Kuromukuro (クロムクロ)

There's no way to repair this thing.

We know it's a nanomachine collective, but not much more.

Piloting system's the same.

Can't access it at all.

But take a look over here.

This is what happened when someone

left a toolbox by it overnight.

It melted?

Apparently not. The artifact's consuming it.

We now know why our samurai boy's supposedly broken sword is mysteriously back in one piece.

You mean it's consuming nearby matter to heal itself?

By the way, did you hear about the message?

I sure did!

They've gotta be kidding.

Who in their right mind would return such an interesting toy?

In the end, we never came to a definitive conclusion.

Not surprising.

But since these "Efidolg" aliens sent us a message stating their demands,

the doves who believe we should return the artifact and avoid conflict now hold the upper hand.

That's nonsense.

I doubt they'll just quietly back off if we return the artifact.

And why is that?

Efidolg already came to Earth once, 450 years ago.

And now they've returned.

They must have some sort of central objective.

Until we learn what that is, we shouldn't hand over our ace in the hole.

Thank you for saying that. I'm of the same opinion.

Your orders?

Maintain the status quo.

Focus on defending the research facility for now.

You're also free to use the artifact as you see fit.

Understood.

Goodbye, then.

Sheesh.

Hello?

Director, your daughter Koharu is on the phone.

She says it's urgent.

Koharu? Put her through.

Mom!

Koharu?

Big trouble! Yuki's gone!

I'm hungry!

Yeah, Kennosuke's looking for her.

Looks like she's not in the temple.

Huh? Her phone's still in her room?

She left it here?

Hello?

Mika! Is Yukina there?!

Huh? Uh...

Nope.

I see! Thanks!

I can't tell if you're actually trying to run away or not.

It's not like I ran away from home or anything.

Are you that against riding it?

I really don't wanna.

This is your big chance, girl.

You could be the heroine who saves the world.

A lot of people would kill to be in your position.

Well, I wouldn't!

It even comes with a samurai who protects you.

I have no idea what you don't like about this.

It's not like he's even protecting me...

Not that it matters to me. I wasn't the lucky one.

How can you be so aloof?

Well, what do you expect?

Anyway, you can't throw a tantrum forever.

I'm going to school.

So get out.

Skip school today if you want,

but head home, okay?

'Kay...

What a big horse.

Of course she wouldn't be here.

I know nothing, huh...

I lost my smartphone somewhere, and my bike's kaput...

I'm never doing that again.

I got some awesome footage.

Let's do it again sometime.

I just said never again!

Why school? Let's just go home and sleep.

We were missing for an entire day.

I figured we should ask Carlos what's been up first.

Akagi and Kaya?

You guys were alive?

Hello, this is Takekuma.

Big trouble! Yukina's missing!

Pardon me for asking, but is this Shirahane's mother?

Yes!

Anyway, is Yukina at school? She's been gone all morning!

Classes haven't even begun yet, so I think it's too soon to make a big deal of this.

I'll let you know if she doesn't show.

Aren't you worried about her?

I am, but there's only so much a teacher can really do.

But I'll help in any way I can.

Please.

Why is my class full of problem children?

You two know why I called you here, I hope?

I checked everywhere she was likely to be, but no luck.

Oh...

What if we never find her?

Wouldn't it be a big problem for you?

She'll come back when she gets hungry.

No need to make a mountain out of a molehill.

Come on, you two.

Eat your breakfast and go to school.

Okay...

Oh, Kennosuke, you got replies.

"Kill yourself, Tomiko."

"Your words were a big help, Lord Sardine."

"You have my sincerest gratitude."

Gyoza again?

What choice do we have?

There's a ton of it still left.

But I want sushi...

Well, you're not getting any for breakfast.

Let's eat!

So this is called gyoza?

It's pretty tasty.

Right? Yuki's gyoza is the best!

Will you go to school?

Yeah. I have a perfect attendance record.

How about you? Are you gonna go?

I...

I suppose I will.

Someone might know where Yukina is.

I'm home...

They went to school, huh?

Maybe I should go too.

That guy...

Why did I have to say something like that?

Why did you go there?

Why, you ask...

You went there without a reason?

I wanted to see it in person!

It was an actual battle, you know?

I even caught an alien on camera! I totally hit the jackpot!

That's what you wanted to do.

And I wasn't asking you anyway.

Kayahara...

Stop streaming this.

Tch.

But it was amazing.

The noise and shockwaves don't come across on film.

What about you?

I didn't really...

How much trouble do you think you've caused people?!

This is why you've always been a good-for-nothing!

Try doing something productive for once!

If you keep living for others' approval, you'll never become a decent human being!

Please calm down, Mr. Akagi.

We're at school.

That totally surprised me.

Your dad's sure got a way with words.

I really should've streamed that.

Wait, are we famous now?

Yo.

Kaya?

You guys are alive?!

Ryoto! Kaya!

I'm so glad yer okay!

Sorry.

Shirahane must've pulled some strings. Thank goodness.

Uh, no. We just got lucky and survived.

What were ya doin' all this time, then?

My bike fell over and ran out of gas.

It took this long to push it here.

Where's Shirahane?

Rumor says she ran away from home.

'Scuse me.

Hey, Ogino! Is it true Yu—Shirahane ran away from home?

Ran away?

Leave her be.

She's probably just sulking.

Dammit! All because I had to go and do something stupid!

Dude, were you even listening to me?

Mika, did Yukina not come to see you?

Did you have a fight or something?

Not really...

Is it true Yukina ran away from home?

None of your business.

But it's also my fault!

What?!

What did you do to Yukina?!

Nothing.

Then why did you say it was your fault?

Because I got caught up in the battle...