Myouren Detectives: The Phantom Sniper
Index
- Fatal Error
- Start New Game?
- A Ladle-Full of Mystery
- The Plot Thickens
- Fresh Accusations
- Tracking Down Leads
- The Shadow of Doubt
- Belief in a Friend
- Two Nues!
- Jumping to Conclusions
- A Trail of Clues
- Recruiting Helpers
- Warning Notice
- Dance of Deduction
- Shadows in the Night
- Moonlit Confrontation
- A Most Successful Plan
- Detectives Get the Last Laugh
- A New Day
- The Sun Shines on a Case Closed
- Thieving Detectives
- A Narrow Escape
- No Honor Among Thieves
- Detective Showdown
- A Happy-ish Ending
Fatal Error
Joon
We did it! The treasure's ours!
Yachie
And we took it from the Palace of the Earth Spirits, no less, with all its shady dealings and illegal auctions!
Yachie
Those dastardly sisters and their evil pets put up quite a fight. Not to mention all the security traps!
Yamame
I know, right? It was so scary! But the plan worked. Now we just need to get out of here!
???
Not so fast!
Joon
I-It's the Three Witch Detectives! And PLAYER's with them!
Yamame
PLAYER... I can't believe you're on their side!
I'm sorry, you guys. I didn't have a choice...
Joon
...Well, if we're allowed to be phantom thieves, I suppose you're allowed to be a detective.
Alice
I'm sorry, but you're going to have to return what you've stolen.
Yachie
But this was set to be auctioned off at one of their illegal auctions. Why should we return it?
Patchouli
We know all about their little auctions, and we're investigating that too.
Marisa
You might think you're doing the right thing stealing from these guys, but as detectives, we can't turn a blind eye.
Yachie
So we can't be on the same side even though we both agree what they're doing here is wrong?
Patchouli
Unfortunately, that's how it is. Glad you understand. Now hand over the treasure.
Joon
I think it's time for us to leave. C'mon, let's get outta here!
Yachie
Take that!
Marisa
Eek! Wh-What is this?!
Patchouli
It's just a smoke bomb! All we need to do is blow the smoke away!
Marisa
Hey! The phantom thieves are gone! Where did they go─
Alice
Look, over there!
Yamame
Did you think you had us cornered? My webs can easily reach the ceiling!
Joon
Way to go, Yamame! Now, let's get outta here!
Marisa
Damn it. They're a tough bunch! Quick, after them!
Yamame
*sigh*... I didn't expect those detectives to show up. But I think we're in the clear!
Yachie
Yeah, it won't be easy for them to catch up to us with all the traps lying around. Plus, that place is practically a maze.
Yachie
Hehe, good thing we prepared an escape route.
Joon
Yep, looks like we lost them. Let's get back to the boss.
???
Those weren't the only detectives on your tail.
Joon
That voice... I don't recognize it. Who are you?!
Nazrin
If you thought you could get away with this, then think again. The Myouren Detectives are on the case!
Shou
Unfortunately for you, we already know your escape route, and there are officers stationed at every turn.
Nazrin
Face it, it's over. I suggest you surrender peacefully.
Yamame
N-No way!
Joon
S-So what?! We're Joon's Phantom Thieves. You think we're scared of a few police officers?!
Shou
We're well aware of who you are. We wouldn't leave it up to the police to catch you.
Yachie
Well, go on then, how exactly do you plan on catching us?
Nazrin
Hm... All right, I'll tell you. My assistant─Shou Toramaru is the plan.
Joon
Huh? Your plan... is your assistant?!
Nazrin
That's right. She's a highly skilled martial artist. There's just one issue─she's terrible at pulling her punches.
Yamame
You can't threaten us! I've got a smoke bomb with your name on it!
Shou
Not on my watch! Sokushin! Rasen! Ensou!
Shou
Take this! Somosan! SEPPAAAA!
Yamame
AAAAAHHH!
Joon
Wh-What is this?! What kind of detective are you?!
Yachie
L-Looks like we underestimated her!
Nazrin
Ready to surrender now?!
Shou
Wh-What was that?!
Nazrin
There's a sniper... But where?!
Nue
Sorry, I'm late!
Joon
Nue! It took you long enough!
Nue
I said I'm sorry! You all get on out of here. I'll handle these two!
Nazrin
W-Wait!
Nue
I won't take your life... but if you move one inch, I'll shoot.
Shou
I didn't know there were more of them... Looks like we're beaten, Nazrin.
Nazrin
We can't let them get away. We gotta do something about that sniper...!
Marisa
Phew, we finally made it! ...Hold up. Where are the phantom thieves?!
Patchouli
Judging by the looks of things, I'd say they've escaped. Wait, who's that over there?
Nazrin
Things haven't exactly been going our way.
Shou
But you've come at the right time.
Shou
You deal with that sniper, and we'll go after the thieves─
Marisa
Whoa, what's this?!
Alice
We're glitching out! Don't tell me─
Nazrin
This is bad. We need to hurry...!
Fatal error, fatal error. Commencing emergency evacuation program. Repeat. Fatal error, fatal error─
Start New Game?
Marisa
Phew, that was close!
Alice
That was some glitch, huh? It's scary to think what would've happened without the evacuation program.
Last time, the heat in Hell made it malfunction.
Maybe that chocolate bar ruined it for good...
Nazrin
Did you say chocolate bar?
Shou
If you look closely, the tiny swap box is actually filthy. All this dust and melted chocolate...
Patchouli
It needs to be taken apart and properly cleaned. Otherwise, the glitches will only get worse.
Nazrin
Isn't there something we could use in this pile of junk? As far as I can see, it's all worthless.
Marisa
Hey! Whaddya mean?! What about this pointy thing? Or that soggy wooden thing?
Patchouli
"Junk" is putting it lightly. I wonder how many of my books are lost in this pile...
Shou
But I must say, that Chivalrous Phantom Thief Princess game sure was fun. Don't you think so, Nazrin?
Nazrin
Hmm... it was OK, I guess.
Marisa
You looked like you were having fun to me. You've got the costume on and everything!
Nazrin
Master was the one having fun. And besides, the only reason I'm wearing this costume─
Shou
Ah, Nazrin! I knew I'd find you here!
Nazrin
What's wrong, Master?
Shou
It's my Jeweled Pagoda...
Shou
I think I've lost it!
Nazrin
I figured as much. I'll use dowsing to look for it.
Nazrin
It should be somewhere around here... Hm?
Marisa
I found this lying on the path back there. It's yours, right?
Shou
Yes! Thank you, Marisa!
Nazrin
Are you actually returning it? Wow, thanks.
Shou
I owe you one, Marisa. What can I do to thank you?
Marisa
You don't need to thank me. I found it by accident.
Shou
Yes, but you also kept it safe and brought it back to me. I simply must find a way to thank you.
Marisa
But there's nothing I want... Oh, I know!
Marisa
I have plans with Alice and Patchouli. Why don't you come along?
Nazrin
What kind of plans?
Marisa
Heh heh, about that...
Nazrin
I can't believe your "plans" were to dress up and play detective. Why did you you need me to join in...?
Patchouli
It wasn't that bad, was it? It's been a long time since I played detective, and I must say, I quite enjoyed it.
Shou
We were just getting to the good bit, though. Let's fix the tiny swap box and keep playing.
Nazrin
Fine... I guess I don't mind playing once in a while. You did have these outfits made, after all.
Alice
Hehe, glad you like them. But I think it's time to call it a day.
Marisa
OK, see you guys later─
???
Someone...! Anyone...! Come quick!
Patchouli
Wh-What was that?!
Shou
I don't know, but we'd better go check it out!
A Ladle-Full of Mystery
Nue
Wow, someone really came! Good thing I called for help!
Shou
What happened here?
Nue
Murasa's favorite ladle has been stolen!
Alice
Her favorite ladle? You mean... the one she's holding?
Minamitsu
No, a different one that came with an outfit I bought from Kourindou. It just vanished...
Nue
We can't find it anywhere. Could you help us look for it?
Of course! Let's look together!
We've got to find that ladle!
Nazrin
Well, I suppose we are all wearing detective outfits. Let's do this!
Minamitsu
Thank you!
Marisa
OK guys, let's split up and look for it!
Nazrin
Hold on. Going in blind will just be a waste of time. First, we should go over what we know.
Patchouli
That does sound like the smarter approach. Murasa, tell us everything.
Minamitsu
All right! Um... I remember using it this morning─
Minamitsu
We've got to keep splashing water around the temple to help everyone stay cool in this heat.
Minamitsu
But with this outfit and my favorite ladle, it's a cinch!
Minamitsu
It's not quite what it was designed for... but oh, well.
Minamitsu
Hm...? Oh, hi, Nazrin! What are you doing here?
Nazrin
Hey. I just came along with Master.
Shou
I have plans with Marisa today, and she's meeting us here.
Nazrin
She said she had somewhere to go first, but she should be here any minute.
Minamitsu
Oh, that's nice! And, look, there she is.
Marisa
Sup! Sorry to keep you waiting.
Alice
I went and picked up your outfits. They're kind of heavy, though, so why don't you go change into them now?
Shou
OK, you can rest in the main temple while you wait. Come on, everyone, it's this way.
Patchouli
We're right behind you.
Alice
You're right. I remember you having the ladle then.
Minamitsu
Yes, and then I left it on the stairs outside the main temple to go finish my morning chores.
Minamitsu
But after you all left, I noticed the ladle was missing!
Nue
We looked in and around the temple, but we couldn't find it anywhere.
Nazrin
Hmm... Are there any signs an animal or a bird might've snuck in?
Nue
Not that I saw. I did check up in the sky, but I doubt a bird flew off with it.
Nazrin
I see... Well, in that case, the most obvious explanation is that someone took it.
Nazrin
And that "someone" is one of us...
Marisa
Whoa, whoa. Are you saying one of us is a thief?!
Shou
So basically, everyone who was in the temple around the time the ladle disappeared... is a suspect?
Nazrin
Yes. But we can rule out Hijiri and Ichirin. They have no reason to take it.
Shou
Kyouko was there early this morning, but she left for band practice before the ladle went missing. It can't be her either.
Nazrin
That's right. Nue could've taken it, but if she did, she'd have concealed it somewhere.
Nue
True, but... I didn't take it!
Shou
I know.
Alice
That leaves me, Marisa, Patchouli, PLAYER, and you two... So one of us took it?
Patchouli
But who would do such a thing? Wait a minute...?!
Nazrin
Have you worked it out too? I can't prove anything yet, but someone said something VERY suspicious today.
Marisa
So who did it?!
Nazrin
The one who stole Murasa's ladle is... YOU!
The Plot Thickens
Alice
You're joking... right?
Nazrin
Not in the slightest. I have no doubt she's the one who took it.
Nazrin
Isn't that right, Marisa Kirisame?!
Marisa
I-I didn't steal anything! What reason do you have to accuse me?
Nazrin
I have every reason. Remember when you said─
Shou
If you look closely, the tiny swap box is actually filthy. All this dust and melted chocolate...
Patchouli
It needs to be taken apart and properly cleaned. Otherwise, the glitches will only get worse.
Nazrin
Isn't there something we could use in this pile of junk? As far as I can see, it's all worthless.
Marisa
Hey! Whaddya mean?! What about this pointy thing? Or that soggy wooden thing?
Nazrin
That "soggy wooden thing" was, in fact, Murasa's ladle, wet from splashing water. Care to deny it?
Marisa
...
Patchouli
So it was you...
Alice
Marisa, did you really...?
Marisa
Fine, I admit it. It was me!
Marisa
I've always thought it looked cool, so I borrowed it. But then I completely forgot about it!
Nue
So we found the thief, right?
Marisa
No! I-I mean... well, yeah... but I'm not exactly a thief. I just borrowed it for a bit. I was gonna give it back!
Patchouli
Who knows how many of my books you've "just borrowed for a bit" without ever returning...
Marisa
Hmm, I can think of at least four... No, five! Oh, but then there's that big one I haven't got around to reading yet...
Everyone
...
Marisa
I-I'll return them later, I promise! Everyone just needs to calm down!
Patchouli & Shou
No more excuses!
Marisa
AAAAAAAAAH?!
Marisa
Sorry, I couldn't stop myself...
Alice
You really need to start asking for permission to borrow things.
Minamitsu
Thank you for getting to the bottom of this, you two!
Shou
It's only natural to help those in need. And it's all thanks to Nazrin's deduction skills.
Nue
You guys were like real detectives!
Nazrin
Well, we did our best. I'm just glad everything worked out fine.
Marisa
Not for me though...
???
...
Marisa
All right, let's call it a day for real this time.
Patchouli
Agreed. Marisa, I'll go back with you to your place.
Marisa
Huh? Why?
Alice
Obviously, because she wants her books back. You've also "borrowed" a fair few things from me, so I'm coming too.
Marisa
But I'm not done with all that stuff. Plus, I'm pretty sure I've forgotten where some things are...
Marisa
Ow, ow, OWWW! You guys are so rough! Quit dragging me like that!
Minamitsu
Hey! Don't forget to return my ladle!
Shou
It's been a busy day, but I guess we'll head back to the temple.
OK, then I'll go back to Reimu's place!
I had fun today! Let's do this again sometime!
Shou
Wait, PLAYER. Why don't you join us for some tea at Myouren Temple?
Nazrin
...You just want to ask her more about the tiny swap box, don't you, Master?
Shou
Hahaha, nothing gets by you, does it, Nazrin? But I really would like to have tea with her.
OK, that sounds lovely!
You'll be joining us, right, Nue?
Nue
I-I want to, but... Hmm, what should I do?
Shou
Nue, you don't need to be so formal. Come on, let's go.
Nue
OK, I guess I can─
???
Hey! Hold it right there!
Nazrin
Uh-oh. Sounds like more trouble. We'd better get out of here.
Fresh Accusations
???
You thief! I finally found you!
Shou
A thief? That doesn't sound good. But I would kind of like to know what's going on...
Nazrin
I've had enough excitement for one day. And whoever they are, they say they've already caught the thief.
Nue
I guess you're right. Let's leave it then!
Nue
Wh-Whoa!
Takane
Grrr... You're fast, but I won't miss my next shot!
Takane, what's gotten into you?!
Don't tell me the thief is...
Takane
That's right. I finally caught up to the scoundrel. It's time for some payback!
Nazrin
What's with the name-calling and all these bullets flying around? At least tell us what happened.
Shou
Yes, please do. Besides, we haven't stolen anything.
Takane
I know that. The thief I'm after is―
Takane
―Nue Houjuu!
Nue
Huh?! Me?!
Takane
Quit acting innocent! You better return everything you took from Nitori and me right now!
Takane
Nitori kept saying how she's extra busy with some parts having gone missing, so she made ME look for the thief!
Takane
Just thinking about it makes me so mad! When I get back, I'm gonna give her a piece of my mind!
Nazrin
Sounds like you're mad about more than just having your things stolen... Anyway, calm down. Nue is innocent.
Shou
Yes, she's been with us the entire time.
Nue
Th-That's right! And before I met up with Nazrin and the others, I was with Murasa!
Takane
But I saw you taking stuff! I saw your black hair, black clothes... even your face!
Shou
Like I said, she was with us. I'm sure Murasa will vouch for her as well.
Nazrin
Besides, seeing a thief in action must have given you quite the shock. You could've easily made a mistake.
Takane
Grrrrrrrrr! If you won't confess, then a battle of bullets it is! I know what I saw!
Takane
When I win, I'll make you return everything you stole AND the money to pay for it all!
Nue
Huh?! But I have nothing to return!
Nazrin
Wait... Do you want your stuff back, or do you want the money?
Shou
Whatever the case, we can't afford to lose. Let's win and prove Nue's innocence!
Takane
*sob* How could I lose to a thief?!
Nue
I told you I didn't steal anything!
Takane
B-But I'm sure I saw someone who looked just like you! They were dressed in black from head to toe.
Shou
Someone similar to Nue, dressed in black... As far as witness testimonies go, that's pretty vague.
Nazrin
Fine... Let me explain how we know Nue is innocent.
Takane
S-Sorry, Nue. This was all a big misunderstanding...!
Nue
It's OK. I'm just mad at the real thief. I'm getting blamed 'cause of them!
Yeah. We should try and find them!
Takane
R-Really?! That would be great! The yamawaro and kappa are super busy... Can we leave this to you?
Shou
Yes, of course. We're on the case!
Nazrin
I assume "we" includes me? ...Fine, I'm in.
Nue
Since I was the one falsely accused, you can count me in too!
Shou
Glad to hear it.
Nazrin
Great. Now let's go solve the case of the missing parts and catch the mysterious Thief in Black!
Tracking Down Leads
Nazrin
OK, so we're not far from the crime scene, a.k.a., Takane's hideout, but...
Shou
We'll never be able to find any clues with all these trees.
Nue
If only we were looking for something big and shiny... Guess not though, huh?
Minoriko
Hm? What are you guys doing here?
Nazrin
Oh, nice timing. Can we ask you something?
Minoriko
Of course!
Minoriko
I can tell you all about the best foods to eat in autumn!
Shizuha
Or the best spots to see the autumn leaves!
Aki Sisters
Ask us anything!
Shou
M-Maybe some other time.
Shou
We want to know about something that happened not far from here.
Nazrin
Something was stolen from Takane and Nitori today.
Nazrin
Did you hear or see anything suspicious? Did you notice anything out of the ordinary?
Shizuha
Hmm, let me think... Ah!
Shizuha
Come to think of it, I did see someone suspicious dressed in all black!
Minoriko
They were stood on top of that tree looking into a long object with what looked like a snake wrapped around it!
Shizuha
I'm not sure, but I'd say they were looking toward Takane's hideout. That's where she keeps all her tools and stuff.
Minoriko
They could be the thief you're looking for!
Shou
The Thief in Black...
Nazrin
But now we know what to look for. If we figure out what that long thing was, we'll be one step closer to finding them.
Maybe someone else has seen it too!
Let's go ask around!
Aki Sisters
WAIT!
Nue
Wh-What's wrong?
Minoriko
The person in black... looked just like you!
Nue
Not this again?!
Shizuha
I think we saw Nue plotting to steal from Takane...!
H-Hold on! Nue didn't steal anything!
Shou
That's right. And besides, Nue being the thief doesn't make any sense.
Nazrin
Yes, why would she risk being seen on top of a tree when she could just as easily conceal herself up in the sky?
Shou
Plus, we don't know what that long thing was, but it sounds easy to spot. If it was Nue's, we'd know by now.
Nazrin
Even assuming she ditched it somewhere, somebody would've found it and started kicking up a fuss.
Nazrin
From your description, it sounds like it'd be hard to miss.
Aki Sisters
C-Can't argue with that!
Nue
I do happen to have both a snake and something long, but nothing you can look through!
Shou
Anyway, Nue's not the person we're looking for. But thanks for the info. See you─
Aki Sisters
W-Wait a minute!
Minoriko
We told you everything we know just to have you throw it back in our faces. How do you think we feel?!
Nazrin
...That's not our concern. We only wanted you to tell us what you saw.
Shizuha
Quit treating us like pawns in your little detective game!
Minoriko
Yeah, you need to take us more seriously! Or else it's time for...
Aki Sisters
A battle of bullets!
Shou
*sigh* We made a note of everything you said, I promise. But... fine. We accept your challenge!
Aki Sisters
W-We're sorry!
Minoriko
We thought it'd be cool to be witnesses in a case... Sorry we got carried away.
Nazrin
You two are quite the handful. Anyway, we'd best go look somewhere else─
Minoriko
Wait! The thief definitely looked like Nue, but there was something different about her...!
Shizuha
Yeah, you're right!
Shou
Hmm, go on.
Minoriko
Umm... I'm pretty sure she had a tail! For a moment, I thought it was Miss Mamizou!
Nazrin
How did you forget she had a tail?! ...Anyway, thanks for letting us know.
Shou
We still don't have any suspects, but we're getting somewhere. We've got to catch that thief. Right, Nue?
Nue
Huh? Y-Yeah... for sure.
Shou
Nue...?
???
...
Nazrin
Who's there?!
???
Eek!
Shou
What's wrong, Nazrin?!
Nazrin
Someone was spying on us, but they got away.
Shou
That's not good. We'd better keep our eyes peeled while we continue our investigation.
The Shadow of Doubt
Shou
We've arrived at the Genbu Ravine, but... Takane wasn't kidding when she said the kappa were busy.
Nue
Yeah, seems like we won't get the chance to speak with Nitori.
Nazrin
Luckily there are other people around.
Oh, look! Miss Mamizou is over there.
Miss Mamizou might know something.
Nazrin
I agree we should talk to her, but the thief has a tail like hers. We should be wary of bake-danuki.
Mamizou
Why, if it isn't PLAYER and the gang. Are you here to cool off?
Shou
Sadly not. We're here to─
Mamizou
To talk to me, right?
Nazrin
Bingo. I suppose that's why you're the bake-danuki leader.
Shou
Good. That means we can cut to the chase.
Mamizou
Hmm, I did see someone who looked a lot like Nue earlier. But who would've thought she was a thief?
Shou
Did they have a tail like yours, by any chance?
Mamizou
Yes. It wasn't as nice as mine, but it was rather splendid. It was no tanuki tail, though. It looked fake.
Nue
A fake tail...?
Mamizou
That's right. She had ears too, but I think those were also fake. I'm pretty sure I saw a band connecting them.
Nazrin
Hmm... And what about her clothes? Was she dressed all in black?
Mamizou
Yes, that's right. But she wasn't wearing a dress like Nue is.
Mamizou
If I had to compare it to something... Oh, I know! It was like the outfit Byakuren wears when she rides her motorcycle.
Shou
...I think I can picture what you mean.
Mamizou
Apart from that... Oh, yeah. She was wearing brightly colored sunglasses!
Shou
Sunglasses, huh? Thank you. You've been most helpful.
Shou
But... why do you remember so much about her? The others were barely able to tell us anything.
Mamizou
Oh, really? Well, I did speak to her, after all.
Nue
You did?!
Mamizou
Yes. I thought she was you dressed up in an unusual outfit, so I asked her what she was up to.
Mamizou
She looked a bit shocked but told me she wasn't up to anything. Then before I realized, she was gone.
Mamizou
She did seem rather different to Nue. I wouldn't be surprised if she was up to no good.
Nue
What do you mean by "different"?
Mamizou
Just... different. It's hard to explain.
Nue
I see.
Shou
Based on everything we know, it's safe to say the thief is impersonating Nue.
Nazrin
Most likely. But what confuses me is that she's chosen to dress in a completely different way to Nue.
Nazrin
If she wanted to frame her, it'd be easier to copy her outfit. And yet...
Shou
I'm sure she has her reasons.
Nazrin
Hmm, I guess so. The thief's proving to be quite illusive, but let's not lose focus.
Shou
Well, we've checked all the known crime scenes. Where to next?
Nue
...
Belief in a Friend
Nue
...
Is something wrong, Nue?
Nue
No, it's nothing. But... I think I've had enough investigating.
Shou
You did seem a bit distant earlier... What's bothering you?
Nue
It's... nothing.
Nazrin
It's obviously not nothing. If there's something on your mind, just tell us.
Nue
If you wanna know so bad, why don't you work it out? You're the detectives, right?
Shou
A person's feelings can be more difficult to understand than any mystery. There's rarely a nice neat explanation.
Shou
Which is why it's important to communicate. So, please, tell us what's wrong.
Nue
You sound just like Hijiri... OK, fine. I'll tell you.
Nue
I know you all suspect me.
Nue
No matter where we go, everyone points fingers at me. If you want to play detective, then leave me out of it.
Nue
I don't care if you think I'm the thief!
Nazrin
Nue?! Everyone, after her!
Nazrin
Nue, wait! We─
Nue
Stop following me!
Nue
O-Or else...!
Nue
Why...?
Nue
I don't care if you all suspect me.
Nue
I'll change my appearance and hide away. That way, everyone will be happy, right?
Shou
Nue... I'm so sorry.
Shou
None of us realized you were taking this so hard.
Nazrin
So much for being detectives... How could we not see what our friend was going through?
Nue
...Friend?
Shou
Nue, you have to believe us. We'll do whatever it takes to prove your innocence.
Nazrin
We were just playing at first, but we're real detectives now. Won't you let us get to the bottom of this?
Nue
Why...? Why would you do all this for me?
Shou
Because you're one of us. It's our duty to stand by you.
Nazrin
Master's right.
Nazrin
I'm not strictly a member of Myouren Temple like Murasa and Ichirin, but it's still important to me... so I know how you feel.
Will you trust us, Nue?
We believe you're innocent too!
Nue
I-I...
Nue
I don't know what to say...
Mamizou
Nue, don't you think that's enough?
Nue
Mamizou...
Mamizou
You need to open up and let yourself trust them. Miss Mousey over there just bared her heart to you!
Nazrin
Do you mean me...?!
Mamizou
I hope you know I don't suspect you. I'm sorry if that wasn't clear before.
Mamizou
I know you're innocent! We all do!
Nue
...Thank you.
Nue
Even though I live with everyone at Myouren Temple, there are times when I get lonely.
Nue
Things have been great since you guys saved Hijiri... but sometimes I feel like the odd one out, you know?
Shou
Nue... PLAYER is right. We all believe you're innocent─
Nazrin
I don't remember signing up to be a performer, but it looks like we've got an audience.
Mamizou
Tch, some people have no shame.
Nazrin
Show yourself... Miss Thief!
Two Nues!
???
...
Nazrin
Not in the mood to give yourself up, huh? But...
Nazrin
You won't get away from me this time!
???
...!
Nue?
I see my fun's over... Good job, Miss Detective!
She looks exactly like Nue!
She's exactly like everyone described!
Shou
You two are practically identical! Who are you?!
Phantom Thief Nue
Hehehe, that's for me to know...! But can you not call me a thief? I prefer the term "phantom thief"!
Nue
Phantom thief?! So Nazrin was right about someone following us!
Nazrin
Seems like it. And I bet she's the thief we've been looking for.
Phantom Thief Nue
I told you not to call me that. I'm a PHANTOM thief.
Nazrin
Oops, my bad. So, Miss Phantom Thief, how about you return what you stole?
Phantom Thief Nue
I'm a phantom THIEF. It's not in my business to give over treasure.
Nazrin
I don't know why I bothered asking... You leave us no choice.
Shou
We would've preferred to do this the easy way, but...
Shou
If you refuse to give yourself up, then you better be ready to face the consequences.
Phantom Thief Nue
Oooh, was that supposed to scare me? Unfortunately for you, I've seen right through you!
Nazrin
I don't know what you're on about, but it's time to teach you a lesson!
Phantom Thief Nue
Whoa, not bad! I may have underestimated you guys.
Shou
It's time for you to surrender.
Phantom Thief Nue
Sorry, but I beg to differ.
Phantom Thief Nue
Round two will have to wait till next time!
Nazrin
I recognize that...!
Phantom Thief Nue
This silk is way too overpowered! There's no way you'll be able to catch up! See ya!
Mamizou
Oh, my! She's gone already.
Mamizou
But does anyone know what that strange bit of equipment was?
Shou
I think I do... But it had to have been a fake. You'd never find the real thing in this world.
Mamizou
Hmm...
Mamizou
You can tell me about it later! Right now, you need to go after her.
Nazrin
Yes, let's hurry. It looked like she was headed toward the Human Village.
Nue
So she's either going to Hakurei Shrine or Muenzuka, right?
Shou
I don't know what that phantom thief wants, but it might have something to do with the treasure she mentioned.
Treasure at the shrine? Rice crackers, yes. Treasure, no.
Wait... Isn't Nazrin's house near Muenzuka?
Shou
Maybe they're special rice crackers? ...No, never mind. Let's assume she's not targeting Hakurei Shrine.
Nazrin
If she's headed for Muenzuka, she's done for. All those extra "security features" I installed are about to come in handy.
Mamizou
What sort of security features are you talking about?
Shou
A-Anyway, with the real thief having revealed herself, we have proof Nue is innocent!
Nazrin
Yeah, now we just need to catch them. Come on, let's go after her.
Nue
...
Nue
U-Um...!
Shou
What is it, Nue?
Nue
I-It's just that I... I-I'm sorry for getting all upset earlier!
Nue
And... thank you for believing me!
Don't mention it! You're our friend, after all!
Nazrin
You have nothing to thank us for. No matter what, we're on your side.
Shou
Even if something like this were to happen again, we still wouldn't doubt you. Come on, let's go!
Nue
O-OK!
Mamizou
Nue...
Mamizou
You have some really great friends!
Nue
I guess I do...!
Jumping to Conclusions
Nue
C'mon, we gotta catch that phantom thief!
I'm glad to see you're feeling better!
Yeah, we gotta teach her a lesson!
Shou
Agreed! ...Huh? Who's that?
Ichirin
I finally found you!
Nazrin
Why, if it isn't Ichirin! What's up?
Ichirin
What do you mean "what's up"?! I've been looking for Nue ever since Murasa told me what's been happening!
Ichirin
I used Unzan to find her as quickly as I could, only to see you guys have arrested her!
Nazrin
C-Calm down! You gotta hear us out─
Ichirin
Calm down?! I don't think so. Let Nue go, NOW!
Shou
All right, Ichirin...
Shou
I think the fastest way to convince you is with a battle of bullets!
Nazrin
Um, Master... you're doing an awful lot of fighting for a detective!
Shou
Ichirin, Unzan... Bring it on!
Ichirin
*sob* S-Sorry for jumping to conclusions earlier. I didn't realize you were all working together to find the real thief!
Shou
Don't worry about it, Ichirin. We got some good training out of it.
Nazrin
Yeah, it's not as if we were busy chasing the thief or anything...
Minamitsu
Ichirin! There you are!
Ichirin
M-Murasa?!
Minamitsu
You got so worked up and left as soon as I told you about Nue! I had to use the Palanquin Ship to catch up to you!
Nue
A-Aren't you guys overreacting a little?!
Minamitsu
Not at all! There's no way we can stay calm at a time like this!
Ichirin
This seems like a perfectly natural reaction to finding out our friend is in trouble!
Minamitsu
Yeah. Hijiri's worried sick too!
Nue
Oh, wow. Even Hijiri?
Minamitsu
Well, anyway! I'm glad to see you guys are working together!
Nazrin
You can leave the thief to us. We promise to deliver the good news when we catch her.
Ichirin
Thanks. We'll do whatever we can to help!
Shou
Let's get back on the thief's trail. Everyone's counting on us.
Nue
Y-Yeah!
A Trail of Clues
Nazrin
Hmm... We're almost at the Human Village, but we haven't spotted any clues yet.
Nue
Well, it's not like we know exactly where the phantom thief was headed. Maybe we should just ask around the village?
What's that machine part doing on the ground?
...Maybe it was stolen from Nitori!
Shou
Well, Takane did say some parts were missing.
Nazrin
Did the phantom thief drop it by accident? Or is she ditching things she doesn't need?
Nue
Oh, look. There are more parts over here!
Shou
...And even more up ahead. The phantom thief definitely came through here.
Nazrin
The question is, did she drop the parts or leave them here on purpose? Either way, our best bet is to follow the trail.
Nue
I took a look from above, and yep, the trail of parts keeps going!
Nazrin
Just when I thought we'd never find her. She can't be far off now.
Shou
Yes, let's make our way to the Human Village.
Recruiting Helpers
Nazrin
We made it to the Human Village, but now the trail's gone cold.
Shou
I don't see any more parts lying around. But with all these people around, I guess that's no surprise.
Nue
We haven't caught a glimpse of her since our last encounter. Maybe she's already left the village?
Nazrin
This is just my theory, but I'd say she's still here somewhere.
Nue
What makes you say that?
Nazrin
It'd be difficult for her to use that bit of equipment here. So we can assume she's not moving as fast as before.
Shou
And judging by how those parts fell on the road, she's probably traveling on foot.
Nue
Hmm, I see. Well, if she's still in the village, then let's find her!
???
Oh, hey. Are you guys out shopping too?
Oh, look. It's Sanae and Miss Kanako! Hello!
We actually have some questions for you...
Kanako
Sure, go ahead. Something's clearly going on here.
Shou
As sharp as ever, I see. No wonder you're one of the pillars of Moriya Shrine. OK, let us explain why we're here.
Sanae
How dare she frame Nue! We've got to catch that phantom thief!
Kanako
I hope we can put an end to this before rumors start spreading.
Sanae
We'd like to help, but we just got here...
Sanae
We should be able to help keep the rumors in check, though! What do you say, Lady Kanako?
Kanako
I know better than to try and stop you. All right, I'll help out a little too.
Sanae
Thank you! OK, everyone, we're in!
Nazrin
We appreciate it. We'll try and gather what intel we can.
Sanae
Wait a minute... What's that in Miss PLAYER's hand?
It's one of the parts the phantom thief dropped.
Do you know what it is?
Sanae
Hmm, let me take a look.
Sanae
Hmmmmmm...
Nazrin
Well? Did you figure out what it's used for?
Sanae
I don't know about that, but it looks like a part of some complicated gadget or toy.
Nue
Somehow I can't picture the phantom thief making toys...
Shou
Agreed. Maybe she's trying to build some sort of device.
Nazrin
We can't be sure yet, but let's keep that possibility in mind while we continue our investigation. Well then, we'll be off.
Kanako
OK. I hope this all gets sorted soon.
Sanae
Hmmmmmmmm...
Kanako
What is it, Sanae?
Sanae
Oh, sorry, Lady Kanako! It's just that I think I've seen that part somewhere before.
Kanako
You have?
Sanae
I definitely recognize it... but from where?
Warning Notice
Nazrin
Is that all that was stolen?
Kosuzu
I-I think so.
Shou
I took a quick look around, but this is the only area that's been roughed up.
Akyuu
I'm glad you guys are here. Kosuzu and I were worried the thief might still be lurking around...
We only came to get info. We didn't expect this!
The thief got away, but I'm glad you two are safe!
Kosuzu
Thanks. All the other books seem to still be here... Oh, no!
Nue
Wh-What's wrong?!
Kosuzu
Th-The new Gensokyo Tales of Fantasy is gone too! I was looking forward to reading it!
Nazrin
...First, let's go over what we know.
Akyuu
O-OK...
Kosuzu
Welcome!
Kosuzu
Oh, hey, Akyuu! Are you done reading the book you borrowed the other day?
Akyuu
Yes, it was quite interesting. I got through it pretty quick.
Kosuzu
Same here!
Akyuu
Oh, wow, you too? Do you have any other similar books I could borrow next?
Kosuzu
I have just the thing. It's a new one─
Kosuzu
Wh-What's that sound?!
Akyuu
I hope it's not another demon book... Let's go check!
Akyuu
Th-This doesn't look like the work of a demon book...!
Kosuzu
The bookshelf's all messed up. Don't tell me we had a break-in... Oh, no!
Akyuu
What's wrong, Kosuzu?
Kosuzu
Th-There's a book missing!
Shou
And that's when we showed up, huh?
Kosuzu
That's right. *sob* The book that was taken is a rare one from the outside world...
Nue
Hm, did it have anything in common with all the books scattered around here?
Kosuzu
Yes, they're all from the same shelf―the one where I keep books about games and gadgets from the outside world.
Nazrin
Hm, yes, all the covers do look kind of similar.
Shou
Game Encyclopedia: Daily Edition, Death Scarlet: Strategy Guide, and Digital Game Repair Manual Vol.3. Strange titles...
Maybe they're about old games from the outside world?
Some of these are really niche...!
Nazrin
Hmm... So Digital Game Repair Manual Vol.52 was the one that was stolen?
Kosuzu
Yes. And the new Gensokyo Tales of Fantasy!
Nue
But the thief didn't steal any other volumes of the whatever Repair Manual, right?
Kosuzu
No. I've checked several times already. It's weird because Vol.37 has the most interesting illustrations by far.
Akyuu
Only those two books have been stolen. Oh, and we found these...
Shou
A card... and sunglasses?
Nazrin
Hmm... And what about her clothes? Was she dressed all in black?
Mamizou
Yes, that's right. But she wasn't wearing a dress like Nue is.
Mamizou
Apart from that... Oh, yeah. She was wearing brightly colored sunglasses!
Nue
Wait... aren't these the sunglasses Mamizou was talking about?
Shou
They could be. They're certainly brightly colored. And this card...
Nazrin
Yes, there's no doubt about it―
Nazrin
It's a warning notice.
Dance of Deduction
Kosuzu
A-A warning notice?!
Shou
It must be from the phantom thief. But why would she wait until AFTER the crime to place it?
Nue
Well, what does it say?
Akyuu
...
Nazrin
It says...
Kosuzu & Nue
Huh?
Nazrin
It looks like she wrote a to-do list on the back.
Kosuzu & Nue
Huh?!
I feel like I've seen something similar before...
I recognize the layout and the symbol!
Nazrin
Yes, it's identical to the notice we got from the Joon Phantom Thieves we faced in the tiny swap box.
Shou
But how can someone from a virtual world be here? Maybe the thief just copied their design.
Nazrin
Yes, it's quite possible more people know about the Chivalrous Phantom Thief Princess than we're aware of.
Nazrin
But why would the thief write on the back? It would make sense if the other Nue is the one from the tiny swap box...
Nue
Huh? What do you mean, "other Nue"?! I'm so confused.
Nazrin
Oh, sorry. But let's go somewhere else to talk. We'll get in the way if we keep standing here.
Shou
By the way, can we take these sunglasses and the notice with us?
Akyuu
Sure. Sounds like they'll be of more use to you. You don't mind either, right, Kosuzu?
Kosuzu
Not if it'll get me my stolen books back!
You can count on us!
Kosuzu
I feel bad asking you to do this for me... but thanks!
Akyuu
Phantom thieves and warning notices... Hmmm, I could definitely write a book about all this!
Kosuzu
Huh...?
Akyuu
Ah, sorry! Come on, let's clean up this mess!
Kosuzu
W-Wait for me, Akyuuuu!
Nazrin
OK, let's go over everything we know.
Nue
Now I understand what you meant by the other Nue, but how did she escape the tiny swap box?
Nazrin
It's all written here on this warning notice─I mean, to-do list.
What does it say?
Shou
It's a list of all the places where she's committed a crime.
Nue
What?!
Nazrin
Take a look at this.
Nue
The kappa's Genbu Ravine base, Yamawaro's mountain hideout, the village book shop... It even says what she stole!
Nazrin
There's one more place on the list. "The second-hand shop selling goods from the outside world." A.k.a., Kourindou.
Shou
It also says, "Location of other treasures: Unknown," so it's safe to assume she's going to show up here.
Shou
The notice also talks about why she's doing this and why she needs each item she's stolen.
Nue
Wasn't she making a gadget or something?
Nazrin
Apparently, she's not so much "making" as she is "repairing."
Shou
Some parts are too messy to read...
Shou
...but this bit clearly says, "All the parts required for the repairs are, like, defo here!"
That sounds like... Miss Hecatia!
Miss Yukari did say she was bored of the swap box...
Marisa
Phew, that was close!
Alice
That was some glitch, huh? It's scary to think what would've happened without the evacuation program.
Patchouli
It needs to be taken apart and properly cleaned. Otherwise, the glitches will only get worse.
Shou
So even though Yukari Yakumo made the tiny swap box, she abandoned it after it malfunctioned...
Nazrin
And Hecatia Lapislazuli ran out of patience and ordered the virtual people inside to repair it... That sounds plausible.
Nue
If the swap box is glitchy, then anything is possible. It was made by a sage, after all.
Nue
What's with the youkai all of a sudden? Why are they being so noisy?
Nazrin
They're interrupting our mystery-solving. Let's go shut them up!
Shadows in the Night
Nue
It's gotten pretty late...
Nazrin
Hm, so far, the phantom thief's been stealing in broad daylight, but it seems like she's more cautious now.
Shou
She could show up anytime. Try not to let her spot you.
Nue
Are you OK, PLAYER? You look sleepy... Maybe you should rest?
I'm fine! I made a promise to catch the thief!
And I want to do this for you, Nue!
Nue
...Th-Thank you.
Shou
That's an admirable thought for someone as young as yourself. But Nue is right. Don't push yourself too hard.
Nazrin
Yes, with the shopkeeper having agreed to help us, we've got this under control.
Rinnosuke
Did you say phantom thief...?
Shou
Yes, you may find it hard to believe, but someone calling themself that is going around stealing things.
Rinnosuke
And you think my shop is their next target?
Nazrin
I'm sure you wouldn't want anyone to break in and steal your goods.
Rinnosuke
Of course not. I have enough of that going on already. I'd hate for things to get worse.
Nue
So will you let us stake out your shop?
Rinnosuke
Gladly. In fact, you'd be doing me a favor.
Nazrin
We appreciate your cooperation. One more thing─
Phantom Thief Nue
I've gotta find that treasure if I'm gonna save everyone. I know it's here somewhere!
Phantom Thief Nue
I lost the list I got from the boss, but I'm sure this is the place. Time to do what I do best!
Shou
I respect your enthusiasm, but I'll have to stop you right there.
Phantom Thief Nue
Why, if it isn't the detectives from earlier. I see you're one step ahead of me.
Phantom Thief Nue
This is a bit too up-close and personal for my liking. I think a tactical retreat is in order.
Nazrin
Be our guest. But then you'll never get this.
Phantom Thief Nue
Is that... the final piece? Why do you have it?!
Nazrin
Mister Shopkeeper, we're looking for something. It's written on the back of this. Do you have one?
Rinnosuke
Yes, I do. It should be somewhere around... Ah, here it is.
Rinnosuke
Is this what the phantom thief is after?
Shou
Correct. Can we buy it from you?
Rinnosuke
I don't see why not. But what do you want it for?
Nazrin
We have two reasons. One is to keep the phantom thief from getting her hands on it should she break in.
Nazrin
And two...
Nazrin
To use as bait to catch her.
Phantom Thief Nue
Hm, I didn't see that coming. Sounds like you have a plan. Or are you just overconfident?
Phantom Thief Nue
Either way...
Phantom Thief Nue
Sooner or later, that treasure will be mine!
Nue
Huh? She ran away?!
Shou
No, she's just hiding, waiting for us to let our guards down.
Nazrin
Has she forgotten who she's up against? The Myouren Detectives won't be beaten so easily!
Phantom Thief Nue
You're good. It's like you're reading every move I make.
Shou
Finally decided to give up?
Phantom Thief Nue
Hahaha!
Nazrin
What's so funny?
Phantom Thief Nue
We phantom thieves always laugh when we're in a tight spot.
Nazrin
What do you mean─
Nue
B-Bullets! But where are they coming from?!
Joon
Nue! We've come to rescue you!
Phantom Thief Nue
Joon! What took you so long?! I was THIS close to getting caught!
Phantom Thief Nue
Just kidding, I knew you'd come. Now we're even!
Shou
More phantom thieves! Are they talking about what I think they're talking about?!
Nazrin
Yes, they're probably talking about the time we cornered the Joon Phantom Thieves in the tiny swap box.
Nazrin
I can't believe virtual characters are behind all of this. And to think there's more than one... We sure dropped the ball!
Phantom Thief Nue
See ya, detectives!
Nue
You guys, this isn't the time to beat yourselves up! They're gonna get away!
Shou
You're right. This isn't over yet. Besides, we have something they need.
Shou
I'm sure they'll be back for it. We'll catch them before they get a chance to make their next move!
Nazrin
We finally know who we've been chasing all along, and now, it's time to put an end to that chase.
Moonlit Confrontation
Joon
Phew, we managed to shake them off for now. But this is where things get real!
Yachie
Yeah. We need to get that treasure somehow.
Phantom Thief Nue
I didn't expect them to beat me to the punch. I'm sorry, you guys...
Yamame
Don't worry about it, you did your best. I'm just glad we made it in time!
Phantom Thief Nue
Thanks. I'll make sure to get it back!
Joon
Watch out, here they come!
Yachie
They're one detective short. Nue, you can take 'em!
Phantom Thief Nue
Got it! Come on out. There's no point hiding!
Yamame
Huh?! Wh-Where did they go?!
Yachie
How's that possible! They were right here─
Yachie
Are these... mice?!
Yamame
EEEK!
Nazrin
Yep, my mice sure did a number on you.
Yachie
To think you were using them as decoys!
Joon
Th-This isn't over yet! We won't stop till we've got that treasure!
Yamame
Now it's our turn to show you what we can do. Take this!
Nazrin
Another smoke bomb? How uninspired.
Joon
Maybe the missing detective is hiding with the treasure.
Yachie
No, she's probably waiting to ambush us...
Yachie
Even in this world, they're no pushovers. The smoke bomb bought us some time, but we need to stay sharp.
Yamame
So the treasure's either with the Nue lookalike or PLAYER... right?
Phantom Thief Nue
Even for them, giving it to PLAYER would be pretty low.
Yachie
But they'd be wrong if they think that's gonna be enough to stop us.
Joon
Yeah! We'll just take her back along with the treasure!
Yachie
It's only a matter of time before they sniff us out. Let's split up.
Yachie
Nue and I will deal with the ambush. Joon and Yamame can go grab PLAYER and the treasure!
Joon
Sounds like a plan. Everyone, to your positions!
Phantom Thieves
Roger!
Nue
Found you!
Nue
Your smoke bomb took me by surprise. It certainly made it harder to find you!
Joon
Heh! Serves you right for underestimating the Joon Phantom Thieves!
Yamame
Now hand over PLAYER and the treasure!
What? Why me too?!
Yamame
We hadn't seen you for ages, but now you're working with the detectives. Something just doesn't add up!
Joon
We know they're forcing you to help them. But we're your friends, so we're going to rescue you!
Yamame
PLAYER, let's get out of here together!
Nue
PLAYER never stopped trusting me. I won't let you take her from me!
Nue
Gah! Nimble, aren't you?!
Yamame
She's wide open! ...NOW!
Aaaaaah! Th-They caught me!
Nue
Oh, no! PLAYER!
Yamame
Huh? She doesn't have the treasure...
Joon
So it's with the others... Yachie and Nue are in danger!
Joon & Yamame
EEEEK!
Th-That was scary... Thanks, Nue!
Nue
I'm just glad you're all right.
Joon
Move! We need to get to Yachie and Nue!
Yamame
And don't think we've given up on PLAYER!
Nue
Like I told you, you're not getting her. And if you want to leave, you'll have to go through me first.
A Most Successful Plan
Phantom Thief Nue
I can't believe you saw through our plan again...
Shou
Taking you head-on was too much of a risk, so we decided to play defense.
Shou
The treasure's right here. All you've got to do is take it from me!
Yachie
Get ready to eat your words. Otter spirits, ATTACK!
Shou
How foolish of you to think you could beat me with a few spirits! Skanda! Touki! Aragyou─
Yachie
The only fool here is you. You think you're so tough? Try this on for size!
Phantom Thief Nue
Whoa! Did you seriously just fire that massive bazooka at her?! That's way too dangerous, Yachie!
Shou
So that's your master plan? A bazooka?! Don't make me laugh!
Yachie
What...?! She deflected the missile with her bare hands!
Shou
It's my turn now. ARRRRRGH!
Shou
Somosan! SEPPAAAA!
Phantom Thief Nue
Y-Yachie!
Phantom Thief Nue
I can't get a clean shot! Wait... I see an opening now she's moved away─
Nazrin
Behind you.
Phantom Thief Nue
EEEEK!
Joon
Nue, Yachie, we're here to rescue you!
Yachie
No, stay away! Save yourselves while you still can!
Yamame
Huh? What do you mean─
Nazrin
Phew. Thanks for leading them here, Nue.
Joon
Wh-What...?! No way! Don't tell me this was your plan all along!
Nue
Yep. And unfortunately for you, the final step of the plan is to capture you all!
Nazrin
It's time to put an end to this!
Phantom Thief Nue
I-It's not over yet... We won't go down without a fight!
Shou
As you wish... I hope you're ready!
Joon
W-We're not beaten yet! We can still escape with PLAYER... Huh? Nue?!
Phantom Thief Nue
If this goes on any further, someone's going to get seriously hurt. Sometimes chivalry means admitting defeat.
Yamame
B-But... they stole the treasure AND PLAYER from us!
Nazrin
Hmm, I think there's been some misunderstanding. Maybe we should talk.
Joon
W-We have nothing to say to you─
Nazrin
We need to know what all you phantom thieves are doing in our world.
Yachie
All right... we'll explain.
Joon
Y-Yachie?!
Yachie
There's no way we're getting out of here with the treasure. Nue's right. We need to accept defeat.
Joon
...
Joon
Fine... Let's hear them out.
Joon
S-So they didn't force you to leave us?!
No... I didn't think it'd turn into such a big deal!
Sorry I didn't explain... But, thanks for trying to help!
Nazrin
So PLAYER was right. This whole thing was about fixing the tiny swap box, after all.
Nue
And to think that Hecatia is the one behind all of this...
Joon
Are we done talking now? Go ahead and arrest us already!
Nazrin
I think we'll pass.
Yachie
Huh?!
Phantom Thief Nue
Even after you chased us around so much? But why...?
Nazrin
We got our answers. And now we know you're from a virtual Gensokyo, there's no point in arresting you.
Shou
Plus, we have no reason to stop you from repairing the tiny swap box. The theft, on the other hand...
Phantom Thief Nue
So you're going to let us go?
Nazrin
No, we can't have two of everyone roaming around.
Yachie
Stop beating around the bush, and tell us what you're thinking already.
Nazrin
All right. It's actually pretty simple.
Nazrin
...We want to make a deal with you.
Detectives Get the Last Laugh
Phantom Thief Nue
...What kind of deal?
Nazrin
It's simple, really.
Nazrin
We won't arrest you. But in return, you'll have to stop stealing.
Joon
W-We can't agree to that!
Shou
Let us finish. We also want the tiny swap box fixed.
Yachie
So... you want us to work together?
Nazrin
Precisely. If you agree to our deal, we'll help you gather any parts you need.
Nue
It'll put an end to all the phantom thieving, and you'll get what you wanted. It's a win-win.
Yamame
What do you guys think? It could be a trap...
Joon
But if we refuse, they might arrest us or steal our treasure!
Nazrin
Hmm... OK then, to prove our sincerity, we'd like you to have this.
Phantom Thief Nue
That's the part I was trying to steal earlier!
Shou
This list doesn't mention where to find the remaining parts... Do you have any ideas?
Phantom Thief Nue
That's the list I got from the boss! I was looking for that!
Joon
Seriously, Nue?! How can you lose something so important?!
Nue
You dropped more than just that, you know? It was a pain cleaning everything up, but it led us straight to you.
Phantom Thief Nue
Ah, that's the first piece of treasure I stole! I knew something was missing!
Nue
And I'm guessing these sunglasses are yours too?
Phantom Thief Nue
Oh, wow! Thanks for keeping them safe! They're only my spares, but I really like 'em.
Yamame
Gosh, Nue... For a highly skilled thief, you sure are careless!
Yachie
Yeah! Can you stop losing things, already?!
Nazrin
She's a lot like Master...
Shou
I-I don't lose things! At least, not anymore!
Shou
Uhhh, where did my Jeweled Pagoda go? ...Oh, here it is! Phew.
Nue
What happened to not losing things?!
Yachie
Let's get back on topic. Does anyone have any objections to teaming up with the detectives?
Joon
Nope. They know more about this world than us. Plus, PLAYER's with them.
Thanks! I promise you won't regret this.
Nazrin
It's a deal, then. I look forward to working with you. Now, let's figure out where we can get the remaining parts.
Shou
Didn't your boss, Hecatia Lapislazuli, give you any info?
Joon
She did. Before we came here to rescue Nue, she told us where we'd find the final piece of treasure.
Nazrin
Final piece? So after we find it, you'll be able to fix the swap box?
Yamame
Actually, we already found it. But... it was stolen from us.
Phantom Thief Nue
No way! By who?!
Yachie
A youkai bird from Former Hell.
Joon
It came with us for some reason. It was so aggressive and wouldn't stop chasing us. Then it took the part and flew away!
Nazrin
Hm, that's a problem. What else can you tell us?
Yamame
Um, the bird stole it from us on the Road of Reconsideration, then flew straight toward the village!
Shou
Hm, we were in the village for a while. We would've noticed if a bird from Former Hell suddenly showed up...
Nue
Maybe it flew right over and headed somewhere else?
Shou
Is there anything else you remember? Even little details might help.
Yamame
Hmm... Oh! It smelled sweet.
Shou
A sweet-smelling bird...?
Maybe a glitch sent it here from Chocolate Hell!
A piece of chocolate once got stuck in the swap box!
Nazrin
I see... OK, if it's made of chocolate, my mice should be able to sniff it out.
Joon
You mean the ones from earlier?
Nazrin
Yeah. They're pretty clever and have a good sense of smell. ...Especially for food. You shouldn't underestimate them.
Yachie
So they'll pick up the bird's chocolatey scent and lead us straight to it?
Nazrin
Exactly. Now, let's find this bird!
Joon
That's the bird! I'm positive!
Nazrin
My mice did it again.
Shou
It's carrying something in its talons. Is that... the treasure?
Yamame
It is! Now's our chance─
Yachie
Wait. If we frighten it, it might drop the treasure somewhere we can't get to or just fly off!
Nue
I don't know about you guys, but chasing after it doesn't sound too fun.
Joon
So what do we do?!
Phantom Thief Nue
Maybe I can shoot it down with my rifle? If it's a clean shot, the bird won't even know what hit it.
Yachie
If anyone can hit a clean shot, it's you. Plus, it lets us control where the treasure lands.
Nazrin
That sounds like our best bet. Let the Treasure Recovery Plan begin!
A New Day
Nazrin
OK, let's go over the plan again.
Phantom Thief Nue
You guys wait near the drop zone, and after I've taken my shot, you collect the treasure.
Nazrin
Hm, but are you sure the bird will be OK?
Phantom Thief Nue
Phantom thieves have morals, you know? I swore I'd never take a life unless I had no other choice.
Phantom Thief Nue
Hijiri says the same.
Nue
You too...?!
Shou
I've driven away all the youkai and fairies in the area. There should be nothing to get in your way.
Nazrin
All right, it's time.
We've come this far! Let's see it through!
I'll be rooting for you!
Phantom Thief Nue
That's... actually very reassuring. OK, I'm ready!
Phantom Thief Nue
(Focus, focus... It's still perched on the tree.)
Phantom Thief Nue
(As soon as it starts to fly, that's when I'll take my shot!)
Phantom Thief Nue
What?! H-How did it see me?! It's coming straight for me...!
Phantom Thief Nue
(If I pull the trigger now, I can stop it. But the bird won't make it...)
Phantom Thief Nue
(No, I can't do that! I have to try and hit its leg... but it's too close─)
Nazrin
Looks like you could use a hand!
Shou
We'll distract it with our bullets. That should give you time to line up a shot!
Phantom Thief Nue
Got it!
Nue
We've lured it in...!
Nazrin
Now it's all you!
Phantom Thief Nue
Roger that!
Phantom Thief Nue
I won't fail again!
Nue
We did it! It dropped the part and flew away!
Nazrin
Don't celebrate just yet. The part didn't land in the drop zone! Who would've thought it would flap around so much?!
Shou
It's right on the edge of the cliff! We need to hurry─
Nue
Leave it to me!
Shou & Nazrin
Nue?!
Nue
I'll get to that part in time. Just you watch!
Nue
I did it! Here's your treasure!
Phantom Thief Nue
Great! ...By the way, where did the bird fly off to?
Nazrin
Look, it's over there.
Nazrin
It's melting in the sunlight...
The Sun Shines on a Case Closed
Nue
So we have all the parts and the tiny swap box, but...
Shou
We don't know how to fix it.
Phantom Thief Nue
The boss didn't write anything about that, and we forgot to ask.
Shou
Looks like we'll have to ask her or Yukari Yakumo directly then...
But will Miss Hecatia know how to fix it?
Maybe that's why she asked these guys to do it.
Nazrin
That's quite possible. I mean, if she knew, she'd have only asked them to bring her the parts.
Nue
Wait. What about that book you stole from Suzunaan? Maybe there's a clue in there.
Shou
If I'm not mistaken, it was Digital Game Repair Manual Vol.52, right? What does it say?
Phantom Thief Nue
I tried reading it, but I couldn't understand a thing. It says we also need some tools... Know what these are?
Nazrin
Hmm, we need someone who knows all about gadgets─
Sanae
Hey, everyone!
Shou
Oh, I didn't know you were still here.
Kanako
Well, we were about to head back after buying a souvenir for Suwako, but Sanae wanted to talk to you.
Nue
About what?
Sanae
I remembered something about the part you showed me earlier!
Shou
You don't know how to fix this thing, do you?
Sanae
I-I know what that is! Wait right here. I'll go get the tools I need!
Joon
Can she really repair it here, in a book shop?
Kanako
Have a little faith in her.
Sanae
I'm back with the tools!
Nue
That's nice and all, but why did you change clothes?
Sanae
It's a delicate job... I had to get myself psyched up!
Shou
I-If you say so... We're counting on you.
Sanae
Don't worry, I'll be done in a jiffy!
Sanae
First, let me just take it apart, like so...
Sanae
Now to get rid of all this dust and chocolate, connect these thingys, replace these with the new parts...
Sanae
And voila! Now let's start it up to check if it's fixed.
Nazrin
Whoa...! It's not making those weird noises anymore.
Sanae
Everything looks good! It should be OK to play again!
Sanae
Normally just blowing into it would do the trick, but not this time, huh?
Sanae
Some things are worth the extra effort, though. I actually fixed my own game console once... Good times!
Nue
Not sure what you're on about, but that sounds pretty cool.
Sanae
Hmm, now I'm itching to play video games again! Don't forget to invite me next time!
We won't!
Thanks for fixing the tiny swap box for us!
Sanae
Don't mention it. It was a lot of fun!
Kanako
All right, looks like everything's wrapped up here. We'll be off.
Shou
Thanks for all your help.
Joon
C'mon, let's hurry back! Shion must be worried!
Yamame
Thank you for everything!
Phantom Thief Nue
...
Nazrin
What's wrong?
Nue
Um...
It's sad to see you all go. I hope we can meet again.
Phantom Thief Nue
I was just thinking the same thing.
Phantom Thief Nue
Do visit us. We'll be waiting for you!
Nue
Hehe! Don't worry, we will!
Yachie
In there, we're your enemies, but we're also friends, so... frenemies?!
Shou
Frenemies or not, we won't let you get away next time!
Nazrin
Farewell, phantom thieves. Till we meet again!
Nue
And they're gone.
Nazrin
It's OK, we can see them any time we like.
Kosuzu
Did Miss Sanae and Miss Kanako leave already?
Nazrin
Thankfully, yes. Oh, and before I forget, here's the book that was stolen.
Kosuzu
Digital Game Repair Manual Vol.52! I never thought I'd see this again... Thank you!
Akyuu
I'm happy for you, Kosuzu.
Shou
Now, let's go explain what happened to the victims and prove Nue's innocence.
Nazrin
Absolutely. Thank you for letting us use your shop!
Kosuzu
Don't mention it. Come by and borrow some books next time!
Kosuzu
Oh, no!
Akyuu
What's wrong?!
Kosuzu
G-Gensokyo Tales of Fantasy is still missing!
Shou
Phew... It's finally over.
Nazrin
Everyone knows Nue's innocent, and we've paid for all the parts. Case solved!
Nue
Being suspected sure did suck, but overall, I had a lot of fun.
Byakuren
You're finally back! I'm so glad to see you all!
Nue
Hijiri...!
Byakuren
Welcome back, Nue.
Nue
Thanks!
Thieving Detectives
Phantom Thief Nue
So are you sure the treasure is here?
Nazrin
Who do you think you're talking to? My mice have already confirmed the location.
Nazrin
The treasure is, without a doubt, in the innermost room of this mansion!
Nue
Way to go, Nazrin! We're only one step from beating the game.
Shou
Who would've thought we detectives would be playing as phantom thieves...
But we're, like, on the side of justice!
Just like the Joon Phantom Thieves!
Phantom Thief Nue
Yeah! It's our job to steal from the bad guys!
Nazrin
If you say so... C'mon let's beat this game already.
Phantom Thief Nue
OK, but this isn't gonna be easy. Is everyone ready?
Nue
I was born ready!
Shou
This isn't the time to be joking around. Come on, everyone, let's go get that treasure!
Hecatia
Wow, you fixed the tiny swap box! Thanks, you guys!
Shou
It wasn't easy, but it should be glitch-free now.
Hecatia
Whoa, for real?!
Nazrin
Yes, we just tested it.
Hecatia
Hehe, thank you! I gotta get in there and have some fun!
Shou
OK, time for us to leave─
???
Hold it right there!
Hecatia
Y-Yukari Yakumo?! What are you doing here?
Yukari
PLAYER and anyone else who helped, thank you for fixing the tiny swap box.
Yukari
Marisa has been "borrowing" it all this time, so I've come to get it back.
Hecatia
Whoa, whoa, whoa! You can't just show up uninvited and expect me to hand it over!
Yukari
I'm the one who made it, you know? I think it's perfectly reasonable for me to want it back.
Hecatia
Maybe you shouldn't have thrown it out when it stopped working!
Hecatia
You ditched it. I fixed it. So clearly, it's mine now.
Nue
Um, technically speaking, it was us and Sanae who fixed it...
Yukari
And I thanked you for it, but it's still my swap box.
Yukari
I wonder what the market god would say if they heard you're making a mockery of ownership rights...
Hecatia
Oh, yeah? Maybe your "rights" mean something up here, but in Hell, might is right!
Yukari
We're not in Hell. Blabber all you want, the box still belongs to me.
Yukari
I'm dying to play it again!
Hecatia
No way! I've been playing it more than you. That makes it mine!
Nazrin
This is getting out of hand... We better get out of here, Master.
Shou
I agree. Let's go.
Hecatia
─That's a great idea, Yukari!
Yukari & Hecatia
Good luck!
HUH?! Why are we being sucked into the tiny swap box?!
Yukari
We're betting on whether you can beat the game to decide who gets to keep the swap box!
Nue
Wh-What?! Why?!
Nazrin
Things sure did escalate quickly, didn't they?
Nue
All we wanted to do was let them know the box was fixed. Now they're using us in their weird bet!
Phantom Thief Nue
I feel your pain. But that's how the boss is.
Shou
Let's just focus on beating the game. Apparently, we need to steal some kind of rare book. Well, what are we waiting for?!
A Narrow Escape
Phantom Thief Nue
I gotta say, I didn't think I'd see you all again so soon!
Nazrin
Same. It feels like we were just here testing for start-up glitches.
Phantom Thief Nue
Well, whatever the reason, you're always welcome!
Phantom Thief Nue
It would've been nice if Joon and the others could be here, but they're out hunting a different treasure.
Nue
Oh? I thought you guys always worked together.
Phantom Thief Nue
Well, we're on the same team, but that doesn't mean we always go after the same target.
Shou
I see. So you're like a thief agency.
Nazrin
Umm, maybe we should go and get that treasure. We don't want anyone to spot us loitering outside.
Phantom Thief Nue
Oops, my bad! It's just so much fun talking to you all. C'mon, let's head inside!
Nue
Huh...?
Nue
There's something on that door right there.
Shou
It's a warning... "Do not enter! Satori's precious book inside―Koishi"
Everyone
...
Phantom Thief Nue
Guess this is the place.
Nazrin
Wow, that was easy. I didn't even need to send out my mice to look for it.
Shou
I thought there'd be tighter security...
Utsuho
Zzz... Lady Satori, I'm so full...
Rin
Lady Koishi, stop playing with my tails... Zzz...
Nazrin
Those two are pets, not guards, right?
Um, I'm not sure.
Either way, let's not wake them.
Shou
I'm not sure we could even if we tried...
Phantom Thief Nue
Then let's get that treasure!
Nue
Um, we're here to retrieve a rare book, right?
Nazrin
Yeah, and it should be in this room somewhere.
Shou
Uh, Nazrin... Do you think it might be this one?
Th-That's Kosuzu's new Gensokyo Tales of Fantasy!
I completely forgot about it...!
Phantom Thief Nue
Ah, yes, I remember taking this. But then I lost it somewhere.
Shou
We all forgot about it too. Finding it here was a stroke of good luck.
Nue
This means we found the treasure, right? I don't see any other books around, and this one's pretty rare.
Shou
Even if this isn't the treasure, we should take it and return it to Kosuzu. Let's get out of here.
Nazrin
Something doesn't feel right...
Rin & Utsuho
Zzz...
Nazrin
That was too easy.
Phantom Thief Nue
It's good to have easy missions sometimes! C'mon, let's go─
Nue
We're being ambushed! Don't tell me those two from before woke up...
Shou
I don't see them. But then, who could it be―
Nazrin
It's the youkai guards!
Phantom Thief Nue
All this noise is bound to wake those two sleeping beauties. We've gotta make a run for the exit, quick!
Rin & Utsuho
Hold it right there!
Nazrin
Ugh. I knew this would happen.
Rin
I gotta say, you've got guts trying to steal from right under our noses!
Utsuho
Yeah! We were only taking a little well-earned nap!
Nue
So you don't deny you were sleeping on the job, huh?
Shou
Well, I suppose we have no choice but to fight them now. A little "Somosan! Seppa!" should do the trick.
Rin
I'm not gonna let you―meeeeeeeooooow!
Utsuho
O-Orin?! OK, then. It's time to bring out the big guns!
Utsuho
...Huh? Is my nuclear reactor acting up?
Rin
O-Okuu, stop! Make it stop!
Rin & Utsuho
Uh-oh.
Nazrin
Phew. Good thing their nuclear reactor back-fired. It made for an easy escape.
I feel like something similar happened before...
Joon and I were saved thanks to the enemy's bad luck!
Phantom Thief Nue
Bad luck? Don't tell me it's─
???
I was worried, so I came to check up on you all... Are you OK?
Shou
You!
No Honor Among Thieves
Nue
It's Shion! Or virtual Shion, at least.
Shion
Virtual? ...Hold up. Why are there two Nues?!
Phantom Thief Nue
I think this calls for an explanation. So it all started─
Shion
O-Oh, OK. So basically, she's on our side, right?
Shion
And hello, PLAYER. Long time, no see.
Hey! I'm glad to see you're doing well!
Thanks for helping us out before!
Nazrin
We got the rare book, so we should be sent back any time now.
Nue
Doesn't virtual Yukari show up once you beat the game?
Shou
That's what is supposed to happen, but I don't see her...
Nazrin
Don't tell me it's another glitch. I thought we fixed all of those─
Shou
EEEEEEEEP!
Nazrin
Wh-What's wrong, Master?
Shou
I-I lost the treasure!
Everyone Else
What?!
Phantom Thief Nue
She must've dropped it while we were escaping. We'll have to go back in and look for it.
???
That won't be necessary.
Marisa
'Cause now we have it!
Nazrin
Why are you guys here?!
Alice
Why not? It's a game. Anyone can play it.
Marisa
I'm so glad they fixed the tiny swap box!
Alice
It's good that we can play again, but don't you need to return it to Yukari?
Marisa
Why? She said she was bored of it.
Patchouli
Excuses like that are exactly why you never end up returning the things you borrow.
Alice
Huh? Do you hear that?
Patchouli
They seem to be arguing again.
Marisa
I hope they don't make a mess fighting... But at least we get to play with this while they're distracted!
Alice
Your glass really is half full, isn't it? If we get into trouble, don't say I didn't warn you.
Nazrin
I thought they stopped arguing when they sent us in here...
We need to hurry and beat the game!
Marisa, we need that. Will you give it back to us?
Alice
Sounds like you need it more than us.
Patchouli
Yes, you don't seem to be playing for fun. All right then, we'll give this back.
Marisa
No... You'll have to take it from us!
Everyone Else
Huh?!
Marisa
It's a game, so we gotta try and make the most of it! See ya, PLAYER, wouldn't wanna be ya!
Alice
M-Marisa, wait!
Patchouli
Well, this is out of our hands now. We better go with her.
Alice
Gah... Sorry, everyone.
Phantom Thief Nue
How dare they steal our treasure. After them!
Nue
We finally caught up!
Marisa
Urk! That was fast!
Phantom Thief Nue
You're not getting away this time, thieves!
Patchouli
Says the phantom THIEF!
Alice
Didn't you steal this in the first place?
Shou
Ouch... But like you said earlier, we need it.
Marisa
Oh, yeah? Well, I don't care. If you want it, you're gonna have to take it from us!
Shion
Ugh! They got away again!
Nazrin
*sigh* They're pretty nimble for magicians, but they won't get away this time!
─Meanwhile, back in Marisa's shop.
Yukari
Hmmm, is it just me, or was there someone else here?
Hecatia
I'm not sure...
Yukari
Maybe I imagined it. But more importantly─
Yukari & Hecatia
─The tiny swap box is MINE!
Detective Showdown
Marisa
They'll never stop us with their pathetic attacks!
Alice
Slow down, Marisa. We can take cover in one of these buildings.
Patchouli
That sounds good. I'm getting a little out of breath... Let's hide and try to scout them out.
Marisa
I don't see them anywhere. Did we lose them, or did they just give up?
Patchouli
Marisa, we have to stay quiet─
Marisa
Whoa! I SO did not expect the shop sign to fall down like that!
Alice
A-Are you OK?! Quick, get over here─
Alice
EEK! The fence just collapsed!
Patchouli
It's not safe here either. Everything is either too old or being renovated. We better find somewhere else to hide.
Marisa
Phew, that was a close one.
Patchouli
Wh-Where are the bullets coming from now?!
Marisa
Did they find us already?! Our path is blocked, so let's fly over!
Alice
Plus, we should be able to spot them from above. It's time to fire some bullets of our own!
Patchouli
EEK! The roof fell down! M-My leg's stuck...!
Marisa
Is there anything around here that ISN'T falling to bits?! Hold on, Patchouli, I'm coming─AAAAH!
Alice
Marisa, I've never seen you trip over like that... AAAH!
Phantom Thief Nue
Stop right there.
Shion
One wrong move and your luck might keep getting worse.
Alice
When did you guys get here?!
Marisa
Ow-ow-ow... Damn it, they got us!
Nazrin
The fun's over. Give yourselves up.
Patchouli
Your sniper shot down the billboard and the fence, and then you used Shion's ability to stop us from escaping. Not bad.
Marisa
Well, if escaping isn't an option, we could always blast through them with magic...!
Shou
You seriously think that's going to work? How foolish...
Nue
You better not underestimate...
Myouren Detectives
The Myouren Detectives!
Joon Phantom Thieves
And the Joon Phantom Thieves!
Marisa
Argh! I-I'm just getting warmed up!
Nazrin
Gosh, why don't you calm down already?
Shou
All this fighting is pointless. Will you please just hear us out?
Marisa
Fine... We'll take a break and listen to what you have to say.
Patchouli
Oh... So Yukari and Hecatia dragged you all into this.
Marisa
Why didn't you just say so?!
Nue
We did! Or, at least, we tried to!
Alice
I apologize for Marisa...
Marisa
Here, you can have your treasure back! Sounds like you need it.
Phantom Thief Nue
We did it!
Shou
It seems we beat the game this time.
It wasn't easy, but now we can get out of here!
I hope Miss Yukari and Miss Hecatia aren't still fighting!
Nazrin
Fingers crossed!
A Happy-ish Ending
Nue
Guess this means it's time to say goodbye.
Shion
Give my regards to your world's Joon and me.
Phantom Thief Nue
Do come back again sometime! This world's no fun without people to play with.
Shion
Nue's right. Don't forget us, OK?
Don't worry, we'll be back!
And we'll bring Joon and the others, too!
Shou
That's a promise.
Nazrin
We still have a score to settle with you phantom thieves.
Phantom Thief Nue
Hehe, that's true. We'll be waiting!
Marisa
OK, looks like everyone's back! All's well that ends well─
Hecatia
Give it up already! I won the bet fair and square!
Yukari
You only bet they'd beat the game because I did!
Marisa
AAAAARGH! What do you think you're doing?! Are you trying to burn down my house?!
Alice
Their fighting's gotten even worse...
Shou
I don't think they even realize we're back.
Patchouli
Then we should get out of here before they do.
Nazrin
Agreed.
Nue
See ya, phantom thief me. Till we meet again!
