The Mole 2: Anime Edition

Episode Eight

Week Seven Mole Poll: Jenrya- 29%, Akane, Mitsune, Takeshi- 14%

English/Japanese Name Changes
Casey/Ruuki
Electabuzz/Eleboo
Mary/Karen
Mareep/Meripu

Contestants
Akane- Tomboy: "Ranma ½"
Jenrya- Puppy Watcher: "Digimon Tamers"
Kasumi- Romantic Tension: "Pocket Monsters"
Keitaro- Resident Manager: "Love Hina"
Kenji- Research Assistant: "Pocket Monsters"
Miaka- Student/Priestess: "Fushigi Yuugi"
Mitsune- Slacker: "Love Hina"
Motoko- Kendo Girl: "Love Hina"
Ranma- Freak of Nature: "Ranma ½"
Ruki- Card Shark: "Digimon Tamers"
Takato- Goggle Boy: "Digimon Tamers"
Takeshi- Hugh Hefner-Wannabe: "Pocket Monsters"
Tamahome- Bishonen: "Fushigi Yuugi"
Washu- Genius: "Tenchi Muyo"

Episode Eight
(Mike is seated in the stands of a baseball stadium in Bologna, Italy.)
Mike: Physical prowess, mental capabilities, and the drive to succeed. All will help you win challenges, and put money in the pot. But unless you know who the Mole is, your tenure will not last. Motoko Aoyama contributed much to the group, helping win quite of bit of money. But she did not impress the Mole, and became the seventh victim.

Mitsune: I can’t help but think that Kenji’s responsible for all this. It seems like he purposely directed his attentions at eliminating Motoko. And damned as it may be, it worked. Fortunately, though, I don’t get mad- I get even.

Kenji: Motoko was Kitsune’s biggest confidant, and her elimination really can play to my advantage. Besides the little personal grudge we had, she had put her faith in Kitsune, and I’m not surprised at all to see her executed.

Day Eighteen
(Mitsune is laying flat on the bed in her hotel room, thinking. She hears a knock on the door.)
Mitsune: Yeah?

(Takeshi enters.)

Mitsune: What do you want?

Takeshi: Oh… just seeing how you’re doing. I mean, because of Motoko.

Mitsune: I dunno… I guess it’s okay.

Takeshi: I understand how hard it is losing a friend in this game. I mean, I had to watch Kasumi get executed. Then I had to go and lie to Kenji about how I stabbed her in the back.

Mitsune: Oh yeah?

Takeshi: Yeah. I still feel pretty bad about that. But it’s the only way I can keep Kenji from trying to misuse our "coalition." He at least thinks that I’m capable of playing serious hardball.

Mitsune: Good move. I kinda like the "hit them from behind when they’ve dismissed you as a threat" strategy better, but that may work too.

Takeshi: It’s tough playing both sides of the field. But you know where my loyalty lies, right?

(Mitsune smiles.)

Mitsune: Yep.

Takeshi: It’s a bit strange… I mean Kenji and I have so much in common, and yet here I am siding with you.

(Mitsune looks sad.)

Mitsune: We have more in common then you think.

Takeshi: Like what?

Mitsune: Well… for starters…

(Mitsune starts to walk out, and passes him.)

Mitsune: …we’re both hiding something.

(Takeshi turns around and looks at Mitsune oddly.)

Takeshi: What do you mean?

Mitsune: Well… I mean that you’re hiding your intentions from Kenji. All that stuff you said about lying about Kasumi.

(Takeshi nods, as Mitsune starts to head out.)

Takeshi: Wait!

(Mitsune turns around.)

Takeshi: What about you? What are you hiding?

(Mitsune sighs.)

Mitsune: Remorse.

(She walks out, leaving a stunned Takeshi.)

Takeshi: What did she mean by that? Remorse? I know she feels bad about Motoko getting executed… but usually remorse is reserved for the guilty. Does that means that Kitsune had a hand in Motoko’s execution?

(Kenji and Takeshi are in their room.)
Kenji: Seriously?

Takeshi: Yeah. She’s hiding remorse. What do you think that means?

Kenji: I’ll tell you what it means- it means she’s the Mole and had Motoko completely fooled. What else could it mean?

Takeshi: Well, wait a second. If she’s the Mole, why would she say it?

Kenji: She’s probably messing with your head.

Takeshi: Seems very strange. I swear that I can not figure her out.

Kenji: You don’t have to figure her out Takeshi, you just have to vote for her on the quizzes.

Takeshi: I guess. I hate to say it, but I’m starting to think it might be her. I am going to keep trying to work with her though… you know, get more information.

Kenji: Good idea. Thanks for the dirt, it’s a big help.

(Takeshi starts to head out. Kenji stops him.)

Kenji: Just a quick question though-

Takeshi: Yeah?

Kenji: Whose side are you on? The way you’ve been working with Kitsune… I don’t want to think I’ve been assuming too much.

Takeshi: Whose side am I on?

Kenji: Yeah.

Takeshi: That’s easy… mine.

Kenji: I have to keep remembering that Takeshi’s serious. I always assumed that because we’re from the same show, and that whole third-wheel thing, that he’d side with me. But I guess if he’s really interested in women that much, he’d probably help Kitsune. I honestly don’t know what he’s thinking.

Takeshi: Kasumi and Satoshi had a lot to tell me about Kenji, and when I found out I’d be playing this game with him, I set a personal goal for myself. And that goal was to simply outlast him. If that means beating him at his own game- so be it. I’m not usually conniving, or manipulative, or all that other stuff Kenji is… but I’m rising to this challenge. And I think I’m doing pretty good.

(The players are downstairs with Barb and Mike.)
Mike: Today we’re getting a little bit… old school.

Barb: First off, we need to introduce our little friend Ruuki who will help us with a challenge.

Kenji: Wait… Ruki?

Washu: Didn’t we get rid of her?

Barb: No… I said Ruuki.

Akane: Yeah. Ruki. I didn’t know people executed could come back as cameos.

Mike: You haven’t been listening… we said Ruuki. R-U-U-K-I.

Barb: Just get her in here.

(The young Pokémon, Ruuki, enters, wearing her yellow Eleboo uniform and holding a baseball bat.)

Mitsune: Ah. I see the difference.

Takeshi: Well, it just goes to show you… "U" can make a difference.

(massive face fault)

Barb: We’re going to be playing a game involving some good old-fashioned old school baseball. I need one person, though, who isn’t all that familiar with the game.

Tamahome: I’ve never heard of it, so I guess that’s me.

Takeshi: You’d probably be pretty good at it.

Barb: Okay then. You can go with Mike and Ruuki to get some batting practice in.

(Mike, Ruuki, and Tamahome walk out.)

Barb: I’m sure you all know what’s coming next. The rest of you get a challenge that’s just pure, old school Mole. That’s right…

Challenge Fifteen
(Barb and the other six players are standing in a field outside of town.)
Barb: The obligatory sheep-herding challenge!!

(Sweatdrops for all!)

Barb: In actuality, the game is quite simple- beat a little girl at tic-tac-toe.

(They start walking to the field. There are three pens. In the center is a large pen, with painted lines and posts indicating a tic-tac-toe board. On either side are two smaller pens. The group is greeted by little Karen, and her sheep-"dog" Raichu.)

Barb: This is Karen, your opponent in this challenge. You will have one hour to defeat her in the battlefield of X’s and O’s.

Kenji: So where do the sheep come in?

Barb: Simple. Karen?

(Karen sends Raichu out to a fourth pen. It summons up ten Meripu, which are sheep-type Pokémon. Five of the Meripu have a white cloth with "X" written on it, five have "O." Raichu leads the X’s to one pen and the O’s to another.)

Barb: The Meripu are the markers. Your job is to lead the Meripu into the square you want and keep him there. For each turn you get, you have five minutes to navigate a Meripu into position. If the Meripu leaves the square at any time, that piece is removed from the board. You’ll have to replace it later. If you can get three in a row in one hour against Karen and her Raichu, 25,000 yen is added to the pot.

Karen: You can make the first move. Do you want to be X’s or O’s?

(The players huddle up and discuss it.)

Kenji: X’s.

Barb: Okay, head on down. As soon as you open the pen, your one hour begins, as does the five minutes you get for the first move.

(The six go down to the pen and discuss what they want to do.)

Akane: Okay, Kenji and Takeshi- you’re the Pokémon guys, you can handle these things.

Kenji: Well, if we need to get three in a row, everybody has to chip in.

Washu: I get dibs on the tic-tac-toe strategy! As the smartest person in the universe, I will guide our team to victory against little Karen!

(more sweatdrops)

Jenrya: Even so, I say Pokémon gets the job of sheep-wranglers.

(general agreement. Kenji and Takeshi open the pen and step inside. The "X" Meripu look up at them and don’t do anything. Kenji smiles and puts a hand on Takeshi’s shoulder.)

Kenji: I think you can handle this Takeshi. I mean this was from a Jouto episode, so that makes it your domain, right?

(Kenji rejoins the group, leaving Takeshi, unsure of exactly how to get a Meripu to move.)

Takeshi: Um… er… uh… let’s see now… hee-chai?

(The Meripu frantically rush out of the pen.)

Jenrya: Well… it’s a start.

(The six rush out to try to get one on a square. Each go after one. Jenrya is able to corner one and makes a move towards it.)

Jenrya: Okay now… piece of cake. Digimon taming, Pokémon taming, what’s the difference?

Takeshi: (OS) Um… Jenrya? There’s something you should know about these things…

(Jenrya grabs one Meripu. Meripu responds by giving him a nice electrical shock. Jenrya falls to the ground and the Meripu bleats and trots away.)

(Everybody tries getting the Meripu back in their pen. Slowly, they succeed, but their five minutes has run out.)

Barb: That’s time. You forfeit this turn. Karen?

(Karen and Raichu effortlessly and calmly lead one Meripu to the center square. Through some coaxing, they keep it there. Meanwhile, the six strategize.)

Mitsune: Okay, we need a gatekeeper. Somebody to just control the gate.

Takeshi: Where's Jun-chan when you need her?

Jenrya: Maybe one person can lead one sheep through at a time.

Kenji: I’ll try it first.

Mitsune: I’ll take the gate.

(Mitsune opens the gate, and Kenji is able to get one Meripu to exit the gate. Mitsune closes the gate behind her and Kenji commands the Meripu into a corner square.)

Akane: Just stand there! It’s a good spot!

Washu: Well… a different corner would be better.

Akane: Does it make a difference?

Washu: Not really… I suppose I can adjust my strategy.

(Washu pulls a sheet of paper out of nowhere, looks at it, and rotates it ninety degrees.)

Washu: Okay, we’re in business!

(Gianni Falchi, a baseball stadium in Bologna. Mike, Ruuki, and Tamahome take the field. Near the dugout is a table with some papers on it.)

Mike: Before we do anything, we have to introduce the challenge. Right now, the other six are in a different challenge. When they’re done, they’ll be coming here to answer some questions. It’s up to you to determine the subject for each player, and how much is riding on each question.

(They head over to the table. Spread around are placards with the name of each of the other six players, placards with the name of six different categories, and six placards, numbered 0-5.)

Mike: For each player, you must give them one of six categories- baseball, science, Rumiko Takahashi, the Chinese Zodiac, sex, and a question related to that person’s show. You must also give each player a certain number of points, from 0-5, depending on how likely you think they are going to answer the question. Please do that now.

(Tamahome goes to work, while Ruuki swings the bat around on the field.)

(Back at the ranch, Karen’s Meripu are obediently listening to Karen, while the players are barely keeping their Meripu on the square. The Meripu Akane was watching strolls off the square, despite Akane’s pleading.)

Barb: (VO) The sheep in one square leaves the area, meaning it is removed from the game.

(Karen calls for one of her Meripu to replace that square, giving her three in a row.

Barb: (VO) Karen wins the first game, which means that the players will have to do it all over again, with only thirty minutes left to play.

(Most players are trying to lead their Meripu back to the pen. Washu, however, does not. She leads her Meripu to the upper-left corner.)

Washu: C’mon, c’mon, hee-chai already.

Takeshi: Hey, what are you doing?

Washu: I’m starting the next game.

Takeshi: Oh, we can start right now? That’s good, but don’t you want the center square?

Washu: Nope!

(Karen takes the center square. Jenrya tries to corral a Meripu towards the bottom-left side.)

Washu: Hey! Jenny!

Jenrya: What?

Washu: Not there?

Jenrya: Not here?

Washu: Nope- other corner.

(The Meripu tries running off, Jenrya loses it for a second.)

Jenrya: Little help?

(Kenji gets a hand on it, but Meripu shocks her.)

Akane: Just use a different one!

(Takeshi and Jenrya are trying to trap the escapee Meripu.)

Akane: Mitsune, open the gate.

(Mitsune opens the gate, and Akane grabs one sheep and gets it out of the pen and hustles it over.)

Akane: Where do you want this thing?

Washu: Opposite corner.

Akane: Wait… you sure?

Washu: Yeah.

(Akane is "hee-chai"-ing the Meripu into position.)
Akane: (VO) I just don’t understand what Washu’s strategy here is. We want to get three in a row, and we have to do it as soon as possible. She wants me to put this at an opposite corner as her sheep and it seems very odd.

(Tamahome has finished up with the question portion and is now learning the game from Ruuki, who is standing on the pitcher’s mound with a bucket of balls.)

Ruuki: Okay, take the bat and step up to the plate.

(Tamahome takes the bat.)

Tamahome: Um… the plate?

Ruuki: Uh… yeah… the little white pentagon on the ground.

Tamahome: Ah.

(Tamahome stands directly on the plate. Ruuki shakes her head.)

Ruuki: (to Mike) Hey, where did you get this guy?

Mike: We wanted somebody that wasn’t familiar with the game. I think a guy that lives in Ancient China fits the bill. Here, Tamahome, let me demonstrate what you’re supposed to do.

(Tamahome hands Mike the bat, and Mike takes a batting stance.)

Mike: I used to play in a slow-pitch softball league… this shouldn’t be too hard. Okay, Tamahome, here’s what you do. Let me have it Ruuki.

(Ruuki pitches one across the plate. Mike swings and misses.)

Tamahome: That doesn’t look too hard. So you just avoid the ball?

Mike: (annoyed) No. You’re supposed to hit the ball.

Tamahome: So why didn’t you?

Mike: (annoyed) Because that’s the challenge.

Tamahome: I see… so YOU’RE the Mole!

Mike: Ruuki. Give me another one.

(Ruuki pitches it again. Mike hits it foul.)

Tamahome: Ah… you hit it that time. So how much money’s added to the pot?

Mike: None. That was foul. You have to hit it straight ahead. Those white lines on the two sides are the boundaries.

Tamahome: Interesting… so you failed again. Are you sure you aren’t the Mole?

(Mike hands over the bat.)

Mike: Just do what I did and try to hit it straight ahead. More specifically, out of the infield.

(Tamahome takes the bat and walks over.)

Tamahome: The what-field?

(We got a barnburner of a tic-tac-toe match. Well… not really. But Washu and Akane are still with their Meripu on opposite corners, while Jenrya has one in a third corner. There is an open spot in between Jenrya and Akane, and it’s the players’ turn. Caption- "Time Remaining- 5:00")

Barb: (VO) The players have an opportunity to win, if Kenji and Takeshi can get that last Meripu in the spot.

(This is a particularly stubborn Meripu, and Kenji and Takeshi have troubles with it. It almost runs off a few times, and shocks both Kenji and Takeshi at least once. After some pleasant coaxing on Kenji’s part, the Meripu gets into place. However, as they pass Jenrya’s square, Jenrya’s Meripu starts to follow. Jenrya takes a shock, but Kenji goes over and helps keep it in place. Takeshi almost loses control of the Meripu without Kenji’s help, but Mitsune comes in from the gate to help out. Takeshi makes it to the square, and gets three in a row. Caption: "Challenge Completed")

Barb: That be that, congratulations, 25,000 yen is added.

(Takeshi hugs Mitsune. Mitsune just smiles awkwardly as the group gathers to congratulate each other.)

Akane: It was another good win for us. We’re working together as a team, and it seems like either the Mole is not accomplishing as much as they want to, or not active. I call it cautious optimism.

(Karen bids farewell to the group as they pile into the van.)
Barb: (VO) Now the shepherds will go to the stadium to the next challenge- a very important one, as up to 75,000 yen can be won… but they’ll need knowledge, power, and a little bit of luck to bat a thousand.

Challenge Sixteen
(Back at the stadium, Tamahome has apparently figured the game out pretty quickly. He gets beaned by a ball and shakes his bat at Ruuki in a threatening manner.)

Tamahome: Hey watch it! That was on purpose!

(Before he can charge the mound proper, Barb and the other six take the field.)

Barb: Tamahome, how’ve you been doing?

Tamahome: Hm? Pretty good. I think I’m getting the hang of this.

Ruuki: Good when you aren’t charging the mound. That is not how us Eleboo play.

Mitsune: Eleboo? How come I haven’t heard of that team?

Mike: ‘Cause you’re in the wrong show. Fortunately, we have something that will solve that. But first- the challenge. You will each be asked one question in one of six subjects. Tamahome distributed the subjects to you. He also determined how much each of the questions are worth- anywhere from one to five points. That is important. When a question is answered correctly, Tamahome gets one at-bat against Ruuki for every point. For every fair ball he hits into the outfield, 5,000 yen is added to the pot. He can take as many pitches as he wants, but missed swings and foul balls still count as strikes. For those who can’t add, this all means a potential 75,000 is at stake.

Barb: But, naturally, there’s an additional catch. This is baseball, where it’s not about how you hit it, but rather where you hit it. To prevent him from slugging one every time, there will be an outfielder playing alongside Ruuki. Both she and Ruuki will try to prevent the hit ball from touching the outfield grass. If they get the ball, or Tamahome strikes out, the at-bat is lost. Time to bring our outfielder out: I… chi… no!

(Osaka native Ichino Yanagida, with brown hair, flat chest, and excited look, runs onto the field at incredible speed. She’s wearing a Hanshin Tigers uniform, which bears striking resemblance to the Eleboo uniform Ruuki has.)
Ichino: YEAAAAAHHH!! Ichino is here!

(Ichino runs up to Ruuki and gives her an excited head butt.)

Ichino: Let’s get this show on the road!!

Akane: Why did it have to be Osaka?

Ichino: You gotta problem with Osaka?!

Ruuki: Um… where’s Osaka?

(Ichino face faults.)

Ichino: And you call yourself a Tigers fan.

Ruuki: I’m an Eleboo fan.

Ichino: I’ll fix that quick enough if you let me!

(Barb pulls out some note cards.)

Barb: Can we start? First category is science. Who do you have for that one?

Tamahome: After much soul searching, Washu.

Barb: Washu- science related question- What are the three basic particles of an atom?

Washu: Well… I’ve found a lot more than three… but you probably mean proton, neutron, and electron.

Barb: Right you are. Tamahome- how many points did you give her?

(Tamahome holds up a placard with "5" on it.)

Tamahome: I bet the farm.

(Applause from group.)

Barb: Great. So five at-bats so far. Let’s see if your pick for the Chinese Zodiac is as smart.

Washu: Not likely!

Tamahome: I gave that to Jenrya… he’s killed most of them.

Barb: Jenrya- Which animal is not in the Chinese Zodiac- Cat, Dog, Pig, or Rat?

(Jenrya thinks for a second.)

Jenrya: Let’s see… Cat.

Barb: Very good. Tamahome?

(Tamahome holds up a placard with "0" on it. Jenrya frowns.)

Tamahome: Sorry.

Barb: Ooh… no at bats added. And the others all have points riding on it.

Jenrya: (VO) I don’t get it. I mean, surely there are other subjects harder than the one I got. Doesn’t he trust my judgment?

(Barb prepares to ask the next question.)

Barb: Kenji.

Kenji: Bank!

Barb: In baseball, which of these four was the 2001 NL Rookie of the Year? Albert Pujols, Jimmy Rollins, Tsuyoshi Shinjo, or Ichiro Suzuki?

(Kenji is completely lost.)

Kenji: Um… was I supposed to study? My best guess would be Ichiro… but only because this Ichino kid is here. There’s probably a connection.

Barb: Since when have we been that nice? Pujols is the answer. Tamahome?

(Tamahome holds up a "1")

Barb: Good. Tamahome- who has Rumiko Takahashi for a subject?

Tamahome: Akane.

Barb: Akane- which of the following animes is not produced by Rumiko Takahashi? InuYasha, Kare Kano, Ranma ½, or Urusei Yatsura?

Akane: Hm… well I know it’s not Yatsura. I was always impressed with her work in that one; the animation looked so real. Um… I’ll say InuYasha.

Barb: Sorry- the answer is Kare Kano. That’s produced by GAINAX. Tamahome?

(Tamahome holds up a "3")

Tamahome: Not very respectful to your creator Akane.

Akane: (sotto) Excuse me for being sacrilegious.

Barb: Okay… four down and only five at-bats so far. Tamahome, who do you have for sex?

Tamahome: Given the choice between Takeshi and Mitsune… I figure Mitsune would have more experience.

Barb: Mitsune?

Mitsune: (serious) In all honesty, you’d be disappointed. Whatever, shoot.

Barb: It’s not the kind of sex that everybody… except maybe Jenrya… is thinking of. Mitsune… what is the sex of this person?

(Mike walks in from the dugout with a pretty blue-haired girl from Fushigi Yuugi. Takeshi immediately starts walking towards her, with hearts in his eyes.)

Takeshi: I think I know the answer!

(As Takeshi takes the person in question by the hand, Mitsune smiles.)

Mitsune: That would be female.

(Barb smiles.)

Barb: That would be wrong.

Mitsune: Um… you sure?

Barb: Positive.

Kenji: Um… Takeshi?

(Takeshi is still putting the moves on her… er uh… him.)

Takeshi: How can they give such a beautiful creature such as yourself such a bit role in…

(Nuriko laughs.)

Kenji: Takeshi… that’s not a she.

(Takeshi freezes and looks up at Nuriko.)

Takeshi: Um… no?

(Nuriko still has a pretty feminine voice.)

Nuriko: Sorry lover-boy.

Takeshi: I’d like to volunteer to challenge this answer.

Mike: Go ahead, but that’s a man, baby.

(Takeshi pulls open Nuriko’s shirt and looks down it. Nuttin’. He turns to the group.)

Takeshi: That doesn’t mean anything… look at Ichino.

Ichino: HEY!!

Mitsune: Wait… Ichino’s a girl?

(mass face fault)

Nuriko: Sorry… I wish she had gotten it right too.

(In an instant, Takeshi ducks back into a corner, crouched down and afraid.)

Washu: Uh… you okay?

Takeshi: I swear I’ll never hit on another pretty girl again.

(Kenji and Washu help Takeshi back to his position.)

Kenji: Great… we’ll just see how long that lasts.

Barb: Takeshi… your question is from your own show. Ready?

Takeshi: Um. Yeah.

Barb: What is the name of Satoshi’s main rival in the series?

Takeshi: Oh… I can’t think… it’s Shigeru, right?

Barb: Yes. Tamahome, what was his wager?

(Tamahome holds up "4")

Mike: Okay then, so that’s a total of nine at-bats, and a possible 45,000 to win.

(Tamahome takes a bat and heads to the plate.)

Barb: Batting cleanup for the Suzaku Sluggers- Tamahome!

(Applause from the others.)

Ichino: Alright! Let’s have some fun!!

Mike: Play ball!

(Ruuki winds up and tosses the first pitch. Tamahome swings, and delivers a great shot to left field. The group cheers… until Ichino, with her impressive speed, easily catches it.)

Mike: Out!

Ichino: Damn right!

(Ichino tosses the ball back to Ruuki.)

Ruuki: Wow… nice speed. Wanna play for the Eleboo?

Ichino: Heh heh…

Ruuki: No I’m serious… we need outfielders.

Barb: Excuse me, this is an only an hour-long show.

(Ruuki gets ready for pitch number two. Tamahome is able to send a line drive past Ruuki into the outfield. Caption: "Win ¥5,000")

Mike: That one’s good.

(Cheers.)

Ruuki: It’s okay… we Eleboo never give up.

(Ruuki winds up and pitches again. Tamahome fouls one back. Nuriko non-chalantly catches it with his bare hand.)

Nuriko: Work on your aim, Tama-chan.

Mike: That’s foul, strike one.

(Eventually, Ruuki strikes Tamahome out.)

Mike: That’s three down, six at-bats to go, and only one hit.

(Tamahome hits another one, but a weak grounder that Ruuki fields herself.)

Akane: C’mon, Tamahome, get some hits!

Tamahome: I’m working on it!

Barb: The south side gets no respect. It’s all about the Cubs.

Nuriko: No kidding.

(Tamahome settles down, and is able to adjust his position and get four straight hits, all to the opposite side of the field Ichino was playing.)

Barb: And Tamahome is on a roll. Last pitch, can he make it five straight?

(Ruuki delivers a pitch, and Tamahome connects on a nice single, but Ichino makes a stellar diving catch. Caption: "Challenge Completed")

Mike: Out! That’s the ballgame. Five hits, and a total of 25,000 added to the pot. Not a bad day at the park, if I do say so myself.

(Tamahome nods, satisfied with his work, as they head out of the stadium.)

Mitsune: That was a tough game. There were a lot of trick questions, and I think we did about as good as we could in that.

Jenrya: We definitely could have done better. I don’t see why Tamahome gave my question zero points and how Akane got her question wrong. Maybe it’s just the way those two are starting to get on my nerves, but I think the Mole was pretty active in that game.

(At the hotel, Jenrya is alone in his room, quietly looking over his journal.)

Washu: (OS) What the?

(Jenrya, suspicious, closes the journal and heads out, to see that Washu is standing outside her door, trying to get in.)

Washu: Hey!

Jenrya: Did they lock you out?

(Washu turns towards Jenrya.)

Washu: Yeah… ingrates.

Jenrya: I know the feeling. Those two certainly try my patience with that coalition of theirs.

Washu: No kidding. And I think they suspect one of us two as the Mole.

Jenrya: Yeah. That really bothers me.

(Jenrya heads back into his room.)

Jenrya: Well, if you ever need to take a shower, don’t ask the Pokémon guys.

(Jenrya walks back into this room, to find that Washu’s inside.)

Jenrya: Wait… how did… weren’t you?

Washu: You aren’t going to sit here and take this lying down, are ya Jenny?

Jenrya: What do you mean?

Washu: We’ve got to even the odds a little bit, you know? They’re kicking us out of our rooms so they can suspect us of being the Mole? That doesn’t sit right. I say we kick them out for a change. And suspect them of being the Mole.

Jenrya: Um… I don’t suspect them of being the Mole though.

Washu: Neither do I, but it’s fair justice. With my brains and you’re… uh… what’s your redeeming trait?

Jenrya: Our season doesn't hand out crests, sorry.

Washu: Who cares- let’s shake things up.

(Washu shuts the door. Soon after she does, Tamahome exits Akane’s room. He goes over to his room, to find that the door is locked. He knocks on the door.)

Tamahome: Jenrya?

(Washu opens the door, looking as cute and as annoying as possible.)

Washu: Me and Jenny are in our secret coalition, come back in an hour.

Tamahome: W… wait a second!

Washu: Sorry Tama-chan!!

(Washu shuts the door in his face. Tamahome head back towards Akane’s room.)

Tamahome: Akane! We may have a problem!

(Inside Akane’s room, Tamahome and Akane are talking.)

Tamahome: This could be bad. I mean our top two suspects working together and collaborating. It could get ugly.

Akane: Maybe… but not necessarily.

Tamahome: What do you mean? Whoever the Mole is, they can work together now and prevent us from trying to figure out which one it is.

Akane: I suppose… but look at it this way. One of them isn’t the Mole. And whichever one isn’t is going to be working with… and hopefully trusting… the one that is.

Tamahome: So?

Akane: Don’t put your money on them lasting that much longer. If they’re serious about this coalition, I say either Jenrya or Washu is the next one executed.

Tamahome: We had four suspects… and it may turn out that three of them are eliminated in a row. How convenient.

Akane: If we survive this execution, we should be sitting pretty.

(Tamahome nods, satisfied.)

Tamahome: I guess we’re turning a negative into a positive. Sure Jenrya and Washu might work together to try to throw us off, but I’ve never been one to give up that easily. I am committed to playing this game as hard as I can, and I’m not ready to lose now.

Kenji: The coalition formed between Jenrya and Washu is a very interesting development. Now it seems that there’s four different pairs in the game- myself and Takeshi… Kitsune and Takeshi… Akane and Tamahome, and now Jenrya and Washu. It now means that no matter how you slice it- the Mole is in a coalition.

Day Nineteen
(Mike and Barb are once again standing before the group.)

Barb: I noticed that a few of you didn’t like our little old school tribute last time. So we’re going to try again with another old-school Mole challenge. The usual deceit, trickery, and sacrifice will be necessary in order to win.

Mike: I need two people who consider themselves somewhat clever.

(Jenrya and Washu raise their hands.)

Mike: Washu and Jenrya. All right. Come with me if you want to live.

(Jenrya and Washu head off with Mike.)

Barb: The rest of you will find out about the challenge in awhile.

(A park in town, where there are a few civilians behaving normally. Mike is walking with Jenrya and Washu. Mike is holding a briefcase.)

Mike: As the most clever people on the team, you now get the chance to use your clev… cleverne… cleverosity to give yourselves an edge over the group.

(Mike sets down the briefcase and opens it. Inside is a bunch of cash and two yellow slips of paper.)

Mike: Inside is 20,000 yen and two exemptions with your names on it. Well… hold on.

(Mike grabs the exemptions and writes "Jenrya" on one and "Washu" on the other.)

Mike: However, there is a small problem.

(Mike shuts the briefcase, locks it, and hands it to Washu.)

Mike: It is now locked. The other five will be given the key. As soon as they arrive in the square, they will have three hours to find open the briefcase, and claim the money. Obviously, however, if they open it, they will immediately tear up those exemptions, as they only serve to hinder their progress. Your goal is to open the briefcase yourself and claim both the 20,000 and the exemptions. To this, you will need to do two things. The first is hide the briefcase somewhere so that none of the others can find it. The second is to find a way to talk the other group into giving you the key. You may use any means necessary to accomplish either of these objectives.

(Mike hands Washu a walkie-talkie.)

Mike: Here is a walkie-talkie so you can communicate with the group. We would normally use a cell phone, but I refuse to let anyone touch my new one. Good luck.

(Mike walks away.)

Washu: Okay… so basically it’s an easy exemption for us if we can figure out how to convince them to give us the key.

Jenrya: That’s not true, they might find our hiding spot.

Washu: Nope! I’ll take care of that. All we have to do is stay out of sight and let them search for awhile. When they find out it’s futile, we demand that they give us the key, we get exemptions, piece of cake!

Jenrya: Okay. So how should…

(Washu starts typing on her computer and pulls out some clothes from her inter-dimensional portal. She hands them to Jenrya.)

Jenrya: Um… Washu?

Washu: Here. I need you to walk around inconspicuously and figure out what their plan is. So put these on, okay Jenny?

(Jenrya starts walking away with the clothes. Washu looks at the briefcase and smiles.)

Challenge Seventeen
(Akane, Kenji, Mitsune, Takeshi, and Tamahome are approaching the town square. Barb pulls out the briefcase key.)

Barb: Who wants this?

(Takeshi raises a hand and Barb hands him the key. Barb pulls out a walkie-talkie.)

Barb: And who wants this?

(Kenji raises a hand and Barb hands him the walkie-talkie.)

Barb: Starting now, you have three hours to find the briefcase that Washu and Jenrya have hidden. If you find it without their help, 20,000 yen is added to the pot and nobody gets an exemption. If, however, you agree to fork over the key so that they can open it, the money is added, and Washu and Jenrya each get an exemption. With only seven people left, two people with exemptions drastically reduces your odds of surviving to the next round. And the only other viable option is letting the three hours expire. In that case, no money is added to the pot, and nobody gets an exemption. Good hunting.

(Barb takes off and the five collaborate.)

Akane: Well I for one don’t want them to get those exemptions.

Kenji: Me neither.

Takeshi: Neither do I. That was a pretty easy decision.

Mitsune: What was?

Takeshi: We don’t give up the key. No matter what.

Mitsune: Great, let’s find this thing then.

Takeshi: Hold on, we need to get everybody on the same page.

Kenji: Yeah. It’s us against them, so we all need to be together with every move.

Tamahome: Okay… what if it’s late in the game and we haven’t found it yet?

(silence.)

Akane: Are we willing to give up the money to make sure they don’t get the exemptions?

Takeshi: Look, there’s seven people here. If those two get exemptions, that means that one of us five would leave. I don’t like those odds. So to answer your question, yes.

Kenji: I agree with Takeshi. We can’t afford to dish out two exemptions.

Takeshi: So let’s find this briefcase so we don’t have to worry about it.

(Before they can split up, Washu starts talking from the walkie-talkie.)

Washu: (VO) Hello? Hello? Can you hear me?

(Kenji takes the walkie-talkie and responds.)

Kenji: Yeah. Loud and clear.

Washu: (VO) Why couldn't they give us cell phones? Stupid Ruki.

Kenji: No kidding. So where are you at?

Washu: (VO) That's for you to find out. Look, I'm just saying this- hand the key over now, and it'll save yourself a lot of time.

Kenji: Sorry, we aren't ready to lose that easily. We've already agreed that we aren't handing it over.

(Kenji motions to the others to start looking.)

Kenji: Either we find it, or no money.

Washu: (VO) Look it's up to you, but me and Jenny are going for those exemptions.

Kenji: Why? You're the one that always says we should play for the money instead.

Washu: (VO) You wanna know why, ask Akane and Tamahome.

Kenji: What do you mean?

Washu: (VO) Sayonara!

(End transmission. Kenji just shakes his head and continues to look for the case.)

(Mitsune and Tamahome are searching in the park.)

Mitsune: So what's your problem with letting them have the exemptions?

Tamahome: I just don't want them to get one, that's all.

Mitsune: What happened to Mr. Money-Grubber?

Tamahome: Look, if they get an exemption, it... it just... really screws up my strategy.

(Mitsune looks at him, with very suspicious eyes.)

Mitsune: Oh yeah?

Tamahome: Yeah. Now if you'll excuse me, we have to continue looking.

Mitsune: Hold on, hold on... what's this strategy you're talking about?

Tamahome: Why should I tell you?

Mitsune: Because... you look like such a nice guy.

Tamahome: I'm not nice, I'm playing the game. Nothing more. Look- why aren't you helping look for this briefcase?! You're the one that wants to win the money so bad.

(While Tamahome searches around a tree, Mitsune leans against it.)

Mitsune: I'm sure we all want to win the money... 'cept for the Mole. But I seem to be the only one that's willing to give Jenrya and Washu-chan the exemptions to win.

Tamahome: So what's your point?

Mitsune: Looks like I'm not the Mole!

Tamahome: Hoorah for you, now quit yapping and get to looking for this thing.

Mitsune: Jeez... it's Washu. How are we supposed to outsmart her? Let's just give them the key and be done with it.

(Tamahome looks at Mitsune, quite irate.)

Tamahome: Because. Just because.

(Tamahome continues to search for the briefcase, but is obviously upset at Mitsune's comments.)

Tamahome: Look, Kenji outsmarted her in that detective game.

Mitsune: We all know he got lucky. If everything was fair in this world, Kenji would have been humiliated. Besides- lighting does not strike twice.

Tamahome: I honestly don't know what to make of Mitsune. On one hand, she's saying that we win the money even if Jenrya and Washu get exemptions. That obviously goes against the Mole's objective of preventing us from winning. But still- she's tearing this group apart, she's arousing unneeded suspicion... it's really confusing me.

(Elsewhere in the park, an innocent girl is walking around. She's wearing a long purple dress, has curly blue hair, and is wearing large wide-rimmed glasses that are very difficult to see through. The girl looks around at the five- all in various locations looking for the briefcase. She turns around and goes up to a small kiosk in the square. She takes off the glasses, revealing not another unnecessary cameo- but Jenrya. He turns to Washu, watching the action silently from the kiosk.)

Jenrya: I still don't see the point of this Washu.

Washu: Look Jenny... or should I call you Jenny-chan... we need to figure out what their plans are. Kenji said they aren't giving up the key... but we all know how much everybody trusts Kenji. I'm saying we need to find out who has the key, and what each of the five thinks should be done about this. Also, any inside dirt you can gather from any of the five would help.

Jenrya: When you say "any of the five" you mean Akane and Tamahome right?

Washu: What a smart little girl! Work your magic Jenny-chan!

(Jenrya mutters and puts the glasses back on. Sure enough, with the wig he is unrecognizable.)

(Kenji's searching around a park bench.)

Washu: (VO) Hey! Kenji!

Kenji: C'mon, Washu, it's only been an hour.

Washu: I'm saying it's pointless. Just hand over the key and you'll save a lot of trouble.

Kenji: We are not handing over the key, it's as simple as that.

Washu: Well... let me talk to the person that has the key.

Kenji: He feels the same way.

Washu: Who is it anyway?

Kenji: I... I'm not saying anything.

Washu: You said it was a he, is it Tamahome or Takeshi?

Kenji: What? I'm not...

Washu: Or do you have it?

Kenji: Over and out, Washu-chan.

(Kenji turns the walkie-talkie off.)

(Akane and Tamahome seem to be searching, but are quietly talking strategy.)

Akane: I'm just saying, if they get exemptions, it's going to be tough for both of us to make it this round.

Tamahome: It's probably going to be tough anyway, we still aren't sure which one of those two is it.

Akane: Fine- it'll be tough for both of us to make it to the finals. We need one of those two to get executed this round.

Tamahome: You're probably right. I mean, with those two teaming up, there's no way we'll be able to pick out a Mole.

Akane: Especially in this game. They're working together behind the scenes- how do we know who's doing what?

(Jenny-chan is quietly standing nearby, eavesdropping.)

Tamahome: Say, I was talking to Mitsune. Ever consider her?

Akane: As what?

Tamahome: The Mole.

Akane: No. I don't think she's being discreet. If she's the Mole, she's not doing a good job of hiding it. Why do you ask?

Tamahome: I'm just saying, there are still three other people besides them.

Akane: Mitsune's too obvious, Kenji's too devious, and Takeshi's too lecherous. Happy?

Tamahome: I suppose. But look- Mitsune and Kenji suspect each other and Takeshi suspects me. If it's either Jenrya or Washu then how are those three still in the game?

(Akane looks down, obviously troubled.)

Akane: Look- you can't doubt yourself. If it's not Jenrya or Washu, then how can you and I still be in the game? Tamahome, we're in this together. If we don't vote the same way, one of us is in trouble. And I can't do this without your help. And I doubt you can do this without mine.

(Jenny-chan is still following the details, but turns around and looks inconspicuous when Takeshi and Mitsune approach.)

Takeshi: Any luck?

Tamahome: Oh uh- no. Nothing going here.

Takeshi: Man... we've searched everywhere. There has to be somewhere we haven't searched yet.

Mitsune: I say give up. What- you three afraid of letting those two have exemptions?

Takeshi: Are you saying you aren't?

Mitsune: No! I know who the Mole is!

Takeshi: Well I'm sorry Kitsune, but I don't have 100% confidence as to who the Mole is. Do you two?

(Akane and Tamahome shake their heads. Takeshi pulls out the key.)

Takeshi: As long as the majority prevails, I will not give this key up.

(Jenny-chan walks away. Kenji approaches.)

Kenji: How's it going over here?

Takeshi: Not good.

Akane: Kenji, you outsmarted Washu-chan before, what is she going to do?

(Kenji puts his hands up.)

Kenji: I thought everybody said I got lucky!

All: You did.

Tamahome: We're wondering if you can't get lucky again.

Takeshi: Has Washu said anything to you recently?

Kenji: Hmm? Oh shoot... I turned it off.

Takeshi: Why?

Tamahome: Because it's Washu, that's why.

(Kenji turns the thing on.)

Kenji: Washu? Were you trying to contact me before?

Washu: (VO) Huh? No. Are you ready to give up yet?

Akane: Is there anywhere we haven't looked yet?

Takeshi: I honestly don't think so.

Washu: (VO) Anytime Takeshi is ready to give me the key, we can get outta here.

Kenji: Wait- how do you know Takeshi has the key?

Washu: (VO) A little bird told me.

(Over at the kiosk, Washu pats Jenrya on the head.)

Washu: So here's the deal, if you're not going to hand over the key now, I'll just have to be nice and tell you where the briefcase is.

(Jenrya looks shocked.)

Jenrya: What?

(Washu puts Jenrya's glasses back on.)

Kenji: (VO) What do you mean? Like a hint?

Washu: You probably wouldn't understand my hints. I'll just tell you straight out.

(While Kenji talks, Washu motions Jenrya to continue to walk around.)

Kenji: (VO) What's the advantage of telling us straight out?

Washu: Simple. It gets us out of here faster. I'll be right over to where you guys are at.

(Washu hops over the kiosk and starts walking.)

Kenji: (VO) Where's Jenrya?

Washu: Out and about. Jenny is always closer than you think.

(The other five are totally in the dark about what's going on.)

Akane: Takeshi, you'd better just swallow that key, because I don't think we're going to find it.

Tamahome: Well, we won't with that attitude.

Mitsune: We won't with any attitude unless we shut up and listen to Washu when she gets here.

(Washu pops up from behind Mitsune, startling her.)

Washu: What do mean when- I'm already here!

Kenji: Well Washu- where's the briefcase?

(Washu turns around.)

Washu: I'm not telling you anything unless you call me Washu-chan!

(Tamahome is visibly angry. In fact, the ogre symbol on his forehead starts to glow. Akane holds him back.)

Akane: Just save it...

Mitsune: Okay- Washu-chan... where is it?

Washu: Well- remember that inter-dimensional portal I used before?

Kenji: Is that legal?

Washu: They said we may use whatever means necessary to get these exemptions, so I stored the briefcase in another dimension! Pretty clever, huh?

Takeshi: How are we supposed to find it?

Washu: That's the point... you aren't. So unless you want to hand over that key, you can kiss that twenty grand goodbye.

Akane: Don't do it Takeshi!

Takeshi: I wasn't planning to.

(Washu turns serious.)

Washu: Look- how bad do you want this money?

Kenji: Not bad enough to give you and Jenrya exemptions.

Mitsune: Where is Jenrya anyway?

Tamahome: Hey, Akane- I have to talk to you.

(Akane and Tamahome walk away. Jenrya sees and observes.)

Tamahome: Look- don't you have an interdimensional storage space as well?

Akane: What do you mean?

(Takeshi joins them.)

Takeshi: What's going on?

Tamahome: Hey- Akane has an interdimensional storage space too, doesn't she?

Takeshi: Hmm... she's an anime female. I wouldn't doubt it. Kasumi has one... that's for sure.

Akane: Wait a second! I don't have a...

Tamahome: Hold on...

(Tamahome whispers something in Takeshi's ear.)

Takeshi: My pleasure.

(Takeshi walks up to Akane and squeezes her breast. Akane pounds Takeshi with her mallet.)

Tamahome: There!

Akane: There what?

Tamahome: Where'd you get the mallet?

Akane: Well... mallet space. Where else?

Tamahome: And what is mallet space??

Akane: It's...

Takeshi: ...an interdimensional storage space!

Akane: It is? Hey- it is!

Tamahome: Check and see if it's the same dimension and the briefcase is in there! Takeshi- ask Mitsune if she has one.

Takeshi: Right.

(Takeshi goes over to Mitsune. Jenrya follows. Akane opens up her dimensional rift and starts looking inside it.)

Tamahome: Anything?

Akane: Man... I really need to clean this place out!

(Takeshi is walking over with Mitsune and Kenji... and Washu and Jenrya.)

Takeshi: Guys, Kitsune doesn't have one... um...

(Takeshi tilts his head upon the sight of Akane, who is so immersed in her rift that her entire upper body is hidden... which leaves the lower half suspended in mid-air.)

Takeshi: Um... need a hand?

(Mitsune whaps Takeshi across the back of the head.)

Akane: Hey- I was looking for this!

(Akane tosses a few books, a swimsuit, a bunny costume, a human-weight-doll, a kendo stick, and a few other assorted goodies behind her.)

Akane: I can't find it!

Washu: That's because we each have separate dimensions. Maybe we'd share one if we were from the same show, but all my stuff is stored and retrieved by one soul- the smartest person in the universe!

(Tamahome helps Akane out of her rift and they turn to Washu. Mike and Barb join the group.)

Barb: There are currently fifteen minutes remaining. You might want to be wrapping this up sometime soon.

Kenji: I say we shouldn't do it.

Takeshi: I agree.

Akane: I third the motion.

Tamahome: Fourth

Mitsune: Whatever.

Takeshi: (to Washu) Sorry- we aren't doing it.

Washu: Huh. Too bad. I suppose you can take that off now Jenny.

(Jenrya takes off the wig and glasses.)

Jenrya: It's about time.

Washu: You looked pretty cute though.

Barb: Well, if that settles everything, it makes no sense staying here, unless you want to make it official.

Jenrya: I guess there's no need.

Mike: Very well. We can head back. Tonight will be the eight execution quiz, and all seven of you are taking it.

Barb: Everybody, that is, except for the Mole, who must've really enjoyed this game. Regardless, the pot now stands at 317,000 yen, and one of you will be leaving tonight.

(They all start going back. Caption: "Challenge Failed.")

Akane: You know, this is a very strange game. Just yesterday, we were all talking about how the Mole must not be as successful as they want to be, and how we're starting to form a very close team. Now today, either we let ourselves get torn apart because of two exemptions, or the Mole had a field day.

Mitsune: The Mole was definitely involved in that game, no two ways about it. I refuse to believe that of Takeshi, Kenji, Akane, and Tamahome, all of them were so scared that they couldn't let Jenrya or Washu get exemptions.

(Shot of Jenrya taking the quiz. His question is "What was the Mole's subject in the Baseball game?")
Jenrya: (VO) Akane didn't seem to know anything about Rumiko Takahashi. I'm no expert on the fourth wall or anything, but I'm really surprised that she didn't know that Kare Kano wasn't a Takahashi anime. I've seen it before, and it looks very different from the other three. Between her and Takeshi's stubborn refusal to hand over the key, the Mole was very active in this round, regardless of who it is.

(Shot of Washu taking the quiz. Her question is "What was the Mole's role in the Briefcase game?")
Washu: (VO) I'm going out on a limb in saying with confidence that Jenrya is not the Mole. I really think I can trust him. It's not a strategy I'm used to taking, but it might be necessary in this game.

(Shot of Akane taking the quiz. Her question is "Who is the Mole's English voice actor/actress?")
Akane: (VO) Mallet space. It doesn't even give us the remote possibility of finding the briefcase. For somebody who claims to put the team ahead of herself, Washu was the most selfish of the entire group.

(Shot of Takeshi taking the quiz. His question is "Did the Mole answer their question correctly in the Baseball game?")
Takeshi: (VO) Kitsune definitely could be the Mole. The question about Nuriko was perfect for a Mole to get wrong without drawing suspicion. It even had me fooled. But I'm surprised that Kitsune wouldn't figure out that it's a trick question. In the briefcase game, Kitsune may have acted like she wanted the money... but she made a very good devil's advocate in the process.

(Barb is in the stuffy execution room with the seven contestants and the computer.)

Barb: Once again, I will type your names into the computer in random order. If a green thumbprint appears, you're safe at second. If a red thumbprint appears- strike three... you're out.

(Barb sits down and starts up the program.)

Barb: Jenrya.
(Barb types in "JENRYA." Jenrya has a straight-face.)

(It flashes green.)

Barb: Akane.
(Barb types in "AKANE." Akane is nervous.)

(It flashes red. Akane is visibly sad.)

Tamahome: Sorry.

(Akane stands up, gets her bag and walks out with Barb.)
Akane: (VO) It was a tough situation to be facing. I think I let the game get the better of me. I was originally here to enjoy myself and have a good time, but I just got too involved with everything. I wanted to win so bad, and I just forgot about having fun. But it was. It was definitely worth the trip and I'd do it again in a second.

(Among the remaining six, Jenrya still has a straight face, while most of the others are a bit sad.)
Takeshi: Akane really did a good job of keeping us all in line. There were times when, sad to say, she was the most normal member of the team. Although knowing us that's not saying much.

Kenji: You could tell Akane was having fun. She played the game the way you're supposed to. You do whatever's in your power to win, but you still make sure to enjoy the ride. This game is unlike anything else, and you can choose to experience it both ways. I think she did.

(Barb leads Akane to the van.)

Barb: Well- five scary ladies in a row. And once we were wondering why so many guys got it.

Akane: It's the ghost of Takato.

Barb: I guess. Well, at least you got to hit a few people in Motoko's absence.

(Akane gets into the van as it drives off. And Ranma ½ is out of the pennant race.)

End Episode Eight

Author's Notes
A lot of reviewers figured out that Nanako would get the cameo due to the baseball element. And yes... her name's Nanako, not Ruuki. My bad. I also found out that Mary was changed from Karen. Apparently Karen is too Japanese for the dub.

Sorry about the inconsistency in the questions for the baseball game. From a guy who puts a weekly quiz out for this series, you'd be surprised to know I'm usually pretty bad at trivia questions. Before I forget, the Meripu challenge was Australia's answer to last season's 751 game, the briefcase game was from Belgium (I could gone farther into depth with that if it weren't for time constraints), and the baseball challenge is actually based on a golf challenge used in just about every version out there. Especially regarding the ones in this episode, don't be surprised if a lot of these challenges show up in some form in the real show when it comes back on in a couple months. Imagine Katie trying to wrangle sheep...

The next episode promises to be interesting, as they head to the coast for a water challenge (good thing Akane's gone!), a pair of puzzles challenge the group, and what's anime without a few... rivals?