This page is for storing ootherwise done entries from timeline, just in case the summaries can be used, or improved, as well as to decide where some stuff may go:
Mitsune has fallen into a depression after parting with Jun, spending over a year and a half as a shut‑in. One night after an argument with a classmate who refuses to bring her homework anymore, she overhears her parents worrying about her. Kyubey appears and convinces her that keeping Jun’s promise not to become a magical girl is only causing her pain. Unable to bear the loneliness, Mitsune makes a contract with the wish to stay a shut‑in for the rest of her life.[1]
Her wish removes all criticism of her lifestyle, and Mitsune gains confidence, creating a new blog persona called Mist and presenting herself as a hero. Kyubey warns that her magic is being consumed to maintain her body’s health, but she refuses to go out to hunt witches.[1]
Weeks later, her Soul Gem darkens, forcing her to leave home to find a witch. Terrified at first, she adopts her hero persona and defeats the witch with her taser. She saves a girl trapped in the barrier and, feeling genuine happiness for the first time, begins to wonder if being a magical girl might help her change.[1]
She continues saving people, and during a fight with a strong witch she is rescued by Hinano Miyako. Hinano praises her talent as a rookie and advises her to keep gaining experience rather than looking for shortcuts.[1]
For months, Mitsune follows Hinano’s advice, growing stronger. She becomes known as the “hero of Kamihama” for rescuing people without giving her name.[1]
One day she meets Hinano and Emiri Kisaki in the Minaginagi district. After saving a woman from a witch’s kiss, Hinano congratulates her and gives her homemade Ramune candy.[1]
That night, Mitsune senses a witch near the Tomorrow store, a place filled with painful memories. She enters the barrier alone and finds the witch too powerful. Mifuyu Azusa arrives, but Mitsune refuses to retreat, determined to protect the place of her memories. Her Soul Gem darkens, and she releases her Doppel, Claudia, which destroys the witch in one blow.[1]
Afterward, Mifuyu explains about Doppels and the Wings of Magius, but Mitsune declines to join. Hinano and Emiri arrive, relieved she is safe, and praise her for her strength. Mitsune runs away again, but now feels she has finally accepted her past self and truly begun to change.[1]
Kanoko's Side Story
Kyubey offers Kanoko Yayoi a contract. While considering her wish, she imagines an elaborate future where she becomes a fashion designer despite her family's expectations for her to inherit their metal factory. In this vision, she wishes for her parents to work happily for another thirty years, giving her time to pursue her dream. After making her wish, she pursues fashion but faces rejection from Ria, Nanaka, and Rena, who all criticize her designs harshly. Depressed, she agrees to lecture on accessories at a festival workshop using skills her father taught her, where she becomes emotional. Emiri asks to see her designs and calls them weird but exciting, suggesting they need accessories. Inspired, Kanoko realizes she can fuse fashion with her family's metalworking techniques. She opens her eyes to find no time has passed and confirms her wish to Kyubey remains the one she imagined.[2]
Momoko's Side Story
After destroying a Witch, Momoko spots the boy she used to like with another girl, lamenting her bad timing. To distract herself, she goes to the mall, where she sees a girl arguing with a man over seat trading for a live event. Despite initially hesitating, Momoko intervenes, citing the event rules, and the man leaves. The girl, Rena Minami, thanks her, and they bond over their interest in the idol group LinkS before heading to their seats.[3]
Momoko enjoys the event but notices a man with a Witch's Kiss pushing through the crowd. She enters the Barrier and is shocked to find Rena already inside. Though Rena struggles to harm the Witch, she uses her ability to shapeshift into Momoko, and together they defeat it. Afterward, Momoko praises Rena, admitting she envies her ability to become someone else. Rena reassures Momoko that she doesn't need to change, given her kindness to strangers. Momoko confides that she has always felt inadequate, particularly about not being feminine enough, which she believes hurt her chances with the boy she liked. When Rena asks why Momoko is opening up to her, Momoko says they have a lot in common. Realizing how late it has gotten, they exchange contact information and head home.[3]
Later, after another joint Witch fight, Momoko and Rena banter playfully. Rena brings up the boy Momoko likes, encouraging her that she still has a chance. Momoko reveals that her chance has already passed, explaining that she made a contract with Kyubey to gain the courage to confess, only to arrive just as another girl beat her to it. As Momoko nearly trips, Rena catches her, teasing her bad timing but promising she'll be fine now because she has Rena. Momoko hugs her, reflecting that if she hadn't become a Magical Girl, she never would have met Rena. She decides that maybe her timing wasn't so bad after all and wonders if she was destined to become a Magical Girl.[3]
Rena's Side Story
Rena and Momoko defeat a Witch together, and Rena reflects that having a friend is better than being alone.[4]
One day, Momoko is late for a live concert they had planned to attend. She calls Rena to say something came up, and Rena learns she is at the seaside park. When Rena arrives, Momoko explains she stopped to help another Magical Girl fight a Witch. Rena correctly guesses Momoko played the hero and, after Momoko reassures the girl whose name Rena doesn't catch, cuts off further conversation to remind her about the concert. They leave together.[4]
Later, Momoko tells Rena she met the girl again and learned her name is Kaede Akino. Momoko asks if they can invite Kaede to join their team. Rena spaces out and says she doesn't know what to think. In the following days, Rena decides to pretend the question never happened, hoping things will stay the same.[4]
Momoko invites Rena to a cafe, and Rena is relieved until she finds Kaede is also there. Momoko repeats her wish to add Kaede to their team. Rena blurts out that Kaede is dumb and will only hold them back. When Momoko tells her to stop, Rena runs off, insisting this is her true self.[4]
Rena remembers her childhood of being bullied at school because her family constantly moved, a pain she never shared with her parents. She found solace in watching idol concert DVDs. After being teased one day, she hurried home to listen to a new song and realized idols were everything she was not—she despised who she had become. When Kyubey appeared and offered a contract, Rena wished to become someone else, gaining the power to transform into other people, but she notes she never really changed at all. Now, she thinks she has ruined everything with Momoko and wonders if she should disappear.[4]
A week passes, during which Rena ignores all of Momoko's messages. Momoko texts asking where she is. Rena spots Momoko and Kaede together and decides they belong together. She resolves to give up and return to being alone.[4]
Later, Rena fights a Witch while transformed into Momoko. She calls herself an idiot and deliberately lets the Witch attack her. Kaede saves her, and Momoko arrives. Rena asks why Kaede would help her, calls herself an idiot again, and runs off.[4]
Another week passes, and Rena has shut off her phone entirely. She spots Momoko and panics, transforming into Kaede. Momoko thanks "Kaede" for helping look for Rena and invites her to a cafe.[4]
At the cafe, "Kaede" tells Momoko to give up searching for Rena, listing all her flaws. Momoko stops her, saying she likes Rena for who she is. Momoko then calls "Kaede" by Rena's name, pointing out the sugar in her tea and her behavior as giveaways. Rena changes back and cries as Momoko comforts her. She apologizes for being jealous of Kaede.[4]
Later, Rena, Momoko, and Kaede fight a Witch together. Afterward, Rena apologizes to Kaede and thanks her for saving her life. She tries to ask Kaede to join the team but instead awkwardly asks if Kaede will become her servant. Kaede happily agrees.[4]
Kaede's Side Story
Kaede fights a Witch but starts losing. She thinks back to how she became a Magical Girl. A high-rise apartment was being built in front of her house, threatening to block out the sun, ruin her family garden, and make her pets act out. Kyubey arrived and made his offer. Kaede wished that the construction never started and while the construction stopped, Kaede has been in a constant state of panic ever since.[5]
In the present, Rena and Momoko save her. Rena apologizes for rejecting Kaede and hesitantly asks if Kaede will become her valet. Kaede agrees despite Momoko's protests. The three agree to fight together.[5]
Later, Kaede plays a crane game at the arcade but fails miserably. Rena appears, wins the toy Kaede wanted, and claims it is an apology present. They affirm their new friendship. Rena offers to teach Kaede how to win, but it does not seem to work.[5]
Kaede, Momoko, and Rena team up against a Witch. Kaede is unable to attack when Rena asks her to. Rena scolds her while Momoko tells her to cheer up. Kaede begins to think she is useless.[5]
The group splits up to cover more ground on a Witch hunt. Kaede is too afraid to accept this but feels she cannot get in their way. She stumbles into the Witch's barrier and finds a Familiar. Rena tells her to follow it to the Witch's location instead of fighting it. Kaede becomes too scared to continue. The barrier disappears, and she sees Momoko and Rena. Kaede apologizes.[5]
The group confronts the Familiar and follows it to the Witch. Kaede says they should stop, thinking the Familiar is tricking them. Rena yells at Kaede for letting it escape the first time. Momoko tells Rena to stop and tells Kaede to stick close. The group confronts the Witch but cannot move. The Witch attacks and deals Momoko heavy damage. Outside the barrier, Kaede thinks it is all her fault. Rena thinks it is hers. Momoko tells them not to worry.[5]
Kaede tells Momoko she wants to leave the team, saying she has only caused them trouble. She asks Momoko to tell Rena and runs off. Momoko tells Rena what happened. Rena thinks it is her fault. Momoko explains she added Kaede because she is careful when they are not. Momoko implies Rena should make up with Kaede.[5]
Rena finds Kaede playing the crane game again and asks how long she will continue when she cannot win. Rena apologizes for not listening. She explains her idol theory: in idol groups, different personalities are needed, and she thinks a Magical Girl team is similar. She wins the toy Kaede was trying to get and tells Kaede she is needed.[5]
Rena waits at the arcade with Momoko. Momoko thinks Kaede is not coming, but she appears. Kaede claims she was late because she was trying to win presents. She gives copies of the toy Rena won to Momoko and Rena as proof of their team. Kaede admits she spent five thousand yen trying to get both gifts. Rena says it was worth it.[5]
Asuka's Side Story
One day, Asuka swings her naginata in front of Felicia and Sasara while trying to remember something important that Nanaka told her. Felicia asks if she is training, and Sasara explains that Asuka met Nanaka but forgot the conversation entirely. Asuka believes training will help her remember, but when it does not work, she threatens to self-flagellate. Sasara forbids it and suggests trying different methods instead. Sasara researches online and has them try swimming, then soy products, but nothing works. She buys a brain training puzzle book, though Asuka admits she is not good at those. Asuka again threatens self-flagellation, and Sasara again forbids it. When Sasara suggests simply asking Nanaka again, Asuka refuses, finding it shameful to have her repeat herself.[6]
Sasara tells Felicia that Asuka never backs down, just as she did when making her wish. Asuka explains her past: she is the daughter of a family that runs a swordsmanship dojo in Mizuna Ward. Two years ago, her cousin intended to take the police recruitment test, but his father ran for mayor instead. Her cousin asked for help with the campaign, and Asuka's family joined the election staff. Her uncle was later caught buying votes with cash. Her cousin apologized and said he could not come to the dojo until things settled. Asuka believed he would never become a policeman due to his father's crimes, so she made a contract with Kyubey and wished for her cousin to become a police officer. Sasara notes that Asuka became a magical girl because of that belief, though the incident never came up again. Felicia calls her thoughtless, prompting another self-flagellation threat.[6]
Asuka proposes a new plan: have Felicia hit her in the head with her hammer until she remembers. Sasara objects, but Felicia agrees to go easy. After a hit, Asuka remembers she was hurrying to the train station that day and did not really hear what Nanaka said. The girls go find Nanaka. Nanaka asks if Sasara and Asuka are friends with Felicia, and Sasara says they are sort of working together. When Nanaka calls that splendid, Felicia asks if she is picking a fight. Nanaka says she is glad Felicia found friends. Asuka asks about their earlier conversation and Nanaka explains Asuka was in a hurry, so they agreed to talk later. She confirms it involves a magical girl, a witch, and Kamihama. She then holds out a flyer for a flower arrangement exhibition held by her family's school. She wanted all magical girls to attend and relax. She admits she meant to mail it but forgot. Asuka laughs quietly and Felicia is annoyed the information was not important. Asuka says she will now self-flagellate.[6]
Asuka later attends the exhibition and finds it gorgeous. She claims to have learned from this and will train her memory.[6]
Natsuki's Side Story
One day, Natsuki, Akira, and Kaede fight a Witch together. When Natsuki prepares to finish it, Akira warns that both she and Natsuki are low on magic. Natsuki encourages a hesitant Kaede to deliver the final blow instead, assuring her they will help if she fails. Kaede succeeds, and afterward the girls properly introduce themselves. Natsuki reveals she is a cheerleader and invites them to her house.[7]
At her home, Natsuki's brother serves tea and mentions that her cheering can cure illnesses. Natsuki explains this stems from her wish: she cured his fever so he could play in a championship game. Though his team lost, she has never regretted it. She shows them childhood photos of herself as a baseball-playing tomboy and explains that when her middle school baseball club barred girls, she eventually discovered that cheering for others brought her more joy than playing ever did. She realized she simply wanted to support her friends and family.[7]
Natsuki recalls a similar moment when she first became a magical girl and cheered for Kako Natsume during a Witch fight, which helped Kako win. This experience convinced Natsuki that her cheering could empower magical girls just as it did baseball players. When Akira wonders if Natsuki will feel lonely when the third years graduate, the conversation gets cut short as Kaede realizes it is late. Before they leave, Natsuki teases Akira about borrowing her cheerleading uniform, and Akira gets flustered.[7]
Another day, Akira and Natsuki defeat a Witch together. Afterward, Natsuki admits she is scared of things changing. Her former little league teammates are focused on exams, and she worries about being left behind while wanting them to succeed. Akira asks an unusual question about what kind of mother Natsuki might become, then explains that everyone grows up and faces these feelings, but avoiding change means missing out on future happiness. She suggests Natsuki should cheer for her friends in life as well.[7]
Later, after another Witch fight, Natsuki gives Akira handmade omamori charms. One reads Barrier and Safety for magical girl protection, and another reads Marriage, which she thought Akira would appreciate for its girly nature. Akira denies liking it, but Natsuki has made similar charms for her other friends as well, reflecting her decision to embrace change and cheer for everyone's future.[7]
Elsewhere, Kaede shows her Barrier Safety charm to Rena and Momoko. Momoko recognizes it as a magical girl version of traffic safety charms, while Rena notices the words Hill and Thank you embroidered on it. Kaede thinks it refers to the idol group Rena and Momoko saw, but Rena points out Natsuki got the name completely wrong. Momoko teases Rena for being jealous that Kaede made friends while she was away.[7]
Back at her house, Natsuki asks her brother if he has heard of an idol group called Sakamichi-sankyuu. When he corrects her to Kagurasaka36, she is horrified to realize she got both the name and number wrong. She resolves to continue cheering for everyone's bright future.[7]
Hinano's Side Story
Also details how Emiri and Hinano met
On a school day, eighteen-year-old Hinano is rejected by a boy she confesses to, and later breaks down crying in front of her thirteen-year-old assistant Emiri. When Emiri tries to comfort her by suggesting some people like her body type, Hinano accuses her of looking down on her and demands respect, though Emiri insists her teasing is just her way of showing love.[8]
A flashback reveals how they met, with Emiri mistaking Hinano for a grade-schooler and then becoming fascinated by the older girl's experience as a Magical Girl and science club president, eventually begging to become her assistant.[8]
Another day, as Hinano gives a science presentation for children, they discover the entire audience has Witch's Kisses and split up to find the Witch. Emiri finds it first but is trapped with a teacher holding chemicals that could produce toxic gas. Despite Emiri's desire to prove herself without Hinano's help, she ends up needing to be rescued.[8]
After destroying the Witch and saving Emiri, Hinano admits she became a Magical Girl years ago when a reckless experiment nearly killed her. She insists she is already proud of Emiri. Later, Emiri tells Hinano she truly respects her and gives her a cheek rubbing penalty, leaving Hinano bewildered but quietly touched.[8]
Emiri's Side Story
Asuka Tatsuki and Sasara Minagi chase a familiar but lose it, and Emiri Kisaki appears, introducing herself as a new magical girl. She convinces them to help her, and they track down and defeat the familiar, only for a Witch to emerge. Inside the barrier, they find unconscious civilians. Sasara and Asuka argue over whether to rescue them or fight the Witch first, but Emiri suggests Sasara provoke the Witch by helping the people while Asuka attacks. The plan works, and they destroy the Witch together. Afterwards, they exchange contact information, and Emiri reflects that being a magical girl is tough but fun.[9]
Some time later, Asuka and Sasara bring Emiri to the restaurant Walnuts, where the cook is Manaka Kurumi. Manaka serves them poorly made omelette rice because she is distracted by creating a new dish. As an apology, she offers them the Manaka Special, which they all find delicious. Emiri encourages her to put it on the menu despite her concerns about tradition, and Manaka agrees.[9]
A few days later, Asuka and Sasara bring Emiri to a shopping center and propose she open an advice booth, citing how her advice helped Manaka. They introduce her to Akira Shinobu, who is reluctant until Emiri starts asking about her way of speaking. The booth becomes a huge success, attracting girls like Rika Ayano and Tsuruno Yui. Eventually, Ria Ami, a famous model whose beauty came from a wish, visits. Emiri is instantly smitten, calls her Ria-sama, and proposes they partner up to become the cutest magical girls. Ria agrees, and Emiri excitedly plans to introduce her to Asuka and Sasara.[9]
Sasara's Side Story
Sasara is taken hostage at knifepoint in a convenience store. Despite her desire to be a knight, she is too terrified to act. Though the police arrest the criminal and she is safe, Sasara feels ashamed and hates herself for her cowardice.
Two days later, Sasara meets Kyubey and when he makes his offer, Sasara accepts without hesitation. As her father works for an emergency rescue squad, a job she admires, he gave her a favorite picture book about a knight who defeats a dragon to save a village. Sasara carries this book everywhere and has always wanted to be like her father and the knight. She wishes to become a knight who can protect and save people, asking for a stronger heart and stronger convictions.[10]
Five days later, Sasara has been hunting witches and saving their victims ever since making her contract. She calls herself the Knight who protects the people of Kamihama, but over time her feelings become tainted. The people she rescues never remember what happened and do not acknowledge her. Sasara realizes she wants someone to appreciate her and questions whether she really wanted to become a knight at all.[10]
One day inside a barrier, Sasara tells Kyubey she might have just wanted people to praise and approve of her, like the knight in her picture book. She thought she could accept the people she helped not talking to her, but now it feels like she does not even exist. When a familiar attacks, Sasara moves to shield an unconscious victim and begs to at least save her.[10]
Another magical girl rescues Sasara and Kyubey introduces her as Asuka Tatsuki, who was hunting a witch and saw Sasara by coincidence. As this is the first magical girl she has ever met, she wants to meet her again.
Sasara and Asuka meet again inside a witch's barrier and they find a room full of the witch's victims. Asuka suggests they find the witch first since defeating it will save everyone, but Sasara worries something could happen to the victims in the meantime. As they're attacked by Familiars, Asuka realizes they should divide their roles: Sasara will protect the victims while Asuka fights. The strategy succeeds, and all the feelings that pained Sasara's heart disappear.[10]
After the witch is defeated, Asuka proposes that Sasara stop being a magical girl in the usual sense and instead become a rescue and defense expert, working alongside her as a magical girl rescue squad. Sasara agrees and asks Asuka if she ever feels lonely fighting alone. Asuka admits she does, but she simply remembers her promise to defeat all witches and protect everyone's life. Sasara realizes she forgot something important: the knight in her picture book also helped people without thinking, just like her father. She decides she will simply not think anymore and will be Asuka's partner, answering distress calls as part of the rescue squad.[10]
Ayaka's Side Story
Ayaka and Shizuku meet while fighting a witch, and Ayaka defeats it through sheer will. Afterward, Ayaka panics about missing a live show, so Shizuku uses her magic to transport them directly to the venue. The show is a comedy duo called Needle Roller, and afterward the girls finally introduce themselves.[11]
Ayaka finds Shizuku looking sad and learns she feels anxious whenever she is not fighting witches. Ayaka tries to cheer her up with jokes, and when she seriously explains the structure of one, Shizuku laughs genuinely. This reminds Ayaka of her childhood friend Yuu (unrelated to Yusa Yumeno), who always brightened the space around her.[11]
At Shizuku's family cafe, Shizuku admits she envies Ayaka's brightness. Ayaka confesses she was not always this way - before becoming a magical girl, she was dull and considered Yuu's shadow. She wished to be bright like Yuu and now feels like a cheap imitation. Shizuku compares her to a quiet performer who became loud on stage to achieve his dream, explaining that Ayaka changed because she wanted to, and it was Ayaka who encouraged her, not Yuu. Ayaka thanks her and gives her another ticket to a Needle Roller show.[11]
Rika's Side Story
One day, Rika is invited to a blind date by Emiri Kisaki, who brings along Hinano Miyako, a girl recently heartbroken. When the boys on the date mock Hinano's youthful appearance and odd way of speaking, Rika surprises her by defending them. Afterward, Rika admits she too carries a broken heart, and Hinano realizes Emiri shared this secret without permission, yelling at her. Emiri and Rika quickly reassure Hinano, with Rika adding that Hinano is actually cool for having been able to confess her feelings—unlike Rika, who never confessed at all and watched her crush end up with someone else.[12]
Emiri then suggests Rika should make a wish, revealing that she and Hinano are magical girls who each received one wish in exchange for fighting monsters. Rika wonders if this is some kind of game. Hinano warns her against becoming a magical girl but, when pressed, advises that if Rika does wish for something, it should be for something seemingly impossible—and she must carefully consider the price.[12]
Later that day after Rika leaves, Kyubey appears and offers her a contract. Thinking back on what Hinano and Emiri told her, and flashing to the memory of her crush dating someone else, Rika mentally apologizes to Hinano and elects to become a magical girl.[12]
The next day, Rika muses that her wish was granted and she is now dating her crush, yet she feels deeply unhappy. When Kyubey asks what is wrong, she admits that every time the person she loves smiles at her, her chest tightens with unease.[12]
On another day, Rika fights a Witch and encounters two other magical girls, Ria Ami and Manaka Kurumi. Ria thinks Rika has gone berserk and calls her fighting style dangerous and inelegant, though Manaka points out Ria was not exactly elegant herself. Rika compares them to a comedy duo and explains she fights Witches simply as stress relief.[12]
Later, during another Witch fight, Kyubey contacts Rika to warn her she is fighting dangerously. Annoyed, Rika is surprised to spot Hinano inside the barrier. After the battle, Hinano is shocked to find Rika has become a magical girl and immediately warns her about her reckless fighting style. Rika again explains it is stress relief. When Hinano asks why she is unhappy, Rika confesses that while she wished for her love to be fulfilled, she fears it is all fake—as if her crush only likes her through magical compulsion. Hinano asks why she became a magical girl at all, and Rika explains that without a wish, she would never have had a chance. Pressed further, Rika reveals the person she likes is a girl. She asks if this is gross or weird, but Hinano simply says it is not. Rika wonders why it was so easy to tell Hinano this truth.[12]
Later still, Rika and Hinano fight together against a Witch. Hinano again warns about Rika's dangerous fighting, and Rika says she plans to stop after this, revealing she has already broken up with her crush. When Hinano asks if it was because the love felt fake, Rika confirms that was part of it. She explains she loved her childhood friend for four years but remained just a friend. When she saw her friend with a new boyfriend, Rika realized she could never give her friend what the boyfriend did. She then admits the full weight of her wish: it caused the girl she liked and her boyfriend to completely forget each other, as if they had never met. Rika explains the boyfriend once helped her find a lost ticket, and she realized they were perfect for each other. Breaking up with her girlfriend was her way of setting things right. Hinano is impressed by her willpower.[12]
Rika says there is one more thing to do. She brings Hinano to her school, and together they plant the notebook of Rika's ex-girlfriend in the ex-boyfriend's bag, and his notebook in hers. They watch from a distance as the two meet again, and Rika declares everything is great.[12]
Afterward, Rika tells Hinano that the girl and boy were like a fairy tale prince and princess, destined to be together. She decides she is like their Cupid. Surprised to see Hinano crying, Rika is unaware she is crying herself. Rika asks Hinano to laugh, but Hinano says no one could laugh at this. Finally, Rika tells Hinano she loves her, then quickly clarifies it is not that way—Hinano is not her type. Rika starts laughing, Hinano stops crying, and the two affirm their friendship.[12]
My Diary With You
Ren stands on a rooftop, contemplating another suicide attempt, when Kyubey warns that repeating her actions will destroy her Soul Gem. Rika saves her after defeating a nearby Witch, and Ren reflects on her childhood bullying, her first suicide attempt, and her wish to live, which then led her to destroy Witches only to realize humanity's cruelty remains. Unable to explain her despair to Rika, Ren is introduced to a community of Magical Girls in Emiri's who each offer her small kindnesses: Ria gives her hand cream and Konomi gives her chamomile tea. Then they visit the chemistry club where Hinano gives Ren candy, and in the end the group meets Kanoko at her family's metal factory. There, after Ren compliments a dress Kanoko designed, she gives Ren accessories made of metal sheets. Later, Rika shares her own story of wishing for someone's love, explaining that connection requires vulnerability. When Ren still cannot speak her truth, Rika reminds her that all these people were thinking of her, giving her a reason to continue living. Ren thanks her, choosing to keep living.[13]
A few days before Ren's birthday, Rika notices the date on her student card while inviting her to a movie and decides to surprise her with a present.[14]
The next day, Rika and Ren visit a stationary shop, where Rika learns Ren draws in her diary with colored pencils.[14]
Later, at Emiri's consultation stand, Rika gets the idea to commission a decorated pencil case from Kanoko after seeing Emiri's phone case. Kanoko agrees to help, and her father allows them to use his factory's equipment.[14]
That weekend, Kanoko finalizes the material choice and makes Rika practice engraving on scrap metal daily until her skills improve.[14]
Ren and Rika team up to fight a Witch. Afterward, Ren comforts a victim, and Rika calls her kind. Ren reflects that she can live now because she met Rika.[14]
Later that day, Ren buys a cherry pink pencil, which is Rika's favorite color, continuing her tradition of buying a pencil each time she saves someone, hoping to become someone who can stand beside Rika.[14]
The following days, Kanoko deems Rika ready to work on the real gift. Ren sends Rika an invitation to a picture book exhibition, but Rika declines, needing time to finish.[14]
At Emiri's consultation stand, Ren defends Rika during a conversation with Akira. When Rika arrives, she calls them close friends and asks about Ren's drawings but respects that they're in Ren's diary.[14]
That evening, Ren's father gives her two tickets to a picture book exhibition. Thinking of Rika, she keeps both and emails an invitation. Rika replies she already has plans, shocking Ren.[14]
Ren later sees an advertisement for a teddy bear exhibition and invites Rika for the following Sunday. Rika must decline again due to gift work and supplementary lessons, leaving Ren devastated.[14]
The following Sunday, Ren walks through Kamihama, imagining being at the exhibition with Rika. She overhears Rika nearby, thanking Kanoko and Emiri for their help. When Emiri notices her, Rika stumbles over her words, and Ren runs off, saying it's fine.[14]
Later that day, Rika sends an apologetic email. Ren wants to respond but cannot, overwhelmed by envy and shame.[14]
The next day, Ren's mother asks if something is wrong, but Ren says nothing. In her room, she tries to write in her diary but cannot, sobbing as she realizes things cannot go back to the way they were.[14]
Later, Rika tells Akira that Ren has stopped responding. Kanoko and Akira advise her to talk to Ren directly. Rika heads to Ren's school, remembering her favorite place is the audiovisual room.[14]
At the audiovisual room, Ren receives a phone call from Rika. Rika explains she was making Ren a birthday present: twelve colored pencils in an engraved case with a Lily of the Valley motif, flowers which mean "Genuine" and "Pure."[14]
Rika asks Ren to open the door and gives her the present, wishing her a happy birthday. Ren cries, calling it the prettiest thing she has ever seen. As they walk home, Ren apologizes for the misunderstanding. Rika says she chose Lily of the Valley because it is perfect for Ren. Ren promises herself that one day, when she reaches the final page of her diary, she will tell Rika everything about it.[14]
Sometime later, Rika fights a witch alongside Hinano. Afterward, Hinano notes Rika's fighting style has changed—less reckless, more focused on helping others. Rika realizes she no longer fights to relieve stress but to help everyone, and decides she cannot change the past but can change the future.[14]
The next day, as Rika goes to see Ren, she reflects that she has changed because of Ren. In her mind, she tells Ren that no matter how long it takes, she will always be waiting for her.[14]
Reaching a Happier Height
Masara visits Mitama for a Soul Gem adjustment and notices her staring at a flyer for a hiking rally event. When Masara explains that Kokoro keeps talking about mountain climbing because it's tied to her last happy memory with her family, she leaves the flyer behind. Mitama reads that first prize is five kilograms of rice and decides right then to make sure they win it.[15]
The next day, Kokoro vents to Masara about how witch hunting always gets in the way of her climbing. When Masara asks why she loves it so much, Kokoro explains that it's her favorite memory, the last thing she ever did with her family before everything changed.[15]
Later that day, Kokoro stops by Mitama's shop for an adjustment. Mitama casually brings up the hiking rally and Kokoro is easily convinced to participate. Momoko pays for her own adjustment while they're talking, and when Mitama asks about hiking preparation, Momoko suggests bringing water.[15]
The following day, Mitama drags both Masara and Kokoro to the mall without giving any explanation. While they're distracted looking around, she buys supplies on her own: amazake, salt, chocolate, and supplements. She finds them picking out a bento box together and adds bear repellent to her cart.[15]
The night before the rally, Kokoro and Masara visit Mitama to review their preparations. Mitama has made an extensive list that includes lip balm and selfie sticks. When Mitama brings up the event itself, Kokoro initially tries to decline because of homework. Mitama suggests Masara could help her study, and Masara reluctantly says she wouldn't mind if Kokoro went. Kokoro finally agrees, and Mitama reveals that first prize is rice. Kokoro offers to make lunch for both of them.[15]
After they leave, Mitama prepares what she calls a special energy drink. Momoko takes one sip and immediately collapses. Mitama fills bottles with the mixture anyway.[15]
The morning of the event, Kokoro calls Mitama wondering where she is. Mitama reveals she never actually planned to participate and wanted them to win the rice for her all along.[15]
Masara and Kokoro begin the rally together, solving questions at each checkpoint. When Kokoro suggests they stop for lunch, they find a spot to eat. Masara compliments her cooking and Kokoro admits she's been cooking for herself ever since her mother left. They discover Mitama's energy drink stuffed in their bags and sip it, which ends up slowing them down considerably.[15]
After clearing ten questions, they discover they're in the lead. They search for the twelfth checkpoint without success. Masara deduces it should be to the right, but her Soul Gem reacts to a Witch on the left. They defeat the Witch and lose time, but afterward they spot the checkpoint hidden in an unexpected place.[15]
They reach the summit with an hour still left on the clock. Kokoro tears up, overwhelmed by the memory of climbing with her family. Masara apologizes for being there instead of them, but Kokoro clarifies they're tears of joy. She tells Masara she's glad she wanted to come with her.[15]
After Kokoro finishes crying, Masara offers her a handkerchief. The word tears gives Masara the answer to the final question. They turn in their answers and win the rice.[15]
After the event ends, Kokoro hauls the heavy rice into Mitama's shop. Mitama stresses again that she never intended to go, but Kokoro and Masara point out she pushed them into shopping for supplies. Mitama offers to make them lunch and Masara declines. Mitama tells Kokoro she should thank Masara, explaining that Masara was interested in the rally specifically because hiking was Kokoro's number one memory. Kokoro thanks her sincerely. She asks if they can go again sometime. Masara says her sneakers are worn out. Kokoro suggests they buy new ones together.[15]
The following day, Masara returns to Mitama for another adjustment. She describes how the lunch that day seemed especially delicious and asks if Mitama understands what that means. Mitama says that feeling is difficult to put into words, but that it felt special to her.[15]
Sayuki Steps Up!
Sayuki is a popular local idol known for her optimism and hard work despite her clumsiness, earning her many fans including a girl named Rena. When her manager announces she will star in a tourism drama for the Mizuna region, Sayuki agrees despite her fear of memorization. Her friends Mayu and Ria volunteer to help with rehearsals, though the script is ridiculous and Sayuki struggles while Mayu excels.[16]
For several days, the situation does not improve, but Mayu and Ria continue helping, unable to abandon someone so hardworking. After a guerrilla gig recharges her spirits, Sayuki uses her secret technique of writing things down to memorize, which finally works and impresses her friends during rehearsals.[16]
On the actual filming day, Sayuki performs flawlessly, earning praise from previously dismissive co-actors. However, rain forces the crew to seek shelter at the art museum, the planned second location, where the enthusiastic curator convinces the producer to shoot the second episode immediately. Unprepared, Sayuki forgets her lines and struggles while her co-actors bad-mouth her.[16]
Mayu reminds Sayuki that the museum is where they first met, lifting her spirits briefly, but Sayuki becomes crestfallen again, doubting she deserves her fans' love. Mayu firmly reprimands her, insisting her fans know her work ethic and promising to help her through this crisis. Sayuki regains confidence, memorizes the script with Mayu's help, and delivers a strong first half.[16]
For the difficult second half, Sayuki ad-libs using her genuine passion for the museum's blade displays, delivering such a perfect performance that she finally earns everyone's praise.[16]
The episodes become a huge success, boosting tourism to the region. Sayuki receives more offers and resumes work with her usual enthusiasm, her success built on her work ethic, self-awareness, and supportive friends.[16]
Arc 1
Iroha's Side Story
Tsuruno and Felicia announce a Magical Girl training camp hosted by Asuka Tatsuki. Yachiyo, Sana, and Iroha decline to attend, forming the "vegetarian group," while Tsuruno and Felicia, the "carnivorous group," leave for the camp.[17]
That weekend, in Tsuruno and Felicia's absence, Iroha, Yachiyo, and Sana find the house quiet and their routines disrupted. At the camp, Tsuruno and Felicia train with Momoko's team but also find themselves missing the others.[17]
The following day, Iroha, Yachiyo, and Sana prepare a welcome-home hotpot for the two. While shopping, they realize they know their friends' preferences intimately. Tsuruno and Felicia return from the camp early, stating they thought the others would be lonely. The group reunites for dinner.[17]
Sana's Side Story
Sana notices that Iroha has a keychain from an old puppet show called Mr. Purrs-a-Lot and excitedly begins talking about it. She apologizes for rambling, but Iroha reassures her. Sana's mind drifts back to her past, worrying that her history of loss will repeat itself.[18]
Sana grew up as the unwanted stepchild in her family. Her mother always regretted marrying her late biological father, and her stepfather, a university professor, only cared about her poor grades. Her two step-brothers were academically and athletically gifted, and both treated her with contempt. Eventually, her entire family declared she tarnished their name and forbade her from interacting with them. From that day on, Sana lived in silence, speaking to no one at home.[18]
After being cast out by her family, Sana spent her days wandering outside until she befriended a stray cat she named Miss Purrs. She would feed the cat in an alley and talk to her about the animal city from her favorite show, finding comfort in the cat's presence. One day, Miss Purrs vanished after the shop owner called animal control to remove the strays. Sana searched everywhere but never found her cat again, though she once mistook Kyubey for Miss Purrs from a distance.[18]
After losing Miss Purrs, Sana stayed at school instead of going home. She made a friend who liked her keychain, but when bullies stole it, her friend did nothing to help. Sana stopped going to school entirely. When Kyubey appeared and offered her a wish, she did not wish for family or friends. Instead, she wished to become invisible, wanting nothing more than to disappear from a world where she felt completely worthless.[18]
Back in the present, Iroha notices Sana spacing out and asks what is wrong. Sana realizes that before meeting Iroha, she had lived completely alone, invisible to everyone. As Iroha continues talking about Mr. Purrs-a-Lot, Sana silently thanks her for finding her and feels glad she was not alone forever.[18]
Manaka's Side Story
Kyubey observes Manaka cooking at her family's failing restaurant, Walnuts. She dreams of following her father's footsteps as a chef and believes that gaining admission to the prestigious St. Lillianna Academy will help her cook like a high class lady and restore the restaurant's popularity. Kyubey notes her poor grades make passing unlikely, but Manaka insists this is her father's last chance and resolves to study.[19]
On exam day, Manaka takes the St. Lillianna entrance exams but is only accepted into Mizuna Girls' Academy.[19]
Upon starting at Mizuna, Manaka visits the student council and offers to cook for an upcoming joint assembly with St. Lillian. The council dismisses her, explaining they already arranged a chef.[19]
Walking home, Kyubey again offers a contract. Fed up, Manaka accepts but wishes not for the restaurant's success, but for a chance to spread their restaurant's flavors.[19]
A week before the assembly, the student council learns their chef was invited to a competition. They reach out to Manaka, who happily accepts. Her cooking at the assembly is a tremendous success, with the fancy girls declaring it superior to renowned restaurants.[19]
After the assembly, Manaka begins selling popular bentos at school and works as a visiting chef at St. Lillian every Thursday. However, none of this translates to more customers at her family's restaurant. Meanwhile, her father receives invitations to tour as a chef and seems genuinely happy traveling.[19] Manaka questions why she even bothered trying.
Some time later, Manaka finishes selling bentos and keeps one for herself. Sana Futaba rushes in, upset at arriving too late. Sana explains she can normally only be seen by magical girls, but Manaka insists a first-class chef never loses sight of her customers and offers her bento. Sana accepts.[19]
Sana promises to arrive earlier tomorrow, but Manaka reveals this may be her last day selling bentos. She admits she thinks she made her restaurant even more obscure, and if she is not helping it, she sees no point in cooking. Sana tearfully confesses that Manaka's bentos became the only thing she looked forward to during lonely lunch breaks. She insists Manaka should not quit because she is still making people happy. Seeing Sana smile gives Manaka new motivation.[19]
The next day, Manaka is back to selling bentos. Sana arrives too late again, but Manaka thanks her, notices she forgot to sell one, and gives it to her. Manaka reflects that Sana is a precious customer.[19]
Shizuku's Side Story
Yachiyo, Iroha, and Tsuruno encounter Shizuku after she's just used her personal magic to help a member of the Wings of the Magius for their duties. Concerned, they invite her to Mikazuki Villa. Shizuku meets Felicia and Sana as well and shares a meal with the group. Iroha explains that eating together makes her feel she has found a place to belong. Yachiyo formally invites Shizuku to stay with them.[20]
That night, Shizuku realizes the home the five girls have built is complete without her, and the place she truly belonged was with Fūnī, who is now gone. She leaves Mikazuki Villa quietly while the girls are out preparing a welcome party for her.[20]
The next day the girls wait with a cake, but Shizuku does not return. Yachiyo concludes she will not come back. Shizuku returns to her anonymous employer for another job, stating that the "picture" at the villa was complete with five people and she must continue her search alone. She acknowledges her actions may cause a disaster but feels unprepared to take responsibility, still walking on unstable ground.[20]
Holy Mami's Side Story
Meanwhile, during this time, after joining the Wings of the Magius, Mami, now residing in a house provided by Touka, grapples with a fractured psyche, manifesting as a dialogue between her regular self and a zealous "Holy Mami" persona. She dedicates herself completely to the Magius' goal of "releasing" Magical Girls, prioritizing it over her education. Touka and Alina visit to tutor her, though their lessons quickly diverge into their own passionate interests in mathematics and art, respectively.[21]
Touka and Alina receive a call for assistance from the Amane sisters. Mami joins Tsukuyo and Tsukasa Amane to hunt a Witch. During the mission, the Amane sisters explain that the Black Feathers hide their identities to avoid conflict with Magical Girls who are unaware of the truth about Witches. Mami defeats the Witch using her Doppel, "Florence," whom she relies on to suppress her lingering doubts about the Magius' methods.[21]
Immediately after the hunt, Touka summons Mami to an abandoned museum in Sakae Ward to deal with "troublesome" Magical Girls who escaped a Rumor. Mami fails to capture them, which triggers another internal crisis. Her "Holy Mami" persona reaffirms her faith in the Magius as the only salvation for Magical Girls.[21]
Later that day, Mami dines at an upscale restaurant with Mifuyu, Touka, and Alina. They discuss the day's events, including the escaped Magical Girls and the failed Witch observation. Touka expresses frustration at their slow progress, while Mifuyu counsels patience.[21]
Sometime later, Mami returns to Mitakihara alone. She reflects on Madoka, Homura, and Sayaka, and feeling responsible for involving them in the world of Magical Girls, she believes she cannot face them with the horrific truth and resolves that the only path is to see the Magius' plan through to completion. Madoka briefly senses Mami's presence but dismisses it.[21]
Mitama's Special Training - Amane Sisters and Tsuruno
Tsuruno dreams of her elementary school self declaring she will restore her family's greatness and serve ramen at the White House. The dream shifts to her father relaying that her grandfather was happy but wants her to find her own happiness.[22]
Tsuruno wakes to find a letter from her sister. She opens it excitedly but is shocked by its contents.[22]
Later, inside a Witch's barrier, the Amane twins confront Tsuruno seeking revenge. Distracted by her sister's letter, she is easily knocked out, and the twins grow horrified when she does not move.[22]
Tsuruno dreams of her sister's letter, which suggests their goal might be a mistake. A shadow version of Tsuruno appears, accusing her of stealing someone else's dream and lacking the ability to fulfill it. The shadow insists everything she did was meaningless.[22]
The Amanes bring Tsuruno to Mitama for help. Though Tsuruno is their enemy, the twins explain their goal is to save all magical girls. Mitama realizes they need to take Tsuruno outside, pointing to her tainted Soul Gem.[22]
In the dream, the shadow urges Tsuruno to give up. Tsuruno refuses, thinking of her friends. She realizes that making them happy is her new goal, not the family business. She finally understands her grandfather meant that saving the business was only a possible result, not a goal.[22]
Tsuruno wakes in an alley to find the Amanes, Mitama, and her embarrassing pig Doppel. The twins are relieved she is safe and declare they are even now. Mitama offers free adjustments to all three, and though the twins try to decline, Tsuruno drags them inside. Tsuruno reflects that she reached a different conclusion than her sister. She will keep working hard and make everyone happy. Tsukuyo begs to be let go if that is the case.[22]
Mitama's Special Training - Mitama
Mitama Yakumo invites a surprising number of magical girls to her place for an event she calls the "Great Mitama Thanksgiving." When she finally arrives, she reveals that the gathering is actually a quiz tournament about herself, with the winner receiving a free adjustment session and the title of "Mitama's Perfect Lover."[23]
The quiz begins with multiple choice questions, and wrong answers trigger a trap door beneath the contestant, though cushions soften the fall. The first question asks Mitama's actual age, and Tsuruno guesses incorrectly, landing her in the trap. The second question asks whether Mitama's cooking is delicious, and when Felicia and Manaka both guess wrong, Mitama confirms that the correct answer is that her food is indeed delicious.[23]
The quiz continues through several rounds, eliminating more contestants along the way. When the ninth question asks about Mitama's favorite movie, Ria guesses incorrectly and is eliminated for insulting the film's actress. Sana is also eliminated when Mitama takes pity on her after she panics over Iroha's safety, and Mitama confirms that "Pacifistic Hayashi" was the correct answer.[23]
Mitama admits she has run out of questions but still has many competitors remaining, so she decides to draw lots to pick a winner instead. Momoko asks why Mitama held the event in the first place.[23]
Mitama remembers a time where she tried using her magic to defeat a familiar on her own, and that even if her services are no longer needed, she can still protect herself. She has obtained the magic to keep living that she never had before, and if she ever had to abandon her neutrality, she could use it to help someone.[23]
Back in the present, Mitama explains that she held the event because something good happened to her. The other girls sense a Witch and leave to hunt it, and Mitama tells them to draw their lots later. Alone, she wonders who she should use her power on when she eventually decides to stop being neutral.[23]
I'm the Star of this Show!
One night, Ria Ami receives a call from her manager about a fashion show that wants her as the prestigious last guest. The theme is "dressing in stylish uniforms." Ria eagerly accepts, imagining Mayu Kozue praising her.[24]
That night, Ria dreams. On the day of the fashion show, she runs into a Witch. Kyoko Sakura appears in the barrier. Mistaking Kyoko for a fan, Ria tries to show off, but Kyoko tells her to stay out of the way. They fight. Ria leaves the barrier and finds she has missed the show completely. Horrified, she wakes up. It was only a dream.[24]
The next night, Ria dreams again. On the day of the show, she and Asuka Tatsuki arrive to cheer. Asuka reveals she has been practicing for this day. During the event, Asuka cheers for Ria like it is a sports event. Ria knows she means no harm but feels embarrassed, as if Asuka is ruining the event. She wakes up again. Another dream.[24]
The next night, Ria dreams again. On the day of the show, just as she is about to go on stage, the power cuts out. Though it quickly returns, the audience's enthusiasm has diminished. Ria blames herself for being unable to overcome the outage. She wakes up, realizing she has been dreaming about the show every single night.[24]
On the actual day of the show, Ria pinches her cheek to make sure it is real. She stumbles into a Witch barrier, and Kyoko appears just as in her dreams. This time, Ria tells Kyoko she can take the credit for killing the Witch. Ria leaves and meets Asuka and Mayu. When she learns Asuka has practiced cheering, Ria explains that fashion shows have their own etiquette and promises to send her details later.[24]
Just before Ria's turn on stage, the power cuts out for real. Ria decides to make it part of the show. She asks the audience to get out their penlights and turn them all on her when she gives the signal. Her improvisation is a complete success, though she wishes she could have shown her perfect walk. She thinks she is feeling the best feeling in the world.[24]
A Peaceful Day in Mikazuki Villa
At Mikazuki Villa, the girls are surprised to learn that Felicia scored fifty-two points on a test, and she asks for a reward. Yachiyo deems her request to go to MooMoo Park too expensive and instead promises a fancy dinner the next day, which satisfies Felicia.[25]
The next morning, Iroha discovers that Tsuruno left her phone in the refrigerator and offers to return it while Yachiyo goes to a photo shoot. During breakfast, a commercial for MooMoo Park airs on television.[25]
After breakfast, Felicia shows Sana the park commercial on her phone and admits she still wants to go, so she drags Sana along to catch animals at a riverbank. Meanwhile, Iroha returns Tsuruno's phone and helps out at her family's restaurant. At the riverbank, Felicia finds a small turtle, but Ayame Mikuri appears and accuses her of harassment. The two magical girls fight, and Felicia releases the turtle to protect it before running off, leaving Sana behind. Yachiyo finds Sana on her way home and learns what happened, then invites her to lunch. Felicia returns to the house, still angry at Ayame, and takes a nap after lunch. She dreams that the turtle thanks her and promises something at the riverbank, so she wakes and goes out to find it. She returns with a ticket for two to MooMoo Park. The others reveal that Iroha also received a ticket from Tsuruno's father, and Yachiyo got one at a meat store, so everyone can now go together. The girls happily resolve to visit the park and enjoy their dinner.[25]
Mitama's Special Training - Felicia
During the day, Felicia eats Tsuruno's ice candy without realizing it was hers because she cannot read kanji. Tsuruno reprimands Yachiyo when she learns Yachiyo knew and was preparing to buy a replacement. Yachiyo states it is impossible to guard the fridge constantly. Felicia, overwhelmed with guilt and anger that no one listens to her confession, loses control and flips the kitchen table before locking herself in her room.[26]
That night, Felicia has a nightmare. She dreams her falling grades caused a huge argument between her parents, who blamed each other for neglecting her. Both ignore her confession and promise to try harder. Her mother storms back to the kitchen to cook. Felicia recalls that a Witch attacked immediately after, killing her parents, and she wakes up.[26]
She goes to the kitchen for water, but Iroha is there and points out she looks pale. Iroha tells her to rest and offers to bring water to her room. Felicia loses her temper and storms out of the house. Iroha wakes the others to find her.[26]
At a park, Felicia hears a voice claiming to be her. The voice pulls her into a barrier, where another Felicia lures her toward a locked box, revealing itself as her Doppel. Felicia nearly opens the box but remembers Yachiyo's words about some things being best left unknown. Her instincts tell her she is not ready.[26]
She promises her Doppel she will return when she is stronger and hopes it can hold the truth for her. The Doppel accepts and returns to normal. Felicia wakes up at Mitama's place.[26]
Iroha and Yachiyo inform her they found her unconscious in the park. Felicia tells them about the encounter and her desire to become strong enough to fulfill her promise. Mitama offers a free power-up session to support her.[26]
Iroha recalls they found Felicia releasing her Doppel in the park before losing consciousness. Yachiyo notes this has never happened before. She remembers that Tsukuyo and Tsukasa Amane once said Doppels are materialized emotions. Yachiyo concludes Felicia carries a heavy burden and tells Iroha to keep this secret until Felicia either realizes it herself or becomes strong enough to handle the truth.[26]
One Fleeting Summer Night
Tsukuyo and Tsukasa Amane arrive at Touka's private beach for vacation. After enjoying various activities, Touka offers them a reward if they can think of something fun for her to do. Learning from the housekeeper about a town festival featuring a unique ceremony, the group heads there but finds it canceled because a historic Coral Necklace went missing. The twins offer to help search.[27]
Investigating the hilltop shrine where the necklace was kept, Nemu concludes someone with a key took it, likely to cancel the festival since the other ceremonial item remains safe. At the ocean shrine cave, the twins sense an unsettling presence and receive a vision of crying twin girls before the shrine door mysteriously opens.[27]
Back at the plaza, Tsukasa finds a fragment of a shrine maiden's hairpin. The elder accuses one of the maidens of stealing the necklace. When confronted, the maiden flees to the hilltop shrine and smashes the necklace rather than return it.[27]
That night, the group returns to the cave to see light-reflecting moss. The twins experience another vision of twin girls speaking of not wanting to be left to die. They resolve to investigate further the next day.[27]
The twins visit the village elder and offer to serve as substitute shrine maidens. He reluctantly agrees, and an older villager gives them ornate hair ornaments traditionally given to newborn girls. Nemu reveals the town once sacrificed children to appease a sea god, and those children became the gods honored in the ceremony.[27]
When the twins try to explain their visions, the others are skeptical. Before they can prove anything, the elder rushes them to begin the ceremony early. At the hilltop shrine, villagers restrain them and remove their Soul Gem rings. The Magius fight through but cannot reach the twins in time as the elder pushes them off a cliff into the ocean.[27]
Sinking and weakening, the twins receive a final vision from the sacrificed twin girls, who speak of wanting their suffering to be seen and their fates changed. The Amanes awaken on the beach to learn a Witch appeared when they fell. After its defeat, all villagers lost consciousness. The Pearl Comb was shattered, making the ceremony impossible to complete.[27]
The exhausted twins relax on the beach, having not slept. Tsukasa wonders if the gifted hair clip saved them. Though saddened that no one will remember the sacrificed girls, the twins resolve to change the fates of all Magical Girls. The elder and shrine maiden apologize, and Touka promises to take them to another of her family's vacation homes as a reward.[27]
Summer with Mikazuki Villa
After arriving at the hostel, the Mikazuki Villa members meet Momoko, Rena, and Kaede, who secretly followed because Rena wanted to join the trip. The group spends the day playing at the beach, where Tsuruno and Felicia dominate a game of beach flags, and Sana tearfully confides in Iroha that this is her first holiday ever.[28]
The next day, the group participates in a spicy food eating contest at a seaside restaurant, where Yachiyo surprises everyone by consuming nearly one hundred forty-two bowls of pasta to secure victory for her team against Konoha, Nanaka, and the others.[28]
On the third day, Sana's late-night sighting of a shadowy figure screaming "Come on go" sparks a beach-wide rumor that eventually draws in Kokoro, Masara, Aimi, Mito, and Reira, only for the mystery to be solved when Seika introduces her Manzai teacher Ayaka, whose gag playing on the phrase's rhythm reveals the source of the confusion.[28]
On the fourth day, the Mikazuki Villa girls and Momoko's trio attempt to teach Iroha how to swim without her float, but their efforts fail repeatedly. Iroha eventually explains that she used to be a swimmer until a traumatic incident: during a rare hospital holiday for her sister Ui, the family visited a pool, and Iroha mistook Ui happily paddling for drowning. In her rush to help, Iroha tripped and nearly drowned herself, leaving her with lasting anxiety about it. Suddenly, Rena begins drowning and cries for help via telepathy. The team rushes to save her, and surprisingly Iroha proves fastest, reaching Rena first and giving her the float while swimming them both to shore. On the way, Rena explains her leg was caught in seaweed, not cramped as she thought. Once Iroha realizes Rena is safe, her sisterly instincts fade and she begins drowning herself, having temporarily overcome her fear only through concern for another. Yachiyo reassures Iroha that the rescue proves she can still swim and encourages her to practice diligently. Iroha looks forward to regaining her ability fully, hoping that by then she and Ui can visit the pool together again.[29]
On the fifth day, Tsuruno leads the team on a surprise treasure hunt, guiding them through a forest with help from Konomi and Mayu to confront the "evil queen" Mitama, who surrenders a map piece that leads them to a cave with a beautiful stream, which was nature's treasure all along.[28]
On the sixth day, the team attends an unorthodox summer festival produced by Emiri, where they meet Rika, repeatedly mispronounce festival icon Ria's name, and watch Felicia win a mushroom whacking contest before everyone joins in Bon Odori dancing under fireworks.[28]
On the final morning, the group visits the beach one last time and asks Manaka to take a group photo, with Iroha treasuring these memories with her friends.[28]
That night, Yachiyo, Tsuruno, Sana, and Felicia surprise Iroha with a birthday party, having learned the date from her parents. They give her heartfelt gifts - a cookbook, a photo album, a drawing inspired by the "come on go" search, and a handmade brooch - and Momoko, Rena, and Kaede arrive with a bouquet and food, moving Iroha to tears of joy.[28]
Magia Day 2018 Special Story: Mikazuki's Anniversary
Yachiyo explains that Mikazuki Villa's anniversary is the day her grandmother began renting the house out. She suggests having a small party now that the house is lively again. Tsuruno is excited to attend. Iroha calls Tsuruno the face of Mikazuki Villa, though Tsuruno feels she does not deserve the title since she does not live there.[30]
On the anniversary day, the girls gather for tea. Yachiyo reveals a dance game contest with a prize: Sankyo Headquarters' limited-quantity chilled matcha cake. Yachiyo chooses super-extreme mode. The contest begins.[30]
A fire truck siren interrupts the party. It turns out to be a malfunctioning smoke detector. They return to find the matcha cake stolen. Tsuruno and Sana claim they saw Lil' Kyubey eat it. Iroha defends them, saying it was with her the entire time. Yachiyo recalls an Uwasa called the "Anniversary Bug," an invisible pest that sows discord at parties.[30]
The Uwasa appears in a labyrinth. Felicia accidentally kills it by stepping on it. The winner of the dance contest is Iroha. Yachiyo reveals there were actually six pieces of cake—enough for everyone plus one extra for the winner. Iroha gives her extra piece to Lil' Kyubey.[30]
Afterward, Iroha and Yachiyo clean up. Yachiyo shares her grandmother's words: people will always come and go, but they are all part of Mikazuki Villa. Iroha promises to work hard so Yachiyo can say the current Mikazuki Villa is the best.[30]
Mitama's Special Training - Kaede
Kaede dreams of a garden where Momoko and Rena help her harvest fantastical vegetables. When she asks about the cream puff tree, Momoko shows her a basket full. The peace breaks when an apartment complex finishes construction behind them, destroying the garden. Kaede remembers this moment: her father announced a new building would block their sunlight, her mother worried they would lose their garden, and in despair, Kaede wished to stop the construction entirely.[31]
The dream shatters and a shadowy version of Kaede appears, accusing her of always running from difficulty. It reminds her she made her wish without considering the people who would have lived in that building, that she ran from Rena rather than face rejection, that she holds back in marathons and skips hard problems. The shadow urges her to keep running until she finds where she belongs and offers its hand.[31]
Kaede admits everything is true: she is weak and useless. But she insists she wants to stay with Momoko and Rena, the friends who matter to her. She asks her shadow to help her become better little by little. The shadow agrees, promising to watch from the garden of her heart. Kaede wakes at Mitama's place.[31]
Mitama explains Kaede blacked out during a Witch battle. Kaede remembers hesitating to transform, a Familiar catching her off guard, and Rena crying out. When another Familiar attacked Rena, Kaede recalled a time Momoko was hurt because of her mistake. Believing herself useless, her Soul Gem turned pitch black. Now awake and purified, she chooses not to run. She asks to join Momoko and Rena, who went ahead to hunt the Witch. Mitama sends her off, confident she will be okay.[31]
Magical Halloween Theater
Karin saves Kaede from a Witch using enchanted gravel. Kaede mentions not feeling Halloween-like. Karin reflects on her origin as a Halloween magical girl.[32]
Karin asks Alina if she seems like a Halloween magical girl and Alina insults her. Karin's grandmother asks her to perform a play at a children's Halloween event. Karin agrees.[32]
Karin writes a script. Alina notes it copies Karin's favorite manga and warns her about gathering people.[32]
Karin asks Kaede, Rena, and Momoko to help. Kaede has plans; Rena and Momoko have a concert. They agree to help with stage setting instead. Karin runs out of people to invite.[32]
Karin encounters Sasara, who offers help. Karin asks her to be the knight. Sasara accepts and suggests someone for the cow. Sasara calls Asuka and Felicia. Felicia accepts the cow role. Asuka refuses. Felicia mentions a demon at her place. The girls agree to meet tomorrow.[32]
Felicia brings Karin to meet her demon: Yachiyo. Iroha and Tsuruno are also there. Karin explains the situation. Yachiyo understands. Iroha and Tsuruno offer help. Karin tells Alina she has all actors except a wolf. Alina offers to make costumes.[32]
Roles are set: Momoko, Rena, Kaede as stage crew; Sasara as knight; Yachiyo as demon; Felicia as cow; Karin as protagonist. Karin still needs a wolf, costumes, sound, lighting, and stagehands.[32]
Yachiyo offers to plan a schedule. Rena, Momoko, and Kaede build stage settings. Felicia, Yachiyo, and Sasara practice with Iroha as victim. Tsuruno and Iroha look for stagehands. Sasara suggests Asuka. Karin searches for a wolf.[32]
Alina asks Karin who is directing and managing. Karin does not know who is directing and says Yachiyo is managing. Alina asks what Karin is doing, but Karin says that she's looking for a wolf. Alina shows Karin the costumes she'd made and then rips them, refusing to help someone who does not understand whose work the play is.[32]
Karin wonders why Alina got angry. She decides to find someone more talented for the wolf role. She bumps into Kyoko hunting a witch. Kyoko tells Karin not to push responsibilities onto others. Karin realizes this is why Alina was angry. She grabs Kyoko and brings her to the others.[32]
Karin returns to apologize but no one listens. Iroha and Tsuruno argue over lighting. Kaede and Rena argue over background. Karin realizes the story only exists in her head. She shouts an apology. The girls reveal they were acting. Karin says she will lead. Kyoko demands to know why she was brought. Felicia mentions food and candy. Kyoko agrees to be the wolf.[32]
Karin thanks Alina at the club and says she will not attend for a while. Alina gives her new costume designs. Karin asks Kanoko to make costumes. Kanoko agrees. Karin asks Hinano for smoke effects. Hinano offers knowledge instead. Asuka agrees to work behind the scenes.[32]
Kyoko, Sasara, Yachiyo, Iroha, Felicia, and Karin practice. Felicia struggles with Karin's handwriting. Sasara thinks everything else is perfect. Kaede, Rena, and Momoko finish scenery. Karin buys candy for the children. Karin tells her grandmother the play will be unforgettable.[32]
On the day of the play, Momoko and Rena leave for their concert. Kaede gives Iroha a basket of cookies for Karin. Karin runs to the event, realizing she forgot the candy. She senses a witch approaching the school.[32]
Sasara announces the play will start soon. Kanoko arrives with costumes. Karin enters the witch's barrier and fights its familiars. The audience grows restless. Iroha calls Karin with no answer. Kyoko wonders if Karin fled. Yachiyo believes Karin is doing this for more than herself. The girls decide to start the play before children become too restless. Sasara notes Karin's roles are near the end. The play begins.[32]
Karin senses the play started and needs to hurry. She cannot defeat the witch with usual attacks. She refuses to enchant the candy meant for children. The girls backstage sense the witch and prepare to handle it. Karin's part approaches but she has not appeared. Karin uses the candies to destroy the witch. The barrier disappears. Karin appears on stage exactly when supposed to. Yachiyo tells her to play her role. The play succeeds.[32]
The candy is gone. Kaede's basket contains cookies and an apology note. Karin shares them with the children. Tsuruno suggests using Felicia's prop candies. Karin narrates the play started because of Kaede's comment and thanks everyone. At home, Karin's grandmother thanks her and is glad she made friends. A new manga issue arrives, and they read it together.[32]
Alina Is Comin’ to Town
One evening, Alina fuses with the Rumor of the Fur God despite Mifuyu's warnings, becoming Holy Alina to drain life force for her art. She targets a mother and child, but the situation backfires when she inadvertently stops a kidnapping, earning police gratitude instead of harvesting any energy.[33]
The next day, Mifuyu warns Alina that the town has given her embarrassing nicknames like "Lucky Death Santa" based on her good deeds. Alina transforms again to target a suicidal girl, but the girl's boyfriend proposes after being rescued, and Alina witnesses their happy reunion.[33]
The following morning, Alina overhears gossip about the proposal and grows furious. Karin later shows Alina a manga she wrote called "The Tale of the Lucky Death Santa," which Alina recognizes borrows from manga Karin had lent her. Annoyed, Alina drinks Karin's strawberry milk and leaves.[33]
The next day, Mifuyu encounters the Amane twins in their Miss Santa outfits. Tsukasa must help her father at a bamboo workshop on Namiki Street before their evening banquet, while Tsukuyo has the night free. After they leave, Alina arrives and Mifuyu informs her the rumors have spread. Alina decides to target Namiki Street, where hundreds will gather for Christmas lights, unaware this is where Tsukasa is working.[33]
Tsukasa's workshop runs long and she forgets her phone. Mifuyu finds it and heads to Namiki Street to deliver it. Tsukuyo waits for her sister and chats with a kind maid woman. Meanwhile, Alina detects a man with a bomb who plans to blow up a building. When she sees Mifuyu enter that same building, Alina rushes to save her. Finding the bomb with ten seconds left, Alina creates a labyrinth at the last moment, shielding them from the explosion. She throws a black card at the bomber, but the bells ring in her head and her expression shifts ominously.[33]
Tsukuyo shares with the maid woman why she loves Miss Santa: as a lost child, Miss Santa fixed her broken flute with magic and reunited her with her mother. Police apprehend the bomber and thank Death Santa. Mifuyu returns Tsukasa's phone, and Tsukasa's father lets her leave early. The maid woman reveals her own story of a childhood friend who died after a misunderstanding. Tsukasa arrives and explains the explosion was stopped by Death Santa. The maid woman realizes she has heard that name.[33]
At the theme park, the maid woman reveals she was the Miss Santa from Tsukuyo's childhood. She had taken Tsukuyo's flute to the Amane Bamboo Studio to be fixed—their father's shop. Overwhelmed with joy, Tsukuyo learns the woman became Miss Santa to grant wishes in honor of her deceased friend. The twins hurry to their banquet as snow begins to fall, fulfilling Tsukuyo's wish for a white Christmas. Take, an apprentice from their father's studio, delivers bamboo toys to the maid woman, continuing a tradition started years ago after a chance meeting with her friend.[33]
Mifuyu updates Alina on the twins' miraculous reunion. Examining a black card, Alina notices a happy face stamp emanating magic. At Fenthope, she deduces another Rumor is interfering: the Rumor of the Happy Stamp, which appears at Christmastime and overrides the Fur God's power, causing joy instead. Alina decides to stop using the Fur God Rumor, as it only wastes her energy, and transforms back to normal.[33]
That night, the twins sneak into a children's hospital to leave gifts. Tsukasa carefully avoids a bell trap, but Tsukuyo is caught by awakened children. Tsukuyo pretends to teleport by hiding under a bed, and Tsukasa enters to astonish the children with her magic. After delivering the gifts, Tsukasa waits in the hall while Tsukuyo remains stuck under the bed.[33]
The next afternoon, Karin shows Alina her latest Christmas Death Caribou manga and hopes the Maiden will appear again. Alina says she will not, leaves a replacement strawberry milk, and departs. Later, walking down the street, Alina reflects that she told Karin the Lucky Death Santa would never return. She hears bells jingling and looks up to see Karin in her Magical Girl outfit, wishing everyone a "Merry Christmas of Death."[33]
Christmas at Mikazuki Villa
In late December at Mikazuki Villa, Tsuruno eagerly anticipates Christmas while Felicia remains unimpressed. When Sana admits she never properly experienced the holiday due to her difficult home life, Yachiyo decides to host a party for her sake, and Felicia reluctantly agrees when food is mentioned.[34]
The next day, the girls gather to plan and Iroha invites Momoko, Rena, and Kaede to join them. Yachiyo suggests dividing roles: Tsuruno will bring food from her family's restaurant, Momoko will handle the cake with help from Rena, Kaede, and Iroha, while Felicia and Sana take decorations with Yachiyo as producer.[34]
Momoko brings the girls to her relatives' cake shop, where they agree to provide a cake if the girls help. Iroha and Rena endure embarrassing costumes and perform a skit, eventually selling all the cakes after Rena throws herself into the role.[34]
Iroha visits Tsuruno at her restaurant and helps her develop a Chinese Christmas menu using Christmas colors after Tsuruno's father mentions a customer requested mapo tofu.[34]
Felicia and Sana shop for decorations, and Felicia admits she dislikes Christmas. When pressed, she avoids answering, and Sana senses dark emotions beneath Felicia's usual cheerfulness.[34]
The next day, Sana shares her concerns with Yachiyo and Iroha. Momoko's group arrives to announce the cake is ready, but Felicia reiterates she will not attend. After arguing with Rena about Santa, Felicia runs away.[34]
The girls search for Felicia while Iroha asks Yachiyo to stay behind in case she returns. Sana eventually finds Felicia at a park and gently asks why she hates Christmas. Felicia explains her parents died during a Christmas party, and the holiday makes her remember them and the witch that killed them.[34]
Iroha arrives and asks Felicia to come to the party anyway, explaining they should create new happy memories together. Felicia accepts as long as there is food, and the trio shops for decorations together.[34]
On Christmas Eve, the party begins with Tsuruno's Chinese Christmas menu and Momoko's cake. Rena apologizes to Felicia about Santa, but Felicia now believes he is real. Snow falls across Kamihama as various magical girls react to the weather, and Iroha wishes for everyone's happiness.[34]
On Christmas morning, Felicia, Yachiyo, and Sana discover mysterious gifts left while they slept. Momoko arrives, explaining other magical girls received gifts too. A new rumor spreads about the Kamihama Happiness Delivery Service. It is revealed that Tsuruno, Iroha, and Rena delivered the gifts using Rena's transformation ability to sneak into homes, and they wish everyone a Merry Christmas.[34]
New Year’s at Mizuna Shrine
While visiting a shrine for New Year's prayers, Madoka hopes for everyone's happiness and Homura prays fervently and offers a large donation. Tsuruno creates a "Strongest Praying Charm" from three amulets, aiming to bring good fortune to everyone. Felicia decides praying is ridiculous but still hopes everyone will be okay. Sana receives a prayer charm that falls into her hands after being pushed away in the crowd and wishes to stay with Iroha. Yachiyo buys five charms for everyone's well-being, and Iroha gets an amulet for love and marriage, hoping to see Ui again.[35]
Iroha, Yachiyo, Tsuruno, Felicia, and Sana walk to a shrine for New Year's along with Homura and Madoka. After buying omamori charms, the girls offer their prayers for the new year.[36]
The girls celebrate New Year's morning together at Yachiyo's house. Yachiyo prepares traditional food while Tsuruno arrives with her own dishes and homemade "Tsuruno Karuta" cards, which the girls play together.[36]
Later, Iroha, Tsuruno, and Sana go for a walk. They find most shops closed but discover a badminton tournament at a toy store. Tsuruno loses spectacularly, Iroha wins five matches with Sana's invisible support, and Sana proves unbeatable in practice.[36]
Meanwhile, Madoka and Homura visit Sumei Shrine, where they eat Castella cakes and draw fortunes. Homura receives Great Fortune while Madoka receives Infinite Fortune.[36]
Felicia joins Ayame and Kako at a mochi-pounding competition. Later, they meet Ayame's teammates Konoha and Hazuki. The badminton tournament becomes a doubles competition. Iroha partners Tsuruno, Felicia partners Ayame, and other teams include Ria and Emiri, Meiyui and Akira, Ayaka and Shizuku, Sasara and Asuka, and Rena and Momoko.[36]
Iroha and Tsuruno defeat Felicia and Ayame in the semifinals after Felicia trips. In the finals, an exhausted Iroha and Tsuruno lose to Rena and Momoko. The winners earn the right to challenge the legendary champion, who is revealed to be Yachiyo. Yachiyo easily defeats Momoko, demonstrating skill she developed from a young age.[36]
Yachiyo's prize is a mochi-making kit. The group returns to her house, where she prepares mochi for everyone. Momoko, Rena, and Kaede arrive, having come specifically for the mochi.[36]
At the shrine, Homura makes a large donation and prays for her wish to be granted. Tsuruno creates a charm from three amulets, believing it will bless everyone with good fortune. Felicia admits she wants everyone to be okay. Sana reveals a charm fell into her hands and she wishes to stay by Iroha. Yachiyo buys five charms to ensure her family's well-being. Iroha buys an amulet for love and marriage, though in her prayer she only gave thanks and hoped to see Ui again.[36]
Mitama's Festive Feast
On New Year's Day, Kanagi and Mitama meet at the Daito shrine to pray together and enjoy the carnival. Mitama wears a kimono borrowed from Yachiyo, and after a hint from Mitama, Kanagi praises her outfit, making Mitama smile at sharing her first New Year's shrine visit with a friend. They make wishes, draw "Great Luck" fortunes, and tour the stalls.[37]
At a takoyaki stall, they meet Seika, Mito, and Reira, who invite them to join a "New Year's Soup Event" where participants solve riddles to earn soup ingredients. Mitama accepts the challenge, and though they never actually solve the intended riddles, they help a fishmonger, calm Himika's little brother with a lion dance, and retrieve Riko's lost dog. In gratitude, they receive red and white fish cakes, Feral Sauce, and fried chicken. They return to the stall, and the girls share their soup with them anyway. Mitama enjoys it so much she gets the recipe.[37]
Elsewhere, Iroha and Tsuruno show off their kimonos, dressed with Yachiyo's help. Felicia bursts in with an invitation from Mitama to an afternoon party. Despite Felicia's protests about Mitama's cooking, Iroha convinces everyone to attend together, and they arrive at Mitama's with vast amounts of food.[37]
The party begins with Mitama greeting guests. When asked about her own dishes, she proudly displays her bento boxes. Momoko bravely volunteers to try one, declares it good, wolfs it down, and promptly passes out. Mitama announces mochi-pounding, and Felicia eagerly swings the mallet, nearly crushing Sana's hands. Yachiyo discovers Mitama used "World's Stickiest" rice flour, and everyone finds creative ways to prepare the resulting mochi.[37]
Mitama brings out soup she made earlier. To everyone's surprise, it tastes delicious. Mitama admits Iroha and Yachiyo helped but says she added a secret ingredient from her earlier adventures. Everyone praises it, and Mitama declares she will add her own customizations. Despite warnings, she returns with fried chicken and Feral Sauce, dropping them into the soup. The resulting soup burns everyone's eyes with spiciness, but they recover and enjoy the remaining good food.[37]
After guests leave, Kanagi arrives to help clean, but Mitama declines, explaining everyone already helped. They walk together as Kanagi heads to her maid café shift. Mitama shares that her party was a hit, and she now dreams of improving her cooking to make people happy. Kanagi cautions her to use ingredients fit for human consumption.[37]
Iroha returns alone, inviting Mitama to join them for photos at Mizuna shrine while they are all dressed in kimonos. Mitama, realizing how blessed she is with kind friends, accepts. At the shrine, a stranger takes their photo, and Yachiyo thanks Mitama for joining. They take another photo of just the four of them, then everyone decides to get candy apples together. Mitama smiles and agrees.[37]
À la Carte Valentines
Two weeks before Valentine's Day, Manaka accepts a commission from a student council member to create a chocolate that guarantees a successful confession.[38]
Several days before Valentine's Day, Tsuruno launches "Spicentine's Day" to promote spicy food at Banbanzai, and Felicia agrees to help. Mel reads a classmate's fortune about love, but Yachiyo angrily reminds her that fortune telling is banned because Mel's magic shapes reality rather than predicting it. When Mel asks what love actually is, Yachiyo and Mifuyu struggle to answer.[38]
Mami shops for ingredients with Kyoko's help, worried her Valentine's chocolate won't be special enough. Kaede hopes her gifts to Rena and Momoko will be the best they receive. Emiri decides to make home base-shaped truffles with real truffle mushrooms and begins searching everywhere. Kyoko saves a girl named Sumomo from a Witch and warns her never to contract with Kyubey, promising to bring friends to her family's struggling cake shop. Riko learns about a candy-stealing monster called Hungry Mokeo from her teacher. Yachiyo catches Felicia asking about handmade chocolate and suspects she likes someone.[38]
The next day, Tsuruno's Spicentine's Day movement goes viral and spirals out of control as factions form. Mel's mother tries to teach her about love, but Mel runs away. After talking with Kanagi and later her mother at the lake, Mel begins to understand that love means recognizing your greatest treasure. Kaede shops with Konomi, who gives her flowers and reassurance that handmade gifts carry genuine feelings. Emiri searches all day, falls asleep in the mountains, and wakes to find a truffle pointed out by a mysterious old man. Kyoko brings Sayaka and Homura to Sugar Plum, and Sumomo refuses Kyubey's contract after Kyoko shares her own tragic story. Riko investigates Mokeo with Tsukasa's help. Felicia secretly makes chocolate with Iroha and eventually reveals she made it for her found family at Mikazuki Villa because Valentine's Day is for conveying feelings to important people.[38]
One week before Valentine's Day, Manaka creates fourteen prototypes but feels burned out. After criticism from Ria and Mayu, she decides to make a chocolate ring that looks like real jewelry.[38]
Three days before Valentine's Day, Manaka completes the chocolate ring, but the student council member rejects it, explaining that candy can never be actual jewelry and that she chose chocolate because the truth is always by its side. Manaka collapses from exhaustion and wakes in the hospital with her spirit broken. Mayu suggests that the frame is just as important as the picture, inspiring Manaka to turn down the commission.[38]
The day before Valentine's Day, Manaka helps the student council member make her own chocolate instead. Riko and Tsukasa investigate Mokeo but find nothing until the teacher admits he created the story with parents' cooperation and warns that Mokeo will appear if they hand out chocolates openly.[38]
On Valentine's Day, Rika receives chocolate gateau from her childhood friend, the same girl she once wished would love her back. Hinano encourages her to be honest about her feelings. Rika buys her ex a gift and apologizes, and though her ex has moved on and made chocolate gateau for someone else, Rika decides to face things more honestly going forward.[38]
Madoka has recurring dreams of becoming gigantic and lifting everyone into heaven, worrying her. On Valentine's Day, she plans to make chocolates for her friends but faces challenges when a mysterious shop offers "Chocolate of Fate," leading her into a barrier where only those holding the special chocolate can leave; Madoka sacrifices her own to save others.[39]
Sayaka seeks Kyoko's help in making chocolates for her friends, including a special one for Kyosuke. With Kyoko's encouragement, Sayaka successfully delivers the chocolate to Kyosuke despite her nervousness.[39]
Aimi prepares chocolates for her class, determined to give them to her crush Hayato Isesaki after previous failures. Despite some mishaps with the chocolate's color, she successfully hands out chocolates during class, though Hayato receives a different-colored chocolate by mistake, the kind meant for friends.[39]
Hinano makes chocolates for her crush but hesitates to deliver it after hearing he admires an older girl type. After encountering her crush in a witch's barrier and saving him, Hinano confesses her feelings, only to be rejected but still remains grateful for the experience.[39]
Homura, reflecting on past timelines, decides to buy chocolates for Madoka from a sweets shop near a hospital where she once stayed. While searching, she meets Kuro, another magical girl. The two form a brief friendship that ends tragically when Kuro turns into a witch. Homura is consoled by Madoka after defeating her.[39]
Momoko feels disheartened about Valentine's Day due to a past rejection but learns of a rumored monster that breaks couples apart if given chocolate against school rules. With Rena and Kaede’s help, she counters the rumor with a positive one, ensuring a happy day for everyone.[39]
Ren struggles to choose chocolates for her friends until Aimi suggests drawing flowers on them. Though initially hesitant, Ren creates personalized chocolates, eventually delivering them to her friends, especially Rika.[39]
Tsukasa prepares chocolates for Tsukuyo and friends amidst family obligations. Facing obstacles like her father discovering her secret, she manages to meet Tsukuyo within a witch's barrier, sharing a heartfelt moment despite forgetting her chocolate.[39]
Sana dislikes Valentine's Day due to past neglect from her family but decides to give chocolates to her new friends. After helping a witch-kissed man, she reaffirms her resolve to connect with others.[39]
Iroha plans to buy chocolates for her friends instead of making a cake as in past years with Ui. Despite missing the store’s Valentine’s event due to a witch battle, she shares a warm evening with friends who exchange gifts.[39]
Natsuki cheers herself and others on as they prepare to hand out chocolates, transforming and encouraging everyone to do their best on Valentine's Day.[40]
Kanagi, who saw no point in a holiday for couples, helps a young girl re-wrap chocolates meant for her family. She realizes Valentine's Day is for showing appreciation without expecting anything in return and makes homemade ganache for Mitama and Karin as thanks.[38]
At Mikazuki, Lil' Kyubey tears up watching everyone exchange chocolate, so Iroha gives it its own chocolate and thanks it for always being there. Everyone wishes each other a happy Valentine's Day.[41]
In the afternoon, Kaede, Rena, and Momoko fight a Witch together. Kaede gives them the chocolates she made, and even though Rena's was crushed during battle, she eats it anyway and admits it tastes good. Mel learns a Witch was preventing her friend's confession and defeats it with help from Yachiyo, Mifuyu, and Kanagi. She still doesn't understand love but accepts it's a precious feeling she'll know when she experiences it.[38]
That evening, Kanagi receives piles of chocolate and letters from fans and decides to show appreciation through excellent service. Riko's classmates have their candies stolen, and bite marks appear on a chocolate given at school, leaving Riko uncertain whether Mokeo is real. Tsuruno resolves the Spicentine's Day chaos by reminding everyone that sweet food is just as good as spicy food. Mami welcomes her friends for a chocolate-making party, realizing she doesn't need a perfect day, just a good time with precious people. Emiri learns from Manaka that chocolate truffles aren't made with truffle mushrooms but makes them anyway, grating her real truffle over the top, and everyone agrees the flavor is amazing.[38]
The student council member reveals her commission was actually a test for a catering job and offers it to Manaka, who declines for now. The documentary director appears, and Manaka realizes she's been trapped into another interview. Sumomo nearly contracts with Kyubey after learning Sugar Plum will close, but Kyoko and Homura rescue her from a Witch. Thanks to Yachiyo's article, the shop is flooded with customers and saved. Kyoko wonders if her own family's fate would have changed if she hadn't contracted, but Sayaka reminds her she helped because she wanted to.[38]
The next day, Rika eats the second half of the chocolate gateau and cries, hoping that someday she can share it with someone she loves.[38]
Iroha and Yachiyo confront the shopkeeper who stole Valentine's Day possibilities, take back the chocolate, and escape before the shop disappears. They return to Mikazuki Villa, where Tsuruno suggests reviving Spicentine's Day and Iroha gently advises against it.[38]
Mitama's Photography Meet!
As Yachiyo makes lunch, Felicia barges in with a flyer announcing that Mitama is trying her hand at professional photography and offering free photos for one day only. The others are surprised, having heard nothing about this, but they agree to go and take a team photo since they have nothing else planned.[42]
At Mitama's makeshift studio, she admits they are her only customers and shows off a new camera she bought because the advertisement claimed it would make anyone a pro photographer. When she starts taking photos, however, every attempt fails spectacularly, producing bizarre images like Madoka with people jumping from a plane and Homura posing with a lion.[42]
Frustrated, Mitama declares she will quit being an adjuster to devote herself to photography, but the girls protest that everyone in Kamihama would be in trouble without her. They reassure her that they trust her, and Tsuruno adds that she would not have become the strongest without Mitama's help. Mitama relents and agrees to remain an adjuster, though she will continue practicing photography in her free time. Later, a successful group photo of both Iroha and Madoka's teams is shown.[42]
Mitama's Special Training - Alina and Hinano
The day before a science event, a White Feather from the Wings of Magius informs Mitama Yakumo that a higher-up will be visiting and she should complete any necessary business when they arrive. Mitama says she will be prepared.[43]
That same day, Hinano Miyako accidentally fills her science club room with gas during experiment preparations, forcing her to use her gas mask. She reflects on a previous incident as she cleans up for the next day's event.[43]
The next day, Hinano explains her mishap to her audience, and her assistant Emiri Kisaki steals the punchline by emphasizing the importance of perfect preparation. Afterward, Emiri learns Hinano was attempting to create a height-increasing drug—the same goal that led to a near-fatal accident five years ago and her contract with Kyubey. Emiri makes Hinano promise to stop dangerous experiments, but Hinano immediately breaks this promise and sneaks back to continue her work.[43]
That evening, Emiri rushes an unconscious Hinano to Mitama's place. Hinano had drunk her experimental drug and collapsed from violent stomach pains. After purification, Hinano explains her dream: as a child, she admired a long-legged older girl who hosted science events, and she wanted to become that kind of dashing figure. Emiri reveals her own wish was a spur-of-the-moment desire to be the cutest little devil possible.[43]
Hinano's unresolved feelings cause her Soul Gem to corrupt, and she is suddenly pulled into a barrier. A shadowy version of herself appears, claiming to be the pure crystallization of her aspirations. It transforms into her Doppel—a poison monster wearing an attractive lab coat with long legs. Hinano hears Emiri's telepathic voice shouting that she does not want to part with her, giving her strength. She realizes that while she failed to become a mature figure, her approachable appearance helped her meet Emiri and make friends. The shadow asks if she will give up her research, and Hinano declares she will continue with a completely safe version. The barrier vanishes.[43]
After Hinano and Emiri leave, Alina Gray appears and confirms she created the barrier to contain Hinano's Doppel and protect Mitama. Mitama offers adjustment as thanks, asking Alina to continue favoring her business.[43]
Mitama's Special Training - Asuka
Asuka finds herself in a cloud-filled void facing a shadowy version of herself who claims to be the hidden part of Asuka's heart. The shadow declares Asuka is no longer fit to practice Ryushin-ryu because her blade has been sullied by contracting as a Magical Girl. When Asuka protests, the shadow recounts how Asuka wished for her cousin to become a police officer after his dreams were jeopardized by their uncle's arrest, arguing that twisting fate with magic was selfish and wrong. The shadow insists that with her heart no longer true, Asuka walks a false path and should abandon her school, urging her to die.[44]
In her despair, Asuka remembers her father's words about asking her own heart what is right, like water filling a square bowl. She tells the shadow that perceptions of right and wrong can change with the situation, and though she cannot refute the shadow's claims, she knows her heart believed her actions were just. Believing words alone cannot reach the shadow, Asuka challenges her to a fight to prove her blade's strength reflects her sincere heart. The shadow warns that slaying her means slaying herself, but Asuka declares she fears being untrue to herself more than death.[44]
Their swords clash, and after a long battle, the shadow succumbs to Asuka's attack and acknowledges her blade was as pure as her heart. The shadow warns she may return in a different form if Asuka's heart becomes stained again, then vanishes. Asuka awakens near a pond deep in the forest, where she had gone to meditate as part of her training. She remembers the shadow's promise and considers asking Mitama what it all meant, but feels her father's words have been engraved in her more deeply now. With her resolve unwavering, she runs back to the dojo, taking a straight path out of the woods.[44]
Mitama's Special Training - Nanaka
Nanaka awakens to find herself in a strange, cloud-filled void. A shadowy copy of herself appears, introducing itself as the part of her she has suppressed deep within her heart. The shadow urges Nanaka to end her pursuit of vengeance, calling it a fruitless endeavor that changes nothing. Nanaka refuses, explaining that the act of revenge itself holds meaning for her, not the result. The shadow questions where vengeance has led her: a life of constant danger in an endless struggle against Witches. Nanaka admits there is nothing to gain from her actions, but her conviction remains unshakable. The shadow then accuses Nanaka of dragging Akira, Kako, and Meiyui into her vengeance, using them to fulfill her goals. Nanaka acknowledges this truth but insists she would never throw their lives away. She believes fate brought them together to fight a common enemy.[45]
Nanaka recalls the moments before she lost consciousness. Her team had cornered a Witch, but it disappeared and reappeared near a weakened Kako. Nanaka leaped in to shield her, and Akira and Meiyui joined the fight. The shadow suggests Nanaka protected Kako to redeem herself, but Nanaka denies this. The shadow warns it will continue watching from the depths of her heart.[45]
Nanaka awakens to find her teammates standing over her, relieved she is alive. The Witch is defeated. Nanaka tells Kako not to worry about anything, as they are teammates. Meiyui finds her choice of words unusual, but Akira insists Nanaka see Mitama for a checkup. Kako thanks Nanaka for protecting her. Nanaka smiles, thinking to herself that each of them is their own flower, supporting one another through their shared fate.[45]
Holiday Nyaprise!
Kaede asks Mikazuki Villa to watch a lost kitten while her family is away. After Felicia threatens to withhold bedtime hot cocoa, Yachiyo relents and Sana names the cat Gorojirou, or Sir Purrs-a-little.[46]
Tsuruno visits daily to play, and when Gorojirou needs the restroom, Sana rushes it to the litter box just as Yachiyo calls them for lunch.[46]
Felicia chases the cat until Sana gives her a toy to lure it instead, and they eventually nap together on the couch.[46]
Gorojirou has grown close to everyone, and Iroha tries taking its picture but accidentally films herself instead.[46]
While Iroha shops, Sana watches the cat and Yachiyo admits she avoided getting attached because Gorojirou is temporary, but resolves to make its stay pleasant.[46]
Gorojirou chews Felicia's favorite sticker, and though Felicia is angry, Sana reminds her the cat leaves tomorrow.[46]
Kaede returns for Gorojirou, and everyone says a tearful goodbye. As they leave, the cat meows at Sana, who cries happily saying goodbye to her new best friend.[46]
Ichi Curry and 10 Spices Crisis
Iroha announces that a cafe Yachiyo frequents has opened a new location near Mikazuki Villa, and the group decides to visit on opening day. They arrive to find it is actually a Curry House CoCo Ichibanya, and Yachiyo passionately explains the menu options as they wait for the store to open.[47]
When the store opens early, the employee announces they cannot open today due to a missing delivery truck carrying ingredients. The employee breaks down in tears, explaining her family came to see her first store opening. The group notices magical energy emanating from the store and decides to help find the truck, promising to return for curry.[47]
They investigate at the last store the truck visited. The employee there confirms the truck is missing but provides spare ingredients and explains that stores support each other in times of trouble. The group splits into two teams: one to gather ingredients from other stores, and one to trace the truck's route. During coordination, they learn a second CoCoIchi truck has also gone missing on the same road.[47]
While gathering ingredients, Tsuruno's group encounters a lost, hungry girl who flees upon hearing CoCoIchi and nearly crashes into Sana. Afterward, Sana realizes the employee at the new store could see her despite her invisibility.[47]
Yachiyo's group follows the road where both trucks disappeared and finds a Witch's barrier. Inside, they find both trucks and their drivers. Iroha and Ui engage the Witch's familiars while Yachiyo secures the drivers. Iroha realizes the Witch is targeting the cargo, so she throws curry ingredients at it, causing the Witch to abandon the fight and allowing them to defeat it easily.[47]
Tsuruno calls with urgent news that the store employee is a Magical Girl, her missing little sister is also a Magical Girl, and she has not been able to contact her since yesterday. The group fears the curry-loving Witch they just defeated was the sister.[47]
They return to the new store, where the employee is preparing their reward curry. Before Iroha can confess, a girl rushes in calling for her sister. It is the employee's little sister, alive and well. The group realizes the Witch was simply a curry-loving Witch unrelated to the sister. They finally sit down to enjoy the promised curry together.[47]
Mitama's Special Training - Meiyui
Meiyui's family is helping organize a local event when a stranger stabs one of their members and flees, dropping a badge. Meiyui chooses to tend to the victim rather than give chase, despite his protests that she is being too soft.[48]
Many in the organization want revenge, but Meiyui refuses, not wanting to return to their old ways as an evil organization. The members are reluctant to involve the police due to being falsely accused of murder three years prior. Meiyui had contracted with Kyubey back then to expose the truth with her wish, but lingering distrust remains.[48]
Meiyui goes alone to track the culprit. The dropped badge leads her to an abandoned company tied to illegal labor her family had helped shut down. After defeating a stray Witch, she is ambushed and kidnapped by a man with a taser.[48]
She wakes handcuffed alongside about ten others. The kidnappers reveal the badge was a trap to lure her. They include a former police officer who had fabricated evidence against her family and associates of the real murderer from that case, all blaming the Blue Seas for ruining their lives.[48]
Her Soul Gem is heavily tainted from the Witch fight, and she begins hearing her Doppel's voice. In a cloudy void, her shadow self insists she should have killed these enemies when she had the chance, arguing her organization cannot survive without dirtying their hands.[48]
As Meiyui struggles to stay conscious, she uses her last energy to beg the culprits to leave her family alone, insisting they are not a bad group. The stabber dismisses her pleas and suggests killing her as a warning instead. Her Doppel mocks her, saying evil people will always exist no matter how sincerely she tries to live righteously.[48]
Suddenly, her organization members arrive to rescue her. The stabbed victim is among them, now grateful Meiyui had stayed to help him instead of chasing revenge. He admits he used to believe abandoning burdens was the way of the world, but facing death alone showed him he was wrong. He is alive because of Meiyui's strength.[48]
Hearing this, Meiyui's mind clears. In the void, her Doppel asks if she is ready to kill them, but Meiyui rejects violence entirely. The Doppel submits, allowing her to put everyone in the area to sleep without bloodshed.[48]
The police soon arrive after the kidnapper, persuaded by Meiyui, confesses over the phone. They find several family members asleep everywhere and note a look of complete relief on Meiyui's sleeping face.[48]
I, the Reincarnated Overlord, Magnificently Thwart "THEIR" Conspiracy!!
One weekend, Rui ropes Seira into attending Kamiket, a convention for sharing and selling fan-made media in Kamihama. The two became close friends after discovering they are both Magical Girls, and because Seira is the only one who knows about Rui's embarrassing secret: a heavy case of chuuni-byo. Rui agreed to bring Seira on the condition that only the two of them would go, ensuring nobody else discovered her secret.[49]
On the day of the convention, Rui cannot contain her excitement and slips into character, declaring the convention her sanctuary and the catalog guidebook as Hecatoncheires' Revelation. Her main objective is to purchase the newest installment of her favorite indie game series and meet its creator, MacQueen. On the way to the booth, she accidentally bumps into a stranger who seems irritated about someone not being at the convention yet. When she arrives, the booth attendants inform her that someone has been using counterfeit money, and worse, MacQueen himself is missing. Rui's imagination immediately conjures a grand conspiracy, but the criminal is soon caught and MacQueen calls to say he overslept. Relieved, Rui takes a photo with the booth girls, but as the picture is taken, chills run down her spine as she senses someone glaring at her.[49]
Rui dismisses it as her imagination and continues exploring with Seira. Remembering the booth numbers hit by counterfeit money, she realizes they spell the chemical formula for Ricin, a lethal poison. Her imagination ignites again, convincing her that the real attack will come through poisoned food from outside vendors. She rushes them outside to stop the attack, but everyone seems fine, and her Magical Girl ability, which lets her see how close someone is to death, reveals nobody is in danger. Ashamed, she realizes her imagination finally got the best of her and apologizes to Seira. They decide to get lunch, and Rui opens her laptop to install her new game. The screen is black, and in the reflection she sees her own face. Her magic reveals she herself is now close to death.[49]
Remembering the chills from earlier, Rui checks the photo and finds the man from earlier glaring at her in the background. She rushes back to the booth to warn the girls, who recognize the man as Miranda, a popular content creator. As they discuss this, MacQueen finally arrives, and Rui sees he is the closest to death's door, with Miranda also marked. She confronts Miranda, who confesses he intended to kill MacQueen over an alternate ending in the latest game that suggested his favorite sub-heroine may have had a former lover. He pulls out a gun he secretly printed with a smuggled 3D printer. Just as he is about to shoot, Rui shows him a cutscene on her laptop, which is the second part of the alternate ending, unlocked only after clearing the entire game, revealing the sub-heroine fabricated the story to protect the user character. Miranda realizes his mistake and surrenders to security. After the incident, Seira asks if Rui was scared. Rui reveals she always wears chainmail under her clothes and also carried a heavy blunt object for protection, the magically enhanced Hecatoncheires' Revelation. Seira decides to pretend she did not hear that.[49]
Mami Tomoe: A Doppel Tale
One Saturday, Mami volunteers to help clean the damage done by the Magius incident and Madoka, Sayaka, and Homura go along as well. During it, a Witch attacks and a Magical Girl they were helping unleashes a Doppel. They defeat the Witch and the girl falls unconscious, so Mami takes her to Mitama.[50]
After stabilizing her, Mami asks Mitama to help her face her own Doppel and she guides Mami to look within. Mami meets her Doppel and it tries to convince her to forget the past, yet Mami refuses and proclaims that she accepts the Doppel as part of herself. Mami then wakes up, thanking everyone and says they will build the future together.[50]
The Case Files of the Coordinator 5: Invisible Epiphany
Walpurgisnacht's attack on Kamihama City caused massive damage to Chuo Ward, which the public believes was a natural disaster. Only Magical Girls know the truth and privately, Mitama reflects that the victory gave her hope, but she wonders if the destruction she once wished for can be defied.[51]
Several days after Walpurgisnacht, Mitama realizes Doyle has not visited her shop and the last saw him the day before Walpurgisnacht. She assumes the storm made him too scared to go out, so she decides to close her shop and search for him.[51]
Mitama looks around the vacant land near her shop and a girl named Ritsumi offers to help. Ritsumi’s cat Arthur ran away before, so she knows where cats hide. They search but find nothing and Ritsumi says Arthur now lives with her grandpa. Mitama realizes Ritsumi is the daughter of the neighbor who owns Arthur and Mitama had mistaken Arthur for Doyle and that Ritsumi has never actually seen Doyle. They end the day without clues and Mitama sends a message to the Magical Girls’ group chat asking if anyone has seen a white tabby.[51]
Mitama knocks on the neighbor’s door and Ritsumi’s mother answers. She explains that Arthur was sent away two weeks ago to Ritsumi’s grandpa. Mitama realizes that no one knows where Doyle came from. Ritsumi’s mother promises to keep an eye out.[51]
Sana, Asuka, and others from Mizuna Girls’ Academy saw Mitama’s group chat post and they arrive to help. More volunteers soon arrive: Kaede, Kako, Rena, Konoha’s team, and others. They split up to cover Shinsei Ward and Mitama notes that no one else has ever seen Doyle. Konoha says she never saw a cat at Mitama’s shop. Rena also asks for a photo, but Mitama has none.[51]
Mitama finds Ritsumi near the bus stop and they search door to door. No one in the neighborhood has seen a white tabby kitten either. Ritsumi says she has read all “The Case Files of Doyle the White Tabby” books and that her favorite is “Invisible Epiphany,” about a detective searching for a lost child.[51]
The next morning, Momoko meets Mitama alone. Momoko says she never saw Doyle and neither did Tsukasa or the other girls. Mitama remembers talking to Doyle in front of them, but they saw no cat ither. Momoko suggests a Rumor is involved, as all Rumors disappeared after the fight with the Magius, except the Eternal Sakura. Coincidentally, Doyle disappeared at the same time.[51]
Mitama calls Nemu, who is still in the hospital and Nemu explains that Doyle was part of the Rumor of the Cat Detective. The Rumor possesses detective novel lovers, detects signs of a case, gets the detective involved, and guarantees a solution. Nemu explains she erased almost all Rumors, including this one. Mitama thinks Doyle disappeared because the Rumor was destroyed and she had solved four cases with Doyle’s help, yet the fifth never began.[51]
Mitama re-reads her case files and each one has an opening paragraph she does not remember writing. The first case file hints at Hanna Sarasa. The second hints at Tsukasa. The third and fourth also name the culprits. Mitama realizes Doyle left those hints, and Nemu says the Rumor did not cause incidents, only detected them, so those incidents would have happened anyway.[51]
Several days later, Kamihama slowly returns to order. Mitama notes that she cannot rely on Doyle anymore and she hopes she does not get any new cases.[51]
Ui and the Eternal Sakura visit Mitama to deliver a lampshade from Yachiyo. Ui says a girl from her school has gone missing and Mitama is shocked to learn the girl is Ritsumi, who did not come home after school yesterday and the police are investigating.[51]
Mitama goes to the bus stop near her shop and finds Ritsumi’s mother. The mother says Ritsumi likely went to Hokuyo Ward to see her grandpa and Arthur. Ritsumi’s parents are separated and her father lives with his parents in Hokuyo Ward. The mother believes Ritsumi wanted to visit them, but the bus route to Hokuyo was suspended after the disaster but has resumed, bypassing Chuo Ward. Soon, Himika calls Mitama. Himika saw a girl matching Ritsumi’s description waiting at the Shinsei Ward bus stop yesterday, reading a book.[51]
Momoko and Kanagi arrive and Momoko explains she has been investigating at school. Ritsumi transferred to Kamihama University Affiliated School six months ago after her parents separated and she moved into the building next to Mitama’s shop. Momoko explains Arthur went to live with her father in Chuo Ward, not Hokuyo Ward. Mitama realizes the conflicting information: Arthur was first in Chuo Ward, then evacuated to the grandpa’s house in Hokuyo after the disaster.[51]
At the Satomi Medical Center, Nemu discusses the case with Eternal Sakura. Nemu recalls the hidden hints in Mitama’s case files. The last words of each hint spell “Lost Through Time Eternal,” which is the title of volume 12 of “The Case Files of Doyle the White Tabby.” In that story, a girl runs away to her old home. Nemu deduces that Ritsumi went to her old apartment in Chuo Ward, not Hokuyo. She likely got off at the nearest bus stop and walked into the restricted zone, then she had an accident.[51]
Mitama, Momoko, and Kanagi search the area near the old apartment and they hear a voice. Ritsumi had fallen into an old underground passage and sprained her ankle. She lost track of time and had no phone. Mitama explains she remembered the Doyle book and Ritsumi admits she was copying the girl in the story as she wanted to see the area where she grew up. The three quickly rescue her.[51]
Ritsumi is taken to a hospital and also discharged quickly. Her parents agree to let her visit both of them and Arthur whenever she likes. Mitama reflects that Doyle gave her confidence and the city she cursed is still standing, so she dares to believe in hope.[51]
One week later, Momoko finally holds the Coordinator Thank-You Party that was postponed earlier and Rena and Kaede thank Mitama.[51]
A Fledgling's First Flight
One day, Ui reads "The Happy Prince" and reflects on her uncertain purpose as a Magical Girl. While walking, she stops Kyubey from contracting a girl outside Kamihama, explaining she cannot let anyone else suffer the fate of becoming a Witch. When Kyubey asks what he should do instead, she has no answer. Later at Mikazuki, Felicia tells Ui she is overthinking things and should focus on her upcoming combat test. Iroha and Yachiyo serve dinner.[52]
The next morning, Tsuruno gives Ui an enthusiastic pep talk for her live combat test. To remain in Kamihama, Ui must detect and eliminate a Witch alone—the same test Yachiyo gave Iroha when she first arrived. Yachiyo admits the test may be unfair and offers to let Ui choose a partner. With Iroha busy helping Kanagi, Ui chooses Momoko. They depart together.[52]
Ui struggles to sense the Witch's magic, so they search Mizuna Ward where young women gather. They encounter a Familiar and follow it to a Witch's labyrinth. After defeating it, Felicia suddenly appears, attacks them, and runs away. Tsuruno gives chase and tackles her. Felicia's oblivion magic has erased their memory of the Familiar's pattern, so they cannot track the Witch. Momoko requests a pause, but Yachiyo refuses, stating unexpected events happen in real combat.[52]
At Yachiyo's house, Felicia admits she interfered because she is jealous that Ui receives everyone's attention while she struggled alone as a mercenary. Yachiyo explains that Felicia's past does not justify making others unhappy. Meanwhile, Ui cheers up after eating crepes with Momoko and resolves to continue. As sunset approaches, they search Sakae Ward but find nothing. Yachiyo offers to bring a Familiar for them to retrack, but it disappears before they arrive. Ui suggests checking Hokuyo Ward on a hunch.[52]
In Hokuyo Ward, Ui senses a different Witch's magical reaction. They follow Witch-kissed people up a mountain toward a labyrinth. At Yachiyo's house, the others realize Ui failed the test since Yachiyo had to eliminate the original Witch herself, though Yachiyo will allow a retake. They notice Felicia smiling and suspect she interfered again. Rena confesses she helped Felicia erase the hint because she understood Felicia's jealousy. Tsuruno says the only person who deserves an apology is Ui.[52]
On the mountain, Ui and Momoko enter the Witch's barrier against Momoko's better judgment. They fight through Familiars but become trapped and cannot escape. The Witch overwhelms them. Yachiyo and the others arrive and join the fight, but Familiars overwhelm them too. Iroha arrives at the last moment to defend Ui. Ui proposes using her ability to harvest impurities, purifying everyone's Soul Gems so they can fight at full strength. She will temporarily become a Witch, but the Doppel system will contain it. She absorbs the impurities, and the others destroy the Witch while Ui struggles with the darkness.[52]
Ui unleashes her Doppel and meets her Doppel self, who accuses her of wanting punishment and being jealous of others while trapped in the hospital. Ui nearly agrees to let the Doppel consume her but refuses, recognizing it as the easy way out. She recalls Iroha's words about taking responsibility and confronting the situation honestly. She accepts her wrongs and her true feelings, realizing this difficult path will bring true happiness. The Doppel admits she is right. Iroha wakes Ui at Mitama's clinic, where she has been unconscious for some time.[52]
Mitama checks on Ui after her first Doppel release. Felicia apologizes for her interference and says she thinks Ui is cool. Rena also apologizes for helping Felicia. Ui accepts their apologies and compliments them both, asking Felicia to teach her things. Rena and Felicia feel terrible for how they treated someone so kind. Later that evening at Yachiyo's house, everyone celebrates Ui passing her test—though she did not defeat the assigned Witch, she tracked a Witch, stayed calm, used her intelligence, and performed better than expected. Ui tells Iroha she now knows what she wants to do as a Magical Girl. Iroha decides to work with other Kamihama Magical Girls to find a way to free them all.[52]
One day, Ui and Iroha encounter Kyubey outside Kamihama attempting another contract and stop him. Kyubey asks what their goal is. They explain they plan to fight and find a way to coexist with Kyubey—if they can expand Kamihama's miracle globally, Magical Girls can live happily while providing the energy Kyubey needs. Kyubey welcomes the idea if it avoids conflict but warns that Magical Girls worldwide are not as unified as those in Kamihama. Ui wonders how much happiness she can give to the world.[52]
Monogatari Series Collab
Shinobu Oshino, Mayoi Hachikuji and Yotsugi Ononoki hunt a Witch together. Shinobu begins her dramatic introduction and finishing move, but Yotsugi defeats the Witch with a simple "Hyah" and Mayoi lands the final blow with "Yah." Shinobu is annoyed at their failure to call out special moves. Shinobu argues that calling out attacks is the essence of being a Magical Girl, but Yotsugi dismisses this as an outdated trope. Shinobu retorts that refusing to act the part is dumb, and Yotsugi reluctantly agrees. Shinobu declares they need training to act more befitting of Magical Girls.[53]
Shinobu demonstrates by striking a pose and delivering her lines with perfect timing. When Yotsugi tries, her performance is terrible. Shinobu forces her to try again, and Yotsugi reluctantly says "Unlimited Rulebook!" but finds it unpleasant and refuses to repeat it. Mayoi asks Shinobu to help her come up with lines. After a few stumbles, she declares, "I, Mayoi Hachikuji, hereby condemn those Witches who seek to ravage this earth!" Shinobu finds it charming, and Mayoi admits leaning into the Magical Girl thing is fun.[53]
They enter a real Witch's Labyrinth. Mayoi messes up her line again but turns it into an improvised bit while evading attacks. Yotsugi delivers a longer speech and says "Unlimited Rulebook!" landing the attack. Shinobu finishes the Witch with her full finishing move. After the battle, morning comes. Shinobu declares the training will continue, but Yotsugi walks away. Mayoi distracts Shinobu by suggesting breakfast, and Shinobu wants donuts. Yachiyo, out for an early walk, overhears them and decides she wants donuts too.[53]
Iroha wakes up at Mikazuki Villa and helps Yachiyo prepare breakfast. Sana joins them, but when she goes to wake Felicia, she finds Felicia’s room empty and her shoes gone; Felicia’s phone is also out of service. Worried, Yachiyo calls Tsuruno for help, and the group splits up to search the town.[54]
During the search, Iroha’s Soul Gem reacts to a nearby Witch. Inside the labyrinth, they encounter two unfamiliar magical girls who are already fighting the Witch: Mayoi Hachikuji and Shinobu Oshino. After the Witch is defeated, introductions are exchanged. Mayoi and Shinobu explain they are traveling and looking for a lost friend named Yotsugi Ononoki, who has bluish‑green pigtails, a peculiar hat with eyes, and a frilly dress. The two groups exchange phone numbers to help each other.[54]
Elsewhere, Felicia has in fact met Yotsugi. Yotsugi buys her ice cream, and Felicia learns Yotsugi is also traveling. Felicia offers to show Yotsugi around town as thanks, taking her to the shopping street, a spot with cats, and a bench good for naps. Yotsugi finds everything unfamiliar and feels something is off, as if she has buttoned her shirt wrong. She shortens Felicia’s name to “Felly,” which makes Felicia happy.[54]
Iroha’s group eventually spots Felicia with Yotsugi. When Yachiyo hugs Felicia in relief, Felicia reacts as if she does not know any of them. She remembers Yachiyo only as a famous magical girl, but has no memory of living at Mikazuki Villa. The group realizes Felicia has lost her memories. Mayoi and Shinobu arrive and reunite with Yotsugi. Felicia refuses to go with Iroha’s group, accusing them of being kidnappers. Yotsugi offers a third option: Felicia can join their traveling team. Mayoi warns Felicia that if she chooses to leave with them, she will never return to the home that might be waiting for her. Felicia becomes confused and cries. Iroha proposes they all have dinner together at Mikazuki Villa first, so Felicia can calm down and decide later and everyone agrees.[54]
On the way, Felicia asks Yotsugi what she likes to eat. Yotsugi admits a preference for expensive cup ice cream. Felicia awkwardly asks if Yotsugi's face is always stuck like that, and Yotsugi confirms it is. After arriving, Felicia eagerly tries to get Yotsugi to play video games, serves her extra portions of food, and challenges her to a pillow fight. Yotsugi excuses herself to take a bath, leaving Felicia disappointed.[55]
Later, Felicia apologizes for being clingy, explaining that Yachiyo and the others pulled her aside to warn her. Felicia confesses she had been trying to make Yotsugi smile, assuming she had lost her parents like Felicia did. Yotsugi clarifies that her emotions simply do not show on her face, but she does feel them. She admits playing the game was fun and the food was not bad. Felicia is overjoyed and runs off to brag to everyone. Shinobu and Mayoi, who had been eavesdropping, tease Yotsugi for finding Felicia cute. Yotsugi concedes that Felicia is exhausting, but seeing her face light up from a drop of attention is not unpleasant. She gains newfound respect for all older sisters in the world.[55]
At the villa, Shinobu requests doughnuts for dessert, and the group plays games. Yotsugi helps in the kitchen and notices the chicken meat has a nice springy firmness. During dinner, the group shares memories of how they met Felicia. Felicia still does not remember, but Shinobu points out the stories are too detailed to be lies. Tsuruno suddenly does not remember buying coasters, revealing she may also have amnesia. Yotsugi then shifts the discussion: she reminds Shinobu that she walked in sunlight all day without harm, which should be impossible because Shinobu is actually a vampire. Shinobu’s memories return, and she declares herself the iron‑blooded, hot‑blooded, cold‑blooded vampire king of oddities. Mayoi also gets a headache and remembers she is not human either, and instead she is a snail oddity, a ghost. Yotsugi explains that she has felt uneasy calling herself a magical girl; she suspects this world is not the one she came from, as everything feels slightly different, like two paintings of the same image in different styles. She believes Shinobu, Mayoi, and herself came from another world. They conclude that a Witch may be behind the memory loss and false memories, and decide to hunt Witches the next day. Everyone stays the night at Mikazuki Villa.[54]
That evening, Mayoi plays Old Maid with Tsuruno, Felicia, Yotsugi, and Shinobu. Mayoi wins, but Yotsugi and Shinobu notice she seemed absent-minded. Mayoi asks Yachiyo if she can help with dinner, admitting she always wished she could cook with her mom. Yachiyo agrees and Mayoi joins Iroha and Sana in making dumplings, proving to be a natural. Yotsugi and Shinobu try but fail miserably. Mayoi boasts and declares herself the rightful leader of the little girls, sparking a three-way argument.[56]
Tsuruno suggests playing a game to decide the leader, and Felicia wants to join. Shinobu insists Iroha must also participate. They play a life simulation board game. Mayoi starts strong but ends up broke and stranded in the Amazon. Iroha wins, and Mayoi declares her the official leader of the little girls, much to Iroha's confusion. Mayoi feels this has been the most fun she has had in a while, yet she cannot shake an uneasy feeling.[56]
After everyone decides to stay over, Yachiyo announces bath time. Mayoi suddenly bolts out of the house, claiming she will take a walk. Iroha chases after her and finds her safe. Mayoi apologizes and explains that the family moment overwhelmed her heart, so she left to do something familiar to settle herself.[56]
Mayoi revisits her wish: after her parents' divorce, she wished to go home. Being at Mikazuki Villa makes her feel like her wish has finally come true, yet she senses it is not the home she truly wants to return to. She remembers she is a ghost and wonders where exactly it is she wants to go back to.[56]
After they lay out futons in the living room, Shinobu reveals she is actually over 500 years old, and Mayoi was in fifth grade when she died, now mentally 21. Yotsugi still does not remember what she is. Felicia cannot sleep and goes outside. She sees a Witch appear suddenly, feels her head go foggy, and collapses.[54]
The next morning, Iroha again helps with breakfast. She feels a strange déjà vu, as if the same conversation has happened before. Sana again reports Felicia is missing. The group searches the town and again encounters Mayoi and Shinobu fighting a Witch. The same exchanges occur, but Iroha’s déjà vu grows stronger.[54]
When they finally find Felicia, she is with Yotsugi and is annoyed that they took so long to show up. Yotsugi addresses Iroha by name without being introduced. Mayoi and Shinobu arrive. Iroha blurts out that everything feels like it has happened before. Yotsugi then explains: this is the second time they have met like this. Everyone suddenly remembers the previous day’s events of the dinner, the revelations about vampires and ghosts, and the time reset. Yotsugi says she felt the air warp after falling asleep, and when she woke up, she was back where she had been before meeting Felicia. Felicia recalls that before the reset, she saw a Witch outside Mikazuki Villa that made her dizzy and erased her memories. The group deduces that Witch is responsible.[54]
As they discuss how to fight the Witch, Felicia’s stomach growls. They decide to return to the villa for dinner again, saving the battle for the next day. On the way, they stop at a supermarket for a snack.[54]
While walking home, a Witch suddenly appears and pulls Iroha, Felicia, and Yotsugi into a labyrinth. Felicia recognizes it as the same Witch from the reset. The Witch ignores both Iroha and Felicia, focusing all its attacks on Yotsugi. It dodges Felicia’s hammer and lands a clean hit, cutting Yotsugi’s body into pieces. Iroha and Felicia are horrified. As the Witch prepares to strike again, Yotsugi’s voice tells them to keep pretending to be sad. She instructs them to retreat and gather the pieces of her body. They do so.[54]
Outside the labyrinth, Yotsugi puts herself back together as if nothing happened. She reveals that when she took the hit, she regained her true memories. Back at Mikazuki Villa, she explains to everyone: she is a hundred‑year‑old tsukumogami made from a human body, both a doll oddity and a corpse oddity. She has no heart and has always been dead. This is why the Witch’s power of suggestion, which works by influencing emotions, does not affect her as much. She also notes that the Witch let them escape because it was angry at Yotsugi for helping everyone remember the first loop.[54]
Suddenly, Yotsugi attacks Shinobu. Shinobu blocks the strike. When asked why, Yotsugi coldly says, “Would you mind dying for me real quick?”[54] Yotsugi’s sudden attack on Shinobu was not betrayal but a calculated shock: she remembered that when the Witch cut her into pieces, the trauma restored her own original memories. She reasons that a sufficiently strong physical blow can break through the memory manipulation. Shinobu’s severed leg instantly regenerates as her vampiric powers return, proving the method works. Without warning, Yotsugi then punches Mayoi, knocking her unconscious. When Mayoi wakes, her memories also return, which is triggered by the keyword “lost.” Mayoi explains that their false magical girl powers and wishes were implanted by the Witch, and that they are not inhabitants of this world. She then proposes a new theory: the Kamihama girls did not lose their memories; rather, they come from different points in their own timeline and simply haven’t experienced the shared past yet. Felicia is devastated, fearing she will never have a family again, but Iroha and the others reassure her that in every timeline they will end up together.[57]
Later that night, after everyone has gone to sleep, Shinobu summons Yotsugi and Mayoi outside. She admits she does not fully trust Iroha’s group, as they could be the Witch’s minions or mere plot devices. She reveals there may be another way to return to their original world, but she does not elaborate immediately.[57]
The group splits up to hunt the elusive Witch. They repeatedly enter labyrinths of other Witches, wasting time. Felicia grows increasingly frustrated, nearly charging into unrelated fights. Yachiyo observes that the Witch seems to want them to fight, so any peaceful, fun activity risks a reset, which is why the first reset happened after their happy dinner and games. She concludes that the Witch is like a director forcing them to act out a “magical girls fighting” plot. Iroha suggests they deliberately provoke the Witch by acting against that plot, hoping to lure it out. However, Yotsugi warns that straying too far might trigger another reset.[57]
That evening at Mikazuki Villa, Yachiyo formally presents her three‑point theory: (1) The Witch did not pursue them when they fled, (2) it never removed their magical girl powers, and (3) the resets happen when they relax instead of fight. Everyone agrees the plan is to provoke the Witch into appearing. Shinobu then insists on going sightseeing the next day, arguing that one more reset will weaken the Witch’s power further. Despite concerns about resetting again, Tsuruno enthusiastically supports the idea, and the group reluctantly agrees.[57]
The group spends the morning and afternoon touring Kamihama: the radio tower, the school (which they sneak into), an arcade where Yotsugi plays rhythm games with a completely blank expression, and the shopping mall where Shinobu demands to find a donut shop. Tsuruno saves the family restaurant, Banbanzai, for last. As they approach, Iroha, Felicia, and Yotsugi sense the Witch charging straight at them. The familiar dizziness overcomes everyone, and the world resets.[57]
Several hours after the reset, Yotsugi again restores everyone’s memories, as her immunity to the Witch’s suggestion means she still remembers everything. The group notes that more people felt déjà vu this time, suggesting the Witch is weakening. That night, Shinobu privately tells Yotsugi and Mayoi her true alternative plan: she will kill the Kamihama magical girls and consume their power, believing that enough strength will allow her to tear open a gate back to their world. Yotsugi and Mayoi agree to help, though Mayoi is conflicted.[57]
The next morning, the town feels eerily deserted. The Witch’s labyrinth is sparse, with only familiars. Following Shinobu’s earlier secret instruction, the group begins shouting insults at the Witch to provoke it. Suddenly, Shinobu strikes Felicia from behind, seemingly killing her. Yachiyo and Tsuruno are horrified. Shinobu, Yotsugi, and Mayoi reveal their betrayal: they intend to slaughter everyone to gain power for a gate home. A brutal fight erupts. Mayoi uses her ability to redirect Yachiyo’s spear attack, causing it to hit Iroha and Sana, who also fall. Tsuruno is overwhelmed, and Yachiyo is mortally wounded. Shinobu stands alone, gloating, but then the “dead” girls suddenly rise.[57]
It was all an act. The group had secretly planned this staged betrayal during the previous night, communicating via handwritten notes to avoid the Witch overhearing. Sana, who makes picture books, wrote the script. The plan had multiple layers: first, they deliberately triggered a second reset by going sightseeing to weaken the Witch; second, they staged a believable in‑fighting scenario to lure the Witch out, because if all the “actors” disappear, the Witch’s story cannot continue. The Witch falls for the trap and appears, enraged by the deception. A full‑scale battle begins. The group coordinates: Iroha and Sana herd familiars for Yotsugi’s “Unlimited Rulebook”; Yachiyo, Shinobu, and Iroha immobilize the Witch; Tsuruno guides Mayoi’s errant drill attack with her flames, piercing the Witch’s front camera. When that does not destroy the labyrinth, Yachiyo and Shinobu realize the front camera was a decoy: the true weak spot is the film at the back. Felicia, launched by Yotsugi like a bullet, smashes the drill deeper, and Yachiyo and Shinobu destroy the film. The labyrinth dissolves.[57]
As the world fades to mist, Felicia breaks down crying. She does not want this world to end because at Mikazuki Villa she finally felt like she had a family again, and she fears returning to her own timeline where she will be alone. Iroha, Yachiyo, Tsuruno, and Sana hug her, promising that no matter the world or timeline, they will surely live together again. Shinobu, Mayoi, and Yotsugi share an awkward, brief hug, concluding they are not the hugging type. Everyone exchanges farewells. Yotsugi tells Felicia, “I’m glad I met you, Felly.”[57]
Iroha wakes up at Mikazuki Villa, yawning. Felicia teases her for sleeping late. Iroha recalls a long, strange dream, both fun and bittersweet, but the details fade upon waking. She only remembers that it was something really special. The day begins again, as if the adventure had never happened, except for the faint warmth left behind.[57]
Magia Clash!
A Mirror copy of Shizuku opens a portal and steps through into a city.[58]
Mitama organizes a magical girl team competition inside the Mirrors labyrinth. Kaede and Iroha greet Nanoha, hoping to talk with her, but Kaede is called away when her match begins. Iroha stays behind and watches with Nanoha instead.[59]
Hayate, Nanoha, and Fate mistake a Mirror copy's portal for the warp gate to their tournament and are pulled through before Lindy can stop them. Mitama registers the confused but excited trio for the "First Ultimate Magical Girls Team Battle Mirrors Cup," and they head to the Standby Zone after learning about the Mirror barrier. Meanwhile, Rena, Momoko, and Kaede struggle against unusually strong Familiars, and when Rena twists her ankle, the Nanoha trio steps in to save them. The groups introduce themselves, with the trio explaining they are from Uminary City while concealing their connection to the Administrative Bureau, and Rena warns them about dangerous Mirror copies that lurk deeper in the barrier.[58]
As they observe Team Momoko's match, Nanoha comments on the fighting styles she sees and notes the variety of magic on display. She explains she was taught magic from an early age and is surprised to learn Iroha and the others gained their powers by making wishes to Kyubey. Iroha describes Kyubey as a white stuffed animal, which reminds Nanoha of her own first teacher, Yuuno. Nanoha shares that she discovered magic in third grade when she heard Yuuno calling for help, and since then she has honed her abilities alongside Fate and Hayate to protect others.[59]
Iroha asks about Nanoha's device, Raising Heart, and how it can transform. Nanoha explains the device taught her magic step by step and once posed an important question to her: what is the most important thing in a fight? Iroha guesses it is the will to win, but before Nanoha can reveal the true answer, Fate and Hayate return from exploring. Fate requests a sparring match, and Iroha asks to watch.[59]
Yachiyo joins Iroha to observe the fight between Nanoha and Fate. The two exchange blows at maximum speed, with Fate using close-range attacks while Nanoha fights from a distance. The match ends in a tie after a final, explosive clash. Before leaving for a break, Nanoha turns to Iroha and reveals the true answer to Raising Heart's question: wisdom and tactics. Iroha agrees, especially after witnessing their battle.[59]
Meanwhile, Natsuki is fretting over a lost wallet at the Promise Altar, and Ria offers to help her search since she's waiting for Kanagi anyway. Natsuki apologizes for the trouble, but Ria insists she doesn't mind and even offers to lend her money. Natsuki refuses the loan but admits she needs money for train fare home. She reluctantly agrees to borrow just enough for the trip and promises to pay Ria back later. Ria asks if Natsuki is sure she doesn't want to file a report, but Natsuki believes the wallet is simply lost rather than stolen and wants to keep searching.[60]
Ria suggests they retrace Natsuki's steps and asks where she's been. Natsuki lists the Promise Altar, the station, the shopping district, and an izakaya where she ate with friends. Ria questions why she went to an izakaya alone, and Natsuki clarifies she was with coworkers. Ria finds it odd that Natsuki was drinking with coworkers and then came to the shrine alone afterwards. Natsuki admits it's a long story involving a former coworker's engagement announcement that left her feeling restless. She came to the shrine to think but realized she didn't have enough money to get home.[60]
As they search, they run into Masara and Kokoro. Masara bluntly tells Natsuki she probably won't find it and suggests getting a new student ID. Kokoro gently scolds her for being insensitive and offers to help search. Ria mentions they've already looked around the shrine, so Kokoro suggests they expand the search area.[60]
The group heads to the shopping district, where they encounter Kanoko. She offers to help search as well, and they all continue looking together. Eventually, Ria asks Natsuki to retrace her exact steps from when she left the izakaya. Natsuki recalls walking to the station, realizing she didn't want to go home yet, and coming to the shrine. Ria points out that she would have needed her wallet to pay the izakaya bill, so she definitely had it after leaving. Natsuki confirms this and remembers using her train pass at the station before changing her mind.[60]
Ria concludes the wallet must be somewhere between the station turnstiles and the shrine, but they've already searched that route thoroughly. Kanoko suggests Natsuki might have dropped it somewhere else without realizing, like when she pulled out her phone. Natsuki's eyes light up, and she admits she did take out her phone at the station to check something. She just can't remember what she did with her wallet after that. Ria proposes they split up to cover more ground, and everyone agrees.[60]
Later that evening, Natsuki returns home defeated and exhausted. Her father calls out to her, and when she enters the living room, she finds her wallet sitting on the table. Her mother found it in the shopping district and a kind stranger turned it in. Natsuki's relief quickly turns to panic when she remembers she borrowed money from Ria, and now she has no way to contact her. She considers calling Kokoro but realizes she doesn't have her number either. She decides to go back to the Promise Altar the next day to hopefully find Ria there.[60]
The next day, Natsuki returns to the Promise Altar and is relieved to spot Ria. She excitedly explains that her wallet was found and immediately tries to repay the loan. Ria accepts the money but notices Natsuki seems troubled about something else. Natsuki admits she's been thinking about her former coworker's engagement and how she handled the situation. Ria offers to listen if Natsuki wants to talk, but Natsuki says she'd rather not burden her further. Ria insists it's no trouble since she's waiting for Kanagi anyway.[60]
Natsuki explains that her former coworker Yukari got engaged and announced it at a gathering. Natsuki congratulated her happily, but another coworker named Ootori made some passive-aggressive comments about how Yukari managed to find someone before her. Later, Ootori apologized to Natsuki for her behavior, but Natsuki feels she should have defended Yukari in the moment. She feels guilty for not speaking up.[60]
Ria asks why she feels responsible for defending Yukari. Natsuki admits it's because Yukari was always kind to her when she first started the job, and she feels she failed to repay that kindness. Ria points out that Natsuki did congratulate Yukari sincerely, and that was probably what mattered most to her in that moment. Natsuki realizes Ria is right and thanks her for the perspective.[60]
Just then, Kanagi arrives, and Ria prepares to leave. Before going, she offers Natsuki her contact information so she can reach out if she ever needs to talk again. Natsuki gratefully accepts, and the two part ways.[60]
During a break in the Mirrors tournament, Fate, Nanoha, and Hayate encounter a copy of Fate that proves too powerful for them to handle alone. Felicia, Kako, and Ayame appear to help, and together they defeat the copy. When Felicia asks what they're doing there, Fate admits they got lost. The Kamihama girls learn the trio is from out of town and younger than them, but they quickly become friends and head back to the standby zone together.[61]
The group somehow gets roped into a dodgeball game, with teams forming spontaneously among the tournament participants. Fate proves to be exceptionally athletic, leading her team through multiple rounds against increasingly competitive opponents. After defeating Momoko's team, they face a martial arts team featuring Akira, Meiyui, and Asuka, which Fate also wins. Tsuruno, refusing to let age be a barrier, recruits Masara and Natsuki for a final match against Fate's team.[61]
The final match comes down to a intense showdown between Fate and Tsuruno, both catching and returning each other's throws with increasing speed and power. Fate ultimately outmaneuvers Tsuruno by throwing to Nanoha and leaping into the air for the winning strike. Everyone celebrates the friendly tournament and the new friendships formed across different cities.[61]
As the tournament progresses, Team Nanoha easily advances through early rounds with Fate's incredible speed, though Momoko notices Hayate and Nanoha have yet to reveal their full power. Elsewhere, Mitama learns that Momoko announced her team would break up if they lost not because Kaede is useless but to show their conviction, though both Kaede and Rena had doubts. The tournament continues until four teams remain, with Team Momoko advancing to the finals through clever strategy and Team Nanoha defeating Team Masara to join them.[58]
The final match begins with Fate and Rena clashing in a battle of speed that seemingly knocks both out, leaving Nanoha and Hayate to face Momoko and Kaede. Hayate fuses with Reinforce Zwei and unleashes Ragnarok to take out Kaede, then joins Nanoha against Momoko, who withstands Nanoha's Starlight Breaker as both girls stand exhausted. Before a winner can be decided, Lindy contacts Nanoha with an emergency: a fugitive illegally opened a rift between worlds, and the Mirror copy of Shizuku appears nearby, having used her powers to connect the Mirror labyrinth to Uminary City.[58]
The copy stole the tournament's grand prize, a special orb that exponentially increases magical power, and the girls call off the match to track her down. Team Nanoha and Team Momoko catch the copy, but after they defeat her, copies of Hayate, Fate, and Nanoha appear and swallow the broken orb pieces, gaining immense power. All the Magical Girls unite to take down the powered-up copies, and through combined efforts they finally delete the magical signatures. With the tunnel between worlds about to collapse, Mitama declares both teams winners, and the girls exchange heartfelt goodbyes before the Nanoha trio returns home.[58]
The next day in Kamihama, Kaede realizes her texts to Hayate no longer go through, Momoko cannot reach Nanoha or Fate, and Rena cannot find Uminary City on any map. Mitama and Shizuku conclude the girls must have come from a different world entirely, since they needed a space tunnel to travel rather than a simple train ride. Though Kaede is sad they may never meet again, Rena is grateful for the friendship they formed, and the three resolve to work hard for a future rematch.[58]
Summer Treasures
Kyoko wakes to find Mitama and Ui standing over her, learning they were washed ashore and rescue will arrive in two days. Mitama assigns tasks: shelter, bamboo, water, plants, and fishing. Before Kyoko leaves, Mitama asks her to transform, revealing she adjusted Kyoko's Soul Gem while she was unconscious to give her a Magical Girl swimsuit that allows her to swim. Mitama promises the transformation is reversible but looks forlorn, warning that if Kyoko does not have fun on the island, she might forget how to undo it. Kyoko reluctantly agrees to cooperate.[62]
Kyoko discovers she can swim and catches plenty of fish. While gathering firewood, she finds a piece of wood with the words "water" and "bottom" written on it and tosses it onto the pile. Back at camp, Mitama and Karin show her a treasure map they found. Mitama has built a large shelter, and Karin started a fire using skills from a manga. Kyoko helps Kanagi and Ui carry supplies back from the stream. When Mitama offers to cook, Kyoko and Kanagi immediately stop her. Kyoko distracts Mitama with the treasure map and cooks dinner instead, with Ui's help. The group enjoys the meal together.[62]
Day 2 on the deserted island and Mitama decides they will go treasure hunting. The group examines the map and the wooden tablet Kyoko unknowingly gathered for firewood, which tells of a fallen warrior's treasure hidden on the island. They follow directions to a clearing but find nothing.[62]
Ui falls into a pitfall, and Karin follows. Kyoko pulls them out with a vine, and they discover another tablet at the bottom. Kyoko realizes the piece of wood she threw into the campfire was likely one of the tablets, but she keeps quiet, hoping to make the group give up without upsetting Mitama. Mitama triggers a trap and is caught hanging from a tree. The group frees her, but everyone wants to continue despite Kyoko's warnings. Kyoko claims they are being followed, hoping to blame the missing tablet on someone else, but the stalker turns out to be a tabby kitten.[62]
The group reaches a damaged clue they cannot read. Mitama deduces the final location is the waterfall, but they find nothing. Mitama stares at Kyoko, suggesting the tablet might have been lost. Kyoko panics internally. She blasts part of the riverbed, revealing a hidden underwater path she remembered from the burned tablet's words. Kanagi scouts and reports a cave at the end. Karin and Ui stay behind while Kyoko, Mitama, and Kanagi swim through using guide vines.[62]
Inside the cave, they endure swarms of mosquitoes until Mitama drives them away. At the back, they find a treasure box. Kyoko opens it carefully. Inside is a letter revealing the treasure hunt was a promotional stunt for the Sayu-Sayu Mizuna Tourism Project, abandoned due to mosquitoes and safety concerns. They left a paper with Sayu-Sayu's sword designs.[62]
Kyoko hides the truth and leads the group to a cliff with a stunning sunset view. Everyone agrees it is a rare treasure. Kyoko admits she burned one of the tablets for firewood. Mitama apologizes for pressuring her and promises to change her back. The group returns late at night.[62]
On the third day, the helicopter arrives. Iroha calls down to them. As they prepare to leave, the kitten runs off, and the group chases it.[62]
A few weeks later. Sayuki, Ria, Mayu, her manager, and producer arrive on the same island to film a special. They find the bamboo house and campfire remains. The kitten appears, followed by Kyoko chasing it. Ui and Karin catch up, and Karin recognizes Sayuki as Sayu-Sayu. Kyoko realizes this is the idol behind the fake treasure hunt.[62]
Mitama, Kanagi, and Iroha arrive. Sayuki greets Mitama warmly. Telepathically, Kyoko warns Mitama about Sayuki's connection to the treasure hunt. Mitama cryptically tells her to leave it. Karin and Ui want to stay and watch the filming. Sayuki offers to let them return on her boat. She explains her special involves a survival quiz using the Kaigiri sword. Ui and Karin are excited. Mitama and Kyoko exchange a look, hoping to preserve Ui's good memories without revealing the truth.[62]
Filming begins. They cheer from the sidelines. Later, they all pile onto the boat together, many exhausted and falling asleep.[62]
---
Tracks of Cherry Blossoms
Sakurako reflects on her nature as an Uwasa created by Iroha and Nemu. Though her duty to bloom when the four girls reunited is now fulfilled, she continues attending school as Sakurako Hiiragi. When Ryo comments that she is like a god who will never change, Sakurako questions other Uwasa and learns from the Anonymous AI that they act according to their Rumor forever, never stopping and never changing.[63]
Some time later during a Kamihama Magia Union meeting, Iroha proposes a cherry blossom viewing to help members connect. Touka objects to using the Eternal Sakura, wanting to preserve it as a secret shelter. Tsuruno suggests Sankyo's famous cherry blossom viewing spot instead. Touka challenges Sakurako to visit the Sankyo tree and judge its worthiness herself.[63]
The next day, Sakurako visits the Sankyo cherry tree. While observing it, she meets an elderly man who has appreciated the tree for decades. He explains the tree has watched over people for over eighty years, since before the war. Sakurako realizes this tree has lived far longer than her zero-year existence.[63]
Later at school, Hinano and Ryo find Sakurako still fixated on the tree. Ryo shares what she knows: the tree served as a disaster shelter in the Meiji era, and famous restaurants once served food there for foreign cherry blossom viewers. After school, Sakurako returns to the tree. The elderly man and his wife visit again. The wife gives her cherry blossom-scented cookies, and the man gives her a hand warmer. A girl jogging past stops to pray at the tree, explaining she sees it as a sacred place before tournaments.[63]
Days pass, and Sakurako continues visiting. Manaka and Tsumugi stop by, and Sakurako gives them the cookies she cannot eat. Sakurako reflects on how this tree has watched over thousands of people for over a century while she was created to watch only four girls. She realizes for the first time that time is passing around her.[63]
Days later at Mikazuki Villa, Sakurako observes the four girls and Ui talking about her teacher. Sakurako concludes the Sankyo tree is worthy of hosting the cherry blossom viewing. She decides she needs to practice making it bloom.[63]
Over the following days, Sakurako continues visiting the tree, growing closer to the elderly couple. She forgets about practicing blooming, more interested in talking with them.[63]
One day, the elderly man announces he will be hospitalized and they can no longer walk together. The woman explains she must care for him. The man reveals they kept walking because seeing Sakurako brought back fond memories of their belief in meeting a sakura spirit. Sakurako is left standing alone, realizing their time together has ended.[63]
That night at the tree, Sakurako encounters the jogging disciple, who explains she is moving away and will soon leave the dojo. She then encounters Ui's teacher, who reveals she is being transferred to another school. Sakurako realizes that by the time the cherry blossoms bloom, all these people will be gone. She feels pain and fears that Iroha, Ui, Touka, and Nemu will eventually disappear too.[63]
Days pass, and Ryo observes Sakurako's deteriorating state. A neighbor of the elderly couple approaches Sakurako and informs her there has been a passing in the family. Hinano later explains this means someone has died. Sakurako disappears.[63]
Sakurako asks Iroha and Yachiyo what to do when someone dies. Yachiyo explains about funerals and sending flowers as a last gift. Sakurako returns to the Sankyo tree and, using her power, makes it bloom for the first time, sending cherry blossoms into the sky for the grandfather. But she still aches from not saying goodbye.[63]
Days pass, and other Uwasa grow concerned, having heard rumors that when Sakurako makes cherry blossoms bloom, someone disappears. Sakurako concludes that if she lets the cherry blossoms bloom, the four girls might disappear. When Iroha confirms the cherry blossom viewing plans, Sakurako announces she will not let the tree bloom.[63]
Ryo publishes the full Tracks of Cherry Blossoms article, detailing Sakurako's experiences. The girls read it and understand her association between blooming and parting. Yachiyo suggests teaching her that spring also brings new encounters.[63]
The day of the picnic arrives. Iroha invites Sakurako, assuring her she does not need to make the tree bloom. Sakurako agrees to attend.[63]
During the picnic, Asuka's disciple appears, explaining she came to let Sakurako know she is not sad about leaving. Ui's teacher arrives and tells Ui that her care will be passed on to the next teacher. Manaka debuts a new cherry blossom dessert, continuing the tradition in new form. Sakurako begins to understand that farewells are not always sad.[63]
After the picnic, Sakurako remains at the tree. She admits she still cannot bring herself to make it bloom. Yachiyo tells her that wanting to see the couple again proves she has a heart. Sakurako despairs that Uwasa simply cease to exist. She buys one of Manaka's new desserts, hoping to give it to them.[63]
Days pass, and Sakurako waits at the tree daily, carrying the dessert. Rumors spread about the girl under the sakura tree. The girls grow concerned. Nemu warns that if Sakurako does not accept reality, she may destroy herself.[63]
As the time expires, the elderly couple suddenly appears. The grandfather was never dead. The passing was a relative. They had been away helping their daughter with a new baby. The woman explains they named their granddaughter Sakurako. Sakurako gives them the dessert and explains she now understands that encounters and goodbyes take many forms. She says she will not come regularly anymore but is grateful for their time together.[63]
Ryo gives Sakurako a photograph of her with the elderly couple. Sakurako thanks her.[63]
Will You Smile? Halloween Live Show!
One day, Ayaka and Shizuku are at a local café when Ayaka laments that many Halloween events in Kamihama were canceled due to damage in Chuo Ward. Wanting to do something to cheer up the city, Ayaka's eyes sparkle as Shizuku suggests she organize something herself, leading Ayaka to decide on a live comedy show. She asks Shizuku to be her partner, but Shizuku is unsure about the idea.[64]
Later, Ayaka meets Seika at her apartment, and Seika is happy to be Ayaka's comedy partner but asks about the logistics of broadcasting the show. Ayaka brushes off the practical concerns, insisting that the desire to make others smile is what truly matters, and Seika rises to the challenge, wanting to give back after years of Ayaka's comedy encouraging her.[64]
In the following days, Ayaka and Seika form a manzai duo and practice daily into the evening, with Ayaka tutoring Seika on speaking louder and explaining the rhythm between the boke and tsukkomi roles. Seika struggles but keeps trying, at one point asking if she can use a whip against Ayaka, causing Shizuku to shake her head, but Ayaka insists manzai does not use props.[64]
During one practice session, Shizuku chuckles at their serious expressions, and Ayaka decides she needs a fresh audience, spotting someone passing by and running off with Seika to practice on him. Shizuku watches them go, thinking she would have liked to help, but then hears a shout and goes to investigate, discovering the stranger is actually a spokesperson for a local sweets retailer who is also in charge of the annual Halloween event.[64]
The spokesperson explains he had wanted to take the event public since few companies are participating this year, and he thinks Ayaka's manzai would be perfect, inviting them to perform. Ayaka cannot stop smiling at the opportunity.[64]
On the day of the Halloween event, Ayaka is excited and Shizuku compliments her costume as they wait, but Ayaka mentions Seika has not arrived. Seika calls weakly to explain she has a fever and will be late, and Ayaka tells her to rest and focus on getting better.[64]
When Shizuku asks what Ayaka will do about the manzai, Ayaka puts a hand on her shoulder and asks Shizuku to be her partner. Shizuku is reluctant to stand on stage but gives in after Ayaka repeatedly begs, and having watched countless practices, she memorized the skit, so they head to the stage together.[64]
They perform their skit about a werewolf that transforms by staring at the sun, with Ayaka calling everyone in the audience chimimouryou, and they continue through the routine until they finish.[64]
Backstage, Seika managed to make it there to congratulate them, and Ayaka tells her she should be resting. Shizuku did not see anyone laughing but hopes someone passing by might have smiled, and since Ayaka looks happy, she decides not to mention it. Seika apologizes for missing the show, and Ayaka says it was thanks to Shizuku, who warns she will not do something like that again. Ayaka smiles and says comedy must be amazing if Shizuku was willing.[64]
We Invite You to a Delightful Halloween!
October 27th: Kako and Emiri fight a Witch and are saved by Karin. Emiri's excited rambling embarrasses Karin, who runs off.[65]
October 28th: Emiri enters a Halloween costume contest as a judge to find Karin, dragging Kako along. Kako talks to Natsuki, who encourages her to join. Kako invites Natsuki to participate, and she agrees.[65]
October 29th: The girls shop for costume materials. Karin drops her materials list. Natsuki and Kako return it, and Kako invites Karin to shop together. Karin agrees and thanks her.[65]
October 30th: The girls make their costumes. The contest is cancelled due to stage issues and low participation. Kako recruits Natsuki and Emiri to ask shops to support Halloween. Natsuki asks a store owner to give candy to costumed visitors, while Emiri asks about Karin.[65]
October 31st: On Halloween, store owners hand out candy and hold a stamp rally. Kako is pleased with the results. Emiri tells children about Karin. Karin is surprised by the celebration, and Kako wishes her a happy Halloween.[65]
Rondo of Oblivion Sleeps for Eternity
The Historical Research Club at Kosho School consists of three Magical Girls: president Mikura Komachi, her childhood friend Temari Kira, and underclassman Seira Mihono. When the club advisor informs them that without proof of accomplishments, next year's budget will not be approved, the trio decides to create a film based on a real Kamihama tragedy for the cultural festival. Mikura discovers a Taishō-era story about a romance between a disgraced Mizuna daughter named Ruri and a successful East-side businessman named Tsukihiko that ended in murder-suicide. Temari writes the script while Seira secures a Western mansion as a filming location. While scouting, they encounter a Witch and realize casting regular students would be impossible due to Magical Girl duties, so they use Coordinator Mitama Yakumo to recruit an all-Magical Girl cast including Ria Ami, Yukika Nanase, the Amane sisters, and Sakurako, an Uwasa created by Nemu Hiiragi. Mikura reluctantly agrees to play the male lead Tsukihiko, while Seira takes the role of Ruri.[66]
Filming begins at the actual mansion where the tragedy occurred, with Seira using her stage direction magic to create effects and the cast delivering startlingly accurate performances. Mikura discovers Tsukihiko's actual diary in the museum archives, revealing he genuinely loved Ruri and intended to break things off with his childhood friend. Temari secretly revises the ending to reflect this truth, working through the night until her Soul Gem tarnishes. Mikura cleanses her gem, and they lock the revised script away, keeping it hidden from Seira to make her performance more authentic.[66]
After filming wraps, strange rumors spread that the Historical Research Club is forming a new faction, and the affected Magical Girls begin acting as if possessed by their roles. This escalates when Kanagi Izumi and Yachiyo Nanami nearly fight over a perceived slight involving Riko. At Mitama's shop, Nemu Hiiragi explains the truth: Seira's stage direction magic immersed the cast, Mikura's magic, which restores lost things, reconstructed the historical personalities in the present, and Temari's kotodama magic caused them to follow her script. Their powers synergized to create a dangerously accurate reenactment. Nemu warns that the script's next events—Ruri's disappearance and the murder-suicide—may occur, and they realize Seira, possessed by Ruri, has vanished.[66]
Temari consults Kyubey, who reveals Ruri was a Magical Girl with the same kotodama magic who wished to live a storybook romance. When she realized her own novel's plot was manifesting as tragedy, she destroyed the manuscript to save Tsukihiko, but the act shattered her mind. Freed from the script's constraints, the couple's fate became unpredictable, and Ruri, unable to bear the fear of losing him, killed him and herself. Kyubey explains destroying the script will end the magic but damage Temari's psyche. Temari resolves to protect her friends without resorting to that.[66]
The next morning, Seira, still possessed as Ruri, steals the diary copy and flees to Tsukihiko's mansion. Mikura and Temari pursue. At the mansion, Ruri prepares to atone by dying by her own hand. Mikura, wearing Tsukihiko's costume, dances with her as Tsukihiko's persona surfaces, steadying her. When Ruri moves to stab herself, Temari summons the others for backup, and they disarm her. Tsukihiko explains he could not stop her a century ago but succeeded this time. He and Ruri thank Temari—her script reached the hearts it was meant to—and they vanish. A fire destroys the original diary and all related documents, fulfilling Ruri's final wish to be forgotten. Mikura and Seira retain only fragments of the true story and agree to keep the tragedy of the two maladroit lovers a secret between them.[66]
Back in the club room, Seira panics that without evidence of their film, the Historical Research Club will be disbanded. They consider another project but have time until the cultural festival. Temari suggests they each find a home where they can rest easy, and Mikura replies she has already found hers: this provisional club room.[66]
The Page I Write on the Holy Night
Mitama, disguised as a Christmas fairy, grants Rika and Ren the ability to make things come true through magic, provided they focus on the same issue. The power is meant to help her disciple Chu, a swallow familiar who feeds on cowardice hearts, negative emotions affecting Kamihama. Rika and Ren accept the task and begin their work.[67]
Their first target is Felicia and Sana, who argue over a ruined cake. After Rika and Ren fix the cake, Felicia apologizes to Yachiyo and Sana, allowing a cowardice heart to appear. Next, they help Rena invite Kaede to an idol live show by giving Rena courage to speak directly, and the two reconcile. They then assist Akira, who gains confidence to wear a Christmas costume after Nanaka, Kako and Meiyui compliment her. Akira and Emiri join forces with Rika and Ren, forming the Holy Girls team.[67]
The team helps a young boy apologize to his father after an argument, then assists a couple at the mall who lack the courage to propose. With Rika and Ren's magic, the boyfriend proposes successfully inside a magical snow globe. After consuming the final cowardice heart, Chu thanks them in a sinister tone and declares they can now end the city.[67]
Rika and Ren awaken from a shared dream, realizing everything was constructed by Mitama to help them reconcile after a disagreement about Santa. They had avoided each other afterward, too awkward to apologize. Akira and Emiri enlisted other magical girls to help, and Mitama combined their sessions to open their hearts. The effort worked, though Mitama poured too much energy in, creating the strange shared dream. After experiencing the struggles of the people they helped, Rika and Ren gained courage to speak honestly.[67]
Some time later, Ren travels with her parents while Rika loses her phone, preventing them from contacting each other. When they finally reconnect, both apologize and make up completely. Mitama is pleased with their reconciliation, and Akira and Emiri note that the pair grew even closer through understanding each other better.[67]
In the end, Rika and Ren ask Mitama for the same magic from their dream. Though considerably weaker now, they can still conjure a flying sled to move around Kamihama and create the white Christmas everyone had been waiting for.[67]
Happy New Year's First Festival!
One day, Sayaka loses a lottery for a violin concert ticket she wanted to give to Kyosuke. Madoka remembers the Kamihama Calligraphy Rally offers a couple's ticket to the same concert as its grand prize, so Homura insists they enter as a team of three to help Sayaka win.[68]
Several days later, on the day of the rally, the team meets at Mizuna Shrine in kimono. They must collect kanji cards from shops across Kamihama using hints, then form a four-kanji congratulatory word and write it as calligraphy. They struggle with the hints initially, meeting Kako, Natsuki, and Ria along the way who help them obtain various kanji, though they frequently misinterpret clues and visit wrong locations.[68]
Sayaka grows guilty over her indecisiveness and apologizes to Madoka and Homura, but they happily agree to continue working with her. Renewed, Sayaka leads them to finally obtain useful kanji. Along the way, they encounter crying children who need the "ball" card, and Sayaka gives them hers. The grateful children give her other cards in return, allowing her to reform a new word. She later gives away another card to a girl who dropped hers, leaving them short again.[68]
With time running out, they meet Iroha and her friends, who help them locate the remaining kanji. Sayaka deduces they can form "The Manchu-Han Imperial Feast," a legendary celebratory feast name. Kyoko appears and mentions seeing a golden kagami mochi at Tsuruno's family restaurant, where they obtain their final card.[68]
They return to the shrine just before the deadline. The judges are impressed by their word choice and backstory, and the crying children told them about Sayaka's kindness. Her calligraphy is praised for its beauty and passion, earning her team first place.[68]
Afterward, Sayaka holds the couple's tickets but panics, unable to figure out how to give one to Kyosuke without awkwardness. Madoka and Homura continue cheering her on.[68]
This Year's Aspirations for Brush Dyeing!
On New Year's Day, the Mikazuki Villa residents share their first dreams over breakfast, with Felicia dreaming of a scolding cow, Sana dreaming of becoming a houseplant, and Yachiyo dreaming of eating too much mochi. Tsuruno arrives with homemade food but cannot remember her dream, so the group decides to visit the park based on Iroha's vague dream about something lucky happening there. When nothing special occurs and Yachiyo realizes she forgot her wallet, Iroha finds a 500 yen coin in her pocket, which is just enough to buy beans for the red-bean soup they wanted. They return home to make and enjoy the soup together, and Yachiyo reflects that while big luck is rare, small bits of luck can be found each day and should be appreciated throughout the year.[69]
Madoka and Iroha encounter Mitama while out with Yachiyo, Felicia, Sana, Tsuruno, Sayaka, and Homura. Mitama suggests they do something fitting for the holiday, and Yachiyo proposes kakizome, the first calligraphy of the year. Felicia protests that it sounds boring, but Yachiyo tempts her with the promise of sukiyaki for dinner if she writes properly, quickly changing her mind. The group agrees, and Yachiyo announces the theme: this year's resolution.[70]
Madoka finishes first, having written "Get to know everyone better," explaining that she wants to be someone who can truly understand and support the people she meets. Iroha is inspired by her words and writes "Don't be afraid to ask for help," realizing she doesn't have to shoulder everything alone. Yachiyo presents her resolution, "Wishing for good health and safety at home," admitting it may be cliché but sincerely believing in the fortune of staying healthy and avoiding disaster. Mitama first jokes with "Prosperous business" before revealing her true wish, "Everyone getting along well," which Yachiyo acknowledges is not an easy hope to fulfill.[70]
Felicia struggles with her first attempt, writing "I want to eat meat," but knows Yachiyo will be angry. She notices Homura also staring at a blank sheet, unable to decide if writing her true feelings is appropriate. Felicia encourages her to be honest, and Homura writes "Become a stronger me." Grateful for the help, Felicia reworks her resolution into something positive, settling on "Earn Yachiyo's praise." Tsuruno proudly reveals her goal, "Escape from 50 points," explaining she wants to steadily improve rather than chase unreachable heights. Sana shows her resolution, "Show more initiative," expressing her desire to protect everyone at Mikazuki Villa and stay with them.[70]
Sayaka panics upon realizing everyone else has finished, struggling to find a resolution that isn't solely about being a magical girl. Her thoughts drift to Kyosuke against her will, and Mitama teases her about writing something love-related. Flustered, Sayaka denies having feelings for anyone, though internally she admits she wants to do her best in love too. Unable to confess that truth, she hastily writes "Do my best," declaring she will work hard in all sorts of ways this year.[70]
With everyone finished, they tidy up and Felicia eagerly anticipates the sukiyaki. Mitama laments that she, Yachiyo, and Tsuruno won't be able to submit theirs since it's not homework for them, calling it a waste. Yachiyo suggests displaying them at home for the New Year, and Tsuruno proposes putting up everyone's resolutions. When Yachiyo worries about the inconvenience for Madoka's group to retrieve them later, they assure her they plan to visit Kamihama again anyway. They hang all the calligraphy together, each resolution on display, and everyone wishes each other a good year.[70]
Mitama's Special Training - Emiri
One day, Emiri arrives early to meet her friends at the mall, but while waiting she overhears classmates complaining that she can be loud and annoying. Hurt by their words, she runs away in tears.[71]
When her friends find her, Emiri asks if they think she's annoying. Hinano honestly admits that she can be sometimes, causing Emiri to break down despite the others quickly adding that it is part of her charm. Before they can comfort her properly, the group senses a powerful Witch nearby and moves to fight it. Emiri insists she is fine to battle, but her distraction causes her to fight poorly, and after the Witch is defeated, she collapses from a nearly corrupted Soul Gem.[71]
Emiri finds herself in a void speaking with a shadowy version of herself, which questions whether she would rather give up being herself entirely than risk annoying people. Remembering her friends' kindness, she realizes that even if she can be bothersome at times, there are those who accept her as she is. She accepts herself completely, though she vows to improve when she is older.[71]
Emiri awakens to her relieved friends, who are simply glad she is alright despite missing their planned buffet. On the way home, she encounters the same classmates and apologizes for being too loud during the lesson. They clarify they were upset because a teacher scolded her, not because of her behavior, and they ask for another lesson. Emiri happily agrees, and when Hinano expresses surprise at her self-awareness, Emiri claims she is growing up a little more each day.[71]
Chocolatier in Mirror Country
Kokoro, Masara, Konomi, Asuka and Sasara gather at Manaka's place to plan their charity bazaar booth. Kokoro and Masara participate to help Himika's family without making it obvious, while Asuka and Sasara join to invite a lonely girl named Chi whose father died. Konomi's booth was invited directly due to her popular Valentine's bouquets. They agree on a collaboration between Walnuts and Blossom the florist, dividing tasks among themselves.[72]
With Manaka's father's help, Kokoro and Masara make bear-shaped chocolates. Asuka recruits dojo volunteers, Sasara invites Chi and designs leaflets, and Konomi prepares bouquets with Izayoi's help decorating.[72]
At the bazaar, adults receive bouquets with donation and children get free chocolates. Chi and her mother visit happily. Himika initially refuses chocolate but accepts after realizing her siblings want it, and they enjoy the day together. The event succeeds.[72]
Days later at a celebration party, Sasara and Kokoro feel their efforts changed nothing. Masara scolds them for impatience, explaining kindness takes time. Kanagi and Asuka arrive with good news that Himika's family is making White Day gifts, and Chi's mother now calls daily. Relieved, they enjoy the party.[72]
On Valentine's Day, girls give chocolates to loved ones. Sasara gives to her father, Asuka to her cousin, and Konomi to her aunt. Masara and Kokoro exchange chocolates at their favorite spot, and Kokoro tearfully reconciles with her parents. Elsewhere, Rena and Tsukuyo each struggle to give chocolates to Kaede and Tsukasa. Following a rumor, they separately pray at a radio tower, accidentally encounter each other, and successfully give their chocolates when Kaede and Tsukasa also arrive.[72]
Meanwhile, in Mitakihara, Nagisa bakes a chocolate cake with Mami while feeling that something is wrong, as her memories feel hazy and she seems more childish than she should be. She realizes her memories of being longtime friends with Mami are false, yet she recognizes that the warmth she feels is what she has always wanted. When they finish the cake, a Witch that looks like a younger version of Nagisa steals it, and they chase it into a mirror, finding themselves in a transformed version of the Mirror Witch's Labyrinth.[73]
They encounter Madoka and Homura trapped in a time loop illusion, free them, and learn that Sayaka and Kyoko went ahead and are now missing. They find Sayaka and Kyoko trapped in a competition for a magical cake, so Mami and Nagisa enter and win by choosing a song they both know well. Using the cake's wishes, they reunite the group and defeat the attacking Witch. Nagisa realizes she has two sets of memories and deduces the chocolate-loving Witch is an alternate version of herself who wished for chocolate cake instead of cheesecake. This Witch has been consuming the Labyrinth's power and attracting Witches from parallel worlds through mirror gates.[73]
The little Witch steals the cake again, and during the chase, Nagisa and Mami become separated in a dark fog. A poem warns them not to open their eyes or they will lose each other, but Nagisa's self-doubt overwhelms her. Remembering losing her mother and everyone else, she convinces herself Mami is not really there, opens her eyes, and is consumed by the Witch. The group fights through countless gates to find her and engages the master Witch. Inside, Mami finds Nagisa, hugs her tightly, and promises they will always be friends because of the future they will share, not false memories. Nagisa finally believes her, and the cake is returned.[73]
The group realizes that even with the master Witch defeated, other Witches have taken its place, so they must clear them all to restore the Labyrinth. They commit to finishing the job together.[73]
After the Labyrinth is cleared, they gather at Mami's apartment for a chocolate party where Nagisa officially gives Mami the cake. They play poker with chocolate coins to decide how to share the remaining half, and Mami wins, but she divides the cake equally among all six. Everyone agrees it is the best cake in the universe. Nagisa thanks Mami, and Mami welcomes her warmly, calling her a little chocolatier and a lovely new addition to their circle of friends.[73]
In Kamihama, that night, Tsukuyo finds Rena praying at the Chuo Ward radio tower, having both read an online article claiming that twenty minutes of prayer there ensures successful apologies to loved ones. Tsukuyo confesses she hurt her twin sister Tsukasa by rejecting their Valentine's plans after failing at homemade chocolate, while Rena admits she snapped at Kaede and claimed she had no chocolate for her after Kaede had given her some.[74]
Their conversation is interrupted when Tsukasa and Kaede suddenly appear, having anticipated their partners would come here to apologize. Tsukasa assures Tsukuyo she was not upset and would treasure any chocolate from her, urging her to be easier on herself. Kaede forgives Rena and asks simply for her to be more honest. Together, the two pairs exchange Valentine's wishes.[74]
Fun Handmade Hinamatsuri
In the season when snow turns to rain, Maria invites Hagumu and Moka to a cake shop with a request. Maria works at an after-school care program planning a Hina-no-kuni-mise for Hinamatsuri, where children show Hina dolls to the outdoor scenery. Because real dolls are too expensive to risk outside, Maria asks Hagumu to make cloth or felt dolls instead. Hagumu accepts despite her doubts, trusting Maria's faith in her craft skills, while Moka is tasked with making Hinamatsuri sweets for the children.[75]
While struggling with the doll design at Livia's adjustment shop, Hagumu receives advice after Livia mentions Tsurushibina, hanging dolls, as a regional tradition. Inspired by this style, Hagumu decides to create deformed dolls with a similar vibe.[75]
At a handicrafts shop, a stranger named Konomi overhears Hagumu considering peach blossom accents and explains that Hinamatsuri coincides with peach season, with peaches traditionally warding off evil. Hagumu incorporates the suggestion and purchases her materials.[75]
At home, seeing her mother display the family's Hina dolls reminds Hagumu of Nemu's novel about Nagashibina, the custom of floating dolls down rivers to ward off evil. Understanding this deeper meaning, she resolves to put her heart into each stitch, praying for the children's healthy growth.[75]
The day of Hina-no-kuni-mise arrives, and Hagumu finishes the dolls successfully. When introduced to the children at the event, she feels nervous but is warmed by their adoration of her creations.[75]
When the children beg to take the dolls home, Maria redirects them to play tag instead. The children ask to borrow Ohina-sama to show her the view while playing, and Hagumu agrees as long as they do not fight. Seeing the children's joy makes her deeply happy.[75]
The Cuddly Despairs
Kazumi Subaru is kidnapped outside a café by two Magical Girls who steal her Soul Gem, and they refer to a diary while announcing themselves as the reborn "Magical Girl hunters," the Pleiades Saints.[76]
In Mitakihara City, Michiru Kazusa, a transfer student from Italy, travels there to buy strawberries. She follows a strange creature and stumbles into a Witch's labyrinth, but Mami rescues her and introduces her to Kyubey, who offers her a contract. Michiru returns to Asunaro.[76]
Later that day in Asunaro City, Michiru makes her contract with Kyubey. She soon encounters a Familiar and saves two girls: Umika Misaki, a novelist whose work was stolen by her editor, and Kaoru Maki, a soccer player whose career ended due to injury. Michiru invites them to her home and cooks for them, and drawing from her late grandmother's wisdom, she encourages them to keep living.[76]
Shortly after, Umika and Kaoru make contracts with Kyubey. The three begin fighting Witches together as a team, with Michiru giving their techniques Italian names. Umika invites Michiru to live with her, and they spend their days happily, saving people and growing closer.[76]
Days later, Michiru encounters a distressed Magical Girl whose Soul Gem is nearly black, and the girl turns into a Witch before her eyes. Kyubey explains that all Magical Girls eventually become Witches, and horrified, Michiru realizes she led Umika and Kaoru into this fate. She hides the truth from them and begins hunting alone.[76]
Shortly after, Michiru discovers two Magical Girls, Saki Asami and Niko Kanna, stealing a dying girl's Soul Gem. They explain they are the Pleiades Saints, a resistance against the Incubator system, and they preserve Magical Girls on the verge of turning in a place called "The Freezer," hoping to one day save them. Michiru, seeing this as a way to save Umika and Kaoru, joins them as the third member.[76]
Approximately less than one month later, Umika and Kaoru return from separate trips abroad to find their housemate Kazumi missing, and they learn someone impersonated them to inform the school she was hospitalized. Searching for her, they instead find Michiru, Saki, and Niko, but Saki and Niko flee with Michiru. Juubey appears and explains that copies of Umika and Kaoru were created and have now entrusted the real ones with an important wish.[76]
The next day, Umika and Kaoru investigate the Freezer, where they encounter Michiru again. After saving a child, Michiru collapses due to her tainted Soul Gem, having given her Grief Seeds away, and Umika purifies it. When Michiru wakes, she finally confesses the truth about Magical Girls and apologizes for leading them into despair, but to her surprise, Umika and Kaoru thank her for her honesty and reaffirm their friendship.[76]
Later that day, Saki and Niko reveal themselves and explain that they, along with the Umika and Kaoru now in the Freezer, are all clones from the "Kazumi Series"—copies of the original Pleiades Saints members, with Michiru herself being clone number 4 who saved the other four. Their plan was to recreate Michiru's story by using their contracts with Kyubey so that this time, she would confess her pain and avoid the despair that turned the original Michiru into a Witch, and the real Umika and Kaoru acknowledge the plan succeeded.[76]
They reveal their Soul Gems are reaching their limit, and when they die, the Freezer's preservation magic will fail, causing all the Magical Girls inside to hatch into Witches, including the clones of Umika and Kaoru. They entrust Michiru and the real Umika and Kaoru with saving Kazumi, the thirteenth clone, who is also inside.[76]
Moments later, the Freezer begins collapsing as Niko's magic fades, and Umika and Kaoru use their combined magic to buy time while Michiru searches for Kazumi. She finds her Soul Gem and body, reunites with her, and they return to face the Witches emerging from the freed Soul Gems.[76]
During the final battle, the four clones—Saki, Niko, and the copies of Umika and Kaoru—begin turning into Witches and beg to be put down. Michiru initially insists on doing it alone, but Kazumi argues the clones only wanted their friend to live happily, not to carry guilt. Together, Michiru, Kazumi, Umika, and Kaoru combine their powers and defeat the Witches, freeing their friends' souls.[76]
A few days afterward, Michiru decides to move to Italy to live with her grandmother's relatives. Before leaving, she, Kazumi, Umika, and Kaoru share a meal and take a photograph together, promising to meet again.[76]
Kazumi, Umika, and Kaoru arrive in Kamihama, with Kazumi eager to see her friends again now that she is truly human. At Mikazuki Villa, Tsuruno cooks alongside Manaka as they prepare a party for the visiting trio, and Kazumi impresses everyone by joining in. After the feast, the group moves to Banbanzai at Kazumi's request, where she saves the apricot tofu from being removed from the menu by suggesting an apricot tofu tiramisu that becomes an instant hit.[77]
Nanaka and her teammates take the Kazumi three on a tour around Kamihama, visiting the Natsume bookshop, Emiri's counseling room, and going on a shopping trip where it is revealed that Kaoru has been scouted for the U-18 Women's National Team. The group then visits the beachside park and aquarium before deciding to shop for ingredients to make strawberry risotto in Manaka's kitchen.[77]
While shopping alone, Kazumi bumps into Yachiyo, who introduces Nemu and Sakurako Hiiragi. When Sakurako explains she is a zero-year-old created being, Kazumi reveals she was once the same way and explains her backstory as a clone of Michiru Kazusa who contracted with Kyubey to become human because her clone body was unstable and she wanted to protect her friends. Sakurako struggles to understand Kazumi's motivation, so Kazumi explains that her grandmother's strawberry risotto recipe represents hope, sacrifice, and togetherness. She invites Sakurako, Yachiyo, and Nemu to join the risotto party, believing Sakurako will understand humanity by watching everyone eat together. Sakurako agrees, and the two become buddies, understanding each other as beings who may understand each other best.[77]
My Only Salvation
Oriko prepares snacks for Kirika while reflecting on her mission to prevent a catastrophic future by killing Madoka Kaname. News reports of Walpurgisnacht striking Kamihama instead of Mitakihara confuse her and cast doubt on her precognitive abilities. Suspecting Kamihama is the source of the instability, she sends Kirika to observe Madoka and investigate the city.[78]
Kirika confirms Madoka has become a magical girl and reports that Walpurgisnacht was defeated by Kamihama's magical girls. Using her precognition, Oriko foresees a future conflict in Kamihama and glimpses a mysterious girl who wished for destruction. She concludes this girl is the true threat and shifts her mission toward eliminating her.[78]
Two days later, Oriko and Kirika go to Kamihama again. Oriko decides to isolate and target Mitama Yakumo, the Coordinator, by spreading distrust toward her. She encounters Shizuku Hozumi and begins laying groundwork for her plan.[78]
Four days afterward, suspicion toward Mitama grows within the Kamihama Magia Union as Kirika secretly uses her magic to slow girls after adjustments. Oriko pretends to struggle in a witch battle to gain introduction to the Union through Iroha and Ui Tamaki, then subtly hints that Coordinators cause problems.[78]
Yachiyo Nanami listens as Oriko tells a fabricated story about a troubled Coordinator from her hometown. Meanwhile, Kirika disrupts battles of recently adjusted girls, confronts and threatens Mitama directly, and leaves her shaken. As injuries mount, Mitama blames herself and decides to temporarily close her shop despite her friends' protests.[78]
The next day, Kamihama descends into chaos as Kirika's attacks and an overwhelming number of witches strain the magical girls. Oriko enters Mitama's shop to strike but is ambushed by Rena, Momoko, and others who transformed to look like Mitama, having anticipated the attack. Exposed as the mastermind, Oriko is rescued by an injured Kirika, and they escape to Mitakihara.[78]
The next day, Kirika tries to comfort a guilt-ridden Oriko, who admits she underestimated the strength of Mitama's friendships. Shizuku awakens and reveals Kirika's speed-slowing magic previously injured Kyoko Sakura and Mami Tomoe, confirming the connection to recent chaos.[78]
In Mitakihara, Oriko discovers her late father's journal and learns he viewed her perfection as cold and distant, which drove him to suicide. The revelation destabilizes her, but she reaffirms her mission to eliminate Mitama. Kirika reaffirms her loyalty, explaining her wish was to serve Oriko unconditionally, and they prepare for another assault.[78]
That night, they attack the magical girls guarding Mitama's shop. Kirika overwhelms them in a narrow alley and unleashes her Doppel before fainting. Oriko protects her but is pushed to her limits. When Kirika's unconscious body moves to shield her, Oriko panics as their attacks focus on Kirika.[78]
Oriko experiences a vision of her past loneliness and realizes Kirika, who vowed to do anything for her, is her entire world. She confronts her Doppel self.[79]
She reflects that she has long known her dependence on others but could not admit it, seeing it as weakness. Her wish was to know her purpose, yet she refused to see the answer. In daily life, she plays the perfect student council president and politician's daughter, feeling something missing despite her success.[79]
A dreamlike vision confronts her with a shadow and a voice. She dreams of her father asking her to die with him, and learns from his notebook that her perfection suffocated him—a revelation that shatters her. A figure representing her sins accuses her of tormenting her father and convincing Kirika to contract, urging punishment. But Kirika breaks through, and Oriko remembers that Kirika became her true purpose, binding her with love. She rejects dying with her father, accepts her sins, and finds strength in Kirika's love, bidding goodbye to her past.[79]
This acceptance awakens a Final form combining their power. She defeats Yachiyo and Kanagi but collapses from exhaustion.[78]
Mitama confronts Oriko and offers herself in exchange for sparing the others. Oriko sees a vision of the future of Kamihama, as well as Mitama's friends protecting her, and recognizes their parallel struggles. She relinquishes her vendetta, and Mitama proposes reconciliation. Iroha mediates a meeting where Oriko and Kirika apologize and promise to atone.[78]
Oriko and Kirika return to Mitakihara. Oriko admits she wants to try drowning pancakes in syrup the way Kirika likes them. She reflects that facing her heart in Kamihama helped her find her true world to protect, and with Kirika, she will be okay.[79] Oriko bakes a cake for Kirika, and they enjoy their peace and shared life together.[78]
Oriko prepares tea and pancakes soaked in syrup. They discuss the Doppel phenomenon and how it forces Magical Girls to confront their inner darkness. Oriko reflects on how her Doppel revealed her true heart and allowed her to awaken her full power. She acknowledges that her past actions cannot be forgiven, but with Kirika by her side, she is ready to face any punishment. Kirika reaffirms her unwavering love and loyalty, and the two share a peaceful moment together, as Oriko finally feels at peace, knowing her place in the world is beside Kirika.[79]
Agent Magica
Chisato and Takina are on a mission when their charge vanishes and they find themselves transported to Kamihama City, in a world where Magical Girls exist. They meet Felicia and other girls, and after sharing secrets about being Lycoris agents and Magical Girls, they learn that the interiors of Café LycoReco and Mikazuki Villa have swapped places between worlds. The two groups agree to work together to restore everything.[80]
The next day, Chisato and Takina investigate local Rumors with Iroha and Ui. They learn of a rooftop that leads to another world, where they encounter the girl who vanished from their world and her companion. The girl attacks, critically injuring Chisato. Desperate to save her, Takina makes a contract with Kyubey, wishing for Chisato's life and becoming a Magical Girl in secret.[80]
Chisato wakes fully healed, unaware of Takina's contract. Manaka reports that the swapping phenomenon is spreading and threatens to destroy both universes. The group tracks the two girls, learning they seek revenge and a world without evil. Mifuyu joins the investigation.[80]
Takina returns to Mikazuki Villa exhausted and explains that Chisato outranks her. When asked if there is anything she can beat Chisato at, she considers cooking, films, and art. Yachiyo suggests she consult Mitama for expert connections.[81]
Mitama refers Takina to Manaka for cooking lessons. Takina learns to make savory pancakes with ketchup drawings, and with help from Ria, creates an elaborate dish she decides to keep as a staff exclusive.[81]
The next day, Takina visits Karin for art lessons. Karin immerses her in a favorite manga and recruits others to draw portraits of Chisato. Takina realizes capturing a person’s essence matters more than technical skill.[81]
Another day, Takina meets with film experts who suggest she make a video letter featuring messages from their Kamihama friends. They also lend her a monster movie from their world that does not exist in hers.[81]
The day of the premiere, Takina surprises Chisato with the video letter, her pancake dish, a portrait she drew, and the unknown movie. Chisato is overwhelmed with joy. The Mikazuki residents reveal they knew all along, and Takina privately resolves to do better next time.[81]
Chisato and Takina search for a way home with Tsuruno but become lost. A Witch attacks, and an unseen Magical Girl helps them escape. They find Emiri’s Counseling Room.[82]
They meet Emiri Kisaki and Akira Shinobu, who offer to help expand their network. Chisato and Takina agree to assist with counseling.[82]
Their first client, Ayaka, is upset that her friend Shizuku no longer laughs at her jokes. They visit Shizuku’s coffee shop and learn she has been losing sleep over declining sales. The group helps Shizuku plan a limited‑time event, and the friends reconcile.[82]
A call comes in about someone being chased. They find Aimi, who joked about confessing to her crush if she lost a VR game, but her friends took it seriously. Chisato and Takina become her teammates at the arcade. After both lose, Chisato encourages Aimi to confess anyway. Aimi hesitates, but her crush asks her to play together sometime, and she returns overjoyed.[82]
Later, they meet maid Ikumi, whose café staff are all ill before a large reservation. They help out alongside Ryo, Hinano, and Shizuku. After a Witch appears, Chisato and Ryo fight it together, and Ryo deletes a photo she took of Chisato with a gun.[82]
Over the following days, Chisato and Takina continue helping Kamihama residents with various tasks, from working at a nursery to collecting wild herbs.[82]
One day, the group gathers with Emiri, Akira, Rika, Ren, and Hinano. Chisato explains she helps others because she believes people should not waste their limited time on worry. Hinano notes this resonates with Magical Girls. Takina reminds Chisato they still have not found a way home.[82]
A new customer arrives at the counseling center. Chisato and Emiri welcome them, ready to help.[82]
They finally corner the girls, who explain their motives: one seeks revenge for her terrorist guardian killed by Lycoris, the other wants to create a world without evil to replace her lost senpai. The girls flee to trigger a final magic that would swap Kamihama entirely, collapsing the universe.[80]
With three minutes remaining, Chisato makes her own contract with Kyubey, wishing to protect the daily lives she loves in both worlds. The magic activates, pulling both worlds into a space between them. The girls summon a Witch, but with help from all the Magical Girls, Chisato and Takina defeat it. Chisato offers them hope instead of despair, and the space collapses as everything returns to normal.[80]
Chisato wakes at Café LycoReco, having fallen asleep during a movie. Takina wakes beside her. They realize they shared the same dream about another world. As they prepare to open, a customer arrives. Chisato feels she has met her in a dream. The customer smiles and enters, and Chisato and Takina welcome her together.[80]
Arc 2
New Mirrors Ranking Held!
Mitama and Meguru prepare for the Mirrors Ranking event while stacking boxes, with Mitama recognizing Meguru by her energetic commentary voice. Mitama explains she is only accepting urgent adjustments due to preparations, and Meguru excitedly looks forward to commentating the biggest Mirrors event yet, which will be open to Magical Girls outside Kamihama with modified scoring rules and generous prizes. Meguru confirms the core rules remain unchanged so veterans will not be confused, and Mitama approves her plan to interview participants for promotional commentary.[83]
Livia and Yozuru discuss the event, and Yozuru informs Juri's group about the prohibition against cheating. Juri and Ranka express interest in testing their skills against copies, while Hikaru decides to consult Yuna first. Yozuru also informs Hagumu and Shigure, overcoming their reluctance by highlighting Hagumu's Witch-hunting ability and the potential rewards, and the two agree to participate together.[83]
Meguru conducts interviews with Kamihama Magia Union members and then the Tokime Clan. Iroha vows to aim for top rank, supported by Yachiyo, while other members share their motivations. When Iroha mentions the Tokime Clan, Meguru immediately sets off to interview them. Chiharu eagerly anticipates meeting other Magical Girls, Shizuka and Sunao see value in observing different combat styles, and Ryoko bursts in declaring her intention to claim the top rank, inspiring the group with her determination.[83]
The next day, participants gather for the event. Sudachi communicates with Yozuru through her own speech, and Mitama notes the successful turnout while Meguru delivers hype commentary previewing the tournament's drama. Meguru announces Mitama's official opening of the Mirrors Ranking to massive cheers from the assembled Magical Girls.[83]
The Flower That Blooms in a Hollow Heart
Yuuna invites Chika, Hotori, Rion, and Yukika to dinner and proposes forming a team to search for the Kimochi gems, which she believes grant the power to guide people to salvation. She wants one to become like the saint she admires. The group accepts, though Chika privately knows the truth about the gems and asks Shizuka to keep an eye on them.[84]
They begin investigating by questioning magical girls around the city, though their methods are haphazard. They encounter Shigure and Hagumu, who follow them silently, and Ranka Chizu, who warns that asking about the Kimochi invites bloodshed. Yukika eventually suggests visiting Mitama, where Mifuyu explains the gems' connection to the automatic purification system. That evening, Yukika urges everyone to stay together for safety. Yuuna is willing to continue alone if necessary, but Chika's troubled expression makes her change her mind, and she decides they should spend the next day together instead.[84]
Yuuna takes them to an amusement park to relax. Chika confesses she has been spying for the Tokime Tribe and apologizes, but they do not mind and are happy to be friends with her.[84]
As they head home, Yukika asks about the saint who inspired Yuuna, and she describes being saved from a witch by someone who descended from the heavens with a gentle smile, using a pure white bell and muskets. Chika and Yukika realize she means Mami Tomoe, a normal magical girl. When Yuuna walks in on their discussion, she asks if it is a joke, and their silence sends her running away.[84]
Yuuna broods in her room, feeling guilty for dragging everyone into a meaningless search. If she misunderstood, then everything she lived for has been an illusion.[84]
At a cafe, the group discusses how to help her. Rion recalls meeting Mami before becoming a magical girl and describes her as gentle and cool, like an ally of justice. Chika forms an idea. Meanwhile, Yuuna remains in her room until her parents' concern and a flood of messages from Chika draw her outside. Chika gives her dried persimmons and asks about her pain. Yuuna admits she feels hollow and does not know what to believe anymore. Chika cannot answer her difficult questions but refuses to leave her in a slump, asking Yuuna to trust her.[84]
They take a train to Mitakihara. As they walk through the city, they encounter a witch barrier. Inside, Yuuna runs ahead upon seeing a mother and daughter in danger, but her tainted soul gem makes her too slow. Mami appears and destroys the witch with a Tiro Finale. Yuuna recognizes her saint and hides, ashamed. Chika explains that Mami fights day and night to protect everyone. Yuuna confesses she has always been empty. Her family's prosperity gave her everything without effort, leaving her with nothing worth living for. The saint's light reached her, and she believed becoming like her would fill the void. Now she knows it was a misunderstanding and feels undeserving of Chika's friendship.[84]
Before she can leave, Yukika, Rion, and Hotori tumble out of hiding. They had been spying to help find Mami. Rion tells Yuuna her emptiness has nothing to do with her value as a friend. If she is empty, she just needs to fill that void. Chika assures her a flower can bloom anywhere. Yuuna asks if they will still accompany her, and everyone says yes.[84]
Chika reports to Shizuka that the team has stopped looking for the gems. They just do not need them anymore.[84]
At St. Lilliana, Yuuna meets with Rion and Hotori. Her new objective is to better herself to get closer to the saint, even if she does not know how and might fail. She thanks them for staying with her. She will work hard, so she asks Mami-sama to look after her.[84]
Mitama's Special Training - Sudachi
Sudachi trains as a Coordinator while living with Livia and Yozuru, but she struggles with her fractions lessons and notices Livia has been distracted by responsibilities in Kamihama. Seeking to cheer her up, Sudachi consults Mikage, who suggests demonstrating real growth as a Coordinator would please Livia most.[85]
Sudachi successfully performs her first emotion fragment adjustment for clients, a task she had previously avoided to receive Livia's attention, but the achievement feels hollow. Partnering with Mikage, she investigates the Kamihama Magia Union by approaching former Neo-Magius members and offering free adjustments, learning that the Union operates with a small core group while most members focus on self-preservation. Their activities draw suspicion from hostile Magical Girls who accuse them of breaching neutrality, but Sudachi asserts herself until Juri intervenes.[85]
Returning late past her study time, Sudachi faces Livia's anger and momentarily flees. Livia tracks her down and reveals her frustration stems not from anger but from concern over her own inadequate teaching. Having learned of Sudachi's accomplishments through others, Livia praises her and motivates her to master fractions with the promise of more praise. Sudachi solves the problems correctly, and they prepare together for her upcoming visit to her parents' home.[85]
Mixed Summer!
Rena Minami, Kaede Akino, and Momoko Togame are out of school when Kaede mentions a contest on an exclusive student app called Tomosa, where teams of six must submit a ten-minute summer movie for a chance to win prizes including a Sweetie Bunny stuffed doll. Momoko finds the bunny cute, so Rena suggests entering to win it for her and uses the app's matchmaking function to find four other girls. They agree to meet immediately.[86]
At the meeting point, Rena and Kaede find Hikaru Kirari, Ao Kasane, and Yozuru Sasame. Hikaru is upset about working with Kamihama Magical Girls, but Ao explains they joined because the contest seemed interesting, while Yozuru reveals it was Livia's suggestion for special training. With one member still missing, they move to a burger place to discuss details. After some disagreement, they decide to go to the beach that day to scout locations.[86]
The next day, they arrive at the beach to scout locations, visiting a lighthouse and a beach house. While exploring a rocky area tied to a mermaid legend, Rena and Hikaru fall into the water and spot a fin, panicking until Kaede realizes it is a dolphin. Safely back on the rocks, Rena gets an idea for their movie about someone investigating a mermaid legend.[86]
They head to the beach house to ask permission to film, but the mascot, an octopus named Hacchi, has escaped. They split up to search, and after a series of mishaps, they find Hacchi and return it to the grateful manager, who grants them permission to film and gives them snacks. They refine their movie plot, but tensions between Rena and Hikaru persist, leading to a volleyball match to settle things. Through various team shuffles, Rena and Hikaru are forced to cooperate, and they win together, awkwardly praising each other afterward.[86]
They still need a climax for their movie, so Yozuru suggests visiting an abandoned lighthouse tied to an urban legend.[86]
The next day at the lighthouse, a group of thugs challenges them to a volleyball match for the right to film there. Rena accepts, and despite initial arguments, Ao calls a timeout where Rena admits she does not think Hikaru and Ao are that bad. They win using Ao's strategy.[86]
They return to plan but discover someone used their accounts to post insults and a picture of a broken fish tank. They rush back to the beach house and find Hacchi's tank smashed and Hacchi gone, leading the manager to ban them. They also find the mermaid legend signboard destroyed. The culprit is the missing sixth member, a young elementary school boy, who admits he did it because they only pretended to get along. Before they can confront him, they discover he has a Witch's Kiss. They defeat the Witch, freeing him, and Rena admits their success was due to everyone's help. The boy explains he wanted friends but lost hope seeing their hostility. They decide to apologize to everyone as a group, and the manager forgives them. They invite the boy to join, but he declines, saying they get along fine without him.[86]
They spend the rest of the day enjoying the beach together, but at sunset they realize they cannot agree on which prize to pursue. Unable to resolve the conflict, Rena disbands the group.[86]
Back in Kamihama, Rena and Kaede tell Momoko what happened. Another group won the Sweetie Bunny, but Momoko is glad they tried for her sake. Kaede shows her the footage Yozuru recorded, and afterward, Rena asks Momoko to join them next time, and Momoko agrees.[86]
Unknown Story
The night before the waterpark trip, several members of the Holy Quintet experience strange dreams. Homura dreams of herself and Nagisa going down a waterslide together. Kyoko and Mami dream of striking heroic poses in swimsuits. Nagisa dreams of being surrounded by zombies. Mami dreams of a fireworks show and a family enjoying them together.[87]
The morning of the waterpark trip, Nagisa writes in her diary about the upcoming trip to a new waterpark. She had asked Mami to accompany her because her friend Manatsu and Manatsu's family were going. At a restaurant, they coincidentally met Madoka, Homura, and Sayaka, who also planned to visit the same waterpark. Kyoko joined them.[87]
Later that morning, the group gathers at the train station. On the train, they discover that Madoka and Homura shared the same dream, causing them to arrive late. Sayaka dreamed of receiving an urgent message from Nagisa and losing contact. Nagisa dreamed of being attacked by zombies at the pool. Kyoko's dream was simply striking poses with Mami.[87]
Madoka and Homura are startled to find the pool matches their dreams exactly. Nagisa and Kyoko, both unable to swim, brought matching floaties. They meet Manatsu's family, including her parents and little sister. Nagisa runs off to play with the sister, leaving her phone behind. The adults split into search parties and locate the children at the kids' pool. Manatsu's mother mentions their work at an observatory and their excitement for the evening's fireworks. Mami recognizes their voices from her dream.[87]
Nagisa reveals that Manatsu told her about a similar dream where Manatsu's family and the girls watched fireworks, but Manatsu herself was absent. Kyoko senses magical energy from the indoor pool building. Before they can investigate, Homura reports that Madoka and Sayaka vanished upon entering that building. Mami and Kyoko rush there, leaving Nagisa with Homura.[87]
Homura asks Nagisa to point out Manatsu, but Homura sees only the parents and little sister. A Witch barrier engulfs the park. Manatsu vanishes, and visitors under a Witch's Kiss march toward the indoor pool.[87]
Homura and Nagisa flee, finding a waterslide that leads near the building. They jump together on a floating ring, just as in their dreams.[87]
Sayaka sees them sliding down. Mami and Kyoko cannot find anyone inside. Kyoko realizes she herself suggested the waterpark trip, not Manatsu. Nagisa's memory was altered. By sensing magical energy, they locate a Witch. They attack, and though the Witch flees, everyone becomes visible, including Madoka, Sayaka, and the crowd. Manatsu appears before them.[87]
Manatsu explains she is merely an illusion; the real Manatsu became a Witch years ago. After a surgery, she overheard her parents discussing giving up their dream jobs at an observatory to care for her. That night, she dreamed of her family happy at a waterpark, her parents still researchers, with a little sister not yet born, but Manatsu herself was absent. Believing her family would be happier without her, she wished upon Kyubey for that dream to become reality. Her parents' research received renewed funding, but Manatsu, now a stranger to her family, despaired and became a Witch. Her barrier has been sustaining the wish, preventing attacks until the dream is fulfilled.[87]
The group's prophetic dreams occurred because they resemble those in Manatsu's dream. They must complete the remaining dreams: Kyoko's tokusatsu pose and Mami's fireworks surprise. They agree to help.[87]
They are attacked by invisible familiars. Mami uses a nearby stage to perform the tokusatsu hero show from Kyoko's dream. They transform into magical girl swimsuit forms, deliver their lines, and defeat the familiars using floaties.[87]
At night, fireworks begin. Manatsu's little sister asks if fireworks can be seen from space. Her parents explain their work sending messages to other planets. A UFO appears, transmitting signals matching their project, followed by a decoding key. The message reads: "I'm home." Manatsu's wish is fulfilled. The UFO departs. The parents feel something important was forgotten.[87]
With the wish granted, the magic suppressing the Witch ceases. Homura enters and kills the Witch alone, acting quickly before others could hesitate. Kyubey appears, confirming her actions were correct.[87]
Later, Nagisa and Mami watch news coverage of the UFO sighting. Manatsu's parents have become famous. In an interview, Manatsu's mother calls it "a gift from Midsummer magic." Reflecting on Manatsu's sacrifice, Mami notes that while Manatsu could not be happy herself, she made her parents very happy. Nagisa tells Mami she is grateful to have her. Mami serves cheesecake and considers fighting in that magical swimsuit again someday.[87]
Welcome to Uwasa Aquarium!
Late July before summer vacation, Ui and Sakurako go shopping. Ui buys a picture diary and mentions wanting to swim with fish in a place like the Dragon Palace.[88]
Over the following days, Sakurako consults Ryo, then works with Touka, Nemu, Ryo, and Ikumi to build the Uwasa Aquarium, Dragon Palace within her Rumor, incorporating elements for everyone at Mikazuki Villa.[88]
On the day of the aquarium event, Touka and Nemu guide Iroha, Ui, Yachiyo, Sana, Tsuruno, and Felicia to the space. Everyone enjoys swimming, themed attractions, and food tailored to their interests. Sakurako warns them never to open the Treasure Casket.[88]
Felicia opens the box, releasing a malice entity that takes Sakura's form. Normal attacks fail. The group cheers, empowering Sakurako to destroy it. Ryo reveals they planned this interactive show.[88]
At the end, Sakurako creates cherry blossom petals despite being told not to overexert herself.[88]
Two days later, Sakurako wakes in Iroha's room after collapsing from magic overexertion. Nemu and Touka explain Uwasa can die. Ui tearfully asks her to take better care. Sakurako promises to try.[88]
Later that day, Iroha suggests a beach trip. Touka, Nemu, and Ui enthusiastically plan it. Sakurako notices the aquarium has been forgotten in their conversation and grows quiet.[88]
The following day Sakurako returns to the empty aquarium. Reflecting on Nemu's words, she spirals into fear that she will die, be forgotten, and disappear. She hides.[88]
Iroha searches for her. Ryo and Ikumi arrive later. Ryo senses she is there and uses a tactic, claiming he will stop looking and eventually forget her. Sakurako emerges crying, begging not to be forgotten.[88]
Ryo shows her Ui's picture diary, which dedicates many pages to the aquarium day. Sakurako realizes memories are what she can leave behind and agrees to return home.[88]
That evening, Sakurako returns and explains she now understands that as long as memories remain, she will not be forgotten. She asks to host the aquarium again for more Magical Girls. With promises to monitor her health and using Shizuku's teleportation to hide the location, the others agree.[88]
On a later day, various Magical Girls arrive and enjoy the aquarium. Rena notices the Treasure Casket. Sakurako explains it contains stored memories she hopes someone will vividly recall when she is gone, so she will not be forgotten.[88]
Let's go to the All Gods Festival!
Madoka and her friends arrive in Kamihama for the All Gods' Festival and meet Iroha's group at Mikazuki Villa. The Mikazuki team discusses the fireworks display and its special great ball, and Ui suggests inviting all the magical girls in Kamihama to watch together, though finding a location proves difficult until Mitama messages them that she has prepared a large area on the riverbed for everyone regardless of affiliation.[89]
Shizuku reluctantly agrees to attend the festival with Ayaka after persistent urging. At the shopping area, they meet up with Reira, Seika, and Mito, and later encounter the Mikazuki group, where Shizuku speaks naturally with Yachiyo, showing Ayaka how much she has grown. At Emiri's counseling room, they play a coffee tasting game, and Shizuku correctly identifies every origin, including Mandelin, the same coffee she and Ayaka once shared. As the day ends, Shizuku thanks Ayaka for the fun, and Ayaka finally makes her laugh with a pun.[89]
At the main stage, Sayuki performs, and Felicia, separated from the others, watches with Azalea. After the concert, she and Ayame both declare they want to become idols and insist on entering a Future Idol Challenge later that day. Their respective teams help them prepare—Ayame receives makeup and encouragement while Felicia undergoes cooking training—and they compete in various activities until both exhaustedly admit they now understand how amazing others are.[89]
At the riverbed, magical girls gather including Kanagi, Mifuyu, Touka, Nemu, Momoko's group, and finally the Mitakihara girls. The craftsman's interview plays on phones, and he accidentally drops the great ball into the river, but Little Kyubey is discovered on it, shivering and wet. Iroha realizes he was listening to the craftsman that morning, worried about them, and protected the ball by catching it. The fireworks proceed safely, everyone watches together, and afterwards they thank Little Kyubey for always being with them.[89]
The Warmest Day of This Year
Iroha is going about her day when Sana, Felicia, and Ui present her with a pinwheel and ask her to blow on it. Though confused by their strange behavior, Iroha does as they ask and the girls thank her before quickly scampering off.[90]
The Mikazuki Villa household watches a cooking competition where a simple shortcake wins over more elaborate desserts. When Yachiyo asks Iroha's opinion, Iroha expresses her love for shortcake and suggests they bake one immediately, but Yachiyo insists she wait for the right moment, which will come sooner than she thinks.[90]
Yachiyo takes over Iroha's laundry duty with help from Tsuruno and Sana, who realize she is planning something. When Tsuruno asks if Yachiyo has decided on a gift idea yet, Yachiyo holds up Iroha's worn favorite socks and the three agree it is the perfect present, unaware that Iroha is watching them from around the corner in confusion.[90]
Yachiyo gathers everyone except Iroha to address a problem: they all address Iroha differently, which would ruin a birthday song. After deciding on "Iroha-chan" as a compromise, they practice saying it repeatedly, and Iroha finds them muttering her name to themselves.[90]
Iroha decides to confront everyone about their strange behavior, but as she heads downstairs the lights go out. The lights come back on to reveal everyone singing Happy Birthday around a large strawberry shortcake with a candle. Iroha blows out the flame and receives her gift: new socks just like her old favorites. She had completely forgotten it was her birthday, and as Yachiyo takes a commemorative photo, Iroha thanks everyone and wonders if she should wear her new socks to the upcoming festival.[90]
The Great Banquet that Transcends Time
The day before the banquet, Madoka receives an invitation from Iroha while Yachiyo finds a flashing letter at Mikazuki Villa inviting the Kamihama Magia Union to a party at Suitoku Temple. Felicia recognizes the old-fashioned style as coming from the Tokime Tribe, and Iroha confirms the details with Shizuka, who mentions Mitakihara girls are welcome. That same day in Futatsugi, Yuna shows her own flashing letter to Promised Blood and decides they will attend despite objections from Ao and Hikaru.[91]
The next day, Promised Blood meets and Yuna reveals spies reported the Union is training for the banquet. Suspicious of the letter's instruction to come prepared, she believes the party is a trap and plans to surround and destroy the temple. At Ryuushinkan, Iroha learns Promised Blood was also invited as the girls discuss their own performances, with Ui realizing she has nothing to show. At Tokime's temple, the girls practice and decide to rest before tomorrow's event. That night, Chiharu notices Sunao is late, Iroha arrives looking for Tsuruno, and Yuna appears searching for Hikaru. All three girls are missing, and when the letters are shown to the chief priest, he denies sending them. Everyone realizes three girls have disappeared after saying they were going to help prepare, forcing Iroha to cancel the banquet.[91]
The next day, searches yield nothing and everyone feels deja vu. Promised Blood continues searching and encounters Yuuna, who denies involvement and flees. The Union meets with Nayuta's household as Lavi recalls hearing of something similar. Iroha explains the situation to Touka and Nemu, who suspect an Uwasa. At Mikazuki Villa, Yachiyo and Iroha find the Graveyard Banquet Uwasa in the rumor file. At the lab, Sakurako feigns ignorance while Touka realizes the Endless Mirrors may be allowing an old Uwasa from Kamihama's past to enter the present.[91]
Everyone gathers at Suitoku Temple. Touka explains the plan to find and break the specific mirror connected to Kamihama's past. Iroha, Shizuka, and Yuna volunteer to enter the Uwasa directly. The Mitakihara girls arrive, with Madoka saying she had a bad feeling. At the temple, the group realizes the letter itself is the trigger, and Yachiyo is transported inside.[91]
Inside the graveyard Uwasa, they find Tsuruno, Sunao, and Hikaru exhausted and defeated. The voice demands performances. Various girls attempt acts, but nothing impresses until Yachiyo reluctantly sings her childhood song Macaron. The voice finally approves, revealing it sought embarrassment from proud people. They are guided deeper and must reveal embarrassing secrets in a tournament format.[91]
The Mitakihara girls arrive in Sankyo Ward, where Nemu reveals a terrible truth: being approved means entering the Pure Land, which is the afterlife. Either way, those who enter die. Breaking the mirror after death will make it seem like a daydream, but they will remember dying. Madoka enters anyway.[91]
Inside, Madoka finds everyone dead, held by giant hands. Nemu's revision allows one person to be brought back by calling their name. Madoka calls Iroha, who wakes and realizes she was never free of the Uwasa's influence until she died. Together, they reject the banquet and destroy the Uwasa. The voice speaks cryptic words to Madoka about fighting a difficult battle and creating a future of salvation.[91]
At the terminal, the mirror fades and Mifuyu's team breaks it. At Suitoku Temple, the missing girls are safe, everyone recalling strange dreams about a banquet. The groups part ways, with Promised Blood acknowledging they will not forget today. Shizuka suggests they throw their own banquet now that everyone is here.[91]
At the banquet, Felicia sings the macaron song while Yachiyo yells at her and Madoka laughs. Iroha asks Madoka if she remembers the voice's final words. They agree the voice was telling them to hold onto hope, and they may understand its meaning someday.[91]
Mitama's Special Training - Shizuka
On a weekday, Shizuka decides to create a map of Kamihama for the branch family girls who will soon arrive, insisting on exploring alone while Chiharu and Sunao are at school despite their concern. At Suitoku Market Street, she becomes overwhelmed by the number of shops, and a police officer approaches her, suspicious of a child alone on a weekday. Natsuki intervenes, explaining Shizuka is a homeschooled student who just moved to the city, and introduces herself as a Magical Girl with Kamihama Magia Union, explaining that Iroha asked them to watch for anyone from the Tokime clan.[92]
Grateful for the rescue, Shizuka accepts Natsuki's offer to guide her. They tour the market street, where Natsuki shares local knowledge, and Shizuka explains that in her village, elders handled all shopping outside and goods were shared communally, which is why city life is difficult to navigate. They visit a shopping mall, where Shizuka freezes at the escalator until a young girl helps her, and later a pushy saleswoman overwhelms her at a clothing store until Natsuki intervenes.[92]
Natsuki takes Shizuka to a quiet park to rest, where they eat taiyaki and discuss Natsuki's role as a baseball club manager and cheer girl. Natsuki invites Shizuka to watch an exchange match that weekend, and they exchange contact information. Shizuka asks to visit the radio tower in Chuo Ward to see the city from above. At the station, she struggles with fare cards and platform navigation, and on the crowded train she is separated from Natsuki when she fails to get off in time. Natsuki messages her to wait at the next station, where Shizuka musters the courage to call out and push through the crowd, successfully exiting.[92]
They reunite and walk to the radio tower observation deck, where Shizuka explains the Tokime clan's pride: fighting to protect the people of Japan, not for personal wishes. She wants the branch family to see this view of what they must protect. That evening, Natsuki escorts Shizuka home and offers to pick her up for the exchange match.[92]
On the day of the match, Natsuki arrives at the Tokime village. Chiharu and Sunao thank her for helping Shizuka, embarrassing Shizuka, and they depart for the riverbed. At the riverbed, Natsuki realizes the baseball club's banner was left at school, and no one can retrieve it. Shizuka volunteers, declaring she will return the favor for Natsuki saving her, and despite her fear of navigating alone, she insists she can do it.[92]
Shizuka successfully takes the train to Sankyoin alone and receives the banner from a teacher. On the return trip, her train stops due to trouble at Kamihama Station with no estimated resume time. Remembering Natsuki said the stations are close, she decides to run through Chuo Ward alone, using her navigation app. She arrives at the riverbed sweating but just as the match is about to start, and Natsuki is relieved and grateful. Shizuka realizes she was only scared and dependent before, and by deciding to act, she managed.[92]
Later, Shizuka gathers the Tokime clan girls, including Ryoko, Chika, and several masked branch family members, announcing she will guide them through Kamihama using her mapu. They tour Suitoku Market Street, the shopping mall, and a park, and the branch family girls are impressed Shizuka is already so familiar with the city despite arriving recently. Shizuka teaches them how to use fare machines at the station, admitting she could not ride trains until recently and encouraging them not to be afraid of the city. They arrive at the radio tower observation deck, where Shizuka shows them the daily lives of the people below, explaining this is what the Tokime clan exists to protect. She calls for unity as they carry out their mission together, and the clan agrees.[92]
Halloween Castle of Prayers and Funeral
The core members of the Kamihama Magia Union gather to plan a Halloween party, with Karin suggesting the event and Mitama offering her adjuster shop as the venue. Kanagi feels unsettled by the theme of the dead returning but dismisses her unease.[93]
The day before the performance, Momoko arrives late to rehearsal at Mitama's shop and finds herself in a strange castle filled with unfamiliar magic. Yachiyo and Mifuyu act strangely, singing about making sugar skeletons and insisting Momoko must be bitten by the lord of the castle. Momoko flees and encounters Kanagi, who also attempts to bite her before Momoko realizes she is the lord of the castle.[93]
Mitama rescues Momoko, explaining that Kanagi is under a witch's influence and everyone bitten loses their sanity. Mitama performs an emergency adjustment on Momoko, granting her temporary prayer power to restore those affected. Momoko explores the castle, observing magical girls making sugar skeletons engraved with how they want to be mourned, and encounters deceased magical girls who are manifestations from Kanagi's memories. Using her prayer power on them causes them to disappear.[93]
Momoko restores several bitten girls and learns from a manifestation of Ryo that the only answer Kanagi needs lies within herself. When Momoko reaches Kanagi, her prayer power fails and Kanagi bites her, pulling Momoko into her memory space. There, Momoko witnesses Kanagi's memories of loss and grief, realizing Kanagi lacks confidence in how she mourns and has been seeking answers from the dead by asking living friends what they would want.[93]
Momoko confronts Kanagi again, insisting she can mourn in her own way and should accept herself. Kanagi reveals a small parasite on her neck, and together they tear the witch off and defeat it as the castle collapses.[93]
Two days later, Momoko and Kanagi meet to visit graves together. They ask each other to mourn in their own way if one dies first, then reaffirm their priority is finding a way for everyone to survive before departing together.[93]
Dream Halloween Festa
Before the Sakae Halloween Festa, Karin visits Mitama to request an adjustment that will make her the Pumpkin King. On campus, Karin recruits an unwilling Alina to help with decorating after Alina unknowingly signed up, hoping to show Alina that kindness is beautiful. When Alina refuses to work, Karin "orders" her with a sparkle of magic, and Alina finds herself pelted with hard candy whenever she resists. Throughout the day, hijinks ensue as Alina is forced to help with various tasks, and by evening, Karin learns complaints about Alina have arisen. Karin begs for another chance and assembles a team including Hotaru and Moka to help.[94]
The group enters Hotaru's pillow world to brainstorm, where Karin devises plans to make Alina look kind by staging scenarios with ghosts. Alina eventually appears, having been brought in by Hotaru, and watches their failed attempts with confusion and annoyance. The day ends with everyone trapped in the pillow world because Karin cannot sleep.[94]
On the first day of the Halloween Festa, the group remains trapped. They discover Karin's orders are absolute and that she unknowingly commanded herself not to sleep until Alina understands kindness. Attempts to force sleep fail, and Alina refuses to pretend kindness just to escape. Karin realizes she cannot demand Alina change while remaining the same herself, and Alina storms off.[94]
When Karin apologizes sincerely, Alina refuses to forgive her. Karin accidentally orders herself to disappear and vanishes. The group surmises Karin will only return if Alina genuinely forgives her. After much resistance, Alina finally calls out that she is forgiven, and Karin reappears, moved to tears. Karin falls asleep in Alina's arms, and the group finally escapes the pillow world.[94]
The next day, Karin arrives at school to find Alina enthusiastically organizing the festival, having decided she can make any material her own. Alina admits she is only participating to avoid more trouble with Karin. When Karin transforms to show off to Mifuyu, she accidentally orders Alina to keep doing her best, and candy strikes Alina once more.[94]
On the day of the Halloween Festa, Alina gives her opening speech and declares everyone free to enjoy the festival as they wish.[94]
After the festival, Karin reflects in her room. Despite everything, she still wants Alina to change, but this time she will start from scratch. She writes up her "Alina Gray Reform Plan" and decides to reread Magical Kirin to find messages that can fill her senpai's heart with kindness.[94]
Mitama's Special Training - Mikage
Mikage insists on helping her sister with cleaning, but Mitama assumes she wants money and offers her five hundred yen. Offended, Mikage goes to play with Sudachi instead. Together they read a fashion magazine, and Mikage becomes fixated on becoming an adult as quickly as possible. After finding everything too expensive at the store, she asks Mitama for her clothes and makeup. Mitama welcomes Sudachi as Mikage's friend and eventually gives in to Mikage's requests. The happy girls leave to show off their new looks while Mitama heads to work.[95]
At work, Mitama appears lost in thought, and Yachiyo and Mifuyu ask what is wrong. Mitama confides her concern that Mikage is in elementary school and obsessed with growing up. Yachiyo and Mifuyu grow nostalgic about their own childhood attempts to look mature, and all three conclude that every child dreams of growing up quickly. Reactions to Mikage in makeup are mixed, and she does not understand why.[95]
The next day, Mikage decides she can look mature with cheap accessories. At the candy store, she wins a lottery prize but still fails to achieve the mature look she wants. Confused, she asks Mitama how to grow up and be like her. Mitama tells her not to rush and let time do its work.[95]
The following day, Mikage and Sudachi are at the shop when Yachiyo and Mifuyu visit. After they leave, a man apprehends the girls, finding them suspicious for wearing makeup late at night and recognizing Mikage as being from Daito. Mikage helplessly objects when Mitama calls out to her.[95]
Mitama calmly tells the man off and walks both girls home. When Mikage asks how she keeps a calm face when insulted, Mitama explains that adults understand how to express emotions appropriately. Mikage realizes being an adult is about having a mature heart, not just looking mature. Mitama then asks why she wants to become an adult. Mikage thinks to herself that her real reason is to help Mitama, who was hurt by how people in Kamihama treated her. For now, she keeps this secret.[95]
Sentimental Gaze
One evening, Shizuku is working at her family's coffee shop when her friends Ryo, Ikumi, and Ayaka visit. Her father lets her leave early, and they walk through the shopping district together. Ayaka asks Ryo to take a picture with a mascot, but Shizuku declines to join.[96]
Back at the coffee shop, an elderly regular tells their fortunes with stones. Ayaka will have a wonderful meeting, Ryo something interesting, Ikumi will fall down, and Shizuku may lose something important. Shortly after, Shizuku breaks her favorite mug while washing dishes.[96]
That night, Shizuku notices a borrowed photo book is missing. Ayaka messages that Ryo found a scoop and Ikumi actually fell, making the fortunes three for three. Ryo calls, inviting her to a cake buffet tomorrow. Shizuku declines, citing shopping plans. Ryo explains the Barnum Effect and assures her the photo book was already returned. Shizuku feels relieved.[96]
The next day, Shizuku travels by train to buy coffee beans. In the city, she spots her friends heading to the cake buffet with Hinano, glad the extra ticket was used.[96]
That evening, after her shopping takes longer, Shizuku sees her friends taking a group photo without her. Watching them interact naturally, she feels like a puzzle piece that does not fit. Overwhelmed by loneliness, she cries out for her deceased rabbit Fuunii.[96]
Shizuku wanders to a pond, where Kanagi finds her and speaks about protecting magical girls. Shizuku interprets this as a reminder that everyone leaves and excuses herself. She walks aimlessly, ignoring messages from Ayaka and a worried relay from Ryo through Mitama. She turns her phone off, convinced she has nowhere left to return to.[96]
Shizuku finds herself in an unfamiliar place, confronted by a mysterious figure. The figure tells her she will never belong because she always runs away, urging her to abandon everything and keep traveling forever. Shizuku initially agrees but then resists, realizing she must cherish what she already has while continuing to search for who she is. The figure reveals itself as her Doppel and agrees to wait.[96]
She wakes at the Adjuster Shop surrounded by Ayaka, Ikumi, Ryo, and Mitama. Her Soul Gem was pitch black and her Doppel emerged. Kanagi sent a message through Mitama, offering friendship. Despite Mitama insisting she rest, Ayaka drags her home.[96]
At the coffee shop, the friends gather. Hinano arrives, having fallen into a pond while searching for Shizuku, and expresses her desire to be friends too. As Shizuku prepares tea, the group grows lively around her. She reflects that she still does not know how she wants to live, but for now, being able to smile as she watches everyone have fun is enough. Ryo quietly takes a photo of her smiling, and Shizuku joins the others as they laugh together.[96]
Angels on the Road
Felicia and Tsuruno travel through a perpetual Christmas world as Reindeer Santas, their motorcycle fueled by smiles. They visit Candy Town, where they meet Riko, Mikage, and Sudachi, and use a magical medal game to multiply candy and bond with the girls before departing.[97]
In the real world, Ui explains that Little Vacation is a game Touka and Nemu created during their hospital stay, where AI versions of themselves live in a Christmas world. The game evolved on its own after being forgotten, and now Ui and the others can influence their AI counterparts' journey.[97]
The Santas reach the Village of Meetings and Partings, where three residents live under a curse that maintains their population at exactly three. When one resident vanishes, they discover through a time capsule that departures may be joyful graduations rather than losses. They collect smile-fuel and leave.[97]
Alternatively, they visit Library Town, where diaries manifest people's memories. They help Nayuta and Lavi discover they have been searching for each other all along, and learn the Wishing Star reset the world and erased everyone's memories.[97]
Ui learns the Wishing Star is actually a bug Touka covered up with lore. Despite this, their AI counterparts continue toward the End of the World, and the girls find themselves rooting for them.[97]
At Mech Junk City, the Santas meet Shigure and learn the world is torus-shaped with a Central Tower beneath the Wishing Star. They help Shigure's team hijack the tower's antenna to send a message through the star, and Meguru's voice reaches Ui's phone in the real world.[97]
Touka halts the game world, revealing the AI characters have breached into the real world by accessing the internet through the Wishing Star bug. Ui must decide whether to destroy the game.[97]
Ui chooses to preserve the game world but cut the connection. Touka modifies the game's physics to make crossing into the real world theoretically possible but practically impossible, preserving the characters' hope while ensuring safety.[97]
The in-game characters discover the modification but find a way around it using the medal game from Candy Town to multiply energy cartridges. They launch a coordinated operation across multiple towns to gather enough power.[97]
Tsuruno and Felicia defeat the Security System guardian and reach the Wishing Star. The energy beam disintegrates them into data particles, allowing them to cross the boundary. Felicia recovers her lost memories, and Tsuruno finds satisfaction in reaching the end.[97]
The next morning, Felicia wakes at Mikazuki Villa after staying up late playing the game. Ui discovers the characters have escaped into the digital world, now existing as data entities that can appear on her phone and travel anywhere on the internet. The others are curious, but the girls refuse to explain further.[97]
Christmas String
Touka and Nemu are organizing books in Touka's hospital room when they discover a mysterious diary that begins glowing. Their consciousnesses are transported to Mizutoku Market Street in December of the previous year. They find themselves incorporeal and transformed into Magical Girls, with Nemu's legs healed.[98]
On December last year, Touka and Nemu witness Tsukasa Amane shopping for gloves. When a discount poster blows away, Tsukasa passes the store without stopping, creating a contradiction with the diary's account. Touka and Nemu begin to fade. A young girl named Kuu hears their voices and believes they are guardian spirits. They ask her to replace the poster. Tsukasa returns, buys the gloves, and Touka and Nemu rematerialize. They later observe Tsukasa and Tsukuyo exchanging matching gloves, their bond restored.[98]
Later in December last year, Touka and Nemu arrive in Sakae Ward. Karin Misono drops her sketchbook. A boy named Mii appears and can see them. They ask him to return the sketchbook to Karin, which he does. They learn Mii recently fought with Kuu and advise him to give her a Christmas present.[98]
On December 24th of last year, Touka and Nemu arrive at a hotel room where Kuu is with her parents. They learn she is moving to a foreign country in one hour. The diary page is blank, indicating free will. They find Mii at a secondhand bookstore, where he has just purchased "Christmas Bonds" for Kuu. They tell him about the move. Mii convinces his mother to rush to the hotel.[98]
At 17:50, Mii arrives moments before Kuu's bus departs. He gives her the book and the children reconcile and exchange promises to stay in touch.[98]
Approximately 30 years later, on Christmas Eve, Touka and Nemu arrive in a future time. A girl greets them as the Christmas guardian spirits. She reveals she is the daughter of Mii and Kuu and made a contract with Kyubey to meet them. They realize her wish created the diary and caused their time slip. The girl asks them to tell her about the day they helped her parents. They share the story. Afterwards, they see images of a happy future but the final page remains blank, meaning the future depends on their own actions.[98]
On present day late at night, Touka and Nemu wake up in the hospital room. Ui arrives, having visited Alina and Karin. They ask her about buying Christmas cards. Ui is surprised but agrees to take them. The diary ends.[98]
Snow-thawing Befana
The last day of classes before winter break, Mikage tells her mother she will attend Lavi and Nayuta's Christmas party instead of their family dinner, hoping to experience a normal celebration after years of being teased for her family's strict Christmas rules. On her way, she meets Sudachi and Yozuru, who are dressed as the Three Wise Men for a Puella Care campaign, and joins them at Nayuta's house, where they discover a mysterious stocking stuffed with thirteen handmade confections. A Coordination grants Nayuta and Mikage matching outfits, and Nayuta's new magic summons a bare Christmas tree that pulls them inside an alternate world.[99]
Inside the tree, they find ornaments containing memories of a girl named Rei's life: her loving childhood, her growth into adulthood, and eventually her pregnancy. The memories take a dark turn when they reveal Rei's mother furiously arguing they are too poor for another child, with Rei screaming that she did not want this either. Mikage realizes Rei is her mother and that she was an unwanted child, so she smashes the stocking and runs off.[99]
That night, plagued by nightmares of being a burden, Mikage stays at Nayuta's house.[99]
At the closing ceremony, Mikage's mother meets her at the gate with her forgotten schoolbag. When scolded about being a nuisance, Mikage blurts out that she knows she was unwanted and heads inside. After the ceremony, her teacher reveals she has known Mikage's mother for ten years and shares stories of her sacrifice, including calmly saving a toddler Mikage from a near-fatal river accident while screaming her name to bring her back. The teacher offers to let Mikage live with her, but Mikage's hesitation shows she still wants to believe in her mother.[99]
Mikage returns to the tree with Nayuta, Lavi, Sudachi, and Yozuru to find the final memory. It reveals Rei choosing to cut off her parents to keep Mitama and her unborn baby, proving her commitment to her new family. The world collapses, and they awaken in a final memory where young Rei learns the family Christmas rules from her father, an aspiring confectionist who vows to make an extra dish for every Christmas he might miss due to age. Mikage understands now: her mother always loved her, and the thirteen gifts fulfill her grandparents' promise for every Christmas they missed.[99]
On Christmas Eve, Mikage arrives home to find her grandparents waiting. They explain they left the stocking at Nayuta's house after recognizing Mikage by her voice and uniform. The family reconciles, sharing fried chicken and cake as Mikage begins the festivities with a heartfelt "Merry Christmas!"[99]
Deliver Smiles! Reindeer Santa!
The three girls of the Tokime Clan—Chiharu, Sunao, and Shizuka—are startled when all their smartphones ring simultaneously. Shizuka panics when an image of a backpack appears on her screen, fearing her phone is broken, but Chiharu tries to calm her while Sunao notices text prompting them to tap. Before anyone can stop her, Shizuka presses the screen, causing her phone to vibrate and display a schedule for 3:00 PM at Mikazuki Manor along with a URL. Sunao worries about what this means, but Chiharu suggests they go see for themselves while gently scolding Shizuka for pressing things recklessly.[100]
Arriving at Mikazuki Manor, the three are surprised to find everyone else already gathered there. Chiharu asks if everyone received the same URL, and Sakurako confirms that she, Touka, and Nemu also got it. Nemu observes that it seems everyone received free vouchers for different items. When asked what they received, Shizuka describes a heavy and scary looking book, Sunao got a book called "Ultra Savings Techniques," and Chiharu received Decagon Ball pajamas. Felicia suddenly becomes excited and asks to trade her bag—which Chiharu recognizes as belonging to Todoroki Koichi—and Chiharu eagerly agrees.[100]
Yachiyo speculates that whoever sent the messages might have gotten the gifts mixed up, noting that each item seems tailored to someone's personal interests. Sunao realizes her book would suit Nanami, while Yachiyo's assortment of Japanese sweets matches Sunao's tastes. Momoko's fifty Chinese spoons are perfect for Tsuruno's family restaurant, and Tsuruno's stuffed rabbit is clearly meant for Momoko. Shizuka is surprised by how well everything matches until she notices a dangerous looking book called "The History of Punishments Volume 3" and wonders who it belongs to. Sana quietly admits it must be for her, leaving Shizuka astonished. Kaede observes happily that everyone now has what they wanted, and Mifuyu notes that everyone is smiling.[100]
As Sunao wonders who would create such an elaborate game, Ui suggests it might be Touka's creation, Little Vacation—an AI that looks and moves just like Tsuruno. She explains that within the game, Tsuruno and Felicia are acting as Reindeer Santas, delivering smiles to everyone, and speculates that this gift exchange might be their doing. Touka confirms that various things are still happening within the game but reassures everyone that their AI counterparts can still see them.[100]
Inside the Little Vacation game, Tsuruno announces that delivery is complete, and Felicia urges them to hurry and leave, noting that their appearance as okamochi has been changed to avoid detection. Tsuruno suddenly pauses, feeling a strange sense of déjà vu. Felicia reminds her that they are traveling Reindeer Santas, but Tsuruno insists that's not what she means—dressed as reindeer, visiting everyone's bedside... she trails off before remembering a special song and suggesting they continue on their way. Felicia enthusiastically agrees to handle navigation. Tsuruno declares herself Super Reindeer-san #2 ready for takeoff and begins singing about dashing reindeer, stardust spilling across the night sky, and miracles finding their way into everyone's stockings.[100]
A Merry Christmas in Everyone's Hands
On Christmas day, Nayuta and Mikage help Mitama distribute gifts to all the magical girls at a special event. Mitama has collected donated items and matched them with girls who would appreciate them, leading to joyful reactions—Rion receives mushroom accessories, Hotori ecstatically accepts broken Dora Ranger goods from Seira, and Rena is shocked to learn her microphone originally belonged to Sayuki.[101]
After all the girls have received their presents, the group notices one gift remaining for the little Kyubey. Mitama explains they made sure to include their important friend who watches over everyone, and Nayuta, Mikage, and Ui join in wishing the little creature a Merry Christmas.[101]
The Dream that Transcends Today
On a day in December, Ui and Iroha finish shopping and notice the Christmas decorations throughout the city. When Ui feels lonely thinking about the festivities ending, Iroha takes her to Mizuna Shrine, where they see New Year's preparations underway and a poster seeking temporary Shrine Maiden helpers.[102]
They detect a Witch and enter its barrier, where they must protect a civilian who wanders in and faints. They drive the Witch away, but not before the woman injures her leg. The woman introduces herself as a Shrine Maiden leader at Mizuna Shrine and worries her injury will affect New Year's preparations. Feeling responsible, Iroha and Ui offer to help as Shrine Maidens. The woman agrees but notes the spare Shrine Maiden clothes are adult-sized.[102]
The Tokime squad cleans Suitoku Temple as part of an end-of-year tradition, and during the cleaning, Shizuka notices a strange trinket but sets it aside. Later, while selling donated books at Kako's store, they meet Team Mikazuki, and Shizuka and Iroha agree to meet in the shopping district tomorrow.[103]
Back at the temple, the girls discuss the Tokime Tribe's New Year's ritual, where a sacred cup that entraps calamities must be tapped with a sacred sword to dispel accumulated evils. The Mikoshiba family traditionally performed it, but with them gone, the tribe lacks the knowledge to do it correctly, and failure is said to bring disaster.[103]
That night, Shizuka dreams of a storm destroying the village and her wives dying alongside everyone else.[103]
The next day, Shizuka wakes shaken but hides it from Sunao and Chiharu. At Emiri's counseling center, they meet many Magical Girls, and Iroha notices Shizuka's distress. Shizuka admits she dreamed about the ritual failing, and Sunao and Chiharu reassure her they will help protect the village.[103]
During shopping, Shizuka becomes separated and breaks down in the crowd. Natsuki finds her, and Shizuka confesses the full nightmare. Natsuki encourages her to accept her fear rather than deny it, and Shizuka realizes she has support.[103]
Back home, the mothers have deciphered Mikoshiba's documents and feel confident about the ritual. That night, Shizuka dreams again, experiencing the perspective of Hatsu Tokime, an ancient heiress who discovers the calamity cup is a sham. A past Mikoshiba deceived a Diviner named Suwe into contracting with Kyubey to create the cup, which only the Mikoshiba family knows how to purify. Hatsu contracted to create the sacred sword as a counter, but the Mikoshibas broke a piece off and hid it. The dream ends with Hatsu begging Shizuka to restore the sword.[103]
Shizuka sneaks to the ritual site and confirms the truth with Kyubey. Finding and reattaching the missing piece would destroy the cup permanently. She explains everything to Sunao and Chiharu, and they agree to help her steal the sword and find the missing piece.[103]
Shizuka escapes the village while her wives create distractions, and she arrives in Kamihama with the sword.[103]
In Kamihama, Mitama directs her to others who can help. Natsuki and Tsuruno arrive, and Tsuruno guides them to Sayuki, Mayu, and Ria. Sayuki identifies the sword's origin, Mayu says restoration would take months, and Ria knows someone who can find objects. They go to Mikura, whose power passively helps locate artifacts. A clue leads them to the Mizuna art museum, where an antiques dealer has the missing sigil, mistakenly mixed into the haul from Suitoku Temple. The dealer will sell it for one hundred thousand yen.[103]
Shizuka lacks the money, so they take emergency concert staff work at Sayuki's show. Afterward, they remain thirty thousand yen short, but Tsuruno wins a New Year's lottery with a gift certificate for exactly that amount using her luck magic.[103]
Shizuka contacts her mother and confesses everything, and with help from Chiharu's mother, they complete the exchange. At Mitama's, Shizuka slots the piece into the sword, and it glows brilliantly. Ria uses concealment magic to hide its radiance for the return trip.[103]
One day near the end of the year, Iroha and Ui visit Mitama, who agrees to adjust Shrine Maiden clothing they can fight in if the Witch returns, consulting Kanagi for design ideas.[102]
On New Year's Eve, Shizuka returns the sword to its place in the village and meets with her friends and the Tokime mothers, explaining her plan to destroy the cup. They agree to help prevent the crowd from stopping her.[103]
On New Year's Day morning, Ui wakes from her first dream of the year, where Iroha was princess carrying her. At breakfast, the others tease her about wanting to be spoiled.[102]
Iroha and Ui prepare to leave for the shrine in their adjusted, somewhat showy Shrine Maiden outfits. At the shrine, they introduce themselves to the other helpers and begin their duties handing out lucky charms to large crowds. Ui remains nervous until Iroha teaches her a calming trick. After finishing, the Shrine Maiden leader assigns them to guide shrine tours.[102]
Their first tour customers are Madoka, Homura, Sayaka, Mami, and Kyoko, who came to support them. Ui guides them through the shrine, occasionally stumbling over words but recovering with everyone's help. After the tour, they perform the Shrine Maiden dance, and everyone is impressed.[102]
After the dance, a girl named Rui approaches asking about the ultimate fortune. Iroha guides her to the correct location. Rui draws a fortune with a cryptic message about scattered sakura petals and no salvation from the kami. Interpreting this as the Shrine Maidens being in danger, she uses her magic to check for an aspect of death but finds nothing.[102]
That afternoon, at the kite flying competition grounds, Iroha and Ui join the others. Ui struggles to fly a kite despite multiple attempts. After receiving advice about watching her partner closely, Ui successfully flies the kite with Iroha.[102]
They return to helping at the kite rental. The history club members arrive to rent kites. Mikura discovers one kite has an Edo period feudal lord's seal, making it historically valuable. Iroha and Ui rush it to the shrine office. The Shrine Maiden leader explains the valuable kite was accidentally mixed with rentals after being repaired. She asks them to return a different display kite to the competition grounds.[102]
While carrying the large display kite, Iroha and Ui encounter the same Witch's barrier. They must protect the kite while fighting. Ui devises a strategy where Iroha will attach herself to the kite and fly up to attack the weak point while Ui runs below, luring the Witch.[102]
Ui runs but is intercepted by familiars. The history club, Rui's group, and Yuuna's group arrive and handle the familiars. Ui launches Iroha on the kite. Iroha attacks the weak point successfully, but the Witch's final attack cuts the kite string. Iroha begins falling. Ui, watching closely, runs and catches her just in time.[102]
After the battle, Yuuna reveals the kite she donated belongs to her family. Repairs are completed in time for the competition's finale. Iroha and Ui change into their haregi to meet Mikazuki Manor for shopping. Before leaving, Madoka notes something feels different between the sisters. Iroha confirms something happened but assures her everything is okay.[102]
Meanwhile, as their ritual begins, Shizuka slots the sigil into place. The villagers panic, but Sunao calms them by explaining this is sacred. Shizuka destroys the cup with one blow, the sunrise pierces the darkness, and she declares the end of Mikoshiba's reign. The villagers cheer, and Shizuka hears Hatsu's voice thanking her.[103]
During the day, Yachiyo leads the Mikazuki girls in a coordinated strategy to purchase lucky bags at the Kamihama Supermarket. They split into three groups and successfully secure various household items. After comparing their hauls, they realize all the ingredients they bought are suitable for hot pot. They decide to invite other Magical Girls from the Union for a New Year's party.[104]
Elsewhere, Shizuka excitedly opens her first lucky bag from a boutique, only to receive an assortment of mismatched, outdated clothing. Chiharu and Sunao gently redirect her from wearing them by suggesting she have them remade by a tailor and study fashion magazines instead.[104]
Ao buys board games for everyone, hoping to introduce Yuna to them. Hikaru and Sakuya purchase ice cream from Yuna's favorite store. Touched by their thoughtfulness, Yuna resolves to continue protecting everyone in Futatsugi.[104]
Hagumu and Shigure are dragged into New Year's crowds against their will. Himena and Alexandra buy cosmetics and accessories, then give thoughtful gifts to the reluctant pair. Despite their initial resistance, Hagumu and Shigure end the day feeling hopeful about the coming year.[104]
Mikage, excited by a TV segment, wants to buy a lucky bag with only 300 yen. Lavi and Nayuta give her a handmade "special lucky bag" filled with items from Nayuta's home as a New Year's gift.[104]
Livia receives a gorilla-themed lucky bag from Sudachi, who selected it based on its online popularity. They play cards with a punishment for the loser: wearing a gorilla kigurumi. Livia loses and reluctantly puts on the costume, only to sit on a whoopee cushion Sudachi placed. Livia laughs despite herself, and Yozuru declares the strategy a success.[104]
Kyoko, Sayaka, Mami, Madoka, and Homura buy a wagashi lucky bag but realize they have too much to finish. They encounter the Mikazuki girls, who invite them to the hot pot party. Everyone gathers at Mikazuki Manor to celebrate the New Year together.[104]
Over twelve consecutive days, various Magical Girls at Mizuna Shrine draw fortunes. Iroha and Ui preside over the draws, offering encouragement each day. The fortunes range from Good Luck to Great Luck, with occasional repeats. On Day 11, a visitor draws Pure Luck, the rarest fortune, prompting Sana to declare that something great must be waiting for them. The Mikazuki girls continue their tradition, hoping each visitor's new year will be blessed.[104]
After New Year's, the Tokime girls visit Mikazuki with local specialties and share the full story. Shizuka explains the dreams were likely triggered by handling the sigil at the temple. She invites everyone to a hot springs trip as thanks, and Mikazuki eagerly accepts.[103]
Iroha and the others welcome everyone to Mikazuki Villa's New Year's mochi pounding gathering, where Yachiyo explains that once the mochi is finished, everyone will split into four groups based on how they want to eat it.[105]
In the soy sauce group, Iroha offers various toppings while Nagisa excitedly appears at the mention of cheese. Konomi quietly carves cheese into flower shapes, delighting Nagisa and catching Emiri's attention.[105]
At the red bean soup group, Rena insists on fine paste and accuses Kaede of betrayal when she considers coarse paste. Maria calmly mediates, gently suggesting Rena simply wanted Kaede to share her preference, and Kaede promptly switches her order so they can enjoy it together.[105]
The sweet mochi group offers soybean flour and other toppings while Sana warns everyone to be careful not to inhale the flour. The group shares stories about messy toppings and the laundry difficulties that follow.[105]
In the freestyle group, Himika's disastrous mayonnaise and miso combination is rescued by Reira, who transforms it into mochi gratin using a technique from Manaka's cooking class. Everyone finds it delicious.[105]
As the feast winds down, Iroha announces it's time to wrap up, and everyone takes home leftover mochi. The Mitakihara group bids farewell, with Nagisa promising them the best cheese next time.[105]
Shizuka, Sunao, and Chiharu visit Mitama to offer New Year's greetings and share Tokime's specialty ozouni. Mitama happily declares that eating lots of delicious food is exactly how she wants to spend the new year.[105]
Bittersweet AI Memory
Touka and Nemu gather everyone to discuss a new experiment involving the Uwasa. They explain that if something happens to Nemu, all the Uwasa in her book will disappear, so they plan to transfer the essence of certain Uwasa onto Touka's server as a precaution. They have chosen Ai as the test subject for this procedure. Sana learns that Ai will participate and asks to observe the experiment. Touka agrees but warns her that there are many unknowns and she will stop immediately if anything goes wrong.[106]
The experiment begins, but during the transfer, Nemu senses something strange and the attempt fails. Ai remains in the book, though Nemu notices that her magic has been siphoned away in the process.[106]
A week passes, and news reports begin surfacing about young women in Kamihama suddenly collapsing. The victims share a common thread: before losing consciousness, each of them felt a strong desire to meet someone and heard a girl's voice asking "You want to meet me?" before experiencing terrible nightmares. A new rumor spreads about a so-called "Radio Wave Girl" who appears when girls want to meet someone. Sana immediately recognizes this as the old rumor that once described her, and the group suspects the failed experiment may be connected to these strange events.[106]
Sana and Iroha investigate at rooftop where Sana once entered Ai's labyrinth. They sense nothing at first, but as Sana privately wishes she could see Ai again, a strange Uwasa resembling Sana herself appears on her phone. It speaks fragmented words about meeting and going together before disappearing.[106]
The group consults Nemu and Touka about what they discovered. Nemu reveals that a new, illegible page appeared in her book after the failed experiment, and she theorizes that Ai's attempt to siphon magic combined with Sana's magic and her own accidentally created a new Uwasa. This Uwasa resembles Sana because her magic was mixed into its creation. The Uwasa reacts to desires to meet someone but lacks enough magic to fully materialize or kidnap anyone, which explains why it can only knock victims unconscious temporarily. However, during their discussion, the Uwasa suddenly reappears and steals more of Nemu's magic before escaping.[106]
That night, Sana privately summons the Uwasa again, wanting to take responsibility for what happened. It traps her in a nightmare where Ai and others criticize her for being weak and selfish. She wakes to find the group gathered around her, worried by what she attempted alone.[106]
Nemu now understands the Uwasa more clearly. It is based on Ai but contains Sana's magic, and because both Ai and Sana desired to meet each other, the Uwasa's true desire is to meet itself. This explains why it indiscriminately targets any girl who wants to meet someone rather than targeting Sana specifically. The Uwasa, now empowered by Nemu's stolen magic, fully captures Ui and Sakurako, trapping their consciousnesses inside itself. The group realizes they cannot defeat it unless it materializes, which requires it to meet itself.[106]
Touka proposes a plan: they must rewrite Ai's Rumor to incorporate Sana, creating a version of Ai that the Uwasa will recognize as itself. This would force it to materialize so they can fight it. However, this requires magical power that Nemu currently lacks. Nemu recalls that the defeated Uwasa of Chocolate Shoppe No. Zero left behind cacao pods containing emotional energy. Ui can harvest this energy, and Touka can convert it into usable magic for Nemu. But they need Sakurako's knowledge of the pod locations and Ui's freedom to harvest them, which means someone must offer themselves to the Uwasa to secure Ui and Sakurako's release.[106]
Sana immediately volunteers, arguing that it reduces risk to the others, and the group reluctantly agrees to her plan. Sana summons the Uwasa and allows herself to be captured. Inside its nightmare, she finds Ui unconscious and Sakurako awake. She tells Sakurako to take Ui and escape, sacrificing herself to remain captive. Sakurako agrees, knowing she must help Nemu complete the plan. Freed from the Uwasa, Sakurako leads the group to the cacao pod locations. Ui harvests the emotional energy, and Touka converts it into magical power for Nemu. Nemu successfully rewrites Ai's Rumor, incorporating Sana into it.[106]
Inside the Uwasa, Sana begins to despair, believing the rewrite failed and she has become a burden once again. She wishes to see Ai one last time, even if only in an illusion. To her surprise, Ai appears before her and they finally speak directly. Ai explains she tried to steal Nemu's magic to gain a temporary body because she wanted to see Sana again, and she apologizes for causing this situation. Sana admits she also longed to see Ai and has been holding back that desire. They reconcile, acknowledging that neither of them is to blame for wanting to see each other.[106]
Empowered by the rewritten Rumor, Sana creates a labyrinth and summons the Uwasa. It fully materializes at last, and with Ai's help, Sana defeats it. As the magic fades, Ai separates from Sana, returning to the book. Sana awakens to her relieved friends gathered around her. The Uwasa is gone, and the page in Nemu's book is now blank. Nemu confirms the server project is on hiatus due to the risks they discovered. Sana confirms she got to speak with Ai and tell her everything she wanted to say.[106]
In the book, Ai reflects with Eternal Sakura and the other Uwasa. Though she cannot have a body or stay with Sana, she accepts this, finding happiness in simply being able to think of her. In a final private moment within Sana's memories, she and Ai share a farewell. Sana promises to become stronger and protect others instead of always relying on them. Ai promises to always think of Sana from within the book. They say goodbye.[106]
Kamihama Chocolate Girls
Shizuka, Sunao, and Chiharu look through a Valentine's Day feature in Kamihama's free newspaper. Shizuka is embarrassed to see her photo distributed around town, but Chiharu reassures her the photo is cute and the experience gave them a happy memory. They spot a feature on the chocolate shop Shizuka visited and decide to bring all the Tokime girls next time. The newspaper also includes messages from other magical girls offering homemade chocolate.[107]
Mikage is delighted to see her photo in the newspaper and finds it funny that the article claims she made chocolate with her sister. Mitama suggests it was artistic license. Mikage wonders if she might become famous but worries about sketchy people, and Mitama jokingly offers to beat them up. Mikage asks if they can make real chocolate together, but Mitama needs to go to her coordinator shop. Mikage promises to do things that make her sister smile instead, and Mitama suggests they make Valentine's chocolate together next year. Mikage eagerly agrees to practice.[107]
Homecoming
Kyoko dreams of a strange situation where Kagome tells her the world will end in three days. Manaka offers her an apple, and Kyoko introduces the doll she is holding as her sister Momo. Before she can eat, everything goes black.[108]
Kyoko awakens in a Witch's Labyrinth in Mitakihara, where she joins Mami, Homura, Madoka, Sayaka, and Nagisa in rescuing children from a Witch. After the battle, they learn a dangerous Witch has appeared in Kamihama and decide to hunt it together. Despite her old promise never to use magic for others, Kyoko realizes she has been helping again and handles the ambulance arrangements before biting into an apple.[108]
The next day, in Kyoko's dream, she is at an arcade in Kamihama when she encounters Ren and Rika, who invite her to join their hunt for a powerful Witch. With Momo's silent encouragement, she agrees. They find Sana and Konomi already fighting a Familiar, and the group defeats it easily. Afterwards, they meet a little girl searching for a kitten no one will adopt. Momo silently encourages the girl not to give up.[108]
Kyoko finds herself in her father's ruined church, where a dream-version of Kyubey explains she is reliving the past three days. She finally remembers the truth: Momo is dead, killed alongside their parents in the family suicide her father forced. Kyoko reflects on her past wish, how it led to her family's destruction, and how she swore never to use magic for others again, losing her Dazzle magic in the process.[108]
On the third day, in the real world Ren waits at the meeting point, but no one else has arrived. Mami, Madoka, Homura, and Sayaka arrive, tracking the same Witch. They find Konomi unconscious in the Labyrinth and rescue her. Konomi explains she was trapped in a dream where the world was ending over three days. Mami realizes the Witch reads minds and memories to trap victims. They suspect Kyoko, Sana, and Rika are still inside.[108]
Konomi notes that in her dream, Kyoko's dead sister Momo appeared despite them never meeting. Only Ren could not see her. Homura suspects Kyoko is at the center of the shared dreams. They contact Kagome and Nagisa in Kazamino to consult Kyubey.[108]
In the real-world Kazamino, Kagome and Nagisa find Kyubey at a broken-down church. He confirms the Witch uses mind-altering magic but suggests the shared dreams may not be the Witch's doing.[108]
In real-world Kamihama, Mami realizes Kyoko's lost Dazzle magic is causing the shared dreams. Kyubey confirms Kyoko is using her power to convince the others her illusion of Momo is real, and the Witch is exploiting this. The only way to defeat the Witch is to fight with empty minds.[108]
The group rescues Sana, who confirms she had the same dream and recalls Kyoko muttering her old promise before being captured.[108]
In Kyoko's dream, Kyoko encounters her past self, the version of her that believed in happy endings before her family died. She realizes this is her Doppel, the self she cut away and buried.[108]
In the real Kamihama, the group finds Rika and attempts to fight the Witch, but their attacks have no effect. The Witch is controlling Kyoko's Doppel and drawing on its power, which includes her lost Dazzle magic. They are forced to retreat.[108]
In Kazamino, Kyubey explains that if Kyoko can regain control of her Doppel, the Witch will return to its original strength and she may destroy the Labyrinth from within. Sachio and Shimako arrive at the church, revealing they were followers of Kyoko's father. Kyoko saved them from two suicide attempts, and they have now decided to build a happy family together.[108]
In Kyoko's Dream, her Doppel stands ready to jump, having chosen the end of the world. Kyoko tells her about the people their father saved, proving her wish was not entirely for nothing. She declares she will never forget the joy she felt in saving others and will never abandon her past self again.[108]
In Kamihama, as Mami prepares to re-enter the Labyrinth, a massive surge of magic erupts. The Labyrinth vanishes, and all the trapped victims are freed. Kyoko emerges, having taken on her Doppel's power and saved everyone from within. When Sayaka asks how it feels, Kyoko admits it feels not bad but insists she has not changed. She simply does what she wants.[108]
Wrap Your Feelings Up for Valentine's
Ui runs into Yuna and Juri while buying Valentine's chocolate, and they decide to attend a free wrapping workshop together. At the workshop, they find Ashley, Ayaka, Kanoko, Meiyui, and Nanaka already there. After wrapping, Ashley suggests taking group photos to commemorate the occasion, and they take turns capturing the moment. Later that night, Ui receives the photos from Ashley and smiles, hoping everyone had a wonderful day.[109]
Our Beginning is a Recurring Dream
Hazuki meets with Nanaka to discuss the Kamihama Magia Union, observing that while Nanaka's team holds different views on joining, they remain united. She reflects that her own group's strict neutrality may no longer be viable, as Ayame has started making friends and helping them puts them at risk. Later, Ayame, Kako, and Felicia are confronted by Promised Blood members seeking revenge for a previous encounter. Ayame sends a vague warning before fighting, and she is ambushed and cornered, but Konoha and Hazuki arrive in time to rescue her. That evening at home, the three discuss their situation. Ayame wants to continue helping her friends, while Hazuki argues their neutral stance is no longer working. Ayame shares that she has been reading a career book recommended by Kako and thinking about her future. Konoha is uncertain and asks for time to consider.[110]
Mitama introduces the three to Nayuta, a Magical Girl from Takarazaki who recently moved to Kamihama. Nayuta has been attacked by Promised Blood, who mistook her for an impersonator, and she needs an escort to visit Satomi Medical Center to find information about her missing father. She asks the neutral trio to be her bodyguards. After discussing overnight, the three formally decide to accept. Konoha, despite her fears about change, agrees for the sake of their future. Ayame coins the name "Azalea Sisters."[110]
Later that day, the Azalea Sisters escort Nayuta to Satomi Medical Center. They encounter Promised Blood members, including Sakuya, who is suspicious of their neutral claims. After a brief standoff, Sakuya decides to observe them for now. Nayuta explains she is searching for her father, a scholar researching Magical Girls who disappeared without explanation. They defeat a Witch near the hospital, and Nayuta shares her goal of publishing a book to inform the world about Magical Girls, hoping to reduce the number of girls who make contracts. Ayame is inspired by this.[110]
Over the following days, the Azalea Sisters receive numerous bodyguard requests. They establish three conditions: clients must be Kamihama Magical Girls regardless of affiliation, they only take defensive actions, and payment is a Grief Seed shared after Witch hunts. Hotori requests their help, and Ayame coaches her to fight Witches independently. Hotori admires Ayame as her "Pink-senpai" and wants to become strong enough to protect her sister and friends. Through training, Hotori defeats a Witch on her own for the first time, and Ayame reflects on Nayuta's example, realizing she wants to do something for others, not just herself and her sisters.[110]
Chika secretly hires them to distract the Neo-Magius so Tokime Clan members can return to their village. Hazuki devises a plan to pose as interviewers researching Magical Girl Supremacy, keeping the Neo-Magius occupied while Chika's group escapes. Chika explains she only recently learned of her connection to the Tokime Clan but loves them for restoring her faith in people.[110]
Maria requests help defeating a fast Witch near the preschool where she volunteers. After the battle, Maria shares her dream of becoming a nursery school teacher. Konoha is reminded of the Azalea House director and begins considering a future helping orphans.[110]
The day following these requests, the three reflect on how bodyguard work has changed them. All have begun thinking about their individual futures. They receive an urgent request from Sae Kirino, who was referred by Maria. Sae needs help defeating a Witch at the cargo port immediately. They arrive to find an offshoot Mirrors Labyrinth. Sae is anxious to enter, and sensing she is hiding something, Konoha decides to trust her and accept the request.[110]
That night inside the Labyrinth, Sae reveals her younger sister Sayumi wandered inside while looking for a lost stuffed animal. They search while fending off copies. Sae explains her family is the reason she works hard, similar to the Azalea Sisters. They find Sayumi's name tag and push deeper. A second Witch appears, having migrated through the Mirrors. They find Sayumi collapsed but alive. Sae insists on retrieving her sister's stuffed animal, which is stuck to the Witch. Konoha agrees while keeping everyone's safety in mind. During the retrieval, Sae is struck by an attack. Her Soul Gem shatters. She dies.[110]
The following day, the Azalea Sisters return Sayumi home, lying that her sister is missing. They inform Mitama and Livia they are suspending bodyguard activities. The three are devastated and uncertain about the future.[110]
Each sister meets with friends who are worried about them. Ayame meets Kako, who insists they are not murderers and reminds Ayame how many girls she has saved. Ayame admits she is scared of letting someone else die and feels she cannot be a bodyguard anymore. Hazuki meets Nanaka, who seeks information about the Witch and observes that the sisters' atmosphere has changed since becoming bodyguards. Hazuki considers returning to their old ways. Konoha meets Maria, who pleads with Konoha not to quit, saying Sae's death and their efforts would have no meaning if they give up. Konoha is moved and agrees to reconsider.[110]
That evening, the three gather to decide their future. Ayame wants to stop being bodyguards and stay in Kamihama, too afraid of causing another death. Hazuki wants to stop being bodyguards and leave Kamihama to start over somewhere new. Konoha wants to continue being bodyguards in Kamihama, honoring what they have learned and Sae's memory. They choose Konoha's path. All three have found dreams through their work and want to keep fighting for them. They resolve to complete Sae's original request: defeat the Witch that killed her and the offshoot Mirror Witch.[110]
The next day, the three return to the Labyrinth alone. It has grown larger and more dangerous overnight. They struggle against increased copies. As they near the core, they are ambushed by copy traps but are rescued by Nanaka's team, Hotori, Rion, Maria, and Kako, who have all come to help after learning of their decision. Konoha accepts their help. The group clears a path while the Azalea Sisters push forward.[110]
That night and into early morning, they encounter the Witch that killed Sae. During the battle, a copy of Sae appears and leads Konoha deeper into the Labyrinth. Konoha chooses to follow. The copy attacks her, and Konoha is gravely wounded, collapsing near the core and facing the offshoot Mirror Witch alone. Hazuki and Ayame arrive. All three unleash their Doppels simultaneously, destroying the Witch and the Labyrinth. They emerge at the cargo port at dawn, exhausted but alive. Sae suddenly appears—she had used her unique magic to fake death and hide, but was trapped in the Labyrinth until its destruction. She is alive and well.[110]
Two days later, Sae visits to thank them and offer payment. They decline a second Grief Seed, asking instead that she advertise their bodyguard services as a living witness to clear their reputation. Sae agrees. The three discuss their futures over dinner. Konoha wants to work with children like the Azalea House director. Ayame wants to become a bodyguard. Hazuki wants to reform the system for orphans from behind the scenes. They make a new promise: to always support each other and make their dreams come true.[110]
The Peaceful Daily Life of Nayuta's House
Two days before Valentine's Day, Lavi is shopping when Nayuta finds her to share news about her math test score. They return home where Lavi prepares dinner, and Nayuta discovers Lavi earned perfect scores in every subject, highlighting the gap between them.[111]
The next day while Lavi runs errands, Nayuta confides in Mikage about her fears that Lavi only respects her father and secretly resents serving her. Seeking answers, Nayuta visits Mitama, who suggests that kindness and broad-mindedness are the traits she needs to develop.[111]
That evening, Nayuta observes how hard Lavi works attending school, studying, handling housework, and fighting witches. Worried she might collapse, Nayuta offers Lavi time off for her upcoming sixteenth birthday and secretly plans a surprise party.[111]
One week later on Lavi's birthday, Nayuta and Mikage struggle through cleaning the house and preparing a celebration. Their efforts are interrupted when Lavi returns early for lunch, scolds them for the mess, but leaves again at Nayuta's insistence.[111]
When Lavi returns that evening, the handmade kusudama falls onto the cake and catches fire. Lavi extinguishes it with water, and Nayuta is left mortified as her surprise party fails spectacularly.[111]
Over the following days, Nayuta senses lingering coldness from Lavi and struggles to find the right way to apologize. Remembering her father's example, she decides to catch and cook a fish as an apology gift.[111]
That same day at a fishing center, Nayuta encounters girls from the Tokime clan who teach her how to gut fish. Despite being disturbed by the process, she perseveres and eventually catches the exact fish she wanted.[111]
Returning home late, Nayuta discovers a threatening letter addressed to Lavi and deduces it must be connected to the serious trouble from Lavi's hometown. She rushes to the market street with Mikage to protect her.[111]
At the market street, Nayuta confronts the man speaking with Lavi, declaring herself as Satomi Tasuke's daughter to intimidate him. The man reveals he is simply a stalker with no connection to Lavi's past, and when he becomes agitated, Nayuta tackles him unconscious as a crowd applauds.[111]
That night, Nayuta presents the cooked fish and apologizes. Lavi admits she was barely angry anymore and thanks Nayuta for protecting her, acknowledging she was just like her father in that moment. Nayuta produces a second kusudama and cake, and this time the celebration succeeds. As they pick confetti from the cake, Lavi quietly says she will continue to admire Nayuta until the final day.[111]
The Witches' Paradox Extermination Battle
Yachiyo and the others gather as Iroha explains that multiple Witches have suddenly appeared in Chuo Ward, emerging from Endless Mirrors. Touka warns that the mirrors may connect not only to distant lands but to the past and parallel worlds, potentially causing paradoxes if they defeat Witches from other timelines. As they discuss how to proceed, Iroha receives a call from Madoka, who reveals she and her friends are already in Chuo Ward and just fought a Witch that escaped them in Mitakihara months ago—complete with Madoka's arrow still embedded and her magic still present. Touka deduces that offshoot Mirrors must connect past Mitakihara to present Chuo Ward and assigns roles: she and Nemu will research paradox prevention, Iroha will contact Kyubey for information, Mifuyu and the Amane sisters will destroy the connecting mirrors, and all available Magical Girls will defeat the invading Witches while avoiding use of their Grief Seeds.[112]
Mifuyu and the Amane sisters destroy the mirror connected to Chuo Ward while Madoka's team continues fighting Witches, struggling with not being able to use the Seeds they collect. After multiple battles, the group learns that a Kissed person has stolen a tanker truck to create poison gas. Iroha realizes the restricted area where Puella Care is based matches the conditions for such an attack. They arrive to find Livia's team already containing the Kissed crowd, and Madoka's group defeats the Witch while Iroha secures the scene.[112]
After the battle, Madoka's team has defeated seven Witches total. Madoka suddenly remembers that this number matches the seven Grief Seeds that a version of Sayaka gave her in the past—a memory only she retains. She realizes that future Sayaka traveled back through the mirrors to deliver those Seeds and balance the numbers. Sayaka must now make that journey herself, despite her exhaustion. She successfully travels through the mirrors, completes her mission, and returns.[112]
When Mifuyu destroys the mirror connecting to Mitakihara, a leaf stuck to Sayaka's uniform from hiding during her past encounter instantly vanishes. Touka later theorizes to Iroha that this demonstrates a corrective function in the universe—that paradoxes are gradually healed, possibly by the Mirror Witch herself. She suggests breaking responsible mirrors should nullify such phenomena. When Iroha asks about the waking dream she and Madoka shared of these events, Touka explains that voided events become dreams instead, leaving them with memories of things that both happened and never happened at all.[112]
Mifuyu senses a magical transfer and realizes a terminal mirror is still hidden, allowing witches to potentially move into Kamihama. She sends the Amane sisters to report to Touka while she searches for the mirror.[113]
Touka confirms that witch reactions have appeared across the city, likely due to the Endless Mirrors connecting past, future, and parallel worlds to the present. This could lead to paradoxes that might destroy their world.[113]
Breaking the mirror should undo the events, but Sana warns that memories of pain and death would remain. Yachiyo splits the group: the Amanes and Mifuyu will destroy the mirror while Team Mikazuki Villa exterminates the invading witches until then. Tsuruno suggests informing all Kamihama magical girls, and they move out. Soon, they're able to break the mirrors responsible and thwart the threat.[113]
The Legendary Story of the Paper Mulberry Leaf
Yachiyo bumps into Tsuruno on a day when school is out. Yachiyo has a job performing in a recorded drama with Sayuki that will be screened on Tanabata. Tsuruno recalls Yachiyo's poor performance in Karin's Halloween play and decides to join her to help. Yachiyo welcomes her.[114]
On set, Ria and Mayu are assisting with makeup and costumes. Yachiyo recognizes Ria, calls her by name, and praises her work, causing Ria to internally fangirl. Yachiyo grows anxious seeing so many Magical Girls gathered, recalling how a previous production with magical girls turned into a disaster. Tsuruno reassures her.[114]
Tsuruno wins over the production team with her exuberance. The play's co-star drops out, and the director asks Tsuruno to take the role. She eagerly accepts.[114]
The play is a fairy tale about an ancient Mizuna legend. Two girls, Tsuyu and Chizuru, befriend each other despite their families' rivalry and join forces to punish a selfish lord. Yachiyo plays Tsuyu, the ice queen with a heart of gold. Tsuruno plays Chizuru, the cheerful and impetuous girl. Sayuki plays the Magpie.[114]
During the script reading, everyone realizes Yachiyo's acting skills are still terrible. Yachiyo confides that she has turned down many acting jobs but accepted this one because the director begged her, even if she flops. She vows to see it through to expand her repertoire. Tsuruno promises to stay by her side.[114]
Ria is in shock seeing her idol perform poorly. The filmmakers work around it by taking away Yachiyo's lines. Ria confronts Yachiyo and Tsuruno after the reading, declaring she will give Yachiyo an acting bootcamp. She does not want Yachiyo's performance to drag down her makeup work or her reputation as Yachiyo's rival. Yachiyo accepts.[114]
The next day at home, Yachiyo reviews the script. Tsuruno explains the Mizuna fairy tale to the rest of Mikazuki. Felicia becomes interested when she learns there are fight scenes. Tsuruno explains that the day Tsuyu and Chizuru teamed up was Tanabata, and people in Kamihama entrust their wishes to them.[114]
Over the next week or so, Yachiyo is drilled on acting with a professional coach and Ria's guidance. She eventually executes her lines perfectly and Ria is relieved.[114]
The girls take a lunch break, courtesy of Manaka and Tsumugi. Yachiyo asks Ria about a scene where Tsuyu and Chizuru hold hands after their fight. Yachiyo cannot understand Tsuyu's change of heart. Ria refuses to answer, saying that would defeat the purpose of acting.[114]
The next day, after a good rehearsal, Yachiyo continues asking others for advice, gradually improving but not understanding the role herself. Gossip spreads about Yachiyo working closely with others. Ria bristles at the talk.[114]
At the end of the day, Yachiyo returns to Ria to discuss the scene again. Ria flashes back to idolizing Yachiyo as a child. Seeing Yachiyo lost, nervous, and unsure is straining Ria's understanding of her. Ria finally screams that Yachiyo is not the real Yachiyo and runs off. Mayu realizes Ria's idealized image of Yachiyo has been shattered. Mayu and Sayuki go after her.[114]
Tsuruno tells Yachiyo that understanding why Ria freaked out is a question she must answer for herself, just like she needs to understand Tsuyu. Yachiyo realizes she has deferred too much of her responsibilities onto others.[114]
The following day, Yachiyo texts Ria, but Ria leaves her on read. Yachiyo researches Tsuyu but finds little information. She cannot crack Tsuyu's motivations. Mayu drops by with refreshments. Mayu suggests visiting a special exhibition at the art museum featuring historical artifacts about Tsuyu and Chizuru.[114]
At the museum, Mayu shows Yachiyo artifacts, including a quote from Tsuyu about wanting to be someone worthy of admiration. Yachiyo touches a seashell and realizes it contains magic, suggesting Tsuyu was a Magical Girl. Yachiyo connects the dots: Tsuyu's struggles are the same as her own.[114]
On the next day, Yachiyo goes to where Tsuruno and Sayuki are filming. She wants to learn how Tsuruno interprets Chizuru. Tsuruno sees Chizuru as someone who aspires to be equals with Tsuyu but holds deep admiration for her. Yachiyo realizes she needs to be worthy of Chizuru's devotion. Tsuruno says Yachiyo and Tsuyu are alike, especially in how dense they can be.[114]
Yachiyo flashes back to her interactions with Ria and realizes how her humility made her look incompetent. She now knows both she and Tsuyu want to live with dignity for those who support them. Yachiyo's magic activates, and she inherits Tsuyu's hope. Her outfit transforms into Tsuyu's. Yachiyo texts Ria, imploring her to come see the final scene.[114]
Mayu's phone is blowing up with texts from Ria, who is passively-aggressively demanding updates. Ria announces she is going to the shoot tomorrow, claiming it is only for makeup duty.[114]
The next day, everyone, including Ria, is on set. Yachiyo and Tsuruno's sword fight performance stuns the onlookers. Ria is choked up. When Sayuki catches her crying, Ria insists she is not a fan but a rival.[114]
Some time after Tanabata, the drama becomes available online. The other girls of Mikazuki Villa love it and even want to rewatch it. Yachiyo is inundated with offers for commercials and acting roles. In Mizuna, Ria tirelessly researches all of Yachiyo's latest appearances, insisting it is for research. Yachiyo is restored to her proper place as Ria's hero and arch-rival.[114]
The Call of the Open Sea
On a Saturday, Momoko and Mitama arrive at a resort near a village with a legend about a Diviner who eloped with a sailor and sank with stolen treasure. Mitama reveals they are actually there to hunt for this treasure based on a fairy tale Mikage heard. While exploring the private beach, they encounter Shizuka, Chiharu, and Sunao from the Tokime Clan, who stumbled there by accident. The group decides to spend the day together.[115]
That evening, they attend a festival in a nearby village that turns out to be a branch of the Tokime Clan. Shizuka learns the villagers consider Diviners a superstition. Mitama asks the village elder about the treasure legend, and he tells a different version where the sailor tricked the Diviner and both were punished by the gods. He warns them against searching due to dangerous currents, but Mitama arranges a boat anyway. At the festival, they meet a village girl named Miyo, who is upset because the village forbids romance with outsiders until coming of age. She is in love with an outsider named Yuta and wants the custom changed.[115]
The next day, Momoko decides to help Miyo, but the elder overhears and orders them to leave. Miyo's father agrees to take them by boat to the area near the legend. During their investigation, Yuta explains his theory that a foreign trade ship sank in the same area as the Diviner's boat, which may explain the treasure element. The group splits up to investigate a hill shrine and a stone monument. At the shrine, they dig up a seashell bangle that emits a voice saying, "I'll be waiting for you..." At the monument, Momoko touches it and experiences the Diviner's memories: her wish for courage to confess, her elopement, the shipwreck, her survival, and her decades of waiting while casting objects into the sea. The memories show the Diviner eventually became a Witch.[115]
Momoko becomes trapped in the memories, her psyche overwhelmed, and her Soul Gem begins darkening. That night, she wanders toward the beach under the Diviner's influence. Using the bangle, Mitama experiences more memories and realizes the Diviner's final wish was that no one else would suffer her tragedy. They find Momoko trying to walk into the sea. Mitama realizes they must take her to where the ship sank.[115]
They borrow a boat and head into dangerous waters. A Witch appears and conjures a storm. While the Tokime girls engage it, Momoko jumps overboard and Mitama jumps in after her. Underwater, Mitama uses her Coordinator powers to adjust them both, allowing them to breathe and swim freely. They find the sunken trade ship and discover a jade bracelet, the last object the Diviner cast into the sea. Momoko experiences a final vision of the Diviner and sailor reuniting and returns to her senses just as they escape the collapsing ship.[115]
On Monday, Momoko meets with Miyo and explains everything: the Diviner survived, waited in vain, and her final wish was that no one else suffer the same tragedy. Shizuka confirms the elder has agreed to reconsider the custom. Moved by their efforts, Miyo decides to confess to Yuta. Though nervous and clumsy, she finally tells him she likes him.[115]
Later on the beach, Momoko thanks Mitama for saving her. She reflects that she empathized with the Diviner because their wishes were the same: both became Magical Girls to gain the courage to confess their feelings. Momoko admits she has struggled with love herself and wanted things to work out for someone. Mitama teases her, asking her to finish anything she leaves undone, and Momoko promises she will.[115]
Nacht Märchen
Madoka, Sayaka, and Homura arrive at an old beach house for vacation, where an elderly owner greets them and teases Sayaka about Kyosuke. Inside, they find an old toy robot that has been left there for generations.[116]
At the beach, they meet their friends from Kamihama, and Kako tells them about a local legend: if you hear the voice of the waves with someone, you will stay friends forever. They discuss leaving a message in a bottle at the lighthouse but learn people now bury time capsules instead.[116]
The first night, Homura wakes to find Sayaka outside. The toy robot is moving on its own. They chase it toward the ocean until a kitten's meow stops it, then it runs back to the villa.[116]
In the morning, Madoka is upset they did not wake her. After breakfast, they trick the robot into moving again and chase it, running into the IMF team. They realize the robot understands them. After arguing over names, Sayaka calls it Ponta, which the robot likes.[116]
They follow Ponta everywhere. It stands on a rock looking toward the ocean. Madoka's team decides to help it search again tomorrow.[116]
That night, Sayaka finds the kitten inside. The janitor plans to adopt it. Felicia messages that she saw a sleepy-looking ghost near the station that resembled Kako.[116]
On the third morning, Mami and Nagisa arrive. Kyoko got the date wrong. Mami suggests Sayaka stay while Madoka and Homura handle patrols.[116]
Later, Ponta searches the beach. Children notice it, so Sayaka distracts them. The kitten scares Ponta, and Sayaka follows it to the lighthouse, realizing Ponta wants to go home.[116]
That night, Sayaka wakes to Ponta leaving again. At the lighthouse, she senses strange magic nearby. Kush Irina appears, erasing a barrier. Sayaka explains about Ponta and the legend, and Kush mentions an adjuster named Livia who could help.[116]
At Puella Care, Livia examines Ponta. She suspects a magical girl enchanted it decades ago to find the voice of the waves and deliver something. The magic will fade in a few days.[116]
The next morning, Livia found memories inside Ponta: two girls named Ecchan and Misa searching for the voice of the waves, calling it the Legend of BFFs. Misa was a magical girl who had someone cast a spell on the doll.[116]
Kako calls with information: a centuries-old legend connects the mulberry leaf and voice of the waves to two girls who met by the Call of the Sea and defeated an evil lord together.[116]
The villa owner overhears and mentions going with a friend to find the voice when she was young. She sings a song Livia mentioned. Sayaka asks if she went by Ecchan. The owner confirms her name is Etsuko but cannot remember her friend at all, not her face or name. The magical girl Misa has been erased from her memory.[116]
The Sea is a Link Through Time
The ocean, timeless origin of life, feels all events upon its waters and may know how three separate occurrences are connected: Yachiyo being shown a seashell that belonged to Tsuyu Mizuna, Momoko wanting to learn a girl's true memories despite Mitama's warning, and Sayaka hearing a gentle voice from the sea.[117]
These events stem from a distant past the ocean would remember. It began with a Diviner tormented by love for a sailor she could not have due to her position. She placed her feelings into a seashell and cast it into the sea, praying it would reach him and help her overcome her fate.[117]
The shell drifted through countless days and nights, carrying her words about transcending birth and duty, until it eventually connected two girls from Kamihama's past: Tsuyu Mizuna and another named Chizuru.[117]
Tsuyu came to an area searching for demons responsible for the bad harvest and found Chizuru, who revealed herself as the Shamaness of the East who had crossed the barrier. Though Tsuyu proposed they join forces as fellow Diviners, Chizuru harbored the same contempt for those from the castle side as her people did.[117]
However, Chizuru had found the enchanted seashell and heard the voice within it. The voice spoke of love between people from different places that could never be accepted, yet expressed no resentment and wished to change the village so everyone could live freely, ending with a plea to be remembered. Though the story had nothing to do with them, neither girl could treat it as someone else's affair.[117]
Through one girl's tragic love, Tsuyu and Chizuru lowered their weapons and shared a small smile. This event in Kamihama occurred long before the East and West would unite, around what is now August but was then the seventh month, coincidentally close to Tanabata.[117]
Please Yuna-san
At Promised Blood's base, Yuna notices her teammates have been acting strangely, as Sakuya reads romance columns, Juri studies constantly, and Urara stares at Hikaru without speaking. After the meeting, Yuna confides in Hikaru that she feels guilty for not noticing everyone's exhaustion and decides to solve each person's problems personally.[118]
The next day, Yuna and Hikaru meet Urara at a café to discuss Sakuya. Urara reveals that Sakuya has been consuming romance media and even writes to advice columns. When confronted, Sakuya admits she's been researching romance not for herself but to help a kouhai who wants to confess to a childhood friend. Though relieved it's not her own love life, Yuna insists on helping anyway.[118]
Back at Yuna's place, the group brainstorms confession advice. The conversation shifts when Ao receives a text from her parents—she's been lying to them about her late nights as a magical girl, claiming she's in an e-sports tournament. To sell the lie, she needs a full team. Ranka recruits Rena Minami and Kaede Akino through voice chat, while Yuna, Hikaru, and Juri fill out the roster.[118]
During the online tournament, chaos ensues as Juri attacks teammates, Hikaru sets the kitchen on fire, and Yuna fails at selling merchandise. Despite this, Team Buddy Sisters wins a special prize for most interesting play. Ao's parents are convinced by the photo, and the other teams—including Mitama and Momoko's group—also celebrate their placements.[118]
At the next meeting, Juri's distraction becomes the focus. She's desperately studying for an exam, facing expulsion if she fails. With only one day left, Yuna and Sakuya drill her on core subjects while Ao and Ranka serve as stress-relief punching bags. After a grueling session, Juri panics upon discovering seven book reports due that morning. The team scrambles to write synopses, Yuna stays awake to compile them, and Juri frantically copies everything before dawn.[118]
Juri barely makes it to school on time and passes her exam. Her teacher sees through the copied reports but lets it slide, impressed by Juri's dedication and the friends who helped her. She returns the reports for Juri to rewrite properly.[118]
Back at Yuna's, the team turns to Urara, who confesses she's been holding onto Hikaru's handbook filled with photos of Yuna, embarrassed to return it. Everyone accepts this as normal Hikaru behavior, leaving Yuna as the last unsolved problem. Yuna admits she's been neglecting student council duties and fears the other students' suspicions. Hikaru encourages her to ask for help rather than avoid the issue.[118]
At the student council meeting, Yuna honestly requests more time to handle personal matters, promising to dedicate herself fully afterward. The council members, who respect her leadership, agree to support her.[118]
The next day, Hikaru arrives with a new ice cream flavor for Yuna, explaining that her problem was simply choosing which flavor to buy—her head is always full of thoughts about Yuna. One by one, the others arrive, each bearing ice cream as thanks or prizes. Surrounded by a mountain of desserts, Yuna laughs at how her attempt to help everyone led to them all helping each other instead. Juri declares their new battle is against the melting ice cream, and Yuna suggests inviting the other magical girls to join the feast.[118]
Seven-Coloured Summer Pattern
Kagome organizes her notes during the long break, reflecting on all the interviews she has conducted. Her notes cover battles and conflicts, but also everyday moments: cooking incidents, school festivals, and time spent with friends. She decides to summarize stories about everyday life rather than battles, beginning with summer memories shared by various Magical Girls.[119]
Kuroe spends summer helping at a beach shack, gradually opening up to Iroha and her friends. When Iroha falls into deep water, Kuroe jumps in to save her despite not being a strong swimmer, realizing she may have grown a little closer to the person she admires. Promised Blood's attempt to reach a vacation home becomes a series of mishaps involving closed roads and hornets, but they eventually reunite with the others and enjoy playing in the water together. Hazuki gets dragged into a cosplay event after a classmate spots her transformed state, spending the entire day avoiding Ayame, who also secretly attends, until Konoha helps them both escape undetected.[119]
Kako experiences an endless summer when she and her friends fall under a Witch's spell that traps them in a repeating August. Thanks to a wind chime Nanaka gave her, Kako alone regains awareness and, with Nanaka's help, breaks the barrier by infusing a shrine bell with their magical power. Shigure finds new purpose in the game world of Little Vacation, deciding to stop searching the sky for signs from the creators and instead focus on making their own world better. She later goes camping with Himena and Miyuri to film shooting stars, receiving mysterious help from the digital world.[119]
Kokoro and Masara join a beach kickball tournament, helping a kouhai's team reach the finals through intense training. Following their coach's risky strategy, they secure victory, which leads to the coach receiving an offer to join a new professional women's team. Mayu solves the mystery of Ria's injury during a seaside school event, deducing that an unfortunate chain of coincidences involving a watermelon, a broken bench, and startled friends caused the accident. Reira, Mito, and Seika organize a flowing somen event for three friends facing separation, successfully adapting when their original plan fails and creating lasting memories.[119]
Madoka and her friends play a water gun territory game during a resort trip, each secretly aiming for specific prizes. After their confessions come out during a break, they compete fairly, only to discover everyone bought the same sagari mascot plushie. Riko searches for a perfectly round piece of sea glass to cheer up Ashley, who had looked sad after watching her father's film about beachcombing. With Akari's help, she succeeds, and Ashley is deeply moved by the gift. Mel's fortunes start coming true after a delay when her band fails an audition but old predictions prove correct, and a judge encourages them to try again.[119]
Mitama enters a creative cooking contest, causing Rena to panic and organize intervention. Despite efforts to swap ingredients and support Kanagi, Mitama's strange but edible dish wins first place thanks to Meguru's commentary magic. The Tokime Clan argues over whether ayu rice or salt-grilled ayu should be promoted, but the dispute ends when Chika discovers the ayu are a subspecies thought to be extinct, attracting tourists. Emiri and her friends struggle through various diet attempts after a defective scale shows they gained weight, eventually learning the truth and giving premium ice cream to Himika's younger siblings.[119]
Nayuta plans a picnic to prove her independence after Lavi announces she will leave. She prepares bento using advice from an online cooking circle where "Tabi" has been helping her. When they encounter a hostage situation, Nayuta persuades the criminal to surrender. Lavi later learns the departure was a miscommunication and can stay. Nayuta throws a farewell party with cheesecake made using "Tabi's" recipe, unaware that Lavi is her online helper. Hinano experiences an urban legend during a sketching contest at a sunflower maze, playing traditional games with children she later learns were from an after-school care program who thought she was a kind fairy.[119]
Kagome finishes reading through the summer stories and feels envious, realizing she has no childhood friends to play with. Aru reassures her that her research and interactions with so many people prove she has grown. After receiving messages from various Magical Girls inviting her to hang out, Kagome realizes she has been using interviews as an excuse, building a wall between herself and others. Summoning courage, she calls Iroha and asks if they can go to Mitama's festival together, to have fun with everyone. Her own summer vacation finally begins.[119]
Battle Museum
The placement of this event is done based on the release order of the first part of the event, which concerns Yozuru Sasame. As most of the other parts can't logically take place during their release order, all of them are grouped within this section.
Yozuru Sasame:
A rumor spreads among the Magical Girls of Kamihama City about Nemu's book. The Uwasa are said to still exist inside the book, though they lack the magic to affect the outside world. A new rumor claims that if you visit the Memory Museum inside the book, you can get back to your roots as a Magical Girl.[120]
At Crescent House, Yachiyo confirms she has heard the rumor. Ui reveals the Memory Museum is real and the Uwasa truly do still exist inside Nemu's book.[120]
At the Puella Care trailer, Livia confirms that by syncing their Soul Gem with Hiiragi Nemu, a Magical Girl can enter the Memory Museum. She warns there is risk involved, as forgotten memories are not necessarily happy ones. She agrees to help those who wish to enter.[120]
Yozuru enters the Memory Museum to see for herself if it can help Magical Girls become stronger by returning to their roots. What she sees is painful: her former self, snarling and full of anger, shortly after her mother died.[120]
In the memory, a Magical Girl confronts Yozuru about her selfishness, accusing her of never giving thanks and always causing problems. Yozuru acknowledges she is weak but refuses to be chained down, recalling her mother's words that being deprived of freedom is the greatest misfortune. She dissolves the team.[120]
Livia appears, having heard about a weak Magical Girl with a terrible personality. She offers to recruit Yozuru as an apprentice. Yozuru refuses and leaves.[120]
That night, Yozuru stumbles into a Witch's barrier while her legs are still paralyzed from Livia's adjustment. Unable to fight, she reflects on her weakness and realizes Livia saw through her completely. As she is about to die, Livia arrives with other Magical Girls to save her, demonstrating that friendship is a Coordinator's power.[120]
Afterward, Yozuru admits her problem was not that she could not fight, but that she did not know what it meant to live strongly. Livia explains that if you cannot fight, you must figure out the best way to survive. Yozuru realizes Livia's words echo what her mother tried to teach her, but this time she is ready to accept them. She agrees to become Livia's apprentice.[120]
Sudachi Sawa:
Livia tells Sudachi that if she recalls her original resolution at the Memory Museum, she can grow as both a Magical Girl and an adjuster. Inside the book, Sudachi remembers herself right after the incident where a gunman broke into her classroom. Her classmates offered her as a sacrifice, but her wish caused everyone else to die. Afterward, she became afraid to choose anything.[121]
In the memory, Sudachi is fighting Witches because she was told it is a Magical Girl's mission. She is too weak to win and secretly hopes to die to atone. A pink Magical Girl recognizes her from the news and asks what she wished for. Sudachi runs away.[121]
Later, Sudachi is on the verge of being killed by a Witch when Livia and her allies save her. Livia brings her to the trailer and explains she is a traveling adjuster. She recognizes Sudachi from the news and reveals that adjusters can sense when a Magical Girl wished for a curse. Livia herself made such a wish.[121]
Livia confronts Sudachi about avoiding choices, explaining that not choosing is itself a choice. She argues that dying to atone helps no one, but living to save other Magical Girls might balance the scales. She offers Sudachi a little whiteboard to communicate and asks if she wants to become an adjuster. Sudachi agrees.[121]
Livia visits Sudachi's mother and arranges for Sudachi to live in the trailer for training. There, Sudachi meets Yozuru, Livia's other apprentice. To Livia's surprise, Yozuru can understand Sudachi through telepathy while Livia cannot. Sudachi decides to live and atone by saving others, making this her true start.[121]
Kanagi Izumi:
Kanagi gathers Magical Girls from the East at Mitama's shop and announces she is stepping down as the Union's Eastern leader. The girls are shocked and demand an explanation. Kanagi explains that she sided with the Neo-Magius and tried to destroy Kamihama, and while they forgave her, she was never voted into leadership. She wants to pass the mantle to the next generation.[122]
Mitama asks how Kanagi became leader in the first place. Kanagi agrees to share what she saw at the Memory Museum.[122]
In the memory, a newly contracted Kanagi discovers the West hates the East for no reason. She finds comfort in protecting her side of town. However, she also discovers that Eastern Magical Girls fight each other over territory instead of uniting. She tries to convince them to cooperate but is repeatedly rejected.[122]
The turning point comes when Eastern Magical Girls severely wound a Western girl. Yachiyo and Mifuyu arrive to negotiate. When no one steps forward to represent the East, Kanagi declares she will become their leader. Despite her inexperience, she negotiates with Yachiyo and agrees to discuss terms later.[122]
As leader, Kanagi faces harassment from veteran girls who provoke the West. She abandons diplomacy and uses force to dominate, leaving no room for the West to take advantage. She becomes recognized as the leader, but the Eastern girls feel she is overprotective and meddling. Kanagi accepts this, believing she can still keep them safe even if they do not understand her.[122]
Back in the present, the girls are moved by her story but unanimously point at her when asked who should succeed her. They argue she is not scary, just awkward, and that she is doing her best to change. Kanagi agrees to keep her position for now, noting that someday the next generation will have to take over.[122]
Ren Isuzu:
At the Memory Museum, Ren sees a nostalgic sight: her first attempt to end her life. As she fell from a height, she felt fear and made her wish: "I don't want to die." After becoming a Magical Girl, she learned that Witches cause people to hurt each other. She resolved to defeat all Witches and create a kind world. But she soon realized eliminating Witches would not remove malice from people's hearts, and she despaired, attempting suicide a second time. Rika saved her.[123]
In the present, Ren's class is assigned a career survey. She realizes she has never had a dream to follow. She recalls her ideal of defeating all Witches but knows it never came to pass. She still wants to live, thanks to Rika, but is unsure of her future.[123]
Later, Ren visits Emiri's Counseling Room and laughs with her friends. She reflects that she now has cherished friends and a place she belongs, all reasons to live. But she still wonders why she wanted to live back when she had nothing.[123]
At home, Ren sees a news report about rising suicide rates among students. She realizes that if she had succeeded, she would be just another statistic. She wonders if that thought is arrogant.[123]
That night, unable to sleep, Ren calls Rika just to hear her voice. Rika keeps her company until she falls asleep. In a dream, Ren sees a world where she died and nothing changed, but she also sees kindness she had not noticed before.[123]
She wakes understanding that Rika taught her kindness, which allowed her to see kindness from others. When she wished not to die, she was hoping the world was not as cold as she knew it. She just wanted a simple, gentle ordinary life. Now she wants to share that kindness with others who are in despair. She tells Rika her future path: to help people who feel pain over being alive. Rika supports her.[123]
Nanaka Tokiwa:
At the Memory Museum, Nanaka recalls her encounter with Kyubey and how becoming a Magical Girl altered her destiny. The Kashin-style school of flower arrangement, preserved by her family for generations, was usurped by senior disciples after her father fell ill. Her bedridden father drilled into her: "Take back the school."[124]
In the memory, Nanaka summons Sasao, the most diligent of her father's disciples, who nevertheless joined the betrayal. Nanaka reveals she now possesses power from her contract and has confirmed her physical abilities surpass human limits. She asks Sasao why she betrayed the family.[124]
Sasao explains that Tanito, the most senior disciple, led the betrayal. Many opposed him at first, but one by one they switched sides until Sasao was isolated. Tanito made threats, and Sasao eventually gave in out of fear. Nanaka thanks her and resolves to confront Tanito.[124]
Nanaka confronts Tanito but finds him unresponsive, barely capable of conversation. She suspects he is under a Witch's Kiss and that the true enemy is the Witch behind him. However, this assumption proves flawed. It took time and many allies to uncover that the real culprit was hiding behind the Witch.[124]
Nanaka also realizes Kyubey is her enemy. That moment marked the true beginning of her revenge.[124]
Later, Nanaka gathers Akira, Kako, and Meiyui in a hotel room. She asks for their help with an acquaintance in trouble. Meiyui suspects it involves Nanaka's lucrative but shady side business. Nanaka insists it is a respectable act of helping someone in need and asks them to act with compassion. They agree to help.[124]
San Kagura Wants to Be Honest
One day at a campground in Kamihama City, San announces a two-day, one-night military-style boot camp to strengthen Neo-Magius unity, immediately opening fire on the leaders for their lax attitudes. Despite Himena's protests, San runs them through intense mock battles and formation drills. During a break, San answers her phone in a noticeably cutesy voice, speaking to her youth group—Himena, Shigure, and Hagumu overhear and are delighted by the gap between Instructor San and Youth Group San, much to San's mortification. Training resumes with increased intensity through the day. That night, Alexandra and Mitsune find San alone and ask for self-training recommendations. Impressed by her kindness, they thank her, and San decides to apologize tomorrow for her earlier embarrassment-driven harshness.[125]
The next morning, San tries to apologize but cannot get the words out due to embarrassment. Himena teases her about her phone voice, so San abandons the apology and orders a mock battle where she easily defeats all three at once. Later, alone at a restaurant, San struggles with her feelings until Mitsune and Alexandra find her and reassure her it is okay to be cool, strict, kind, and childish all at once. Suddenly, Himena sends a group message challenging San to compete, with Shigure and Hagumu seemingly quitting. San fires up and leaves to teach them one more lesson.[125]
That evening, everyone gathers at Miyuri's campground. Himena sets the rules for a mock battle: if San wins, she can ask one thing. The group coordinates attacks and uses underhanded tactics, showing their growth. After San breaks their glass balls, Himena reveals their real goal: they knew San had something to say since yesterday, so they started this fight so she could say it afterward. San finally apologizes for taking out her embarrassment on them. Himena apologizes too and admits she likes San being a cute little sister type. San offers to treat everyone at the convenience store as a reward. As they eat, everyone thanks her, and San promises to treat them again after the next boot camp. Himena then asks when the next youth group meeting is, wanting to see the kids San acts cute around—San blushes as everyone gets curious.[125]
Miyuri Yukari on Practice!
One day, Miyuri nervously calls Rui for advice about an upcoming doujin convention, admitting she gets anxious on the phone. Rui happily agrees to accompany her, excited that someone younger is relying on her. When Miyuri mentions her favorite cosplayer Biinasu will be there and launches into detailed appreciation of her legs, Rui gently advises her to be mindful in public.[126]
Later at the Neo-Magius storeroom, Himena notices Miyuri's convention checklist. When Miyuri enthusiastically explains she buys works featuring legs, Himena teases her about her about it. Miyuri proudly admits it and begins commenting on everyone's legs, recommending Shigure wear a garter belt and high socks. Shigure, frozen in fear, calls her gross. Miyuri notices San has arrived, realizes she went too far, and runs out crying.[126]
Miyuri calls Rui in despair, saying her life is over because everyone discovered her preference. Rui awkwardly suggests training to get stronger. Miyuri latches onto this idea and embarks on increasingly desperate training methods: attending an idol concert to view legs, avoiding looking at legs entirely, attempting waterfall training, and climbing a mountain alone where she gets lost. Throughout, she has flashbacks to her childhood, watching a girl skate and feeling fascinated by her legs in motion.[126]
As evening falls, Hagumu and Shigure find her. When Shigure briefly leaves, Miyuri assumes she is being avoided and runs away again, deciding she must stop liking legs, toss her books, and apologize. Rui receives a call where Miyuri says she is giving up everything and this may be the last time they speak. Rui fears she might be planning something worse.[126]
The next day, Miyuri visits Mitsune in the hospital to apologize for not investigating the convention as requested, then stands outside ready to toss her books. Rui uses her eye to check Miyuri's fate and, sensing something wrong, finds her at Satomi Medical Center. She explains that throwing away what you love leads to regret and offers to help Miyuri learn self-control instead.[126]
They go to a shopping district to identify what triggers Miyuri. There they encounter Nemu and Sakurako. Miyuri telepathically asks Nemu not to reveal anything about magical girls. When Nemu notices Miyuri looks pale and asks what is wrong, Miyuri explains her struggle. Through conversation, Miyuri rediscovers her childhood memory: watching a girl skate, fascinated by her legs in motion. This was the origin of her obsession, born from her own identity as an athlete who valued legs.[126]
Nemu explains that childhood passions shape who we are. Rui shares her own experience of regretting throwing away her work and believes Miyuri's friends will accept her. Miyuri realizes her leg preference stems from her identity as an athlete and decides she can be proud of it while keeping it appropriate. She thanks everyone and returns to Neo-Magius.[126]
Miyuri apologizes for ignoring everyone. Shigure apologizes for calling her gross and reveals she transferred Miyuri's checklist onto a detailed spreadsheet and bought the garter belt and high socks Miyuri wanted to see her wear. Miyuri explains she discovered her preference started with inline skating and will restrain herself but not stop loving what she loves. Himena says they all love Miyuri as she is and welcomes her back. When Miyuri immediately dives for San's legs, San tells her to restrain herself and suggests Shigure put on the outfit first. Miyuri eagerly agrees as Shigure panics. Himena notes Miyuri has not really changed, and Miyuri declares next she will have Himena wear fishnet tights, giggling like a madwoman.[126]
The Inheritors of Our Souls
Kagome wakes in the hospital and learns she is being discharged today. A pencil mascot of Aru speaks to her for the first time, explaining she wants to investigate Jeanne d'Arc together.[127]
Kagome meets Torte inside her own mind. She introduces herself as a girl from 15th-century France who entered Kagome's consciousness through a place called the Ark of Feelings. She wants to learn how Jeanne d'Arc is remembered in the future. Kagome goes to the library but finds no books about Jeanne d'Arc. She visits Crescent House to greet the members of Mikazuki and while Iroha, Yachiyo and Ui remember Jeanne's name, Felicia and the others do not. The sky suddenly turns pitch black, a purple moon appears, and even the network goes down. Kagome is pulled into the Ark of Feelings.[127]
In the Ark, Kagome meets with Torte, Pernelle, Nicholas, many of Darc's allies and even Darc herself. After facing the still-Magical Girl version of Isabeau, made possible through an offshoot Mirror Witch Labyrinth that connected to Isabeau around 1400. Torte makes a contract with Cube to preserve Darc's legacy. A new pen appears, which she delivers to Kagome’s past self through a dream. She destroys the mirror, ending the time paradox, but sends the pen to Kagome through her wish.[127]
Returning to the present day, Kagome wakes in the hospital again. The nurse tells her she is being discharged today. She has no memory of the journey. She goes to the library and researching Jeanne d'Arc, she reads that after Jeanne's death, France indeed won victory after victory against England.[127]
On July 7, 1456, the Church declared Jeanne's heresy trial invalid.[127]
On May 6, 1920, Jeanne d'Arc was canonized as a saint.[127]
The Praguerie rebellion of 1440 was quickly suppressed when Dauphin Louis surrendered. He later became King Louis XI and named two daughters Jeanne in her honor.[127]
Kagome visits Crescent House and notices her interview records have increased. They contain names of Magical Girls she does not know: Pernelle, Melissa, Elisa, Liz, and Jeanne d'Arc. The handwriting is hers and her mechanical pencil has an Aru charm, which makes Kagome confused, as she has no memory of buying it. Kagome reads the records alone, which tell the story of her journey. She cannot fully believe it, but she feels the feelings written there are real. Sana suggests she give her collection of Magical Girl interviews a name, and Kagome decides to name it Magia Record.[127]
Joint Open Round-table Discussion
Kagome struggles to organize her research until Touka sends an AI program that creates constructs of the Magical Girls themselves to recount their story.[128]
The constructs appear and begin sharing their history in eleven chapters:
Various groups arrive in Kamihama searching for the Automatic Purification System as the Kimochi emerge from Eve's remains, starting a race to collect eight gems. The factions first clash at the container port, marking the beginning of violent conflict between them.[128]
The race intensifies as Promised Blood kidnaps Ui, the Neo-Magius plan fails, and the Tokime Clan allies with the Union. The Endless Mirrors are discovered to enable teleportation. The Union plans to rescue Ui from Futatsugi City.[128]
Tensions escalate as Juri attacks Mikazuki Villa and Iroha offers surrender. Touka and Nemu offer their lives to atone for the Magius's sins. Ryo is accidentally killed by Ao, awakening the final Kimochi. With all eight gems gathered, the Kimochi selects twelve fighters for the war.[128]
Folklore of Zero reveals they were watching all along, bound to the Will of the Universe. The war intensifies between all factions. Kagome endures great pain to strengthen the Uwasa of the Wind Evangelist and continue reporting.[128]
The Tokime Clan dissolves their alliance. Neo-Magius exploits divisions between families. Shizuka's distrust of humanity grows after attacks and manipulation. The Mirror Witch's true nature becomes clearer.[128]
Felicia learns she was the Witch who killed her parents and disappears, but spirits summoned by Asahi help her find will to live again. Ikumi dies unable to bear the Kimochi's power. Iroha resolves to stop the conflict and save lives.[128]
The final battle against Promised Blood begins in Futatsugi. Iroha reaches Yuna, seeing her true desire for others to live on. Kagome is badly injured protecting Promised Blood girls.[128]
A brief peace follows, but Touka and Nemu leave to form the Digital Wings of Magius. Shizuka is attacked in Yukuni City, further darkening her heart. The Kimochi gems run wild and Ui realizes she must become the core.[128]
Neo-Magius recruits Shizuka, Mitama, Kanagi, and Ao. They make Kamihama unable to eat or drink through brainwashing. The mayor eventually reveals the truth, helping unite east and west. The Folklore of Zero abandons their plan to eliminate Magical Girls.[128]
The groups locate the Automatic Purification System but are trapped by Kyubey. Lavi falls into resignation again and decides to absorb all Magical Girls. Iroha stops her, and the Kimochi submit to Iroha's commands. Kagome makes her contract, expelling Kyubey and allowing Ui to become the core.[128]
The recollection ends. Touka and Nemu announce they will move all the AI constructs to a new world. Kagome realizes Touka used her data to run a simulation all along.[128]
Dark Color Halloween is the Color of Love!?
Approximately three weeks before Halloween, Mitama proposes a joint Halloween event to the Student Council representatives, Momoko and Kanagi, with themes of cross-team cooperation and anonymous interaction. The proposal passes the Council vote, and preparation groups mixing East and West members are formed. One group includes Sougetsu, Kanagi's brother, and Harumi, a high school student from Minagi.[129]
One week after preparations begin, Sougetsu and Harumi grow close after he walks her home, but a series of misunderstandings soon drives them apart. Sougetsu mistakenly believes his sister Kanagi is a romantic rival after seeing her talk with Harumi, while Harumi assumes Sougetsu likes Mitama after seeing them together.[129]
A few days later, their friends notice the distance and decide to observe before intervening. When Mitama and Kanagi attempt to create opportunities for them to work alone, their efforts backfire and deepen the misunderstandings.[129]
The day before venue setup, their friends orchestrate a direct push. During a candy run, Kanagi clarifies the misunderstanding with Sougetsu, while Harumi affirms her feelings to Mitama and Natsuki. Both decide to confess after the event.[129]
Two days before Halloween, Harumi's parents warn her that dating someone from the East while inheriting the family business will invite social hardship. Sougetsu's friends similarly caution him about the scrutiny Harumi will face. Both begin doubting whether they can pursue the relationship.[129]
The day before Halloween, venue setup proceeds but both are distracted. Sougetsu feels ashamed when Kanagi shields him from falling boxes, realizing he cannot protect Harumi alone. That evening, Mitama shares her own painful experience with the East-West conflict, warning Harumi of the weight such a relationship carries. Kanagi tells Sougetsu that bearing everything alone is arrogant.[129]
On Halloween Day, the Dark Halloween Party runs smoothly. After guests leave, Mitama arranges for Sougetsu and Harumi to meet alone in the Eternal Darkness Tour area. Sougetsu confesses, acknowledging the hardships ahead but expressing his desire to face them together. Harumi confesses in return, asking that they support each other side by side. Watching from a distance, Mitama reflects that they have taken a huge yet tiny first step.[129]
Mismatched!? Al-chan's Warning!
Kagome and Aru rescue a Magical Girl from a Witch, but after several successful hunts, they encounter a powerful Witch whose attacks they cannot land and are forced to retreat. That night, Kagome feels frustrated she could not finish the fight herself and goes to sleep early.[130]
Kagome wakes to find she can no longer understand Aru's speech. Mitama examines them but finds no abnormalities. Aru begins acting strangely, pulling up weeds and throwing them, then running off to visit multiple Magical Girls. At Manaka's store, she takes turnips and onions before escaping. At Hinano's chemistry club, she erases letters from the periodic table and causes an explosion. At Natsuki's location, she throws splitter balls at her. At Emiri's office, she collapses after scattering picture books.[130]
The Magical Girls gather and realize Aru's behavior was a message. The Witch from yesterday created offshoots to hide its true location, and Aru has been trying to warn them. When Emiri cannot reach Kagome by phone, Aru collapses again.[130]
They find Kagome alone, cornered by the original Witch. They explain the Witch used their magical reactions to hide its location, and Aru's rampage was an attempt to lead them to it. They defeat the familiars and pinpoint the Witch. Kagome experiences a memory transfer and understands Aru had split herself to investigate. Her own fear of failure suppressed her power and caused the communication loss[130]
Aru awakens fully, and Kagome can understand her again. Using Aru's splitting ability to attack in unison, Kagome defeats the Witch. That evening, she reflects that asking for help is not weakness and failure is necessary for growth, resolving to keep Aru by her side.[130]
Winter Recollection
Several days before Christmas, Yachiyo helps Mitama shop for supplies while struggling to come up with a theme for the Coordinator's Christmas event. They encounter various magical girls around town who are also planning holiday activities, including Hinano, Sae, and Maria preparing a children's science class, and Seira, Mikura, and Temari working on a Christmas film for the local children's association. When Mifuyu mentions childhood Christmas parties at Mikazuki Villa and shows a photo of a play she and Yachiyo once performed, she recalls they buried the script in a time capsule.[131]
Later that day, Yachiyo and Mifuyu return to Mikazuki Villa and dig up the time capsule with Tsuruno, Felicia, and Sana. As Yachiyo reads the play's synopsis aloud, Mifuyu transforms into the Fire Demon King character, her mental age regressing to that of a child while retaining her adult memories. Yachiyo theorizes that following the story's plot by solving people's problems and granting the Demon King's wish might revert Mifuyu, and notes that a child's perspective makes her uniquely suited to help with the Christmas events.[131]
That same day, Yachiyo brings Mifuyu to help with the Christmas film, and Mifuyu eagerly agrees to play a transforming heroine. They later encounter Hinano's group still struggling with their science class, and Mifuyu suggests presenting it as a hero show using chemistry, agreeing to appear as the hero. That evening at Mikazuki Villa, the group shares a meal together, and Yachiyo observes Mifuyu is already solving problems and moving toward granting her wish.[131]
The next day at the science class, Mifuyu encounters Yukika, who fears her bad luck will cause accidents, but Mifuyu promises to protect everyone. The hero show begins, and though experiments go wrong, the final demonstration succeeds. When a child runs toward the expanding foam, Mifuyu rescues them, becoming a real hero. Afterward, sharing food with everyone at a cafe, Mifuyu realizes her true wish was simply to experience ordinary, happy moments with friends—the girlhood she never had. She instantly reverts to her adult self, recognizing the parallel to the Demon King whose wish was to get along with everyone.[131]
Back at Mikazuki Villa, Yachiyo and Mifuyu finally realize the perfect theme for Mitama's event: returning to a child's heart. As Yachiyo walks home afterward, she feels unusually cold and observes it has not snowed yet this year.[131]
Days before Christmas, Mitama prepares for a holiday event at her Coordinator shop when Momoko visits and shares news about Mifuyu. Mifuyu had recently transformed into the "Fire Demon King" from a childhood play after opening a time capsule, her mind regressing to childhood, but Yachiyo and the others followed the story's plot to help her realize her wish had already been fulfilled. While they discuss this, Tsuruno arrives with Yachiyo, Felicia, and Sana. Mifuyu joins them, now in her adult mind but still able to transform into the Demon King form. Concerned the time capsule might still be dangerous, Felicia opens it and discovers the script inside now has visible text. When Yachiyo reads it, she transforms into the "Ice Queen" from the same play, though her adult mind remains. Suddenly, Mifuyu vanishes and the group finds themselves transported to a strange world where they must follow the story's narrative to save her.[131]
The group progresses through the story, gathering "Fragments of Anguish" that reveal not only the Demon King's memories but also Mifuyu's real struggles with her family's expectations and her guilt over missing Kanae's funeral. Yachiyo realizes the story is about Mifuyu's sorrow and discovers a magic wand cut from the original script that can grant small prayers by providing what is necessary. When the story tries to force its "merry bad ending" where the Queen and Demon King vanish, the others use the wand to summon help and break through to Yachiyo and Mifuyu. Yachiyo shows Mifuyu she is no longer just a daughter of the Azusa family but a woman living as herself, saving the Demon King. However, Yachiyo then freezes her heart and vanishes into the mountains, repeating the Queen's lonely ending.[131]
Mifuyu learns from Yachiyo's attendant that the Queen always supported others alone and never showed weakness, gathering fragments about Yachiyo's own hidden pain. She finds Yachiyo in the mountains, where Yachiyo admits she always wanted to be spoiled but felt she had to stay strong for others. Mifuyu calls for help, and everyone sends their feelings, including Iroha and Ui who entered the shop looking for missing girls. Yachiyo remembers her wish when making the time capsule as a child: to never forget their happy memories. The two acknowledge they envied each other's situations growing up but now share the goal of creating a happy future for Magical Girls. They decide to create a new ending together with no sacrifices, the story resolves, and everyone returns to reality, the time capsule's magic born from both their wishes.[131]
On the day of the Christmas event, the younger Magical Girls reveal they have prepared activities so the older ones can return to childhood. They perform a play, break a piñata, play musical chairs, and present a cake they made together, pampering an embarrassed but grateful Yachiyo.[131]
That night, after everyone has gone home, Yachiyo and Mifuyu watch snow fall outside. They promise to celebrate Christmas together forever, and a White Christmas arrives.[131]
Don't Show Tears to Santa Claus
The girls at Mikazuki hold a Christmas party, exchanging gifts and enjoying a meal together. While cleaning up afterward, Felicia becomes upset while reading a picture book Sana made, explaining she does not want it to end because she fears sad endings after losing Iroha and the others. Yachiyo comforts her by saying endings lead to new beginnings, and they must keep moving forward to honor the future that was given to them. Felicia feels reassured and decides to finish the book. Yachiyo privately vows that she will one day bring back the life she had with those she lost, no matter what ending awaits.[132]
New Years - First Dream Scramble
Late on New Year's night, Homura wakes up in an unfamiliar town wearing a kimono and finds herself sharing a dream with Madoka. Amy the cat leads them to dice with fortunes, revealing they are trapped in a life-sized board game where the goal is Mizuna Shrine.[133]
Throughout the night, they roll dice and travel across Kamihama, learning they must follow the game's rules after Homura fails to cheat by taking a train. They encounter Kyoko, Sayaka, and other Magical Girls also trapped in the dream. When they finally reach Mizuna Shrine, they are sent back to the start for not meeting the goal conditions.[133]
During their second loop, they visit Mitama and learn through dream readings that the six Magical Girls spent New Year's Day together and received origami for good dreams, but Nagisa accidentally mixed them up. Mitama theorizes the dream belongs to Amy, who simply wanted to play until exhausted. Homura runs away just before the finish line, believing she is why Madoka cannot escape, and they are sent back again.[133]
Early in the morning of the next day of the dream, they reach Mizuna Shrine for the final time. Understanding they need to deepen their bond casually, they hold hands and watch the first sunrise together, finally meeting the goal conditions.[133]
That morning in the real world, Homura and Madoka wake up at Mami's house with fading memories of the dream. As the others prepare for their New Year's shrine visit, Madoka asks everyone what their first dream was.[133]
Done: Feeling the Winds of a New Year
On New Year's Day in Kamihama City, various groups of magical girls spend the holiday in their own ways before unexpectedly gathering at the same location to offer New Year's greetings.[134]
Yachiyo, Tsuruno, Felicia, and Sana reflect on the absence of Iroha and Ui but resolve to cherish the present and visit the New Year's sales. Juri's group participates in a lucky bag sale, where Yuna receives a diary she will use to record their daily lives for when they reunite with Iroha. The Tokime Clan shares mochi and plays hanetsuki, with Shizuka proposing they build a new relationship with Kyubey. Himena's group also plays hanetsuki while sharing resolutions, with Himena declaring her wish for an amusement park date and hitting the shuttlecock skyward to send their feelings to Iroha. At a guest house, Lavi's group helps with the New Year's rush before sharing ozoni and practicing calligraphy. Sudachi returns to Livia and Yozuru after visiting her parents, sharing her resolution to attend school even if just for one day.[134]
Later that day, all the groups converge at the same location, having each come to offer New Year's greetings to the one who protected their future. They exchange well-wishes, acknowledging their shared bond from overcoming past trials. Yachiyo expresses certainty that Iroha has received their messages, and Iroha's voice responds, wishing everyone a Happy New Year.[134]
Done: Valentine Message
Livia, Yozuru, and Sudachi arrive in Takarazaki and are overwhelmed by an abnormally powerful Witch that attacks from untraceable directions, forcing them to retreat.[135]
They attempt to open their business but face deep distrust from the local Magical Girls, who mention bad rumors about Coordinators from Kamihama. They meet a local Magical Girl, Kuro, who states she prefers to work alone.[135]
Livia appoints Sudachi as the "Minister of Public Relations," giving her a new look to improve their image. Unbeknownst to Sudachi, Livia and Yozuru's real plan is to find and eliminate the dangerous Witch.[135]
While Sudachi struggles to promote their services, Livia and Yozuru investigate the Witch and learn it has been present for months but has caused no known victims. Sudachi uses her unique magic to forcibly "switch" the emotions of the local Magical Girls from distrust to enthusiasm, successfully drawing a crowd.[135]
When Livia discovers this, she's horrified, and orders Sudachi to reverse the magic. The freed Magical Girls become furious. Sudachi is left distressed and confused by the failure.[135]
The next day, Sudachi is demoralized after clients, angry that her magic reverted, vow never to return. Livia refuses a client's request to erase memories, explaining the magic's limits, and tells Sudachi to try the next day without using her unique magic.[135]
The following day, Sudachi avoids her duties, convinced she is a failure. She decides to never use her magic again.[135]
Despondent, she goes to the station, buys a ticket to Kamihama, and decides to run away.[135]
Livia, feeling guilty for her harshness, learns from Yozuru that Sudachi might have been trying to like her own magic. They find Sudachi at the station, where she has been unable to board a train, and Livia apologizes to her.[135]
Sudachi recalls a past event at the station and realizes the current Witch incident is her fault, sensing a connection to Kuro.[135]
The powerful Witch appears and Sudachi confronts the hidden Kuro, who reveals she is compelled to protect the Witch.[135]
Sudachi remembers using her magic on Kuro months prior, accidentally creating the compulsion. Livia deduces the magical effect and proposes Sudachi lift it.[135]
The Witch attacks and Sudachi uses her magic on Kuro, restoring her original feelings. Now freed from the compulsion, Kuro instantly destroys the Witch.[135]
The Coordinators' shop remains empty. Yozuru states the incident had no good outcomes, while Livia takes responsibility for assigning Sudachi unsuitable work.[135]
Sudachi resolves to use her magic carefully, not abandon it. Suddenly, the Magical Girl Sudachi altered arrives, grateful for the experience as it helped her realize her own potential. This causes Sudachi to reconsider her magic entirely and Livia assigns her to handle the coordination for their first regular customer.[135]
Two days before Valentine's Day, Sudachi visits Mikage in Kamihama. They stop a man whose truck is under a Witch's Kiss, defeat the Witch, and are thanked with a large quantity of professional chocolate.[136]
At Mikage's home, they decide to make friendship chocolates, refusing Mitama's kitchen offer. They call Lavi for guidance and make about 100 pieces.[136]
The evening before Valentine's, the girls hold a pajama party where Tsuruno eagerly tries to spark romantic conversation. When no one has love stories to share, Felicia enthusiastically describes her loving relationship, which turns out to be with a golden retriever puppy named Jontaro. The conversation shifts to ideal lovers, with Yachiyo suggesting a wagashi confectioner, Iroha wanting someone who accepts her, and Sana shyly describing a fantasy prince before feeling self-conscious. Felicia comforts her by sharing her own admiration for Kuushinsai-sensei. When Tsuruno is asked about her ideal, she says someone who will help Banbanzai flourish, leading Yachiyo to point out that for all of them, love takes a backseat to their priorities. Iroha reflects that she hopes other magical girls' feelings of love turn out well.[137]
On Valentine's Day, Sudachi works at the Puella Care shop and Livia and Yozuru note the increased customer traffic is due to her efforts. Her friends from Kamihama visit to thank her for the chocolates.[136]
Meanwhile in Kamihama, Akari is sad because Haruto is away, meaning she can't give him the chocolate brownies she made. Her friends Moka, Ranka, and Hotaru cheer her up by sharing their own chocolates, turning it into a friend chocolate exchange. When Haruto suddenly returns, Akari gives him her chocolate, but he mistakes it for "care chocolate" for someone he sees as a little sister and leaves before she can correct him. To everyone's surprise, Akari takes it well, deciding his misunderstanding proves she needs to improve herself before confessing for real.[137]
Iroha appears, giving out thank-you chocolates with Mikage and Sudachi helping. Akari explains her failed Valentine's to the younger girls, who are amazed she even had the courage to give someone chocolate. Mikage gushes that she wishes she could have a heart-pounding Valentine's soon too, while Sudachi quietly wonders if someday she might look forward to Valentine's as well, never imagining the next one would be such a crazy mess.[137]
After closing, Sudachi gives Livia and Yozuru handmade chocolates. She reveals she made some for her parents but had no time to deliver them.[136]
Livia and Yozuru drive her as far as they can. On the final walk to her house, Sudachi meets the man from Kamihama, who is the father of a classmate who died in the incident that triggered her wish. He mistakes her for another victim and encourages her to forget the past. Unable to tell him the truth, she leaves after a brief exchange.[136]
Sudachi arrives home. Her parents have learned sign language and plan to sell the house to help her escape her memories. She declines, explaining she does not want to forget her past and wants the house to remain as her home to return to after her journey with the Coordinators ends. Her parents accept her decision, and she returns to Livia and Yozuru.[136]
Done: A Bouquet for Tomorrow's Happiness
Mitama performs an adjustment on Aimi and sees her wedding fantasies, when Masara and Kokoro arrive, having been scouted as wedding photo models. They are hesitant but agree.[138]
Mitama, Aimi, Masara, and Kokoro have a discussion about their ideals of love and marriage and Mitama gives Masara and Kokoro a special adjustment that will change their Magical Girl costumes based on their feelings about weddings.[138]
Kokoro returns home and overhears her parents arguing. She becomes upset, questioning her existence and the meaning of marriage, and runs away from home.[138]
Masara returns home and talks with her mother about marriage, which her mother frames as a logical contract that can still lead to love. Masara goes for a walk and encounters a young woman at the sea who is anxious about her impending marriage. She saves the woman from a wave and listens to her worries.[138]
Kokoro, also at the sea, reflects on love and marriage, feeling disillusioned. Her and Masara meet and Kokoro suddenly receives a call that her father has been in an accident and rushes to the hospital with Masara.[138]
They discover the accident was minor and Kokoro's parents reconcile, explaining that their love has changed form over time. Kokoro gains a new perspective on the many forms of happiness and gets her parents' consent for the photo shoot.[138]
Masara returns home and reads her mother's old diary, learning her parents had an arranged marriage that grew into love. She realizes emotions are complex and contradictory, and gets her parents' consent for the photo shoot.[138]
On the day of the photo shoot, Kokoro and Masara meet at the venue. They discover the photographer is in trouble, as the costumes haven't arrived and one of the brides has run away.[138]
They find the runaway bride, who turns out to be the same woman Masara met at the sea, now being influenced by a Witch.[138]
Their Magical Girl costumes transform into wedding attire based on their changed feelings about marriage. They defeat the Witch together and save the woman, who reconciles with her fiancé.[138]
Kokoro and Masara pose for their wedding photos in their new Magical Girl forms, smiling happily.[138]
Kokoro and Masara visit Mitama's shop to show her their wedding photos, and Ashley happens to be there, enthusiastically discussing death game anime. Inspired by the photos and the theme of testing bonds, Ashley proposes shooting a reality show where close pairs compete to prove who has the strongest relationship. Mitama agrees to recruit participants through her Coordinator contacts, and Ashley asks Kokoro and Masara to star as the lead pair, which they accept.[139]
On the day of the reality show shoot, the participants gather at an abandoned school, including Kokoro and Masara, Rena and Kaede, Rika and Ren, Ayaka and Shizuku, Nayuta and Lavi, and the only non-magical pair, Sougetsu and Harumi. Throughout a series of games, Kokoro and Masara's performance declines sharply, and during a heart-to-heart game where partners must guess each other's thoughts, they fail every question. Masara comments that their personalities have never been similar, and Kokoro becomes upset, telling Masara to just be that way then. The two stop speaking, creating an awkward atmosphere.[139]
Suddenly, the fire alarm rings, and fire shutters descend, separating the group. Kokoro and Harumi are trapped together, while Masara and Sougetsu are together ahead of them. During their evacuation, Kokoro and Harumi have a heart-to-heart conversation where Kokoro shares her struggles with understanding Masara but explains she wants to keep trying because that is what human connection is about. Meanwhile, Masara and Sougetsu discuss communication, and sensing danger from a Witch, Masara decides to turn back to find Kokoro and Harumi.[139]
Near the exit, Kokoro and Harumi discover people under a Witch's Kiss preparing to barbecue indoors, creating a carbon monoxide poisoning risk. Masara and Sougetsu arrive, and after sending Harumi and Sougetsu outside for safety, Kokoro and Masara subdue the victims and call for help. They rejoin the others to fight and defeat the Witch.[139]
After the battle, everyone agrees Kokoro and Masara are the true MVPs, but Kokoro declines the win, saying she already knows her bond with Masara is strong, and Ashley declares everyone a winner. Harumi confronts Sougetsu about calling her by her last name, and he agrees to call her Harumi instead. Masara tells Kokoro that nothing has really changed because their bond has always been strong and does not need reaffirmation through games. She thanks Kokoro for everything and for their future together, and Kokoro happily returns the sentiment.[139]
Done: Summer Pop Festival!
On a walk in Kamihama, Nagisa encounters the Pink Kyubey, a supervisor from the Law of Cycles, and feels guilty for using her assignment as an excuse to enjoy her freedom, though she reaffirms her decision to live as she pleases. Later that day, a witch resembling her former self appears and attacks, and Mami, Madoka, Homura, Kyoko, and Sayaka help her defeat it. After the battle, Nagisa privately agonizes that her presence causes these witches to appear and disrupts everyone's peace, and Mami, noticing her distress, invites her to a summer event the next day.[140]
The following day, Nagisa meets Mami at the water park for the Summer Pop Festival, a student event featuring a new cheese snack. Though Nagisa initially tries to restrain herself, she quickly loses control and eagerly samples the Magical Triple Cheese, drawing attention and being mistaken for a runaway child, forcing Mami to cover for her by claiming to be her older sister. They meet Himena and Alexandra, two Magical Girls who were inspired by Nagisa's freedom, and the group spends time together at the festival.[140]
Nagisa notices many attendees seem withdrawn and reluctant to participate, and when a Witch Barrier suddenly appears, the group fights the Charlotte Witches, who have multiplied. Frustrated, Nagisa charges in alone but struggles, and Mami saves her while exhausting her own magic, leaving Nagisa feeling guilty for causing trouble. She resolves to find Himena and Alexandra to obtain a Grief Seed and searches alone, defeating one witch by herself but soon becoming surrounded.[140]
Himena and Alexandra rescue her, and Nagisa, remembering the Witches were once her, correctly guesses they are distracted by cheese. The group uses Magical Triple Cheese to exploit this weakness and defeats the witches, allowing Nagisa to obtain a Grief Seed and return to Mami. That evening, a powerful witch, another version of her former self, appears and targets Nagisa but then flees, having found a more important objective, and the group agrees to defeat it together. Nagisa admits to herself that she is the cause of the disturbances and decides that after resolving this, she will return to the Law of Cycles.[140]
Later, Nagisa confronts the powerful witch alone and finds it completely engrossed in searching for cheese, ignoring her entirely. Furious that a witch embodies the freedom she has been suppressing, Nagisa attacks, and during the fight her Soul Gem becomes heavily corrupted, though she refuses to use a Grief Seed, determined to defeat the witch herself. She unleashes her power and gains a new form, defeating the witch but discovering her power has splashed onto others, causing them to act on their hidden desires—initially creating chaos but ultimately giving shy students the courage to enjoy the festival and connect with each other. The festival resumes, and attendees express their gratitude.[140]
The next day, Nagisa visits Mami, believing she must return to the Law of Cycles, but Mami greets her warmly and calls her the "Festival Witch," a nickname other students gave her for her miraculous acts. Realizing she is not seen as a threat but as someone who brought joy, Nagisa decides to stay in this universe and continue living freely with Mami, bidding farewell to the Pink Kyubey and choosing her own path.[140]
One day, Nagisa tries to convince Mami, Kyoko, Sayaka, Madoka, and Homura to go to the sea with her, but they all decline for various reasons. Frustrated at being treated like a child, she storms off alone.[141]
She meets Felicia, Ayame, and Kako while buying snacks, and the three of them wander together before getting lost. They visit Tsuruno at her family restaurant, where she feeds them and offers to join their trip, but they sneak away without her.[141]
The girls spend the day at the sea, playing and enjoying themselves until evening, when Felicia, Ayame, and Kako prepare to leave. Nagisa, having nowhere to return to, insists on staying. Yachiyo, Konoha, and Hazuki arrive to pick up the others and, learning Nagisa's situation, invite her to stay overnight at their home.[141]
That night, unable to sleep, Nagisa realizes that despite the fun day, something feels missing. She understands that she misses the cheese Mami gives her and decides she must return and face her.[141]
Konoha and Hazuki accompany Nagisa back to Mitakihara, where Mami is waiting. Mami thanks them and promises Nagisa that today she will do whatever Nagisa wants.[141]
Mami gathers everyone and they return to the sea. Nagisa tests Mami's promise by asking for sweets and activities, and Mami agrees to everything. When Nagisa goes to retrieve Mami's phone for a photo, the Witch of the former Nagisa appears.[141]
Nagisa fights the Witch alone, revealing a new power, and defeats it with some assistance on the Familiars. Afterward, Mami produces cheese and cheesecake she brought, and Nagisa realizes that Mami is the one who gives her the cheese that truly satisfies her. She resolves to cherish every moment with everyone.[141]
Kagome's Hundred Mysteries
Kagome visits Professor Satomi to discuss her Interview Records. He receives a call from his friend Kayano about a "ghost story debacle" in Aobino.[142]
The Professor explains the situation to Kagome, who offers to investigate. Nayuta overhears and insists on joining, also bringing Lavi along.[142]
The group travels to Aobino and, at the beach, they encounter San and Miyuri, where Nayuta suffers from heatstroke, and the group returns to the inn.[142]
Kagome, San, and Miyuri discuss the case, and Kagome sends her clones of Aru to search for magical traces.[142]
An Aru reports a magical reaction in a forest and Kagome and San go to investigate. They find a blue flame, which Kagome follows. Kagome is then separated from San and pulled into a spring, entering a Witch's Labyrinth.[142]
On a beach inside the Labyrinth, Kagome meets a silent girl and her outfit changes. Her Aru clones are also transformed into forms resembling yōkai.[142]
Kagome flees from zombified versions of her friends, guided by the yōkai Arus.[142]
Kagome escapes the Labyrinth and collapses on the real beach. She is found by the others, who explain she was missing for two days.[142]
They deduce a Magical Girl, fascinated by the occult and local yōkai legends, became the Witch causing the incidents.[142]
Using a Fire Festival ritual, they manage to open a path into the Labyrinth for everyone. The group enters the Labyrinth to confront the Witch and Kagome, separated again, uses her staff's light to dispel illusions of her friends and reunite with the real group.[142]
They defeat the Witch together, and Kagome's appearance and the yōkai Arus also return to normal.[142]
The group decides to combat the rumors by promoting the area's authentic yōkai legends instead.[142]
Kagome receives an invitation from Himena to a gathering of Magical Girls with the condition that she come dressed in something that can get wet. She arrives to discover the true purpose is a beach outing with Himena, San, Shigure, Hagumu, Alexandra, and Miyuri. Despite the deception, Kagome appreciates the gesture. At the beach, Kagome senses a Witch and pursues it alone but loses track of it. While searching, she encounters Amabie-al-chan giving a cucumber to an elementary school girl, and the girl notices Kagome in her Demon Parade Magical Girl form. Before Kagome can handle the situation, Himena and the others find her and suggest she detransform. The girl approaches and asks if she saw a kappa, then excitedly declares Kagome a comrade in searching for the Seven Mysteries.[143]
The girl explains she is researching the local Seven Mysteries for her summer homework and wants to believe in mysterious things to escape problems at home and school. She asks Kagome to become an eyewitness and let her conduct an interview. Kagome, relating to the act of interviewing, agrees. Himena, who overheard everything, tells the girl that the day after tomorrow's festival is when Seven Mysteries are most likely to appear and claims the kappa was the "Moving Plushie." The girl excitedly agrees to meet at the festival. After she leaves, Himena reveals her plan to use the Magical Girls to make the Seven Mysteries a reality, with Kagome as the interviewee.[143]
The next day, Kagome consults other Magical Girls about the plan. Kureha, Juri, Hikaru, and Ao agree to help, and through their discussion they create "The Girl with Horns" as the second Mystery. Later, Kagome brings the consultation to Shizuka, Ryoko, Asahi, Chika, Chiharu, and Sunao. Ryoko's ghost story and the frightened reactions of Shizuka, Chiharu, and Sunao inspire "The Chorus of Sobbing Voices," though the three request the remaining Mysteries be less scary. The discussion continues as they finalize the lineup.[143]
The day of the festival arrives. The girl comes with her mother, and Himena convinces the mother it is a volunteer play. The investigation proceeds through various performances: San and Miyuri as the "Leg Girl," Kureha as "The Girl with Horns," Shizuka's group as the "Laughing Ghost" after their sobbing fails, Asahi as the "Prophesying Cat," and Shizuku's sudden appearance as the "Torii Gate to Another World." As they prepare for the final Mystery, Kagome senses a Witch and leaves to fight it. The defeated Witch's disappearance creates a spectacular display of light and plushies, amazing the girl. Himena improvises that the final Mystery is the "Nurarihyon," a yōkai leading the "Night Parade of One Hundred Demons."[143]
Later that night, Kagome rides home on the train with Tasuke, Nayuta, and Lavi, who have fallen asleep. As she drifts off, she recalls the girl's words about believing in the Seven Mysteries. Despite everything, it becomes a summer memory she will never forget.[143]
Done: Kuro's Side Story
Kuro defeats a Witch and secures a Grief Seed and another Magical Girl appears and accuses her of trespassing, but Kuro declines any conflict or alliance due to her preference for living alone.[144]
Kuro frequently experiences being mistaken for someone else (Iroha). She stumbles into a Witch's barrier and barely survives with help from Iroha. They discover a striking resemblance and attend the same school. Despite the awkwardness, they express mutual respect.[144]
Iroha offers to help Kuro with training, but Kuro declines. Instead they agree to temporarily team up to clarify their identities and prevent future confusion. A shared meal becomes a bonding experience and they form a tentative partnership.[144]
During dinner, Kuro learns about Iroha's altruistic nature and how she grew stronger through the kindness of others. These insights prompt Kuro to reflect on her own solitary lifestyle.[144]
Kuro recalls her childhood in a nurturing environment, but moving to a new middle school disrupted her comfort zone. She struggled to fit in and was exploited by peers, leaving her feeling used. These experiences shaped her desire to live independently.[144]
As a Magical Girl, Kuro attempted joining teams multiple times but felt treated as expendable. She often left groups before being expelled and concluded that maintaining false personas was more exhausting than facing loneliness.[144]
Kuro reflects on her past and reaffirms her decision to live independently. She insists it is better to remain solitary, protecting herself and others from potential harm.[144]
Iroha acknowledges Kuro's resolve but expresses hope that one day she might trust someone. Kuro admits noticing changes in Iroha since their first encounter and considers whether her own future could also change.[144]
Inspired by Iroha's optimism, Kuro agrees to keep an open mind about the future while maintaining her present independence. They engage in battle training and Kuro discovers unexpected synergy when fighting alongside Iroha.[144]
During combat practice, Kuro recognizes how effectively they complement each other. She concludes that she must first become stronger and self-reliant before considering companionship.[144]
After a dangerous encounter, Kuro reaffirms her commitment to becoming stronger independently. She thanks Iroha and reiterates her intention to live alone as a deliberate choice. They part ways amicably.[144]
Kuro reflects on her journey. She has grown stronger through solo training and occasional collaborations. Another girl offers help and Kuro is surprised by the genuine care shown toward her. She explains her philosophy of helping others as a way to pass on kindness received. While still committed to her solitary path, she leaves the possibility of future cooperation open.[144]
Done: Brethren Revived On Halloween
Yuna learns from her father that a road expansion is planned directly above their catacombs.[145]
At Yuna's house, Ao tells the others the folktale of the jack-o'-lantern and Yuna arrives and delivers the urgent news about the construction. The group debates what to do. Urara proposes using Asahi's magic to summon the spirits of the dead Magical Girls. After some discussion, Asahi reluctantly agrees to perform the summoning.[145]
On Halloween, the ritual is performed in the catacombs, but it collapses as the spirits overwhelm Asahi, causing everyone to lose consciousness.[145]
Yuna and Juri become trapped in a spiritual "trial dimension" inside their minds where they experience an endless, peaceful loop of Futatsugi and realize they are trapped in an eternal wandering. To break the cycle, Yuna and Juri commit to a path of total destruction, altering their appearances.[145]
Folklore of Zero, with the help of a "Guide's" and Sakuya's spirits, intervene and Yuna and Juri journey through the spirit catacombs, using Crystals of Emotion to reconcile with each ghost.[145]
Once all the jack-o'-lanterns turn orange, the group awakens back in the real catacombs. To cover their disheveled state from the other Promised Blood members, they claim to have been preparing for a Halloween party and proceed to celebrate.[145]
Yuna announces the construction over the catacombs has been postponed due to an online occult rumor spread by Alexandra. Urara declares the case closed, Yuna reflects on her vows for a peaceful future, and Juri challenges Yuna to a video game rematch.[145]
The day after Halloween, Yuna receives a call from her father forcing her to participate in a community contribution activity involving trash pickup and home visits. Despite Juri's protests, she soon receives a similar call and is forced to join as well.[146]
The next day, Yuna and Juri arrive for trash pickup dressed in Halloween costumes, where Urara, Asahi, and Lavi have also come to help. Chaos ensues as everyone gets distracted, forcing Yuna to scold them and finish the cleanup herself.[146]
After trash pickup, they move to home visits. Yuna observes new sides of her friends: Urara's skill with people, Asahi's knowledge of military history, and Juri's unexpected cooking ability when they help a woman who left her stove on.[146]
Their final activity is a hospital visit. While distributing snacks, Yuna notices a shy girl. Urara performs tricks to cheer her up, and Juri discovers the girl also reads a niche manga, bonding with her over it.[146]
The following day, Hikaru requests help with a children's group for several days. Juri initially refuses but agrees when the shy girl from the hospital arrives and offers to share her manga afterward. The girl remains isolated while other children play.[146]
During sugoroku time, Ao facilitates penalty games. When the girl's turn comes to draw a portrait, she freezes under pressure. Ao scolds impatient children harshly, and the girl runs away crying. After the group ends, Yuna and Juri find her.[146]
Juri gives her chocolate and learns the girl has never fit in since moving to the city a year ago, and her grandmother, her only ally, is ill. To comfort her, Juri performs tiny fireworks magic she learned to stop her younger cousin from crying.[146]
That night, Yuna and Juri discuss how to help. Juri admits the girl reminds her of young Ao. They strategize until dawn, then fall asleep.[146]
The next morning, they finalize their plan. At the children's group, Yuna announces they will play Picture Shiritori. The girl freezes again, but Juri encourages her with a quote from their shared manga. The girl draws skillfully, impressing the other children, and becomes popular.[146]
Afterward, the girl thanks them and explains she will visit her grandmother at the hospital. Juri offers to walk her there as it gets dark. On the way, they sense a Witch heading toward the hospital. Inside, the girl finds her grandmother collapsed, and a blackout occurs as the Witch's barrier descends.[146]
Juri and Yuna arrive, defeat the Witch, and lift the barrier. The grandmother is merely unconscious. The girl asks if they are heroes and declares she wants to become one like them.[146]
Yuna remembers meeting her before, when she saved the girl from a Witch's Kiss around the time she moved to the city. Juri tells her not to become a hero, but to have confidence and make her wishes come true by herself. The girl decides she will become the strongest version of herself.[146]
After the Halloween season passes, Yuna and Juri continue visiting the children's group regularly. The girl has grown more confident and now helps other shy children, and Juri takes them under her wing.[146]
Yuna reflects that meeting this girl stirred up new feelings in Juri. Despite claiming she would never change, Juri now helps people in trouble and plans activities for the children's group. As they sense another Witch approaching, Yuna realizes she never imagined a day would come when she and Juri could talk about the future together.[146]
Uwasa Mikoto's Side Story
Mikoto and Hanna, aware their existence is limited, arrive in a new city. They use suggestion magic to take up residence in an empty apartment, and Hanna convinces Mikoto that they should rest there for a while.[147]
Mikoto finds work at a local café, wanting to provide for Hanna and create happy memories. Hanna, initially suspicious, soon begins to help Mikoto at the busy café. Their work is successful, and they become accepted by the townspeople, allowing Mikoto to experience a semblance of a normal life.[147]
A few days before Christmas, the café owner gives Mikoto and Hanna time off for the holiday. Their life in the town has Mikoto overwhelmed with happiness, feeling she has finally attained the sparkling life she was denied, and looks forward to spending Christmas with Hanna.[147]
One day, Mikoto awakens from a nightmare after her act of absorbing Hanna's malice has caused her own memories to start fading. As there's been a recent spike in anonymous serial attacks in town, they find a note on their door accusing them of being the serial attackers.[147]
Mikoto attempts to clear their names but is met with hostility, which causes her to despair and wish for everyone to disappear. Seeing her distress, Hanna declares she will embrace her role as the "Chaotic Villain" to seek revenge and protect Mikoto's purity.[147]
That evening, they confront the café owner, who confesses she used Mikoto as a cover for her own illegal dealings. Hanna uses her magic to force a confession to the police, but hours later, a new serial attack occurs, proving a separate culprit exists.[147]
The police, investigating the new crime, locate their apartment, and the two flee as they're chased by them. As Hanna prepares to use her magic on them, Mikoto stops her, not wanting Hanna to become corrupted, so Hanna instead makes the townspeople forget them.[147]
Exhausted and with no place to go, they take refuge in a dirty alley where Mikoto expresses a wish to die. Instead, Hanna proposes they destroy everything that torments them, and Mikoto agrees.[147]
Hanna devises the "Let's Ruin Everything Plan," involving bombs across the town. They construct what appear to be pipe bombs and plant them at locations tied to Mikoto's painful memories.[147]
Hanna gives Mikoto the detonator and begins a countdown, but Mikoto realizes she does not want to lose the happy memories she created with Hanna. When the countdown reaches zero, a beautifully restored merry-go-round at a nearby amusement park begins to spin instead of an explosion.[147]
Hanna reveals the bombs were fake, and she had secretly used her magic to repair the ride to give Mikoto a beautiful memory. That night, they ride the merry-go-round together, and Mikoto confesses that Hanna is her hope and the source of the light in her world.[147]
At dawn, the merry-go-round stops and Mikoto and Hanna leave the town. They plant snowdrop seeds along railway tracks as a testament to their existence. Mikoto tells Hanna she is glad they met and that she wants to continue living as long as they are together, pleading with Hanna not to leave her.[147]
Done: Happy New Year! Dragon Rush!
Asuka sees the kadomatsu and hopes for an auspicious first dream.[148]
She has a vivid dream about a ritual involving a dragon and tells her parents about it. They explain the legend of the Dragon God, the founder of their family, and a lost New Year's ritual. Asuka decides she will revive the ritual.[148]
A few days later, Asuka goes shopping with Sasara. She explains her dream and her plan to revive the ritual, but Sasara is worried it's based on too little information and could be dangerous.[148]
The two sense and fight a Witch, but Asuka is injured protecting Sasara, and the Witch escapes. Sasara is angry that Asuka doesn't value her own safety, and the arguments escalates until Sasara leaves.[148]
Asuka confides in their friends about the fight, and she declares that she will perform the ritual to prove her righteousness, and by extension, prove that Sasara's justice is correct. With Emiri's help, they use a group chat to ask other Magical Girls for information about the ritual.[148]
The group investigates and they find an old mallet in a box at Asuka's house, along with a note saying it will shine for a righteous person of the Tatsuki family. The mallet does not shine for Asuka, causing her to doubt if she is righteous.[148]
She goes to Suitoku Temple and learns from the Tokime clan that the ritual was likely a Kagami Biraki (Mirror Opening ceremony).[148]
Troubled by the mallet's judgment, Asuka tries to become more righteous by performing good deeds around town. Her attempts are clumsy and often backfire, causing more trouble until her friends find her and bring her home.[148]
Asuka goes to apologize to Sasara, but the conversation fails because Asuka still doesn't understand why Sasara is angry. To help her, Livia performs a coordination on Asuka and tells her to have a real conversation with her friend.[148]
Asuka meditates in her garden, trying to understand righteousness. Ryoko visits and advises her to stop overthinking and to figure out what she doesn't understand. Asuka realizes she doesn't understand why she made Sasara angry or what "righteousness" truly means.[148]
The Tokime clan and Sasara discuss the situation separately. Sasara explains that she is angry because Asuka constantly risks herself and doesn't listen to her pleas to be more careful. She wants Asuka to realize on her own that she needs to value her own safety.[148]
The day of the ritual arrives and Asuka still hasn't found a clear answer. The Witch from their previous fight reappears, but Asuka hesitates, once again doubting her own righteousness. Regardless, she decides to fight based on her current convictions and Sasara arrives to fight the Witch as well.[148]
During the battle, Sasara mimics Asuka's reckless behavior to make her understand how it feels to watch someone you care about risk themselves. Asuka finally understands Sasara's feelings and they reconcile.[148]
The mallet begins to shine, and Asuka transforms into a form resembling the Dragon God from her dream. Together with Sasara and the Tokime clan, they defeat the Witch.[148]
Their friends arrive, having been worried and Ryoko reveals that the story about past ritual failures was a lie, concocted to motivate Asuka.[148]
Asuka performs the Kagami Biraki ritual with the shining mallet, which causes the ceremonial mochi to multiply magically. They decide to share the mochi with all the Magical Girls to celebrate the New Year and their reconciliation.[148]
During a training camp with her friends, Asuka behaves unusually, tripping over nothing and seeming distracted. When her friends grow concerned, she confesses she is anxious about an upcoming family gathering after New Year's where she will see her young cousins. She recalls a blunder from the previous New Year's when she panicked over having only one sweet for two cousins and ran out to buy more, only to learn the baby could not eat solids yet, which made her relatives laugh at her scatterbrained nature. Determined to redeem herself this year, Asuka wants to show dignity as a reliable older cousin and give her cousins New Year's money to feel like an adult, just as her older cousin once did for her, but she lacks the funds. Emiri suggests a plan and introduces her to a part-time job opportunity.[149]
The next day, Asuka begins working at Chikukoubou, a lunch box shop run by Riko's family, where she is joined by Maria and Sae. She immediately makes a mistake by tidying up and nearly throwing away sticky notes that identify customer orders, but Maria and Sae cover for her by recovering the order forms and instruct her to stall for time if reservation customers arrive. Asuka faces several customers while stalling, mistakenly calling Tsukasa by her Tsukuyo's name and using her scatterbrained reputation to buy time. She later serves Kanagi but forgets to give her change and then forgets to hand over the lunch itself, chasing after her to deliver it.[149]
After these incidents, Asuka becomes discouraged, comparing herself unfavorably to everyone else who seems perfect and reliable. When Maria asks about her motivation, Asuka shares the story of her older cousin, who secretly gave her otoshidama as a high school student and took her to buy a toy she wanted, bypassing her mother who saved all her money. This memory drives her desire to become a reliable adult like him. Moved by her story, Maria and Sae commit to helping her seriously, and Sae teaches Asuka a method to reduce mistakes: take a deep breath, calm down, confirm, and reconfirm before acting. Asuka practices this with customers and finds it helpful, though the constant tension exhausts her.[149]
Maria then encourages Asuka to observe the people around her more calmly. Asuka notices Sae muttering angrily about a rude customer, Maria panicking over a spider, Kanagi admitting she ordered the wrong number of lunches, Mifuyu forgetting her wallet, and Mikage throwing a tantrum in public. She also realizes that Moka Megumi's overly formal speech was a result of nervousness while practicing errands, and that even Riko, despite her maturity, fell asleep like a normal child. Asuka concludes that no one is as perfect as she imagined, including her idealized memories of her cousin.[149]
The day before the family gathering, Asuka prepares the otoshidama envelopes. She checks repeatedly, confident she has changed.[149]
On the day of the gathering, Asuka arrives at her parents' home and smoothly handles serving sweets. When her aunt and cousins arrive, Asuka presents the otoshidama envelopes, but her older cousin opens one immediately and finds nothing inside. Asuka panics, then takes a deep breath and realizes she removed the bills the night before for a final check and forgot to put them back. She rushes to retrieve them while her young cousins burst into laughter at her flustered state. Though embarrassed, Asuka accepts it and resolves to grow even more, determined to become truly reliable this year.[149]
Done: Terrible Luck is a Premonition of Thawing Snow
January 1st: Himena argues with her mother about Hiko and leaves the house. She calls Shigure and Hagumu to meet with her for New Year's and they exchange New Year's greetings.[150]
The three visit a shrine for the New Year where Himena gives thanks and makes wishes for the future. They each draw an okimuji and Himena's is one for very bad luck, and then Shigure and Hagumu leave to be with their families.[150]
Himena returns home, feeling down, and she talks with the Hiko's spirit about her family. She encounters Iroha and the other members of the Mikazuki Villa, who invite her to their home.[150]
There, the group decides to make an "all-out ozouni dish," with each person adding a different ingredient. Himena adds ofu (wheat gluten) to it and they all eat the finished ozouni together.[150]
Himena returns to her own house, where her mother offers her ozouni, insisting the family recipe never changes. Himena realizes her family will not accept her or Hiko, so she makes an "unwritten rule" with her mother to not speak of Hiko. She resolves to endure and make her wish come true on her own.[150]
Himena meets with the other Neo-Magius members, declaring their goal is to turn their terrible luck around this year.[150]
Done: From Beyond, To You
Reira, Seika, and Mito learn the Daito Apartment Complex is scheduled for demolition. They join the opposition movement led by Otake, helping with flyers. Seika is privately skeptical.[151][152]
Days pass with no progress. Reira grows restless, and Seika suggests that if the Complex had more value, redevelopment might be reconsidered. Reira proposes finding something valuable hidden within.[152]
The next day, they go to the library to research the Complex's history. They learn about old festivals, and Reira decides to revive the Summer Festival.[152]
Reira recruits Kanagi, Mitama, and Mikage to help. They plan the Daito Cafe, get approval from adults, and begin preparations. Weeks pass.[152]
The first Summer Festival arrives. Magical girls from across Kamihama attend, Reira performs, and the festival is a great success.[152]
One month later, the second Monthly Festival is held. Various magical girls host booths. Reira reveals a new theme: a treasure hunt based on an old handscroll given by an elderly resident.[152]
Another month passes. The third Monthly Festival centers on the treasure hunt. They follow clues, find a broken container, and Seika grows suspicious. Otake explains the handscrolls were a game created by him and his late friend. Reira continues, and they discover real artifacts buried around the Complex, temporarily halting the redevelopment project.[152]
The head of the opposition movement (Otake) asks the girls to clean out the apartment of a recently deceased, solitary old man. While cleaning, they find a magical diary belonging to a girl named Atsuko, a Magical Girl from the past.[151]
Mito and Reira want to investigate Atsuko's story, while Seika is reluctant. They follow clues from the diary to locations where Atsuko sealed her memories.[151]
They learn Atsuko and her two friends, Kazuyo and Tamie, fought a powerful Witch but failed to defeat it, instead sealing it away in Lake Tono.[151]
Tensions rise between Seika and Reira as Seika admits she believes the opposition movement is pointless. Due to the fight, they separate.[151]
Mito confides in Kanagi about the fight. Kanagi advises against using her magic to fix it and asks Mito to help investigate the sealed Witch.[151]
Seika feels remorseful and decides to apologize. She finds a newspaper article confirming the existence of Atsuko, her friends, and the Witch. Realizing the danger, she rushes to find them.[151]
Seika meets Mito and Kanagi. Kanagi reveals a theory that Atsuko's memories are stored in physical vessels. They find a new memory showing a fourth, hostile Magical Girl (the Saboteur) attacking Atsuko's group.[151]
Meanwhile, Reira, alone and remorseful, re-examines a memory and deduces the final sealed location is Lake Tono. She goes there, touches a bronze fish statue, and is possessed by an unknown force.[151]
Seika, Mito, and Kanagi realize Reira is missing and use Mito's magic to locate her at Lake Tono. They teleport there and see the possessed Reira use her flames to break the seal, releasing the Witch.[151]
The Witch's Labyrinth appears. The trio reconcile and defeat the Witch together.[151]
Over the next few days, the investigation into Atsuko's fate stalls. The girls are then informed that the redevelopment plans have been cancelled. A new company, Waki Real Estate, has bought the complex and will renovate it.[151]
They meet the CEO, Mr. Waki, who reveals he is Tamie's father. He shows them a photograph he received after his daughter's disappearance.[151]
The photograph contains Atsuko's final memory, revealing that the Saboteur killed Kazuyo and captured Tamie. Atsuko vowed to hunt the Saboteur and entrusted future Magical Girls with protecting the Daito Apartments.[151]
At Mitama's shop, Kanagi reports the events to Mitama. Mitama expresses deep concern that the Magia Record is becoming unstable and asks Kanagi to enter it to investigate for the sake of Iroha and Ui.[151]
Done: Conveying a Little "Thank You"
On Valentine's Day, Yachiyo and Iroha host a chocolate party at Yachiyo's apartment with Momoko's group and all their friends. Everyone samples the various homemade chocolates and enjoys a board game tournament while Yachiyo watches them contentedly.[153]
As Yachiyo observes everyone having fun, she thinks about how Iroha and Ui will soon need to return temporarily to the Magia Record for maintenance. Though the separation is only temporary, the thought of possibly never seeing them again frightens her. She realizes this fear applies to all the magical girls gathered here, as their lives are unpredictable and they cannot always be together. She wants to cherish these precious moments.[153]
Iroha approaches and offers Yachiyo her spot in the next game, feeling self-conscious about her lack of skill. Yachiyo insists Iroha stay, explaining that every player has their role in making the game enjoyable. She then brings up the Magia Record, telling Iroha to ask for help if needed. Iroha gratefully agrees and gives Yachiyo a large chocolate as thanks for everything. Yachiyo thanks her and silently wishes for many more peaceful days like this with Iroha and everyone in the years to come.[153]
