Part 68: 7/9/09

7/9/09

There are already new rumors spreading.



Loud Student: It’s because the building wasn’t built that long ago, so everything is still gleaming.
You know, I heard from my parents there was an explosion here 10 years ago.
They replaced the building after that, but…
There’s more to it, too.
Around that time, a lot of students stopped coming to school.
Maybe that’s why they put up the new building… To start with a clean slate…
Gossiping Student: An explosion!?
Did someone screw up in chem lab or something? That must have been a dangerous lecture…
> The first bell has rung.

The state of history education here is pretty bad if you care about things that aren’t samurai.



In 794, the Heian-Kyo was established. In 894, they abolished Imperial embassies to China…
I might put this section on the exam next week… I’m feeling lazy.
Anyways, on to feudalism. Listen carefully, because this has to do with the origins of the samurai.
I choose… you, Aelita! Let’s see if you know.
What law served as a foundation for the development of feudalism?
The Konden Einen Shizaihou.
Good, you remembered. It’s got a very long name, doesn’t it?
This law was enacted because the previous law, the Sanze Isshin no Hou, didn’t help.
The farmers got lazy. Not that that’s unusual for any era… But that’s all for the Heian period.

Junpei’s still angry about… I don’t even know, maybe he’s just a jerk after all.



Don’t bug me if it’s not important. I’m heading home now.

Anyway I managed to find something Elizabeth wanted.



> You hear bizarre music playing inside.
Male Student’s Voice: What the heck…!?
…”Gekkoukan Boogie”?
Why does the school have music like this…?
…Must be a teacher’s theme song or something.
…Crazy. * chuckle *
Sorry, you have to have permission to be in—
Huh? This music?
I have no idea what it’s for, but it says “Gekkoukan Boogie” on it.
Huh? You want it? …Are you serious!?
Sure, you can have it. We don’t have any use for it, anyway… Here…
Now, get out of here, before you get me in trouble.
> Obtained Gekkoukan Boogie.

I also managed to find the cat she wanted me to feed, though it’s not quite back to good health yet.



> He seems to be very weak. Maybe he’s hungry…
> Give him Super Cat Food?
Weak Cat: …Mew.
> The cat slowly started to eat.
Weak Cat: ……
Meow… Meowww…
> The cat is purring loudly. It seems happy.
> If you come back and feed it some more, it might get healthier…

Elizabeth was less than enthusiastic about the CD when she actually had it in hand.



…Do they play this often in your school?
Oh… The lyrics are included inside…
“Everybody was Haiku writing… Those kids were fast as lightning.”
……
…Um, I’ll listen to this later.
Please accept your reward.
> Obtained Orange Cutsew.

I think the request was just an excuse to give me some armor that breathes well, it’s starting to get hot out after all. Anyway, I figured with exams coming Saori would need some help at the library, but it turns out most of the school is as lazy as Junpei.



Wow, is that how that teacher is?
Heh, I didn’t know at all.
I learn so much when I talk to you, Aelita-chan…
I never get to hear all these rumors that go around the school…
> Saori seems to be having fun…
Male Student: H-Hey, Saori-san.
> A boy comes in and stands in front of Saori…
> He seems to be smirking for some reason…
Oh, um… Takaoka-kun. How can I help you?
Male Student: Uh, would you be interested in going out for karaoke?
…Okay?
Male Student: Seriously? Then, how about today?
I still have some things to do here today, so…
Male Student: Aww, I’ll wait around. Let’s go once you’re free.
Oh… Okay then.
Male Student: Well, I’ll be waiting in the classroom.
> The boy leaves…

Saori really needs to stand up for herself more.



Do you get along with him?
…I don’t really know him.
But if he really wants to go out with me, then…
Stand up for yourself!
Heh… It’s not that big a deal.
> Saori laughs as if she just heard a funny joke…
I don’t really have any opinions of my own.
If there’s someone willing to take the lead, I’ll gladly follow…
I don’t need someone… I just want to be needed by someone else.
If I can find someone who needs me, I’d love that person with every fiber of my being.
…Do you think it’s wrong to think that way?
I can understand that.
Really? Heh… I’m happy to hear that.
> Saori smiles…
> You feel like you understand Saori a little better now…

Wanting to be needed by someone, huh…



Oh, it’s almost time…
…I should get going. I did promise, after all…
> You did your duties in the school library committee and said goodbye to Saori…

I guess I know what it’s like for people to rely on me, but really need me? I just don’t know. Elizabeth called me as I got home, told me that the barrier in Tartarus had fallen. We’ll have to get back to training, but I’m thinking of waiting until after exams.



With each full moon, the Shadows are getting stronger.
They are employing more dangerous attacks, as well…
So even though we have a lot of time until the next full moon, we had best use that time wisely.

I still don’t know what Yukari has against Mitsuru.



She would probably do just about anything to annihilate the Shadows.
But, don’t you think that’s a little obsessive?
Yeah, maybe.
There are a lot of old sayings about maintaining balance in your life…
They also warn against being too obsessive.

I’m also not sure what Yukari and Fuuka are up to.



But, it’s not good if everyone is out of step because they’re all trying too hard…

Oh, and I’m kind of scared because I think Tanaka might have taken a minute to reflect on how terrible he is.



She was the kind of girl that men dream of—drop dead gorgeous. I’m sorry to say it, but much prettier than you.
But, no matter how attractive she was, I was repulsed by her dedication to charity work.
Are you going to donate?
Of course not! I hate the very word!
> President Tanaka seems proud.
Why should I give my hard-earned money to a bunch of freeloaders?
I pulled myself up out of squalor to get where I am today!
In fact, I’ve earned the right to laugh at those who used to laugh at me!
That’s what I had always dreamt of. But to tell you the truth, now I have too much money.
Profits are booming, but I’m so busy I don’t have time to spend a dime…
Maybe I should train someone to take my place.
I could teach them my business philosophy and help them master my management techniques…
I could create a carbon copy of me!
It would probably cost me a fortune, but if it works, then I could sit back and relax in my massage chair!
How ‘bout it? Want to become my successor? I’ll even let you join the Tanaka family…
Now just work; I’ll even take care of your wedding.
…Just kidding.
I’m sure you’ll obtain something even bigger than my company.
If I say it, it’s for sure.
> You feel warmth and kindness from President Tanaka.
> You feel like you understand him a little better now.

I mean he’s a huge jackass but when he forgets to act like that he’s not such a bad guy.



“Donate to the unfortunate children,” huh…
> President Tanaka left.

I wonder what he’s going to do…