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That was cute! He's an asshole but they're happy. And I had FEELS about the secondary characters. It's a bit Weird about America and Americans but this mostly just amused me.
It feels like the overall messages of this game are, like..."The police are flawed but necessary since the alternative is vigilantism, gun control is good, compassion for criminals is good, murder is bad". Which...could be worse, I guess, given the premise?
Content note: Violence, brief mention of sexual assault of minor characters, suicide, uncomfortable depiction of cyberbullying and gaming addiction
CHAPTER FIVE
Yanagi helps her get Sasazuka to the agency, but asks her to watch over him since he has to leave. He's quietly happy to see that they're real partners now.
The first thing Sasazuka says when he wakes up is "Where's Souda?" He's quiet and withdrawn, asking Ichika not to touch him when she fusses. He apologises for the trouble, and tells her to forget about it. But then he tells her to come to the roof with him so he can get some fresh air.
Sasazuka, quietly: I don't like to admit it but I have something like PTSD around guns. Though I didn't think it would make me pass out.
In a matter of fact tone he says that his mother was shot protecting him when he was 18. "It's not an uncommon thing in America." Is it though.
Sasazuka had mostly been ignoring his mother's cheerful chatter. When a gang started shooting, he led her to what he thought was safety, comforting her, but bumped into a gun wielding gang member and his mother pushed him out of the way of the bullet. Her last words were gratefulness that he was ok.
The suspect turned out to be a Japanese-American minor, but a member of a gang with enough backing to get him an easy sentence. He's somewhere out there walking free, while Sasazuka is still traumatised, haunted in his dreams.
This is who Sasazuka hated enough to try to kill, but the syndicates protection was too strong. He'd still want to kill him now.
He hates guns and any society that permits them, which is why he moved back to Japan. When he saw discussion of repealing the gun law, he decided to join the police, to catch criminals before they could make anyone think guns were necessary. But when the law he'd wanted to protect was repealed he quit.
Sasazuka: I have no justice on my side, my motivations were entirely selfish. Are you disgusted with me?
Ichika: Never.
Sasazuka: ...Ok. You're an idiot.
Ichika: I don't care. And you're worse. You jumped in front of someone with a gun and provoked him! It only makes sense if you wanted to divert his attention from me.
Sasazuka: You're full of yourself >.>
Ichika: I'm happy you tried to protect me but I didn't want to see you get shot either. As your partner I have to denounce your error of judgement.
Sasazuka: He was too erratic to aim well, I figured I could take at least one shot without dying. I won't apologise. But...I will express my thanks.
He says he's just going to ignore that she carries a gun, since it's too dangerous not to.
The collar: Seems like you're done.
Sasazuka and Ichika: D:
The collar: Ichika Hoshino, I am overjoyed that you don't hesitate to shoot when facing evil.
Sasazuka: You're full of yourself considering we caught one of your henchmen. Or was he just a pawn and we won't get anything out of him?
The collar: He got his revenge and served his purpose. And you're welcome to try. But nevermind that. Takeru Sasazuka, there is a fire smouldering in your chest because the scar of your sorrow has not healed. There are many victims like you working for Adonis. Would you join Adonis with Hoshino?
Sasazuka: Never.
The collar: We understand your plight better than anyone. Your version of justice and ours are aligned.
Sasazuka: You're mistaken.
The collar: I see. We'll take our time to recruit you. And to Hoshino: good luck.
Back at HQ, Sasazuka asks to conduct the interrogation of Souda with Ichika. He tells her to stay quiet.
Souda is non responsive and blank, no longer even asking for a phone. Sasazuka taunts him about how he easily became the new god of Souda's old guild, and for his pain. OK THEN.
Souda: You wouldn't understand D:
Sasazuka: You're right, I have a pretty good life in the real world. I have a pretty good life online, too, but I'm not addicted to it like you.
Souda turns out to be bitter about having been bullied irl, which Sasazuka is pretty shitty about as someone who was ALSO bullied irl.
Sasazuka: After taking so many lives, are you satisfied yet? I doubt it. The people you really want to take revenge on are the ones who bullied you into becoming a shut-in addict. Why didn't you kill them.
Souda: N-no, please don't erase me! I won't say anything! D:
Sasazuka: ...Souda? Get it together!
Souda convulses like he's being electrocuted. When he opens his eyes, he doesn't recognise any of them or where he is, and panics when he can't find his phone.
An examination discovers a microchip in his neck that was recording and sending orders, and presumably caused the memory loss.
Afterwards Sasazuka is gloomy.
Sasazuka: Do you have any plans later?
Ichika: Oh, you want to go to the agency?
Sasazuka: Do you have any plans or not >:(
Ichika: No?
Sasazuka: Then come with me to blow off some steam. *drinking motion*
Ahhhh he says he doesn't like noisy places so they're back at his house.
Sasazuka: Why do you look nervous?
Ichika, remembering being in his bed: NO REASON
Ahaha he says he was expecting the Souda thing to be a dead end since Adonis knew what they were doing through the collar, and when she asks what he's so frustrated about then he just glares at her. Is he feeling self conscious about Adonis hearing them make out.
SASAZUKA WHY ARE YOU PRESSURING ICHIKA TO DRINK >:(
WALKTHROUGH WHY AM I SUPPOSED TO JUST DRINK QUIETLY AND NOT ASK ABOUT IT >:(
I asked anyway and he says she doesn't have to drink, but then she should just go home.
Ichika assumes it's that he wants HIMSELF to get drunk and doesn't feel comfortable if she's sober, which I am pretty sure is true, but also come on Sasazuka this better not go to a dubcon place.
...Sasazuka it is less creepy but still a dick move to get her drunk and then ask complex meta questions about what 'investigation' means.
He says it's about understanding how a criminal thinks, and so Ichika may never be able to do it. Because she can't imagine ever trying to kill someone.
Ichika, tipsy: MUST DRINK MORE TO HELP SASAZUKA LET OFF STEAM
Saszuka: That's enough.
He throws some chocolate in her mouth.
Sasazuka: My irritation is partly self loathing. The more I investigate, the more their motivation makes sense to me. I think the bar for me is lower than other people. Where you would easily stop yourself, I jump in without hesitation. But I just might be hitting my limit.
And then SHE pins HIM to the bed :D
Ichika: YOU ALWAYS SAY I'M STUPID BUT YOU'RE THE STUPID ONE! YOU'RE BOSSY AND MEAN AND EAT JUNK FOOD BUT WHEN IT MATTERS YOU'RE KIND SO PROMISE YOU'RE NOT GOING TO THE OTHER SIDE OR I WILL CRY.
Sasazuka: I'm sorry I made you drink just stop crying D:
She feels a comforting warmth and clings to it.
And then she wakes up fully clothed in bed with Sasazuka again haha
Ichika: G-good morning...
Sasazuka: Is that all you have to say for yourself :)
She decides they don't have time to be embarrassed and accompanies a sullen Sasazuka to work.
Kazuki says he had a VERY ANNOYING night with Okazaki and Yoshinari but is going to keep sending Akito messages. Ichika says she's sure he's reading them and her heart aches.
Sasazuka sends Ichika to talk to Sakuragawa, who's a bit offended he didn't come over to say hi once he returned to the force. And then she pulls Ichika close and says Ichika and Sasazuka seemed AWFULLY CLOSE when they ARRIVED AT WORK TOGETHER ;) ;)
Ichika tries to deny it but when Sakuragawa asks what her feelings are she thinks back to their kiss and feels herself blush bright red.
Ichika: ..I invoke the right to remain silent.
Sakuragawa: Aren't we friends? I'll back off now, but we're going drinking soon and I'll interrogate you then :D
Afterwards Ichika dwells on how she wouldn't kiss anyone she didn't have feelings for. But what about Sasazuka? She tells herself they can define things after they deal with X-Day.
Ichika doesn't want to fully accept that Akito has killed anyone. Sasazuka explains how after his sister died, the school refused to admit the bullying happened, and when the family tried to mount a legal case the Education department pressured their witness into silence. And those Education department high-ups were the people killed in the recent explosion.
Sasazuka gets Ichika to figure out that even though Akito is a pawn who's completed his murders, he's safe for now because he's still useful, as a way to contact Sasazuka. And then he silently shows her a message from Akito on his phone.
Then he says he'll buy her lunch as a reward for using her brain. "Anything but a bar" haha.
Police Chief Takaeda arrives and basically tells everyone "Your failure is making me look bad" and even Ichika takes an immediate dislike to him.
I keep thinking of him as SassaZOOka but it's SAssazooka
Minegishi introduces Sasazuka to the chief, which I suspect was part of the deal. Sasazuka says "I know it's not an easy problem. But when I crack the X-Day case I would like you to take a hard look at bringing back the Swords and Firearms Control Law."
And then he bows and says please in what feels like a very polite formal tone. It's the first time Ichika has seen him bow to anyone.
Chief Takeda: You talk big. You must understand I can't decide this on my own.
But he implies he can pull strings if Sasazuka isn't all talk, and they both smile.
Ichika: Sasazuka, you never fail to surprise me.
That evening, Sasazuka brings Ichika to the agency for a "virtual meeting".
Ichika: I might be late tonight. Do you have decent food to eat?
Kazuki: I'll be fine.
Ichika: Thank Okazaki for me.
Kazuki: I don't want to.
Kazuki: We're doing fine here ヾ(・∇・)ノ
Kazuki: Ignore the last message
It turns out akito_s_comp is a user on a video chat site. Sasazuka grumpily has to explain to Ichika what video chat is.
This is like the fourth time Ichika's job has been to stand quietly behind Sasazuka and not say anything, and I get it, but also ehh. At least she got to shoot someone one time.
Have I mentioned that Akito calls Ichika "Big sister"? :( Also he has a slight lisp...
Sasazuka: You seem well.
Akito: For now.
Sasazuka: Sorry to rush things, but were you responsible for the education department bombing?
Akito, with a sad smile: You already know the answer. Yes. I'm not as good as you but I do have some hacking skills.
Sasazuka: Are you satisfied now?
Akito: I honestly don't know. They're dead, but it's not like this brings my sister back. I was too preoccupied with my hobby to listen to her. It was my fault that she died.
His family had enough evidence to win the case, but he'd wanted to get revenge with his own hands.
Akito: Let's get down to business. I was ordered to contact you by the leader of Adonis, Zero. We owe everything to him.
Sasazuka: Someone who pushed you to take revenge?
Akito: You can make you own judgement. Do you recognise the name Thomas Ken Nagata? The man who killed your mother is currently in Japan. *shows camera footage* But even you can't pursue a member of the underworld by yourself. If you like, Adonis will assist you in exacting your revenge.
Sasazuka stares in silence at the picture on the screen.
Akito: You have 3 days to respond. You can join with Ichika, or by yourself.
Sasazuka: She has nothing to do with this.
Ichika: Sasazuka!
Sasazuka: Shut up.
Ichika clenches her fists, wanting to shut off the screen.
Akito: Oh right. And big sister. Can you do me a favour and tell Kazuki to stop messaging me?
Ichika: I can't do that. Kazuki is still waiting for your reply. You're still reading aren't you?
Akito: I'm still reading but I can't respond. He says he believes in me... I'm already a criminal. I've already sent him a parting gift as atonement, though he may not realise it.
;_;
Akito: Sasazuka, this is a personal request. Please make no mistake about who it is that must be judged.
And then he signs off. Ichika and Sasazuka sit in silence for a long time.
Sasazuka, softly: Ichika. Go home. I need to do some thinking alone. Please.
It's the first time he's ever said 'please' to her and it feels like he's pushing her away.
At breakfast, Okazaki compliments Ichika's cooking and Kazuki tells him not to hit on his sister in front of him. Yoshinari had three plates and Kazuki tells him to have some restraint. And every now and then he looks down sadly at his phone :(
Huh, why does Minegishi call them Sasazuka-kun and Hoshino-san. I will never understand honorifics...
Ichika completely fails to get any work done. Minegishi figures out from how Ichika reacts to him asking why Sasazuka isn't at work yet that Sasazuka has been 'freelancing'. He looks exhausted under his polite 'show a good face to my subordinates' smile and Ichika makes him a coffee.
She messages Sasazuka to check in and gets an 'out of service' message D:
I wonder if he's got some plan against Adonis but doesn't want her to know, because she'd worry and also the collar.
I was given the choice "Go to the detective office" or "Go to his home" and was about to pick the latter but had a premonition of danger, so checked the walkthrough, which said to save here for a bad end and go to the office. Nng.
Ichika: SASAZUKA!
Enomoto: AAHHH WHAT IS IT ARE WE UNDER ATTACK?!
He hasn't seen Sasazuka but makes her a coffee and chats with an expression like he wants to ask what's wrong. She's not comfortable sharing Sasazkua's past so just asks if he has anyone he'd want revenge on. He avoids answering.
Ichika: Sasazuka told me the foundation of a good investigation is understanding the criminal. And revenge is the common thread of the X-Day killings. I can't know how I'd react if someone I care about was killed in cold blood...but right now can't understand seeking revenge. Does that make it impossible for me to stop Adonis?
Does that make it impossible for her to stop Sasazuka?
Enomoto: That's just one way to investigate. I can't really talk, since I quit, but I don't think police need to empathise with criminals. A policeman's job is to catch the criminal, to stop them committing more crimes, for the sake of the potential victim and the criminal.
Ichika: Thank you :)
Empathy is good, but when someone has chosen the wrong path, you have to take their hand and gently lead them back.
She sends a message saying "I'm about to cry".
Sasazuka replies "Just be good and wait."
Feeling like she's embraced in warmth, she falls asleep on the office couch.
CHAPTER SIX
Ichika slowly wakes, thinking about what she should message Kazuki to eat for breakfast because god forbid an EIGHTEEN YEAR OLD MAN and two TWENTY SOMETHING MEN have to FIGURE OUT THEIR OWN BREAKFAST. She realises Sasazuka is next to her, holding her hand, but he covers her mouth before she can speak and she nods.
Via text message he says he doesn't want the collar to hear, but will be working here all night. As she's about to say she wants to help he pats her on the head and says he doesn't want the collar to hear her typing or moving about.
Sasazuka: Go to sleep (´▽`)b
Ichika is charmed by the humour hidden under his sharp demeanour. If you like emojis, Ichika, have I got the man for you.
Sasazuka POV
He watches Ichika sleep, and tries to type as softly as he can.
We flashback to just after the conversation with Akito. Sasazuka is consumed with traumatic memories and a burning hatred making him want to kill the man in the image. But Ichika's tiny voice in his head eventually becomes so loud he can't ignore it. It would be annoying if he made her cry.
He keeps rewatching the video of Akito, trying to find a clue beyond the attractive recruitment. And after a sleepless night, he's found it: the 'parting gift'.
I KNEW 'WHO IT IS WHO MUST BE JUDGED' MEANT ADONIS
Sasazuka: Hello little brother
Okazuki: Welcome home, Takeru :)
Kazuki: DON'T LET HIM IN THIS IS MY HOUSE
When Sasazuka asks Kazuki about what Akito could mean about the gift, Kazuki gives him the last composition Akito sent him, the day he disappeared: an unfinished song called 'Atonement'.
Kazuki: Hey. Does this mean you've found something out about Akito?
Sasazuka: I can't tell you the details. But I'll do my best.
Hidden in the song is the url of a password locked site. Sasazuka is sure the data will be erased if he guesses wrong many times.
He tracks down the musician Yasuhiro Isshiki/Hiro, who is defensively wary about talking to the police after his bad experiences. Sasazuka says he's looking for a song called 'Judgement' from Akito that will contain data he needs, which is maybe too much honesty when talking to someone who may be a part of Adonis?
Hiro: And if I did have a song like that, why should I give it to you, when it might hurt Akito?
Sasazuke: Even knowing he is a criminal?
Hiro: I saw his pain when his sister died. I wasn't surprised when he went missing. What moved Akito is an emotion I'm all too familiar with. I've decided to move on, to start anew and not try to regain what was lost. But I'm not the one to decide if what Akito does is right. All I can do is be on his side.
Just as Sasazuka is trying to figure out how to gain Hiro's trust, he gets the message from Ichika saying "I'm going to cry". He wants to be honest with her, but he can't yet.
Sasazuka shows Hiro the video call with Akito, and Hiro gives him the song, saying he can tell Akito is full of regret.
Sasazuka returns to the office, and has the interaction with Ichika as she's waking up. With the password embedded in Judgement, he finds a file with the names of all the 'enforcers' in Adonis. But he can't find the one piece of information he needs.
Ichika POV
She wakes up slowly to the comforting sound of Sasazuka typing. Just as she's thinking about making him a coffee he shouts "I got it!" and rushes up to her and tells her to close her eyes. She isn't sure what to think as she feels him undoing the top buttons of her shirt, but then feels a pressure against her neck, and hears a beep.
And then the collar falls off her neck :D :D
She opens her eyes to Sasazuka's soft, happy smile.
Sasazuka: You're alright :)
Ichika: How?
He explains about Akito's information, and says he's put the collar in a box to block the wiretap.
Sasazuka: I'll take this to the station now. We're just getting started.
He contacts Minegishi and then naps next to Ichika in the taxi.
If Minegishi is Zero he is hiding it very well as he organises the attack on the Adonis base.
I really hope Akito will be ok :(
Sasazuka addresses the assembled officers. There is a very dramatic Sasazuka In Front Of A Whiteboard CG.
Sasazuka: I don't mean to defend criminals. But some of these perpetrators are victims themselves. Although they had murderous intent, they continued their tortured lives without exacting their revenge. The Adonis syndicate took advantage of them. The brakes on their conscience were weakened and they let Adonis steer them. Asa time passes, the full weight of what they've done drags them down into regret. Akito Sera is one of these victims. He made contact with me and wished for a third party to judge him. Bringing each individual to justice is not enough. He felt that the entire system had to be destroyed or it was meaningless. Some may doubt the validity of this, but I spoke to him directly, and I want to believe him.
Oh, Akito thinks HE'S the one who needs judgement...
When Chief Takaeda suggests they wait to prepare more before attacking, Sasazuka smiles darkly and says time is of the essence, because Adonis has moles in this room. (...who you just told that Akito has betrayed Adonis...) He looks significantly at some empty seats and says some have already fled.
Chief Takaeda frowns for a moment, and then sends everyone on the mission. I hope he's not Zero that would be pretty boring.
Sasazuka reminds the Chief of his promise.
Chief Takaeda: Before I answer, tell me. What moved you to do this?
Sasazuka: I lived in a society where guns were commonplace, and I know how terrifying it is. Having a functioning society without citizens carrying guns is part of Japan's pride.
...look, as an Australian, I get where you're coming from, Otomate, but also...eh...
Sasazuka, smiling at Ichika: I also didn't want to see someone cry.
Chief Takaeda: It's not something I can get done on my own, but it's a promise. I'll find a way to get it done. Distributing firearms instead of restricting them is an insult to the police force.
The moral of this game really is "Police good, guns bad". Plus "hate the terrorism, love the terrorist".
I'm hardly one to talk but there have been multiple sentences now which changed tense mid-stream.
Sasazuka tells a happy Ichika not to get complacent: he needs donuts and coffee while he does more analysis on the collar.
Heh. I like that we don't even see the big fight this time. Sasazuka is a spindly nerd who hates guns, he's not doing no big battle!
The executive members of Adonis fled in advance, leaving behind incompletely wiped records and mind-wiped pawns. Including Akito, who barely even remembers Kazuki ;_;
Shinjuku is readjusting to the removal of all the guns! Ichika is still assisting Sasazuka, unsuccessfully bugging him to get more rest.
Enomoto: You sound like seaweed head's mother haha
Yanagi: More like his wife ;)
Ichika: You too? >:(
Yanagi: Don't be mad. It's thanks to you that Shinjuku has almost returned to normal.
Enomoto: I hate to admit it's thanks to seaweed head so I'll assume it's all thanks to you!
Ichika: I'll tell Sasazuka that :)
Enomoto: D:
Yanagi earnestly says that he and Enomoto won't be involved in future investigations, but if she ever needs help she should just call.
Enomoto: Yeah, we're friends! We can go on a date, too ;)
Yanagi: Shut you mouth unless you really want Sasazuka to kill you.
Right now Ichika and the rest of the SRCPO are gathering up guns from reluctant citizens, and trying to track down those that have been sold on the black market. The quarantine won't be lifted until all the guns are collected.
As she's walking down the hall Ichika suddenly feels her arms being grabbed...it's the two hot girls inviting her to lunch.
Ichika: I only brought one bento today and it doesn't have any meat...
Sakuragaya: You're only the side dish today ;)
"They held me from both sides and started to drag me away"
DID I SOMEHOW UNLOCK THE DUBCON F/F/F ENDING
Apparently Shiraishi went on extended vacation leaving a note saying "The incident is solved and I'm tired. Mukai should be able to deal with the rest."
Mukai: That demeaning letter being in a cute cat-themed envelope only made it more infuriating D:<
Sakuragawa: But you know why you're here. How are things with you and Sasazuka? :D
Ichika: There's nothing going on.
Mukai: I hear you spent the night at his place :)
Sakuragawa: Oh ho :D
Ichika: It wasn't anything special.
Sakuragawa: A man and a woman alone at his place and he doesn't force himself on you? Think back on it and tell me again if it's nothing special.
RAISE YOUR STANDARDS, LADIES
Ichika thinks back on her time with Sasazuka and her cheeks heat.
Sakuragawa: SHE JUST TOUCHED HER LIPS. Cough it up and make it easier on yourself :D
Ichika starts to feel like she's under interrogation by two highly observant and terrifying police analysts.
She gives in and tells them but is all "It was just a comforting kiss. I hear that's how they greet people overseas." the image of the US portrayed by this game is amazing.
Sakuragawa: Get out of here! Anyway, do you have feelings for HIM?
Ichika: Part of me does but I just can't go for it yet...
They both point out that Sasazuka will soon be returning to the Metropolitan office. Even if she's happy with things as they are, it can't continue.
Sakuragawa: I think you should get into bed with him :D
Mukai: Yes! It's nearly christmas, time be bold!
She tells herself she's just going to see Sasazuka to make sure he ate properly.
Sasazuka: What are you, my mother?
Ichika: It's not like that!
Sasazuka: Whatever. Are you free at night on the 24th? Your choices are 'yes' or 'yes'. I got us a reservation at that place Minegishi took us to.
Ichika: Why?
Sasazuka: To celebrate. And you...you did well. It's a reward. Now be happy about it.
Ichika, to herself: IT'S NOT A DATE ON CHRISTMAS EVE JUST A CELEBRATION ON THE 24TH
But she can't stop herself from smiling.
(This really is a Christmas game. Delightful)
After obsessing over what outfit to wear, Ichika awkwardly tells Kazuki she might be coming home late.
Kazauki: Your curfew is 11. Tell Sasazuka you're not spending the night outside >:(
Aww but he tells her she doesn't need to worry about his dinner because Okazuki is taking him to an office party? (Of...special agents?)
She is a little late dressing up but Sasazuka just complains about the time. She still feels out of place in such a fancy restaurant, but is more able to enjoy the food. Sasazuka teases her a little but mostly just smiles and watches her eat.
She thinks back to how her two weeks ago would not have believed she'd ever end up in this situation.
Then I had to do a fasting bloodtest so I was pretty fuzzy for the rest of the route and didn't really take any notes. Let me see...
She asks if he regrets not joining Adonis and he says a small part of him does regret not getting his revenge, but overall definitely not. And this way he gets to be here with her now.
She starts feeling bad about HER not being good enough for HIM which...come on Ichika. When he realises she feels like she didn't do enough to contribute as his partner he says she's the reason he stayed strong in the face of Adonis's offer. She's overcome and hugs him from behind and tells him she loves him.
Ichika: I know I'm not as smart as you. But I'm going to work hard until I have a chance to stand by your side forever, as your lover.
Sasazuka: You idiot. Chance? You're already mine. How did you not see?
HE ALREADY THOUGHT THEY WERE DATING. It did strike me during the fake dating that he is a terrible liar yet managed to say he was her boyfriend.
Ichika: Maybe I am stupid for not realising. But I need you to say it.
Sasazuka: ...FINE. I LOVE YOU. Now let me turn around so I can kiss you.
And then she thinks that this is really great but she wants more and happily anticipates all the sex they're about to have and it fades to black.
I was having trouble imagining Sasazuka being very sexually forward and I guess he's not! Hopefully he doesn't mind being pinned to the bed by Ichika again :)
The next day Sakuragawa notices how Ichika is floating on air and puts her arm around Ichika's neck, cheerfully demanding details. Ichika hesitates, not sure how much she should say.
And then Sasazuka arrives, forcibly pulls Ichika away, and says "She's mine. Don't get in the way."
THIS IS THE ONLY TIME HE'S SHOWN ANY JEALOUSY, AND IT'S TOWARDS A GIRL? THIS IS BETTER THAN I EVER HOPED FOR THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE THREE OF THEM
Ok I am definitely headcanoning Sakuragawa as a lesbian now.
haha aww the reason he's pissed is that Ichika hesitated. SIGH and then he mutters about how it's ok with Sakuragawa since she's a girl but he clearly needs to 'mark his territory'. OH WELL. I WAS HAPPY FOR A MOMENT THERE.
He grabs her and kisses her in front of the station, saying "Listen to me. You're mine. Don't wag your tail for anyone else. Even if they feed you."
Ichika: I would NEVER
Sasazuka: Good. Then let's go eat. It's my special right to feed you.
She complains about being treated like a pet again, but she's into it, and grabs his hand, so they can walk side by side.
CLOSING CREDITS
Ok there was some more cute stuff with the two of them but what's more important is we got to see Kazuki visiting Akito in jail.
Akito only remembers Kazuki as a classmate, despite Kazuki trying to jog his memory with photos etc.
Akito says it's better this way, and they should forget each other. What kind of career can Kazuki and Hiro have if they play songs written by a murderer? Kazuki hits the wall and shouts that Akito is the reason he'll HAVE a career, and that if Akito doesn't remember their friendship they'll have to create a new friendship from scratch.
YOU TELL HIM, KAZUKI
Sasazuka has bought kitchen equipment and now Ichika visits his house every day after work to cook him a healthy dinner. FINE. As he's walking her home he says that he's letting her leave now because otherwise her brother would cry, but eventually he plans to keep to keep her all to himself. Ichika grins and says "I look forward to it".
THE END
I really enjoyed how Sasazuka didn't do all the OMG WOMAN WHY AREN'T YOU MORE CAREFUL AROUND MEN WE ARE ALL SLAVERING WOLVES thing most otome LIs do, but part of me wonders if that was intended to be part of his foreignness, or general air of sexual shyness, implying in either case that all the other guys will do it like Okazuki did. OH WELL WE'LL SEE.
I assume Akito got mindwiped on the Okazuki path too and we just didn't hear about it D: BUT KAZUKI'S LOVE WILL PREVAIL. Idk if I ship them, it does add an extra layer of tragedy but I'm not sure I WANT more tragedy. But regardless, KazukixAkito 5ever! I am going to be so sad every time Akito shows up on other paths now :(
I don't feel like doing bad ends right now. Maybe later, we'll see.
That was cute! He's an asshole but they're happy. And I had FEELS about the secondary characters. It's a bit Weird about America and Americans but this mostly just amused me.
It feels like the overall messages of this game are, like..."The police are flawed but necessary since the alternative is vigilantism, gun control is good, compassion for criminals is good, murder is bad". Which...could be worse, I guess, given the premise?
Content note: Violence, brief mention of sexual assault of minor characters, suicide, uncomfortable depiction of cyberbullying and gaming addiction
CHAPTER FIVE
Yanagi helps her get Sasazuka to the agency, but asks her to watch over him since he has to leave. He's quietly happy to see that they're real partners now.
The first thing Sasazuka says when he wakes up is "Where's Souda?" He's quiet and withdrawn, asking Ichika not to touch him when she fusses. He apologises for the trouble, and tells her to forget about it. But then he tells her to come to the roof with him so he can get some fresh air.
Sasazuka, quietly: I don't like to admit it but I have something like PTSD around guns. Though I didn't think it would make me pass out.
In a matter of fact tone he says that his mother was shot protecting him when he was 18. "It's not an uncommon thing in America." Is it though.
Sasazuka had mostly been ignoring his mother's cheerful chatter. When a gang started shooting, he led her to what he thought was safety, comforting her, but bumped into a gun wielding gang member and his mother pushed him out of the way of the bullet. Her last words were gratefulness that he was ok.
The suspect turned out to be a Japanese-American minor, but a member of a gang with enough backing to get him an easy sentence. He's somewhere out there walking free, while Sasazuka is still traumatised, haunted in his dreams.
This is who Sasazuka hated enough to try to kill, but the syndicates protection was too strong. He'd still want to kill him now.
He hates guns and any society that permits them, which is why he moved back to Japan. When he saw discussion of repealing the gun law, he decided to join the police, to catch criminals before they could make anyone think guns were necessary. But when the law he'd wanted to protect was repealed he quit.
Sasazuka: I have no justice on my side, my motivations were entirely selfish. Are you disgusted with me?
Ichika: Never.
Sasazuka: ...Ok. You're an idiot.
Ichika: I don't care. And you're worse. You jumped in front of someone with a gun and provoked him! It only makes sense if you wanted to divert his attention from me.
Sasazuka: You're full of yourself >.>
Ichika: I'm happy you tried to protect me but I didn't want to see you get shot either. As your partner I have to denounce your error of judgement.
Sasazuka: He was too erratic to aim well, I figured I could take at least one shot without dying. I won't apologise. But...I will express my thanks.
He says he's just going to ignore that she carries a gun, since it's too dangerous not to.
The collar: Seems like you're done.
Sasazuka and Ichika: D:
The collar: Ichika Hoshino, I am overjoyed that you don't hesitate to shoot when facing evil.
Sasazuka: You're full of yourself considering we caught one of your henchmen. Or was he just a pawn and we won't get anything out of him?
The collar: He got his revenge and served his purpose. And you're welcome to try. But nevermind that. Takeru Sasazuka, there is a fire smouldering in your chest because the scar of your sorrow has not healed. There are many victims like you working for Adonis. Would you join Adonis with Hoshino?
Sasazuka: Never.
The collar: We understand your plight better than anyone. Your version of justice and ours are aligned.
Sasazuka: You're mistaken.
The collar: I see. We'll take our time to recruit you. And to Hoshino: good luck.
Back at HQ, Sasazuka asks to conduct the interrogation of Souda with Ichika. He tells her to stay quiet.
Souda is non responsive and blank, no longer even asking for a phone. Sasazuka taunts him about how he easily became the new god of Souda's old guild, and for his pain. OK THEN.
Souda: You wouldn't understand D:
Sasazuka: You're right, I have a pretty good life in the real world. I have a pretty good life online, too, but I'm not addicted to it like you.
Souda turns out to be bitter about having been bullied irl, which Sasazuka is pretty shitty about as someone who was ALSO bullied irl.
Sasazuka: After taking so many lives, are you satisfied yet? I doubt it. The people you really want to take revenge on are the ones who bullied you into becoming a shut-in addict. Why didn't you kill them.
Souda: N-no, please don't erase me! I won't say anything! D:
Sasazuka: ...Souda? Get it together!
Souda convulses like he's being electrocuted. When he opens his eyes, he doesn't recognise any of them or where he is, and panics when he can't find his phone.
An examination discovers a microchip in his neck that was recording and sending orders, and presumably caused the memory loss.
Afterwards Sasazuka is gloomy.
Sasazuka: Do you have any plans later?
Ichika: Oh, you want to go to the agency?
Sasazuka: Do you have any plans or not >:(
Ichika: No?
Sasazuka: Then come with me to blow off some steam. *drinking motion*
Ahhhh he says he doesn't like noisy places so they're back at his house.
Sasazuka: Why do you look nervous?
Ichika, remembering being in his bed: NO REASON
Ahaha he says he was expecting the Souda thing to be a dead end since Adonis knew what they were doing through the collar, and when she asks what he's so frustrated about then he just glares at her. Is he feeling self conscious about Adonis hearing them make out.
SASAZUKA WHY ARE YOU PRESSURING ICHIKA TO DRINK >:(
WALKTHROUGH WHY AM I SUPPOSED TO JUST DRINK QUIETLY AND NOT ASK ABOUT IT >:(
I asked anyway and he says she doesn't have to drink, but then she should just go home.
Ichika assumes it's that he wants HIMSELF to get drunk and doesn't feel comfortable if she's sober, which I am pretty sure is true, but also come on Sasazuka this better not go to a dubcon place.
...Sasazuka it is less creepy but still a dick move to get her drunk and then ask complex meta questions about what 'investigation' means.
He says it's about understanding how a criminal thinks, and so Ichika may never be able to do it. Because she can't imagine ever trying to kill someone.
Ichika, tipsy: MUST DRINK MORE TO HELP SASAZUKA LET OFF STEAM
Saszuka: That's enough.
He throws some chocolate in her mouth.
Sasazuka: My irritation is partly self loathing. The more I investigate, the more their motivation makes sense to me. I think the bar for me is lower than other people. Where you would easily stop yourself, I jump in without hesitation. But I just might be hitting my limit.
And then SHE pins HIM to the bed :D
Ichika: YOU ALWAYS SAY I'M STUPID BUT YOU'RE THE STUPID ONE! YOU'RE BOSSY AND MEAN AND EAT JUNK FOOD BUT WHEN IT MATTERS YOU'RE KIND SO PROMISE YOU'RE NOT GOING TO THE OTHER SIDE OR I WILL CRY.
Sasazuka: I'm sorry I made you drink just stop crying D:
She feels a comforting warmth and clings to it.
And then she wakes up fully clothed in bed with Sasazuka again haha
Ichika: G-good morning...
Sasazuka: Is that all you have to say for yourself :)
She decides they don't have time to be embarrassed and accompanies a sullen Sasazuka to work.
Kazuki says he had a VERY ANNOYING night with Okazaki and Yoshinari but is going to keep sending Akito messages. Ichika says she's sure he's reading them and her heart aches.
Sasazuka sends Ichika to talk to Sakuragawa, who's a bit offended he didn't come over to say hi once he returned to the force. And then she pulls Ichika close and says Ichika and Sasazuka seemed AWFULLY CLOSE when they ARRIVED AT WORK TOGETHER ;) ;)
Ichika tries to deny it but when Sakuragawa asks what her feelings are she thinks back to their kiss and feels herself blush bright red.
Ichika: ..I invoke the right to remain silent.
Sakuragawa: Aren't we friends? I'll back off now, but we're going drinking soon and I'll interrogate you then :D
Afterwards Ichika dwells on how she wouldn't kiss anyone she didn't have feelings for. But what about Sasazuka? She tells herself they can define things after they deal with X-Day.
Ichika doesn't want to fully accept that Akito has killed anyone. Sasazuka explains how after his sister died, the school refused to admit the bullying happened, and when the family tried to mount a legal case the Education department pressured their witness into silence. And those Education department high-ups were the people killed in the recent explosion.
Sasazuka gets Ichika to figure out that even though Akito is a pawn who's completed his murders, he's safe for now because he's still useful, as a way to contact Sasazuka. And then he silently shows her a message from Akito on his phone.
Then he says he'll buy her lunch as a reward for using her brain. "Anything but a bar" haha.
Police Chief Takaeda arrives and basically tells everyone "Your failure is making me look bad" and even Ichika takes an immediate dislike to him.
I keep thinking of him as SassaZOOka but it's SAssazooka
Minegishi introduces Sasazuka to the chief, which I suspect was part of the deal. Sasazuka says "I know it's not an easy problem. But when I crack the X-Day case I would like you to take a hard look at bringing back the Swords and Firearms Control Law."
And then he bows and says please in what feels like a very polite formal tone. It's the first time Ichika has seen him bow to anyone.
Chief Takeda: You talk big. You must understand I can't decide this on my own.
But he implies he can pull strings if Sasazuka isn't all talk, and they both smile.
Ichika: Sasazuka, you never fail to surprise me.
That evening, Sasazuka brings Ichika to the agency for a "virtual meeting".
Ichika: I might be late tonight. Do you have decent food to eat?
Kazuki: I'll be fine.
Ichika: Thank Okazaki for me.
Kazuki: I don't want to.
Kazuki: We're doing fine here ヾ(・∇・)ノ
Kazuki: Ignore the last message
It turns out akito_s_comp is a user on a video chat site. Sasazuka grumpily has to explain to Ichika what video chat is.
This is like the fourth time Ichika's job has been to stand quietly behind Sasazuka and not say anything, and I get it, but also ehh. At least she got to shoot someone one time.
Have I mentioned that Akito calls Ichika "Big sister"? :( Also he has a slight lisp...
Sasazuka: You seem well.
Akito: For now.
Sasazuka: Sorry to rush things, but were you responsible for the education department bombing?
Akito, with a sad smile: You already know the answer. Yes. I'm not as good as you but I do have some hacking skills.
Sasazuka: Are you satisfied now?
Akito: I honestly don't know. They're dead, but it's not like this brings my sister back. I was too preoccupied with my hobby to listen to her. It was my fault that she died.
His family had enough evidence to win the case, but he'd wanted to get revenge with his own hands.
Akito: Let's get down to business. I was ordered to contact you by the leader of Adonis, Zero. We owe everything to him.
Sasazuka: Someone who pushed you to take revenge?
Akito: You can make you own judgement. Do you recognise the name Thomas Ken Nagata? The man who killed your mother is currently in Japan. *shows camera footage* But even you can't pursue a member of the underworld by yourself. If you like, Adonis will assist you in exacting your revenge.
Sasazuka stares in silence at the picture on the screen.
Akito: You have 3 days to respond. You can join with Ichika, or by yourself.
Sasazuka: She has nothing to do with this.
Ichika: Sasazuka!
Sasazuka: Shut up.
Ichika clenches her fists, wanting to shut off the screen.
Akito: Oh right. And big sister. Can you do me a favour and tell Kazuki to stop messaging me?
Ichika: I can't do that. Kazuki is still waiting for your reply. You're still reading aren't you?
Akito: I'm still reading but I can't respond. He says he believes in me... I'm already a criminal. I've already sent him a parting gift as atonement, though he may not realise it.
;_;
Akito: Sasazuka, this is a personal request. Please make no mistake about who it is that must be judged.
And then he signs off. Ichika and Sasazuka sit in silence for a long time.
Sasazuka, softly: Ichika. Go home. I need to do some thinking alone. Please.
It's the first time he's ever said 'please' to her and it feels like he's pushing her away.
At breakfast, Okazaki compliments Ichika's cooking and Kazuki tells him not to hit on his sister in front of him. Yoshinari had three plates and Kazuki tells him to have some restraint. And every now and then he looks down sadly at his phone :(
Huh, why does Minegishi call them Sasazuka-kun and Hoshino-san. I will never understand honorifics...
Ichika completely fails to get any work done. Minegishi figures out from how Ichika reacts to him asking why Sasazuka isn't at work yet that Sasazuka has been 'freelancing'. He looks exhausted under his polite 'show a good face to my subordinates' smile and Ichika makes him a coffee.
She messages Sasazuka to check in and gets an 'out of service' message D:
I wonder if he's got some plan against Adonis but doesn't want her to know, because she'd worry and also the collar.
I was given the choice "Go to the detective office" or "Go to his home" and was about to pick the latter but had a premonition of danger, so checked the walkthrough, which said to save here for a bad end and go to the office. Nng.
Ichika: SASAZUKA!
Enomoto: AAHHH WHAT IS IT ARE WE UNDER ATTACK?!
He hasn't seen Sasazuka but makes her a coffee and chats with an expression like he wants to ask what's wrong. She's not comfortable sharing Sasazkua's past so just asks if he has anyone he'd want revenge on. He avoids answering.
Ichika: Sasazuka told me the foundation of a good investigation is understanding the criminal. And revenge is the common thread of the X-Day killings. I can't know how I'd react if someone I care about was killed in cold blood...but right now can't understand seeking revenge. Does that make it impossible for me to stop Adonis?
Does that make it impossible for her to stop Sasazuka?
Enomoto: That's just one way to investigate. I can't really talk, since I quit, but I don't think police need to empathise with criminals. A policeman's job is to catch the criminal, to stop them committing more crimes, for the sake of the potential victim and the criminal.
Ichika: Thank you :)
Empathy is good, but when someone has chosen the wrong path, you have to take their hand and gently lead them back.
She sends a message saying "I'm about to cry".
Sasazuka replies "Just be good and wait."
Feeling like she's embraced in warmth, she falls asleep on the office couch.
CHAPTER SIX
Ichika slowly wakes, thinking about what she should message Kazuki to eat for breakfast because god forbid an EIGHTEEN YEAR OLD MAN and two TWENTY SOMETHING MEN have to FIGURE OUT THEIR OWN BREAKFAST. She realises Sasazuka is next to her, holding her hand, but he covers her mouth before she can speak and she nods.
Via text message he says he doesn't want the collar to hear, but will be working here all night. As she's about to say she wants to help he pats her on the head and says he doesn't want the collar to hear her typing or moving about.
Sasazuka: Go to sleep (´▽`)b
Ichika is charmed by the humour hidden under his sharp demeanour. If you like emojis, Ichika, have I got the man for you.
Sasazuka POV
He watches Ichika sleep, and tries to type as softly as he can.
We flashback to just after the conversation with Akito. Sasazuka is consumed with traumatic memories and a burning hatred making him want to kill the man in the image. But Ichika's tiny voice in his head eventually becomes so loud he can't ignore it. It would be annoying if he made her cry.
He keeps rewatching the video of Akito, trying to find a clue beyond the attractive recruitment. And after a sleepless night, he's found it: the 'parting gift'.
I KNEW 'WHO IT IS WHO MUST BE JUDGED' MEANT ADONIS
Sasazuka: Hello little brother
Okazuki: Welcome home, Takeru :)
Kazuki: DON'T LET HIM IN THIS IS MY HOUSE
When Sasazuka asks Kazuki about what Akito could mean about the gift, Kazuki gives him the last composition Akito sent him, the day he disappeared: an unfinished song called 'Atonement'.
Kazuki: Hey. Does this mean you've found something out about Akito?
Sasazuka: I can't tell you the details. But I'll do my best.
Hidden in the song is the url of a password locked site. Sasazuka is sure the data will be erased if he guesses wrong many times.
He tracks down the musician Yasuhiro Isshiki/Hiro, who is defensively wary about talking to the police after his bad experiences. Sasazuka says he's looking for a song called 'Judgement' from Akito that will contain data he needs, which is maybe too much honesty when talking to someone who may be a part of Adonis?
Hiro: And if I did have a song like that, why should I give it to you, when it might hurt Akito?
Sasazuke: Even knowing he is a criminal?
Hiro: I saw his pain when his sister died. I wasn't surprised when he went missing. What moved Akito is an emotion I'm all too familiar with. I've decided to move on, to start anew and not try to regain what was lost. But I'm not the one to decide if what Akito does is right. All I can do is be on his side.
Just as Sasazuka is trying to figure out how to gain Hiro's trust, he gets the message from Ichika saying "I'm going to cry". He wants to be honest with her, but he can't yet.
Sasazuka shows Hiro the video call with Akito, and Hiro gives him the song, saying he can tell Akito is full of regret.
Sasazuka returns to the office, and has the interaction with Ichika as she's waking up. With the password embedded in Judgement, he finds a file with the names of all the 'enforcers' in Adonis. But he can't find the one piece of information he needs.
Ichika POV
She wakes up slowly to the comforting sound of Sasazuka typing. Just as she's thinking about making him a coffee he shouts "I got it!" and rushes up to her and tells her to close her eyes. She isn't sure what to think as she feels him undoing the top buttons of her shirt, but then feels a pressure against her neck, and hears a beep.
And then the collar falls off her neck :D :D
She opens her eyes to Sasazuka's soft, happy smile.
Sasazuka: You're alright :)
Ichika: How?
He explains about Akito's information, and says he's put the collar in a box to block the wiretap.
Sasazuka: I'll take this to the station now. We're just getting started.
He contacts Minegishi and then naps next to Ichika in the taxi.
If Minegishi is Zero he is hiding it very well as he organises the attack on the Adonis base.
I really hope Akito will be ok :(
Sasazuka addresses the assembled officers. There is a very dramatic Sasazuka In Front Of A Whiteboard CG.
Sasazuka: I don't mean to defend criminals. But some of these perpetrators are victims themselves. Although they had murderous intent, they continued their tortured lives without exacting their revenge. The Adonis syndicate took advantage of them. The brakes on their conscience were weakened and they let Adonis steer them. Asa time passes, the full weight of what they've done drags them down into regret. Akito Sera is one of these victims. He made contact with me and wished for a third party to judge him. Bringing each individual to justice is not enough. He felt that the entire system had to be destroyed or it was meaningless. Some may doubt the validity of this, but I spoke to him directly, and I want to believe him.
Oh, Akito thinks HE'S the one who needs judgement...
When Chief Takaeda suggests they wait to prepare more before attacking, Sasazuka smiles darkly and says time is of the essence, because Adonis has moles in this room. (...who you just told that Akito has betrayed Adonis...) He looks significantly at some empty seats and says some have already fled.
Chief Takaeda frowns for a moment, and then sends everyone on the mission. I hope he's not Zero that would be pretty boring.
Sasazuka reminds the Chief of his promise.
Chief Takaeda: Before I answer, tell me. What moved you to do this?
Sasazuka: I lived in a society where guns were commonplace, and I know how terrifying it is. Having a functioning society without citizens carrying guns is part of Japan's pride.
...look, as an Australian, I get where you're coming from, Otomate, but also...eh...
Sasazuka, smiling at Ichika: I also didn't want to see someone cry.
Chief Takaeda: It's not something I can get done on my own, but it's a promise. I'll find a way to get it done. Distributing firearms instead of restricting them is an insult to the police force.
The moral of this game really is "Police good, guns bad". Plus "hate the terrorism, love the terrorist".
I'm hardly one to talk but there have been multiple sentences now which changed tense mid-stream.
Sasazuka tells a happy Ichika not to get complacent: he needs donuts and coffee while he does more analysis on the collar.
Heh. I like that we don't even see the big fight this time. Sasazuka is a spindly nerd who hates guns, he's not doing no big battle!
The executive members of Adonis fled in advance, leaving behind incompletely wiped records and mind-wiped pawns. Including Akito, who barely even remembers Kazuki ;_;
Shinjuku is readjusting to the removal of all the guns! Ichika is still assisting Sasazuka, unsuccessfully bugging him to get more rest.
Enomoto: You sound like seaweed head's mother haha
Yanagi: More like his wife ;)
Ichika: You too? >:(
Yanagi: Don't be mad. It's thanks to you that Shinjuku has almost returned to normal.
Enomoto: I hate to admit it's thanks to seaweed head so I'll assume it's all thanks to you!
Ichika: I'll tell Sasazuka that :)
Enomoto: D:
Yanagi earnestly says that he and Enomoto won't be involved in future investigations, but if she ever needs help she should just call.
Enomoto: Yeah, we're friends! We can go on a date, too ;)
Yanagi: Shut you mouth unless you really want Sasazuka to kill you.
Right now Ichika and the rest of the SRCPO are gathering up guns from reluctant citizens, and trying to track down those that have been sold on the black market. The quarantine won't be lifted until all the guns are collected.
As she's walking down the hall Ichika suddenly feels her arms being grabbed...it's the two hot girls inviting her to lunch.
Ichika: I only brought one bento today and it doesn't have any meat...
Sakuragaya: You're only the side dish today ;)
"They held me from both sides and started to drag me away"
DID I SOMEHOW UNLOCK THE DUBCON F/F/F ENDING
Apparently Shiraishi went on extended vacation leaving a note saying "The incident is solved and I'm tired. Mukai should be able to deal with the rest."
Mukai: That demeaning letter being in a cute cat-themed envelope only made it more infuriating D:<
Sakuragawa: But you know why you're here. How are things with you and Sasazuka? :D
Ichika: There's nothing going on.
Mukai: I hear you spent the night at his place :)
Sakuragawa: Oh ho :D
Ichika: It wasn't anything special.
Sakuragawa: A man and a woman alone at his place and he doesn't force himself on you? Think back on it and tell me again if it's nothing special.
RAISE YOUR STANDARDS, LADIES
Ichika thinks back on her time with Sasazuka and her cheeks heat.
Sakuragawa: SHE JUST TOUCHED HER LIPS. Cough it up and make it easier on yourself :D
Ichika starts to feel like she's under interrogation by two highly observant and terrifying police analysts.
She gives in and tells them but is all "It was just a comforting kiss. I hear that's how they greet people overseas." the image of the US portrayed by this game is amazing.
Sakuragawa: Get out of here! Anyway, do you have feelings for HIM?
Ichika: Part of me does but I just can't go for it yet...
They both point out that Sasazuka will soon be returning to the Metropolitan office. Even if she's happy with things as they are, it can't continue.
Sakuragawa: I think you should get into bed with him :D
Mukai: Yes! It's nearly christmas, time be bold!
She tells herself she's just going to see Sasazuka to make sure he ate properly.
Sasazuka: What are you, my mother?
Ichika: It's not like that!
Sasazuka: Whatever. Are you free at night on the 24th? Your choices are 'yes' or 'yes'. I got us a reservation at that place Minegishi took us to.
Ichika: Why?
Sasazuka: To celebrate. And you...you did well. It's a reward. Now be happy about it.
Ichika, to herself: IT'S NOT A DATE ON CHRISTMAS EVE JUST A CELEBRATION ON THE 24TH
But she can't stop herself from smiling.
(This really is a Christmas game. Delightful)
After obsessing over what outfit to wear, Ichika awkwardly tells Kazuki she might be coming home late.
Kazauki: Your curfew is 11. Tell Sasazuka you're not spending the night outside >:(
Aww but he tells her she doesn't need to worry about his dinner because Okazuki is taking him to an office party? (Of...special agents?)
She is a little late dressing up but Sasazuka just complains about the time. She still feels out of place in such a fancy restaurant, but is more able to enjoy the food. Sasazuka teases her a little but mostly just smiles and watches her eat.
She thinks back to how her two weeks ago would not have believed she'd ever end up in this situation.
Then I had to do a fasting bloodtest so I was pretty fuzzy for the rest of the route and didn't really take any notes. Let me see...
She asks if he regrets not joining Adonis and he says a small part of him does regret not getting his revenge, but overall definitely not. And this way he gets to be here with her now.
She starts feeling bad about HER not being good enough for HIM which...come on Ichika. When he realises she feels like she didn't do enough to contribute as his partner he says she's the reason he stayed strong in the face of Adonis's offer. She's overcome and hugs him from behind and tells him she loves him.
Ichika: I know I'm not as smart as you. But I'm going to work hard until I have a chance to stand by your side forever, as your lover.
Sasazuka: You idiot. Chance? You're already mine. How did you not see?
HE ALREADY THOUGHT THEY WERE DATING. It did strike me during the fake dating that he is a terrible liar yet managed to say he was her boyfriend.
Ichika: Maybe I am stupid for not realising. But I need you to say it.
Sasazuka: ...FINE. I LOVE YOU. Now let me turn around so I can kiss you.
And then she thinks that this is really great but she wants more and happily anticipates all the sex they're about to have and it fades to black.
I was having trouble imagining Sasazuka being very sexually forward and I guess he's not! Hopefully he doesn't mind being pinned to the bed by Ichika again :)
The next day Sakuragawa notices how Ichika is floating on air and puts her arm around Ichika's neck, cheerfully demanding details. Ichika hesitates, not sure how much she should say.
And then Sasazuka arrives, forcibly pulls Ichika away, and says "She's mine. Don't get in the way."
THIS IS THE ONLY TIME HE'S SHOWN ANY JEALOUSY, AND IT'S TOWARDS A GIRL? THIS IS BETTER THAN I EVER HOPED FOR THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE THREE OF THEM
Ok I am definitely headcanoning Sakuragawa as a lesbian now.
haha aww the reason he's pissed is that Ichika hesitated. SIGH and then he mutters about how it's ok with Sakuragawa since she's a girl but he clearly needs to 'mark his territory'. OH WELL. I WAS HAPPY FOR A MOMENT THERE.
He grabs her and kisses her in front of the station, saying "Listen to me. You're mine. Don't wag your tail for anyone else. Even if they feed you."
Ichika: I would NEVER
Sasazuka: Good. Then let's go eat. It's my special right to feed you.
She complains about being treated like a pet again, but she's into it, and grabs his hand, so they can walk side by side.
CLOSING CREDITS
Ok there was some more cute stuff with the two of them but what's more important is we got to see Kazuki visiting Akito in jail.
Akito only remembers Kazuki as a classmate, despite Kazuki trying to jog his memory with photos etc.
Akito says it's better this way, and they should forget each other. What kind of career can Kazuki and Hiro have if they play songs written by a murderer? Kazuki hits the wall and shouts that Akito is the reason he'll HAVE a career, and that if Akito doesn't remember their friendship they'll have to create a new friendship from scratch.
YOU TELL HIM, KAZUKI
Sasazuka has bought kitchen equipment and now Ichika visits his house every day after work to cook him a healthy dinner. FINE. As he's walking her home he says that he's letting her leave now because otherwise her brother would cry, but eventually he plans to keep to keep her all to himself. Ichika grins and says "I look forward to it".
THE END
I really enjoyed how Sasazuka didn't do all the OMG WOMAN WHY AREN'T YOU MORE CAREFUL AROUND MEN WE ARE ALL SLAVERING WOLVES thing most otome LIs do, but part of me wonders if that was intended to be part of his foreignness, or general air of sexual shyness, implying in either case that all the other guys will do it like Okazuki did. OH WELL WE'LL SEE.
I assume Akito got mindwiped on the Okazuki path too and we just didn't hear about it D: BUT KAZUKI'S LOVE WILL PREVAIL. Idk if I ship them, it does add an extra layer of tragedy but I'm not sure I WANT more tragedy. But regardless, KazukixAkito 5ever! I am going to be so sad every time Akito shows up on other paths now :(
I don't feel like doing bad ends right now. Maybe later, we'll see.
