healingbonds | For Whom the Requiem Plays

Chapter 5 << | index | >> Epilogue 1

Location: Concert Hall

Eichi: You’re such a good guesser that it’s creepy.

I don't know if it's courage or naivety that makes you ask your investigators, "Are you here to investigate me?"

But I guess you saved me some trouble.

There’s not much time till the concert begins; you saved us some time by jumping right into the main topic.

Madara: Straight to the point! It’s the smartest way to do things because it causes minimal damage to others! Don’t you agree, Eichi-san?

Eichi: “Eichi-san,” huh. Despite being essentially more talented than everyone else, you interact with others in a humble manner. Don’t you realize that that can come off as sarcastic?

Madara: Hypocritical politeness! I can’t really retort to that. Humans have a desire to control those who are above them.

It’s the same as using computers and smartphones, which have greater computing capacity and far more functions than humans, for entertainment.

I want everyone around me to be as healthy and happy as possible. After all, if I face people normally, I wind up breaking them.

Eichi: So you’re being considerate. How kind of you, Mikejima-kun. You’re exactly the kind of person I want to defeat.

Keito: Hey now. I did anticipate you two being utterly incompatible, but don’t fight... We’re in public; be good.

Eichi: Mikejima-kun is the one who started it.

Keito: To me, Mikejima looks like the adult who is putting up with a troublesome spoiled child.

....Anyhow, Mikejima. Answer all our questions properly.

Why are you in the audience? Is there something you’d like to say to us?

You said there were two reasons, but we’ve yet to hear the second.

Madara: Sometimes, the less said, the better. After all, the most powerful monster is one left to the imagination.

But I can’t help but respond when I’m asked; that’s my way of life! How troublesome ♪

There’s no use in being all mysterious—I don’t have much time anyway.

I’ll say it as it is. I want the two of you to stay as “guests” today. That’s what I came to tell you

Don’t make any unnecessary moves. I want you to enjoy yourselves, think, “ah, what a pleasant experience,” feel satisfied, and go home.

If your behavior as “guests” is unbecoming, I will deal with you as a concert staff member.

I’ll have you leave immediately; you’re also going to return those complimentary drinks I handed you earlier.

Eichi: You say “return,” but... I drank it all up?

Madara: Hahaha! All I need to do is punch your stomach so you’ll barf it out!

Eichi: That’s terrifying. Did you hear that, Keito? Doesn’t that statement alone constitute criminal intimidation?

Keito: I’ll record it next time. It’ll be useful in court.

...There’s no need for you to tell us that; we fully intended to behave as “guests” from the start.

Madara: Really now? You two have stood on stage as idols for too long; do you really remember your guestly manners?

Don’t cross the line. If you do, I’ll crush you.

...Did you make sure to record that? Want me to repeat myself for you?

Leo-san might stand on stage today. It’s his first time standing on his beloved stage in a while.

His mental state is shaky; he’s standing at the very brink, and there’s a chance he might not come back to “this side.”

Don’t get in the way. There are people waiting for his return all over the world. If you get in the way—I don’t care who you are—I’m going to destroy you.

That’s my current form of justice.

I lost my qualification as a hero when I left “Ryuseitai” long ago, but.

The blood of justice I inherited still runs through my veins.

Eichi: “For everyone’s sake,” huh; that really is justice. It sounds like your vision has something in common with our revolution. I think we could actually get along, you know?

Madara: I would be willing to agree if your ideals bore fruit without being distorted, but.

Keito-san aside... Eichi-san hasn’t acted for “everyone’s sake,” right?

That’s why you’re a fake hero.

Don’t mistake yourself for one. When something is troubling you, cry out for “help!” That’s the role you were meant to play ♪

Eichi: ...Could it be that you’re picking a fight with me?

Keito: He’s provoking you. He’s trying to direct your hostility towards himself so you’ll be distracted from Tsukinaga.

Eichi: Ah, I see... I’m not the least bit interested in Tsukinaga-kun after all this time, you know?

Madara: Hahaha! Then why did you take your sickly body out for a long journey in this heat? Why did you risk the danger of collapsing?

You’ve told so many lies that you can no longer see your own true feelings—isn’t that it?

Eichi-san, you poor thing.

Eichi: ...I can see right through that provocative remark, but. You really do infuriate me.

You’re more likely to become my “enemy” than my “friend.”

That realization alone makes today’s trip worthwhile.

Chapter 5 << | index | >> Epilogue 1

For Whom the Requiem Plays | Chapter 6