World conquest with toys? Impossible!

I’ll never do Shooter Battles!!

“My name’s Sora Sorato! Now that we’re in the same class, we should be friends, right? Hey Mamoru, you got a Soul Shooter? What, you’re a newbie? In that case, I’ll show you the ropes! Let’s dive into Shooter Battles together!”

Sh-Shooter Battles? I won’t do it!!

“Mamoru! Recently, there have been Shooter Hunters appearing in Gotama Town! It’s unforgivable that they’re stealing precious Soul Shooters. Let’s catch them together, Mamoru and me!”

Maybe… just casually…

“Hmph, so you’re the Tanaka Mamoru that Sora mentioned. Despite being a beginner, you seem quite capable… My Seaserpent and I will see if you’re worthy of fighting against the BB Corps…”

Eh? An evil organization? It exists!?

“Thanks, Sora, Kai, Mamoru. My name is Riku Momochi, and I’ve been fighting against the BB Corps, just like you. Let’s cooperate to thwart their ambitions.”

Nope, nope, fighting’s not for me…

“Mamoru! Kai! Riku! From today, we are a team! Our team name is Mitama Shooters! Let’s protect Gotama Town from the BB Corps! Our goal is to win the national tournament and then the world tournament! Let’s do it!”

Ah, well… I mean…

“Ugh… We lost to Mitama Shooters. Your shooter spirit has touched our hearts… We’ll stop using Dark Shooters and start over from scratch… Will you fight us again?”

Ah, ah… What’s a shooter spirit?

“You did it, Mitama Shooters. To think you’d draw with us, the Holy Angels ranked third… We can entrust this town to you. The BB Corps’ evil reaches across the nation. Let’s cooperate to eliminate those lurking in the shooter world.”

Eh… huh?

“Ugh, those BB Corps bastards… They’re expanding the Soul World in Gotama Town. If this continues, Gotama Town will be remade according to their wishes…”

Whoa, this is serious trouble…

Something’s off. Ever since moving to Gotama Town, I’ve faced days more dangerous than any training.

No matter how much I run, Sora keeps inviting me to Shooter Battles. Kai, with his lone cool character act, keeps bothering us. Riku brings town troubles to us, seeking solutions.

Then, the BB Corps, doing as they please, starting with shooter hunting, kidnapping strong soul holders, spreading illegal Soul Shooters with lasting effects, and attacking and destroying public facilities.

Due to this evil organization, Gotama Town’s security is the worst. To survive, my Shooter Battle skills have improved rapidly. Without self-defense, it’s terrifying to walk around the town.

Moreover, before I knew it, I was counted as a member of the Mitama Shooters. Busy to win the national tournament and destroy the BB Corps, every day is filled with Shooter Battles.

The town’s shooters also expect a lot from us, so information about the BB Corps keeps coming in. The BB Corps knows about us, too, and attacks quite often. In the end, it was three times a week.

I made the wrong choice… Was it a mistake to give in to Sora’s persistence and get involved in Shooter Battles?

To dabble, just as a hobby… Such a light-hearted attitude led to this dire situation. I should have stuck to my principles. When I realized this, I was deeply immersed in the Soul Shooter quagmire. With my face known to the BB Corps, leaving the team would be even more dangerous. If only I hadn’t started with Soul Shooters…

It was a far cry from a safe and secure year. As a second grader, I fought hard to protect the peace of the town.

And on New Year’s Day, I resolved to forget about Soul Shooters for at least the first three days and relax under the kotatsu.

But then, a tremendous rumble and roar reached me.

Soon after, three figures jumped into the yard. If only they had come through the front door…

“Mamoru! The BB Corps has raised an aerial fortress that was sleeping under Gotama Town!”

“The town is turning into a Soul World! Professor Tamazō is serious! The Moon Attack plan has finally moved to its final phase!”

“Let’s go, Mamoru! Before the aerial fortress reaches the stratosphere! There’s still time to stop the BB Corps’ plan!”

Can’t this wait until after the marathon is over…

“HAHAHAHAHA! Behold! The Soul World of Gotama Town is being converted into soul! Mercurius will drain the soul of this land! And then, this mass of soul will be launched towards the moon! The moon will be shattered and rain down upon the Earth! The time for my ambition to be realized has come!”

An older man in a white coat and a questionable helmet laughed maniacally, making insane declarations.

I wanted to dismiss it as the ravings of a madman, but seeing the clumps of light gathering in the sky, I had no choice but to believe. I feel an incredible soul vibration.

“Don’t joke around! We won’t let that happen, Professor Tamazō! Gotama Town is protected by us four!”

Nice, just as expected. A real protagonist’s declaration, Sora.

But it’s not four; it’s three. Please don’t count me in.

“That’s right! We won’t waste the path everyone has paved for us! We’ll stop your ambition!”

Now, we seem to be in a final battle-like atmosphere, floating above Gotama Town in the “Aerial Fortress Mercurii.”

I’m anxious as the fortress continues to rise. How do we get back to the ground?

As Riku said, the mobs we’ve defeated so far started with “Leave this to us and go ahead!” leading us here.

I wanted to blend in with the mobs and join the ground forces fighting the approaching enemy army, but Sora dragged me all the way here… I didn’t want to participate in a final battle…

“Minato! How long do you plan to be controlled? Wake up! You and Mercurius don’t wish for this!”

Kai, spreading a black aura, calls out to the floating masked boy. He’s his brother, brainwashed by Professor Tamazō to play the final boss.

Unfortunately, Kai’s efforts seem in vain. The Mercury boy, struggling against the brainwashing with “Ugh…” will likely end up fighting anyway.

Saving someone from such a fallen state usually requires a battle to break through. If they win, the mask will break, and sanity will return. Your shooter spirit should restore the Mercury boy’s sense of justice.

“It’s useless! He’s no longer the Mercury Minato, you know! For my ambition, he has become a heartless, perfect shooter machine! Your voices won’t reach him!”

But he’s reacting to the voice in pain… I won’t point it out. It’s a bad move to stand out here. Better to stay quiet.

“That’s not true! Minato is still fighting! Fighting another self inside! We know because bonds connect us through battles! Right, Mamoru?”

“Eh!? Ah, yes! Exactly, Sora!”

I was startled… Please don’t suddenly talk to me. Do you want that crazy professor to notice me? Don’t make me stand out.

“Hmph! Stupid kids! I have no time to deal with you anymore! Go, Shadows!”

At the professor’s command, shadows spread on the ground, and black masses in human shape emerged. The professor and Mercury boy moved towards the top of the fortress while floating.

Hm? This is… a chance! I have to do it now!

【Six-on-One!】

I draw my beloved “Peace Moon” from my holster and shout the technique name. It’s embarrassingly lame, but I endure and shout.

A single gunshot-like sound echoes, and six black shadows fall and disappear.

I fired six soul bullets. My painstakingly practiced rapid-fire has reached the level where six sounds merge into one.

This technique has evolved into a special move. That’s why I need to shout the name. It won’t activate properly without shouting, according to the rules of the world. I can’t go against the laws of the world.

“Leave this to me! Go ahead! I’ll take on the Shadows! You guys chase after the professors!”

Facing the minions is safer, right? Absolutely not interested in facing a final boss (temporary) that can blow a hole through a building with a single strike.

Mercury Boy’s Soul Shooter “Mercurius” is no longer a toy but a weapon. My soul body, as fragile as paper, wouldn’t stand a chance.

You should handle such dangerous opponents. Likely, as heroes, you’ll win. Even in a pinch, you’ll awaken and seize victory. It’s always been that way.

After all, this world is supposed to be a kids’ hobby anime. A hero team’s defeat ending is unthinkable, right?

“Mamoru!? Even you can’t handle this many Shadows!”

“That’s right! Let’s clear out the Shadows together first!”

“Don’t be reckless! You taught us the strength of working together!”

Their responses are earnest, in order from Sora Sorato, Riku Momochi, and Kai Suisei.

The trio, centered around the presumed protagonist Sora, are truly straightforward and kind-hearted second graders.

However, there’s no cause for concern. The movements of these shadow-like figures follow a distinct pattern. I’ve fought them enough to know it well. Indeed, facing hundreds is somewhat troublesome, yet they’re merely puppets, limited to their predetermined moves. As long as we understand that, winning unscathed is easy. I’m confident in my speed and evasion.

So, I’ll take my time and secure a victory without a scratch. Meanwhile, you guys take down the manipulated ‘Kai Suisei’ and crush the doctor’s ambitions.

First of all, it’s strange that I’m at the final battlefield, the aerial fortress. The last battle should be adorned by you three. By name, it should be a trio representing land, sea, and air. Oddly, I’m mixed in.

“There’s no time! If we don’t stop the doctor, ‘Gotama Town’ will be in serious trouble!”

I’m saying this myself, but what exactly will become serious? What happens to the land from which this mysterious energy called ‘Soul’ is taken? This mysterious space called the Soul World disappears… huh? There seems to be no particular problem…

“Ugh, it’s true that if all of ‘Gotama Town’’s Soul is taken, this place will never be able to host ‘Shooter Battles’ again…”

Ah, I guess that’s not a big deal. Maybe there’s no disadvantage? Perhaps it’s okay to leave it be?

“Ah, and the doctor mentioned his plan to shatter the moon with Mercurius! If that happens, it’s not just ‘Gotama Town’ in danger, but the whole world!”

That’s right! I remember he said something like that! Honestly, breaking the moon sounds far-fetched, but we can’t ignore it! If the moon breaks, the Earth is in trouble! And that puts me in danger!

“But, if only someone else could stay behind and fight together…”

Hey! Doing that would make short work of the minor skirmishes!

“Everyone! Trust me!”

“Mamoru… but…”

Please! Just hurry to the last battle!

“Fighting together isn’t the only way to unite our strength! Even if we’re apart, each of us playing our roles to the fullest is also teamwork! That’s the power of our bonds!”

“That’s… the power of bonds?”

Yes! That’s the response I was looking for!

Yes! I’ll eradicate them and then catch up with you guys! So, leave this place to me and go ahead!”

I’ve said the ominous line twice. Well, death flags don’t apply to hobby anime; rather, they’re a sign of survival.

“Understood, Mamoru! We believe in you!”

“We’ll be waiting, Mamoru! Don’t die!”

“Minato is waiting for you too… Me as well, don’t die, Mamoru.”

The three are running off… Yes! Persuasion success!

The shadows make to chase after the trio, but I’ll put a stop to that.

【Six-On-One!】 A godspeed quick draw, six bullets piercing through the shadows. It’s a shame it can only be used with the Soul Shooter set in the holder.

I’m the only one here. I can shout the embarrassing special move names as much as I want. Normally, I hate it because there are too many spectators.

【Quickdraw Waltz!】 Dancing steps firing wildly. Elegant footwork dodges the enemy’s attacks while shooting. Firing in a bewildering manner.

Too slow, way too slow. Indeed, fighting weaklings is nice. It’s reassuring to battle someone weaker than myself.

【Flash Bullet!】 A bullet that mysteriously glows upon firing attacks the enemy. Why it glows, I have no idea. A nice technique that doubles as a dazzler.

Let’s not rush too much and arrive leisurely when their battle is concluded. That way, I wouldn’t be breaking my promise.

【Mirage Bullet!】 A mysterious technique where the fired bullet multiplies. What’s the principle behind this? Questions remain, but it’s convenient for facing multiple enemies, so I don’t mind.

Hmm, it feels good to be invincible against weaklings… Perfect for stress relief. It’s nice that they take the form of people.

【Phantom Bullet!】 The fired bullet splits into countless illusions, then materializes to attack the enemy. Honestly, its effect overlaps with Mirage Bullet.

Ah, knowing you can definitely win is enjoyable. After all, the most precious thing in this world is peace of mind. Knowing everything is alright, that tranquility, is humanity’s greatest happiness.

【Moon Bullet!】 A bullet enveloped in golden radiance pierces through the enemy, without any special effects.

Once this battle is over, the BB Gang should be finished. Why do elementary schoolers have to fight evil organizations? Isn’t that strange? What about the country or the police?

【Eclipse Zero!】 For some reason, the surroundings darken, taking advantage of the moment to strike the enemy. It’s a final secret technique but a sneaky one…

Seriously, what’s the deal with this Soul World? Battles in a hobby that involve pain are pure madness. Toys should be played with peacefully.

It’s been quite some time… Is it about time now?

“Uooooh!! ,Blue Sky Shoot!!”

“Aaaaah!! ,Mercurius Syndrome!!”

Ah, I can hear them, the clash of Sora and Venus Boy’s special moves. The impact’s vibrations are reaching even here.

Sure are loud, though. Quite fitting for energetic elementary schoolers, very commendable. The louder you shout your special move, the stronger it becomes, right?

Well then, it’s about time to make my way to the fortress rooftop, isn’t it?

【Maximum Bullet】

My hand moves at a speed that even I’m surprised by, firing countless bullets in a flurry, a special move meant for wiping out the weak foes.

I finish off the remaining dozens of Shadows with a special move. The time for stalling is over. I’ve shot something rather trivial.

Ah, almost slipped my mind. To feign a struggle, I’ll roll around on the ground to dirty my clothes… perhaps smear a bit of dirt on my face too; wouldn’t want to appear too unscathed.

Pretending to be out of breath, I run. Running up the stairs inside the unnecessarily complicated structure of the air fortress.

Reaching the rooftop of the air fortress while panting heavily, as if I’ve barely made it. The stairs were longer than I thought, and I’m genuinely tired. This is no longer an act.

Now then, it’s about time to find the doctor tied up… What!? Sora-kun and the others are down!? Eh!? They lost!? No way!? You’re kidding, right!?

“Hoh… A rat was left behind… Impressive that you’ve defeated so many Shadows… kukku, you seem to be badly injured! The damage has been done, but my Minato and Mercurius are still in good shape! Do it! Finish off the remaining nuisances!”

“…Understood.”

Understood my foot! Don’t come this way!

Hmm? They’re damaged from fighting with Sora-kun and the others… If they’re weakened now, maybe I can win? Shall I take the last attack? Shall I just reap the benefits?

【Six-On-One!!】

Ah, no good… The soul bullets I fired are easily blocked by the dark aura surrounding Venus Boy, scattering like peashooters.

…No, I knew it. After all, Sora-kun and their machines had two power-up events each, and their Soul Shooters evolved, whereas my “Peace Moon” remained in its initial state.

My beloved machine does not have a spirit-like mysterious life form dwelling within it, unlike theirs. When Sora-kun and the others release their special moves, birds, tigers, snakes come out. It’s unfair…

The fundamental attack power is different. I knew it would come to this, that’s why I wanted to only deal with the weak ones.

“Ahh… Mamoru-kun… uaaah!! Mercurius!!”

Venus Boy launches soul bullets at me like mad. I concentrate all my nerves to somehow dodge them all… Dangerous!?

The bullets I dodged rain down on the ground, piercing through buildings… wow… not the kind of power you’d want in a toy.

The townscape within the Soul World may be destroyed, but it doesn’t affect reality and will regenerate over time. But it’s a chilling sight.

If even one of these murderous shots hit me, it’d be over. The damage in the Soul World is fed back to the physical body with pain. With this power, it might not just be pain.

Damn, what do I do… What should I do… Ah, I got it!

“Wake up, Minato-kun! I can tell, deep inside, you and Mercurius are crying! There must be something else you wish for! Remember the soul of a shooter!”

While dodging Venus Boy’s attacks, I shake him with words. By the way, I don’t really know what the soul of a shooter is. But that’s okay, just throw something that sounds right at him. Hoping that it’ll bring Venus Boy back to his senses.

“Sora-kun! Riku-kun! Kai-kun! Stand up! I… everyone in Gotama Town believes in you! So please stand up!”

Please… I’m really begging here… Once you’re about to lose, revive with the encouragement of friends! And then a comeback victory! Right!? That’s the scenario, right!? Stand up for me!

“How pathetic to struggle! It’s useless! They no longer have a fragment of soul left! It’s impossible for them to stand up!”

Oh? Isn’t that statement a flag? If that’s the case, we can do this! It wouldn’t be strange for a cool OP arrangement to start playing now!

“Nnn!? What’s this light… Impossible!? Souls are flowing from Gotama Town, which I thought I had completely taken! Impossible! Impossible!”

Oh! Souls in the form of light orbs are coming this way from the ground! Everyone’s belief and various other things have caused a miracle!

Yes! Justice will prevail! This is the pattern where Sora-kun and the others are enveloped in light and revive! Charge!

“……….”

It’s taking a long time… The altitude of the air fortress is too high, so the light gathering to Sora-kun and the others is slow. Can’t it fly a bit faster…

“Huh!? What are you doing, Minato! Eliminate them now! Don’t let that detestable light reach them!”

“Uh, uh… y-yes.”

Hey! Read the room, Doctor! Just watch the light quietly!

“Don’t, Minato-kun! Stop!”

I desperately dodge the bullets fired by Mercurius, unable to block them head-on. I deflect multiple bullets at an angle to change their course.

“Kuh, you’re interfering! Finish off that one first!”

Mercurius fires soul bullets relentlessly. I desperately defend, making sure none hit me or Sora-kun and the others.

Ugh, this is bad. At this rate, it’s a losing battle… There’s too much of a fundamental power difference. Is there any way…

“What are you dawdling for, Minato! Is the brainwashing coming undone!? Damn, I’ll divert the soul output to the mask control…”

The doctor starts typing frantically on the console.

Oh? The fierce attack stops… The black barrier is gone too? This is my chance! Now’s the time to tear off that mask!

【Phantom Step!!】

A special move for movement that generates illusions and afterimages, circling to the opponent’s back. It feels really good to play around from behind.

“Wha! Behind you, Minato! Blow him away!”

Too late! I grab the mask of Venus Boy from behind.

“Wha!? Oooooh!? Eh!? What’s this!?”

It’s tingling!? It’s really tingling!? What’s this!? What’s this!? I can’t let go of it!? What do I do with this!?

“Ahh!? No… Mamoru-kun… if you don’t let go, something irreversible will… ugh!?”

Eh!? What do you mean by something irreversible!? I can’t let go! It’s tingling, and my hand is stiff, I can’t let go!

“Minato-kun! Please! Don’t lose! Wake up!!”

Hurry up! Save me while it’s still reversible!? Please!?

“Ma, Mamoru-kun… I am, I am… uwaahhh!!”

“Ugyaah!?”

It hurts!? It really hurts!? What’s this!? What is this!? It’s really painful!? Is this even a safe level of pain!? Won’t there be any lasting effects!?

My consciousness becomes hazy from the numbness and pain. But I can’t let go of the mask, even if I want to. My hand won’t move at all.

The numbness spreads to my legs, and I can’t maintain my posture. I fall over, leaning on Minato-kun. My consciousness fades.

In the dimming vision, I see it. The sight of Sora-kun and the others standing up, enveloped in light. You’re too late… The revival took too long… Did you use up the whole A-part?

My consciousness sinks into darkness, reminiscent of the last moments of my previous life. A terrifying sensation that recalls death…

But it’s not as scary as that time. Why? Even though I’m sinking into darkness, the anxiety and loneliness are faint. The cold and chill aren’t as severe.

Is it because of the warmth from Minato-kun’s body? Because I know Sora-kun and the others are nearby?

I don’t know… But strangely, I didn’t feel too bad.