The camera shook violently, cutting back and forth between the current Rappa and the past Rappa.
Finally, the frame froze.
Her eyes were vacant as she stared at the person before her. "Ninja hero? It seems my trial has come to an end."
The Galaxy Ranger sighed. She knew exactly what kind of place this was, so she could already guess what Rappa had gone through. "Trial? What are you talking about, ninja hero slang… Another poor kid driven mad by monkeys, ninja hero slang."
"The ultimate trial of the degenerate age… breaking the formation of the Monkey-Prison House, eradicating the calamity enveloping this land… May I ask… have I earned the title of 'Ninja Hero'?"
"Ninja hero slang" no way… That explains why every last one of these ninja hero slang in the lab is dead on the floor." The Galaxy Ranger glanced around. Bodies lay everywhere, chests no longer rising or falling—stone dead.
"All of this… you did it alone?"
"Ten years of ascetic training, crowned in a single moment… I have not failed the Dazzling Ninja techniques… Master Kucha, how I wish you could witness this scene…" With those words, Rappa lifted the corners of her mouth. In this atmosphere, the smile looked utterly eerie.
"Ninja hero slang" I get it now—this girl's infected with a memetic virus. Damn, any normal person would've ninja hero slang turned into ninja hero slang already, but she's still bouncing around? Kid, listen to me! You're in serious danger. If you don't get treatment soon, your brain's gonna explode eventually!"
"Wait! Since I have now become a ninja hero capable of standing against evil ninjas… may I… lend you my assistance…?"
"Ninja hero slang", you're still talking about that? You trying to throw your life away? Dead people can't take revenge. You wanna walk the Path of The Hunt? Kid, that's a one-way road!"
"Great Lan, the Skybow, above all."
A splash of graffiti painted across the screen.
"Purge all evil."
"No rest until death."
"Even when the arrow is on the string, never to return…"
Layer after layer of graffiti eventually covered the entire screen.
And Rappa finally became the Rappa that the audience knew.
"One must remain single-minded, shatter evil, and manifest righteousness. One who upholds the 'Way of the Ninja' is a ninja hero. I… have made my decision."
[The happier she laughed before, the more tragic that smile looks now.]
[We mocked Rappa for being chuuni, but we didn't know this was the very faith that helped her survive the experiments.]
[Really love that one comment from the audience: Laugh, why aren't you laughing now?]
[miHoYo sir, these really are some vicious knives.]
[We all have bright futures ahead.]
[Main thing is, every episode starts with a Galactic Ninja Scrolls recap, so everyone thought it was telling Rappa's backstory from some ninja village or ninja planet. Turns out she came straight out of Dr. Primitive's lab. Writers are insane lol.]
[That contrast hits hard.]
[But at least the ending was badass!]
[Gotta say, the Galaxy Ranger embodies everything I define as romantic!]
[The Hunt is never narrow-minded.]
— —
"CUT—— Perfect, perfect! Trailblazer actor, you are destined to become a great director like me one day.
These memories are enough to create the explosive climax needed to put an end to this absurd monkey play. But before that…
On the other side, the prelude prepared for the crescendo is already in place."
Just as Director Mr. Reca said, the story of the other group of actors continued.
The camera panned to a different set.
Robin used the power of Harmony to check, confirming that Boothill was no longer in serious danger.
Although Boothill and March 7th had almost completely dismantled the Sleep-Banana Society, the noise in Dreamflux Reef had still not been cleared.
More and more residents were turning into sleep-banana little monkeys.
At that moment.
Micah also arrived and joined the three of them. Skipping all formalities, he had a bold plan in mind.
And Robin was the key to breaking the deadlock.
However, once the plan was carried out, the boundary between Dreamflux Reef and Penacony might cease to exist.
"What will happen to this place afterward… I need a promise."
Robin did not hesitate for even a second. "I understand… Then I'll have to ask Mr. Boothill and Miss March 7th to take action first."
[I just want to ask one question: how does Old Mi design such perfect characters?]
[Robin really does feel perfect—in every possible sense.]
[Secretly telling everyone: I'm actually Miss Robin's dog!]
— —
March 7th and Boothill began their operation.
While dealing with the banana assistants, March 7th spotted Montana's figure. To save her classmate, March 7th chased after her once again, risking everything.
Muttering under her breath, "I can't just leave her! I'll come find you to regroup later—not deserting in the middle of battle, okay?"
Boothill gave a slight smile. "You didn't even have to say it, Nameless lady."
He chambered a round and pressed forward, shooting any banana assistant he saw on sight.
But from then on, the path grew strangely clear.
Banana assistants fell one after another, yet after walking for a long while, Boothill hadn't encountered a single one.
Though there were no enemies, something felt off—extremely off. "Is there some other expert around?"
[Could it be Acheron?]
[For real? Is Mei coming?]
[So many banana-assistant corpses—probably Acheron came through slashing.]
[That's gotta be it. Acheron got lost, but the place felt familiar, like she'd been here before. She asked a banana assistant for directions, it went "banana banana banana," and she just one-shot it.]
[Would Acheron even be affected?]
[Probably not. She might just forget she was affected.]
[Very Nihility of her.]
— —
As the number of banana-assistant corpses grew, Boothill spotted Director Mr. Reca not far ahead.
[Aw, not Acheron?]
[Blue mushroom sadness!]
[Director Mr. Reca showing up makes sense too, I guess.]
"It's truly delightful to see an actor who isn't a monkey. Otherwise this scene would feel far too monotonous." Mr. Reca set down the banana assistant in his hand. "Though I admit this entrance is a bit forced. But time is limited… For an opening, a touch of contrivance is forgivable."
Boothill holstered his gun. "Who are you—Robin's people? No… you're a Remembrance?"
"Sharp intuition, but that identity isn't important. I'm here purely out of an uncompromising demand for cinematic aesthetics."
Boothill hated flowery, pretentious speech and riddle-speak the most. "The hell are you yapping about, baby? Was gonna warn you to back off, but if a cryptic bastard like you turns into a monkey, at least it'll quiet things down."
"To you, my appearance must seem abrupt, even lacking proper buildup. Under normal circumstances, I would never accept such unrefined staging." Mr. Reca gave a slight bow in apology. "But for the sake of this film, I'm willing to set aside some principles and provide you two Rangers with a small connection."
Boothill let out an obvious "Ohhh." "So Rappa sent you? No wonder you talk all twisty like her."
Mr. Reca cut straight to the point. "Right now, there certainly exists a way to save Dreamflux Reef. If the Family intervenes, resolving the anomaly here would be child's play. But that may not be an ending everyone can accept."
"You're underestimating this place." Boothill couldn't help shaking his head.
"They gave up the beautiful dreams outside just so they could be themselves again. You think a group like that would bow to the Family over a little crisis?"
"Mr. Micah thinks the same. But blind passion alone cannot save Dreamflux Reef. At this moment, I also don't wish to direct a tragedy.
If we want to overcome this without relying on Family aid, the people of Dreamflux Reef must sing their own 'Harmony' song. That is why I came.
I have prepared a gift for you all—it is the 'script' for the next act. When you open it, you will understand naturally." Mr. Reca glanced toward a large box not far away.
"Why should I trust you?"
"In this scene, I am both director and actor. For my final scene before I wrap… I have no reason not to pursue perfection."
Boothill first inspected the gift Director Mr. Reca had prepared. "Alright—let's see what kind of stunt you're pulling."
The camera stayed locked on his face.
The audience had no idea what was inside.
Only Boothill's expression cycled through a riot of emotions.
"This is…"
"Ha… hahaha…"
"No kidding! That little cutie's got some moves. If you want the people of Dreamflux Reef to sing a 'Harmony' song, there really isn't a better way!
Time to go meet the big star! Baby, this place really isn't so pathetic it needs the Family's help!"
In his heart, Boothill quietly marveled, "Alright, this guy's plot actually has some spice. Guess I'll help him round up some actors."
…
Not long after.
Boothill reunited with Robin and Micah.
After some discussion, the three came up with a solution.
"There really is a way to resolve the crisis in Dreamflux Reef without anyone noticing. Since the tuning of 'Harmony' can eliminate noise, if the residents are willing to join me in choral performance, we may be able to dispel the malign tune echoing through Dreamflux Reef.
But considering some residents' prejudices against the Family, this won't be easy."
Micah added, "More importantly, if Dreamflux Reef ends up with only the Family's harmonious music left… then even if we survive this crisis, the last free corner of Penacony will exist in name only."
"In that case, why not let all the voices ring out together! Listen, I've got a brilliant idea right now." Boothill waved at Robin. "Come with me, big star. Next up, it's all about how rebellious you're willing to get."
Robin furrowed her brow slightly but still followed Boothill.
The two arrived at the open-air stage in Dreamflux Reef.
They stood before Director Mr. Reca's gift.
"Look here, big star. Right now, there's only one way to hold a grand chorus in Dreamflux Reef…" Boothill opened the gift box—of course, the audience still couldn't see inside.
"This…"
Boothill raised an eyebrow. "I don't need to spell it out, do I? Don't tell me you're so used to being up on high that you can't handle what's right in front of you."
"That's not it… Anything related to music, I can manage to some degree. But… this really is absurd." Robin pondered for a moment. "Still, perhaps an absurd crisis should be met with an absurd solution."
[Little Bird really is all-rounder.]
[So what the heck is in there? All mysterious.]
[Probably DJ equipment. It was in the trailer.]
[She says that, but her voice sounds super excited.]
[Poor Sunday, missing such an important performance.]
[Hahaha, stop, I feel bad for Sunday bro already.]
— —
Boothill grinned. "That's the spirit. I'll make damn sure to bring everyone we need. Someone dances and saves the world, someone cries and wipes out the enemy—now it's our turn! When the crisis hits life-or-death, we throw one hell of a b*** party!"
With that, Boothill launched into a full-on recruitment spree.
At first things went smoothly; he successfully persuaded several Dreamflux Reef residents to head to the open-air stage.
Gotta admit—a big star's name carries weight.
Soon Boothill ran into the next resident.
"Yo buddy, don't just stand there. There's a huge party over there—loves you tons. You coming to check it out?"
"Micah already told us. Join the Family's harmony? Get lost." The resident's tone was ice-cold and merciless.
"Hah, stealing my lines now? Fine then, easy fix."
Boothill casually drew his pistol and pointed it straight at the resident. "I know this is a bit ridiculous, but move your ass. Either go to the party and take your turf back, or let the party play a nice funeral dirge for you."
[Boothill holding Truth in his hand.]
[Hahahaha, I'm dying.]
[No wonder Boothill gets shit done so fast.]
[There's nothing one bullet can't solve. If there is, use two.]
"You…" The resident's voice was already trembling.
"Never seen a thug before? I'm not Micah. Wanna bet whether I'll pull the trigger?"
"What the hell is going on… The people who didn't turn into monkeys are even crazier? Fine, do what you want… just put the gun down first."
— —
Boothill kept moving, hunting for his next target.
No—his next survivor!
After only a few steps, a head of vivid pink hair caught his eye. "There she is."
Sure enough.
It was March 7th, standing in front of Montana. "Yo, look who showed up."
March 7th gave an awkward laugh when she saw Boothill. "Ah… I've been looking for you forever."
"Guess whether I believe that or not."
"Fine, forget it—count half those banana assistants I took down as mine, okay?"
Boothill spread his hands. "That half is still just 'half'."
[What does that mean?]
[Any danmu care to explain?]
[Boothill took out one; the rest were handled by Mr. Reca.]
[Ohhh, got it.]
"Ehh—I was wondering why nothing changed. Come on, let's hurry."
March 7th started to move, but Boothill held out an arm to stop her. "No need. We've got a new plan now. How about you—business done over here?"
After confirming Montana was fine, he led the two of them toward the open-air stage.
"Hah, what did I tell ya, bro? Who the hell does choral singing these days?" Boothill said to Robin. "But mention a party, and they'll fight to get in line."
March 7th blinked rapidly. "Huh? Party?"