Salon Fuji
What is right, and what is wrong...
So, you've come
That is decided by the human heart.
But then, what exactly is a heart?
I've been waiting for you
all this time
What someone considers the light,
Hurry and come to me
may actually be dark to someone else.
To want only light without ever knowing the dark...
Break me
I can't do that.
With your power...
Hi there.
Hello.
Junk Shop Mediocrity
Thank you for calling.
This is Junk Shop Mediocrity.
Yes... Yes...
Yes, we do. We have more in stock, as well.
Would you like to place an order? Hello?
What? My voice?
You're too kind!
So, for the S-type custom parts you were just asking about...
Clearance Sale Irregular Merchandise
We're running a special right now.
Would you like to take advantage of that?
Understood. Thank you very much.
Please send us your personal information.
Aoba, did they say something about your voice again?
Yeah...
Seriously. What's so good about my voice, anyway?
Regardless, it is true that it's bringing in more customers.
Well, yeah, but...
When even other guys start telling me that, it's kinda...
Aoba, you've got an email.
Right.
You're open!
Ow! You guys...
I see you're as lame as ever, Aoba.
Prepare yourself!
That's my line!
How many times have I told you not to play around in here?
Can't you get that through your thick skulls?
Ooh, scary. Men are such savages.
P-Please stop.
Kio, what's that?
That's...
Jeez...
Ack! It just replied on its own?
I didn't download some weird program, did I?
Was it something dirty?
No.
I'm back.
Oh, welcome back, Boss.
I'm sorry I'm late, Aoba-kun.
H-Hello, you three...
I see that you're visiting.
By the way, Aoba-kun,
sorry to ask,
Kio, get me that!
but could you take this package to Delivery Works?
Just one sec. Hup! There!
Sure, I'll get going.
You're smaller than I thought, Kio.
What did you say?!
Behave, you guys.
All right. Just a little further...
Here, now, you three.
It's dangerous to play around in the store.
Just a little more... There!
Children...
Oh, shut up!
Shut up, baldy!
Baldy?
Uh-oh. They just said the bad word again.
Run away!
Ren, get me directions to Delivery Works.
Today's recommended route is...
East 241st Street is closed for inspection.
Buses are out of service to undergo checks.
It will be fastest to take the north terminal.
All right. Thanks.
You're welcome.
This is a request for citizens of the Old Residential District.
Recently, there has been an increase in internal clashes
among members of the street gang, Ribstiez.
If you see anything, please report to the police immediately.
Also, anyone leaving the island is required by law to obtain permission.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Public Order in North District at its Worst
The Long-Awaited New Model Allmate
Convenient Pocket-Type Also On Sale
The new Allmate C7!
Go Go
With the long-awaited cat-type specs and convenient pocket size.
Hey, Aoba.
Koujaku.
What are you doing here?
What am I doing? I'm working. I'm on a delivery.
What about you?
I'm working, as well.
You sure about that?
But if you're on a delivery, it must be to Delivery Works?
Must be rough.
Ow!
Tell Yoshie-san hi for me.
You make it sound like it's got nothing to do with you...
You're going to see Clara-chan, aren't you, Ren?
Not exactly...
Oh, really?
Your hair's grown.
I can't help but notice, since that's my job.
Oh, well, yeah. I need to cut it soon.
Hey, don't look so close, though.
I just cut it randomly. It's embarrassing to have a pro looking at it.
Actually, I don't think it's that bad. It's put together nicely.
Koujaku-san.
Where are you opening your shop today? I want to get a haircut.
Oh, sure.
Stare...
All right. I'm off.
Right. See you later.
If you ever want to get a real haircut, let me know.
Not gonna happen.
Oh, by the way...
I'll be by your place soon, so say hi to Tae-san for me.
Right, right.
Jeez.
You grew your hair out like a girl.
Hair that hurts you when it's touched? Are you kidding me?
Hey.
If it hurts, just say it hurts!
Hey, don't be so violent with a girl's hair.
Wh-What?
Ow, ow...
Are you okay, little girl?
I-I'm not a...
Well, even after he found out I was a guy,
he still took care of jerks for me.
That's Koujaku for you.
Yeah.
Good day, Ren.
Oh, Aoba-chan. A delivery?
If you would.
How are things lately?
Well...
Help Wanted Men Only!
I-I can't handle any more, Yoshie-san...
What are you talking about? You're young. You can do it.
It's been a while since I started taking cooking classes...
I wonder if I've gotten better.
Erp...
What do you mean, "Erp"? That's so mean, Aoba-chan!
So, when are you coming to see me next?
W-Well...
She's not a bad person, but...
I agree.
Are you talking about Clara-chan?
I don't dislike her, but...
Whoa, that's a Brain Nuts jacket!
I totally want one of those.
Whaddya say, bro?
They sell them at the shop in front of the station.
By the way, we're Bug Bomb.
You've heard of us, right? Bug Bomb from Ribstiez.
So, what, are you messing with us?
Lame.
What? Hey, what'd you just say?
I said you're lame!
Now you've done it. What team are you on?
I'm not on one.
What?! So you're a No Mark?
Meaning we can take him down.
Should be totally easy.
That's enough.
Who the hell are you?
If you mess with him, he'll break your jaw.
He's got a special move called the Fox Axe Kick.
Don't you, Aoba?
The hell is that?
I'm talking about your kick attack.
Though I just now came up the name.
But it did break someone's jaw before, right?
Oh, crap! That's Mizuki, the head of Dry Juice!
What?!
We're sorry!
You should have said something earlier if you were in Dry Juice!
Don't pick fights if you're just gonna run away!
Talk about lame.
Just like their tag art.
Still, you know this is what happens when you're a No Mark.
So, how about it? Want to join Dry Juice now?
Yeah, right.
I told you, I'm not into in that sort of thing.
But it's pretty cool being on a team.
Dragon Drops
Prince of Chinese
Ramen
I just don't like dealing with a lot of hassle.
I know. It actually is pretty rough.
Lately, I'm not really sure how things are going with us.
Not sure?
Really?
I thought your Dry Juice and
Koujaku's Benishigure were doing fine.
Benishigure, huh? I don't know how they're doing, but us...
You?
Rhyme.
Rhyme, huh?
I hear that cyber game's getting popular again.
Our members are getting into it, too.
I mean, a cyber battle sounds cool and all,
but in the end, it's just a delusion game.
Well, yeah.
Also "Spirited Away."
"Spirited Away"?
You've heard about it before, haven't you?
A while back,
a whole Ribstiez team just vanished and were never heard from again.
Yeah, I have. But that's just an urban legend, isn't it?
And that rumor's ten years old.
That same thing is happening right now.
What?
Not only that,
but somebody from a team that disappeared came back after a few days.
He didn't remember anything from the time he was missing.
He doesn't remember?
He didn't even remember who he was.
It was like his brain was broken.
But weren't people saying
that the real culprit was a Ribsietz team called Morphine?
Besides, Morphine's practically an urban legend itself.
In any case, something is happening.
Hey, it should be over here.
It should be starting any minute now.
What's that about?
Rhyme...
I don't feel so good. I'm gonna go.
Come by the shop sometime soon.
Yeah.
Usui! Usui!
Wha—
Usui! Usui!
What?
Sorry to keep you waiting, everyone.
We will now begin Rhyme!
Rhyme Field, release.
Our first game today will be between Rhyme Names Player and Route 44.
Player has played five times, and has won three of those in a row.
His opponent, Route 44, will be playing for the first time.
Can this newcomer stop the winning streak?
Both players are ready! Now, start the game!
Will Player's prayers reach the heavens?
Will Route 44 come out on top?
Are you all right, Aoba?
Yeah, I'm fine. It's the usual thing. Let's go.
What's the matter?
Dizzy from the crowd?
Good evening, Aoba-san.
Heyo, Aoba!
Virus, Trip.
It's rare for you to be watching a Rhyme fight, Aoba-san.
Are you interested all of a sudden?
That's not it. I have no interest in Rhyme.
I see...
You probably weren't paying attention and got dragged in.
That's not it. Anyway, what are you guys wandering around here for?
We're working.
The Rhyme crowd gets pretty rowdy lately.
Is this place under your team's jurisdiction?
Yes.
You guys really do always dress the same.
It's like you're twins.
We are not twins.
We aren't twins.
How's work going for you, Aoba-san?
Where was it you worked... Equality?
Mediocrity. Junk Shop Mediocrity.
A name like Mediocrity doesn't suit you, Aoba-san.
Well, if you ever want to have some fun again, give us a call.
I'm making an honest living now.
Even now, I often think about how I'd love to see you fight again.
Right. We're fans of yours, Aoba.
Hey, you assholes!
What are you doing here?
Akushima...
It's Akushima! Run!
Don't come around here raising a ruckus!
Stop running!
Aw, the bigmouth has arrived.
I'm arresting all of you!
And this is where we leave. You should hurry, too, Aoba-san.
Yeah.
Bye-bye, Aoba.
You little shits! You're all under arrest!
Detective Akushima's gonna bust a vein or something...
Whoops. Oh, sorry...
I-I'm sorry about that. I was in a hurry, and...
Um...
What's up with that guy?
I'm hom—
When will you ever learn, you stupid grandson?!
How many times do I have to tell you?
You need to lock the front door when you leave!
Oh, did I forget again?
I'll start being more careful tomorrow, so—
How many times have I heard that before?
If you're that unreliable, I'll never be able to die in peace.
Come on. Hurry up and come in.
C'mon, don't be like that.
Let's eat.
Grams, this is delicious!
Is it?
Is that all you've got?
Thanks for the food.
No problem.
Oh, yeah, Grams.
What is it?
I really am sorry about the lock.
Don't worry about it.
I'll be more careful, so stop saying weird things like that.
What are you talking about?
Like, about you dying. It's so morbid.
Hmph.
If you die, Grams...
Who's going to lock the door when I forget?
You stupid grandson!
Spirited Away? Morphine?
That stuff's got nothing to do with me.
Aoba.
In regards to the data you downloaded from that email today...
Downloaded?
Oh, that.
Were there any viruses?
None were detected.
Do you want to run it?
Yeah.
Understood.
Help!
Someone, please let me out...
That's a pretty retro screen.
Don't move it yourself, Ren.
I'm not doing anything.
Is it on auto, then?
It appears so.
It's over.
So it seems.
Well, it might be good for killing time.
I hate hassles.
Clean. Clean.
Aoba-kun, I know that you just got here,
but could I ask you to make an express delivery?
Sure. I'll go right now.
Mizuki-san.
Yeah.
The delivery address is around here, right?
That is what the indicator is saying.
Aoba!
Whoa!
Wh-What the hell is this?
Ren!
Ansible Animaplot.
Subconsious Field, release.
Aoba, are you all right?
Ren, you're in your online mode? That means...
This is a Rhyme battlefield.
Wha...
Aoba, they're coming.
I am honored that you've come.
What is that?
It appears to be our opponent.
Let us begin this entertaining game.
Fight, Seragaki Aoba.
How do you know my name...?
Rhyme Name: Sly Blue.
Sly... what?
Fight.
Death Set!
Roger!
They're coming, Aoba.
Whoa!
Stop! I've never even played Rhyme!
Aoba!
Ren, log us out!
I'm trying to, but the log out function is disabled.
Go! Go!
Cut the crap! It's just a game!
Aoba!
Ow! That actually hurt a lot!
Pain in Rhyme is an illusion created by the mind.
The settings should prevent it from affecting your physical body.
Then why the hell am I hurting?
In this field, that setting has been turned off.
What?!
It is possible that any damage
you receive here will also physically harm your real body.
That sucks!
Running is useless! Loss Set!
Roger!
Ren, use the Jubilation Set.
Aoba?!
Just do it. Jubilation Set, Ren.
Destruction and death...
I won't forgive you
I've never played Rhyme before.
You're just my master, Master.
I don't get that game!
Like cutting someone to test out a new sword?
You sure do like this place.
I was foolish to get my hopes up.
I don't want them to worry anymore.
Thanks for everything.