She is reading the manga I had recommended:
"Gullible Treasure", commonly called "Ohi-tore."
Gullible Treasure
A gullible boy gets pushed around by selfish friends,
and he gets involved in big adventures.
It's a popular manga by Mushiumi An-sensei.
Manager's Recommendations
Recommending things to people takes courage.
That's because it's a kind of audition,
which puts your personal taste to the test.
However, I'm feeling confident about this one.
What do you think?
I wonder what's going on with Shirube-san.
What do you mean?
He's been like that for a long time now.
He's fishing.
Fishing.
Fishing for sympathy.
So he's just fishing?
He wants someone to ask him, "Is something the matter?"
What am I going to do?
You can just ignore him. You're not obligated to go that far.
You're right.
Shall we get to work?
Yes.
H-How do you like... Gullible...
I know she'll get into it.
Weekly Shonen Strong Finally, the final battle! Gullible Treasure
"There are some kindnesses that are not kind" from Gullible Treasure from "Collections of Tearful Words" (Koshusha)
Mushiumi Production
Yuka
The rest is up to you.
Don't be ridiculous.
Damn it ...
it's all the fault of our rotten society.
Don't be ridiculous.
My superiors have me bound up in chains: "Take the fingerprints,"
Excuse me.
"Go do DNA analysis," and all that.
Episode 6 Gullible Choices
Sensei.
What?
How is the manuscript coming along?
Waiting till I feel up to it.
Waiting till you feel up to it?
Right.
But you only have one last frame to go.
That's the hard part.
Hard?
The witch is too strong, that's the problem.
I made her too strong. Now I don't know how to defeat her.
Oh.
You see, let's say I draw in that frame and finish this week's episode.
The witch isn't defeated yet. Which means it'll be the same next week.
That's true. This battle has been dragging on since last year.
I'm battling the same opponent for almost a year, to no avail.
Of course I don't feel like working on it.
I understand how you feel.
But we can't omit this week's installment.
Why don't we just do this this week...
Here's an idea. How about I skip this week's installment,
and I calmly think the story over for another week?
But you've skipped three weeks already.
But I don't feel like drawing.
What would inspire you to draw?
Can you show me your boobs?
Huh?
Maybe I'll feel like drawing then.
Well, no... I can't.
Then you'll just have to wait.
I'll never draw if you're watching me.
You know that already.
Weekly Shonen Strong
Hello.
How's the manuscript coming along?
He's waiting till he feels up to it.
Do you understand the gravity of the situation?
The printers are halted. They're waiting for the manuscript.
Note of absence from publication
If he doesn't finish this week's,
that's four weeks in a row of non-publication.
Why are you waiting till he feels up to it?
Your job is to make him feel up to it.
I did try to make him feel up to it.
Then show them to him.
Excuse me?
He asked to see your boobs, too, right?
It's a small price to pay for you to save our magazine.
Anything but that.
That man is what keeps our magazine alive.
That doesn't mean I should show him my breasts...
I don't care what you do. Just bring the manuscript by tonight.
Understood?
Now it's time for "This Corner."
We've just gotten some happy news.
This year's Normal Physics Award was won by Japanese researcher
Report Mr. Fujiyoshi Masato wins the Normal Physics Award
Fujiyoshi Masato-san...
Sensei...
Oh, I feel up to it now.
Really?
Yeah, yeah.
Thank you very much.
Can you go buy me an energy drink?
That's an easy order.
Choice - A
I'll go now.
I appreciate it.
Yes.
I'm so glad.
Chief Editor
Hello?
About what I said...
You can show them to him, but you don't have to let him touch them.
Your boobs.
I wouldn't let him touch them.
Regardless, it seems he's feeling up to it now.
What do you mean?
He just suddenly sent me out to buy him an energy drink.
No, don't tell me. Did you go outside?
Yes, I'm going to the convenience store.
How stupid could you be?!
Huh?
It's a trap! Don't you get it?!
What?
You're so gullible!
"I'm taking a leave of absence!"
To Koshusha Publishing at Jinbocho, please.
Understood.
Vacant
En route
Is something the matter?
Uh... yes.
Are you all right?
Um, no, I'm not all right.
I knew it.
Would you like to take a drive to the beach?
Hello, Shibayama speaking.
Tell me once again.
Sensei ruined the manuscript, then absconded.
You see? Didn't I tell you?
What were you thinking?
I am sorry.
This makes four weeks in a row without publication.
I've had it. You're fired!
And you won't get rehired at the fashion mag, either!
Are you all right?
You can talk to me, if you like.
Sometimes it helps just to talk.
I know it sounds like a line from a TV drama.
Just wondering if it's true, that's all.
Can I talk to you?
Huh?
Oh. Yes. Sure you can.
What? Mushiumi-sensei?
The Mushiumi-sensei?
Yes.
Of "Ohi-tore"?
Gullible Treasure Weekly serial begins again!
That's the one.
I'm a huge fan of this manga.
Thank you very much.
So wait a second, you mean to say his serial
won't be published again next week?
Yes.
That'll be four weeks in a row.
I'm sorry.
What do you mean he absconded?
Hey, you. Get your act together.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to make you cry...
I don't know what to do anymore...
I know what to do. Let's go back.
Huh?
As a fan, I can't let the matter alone.
Let's go back.
Um... what do you mean "go back"?
Past
En Route
Returning
I'll explain it to you.
But first, please look at the pamphlet in front of you.
Dear Time Taxi customer We will return to the past of your choice
That's the kind of taxi this is.
I see. In that case, please take me back.
Understood.
By the way, aren't you skeptical at all?
Huh?
Well, because most people doubt it at first.
But you can go back, right?
Of course.
In that case, please do.
Oh. Yes.
I guess the editor of Gullible Treasure is also gullible.
I'm sorry. So you were kidding.
No, no, don't worry.
How far back do you want to return?
About 10 after 9.
Understood.
All right, we're here.
That'll be 7,800 yen.
7,800...
Okay.
Okay, thank you very much.
I'll take back the goggles.
Yes.
Please do your best.
Because I'm looking forward to that next issue.
Yes.
Huh? Huh?
What is the matter?
It's...
The manuscript is gone.
Oh. That proves you're back.
Huh?
But it's not good to be too gullible, you know.
Sometimes you have to put your foot down.
You see...
"There are some kindnesses that are not kind." Right?
Right.
This year's Normal Physics Award was won by Japanese researcher
Report Mr. Fujiyoshi Masato wins the Normal Physics Award
Fujiyoshi Masato-san...
Sensei...
Oh, I feel up to it now.
Really?
Yeah, yeah.
Thank you very much.
Why are you wearing your coat?
Huh? I'm a little cold.
Since you have your coat on,
can you go buy me an energy drink?
No. First let's finish the manuscript.
Huh?
I need you to draw now.
Then I'll go right out and buy your drink.
What?
Choice - B
You only have one frame to go. Let's give it a push.
All right.
Yuka
Excuse me.
Hello.
Hi. You finally answered.
Sorry, sorry. What's up?
I'm going to kill myself.
What are you talking about?
Hayato is cheating on me.
What? Are you sure?
I'm not sure, but I suspect it.
Did you ask him straight out?
I can't, I'm too scared to ask him.
But you won't know if you don't ask him.
Misora, come and talk to me.
Well... I can't
right now.
I don't want to be alone.
"There are some kindnesses that are not kind"
Hey, are you there?
Chief editor
Sorry, Yuka, I'm working right now. I'll call you back later.
What? Misora...
Hello.
About what I said...
You can show them to him, but you don't have to let him touch them.
Your boobs.
I wouldn't let him touch them.
Regardless, it seems he's feeling up to it now.
What do you mean?
He's drawing the last frame, even as we speak.
Good. Don't ever let him out of your sight.
Understood.
Wait, sensei. Where are you going?
I'm going to the convenience store.
A little gussied up for the convenience store, aren't you?
I have important business.
What could possibly be more important than your manuscript?
You don't get it.
Look at this.
Can we get together right now? <3
Huh?
I've been after this girl for the longest time. Right?
So I'm going.
Wait a second.
What?
What about the manuscript?
I'll take another week off.
You can't.
You promised you would finish it.
Please, please, I implore you. I ask for no other favor in this life.
I've been wooing this girl forever.
I can't allow it.
How can you abandon your fans who are waiting to enjoy your work?
You've made them wait three weeks already, you know.
Listen. If I miss this chance, there might not be another one.
Right? So excuse me.
I won't let you leave.
Move out of my way.
Please finish the manuscript!
Let me go, I said!
Give it back.
Give it back, I said.
Hey, hey! Give it back!
You have one frame to go.
I am keeping this till you finish that frame.
What?
It's only one frame.
I'll do it when I get back.
Unacceptable. You can't leave till it's finished.
Come on.
Hello?
This is the Honan District Metropolitan Police Department.
Have we reached the cell phone of Shibayama Misora-san?
Yes, this is she.
Do you know Sayama Yuka-san?
Yes, she's a friend.
What?
Yes. Yes. I'll be there immediately.
She's totally unscathed ...
Ha Ha
Gullible wave!
Roar
H-how did you know that?
Heh heh heh ... I know everything.
Your tricks won't work on me.
Edawakare-san. The protagonist's superpowers aren't working at all against her.
How could he ever defeat her?
But he's the protagonist. I'm sure it'll work out.
You see, even the protagonist says it himself.
It'll work out!
Because I'm the protagonist!
The problem is, it's been absent from print for three weeks in a row.
Huh?
This episode is actually from a month ago.
It is?
It'll come back next week, though. I'm sure of it.
Edawakare-san.
What?
Can you talk with Shirube-san?
Talk?
Something's up.
What's the matter?
His girlfriend dumped him.
Girlfriend? You had a girlfriend, Shirube-san?
Seems like he did.
She wanted to study overseas, so he gave her money.
She demanded to have the cash all at once...
shut up for a second!
I'm explaining the situation.
And now he can't reach her by phone anymore.
I see.
This is her?
She's sexy.
A girl like that would never be interested in Shirube-san.
Right? The age gap is like father and daughter.
Where does he get the nerve to think it was for real?
Hello.
Shush.
Oh, hi. What?
Senkawa Medical University Annex Hospital
What happened?
My friend tried to commit suicide.
Dispatched
Returning
What happened?
She didn't succeed.
Is she in stable condition?
Yes. The police called me.
They said her boyfriend dumped her,
so she got drunk and was screaming she was going to kill herself
on top of a walkway overpass.
Did she jump?
She didn't have the guts to do it.
She decided to go home, then fell down the steps.
She broke her hip bone.
I got a call from her directly, too, before it happened.
She said she couldn't be alone, that she needed me there.
I see.
Under usual circumstances, I would've gone.
But I just couldn't today.
I did like you said, about having to put my foot down.
So I put my foot down, and left her to her own devices.
Then I got a call from the police.
I see.
I should've gone to her in the first place.
That's true.
Could you go back?
No problem, but what about the sensei?
I left in a panic, so I don't know.
He's probably gone.
By the way, when you say you're going back, is it to...
to save my friend.
What happens to the manuscript?
At the end of the day, I cannot abandon my friend.
I'll explain it to the chief editor.
We'll have to give up on this week.
No, wait a second.
Huh?
Naturally, you can't abandon your suicidal friend.
Friendship
But it's not good to sacrifice readers throughout the country,
Work
who've had to wait for three weeks.
But I have to make a choice.
Let's rescue both sides.
How?
All you have to do is talk your friend off the ledge before
Mushiumi-sensei escapes.
Will I be able to time it correctly?
I don't know if you can, but it's not good to give up without trying.
Well, that's true.
But it costs too much money to go back.
If you don't succeed, I'll give you a bargain.
A bargain?
I won't charge you a fare. Deal?
Yes.
"I'm not alone. I will definitely succeed."
Huh?
It's a famous quotation from Ohi-tore.
Yes.
Okay, let's go back.
What time did you get the call from her?
It was 9:02.
Understood.
Remember, you don't have a lot of time.
Yes.
Just kindly listening isn't necessarily what a friend does.
Sometimes in friendship you have to be stern,
and say what's really on your mind.
Like this... where it says...
"There are some kindnesses that are not kind"...
Um, I don't have much time. I have to go.
I found it.
Hello? Hello?
Sawaguchi Heloise
I'm going to kill myself.
Come and talk to me.
I'm here.
Misora?
Why are you here?
I came because I was worried about you, Yuka.
Choice - C
Thank you.
It's okay.
Listen to me.
It's about Hayato-kun, right?
Right, how did you know?
Because I know you, Yuka.
It's about him.
You suspect he's cheating, right?
But you haven't found evidence.
But I know he is, for sure.
How would you know?
I saw Hayato's cell phone the other day.
I found a photo-text of some unknown woman.
An unknown woman?
That's her. What do you think?
What do you mean, what do I think?
He's cheating, isn't he?
I don't know. You should ask him directly.
That's impossible.
Why?
Because I snuck a peek in his cell without asking,
then forwarded his text to my phone.
He'll think I'm a nosy woman.
But you'll never know till you ask. Ask him now.
Hayato's at work now. He'll think I'm a nuisance if I call him now.
Wait a second here. I'm at work now, too.
You are?
I am. So I need you to hurry up.
Okay? I have to go back.
Phone him, phone him.
I can't. I can't.
Then you have no choice but to trust him.
But I know he's cheating!
I can't go on!
I'm going to kill myself.
Now, that's enough.
Have you heard yourself talk?
So what do you plan to do, then?
So he's cheating, or maybe he isn't.
But you're throwing a pity-party for yourself
like you're the most miserable person in the world.
You're going to get drunk and make noise about killing yourself.
You must be an idiot.
Do you realize how many people you'd hurt if you killed yourself?
Can't you have consideration for others, so you don't cause them problems?
So your feelings are hurt, so you scream and wail.
But you think nothing of hurting others' feelings, of making others sad.
How selfish could you be?
I don't blame him for cheating on you.
If you want to die so much, just go kill yourself.
But just know this: if you do, I'll never forgive you.
I'm sorry.
You're right.
You're always so kind, Misora.
That's why I took advantage of you.
It's also my fault, because I always let you take advantage of me.
No, I was wrong. I'm sorry I bothered you while you're working.
I'll always be there for you, you know that.
But you have to have inner strength, too, Yuka.
Okay, I will.
Thank you.
Gotta go.
To sensei's please.
Understood.
I'm taking a leave of absence!
Too late.
Yeah, it was. I saw the time.
That lousy manga illustrator!
Let's take another challenge.
It's not going to work.
But it won't be in print again.
That's true.
Oh, yeah.
I have a pretty good plan.
A good plan?
You've convinced your friend to reconsider, right?
Yeah, I hope.
Then all we have to do is go back while keeping her in that state.
"Keeping"?
Then all you have to do is keep watch on sensei.
What do you mean by "keeping"?
"Keeping"?
Then all you have to do is keep watch on sensei.
What do you mean by "keeping"?
What's going on? Where are we going?
Back to the past. Keep me company.
Huh? What are you talking about?
Don't worry.
Are you okay, Misora?
I'm okay, I'm okay.
I did you the favor of coming to see you.
You'll return the favor and keep me company, right, Yuka?
Sure. But what is "the past"?
I'll explain it to you in detail later.
Please go.
Understood.
Please wear these protective goggles.
Um, I was wondering... but are these necessary?
No. I just thought it'd be more convincing if you wore them.
I'm good.
En Route
Returning
Choice - C - B
I see. You shouldn't have snuck a peek in your partner's phone.
Do you think so?
The rest is up to you, Yuka-chan, as to what you will do with your boyfriend.
You're right.
By the way, driver. Why are you here?
Well, I... wanted sensei's autograph.
Is he that amazing?
Sure he's amazing. I mean, look at all these trophies.
Look at these originals. Wow, that's his actual autograph.
I shouldn't touch them.
It's the most popular manga right now.
Oh...
What do you mean, "oh"? Read it for yourself.
You'll get hooked, I guarantee it.
I'll pass.
You'll pass?
You're a Japanese person.
How could you be so flippant about our manga culture?
Hey. Keep it down.
I'm sorry.
I just want Yuka-chan to understand how wonderful Ohi-tore is ...
What's all the noise here?
Sensei.
Who are these people?
Um, this is my best friend Yuka.
And he's a taxi driver...
I am Edawakare.
Who are you?
I am a huge fan, sensei.
He insisted on seeing your studio.
I see.
No, not "I see." Your friend is fine,
but what's a taxi driver doing in my studio?
But then again, your friend shouldn't be here, either!
I'm working here.
These people are unrelated to my work. They have to leave.
I'm sorry, I'll be quiet.
Sensei. I look forward to next week's installment.
Please do your best at work.
I've never read it, but please do your best.
She's not a reader, so why is she here?
I'm sorry.
I will explain to her the amazingness of Ohi-tore.
So sensei, please go tackle the manuscript.
This year's Normal Physics Award was won by Japanese researcher
Report Mr. Fujiyoshi Masato wins the Normal Physics Award
Fujiyoshi Masato-san...
I'm going to the convenience store.
No!
Sensei. A girl wants to see you, right?
Huh? No, she doesn't.
She just contacted you, right? Well, you can't go.
I won't let you go.
I said that's not it. Get out of my way.
Let me go!
I won't let you go!
Let me go, I said!
Enough is enough!
Do you understand the position you're in?
Even while you're dilly-dallying, people at the editing room
and printers are waiting for you.
They all understand that it's their profession. So they don't complain.
They just wait patiently for you.
How dare you think you can go flirt with a girl at a time like this?
Your readers are looking forward to the episode, too, you know?
Does your popularity give you the license to do whatever you please?
I understand.
I'll draw.
Please.
I apologize for my bossy outburst.
I'm fine with it. Besides, I'm a masochist.
Chief editor
Hello.
Yes, it's fine.
He's drawing even as we speak.
Yes.
What?
This woman. It's the same woman.
Huh?
Hayato's cheating partner.
No way.
Who's Hayato?
He's her boyfriend.
You mean, it's not just a resemblance?
No. It's the same woman.
Are you serious? That woman tricked me!
What the hell?! She said she had no boyfriend, no man in her life!
What the hell!? I gave her lots of money, you know!
Is that right?
I gave her about a million yen, yeah!
What?
I knew it.
Knew what?
This woman.
What? I'm scared, I'm scared, I'm scared.
Did you give her money, too, driver?
No, not me. Excuse me a second.
Who's calling me at this hour?
Oh, it's Eda-san.
Hello.
Now? I'm at Choice.
What? Where?
Who is this woman?
She's a con artist.
A con artist?
Yeah.
She's swindled quite a lot of money from you, hasn't she, sensei?
Yeah.
A guy I know was also giving a lot of money to her.
Are you kidding me? That woman...
Hello? No, not "When are you coming," Kyoka.
You bamboozled me, didn't you?
You said you have no men friends. But you're getting money from plenty of them.
What's so funny? Hey. Hey!
Damn it, she hung up on me.
Seriously? She's ignoring me now.
That was predictable.
Made a fool out of me...
Sensei. Where are you going?
To the establishment she's at, where else?
She's probably gone by now.
She's planned this thing out thoroughly.
I'm sure she has backup plans for when she gets busted.
She probably uses disposable phones, too.
Hey, sensei, what are you doing?
Sorry. I lost my temper.
There's no mistake. That's Miho-chan.
I knew it.
This is her?
She's sexy.
"Miho"? Not "Kyoka"?
She told me she's Miho.
Neither of those names is real, most likely.
She's a total con artist.
If her actions were this elaborate, she might be part of a criminal ring.
You mean there are collaborators?
The mastermind could even be a guy.
This is unconscionable.
I can't forgive Hayato for cheating on me, but this woman...
"I'm not alone. I will definitely succeed."
Um... everyone.
"I'm not alone. I will definitely succeed."
Why don't we go and catch her?
What? This woman?
Right. All of us.
But it's impossible. She's gotten away.
You sure about this? It'll cut into the time to finish the manuscript.
All we have to do...
is go back.
Go back?
Yes.
What's she talking about?
I see.
Right?
Shall we do this?
Click
Roarrr
Screech
Vroooom
Sensei.
Hm?
When this matter is settled, we'll go back,
and you finish the manuscript. Please?
I'm asking you to finish it, too.
I will.
Hey.
What?
I guess I don't understand what this is.
But what does "go back" mean?
This is your second time now, you know.
Oh? Really?
I'll give you a detailed explanation later, Yuka.
By the way, who is going to pay for the cab fare?
Maybe we can split the tab.
Understood.
Vroooom
Roarrrr
Choice - D
You don't possibly think you can defeat me all by yourself, do you?
The city hall guy is a skinflint.
I didn't think I could get much out of him.
So I let him go.
You don't possibly think you can defeat me all by yourself, do you?
Next I'll hit up that manga illustrator I told you about.
Don't worry. He's a well- trained, obedient dog.
He'll be here right away if I summon him.
I'm here.
What's going on?
Well, I thought you'll be summoning me soon, so I decided to come sooner.
Oh, I see.
Oh, yeah, I have friends who wanted to meet you, Kyoka. Do you mind?
Huh?
Over here.
What is this?
Shall we go?
Go where?
To the police.
Okay, sensei. We're back in real time and the problem has been solved.
So please finish the manuscript like you had promised you would.
All right. Let's do this.
But in exchange,
Yes?
to inspire me, will you show me your boobs?
Huh?
I'm just kidding, just kidding.
Don't be so serious.
No, I think you were trying your luck.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't.
Huh?
Awesome.
He's a god.
Vacant
To Edawake-san
You don't possibly think you can defeat me all by yourself, do you?
Grr...!
Edawakare-san.
I read this week's issue.
You did? How did you like it?
It's so good.
Right?
I can't wait till next week's.
I hope this witch finally gets defeated next week.
Is Shirube-san fishing?
Huh?
He's probably fishing.
I knew it.
No.
This time it's for real.
Is that so?
Maybe we should try to cheer him up.
No. Let's not.
Why is that?
It's too much trouble.
Hello. Misora-san.
I read this week's episode.
I'm so glad it was finished on time.
Huh? Huh?
Who wants to go back?
Sensei does?
He wants to go back to last year, before he introduces the witch.
I was afraid she was invincible.
Preview of the next episode
Shall we go?
To ask their blessing to get married
a daughter visits her parents
Maybe we shouldn't.
It'll be fine.
Hey dude. You come with us.
Mysterious ladies attack Edawake after he gave the couple a ride
I'm not going.
Come here.
Mari-chan, you're not coming?
Edawake in a
huge crisis because of her choice
Don't touch this man.
Please, just let me go.
Huh?
Excuse me.
This drama is a work of fiction
I'm not a gofer, you know.