Chie Satonaka

> Samegawa riverbank...

Ooh! The rain's stopped.

Hmmm, this looks like a good spot.

Y'know, for training!

I need to hone my kicking skills, or I
won't be able to use them in battle.
I tried practicing at home... But my
mom and dad yelled at me for putting
a hole in the shoji.

Still, now's the time to train, right!?

You think so, too!?

> Chie looks really happy.

C'mon, you know! I, uh...
Actually, I'm not sure!
But if there's no harm in it--
Well, why not?

> Chie looks discomfited.

Soooo... Let's train together!

...No?

Yesss! Thanks, -kun!

> Chie looks really happy.

So... you don't mind?
Thanks, -kun!

> Chie looks happy.

Oh, you're right! Guess there's no
reason for you to master your kicking
technique, huh?
So, like... swinging, then?
You should practice swinging a golf club.
I think you'd get stronger if you could
wave it around like lightning.

> Chie is determined...
> ...You reluctantly agreed.

That thing... Y'know, from that time?
I mean the Shadow that came out of me.
I feel pathetic knowing that's
another "me."
Makes me feel like I gotta work harder!

Allllright, let's do it!
Between you and me, we'll be
unstoppable!

> This marks the beginning of your
training with Chie.
> You feel your relationship with Chie
has grown a bit deeper...

Let's start today with frog leaps!
C'mon, you try some!

> You trained with Chie for a while
and walked partway home with her.

> Fog has enveloped the area...

I feel like I'm losing my touch lately.
I can't be having an off day if something
happens.
I tried practicing at home... But my
mom and dad yelled at me for putting
a hole in the shoji.

> Samegawa River...
> You decided to train with Chie.

Thank goodness. The rain's stopped.

Allllright! Today's the day!

> Chie is enthusiastic today as well.

Huh?

Oh, Nanako-chan!

What are you doing?

Hm? Training, of course!

Training...
Who are you fighting with, Chie?

Hmmm...
Myself... I guess...?
...Heheh, just kidding!

Wow, cool!

Y-You think...? Hahaha...

...Oh, a grasshopper!

Huh!? N-No way! Wh-Where!?

It just landed on your back.

Ahhhhhh!
Get it off! Get it off me!

> Nanako took the grasshopper off
Chie's back.

...You don't like grasshoppers?

I'm no good with anything with thin,
jointed legs! Or anything creepy or
squirmy!
Ack, now I can't get 'em out of my
mind! I can't stand those things!

But they're cute...

...You're like Yukiko.

Oh, see, 'cause Yukiko's fine around bugs.

But me, I totally lose it...
Kinda funny, huh?

Uh, hey... Wh-What're you saying!?

> Chie is panicking.

Th-That's not true!
It's not...

> Somehow, Chie looks happy.

Doesn't really fit my image, does it?

> Chie is laughing...

A lot of kids in my class don't
like bugs.
It's not just you. Don't worry!

Nanako-chan... Ooh, you don't know
how happy that makes me. Thanks!

C'mon, you wanna train too?

Okay!

Let's start with form. I'll teach
you a kata...

> Chie and Nanako began training...

> ...You sent Nanako home before
it got dark.

I'm gonna get over my fear of bugs.
I don't wanna look like a sissy next
to Nanako-chan!
All I have to do is think of them as
Shadows! Then I'll be able to grab
a whole fistful!
......
I-I just gave myself goosebumps...
G-Getting used to bugs might take
a while, but I won't lose to Shadows!

> You felt Chie's burning passion...
> You feel your relationship with Chie
has grown yet deeper...

> After finishing your training,
you walked partway home with Chie.

> Fog has enveloped the area...

Huh!? N-No way! It's already winter!

I'm no good with anything with thin,
jointed legs! Or anything creepy or
squirmy!
Ack... Inaba's bugs are all over the place!
I can't stand those things!

> Samegawa River...
> You decided to train with Chie.

Thank goodness. The rain's stopped.

Allllright! Today's the day!

> Chie is enthusiastic today as well.

So, what should we start... with...

Wha--No--! A grasshopper!?
S-S-S-Stay away from me!

Aaaaaah!

Get it off! Get it off me!

D-Don't be so mean!
Please...
......
That's it, you're getting the sandbag
treatment later!

> It would seem wise to take it off
as soon as possible...

> You took the grasshopper off of Chie
and let it go.

D-Did you get it!?

Phewwww... That scared me...

Back in the day, I used to have
Yukiko take 'em off for me...

She's never had any problem with bugs.

But me, I totally lose it...
Kinda funny, huh?

Uh, hey... Wh-What're you saying!?

> Chie is panicking.

Th-That's not true!
It's not...

> Somehow, Chie looks happy.

Doesn't really fit my image, does it?

> Chie is laughing...

I'm gonna get over my fear of bugs.
It's getting pretty embarrassing!
All I have to do is think of them as
Shadows! Then I'll be able to grab
a whole fistful!
......
I-I just gave myself goosebumps...
G-Getting used to bugs might take
a while, but I won't lose to Shadows!

> You felt Chie's burning passion...
> You feel your relationship with Chie
has grown yet deeper...

Alllright!
Give me your best shot, Shadows!

> After finishing your training,
you walked partway home with Chie.

> Fog has enveloped the area...

Wha--No--! A grasshopper!? What's it doing
crawling around in the winter!? S-S-Stay
away from me!

Phewwww... That scared me... There's way
too many bugs in Inaba...

> Samegawa riverbank...
> You decided to train with Chie.

Whew. Let's call it a day.

Looks like it's gonna start
raining again.

Huh? It's Chie. Whatcha doing?

T-Takeshi...!?

W-Well... training! I'm working out!

Huh? When're you gonna graduate to
being king of the hill?

K-King of the hill...?

In kindergarten it was the Runt Gang,
in elementary school you were an Ally
of Justice...
Middle school, it was the Vanguards
of the Lunch Revolution, wasn't it?
Haha, so... What is it now?
You a Protector of Earth's Peace?

W-Well...

Huh...?

> Chie is surprised.

-kun...

> Chie is surprised.

Huh...? Wait, what're you saying?

> Chie is in a panic.

Oh, uhhh... I didn't mean that in
a mean way.
I'm Takeshi Kouno. I was with Chie up
until middle school.
Takeshi
...I'm not gonna get in you guys' way.

Hey, what are you...?

Oh, how's Yukiko-san doing...?
Does she have a boyfriend yet...?

...She's fine, and I don't think so.

I see. Cool, cool.
She still good-looking? Maybe I should
try for her again...

......

I'll see you later.
Say hi to Yukiko-san for me.

> Chie looks somewhat sad to see
Takeshi leave...
> What should you do...?

> You pulled out your best joke...
> You showed Chie your impression
of a different Takeshi...

......
Hahaha! What, was that supposed to
sound like him!?

> Chie is laughing hysterically.

Huh? C'mon, dude. He's not that
bad of a guy.
...Are you worrying about me?

> Chie laughs awkwardly.

Huh? Wh-What!?
Oh, a-a match!? You wanna spar!?
Hahaha... Don't scare me like that...
I-I won't hold back, y'know?

> Chie's face is red with panic...

I-I'm sorry. He really is rude, huh?
Seriously... He was always staring
at Yukiko...

H-Hey, don't get me wrong.
He's nothing but an old classmate
to me!

We're just friends, y'know...?
We used to get that a lot, though.

> Chie smiles somewhat sadly...

> You felt that you learned something
about Chie...
> You feel your relationship with Chie
has grown deeper...

...But that's all in the past!
Let's head home.

> You talked with Chie about various
things while walking home.

> Fog has enveloped the area...

>鮫川…
>今日も千枝の特訓に付き合うことにした。

よかったー。
雨、なんとか止んだね。

よおぉぉっし!
今日も頑張るぞー!

>千枝は今日も張り切っている。

あ、最近ね、家では筋トレしてるんだ。
この前、壁に穴開けて、
また怒られたからさ…

それでさ、けっこう筋肉とかついてきたと
思うんだけど…どうかな?

……。
筋肉で、だよね?

>千枝に念を押された…

うんうん。
引き締まってきたってことだよね!

>千枝は喜んでいる。

んー、まだ始めたばっかだしね。
でも、ちょっと硬くなったんだよ。

>千枝は一人で頷いている。

さーって、
今日は何から…

や、な、ちょ、バッタ!?
むむむ無理無理ィ!

ギャー!

やだやだやだやだ!
取って! 早く取ってー!!

い…いじわるしないでよぉ!
お願いだから…
……。
後でサンドバッグの刑だからね!!

>どうやら素直に取った方がよさそうだ…

>千枝からバッタを取って、逃がしてやった。

と、取れた!?

はぁぁ…
あー、ビックリした…

そういえば子どもの頃、
雪子にもこうやって取ってもらった…

雪子ってね、虫とか得意なんだよ。

あたしが虫苦手で、雪子が得意って…
何か笑っちゃうよね。

え、ちょ…な、何言ってんの!?

>千枝は慌てている。

そ、そんなことないよっ!
そんなこと…

>千枝は心なしか嬉しそうだ。

ほんと、似合わないこと山の如し…違うか。

>千枝は笑っている…

こんなのホント恥ずかしいし、
虫は克服するから!
大丈夫、シャドウだと思えばいける!!
もう、ワシ掴んじゃうから!
……。
鳥肌立った…
む、虫はちょっと時間掛かるかもだけど、
シャドウにはホント、負けないからね!

>千枝は一層、やる気を出している!
>千枝と仲が深まった気がした…

よぉぉぉっし!
来い、シャドウめー!

>修行を終えた千枝と、
途中まで一緒に帰った。

> You decided to go eat with Chie
after training.

> Central shopping district,
Chinese Diner Aiya...

Mmmm... The meat and rice just
flow through my veins...

The key to keeping up your energy
is food, sleep, and activity!

> Chie looks like she's having a
good time.

I can't recommend the steak bowl enough!
Their sauce is to die for!

> A huge smile spread over Chie's face.

On the happiness scale, it's up there
with watching action movies...

> Chie drifts into a blissful reverie...

I need to work hard and pump myself
up, or else I can't pull us out of
a jam, right?

Especially Yukiko... I need to be able
to protect her...

......
I hope she's not straining herself.
Makes you worry, huh?

Thanks... That's what makes you
the leader...

> Chie seems relieved...

You think...?

> Chie doesn't seem fully convinced...

Huh... M-Me?
B-But I'm fine! I mean, I've been
training and everything!

> Chie seems a bit embarrassed.

I'll make myself stronger!
For Yukiko, too!
So keep it up, Leader!
I know me and Yosuke joke around with you
a lot...
But we're all counting on you...
Heheh...

> You can sense Chie's burning passion...
> You feel your relationship with Chie
has grown yet deeper...

...All this talking is making
me hungry.

'Scuse me! Another fried rice with
meat, please!

How about you?

> You talked with Chie for a while...

> You walked home partway with Chie.

I need to work hard and pump myself up,
or I'll be in trouble if something comes
up, right?

Especially Yukiko... I need to be able
to protect her...

The case is done with, but that doesn't mean
normal crimes won't ever happen here.
Last year, people got stalked and kidnapped...
Makes you worry, huh?

Thanks... Hearing that from you makes me feel
a little better.

> Chie seems relieved...

I'll make myself stronger!
For Yukiko, too!
So I'd really appreciate it if you'd keep
training with me... Just kidding, heheh.

> Souzai Daigaku...
> You finished today's training and
came here with Chie...

Have you had the steak skewers?
The meat is tender and delicious,
and they hardly cost anything!
...It might not even be cow meat.
Just kidding... Whoa, thinking about it,
that's kinda gross, haha...

Oh, well. Let's eat before it starts
to rain!

The police are here...
Th-Then is this place really serving
fake meat...?

Excuse me.

Y-Yes? I haven't eaten any of the
meat today, I swear!

Lately, there's been several incidents
with a group of teenagers bullying
people around here.

...Bullying?

Extortion, if you will.
Have you seen anyone suspicious?

N-No, no one in particular...

Hmmm, I see... Well, you two be
careful then.

I'm glad it wasn't the meat...
...But still, bullying!?
What cowards, ganging up on the weak
like that!

It's so cruel! And stupid!

> Chie is outraged...

E-Eat!? I-I guess that's just how
it is...
Wait, no! We can't just let this happen!

> Chie is outraged...

We'll grab 'em and make them apologize!
Right, Leader?

I knew you'd say that!

> Chie looks happy.

But we can't just let them go...!
It's happening in our town!

> Chie is outraged...

Hmmm... But I can't pretend not to
notice. It's happening in our town...

> Chie looks unhappy.

Mowing down villains and saving the
weak, a lone female fighter stands...
To protect the town's peace, she throws
herself into the battlefield, unbeknownst
to all...!
......
Ooh, yeah! That sounds cool!
-kun, leave it to me!

Though I'd feel better about it if
you helped...
And it'd make me... kinda happy...
......

> Chie seems somewhat embarrassed...
> You feel your relationship with Chie
has grown yet deeper...

Alright, first, let's eat!

"Don't think. Feel..." right?
Actually in this case, would it be,
"Don't think. Eat..."?

> You walked back home with Chie,
eating steak skewers.

> Fog has enveloped the area...

> Central shopping district, in front
of Chinese Diner Aiya...
> You finished today's training and
decided to stop by with Chie...

Steak bowl or a combo plate...
The ultimate decision...

S-Stop it...!

Shut up, dumbass.

Yeah, that's right. We all know it's
time to cough up.
What? This's it? Quit bullshitting us.

Th-That voice... It can't be...!
Let's go, -kun!

Takeshi...!?

Hey, someone's here.

Whatever. Let's take their money
while we're at it.

This guy only had 1,000 yen on him.

Ch-Chie!

Hey!

Whaddaya runnin' for? Gonna hide
behind a girl, huh?

Are you all right?

I-I'm fine...
Y-You've always been good at stuff
like this!
Th-They took all my money. You're gonna
get them for me, right!?

Well, it does tick me off!!

Hey, cowards! Ganging up on one guy...
You oughtta be ashamed!

T-Take care of them for me!

Uh, wow, that was fast!
...Sheesh!

C'mon, what's the matter?
Let's throw down!

Huh? What's with this bitch?
Y'think you're all that? I ain't afraid
to hit a girl... We'll kick your ass!

> The punks are aggravated by
Chie's taunt...

> Things aren't looking good...

Wha--Stop that!

> Chie seems angry...

Huh...? -kun?

> Chie seems discontent...

What a pain in the ass...

Yo, that guy who ran away might call
the cops.

Screw this. Let's go.

Hey, hold on! Wait!!

......
What the heck...
Running away when you step in.
......

...Why'd you butt in?
What, you thought you couldn't leave
it up to me!? I could've handled
them myself!

...Sorry.
I charged in by myself...
Caused you trouble...

...Thanks.

> Chie looks apologetic...

Hahaha... Harsh, dude.

> Chie is laughing weakly...

I'm sorry.

> Chie looks apologetic...

You're right, huh? I gotta remember
I'm not alone...

It's always like that. Everyone's doing
their best...
Then I start to worry that it's all up
to me... and I've gotta work harder...

I worry that someday, I'll end up
causing even more trouble, like I
did today...
Haha... I'm so stupid.

> It seems Chie regrets her
grandstanding...
> You felt Chie's quiet passion...

-kun... Thank you.
Umm...
......
N-Never mind!
......
I need to work harder, huh?
Why am I moping...?
I'll think about it some.
...Though I'm not too smart!

> You walked home partway with Chie.

> Fog has enveloped the area...

> Samegawa riverbank...
> You decided to train with Chie.

In the movie I watched the other day,
this guy knocked down a tree using
only his leg!
How does someone kick that hard...?
Just practice?

Ch-Chie!

Oh, hey Takeshi...

W-Were you robbed again?

No...
I took off right after that, right?
So I thought I'd apologize...

...Why don't you be a man and admit
you ran away?

Wh-What...? Were you this anal before?
Tch, if you lose that sunny attitude,
you won't have anything left.

...Shut up!

Speaking of which... What's up with
Yukiko-san?
I saw her with you the other day...
She seemed weirdly cheerful... She had
this funky laugh, y'know...?

That funky laugh... That's how she
really is.

Oh, you've rubbed off on her, huh?
I can't believe it...
That's not Yukiko-san... She was
better gloomy...

......
...Look. If you get into trouble again,
I'll step in and help.

...Huh? Oh, uh... Thanks...

So why don't you shut your mouth
about Yukiko!?
You don't know anything about her!
She's a good person, got it!?

Wh-What the hell?

I just remembered...
Way back, I saw Yukiko sitting by the
road, holding a dog. I asked her what's
up and she said she ran away from home...
She'd picked up the dog, but her parents
told her she couldn't have a pet, and
that she'd have to get rid of it...
She looked like she was dead or
something... I tried everything
I could think of to make her laugh.
And that's how we became friends...

From that moment on... I told myself
I'd protect Yukiko...

But... Somewhere along the way,
I messed up, and that Shadow
popped out...
After that, I thought I'd try to focus
on what's good about me.
I swore to quit being nothing but the
girl Yukiko can rely on...
So... I just tried my best.
At finding the culprit and stuff...
just generally being more reliable...
That's all.
......
I feel like I missed the point...

Thanks.
...You're too kind.

> Chie is smiling weakly...

...Thanks. You're too kind.
Maybe... half a step?

> Chie is smiling happily.

Is it like that for you, too?
......
Are you trying to cheer me up?

> Chie is smiling happily.

I wonder if there's anyone out there...
who can say, "This is what makes me
worthwhile!"

I guess everyone's looking for it...

> Chie was able to take a step forward
and face herself.
> You feel your relationship with Chie
has grown yet deeper...

Oh yeah... That dog Yukiko picked up?
It's gotten really fat at my place.
Come by and see it sometime!
It smells, but it's cute!
...Maybe I'll walk it over to
your house.

> You talked with Chie about various
things while going home.

> Fog has enveloped the area...

But... Somewhere along the way,
I messed up, and that Shadow
popped out...
After that, I thought I'd try to focus
on what's good about me.
I swore to quit being nothing but the
girl Yukiko can rely on...
So... I just tried my best.
I said I wanted to get stronger, but in the
end, I just wanted to be a better crutch
for people. That's all.
......
I feel like I missed the point...

> Central shopping district, in front
of Chinese diner Aiya...
> You finished today's training and
decided to stop by with Chie...

Today is steak bowl day! Just you wait!

I-I don't have any more...

D-Don't tell me they're at it again!?
Let's go!

What are you up to!?

Huh? Aw, not her again.

Heheh, I know how to handle this bitch.

Huhuhuh! You look like you got
something planned!

H-Help...

Hear that, "Chie-chan"? He wants help.

How do you know my name...?

We ran into the guy you saved last
time... Had a friendly conversation.
He told us all kindsa stuff.
Like where you live, and about that
precious "Yukiko-san" of yours.

...What are you trying to pull!?

Oh, I'm just gonna have a little chat
with this kid. Stay put, okay?
'Cause who knows what'll happen to
"Yukiko-san" if you get in our way...?

Huhuhuh! Man, that's nasty!

Why, you...!!

*sniff*

> Things aren't looking good...

Alright, so it's okay to rip these
punks a new one!?

> Chie seems agitated...

Wait... Leave this to me!

> Chie is spitting mad...

Yeah... We can't let these guys
get away!

> Chie is spitting mad...

You sure about that? So you don't care
what happens to your loved ones?

Rrrgh... Fine, then hit me!

You're pissed at me, right!? Then why
don't you just take a swing at me?
I won't fight back. Be my guest!
The face, the gut, just pick a target!
As hard as you want!

C'mon!!

...Freak.

What's with this bitch... She for real?
Whatever, man... Let's go...

M-Miss... Thank you...

......
Huh? Oh, no, don't worry about it!

> The child ran off...

*sigh* My heart's still pounding...
...Was that stupid of me?

Yeah... I'm glad he's safe.
I'll keep watch on Yukiko for awhile,
so don't worry about that.

> Chie is nodding seriously.

...Thanks.

> It seems Chie is embarrassed...

Hmm... maybe I did kinda lose it.

> Chie is smiling wryly...

It might've been stupid, but I wanted
to save them...
That kid, Yukiko...

How I feel about this isn't fake.
I really want to protect them...

> Chie is smiling gently...
> You feel your relationship with Chie
has grown yet deeper...

......
Um, well...
I also want to protect you...
I might be a little flaky... And maybe
you don't even need protecting...
But... I...
I want to protect you...
......

> ...The mood is right.

> What should you do...?

Huh...!?
Ummm...
......
Okay...
You sure? This is me we're talking
about...

> Chie is blushing...

> ......
> There's no turning back...
> Your relationship with Chie has
become intimate.

Th-Then...
Awww, th-this is embarrassing!

> You spent a long while with Chie...

...Yep. I'm counting on you!

So, let's have some steak!

> You ate with Chie and went home
together.

> Fog has enveloped the area...

Let's go, -kun!

>雨は止む気配を見せない…

……。
なんかね、あれ以来、
よく分かんなくなっちゃったんだ。

あたし、ホントは何のために
強くなりたかったんだろ…
何かのためとか言いながら、
結局、自分の心を守るためだったのかなって。

ずっと、一人で何でもやれるって思ってた。
でもホントはそうじゃなくて…
あたし、誰かがいてくれないと
何にもできない。
誰かのためって言ったら格好いいけど
そんなのじゃなくて…
誰かに頼られて、誰かのために何かして、
ただ、イイカッコして認められたかっただけ。
事件を追ってたのだって、
雪子にもう一度認められたいって…
やっぱり雪子より自分の方が…って、
結局、それだけだったのかもしれない。

あたし、結局何も…
変われてなかったのかもしれない。

…バカみたい。
てゆーかバカだよね。
あたし、超カッコ悪いよね…

もぉっ…口ばっかり…!

>千枝は涙を堪えて笑っている。

あははっ…
ホントだよね…
…ホント、バカだなぁ、あたし。

>千枝は涙を堪えて笑っている。

うん…そうなんだよね。

>千枝は涙を堪えて、うなずいている。

みんな、過去の自分から歩き出そうとしてる…
頑張ってる…

なのに、あたしだけ何も変われてない…
だから、焦ってた、怖かった…
置いてかれてるみたいで、グチャグチャだった…
それがやっと分かったんだ…

あの時、君が…
あたしを庇ってくれたから。
あたしが庇おう庇おうとしてたことに、
…気付いたんだ。

ありがとう…
やっと半歩ぐらい、進めた。

>千枝は晴れやかに笑っている…
>千枝と仲が深まった気がした…

…あの時ね、君を頼っていいんだって
分かって嬉しかった。

な、なんていうのかな、
あたしずっと頼られるばっかで…
人に頼るとか、上手くできなくて、
そ、その…
……。

あ、あの時…どうして、あたしのこと
“守る"って言ってくれたの?

仲間…そっか…

うん、そうだね。
なんかちょっと…ホッとした。

>千枝は無理に笑っているようだ…

えっと…
先、帰るね、ちょっと風邪ひいたかも。
それじゃ、またね!

えっ、や、直球だなぁ…
あ、あたし…
だ、誰かとちゃんと付き合うとかって初めてで…

あ、えっと、ごめん…
あの、つまりその…
あたしの彼氏…って、言っていいの…?

どうしよう…すっごい嬉しい…

>互いの気持ちを確かめ合い、
千枝と付き合うことにした。

雨…止まないね。
もうちょっと…一緒にいよ?

>長い間、千枝と一緒に過ごした…

人の目に映る自分ってのを
いつでも気にしてた。
人の真ん中にいる、カッコイイ自分で
いたかったんだと思う。
無理ばっかして…
ほんとはずっと、誰かに助けて欲しかったのに。
……。

でもね、ようやくちゃんと分かった気がする。
こんなどーしょもない、自分のこと。
これが…あたし。
ホント、どーしょもないけど…あたし。

>千枝は晴れやかに笑っている…

えっと…こんなあたしだけど、
これからもよろしくね、くん。

>千枝の素直な想いを聞かされた…
>千枝と仲が深まった気がした…

雨…止まないね。

>しばらく雨宿りしてから、
家に帰ることにした。

> Your room...
> Chie begged to see it after training,
so you brought her here...

Hmmm... So this is your room.
It's pretty clean... Trying to keep
the place tidy for when you move out?
......

Oh, w-well, how did the room you had
back home look?

Huh!? It was neater than this!?

> Chie is looking at you in awe...

Hahaha, yeah? That makes me feel better.

> Chie looks a bit happy.

Oh... I wish I could see what it
looked like.

> Chie looks somewhat embarrassed...

My room's covered with posters and stuff.
It's a complete mess.
Hahaha...
......

Oh, u-ummm...
I-I'm sorry to barge in like this...

> Chie seems to be panicking for
some reason...

Well... see, there's something I want
you to hear. Only you...
Ummm...

...I still don't have a clue what my
good points are.

But... I thought I could just keep on
searching.
I was thinking... maybe both of us
together...

...Yeah!

> Chie looks somewhat embarrassed.

...Wh-Why do you have to be so mean!?
Don't make me smack you!!

> Chie's face is completely red...

So, here...

From me to you.

> You obtained .

Oh, and it's new, so it's clean!
It makes a matching pair with mine.
Hahaha...

...I think this "power" of mine is
what I wanted all along.
The power to protect everyone...
I understand now. I'm not supposed to
use it to become more self-reliant...
I'm supposed to use this power to protect
people... Yukiko, my friends, my family,
this town... and you.

> Chie's strong will that allowed her
to accept and overcome her weakness has
awakened her heart's true power...

My... new power...
...I have you to thank for this.
I love you.

> You can sense Chie's intense love...
> You feel a tight bond between you
and Chie...

I-I just got done with training...
And I'm still all sweaty...

W-Wait! Uh, that's not what I meant...
Wh-What am I saying...?

But...
......
...Idiot.

What do you mean, it's "just like me"...?
...Idiot.

> You passed a long while with Chie.
> ......
> It has gotten dark, so you walked
Chie to her house...

> Chie's Persona has been reborn...!
> Tomoe has transfigured into
Suzuka Gongen!

> Chie is fidgeting...
> What should you do...?

S... Say something...
...Idiot.

...I do want to get stronger, after all.
I'll protect everyone this time,
for sure...
...I understand now.
The strength I want isn't just so people
will rely on me more.
It's the true power to protect Yukiko,
my friends, my family... this entire town.
And most of all, you...

Does this mean... I was able to become
at least a little stronger...?
...I have you to thank for this.
I love you.

> You can sense Chie's intense love...
> You feel a tight bond between you
and Chie...

> Your room...

This place makes me feel at home...
It has... your smell.
Oh, er, I'm not saying you stink!
I actually like it!
Oh...
......
J-Just kidding...
Hahaha...
......
I really love you...
......
I love you...
......

> You passed a long while with Chie.
> You feel that the tight bond you have
with Chie is irreplaceable...
> ......
> It has gotten dark, so you walked
Chie to her house...

> Samegawa riverbank...
> You trained with Chie like always.

Okay! I think that's enough for today!

> Chie seems more enthusiastic than
usual today.

Yeah... I feel like I haven't been
that on-form in a while!

Hey, uh... there's something I want to
tell you. Something I've been thinking
about all this time.

...I still don't have a clue what my
good points are.

But... I thought I could just keep on
searching.

I just want to protect people. And to
do it, I'll stand up and fight.

I'm going to fight alongside you till
the very end.
I mean... we'll always be friends!

Yeah!

> Chie is smiling gently.

Ooh, you mean you're interested in me
in other ways...?
...J-Just kidding!

> Chie is laughing merrily.

This is from me to you.

> You obtained .

Oh, and it's new, so it's clean!
It makes a matching pair with mine.
Hahaha...

...I think this "power" of mine is
what I wanted all along.
The power to protect everyone...
I understand now. I'm not supposed to
use it to become more self-reliant...
I'm supposed to use this power to protect
people... Yukiko, my friends, my family,
this town... and you.

> Chie's strong will that allowed her
to accept and overcome her weakness has
awakened her heart's true power...

My... new power...
...I have you to thank for this.
No matter how far apart we may be
in the future, we'll be okay.
This feeling won't ever change...

> You can sense Chie's strong resolve.
> You feel a tight bond between you
and Chie...

Alright then, my body and mind are all
worn out! Let's go get some meat, and
I mean the good stuff!

> You went on a meat-eater's tour of
Inaba with Chie...

> Chie's Persona has been reborn...!
> Tomoe has transfigured into
Suzuka Gongen!

> Fog has enveloped the area...

I just... want to protect everyone.
I want to become stronger to be able to do that.

There are battles we're going to have to
face, not just in the TV world, but in the
one we're living in right now...
I'm going to become stronger so I can face
these things, along with you... and along
with everyone else.

...I think I understand now.
The strength I want isn't just so people
will rely on me more.
It's the true power to protect Yukiko,
my friends, my family... this entire town.
Everything I hold dear.

Does this mean... I was able to become
at least a little stronger...?
...I have you to thank for this.
No matter how far apart we may be
in the future, we'll be okay.
This feeling won't ever change...

> You can sense Chie's strong resolve.
> You feel a tight bond between you
and Chie...