To Walk Proudly

*sigh* It's morning already?

You been lookin' glum all morning, my boy. Your uncle's worryin' about ya, Papa.

Are you supposed to be a kid or an old man? Honestly, make up your mind already! Man, just once, I'd like some peace and quiet in the morning.

Hey, I'm just tryna cheer up my beloved Yakumo.

C'mon, was that lovely li'l smile you gave me before all just for show?

Oh, please shut up!

Just 'cause I smiled once, you think I gotta keep a smile plastered on my face forever?

And how am I supposed to smile when I'm this snowed under with work? I'm totally shattered.

That so? But I thought your boss man had gone for good.

Yeah, but there's a new branch chief in town. The one who tried to frame us, remember?

Well, he may've stopped with the foul play, but he just keeps pushing more work on me instead. Tryna sweet talk me into it, saying how he expects great things of me as a manager or whatever.

Huh. Don't really get what you're rantin' on about, but it sounds like harassment to me.

Wanna go give him a piece of your mind? You and me, let's go beat the livin' daylights outta him!

I told you before, it doesn't matter how powerful we are. If I lose my job, we can't afford to eat.

I still have to work. Ultimately, nothing has changed.

Naww, just look at that long face. Lemme make it all better, 'kay?

You want me to whisper "See ya Kumolater!" in your ear, like your precious Himmel? I bet you'd like that, huh.

Ugh, you're making my skin crawl. Keep talking like that and I really will throw you in the trash.

Tsk. You grouch.

Anyway, I'm going to the office. I don't wanna be late again.

Oh, it's Yakumo!

Aldo? Why're you here? I thought your business in our time layer was over.

It is, but I'm here for you.

I've noticed you've been a bit dispirited on our adventures, so I thought I'd check up on you.

Always the nice guy, huh? You and I are so totally different that I can't even begin to read you.

Look, you really don't need to worry about me. I mean, when have you ever seen me anything BUT dispirited?

You keep sighing like that, and of course I'm going to worry! Now, is there any work I can do to help?

...... Fine. I know from experience there's no point in trying to refuse you.

Come with me. But I dunno if I'll have anything for you.

Great!

My boy, so dishonest!

Yakumo, you're late. I've been waiting.

Branch Chief?! What are you doing here? (I wouldn't have thought he'd want to see me. Not when I know where his bodies are buried.)

Oh, don't be so uptight. I thought I told you, I don't like phone calls; I prefer to talk in person.

I'm here because I have a favor to ask you. As your boss, of course.

That so? I think you're just pilin' on the work to bully poor Yakumo. I'm onto you, buddy. I know all about your little secret, you know!

That's nice. But you appear to have misunderstood. Yakumo here has raised the Dust City division out of the ashes. He's a very promising young man.

I simply wish to offer him a range of experiences to broaden his resume and thus aid in his career advancement.

Yeah, that's a lotta fancy words for little me. I've only just been born, ya know...

If you have the self-awareness to know you're a baby... You have the self-awareness to know when to SHUT UP.

There's a raise in it for you, Yakumo. This is to your own benefit, I assure you.

But you can see how much he's got on his plate already. What exactly is this favor?

Ah, yes. Let's get straight to the point. What I'd like to ask Yakumo to do...

Is to give a certain celebrity a tour of Dust City.

A celebrity?

Yes, a streamer who hides their face. I can't reveal their identity, but I can tell you that they're a very well-known influencer.

My branch requested that they introduce Dust City to their viewers in order to boost its image a little.

Seems like the perfect task for you to handle, don't you think?

That's all well and good, but why can't you reveal their identity?

They stream anonymously and can't reveal their identity to anyone. I hear it's pretty common these days. Now, as for the date...I was thinking three days from now.

Three days from now? But that's supposed to be a day off...

Yes, well this isn't an official work activity. It's more like a voluntary assignment.

You're makin' him work for free? Are you kiddin' me?! Even a baby knows that's called takin' advantage!

Like I say, this is a favor, not an order. But, I will of course take note of this selfless act of service.

The adult world is not one dictated by rules alone. So, what do you say?

......

Don't feel like you have to force yourself to accept it, Yakumo. You're under enough pressure as it is.

I accept.

Huh?!

Good, I'm glad you made the right choice. You'll be notified of the details shortly.

Now, as it will be a day off, please dress casually. But don't wear any- thing to embarrass your guest, okay? Well, then. I will be on my way.

Gahhh! Old Man Number Two's no better than the first! Just says what he wants and walks off!

Are you sure about this? Why didn't you object?

Don't you get how difficult it is to talk back to a superior?

It's utterly impossible for someone like me. Doesn't matter how good at my job I am, I just can't do it.

Wargh! Why today of all days?

Hm?

Hey, boss! I'm so glad you're here.

Great, it's Little Miss Nuisance.

It's Cisca, right? The one who made the golden Kumos?

Why does THAT have to be the thing I'm remembered for?!

First Aldo, then Branch Chief, now you? Why am I getting so many visitors today?

Oh, I just came here to vent.

What?

Whatever I say here, I know it won't get repeated to anyone else. Though I did run into the branch chief on my way here. That wasn't exactly great timing.

And why am I the one stuck having to listen to you vent? What makes me so lucky?

Because you need to know about this, too. Look, just hear me out, okay?

......

After I got sent back to the branch office, thanks for that by the way... I got stuck working under that stupid branch chief. And he's just the worst.

He never does any work; he just sits back, twiddling his thumbs. He leaves all the hard jobs to his subordinates!

Yep, I'm experiencing something similar myself.

Since he's great at self-preservation and playing politics, his superiors don't have a problem with him. But he decides our salaries and promotions and stuff, so we can't go against him. It's a nightmare! Honestly, he's starting to make the last branch chief look good in comparison! He may have been mean, but at least he actually worked!

Tsk...

Right... I see...

That's what I've been tryna say! This new boss man's just the worst.

Maybe you should try talking to him and...

And what good would that do? You can't refuse a favor from your boss, not in the adult world.

Ah, so the branch chief talked to you about that thing, huh? See, that's what I wanted to tell you about!

This whole tour around the city thing? Well, he's setting you up to fail.

What?

He still wants to get rid of you, you know. He hasn't given up on that.

So this job with the celeb, right? He's gonna get in your way, make you fail, and then hold you accountable.

So be careful, okay? That's what I came here to say.

Huh. So there WAS a point to that rant after all. But let's be real, you DID come here to complain.

Hey, it's good to complain. Better to let off steam than explode.

Yeah, I think I know a thing or two about that...

But thanks for the heads-up. Not that I can do anything about it. I can't go up against his authority.

So I'm gonna get kicked out again? Just when I thought I was safe here.

Yakumo... I want to help, but office politics really isn't my strong su...

Ah. Wait a minute...

Oh? Looks like Detective Aldo here's havin' a light bulb moment! Share with us your pearls of wisdom, wise one!

Stop mocking him, you piece of trash.

But Aldo, we can't exactly start a fight with him. So what can you do?

No, you're right. I can't do anything. So let's go talk to somebody who can.

Who do you have in mind?

Fight fire with fire. To take on a branch chief, you need the other branch chief.

Huh?!

That guy, huh?

You've gotta be kidding me.

How can you think it's okay to bring that dirtbag up in front of me? Way to kick a man when he's down.

Look, I get that you have mixed feelings toward him, but right now, I think he can help you.

Don't care. I never want to see him again.

Honestly, can nothing EVER go my way? Is this really what it all comes down to?

Three days left... I'll think about what I can do. You do whatever you like.

...And now he's gone.

Hey, Aldie.

Kumos... Shouldn't you have gone with Yakumo?

Heh, we're not joined at the hip, you know. I'm free to roam without Papa escortin' me.

Besides, I'm way more interested in this idea of yours. Is there a way to visit the previous branch chief?

He went back to the Elzion of my time layer, right? So I'd just look for him there. It's not complicated.

Then let's go. Just you and me.

Without Yakumo? I mean, I know he hated the idea. If we went behind his back and...

You know what? Let's just do it! If there's a chance it will help, who cares if it makes Yakumo angry?

Yeah, let's do this! Let's go pay a visit to Old Man Number One!

Or should I say...another Yakumo.

Whoa, would ya look at this place? This is Elzion? It's really puttin' Dust City to shame, huh.

But it's too clean for my tastes. And kinda boring. Doubt I can get my cute lil' hands on any Drinko either.

No, and all the better.

Anyway, we didn't come here to sightsee. We have to find the branch chief.

Yakumo said when he sent him back to this time layer, he sent him to Elzion.

Ah! I think that's him!

Then let's go catch him!

What in the, I certainly never thought I'd be seeing you again. What are you doing here? Oh wait, you're from this time layer, aren't you?

Looks like you've been leading a normal life here.

Oh, I wouldn't say normal. I am from 30 years in the past, after all. But...I'm a survivor. And I'm doing much better than I was under the Dust Lovers.

Still, I'm surprised you'd make a request of me...and to help that dirtbag, no less.

*snort* That's exactly what he said! You're like father and son!

Father and son? They're the same exact person, Kumos!

I know he's the last person in the world you'd want to help, but I have faith that you'll come around.

You owe him, remember? He's the one who sent you back to your own time layer. And as far as the Yakumo I know goes... You're the kind of person who doesn't forget what he owes others.

......

I'm only going to say this once, so listen carefully.

Okay.

I know the new branch chief. He's shrewd, but he falls short on a practical level.

He puts on a friendly act, but this means he contradicts himself, and his employees suffer as a result.

If I were you, I'd approach this department and...

This is incredible! Armed with this information, we can't lose!

Looks like I got you wrong, Old Man. You've gone from annoyin' to awesome in a single conversation.

Come to think of it, Cisca did say that you were good at your job...

I'm not awesome. I'm a failure who lost everything. I'm just some guy who kept pushing forward and accidentally found himself the branch chief.

I'm no man to emulate. But...well. I suppose it's not easy to be the branch chief. Maybe I should accept the praise when it comes. I...Yakumo, he had such power.

Hey, wait a minute! We still haven't thanked...

Just leave him, Aldie. Trust ol' Kumos on this. It's what he wants.

He's just shy, you see. And I mean, of course he is; he's Yakumo!

Anyway, we should prolly head back before our Yakumo starts gettin' all lonely and sobbin' in a corner.

I doubt he's crying right now...but I do see your point.

Let's go back and get ready. All that's left now is to do this celebrity tour!

Let's gooo!

Today's the big day! And it's almost time to meet up. Yakumo and Kumos will be coming along together, but where are they?

Sorry, I know I'm cutting it close!

Ah, Yakumo...

Hey! I forgot you said you were gonna wear something different today. Lookin' good there, man!

Pfft. I hate this.

Man, Yakumo was bein' such a baby about havin' to change clothes, it was too funny! I thought he'd never get it over with! And ya call me a baby?

Ugh, what am I gonna do?

Oh, quit worryin'. Aldo and me, we got you.

You don't appreciate all the work we do for you? Then maybe I don't wanna hang out with you anymore! Maybe I'll run away! How'd ya like that?

I'm grateful, I am. But that's not the problem.

Then what is?

Right now, the biggest problem...

Is I don't have anything to wear!

That miserable slimeball. Dress casual? Don't embarrass our guest? What kind of stupid demand is that?

Gyahahahaha! You can be so pathetic, you know! It's an outfit, not the end of the world! Don't you have anything other than work clothes? Like old, baggy T-shirts or somethin'?

I'm meeting a client, Kumos. I can't go around dressed all scruffy.

Oh, you wanna look all cool for your celebrity client, do ya? You wanna dress like a style icon for them?

Well, you only got one thing like ‏that. I found it while I was rummaging in your closet.

What? How did you...

I... No, I can't...

And what's wrong with it? It's givin' me real rugged, manly vibes, and I'm absolutely diggin' it.

Look, I bought that when I was young and stupid. I thought if I looked cool, it'd make me stronger somehow. But I remained weak little me. I was too much of a coward to even wear it outside.

That so, huh? Then wear it tomorrow, and be the cool guy you always dreamed of.

Tsk.

Anyways, you ain't weak anymore. You're the guy who laid your whole office to waste, remember?

......

So that's how you chose this outfit? Well, you don't need to worry. You do look pretty cool.

Are those...glasses you got there? You're not gonna wear 'em on your face?

I mean. I can if I want to. It's not like I wasn't gonna or nothin'.

......

(Ugh. It feels so weird wearing this stuff. Never mind walking around outside in it...)

...You know what, this was a bad idea. I'm changing.

Really? That's a shame.

...And I can't help but notice that you've changed color too, Kumos. Did you want to match with Yakumo?

Hey, Papa's not the only one who gets to play dress up!

Last time I had to sew anything, I was still in school.

Whatever, let's finish up our work. I wonder where our guest is.

Sorry I'm late!

Ciel?!

Another friend of yours, Aldo?

That you, Aldo? What a coincidence!

But listen, I'm in incognito mode today. So don't go blurting out my true identity, okay?

Right, got it.

Hey, you must be my tour guide. I'm the streamer. You can call me...Ciel.

Hey, you must be my tour guide. I'm the streamer. You can call me...Ciel.

So what do we have here, a stressed out dude and his stuffed animal and a medieval cosplayer? Okay, then.

(This kid sure seems pretty arrogant for the first time meeting someone.)

Nice to meet you.

Oh, quit bein' so uptight, Yakumo! Lighten up a bit!

I thought you loved that streaming crap! What's the one you're into again? The one that's all "See ya Himmelater"?

Hey! You absolute...

Huh...

Well, it's a relief to hear that we have similar tastes. So, you ready to start this tour?

Um, yeah. I guess.

Your signature dish is off the menu? Again?

It ain't like I'm doin' it for fun! Those dirtbags keep blocking my supply shipments!

Oh? It's a shame I won't get to try the Dust City specialty.

You've done well.

Yeah, well I'm a man of my word. You'd be wise to remember that. Now, about the funds for me to launch Dust Lovers 2.0... I know Boss said we'd disband, but things can't stay like this forever.

I know.

Now, this place is famous for its rich flavors that pack a punch.

Shame about the udon place, but at least this restaurant seems to be fine.

The branch chief is clearly trying to meddle with this tour, but maybe everything will work out.

It'll all be fine, I'm tellin' ya! This is Old Man Yakumo's plan, after all.

Okay, I imagine they'll be hitting the weapon shop next. Go threaten the owner, now.

I'm on it!

Is the branch chief really coming here?

Wait? Is that voice...

Positive. And what's more, he's spent a huge chunk of our budget getting some celebrity to visit.

What? But he still hasn't allocated the additional budget to the product development department!

We'll have to speak to him about this in person. He'll just smooth-talk his way out on the phone.

(What are they doing here? It's supposed to be their day off!) (I can't let them see me with these gangsters!)

According to residents, the branch chief is definitely around here somewhere.

W-We wanted to ask you about the big project you said you'd leave to the public relations department.

What is going on?! Where are they all coming from?

Yeah, that's s'posed to be my line. We can't work under these conditions. You gotta fix this.

There's only one thing to do. Get your weapons out and scare 'em away! Even if it draws attention to us.

Aaand that was Main Street.

What a unique city. I didn't know what to make of it at first, but it's super interesting.

And then there's you! You look all cool, yet act so sheepish. In a way, it sorta makes you stand out more...

Hey, you shut your, I mean. This is just the way I am...

Wargh?!

What was that?

Hey, ain't that the Dust Lovers' robot thingy?

He's attacking staff now? This is a new low, even for that scumbag.

Yakumo!

Find yourself somewhere to hide. There's something fishy about all of this.

I can't believe he'd go this far! We need to find him right now and stop him before it's too late!

That won't be necessary.

Hanging out with gangsters, Branch Chief? You shouldn't have let me see that.

Pah. You had dirt on me anyway. This changes nothing. Besides...

Those employees are here at your instigation, aren't they? You leave me no choice but to eliminate you.

Resorting to violence, huh? You sure that's wise? After all, violence is my specialty.

There is no other way for me now.

I belong at the top. I can't let myself be intimidated by a worthless subordinate like you.

Tsk. How very upstanding of you, oh champion of the adult world. Lemme tell you something. This world is full of things I hate... But d'you know what I hate most of all? Arrogant scumbags like you!

Grr! We're not giving up yet, right?

Course not!

C'mon, don't be a sore loser. You gotta know when to give up, man.

Are we being trash talked by a puppet?

Now, allow me to explain.

We captured the whole attack on video.

This is proof of your transgressions. I guess the budget increase you promised us was a lie, too.

Huh? What about the money you promised us?

I don't really know what's going on here, but you do still owe me my appearance fee, you know.

So you're teaming up on me.

Why can't you just keep your mouths shut and do your work. Is that so much to ask?!

Does it matter? 'Cause I'm not gonna shrink back anymore. When you asked me to do this tour, you manipulated me. You lied to me, promising me a raise and whatever.

You look down on other people. You don't see them as equals. Who could trust that kinda person?

And this time, it's not just me. Everyone here's gonna put the shackles on you. Try and resist...and you know what happens, right?

Ngh!

Whew! Done and dusted: Dust City edition! I think that went pretty well, don't you?

That was a great speech, Yakumo. I'm not surprised your coworkers couldn't stop praising you.

Quit it. It was just all whipped up in the heat of the moment, that's all.

Well, it looked pretty cool to me. Maybe you've gained a little more confidence now?

You think one event will suddenly alter my entire personality? 'Fraid it doesn't work that way. Anyway, I'm exhausted. I'm going home.

Wish I got some o' that praise. My boy's always stealin' my spotlight...

*sigh* It's just one problem after another. I can't do this.

Auntie Kumos is so proud to see how mature you've gotten, li'l Yakumo.

Great, you're my auntie now?

Actually, on the subject of you... I've been wondering something.

Yeah? What's that?

It's just, you never transformed into your other form during the fight. And I've never known you do that before.

And? I don't remember sayin' I could only fight if I transformed.

Erm, that's news to me. Then why do you do it, if you don't have to?

Cause I wanna look cool, obviously! And my edgy, tough-guy look is way more impressive in a fight!

WHAT?!

Just like you in that new look. Makes you feel stronger, right?

Look, I bought that when I was young and stupid. I thought if I looked cool, it'd make me stronger somehow. But I remained weak little me. I was too much of a coward to even wear it outside.

I'm just like you, Papa!

Let's get one thing clear, okay? You and me are NOTHING alike. I was forced into this today.

Well yeah, but... I'm pretty sure you changed a while back.

I mean, you totally snapped today, right?

So what?

You got all riled up by Old Man Number Two lookin' down on you, eh? Well... The way I see it, you wouldn't get angry like that unless you forgave yourself.

Tsk. Well... Maybe so.

Maybe I did get angry 'cause I felt that I deserved better treatment.

My life gets a tiny bit better, and I go and let myself get carried away.

Hey man, don't say that like it's a bad thing. It's good to let yourself get carried away.

Yeah, but if I take it too far, I'll end up like that self-important dirtbag.

And there's no way I'm gonna end up like him. Not on my life.

Though to be honest, I kinda like this feeling. I'm not used to forgiving myself.

I'm gonna take tomorrow off. Even if they complain, I'm gonna do it anyway. So let's go eat some chili udon. I think we've definitely earned it.

Damn straight we have!

It kinda feels like it did that day I sent that scummy branch chief back to his own world. Who knows, maybe I'm just more relaxed 'cause I know I have the day off tomorrow.

I wish there were more days like this, days when I'm able to feel this way...

I'm actually looking forward to tomorrow.