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odorekijin“Show Me Your Ways, Leader”
chapter one
[Wizards’ Manor—Lounge]
Akira: Kuromi-chan! I’m so glad you managed to make it back!
Bradley: ’Sup, Kuromi. Looks like you’ve been doin’ mighty fine since you came on over.
Kuromi: Of course! Did ya miss me? Bet you were dyin’ of boredom without me around, weren't you?
One day, Kuromi and his friends were able to return to this world with the help of a little magic, and wasted no time paying us a visit.
Akira: We should totally make the most of this day now that you’re back! Any suggestions?
Bradley: Ain’t no need to look too far when Kuromi an’ I are practically cut from the same cloth—I dun’ need to spell that one out, do I?
Akira & Kruomi: Huh?
Bradley: She’s a rebellious punk an’ I ain’t exactly no saint myself. Y’know what happens when two bad seeds get together…
Akira: (I have a bad feeling about where this is going…!)
B-Bradley, um…!
Bradley: Yeah, what’s up?
Akira: Well, errr… I know you two are all about mischief and painting the town red—don’t get me wrong, I think it’s perfectly in line with your personalities, but…
How about we do something, uh, that you wouldn’t usually do instead?
You have more in common other than causing havoc after all!
Bradley & Kuromi: We do?
Akira: You both have henchmen that answer to your command, yes?
Just as you’re the boss of a group of bandits, Kuromi also united people under her many times over. She’s basically a ‘leader’ in her own right!
The two protagonists stared at each other for a second before a devious grin crept upon their lips.
Kuromi: Ohoh? Seems like you and I are two rotten peas in a pod. Being called “boss” all day? Now that's pretty badass.
Bradley: Heh, ya sure do hide yo’ game real good behind that teeny frame. It takes an iron fist an’ a head screwed on tight to lead a pack, no matter what kinda folks they are.
I’d sure like to hear how you handle yer underlings, from one top dog to another.
Akira: (Phew… I think I just avoided another headache…)
Bradley: …But this ain’t the place to have this kinda conversation.
Consider yerself lucky, I’m invitin’ you over. Follow me.
[Wizards’ Manor—Bradley’s Bedroom]
Kuromi: This… This room lives and breathes virility…!
Kuromi's eyes darted around the room with fervent trepidation.
Ah, how well I knew the feeling: his bedroom had this peculiar edge to it, an elusive tension that keeps you on tenterhooks and seemed to always follow the northern wizards.
Bradley nudged Kuromi, the smirk of a mischievous troublemaker tinting his knowing gaze.
Bradley: Ain’t never been in a real man’s room before, miss?
Kuromi: …! Puah, don’t talk to me like a child! I’m a leader head and shoulders above the rest, this room is just like my turf! I feel right at home!
Bradley: Haha, I hear ya loud an’ clear. Don’tcha worry, ain’t no kiddo gettin’ a taste o’ my hospitality ‘round here.
Two lowball glasses materialised before our eyes at the snap of Bradley’s fingers, each filled with a measure of amber liquid that shimmered and danced around the ice balls that were plopped inside.
Kuromi: Woh, woah… This looks like something you’d have to be of age to drink...
Akira: Bradley, this better not be…
Bradley: Relax, I ain’t servin’ no booze with you around. It’s just juice.
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chapter two
[Wizards’ Manor—Bradley’s Bedroom]
Akira: Alright, then… To our reunion with Kuromi!
Bradley & Kuromi: Cheers!
Akira: (Wow, this apple juice is so good!)
Kuromi: Mhm, now this is my kind of thing. I feel like a fabulous lady in a secret meet-up with my close-crew.
Now, Bradley, isn’t it high time you tell me about your gang?
Bradley: Sure, but dun’ come cryin’ afterwards, ‘cause what yer about to hear ain’t no fairytale.
With a tilt of his head, a display of the confidence he held in his superiority, Bradley lounged back to cross his long legs in a languid, almost indifferent fashion.
Bradley: I held sway over a good many folks back then, mostly men.
They came an’ went as they felt; sometimes we were a real army equal to a number o’ settlements, other times just a smatterin’ of guys. My gang faced a lotta change over the years, but we still made our mark on history ‘cross a whole four centuries.
Kuromi: Wait… That’s four hundred years!
I almost forgot wizards live longer than the people in my world…
Seriously, how did you manage to keep such a huge group tight and loyal to you for ages? It's kinda wild, I need tips!
Bradley: The easy answer is to not let anyone make light of who you are an’ what you’re capable of doin’ to ‘em.
If nobody sees the big boss as a real threat, yer enemies will swoop in to take you out clean. Hell, even your own lackeys might serve up yo’ head on a silver platter.
It’s easier to be feared to rule over yer turf, it’s a choice to make your enemies surrender to you; but terror won’t miraculously make your subordinates loyal to you either.
Kuromi: How’d you do it then?
Bradley: I’d make ‘em lose their hearts to me.
Kuromi & Akira: You, what?!
Bradley: C’mon, was that too much for yo’ prissy ears? I thought we were all adults here.
A thunderous laughter erupted from Bradley, his lips curving into a self-assured smirk.
Bradley: I ain’t never said to take this literally, but to cut to the chase… Bein’ part of the ‘Bandits of Death’ was a real badge of honour for ‘em...
Jus’ bein’ by my side made ‘em feel like they done won all the treasures an’ mana stones in this here world, if not more. Even now, I reckon I still am the kinda fella they'd be proud to follow.
Kuromi: So, for your subordinates... You’re the fiercest, most badass boss-man there ever was, and will ever be!
Bradley: Bang-on. You catch on quick, missy.
So? Think you can be that kinda leader fo’ your henchmen?
Kuromi: Who do you think you’re talking to? Obviously, I’ll be the best of the best!
Kuromi thumped her chest.
She isn't a celebrity and cultural icon in my world for nothing: she had this effortless allure about her, radiating with an equally captivating assurance.
Bradley: Let’s see whatcha can do then. Go on, try coaxin’ our Sage, see if ya can wrangle ‘em to your side.
I’ll tell ya right now, they’re practically one o’ my own—they’re jus’ a bit harder to sway than they look, but I ain’t throwin’ in the towel yet.
Akira: I– Excuse me?!
Bradley: What? I ain’t makin’ shit up. You call me “boss” now an’ then, dun’ go actin’ like you forgot.
Akira: It’s just, well, y’know…!
Kuromi: Hmph, the tougher the challenge, the greater the reward.
Ready, Sage? ‘Cause you'll be mine before you even know what hit ya, hehe!
Bradley: That’s the spirit, but I ain’t givin’ ‘em up without a fight.
With a sly grin flickering across his lips, Bradley prowled closer, his very essence radiating an intoxicating, magnetic charm.
Like a moth to a flame, I was willingly stepping into the treacherous snare laid by their wild charisma.
Akira: (This is looking bad for me, I could become either of their lackeys…!)
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chapter three
[Sanrio Puroland]
After thoroughly enjoying her popularity competition, Kuromi magically transported us to Puroland in return for Bradley’s invitation.
Bradley: In the end, you’re swigin’ both sides…
Akira: Ngh… So, sorry…
It’s, just… You don’t get what you’re putting me through! It’s not like I can pick when I’m sandwiched between a charismatic boss and a literal superstar from my world…!
Kuromi: I don’t blame you, nobody can resist my charm! No matter what you choose, you’re always welcome in my gang!
Akira: D’aw, Kuromi…!
Bradley: So this is the infamous ‘Puroland’ ya talked my ear off ‘bout before. Dang, yer world sure got a taste fo’ the gaudy.
But I have a feelin’ you didn’t take us here just to stretch our legs. Whatcha plannin’?
Kuromi: Hehe, glad you asked! Since you’ve told me about your gang, I figured I’d introduce you to my methods and my crew too!
Kuromi turned around, facing us with unabashed, brazen pride.
Behind her, the vibrant lights of Puroland winked and glittered.
Kuromi: Welcome to my home-base! Ready to see how a leader works her magic…?《 Makkuromi ! 》
Her magic cascaded on us like an ocean of starlight.
I found myself utterly entranced, unable to tear my gaze from the dazzling spectacle unfolding before me…
Until Bradley’s booming laughter pulled me back to reality, his finger aimed directly at my head.
Bradley: Bwahaha! Lookatcha, you’ve got Kuromi’s ears!
Akira: Huh? …Wait, I do!
Bradley: Kinda suits yer sweet, almost innocent vibes. It dun’ look too terrible on ya.
Akira: … …
Err, Bradley…
You’re not half bad either. I like the surprise cuteness factor in your outfit…
Bradley: Wuh?
Bradley felt the crown of his head, shock washing away the grin that had etched across his face.
Bradley: Fuck, not me too!
Akira: (Bradley in pastel, fairy-like accessories… I have to burn this image into my memory!)
Bradley: Damn it, doesn’t wanna come off either…! How didja do this?!
Kuromi: Hehe~ My magic’s the real deal, duh!
We rock the same accessories around here to show that we’re buddies from the same gang!
Our ears are a little different, which kinda ruins the whole matchy-matchy point of it all, but…
It makes me feel like we’re part of the same squad of baddies, ready to wreck havoc.
Kuromi’s paws fluttered to her ears, a shy flush painting her cheeks.
The moment felt surreal: I was casually strolling around a wonderland, accompanied by one of my precious wizards and matching outfits with a beloved celebrity from my world.
Akira: Haha, honestly… I’m a bit self-conscious right now, but I agree! It’s a very fashionable way to bring people together!
Bradley: Ugh, guess I dun’ have a choice… But just this once, got it?
Kuromi: Bradley, Akira, or should I say… My stylish comrades! Follow my lead and get ready for chaos! You’re about to meet real rebellious troublemakers!
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episode story
“Matching Fits”
[Wizards’ Manor–Hallway]
Bradley: Somethin’s different ‘boutcha today, Sage. I know, your hands: ya done sum’n to ‘em?
Akira: Ouh, you noticed? Chloe actually painted my nails just now.
I initially picked a deep black in honour of Kuromi's favourite colour, but I didn’t expect a simple manicure to give me such a dark and badass aura!
Bradley: Whew, I thought you were tryna look like Mithra for a sec there… Now that I think ‘bout it, Kuromi sure does have a thing for that colour. Wasn't her hat black too?
Akira: It is! She said that everybody in her gang wears the same hood, it’s part of their matching outfits!
I wish we also had matching knick-knacks that we could use every day, just like Kuromi and her friends.
Bradley: Yer the Wizards’ Sage, you call the shots 'round here, remember? If we’re keepin' with Kuromi’s style, shouldn’t it be sum’n we’d associate with you anyway?
Akira: Associated with me…? What should it be… Maybe something we could wear…?
Hrm… This is harder than expected. I can’t think of anything that would look good…
…Ah!
Bradley: Oh-ho? Did yer genius strike?
Akira: Weeell, if something I like counts as “association”... Mayyybe we could wear something related to cats…
Bradley: Hell no.
Akira: (He didn’t even consider it…!)
Ah, haha, of course! Just kidding! It's difficult to find something that everyone can wear while still being associated with me in some way.
Bradley: …Well, depending on the situation, I might consider it.
Why don'tcha ask Kuromi what kinda matching items’d look good when we see her next time, hm? That might just spark some inspiration.
voice line
“Kuromi sure enough got herself a whole pack under her thumb, or so I heard tell. Shoulda seen her, she was tickled pink when I told her I’d be down to listen to her gang’s stories, from one boss-man to another. That’s the thing, she’s got that rebellious charm that makes her bad ways kinda endearin’.
Yer folks got it right, puttin’ Kuromi at the top of ‘em character polls: goody-two-shoes needa step aside from the limelight every once in a while.”
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