Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sayo had decided to investigate Moca while she could, and meanwhile, Chisato was currently having a lovely stroll downtown. It was pretty tame compared to all of the other days, and this time she did not see a flying Tomoe. 

From all the information I've gathered, it seems that Yukina and Kasumi are missing to some extent. Nobody has seen where they went, nor does anybody know where they currently are. It's currently abstract. 

The main perpetrator is Hina, who has an ominous following on her side. From what we know, Yukina and Kasumi may or may not be included with her. Moca is definitely a target, and now my attention is on investigating Kaoru, who was mentioned to be distant. I was given some background information that she hung around these streets, although I don't feel that hopeful in terms of finding her. 

Chisato shouldered through the crowds of people, trying to at least find one place where people don't obnoxiously stand in the fucking way. 

As she was aggressively pushed to the side, she swung around to look at the perpetrator, and it was Michelle in her towering bear suit. In other words, It was Misaki, "ah, my apologies." She apologized, but then quickly stopped to acknowledge who she nearly fucked over, "Shirasagi-san, right?" She questioned. 

" Oh . Pleased to see you here, Okusawa-san." She smiled in greeting, and then looked to the side indifferently. Just when things couldn't get any better. 

"Have you seen Kaoru by chance?" Chisato's interest immediately peaked as Misaki asked the question. Forget her little comments, seeing that they were both in the same situation she decided to take this chance. 

"I haven't, no. Although, I am looking for her right now." Making her objective known, she paid closer attention to the suit. It was dusty, and looked a bit worn out from the sides, "are you perhaps chasing after her?" She asked. 

"Sadly, yes. The idiot is hiding something and I wanted to know. Everytime I ask, it's always this poorly made up excuse…" Misaki frustratedly sighed, "something about encouraging enslaved orphans to make bread, but I didn't really want to listen to her." Chisato didn't really know how that related to the problem at hand. 

"...I guess they were right about common sense in a bear..." Chisato uttered, and Misaki urged closer, "did you say something?" 

"Nothing at all." 

"But coincidentally, we're both in the same boat. I need to talk to Hina, but the only way I can get that is to get Intel from the other members she's associating with." Chisato explained her side, and she could sense that Misaki brightened under the suit, "that's great. We should try to talk to her together." She suggested, and Chisato agreed to the idea. 

Misaki wasn't so bad in terms of craziness, unlike a few certain bitches we all know. 

"Let's head in that direction first." Misaki lifted up her arm to point forward, and Chisato obliged. They walked alongside each other, Misaki getting rid of the crowds from beforehand. It was pretty handy to have her there. But, I need to make sure I don't let my guard down. I can have allies, but I can't let it slow down my progress. In all seriousness, if I do obtain Misaki as an ally then I expect full-time commitment. 

"Do you know anything about Hina-chan?" Chisato turned to ask Misaki, "ah, the psychotic one?"

 "She's like Kokoro, but more aware of the things she does. If that makes sense…?" Her voice trailed off. Chisato could see the comparison, and deemed it accurate. Hina was always chaotic even at times not needed. Looking back at the time she jumped off that building, or the time she was swinging a kid and sent them flying after pushing too hard, there were many moments where I wanted to slap some sense into her. I may get to do something to that extent sooner or later. 

“There—!” 

In an instant, Chisato's head swung Michelle's way, and she was pointing at something. She squinted forward, and spotted Kaoru making her way through the crowd. The coincidence was just too good to ignore. 

Immediately, the two of them shouldered their way through the crowds of brainless fucks, and was nearly able to grab Kaoru's wrist, but she seemed to know what was happening. Kaoru fled, and that was when Chisato knew she was guilty. Unable to shake this feeling off of her, she urged forward after her. Wanting to apprehend her while she could. 

She watched as she surrendered into an alleyway, and the two of them followed from behind. As they turned to enter the alleyway, Kaoru was standing at the end of it, “you must have a good reason for chasing me.” 

Both Chisato and Misaki were taken aback as they noticed she had on her phantom thief outfit, it was out of nowhere considering that the entire scene was probably four seconds, “when did she even get time to change—!?” Misaki agonized. 

“ Ugh… now this—?” Kaoru is definitely up to something if she's willing to go these lengths. Nothing will betray the fact that she works for Hina. 

"We've got you surrounded Kaoru—! Let this go—!" Chisato demanded, and watched as her expression fell glum, "my, accusing me of what exactly?" Still playing dumb, Chisato was now beyond angry. 

"There's a saying , Kaoru." 

"That humans only lie when they have something to hide. That they only run when they're guilty." Chisato glared forward, "so make your choice." 

Misaki watched in amazement as the staring contest between the two of them didn't seize. The two of them were both staring daggers at each other, Chisato watching with grave intensity in her eyes. Watching as Kaoru debated making her choice, she turned to the side and began to run away from the two of them. 

Chisato quickly glanced at Misaki, expression serious, “don’t drag me behind—!” 

She received a nod in agreement, and it was then when the two of them began their chase, “In her phantom thief form, she loves to play games—!” Misaki warned Chisato. She figured something like that would be amiss, after all, it's Kaoru .  She always loved playing games, and she wouldn't stop even if It meant nothing. 

“Is that so—?” 

 “Don’t let her fool you—!” Misaki shouted in return but Chisato was already on track for success. 

She and Misaki began to pick up the pace, gradually making it closer to Kaoru. But with her rough strides, and aggressive turns to other streets in the area, it was proving to be tough. She was abnormally slippery for her size. 

Misaki gave her a boost onto a building in a rush, and quickly climbed onto it. As she was on top of the ransom building, she scanned the area to see Kaoru climbing a dumpster. She quickly pointed in the direction, and Misaki ran that way. In the distance they were nearing the city. Whether or not they caught Kaoru would be a prize in its own way.


Chisato rolled up both of her sleeves, and went for the attack. She ran on to the building, then jumped off at the end of it. As she looked up, Misaki was struggling to climb the dumpster. Urging forward, Chisato went over to her and she helped her on top. Kaoru was jaywalking, and nearly got hit by a car. It would’ve made things so much easier for her, but she decided not to think of it.

“Kaoru—! We’re coming for you—!” Misaki protested. She paid no mind to their words, and continued to flee from the scene. Chisato wasn’t going to let her off that easily. If anything, she needed to catch her.


The chase was ongoing, and she could tell that Misaki was growing tired in her Michelle getup. Deciding that how they had gotten was for the best, Misaki pushed through her fatigue. Chisato hadn’t seen such brilliant determination, but that faith was too far off.

As Chisato jumped from one building to another, she turned. Misaki was staring straight at her, but any average person could tell she was sweating and wheezing underneath that suit, “Shirasagi-san, I trust that you’ll catch her. Do it for me, and everybody else.” Chisato felt a sense of pride as she continued to look into those lifeless eyes, “I will.”

Misaki psyched herself up, then put herself in a running position. Chisato watched in awe as Misaki set off, taking off the near impossible jump. It was common knowledge she wasn’t going to make it, and just as she was about to crash down into the alleyway beneath her, “you can do this—!!” Misaki’s voice faded as she went right down. Chisato took her sacrifice in mind as she swung around.

Now things were going to get real.

Chisato had managed to tail after Kaoru, taking a leap of faith onto the next building. Feeling fresh, she sprinted on top, eyes on the target at all times. Kaoru still wasn’t giving in, even when it was clear that Chisato wasn’t stopping at any cost. She had managed to slither her way through large vents, jumping across from building to building in a professional fashion as if she were the Terminator. 

She jumped onto the sidewalk, fists clenched as she analyzed the traffic. Seeing Kaoru carefully sprinting her way through it. In a moment’s notice, she dashed forward, dodging the cars that drove right past her. A car halted in front of her, and she slid over the car's hood, on fire as she stood in the middle of the upcoming traffic. As if time had stopped, the cars surrounding her became slow in an instant. 

Chisato slid underneath one of the cars, able to get up in time to see Kaoru tipping off a car with the wave of her hand. 

She’s taking an uber—!? 

Kaoru went into the back seat, and Chisato decided to take this chance to apprehend her. Rushing forward, she opened the door, watching as a look of brief shock landed on Kaoru's face. 

She sat peacefully in the passenger seat, and made eye contact with the driver, “where you two going?” they asked. 

“We’re heading home.” Chisato smiled, and then turned to glare at Kaoru  “you must have a good reason for running away from me.” 

Kaoru returned the threatening smile given to her, “Is it really my place to tell you?” 

“Hey—!" Both Kaoru and Chisato turned to look at the uber driver, who seemed a little irritated, “I don’t know where the fuck you live.”

Chisato knew that these games couldn't last any longer. She swung around, grabbing Kaoru by the collar. She brought Kaoru close, her eyes glinting angrily, “get the hell out of this uber, Kaoru.” 

The caught phantom thief obliged, and they both got out of the uber. As they stood on the sidewalk, Kaoru began to conversate, “violence isn’t a way to solve our problems," she preaches all that normal bullshit, “If you do these three things for me then I’ll tell you.” 

“We’re seriously not done–?” Chisato grimaced. 

“We wouldn’t be in this situation if you’d just tell me.” 

“Each time you do it right I’ll give you a clue. How about it, Chisato-chan–?” Kaoru crossed her arms. Chisato realized that there was no possible way she could convince her. It was Kaoru after all. But in order to do what's right, I need to put up with this. Just this once at least, “as long as you keep it as a promise, then I'm all for it." As if a sour taste was put in her mouth, she retracted back with a dirty frown. 

Kaoru held her hand towards her, "very well then. Shall we go elope?" 

Chisato sighed frustratedly, "quite literally or is that your way of saying we should leave?" 

"We'll take our leave." Kaoru clarified. 

Chisato kept Kaoru close to her at all times. They both made their way to a vacant park. She didn't know what Kaoru was daring to ask of her. So of course, her guard had to be up at all times. And not to mention, she had every right to be suspicious of her.

Chisato and Kaoru faced each other, "tell me what this game is."

"It's simple..."

.   .   . 

I was told to retrieve a certain item in my household. On my way there I met up with Misaki, who was fatally injured from her fall but still standing. She decided to join up with me again and we set off. The prompt was to bring Kaoru something precious to you. Me and Kanon had recently gone on an outing and she bought matching keychains for us. I’ve treasured it since that day. Misaki brought a beat up felt she made for her little sister. Kaoru was pleased with our choices and we passed. That scratched off the first thing she wanted out of us. 

I was worried about her second course of action.

Chisato and Misaki stood in the center of the alleyway, both watching as Kaoru pulled out a familiar box from the side. 

“This will be our next game.” 

Quite dramatically, the game twister was brought into the open. 

Do you not know what twister is—? How uneducated! Search it up. 

“Twister—?” Misaki was dumbfounded. 

“Amazing, right?” Kaoru sprawled the game mat onto the ground. 

“She's an idiot, isn't she?” Chisato passed a smile along to Misaki and she quickly returned it with a grim nod. “Always above and beyond.” It made her wonder what Poppin’Party’s bassist saw in her. Maybe she felt bad because Kaoru wasn’t special in any way whatsoever—?

“It's set up. First one to fall, how about it—? Misaki can be our scorekeeper.” Kaoru suggested. Chisato assumed none of her actual friends wanted to play with her. How sad. Twister was overrated nowadays so it only made sense why they'd reject Kaoru's need to play. 

“I wouldn't mind. Although I'll have you know that I'm extremely flexible.” Chisato cracked her knuckles together. “I happen to be flexible myself.” Kaoru responded by flexing her middle finger. 

Chisato deadpanned. 

“That's called being a bitch . Not flexible—.”

“Alright, alright—let's not be up each other's asses today..” Misaki sighed as she stood in front of the wheel spinner. Chisato’s eyes narrowed to her. Do I seriously have to remind her why we're after Kaoru in the first place—? We can’t be friendly even if I’m her childhood friend and you’re her trusted bandmate. Well, now I understand how those two things clash together but she’s our enemy. Once an enemy is always an enemy.

“It should be ready. Take your positions.” Misaki sat in front of the spinner. Both Kaoru and Chisato stood at opposite ends of the twister mat. Chisato had a gleam of determination in her eyes while Kaoru had her arms crossed, expression seemingly neutral.

“Okay, Shirasagi-san, left hand on blue…”

.   .   .

Kanon had a bag of chocolate sweets in her hand as she walked downtown. She originally planned to share with Chisato but she didn’t see the girl around anywhere. The bassist mentioned hanging out in this area, but at the same time it could be her terrible sense of direction. She had a tendency to get lost easily.

“...I did it again..”

Kanon frowned as she was met with yet another alleyway she didn’t recognize. But just as she was about to turn around, she heard faint voices coming from inside. Something about the soft murmurs were recognizable to her. It slowly drew her in and she walked towards the voices.

There was an explosion of light as she took a turn. Once her eyes adjusted to the sudden change of scenery;

She paused.

Kanon was shocked to see Chisato and Kaoru playing twister. And not to mention—Misaki was cheering them on. She didn’t know how to comprehend the situation—what was happening—? Chisato was basically on top of Kaoru. You could tell by the strained look on her face that she was done with this. Kaoru was beneath her, on all fours. Both her legs and arms were trembling.

“Kaoru, right hand on blue.” Misaki ordered.

Kanon watched, an enormous feeling of anticipation hitting her in the gut. If Kaoru puts her hand on blue then she’ll fall—.

Chisato already seemed to take in the fact that she was victorious. Meanwhile, Kaoru closed her eyes, not making a move.

“...If this is how it ends then so be it.” Kaoru dismissed herself, reaching for blue. But just as she did, a loud crack was heard. Kanon shook in surprise—and so did both Misaki and Chisato. Kaoru collapsed onto the mat, looking as if her soul was sucked out of her.

“Holy shit—Kaoru, are you okay—?” Misaki crouched over her.

“You have arthritis, don’t you—? I still remember from our childhood days together.” Chisato stood up, hair flowing lusciously as if she won against some kind of villain. Kanon was even more confused—what was the point of that game?

“To think that you would remember such a thing about me..” Kaoru striked a pose but you could tell she was still in pain.

“No, no—I’m pretty sure everyone is already aware you have arthritis. We just didn’t know if we should’ve asked you about it or not.” Misaki sighed.

Kanon agreed with her. She often heard Kaoru’s back crack during practices but she wasn’t sure whether or not to help her. Kokoro once commented on it and she shook it off—something about being sore? Soreness is basically what arthritis is so it was pretty easy for us to guess what was up with her.

“...well then… you’ve both won this one. But what about the third game—? Are you prepared?” Kaoru patted down her outfit as she stood straight (somehow) despite her previous problem. Kanon was even more confused. What did she mean by the third game? It wasn’t exactly an odd grouping to begin with, but…

Chisato’s fist clenched. “Of course we’re prepared. Right, Okusawa-san—?” She turned to see Misaki nodding to her with a grim look of determination. Kaoru acknowledged their reactions and stood there, arms crossed.

“Is that really so—? If you’re really ready then allow me to tell you the next game…”

“For our next game you’ll enact a confession—!” Kaoru said with this odd glint in her eyes.

Both Misaki and Chisato shook in surprise.

“Is that really all—? Just a confession of love—? Did your peanut brain really forget that I’m a child actress—?” Chisato wasn’t surprised at her utter stupidity.

Kaoru smirked in response, “you may be a child actress but what about Misaki—? Do you really expect her to go through with this?”

Chisato turned to see a flustered Misaki. “W-Well—you see, Shirasagi-san… I’m not exactly the romance type—? I’m assuming a girl like you probably had a few romantic encounters… but compared to me I’m not exactly… experienced—?”

Chisato stared blankly. Has she seriously not been involved in any romantic encounters? Has Misaki been cock blocked?

“If you two can’t do it then you can kiss that clue goodbye.” Kaoru held a slip of paper between her fingers. Waving it around as if she was provoking us. Chisato bit her lip—it’s only enacting a confession.

“Okusawa-san.” She turned.

“Ah, yes—?” Misaki looked her way.

“Pretend I’m your dream girl and go along with it.” Chisato advised but it made Misaki even more dumbfounded. As she went to the opposite end of the alleyway, Misaki attempted to voice her protests but to no avail did Chisato listen. I need that clue no matter what.

Kaoru was standing, a meek expression of interest.

Chisato stood there—letting out heavy heaves as she mentally prepared herself for this shitshow of a confession. She briefly glanced at Misaki, seeing her awkwardly standing there as if she were a lost child. She took this as her chance.

“Okusawa-senpai… you came to the rooftop like I asked…” Chisato turned around, eyes gleaming with the slightest bit of hope. Her fist was clenched atop of her chest.

“O-Oh yeah—? I couldn’t say no to you…” Misaki timidly spoke. Her awkward movements along with her amateur voice acting was cringe for Chisato. To think that this girl has never seriously had any romantic experiences.

“Aren’t you going to ask why I invited you here—?” Chisato smiled.

Misaki was clearly startled by the look on her face, “yes, right—why did you invite me here… Chisato-san ?” Her voice was painfully strained.

“Y’see… ever since we met during cherry blossom season, when you grabbed my hand as I was about to fall… I couldn’t help but admire you because of it…” her voice trailed off as she approached her.

“Right, that totally happened—but admire me—? I only helped you once, obsessive much?” Misaki implored. Chisato was screaming on the inside—why isn’t she getting the message? Just how sheltered was she—?

“Oh, senpai…” Chisato grabbed both of Misaki’s hands, squeezing them violently, “you were always such a jokester .” Misaki yelped. She smiled once again as a warning and it seemed to have got the message across.

“You know me—your nice senpai…” Misaki struggled to smile.

Chisato continued to hold both of her hands, holding them up together in the air as she positioned herself, “the truth is, senpai… I’ve always admired you! From the moment we met, I’ve always hoped to hold you close to me—!” Chisato put an image in her mind. Not a seemingly important image—but standing in front of her wasn’t Misaki. It was a certain drummer… with that same curious expression she always seems to have.

“That’s right… from the moment we met, I’ve always admired you—! You’re clumsy, nice, compassionate—you’re always listening to my problems, lending me a shoulder… It often makes me wonder if I should be relying on you this much. But truly I know you’ll tell me, it’s alright . I always wondered if it was okay for me to take advantage of your kindness like this… but now I understand —I really do understand. It’s because I love you… so much that I’d be selfishly longing after you…” Chisato’s chilled voice became gentle.

There was a soft gleam in her eyes as she caressed Kanon’s cheek.

“And I wonder… do you feel the same way for me? Regardless of how selfish or useless I seem…?” Chisato’s shoulders felt at ease as her thumb drew over her cheek.

Then—there came clapping.

It quickly cut her out of her trance—she blinked into reality to see Misaki’s face as close as ever. Her entire face reddened, her entire body trembling—. Chisato came to terms with the way she lost herself in her acting. She began to burn up and quickly turned away from Misaki.

“That was amazing, Chisato-chan—! A drama-club oriented actor like me should be trembling in fear from your raw ability to act!” Kaoru praised her.

No, no… half of that wasn’t acting. Did I really become consumed by my fantasies? And in front of Misaki no less…

“So—? You’re pleased by it, aren’t you?” Chisato gained back her composure, “a deal is a deal so give us the clue.” Chisato approached her and watched as Kaoru stood her ground.

“Impatient, aren’t you ? Well… rules are rules so here it is.” Kaoru tossed the slip of paper towards her and she caught it mid-air. Just as Chisato was about to look at it—.

“We’ll meet again my little kittens—!” She announced and threw down a smoke screen. Both Chisato and Misaki braced themselves from the smoke as they heard rushed footsteps. As the smoke let up Kaoru was gone from sight.

“Ehm, Shirasagi-san, what does it say—?” Misaki took place by her side. Chisato swiped at the remaining smoke lingering around the both of them, and held the note up for the two of them to read.

Poppin’Party x Roselia. 

“...what would these two bands have to do with this—?” Misaki murmured.

“...it means that Kasumi-san’s and Minato-san’s appearances aren’t a coincidence. There were plenty of factors pointing to their disappearances as part of a plan but now it confirms it. Whatever they know about Hina is what we have to find out. Kaoru wouldn’t just give us this without an actual reason…” Chisato’s voice trailed off. Perhaps these two bands are part of an even bigger conspiracy—? One that we’re unable to comprehend? It would explain their disappearances, of course…

“Hold on, they’re both missing? I thought it was just the guitarist of Raise a Suilen that went missing—?”

“And now two more idiots are missing. What else could we be missing, Okusawa-san?” Chisato countered her words and Misaki was now perplexed.

“...I heard Kaoru mention something about Kasumi-chan and Yukina-san during one of her calls… It could be related to that…?”

Chisato and Misaki turned to see Kanon suddenly walk from the shadows of the alleyway.

“Kanon-san—?” “ Kanon —?”

They were both shocked to see her.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I should have said something…” Kanon timidly looked from side to side, “before you ask… I only saw the ending of your twister game and the confession scene…” she laughed awkwardly,  stifling an apologetic smile. She stole the words away from both of their mouths. 

“...is that so…?” Chisato's eyes narrowed away. Her cheeks burned up. 

“We had to do the games because of how stubborn she is about these things. She wouldn't exactly just hand it over like a normal person.” Misaki exclaimed and Kanon timidly nodded in response. “I figured it was something like that. But… doing it in an alleyway is a little… ” 

“I completely understand why you'd be weirded out by it. We had no choice but to do it because… well, Kaoru is a little special. And if we hadn't done any of the games then she wouldn't give us the next clue.” Chisato sighed frustratedly. I pity Hello Happy World and their shenanigans. 

“Is this about the same thing you were talking about before—? When you invited that listening circle to the restaurant…” Kanon’s voice trailed off as she recalled the meeting. 

“Yes, it's about the same thing. Hina is up to no good and I want to know why so I've been going around questioning a few people…” Chisato then came to a minor realization. She had Sayo on her side (officially) and she needed these connections. With these connections she’d be able to achieve her goal—to apprehend Hina.

“Okuawa-san, Kanon.” Chisato turned, voice firm.

Both Misaki and Kanon curiously looked her way.

“I can’t exactly do this alone. I’ll explain everything you need to know later on, about Hina and her goons. And I’ll let you two in on everything I know about them—but only if you join me. To capture Hina red-handed would be a relief to the bands and I’m afraid that I can’t do this alone.” Chisato crossed her arms, grimly staring ahead as both girls contemplated their answers. It was then that they nodded to each other and stared with determination.

“We wouldn’t mind joining you.” Kanon’s angelic smile sent Chisato into a frenzy.

“It’d be a great change of pace. I want to know why Kokoro and Kaoru have been skittish, so…”

“Tsurumaki-san as well?” Chisato was surprised.

“Ah, yeah… it seems like Kokoro-chan is hiding something from us. Both her and Kaoru. We actually haven’t had practice this past week either.” Kanon nodded along to her words. If Kokoro is involved then what about Hagumi—? She’s stupid and goes along with Kokoro’s shenanigans from what I've heard. I’m pretty sure there was a conspiracy revolving around the two of them. Hospital related if I recall…

“The two of you would be great additions for my team.” Chisato smiled.

“There are others…?” Misaki questioned.

.   .   . 

“So they’re both on our side…?” Sayo murmured. Chisato stood beside her, showing off their latest team members. Misaki and Kanon stood at the doorway, waving their hands. She brought the two girls to Hazawa Coffee, where she told Sayo to come and meet them. Needless to say… we all already know each other but Sayo deserved to know who exactly was on our side.

“I figured we’d need the help.”

“...you’re always meeting here, so does that mean I’m also on the team…?” Tsugumi approached the four girls from the side, timidly staring ahead.

“ Bitch , that was pretty much self explanatory.” Chisato sighed, disappointed. “Don’t think I won’t take my eye off of you though.” she threatened her by grabbing a spare teacup from the tables and Tsugumi flinched back. “Yes, Yes—I understand.” Tsugumi stuttered over her words.

“Just what exactly happened between the two of you…?” Kanon questioned.

“I was an eyewitness to the scene and I’m confident enough to say that it’s far from anyone's liking.” Sayo’s eyes narrowed elsewhere.

“It’s unreasonable to be against Chisato in this…” Misaki smugly smiled.

“Just remember that we’re on the good side,” Chisato walked to the left side of the room, bringing out the same whiteboard from yesterday. On the whiteboard were names; Toyama Kasumi, Minato Yukina, Hikawa Hina, Aoba Moca, Seta Kaoru, Asahi Rokka, etc. Chisato grabbed the erasable marker and began to jolt down a few other names; Tsurumaki Kokoro, Kitazawa Hagumi, Imai Lisa, Ichigaya Arisa , etc.

“We need to figure out each of their motives.” Chisato then turned back to face the four girls.

“I attempted to investigate Aoba-san earlier but to no avail did she listen.” Sayo commented on the subject.

“I don’t think Hagumi is involved in Kokoro’s schemes… at least I assume. She’s been going to the hospitals a lot lately, the ones we sing at. But again, I think it’s for something different.” Misaki inquired.

“That’s good to hear.” Chisato murmured. “We don’t know who’s on who’s side so we have to be careful… and not to mention…” Chisato took out the clue from her pocket, holding it out to the group.

“Poppin’Party and Roselia have my interest. Kaoru wouldn’t just give this to us without a particular reason. From what we know; Minato-san and Kasumi-san are way more involved in this than we know. They’re both missing and are likely being sheltered so they can’t reveal their truths. If they’re hiding from Hina, or being hidden by her—we don’t know. But —we need to find them. We need all the information we can get about Hina’s plans and finding them both is the first thing we can do.” As Chisato explained, both Kanon and Misaki looked a little confused, but Sayo and Tsugumi both nodded along to the new turn of events.

“So, are you both in—?” Chisato asked again for clarification.

“I don’t really understand this whole thing… but if it’s important to you then it’s important to me too.” Kanon declared her allegiance to Chisato and she couldn’t be any happier.

“Same here. I don’t really want Hina to break apart the bands either so I’m joining.” Misaki made her motives known.

“We’re honored to have you both aboard.” Sayo smiled stiffly and Tsugumi nodded vigorously.

“Well then. Let’s all stop Hina together.”

.   .   .

"My," Hina sat in her wheeled armchair, leg crossed over the other as she acknowledged the photograph given to her. It was a photograph of her beloved onee-chan, Kanon, Misaki and Tsugumi being led by Chisato,"she'd even go this far?" Hina tossed the photograph onto the table. She smiled to hold back her inner rage.

"Just what exactly does she want from me—?"

Sitting at the rectangular wooden table were all present members of Raise a Suilen—including Tsurumaki Kokoro, Seta Kaoru and Aoba Moca. Well, to be specific, Rokka was standing beside her chair with a glass cup full of french fries. She’s become accustomed to servant life.

“If this Shirasagi Chisato is being such a pest then why don’t we get rid of her for good—? That way she won’t be interfering with your plans. Same goes for Hikawa Sayo—we can just bring her here if times get tough.” Chiyu attempted to talk sense into Hina, but she still had a grim look on her face.

“There’s one thing you fail to understand. Chisato wouldn’t go down without a fight. Once she focuses on one thing she’ll be determined to succeed—it’s her pride. Though… with Onee-chan joining her… this could actually be beneficial for my plans…” Hina began contemplating—every single person in there still wasn’t aware of what exactly Hina was planning. She was keeping her projects sheltered from the world.

“Oi, boss—what are your motives —?” Masuki attempted to ask the fated question but Hina quickly shot it down.

“I know—!” she stood up from her chair and slammed both of her hands onto the table. “I hired you all for a reason and it’s finally time to put your skills to use—! I have this totally boppin plan.” She smiled cheerfully.

“...and that is—?” Rei murmured.

“Tomorrow we’ll bring an attack on Chisato’s group and break them apart—!” She grinned like a maniac.

It surprised a few of them despite their obvious circumstances.

“...ehm, Hina-sama, what about finding Yukina-san and Kasumi-chan—?” Rokka queried.

“Right, hmm…” Hina put a hand on her chin, pondering deeply for a few moments.

The whole table was silent as Hina began her intricate thought process. But it was then that her hand swayed down from her chin, “tomorrow—I’ll be splitting all of you up. One half will go after Chisato’s group while the other will go searching for clues to find both Yukina-san and Kasumi-chan—!” she announced her plans and was given murmurs of agreement. Although Chiyu looked a little displeased with her answer.

“I believe that the best course of action would be to provoke Shirasagi Chisato. For somebody who’s serious at stopping us—if we create a diversion then that’ll get the heat off of us. May I suggest taking something important from her—?” Chiyu grinned. Despite being against taking part in Hina’s plans, she surely was a rascal.

“That’s a great idea but I’ll think about it for now.” Hina finger gunned Chiyu and the midget girl sat down with a huff.

“We’ll make Chisato and her little group regret coming after us.”

.   .   .

What exactly will Hina do to apprehend Chisato?! Will the group really break up?? What happened to Arisa’s team?? Is Kasumi still being treated like a demon—?? Is Hina really evil or is she doing this for the good of the bands?? Who knows!!