(Heheh. Thank you as always, Yuzuru.)

(I know you're content simply serving from the sidelines, but you are Tori's sun—a warm and reassuring presence in his life.)

(I would only lead Tori down the wrong path with my current mental state.)

(So I need you to keep him on the right path at all times.)

(...I suppose you could say that I have a bad habit of putting up a façade in front of my adorable juniors.)

(Arguably, I'm treating them as fans I must entertain rather than as friends and equals.)

(Which is rude of me, as they only want to get closer.)

(What a way to analyze myself. Oh well. It's meaningless to remain like this. I have to take things into my own hands if I want to change the world.)

(I have no time left. If I want to move forward, I have to push aside any and all obstacles.)

(.........)

...Why, hello, Nito-kun. I know that you're full of energy, but could you please quiet down a little? The static is killing me.

Ahaha. Fumbling on your words again, aren't you? How cute.

I only said that you were cute, not that I like you.

In this case, "cute" is a negative description.

Tehe. I adore that you can say that to pitiful little me.

You don't know what's going on, yet you're already this upset? I'm impressed.

You're truly like an animal acting with its instincts, which is exactly why this experiment matters so much for all of you.

Because they don't need to. Thinking will only tire you out, after all.

You're just like livestock utterly dependent on their owners. You give no thought to anything, happily accepting whatever is given to you.

Mhm. I will create a paradise just for you.

Yes, precisely. Ah, you always respond exactly in the way I want you to.

In that respect, you would've been a magnificent idol, Nito-kun. It'd be such a waste for you to remain an ordinary college student.

It's all because of you that we were able to defeat Valkyrie two years ago. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Love makes us weak, foolish. It was love that drove Itsuki-kun to try to protect what was in front of him, only to slip into the guillotine.

As pointless as it is to discuss situations from the past, let's say he did operate independently, like the rest of the Five Eccentrics...

He would be able to withstand any attack, convert that will into artistic inspiration, and rise like a phoenix from the ashes.

Even if we defeated him, he could return from the dead before the Five Eccentrics were all executed.

But that'd be quite the problem, no? Hence why I insulted him and stripped him of everything, right in front of his loved one.

He could bear defeat, but he was too proud to bear disgrace.

And so Itsuki-kun died under the weight of his own conceit.

It seems, like any animal, you can't wrap your head around metaphors, Nito-kun.

Which is exactly why I wanted you to be a part of this experiment, if possible.

Its leadership may have changed, but you are still the heart of Ra*bits. Your mere presence is enough to pollute the way the younger ones react and respond.

You are their big brother. Their role model. An idol they look up to. Their perception of idols is influenced by you whenever they see you.

I want them to experience a "SANCTUARY" free of textbooks and outside influences. That is why I'm conducting this experiment.

You make completely illogical statements based on gut instinct—yet they are all factual. How frightening.

This is why I'm so bad at dealing with pure and innocent children like you.

But at the same time, I need you all to retain the purity I could no longer attain.

And I've told you I'm offering no explanation. I don't even want to talk with you. ...Put me on the line with Gatekeeper.

We are having a bit of trouble due to an oversight on my part.

But I want him to know I'll deal with it myself, and I don't want anyone interfering.

I would have to get in touch with Gatekeeper to know for sure. Some things here just make no sense, and I want to hear his response.

Yes. For one, I want to know exactly what Order he gave Wataru.

Secondly, I want him to know that I will not let it slide if he's the reason behind Wataru's odd behavior.