Okay, I think we're all done setting up the victory party we've been planning for Akito and the others.
Yeah! And the food looks great!
And I even got that thing ready!
Hehe. I'm really looking forward to that. Anyway, Len, can you take care of things in the kitchen?
Yup!
Then...Rin, KAITO.
Mind carrying the food over for me?
You got it!
I'll take the drinks too while I'm at it!
Wait, all at once?!
Easy-peasy♪
Don't be such a worrywart, KAITO.
Be careful!
Watch out for the chairs!
I said I'm fine!
I'll just whoosh right over!
Hehe.
Everyone sounds so excited.
We're celebrating Akito and the others making their big return! Of course we're all excited!
Akito went out there all by himself, put on a performance that shook the city and got everyone to believe in his team again. Throwing a party is the least we can do♪
Oh, speak of the devil...
We're here!
Welcome, everyone!
Ah, there's our hero!
I think she's talking about you, Akito.
Me? The hero...?
Hehe. But you are the hero, Akito.
You ignited everyone all by yourself!
Come to think of it, I guess we should be celebrating your success instead of being celebrated, you know...?
I see what you mean.
Let's help get everything set up.
Yeah, let's!
MEIKO, is there anything you need help with?
Oh, that's so kind of you to offer.
Then, would you mind giving Len a hand in the kitchen?
He's making the pièce de résistance for us, but I'm sure he'll appreciate all the help he can get.
The pièce de résistance...?
That sounds like fun! Let's go!
Hehe. Thank you three very much.
Then I'll...
Sit right here and make yourself at home! I hope you're looking forward to seeing Len's creation.
O-Okay...
Got it...
Oh, can you tell us what happened during your performance? We heard that you put on quite a show!
Yeah, it sounded like you blew everyone away all by yourself!
Hehe. That's our Akito!
I knew he'd come through.
Why are you saying that as if you're bragging...?
Oh, would you like to know?!
The thing is...
I'm the one who told Akito that he needed to let all his feelings out. Me. Yours truly.
Wait, really?
It's not as cool when you say it yourself...
Isn't that the truth...
Still, that's amazing!
How did you get him to do that exactly?
The two of us sang one on one!
I thought it'd be easier to do that instead of just explaining what to do to him.
One on one... So, you had a battle?
A battle?
No, not exactly...
Fine, then let's make it a battle!
That should be more enticing, no?
That's just how I do things!
Oh, would you all mind acting as the judges?
Oh.
Yeah.
That's right!
I did call it a battle, didn't I?!
But you ended it partway through. You yelled out, “Stop!”
Wait, why?!
Wasn't that supposed to be his big moment?!
No, I think what she did was right.
MEIKO...!
See?! It isn't about winning or losing petty battles! We have much more important things to worry about!
Right...
And you did help me make an incredibly important realization, Luka.
Again, thank you.
Still, Akito, you've grown a lot since then, right?
Are you sure that you can still beat him, Luka?
Me? Yes, I can still...
Actually, she may have a point.
After all, they do always keep finding new ways to surprise us with their growth.
No, Miku, don't say that...!
A-Alright, fine! If you're all going to gang up on me like that, let's have a rematch, Akito!
But you just said...
Ahaha...
Hey, MEIKO!
We're set to go!!
Akito! You're not gonna believe what you're about to see!
Ta-daa! Today's main dish is...
Ginormous pancakes!!!
Whoa! What the...?!
They're bigger than our faces!
Let's have these before our battle, Akito!
Agreed.
We'll need to work as a team to get through them.