Police Station

Commander! Poli! I have a problem!

Okay. Good luck with that.

Wh-what?

Um...

You too, Commander?

All right, I'll think it over...

...

Poli! I've got it!

That was quick.

Yep!

No no, Commander.

Don't humor her, otherwise she'll never drop those bad habits of hers.

Hey! I don't have any bad habits!

...

*Sigh* All right, what is it?

The A.C.P.U.'s duty is to protect Ark citizens, right?

Yes, and?

But we're at the Outpost right now.

Correct again. So?

So who do we protect in the Outpost?

If I were to hazard a guess, I'd say Outpost citizens.

Outpost citizens? Who is that?

Who is that? That's us!

Who else is there besides the Commander and the other Nikkes?

!!

Really? So Nikkes can be citizens of the Outpost?

Sure.

So they were right.

I have to take the complaints here seriously.

Complaints?

From who?

There were several people,

but Anis was the first.

One of the shower heads was broken,

and she wanted me to have Mighty Tools rush over and fix it.

What?! She could fix that by herself! Why would she...

There's more.

A complaint from Absolute.

Members of Matis were over by the generator hollering something about heroes and the like.

They said that Matis better make themselves scarce before she blows up the entire building.

Emma wanted to remind us this is all Eunhwa's opinion,

and not of Absolute as a whole.

Can't they just settle this amongst themselves? Why get us involved?!

There's more.

More?!

It's from Folkwang.

She said the Outpost is sweltering, and that she feels like she's going to die.

She wants air conditioning installed along all the streets.

... Say that again?

She wants A/C installed along the streets.

I don't know about the others, but I feel we should consider this one. Folkwang said she might die!

How can a Nikke die of heatstroke?!

If she thinks it's so hot, tell her to stay inside and turn on the A/C!

What is wrong with these people?! They're driving me up the wall! Do they even know what the police are meant for?! *Grrr*

P-Poli! You need to calm down!

*Grrr..* *GRRRR*

Are you okay?

...

P... Poli?

... Miranda.

Yes?

I take back what I said.

The Commander is the only citizen of the Outpost.

From now on, protect the Commander only!

The Commander's complaints are the only ones that count! You got that?

Understood!

If I receive any complaints, I will inform them they are not Outpost citizens,

and that they must figure it out themselves.

Yes, just like that!

Throw me in the clink already!

No! We can't just lock someone up for no reason!

Come back when you've done something wrong!

Get that through that thick skull of yours and get out. We're busy!

Or would you rather pay a fine for obstructing the law?

Oh, hi Commander.

We're completely swamped right now, and this weirdo keeps saying she wants to go to jail.

*Grrrr*

What are you doing here?

Since you're here, why don't you hear what I have to say?

As you know, my strength is immeasurable.

That means I will soon become the ultimate villain.

Before that, I want to experience what it's like to be imprisoned,

but these idiots keep saying no!

Help me out, will you?

What? You've got some nerve.

The least you can do is hear me out.

My time of becoming the ultimate villain is nigh.

Therefore, I should get a taste of what it's like being imprisoned.

However, these idiots are in the way.

They're petrified at the thought of me becoming a villain!

You've gotta help me!

Sigh... would you PLEASE get out, both of you.

I'm disappointed in you, Commander.

Indulging her in these silly fantasies.

Shame on you, Commander!

Can it! I don't need lip from some mongrel off her leash and a rookie cop!

What?! I'm not a dog! *Grrr*

And I'm no rookie, thank you very much!

You blithering dolts!

I said get out! *Grrrr*

What? Are you saying I need to commit an actual crime?

Commander, what are you saying?!

Hmm. All right, let me hear it.

You do realize we can hear you, don't you?

If I do that, they might miss a really important call!

I can't do that!

You're saying I should bully someone who's defenseless?

You're dumber than I thought!

Why are you two still here?!

Sigh... how should we handle this...

This is a residential area I've been patrolling.

Find this house with the red roof that's marked here.

In the morning and afternoon, ring the doorbell and hide.

We'll apprehend you then and take you to jail.

A bit of ding dong ditch, eh?

Yes, that will be your crime.

Hahaha, this is fun! That's actually not a bad idea.

If the police are ordering me to do something bad, then it's at least worth a shot.

All right! I'll be back soon!

Thank goodness, she's finally out of our hair.

It's fine. An old lady lives there.

and she has to take medication.

Sometimes she forgets to take it, so I've been thinking about setting up some kind of alarm for her. Now we've got one.

Good thinking, Poli!

From now on, I'm locking the doors to the police station.

If Drake ever comes over, do not open the door.

You got it!

Is this the place?

Where you punish the guilty.

Then what are those?

Are those not for imprisoning and torturing criminals?

Yes! I'm here! I wasn't sleeping! Promise!

Are you the owner of these cages?

Owner? What are you talking about?

I mean are you the one responsible for these cages.

Oh no, not at all! I'm only responsible for cleaning the cells.

I see.

These "cells", as you call them, are immaculate.

They are built for the purpose of punishing criminals, yet they go unused.

Is it because there are no criminals in this place, or is this all just a show of force?

Well?

???

All of these unused cells are just for show, is that it?

?????

...

Why are you not using this cell?

We are!

Then why is it so clean?

We're planning on holding a special "detention room experience", so it needs to be cleaned.

Detention room experience? What is that?

Some people have expressed an interest in experiencing what it's like to stay in one of these cells, so we made a special... what's the word...

Program.

Yes! A special program.

Interesting.

I suppose I would find occasionally playing as a prey amusing.

Are there any special procedures to go through?

Nope, you can walk straight in! We'll let you out after an hour.

I'd very much like to try.

All right, just leave your weapons here and head right in.

Surrender my weapons? Is that really necessary?

I'm afraid so. Rules are rules!

And my raven?

It's okay to take pets inside.

Very well then. This should be interesting.

Huh, this cage is cruder than I thought. I'm sure I could bend it with a little effort.

What is that?

Hey, what's that ringing sound coming from the bars?

Don't touch those, they're electrified!

Do you know how high the voltage is?

Touch those, and you'll come out extra crispy. That's all I know.

...

I've changed my mind, let me out.

Uh oh!

Sorry, that's the police siren. I've gotta go!

Sugar and Epinel are street racing. Since I'm traffic police, that's my jurisdiction!

You just sit back and relax. You'll be out in an hour.

What?! Hey, wait!

...

Hey, you.

Can you fetch me my weapon?

What's the problem?

...

You've got to be kidding me.

...

Sweetie, it's you!

I'm sorry to have troubled you.

They let me go with no problem before.

But this time, they said someone had to come bail me out.

The third time, to be exact.

Honestly, what sense does it make to report someone for a "noise disturbance" in the middle of a shopping mall?

They blare the music there way louder than I talk... hey!

Right? It doesn't make any sense.

Thanks for busting me outta here, Babe.

If you hadn't shown up, I'd have been stuck in this hole for the next two days.

The boss would have had my hide.

Just a minor miscommunication. 'Fraid I can't divulge much more than that.

Ugh... I can see all the headlines now...

No,

but I can make an educated guess.

I had considered that, but

if it were me and I wanted to take down the competition, I'd use a different method.

That's what I was thinking.

It's probably someone from the media who works for another channel.

There have been a lot of platforms popping up recently where people can livestream.

There're only so many people in the Ark, so the competition to gain followers is cutthroat.

Some people even try to sabotage other streamers in order to bolster their own following.

I know you'd like to increase your followers too,

but you're not gonna stoop to their level, are you?

Of course not.

Although it would be nice to arrange for whoever did this to have a little "accident",

like say... a wardrobe malfunction.

...

You could always offer your fans a greater window into your private life if they subscribe to a higher tier.

What do you think, Babe?

If you wanted, I'd have a special tier just for you.

You're cute when you're flustered.

I much prefer interacting face-to-face though. Livestreaming doesn't really do it for me.

Too bad...

Really?

Honestly though, livestreaming doesn't really do it for me.

I much prefer interacting face-to-face.

What an idiot I've been...

Me? No, never.

The only thing I like doing with my Lupins,

is shopping together.

And you're my favorite, Sweetie!

What else? We're going shopping, you silly goose!

I can't make too much noise today, so I'll have to go with a more low-key vlog.

Hey, Commander.

You're just in time.

We wanted to clean up the police station today, and I was afraid we would be short of hands.

Yeah, this place is super dusty.

...

...

Soda, reporting for duty!

Master?

Hey there, Soda.

Thanks for taking the time to help us out.

Yep! She's got such a knack for cleaning, I figured I'd ask her to come and help.

All we've got to do is follow her orders.

Huh? What'd you say?

Speak up, I can't hear you.

Leave it to me!

We'll have this place as clean as a whistle!

Where should we start?

First things first, we should open a window to let in some fresh air.

I'm on it!

Wait, let me put all these documents away first!

Would you close that window?!

Oh no! I'm sorry, Poli! I didn't notice the documents lying there.

Oh boy...

I guess I should have made sure everything was okay before issuing any commands. I'm sorry...

It's... it's okay. I should have packed everything up beforehand.

Can you help me pick up the documents?

I know better now!

Whoa!

Whoa! Are you okay?

*Sigh*

Leave the documents to the Commander and I.

Miranda and Soda, you can go clean up somewhere else.

Sorry about that...

Wow, what is this for?

That's a scraper. It's a kind of cleaning tool.

You can use it to get off all kinds of muck on walls and windows.

Like here for example. Look at all this gunk.

All we've got to do is use the scraper to...

...

...

...

The map of the Ark! You practically tore it in half!

I-I'm sorry! I'll stick it back together.

I can just use a feather duster to clean here, right Soda?

Yep! Just brush it gently.

Okay. Gently...

...

...

...

You're supposed to brush off the dust, not smash our photo frames!

Sorry!

... *Sigh*

Miranda.

Soda.

Can you go clean the detention cell windows?

Sure thing!

I'll do my best!

??

??

You two are being detained for the crime of interfering with cleaning affairs.

Your sentence: remain in this cell until the Commander and I are finished with the cleaning.

Commander.

Let's go.

*Whimper* N-not fair!

Poli!

Commander! We were waiting for you!

Allow me to explain, Watson.

This case goes back about 20 minutes.

I heard a report about a fence in the park that was damaged.

Hot on the trail, I found myself heading straight to the park.

The fence had been heavily vandalized. It was covered in bite marks, and Jackal was nearby.

Not only that, but my pen went missing.

So, the A.C.P.U. was dispatched, and we all gathered at the police station.

Commander!

Hurry up and let me out of here!

Jackal, you need to behave.

Oh, whoops!

Sorry.

Oh no, we're quite certain the culprit is Jackal.

She gave a confession and everything.

Would you let me out here? I'm starving!

Not quite.

My pen is still MIA.

I always carry it around in my bag,

but when I tried to look for it to write up my concluding report, it was nowhere to be found.

We can't move on until that pen shows back up again.

Is there a chance that you could have dropped it on the way here?

Not a chance.

Before the pen went missing, I hadn't opened my bag even once.

Not only that, but at the very moment I discovered it had disappeared,

I happened to be near the desecrated fence,

where Jackal was close by.

I'm certain that Jackal is the one who took my pen!

Is that pen edible?

No.

Growwwl...

Then it wasn't me!

That fence in the park wasn't edible either.

You're telling me. It tasted terrible.

Should I go out searching for it?

Sure!

Oh, good point.

Then what's our next move?

If that is in fact what transpired, then there's nothing to do but get a new pen.

What is this? Wonder how it tastes...

*Crunch*

Blech! It's horrible!

I wouldn't eat this if you gave it to me for free!

Hm, maybe Jackal isn't the culprit after all.

I better jot down what we know so far.

I always summarize my findings in this notebook.

Let's see... the park fence was destroyed... next...

!!

That's my pen!

!

!

I'm huuuuungry!

Where?

Right there!

Where?!

Huh?

Wait a sec... this isn't the pen we typically use.

We've got a new development:

How on earth did my pen end up in your possession?

Growwwl...

I'm telling you, let me out! Or else I'm gonna chew through these bars!

You really mustn't do that, Jackal.

Whoops...

Anyway, we can work together now to crack this case.

You can join us as well, Watson.

Growwl...

Oh, hi, Zoo Keeper.

Poli said we got another complaint about the shelter, so here I am.

Not long after I got here though, she had to run off to handle some kind of emergency.

In the meantime, something interesting happened while I was waiting.

Oh my goodness.

When did Poli get so big?

Graul?

Your hair...

You seem to have much more of it than before.

Graul?

How come all you've been doing is growling?

Ah!

I think I know why.

You let your hair grow wild,

and now it's suffocating you!

Have no fear,

I'll save you, Poli!

Graul!!

Okay, that's far enough.

Huh?

Hello, Quiry.

... Leona?

That's Timi, not Poli.

Wha... oh my gosh!

I'm so sorry, Timi!

Your fur is just so white and soft like Poli's hair.

Your eyes really are shot, aren't they?

Yeah,

so I tend to have little mishaps like this.

Hmm...

Perhaps that means your other senses are more acute.

Can you show me your hand?

Huh? Okay...

Here, feel it.

Give it a rub.

O-okay!

Wow...

Thoughts?

It's more coarse than I imagined. But still soft!

Graul!

Do you want to try, Commander?

Yeah, come and have a feel, Zoo Keeper.

Graul!

Graul!

Graul?

You think so?

You should follow Zoo Keeper's lead.

Make sure to get a good feel this time around,

that way, you won't confuse Timi and Poli again.

But...

doesn't that mean I'll have to touch Poli's head as well?

Yep.

Er...

Do you think she'll let me do that?

Hmm...

...

...

That's what I was thinking.

How about distracting her with something that she likes?

Let me think...

Hmm...

Oh, Commander!

No, I mean what she likes is the Commander.

I'm sure she'll let you touch her hair.

Great, sounds like a plan.

Zoo Keeper can act as our honeypot.

While you draw Poli's attention,

Quiry can get a good feel of her dome.

This is a foolproof plan when dealing with skittish critters.

Trust me.

This is a great idea!

With the Commander helping, I'm sure we can pull this off.

Let's do a few practice runs.

Timi and I will help you.

Graul!

Oh, really? Thanks!

Hello, Commander.

I am waiting for Kilo.

Le-let me out!

I'm afraid I can't.

Parking illegally is a major felony.

No, they're not. Traffic violations are misdemeanors.

Oh, is that right?

You hear that? Parking illegally is a misdemeanor!

If it's just a misdemeanor, why are you locking me up?

Because it's a traffic violation!

I feel like I'm talking to a brick wall!

Also, I never illegally parked in the first place!

How can you say that? It's parked right in front of the police station as we speak!

I didn't park there. I just stopped there for a second.

If that's not illegal parking, then what would you call it?

Argh! Commander, you've gotta help me!

Hi, Commander.

Hm...

I should mention that holding Kilo in detention was Miranda's decision. We'll be releasing her shortly.

However, did you see that thing outside?

T.A.L.O.S.? Is that what it's called?

We've had a steady stream of complaints about it lately.

"It keeps blocking the way when I'm riding with my Partner. Let's see who is faster next time!"

"I thought it was a building and tried to go in, but I kept bumping into it and now my forehead hurts."

Like this.

I called Kilo over to hear her side of the story,

but she refuses to talk and instead keeps asking for you.

I suppose I can see why she's upset. We may have been a bit hasty in holding her.

I'll do no such thing!

Before I even consider that, we need to resolve this illegal parking issue.

Miranda, if you want her to move that robot, don't you think you'll have to let her out?

Oh...yeah, I guess you're right.

All right, I'll let her out.

Thank goodness! Oh, Commander, I was so scared!

It sure was. Thank you again.

Hmm...

Now, about all these complaints.

Is there perhaps a separate area somewhere in the Outpost where I can leave T.A.L.O.S.?

The last thing I want is to be an imposition to anyone.

So you're using T.A.L.O.S. to get around?

Correct.

This is the first time I've seen someone use such a large means of transportation.

Rather than run around creating designated parking spaces,

I'm willing to bet there's more than enough space near most of the buildings here for T.A.L.O.S.

What do you think, Commander?

Oh...!

I think that's a great idea as well!

Finally, a police officer I can reason with.

What a relief.

Oh...

Hehe, I hardly think that suggestion was worthy of such effusive praise, but thank you nonetheless.

So where should we place T.A.L.O.S. here at the station?

You left him near this corner outside, right?

Yeah.

It's not really obstructing traffic, and it's not sticking out dangerously, so I think it should be fine where it is.

Let's just leave it there.

Okay, thanks!

Huh?

So are we not considering this illegal parking?

Nope.

...Okay!

Drive safely!

...

You changed your tune awfully quickly.

Naturally!

It's a police officer's duty to be kind to the populace.

...Right.

You must not have considered me part of the populace before...

Anyway, thanks. I'll be more careful from now on.

Thanks, we appreciate it.

H-huh? Master?

Coin Rush and the Maid Cafe are doing a crossover promotion, and we've been giving out free bunny cookies for the past week.

That's why I'm wearing this outfit.

Hehe, you know it. I brought the cookies,

but I feel a bit awkward approaching people, so I'm not sure where to start.

W-would that be okay?

Sure! Sounds good.

Hello, everyone!

We came to hand out some delicious bunny cookies, courtesy of the Maid Cafe.

Huh?

Looks like you're right.

I really wanted to deliver these cookies personally...

Okay, thanks, Master.

I'll just set them on the front desk then.

Oh, hey you two!

Is that you, Commander? Hey!

What are you doing running around with a giant rabbit?

Howdy!

...!

We received a report and we're searching for the culprit.

We almost apprehended a suspect, but they got away. And we were scolded by Poli.

Don't be too disheartened, Miranda.

We appreciate how hard you work to keep us safe.

You'll get another chance, I'm sure of...

You're right, and that chance is right now.

Huh?

I knew it! My suspicions turned out to be correct.

That's right!

The culprit was described as wearing a bunny outfit and causing a ruckus. It's none other than Soda!

What?!

I don't want to hear your excuses!

You attempted to hide in the Police Station to avoid any suspicion.

Soda, you're under arrest for creating a public disturbance.

What's going on?!

We can't let her get away like last time. Quiry!

On it!

Stay right where you are, Soda!

Gah!

Miranda, I'm innocent!

Save your defense for your trial!

You got away last time by feeding us the same line!

Ow! Stop stepping on me!

Master, help me!

We're not letting you slip past us this time! We're gonna make Poli proud!

Argh!

?!

Got you!

All that's left to do is notify Poli.

You got it wrong, Miranda!

Hmm? Someone's calling me?

This is Miranda. Who's this?

Who do you think? It's me, Poli.

Poli! I have good news. I managed to apprehend the suspect!

You did?

She was shamelessly attempting to seek refuge in the Police Station after committing a serious offense.

But... I just caught the culprit.

Y-you what?

Then... the person I just caught is... uh oh.

Grrrr... Miranda, did you just do something foolish again?

N-No! Not at all!

Ugh... just wait there. I'll be there soon.

Soda, I... I think I owe you an apology.

I'm sorry. I made a mistake.

It's okay, don't be too hard on yourself, Miranda. Everyone makes mistakes.

Can... can you find it in yourself to forgive me?

Of course! I also make mistakes all the time, but I keep trying!

Exactly.

Couldn't have said it better myself!

!!

Oh no! I didn't even notice! The Police Station is a mess.

A burglar must have come in and ransacked the place while we were distracted.

Huh? Who came in? I didn't see anything.

We're doomed. All we can do is wait to get chewed out by Poli again.

Don't worry, Miranda. Cleaning up is my specialty.

You'd do that for me? You're amazing, Soda!

Don't mention it! Just give me a few moments.

La de dah♪

Huh? What did you say... wwhooooa!

Argh!

Does that even make sense?

Showing up at a police station in that outfit and claiming it's for an investigation?

Who'd ever believe that?

Oh, that's rich coming from you.

Look who's talking, you little punk!

Parading around in that shameless getup and claiming you're on duty.

As if anyone would buy that!

Sh-shameless?!

This outfit is worn solely to serve Master! There's absolutely nothing shameful about it!

M-Master...!

Hey, Pal. You came just in time.

Talk some sense into this blockhead, will you? She's completely uptight, unlike what she's wearing.

And tell her I'm not doing anything shady!

Who exactly are you calling "uptight"?!

You show up at a police station in a bunny girl outfit...

Do you not realize how ridiculously suspicious you look right now?!

Don't tell me you actually walk around the Outpost dressed like that?

I already told you! I'm only wearing this for a mission, got it? That's it!

Fine, let's start with that one first.

All right, then. Let's get this over with.

I came here to dig up some info on a target.

While I was working on the mission, I found out one of the target's lackeys is a wanted criminal.

And if someone's on the wanted list, where else would you check but the police station, right?

So here I am, in the middle of digging through files,

when suddenly Privaty shows up out of nowhere and slaps cuffs on me.

Then, starts going off about how I look "suspicious" and she's taking me in.

Like, seriously? If anyone's suspicious, it's her—strutting into the police station in that shameless outfit.

Wh-who do you think you're calling—

Ugh... fine.

I stopped by on my way to the Maid Cafe

because Admi asked me to request A.C.P.U.'s cooperation.

But the moment I stepped into the station, I saw Milk doing something blatantly suspicious.

So I told her to stop and said I'd take her in for questioning.

A Nikke in a bunny girl outfit tampering with the devices inside the police station without authorization.

Doesn't that seem suspicious to you?

Right?

Police stations and bunny girls... that's just a suspicious combo, no matter how you look at it.

I've told you a dozen times! I'm only wearing this for the mission!

You could've changed before coming here, right?

There's absolutely no reason to be showing up here dressed like that.

Hey, I'm in a hurry, all right? There's no way I have time to change!

And what about you!? Don't you think *your* outfit is weird!?

You're just strutting around in that ridiculous, frilly thing like it's nothing!

I-I'm not ashamed in the slightest!

Compared to what you're wearing, mine's practically tame.

Oh, really now.

That thing's covered in ribbons and frills,

and the skirt's so short you'd give everyone a free show with one wrong move.

And if you're supposed to be a maid, what's with the cat ears and tail?

I'd never be caught dead in something that humiliating.

H-how dare you...!

You should take a good look at yourself!

You've got rabbit ears and a tail too!

And that outfit... it's practically skin-tight.

At least I'm wearing a skirt, so I'm clearly better off than you!

It's not like this is unusual or anything.

Everyone else in Coin Rush is wearing the same thing too.

Would you also feel embarrassed to be wearing a swimsuit at the pool?

I can't say I completely disagree, but—

... Wait a sec!

We're at the police station, not Coin Rush!

This isn't the Maid Cafe either, you know!

Still, my clothes are way better than whatever ridiculous thing you're wearing!

Ha! What a joke! Compared to what you're wearing, my outfit's a hundred times better!

Grr...

Ugh...

... All right, fine! Let's just ask Pal

whose outfit looks better?

That way, no one'll complain, right?

I trust Master will make a wise and fair judgment.

So let's settle this debate once and for all.

You think my bunny outfit is better, right, Pal?

Naturally, you prefer my maid outfit, don't you, Master?

Pal!

Master!

Commander?

What brings you here?

Above you.

Raise your head.

Hup!

I am in the midst of my training.

Phantom stated

the fourth creed of the Thief Code:

one must be able to enter and exit the enemy's stronghold

as if it were one's own home.

Commander.

If you are not busy, please assist me with an equipment check.

Before coming here, I underwent underwater stealth training.

It seems some water may have entered my equipment.

Hanging from the ceiling for extended periods is proving difficult.

!!

Understood.

Nin-nin!

*Sniff sniff*

A case... I can smell a case!

Wa-Watson?!

So you were that mysterious figure all along?!

*Snore*

Mmmm...

Grrrrgh!

Hngggh!

E-eek!

Exactly, Watson.

It shot out of the water and made a beeline straight for the police station...

There's no doubt about it. This is definitely not the work of some ordinary folk!

Based on what I've investigated so far,

there's a very high chance that person is right here!

Urgh...

Let's see... Ah!

Hoho! Look at this!

Another footprint!

Let's take a closer look...

Oh-ho? The trail leads right onto the table!

Hmm? The prints just disappear there...?

Then the only place they can be is...

What's wrong, Watson?

...

...

Watson.

Do you know?

I can smell you lying right now.

Just kidding! Hehe.

That's a line I saw in a manga yesterday.

Hehe, an invitation to eat, you say... Are you asking me out on a date?

Of course, it's only natural for a famous detective like me to get this kind of attention...

Ahem! Well then! Let's finish up this investigation quickly so we can go grab our meal!

Hrrngh... Can't... keep this up... much longer!

Wha?!

I am falling! Exercise caution!

Argh!

No-Novel... are you unharmed?

...

We've got a problem, Commander.

She appears to have lost consciousness.

Will she be all right?

I should stay until she wakes and apologize...

...!

... Understood.

Then I entrust the rest to you.

... My apologies, Novel.

Recently, we've been getting a string of similar reports.

People say they've been hearing strange noises all around the Outpost.

I-I heard it too!

Someone was making that noise,

but when I turned around to catch them, they'd already run off.

Right, which is why we've been getting so many complaints.

Yep, that's right! Help us figure out who it is.

First, we'll read through the complaints. If anyone comes to mind, let us know.

Miranda, go ahead and read them.

"While I was out shopping, I suddenly felt a chill."

"A shiver ran through my whole body. I turned around to see what it was, and that's when I heard a strange sound."

"I can't remember clearly, but there were so many people, and everything was echoing, so I can't be sure,"

"but I think I heard someone mention help. Maybe someone was calling for help?"

"Can you check if something dangerous is going on?"

There's more!

"It happened while I was taking a water break after a training session at the gym."

"Suddenly, a gust of wind blew outside, and I heard someone laughing from somewhere."

"It sounded like, 'Hahaha...!'"

"It's scaring our members away, so please catch whoever's responsible as soon as possible."

And finally, here's the latest complaint we've received!

"I finished running the train for the day and was quietly singing to myself on my way home."

"Singing is a hobby of mine, hehe."

"Then out of nowhere, I heard a gust of wind... followed by what sounded like a battle cry?"

"I think they shouted something about 'Power'?"

Those are the complaints we've received about the strange noises.

Do you have any guesses as to who it might be?

Whoa! I knew we could count on you, Commander!

Then tell us! We've gotta go catch 'em right away!

Birdie! You called?

What's going on at the police station?

Hahaha! Now that I've powered up, I've been searching even harder for people who need help!

What do you need help with, Birdie?

Leave it to me, the strongest hero there is!

I've been all over the Outpost!

Of course I've been to the train station!

Of course! Why do you ask?

You weren't going around the Outpost yelling, were you?

Heroes don't yell!

Huh? Then I guess it wasn't Laplace after all.

But everyone said they heard some strange noises.

Hahaha! It's only natural for a hero to shout, "Hero power!"

So, did you call out and ask if anyone needed help?

That's right! That's the fastest way to find out where help is needed!

...

...

I think we have our culprit.

!!

You caught a villain? Where are they?!

There's no villain this time, but the culprit is you, Laplace.

I'm not the culprit! I'm a hero!

We've been getting a lot of complaints about you, Laplace the hero.

Looks like everyone mistook you for a ghost, zipping around and yelling like that.

Th-then what was I supposed to do?

I was just out on patrol! I didn't think people would mistake me for a ghost!

Hmm... So you were just out on patrol, making sure there wasn't any danger?

Y-yeah! I was just trying to help because I'm a hero!

I think it's because you were running so fast while shouting.

Let's try not to shout so loudly from now on, okay?

What do you think, Commander?

That's all?!

You could slow down a bit too.

Got it! From now on, I'll tone down the Hero Power while I'm on patrol!

Thanks for helping out today, Commander.

You're free to go, Commander.

Laplace, please write a statement before you leave.

What do you mean? She broke a window getting in here.

I'll need her to fill out a statement about the property damage.

Miranda, please show her the way.

Roger that! Laplace, please follow me.

B-Birdie...