HITAGI SENJYOGAHARA SEN JYO GAHARA NO GROUP
Hello, Senjyogahara?
What's wrong?
Does the fact that you're calling me like this
mean that this round of trouble has already been resolved?
I'm not quite done yet.
I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. I was feeling a bit helpless.
I see. Well, leave everything concerning Hanekawa to me.
Did something happen to Hanekawa?
You haven't heard from Kanbaru?
Heard what?
Well, if you haven't heard...
You can hear the story directly from her once you come back.
You know, Senjyogahara...
There's one thing I want you to tell me.
One year ago, when Kanbaru entered Naoetsu High School and came to visit you...
Honestly speaking, how did you feel?
Let's see. Frankly, it felt like a burden... her feelings, that is.
But that was partly a showing of how light-hearted I was
with my inability to tolerate the weight of her burden.
If I were to be together with Kanbaru,
I'd probably have to become someone that could bear that weight.
Even now, that's how I feel as I try to improve myself.
It may not look it, but...
I'm making quite the effort to become Araragi's bride.
Is that a heavy burden?
HITAGI SENJYOGAHARA SEN JYO GAHARA NO GROUP
No, it's not necessarily that...
This may be our last call,
so can I ask you something that you might upset you?
HITAGI SENJYOGAHARA SEN JYO GAHARA NO GROUP
If someone with better qualifications were to confess his love to you, what would you do?
In that case, I think I'd switch to the new guy 100%.
You're amazing... You're amazing because you can actually say that.
I know there's no bond that's absolute.
I learned that from watching my parents.
Senjyogahara... No, that's—
An absolute bond, when you think about it, is pretty scary.
That's why you need to work hard, so you don't get dumped for someone else.
Even if you can't become a special person in general, you can be a special person for someone.
A special person for someone...
HITAGI SENJYOGAHARA SEN JYO GAHARA NO GROUP
I make endless efforts to be a special person for Kanbaru and Araragi.
Rest assured, Araragi, you're already plenty special enough of a person.
For myself, for Kanbaru - for Shinobu, too.
We are all choosing you.
You really understood what I meant... That's amazing.
HITAGI SENJYOGAHARA SEN JYO GAHARA NO GROUP
I am your girlfriend after all. I was very happy that you called me.
I love you.
When I get back, a little more... we should have conversations like this more often.
HITAGI SENJYOGAHARA SEN JYO GAHARA NO GROUP
Yes. I'll be waiting in my birthday suit.
Kanbaru's perverseness is strongly affected by you, isn't it?
OWARIMONOGATARI
SHINOBU MAIL, PART SIX
Then, let's hurry up and start this, so we can hurry up and end it.
Come here.
Okay. All good now.
We're done getting ready. Now you're prepared for battle.
Done getting ready? Done getting ready with just that?
Come now, hold on a moment...
What happened to the pairing, Sir Araragi?
You aren't going to stay that weak and duel against me like that... Are you?
THAT VOICE, IT WAS NO LONGER THAT WHICH HE HAD PILFERED FROM ME.
IT HAD CHANGED INTO THAT OF HIS OWN.
Oh, brother. It looks like the bond between you and Kiss-shot wasn't as weak as I had feared.
I can't believe that she'd send her servant into combat in such a weak state.
I don't want to win because of Shinobu's power.
I want to win, and be an supporting power to Shinobu.
Well, fine...
But Lady Izuko.
If this is the case, I'd like you to select a method of dueling that has a handicap.
I wouldn't like to hear unpleasant excuses.
Of course.
I plan on using an unchanging format of dueling that has been used since ancient days.
As occasion permits, it should allow you two to compete in a fair manner.
Call it an imaginary demon sword "Kokoro Watari" or something.
Of course, electricity is running through it.
Well, yeah, just think of it as a stun gun that works for both of you.
First off, I'll have you two stand back to back, on either side of this wooden sword.
And, on my count, walk forward ten steps from there.
The tenth step will be the last, as the battle will begin there.
The one who dashes to this wooden sword and deals a blow to his opponent is the winner.
Of course, you can take the wooden sword from your opponent and then deliver a blow.
Strictly speaking, the criteria for this match is a "one-blow duel."
In other words...
More than just making the conditions fair,
this is you looking out for Sir Araragi, so he doesn't die in this duel.
Impressive that you came up with something like this.
Any other questions?
Negative.
Araragi, do you have any questions?
I'm an amateur in terms of both swordsmanship and combat...
So can I at least be lectured from a specialist concerning that ten-step run?
A specialist?
Okay. A handicap of that level should be all right to add.
Since it's 7:30 right now...
The duel will begin at 8 o'clock sharp.
Both of you, be diligent in your warm-ups.
Guessing from your height, Araragi-senpai, your stride is 72 centimeters wide.
In other words, a span of ten steps would be 7 meters and 20 centimeters.
A marathon has a strategy just for marathons,
and the 100-meter dash has a strategy just for the 100-meter dash.
Likewise, to run seven meters, there's a strategy to run seven meters.
However, the task here may be how to reserve some strength for later.
Why a task?
I mean, running the dash isn't the end of it all.
You have to grab the wooden sword and deliver a blow with it, right?
Oh, right.
I think that in the end,
the swordplay after pulling out the wooden sword will be more important.
Araragi-senpai, even if you draw the wooden sword,
if he dodges your attack, takes the wooden sword
and pummels you with it, all of the effort will be for nothing.
That's true...
But all I can say about that is, "Whatever will be, will be."
I can't trouble you that much, after all.
Then, at the least, I'll lend you my shoes.
We wear the same size, right?
Yeah, thanks.
What is this?
Wh-What in the world has been happening in the short time I haven't been at school?
Kanbaru, do you know anything about this?
No, I have no clue at all,
but all I can think of is that after Hanekawa-senpai's home was burned down,
Senjyogahara-senpai informed Karen and Tsukihi of the situation to get their help
by letting her stay at Araragi-senpai's house. That's the only thing I can think of.
That's probably the right answer!
Wait, a fire?
Her home was burned down?
What's that story about?
My oh my. Her story also seems to be reaching its climax...
What will you do, Koyomin?
Izuko, you know something about this?
Hanekawa is...
No, wait, do you even know who Hanekawa is?
And what's this about what I'm going to do? Do what?
I know everything.
I mean, it's the tiger, Koyomin.
The tiger that ironically saved you back in the cram school ruins...
Tsubasa has apparently decided to face-off against that big tiger that controls the flames of purgatory.
Actually, Tsubasa isn't the only one in a crisis.
Your girlfriend Senjyogahara is also in a crisis.
What?
Perhaps, as we stand here now, they may be burning furiously...
If you're going to save her, you need to go as soon as possible - right now if you can.
You should, by abandoning meaningless this duel.
It saves me a lot more if you don't fight this duel.
I'd be troubled if you were to die.
I can't be the one that breaks the rules,
so if you could break the rules of your own accord, that would help me a whole bunch.
Koyomin, good for you.
You have the perfect reason to cancel the duel.
You need to choose, Koyomin.
Are you going to stay here, so you can fight a duel that accomplishes nothing,
or start running in order to save Tsubasa and Senjyogahara?
Are you going to choose Shinobu?
Are you going to choose Tsubasa?
Are you going to choose Senjyogahara?
Of the three of them... Who do you love the most?
Kanbaru. I'm counting on you.
You can count on me.
I just have to go to your house, right?
Yeah. Tell Karen to let you in.
I'll catch up soon enough, so I want you to check things out first.
Details understood!
Are you sane? This is unthinkable.
Can you really only see what's directly in front of your eyes?
It's true that by letting Suruga Kanbaru, who's a lot more mobile than you, run for you,
you might be able to deal with both situations.
Tsubasa just might be able to face the perils with only her own powers.
You're the only one who can fight here,
so it may be the correct answer for you to remain.
However, that's all logic.
Humans have emotions.
Didn't she send you that text because she believed in you?
Are you going to betray that trust?
With this betrayal, maybe they'll never trust you again?
That may be so.
But, I have faith in them.
I believe in Hanekawa, and in Senjyogahara.
From the bottom of my heart.
IF IT'S ABOUT THOSE TWO, WHO ARE SPECIAL TO ME.
IF IT'S TSUBASA HANEKAWA
AND HITAGI SENJYOGAHARA.
A guy by the name of Koyomi Araragi sometimes prioritizes a young girl,
more than the one he owes his life to, or his lover.
I have faith they'll understand that.
I'd someday like to believe in people like I was lending my cellphone out to someone.
Totally makes me laugh.
As the master, she's making preparations for the battle between her slaves, huh?
No, in this case, it's the prize, isn't it?
Like, whoever wins is given the demon sword or something.
Perhaps. In any case, the wooden sword I took the effort to prepare is split in two,
so we'll have to use the real thing.
Koyomin, first one. We're a little past time now, but let's have you begin.
As planned, stand with your backs to one another, with the sword between you.
Coming so close, but yet, why is my master Kiss-shot not showing herself?
Does Kiss-shot not want to meet me that much?
Sir Araragi, what do you think?
Is the dispute between you and me nothing but deeply troubling for Kiss-shot?
For you, Sir Araragi, what meaning is there to this duel?
The meaning for me is something not even you'll understand.
You may be a special person, a chosen one.
I may not be special nor chosen.
Nobody might be able to take your place, and anyone might be able to take my place.
But still...
You can't be me.
There are a lot of people that can take my place, but I'm the only me.
You're not me, and I'm not you.
Isn't that how it is?
ONE
One.
TWO
Two.
THREE
Three.
FOUR
Four.
FIVE
Five.
SIX
Six.
SEVEN
Seven.
EIGHT
Eight.
NINE
Nine.
Ten!
Meme's... Oh, so that's how it is.
Surprising... This is really beyond my expectations.
To think that the rule I set as whoever delivers one blow (hito-tachi) is the winner
would be twisted around so whoever delivers one touch (hito-tacchi) is the winner!
K-K-iss-shot, Kiss-shot, Kiss-sho—
Kiss-shot... kiss... shot...
Kiss-shot... Kiss-shot!
Well, I don't know what age I'll live to be...
But if we see each other again while I'm alive...
If we meet again...
....we'll meet again.
You don't have to apologize. I forgave you.
I'm the one that was at fault...
Seishiro...
I was glad to see you.
Because I thought I'd never see you again.
But I won't be seeing you anymore.
Currently, I have someone that's more important to me than you.
For a little while longer, I'd like to be someone who's there for him.
It wasn't refreshing. It didn't feel good.
NAOETSU HIGH
By being clearly told, it actually made it harder to feel at ease instead.
There was no distinct salvation.
But, even then, 400 years after he committed it...
...his suicide had finally succeeded.
Yes, yes. And so, what happened after that, Araragi-senpai?
What you'd call an epilogue... Or the punchline for this episode.
Everything after that is exactly like what I've said before.
I met up with Kanbaru, who had gone to my house ahead of me,
REFERENCE BOOK
and joined up for the part about Hanekawa's tiger.
I headed to where Hanekawa was, and Kanbaru headed to where Senjyogahara was.
I see, I see.
Well, thank you very much, Araragi-senpai.
With this, all the puzzle pieces have fallen into place.
There were places where the outline of the story slightly contradicts the stories I've heard thus far.
But as the listener of all kinds of stories, making sense of such contradictions
is what I, Ougi Oshino, have fun doing.
KOYOMIST
Today is March 13th... early morning of the day of my actual college entrance exams.
Then, I'll be going home for today.
If you're still alive, I'll see you again.
One more thing.
Did Shinobu, in the end, finish eating the entirety of her first minion?
Well... I said so, didn't I?
Without missing anything?
Yeah, without missing anything.
Even the suit of armor?
She ate it... I think.
Perhaps she did, but...
Is that an important point?
I mean, that suit of armor is the blood and flesh of the first apparition killer,
as well as its skeleton, right?
Then, if you melted that suit of armor down, and then forged it...
You could make an additional one, you know... another demon sword "Kokoro Watari."
Not only that, but if things go well, even the short sword "Yume Watari" as well.
"Yume Watari"?
If I was Gaen, I'd retrieve the armor before Shinobu ate it.
Surprisingly enough, maybe that's why she summoned Episode there.
There's no reason for Gaen to do such a thing.
I think Shinobu simply ate the armor as well.
Yeah, I think that's how things went.
Then, lastly, allow me to give a thank-you gift
by answering one more question you have, Araragi-senpai.
A question I have? What is this question I have?
Seishiro Shishirui.
SEISHIRO SHISHIRUI
That's the full name of the first apparition killer.
Even you, Araragi-senpai, like to be fully aware of the name of your romantic rival, correct?
I just happened to hear what you were talking about.
This again?
IT'S ALL RIGHT. I AVOIDED CONTACT WITH THAT GIRL.
WHEN SHE WAS PASSING BY, I CLUNG TO THE CEILING TO AVOID HER.
Devil boy, you really are so chatty around that girl.
Don't you think you babble too much?
You think so? I don't think that's the case.
If you're fine with it, devil boy, then that's fine.
I'm going to head to North Shirahebi Shrine now. You want to come with me?
Where is that?
Don't forget it. You forget way too much.
It's the place where your master went missing.
I'm not going on a morning date with you, devil boy.
Though, that said, there is something I want you to tell me as well.
What is that?
Devil boy, are you happy that you've become a vampire?
The first apparition killer was saying something along the lines
of "what benefits I'll see" from devil boy being with Shinobu-sensei.
In the end, devil boy, you were unable to present the merits of such a situation to him.
But the feeling behind it still hasn't changed?
Devil boy, do you still feel that by you being together with Shinobu-sensei, nobody becomes happy?
I still feel that way.
Nobody becomes happy, and nobody can become happy.
By me being a vampire, by me being together with Shinobu,
I can only cause trouble to others.
More than anyone else, I'm bringing misfortune to Shinobu.
Though, that can come across as just an excuse.
"Please pardon me, because I won't be happy.
Please forgive me, because I won't try to become happy.
Please gloss over me." That's what it might sound like.
Or, it might sound like you're asserting.
"Since we're so misfortunate, don't blame us. Aren't we pitiful?"
Hey, devil boy, can it be that you think of putting up with misfortune or unfortunate circumstances
as putting forth a good effort?
In society, things like that are called "doing nothing."
Don't think you'll be forgiven because you're misfortunate.
You should be aiming for the happy ending.
Or do you want me to stomp on your face again?
Ononoki, you're really strict.
Staying misfortunate is negligence, and not trying to become happy is cowardice.
If you stay like that, the forefather that committed suicide can never be truly rewarded.
I'll make note of that.
Nobody has become happy. Not I, not Shinobu, no one.
FOR NOW, THAT'S WHAT I THINK—
THAT'S WHAT I STILL THINK.
But perhaps, a long time from now, far, far in the future - say, like 400 years from now,
that train of thought may be slightly altered, I think among other things...
...it's fine. Even if we aren't happy,
fortunately for us, we still have plenty of time ahead of us.
Time alone - time to think, time to live - is there to the point we're disgusted.
We have so much time that a corpse can rot and turn to ash.
But such time being taken from us...
...perhaps was also a matter of time as well.