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Akira: "A word to you who wants to be cheered up by a hero—”
Ya wanna get cheered up? In that case, it’s the perfect time for that one phrase!
Since it is the perfect time, let’s say it together! Are you ready?
Jul. 18th, 2022
Brad: “The proper way to enjoy a trip to an onsen—”
Oscar: It’s sudden, but we, the 4 members of South Sector’s induction team, have come to an onsen.
Brad-sama is usually very busy, but he managed to gather us all for a sudden vacation, so we hurried and made a plan.
In truth, I wanted to take him to a real onsen in Japan, but due to time constraints, we ended up coming to an onsen resort that recently opened in Little Tokyo.
Hm… This is pretty different from what I had imagined… Is that… an araiba? I suppose you can wash your body there.
Brad: That’s right. That’s where you wash yourself.
Oscar: Brad-sama!
Brad: Did you think it’d be more like a pool?
This is essentially an authentic Japanese onsen. To think such a genuine recreation would be made in New Million...
Oscar: I see, so this is the correct style.
Brad: We tend to be more familiar with spas rather than onsens. Since we have this chance, it’d be good if you could enjoy the virtues of a true onsen.
Oscar: Ah, of course! Brad-sam—
Akira: UUUOOOUHHHHH, I’M AT MAX VOLTAGE!
Will: Akira! You can’t just jump in like that!
Akira: *gasp*... It's so hot! What the hell, is this boiling or something?!
Will: It’s an onsen, so of course it’s going to be hot?
It’s not a pool, so you can’t jump in or swim in it!
Akira: R-Really? I thought it’d be just like a pool…
Oscar: … Akira… I’m so sorry, Brad-sama. I’ll make sure to properly warn him from now on—
Brad: Get out of the onsen for a moment, Akira. You’re supposed to do kakeyu before entering.1
Akira: What the hell, Brad… You’re gonna lecture me even when we’re finally on a vacation?
Brad: I’m not going to lecture you; I only intend to teach you how to enjoy an onsen.
Will: Um, Brad-san! I’d like it if you could teach me too! I looked some things up to get prepared, but it’d be nice if someone more knowledgeable could teach me!
Brad: Hmm… You made preparations beforehand, huh. I like that attitude.
Akira: This guy’s been hyped ever since we knew we’d be going to an onsen! He totally overstuffed his luggage too!
Will: I-I mean! Even if we’re only staying somewhere nearby, we’re still all spending a night out somewhere that’s not the tower! Isn’t that basically a trip?!
As for the luggage, that was… I kept thinking about all things that we could need, and it got full on its own.
Akira: If you need something, you could just buy it here… Well, you always did pack a lot for trips ♪
Brad: You can chat as much as you want once you get in the onsen. First is the kakeyu; come here, both of you.
Will: (Ah, of course!)
Akira: (‘Kaay.)
Oscar: Brad-sama’s still guiding the rookies even though we’re here to relax… Ideally, I should be taking his place, but no matter how you slice it, he’s more knowledgeable than I… ugh, how shameful!
I have to make sure I properly support Brad-sama so he can enjoy his rare day off!
I have to make sure I properly support Brad-sama so he can enjoy his rare day off!
───
Akira: *gulp*, haah~... Milk after a bath is the best! It really hits the spot after soaking in the heat!
Will: --Haah~! Hehe, I really get what you mean! Milk after a bath might just be the best!
Akira: What you’re drinkin’ isn’t milk, though? Strawberry milk is heresy! Heresy!
Will: Why would you say that… Strawberry milk is a type of milk, and it’s sweeter and more delicious this way anyway!
Akira: Haah? What was that?!
Oscar: Oi oi, you two! Don’t start fighting over something like that!
Will: O-Oscar-san…! Ehehe, my apologies.
Akira: What are you drinking, Oscar?
Based on the color… ah, is that coffee-flavored milk?! That’s no good! In my eyes, that’s also a complete heres–
Oscar: This is protein. It’s cocoa flavored.
Akira: Protein~~~~~?!
Oscar: Even if I’m in a different environment, I can’t abandon my routine. I have to keep training whenever I can and remember to have my usual protein intake.
Will: That’s so impressive, Oscar-san! I have to follow your example…!
Akira: Wait, just when were ya even trainin'… Shit, I better get on that too...
Ah, what about that?! It’s technically a sport, so couldn’t it count as training?
Oscar: That…?
───
Will: Woah, it’s a table tennis table! Onsens really do have table tennis in them! When I was researching, there was something like that written.
Akira: Funfunfun… now’s a perfect time, let’s settle the score, Oscar! Let’s have a battle hotter than the onsen unfold!!
Oscar: Hmm… I’m willing to have a round with you, but… what do you think, Brad-sama?
Brad: I don’t mind. Accompany Akira; I’ll sit here and watch.
Oscar: Y-Yessir!
Will: Then I’ll be the referee. Please get ready, you two!
───
Akira: Uuooohh… Voltage… max!
Oscar: HAAAH!
Akira: Wh-- dude…! Why’d you do it again?!
Oscar: Ah! Sorry, I ended up overdoing it again...
Will: Ahaha… Oscar-san, why do you keep swinging the racket at the speed of sound? We’ve already broken so many balls...
Oscar: I-I know it doesn’t look it, but I’m trying my best to be gentle… Wouldn’t you have trouble hitting it slower if someone told you to, Akira?
Akira: Hmm, I guess I might… But what does the word “slow” even mean to you?
Oscar: I may not be suited for delicate sports like table tennis… What a disappointment….
Akira: What the… It’s boring as hell to win by default! I wanna more passionate contest, like our souls are fighting it out!
Will: I feel like you could say that was like a clash of spirits already, though...
Akira: Hm… Ah, that’s right, Brad. You go against me nex–
Huh, Brad? Where’d that guy go off to?
Oscar: What…! Brad-sama’s… gone?!
Just when did he… and more importantly, where did he go?
Could it be that he got fed up from watching me make those countless stupid mistakes? How could this be… Even though I just swore to support Brad-sama!
To think I would be the source of his irritation… Just how can I make up for this… No, I should focus on finding Brad-sama first!
───
Oscar: Brad-sama!
Brad: What are you so panicked about, Oscar? Come inside a little more quietly, or you’ll put this nice atmosphere to waste.
Oscar: Huh, Brad… sama…?
Brad: The view from this room’s window is splendid. There’s a vast Japanese garden outside that is carefully upkept, so it feels like we’ve really come to Japan.
Akira: What the hell, so Brad came back before us… Wait, are you already settin’ things up for the night?!
Woah, we’re gonna sleep on these lined up futons, huh!
Will: Woah, that’s that “Kawa no Ji”2 thing, right! Sleeping next to Brad-san and Oscar-san sounds kind of exciting!
Akira: Ehehe! I want the middle one! Whippee!
(Akira fooling around)
Will: Stop that, Akira! You can’t just decide that on your own!
Brad: I don’t mind. Feel free to choose a spot you’d like too, Will.
Will: Huh, r-really?! Ah, but you’re still taking the end spot, Akira! I know very well how much you shift in your sleep!
Akira: But I want the middle one! It’s not like we’re gonna sleep at all tonight anyway, right? If you’re on a trip, it’s a given that you’re gonna stay up all night chatting!
Will: All night, huh… I get that you’re excited, but since we had the opportunity to wind down in the onsen, let’s rest properly tonight and not put it to waste.
Akira: You say that, but weren’t ya looking forward to eating this place’s manjuu~? Given how much you splurged on earlier♪
Will: I-I bought those as souvenirs! I know this place is close by, but I was thinking of giving some to the guys on the other teams…
Akira: It’s not like all of those are souvenirs, right? Exactly how much of that is for you?
Will: Uuu… A-around half… no, 70% is for me…
Akira: Well would you look at that, aren’t you planning on stuffing yourself!
Will: (If you say stuff like that, I’m not gonna give them to you anymore!)
Akira: (Yeah, stuffing yourself! Stuffing yourself!)
Oscar: Haah… Akira and Will started fighting again… Even though I already scolded them today…
Brad: When you’re in a new environment doing things outside of your usual routine, you can’t help getting excited. Cut them some slack.
Oscar: Brad-sama!
Brad: I know how they’re feeling very well. I can’t deny that I’m in higher spirits than usual.
Oscar: Huh…?
Brad: Just being brought to an onsen is satisfying enough, but I hadn’t expected to be able to relax this much.
I think it’s because I came with you guys, instead of on my own, that I’m able to feel this way.
Oscar: I-Is that true?! We’ve been causing inconveniences for you and have been rowdy the whole day like usual, so I thought you weren’t able to fully enjoy yourself–
Brad: Why would you worry about such a thing? Ah, is it because I left my seat while you were in the middle of your table tennis match?
That was because… Haha, watching your back and forth made me feel hysterical. Since the rookies were there, I left early in order to calm myself down.
Oscar: You were… hysterical…?
Brad: Haha, just what was that handling of the racket, Oscar?
Oscar: Wha…! Brad-sama is… laughing?!
I’ve been by his side all these years, but seeing him laugh this much is still such a rare sight!
Brad: What happened to the rookies? It’s gotten quiet all of a sudden…
Oscar: Eh?
Akira: (*snore* Hmm… I’ll be at max voltage ‘till morn… this pillow fight will… mmm…)
Will: (*breath* This onsen manjuu’s… so tasty… hehe)
Oscar: It seems they ended up falling asleep… Even though they were just chattering so excitedly.
Brad: Haha, I guess they got tired from frolicking about. Well, I suppose we should get some proper rest tonight.
Once we tuck them in, we should head to bed too.
Oscar: Yessir!
Brad: I didn’t think I’d get to have such a worthwhile vacation. Thank you, Oscar.
Oscar: …! Brad-sama…
The next time we’re all able to get time off, let’s go to an actual onsen in Japan!
Brad: Yeah, I’ll be looking forward to it.
Will: "First-Hand Delinquent Experience for a Day—"
Akira… I’m thinking about becoming a delinquent.
Akira: Hah?
Will: Huh, did you not hear me? I said I’m thinking about becoming a delinquent, but what do you think?
Akira: Waitwaitwaitwait, hold on a sec, Will! This isn’t an issue of if I heard you or not!
Will: What, are you saying I don’t have it in me to be a delinquent?
I mean, right now I have no idea what I would need to do to be a delinquent, but…
Akira: What are you even goin' on about all of a sudden?
Will: Well, it’s always been bothering me, whether I’m too biased against delinquents or not, y’know.
Ever since you got into that incident, I haven’t held them in a good light, but I’ve been wondering if I’ve been overreacting.
Akira: Well, I guess I’ve thought that you don’t need to be so pissy about it?
Will: Sometimes when we’re on patrol, we run into your old friends, right? I’d feel really bad if I ended up being rude to them during times like that…
That’s why I’m thinking about becoming a delinquent.
Akira: I still don’t get it… It isn’t a good thing to hold that much bias against them, but what would becomin' a delinquent do?
Will: Well, they say experience is the best teacher, right? In order to get rid of my bias against delinquents, I first need to understand them!
And in that case, experiencing being a delinquent myself is the fastest way to achieve that, right?
Akira: So you’re gonna try being a delinquent for a day… It’s not like you become one that easily, though.
Well, whatever floats your boat. What do ya plan on doing first?
Will: Uh… change the way I speak, maybe?
Akira: And how will ya do that?
Will: … “Tsk, born and raised in Red South, I’m Will… Sprout. Nice to effing meet ya.” … Is something like that okay?
Akira: Yeah, I think you just give up while you’re ahead.
Will: C’mon, don’t say that—I mean, quit messing with me! *tsk*
Akira: Um, it’s not like clicking your tongue is enough to be a delinquent… Well whatever, what else are ya gonna do? It's not like you're only gonna change the way you speak, right?
Will: U-Uh, let's see… I guess next would be my conduct?
To be considered a delinquent, I'd have to do bad things, huh…
Akira: Don't force yourself to do anything too drastic, 'kay? If ya just want a little experience, there's no need to get into fights or smok—
Will: Alright, today I won't clean up my room at all! And I guess I won't do my laundry either… but that would inconvenience Jack, wouldn't it… Hmm…
Akira: Huh…? Is that what you consider "bad"?
Will: Yeah; I feel like it's gonna take a bunch of courage to do those kind of things, so I'm kind of nervous, though.
Akira: Hmm… Haha, if you’re that serious about it… Well, I guess it’s fine? Try doin' it until you’re satisfied.
Will: Then since we have the opportunity, I guess I’ll try going out as a delinquent! You should come too if you can, Akira!
Akira: Hm? Ahh… I have no clue what you’re planning to do, but I’m fine with taggin’ along!
But if you’re planning to act as a delinquent, your usual clothes won’t make the cut, right?
Will: That’s true… I don’t really dress like a delinquent, after all. Hmm… what should I wear, then?
───
Will: I-I can’t seem to calm down… I mean, do I even look like a proper delinquent in these clothes?
Akira: To be honest, you do look kinda off. Well, I lent you my clothes since they were more fittin' than yours, but I don’t really own clothes that scream “delinquent”, anymore, so…
But like, those clothes don’t suit ya at all, haha!
Will: Whatever, I don’t care if they suit me or not… I feel like it’d be even weirder if you told me they did…
Akira: Haha, so what now? What do ya plan to do now that we’re in town?
Will: Hmm… I wonder what I have to do to be considered a delinquent…
Akira: Let’s see… I don’t really remember doing anything special just because I was a delinquent, just me and my bros hangin’ out…
Will: Wah, that cafe over there is selling new items on its menu! They’re releasing all sorts of parfaits and pancakes to match the season, so I kinda wanna drop by and check it out.
Akira: It’s fine to go look, but it’s not something a delinquent would do.
Will: T-that’s… Is there something wrong with a delinquent who likes parfaits and sweets?
Akira: Nah, not really. I have friends who have a sweet tooth, and there are also guys who like things like mascot characters and anime and idols!
It really makes you wonder about what a delinquent is in the first place, huh…
Will: Hey, Akira… If a delinquent had a confrontation with Eclipse, what do you think they would do?
Akira: Eclipse? Just what are you going on about now… hmm… Well, I'm not sure how it'd be for everyone, but I'd face 'em head-on just like I do now!
I'm pretty sure most of the guys I've hung out with would do the same. Like, Gast would fight 'em for sure—
Will: I see… Since there are so many different types of delinquents, it's hard to sum them up in one word, huh. I thought becoming a delinquent would be simple, but I can even do as much as describe what they are…
Akira: Oh, you realized that?
I told you, didn't I? That you can't become one that easily.
Will: Yeah, I know. At the same time, I also feel like my bias against delinquents has gone away.
Akira: I see I see, that’s good, then! Now I won’t have to turn down my friends for weird reasons— Ah, I got a text… Yo, it’s from Gast!
Will: …!
Akira: Hmm, he’s saying he’s hangin’ out with his bros in Red South right now. Since they’re people I know, he’s wondering if I wanna go hang out with them.
Ya wanna come too, Will? You’re not bothered by delinquents anymore, right? So you should take this chance to get along with Gas–
Will: That is a completely different issue.
Akira: ???? Wh-Wha-What’s up with you, dude? Don’t go pullin’ those scary faces out of nowhere… Haven’t you already finished up your delinquent experience?
Will: My opinion on delinquents may have changed, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven Adler! I repeat: that is a completely different issue!
Akira: Huh… are you serious?
Will: We’re heading back to the tower, Akira.
Brad: “A word to you who wants to be cheered up by a hero—”
You’re feeling down? In times like these, you have no other choice but to secure some free time and make sure to rest your body.
Let's hope that, when you open your eyes in the morning, you will be revitalized.
SOUTH DRAMA CD: “Speed-Eating Showdown”
Jul. 18th, 2022 08:18 pmWill: “Speed-Eating Showdown—”
Brad: … Which means that it’s been decided that we’ll be participating in the street fair again this year. We don’t have a lot of preparations to take care of on our end, but I thought I’d let you know ahead of time.
Will: Wah, the street fair, huh! Come to think of it, heroes from Helios participate every year, right?
Oscar: It’ll be your first time participating, but you already know about the street fair, huh?
Will: Of course! Red South’s main street becomes open to pedestrians, and there are all sorts of stalls and people doing street performances!
If I recall, Helios hosts a handshake event with its heroes in Million Park, right? Back when we were kids, we went there to play all the time!
Right, Akira?
Akira: Hmmmrrrngngggghh…
Will: Akira? What’s wrong, does your stomach hurt?
Akira: That’s not it! I was just thinking that since we’ve got the chance to participate in the street fair, we should try doin’ something outside of the handshake event.
Every year was a blast, but I still feel like something’s lacking.
Will: L-Lacking, you say... It’s our first time participating as rookie heroes, so we should prioritize getting used to the status quo before–
Brad: What ideas do you have in mind?
Will: B-Brad-san?!
Brad: If we only do the handshake event year after year, it’s bound to get old. We’ve gradually had requests rolling in about wanting some new festivities.
Since the LOM takes priority, we’ve been pretty unsuccessful at turning proposed ideas into reality So if you have any ideas, share them with me now—
Akira: A hot dog eating showdown!
Brad: ? What—
Akira: A hot dog eating showdown!
Brad: A hot dog… eating showdown?
Will: A-Ahaha… Please don’t take what Akira’s saying seriously, Brad-san! He saw some news about a hot dog eating competition on TV, and that’s all he’s been thinking about ever since.
Oscar: You’re talking about the competition that was held in Green East, right? I saw that news too. The goal seemed to eat more hot dogs than anyone else in 10 minutes.
Akira: If we held a contest to find Helios’s top dog with Million Park as the setting, it’d definitely generate a ton of hype!
Will: Don’t you really just wanna get first place while fighting over your beloved hot dogs? Don’t drag Brad-san and Oscar-san into it!
Akira: T-That’s part of it, but… I really did think it’d be exciting for everyone…
Brad: There might be some merit to trying it out.
Will: Huh?
Brad: If we consider the time we have left and how much we’d have to prepare, I think hosting a speed-eating contest is a good idea.
Will: But that means you and Oscar-san would have to participate too!
Oscar: I have no problem with that. I’d do well enough if it’s a matter of eating fast, and I think it’s an interesting idea.
I remember that Akira came up with our Halloween costumes, too. You’re quite creative, huh.
A family of Pharaohs from ancient Egypt… I was worried about how it would turn out at first, but the citizens were really happy with our costumes, so I remember considering them a success.
Akira: Right?! My genius sense of style had exploded when I came up with it! Yeah yeah, I really… am… a genius!
Will: Ahaha, there he goes getting carried away…
Brad: There were parts of that costume that I was, well, concerned with, but the citizens were pleased just as Oscar said, so we got desirable results.
I can’t say I have any confidence in eating fast, but I could at least give it a shot. I’ll organize the preparations for the competition.
Akira: Alright, then it’s settled! Just you wait, street fair!
───
Akira: UUUOOUGHH, I’M AT MAX VOLTAGE! At last, the day of the hot dog speed-eating showdown has arrived!
Will: Glad to see you enjoying yourself, Akira… Well, today’s contest has been the only thing you’ve thought about ever since we decided on doing it, I guess.
Akira: That’s right; I’ve spent all this time holdin’ back on hot dogs all for today’s contest. I’m gonna eat and eat and stuff myself until I win!
Will: I was a bit worried about it being a hot dog eating contest, but knowing we’ll be eating our own favorite foods relieved me a little.
Oscar: It’s thanks to Brad-sama’s consideration that the contest was changed from a hot dog eating contest to a contest involving our favorite foods.
Akira: I was fine with it just being hot dogs… Well, I’d win a little too easily if we were just eating hot dogs! I’m still gonna win this contest though!
Brad: The event is going to start soon, guys. The venue’s getting crowded with all the citizens pouring in. Sit down where the plate with your name is laid.
Oscar: (Yessir!)
Will: (Yes!)
Akira: (‘Kaaay.)
Brad: Each of your favorite foods is laid out in front of you. Once they sound off, you can remove the dome cover and begin eating.
Akira: Funfunfun, On top of being at top hot dog eating conditions from holdin’ myself back, I’ve also observed recordings of speed-eating contests and learned the most efficient way to eat hot dogs.
There’s no way I’m gonna lose, this is gonna be a landslide victory!
Uooogh, Voltage Max!
Brad: Hm.
Akira: Huh, what’s going on? Brad looks surprised about what’s on his plate… Wha? Isn’t that a hot dog?!
Why are the hot dogs in front of Brad?! Weren’t we gonna compete with our favorite foods?!
Will: Akira… Akira…! What do I do… I have sushi on my plate!
Akira: What?!
Will: They could’ve arranged them the wrong way by mistake… Hey, look at Oscar-san! He looks super troubled because of the jumbo parfait in front of him!
Oscar: Parfait… *chew*, what… is this? … It’s a parfait…
Akira: What do you mean they arranged them wrong by mistake?! Since Brad has the hot dogs, and these two have the sushi and parfaits… the only thing left is Oscar's favorite food! So I have the… lobster rolls?
Hmm… hot dogs and lobster rolls are kinda similar, I guess.
Akira: Huh, what the hell is this?
Oscar: Ah! That's my favorite food! Or rather, that's the protein-filled version I requested!
Oscar: This may be a competition, but eating too many lobster rolls isn’t good for you. In order to sustain my muscles, I made a request for protein to be added. They also added egg whites to these.
Akira: P…Protein-filled version?! I came prepared to totally stuff myself with hot dogs, so this could get ugly…
They look a little… strange, too. Wait, if I try them they might actually be good! And I wanna build muscle too!
*chew*... Ewwww!!! There’s no way I can eat a bunch of these! What do I do…
In the first place, why don’t we just stop and restart if everything’s mixed up? That’s right, if we do that then everything’ll be solv—
B-Brad?! Why’s he eating my hot dogs? And with a knife and fork that he got from God knows where…!
Wow… He’s inhaling those things so fast you can barely see it… Wait, this ain’t the time to be impressed!
It’d be way too awkward to stop now that he’s already started! What’s everyone else doing?
Oscar: OOouughhh! I’ll follow your lead, Brad-sama! *chew* Next… Next!
Uuu, it’s so cold… The chill is sinking its way into my body… so cold!
Akira: What the hell is up with our mentors?! They wouldn’t need to force themselves if we just restarted!
The citizens seem really happy… They’re all squealing at Brad’s knife handling, and laughing at Oscar struggling with the cold…
! That’s it… Isn’t this what Will was telling me? I’ve spent this whole time only thinking about eating hot dogs and winning the competition, but the reason we’re doing this event is to hype up the street fair and entertain the citizens!
Shit… I’m such an idiot, spending all this time only thinking about myself! I gotta stop screwin’ around and follow their lead!
Oouuughhhhh, I’M AT MAX VOLTAGE!!! *chew*... God, this is horrible…
? What is it now…
Will: Another plate, please! I can keep going!
Akira: Will…? W-Woah… Since when has Will built up that pile of sushi plates… How’s that dude stuffing himself that much in this kinda situation?!
Will: Ah, I ran out of honey. Excuse me, could I have another serving of honey?
Akira: Honey?! Why would you need honey if you’re eatin’ sush—
Will: Hehe, honey really is the best! As long as I have this, I can enjoy any food!
Akira: H-He put! That much! Honey! On the! Sushi!!!
Oscar: ! Brad-sama’s face is turning blue! You can’t look at it! Please look away, Brad-sama!
Brad: T-The sushi is… being covered in honey— *gurgle*
Oscar: B-Brad-samaaa!
───
Will: I don’t really get it myself, but I guess I won! Hehe~
Akira: Damn, that was amazing, Will! Thanks to you, the event was super exciting! You’re the talk of the town on social media too. It’s really frustrating, but this time you were the winner, Will!
Will: Huh, r-really? I was just taking my time enjoying the sushi… hearing that from you makes it all worth it!
Brad: Sushi… honey… urgh…
Oscar: “Stress Elimination Method: Mentor Style—”
(Sparring Brad & Oscar)
Brad: Let’s up the pace, Oscar. There’s no point in holding back.
Oscar: I’m not trying to hold back… Well then, how’s this?! Haah!
Brad: Hah, hah… That’s a good offensive. Alright, come at me some more!
That turned out to be a good practice. There really is a lot of merit in sparring with you.
Oscar: It's an honor to hear that. Brad-sama, here’s some water.
Brad: Thanks. By the way, Oscar, you have tomorrow off, right? Do you have any plans?
Oscar: Huh? Let’s see… I’ve been thinking that it’s about time to redo my training menu, so I was thinking about working on that.
Brad: I see…
Oscar: Um, Brad-sama… Is something the matter? It’s rare for you to ask about my plans for my days off…
Brad: The truth is, I got back the results of the stress check from Headquarters today.
Oscar: Stress check? Ah, that thing we filled out a few days ago, right?
Could it be that there was something wrong with the rookies’—
Brad: Nothing stood out in particular on the rookies’ results.
Akira got a stress level of 100% and his results were marked as needing attention, so I got worried for a moment, but it turns out he checked all the things he didn’t mean to check by accident.
Oscar: Akira… He asked me how to answer the questions so I showed him how, but to think he would still make such a blunder… My sincerest apologies.
Brad: You don’t need to apologize. I didn’t want to talk about Akira’s situation, in any case.
Oscar, your results turned up a stress level of 60%, which needs to be checked up on.
Oscar: Huh, mine…?
Brad: Based on that reaction, I’m guessing you weren’t aware of it.
That’s right… rather, I’ve never thought the idea of stress had anything to do with me…
The fact that you got this result without even being aware of it might prove to be problematic… to put it another way, this is worrisome.
Oscar: W-Worrisome…? T-There is no need for you to worry yourself over this!
Brad: For starters, don’t do any work tomorrow and just rest.
Oscar: H-However!
Brad: We don’t know if work is the cause just yet, so try taking a break so we can find out.
Oscar: I can’t imagine work being the cause, but If Brad-sama wishes me to, I shall comply.
Brad: Yeah, please do.
Are there any things you do to reduce your stress normally?
Oscar: To reduce stress…? Nothing in particular comes to mind.
Brad: I suppose if you weren’t aware of your stress, it would be expected for you to not have a method to reduce stress.
Is there anything you do when you’re looking for a change of pace? Like going for a walk or listening to music.
Oscar: Walk… music?
Ah, come to think of it, the rookies said they were planning on training tomorrow, so joining them sounds like a good plan—
Brad: Doesn’t that count as work?
Oscar: Y-You’re right…
Brad: Heh, I guess you’re not the type to leave your comfort zone.
Oscar: Um, how do you eliminate your stress?
Brad: Me? Let me think… If I’m feeling a little stressed, sitting in Zazen and meditating helps me feel better. I’ll also take my car on a drive and go to some enjoyable places to let off steam.
Oscar: I see! It’s very impressive that you have a proper method to eliminate your stress!
Brad: Now’s not the time to be impressed. You should take the time to come up with your own method.
I’d take you for a drive somewhere if I had time… Well, if there’s anything else I can help you with, don’t hesitate to ask.
Oscar: That’s… I couldn’t have you go out of your way—!
Brad: Maybe this kind of thing is an issue too.
Oscar: Huh?
Brad: You have a habit of being way too considerate of me. Being overly conscientious when it comes to other people is a common cause of stress.
Oscar: You’re wrong! That can’t be true!
Brad: Oscar…?
Oscar: I do this because I want to—or rather, it comes as naturally as breathing to me!
I’ll follow your order to take a break from work and rest, but I won’t oblige in an order to not be considerate of you!
…I-I’m so sorry, Brad-sama! I would never dare to speak back to—
Brad: Heh, Don’t fret like that. So you can’t stop being considerate of me even if I order you to, huh? Thinking back on it, it’s not like I ordered you to act like that either.
I got it. If you’re acting like that because you want to, I won’t say anything.
Oscar: B-Brad-sama…
Brad: If taking a step back from your work turns out to be a source of anguish for you, then—
Oscar: Um, Brad-sama! I’ve come up with a way to relieve my stress!
Brad: Hm, what is it?
Oscar: Sparring with you. I think trading blows with you has a lot of merits, and I always feel full of bliss when we finish a session!
Brad: I see. Then how does another round sound?
Oscar: W-Would you be willing to join?!
Brad: I’d have no problem joining you for a spar. If you’d be okay with me, I’ll accompany you until your stress alleviates.
Oscar: T-Thank you very much, Brad-sama! Your assistance is very much appreciated!