[sfx: Allen breathing heavily, chains shifting, footsteps approaching]
Man from Ginsekai: You really are... quite the obstinant one, aren't you?
Allen: ...
Man from Ginsekai: If you were to join us, BAE could easily rise to the top of the phantom live scene without any unnecessary impediments. You realize this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, don't you? So why are you rejecting it so brazenly? I find it completely inscrutable.
Allen: [shifting, chains clinking] You would, would you? You don't know the first thing about us.
Man from Ginsekai: How so?
Allen: What are our feelings when we're making music? Why do we insist on doing phantom lives when we have to suffer the trap reactions afterwards?
Man from Ginsekai: It is because you desire recognition and acknowledgement, is it not? You want to prove to the world who you are.
Allen: ...
Man from Ginsekai: We have put a great deal of research into all of your matters. I am aware of the relationship you have with your father, as well, Sugasano Allen-san.
Allen: --!
Man from Ginsekai: So, how about that? If you were to join forces with us, your stardom would be one that shines the world over. With that done, your father would have no choice but to acknowledge you. Our power and influence is such that it would be a trivial matter.
Allen: ...
[sfx: footsteps]
Man from Ginsekai: So there is no need to be so stubborn. Simply say "yes".
Allen: I refuse! [heavy exhalation] I do want to be recognized. I do want to be praised. I do want to be told that I did a good job. Hah... yeah. That hasn't changed at all even now.
Man from Ginsekai: Therefore--
Allen: But. That's not something that someone else's help is going to do for me. If I can't... if I can't overcome that hurdle on my own, then there's no point in doing it at all. We always make amazing music. We go on stage to push past our limits, improve ourselves, and give it our all. "Great power and influence"... there's absolutely no point in relying on something so ephemeral!
Man from Ginsekai: What an idiotic thing to say.
Allen: Hah! People always say I'm an idiot for music. There's always music echoing out from the depths of my heart. It's the sound of freedom! It's my -- and only my -- sound. It's not something that ayone else can control or command. And it's not just me. It's the same for all of us. We confront our own wounds and scars and strive to find our own sound. Not a single one of us wants to take the easy way out. We don't want an empty victory! Don't try to take us for fools. We put our souls into making music!
Man from Ginsekai: ... I see. Well. Then I suppose I am left with no choice. Until you say "yes", you will remain here. You understand what that means, don't you?
Allen: --!
Man from Ginsekai: In the Paradox Live, if you do not make it to the stage on time, you will be disqualified. And whatever would all of your companions, who have been fighting so valiantly with all their might, think were they to find out that BAE would not be participating in the all-important final match?
Allen: --!
Man from Ginsekai: It would be quite the betrayal of all of their faith in you. And, as the organizers, the blame for the failure would fall to you as well, would it not?
Allen: ...!
Man from Ginsekai: You will be the one at fault for putting BAE's future in jeopardy.
[sfx: Man from Ginsekai approaching Allen]
Man from Ginsekai: [closer to Allen] Cast aside your foolish pride. All you have to do is comply. That is all it will takea to make your dreams come true. You want to be number one. Seize the chanace that lies before you.
Allen: Absolutely not!!
Man from Ginsekai: Ah?
Allen: What you're offering isn't a chance at all. I refuse!!
Man from Ginsekai: [sighs] Understood. [walking away] All of you.
Mob: Damn, finally, it's our turn.
Mob: [blunt metal instrument scraping on the floor] Listening to that entire monologue was so fucking boring.
Mob: Redhead seriously doesn't have two braincells to bang together.
Allen: --!
Man from Ginsekai: This is your final chance. Will you change your mind before you face the unpleasant consequences of your choice?
Allen: ...
Man from Ginsekai: Let me hear you say "yes"!
Allen: NO! My answer is still NO!!! Music is freedom! I'll never betray my music like that!!!
Man from Ginsekai: Have it your way.
Mob: Alright! Time to start beating!
[sfx: metal scraping as it's lifted off the ground]
Allen: --!!
[sfx: door being slammed open]
Iori: Hope we're not interrupting nothin'~
[sfx: footsteps in geta approaching]
Mobs: --!!
Allen: S-Suiseki-san??
Iori: Heya, Allen! Looks like a fine mess you got yourself in, huh? You need a hand?
Allen: Y-yes?
Hajun: Allen!?
Anne: We'll help you out now!!
Allen: Hajun?? Anne??
Man from Ginsekai: How are you...? How did you find us here!?
Iori: A serpent can follow a snake's trail. ^[1] That's all.
Hajun: Thank you very much for parking the vehicle you used in the perpetration of the crime right in front of the building. Thanks to you, I was able to pinpoint your location with very little effort.
Man from Ginsekai: ...!
Mob: Hey, come on, let's get a move on!
Mob: Nobody said nothin' about backup showing up!
Reo: [clap clap] Alrighty! So with all that taken care of, all of you thugs, please get the hell out~
Mob: Hah!?
Hokusai: If you stay in the way, I won't show you any mercy.
Mob: Hey, what're we supposed to do here?
Man from Ginsekai: ... ... I'll double your pay! Just get rid of them!
Mob: Pain in the ass...
Mob: I'm down. There's more of us, anyway.
Mob: Alright, you lot, let's go!
Mobs: ALRIGHT!
Satsuki: [pounding his fist into the other palm] Now that's what I'm talking about! I clear to get violent, Zen-nii?
Zen: Permission granted!
Satsuki: Alright!
Reo: Bring it on, you rat bastards!
Satsuki: Tch, you say that but you're hiding behind Hokusai's back!
Reo: It's cause I'm cute~! You'll protect me, right, Hokusai~?
Hokusai: Yeah. Be good, okay?
Satsuki: Just don't get in my way.
Reo: No promises~
Satsuki: Well then, for the first time in ages, time to get violent!!
Mobs: --!
[sfx: clattering]
Satsuki: What's the matter!? You got numbers on your side, don't you!? So come at me all at once! Come the fuck on!! Let's go!!!
[sfx: Satsuki vs a group of mobs happening in the background, continuing as BAE start talking]
Anne: Allen!
Hajun: Are you okay?
Allen: Ah-- yeah...!
Hajun: I'll get you untied now.
Allen: ...! [shuddering slightly] I'm saved...!
Hajun: Honestly... it's your fault I'm pulling another all-nighter tonight after all.
Allen: Ah, uh, sorry...!
Hajun: You did a good job.
Allen: Hajun...
Anne: Allen!
[sfx: Anne hugging Allen]
Allen: Ah--!
Anne: I'm so glad... I'm so glad you're safe, Allen...!
Allen: Anne...!
[sfx: Zen vs a crowd, with Zen handily winning, a man getting soundly wallopped and hitting the ground]
Zen: Hajun-kun! Get him out of here, quickly! Leave this to us!
Hajun: Understood.
[sfx: sounds of a beatdown continue in the background]
Hajun: Can you stand?
Allen: Ah... yeah.
Anne: Then let's bounce.
Hajun: We'll slip out under the cover of all this mayhem.
Allen: Gotcha.
[sfx: BAE running away]
[sfx: Mobs yelling, swinging, accomplishing neither jack nor shit before getting bodied and hitting the ground, wheezing]
Satsuki: Hey! You bastard over there. Stop cowering behind your buddy and get over here! [cracking knuckles] Let's fuckin' go.
Mob: Dammit...! Eheh...! [pulling out a knife and swinging with it]
Satsuki: --!! Pulling a knife out of nowhere? You're a real fuckin' coward, aren't you?
Mob: Hey, who you callin' a coward? You're the one shakin' in your boots, ain't you?
Satsuki: Like hell I am!! [rushing the mob]
[sfx: Mob hitting the floor]
Reo: And that's game set and match! One hit square in the temples! A kick from behind for an immediate KO! I expect nothing less from you, Monkey Boy!
Satsuki: Put a sock in it! What happened to Hokusai, anyway?
[sfx: Mob repeatedly trying to hit Hokusai, which Hokusai effortlessly dodges]
Satsuki: Man, dude really needs to know when to call 'em.
[sfx: Hokusai tanks a swing]
Mob: No fuckin' way... that was an iron pipe...!
Hokusai: [completely impassive] Ow.
Mob: That's all you've got to say is "ow"!? That'd usually shatter someone's fuckin' arm! Are you some kind of monster!?
Hokusai: Maybe I am.
Mob: --!!
Hokusai: If it's for my family, then I'll become a tiger.
[sfx: Hokusai hitting the mob, the mob practically throwing up and then crumpling]
Reo: Well done~! One hit straight to the stomach for an instant KO! Hokusai, you're sooo cool~!! [whumphng right into Hokusai] You're okay after that?
Hokusai: Mmhm. It's a little tingly, but it's fine.
Satsuki: Looks like the rest of them're...
[sfx: Zen whooping in the background]
Satsuki: Up against Zen, so they don't stand a chance.
[sfx: Mob breathing heavily]
Zen: You're the last one. There's no point in trying to fight.
Mob: I'll fuckin' kill yo--!!
[sfx: Instant karma]
Satsuki: And there it is! The deadly Face Claw!
Zen: [ignoring the mob's struggling noises] Telling someone you just met that you're going to "fuckin' kill them"... is not very polite. Reflect on your actions, and politely, please die!!!
[sfx: mob hitting the ground]
Reo: That's crazy! A KO by throwing a guy to the ground just by grabbing on to his face!!
Hokusai: Zen sure is scary when he gets mad.
Reo and Satsuki: Yeah.

Man from Ginsekai: ... tch. I suppose that's what I get for hiring random thugs from around town.
[sfx: man from Ginsekai trying to slip away, but geta'd footsteps approaching]
Iori: You the one calling the shots here?
Man from Ginsekai: ... Suiseki Iori.
Iori: So, you know my name, do you? That's funny, I wouldn't have taken you for the type to be a head, let alone in our line of work.
Man from Ginsekai: ... hm. My, it seems there is some kind of misunderstanding here. We are on your side in all of this. What do you think about joining forces with us? If you keep BAE spining their wheels until the battle, they will be automatically disqualified, no? Akan Yatsura can claim the victory without ever having to fight. It doesn't sound that bad, does it?
Iori: Hm. That a serious offer?
Man from Ginsekai: Yes, of course it is! BAE are quite the tough opponents. I'm sure that you are likely bitter about past events. Isn't this a prime chance to take revenge?
Iori: Man, you really don't know a daaaaamn thing about us, do 'ya?
Man from Ginsekai: Hah?
Iori: "You can win without a fight". Don't be a dumbass! What would the point even be then?
Man from Ginsekai: --!
Iori: We get up on stage to fight with all our might and show our determination. That's what phantom lives are all about. What you're proposing is, frankly, insulting.
[sfx: footsteps in geta]
Iori: You. Are really pissing me off.
Man from Ginsekai: ... [shaky breath] Doesn't matter if it's you, or them-- all of you phantom rappers are all idiots.
Iori: Oh?
[sfx: Man from Ginsekai pulling out a gun]
Man from Ginsekai: Hah... get out of the way!
Iori: That's how we're gonna do this? You got somethin' to hide, don't you?
Man from Ginsekai: If you won't let me past--!
[sfx: gun being cocked]
Satsuki: Aniki!!
Zen: Waka!!
Man from Ginsekai: The same goes for all of you! You get in the way, I'll shoot you too!
Reo: --!
Man from Ginsekai: ... ... heh. You will all deeply regret it if you make an enemy out of us. This is your final offer!
Iori: [stepping closer] Stop fucking around.
Man from Ginsekai: Hah?
Iori: Do you really think Suiseki Iori is going to fold for such an empty threat? [stepping closer] If you're gonna shoot, then shoot!!
Man from Ginsekai: --!!
[sfx: Gunshot]
Zen: Waka!!
Reo, Hokusai, and Satsuki: Aniki!!
Iori: ... heh. Was that your best shot? You're really pathetic, ain't'cha?
[sfx: Iori stepping closer, socking the man from Ginsekai squarely in the stomach, the man hitting the ground instantly]
Man from Ginsekai: [sputtering]
Iori: Remember. If you pick a fight with us, you're going to be the one who regrets it.

[sfx: Shishi-odoshi, implying that this is the garden at the Suiseki house]
Iori: Sorry 'bout makin' all you come all the way out here just before the battle.
Allen: No, not at all. Thank you very much for helping me out of that trouble.
Anne and Hajun: Thank you very much.
Iori: Nah, no need to be so formal about it, stop bowing, lift 'yer heads. If the battle got scuttled, we'd be up a creek, too. It's mutually beneficial.
Zen: Have you had the chance to get your nerve back?
Allen: Yeah, I'm fine now.
Iori: Well, then, shall we cut to the chase?
Hajun: Yes, let's. So, who exactly are Ginsekai, then?
Iori: Ah, Ginsekai's true identity. To be perfectly blunt, Ginsekai are a front for the Alter Trigger company.
BAE: --!
Allen: But the Alter Trigger company was dissolved after the incident, weren't they?
Iori: On paper, yes.
Hajun: I thought that there had to be something behind all of this. So I see. That's what it was.
Iori: Matter of fact, the guy who said he was speaking on behalf of Ginsekai, and who orchestrated Allen's kidnapping, was a former member of Alter Trigger, too.
Hajun: I suppose that would explain why Ginsekai, a company that previously primarily dealt with pharmeceuticals, has suddenly been trying to expand into the entertaintment industry, wouldn't it? They're trying to reincorporate under a shell company, so to speak.
Anne: But to what end? And what in the world would they want our cooperation for?
Iori: To be honest, I still don't know all the details. But, looking at what they've done and tried to do so far...
Hajun: We'll just have to try and find out, won't we? In all likelihood, they were looking to use us as guinea pigs for something at their base of operations.
Allen: I see...
Anne: That's horrible.
Iori: Well, then, I'll leave this to you, Zen.
Zen: Understood. According to information obtained through questioning, the man saying that he represented Ginsekai -- and who is responsible for spearheading their entertainment business venture -- seems to have been attempting to recruit members in secret since the very start of Battle of Unity, in order to secure the formation of a powerful team.
Allen: Now that you mention it, he did he did say something about how we had kept rejecting his propositions and he was really angry about it. But I didn't have any idea what he was talking about.
Hajun: ... [clearing his throat] That was a mistake on my part.
Allen: Huh?
Hajun: I received several emails attempting to solicit BAE's participation, but I declined them. I attempted to decline as politely as possible, but...
Allen: I'm pretty sure Hajun's "polite refusals" come across as really sarcastic and biting...
Hajun: Do they?
Anne: But you get offers from talent agencies all the time, don't you?
Hajun: That was why I had let my guard down, thinking that it was nothing to worry about. I never imagined that it would become such a big issue.
Anne: Still, it's a massive overreaction just to being told 'no', isn't it?
Zen: Yes. It seems that this whole incident was one individual going rogue on a solo-act of sorts.
Allen: But why on Earth were BAE being targeted by this guy?
Zen: That's... well, I suppose it's just proof of how high of regard you guys are held in, doesn't it?
Allen: Huh?
Zen: Well, you're the winners of the previous tournament. And this time, as the organizers, you've managed to wonderfully bring together a bunch of different contestants who are... how should I put this, not easy to wrangle? He probably figured that if he could get BAE to join and give him some credibility, it would't be necessary to try and recruit any of the other teams.
BAE: ...
Hajun: Thank you for your kind words, but...
Iori: But hey, did he really think it'd go off without a hitch? Not a chance in hell, and that's that.
Allen: Oh, that reminds me. What happened to that guy after?
Iori: Hm~?
Allen: Since it'd be a big incident for the Battle of Unity, we didn't get the police involved...
[sfx: Shishi-odoshi, birds chirping]
Iori: Yeah, about hiiim... Well, I bet wherever he is, he's out there havin' a great time~! But, I don't know~.
Allen: Huh?
Anne: [soto voce] Allen, let's stop asking questions now.
Hajun: [cheerfully] Some things we're better off not knowing.
Iori: Don't worry about it. Rest assured, he's never gonna cause you any trouble ever again. And so... [clapping hands together] That concludes our little debriefing! Why don't we switch to a topic that'll put is in a little better of spirits, huh?
Zen: Yes! At last, tomorrow will be the battle between Akan Yatsura and BAE! Now we can fight it out without that weighing down our hearts!
Satsuki: Hell yeah! We're gonna get revengeance for the humiliation we suffered in the VIBES battle!
Reo: You mean 'we're going to get revenge for the humiliation', right. You're really stupid.
Satsuki: Huh? Really?
Hokusai: Yeah. The words are "revenge" and "vengeance". It's really easy to get them jumbled up together, isn't it?
Satsuki: Y-yeah! Yeah, it is!^[2]
Reo: Satsuki-chan, you're supposed to be a rapper, but your vocabulary really sucks, doesn't it?
Satsuki: Cram it!! You were the one sayin' shit like pasghetti just the other day!?
Reo: --!! Why are you saying that IN FRONT OF EVERYONE!?!
Allen: Ahaha... you guys...
Iori: Back to the point. It's been a hot minute since we've gone up against each other head to head.
Hajun: Yes. That time...
Iori: We failed to take advantage of your moment of weakness, you think? I don't think of it like that.
Anne: I know. But we've ended up getting saved by Akan Yatsura a second time.
Zen: There's no excuse for seeing the opportunity to do the right thing to do and not taking it. We only did what anyone with any sense would do.
Reo: That's right. Nobody had better try to interfere with our battle! You're like a billion years too early to be counting your chickens just yet.
Satsuki: I got all warmed up and ready to go all out, after all!
Hokusai: This time, we're definitely going to finish you off.
Zen: This time is a real fair and square contest, nothing held back!
Iori: Better brace yourselves.
Allen: Yes! We'll answer you on the stage!
Anne: We never stop. That's what BAE do-- we never stop reinventing ourselves.
Hajun: We'll be taking the final shot.
Akan Yatsura: [laughing]

[sfx: Crickets]
Zen: [deep breath]
[sfx: footsteps approaching]
Zen: You're still awake?
Iori: I got some thoughts right before the battle is all.
Zen: ... Waka, I wanted to ask about something from today...
Iori: About the stuff I was leaving out about Teshigawara?
Zen: Yes. Do you think it's really okay not to tell BAE about it? When he was being held, I'm sure Allen-kun learned a lot about all of the power that Ginsekai have, right?
Iori: Hm.
Zen: I'm sure he only heard all of the good parts, and none of the less savory details.
Iori: [sighs] Well, I'm sure if Hajun hears about it, he'll be real interested, won't he?
Zen: True... and his skill at finding out information is second to none.
Iori: ... well. If they want to know, they can figure it all out on their own. There's no need for us to spoon-feed them everything.
Zen: ...
Iori: ... I'm not lying to them. I'm just not telling them any things that they don't need to know. In fact...
[sfx: Shishi-odoshi]
Iori: The more you know, the more danger you're in.
Zen: I suppose that's true.
Iori: Phantom lives are really like a dream come true on stage, ain't they? I don't want to ruin that dream. I'll just be the one to take care of all that trash rotting away behind the scenes.
Zen: Understood.
Iori: We'll be the one to take care of the old man's enemies, right, Zen?
Zen: Yes!
Iori: The real battle's just beginning.

[1] Literally he says the proverb 邪の道は蛇 (じゃのみちはへび), "the serpent's path is the snake's", which means that someone will understand the actions of another person who is similar to them-- such as a criminal understanding the mind of another criminal. [Back]
[2] This and all of the stuff after it isn't an exact translation of this conversation, but it gets the point across-- that Satsuki is saying something subtly wrong that makes him sound silly. [Back]