Lossy's Journal

Yukari

Good day, PLAYER.

Yukari

Hm, you seem a little different today.

Yukari

I can't put my finger on it...

Yukari

*stare*

Umm... is there something on my face?

Yukari

Not at all. You're looking as adorable as ever.

Yukari

Still, something feels different. What could it be?

Yukari

*more staring*

Q-Quit staring at me!

It's embarrassing.

Yukari

Teehee, sorry. But I finally figured it out.

Yukari

Have you grown a little taller?

I don't think so...

Yukari

Even if you haven't, you will soon. Children grow quickly, after all.

Yukari

Especially human children. They can really shock you if you don't see them for a while.

Yukari

But that does pose a problem.

Yukari

What if you grew as big as a great tree?

Yukari

Your footsteps would shake the ground. The earth might even split apart.

Me? As big as a tree?

Yukari

You'd become so strong that even your lightest touch would topple buildings.

Yukari

Then, everyone in Gensokyo would pay even more attention to you than they already do.

It's fine! I won't ever get that big... will I?!

Yukari

Teehee, you've nothing to worry about. I was only joking.

Yukari

But in the world you're about to visit, some people have grown very, very big.

Yukari

As big as great trees.

Will I still be able to talk to them normally?

I'm kinda nervous already...

Yukari

You'll be fine, PLAYER.

Yukari

You're a sweet young girl. Even if people's appearances have changed, I'm sure you'll treat them well.

Yukari

But what about them?

Yukari

Gaining great power might have made them a little self-centered.

Is that what power does to people?

Yukari

Go and see for yourself.

Yukari

Now then, are you ready?

You bet!

Yukari

Very well. Have a nice time.

The L2.11 Universe, where all kinds of competitions are held...

Komachi

Right! Left! Right! Left! OK, swing your arms up high!

Right! Left! Right! Left!

Komachi

Next! Keep both arms up and shake those pompoms!

*shaking*

Komachi

PLAYER, arms higher! You need to match everyone else.

Komachi

Cheerleading only looks good when everyone's in sync!

Komachi

That includes you...

Komachi

Shinmyoumaru!

Shinmyoumaru

Uh-oh...

Komachi

You're small, so you need to make EVEN BIGGER movements if you want people to notice you!

Shinmyoumaru

But this is just a rehearsal! I'll do it right during the real thing.

Shinmyoumaru

Besides, I'm just helping out!

Shinmyoumaru

I got to this world a while ago, but all I've been doing is cheerleading...

It's nice that you're fitting in, though!

Shinmyoumaru

Thanks to you, that is.

Komachi

Hey, hey! Can you two focus?

Komachi

Today's the first cheerleading competition in ages! You wanna win, don't you?

Shinmyoumaru

Sure we do. It's just...

Shinmyoumaru

There aren't many other cheerleaders here.

Huh...

It does kinda feel like that.

Komachi

Yeah...

Komachi

Apparently, they had a hard time finding people.

Shinmyoumaru

So that's why we got called in as helpers. Even the crowd's smaller than I expected.

Shinmyoumaru

Huh? Why aren't there any kappa or tengu here?

Shinmyoumaru

They usually show up in droves.

Normally, Nitori would be setting up a stall!

And Aya would be flying around hunting for scoops!

Komachi

I think I can explain―

???

Hey!

Wah! Are we getting yelled at?!

Momiji

You lot have been doing nothing but chat...

Momiji

Rehearsal is for DOING, not CHATTING!

Shinmyoumaru

Oops, our bad.

Nemuno

She's right!

Nemuno

The competition's startin' soon. Ain't it time to get locked in?

Shinmyoumaru

All right, all right. We're―

Yuugi

Hey, you guys!

Yuugi

Whatcha fighting about? Get me in the mix!

Wh-Where does everyone keep coming from?!

Shinmyoumaru

That's enough!

Shinmyoumaru

You want us to rehearse? Fine, we'll rehearse us blasting you with bullets!

Yuugi

So you guys weren't actually fighting, huh?

Momiji

S-Sorry! I was so nervous about the competition that I lost my cool.

Nemuno

Phew! Them bullets were packed with punch!

Shinmyoumaru

What gives?! You're all blabbering on about totally different things!

Shinmyoumaru

I thought cheerleaders had to stay in sync.

Komachi

What d'you expect? We're youkai.

Shinmyoumaru

Tch. The competition's not even started yet, and I'm exhausted.

???

Exhausted, you say?

Tojiko

Then it's my duty to cheer for you. But... I can't seem to find the courage!

???

Hey! What are you doing?

Ichirin

Cheering for those in need is our duty as cheerleaders. That's what we were taught!

Wow, nice outfits!

More cheerleaders!

Ichirin

That's right. I'm Ichirin Kumoi. I ended up in this world by mistake―now I'm a rookie cheerleader!

Komachi

We were short on numbers. Someone who was looking forward to the competition must've made a wish...

Komachi

But why are you so enthusiastic?

Ichirin

Helping those in need is kinda my thing. Besides, cheerleading sounded fun!

Ichirin

Unzan says you should toughen up, Tojiko!

Tojiko

Hrmm, tell him I know that!

Tojiko

It's just... These outfits... I...

Tojiko

I'm not used to being this exposed!

Ichirin

Yeah, but they're super easy to move in.

Shinmyoumaru

Ahem.

Shinmyoumaru

Exposed or not, you guys are cheerleaders. So are me and PLAYER.

Shinmyoumaru

We don't need you to cheer for us. We need to―

Expo Announcer

The opening ceremony will begin shortly. All cheerleaders, please―

Shinmyoumaru

Get in position!

Shinmyoumaru

We made it to the waiting area, but it's still pretty quiet with so few cheerleaders around.

Komachi

Meh, we'll just have to hype things up with our own cheering!

???

Not a chance! Only one team is gonna be hyping things up― ours!

It's...!

Ichirin

Did you think you were the only cheer team? Don't forget, this is a competition.

Ichirin

And we're not here to lose. Especially not to the likes of you, other me with the oversized Unzan!

Ichirin

Me?

Ichirin

You must've trained pretty hard to get him that big.

Ichirin

But so have we. Check out my Unzan's fists. They're overflowing with can-do energy!

Ichirin

Heh. I like your fighting spirit, me.

Ichirin

Me and my Unzan never back down from a fight!

Komachi

I'm so confused... So this is what happens when there are two of the same person, huh?

Hina

Ah! There you are, Ichirin!

Ichirins

Me?

Hina

Umm... there are two Ichirins now?

Hina

Whatever. I was talking to THIS Ichirin!

Hina

Don't wander off. Our team's entering the stadium from the opposite side, remember...

*clank* *clank*

What was that?!

The ground's shaking!

*ROAAAAAAR*

Shinmyoumaru

What the―?! I've never heard anything like this!

Komachi

Whoa! Look over there!

Nitori

Well, isn't this a surprise! Never thought you'd end up on the other side!

Hina

Right back at you! If you're on THAT side, then get ready to lose!

Umm...

Shinmyoumaru

What's going on?!

Komachi

Surely you know something.

Hina

M-Me? I'm as clueless as you.

Komachi

You sure about that?

Komachi

The girl in that big floaty thing looks just like you. She's even wearing a cheer outfit... kinda.

Komachi

I figured this was just like Ichirin and big Unzan all over again.

Hina

How did you figure that?!

Calm down, you two!

Hina

Wait, Nitori! Dodging like that is cheating!

*ROOOOOAR*

Shinmyoumaru

Eek! The shock wave's so intense!

Shinmyoumaru?!

Megumu

That's it, Hina. Dominate the field.

Takane

Not so fast.

Takane

Go, Nitori! Show them what you're made of!

Shinmyoumaru

Heeeeeeelp!

Megumu

Hm? What's this?

Shinmyoumaru

Eek!

Shinmyoumaru

Hey! Don't grab me like that!

Komachi

There you are! PLAYER, I found her!

Are you OK, Shinmyoumaru!?

Shinmyoumaru

PLAYER! Help meeeee!

Megumu

What's with you people? All I did was pick her up when she rolled over here.

Megumu

I'm busy, though. So here, take her back.

Shinmyoumaru

Waaaaah!

Gotcha!

Shinmyoumaru

Nice catch!

Komachi

Hold it right there.

Komachi

Judging by those outfits, you're not cheerleaders. What're you doing here?

Takane

We came to watch.

Hina

You mean the cheer competition? Seems like the rest of the crowd fled the stadium.

Megumu

Ah, no, no.

Megumu

We came to watch these Genso-Rigs.

Komachi

What the heck's a Genso-Rig?

Takane

You guys really don't know?

Takane

They're the things Nitori and Hina are piloting!

Shinmyoumaru

That makes sense.

Shinmyoumaru

...Wait, no it doesn't!

Shinmyoumaru

We need a proper explanation!

Takane

Sorry, I already told you everything I know.

Takane

Nitori just showed up with one. If you want answers, ask her.

Megumu

She's always causing trouble...

Takane

I dunno, I think this makes for good entertainment.

Takane

A Genso-Rig Showdown between the kappa faction and the tengu faction? You don't get to see that every day.

Komachi

Kappa faction? Tengu faction?

Shinmyoumaru

Genso-Rig Showdown?

Komachi

I still don't get it, but this is NOT OK! You're ruining the cheer competition!

Komachi

We all practiced hard for this. You better put things right.

Megumu

Sorry. As a Great Tengu, it's my responsibility to deal with troublesome kappa.

Takane

You could end this right here, right now. If only you'd back down.

Megumu

Not a chance. If anyone's backing down, it's you.

Th-This is getting intense.

Nemuno

Hey! You guys!

Momiji

We finished evacuating the crowd! I think it's time for us to leave, too!

Nitori

Hina, wait! Don't go toward the lake!

*clank* *clank*

Megumu

Hm, the rigs are on the move. We better go after them.

Takane

Away we go!

Hina

What in Gensokyo was that all about?

Hina

I suppose it doesn't matter right now. All that matters is that the competition is on hold.

Hina

*sigh* All that practice was for nothing.

Shinmyoumaru

...

Shinmyoumaru

In the end, that was the last we saw of those Genso-Rigs.

Shinmyoumaru

Hey, PLAYER. What do you think?

They were pretty awesome!

I'd love to ride one!

Shinmyoumaru

I was thinking the same thing! With my own rig, no one would call me small ever again...

Shinmyoumaru

H-Hold up!

Shinmyoumaru

Feels like we already did this bit earlier... but whatever.

Shinmyoumaru

I meant what do you think about the competition being canceled? Everyone looked super bummed out.

It's a real shame.

Shinmyoumaru

Yup. We even helped out! We deserve an apology from all those troublemakers!

Shinmyoumaru

I don't care what they were fighting over. It's got nothing to do with us!

*clank* *clank*

Shinmyoumaru

Did you hear that?

Shinmyoumaru

No, it musta been my imagination!

*ROOOOOOAR*

Uh-oh...

Shinmyoumaru

Don't look! If we can't see them, they can't see us... right?!

Shinmyoumaru

On second thought, RUN!

Nitori

Hey, they're getting away!

Hina

Quick, after them!

*clank* *clank* *clank*

*ROOOOOOOAR*

Shinmyoumaru

Eeeeeek! They're so loud!

Nitori

Sorry for messing up your competition.

Hina

And sorry for being so loud.

Shinmyoumaru

Apology accepted.

Shinmyoumaru

So c'mon, why'd you chase us like that?

Nitori

The thing is...

Shinmyoumaru

...The kappa and tengu are fighting? Using those monstrous Genso-Rigs?

Shinmyoumaru

That's super not OK!

Nitori

We know. We want to put a stop to this, but...

Takane

Huh? I thought they came this way. Nitori! Hina! Where are you?!

Hina

Uh-oh! Nitori, time to split!

Nitori

Urgh, we couldn't even explain things properly!

*clank* *clank* *clank*

*ROOOOOOOAR*

Shinmyoumaru

Could those things BE any louder?!

They sure move fast, huh?

Shinmyoumaru

What's with them?! They show up, apologize, then leave!

???

Those Genso-Rigs truly are a marvel!

???

Their speed, their power. I couldn't think of anything better for a professor like me to research!

Shinmyoumaru, watch out!

*thud*

Shinmyoumaru

Eek!

???

Argh!

Shinmyoumaru

Ow, ow, ow, ow... Are you―

Yuuka

How dare you!

Yuuka

To interrupt a professor at work is to deprive the world of her genius! You two... state your names!

Shinmyoumaru

You want us to "state our names"? Why don't you state YOUR name?!

I'm PLAYER!

Shinmyoumaru

Tch! You're way too nice, you know that?

Shinmyoumaru

Fine. My name's Shinmyoumaru Sukuna. What's yours?

Yuuka

Hmph, I already told you I was a professor. It's obviously me, Yuuka Kazami!

Miss Yuuka?!

You're smaller than the Yuuka I know!

Yuuka

That's beside the point. I lost track of those Genso-Rigs because of you two.

Yuuka

This will undoubtedly affect my research! I must locate them immediately... *inaudible muttering*

Shinmyoumaru

Hey, what gives? Why're you searching all of your pockets?

Yuuka

It's not here.

Shinmyoumaru

Huh?

Yuuka

My research tool's gone!

Research tool?

Yuuka

It glows when a Genso-Rig is nearby! My hypothesis is that it's from one of the rigs!

Yuuka

That's the only viable explanation!

Shinmyoumaru

That's some pretty flimsy logic for a self-proclaimed professor.

Yuuka

Silence! No one was talking to you!

Yuuka

It was safe in my pocket until... until I bumped into you! It must've fallen out somewhere!

Yuuka

This is all your fault! Now, do the right thing and help me look!

Shinmyoumaru

Fine, fine! Just stop hitting me with that book!

We looked everywhere...

But we couldn't find it.

Yuuka

Tch!

Yuuka

Very well, I shall give up. I'm a very mature and well-adjusted professor, after all.

Yuuka

Lingering here any longer would only delay my research further.

Yuuka

Goodbye.

Shinmyoumaru

She left just like that.

I feel bad for her. She looked really sad.

Shinmyoumaru

But we searched really hard. Her tool thing must be somewhere else.

L-Look!

It's... a small plastic toy?

Shinmyoumaru

You think this is Yuuka's "research tool"? She said it was a part from one of the Genso-Rigs.

Shinmyoumaru

It sure looks like a toy, though...

I have a feeling it's hers.

Let's take it with us for now.

Shinmyoumaru

So basically, the Genso-Rigs are popular with kids, too.

Shinmyoumaru

I hate to admit it, but when they first showed up, the crowd seemed pretty excited.

But the pilots didn't look like they were having fun.

Shinmyoumaru

True. They seemed super unhappy to be there.

Shinmyoumaru

All right! Since we're already kinda involved, we might as well go all in!

Yeah!

But... what're we gonna do?

Shinmyoumaru

We're gonna solve the kappa-tengu dispute and save the cheer competition!

Shinmyoumaru

But we can't do it alone. We need help.

Wanna ask Reimu?

Shinmyoumaru

Absolutely not! She'll just act all annoyed and try to resolve everything with brute force!

Hmm...

Yeah, you're probably right.

Shinmyoumaru

You bet I am! If she gets involved, we'd be lucky to make it through in one piece.

Shinmyoumaru

We're doing this for the cheer competition. So let's do it with cheerleaders.

Shinmyoumaru

We'll talk to the others first thing tomorrow! I'm sure they'll agree to help!

The next day...

Komachi

Hmm, I think I get what's going on.

Hina

Kinda crazy that the kappa and tengu are fighting.

Momiji

I'm a tengu, and I had no idea.

Yuugi

Maybe that's 'cause you've been focused on cheer practice.

Momiji

W-Well, it WAS the first competition in a while.

Shinmyoumaru

Anyway! Before things get even worse, we're gonna make them make up!

Shinmyoumaru

And then, we're holding the cheer competition!

Hina & Komachi

Yay!

Nemuno

I'm not really feelin' it.

Nemuno

We don't even know why they're fightin'. We shouldn't go pokin' our noses inta their business.

Yuugi

You read my mind. Fights are less interesting when people start interfering.

Shinmyoumaru

What are you guys―?

Komachi

Meh, I kinda agree.

Hina

It's not really our problem anyway.

Shinmyoumaru

W-Wait!

No one really seems up for this.

Shinmyoumaru

Why nooooot?!

Ichirin

How about this?

Ichirin

Let's find out why they're fighting, then decide whether to get involved or not.

Ichirin

That way, we won't have to interfere.

Yuugi & Nemuno

Hmmm...

Tojiko

Either way, with no competition, we've got nothing to do.

Tojiko

Plus, those Genso-Rig pilots were wearing cheer outfits, no?

Tojiko

If they're cheerleaders too, then this is kinda our business!

Hina & Komachi

Good point!

All right!

Everyone's coming around!

Shinmyoumaru

Hrmm... This was all my idea. Now I'm not gonna get any credit!

*clank* *clank* *clank*

I know that sound!

*clank* *clank*

*ROOOOOOAR*

Shinmyoumaru

I'm gonna get blasted away again!

Nitori

Oops!

Hina

Sorry!

Komachi

Actually, maybe we should stay out of this.

Momiji

M-Maybe... But until we settle things, this is gonna keep happening.

Komachi

Huh... Good point.

OK, everyone...

Let's investigate!

Cheerleaders

Yeaaaaah!

Shinmyoumaru

We came to talk to the kappa first... but where's Nitori?

Komachi

Hm?

Komachi

Is it just me, or are a lot of kappa staring at us right now?

Strict Kappa

Stop right there!

Shinmyoumaru

Whoa! Don't jump out at us like that!

They're blocking our path!

Strict Kappa

This area is off-limits to all non-kappa!

Strict Kappa

Leave!

Kappa

Yeah, go home!

Shinmyoumaru

Why?

Strict Kappa

Because... Well, we can't say!

Shinmyoumaru

How's that fair?!

???

Heh heh. Shall I answer instead?

Seiga

Right now, we're in a battle with the tengu. We don't have time to deal with the likes of you.

Seiga

Now, be good and leave.

Seiga?!

Shinmyoumaru

What're you doing here? You're not even a kappa!

Seiga

No, but it was they who summoned me to this world.

Seiga

And I can't abandon anyone who asks for my help.

Shinmyoumaru

Hrmm... I can't believe we've failed already!

Tojiko

Lady Seiga, could you stop playing around and let us through? We just want to talk to Nitori.

Tojiko

After that, we'll leave without a fuss.

Seiga

Tojiko? What's with that outfit?

Tojiko

This? I'm a, you know... cheerleader!

Tojiko

Apparently, I was summoned to this world to be one.

Tojiko

I know it's different from what I usually wear... but it's pretty easy to move around in.

Seiga

I like it! You look simply adorable.

Tojiko

I-I do? ...Thanks.

Seiga

Heh heh, I'm glad I got to see this side of you.

Seiga

Very well. I'll let you through this time.

Seiga

This way, everyone.

We got in surprisingly easily.

Shinmyoumaru

Don't let your guard down yet. This could be a trap!

Seiga

The cheerleaders have come to see you.

Nitori

What do they want with me?

Nitori

I don't have time for this! Get out of here already!

Shinmyoumaru

See? I knew something would go wrong!

Nitori, please listen to us!

Shinmyoumaru

This kappa-tengu fight is causing so much trouble. Can you at least tell us WHY you're fighting?

Nitori

Who told you we're fighting?

Shinmyoumaru

You told us―the you in a Genso-Rig.

Shinmyoumaru

So c'mon! This is bigger than just kappa and tengu now!

Nitori

...Fine.

Nitori

This was all started... by one bored kappa.

Nitori

Apparently, they wished to see something new and exciting. And a Seal Crystal went ahead and granted that wish.

Nitori

It brought that other me and her Genso-Rig here!

That sure would be a surprise.

Nitori

More exciting than surprising!

Nitori

I mean, it was ME, showing up with a mysterious invention! The new business opportunities were endless!

Nitori

But once the other kappa caught wind, they all wanted to make their own rigs.

Shinmyoumaru

Makes sense. I kinda want one too!

Do you think we could make one?

Nitori

Don't know. Maybe.

Nitori

There's a rumor that you can find the materials to build one somewhere on the Youkai Mountain.

For real?!

Shinmyoumaru

Whoa! That sounds like a dream come true!

Nitori

Heh. I know, right?

Nitori

But even with all the materials, there's no guarantee we can build one.

Nitori

We kappa are determined to find out, though!

Shinmyoumaru

So... why're you fighting with the tengu?

Nitori

We asked for permission to search the mountain. But the tengu turned us away.

Nitori

They wouldn't even hear us out. Then they summoned their own Genso-Rig and started posturing for an all-out battle!

Whoa...

That's why there are two rigs.

Nitori

We have to fight fire with fire.

Nitori

They want a Genso-Rig battle? They'll get one!

Kappa

Yeah, you said it!

Nitori

Urgh, just thinking about those treacherous tengu is making me mad!

Shinmyoumaru

Umm... thanks for getting us up to speed. We're gonna take off now.

We are?

Shinmyoumaru

Look at Nitori. Bullets are about to start flying. And I don't wanna be here when they do!

Komachi

Phew, those kappa were way angrier than I expected. Hopefully, the tengu are a little calmer.

Momiji

You said it. I think we'll be fine, though. Maybe.

Momiji

Lady Iizunamaru is involved, after all. I'm sure she'll hear us out!

Momiji

For now, I'm going back into white wolf tengu mode. I'll keep everyone safe on our way!

Shinmyoumaru

We're right behind you.

Momiji

PLAYER, watch your step there!

Wh-Whoa! ...Thanks!

???

Argh!

I think I kicked something!

Shinmyoumaru

It looks like a bunch of random stones.

???

Hey, what's the big idea?!

Eika

Kicking over our stone stacks like that... You must really want a one-way ticket to Hell!

Eika

You really wanna make me angry? I'm the people's idol, Eika Ebisu.

Eika

Get 'em, crow tengu!

Ahhhhhh! We're soooooooorry!

Eika

You knocked this stack over. The least you can do is help re-stack it!

On it!

Shinmyoumaru

I can't believe this. We've been held up again!

Megumu

You lot are always causing a scene.

Momiji

Lady Iizunamaru!

Megumu

Can't you just play nice, Eika? I've got enough on my plate with all the kappa.

Eika

It's not my fault. They're the ones who knocked over our stone stack.

Eika

Isn't that right, Mister Jellyfish?!

Megumu

That's still no reason to drag the tengu into it.

Shinmyoumaru

She's big, but she acts like such a kid.

That's Eika for you!

Megumu

So, I take it you're here to see me?

Shinmyoumaru

Oh yeah!

Shinmyoumaru

We wanna know why you're fighting with the kappa.

Megumu

That's got nothing to do with you.

Megumu

Although... I suppose we did interrupt your cheer competition.

Megumu

Things have already escalated a fair bit. *sigh* How did it come to this?

Momiji

Lady Iizunamaru... We heard some of the details from the kappa.

Momiji

Is there really no way you can all make up?

Megumu

If the kappa were willing to back down, then maybe.

Megumu

We have no intention of backing down ourselves, though.

Shinmyoumaru

Why not?

Megumu

Surely the kappa told you―they want to search the mountain.

Megumu

They want materials to build a Genso-Rig. But I can't let them up here to look for something that might not even exist.

Megumu

Ideally, I would've nipped this conflict in the bud. But I have no way of knowing how powerful those rigs really are.

Megumu

Urgh, this is giving me a headache...

Eika

Are you OK? Wanna stack stones with me? It's very therapeutic.

Shinmyoumaru

Hmm...

What is it, Shinmyoumaru?

Shinmyoumaru

This is a tough one.

Shinmyoumaru

Making them make up is gonna take some time.

The next day...

Komachi

This is a real problem.

Hina

You said it.

Momiji

Yup...

Shinmyoumaru

Seriously. I never expected things to be this complicated.

Nemuno

What's with the gloomy faces? Pull yerselves together!

Shinmyoumaru

Easy for you to say...

Shinmyoumaru

How're we supposed to stay upbeat? We're stressed out.

Yuugi

About what?

Shinmyoumaru

About the kappa and the tengu!

Yuugi

Oh, that.

Yuugi

The kappa want to search for Genso-Rig materials. But the tengu don't want the mountain messed with, right?

The kappa are really mad.

And the tengu won't back down.

Shinmyoumaru

That's the real problem. No one wants to consider the other side's feelings!

Shinmyoumaru

If they actually talked, they might find a compromise. But that seems super unlikely.

Ichirin

Sometimes that's just how it goes.

Ichirin

From what I hear, Miss Megumu's stance makes sense. It's only natural for someone to protect the land they rule.

Tojiko

I get how Nitori feels, though.

Tojiko

It's not like the kappa want to destroy the mountain. They just want to search it.

Ichirin

So that's how you see it?

Tojiko

It is. You got something to say about it?

Ichirin & Tojiko

Heh heh!

Those are some scary smiles!

Shinmyoumaru

Hey! Don't you two start fighting, too!

Komachi

It's not really about who's right or wrong. This is all just a difference of opinions.

Hina

That's exactly what makes this so hard.

Komachi

Maybe we really should stay out of things.

Komachi

I want to hold the cheer competition as much as the next cheerleader, but―

*clank* *clank*

*ROOOOOOAR*

Hina

I know that sound!

Deja vu!

Hina & Nitori

Heeeelp! We're in trouble!

Shinmyoumaru

Trouble?! What else could possibly go wrong?!

Komachi

And why do you always have to drag us into things?

Nitori

I know, I know. But you're the only ones we can turn to now.

Hina

Please. Cheerleaders to cheerleaders, you gotta hear us out.

No problem!

Helping others in need is what cheering is all about!

Nitori

PLAYER... Thanks!

Shinmyoumaru

Heeey! Don't just jump on board so easily!

Shinmyoumaru

...So what is it this time?

Nitori

The kappa's anger is about to hit critical mass!

Nitori

We've been helping them blow off steam with our Genso-Rig battles...

Hina

But since there's been no clear winner, in a way, they're even angrier than before. And the tengu aren't much different.

Nitori

At this rate, it'll be all-out war!

Momiji

That would be terrible!

Komachi

The competition will be dead and buried if that happens!

But what can we do to stop it?

Hina

I never should've agreed to help the tengu.

Hina

I just wanted to be a cheerleader!

Nitori

Hina...

Hina

I was gonna stand out from the crowd in my Genso-Rig!

Nitori

Me too!

Nitori

I didn't build this thing to battle!

Shinmyoumaru

Wow, we had no idea...

Komachi

That makes sense. You're cheerleaders. Of course you'd want to cheer.

Nemuno

Is there really nothin' we can do for 'em?

Momiji

I was thinking the same. Watching fellow cheerleaders struggle like this is a bummer.

Yuugi

I dunno, this all seems pretty simple to me.

Momiji

It does?

Yuugi

If you make people hold in their anger, they'll eventually explode. Just let 'em clash until everyone's satisfied.

Shinmyoumaru

No way! Then it really WILL be war!

Yuugi

Meh, we just have to stop that from happening.

How?

Yuugi

By cheering them on...

Yuugi

As they fight it out!

Shinmyoumaru

As they fight it out? How's that any different from now?

Yuugi

Here's how. We're gonna set up a proper stage and make sure there's a clear winner and loser.

Komachi

Huh... In that case, why don't we make the rules ourselves?

Hina

This is starting to sound like a competition.

Shinmyoumaru

That's it! We'll turn it into a competition!

Nemuno

Hmm, I like it. Now, what should the rules be?

Yuugi

I got...

Got what?

*gulp*

Yuugi

No clue!

Shinmyoumaru

But this was your idea?!

Yuugi

I'm not a details kinda oni.

Yuugi

I just figured if they're gonna fight anyway, we might as well make a show of it.

Momiji

Well, I agree we should turn it into a competition.

Momiji

If we open up the field to everyone, the kappa and tengu might finally blow off some steam.

Yeah!

Let's come up with some rules!

Everyone

All right!

Shinmyoumaru

We gave it a shot... but none of us have any good ideas.

Momiji

No matter how hard we try, the best we can come up with is a big brawl.

Yuugi

Then let's go with that.

Hina

Like that's an option!

Komachi

Let me guess, you're bored of thinking?

Nemuno

We all are. Let's take a break.

Shinmyoumaru

Yeah, maybe that'll help us find a new angle.

Phew, I'm beat.

Hina

You OK? Want a lap pillow?

Nitori

You can sleep on my lap if you... Oh, my lap's covered in armor.

Nitori

How about an arm pillow?!

I-I think I'll pass. Thanks, though!

Hina

You sure?

Hina

If there's anything we can do, just say the word. We owe you big time.

I'm just doing what I can!

Nitori

Hm? Something just lit up.

Nitori

PLAYER, check your pocket.

Oh, this?

It's a toy I found the other day.

It lights up sometimes.

Nitori

A toy?

Nitori

Pretty sure this world's Nitori made it.

She did?!

(So this IS what Yuuka was looking for!)

Nitori

Yeah, but it doesn't do anything special. It just glows when there's a Genso-Rig nearby.

Nitori

Look.

It glows brighter when you're holding it!

Ichirin

Double wow! One from me, one from Unzan!

Tojiko

Nice. It's kinda fun watching it glow!

Nitori

Heh heh. Like it? I can give you another one.

You have more?

Hina

I've got one too. See?

Whoa, so you do!

Nitori

Hina, you can put that away. I'll give PLAYER mine.

Hina

No, I want to give her mine!

Nitori

She saw mine first!

Hina

And she saw mine second!

Nitori

If you're not gonna back down...

Nitori

There's only one way to settle this.

Nitori

A battle of bullets.

Hina

You read my mind.

Y-You guys can't be serious?!

Shinmyoumaru

Hey! What do you think you're doing?!

Shinmyoumaru

We can't have you going crazy in those Genso-Rigs!

Hina

But...

Nitori

I guess we got carried away.

Shinmyoumaru

Well don't! You two are way bigger than everyone else!

Ichirin

I've got it!

Hina

Got what?

Ichirin

An idea for the competition!

Ichirin

What if we make them fight over those glowing toys?

Nitori

Over these things?

Hina

Are you sure?

Nitori

There are enough to go around, you know?

Ichirin

I know, I know!

Ichirin

But they can compete to see who collects the most.

That kinda sounds like a sports festival cavalry battle!

Hina

What's that?

You form teams of three to make a "horse."

Then try to grab each other's headbands.

Tojiko

I see. So everyone could take part.

Tojiko

If the aim is to steal from your opponents, having teammates sounds useful.

Momiji

This all sounds a bit dangerous, though.

Momiji

What if people start using force?

They won't!

You aren't allowed to attack directly in cavalry battles.

Momiji

That's a relief.

Komachi

It's settled, then. We're holding a cavalry battle!

Hina

Now we just have to figure out how to explain it to the kappa and tengu...

Yuugi

We don't have time to explain things twice. Let's gather them all in one spot.

If we do that...

Won't they all start fighting again?

Tojiko

I have a plan!

Shinmyoumaru

This is all starting to feel familiar...

Shinmyoumaru

Have you thought this plan through?

Tojiko

Of course I have.

Tojiko

PLAYER, what does every cheerleader need?

Strength and endurance?

A smile and a can-do attitude?

Tojiko

That's right! We've all trained hard to be cheerleaders!

Tojiko

And what was that training for...?

Tojiko

To prevent conflicts!

Was it?!

Tojiko

It's time for a little more training! Cheerleaders, let me see those pompoms!

Shinmyoumaru

*pant* *pant* I'm exhausted.

Yuugi

That was a great warm-up! Now bring on the kappa and tengu!

Momiji

Did you have to go so hard on us?! We're supposed to help STOP the fighting, remember?!

Hina

I'll go talk to the tengu.

Thanks!

We're counting on you!

Tojiko

This is where we prove what cheerleaders can do.

Tojiko

Cheer squad, are you ready?!

Cheerleaders

Yeah!

Shinmyoumaru

Cheerleading is NOT what I thought it was...

A few days later...

Shinmyoumaru

We finally got both sides to show up.

Hina

Sorry. It took a while to convince the tengu.

Nitori

And the kappa. I basically had to drag them here.

Shinmyoumaru

It's fine. I knew it wouldn't be easy. You helped us so much by getting them here.

Shinmyoumaru

But still...

Nitori

...

Megumu

...

They look real angry.

Shinmyoumaru

This is so awkward!

Shinmyoumaru

How am I supposed to start explaining stuff like this?

Wait, that girl in the lab coat...

It's Yuuka!

Shinmyoumaru

Why's she here?!

Let's ask! Yuuuuuka!

Yuuka

Hm. You again.

Shinmyoumaru

I only invited kappa and tengu...

Shinmyoumaru

Why're you here?

Yuuka

Isn't it obvious?

Yuuka

I'm here to assist the kappa.

Assist the kappa?

Why?

Yuuka

For the Genso-Rig, of course! Apparently, a larger Nitori brought one to this world.

Yuuka

And now the kappa are trying to build a new one. As a professor, I can't pass up on this research opportunity!

Shinmyoumaru

Now that's some fiery academic passion... But OK, we get it.

Shinmyoumaru

We'll count you as one of Team Kappa.

Yuuka

Team Kappa? What's that?

Yuuka

And why exactly are we all here?

Shinmyoumaru

That's what we're about to―

Hot-Headed Kappa

Hey! What're you staring at?!

Rude Crow Tengu

I ain't staring! And who said you could talk to me?!

Hot-Headed Kappa

You wanna go?!

Rude Crow Tengu

Hmph! Bring it on!

Uh-oh, they're gonna start fighting!

Shinmyoumaru

Oh come on! I haven't explained anything yet!

Tojiko

Cheer squad, we're up!

Cheerleaders

Yeaaaah!

No more fighting!

Eika

Calm down, crow tengu!

Takane

You too, kappa. If we're gonna settle this, let's do it with Genso-Rigs!

Shinmyoumaru

At least someone here gets it.

Shinmyoumaru

Wait, you two are taking sides in this, too?

Eika

Yep! The tengu summoned me to this world.

Eika

As a stillborn idol, I've gotta make stone stacking trendy here, too! The best way to do that is to get in the newspaper!

Takane

And the kappa summoned me. But that's not the only reason I'm helping.

Takane

Building a Genso-Rig sounds fun. And if we can mass-produce them, think of the profit!

Shinmyoumaru

Those reasons... are super selfish!

Megumu

Cheerleaders.

Megumu

Perhaps it's time you explain why we're here. I'm a busy Great Tengu, you know?

Nitori

Yeah. We're only here 'cause you said we'd get to settle things with the tengu.

Nitori

You're not about to tell us to fight it out, are you?

Shinmyoumaru

Kinda, yeah.

Nitori

What?

Megumu

So why interrupt our battle just now? We were doing exactly what you wanted.

Shinmyoumaru

Because violence is against the rules.

Megumu

What rules?

Shinmyoumaru

A new competition is about to begin, hosted by us cheerleaders!

Shinmyoumaru

Get ready for a cavalry battle using Genso-Rigs. We call it...

Shinmyoumaru

The Genso-Rig Cavalry Showdown!

Nitori

Genso-Rig... Cavalry Showdown?

Megumu

What's that?

Well, you see...

Nitori

Huh... So teams of three compete to collect these?

Megumu

First the kappa and tengu face off, then the Genso-Rigs go toe-to-toe?

Nitori

In the end, whichever team has the most wins... It's simple, but I like it.

Nitori

You really know some interesting games, PLAYER.

Well, what do you say, everyone?

Wanna give it a try?

Megumu

This might actually help us settle things.

Nitori

It's not like we can keep arguing forever.

Shinmyoumaru

We did it, PLAYER!

Shinmyoumaru

One more push and we might have ourselves a competition!

Yep!

Shinmyoumaru

Let's keep this up!

FYI, the cheer squad will be hosting!

Shinmyoumaru

All you have to do is show up.

Shinmyoumaru

Sounds fun, right?

Nitori

Hmm...

Megumu

I see no reason for us to say no.

Shinmyoumaru

To make things even more fun, the cheerleaders will be participating too!

Shinmyoumaru

We'll split into Team Kappa and Team Tengu and cheer you on.

Hina

Hehe, I finally get to do some actual cheerleading!

Hina

Maybe I'll even cheer for myself.

Nitori

Yeah! Let's show 'em some unique Genso-Rig cheering!

Yuuka

...

Yuuka?

Are you... angry?

Yuuka

...don't understand.

Sorry, I couldn't hear you.

Yuuka

Why don't you understand?!

Yuuka

I've been listening this whole time... and you're doing this all wrong.

Yuuka

Your idea barely highlights the Genso-Rigs!

Shinmyoumaru

Come again?

Takane

I agree.

Takane

The Genso-Rigs need to be the centerpiece. They have to skyrocket in popularity after this.

Shinmyoumaru

But, you guys...

Seiga

Heh heh, I suppose I'm against this competition, too.

Shinmyoumaru

Seiga?! When did you get here?!

Seiga

I just slipped through the wall. I had a feeling something interesting was going down.

Shinmyoumaru

How can you be against the competition if you don't know what it is?!

Yuuka

Listen up!

Yuuka

I'm the professor here, and I won't allow you to use the Genso-Rigs for some silly competition!

Yuuka, calm down!

Yuuka

Quiet, you!

Shinmyoumaru

Hey, watch your tone!

Tojiko

Uh-oh, another fight's about to break out!

Tojiko

Cheer squad, we're up... again!

Cheerleaders

Yeeeeah!

Shinmyoumaru

For crying out loud... Fine, we'll have a stupid battle!

Yuuka, please! Just hear us out!

Yuuka

What?

Why do you hate the idea so much?

You'll still get to see the Genso-Rigs in action.

Yuuka

...

Seiga

If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, no one will ever understand.

Yuuka

I only...

Shinmyoumaru

Only what?

Yuuka

I only care about the Genso-Rigs!

Yuuka

I just want to see them battle.

Yuuka

Cheerleading, competitions, tengu, kappa... None of that matters to me!

Shinmyoumaru

Hey!

Seiga

How delightfully childish!

Seiga

That childishness is precisely why people want to take care of you.

Yuuka

If you insist on being cheerleaders, go do it somewhere else.

Yuuka

This has nothing to do with you!

Tojiko

Nothing to do with us?

Ichirin

You got some nerve saying that after you ruined our cheer competition.

Ichirin

All that practice we did has gone to waste!

Tojiko

Yeah! We were all excited for our first cheer-off!

Takane

Yikes, you guys aren't holding back.

Takane

But Yuuka's right―this is none of your business. So why don't you just stay out of it?

Komachi

Stay out of it?

Hina

We would if we could...

Komachi

Every time you lot see each other, you start fighting!

Hina

We have no choice but to help put things back to normal!

Kappa

Boo! Leave us alone!

Tengu

You cheerleaders should shut up and cheer!

Nemuno

Those are some nasty attitudes.

Nemuno

We were tryin' not to interfere too much... Maybe that was a mistake.

Yuugi

Yeah, they're getting a little too big for their boots.

Yuugi

Want me to take 'em all out?

Seiga

Oh my.

Seiga

I think I'll be going now. Byeee!

She slipped out through the wall!

Nitori

Sorry, but we're leaving, too.

Megumu

Everyone's too worked up. There's no point trying to settle our differences like this.

Hot-Headed Kappa

This is all your fault!

Rude Crow Tengu

No, it's yours!

They're fighting again!

We have to stop them...

But I can't be bothered.

Everyone left.

Shinmyoumaru

Yep.

What do we do? They clearly don't want our help.

Shinmyoumaru

Nope.

Shinmyoumaru?

Hey. You listening?

Shinmyoumaru

I hear you. I was just thinking about what we have to do next.

Shinmyoumaru

You're all thinking what I'm thinking, right?

Komachi

Yep.

Hina

After the way they treated us, we're allowed to do things our way now.

Ichirin

Time to show them what it means to be in a cheer squad... with our cheer power!

Ichirin

That's what Unzan says, anyway!

Ch-Cheer power?

He isn't serious... is he?

Tojiko

PLAYER, do you remember what every cheerleader needs?

I think it was...

Tojiko

That's right! Blood lust!

Pretty sure that wasn't it!

Yuugi

Relax. We can all cheer in our own way!

Nemuno

Heh heh. Time to teach those youngsters some manners.

Wh-What do you think, Momiji?

(Surely she'll talk some sense into them.)

Momiji

Tojiko's right.

Momiji

It's time to stop holding back! All that training's about to pay off!

Boy, was I wrong...

The next day...

Are we really doing this?

Shinmyoumaru

You bet! They'll regret underestimating us cheerleaders!

Shinmyoumaru

First, we take on the tengu. Momiji, lead the way!

Momiji

On it!

Komachi

We haven't seen a single one yet, though.

Komachi

Last time we came to talk, they showed up right away.

Momiji

You're right, that is strange.

Momiji

There should be some white wolf tengu on patrol...

Shinmyoumaru

Hmm... Think they're scared of us?

Hina

No way! They think we're a joke.

Nemuno

Maybe they're busy setting some trap for the kappa.

Maybe we should just turn back.

Yuugi

Heh. Let me teach you a little trick for times like this...

Yuugi

Come fight us!

Momiji

D-Don't shout like that! The tengu will swarm us!

Momiji

...Oh!

Yuugi

Get it now?

Yuugi

We don't need to look for them if they're looking for us.

Eika

Tch! Just when I was enjoying my stone-stacking!

Eika

Oh, it's you again.

It's Eika!

And a whole lot of tengu!

Eika

Y-You're strong! And... kinda angry?!

Shinmyoumaru

You like that?! That was just a taste of our cheer power!

Eika

Cheer what now?

Sorry. I don't really know either.

Eika

F-Fine. What do you want?

Shinmyoumaru

You walked out in the middle of discussions yesterday. We're here to persuade you properly this time!

Shinmyoumaru

This is a cheer do-over!

Eika

What's that?

(Why does she keep looking at me for answers?!)

Shinmyoumaru

We're not asking anymore.

Shinmyoumaru

You ARE gonna take part in this competition, whether you like it or not!

Eika

Sure.

For real?!

Eika

Yep.

Eika

I thought it sounded super fun yesterday.

Shinmyoumaru

Why didn't you say so?!

Eika

Meh, everyone was getting so angry. I didn't feel like drawing attention to myself.

Shinmyoumaru

Can't blame you for that, I suppose...

Eika

But starting today, I'll do what I can to help you!

Eika

On one condition... I get to compete as an idol.

Momiji

As an idol, huh?

Shinmyoumaru

Doesn't make sense to me, but if it makes you happy.

Eika

Yay! I'll hold you to that!

(I wonder what she's up to...)

Eika

All right, I'll help convince the tengu.

Shinmyoumaru

Thanks. We'll try not to get our hopes up, though...

Eika

Heh heh, why not?!

Eika

For starters, the tengu I was stacking stones with are in. Right, guys?

Crow Tengu

What?!

White Wolf Tengu

Hmm, I dunno...

Eika

I'll take that as a yes!

Tengu

...Fine.

Eika

Ta-da! See? That's idol power!

I-Idol power?

Shinmyoumaru

Not bad!

Shinmyoumaru

We just gotta keep this up!

Shinmyoumaru

What the―?!

Aya

A scoop!

Aya

You saw that too, didn't you, Momiji? Eika just forced those tengu to obey her.

Momiji

W-Well, umm...

Eika

What?! I didn't force them!

Hina

You kinda did.

Komachi

Yeah, there's no talking your way out of this, I'm afraid.

Aya

"Stillborn Idol Ebisu Eika Threatens Tengu! Is the Cheer Squad to Blame?!"

Aya

Heh! How's that for a headline? Check it out in tomorrow's paper.

Eika

That makes me sound, like, super evil! I'm done helping you cheerleaders!

Shinmyoumaru

You traitor!

Eika

Sorry! An idol's popularity is all that matters!

Aya

Oh, looks like I lost my headline. In that case...

Aya

"Cheerleaders Run Wild! Threaten the Tengu!" What do you think, Momiji?

Momiji

I'd rather you didn't write that... but it's not exactly wrong.

Shinmyoumaru

Hey! Whose side are you on?!

Momiji

Sorry! I'm a cheerleader... but I'm still a white wolf tengu!

Shinmyoumaru

Gimme a break! The tengu aren't exactly innocent!

Shinmyoumaru

If you're gonna write about this, get your facts straight first!

Aya

Fine. I'll pretend I never found this scoop.

Aya

There's a totally different article I want to write, anyway.

Shinmyoumaru

Then just write that one!

Aya

I'd love to, but I can't yet.

Aya

First, I need you all to do your best!

Momiji

Huh?

Momiji

You never really cared about this scoop, did you? That article you want to write... Is it about...?

Aya

Hehe, busted. Truth is, I want the competition to go ahead.

Aya

Articles about fun events are way more fun to write. But as a tengu, I had to keep up appearances.

Shinmyoumaru

You did?

So not all the tengu are against us!

Komachi

Huh...

Komachi

Maybe we got a little too fired up.

Hina

Yeah, I think we did.

(The whole cheer squad...)

(Is slowly calming down!)

Shinmyoumaru

If we talk it out properly, Megumu might get on board too!

???

I was on board from the very beginning.

Miss Megumu!

Megumu

You cheerleaders sure know how to make a fuss. I came to spare you the trouble of climbing the mountain yourselves.

Shinmyoumaru

You say you were on board, but you walked out on us yesterday!

Megumu

That was to give the tengu space to calm down.

Megumu

My goal is to end this whole mess as quickly as possible. The method doesn't matter.

Really?

Megumu

As a Great Tengu, my decisions carry weight.

Megumu

I can't make careless statements in front of the kappa.

Shinmyoumaru

I'm totally lost... But being a Great Tengu sounds tough.

Megumu

I wouldn't go that far.

Megumu

I do feel bad for how things turned out for you. So...

Megumu

I secured the stadium as a venue!

You mean the big one by the lake?

Megumu

That's right. For small events, you don't need a permit.

Megumu

But getting one for a full-scale competition can be tricky.

Komachi

That's true!

Hina

Our cheer competition took weeks of prep! We had to wait ages for a free stadium slot, too...

But how did you manage it?

Megumu

I have my connections.

Shinmyoumaru

Thank you so much! All hail the Great Tengu!

Megumu

Heh. You're quick to change your tune.

Aya

Congratulations. Sounds like you can count all the tengu in.

Momiji

Agreed. If the Great Tengu has given her approval, the rest of the tengu will follow.

Megumu

But you'll need more than just us for your competition.

Shinmyoumaru

Urgh, don't remind me!

Shinmyoumaru

We'll convince the kappa, too. No matter what!

Seiga

Oh my...

Seiga

Things are getting lively, aren't they?

Nitori

Those tengu. What are they talking to the cheerleaders about?

Seiga

Who knows?

Seiga

But they certainly seem to be getting along.

Nitori

...

Seiga

Almost like they're on the same side.

Nitori

Let's go, Seiga. The kappa...

Nitori

Need to prepare for war!

Seiga

Coming!

The next day...

Shinmyoumaru

All right, cheer squad! You know what this means!

Shinmyoumaru

The tengu have promised full participation in the competition! And they even secured the venue for us!

Shinmyoumaru

Which means the only ones left to convince are...

Cheerleaders

The kappa!

Shinmyoumaru

That's right! There's no way we're messing this up!

Shinmyoumaru

Let's go, cheer squad!

Cheerleaders

Let's go!

Everyone's fired up again!

Tojiko

You bet. We're THIS close to making the competition happen.

Ichirin

Nothing can stop us now!

Ichirin

That's what Unzan reckons!

Even he's hyped up, huh?

Nemuno

So how are we gonna persuade the kappa?

Yuugi

Why not march straight over and tell it like it is?

That'll just end up in another brawl.

Shinmyoumaru

You're right. We need to be careful.

Shinmyoumaru

The tengu all had their own opinions. Maybe the kappa do, too.

Shinmyoumaru

Let's go talk to Nitori... in secret!

Seiga

Hello there!

Seiga!

We're busted already!

Seiga

Hehe. A word of advice―try to keep your voices down when making secret plans.

Shinmyoumaru

Oh no! Our enthusiasm backfired!

Seiga

I'm not the only one who overheard you.

N-No way...

Nitori

Kappa forces, attack!

How loud were we talking?!

Shinmyoumaru

H-Hey, calm down!

Nitori

Hrmm... Why are you all so calm?!

Nitori

Didn't you come to strong-arm us into taking part in your competition?!

Shinmyoumaru

N-No!

Tojiko

R-Relax! We just wanted to talk to you.

Ichirin

Y-Yeah, we're not looking for a fight!

Ichirin

Just a nice quiet chat, without any tengu around.

Nitori

Without the tengu, huh? Then why were you talking to them yesterday?

Shinmyoumaru

How do you know that?

Seiga

Guilty!

Shinmyoumaru

Y-You!

Nitori

Admit it! You teamed up with the tengu. Now you're gonna force us to compete!

Nitori

Classic tengu! All we wanted to do was search the mountain, and they blew a fuse!

Nitori

They NEVER listen, and they ALWAYS think they're right. That's why―

Wait, wait!

You've got it all wrong.

Nitori

Huh?

Shinmyoumaru

We didn't team up with the tengu.

Shinmyoumaru

We just battled... I-I mean, talked to them.

Nitori

Is that true?

Uh-huh.

Now we've come to talk to you.

Nitori

I see... Sorry for getting carried away.

Shinmyoumaru

So, what do you think about the competition?

Shinmyoumaru

We want your opinion. Not as a kappa. As you.

Nitori

I... I...

Nitori

Want to take part.

For real?!

Nitori

At this rate, the fighting will never end. I wanted to accept your proposal from the start.

Nitori

It'll give us the chance to prove we're the best!

Kappa

Yeeeeah!

Seiga

My, my. I was hoping for a bit more fun.

Seiga

How disappointing.

Yuuka

Hmph.

Seiga

What's this?

Seiga

Teehee. It looks like the fun's not over just yet.

Shinmyoumaru

So that means all the kappa are in, right?

Seiga

Yep! Not me, though!

Yuuka

Or me!

Shinmyoumaru

Why not?

Shinmyoumaru

Just when everything was finally going our way!

Tojiko

Well, those two aren't kappa.

Ichirin

We have everyone we need. Let's just hold the competition!

Seiga

Aww, don't brush me off like that.

Seiga

I won't compete, but I'll come watch.

Shinmyoumaru

Will you behave?

Seiga

...Of course!

Tojiko

I don't like the look of that smile!

Shinmyoumaru

She's plotting something again!

???

Hey!

*clank* *clank*

Eek!

Haven't heard that in a while!

Nitori

I don't believe you, PLAYER!

Nitori

I trusted you as a fellow cheerleader... but now you're teaming up with the tengu to beat the kappa?!

Wh-What are you talking about?!

Nitori

Enough talk!

Nitori

It's time to battle!

Shinmyoumaru

You've got it all wrong!

Shinmyoumaru

We never planned to fight the kappa. And we didn't team up with the tengu!

Nitori

Is that true, me?!

Nitori

Yeah. I made the same mistake at first.

Nitori

We kinda maybe battled them earlier...

Someone must be spreading nasty rumors.

Seiga

*sneaking away*

Tojiko

Hey! Miss Seiga's trying to sneak away!

Seiga

Honestly, Tojiko! Shh!

Shinmyoumaru

So it was you!

Shinmyoumaru

Forget being all peaceful. Battle me right here, right now!

Seiga

Wow, so scary.

Seiga

What did I even do wrong?

Shinmyoumaru

You fed Nitori and Nitori a bunch of lies!

Seiga

I didn't lie. I merely mentioned that I saw you talking with the tengu.

Seiga

The kappa had ticked you off, and suddenly you were getting all buddy-buddy with their biggest rivals.

Seiga

Perhaps that led the Nitoris to make some false assumptions. My bad.

Shinmyoumaru

*angry noises*

She didn't technically lie...

Shinmyoumaru

But it still feels like we're being played!

Shinmyoumaru

Now I'm starting to worry... Can we really hold this competition safely?

???

Need someone to keep an eye on things?

???

Need someone to keep an eye on things?

Takane

I was planning to come and watch anyway. I'll make sure no one tries anything funny.

Takane!

Shinmyoumaru

Weren't you pretty against the competition before?

Shinmyoumaru

Why the change of heart?

Takane

Circumstances changed.

Takane

I wanted to launch a new business with Genso-Rigs...

Takane

But it turns out that's not going to happen.

What?!

Yuuka

Why not?!

Nitori

Me, Takane, and this world's me looked into things.

Nitori

One of the key materials doesn't exist in this Gensokyo.

Whoa...

Shinmyoumaru

Wait, what about the materials on the mountain?

Shinmyoumaru

Weren't they what caused this whole kappa-tengu fight?

Nitori

Yeah, we thought we could find some on the mountain.

Nitori

We looked around... but came up empty-handed. So there's no reason for us to fight the tengu anymore.

Nitori

But it's kinda hard to back down now, right?! Especially with the kappa all fired up.

Shinmyoumaru

This isn't a playground squabble...

How do you know that material's not on the mountain?

Nitori

We looked for it with this.

Nitori

It glows when Genso-Rigs are nearby. I used it to make a metal detector of sorts. A Genso-Rig Detector, if you will.

You can just do that?!

Nitori

This world's pretty different from mine. I wasn't sure it would work here.

Nitori

Luckily, I was there to help!

Wow!

(Nitori really is Gensokyo's greatest inventor!)

Takane

When we searched the mountain, our Genso-Rig Detector didn't so much as beep.

Takane

But that doesn't mean I'm giving up on business. I'm just changing strategies!

Takane

Instead of making Genso-Rigs, I'll use 'em!

Takane

I haven't decided how yet, though!

Wow!

(Takane really is Gensokyo's greatest businesswoman!)

Yuuka

This is the first I'm hearing of this.

Yuuka

Why did you leave me out of the loop?!

Takane

We were going to tell you...

Takane

But you were sleeping so peacefully.

Nitori

We didn't have the heart to wake you.

Yuuka

That's not my fault! All your talk of business and profit put me to sleep!

Shinmyoumaru

You really are a kid.

Yuuka

Only on the outside! It's not my fault their conversation was so boring!

Yuuka

Still, you should've woken me up...

Seiga

Don't be like that, Professor.

Seiga

You're just upset you were left out, aren't you?

Yuuka

...No.

Seiga

I understand how you feel, but do cheer up. Why not watch the competition with me?

Yuuka

Hmph! I don't care about that anymore!

Seiga

Oh? Not even about the Genso-Rigs?

Yuuka

...

Seiga

Sure you don't want to watch them battle?

Yuuka

...

Yuuka

Fine. I'll go to the stupid competition.

(Yuuka's adorable.)

(And Seiga's really good at handling her.)

Shinmyoumaru

OK, so the Nitoris and the kappa will compete...

Shinmyoumaru

And Seiga, Takane, and Yuuka will attend as spectators.

All right, Shinmyoumaru!

Now we can finally hold the competition!

Shinmyoumaru

Yep! It wasn't easy, but we did it!

Shinmyoumaru

From here on out, the cheer squad's gonna be real busy!

Cheerleaders

Yay!

Shinmyoumaru

Gimme a "Let's do this!" Ready? ...Go!

Cheerleaders

Let's do this!

The day of the Genso-Rig Cavalry Showdown...

Momiji

Everyone, please listen! The stands are completely full!

So many people!

We did it, guys!

Komachi

Yeah! All that hard work was worth it.

Shinmyoumaru

We said the cheer squad would handle all the prep...

Shinmyoumaru

But promoting the competition, setting it up, and practicing our cheer dance... was NOT easy.

Shinmyoumaru

Thanks for sticking it out, everyone!

Let's have the best time ever today!

Cheerleaders

Yeah!

Ichirin

Sorry we're late!

Hina

You're fine. The cheer rehearsal's just about to start.

Shinmyoumaru

Huh? Weren't you at the last competition?

Ichirin

Yep! I heard another tournament was happening and came to get in on the action.

Ichirin

Now then, me, it's time for our showdown!

Ichirin

Heh. Bring it on!

Ichirin

Kappa versus tengu. Let's see whose cheer dance comes out on top!

Hina

No, no, that's not what this competition's about.

Hina

We invited you to hype up the Genso-Rig Cavalry Showdown! That's what really counts!

Ichirin

You don't need to tell me twice!

Ichirin

So, which team am I on? Kappa or tengu?

Hina

You're on Team Kappa with me, Komachi, and Tojiko!

Ichirin

And on Team Tengu is me, Miss Momiji, Miss Yuugi, and Miss Nemuno.

Hm? What about me and Shinmyoumaru?

Momiji

Well...

Hina

Everyone insisted they wanted you on their team. And no one would back down.

Shinmyoumaru

What?! If we don't decide, we can't even do the cheer dance!

Hina

That's why we're settling it now.

Momiji

With this cheer rehearsal!

Wh-What do you mean?!

Hina

PLAYER, Shinmyoumaru!

Hina

Watch both performances and tell us which one you like better!

Momiji

You get to decide your own team!

Th-That's a lot of pressure!

Hina

*pant* *pant* So... what did you think?

Momiji

Which performance was better?

Shinmyoumaru

Hmm...

Shinmyoumaru

I thought they were both amazing!

Shinmyoumaru

What about you, PLAYER?

Yeah! They both rocked!

Hina

R-Really?!

Momiji

We practiced so hard... I'm glad to hear that!

Momiji

But now we have a problem. Which team are you gonna join?

Both!

Momiji & Hina

What?!

Momiji

That means dancing back-to-back with no break! Isn't that a bit much?!

It's fine! We'll manage!

Besides, I want to dance with everyone!

Shinmyoumaru

I feel the same way!

Shinmyoumaru

We've practiced with both teams, and we know all the choreography!

Hina

Wow...

Ichirin

That's incredible.

Ichirin

No wonder you're our leaders!

Ichirin

Well said, me. Now, let's dance our hearts out!

Expo Announcer?

The showdown will begin shortly! Competitors and cheerleaders, take your places!

Huh?! Is that announcer...?

Aya

Cheerleaders, please line up over here!

Aya?! What are you doing?

Aya

What do you mean? Every competition needs a host-slash-commentator, right?

Aya

You cheerleaders are busy, so I thought I'd lend a hand.

Shinmyoumaru

Without asking us?!

Shinmyoumaru

But actually... we could use your help.

Eika

Aya! Do you have another microphone?

Aya

Of course. Here you go.

Eika

Thanks! Ahem... Mic check, mic check.

Eika as well?!

Shinmyoumaru

You're gonna be a host, too?

Eika

Nope! I'm just gonna chat.

Eika

Being a host and explaining stuff sounds hard. But I'm an idol, so I need a mic.

Eika

I figure I'll tell the crowd all about the tengu I stacked stones with!

(I guess that kinda counts as commentary...)

Shinmyoumaru

I think one person on the mic is enough.

Aya

C'moooon, the more hype the better!

Eika

Yeah! You said I could be here as an idol, remember?!

Shinmyoumaru

Did I...?

Megumu

The tengu line starts here.

Nitori

Hey, kappa! Gather up!

Aya

It looks like all the competitors are ready. Without further ado... let's begin!

Shinmyoumaru

Right! Let's get in position, PLAYER!

On it!

Aya

The Genso-Rig Cavalry Showdown is finally underway! Let's see who collects the most of these mysterious parts!

Aya

Team Tengu is taking to the skies to protect theirs! Is this a winning strategy?!

Momiji

Let's go, tengu, let's go!

Yuugi

C'mon, we gotta cheer with all we got!

Nemuno

This here's Team Tengu's cheer dance!

*cheer music*

Team Tengu's really fired up!

Shinmyoumaru

Then as Team Tengu cheerleaders, we'd better―

Aya

I don't believe it!

Aya

Team Kappa isn't backing down! They're using gadgets to snatch Team Tengu's parts midair!

Komachi

Now's our moment! Team Kappa cheer squad, let's go!

Tojiko

Get ready for Team Kappa's cheer dance!

*cheer music*

Team Kappa's even more hyped than Team Tengu!

Shinmyoumaru

Tch!

Shinmyoumaru

This cheer battle's too close! Are we really gonna have to keep switching back and forth?!

Eika

Don't let up, tengu! This stillborn idol's rooting for you!

Yuuka

What's the point of this commentary?

Yuuka

Focus on the Genso-Rigs!

Seiga

Seems like you're the only one fit to analyze this showdown, Professor.

Seiga

Don't you think?

Yuuka

Hmph.

Shinmyoumaru

H-Hey! Yuuka and Seiga, you're spectators! Why are you coming down here?!

Shinmyoumaru

Get back to the stands!

Yuuka

No.

Yuuka

You can't see the Genso-Rigs properly from up there.

Shinmyoumaru

Who cares?!

(N-Not again!)

Seiga

We're going to sit at the commentary desk, like so... *dramatic sit*

Shinmyoumaru

Oh, come on! You can't just do whatever you want!

Shinmyoumaru

And where's Takane? She said she'd keep an eye on things!

Aya

Here it comes!

Shinmyoumaru

What now?!

Aya

The moment we've all been waiting for! The Genso-Rigs are entering the arena!

Aya

Behold the dark green fortress bearing the hopes of all kappa!

Aya

Nitori Kawashiro!

Nitori

I'll fight to let out all the kappa's frustration!

Aya

And here comes the crimson speedster carrying the pride of the tengu!

Aya

Hina Kagiyama!

Hina

I'll purify the tengu's misfortune!

The crowd's going wild!

Shinmyoumaru

I had no idea the Genso-Rigs were this popular...

Yuuka

Of course they are!

Yuuka

Their sheer beauty captivated me at first glance! And the immense power they radiate is... immense!

Yuuka

Both are equally impressive, but if I had to pick one, I'd say the kappa's rig is... *professorly rambling*

Eika

Hey, quit blabbering! Hand over the mic!

Yuuka

What the―?! Give it back!

Aya

Keep it down in the commentary booth! It looks like the Genso-Rigs are good to go!

Aya

Ready... START!

*clank* *clank* *clank*

Nitori's faster off the line!

*ROOOOOOAR*

Shinmyoumaru

Look! Hina's accelerating fast!

Hina & Nitori

This ends now!

The pressure blasts are intense!

Shinmyoumaru

Eek!

*catch* Gotcha!

Shinmyoumaru

Th-Thanks, PLAYER! You're getting really good at catching me!

Teehee!

Yuugi

Huh, those Genso-Rigs are really bringing the heat.

Yuugi

We better crank up our cheers!

Ichirin

We can't just stand here watching!

Ichirin

Let's do our duty... and cheer with everything we've got!

Cheerleaders

Yeeeeeah!

Yuuka

...

Seiga

Hehe, your mood changes so easily.

Seiga

You were enjoying yourself a moment ago. What's wrong?

Yuuka

I'm bored. I only came here to see the Genso-Rigs.

Yuuka

I'm leaving!

Seiga

Are you sure?

Seiga

At this rate, the showdown will end soon.

Yuuka

End?

Seiga

Yes. And what do you suppose will happen to the Genso-Rigs then?

Seiga

For all we know, they might return to their original world right away.

Yuuka

But... my research isn't finished yet.

Yuuka

I won't allow that!

Seiga

That's the spirit, Professor!

Takane

Found you!

Takane

You two were here the whole time? I searched everywhere for you.

Takane! Where have you been?!

Shinmyoumaru

Yeah! You were supposed to help keep an eye on Seiga and Yuuka!

Takane

I looked away for a second, and they slipped through a wall.

Takane

You know, just like that.

Takane

...I lost them again!

What do we do, Shinmyoumaru?!

Yuuka and Seiga are gone!

Shinmyoumaru

This is bad! Based on their track record, they're definitely up to no good!

Shinmyoumaru

We have to find them.

Takane

Fine, I guess I'll help you look.

Shinmyoumaru

All right, let's slip away for a bit...

Komachi

NI-TO-RI! Win this match like 1, 2, 3!

Ichirin

Don't let up, Nitori! DON'T LET UUUUUUP!

Tojiko

That's the way, Team Kappa! Fight, fight, fiiiiiight!

Hina

That's some crazy cheering...

Hina

Meh, maybe I'll give it a go. Let's go, Nitori! Destroy Team Tengu! DESTROOOOOY!

Momiji

Hina, Hina, you're the winner! Keep this up, and it's kappa for dinner!

Nemuno

Get 'em, Team Tengu! Show the world whatchur made of!

Yuugi

Hey, is that all you got? Run like you mean it!

Ichirin

Yikes, cheering isn't supposed to be mean. I'll have to show you how it's done!

Hina

Hehe, you look like you're having fun.

Nitori

You too, Hina. You've been smiling this whole time!

Hina

Well, yeah! We finally get to settle this!

Nitori

So we're happy for the same reason!

This showdown's really heating up!

Shinmyoumaru

Think we can get away without disrupting things?

Takane

Let's cheer dance our way out of the stadium.

Shinmyoumaru

Good idea!

Do you know the routine, Takane?

Takane

Umm... maybe?

Shinmyoumaru

C'mon, you can do this. Just do what we do!

Inconspicuous Cheerleaders?

*cheer dancing*

Komachi

Hey, why are you two out of position?

Komachi

And why's Takane with you?

Busted!

Komachi

Yuuka and Seiga disappeared?

Yeah. We want to go look for them.

Komachi

Oh, so you're not slacking off.

Shinmyoumaru

Of course not! Who do you think we are―you?!

Komachi

Hey now, that's uncalled for. When have I ever slacked off?

Both of you, stop!

We need to go after Yuuka and Seiga!

Komachi

Right, right.

Komachi

Got it. I'll cover for you with the others. Go on.

Thanks, Komachi!

They're...

Shinmyoumaru

Not here.

Shinmyoumaru

What about here?

Takane

Nope.

Takane

How about outside the venue? ...Guess not.

Shinmyoumaru

Seriously, where'd they go?!

If I were Yuuka, I'd be...

Right there?!

Hey, Yuuka!

Yuuka

Tch!

Seiga

Hehe, you found us.

Yuuka

Let's go, Seiga.

Yuuka

We don't have time to waste on them! We have very important work to do. VERY important.

Yuuka

Stopping this competition!

Seiga

You said it!

Shinmyoumaru

Hold up. Did they just say they want to stop the competition?!

Takane

That would be a disaster! The big climax isn't far off!

We have to hurry after them!

Shinmyoumaru

Hold it right there!

Takane

We're not letting you stop the competition!

Yuuka

Urgh, these guys don't know how to quit! We need to lose them somehow.

Seiga

Yes, but we've hit a dead end.

Yuuka

What?!

Shinmyoumaru

Finally caught you!

Takane

You're not getting away this time!

Yuuka

Tch. They're blocking us in.

(Sweet! Hang on...)

(Seiga should've easily been able to escape.)

Yuuka

Why do you insist on interfering with my work?!

Shinmyoumaru

You're one to talk! Why'd you keep trying to ruin the competition?!

Takane

Yeah. The Genso-Rigs are battling, just like you wanted.

Takane

Let me guess, you're gonna tell us you don't care about cheerleading... AGAIN.

Yuuka

It's true I don't care about cheerleading...

Yuuka

But this showdown can't be allowed to end.

Why not?

Yuuka

Because if it does, the Genso-Rigs might return to their world.

Yuuka

If that happens, my research will be cut short. I absolutely cannot allow that!

Yuuka

I'll do everything in my power to halt this competition. Don't think you can stop me like before!

Takane

So that's why you're doing this.

Takane

For your own selfish reasons, you don't want the Genso-Rigs to leave.

Yuuka

That's right!

Shinmyoumaru

You're such a baby!

Yuuka

Pfft, so? Everyone's enjoying the Genso-Rig battle, no?

Yuuka

If it keeps going, so does the entertainment. It's a win-win!

Takane

She does have a point...

Shinmyoumaru

Don't start agreeing with her! If the battle doesn't end, neither does the kappa-tengu conflict!

Shinmyoumaru

This calls for a battle of bullets. But...

Seiga

Teehee.

Takane

Dealing with both of these guys is such a pain.

This is bad.

(If only someone could help us.)

*clank* *clank* *clank*

*ROOOOAR*

Shinmyoumaru

Th-That sound!

Nitori

You OK?!

Hina

Need some backup?

Nitori! Hina!

Shinmyoumaru

Haha, never thought I'd be happy to hear that noise!

Nitori

Komachi told us Yuuka and Seiga disappeared.

Hina

Looks like you already found them, though. Wayda go, PLAYER!

Hehe, thanks.

Wait, what happened to the showdown?!

Komachi

It's on hold.

Komachi

You two weren't coming back, so we got worried.

Nitori

Yuuka, why'd you leave the arena?

Hina

Yeah, why try to sabotage the competition?

Yuuka

Because...

Seiga

She just wants to keep having fun with you all!

Nitori

Huh?

Hina

Come again?

Yuuka

Th-That's not it! I want to keep researching those Genso-Rigs. Nothing more!

Nitori

All right, all right. We get it.

Nitori

In that case...

Nitori

Why don't you come have some fun with us?!

Have some fun together? How?

Nitori

Easy. You can join the competition with us!

Yuuka

Me?! But professors have to stay neutral and objective!

Hina

Maybe. But I don't think anyone will hold it against you.

Hina

You'll see.

Hyped-Up Kappa

Yeah! Don't hold back!

Hyped-Up Tengu

Fight, fight, fight!

Aya

What's this?! A surprise guest has entered the fray!

Eika

Umm, that's Yuuka Kazami. She's a tiny professor who LOVES Genso-Rigs!

Hina

Told you.

Hina

In the end, everyone just wants to have a good time. The flashier the battle, the better.

Yuuka

I-Is that true?

Yuuka

Wait, I don't have one of those glowy parts...

Oh right!

This is yours, Yuuka.

Yuuka

You found it?!

Sorry it took so long to give it back.

But now you can join in!

Yuuka

I never agreed to―

Hyped-Up Kappa

Everyone, go for that new part!

Hyped-Up Tengu

Don't let the kappa get to it first! Go, tengu, goooo!

Nitori

No time to stand around! Let's go, Hina!

Hina

Yeah! Here we come!

Yuuka

Y-You can't be serious?

Yuuka

You're ALL going for my part?!

Aya

What a twist! Team Kappa and Team Tengu are ignoring each other... as they focus on a new target!

Yuuka

Urgh, fine!

Yuuka

If that's how it is, I'll go all out! If anyone's gonna have fun with the Genso-Rigs, it's me!

Yuuka

S-Someone stole my part!

I ended up joining in too...

Do you think anyone minded?!

Shinmyoumaru

Well, no one's complaining. More importantly...

Shinmyoumaru

Who actually won?

Komachi

Good question.

Momiji

Who collected more parts, Team Kappa or Team Tengu?

Aya

Let's see... Tallying now!

Aya

One, two, three...

Aya

I-I don't believe it!

Hina & Nitori

*gulp*

Aya

It's a draw!

Aya

An unbelievable finish! The heated showdown ends in a draw!

Shinmyoumaru

Whaaaaat?!

Shinmyoumaru

With a result like that, there's no way anyone will―

Kappa

Nice one!

Tengu

That was awesome!

Shinmyoumaru

Huh? They're... OK with the result?

I wonder what this world's Nitori thinks...

And Miss Megumu...

Nitori

Honestly, as long as we have a result, I'm fine. There's no reason to fight anymore.

Nitori

So long as the tengu agree, that is.

Megumu

No complaints here.

Megumu

After a showdown like that, we can say the whole thing was just an exhibition from the start.

Nitori

That's a nice idea. Thanks. And, uhh, sorry for searching the mountain without permission.

Kappa

We're sorry!

Megumu

Well, we could've listened to your request. You only did what you did because we ignored you.

Megumu

If something like this happens again, we'll hear you out.

Nitori

Hey, Hina. Does this mean we actually fixed things?

Hina

I think so! We don't have to pretend to be rivals anymore.

Yuuka

Hah.

Yuuka

Hahaha!

Y-Yuuka?!

Why're you laughing?!

Yuuka

How delightful! I knew the Genso-Rigs wouldn't let me down.

Yuuka

I never imagined I'd end up competing myself... but it was far more fun than just watching!

Yuuka

Thank you, PLAYER. And all you other cheerleaders.

Shinmyoumaru

She's not trying to trick us again... right?

Seiga

The professor is always honest.

Seiga

Unlike the kappa and tengu, who only just learned to be honest with each other. Teehee.

I'm so glad everyone made up!

Nitori

We owe you a lot.

Megumu

This is all thanks to you stepping in between us. You have my gratitude.

Shinmyoumaru

Don't mention it. After all...

Shinmyoumaru

This is just what cheerleaders do!

We cheer people on, even if it's to make up!

Komachi

Heh, you guys are totally right.

Komachi

A cheerleader's job is to support everyone!

Nitori

Wow... Next time, we'll make sure WE'RE the ones cheering someone else on.

Hina

That's right! Don't forget, we're cheerleaders too!

Yukari

Welcome back, PLAYER.

Yukari

So, how was the world of the girls who grew so very big?

It was fun!

I want to pilot a Genso-Rig and get big too!

Yukari

Teehee, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.

Yukari

And it seems to me like you've grown a little already. It makes me sad, in a way.

Yukari

One day, you might get so big and confident that you stop coming to see me.

Do you want me to come even more?

Yukari

Of course. You're very special.

Yukari

But you know, when someone gets too confident, those around them can suffer.

Yukari

You saw that yourself, didn't you?

Yeah...

It's easy to get selfish.

Yukari

That's right. But selfishness isn't always a bad thing.

Yukari

If you can't be honest about what you want, things can spiral out of control.

Yukari

Sometimes, your selfish wish might end up helping people.

Yukari

Don't you think?

What's your selfish wish, Miss Yukari?

Yukari

Teehee, you really want to know?

Yukari

It's...

Yukari

A secret!

Hey!

No fair!

Yukari

Relax. If you keep coming to see me, I'll tell you someday.

Yukari

So even as you grow, don't abandon me, OK?

I won't!

Yukari

Teehee, thanks.

Yukari

Now then, you must be tired. Get some rest.

Yukari

They say children grow when they sleep. The next time I see you, you might be even bigger.

Yukari

I'm actually starting to get excited about it.

Yukari

I said you growing up makes me sad. But let me correct that.

Yukari

Truth be told, I may be the one looking forward to it the most.

Yukari

...Then again, maybe not!

Shinmyoumaru

It's weirdly peaceful.

Too peaceful.

Shinmyoumaru

No competition drama, no cheerleading practice. What do we even do now?

Shinmyoumaru

After all that craziness, my brain's on vacation.

Yeah, I feel that.

I could just laze around all day.

Shinmyoumaru

Funny. I was whining about all the chaos, but now look at me.

Shinmyoumaru

I kinda miss it...

Takane

Helloooo!

Takane

PLAYER! Shinmyoumaru! You guys around?

Shinmyoumaru

What is it now?! Are you here to drag us into something again?

(That's the face of someone who wants drama!)

Takane

There you are!

Takane

Check this out.

A newspaper?

...And there's a flyer attached.

Takane

Read the flyer.

Shinmyoumaru

Lemme see, lemme see.

It's Back and Bigger Than Ever―Genso-Rig Showdown Returns as the Genso-Rig Hero Show!

Shinmyoumaru

...Wait, what?

Takane

It's exactly what it says... but fine, I'll explain.

Takane

The Genso-Rig Cavalry Showdown was a huge hit, so the youkai want another showdown.

Yeah... everyone was super into it.

Shinmyoumaru

Does that mean we're gonna do it again?

Takane

Nope. The kappa and tengu already settled their beef, so there's no reason to fight.

Takane

But everyone still wants to see Genso-Rigs throw down. So the question is: how do we deliver?

Takane

That's when I had a brilliant idea! We'll stage it! Genso-Rigs vs. Someone!

Someone who's not a kappa or tengu...?

Like... a staged event?

Takane

You got it! Now read the back of the flyer.

Shinmyoumaru

Hmm... it's got the names of the performers.

Lead: Genso-Rigs. Villain: Seiga. Host: Eika.

Wait, villain?!

So it's gonna be Genso-Rigs vs. Seiga?!

Takane

Yup! Tell me you don't wanna see that.

Shinmyoumaru

Hang on, there's more!

Shinmyoumaru

"Sponsored by: Yamawaro, kappa, and tengu."

Shinmyoumaru

Wait, so Nitori and Megumu are in on this?

Takane

You bet. The tengu even made the flyer for us.

Takane

When I pitched it to everyone, they signed up with big smiles.

(Seiga volunteering as the villain is wild...)

They really can't resist a good spectacle!

Shinmyoumaru

So it's a reunion of that whole competition bunch.

Shinmyoumaru

This is gonna be good. C'mon, PLAYER, let's go watch!

Takane

Watch? You're part of the cast.

Takane

Read the flyer properly.

S-Seriously?

Shinmyoumaru

Oh, here it is in fine print!

Shinmyoumaru

"Extras: Cheerleaders."

Shinmyoumaru

Why is it in fine print?!

Takane

Extras don't get the big print. Either way, I'm here to officially invite you.

Takane

C'mon, you'll do it, right?

What do you say, Shinmyoumaru?

(I already know her answer...)

Shinmyoumaru

Hmm...

Shinmyoumaru

I'm in!

I knew it!

Takane

Great! Practice is tomorrow at the stadium.

Shinmyoumaru

The tengu reserved that place again?

Takane

Yep! Anyway, I gotta run!

Takane

Gotta keep spreading the word! Whew, so much to do!

She really did run...

Shinmyoumaru

Seriously, she never slows down.

Shinmyoumaru

What even is a hero show, anyway?

Shinmyoumaru

Think we'll have lines? Man, here comes the chaos... PLAYER!

Mm-hm! Can't wait!

Komachi

There you are! We've been waiting!

Hina

Yay! I knew you two wouldn't turn this down!

Shinmyoumaru

We were bored, and this sounded way better than staring at the sky.

Great seeing you again, Komachi! Hina!

Ichirin

Don't forget about us!

Tojiko

Hey, Ichirin... quick question.

Tojiko

It's just a rehearsal, so why are we dressed like cheerleaders?

Ichirin

Isn't it a little late to ask that?!

Ichirin

We were recruiting cheerleaders, so obviously, we commit to the bit!

Tojiko

But we're not doing that today!

Ichirin

So what? The outfits are cute, plus it gets us in the cheer spirit!

Shinmyoumaru

By the way, what do we even do as extras? Do we just stand there dramatically?

Komachi

Ah, about that...

Yuuka

Excellent question!

Yuuka?!

Yuuka

Here, you'll need this.

Yuuka

It's the script I wrote.

You signed up for this too?!

Shinmyoumaru

Back up. Did you just say you wrote the script?

Yuuka

Correct. I wrote it, and I will be directing it too.

No way! That's so cool!

I didn't know you had all these hidden talents!

Yuuka

Hidden? I thought it was obvious. I'm a natural at this.

Yuuka

The script highlights the sheer awesomeness of the Genso-Rigs.

Shinmyoumaru

You really love those things, huh?

Shinmyoumaru

Fine, we'll do it your way. Lemme see that script.

Villain appears. Acts extra evil. Cheerleaders enter. Villain spots them.

Villain attacks the cheerleaders. Cheerleaders: "Aaah! Save us, Genso-Rigs!"

Genso-Rigs make a jaw-dropping entrance. Cheerleaders exit.

Shinmyoumaru

Uh...

Komachi

Aren't we kinda pathetic in this?

Hina

Yeah! We can fight, you know!

Shinmyoumaru

Also, aren't there way too many cheerleaders against one villain?

Yuuka

Th-That's because I didn't expect so many of you to show up!

Komachi

Hey now, don't put that on us!

Komachi

You guys said you needed cheerleaders, so we came!

Hina

Yeah! We even came dressed for this! Rewrite the script!

Yuuka

Excuse me?! Are you insulting my script?!

C-Calm down, guys!

Let's follow Yuuka's script for now!

Hina

Fine. I guess I'll trust PLAYER on this.

Yuuka

Hmph!

Yuuka

If you're done arguing, let's go to the stage. We shouldn't keep the Genso-Rigs waiting.

Nitori

Oh, hey! I'm happy to see you guys helping again!

Hina

Looking forward to it!

Me too!

Seiga

How lovely. You're all dressed up even though it's only a rehearsal... Such admirable dedication.

Komachi

Y-You could say that...

Hina

Cheerleaders give 100%, even when it's just practice.

Yuuka

Save the small talk. Everyone, take your positions.

Seiga

Okey-dokey! I'll go first, then.

Shinmyoumaru

Our positions are not even marked out... Well, whatever. I'll just go opposite Seiga.

Yuuka

Not like that!

Yuuka

Cheerleaders, keep close formation! You'll block the Genso-Rigs' grand entrance if you spread out!

Shinmyoumaru

Don't be ridiculous! The Genso-Rigs take up the whole stage! We're gonna be in the way no matter what!

Yuuka

Fine. We'll adjust after the Genso-Rigs take position. Nitori, bring them in.

Nitori

Got it. So the script says I'm on the right, Hina's on the left.

*clank* *clank*

Yuuka

Not like that!

Nitori

Wh-What now...?

Yuuka

Command the stage! Stomp like the ground owes you money!

Nitori

Relax, it's just practice. Do we need notes on how we breathe too?

Hina

This is going to take forever!

Shinmyoumaru

Yeah! Who cares about perfect positions?! Let's just start already!

Yuuka

Enough whining!

Shinmyoumaru

You're the one whining!

G-Guys! Please stop fighting!

Shinmyoumaru

Is that what the battles are gonna be like for the show?

Shinmyoumaru

That was less rehearsal and more season finale!

(We're not even past act one...)

Eika

Um, guys...

Eika

I was reading the script, and my part is like... super tiny.

Oh, hey, Eika!

Aren't you the host? What are you doing at rehearsal?

That's some serious idol work ethic.

Yuuka

Obviously. The Genso-Rigs are the main attraction.

Yuuka

The host doesn't need a big role to begin with.

Eika

But I'm an idol! Gimme more scenes!

Yuuka

Not happening.

Takane

Oh, good. You've already started.

Takane

How's it going?

Shinmyoumaru

We can't rehearse because Yuuka's obsessing over everything! Help!

Takane

Sounds like dedication to me.

Takane

That's how you get a hit show! The bigger the hit, the more merch sells!

What merch?

Takane

Hehe, that's a surprise for when it's ready!

Takane

Back to marketing for me... Yuuka, the stage is yours!

Yuuka

You heard her.

Shinmyoumaru

Don't just abandon us with her... *sigh* We're past the point of no return.

Shinmyoumaru

All right, cheerleaders! Let's carry this show!

Cheerleaders

Yeah!

The day of the Genso-Rig Hero Show...

Shinmyoumaru

It's finally showtime.

Shinmyoumaru

Rehearsal had me worried, but we made it work!

Hina

Somehow.

Hina

Yuuka wouldn't stop micromanaging, Seiga was doing her own thing, and Eika kept sneaking off to stack stones. It was a lot!

Komachi

I swear we rehearsed "sticking to the script" more than the actual script.

Komachi

But with an audience this hyped up, you can't tell me the struggle was for nothing.

Shinmyoumaru

Can't argue with that.

This place is buzzing like last time!

Guess the tengu and Takane's ad campaign paid off.

Shinmyoumaru

Speaking of which, where IS Takane? She's the organizer, but I haven't seen her at all.

Ichirin

Uh... you might want to look over there.

Takane

Make a memory―grab yourself some Genso-Rig Cards!

Takane

Gensokyo's absolutely obsessed! Pick your favorite―Nitori or Hina!

Takane

And here's the kicker―buy ten and you'll get a free rare card! Complete with exclusive Genso-Rig voice clips.

Tengu Audience

Gimme ten Hina cards!

Kappa Audience

Nitori only. Twenty, please!

Takane

Pleasure doing business!

Ichirin

Looks like she's busy selling that merch she mentioned!

Shinmyoumaru

Wow. She's using freebies to push bulk buys!

Shinmyoumaru

What are those Genso-Rig voice clips anyway?

Komachi

Dunno... Could be that sound we always hear when a Genso-Rig shows up.

Hina

Isn't that just noise?

(So this was her big plan...)

I mean... I wouldn't mind one.

Yuuka

The Genso-Rig Cards are excellent.

Yuuka?!

Did you already buy them?!

Yuuka

Thirty Nitori. Thirty Hina.

Shinmyoumaru

Sixty?! Why?! They're identical cards!

Yuuka

Isn't it obvious?

Yuuka

Excellence deserves devotion.

Komachi

That's the most intense thing anyone's said about trading cards.

Hina

You're singlehandedly covering their printing cost.

Eika

Hello, everyone! Sorry to keep you waiting!

Eika

The show's about to start!

Tojiko

We're up soon. Get ready.

Shinmyoumaru

All right! Let's crush it, cheer squad!

Cheerleaders

Let's go!

Eika

Big thanks for coming today! You ready to have some fun?

Audience

Yeah!

Eika

Let's make some noise for the Genso-Rigs!

Audience

Wooo!

Eika

Louder!

Audience

WOOOO!

The crowd's going wild!

Shinmyoumaru

This is a good start! She's actually sticking to the script!

Eika

Now let's shout it out together! One, two...!

Eika

EIKAAAAA!

Uh... Eika?

Ichirin

Pretty sure it's "Genso-Rigs!"

Tojiko

Did Yuuka change the script? I-I can't do last-second changes!

Yuuka

I assure you, I changed nothing.

Hina

Then Eika's improvising!

Eika

OK, let's begin the Dancing Stone-Stacking Show with the Genso-Rigs!

Eika

I know you all wanna see those massive Genso-Rigs dance while stacking stones with finesse!

She's rewriting the whole event!

Takane

I'm sorry... the dancing what now?

Shinmyoumaru

Takane! Perfect timing! You're the organizer―tell her to stop!

Takane

If you're adding a new segment, you have to tell me! I could've sold more merch!

Shinmyoumaru

Focus, merchant brain!

Komachi

*sigh* This is a mess.

Komachi

All right, let's shut this down before she adds fireworks.

Eika

Ugh... I just wanted more stage time!

Takane

I mean, if everyone's having fun, a little rewrite can't hurt...

Hina

Don't encourage her!

Hina

The people came for a hero show, not a stone-stacking show!

Shinmyoumaru

We're yanking this back to the original script!

Shinmyoumaru

Seiga! Do the villain thing―attack us, quick!

Seiga

How disappointing. I liked the silly stone version.

Shinmyoumaru

Just do it!

Seiga

All right, fine.

Seiga

Give me an R! Give me a U! Or maybe... you should just start running now.

Seiga

Hurry up, or I'll eat you! Rawr.

Ichirin

Oh noooo! Did you guys hear that?! That was SO scary!

Tojiko

R-Run for it!

Hina

But there's nowhere to go!

Komachi

Welp, guess we're doomed...

Somebody, help!

*clank* *clank* *clank*

*ROOOOOOOOOOOAR*

Kappa Genso-Rig Fan

Th-That sound...!

Tengu Genso-Rig Fan

It's the Genso-Rigs!

Nitori

Missed us?!

Hina

It's fine now. Because we're here!

Seiga

Oh look, it's the Genso-Rigs.

Seiga

I'd rather you not ruin my fun.

Nitori

You're not calling the shots anymore!

Hina

Eyes on me. I'm your opponent!

Kappa Audience

Wooo, Nitori! Show 'em!

Tengu Audience

Go, Hina! Finish her!

The crowd is going wild!

Shinmyoumaru

We're back on script!

Komachi

Whew. Our part's finally done... Uh, you OK?

Hina

Why aren't you moving? We're supposed to leave the stage now.

Ichirin

Heehee... we aren't finished just yet.

Tojiko

You guys should stay too. If we stick to the edge, we won't get in the way.

(Wh-What are they plotting?)

Seiga

The audience is on the Genso-Rigs' side... How sad.

Seiga

Surely someone here supports me...

Seiga

You there.

Seiga

Congratulations―you're my hostage.

Eika

Wait, what? More stage time?! Say less. I was born for this.

Seiga

...Now then, Genso-Rigs. The game just changed. What will you do?

Seiga

Are you willing to beat me at the cost of the hostage?

Shinmyoumaru

Oh come on! You're going off-script again!

Shinmyoumaru

You're supposed to lose to the Genso-Rigs and that's the finale! Why are you dragging this out?!

Komachi

Deja vu... Are we stepping in again or what?

Takane

Hold on.

Takane

Look at the audience.

Kappa Audience

Hang in there, Nitori!

Tengu Audience

You got this, Hina!

Takane

Let them cook. This is peak entertainment!

Takane

And technically the plot's the same. They'll fight, Seiga will lose. Same outcome.

Shinmyoumaru

Remind me never to put you in charge again!

I kind of see her point, though.

If Takane's cool with it, let's just trust her...

Nitori

So... we're improvising the rest?

Hina

Beats me.

Hina

PLAYER and the others aren't stepping in... so I guess we keep going?

Nitori

Man, hero work is exhausting.

Nitori

Let's finish this, Hina!

Hina

Ugh, she's fast! If I could just grab the hostage...!

Hina

This is taking forever! Just get knocked out already!

Seiga

Hehe, where's the fun in that?

Seiga

Let's turn this up a notch.

Eika

Yay! More spotlight for me!

???

Stop right there!

Ichirin

That's enough. You're taking this too far!

Tojiko

Yeah! Think about the extra work you're making us do!

Ichirin? Tojiko?

Why are you shouting all of a sudden?

Ichirin

Relax, PLAYER!

Ichirin

Genso-Rigs may be the heroes, but we're cheerleaders! We back them up!

So this is what you were plotting...

Tojiko

Exactly. We'll defeat Miss Seiga together with the Genso-Rigs!

Ichirin & Tojiko

Charge!

Komachi

They went charging in like a storm. Are we letting that happen?!

Takane

Hmmmm...

Takane

Yeah, no. We should stop them. They're going to steal the spotlight from the Genso-Rigs.

Hina

*sigh* It's never simple.

Seiga

Ow... Your bullets hit way harder than they did in rehearsal.

Seiga

That actually hurt...

Tojiko

Sorry... We got carried away. The crowd was hyping us up!

Ichirin

They're cheering for us cheerleaders too... That's so wholesome!

Kappa Audience

Keep it up, cheerleaders!

Tengu Audience

Encore! Encore!

Seiga

Absolutely not. There will be no encore.

Seiga

I only have one more part to play.

Seiga

Nooooooo, I've been defeated...

*thud*

Shinmyoumaru

She went down!

Eika

Ladies and gentlemen! It was your cheers that carried us to victory!

Eika

A huge round of applause for the Genso-Rigs and our fearless cheerleaders!

Komachi

Wow... she's got a talent for turning chaos into applause.

Hina

Well, the crowd's happy. That's mission accomplished in my book.

Yuuka

Magnificent!

Yuuka

Nothing beats a Genso-Rig battle of bullets!

Yuuka

Takane! Give me forty more Genso-Rig Cards. And yes, I mean both Nitori and Hina!

Takane

Always a pleasure!

(Wow... she sure is loving this!)

Nitori

Well done, team. That went over incredibly well.

Hina

So much went down... but I enjoyed it.

Hina

It's finally over. I'm happy it's done, but... why do I feel kind of empty?

Nitori

Guess we got used to the chaos.

Yuuka

...

(I wonder what's wrong...)

Takane

Thanks, everyone! This Genso-Rig venture was a blast.

Takane

I've had my fill of this world. I'm heading home now.

Yuuka

You're going back? How?

Takane

I found a way. Well, more like someone had already found it.

Kappa

I brought the thing you wanted!

Yuuka

That's a red Seal Crystal!

Takane

Apparently, the kappa discovered it a long time ago. Then the tengu drama happened, and everyone forgot.

Careless Kappa

Whoopsie!

Yuuka

I see... Then Nitori and the others will be leaving too.

Yuuka

This was always coming. I just have to accept it.

Yuuka...

Are you sad that everyone's leaving?

Yuuka

What?!

Shinmyoumaru

Seriously?

Shinmyoumaru

You got to play with the Genso-Rigs in the competition and we even did a show. Was that not enough?

Yuuka

S-Stop treating me like a child!

Yuuka

I just want more observation time. It's for research!

Shinmyoumaru

Are you gonna say all those Genso-Rig Cards you bought were for research, too? C'mon, be honest.

Yuuka

Shut up! Go home already!

Eika

Well, why not stay in this world a little longer?

But there's only one crystal...

Eika

The tengu also have one of those red stones. Pretty sure Megumu said she would look after it for a bit!

Takane

Interesting. That makes this easier.

Takane

Anyone who wants to stay can stay, and leave whenever.

Yuuka

...

Yuuka

So, Nitori and the others will...

Nitori

You mean us?

Yuuka

Yeah.

Yuuka

Are you... leaving?

Nitori

...Mm, probably.

Nitori

I've been thinking it's about time to go home.

Yuuka

...Right.

Nitori

But before that...

Nitori

I want you to have this.

Yuuka

Isn't this the toy you made?

Nitori

Yep. Now you can play with it whenever you want.

Yuuka

...!

Yuuka

That's true!

Hina

Hehe, look at you, grinning like a kid on festival day.

Takane

Yo, it's time to head out. So who's leaving with me?

Nitori

Me. What about you, Hina?

Hina

Yeah, me too.

Hina

And you, Yuuka? What's your plan?

Yuuka

I...

Yuuka

I think I'll stay a little longer.

Yuuka

I have to summarize my research findings so far.

Seiga

If the professor stays, I will too. I think it'll be entertaining.

Shinmyoumaru

Seiga?!

Shinmyoumaru

You scared me... You really do appear out of nowhere.

Are you leaving, Shinmyoumaru?

Shinmyoumaru

Nah, I'll stay a bit more.

Shinmyoumaru

It feels like I did nothing but cheerleading in this world. I wanna try something else.

Ichirin

I'm with you on that!

Eika

Same! I wanna stack more stones as an idol before going back!

Tojiko

I'll head home. I have fulfilled my cheerleading duties.

Takane

All right, if you're leaving, come over here.

Takane

I don't really know how this works, though. Maybe if we stand here, it'll activate or something!

Nitori

See you, PLAYER.

Hina

Thanks for putting up with us.

Don't worry about it! It was fun!

Hina

Really? That means a lot.

Nitori

We didn't get to do much cheerleading, but I enjoyed it.

That's not true!

You cheered Yuuka up when she looked sad!

Nitori

Yeah, you're right!

Nitori

Yuuka!

Nitori

A lot happened, but being with you was―

Nitori

Look! The Seal Crystal is glowing!

Hina

Seriously?! It just activates out of nowhere?!

Nitori

Anyway, Yuuka! See you again!

Yuuka

...Until next time.

Eika

Again, huh...

Seiga

Hehe, who knows.

Seiga

A miracle might have brought us together, but who's to say it can't happen twice?

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Cheering Saga: Genso-Rig Showdown

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Cheering Saga: Genso-Rig Showdown