Make a Splash! Summer Showdown! ☆

Wh-what in the world is this?!

I don't recall talking about sweets the entire time! Well, I suppose I may have a little, but still...

Whoa, what's the hubbub? You nearly exploded my ears. Are you practicing for a choir competition? Polishing your poetry-reading voice?

Not at all! I was checking my interview from the other day. However... it's put me in a grievous predicament!

How I spend time on my days off? I often enjoy tea together with my friends.

As elegant as your family name suggests! Speaking of that, do you have a favorite tea?

It's difficult to choose, but I do enjoy a good milk tea. I'm recently quite fond of Hallows' vanilla blend.

The rich, sweet aroma doesn't overwhelm its robust bitterness and pairs well with both baked and fresh sweets. It's simply delightful.

Ahh, yes. It sounds delicious from the way you describe it!

Yes, it really is! It's especially good with strawberry shortcake, the perfect marriage of flavors, uh!

A-ahem! Though, it's rare that I ever indulge in such things. We carefully consider what's served at our tea ceremonies.

Uhh... "And Mejiro McQueen is partial to the cream puffs at Fukiya, once eating seven in a single sitting."

Oh, please refrain from reading that aloud!

Ah! That's the place we went last month for the all-you-can-eat! That was so good, right?

It really was! Wait, that's not the issue at hand! This article makes it seem like I love dessert!

But you do.

Uh! Still... for that to be on the record...

At any rate, this won't do at all. I'll have to ask her to cut the section about sweets.

So you'd like to cut from here to here... And cut the part about honeyade. I'm afraid that won't leave enough to publish.

Might we expand more about Ryan instead? I'm sure the fans would be thrilled to hear more!

That wouldn't pose a problem for me as well. But are you sure it's all right? I'm asking for such a large edit...

Not at all! It's all part of the job, nothing to worry about. I'll produce the best article possible that you'll be satisfied with too!

I'm ever so grateful. I know I'm being selfish... I apologize for the trouble.

...

...Was that really okay for me to ask? I actually did talk about sweets that much.

No! It simply wouldn't be acceptable. Things like that can't be made public!

But... it was selfish of me. I must be more prudent, as a member of the Mejiro family!

There it is! The flyer for Splash Recreation!

So this is where they posted it. Oh... hello! Did you come to check the announcement too, McQueen?

No, I was only passing through. So that's the... "Splash Rec"? Do you plan on participating?

Ehehe, I'm still on the fence. ♪ Summer Walk events are so popular every year. Lots of people go multiple years!

Apparently, the preliminary will be a water sports contest at a pool, while the finals will be a water gun battle somewhere far away!

Wait, what? "This year's final round will be held on the remote Makimi Island in the Pacific!"

Goodness, that's a famous, yet secluded, resort island. I've heard it's a quiet place of breathtaking beauty.

Wow, how wonderful! ♪ It seems like you can go to watch the finals even if you lose the preliminaries, so I bet it's a great chance to enjoy the island!

This is something to check out. I'm super excited! Everybody knows, "vacations start before you leave and don't end until you return"!

Er, I suppose so... I hope it turns out to be a lovely Summer Walk.

Heheheh! It's your turn now. Come on... Match this and you'll make a major comeback.

You're insane. All you had to do to win was hold. I'm intrigued, let's do this! Don't blame me if you regret it!

That sounds like...

Bring iiiit! Just try and beat this howl! And I play the escape skill! Time to yank you by the leash!

What?! "Escape," now? And you've got homing instinct! Damn, I'm out of moves. I'm defeated...

Really, you two? Though I shouldn't be surprised you're making so much noise.

Oh, you should've said something if you were watching. Today will live forever in the annals of the Dog Game!

Heh heh heh! Looks like you cut it too close this time, Nakayama. Now you're joining Splash Rec, like we promised.

Tch, there's no way out of this... Can't wait to play water games with everyone, seriously, I'm not gonna enjoy it, but a bet's a bet. I'll be there.

Oh, that was what you wagered? So, you'll be joining Splash Rec as well, then?

You bet! Where there's ocean, there's ships! Where there's ships, there's me, no way around it! Worry not, Mac, I didn't forget to send your application form in too. ☆

Hm? What did you say?!

All right! Only the best for this year's competition! Welp, I gotta go apprentice at the mat-maker! You'll be calling me a master weaver in no time!

Y-you sent in an application for me?! Stop! Wait right this instaaant!

Huh? Your application for Splash Rec? Don't worry, I got it, all right. I hope you have fun.

(T-teacher, you're surprisingly fast with paperwork... I can't cancel it now.)

(How would it look? This is a complete repeat of what happened with the article. I can't trouble anyone else again...)

Oh, is that right? Thank you very much. I'll be sure to have a great time.

So now I'm officially entered into the competition.

I'm thankful my schedule was open... but Gold Ship has gone too far this time.

No doubt. There aren't many who think the whole universe revolves around themself like she does.

I'd say she's the exact opposite of you. Really, you get hung up on the silliest things, princess.

The silliest things? I do? But I'm a member of the Mejiro family. I have to conduct myself in a befitting manner!

Hah! That right? How splendid of you. But if it were me in your shoes, I'd have already backed out.

...

People who think they're the world are one thing, but people who constantly worry what the world thinks can be just as foolish.

But... I can't...

Inhale... Exhale... I'm so nervous to go into the upperclassmen's room. Errrrgh, don't fail me now, courage! Okay, here... I...

Oh! If it isn't Chiyo!

Wagh! M-M-Maruzen! You almost gave me a heart attack!

Oops! My bad! ♪ So? Is there something you needed from my class?

Oh, uh, I came to... I came to invite you to something! Um, have you ever heard of Splash Rec?

It's part of Summer Walk... So, since you like resorts and stuff, I was wondering if you'd go with me... Hehe.

Splash Rec? Well... I know it.

Ah, don't tell me, do you already have plans for that date? I'm sorry for the random invite!

No, it's fine! No problemo! A resort vacation sounds totally groovy!

A-are you sure? I'm so glad!

We can throw on our raddest swimsuits and make this summer da bomb! ☆ Can't wait! Woohooo! ♪

(Maruzen... Is she really okay with it? Something seemed different about her when she answered...)

Hey, did ya hear? Maruzen's gonna be in Splash Rec this year. They say she hasn't done it since her first summer here!

No way. Isn't that the time she won? That's one killer Uma joining this one! I might have to go see the finals...

(So that's it. Maruzen's amazing! But wait, doesn't that mean she hasn't participated ever since then?)

Huuuuh... I wonder if something happened...

Raaaargh! I'm pumped! No one can keep up with my mad fishing lure skills!

You sure are confident, Golshi! ♪ But I'm going to give you a run for your money! Yeah, yeaaah!

Huh? We have to use fishing rods in the first round? What do I do, I didn't bring one!

We won't be using anything like that, so you can relax. Remember, the instructions were written on item number four.

Oh, that's right! Ehehe, I kind of lost it since I'm so nervous.

So, um, the contests listed were the 200-meter freestyle, floating island race, tightrope quiz, and 3,000-meter super freestyle, equipment allowed!

It's a point system based on order finished, with the top eight advancing to the finals. Meaning it'll test mind, skill, and body. This should be good.

We will now be starting the 200-meter freestyle! Please take your places at the poolside!

Yo, yo, McQueen. What's with the sulky face? You still sour milk or what?

Not one bit. I'm all in once I've made a decision. A win worthy of the Mejiro name will be mine.

Ooo! That's what I wanted to hear! Come at me with all you've got, defeating you will make my victory all the sweeter!

Oh, and who do you think you're speaking to? I'm going to make you regret having me participate.

Taking first is Mejiro McQueen! What an extraordinary time! The star of the Mejiros can do an incredible crawl!

Sh-she swam the whole thing without taking a single breath! Wooow, that's some amazing lung capacity!

Phew, now that was a result worthy of a Mejiro. That aside, the person you admire so much is performing quite admirably.

And now for the second group. Maruzensky starts with the breaststroke! But she's fast! Too fast! She's completely unrivaled!

Vroom, vroom! There's nothing like a good swim in the heat of summer!

Ugh, I placed fifth... But there's still more to go! I'll definitely catch up!

Hup! Hah, hyaaah!

Yaaah! Agh! I won't give up!

It's the final stage of the floating island race! The leaders have a stunning sense of balance, oh no! We've got a fall! Can she still recover?!

Oops! I'm almost there! I can take first at this rate, waaagh!

Whoa! Now's my chance! 'Scuse me!

Hahaha... Don't tightropes make you burst with tension? And if you answer wrong, they shake the rope and throw you into the depths!

Question two! A mackerel is a fish. A dolphin is a mammal. Now, true or false: a sea dragon is a fish.

True! They told me themselves a long time ago! There were five or six in my elementary school class!

Don't you have a better trick question? I'm not falling for that junk...

The answer is... true! Will Nakayama Festa be able to keep her balance?!

Tch! Nooooo!

It's time for the final event, the 3,000-meter super freestyle, equipment allowed. Anything goes in this race! The best equipment goes to whoever gets it first!

That's not all! Blocking the competition is okay so long as it doesn't violate the safety rules! The last race is sure to have tears of both sadness and joy! Ready, aaand...

Yaaay! ♪ Time to let this pool ride rip!

Huff, puff... I'm going to make a comeback! "Breathe as the flying fish does"! Inhale... Haaaah!

Look at 'em splashing with all that energy. Maybe it's about time I take the lead!

Ooohohoho! You can't stop Golshi the wave rider! Let's go, go, gooo!

Agh! Cease your splashing at once!

(That girl, she does only as she pleases. Event or not, there are rules one must follow.)

And with that, here's to everyone advancing to the finals! ♪

Cheeeers!

Ahhh! Honeyade after a long day of fun sure tastes great!

I can't believe you're advancing with all the fooling around you did. You barely swam and finished last in the 200-meter freestyle.

Who could blame me? Swimming normal is such a snooze fest! You shouldn't worry so much. Just do what you wanna do!

It just means you have the luck of the devil. But in the end, victory will be mine.

That's some mighty confidence, Nakayama! Guess I'll see you in the final battle. ♪

Oh yeah! We can wear any swimsuit we want for the finals, right? This year's big trend is "diving suit chic"! We better go helmet shopping!

Absolutely not! Honestly, would you stop getting carried away? You'll be a burden to everyone.

For me as well... As a Mejiro, I must not overstep my bounds.

Hmph... Still worried about that, huh.

Maruzen, you're one tough opponent in the pool! You performed so well in every match. It was fantastic!

Hehe, thank you, Chiyo. We'll all have fun in the finals, too, right?

Yeah, as much fun as we can!

Okay! I think that does it for training! Hehe, I think my accuracy's gotten much better.

(The finals take place with eight contestants scattered around an island, sneaking and sniping each other with water guns to win the final round!)

(I know now from the preliminaries. I can't beat the pros physically. But if I sharpen my skills, I should be able to win!)

That's right! Maybe there's a record of the old Splash Recs somewhere. I'll try asking at the staff room later!

Heeheheee. ♪ I downloaded videos of all the previous finals!

Heehee, I can't resist starting with the one that Maruzen competed in before. And... play!

I bet it was a fierce battle... I wonder how Maruzen won it?

Wha?! Whoa, what is this? No way!

That's crazy! Is this even real?

Unbelievable! First-time contender Maruzensky single-handedly defeated seven opponents! In an unprecedented fifteen minutes, she's won!

Oh no! I couldn't help it, they all came at me at once. Does this mean... I got a flawless victory, I guess?

A-amazing. It wasn't even a match. I mean, everyone thought she'd win, so... hehe.

Uh, wait a sec. The whole final round is... already over?

Oh, uh, really? Well...

Grrr! I didn't stand a chance! The truth of the world is that war only leads to... despair!

...

Oh no! They were no match for her!

Huh... Maybe that's why Maruzen never participated again after the first time...

(That awkwardness when I invited her... It wasn't my imagination. She must be concerned how the other players will feel.)

But... it isn't right. Maruzen...

Watermelon, check! Swim floats, check! Wooden bell, check! Heian period kickball, cheeeeck! Just need to get chips and bananas! Ahhh, I'm one busy bee!

Wooo! They've got some great stuff here! With this and the kickball, we can play Heian baseball! How proper and refined. ♪

Please, you've got to help me! I need to make shaved ice with fresh condensed milk for everyone!

Hup hup, yup yup, hup yup yuuup! ♪ Oh, McQueen! Finished packing yet?

More boxes... Were you out shopping for useless items again? You've been carried away since day one. Sigh...

Huh? You should get a little carried away too, y'know. You're just sighing all the time.

You said you'd play seriously, didn't you?

Of course I'm going to compete seriously. But I have no intention of fooling around and causing trouble for others.

Y-you're going out for fun but won't have fun... For real? The heck are you even saying?! That's like grilling a fish whole, then cutting it to bits! What's the point?!

Ugh... Stop worrying about me. It's none of your business anyway.

Ngh... Golshi... Golshi just... wanted to have lots of fun with you... till I passed out from joy...

I-I'm not going to change my mind even if you cry!

No, no, no! Play with meee! Play solo cat's cradle with meee! Aloe fish is fun too! Let's go hug a giant squiiid!

Oh, enough! I've had enough of this! Stop being so selfiiish!

Wait uuuup! Just play with meeee!

Agh, Nakayama! I'm terribly sorry for the disturbance.

Geez, you've got that right... But I think I can imagine what you're fighting about.

Hey, Nakayama! You've gotta put some sense into her! She won't stop going on and on about not bothering people, it's so boring!

And you're being far too selfish!

Hah! If you ask me, neither one of you is right.

This is the perfect time to make a bet. That way, you can settle things once and for all.

Solve this with a bet? You're right. We're only going in circles otherwise.

Sounds fun. And the coming event's the perfect way to do it. We'll solve our mess in the finals. How 'bout it?

This is a good opportunity. Your absurd selfishness has been a nuisance to me for too long.

Gold Ship, if I win, you will promise to behave yourself... for a good, long while!

Fine, I accept your challenge! But if I win, we're doing beach ballet all night! And you'll be the prima ballerina!

...!

Hehehe, things are starting to heat up.

Hehe, everyone's so busy preparing for our trip. ♪ Golshi has some extra large luggage too!

And Chiyo's been training so hard... Every one of them seems to be so excited...

You're right, I am, very much!

Oh, it's you, Chiyo! Hi there! What a coincidence. Did you come up for some air too?

No, I've been looking for you. There's something I want to talk about.

You see... I watched the videos of old finals. Like the year you won...

...!

Oh... You saw that, huh? Hehe, what'd you think? I was totally rad, right?

You were the best... But I was wondering how you felt, you know, at the time.

You really are kind. Thank you... but I'm okay.

It's not that! I mean, I'm not being kind or anything. I just... wasn't sure about something.

Maruzen, you breezed through this year's preliminaries. You used the breaststroke in the freestyle... and dominated the other events...

About that, Chiyo...

I know. It's not just games, it's a competition. And you're not the type of person to hold back, but...

Not one other person could make it a challenge for you! As soon as I realized that, I... I felt so bad!

...!

So I made a decision. I'll train harder for the finals and become a better player... That's what I wanted to tell you.

I'm going to give you a great match this year! So don't get eliminated until you face me!

I'll be the one to take you down! That's my challenge to you!

Oh, Chiyo...

Your challenge to me, huh? You really are kind...

Just make sure that you don't get taken out before we face off either, okay? Victory will be mine, so bring everything you've got!

Ah! Okay! You don't even have to ask! I'm going for the win!

This is it! We're about to kick off the final competition of Splash Rec, the water gun battle!

Their swimsuits are so cute! Good luck out there! Wow, they're for real!

Gold Ship, I trust you haven't forgotten our promise.

Of course not. Because I'm the one who's going to win.

Calling all players, please proceed to your starting positions! I will now explain the rules, simple as they may be!

Any player hit by the colored water of another player's water gun is eliminated! That's it! Getting wet from normal water, be it from rivers or the ocean, doesn't count!

Cameras have been placed all over the island to monitor the battle! Use your phone to see anywhere you want! Oh, this is just too exciting!

Anything on the island can be used! Touching another player, however, is not allowed! Sneaking up from behind, going head to head, and teaming up are all allowed.

The most important rule is "last person standing wins"! And that concludes the rules! Now, everyone, I hope you're ready to watch the game of a lifetime!

Get ready! The final battle has commenced! Who will be the first to find an opponent?!

(First, I need to remain calm and reduce the enemy number. Gold Ship will have to wait until after that.)

Huff... Huff... Sneaking and running around takes quite a toll on my stamina.

Aaaaagh!

What happened? I heard multiple screams!

Wh-what is this? Why is everyone sitting down? Don't tell me you've all been eliminated...

Ugh! We teamed up together, but just a moment ago, Nakayama got all three of us!

Nakayama?!

Hey, doesn't that dune over there look way suspicious? I bet someone's hiding behind it. Let's check it out!

Wait! Something's poking out from the rock next to it... Ah, isn't that the same color as Nakayama's shirt?

So that's it, just the kind of trick she'd use. She's drawing our attention to the dune, while she hides behind the rock.

Hehehe, we won't fall for that! Let's flank her and, huh? Aagh!

Kyaaaah!

Hahahaha! How adorably... naive! The moment you're sure of victory is when you let your guard down most.

Didn't you think for one second that the shirt behind the rock was the real trick? I made a bet on whether you'd choose the dune or the rock.

If you went for the dune, or if I couldn't stand the heat any longer, I'd have lost.

And if you chose the rock... Well, as you saw, I won against all of you!

What a huge risk to take... Wait, is she still nearby?!

Actually, she wasn't able to stand the heat after all. She's on the ground over there...

Gyah! Goodness, you're covered in sand! Nakayama, are you okay?!

Yeah... Quit worrying. I actually feel pretty refreshed now. Heh, hahaha... I'm burned out. Put me out of my misery.

You're just... unbelievable. Very well, I'll cool you down, as you wish.

Fire! ...As a Mejiro, this is not exactly a satisfying way to win.

Mejiro McQueen has coolly defeated Nakayama Festa! With four players remaining, it's still anyone's guess who will win!

With half the players eliminated, the battle is reaching its climax! Still in the game are Mejiro McQueen, Gold Ship...

There we go! ...As well as Maruzensky and Sakura Chiyono O. Who will be the best of all? Will it be Gold Ship like we're all thinking?!

H-hey, you can't do that! You're talking over my mic!

Word? So the whole island can hear me? Heeey! Can you guys hear meee?!

I'm tired of picking seaweed, so I'm about to start looking for you! Think I'll swim up the river with the salmon!

If I can hear you over the loudspeakers, it means you're at the main stage. You're a fearless one. Let's see how you react when I come to take you...

Uh, ahem! How improper for her to shout like that. Think of all the trouble she's causing for the announcer.

(I won't behave in that manner and lose control of myself. I must win with grace for the Mejiro name.)

It looks like someone walked through this grass... Hm? Ah hah, I knew it. ♪

Hehe, I know you're there. Come on out, Chiyo.

There's no fooling you, Maruzen. But how did you know it was me?

By your footprints. ♪ Golshi has longer legs and McQueen's stride is different.

Only relentless training could make a perfectly even stride like yours. I know your running very well, Chiyo.

You really have noticed a lot about me. You're... just as amazing as I thought... That's why!

That's why I have to defeat you! Maruzen... get readyyy!

...!

(She's fast! And she's reading my movements when she makes her shots!)

I guess... I can't take things easy-peasy anymore! Hyah!

Ah! Wagh! That won't hit me! I practiced dodging with Yaeno!

Now it's my turn! Haaah!

Kyah! That was close! Huff... Gasp... Ngh!

(I'm cornered? I don't see any way out!)

You won't even let a second of this be boring, huh? Good, let me show you something now... Hraaah!

Wha?! She completely revved up... and is charging right at me!

(I won't stop! I'm going to win! Hold on till the last second and... now!)

Haaaaah!

And the winner is... Sakura Chiyono O! A single, impeccably aimed shot, what a hit!

I was empty? Aww, I thought I got you too. Hehe, too bad for me... Hahaha!

Gasp... Wheeze... I-I... I won? Yes, I did it!

You crushed me. I never knew it could be this fun, ah! Chiyo, behind you!

Hiyah!

Sakura Chiyono O is making a run for it! She's been pulled into another tough fight! Whoa! Gold Ship's onslaught finally defeated her!

Now, only Gold Ship and Mejiro McQueen are left! Over to our guest commentator. What do you make of this, Nakayama?

Commentator? Come on, I was only giving my opinion to kill time.

Fine... It's a fair outcome or whatever. Both Golshi and McQueen have pretty exceptional physical talent.

McQueen is solid in terms of sheer ability. She can handle a battle of wits and a drawn-out fight. But...

You never know what kind of craziness Golshi is going to pull. Her strength is terrifyingly unpredictable.

That's what will determine the winner. Whoever gets overwhelmed or misjudges a critical moment first... is done!

I see! Gold Ship's state of mind will certainly be something to watch. It will be interesting to see how Mejiro McQueen approaches this!

The victor of this year's contest is about to be decided. Which of the two players will come out on top?!

Well, you really managed to stay in the game until the end. I would have been quite disappointed otherwise!

But I'm going to claim victory today! I will not fail! Prepare to keep your promise and start behaving yourself!

Oops! That wasn't right. I mustn't let my personal grievances get the better of me.

(There are other students watching. I have to do things the proper way. The bet is simply a personal matter. I can't get emotional.)

I should wait for her on the main stage. It will make for a more entertaining event.

I am a member of the Mejiro family. So I'll just have to win this battle in respectful silence.

Inhale... Phew!

McQueen... She's concentrating so hard!

She's completely ready for whatever's coming her way. All that's left is to wait and see. ♪

Mejiro McQueen has been standing still for quite some time. Do you think she's focusing herself while she waits for Gold Ship to arrive?

Yeah. She must think waiting for a clean fight in the open is better than wasting energy running around the island.

I'm sure Gold Ship will notice soon enough and come right over... Hm?

Ngh! Hngh! We were the best batterymates there ever were! We promised we'd go all the way to the nationals!

At least I can still fill a bottle with this pure-white sand to take home... so we can leave our dream for those young pups to take up...

Aaaagh! And that's why it's totally ON, McQueeeeen!

Huh?! It's Gold Ship! Her statement was incomprehensible, but she seems ready to fight!

"And that's why"? Everyone's perplexed as to what that has to do with anything.

May I ask one thing before we start? We did make a bet, but let's not forget that this is an event hosted by the academy.

...Huh?

I will not fight in such an emotional manner that I lose sight of our surroundings. I intend to win in a way that doesn't bring shame to everyone watching.

...Huuuh? What do you mean? You... what? Uhh...

We're out of time. Let's cut the small talk and begin already.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, I can't believe how boring you sound right now. The heck is that about?! Aaaaagh!

Wh-what's wrong? Why are you yelling?

This is BORING!

Boring, boring, boring, boring, boring, boring, boring, boriiiiing!

Gold Ship?!

Uuungh, too bored... Who even cares? I'm done...

Huh? Whaaaat?!

Wh-what could be happening?! Has Gold Ship suddenly lost the will to fight?!

You're... done? What are you saying? Stand up at once! If you don't, I'll shoot you!

Shoot already... Uhh, I'm drained... evaporating...

Stop being so selfish. Don't you know how much of a bother you're being to everyone?

Pfft... Hahaha! That's so Golshi. No one's crazier than her.

Ah! ...What?

Hehehe, this is hilarious! Ahaha!

Hahaha! Hey, McQueen! Now's your chance! Go for it!

No, don't! Get up, Golshiiii! You're the one who took me out, so you've got to do better than this!

Hehehe... What a huge upset. This is what always leaves me wanting to see more.

Why is everyone enjoying this so much?

(Because it's... selfish? Do they actually accept her behavior, outrageous as it may be?)

...

(I thought being selfish was a burden on others... Was I simply being too sensitive?)

(Thinking back, reporters never seemed offput by my requests. Rather, they were always accommodating.)

(That's right. My selfishness, my shortcomings... They accepted it all with kindness.)

...What could I have been holding back so long for? I still have much to learn.

Ughhh... I can't do this... I'm going home...

Gold Ship, may I have a word? Ahem...

Oh, what now? Didn't I say this is bor...

SILENCE YOURSELF! I won't allow you to abandon this game!

Whoa! McQueen...

I think her feathers got ruffled!

You are far too impulsive! What do you mean you're bored?! Get a hold of yourself!

Whoa, now... Why so emotional? I thought you never let yourself get like this.

I take it back! It's much more important right now to teach you a lesson!

I won't let you leave! Fight me seriously! It's time to settle our bet!

...You finally look like you should.

But I dunnooo, what to do? You know me, I don't do things unless they're fun!

If you win, I'll play some other game with you! Be it giant squid hunting or Heian kickball!

You sure?! 'Cause there's no takebacks! If you're lying, I'll make you eat 1,000 pieces of salmon jerky!

Yeeeaah! Let's do this! I won't go easy on you! Raaaagh!

Gold Ship's gotten her groove back! But which of them will be blessed by the goddess of victory?!

Wahaaah! You couldn't hit a barn with that aim! Hraaah! Take thiiiis!

Excuse me?! Get back here! How about this then!

Mejiro McQueen unleashes a flurry of attacks! Can Gold Ship evade them all?!

Ho! Ha! Kyaaah! No sweat! Come on, that all you got?!

Ah! I'm empty? Where's the refill station?!

Trying to run now?! Get back here!

Goooo! Yeah! Go, go, go! Waaah! Get out of there! Keep running!

Hmph! You think you can take me on in a battle of stamina? Haaaah!

Incredible speed! Mejiro McQueen has broken away in an instant! She's already back with a refilled water cartridge!

(Not good enough! I'm going to win!)

Hyaaaaah! Graaaaah!

Wow! That sauce smells great! It looks really good!

Hm, hm, hmm. ♪ Hm! ...Mmm hm hmm!

Heh, still being quiet like you promised? Hehehe, too bad you didn't win.

Behaving yourself doesn't mean you can't speak. Though if I must say...

It's become so peaceful without you making a fuss like normal. Haha! I think I'll finally be able to get some rest.

...

Oh, what now? I'll have no complaints from you.

Hm? Hmm! Hmhmm ...Mhm, hm, hm, hmmm hm hm!

I didn't understand a bit of that... Hey, what do you have there? No! I don't want any! Don't touch my food with that!

Hey, Maruzen. So this is where you were. Mind if I stand here with you?

Oh, go right ahead! You're very welcome. Look, isn't the sunset beautiful? ♪

Wooow... It really is! Beautiful, and such stunning colors... It kind of makes me sad that today's almost over.

Hehe, the more fun we have, the quicker time flies by... I have to say, I'm a teensy bit sad too.

This was all so... I mean, I couldn't even have imagined how much fun this would be.

You really enjoyed it then?

I sure did! You were so amazing in our water gun fight, Chiyo! I was struggling so hard my face must've been white with fear!

Having someone who could stand up and give me a serious challenge... made me so happy.

Thank you... This turned out to be the best summer because of you. I'm never going to forget this experience!

Gasp... No! I should be thanking you! Getting to participate together was just such a blast!

I'll never forget this either! The way you really put your heart into our fight, or the excitement this summer!

Phew! I'm completely exhausted... But, hehehe!

...

You don't have to keep this vow of silence, you know?

Oh! Really? Guess we can talk about the squid ministers' rebellion then! Their unrestrained ambition led them to try to take the throne...

Noisy nonsense is still forbidden. Just speak about normal things. It's outright impossible trying to understand you.

But this time... I realized something about you. I suppose even you have some good qualities.

Oho? So you finally see how amazing I really am? Okay, lay it on me. Keep those compliments coming!

You shouldn't be so full of yourself. But... you're right.

Though I say this sparingly... you have my gratitude. There was some hardship involved, but I'm glad to have played with you.

Whoa, whoooa! You feeling okay? One minute you're all dejected, but now I don't know what's going on.

I'm perfectly fine. I was only saying what's on my mind. Weren't you the one who was being unusually persistent?

I was only like that 'cause you looked so dang determined to not have fun! All that observing I did, and you didn't molt or hibernate once.

Seeing someone like that just makes me want to poke 'em. It's no fun to just leave you alone!

What kind of reason is that? Can you at least try to understand what it's like to be the one poked?

(But... doesn't that mean she was paying attention to me because something seemed off?)

(If she hadn't suddenly said she was bored... If I hadn't lost it with her attitude... I'd probably still be...)

...Heh, how silly. It's useless trying to reason what your true intentions ever are.

Hey, did you just see that sea monster?! We should go exchange business cards, oh, right. I'm supposed to keep it down...

Gold Ship?

You only have to stay quiet until the sun finishes setting.

But don't budge until then. Stay here, just like this...

Huh? You sure that's long enough? You won after all. There's no telling what I'll get up to after this.

That's fine... It's summer after all!

What's summer got to do with it? Geez, now I'm talking like you! You're good... Really good!

Hehe, hey, stop moving! Ahahaha!