Gichi-Gichi Arc

Story guide

At night indoors, Hachiware lies awake near Chiikawa and Usagi, worried about the darkness outside. A small creature-like figure is also near the bedding, and Hachiware calls to it or checks on it because it catches their attention. Chiikawa appears to be resting, and Usagi does not react strongly at once. A window, the darkness outdoors, and moon-like light create the stillness of sleepless time. Nothing is yet clear, but Hachiware's eyes turn toward a small unease in the night, beginning a restless scene near sleeping companions.

Story guide

In the night, Chiikawa notices a small creature-like thing and takes up a blue sasumata. Rather than calling loudly for help from where they were sleeping, Chiikawa approaches it as if softening their footsteps and holds the tool forward. The figure's identity and danger are still unknown, but Chiikawa's action shows a resolve to check it rather than overlook it. Dark trees and the small shadow create distance, while Chiikawa's white body carrying the sasumata moves through them. The tension rises from Chiikawa trying to face the night's unease alone.

Story guide

At night, Chiikawa holds a catch pole and slowly sneaks up on a small opponent. The opponent, with a round head and antennae, extends black hands to the ground, eventually standing up on long legs to a height that Chiikawa must look up at. Chiikawa cries out and drops the catch pole, then is roundly wrapped up by the extending black arms and has their mouth covered. The muffled voice reaches Hachiware and Usagi sleeping nearby, but they do not wake up, continuing to sleep soundly. Chiikawa is carried away while tied up, and as they kick their legs, they picture the faces of Hachiware and Usagi. It ends with the gagged Chiikawa shedding tears as scenes of their days up until now flash through their mind.

Story guide

Hachiware and Usagi notice the nighttime disturbance and see a white figure caught in something like a black shadow. Dark lines tangle around it in layers, making clear that it cannot move normally. Hachiware tries to understand the situation, while Usagi looks toward the shadow after waking. The image still does not explain who has captured the figure, but the fact that someone is in danger changes the two's actions. In the darkness, the black forms gathering around the white figure and Hachiware and Usagi's distance as they move closer clearly signal the need for a rescue.

Story guide

Among trees at night, Hachiware notices a small shadow or sound-like presence and wakes Usagi beside them. Usagi lifts their face from sleep and checks the direction Hachiware is looking. They cannot immediately explain what it is, so both try to confirm what lies beyond the dark place. Rather than loud alarm, the scene emphasizes Hachiware's tension and the pause before Usagi fully wakes. Their attention shifts from a safe bed to the night outside, sharing only the certain feeling that something has been seen before they face the still-unseen figure.

Story guide

At night, Hachiware sees a white figure tangled in a black shadow and moves forward without taking time to hesitate. Though there is a sense that someone has just woken nearby, Hachiware makes clear that they will act first rather than only wait for help. The dark form remains uncertain, and there is no known way to free the captured figure yet. Even so, Hachiware does not look away from it, showing fear and urgency together. The scene captures the instant Hachiware chooses to approach rather than abandon someone in danger, before any rescue has succeeded.

Story guide

Usagi rushes through the nighttime trees, chasing a black shadow that seems to be fleeing ahead while carrying something. The distance does not close easily, but Usagi does not slow down and keeps the dark shape from leaving their sight. Other figures and small objects can be seen around them, though the image does not need to identify them. What is certain is Usagi's continued pursuit of an unknown destination through the dark forest. With no time to prepare tools or a plan, the forward lines and darkness at their feet sustain the tension of the chase.

Story guide

Touched by the black shadow-like thing, Hachiware has trouble moving but reaches toward a blue ribbon-like object in front of them. Chiikawa and Usagi are nearby, watching the shadow's movement and Hachiware's hand. The blue object is positioned as something that might be used to act on the opponent rather than a mere decoration, and Hachiware does not let it go. The chase shifts from running to trying to change the situation while caught. The image does not anticipate the opponent's identity or the result, only Hachiware reaching despite being restrained and the others staying close.

Story guide

Walking down the night road, Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi head home side by side. Hachiware calls out to head home, and Usagi readily agrees. Hachiware says the directions out loud, mentioning that if they go from here they should probably be able to get back, and Usagi gives a brief nod in response. Hachiware then asks if Usagi was trying to chase it away all by themselves, leaving Usagi at a loss for words. After being thanked, Usagi gives a small groan and takes the lead. Hachiware laughs and asks where to tie this, and Chiikawa also laughs shyly. Chiikawa has something like a blue ribbon in their hands. Finally, Hachiware finds a glowing mushroom; Chiikawa is amazed, and Usagi also lets out a cheer, which is where the story ends.

Story guide

As if emerging from the dark forest, Hachiware walks on and thinks about which way might lead back. They do not stop after leaving the dangerous opponent behind, instead relying on the brightness and sense of a path between the trees. Hachiware points out what they find and checks the direction to take, rather than merely standing at the front. It is not safe enough to declare that they can return, but after sustained tension, the concrete goal of walking home appears and Hachiware's voice carries their steps forward through the night.