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Content note: Violence, brief mention of sexual assault of minor characters, suicidal thoughts
This was really good! It's more emotionally complex than I was expecting, and I had a bunch of feels! The political subtext continues to be Bad but ah well.
But turns out the shooting minigame is compulsory and can be tricky, so, this game is not suited to anyone with super bad reaction times. I had to repeat it a few times.
CHAPTER 5
The next day, Minegishi and Morioka from Investigations meet. Sanjou still hasn't been found and there's evidence that Okazaki has been falsifying his reports, seemingly to protect Ichika in some way. Sugawara was receiving instructions from a MICROCHIP?? Sure.
Ooh. Adonis existed 2 years ago but was dismantled??
It's police chief Yuusaka Takaeda, with the literal Voice of God! Which is to say, I'm pretty sure it's the guy who voiced the Evil Father Figures Who Set Themselves Up As Gods And Then Had To Be Killed in two other Otomate games.
He says to arrest anyone who seems a likely suspect, even if there's no evidence, 'making their alibis less solid' if necessary.
Morioka: Rounding up suspects with fabricated charges will result in arrests that won't stick, and incite more terrorist acts. Our priority right now is to root out Adonis' leadership and dismantle the group.
Chief Takaeda: The public hates the terrorists more than they blame us for preventing the attacks. Capturing any terrorists we can will restore the faith of the public.
Morioka: The priority is to stop terrorism. Lives are at stake.
Chief Takaeda: Will you let the credibility of the police fall into ruin?
Morioka: Will you prioritise honor and face over the people??
Minegashi: Why don't you two take your personal disagreement outside while we continue this meeting :)
Chief Takaeda: Insolent!
Minegishi: WELL THAT'S IT FOR THE MEETING. BYE EVERYONE.
And then Minegishi brings in someone for questioning: Okazaki's subordinate Yoshinari.
We cut to the hospital.
Okazaki: Ichika, are you resting? I hear you had some burns.
Nurse: CAN YOU PLEASE TELL HIM NOT TO RETURN TO WORK??
Ichika gives him some flowers, then says they have to talk, noting the grey skin beanth his strained smile.
Ichika: Thank you for yesterday. But...why are you literally putting your life on the line for me.
Okazaki: Everyone in SP risks their lives to protect people :)
Ichika: Yes but you seem to emphasise the risking your life over the protecting. What did you mean yesterday when you said it was your wish?
Okazaki: Don't worry about it :) Let's go back to work I won't fail you again.
Ichika: I don't think I can work with you if I don't know the whole truth. Do you...really not care if you die?
Okazaki: *sigh* ...That's right. I want to die while protecting you :)
Ichika: So I'm 'worth protecting'...because I'm in danger, and could give you a meaningful death?
Okazaki: Not just that, you never give up :)
Ichika: How could I be happy if I caused your death?! If I have to lose you to solve these crimes then what's the point?! Even if this is something you wish for, what about my feelings?!
Okazaki: ...I'm sorry. I don't want to make you sad. But you'll forget about me soon enough. You're strong :)
Ichika: You really don't care about what I think do you?
She thinks back on their time together, how happy he'd made her, everything he'd done for her. But he'd just been using her to fulfil his wish to die.
Ichika: I...don't want to be protected by someone who's only living so they can die.
Okazaki: But you'll be in danger. Can't you take advantage of my services to keep yourself alive? I'm not seeking out danger. And I made you promise not to run away from me. It's not as if the things you need to do have changed, right?
She had promised to protect Shinjuku no matter what.
My choices are "I won't run" and "No means no".
Well I've played WAY too many otome games not to know the right choice HERE. *sighs pointedly at the entire otome genre*
Ichika: I'm not going to run. But that doesn't mean you have to be there. I can ask someone else. So just leave me alone.
And then she stands up and walks away without looking back. GO ICHIKA NO DOES IN FACT MEAN NO AFTER ALL.
Okazaki POV! When Yoshinari asks why he's so down, he talks about Ichika being angry and Yoshinari is all "Whoa I didn't know you were dating but it sucks she dumped you" and gives some unfortunate advice about women's emotions being changeable. Yoshinari cheerfully wonders why Okazaki doesn't just lie and manipulate her since he's so good at that, and Oakazaki is surprised to realise he doesn't want to lie to her.
Yoshinari: Ah! That's love!
Okazaki: Love? Hmm. *absent mindedly puts him in a headlock*
"I don't find people like this every day. Strong, tenacious, unwilling to back down from her goals..."
So was he eye-ing up Yanagi's group before this? They wouldn't have taken it well either, if they'd realised what he was doing. *ponders ships*
He doesn't understand why she's 'running away' from her goals just to avoid sacrificing him. And if she's going to get protection from someone else, does that mean she's fine with sacrificing them? Maybe she just doesn't want him. (TO DIE, OKAZAKI. SHE DOESN'T WANT YOU TO DIE)
Ichika is wondering how it can be right to ask someone else to protect her, a police officer. Has she been too passive?
Kazuki points out she's burned breakfast and grumpily suggests she takes the day off what with HAVING BEEN SHOT AT AND EXPLODED YESTERDAY.
Ichika: It's just a few light burns.
Kazuki: Do you have to throw yourself into danger just because you're a cop?
Ichika: I'm sorry. I know you must be scared. I keep pressuring you to live my way, to stay home...but what do you want to do?
Kazuki: I could die tomorrow. I want to live how I want, or I'll regret it. But lately I haven't heard from Akito...I've been trying not to think about it.
Ichika: I'm sorry, I can't make things safe. But I can try and make it a little safer. I want you to do what you want. Just tell me where you're going, so I don't worry so much I can't work.
Kazuki: ...Mmm. ...I'm going to a studio. To practice and record with my band. I'll let you know when I'm coming home.
Ichika: ...oh. Then...good luck, Kazuki!
AWWWW.
Ichika doesn't reply to a text from Okazaki asking to meet up so he just turns up at her house, saying he hadn't meant all that stuff about dying for her in a weird way. She asks him to leave, and he says he'll come again later.
She wonders why he doesn't just find someone else important and dangerous to protect.
She speaks to the collar. She understands how they've recruited so many people. but eventually they'll run out of pawns. Meanwhile all the collateral damage they've caused is creating more resentment amongst everyone else. In the end, nobody will agree with Adonis and Japan will never be reborn. Can't they see this is pointless?
The collar replies. I think...it's not!Saito? A calm, mid-range male voice. I think this has been the voice every time the collar has spoken.
The collar: Of course we know this. But vengeance births more vengeance. Thus it is simple to create a world in which sorrow is reduced to zero and a true rebirth can occur. We merely need to erase the malice which births such feelings. Humans develop malice because they have desire. Ego, self-preservation, superiority and inferiority....we just need to erase it all.
Could you not have encouraged Buddhist meditation workshops instead...
Ichika: [erasing...humanity itself?? Mass murder??]
The collar: But that wouldn't be easy. That is why you were chosen as an experiment for the first step of our plan. You've learned the sorrow of the victims and the malice of the perpetrators. Next, we want you to make your way to us.
She messages the detective's group chat saying she wants Sasazuka to do a deeper scan of the collar, even though he said it would be dangerous. And then she discovers that Okazaki is in the chat, and has been discussing things about her and the collar with everyone else without her.
Oooh Okazaki says that when Sanjou whispered silently, he was saying "An underground tunnel", apparently in the hopes that Okazaki could read lips.
Ichika thinks about how central Okazaki is to her thoughts. She wants to be by his side forever, protected by him. But if it would cost his life, she'd rather never see him again.
She goes to thank Shiraishi for his help yesterday and he guesses from her expression that she's pining over Okazaki.
Shiraishi: I never thought anyone would get along with Okazaki that well, his bad personality is on par with mine.
Ichika: His personality...is...bad?
Shiraishi: You did cut ties with him. Why don't you trade me for him? You were pretty useful yesterday.
She thinks about how she could use Shiraishi and vice versa, and how Okazaki was also honest from the start about having his own goals, but her feelings made her forget that.
Okazaki: Hey :) No mocking her without my permission :)
Shiraishi: Aren't you the one making a mockery of her? She's been tense since you came in. It's probably your fault :)
Okazaki: I didn't want to hear that from you :) But yes. I apologise-
Ichika: Don't! You'll apologise but not change your mind, right? I haven't known you long but I know that much. So please, just give up on me.
And then she leaves.
Shiraishi: Wow. I doubt she'd ever get that angry for her own sake. So...ah, but why should I give you a hint.
Okazaki: And here I thought you had a softer side.
Shiraishi: Heh. That's your own fault. I don't have kindness. I don't know why you're fixated on her. But why don't you try considering her feelings? Though if it was me I wouldn't bother.
Okazaki: Thanks, Shiraishi :)
At the detective agency...
Okazaki: Hello Ichika :)
Ichika: Does he have to be here?
Yanagi: But he knows about the collar?
Ichika: The request is for personal reasons.
Okazaki: I made her mad >.>
Yanagi: If you did something bad enough to make Hoshino mad, leave.
Okazaki: I keep trying to apologise!
Ichika: I don't want an apology. Sorry, but we're discussing the investigation, please leave.
OMG boundaries??
Enomoto: Whoa, how bad was it??
Sasazuka: You assaulted her didn't you >:(
NOONE BOTHERS TO CLARIFY THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE
Okazaki: I didn't think you'd be this mad, and I'm sorry if you're upset. But we promised each other, didn't we? Stop being so stubborn!
Ichika: YOU'RE the stubborn one. I don't need you to protect me. And you don't actually need me, specifically, do you? There are plenty of other important people in danger. Instead of arguing with me, protect someone else.
Okazaki: ...you're right.
Ichika, heart silently breaking: So just give up.
Okazaki: It doesn't have to be you. But I want you. I don't really understand it myself.
Ichika: Because I'm convenient.
Okazaki: No. You try your hardest. You're open and kind. You feel other people's wounds as if they're you're own. You never give up. That's why...I like you.
Enomoto: oooh!
Okazaki: Huh? Um. Yeah. I...I like you. I don't want anyone else to protect you. I don't want to see you sad, or hurt. I want to support and encourage you.
Ichika: Assuming...that you like me...are you really saying this?
Enomoto: WHAT DID HE SAY??
Sasazuka, thwapping Enomoto: Take your damn lovers quarrel outside. Stupid cat, you're not prepared to do what you said before. Go get things sorted out and come back.
Okazaki takes her back to the park where he made her pinky swear to let him protect her.
Okazaki: Back then...I didn't see you as a person. You were the ideal vehicle to grant my wish. It was convenient, like you said. I didn't spare a thought for your feelings.
Ichika: I knew it :(
Okazaki: But now...I want to understand your feelings, and find a way for us to be together. I don't want to be with anyone else. Do you understand?
Ichika: Then are you going to give up on your wish?
Okazaki: I can't give up that easily. But neither can you, right? So let's find a way to make both of our wishes a reality.
Ichika: But our wishes are opposites.
They sit there in silence. It's interesting that she hasn't actually said she likes him back. Does he just assume? I guess she's pretty transparent.
Yoshinari: Sir! Oh, have you two made up?
Okazaki: We're in the middle of that actually :)
Ichika: [It's not going to happen, actually]
Yoshinari: Well here are Yoshinari's Famous Make-Up Gifts!
Ichika: Make-Up ...gifts?
Yoshinari: Have you two forgotten that Christmas is almost here? Christmas! The holy night's magic will mend shattered hearts!
Okazaki: Yoshinari, you're seriously in the way, so leave :)
Yoshinari: I'll leave once I give you these!
It's bags with cake, fried chicken, crackers, and santa hats.
Okazaki: It's cold, let's go back to my place :)
He grabs her hand and she SWATS HIM AWAY???
WHAT IS THIS FEELING. IS IT...AGENCY?? BOUNDARIES???
I mean it's all stemming from caring about him, but still!
She does go with him, though. His apartment is neater than she (and I) expected.
Okazaki: It can't get dirty if I never use it :)
He offers her coffee but has no idea how to make it so she takes over. She sees half eaten snacks with names like "Cucumber chocolate" and "sea grape marshmallows".
Ichika: Do they taste good?
Okazaki: Hmm. I guess not. But I like them. Aren't they interesting?
She notices a large pile of painkillers and antibiotics on his bed. She asks him why he wants to die.
Two years ago the police discovered that a terrorist group called Adonis had plans to assassinate the Prime Minister. Okazaki, a rookie, was assigned to the PM's residence with his colleague Tsukushima. They both agreed that with so many veteran agents around, and so much preparation, they probably wouldn't see any action.
And then suddenly the radios were jammed and they couldn't see any other agents. Tsukushima went to go check.
There was an explosion. Okazaki could see someone in civilian clothes on the other side of a huge fire. He'd thought he was ready to risk his life, but knowing he might die made him hesitate. He was about to shoot the sprinklers to try and make them activate but Tsukushima returned and stopped him, saying they needed to concentrate on those who could be saved. As they were arguing, there was another explosion, and Tsukushima was mortally injured saving Okazaki.
And then he said "This all went wrong...because of you. Don't be like me, find a death that has meaning...to you..." and DIES. WTF DUDE.
Okazaki blames himself, for hesitating, hamstrung by emotions and doubt, causing the deaths of those he was supposed to protect.
The PM survived, but Okazaki was demoted and transferred to training detail. He spent the whole time asking himself "What am I living for"?
And then it turned out that Tsukushima was a spy for Adonis. Okazaki doesn't know why he saved him, maybe suicidal tendencies or instinct. But to cover up the scandal, Tsukushima was honored publicly for dying in the line of duty.
Him being a spy never made sense to Okazaki, who's been investigating it ever since. Recently he's gotten Sasazuka to help. But deep down he wants Tsukushima to have been a spy, so that he doesn't have to feel as guilty about his death.
Ichika: So you want to die because of self loathing?
Okazaki: No. You'll probably think I'm scum for this but..I'm just afraid to die like him, full of regret. He didn't die protecting anyone special. Just me. I hate myself for being unable to protect anyone and can't forgive myself for being saved.
He found being assigned to Yanagi's group frustrating, because they didn't actually need protection. Part of him wanted them to get attacked.
And then he met Ichika.
Okazaki: From the beginning I've told you that my goal is to protect someone special. You accepted that. Why won't you let me protect you?
Ichika: ...I did accept it at first. It made me happy to be protected. But I don't want you to die for my sake. If you care about me at all, then I want us to live together. I haven't been thinking about anything so noble as not wanting anyone to be hurt. In fact it's the opposite. If someone's hurt...I don't want it to be you. But if someone else lost their life protecting me, but it helped me solve the case, then I think I could accept it. I'd be miserable, but it would be better than seeing you die. I think I'm the worst sort of person too. But that's why I don't want you to die. You're the most precious person in the world to me.
There is a moment of silence.
Okazaki: I'm not sure if I should be happy...but I am. You treasure me :) But if you won't accept me, then I'll just have to find someone who will. I'm still going to die for someone.
Ichika: ARE YOU STUPID? DON'T YOU HAVE THE SLIGHTEST DESIRE TO LIVE? Was all the time together with me and the others just you passing time until you died?
Okazaki: No! It was all precious to me. That's why...
Ichika: Then don't die! When you're dead you can't talk while looking into someone's eyes like this, you have nothing. I want to spend more of my life with you.
She looks at his dvds and points out if he dies he won't see the next part in the series. If he'd died in Shinjuku Garden, she'd never have had a chance to come here. He looks down, seeming sad and resentful. Irritated, she cuts up the cake and shoves some in his mouth.
Ichika: If you die you won't be able to eat this either. So let's try everything while you're here.
Okazaki: Slow down, you're kind of scary.
Ichika: You said you want to find a way we can be together. Well the only way I can see is to make you want to live.
She doesn't expect this to work, but refuses to give up.
Ichika: Dying isn't fulfilling any duty. If you live you can protect more people. Neglect that, and you're a failure as SP and a police officer.
Okazaki: Yes, I'm selfish and have no right to be a SP officer.
She slaps him :D He could have avoided it but just stares at her with sad eyes.
Ichika: After you die, I'm going to forget all about you, fall in love with someone sane, and actually be happy. Maybe Yoshinari or Yanagi. It's none of your concern, right?
Okazaki, quietly: I don't think I'd like that.
Ichika: If you die for me today I could make a stupid mistake and die tomorrow. You'd have died like a dog protecting nothing.
Okazaki: That's true, but aren't you being a little mean? :(
FUCK HIM UP, ICHIKA
Ichika: If I'm truly special to me, why don't you have the guts to protect me until I die of old age??
He stares at her and she runs out of words and starts to cry. He laughs.
Okazaki: You're right. If you die, I won't be able to laugh like this, or see you get mad at me. I don't want that.
Ichika: REALLY??
Okazaki: I never thought you'd try to physically coerce me haha!
Ichika: It's not funny >:(
Okazaki: I get it. I'm sorry I hurt you. It's hard for me to let go of my wish. But when I see you trying so hard...I know I'm being selfish. If I just wanted to die, I could just do it. But I was obsessed with making my death meaningful, to run away from owning up to my worthless life. But now I'm holding onto a wish that's even greater than my death wish and fear of living a meaningless life. I want to be together with you. If I say that I won't die, can I protect you?
Ichika: If you PROMISE you won't die. No matter what, you find a way for both of us to live. If you promise that, I will promise not to run away.
He agrees, and quietly asks to hold her hand. She says yes. His hand is cold, because he's as afraid as her, and everyone else in Shinjuku.
Ichika: If you're ever afraid to live again...I'll hold your hand, like you held mine.
They hold hands for some time, sometimes bashfully making eye contact. Just as she's starting to feel self conscious about being alone in the bedroom of a man she's declared feelings for, he suggests they eat and have a proper Christmas party.
When she says she is still planning on going back getting the collar tested, he says he wants to spend more time with her, and snuggles up to her, saying it's alright because they're lovers now.
*is suddenly reminded how embarrassing it is to watch sex scenes on the TV when Cam keeps coming in and, say, ranting about dumbass things the scientists did in Prometheus, and switches to the handheld with headphones*
Ichika: WAIT DOES HE LIKE LIKE ME??
Come on Ichika.
Ichika: So is there anything...Christmassy...you want to do?
Okazaki: We could go to bed :)
Ichika: UH?? Um. I'm sorry but let's put the romance on hold for now.
Okazaki: Ok. Sorry for rushing things. Want to watch a dvd?
Except all he has is horror haha. She asks for the least scary movie and it's still terrifying.
He laughs and says she's adorable (WHICH SHE IS, LOOK AT HER), then kisses her on the top of the head, saying he's willing to wait a little while for her to reply to his confession but making it subtly clear he would very much like to have sex.
Okazaki: Don't worry, I won't ignore your feelings. For me, the silly texts we send each other, walking while holding hands...I just want to share those small moments. Maybe this is my ego, but I feel like you feel the same way.
Ichika: ...I do.
They have a really sweet romantic conversation.
CHAPTER SIX
Back at the detective agency, Yoshinari is delighted to notice them holding hands.
Ichika loudly announces her plan to let Sasazuka hack the collar, saying Adonis said they want her to find them. They pause for a response, and when none comes, Sasazuka starts. But all he manages is to trace the signal to East Shinjuku before the Adonis hacker manages to flip the attack back onto his machine.
They hear Yoshinari trying to keep someone out- it's Morioka from Investigations!
He's here to arrest Ichika for leaking information and call everyone in for questioning D: He's pissed off at Yoshinari for refusing to give them any information, and hates the way SP officers run on blind faith.
Okazaki stands in front of Ichika, saying he's working in the best interests of the police. Ichika asks for one more day to get the evidence he needs.
Yanagi: You've come her alone without a warrant. You wanted to talk to us before the others arrive. But if you take her or the others in, you'll lose your one chance to stop the countdown. I can't tell you everything, but I'll tell you what I can.
As Christmas Day dawns, Okazaki walks Ichika home, and asks what she meant with her offer. She knows he wouldn't approve, and doesn't want the collar to hear, so says it was a bluff.
Okazaki makes a face and sends her a text message saying "u liar ヽ(`д´)/". FINALLY. SOMEONE USES THEIR DAMN PHONE TO HIDE INFO.
She laughs and then texts back that she's going to tell HQ, to get help from the Cybercrimes division, saying she wants to do whatever she can.
He can't protect her from this danger. He kisses the top of her head, saying he's scared.
Okazaki: You have to keep your promise. Or I'll die too.
Ichika: It doesn't sound like a joke when you say it.
Okazaki: It's not :)
Ichika: Right. I won't die, so you won't too.
They trade bitter smiles.
Later, she sends an email with trembling hands, knowing that if a mole sees it she is dead. So she only sent it to contacts she got from Yanagi: the two guys from Investigations, Morioka and Minegishi.
We see these guys talking to Yanagi. Morioka is suspicious but Minegishi points out they don't have any better leads and Yanagi says "You're the who taught me that anyone could be suspicious, but to trust my instincts. Nothing can begin without trust. And I trust you."
Ichika gets a positive email from Minegishi. Adonis has hackers and they're using their work emails?? D:
Saeki: I hear Investigations has called in cybercrime experts from outside Shinjuku. Want to go see?
Ichika: We'd never get in.
Mochida: Agreed. And my wife wants me to get home early! She's cooking her beef stew :D
As Boxing Day dawns, Ichika is at her desk, dozing off as she files a report on various public complaints. And then she gets a message: They've found the base.
But then Adonis puts out a public message with the polite voice: "On January first the seeds of malice, criminals, will be executed by poison. Our preparations are complete, if you step on our sacred ground you will only accelerate the cleansing."
Chief Takaeda: Postpone the raid. Otherwise if a X-day killing happens today, people will blame us. Send everyone home.
At home, the collar contacts Ichika.
the collar: Your decision to help find our base despite the danger to yourself is praiseworthy.
Ichika: Didn't you say to find you? >:/
the collar: We would welcome you if you came alone. You approached us not to arrest criminals, but to understand why these tragedies happened. You passed our test.
Ichika: What do you want from me?
the collar: What do you think? You know the purpose of X-Day. After everything you've seen, you still trust the police?
Ichika: I want to. If I accept the things you're doing, that will just perpetuate the cycle of hatred. Crime won't cease when you execute all those 'criminals'. There has to be a better way to rebirth.
Back at police HQ, everyone is agreeing that there must be a mole, and that Ichika is in extreme danger. Okazaki sent Yoshinari to check on her but he hasn't reported back.
the collar: Rebirth from the police? How long will that take? You leave us no choice. You will know what it means to be helpless.
She touches her neck in fear but nothing happens.
the collar: You don't want to lose Kei Okazaki, do you?
Ichika: STAY AWAY FROM HIM
the collar: In exchange for his life, say your farewells, and join us. Will you make small sacrifices as an officer, or betray the police for those you love? You have until midnight.
Okazaki rings, asking to come over, and she can't bring herself to turn him away. When he arrives, he stares at her seriously for a moment and then says "You're not going into danger without me are you?" and she does her best to smile and say "I'm right here".
Yoshinari has been secretly protecting Kazuki! Yoshinari makes a lot of sense as a mole watching Okazaki but I have trouble seeing it personality wise.
Okazaki makes a joke about having sex and to his surprise Ichika assents, but stops him before he can kiss her.
Ichika: What do you like about me?
Okazaki: I like a lot of people. Yanagi's team, Yoshinari, my friends in the force, even girls I see walk by. But I can't say that I've gotten attached to anyone. People I've dated said "I'm not special to you", things like that. But for some reason you're special to me. It's not about liking or disliking. I need you to live.
He caresses her cheek. "When you were mad at me I could have lied and kept using you. But I wanted you to accept me for the person I really am".
When he asks why she likes him, she thinks about the good and bad of him and says "As you say, it's not about liking or disliking. In the end, you're the only one for me. I need you."
Okazaki: It seems we still have trouble understanding each other, but want to be together. How about instead of words, we try this?
He pins her to the bed, interlinking their hands, and asks if she likes it. She says she doesn't hate it which is otome heroine for MORE PLEASE.
Okazaki: There are lots of people that I like, but I rarely find anyone I like to tease.
Ichika: You tease Yoshinari.
Okazaki: That's how I show I care. My feelings for you are different. I want to be kinder to you than anyone, but I want you to let me bother you.
Ichika: Shiriashi said you have a bad personality. You're good looking but rotten on the inside.
Okazaki: That's right. And it's your own fault for getting involved with a bad guy like me so let me get what I want, ok?
He looks into her eyes as if he sees right through her and whispers that he won't let Adonis have her, knowing they will hear, and asks her to keep her promise, to let him live. To be his. They don't even get to the point of kissing before it fades to black but there was some VERY EMOTIONALLY INTENSE SEXY HAND HOLDING.
Afterwards, he bids her a cheerful farewell, and she tells him to take care of himself, consumed with her betrayal.
HMM TIME TO PAUSE FOR THE NIGHT I THINK.
I'm really enjoying how this route is aware of him being kinda dubconny, which he is, but he's not actually very dubconny at all by otome LI standards, just by real world ones. Overall this romance has ended up much more emotionally complex and balanced than I was expecting!
Also I am totally reading him as bi. There is so much space for it! Probably not intentional but I don't care! Hell there's space for him to have briefly dated Sasazuka and then Sasazuka realised he was the only one invested in things and tsunderely broke things off and made Okazaki agree never to talk about it again. I haven't mentioned it every time but Okazaki calls him by his given name and seems to like him.
Kazuki asks if Okazaki is her boyfriend and says he seems shady. Fair.
Ichika: Kazuki...follow your dreams. I'll always be cheering for you.
Kazuki: Why do you look like you're going to cry? Did your boyfriend hurt you >:(
Ichika: He would NEVER.
Kazuki: Well if he ever makes you cry I'll kick his ass. And...it makes me happy that you support me >.>
Ichika: I have to go. Just like you have to follow your dreams :(
Kazuki: Sis. You're coming home, right?
Ichika: ...yeah.
Kazuki: Good. Take care, then.
Such a good little bro ;_;
NEW POV NEW CHARACTER. IT'S THE POLITICIAN MIKUNI WHO SHOWED UP FOR ONE LINE LIKE THREE CHAPTERS AGO, IN A CULTY LOOKING RED ROBE, WITH NOT!SAIZO'S VOICE.
Mikuni tells Sanjou he didn't want things to be this way and it's time for them to part ways. He gets Sanjou to admit he's been scheming with the other enforcers, and did a favour for 'that hacker whizz-kid'.
Mikunu: Normally you would get a warning, but as long as it doesn't affect the evacuation I don't mind. You're not planning on coming, are you?
Sanjou: Heh. Not like you were going to take me with you.
Ichika follows the collar's directions to the hideout, silently steeling herself to kill her collarer. And then Okazaki rings her.
Okazaki: You know how I said I'd never forgive you if you broke your promise. Why did you lie? Why are you trying to leave me?
She tries denying it but he figures everything out, and before she can hang up he's there in person, quietly furious.
Oh god my choices are "I'm a spy for Adonis" and "I hate you now"???????
THESE ARE BOTH VERY BAD CHOICES
I...guess....spy??? Then she's still following her dreams haha.
Ichika: If you won't let a criminal get away, then I might have to shoot you.
Okazaki: I could say the same thing. Are you an idiot? If that's true, why do you look like you want to cry?
Ichika: :(
He pulls her into an embrace, telling her to be quiet, and whispers about how much it hurt for her to decide to sacrifice herself without saying a word.
Okazaki: I am not dying, no matter what. And you're not running away. You're trying to break the promise way too early. Seems like I'll have to treat you like I do Mineo.
Ichika: There's no other way :(
Okazaki: You said we'd try to find a way together! Even if they said they'd kill me, I'd die if you sacrificed yourself. Don't you understand? If you're going to make me hurt this much...it would be better to just die together. I won't die if you don't run away. I won't let you die. I won't let you be alone. If you refuse...I'll follow, even if it kills us.
Ichika: I don't want to lose you.
Okazaki: Then put your faith in me, not that collar.
Ichika: How can I say no, when you put it like that ;_;
Okazaki: Don't think. Just follow me. I'll protect you.
Ichika: All you've done is call me stupid, do you even have a plan?
Okazaki: It's still better than following your judgement.
Ichika: What if they kill you?
Okazaki: If I died right here in front of you, right now. Wouldn't you want to die?
Ichika: ...I might.
Okazaki: They know that. So let's go together. If that's a problem, then only I need to die. I know you won't give up if I ask you. So the only option is a head on fight.
They end up in underground tunnels beneath a construction site. Apparently they found it through information from his dead colleague Tsukushima's family, something that might have happened years ago if it wasn't for the cover-up.
Ichika says that even though Tsukushima was a spy, he still chose to save Okazaki because he thought him worth protecting.
They arrive at the abandoned base. The collar makes a weird noise. And then Sanjou appears, saying he was sent by 'the boss'.
Sanjou: I've never seen him. The others don't even know this place exists, they're just civilians who got exploited. I was told to bring the girl and take out anyone who gets in the way...but that's boring. I'll give the knight in shining armour a chance ;)
And then he says he's temporarily jammed the collar transmission.
Sanjou: If I'm going to die, I want it to be fighting the police. So I'll challenge you to a duel. If you win, I take off the collar. If you lose, sorry, but you die. In this world, victors have the stronger beliefs. If you win, then your convictions are just.
Ichika: Yes. Justice isn't about morality or regulations. There are as many types of justice as there are people, but they all boil down to people protecting what they consider precious.
Quietly, Ichika draws her own weapon.
Okazaki shoots away Sanjou's gun and dodges his shot, only getting a flesh wound.
Sanjou smiles and takes a small device from his pocket just as the collar says "Sanjou, what do you think you're doing? Step out of line again and you'll be eliminated."
Sanjou, fiddling with the device: Shut up already. Damn, I'm rusty.
And then there is a beep, and a sharp pain...and the collar falls off. Okazaki and Ichika are both delighted, and go to leave.
Sanjou: Sorry to rain on your happy ending, but like I told you, all I want is destruction. Do your best to survive :)
And then the tunnels shake as explosions goes off. Okazaki makes a vain attempt to persuade Sanjou that life is worth living which is very nice of him but personally I would just run away.
Sanjou: Take care of yourself for both of us, kid :)
He vanishes behind a pile of falling rubble. Ichika has to look a distraught Okazaki in the eyes and remind him to live.
On the surface, Morioka and Yanagi are tracking Ichika via...a GPS tracker? You know what, fair. Yanagi asks Morioka to wait until morning, sure that Ichika and Okazaki will give them an opening.
Ichika and Okazaki end up running deeper and deeper into the tunnels, looking for an exit. They end up in what feels like a church, and are confronted by Mikuni...who is THE PRIME MINISTER'S SON?? OK THEN.
He's pissed that they're ruined his life work and tainted this holy ground and they have to duck under a pew to avoid multiple shooters. Ichika persuades Okazaki that they can take them out together, and he agrees as long as she follows his orders.
SHOOTING MINIGAME
OKAZAKI POV.
BECAUSE.
ICHIKA HAS BEEN SHOT DEAD???
He holds he blood-stained body, hating himself beyond measure, holding a gun to his head. But she had kept her promise and not run away, right to the end.
He finally realises shy she was so angry with him before. Nobody wants a loved one to die for them. He doesn't understand how he could be so important to her. But now he can't die.
Zero appears! He's wearing a hood, and his voice is still disguised, but he has a skinny body and pointy chin, so definitely not Mochida.
Okazaki: I'll kill you and expose Adonis! That's the last wish she entrusted me with.
Zero: You aren't the only one who is greatly saddened by her loss. I understand your sorrow at failing to protect her. So I will do you the favour of killing you, and indulge your wish to die in the line of duty. Goodbye :)
Okazaki shouts out, and shots fire.
THE END
FUCK
I WAS HOPING SHE WAS SECRETLY STILL ALIVE. BUT NO.
Tiiiiime for a walkthrough!!
Really glad I experienced that unspoiled though that was great! I wonder if we find out who Zero is in the good end or if that's being saved for a later route. I assume the play order is somewhat railroaded to make it easier to keep the sense of mystery.
I hope it was me making bad choices and not me messing up the shooting minigame. It's a VERY EASY minigame, just pressing a single button within like a second's gap so I don't think so.
...wait, shit looks like I possibly DID just screw up the shooting minigame. Oh well, let's go back to my last save and give it another shot.
I was supposed to say "I hate you now", he's charmed by how bad she is at saying this blatant lie, which makes sense.
YEAH IT WAS THE MINIGAME DAMMIT
Got it after like 3 tries. Phew.
Ok! Okazaki non-fatally shoots Mikuni.
Okazaki: I'm placing you under arrest. Tell us where the exit is, You'll survive if you get medical treatment.
Mikuni: Zero...please...escape. I will surely...her...
And then he draws, aiming at Okazaki...and Ichika takes the bullet for him.
Okazaki cries out and pulls her into his arms.
Ichika: I'm sorry.
Okazaki: YOU'RE GOING TO BE FINE.
Ichika: Of course. But on the off chance I'm not...live a good life.
Okazaki finds a map on Mikuni, picks up Ichika, and starts running. As she feels her conscioussness fade she tells herself she has to survive, for his sake. She tells him she loves him, not as her final words, but to give herself the strength to survive.
We see a dying Mikuni beg Zero to escape so that the rebirth of Japan can still happen.
Zero: Even in the end, you understand nothing.
Mikuni: The dream we shared...ten years ago...
Zero: Yes, it could still happen. If not for you.
Closing credits!
It is January 3rd. Adonis is disbanded, and X-day did not occur. But 'criminals' wearing collars were discovered within the base, and across Japan. The police bask in the praise of disbanding Adonis, glossing over the fact that some remnants remain 'to avoid panic'. The quarantine is going to be lifted, and while there's still unease, things are improving.
The detectives are visiting Ichika in hospital. She asks how Okazaki is doing and they go silent. She knows he was by her side while she was unconscious but she hasn't seen him since she woke up.
Sasazuka: He's pissed off. Don't see that every day :)
Yanagi: He might be more honest if you text him.
He just sends her back a very cute angry kaomoji I alas can't manage to replicate.
Ichika: I've never seen him use this emoji before what do I do?
Yanagi: You're not the only one he's mad at. Men are complicated. Give him time.
Sasazuka: Who knew he could be emotional?
Enomoto: I guess Hoshino's the exception.
Yanagi: He's surprisingly emotional, and hard to handle ;)
Okazaki, walking in: I can hear everything you're saying >:(
He's silent for a long time as she tries to apologise and talk about the future they can now have together. But then he says he's angry at himself.
Okazaki: I'm sorry for talking down to you. I was hurt and scared. Thank you...for protecting me.
Ichika: I'm happy. You chose to rely on me, and find a way for us both to live together.
Okazaki: Don't ever pull a stunt like that again or I actually will die.
Ichika: Is there anything I can do?
Okazaki: I need to prove to myself that you're still alive. *kisses her neck* I want to lock you up.
Ichika: Uh.
Okazaki: I'll watch you 24/7 then >:/
Ichika: I don't think you should neglect your job.
Okazaki: Want to live together then? :)
Ichika: I have a little brother.
Okazaki: You're not making this easy >:(
She giggles at his cute pout. "You'll get all your wishes in time. Because I belong to you." She ignores her injuries and pulls him into a kiss. "I'd rather not be locked up though."
He starts listing all the things he wants, starting with more kisses and ending with them dying of old age together. She agrees to his terms.
THE END
Awwwwww!
There was a final screen with a single bullet hole on it, which I'm guessing will build up each route to The Final Route.
Let's do the bad ends I missed.
*goes back to my earliest save file*
haaa I forgot about Sasazuka choking her...
Common Route Bad End 1 is when you tell Morioka about the collar and immediately die.
*stares at Saeki as he skips by* Yeah...that could be Zero's pointy chin. But all the young guys have the same chin in front-facing sprites.
Also... Saeki was THIRTEEN ten years ago when Zero founded Adonis. Hmm. I mean...weirder things have happened in otome...
Feels weird picking all the 'alienate people' choices, but none have been very bad so far.
Common Route Bad End 2: alienate all the love interests enough that Ichika decides she doesn't really trust any of them.
Ichika: Fine. I'll find the truth on my own. That's what you want, isn't it?
The Collar: As long as your determination is pure, we don't mind. But the time limit will not change. Show us how you'll struggle against us.
She ignores all messages from the detectives. The days pass. But no matter how strong her determination, she can't do it on her own.
On new years eve she sits alone, thinking "I don't want it to end like this".
And then it is X-Day.
THE END
Adonis Bad end: Killed by bunny girl.
Bad End 1: Ichika decides not to lie to a TERRORIST who SET A MAN ON FIRE. ...oh, ok, she just thinks she's bad at lying and will get caught out, that tracks.
When Okazaki pulls a gun on her thinking she's a spy, she runs, and he shoots her in the leg. As he's arresting her, the collar says they can't allow that. When he refuses to be swayed by threats or sympathy for Ichika, the collar says it's a shame, and she feels a pain in her neck. She decides it's better this way, than seeing him look at her with such cold eyes. The last thing she hears is his distress as he realises she's dying.
THE END
Bad End 2: Alienate Okazaki by seeming motivated by self interest, so instead of deciding Ichika is a worthy person to die for, he's coldly disappointed in her and then smiles sadly and apologises, saying he has no choice but to report her.
Ichika: I understand :(
The Collar: So you're saying you don't care if she dies?
Okazaki: That's right. But do you gain anything by killing her? If I lost her, I'd have to focus on putting an end to X-Day. I'd stop all of you in her place. Then, I'll come kill you. Her sacrifice wouldn't be in vain. And you clearly want her alive for some purpose.
The Collar: Don't misunderstand. She'll die if she fails to meet our expectations.
Okazaki: What do you really want? Why are you afraid of showing yourselves? Because you know you're wrong?
The Collar: Earlier, you pointed out that we have little to gain from her death. But the same can no longer be said of you.
Shots ring out. Sanjou smirks in the distance. Ichika runs to the fallen Okazaki who croaks "Ah...too bad. This isn't how...I wanted to die. After all, you weren't the one I should have protected..."
In the end, she lost him, and didn't even touch his heart.
THE END
Looks like choosing to go with Mochida is NOT an automatic bad end! Okazuki just makes sad emojis at her until she invites him haha.
There doesn't seem to be a bad end associated with being bad at solving clues, I guess you just feel like a dumbass. Which makes sense, Okazaki isn't into Ichika for her brains.
Bad End 3: Chase after Sanjou even though Okazuki has been SHOT and EXPLODED. But of course Okazuki follows after her, and this time when he pushes her out of the way of an explosion, his wounds are fatal. He smiles sadly, apologising that he couldn't protect her to the end. His last request is that she pursue the X-day cases until the very end, never giving up.
Ichika: I won't! So you don't give up either!
Okazuki: I'm glad. Thanks for granting...my wish... :)
THE END
And that's it!
That was really good!
I liked not using a walkthrough, but I'm going to need one to get onto the next path so let's see if I have the strength of will to stop using it once I get there.
Of course first I have to decide who to do next. Maybe Enomoto, his straight forwardness would be a change and I doubt he's gated to late game. And I'll keep an eye out for Okazaki's age since I didn't take note and am not sure what it is. Probably mid to late 20s? Not sure if a rookie SP agent would be the same age as a rookie beat cop like Ichika.
Finally, have a random Sakuragawa since I got around to taking her picture:
Content note: Violence, brief mention of sexual assault of minor characters, suicidal thoughts
This was really good! It's more emotionally complex than I was expecting, and I had a bunch of feels! The political subtext continues to be Bad but ah well.
But turns out the shooting minigame is compulsory and can be tricky, so, this game is not suited to anyone with super bad reaction times. I had to repeat it a few times.
CHAPTER 5
The next day, Minegishi and Morioka from Investigations meet. Sanjou still hasn't been found and there's evidence that Okazaki has been falsifying his reports, seemingly to protect Ichika in some way. Sugawara was receiving instructions from a MICROCHIP?? Sure.
Ooh. Adonis existed 2 years ago but was dismantled??
It's police chief Yuusaka Takaeda, with the literal Voice of God! Which is to say, I'm pretty sure it's the guy who voiced the Evil Father Figures Who Set Themselves Up As Gods And Then Had To Be Killed in two other Otomate games.
He says to arrest anyone who seems a likely suspect, even if there's no evidence, 'making their alibis less solid' if necessary.
Morioka: Rounding up suspects with fabricated charges will result in arrests that won't stick, and incite more terrorist acts. Our priority right now is to root out Adonis' leadership and dismantle the group.
Chief Takaeda: The public hates the terrorists more than they blame us for preventing the attacks. Capturing any terrorists we can will restore the faith of the public.
Morioka: The priority is to stop terrorism. Lives are at stake.
Chief Takaeda: Will you let the credibility of the police fall into ruin?
Morioka: Will you prioritise honor and face over the people??
Minegashi: Why don't you two take your personal disagreement outside while we continue this meeting :)
Chief Takaeda: Insolent!
Minegishi: WELL THAT'S IT FOR THE MEETING. BYE EVERYONE.
And then Minegishi brings in someone for questioning: Okazaki's subordinate Yoshinari.
We cut to the hospital.
Okazaki: Ichika, are you resting? I hear you had some burns.
Nurse: CAN YOU PLEASE TELL HIM NOT TO RETURN TO WORK??
Ichika gives him some flowers, then says they have to talk, noting the grey skin beanth his strained smile.
Ichika: Thank you for yesterday. But...why are you literally putting your life on the line for me.
Okazaki: Everyone in SP risks their lives to protect people :)
Ichika: Yes but you seem to emphasise the risking your life over the protecting. What did you mean yesterday when you said it was your wish?
Okazaki: Don't worry about it :) Let's go back to work I won't fail you again.
Ichika: I don't think I can work with you if I don't know the whole truth. Do you...really not care if you die?
Okazaki: *sigh* ...That's right. I want to die while protecting you :)
Ichika: So I'm 'worth protecting'...because I'm in danger, and could give you a meaningful death?
Okazaki: Not just that, you never give up :)
Ichika: How could I be happy if I caused your death?! If I have to lose you to solve these crimes then what's the point?! Even if this is something you wish for, what about my feelings?!
Okazaki: ...I'm sorry. I don't want to make you sad. But you'll forget about me soon enough. You're strong :)
Ichika: You really don't care about what I think do you?
She thinks back on their time together, how happy he'd made her, everything he'd done for her. But he'd just been using her to fulfil his wish to die.
Ichika: I...don't want to be protected by someone who's only living so they can die.
Okazaki: But you'll be in danger. Can't you take advantage of my services to keep yourself alive? I'm not seeking out danger. And I made you promise not to run away from me. It's not as if the things you need to do have changed, right?
She had promised to protect Shinjuku no matter what.
My choices are "I won't run" and "No means no".
Well I've played WAY too many otome games not to know the right choice HERE. *sighs pointedly at the entire otome genre*
Ichika: I'm not going to run. But that doesn't mean you have to be there. I can ask someone else. So just leave me alone.
And then she stands up and walks away without looking back. GO ICHIKA NO DOES IN FACT MEAN NO AFTER ALL.
Okazaki POV! When Yoshinari asks why he's so down, he talks about Ichika being angry and Yoshinari is all "Whoa I didn't know you were dating but it sucks she dumped you" and gives some unfortunate advice about women's emotions being changeable. Yoshinari cheerfully wonders why Okazaki doesn't just lie and manipulate her since he's so good at that, and Oakazaki is surprised to realise he doesn't want to lie to her.
Yoshinari: Ah! That's love!
Okazaki: Love? Hmm. *absent mindedly puts him in a headlock*
"I don't find people like this every day. Strong, tenacious, unwilling to back down from her goals..."
So was he eye-ing up Yanagi's group before this? They wouldn't have taken it well either, if they'd realised what he was doing. *ponders ships*
He doesn't understand why she's 'running away' from her goals just to avoid sacrificing him. And if she's going to get protection from someone else, does that mean she's fine with sacrificing them? Maybe she just doesn't want him. (TO DIE, OKAZAKI. SHE DOESN'T WANT YOU TO DIE)
Ichika is wondering how it can be right to ask someone else to protect her, a police officer. Has she been too passive?
Kazuki points out she's burned breakfast and grumpily suggests she takes the day off what with HAVING BEEN SHOT AT AND EXPLODED YESTERDAY.
Ichika: It's just a few light burns.
Kazuki: Do you have to throw yourself into danger just because you're a cop?
Ichika: I'm sorry. I know you must be scared. I keep pressuring you to live my way, to stay home...but what do you want to do?
Kazuki: I could die tomorrow. I want to live how I want, or I'll regret it. But lately I haven't heard from Akito...I've been trying not to think about it.
Ichika: I'm sorry, I can't make things safe. But I can try and make it a little safer. I want you to do what you want. Just tell me where you're going, so I don't worry so much I can't work.
Kazuki: ...Mmm. ...I'm going to a studio. To practice and record with my band. I'll let you know when I'm coming home.
Ichika: ...oh. Then...good luck, Kazuki!
AWWWW.
Ichika doesn't reply to a text from Okazaki asking to meet up so he just turns up at her house, saying he hadn't meant all that stuff about dying for her in a weird way. She asks him to leave, and he says he'll come again later.
She wonders why he doesn't just find someone else important and dangerous to protect.
She speaks to the collar. She understands how they've recruited so many people. but eventually they'll run out of pawns. Meanwhile all the collateral damage they've caused is creating more resentment amongst everyone else. In the end, nobody will agree with Adonis and Japan will never be reborn. Can't they see this is pointless?
The collar replies. I think...it's not!Saito? A calm, mid-range male voice. I think this has been the voice every time the collar has spoken.
The collar: Of course we know this. But vengeance births more vengeance. Thus it is simple to create a world in which sorrow is reduced to zero and a true rebirth can occur. We merely need to erase the malice which births such feelings. Humans develop malice because they have desire. Ego, self-preservation, superiority and inferiority....we just need to erase it all.
Could you not have encouraged Buddhist meditation workshops instead...
Ichika: [erasing...humanity itself?? Mass murder??]
The collar: But that wouldn't be easy. That is why you were chosen as an experiment for the first step of our plan. You've learned the sorrow of the victims and the malice of the perpetrators. Next, we want you to make your way to us.
She messages the detective's group chat saying she wants Sasazuka to do a deeper scan of the collar, even though he said it would be dangerous. And then she discovers that Okazaki is in the chat, and has been discussing things about her and the collar with everyone else without her.
Oooh Okazaki says that when Sanjou whispered silently, he was saying "An underground tunnel", apparently in the hopes that Okazaki could read lips.
Ichika thinks about how central Okazaki is to her thoughts. She wants to be by his side forever, protected by him. But if it would cost his life, she'd rather never see him again.
She goes to thank Shiraishi for his help yesterday and he guesses from her expression that she's pining over Okazaki.
Shiraishi: I never thought anyone would get along with Okazaki that well, his bad personality is on par with mine.
Ichika: His personality...is...bad?
Shiraishi: You did cut ties with him. Why don't you trade me for him? You were pretty useful yesterday.
She thinks about how she could use Shiraishi and vice versa, and how Okazaki was also honest from the start about having his own goals, but her feelings made her forget that.
Okazaki: Hey :) No mocking her without my permission :)
Shiraishi: Aren't you the one making a mockery of her? She's been tense since you came in. It's probably your fault :)
Okazaki: I didn't want to hear that from you :) But yes. I apologise-
Ichika: Don't! You'll apologise but not change your mind, right? I haven't known you long but I know that much. So please, just give up on me.
And then she leaves.
Shiraishi: Wow. I doubt she'd ever get that angry for her own sake. So...ah, but why should I give you a hint.
Okazaki: And here I thought you had a softer side.
Shiraishi: Heh. That's your own fault. I don't have kindness. I don't know why you're fixated on her. But why don't you try considering her feelings? Though if it was me I wouldn't bother.
Okazaki: Thanks, Shiraishi :)
At the detective agency...
Okazaki: Hello Ichika :)
Ichika: Does he have to be here?
Yanagi: But he knows about the collar?
Ichika: The request is for personal reasons.
Okazaki: I made her mad >.>
Yanagi: If you did something bad enough to make Hoshino mad, leave.
Okazaki: I keep trying to apologise!
Ichika: I don't want an apology. Sorry, but we're discussing the investigation, please leave.
OMG boundaries??
Enomoto: Whoa, how bad was it??
Sasazuka: You assaulted her didn't you >:(
NOONE BOTHERS TO CLARIFY THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE
Okazaki: I didn't think you'd be this mad, and I'm sorry if you're upset. But we promised each other, didn't we? Stop being so stubborn!
Ichika: YOU'RE the stubborn one. I don't need you to protect me. And you don't actually need me, specifically, do you? There are plenty of other important people in danger. Instead of arguing with me, protect someone else.
Okazaki: ...you're right.
Ichika, heart silently breaking: So just give up.
Okazaki: It doesn't have to be you. But I want you. I don't really understand it myself.
Ichika: Because I'm convenient.
Okazaki: No. You try your hardest. You're open and kind. You feel other people's wounds as if they're you're own. You never give up. That's why...I like you.
Enomoto: oooh!
Okazaki: Huh? Um. Yeah. I...I like you. I don't want anyone else to protect you. I don't want to see you sad, or hurt. I want to support and encourage you.
Ichika: Assuming...that you like me...are you really saying this?
Enomoto: WHAT DID HE SAY??
Sasazuka, thwapping Enomoto: Take your damn lovers quarrel outside. Stupid cat, you're not prepared to do what you said before. Go get things sorted out and come back.
Okazaki takes her back to the park where he made her pinky swear to let him protect her.
Okazaki: Back then...I didn't see you as a person. You were the ideal vehicle to grant my wish. It was convenient, like you said. I didn't spare a thought for your feelings.
Ichika: I knew it :(
Okazaki: But now...I want to understand your feelings, and find a way for us to be together. I don't want to be with anyone else. Do you understand?
Ichika: Then are you going to give up on your wish?
Okazaki: I can't give up that easily. But neither can you, right? So let's find a way to make both of our wishes a reality.
Ichika: But our wishes are opposites.
They sit there in silence. It's interesting that she hasn't actually said she likes him back. Does he just assume? I guess she's pretty transparent.
Yoshinari: Sir! Oh, have you two made up?
Okazaki: We're in the middle of that actually :)
Ichika: [It's not going to happen, actually]
Yoshinari: Well here are Yoshinari's Famous Make-Up Gifts!
Ichika: Make-Up ...gifts?
Yoshinari: Have you two forgotten that Christmas is almost here? Christmas! The holy night's magic will mend shattered hearts!
Okazaki: Yoshinari, you're seriously in the way, so leave :)
Yoshinari: I'll leave once I give you these!
It's bags with cake, fried chicken, crackers, and santa hats.
Okazaki: It's cold, let's go back to my place :)
He grabs her hand and she SWATS HIM AWAY???
WHAT IS THIS FEELING. IS IT...AGENCY?? BOUNDARIES???
I mean it's all stemming from caring about him, but still!
She does go with him, though. His apartment is neater than she (and I) expected.
Okazaki: It can't get dirty if I never use it :)
He offers her coffee but has no idea how to make it so she takes over. She sees half eaten snacks with names like "Cucumber chocolate" and "sea grape marshmallows".
Ichika: Do they taste good?
Okazaki: Hmm. I guess not. But I like them. Aren't they interesting?
She notices a large pile of painkillers and antibiotics on his bed. She asks him why he wants to die.
Two years ago the police discovered that a terrorist group called Adonis had plans to assassinate the Prime Minister. Okazaki, a rookie, was assigned to the PM's residence with his colleague Tsukushima. They both agreed that with so many veteran agents around, and so much preparation, they probably wouldn't see any action.
And then suddenly the radios were jammed and they couldn't see any other agents. Tsukushima went to go check.
There was an explosion. Okazaki could see someone in civilian clothes on the other side of a huge fire. He'd thought he was ready to risk his life, but knowing he might die made him hesitate. He was about to shoot the sprinklers to try and make them activate but Tsukushima returned and stopped him, saying they needed to concentrate on those who could be saved. As they were arguing, there was another explosion, and Tsukushima was mortally injured saving Okazaki.
And then he said "This all went wrong...because of you. Don't be like me, find a death that has meaning...to you..." and DIES. WTF DUDE.
Okazaki blames himself, for hesitating, hamstrung by emotions and doubt, causing the deaths of those he was supposed to protect.
The PM survived, but Okazaki was demoted and transferred to training detail. He spent the whole time asking himself "What am I living for"?
And then it turned out that Tsukushima was a spy for Adonis. Okazaki doesn't know why he saved him, maybe suicidal tendencies or instinct. But to cover up the scandal, Tsukushima was honored publicly for dying in the line of duty.
Him being a spy never made sense to Okazaki, who's been investigating it ever since. Recently he's gotten Sasazuka to help. But deep down he wants Tsukushima to have been a spy, so that he doesn't have to feel as guilty about his death.
Ichika: So you want to die because of self loathing?
Okazaki: No. You'll probably think I'm scum for this but..I'm just afraid to die like him, full of regret. He didn't die protecting anyone special. Just me. I hate myself for being unable to protect anyone and can't forgive myself for being saved.
He found being assigned to Yanagi's group frustrating, because they didn't actually need protection. Part of him wanted them to get attacked.
And then he met Ichika.
Okazaki: From the beginning I've told you that my goal is to protect someone special. You accepted that. Why won't you let me protect you?
Ichika: ...I did accept it at first. It made me happy to be protected. But I don't want you to die for my sake. If you care about me at all, then I want us to live together. I haven't been thinking about anything so noble as not wanting anyone to be hurt. In fact it's the opposite. If someone's hurt...I don't want it to be you. But if someone else lost their life protecting me, but it helped me solve the case, then I think I could accept it. I'd be miserable, but it would be better than seeing you die. I think I'm the worst sort of person too. But that's why I don't want you to die. You're the most precious person in the world to me.
There is a moment of silence.
Okazaki: I'm not sure if I should be happy...but I am. You treasure me :) But if you won't accept me, then I'll just have to find someone who will. I'm still going to die for someone.
Ichika: ARE YOU STUPID? DON'T YOU HAVE THE SLIGHTEST DESIRE TO LIVE? Was all the time together with me and the others just you passing time until you died?
Okazaki: No! It was all precious to me. That's why...
Ichika: Then don't die! When you're dead you can't talk while looking into someone's eyes like this, you have nothing. I want to spend more of my life with you.
She looks at his dvds and points out if he dies he won't see the next part in the series. If he'd died in Shinjuku Garden, she'd never have had a chance to come here. He looks down, seeming sad and resentful. Irritated, she cuts up the cake and shoves some in his mouth.
Ichika: If you die you won't be able to eat this either. So let's try everything while you're here.
Okazaki: Slow down, you're kind of scary.
Ichika: You said you want to find a way we can be together. Well the only way I can see is to make you want to live.
She doesn't expect this to work, but refuses to give up.
Ichika: Dying isn't fulfilling any duty. If you live you can protect more people. Neglect that, and you're a failure as SP and a police officer.
Okazaki: Yes, I'm selfish and have no right to be a SP officer.
She slaps him :D He could have avoided it but just stares at her with sad eyes.
Ichika: After you die, I'm going to forget all about you, fall in love with someone sane, and actually be happy. Maybe Yoshinari or Yanagi. It's none of your concern, right?
Okazaki, quietly: I don't think I'd like that.
Ichika: If you die for me today I could make a stupid mistake and die tomorrow. You'd have died like a dog protecting nothing.
Okazaki: That's true, but aren't you being a little mean? :(
FUCK HIM UP, ICHIKA
Ichika: If I'm truly special to me, why don't you have the guts to protect me until I die of old age??
He stares at her and she runs out of words and starts to cry. He laughs.
Okazaki: You're right. If you die, I won't be able to laugh like this, or see you get mad at me. I don't want that.
Ichika: REALLY??
Okazaki: I never thought you'd try to physically coerce me haha!
Ichika: It's not funny >:(
Okazaki: I get it. I'm sorry I hurt you. It's hard for me to let go of my wish. But when I see you trying so hard...I know I'm being selfish. If I just wanted to die, I could just do it. But I was obsessed with making my death meaningful, to run away from owning up to my worthless life. But now I'm holding onto a wish that's even greater than my death wish and fear of living a meaningless life. I want to be together with you. If I say that I won't die, can I protect you?
Ichika: If you PROMISE you won't die. No matter what, you find a way for both of us to live. If you promise that, I will promise not to run away.
He agrees, and quietly asks to hold her hand. She says yes. His hand is cold, because he's as afraid as her, and everyone else in Shinjuku.
Ichika: If you're ever afraid to live again...I'll hold your hand, like you held mine.
They hold hands for some time, sometimes bashfully making eye contact. Just as she's starting to feel self conscious about being alone in the bedroom of a man she's declared feelings for, he suggests they eat and have a proper Christmas party.
When she says she is still planning on going back getting the collar tested, he says he wants to spend more time with her, and snuggles up to her, saying it's alright because they're lovers now.
*is suddenly reminded how embarrassing it is to watch sex scenes on the TV when Cam keeps coming in and, say, ranting about dumbass things the scientists did in Prometheus, and switches to the handheld with headphones*
Ichika: WAIT DOES HE LIKE LIKE ME??
Come on Ichika.
Ichika: So is there anything...Christmassy...you want to do?
Okazaki: We could go to bed :)
Ichika: UH?? Um. I'm sorry but let's put the romance on hold for now.
Okazaki: Ok. Sorry for rushing things. Want to watch a dvd?
Except all he has is horror haha. She asks for the least scary movie and it's still terrifying.
He laughs and says she's adorable (WHICH SHE IS, LOOK AT HER), then kisses her on the top of the head, saying he's willing to wait a little while for her to reply to his confession but making it subtly clear he would very much like to have sex.
Okazaki: Don't worry, I won't ignore your feelings. For me, the silly texts we send each other, walking while holding hands...I just want to share those small moments. Maybe this is my ego, but I feel like you feel the same way.
Ichika: ...I do.
They have a really sweet romantic conversation.
CHAPTER SIX
Back at the detective agency, Yoshinari is delighted to notice them holding hands.
Ichika loudly announces her plan to let Sasazuka hack the collar, saying Adonis said they want her to find them. They pause for a response, and when none comes, Sasazuka starts. But all he manages is to trace the signal to East Shinjuku before the Adonis hacker manages to flip the attack back onto his machine.
They hear Yoshinari trying to keep someone out- it's Morioka from Investigations!
He's here to arrest Ichika for leaking information and call everyone in for questioning D: He's pissed off at Yoshinari for refusing to give them any information, and hates the way SP officers run on blind faith.
Okazaki stands in front of Ichika, saying he's working in the best interests of the police. Ichika asks for one more day to get the evidence he needs.
Yanagi: You've come her alone without a warrant. You wanted to talk to us before the others arrive. But if you take her or the others in, you'll lose your one chance to stop the countdown. I can't tell you everything, but I'll tell you what I can.
As Christmas Day dawns, Okazaki walks Ichika home, and asks what she meant with her offer. She knows he wouldn't approve, and doesn't want the collar to hear, so says it was a bluff.
Okazaki makes a face and sends her a text message saying "u liar ヽ(`д´)/". FINALLY. SOMEONE USES THEIR DAMN PHONE TO HIDE INFO.
She laughs and then texts back that she's going to tell HQ, to get help from the Cybercrimes division, saying she wants to do whatever she can.
He can't protect her from this danger. He kisses the top of her head, saying he's scared.
Okazaki: You have to keep your promise. Or I'll die too.
Ichika: It doesn't sound like a joke when you say it.
Okazaki: It's not :)
Ichika: Right. I won't die, so you won't too.
They trade bitter smiles.
Later, she sends an email with trembling hands, knowing that if a mole sees it she is dead. So she only sent it to contacts she got from Yanagi: the two guys from Investigations, Morioka and Minegishi.
We see these guys talking to Yanagi. Morioka is suspicious but Minegishi points out they don't have any better leads and Yanagi says "You're the who taught me that anyone could be suspicious, but to trust my instincts. Nothing can begin without trust. And I trust you."
Ichika gets a positive email from Minegishi. Adonis has hackers and they're using their work emails?? D:
Saeki: I hear Investigations has called in cybercrime experts from outside Shinjuku. Want to go see?
Ichika: We'd never get in.
Mochida: Agreed. And my wife wants me to get home early! She's cooking her beef stew :D
As Boxing Day dawns, Ichika is at her desk, dozing off as she files a report on various public complaints. And then she gets a message: They've found the base.
But then Adonis puts out a public message with the polite voice: "On January first the seeds of malice, criminals, will be executed by poison. Our preparations are complete, if you step on our sacred ground you will only accelerate the cleansing."
Chief Takaeda: Postpone the raid. Otherwise if a X-day killing happens today, people will blame us. Send everyone home.
At home, the collar contacts Ichika.
the collar: Your decision to help find our base despite the danger to yourself is praiseworthy.
Ichika: Didn't you say to find you? >:/
the collar: We would welcome you if you came alone. You approached us not to arrest criminals, but to understand why these tragedies happened. You passed our test.
Ichika: What do you want from me?
the collar: What do you think? You know the purpose of X-Day. After everything you've seen, you still trust the police?
Ichika: I want to. If I accept the things you're doing, that will just perpetuate the cycle of hatred. Crime won't cease when you execute all those 'criminals'. There has to be a better way to rebirth.
Back at police HQ, everyone is agreeing that there must be a mole, and that Ichika is in extreme danger. Okazaki sent Yoshinari to check on her but he hasn't reported back.
the collar: Rebirth from the police? How long will that take? You leave us no choice. You will know what it means to be helpless.
She touches her neck in fear but nothing happens.
the collar: You don't want to lose Kei Okazaki, do you?
Ichika: STAY AWAY FROM HIM
the collar: In exchange for his life, say your farewells, and join us. Will you make small sacrifices as an officer, or betray the police for those you love? You have until midnight.
Okazaki rings, asking to come over, and she can't bring herself to turn him away. When he arrives, he stares at her seriously for a moment and then says "You're not going into danger without me are you?" and she does her best to smile and say "I'm right here".
Yoshinari has been secretly protecting Kazuki! Yoshinari makes a lot of sense as a mole watching Okazaki but I have trouble seeing it personality wise.
Okazaki makes a joke about having sex and to his surprise Ichika assents, but stops him before he can kiss her.
Ichika: What do you like about me?
Okazaki: I like a lot of people. Yanagi's team, Yoshinari, my friends in the force, even girls I see walk by. But I can't say that I've gotten attached to anyone. People I've dated said "I'm not special to you", things like that. But for some reason you're special to me. It's not about liking or disliking. I need you to live.
He caresses her cheek. "When you were mad at me I could have lied and kept using you. But I wanted you to accept me for the person I really am".
When he asks why she likes him, she thinks about the good and bad of him and says "As you say, it's not about liking or disliking. In the end, you're the only one for me. I need you."
Okazaki: It seems we still have trouble understanding each other, but want to be together. How about instead of words, we try this?
He pins her to the bed, interlinking their hands, and asks if she likes it. She says she doesn't hate it which is otome heroine for MORE PLEASE.
Okazaki: There are lots of people that I like, but I rarely find anyone I like to tease.
Ichika: You tease Yoshinari.
Okazaki: That's how I show I care. My feelings for you are different. I want to be kinder to you than anyone, but I want you to let me bother you.
Ichika: Shiriashi said you have a bad personality. You're good looking but rotten on the inside.
Okazaki: That's right. And it's your own fault for getting involved with a bad guy like me so let me get what I want, ok?
He looks into her eyes as if he sees right through her and whispers that he won't let Adonis have her, knowing they will hear, and asks her to keep her promise, to let him live. To be his. They don't even get to the point of kissing before it fades to black but there was some VERY EMOTIONALLY INTENSE SEXY HAND HOLDING.
Afterwards, he bids her a cheerful farewell, and she tells him to take care of himself, consumed with her betrayal.
HMM TIME TO PAUSE FOR THE NIGHT I THINK.
I'm really enjoying how this route is aware of him being kinda dubconny, which he is, but he's not actually very dubconny at all by otome LI standards, just by real world ones. Overall this romance has ended up much more emotionally complex and balanced than I was expecting!
Also I am totally reading him as bi. There is so much space for it! Probably not intentional but I don't care! Hell there's space for him to have briefly dated Sasazuka and then Sasazuka realised he was the only one invested in things and tsunderely broke things off and made Okazaki agree never to talk about it again. I haven't mentioned it every time but Okazaki calls him by his given name and seems to like him.
Kazuki asks if Okazaki is her boyfriend and says he seems shady. Fair.
Ichika: Kazuki...follow your dreams. I'll always be cheering for you.
Kazuki: Why do you look like you're going to cry? Did your boyfriend hurt you >:(
Ichika: He would NEVER.
Kazuki: Well if he ever makes you cry I'll kick his ass. And...it makes me happy that you support me >.>
Ichika: I have to go. Just like you have to follow your dreams :(
Kazuki: Sis. You're coming home, right?
Ichika: ...yeah.
Kazuki: Good. Take care, then.
Such a good little bro ;_;
NEW POV NEW CHARACTER. IT'S THE POLITICIAN MIKUNI WHO SHOWED UP FOR ONE LINE LIKE THREE CHAPTERS AGO, IN A CULTY LOOKING RED ROBE, WITH NOT!SAIZO'S VOICE.
Mikuni tells Sanjou he didn't want things to be this way and it's time for them to part ways. He gets Sanjou to admit he's been scheming with the other enforcers, and did a favour for 'that hacker whizz-kid'.
Mikunu: Normally you would get a warning, but as long as it doesn't affect the evacuation I don't mind. You're not planning on coming, are you?
Sanjou: Heh. Not like you were going to take me with you.
Ichika follows the collar's directions to the hideout, silently steeling herself to kill her collarer. And then Okazaki rings her.
Okazaki: You know how I said I'd never forgive you if you broke your promise. Why did you lie? Why are you trying to leave me?
She tries denying it but he figures everything out, and before she can hang up he's there in person, quietly furious.
Oh god my choices are "I'm a spy for Adonis" and "I hate you now"???????
THESE ARE BOTH VERY BAD CHOICES
I...guess....spy??? Then she's still following her dreams haha.
Ichika: If you won't let a criminal get away, then I might have to shoot you.
Okazaki: I could say the same thing. Are you an idiot? If that's true, why do you look like you want to cry?
Ichika: :(
He pulls her into an embrace, telling her to be quiet, and whispers about how much it hurt for her to decide to sacrifice herself without saying a word.
Okazaki: I am not dying, no matter what. And you're not running away. You're trying to break the promise way too early. Seems like I'll have to treat you like I do Mineo.
Ichika: There's no other way :(
Okazaki: You said we'd try to find a way together! Even if they said they'd kill me, I'd die if you sacrificed yourself. Don't you understand? If you're going to make me hurt this much...it would be better to just die together. I won't die if you don't run away. I won't let you die. I won't let you be alone. If you refuse...I'll follow, even if it kills us.
Ichika: I don't want to lose you.
Okazaki: Then put your faith in me, not that collar.
Ichika: How can I say no, when you put it like that ;_;
Okazaki: Don't think. Just follow me. I'll protect you.
Ichika: All you've done is call me stupid, do you even have a plan?
Okazaki: It's still better than following your judgement.
Ichika: What if they kill you?
Okazaki: If I died right here in front of you, right now. Wouldn't you want to die?
Ichika: ...I might.
Okazaki: They know that. So let's go together. If that's a problem, then only I need to die. I know you won't give up if I ask you. So the only option is a head on fight.
They end up in underground tunnels beneath a construction site. Apparently they found it through information from his dead colleague Tsukushima's family, something that might have happened years ago if it wasn't for the cover-up.
Ichika says that even though Tsukushima was a spy, he still chose to save Okazaki because he thought him worth protecting.
They arrive at the abandoned base. The collar makes a weird noise. And then Sanjou appears, saying he was sent by 'the boss'.
Sanjou: I've never seen him. The others don't even know this place exists, they're just civilians who got exploited. I was told to bring the girl and take out anyone who gets in the way...but that's boring. I'll give the knight in shining armour a chance ;)
And then he says he's temporarily jammed the collar transmission.
Sanjou: If I'm going to die, I want it to be fighting the police. So I'll challenge you to a duel. If you win, I take off the collar. If you lose, sorry, but you die. In this world, victors have the stronger beliefs. If you win, then your convictions are just.
Ichika: Yes. Justice isn't about morality or regulations. There are as many types of justice as there are people, but they all boil down to people protecting what they consider precious.
Quietly, Ichika draws her own weapon.
Okazaki shoots away Sanjou's gun and dodges his shot, only getting a flesh wound.
Sanjou smiles and takes a small device from his pocket just as the collar says "Sanjou, what do you think you're doing? Step out of line again and you'll be eliminated."
Sanjou, fiddling with the device: Shut up already. Damn, I'm rusty.
And then there is a beep, and a sharp pain...and the collar falls off. Okazaki and Ichika are both delighted, and go to leave.
Sanjou: Sorry to rain on your happy ending, but like I told you, all I want is destruction. Do your best to survive :)
And then the tunnels shake as explosions goes off. Okazaki makes a vain attempt to persuade Sanjou that life is worth living which is very nice of him but personally I would just run away.
Sanjou: Take care of yourself for both of us, kid :)
He vanishes behind a pile of falling rubble. Ichika has to look a distraught Okazaki in the eyes and remind him to live.
On the surface, Morioka and Yanagi are tracking Ichika via...a GPS tracker? You know what, fair. Yanagi asks Morioka to wait until morning, sure that Ichika and Okazaki will give them an opening.
Ichika and Okazaki end up running deeper and deeper into the tunnels, looking for an exit. They end up in what feels like a church, and are confronted by Mikuni...who is THE PRIME MINISTER'S SON?? OK THEN.
He's pissed that they're ruined his life work and tainted this holy ground and they have to duck under a pew to avoid multiple shooters. Ichika persuades Okazaki that they can take them out together, and he agrees as long as she follows his orders.
SHOOTING MINIGAME
OKAZAKI POV.
BECAUSE.
ICHIKA HAS BEEN SHOT DEAD???
He holds he blood-stained body, hating himself beyond measure, holding a gun to his head. But she had kept her promise and not run away, right to the end.
He finally realises shy she was so angry with him before. Nobody wants a loved one to die for them. He doesn't understand how he could be so important to her. But now he can't die.
Zero appears! He's wearing a hood, and his voice is still disguised, but he has a skinny body and pointy chin, so definitely not Mochida.
Okazaki: I'll kill you and expose Adonis! That's the last wish she entrusted me with.
Zero: You aren't the only one who is greatly saddened by her loss. I understand your sorrow at failing to protect her. So I will do you the favour of killing you, and indulge your wish to die in the line of duty. Goodbye :)
Okazaki shouts out, and shots fire.
THE END
FUCK
I WAS HOPING SHE WAS SECRETLY STILL ALIVE. BUT NO.
Tiiiiime for a walkthrough!!
Really glad I experienced that unspoiled though that was great! I wonder if we find out who Zero is in the good end or if that's being saved for a later route. I assume the play order is somewhat railroaded to make it easier to keep the sense of mystery.
I hope it was me making bad choices and not me messing up the shooting minigame. It's a VERY EASY minigame, just pressing a single button within like a second's gap so I don't think so.
...wait, shit looks like I possibly DID just screw up the shooting minigame. Oh well, let's go back to my last save and give it another shot.
I was supposed to say "I hate you now", he's charmed by how bad she is at saying this blatant lie, which makes sense.
YEAH IT WAS THE MINIGAME DAMMIT
Got it after like 3 tries. Phew.
Ok! Okazaki non-fatally shoots Mikuni.
Okazaki: I'm placing you under arrest. Tell us where the exit is, You'll survive if you get medical treatment.
Mikuni: Zero...please...escape. I will surely...her...
And then he draws, aiming at Okazaki...and Ichika takes the bullet for him.
Okazaki cries out and pulls her into his arms.
Ichika: I'm sorry.
Okazaki: YOU'RE GOING TO BE FINE.
Ichika: Of course. But on the off chance I'm not...live a good life.
Okazaki finds a map on Mikuni, picks up Ichika, and starts running. As she feels her conscioussness fade she tells herself she has to survive, for his sake. She tells him she loves him, not as her final words, but to give herself the strength to survive.
We see a dying Mikuni beg Zero to escape so that the rebirth of Japan can still happen.
Zero: Even in the end, you understand nothing.
Mikuni: The dream we shared...ten years ago...
Zero: Yes, it could still happen. If not for you.
Closing credits!
It is January 3rd. Adonis is disbanded, and X-day did not occur. But 'criminals' wearing collars were discovered within the base, and across Japan. The police bask in the praise of disbanding Adonis, glossing over the fact that some remnants remain 'to avoid panic'. The quarantine is going to be lifted, and while there's still unease, things are improving.
The detectives are visiting Ichika in hospital. She asks how Okazaki is doing and they go silent. She knows he was by her side while she was unconscious but she hasn't seen him since she woke up.
Sasazuka: He's pissed off. Don't see that every day :)
Yanagi: He might be more honest if you text him.
He just sends her back a very cute angry kaomoji I alas can't manage to replicate.
Ichika: I've never seen him use this emoji before what do I do?
Yanagi: You're not the only one he's mad at. Men are complicated. Give him time.
Sasazuka: Who knew he could be emotional?
Enomoto: I guess Hoshino's the exception.
Yanagi: He's surprisingly emotional, and hard to handle ;)
Okazaki, walking in: I can hear everything you're saying >:(
He's silent for a long time as she tries to apologise and talk about the future they can now have together. But then he says he's angry at himself.
Okazaki: I'm sorry for talking down to you. I was hurt and scared. Thank you...for protecting me.
Ichika: I'm happy. You chose to rely on me, and find a way for us both to live together.
Okazaki: Don't ever pull a stunt like that again or I actually will die.
Ichika: Is there anything I can do?
Okazaki: I need to prove to myself that you're still alive. *kisses her neck* I want to lock you up.
Ichika: Uh.
Okazaki: I'll watch you 24/7 then >:/
Ichika: I don't think you should neglect your job.
Okazaki: Want to live together then? :)
Ichika: I have a little brother.
Okazaki: You're not making this easy >:(
She giggles at his cute pout. "You'll get all your wishes in time. Because I belong to you." She ignores her injuries and pulls him into a kiss. "I'd rather not be locked up though."
He starts listing all the things he wants, starting with more kisses and ending with them dying of old age together. She agrees to his terms.
THE END
Awwwwww!
There was a final screen with a single bullet hole on it, which I'm guessing will build up each route to The Final Route.
Let's do the bad ends I missed.
*goes back to my earliest save file*
haaa I forgot about Sasazuka choking her...
Common Route Bad End 1 is when you tell Morioka about the collar and immediately die.
*stares at Saeki as he skips by* Yeah...that could be Zero's pointy chin. But all the young guys have the same chin in front-facing sprites.
Also... Saeki was THIRTEEN ten years ago when Zero founded Adonis. Hmm. I mean...weirder things have happened in otome...
Feels weird picking all the 'alienate people' choices, but none have been very bad so far.
Common Route Bad End 2: alienate all the love interests enough that Ichika decides she doesn't really trust any of them.
Ichika: Fine. I'll find the truth on my own. That's what you want, isn't it?
The Collar: As long as your determination is pure, we don't mind. But the time limit will not change. Show us how you'll struggle against us.
She ignores all messages from the detectives. The days pass. But no matter how strong her determination, she can't do it on her own.
On new years eve she sits alone, thinking "I don't want it to end like this".
And then it is X-Day.
THE END
Adonis Bad end: Killed by bunny girl.
Bad End 1: Ichika decides not to lie to a TERRORIST who SET A MAN ON FIRE. ...oh, ok, she just thinks she's bad at lying and will get caught out, that tracks.
When Okazaki pulls a gun on her thinking she's a spy, she runs, and he shoots her in the leg. As he's arresting her, the collar says they can't allow that. When he refuses to be swayed by threats or sympathy for Ichika, the collar says it's a shame, and she feels a pain in her neck. She decides it's better this way, than seeing him look at her with such cold eyes. The last thing she hears is his distress as he realises she's dying.
THE END
Bad End 2: Alienate Okazaki by seeming motivated by self interest, so instead of deciding Ichika is a worthy person to die for, he's coldly disappointed in her and then smiles sadly and apologises, saying he has no choice but to report her.
Ichika: I understand :(
The Collar: So you're saying you don't care if she dies?
Okazaki: That's right. But do you gain anything by killing her? If I lost her, I'd have to focus on putting an end to X-Day. I'd stop all of you in her place. Then, I'll come kill you. Her sacrifice wouldn't be in vain. And you clearly want her alive for some purpose.
The Collar: Don't misunderstand. She'll die if she fails to meet our expectations.
Okazaki: What do you really want? Why are you afraid of showing yourselves? Because you know you're wrong?
The Collar: Earlier, you pointed out that we have little to gain from her death. But the same can no longer be said of you.
Shots ring out. Sanjou smirks in the distance. Ichika runs to the fallen Okazaki who croaks "Ah...too bad. This isn't how...I wanted to die. After all, you weren't the one I should have protected..."
In the end, she lost him, and didn't even touch his heart.
THE END
Looks like choosing to go with Mochida is NOT an automatic bad end! Okazuki just makes sad emojis at her until she invites him haha.
There doesn't seem to be a bad end associated with being bad at solving clues, I guess you just feel like a dumbass. Which makes sense, Okazaki isn't into Ichika for her brains.
Bad End 3: Chase after Sanjou even though Okazuki has been SHOT and EXPLODED. But of course Okazuki follows after her, and this time when he pushes her out of the way of an explosion, his wounds are fatal. He smiles sadly, apologising that he couldn't protect her to the end. His last request is that she pursue the X-day cases until the very end, never giving up.
Ichika: I won't! So you don't give up either!
Okazuki: I'm glad. Thanks for granting...my wish... :)
THE END
And that's it!
That was really good!
I liked not using a walkthrough, but I'm going to need one to get onto the next path so let's see if I have the strength of will to stop using it once I get there.
Of course first I have to decide who to do next. Maybe Enomoto, his straight forwardness would be a change and I doubt he's gated to late game. And I'll keep an eye out for Okazaki's age since I didn't take note and am not sure what it is. Probably mid to late 20s? Not sure if a rookie SP agent would be the same age as a rookie beat cop like Ichika.
Finally, have a random Sakuragawa since I got around to taking her picture:
