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Yohei Nanami/History
B Ichi Volume 3 - Yohei profile
Characteristics
Race

Human

Gender

File:Gender Sign - Male.pngMale

Debuts
Manga Debut

Chapter 2


History[]

Working for the Dokeshi Hunt[]

B Ichi Chapter 6 - Yohei confronts Nofix

Yohei faces the murderer Nofix

Yohei worked for the Japon Government's Dokeshi suppression force, known as the Dokeshi Hunt. As a commanding officer for Dokeshi Hunt, Yohei led troops to hunt and execute Dokeshi. One of Yohei's final missions, however, led him to leave the organization, as he was ordered to hunt the dangerous Dokeshi known as the King of Spin, Nofix. Yohei told his supervisor that Nofix was too dangerous for his unit to confront, and he questioned sending his soldiers into a battle that would likely lead to their deaths. Yohei's supervisor chastised Yohei for questioning orders, telling him to follow them. Yohei acquiesced.[1][2]

Yohei returned to his unit to pass along instructions for their mission to assassinate Nofix. One of Yohei's colleagues, Nick, lashed out in anger, refusing to follow orders that are simply suicidal. Nick reminded Yohei that, as commanding officer, he was not the one risking his life in a foolish mission. Nick was interrupted by another colleague who reassured him that Yohei understands the risk. As Yohei turned away, Nick is less confident, claiming Yohei has "too many screws loose." Later, the intervening colleague joined Yohei outside to discuss the mission. While Yohei stood, inflexible, his colleague lounged against a wall, reaffirming that their team trust Yohei's decision because he has not led them wrong yet. The colleague smiled then asked Yohei to reaffirm that the two of them are still "buddies."[2]

Once Yohei's unit found Nofix, however, it was nearly impossible to stand against the Dokeshi. Despite numerous injuries, including a sword stabbed into his back and through his chest, Nofix managed to most of Yohei's soldiers. As one of Yohei's colleagues had the life choked out of him by Nofix's fingers, he cursed Yohei: "It's all your fault!"[1][2] Yohei is calling to his teammates, promising to come. One of his colleagues is struggling to breathe, as Nofix's fingers wrap more tightly around his neck. Yohei calls to Nofix and aims at the villain. But it is too late for Yohei's friend: with his last breath, he blames Yohei.[3]

From a wound in Nofix's back, feathers flutter out. Amidst the beheaded and desiccated corpses of his colleagues, Yohei watches the feathers floating in the breeze. He wonders whether this scene makes Nofix an angel or a demon. When Nofix asks what Yohei wants, the Dokeshi Hunt commander aims and prepares to kill Nofix. Nofix chuckles, claiming many want to kill him but can never follow through. Yohei repeats that he will kill Nofix. But Nofix can see how calm Yohei looks, a calmness he has seen many times in his opponents.[3]

Nofix removes his bandanna to reveal his forehead. With his own blood, he writes a message on his forehead: "Rape me." He makes an offer to Yohei: aim at that forehead message and fire. Without hesitation, Yohei fires, the bullet going through Nofix's skull. Nofix keeps a frozen grin, the words "Hit me?" appearing behind him. The words "Fuck you" appear behind Yohei. Nofix giggles, complimenting Yohei's shot. As he falls backwards, Nofix says, "My head's spinning..." while the words "Thank you" appear behind him.

Yohei thought he had killed Nofix. As Nofix landed in the grass, he seemed to drown in a sea of blood leaking from his numerous wounds. But at the next moment, Yohei was now wearing a tux--and Nofix, smoke emanating from the bullet wound in his forehead, was standing behind him, arms draped over his body. All of a sudden, a cigarette appears in Yohei's mouth, with Nofix offering a lighter. "It's been awhile since we've seen one another," Nofix says. "Let's have a smoke and catch up a little." Yohei knocks Nofix away. "Don't fuck with me!" Yohei shouts. He finds that he has slammed his hands down onto a table in a breakfast nook, in a traditional household. "Papa Nofix" is reading a newspaper, while "Yowhey-chan" is dressed in the high school uniform of a Japanese student. Papa Nofix continues to stare at his newspaper, with headlines saying "KillKill," as Yohei demands to know how Nofix could survive a bullet to the head. Even as Yohei stares at Papa Nofix, "Mama Nofix," wearing an apron, appears behind Yohei to explain: "Did you take good aim?" "Mama" tugs on their shirt, revealing their jugular and offering to let Yohei take the fork on the table to stab into their chest. Yohei hesitates. Mama Nofix therefore offers to do so herself--taking the fork and jamming it into the chest of Papa Nofix.[3]

But as the corpse of Papa Nofix falls back, the newspaper flies away, revealing the face of Kevin, Yohei's Dokeshi Hunt colleague. Shocked, Yohei, now in his checkered pants and Japanese high school uniforms, turns to see all of his colleagues on the floor, forks jagged into their jugulars, all chanting "Yohei" at him. Yohei begins to hallucinate Nofix's sharp-toothed appearance. Nofix mocks Yohei's "stupid, pitiful look in [his] eyes," asking what happened to his "killing spirit," his ability to laugh about his murderous nature. Nofix blames people like Yohei who refuse to kill for how Nofix has "sunk so low." Nofix claims he refuses to let others impose their outdated ideals onto him.[3]

The hallucination fades away for Yohei to find Nofix has unbuttoned his shirt, pointing a fork at his jugular. Yohei tries to push away Nofix's fork-armed hand, but Nofix is still able to shove the utensil into Yohei's throat. As Yohei bleeds, Nofix promises to kill every person involved with him, in the hope of making Yohei into a god of death.[3]

Disgusted with his assignments to assassinate Dokeshi, Yohei threw away his powerful weapon, the Law-Abiding Silver Gun, into Fantastic Island, a garbage dump in the IC Prefecture. It was here that Yohei met the kappa, Tool.[1]

Working for the Fear Factory[]

Yohei was later approached by a dangerous company known as Fear Factory, which develops weapons under the guise of running the Happy Factory electronic company. Yohei accepted work to develop weapons for Dokeshi running the Fear Factory--until he learned they wanted him to develop a computer chip for a potentially dangerous robot. Yohei created the chip but gave the Fear Factory a fake chip and left with his payment. This “madness chip” caused the robot to perform dances as a distraction before crashing into the factory itself, destroying half the building and injuring the boss of the Fear Factory.[4]

Escaping Solence[]

Furious at Yohei's actions, the President of the Fear Factory orders the Dokeshi Commander Solence and his gang to pursue the inventor's Jeep, with orders to kill Yohei and acquire the real computer chip. Yohei manages to momentarily escape Solence by using his Jeep's laptop to hack local traffic signals, the confusion causing an automobile accident that blocks Solence from pursuing Yohei.[4]

Meeting Shotaro[]

Upon nearing Christina S. Imbroglia's fortune telling shop, Yohei is still pursued by Solence. While Yohei manages to avoid crashing into a local burger stand, where Shotaro happens to be dining, Solence's gang crashes through the stand, destroying it and taking the proprietor's banner with it. Shotaro initiates bone of the Bird and follows to retrieve the banner, landing in the back of Yohei's Jeep. Shotaro accuses Yohei of causing problems for bystanders and asks for help retrieving the burger stand’s banner. Yohei says to ask Solence to return the banner himself--so Shotaro does so. Solence’s gang is undeterred, firing more bullets at Shotaro as well. Shotaro dodges and hides next to Yohei, confused Solence’s gang is in pursuit.[4]

Yohei realizes Shotaro is the boy who used Justice Blade to rescue the Governor--and decides to ask which form of Justice Blade he used. Shotaro, pleased to find another Charisma Justice fan, answers the Justice Blade Koto-Buki. Shotaro is impressed at Yohei’s knowledge.[4]

Fighting Solence[]

Yohei proposes a deal: Shotaro can retrieve the banner if he helps stop Solence. Yohei tells Shotaro to take one of the guns in the back of his Jeep and fire at Solence. Shotaro refuses, knowing the bullets would kill Solence’s gang. Yohei assures him that the weapons are only electric air guns, modified to disable without killing targets. Excited, Shotaro aims one gun and fires, knocking down some of Solence’s gang, but his firing is so erratic that Yohei tells him to focus. But it is too late: Shotaro accidentally fires into the front right tire of Yohei’s Jeep, slowing down his vehicle.[4]

Solence’s gang now surrounds Yohei’s Jeep and fire. Yohei swerves to dodge until he sees a sharp curve ahead up the road. While Solence’s gang brags that their motorcycles can handle sharp curves better than Yohei’s Jeep, Yohei has a trick to get away: he turns on the left electromagnetic on his Jeep, which allows attracts the vehicle to a nearby lightpost and allows him to make the sharp turn--while the gang’s motorcycles crash. Solence’s vehicle remains operational and pursues Yohei.[4]

Yohei then sees Solence has caught up with him--which the inventor says is logical, as he did design Solence’s vehicle. Solence asks Yohei what is most important in “the tug-of-war of a business deal.” Yohei, thinking about the economic practice, answers “being hard-boiled.” Solence, being more literal, answers the rope, which is representative of trust, which Yohei has broken. Solence fires again, almost hitting Shotaro. Yohei continues to smoke, calmly telling Solence that his company is evil.[4]

Yohei tells Shotaro to drive. Shotaro insists that he has never driven and lacks a license, but Yohei simply puts a necktie around Shotaro’s head as a substitute license. While Shotaro panics, Yohei calmly tells him to accelerate and turn the wheel. Yohei then takes one of his guns and fires shots at Solence’s gang, knocking many members off their motorcycles. Unfortunately, in Shotaro’s excitement at driving, he presses buttons on the dashboard, causing the Jeep to leap upwards--and causing all but Yohei’s handgun to fall off the back of his Jeep. Yohei also notices the Jeep’s armor is falling apart.[4]

Defeating Solence[]

Yohei then hears liquid falling out of the Jeep--as Shotaro pushed a button to release his vehicle’s gasoline. Initially annoyed at Shotaro, Yohei then has an idea, one that will depend on the Dokeshi’s flying abilities.[4]

Solence’s gang sees the Jeep is again behaving oddly, its wipers and blinkers going off. Meanwhile, Yohei lights multiple cigarettes in his mouth and tells Shotaro to continue his erratic driving. As gasoline spills from the Jeep, Yohei tosses his cigarettes, igniting the gasoline and destroying the gang’s remaining motorcycles. Solence’s car remains as he prepares to fire his gun at Yohei. But Solence does not notice Shotaro, using Bone of the Bird, to leap and land behind him, then use Bone of the Monkey to unhook his tubes before flying off again. With the flammable gas inside Solence escaping, Yohei stops his Jeep, aims his handgun at Solence, and fires, the bullet producing a large explosion that defeats Solence. Shotaro lands next to Yohei and determines that he has completed his good deed for the day.[4]

Recognizing the Kyokotsu[]

Yohei drives Shotaro back to the burger stand to return the banner to the proprietor. While Shotaro receives a free burger for his work, Yohei has put on glasses and is tapping on his laptop. He puts out his cigarette on his ring, realizing Shotaro is the Kyokotsu.[4]

Meeting Mana[]

Shotaro leaves to help the boy repair his father's burger stand. He leaves Yohei with a note for Mana and asks him to record an episode of Justice. Yohei approaches her by name with a letter from Shotaro--which initially scares Mana, finding the serious, cigarette-smoking man to be potentially dangerous. When Mana cannot read Shotaro’s scribbling and doodle, Yohei explains that the young Dokeshi is repairing the burger stand destroyed by Solence’s gang and will return in an hour.[5]

Yohei returns to repairing his Jeep but can tell Mana is still studying him. Embarrassed, Mana simply says that smoking is bad and departs. Seemingly amused, Yohei smiles and observes that she and Shotaro are similar: “Weird girl. I guess it’s true what they say: birds of a feather flock together…”[5]

Discovering Solence's Next Attack[]

While continuing repairs on his Jeep, Yohei then hears his laptop announcing breaking news. He opens the computer to watch the television network GNN, which announces that Solence is holding hostages at the Toykyo Tower observation deck. GNN shows footage from security cameras of Solence screaming at Yohei for denying him the monster robot computer chip.[5]

Yohei smiles as Solence says he will not be needing the computer chip. But then Solence announces to Yohei that NoFix, “the guy you thought you hunted down, is still alive” and likely joining Fear Factory. Yohei, nervous, tries to remove a cigarette but ends up biting it in half. He worries that, if NoFix gets his hands on the Fear Robot he designed for the Factory, then he can make it operational. Yohei spits out his cigarette and determines to meet Solence in person to interrogate him about NoFix’s location. Because Solence’s gas can be dangerous, upon seeing Mana’s scooter parked nearby, he decides to re-fashion it into an “anti-Solence gadget.”[5]

Freeing the Toykyo Tower Hostages[]

After transforming Mana's scooter into his anti-Solence gadget, Yohei sneaks past police into the Toykyo Tower. Before he can take the elevator, however, he is approached by Shotaro, who used his Bone of the Dog powers to trace Mana's scent to the tower (by sniffing her bra that he removed from her bag) and to sneak past the police. As Shotaro and Yohei both realize Mana is held hostage by Solence, they enter the elevator together with a plan to free the hostages. When Yohei notices Shotaro holding Mana's bra, he lies and claims the item is a fashion accessory for his head. When the elevator's doors open to the observation deck, Yohei stands aside as Mana, furious at seeing Shotaro wearing her bra, kicks him back into the elevator and down the floors back to the entrance. Yohei simply stands aside to smoke, asking what Shotaro did to bother Mana. Upon seeing Yohei again, Mana jumps in fear of him and shuffles back to the hostages--which surprises at least one of them.[5]

Solence welcomes Yohei, but the latter is not amused: he demands to know whether Nofix, “the King of Spin,” is still alive. Solence mocks Yohei for being a “softy.” Despite how powerful Yohei’s inventions can be, he refuses to make his weapons lethal, much like how he refused to kill Nofix and even Solence. Therefore, Solence concludes, Yohei’s refusal to kill will actually lead to more deaths.[5]

Mana listens to Yohei’s reply to Solence and notices an inconsistency: he replies that he is willing to kill Solence if necessary but that he is not interested in making weapons because they serve only one purpose, which is to kill. Mana hence realizes that while Yohei seems tough, he actually may be a good guy. Yohei is then interrupted by a bespectacled hostage crawling towards him, begging that he remove the ropes around his hands and feet. Yohei simply kicks the hostage in the face, knocking off his glasses and threatening to kill him. Mana and the other hostages stare in horror as Yohei kicks him again for interrupting his conversation with Solence, which only confuses Mana.[5]

Surprised at Yohei kicking a hostage, Solence interrupts that Yohei should try to get along with the hostage since he is going to poison all of them together. Yohei takes some offense that the Dokeshi is lumping him in with the set of hostages, but Solence promises that he thinks Yohei to be as important to him as menma is to ramen. As Solence releases poison gas out his nose, Yohei reminds Solence that menma is only a condiment for ramen, but Solence disagrees, thinking the condiment, and Yohei, are most important.[5]

B Ichi Chapter 3 - Yohei's Anti Solence Device

Yohei sucks up poison with his anti-Solence device

Yohei grabs the starter cord on the anti-Solence device he constructed, which causes its fans to blow. He then takes hold of the vacuum cleaner-like nozzle and proceeds to suck all of Solence’s poison before it can permeate throughout the observation deck. Yohei explains to the surprised Solence how his gadget works: first, Yohei’s laptop analyzes the components of the Dokeshi’s gases; second, the device releases gases from its attached containers to neutralize the gas; and finally, the now neutralized gas is released back into the room.[5]

Yohei removes his handgun to aim at Solence. The Dokeshi calls Yohei’s bluff before opening his jacket to reveal he has strapped a bomb to his chest. Solence brags that they are all going to die, whether by poison or by explosion as he claims they will all “explode into laugher.” Yohei puts down his handgun, recognizing that his bullet would set off the bomb. Yohei then hears his device sputtering, as it can no longer convert all the gas that Solence releases. Solence continues to laugh (and mentions he would rather stay single).[5]

Yohei then hears the elevator next to him ding. Mana and Solence anticipate Shotaro is returning. When the doors open, however, no one is inside. Solence cackles that Shotaro has abandoned his friends. But Yohei, seeing something outside the observation deck’s windows, smiles. What he sees is Shotaro, using his Bone of Bird powers to fly into the room and kick through the window. Shotaro and Mana then defeat Solence, leaving Yohei to tell the arriving police that the hostages are now safe.[5]

After the Hostage Situation[]

Outside Christina's fortune teller shop, Mana screams in horror upon seeing her scooter disassembled--which Shotaro finally notices. Yohei attempts to scamper away with the anti-Solence device he constructed from her vehicle. But Mana, seeing her own name written on Yohei’s device, realizes the truth. Yohei tosses the device to her and says he is leaving for Tube to stop Nofix.[5]

Mana is not satisfied, refusing to let Yohei go. Yohei mocks Mana for writing her name on her scooter, then suggests she probably wrote her name on her “not sexy” underwear. Mana is outraged, so Yohei tells Shotaro to pull her underwear out of her bag to confirm.[5]

Traveling to the Fear Factory[]

Having destroyed Mana's scooter, Yohei is coerced by her to give her and Shotaro a ride in his Jeep to IC Prefecture so she may gain more commendations and for Shotaro to use the Prefecture's databases to locate Eneme. Mana then goes on to complain that she spent so much money on that scooter, which she could have spent instead on clothes. Annoyed by her rambling, Yohei knocks Mana in the head with his handgun and threatens to shoot her. Annoyed, Mana says she will remember Yohei's insult.[6]

Helping an Ogre Child in Silent Hill[]

As it is getting late, Yohei pulls over at the Silent Hill campground to rest for the night. Yohei instructs Shotaro to play by himself while he and Mana set up their tent and prepare their meal. Later, Yohei's barbecue announces it has finished. While Yohei continues to type on his laptop while Mana says she will get Shotaro before their meal gets cold.[6]

Bothered at how long Shotaro and Mana take to return, Yohei eats the meal--intended for three--all by himself. When Mana returns with Shotaro (who had been consumed whole by a hungry goby frog) and the frog (who Mana promised to feed at the campground), Yohei compliments Mana's cooking. She blushes in acknowledgement of the compliment, then knocks Yohei in the head and turns to apologize to the frog--and finding the hungry amphibian has swallowed Shotaro again. Although annoyed, Mana is too angry to continue yelling.[6]

Yohei then sees an elderly local farmer yelling at an gore for ruining his field. Mana and Shotaro (still inside the frog) approach the elderly man to ask what has happened. The elderly farmer, admiring Mana as pretty, takes her hands to apologize for his goby frog consuming Shotaro. Embarrassed, Mana assures that she is not injured, while Yohei and Shotaro refer to the elderly farmer as “nasty,” both mean-spirited and perverted.[6]

The elderly farmer explains that he grows tea but an “ogre brat” named Kisuke wrecks his field until he is unable to sell to market and has been unable to feed his hungry goby frog. While Kisuke has been kind before, after his parents were killed by poachers for their horns, Kisuke is lashing out. The elderly farmer managed to retrieve the horns of Kisuke’s father, to return these remains to the son, but Kisuke has refused to open up to humans.[6]

Shotaro, still inside the frog’s mouth, has an idea. He requests the horn of Kisuke’s father. The elderly farmer, thinking Kisuke will never accept the horn, agrees, tossing it to the ground. Mana picks it up as Shotaro explains he will need Mana and Yohei’s help. Yohei realizes that, if the horn is made out of calcium, then Shotero can use his Bone Powers as if using a bone. Yohei sits back, thinking how he has the chance to witness “the power of the Kyokotsu.”[6]

That night, Kisuke returns again to the elderly man's farm and again clubs the land. But Kisuke is distracted by a figure in the shadows, claiming to be his father. While it is indeed the spirit of his father speaking to him, it is through Shotaro, who is using Bone of the Ogre by biting the horn of Kisuke's father to channel his memories and feelings. The spirit's words convince Kisuke to let go of his grief and reconcile with the elderly farmer.[6]

While Kisuke and the elderly farmer are distracted, Shotaro begins to huff. Yohei appears from behind, revealing that he has been using a fog machine to hide Shotaro. As Shotaro struggles to breathe from the powers of the Ogre, and from having the horn in his mouth, Yohei asks why he put so much effort into calming Kisuke. Shotaro says he has a friend who, like Kisuke, does bad deeds, hence can understand the importance of helping someone even if they behave badly. Yohei is then surprised to see Shotaro collapse.[6]

Mana returns to find Yohei, smoking, and crouched over the unconscious Shotaro. Yohei puts Shotaro on his back to take back to camp. Yohei explains to Mana that, in biting the Bone of the Ogre, Shotaro absorbed not only the father's powers but also his memories and personality. As Yohei hands the father's horn to Mana to return to Kisuke, she asks why Yohei knows so much about Dokeshi. Yohei simply answers that he's a genius.[6]

Arriving in IC Prefecture[]

The next day, Yohei and Mana put the still sleeping Shotaro into the Jeep and finish their drive into IC Prefecture. Shotaro awakens and is shocked to learn he has been asleep for almost an entire day--and now needs to complete his next good deed before this day ends. Yohei is surprised by Shotaro's immediate departure when they only just arrived in town, while Mana worries what it must be like to be a Dokeshi.[7]

Meanwhile, Yohei's Jeep is being watched by Zuno and Ashi, who have received instructions from the Fear FActory to track these targets.[7]

Constructing Mana's Robot[]

Yohei parks his Jeep around the 758 Block and walks with Mana. She worries whether Shotaro will be alright. But Yohei is not worried: he refers to Shotaro as like a "homing pigeon" and will find them when he's ready, much as Shotaro was able to find Mana by using Bone of the Dog and the scent from Mana's bra. Upset, Mana claims she does not write her name on her underwear.[7]

Yohei takes this opportunity to separate from Mana: he promised only to give her and Shotaro a ride, not to accompany them further in their search for Eneme. Yohei instead focuses on how to infiltrate the Fear Factory--until he feels Mana tugging on his shirt sleeve. Mana holds up a flyer for the local Robot Fight Tournament, and she wants him to make her a robot so she can get a commendation.[7]

Yohei knocks the flyer out of her hand and takes her by the collar of her shirt, warning her not to enter the Robot Fight Tournament. Yohei turns and leaves the "airhead." But Mana has a plan: she will tell the stubborn Yohei that he is simply afraid that he is not good enough to build a robot to win the tournament. Before she can even speak her completed thought, Yohei finishes her sentence, suggesting he will not be coerced by her reverse-psychology. Silenced for only a moment, Mana still finishes her sentence. Yohei pauses. Then he grabs Mana by her shirt and promises the "vixen" that he will build the robot.[7]

Yohei hands Mana a list of supplies he will need, then obsesses about which kind of robot to build, as a robot that simply punches or even performs a Justice Blade will not be impressive enough. Mana interrupts to warn Yohei not to make a strange robot, but he tells her to leave already and get his supplies.[7]

As Mana leaves, she realizes she never found out why Yohei has come to the IC Prefecture. As Yohei is obsessed with his new project, he has forgotten as well, so Mana ignores his concern.[7]

But the flyer that Yohei knocked from Mana's hand explains why he told her not to compete: the Robot Fighting Competition is sponsored by the Happy Factory, actually the Fear Factory Yohei was to infiltrate. The flyer blows away from Mana as she departs and sails to the rooftops, where Zuno and his partner watch. Zuno plans to kidnap Mana with his Trapping Hairs.[7]

When Mana returns to Yohei, he is still soldering his new robot and complains at her how long it has taken her to return. Mana, seeming to be without her supplies, quickly explains all that just happened, including referring to Zuno as "suspicious," sewing her up with some ulterior motive. Elsewhere, overhearing this conversation, Zuno and Ashi are stunned that their plan is discovered so quickly. But hearing Mana's story about the kaapa she encountered, Yohei realizes Mana met his acquaintance, Tool. Yohei explains Tool lives in a Prefecture garbage dump and would help him find parts for his machines. According to Tool, he is highly empathetic to his surroundings. Yohei also says that it was fortuitous to run into Tool, as he only comes to town every few months to buy kiwi. Yohei thinks Mana was also lucky that she did not insult Tool by calling him "baldy." Yohei stops working to observe that Shotaro has still not returned--not realizing Shotaro has just now met Tool as well, and just infuriated the kappa by referring to him as "baldy."[7]

Later, Yohei completes all but the head for Mana's short, humanoid robot. He assures her not to worry about Shotaro--only to be interrupted Shotaro's arrival, his head slamming down onto the headless robot. Yohei and Mana leap back in shock. Shotaro, although dazed from his injury, still lifts the robot's right arm and introduces himself.[1]

Reuniting with Tool[]

Shotaro regains consciousness and hides behind Yohei, explaining he has only five minutes left to complete his good deed but is impeded by "this weird guy." Mana directs Shotaro to help "a guy a few minutes ago who looked liked he might need help." They are interrupted by Tool's arrival, as he lands and slams his pickaxe to the street. Before Tool can confront Shotaro, he and Yohei recognize each other. Seizing upon Yohei's distraction, Mana takes Shotaro by the hand towards the person who needs help (which involves removing his finger from his nose).[1]

Yohei puts a cigarette in his mouth and lights it, welcoming "Baldy." Tool puts his pickaxe aside and smiles, offering a friendly greeting to Yohei. Yohei and Tool compliment each other as still "look[ing] good." Tool notices how Yohei still puts out his cigarette on his ring, and Yohei notices Tool still becomes upset when people call him "baldy." In fact, the two first met when Yohei insulted Tool the same way.[1]

Tool asks why Yohei returned to the IC Prefecture and is annoyed as Yohei gives his typical vague response: "I have a few things to do." Yohei admits his habits have not changed, as he takes out another cigarette to light. Tool turns away from Yohei's cigarette smoke, comparing it to the smokestacks atop Fear Factory. Yohei responds that the vice of smoking, unlike that of partying or drinking, is solitary. Tool admonishes Yohei for isolating himself and trying to take on burdens without help.[1]

Tool again asks Yohei, more forcefully, why he has returned to the IC Prefecture. While Yohei thinks of Nofix, he again avoids the topic, telling Tool to stop "bringing up the same old crap," especially when he would not understand. Tool responds that he does understand, pointing out what Yoehi threw away on Fantastic Island years earlier. Tool explains that he, as a supernatural creature, still cannot hear everything close to nature--but living in the garbage dump has allowed him to hear those voices. He can hear on Fantastic Island "the cries and screams of things," including what Yohei discarded: the Law-Abiding Silver Gun. Yohei explains that weapon was too dangerous and had been responsible for too many murders for him to keep it.[1]

Tool then claims that the Law-Abiding Silver Gun spoke to him about Yohei's past. Yohei's calmness dissipates as he screams "Bastard!" at his friend, taking him by the collar of his shirt. Tool simply accuses Yohei, as having been part of the Dokeshi Hunt, of still having blood on his hands.[1]

Tool asks Yohei again: why did he return to the IC Prefecture? Yohei turns away from Tool and grits his teeth, remembering Nofix, amid fallen bodies. Yohei had his firearm aimed at Nofix, who despite a sword stabbed through his back and out of his chest, his face covered in blood and wounds, could still stare at him with a mad grin. Yohei resumes his smile and says politely, "Sorry. I don't want to sacrifice anyone else." Tool complains that while he can hear even the Law-Abiding Silver Gun, he still cannot make sense of Yohei's words.[1]

Finishing Mana's Robot[]

Later, Shotaro and Mana return to Yohei's workstation from their good deed. While they converse with each other and Tool, Yohei makes additional modifications to Mana's robot. But as he remembers his time working for the Dokeshi Hunt and how his leadership led his colleagues to a suicidal mission against Nofix, Yohei worries about letting people like Shotaro and Mana get close to him as friends, hence be at risk in his battle against Fear Factory. Yohei's thoughts are interrupted by Tool, chastising him for "brooding about the past" and hence risking having "maggots [...] brood in your head." Yohei looks back at his work, telling Tool that maggots already brood in his head. Tool mocks him, claiming that must be why he cannot understand why this "dumbass" returned to IC Prefecture.[2]

Furious, Yohei turns, grabbing Tool by the collar. Tool likewise grabs Yohei's. Yohei criticizes Tool for involving himself in other people's business, while he has tried to avoid doing so. Tool calls such a policy just a rule made by "assholes who can't adjust." While Shotaro begins singing how "chores and fights are great," Mana struggles to break up the fight. When Yohei tells Tool to return to his "trash heap" like the "piece of raw garbage" that he is, Mana stops: she remembers how children near her family's house would also call her raw garbage. Her depression finally distracts Yohei and Tool from their shermish.[2]

Yohei tries to mollify Mana by informing her that he finished building her robot. Yohei is surprised how quickly her depression evaporates, before she explains that, "If I didn't [bounce back fast], I wouldn't get anywhere."[2]

As Yohei introduces Mana's robot, Get, he explains that the robot is powered by trash: he tosses one of his cigarette butts into its tray, presses its bellybutton, and watches as the robot shouts with glee. Tool is impressed to see an eco-friendly robot powered by garbage. As Mana picks up the robot, Yohei adds that the robot's AI will follow her fighting instructions.[2]

Yohei's Group Separates[]

But Yohei then notices the flyer Mana originally showed her, now on the street at his feet. Remembering that Fear Factory is sponsoring her tournament, Yohei demands Mana not enter the competition. What he does not tell her is that he knows Agei will be at this tournament and will recognize his distinctive design immediately. He suggests she enter the robot in a different competition in IC Prefecture, but she refuses, as the Fear Factory tournament is the biggest current robot competition.[2]

Tool tries to defend Mana, telling Yohei, "The shrimp says she wants to enter." Mana then becomes furious, screaming at Tool that she hates being 17 years old yet likely not growing any taller. Mana then calls Tool a "bowling-ball head," which infuriates Tool. Yohei then becomes irate that Tool is interfering, the cigarette in his mouth bursting into flames.[2]

As Mana continues to yell at him, Yohei can only think of his Dokeshi Hunt colleagues blaming him with their dying breath. Yohei turns away from her, retrieves his toolkit, and says he is leaving, finally separating himself from Mana and Shotaro because he has "somewhere to go." As he leaves, Yohei pats Shotaro on the head. Mana asks Yohei to stay, but Tool simply says, "It was fun while it lasted" and Yohei is simply "stuck in the same old 'kata' called loneliness." Watching Yohei depart, Mana is still adamant that she will enter the robot competition.[2]

Infiltrating Fear Factory[]

At an entrance, Yohei Nanami has used a cable to connect his keyboard to the Fear Factory keycard security system. With a few keystrokes, he manages to hack into the system to open the door. Rather than run in, however, Yohei edges the corner of the entrance, aiming his handgun into the hallway. He is surprised to find no one inside. Even as he admits security is light, he still expects the Fear Robot should be straight ahead.[8]

Meanwhile, Mana participates in the Fighting Robot Tournament. Observing this battle at the stadium are Rodigy and Dr. Agei. Agei confirms with Rodigy that Mana is the girl that Zuno had followed with his Trapping Hair and that Yohei indeed built her robot. Agei also confirms whether his robot army is about to capture Yohei, but Rodigy says that Nofix will take care of Yohei himself. Although Nofix's actions are likely less practical, Rodigy assures Agei that Nofix will still keep their plans on schedule, so for now, they may enjoy this Robot Fighting Tournament. As Rodigy hears Mana's Get won "in the blink of an eye," he smiles, thinking the same will speedy defeat awaits Yohei.[8]

Ambushed by Fear Factory[]

Almost immediately after entering Fear Factory, Yohei hears a sound of air blowing through the hallway before seeing eyes in the darkness. They belong to numerous robots. Yohei realizes he has fallen into a trap. Agei's humanoid robots emerge from the shadows, marching towards Yohei. One robot's needle nose fires out of its face, a cable still attached to it as the nose pierces Yohei's left shoulder. Although injured, Yohei aims his handgun with his right hand, the bullet piercing through attacking robot until its head explodes. Even as Yohei has defeat one robot, two more follow him. He removes another handgun so he may fire with both hands, yet he is fearful as an entire army of Agei's robots march towards him.[8]

NoFix's Captive[]

Yohei is then surprised as the door behind him opens. It is the entrance to the Fear Robot Facility, with Yohei's own creation marching out, piloted by Nofix. "Hello," Nofix begins. "I came to pick you up." Before Yohei can respond, he is knocked in the back of his head by the robot army. Forced to the ground, Yohei is then pummeled by the robots, their jabs spreading his blood along the floor. Nofix, however, insists that Yohei follow him: "There's something I want to show you." As Yohei lies on the floor, Nofix repeats: "Coming? Spin."[8]

Witnessing Fear Robot's Carnage[]

Meanwhile, Mana has succeeded in all rounds up to that point in the Fighting Robot Tournament. Before her final match, the Vice President of Happy Factory, Rodigy, stands before the audience with an announcement. Rodigy pushes a button, causing the stage in front of Mana, Luke, and the announcer to slide apart to reveal something hidden below. From below rising the Fear Robot, piloted by Nofix, with Yohei bound next to him. Looking down to see Mana is impressed by the size of the robot, Nofix recognizes her as Yohei's friend from Zuno's photographs. Yohei feigns a lack of concern for Mana, but Nofix intends to give his enemy "a VIP seat" to some violence.[8]

Rodigy continues to announce that the Fear Robot "will be a bridge to a wonderful future," "a new symbol of I.C. Prefecture" so he may "see you smile!" Inside the cockpit, Nofix commands the Fear Robot to "spin around." Yohei is shocked at what he anticipates Nofix will do. As the audience applauds and smiles at the Happy Factory's new robot, Nofix commands: "Die...you pieces of shit!" Yohei stares in horror as the Fear Robot slams its fist into the audience, knocking attendees out of their seats and into the air. NoFix's carnage continues unabated, leaving attendees injured or dead. As NoFix repeats only one word, "Die," Yohei watches in disgust.[8]

Witnessing Mana's Supposed Death[]

When the smoke of his attacks clears, Nofix can see on his television monitor Mana. Amidst the smoke, Mana still stands, clutching Get. As the smoke clears, she witnesses the Fear Robot's destruction of the stadium, and the numerous attendees it has killed. Mana then feels Luke clutch her ankle. She sets down Get and assists him. Watching these scenes unfold, NoFix recognizes Mana as Yohei's friend. The Dokeshi chides Yohei: "Doesn't that make you happy?" Yohei screams at Nofix not to hurt her, as she did nothing. As the Fear Robot towers over Mana and Luke, Nofix says to Yohei, "It doesn't matter if she has anything to do with this or not. [...] I kill every last person who has anything to do with you!" Yohei begs Nofix to kill him instead. Nofix promises to do so, but as he is "greedy," he intends to kill more than just him. As Yohei look at the television screen, Nofix adds, "Whenever you watch your buddies die, it's always on the monitor, isn't it?" Nofix whistles while Yohei, watching the monitor, screams: he sees the Fear Robot's fist crush Mana and Luke.[8]

Witnessing Shotaro and Tool's Defeat[]

Meanwhile, in a nearby alley, Shotaro and Tool are running towards the stadium, having heard and seen the Fear Robot's attack all the way from Fantastic Island. The duo find the stadium is crushed under the shadow of the Fear Robot. Tool looks in horror at the injured and the dead; as he senses the sounds of the inanimate objects, he says, "The screams of things and people are all jumbled together, echoing." Overwhelmed, Tool falls to his knee. Shotaro, biting Bone of the Bird is furious, intending to destroy the Robot. With his pickaxe, Tool launches Shotaro at the Fear Robot to perform a Justice Blade attack. Rodigy calls an order to Nofix, piloting inside the Fear Robot. Yohei Nanami stares in shock at Shotaro's arrival. A loud crash is heard. Tool cannot see whether Shotaro was successful--and he was not: the Fear Robot blocked with its right forearm. As Shotaro falls, he sees through one of the Fear Robot's eye-shaped windows that Yohei is inside. While Nofix and Rodigy smirk, Tool realizes the robot is too big for Shotaro. But the Dokeshi performs Bone of the Bird and flies at Rodigy, preparing Justice Blade Iwai. As electricity crackles around Rodigy's head, the Fear Factory vice president refuses to back down, attacking with the bright attack Demon Flash, which blinds Shotaro long enough for Nofix to swing the Robot's right arm again. Yohei calls for Nofix to stop, but it is too late: the Robot knocks Shotaro down, his body skidding across the street.[9]

Tool calls to Shotaro and runs to him. Rodigy smiles and orders Nofix to kill Shotaro. Yohei again urges Nofix to stop, and the King of Spin has had enough: he spins his yoyo at Yohei, knocking him in the head. Nofix turns back to spot Shotaro, held by Tool, and prepares to crush them. Before NoFix can kill Shotaro, however, the Fear Robot's right arm is completely shattered by a Justice Blade, this attack performed by the superhero Charisma Justice. Justice helps Tool and Shotaro retreat, while Rodigy fails to know who the superhero is.[9]

Imprisoned in Fear Factory[]

Unable to follow Justice, and with the Fear Robot damaged, the battle ends for now. Yohei is then taken to Fear Factory for imprisonment, along with Mana, who is discovered unconscious among the stadium's rubble--and ordered to be executed.[9]

In a solitary jail cell (labeled "Salitery"), Yohei is shackled to a cross. Yohei is barechested, a bullet wound in his left shoulder and numerous additional injuries seen along his head, arms, and chest. While he is imprisoned, Mana is taken to Zuno's office to be executed. But as Zuno and Assi are unwilling to do so, they release her: they put her into a wetsuit to let her fall through the Fear Factory's garbage chute and into the sewer system. There, she happens to be found by Shotaro and Tool, who is carrying Yohei's Law-Abiding Silver Gun to return to Yohei. Upon waking Mana up, Tool explains that he and Shotaro were planning to use this same garbage chute to infiltrate the Fear Factory, rescue Yohei, and work with him to destroy the Fear Robot.[3]

While Yohei is imprisoned, words appear: "Up" (next to arrows pointing down) and "Into Mind" (below a twisting left arrow). Barely conscious, likely affected by hallucinations brought on by NoFix, Yohei dreams of his previous confrontation with NoFix, when the Dokeshi killed his entire Dokeshi Hunt squad.[3]

Rescued by Shotaro's Group[]

Yohei begins to awaken from this dream, or hallucination brought on by NoFix, to find everything going white. But then he hears someone calling to him. Yohei can hear Tool, Mana, and Shotaro calling to him, as they knock back Fear Factory lackeys. Yohei's friends approach him, Tool and Shotaro happy to have managed to defeat the Fear Factory opponents and find Yohei in time. After removing him from the cross, Mana tends to Yohei and asks whether he can stand. Yohei only asks why they bothered to rescue him. He tells them to not worry about him, to leave him behind, and to escape to save themselves. Otherwise, Yohei worries, the three of them will get themselves killed. Remembering Nofix's words, Yohei says he is nothing but a God of Death.[3]

B Ichi Chapter 11 - Tool returns Silver Gun to Yohei

Tool returns the Silver Gun to Yohei

Shotaro immediately disagrees, saying Yohei is his friend. Shotaro then says he has no idea what a God of Death is anyway, while Mana starts sobbing over the idea of friendship. Meanwhile, Tool removes from his pants' pocket something for Yohei: the Law-Abiding Silver Gun. Tool explains the gun is proof that Yohei can trust others and is willing to fight beside others. By throwing away that gun, Yohei showed he lost that trust, but having it now in his hands, Yohei must start trusting his friends again. Shotaro adds that his friends will trust and believe in him, hence they will be saved. While Mana continues sobbing, Tool mocks that Yohei is about to cry, too.[3]

Yohei tenses up. He then tells the trio not to get cocky: he decides whether they regroup, and he has thus decided to do so. Yohei aims his weapon at the trio and tells them they are simply "pawns in my game," so they better be ready for him to use them to reach his goals. While Shotaro smiles (and has "King" written on his forehead), Tool and Mana express annoyance at how mean Yohei is acting. But the two then smile, teasing him for being so mean when they have better things to do than rescue him. Yohei replies that he himself has better things to do. As he tries to stand, Yohei mocks the trio's attire, which causes Tool and Mana to become upset again and criticize how poorly dressed is the beaten and bloody Yohei.[3]

Shotaro interrupts to remind everyone that, now that Yohei is saved, they are ready to fight again. While other become excited to fight, Yohei manages to stand, put a cigarette in his mouth and light it, and quickly say, "Having a smoke with everyone actually isn't so bad!" Tool turns around to ask whether Yohei said something. As the group leaves the jail cell, Yohei says it was nothing.[3]

Searching for the Fear Robot[]

After leaving his jail cell and finding a suit to put on, Yohei hacks into the Fear Factory's surveillance system to send a video message to Rodigy: he explains he is about to destroy the Fear Robot and, since he is out of cigarettes, teases that Rodigy had better buy him some more. His teammates then interrupt with their own demands: Shotaro wants milk for its calcium, Mana wants anmitsu, and Tool wants kiwi. The group then wishes Fear Factory a nice day before ending the communication.[10]

Yohei and his group walk through Area Five. Mana is surprised to see Yohei is simply scratching his head with his Law-Abiding Silver Gun and wishing someone would buy him cigarettes. Mana stops watching, slaps her hands together, and bows in apology. Yohei is confused. Mana explains that she lost Get-kun during the Fighting Robot Tournament, hence losing the robot that Yohei put in so much work to complete for her. Mana assumes Get-kun must have run off after rescuing her from the Fear Robot, although she does not understand why a robot would save her. Yohei explains that he programmed Get-kun to use all of its energy to protect her. Mana realizes Get-kun must have used Yama-tsuki to kick her out of the way, knocking her out of the path of the Fear Robot (although likely not saving Luke Akiho). Yohei adds that there was only a 50-50 chance Get-kun would be able to save her, but her survival right now proves Get-kun was a success. Mana blushes a bit upon hearing that Yohei was concerned for her. Yohei then looks wicked as he tells Mana she will have to pay him back for all of his labor, which can begin by becoming his lackey to do everything he says. Mana quickly assumes a cheery attitude as she pushes Tool and Shotaro ahead on their path, hoping to distract Yohei from his plan to coerce her.[10]

Mana then changes the subject, asking whether it is a good idea to attempt to destroy the Fear Robot without first coming up with a plan. While Tool agrees with Mana, Yohei assures the others that they do not need a plan. Shotaro adds that he would not be able to remember a plan anyway. Mana blocks their walk, reminding the group that last time they had no plan, did not work together, and were defeated. Yohei responds that actually they did have a plan--and "went too all-out." Therefore, it is better to improvise. Tool then repeats that Shotaro would not remember the plan--and Shotaro again agrees. Yohei then asks whether Shotaro has a plan. The young Dokeshi responds that his plan is to crush the Fear Robot, which Yohei says is sufficient. Mana is shocked, and Tool is surprised that Yohei used to be a commander with such a limited plan. Frustrated with Tool and Mana's concerns, Yohei acquiesces: he tells the excited Mana that they will break into two teams. Yohei and Shotaro will be "Take It Easy" Team, and Tool and Mana will be "Class Clowns." Yohei says that is the entire plan. Furious at the lack of a real plan, Tool screams at Yohei, while Shotaro points at Mana and laughs at their foolish name. Yohei ignores the complaints and leads Shotaro to their mission.[10]

Separated from Mana and Tool[]

B Ichi Chapter 12 - Shotaro's Group separated by Fear Factory

Tool and Mana are separated from Shotaro and Yohei

While Tool and Mana continue to yell at Yohei, the room begins to beep--and a wall falls from the ceiling, separating Yohei and Shotaro from Tool and Mana. The Fear Factory security room managed to send an alert to produce this wall to separate Yohei's team into two. Yohei seems calm at the wall dividing the team, while Shotaro compliments him on splitting them up right before the separation. From the other side of the wall, Tool and Mana shout at Yohei that this timing is actually bad. Yohei and Shotaro turn to leave, promising to come back "when we get the chance." Tool and Mana are shocked at Yohei's continued vagueness: they begin to bang onto the wall, demanding to know when and where they will reconvene. Regardless, Mana encourages Tool to stay confident that they will reunite with Yohei and Shotaro.[10]

Demonstrating the Silver Gun[]

Meanwhile, on the other side of the wall, Shotaro repeats "Hand Roll! Roll, Roll, Roll, Roll Poopy!" Yohei laughs, surprised to know that that "they" happen to "roll their shit up with their hands" for to make the best "poopy." Shotaro then notices the Law-Abiding Silver Gun in Yohei's holster. Yohei explains the weapon is the culmination of all of Yohei's scientific knowledge. He shows that he can turn the cylinder to change the mode (like moving a computer mouse to change the cursor on a computer screen), then he taps the trigger twice to select the mode (like double-clicking the mouse to confirm a selection), before pulling back the hammer, then the trigger, to initiate the mode. Yohei demonstrates Dog Mode, in which the Silver Gun's muzzle breaks into two, its jagged edges forming something analogous to teeth, as the muzzle wraps around Shotaro's head and bites. While injured, Shotaro is amused at the weapon's ability. Yohei goes on to explain that Dog Mode is intended to "mak[e] 'comebacks' to jokes." Yohei then has the muzzle separate horizontally to form a projected screen for watching television programs. Yohei then brags that his weapon "is the kind of gun any family would want," before adding, "That's putting it too simply, though."[10]

Defeating the Dokeshi Division[]

Yohei and Shotaro are then interrupted by Fear Factory agents walking towards them, wondering how these two can afford to just stand around and chat when really they should be fighting past them first. Yohei and Shotaro look up to see numerous agents comprising Fear Factory's Dokeshi Division. Each agent wears a different mask with wide smiles and shocking eyes, revealing only the hair atop each agent's head. The agents are armed with various weapons, including chainsaws and metal pipes. Yohei explains to Shotaro that he designed all of those weapons the Dokeshi are wielding right now, a fact that the Dokeshi know and proceed to use to mock Yohei.[10]

Yohei shows little concern, as he asks whether the Dokeshi actually read his user manuals, specifically the fine print at the bottom. While the Dokeshi are confused and proceed to start reading his manuals, Yohei prepares his Silver Gun's mode. The Dokeshi find the fine print: "Beware of Tensai (Natural Disasters)." But it is a pun by Yohei, as "Tensai" (although with different characters) means "Geniuses" as well: "Beware of Geniuses."[11] Yohei completes selecting "Detonation Switch Mode" on his Silver Gun. He aims and promises to give all kinds of natural disasters, including earthquakes, lightning, and fire. With a pull of the trigger, Yohei's Silver Gun causes the Dokeshi weapons to begin shining before they self-destruct.[10]

The Dokeshi are down on the floor, injured and unmasked. One tries to sit up to chide Yohei that he will not stand a chance against Rodigy or Nofix. Yohei bends down and lifts the Dokeshi by his shirt. Yohei looks deathly serious, then simply sneers and demands the Dokeshi hand over his cigarettes. After taking his cigarettes, Yohei drops the Dokeshi and departs, thanking them for their hard work.[10]

Hacking the Security System[]

Agents scream that they have to give back up to the Dokeshi Division against Yohei and Shotaro, while Yohei has also distracted Fear Factory agents by releasing a computer virus that is corrupting headquarters--as well as infecting Zuno, whose abilities to receive electromagnetic signals turns Yohei's virus into a stomach virus that leaves him sick atop a toilet.[10]

While Shotaro again makes sound effects with his mouth, Yohei is struggling to hack into Agei's computer lock that blocks access through a door to their destination. Shotaro then decides to just kick the door down--without needing to use one of his Bone Powers. Annoyed that Shotaro didn't do so to begin with, Yohei uses Dog Mode to have the Silver Gun bite Shotaro. But behind that door is a set of double doors, ones too thick for Shotaro to kick down. Yohei also sees that Agei's security on this door is going to take even longer to bypass.[10]

Meeting Zuno and Assi[]

Yohei is interrupted by someone who swipes a keycard, allowing Yohei and Shotaro to enter. The person explains that the seven doors can be bypassed by only Fear Factory executives. The person hands that keycard to Yohei: with Assi is Zuno, who has blocked his hearing with earplugs. Yohei simply thanks Zuno, explaining that lockpicking was tiresome.[10]

While Shotaro and Zuno recognize each other with pleasant greetings, Assi asks whether Zuno is willing to betray Fear Factory again. Zuno reveals his resignation letter to the organization--along with one for Assi, impressing his assistant with his preparedness. Shotaro adds that, since he remembers Zuno, everyone around him will remember for him--which makes him a normal person. Yohei then teases that Zuno's face is too unique not to forget. Zuno begins sobbing for having found friends--and Assi makes of note of this accomplishment for Zuno to remember. Zuno and Assi then promise to help take down the Fear Robot.[10]

Escaping Rodigy[]

Blood then pours from Zuno's head in a line--a bullet fired through his head. Assi, Yohei, and Shotaro are shocked to see their friend collapse on the floor, dead. From the shadows emerges Rodigy, holding the smoking handgun. "Employees who trip my circuit breaker like you will be fired!" he says. Assi is sobbing, begging Zuno not to die. Yohei screams, "Bastard!" Shotaro then demands Rodigy come down to face him in a fight, as he removes two bones from his satchel and promises that defeating Rodigy will be his good deed for the day. Electricity begins to crackle around Rodigy, who promises to "short all of you out!"[10] Yohei stares at Rodigy with coolness, promising to "scuff up that nice shiny head of yours." But Shotaro, furious, blocks Yohei: with the Bone of the Horse and the Bone of the Snake in his mouth, he intends to Rodigy single-handed so that Yohei can stop the Fear Robot. Yohei warns that Rodigy is the "Lightning-Beast," impossible for even Shotaro to stop alone.[12]

B Ichi Chapter 13 - Shotaro as Kyokotsu

Yohei sees something in Shotaro

Shotaro gets bored with Yohei's explanation, claiming he understood only half of it. Shotaro assures he will be safe. While Yohei calls Shotaro "crazy," he begins to see something around Shotaro, as if his face is wearing clown makeup--and a horrific visage is superimposed over the Dokeshi's face. Shotaro again reassures that he will be fine, which awakens Yohei from his vision. Yohei then remembers how he lost his trusted colleagues to Nofix, but also how Tool encouraged him to trust his friends. As Yohei turns, he thinks to himself that he will trust Shotaro, and the rest of their friends. Rodigy attempts to stop Yohei's escape, but Shotaro is already at the Vice President's side, punching Rodigy's right forearm to make him drop his handgun. With this distraction, Yohei manages to escape Rodigy and continue his search for the Fear Robot.[12]

Confronting NoFix[]

Yohei discovers the Fear Robot's hangar--with NoFix already inside, seated before the Robot and on the phone with an unknown party. Yohei knocks on the side of the opened hangar. After complaining how disgusting are the cigarettes he stole from the Fear Factory's Dokeshi Division, he aims his Law-Abiding Silver Gun at Nofix, promising to kill him. Nofix sneers.[12]Nofix continues to sneer, even as Yohei has his Law-Abiding Silver Gun pointed at him. "Crazy bastard," Yohei says. While Nofix spins his head, Yohei fires. His bullet seems to penetrate Nofix's forehead--but actually, as soon as the bullet touches his head, the Dokeshi uses his spinning powers to reverse the bullet's spin and away from his head. Yohei realizes this technique was how Nofix avoided death during his confrontation against the Dokeshi Hunt. Nofix marches to Yohei, clutching the Silver Gun and bringing it to his forehead. But Yohei remains calm, continuing to draw upon his cigarette as he asks whether Nofix's spinning abilities give him a healing ability. Nofix chuckles, complimenting his "dearest friend," but wondering whether he plotting how to kill him. Yohei sneers, saying that he is not one to plot when "instinct and insight" are enough for him. Nofix claims to be impressed by Yohei's "good philosophy." Yohei begins to giggle as he kicks Nofix in his groin. Sneering but sweating, Nofix calls that ploy "dirty," but Yohei says it is simply "inspiration." As he speaks, Yohei takes another handgun to fire an exploding bullet, which he expects Nofix cannot stop. Nofix admits he cannot, right before the projectile explodes on his chest upon impact. "This is starting to get interesting!" Nofix shouts with a cackle. As Nofix lies on the floor, laughing, Yohei tosses away his cigarette and calls this battle dull.[13]

Yet after some time, Nofix manages to get up. Despite blood pouring from his forehead, eyes, and mouth, he continues to sneer because his spin powers allow him to heal by spinning his cells. In moments, all wounds and all blood disappear. Yohei aims his smoking handgun again, as he himself smokes another cigarette. He warns Nofix that such quick healing has to be burdening his heart, likely sapping his lifespan. Yohei estimates Nofix likely has only one year to live. Nofix does not confirm specifically, simply answering that he would rather die young and beautiful. Nofix removes his yoyo, spinning it. Yohei worries that Nofix's healing abilities are driving him insane. He also worries that, even if Nofix will soon die, in just that year left he is still dangerous, an invincible opponent.[13]

Before Yohei can attack again, Nofix slams his hand onto a nearby wall, using Power of Spin to cause a circuit breaker box's window near Yohei to have its door pop open and slam Yohei in the face. Stumbling back, Yohei is underneath a hook--which Nofix then commands to fall onto him. Yohei dodges. But with his yoyo, Nofix performs Walk the Crazy Dog, sending his canine-shaped yoyo to spin towards Yohei. Yohei stumbles out of the way, crashing into crates. Nofix mocks Yohei as "desperate," while Yohei says his spinning powers should be outlawed. Yohei seeks cover behind the crates. While he appreciates Tool returning the Silver Gun to him, he worries how he can fight now that he is out of bullets. While Yohei jokes that he might as well have Mana kick "him" (Tool or Nofix), he fails to notice the handle on a nearby gas pipe spin, releasing gas. Yohei then sees Nofix's yoyo spinning at him, igniting sparks against the floor. Yohei stares in shock.[13]

Behind the crates, the yoyo's sparks cause the gas to ignite, producing an explosion. Watching this explosion, Nofix, his eyes sunken in the explosion's light until his face appears ghastly, grins.[13] The explosion can be heard as far as where Mana and Tool are, allowing them to run towards Yohei's location.[14]

B Ichi Chapter 15 - Silver Gun grappler

Yohei avoids the explosion with his Silver Gun's grapple

Despite the explosion, however, Yohei has survived: the grappling feature of the Law-Abiding Silver Gun is attached to a pipe high above the floor. Yohei swings from his gun, barely missing the explosion from Nofix igniting gas pipes with his yoyo attack Walk the Crazy Dog. From below, emerging from the explosion, Nofix repeats "What?" and "No fair!" in reaction to Yohei leaving him to be the only one blown away by the explosion.[14]

As Yohei extends his tether to land safely on the floor again, he calls Nofix insane, as he was the one who chose to cause an explosion--and just stand there as it happened. Yohei pulls back the tether on his Silver Gun. His weapon lacks enough ammo, only one standard silver shot and one cold shot. He flips his gun through the air to give him a free hand to place another cigarette in his mouth. Catching the gun, he uses a flame from its muzzle to light his cigarette. As he begins his smoke, he determines to use the gun's Silver Cannon feature as his final shot. Nofix, laughing, repeats "Hey, Yohei" before asking whether he is enjoying this battle, especially since he is facing off against the man who killed his Dokeshi Hunt teammates. Nofix extends his middle finger at Yohei, which has tethered to it his yoyo string, releasing Walk the Crazy Dog again. Yohei has no time to dodge: the yoyo attack slices across his right shoulder. Yohei falls to the floor but tells Nofix that this chatter is not getting them anywhere. Nofix slams his right hand to the floor to initiate his Powers of Spin, telling Yohei that a little murder can be fun. The Powers of Spin kick up the floor panel beneath Yohei, knocking him back into a wall.[14]

Nofix slowly stands and remembers Yohei had a lesson to teach to him, which the Dokeshi finds hard to believe based on their murderous relationship. Yohei looks down but aims his Silver Gun at Nofix. Yohei begins to laugh and looks up at Nofix with a smile. "Trusting your friends," Yohei says, "ain't such a bad idea." Nofix grimaces and complains that Yohei's remark is boring. He begins to complain that something "stupid" about Yohei is rubbing off on him: "the senselessness of a murderer," "everyday common sense," the humanity of even "pigs." Nofix asks that they stop these mind-numbing conversations. He turns around and clasps his hands behind his back. He begins to speak more elegantly that they need to stop being optimistic about sunny days, warmth on cold days, and commiserating over drinks. He finds such ordinary experiences and ordinary conversations to be dull. He turns with a precocious smile and tells Yohei that murder is far more interesting. Yohei frowns. "If your only recommendation is something that moronic, I'd rather sell my badly-made machines to idiots." He aims his Silver Gun to the side and triggers it, releasing its grapple to a nearby lever, pulling it down. Nofix, anticipating Yohei's actions, smiles, repeating that he recommends murder. Yohei replies, "Die."[14]

B Ichi Chapter 15 - Nofix spinning punch

Nofix spins his punch at Yohei

The lever releases a crate above Nofix. Yohei retrieves his grapple and mocks the "moron." Yohei is then shocked to see Nofix is right in front of him, seemingly having moved so fast as to dodge the crate. Nofix slugs Yohei in the face, knocking him to the floor. Nofix lies down beside Yohei, telling him that he will have to watch more closely. He pulls the Silver Gun's muzzle to his forehead and repeats that Yohei has to aim "right here." Yohei clenches his teeth and fires--and Nofix is already gone! One of his last bullets hits only the floor. Now Nofix is atop Yohei, yelling at the idiot that he was supposed to watch him. Nofix adds that he cares not what happens to this world or anything around him and Yohei. He then stands up and clutches his crotch, telling Yohei to keep his eyes on him only so that everything will make sense. He adds that bloodlust will let them accomplish anything. While Nofix just stands there, Yohei gets up. He recognizes that Nofix did not actually move fast but actually seemed to disappear. Yohei considers Nofix's Powers of Spin, determining those abilities must allow Nofix to perform some illusion. Yohei stares only at Nofix, waiting to see what happens. Nofix repeats "Spin." But Nofix is already at Yohei's side. As he swings his elbow right by Yohei's head, he whispers that Yohei was not looking again. Nofix performs Loop the Death Loop, his string cutting along Yohei's body and slamming him into the floor. Nofix cackles, telling Yohei that the next time he takes his eyes off him, he will die. Nofix adds that he desires to kill Yohei but to rip him limb from limb--an idea that even Nofix knows makes no sense. Nofix adds that he likes Yohei, which is why he's giving him this advice. As he stares at Nofix, who only cackles, Yohei struggles to catch his breath. Nofix is using his Visual Loop, one of his spin techniques that allows him to repeat a five-second visual illusion while the real Nofix can move around. At that moment, Nofix has his hands to a wall, using Power of Spin "to rip my beloved friend apart."[14]

"Really?" Nofix freezes in a demonic grin as he hears Yohei's voice. He has his Silver Gun aimed at his back. "That's good to hear," Yohei concludes, as he fires his Cold Shot. Nofix stares in horror as the bullet freezes his limbs together and to the wall. Nofix is shocked how Yohei could see through his illusion, assuming it must be love. Yohei answers that he noticed a commonality to all three times he evaded his bullets, repeating the same movements and words: "I recommend it," "Right here," and "Spin." Yohei concludes Nofix repeats himself so people cannot determine when his Visual Loop begins or ends. By telling the people not to remove their eyes from him, Nofix then keeps the opponent focused on his illusion, drawn into the trap. Nofix, still grinning, is confused: how could Yohei attack if he was still staring at the illusion that fourth time. Yohei explains he appeared to be looking straight ahead, but his focus was at the graffiti behind Nofix's head, that of a "Shit Sumo Wrestler." Nofix frowns, offended that Yohei was "in love with that fat piece of shit" graffiti.[14]

B Ichi Chapter 15 - Silver Cannon

Yohei aims Silver Cannon

Yohei prepares his final shot, the Silver Cannon and warns Nofix to focus on the situation at hand. Nofix refuses, wondering still whether Yohei has a "fattie" obsession. Yohei responds, "I guess I like 'em better than macho assholes, at least." He commands the Silver Gun to transform, ready to see whether Nofix can actually "survive being blown to bits." Nofix tries to remove his frozen hands from the wall, claiming his Power of Spin cannot be stopped this way. Yohei responds that he only needs Nofix to stop moving. Then a bolt falls to Yohei's side. Nofix explains that he used his Power of Spin to loosened bolts in the ceiling tank. Therefore, Yohei has a choice for his last bullet: fire at Nofix and maybe stop him but be crushed by the ceiling tank, or save himself by firing at the ceiling tank but let Nofix escape. "Like I give a damn!" Yohei shouts. He keeps his aim on Nofix and charges his attack. The ceiling tank begins to fall. "Get crushed and die!" Nofix shouts.[14]

B Ichi Chapter 15 - Dish Shield

Tool saves Yohei with Dish Shield

The Silver Cannon completes its fire right before the ceiling tank likely crushes the gun and Yohei with it. But as the smoke of the attack clears, Yohei is surprised to find he has not been crushed: the tank is still above him, held by the Kappa Style, Art of the Dish, Dish Shield--Tool is standing upright, his hard head keeping the tank above! Yohei and Tool smile at each other. Yohei is then surprised to see Mana attempting to chop his forehead, as she teases how messy is his hair. Yohei mocks Mana as "ugly." Tool then wonders who here looks like the "bigger idiot for trying too hard." Tool asks where is Shotaro, and Yohei responds that the still-missing ally is likely fine.[14]

Fighting the Fear Robot[]

As the debris of the Silver Cannon attack clears, Mana nervously alerts her friends that Nofix is still standing--right next to the Fear Robot. The nose of the robot begins to spin as Nofix assumes the Robot is asking him to pilot it again.[14] Even with his hands still frozen to the wall by the Law-Abiding Silver Gun's Cold Shot, NoFix is able to make the Fear Robot move. Tool, Mana, and Yohei stare in shock as NoFix asks whether the robot wants him as its pilot. With that, NoFix snaps his frozen arms from the wall and uses his Powers of Spin with his feet, tearing up the floor and propelling himself like a cyclone. The spinning also opens the entrance into the Fear Robot's pilot seat, upon which he seats. Like NoFix, the Fear Robot's arms are still destroyed from its fight against Charisma Justice. NoFix uses Spinning Cells to regenerate his lost limbs--which somehow makes the Fear Robot grow new limbs as well. Yohei and his teammates stare in fear as NoFix cackles and orders the trio to die.[15]

The battle persists, with Yohei and his friends unable to stand against the Fear Robot: Tool's arm is broken, Mana is out of breath, and Yohei loudly asks why NoFix is targeting his friends rather than him. The Fear Robot prepares Spin Spin Nose Drill, the nose of the machine spinning off its face and heading towards Mana. Yohei manages to push Mana out of the way--the tip of the drill piercing him into shoulder, pinning him to the wall. NoFix is outraged--at Mana, as he did not want to injure Yohei. Despite blood pouring from his wound, Yohei giggles and asks whether Mana is okay. NoFix fires the Robot's right fist at Mana--which is blocked by Tool's thick dome. While Tool bears the brunt of the Fear Robot's punches, he determines that he could use his kappa powers to suck the soul out of the Fear Robot, which would prevent it from functioning. But one more punch from the robot shatters the dome atop Tool's head. Mana rushes to Tool--and NoFix uses this opportunity to fire Spin Spin Little Drill through her left thigh. Mana falls to the floor. The Fear Robot's right hand scoops her up and begins to squish her. NoFix begins to giggle again before he uses the left index finger of the Fear Robot to flick Mana's head.[15]

Furious, Yohei tries to stand, shouting for NoFix to stop. NoFix tells Yohei to be silent, reminding him that he has told him before--even if he cannot quite remember the date--that he was going to kill Yohei's friends. To prove his point, NoFix has the Fear Robot's left index finger start to rub Mana's bloody head. Yohei stands, impotent against NoFix's power: he fears he will again see his friends die. Yohei reflects on how he left Dokeshi Hunt to avoid losing friends again. He remembers after that loss how he threw his Law-Abiding Silver Gun into the Fantastic Island trash dump, so he could forget his pain. He remembers Tool handing him back the Silver Gun with the direction to trust friends like him, Mana, and Shotaro. With these memories, Yohei refuses to let his friends die.[15]

NoFix cackles upon seeing how tortured Yohei looks. He prepares to kill Mana with one more punch. But then both NoFix and Yohei hear a call: "Justice Blade!" Yohei and NoFix are surprised to see Shotaro fly towards the Fear Robot's fist. With one swipe of his hands, Shotaro shatters the fist holding Mana, then holds onto the back of her fuku uniforms with his teeth to fly her to the floor. He concludes, "Justice is here."[15]

Yohei, along with Tool and Mana, is injured from the Fear Robot's attacks. Shotaro between Yohei and the Fear Robot, furious to see his friends injured. He promises to make his daily good deed enacting vengeance against Nofix for hurting his friends. But then Shotaro's eyes widen, as he hears a thumping noise. Skull-shaped smoke circulates around Shotaro transforming in under the powers of Kyokotsu, the spirit of his bones, to empower him. Nofix and Yohei are both surprised at this change in appearance: Nofix more interested in how fun this battle now will be, Yohei shocked at the Kyokotsu display of power.[16]

Behind him, Yohei then hears Mana awaken, asking whether Shotaro has arrived. Yohei moves to her, cradling her in her arms. He asks whether she is alright, and she simply giggles and flashes a peace sign. Yohei apologizes to her, as he chastises himself for failing to keep his friends from being hurt. Mana grins, saying she has had far worse injuries from martial arts training than this battle. She then presses his nose and tells him not to worry. Yohei sets Mana down by a wall as he intends to back up Shotaro. He turns his back to her. Before he departs, however, he asks, "Will a bike be all right?" He remembers destroying her scooter earlier and offers to build her a new one, "then we'll call it even." Mana gives a thumb up. Yohei smiles.[16]

The Fear Robot has a hole through its chest and out its back. But the hole repairs itself, thanks to Nofix's spinning cell healing. While Shotaro is surprised, he then hears Yohei behind him, wielding his Law-Abiding Silver Gun and ready to help in this battle. Shotaro is pleased, but Yohei is fixated on how he can feel so much of Kyokotsu's power, "Shotaro's true power," coming from the young Dokeshi.[16] Nofix, piloting the Fear Robot, is dumbfounded by Shotaro's new abilities to dodge his attacks and destroy portions of his robot. While NoFix uses his Powers of Spin to regenerate the Fear Robot's limb, Shotaro, with Yohei behind him, stand and observe this reconstitution. Nofix mocks the duo that so long as he lives, he can regenerate limbs and hence is effectively invincible. Nofix mocks Yohei, asking that he inform Shotaro to stop trying and accept his inevitable death at the hands of the Fear Robot. Upon hearing that Nofix can heal no matter how many times he is attacked, Shotaro decides, "I won't attack him, so he won't heal!" Yohei points out how ridiculous that plan is, but Shotaro is adamant.[17]

"I wouldn't count on that!" Hearing this voice, Yohei turns to see Tool, back on his feet and leaning on his pickaxe. The kappa announces that he will remove the soul from the Fear Robot itself. Yohei and Shotaro are surprised to hear this plan, to remove a life force from an inanimate object. They are interrupted by Nofix, who has the Fear Robot approach Shotaro and Tool again to crush them. Shotaro uses Bone of the Bird to carry himself and Tool out of the Robot's path. Tool directs Shotaro to fly him to the Robot's head. To distract and to immobilize the Fear Robot, Yohei fires his Law-Abiding Silver Gun's grappler. Yet as he fires his weapon, Yohei realizes that his weapon is "not a silver gun that protects the law anymore. You're a silver gun that protect friends!" The grappler swings around the Robot, ensnaring it in its tether, tightening to prevent the Robot from moving. With this delay, Shotaro flies Tool at the immobilized machine, leaving him atop the Robot's head to begin Life Force Removal. The soul of the Robot gathers around his pickaxe, refusing to be pulled from the machine. Nofix is furious: while he can retain control over the Fear Robot, he commands it to tear at the tether. Yohei sees the wire is breaking loose. Tool continues to tug on his pickaxe, blood coming from his chipped dome before exploding lose. Tool realizes his body is being pushed back. His pickaxe descends. Nofix grimaces as he continues to tear the tether loose. Yohei is shocked.[17]

But Mana, discovering a portion of Tool's dish that is still on the floor, seizes it and tosses it to Shotaro. Before Tool loses consciousness, Shotaro bites on the portion to perform enact Dish of the Kappa. As Shotaro can now see and hear the Robot's soul, he can help Tool remove the entire soul from the Fear Robot. By this point, Yohei's Silver Gun tether is completely shredded. Nofix grins, ready to swat down these "pesky little mosquitoes." Shotaro orders that he and Tool give one more yank on this pickaxe. Shotaro screams as he pulls harder on the pickaxe. The Fear Robot's hand stays frozen above its own, hovering right above Tool and Shotaro, immobile. Mana collapses to her knees. Yohei stares at the site. Shotaro and Tool have completely removed the entire soul of the Fear Robot. Nofix is surprised that none of his orders are making the Robot move. Furious, he realizes that, as the Fear Robot cannot move, he is now trapped. Annoyed at this outburst, Yohei removes a cigarette and lights it on the shattered remains of his Silver Gun. He lectures Nofix that he should relax and enjoy the little time he has left inside the Robot, as Nofix will not be able to escape no matter how he tries. Mana interrupts, noticing that the Robot seems to be shaking--then collapsing! Yohei realizes that Nofix's fight has destabilized the entire facility: the Fear Factory is about to collapse on top of all of them![17]

Escaping Fear Factory[]

Shotaro, still under the influence of Kyokotsu, is carrying the injured Mana. Along with Tool and Yohei, they see that every exit is blocked. Tool explains that the inanimate objects in the Factory told him this was their only path out of the collapsing building. Yohei assures everyone they will escape because they can draw upon Shotaro's Kyokotsu power. But when everyone turns back to Shotaro, they see he has already lost that ability. Furious, Mana, still being held by Shotaro, strangles him. Shotaro struggles to explain: Kyokotsu had said that he was tired and would go to sleep. Kyokotsu left the following advice to Shotaro: "It's fine if you die. Just take good care of your bones, okay?" Shotaro repeats it back to Kyokotsu. While Tool and Mana are horrified at this news, Yohei calmly draws on his cigarette and thinks Kyokotsu's advice was heroic--which amuses Shotaro but angers their friends. Tool warns that they are about to be trapped with NoFix. But Yohei says that they still can use Shotaro to escape, which confuses the young Dokeshi. Yohei offers his plan: Shotaro will again bite Dish of the Kappa, at which point Mana will kick him really hard so his now hard head breaks through the ceiling above, all the way up to street level. The group proceeds with this plan.[18]

B Ichi Chapter 19 - Fear Factory Building destroyed

Yohei stands with his new friends

Meanwhile, right above Yohei and his group, Assi stares with fear as he sees the Fear Factory building collapsing. Behind him, the street is beginning to chip away--before it explodes behind him. Emerging from the street is Shotaro. Below Shotaro, Tool looks up, sympathizing with him for injuring himself (especially when he looks just like him). Meanwhile, Yohei commends himself for his plan. The group climbs up and meets with Assi. Once the group is above ground, they witness the Factory finally collapse. Yohei looks to his new friends and mentally thanks them for defeating Fear Factory.[18]

After Fear Factory's Collapse[]

After Yohei and his teammates, without Shotaro, are bandages from their injuries, they rest near Yohei's workstation. Yohei, his forehead bandaged, sits for a smoke. The ashes fall to the street--but as they are trash are picked up the newly reactivated Get. Yohei and his group are surprised to hear someone on a newspaper coming towards them, asking to meet with "my bro Shotaro!" It is Assi--whom Yohei and the others do not recognize. Assi ignores the insult and hands them the newspaper. The headline features Shotaro, celebrated as the hero of I. C. Prefecture. He is referred to as a superhero as notable as children's idol Charisma Justice and housewives' idol Vector Jibako. Tool and Yohei are bemused and annoyed as Mana's gushing over Shotaro's new status.[18]

Later, Yohei is seated at his station and asks Mana to hand him a wrench. After she does so, she expresses worry that Shotaro is late returning from his daily good deed. Yohei exhales smoke--then knocks his knuckle against Mana's head, telling her she worries too much and that he is simply dawling. Mana, rubbing her head, cannot ignore her concern.[19]

References[]

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