Funayũrei

· Deep ocean secrets · The official page of the Funayurei unit under Cosmic Producion. Members: Taisuke Sato (Captain Sato-sama), Katsuie Uneno (Bosun). Stories featuring members and official-style cards will be published here.

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Story Masterlist

(!!Era) Taisuke Sato Profile

(!!Era) Katsuie Uneno Profile

⟡ Voice lines (coming soon) ─

✰ Story Index

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ── (Enstars!!) ─────────

Spring

Taisuke Sato - Idol Story 1

Taisuke Sato - Idol Story 2

Storm in a glass bottle (Taisuke Feature Scout 5☆)

Summer

Main Story Episodes

An Offer You Cannot Refuse (Taisuke Sato Idol Story)

Educational coaching (Taisuke Feature Scout 4☆)

Memory of Old Walls ("Occult Club⛧Debut" Scout)

Fall

• Tug of war ("Investigation Bureau: Tug of War" Tour Event) • Eternal Youth -Look Back- (Taisuke Sato Look Back Scout)

Winter

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I have an OC named Ezekiel and he low-key looks kinda like taisuke... unfortunately I have no officials of him yet.

but when I read saito-sama's idol story, i was like, holy moly, this guy is crazy and NOTHING like ezekiel /silly. Ezekiel left CosPro for personal reasons but I think being twins with taisuke could have DEF been a pretty good motivator too 😭. love your oc and stories please keep writing

Thank you for your support, I really appreciate that! Your OC looks cute~ I love thinking about how my OCs could interact with others, thanks for sharing!

— 🕸

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Eternal Youth -Look Back-

Story: Cat-and-mouse 21 Episodes

Characters: Taisuke, Mika, Natsume, Mayoi, Kohaku, Rinne, Niki, Ibara, Sora, Jun

Prologue Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3

Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6

Episode 7 - Episode 8 - Episode 9

Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12

Episode 13 - Episode 14 - Episode 15

Episode 16 - Episode 17 - Episode 18

Episode 19 Epilogue

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The story has been fully uploaded and is ready to read! Please take a look and let me know if you spot any errors in the text.~

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Eternal Youth - Epilogue

<CosPro Office> Taisuke: (When I had time, I ordered a new uniform to replace the one I was wearing when I woke up. Judging by the size of the clothes, I immediately guessed it was Koha-chan's uniform… He must have given it to me so I could move around without dragging around extra meters of rags. Kohaku-chan… I always knew you were a good kid. I guess I should be grateful to him for taking care of me back then. I need to somehow return this uniform to Kohaku-chan. I could just slip it in his locker, but he's probably still worried about that "boy" he accidentally met at the office. It would be wrong to leave him in the dark.) Kohaku-chan, are you busy? Kohaku: Huh?! Taisuke-han, how many times have I asked you not to sneak up on me? Taisuke: You know I don't do that on purpose. So, are you busy or not? Kohaku: Actually, no, I just finished training, so I have a free minute. Did you want something? Taisuke: Yes… Your uniform, here it is. Kohaku: Ah, that's the uniform I gave to that boy… Where did you get it? Taisuke: I ran into him in the office, we changed him and sent him to his family, so don't worry about it. Kohaku: Are you sure he's not some distant relative of yours? Taisuke: …Yes, I'm sure. I don't know him. Kohaku: I didn't think you two looked that much alike, did I? Did you notice that too? Taisuke: Of course, I understand what you mean. Same glasses, same hair color, everything. Kohaku: He didn't ask you for an autograph? When I told him about Funayurei, he was so excited, like he'd instantly become a fan. Taisuke: What? Kohaku: Hm? It's weird he didn't let you know himself. He was really impressed with Funayurei and the fact that you had a real ship. I think he even wanted to follow in your footsteps. Taisuke: (That can't be…!) Kohaku: Are you okay, Taisuke-han? You look really surprised… Taisuke: No… Never mind, forget it. I just came to return your uniform, so forget you saw me today, fufufu~ (I can't believe it… This sounds weird, haven't I become a disappointment in "his" eyes? I couldn't fulfill his dream, I never got into the naval academy, ending up at Reimei instead. I became an "idol," now worshiped by hundreds of thousands of "fans." I always hated that kind of thing. It should have immediately scared "him" away from the real me. But Koha-chan said he was "impressed," and that doesn't seem true at all. Why… Why did he say that to me?) Ibara: Taisuke-kun? Taisuke: Huh? Ibara: You're standing there with a blank stare in the middle of the hallway again. Don't do that, it's scaring the workers. Taisuke: Yes, right, sorry, Ibara-sama, I'll be going. Ibara: Wait. Taisuke: …? Ibara: Perhaps you'd like to go to the festival with me, Taisuke-kun? Taisuke: What do you mean? What's come over you, Ibara-sama? Are you sick? Perhaps you're overworked? Ibara: Hahaha, no. Is it really so unusual to hear this from me that I just want to spend some quiet time and relax with my colleague? Taisuke: I've just never heard anything like this from you before. (Perhaps he wants something from me? Perhaps he suspects we were doing something illegal at the occult club and wants to force its closure…?!) Ibara: Don't think too much about it, I just suggested we go out together. A lot has happened lately that we should discuss. Taisuke: I don't mind… Ibara: Oh, and Taisuke-kun, I wanted to tell you something. Please keep an eye on your relatives. One of them was running around ES the other day. He was misleading the staff, introducing himself as you, and then he even ended up picking on me… Taisuke: I don't recall having any relatives besides Jiji. Forgive me, but I have no idea what you're talking about, Ibara-sama.

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Cat-and-mouse - Episode 19

<A few days later.> Taisuke: So, according to what you said, the effect of this potion was not what we expected. I initially missed the context, but now I understand that this is not a longevity potion, but a transformation potion. This is interesting… It might be worth experimenting with this composition to discover new properties and perhaps invent something else based on it. Natsume: DON'T even THINK about doing something LIKE THIS AGAIN. If I catch you making your own potions, much less drinking them, I will boil you in the same cauldron, is that CLEAR? Taisuke: Yes, yes, As if that scares me. You can boil me, even quarter me, neither your threats nor your actions sound scary to me. You have no idea how little I am interested in the fate of this shell. If I feel uncomfortable in it, I'll just find myself a new one. Natsume: Of course, when was the last time you cared about ANYTHING? I still can't believe HOW you made this work… Until now, I still doubted the effectiveness of alchemy, but now… Taisuke: I told you that magic is real. I kept my promise. Thanks to me, you were able to see the miracle with your own eyes~ We have come a long way to achieve success. I had to work hard, but the result was definitely worth it. Natsume: You certainly did a lot of business. Next time you want to do something like this, we'll tie you to a battery so at least you won't be able to run far. Taisuke: If I had known that everything would turn out this way, I would have prepared better. Natsume: If I understand correctly, we took you back to when you were about 12 years old? Were you really that small back then? You looked like you were 10 at most. Taisuke: If you remember, Tsume-chan, before the third year this “human body” was not in very good shape. At a young age, it did not receive the proper amount of important substances responsible for growth and development. Fortunately, as soon as “me” got it, I brought it into a form convenient for me. It’s just a pity that I don’t have any memories of how I spent my time at that age. Natsume: What do you mean? Taisuke:  I don't remember anything about myself, so I'm really curious to know what it's like to feel like a child. Apparently people liked me more when I was little. Natsume: Now I understand why I couldn’t see your past. But based on your actions, words and conclusions, it’s easy to guess everything without a crystal ball. Taisuke: (My scars are the only thing that reminds me of who I really am. But most of the time these memories are hidden from me because they only bring pain. I wonder if the past me would be ashamed of the present me? I must have let him down greatly if I never became a real captain. But I will never know about it.) So what have you learned about me? Natsume: ? Taisuke: I understood everything right away. You found out something about me that I didn't want to say. Natsume: I don't know what you mean. Taisuke: You all look at me differently now in the circle. Did I tell you something as a child that you weren't supposed to know? Natsume: We look at you differently now simply because you paraded naked in front of us as soon as you woke up. All you told us before you went on the run was that you didn't want to return to the sect. Taisuke: I see. This is all? Natsume: Yes, you didn't say anything else. Taisuke: (If he's not lying, then I got off easy. Ah, next time I'll definitely think before doing something like that. I don't want them to know who I really am. If they find out… Maybe they won't want anything to do with me at all.) Natsume: You're worried about something. What is this terrible secret that you are so desperately trying to hide from our ears? Taisuke: It's not that important. The less you know, the better you sleep, right?~ And with this, let's end our meeting.

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Cat-and-mouse - Episode 18

< Eight years later. A secret room in the air conditioning control center. >

Natsume: Finally… He’s asleep.

Thank you, Sora. It’s only thanks to you that we were able to get to him.

Sora: Sora doesn’t know exactly how he helped, but he’s glad he was useful in catching Yugen-chan~

Natsume: It would be bad if anyone found out what happened, so don’t tell anyone about this, okay?

Sora: Okay! Got it, Shisho~

Natsume: Now we can inject him with the antidote before he wakes up…

Someone hold his head back so he doesn’t choke.

It wouldn’t be fair if we accidentally killed him while he’s in such a vulnerable state. I’ll snap his neck the MOMENT he comes back to his senses.

Mayoi: Maybe we shouldn’t…? I-I mean…

Please, just don’t snap back to normal right now… If that happens, he’ll definitely crush me…

Natsume: Done. I hope this antidote works on him…

Apparently, it takes time for him to snap back. After all, Taisuke-kun didn’t turn into a child right away—it took a few minutes.

Mayoi: Can I take a few photos while he’s sleeping? Just for research purposes… I promise! I definitely don’t plan on keeping copies of his photos for myself, we’ll just add them to the journal as proof that the potion worked…!

Natsume: One more word out of your mouth and I’ll break your wrists.

No one must know about THIS. We’ll, of course, keep records in the journal, but we MUST NOT leave any direct evidence that Taisuke-kun turned into a child, OTHERWISE our club will definitely be DISBANDED.

And any evidence of this incident will be used AGAINST US.

Mayoi: Ah… What a shame… I’d like to remember Sato-san just like this.

…At least, until he returns to his usual self, I can still admire how sweetly he’s sleeping…

Natsume: We got really lucky this time. If viper had managed to take him away from here, it could have turned into an even bigger disaster.

Mika: We can only hope that the antidote really works, and that no one will find us by then…

Natsume: Exactly, they’re definitely looking for him…!

Mayoi: Don’t worry about that… Not many people know about this place. Saegusa-san has cameras and listening devices everywhere, so we can’t underestimate him, but this room isn’t marked on the floor plan, so even with Saegusa-san’s resources, it’ll take them longer to get here.

Natsume: Kraken-kun said that cameras sometimes break near him when he doesn’t want to be seen, or something like that.

Maybe it’s because of his strange abilities. But it’s possible he’s just making it up.

Mika: Look! Taikun’s back to normal!

You can’t even imagine what we went through to save you…

Mayoi: W-wa-a-a!!! Where did that cute little creature go!?...

Natsume: I hate to disappoint you, but it’s still with us.

Mayoi: Please tell me you don’t remember what I said about you today…

N-n-n… I mean, I didn’t say anything bad or weird! It’s just, if by any chance you think I did, I didn’t—I swear!!...

Taisuke: My head… It feels like it’s splitting open.

I had such a nice dream… It’s been a while since I’ve had anything other than nightmares…

But why do I feel so tired? It’s like I ran a marathon…

…Did something happen while I was sleeping?… Why am I wearing a torn “Crazy:B” uniform?

Natsume: So… the antidote worked after all.

Taisuke: Antidote? Does that mean the potion worked too? But why can’t I remember any of it…

Oh, guys, you were taking notes, right? Can you tell me how it all went?

Sora: Huh? Shisho, why did you cover my eyes? I can’t see anything like this!

Natsume: Ugh, cover yourself with something first, then come over here! What a mess…

Sora, you don’t need to see this.

Mika: T-Taikun, it’s just… You don’t need to rush over to us like that!! At least put your clothes on first.

Mayoi: I-i-ik!! Here, I grabbed it for you guys—please, hurry up and put it back on!...

Taisuke: Hey-hey, what happened to that love you were talking about me with a moment ago?

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Cat-and-mouse - Episode 17

<On the Upper Deck.>

Ship’s Captain: So, two kids snuck onto the bridge and almost stole our frigate?

Should we contact your guardians so you can be punished?

Taisuke: No, it was just me! It’s all my fault—he wasn’t helping me… He was just passing by!

Ibara: (Why is he trying to take all the blame to protect someone he met an hour ago?... He’s definitely lost his mind.)

Sailor 1: Hold on, Captain. Take a look at this kid—isn’t he Sato-san’s grandson?

Looks like we’ll have to tell your grandpa everything. What a restless kid…

How many times have you tried pulling a stunt like this? Doesn’t life teach you anything?

Ship’s Captain: All right, leave him alone—and his friend, too. He’s harmless. He just needs to be watched more closely.

Sailor 2: That’s just for now. He’s not likely to come to his senses as he gets older. Let’s just hope this little troublemaker doesn’t grow up to be something even worse!

Taisuke: Ugh. When I grow up, I’ll show you all what I’m capable of!

Let’s get out of here, Ibara-chan!

<On the pier>

Ibara: They mentioned that you’d already tried something like this before… Is that true?

Taisuke: Remember, I said a little while ago that I couldn’t attend events like this with the class anymore…

Ibara: Don’t tell me you…

Taisuke: Don’t get the wrong idea. Once, I snuck into the captain’s bridge without telling anyone. I wasn’t planning to hijack the ship. I was just curious.

Ibara: …Are you going to get in trouble with your grandpa now?

Taisuke: Huh? Nah, Jiji is pretty chill about my antics.

Ibara: They won’t even make you do push-ups or run a hundred laps around the field?...

Taisuke: Um… No, what makes you think that? Everyone here knows my grandpa, so no one dares to pick on me.

Why are you asking such weird questions, Ibara-chan? Did someone punish you like that?

Just tell me, and I’ll definitely teach them a lesson! After all, you’re my friend, and friends should stand up for each other~

Ibara: (Hmm… Does he already think he’s my friend? Yeah, he’s really gullible.

I’d like to argue with him, but since he says his grandfather is a big shot around here… It wouldn’t be wise to lose connections like that. So, maybe if I pretend to be his friend for a little while, it’ll work out to my advantage in the future.

Never bite the hand that feeds you—that’s what they say, right?)

Taisuke: Come to think of it, you still haven’t told me anything about yourself.

Ibara: …?!

I don’t really have anything to say about myself.

Taisuke: Nothing at all?

Ibara: (What does he even want to hear from me?

That my parents abandoned me when I was a little kid, which is why I have to slave away from early morning until late at night in this damn orphanage, training to become a soldier, assembling weapons, and doing all the dirty work?

That fate has decreed I’ll one day go to war and die?

Idiots like him have no idea about the true horrors of this reality. I’m afraid I’ll shatter his little childish world if I tell him the truth.)

Taisuke: (Why is he silent? Did I say something wrong? …

Oh, right, I didn’t think about the fact that he might not want to share that. Life at the orphanage must be hard for him. I shouldn’t have asked those questions when we’ve barely known each other.)

I’ll understand if you don’t want to share that right now. Not everyone wants to talk about their past.

Well then… I see Jiji waving at me. I think it’s time for us to go.

I know we’ve only known each other for a short while, but I really enjoyed spending time with you. You’re a nice guy—let’s meet up again sometime, okay? Just promise you won’t forget about me, okay?

Ibara: Okay, I promise.

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Cat-and-mouse - Episode 16

<A few minutes later.>

Taisuke: Ah-ah!! Look, look! There comes that legendary British frigate!

Ibara: …?

Taisuke: A 38-gun fifth-rate frigate… Did you know this ship took part in the Napoleonic Wars?

It’s a true marvel to see it sailing with my own eyes—it’s like witnessing history itself!

Ibara: Really?

Taisuke: Of course! Most of the ships from that era were either sunk or dismantled long ago—it’s so sad… I’d love to see them all, maybe even take a ride on them, ahh…

Ibara: Do you really like ships that much?

Taisuke: Yeah, I just love them! It’s a miracle—a huge vessel that can sail the oceans, weather storms, and withstand pirate attacks. And you know how cool it is when they fire their cannons? It’s just awesome!!

When I finish school, I want to enroll in the naval academy, train there, and become a ship’s captain so I can go on voyages and lead an entire fleet!

I want to have my own crew, sail the seas, and defeat all our enemies!

And go on treasure hunts, of course~

My teachers say I’m definitely going to become a captain because they’re all a little eccentric, just like me.

Ibara: (I’ve never met anyone with such a deep-seated dream...

Where I used to live, we cared only about survival and trained solely to follow orders, to be obedient pawns in the hands of others... The most we were allowed to dream about was a promotion, but no one ever talked about “freedom” or “aspirations,” about adventures, or anything else that bold.

This guy… I can see how badly he wants to make his dream come true, but why is he sharing this with someone like me? Is he trying to gain my trust?...

Although… It doesn’t seem like he wants anything from me. He seems too naive to be up to anything shady.)

Taisuke: By the way, did you know I can pilot a ship all by myself?

Ibara: What? Just to get a ship moving, you need the strength of at least six men…! And you’re saying a single kid can handle that?

You’re just a liar.

Taisuke: Huh?... A liar?! It’s true! Jiji taught me how to steer them! I’ve got it all figured out. Want to bet I can steal this frigate?

Ibara: I doubt you could even sneak onto the bridge without getting caught. Let alone get this ship moving.

Taisuke: It’s a piece of cake. If we hurry before they cast off, I can handle the rest on my own~

Follow me, and you’ll see what I’m really capable of!

<A few minutes later.>

Taisuke: ( …There are so many sailors here. I’m not sure we’ll be able to sneak in there unnoticed.

But I can’t back down—otherwise he’ll think I was just bragging for nothing!

No one wants to be friends with a braggart! I don’t want him to think I’m all talk—no way! I’ll do what I promised.)

Ibara: (Why is he just sitting there? Trying to size up the situation? He seems nervous.

Of course, he can’t hijack the ship on his own—he’s just a cocky kid, after all.)

Listen, you know there’s a second bridge on this ship, right?

Taisuke: Huh? You’re right…

Ibara: It’s only fenced off with a chain. If we can get to it, all we’ll have to do is step over the fence.

They probably didn’t expect kids to be able to sneak in here. How reckless.

Taisuke: You’re so smart, Ibara-chan… If you hadn’t told me about it, I wouldn’t have noticed—

Ahem… I mean… I wouldn’t have remembered. Yeah, yeah, actually I do know that ships like this can have two bridges. I just forgot. Thanks for reminding me.

Ibara: Let’s go before they find out. We need to act fast.

Taisuke: …Aye, sir!

Ibara: (Wait… Why am I helping him?!)

<A couple of minutes later, on the bridge of the British ship.>

Taisuke: Well, that’s it—we’re here!

So this is the bridge. Now I just need to figure out where everything is…

Hmm… Things here are a little different from what’s in the textbooks, but I think I know what to do…

Ibara: (Oh man… Is he really going to do that?)

(The roar of an engine starting up)

Taisuke: Ha, see? I told you so!

Sailor 1: What the hell is going on here? What the hell is a kid doing at the helm?!

Sailor 2: Kids on the bridge! Stop them!

Ibara: Someone’s coming this way! Let’s run before they catch us…!

Taisuke: I can’t stop halfway—see, we’ve already started moving! Give me just a minute more… Prop the door open with something. There’s a chair over there.

Ibara: (This guy… Either he’s lost his mind, or he’s just an idiot.)

We’re trapped—even if I barricade the door, there’s nowhere for us to run.

Taisuke: Huh?

Sailor 3: So that’s where you are…

Taisuke? Huh?! Hey, let go of me!

Ibara: Ugh…

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Cat-and-mouse - Episode 15

Taisuke: I saw some food stalls nearby. At events like this, they always serve delicious food you can’t find anywhere else!

Um, well, sure, you could make something like that yourself, but it wouldn’t taste as special as it does at festivals!

Ibara: I can’t afford to buy food here anyway.

Taisuke: (Oh, right, he’s from an orphanage. Kids from there probably don’t get an allowance like I do.

Come to think of it, I have enough with me to treat him this time.)

Ah, two ikayaki for us, please! Thank you~

It’s not much, but it’s all I can do. Please accept this as a kind gesture in honor of our friendship!

Ibara: Hmm?

No, I can’t accept it…

Taisuke: Take it, take it—I know you must be hungry after such a long trip!

Ibara: Ugh, what a pain in the ass…

Taisuke: Hee-hee-hee… At least I know how to get what I want, no matter what it takes.

Ibara: You shouldn’t have bought me food—I don’t have anything to give you in return.

Taisuke: It’s okay, it’s on me. I had a little pocket money set aside to buy myself something tasty, and I still have some left, so don’t worry about it. You don’t need to pay me back.

Ibara: (It’s been a long time since I’ve had such a delicious and nutritious meal. I was starting to think my taste buds had atrophied from eating bland rice and vegetable stew…)

Taisuke: Hey, slow down, slow down—where are you rushing off to? No one’s going to take your food away, so you can take it easy!

Jiji said that if you eat too fast, you can upset your stomach.

I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I have that habit too… I guess all soldiers do, right?

Anyway, try not to eat so fast, or you might choke.

Oh, while I was talking, you’ve already finished everything.

Ibara: …Why did you help me?

Taisuke: I don’t know myself.

Jiji used to say that good deeds always come back to you twofold. And who wouldn’t want a double serving of delicious food? Only a complete fool.

♪~♪~♪

You were forced to come here too, weren’t you?

Usually at our school, trips like this aren’t mandatory, but because Jiji holds a high-ranking position at his job, he’s often invited to events like this.

Ibara: High-ranking?! What’s his rank?

Taisuke: Oh, Captain 2nd Class, I think.

But that’s not really important—he’s retired now, after all, and he doesn’t go out to sea anymore…

Ibara: (So his guardian is quite a big shot around here, hmm…

Why would he share such important information with just anyone he meets? Doesn’t he realize that if someone hears this, they might take advantage of him?

In military circles, there are plenty of people willing to resort to blackmail or murder to get what they want.

Ugh, in any case, he seems too naive and good-natured to even consider that someone might want to harm him.)

Taisuke: It seems he retired shortly before I moved in with him. He doesn’t want to leave me home alone because the last time I was home by myself, I burned our kitchen sink.

I was trying to make dinner for us while waiting for him to come home from an event, but for some reason the stove suddenly went haywire and the fire quickly spread to the tablecloth lying nearby… I immediately threw it into the sink to douse it with water, but the fire had already singed our faucet… Jiji couldn’t get the soot off it, so we had to take the whole sink apart!

Ah, well, cooking in general isn’t really my thing. When we learn to cook in school, they usually don’t let me join those classes and leave me sitting alone in the classroom, because everyone knows that “Taisuke is going to make a mess again.”

And it’s always like this~ I’m always stuck on the bench... it’s unfair…

Also, I’m probably the only one from my school who’s constantly forced to go to these festivals.

We used to go as a whole class, but they don’t take me with the class anymore. I don’t know why.

Ibara: Hmm…

Taisuke: You’re pretty quiet… Sorry if I’m talking too much. I don’t often get to chat with someone my age. No one in my class talks to me.

That’s why sometimes I forget when I should just be quiet! Ha-ha~

Anyway, I wasn’t planning on staying here for long. Once Jiji’s done with everything, we’ll head home.

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Cat-and-mouse - Episode 14

< About 8 years ago. Summer. >

Ibara: This is awful…

(This time they made us attend a maritime festival as part of an educational program, but why on a day this scorching hot?

Now that I’ve broken away from the group, I have a chance to avoid those tedious lectures on military equipment, but I don’t think I’ll last long here—it’s way too hot…

I wonder if they’ve even noticed I’m missing?)

Taisuke: (Yawn.) We’re finally here… It was a long drive. I managed to take a nap in the car on the way here. Well, well.

Hey, Jiji, can I go for a walk around here by myself? I promise I’ll definitely behave myself this time—honest!

All right, all right! Stop patting me on the head—I’m not a kid anymore!

Phew… So, we’ll meet up here when we’re done with our stuff, deal?~

(So, another military festival where people have flocked from all over the country.

Ah, now I get why nobody in my class wanted to come here. What’s so surprising about parades and exhibitions… I’ve seen it all hundreds of times already.

But there’s still something good about it. You can watch the cherry blossoms bloom against a clear blue sky… Do you really need anything else to be happy? Oh, and of course, guns.

I doubt they’ll let me fire one… Well, yeah, I guess it’s dangerous to bring a firearm and real ammunition to an exhibition.

We only used blank cartridges during school drills, too. But maybe one day I’ll get the chance…

Oh, I remember—Jiji mentioned that one of the overseas frigates will be docking here soon. I’d love to see one of those…!)

Heh-heh-heh…

Ibara: … Hngh …

Taisuke: (Huh? What’s that—a guy lying on the ground?

I haven’t seen anything like this at past festivals. Looks like he’s not from around here. He’s wearing an Army uniform…

Although that’s not the strangest thing—after all, all kinds of military units gather here—but I’ve never seen any other kids in uniform at these festivals besides my own classmates.

He looks so emaciated and exhausted… Maybe he needs help? Why isn’t anyone paying attention? Does nobody care that there’s a kid lying on the ground here? !

Ugh, looks like I’ll have to take care of this myself. You can never count on adults…)

Hey, are you okay, kid?

Ibara: Ugh… Yeah, I just overheated.

Taisuke: Overheated?! Wait, I’ll go get you something right now!!

Just don’t die here, okay?

< A couple of minutes later. >

Taisuke: Are you still alive? Here, take this.

Ibara: No, I can’t accept it…

Taisuke: I don’t care! You look like you’re about to pass out from heatstroke.

Please drink this—it’ll definitely make you feel better.

Ibara: (Sips the water)

Taisuke: Finally! I was starting to think you were going to pass out.

Ibara: I have nothing to repay you with…

Taisuke: What kind of nonsense are you talking about? You must really have heatstroke.

You don’t have to repay me with anything—don’t you know that good deeds always come back around?

At least, that’s what Jiji told me, and he’s very smart.

Did you come here from some kind of school? I haven’t seen anyone your age around here yet.

Ibara: …No. I’m from a military orphanage.

We’re not allowed to leave the base, except for training exercises or field trips like this one.

Taisuke: (So this boy is an orphan?

Now I understand why no one’s looking after him… That’s why he was lying here in the first place.)

You look kind of pale. Are you sure you’re feeling better?

Ibara: I’m better.

Why do you even care how I’m feeling?

Taisuke: …I get it, this looks suspicious, but the thing is, I just can’t stand leaving someone in trouble.

Adults just love leaving kids to fend for themselves.

I know what it’s like to feel terrible and have no one around to lend a helping hand. That’s exactly why I don’t want anyone else to feel that way.

I don’t need anything from you. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.

Ibara: …You’re such a weirdo.

Taisuke: Ha-ha, I know—I hear that a lot.

My name is Taisuke Sato. What’s yours?

Ibara: Ibara… Saegusa.

Taisuke: So we’re friends now, Ibara-chan~

I haven’t met anyone my age here besides you yet… Did you come here alone?

Ibara: There were other people from my unit with me, but it looks like they’ve all gone somewhere.

Taisuke: Hmm, well, if you’re alone now, maybe we could go for a walk together? There’s nothing to do here anyway—I’ve been here a ton of times already.

Ibara: Okay…

I mean, sure, no problem.

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[cosprofunayurei]

Cat-and-mouse - Episode 13

< ES Emergency Staircase >

Taisuke: Phew…

(No… No, no, no, no, no…

Why did I panic like that? I shouldn’t have run away from the people who wanted to help me, hngh…

What am I supposed to do now? I don’t know where I am, but I can’t go out to look around because if they find me, no one will be able to save me anymore. What an idiot—what a total idiot I am!)

Sora: Huh?

I see a strange color coming from under the stairs! There must be someone there?

Oh! Who’s there? You have the same color as Yugen-sempai, but it’s much brighter~

Taisuke: No, don’t come any closer…!

(Huh? I don’t think this is one of those people… It’s some kind of boy…)

What do you want? What are you even talking about…?! The color of what?

Sora: The color of your soul! Yugen-senpai has that color—bright gold on the inside, like it’s sparkling from the bottom of the ocean. And you have exactly the same one, but it’s much brighter!

Taisuke: That’s… a pretty strange description of my “soul.”

Never mind… Who are you anyway, and how did you find me?

Sora: I was walking around the office when I suddenly noticed someone hiding behind the stairs!

Taisuke: So your name is Sora, right?

Sora: That’s right! Ha-hi-hu-he-ho~ My name is Sora!

Then I’ll call you Yugen-chan~

Taisuke: Okay, just don’t make so much noise, all right?

Since you found my hiding spot, don’t give me away.

Sora: Who were you running from?

Taisuke: Some weird people have been chasing me all day. I’m just trying to figure out how to get back home.

Sora: Don't worry, Sora will help you! But first, we should ask Shishō for help…

Taisuke: No…! Wait, don't ask anyone else for help!

It's too dangerous to reveal my location—if they find out where I am…

Sora: Sora can take you to a hidden spot where they definitely won't be able to find you ~ ♪

Makkurano-oni~san showed me a room that outsiders don’t go into, so you can hide there while I call Shisho to help!

Taisuke: (That’s a suspicious offer, and besides, who is this “Shisho” anyway? How am I supposed to know—maybe he wants to lure me into a trap…

But there’s nothing sinister about this guy. It seems like he genuinely wants to help me…

I can’t stay here long—I can already feel that post-meal drowsiness creeping up on me… If they find me asleep, they’ll definitely kill me, and I won’t even be able to fight back.

I’m not in a position to refuse help, but I just don’t trust any of this…)

Well… Fine. It’s not like I have any other options.

<Some time later. A secret room in the air conditioning control center.>

Taisuke: I think… I can’t go on anymore.

Sora: What's wrong? Are you feeling sick?

Taisuke: I'm losing my strength… I can't walk anymore.

Sora: Lie down on that couch!

Taisuke: But I don't want to fall asleep… I'm… scared…

Sora: Don’t be afraid, Sora will protect you until you wake up! No one will hurt you while Sora is watching over you~

Taisuke: (How could this happen… I shouldn’t have left Kohaku-san. If I fall asleep, they’ll definitely find me… Will I be able to wake up? What will happen to me next?

I guess there’s nothing left to do but accept my fate. Hmm—

…I never even thanked Kohaku-san for his help… He’ll probably be worried.

…And I didn’t get to say a proper goodbye to Jiji before leaving. He’ll be wondering where I’ve gone, too… There’s still so much I haven’t done in my life… But I guess this is how it ends for me.

Forgive me, Kohaku-san… Jiji… Ibara-chan…)

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[cosprofunayurei]

Cat-and-mouse - Episode 12

< CosPro Office >

Ibara: (I still have about an hour to catch my breath before I have to head out to take care of other business.

It’s rare to have a moment to relax, so I need to make the most of this time~

Huh? What’s this… A call from Oukawa-shi?)

Good morning!~

Oh, are we expecting an unexpected guest? Yes, yes, I’m at the office right now, of course—I’ll be waiting for you.

(What kind of uninvited guests are these? It can’t be an unannounced inspection, can it? Why on earth would Oukawa-shi let me know about this? Or maybe he wants to tell me something about his side job…)

Kohaku: Don’t worry, Vice President-han will definitely help you get home.

Rinne: Yeah, that snakeboy knows everything about everyone. In a matter of minutes, he’ll find out where you live and how to get you home, so it’s all taken care of, kid.

Kohaku: Well, here we are.

Taisuke: Wait a minute, that’s… Ibara-chan!...

Kohaku: What?...

Ibara: Huh…?

Taisuke: (Grabs his pant leg)

Ibara-chan! Finally, a familiar face…! I was starting to think I’d ended up in a parallel universe or another world where I didn’t know a single person… I was so scared—I’m so glad I found you here!

…Huh?

It seems like the last time I saw Ibara-chan, he was much shorter. I realize now—you’re not Ibara-chan, are you…? Maybe you’re a relative of his?

Ibara: (Could it be that they decided to catch me off guard just to get some kind of funny reaction out of me?)

Is this some kind of prank?

Kohaku: A prank? No, we didn’t think you two knew each other…

Taisuke-han, you didn’t mention that you knew Vice President-han.

Taisuke: I don’t think that’s Ibara-chan. I must have just made a mistake.

Ibara: No, wait. My name is Saegusa Ibara—that’s correct.

Taisuke: That’s strange… You couldn’t have grown up that fast—you’re not some kind of magician who can turn into an adult in a second…

I must have just confused you with a friend of mine. He looks a lot like you.

Ibara: Where did you even find this kid?

Kohaku: I found him near the CosPro offices… He was actually running around wearing Taisuke-han’s clothes, but he says he doesn’t know who that is or how he ended up here.

I don’t think he’s lying, because when I found him, he really was very scared.

I know it sounds like science fiction, but it’s true.

Ibara: Hmm…

(I can’t help but notice his suspiciously uncanny resemblance to a young Taisuke-kun…

I can’t quite remember what he looked like back then.

But we can’t rule out the possibility that this might just be a silly prank by Okawa-shi and Amagi-shi. They could have hired an actor who looks a lot like Taisuke-kun.)

Rinne: This mini-Tai-chan wants to get home, so we brought him to you.

You must have all the connections to quickly figure out where he came from~

Taisuke: My name isn’t Tai-chan—call me Taisuke Sato. Or better yet, just Sato!

Rinne: Huh?

Ibara: (No… This can’t be true…

I have an idea—as crazy as it sounds—but it might work.

If I contact Taisuke-kun’s grandfather, he’ll surely be able to answer a few of my questions.)

Wait a minute—I’ll find out a few things right now, and then we’ll be able to send you home, Sato-shi.

<Meanwhile, near the CosPro offices>

Mika: Oh no… They’re going to send him home right now!

Then there’s no way we’ll be able to inject him with the antidote… We have to do somethin' right now!

Natsume: There’s not much we can do in this situation.

Mayoi: M-maybe I’ll try to draw their attention to myself? While I distract Saegusa-san and the others, you’ll have time to come up with a plan….

Natsume: You can try, but don’t get your hopes up.

Viper is smart enough not to fall for these cheap tricks. He’ll figure out what’s going on as soon as he sees the three of us together.

Jun: Oh, Kagehira-san, Sakasaki-san, what are you doing here?

Mika: No, Jun-kun! Don’t give us away!

Jun: Hm? What do you mean, “don’t give us away”? Are you following someone?

Mika: U-ngh…. Not exactly… It’s just…

Natsume: Shhh…! He’s going to hear us!

Jun: Who are you talking about…

Taisuke: Huh?!

It’s them! They’re here! They’ve come for my soul, no-no-no!!!

Kohaku: Who’s “them”? Taisuke-han, wait!

Mika: Argh… There goes, he got away…

Natsume: JUN-KUN! You ruined everything for us…

Jun: Huh? What did I even do?

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[cosprofunayurei]

Cat-and-mouse - Episode 11

< ES Lobby. >

Natsume: Looks like our kraken got swarmed by bees.

Mayoi: U-u-u… I really don’t want to get involved with Rinne-san…

Natsume: Nobody wants to.

Mayoi: N-no, I have nothing against Rinne-san, but if Sato-san has already turned those two against us, nothing good is going to come of this.

Mika: I could go talk to them and explain the whole situation! We’re all part of the same agency, after all—they have to believe me when I tell them the truth.

Natsume: Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should we tell them what really happened. This whole thing was supposed to be our SECRET, but because of that idiot, everything’s gone haywire…

The fewer people who know about this, the better, Mika-kun.

Our only plan right now is to wait until he’s distracted. We can’t force him to drink the antidote, but if we slip it into his food or drink, it should work. The main thing is to make sure he doesn’t turn into his adult self right in front of everyone.

Mika: That sounds like we’re up to something suspicious…

Natsume: What other choice do we have? Kraken-kun might have come up with a better way out of this, but he’s taken himself out of commission, so we’re the only ones who can return him to his original state.

Mika: What if this antidote doesn’t work?

Natsume: Then Kraken-kun will stay like this for a while longer, until I find another remedy that works on him.

Mika: Oh no… Katsu-kun must be having a hard time all alone in Funayurei… Or perhaps they will fall apart altogether?! Once the leader is gone, the group ceases to exist… Hu-u-u…

Natsume: It’s too early to get upset about that. We should try the options we have, and then we’ll decide what to do next.

<Meanwhile, at the Cinnamon Café>

Kohaku: If you’re really in danger, the first thing we should do is take you somewhere safer… Staying in a place this exposed for too long isn’t a good idea.

Taisuke: To be honest, I don’t want to go anywhere anymore—I just want to go home… I’m tired of running from them.

Kohaku: Hey… Everything’s going to be okay. You’re not alone, okay? We’ll definitely figure out a way to get you back to your grandpa.

By the way, what makes you think these people belong to that “commune”?

Taisuke: I can’t say for sure—I just have a feeling. I’m not sure if they’re really the ones I think they are, since I’ve never seen them before, but I can’t shake this bad feeling. Besides, they’re trying so desperately to catch me that it makes me doubt their good intentions.

I know for sure that one of them is connected to my old home. I’ve had this same feeling before.

You know, it’s like the temperature in a room. You can always tell when a room is warm and when it’s cold, right? That’s exactly how my intuition works.

When I was near them, I sensed something “familiar,” as if one of them were connected to my commune, or to that cult I mentioned earlier.

I didn’t have time to figure it out, but I clearly remember what that feeling was… And there’s something else unsettling here, in this building.

This malevolent energy is somewhat similar to what I felt while I was in the commune… It seeps up from the depths of the earth, bursts forth, and fades away in the air. It’s not safe to be here.

Rinne: So it’s intuition, then?

You shouldn’t ignore that—intuition can sometimes be sharper than a knife.

Kohaku: Do you remember what the people who were chasin' you looked like? Can you describe their appearances?

Taisuke: …Let me think…

One had red hair, another had a purple braid, and the third had different-colored eyes. That’s all I managed to notice before they attacked me.

Kohaku: (Hmm… The people he’s describin' sound a lot like the members of the Occult Club that Taisuke-han runs… Maybe if we could find him, he’d help us figure out what’s going on here.

But this morning I noticed he’d left his phone in his dorm room again… This guy seems like he’s not quite of this world, does he?)

Rinne: Oh, the guy with different-colored eyes. Isn’t he talking about Mii-tan?

Kohaku: (Whispering) It looks that way. I think this is all somehow closely connected to the Occult Club, but going to them right now isn’t an option.

Taisuke: Hey, what are you guys whispering about over there?

Kohaku: It’s nothing, Taisuke-han.

I think the best thing would be to take you to Vice President-han. He runs our entire agency, and he’s pretty smart. He’ll be able to help you out right away.

I don’t know what else we can do for you, but Vice President-han will surely come up with somethin', and besides, he’d be happy to kick some cultists’ asses if they decide to try anythin'.

Taisuke: W-well… I’m not sure if that’s a good idea… What if he’s in cahoots with those people?

Rinne: Then we’ll kick his ass too, kya-ha-ha! ☆

Kohaku: Rinne-han… You’re just making things worse.

Rinne: Don’t worry, kid, Crazy:B will get you there safe and sound!~

Taisuke: (I have no idea who “Crazy:B” is, but it seems like they really want to help me…)

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[cosprofunayurei]

Cat-and-mouse - Episode 10

Kohaku: Taisuke-han, you said you were being chased by some creepy people… Was Rinne-han among them, by any chance?

Taisuke: No. The ones chasing me were shorter…

But I don’t want anything to do with this guy either—he reeks of booze worse than seasoned sailors.

Rinne: (Sigh) I’m wounded to the very depths of my soul! How could you possibly think that of me… Me? Never in a million years!

Wait a minute—if it wasn’t me, then who could have been chasing that kid?

Some gangsters? Loan sharks? The Yakuza?!

You’re in deep shit, kid. But don’t worry, Brother Rinne will definitely protect you! For a reasonable—I’d even say tiny—fee… let’s settle on 50,000 yen?

Kohaku: Rinne-han, are you seriously tryin' to cash in on a kid?

Rinne: Me? Cash in? What are you talking about? I’m just offering him my personal protection for a very small fee! Kids these days get huge amounts of money for pocket money, you know.

Taisuke: Do you often run into beggars around here? I don’t need your services. I have a feeling you’ll cause me more trouble than help. Not to mention, I’ve never had that much money in my life.

I think I’d better stay with Kohaku-san.

Rinne: Come on, kids these days are spoiled, aren’t they? All right then, 35,000 yen will do! But that’s my final price—keep in mind, I gave you a huge discount!

Kohaku: You idiot, stop yelling like that. We’re trying our best not to draw any unnecessary attention to ourselves.

I apologize for Rinne-han, he’s quite the bully.

Taisuke-han, I’ll help you. You don’t need to pay anyone. Those cultists you’re talking about wouldn’t even dare to come near us.

Rinne: Cultists? What kind of joke is that? Why would some cultists go after a kid?

Taisuke: This is no joke! It’s very serious—they want to kill me, I know it.

Kohaku: …?

Taisuke: (I’m not sure if I should share this with people I don’t know, but Kohaku-san seems like an honest person, and I don’t sense any bad energy from him. I don’t think he’s connected to this cult in any way.

But should I share this with that strange Rinne-san…? He doesn’t seem trustworthy, but still… If there’s a chance that one of them might help me get home, maybe I should tell them…

Without anyone’s help or protection, I’ll most likely put myself in an even more vulnerable position, which isn’t good.)

Oh, why are you looking at me like that?… All right, I’ll tell you.

I think these people are members of a cult that worships Shinkai-kami-sama. They must be after me to finish what they started.

To their religion, I am a monster. A dark stain that must be cleansed. The child of an ancient curse that has destroyed countless people. It came from deep space along with a meteorite that fell to Earth back then and spread its filthy waters, afflicting tens of thousands of unfortunate souls…

Virtually all those afflicted by this disease were killed back in those old days, but rumors circulated that some had survived to the present day.

And now the “elders” of the Shinkai-kami-sama sect want to get rid of the remaining people, whom they call “monsters.”

But you must know—none of this is true! Shinkai-kami-sama is simply a fraud. He isn’t really a god at all, but merely a pathetic man who can’t grant any wishes. Yet those who stand to gain from keeping him as a “god” in the public eye want to silence those who know the truth—and I am one of them.

As long as I was under Jiji’s protection, they couldn’t pull this off so easily. But without his protection, I’m an easy target for them.

I think that’s why, now that I’m defenseless against them, they want to take me out.

Rinne: (Whispering) Hey, looks like this kid’s lost his mind.

Taisuke: I can hear everything! It’s not a lie—it’s the absolute truth!

Argh… Anyway, you can choose not to believe me all you want—it won’t change a thing.

If you don’t want to help me now, I won’t beg you.

Kohaku: Don’t listen to that idiot—I haven’t changed my mind about helpin' you because of that.

What you told me sounds really serious. It would be cruel to leave you to face this problem alone. I’ll do everything in my power to protect you from them.

Taisuke: … Really? Do you believe me, Kohaku-san?

Kohaku: Of course I do.

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[cosprofunayurei]

Cat-and-mouse - Episode 9

Taisuke: This soba is pretty tasty…

Kohaku: Glad you liked it~

Hmm… It’s really striking how much you look just like him—except he has a scar near his eye. Right on his eyelid.

…Wait a minute, what’s your last name?

Taisuke: Why do you ask?

Kohaku: I’m just curious—it can’t be that your last names are the same, can they?

Taisuke: Fine, if you’re that interested…

My full name is Taisuke Sato. But no one’s called me that in a long time.

Kohaku: That… Can’t be…

Taisuke: What do you mean?

Kohaku: “Our” Taisuke-han is also named Taisuke Sato!

What if you’re… some kind of relative of his? That would explain your physical resemblance and the fact that you share the same last name and first name. In some families, it’s customary to give children the same names as older relatives…

Taisuke: I don’t remember having any brothers or anyone else… I don’t really have any relatives left at all. Just Jiji.

Kohaku: That’s strange… What if Taisuke-han has an illegitimate son?

No… He seems too young to have a child your age. How old is he now? I think… around 18?

Who knows—he always said he’s several thousand years old, but that can’t possibly be true…

Taisuke: No, my dad’s of foreign descent—there’s no way his name could be the same as mine.

Rinne: Oh my, oh my, oh my, who do we have here? Mini-Tai-chan? Could it be that divine retribution has finally caught up with our evil mentor, and he’s been struck by a curse that’s made him younger? Kyahahaha!☆

Or maybe he angered some witch, and she turned him into a little kid in retaliation? Hmm?

(Ruffles his hair)

Taisuke: Grr-r-r-ah!! Hands off, you scoundrel!

Kohaku: Hey, Rinne-han, how many times have we asked you not to do that? Don’t ruffle people’s hair without their permission…

Rinne: Huh? He looks like a little kid, but he talks like an old man.

And where did you find this little guy? Could he be a young fan of Tai-chan or a relative of his?

Kohaku: I ran into him at the office this morning. He does look a lot like Taisuke-han, but that doesn’t mean you can take your frustration out on him.

Rinne: Easy for you to say, since you’re Tai-chan’s favorite~

He always gives you lighter punishments, and sometimes doesn’t punish you at all. It’s not fair—you should suffer along with the rest of us, Kohaku-chan!

Kohaku: Maybe it’s because I’m the only one who listens to what he says?

If you guys actually listened to him, maybe he’d punish us less often.

Sometimes he really does say sensible things.

Taisuke: Huh… Stop talking like I’m not even here!

Rinne: You still haven’t told me how you ended up here, you little brat.

Taisuke: I’m not going to tell just anyone, especially when I’m being treated like an object.

Rinne: “Just anyone”?! How dare you speak to Rinne Amagi like that! Don’t you know who you’re dealing with?

Taisuke: I haven’t the faintest idea, and I have no desire to know. So go back where you came from!

Rinne: What a rude kid! Is this what the youth is like these days?

(Pokes him in the cheek)

Taisuke: Hey, old man! Didn’t they teach you in school that it’s wrong to pick on the weak?

You thought you could get away with it, huh?

Rinne: Ouch! Let go of my finger—you’re going to break it!

Taisuke: What’s wrong? You don’t like being treated like this? But don’t you care how others feel? Now you’re going to pay for this with that finger!

Kohaku: Taisuke-han!...

(This kid keeps surprising me more and more… It’s getting harder and harder to believe he’s not related to “our” Taisuke-han in any way. He’s reacting to Rinne-han exactly the same way ours did when we first met.)

Taisuke: Ugh, you’re lucky I wasn’t planning on maiming anyone today.

From now on, think before you go messing with people, got it? Otherwise, you’ll get smacked on the head.

Rinne: Yeah, right… Your grip is just as strong as Tai-chan’s… It’s hard to believe.

Taisuke: It’s a sailor’s grip. Try holding a sheet twenty times a day, and you’ll find out where I got it from!

Rinne: Tell me, Tai-chan, did they really turn you into a kid, huh?

Taisuke: If only I knew what you guys were all talking about…

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[cosprofunayurei]

Cat-and-mouse - Episode 8

< Cinnamon Café. >

Kohaku: Here we are.

Taisuke: (On the one hand, it makes me uneasy when there are so many people bustling around, but on the other hand… I’ll be able to hide among them if someone suddenly shows up to take me away.

I’m not going back there, no! I’d rather die.)

Kohaku: Hey, are you okay?

Taisuke: …?

Kohaku: You look tense—is everything okay?

Taisuke: Yeah, it’s just my first time in a place like this. Usually, the café I used to go to with Jiji wasn’t this crowded…

Kohaku: Don’t worry, we won’t be staying here long. Have a seat here~

Have you decided what you’re going to eat yet?

Taisuke: Um…

(The dish names are confusing, and there aren’t even any pictures. How am I supposed to know what these are?

He’ll probably laugh at me if he finds out I’m not good at reading modern Japanese…)

Kohaku: Oh, it looks like you’re lookin' at the chef’s special menu… Does anything catch your eye?

Taisuke: Actually, I don’t know what to choose…

Kohaku: Of course, there are so many options here, it’s hard to decide. Do you want something hot or cold?

Taisuke: I don’t even know… Maybe the cheapest thing on the menu?

Kohaku: It’s okay—I already told you I’m treatin' you today.

I love traditional cuisine, so I think I’ll order cold soba.

Taisuke: …I guess I’ll have the same as you, then.

Kohaku: Let me guess—you’re not from around here, are you? Did you come here from a small town?

Taisuke: Actually, I’m from a village, but…

Wait, how did you figure that out!? So you really are a clairvoyant after all!?

Kohaku: Koh-koh-koh, no, not at all. I just thought that because you look like you’re from way out in the sticks. I was like that too once, when I first came to the big city.

Everything around me seemed so big, and at first I was overwhelmed by the realization that I could go anywhere and do anythin'.

Taisuke: Is that so… So we have more in common than meets the eye.

Niki: Good afternoon~ May I take your order?

Oh, hi, Kohaku-chan! Did you bring someone new with you today?

Kohaku: You don’t have to hide behind me—it’s okay.

This is Niki-han, he’s a good guy, i promice!

Niki: Wow, little one, you look just like Sato-san! We’ll have to feed you well so you grow up to be just as big and strong as our Sato-san!

Kohaku: We’ll have two servings of cold soba, please.

Niki: Order received, please wait a moment~

Kohaku: (At first it seemed like he’d already settled in here, but sometimes he still acts a little strange…

He’s clinging to my sleeve like a scared cat, even though he’s been trying to look brave this whole time. Still, there’s somethin' cute about it...)

See? Everythin' is fine.

Taisuke: Yeah, sorry. There are just too many unfamiliar faces here… You never know which one might want to cause trouble.

So who is this "Taisuke" you’re all talking about…?

Kohaku: He’s the leader of one of our agency’s units. Funayurei. Does this name sound familiar to you?

Taisuke: “Ghost Ship”…?! That’s the legend about drowned sailors who haunt ships to send them to the bottom of the sea… Real pirates in the world of the dead—that’s so cool!!! Do you guys really have ghosts at the agency? Can I see them? I want to meet them!

Kohaku: Oh my, I understand your enthusiasm—they’re one of the most popular groups in our agency. I could introduce you to them, but I’m afraid they’re pretty hard to track down. Especially Taisuke-han. He has a habit of suddenly disappearing.

Taisuke: Yeah… I get it. They must have their own things to do. Being a pirate in the Land of the Dead must be pretty tough…

Sorry for rambling so much. Jiji says I have a habit of talking too much… It often scares my peers away.

Kohaku: Don’t worry about it.

Our Taisuke-han has his own ship—he’s even taken us out on it a couple of times… It was an unforgettable experience…

(Though I really hope I never end up there again. The atmosphere there is creepy…)

Taisuke: Wow… I want to have my own ship someday, too!

I’d put together a big crew, and we’d go on long voyages together…

Kohaku: Ha-ha, you sound just like him. I think he’d really like you.

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[cosprofunayurei]

Cat-and-mouse - Episode 7

<Dressing Room.>

Natsume: They’re gone.

Mayoi: Sato-san left his clothes here. We’ll have to give them back to him when he’s back to normal.

Mika: ….

Natsume: …

Mika: …Nakkun, how could this have happened? You were the one who prepared that potion with Taikun—didn’t you see those notes he was talking about?

Natsume: Most likely, Kraken-kun made a mistake while translating that old book… Considering it was written in an ancient dialect, it was a piece of cake.

The name “Elixir of Eternal Youth” can be interpreted in different ways. From the context provided in the book, it’s hard to tell that it specifically meant the person who drank it would be trapped in a child’s body, rather than simply gaining eternal youth.

But the word “eternal” is hard to misinterpret… Does that mean…

Mika: …that Taikun will remain in a child’s body forever?!

Mayoi: Ah…! Isn’t that a wonderful mistake…?

…His face was so cute when he was backed into a corner, he was so scared…

His whole body was trembling, and it even seemed to me that if it had been just one more second, he would have burst into tears…

Natsume: Once we send adult Kraken-kun back, I’ll toss him into the sea, right back where he came from.

And one more word like that from you, Phantom-kun, and you’ll be following right behind him.

Mayoi: E-ek…

Natsume: It must be TOO LATE to be asking, “Why didn’t that idiot think about the consequences beforehand?”… Now WE’RE the ones who HAVE TO deal with those consequences.

We need to find the right MOMENT to POUR this antidote into him.

Mayoi: That means we’ll have to hold him down, right? Can I hold him down?

Natsume: I’m definitely going to kill both of you as soon as we’re done with this.

Mayoi: Waaah!? I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!!! I didn’t mean anything like that… I just wanted to help!

Natsume: Do you want me to tell Kraken-kun everything as soon as he’s back to normal?

Mayoi: No, no… Please, just don’t tell him, Sakasaki-san… I’ll do anything…

Natsume: Anything? Then stop squawking and don’t interrupt my train of thought.

Mika: I just can’t get his reaction out of my head… Why was he so scared of us? At first, he was just confused, but then it was as if he’d seen somethin' terrifying.

Natsume: Maybe it was a reaction to Phantom-kun and his strange behavior.

Mika: No, it happened before Ayase-kun tried to pet him on the head.

He said he didn’t want us to take him back to some “cult,” and he didn’t wanted us to “get rid” of him, even though we never said anythin' like that to him!

Ayase-kun, do you know what “cult” he was talking about?

Mayoi: U-uh… What makes you think I know anything about that, Kagehira-san…?

Mika: When he brought it up, you were the only one who didn’t seem confused about what he was talkin' about.

So I thought… Maybe you know what he meant back then?

Mayoi: H-hmm… Not really…

I mean, n-no, of course not… How could I possibly know? I don’t know anything about Sato-san, and I don’t even have a clue where he’s from…

Most likely, you misunderstood, and by that… “community”… he meant something completely different. Or it’s quite possible that he just made the whole thing up to distract us and slip away.

Mika: But he really did look scared when he was talkin' about it…

Natsume: That doesn’t matter right now. We should focus on how to get close to him.

Do you guys have any ideas?

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