This really is such a large crowd...
It is one of this season's most famous events. As such, tourists from all over flock to see it, including us.
Let's see... Based on this flyer...
The general participants appear first, then people wearing costumes and stuff designed by professionals.
Oh, you can even join on the day by renting a costume...
Wh-What?! Is that true?!
Unfortunately, that may be difficult.
I just saw a sign towards the entrance that said, “All costumes have been rented out.”
Ah, darn it...!
If only I paid closer attention to what that website said...!
I feel the same way...
We could've all been in it...
I-I'm not sure I would've wanted to...
But I kinda wish you guys could be in it, Kamishiro! I bet it'd be great!
I agree.
The parade would be guaranteed to be more fun if Tsukasa and Kamishiro were able to participate.
Hehe. Now I feel even more regretful about not being able to take part...
But the rules are the rules...
So, let's just enjoy it as regular tourists!
At the same time, that's going to be hard with this many people around. I feel we should move somewhere less crowded...
Okay!
Then... How about over there?
Try to stay together, everyone.
Then, let's—
Excuse us!
Heavy load coming through!
Oh no...!
*Gasp*
They're going to hit that old lady...!
K-Kamishiro?!
Are you okay?
...!
Thank you for protecting me...
No, I'm just glad I could help.
(But it's not safe here. There's far too many people... We need to find somewhere less crowded to take refuge—)
(My phone...! I dropped it...!)
(Oh no, it cracked.
But this old lady takes priority right now...)
Are you hurt, Kamishiro?!
Hinomori...!
Madam, would you like us to help you move somewhere less crowded? If we can get back to the main boulevard...
No, that's okay. My friend should be waiting for me just over there. Thank you very much.
I see. That's a relief...
But please be careful. This crowd is making even walking difficult.
*Sigh*
Thank goodness she ended up being okay.
Yes, I'm just as glad.
Now, we should get back to...
Wait, where did Airi and the others go...?
(Did we get separated from them...?)
We need to contact them and...
...!
It's no use.
The touch screen on my phone's unresponsive after I dropped it.
What...?!
Wh-What should we do...?!
My phone has no battery left...
Wait, I know!
We can look for a place to charge it!
Any convenience store should do...
Yes, I see...
Let's look for one while keeping our ears open for Tsukasa's voice.
We may just hear him shouting our names somewhere along the way.
Right...!
Rui!!!
Shizuku!!!
Where are you two?!?!
Kamishiro!
Hinomori!
Where are you?!
Say something if you can hear us!!
Huff... Huff... Huff...
I think our voices are being drowned out by the music and all these other people...
Huff... Huff...
To think that they're unable to hear my booming voice...
We can't reach Shizuku because her phone has no charge, but I don't understand why we can't get ahold of Kamishiro...
I don't know either...
I hope they weren't swept away somewhere...
Are they going to be okay...?
Oh, that sound...
I think the parade is about to begin...
Not good...! Once it starts, more people will gather to watch it! That's only gonna make it harder for us to find them...!
We need to locate them now.
Yes, their safety is a top priority...
But this is also our school trip.
Our goal is to watch this parade together.
So, let's keep looking for them!
Yeah!
Yes!
Airi!
Asahina!
Tsukasa!
Airi—
*Cough*
Are you okay?
Yes... It's just my throat...
Let's stop here. You shouldn't overstrain your voice.
Yes...
Still, now that the parade is underway, it seems like there are more people here. What if we can't find the others?
Oh, but...
Won't it become easier to find them after it's over?
After it's over...
(Yes, she's right...)
(But...)
You only get one chance in life as a high schooler to go on this trip! It's like a one-night-only performance!
But it would be nice to have you in our group, Kamishiro...!
Would you mind if we resumed our search?
Huh?
A school trip... It's akin to a one-night-only performance...
If possible, I'd like to see the finale as a complete group.
Yes, me too...
You're exactly right, Kamishiro.
I'd also like to create as many wonderful memories as I can with everyone. And more importantly...
Airi and the others are very likely still trying their best to find us.
Yes, you're probably right.
So, should be doing the same!
Agreed.
But shouting may not be doing us any good since this crowd seems to be drowning us out...
If only there were a better way for us to get Tsukasa and the others to notice us...
Whoa!
That nurikabe looks so real!
Same with that nurarihyon...
Their makeup looks professionally done.
Wait, the costumes...
Cool! Check out that red ogre!
It totally stands out with that giant club!
It stands out...
Last call for joining the parade with your own costume!
That's it...!
Hinomori, I have an idea, but I need your help.
Would you mind hearing me out?
What?