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Starring

'Oni'—Momoka Hanyuu

Excuse me.

No pushing! Are you trying to flatten everyone or something?

That giant uchiwa you've got, lift it up high!

Uchiwa?

Y'know, a fan you wave to show how big a fan you are. Isn't that board you got there a real big one? Making it a triangle's pretty creative. How long has Momo-cchi been your oshi?

<i>Momo-cchi?</i>

...Sorry, just trying to get through. I'm in a hurry.

Momoka! Momoka! Momoka!

Thank you everyone! Thank you so much!

I am so honored that my first role on the big screen got to be the leading lady in <i>Birth of the Vicious Oni</i>—the Nameless Oni!

I've always been fascinated by the Nameless Oni, as she's the subject of a kaidan tale that's been going around Mitsukue for ages.

An Oni with a single horn who rebels in the name of vengeance, wiping out an entire yakuza family in a berserk rage, before finally killing the candidate for the Diet she swore a blood feud against.

(Blood feud?)

But after realizing just how bloodstained her hands had become, she couldn't bear the guilt, ultimately committing suicide.

(Suicide?)

Her endless resentment meant she couldn't be reborn, so she became a specter roaming the streets. Vowing to bury the truth in the dark, she suffers no witness to live...

(Has the story really grown that much...?)

It's a terrifying and tragic story, but it's also a touching one. And now, it's finally out on the silver screen for all to see!

This movie means a lot to me. The people of Kajimachi were so kind to me when we were filming there, so I'd like to thank them while I have the chance.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to talk about <i>Shin Onibugyou</i>, coming out this winter!

I'll be playing the lead Onihappou-no-Take, giving everyone a whole new take on the Onibugyou story.

It'll have a few <i>Birth of the Vicious Oni</i>-related easter eggs and references too. I really can't tell you <i>too</i> much right now... but I hope you all go and watch it too!

Next, we have our very last song for this show, the ED for <i>Birth of the Vicious Oni</i>...

<i>Kishoumon Nocturne</i>, hope you all like it!

It is a slow song. The moment the music starts, the crowd quiets down.

The singer has already belted out an entire concert's worth of songs, the beads of sweat running down her neck just barely perceptible, but she strives to keep her breathing steady, singing to the gentle violin.

...Plot of the film aside, the song's pretty good. This 'Momo-cchi' has a great singing voice too.

Shame I don't have time for a break right now.

Hoshiguma turns her head towards the perimeter of the crowd.

Peering over the heads of hundreds, no, thousands of fans, she is looking to spy a target before the target spies her—

Unfortunately, at that very moment, they lock eyes.

There she is!

Gah!

'Scuse me, I need to switch places.

Eh? Wha—?

If you're not going to move, I'll push my way through.

I don't understand—

Sorry, pal.

The Oni woman lifts her 'uchiwa' up high. It is only at this point that the young fan notices the cold glint of steel shining off it.

Before he even has time to react, he is pushed aside by some monstrous force. The tall Oni has barged past him, and now she is only a few steps away from the stage.

Alone in this land, we all float on by♪

Our fleeting tender moments, cause such deep sighs♪

Let me forever gaze into your eyes♪

Looking at life's dawn and dusk, so filled with dreams♪

Thank you, everyone! Thank you all for listening!

That was the last song I have for you today—

Encore! Encore! Encore!

Momoka! Momoka! Here! Over here!

Amidst the surging crowd of fans, one is particularly excited. She lifts something up high, having done all she can to squeeze through the crowd to reach the stage.

Momoka! I-I live in Kajimachi, I was even an extra in <i>Birth of the Vicious Oni</i>.

This is a picture you took with us extras when we were wrapping up filming. I always wanted to give it to you, but never had the chance... Please, take it!

Kajimachi? You're...

Even Kajimachi has star-chasers like her these days? I thought only old geezers lived there—

As she muses, Hoshiguma inadvertently spots out the corner of her eye several men, very much not dressed like fans, heading towards the Kajimachi girl.

They don't look like plainclothes security either. She might even say they look more like... yakuza?

Just as they are about to grab hold of her, Momoka suddenly pulls her up onto the stage.

WHOOOOOOOO! MOMOKA!

The fans, lost to hype, rush the stage, making the already-cramped venue even more impenetrable.

Up on stage, the sparkling idol cups her hands around her fan's.

I-I-I... Y-Y-You...

Could you tell me your name?

R-Right! Kichisei! I'm Kichisei!

I'm sure I've seen you before...

You remember me? Tha—, well, wh-what did I even do that was so memorable, Momoka-san?

Hmm... This might be embarrassing, but you're the first person I've met who actually likes film set bentos...

That's because the rice is so good—Wait, wait... You saw that? No, nonono...

I put my own on the table next to you, so I got to watch you happily eat your sixth box.

(Deep bow) I'm so sorry—!

No, please, there's no need, I just meant—

As the girl leans forward, she loses her balance, stumbling into Momoka's embrace. Seeing her give one of her fans a big hug, the crowd goes wild.

Hey now, watch your step.

So, how is Kajimachi right now? Is everyone doing okay?

Kajimachi... Right now, it... It...

What?

The pachinko parlor's not seeing as much business as it used to. Most people who want to stay out of trouble have moved away, and they're shooting <i>Shin Onibugyou</i> in a big fancy sound stage studio...

No, wait, what I'm trying to say is that I'm here on Kajimachi's behalf to invite you back! Everyone would love to see you again!

Eh? Really? I'll gladly go, and I'll gladly see what I can do! I'll do anything I can for Kajimachi's sake!

(Whisper) Kichisei-san, security's almost here. You can leave from the side.

(Whisper) Th-Thank you, Momoka-san!

THANKS FOR THE PHOTO!

Momoka turns to look at her backup band. The lead keyboardist gives her a nod.

Then... Thank you everyone for your passion and energy! It really means a lot to me!

So I'd like to ask everyone to wait a little bit longer, and let the band have a moment to catch their breath.

I'll be back on stage in two minutes to give you all the perfect curtain call!

The venue lights slowly fade out.

But the darkness does not stop the crowd's fervent chatter. Hoshiguma takes the opportunity to haul herself up on stage, trying to leave the venue as fast as possible.

Who just stepped on me?!

Ugh.

Who're you?

(Isn't this one of the guys chasing Kichisei? Guess they really were plainclothes security.)

Just looking to head out, nothing else. It's too crowded down there.

Don't you fans pay a lot of money to be in a crowd like that?

Wait, I bet you're the type of messed-up fan who goes onstage to bother the talent!

I really am just trying to head out—

You really didn't check who's in charge of Momoka-san's agency?! Stay right there!

Hey, what the—?! The hell is this thing... A metal shield?!

Report, we've got trouble! There's someone on the stage—

Going to have to ask you to shut it.