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Arg!

This episode does not have a prologue; the opening credits run as the action takes place. With a view of the outside of the Hinamizawa Branch School, Keiichi voices shock that they have been rejected. The voice of Kimiyoshi Kiichirō confirms that he heard from someone who works for the local government. Inside, Keiichi stands with Mion, Rena, Chie Rumiko, Rika, and Shion. Chie asks if they are trying to pick a fight with Hinamizawa. "Poor, poor them!" lament sarcastically, but cutely, adds. Keiichi vows that they will simply have to continue fighting. Rena declares that they will all go down to the Child Welfare Services Center after their discussion. Sitting at Chie's desk with his hands clasped, Kimiyoshi responds that he will try to rally some of the council members, then visit Oryō to see how they should handle this. Rika notes that her response will determine how many people will come to support them. Mion replies that they will know how serious she is by the number of people who show up. Shion smiles and suggests that if Onibaba is as motivated as their mother described her, then they should get at least thirty more people. Rena agrees that it will feel so much better having adults to support them. At the Center, a large crowd has gathered with the members wearing headbands. Impressed, Rena wonders if everyone from Hinamizawa is there. Shion replies that she sees people from Okinomiya there as well. Rika suspects that Ōryo removed all obstacles. Shion happily remembers that this feels the same as the Dam War. They hear Irie compliment them on the size of the crowd. When they look, the see him, Takano, Tomitake, and Chie approaching. Chie is happy to see what it is like when the people of Onigafuchi come together. Takano and Jirō both compliment Keiichi on his influence. Somewhat taken aback by the crowd, Keiichi tries to deny his importance.

Over a megaphone, Kimiyoshi appears similarly complimenting him on the size of the crowd. When Keiichi asks him how many people he called for, the mayor frankly jokes that he has no idea: the council simply told everyone they knew to come. He turns to address the crowd that this is a movement in the name of their village council. He instructs them not to use signs that say they are the Onigafuchi Defense Alliance. While this happens, Rika turns to Keiichi and announces that this is it. Keiichi agrees that it is, and he adds that they have plenty of troops. He vows that the Child Welfare Services is in for the scare of their lives. Center Manager Harayama looks upon the crowd from a window. Inside an office, he tells his superior that a huge crowd has gathered. His boss helpfully announces that he has business outside of the city, which means Harayama will have to handle it for him. Harayama wonders what will happen if the crowd sees him leaving the Center; his boss asks if he should be worried. Harayama explains that during the Dam War, protests turned violent. His boss suddenly decides that his business is not urgent, and he can stay in his office today. They hear Kimiyoshi's megaphone: "Test! Test!" Kimiyoshi then announces that they are the Hinamizawa Village Council. As Kimiyoshi apologizes for the disturbance they are causing, Harayama tells his boss that the crowd can break in at any moment. This startles his boss. Meanwhile, Keiichi watches with wonder as more people join the crowd. Kimiyoshi approaches with Takano and Chie following. He tells Keiichi, "right, let's do this.

As Irie climbs after them, he turns and startles as he sees Ōishi Kuraudo approaching through the crowd. He genially calls out to Keiichi with his trademark greeting: どうも (dōmo). Keiichi grimaces, then demands to know what he wants. The detective replies that he has an urgent matter to discuss with him and the mayor as well. The scene shifts to the playground near the Center. Ōishi has his back turned to the group which includes Shion, Rika, Chie, Keiichi, Kimiyoshi, Rena, and Mion. Keiichi reacts angrily to what Ōishi told him. The detective offers to get to the point: since the Center is a government office, it is illegal to interrupt its activities. Kimiyoshi angrily asks if the city is refusing to hear the voices of the citizens. Keiichi reminds Ōishi that they are simply demanding help for Satoko. The detective turns on him and responds that, to begin with, the crowd is an unlawful assembly. However, the city law allows the highest-ranking member of any municipal office to ban anyone from the premises if he deems them disruptive to the office's operations. Keiichi replies that they will then protest outside of their property; Ōishi informs him that in order to do that, he will need to request a street protest permit from the prefecture. Legally, he concludes, they need to disband their protests today. Keiichi approaches him as he declares they wlll not after so many have come to help Satoko. Still smiling, Ōishi steps close to Keiichi as he informs him that "some people" are against him. He reminds Keiichi of his warning about making enemies. Keiichi grits his teeth, then responds that while the detective may form his opinion about him, if he has a heart, he must let them proceed just this once, as he balls his hands into fists. Ōishi mockingly warns him that should he lay a finger on him, he will be arrested for police obstruction. Keiichi swears, but Mion rushes to restrain him. She warns him that the detective is simply trying to provoke him. Shion approaches and cautions Ōishi if he continues to act in this way, he will not live long. While she stares at him angrily, he laughs as he cautions her to choose her words carefully if she wishes to avoid arrest for threatening a police officer.

Mion warns her sister, as Ōishi chortles and Keiichi and Shion glare at him, that they are acting within the law. He walks through their group as he announces that the Dam War is over, so they all must cease pretending. His subordinate Kumagai Katsuya calls out to him that the chief is trying to radio him. Ōishi thanks him then effusively apologizes to the group for having to step away. As he leaves, he concludes that he would appreciate it if they dispersed the crowd.

As Ōishi walks with Kumagai, Keiichi curses him. He wonders what they can do. Mion cautions him that it seems the head of the Center will not talk to them, and this is what happens when they challenge them. Keiichi regretfully concludes that they will have to play the long game. He wonders if they will have to wait until the Child Welfare Services is content to let them protest again. Rena fears that Satoko will not survive that long, then tells them not to ask her how she knows, she just does.

Rika, in her Adolescent Voice, tells asks them that they all believe that they are doing everything that they can. This startles everyone, especially Chie, who says her name. Rika continues that those were the words Mion said to her. Keiichi agress that he believes they are doing everything that they can. With her fist clenched, Rika advises that they wait for the right wind to blow.

Kumagai and Ōishi drink canned coffee as they lean against Ōishi's car. Kumagai states that he does not believe Ōishi could lie to the chief as he did. He certainly did not make progress with the leaders of the protest. To this, Ōishi laughs and asks him who says he is lying. Kumagai responds that there is a chance that the protest could turn violent. He asks if they should call for backup and use force to disperse the crowd. Ōishi tells him not to be so mean. When Kumagai reacts with surprise, Ōishi directs his attention to how many people came together to help their friend. Since the village council is behind them, that means Oryō is allowing it to happen. Kumagai responds that he knew Ōishi was going easy on them. Given how quick Ōishi is to use force, Kumagai reasons, when Ōishi tried to talk it out, he knew that something was up. Ōishi responds that they will let "Maebara-san" take all the credit for the day. He then offers Kumagai a cigarette. The scene focuses for a moment on the crowd protesting. Ōishi says to himself that Keiichi does not doubt for a second that he is doing the right thing. Kumagai asks him what he just said. Ōishi merely laughs and observes that now is the time to let Keiichi be the star while they play a little "pretend."

Ōishi starts and stops as he notices something. A black limousine pulls up as he announces that they have arrived. Sonozaki Saburō, dressed traditionally but with a white headband, emerges and loudly asks where Keiichi is. He is followed by a man with glasses dressed in a modern business suit. Keiichi approaches, introduces himself, and politely asks him how he may help him. Saburō quickly responds that Keiichi has the wrong idea: "we're on your side." Mion and Shion walk up behind Keiichi with Rena in tow. Mion greets her uncle while expressing legitimate surprise that he is there. Shion is similarly stunned. Saburō places his hands on Keiichi's shoulders and declares him their leader and encourages him not to lose hope. When he orders "let's go," Keiichi asks about the police, and Ōishi genially waves his wallet in front of Saburō. Having none of that, Saburō retorts that the police have no right to interfere with citizens protesting lawfully. For the benefit of new viewers, Ōishi addresses him by his full name and title. Keiichi is inwardly surprised that he is an assemblyman for the prefecture as Ōishi starts to explain to him that the police are only there because the Child Welfare Services contacted them. Saburō interrupts him with a demand to know who, specifically, gave Ōishi the order to disperse them. With the scene focusing on the radio in his car, Ōishi laughs as he explains that the order came directly from the chief of police. Saburō orders Ōishi to warn his chief that he will be speaking to him; Ōishi laughs again and explains that the law allows them, only to be interrupted by a business card displayed to him.

The card, and its holder, announce the man as a lawyer "Ken Sonozaki." Ken Sonozaki lowers his card to reveal himself as the man with glasses who accompanied Saburō. He sternly explains that he researched the laws that apply to the Child Welfare Services Center. As he reaches into a manila folder, he explains that their claims of obstruction are not only unjustified, they are an abuse of power. When he offers to explain further Ōishi quickly agrees that they may pass through. Saburō takes the opportunity to castigate Ōishi for failing to let them pass through from the beginning. Ken Sonozaki tells Keiichi they can proceed since no one else obstructs them. Keiichi turns to the rest and tells them to come. As she walks, Rika suggests that this is Ōryo's work. Mion is surprised that she would go so far as to call in the two. Shion concludes that that means the Sonozaki family is giving its full support, which is quite a change of heart for "Onibaba." Rena insists to Mion that she is not surprised since she knew her grandmother would help. As he leads them up the stares, Keiichi muses that he had some severe words for Ōryo before, but he could kiss "the old hag" now. Rena announces to the crowd that they are entering the Center, to collective cheers from members.

Inside, Harayama and his boss watch from the window in panic as they watch the police let in demonstrators. They recognize Saburō standing next to Ōishi, who smiles back up at them. His boss looks at his watch, happily notes that it is almost closing time, and resolves to hide in his office until then. Harayama counsels that they simply agree to their demands; the boss snaps back that he refuses to suffer the embarrassment of folding under the pressure of a mob. His phone ringing makes him jump. He buries his head in his hands and orders Harayama to tell the caller that he is not there.

Harayama answer.png.pngs, expresses surprise, which similarly startles his boss, then he turns and tells him that it is a call from city hall. When the boss nervously asks him who it is, Harayama informs him that it is the mayor. In his office, the mayor calmly instructs the boss to please listen to the demands of the demonstrators. He suggests that certain matters such as these need to be handled differently and with special care. He starts to end the call with a laugh and a polite thank you, then asks him to be so kind as to come by his office to give a report on the day's events: "Yes, by six o'clock."

After he hangs up, the voice of Oryō is heard thanking him for his help. Both her and her daughter are sitting in his office. He insists that it is his pleasure, then adds that it must be important is she made the effort to see him in person. She happily replies that it would be rude to ask for a favor without doing do in person. She bows her head in thanks, but he politely refuses and, instead, apologizes for how rudely his colleagues have treated all of them. Since he is their superior, he must accept the blame. This dance of etiquette concluded, he then compliments them on the passionate young people they have who struggled to help their friend. Oryō happily agrees, and she sits back and declares that Hinamizawa will be in the right hands when she dies. Akane pleasantly asks her not to make jokes like that; Oryō laughs and insists that "kids like him" make life worth living. She then "orders" Akane to take care of him. Akane feigns surprise that her mother has a fondness for him. She then turns away a bit and jokingly asks if she is still upset that she never gave her grandsons to dote upon.

Together, Harayama and his boss perform the 最敬礼 (さいけいれい・saikeirei) bow as the boss apologizes for the trouble. The recipients are the scowling Shion, Rena, Keiichi, Rika, and Mion. Shion flatly asks him to confirm that this means they will actually do something to help Satoko immediately. Maintaining his bow, the boss responds "of course!" He then turns to his still-bowing underling and commands him to visit Satoko's home immediately. Harayama nervously objects and asks if they should not first speak with their social worker, but Keiichi interrupts him to plead that she does not have much time. The two snap to attention and together reply that they understand. Harayama runs off declaring that he will go immediately as his boss sweats and scowls at him.

Keiichi emerges from the Center to see Ōishi looking down, smilng, and laughing. He looks up at Keiichi and smarmily "asks" him to "please wait a moment (ちょっと待ってください・chotto matte kudasai). Keiichi stands next to Harayama and the rest of the kids. He asks Ōishi if he plans to stop him. The detective insists that his will not. He then asks Harayama if he is heading to the Hōjō to let him take him there. This surprises Keiichi, and Harayama also asks if that will be fine. Rena explains that her uncle will have to let him in if he shows up with the police. Sweating, Mion agrees, but she then asks him why he changed his mind. He laughs and explains that he wants the Child Protective Services to understand how horrible the Hōjō situation is, and seeing it first hand will be the best. Keiichi thanks him.

Ōishi asks Harayama to follow him, but he pauses to ask the crowd to disperse. As he leaves with the crestfallen Harayama sitting in the back of a car with Kumagai driving, he wishes all of them to have a good year.

"We won . . . right?" Keiichi asks. Rika, in her Child Voice, responds that he rolled a six on a dice with only ones on its sides. Confused, he asks what she means by "dice." In her more Adolescent Voice, she responds that it is an incredible accomplishment. She then turns to him, back in her Child Voice, and adds that it is something that normally would not be possible. Keiichi and the rest are confused. After a pause, Keiichi sheepishly smiles and claims that he is not smart enough to keep up with what she is saying. Back in her Child Voice, Rika smiles cutely and answer.png.pngs that it means he did win. That night, at the Maebara House, a phone rings. Keiichi quickly picks it up and asks what happened. Satoko responds that she always thought enduring pain was a form of strength, and that the lesson her brother wanted her to learn was to stay quiet about it. She now knows what he wanted, so when they visited, while Teppie held her by her shoulders, and despite being scared, she shouted "help!" Keiichi compliments her on the battle she fought; Satoko accepts it with her signature laugh. She continues that Teppei flew into a rage and tried to hurt her, but Ōishi restrained and arrested him. Keiichi resolves to apologize to Ōishi.

"I guess that means . . . it's really over," Keiichi tells Satoko. She agrees and adds that they just need to enjoy the Watanagashi Festival the following day. Keiichi agrees, declaring that all they have to do is enjoy the Festival and the "happy ending." Satoko asks him if he will come with her to watch Rika's dance. From her house, she smiles as she declares that she cannot wait.

The newspaper in the Maebara gate reads, "Sunday, June 19, 1983."

The steps of the Furude Shrine are lined with banners announcing the shrine and the festival. The higurashi c ry. A quick shot shows numerous people preparing stalls. The scene shifts to Satoko happily showering, then dressing. Her doorbell rings, and she runs to find Rika who announces that she has come to pick her up. The scene shifts to the evening at the Festival with Satoko's voice apologizing for making everyone wait. Rena's voice dotes on Rika and Satoko's appearance. She then adds that she thought Satoko had to go to the Irie Clinic for an evaluation, but Satoko insists that she feels fantastic. Mion teases her that she was scared to spend the night there by herself. Rika responds that Satoko cannot fall asleep without her being in bed with her. This sends Rena into Cute Mode as she demands to know what that implies. Shion slighly starts to explain to Rena, but Satoko stops her as she demands to know what kind of person she thinks she is. They all laugh. Rena confesses that she thought that they would never get back these happy and fun times. Keiichi responds that they did together. Mion enthusiastically exclaims that since they now have Keiichi and Shion, it is time for the "Watanagashi Six-Demon Battle Royale." Shion vows not to hold back; Keiichi does not know what it is, but he is game for it. Mion announces the simple rule: whoever has the most fun wins. A montage follows of the group eating and participating in games at the stalls. An adult greets Satoko, and as others look on, he notes that they were all worried about her. He asks if she is better now. As she looks surprised and slightly embarrassed, other adult voices encourage her to ask for help if she needs it. Another congratulates Keiichi.

On the stage, in her ceremonial robes, Rika performs her dance. As they watch, Satoko silently takes Keiichi's hand. She looks sad, but when Keiichi reminds her that Rika's dance is just starting, she turns towards him and smiles. The scene shifts to the observation area where Satoko reveals that Rika told her everything. Keiichi tells her that they are all friends. She takes his hand in both of her hands as she thanks him for all he does. She then apologizes for asking him for one more favor. She asks him if it will be okay to call him "Ni-Ni." This takes Keiichi aback, and he begins to remind that it is the nickname of someone else, but Satoko looks sad as she asks if he does not like the nickname. He agrees while suggesting he thought, but she interrupts him as she immediately brightens and calls him "Ni-Ni." She gives him a tight hug as she call him this a few times.

When they separate, she then sheepishly reveals that there is something he would like to give him, that was very important to her "Ni-Ni," but now that he has taken his place she wants him to have it. He accepts if it is something she really wants to do. She confesses that she is a little embarrassed and asks that they go quickly before the others notice that they are gone. She opens the door to her home and tells him not to be a stranger since this is his house as well. Keiichi looks into the dark entrance. The scene shifts as the directs him into a room to wait. Inside, he looks for a light switch. When he pulls it, the light comes on, temple bells [ring, and a bat strikes him in the head. His blood splashes against the light as he falls to the floor holding his head and screaming. He looks up to see Teppei staring down at him with what appear to be glowing red eyes as he swears at him. Satoko runs into the room shocked. Teppei rhetorically asks if they thought they could f[CENSORED – Ed.]k him over like they did. He kicks Keiichi, then pursues him as he raises the bat. The scene focuses on Keiichi's eye, which appears blood shot, which then rolls up as Keiichi screams. Keiichi attacks Teppei, tackling him before he can strike. The bat flies out of his hands. He then picks up the bat and does unto Teppei what he previously hath done unto Rena and Mion in previous arcs. Teppei's blood showers everywhere, including on Satoko. There is only the sound of Keiichi yelling with each strike, the sound of the strikes, Teppei's screams, and the temple bells. Eventually, when he stops, there is only the sound of Keiichi's heavy breathing and the temple bells. He falls to the floor; Satoko runs from the room. the floor is covered in blood. The light flickers, the temple bells ring, and Keiichi lies with his eyes open. With a final ring, the scene ends.

Autumn foliage on the trees mark the significant passage of time. Keiichi lies in a hospital bed in an empty room. There is a knock, and Kumagai shows his identification as he asks him if Keiichi remembers him. Keiichi responds that he is the policeman who was with Ōishi. Kumagai sits as he gives his name and then asks if Keiichi can tell him what happened on the night of the Watanagashi. He recalls that Satoko brought him over to her house, he went inside, then he grimaces in pain as he holds his head. Kumagai leaps up to call a doctor, but Keiichi grabs his hand. He insists that he is okay, but he cannot remember what happened that night. He asks Kumagai where Ōishi is, which causes Kumagai to startle. Keiichi explains that he has to thank him for helping Satoko. Kumagai turns and asks that he call should he ever remember anything. Keiichi sits on a bench outside. Rena greets him, noting that today he is outside. Keiichi tells her not to keep secrets from him and tell him what happened that night. The end credits and music start as he asks why Mion, Shion, Rika, or even Satoko have not come to visit him. With her eyes shadowed by her hair, she slowly sits next to him and responds that it was probably good he went to Satoko's house. Looking forward and sweating, she explains that at the Furude Shrine after the Watanagashi ceremony, Ōishi came into the crowd with his gun. She starts crying as she holds her head and reveals that Mion, Shion, Rika, and Satoko are all dead. She cries that it makes no sense. They all struggle together; yet this happened.

Keiichi can only stare in shocked disbelief. Finally, Rena screams again to the sky that it makes no sense as the scene shifts to the traditional end titles.

When They C ry Wiki will note that the traditional credit scenes start with the depiction of Satoko clutching her bear with Teppei behind her with his hands on her shoulders.

Adult-Voiced Rika returns to announce that there is no Santa Claus. Oh and the first chapter of Nekodamashi-hen.