explain, so just give us a minute―

Hatate

An unforeseen accident! And now a battle of bullets has broken out between the contestants and Reimu!

Hatate

Team Yuuka and Team Kogasa are down! This is going to have a major impact on the race!

Marisa

That wasn't a battle... It was a one-sided punishment.

Minamitsu

We caught up! Team Yuuka! Team Kogasa! We won't hand over the victory!

Reimu

What's this? Reinforcements? Bring it on then. You can bring as many people as you like...!

Minamitsu

H-Huh? What's going on here? Why are Team Yuuka and Team Kogasa down?

Marisa

*sigh*... This is turning into an even bigger mess...

Hatate

Isn't Reimu an outsider in this race? Shouldn't you go stop her?

Marisa

Uh... I don't really feel like dealing with Reimu right now. It's one of those days, y'know?

Hatate

No... I don't really get it...

Minamitsu

Um... can someone please explain what's going on?

Reimu

It's exactly as you see. You can interpret it however you wish. But what will you achieve by dragging "that" into all of this?

Minamitsu

What do you mean by "that"?

Reimu

I'm talking about that... over there. That thing is with you, isn't it?

Shou

What?! No way! What's a vengeful spirit doing here?!

Reimu

Stop feigning innocence. I'm sure you guys dragged it here from somewhere.

Ichirin

No! That's not true! We wouldn't do such a thing!

Minamitsu

Leave this to me! I'll punish that spirit and prove our innocence!

Minamitsu

Well?! Now do you believe that we're innocent?

Reimu

OK, I'll believe that you guys didn't bring the vengeful spirit here. But I still think you're involved somehow.

Minamitsu

Wh-Why...?

Reimu

What are you guys sneaking around here for?! Tell me everything right now―AH... AH-CHOO!

Reimu

I-It's so cold...! Why is it suddenly freezing...?!

Minamitsu

Whoa! Snow! It's snowing!

Reimu

This is no time to be amazed! What's going on...? The temperament is all messed up...!

Shou

It was scorching hot like it was midsummer just a second ago...

Ichirin

Whoa?! What's this now?! An earthquake?!

Shou

It's quite a big one...! Let's evacuate to an open area for the time being!

Reimu

Gah! There's no end to this!

Minamitsu

So basically, we went there and did that, and then that happened, and now we're here...!

Reimu

Hmmm... So that's what's going on. OK, I think I get the picture.

Reimu

But vengeful spirits don't usually wander about like that. And the timing is suspicious. You sure you don't know anything?

Shou

Former Hell still has vengeful spirits, and they sometimes escape out onto the surface...

Ichirin

But for so many of them to come out at once is definitely a sign that something is wrong.

Reimu

It's about time the two of you came down here. Aren't you the masterminds of this race? It's your duty to explain!

Marisa

Who are you calling a mastermind?! I'm the organizer!

Hatate

Oh, I was just helping out with the commentary. I'm not involved in any of this.

Marisa

Hey!

Reimu

Your shadiness is off the charts whenever you hide something from me. You're up to something, aren't you?

Marisa

I have nothing to do with the heat, or the cold, or the earthquake, or the vengeful spirits, OK?!

Reimu

True, you don't know how to control temperament. But that still doesn't mean the race is unrelated to what's happening.

Marisa

You're gonna doubt me till the bitter end, aren't you...?

Reimu

Well, let's talk about it later after we take care of these vengeful spirits. We can't leave things as they are.

Hatate

First extreme weather and now vengeful spirits... This isn't even a race anymore, let alone an anti-misfortune one.

Marisa

*sob* I've got no comeback...

Hatate

What are you going to do? Wouldn't it be better to cancel the event?

Marisa

No, wait. It's still too early for that.

Marisa

Luckily, all the participants are strong. So basically, our foot race has just turned into an obstacle race.

Hatate

But what if the race is connected to what's going on?

Marisa

I don't care! I'm still gonna continue!

Hatate

You sure are obsessed with this race... Do you really not know anything?

Marisa

I already said that I don't! You and Reimu just won't get off my back, will you?!

Reimu

OK, we dealt with all the vengeful spirits nearby. It's unusual, but luckily the shrine doesn't have any visitors at the moment.

Minamitsu

Unusual...?

Ichirin

She wrecked so much havoc by herself... I can't stand vengeful spirits either, but Miss Reimu seems to be furious.

Reimu

Unfortunately, I'm used to dealing with such hassles. It's better to go big when dealing with vengeful spirits.

Komachi

No it's not!

Minamitsu

Team Komachi has caught up too...!

Urumi

More like we zoomed here using Komachi's ability. Something didn't feel right, so we came rushing.

Kutaka

We sensed that vengeful spirits were rapidly being destroyed, so we assumed everyone must be at Hakurei Shrine.

Reimu

There's nothing good about vengeful spirits. Are you telling me you've got a problem with them being annihilated?

Komachi

Hell exists to make them repent and return them to the cycle of reincarnation. Destroying them will cause problems!

Shou

And what about the problem we have to face when they wreak havoc on Earth...?

Komachi

How can you all just ignore the importance of reincarnation? It doesn't look like we can sort this out through words!

Reimu

It was an emergency, OK?! What else could we have done?! And why does it have to be my shrine of all places?!

Komachi

What goes around comes around!

Reimu

Look who's talking!

Komachi

PLAYER... I didn't think you'd also side with Reimu...

I get where you're coming from, but I agree with Reimu...

I had to calm Reimu down. You both are too riled up.

Ichirin

What were those vengeful spirits anyway? Apparently, their appearance wasn't staged to be a part of the race...

Komachi

Vengeful spirits have their own individual personalities, you know? But expecting them to obey orders is madness.

Urumi

They definitely shouldn't be used for entertainment. And using them as such is not even that simple.

Kutaka

Even if you go to Hell to get permission for such a thing, there's no way the Yama will approve it.

Shou

So then, was the appearance of the vengeful spirits just a coincidence...?

Patchouli

Follow me if you want to know the truth.

Minamitsu

Aren't you from the Scarlet Devil Mansion...?!

Alice

Well, truth be told, we're here to take you by force. We need as much help as we can get right now.

Reimu

Oh, even Alice is here. What do you mean by "take us by force"? Is this something urgent?

Patchouli

Things have taken an unexpected turn. We need to act immediately for the sake of Gensokyo's very existence.

Reimu

Things must be really bad for the two of you to come all the way here...

Reimu

The Forest of Magic? Why have you brought us here?

Patchouli

We're checking something... Yes, I knew it. It's connected.

Marisa

Huh...? That doesn't explain anything.

Alice

This is the last checkpoint you set. The place with the last wooden dolls.

Alice

Team Kokoro seems to have destroyed one of the dolls, but it's not too late.

Patchouli

Hmm... I suppose you'll understand quicker if we explain what could happen in the worst-case scenario.

Patchouli

If the remaining wooden dolls get destroyed by the other teams... Gensokyo will sink.

Hatate

Sink?! This is even bigger than a scoop!

Marisa

No, that makes no sense! How are the wooden dolls linked to Gensokyo sinking...

Patchouli

Basically, it's like a drill.

Marisa

Huh?

Patchouli

Don't you know what a drill is?

Marisa

I do, but that doesn't tell me anything...

Minamitsu

Um... can you please explain in words we can understand...?

Patchouli

A drill is a tool used for punching holes or boring rocks―

Minamitsu

I know that.

Alice

Then do you also know what Marisa was doing with this race? Like how she was trying to draw an enormous magic circle?

Shou

Marisa was? But she and Hatate were constantly observing the race from above...

Alice

Well, I guess it's not your fault that you didn't notice. The participants are the ones who drew the magic circle, after all.

Ichirin

We did? I don't remember doing any such thing... Oh! It's because we destroyed those wooden dolls, isn't it?

Alice

Yes. You inscribed it by destroying the wooden dolls. On their destruction, a powerful mark was engraved into the ground.

Alice

Connecting the marks engraved at each checkpoint forms an enormous magic circle in the land of Gensokyo.

Shou

So as the race progressed, the magic circle kept getting closer to completion...? Wow, I didn't notice it at all...

Patchouli

Destroying dolls to exorcise misfortune and running around Gensokyo in the guise of a race... all of it was camouflage.

Alice

It was all to cover up the fact that she was conducting a secret experiment.

Marisa

Um... That was...

Patchouli

So, Marisa... that magic circle is the thing you read about in the book you stole from me, isn't it?

Marisa

Hey, I returned that book!

Patchouli

You obviously made a copy of it. And by the way, those scraps do not belong to a magic book or anything of the sort.

Marisa

Huh?!

Patchouli

They're just fragments of some geological survey. I couldn't find out where or when it's from though...

Patchouli

Those symbols on the map you were eyeing were also nothing more than planned excavation sites with a connecting tunnel.

Alice

So you can forget about increasing your magical firepower since you're not going to gain anything magical at all.

Marisa

I can't believe this... Not after all my elaborate planning...

Reimu

But doesn't that mean Marisa's plans had no effect? Then how will Gensokyo sink?

Patchouli

This is where the drill comes into the picture.

Patchouli

Marisa's plans were full of holes. The information she was going off had nothing to do with magic.

Alice

But then something unpredictable and unfortunate occurred. The supposedly meaningless circle showed signs of activation.

Alice

There is power in Gensokyo's earth and air. So the addition of other powers likely combined to create a magical effect.

Marisa

That means magic WAS created somehow! What kind of magic is it?!

Patchouli

The magic circle that was created accidentally has produced three different powers.

Patchouli

First is the power to crush a specific substance.

Patchouli

Second is the power to give direction to a specific power.

Patchouli

And third is the power to rotate a specific power.

Patchouli

On their own, none of these elements pose much threat.

Patchouli

But unfortunately, when these three elements combine, they create a synergistic effect that results in a destructive force.

Patchouli

In other words, the excavation magicーSuper Giant Drill.

Alice

Three magical elements were born from a nonsensical magic circle. That in itself is an extremely rare occurrence.

Alice

And for them to gel in such a way that they create a destructive phenomenon is like a really bad miracle.

Reimu

So... how is that drill related to the extreme weather and vengeful spirits? None of what you've told us relates to them.

Patchouli

The vengeful spirits probably came from Former Hell. They likely flew out of some open cracks in the ground.

Patchouli

The magic circle's activation affected temperament, resulting in extreme weather. That's how we got wind of the situation.

Alice

The biggest problem is that this is just the beginning. If the magic circle is completed, the situation will worsen.

Alice

In other words, Gensokyo will sink.

Marisa

Wh-Whoa... you can't be serious about that.

Patchouli

You think? Then why don't you put it to the test?

Patchouli

If you don't stop the completion of the magic circle, you'll be immortalized as the mastermind who destroyed Gensokyo.

Marisa

I doubt that would end with me just getting a scolding from Yukari and Okina...

Alice

This disaster came about because several things fell into place in the wrong way. But we did get lucky with one aspect.

Alice

The magic circle got activated despite it not being complete, which resulted in a half-baked magical effect.

Alice

Team Kokoro. They're the ones who prevented the worst-case scenario by their actions.

Shou

Oh, right! Because they were running in the opposite direction!

Minamitsu

Um... so what does that mean?

Shou

If all the teams cleared the checkpoints in the same order, the marks left behind would've been the most powerful.

Shou

By the time we reached the final checkpoint, it would've been far more complete than it is now.

Shou

But because Team Kokoro was running in reverse, they were the only ones who left a mark on the final checkpoints.

Shou

Those marks form the circle connecting the checkpoints. And the circle activates when there's a mark at each checkpoint.

Shou

But the marks left at the Forest of Magic and Hakurei Shrine were still weak, which resulted in a less powerful circle.

Minamitsu

Oh! I finally get it now!

Minamitsu

Thinking about it now, the extreme weather situation started around the time we met Team Kokoro!

Ichirin

So that's when the circle was completed...!

Reimu

Their actions that seemed foolish at first were a blessing in disguise. Who would've thought that we'd be saved by them...

Patchouli

Curiosity is an important factor in the study of magic. But you went too far this time.

Marisa

I-I never imagined that such a thing could happen... Curiosity got the better of me. I was reckless... I'm sorry!

Alice

You can repent later. First, we need to do our best to get the situation under control.

Alice

We need to seal the cracks that opened. Otherwise, we won't be able to stop the vengeful spirits from reaching the surface.

Reimu

*sigh* You really are an expert at causing trouble... But well, since I'm the Hakurei shrine maiden, I suppose I have to help.

Marisa

K-Keep up that spirit! I'm gonna do my best as well!

Reimu

Of course! You better work to death to fix this!

Marisa

I will!

Patchouli

Alice, Marisa, and I will destroy the effects of the magic circle. We'll absorb its power, convert it into magic, then disperse it.

Alice

OK, you can count on us. Marisa, this is your chance to prove that you aren't all talk.

Marisa

I know!

Patchouli

We can do something about the cracks later... Can we ask Team Minamitsu to guard us until we destroy the circle?

Patchouli

We have to concentrate on controlling the absorbed power, so we won't stand a chance if vengeful spirits attack us.

Minamitsu

You can count on us! We won't let them lay a finger on any of you!

Reimu

Great, now we have to babysit Marisa... This sure is a pain.

Hatate

I'll go call the others for help. The other teams should be arriving at Hakurei Shrine soon.

Patchouli

All right. Is everyone ready? I'm going to start destroying the magic circle.

Alice

Phew. That should've dispersed most of the power stored in the magic circle. We've averted the worst outcome for now.

Patchouli

Yes. I can take care of the rest on my own now. I just have to destroy an empty circle.

Marisa

Phew... we managed it somehow. What a relief.

Alice

You don't get to rest. Keep guarding Patchouli's until she's done. The vengeful spirits are still around.

Marisa

OK...

Marisa

Hmm... doing nothing while everyone is working so hard is making me restless...

Alice

The vengeful spirits haven't come to attack us because the others are drawing their attention.

Marisa

Then I guess I can take a little break. Patchouli also seems to be doing fine.

Alice

Oh, no resting yet. I have another job that's absolutely perfect for you.

Marisa

I've got a bad feeling about this...

Alice

It'll be a little dangerous, but you should be fine.

Marisa

It's not like I'll be allowed to refuse anyway. Fine. I'll do whatever you say...

Alice

Thank you. It's good to see that you're repenting.

Minamitsu

Hey! We finished catching all the vengeful spirits nearby, so we came to see how things were going on your end.

Alice

Good work. Our job is going smoothly thanks to your efforts. Patchouli is destroying the magic circle for the final touch.

Alice

Then we just need to seal the cracks, and everything will be back to normal. We shall have our peaceful Gensokyo back.

Shou

Glad to hear it. But who would've thought that Gensokyo was in such a critical situation...

Ichirin

There were signs... So we really should have seen it coming...

Patchouli

You needn't blame yourself. We might not have noticed either if we hadn't spoken to Marisa beforehand...

Alice

Tell me about it.

Alice

Well? Did you finish destroying the magic circle?

Patchouli

Yes, it's done. The same thing won't happen again, even by accident.

Minamitsu

Great! It's case closed then!

Patchouli

Unfortunately, we still need to seal the cracks. But we're short of hands...

Hatate

You don't need to worry about that. You must be tired, so I've brought you some helpers.

Yuugi

Seems like you've had it rough. But we're here now. You can leave it to us and go rest.

Parsee

I heard you were all happily working together to resolve an issue. But it sounds like it was dangerous, so I'll forgive you...

Shion

*sob* Just when I got to be all alone with Miss Tenshi...

Tenshi

Don't be sad, Shion. It looks like they need our help. This is also fun in its own way.

Alice

All this commotion was caused by Marisa's plan. We need your help with sealing the cracks in the ground.

Yuugi

That's it? I can just lift some huge boulders over there and block the openings with them.

Tenshi

It'll take you a whole day to do that.

Tenshi

It'll be faster with my ability. You guys can just sit there and watch with envy.

Yuugi

I'm sure you're gonna do a shoddy job and not even seal them properly. You shouldn't be sloppy with everything you do.

Tenshi

What did you say...?!

Yuugi

Do you wanna repeat that?

Minamitsu

Are they really going to go at it again?

Patchouli

Both of their abilities are perfect for this job. We should probably let them handle it.

Reimu

Well, then I'll go back to the shrine. Let me know how it turned out later.

Reimu

And those who are free, come with me. Someone needs to take away the ones I beat up earlier.

Shion

M-Miss Tenshi! Do your best!

Parsee

Chatting with everyone over a cup of tea... doesn't sound bad!

Marisa

Wait, wait, waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaait! You're forgetting about meeeeeeeeeeee!

Reimu

Huh? What's that...? Marisa is flying toward us at full speed while being followed by vengeful spirits...

Alice

Oh, no! I completely forgot. I made her take a round of the course to check whether we missed any vengeful spirits.

Patchouli

So that's what she was doing. I was wondering where she went. It looks like she found some.

Reimu

This is good. Marisa still needs to be punished, so let's punish her with some bullets along with the vengeful spirits.

Tenshi

Isn't that great, Shion? Looks like there's someone even more unfortunate than you.

Shion

I-I wasn't thinking that, OK?!

Yuugi

One wrong step, and she could've been a heinous criminal. She should be happy that she's getting off so easy.

Minamitsu

Isn't this a bit too cruel...?

Parsee

I don't think so. Look at how the vengeful spirits are clinging to her with fondness... Unforgivable!

Marisa

HEY! Quick! Do something about these spirits already!

I feel bad for her, but she does need to be punished.

Let's at least try to go easy on her...

Shou

I agree. We need to take on the role of explaining how harsh this world can be.

Ichirin

Well, then I guess we must do this. This is also my duty as a priest of Myouren Temple.

Marisa

Hey! You almost hit me! Aim properly at the vengeful spirits!

Patchouli

If the sages learned about what you did, you wouldn't be let off so easily.

Alice

Just quietly accept your punishment.

Marisa

I-I never agreed to this! Argh... I'm gonna fight back!

Marisa

*sob* That was too much... I even acted as bait and risked getting possessed...

Patchouli

Looks like you're sorry, so we'll stop. I hope you've learned your lesson and won't ever do something so foolish again.

Shou

Should we just hand over the vengeful spirits to Team Komachi? They can deal with them appropriately, right?

Minamitsu

Good idea! Well then, let's head to Hakurei Shrine.

Alice

We'll join you. We can wait at the shrine for Tenshi and Yuugi to finish their work.

Ichirin

We also need to decide what to do about the race. Come on, Marisa. You're coming with us.

Marisa

*sob* I'm sorry, but please carry me...?

Alice

Walk by yourself.

Marisa

OK...

Minamitsu

We've handed over all the vengeful spirits to Team Komachi. And once the cracks are covered, it'll all be over.

Marisa

We somehow got through it... but gosh, that was a mess.

Reimu

Those lines don't sound good coming from the perpetrator herself.

Patchouli

It's been a long time since I did so much work. Reimu, can you get me some tea?

Reimu

No, I can't! And why on earth are you guys tagging along?!

Alice

Aren't you the one who said those who are free should come with you?

Reimu

I was speaking to the ones who got dragged into Marisa's plans!

Patchouli

We were also dragged into this, you know?

Patchouli

Besides, we also helped get the situation under control. Where's the harm in expecting a cup of tea as thanks?

Reimu

I could say the same thing...! Let's make Marisa prepare tea for us.

Marisa

I also worked my fingers to the bone, y'know...?

Reimu

Did you say something...?

Marisa

No... I'll go prepare the tea.

Reimu

Oh, that reminds me, what happened to the ones I beat up? Are they still asleep?

Yuuka

We've been up for a while... And I still haven't forgiven you for going all out.

Medicine

I was so scared...

Reimu

Um... Well, I'm sorry I got violent without listening to your side of the story. Hey, Marisa! We need more tea for them!

Marisa

Huh?! O-OK...

Kokoro

Then I'd like some as well.

Saki

Me too!

Utsuho

Ah, I want some too...!

Aya

Some tea for me too, please!

Hina

Then we'll have some tea as well.

Nitori

We were made to wait so long without any proper hospitality after all. By the way, I'll have some snacks with the tea too!

Marisa

You guys?! What're you all doing here?!

Hatate

Well, I was looking for people to help earlier so I asked them to come.

Hatate

I told them the race was canceled due to some problem and asked them to wait at Hakurei Shrine.

Marisa

Um... so how many cups of tea again...? Reimu, come help―

Reimu

Hurry up. Oh, and I'll have another cup.

Marisa

Fine...

Yuugi

Hey, we're back... We've sealed all the cracks we could find.

Parsee

That was fast! You didn't have to rush it...

Shion

That's Miss Tenshi for you! Something like that is no big deal for her!

Tenshi

Hm?! W-Well, yes! It was a piece of cake for me!

Yuugi

Such a liar... You were so frantic about it. And 'cause of that, you even made me rush as well...

Tenshi

It was your fault for competing with me! If not for that, we could've got it done without any hurry!

Yuugi

What?! Are you seriously saying that I was the one who started competing with you?!

Shou

So that's what happened...

Ichirin

But there was no guarantee that more vengeful spirits wouldn't crawl out. So it's good that it got done so quickly.

Komachi

We're back... We took care of the vengeful spirits for you.

Reimu

Oh, good job. That was faster than I expected.

Urumi

Komachi actually worked seriously for once, so we got it done without any issues.

Kutaka

If only she always worked this hard... then she wouldn't get scolded by the Yama.

Komachi

Well, I couldn't leave this to someone else, so I had no choice...

Kutaka

So that's how much you hate working...

Reimu

I don't even feel like pointing out how ridiculous this is anymore...

Minamitsu

Anyway, good job, you guys! Hey, Miss Marisa―

Marisa

I know, I know! You want more tea, don't you?!

Marisa

...So that's what happened... And um.... uh... I'm sorry I dragged everyone into this!

Yuuka

Hmm, OK, I get the picture. But you need to apologize in a different way.

Marisa

I just apologized!

Kokoro

You tricked us into helping you. Do you really think just saying sorry is enough?

Marisa

Aw, c'mon...

Hina

How about you give us all part of the prize that was meant for the winner of the race?

Marisa

Then what's the point of a competition...? And the event has already been canceled, y'know?

Komachi

Are you serious?! What did we work so hard for all this time then?!

Parsee

Did we really work that hard...? But well, I agree that this is unacceptable.

Shion

It would be nice to have an outcome, and I also want to complete the race now that we've come this far.

Marisa

Didn't you see what happened? This is no time to be having a racing event.

Minamitsu

The situation has already been sorted! There shouldn't be any problem with continuing the race!

Marisa

U-Uh...

Patchouli

Well, the race does deserve a conclusion. Think of it as making amends to everyone for tricking them into helping you.

Hatate

I agree. Ending it here doesn't make for a good story. Well, I don't mind writing about the magic circle accident though...

Marisa

No, wait! Please don't do that! I'll get criticized by everyone if this gets out!

Alice

This isn't like you, Marisa. Aren't you usually more excited than anyone about events like this?

Marisa

W-Well...

Marisa

You're right! This isn't like me!

Marisa

I lost sight of myself because of the blunder I made! It isn't like me to feel dejected by such things!

Leaders

Yeah!

Reimu

Wait a minute! I'm against this! You're just going to cause another unwanted ruckus!

Patchouli

I think you're worrying a bit too much. Marisa is clearly remorseful for what she did.

Alice

And just think about it from everyone else's point of view. Don't you feel bad for them? I know, I do.

Reimu

W-Well... I guess...

Reimu

But, no! No way! Nu-uh! I won't condone this!

Reimu

It's my duty as the Hakurei shrine maiden to prevent Gensokyo from getting into any sort of crisis!

Reimu

If you're going to be adamant about resuming the race...

Reimu

Then you're going to have to go through me!

Shion

Why does it have to be like that?!

Komachi

Well, she's Reimu... that's what she does...

Yuuka

Great. This will be a good opportunity to get back at you for what you did earlier.

Hina

Y-Yeah! And I'm sure she'll understand once she sees how serious we are!

Kokoro

Once hostile competitors are now teaming up against a common foe. Hm, not bad. Not bad at all.

Parsee

This sounds fun! She'll have to struggle and fight against so many people all by herself!

Reimu

Heehee... who said I was alone?

Reimu

Let's do this, PLAYER!

OK! Wait, what?!

Um... I also want the race to resume...

Reimu

What?! Don't tell me you're going to turn against me too!

Hahaha, of course not. I wouldn't do that.

Sorry, everyone...

Minamitsu

Huh?! Uh... what?! What about us?!

Minamitsu

Miss PLAYER is our team member. If she joins you, we won't be able to do anything―

Reimu

Get ready!

Reimu

Maybe it was a bit reckless to go up against this many at once...

Reimu

Hey, PLAYER! Were you even trying?!

Marisa

C'mon, Reimu. Haven't you had enough? If you're that worried, why don't you just watch over the race with us?

Alice

We'll also be sticking around until the end, just in case. I'm also a bit curious about the outcome.

Patchouli

That should reduce your worries.

Reimu

Grrrrr...

Reimu

*sigh* I guess I have no choice. I see how serious you all are, so I'll allow it...

Hatate

Ahem. We've just confirmed that the Hakurei shrine maiden has given her approval! And so I now announce that...

Hatate

...we're resuming the Anti-Misfortune Grand Prix! All teams, please gather in front of the torii and wait for the start signal!

Leaders

Woohoo!

Marisa

A lot has happened, so we're gonna start afresh! The Anti-Misfortune Grand Prix resumes!

Hatate

Hakurei Shrine is the starting point, and the goal remains the same as beforeーin front of the Kirisame Magic Shop.

Hatate

Find wooden dolls at the final checkpointーthe Forest of Magic. The team that destroys one and cuts the finish tape first, wins.

Marisa

I probably don't need to say this, but no magic circle will be activated by destroying the dolls, so please rest assured.

Kokoro

Looks like it's a straight line to the goal, so it's going to be a contest based purely on speed. We're going to win this!

Saki

We can't be led astray by the route this time! Come to think of it, that was just a cunning trap...

Aya

You can't call taking a shortcut a trap... What happened was simply self-destruction.

Utsuho

I don't need to worry about forgetting the route if it's just a straight line! I'm going to run without reserve then!

Parsee

Listen, Yuugi. Stop being oddly fixated on a distraction. Just run normally. No funny business.

Yuugi

Don't worry so much. Going up against the same opponent gets boring. I think she should've learned her lesson by now.

Shion

M-Miss Tenshi? I'm sure you already know this, but... she's just trying to provoke you. You don't need to react.

Tenshi

I know. I'll run normally and win normally. That'll make the difference between us obvious to her.

Tenshi & Yuugi

...

Parsee

We both have it rough, don't we...?

Shion

I-I don't think that way, OK?!

Komachi

It'd be much easier for us if they both knocked each other out of the running. I'm rooting for you. Go on, give it your all.

Kutaka

You're trying to take the easy route again this late in the game... We'll have to win this by ourselves...!

Urumi

I'll admit that it's a turn of events in our favor. But that alone won't get us to victory.

Yuuka

Medicine, I'll say it once more. Please don't over-exert yourself. Your hard work sufficiently conveys your gratitude.

Medicine

Thanks! But we've already come this far! And I want to win this with you!

Hina

Overall Physical Strength Enhancing Machine? Will that allow you to run fast?

Nitori

The effect is dispersed over the entire body, so it doesn't give that big a boost... but a performance test will help improve it!

Hina

You didn't manage to get the performance test done before the race, did you...?

Minamitsu

Everyone seems to be all fired up! We can't afford to lose either!

Shou

Like it or not, this is going to be the last stretch! Team Minamitsu! Now is the time to stand firm!

Ichirin

Yeah! Let's return to Myouren Temple in triumph with the championship prize in our hands!

Let's give it our best to the very end!

Huh...? I feel like we're forgetting something...

Hatate

And now for an important announcement from the organizer.

Marisa

Most of the race has already been cleared, so I'm gonna add a new rule.

Parsee

What...? Why do you have to announce it at the very last moment? Are you that hungry for attention?

Marisa

I was actually against this. But Reimu wouldn't have it any other way...

Yuuka

So? What's this additional rule?

Marisa

You will have to complete a task before being able to leave the Hakurei Shrine starting point.

Komachi

Ugh... sounds like another pain in the neck...

Reimu

You got a problem with that? I'm making a compromise by allowing you to do this, so be grateful!

Hina

So, what's the task we need to complete?

Marisa

You gotta clean the grounds of the shrine...

Leaders

Huh...?

Reimu

Don't act like you've forgotten!

Reimu

Who was the one that rammed into me while I was cleaning and ruined all my hard work?

Yuuka

I wonder... who could it have been...?

Reimu

At first, I thought I'd make Marisa do it as punishment. But then she said she'll get everyone to do it, so I allowed it.

Reimu

I don't mind who does it... as long as it gets done.

Marisa

Whoa! Stop! All right then, good luck with figuring out a strategy to complete the task!

Patchouli

So basically, she just found an easy way out for herself...

Alice

Now I wonder if she's really sorry for what she did...

Marisa

I am!

Hatate

And so, there's a slight change in the steps the teams must take before reaching the finish line.

Hatate

Each team has to first clean up five dustpans worth of garbage. Only then can they leave Hakurei Shrine.

Hatate

Next, they'll head for the Forest of Magic, where they'll destroy a wooden doll. Then, the first team to cut the finish tape wins!

Parsee

*sigh* The management of this race has been so sloppy until the very end...

Marisa

Don't say that... It'll be over after this.

Hatate

I might've made the wrong decision by being on this side. It feels like my reputation is rapidly sinking...

Marisa

OK... So should I just give the signal to start?

Hatate

Well, we're starting afresh, so why don't we hear from all the teams first?

Marisa

Oh! That's a good idea! Let's do that! Let's hear from the leaders of every team!

Alice

I'm embarrassed just looking at how poorly organized this all is...

Patchouli

Perhaps she's grown lax after everything was exposed.

Marisa

Quiet! These kinds of things help to raise the competitors' morale!

Marisa

All right! Let's start with Minamitsu and go in order from there!

Minamitsu

Now is the time for Myouren Temple to dominate with unwavering unity! Our goal is victory! Set sail!

Marisa

Whoa, nice! That was uplifting!

Yuuka

We'll just do what we can and accept the outcome, whatever that may be.

Marisa

Read the room a little... You should apologize to Minamitsu...

Parsee

Victory will be snatched with the most envious running... by Yuugi!

Marisa

Are you sure you don't want me to make her the leader instead?

Kokoro

Has everyone filled their stomach before the race? I've got some bento here if you want one.

Marisa

At least show some enthusiasm for the race!

Shion

I'll do my best to dish out bad luck to everyone if it'll help Miss Tenshi...!

Marisa

That's actually quite dangerous, so please don't go overboard...

Komachi

I'm honestly grateful that I get to be carried again. This is so much easier than walking.

Marisa

She's finally stopped trying to hide it... You should probably watch your back, OK?

Hina

Exorcising misfortune is my duty, and I won't ever let that change. That's why we must win!

Marisa

Thank you! That was a good way to end this!

Patchouli

Is your comedy act also a part of the event?

Alice

If so, it could have been better.

Marisa

Grr... this always happens when they come together!

Reimu

How much longer are you going to drag this on? All right, ready, go.

Leaders

Huh?!

Hatate

Oops! There goes the start signal out of nowhere! All the teams have started off after a moment of confusion!

Marisa

I wanted to do that! Stop stealing the best parts!

Reimu

Then how long were you all planning on standing in front of my shrine? I need to finish cleaning or I won't get any visitors.

Marisa

Do you ever get any visitors...?

Reimu

Hm?

Marisa

No, it's nothing!

Hatate

You're meant to be the organizer, so stop playing around...

Yuuka

You're doing good, Medicine. Don't worry about the others. Just keep up your pace.

Medicine

I shouldn't over-exert myself, right? I know! Don't worry, Yuuka!

Hina

Can you believe it, Nitori?! We're second! The Overall Physical Strength Enhancing Machine is working!

Nitori

HA HA HA HA! The kappa's technical prowess is the best in the woooooorld!

Komachi

C'mon. I'll wave my flag to cheer you guys on, so just run a bit faster. We only need to overtake two teams to win.

Kutaka

Stop that! You're messing up our balance!

Urumi

Komachi... we need to have a chat after this race is over.

Hatate

Three teams have completed the cleaning task! Team Yuuka is in first, closely followed by Team Hina and Team Komachi!

Hatate

The leaders are cheering on their team members in their own way! I'm excited to see how their efforts will pay off!

Marisa

It looks like the teams that thought of a good strategy have gained an advantage.

Marisa

I expected Medicine's dolls and Nitori's inventions, but the way Kutaka used wind from her wings to gather trash was genius!

Minamitsu

Two enemies sighted! Twelve o'clock! Maintain maximum speed! Keep it steady!

Ichirin

It's unusual for her to get this excited...!

Shou

That's just how badly she wants to win... But we are no different in that respect.

Thanks for the cheer, Minamitsu!

I can still keep going. Let's overtake the teams in front!

Hatate

I see Team Minamitsu just a little behind! Team Shion, Team Parsee, and Team Kokoro are still nowhere to be seen!

Marisa

Power doesn't help much when it comes to cleaning... But I'm sure Yuugi and Tenshi will catch up later.

Marisa

Team Kokoro seems to be taking their own sweet time...

Hatate

They tried to copy Kutaka's technique, but instead, they just ended up blowing away all the trash they gathered...

Marisa

Team Minamitsu's teamwork has been great in that respect. They've somehow managed to catch up to the top teams.

Hatate

It's possible to do anything if one puts their mind to it.

Marisa

Hm? Are you talking about Team Minamitsu?

Hatate

No, I mean you.

Marisa

I was finally commentating seriously, and now you're giving me this?!

Minamitsu

We'll soon be in range! Get ready to fire a warning shot!

Komachi

Looks like we'll have to fight this one out... If we get through this, we'll be the only ones at the top!

Yuuka

Unfortunately for you, we're in no mood to give up our lead. I want to reward Medicine's efforts.

Hina

Nitori! What should we do?!

Nitori

You're more than welcome to fight each other right here, right now! Optical camouflage suit... ON!

Nitori

Now you won't be able to tell where we are! And I'll use this chance to run away!

Hina

Eeep!

Shou

Your voice clearly gives away your location.

Nitori

Huh?! Oh, no! My suit broke!

Hatate

What's this?! Four teams are going at each other?! Looks like the team that wins here will get ever closer to victory!

Marisa

Now, this is intense! This is the kind of race we should have had from the beginning!

Minamitsu

It's a four-way battle! We need to break through this and run to the finish line! Don't let your guard down!

Minamitsu

Now! Break through that opening, and let's get out of here!

Komachi

Oh, no...! W-W-Waaaaaaaaaitttt!

Yuuka

They got away... The battle of bullets was a distraction.

Hina

*sob* Just when we were doing so good!

Marisa

Wow! They slipped through while the other teams were fighting each other!

Hatate

And now Team Minamitsu is in first place with no other team nearby!

Hatate

Huh? Wait... There's a team closing in behind them at a crazy fast speed!

Kokoro

Not so fast, Team Minamitsu! The victory will be ours!

Minamitsu

No way...! How did you get here so fast?!

Hatate

Despite their late start, Team Kokoro has caught up to Team Minamitsu at the speed of the wind! Will they take the lead?!

Marisa

So fast?! This speed is nuts compared to that clumsy cleaning they showed us earlier!

Aya

I gathered all the trash in one place using my ability to manipulate the wind―

Utsuho

Then I incinerated it all using my ability to manipulate nuclear fusion―

Saki

―And I got my team here with my unmatched leg strength!

Kokoro

That's how serious Team Kokoro is! Tremble with fear and make way!

Marisa

I'd like to say that they should've done that to start with... but I won't. I like how they try so hard despite everything...

Minamitsu

We won't make way! We have a mission that we can't just give up on!

Aya

Ayaya... At this rate, we won't make any progress...

Kokoro

Gah... Then let's cease this battle of bullets! We'll settle this with speed!

Saki

This is what I've been waiting for! No way we'll lose now!

Utsuho

Full speed ahead... ready, GO!

Hatate

Huh? Eh? Isn't that the way that leads back to Hakurei Shrine?

Marisa

They were so close...! Why are they always like this...?!

Patchouli

This is supposed to be the last checkpoint, right? The leading teams should start arriving here anytime now.

Alice

What do you guys think? Which team will win?

Reimu

Normally, I'd say Team Kokoro. But I doubt things will go their way...

Patchouli

I'd say Team Minamitsu because they're pretty consistent. I heard they've been outstanding throughout.

Alice

Team Shion and Team Parsee are also interesting. Depending on how things go, they may even finish first and second.

Marisa

Huh? Oh, it's you guys. I was wondering where you all went. So you're spectating from here, are you?

Reimu

It's a pain to keep flying to follow the race. But I thought it'd be nice to see how it ends.

Marisa

You all don't understand the true charm of a race. Following the whole race is what makes the end so interesting.

Reimu

Yeah, yeah. Thanks for your opinion. Well? The teams will be here soon, right?

Hatate

Yeah. Team Minamitsu is in the lead. But only barely.

Hatate

Team Shion and Team Parsee are making astounding progress in catching up to them.

Tenshi

Grrr...! You're going to annoy me to the very end, aren't you?! Just give up already!

Shion

Huh?! Whoa! Miss Tenshi! You're shaking too much...! B-But please keep doing your best...!

Yuugi

Argh... How irritating! Looks like we'll have to settle this after all...!

Parsee

There's no need to hold back, Yuugi! You have my permission!

Minamitsu

Whoa?! Stray bullets are making their way here...! Also... aren't they quickly getting closer and closer?!

Shou

It looks like their stubborn rivalry is drawing out their latent abilities!

Ichirin

It's adding to their existing physical abilities, allowing them to run at an unbelievable speed...!

Shou

I see the final checkpoint's wooden doll! Minamitsu! Please take care of it!

Minamitsu

Leave it to me! Don't stop running! I'll destroy the doll on the move!

Ichirin

Shou! Let's try to keep her as steady as possible so she can aim properly!

Shou

All right!

Minamitsu

Take that...!

Ichirin

Well done! That should put a little more distance between the other teams and us...

Tenshi & Yuugi

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!

Minamitsu

They aren't stopping either! They ran over and crushed the dolls with the same momentum!

Don't look behind! Just focus on running right now!

F-Forget about them! You'll freeze from fear if you look!

Hatate

This is such a fierce and tight race! Team Minamitsu is running from Team Shion and Team Parsee, who are chasing them!

Alice

This is such a good match... Marisa was right. We should've watched the lead-up to this.

Patchouli

But I must say... they all look very silly running while carrying their leaders like that...

Marisa

Stop putting a damper on it!

Minamitsu

A tree tied with a white cloth! That must be the finish line! Just one last push, everyone!

Shion

Miss Tenshi! Just a little more to go! You can do it!

Parsee

Come on, Yuugi! Give it your best! We can't lose to those chummy teams!

Marisa

Huh...? The finish tape has come undone from one side. Was it not tied tight enough?

Yuugi

Aaaaaaaaaaah!

Shou

Gah... they'll catch up to us...!

Tenshi

Roar, my wonderful legs! Shake the earth!

Ichirin

An earthquake?! So that's the ace up her sleeve...!

Minamitsu

What's with this puny earthquake? This is nothing compared to the surging waves I've sailed!

Hatate

The long-running Anti-Misfortune Grand Prix is finally coming to an end! Which team will win the championshiiiiiiiiiiiiip?!

Minamitsu, Shion & Parsee

We'll WIIIIIIIIN!

Hatate

GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAL! This marks the end of the Anti-Misfortune Grand Prix!

Alice

Wh-Which team won?!

Patchouli

They were neck and neck! It looked like they reached the finish line at the same time...

Reimu

Yes... They're such a troublesome bunch right until the very end...

Hatate

Don't worry about that. I was ready to snap a picture the moment they crossed the line.

Marisa

Way to go, assistant! C'mon! Let's hurry and check the photo to see who won!

Hatate

Since when am I your assistant...?

Hatate

We're checking to decide the winner of this photo finish. All the teams are requested to wait until we declare a winner.

Minamitsu

Wh-What are they going to decide? We won, didn't we? I'm sure we did...!

Don't worry! I'm sure we won this!

We gave it our best. So we can accept any outcome.

Shou

*huff*... *huff*... This sense of satisfaction... feels good. I don't think I've felt this way in a long time.

Ichirin

*huff*... *huff*... But it will feel even better if we're declared the winners.

Marisa

What?! Whoa, is this for real?! What are we gonna do about this...? *whisper* *whisper*

Hatate

We have no other choice. I mean... *whisper* *whisper* *whisper* *whisper*

Yuugi

Hey! You know who won, don't you? Then go on and announce it already. This suspense is killing me.

Tenshi

Go on! Tell us that I've won! And you better think twice about what might happen if you announce a name that's not mine!

Parsee

Stop it! I can't believe you've resorted to threats to try and steal the win... Oh, I get. You lack confidence.

Shion

I-It's going to be OK! I'm sure Miss Tenshi crossed the line first!

Marisa

Uh... actually...

Minamitsu, Shion & Parsee

*gulp*

Marisa

It's a draw. All the teams reached the finish line at exactly the same time.

Team Members

Come again...?

Marisa

It's a miraculous tie between three teams... Hatate has come to the same conclusion.

Hatate

Yes... No matter how many times we look at it, it's a perfect tie...

Minamitsu

N-No way... Now we can't even celebrate properly...

Tenshi

I-I refuse! I shall not accept this! A draw is as good as a loss to me!

Yuugi

We can't do anything about it... It's not like we can redo the whole race for it.

Tenshi

Oh! That's a nice idea! A rematch! Let's redo the race from the start!

Parsee

You can't be serious...

Shion

S-Sorry... I don't think my body can handle a rematch...

Hatate

But this is a problem... What should we do about this...?

Kogasa

Oh, you guys are finally here! What's going on?!

Marisa

Whoooooooooa?! Kogasa?! Where did you come from?!

Kogasa

Eh? Huh? Did I surprise you? Heehee...! No, wait, this isn't the time for that!

Raiko

We reached the finish line, but there was no one there. Where were you all until now?

Marisa

So that's why the finish tape was already cut...

Yatsuhashi

We didn't know what to do, so we went inside the shop to wait.

I knew we were forgetting something...

I felt something was missing...

Benben

So what happened to the race? Can someone explain, please?

Hatate

We had to suspend the race. Wait... how much do you know about all this?

Kogasa

Hm? We were just―

Kogasa

Hm... Huh? Wait... what are we doing here?

Raiko

Ah, I see you're finally awake. How are you feeling?

Benben

Do you remember that we bumped into Reimu, and she punished us for it?

Kogasa

Oh! Yes! What about the race?! And the other teams?!

Yatsuhashi

Team Yuuka is unconscious over there, but it looks like the other teams have gone ahead...

Kogasa

N-No way... I wanted to win the race and surprise everyone...

Raiko

Unfortunately, we can't do anything about that. But let's complete the race, at least.

Benben

Giving up part way through doesn't feel right. We've come this far, so let's finish it.

Kogasa

Yeah... Let's do that.

Yatsuhashi

What about Team Yuuka though? Should we wake them up?

Benben

Let them sleep in peace. They won't win anyway. Just like us...

Raiko

I'm sure they'll decide what they want to do once they wake up.

Kogasa

You're right. OK, let's go then. Let's see this through to the end and join the others!

Team Kogasa

Yeah!

Marisa

Huh? So basically... while we were busy dealing with the vengeful spirits and the magic circle...

Marisa

...you guys woke up before Team Yuuka and made your way to the finish line?

Marisa

But how did Team Yuuka not realize this?! How disinterested are they in the other teams?!

Kogasa

Vengeful spirits?! What are you talking about?! Where did they come from?!

Marisa

Well, never mind that. It's over now.

Kogasa

Over?! Huh?! Then what about the race?!

Marisa

Well... we had to suspend the race. But then...

Patchouli

The moment of truth for the organizer.

Alice

Everyone is waiting for a convincing answer, Marisa.

Marisa

*sob*... H-Hatate!

Hatate

I-I'm just the commentator! Don't drag me into the final decision-making!

Marisa

R-Reimu...!

Reimu

Running to me only when things get tough won't really help... Clean up your own mess.

Marisa

*sniff*...

Kogasa

Well?! What happened to the race then?

Marisa

...

Kogasa

Weeeeeeeell?!

Marisa

Team Kogasa wins!

Minamitsu, Shion & Parsee

Huh?!

Team Kogasa

Huuuuuuuuuuuh?!

Kogasa

HUUUUUUUUUUUUUH?!

Marisa

So there you have it! Now you can take care of the rest!

Reimu

Ah...! She ran!

Team Members

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiit!

Yuugi

Do you really think we're going to be satisfied by this end?! I'm not gonna let you get away before you settle this properly!

Tenshi

You can't run from me! Be it Senkai, the far side of the moon, or wherever! I will hunt you down!

Marisa

Eeeeeeeeeeeeep?!

Patchouli

Of course the participants aren't happy about this result. But I don't think her decision was that off the mark.

Reimu

Yeah, Team Kogasa didn't know what was going on, so it's not like they broke any rules. You can't disqualify them.

Alice

But... the way this ended was a mess. Marisa never changes, does she?

Reimu

A proper end would've been nice, but the way this ended is... How do I put it...? Such a Marisa way of doing things.

Patchouli

Indeed.

Kogasa

We won the race... but I should've thought of more ways to surprise everyone.

Benben

I think everyone was surprised at the very fact that we won...

Yatsuhashi

Hey, is it true that the race was suspended? I heard it was a big deal.

We had our hands full with something else.

Gensokyo was in danger.

Yatsuhashi

Oh... No wonder there was no one else at the finish line. And we had resigned ourselves to being the last ones to arrive.

Raiko

We should've realized something was wrong when even the commentators themselves weren't there.

Benben

To think that we won even after losing so much time at the shrine...

Team Members

Grr...

Parsee

Ah! They're back.

Yuugi

She got away. *sigh* She's so irresponsible.

Tenshi

She knows this forest inside and out. That's the only reason she got away from me.

Ichirin

Even Unzan can't see very far in this forest. The fatigue probably didn't help either.

Raiko

I didn't know Unzan also gets tired...

Minamitsu

That's OK. It might've been a draw, but at least we got to run an exciting race.

Tenshi

No! It's not at all OK! I refuse to accept this outcome!

Shion

Y-Yeah. This is no good.

Hatate

What exactly are you guys not happy about?

Tenshi

There are three teams in second place!

Tenshi

I hate half-baked results. I refuse to accept any ties.

Hatate

But everyone reached the finish line at exactly the same time. Do you want to look at the photo again? It's a perfect draw.

Hatate

Tenshi's hat, Minamitsu's ladle, and the tip of Miss Yuugi's horn. They all line up perfectly.

Tenshi

I can understand my hat, but does your horn even count?

Yuugi

My horn is a part of my body. Your hat is what's questionable.

Minamitsu

By that logic, isn't my ladle also contentious...?!

Tenshi

And anyway, if that whole magic circle ruckus never happened, we obviously would've won...

Yuugi

So what? Now you're gonna find faults with the whole race itself? It was done fair and square, so stop complaining!

Tenshi

Fair and square? You can't be serious. I wonder what would've happened if I had actually given it my all.

Yuugi

More like this was the true extent of your ability!

Shou

Calm down, everyone! The event is over. It's embarrassing to go on fighting over it like that!

Shou

The result has been decided. That's a fact. However, it's also a fact that Marisa has irresponsibly run away.

Tenshi

I don't like how our efforts are being taken lightly. This draw nonsense is unacceptable! We need a proper ranking!

Shou

Hmm, I wonder... What would Hijiri do in such a situation? Should we ask her...?

Ichirin

Telling Hijiri about this would only get us in trouble...

Minamitsu

The race is over, but everything is still so intense...

Oh, by the way, what's the extravagant prize?

I wonder what Team Kogasa will get as a reward.

Kogasa

Oh, right! I completely forgot about the prize!

Raiko

We didn't get anything yet. But Marisa is a collector, so I wonder if she has any sheet music from the outside world.

Benben

That'd be nice. It would be perfect for our victory concert.

Yatsuhashi

A victory concert?! That sounds amazing! We even have a new member now!

Kogasa

Wait, are you talking about me?

Yatsuhashi

Of course! We've worked hard and overcome difficulties together! You're already a splendid band member!

Kogasa

Did I really do well?! I was honestly just jumping around the best I could!

Raiko

How about you try singing next? With our music, I'm sure it'll be lit!

Kogasa

That sounds like it will be great even without my singing!

Parsee

I wanted to prove that Yuugi is truly powerful... This is really frustrating...

Yuugi

Well, there'll be other opportunities to prove my strength. But Parsee, why are you so upset...?

Parsee

Um... well... actually, I'm just jealous of the winners because I couldn't win.

Minamitsu

Hmmm... it looks like there are quite a few people not happy with the outcome. I don't really mind though.

Maybe we should talk to Marisa once more?

It would be faster to just ask Marisa.

Yuugi

Yeah, we won't get anywhere with us participants just quarreling about it. We need the organizer's opinion.

Kogasa

We also need to ask her about the extravagant prize for the winners!

Tenshi

Who cares about the prize?! I just can't excuse this nonsensical decision of a draw.

Kogasa

I care about the prize! This means we've got to find Marisa.

Parsee

But didn't she get away? What can we do then...?

Tenshi

Reporter, do you have any idea where Marisa could've gone?

Hatate

If Alice and Patchouli have taken her, then she's probably at Alice's place. It's not that far from here.

Minamitsu

Did they take Marisa away to continue scolding her...? I kind of feel bad for her...

Shou

Murasa, it's a blessing to have people who will scold you. Criticism is a form of caring, after all.

Minamitsu

O-Of course, I know that very well!

Ichirin

It would've been the end of Gensokyo if it weren't for those two. I understand why they'd want to scold her so much.

Shou

But we can't just leave things as they are. And there are many who aren't happy with the outcome...

Shou

Miss Hatate, PLAYER... will you help us out here?

Hatate

Fine. All the responsibility for this has been forced upon me anyway.

Of course. Let's go after Marisa.

Minamitsu

It will be quicker if we all look for her together!

Yuugi

Parsee, you're coming too, right?

Parsee

I knew I'd be dragged around... I'll join, but there's no guarantee that I'll be able to help.

Kogasa

Great! Let's all go together and surprise her!

Minamitsu

Are we going there to talk about the outcome of the race or to surprise her...?

Kogasa

Why? Can't I surprise her?

Minamitsu

It's not that you can't... But... Hmmm... No, I take that back. You can't surprise her.

Benben

This is such a damp and depressing place. The humidity might mess with the tuning of our strings.

Yatsuhashi

Yeah, this place probably isn't suitable for musical instruments like us. Raiko, are you familiar with this area?

Raiko

Hm, not really... I just know that Miss Alice's place is close to Marisa's house.

Kogasa

Um, which way is it? That way? Or was it this way?

Parsee

Hmm, she's a human, so why does she live in a place with such thick miasma everywhere? She's so strange.

Raiko

Huh...? What's that? Do you hear it? It sounds like the ground is rumbling.

Benben

Ah, you're right. It's a foreboding deep bass sound...

Minamitsu

You two sure are sensitive to sound. But I also have a very bad feeling about this...

Shion

Wait a minute. Isn't the rumbling getting closer to us? I-I'm scared...

Tenshi

Don't worry, Shion. Who do you think is standing next to you? Be it a beast or an oni... I will take them down.

Yuugi

And who do you think is standing next to you...?

Parsee

There's no need to start fighting again now...

Shou

Ah! I saw a shadow! Something is approaching at tremendous speed!

Minamitsu

Enemy ship approaching! Hard a-starboard! Take evasive action!

Ichirin

This is bad! Unzan, cover PLAYER! Huh? Isn't that...?

Utsuho

Move it, move it! The super fast, super strong team is coming through!

Minamitsu

That's...! Team Kokoro!

Shou

It seems like the rumbling was from their reckless running. I feel relieved now that we know the cause.

Ichirin

Isn't it a bit too early to feel relieved?! They're rushing right at us!

Saki

Great! I can see the late starters now! C'mon, let's overtake them! Make those muscles work!

Aya

We had given up on winning because we were running the course backward. But we can't give up on being the fastest!

Kokoro

Amazing! Our coordination may not have been great, but I was right to gather the fastest members I could find.

Kokoro

C'mon! Prepare yourself! We're here to take the extravagant winning prize!

Kogasa

W-Wait a minute! The race ended a long time ago!

Yatsuhashi

Hey, Miss Organizer! The information hasn't been communicated properly! Do something!

Hatate

I'm just a commentator. Marisa is the one who―

Hatate

But well, she got taken away right after the race ended... I'll go look for her!

Utsuho

That's a lie! The race isn't over!

Utsuho

Oh, I get it...! You're playing one of those mind trick things!

Aya

Do you think they're trying to trick us because they know they can't beat us in terms of speed? That's quite possible.

Saki

How impudent!

Minamitsu

Um, but we beat you because we were faster...

Saki

C'mon, everyone! The last wooden doll is straight ahead! Just one last push! We can do it! Let's go!

Kokoro

Hey, cheering is my job! Don't cheer more than me!

Shou

Th-They're not listening...

Aya

OK, let's just say that we believe you for a second. How do you explain the fact that you're in such a hurry then?

Yatsuhashi

We're looking for Marisa! We need to set a lot of things straight!

Benben

We won, but we still haven't received the prize!

Raiko

We still need to have the fancy winner's parade!

Kokoro

What?! Are you telling me that Team Kogasa won...?! Impossible! I know it's rude to say that, but still!

Utsuho

Oh, wow. So the tsukumogami team won? Congrats!

Saki

Hey! Hell raven! Stop being so moved by all of this! Don't you see? Our opponents are trying to trick us!

Utsuho

What?! I didn't realize!

Aya

They're ganging up against us. Are foul misinformation tactics even allowed?! Hey, referee! Hatate! Where did she go?!

Parsee

This argument is going nowhere. Gah, such a pain.

Tenshi

I didn't think someone could be so thick-headed. I'm in utter shock.

Yuugi

That sounds strange coming from you...

Shou

They're so determined not to believe us... What should we do...?

Aya

"Where's the Referee?! Read All About the Rigged Race!" ―Yep, this sounds good.

It's amazing how she has the time to write a headline...

What do we do? They aren't stopping...

Aya

The wooden doll! I see the final wooden doll!

Saki

C'mon, you guys! Give it all you've got! Don't worry about the sore muscles you might have tomorrow!

Utsuho

Roger. Full SPEEEEED!

Benben

Oh, no... They're coming this way even faster now!

Yatsuhashi

This is bad!

Minamitsu

Argh! I guess we have no other choice. Everyone, change course! We're going to fight back!

Kokoro

Ah, they're planning on blocking our way! Ram into them!

Kokoro

What's this...? The finish line tape really has been cut.

Saki

Does that mean... we aren't first?! How could I, the jet-black Pegasus... lose to someone at running?!

Utsuho

Th-This is frustrating... All we have to show for our efforts is an empty stomach.

Aya

Ah, I don't even have the energy left to comment on that...

Aya

But well, I'm hungry too. Let's go have a meal somewhere and discuss how we could have done better.

Kokoro

I still have some bento left over.

Kokoro

And I also saw a place with a good view when we were running. Let's go eat there.

Team Kokoro

Let's!

Saki

It's good to drink kinako milk right after any physical activity.

Utsuho

What's that? It sounds delicious.

Ichirin

Ah, wait! If you don't finish the race, your ranking will―*sigh*...

Raiko

They just had to walk a little bit more, and they'd have finished the race...

Minamitsu

That was unfortunate. None of the other teams have crossed the line yet, so they would've ranked third.

Kogasa

Huh...? I-Is the ground shaking again?

Raiko

I feel it too. Something is headed our way again... It seems like there are three main sources of sound.

Yatsuhashi

Is it possible that the remaining three teams also don't know that the race has ended?

Benben

That's probably it. I have a bad feeling about this...

Nitori

We just need to overtake them and finish the race! Let's do this in one stretch, Hina!

Team Hina

YEAAAAAAAAAH!

Komachi

There's a reason why I cannot stop!

Komachi

Let's go, let's go, let's go!

Medicine

I slept for an awfully long time earlier... but I can't afford to lose! I need to do this for Yuuka!

Medicine

Yuuka... I'm going to make sure we win!

Ichirin

Yep, it's the remaining teams!

Yuugi

Not again... How do we convince them this time?

Tenshi

Isn't that obvious? We'll use the method you and I love the most.

Yuugi

Hmph, I thought I'd never get along with the likes of you, Tenshi. But I see we finally agree on something.

Parsee

Whatever. Now just eat this and cool your heads. Nothing good is going to come from the two of you running rampant.

Yuugi

Hm? *nom* *nom*... It's cold and delicious. What is it?

Parsee

It's a special hashihime recipe... crushed ice that was split with a long cursed nail.

Parsee

I thought this would help cool you down after running. Or stop you from getting all hot-headed and going on a rampage...

Minamitsu

U-Um, you guys... We have something to tell you...

Nitori

What is it all of a sudden? This race is a serious competition. If you're going to interfere, then we have to battle!

Minamitsu

W-We aren't trying to interfere. The race has already ended.

Hina

What?! No way...

Nitori

Nope! We won't fall for that!

Nitori

I know all your tricks! You're trying to catch us off guard by pretending that the race is over!

Nitori

I mean, where are Marisa and Hatate then?! I might believe it if they were the ones who said that!

Minamitsu

That's what I'm saying. They're not here because the race has ended. Miss Hatate went to look for Marisa after that...

Nitori

How dare you involve the tengu from the management side in your lies...?! How unfair and cowardly is that?!

Kutaka

They're saying the race is over... Let's just end it then. Let's withdraw.

Komachi

Nope. No way. This boat―WE shall not stop... Never!

Urumi

I haven't seen Komachi get this serious about anything in a long time. I guess we can go along with it for a while.

Urumi

It's like that time she was being chased by the Yama. Hmm...? No, that can't mean...

Medicine

Th-They're saying that the race is over! Wh-What do we do, Yuuka?!

Yuuka

Flowers are solitary. The only one you can trust is yourself. Win this for yourself, Medicine.

Medicine

All right! Conpallo, conpallo! Full throttle!

Minamitsu

Wh-Why are they all so reluctant to believe us...?

Tenshi

They're such a troublesome bunch.

Yuugi

Yeah. They don't listen at all.

Parsee

That's not very convincing at all coming from you guys...

Nitori

Quiet, you onlookers! This is the moment of truth that'll decide whether we win or lose!

Nitori

The extravagant prize will be ours! Get ready!

Hina

A-Are we really doing this...?

Hina

Well, we have come this far... So I also want to see it through to the end! P-Prepare yourselves!

Team Hina

GOOOOOAAAL!

Nitori

Yay! Woohoo! It's the finish line! We won!

Hina

Hehe... Way to go, Nitori! This is the best outcome ever!

Shou

On behalf of the referee, I, Shou Toramaru, an avatar of Bishamonten, have confirmed the conclusion of this race.

Shou

First of all, I'd like to congratulate every team that finished.

Shou

The final standings of Team Kogasa, Team Minamitsu, Team Shion, and Team Parsee are still being deliberated.

Shou

Team Kokoro disappeared just before reaching the finish line, so I'm afraid I must declare that they withdrew from the race.

Nitori

Hehe... It looks like my strategy to feign innocence and act like we won failed...

Ichirin

Ah... so that was your strategy.

Nitori

*sigh* How unfortunate. Sorry, Hina. I couldn't win. And you were even cheering so much for me...

Hina

We might've lost, but we did the best we could. Thank you for running this race with me, Nitori.

Nitori

Hina...! *sob* Thank you!

Parsee

Do you want some crushed ice...?

Nitori

Hm? Thanks. Wow, it's so cold and refreshing! I feel free from all my frustration and jealousy!

Hina

Wow, mixing this with Cucumber Shiriko makes it taste delicious!

Nitori

Really?! That's a new invention! Great! I can release a new summer drink based on this!

Medicine

Sorry, Yuuka... I lost...

Yuuka

It's OK. It was quite fun. I'm happy that I got to see so many places with you.

Yuuka

We were just rushing through them today, but let's have a leisurely walk next time and visit places with beautiful flowers.

Medicine

Wow! That sounds really fun!

Raiko

They somehow seem even happier than us. Even though we're the ones who won...

Yatsuhashi

They're so positive.

Benben

It's really praiseworthy how quickly they managed to change their mood.

Parsee

It must be nice to be so optimistic...

I'm kind of jealous of how happy everyone is.

But it really was fun.

Minamitsu

You're right, PLAYER. We might not have won this time, but...

Minamitsu

Someday... Myouren Temple will be at the top... Let's celebrate together when that happens.

Ichirin

Huh? Team Komachi is still running even after crossing the finish line... Should we go stop them?

Kogasa

Just ignore them. We need to go look for Miss Marisa!

Kutaka

*huff* *huff*... Are we really going to keep running...?

Urumi

I'm guessing she sensed the presence of her boss. But I'd feel bad if I just abandoned her, so I'll go along with it.

Komachi

Y-You guessed right! Let's go Kutaka! Go, go, Urumi!

Urumi

Gosh... You better treat us to dinner tonight!

Kogasa

Come on, let's get back to looking for Miss Marisa!

Yatsuhashi

Hmm, Hatate should've returned with a lead on Marisa's whereabouts or with Marisa herself by now.

Kogasa

Let's try calling out to her. Maybe she'll respond. Heeey! Miss Marisa! Miss Maaariiisaaaa!

Yuugi

You won't get an answer with that soft voice of yours! Let me handle this!

Yuugi

*deep breath*

Yuugi

MARISAAAAAAAAAAAAA! WHEEEEEEREEEEEEE AREEEEEEE YOOOOOOOOU?!

Minamitsu

Whoa, I can actually feel the reverberation...! She's ridiculously loud! But, well, that's to be expected from Yuugi.

Ichirin

Amazing, it even made fruit fall from the trees. She's as loud as Kyouko... No, actually, she might be even louder.

Shion

Ah, a tengu fell down along with the fruit.

Hatate

...! I thought my ear drums would burst.

Hatate

Sorry to have kept you all waiting... I found Marisa.

Hatate

She's hiding at Alice's place. I saw her having tea while getting lectured. The dolls were also busy poking her.

Shion

Great, you found her.

Kogasa

Hmm... I thought scaring people by screaming was a bit too stereotypical...

Kogasa

But maybe if I train to scream as loud as possible, I could use my voice as a weapon to scare anyone without fail!

Kogasa

I've decided! I'm going to start training my voice!

Yatsuhashi

Huh? Have you suddenly decided to join the band now?

Benben

I wonder what made her change her mind.

Marisa

What was that loud voice earlier...? It even made Alice's house shake. Was that Kyouko?

Marisa

No... it was Yuugi, wasn't it? Did she forget something?

Marisa

I'm here. State your business.

Kogasa

Ah! There she is! We finally found her!

Minamitsu

Well, well, well. It's time to pay up.

Marisa

So it's you guys, after all... The race is over. Why are you here?

Marisa

Right now, I'm the most tired person in all of Gensokyo. If you're looking for a playmate, please find someone else.

Ichirin

The race might be over, but your job isn't. There are still things you need to do.

Shou

Exactly. A wise person once said that it's not over until it's over. Now listen to what Team Kogasa has to say.

Marisa

If listening is the only thing I gotta do, then fine.

Kogasa

Miss Marisa! We won, you know?!

Marisa

Huh...? Yeah, I know. I was right there when that happened.

Raiko

I get that the race had to be suspended once, and there was a lot of trouble. But a win is a win. Our team is the winner.

Kogasa

Miss Marisa! WE WON, you know?!

Marisa

Of course, I know. You said the exact same thing a moment ago...

Marisa

What? Do you want me to sing you a celebration song or something?

Yatsuhashi

You're doing it all wrong! What's with that lifeless voice of yours?!

Benben

Be more aware of the rhythm! Use all the air in your lungs! That'll make it sound powerful!

Marisa

Hm... Am I going to get scolded because of my singing now...?

Benben

No, that's not why we're here... Isn't there something that you need to give us?

Yatsuhashi

The prize! We're talking about the prize! At the start of the race, you said there was an extravagant prize for the winners!

Benben

Don't you dare say that you forgot!

Kogasa

Exactly! And WE WON!

Marisa

An extravagant prize for the winners?! Did I promise such a thing?

Marisa

Did I really say that?

Raiko

You did.

Yatsuhashi

Yes, you did.

Benben

Yep, you did.

Parsee

You did.

Yuugi

I think you did.

Tenshi

You certainly did.

Ichirin

Yes, you said that.

Minamitsu

I heard you say that.

Shou

You definitely did.

Hatate

I even have it recorded.

Kogasa

Seeeeeeeeee!

Benben

We worked really hard, you know?! Even though we participated in this race without knowing anything about it!

Yatsuhashi

Yeah! It was reaaaaaaally difficult!

Marisa

Aw, c'mon... What's with the "we worked hard," "it was really difficult" nonsense...?

Marisa

I did my best too, y'know?!

Marisa

I had to deal with so many difficulties today! My experiment failed, and then I got scolded...!

Raiko

You planned everything thinking it'd work out, but it backfired, and you got scolded on top of that. Yeah... I feel bad for you.

Raiko

But you know what? We all had fun. That's exactly why we want this to end properly...

Marisa

So you're gonna protest against the organizer?! I hope you realize that if you make me mad, I can disqualify you!

Yatsuhashi

Such tyranny!

Raiko

Is that even allowed...?

Benben

I can't believe this...

Kogasa

Miss Marisa! We weren't trying to anger you...

Marisa

Aw, geez! Fine! You want the extravagant prize, yeah?! I'll give it to you! A special, extravagant one!

Marisa

Exceptional and extravagant! My magnificent and brilliant bullets! This is the winning prize! Be grateful and accept it!

Marisa

*huff* *huff* Argh! If only I wasn't so exhausted...!

Raiko

Well...? I hope you've calmed down a bit after letting it all out in the battle of bullets.

Marisa

Hope I've calmed down?! Stop making it sound like I was lashing out despite being in the wrong―

Marisa

―or maybe I was... Sorry.

Raiko

Marisa... you really didn't plan anything out at all, did you? You just made up the thing about a prize on the fly...

Yatsuhashi

What?! R-Really?! No way... I was really looking forward to it...

Marisa

Well, my goal was to complete the magic circle. The whole race was just a cover, after all.

Marisa

But... I'm sorry. I might've just made it up, but a promise is a promise.

Marisa

I'll pick something from my collection. I don't know if I have anything that'll interest you though...

Marisa

But it's my personal collection, so it's pretty extravagant. Please accept it as the prize and forgive me.

Kogasa

Really?! Yay!

Isn't that great?!

I wonder what the prize will be.

Marisa

OK, I'm heading back home, so come with me.

Minamitsu

This should settle the matter... I hope.

Marisa

Phew... Finally home. It was such a long day.

Marisa

OK, I now invite the winning team to enter my Kirisame Magic Shop. I shall now present the award.

Tenshi

Wait a minute. Our matter isn't resolved yet!

Marisa

Whoa... Don't tell me you wanna get the results changed so long after the fact.

They're not happy with the three-way tie for second.

They're here to have you rank the teams that tied.

Marisa

I don't know what to say... I thought I showed you the photo and convinced you that it was a draw.

Parsee

That's the same as judging it by eye. The odds for all of us to finish the race at the exact same time are astronomical!

Tenshi

We're talking about deciding who the de facto winner is here, you know?!

Minamitsu

She realized the result couldn't be changed, so now she's started using "de facto" to describe this result...

Ichirin

If we look at the race after it was started afresh, then I guess you could call it the de facto winner.

Marisa

Aw, geez... Fine! Then we'll decide the winner with a second place tiebreaker!

Parsee

A tiebreaker...? What will we have to do?

Marisa

You guys can decide that among yourselves. You can have a battle of bullets, an eating competition, or anything.

Shion

I vote for an eating competition!

Marisa

Well, do as you please. As long as you don't involve me, I honestly don't care about how you come to a decision.

Yuugi

Hehehe... I'm fine with this. There's nothing better than resolving this peacefully.

Yuugi

Let's rush to Former Hell's Hot Spring Town! Once we're done with the tiebreaker, we can enjoy the hot springs! Follow me!

Tenshi

Hehe, now we can prove that we're the winners.

Shion

The "de facto" winners, you mean...

Parsee

How can you think that you've already won? I'm jealous of how you can be so full of unwarranted confidence.

Yuugi

What about you, Myouren Temple Team? Will you be joining us?

Minamitsu

Ahaha... We'll pass on that. We're just relieved that the race is over without any problems...

Shou

It's frustrating that we couldn't win, but it's not like we have any complaints about the results.

Ichirin

But above all, we're exhausted after this long debate.

Tenshi

So that means we win by default?! Well, nothing would change even if you did come along.

Yuugi

That's some confidence you've got there. Don't blame me if you end up crying later.

Tenshi

Bring it on! I'll show you how a celestial is way out of your league! Let's go, Shion!

Shion

What if that place goes bankrupt because I went there...?

Marisa

Looks like the noisy ones have left. OK, the rest of you can come on in. It's a little messy, though.

Kogasa

Is this what you call... a "little" messy?

Shou

So this is the Kirisame Magic Shop... Since it's a shop, does that mean everything here is for sale?

Marisa

Almost everything here is something that I've collected as a hobby. Hardly anything is for sale.

Minamitsu

Then shouldn't you call it a warehouse...?

Raiko

But I must say, I'm quite appalled by the state of this place.

Yatsuhashi

I agree... It shows a lack of respect for things...

Marisa

Uh... What do you mean?

Benben

Everything has a soul. And no soul likes to dwell in something that's treated poorly. They may start to resent the owner.

Benben

Didn't your hakkero go berserk once before? Don't blame us if you get into trouble again.

Kogasa

If I were one of the tools here... I'd probably curse you out of a desire to be handled better.

Marisa

All right, all right! I'll tidy up this place, so please just stop lecturing me!

Marisa

Gosh... It's like I've been served a lifetime's worth of lectures all in one day today.

Ichirin

Don't worry. Once you turn into a youkai, your lifetime will also increase. You know magic, so it's possible for you.

Marisa

I don't want to quit being human only to have my lifetime's worth of lectures increase...

Kogasa

By the way, have you decided on the winning prize?

Marisa

Oh, right. Wait a minute, OK?

I hope it's something nice.

I wonder what she'll bring out...

Kogasa

Hehe, I'm kind of excited now.

Marisa

I'm back. This is the extravagant prize for the race.

Kogasa

Um, is that really the prize?

Raiko

It looks like just an ordinary log...

Marisa

W-Wait a second! It might look like that, but it's a prized possession!

Yatsuhashi

What's so great about this log then?

Marisa

It contains mushroom spores from the Forest of Magic and strong magical power. With the right environment...

Marisa

...you can have an inexhaustible supply of mushrooms! And that's not all. Its magic can do a whole lot more...

Marisa

Well, so that's everything it can do!

Team Kogasa

Hmmm...

Marisa

Wh-What now?! I even took the trouble to explain it to you. You should be jumping with joy!

Benben

I mean... it's mushrooms.

Kogasa

Well, I had something a little different in mind... And I barely understood half of what you said.

Marisa

Wh-What's with that?! If you don't want it, then give it back!

Shou

Hehe, I don't think it's that bad.

Raiko

Huh? Really? Don't you think it's a bit too cheap?

Shou

Today's race has helped build stronger bonds. This log is something tangible that represents the memories we made.

Kogasa

The race was certainly tough... but that's what made us work hard together.

Yatsuhashi

I learned how difficult it is to get something done smoothly together... and not just in terms of music.

Benben

Come to think of it, we struggled to keep up with everyone at first.

Raiko

I get it. The memories we made today are the best prize we could receive. In that sense... it's actually not that bad.

Minamitsu

Then doesn't that mean we've also received a fantastic prize even though we didn't win?!

A lot happened, but it was also a lot of fun!

I'm happy I got to race with everyone!

Marisa

That's our avatar of Bishamonten for you. She said it so well that I want to say she took the words right out of my mouth.

Shou

Oh, dear. They might be just words, but you can't go stealing them. Maybe you need some more lecturing today.

Marisa

Ack! No more, please!

Kogasa

By the way, I have a question about this log thing. Can I use it to scare people somehow?

Minamitsu

Hm... I think that'd be a little difficult, but I'm rooting for you...

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