AKATSUKI VS Crazy:B | Abroad and Memory 1-6

April 29, 2026

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citrinesea, mika enstars

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mika enstars, citrinesea

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Fall

Abroad and Memory 1

A few years ago. A certain state in America, a slum.

Yeah, that’s what I thought~1

You big-talkers are all the same~ You know you’re weak, so you talk yourselves up like your life depends on it to come off bigger than you are.

The fact you’re on your knees already is proof of that enough~

Oh? You still wanna go? Doesn’t matter to me, y’know~ My fists have just gotten warmed up~

But if we go any longer, I don’t wanna hear you whine about getting real hurt, ‘kay~?

...

(“You’ll regret this!” huh? Looks like no matter what country you’re in, those parting lines don’t change, huh~)

(Even though if they do come back, they’d just get one hell of a beating again…)

(Well, kudos to them for the fighting spirit~♪)

Hm? Oh, yeah. Are you alright, old-timer?2

You’re not hurt, are you~? No? What a relief.

Am I okay? It was no sweat~ I’m used to fights like this.

I’m always ready for a fight, bring it on— I’m the descendant of an oni that can silence even crying children~♪3

Ahh, come to think of it, I guess there’s no real good translation for “Oni” over here.

In America, I guess it’s easy to think of an “oni” kinda like… an ogre or a demon or something?

… Ow!? Don’t just grab my arm out of nowhere~?

Huh? I’m hurt? Nah, this is just is just a scratch is all~

Sure, you looked like you were in trouble, so I came to drive those guys off, but…

You want me to come with you? So you can treat my wounds…?

…

Yeah right, like I’m gonna fall for that~!

This is a slum, y’know? Even I know better than that~

I’ve heard that kids like me get abducted all the time here by bad guys who sell them for money~

… You wouldn’t do that to the person who saved you? If I can’t trust you, you’ll put it in writing for me? That way if you go back on your word, I can sue you?

…

And where exactly am I supposed to sue you anyways? I doubt a contract like would hold up anywhere~!

“I guess you’ve got a point”...?4 Hey, old-timer, are you a space-case or something~?

… You’re a real weird guy, you know that~?

You… aren’t scared of me?

You just saw me beat the hell out of those guys a second ago. I may be a kid, but I pride myself on my strength~

… Everyone gets scared the second they take a look at me, though? … They say stuff like, “He’s a total monster,”~

It’s because I saved you? That’s why you’re not scared?

… Nyahaha. I guess you’re not just a space-case, but you’re just a good-hearted person too~

I’ll let you fix me up, so stop looking so worried, old-timer~

I can’t just trust you yet, though. Well, I guess now that I think of it, I don’t see how such a scrawny old-timer like you is gonna whisk me away.

But don’t get any weird ideas, old timer ♪

Several months later

Mossan!5 I’m back today~ ♪

Is everyone over at the square? I came up with some new choreography and I wanted to show it to everyone…

“You came by today earlier than you did yesterday,"...? What’s it matter that I did, huh?

It’s not like I had anything else to do~ It’s worth my time more if I just come here~

“… How far did you get in the workbook I gave you?”

I-I got… far, okay? That kinda stuff is easy-peasy for me~! I just didn’t bring it today is all!

Or should I say, what’s with the interrogation, huh! I have the right to remain silent, you know~?

What’s it matter to you what I do with my time, anyways? It’s got nothing to do with you~!

… Mnn. I’m sorry. That was too far, just now~

I know you’re just worrying about me, Mossan~? I’m still a kid, but it’s not like I go to school, so…

When it comes to what I do with my time, I just go out and rough up the troublemakers around here every so often.

My body always feels heavy, and I just can’t… get myself to feel better. It’s stuff like that that I hate, that made me wanna cross the ocean, but…

I thought… That maybe, I didn’t really have a place here in this country either.

But I now know that’s not true~ Everyone here accepted me. Me, a total outsider. A loner…

And it’s not just that. Everybody here has taught me all kinds of things, like how to play the guitar, or state laws, and even places where I can get all sorts of discounts and freebies~

This place feels just like a home to me~ If I could, I’d wanna stay here forever ♪

… I knooow~ If people knew I came to a place like this all the time, they’d think I’m even weirder— that’s what you’re saying right?

It’s not like it matters to me, though~? I’ve never once felt ashamed about coming to a place like this, so…

Besides… it’s not like I have people in my life to begin with, where I'd be able to get judged like that~♪

… Hey, this is the part where you’re supposed to laugh~ It's hard making jokes in English, so I'm getting good at American jokes, aren't I?

Ahh, yeah, yeah. How many times do I have to say it, I get it already! So stop with that face~!

… But I’m being serious~ As long as I have this place, I don’t care what anyone thinks~

No, it’s nothing~ Anyways, what I wanted to say is that it’s all fiiine~

I’m not gonna be a kid forever, after all~ … Well, I guess to you, I’m always gonna be a kid, but..

Oh, whatever. I’m done talking about this! I’m gonna head over to the square, ‘kay?

? Are you gonna keep on nagging me? I’ll sue you, and don't think that I won't just because it's you, Mossan~

… “I don't care. You should stay away from the slums for a while”...? What do you mean?

"The people managing this place are starting to act strangely, so everything around here is starting to become a little unstable… "

Are you telling me to stay away from here because a huge fight might break out soon?

Yeah... no, I'm not going~ This place is important to me, so I’m gonna help too~

I don’t know what those landlords are doing, but when push comes to shove, I’ll take down anyone and everyone~♪

“Don’t say something like that so recklessly, you never know who might be listening”...?

(To have Mossan be this anxious… Those landlords must be some bad news, huh~?)

… Got it~ I’ll do as you say, Mossan, and keep a low profile~ I won’t throw myself into any fights, either.

But if things really get down to the wire, I want you to rely on me, 'kay~? Because everyone here is really precious to me...

Still, whoever manages this place must be some imposing figure for you to tell me something like that, Mossan...

… Hmm. What a weird name, huh~ There’s not even a church in this place…

So the person who runs this place is some guy named Priest, huh~?

Abroad and Memory 2

November, ES's 2nd Year of Establishment. AKATSUKI's room in Star House.

— Give it back, Kiryu! Why…? Why would you take it from me!?

Haven’t we stuck it out with each other this entire time…!? And here I thought we understood each other more than anything!

… That’s got nothin’ to do with this and you know it, Hasumi.

I didn’t wanna have to do this, but stopping you when you wanna do stupid shit is my job, so…

I’m gonna be real, you’re the one being crazy, Danna.6 Frankly, you’ve lost your goddamn mind.

Get that through your head for me. I don’t wanna see ya fall to a life of crime.

Don’t you put that heartbroken look on your face! I’m no criminal, nor do I have any plan to become one…!

Umm, Kiryu-san. Maybe we can let Hasumi-san sling it over his shoulder again?

Are you nuts, Taki? You saw it, that’s outta the question…

Ah, hey! Hasumi! What the hell, you snatched it from me!?

Goodness gracious, you’re being dramatic. There we go…

All I did was wrap the luggage I’m taking to America up in furoshiki.7

And what the hell is the furoshiki supposed to be for! What’s more, ya had to go and choose an arabesque pattern of all things!8

Yeah. Honestly, no matter how many times I see you with it, you just look like a classic Japanese thief~

Having a bunch of things stuffed into it doesn’t help either. You’re just making yourself look even more suspicious~

That might be all fine and dandy for you, but can you think of how we might be feeling walking around with a guy lookin’ like that!

And on top of that, I don’t get why you need to pack two of those huge bundles. What the hell reason could you have to take so much stuff?

What are you saying? From here on out, we’re headed to foreign land— America.

Just about everything, from the culture to the topography, is different from Japan, so you can never be too prepared for anything.

That said, I can’t sling two furoshiki over my back, so… I was planning on having Kanzaki carry one ♪

Nope. Not happening. Don’t rope Kanzaki into this...

You’re not gonna need that much stuff for an overseas trip anyways. At worst, as long as ya got yer cellphone and your wallet, you can get whatever you need on the ground.

Pardon my entrance, Kanzaki Souma has returned…♪

Welcome home, Souma-san. Looks like somebody’s in a good mood, huh~?

Judging by the looks of things, I take it the conversation went well?

Mhm. I consulted with “Naisu”-dono, and he said I would be allowed to don my sword while we were in "Amerika".

The state we are traveling to seems to be particularly lenient with such laws.9

That’s pretty lucky, huh~ America’s different than this country— the rules vary state-by-state, so it might have been a challenge if we’d been assigned somewhere else.

That being said, "Amerika" is said to be a gun society. So having a weapon like this probably wouldn’t be out of place there.

Of course, I was sternly warned to refrain from unsheathing it recklessly. But if anything, it seems the government is fine with wearing a sword in public, provided it is not drawn in public.

In this country, I still get a plethora of strange looks from people when I wear my blade, but that shouldn’t be as much the case in "Amerika".

Heheh. We have yet to set foot on land, but dare I say I might come to love "Amerika" ♪

I’m glad you’re in high spirits, but how many times have I told you to be careful of thieves.

I’ve heard that compared to Japan, there’s a far higher likelihood of being pickpocketed overseas.

Yup, that’s right~ I wouldn’t say they’d up and grab your sword right off your hip, but the second you take an eye off your stuff there’s a possibility someone’ll snatch it~

Heheh, rest easy. If that time were to come, I shall just slash them down…

Weren’t you just warned not to recklessly draw your sword…?

It wouldn’t be a reckless drawing. It would be justice for an evil act ♪

Ah~ So getting permission for your sword’s really put you in a good mood, huh…

Nyahaha. I’m happy it looks like Souma-san’s taken an interest in America~♪

America is the place I grew up in, after all~ I’ve always hoped I’d be able to take you guys there some day, but…

I never thought the opportunity would come this quickly~

That’s right. I can’t say I expected NiceP would organize an event of this scale.

Megasphere Match… or MM for short, was it? If Japan was the first stop for this massive ship…

Then these next stops take units and send them off to different countries, where they engage in live showdowns on a worldwide scale.

I’d heard he was thinkin’ about his next project durin’ Mainstream Megasphere, but… as usual, the scale is just massive.

On top of that, the pace seems wildly different from the jobs we’ve had up until now. One moment he’s announcin’ the event, and in the next we’re already bein’ sent off to the lottery hall.

This is how “Naisu”-P does things, I suppose, as someone who worked on a global stage. If we lose focus, we could fall behind at any moment.

You think so? I don’t really see it that way.

I’d say the pace we’re going is more fun, it doesn’t get boring~♪

As AKATSUKI, and as a unit participating in MM, this event is an enormous opportunity.

So far, our fundamentals have been to prioritize our domestic activities in Japan, so it’s been rare for us to step over the bounds of our country to do work.

This time, the event is very clearly marked as a “worldwide” scale.

Foreign countries are brimming with people who aren’t familiar with our work. This is the best chance we have to make the name AKATSUKI well-known to people.

We’ve been streamin’ to the world on the MEGASPHERE, but performin’ actual lives are a different thing entirely.

Mhm. One look at our figures on stage of a “raibu”, and we will make fans out of them.

Besides, we are very well-acquainted with the format of victory coming down to the votes of fans many times now.

Take the “tour-na-mento” hosted by ES. Dare I say, if we won this tournament, the name of AKATSUKI would sweep throughout the world ♪

That’s right. And so to make that happen, we cannot show them a pitiful display on this first match.

Come to think of it, wasn’t Crazy:B our opponent for this first match?

You guys said you wanted to redeem yourselves for what happened in Idol Royale. Anzu-neenee actually showed me video from then~

The thing is, I can’t say I agree that you lost from what I saw, you know~?

It was definitely clear to see that your performance was as skillful as always, and Crazy:B wasn’t really that much better or anything.

So I was thinking about it… did you guys end up getting caught in some kind of trap of theirs…?

Fade to black.

… Wow. So that’s what happened in Idol Royale, huh~?

That is so. What “Ku-rei-jii Bii” did to us then fills me with rage. I absolutely will never let it happen again…!

I know how you feel, Kanzaki. I was considerably angry back then too.

Hmm…? If it were something like trash talk over a mic, I don’t know if I’d care that much.

I think it’d be effective as a means of throwing your opponent’s composure off~ I don’t hate going no-strategy and doing whatever it takes to win, y’know~

… Ibuki. Don’t tell me you mean to side with Ku-rei-jii Bii!?

When did I say that~? I’m just saying that’s one way to wage war~

Besides, if we were talking about whether or not I’d get pissed off, I think I’d get pissed if somebody did that to me~?

You said they pulled dirty tricks outside the rules, right? I can’t agree to a match that’s been fixed ahead of time.

Listening to you guys talk about it really gets me angry~♪

… When you picked out our opponents, I was pretty ambivalent, but now that I’ve heard the reason for it, I’m real fired up~

It’s good that you’re motivated, but… I think you’ve got the wrong idea.

I did say those things back in the lottery hall, but it’s not like I’m hung up on what happened then.

Bygones are bygones. Or should I say we’ve come to peace with it.

And it seems since then, Amagi-senpai has been relatively tame. Well, we shouldn’t let our guards down, though.

I imagine they won’t resort to playing dirty on such a large stage, at the very least… Maybe. Probably.

Nyahaha. I feel like even you don’t believe that, Hasumi-san~?

It can’t be helped. I wouldn’t be able to call Amagi-senpai’s usual behavior straight-laced, after all…

Gyahaha. I see we’re getting started with the pleasantries right away, Keito-chan ♪

Abroad and Memory 3

So you’re still here. Though I did figure we’d run into you some time before we landed in America.

Were you guys still packin’ your luggage too?

– No. Our luggage was all packed yesterday.

Except for Rinne-han. Well, it looks like he’s goin’ down to America with nothin’ but the clothes on his back.

Just ‘cuz we’re going overseas doesn’t mean we need to make a whole deal out of it. If you've got the bare necessities, you can just get the rest locally, y'know ♪"

Nyahaha. That’s what we were thinking too~ Talk about two peas in a pod, huh, Amagi-san~

(Sigh) … It’s not like we’re havin’ to do a rush shoot, so we’d be better off takin’ our time preparin’.

Or didja forget all the problems it caused us last time we went to America?10

Well, it’s not like he’s completely unprepared. Rinne-kun went and shoved all his stuff into my bags…!

Come to think of it, Shiina-dono… That is a rather large “kya-rii-on” suitcase you’re taking with you, no?

See? There’s nothing odd about it. If you’re going overseas you really do need to bring that much.

No, no. There’s almost nothing in this carry-on bag, you know?

This one’s just for carrying back all the food and souvenirs we’re going to get while we’re there ♪

I see. That is certainly a reason befitting of Shiina-dono.

What was that about going overseas again, Danna?

You’re a malicious man, Kiryu. Let it rest.

Me and HiMERU-han tried tellin’ him. We said that he could just have any food and souvenirs he got shipped back up here, but…

Shiina-san said something to the effect of, “Then what are we supposed to do if we want to cook it on the same day we get it?”

Honestly… We’re not going to America just for touristry, you know.

Yup, you’re exactly right, Merumeru!

What about you, Onii-sans of AKATSUKI? Aren’tcha a little too relaxed?

Ain’t we supposed to be rivals, facin’ off in a live showdown on this grand stage known as America?

Keito-chan… you said yourself back in the lottery hall, yeah?

That you’re gonna be takin’ revenge for Idol Royale? C’mon, was goin’ against lil’ ol’ me personally in Sailing Ceremony not enough?11

Or should I say, a ton of time has passed since then, ya know. How long you gonna keep talkin’ about this for?

Every single time you come and you bring it up, but it’s already been time for that grudge to die. You know, people don’t like guys who can’t let shit go.

(Whispering) There goes that bad habit of Rinne-han's again…

(Whispering) We’re not even on stage, so HiMERU feels like it’s an especially useless endeavor here…

Welp, if you’re fine with everyone thinking AKATSUKI’s some petty lil’ unit, then by all means, keep at it! Gyahaha!

So? Are ya gonna say somethin’? Santa-san ♪

… You just say whatever you want, huh~? Who are you calling San–

Keep your composure, Taki.

… Heh.

What’s so funny, Keito-chan? You don’t got anything to say to all that?

I said it before, Amagi-senpai. I’m not going to fall for cheap provocations like that anymore.12

AKATSUKI has grown since then. Don’t think you can pull the same tricks on us again.

…

And I have to thank you for it at the same time, Amagi-senpai.

We AKATSUKI and Crazy:B are units who are mutual enemies for this live showdown—

Thanks to your provocations, I’ve remembered that.

… Huh? Looks like someone’s gotten a lil’ less stringent.

It’s thanks to the Megasphere too. I couldn’t be obstinate forever.

I shall say it again, Crazy:B.

Let us both give it our all and have a fair match at MM!

… You’re being offered a handshake, Rinne-han.

Gyahaha! ☆ And who are you to be talking about playin' “fair and square”?

In a match like this, the one who is “right and just” is the unit that wins. On a stage like that, do you honestly think everybody is going to be playing fair?

Who can say. … I know we will at the very least.

Whatever tricks Crazy:b decides to use, AKATSUKI will show up and show off the growth we’ve achieved on that stage.

Well aren’t you radiant, huh… But, well, that’s exactly what makes a challenge worth taking ♪

It’s getting to be about the time NiceP mentioned. Why don’t we pick this back up at the live, ‘kay?

Well then, we’ll be off then… ♪

Hey you two, wait for me~!

— HiMERU will also be taking his leave.

Ah, hold on a sec. HiMERU-san!

? What do you want?

Nyahaha. Well, you and I fought side-by-side together for Dynamic Diamond~ 13

But this time we’ll be opponents. I just wanted to address you properly as such~

Nn. Hasumi-san got rejected, but you’ll shake my hand won’t you?

…

No, HiMERU shall pass on that. Our leader has already refused, after all.

Still a kill-joy, huh~? Keep that up and people are gonna get sick of you, don’tcha think?

HiMERU didn’t ask for your input.

Nyahaha. I got rejected too~

Well, I think that kinda warped side to ‘em is about on brand for them.

That’s one way to put it. Though I imagine Amagi-senpai was trying to provoke us to make it easier for us to fight him, just in his own way.

Naturally, he’s probably hoping to set the pace and get us to follow their lead.

The declaration you just made was completely gallant, Hasumi-dono.

If your hand has nowhere to go, I shall shake it instead ♪

Hey, no fair! Souma-san. If you’re gonna do that, then you should shake my hand too~

What’s shaking hands with your own unit members supposed to do…?

Haha. … Well, if we’re feeling good about things, let’s all go see NiceP then.

Abroad and Memory 4

We’ve arrived, so this is America…!14

Hmm. The buildings and the trees along the roads are clearly different from the ones in Japan.

It feels like I’m breathing in a different kind of air in a way. No, I could strangely say there’s some kind of… flavor to it.

The English on the billboards, and the people coming and going– it really does feel like we’ve arrived in a foreign country…!

I dunno how to put it… it reminds me of the time we went to Okinawa.

Seems like the American sights are just as thrilling to you, Hasumi.

I’ve said it before. Anywhere overseas is a place I’ve dreamed of going to. The sights, the sounds, the experiences. All of it is fresh and exhilarating to the senses.

If anything, why are you so relaxed about it?

… Wait. Could it be that you’re feeling motion sick?

Nah, thanks to the fact we came by the MEGASPHERE this time, I didn’t really get that sick.

We did have to take boats and stuff between the time the MEGASPHERE docked to arrivin’ here, but it didn’t really last all that long.

Thanks to that, I’m not as miserable as I usually am on trips. I feel strangely refreshed.

Overseas work might not be such a bad if I could take the MEGASPHERE every time ♪

That’s great to hear.

Well, if you asked me about whether or not they could shuttle the MEGASPHERE around just for you, I’m not sure about that, but…

Still. It’s great that we’re in the position to consult with NiceP about it.

Come to think of it, where’d Kanzaki and Taki go?

“Wanda Donatsu,” and “Rakki Ma-ketto”. And that is “Bu-ruuz Baa-gazu,” right?15

How was that, Ibuki? Behold, the fruits of my practice…!

Mm~n. … Well, I guess I can give you a passing grade~

I was the one who practiced with you, so I kinda wish you were a little more fluent, though.

But I guess you came aaall the way to my hometown, so~ just for today, I won’t be harsh with my feedback~!

Mnm. I’m a little bothered by the way you put that, but… Well, I suppose it’s fine.

Regardless, I am happy we’ve been able to come to America as AKATSUKI…♪

It’s rare to see you of all people gettin’ so pumped, Kanzaki.

This isn’t even your first time overseas either, is it?16 Did you want to go to America that badly?

Nay, it is not that I wanted to go to America in particular.

But as Ibuki and I interacted more, I found myself growing curious.

What kind of land or environment could raise someone who is the embodiment of a free spirit…?

I could conjure my own notions of "Amerika" hearing Ibuki talk about it, but I could never grasp its true essence.

It excites me a little to think I can finally understand it myself.

Nyahaha. I’m happy too, y’know, that you’re takin’ this so seriously~♪ Hey, wanna hug?

No hugs. And anyways, it is true this isn’t my first time going abroad, but…

This is the first time I have been able to embark overseas with Hasumi-dono and Kiryu-dono. Naturally, it puts a spring in my step

Huh~? Something tells me that’s the real reason you’re so happy~?

Well, isn’t it fine? To be honest, I’m hyped for my first trip to the states too.

I know Hasumi did research beforehand, and Kanzaki’s been studyin’ up on his English, but still.

As far as this country’s concerned, you’re the one who knows it best. I’m countin’ on ya, Taki.

Nyahaha~ Guess it can’t be helped, huh~? I’ll be your guys’ number one tour guide, then~♪

Mhm. I’d say I have no shortage of anxiety, especially regarding the language barrier.

It’s not that my English grades are particularly bad, but I don’t know if what I’ve learned in the classroom will be of any use.

I prepared things like a Japanese-to-English dictionary and a translation app just in case, but…

There is nothing to fear. I have geared my studies lately all towards “ri-su-nin-gu” .

If something happens that you cannot handle, please rely on me by all means necessary, Hasumi-dono ♪

You sure are reliable. I’m not proud of it, but I can’t say my English is any good…

Heheh, it is my life’s pleasure to be able to be of service to you both…♪ Please rely on me as much as you li—

(Hm? Who are these people? It looks like they are trying to start a conversation with us…)

(Whispering) … Do you know these people?

(Whispering) Nah, I don’t think so. They just approached us with an “Excuse me.” I get the feeling they wanna ask us somethin’ by the looks of it…

(Whispering) We do not live in "Amerika", so I think they found the wrong people to ask…

Hm~? It looks like they’re interested in Souma-san’s sword, maybe~?

Is that right? Now that you say that, I do think I heard them say “Japanee-zu swoo-do.”

What should we do? They seem a little perplexed too…?

Never fear! If I can just understand what they’re saying, I will be able to reply to them seamlessly.

Ahem… “Disu izu mai swoo-do!”

… Wait, I think they know that already?

Umm…? … “rea-ru” … “inta-resu-te-do,” “ai uwan-to”…?

“Want”? They’re saying they want Kanzaki’s sword?

You can’t have that…! This beloved blade of mine has been handed down in my family from generation to generation, so to do something like hand it over…!

Aaalright, I can’t watch this anymore~…

Here— Sorry~ This right here is really important to him, so he can’t hand it over~

Heh. You have an interest in Japanese culture, so you couldn't help but try approaching us, huh~?

Don’t worry about it~ If anything, we’re happy we get to meet someone who loves Japan~♪

… That Taki sure is amazing. Speakin’ English so cleanly like that…

Kh, I could’ve spoken like that too if I had kept a level head…!

— You’re welcome ♪

Sorry~ Got a little carried away in the conversation…

No, if anything, it was a lifesaver.

As I thought, having you here with us is reassuring, given you grew up in America.

I wasn’t mistaken in choosing to pick America as our battlefield, hm?

Nyahaha, it’s not that praise-worthy, y’know~? All I did was have a little chat~?

Gngh… Hasumi-dono! Please, give me another chance to redeem myself…!

Don’t rush it, Kanzaki. Whether it’s English or somethin’ else, you don’t gotta learn it all at once.

More importantly, it’s about time for lunch. Who’s up for it?

I heard American food’s got a real heartiness to it, so I’m kinda excited to try some… ♪

If that’s the case, I know a great place~! Right this way, please~♪

Abroad and Memory 5

An hour later

… Hrp.

I’d heard about it, but… the portion sizes truly were as huge as they say.

Yeah, even I couldn’t believe my eyes.

I’m pretty sure I asked for a small, but the food they brought out was practically a large.

If I’d ordered a large all whatever, I wouldn’t’ve been able to chow it all down, that’s for sure.

Well, the portions may have been a bit of a shock, but the food was absolutely exquisite.

The flavors are far more bold compared to any “han-baa-gaa” you could find in Japan.

I agree. I was shocked I was able to eat so much without getting sick of it too.

The restaurant had a great atmosphere too, so I have to thank you for introducing it to us, Taki.

Nyahaha. Don’t worry about it~

I’m just happy it suited your guys’ tastes~ I used to go to that restaurant all the time, you know~♪

Now that you mention it, you did seem to chat it up with the manager.

I attempted my “ri-su-ningu,” and it seemed you were reminiscing on old times together, but…

I feel like I heard some dangerous words littered here and there, and it made me a little uneasy.

Dangerous…? Ahh, we were sorta reminiscing about what led up to me being a regular there.

I was having lunch there on a day just like today when some asshole customer started harassing a new employee.

The manager came over, and it looked like things were gonna spiral into something bigger.

So I drove that customer right out of the restaurant~ I sent him off with a little bit of pain to-go~♪

And that was a happy conversation for you both…?

Well, it’s somethin’ you’d expect from Taki, though. Or I guess I could say, I can easily imagine him doin’ just that.

Well, even if it was to protect an employee, you shouldn’t do something so dangerous.

No matter how much you pride yourself on your strength, getting hurt is nothing to laugh about.

Disputes like that weren’t unusual back when I lived here, though~

But I’m real careful now, ‘kay~?

These days, you’ll just become a victim of slander if you resort to violence, right~?

I know that image is important business for an idol too~ It’d be one thing if it were just me, but I can’t inconvenience AKATSUKI.

Hmm. Well, if you understand, then… good, but…

Still, you need to change the way you think that it’d be okay as long as it only affects you. I don’t think anyone would be able to remain unfazed by unsavory remarks about them.

Indeed. Besides, wielding strength is not necessarily a bad thing.

What matters is being deliberate about when and where you should use that strength. … Just like back when we fought alongside together.17

Let me just say this, I’m not overlooking what you all did back then, hear me?

And this goes for you guys too, Kiryu, Kanzaki. You guys are all a little too quick to pick a fight.

How many times have I told you lot that violence should not be used as a means to resolve conflict.

Ah~... We get it, Danna. We don’t need a lecture, we’re in America.

Anyways, now that we’ve fueled up for the day, let’s think about where we should go from here.

Oh yeah~ According to our plans… We’re supposed to go to a practice room in America for rehearsal, right?

We still have a few days until the live, so I think we should tighten up our performance’s precision~

Mhm. Particularly, the song we were given beforehand, “Shi-ba-ru”... "CIVIL WAR".18 I would like to work out the finer details of it a little more.

The song won’t be performed until the final day, so we still have time, but…

I do not feel very confident in my singing for this song. … Especially the “rappu” part.

We have been singing songs in this direction since Ibuki has joined us, so… I feel that I am not bringing my worst, at least, but…

Well, I’d say this one has a different flavor than the songs we’ve been singin’ as AKATSUKI ‘til now.

Or should I say, the heat and passion AKATSUKI puts in its songs is different from this one. This one is a pretty “aggressive” kinda song.

In that sense, CIVIL WAR has more of a Crazy:B-ish vibe, doesn’t it?

Now that you mention it, I guess so~ Personally, I’m really familiar with this style of music, though.

I used to dance to these sorts of arrangements all the time~ How nostalgic~♪

I guess you could call it confrontational~? That kinda impression comes from the drill music19 vibe, the way it uses that distinctive deep bass.

Hmm… For me, I wouldn’t say the song feels particularly unfamiliar to me.

(... Is it because I was a member of DEADMANZ20 that I can accept it so easily?)

Anyways, CIVIL WAR will serve as the finale for the last of the live showdowns.

Depending on how perfect we can make that final stage, there is a possibility the votes could change the tides, no matter how flawlessly we perform the lives before us.

This is the kind of music Crazy:B prides itself on, which is exactly why we need to go above and beyond their level of performance.

Hm. If we could, it would be nice to learn more about the feelings that are put into this song, but…

Even if you asked me to explain the feeling, it’s hard for me to describe~? Anything I could tell you in words, I’ve already explained in our rehearsals so far…

Come to think of it, you’ve put arrangements like this in songs you’ve composed, right?

That musicality of yours… Where exactly did you learn your fundamentals?

My fundamentals? I used to play instruments a lot back in Okinawa, and when I was here, I—

Ah… I’ve got a great idea~♪

Hey, Hasumi-san. So you guys can understand this piece of music… why don’t you guys try experiencing the culture of this country?

Later

...

Hey, Hasumi. Don’t stare so much.

Make eye contact with someone and they might think you’re glarin’ and try to start somethin’, even if you don’t mean to.

… Sorry. I wasn’t trying to ogle...

I know. I get that you’re restless.

Even I never woulda thought Taki would take us to a slum.

Abroad and Memory 6

(Chew chew) … (Gulp) This is so dang yummy!

This stuff’s gumbo21, ain’t it? It looks more like a curry than it is a soup, huh…

Its flavor really packs a punch, it really hits the spot… ♪

These coney dogs22 here are delicious too, Kohaku-chan! (Chew chew) … ♪

Ko ko ko. Comin’ to America didn’t dull your appetite one bit, huh, Niki-han?

— And he’s grabbed a bite or two before we even sat down here for a full meal.

Your appetite is horrifying as ever. Just watching you is making HiMERU feel full.

Really? In that case, can I have a bit from your plate, HiMERU-kun?

…You may. HiMERU had hoped for a light meal, but the portions were larger than expected, so he was actually struggling to finish it.

Yaaay~! In that case, I’ll dig in with much gratitude~ ♪

Seriously though, Rinne-han, what a surprise ya knew a place this good.

I was caught real off guard, bein’ brought all the way out here right after we touched down in America.

Hm? Ah, well it’s not like we had much time to wander ‘round the last time we were brought to America, yeah?

I really caused you guys a buncha trouble back then. So, consider this a way of makin’ amends ♪

The hell, hearin’ such goody-two-shoes words comin’ from ya is given’ me goosebumps…

Well, I was the one who staked out this place beforehand. Though, it was only ‘cuz Rinne-kun asked me to.

Really now? Well, guess that does make sense. I doubt Rinne-han would be able to find a restaurant this quality on his own.

Hey, hey what’s with the scathin’ words there, Kohaku-cha~n?

All I was doin’ is tryin’a be considerate, givin' ya all time to recharge before our live!

No matter what ya say, it never sounds sincere.

HiMERU couldn’t agree more. Given your track record, there’s just no guarantee that even your virtuous actions will be recognized.

What the, are ya sayin’ you too doubt my good intentions, Merumeru?

— Shall we get right to it, then, Amagi?

? What’s there to get right to?

That’d be the MM, right? We’ve gotta practice for the live showdown, after all.

That NiceP’s makin’ a real huge global event outta this.

If we win ourselves first place, the number of people who know about Crazy:B’s gonna skyrocket.

If ya ask me though, I don’t really care much ‘bout all the wealth and fame that’d come with winnin’, but… Since we’re in this thing anyways, I wanna give it everythin’ we’ve got.

Hehe, How pure-hearted of you, Oukawa… ♪

… Peel those condenscendin’ eyes offa me.

That’s right, our rehearsals leading up to our live are indeed important. Of course, HiMERU would like to proceed with those discussions as well, but…

Before that, HiMERU would like to know why we were brought here. How about it, Amagi?

Hmm? But lil’ ol’ me doesn’t got a clue what you’re askin’ him for?

Hmm. So you intend to bank on nobody noticing, huh?

— Why the way, Amagi. You withdrew a considerable amount of cash prior to us coming to America, didn’t you?

… Right. ‘Cuz ya never know what’ll happen when you’re travelin’ to another country, yeah?

“Better safe than sorry”, ya know how it is. It’s not like there’s anythin’ peculiar about it, is there?

Indeed. You shouldn’t bet there’ll be a currency exchange stop nearby when you need it, after all.

Let’s put that aside. …You seemed rather excited to come to America, weren’t you?

In fact, you were in such high spirits the last couple of days it was quite irritating. Clearly… it must have to do with what you had been looking into as of late, no?

He was lookin’ into somethin’? What’re ya talkin’ ‘bout?

Hey now, Merumeru. Are ya sayin’ you’ve been snoopin’ on me while I was on my phone?

C’mon now, privacy’s a courtesy no matter how close friends ya are. Ain’t ya goin’ a bit too far with that?

You make it sound malicious. As fellow roommates, we simply sometimes catch glimpses on what’s on each other’s phones at times.

Let’s get to the point. Was visiting that what you were so excited for? It’s right nearby—that casino.

Wha, this place has got a casino in it?

…Ahh, but o’ course. So that's why ya brought us all the way over here.

Hmph. We’ll, ya got me. Guess there’s no point in hidin’ it anymore, eh?

Ya figured it out, O’ Great Detective ♪ I dragged ya to this state just fer this specific casino!

… Amagi, the reason all of us have come to America is for the live. Not as a vacation.

Gyahaha! Am I talkin’ to the teacher’s pet or somethin’?

Seriously, are ya expectin' some NPC-ass dialogue outta me? “You were right, Merumeru! Alright, I won't go to the casino!” Somethin’ like that?

… HiMERU is telling you this for your own sake, Amagi.

Whuh?

As demonstrated the time we were last here for filming, you don’t do well in foreign environments, do you?

You would be fine under normal circumstances, but as we are somewhere new, perhaps we should avoid any unexpected trouble.

…In other words, you’re worried ‘bout me?

If you got hurt with the live showdown just around the corner, it would cause us trouble.

Is that you hidin’ your embarrassment? So even you’ve got a cute side, huh, Merumeru ♪

— I don’t plan on changin’ my mind, though! See ya!

Now hold on a sec, Rinne-han!

(… Tch, that guy’s as slippery as a fish!)

I’ve received your feelings for sure, Merumeru! Well, I’ll at least be careful, so don't ya worry!

I’ll be back in no time with a big win, so look forward to my return ♪

Aw man… He managed to get away, huh.

It’ll be fine. HiMERU didn't anticipate Amagi earnestly listening to what HiMERU had to say.

In fact, HiMERU had anticipated this the very moment America was chosen as our stage.

…Besides, despite all he's spouted, he’s probably got other plans up his sleeve, like gathering local intelligence.

At the very least, let us hope that starting tomorrow, he will focus on rehearsals.

Well, I reckon even Rinne-han knows not to skimp on that at least, huh?

It’s not like he was slackin’ off when we’d practice back up at the MEGASPHERE.

That’s right. …HiMERU will leave a message for Amagi so we can reconvene later tonight.

Until then, we can begin rehearsals with just the three of us for today.

...

…

…Do the two of you have a problem?

No, it’s jus’… Without Rinne-han, the things we can practice are a bit limited, ain’t they?

Sooo, can’t we all go off and do our own things for the day?

I’m down for it! It’s just not fair for us to be the ones practicin’ all serious-like while Rinne-kun gets to mess around!

I mean, we have been on top of all our practices and everything, even at the MEGASPHERE. Haven’t we earned the right to take it easy and enjoy some sightseein’ for the day now that we’re in America?

…

Pleeease, HiMERU-kun! We’ll all go back to practicin’ like normal startin’ tomorrow! Today, I just really wanna go souvenir-shopping!

C’mon! And it’s gotta be reaaal important t’get to know America too, given our live showdown’s takin’ place here… Right?

… (Sigh) HiMERU has no other choice, does he.

In exchange… Starting tomorrow, we are all immersing ourselves in practice. No whining, no nothing.

Yaaay! I’m so glad I searched up the best souvenir shops this state’s got!

I wonder if there’s any famous tourist spots ‘round here? Lemme do a quick search… ♪

…

(Well, no substantial trouble should crop out of going for a stroll.)

(… Whatever the case, the place “I”23 used to know should have ceased to exist long ago. Such worries surely have no basis.)

(That being said… The others absolutely can not find out about it.)

(The world I once lived in… The one from when I clung to life beneath that detestable man.)

…

… HiMERU-kun? Is something wrong?

— No, nothing at all.

Translation Notes

↑ This story tackles English dialogue in several ways. Sometimes, words and phrases are written in actual English, but most of the time (for ease of reading), dialogue where characters are speaking English at length is actually written in Japanese and put in quotes (『』) ; this can get really confusing, especially once other characters start doing it. For this translation, I've denoted the "technically-speaking English" Japanese lines in bolded purple. When you see purple lines, assume it's the character speaking fluent or fluent-passing English.
↑ Ossan (おっさん; old man/uncle) is casual slang for Oji-san.
↑ This is Ibuki's catchphrase.
↑ A lot of their converstaion is Ibuki repeating back what's said to him, but there are some lines I feel flow better directly quoted. Ossan's lines will be in grey.
↑ After the timeskip, Ibuki starts calling Ossan "Mossan" (モっさん). It's not very clear why; Mossan's real name may start with a mo- sound, or it may stand for for モブ + おっさん (NPC Ossan). It's interesting to note that this is where his nickname for Nice comes from, as Ibuki explains in KAGETSU (ナイス Nice + おっさん Ossan = ナッさん).
↑ Kuro often refers to Keito as 旦那 (danna, lit. master ), or "boss". He'll also use Hasumi-no-danna.
↑ Furoshiki (風呂敷; wrapping cloth) is a large piece of cloth that is used to wrap or transport goods.
↑ The joke in this section is that Keito looks like a burglar; furoshiki came to be associated with burglars, because when burglars would enter a home, they would just take the family's furoshiki to carry off the goods. The arabesque pattern in particular (唐草模様; karakusa) was the most common pattern used at the time, so now it is considered ubiquotous to burglary. As Ibuki will say, Keito carrying his luggage on his back with furoshiki that has that green arabesque pattern makes him look like a cartoonish cariacture of a burglar.
↑ Apparently, the United States actually does have laws about open-carry regarding katanas.
↑ Crazy:B goes to America in their climax story NUMBER EIGHT.
↑ In Sailing Ceremony, Rinne faces off against Keito, who was selected as the Six Selected of Song.
↑ Keito says this during their interaction in Sailing Ceremony.
↑ Ibuki and HiMERU are both part of the NEO-Six Selected in Dynamic Diamond, chosen to go up against MELLOW DEAR US.
↑ This is a callback to Keito's line in Submarine, when AKATSUKI first steps foot on Okinawa for the SS Preliminary Match.
↑ These are probably "Wonder Donuts", "Lucky Market", and "Blues Burgers". In Japanese, words from other languages (such as English) are typically rendered in katakana. However, when Souma uses katakana words, they are all written in hiragana instead, likely to emphasize how he struggles with foreign words. These words are kept as written in hiragana, and put in "quotes". As we'll see in the story, he is improving!
↑ In the AKATSUKI climax story Heaven and Earth, Souma goes overseas to Italy with his sage, Nobunaga.
↑ Ibuki, Souma and Kuro fight alongside each other in The Legend of KAGETSU, when Ibuki goes to retrieve a stolen deed from a group of rogues.
↑ Souma starts out with the hiragana pronunciation, before correcting himself and saying it in clear English.
↑ Drill music, or drill rap, is a subgenre of gangsta rap that originated from Chicago’s south-side. Musically, drill is characterized by 808-bass beats, snare with hi-hat, and a more synthesized instrumental sound. Thematically, while gangsta rap more broadly covers general gang lifestyle and culture, drill rap's combative lyrics focus more specifically on disses, opps and violence against them.
↑ DEADMANZ was a temporary unit put together by Keito in Crossroad, made up of Keito, Rei, Koga and Kuro. Its theme was rebellion and rock and roll.
↑ A seasoned stew that combines several varieties of meat and seafood with a sauce or gravy, originating in Louisiana and becoming popular throughout the United States Gulf Coast region.
↑ A hot dog characterized by a savory meat sauce topping, popularized by Coney Island and a popular American dish throughout the United States. It's particularly popular in the eastern United States.
↑ HiMERU typically refers to himself in third-person. Here, and in other places, he uses the first-person pronoun 俺 (ore) to refer to himself, rather than the persona of HiMERU he portrays.