Man, summer vacation's over already.
And I wasn't able to go anywhere this year.
Oh, yeah? I had a lot of fun.
But, you didn't go anywhere, right?
I'm a popular guy! I'm in major demand!
Seriously?
We all went to the summer festival, see?
And the fireworks show...
So like, you did all the cliché things you see in shoujo manga?
Did you really?
We went to the beach, and there we found pirate treasure in a cave,
which got us cursed and ghosts came for us... It was nuts!
Hurry up and eat your dinner!
I can't clean up until you finish.
Hey, seems like my brother here is way popular.
That's right! He does that helping people thing, after all.
They're seeing right through me!
I guess I can't hide it from my family...
Episode 14: Producing Uchida
It's gotta be the 3, I see.
Bibage, super Yaba-ge...
Come here, Bossun! Bossun!
Oh, what's this?
What does the culprit behind the poltergeist, Shimada Takako, want with me?
Don't talk to me like I'm some criminal, sheesh...
I was wondering if you could put up this flyer in the classroom.
Huh? What's that?
No. 1 Contest?
It's a Miss and Mr. contest within each class.
It's sponsored by the newspaper club, and the results are published each month.
No. 1 Contest Thank you for voting!
No. 1 Popular No. 1 Sportsman(woman) No. 1 Handsome/Pretty No. 1 Smart No. 1 Strong No. 1 Kind No. 1 O-ta-ku No. 1 Fashionable No. 1 Nice Vocals No. 1 Sexy
And this class has been chosen as first up for the second term.
The poll will be taken next week.
Looks like there's lots of categories.
Oh, I knew about this.
Captain was chosen as Miss Pretty and Miss Sportswoman in class B.
She got two medals for it!
Two medals... I see.
The poll is a week from now!
Oh! Whatever will I do if I get voted Mr. Popular?!
I'm not gonna even go there.
What'll I do? I'm not really that sexy, but if they pick me, that'll be totally Yabas!
Keep workin' it, Yabasawa-san.
Not going there either, I see.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I-It's okay...
Popular, huh?
Seriously? You?
Yes... I want you to make me popular.
His name is Uchida Takaaki.
Second-year Class C, seat number #3.
We know!
He's in our damn class!
Well, we know, but it's true you don't really talk much.
You're a pretty quiet guy, Uchida.
So why does a normal guy like you want to suddenly break out of the crowd?
I want to change myself.
Like you say, I'm very passive.
I'm not good at talking with people.
I don't have any place of my own at school,
so during breaks I read books or walk around the campus.
Everyone in the class is so nice, but I don't want to go on like this.
I understand this is a thoughtless request, but...
Understood! We'll do it!
Right. We'll do it right away.
Switch, break out an afro from that box.
Got it.
Why are you always so quick to whip out an afro?!
T-Thank you...
What? You're crying?
Sorry... I'm a crybaby!
Sheesh, this guy's a piece of work.
However, don't you think "popular" is too vague?
Then we've got the perfect thing for it!
The No. 1 Contest!
Our goal is Mr. Popular, but any of these'll do, right?
You'll get voted one of these, and get a medal.
Yeah, that!
At the very least, it'll get him noticed in the class.
Of course, you'll have to pick a category to work for...
Right. I'll do it!
Okay! Just leave the rest to us!
We'll be your big time producers!
With that decided, which should we go for?
It's gotta be this:
The No. 1 Strongest person!
That's shooting high!
The difference between his looks and abilities is crucial.
If a guy who looks like a weakling is actually crazy strong, it makes a huge impact.
For example, being a kendo master!
You'll have a duel with Shinzou, see?
We'll advertise it, and do it in front of everyone.
Then, Shinzou loses!
A samurai like you would never agree to a fixed match like that, right?
Understood!
I shall do it!
He didn't even think twice!
Got it? Make it look natural.
If won't work if it looks like you're taking a fall.
And whom do you think you're talking to...
You! I'm talking to you!
That tone pisses me off! Especially coming from you, Shinzou!
My father art a period drama performer!
Oh, now that you remind me...
I hath watched my father's performance at dying by the sword countless times since my youth!
Being cut down is my specialty!
He was just an extra?
Do it in monologue!
Okay... Start the rehearsal!
Go, Uchida!
R-Right...
I-I do not wish to die yet...
B-Blood?!
Just stay down, damn it!
Not gonna work. Man, this guy's hard to make use of.
This Special Issue is Nervous Pure Burst!
Carbon Senki Braver
The people that are most focused on these days are those good at getting information.
In other words, you'll use your vast knowledge to appeal to the class to vote you Mr. Otaku!
And how should he do that?
He can use the lunch broadcast.
Last month,
Yagi-san took requests for a student round table segment during the lunch broadcast.
You get around, buddy!
There, Uchida will join in, and appeal to the entire school with his otaku knowledge.
Okay, but isn't that a bit of a stretch?
Nothing of it!
Here, study these materials beforehand.
S-So?
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend it.
I-I'll try it!
Our theme today is the present and future of animation.
Now, I will introduce our guests.
First, we have the President of the Anime Club, second year Class D's Otakura-kun.
Hello, thanks for having me.
Then we have second year Class C's Usui-kun, from the Sket-dan.
I'm here to save the day!
And also from Class C, Uchida-kun.
T-Thanks...
Yagi-chan seems completely uninterested in this theme...
Yeah... Well, she's not an easy one to read, but it's obvious she's not into it.
Now, please begin.
Well, clearly the production side is making more shows that cater towards pleasing fans.
For example, I feel it's a problem that Producer Suemasu's intentionally created "moe" was successful.
The deep meaning of Nervous is in how it dares to transgress the trials of everyday heroes
to a realm where it is difficult to empathize with them.
I want them to value going the opposite polarity vector to catering to fans' tastes.
Oh, I wonder...
And what about how they added the highlights to that famous up-shot scene of her downcast eyes?
You need to stop only obsessing about the characters,
and nurture your appreciation of the show as a whole!
Come now, what are you saying?
Did you actually watch episode 6, Mr. Usui?
200 times, yes!
And I do proclaim it a divine episode created by a miraculous chemistry between the writer and director!
You must feel how the creators purposefully went for a "This is what you want, isn't it?
You mean how otaku have a bad habit of turning anything and everything into some moe trope?
I-I'd rather not be talked down to by someone
whose attitude suggests they aren't even an otaku themselves!
Oh, when did I say that?
You just did!
And that's all the time we have today.
Have a nice day.
You idiot! Uchida didn't say a single word!
The guy's gotta stick 'is neck out there, dude!
It was your suggestion! Have a little consideration!
No, I'm the one at fault...
You gave me an excellent chance, and I...
But, you know... If it's not something you're good at yourself, it's impossible, you know?
So, Uchida... Don't you have something you enjoy?
Nothing, really...
Anything'll do. Like, your favorite subject.
Well, geography, I guess.
Oh, that'll do.
What are you thinking?
When Yamanobe-sensei asks a question in class,
he first goes "Does anyone know the answer?", right?
When that happens, raise your hand and answer it.
That's it?
You should just show everyone a slightly different side to yourself.
At the very least, it can leave a positive impression.
Yeah. What's most important is whether you, yourself, have the courage to raise your hand.
Yeah... That much at least, I think I can...
Thank you!
Second Year Class C
Right! The capital of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period is here!
Also, it's rumored that is where Master Wong was born!
Who's that?
No clue...
Got it? When he asks a question, raise your hand!
R-Right...
Now then, does anyone here know where Chengdu, the capital of Shu Han, is?
Here it is!
I guess not.
Fine then... Person in seat #9, if you please!
Yes. It's near present-day Szechwan.
Yes, exactly!
And that's where Master Wong...
That's also said to be his homeland?
It's where his favorite spicy Szechwan cooking is from!
Foremost of all is mapo tofu, of course, but I prefer mapo eggplant!
Sensei, you are getting off track.
I'm useless...
I'm beginning to hate myself...
Well, it's a difficult thing, you know?
Raising your hand by yourself in a situation like that...
That's right!
You don't have to be so focused on that No. 1 contest...
Just take things easy, you know?
I can't...
This won't...
What?
Just a second.
Hello?
You're Takaaki-san, yes?
This is Yokota Hospital.
Your mother's condition has suddenly...
Um...
Anyway, come here right away!
Hey, what's wrong, Uchida?
Sket Dance!
Yokota General Hospital
The worst is over, so it's okay now.
She's just resting.
Right...
Oh, you came?
Yes... How do you feel, Mom?
I'm fine.
Enough about me... How is school?
You don't have to worry about me.
I might not look like it, but I'm the talk of the class.
I've got lots of friends, too.
There you go, exaggerating again.
I-I'm telling the truth!
Remember what I said before?
About that popularity poll that our class is doing?
I was thinking I'd probably get the medal for No. 1 Popular, you know?
I'll definitely get it!
I'll bring you that medal as proof before long. I promise!
No. 1 Popular, huh?
But I always thought of you as someone who works hard out of the spotlight...
So that's the deal.
Uchida just wanted to show his mother the No. 1 Popular medal, is all.
What'll we do? We don't have even a day before the vote!
In this case, why don't we tell everyone in class the situation,
and make sure he gets voted No. 1 for something?
Yeah! It's not exactly fair, but who cares!
Not going to work.
I can't say for sure, but his mother probably knows the truth.
Parents are like that, you know?
All that matters is whether he breaks out of his shell or not.
Guess you're right...
But, even so... He's really making an effort to try and change himself.
Even if it's just us, let's give him props for that.
I can't get any of them, can I?
When you're done writing down your choices, place them in this box!
The results will be announced today after school!
Now, if you'll excuse me!
Hey, am I a choice on there?
What if I end up No. 1 Popular...?
Look forward to the results!
So, who'd you put?
Not telling!
I put you down, man!
For real?
Uchida, good work.
Bossun, thank you...
I had a lot of fun with you producing me.
But I realized it when I tried...
Trying to force myself to stand out won't work.
Being like this is more like myself, I think.
There aren't many announcements to make.
Dismissed.
Is there something or not?!
Stand!
Oh, yes... I'm storing components for a simple bomb in the cleaning closet for a bit.
Make sure to be careful.
What the hell are you doing?!
Bow!
Just quit being a teacher already...
What, going home already?
The results will come out soon.
Yeah...
I'll look at them tomorrow.
I have somewhere to go, see...
Goodbye.
Listen up, everyone!
That teacher is always saying such crazy things!
That is worrisome, yes...
My, my... I finally start to feel a little better,
and you go and drain my spirit with that down face.
Something happened, didn't it?
Mom... I...
I lied.
I hardly have any friends.
Nobody in class pays any attention to me.
I'm not someone who'd ever get a medal!
I thought you'd be worried about me, so I've been lying through my teeth!
I know all about it.
How many years have I been your mother?
I bet you did all kinds of things trying to get one of those medals, right?
I'm not worried at all.
Don't rush things, and you'll make friends eventually, naturally.
I'm sure there are people who will notice you.
Mom...
Who is...
It's the entire class!
B-But, why?
We brought you your medal!
Now take it, no complaining!
Medal?
But, why?
So you see, medal or not, it'd be to keep his mom from worrying.
Will everyone come with me to the hospital?
What do you think of my suggestion?
Is everyone too busy?
I'll go, no prob!
So will I!
Yeah, that's the spirit of Class C!
I'm yabai, too!
Yabai?
And wait... Are you sure Uchida didn't get a medal?
Actually, I voted for him.
So did I! I also voted for Uchida-kun.
So did I!
Thanks for waiting!
I'm here with the results!
Uchida Takaaki-kun
Mr. Kind!
You know how Uchida is always the one who changes the flowers in class, right?
And before the pregnant Honda-sensei holds her class,
he makes sure there's a chair next to the lectern.
When I transferred here, he talked to me first.
Everyone saw these things.
Second Year Class C's Mr. Kind, Uchida Takaaki!
I present you with this medal!
Ready, set... Congratulations!
Uchida, thanks for everything!
I hope your mom gets well soon!
We're countin' on you! Don't be goin' anywhere!
Hey! Don't be making so much noise near the hospital!
Run away!
Doctor, don't get carried away!
It sounds a little noisy...
Did someone come?
Yeah....
My...
All my friends...
So many friends!
After that, we heard that Uchida's mother was on the road to recovery.
Why is it you that does the narration?!
Man, that pisses me off.
For your enjoyment, the results of Second Year Class C's No. 1 Contest!
A double win, with Mr. Popular and Mr. Otaku... Usui Kazuyoshi!
'Twasn't much.
And Miss Strong is, incredibly, or rather obviously, with 100% of the vote, Onizuka Hime!
Got a problem with it?!
Mr. Sportsman is the up-and-comer on the basketball team, Sugihara Teppei!
It's all thanks to the Sket-dan!
Miss Sexy is Yabasawa-san, or not.
It's Itou Kumi!
So like, why's it me?
Yabasawa Moe, contrary to expectations, won Miss Nice Vocals with her beautiful singing voice!
Yabas!
Bossun, there's no need to be so down, really...
Huh? What, what?
Nonononono...
I-I'm not-not...
I mean, cut it out, really!
I'm not, like...
Anyway, I'm not feeling so well, so I'm going home.
Just know that I voted for you for Mr. Kind, okay!
Why?! Why did you do that?!
I'd rather get 0 votes than your pity ballot!
I'm sorry... I was kind of harsh there...
Not the time, I know.
Give him one, damn you!
These are mine, all mine.
So I hear you had a poll in your class?
You win that Mr. Popular, huh?
Hurry and eat your dinner!
I can't clean up afterwards otherwise.
Come on, what happened?
He helps people! It's obvious he'd be popular, right?
Parents don't seem to be paying attention, but they're always watching...
T-Today will be a lucky day.
Calm down, Sensei!
In spite of the bad weather...
Which is it?!
J-son-sensei has a fragile heart.
Because of this cursed body, people call me thusly...
Fallen Angel.
Who's that?!
Fallen Angel.
And who IS that?
Next time: Mistaken Angel the 13th...
People call us thusly...
Sket Dance!