Thank you very much.
(I got a hold of the new volume I wanted.)
(And I'll do some solo practice too since Akito has work today...)
(Hm? Is that...?)
Hmm...
No, that won't work either...
Okay, next is that store!
Tsukasa?
Huh? Oh, Toya!
Fancy meeting you here!
I was out buying something from the bookstore. Are you shopping too, Tsukasa?
Ah, thank you for asking!
My little sister, Saki, is having a Doll Festival party with her friends!
A Doll Festival party?
Indeed! With Saki in the hospital, we weren't able to celebrate as usual... But this year is different!
It's her first Doll Festival since she became healthy! That's why I need to make sure she has the best party possible too!
I must fulfill this duty as her big brother, which is why I've come here to buy what we need!
All for Saki... Hehe. I wouldn't expect any less from you, Tsukasa.
Would you like some help carrying anything?
Are you sure?
Yes. I'm sure you'll have quite a bit to carry back if it's going to be such a great party.
True. Your help will be much appreciated!
Alright, let's get going. Our first stop is...
Ah, this is the place I was looking for!
This is... A special Doll Festival section?
Yes, indeed!
Now to find the perfect dolls!
Wait, is this what you're here to buy? I was under the impression you were buying party supplies...
Some of our dolls are in pretty bad shape, so I thought it'd be nice to replace them with new ones...
In bad shape...?
Yes, and it's all my fault...
How so?
It happened while Saki was still at a hospital in the city...
Wow! This cake is so cute! The emperor and empress are on top of it too♪
You got some cream on your cheek, Saki. Here, let me get it for you.
Hehe. Thanks, Tsukasa♪
But you're really okay with just cake?
If you want a set of dolls for your room, I can go buy some right now!
No, it's fine! We already have a huge set at home so...!
(She's laughing on the outside, but probably feels so lonely on the inside...)
(Then that means I should...!)
I'm the Doll Ranger, the Black Emperor!!
Whoa!
I'll deal with the one that's making you feel so sad, Saki!
Hehe♪ Thanks, Tsukasa!
But really, it's okay! I'm used to sleeping by myself now, so I don't feel lonely at all♪
Okay...
Oh, it's already this late... Saki, we need to head back soon so...
Yup!
Call me if you ever start feeling lonely again! I'll be by your side in no time!
I will, Tsukasa!
See you tomorrow!
I'm glad she'll be able to come home soon...
Me too. She's really come a long way. She even ate her cake without leaving as much as a crumb behind.
*Gasp*...!
I left my handkerchief in her room!
I'll be right back!
S-Saki...
I wish I could see our dolls...
Oh...
(She really did want to see them...)
Then I'll...!
Hnng! There...! I managed to get the emperor and empress down...
(That should do it! Now, all I need to do is sneak them out before mom and dad notice...!)
*Huff*... *Huff*...
Almost at the hospital...!
Hang on, Saki!
I'll be right... Wah!!
Oww...! Th-That was pretty bad...!
*Gasp*...!
The dolls...!!
No, what do I do? They got all dirty...
I can't show them to her like this...
...!
No...! I'm her big brother!
I have to make her smile!
*Huff*... *Huff*... Saki!!
Huh? Tsukasa?
Did you forget something else?
No, it's not that!
I came here to bring you these!
Th-Those are our dolls...!
But why...?
I... I really wanted you to see them...
I couldn't bring them all, so I thought I could bring at least the ones at the very top to show you!
Tsukasa...
But... I'm so sorry... I fell on the way here and got them all dirty...
They mean so much to you but I...
No, it's okay! I'm really happy that you did this...!
Thank you so much, Tsukasa!
Saki...
(Saki smiled...)
(But...)
(They're all dirty...)
That really happened...?
It did. I still remember that look on her face and couldn't bear to see her like that...
I went to look for a good replacement after that, but I couldn't actually buy one on just my allowance.
Which is why I devised this plan! My goal of one day buying Saki the perfect dolls!
Tsukasa... All this for Saki...
No, I wouldn't expect any less. If you'll have me, I'd like to help you with your plan.
Thank you, Toya. Feel free to tell me what you think as well!
Yes, of course!
Let's start with... How about this one?!
This is... Kimono, hair, eyes, everything in gold! The Golden Doll?
Ah, but would it not be perfect to sit on top of the stand? Just as a star shines on top of the stage, I'm sure Saki will enjoy seeing this.
I see... Well...
It also looks very expensive, and Saki may feel a bit awkward about you buying something like this...
Yes... That would also be bad...
Then... How about this one?!
The Doll with a Disco Ball...?! You really seem to be drawn towards the shiny ones, Tsukasa. How about something more, you know, traditional?
What? Th-This is tougher than I expected...!