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Arg!

This episode does not open with a true Prologue or the opening theme. The credits appear in the background.

With a view of the Furude Shrine's torii, an unseen elderly man asks what happened. The scene shows the offering box and statue damaged. Another man explains that he heard that Hōjō Teppei kicked it over, then relieved himself on the torii. The scene reveals the elderly man and a middle-aged man kneeling before the small and damaged offering. The elderly man rhetorically asks if the other knows what everyone has been saying about this year's curse. "It'll hit the Hōjōs, no doubt about it," the middle-aged man answer.png.pngs.

With the folded newspaper, the caption gives the date: "Friday, June 17, 1983." A number of people form a crowd outside an official building. These include members of the baseball team, the "Beautiful Girls Alliance," students from the Hinamizawa Branch School, some professional adults, including a nurse, and even Waitresses from Angel Mort. Keiichi stands in a group with Rena, Mion, Rika, and Shion. Jirō calls his name. Keiichi turns to see him approach with Takano in tow. Jirō marvels at the crowd Keiichi gathered, and Takano also compliments him. Rika stares at her with a concerned look, and Rena asks why the two of them are there. Takano explains that during the previous night, Keiichi explained what was happening. As she talks, Irie approaches from behind carrying materials for signs.

In a quick montage, members of the crowd now hold signs and banners demanding "Protect Her Now." Shion, wearing a banner as a sash, gripes about how "cheesy" Irie normally is, but admits this is changing her opinion. The rest similarly don banners as headbands and sashes. Mion replies to Shion that it helps them bolster their solidarity. Tomitake observes that it feels like the Dam War.Takano gently offers a headband to Rika who warily accepts it. Irie declares that he will do everything he can to help Satoko.

Inside, Officious Glasses-chan formally, but calmly, asks what she can do for the crowd in front of the reception desk. Keiichi demands immediate action on Satoko's case. Harayama approaches to claim that, unfortunately, all of the meeting rooms are in use. However, the Center Director is willing to meet with them, but the room can only hold three people. Keiichi begins to object, but Mion tells him that it is fine, and Rika nods as well.

A view of the outside of the center later in the afternoon marks the passage of time, and Mion waits. Rika, Keiichi, and Irie finally emerge. Standing with her sister, Rena, Jirō, and Takano, she asks Keiichi what happened. He glumly replies that it felt like a repeat of the previous day. In response to Rena's question regarding whether they will just keep monitoring her, Irie replies that they will and will make a decision in a month. Upset, Shion fears the amount of damage she could suffer in that time. Irie tries to suggest that they did at least seem to take them seriously. Mion laments that while she told everyone to return the next day, she fears that they may lose a few. Rena vows that even if no one shows up, she will still fight, and Keiichi joins her; however, Rika sadly suggests that if they do not work together, they cannot make a miracle. Noticing how dark it is getting, Irie suggests that they tell everyone to go home. He also notes that there is the Watanagashi Festival planning meeting that night. Mion reacts with surprise as she realizes that she forgot about the meeting. Keiichi asks her about it, and she suggests that he attend. Over first a pan of a sign indicating the Furude Shrine then of a sign announcing the Watanagashi Festival Planning Meeting, Keiichi wonders if he should be there, but Mion insists that not only has everyone has heard good things about him, they have been asking her bring him to one of their meetings for a while. Rena hopes she will not intrude, and Mion insists that she is not. The scene shows all of the shoes lined up, and Mion announces her greetings while remarking that everyone is here early. She enters with her sister, Rena, Rika, and Keiichi. As members greet them, Keiichi looks at the displayed pictures and scrolls devoted to the Dam War. One of them lists the Onigafuchi Defense Alliance Creed.

Kimiyoshi Kiichirō enters joking that the thought he saw some fashionable shoes at the door. He is followed by two other older men [CHECK]. Shion greets him with the traditional "long time no see" greeting then sheepishly explains that the others were hanging out with her, so she figured that she might as well invite them. Kimiyoshi laughs at this then opens his eyes and looks as Keiichi. For once picking up on the clue, Keiichi introduces himself. KImiyoshi sighs as he thanks him for attending. Brightening, he encourages Shion to come back during the Watanagashi Festival. He then turns to Mion and states that there is something he wishes to talk to her about. When she responds with some surprise, he turns and asks to borrow her for a moment. She follows him out of the room.

The scene shifts to a later time where Shion laughs with the seated Irie while next to him a fat man with a mustache dotes on Rika as she drinks her tea. Next to her, Rena also finds her cute. Keiichi also seems to enjoy watching them, but Mion strolls up to him and asks if she can borrow him for a moment. She takes him outside where Chie waits. She states that she needs to talk to him. He gathers it will not be about anything good. She rhetorically asks him if he plans to go to the Child Welfare Services Center the next day. He affirms it then turns to Mion and says her name; however, Mion looks down in response. Chie continues by asking if he could wait to see what happens; he asks if this is some sort of warning. Chie only exhales. Keiichi turns to Mion and asks her to confirm that the mayor, Kimiyoshi, said something to her just now. Before she can answer.png.png, Keiichi asks Chie if that is why she is asking him to be careful. Embarrassed, Chie insists that she thinks he is doing the right thing, then trails off after saying, "but." Mion tells Keiichi that she is doing everything she can to support them, then turns away embarrassed as she tries to explain.

Keiichi completes Mion's statement by suggesting that someone is putting pressure on Chie. Still not looking at him, Mion explains that back when the Board of Education had not officially recognized their school, Chie defied their orders and came to teach anyway. Chie sadly adds that if it were only her own future at stake, she would gladly risk it, but she cannot risk the future of their school. Keiichi responds by calmly insisting to Mion and Chie that they are the strongest people he knows: "one's a good friend I look up to, and one's a teacher I respect." He then gently admits that he has no idea the amount of pressure she must be under, then asks her why the older members of the village hate the Hōjō family. He repeats this question in many forms as he becomes agitated. As wind blows through the trees, Mion sheepishly admits that she does not believe that anyone in the village actually hates the Hōjō. She does note that during the Dam War, they did become the village's main enemy, or they were at least viewed that way. However, once her parents passed away, Mion continues, everyone knew that Satoko was innocent. Shion steps in from behind to add that despite this no one has ever come forward to publicly forgive them. She continues that everyone is afraid to associate with the Hōjō since that would make them targets. Rena joins them with Rika. She disagrees with Shion since they are all friends with Satoko at school. Rika explains to her that it is just something among the older people of the village, but she then notes that these older people just so happen to make up the core of the village. Mion suggests that they just assume that is what their grandmother wants, whereas she is afraid to openly support them as well since she fears others will cease to trust her. Still agitated, Keiichi asks Mion whom does he have to punch in the face. Mion becomes upset and responds that no one actually hates Satoko, and everyone thinks they should forgive her family, but they just cannot say it.

Rena observes that it is very sad, but also very stupid. Mion agrees, using the analogy that such spreads like mold on tatami, and the only way to get rid of it is to rip out the tatami. Keiichi understands that while everyone wants to forgive, they all fear some mystery person. Shion suggests that it is Oyashiro-sama's curse. Keiichi declares that they simply have to rip up the tatami, and Rena, looking back at the shrine's meeting hall, observes that all of the "rotten tatami" just happens to be close by. Chie reacts with fear, calling out Keiichi's name, and Mion startles and asks if Rena is with him as well. Keiichi encourages them to get rid of the old ones. For her part, Rena smiles with a look in her eyes that causes When They C ry Wiki to put down the wine glass as she concedes that she may look weak but will show no mercy. Keiichi laughs and jokes that he would not want to get on her bad side or her his.

He announces that they should begin. Mion, then Shion, declare themselves in with them. Chie makes a nervous sound; Keiichi tells her that he understands her position, but he then asks her to let them continue. She lowers her head and agrees. Raising her head with more courages, she tells them that she trusts them with this. Rika tells her that Keiichi can break this terrible fate, and she knows this herself. Keiichi react to her statement with a brief look of curious confusion, but he then turns back to the meeting hall and tells them, "Right! Let's go."

He opens the door smartly which causes Kimiyoshi to react. He politely asks them if he may interrupt. Kimiyoshi asks him if he can save "personal matters" until the end. Keiichi ignores this request and vows to get right to the point: he wants to talk about Satoko's current horrible situation. The fat man with the mustache, looking down, grumbles that they all already know about it. He then looks at Keiichi and tells him that he already made their case to the Child Welfare Service and has done enough. Keiichi asks if he has a problem with them protesting; another man jumps in to declare that of course they do. Keiichi asks him to explain it. The man replies that the Dam War ended years ago.

While others yell at Keiichi, Ōishi Kuraudo enters and sits at the table. With a sly smile, he asks himself out loud for Keiichi to show him what he has. Rena raises her hand and and asks if she can ask something. When the men stop for her, she asks them why the ending of the Dam War means they cannot protest at the Child Welfare Services. The one with the towel/sweater tied around his neck [CHECK] explains that since it is over they have no reason to fight the government. Rather, they should now work with the government. Rena agrees but adds that it is important for the government to work with them. Mion sternly observes that that is why Hinamizawa tries to work with the government now. Smiling, Shion remarks to her that the village council and the local government are such good friends considering that they put aside a huge amount of money for the Watanagashi as well as other perks.

When she geneally asks Kimiyoshi if that is correct, he stammers in response. Keiichi asks what that means; Rena explains that the village council is in the pocket of the government, so they do not wish to upset them. The council individuals moan and complain; Kimiyoshi calls for quiet. Pressing the advantage, Keiichi concludes that the council is just the government's "little lapdog." The fat one without the mustache warns him to watch his tongue. Undaunted, Keiichi warns him to watch his. He then asks the whole council if they are seriously refusing to help Satoko because she is a Hōjō. Kimiyoshi insists that this has nothing to do with her. They are, he insists, advising him, as his elders, to stop pushing his protest so far.

Rena walks over to the wall and happily points out a framed scroll. Bubbling, she reads, "We attempted to negotiate peacefully, but the government refused." She continues to describe how the government tried to crush their spirit. Keiichi smiles and suggests that it describes what the village council is doing to them. Shion agrees. Even Mion loses her scowl and laughs at their point. Looking up at it, Rika emits a sad "Mi," and explains that Kimiyoshi wrote the scroll to commemorate the war they fought over the dam. Kimiyoshi grimaces. Keiichi walks towards him as he observes that since he moved to Hinamizawa, all of his friends have told stories about his bravery during the Dam War. He insists that he has the utmost respect for those who fostered the spirit of togetherness, but above all, he respects the courage of the Onigafuchi Defense Alliance. They thwarted the government and are why the village still exists now. The man to Kimiyoshi's left looks down and concedes that Keiichi is correct. The man with the towel admits there may be some truth to what he is saying. Keiichi quotes the creed to them. Even the fat man with the mustache looks down and rubs his head. The rest look away embarrassed as Keiichi continues. Keiichi concludes with a very formal bow towards the council.

Irie, then Ōishi, begin to clap as Keiichi holds his bow. One of the members sighs and declares that Keiichi is correct: Hinamizawa never submits to the government. The fat man with the mustache gripes that the government has given them so much support which leads to general grunts and sighs. The man to Kimiyoshi's left turns to him and opines that while they may not be able to support what Keiichi is doing, he does not think they have the right to stop him. After a few grunts and grimaces, the man with the towel opens his eyes and declares that he is with Keiichi. A bald man next to him declares that while Keiichi is rude, his intentions are good. Even the fat man with the mustache joins in support.

Irie, however, reminds that even if they go to the Center the next day, they may not listen to them again. Shion suggests that this is because they believe the village council is on their side. Rika asks them to publicly express their support for Keiichi's cause. The bald man agrees and encourages Kimiyoshi to do so. Still grimacing, Kimiyoshi starts to declare that while he, personally, has no problem with what Keiichi is doing, as part of the village council, but Keiichi interrupts him. He suggests that they be honest: he is afraid that there are people who are against helping the Hōjō. Rena adds that everyone thinks people will turn against him if he associates with the Hōjō. Shion insists that no one in the village would actually do that.

With his head down, Kimiyoshi disagrees: "No, someone would."

Shion asks him to identify the person. Rika walks towards him. She asks if he wants that person to give him permission. This evokes a smile from Kimiyoshi as he sheepishly admits that she figured it out. Shion turns to her sister and asks her if he means their grandmother. Before Mion can answer.png.png, Kimiyoshi insist that his family believe the past actions of the Hōjō are the past. He asks Rika if the Furude agree. She answer.png.pngs with a "Mi." Keiichi asks the mayor to promise him that if he can get the Sonozaki, and Mion's grandmother specifically, to agree with them, the village council grant full public support. Kimiyoshi readily agrees.

As Kimiyoshi asks if the council members agree, Ōishi smiles and says to himself that Keiichi is not bad. With a scene shift to the outside of the Sonozaki home, Sonozaki Akane observes that it appears that the Child Welfare Service is doing their job correctly. She sits next to Ōryo with three probable yakuza behind them. She then asks why the village council would have a problem with them. Shion answer.png.pngs that it will take months for them to help Satoko, and they cannot wait that long. Ōryo flatly responds that she will not die between now and then. She then asks why they are causing so much trouble. Cowed, Shion stammers that while Satoko may not die, but Ōryo screams at them to shut up. She angrily claims that she cannot believe they would risk their lives over this matter. She continues to insult all of them, which causes Kimiyoshi to wince.

Rika addresses her by protesting that Satoko is her friend, and she just wants Ōryo to help her. Calmer, Ōryo gently reminds "Rika-chan" that she has always told her that she has to choose her friends correctly. She concludes that this means not being a friend to "that cursed Hōjō brat!" She turns her ire to Irie, claiming that she cannot believe he is there. She thought he was an adult. He sheepishly insists that Satoko is a Hōjō in name only. He continues that she never petitioned the dam to be built, but Ōryo demands that he shut his mouth, then she profanely ask to whom he thinks he is addressing.

Keiichi grunts at this. Akane notices and, with a smile, observes that he looks like he has something to say. She orders him to say it. He asks her if it is okay. Mion looks at him, while Rena smiles and nods in encouragement. Keiichi turns back toward Ōryo and formally introduces himself. Ōryo orders him to dispense with the formalities since she knows who he is. Keiichi continues that Satoko is not the issue; the issue is that one of their fellow villagers is in trouble. Unimpressed, Akane asks him if he heard anything she said. She insists that no one is ignoring her, and the Child Welfare Service is already on her case. She then observes that, despite that, he still wishes to rush to her aid. She asks him if that is not being "selfish."

Sitting in seiza, Keiichi tightens his right hand into a fist, then continues that when Satoko came to school she appeared absolutely miserable. He wonders how she will look in a month, then demands if Akane cares about how much trauma Satoko needs to suffer. With a slight smile, Akane asks him what he wants them to do. He replies that he wants them to help her immediately. Akane replies that, fine, he can keep helping her, and the Sonozaki family does not need to get involved. Keiichi replies that that is where she is wrong. Mion insists that they cannot make progress without the support of the village council. Shion continues that they want to support them, but they need Ōryo's approval.

Without looking at them, Ōryo angrily demands to know who decided that without consulting her. Keiichi responds that all "Grandmother (お婆さん・obāsan)" need do is nod her head. Looking down herself, Akane asks him what will happen if she does not. Ever the diplomat, Keiichi responds that he will bash her head open right here and now and let Mion become the new head of the Sonozaki family. This generates the expected profane response from Ōryo. She motions towards the men behind her and orders that one of them stab Keiichi to death and toss him into the old well!

While still in seiza, Keiichi pounds his fist on the tatami in a trope seen in too many samurai films for When They C ry Wiki to list as he asks her if she wants to go against him. He adds that he hopes she enjoyed her dinner since it will be her last meal. Ōryo commands him to shut his mouth then profanely asks him if he knows whom he is addressing. Undaunted, Keiichi offers to keep the matter simple: Satoko is his friend, and he fights for his friends, then asks her if she would not do the same. Ōryo profanely grants that Keiichi knows the situation, for an outsider. Keiichi immediately retorts that he is not an outsider, he is Maebara Keiichi of Hinamizawa Village. if one of his Hinamizawa friends is in trouble, he will fight for him.

Irie offers that while Keiichi only just moved to Hinamizawa, he is a promising young man who will bring change to their village. She cuts him off by profanely demanding when he started thinking such "rude little shits" like Keiichi were "promising." Keiichi places both hands on the tatami to transform his seiza into a more formal bow. He suggests that if she believes he is behaving disrespectful, then he will try to be more respectful. He politely asks that they would like the Sonozaki family to support them in saving Satoko. He then performs the dogeza, as described in the Cultural References, as he formally begs her for her help.

Akane curtly orders him to sit up. For her part, Ōryo seems a bit calmer. Akane turns to her mother and asks her what she thinks. Looking down, Ōryo spats that she does not care then dismisses all of the Hōjō as being the same: "conniving, evil bastards!" She continues as she looks up and points to Keiichi, that "this little brat" threatened to kill her. Mion interjects that she always respected her for her willingness to fight for her friends. She, in turn, performs the senrei (浅礼), as depicted in the link below, as she explains that it why she wants to fight for her friends as her grandmother does. Shion similarly bows as she insists that Satoko is family to her, then formally begs her grandmother to help them. Both Irie and Rena bow.

Her demeanor calmer, Ōryo observes them. Keiichi insists that since he already bowed to her, he will not again. However, with a slight bow of his head, he formally asks her again to help them. Ōryo lowers her head a bit as she muses if she should nod to them, what then happens. While Irie, Shion, and Mion maintain their bows, Keiichi responds that the village council will support them, which means the Child Welfare Service will have to listen to them. Kimiyoshi states that he honestly pities "Satoko-chan." He asserts that he thinks it is time to let everyone know to bring her back into the fold, as he sweats.

Ōryo angrily looks up and spats that that will not happen: "That demon Hōjō child ain't off the hook!" Keiichi stands and responds that that means she is Satoko's enemy, which makes her his enemy. He steps towards her while threatening to strangle her to death! The probably yakuza behind her react, with one with sunglasses reaching into his jacket. Ōryo holds her head as she gripes that Keiichi really wants to anger her. She shakes her head as she demands to know how he can speak to her like that, then she vows she will not take it anymore. Akane looks at her with concern. Rika fearfully tells her that she might burst a blood vessel. With a passage of time, Akane prepares some medicine. Behind her, Keiichi and Mion watch with some concern. Without looking at them, Akane apologizes for asking that they conclude matters for the night. Ever Unable to Obtain a Clue, Keiichi insists that they have not heard Ōryo's answer.png.png. Akane turns to him and severely admonishes him that he needs to learn the "rules" and know when to stop. This startles Keiichi, and Mion tells him that this is enough for the day. Sweating, Keiichi accepts this.

Outside, Keiichi curses that they were so close. Rika soothes that he said everything that needed to be said. She suggests that they merely need to trust that Ōryo will make the correct decision. Keiichi grouses that he hates waiting whilst the Sonozaki twins smile. Kimiyoshi and Akane emerge. Mion immediately addresses him as "uncle," and asks if her grandmother is still mad. He laughs and tells them all, to their collective surprise, that she is fine. Akane happily explains that Onibaba said she would allow the village council to support them, which means they have the backing of the Onigafuchi Defensive Alliance. She sternly adds that now they cannot lose their fight, then asks if they are willing to give everything. Keiichi immediately replies that he is, which elicits a laugh from Akane. She happily compliments him on his lack of hesitation. Though somewhat taken aback, Keiichi bows to her and thanks her for the compliment.

Akane insists that he does not need to thank her. She explains that Onibaba believed that the only way to solve the Hōjō problem was to take her grudge to her grave. After Keiichi reacts with surprise, Akane continues that her mother, deep down, is grateful that to see it resolved in her lifetime. Keiichi stammers that he is the one who should be grateful. Akane walks up to him and confesses that she has taken a liking to him after his display, while Shion looks with surprise, and Mion glares a bit. She then suggests that Satoko is lucky to have his affection. Mion angrily jumps in between them and asserts that Keiichi and Satoko are not a couple. To this, Akane suggests that her daughters work harder to both their surprise and anger. Rika, Kimiyoshi, and Rena share the laugh as Shion and Mion rage at their mother.

As the end titles and theme starts over the group walking away, Rika calls out to Keiichi. She rhetorically asks him that they can save Satoko from her fate. Keiichi agrees. He then asks her to stop using the word "fate," but she interrupts him that she knows before he can finish saying the word. Shifting into her Adolescent Voice, she vows that she will not use the word so lightly anymore. She claims that he taught her that destroying fate was as easy as tearing through wet paper.

Startled, Keiichi asks when this happened.

Rika shifts back to her Child Voice as she gleefully responds that it is a secret, concluding with a Nipaa~ as the scene fades into the rest of the end credits.

Adult-Voiced Rika returns to announce the fifth chapter.