Hole Arc

Story guide

At the bottom of a deep hole, Hachiware is covered in dirt and calls upward for help, having dropped a blue Subjugation tool beside them. They repeatedly shout for someone to pull them up, but no one appears at the rim and only their voice remains against the rock walls. Seen from above, Hachiware looks small at the center of the large circular hole. They pick up the tool and remind themself that only one more intended opponent remains. Then a large gray-brown body with segmented legs approaches from behind, startling them into dropping the tool again. Trapped against the wall with no way to escape, Hachiware finally resolves to manage somehow on their own and works up the will not to lose.

Story guide

As torrential rain pours down to the bottom of a hole, Hachiware sits alone with a blue tool left rolling on the ground. Hachiware lets out a weak complaint that there is no joy, and tears stream down their cheeks. After wiping their face with a hand and trembling, they tell themselves that once the rain stops they will climb up one more time. After that, they are beaten by the rain with a hand held to their mouth, and briefly bring their hands together and face forward. In the final panel, Hachiware faces forward with large eyes full of tears, and that is where it ends.

Story guide

In the rain, Chiikawa comes to the rim of the large hole and finds Hachiware at the bottom. Hachiware also looks up and realizes that a familiar face has finally appeared. When Chiikawa asks why Hachiware is in such a place, Hachiware explains that they came to do Weeding, got lost, and fell into the hole. The blue Subjugation tool is still at the bottom, and the rock walls are tall and wet. Chiikawa puts a hand on the rim and immediately tries to get closer, but Hachiware strongly stops them, saying that if both fall in, neither will be able to climb out. Chiikawa catches themself as their foothold begins to give way, then shows the desire to help while looking for another method from above.

Story guide

In the rain, Chiikawa finds a long green vine and carries it to the rim of the hole. Hachiware still cannot get back out alone, but cheers when they see Chiikawa holding up the vine. Chiikawa loops one end around a thick nearby tree and ties it firmly to the trunk. After checking the knot, they drop the remaining length into the hole, where it reaches the bottom along the rock wall. Hachiware grabs the hanging part with both hands, feels relieved that they can climb with it, and thanks Chiikawa. The blue Subjugation tool remains below and the footing is still wet, but the two have first secured a single route out.

Story guide

Hachiware grabs the rain-soaked vine with both hands and begins climbing the wall of the hole. Above, Chiikawa watches over them with a stern expression, but rocks crumble and Hachiware's body sways. Chiikawa is concerned about the blue subjugation equipment left at the bottom of the hole and makes their way down along the vine themselves. When Chiikawa picks up the equipment and holds it sideways, Hachiware is startled and urges them not to push themselves and to leave it there. They further warn that carrying it as is will leave both hands occupied and make climbing impossible. Even so, Chiikawa brings the equipment toward their mouth without letting go and considers how to carry it beside the vine. It is an act of trying to bring back not only a rescue but also Hachiware's precious equipment together.

Story guide

At the bottom of the hole, Chiikawa holds the blue Subjugation tool horizontally before their body and tries to climb by combining it with the vine. Because the tool is long, their body sways hard from side to side and their face seems to spin in a blur. Hachiware worries whether this method is safe and calls out that Chiikawa is wobbling, but Chiikawa continues while laughing at the unstable motion. As they climb, both ends of the tool approach the rim and will not fit through the narrow space. At the end, Hachiware leans down from above, firmly grabs the blue handle and Chiikawa, and pulls them up. The two emerge into the rainy ground, leaving only the green vine in the hole.

Story guide

Outside the hole, Chiikawa and Hachiware stand together in the rain and celebrate that both are safe. The green vine used for the rescue and the recovered blue Subjugation tool lie on the ground. Before long the rain stops, and bright sky shows through the clouds. Chiikawa offers the blue tool to Hachiware with both hands, explaining that they did not leave it behind because it was important. Hachiware receives the scratched tool and thanks them with a smile. A faint rainbow appears in the sky, and the two look up at it smiling. At the end, Hachiware invites Chiikawa to eat instant noodles together once they get home, and Chiikawa agrees with satisfaction. A long rain and rescue close on a promise to return to an everyday meal.