Maki's dates

Good day, Leader. As this is our first date, I took the liberty of choosing to meet here. I hope it's to your liking.

(Under this cherry tree, with such a romantic atmosphere, surely I should be able to relax...)

(Wait...! This pink atmosphere seems terribly ambiguous for some reason... Will he misinterpret my intentions...? No, I don't mean anything by it, anyway. I just like cherry blossoms. Yeah, that's all...)

(Phew! He likes it too! This is a good start. Come on, Maki. We need to make the most of this and make the best impression possible!)

(Wait...! What kind of impression do I want to give him? Does he want a serious and reliable young woman, or a carefree, happy-go-lucky girl? Ah... How am I supposed to decide!?)

Well, that's great.

(Made for me? Is he saying I'm like a cherry blossom? Is that even a compliment? Is this what I look like in his eyes...?)

(Or is he saying I look like a boring old flower lady!? No, that can't be it... But maybe we should've met at the mall...)

That so...

(Pull yourself together, Maki! You can't be spouting such simple, distant one-line replies! He'll think I'm hard to get close to! Say something to save this! Hurry...!)

So, I heard you wanted to ask me something. So, what was it?

As you can see, I alone am now shouldering the fate of Tobunkai. I chose you to be my combat partner, as I want to constantly improve my own martial arts skills...

...and, I also want to learn from you how to be a trustworthy leader!

I hope my answer doesn't seem impolite. This is how I feel at this moment.

(Wait...! Wouldn't a normal girl just talk about her interests and hobbies right about now...? Maki! This is a disaster!!!)

Tobunkai...? To be honest, although I wish it were merely an organization that fights for justice, at present... it's hard to say. Now, all I can do is lead those willing to follow me, but what is the right way forward? I just...

All I know is that, if the dream world and real world really collide and chaos takes hold, I must protect those under my protection with my sword in my hand, and courage in my heart.

(This is the honest truth... Is there really anything wrong with speaking from the heart like this?)

Hey... I'd also like to know something about you. Having a private meeting with you like this isn't exactly the easiest thing in the world for me.

(Wait...! What are you talking about!? Don't make him think meeting in private is a big deal to you...!)

(You're putting him on a pedestal... Maki! Clear your head and take control of the situation, you weirdo!)

(...What's with this sudden familiarity? Is he flirting with me...?)

(Should I go along with this...? Wait! Maki, keep your cool, this time, you should say...)

Well, you're no ordinary Leader to have earned the loyalty of so many strong allies, but it is impressive that you've managed to hold onto some semblance of humility.

(Really...!? Does this mean he's planning on dating me?)

(Maki! Don't read into his words too much! Just take things literally and play it cool!)

Well, you can look forward to me finding out more!

(Huh? What does that even mean? Do I sound like I'm full of myself now? Is there even any way I can make a worse impression...? This is hopeless...)

Leader! The truth is... I'm not used to private meetings like this. I always try my best to speak only when necessary, in order to avoid saying the wrong thing and ruining my image.

But! I was actually looking forward to this meeting. Please don't misunderstand my sincerity... because of my awkward words...

(R-really!? Am I actually doing this? It seems cherry blossoms really were the way to go... Thank you, almighty Cherry Blossom God, I will never stop believing in you!)

(Don't let your guard down, Maki! You've got to take this seriously until the very end!)

I like chatting with you, too. It feels so natural.

(Really? Great... He feels the same way, too? I suppose he's not as unapproachable as I had imagined.)

(No, no, no! How can you say such unkind things. It's not fair to call someone unapproachable just because you don't know them well!)

You indeed have a very open heart, Leader.

(Umm, can we move on to the next topic already? Or would that seem a little too forced...?)

(This has been pretty good for a first date so far, and I've learned something about our Leader. Ending it here would be perfect...)

If you have time, would you like to visit Tobunkai? Many of our members have heard of you. Can I introduce you to them?

It's nothing. From the moment I took you on as a partner, I made a choice to trust you unreservedly. I firmly believe that, together, we can change the world!

(That was so formal! Way, way too formal, Maki... Although this is how I truly feel, that kind of serious tone is a real turn-off.)

But... it's really not a big deal.

It's getting late... I hope you had a good time! Let's call it a day!

(Next time! Next time you'll nail it!)

Good day, Leader. So, this the place you chose to meet... The amusement park? Erm... What I mean is... I like it...

(...Did I give myself away!? Did I expose the soft side under this warrior's appearance? No, no, no... This may just be a test...)

(Oh, but I'm so happy! I've wanted to come here for so long...)

Okay.

(He seems to know all about what girls like... but there are so many other cute girls in the team... I'm a little jealous.)

(Wait, Maki! You can't give up! Stay strong!)

I'm looking forward to seeing what you have planned for us!

(Don't look too excited... Just stay positive! Wow... Getting close to people really is something you have to practice to get good at...)

(Getting close...? Cough, cough!)

Do you know this place well? I also wanted to visit, but never got the chance.

(Well, that wasn't really a rude question. Yeah, what else could he have inferred from it? I was just making conversation...)

...Ah. Well, then, thank you in advance for accompanying me today, Leader.

(Why are you always so polite? But what else am I supposed to say in this situation...?)

(Back to the first question... Just forget it, don't think too much! The most important thing is to enjoy this moment!)

I like it.

But why did you want to meet at the amusement park?

I mean, everyone thinks I'm a serious person. Didn't you think I'd be more at home in a dojo or somewhere... less fun?

Does this mean you don't think of me like that?

(How intuitive! It seems that in addition to being a skilled fighter, our Leader is also very talented when it comes to dealing with people...)

Well, I actually do like things ordinary girls like. It sounds ridiculous, but I'm usually too afraid to show it.

I didn't expect you to guess... Perhaps I was a little narrow-minded. I suppose this really is a great opportunity to get to know you properly.

(Wow, I suddenly feel like... his earnestness is majorly attractive! My heart is beating faster!)

It may seem odd to say this, but I really appreciate you taking me to the amusement park.

It may seem ridiculous, but I've always longed to lose myself in the freedom of youth like an ordinary girl and forget all my worries.

But I have had to coat my heart in a layer of armor in order to protect others. Although it is clear that this is my inescapable duty, I occasionally feel a little remorseful.

...Alright! I'll try my best!

(Waah! He's so sweet! He makes me feel... like the vulnerability and naivety in my heart are something precious...)

(Wait! Did he just tell me that he likes me!? Ahhh! No! Calm down, you need to keep your cool!)

(Everything's moving too fast. I'm not ready for this...)

Al...alright! Then, I'll place myself in your hands, Leader... (What! Don't just give your heart away so easily...)

Where are we going next?

(That was a bit of an odd transition, but this topic has gone as far as it can go...)

(Wow, the view from these horses is magnificent. The carousel's ceiling is covered in stars...)

(The horses are constantly chasing each other, but are always so far apart. It makes me feel a little sad, but it's also a blessing to always have something to run toward...)

Leader, when you look at the stars up above, it almost seems as though they could fill your eyes...

(Wow! Can that clown do magic? How did he twist that balloon into the shape of a flower? It's like a bulging cherry blossom!)

(It's almost like cherry blossoms are becoming my mascot... Speaking of which, Leader said last time that cherry blossoms suited me for some reason...)

Leader... Do you like cherry blossoms?

I'll remember this day forever...

Leader, I've never been so glad to be with you.

(That's it, Maki! This is your big chance! Go all in! Say what you want!)

(This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Don't screw it up!)

Leader, are you free today?

(Wow! Alright... So, that's how it is. Fortunately, I prepared for this in advance!)

I got you a gift thank you for taking me out last time.

(Maki, that was perfect!)

(Wait! If I tell him a specific time, will he guess what I'm up to? Never mind! Let's just keep talking first!)

Just after nightfall.

There's a special Tobunkai event being held today. Would you like to attend, if you're free?

(That's it! Keep acting naturally! Perfect!)

So, I'll be waiting for you here after nightfall, okay?

(Wait! Won't it be strange for the two of us to appear at the same time? What will Kasumi and Sachiko think?)

(Cough, cough... I don't have anything to be ashamed of! I'm not afraid of what they think!)

It's not a formal celebration. There'll just be some interesting activities we can take part in.

You're free to bring your other partners, if you want.

If you were to send out invitations to the others, I'm sure they'd be very happy!

I'll leave it to you then, Leader!

(Yes, that's what I really want. I'm not delusional about being alone with him or anything...)

(If there are more people, it'll be more fun, and it'll be a good chance to get to know everyone better!)

The more, the merrier!

We've been so busy recently. This will be a great chance to relax...

But I don't know the others too well... I'm glad you'll be there!

Then it's settled! I'll go ahead and begin the preparations!

Although Tobunkai's popularity has taken a hit in recent years, there will still be a lot of people attending the event!

I hope that the harmonious and fun atmosphere tonight will help everyone remember the noble, peaceful, and warm nature of Tobunkai once more!

That's our wish! My followers and I are all looking forward to it...

When that day comes, the heavenly father will surely be relieved...

Oh, I'm so sorry... I must thank you... for always standing by me.

I believe so too, but before that day comes, please allow me to continue improving myself under your guidance!

It's strange... We haven't known each other long, but you have such confidence in me.

I also hope you can see Tobunkai in the same way!

You'll soon see how wonderful it is!

There's still a lot to do, so I'll go ahead and leave first.

Well, that's that, then. It's a deal!

I'll see you after nightfall, Leader.