Collar x Malice: Enomoto, Chapters 1-6 (Good End)

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Masterlist and guide

This is a love story between two sweet, earnest, stubborn, idealistic young people who are very very dumb. It thus feels the most equal and balanced of the romances I've played so far, and they are very happy together.

But it doesn't take long before the only thing stopping them from declaring their eternal love is that both of them are too dumb to realise their feelings, and they tend to work through all the conflicts that come up between them pretty quickly, so there's not a lot of narrative tension in the romance arc.

And the terrorism plot ends up just...it's so dumb. SO DUMB. Like the whole game is "defeat terrorism with the power of love" but the last two chapters of this route were so irritating I skipped through most of the relevant dialogue. Also all the other characters seem to get simpler and dumber too, and into shipping the two leads together even when it felt OOC.

Thus the shorter than average summary! Here's hoping this was a one off and I'll enjoy the remaining two routes like I did the first two. I am definitely getting increasingly annoyed at the pro-police messages of the game, but I managed to get through Code Realise with it's "Genocidal war criminals are people too" message, so we'll see how I do. And nobody MADE me buy a game about a police woman dating a bunch of cops...

Not sure I mentioned: I added a character guide to the masterlist because there are a LOT of names. I've tried to be vague to avoid spoilers.

Content note: Violence, brief mention of sexual assault of minor characters, suicide



I took some screenshots but the disk seems to have gotten corrupted :(

Every time I pick the default name the game is like "You used that last time are you sure?" YES GAME. HER NAME IS ICHIKA. idk if I'd try something different if there were multiple voiced options, thus far it does basically feel like they're all the same character, it's not like there's a lot of space for roleplaying or customisation beyond the given name.

I'm not super enthused for Enomoto, I just feel like it makes more sense to do the base three guys first since I get the feeling Shiraishi's route has Significant Reveals.

He seems like a basically sweet guy but reminds me a bit of Impey from Code Realise whose romance didn't really work for me. His arrogance and flirtiness is much more of an obvious an easily cracked front so hopefully I'll like him more.

The choice with Sakuragawa is now "I want to research X-Day's beginnings". Which I guess means cop killings and bunnygirl!

CHAPTER ONE

Blah blah countdown killing of game dev. From the slight differences it seems like this route's theme will involve different Ideals of Justice.

Ah yeah, Enomoto doesn't like or trust her right now! I don't remember the other two routes exploring when that changed, he just got friendlier.

heh meanwhile Sasazuka explains things much more easily now he's not the LI. But he does point out that Enomoto and Ichika's ability to figure things out is about the same (very low) level.

I'm using a walkthrough because I am VERY SLEEPY and decisions are HARD.

When she figures something out Enomoto is "Well I did give you lots of hints ;)" when he clearly had no idea.

They're discussing how the countdown murder seems to have been performed by someone reckless who perhaps made the decision independently of Adonis. I know it was Souda, I wonder if he'll show up again.

Enomoto isn't being actively unfriendly, he's a naturally friendly guy, but he resists working with Ichika, saying he'd rather work alone. He crumbles the moment she bows and asks again. When the two are alone he's shy and awkward and ends up blurting out "IT'S NOT LIKE I THINK YOU'RE CUTE OR ANYTHING DON'T THINK THAT'S ENOUGH TO WIN ME OVER" before burning his tongue on his tea. Ichika throws a ice cube into his open mouth and says she's heard honey helps and he's all "I'm learning so many things today! WAIT. I MEAN I'M TOUGH AND MY MOUTH ISN'T BURNED".

She kinda thinks he's is a dumbass but mostly just wants to get along with him better so they can work on the case. She's a bit condescendingly caretakery, I'm wondering where this is going.

Enomoto: ...I still don't trust you. But I don't think you're a bad person.
Ichika: I understand. But it's my life on the line, and your help would be indispensable for solving the case.
Enomoto: ...is it? Even you can see I'm the worst here at using my head.
Ichika: I'm not all that smart either. And maybe this is idealistic. But I think the will to solve this no matter what may be the most important quality. And you must have talent, or have worked hard, to have become a Field Ops officer at your age.

He's still not convinced they can trust each other, and it seems the right approach is to just go full bore IF WE TRY HARD EVERYTHING WILL WORK OUT, these two idiots are going to steamroll everything in their path haha

Ichika: If you still think I'm an Adonis spy, then pretend to work with me to learn more about them. I don't care if you take advantage of me, as long as it helps the people of Shinjuku. That's my idea of justice.

I'm beginning to recognise the "seemingly innocuous choice that gets you stabbed by a youth" tells. But am curious to see what youth it is this time! SURE LET'S TAKE A HARMLESS SHORTCUT.

OH LOOK IT'S A YOUNG WOMAN IN DISTRESS. She's being attacked by a hooligan.

Ichika runs over but a new voice asks if the woman wants help. IT'S SOUDA?? IN SUNGLASSES. WITH A KATANA.

He shoots the hooligan and the woman runs off.
Souda: Headshot!! >:D What, no thanks for the hero? Well, I need to practice more with live rounds.

Ichika is paralysed with anxiety? Come on Ichika I know this is a bad end but you can do better. When he finds out she's police he shoots her.

THE END

The final screen has Souda with a V. For August, the murders he wanted but did not commit.

Which means Hana is probably the one with a motive for April/May (along with Sanjou, but that was not his way of speaking in the video) and will show up on this route, and the weird teens will show up on Shiraishi's path. I'm reasonably sure Akito did the June video, because of the slight lisp, so I guess people do the voice overs for the murders they wanted rather than the ones they did. Which means the voice for August was Souda.

Anyway! Now for NOT taking the shortcut.

When she gets home Akito and Kazuki are already asleep in his room. The next morning Akito starts telling Ichika about the band opportunity with Isshiki but Kazuki cuts him off, saying "She doesn't care. There's no point talking to her."

Ichika and the rest of the SCRPO are overwhelmed with complaints when a second Adonis murder happens just after the first, so Sakuragawa comes over and invites her to lunch on the roof. And then eats all her meatballs haha.

Sakuragawa says Enomoto gets self conscious around women (except her, which she finds insulting) Ichika quietly thinks in her case it's more to do with mistrust than gender, but Sakuragawa says to be patient and he'll get used to her.
Sakuragawa: And if he's causing you grief, I can always introduce you to Satake, he's a veteran detective Enomoto used to refer to as 'my master'. He's got a strong sense of duty and compassion, so I think he'll help you out.

Oh he is TOTALLY the murderer on this route or I'd have heard of him before. I guess 4 police were killed, so there's plausibly 4 seperate revenges happening.

Damnit I want to keep playing but I'm tired and having trouble keeping track of the mystery, but I know if I ignore that stuff now I'll be annoyed later when I can't remember the details.

The only body found was Yuuta Fuji, a Police box officer who mistakenly arrested Yasuhiro Isshiki and Tomoki Ogata.

Ichika goes "Wait...Isshiki??"

Shiraishi you are being pretty up in Ichika's business when this isn't even your path. He stops her expressing a negative opinion on Adonis and reminds her that "someone else is in the room and she might get hurt", touching her collar. He says he thinks Adonis is testing her worth.

Ichika bumps into Enomoto in the street, and he suddenly runs away. She makes chase (for no good reason I can tell) but he's too fast with his Field Ops Skillz. She trips and he runs back, horrified, and demands to carry her to the agency because A True Man Helps A Woman In Need. Once she's on his back he is overcome by the fact he can feel her breasts against him, all DON'T THINK ABOUT IT.

He talks about loving the Sengoku era and Ichika mentions a passing interest in history that has never come up before but sure. I guess each Ichika is a little different. (EDIT: And then it never comes up again!)

Ahaha his eyepatch is a mark of respect for the one eyed Date Masamune, Enomoto you are 23 not 13.

Enomoto: ARE YOU LAUGHING
Ichika: I'm sorry. But it was cute.
Enomoto: Why is Yanagi the only one who listens without laughing at me? Well, not like a girl would understand >:(

*looks significantly at the many many Sengoku era dating sims*

Ichika: That's not true. I think we can learn a lot from history. I think it's wonderful that you're so passionate, please tell me more next time.
Enimoto: If I feel like it >.>

Sasazuka irritably watches Enomoto fuss over her scraped knee before being all SO CAN WE DISCUSS THE MURDER NOW

Sasazuka: You're awfully relaxed for someone with a poison collar that could kill them at any moment >:/
Enomoto: Give it a rest. It's not like she asked for this, and I'm sure she's scared already.
Sasazuka: What happened to the guy who was against bringing her here because of possible connections to Adonis?
Enomoto: My doubts haven't been erased. But you don't need to bring up the collar like that.
Sasazuka: Do you have time to worry about others when you haven't made any progress? You quit field ops to investigate X-Day so man up and do it.
Enomoto: :(
Ichika: Sasazuka. I don't know Enomoto very well. But if he quit the police to do this, he had to have his reasons. And you must know them too. Isn't any progress better than none?
Sasazuka: The stupid cat is right. Nothing I say will make any difference. You'll only make progress when you get out of that rut.
Enomoto, softly: Jackass. Even I know that much.

Afterwards he thanks her for defending him and says he's sure she was already having a hard enough time before being yelled at by Sasazuka.

Enomoto: So the mighty Mineo will buy you dinner! It's the basics of basics to fill your belly before battle!
Okazuki, coming out of nowhere: Sounds good :)

Okazuki are you just...angling for a threesome in every route but your own...

Enomoto: ARE YOU A NINJA? I didn't say anything about you >:(
Okazuki: Men who sweat the details aren't popular :)
Enomoto: ...They aren't? V-very well, the noble and gracious Mineo Enomoto pays no attention to trivialities!

Maybe Okazuki's just after free food in every path. I'm sure he earns a perfectly nice salary, meanwhile Enomoto sadly mutters about only having 5000 yen (about $62 AUD).

An unknown, unvoiced POV (Satake?) talks about joining the police(*) out of a belief in justice, public service, and rejection of evil. "How did I end up here? All I knew for sure was I had been foolish to be so blindly devoted. Now I am trapped in cold reality. I have no idea how far I will fall. All I can do now is await judgement."
(*)This contradicts who I think this is, maybe I misremembered the text? Or it's two separate people??

Ichika visits Enomoto's former Field Ops team, who 'work with forensics and detectives, mainly for preliminary investigations for heinous crimes'.

There's a very dudely atmosphere in the all-male office, with lots of teasing and everyone appreciating how feminine Ichika is, I didn't like it but it just reminds her of Enomoto's cheerful demeanour. Satake is grizzled but friendly.
Satake: Sorry you had to endure all that, young lady. I expected any friend of Sakuragawa to be more manly. Don't tell her I said that or I'll get another earful ;)

Ichika's nervous about asking questions without revealing the collar and he guesses that this isn't part of her official work. Looks like attempting to lie leads to a bad end so let's not!

She says she's working with 'a certain group of individuals' to solve X-Day, for the good of Shinjuku.
Satake: Wait. You mean the place Enomoto is at? (sadly) Is he still investigating?
Ichika: He hasn't seemed very enthusiastic but it might be because he hasn't accepted me yet, due to my lack of experience and skills.

He says that's not her fault, and that he likes her enthusiasm, so he'll tell her about the case, and about Enomoto.

At the agency:
Enomoto: Instead of relying on your cooking all the time, I will cook us this FANCY NEW INSTANT RAMEN :D
Yanagi: Enomoto. How's the investigation going?
Enomoto: ...so-so >.>
Yanagi: I can't get rid of your fears for you. But I don't want you to regret your choice. Sasazuka is concerned too. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask.
Enomoto: ...thank you.

Ichika POV

Satake describes Enomoto as a loveably flamboyant goofball. He wore the eye patch AS A COP??
Satake: He's a good cop. He's more passionate than anyone and can never let the smallest wrong slip by. His pride in his work was his undoing.

Ohhh nooo Enomoto really looked up to Yuuta Fujii, the murder victim. He was a good cop and very supportive and encouraging to to his subordinates.

We see a flashback of Fujii admiring Enomoto's instincts for finding criminals, and Enomoto credits Fujii for teaching him to always keep an eye out for detail. He jokes that Enomoto will outrank him soon. Enomoto's voice is genuinely happy and self confident without forced bravado.

And then Fujii was kidnapped by Adonis, and revealed to be a 'criminal'. When noone else thought the the video was real, Enomoto recognised Fujii and started desperately looking. He didn't sleep until he found the body. And seeing it broke him. He was murderously angry and dove into the investigation, but over time his anger and passion disappeared. And then he quit.

Satake: Young lady, help Enomoto. Please.

Ichika feels intense empathy for Enomoto, and now understands why he has so much trouble trusting her. She is determined to prove herself a partner that has his back. Satake laughs and says they'll make a daring duo.

Yanagi realises that Ichika is trying to solve the case by herself to avoid triggering Enomoto's trauma.
Yanagi: After he quit, Satake found out what I was doing and asked me to take him in, saying he'd be useful.
Sasazuka: Except even the stupid cat is doing better than him.
Yanagi: Enomoto won't go near the X-Day cases. But if he didn't have a lingering attachment, he wouldn't have accepted my offer. So what do you want to do, as his partner?

Ichika is also afraid, but determined not to give up. Is it possible for her and Enomoto to fight side by side?

Ichika tells Enomoto what she knows and he smiles sadly and says he knew she'd find out eventually.
Enomoto: So now you know how pathetic I am.

Ahh so as I suspected, Enomoto's initial fire came from certainty in Yujii's innocence, and his apathy came from growing certainty in his guilt. "He was my paragon of justice. But he was executed for being evil. I'll never forgive Fujii's killer. But I have no idea what justice means to me any more."

He apologises for being so proud before. Now she nows how useless he is. He suggests she work with Yanagi, who might actually be able to help.

Ichika chases after Enomoto, grabbing his arm as he tries to walk away, repeating that she's his partner and will never betray him no matter how much he says he can't trust her and isn't worth the effort.

Enomoto mutters that she's like looking at himself in the past, a stubborn idiot who won't give up. He says "But I'm glad you followed me. Thank you." and walks away with a sad smile.

Enomoto POV. He's inadvertently wandered to the police station. He thinks about Ichika and wonders if he ever had that much passion. There's the sound of a thwack and Satake's smiling face??

It just occurred to me that while indiscriminate googling would likely net me too many spoilers, I could safely look everyone up on VNDB. Turns out Ichika is only 21, which I guess makes sense. She's also 161cm, the same height as me, which afaict is much less short by Japanese standards. Also she has 'medium breasts', thanks VNDB. Okazuki is 26, and also the only character whose voice actor has done things I'm familiar with: he was the creepy yandere little brother Finis in Code Realize and the creepy yandere child-like Kanata in Diabolik Lovers. Which tracks haha. Oh and Sasazuka is 166cm, so a little taller than Ichika, but a good 9-20cm shorter than the other LIs.

Ichika POV. She sees Kazuki with Isshiki and wonders what this weird looking 20 something with LIP PIERCINGS is doing hanging around her teen brother at night.
She goes to introduce herself and see what's up. Isshiki invites her to the concert and she decides he's not so bad.

She recognises him as the famous musician who was falsely arrested, but hasn't put it together that he has a motive for the April/May murders.

Ichika tries to learn more about Kazuki's music, he's defensive about it being too little too late but thaws slightly.

She gets a message from Satake saying to come to the red light district Kabukichou to hear Enomoto's last words?? BUT HE'S JUST DRUNK, come on Satake don't be mean. Satake has left, with a note saying Ichika can take care of Enomoto as his partner.

Enomoto's off in his own world, giggling and wailing about ramen and sake. She drags him back to the agency and into bed, only to NATURALLY have him pull her into bed with him, cheerfully muttering about how much he likes body pillows.
Ichika: IT'S ME, HOSHINO, LET ME GO.
Enomoto: Ahh...Hoshino is so cute, like an angel. And hot.

She is determined to get herself free but (unlike Sasazuka, lol) he's stronger than her. And then he holds her tighter and starts sadly muttering 'Why?'. She decides that as embarrassing and demeaning as this situation is, if it helps Enomoto then maybe...

He starts nuzzling her chest, softly saying she smells nice and he 'wants to get closer'.
Ichika: UH
Okazaki: o.O ...sorry for interrupting. So that's how you two are. My lips are sealed :)
Ichika: ENOMOTO PLEASE EXPLAIN THAT THIS IS ALL A MISUNDERSTANDING
Enomoto: Zzzzzz
Okazaki: ...need a hand?

HANA POV (she's not shown but it's clear)

She hates the artificial voice in her head, but she can't escape it. And at least she can still go to Isshiki's concert.

Zero: It's fine to revel in your youth but do not forget your conviction as an enforcer.
Hana: I know. I don't want to lose my memories.

She touches her neck and thinks back to how much fun it was to do something for the one she loved. She doesn't want to forget that memory.
Hana: Noone is as perfect for Hiro as me. I can do anything with the power of love.

CHAPTER THREE (didn't take note of chapter 2 oops)

The next morning Enomoto comes to Ichika's house, prostrates himself before her, and apologises for his behaviour.

Enomoto: I don't expect you to forgive me. Being drunk was no excuse. That's why I came here ready to take a punch or two to the face. Don't hold back!
Ichika: I know you didn't have any bad intentions. You've done enough, I accept your apology.

He awkwardly stands up and asks if he did more than hug her because it's all fuzzy. Seeing how red her face gets he gets very worried and she asks to change the subject.
Enomoto: D: It's comes to this, so I'll take responsibility. W-w-would you marry-
Ichika: IT'S FINE. I'm going to get angry if you don't knock it off.
Enomoto: Did you just reject my- this is when I need to shut up, isn't it. But I'm genuinely sorry. And thanks for taking care of me when I was drunk. I'll make it up to you one day.

He refuses to be invited in for breakfast until she says she won't forgive him for yesterday otherwise.

WHY IS HE RECITING THE NUMBERS OF PI

I'M NOT COMPLAINING JUST CONFUSED

He says it helps relax him when he's nervous. He's never been inside a woman's home before.
Ichika: You're adorable.
Enomoto: That's not a word you use for a man. I mean, you're cuter- nonono!

She has to stop herself pinching his cheeks, and makes a note to avoid eye contact to help him calm down.

He asks about a photo of her in middle school looking gloomy.
Ichika: I was more negative back then. I was always compared badly with my talented little brother. My parents didn't expect much of me, and it felt demeaning. But looking back, my parents might have burdened him with too many expectations. But I'm not depressed now!
Enomoto: Haha that's for sure. You're so optimistic it makes men want to run away from you.
Ichika: Are you saying I'm shameless?
Enomoto: No! It was a compliment. You're... super strong. And cool.

He asks what turned her around and she says it was finding an old man's lost item. He'd been so grateful, and told her to never forget her compassion. It inspired her to join the police, so she could help the helpless.

If this was 7 years ago, when she was 14, then Yanagi would have been 21 and old enough to be a rookie cop. I mean maybe he's not connected! It just sets off my 'forgotten childhood meeting with LI' buttons. Or maybe it's how she met Zero haha.

haha Enomoto says her reason is way better than his, which was...police dramas.

They bond about being older siblings, he has a beloved younger sister- OH NO IS IT HANA- no she's 12 phew. She doesn't live in Tokyo so they don't see each other much any more.

Enomoto worries about boys bothering his sister. Ichika says she's pretty sure that if Kazukli was dating he'd never tell her.

Enomoto is endearingly and expressively enthusiastic about her cooking. When she picks a grain of rice off his cheek her goes VERY RED and says that's one of 100 things he's always wanted a lover to do for him. It's all a bit mommy kink but since he's older than her and not at all shota-y I can roll with it.

When she says he can come again he's very enthused and says Kazuki is lucky to eat like this every day.

Kazuki: Bringing a guy over on your day off. Nice.
Enomoto: You have the wrong idea. Hoshino just saw that I was hungry and invited me in.
Kazuki: He's gotta lot of nerve being so loud this early.
Ichika: Don't talk like that.
Enomoto: I apologise for being so loud. But don't blame your sister.
Kazuki: I'm going out. I can't relax in this place.
Ichika: Then we can leave. Please come with me, Enomoto.

Enomoto: Is your brother always like that?
Ichika: Yes, but it's my fault. It can't be helped.
Enomoto: 'It can't be helped'? That doesn't sound like you. You look like you don't want to give up on your brother.

He talks about how he's lost his fire but she never gives up.
Enomoto: I think I know how Satake feels now. My partner is far more honourable than me, and I'm exhausted and wallowing in self pity!
Ichika: I'm your partner? :D
Enomoto: It's just too lame to keep running away from you >.> So! Please be my partner!!
Ichika: Can you say that one more time? That last 'please' didn't have enough spirit :D
Enomoto: Then I will give it my full samurai spirit! *drops to one knee* ICHIKA HOSHINO WOULD YOU BE MY PARTNER???!! PLEASE???
Bystanders: Aww. What a cute romantic declaration.
Enomoto: TACTICAL RETREAT!
Ichika: Yes sir!

And then they run away together.

Time to look at the crime scene photos with Satake! Aw, I liked the 'solving a crime together with LI' dynamic on the other routes.

So. The room where the bodies were found looked different in the video, I think they disguised it to make discovery harder. From the blood stains, the others were definitely injured/tortured, but possibly non-lethally. Meanwhile Fujii was non lethally shot, untied, given the chance to try to run, and then shot through the heart, and his blood was used to paint the roman numeral. The perpetrator clearly hated him in particular and Ichika can only imagine how Enomoto felt seeing all this.

Enomoto thanks Yanagi for being so supportive for so long, and says he's finally ready to get back to work on the case with Hoshino as his partner. Yanagi is very pleased but reminds Enomoto not to let his new confidence go to his head.

When Sasazuka comes in and is typically douchey, Enomoto apologises to him for having been a dead weight.
Sasazuka: Fine. If you're feeling like doing your job, show us real results. Though I guess I can't expect much when it's an idiot leading an idiot.
Enomoto: Hey!
Yanagi: Sasazuka's been worried about you in his own way.
Enomoto: Takeru ;_;
Sasazuka: >:/

On her way to meet with Enomoto, Ichika stumbles across a highschool boy being mugged by thugs armed with their government issued guns. She's ordered to just watch until backup arrives but when it looks like the kid is going to get shot reveals herself. One thug takes the boy as a human shield and forces her to drop her weapon and tells her to strip to 'show she doesn't have any more weapons'.

She feels frustrated about not being strong enough to do anything but stall for time. But when she's only removed her jacket Enomoto comes out of nowhere and deftly, if violently, disarms the thugs, shouting "This is my partner! You can't touch her and get away with it!" Ichika quietly thinks that he's usually adorable but now he looks cool.

He rants for a while about how much he's going to beat them up until Ichika points out they're already too incapacitated to understand him and the two of them handcuff the thugs.

When Mochida arrives and complains about her not waiting for backup or calling him, Enomoto talks about what a great job Ichika did, brave and unflinching. He softly says she did a good job, but it's ok now, and he's glad she's ok, but freaks out a little when she starts to cry.

Boy: THAT WAS SO COOL I WANT TO BE A COP

They've figured out that the X-Day murders are generally substitute killings. So why did the person who shot Fujii hate him so much?

Ichika holds the hand of a shaking Enomoto as he talks about how he got dispirited when he started out as a cop, since the work was harder than he'd expected. But then Fujii was there with encouragement and a strong, simple sense of justice. Ichika says it sounds like her relationship with Mochida.

So at first Enomoto thought the false arrests were just misaimed sympathy for the victims. People said Fujii was jealous of Enomoto's promotion but he'd seemed supportive. But then his family said it really had all been just to get a promotion, to keep outranking Enomoto.

Enomoto: If it wasn't for me...maybe his sense of justice would never have become twisted. Maybe he'd still be alive. I know I shouldn't dwell on it, but... I've been too much of a coward to face the truth.
Ichika: That's not true, or you wouldn't have stayed at the agency.

Enomoto: Adonis says this is justice. But I will never be able to ask Fujii why he did what he did, or how he really felt about me. I can't apologise, or be angry...how is that justice? That's just butchery! I'll never forgive Fujii's killer, not matter what their reasons were. I will make them pay.

I'm glad this route has given us the perspective of someone who was close to one of the victims, and admits they DID do something terrible but still thinks the revenge was unjustified and is hurt by it.

A deep voice I don't recognise says "Have no doubt, we will rein in fear itself and show everyone true justice".

CHAPTER FOUR

It's 4am, and Ichika wakes to the sound of HANA in her HOUSE, saying she'll 'cheer up' a Kazuki who wishes she hadn't followed him home and just wants her to go away.

Ichika: Hello. And who is this? Is she your girlfriend?
Kazuki: NO
Hana: That hurts Hana's feelings :(
Ichika: Are you...a student?
Hana: Hana is an adult!

D:

Seeing Kazuki refuse to explain himself to Ichika, Hana is all "Just tell her you were at practice!! It's the big concert soon which is why I decided to cheer you up so you wouldn't be nervous!! :D"

Kazuki storms off and Ichika apologises for his rudeness. Seeing how much Ichika wants to support Kazuki, Hana offers to give her a ticket to the sold out show in her lunch break.

Enomoto: Hey, Hoshino, want to go out to lunch?
Ichika: Sure. Is that all?
Enomoto: IS THAT ALL? Do you know how hard I practiced to ask you out that smoothly?? Uh. I MEAN. I ASK GIRLS TO LUNCH ALL THE TIME. Your sempai is going to treat you to a fancy meal! WITH DESSERT!
Ichika: Dessert :D

I was wondering how this route would keep up the romantic tension when Enomoto would obviously get a crush on Ichika the moment she was remotely nice to him and then would be incapable of hiding it. But luckily she's JUST THAT DUMB.

Enomoto: Are you sure you don't want me to take you somewhere fancier than a lunch bar full of salarymen?
Ichika: I hear this place does a really good pudding.
Enomoto: PUDDING :D

Yep, they're made for each other.

Enomoto is reluctant to admit to liking anything as childish as pudding until Ichika points out she likes it too, and they bond about it.

Enomoto is goes on about what a good sister Ichika is supporting Kazuki...until Ichika belatedly tells him that Isshiki is in the band. Ahhh I wondered if this would be a conflict! He makes such a plausible suspect, and Enomoto is very hot headed and impulsive.

Ichika: I know he might not be innocent, and I shouldn't say this as a cop...but I don't want to suspect someone who can help Kazuki finally achieve his dream.
Enomoto: You're right, you should say that as a cop...but it's not strange from a sister. Cops are still human, and I don't want to tell you to put aside your brother's dreams. We're still keeping tabs on him though.
Ichika: Yes, if he is truly guilty he needs to be arrested.

As I edit this post: this is one of many times the romance COULD have had conflict but DID NOT (past the point where he starts trusting her). And I mean...it's really nice they work through things so well as a team! I just personally find it a little boring because I crave drama.

Enomoto hopes she trusts him not to let his grudge against Isshiki make him behave irresponsibly, and that they can be honest about things like this as partners.
Ichika: I think maybe I was a little worried about that. But I won't hide anything any more.
Enomoto: Me too! But uh, don't go telling actual cops how you feel about Isshiki, they might think your loyalty has been compromised.

Ichika realises Enomoto is too embarrassed to admit he hates carrots so is all MMM I LOVE CARROTS CAN I HAVE YOURS which...come on Ichika the man is 23.

Ichika: This was fun I'd like to eat together again!
Enomoto: Hmm. I...was thinking I should take a girl somewhere fancier. But it's fun to just talk and be myself without trying to impress you with an act. At first looking in your eyes made me nervous, but now talking with you feels completely natural. Maybe this means I...
Ichika: ...
Enomoto: Maybe this is proof we trust each other as partners! And as your partner I will come with you to this concert!
Ichika: What about your ticket?
Enomoto: You can handle that part, as the junior.

He turns out to have been on a running team in highschool, which she decides explains why he's so fast, and so focussed on seniority.

Hana's workplace is near Shinjuku Station, with the giant TV that showed the first video.

Hana hugs Ichika and calls her big sister and is happy to give another ticket so more people can see the concert.
Hana: The way you deny this guy being your boyfriend makes me think you need me to be your wingwoman ;)
Ichika: It sounds like I need to be that for you and Kazuki.

ICHIKA. NO. DO NOT SET YOUR TEEN BROTHER UP WITH AN ADULT MURDERER.

Hana: Oh but Hana is- *freezes* Kazuki hates it when people get nosy. But I think you and I can be friends :)

Hana gives 4 tickets, but refuses extra payment, saying Ichika can pay her back by buying a cute outfit at the store Hana works at. (EDIT: this never happens, boo)

Enomoto asks Shiraishi what kind of person would have no obvious motive to kill Fujii yet could hate him that much. Shiraishi hints at it being someone upset on behalf of a victim, like Enomoto is on behalf of Fujii, but leaves him to figure it out. Shiraishi asks if Enomoto's renewed enthusiasm is because of Ichika, teasing Enomoto that maybe he should check her out, and enjoying how flustered he gets.

Oops scrolled a little too far down the walkthrough, apparently soon Ichika is going to SHOOT HANA. Ok then!

Enomoto is against her giving Sasazuka and Yanagi the extra tickets, and she totally fails to get that this is because he wants to be with her alone. So she gives one to Saeki, who is very unenthusiastic at the idea of going to a concert but is persuaded to support Kazuki, and one to Sakarugawa, who thinks it sounds like a fun way to blow off steam.

Saeki: So you're friends with the meat freak from forensics...

Ahaha I forgot that Enomoto already met Saeki and helped him home when he was super drunk.
Saeki: Thank you for helping me! I don't normally get that drunk.
Ichika: Yes you do.
Sakuragawa: I bet you can tell us some funny stories about him to pass time until the concert :D
Enomoto: You and Saeki seem very close >:/
Ichika: Yes. But he's not my boyfriend.
Enomoto: I wasn't worried about it!!

The two of them discuss Shiraishi's hint and Ichika figures out that they're looking for someone with a one-sided affection the police wouldn't have known about. Enomoto has to admit he probably resembles the murderer in being stubbornly driven, and full of hate. But everyone has a responsibility to stop themself before they cross the line.

And then he realises that literally any of the fans around them has the right kind of motive to be Fujii's murderer.

The both jolt when they hear screams, but it's just fangirls around Kazuki, who is heading towards them. He's pissy when he realises she brought a bunch of cops when Isshiki hates them. He's more of an ass on this route than the others, I guess so Ichika needs to be more determined and Enomoto can be supportive.

Enomoto can tell she's beating herself up and points out that Kazuki came outside, knowing he'd be mobbed, just to confirm Ichika was really there. Because he cares.

Ichika: It's going to be hard to make contact with Isshiki in this crowd.
Hana: What's that about Hiro? :)
Enomoto: I'm a huge fan and want to meet him! Have you ever talked with him?
Hana: I can even get backstage! Follow me ;)

She sneaks them through a back passageway to avoid the 'annoying security'.

Hana: Hiro! I'm here :D
Isshiki: Again? I told you to stop bothering me.
Ichika: Um. Hello.
Isshiki: Oh, it's Kazuki's sister. Kazuki's with the roadies. And who is this man?
Hana: He's her friend, and a big fan! You're so awesome even men like you!

Isshiki grumpily kicks Hana out but then is happy to talk to Enomoto.

Enomoto awkwardly tries to draw out how Isshiki feels about his career being ruined by the false arrest.
Isshiki: You're not really a fan are you? Are you with the police?
Enomoto: I'm an ex-cop, investigating X-day. I'm sorry for lying, and for bothering you before a concert. But I'd really like to talk with you, please.
Ichika: I would like to ask the same thing. I'm a police officer, but I'm investigating X-Day personally. I will never reveal what we talk about here.
Isshiki: So that's why Kazuki tried to avoid having me meet his sister...so you suspect me.
Ichika: Yes. But we came here to figure out the truth.
Isshiki: I already told the police everything. What is it you really want to know?
Enomoto: I know you can never forgive him, but Yuuta Fujii taught me the meaning of justice. And I might be the reason he changed into someone who would ruin another person's life. *bowing on the floor* I'm partially responsible for his crimes. And I'm very, very sorry.
Isshiki: What was lost will never return. But...I understand how you feel. You trusted him, and yet...that must have hurt. And I think he regretted it. He sent me letters full of apologies, saying he wanted to apologise in person but the higher-ups wouldn't let him. He felt like he'd murdered someone, and wanted to atone, to save more lives than he'd destroyed. If he really was evil, noone would have bowed for him like you did. If that is the form of justice he passed down...I can't believe it's evil. His actions were his own responsibility, and I don't think he'd want you to blame yourself. I hate the police, but being bound in hatred will never let me move people's hearts. Having my dream stamped out just made my desire to pursue it even stronger.

What a sweetie.

Enomoto: Compared to him I'm a fool. Isshiki didn't run, and kept fighting.
Ichika: So did you! You poured out your heart, and listened to what he had to say.
Enomoto: ...yeah. Well. Don't ever let the bureaucracy wear you down into forgetting that you joined the police to help people.

Hana: Big sis...you're a cop? I saw Hiro leaving, looking sad...
Ichika: I'm just here today to support Kazuki.
Hana: I see...well, we better get to the concert!

Enomoto grabs Ichika's hand to help them get through the crowd and she wonders if she's the only one who feels embarrassed about it. WHAT ARE THESE FEELINGS??

She and Enomoto agree the music is great, and Kazuki looks happier than Ichika has seen him in a long time. Just as Ichika is vowing to herself to support him...the lights cut out!

And when they come back on, Hana is standing in the spotlight, smiling...and pointing a gun at Kazuki.
Hana: We're here to judge a super-villain! I was planning on doing it somewhere else...but judging a criminal is the same anywhere, so I'll just kill them right now! *pause* and since there's no reaction, I can assume the leader agrees with me!
Kazuki: What the hell are you talking about. Let me go!

Kazuki, be polite to the woman with a gun.

Hana fires a warning shot and there is a panicked stampede for the door. Saeki is quietly calling for backup while Sakuragawa and Enomoto discuss the situation.
Ichika: Kazuki!! D: D:
Enomoto: Calm down, Hoshino! Watch your surroundings, assess the situation. You're a police officer aren't you? Don't worry, I'll help your brother whatever it takes.

Ichika calms down and takes out her weapon, and tells Sakurugawa to get the civilians to safety. Saeki tries to evacuate Enomoto, but he explains that he's former Field Ops and Saeki and Ichika agree to follow his lead.

Aww Isshiki won't leave Kazuki and offers to be a replacement hostage.
Isshiki: Why are you doing this, do you hate me do much?
Hana: No! You're everything to Hana! Those two made you sad. Three, since Kazuki's related. Anyone who makes Hiro sad, Hana kills.
Isshiki: You killed Fujii D:

She laughs about the murder and Enomoto's expression becomes increasingly dark. He furiously points her gun at her and she laughs about that too, saying she'll kill Kazuki.
Ichika: Enomoto D:
Enomoto: She's crazy! She's going to kill him either way!
Ichika: And so you're going to kill her? Is this really your version of justice? I'm by your side, and I know you won't let hatred consume you.

He sighs, lowers his weapon, and sadly says that killing her won't bring Fujii back. He apologises and thanks Ichika. He comes up with the plan: While Isshiki continues to talk to her and distract her, Ichika shoots Hana's hand while Enomoto shoots her leg, and then Saeki will save Kazuki. It's the most dangerous job, but Saeki agrees.

Hana: Hiro, why don't you look happy :(
Isshiki: I never said I wanted revenge! Don't decide my life for me! Life is full of hardships you have to work through, but you just killed someone! You think that's how to gain happiness?
Kazuki: Did Isshiki ever sing out of hatred? What the hell were you listening to for all these years?

Hana lowers her weapon briefly at the thought that she might be a FAKE FAN and Ichika and Enomoto bring her down. She still manages to shoot at Kazuki, but Saeki pushes him out of the way and takes the bullet. Ichika rushes to his side.

Saeki: I'll be alright...as long as...you're ok...

Still not sure if Saeki is a terrorist but he is DEFINITELY a yandere.

Hana: Just shoot me! I'm going to be executed anyway and I know you hate me!
Enimioto: I'm not that kind. You will suffer the whole legal process.

Akito, softly: I see. So she also...

Akito ;_;

And then I was very tired and ran out of momentum for taking notes for a while. I'll go back to an old save and skim through for anything important.

As she's taken away, Hana starts going "What's happening? Why am I covered in blood??", because her memory has been erased.

Akito apologises for 'not taking care of Kazuki' and it's clear he feels CONSUMED with guilt for being part of Adonis when they nearly got Kazuki killed. But of course Ichika just thinks he's being a Nice Boy :(

Ok, Hana (full name Hanako Kobayashi) is only 20, her flirting with Kazuki isn't as creepy as it could have been. Asides from, you know, the attempted murder and all.

Morioka reminds Ichika that while they've solved THIS murder they still haven't dealt with Adonis overall. I remember wondering what the plot would be next *sighs for my younger self*

Enomoto talks about how wants to be as good a cop as Saeki one day, able to keep his cool, and has been visiting him every day in hospital.

Enomoto talks about what an amazing person and partner Ichika is, and she says she wants to hug him, and then they both flail awkwardly at the thought.

The unknown POV that's bitter about justice came back and I realised, it's not Satake, IT'S OGATA, the other guy who got falsely arrested by Fujii.

CHAPTER 5

Enomoto goes back to the room where Yujii died and tells him his murderer has been caught, but has forgotten that she did it. So now Enomoto is going to bring down Adonis as a whole. But not alone: there's Yanagi the mature and reliable ex-cop, Sasazuka the genius and donut fiend, Shiraishi who teases him but does good profiling, and...his partner. Ichika looks cute, but is stubborn and headstrong. She's the reason they caught Fujii's killer, and the reason he's been able to change. So now he wants to stand by her side and help her, using his own sense of justice.

Enomoto throws a big party and Yanagi does all the cooking.

Enomoto: I apologise for being so much trouble and ask for your help!
Okazaki, coming in through the window: Can do! Ooh, fried chicken :D
Enomoto: You weren't invited!
Okazaki: I don't mind :)
Enomoto: I'm here to declare my intentions!
Okazaki: Oh are you two getting married? You were in bed the other day after all :)
Shiraishi: Oh? :D

Enomoto: Wait why are you calling her Ichika?
Okazaki: Right, because she still just calls you Enomoto :)
Enomoto: N-no, we're very close, she calls me Mineo. Isn't that right, Ichika?
Ichika: Yes, Mineo-sempai :)
Enomoto: ...say that again o.O
Okazaki: Hey Ichika, try calling me Kei-sempai :)
Enomoto: NO

Okazaki you troll you didn't even ask for that when you and Ichika HAD SEX

Using first names makes Enomoto so happy Ichika decides to keep doing it despite it being a little embarrassing.

I was wondering what they'd plan to do next: talk to Ogata! What they do NOT plan to do is talk to LITERALLY ANY OTHER VICTIM OF THE THREE OTHER KIDNAPPED CORRUPT COPS or even mention that such victims must exist. OH WELL.

Yanagi: Sasazuka I packed you some leftovers, I'm sure even you get sick of junk food.
Shiraishi: Lol you're like a mother
Yanagi: Be quiet. Are you eating right?
Shiraishi: Yeah, yeah, I'll hear the rest outside.

*suddenly unexpectedly shipping Yanagi/Shiraishi*

Ahaha Sasazuka basically tells Enomoto to remember this is a shared space and not have sex in Yanagi's bedroom.

The translation awkwardly tries to get across that Enomoto asking Ichika to leave off the word 'sempai'.
Ichika: It's too disrespectful! Could you do the same think to Yanagi?
Enomoto: Aiji...I CAN'T DO IT IT'S TOO DISRESPECTFUL.

Flashback to the train station altercation 2 years ago!

A drunk man starts out hassling Isshiki for 'looking like a girl' but then just starts ranting about how everyone looks down on him, refusing to let Isshiki go. Ogata comes up and tells the man to leave Isshiki alone and the man is all "YOU ALL WANT ME TO DIE SO I WILL!!" and throws himself in front of a train despite Ogata and Isshiki's best efforts to save him.

Fujii saw the whole thing, but arrests them both for murder. After long interrogation, Ogata eventually gave in and confessed to get a reduced sentence. Witnesses agreed with Fujii, probably because he arrived so quickly loudly accusing them of murder.

And then the dead man's suicide note was found, and Fujii came forward to say he had made a mistake. But Isshiki and Ogata's lives were already ruined, and police made sure the media didn't talk about their mistake for very long.

Satake organises an interview with Ogata, and cheerfully ships Ichika/Enomoto. I think Enomoto may have actually realised he has feelings and she is riiiight on the cusp.

Ichika and Enomoto agree that Ogata is probably connected to Adonis for all the reasons that came up on the Okazuki path. Enomoto still earnestly apologises, but Ogata says he just wants to forget about it. Ichika gets to be the one who points out this feels like a pre-planned response, and takes a major role in the interrogation.

Ogata: Even if what you say is true, you have no proof. If a court acquits you, you're clear! Thats my sense of justice.
Enomoto: If you committed murder for Adonis, you're as bad as Fujii, part of harming countless people. That is nothing close to justice.

Ogata says it's the police that taught him that all that matters is public opinion. And then he whispers that he will tell the truth of X-Day in two days, on December 16, at the place where it all began.

They both know it's a trap. When Ichika wants to go with him, Enomoto takes down his hair, takes off his eyepatch, and holds her hand. He looks in her eyes and talk about how important she's been for him, and how she's more than his partner. She's the woman he loves, and so he can't near to put her in danger. While Ichika is processing this, he leaves, and so she's left going "I WANT TO TELL HIM I LOVE HIM TOO BUT WOULD A PHONECALL BE TOO WEIRD??"

Heh Shiraishi points out that Sasazuka has been actively looking up info Enomoto might find useful and Enomoto's all "WAIT YOU'RE JUST TSUNDERE WE'RE ACTUALLY FRIENDS :D" much to Sasazuka's disgust.

Kazuki and Ichika are getting along much better now, around this point they discuss how him being the golden child made them both feel jealous of the other. He says Akito has been upset since the concert but won't say why and asks Ichika to talk to him.

When Akito says he knew Hana, Ichika is all 'Oh I get it now, it must be really upsetting to learn someone you know is a terrorist' ;_;

Akito: Um. What do you think of Adonis?
Ichika: They say they care about justice, but really they're just murderers. And Kazuki will never be able to pursue his dream with Shinjuku like this.
Akito :(

Akito: I see Kazuki like a little brother so his issues feel personal to me.
Ichika: I'm sure he'd think he was the older brother.
Akito: Heh. Thank you so much for talking to me. I was trying to find my path in life, but I've made up my mind now.

It's the day of the Education Department bombing...and an anonymous call came in warning the police about it in time. Akittooo ;_;

Mochida says whoever it is is still a criminal even if they had a moment of conscience. Ichika wonders if this indicates a rift between the leadership of Adonis and their pawns.

It's the 16th and Ichika still hasn't replied to Enomoto's feelings because...the route structure says they can't be together yet, I guess :/

Ogata is freed and is doing tell-all TV shows about the pain of being wrongfully convicted. He uses the opportunity to complain about his previous genuinely wrongful conviction and also make ominous pronouncements about how ALL EVIL WILL BE JUDGED.

Ichika sneaks off to help Enomoto at the meeting with Ogata at the place Fujii died...and bumps into Yanagi, lurking around in the shadows like an overprotective cop dad. Yanagi says they should hang back and let Enomoto handle things unless it goes south. Despite the age gap they are SO going to be the parents of this motley crew on Yanagi's path.

Ogata's jacket looks a lot like the police jackets and I'm not sure if that's a character choice or the artist just likes that kind of jacket. Ogata cheerfully starts taunting Enomoto about his trauma.

Shiraishi rings Ichika, letting her know the conversation is being streamed live, but with the sound turned off. Is Ogata hoping to taunt Enomoto into attacking him? Is this a leadup to killing Enomoto?? EITHER WAY YANAGI AND ICHIKA SHOULD INTERVENE but I guess that would RUIN THE PLOT so they just watch.

Ogata: The police are so useless the government gave us guns to punish evil for ourselves. You're a regular citizen now too. You think I'm evil, why don't you take out your gun and shoot me :)
Enomoto: What o.O
Ogata: You think I cheated justice. If your justice is so correct it, shoot me and prove it. Or are you going to run away again, a coward like Fujii :)

Enomoto reaches for his holster and Ichika runs in shouting to not draw his weapon. So Enomoto punches him.

Ichika explains about the video site and Ogata gloats that Enomoto has been proven evil. He's sent Enomoto's personal files to the media for him to be judged in the eyes of the public.

Ogata leaves and Yanagi says a photo of Enomoto shooting Hana has also been uploaded. Enomoto has already noticed people whispering about him on the street.
Enomoto: I brought this upon myself. Now I understand what Ogata meant by what the people want to believe is what wins. And I can't complain if I get arrested for assault. No matter the reason, crimes are evil. I'm so stupid.

Normally 'police framed for excessive violence' is one of my absolute least favourite cop drama tropes, but in this case it is at least a sequel to 'civilian framed by police for murder'. Plus there is a "So just don't be violent!" moral these things usually lack. I still don't like it, though, and overall it feels like the writers have run out of plot and are stretching things out.

KAZUKI MADE BREAKFAST?? BEST ROUTE EVER.

And now he's telling Ichika she should go to Enomoto's side and declare her feelings?? I mean...I agree...but...OK SURE.

Enomoto wakes, full of self loathing, but Ichika is there cooking him breakfast, talking about everything he's done for her and how she feels.
Ichika: Sometimes you act like a middle schooler...and you're not strong...
Enomoto: Um? :(
Ichika: But you're reliable. And I love you.
Enomoto: You...so you want to be my girlfriend???
Ichika: Yes.
Enomoto: You know that means you'll be my lap pillow and we'll feed each other and say 'ah'??
Ichika: Those things will have to be discussed. But I am aware how relationships work, yes.
Enomoto: THIS IS A DREAM. OR OGATA STABBED ME AND I AM DEAD.

Once she persuades him this is real he is VERY HAPPY. But then they end up talking about Ogata: how Enomoto understands his pain, now. Except Ogata had it worse, and has no friends to support him. He has public opinion on his side, how much further will he go to get revenge on the police for a pain he can't escape?

Enomoto then remembers he's alone with his new girlfriend and has NO IDEA what to do about it. Ichika thinks to herself "should I take the initiative?" and the walkthrough says yes :D

She sits next to him and says they can just be together, but he jumps up and says "If this keeps up I won't be able to hold back... HEY LET'S WATCH TV."

But of course it's an interview with Ogata, who's all "This proves that Adonis is is good, actually, and X-Day will be awesome". And then the Adonis symbol fills the screen and Zero says "Only sinners will be punished. Have you ever hurt anyone? On January 1 it will be revealed, and we will rid the entire nation of criminals. We have placed collars on those who will be judged. There are some who have appeared to spout nonsense about Adonis. But they are not aligned with our will."

Ichika wonders wtf their standards are that SHE counts as a criminal. She HAS hurt people, but so has everyone. And she doesn't want anyone to feel the fear she does. Enomoto is very supportive, and says removing her collar is now a national issue.

CHAPTER SIX

Saeki's in a coma so I guess he's definitely not Zero! Someone in his family donated a kidney and has been visiting every day, I wonder if THAT'S Zero. Or maybe Saeki is innocent, I guess?? *doubt*

bluh bluh everybody on the complaint line hates the police and is all yay terrorism. This whole plot is annoying me enough that I'm going to skip forward and scroll back to skim what's said.

Ichika asks the collar what they want and gets no reply.

Minegishi says he thinks Sasazuka could find all the collars, and Ichika decides to talk to him about it.
Shiraishi: So you're going to save these criminals over yourself?
Ichika: Of course! I can't just let them die!
Shiraishi: Heh. You and Enomoto are alike. I'm just a little bit envious. Well, good luck!

Sasazuka and Ichika want to analyse the signal from her collar to find the others but Yanagi and Enomoto think it's too risky.
Sasazuka: You think I'd do anything that would let her die? >:(

He points out that since Adonis hasn't reacted to the conversation, they don't care, are distracted, or their signal is blocked. But he can't entirely eliminate risk.
Ichika: If I'm going to die, I want to die fighting.
Sasazuka: Sounds like the stupid cat has made up her mind. What about you two?
Enomoto: I never want to see her hurt...but I know how determined she is, as well as what she wants to protect. I don't want to deny her of her fight.
Yanagi: You two always make sure you're helping people...you really are alike :)

Sasazuka says he thinks he can get into the system and find/overwrite collars but can only do so much before he risks being found out and shut out of the system.

Ichika wonders if the other three police officers killed with Fujii might still be alive, collared and imprisoned, to be executed on X-Day. Which makes sense, though everyone jumps to YES THAT MUST BE TRUE a bit quickly. But once again NOONE BRINGS UP that THEIR victims could be suspects. Or mentions NAMES. Like I get that fleshing out OCs is work, Otomate, but come on.

And so of course Ichika wants Sasazuka to focus on finding the other collars, first, which might save multiple lives and lead them to the Adonis base.
Enomoto: You're so brave it's annoying! The woman I love is a badass :)

Ichika and Enomoto make puppy dog eyes at Sasazuka until he agrees to cooperate with Cyber Crimes. But Yanagi points out he'll have to tell them about the collar for it to work, so they settle on only telling Minegishi. Enomoto is going to look for the cops on the ground, so Sasazuka might be able to switch to focussing 100% on freeing Ichika, and Yanagi says he'll help.

Ogata POV.

He is thinking about how Adonis had told him he would be their spokesperson but now say he isn't aligned with their will, and have stopped sending orders. Did they plan on abandoning him from the start? Well he has the public's approval now, he doesn't need Adonis any more. He can just continue to persuade people to judge evil for themselves.

Mukai rants that Shiriashi has vanished without warning ONCE AGAIN and Sakuragawa gets her to calm down and eat. Am wondering how the dynamic with her is going to play out on Shiraishi's path.

Inspired by Ogata, a girl attacks the girl who stole her boyfriend. A coin is found later and it's not clear if this is a copycat crime or if Adonis is becoming more fractured and disorganised.

Enomoto wants to save Ogata? ehhh this whole thing annoys me

Enomoto gets VERY FLUSTERED at the idea of any sort of PDA but happily holds hands until they bump into Kazuki.
Kazuki: I didn't see anything *turns around*
Enomoto: LITTLE BROTHER HOSHINO!! I AM DATING YOUR SISTER!!

He does this whole awkward flailing polite formal introduction thing, which Kazuki finds hilarious. They actually get along?? They start using first names and Enomoto asks for music recs and then Kazuki gives him and Ichika tickets to his next concert.

They're having so much fun with a music conversation that Ichika has no way to contribute to that KAZUKI invites him to stay the night in his room??
Ichika and Enomoto: UH???
Kazuki: It's not a big deal, Akito crashes here all the time.

That is NOT THE SAME Kazuki and you KNOW it

Aww Enomoto gets all blushy and happy and says he's just glad he'll be near here if she needs him.

The next morning Kazuki wakes up before Enomoto and tells Ichika he'll be in the lounge room to give them space?? I mean I'm glad he's not doing the whole "My adult female relative is not allowed to have sex ever" thing this time but...

When Enomoto doesn't wake up, she talks about all the food she's cooked for breakfast and his lunch.
Enomoto: Hehe...a bento made by my wife...and a goodbye kiss...

He wakes up with a start and she teases him a little but says it makes her happy, and they're both clearly INTO the idea of being married. I give them six months tops before they're planning a cheap but heartfelt wedding.

Ogata is on TV all "Well maybe killing your ex's new girlfriend IS valid if she hurt your feelings". Enomoto and Ichika discuss how he seems to be in favour of people deciding judgement for themselves while Adonis thinks only THEY should be the judges. Ah, the classic anarcho-murder versus statist murder ideological split...

It's just so DUMB. Give everyone a gun, encourage them to shoot their enemies, and assume only bad people will die?? It makes the politics of American libertarian gun nuts look reasonable and practical. I would be more convinced if his plan was to use a giant psychic squid to solve everyone's problems!

I mean Adonis is also dumb, but they're an evil cult preying on the vulnerable! Their politics don't NEED to make any sense, as long as they make a good enough excuse for pawns to murder the people they wanted to murder anyway. Some people in the org do seem to believe it's sustainable but we haven't spent enough time in their head for it to break my suspension of disbelief. And Zero himself clearly believes in some other thing which MAY be even dumber but I guess I'll see. Until then I'm stuck with Ogata.

IT'S A COUPLES ONLY CONCERT?? FOR A BAND WITH ALMOST ENTIRELY FEMALE FANS??

I guess Isshiki and Kazuki are allies to the wlw community! That or they saw an opportunity to double their ticket sales since every real fan would have to bring some random non-fan dude to get in

They have to kiss to be allowed in which is a bit much EVEN FOR ME, A PERSON PLAYING AN OTOME GAME but I am into Ichika being the one to initiate it while Enomoto is all flustered about what to do.

haha aww she kisses him on the cheek while he goes bright red and makes high pitched choking noises before becoming struck dumb with shock. By the time he comes back to himself she's dragged him inside and the concert has started.

Yeah this crowd sounds 100% female. They are absolutely the only heterosexuals in this village.

Isshiki gives a speech about how the police are good, actually, and how you shouldn't judge people by a single mistake. This inspires Enomoto and Ichika to remember that mass murdering terrorists are people too.

Sasazuka figures out how to track the collars, and they see a map of Japan covered in little red lights. And he knows there's even more they didn't manage to get the data for. He's also figured out how to remove the collars safely.
Ichika: That's amazing, thank you!!
Sasazuka: I had to do it or you idiots would get annoying >.>

But! There's a possibility that the data is fake and the "neutralise collar" code is actually a "kill collar wearer" code.
Minegishi: We could find a collared person guilty of especially serious crimes to test it on.
Ichika: But the ethics!
Minegishi: And the ethics paperwork...
Ichika: I VOLUNTEER
Sasazuka: If it fails that idiot might literally kill me
Ichika: But even then you'll be able to synthesise an antidote for everyone else from the poison!

Haha I was thinking about how Enomoto isn't here and apparently that was Ichika's choice. But she thinks happy thoughts of him to distract herself from the possibility of dying.

It works!

Sasazuka: Go call the eyepatch idiot, stupid cat :)

Enomoto cries happy tears but says he's about to investigate a place he thinks might have the imprisoned cops. He finds them! He and Ichika set into motion what I am sure will be a VERY STUPID plan that will SOMEHOW WORK with the POWER OF LOVE.

Ogata is on a tv show when they suddenly start showing interviews with his neighbours! They all have nice things to say about times Ogata helped them WITHOUT MURDERING ANYONE AT ALL.

Ogata: We must focus on the new Japan founded on MURDER AND REVENGE not these irrelevant stories of LOVE and COMPASSION!

A man in the audience takes out a gun! Apparently the host accused his dad of something on-air so the dad killed himself.

Ogata stands in front of the host telling the man to stop.
Man: But you said we should KILL EVIL PEOPLE
Staff 1: Makes sense
Staff 2: And think of the ratings!
Ogata: OMG. MURDER...IS WRONG???

But it was ENOMOTO'S PLAN ALL ALONG!!!

Ogata: You expect me to trust you?
Enomoto: No. I hate you too. But you're not evil at heart, so I can't let you be evil any more.
Ogata: I will always think you're evil.
Enomoto: What even IS evil though
Ogata: When you hurt another person
Enomoto: EVERYONE HURTS OTHERS. I've realised absolute good and evil don't exist. Most people just want to live their lives.
Ogata: I want a world where noone is hurt. That's why I told everyone to shoot each other.
Enomoto: *rambles about everyone being different but needing to work together to make a better world* Why don't we go for a drink and you tell me your problems and not shoot anyone :)

I skipped through some dialogue that seemed to be about like...not holding a grudge when the government screws you over. It's just a thing that happens, like bad weather! It sucks, but accept it and move on!

Ogata eventually admits to murdering the stalker and tries to stab himself 'in judgement', but Enomoto grabs the blade with his hand. Ogata is arrested and at peace with it because HOORAY FOR THE RULE OF LAW.

Enomoto: It'll be tough from here on out, but there's nothing you can't do if you give it your all.

This whole 'everyone deserves a second chance and killing is wrong' moral would mesh better with the 'the basic structure of the police system is as good as it can be, we just need to weed out the bad apples' moral if Japan didn't have a notoriously harsh legal system and the death penalty.

Ichika is crying, because she thought for a moment that Enomoto had been stabbed. He comforts her, and they have a cute conversation where both have moments of being smooth and being awkwardly bashful.

She asks what he wants for Christmas and he starts to say something that was probably "a kiss" then gets too embarrassed and says anything she picks is good.

Closing credits!

It's three months later! Ha, I guess they really couldn't make a Christmas Eve sex scene remotely in character for these two.

Everyone with a collar was saved, all the pawns were arrested, and while the leadership of Adonis were never captured, X-Day never happened.

Enomoto has returned to Field Ops.
Satake: You're a rookie again so I'll train you from the ground up :D *thwaps head*

He's brought Ichika and everyone is REALLY WEIRD ABOUT IT.

Saeki is out of his coma and getting better!

Enomoto takes Ichika back to the church where they first met, and talks about how cool and prince-like Yanagi was but Ichika says Enomoto's the only one for her and I decide this whole route is Enomoto's fanfic about how he and Ichika could TOTALLY HAVE GOTTEN TOGETHER FOR REAL and also SOLVED TERRORISM with LOVE.

He talks about meeting her parents and using the church in the future and Ichika realises he wants to get married. So she talks about their wedding day in vague terms, making it clear she's looking forward to it too, and he pulls her close and asks if he can kiss her, though he's NEVER DONE IT BEFORE. IN THREE MONTHS.

It's very sweet, and they love each other very much.

AND I'M SURE AKITO IS TOTALLY FINE.

THE END

I was totally wrong about Satake being evil, but I think the game did intend for him to be a vague red herring.

One thing I do think the game did do well is Enomoto's journey from depressed and nervous with a veneer of false bravado, to gaining true self confidence, including the confidence to admit to his fears and insecurities.

I thought for SURE Ichika would end up betraying him (for reasons that weren't her fault) but no!

I was also really expecting there to be more Sengoku era content. But I did get unexpected numerals of pi, so. It's not all bad.