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