Uprising Arc

Story guide

At a standing soba-like restaurant, Chiikawa and Hachiware find Rakko eating noodles behind them. Rakko seems to have wanted the same thing, but Chiikawa and Hachiware cannot immediately grasp that feeling. A small complaint over choosing food creates awkwardness and humor in the cramped shop. Watching Rakko, Hachiware senses that this will not be a meal that simply ends with eating. Steaming bowls and the large figure behind them set up a scene where a particular attachment to food leads to an unexpected exchange.

Story guide

Hachiware tells Chiikawa about the lyrics of a song they are listening to and takes them to be about believing in the future. The two translate an English line on a computer screen and confirm its meaning. Hachiware compares the English in the music with the translation and repeats what seems to be the idea carried by the song. Chiikawa listens and takes in Hachiware's discovery. Before the challenge in the game begins, this is a quiet scene of enjoying words and music.

Story guide

Chiikawa and Hachiware look side by side at the launch screen of a competitive game called Uprising Online. Hachiware tells them to watch and operates the mouse, and after a while, shouts out that they have successfully pulled off an uprising, with Chiikawa responding with a cheer. Following this, a rank is displayed on the screen, and Hachiware reads it out as two hundred and thirty-seventh place. Then, Hachiware says they have thought of a good idea, and Chiikawa, not understanding what they mean, has question marks floating in their mind. Hachiware confesses that they might try to aim for a high rank in the game, and Chiikawa nods repeatedly in agreement.

Story guide

Hachiware continues playing Uprising Online and, while looking at the screen beside Chiikawa, raises their ranking to 135 and then 90. Rakko watches the controls from behind and encourages Hachiware that they can aim to become a top-ranked player. Hachiware asks whether Rakko, their teacher, also plays games, but Rakko does not answer right away. As the two celebrate the rising ranking, Rakko appears to begin taking an interest in the game.

Story guide

Rakko starts playing Uprising Online in front of Hachiware and Chiikawa. Rakko proceeds while thinking that the people must be brought in as allies, but the first attempt ends in failure. Continuing to play, Rakko then sees Uprising Succeeded and a rank of 1,021 on the screen. Rakko remarks that Hachiware and Chiikawa might be the teachers instead. This is a moment in which Rakko, who had been the teacher, becomes the beginner and their positions are reversed.

Story guide

Rakko asks Chiikawa and Hachiware what they do after a cold-water bath. The two enter the bath and show that they endure it even though it is difficult. Rakko enters the same tub and tries to stay under a little longer, but their expression becomes strained. Even after getting out, Rakko remains concerned about not having been able to get close enough to the water. Chiikawa and Hachiware share the sense that it is cold enough to make their eyes roll back.

Cultural and language noteA cold-water bath is a tub of cold water. This scene is not about competing to stay in it longer; it treats the bodily sensation of enduring the cold as comedy.

Story guide

Hachiware spots Rakko in front of a standing soba shop and recalls how they had long regarded Rakko's way of eating as strong. Hachiware eats soba in the same way and, after tasting it, thinks that becoming stronger requires continuing with something. Carrying a pouch and a tool, Hachiware starts walking with Rakko behind them, giving them a starting point for thinking about their goal.

Cultural and language noteStanding soba shops, where customers eat soba quickly while standing inside, are commonly seen in Japan.

Story guide

At a screen, Hachiware keeps playing while hoping to get first place this time. Chiikawa watches beside them, but the result reads thirty-third place, and Hachiware is discouraged that it did not go as hoped. Even so, Chiikawa stays close and suggests trying again, while Hachiware tries to regain their resolve for the next attempt.

Story guide

Chiikawa and Hachiware type on keyboards side by side, and the screen progresses smoothly. Hachiware hypes themself up, saying that at this rate they will get the high score and a top ranking is within reach. However, on the screen, the yellow-clothed character is slashed by an opponent with a sword and a sedge hat, a notice appears saying they have fallen victim to a random slashing, and the large result "You are 33rd" immediately follows. Hachiware lets out a sound and slumps over the keyboard, surprising Chiikawa. Seeing them downcast, saying they were so close, Chiikawa wonders if Hachiware is crying. But Hachiware immediately gets up and says they will try again, laughing to show they are not crying, which relieves Chiikawa.

Story guide

Hachiware takes on the Uprising again while Chiikawa and Usagi watch the screen beside them. This time the result shows third place, and although Hachiware is puzzled by a rank that is not their goal, they suggest bringing a camera to photograph the screen. The three leave their seats, and Hachiware heads toward another attempt with the hope that first place may be within reach.

Story guide

This single image shows Momonga holding a large light-blue tail to their chest and making an expression as though closing one eye. Short sound effects appear on either side, but no one is shown responding and nothing shows what Momonga is signaling. There are no panels establishing movement before or after; the image ends by presenting the expression Momonga makes while holding their tail.

Story guide

Hachiware operates the screen again and is surprised to see a result of third place. Chiikawa takes in the same result beside them, and the two try to work out whose scores the numbers for second and third belong to. As they talk about bringing a camera, they leave their seats, and Hachiware runs off positively, thinking that they may be able to reach first place next time.

Story guide

Rakko tells the returning Chiikawa and Hachiware that they placed highly. Large numbers two and three appear before them, and Rakko says that rankings apparently show up on their bodies. Chiikawa and Hachiware are pleased by the unexpected evaluation, and Rakko proposes going out for yakiniku to celebrate. At the end, the number one is superimposed over Rakko.

Story guide

Rakko brings Chiikawa and Hachiware to a yakiniku grill and urges them to cook the meat carefully. As the two eat and talk about their recent Uprising result, Rakko catches the remark and decides that they need special training next. Chiikawa is taken aback by the decision, and Hachiware, answering Rakko's questions, is set to move on to training.

Cultural and language noteAt yakiniku, diners grill meat on a tabletop grate as they eat, so watching the doneness and turning the meat can become part of the conversation.

Story guide

This single image shows Kurimanju holding a small can, with English text and an arrow indicating that they are drinking something from it. A short breath-like text beside Kurimanju suggests that they have finished drinking, but neither the name nor the purpose of the drink is given. There is no exchange with anyone else or continuation of a meal; only Kurimanju holding the can is shown on its own.

Story guide

Chiikawa and Hachiware walk past a yakiniku restaurant with white paper wrapped around their bodies and tied in knots. Rakko asks whether they ended up dressed that way because of their meal that day, and the two talk about the delicious meat they ate. When Rakko points out that the paper makes them look as though they are wearing paper aprons, Chiikawa and Hachiware become newly aware of their appearance.

Cultural and language noteAt yakiniku restaurants, diners may wear paper aprons to protect their clothes from grease splatters; the paper on the two resembles such aprons in the image.

Story guide

Chiikawa learns that Hachiware is starting special training and considers their own involvement in the same examination. The two run to the meeting place, then move to a scene where they hurriedly finish a meal even while training. At the table, Rakko explains that they have only just begun training and have not yet reached any special stage. Chiikawa and Hachiware take this in and also undertake practical training involving fire. It ends with Chiikawa asking Rakko about the upcoming examination as Rakko continues eating.

Story guide

Chiikawa opens their Weeding Certification book at their house at night and continues writing in it while moving their pencil, but as they get lost in thought, they lie down, sigh, and start to doze off. They suddenly sit up and shiver, remembering the exchange where Hachiware asked about the progress of their qualification and they answered that they were working hard on it. Next, Chiikawa imagines a scene where Hachiware and Rakko welcome them holding a paper that says "Passed Grade 5," and a scene where they sit around presents with Usagi and the others. They grip the pencil once more and let out a spirited shout, and it ends with that voice echoing outside the house at night.

Story guide

Hachiware tells Chiikawa that they are starting special training today, then sets off with their equipment. Excited by the news, Chiikawa immediately tries to follow, but Hachiware asks them to wait at home. When Hachiware returns home, however, Chiikawa has already arrived ahead of them. Chiikawa shows that they have advanced in rank since before and reacts to Hachiware's training. The scene reaches the point where Chiikawa's strong interest joins Hachiware's plan to proceed alone.

Story guide

This is a single illustration of Usagi swinging their arms widely and making different short sound effects in speech bubbles on either side. Musical notes show that this is not a quiet monologue, but a forceful vocalization with a rhythm. Usagi is drawn as if repeating the same movement, with the bubble text arranged to match it. No response, setting, or surrounding events are shown; Usagi's voice and arm movement are the subject. Rather than moving the story forward, it is a small cut that joins the sound of words with an action.

Story guide

After hearing that Hachiware has begun special training, Chiikawa cannot simply see them off and runs to catch up. Hachiware is surprised to hear that Chiikawa has advanced in rank and asks why they started training. Chiikawa answers by pointing to the better meals they have been eating than before. After hearing this, Hachiware puts Chiikawa's efforts into words, and a brief pause falls between them. It ends with Chiikawa quietly accepting the assessment while Hachiware remains nearby.

Story guide

While Chiikawa has a book open at their desk, Hachiware quietly watches from outside the window. Hachiware hesitates several times before speaking and stays by the window while checking Chiikawa's reaction. Eventually, Hachiware says that rather than going on alone, they want to take the next rank examination with Chiikawa. Chiikawa accepts this and continues considering the meaning of the gesture after Hachiware leaves. The scene gives shape to their promise to share the next goal.

Story guide

Hachiware notices that Rakko's weapon has a long reach and wonders whether they could use one too. Rakko hears the question nearby, while Hachiware appears to wait for a chance to use one. Usagi then passes by carrying a long pole. Hachiware calls Usagi over and notices the pole. Showing the pole, Usagi swings it as if amused by its length itself. Rakko watches the two as Hachiware's interest expands from a weapon for special training to a long, familiar tool.

Story guide

Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi hold small cups and share a drink. Comparing the cups and a bottle, Hachiware thinks of pouring cola into the cups. Chiikawa drinks a little at a time, while Usagi finds the combination amusing and drinks it eagerly. Hachiware tries to convey how good it tastes, but Usagi changes how they drink and moves even more dramatically. At the end, Chiikawa and Hachiware keep holding their own cups as they watch Usagi. The playful experiment with a drink lightly livens up the three's New Year gathering.

Cultural and language noteSmall cups are used to drink small amounts of beverages such as sake. Here, pouring cola into them is the unexpected use that provides the humor.

Story guide

Rakko grills meat by a fire and considers waiting until the fire has burned down to ash as well as how well the meat is cooked. Looking at the meat at hand, Rakko anticipates the flavor that grilling will bring and speaks with satisfaction before eating. Hachiware approaches and notices the drink and food Rakko has prepared. Rakko offers a bowl to Hachiware as if recommending it, and Hachiware asks what it contains. It ends with Rakko continuing to eat with chopsticks while Hachiware watches. During a break in special training, Rakko, in the role of teacher, enjoys a meal in their own way.

Story guide

Against a pale yellow-green background, Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi are lined up from left to right. All three face forward, striking the same pose with one forepaw resting against their cheek. Hachiware is distinguished by blue bangs and a blue tail, while Usagi is drawn with one bent long ear and a white tail. Below the three, the romaji text "MIMI PARUN" is placed. There are no speech bubbles or background props, making it a single illustration without any conversation or events depicted.

Story guide

Rakko and Hachiware sit on rocks beneath a tree, large leaves draped over their bodies as they tilt their small sake cups. When Rakko mutters about having a drink under the cold sky, Hachiware is surprised and asks if that is a haiku, but Rakko dismisses it as nothing so grand and pours sake from a tokkuri. An arrow-annotated note is added to the leaves they are wearing, remarking that they seem to have high heat-retaining properties. When Rakko comments on the smooth feel, Hachiware responds with a bashful smile. Eventually, Rakko invites Hachiware to try going along on a Subjugation after some training. Hachiware replies in a loud voice, and it ends with Rakko giving a short laugh in acknowledgment.

Story guide

Holding a drink and a small bowl, Hachiware thinks about what they want to do after special training. Their notebook contains a list of wishes and checkboxes, and Hachiware adds to it one item at a time. They fall asleep partway through and, on waking, imagine receiving something from someone. Awakened by that image, Hachiware opens the notebook again. At the end, they think hard because they still cannot write down the thing they want most. Rather than the results of training itself, the scene depicts time spent searching for what Hachiware wants afterward.

Story guide

Unsure whether to go to special training, Hachiware opens a book and tells Chiikawa how they feel. Although surprised, Chiikawa invites Hachiware to study together if possible. Hachiware remembers training with Rakko and confirms that they feel they want to do more. The two compare problems beside a desk, and Hachiware checks answers using a book with illustrations. It ends with Hachiware responding that they understand, while Chiikawa remains nearby. Hesitation about training becomes the feeling of learning together.

Story guide

While eating a noodle dish alone, Hachiware considers whether they can judge the portion from its appearance. Facing a large plate of noodles, they hesitate over how much to eat and test it by moving their chopsticks. During the meal, Hachiware meets Rakko and confirms that they are scheduled to go to special training the next day. Rakko responds briefly, and Hachiware continues eating afterward. Eventually, Hachiware realizes that they have eaten too much and sits before the bowl while growing sleepy. Confirming the plan before training and misjudging the amount of food are connected as events of the same day.

Story guide

Rakko brings along a gray, spiky opponent and introduces them to Hachiware as a companion for today's Subjugation, and Hachiware bows their head. Passing through a street lined with banners for tea and lessons, Hachiware takes a deep breath to steady their feelings. Upon arriving at the forest, Hachiware is instructed to follow from behind first, and gives a brief reply. Hachiware watches with raised voice as Rakko and the gray opponent charge at a large green opponent. When they have pressed the attack far enough, Rakko asks Hachiware to deliver the final blow, and Hachiware, though surprised, thrusts their weapon down with a shout. The sound of the opponent falling echoes, and Rakko praises Hachiware for a job well done.

Story guide

This title illustration places the faces of Momonga, Rakko, Hachiware, Chiikawa, Usagi, Shisa, and Kurimanju in a horizontal row against a pink background, with CHIIKAWA written below. Only their front-facing faces appear, with no conversation or events unfolding. Their outlines, cheeks, and eyes share a consistent style while showing each character's traits, and the composition draws the eye to the central logo. It is an independent visual presenting the series title, rather than a continuation of the Subjugation.

Story guide

The rewards from the Subjugation are gathered in a bag, and Rakko holds it out to Hachiware, saying it is their share. Hachiware keeps shaking their head, saying they cannot accept it, but Rakko pushes it back, insisting they take it, and finally presses the bag into Hachiware's hands. Rakko tells Hachiware that they were the one who did the Subjugation, so they should have confidence. Hachiware grips the bag tightly and replies, clutching their weapon and the rewards to their chest. In closing, Rakko checks whether Hachiware has gained confidence, and it ends there.

Story guide

Hachiware opens a cookbook and suggests making a corned beef rice bowl topped with egg yolk. Chiikawa considers another dish that could use the leftover egg white, and the two enjoy the finished meal at the table. Usagi joins them, and while eating, Hachiware says that they may be able to continue with Subjugation once they get used to it. They do not say that the fear is gone; instead, over a meal with friends, they confirm their willingness to move forward.

Story guide

This illustration lines up Chiikawa in several poses, including pursing their lips, swaying with musical notes, and puffing up. From the small figure in the center to a large close-up of their face, it briskly arranges variations in one character's expressions and movement. There is no speech or sequence of events, and it is not a comic continuing the post-Subjugation scene. Using Chiikawa's round outline and cheek details, it is a standalone visual that makes one motion seem to continue.

Story guide

Against a yellow background scattered with beans, Hachiware, Chiikawa, and Usagi stand in a row. All three wear horned wigs and tiger-patterned loincloths, with Hachiware's wig in blue, Chiikawa's in reddish-purple, and Usagi's in yellow. Chiikawa holds a masu box heaped with beans, and Usagi carries a black metal club while clutching a thick rolled sushi in their mouth. At the top, romaji text announcing Setsubun is placed, and no dialogue or scene progression is depicted.

Cultural and language noteSetsubun is a Japanese observance held on the day before the beginning of spring, marking the seasonal change with bean throwing and ehomaki rolls. The oni imagery and ehomaki are the Setsubun motifs in this post.

Story guide

Hachiware is shown large in a single illustration, with only a short phrase indicating an early wake-up in a nearby speech bubble. Small motion lines around their body convey the moment they spring awake from drowsiness through their expression and the text. No conversation with anyone else, change of location, or progression of a Subjugation is shown. The wide white space makes Hachiware's face and brief morning utterance the subject of the post, which reads as an independent short visual.

Story guide

While eating, Hachiware suggests having a corned beef rice bowl that day. Chiikawa also thinks of a dish using egg white so they will not get sleepy, and the two discuss how to eat it and what to make next. As Usagi joins them, Hachiware notices that Chiikawa has been studying for a test a great deal lately. Chiikawa is startled when the result they saw in a dream comes up, and the meal conversation pauses with a glimpse of their anxiety about the test.

Story guide

Chiikawa heads to the notice listing those who passed Weeding Level 5 and finds the number connected to them among the many numbers displayed. Seeing it shown so prominently brings surprise and joy all at once. Hachiware and Usagi hear the news and offer Chiikawa their congratulations. The scene ends with Chiikawa seeming to hear the congratulations even while asleep, leaving the exhilaration of learning the result lingering like a dream.