Vol. 5 Ch. 2 Ep. 10: Incomplete Memory

Ugh... That Nagusa...

Nagusa? HER? That girl got me two times?

This is all Sensei's fault. No...it's Ayame's! What was she doing?

Ughhhh...

This is so annoying!

But didn't Miss Kokuriko take Ayame to the Spirit Realm...?

Maybe it's an imposter? A platinum blonde ghost?

...Whatever it is, it's a trick. I know tricks...

My plan was so perfect otherwise!

You're quite sassy.

Ugh...Ayame...?

Huh? Have we met?

Oh, it's so good to meet you. How are you?

I didn't know I had fans this far north! My, my.

Who are you calling a fan?!

I'll get back that tome, and a fake president like you, who couldn't even use the Hundred Lotus will be...

...Aren't you so interesting?

Ugh... Damn it! Someone, stop her.

President Ayame, please clarify your intentions.

Surely you didn't call us here to hear you talk to a child?

Of course. There's just one thing I wanted to check...

Let's see...

Found it.

An umbrella, formerly possessed by the Artifact Spirits...?

Yes. It's mostly broken, but at least it's kept its shape.

Now, Renge. What does this look like?

Uh...a busted umbrella. Obviously.

Sure. It's old and tattered, but otherwise an ordinary umbrella.

Nevertheless, how did Nature's Beauty make it attack us?

How did they make this ordinary umbrella into...a monster?

Hmph, what a stupid question.

Our tomes are infinite. An umbrella monster is so simple...

Wouldn't it be smarter to use a sturdy new umbrella rather than a worn umbrella to make an Artifact Spirit?

Or would you perhaps make them walk on two legs so they're more stable?

O-Oh... Well... That...

I mean, it's obvious, isn't it?!

It's so much scarier to see an umbrella monster approach you on one leg.

You... You think YOU can lecture ME? It's my tome!

While I might not know a lot about tomes, I know a bit about a good ghost story.

Every good story and rumor needs to be shared. That's how they gain power.

Basically, a story needs a common topic that at least two people can relate to.

Say...a specific image that everyone understands, or a universal experience.

...Like the sadness of seeing a dripping, abandoned umbrella left on the ground.

You can't fear what you can't comprehend. Am I right?

...

When I was about to give up the search for Kuzunoha, I heard a rumor floating around the district.

They spoke of a monster that changed its form depending on who looked at it.

I could have considered it a mere rumor... But I thought that if this monster were real, and Nature's Beauty were also real, then maybe Kuzunoha, who defeated them back in the day, is real, too.

Since then, I've been staying in town to investigate the story.

...Ayame.

You are telling us that you abandoned your post without so much as a phone call or a text, so that you could hole up here and investigate Nature's Beauty?

...Yes. I realize that I could have called and saved you all so much trouble.

Well, uh... That sort of sounds like something you would do.

Remember that time you went looking for that merchant's missing cat and were gone for two days?

You've always had...tunnel vision, Ayame. You get so focused.

A will stronger than steel... She possesses the disposition of an ideal leader!

...That's Ayame.

It took time, but we captured this little bard. I'm sure we can convince her to show us Nature's Beauty's base.

Oh, like I'd tell you chumps!

I'd never betray Miss Kokuriko!

Ah, I forgot.

Azami, is there fire left on the hearth? I need hot charcoal.

...Indeed! I can stoke the fire really quickly, but why do you?

You don't mean...?

No way...

...Ayame?

Yeah! I'm in the mood for chicken skewers!

This little girl looks so hungry, and I want to make her something simple.

...Hm? Why are you all looking at me like that?

...No reason. It's not a strange request...

Yes it is! Who eats chicken skewers first thing in the morning?

And did you forget what I said? No matter what, I'm not telling you anything about Nature's Beauty!

You think you can bribe me? Like I'm some stupid child?

...Isn't she a kid?

Ah, you're mistaken. I'm not trying to bribe or lure you.

I already have an idea where the Nature's Beauty base is.

You're bluffing!

And there's nothing strange about starting off your day with chicken skewers.

The greasy chicken meat gets a fresh kick from the green onion... It's quite invigorating.

Well said, Ayame.

Now, Shuro, was it? Which piece would you like? Breasts? Or thigh?

...

Or, do you not like salted skewers? I'm not sure we have any sauce...

Shut it! I don't want your nasty green onions! Gross!

Try it. You might like it! Once they wilt a little from the heat, they're actually quite good.

She is correct. The charcoal soaks in the fat, almost frying the onions.

The spiciness and bitterness decrease, while the sweetness and the umami flavors are enhanced... Shuro, you must trust Ayame's skill.

No. Even if it were Miss Kokuriko, I'd never eat any gross green onions!

Wait, what are you doing with that stick? I said I don't want any!

Force-feeding me something I hate... You villains! This is torture!

Everyone. And Sensei... May I have a moment?

I'd like to ask you all something...while they are occupied with chasing that child.

"What's up, Kikyou?"

"You don't want Nagusa to hear?"

Yes. Clearly, it is a shock to see President Ayame here.

And Nagusa...

I intuit that she will not be receptive to what I have to say.

Did you sense something...off...with Ayame? You were so quiet. I suspected that you noticed.

...Ah.

Of course. Perhaps that was too much to ask of you.

To be frank, I feel that THIS President Ayame is acting unlike the girl I remember.

A-Are you saying that this is some sort of imposter?

I am not certain, but I would not rule out the possibility.

But she looks just like her. And it's not like Ayame had a twin.

And from what I saw, she seemed like her usual self. What didn't you like?

Once more, I am not certain...

...But President Ayame seems...too perfect.

Too perfect...?

Oh, honestly! That's just Ayame! She was always on another level.

She'd take on any mission with a smile, never complaining. She was the perfect President, a legend!

I agree that President Ayame seemed quite flawless at first glance.

However, even President Ayame had preferences and flaws.

For example, President Ayame was a picky eater, unlike Nagusa.

She never finished her bowl, and always left a bit of rice. I nagged her about it constantly.

Maybe she was just extra hungry today?

And also, as Renge said, if Ayame was truly so focused and strong-willed...

...Then why didn't she personally investigate and stop this shapeshifting monster? It has been here for two weeks, and she waited all this time?

That's... She was playing the long game. She said she was looking for the Nature's Beauty base.

Must you always be so skeptical?

I understand that I may be overreacting.

But I do care about our safety, so I wanted to hear your opinions.

Well, I realize that I'm not in the Hyakkaryouran...

But I find it difficult to trust President Ayame completely, given that she appeared so suddenly.

Ebisu truly is not a busy town. If she's been here for months, then why haven't I seen her? No one's mentioned seeing some sunny girl in a blue haori.

Most importantly, we know that the shapeshifting monster can take on a person's form.

True, but it is also supposed to take the shape of a person's greatest fear. But nothing about this Ayame is scary.

And this Ayame saved Nagusa! Clearly, she's on our side.

Even if this is all a clever trap by Nature's Beauty...we still have to see this play out! I'm not scared!

...Once more, your relentless passion blinds you to obvious traps.

Well, what do you want to do, Kikyou? Besides ruin the mood?

Please...cease the fighting.

This Ayame did seem quite perfect, as bright and sunny as her reputation.

But Kikyou brings up valid concerns.

It's hard to pinpoint exactly... While I agree that she is bright and happy, she lacks a certain warmth. She reminds me of...an electric candle.

I confess that I, Yukari, find it difficult to offer her my full trust.

...But Nagusa seems so happy! She smiled...

She has been so forlorn over these past few days. There has been a muted loneliness to her, even as she stands by our sides.

But...this Nagusa seems so happy and relieved.

Even if we don't fully trust Ayame...

...I can't bear to see her be sad again!

Well... Of course I don't want her to be sad...

To me...?

Let's see. The President Ayame I knew, was exemplary for sure, but...human.

She was extremely talented and possessed a wide breadth of skills. She was kind to everyone, so almost everyone liked her.

But even SHE had her limits.

Yes. But I did not feel this same uncertainty back then, and certainly not this unease.

...So, do you see why I find it difficult to trust her? Do you trust her?

"I'm sorry, but I can't answer that."

...Why?

"I don't know her well enough to say."

Sensei, the question was clear. I asked if you trust President Ayame.

...There's not enough time.

I knew her for so long. Was that not long enough for me to...truly understand her?

...Very well. I shall delay my judgment.

But I hold my suspicions. As an officer of the Hyakkaryouran, I refuse to be ambushed by danger.

That sounds like you. At least we know Kikyou isn't an imposter!

Now THAT is reassuring!

And still...

...I saw that shameless smile. Acting like all is well, even after you devastated Nagusa...

...I'm not ready to forgive.