Original subtitles

(A Certain Magical Index) (Side Story)

(July 31st, 7:30 AM)

Damn it...

And I was working late last night too...

Why does it have to be a school day on a day like this...

(A Certain Dark Item) Why does it have to be a school day on a day like this...

(A Certain Dark Item)

With a total population of 2.3 million,

a staggering 80 percent of whom are students,

(July 31st) a staggering 80 percent of whom are students,

that is the Academy City we're in.

Cutting-edge science and technology are gathered here.

This is, so to speak, a massive experimental city.

It's said there is a 20- to 30-year technology gap

between Academy City and the outside world.

And then... what are we studying here?

Yes?

- Esper abilities? - Correct!

Only Academy City can make that happen!

In a few years, you could perhaps reach the top of Academy City

and become Level 5 Espers.

Come on, don't cry.

We Judgment will find your lost friend in no time.

Konori-san! I just contacted Anti-Skill!

Thanks.

I really admire those guys who hold up Academy City on the public side...

That Judgment girl looks ultra familiar...

Kinuhata,

would you join the other side?

That's ultra impossible.

It's not like I hate this job or anything.

What about you, Takitsubo-san?

As for me...

I guess I'll stay wherever Mugino is.

Well, she is a reliable leader.

Aside from being ultra short-tempered,

ultra pushy, and ultra violent...

Huh?

By the way, I have an ultra big question.

Did we really need to wipe the group from yesterday out like that?

Maybe they were plotting terrorism or something.

Like the incident the other day.

Oh...

You mean the attack

on the Board Chairman's "Windowless Building", right?

Is this ultra because of that?

Yeah. Looks like there'll be plenty of dirty work coming our way,

so we'll probably be busy for a while.

An ultra purging spree, huh?

I'd rather be idle enough not to starve...

Why on such a damn hot day...

Hey, hey.

Isn't that Shizuri Mugino-san?

Huh?

You mean our school's Level 5?

Yeah!

That's the first time I've seen her in person!

People say she rarely comes to school, right?

Why is she here during summer break?

Maybe Level 5s have a special curriculum?

Like hell I do.

Huh?

Whuh?

A new gig already?

Right after yesterday?

There are plenty of others in the dark side,

like Mr. Number One or Mr. Number Two.

Why don't you ask 'em?

It's always like this with you...

Mind you,

the guy you extracted yesterday turned out to be a client of an evil organization,

so this job came up urgently, okay?

It only makes sense that you guys handle it.

I should've just flatlined that guy after all.

It should be high-paying for the effort.

You said that yesterday too...

If it isn't Mugino! How unusual.

Get the briefing ready.

It's always like this...

Never expected to see you at school during summer break.

What's your business here?

Teach called me in over late paperwork.

So, what brings you here, Class Rep?

As for me...

Look at this!

(We want to save underprivileged children!)

(Child Error Support Fundraiser) Volunteer fundraising!

(Asunaro Home. NPO Janomichi Cures, etc.) Volunteer fundraising!

Want to chip in, Mugino?

Since I, Okibi Shiratori, am recommending it,

you know it's a legit charity.

It covers orphans' living expenses and medical care for kids with rare diseases.

Nope, count me out.

You know that's not my style. Not a chance.

I thought maybe there'd be another side of you,

instead of always being blunt at school.

Let me know if you change your mind.

I won't.

I just can't seem to get along with this thing called justice.

Take that! Justice Gekota Kick!

Yeah, yeah.

I get being ecstatic over some limited character merch of your liking.

Basically, it's the Sentai collaboration, right?

Yup!

I like the red one most because he's so cool!

Basically, simple is very good.

Hey!

Frenda-onee-chan, you just treated me like a kid!

I didn't mean to,

but basically, elementary kids are actually still kids, right?

But today, I stopped a fight between grown-ups.

Huh?

Why would you pull such a dangerous stunt so casually?

Basically, what kind of situation was it?

Umm...

When my friends and I were in line for this,

some older middle schoolers behind us...

My, my...

Standing in a line full of such young kids,

even though you're a first-year middle schooler?

Is that why your body stays kid-sized forever?

Huuuh?!

Your body is smaller than mine, isn't it?!

I'm growing properly, you know.

By this time next year, I'll have an amazing figure!

If you're going to turn out amazing, then I'll be even more...

Excuse me...

So I asked them,

"Essentially, if you're middle schoolers, please stop fighting."

Come on now...

Well, I'm glad it ended just like that,

but basically, don't get involved with such duds.

Okay...

Ah, that building is broken!

Essentially, it's gotta be a monster's doing!

- That building... - Time for a hero!

It's still like that...

Onee-chan, you look sad.

Oh, uh, well...

Basically, a lot of things happen when you grow up.

Oh, you treated me like a kid again!

Yeah, yeah.

(Public Hirahata Elementary School Aoba Dormitory)

Bye now.

Listen to your teacher and be a good girl.

Okay!

Ah, Onee-chan!

Here, take this!

What's this?

It came as a bonus, so I'm giving it to you!

If you're sad, essentially, I would be sad too!

Huh? It's fine...

If you get sad, pass it to someone even sadder!

Bye-bye!

A briefing?

Every city has its bad actors,

but Academy City is on another level.

Messing up people's lives with shady technology,

using violent thugs to steal research results,

tricking children and putting them into test labs.

Come to think of it,

wasn't there that clone human Dolly?

Well, even that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Yeesh.

It's always like this with them.

So?

Which type is it this time?

A kid.

Isn't it ultra the most sickening kind?

The target is this organization.

- Janomichi...? - [On the surface,]

- [it's supposed to be a legitimate NPO.]

- I've seen that name somewhere... - [it's supposed to be a legitimate NPO.]

(NPO Janomichi Cures) Ah, that?

Ah, I've seen the flyer somewhere.

Something about treating kids with rare diseases...

In reality, they inflict physical and mental trauma

on totally healthy kids to hone their powers,

in a terrifying experimental facility.

The scale isn't that large,

and they currently have five children.

Though you could also say only five survived.

It's certainly vicious,

but aren't there ultra plenty of other groups

that use up children for ability development?

Touché.

But what makes this director dangerous is

that he's trying to share the results outside the City.

He plans to present them

at the Brain and Nerve Conference in Academy City in 2 days.

Huh?!

Basically, the Board of Directors would never allow something like that!

Correct.

If it's presented, Academy City's credibility will take a massive blow.

So we'll just have to stop the presentation...

Or not, I guess?

Naturally not.

Just hurry up and put this director in a body bag.

Oh, one warning, though.

Apparently, he's using the strongest child out of the five as his bodyguard.

An esper possessing a barrier that withstands anything, apparently.

A defense specialist like Kinuhata?

Well, no matter what kind of barrier it is, I'll break through it.

Trying brute force?

In the dark side, that's a trope where you die first.

Huh?

Basically, assuming we kill the director, then what about the rest?

The rest?

As I said...

What she means is what happens to the rest of the staff and the experimental kids.

Oh, I couldn't care less about them.

Besides the bodyguard,

the other kids are likely kept somewhere away from him anyway.

Hmm... I see.

Good for you, Frenda.

Well, killing kids is ultra depressing anyway.

Hey now! Unlike you ability users, all I can use are explosives!

They cost money! So ultimately it's better if I don't have to use them!

- Huh... - Well, that's true.

Then I'll give you a chance.

Whuh?

Oh, are you awake, Kyou-kun?

I had requested an underground broker to falsify our ID data

from Academy City's Data Banks,

and I received word that it will be completed tonight.

And with this, we can leave here soon.

Is that so...

That's right!

Then present it from a location no one knows!

The whole world will surely be astonished!

Um, Dr. Janomichi...

When we leave here,

everyone will join us as well, right?

How many times do I have to repeat myself?

I don't tell lies.

Unlike you lot, always eager to slack off.

I-I'm sorry...

I don't think the doctor who took us in would lie to us.

Naturally.

Oh yes, by the way,

I heard one of our clients was detained by the Board of Directors yesterday.

Perhaps members of the dark side might come.

Well, if things get troublesome,

I'm counting on you, Kyou-kun.

Yes...

Word is, the team that might move this time

seems to be ITEM.

(Episode 1: ITEM)

ITEM...

(Episode 1: ITEM)

Was it ultra necessary to arrive in such a conspicuous way?

To get to floor 38 of a 40-story building, this is easier.

And flashy methods get the job done faster.

Is this what you call the dark side etiquette?

The regular security guards

are taken care of by our separate operative, so don't worry.

From here on out,

anyone who shows up is an enemy.

It's ultra straightforward, which is great.

No dice. After reports of a rooftop intrusion,

lines to other floors and outside are completely cut off.

Did they hijack the building system?

At this rate, escaping will be...

Please calm down.

An attack was expected, wasn't it? That's why you're here.

But the enemy has high-level Espers, right?

We have a high-level Esper too.

You mean that kid who can barely even stand?!

He's an Esper too, don't worry.

But...

If they lose contact with us,

backup from external accomplices will arrive.

Besides, it's kill or be killed either way.

That is what the dark side is, isn't it?

It's locked.

Frenda...

Nothing we can do about normal locks.

Frenda is working hard downstairs.

Well then, I'll open it.

Kinuhata.

I ultra know what to do.

Sorry, pals.

Can't go easy on Espers.

Say, Takitsubo...

You smell kind of nice, don't you?

Hm?

Oh, must be the sample body cream I got from the spa earlier.

Oh, yeah...

They did have some of that.

Maybe I should try some later.

Could you stop with that ultra off-duty office-lady kind of conversation?

Mugino.

Yeah.

Hey, Kinuhata. There's a guy playing dead over here.

Ugh...

Be careful, Kinuhata.

Yeah, yeah.

Next time I'll hit them a bit harder.

Beyond here is Dr. Janomichi's room.

Could you please scram?

Miss?

Right back at you.

Are you trying to make me say, "Get out of the way if you don't want to get hurt,"

which you ultra wouldn't even see in B-movies these days?

Huh?

Well...

Ah, I'm sorry. Was "mister" the correct term?

Hey, where were you looking when you said that, huh?!

You damn brat!

So this is the bodyguard kid.

First, let's test his skills...

Huh? Matter conversion?

An ability that interferes with matter?

In that case, I'll be more direct!

This is...

Compressed nitrogen, turned into flowers!?

I'm sorry.

It ended up sweeping up the objects around you as well.

All right, good call!

Doctor said I was in charge of this area.

You monster!

I can use my ability.

But...

Huh...

So that was the Invincible Shield.

Kinuhata...

You're pushing too far.

Ah, sorry.

But...

I wonder what happens if I hit you with this.

I don't know what that light is,

but it will probably convert into another substance just the same.

Saying something like that even when you don't even know?

You're the type to die first in the dark side.

Then...

We still have time.

You kids are being treated horribly here, aren't you?

If you move aside, we can rescue you.

So come over here.

We'll find a place suitable for you.

This miss here will.

Hey!

That's impossible.

That's...

Why?

No matter what...

Is it because the other kids are being held hostage?

If those kids are saved, will that be enough?

Well...

Then we'll save them.

And then,

there'll be no need for you to protect the director anymore.

Is there any reason to hesitate?

You owe zero loyalty to a piece of trash

who uses kids he tormented as shields, right?

I left you alone for five minutes, and you're already spouting nonsense.

That child protects me out of gratitude toward me.

Isn't that right, Kyou-kun?

Yes.

So you're the clout-chasing coward of a director.

Makes me want to kill you even without any kind of orders from above.

(Dr. Janomichi)

Someone chosen like you wouldn't understand,

Shizuri Mugino-san.

Or rather, Academy City's Number 4,

(Meltdowner)

Meltdowner.

(Meltdowner)

Go ahead and shoot.

It will serve as an opening hook when I present at the conference.

"Here is the theory that achieved

absolute victory over Academy City's high-level Esper!"

Level 4 Saiai Kinuhata's Offense Armor,

(Offense Armor) Level 4 Saiai Kinuhata's Offense Armor,

(Offense Armor) able to freely manipulate nitrogen.

Well, it was powerless against Kyou-kun, though.

Likewise, Level 4 Rikou Takitsubo's ability,

(AIM Stalker) AIM Stalker.

It can record and track the AIM diffusion fields emitted by Espers.

Serving as Mugino-san's spotter, I suppose.

Seems she has no role this time.

Babbling it all out, huh?

Your Meltdowner shoots out electrons to create strong resistance,

forcibly vaporizing target objects...

It is indeed an extraordinary ability,

but simply put, that's all there is to it.

That's why you rank below the Number 3, Electromaster,

who possesses similar electron-like abilities.

Ah, recently she's been called Railgun as well, I hear.

(Railgun) Ah, recently she's been called Railgun as well, I hear.

As for the remaining person, Frenda Seivelun is a Level 0, skill-less.

She seems adept at handling explosives,

but is she absent because she's useless?

The stairs...

I can't take it anymore...

According to the latest information,

basically, except for the bodyguard kid,

the rest of the kids were being held hostage to control him.

So it's an ultra insurance policy?

Right.

Also, according to what I just looked up,

aside from the overall building security system,

independent systems are installed on the 38th floor, where Janomichi is,

plus one other location.

If there's anything fishy going on...

Hey, can you still not reach the higher-ups?

Not yet.

Damn it!

No response from the security robots either...

Damn, what the...

Basically, today is just one of those days.

You must understand by now.

Before Kyou-kun, any weapon or ability is but mere trash.

You cannot possibly murder me.

Sounds to me like you're just begging to be killed as quickly as possible.

Mugino.

Suppression complete.

But wait!

We're missing one child!

Huh?!

(Frenda) Basically...

There are only three here.

Three over here, one over there, and one's missing!

Ah, so you found the ones downstairs.

Those were difficult to move, you see.

It's all right, Kyou-kun.

Your healthy friend is right behind you,

the safest place in the world, okay?

Enough, Frenda.

I gave you your chance.

Mugino?!

What are you doing?

Move, Takitsubo.

There is still a chance left.

What naive crap are you yapping about?!

Do you want me to blow you away too with him, Takitsubo?!

Wait, Takitsubo-san! You shouldn't use that!

This isn't naive.

Even at the cost of our lives,

Body Crystal must be used.

If the children are so important to you, I'll give them to you.

But only if you let me leave Academy City.

You see...

There are far too many people doing research with no ambition here!

To be treated like the common rabble is beneath me!

I deserve far greater acclaim.

To be known worldwide through this research,

get noticed, praised, envied...

- Mugino. - get noticed, praised, envied...

Two centimeters higher.

Sheesh.

You're not so young anymore to seek attention so wildly,

old timer.

(Frenda)

Ah, can you hear me?

We're done over here.

Taking so much trouble over a job like this,

(Rikou Takitsubo) Taking so much trouble over a job like this,

(Rikou Takitsubo) only to mess up the plan in the end...

only to mess up the plan in the end...

Right, Frenda?

You-are-in-for-pu-nish-ment.

What a clean job yesterday, girls.

Your payment's been wired.

I deducted a little bit for the arrangements you asked for, though.

I know, I know.

I assume you handled it well.

Naturally.

Right now all five kids are receiving treatment together.

We need them healthy enough to at least be able to walk.

Their next destination will be decided soon too.

Naturally, all of them.

Well then.

- But still, - [I'll continue with these arrangements, then.]

- what was that bodyguard's ability anyway? - [I'll continue with these arrangements, then.]

- what was that bodyguard's ability anyway? - [Yeah, thanks.]

That ability reportedly strips protons from atoms

to convert them into different atoms.

That's why I think it didn't work on Mugino.

Meltdowner doesn't rely on other atoms or ions,

as it fires electrons in their pure form.

Huh...

Still, a close group of five, huh...

Basically, it'd be nice if those kids could stay together forever.

Come to think of it, it's almost been a month.

Since Kinuhata joined ITEM.

And then, that girl too.

(A Month Earlier - June 30th)

Tonight?!

We gotta work ahead because Anti-Skill moved up their schedule?!

Fine, we'll take on the gig.

Basically, on a day when all three of us happened to be together.

So what's the target?

Project Dark May.

(Episode 2: Saiai Kinuhata (Newcomer))