Munakata: Very well... Munakata: We will advance with swords in hand! For our cause is pure! Men! Draw your swords! SCEPTER4: Yes, sir! - Yes, sir! SCEPTER4: Akiyama, ready! - Benzai, ready! Kamo, ready! - Domyoji, ready! Enomoto, ready! - Fuse, ready! Goto, ready! - Hidaka, ready! Munakata: Munakata, ready!
Munakata: Munakata, ready! Munakata: I'll handle this. Munakata: In compliance with Protocol 120, I am taking you into custody. Munakata: Any objections? Suoh: Unfortunately, I have none. Suoh: Take good care of me.
Munakata: Well, look who's here... Munakata: Suoh, let's get straight to the point. Munakata: Your Weismann level is pushing its limit. Munakata: If the Sword of Damocles should fall, we'll have a repeat of the Kagutsu crater. Munakata: If you insist on drawing more power from the Dresden Slates, I will have to kill you. Suoh: I have no idea what you're talking about. Munakata: I'm telling you to renounce your throne. Suoh: You're just a stick in the mud, aren't you, Munakata? Munakata: If that's your answer, I'll have to come up with a way to keep you locked up for life. Suoh: Actually, there is one way to keep me locked up here forever. Suoh: You could do it, Munakata. Suoh: The Blue King can keep an eye on me personally. Suoh: 24 hours a day, inside this cell. Suoh: If I become violent, you can restrain me by force. Munakata: The thought of having to breathe the same air as you makes me ill. Munakata: And besides, I'm afraid I'm quite busy. Munakata: I can't spend all my time with you. Suoh: I'm sorry you feel that way, Munakata. Munakata: Yeah, me too, Suoh...
Munakata: Restraining him with fire-retardant phenolic resin... Munakata: That sounds like a good idea. Munakata: But I don't know how effective it'd be against that man. Awashima: I do not know what the Red King, Mikoto Suoh, has in mind, but this gives us a good opportunity. Awashima: If I may be so blunt, short of killing him, we should try every available option. Awashima: For example, under proper medical supervision, how about administering doses of muscle relaxant or tranquilizers? Munakata: That's quite a radical idea and a good one at that, Ms. Awashima. Munakata: Your blatant disregard for Suoh's human rights makes me shudder. Munakata: All right. I'll consider it. Munakata: Did you learn anything about the weapon used to murder Tatara Totsuka? Awashima: Apparently, it was one of many modified guns that the mafia was dealing. Awashima: The man in charge of their smuggling operation has gone missing, along with the truck. Munakata: Was there anything else on that truck? Awashima: A few volatile chemicals, explosives, and enough weapons and ammo to open up a gun shop. Munakata: Those bastards... Munakata: Well, if the suspects have their hands on that much firepower... Awashima: Metro P.D. is taking this very seriously, and is about to form an investigation unit. Awashima: I'm thinking of putting in a special request for a release of information. Awashima: Shall I issue the order under Level: Prussian Blue? Munakata: No, make it the next level: Royal Blue. Munakata: I want to know of every incident that has occurred in this city in the past two weeks, as well as everything that may or will happen until this case is solved. Munakata: I want every set of eyes and ears you have on this. Awashima: Understood. Awashima: And those who can't handle it have no need for eyes and ears. Awashima: It is our duty to manage and make use of them. Munakata: You are an exceptional woman, Ms. Awashima.
Awashima: Permission to use our sabers... Munakata: Granted.
Fushimi: We seem to be lacking the winning edge. Fushimi: Maybe it's time you went to work. Munakata: (sips tea)
Munakata: Well done... Munakata: Thanks to your efforts, I have a grasp of the situation. Awashima: Sir! Munakata: Guess I'd better get to work. Munakata: It seems Mr. Fushimi is growing impatient. Munakata: As I suspected, a third party, an unknown Strain, was behind this. Munakata: By projecting her powers within a perimeter with herself at the center, she can interfere and manipulate the human senses and perceptions of those around her. Munakata: It is an all too dangerous power.
Munakata: I see... So you chose to sacrifice yourself. Munakata: The celebrated sword Kotowari... Munakata: It used to belong to the late Seventh King, Ichigen Miwa, the Colorless King. Munakata: I suppose you could try and kill me with that. Munakata: Didn't you hear me? Munakata: I told you to draw your sword. Munakata: That's more like it... Munakata: What's this? Munakata: Such a disobedient child. Munakata: If you insist on being so stubborn, you leave me no choice. Munakata: Mr. Yatogami, what do you say we end this game? Kuroh: I refuse... Munakata: Now then... Let's get to the subject at hand.
Munakata: You showed magnificent self-sacrifice against me. Munakata: That young man... Is he the master you serve now? Munakata: The Colorless King. The Seventh, and weakest king. Munakata: He is not a powerful presence alone, but he is the wild card who could tip the balance of power between the kings. Munakata: In other words, he is the one person I need to be most wary of. Munakata: That young man is the new Colorless King who will replace Ichigen Miwa... Munakata: Am I correct? Munakata: Answer me. Kuroh: Master Ichigen told me to vet that man. Munakata: Oh? And what is your verdict? Kuroh: I will not let anyone lay a hand on him until I make that decision. Munakata: I see... Munakata: That might have been his plan from the start. Munakata: Remaining neither good nor evil... Munakata: As long as he maintains that ambiguous position, he can keep the "Black Dog," Kuroh Yatogami, as his bodyguard. Munakata: He could not ask for a more powerful pawn. Munakata: Using that young female Strain, deceiving you and the people around him would be a simple matter. Munakata: All of us might be puppets in that young man's scheme. Munakata: Wouldn't you agree? Kuroh: You have a point... Kuroh: He's constantly laughing like a fool and everything that comes out of his mouth is a lie. Kuroh: That's the sort of fellow he is. Munakata: Is that man worth risking your life for? Munakata: Oh? Did you forget something? Kuroh: You fool! Why'd you come back?! Yashirou: Well, I guess I can't just leave my friends behind, can I? Munakata: I see. Munakata: So you came back to share your fate together. Munakata: That is a noble gesture. Munakata: But meaningless.
Munakata: I should have known better... Munakata: I fell for it hook, line and sinker.
Awashima: In summary, every squad failed in their pursuit due to inclement weather. Awashima: And so far, the traffic surveillance network hasn't shown us the suspect. Munakata: I see... Munakata: So not only did he get away from me, he also managed to escape Fushimi, who was leading the pursuit. Munakata: His ability to stay under the radar until now was no coincidence. Awashima: Currently, we're retracing his possible escape route and narrowing our perimeter around Ashinaka High School. Munakata: Apprehending him will be a tall order. Munakata: He seems quite difficult to pin down. Munakata: And on top of that, the two with him are a real handful. Fushimi: Captain, Fushimi reporting. Munakata: Enter. Awashima: What is it? Fushimi: I just received a report that one of our pursuit squad members was attacked and transported back here. Awashima: Which unit was he in, and exactly what time was he attacked? Fushimi: Officer Chikushi from the Third Division in the East District. Fushimi: Happened about fifteen minutes ago. Awashima: Was he badly injured? Fushimi: Only some bruises, but his PDA was stolen. Munakata: His PDA? Fushimi: I'm pulling up his assigned areas. Munakata: Have you identified the assailant? Fushimi: Everyone's favorite black dog. Awashima: Chikushi says he didn't see the other two... Awashima: Yatogami Kuroh is still hanging around here? Awashima: No, that can't be... Munakata: That wasn't an attack. It was a warning. Munakata: Fushimi, was there anything left at the scene that might have served as a message from them? Fushimi: Just one item. Munakata: I see. Awashima: Fushimi, why don't you come in and have a seat for now? Fushimi: Huh? Fushimi: I'm fine where I am. Awashima: Fine. Awashima: Then alert anyone on standby at HQ to prepare for an emergency deployment. Fushimi: Yes, Ma'am.
Munakata: Munakata Reishi speaking. Who is this? Yashirou: Isana Yashiro, or so I'm told. Munakata: I suspected it might be you. Munakata: You have executed a rather aggressive approach. Yashirou: I apologize. Yashirou: I couldn't think of any other way to contact you without getting caught. Munakata: I see. Munakata: All right, let's hear what you have to say. Yashirou: I'll try my best to make this short, then. Yashirou: There's a man in an airship who is directly involved in that murder investigation, especially regarding my treatment as a suspect when I know nothing about it. Munakata: Do you even understand what you're saying? Yashirou: Excuse me? Munakata: What do you know about the man in the airship? Yashirou: You might say I got the crash course on him. Munakata: Then you should realize that he's far too important to be dragged into this just because you claim to be innocent. Awashima: Awashima here. Munakata: I think you could at least demonstrate good will by turning yourself in. Awashima: Fushimi is headed for the Tokyo Expressway. Awashima: Follow him immediately. Yashirou: Screaming my innocence from a jail cell would be pretty pointless. Yashirou: I've seen enough crime dramas to know that much. Yashirou: That's why I'll only give myself up for the right price. Munakata: Indeed. You are quite the shrewd one. Yashirou: Why, thank you! Yashirou: As for our deal— Yashirou: If you promise to help me question that guy in the airship, I'll turn myself in to you. Yashirou: How does that sound? Munakata: I wish I could agree since you're willing to go to such lengths, but I'm afraid that such a demand from the likes of you isn't adequate enough when it comes to the man in the airship. Munakata: Besides, even if you turned yourself in, I have no doubt that your two friends would come to rescue you. Yashirou: Exactly! Yashirou: I guess I got carried away. Munakata: No. I accept your terms. Yashirou: Huh?! Munakata: I'm saying that I, Munakata Reishi, the fourth king, the blue king, will detain the man in the airship, also known as the first or silver king, Adolph K. Weismann. Munakata: Come and see us if you're up to it. Munakata: I'll arrange a meeting to get to the bottom of this. Munakata: One caveat, however. Munakata: All three of you will turn yourselves in.
Awashima: We have yet to receive any response from the first king. Awashima: The third request was sent at 1700 hours. Munakata: We've completed the requisite formalities. Munakata: Now it's time to take him into custody. Awashima: But Captain, according to Protocol 120, we don't really have the authority to conduct an investigation of the Himmelreich, which is within a domain of the first king. Awashima: I think we should obtain permission from the second king before we proceed. Munakata: His Excellency would not allow us to do anything to the first king, regardless of our reasoning. Munakata: And that's precisely why we'll do whatever we can get away with. Munakata: I'll personally explain the situation afterwards, so you shouldn't worry. Awashima: Then could you please at least tell me why you're taking this so far? Munakata: All right. Munakata: First of all, this was not an impulsive decision instigated by Isana Yashiro. Munakata: While it's true that I decided to take action because of his request, I'd been keeping an eye on the first king's suspicious behavior already. Awashima: By suspicious behavior, are you referring to the recent series of events? Fushimi: Isn't the silver king just some urban legend about a guy who lives in an airship floating in the sky? Fushimi: How can he be possibly be related to the current case? Munakata: Let me explain the time line. Munakata: For the past several decades, the Himmelreich cruised the skies, following several paths. Munakata: Except for deviations that could be attributed to the weather, it flew along these fifteen patterns. Munakata: But if you looked for a correlation between the patterns and weather conditions, it seemed like it always took the optimal course. Munakata: But these days, its route is like this. Munakata: I became aware of this change just a few days ago. Munakata: At first, I assumed it was just taking a less regular path. Munakata: But because of who I was dealing with, I got a hold of air traffic control at Ukita Airport, and had them investigate the issue further. Munakata: It turns out that the airship changed its usual route in the sky immediately after a certain incident. Munakata: Routes it had kept for decades had changed abruptly from that moment on. Munakata: It's only natural that I became suspicious, no? Munakata: It approached the stadium last night, as well.
Munakata: Scepter 4 will now commence the operation to apprehend the first and silver king, Adolph K. Weismann, as a person of interest in the murder investigation of Totsuka Tatara. Munakata: We will advise the Himmelreich to land at the appointed airport. Munakata: In the event he does not comply, we will commandeer the vessel. SCEPTER4: Yes, Sir!
Munakata: Munakata speaking. Subordinate: The rabbits are already here! Munakata: He sure is quick, all right.
Guy: The fourth king, Lord Munakata Reishi, is here to see you now. Kokujyōji: A king hath come to the Slate. I ask of thee, art thou here to fight, or to talk? Munakata: I come without my sword. I have come to talk. Munakata: That is my wish. Munakata: It's good to see you again, Your Excellency. Kokujyōji: No need for pleasantries. Munakata: First, allow me to thank you. Munakata: Thank you for interceding in the recent Royal Blue situation. Munakata: We were able to use all of the information obtained through extralegal means, for the good of the public... Kokujyōji: Get to the point. Munakata: All right. I'll get right to the point. Munakata: I believe that the body your men retrieved from the Himmelreich was the first king, Adolph K. Weismann. Kokujyōji: That is correct. Munakata: Weismann, the silver king, started it all. Munakata: And his physical appearance was never to change, correct? Kokujyōji: What do you mean? Munakata: The "Immortal King," who retained the youth and vigor of his prime for more than a half century, has suddenly died... Munakata: The circumstances beg many questions. Munakata: I'd like to be allowed to examine his body.
Munakata: So, the monster is alive and well... Munakata: And that's how it should be. Munakata: That old man still has to function as the country's backbone. Munakata: But mighty as he may be, immortal he is not. Munakata: That's also true of the silver king. Munakata: The crisis continues. Munakata: Remain alert and ready. SCEPTER4: Yes, sir!
Awashima: It was inexcusable. Awashima: Not only did I allow the Red King to escape, but I've also allowed what has transpired afterward. Awashima: I take full responsibility. Munakata: The look on your face as you embrace humiliation... isn't bad at all. Awashima: Captain! Munakata: Feeling responsible for not being able to stop the Red King is a sign of considerable arrogance. Awashima: Yes... Munakata: But we do have a troublesome situation. Awashima: Yes. Munakata: The Red King, Mikoto Suoh, taking over the high school on the island could only mean... Awashima: He's here to apprehend Tatara Totsuka's murderer. Munakata: Yes, that's right. Munakata: But if that person is another king, this could get really messy. Awashima: You're referring to the Colorless King? Munakata: The Seventh King, the Colorless King... is unlike any of the other kings. Munakata: Each successive generation exhibits a unique power. Munakata: No one knows what that power is until it shows itself. Awashima: A "trickster" who agitates the relationships between the kings... Awashima: Like the wild card in a deck of cards. Munakata: Awashima, I loath the wild card. Munakata: It reeks of trickery... Munakata: I feel it lacks fairness. Munakata: Especially when it's not in the hand I'm playing. Munakata: Good grief, it'd be so much simpler if he had remained a recluse in the mountains like his predecessor, Ichigen Miwa. Awashima: But now, we have the short-fused Red King, who can potentially be mixed in with the unpredictable Colorless King. Awashima: You'd have to call this an extremely volatile situation. Munakata: What's more, given that we haven't captured the Colorless King, our only alternative is to detain the Red King. Munakata: An all-out war with the Red Clansmen appears to be inevitable. Awashima: All units are ready for battle. Awashima: You may give the order at any time. Munakata: Awashima... Munakata: Mind if I make a rather selfish request?
Suoh: I thought sharing the same air with me made you want to puke. Munakata: Sometimes I feel like breathing toxic air. Munakata: I'll be very direct. Munakata: Relinquish this school peacefully. Munakata: I can't overlook the way you're involving innocent high-school students. Munakata: If you comply now, I can settle this before things get out of hand. Suoh: "That's a fine idea"... Suoh: Is that what you expected me to say? Munakata: It's not an idea, it's an ultimatum. Munakata: You've gone too far, Suoh. Munakata: That being the case, allow me to slay Tatara Totsuka's killer, the man who calls himself the Colorless King. Munakata: If you'll consent to that, I'll execute him in any way you wish. Suoh: That's very generous of you. Suoh: But no thanks. Munakata: I'm sure you've seen the shape your Sword of Damocles is in. Munakata: The sword is the symbol of a king and manifests the truest image of its king's condition. Munakata: Your sword will come crashing down soon. Suoh: Oh really? Munakata: Your Weismann level is at the brink. Munakata: The added burden of killing a king here will certainly exceed your limit. Munakata: You'll cause a repeat of the Kagutsu Crater tragedy. Munakata: You no longer have any right to be a king. Munakata: It's time to step down, Red King. Suoh: I've never taken any action as a king. Munakata: There are innocent high school students here who have nothing to do with this. Munakata: Your men are here too. Munakata: Do you understand?! Suoh: I will settle my own business, while you take care of yours. Suoh: Isn't that all there is? Munakata: Barbarian! Munakata: You're beyond reason. Suoh: You didn't think you could actually change my mind, did you? Suoh: That's so not your style. Munakata: Not really... Munakata: I just came here to see a friend. Suoh: Go. Munakata: Suoh... Munakata: Are you sure you won't change your mind? Suoh: I'm sure. Munakata: Fool.
Suoh: What'll it be? Suoh: You can go help them if you want. Munakata: And ruin this perfect moment? Suoh: You have a point. After all... Suoh: This is our last fight. Munakata: Munakata... Ready!
Suoh: We're not finished, are we? Munakata: No, I'd say we're just getting started. Suoh: No more time outs from you, got it? Munakata: Like you'd listen to me even if I wanted one.
Suoh: What's the matter? Suoh: Is that all you've got? Suoh: I know you can do better. Munakata: It's because I don't have my glasses. Suoh: You're not taking this too seriously, are you? Munakata: One cannot afford to be so nonchalant when locked in battle with the Red King himself. Suoh: Damn. Suoh: I've always hated that overly polite manner of yours. Suoh: Can't you speak like a normal person?! Munakata: It is my mission as one of the Seven Kings, and my duty as the leader of SEPTER 4 to defeat you. Munakata: Personally, as Munakata Reisi, I want to help you, Suoh. Suoh: That's not like you at all!
Suoh: Thanks for bringing him here. Munakata: Stop it, Suoh! Munakata: Don't do it!
Suoh: Sorry... Suoh: For making you do the dirty work... Munakata: Don't give me that rubbish while looking at peace with yourself. {I think rubbish might be more polite with this guy being so polite} Munakata: If you really feel that way, couldn't you have done something about it... before this happened? Suoh: You've said enough... Munakata. Suoh: I'm sorry... Anna. Suoh: I won't be able to show you that beautiful red anymore.
side:blue reinforces that particular idea in my mind by revealing an interesting parallel to Kuro in the form of Zenjou Gouki - a vassal of the former Blue King who’s only reason for serving Munakata boils down to ‘he needs to see for himself what kind of person Munakata really is, slaying him if necessary’.
Zenjou Gouki is the lieutenant of the former Blue King, Habari Jin, whom he slew when the Blue King’s Weismann level went out of control as a result of the Red King’s Damocles Down (a Damocles Down tends to cause a chain reaction with nearby Kings and their Swords of Damocles - if any one of the four Kings’ Swords in the last episode fell, Japan would’ve probably been blown off the map). As a result of the trauma of being forced to slay his own master, he departed from SCEPTER4 soon thereafter and lived in recluse for a decade - until the new Blue King, Munakata Reishi approached him.
Zenjou Gouki was absolutely loyal to Habari, and even believed that he was born to meet the Blue King. On that fateful day in 199x, July, Zenjou lost an irreplaceable part of himself along with his left arm during the Kagutsu Incident. SCEPTER4 was left without a King, and Zenjou believed that SCEPTER4 as it is - has no ‘justice’ that Habari asked him to uphold, nor a master that he can honestly serve -, and so departed to live in recluse. When Munakata visited him a decade later, Zenjou believed that he could see hints of Habari in the new Blue King, and even thought that this was a sign from Habari himself - telling him to “Go ahead and rest now.” However, Munakata evidently had other plans for Zenjou-
“Ah, I have no need for such pleasantries - I am here, after all, to welcome you back.”
Munakata said with a smile.
When Zenjou saw that smile,
“….!”
His entire body tensed. His intuition came to him like a shock.
-He’s different.
The man in front of him certainly shared some similarities with Habari Jin - perhaps their Kingly natures.
That much is certain, but-
-but the man is clearly different.
(omit)
-“What you should protect is our justice.”
For the past decade, those words were the foundation of Zenjou’s belief - no, his entire existence. There is no hesitation to be found in his dedication.
-But is this man-
Is Munakata Reishi a “King” that will bring forth justice with his own methods?
Or is he something entirely different, a being clouded in mysteries?
He had to judge for himself.
To uphold Habari Jin’s and his own justice.
And such, Zenjou Gouki agreed to rejoin SCEPTER4 to evaluate Munakata Reishi as a King - whether he is someone befitting of being Habari’s successor, or a shadier existence with hidden agendas.
Returning to SCEPTER4 certainly had its benefits. Zenjou met Kusuhara Takeru in SCEPTER4, an energetic youth eager to prove his worth to the world - it is in Kusuhara’s encouraging words that Zenjou finally found salvation and release from the guilt of Habari’s death that plagued him for the past decade, and it is in Zenjou’s wordless and sometimes harsh guidance that Kusuhara found a new source of strength within himself. All that came crashing down when Kusuhara took a bullet for Munakata and died in his stead. In a sense, one could even see Kusuhara as a parallel of sorts to HOMRA’s Tatara - both were the mood-makers in their respective organizations, much adored by their teammates, and both had a way with words that can ease one’s worries and fears like no other can.
The death of Kusuhara eventually became a tense topic between Zenjou and Munakata, with the latter believing that Kusuhara’s death contributed significantly to the growth of SCEPTER4 as an organization - just like how the loss of Zenjou’s left arm made him even more ‘complete’ in a sense. Very similar in idea to the words that Kusuhara gave to Zenjou, yet the nuance is completely different when spoken by Munakata like this.
“Are you saying that Kusuhara was supposed to die?”
Zenjou stood up. As if sensing the tense atmosphere, the kitten ran off.
“Well then…”
Munakata adjusted his glasses. His expression, half hidden by his hand, remained unreadable.
“If I said “yes”…will you slay me?”
Munakata said,
“Much like how you slew your own master - the Blue King, Habari Jin.”
“….!”
Zenjou’s expression underwent drastic changes.
Shock, rage - no, feelings even more intense than that displayed themselves on his face.
“199x, July, the Kagutsu Incident, in that decisive moment - caught in the area of influence of the “Red King” Kagutsu Renji’s Damocles Down, Habari Jin could not stabilize his own Sword of Damocles. In other words, there was a high possibility of a chain reaction occurring as a result.”
Munakata said to Zenjou, frozen with the look of a demon on his face.
“If two Damocles Downs were to occur at the same time, in the same area, then the amount of energy, multiplied by each other’s influence, should theoretically be enough to burn up the entirety of Kanto, leaving it to sink into the waters…it is even possible that the repercussions will be enough to lead to the downfall of the entire country.”
Observing Zenjou’s reactions, Munakata continued.
“In that moment, the life of one King and the future of one country was put on the balance of fate. Your swift strike saved the entire country - by instantly slaying the Blue King, faster than his sword could fall, and making his Sword of Damocles disappear-“
Zenjou did not answer. He let his gaze fall to the floor wordlessly.
-indeed he had slew Habari. He had no intentions of shying away from that fact.
However, at the same time, that wasn’t out of his own judgment…he thinks. He was spurred into motion - neither by his own will, nor by the expectations of others - but by some great impulse, and drawing his sword from its sheath came naturally.
Zenjou was thrown into an emotional turmoil as a result of Munakata’s words - he asked himself time and time again, was Munakata someone who could make unpleasant yet necessary decisions for the sake of justice? Or was he simply someone evil who manipulated the lives of others with no regards whatsoever? He was not able to come up with an answer on a spot, but the same impulse that drove him to slay Habari spurred him into motion again - he swung his sword and deflected a bullet headed towards Munakata. Munakata believes that the great impulse behind Zenjou’s actions was something akin to providence - something that exceeded the limitations of human will, and of course, his own control as well.
In the end, Munakata chooses to leave his own fate in Zenjou’s hands as well, noting that Zenjou may choose to slay him if there ever comes a day Zenjou sees who exactly Munakata is. Zenjou is a representation of Munakata’s power, as well as someone who can put an end to him, if necessary. In other words, Zenjou is the other ‘Sword of Damocles’ to Munakata. Yet until the day when Munakata is deemed evil or unworthy by Zenjou, he will serve the Blue King.
Recall back in episode 7, whose script was written by the same person responsible for side:blue, Munakata said to Kuro, “He remains in a position neither good nor evil. As long as he maintains his ambiguity, the “Black Dog”, Yatogami Kuroh stands by his side.”
Suddenly Munakata’s words take on an entirely new meaning in the context of his relationship with Zenjou.
Both Kuroh and Zenjou possess the potential to slay Kings, both are extremely powerful characters who can easily take out numerous Clansmen/Strains at the same time, and both started out at their respective Kings’ sides in an attempt to evaluate them. Yet Kuro has developed true loyalty to his King and willingly took his hand, staying by his new master’s side of his own volition. Will Zenjou and Munakata ever reach a similar conclusion, or will Munakata face a similar fate to that of his predecessor? Only time can tell.
You are indeed an excellent person. That cool-headedness of yours is quite befitting of my right-hand woman.
Commentary: Today’s 100DAYSxVISUAL is Munakata. Even though Munakata is on the side of justice, you still get a sense of malice from him somehow! He’s really suited to having terrifying conversations with his subordinate, Awashima-san while keeping a calm face.
I think our initial concept for Munakata was more along the lines of the “ideal boss”, but as we discussed various things, his personality became…a little twisted for some reason. However, I think that just adds to his charm! (Pink)
Day 43
I dislike the Joker card. It seems unfair no matter how you look at it. Especially when it’s not in my hands.
Commentary: “I dislike the Joker card.” What a philosophical musing, but actually, there’s an even more wonderful line after this. When will that line show up, I wonder? …or rather, it’s possible that it appeared in the Animate version already.
I think you’re beginning to realize, but the amount of blue people wearing glasses is quite unusual. Even Awashima-san, the only one with normal eyesight, is on the verge of having a “she actually has bad eyesight” setting slapped on her. Someone please send help.
If Awashima-san also gets glasses, then their team’s name will change. It’ll become SCEPTER MEGANE. Though Megashima-san seems pretty nice..there is such a thing called balance!
And so, this is Orange from the anti-glasses faction. See you next week! (Orange)
Day 55
To crush in my hand It’ll only be complete after attaining perfect alignment. There is no need for unshapely or mistaken pieces. I can already see the vision of completion.
Commentary: It’s Munakata. I think you probably know this by now, but Munakata’s hobbies include jigsaw puzzles. We originally planned to integrate a blue version of it into the effects of his power manifesting, but when that idea got scrapped we turned jigsaw puzzles into a part of his character.
I feel like he tries his hand at quite a wide variety of jigsaw puzzles. From incredibly challenging ones like pure white puzzles, to scenery, anime, painting; he amuses himself without particularly caring for any one genre - that’s my image of him.
Personally, I think he might even become unsatisfied with products that are already on the market, and might even make jigsaw puzzles out of his own photos, the interior appearance of SCEPTER4, and maybe even pictures of Awashima-san and the likes. I think it’s really interesting if Awashima-san puts on a somewhat confused face when he starts piecing those together. (laughs)
So, the completed jigsaw puzzles get put on display in his room, and they’re changed every once in a while (sometimes it’s refined scenery paintings, sometimes himself), but the man himself is a calm and collected guy with a penchant for poker faces.
At first, he might seem as hard to characterize as Fushimi, but I think he might be a surprisingly straightforward person. He’s a character I’ve grown to like more and more as I write. (Red)
Bartender: Welcome. Would you like to sit at the counter?
Suoh: Ah.
Munakata: What a troublesome person. Isn’t there many other shops out there, Team HOMRA’s Suoh Mikoto?
Suoh: Why would I leave a shop that I had just entered, SCEPTER4’s Munakata Reisi?
Munakata: Don’t you get it, the sake is getting bad, that’s why.
Suoh: I see. Then hurry up and get lost.
Munakata: You’re insolent as ever. And you’re the one who comes later.
Suoh: When or where I go, I don’t want to hear any complaints about it.
Munakata: That’s why I’m calling you insolent, can’t read the air.
Suoh: Air, huh?
Munakata: Then, can you put out that cheap cigarette? It’s dense.
Bartender: Umm, sir?
Suoh: TURKEY, double.
Bartender: Certainly, sir.
Munakata: Honestly, it’s an unlucky day.
Suoh: What a coincidence. I was just thinking about the same thing as well.
Munakata: Even though I was here for occasional relaxation.
Suoh: Yeah, same here.
Both: Hmm?
Bartender: Thank you for waiting.
Suoh: Ah.
Munakata: Bourbon is it? That kind of liquor, you can just drink it at your bar as many as you please, right? There’s no reason for you to go and visit another shop in the first place…
Suoh: At where or what kind of liquor I drink, you don’t have to say a thing about it.
Munakata: Did you pick a fight at me? And here I thought you’re quite good in pretending to be friendly.
Suoh: You’re one to say. There’s no sign of those loyal underlings of yours. Have you been deserted by your subordinates at last?
Munakata: I merely have no interest to bring any subordinate to drink, that’s all. I’m different from you.
Suoh: Unfortunately, they would always follow me around willfully. Guess it’s what so-called popularity is. Unlike you.
Munakata: My my, popularity? I would never have thought to hear that from you who went out to drink alone at a bar aside from his men’s bar.
Suoh: Huh. I just feel like drinking alone tonight.
Munakata: Hmm. Well then, let’s just leave it at that. Bullying a lonely stray dog is quite a pathetic story.
Suoh: …As usual, your way of quarelling is full of twist and turns.
Munakata: It’s not that I want to pick a fight. Being quite frankly is pitiful.
Suoh: Well whatever, just brush it off. Anything that comes out from that mouth of a superior is nothing but sarcasm. Don’t think there’s even one subordinate who wants to have a drink with you. I suppose all they’ll be hearing are insults anyway.
Munakata: How annoying. I am sure that I’ve said it’s merely not my interest.
Suoh: Therefore, just let it be that way. It’s a pathetic conversation anyway.
Munakata: You too.
Suoh: Hmm?
Munakata: If you had one sip of strained bean paste martini, you won’t even think of asking your subordinate along for a drink, will you?
Suoh: Hah? Strained… bean paste?
Munakata: -drinks- This is not good. Seems that I’m a little drunk.
Suoh: Oh? Oh, that so? -drinks, smokes again-
Munakata: I feel like I’m in the mood to drink alone.
Suoh: Huh?
Munakata: Hmmph, nothing. It’s just that…
Suoh: Just that?
Munakata: You look like one of the crowds, but you’re also a King after all.
Suoh: Hn.
Munakata: Oh my, I really am drunk.
Suoh: Well then, it’s about time you leave.
Munakata: I’ll leave my seat if I can’t bear it. Drinking sake right next to me must be quite tense, isn’t it?
Suoh: Ah?
Munakata: Oh, I intended to take in your situation though.
Suoh: Hmm. Munakata.
Munakata: Yes?
Suoh: You’re not pleased with me, are you?
Munakata: But of course, there’s no need to say so.
Suoh: It’s nauseating to be sitting next to you.
Munakata: Exactly what you said.
Suoh: It’s irritating and pissing me off.
Munakata: Yes.
Suoh: Is it because I’m terrifying?
Munakata: Certainly not, that point is far too off, no?
Suoh: I suppose. Me too.
Munakata: Hmm?
Suoh: Be pleased, Munakata. Even though I hate you, I’m not afraid of you. I’m one of those very few people.
Bartender: Sir, what do you want to have?
Suoh: TURKEY.
Bartender: Very well. How about you, sir?
Munakata: Let’s see… I’ll have the same drink, then.
Neko: To think that you would dare to caress the skin of a fair maiden…that’s certainly not what a man with self-restraint would do. That sort of behavior would not only reflect badly on your person, but also dishonor your master, Miwa Ichigen! Reflect on it, Yatogami Kuroh!
Kuroh: !?
Neko: Come to think of it, I feel unnaturally cold. W-what is this!? Why am I as good as naked?!
Kuroh: Y-you…
Neko: Yatogami Kuroh! Explain yourself! Depending on your answer, I may have to slay you, and then end my own life by piercing my throat…
Kuroh: You…who are you?!
Shiro: I’m home! Oh…you’re back already? Sorry, sorry, I couldn’t really find a 10-yen coin…
Neko: What a relief! Isana Yashiro!
Shiro: Eh?
Neko: Yatogami Kuroh has…forced me into this…humiliating outfit…
Shiro: Kuro?
Kuro: Y-you’ve got the wrong idea! I have nothing to do with this! Rather, isn’t this what you always wear?
Neko: What sort of nonsense are you spouting?! Have you fallen so much as to resort to such senseless remarks, Yatogami Kuroh? You make me sound like an indecent woman who’d run around with her butt showing all day long! I’m afraid I cannot let that just slide.
Kuro: That’s exactly who you are!
Shiro: Wait a moment! Let’s all calm down. More like, why are you wearing those glasses, Neko?
Neko: What are you saying? Haven’t I always been wearing glasses?
Kuro: That’s it! She began saying strange things when she put on those glasses! I’ll take it off for you.
Neko: Stay away, Yatogami Kuroh! If you mean to humiliate me even further, then I will…choose my own death by biting off my tongue!
Kuroh: (angry noises)
Shiro: Umm…is it okay if I do it, then?
Neko: Of course. Because…Isana Yashiro, aren’t I your Neko?
Shiro: O-oooh.
Kuroh: …..
Neko: W-what’s wrong, Isana Yashiro!?
Shiro: Well, enough with this love comedy. (takes off glasses)
Neko: Ah! …huh? Oh, it’s Shiro! Where were you? I was looking for you!
Shiro: Hehe, sorry, sorry! I don’t have a PDA, so I went to look for a public phone.
Kuro: Hey, Shiro.
Shiro: Well, I did end up finding one, but I happened to not have any 10 yen coins on me…and when I thought about it, I don’t have the blues’ telephone numbers either…really, it’s good that Kukuri just happened to pass by.
Kuro: What…do you….mean? (draws sword)
Shiro: H-hey, time out, time out! Don’t just draw your sword! I’ll explain it to you now!
~*~
Kuro: In other words, this pair of glasses was something that someone dropped…
Neko: …and it belongs to those blue people?
Shiro: Yep. See here, ‘SCEPTER4’ is written on it, right? On the opposite side are the words ‘issued by’, so that’s probably the case…
Kuro: So, when you picked it up, you went to search for public phones so you can let the Blue Clan know?
Shiro: That’s it. Never in my dreams could I have expected things to turn out like that when someone wears the glasses…
Kuro: How does that even work?
Shiro: Well, maybe it’s because they’re wearing glasses like these that all the blues are so serious about things.
Kuro: That’s not the problem here!
Shiro: But it seemed like it was something important. When I called the blues, they sounded like they’re in a real panic…we’ll be over immediately! They said.
Kuro: I suppose we’ll just have to keep it safe, somewhere out of sight, until the Blue Clansmen come to retrieve it. Judging from how Neko behaved just now, it’s too dangerous to simply leave it lying around…
Neko: Hey, hey, what did I do just now?
Kuro: You don’t need to know.
Neko: Oh really!
Kuro: What? The glasses…have disappeared!
Shiro: N-neko? What are you doing?!
Neko: Nyahaha! It’s unfair if I’m the only one left out of the loop! I’ll have both of you wear the glasses too!
Kuro: How much of a bother are you!?
Neko: Shut up! Shiro’s up first!
Shiro: W-wait, sto-!
Neko: What’s going to happen? I’m so excited!
Kuro: Y-you foolish girl!
Shiro: Neko, what was that for, all of a sudden?!
Neko: Huh?
Kuro: Huh. He didn’t change that much. So not everyone becomes serious individuals when they put on the glasses.
Neko: Boring!
Shiro: Geez, and we were just talking about keeping it safe. If you can’t mind your own business from now on, I’ll abandon you in a faraway place…
Neko: Nya?!
Shiro: Don’t ‘Nya?’ me. What’s up with that? You mimicking the sounds of a cat? Are you getting too into the act? Painting yourself as a moe character? To begin with, aren’t cat characters a little bit outdated right now? It was more than three generations ago that cat ears were popular, wasn’t it? Well, I guess you don’t have cat ears. Did you think you could become XQS like that?*
*A reference to Sakamoto Ryu, a really popular 60s~70s Japanese singer who once released a single under the name XQS(pronounced as excuse). Weismann, your age is showing….
Kuro: H-hey…
Shiro: You too, Kuro. You went on and on about killing me and not killing me, but you ended up cooking my meals now. Self-devoted stalkers are worse than normal stalkers in that they feel like they’re gaining something in return, right?
Neko: S-Shiro, Shiro has…
Kuro: …become an unlikable person!
Shiro: Who is unlikable now? I’ve always been like this. You know, on the airship-
Kuro: Take it off! We can’t let him go on!
Neko: Nyanya-!
~*~friendly reminder that Shiro is protected by fate and coincidences as a King as he casually/accidentally/somehow avoids Kuro’s and Neko’s attempts to take off his glasses~*~
Shiro: What are you doing? Please stop this violence. And drop that act of yours, too.
Neko: I-I’m not acting!
Shiro: Why don’t you just go and wear a maid costume….?
Neko: This…this…this isn’t Neko’s Shiro! (takes off glasses)
Kuro: When someone puts on these glasses…either they become a serious person, or an unlikable one. Which means that…the Blue Clan consists of only serious people, unlikable people, or serious and unlikable people. Terrifying.
Shiro: Did I become an unlikable person?
Kuro: Yes, a very unlikable one. If you were actually like that, I would’ve killed you without second thought upon our first meeting.
Shiro: W-was it that bad?! Hmm….
Kuro: What’s with that expression?
Shiro: Hey, Kuro, what do you think is the most important factor in maintaining human relationships?
Kuro: Hm? What are you saying?
Shiro: I think…it’s fairness. If someone becomes happy, then the two others should share in his happiness. If one becomes unhappy, then the two others should bear his misfortune with him. This kind of fairness is the most important factor in any sort of relationship….
Kuro: So you’re teling me to put on the glasses as well?
Shiro: Yep!
Kuro: I refuse.
Shiro: Come on, don’t be like that.
Kuro: I refuse.
Shiro: Well then!
Neko: Here we go!
Kuro: W-what, you!? S-stop it! Let me go!! You two….do you not learn from your past experiences!?
Neko: Someone from long ago said this…”so what if I don’t!?” Prepare yourself! (slams on glasses)
Kuro: Uwaaaaaaaaa!
Shiro: How is it?
Neko: Did he become serious? Or unlikable?
Kuro: Hmph.
Shiro & Neko: !?
Kuro: My, my. What hopeless people you are. Even though I’ve warned you about the danger so much…you still commit foolish acts such as these. How hopeless.
Shiro: T-this is…!?
Kuro: Well, no matter what may befall us, you do not need worry so long as I am here. Still, we should always prevent danger before it’s too late.
Neko: He’s become a big shot!
Shiro: Kuro, whose selling point used to be ‘a hardworking and loyal dog’, has become such a calm and collected big shot!
Kuro: What are you saying? I have always been like this, no?
Shiro: I-it feels kind of…
Neko: Creepy! He’s creepier than the usual Kurosuke! What should we do, Shiro?
Shiro: I shouldn’t be saying this since I’m the one responsible, but I can’t let this go on anymore! Kuro, take off your glasses! Go back to your normal self!
Kuro: What are you doing? Stay put! I won’t treat you badly.
Shiro: Things have already gone from bad to terrible!
Kuro: Well then, if you’re going to go that far….(draws sword) we shall advance with swords in hand, for our caus-
Shiro: Don’t you go using other people’s catchphrases! (takes off glasses)
Kuro: (gasp) W-what did I just…?
Shiro: L-let’s put a seal on this.
Neko: T-that’s right! This might just be a little too dangerous…
(doorbell)
Shiro: Huh? It seems like someone’s here. Oh, maybe it’s one of those blues.
Neko: I’m sure it is! Let’s just give this dangerous thing to them as soon as possible!
???: S’rry! I be from SCEPTER4!
Shiro: Coming right away!
???: Gee, thanks! I’m really really sorry, man, for dropping mah glasses.
Shiro: !?
???: Were you the one who picked ‘em up for meh? Thanks a bunch! Man, you may be small, but you sure are kind! Won’t you join our happy family when you grow up?
Shiro: Um, excuse me, but that’s just a garden gnome.
???: Huh, for reals? Gee, hahahahahahahaha! I’m s’rry! I don’t see nuthin’ when I don’t have mah glasses! I’ve crashed into about 11 poles on mah way here! Hahahahahahaha!
Shiro: This person wearing a jersey, sandals, with disheveled hair, looking like he hasn’t shaved in weeks, with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, and the appearance of someone who failed university several times over is….who?
Kuro: The Blue King, Munakata Reishi. What a pitiful sight…!
Neko: 3! It’s 3! His eyes look like 3s! It’s the first time I’ve seen that!
Kuro: Shut up! You don’t have to point it out.
Neko: I suppose…you like ramen?
Munakata: Yeah man.
Kuro: You don’t have to reply either!
Shiro: Umm…these are your glasses, right?
Munakata: Aahh~ Yup yup, those are the ones~ Can I have them back?
Shiro: Please.
Munakata: Thank you! Let’s see let’s see…(puts on glasses) huh. You are?
Shiro: H-he went back to normal?!
Munakata: I see. You came to deliver my glasses.
Neko: Not really deliver…you were the one who came to pick them up.
Munakata: I suppose I shall have to give you my thanks. It is our duty to capture Strains such as yourself, but I will overlook that for today.
Neko: Nya….
Munakata; Well then, I suppose I should be excusing myself. For some reason, I seem to have vague recollections of Awashima-kun shedding tears while looking at me…be as it may, as their superior, I cannot cause my subordinates unnecessary worry. Now, if you would excuse me.
Neko: …he went.
Shiro: Why did things end up like that?
Kuro: It seems like…when he puts on those glasses…
Neko: He’ll become a serious….
Shiro: …and unlikable…
Kuro: …person of importance, huh.
Shiro & Neko & Kuro: So when he takes them off, he becomes like that…?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
episode 1 & episode 3 --
Munakata: We will advance with swords in hand! For our cause is pure! Men! Draw your swords!
SCEPTER4: Yes, sir! - Yes, sir!
SCEPTER4: Akiyama, ready! - Benzai, ready! Kamo, ready! - Domyoji, ready! Enomoto, ready! - Fuse, ready! Goto, ready! - Hidaka, ready!
Munakata: Munakata, ready!
Munakata: Munakata, ready!
Munakata: I'll handle this.
Munakata: In compliance with Protocol 120, I am taking you into custody.
Munakata: Any objections?
Suoh: Unfortunately, I have none.
Suoh: Take good care of me.
Munakata: Well, look who's here...
Munakata: Suoh, let's get straight to the point.
Munakata: Your Weismann level is pushing its limit.
Munakata: If the Sword of Damocles should fall, we'll have a repeat of the Kagutsu crater.
Munakata: If you insist on drawing more power from the Dresden Slates, I will have to kill you.
Suoh: I have no idea what you're talking about.
Munakata: I'm telling you to renounce your throne.
Suoh: You're just a stick in the mud, aren't you, Munakata?
Munakata: If that's your answer, I'll have to come up with a way to keep you locked up for life.
Suoh: Actually, there is one way to keep me locked up here forever.
Suoh: You could do it, Munakata.
Suoh: The Blue King can keep an eye on me personally.
Suoh: 24 hours a day, inside this cell.
Suoh: If I become violent, you can restrain me by force.
Munakata: The thought of having to breathe the same air as you makes me ill.
Munakata: And besides, I'm afraid I'm quite busy.
Munakata: I can't spend all my time with you.
Suoh: I'm sorry you feel that way, Munakata.
Munakata: Yeah, me too, Suoh...
Munakata: Restraining him with fire-retardant phenolic resin...
Munakata: That sounds like a good idea.
Munakata: But I don't know how effective it'd be against that man.
Awashima: I do not know what the Red King, Mikoto Suoh, has in mind, but this gives us a good opportunity.
Awashima: If I may be so blunt, short of killing him, we should try every available option.
Awashima: For example, under proper medical supervision, how about administering doses of muscle relaxant or tranquilizers?
Munakata: That's quite a radical idea and a good one at that, Ms. Awashima.
Munakata: Your blatant disregard for Suoh's human rights makes me shudder.
Munakata: All right. I'll consider it.
Munakata: Did you learn anything about the weapon used to murder Tatara Totsuka?
Awashima: Apparently, it was one of many modified guns that the mafia was dealing.
Awashima: The man in charge of their smuggling operation has gone missing, along with the truck.
Munakata: Was there anything else on that truck?
Awashima: A few volatile chemicals, explosives, and enough weapons and ammo to open up a gun shop.
Munakata: Those bastards...
Munakata: Well, if the suspects have their hands on that much firepower...
Awashima: Metro P.D. is taking this very seriously, and is about to form an investigation unit.
Awashima: I'm thinking of putting in a special request for a release of information.
Awashima: Shall I issue the order under Level: Prussian Blue?
Munakata: No, make it the next level: Royal Blue.
Munakata: I want to know of every incident that has occurred in this city in the past two weeks, as well as everything that may or will happen until this case is solved.
Munakata: I want every set of eyes and ears you have on this.
Awashima: Understood.
Awashima: And those who can't handle it have no need for eyes and ears.
Awashima: It is our duty to manage and make use of them.
Munakata: You are an exceptional woman, Ms. Awashima.
episode 7 --
Munakata: Granted.
Fushimi: We seem to be lacking the winning edge.
Fushimi: Maybe it's time you went to work.
Munakata: (sips tea)
Munakata: Well done...
Munakata: Thanks to your efforts, I have a grasp of the situation.
Awashima: Sir!
Munakata: Guess I'd better get to work.
Munakata: It seems Mr. Fushimi is growing impatient.
Munakata: As I suspected, a third party, an unknown Strain, was behind this.
Munakata: By projecting her powers within a perimeter with herself at the center, she can interfere and manipulate the human senses and perceptions of those around her.
Munakata: It is an all too dangerous power.
Munakata: I see... So you chose to sacrifice yourself.
Munakata: The celebrated sword Kotowari...
Munakata: It used to belong to the late Seventh King, Ichigen Miwa, the Colorless King.
Munakata: I suppose you could try and kill me with that.
Munakata: Didn't you hear me?
Munakata: I told you to draw your sword.
Munakata: That's more like it...
Munakata: What's this?
Munakata: Such a disobedient child.
Munakata: If you insist on being so stubborn, you leave me no choice.
Munakata: Mr. Yatogami, what do you say we end this game?
Kuroh: I refuse...
Munakata: Now then... Let's get to the subject at hand.
Munakata: You showed magnificent self-sacrifice against me.
Munakata: That young man... Is he the master you serve now?
Munakata: The Colorless King. The Seventh, and weakest king.
Munakata: He is not a powerful presence alone, but he is the wild card who could tip the balance of power between the kings.
Munakata: In other words, he is the one person I need to be most wary of.
Munakata: That young man is the new Colorless King who will replace Ichigen Miwa...
Munakata: Am I correct?
Munakata: Answer me.
Kuroh: Master Ichigen told me to vet that man.
Munakata: Oh? And what is your verdict?
Kuroh: I will not let anyone lay a hand on him until I make that decision.
Munakata: I see...
Munakata: That might have been his plan from the start.
Munakata: Remaining neither good nor evil...
Munakata: As long as he maintains that ambiguous position, he can keep the "Black Dog," Kuroh Yatogami, as his bodyguard.
Munakata: He could not ask for a more powerful pawn.
Munakata: Using that young female Strain, deceiving you and the people around him would be a simple matter.
Munakata: All of us might be puppets in that young man's scheme.
Munakata: Wouldn't you agree?
Kuroh: You have a point...
Kuroh: He's constantly laughing like a fool and everything that comes out of his mouth is a lie.
Kuroh: That's the sort of fellow he is.
Munakata: Is that man worth risking your life for?
Munakata: Oh? Did you forget something?
Kuroh: You fool! Why'd you come back?!
Yashirou: Well, I guess I can't just leave my friends behind, can I?
Munakata: I see.
Munakata: So you came back to share your fate together.
Munakata: That is a noble gesture.
Munakata: But meaningless.
Munakata: I should have known better...
Munakata: I fell for it hook, line and sinker.
episode 8 --
Awashima: And so far, the traffic surveillance network hasn't shown us the suspect.
Munakata: I see...
Munakata: So not only did he get away from me, he also managed to escape Fushimi, who was leading the pursuit.
Munakata: His ability to stay under the radar until now was no coincidence.
Awashima: Currently, we're retracing his possible escape route and narrowing our perimeter around Ashinaka High School.
Munakata: Apprehending him will be a tall order.
Munakata: He seems quite difficult to pin down.
Munakata: And on top of that, the two with him are a real handful.
Fushimi: Captain, Fushimi reporting.
Munakata: Enter.
Awashima: What is it?
Fushimi: I just received a report that one of our pursuit squad members was attacked and transported back here.
Awashima: Which unit was he in, and exactly what time was he attacked?
Fushimi: Officer Chikushi from the Third Division in the East District.
Fushimi: Happened about fifteen minutes ago.
Awashima: Was he badly injured?
Fushimi: Only some bruises, but his PDA was stolen.
Munakata: His PDA?
Fushimi: I'm pulling up his assigned areas.
Munakata: Have you identified the assailant?
Fushimi: Everyone's favorite black dog.
Awashima: Chikushi says he didn't see the other two...
Awashima: Yatogami Kuroh is still hanging around here?
Awashima: No, that can't be...
Munakata: That wasn't an attack. It was a warning.
Munakata: Fushimi, was there anything left at the scene that might have served as a message from them?
Fushimi: Just one item.
Munakata: I see.
Awashima: Fushimi, why don't you come in and have a seat for now?
Fushimi: Huh?
Fushimi: I'm fine where I am.
Awashima: Fine.
Awashima: Then alert anyone on standby at HQ to prepare for an emergency deployment.
Fushimi: Yes, Ma'am.
Munakata: Munakata Reishi speaking. Who is this?
Yashirou: Isana Yashiro, or so I'm told.
Munakata: I suspected it might be you.
Munakata: You have executed a rather aggressive approach.
Yashirou: I apologize.
Yashirou: I couldn't think of any other way to contact you without getting caught.
Munakata: I see.
Munakata: All right, let's hear what you have to say.
Yashirou: I'll try my best to make this short, then.
Yashirou: There's a man in an airship who is directly involved in that murder investigation, especially regarding my treatment as a suspect when I know nothing about it.
Munakata: Do you even understand what you're saying?
Yashirou: Excuse me?
Munakata: What do you know about the man in the airship?
Yashirou: You might say I got the crash course on him.
Munakata: Then you should realize that he's far too important to be dragged into this just because you claim to be innocent.
Awashima: Awashima here.
Munakata: I think you could at least demonstrate good will by turning yourself in.
Awashima: Fushimi is headed for the Tokyo Expressway.
Awashima: Follow him immediately.
Yashirou: Screaming my innocence from a jail cell would be pretty pointless.
Yashirou: I've seen enough crime dramas to know that much.
Yashirou: That's why I'll only give myself up for the right price.
Munakata: Indeed. You are quite the shrewd one.
Yashirou: Why, thank you!
Yashirou: As for our deal—
Yashirou: If you promise to help me question that guy in the airship, I'll turn myself in to you.
Yashirou: How does that sound?
Munakata: I wish I could agree since you're willing to go to such lengths, but I'm afraid that such a demand from the likes of you isn't adequate enough when it comes to the man in the airship.
Munakata: Besides, even if you turned yourself in, I have no doubt that your two friends would come to rescue you.
Yashirou: Exactly!
Yashirou: I guess I got carried away.
Munakata: No. I accept your terms.
Yashirou: Huh?!
Munakata: I'm saying that I, Munakata Reishi, the fourth king, the blue king, will detain the man in the airship, also known as the first or silver king, Adolph K. Weismann.
Munakata: Come and see us if you're up to it.
Munakata: I'll arrange a meeting to get to the bottom of this.
Munakata: One caveat, however.
Munakata: All three of you will turn yourselves in.
Awashima: We have yet to receive any response from the first king.
Awashima: The third request was sent at 1700 hours.
Munakata: We've completed the requisite formalities.
Munakata: Now it's time to take him into custody.
Awashima: But Captain, according to Protocol 120, we don't really have the authority to conduct an investigation of the Himmelreich, which is within a domain of the first king.
Awashima: I think we should obtain permission from the second king before we proceed.
Munakata: His Excellency would not allow us to do anything to the first king, regardless of our reasoning.
Munakata: And that's precisely why we'll do whatever we can get away with.
Munakata: I'll personally explain the situation afterwards, so you shouldn't worry.
Awashima: Then could you please at least tell me why you're taking this so far?
Munakata: All right.
Munakata: First of all, this was not an impulsive decision instigated by Isana Yashiro.
Munakata: While it's true that I decided to take action because of his request, I'd been keeping an eye on the first king's suspicious behavior already.
Awashima: By suspicious behavior, are you referring to the recent series of events?
Fushimi: Isn't the silver king just some urban legend about a guy who lives in an airship floating in the sky?
Fushimi: How can he be possibly be related to the current case?
Munakata: Let me explain the time line.
Munakata: For the past several decades, the Himmelreich cruised the skies, following several paths.
Munakata: Except for deviations that could be attributed to the weather, it flew along these fifteen patterns.
Munakata: But if you looked for a correlation between the patterns and weather conditions, it seemed like it always took the optimal course.
Munakata: But these days, its route is like this.
Munakata: I became aware of this change just a few days ago.
Munakata: At first, I assumed it was just taking a less regular path.
Munakata: But because of who I was dealing with, I got a hold of air traffic control at Ukita Airport, and had them investigate the issue further.
Munakata: It turns out that the airship changed its usual route in the sky immediately after a certain incident.
Munakata: Routes it had kept for decades had changed abruptly from that moment on.
Munakata: It's only natural that I became suspicious, no?
Munakata: It approached the stadium last night, as well.
Munakata: Scepter 4 will now commence the operation to apprehend the first and silver king, Adolph K. Weismann, as a person of interest in the murder investigation of Totsuka Tatara.
Munakata: We will advise the Himmelreich to land at the appointed airport.
Munakata: In the event he does not comply, we will commandeer the vessel.
SCEPTER4: Yes, Sir!
episode 9 --
Subordinate: The rabbits are already here!
Munakata: He sure is quick, all right.
Guy: The fourth king, Lord Munakata Reishi, is here to see you now.
Kokujyōji: A king hath come to the Slate. I ask of thee, art thou here to fight, or to talk?
Munakata: I come without my sword. I have come to talk.
Munakata: That is my wish.
Munakata: It's good to see you again, Your Excellency.
Kokujyōji: No need for pleasantries.
Munakata: First, allow me to thank you.
Munakata: Thank you for interceding in the recent Royal Blue situation.
Munakata: We were able to use all of the information obtained through extralegal means, for the good of the public...
Kokujyōji: Get to the point.
Munakata: All right. I'll get right to the point.
Munakata: I believe that the body your men retrieved from the Himmelreich was the first king, Adolph K. Weismann.
Kokujyōji: That is correct.
Munakata: Weismann, the silver king, started it all.
Munakata: And his physical appearance was never to change, correct?
Kokujyōji: What do you mean?
Munakata: The "Immortal King," who retained the youth and vigor of his prime for more than a half century, has suddenly died...
Munakata: The circumstances beg many questions.
Munakata: I'd like to be allowed to examine his body.
Munakata: So, the monster is alive and well...
Munakata: And that's how it should be.
Munakata: That old man still has to function as the country's backbone.
Munakata: But mighty as he may be, immortal he is not.
Munakata: That's also true of the silver king.
Munakata: The crisis continues.
Munakata: Remain alert and ready.
SCEPTER4: Yes, sir!
episode 10 --
Awashima: Not only did I allow the Red King to escape, but I've also allowed what has transpired afterward.
Awashima: I take full responsibility.
Munakata: The look on your face as you embrace humiliation... isn't bad at all.
Awashima: Captain!
Munakata: Feeling responsible for not being able to stop the Red King is a sign of considerable arrogance.
Awashima: Yes...
Munakata: But we do have a troublesome situation.
Awashima: Yes.
Munakata: The Red King, Mikoto Suoh, taking over the high school on the island could only mean...
Awashima: He's here to apprehend Tatara Totsuka's murderer.
Munakata: Yes, that's right.
Munakata: But if that person is another king, this could get really messy.
Awashima: You're referring to the Colorless King?
Munakata: The Seventh King, the Colorless King... is unlike any of the other kings.
Munakata: Each successive generation exhibits a unique power.
Munakata: No one knows what that power is until it shows itself.
Awashima: A "trickster" who agitates the relationships between the kings...
Awashima: Like the wild card in a deck of cards.
Munakata: Awashima, I loath the wild card.
Munakata: It reeks of trickery...
Munakata: I feel it lacks fairness.
Munakata: Especially when it's not in the hand I'm playing.
Munakata: Good grief, it'd be so much simpler if he had remained a recluse in the mountains like his predecessor, Ichigen Miwa.
Awashima: But now, we have the short-fused Red King, who can potentially be mixed in with the unpredictable Colorless King.
Awashima: You'd have to call this an extremely volatile situation.
Munakata: What's more, given that we haven't captured the Colorless King, our only alternative is to detain the Red King.
Munakata: An all-out war with the Red Clansmen appears to be inevitable.
Awashima: All units are ready for battle.
Awashima: You may give the order at any time.
Munakata: Awashima...
Munakata: Mind if I make a rather selfish request?
Suoh: I thought sharing the same air with me made you want to puke.
Munakata: Sometimes I feel like breathing toxic air.
Munakata: I'll be very direct.
Munakata: Relinquish this school peacefully.
Munakata: I can't overlook the way you're involving innocent high-school students.
Munakata: If you comply now, I can settle this before things get out of hand.
Suoh: "That's a fine idea"...
Suoh: Is that what you expected me to say?
Munakata: It's not an idea, it's an ultimatum.
Munakata: You've gone too far, Suoh.
Munakata: That being the case, allow me to slay Tatara Totsuka's killer, the man who calls himself the Colorless King.
Munakata: If you'll consent to that, I'll execute him in any way you wish.
Suoh: That's very generous of you.
Suoh: But no thanks.
Munakata: I'm sure you've seen the shape your Sword of Damocles is in.
Munakata: The sword is the symbol of a king and manifests the truest image of its king's condition.
Munakata: Your sword will come crashing down soon.
Suoh: Oh really?
Munakata: Your Weismann level is at the brink.
Munakata: The added burden of killing a king here will certainly exceed your limit.
Munakata: You'll cause a repeat of the Kagutsu Crater tragedy.
Munakata: You no longer have any right to be a king.
Munakata: It's time to step down, Red King.
Suoh: I've never taken any action as a king.
Munakata: There are innocent high school students here who have nothing to do with this.
Munakata: Your men are here too.
Munakata: Do you understand?!
Suoh: I will settle my own business, while you take care of yours.
Suoh: Isn't that all there is?
Munakata: Barbarian!
Munakata: You're beyond reason.
Suoh: You didn't think you could actually change my mind, did you?
Suoh: That's so not your style.
Munakata: Not really...
Munakata: I just came here to see a friend.
Suoh: Go.
Munakata: Suoh...
Munakata: Are you sure you won't change your mind?
Suoh: I'm sure.
Munakata: Fool.
episode 11 --
Awashima: Captain...
Awashima: Captain?
Munakata: Ms. Awashima...
Munakata: I'm leaving you in charge.
Munakata: A cheap trick.
Munakata: But as I suspected, this is the work of...
Munakata: So it's you...!
Awashima: Captain!
Munakata: I have a grasp of the situation now.
Suoh: Then we can cut to the chase.
Suoh: You keep quiet and watch.
Yashirou: Kuro!
Suoh: Munakata!
Suoh: Stop it, Munakata.
Suoh: You're making me start to enjoy this... even though you're not the one I'm after.
Munakata: That's...!
episode 12 --
Suoh: You can go help them if you want.
Munakata: And ruin this perfect moment?
Suoh: You have a point. After all...
Suoh: This is our last fight.
Munakata: Munakata... Ready!
Suoh: We're not finished, are we?
Munakata: No, I'd say we're just getting started.
Suoh: No more time outs from you, got it?
Munakata: Like you'd listen to me even if I wanted one.
episode 13 --
Suoh: Is that all you've got?
Suoh: I know you can do better.
Munakata: It's because I don't have my glasses.
Suoh: You're not taking this too seriously, are you?
Munakata: One cannot afford to be so nonchalant when locked in battle with the Red King himself.
Suoh: Damn.
Suoh: I've always hated that overly polite manner of yours.
Suoh: Can't you speak like a normal person?!
Munakata: It is my mission as one of the Seven Kings, and my duty as the leader of SEPTER 4 to defeat you.
Munakata: Personally, as Munakata Reisi, I want to help you, Suoh.
Suoh: That's not like you at all!
Suoh: Thanks for bringing him here.
Munakata: Stop it, Suoh!
Munakata: Don't do it!
Suoh: Sorry...
Suoh: For making you do the dirty work...
Munakata: Don't give me that rubbish while looking at peace with yourself. {I think rubbish might be more polite with this guy being so polite}
Munakata: If you really feel that way, couldn't you have done something about it... before this happened?
Suoh: You've said enough... Munakata.
Suoh: I'm sorry... Anna.
Suoh: I won't be able to show you that beautiful red anymore.
side:blue chapter translations
prologue: sword of damocles ( pt 1 )
prologue: sword of damocles ( pt 2 )
chapter 1: fencing practice ( pt 1 )
chapter 1: fencing practice ( pt 1 ) cont
excerpt: munakata and zenjou's conversation
zenjou gouki information
by
side:blue reinforces that particular idea in my mind by revealing an interesting parallel to Kuro in the form of Zenjou Gouki - a vassal of the former Blue King who’s only reason for serving Munakata boils down to ‘he needs to see for himself what kind of person Munakata really is, slaying him if necessary’.
Zenjou Gouki is the lieutenant of the former Blue King, Habari Jin, whom he slew when the Blue King’s Weismann level went out of control as a result of the Red King’s Damocles Down (a Damocles Down tends to cause a chain reaction with nearby Kings and their Swords of Damocles - if any one of the four Kings’ Swords in the last episode fell, Japan would’ve probably been blown off the map). As a result of the trauma of being forced to slay his own master, he departed from SCEPTER4 soon thereafter and lived in recluse for a decade - until the new Blue King, Munakata Reishi approached him.
Zenjou Gouki was absolutely loyal to Habari, and even believed that he was born to meet the Blue King. On that fateful day in 199x, July, Zenjou lost an irreplaceable part of himself along with his left arm during the Kagutsu Incident. SCEPTER4 was left without a King, and Zenjou believed that SCEPTER4 as it is - has no ‘justice’ that Habari asked him to uphold, nor a master that he can honestly serve -, and so departed to live in recluse. When Munakata visited him a decade later, Zenjou believed that he could see hints of Habari in the new Blue King, and even thought that this was a sign from Habari himself - telling him to “Go ahead and rest now.” However, Munakata evidently had other plans for Zenjou-
“Ah, I have no need for such pleasantries - I am here, after all, to welcome you back.”
Munakata said with a smile.
When Zenjou saw that smile,
“….!”
His entire body tensed. His intuition came to him like a shock.
-He’s different.
The man in front of him certainly shared some similarities with Habari Jin - perhaps their Kingly natures.
That much is certain, but-
-but the man is clearly different.
(omit)
-“What you should protect is our justice.”
For the past decade, those words were the foundation of Zenjou’s belief - no, his entire existence. There is no hesitation to be found in his dedication.
-But is this man-
Is Munakata Reishi a “King” that will bring forth justice with his own methods?
Or is he something entirely different, a being clouded in mysteries?
He had to judge for himself.
To uphold Habari Jin’s and his own justice.
And such, Zenjou Gouki agreed to rejoin SCEPTER4 to evaluate Munakata Reishi as a King - whether he is someone befitting of being Habari’s successor, or a shadier existence with hidden agendas.
Returning to SCEPTER4 certainly had its benefits. Zenjou met Kusuhara Takeru in SCEPTER4, an energetic youth eager to prove his worth to the world - it is in Kusuhara’s encouraging words that Zenjou finally found salvation and release from the guilt of Habari’s death that plagued him for the past decade, and it is in Zenjou’s wordless and sometimes harsh guidance that Kusuhara found a new source of strength within himself. All that came crashing down when Kusuhara took a bullet for Munakata and died in his stead. In a sense, one could even see Kusuhara as a parallel of sorts to HOMRA’s Tatara - both were the mood-makers in their respective organizations, much adored by their teammates, and both had a way with words that can ease one’s worries and fears like no other can.
The death of Kusuhara eventually became a tense topic between Zenjou and Munakata, with the latter believing that Kusuhara’s death contributed significantly to the growth of SCEPTER4 as an organization - just like how the loss of Zenjou’s left arm made him even more ‘complete’ in a sense. Very similar in idea to the words that Kusuhara gave to Zenjou, yet the nuance is completely different when spoken by Munakata like this.
“Are you saying that Kusuhara was supposed to die?”
Zenjou stood up. As if sensing the tense atmosphere, the kitten ran off.
“Well then…”
Munakata adjusted his glasses. His expression, half hidden by his hand, remained unreadable.
“If I said “yes”…will you slay me?”
Munakata said,
“Much like how you slew your own master - the Blue King, Habari Jin.”
“….!”
Zenjou’s expression underwent drastic changes.
Shock, rage - no, feelings even more intense than that displayed themselves on his face.
“199x, July, the Kagutsu Incident, in that decisive moment - caught in the area of influence of the “Red King” Kagutsu Renji’s Damocles Down, Habari Jin could not stabilize his own Sword of Damocles. In other words, there was a high possibility of a chain reaction occurring as a result.”
Munakata said to Zenjou, frozen with the look of a demon on his face.
“If two Damocles Downs were to occur at the same time, in the same area, then the amount of energy, multiplied by each other’s influence, should theoretically be enough to burn up the entirety of Kanto, leaving it to sink into the waters…it is even possible that the repercussions will be enough to lead to the downfall of the entire country.”
Observing Zenjou’s reactions, Munakata continued.
“In that moment, the life of one King and the future of one country was put on the balance of fate. Your swift strike saved the entire country - by instantly slaying the Blue King, faster than his sword could fall, and making his Sword of Damocles disappear-“
Zenjou did not answer. He let his gaze fall to the floor wordlessly.
-indeed he had slew Habari. He had no intentions of shying away from that fact.
However, at the same time, that wasn’t out of his own judgment…he thinks. He was spurred into motion - neither by his own will, nor by the expectations of others - but by some great impulse, and drawing his sword from its sheath came naturally.
Zenjou was thrown into an emotional turmoil as a result of Munakata’s words - he asked himself time and time again, was Munakata someone who could make unpleasant yet necessary decisions for the sake of justice? Or was he simply someone evil who manipulated the lives of others with no regards whatsoever? He was not able to come up with an answer on a spot, but the same impulse that drove him to slay Habari spurred him into motion again - he swung his sword and deflected a bullet headed towards Munakata. Munakata believes that the great impulse behind Zenjou’s actions was something akin to providence - something that exceeded the limitations of human will, and of course, his own control as well.
In the end, Munakata chooses to leave his own fate in Zenjou’s hands as well, noting that Zenjou may choose to slay him if there ever comes a day Zenjou sees who exactly Munakata is. Zenjou is a representation of Munakata’s power, as well as someone who can put an end to him, if necessary. In other words, Zenjou is the other ‘Sword of Damocles’ to Munakata. Yet until the day when Munakata is deemed evil or unworthy by Zenjou, he will serve the Blue King.
Recall back in episode 7, whose script was written by the same person responsible for side:blue, Munakata said to Kuro, “He remains in a position neither good nor evil. As long as he maintains his ambiguity, the “Black Dog”, Yatogami Kuroh stands by his side.”
Suddenly Munakata’s words take on an entirely new meaning in the context of his relationship with Zenjou.
Both Kuroh and Zenjou possess the potential to slay Kings, both are extremely powerful characters who can easily take out numerous Clansmen/Strains at the same time, and both started out at their respective Kings’ sides in an attempt to evaluate them. Yet Kuro has developed true loyalty to his King and willingly took his hand, staying by his new master’s side of his own volition. Will Zenjou and Munakata ever reach a similar conclusion, or will Munakata face a similar fate to that of his predecessor? Only time can tell.
100daysxvisual
( Source )
You are indeed an excellent person.
That cool-headedness of yours is quite befitting of my right-hand woman.
Commentary: Today’s 100DAYSxVISUAL is Munakata. Even though Munakata is on the side of justice, you still get a sense of malice from him somehow! He’s really suited to having terrifying conversations with his subordinate, Awashima-san while keeping a calm face.
I think our initial concept for Munakata was more along the lines of the “ideal boss”, but as we discussed various things, his personality became…a little twisted for some reason. However, I think that just adds to his charm! (Pink)
Day 43
I dislike the Joker card.
It seems unfair no matter how you look at it. Especially when it’s not in my hands.
Commentary: “I dislike the Joker card.” What a philosophical musing, but actually, there’s an even more wonderful line after this. When will that line show up, I wonder? …or rather, it’s possible that it appeared in the Animate version already.
I think you’re beginning to realize, but the amount of blue people wearing glasses is quite unusual. Even Awashima-san, the only one with normal eyesight, is on the verge of having a “she actually has bad eyesight” setting slapped on her. Someone please send help.
If Awashima-san also gets glasses, then their team’s name will change. It’ll become SCEPTER MEGANE. Though Megashima-san seems pretty nice..there is such a thing called balance!
And so, this is Orange from the anti-glasses faction. See you next week! (Orange)
Day 55
To crush in my hand
It’ll only be complete after attaining perfect alignment.
There is no need for unshapely or mistaken pieces.
I can already see the vision of completion.
Commentary: It’s Munakata. I think you probably know this by now, but Munakata’s hobbies include jigsaw puzzles. We originally planned to integrate a blue version of it into the effects of his power manifesting, but when that idea got scrapped we turned jigsaw puzzles into a part of his character.
I feel like he tries his hand at quite a wide variety of jigsaw puzzles. From incredibly challenging ones like pure white puzzles, to scenery, anime, painting; he amuses himself without particularly caring for any one genre - that’s my image of him.
Personally, I think he might even become unsatisfied with products that are already on the market, and might even make jigsaw puzzles out of his own photos, the interior appearance of SCEPTER4, and maybe even pictures of Awashima-san and the likes. I think it’s really interesting if Awashima-san puts on a somewhat confused face when he starts piecing those together. (laughs)
So, the completed jigsaw puzzles get put on display in his room, and they’re changed every once in a while (sometimes it’s refined scenery paintings, sometimes himself), but the man himself is a calm and collected guy with a penchant for poker faces.
At first, he might seem as hard to characterize as Fushimi, but I think he might be a surprisingly straightforward person. He’s a character I’ve grown to like more and more as I write. (Red)
k radio drama story 7: sharing a table
Suoh: -smokes, exhales-
Bartender: Welcome. Would you like to sit at the counter?
Suoh: Ah.
Munakata: What a troublesome person. Isn’t there many other shops out there, Team HOMRA’s Suoh Mikoto?
Suoh: Why would I leave a shop that I had just entered, SCEPTER4’s Munakata Reisi?
Munakata: Don’t you get it, the sake is getting bad, that’s why.
Suoh: I see. Then hurry up and get lost.
Munakata: You’re insolent as ever. And you’re the one who comes later.
Suoh: When or where I go, I don’t want to hear any complaints about it.
Munakata: That’s why I’m calling you insolent, can’t read the air.
Suoh: Air, huh?
Munakata: Then, can you put out that cheap cigarette? It’s dense.
Bartender: Umm, sir?
Suoh: TURKEY, double.
Bartender: Certainly, sir.
Munakata: Honestly, it’s an unlucky day.
Suoh: What a coincidence. I was just thinking about the same thing as well.
Munakata: Even though I was here for occasional relaxation.
Suoh: Yeah, same here.
Both: Hmm?
Bartender: Thank you for waiting.
Suoh: Ah.
Munakata: Bourbon is it? That kind of liquor, you can just drink it at your bar as many as you please, right? There’s no reason for you to go and visit another shop in the first place…
Suoh: At where or what kind of liquor I drink, you don’t have to say a thing about it.
Munakata: Did you pick a fight at me? And here I thought you’re quite good in pretending to be friendly.
Suoh: You’re one to say. There’s no sign of those loyal underlings of yours. Have you been deserted by your subordinates at last?
Munakata: I merely have no interest to bring any subordinate to drink, that’s all. I’m different from you.
Suoh: Unfortunately, they would always follow me around willfully. Guess it’s what so-called popularity is. Unlike you.
Munakata: My my, popularity? I would never have thought to hear that from you who went out to drink alone at a bar aside from his men’s bar.
Suoh: Huh. I just feel like drinking alone tonight.
Munakata: Hmm. Well then, let’s just leave it at that. Bullying a lonely stray dog is quite a pathetic story.
Suoh: …As usual, your way of quarelling is full of twist and turns.
Munakata: It’s not that I want to pick a fight. Being quite frankly is pitiful.
Suoh: Well whatever, just brush it off. Anything that comes out from that mouth of a superior is nothing but sarcasm. Don’t think there’s even one subordinate who wants to have a drink with you. I suppose all they’ll be hearing are insults anyway.
Munakata: How annoying. I am sure that I’ve said it’s merely not my interest.
Suoh: Therefore, just let it be that way. It’s a pathetic conversation anyway.
Munakata: You too.
Suoh: Hmm?
Munakata: If you had one sip of strained bean paste martini, you won’t even think of asking your subordinate along for a drink, will you?
Suoh: Hah? Strained… bean paste?
Munakata: -drinks- This is not good. Seems that I’m a little drunk.
Suoh: Oh? Oh, that so? -drinks, smokes again-
Munakata: I feel like I’m in the mood to drink alone.
Suoh: Huh?
Munakata: Hmmph, nothing. It’s just that…
Suoh: Just that?
Munakata: You look like one of the crowds, but you’re also a King after all.
Suoh: Hn.
Munakata: Oh my, I really am drunk.
Suoh: Well then, it’s about time you leave.
Munakata: I’ll leave my seat if I can’t bear it. Drinking sake right next to me must be quite tense, isn’t it?
Suoh: Ah?
Munakata: Oh, I intended to take in your situation though.
Suoh: Hmm. Munakata.
Munakata: Yes?
Suoh: You’re not pleased with me, are you?
Munakata: But of course, there’s no need to say so.
Suoh: It’s nauseating to be sitting next to you.
Munakata: Exactly what you said.
Suoh: It’s irritating and pissing me off.
Munakata: Yes.
Suoh: Is it because I’m terrifying?
Munakata: Certainly not, that point is far too off, no?
Suoh: I suppose. Me too.
Munakata: Hmm?
Suoh: Be pleased, Munakata. Even though I hate you, I’m not afraid of you. I’m one of those very few people.
Bartender: Sir, what do you want to have?
Suoh: TURKEY.
Bartender: Very well. How about you, sir?
Munakata: Let’s see… I’ll have the same drink, then.
——-end——-
k drama cd track: megane of blue
Neko: Shiro, Shiro, I’m home!
Kuroh: Don’t just throw everything on the floor! What are you going to do about it if the ice cream melts?!
Neko: Shiro? Where are you? We’re home! You can come out and greet us!
Kuroh: Listen to me! Good grief…hm, this is…?
Neko: Ah, it’s a pair of glasses!
Kuroh: That’s strange. Why would this be in the room? Neither me, you or Shiro should have any problems with our visions…
Neko: Look here, look here, Kuro! Does it look nice on me?
Kuroh: Hey there, don’t just go ahead and wear them.
Neko: What’s wrong with that? Oh, ooooooh…..everything looks big-…nya? Nyanyanya! Hmm, mm….
Kuroh: Hey, Neko. What’s wrong?
Neko: What insolence!
Kuroh: !?
Neko: To think that you would dare to caress the skin of a fair maiden…that’s certainly not what a man with self-restraint would do. That sort of behavior would not only reflect badly on your person, but also dishonor your master, Miwa Ichigen! Reflect on it, Yatogami Kuroh!
Kuroh: !?
Neko: Come to think of it, I feel unnaturally cold. W-what is this!? Why am I as good as naked?!
Kuroh: Y-you…
Neko: Yatogami Kuroh! Explain yourself! Depending on your answer, I may have to slay you, and then end my own life by piercing my throat…
Kuroh: You…who are you?!
Shiro: I’m home! Oh…you’re back already? Sorry, sorry, I couldn’t really find a 10-yen coin…
Neko: What a relief! Isana Yashiro!
Shiro: Eh?
Neko: Yatogami Kuroh has…forced me into this…humiliating outfit…
Shiro: Kuro?
Kuro: Y-you’ve got the wrong idea! I have nothing to do with this! Rather, isn’t this what you always wear?
Neko: What sort of nonsense are you spouting?! Have you fallen so much as to resort to such senseless remarks, Yatogami Kuroh? You make me sound like an indecent woman who’d run around with her butt showing all day long! I’m afraid I cannot let that just slide.
Kuro: That’s exactly who you are!
Shiro: Wait a moment! Let’s all calm down. More like, why are you wearing those glasses, Neko?
Neko: What are you saying? Haven’t I always been wearing glasses?
Kuro: That’s it! She began saying strange things when she put on those glasses! I’ll take it off for you.
Neko: Stay away, Yatogami Kuroh! If you mean to humiliate me even further, then I will…choose my own death by biting off my tongue!
Kuroh: (angry noises)
Shiro: Umm…is it okay if I do it, then?
Neko: Of course. Because…Isana Yashiro, aren’t I your Neko?
Shiro: O-oooh.
Kuroh: …..
Neko: W-what’s wrong, Isana Yashiro!?
Shiro: Well, enough with this love comedy. (takes off glasses)
Neko: Ah! …huh? Oh, it’s Shiro! Where were you? I was looking for you!
Shiro: Hehe, sorry, sorry! I don’t have a PDA, so I went to look for a public phone.
Kuro: Hey, Shiro.
Shiro: Well, I did end up finding one, but I happened to not have any 10 yen coins on me…and when I thought about it, I don’t have the blues’ telephone numbers either…really, it’s good that Kukuri just happened to pass by.
Kuro: What…do you….mean? (draws sword)
Shiro: H-hey, time out, time out! Don’t just draw your sword! I’ll explain it to you now!
~*~
Kuro: In other words, this pair of glasses was something that someone dropped…
Neko: …and it belongs to those blue people?
Shiro: Yep. See here, ‘SCEPTER4’ is written on it, right? On the opposite side are the words ‘issued by’, so that’s probably the case…
Kuro: So, when you picked it up, you went to search for public phones so you can let the Blue Clan know?
Shiro: That’s it. Never in my dreams could I have expected things to turn out like that when someone wears the glasses…
Kuro: How does that even work?
Shiro: Well, maybe it’s because they’re wearing glasses like these that all the blues are so serious about things.
Kuro: That’s not the problem here!
Shiro: But it seemed like it was something important. When I called the blues, they sounded like they’re in a real panic…we’ll be over immediately! They said.
Kuro: I suppose we’ll just have to keep it safe, somewhere out of sight, until the Blue Clansmen come to retrieve it. Judging from how Neko behaved just now, it’s too dangerous to simply leave it lying around…
Neko: Hey, hey, what did I do just now?
Kuro: You don’t need to know.
Neko: Oh really!
Kuro: What? The glasses…have disappeared!
Shiro: N-neko? What are you doing?!
Neko: Nyahaha! It’s unfair if I’m the only one left out of the loop! I’ll have both of you wear the glasses too!
Kuro: How much of a bother are you!?
Neko: Shut up! Shiro’s up first!
Shiro: W-wait, sto-!
Neko: What’s going to happen? I’m so excited!
Kuro: Y-you foolish girl!
Shiro: Neko, what was that for, all of a sudden?!
Neko: Huh?
Kuro: Huh. He didn’t change that much. So not everyone becomes serious individuals when they put on the glasses.
Neko: Boring!
Shiro: Geez, and we were just talking about keeping it safe. If you can’t mind your own business from now on, I’ll abandon you in a faraway place…
Neko: Nya?!
Shiro: Don’t ‘Nya?’ me. What’s up with that? You mimicking the sounds of a cat? Are you getting too into the act? Painting yourself as a moe character? To begin with, aren’t cat characters a little bit outdated right now? It was more than three generations ago that cat ears were popular, wasn’t it? Well, I guess you don’t have cat ears. Did you think you could become XQS like that?*
*A reference to Sakamoto Ryu, a really popular 60s~70s Japanese singer who once released a single under the name XQS(pronounced as excuse). Weismann, your age is showing….
Kuro: H-hey…
Shiro: You too, Kuro. You went on and on about killing me and not killing me, but you ended up cooking my meals now. Self-devoted stalkers are worse than normal stalkers in that they feel like they’re gaining something in return, right?
Neko: S-Shiro, Shiro has…
Kuro: …become an unlikable person!
Shiro: Who is unlikable now? I’ve always been like this. You know, on the airship-
Kuro: Take it off! We can’t let him go on!
Neko: Nyanya-!
~*~friendly reminder that Shiro is protected by fate and coincidences as a King as he casually/accidentally/somehow avoids Kuro’s and Neko’s attempts to take off his glasses~*~
Shiro: What are you doing? Please stop this violence. And drop that act of yours, too.
Neko: I-I’m not acting!
Shiro: Why don’t you just go and wear a maid costume….?
Neko: This…this…this isn’t Neko’s Shiro! (takes off glasses)
Neko & Kuro: (panting)
Shiro: ….? What’s wrong, you two?
Neko: H-he’s back! I’m so glad, Shiro!
Shiro: Wait what? What’s wrong, Neko! Geez….there, there.
Kuro: When someone puts on these glasses…either they become a serious person, or an unlikable one. Which means that…the Blue Clan consists of only serious people, unlikable people, or serious and unlikable people. Terrifying.
Shiro: Did I become an unlikable person?
Kuro: Yes, a very unlikable one. If you were actually like that, I would’ve killed you without second thought upon our first meeting.
Shiro: W-was it that bad?! Hmm….
Kuro: What’s with that expression?
Shiro: Hey, Kuro, what do you think is the most important factor in maintaining human relationships?
Kuro: Hm? What are you saying?
Shiro: I think…it’s fairness. If someone becomes happy, then the two others should share in his happiness. If one becomes unhappy, then the two others should bear his misfortune with him. This kind of fairness is the most important factor in any sort of relationship….
Kuro: So you’re teling me to put on the glasses as well?
Shiro: Yep!
Kuro: I refuse.
Shiro: Come on, don’t be like that.
Kuro: I refuse.
Shiro: Well then!
Neko: Here we go!
Kuro: W-what, you!? S-stop it! Let me go!! You two….do you not learn from your past experiences!?
Neko: Someone from long ago said this…”so what if I don’t!?” Prepare yourself! (slams on glasses)
Kuro: Uwaaaaaaaaa!
Shiro: How is it?
Neko: Did he become serious? Or unlikable?
Kuro: Hmph.
Shiro & Neko: !?
Kuro: My, my. What hopeless people you are. Even though I’ve warned you about the danger so much…you still commit foolish acts such as these. How hopeless.
Shiro: T-this is…!?
Kuro: Well, no matter what may befall us, you do not need worry so long as I am here. Still, we should always prevent danger before it’s too late.
Neko: He’s become a big shot!
Shiro: Kuro, whose selling point used to be ‘a hardworking and loyal dog’, has become such a calm and collected big shot!
Kuro: What are you saying? I have always been like this, no?
Shiro: I-it feels kind of…
Neko: Creepy! He’s creepier than the usual Kurosuke! What should we do, Shiro?
Shiro: I shouldn’t be saying this since I’m the one responsible, but I can’t let this go on anymore! Kuro, take off your glasses! Go back to your normal self!
Kuro: What are you doing? Stay put! I won’t treat you badly.
Shiro: Things have already gone from bad to terrible!
Kuro: Well then, if you’re going to go that far….(draws sword) we shall advance with swords in hand, for our caus-
Shiro: Don’t you go using other people’s catchphrases! (takes off glasses)
Kuro: (gasp) W-what did I just…?
Shiro: L-let’s put a seal on this.
Neko: T-that’s right! This might just be a little too dangerous…
(doorbell)
Shiro: Huh? It seems like someone’s here. Oh, maybe it’s one of those blues.
Neko: I’m sure it is! Let’s just give this dangerous thing to them as soon as possible!
???: S’rry! I be from SCEPTER4!
Shiro: Coming right away!
???: Gee, thanks! I’m really really sorry, man, for dropping mah glasses.
Shiro: !?
???: Were you the one who picked ‘em up for meh? Thanks a bunch! Man, you may be small, but you sure are kind! Won’t you join our happy family when you grow up?
Shiro: Um, excuse me, but that’s just a garden gnome.
???: Huh, for reals? Gee, hahahahahahahaha! I’m s’rry! I don’t see nuthin’ when I don’t have mah glasses! I’ve crashed into about 11 poles on mah way here! Hahahahahahaha!
Shiro: This person wearing a jersey, sandals, with disheveled hair, looking like he hasn’t shaved in weeks, with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, and the appearance of someone who failed university several times over is….who?
Kuro: The Blue King, Munakata Reishi. What a pitiful sight…!
Neko: 3! It’s 3! His eyes look like 3s! It’s the first time I’ve seen that!
Kuro: Shut up! You don’t have to point it out.
Neko: I suppose…you like ramen?
Munakata: Yeah man.
Kuro: You don’t have to reply either!
Shiro: Umm…these are your glasses, right?
Munakata: Aahh~ Yup yup, those are the ones~ Can I have them back?
Shiro: Please.
Munakata: Thank you! Let’s see let’s see…(puts on glasses) huh. You are?
Shiro: H-he went back to normal?!
Munakata: I see. You came to deliver my glasses.
Neko: Not really deliver…you were the one who came to pick them up.
Munakata: I suppose I shall have to give you my thanks. It is our duty to capture Strains such as yourself, but I will overlook that for today.
Neko: Nya….
Munakata; Well then, I suppose I should be excusing myself. For some reason, I seem to have vague recollections of Awashima-kun shedding tears while looking at me…be as it may, as their superior, I cannot cause my subordinates unnecessary worry. Now, if you would excuse me.
Neko: …he went.
Shiro: Why did things end up like that?
Kuro: It seems like…when he puts on those glasses…
Neko: He’ll become a serious….
Shiro: …and unlikable…
Kuro: …person of importance, huh.
Shiro & Neko & Kuro: So when he takes them off, he becomes like that…?
drama cd: mikoto & munakata
Part 2
Translated by fencer_x at september scanlations