So, Mr. Hostage.
You and your friends
went to the God Candidate who can control five Angels.
However, he has no intention of becoming a Perfect God
and has no knowledge of the Railgun.
Right.
Then there's no need for us to take him seriously
if everything you're telling us is true.
I've told you everything truthfully,
taking your word that you won't hurt my allies.
Is that so?
Let's see.
Yes.
You think a lot while you speak,
but you seem to be telling the truth.
I had a vague hunch,
but it seems like Masks can pick up our brain activity.
Then what I need to do now
is to deflect attention from Yoshida and not let them find out about Yuri.
What's this?
Yes, this is Kusakabe.
Oh, why hello, Mr. Kijima.
-She answers the phone like an old lady, -Yes.
-She said she was 18, though. -What?
Who was the Angel that White Feather couldn't kill?
A sniper wearing black?
-What? -Yes, that sure sounds like trouble.
Yes, I'm getting intel bit by bit.
Okay, then I'll provide an update later.
Rika.
Care to tell me more about your relationship with the sniper?
It's true that I know him quite well.
But after he put on a mask in this realm, he lost all his memory and disappeared.
That's all I know.
He's not lying,
but he's still hiding something.
I don't have the ability to read thoughts,
so let's try breaking his composure.
Let the teasing begin.
Wow, how impressive.
You'd make a very strong Angel.
Perhaps I should put a mask on you, just like I did with Sniper.
What?
That's right, I'm the one who turned him into a Mask.
Doing a good deed sure feels good!
His anger is boiling up.
Go ahead, lose yourself in it.
Spill what you've been hiding from me.
What?
You mentioned earlier…
that if I wore a mask, I'd surely make a strong Angel.
So that means an Angel's strength is determined by their host's strength.
If that's the case, Yayoi, I think you made a huge mistake
by giving that guy the mask's power and a rifle!
I wouldn't be surprised if he's got the strength to overpower all 30 of you.
You'll probably get scolded by your "Master Ai."
This isn't a lie either.
But his claim about the Sniper's power must be just an assumption.
It must be, right?
I almost lost it, but I managed to control it.
I steered her attention to "that guy" too.
Now they're not as cautious about Yoshida
and I was able to hide Yuri's existence.
Because of me, the pressure's on you now,
but you'll be able to handle it, right?
I'm counting on you…
I'm so glad you're… alive.
What? Rika?
Come on, he'll seriously scold me if you die!
Volleyball Mask, take him to the medical office!
ORIGINAL WORK BY TSUINA MIURA ILLUSTRATED BY TAKAHIRO OBA
"Our Enemy is One Who Desires Chaos."
So he ended up being a hostage?
Well, I'm sure he'll be able to manage the situation well.
Sounds like you have faith in him.
But it's still an inconvenient situation.
I could go rescue him myself.
Mr. Mask?
This must be…
I'm fine, Kuon.
At least for now.
It seems like what happened to Mayuko Nise might happen to me as well.
Hibernation, the program that eliminates defective Angels.
I'm still able to retain my consciousness right now,
but it could happen any minute, which is a bit of a concern.
I'm terribly sorry.
I'm unable to intervene in your brain unless you're unconscious.
You don't need to apologize for that.
I'm counting on you when the time comes, got it?
Yes, of course.
Good grief.
Rain!
Rain exists in this world too?
In any case, we've also been attacked.
There's a true evil that's out to kill God Candidates.
For us and this world, I want them defeated.
So, Ms. Yuri Honjo, I'd like to request your help.
A true evil.
We're most likely facing the same enemy.
All right, I'll cooperate.
To be honest, I was a bit shocked to find out they could control 30 Angels.
I'm stronger and I've got allies now.
I want to save my brother quickly,
but I can't believe they can control 30 Masks!
I'm too frustrated to think.
If only there was someone older
or at least half as reliable as my brother.
I have no idea why, but she's treating us like we're idiots.
I really don't like her!
What?
Shinzaki?
Hello?
Yes, we're done here.
What's going on?
What? Hibernation? Sniper is?
Okay, I'll tell her.
Hey, Doctor.
I've got a matter to tend to, so I'm going upstairs.
-Sorry, but you're on guard duty. -What?
Now that we're allies, we have to work together.
I'm counting on you.
See, what did I tell you, Uzuki?
She's really scary.
But, Doctor, I don't think she's a bad person.
What?
She's confident, but I can feel warmth from her.
She reminds me a little of my mom.
Your mother's like that?
Rain!
Kuon, where's Sniper?
He's still conscious.
And he says he would like to talk to you alone while he still can.
Honjo, are you still scared of Sniper?
I'm not scared of him anymore!
I'm totally fine!
You're so adorable.
I never expected to see a Japanese-style room in this world.
I can't look at you right now, so these shoji screens are convenient,
and looking at the rain from a Japanese-style room is classy and cool.
Excuse me, Mr. Sniper Mask?
First, I'd like to apologize to you.
I'm sorry.
Even when you became our ally, I acted rudely and avoided you.
You and Kuon worry about such trivial things.
And why are you acting so formal all of a sudden?
It doesn't match your personality.
Okay…
Everything he says reminds me of my brother.
First, I have something to give you.
This is my brother's!
Why do you have it? Who are you?
That's what I want to know.
Yuri Honjo, it seems like I'm a friend of your brother's.
What?
I've remembered that at least, but nothing else.
I was hoping you would know more.
But anyway, let's exchange our intel.
Okay.
Got it. Thanks for the update!
So that means we'll take action when it's dark.
We'll wait here until it's time.
It started to rain, so try not to catch a cold.
Did an Angel call?
Yes, they said that the helicopter just landed where it was hovering earlier.
It's not clear whether Honjo is there or not,
but it's worth investigating.
But only when it's dark.
It's better that way.
If the enemy sees us, Honjo's life will be in danger.
Right.
By the way, have you heard from his sister?
I should be getting a call from her any minute now.
I'm sure she's okay, but I'm concerned.
She's our only hope right now.
I see.
You got the doctor and the guys with Yoshida.
It might be good to find more allies before the battle.
Anyway, is the tea ready?
Oh, did you notice?
I saw this beautiful tea set, and I wanted to try using it.
I'm not exactly sure how, so I'm winging it.
You're just as carefree as Kuon.
No, maybe you get that curiosity from your brother.
Here you go.
Okay, thanks.
Let's see how it tastes.
Yes, it's good.
Well, I guess this is good timing.
I'll keep my eyes closed.
Do you want to look at my real face?
You might recognize my face.
Well, if you don't mind, I'll do it out of curiosity.
Hey, say something.
You're super handsome.
Or I mean, unfortunately, I don't think I've seen you before.
That old scar by your left eye.
I think I would've remembered it if I had seen you before.
Yes, I was hoping the scar would look familiar,
but now it's clear that I have to talk to your brother directly.
Oh, you're putting your mask back on?
What a waste. You're so handsome.
Jeez, you've been saying the most embarrassing things.
Oh, I remember my brother wearing the same type of hat!
-What? -I asked him, "Why a hat all of a sudden?"
And he said, "Because the person I respect wears the same one."
"Respect," you say?
It seems like it's about time.
Are you okay?
I left a phone with Kuon.
It's the key to locating the real enemy.
Use it as you will.
And this might be none of my business, but don't push yourself too much.
If things get seriously bad, then prioritize yourself, not the world.
I'm sure your brother would say the same too.
That's it for now.
All right, I'm going to sleep for a while.
This man is definitely reliable.
It's reassuring to have such a strong ally!
Here it is.
Thanks.
-We'll be off then. -Okay.
-Oh, Mayuko! -What?
Could I have your phone too?
I might get a call from Yoshida's team.
I was supposed to contact them,
but I crushed my phone by gripping it too hard.
Crushed it?
-Oh, goodness. Here you go. -Thanks!
I don't think it'll take long, so wait with the doctor and everyone.
Will do.
The enemy hasn't picked up this area yet.
But I have to brace myself.
Investigator Student Mask.
Your task was to locate the enemy, but there has been a change of plans.
I want you to find out if there's a stronger player than the Sniper.
Now, let us begin.
Okay.
Hey, wait!
Hold on, this is really embarrassing!
What?
What's this?
Oh, I'm wearing clothes.
What the heck is happening?
Well… I'm not quite sure either.
Wait, Shinzaki, are you serious?
I…
It's not like we're back in our world, right?
I will answer that question.
You…
This is the world inside Sniper Mask's brain.
My Mask program. Why are you here?
Since you're in a state of confusion, I'm here to offer support.
First, this site is part of Sniper Mask's dream.
Dream?
So we're in somebody else's dream?
Shoot, I really don't understand any of this.
Then where is Mr. Sniper Mask's Mask program?
That I do not know.
Then how do we find it?
Sniper may not make it if we don't find it in time.
Ms. Mayuko, I'm able to sense it.
It shouldn't be too far from here.
God Candidates are so impressive.
I know this place.
It's from the original world,
but the tower that's supposed to be here is missing.
This is a site from the past.
Sniper Mask is having a dream of the past.
I see.
-Shinzaki! -What?
A kid?
Wait, that look.
Are you…
You're right, Kuon.
Hey, what's wrong, Shinzaki?
I've decided not to look at Mr. Mask's real face!
Let alone seeing him as an adorable boy.
I just can't handle it!
No exceptions, is it?
Anyway, Mayuko Nise, thank you for your help.
The Mask program is this way.
-"Clank. I aim the gun at the sky." -Of course, it's this place.
-"This rifle is -Rika!
-a companion of joy and sorrow." -Oh, Yu!
-"My finger is on the trigger." -Hey, Yu, who are those girls?
Was that my name?
"Yu"? No, wait. I remember being called "Makoto" too…
That's my last name. Yu… Makoto…
No, more importantly, we've got to hurry.
Shinzaki?
It's not safe to be here any longer.
I will end this dream and this Hibernation process!
Right, I'm counting on you, Kuon.
INSTINCT EMPIRE
As a God Candidate, I order you.
Yu.
I advise against it.
-You'll only burden her. -What?
Her feelings are far stronger than when she handled us.
She is already greatly close to God.
Mr. Mask.
Both your Despair Command and Murder Command have vanished.
You should be able to look at humans now.
However, the Suicide Command is still intact,
so I advise you to keep wearing the mask.
As for your memory, it will take a bit longer to retrieve it.
That's more than enough. You've done well.
Thanks, Kuon.
-What? -Kuon!
I'm sorry. It seems I've reached my limit.
We must go back.
You're leaving?
Rika.
I don't want you to go!
Please don't go!
-Rika… -I don't want you to go.
Okay, it's ready now.
Thank you very much!
Mr. Tanabe, you're so knowledgeable about guns.
Well, I've worked on a friend's rifle before.
For work, that is.
Tanabe…
Machine Industries!
I see.
Ms. Yuri, may I take a look at that?
Sure.
Wow, it's so cool!
There are only a few of these in the world!
You know about it too, Uzuki?
In the other world, I was really into a game that personified guns and weapons.
This gun jams up a lot, doesn't it?
Yes, I'm having problems with it.
There's actually a trick to it.
Really?
-You've got to shoot like this. -Uzuki and Mr. Tanabe are very helpful.
That's right. If we work together, we can defeat any formidable enemy.
Somebody help!
A cry for help?
Yes, I heard it too.
I'll go.
You guys protect this building.
You're going alone?
I have my self-strengthening ability.
I'll be fine by myself.
You all should look out for yourselves.
Ms. Yuri, you're so brave.
-Help! No! -I can tell where she is from her cries.
Stop! No!
Hang on, I'll save you no matter what!
I can definitely save you right now!
The voice came from around here.
There! I made…
You're too late.
I didn't make it!
I'm so sorry.
Do it.
Seriously?
A shield?
And they're doing a dance move?
They're a troublesome bunch.
But to avenge that girl, I need to kill them here and now.
Here we go!
Bring it on!
Go!
This is all thanks to Mr. Tanabe and Uzuki.
Right now, I'm seriously strong.
I've completely abandoned being human.
But even if I'm not human anymore,
all I want is to be my brother's younger sister.
I hope I can see him soon.
But before that, I'll end this battle.