Lossy's Journal

Komachi

All right, time to get to work. If I slack off too much, Lady Eiki's gonna get on my back again.

Komachi

...Huh? That's odd. My boat's sitting kinda low in the water, but I haven't even got any passengers yet―

Minamitsu

Gotta keep quiet... Oh no, she's catching on. In that case... *splash* *splash* *splash*

Komachi

Someone's scooping water into my boat with a ladle... Hey! Knock it off, Murasa!

Minamitsu

*splash* *splash* *splash*

Komachi

I said knock it off!

Minamitsu

No way! If I sink your boat, it's mine!

Komachi

Ughh, ship phantoms are the worst... And that's coming from someone who deals with all kinds of phantoms.

Minamitsu

Come on, at least play along. It's not like you were gonna do any work today, right?

Komachi

As a matter of fact, I was. Why does everyone assume I'm always slacking off?

Minamitsu

Well, I don't see anyone on your boat...

Komachi

I'm about to go pick some phantoms up! First, I need to get to the other side of the river―

Minamitsu

Now's my chance! *splash* *splash* *splash*

Komachi

STOP LADLING!

Kutaka

Who's making such a racket? ...It looks like Miss Komachi and Miss Murasa.

Kutaka

Hello! Chatting on the river, are we? Don't see that every day.

Kutaka

You two have become such good friends. Mind if I join you―

Minamitsu & Komachi

We're not friends!

Kutaka

Huh?!

Minamitsu

Dealing with phantoms is part of a shinigami's job, right? You could at least let me sink your boat a little bit!

Komachi

You're not wrong... but without a boat, I can't do my job!

Kutaka

Wh-Why don't you both try to calm down?! We can figure this out... I hope.

The next day, someone at the Scarlet Devil Mansion was dealing with their own little problem...

Sakuya

I'm sorry, young mistress, but no one's available to accompany you at the moment. Could you wait a while?

Flandre

Nooo! I wanna go now! Can't you, like, mess with time or something?

Sakuya

I could, but I'd still have chores to do. My work as a maid has to come first...

Flandre

Maid, shmaid. I wanna go shopping. I wanna see where you buy all our stuff! And...

Flandre

I wanna go all by myself!

Sakuya

I get that. It's just...

Sakuya

It's midday, which means the sun's out. And I can't have you wandering around the Human Village alone...

Sakuya

Although it doesn't have to be the Human Village, does it? There are other places to go shopping.

Sakuya

That said, none of them are near the mansion... Someone has to accompany you. But everyone's busy.

Flandre

I've had enough of this. I'm going.

Sakuya

Absolutely not! That would be disastrous for both you and the Human Village!

Sakuya

Are you... trying to break through the wall? I really CAN'T let you go alone, huh?

Sakuya

What to do, what to do? If only there was a god who could create doors to anywhere...

???

You called?

Hi, Mister Rinnosuke!

Rinnosuke

Oh, hello, PLAYER. What brings you here? Running an errand for someone?

Actually, I'm looking for an interesting book to read.

And to check out some of your tools... Is that weird?

Rinnosuke

Not at all. Everyone feels like browsing through a collection of rare and unusual items some days.

Rinnosuke

Personally, I feel like that every day. Which is why I opened this shop.

I knew you'd get it!

Rinnosuke

About that book... How about an outside world book? Given the season, I'd recommend one on Easter.

Rinnosuke

Oh, and by the way, is the girl behind you a customer, too?

What girl?

Flandre

You bet I'm a customer! I'm here on an errand. In broad daylight! Even though I'm a vampire!

Rinnosuke

A vampire strolling around during the day. You seem like trouble to me. I should've hung some garlic outside.

Flan? How long have you been here?!

???

She just arrived.

Miss Okina?

...Are you with Flan?

Okina

That's right. I brought her here.

Okina

The head maid asked for divine intervention―the type only I could provide―so I dropped by the Scarlet Devil Mansion...

Okina

And then she asked me to accompany Flandre.

Okina

Creating a back door for her is a trivial task. So I figured why not?

Flandre

You're actually pretty nice, Okina! ...Or does it just seem like that 'cause you always act so shady?

Okina

Little of column A, little of column B.

Sakuya

Kourindou seemed like a safe place to shop. And with you there, PLAYER, I feel even more at ease.

Huh? Is that Miss Sakuya's voice?

I don't see her anywhere...

Okina

That's because she's speaking through the back door I opened on your back.

Sakuya

I'm too busy to leave right now, you see?

Sakuya

PLAYER, could you keep Lady Flandre company until she's had enough shopping?

Flandre

Hey, PLAYER, what's that book about? There's a bunny and an egg on the cover... Looks fun!

Oh, this? It's about a holiday called Easter!

Mister Rinnosuke recommended it to me.

Flandre

I wanna read it too! Let's read it together!

Sure!

Okina

Look, Sakuya, you have nothing to worry about. Flandre and PLAYER are already getting along splendidly.

Sakuya

In that case, I'll get back to work. Make sure she can get home when she's done, please, secret god.

Okina

A servant's fleeting display of piety... Very well, I shall do as you ask.

Kakaaaaw!

Whoa, what was that?!

Is that voice coming from my back, too?

Okina

No, I just closed that door. It came from somewhere nearby.

Flandre

Oooh, a shopping trip surprise! Let's go check it out!

Wait, Flan! Don't run off alone!

Kutaka

The rabbits... the rabbits are attacking! Kakaaaaw!

Flandre

You're Kutaka, right? You look pretty beat up!

Kutaka

That's me. Thanks for remembering! And your name's... Miss Flandre, right?

Flandre

I'm not used to fighting rabbits, but I'll help you out!

Flandre

So, what's the deal, Kutaka? How come you were battling youkai rabbits?

Kutaka

I... I don't know. One minute, everything was normal, the next, they started attacking me.

You don't look so good...

Wanna go to Kourindou and rest up?

Kutaka

Yes, please... And thank you!

Kutaka

A safe place to rest my wings. I sure needed this! Thanks, Mister Rinnosuke.

Rinnosuke

No need to thank me. Everyone's welcome here. Is it true the youkai rabbits were trying to steal your eggs?

Kutaka

That's right! They were acting crazy, screaming, "Give us your eggs!"

Rinnosuke

That's not like them... I wonder if it's got anything to do with Easter. You know, with all the bunnies and eggs.

Rinnosuke

Festivals tend to over-excite people... and that includes everyone in Gensokyo.

By the way, Kutaka, are you hurt?

You're not your usual cheerful self.

Kutaka

Nope, I'm fine! No need to worry! It's just... work's been on my mind since yesterday...

Kutaka

I think that's why I couldn't fight off the youkai rabbits...

Flandre

I thought you were flying funny. If you wanna talk about it, PLAYER will lend you her ears!

Me? Uh, sure, I guess I can do that...

(Shouldn't it be Flan doing the lending?!)

Kutaka

Thank you, PLAYER. You see, the thing is... I've been having some trouble at work.

Flandre

I'm gonna go read the bunny book over there!

Okina

You're such a free spirit. Don't leave this shop, OK? It's dangerous outside.

Kutaka

...So, basically, Miss Komachi and Miss Murasa are fighting at the Sanzu River.

Kutaka

I want to stop them, but I have no idea how...

Well, sinking someone's boat is kinda bad...

But, I don't know, maybe it's not in Gensokyo.

Rinnosuke

That's right, PLAYER. Miss Murasa is a ship phantom, so her sinking boats isn't about good or bad.

Rinnosuke

I think doing so is part of her reason for existing in Gensokyo.

Rinnosuke

When she was an evil spirit, she sank any ship she could, so going after a shinigami's ferry seems almost kind...

Kutaka

And Miss Komachi mainly uses it to listen to phantoms' life stories... This is a hard ka-ka-call.

Is it me, or did she just cluck?

Flandre

So you can't figure out how to settle their argument, huh? Luckily for you, there's a great way in this book!

Rinnosuke

Listening in on the conversation, then jumping in only when it interests you... You really are a free spirit.

Kutaka

I'm kinda jealous...

Wait, that book's about Easter...

How's it gonna help us settle this dispute?

Flandre

Check it out. It says at Easter, people go on egg hunts! Sounds fun, right?!

Egg hunting, huh?

Flandre

Yep. One person hides the eggs, then the other has to find them! It's like hide-and-seek for eggs.

Flandre

Why not get those two to settle things with an egg hunt?

That actually sounds kinda nice...

Do you think they'll get on board? No pun intended...

Rinnosuke

Hard to say... but it's worth a shot. Especially seeing as it's hard to tell which of them is in the right.

Rinnosuke

Not to mention, using a season's festival to resolve a dispute is exactly the kind of thing the people of Gensokyo love.

Kutaka

And if someone's trying to take your eggs, hiding them's the way to go!

Rinnosuke

That's... also true. If you're willing to supply the eggs, this whole plan will go a lot smoother.

What do you say, Kutaka?

Kutaka

Sure thing. We've just gotta check if Miss Komachi and Miss Murasa are OK with this...

Rinnosuke

Do you think they're still at the river arguing? If so, it'll take a while to get to them.

Flandre

You wanna talk to people who are far away? Okina can do it! C'mon, pleeease, Okina!

Okina

You're such a handful, Flandre...

That sounds like a yes to me!

Rinnosuke

I could've sworn she came here to run an errand, but now she's getting a literal god to do one for her...

Kutaka

Everyone treats gods like their own personal assistants these days, huh?

Okina

I spoke with Komachi and Murasa. They said they're fine with an egg hunt.

That was quick!

Flandre

Thanks, Okina. Easter sounds like a blast! I'm gonna join in, too.

Rinnosuke

In that case, why don't I make you some traditional, bunny-themed outfits?

Flandre

Yes, please!

Rinnosuke

Hmm, if I'm making one for Flan, Komachi, and Murasa...

Rinnosuke

Maybe we should invite everyone who's taken part in previous Easter celebrations.

Rinnosuke

The bigger the festival, the better. And with everyone in special outfits, this could be the best Easter yet.

If there are gonna be lots of us...

Why don't we split into two teams for the egg hunt?

Flandre

Good idea!

Kutaka

With all the excitement of a big festival, maybe the youkai rabbits will tire themselves out.

Okina

Right now, there's only one person I want to tire themselves out. *glances at Flandre*

Preparations for the egg hunt were finally complete, so everyone gathered at the Sanzu River...

Komachi

This Easter festival has gotten pretty massive... But I gotta say, I like this outfit. It's really helping me lock in.

Komachi

And settling this tricky dispute with a festive egg hunt? Inspired.

Minamitsu

Totally! If I win, I get to sink your ferry as many times as I like, right?

Minamitsu

I'm about to set sail on a voyage to freedom! Yo-ho!

Komachi

Wait, so if I lose, I have to let you do as you please?! I gotta get even more locked in. All I wanna do is slack off, though...

Flandre

Is everyone here? Did you all remember your outfits? Mine's super cool. Check it out!

Minamitsu

It really is cool! It suits you so well!

Komachi

This egg hunt was your idea, right? Thanks for the great suggestion.

Flandre

Hold up. Is this where we're doing it? Like, right here? ...Where even is here?!

Komachi

Just look around. This is Sai no Kawara.

Flandre

But all I see is an enormous river... You never told me about this, PLAYER!

Pretty sure we mentioned it...

Maybe you missed it when you were wandering around.

Minamitsu

Kutaka told you what was going on, though, right? About me trying to sink Komachi's boat, and us arguing.

Komachi

It shoulda been obvious the egg hunt would be somewhere near the Sanzu River... You really didn't figure that out?

Flandre

It never even crossed my mind!

Minamitsu

But you came all the way here. Surely that gave you a clue.

Okina

Actually, I brought her here, so there were no such clues to be had.

You're like her personal chauffeur, Miss Okina!

You brought me here, too... but still!

Komachi

Anyway... What's with all the youkai rabbits?

Minamitsu

Some of them are dressed like pirates and some of them are dressed like shinigami... Are they on our teams or something?

Kutaka

Allow me to explain. The youkai rabbits heard that we were planning an egg hunt...

Kutaka

So they followed us here and begged us to let them take part!

Tewi

At this point, it'd be easier to just say yes, don't you think? Especially if someone's here to lead them.

Komachi

Hm? I didn't know you were here, Tewi.

Tewi

Yep. I'm here as the youkai rabbits' leader! I figured you could all use a little extra luck on your hunt.

Tewi

We'll make up for the festival's lack of manpower with rabbit power! Naturally, we expect to get paid.

Komachi

But no one asked for your help. And now you're asking to get paid. I don't think so.

Minamitsu

Me, neither! Besides, I heard another reason for this festival was to help burn some of the youkai rabbits' excess energy.

Minamitsu

If anything, you should be paying us!

Tewi

C'mooon, it's not like it'll cost you anything!

Komachi

Yes, it will. Unless you'll accept a thank you and a smile as payment...

Tewi

Let's settle this with a battle! If you win, we'll take part in the festival and help out for free. But if I win, you pay up!

Komachi

A little pre-festival warm-up, heh? I like the sound of that.

Minamitsu

You took the words right out of my mouth!

Tewi

Fine, fine! On behalf of all the youkai rabbits, I request that you let us take part in the festival.

Tewi

To be honest, we're all really excited! Hiding eggs. Searching for eggs. So many eggs!

Komachi

Why didn't you just say that from the start?

Minamitsu

Meh, it WAS nice to get a warm-up in. Now we can hit the ground running in the egg hunt!

OK, with that settled... it's time to pick the teams!

Kutaka

All right, everyone, listen up! I'm about to explain how this egg hunt works.

Kutaka

First, I'll be giving 40 eggs to both teams.

Kutaka

Miss Komachi's team will hide theirs around the docks, and Miss Murasa's team will hide theirs at Sai no Kawara.

Kutaka

Once the hiding phase is over, you'll all swap locations and start hunting!

Kutaka

Whoever finds all 40 eggs first wins! If neither team finds them all before time's up, then whoever found the most wins.

Kutaka

Those are the rules me and Miss PLAYER decided on. Any questions?

Flandre, Minamitsu & Komachi

Nope!

We didn't decide how to make the teams, though...

I guess it's fine so long as they're the same size.

Ichirin

So can we choose them ourselves? Me and Lady Byakuren wanna be on Murasa's team! Right, Lady Byakuren?

Byakuren

Well... all right.

Minamitsu

Myouren Temple, assemble! There's no way we can lose!

Urumi

Guess I'll stick by my friend. I'm joining Team Komachi.

Sannyo

I'll leave this up to fate. Evens, I join Komachi. Odds, I join Murasa... Evens it is. Guess I'm with the ushi-oni.

Yorihime

You're all choosing based on such arbitrary reasons. But the answer is obvious.

Yorihime

Komachi's the victim here. It's only right to join her.

Komachi

Wow. I was starting to think everyone had forgotten that... Thanks!

Komachi

And thanks to you too, Urumi and Sannyo. I owe you one!

Tenshi

If I'm on the same team as Yorihime, this egg hunt wouldn't be very fair.

Tenshi

To keep things on a level playing field, I'll join the ship phantom's crew. No hard feelings, Komachi.

Minamitsu

So you're gonna be on my team? Awesome!

Reisen

(Joining the same team as Lady Yorihime would be kinda awkward...)

Reisen

(I'll slip into Team Murasa without telling anyone...)

Yuyuko

Say, Youmu, wouldn't it be fun if we teamed up with a shinigami?

Youmu

Great idea, Lady Yuyuko! Sign us up for Team Komachi!

Minamitsu

Really? But I'm a ship phantom. I thought us ghosts would stick together!

Sakuya

Hmm, I don't really have a reason to join either side...

Sakuya

But if master and servant are allowed to stick together, Meiling and I should simply go wherever Lady Flandre goes.

Meiling

Works for me! I can take care of her while enjoying the festival! I do feel some kinda kinship with Komachi, though.

Komachi

What do you mean? I don't nap on the job! ...Not much, anyway.

Sakuya

So, young mistress, which team will it be?

Flandre

Neither.

Sakuya

Hm?

Meiling

Come again?

Sakuya

Let me guess, you were excited about the egg hunt, but then you saw all the flowing water and lost interest.

Meiling

Lady Flan! You can't give up on your duties. Even when you get really, really sleepy!

Sakuya

Be quiet. You're not helping.

Flandre

You don't get it. I DO want to take part! I just don't wanna join either of the teams.

Flandre

Me and PLAYER are gonna pair up and be the referees-slash-wildcards!

I only found out earlier...

Flandre

My outfit even makes me look the part!

Komachi

Well, this is a surprise. Did you know, Kutaka?

Kutaka

This is the first I'm hearing of it...

Minamitsu

I get the referee part, but what do you mean wildcards?

Flandre

I'll be flying around punishing any rule-breakers, and if one team falls behind, I might help 'em out!

Minamitsu

That's nuts! A referee isn't supposed to help out one of the teams!

Sakuya

And the fact that it's you, Lady Flandre, makes it all the more worrisome.

Flandre

But things will be more fun this way! I wanna be an ally, an enemy, and an enemy's enemy all at once!

Flandre

It's time to go wild!

All we had to do was decide teams...

Flandre

I knew we'd make a good pair, PLAYER! We won the battle, so now, no one can complain!

Flandre

Say hello to your wildcard referees!

Sakuya

So Meiling and I can choose freely. But perhaps we should avoid any other master and servant pairs.

Meiling

Yeah, that would make things confusing.

Reisen

(I get what they mean.)

Medicine

Huh? Reisen, when did you join Team Murasa? We played together in these outfits before, so I wanna go with you!

Futo

One, two, three... Oh! It looketh like Team Murasa is full! In that case, shall we join Team Komachi?

Mayumi

Fine with me. I don't mind which team I'm on.

Futo

Hm... Then join them we shall.

Flandre

All right, the teams are set with eight players on each! Now, line up with your eggs!

Flandre

On Team Komachi: Komachi, Urumi, Sannyo, Yorihime...

Flandre

Yuyuko, Youmu, Futo, and Mayumi!

Flandre

And on Team Murasa: Murasa, Ichirin, Byakuren, Tenshi...

Flandre

Sakuya, Meiling, Reisen, and Medicine!

Flandre

It's eight versus eight with me and PLAYER as referees. Helping out is Kutaka, Tewi, and the youkai rabbits!

You're really taking charge, huh, Flan?!

Flandre

You bet I am!

Flandre

But we're really doing this near the water, huh? I wish it wasn't flowing...

Flandre

Why does it have to be flowing?!

Okina

So the festival's begun. Still...

Okina

I can't believe Flandre used me as her chauffeur again.

Okina

And somehow, I ended up helping out all the rest of you who were too lazy to move on your own.

Okina

...Well, no use complaining now. Enjoy the festival, everyone. That's the least you can do for me.

Komachi

All right, guys, hop on my ferry. We're heading to the docks to hide our eggs.

Yuyuko

A boat ride before the event even starts? What a delightful festival!

Komachi

Wanna check out some other spots on the way? Higan's on the other side of the river, and it's covered in flowers.

Urumi

I don't think we're supposed to go there...

Yuyuko

It does sound lovely, though.

Yuyuko

...Hm? Is that rain I feel? I didn't know it rained on the Sanzu River.

Komachi

It doesn't. Maybe it's just water splashing as I row.

Youmu

This isn't coming from the river. And it isn't rain... Everyone, look up!

Minamitsu

Ahoy there! Bet you never thought you'd see a flying ship phantom!

Minamitsu

Sinking a boat with just a ladle from way up here is harder than I thought!

Ichirin

Maybe Unzan should just smash it to pieces? What do you think, Murasa?

Minamitsu

Hmm, pretty sure that's against the rules.

Minamitsu

Sinking their boat before they hide their eggs is just plain smart, but smashing it feels a little too violent!

Youmu

Did you hear that, everyone?! They mean to sink us before we hide our eggs!

Mayumi

That sounds pretty violent, too... Play by the rules, you guys!

Minamitsu

I, Captain Murasa, am no rule-breaker! All we agreed on was to hide and hunt for eggs!

Sannyo

I've seen plenty of folk like you in my gambling den, Captain. Tough as nails and absolutely no morals.

Komachi

Ship phantoms aren't exactly known for their moral code...

Sannyo

I say we call over the referees and let them decide.

Komachi

Flandre, get over here! It's your time to shine!

Flan, everyone on the boat is calling for you.

They said it's your time to shine!

Flandre

No way! I'm not flying over the river! You go instead.

Me?

Flandre

Yeah. Looks like Murasa's the one in the wrong, so go help Team Komachi.

Flandre

Well? What're you waiting for?!

Ichirin

...Our pre-egg hunt ambush failed! Let's head back, Murasa.

Minamitsu

Just let me scoop in a little more water!

Komachi

She literally called it an ambush...

Komachi

Anyway, thanks for helping us out, PLAYER.

Well, Flan kinda made me!

Komachi

The hunt hasn't started yet and we've already been attacked. Not to mention, the referee won't go near flowing water...

Komachi

I have a bad feeling about this. It's like there are dark storm clouds gathering above us...

Youmu

You mean before? Pretty sure that was just Unzan.

Flandre

Good job out there, PLAYER! Let's help the other team next!

But I just stopped Murasa's ambush...

Now you want me to help her?

Flandre

That's our job! We're not here to pick favorites!

Flandre

If someone breaks the rules, we stop 'em! ...Unless they do it over flowing water.

Minamitsu

Sounds like the river helped us out. Without it, we might have been completely shipwrecked!

Ichirin

So where are we gonna hide our eggs, Murasa?

Minamitsu

Since we're at Sai no Kawara, we could hide them among the stone stacks... but that's too obvious, huh?

Flandre

You got plenty of eggs! Why not share them around and let everyone on your team hide their own?

Minamitsu

That's not a bad idea! 40 eggs, 8 people... That's 5 each!

Sounds like everyone's having fun already!

Murasa's not even upset I spoiled her ambush.

Ichirin

Honestly, sinking their boat before they hid their eggs was a good plan!

Minamitsu

We were this close to winning the egg hunt AND sinking a boat. It would've been two birds with one stone.

Byakuren

Your obsession with sinking boats hasn't changed, I see. I suppose you ARE a ship phantom...

Ichirin

Oh, Lady Byakuren! Yeah, our plan sorta failed.

Minamitsu

But you can still help us hide the eggs! Let's show everyone the power of Myouren Temple!

Byakuren

I'll pass. As the leader of Myouren Temple, the path I must take is clear...

Byakuren

I must leave this team and join the other.

Ichirin

Say what?!

Byakuren

Rather than supporting you, I shall become an obstacle for you to overcome. That's the best way to train you.

Minamitsu

Nooo! We were supposed to fight together! Let's go after her!

Minamitsu

PLAYER, Flandre, I need your help!

Flandre

Sure. But there are, like, a million rabbits between us and her...!

Byakuren

So you've come after me. But my mind's made up. I shall escape as swiftly as a rabbit!

Minamitsu

We're under attack! Are these... rabbits?! They look like Tewi's youkai rabbits!

Ichirin

I heard they were helping out with the festival, but I thought that meant they'd be helping US!

Ichirin

They're defending Lady Byakuren like their little lives depend on it. I'm kinda jealous.

Minamitsu

Save it! We've gotta fight our way through!

Minamitsu

W-We lost her. Those youkai rabbits just kept coming!

Ichirin

I can't believe she's really gone...

Minamitsu

Don't worry, we'll see her again... as an enemy. I never thought we'd have to go up against her!

Byakuren

Give it your all to take me down.

Flandre

Her motorcycle's too fast for us, but I still think we should head in the same direction as her.

Flandre

I wanna check in on Team Komachi at the docks!

Me, too!

Flandre

So Byakuren rode off to join the other team...

Flandre

But the docks are across the river, right? How's she gonna get there on a motorcycle?

They're actually at the docks on this side.

If they crossed over to Higan they might not come back.

Flandre

Oh, so Team Komachi weren't crossing the river. They were just following it downstream, huh?

Yep. Right now, we're right between the two teams.

Left leads to Sai no Kawara, right leads to the docks.

Flandre

It sucks there's a river here... Let's hurry up and get to the docks!

Flandre

Aaaand, we're here! So, how's it all going?

Sannyo

Let's leave this to chance. One for Heaven, two for West, three for South, four for North, five for East, six for Earth...

Sannyo

It's a six.

Urumi

That means I'm up!

This isn't quite what I expected...

Flandre

Nope, but it sure seems fun!

Komachi

Oh, it's PLAYER and Flandre. Here to check up on us?

Flandre

What are you guys doing?

Komachi

What does it look like? Hiding eggs. We just decided to do it in a special way.

Komachi

If we hide them strategically, the other team might figure out the pattern and find them all right away.

Komachi

So Sannyo suggested we leave it all to chance... by letting the dice decide where we hide them.

Flandre

You're letting the dice decide? How?

Sannyo

Didn't you hear me before? One for Heaven, two for West, three for South, four for North, five for East, six for Earth...

Sannyo

Whatever number comes up tells us what direction to hide the eggs.

Sannyo

One is Heaven, which means somewhere like the roof of the docks. Six is Earth, which means...

Urumi

The riverbed. I'm about to dive down there now!

Flandre

Whoa, what a great idea! Your plan is to have no plan!

Komachi

Plus, remember how Murasa tried to sink our boat and all our eggs earlier?

Komachi

Well this time, we're sinking the eggs ourselves. They'll never see it coming! Hahaha!

Urumi

Less laughing, more hiding. You rolled a one, right? You've gotta stash an egg somewhere high up.

Komachi

Gotcha. Guess I'll tuck one away on top of the ceiling beams.

Flandre

By the way, Byakuren was headed this way. Have you seen her?

Komachi

Yeah, she showed up earlier, saying there was a problem with her team and that she wanted to join ours!

Komachi

I couldn't think of a reason to say no.

Flandre

She found out Murasa and Ichirin were up to no good, so she bailed.

Komachi

I guess this is her way of punishing them, then. Must be hard being the boss.

Sannyo

I figured she might be a double agent, but I guess I can stop worrying now.

Urumi

Why don't we give her a proper welcome? I'll go catch us a prehistoric fish to feast on!

They're letting her join the team!

Miss Byakuren really is easy to like.

???

Interesting. Veeery interesting...

???

So they hid eggs here, here, and here... Better mark them on the map so I don't forget.

???

With all this intel, my team will win for sure!

Sannyo

Something smells fishy... and it's not this prehistoric fish. It's not coming from Byakuren, though.

Flandre

Hm? I don't smell anything.

Sannyo

When you're in my line of work, you develop a good nose for people sneaking around. You over there! Show yourself!

???

Eep!

Meiling

W-Well, there's no use in hiding now!

Flandre

Meiling? I thought you were on Team Murasa. Shouldn't you be hiding eggs at Sai no Kawara?

Meiling

Maybe, but finding your eggs is more important than hiding mine!

Meiling

And I've marked where all of yours are! Which means... it's time for me to leeeeeave!

Urumi

Hey! Get back here!

Meiling

Haha, catch me if you can―whoa! Ahhhh!

Komachi

Ouch. She tripped over her own outfit... and landed on her head.

Meiling

Ugh, I knew I shouldn't have worn this outfit! It's cute and fluffy, but running along the riverbank is a nightmare!

Urumi

Yep, you should've been smart like me. After all, we ordered our outfits from the same place.

Meiling

This isn't fair! I was supposed to be cool and stylish, just like Miss Byakuren was when she defected!

Meiling

But I guess she had a motorcycle to make a quick getaway, huh? Oh well, I'll just have to blast you all away!

Meiling

Ready, rabbits? ATTAAAAAACK!

Komachi

...Yeah, no. You're nothing like Byakuren.

Sannyo

I've got the map with all the egg locations. That means you're free to go. Now run back to your team.

Meiling

Aww, I really wanted to keep that map... But thanks for letting me go!

Meiling

I was just following orders, but this whole spy thing really isn't for me.

Meiling

I'm gonna go hide some eggs!

Urumi

Uh, are we sure about this? She still remembers where the eggs are, right?

Sannyo

We can always change the hiding spots. Besides, she can't remember all 40 locations without her map.

Komachi

Even we can't remember where we put 'em. Only the dice knows the truth.

Sannyo

Honestly, this map is gonna come in real handy.

Wow, this team's so chill!

Flandre

Hey, something fell out of the map. Is it another list of hiding spots?

Meiling

I lost the map, but I wish I could've at least given Miss Byakuren that letter before I left...

Meiling

...Hang on. Where is it?

Meiling

Murasa and Ichirin's letter is gone! Sannyo must've taken it from me along with the map.

Meiling

Ah, well. What's done is done!

Komachi

It looks more like a letter than a list. Let's see here...

Komachi

"When the time is right, betray your team and join us. From Ichirin."

Sannyo

So she's asking Byakuren to be a double agent. Impressive.

Komachi

What do you mean, "impressive"? If I didn't know better, I'd say you were getting a kick out of all this.

If Miss Byakuren finds out about this, she'll be furious...

Komachi

I'll just slice the letter up with my scythe. Problem solved.

Kutaka

Kakaaaw!

Komachi

Wh-What was that?! Is Miss Kutaka in trouble?

Flandre

Nope, that's just the signal that the egg hiding is over. The team at Sai no Kawara should've heard it, too.

Minamitsu

That cluck... Right, so time's up.

Ichirin

We tried sinking their boat, spying on their hiding spots, and sending a letter to Lady Byakuren asking her to defect again!

Minamitsu

We didn't hide our eggs, though.

Reisen

That's because you were too busy scheming! Don't worry, I teamed up with the rabbits and took care of it.

Minamitsu

A captain truly is nothing without her crew! You have my thanks, Reisen!

Reisen

Well, since I brought all the rabbits to the festival, I guess I was the best fit for the job...

Medicine

I helped too. I even coated some eggs with poison. Whoever finds them is gonna get paralyzed!

Reisen

(Some of the youkai rabbits were getting paralyzed, so I wiped all the poison off...)

Flandre

Team Komachi has arrived!

Flandre

You heard Kutaka's cluck, right, Murasa? The hiding phase is over. It's time to switch locations and start hunting eggs!

Komachi

We're hunting here at Sai no Kawara, and you're all headed to the docks to do the same.

Minamitsu

This is where things get interesting. Let's see what you've got, Komachi!

Komachi

Bring it on. I'm about to find all 40 of your team's eggs!

Komachi

Oh, and one more thing. Sinking boats at the docks is now an automatic loss.

Minamitsu

What?! Without you there, I was planning to sink the whole lot of 'em!

Komachi

Shame I can read you like a book. I talked it over with Flandre and she added it to the rules.

Minamitsu

You made a sneaky deal with a referee?! Where are your morals?!

Tewi

Have you forgotten about all your scheming from before? What goes around comes around.

Minamitsu

You're the last person I wanted to hear that from. My mood's sinking faster than a ship in a storm...

Kutaka

Now, now, let's not be too dramatic. Team Murasa, time to head to the docks.

Kutaka

Ready? Follow me! *tweet* *tweet*

The teams switched locations, and the egg hunt began. Things seemed like they were about to heat up, but...

Minamitsu

I can't find a single egg!

Ichirin

We found, like, two inside, but that's literally it.

Meiling

From what Lady Flan told me, egg hunts aren't usually done in such big areas...

Meiling

They're normally done in one room or a small garden!

Minamitsu

And with so many people hiding them, it was always gonna be impossible to find any...

Ichirin

Meiling, you made a map of the hiding spots, right? Can't you at least remember a few?

Meiling

*snore*

Minamitsu

I'll take that fake snore as a no...

Komachi

I can't find a single egg!

Urumi

Searching for eggs in an endless sea of stones... This is gonna take forever.

Byakuren

Still, all we can do is keep looking. Even if we find just one or two, that could give us the edge.

Komachi

Yeah, you're right. Let's leave the scheming to the others and do all we can.

Urumi

Others? What others?

Komachi

Some of our teammates were... "inspired" by the antics Murasa and her crew were getting up to.

Mayumi

There they are! PLAYER and Flandre!

Sannyo

Finally. What are you two up to?

Flandre

I was just asking PLAYER which team she thinks I should join for the egg hunt!

What about you guys?

Why were you looking for us and not, you know, eggs?

Sannyo

Finding them the normal way seemed like way too much hassle. So I figured I'd get creative.

Sannyo

You two have been keeping an eye on both teams, right? Which means you've seen a lot of the hiding spots.

Mayumi

I don't really know what's going on, but Sannyo said if I came with her, I wouldn't have to look for eggs myself!

Flandre

You really thought we'd straight-up tell you where they're hidden? Pfft, as if!

Mayumi

So I AM gonna have to look for them? What's going on, Sannyo?

Sannyo

Don't worry, Mayumi, this is exactly why I didn't come alone. If they don't wanna tell us, we'll have to MAKE THEM.

Mayumi

You mean, like, with a battle of bullets? ...That face you're making is kinda scary.

Sakuya

I had a feeling someone on the other team would come up with the same idea. You even brought backup just like I did.

Medicine

I'm her backup!

Now Miss Sakuya and Medicine are here, too!

Sakuya

Let's get straight to business. Lady Flandre, PLAYER, we brought you cupcakes.

Medicine

I didn't even put any poison in them!

Sakuya

In exchange for these poison-free cupcakes, would you be willing to tell us where the eggs are hidden?

...Are you trying to bribe us?

Sakuya

That's exactly what we're doing. We'll do whatever it takes to come out on top.

Sakuya

And it seems the same goes for Sannyo and Mayumi.

Sannyo

Yeah, but bribery's not our style. We prefer a simpler approach.

Sannyo

We asked but they wouldn't tell, which means it's battle time. And if they reject your bribe, I assume you'll be joining in...

Sakuya

A fair assumption.

Flandre

So I get to battle all of you? Yippee! But guess what? I'm still not telling you where the eggs are!

Flandre

There are three things you need to remember! First! I'll help out, but I won't be telling anyone where the eggs are hidden.

Flandre

Second! I'm always up for a battle of bullets. And third!

Flandre

I saw some eggs being hidden, but I've forgotten where they all are!

Sannyo

Yeah, I figured. But still, it was worth checking.

Sakuya

So neither team can use Lady Flandre to get ahead. Time to go back to the drawing board...

Flandre

I thought I was done for with my back to the river, but thanks to you, I lived to battle another day.

It helped that you're, like, super powerful.

Flandre

I can't believe they tried to squeeze info out of us just 'cause they suck at hunting eggs. Do they think this is a joke?

Flandre

It was super exciting, though!

Yeah, I got the feeling you were having fun...

Kutaka

Well, some people are taking this egg hunt seriously. They just aren't drawing much attention to themselves.

Flandre

For real?! Maybe I didn't notice 'cause all the troublemakers keep distracting me.

All the eggs have definitely been hidden.

So at least a few people are doing their best.

Komachi

There you are, refs. Could you come to Sai no Kawara for a sec?

Flandre

What's up? Is there trouble? I LOVE trouble!

Komachi

Not exactly. It's just that we, uhh... found all the eggs.

Flandre

Already?!

Flandre

But both teams were just complaining about not finding ANY eggs! What happened?!

Komachi

I guess you'd call it... divine intervention?

Komachi

See, Lady Yorihime summoned some god I've never heard of, and used their power to find them all.

Komachi

Ones buried underground, ones on the riverbed, ones hidden among the stones... Even ones in the belly of a prehistoric fish.

Yorihime

This sort of game is child's play for me.

You found eggs inside a prehistoric fish?!

Flandre

I guess using a god's power would make this kinda thing pretty easy.

Kutaka

If needed, I could also use my divine power to find them.

Komachi

Sooo, since we found all the eggs, does that mean my team wins?

Flandre

Hmm... I didn't expect things to end this soon, but―

???

Wait. Your ability seems a little too convenient.

Komachi

Lady Eiki?

Eiki

I had no intention of interfering with this festival, but you left me no choice.

Yorihime

Hmph. I take it that "too convenient" remark was directed at me?

Eiki

Indeed. Your divine invocation technique is truly admirable.

Eiki

And I do appreciate that you're helping Komachi.

Eiki

However... this festival was meant to settle the dispute between her and the ship phantom.

Eiki

If the egg hunt is won using a god's power, wouldn't that defeat the entire purpose?

Komachi

To be honest, I'm pretty happy winning like this...

Komachi

I-I mean, it's not like this is official business or anything! In fact, the sooner it ends, the sooner I can get back to work...

Komachi

Right, Lady Eiki?

Eiki

I suppose that's one way to look at it.

Yorihime

Why don't you save this debate for later? ...That said, I understand why you came here, Lady Eiki.

Yorihime

Perhaps my actions were a bit... unsporting. I forget to hold myself back sometimes.

Eiki

Very well. Let's consider the eggs you found with divine power unfound...

Yorihime

Yes, let's.

Flandre

Wow, everything just sorted itself out! The Yama really is something, huh?

Flandre

And this way, the festival stays fun and exciting! As a referee, I gotta take notes!

The egg hunt is still on!

Flandre

I bet Team Murasa will be pumped when they find out they almost lost but then totally didn't!

Yorihime

I'm going to re-hide all the eggs I found in places Team Komachi hasn't looked yet.

Eiki

I can help if you like.

Yorihime

Thank you. Let's hide them well.

Eiki

I've been observing for a while now, but these eggs are surprisingly durable, aren't they?

Yorihime

Indeed. That's why hiding them among the stones at Sai no Kawara shouldn't be an issue.

Komachi

Wait... did Lady Eiki just wanna slack off and enjoy the festival? She coulda just asked me...

Komachi

L-Lady Eiki, you're back! ...I-I didn't say anything, I swear!

Flandre

I wonder how many eggs Team Murasa's found so far.

Minamitsu

Umm, Lady Tenshi, about your power... For the good of the team, could you―

Tenshi

Hmph. If you want me to use it, you'll have to make me.

This is... kinda intense.

Flandre

Yippee! They're arguing!

I shoulda guessed that's how you'd react.

Minamitsu

Perfect timing, you two!

Minamitsu

You've been switching sides as you please... so please, help us get this celestial on our side!

Flandre

Well, the other team used Yorihime's ability, so if you use Tenshi's, that might even things out...

Flandre

What am I saying?! S'long as I get to battle, I don't care! I'll help you, Murasa!

Minamitsu

Thanks!

Tenshi

Very well. Show me what you've got, weaklings.

Tenshi

Hm, not bad. I'll grant your request.

Minamitsu

Whew... I was worried you'd still say no! Now, I'd like you―

Minamitsu

―to NOT use your ability.

Flandre

Did I hear that right?

That's what I was thinking. It doesn't make sense...

Minamitsu

Of course it does! Tenshi's ability causes earthquakes!

Minamitsu

If all the eggs crack somewhere out of sight, we'll never find them...

Minamitsu

We're right above the Underworld. An earthquake here would be a disaster! It's safer for everyone this way!

Tenshi

Don't you literally sink people's boats?

Flandre

Like the pot calling the kettle black.

Minamitsu

If I'm a pot, what does that make you?!

Tenshi

Hmph. Since you showed me how powerful you are, I WAS gonna do as you asked.

Tenshi

But on reflection, obeying people beneath me is really not my style. I think I'll give the ground a little shake.

Minamitsu

Why?! Are you telling me that whole battle was pointless?

Flandre

This is why no one likes spoiled brats.

Minamitsu

There's so much I wanna say to that... but first! You gotta get yourself somewhere safe, Miss PLAYER!

I'll be fine so long as I'm with Flan!

Besides... the ground's barely shaking.

Minamitsu

...Huh, you're right. I was expecting something a little more apocalyptic.

Tenshi

Causing disasters isn't all my ability does. I just wanted to show you that power is all about how you use it.

Ichirin

Hey, Murasa, you won't believe this! That mini-quake just knocked an egg right off the shelf!

Meiling

One fell down from the ceiling over here! I almost side kicked it on instinct...

Tenshi

See? With the right level of control, my ability's quite useful for finding eggs.

Minamitsu

Whoa... You're a genius, Lady Tenshi!

Tenshi

It's like sifting through gravel to find gold.

Tenshi

If you can't find something, sometimes all you gotta do is shake things up.

Minamitsu

Wait. Does that mean...?

Tenshi

Something wrong?

Minamitsu

No, it's just... How far did that shaking spread?

Tenshi

All around the Sanzu River.

Minamitsu

Including Sai no Kawara?

Tenshi

It's not that far away, so I suppose so.

Minamitsu

That means all the eggs I hid among the stones were probably set loose.

Ichirin

I hid mine in the stones, too. That was basically the only option around there.

Minamitsu

So compared to the docks, with all the buildings and tricky hiding spots...

Minamitsu

Way more eggs will have shaken loose at Sai no Kawara.

Tenshi

Oops.

Never thought I'd hear a celestial say oops...

Minamitsu

Now there's a chance they find all our eggs in one go.

Ichirin

Hmm, I dunno... I doubt EVERYONE hid their eggs so carelessly.

Ichirin

I mean, I hid all of mine among the stones, but...

Meiling

Same! I made little stone nests for them so they wouldn't break.

Meiling

But wait... if those nests collapsed during the shaking, now all my eggs will be exposed.

Minamitsu

It's over! It's all over!

Flandre

Don't worry, we'll go check on things at Sai no Kawara for you!

Minamitsu

You just wanna go and see how badly we lost, don't you?!

Flandre

I won't lie to you... that's EXACTLY what I wanna do!

Meanwhile, with Team Komachi...

Komachi

Is it me, or did the ground just shake? ...Hey, look! There are eggs rolling out from between all the stone stacks!

Sannyo

There's one here... and here... and here! It's like hitting the jackpot over and over again!

Komachi

I'm not sure about the whole gambling analogy... but finding eggs this easily is a win in my book.

Futo

We had already found all the eggs before, but after the reset, my motivation was running low.

Komachi

Guess the heavens haven't abandoned us just yet. Or in this case... the Earth?

Sannyo

No, I still feel like this was Heaven's doing.

Mayumi

Either way, this egg hunt is so chaotic. All the hiding and looking, hiding and looking... And now, an earthquake!

Futo

If such a feeble tremor made this many eggs pop out, they clearly weren't hidden very well.

Futo

I fear our rivals are what one would call simpletons.

Komachi

Well, they certainly took a simple approach, hiding all the eggs among the stones.

Mayumi

Check this out! They literally just dug a hole, dropped ten eggs inside, and put a stone lid on top.

Futo

Preposterous! It's as if they WANTED us to find them. Do they even want to win...?

Youmu

Hang on. These might be the eggs Miss Yorihime re-hid earlier...

Futo & Mayumi

...Oh.

Yorihime

...

Youmu

Miss Yorihime and Miss Eiki worked together, though, right?

Komachi

F-Forget about that! All that matters is that we found the eggs.

Mayumi

Y-Yeah... For now, let's just gather them all up.

Mayumi

Wait, what? Where are all the eggs going?!

Mayumi

Hey, Futo, quit messing with them!

Futo

Caught on already, hast thou? I am simply doing as the letter instructed!

Mayumi

What letter? ...Are you talking about those scraps of paper?

Futo

When I piece together these torn fragments, it forms a secret message addressed to me.

Futo

"When the time is right, betray your team and join us. From Ichirin."

Komachi

You found all those pieces?! I mean, yeah, this is a great time to betray us, but still!

Futo

Ichirin must have sent this knowing I was surrounded by foes... right?

Komachi

That letter was never for you.

Byakuren

Hmm... I think I know who it WAS meant for, though.

Flandre

Hey, did you guys feel that earthquake? Did it help you find a bunch of eggs?

Komachi

We're kinda in the middle of something here. In fact, maybe you could help.

Flandre

What's going on?

Byakuren

Mononobe no Futo! I'd appreciate it if you didn't assist Ichirin in such underhanded tactics!

Futo

T'was your betrayal that started all of this! Now, I HAVE to betray this team to level the playing field!

Komachi

As you can see, the traitors aren't getting along too well. Wanna punish them both at the same time?

Flandre

You bet I do!

Komachi

I know it's a bit weird to explain everything AFTER the battle...

Komachi

But basically, these two were about to start duking it out before you showed up.

Flandre

Cool! That means attacking them was totally the right move!

Byakuren

I do think it was a bit unjust to punish us both without understanding the situation...

Futo

Well spoken! So what happens now?

Flandre

Well, the battle's over, so you're both free to switch teams!

Which makes it eight versus eight again.

Komachi

So it all worked out peacefully... minus all the bullets.

Minamitsu

This abandoned little boat looks kinda suspicious...

Minamitsu

I knew it! Someone hid an egg here!

Reisen

I found one, too! It was behind the tea cakes in the cupboard! It was hidden pretty well, to be honest.

Yuyuko

Hmm, it's rare to see five stupas lined up together... Wait, there's an egg hidden between them!

Urumi

I found one under a stone on the riverbed! ...Gotta hand it to Team Murasa. They sure know how to hide eggs!

Kutaka

Kakaaaaw!

Urumi

Another cluck... That means time's up. I really wanted to find all the eggs again.

Komachi

No worries. I doubt Team Murasa managed to find all of ours.

Urumi

I reckon we'll have to meet up and count them all to see who won.

Kutaka

Great work, everyone! The egg hunt is officially over!

Flandre

Why did we have to meet right beside the river?!

Because this spot was right between the two teams.

Just stay away from the water and you'll be fine.

Minamitsu

We found a bunch of eggs at the last minute, but I'm not sure it'll be enough!

Komachi

I heard the earthquake worked in our favor. But let's see if if it secured us the win.

Kutaka

Ahem! The tallies are in!

Kutaka

Team Murasa... 30 eggs!

Kutaka

And Team Komachi... 30 eggs!

Kutaka

Which means it's a tie!

Komachi

A tie? You mean we really found the same number of eggs?

Kutaka

That's right! Each team's eggs were placed in separate bags. Count them for yourself if you like.

Minamitsu

Hm, our bag has 30... What about yours, Komachi?

Komachi

I doubt Miss Kutaka would've miscounted, but just in case... Yep, 30 over here, too.

So it really is a tie.

Flandre

This calls for a tiebreaker!

Minamitsu

As much as I'd love that, I think we've had enough egg hunting for one day...

Komachi

Plus, we kinda figured out where all the good hiding spots are already.

Flandre

Don't worry, the book has us covered!

Is that the Easter book from Kourindou?!

Flandre

It says here that at Easter, people also have "egg battles."

Flandre

You take turns smashing your eggs against each other, and whoever's cracks first loses.

Komachi

Wouldn't that be over in, like, two seconds? Eggs crack pretty easily.

Flandre

Apparently, the trick is to hit the other person's egg just right so yours doesn't crack, but theirs does!

Minamitsu

Sounds kinda fun. Besides, these eggs are pretty tough. They won't crack right away.

Flandre

How about we have a battle of bullets AND eggs?

Komachi

Now there's an idea. At the very least, it means no more egg hunting...

Minamitsu

Yeah, this could be the perfect way to settle things! Let's do it!

Komachi

What do you say, everyone?

Yorihime

I joined the egg hunt out of a sense of justice, but I fear I barely helped. If the festival continues, I'd like to participate.

Futo

I switched teams right before time was up, so I didn't get a chance to shine! Bring on the tiebreaker!

Minamitsu

Sounds like everyone's on board. Honestly, they seem even more excited now that we get to battle.

Flandre

I know I am! I can't wait to hit you all with some eggs!

Kutaka

Please don't be too rough with them, OK?

???

If this festival is to continue...

Komachi

Eep! Lady Eiki?!

Eiki

Then I shall prepare the battlefield. Is everyone OK with moving to Muenzuka?

Eiki

You can finally settle this dispute under the cherry blossoms.

Minamitsu

Now you're talking! This is gonna be one heck of a final showdown!

Komachi

I wouldn't want anything else. This egg battle is on!

Flandre

Hehe, all according to plan. Hey, PLAYER, wanna know a secret?

Flandre

I kept giving the losing team extra eggs whenever we checked in on them.

You did?

Wait... Is that way the hunt ended in a draw?

Flandre

Yep! This tiebreaker was exactly what I wanted!

Minamitsu

All right, Komachi, lead us to Muenzuka!

Komachi

Well, we have to go by river, so I guess this isn't all that different from my usual job.

Flandre

By river? Pfft, forget about that.

Flandre

Let's get Okina to make us a back door. I'm sure she's watching.

Okina

I should've seen this coming...

Komachi

If you ask me, you should just accept your role as festival chauffeur. Plus, this saves me the trouble of rowing!

Flandre

I wanna start the battle before everyone's hype wears off! Please, Okina. Pretty pleeeeeeease!

Okina

...Fine. But this is the last time. One back door to Muenzaka, coming up.

Flandre

Wow, this place is way prettier than I thought! And...

Flandre

There's no river!

Sakuya

Lady Flandre, please try to stay calm. This place may look peaceful, but it's still a graveyard. A dangerous one at that.

Yuyuko

But the flowers here bloom so beautifully... It's the perfect location to bury a corpse.

Sakuya

I'd appreciate it if you didn't give the young mistress any ideas.

Yuyuko

Hehe, my apologies. Now we're here, what do you all say we get started?

Yuyuko

We have an egg battle to fight.

Sakuya

Fine by me. Up until now, this has all felt rather tame.

Sakuya

But a battle of bullets with eggs? That's more like it. I just hope you put up a good fight.

Flandre

Whoa! I wanna team up with Sakuya!

Youmu

In that case, I'll join Lady Yuyuko, and we can make this a two-on-two bout!

Tewi

Get ready for a master-servant battle between Hakugyokurou and the Scarlet Devil Mansion under the cherry blossoms!

Since when were you a commentator?!

Tewi

You DON'T wanna miss this, folks! Purchase your tickets from the youkai rabbits!

Tewi

Be sure to check out the delectable food stalls! And you've GOTTA try the carrot juice. It's cheap and rabbit-approved!

So this is what you've been off doing, Tewi...

Sakuya

The crowd's getting rowdy. Let's get started before things get even more out of control.

Youmu

I have failed you, Lady Yuyuko!

Yuyuko

It's fine, Youmu. Trying to battle while making sure your own egg doesn't crack isn't easy.

Flandre

My egg's fine and I barely paid attention to it!

Sakuya

That's because PLAYER was helping you, Lady Flandre.

You helped too, Sakuya! That's why our eggs are intact!

Sakuya

Strange that a referee was the least concerned with the rules of the game...

Flandre

With no river to worry about, I can do what I want! I'm gonna go have a bunch more egg battles!

Futo

Thou hast made a grave mistake allowing us to team up! Wallow in your hubris as we lay you to rest in this graveyard!

Ichirin

Hey, you can't talk to Lady Byakuren like that!

Futo

R-Right... I hoped thou wouldst say something intimidating, too.

Byakuren

As ever, I have no clue whether you two are getting on well or not.

Byakuren

But very well. As a member of the opposing team, I accept your egg battle challenge.

Urumi

A two-on-one fight isn't fair, though. I'll help you out, Byakuren!

Flandre

People are battling over here, too! Sub me in!

Urumi

We're in for it now!

Mayumi

This whole thing has turned into one big brawl... I guess the tiebreaker was always gonna turn out like this, huh?

Medicine

Or maybe it's just that, away from the river, there's nothing left to hold Flandre back.

Mayumi

Certainly seems like it... Either way, the ref's enjoying the battles more than anyone.

Medicine

Let her go wild while we take a little break. Here, have some dokudami tea.

Mayumi

Thanks, Medicine! ...But is this allowed? We're on opposite teams, you know?

Medicine

I don't care if Komachi or Murasa wins. And with all these battles, the teams are already a mess.

Mayumi

You're right about that. I guess it's all right if we take a breather, then.

Flandre

A breather? No way! C'mon, everyone, let's have some egg battles!

Medicine

Eek! She's charging right at us!

Yorihime

This is getting out of hand... I shall referee this fight. Rabbits, with me!

Flandre

Nuh-uh! You can't referee a referee!

Flandre

Fighting without a river around is the best! I'm so glad we did this tiebreaker! I'm gonna go battle more people.

Komachi

Uh... I don't think this is going to end well. I have an idea, though.

Komachi

Lady Eiki, I have a favor to ask! Where are you?!

Eiki

I'm right here, enjoying some dokudami tea. What do you want?

Komachi

You're really enjoying yourself, huh? ...But whatever!

Komachi

Can we move the tiebreaker back to the Sanzu River?

Eiki

Why would you want that?

Komachi

When you joined the egg hunt...

Komachi

You said this festival was meant to settle things between me and Murasa.

Komachi

But Flandre's rampage has turned the whole battlefield into a free-for-all.

Komachi

With things like this, there's no way we can settle our dispute.

Minamitsu

She's right! We need to go back to the river to take the wind out of Flandre's sails!

Komachi

Exactly! Thanks for backing me up, Murasa.

Komachi

Please, Lady Eiki! We've gotta go back!

Eiki

Huh... You've really thought this through.

Minamitsu

Hang on. Why did you want us to do the tiebreaker here anyway?

Eiki

Well...

Eiki

I thought a change of scenery would get everyone more excited...

Eiki

And a spectacular battle needs a spectacular backdrop, don't you think?

Minamitsu

I-I suppose...

Komachi

At least she meant well. Even if things have gotten... completely out of control.

Minamitsu

Yikes! I never thought I'd hear you go so hard on your boss!

Komachi

Wait, that wasn't what I―?

Flandre

What were you guys talking about while I was off having the time of my life? I felt like I heard the word river...

Minamitsu

The tiebreaker's moving back to Sanzu River.

Flandre

No it's not... No. It's. NOOOOOOOT!

Minamitsu

Uh-oh! We need to get back to the river NOW!

Komachi

PLAYER, call the chauffeur.

O-OK. I hope this works...

Um... Miss Okina?

Okina

Did no one ever teach you not to test the patience of a god? I may be divine...

Okina

But I have my limits!

Okina

Now, now, no need to be so afraid. I won't bite... at least, not while everyone's eyes are on us.

Minamitsu

You're just acting mad. Tell the truth. You love being summoned like this!

Minamitsu

If you didn't, you wouldn't keep showing up!

Okina

Hmph. What's so wrong with wanting a taste of the festival fun?

Okina

Fair's fair. I'll transport you all to the Sanzu River.

Flandre

Nooo! It's way more fun battling here!

Tewi

Yeah! I just gathered a massive crowd, and we're so close to breaking even!

Okina

So I graciously accept defeat, and all I get in return is complaints.

Komachi

They might be loud, but you can still ignore them. C'mon, everyone, we're headed back to the Sanzu River!

Minamitsu

Yo-ho, yo-ho, to the river we go!

Komachi

This is where it all started. Guess it only makes sense that this is where we end it!

Minamitsu

Mind if I borrow a boat? We can have a one-on-one boat battle! Full speed ahead!

Komachi

You sure about this, Murasa? Settling this with us both in small boats. You've got a much bigger ship, don't you?

Minamitsu

No need to worry! I can captain any vessel s'long as I've got my trusty anchor!

Minamitsu

And I can always just jump aboard your boat with my anchor and sink you to the depths!

Komachi

I think you're forgetting about my scythe!

Komachi

If you try and board me, I'll show you how sharp it is!

Minamitsu

That's the spirit! It'd be no fun it you went down without a fight!

Minamitsu

And while we're at it, let's smash our eggs together! Take this!

Komachi

I forgot about the egg battles! ...Wait, was that a crack? Did an egg break?!

Minamitsu

Maybe. But whose egg was it?

Minamitsu

Whoa, more eggs are flying in from the sidelines! Our eggs aren't gonna last!

Komachi

At this rate, we're both gonna end up losers! Who'd pull a stunt like this...?

Flandre

You really gotta ask?! As if I'd just sit back and watch the final showdown!

Flandre

I gotta keep my distance from the water, but I can still hurl eggs at you!

Komachi

I get that, but why are there so many bullets mixed in with the eggs?!

Minamitsu

She really doesn't wanna get wet, huh? Her attacks are getting wilder than ever!

You two came back here to settle things...

But Flan's getting in the way.

Flandre

You're in for it now, PLAYER! Take this!

Komachi

She's lost it. Now she's attacking her fellow referee.

Minamitsu

She's become an ally, an enemy, and an enemy's enemy, just like she said she would! She's everyone's enemy now!

Minamitsu

To be honest, she's kinda awesome!

Flandre

Right?!

Komachi

Save the compliments. If we wanna squash our beef, first, we gotta squash this vampire.

Minamitsu

You're right. PLAYER, we're gonna need your help on this one!

Flandre

Ugh, this was a bad idea. I got splashed with so much flowing water... I need a lie-down.

Reisen

Flandre is down. I repeat, Flandre is down! We need a medic here!

Medicine

Don't be so dramatic. She just needs someone to dry her off.

Yuyuko

If she's feeling weak, she should eat something. How about some egg drop soup?

Youmu

I'll start making it right away!

Meiling

Whoa, you work fast, Youmu. ...Watching you cook is making me hungry, too.

Ichirin

This festival's been going a while. I should've grabbed a bento box from Tewi's stall earlier.

Yuyuko

Speaking of bento boxes, I could really go for some tamagoyaki. I'm craving something sweet and savory.

Youmu

One tamagoyaki, coming up!

Tenshi

Everyone's hunger is distracting them from the festival...

Byakuren

But in a way, sharing good food while chatting together is what festivals are all about.

Byakuren

So let's do just that while we watch Komachi and Murasa's final showdown.

Tewi

Hey! Serving food was MY idea!

Tewi

Why did I leave my food stall back at Muenzuka?! I could've made so much money... *sob*

By the way, what kind of eggs are these?

Youmu

I was just thinking that. Right now, I have no idea what they're going to taste like.

Urumi

Maybe cracking one open will give us a clue. Never seen eggs like these before, though...

Youmu

We've already smashed them together. Cracks form, but they never break.

Futo

Say, Kutaka. How do we actually get inside these eggs?

Kutaka

Wow, thanks. You managed to crack this many of them.

Futo

Yes, but I'm asking how we crack them OPEN.

Kutaka

With this many cracks in them, I'd say they're almost ready to hatch. Maybe they'll all do it at the same time!

Kutaka

Inside each egg is a whole universe. Ever heard of a world egg or the egg creation myth?

Kutaka

An eggshell separates our reality from the one within, and unknown eggs are filled with limitless potential.

I think I speak for everyone when I say... what?

Kutaka

I'm trying to express my gratitude to you all for helping to bring new worlds into Gensokyo.

Kutaka

Thank you so, so much.

...This isn't gonna end well, is it?

Kutaka

Easter is a resurrection festival. These new worlds are from beyond the veil, from the far side of the Sanzu River...

Kutaka

I can't wait.

Sannyo

I thought it was strange how quiet she was being... Sounds like she was using us the whole time.

Mayumi

S-So, what exactly are these eggs? And what's about to hatch out of them?!

Kutaka

No need to be afraid. All we can do now is watch.

Kutaka

It's already begun.

Komachi

Hate to interrupt our battle, Murasa... but something's up with everyone. Or rather, with Kutaka.

Minamitsu

Looks like an emergency. I had a bad feeling about those storm clouds!

Komachi

Keeping the peace around here is part of my job, too... I'm gonna check it out.

Minamitsu

Alone? C'mon, don't be so cold. Let me come with you!

Minamitsu

It'd be a real bummer if someone other than me got to sink your boat.

Komachi

Fine. But it'll be quicker if we go together. Climb aboard.

Minamitsu

I suppose I can be your first mate for a while. But wait, does this mean your boat's faster than the one you lent me?

Komachi

They're basically the same, but now both of us will benefit from my ability.

Komachi

I can manipulate distance, remember?

Minamitsu

Oh, yeah!

Minamitsu

Whoa... I never knew you could travel that fast! You were totally holding back on me during our battle, huh?

Komachi

Haha, it doesn't hurt to have an ace up your sleeve.

Minamitsu

Yeah, but you just showed Kutaka your full hand, ace and all.

Komachi

You're right! I should've thought ahead.

Kutaka

Heh heh, it's too late now...

Komachi

Gotcha! I never thought you'd do something like this, Miss Kutaka...

Komachi

You're all out of options. Now stop those eggs from doing... whatever it is they're doing!

Kutaka

I couldn't even if I wanted to. Each of them is hatching on their own.

Kutaka

You all handled them with such disregard. Just look at them now...

Flandre

Ready and... KABOOM!

Kutaka

Huh?

Flandre

Everyone seemed scared of the eggs, so I used my ability to destroy them all!

That was a... A... A...

Flandre

A what? A terrible thing to do? A bad way to use my ability? A waste of good eggs?!

AMAZING!

Flandre

For real?! All right!

Sakuya

I was bracing for the worst... but thanks to you, we're all in one piece.

Ichirin

Saved by the ref!

Tewi

I didn't really get what was happening, but I sure was scared! Never thought I'd say it, but... thanks, Flandre!

Flandre

People don't usually thank me for destroying stuff. Guess this means I'm a pretty great referee!

Okina

Laevateinn, the chicken slayer...

Yorihime

So what exactly were those eggs? You made it sound like they were going to change the world.

Yorihime

Looking at the broken shells, they're all completely empty.

Kutaka

Sorry for scaring you all! These were just decorative eggshells with nothing inside.

Then what was that big speech about?!

Kutaka

I thought I could spook you all with a good old villain's monologue.

Tenshi

So it was all an act? How dare you!

Kutaka

I'm really sorry! I got kinda carried away.

Kutaka

But you all thought it was real for a moment, didn't you?

Kutaka

You started thinking, "What if these eggs really are dangerous?" "What if we were wrong to treat them like that?"

Kutaka

And that's exactly what I wanted you to think. Easter is all about eggs and the life that hatches from them.

Kutaka

But people don't pay much attention to them. I wanted to remind you all how important they are.

You're right. They are important.

I guess I've just never realized it until now.

Byakuren

So you scared us to remind us of the value of life...

Yuyuko

We should always be grateful for the lives we consume when eating.

We left all the egg prep to Kutaka, didn't we?

Sorry. We should've considered your feelings.

Flandre

If you think about it, I'm kinda like an egg. I was trapped in a dark place, then I broke free.

Flandre

And just like eggs, I'm full of surprises! From now on, I'll think of eggs as little mes when I eat them.

Kutaka

Umm... thanks?

Komachi

You'll have to do better than that! You think a little collision is gonna sink my boat?!

Minamitsu

You're pretty tough when you're fired up! But the next boat crash is gonna come with ladlefuls of water.

Komachi

I really wish you'd cut that out. It's kinda lame.

Minamitsu

I don't care how a boat sinks, so long as it does!

The eggs are all cracked, the festival is over...

But these two are still fighting!

Eiki

What did you expect? They wanted to settle their dispute, but it was never going to be possible.

So even you can't help them?

Eiki

I'm afraid not. Just as everyone said, it's impossible to tell who's in the right and who's in the wrong.

Eiki

They are both simply fulfilling their roles as a ship phantom and the Sanzu River's ferrywoman.

Eiki

Their clash spawned from their respective roles in the world. There can be no simple verdict.

Minamitsu

I gotta sink boats!

Komachi

And I gotta talk to phantoms!

Kutaka

Hmm, this is like tryna decide which came first, the chicken or the egg... Kakaaw!

With the Easter festival over, all the participants made their way back home. Well, not ALL of them...

Eiki

We've got quite the mess on our hands... Komachi, I'm leaving this one to you.

Komachi

But I'm exhausted... Can't it wait till tomorrow?

Eiki

No, this needs to be handled right away. Look.

Komachi

Whoa... There are, like, a thousand youkai rabbits all hopping around.

Eiki

Apparently, they're staging a protest.

Komachi

...About what? Do they want the festival to keep going?

Eiki

No. They're insisting you and Murasa settle your dispute. But, you know, properly this time.

Komachi

Seriously?! You said it yourself―there was never gonna be a clear verdict.

Minamitsu

It's not so much they want a verdict on who's right and wrong...

Minamitsu

More like they want us to fight it out to the bitter end.

Komachi

Hmm, I think you might be right. They sure seem like a lively bunch...

Flandre

That's what everyone was saying when they attacked Kutaka!

Minamitsu

You're still here, Flandre? I thought you'd wanna get away from the river as soon as the festival ended.

Flandre

Yeah, but I had a feeling the fun wasn't over. Turns out I was right!

Flandre

So, what are we gonna do about these bouncy bunnies? Drain their blood till they calm down?

Komachi

Trust a vampire to suggest draining their blood.

Flandre

Hmm, then again, I bet their blood isn't too yummy.

Komachi

I don't think that's really the issue...

Minamitsu

Why don't we put draining their blood in the maybe pile and just move on?

Komachi

Whoa... Was that an earthquake? Maybe Tenshi's using her ability again.

Minamitsu

I doubt it. She already left.

Eiki

That tremor just now was caused by the youkai rabbits' stomping.

Komachi

Wait, they stomped so hard it caused the ground to shake?!

Eiki

So the evidence would suggest. Remember, they're not ordinary rabbits.

Eiki

At this rate, their stomping will collapse the stone stacks at Sai no Kawara, fracture the ground...

Eiki

And turn the land around the Sanzu River into a barren wasteland!

Komachi

No way!

Eika

I was happy watching the festival fun, but I didn't know things would end up like this!

Minamitsu

I mean... it's already kinda barren here, though. There's nothing but rocks and river water.

Komachi

Can't argue with that.

Komachi

But still! If this keeps up, my workplace is gonna be full of holes!

Komachi

And if phantoms start tripping on them, we might get complaints about lack of accessibility.

Eiki

That's why I said this problem can't wait.

Eiki

Your task is to put an end to this youkai rabbit protest. I'm counting on you, Komachi.

Flandre

How come they're so fired up anyway?

Minamitsu

You just butt in whenever you please, huh? It's because me and Komachi never settled our beef.

Flandre

Nah, they were like this from the very start.

Flandre

We've had Easter festivals before, so what's different this time?

Minamitsu

Hmm, that's actually a good point. They're definitely more worked up this year.

Komachi

Tewi knows all about youkai rabbits. Maybe we should ask her... Where did she hop off to?

Minamitsu

Looks like she's gone. Probably got bummed out after missing her chance to sell a bunch of food.

Komachi

I have a feeling she's behind all this, though... Let's find her. That's the only way to know for sure.

Komachi

But I'm all tired out from the festival, so I really don't wanna go chasing after her.

Minamitsu

Want me to help? I don't know how useful I'll be, but it's better than going it alone!

Komachi

You sure, Murasa?

Minamitsu

You really gonna make me say it? ...Fine. This is my way of saying sorry for trying to sink your boat.

Minamitsu

Not that I regret trying to sink it! But, y'know... I might as well ride this current all the way to the end.

Flandre

You're going to the bamboo forest to find Tewi, right? Far, far away from the Sanzu River?!

Flandre

Count me in!

Eiki

I'll leave this to you three. I'll stay here and keep the youkai rabbits occupied.

Komachi

This sure took an interesting turn. It's like a post-tiebreaker bonus round, but with even more youkai rabbits!

Minamitsu

What was that? I can't hear you over all the mini earthquakes...

Komachi

I said this is like a bonus round!

Minamitsu

A bonus round? You mean you wanna fight some more?

Flandre

Hey! No fighting without me!

Minamitsu

How 'bout we wait till the river starts flowing upstream?

Flandre

Sounds good to me!

Minamitsu

Wow, I can't believe that worked.

Komachi

Somehow I doubt you two are gonna be of much help... PLAYER, will you come, too?

Sure thing!

Minamitsu

That settles it. The four of us are setting off on daring voyage! Yo-ho!

Minamitsu

Didn't we pass this giant bamboo stalk already? Like, twice.

Komachi

Really? I can't tell them apart. But it does kinda feel like we're going in circles...

Minamitsu

Eientei's the best place to look for Tewi and to learn more about youkai rabbits...

Minamitsu

But what good is that if we can't find it? I'm starting to see why they call it the Bamboo Forest of the Lost.

Komachi

And to think, two of us guide people for a living. Guess we're not much use on land.

Minamitsu

There's no bamboo in the ocean, that's for sure. I can't see a thing in this forest!

Flandre

Want me to destroy some of it? Or better yet, all of it?

Komachi

Whoa, whoa, hold on a sec! There are people living here, you know?!

Komachi

You can't flatten all the bamboo just to protect the Sanzu River.

Flandre

Sure I can! With no more nasty flowing water around, I can unleash my full power!

Oh, no! I was hoping she wouldn't figure that out!

You gotta listen to us, Flan!

???

Settle your... Settle your dispute!

Minamitsu

You gotta be kidding me... More youkai rabbits!

Komachi

Did they follow us all the way from the river? I suppose it makes more sense for them to be here than us, but still.

Komachi Supporters

We're here to support Miss Komachi and fight for order and justice! Take that ship phantom down!

Komachi

Well, this is unexpected... Thanks for helping out with the Easter festival earlier.

Minamitsu Supporters

We refuse to be shackled by order, and embrace the chaos of youkai! Go, Captain Murasa!

Minamitsu

So you guys are on my side, huh?! Welcome to my ship-sinking crew! Yo-ho!

Komachi

Don't encourage them! We don't want them fighting each other!

Minamitsu

Sounds like it's too late. Hear all those bullets?

Minamitsu

They're going to war on our behalf! Don't they get that we're done fighting?

Those aren't rabbit bullets. They're Flan bullets!

Minamitsu

Are you sure? Come to think of it, we never did finish our conversation earlier...

Komachi

We were trying to stop her from flattening the forest, but the youkai rabbits distracted us. What's the situation now?

Flandre

Hahaha! Rabbits are way more fun to fight than bamboo! Get back here!

Minamitsu

So she's changed targets, huh? I guess it could be worse.

Komachi

So the rabbits that were chasing us are now getting chased by Flandre...

Komachi

At least she's keeping them―and herself―occupied.

Minamitsu

There sure are a lot of youkai rabbits, though. What do you say, Komachi? Should we jump in, too?

Komachi

Sounds like a plan. Let's join forces with the referee and entertain our supporters!

Minamitsu

Well, that takes care of those pesky youkai rabbits. But we're still no closer to finding Eientei...

Komachi

Maybe we should ask the rabbits? I bet they know where it is.

Minamitsu

I dunno, they still seem pretty fired up. Check out those blood-shot eyes.

Komachi

Pretty sure their eyes are always that color.

Flandre

You guys are crazy! Wanna hop around with me? *hop* *hop* *hop*

Youkai Rabbits

Stay outta this, ref. We want this dispute settled! ...Hopping around is kinda fun, though. *hop* *hop* *hop*

Komachi

They're all getting along pretty well, huh?

It's equal parts cute... and concerning.

Minamitsu

All right, time to play the ace up my sleeve!

Minamitsu

Fear not, I'll lead us to Eientei!

Komachi

You're not planning on using your anchor to mow down the whole forest, are you?

Minamitsu

Of course not! You gotta learn to trust your captain.

Minamitsu

Get ready, 'cause we're about to board the Palanquin Ship. Eientei will be easy to spot from the sky!

Minamitsu

Feast your eyes on my pride and joy―the Palanquin Ship! All aboard!

Komachi

Flying ships sure are cool. With this, we could get anywhere in Gensokyo in no time!

Komachi

Then again, I guess I can say the same thing about my ability.

Flandre

If we fly through the sky, there'll be no flowing water... This might be my favorite ship ever!

Minamitsu

Wow, the whole Myouren Temple crew will be thrilled to hear that!

Komachi

So this is Myouren Temple's ship, huh? What're your crew up to now?

Minamitsu

Byakuren and Ichirin went straight home after the festival...

Minamitsu

But when they got there, it turned into the Palanquin Ship. I bet they're freaking out right about now.

Komachi

That's one way to find out you're homeless...

They still have a home. It's just flying through the sky!

Minamitsu

Before the festival, I got Byakuren's approval to captain the Palanquin Ship in case of emergencies.

Minamitsu

So everything should be fine! And if not, we can all get told off together!

What do you mean together?!

Komachi

To think, I could've ended up battling this ship in my little ferryboat...

Minamitsu

Everyone aboard? Then let's take to the skies!

Wow, the view from up here is incredible!

I'm a little afraid of heights, though!

Minamitsu

Flying this high puts us closer to the sun. Flandre, you doing OK?

Flandre

Yep. I got sunscreen on, and the sun's about to set!

Komachi

I can't believe a ship this size can fly itself. It's so nice to just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Minamitsu

As the captain of this vessel, I'm super happy to hear you say nice things about it!

Minamitsu

And now, a surprise announcement!

Flandre

What is it?!

Minamitsu

I planned to find Eientei from the sky, but I can't see a thing through all this bamboo!

Komachi

...Wait, that's it? THAT'S the surprise announcement?!

Minamitsu

Yep. Oh, and since it's getting dark, things are only gonna get tougher.

Komachi

So basically, we're just up here to enjoy the view...

Flandre

Hey, look! Someone's flying above the bamboo! ...Who is that?

Minamitsu

Where, where?!

Flandre

Over there. They're dropping stuff all over the forest.

Komachi

Maybe her vampire eyesight is better than ours. She's probably used to being in the dark.

Minamitsu

I have no idea who it could be, but let's go find out. Hard to port!

Minamitsu

Yep, it's definitely a person.

Komachi

And they're scattering newspapers. Look at them floating down.

Aya

Extra, extra! Get your copy of today's fifth Bunbunmaru News! "Ferrywoman vs. Ship Phantom―The Dispute Rages On!"

Komachi

A tengu?! Wait, that's Aya!

Minamitsu

That headline's about us, isn't it?

Aya

Gah! You're supposed to still be fighting at the Sanzu River! How'd you find me here?!

Komachi

Well, if there was any doubt you were up to no good...

Minamitsu

We weren't even looking for you. Flandre here just happened to spot you!

Komachi

Good job, Flandre. Want a battle of bullets as a reward?

Flandre

Really?! Up here in the sky?! Let's do it!

Komachi

Aya there is who you'll be battling, m'kay?

Aya

Wait, why me?!

Minamitsu

Duh... 'Cause you're clearly up to no good!

Komachi

Now then, Aya. Are you gonna tell us what you were up to? You clearly didn't want us finding you.

Aya

Using a battle to silence a reporter... This is an attack on press freedom! I'm gonna write an article about this!

Minamitsu

I'd rather not end up in some weird article, thanks. By the way, is that a copy of Bunbunmaru News in your hand?

Minamitsu

What have you written in there about us? We heard something about a dispute raging on.

Komachi

It's right there in big, bold print. And it's an extra edition, which means she must've rushed to print it.

Komachi

But why write an article about us? And why scatter it around the bamboo forest?

Komachi

It's time to come clean.

Aya

Ayayayaya...

Flandre

Whoa, this article is crazy! You gotta read it!

Minamitsu

I'm not done questioning Aya, but now I gotta know. Gimme a copy.

Komachi

Hm, let's see here. Huh...

Komachi

This newspaper has a pretty detailed write-up on the Easter festival...

Minamitsu

I've only ever seen this level of detail on Easter in that book Flandre got from Kourindou.

Minamitsu

Did she interview you or something?

Flandre

Nope.

Komachi

"Captain Murasa Attempts to Sink Komachi and Her Eggs!" "Komachi's Rule-Breaking God-Summoning!"

Komachi

"Battle Location Changed to Muenzaka!" "Rivertop Showdown Ends With No Clear Winner!"

Komachi

All these smaller articles are about things that literally just happened. She couldn't have written this in advance.

Komachi

It's all ridiculously sensational. She's talking about us as if we're archenemies!

Minamitsu

It sure is a fun read, though...

Minamitsu

I feel like I'm really there, you know? Makes me wanna shout, "C'mon, Captain Murasa, you can sink that boat!"

Flandre

There's barely anything about me! She just called me "a pesky little vampire who interrupted an important battle"!

Komachi

Considering the rampage you went on, I'd say she went easy on you. Hahaha!

Komachi

Wait a sec. This whole thing is just about me and Murasa. And it's almost like it's tryna pit our supporters against each other.

Minamitsu

Makes you wonder who she wrote this for. Let's ask her―

Flandre

Looks like she flew down from the ship while we were reading.

Minamitsu

What?! She's miles away already!

Aya

Ayayaya...

Komachi

Who cares? If we follow her, we'll find out who she's giving these newspapers to.

Komachi

She was dropping them onto the bamboo forest, and now she's flying back to the same spot. Which means...

Minamitsu

We know where she's headed! Hard to starboard!

Komachi

Just as I thought! She's dropping newspapers directly onto Eientei!

Minamitsu

It was a bumpy ride, but we finally made it.

Komachi Supporters

It's Miss Komachi! Our beloved shinigami has come to Eientei!

Komachi

Whoa, whoa! Stop hopping on me! ...When did I get this popular?

Komachi Supporters

Crush that wretched Murasa!

Komachi

She's no angel, but I wouldn't call her wretched!

Minamitsu

Does EVERYONE here at Eientei have it out for me?

Minamitsu Supporters

No way, Miss Murasa! Those Komachi fans have completely lost touch with their youkai nature!

Minamitsu Supporters

Youkai should act like youkai! Let's teach that pig-headed Komachi a lesson!

Minamitsu

Yikes! Can you guys chill out a little?

Flandre

Go, go, go! Crush Murasa! Teach Komachi lessons!

You're trying to be on both sides again, huh?

Minamitsu

Well, at least now we know why all the youkai rabbits want us to duke it out so bad.

Komachi

Bunbunmaru News has been riling them up here at Eientei.

Komachi

I gotta admit, these articles do get the blood pumping.

Komachi

But is a single newspaper really enough to make them go this wild? They're completely out of control.

Tewi

What's that noise? It sounds like a giant flying ship...

Tewi

Wait, it IS a giant flying ship! And it's right above Eientei! Oh, boy... I don't like the look of the crew!

Flandre

Tewi! We came all this way to find you!

Minamitsu

We found Eientei AND Tewi at the same time. Things are finally going our way!

Tewi

Reisen, forget the mind control plan. We're outta here!

Reisen

What? Why? ...Oh. Oh no. They found us!

Komachi

You're in on... whatever this is, too, Reisen?!

Minamitsu

We know you've got something to do with the youkai rabbits going crazy. We won't let you escape!

Tewi

Ugh, they cut us off!

Flandre

I've got this way covered. I'll keep Reisen and the rabbits from escaping!

Reisen

Looks like we're out of options... I really thought the festival would help us get away with this.

Reisen

If we can't flee, we'll have to fight!

Komachi

A battle of bullets? Against us? Can't you see who you're up against?

Reisen

True... Which is why I'm calling on our strongest warrior. Captain of the youkai rabbits, look into my eyes.

Tewi

Good thinking, Reisen! The captain should be capable of becoming even stronger than me!

Tewi

But try not to go overboard. You know, in case I have to stop 'em!

Komachi

Reisen just grabbed some random youkai rabbit and is... staring into its eyes. Is she trying to hypnotize it?

Reisen

You are no mere youkai rabbit. Your strength will surpass that of Tewi Inaba.

Reisen

You will become the ultimate warrior, more powerful even than our leaders, Komachi and Murasa!

Tewi

Even the strongest youkai rabbit wasn't enough, huh?! I was sure we were doing a great job powering all of them up!

Reisen

Maybe if you hadn't asked me to hold back... Ah, well. They still did a pretty good job.

Komachi

We figured you were up to something, Tewi... but I didn't expect you to be in on it too, Reisen.

Komachi

And you even roped Aya into all this. I think it's about time you came clean.

Reisen

Everything we did... was for the good of the Horned Rabbit Union.

Minamitsu

The what now?

Reisen

It's a youkai rabbit organization led by me and Tewi.

Reisen

Youkai rabbits often get used by people. Our goal is to show the threat they pose and raise their status.

Tewi

The problem is they're too docile. So, I used your little rivalry to fire them up!

Minamitsu

Your solution to them being used... was to use us?!

Tewi

What's your point? You seemed perfectly happy to have them hide and look for eggs.

Minamitsu

I mean, yeah, but they wanted to be part of the festival, so I figured it was OK...

Reisen

Their enthusiasm was the key to our plan. We used the festival to show off their usefulness and strength―

Reisen

―hoping that from now on, people would stop taking advantage of them.

Komachi

Huh. That sounds a lot like what Kutaka was saying about the eggs.

Reisen

I guess so... We weren't working together or anything. It was just a coincidence that we had similar goals.

Reisen

We both wanted people to appreciate something they usually take for granted.

Tewi

We needed something to get them all riled up. So, we got them to take sides in your dispute.

Minamitsu

And how exactly did you―?

Minamitsu

The newspapers!

Aya

Bingo! The Horned Rabbit Union asked me to write a few sensationalist articles to get the readers' blood pumping.

Komachi

When are your articles NOT sensationalist?

Minamitsu

Let's, uhh, save that conversation for another time...

Aya

By enhancing your rivalry with some journalistic flair, I helped elevate the social standing of youkai rabbits!

Aya

This is the power of my reporting! Pretty cool how just a little bit of ink can change the world, right?!

Reisen

I also used my ability to help the more influential youkai rabbits rally the others.

Minamitsu

This was like a real military operation, huh? Although, I guess that makes sense with you involved.

Aya

Just to clarify, we didn't cause any trouble in the Human Village!

Aya

All we did was get the youkai rabbits invested in your rivalry. The only places affected were Eientei and the Sanzu River.

Komachi

Speaking of the river... these articles go into a crazy amount of detail about what went down there.

Komachi

How were you able to report on it so fast?

Minamitsu

Yeah, that's been bugging me, too.

Minamitsu

Your articles read like you were actually there. Were you hiding somewhere?

Tewi

Well, they already know about everything else we did. Reisen, can I tell them?

Reisen

...We weren't told to keep our mouths shut, so it should be OK.

Tewi

Someone was feeding information to Aya in real time.

Tewi

You've probably already guessed it, huh, Flandre? Who can travel around Gensokyo in an instant?

Flandre

I can only think of Okina...

Tewi

Bingo. She has a soft spot for people being treated unfairly.

Reisen

In fact, this whole plan to raise the standing of youkai rabbits was her idea.

Flandre

So that's why she was happy to keep transporting us around. I can't believe she tricked me like that!

Reisen

If something seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Komachi

Was she really tricking you, though?

Minamitsu

Just seems like she was helping you out while working toward her own goals, which she likely would've done anyway.

It sure was handy having a festival chauffeur!

Flandre

Huh... So she WASN'T tricking me!

A little while later, at Kourindou...

Flandre

I brought back the Easter book I borrowed!

It helped make the festival a blast!

Rinnosuke

That's great to hear. I haven't heard much about it, but did you all get to eat plenty of eggs?

Kinda... From now on, we're gonna treat them―

And rabbits―with more respect!

Rinnosuke

That's... an interesting takeaway. Sounds like a new form of gratitude has hatched in your heart.

Flandre

Eek! I don't want things hatching in my heart!

Rinnosuke

Don't worry, it's a good thing. Probably.

From now on, I'll be grateful for the small things, too.

Flandre

...Do you think if I showed Okina how grateful I am, she'd transport me around again?

Definitely! Why don't you give it a try?

Flandre

You got it. Thanks, Okina! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Okina

...Fine. Where would you like to go?

Whoa, that was fast!

Rinnosuke

It's almost like she was waiting for this...!

Flandre

Gratitude rules!

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