Almighty Arataki Extraordinary and Exhilarating Extreme Beetle Brawl/Story
Last updated 2024-07-07
Almighty Arataki Extraordinary and Exhilarating Extreme Beetle Brawl!
Quest DescriptionYou and Paimon have been feeling pretty good recently, so you're thinking about taking on some more commissions from the Adventurers' Guild! Little did you expect, however, to run into some Arataki Gang members openly scheming nearby...
- (On obtaining quest)
- Paimon: We've been on a hot streak lately, haven't we? Let's grab some new commissions to keep our momentum up!
- Paimon: Off to the Adventurers' Guild we go, (Traveler). Who knows, maybe Katheryne already has something lined up.
- (Approach Katheryne in Inazuma City)
- Mamoru: C'mon, Boss, you can't just let this one slide!
- Mamoru: You've painstakingly built up a reputation as the "Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King." You can't let that brat get away scot-free!
- Akira: Yeah! That little punk must have used some underhanded trick to catch you off guard, I just know it!
- Arataki Itto: Hey, hey, chill, boys, chill. Relax!
- Arataki Itto: I just underestimated my opponent. And can you blame me, with how boring the kid looked? So yeah, no worries, that fight didn't count!
- Arataki Itto: Anyway, enough about that. We're gonna stick to the plan, alright? The "Almighty Arataki Extraordinary and Exhilarating Extreme Beetle Brawl" is going ahead. Then, we'll bring out "Crimson Staff." Y'know, the one I've been training for years!
- Arataki Itto: Just imagine it. The whole audience cheering me on as Crimson Staff gets ready to crush its opponent...
- Arataki Itto: That kiddo will be trembling with fear. No tricks this time, no sir — just an easy win for Itto! Ahahahahahaha!
- Mamoru: Alright, boss, way to go!
- Akira: But we don't know when Shinobu's coming back. Where do we even start with organizing the Almighty Arataki Extraordinary and Exhilarating Extreme Beetle Brawl?
- Akira: Based on our experience with the Almighty Arataki Great and Glorious Drumalong Festival, we'll need to register the event with the Tenryou Commission and obtain a permit... and I think we also need proof of a venue rental.
- Akira: We're going to need to pay for all of that stuff somehow. If we want the Extreme Brawl to be even more extravagant than the Drumalong Festival, we'll need to spend at least three times the Mora...
- Arataki Itto: Stop, stop, stop! We don't say "Tenryou Commission," out loud, okay? It gives me migraines!
- Arataki Itto: So we need some funds, huh... Easy — just need to tweak our three-day weekend policy. As well as our one-day week policy. Let's work flat out and do two days on, four days off! That way, we work an extra four days between us, which means we'll earn four times as much. We'll be raking in the Mora!
- Akira: Amazing, Boss! Then all we need to figure out is how to make up the numbers for our team! And it doesn't matter who we pick, because you're practically a one-man army!
- Mamoru: ...Shoot, that's right! That brat said that he'll be bringing five of his top guys to fight us fair and square. But Boss, you're the only one in our gang who's any good at beetle fighting...
- Mamoru: If they come at you in waves, you're gonna have a hard time no matter how good you are!
- Arataki Itto: Come on, you two! It's a little early to be getting cold feet. You're thinking too many steps ahead.
- Arataki Itto: Where's your Arataki Gang attitude? Come on, I'll find a way to deal with this, easy-peasy lavender-melon-squeezy!
- Arataki Itto: Maybe I can hit up my usual beetle-fighting crowd... Or maybe I can visit Naganohara Fireworks and see if I can rope that gal into it...
- Arataki Itto: ...Scratch that. If I did that, then news of me losing to that brat would spread around Hanamizaka! Ugh. My reputation would never recover...
- Paimon: True! So, Bull-Chucker, what are you up to this time?
- Arataki Itto: Gah! You scared me! When'd you get here?
- Paimon: Seriously? We've been standing here for ages!
- Paimon: We were heading to the Adventurers' Guild, but then we saw you causing a commotion and talking about your next hair-brained event idea...
"Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King"?- "Extraordinary and Exhilarating Beetle Battle Brawl"?
- Arataki Itto: Hey, hey, hey! Don't forget the "Extreme" part. Can't do without the coolest bit of the name, y'know?
- Arataki Itto: Compadre, you'll understand my passion for beetle fighting eventually. You just need more practice!
- Paimon: Ahh, so you're looking for a way to recover your pride after a humiliating defeat, are you?
- Arataki Itto: What? No! Come on, it's not like that! I was ambushed! Ambushed, I'm tellin' ya!
- Mamoru: That's right. Some poser calling himself "Grandmaster Hanakado" challenged the Boss in a brief moment of exhaustion after an intense beetle battling session.
- Mamoru: He used a ridiculously huge Onikabuto and flipped Boss's beetle over in a matter of seconds.
- Mamoru: And then he said something like, "Welcome to the world of real beetle-fighters"...
- Arataki Itto: Mamoeu [sic], Mamoru! Easy on the details, my dude!
- I think I understand the situation now...
- Arataki Itto: Anyway, compadre, I've heard that you're talented at pretty much everything. You pick up new skills almost instantly, and before you know it, you're a pro...
- Paimon: Paimon knows what you're going to say next, Bull-Chucker!
- Paimon: You're going to ask us to avenge you and defeat that "Grandmaster Hanakado" for free, aren't you?
- Arataki Itto: For free? Flying Lavender Melon, do you really think that I, Arataki Itto, have no code of honor?
- Arataki Itto: Listen, compadre. If you do this for me, I'll buy you both lunch for the next two months. One bowl of signature ramen every day for two whole months! How's that sound?
- Paimon: One bowl every day? Ooh, now that's an offer worth considering...
- Why are you being so generous?
- Did you finally land a lucrative gig?
- Akira: Hahaha! That's the result of Boss's hard-won victory.
- Akira: Some little phony was going around calling himself the "Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King," and Boss couldn't put up with that. So Boss challenged him and said whoever wins gets the title.
- Akira: After 92 brutal rounds of beetle-battling that lasted one full day and night, the Boss finally emerged victorious!
- Why do I get the feeling that...
- ...His opponent simply ran out of patience?
- Mamoru: But the kid offered Boss a "One Free Bowl of Ramen Daily" coupon from his family's ramen stall in exchange for giving the title back in two months.
- Mamoru: We don't know how good his family's ramen is, but the sheer quantity being offered made it too good to refuse.
- Mamoru: Besides, Boss's beetle-fighting techniques are improving so fast that he'll easily have won a more impressive title by two months from now. It's a great deal!
- Mamoru: The only slight snag is, we forgot to ask him where the ramen stall is...
- Arataki Itto: Ahem! Shh! Shh! Don't sweat the details! Anyway, compadre, Flying Lavender Melon, that's my offer! All that ramen, just for you!
- Paimon: Wait! We haven't agreed yet!
- Arataki Itto: I've already challenged this "Grandmaster" kid, and he accepted. He's going to bring some reinforcements with him to face off against us.
- Arataki Itto: As for the venue, I think I have an idea. But first, compadre, Imma need you to do me a solid and sort out all the pesky paperwork at the Tenryou Commission!
- Arataki Itto: Sound good? Good. Alright then, my compadre and melon duo, let's hop to it!
- Paimon: Sheesh. Itto sure seems excited about all this. Guess there's no backing out now, huh... We might as well go along with this.
- Paimon: We just have to learn how to beetle fight and help him beat his opponents, right? Sounds simple enough!
- Signature ramen, here we come!
- We'll be pro-nikabutos in no time!
- Paimon: Ugh, listen to you! Is Bull-Chucker's childishness really that infectious? Because one Itto is more than enough!
- After dealing with the Tenryou Commission's pesky paperwork, you head to the venue that Itto mentioned...
- (Approach Itto)
- Arataki Itto: Not bad! Mamoru and Akira have delivered the goods. Let's start setting this baby up!
- The highly experienced construction crew builds the arena...
- Arataki Itto: Hahahahahaha! Now this is what I call an arena! Lookin' prett-ay good!
- Arataki Itto: Boo yeah, compadre! I didn't know you were so handy with this kind of thing!
- Arataki Itto: And this awesome poster I made is the cherry on top! It captures the mood perfectly! Ahahahahahaha!
- Akira: Great carpentry, (Traveler)! And great artwork, Boss!
- Paimon: This place seems pretty far from Inazuma City. You sure anyone's gonna show up to watch?
- Arataki Itto: You bet they will! When you're as famous as I am, people will flock to watch you!
- Arataki Itto: I heard this is the spot where they held the sword-fighting contest during the Irodori Festival. That makes this the ideal venue for Onikabuto duels!
- Arataki Itto: Next up, time to show you my invincible Onikabuto, "Crimson Staff."
- Paimon: Oh, it really is a red Onikabuto! Amazing!
- It's as if it's imbued with Pyro...
- It sure does have a unique aura...
- Paimon: Huh. Paimon didn't expect you to put in this much effort. Where did you find this Onikabuto, anyway?
- Paimon: Can Paimon take a closer look?
- Arataki Itto: Haha! Go ahead, feast your eyes! But I'm afraid I can't tell you what makes Crimson Staff such a special specimen. That's my little secret!
- Paimon: Huh? That smells so familiar, what is that... wait, Valberry Jam?
- Arataki Itto: What! You're imagining things! You must be, like, super hungry, or something!
- Mamoru: Speaking of which, Boss, you haven't applied a protective coating on top of the war paint yet, right? If it rains, then the 9,000 Mora we spent on the imported jam is gonna go to waste...
- Arataki Itto: Don't worry! The "Almighty Arataki Extraordinary and Exhilarating Extreme Beetle Brawl" hasn't started yet. There's still time to give Crimson Staff one last layer of protective coating.
- Arataki Itto: Alright, you guys go grab some flyers and start bringing in the crowds. In the meantime, I'll be helping my compadre and Flying Lavender Melon here get up to speed.
- Arataki Itto: After that, we'll celebrate over a meal. Ah, so much going on, I've really got my work cut out for me today, whew...
- Grandmaster Hanakado: This your venue? Not bad... bigger than I expected.
- Akira: It's Grandmaster Hanakado! He's here!
- Arataki Itto: Wait, what? You're not supposed to know about this place yet!
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Aren't you forgetting something, Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King? We elite beetle fighters can sense each other's presence... or how else would we have crossed paths last time?
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Looks to me like you're still busy frantically preparing... is that because you don't have a clue how to beat us?
- Arataki Itto: Pff! N—No...! Uh... In case you didn't know, me and my Onikabuto gotta get our brainwaves in sync before a battle, and until we're ready to roll, I always conserve my energy and keep a low profile!
- Arataki Itto: I just underestimated the strength of your beetle-battler sixth sense is all!
- Paimon: Huh? So that's the kid Itto lost to? Yeah, he does look pretty normal...
- Paimon: But the way he talks is pretty unique. It almost feels like... he was born to be Bull-Chucker's archnemesis!
- Actually, I reckon they get along pretty well...
- We should let them catch up for a bit first...
- Arataki Itto: Grandmaster Hanakado! You did well to track me down, I'm impressed. Looks like this Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King needs to watch out for pretenders to the throne.
- Arataki Itto: But you're about to regret showing up here uninvited, because you have just earned yourselves a pre-beetle-brawl trouncing!
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Good, you seem more confident this time. And it sounds like you actually have a game plan.
- Grandmaster Hanakado: But if I crushed you right away, I'd miss out on all the fun... so, I'll let my subordinates play with you first.
- Arataki Itto: Hmph! Using your minions to size up the competition now?
- Arataki Itto: Then we'll send out Flying Lavender...
- Arataki Itto: Ahem! Nope, if Flying Lavender Melon's representing the Arataki Gang, we gotta rise to the occasion! We'll need a better title...
- Arataki Itto: Got it, we'll send Skycleaving White-Iron Lavender Melon out to teach you a lesson!
- Paimon: Huh!? Why Paimon?
- Will it be a Speed-Type Paimon?
- Or a Defense-Type Paimon?
- Akira: Boss! Are we seriously going to fight them right now?
- Mamoru: We haven't had time to spread the news about the match yet. Also, your compadre and your compadre's melon haven't even tried beetle fighting before.
- Arataki Itto: You make a good point! But the fact is, the kid's here now, and I ain't about to back down! We'll have to put the publicity side of things on hold for now.
- Arataki Itto: As for beetle-fighting techniques, I'll be mentoring Flying Lavender Melon... No, no, Skycleaving White-Iron Lavender Melon, from the side! Battling's the best way to learn! Doesn't matter if you lose!
- Paimon: Hey! Why are you assuming that Paimon will lose before it's even started?
- Arataki Itto: Go, White-Iron Lavender Melon! Show 'em the might of the Arataki Gang!
- Arataki Itto: Sending you out first is part of my elaborate strategy, y'know! I got my inspiration from a Liyue tale that Shinobu told me!
- Arataki Itto: "Face their strongest with your weakest, their weakest with your average, and their average with your strongest. Then you're guaranteed to win two out of three rounds!"
- Arataki Itto: You may be talented, but you lack practical battle experience. With all the elite beetle battlers here, I'm afraid to say you're a small fry.
- Arataki Itto: By sending a dopey little melon up first, we can get one of their best fighters to waste all their strength on the low-flying fruit, hahaha! We'll make short work of them this time!
- Paimon: Um. But according to your logic, if you're planning to face their leader, Grandmaster Hanakado... doesn't that make YOU our weakest fighter?
- Arataki Itto: Huh!? That can't be right...
- (Akira and Mamoru nod, then shake their heads)
- Arataki Itto: Gah... you little twerp! I never said my strategy was EXACTLY the same as the one in the story!
- Paimon: Fine, fine, fine, Paimon'll do it already. But prepare to eat your words, mister!
- Paimon: Low-flying fruit, hm? Paimon'll show you!
- (Approach Elyctra)
- Elyctra: What a puny opponent... And what a garish Onikabuto...
- Elyctra: Pathetic! You can paint your Onikabuto any color you want... the only thing that counts in battle is their Electro affinity — the source of their power.
- Elyctra: Being able to pick out a prize Onikabuto from the crowd is all that matters. That's what makes or breaks every beetle-fighter!
- Paimon: That's a strange theory... Even Paimon knows that performance in battle matters the most. Honing your beetle-fighting skills is the most important thing!
- Arataki Itto: That's exactly right, mini melon!
- Arataki Itto: Nice-sounding theory, but it ain't gonna help you if you don't know how to fight!
- Arataki Itto: Listen up, White-Iron Lavender Melon. You need to watch your opponent's Onikabuto closely, so you can dodge its attacks. Then, in the opening right afterward, you strike back!
- Arataki Itto: As long as the opponent is in range, Crimson Staff will hit 'em hard!
- Paimon: Got it! So when the opponent attacks, we get our Onikabuto to retreat, and when there's an opening, we move it forward and strike while they're still recovering!
- Paimon: Sounds simple enough. Paimon will give it a go! (Traveler) heard the explanation too, so Paimon bets we're both ready for battle!
- Elyctra: Are you seriously learning beetle fighting right before a match? You underestimate who you're up against!
- Elyctra: Enough talk. Put your Onikabuto on the table and show me what you've got!
- The Beetle Brawl is about to begin...
- (Win Little Lavender Melon's Debut Match)
- The winner has been decided. The duel is over...
- Paimon: Hehe, piece of cake! You don't mess with this White-Iron Lavender Melon!
- Mamoru and Akira: Amazing, mini melon!
- Arataki Itto: Whoa! Who-ho-ho-hoa! Pretty talented, ain'cha? You sure showed them who's boss!
- Arataki Itto: You, my little friend, have earned yourself an Egg Roll later today.
- You're so strong, Paimon!
- Your opponent was weak!
- Elyctra: Ah, "Grandmaster Hanakado," I lost to a complete novice... I have let you down!
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Don't worry. It seems that they are a force to be reckoned with... We should inform the other generals to prepare for battle.
- Grandmaster Hanakado: You defy my expectations once again, Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King... I didn't expect you to find such formidable warriors so quickly.
- Grandmaster Hanakado: From today onward, I will send one of my generals here daily to face you.
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Be sure that you survive until the final battle. Otherwise, your declaration of war will become the laughingstock of the entire beetle-fighting world.
- (Elyctra and Grandmaster Hanakado leave)
- Arataki Itto: Wait just a minute. Leaving so soon? What are you, scared?
- Arataki Itto: Gah, he's so annoying. Turning up here uninvited, talking to us in that smug tone, then taking off before we're done with him...
- Paimon: From what Grandmaster Hanakado said, seems like he's gonna send some of his minions to challenge us. Guess we'll have another battle before too long, huh?
- Arataki Itto: That's right. Looks like we won't have time to make the Almighty Arataki Extraordinary and Exhilarating Extreme Beetle Brawl the grandest event ever organized by the Arataki Gang...
- Arataki Itto: Meh, works for me! An audience would've been sweet, but at the end of the day, we came here to battle, and battling is what we're gonna do!
- Arataki Itto: Look at you, Flying... ahem! Skycleaving White-Iron Lavender Melon... defeating your first powerful enemy, starting to make a name for yourself as a fighter... Really gets me into the fighting spirit!
- Arataki Itto: Gets me thinking about myself, back in the day, when I first entered the Hanamizaka beetle-battling scene... taking on the pros for the first time...
- I'm sure you had your fighting spirit...
- ...But you didn't exactly make a name for yourself back then, did you?
- Paimon: Ooh, so did you also take down an expert when you first started, Bull-Chucker?
- Akira: The Boss got brutally beaten...
- Mamoru: I think Boss is saying he was inspired by White-Iron Lavender Melon's performance because he himself was defeated back in the day.
- Arataki Itto: C'mon, that's all in the past now! Spilled milk! Water under the bridge!
- Arataki Itto: It's up to the three of us now. Me, the Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King, Paimon, the Skycleaving White-Iron Lavender Melon, and (Traveler), the... the Oni King's Right Hand!
- Arataki Itto: The three of us have to unite to take down Grandmaster Hanakado and all his minions!
- Arataki Itto: Before we face each opponent, we need to talk strategy. As long as we win more matches than we lose, Grandmaster Hanakado will have to face me personally!
- Paimon: Bull-Chucker seems to be taking this all pretty seriously...
- Paimon: Still, that beetle fight was pretty fun, and we do get two months' worth of free ramen if we help him win this. Let's go along with it and do our best!
- You still haven't seen me in action.
- I want to show my stuff too.
- Arataki Itto: Hahahahahaha! That's what I'm talkin' about! Just follow my lead and give your all in battle. Grandmaster Hanakado's about to get more than he bargained for!
The Beetle Battles Will Never End!
Main article: The Beetle Battles Will Never End!
Quest DescriptionThe Almighty Arataki Extraordinary and Exhilarating Extreme Beetle Brawl appears to have been a great success, and it's now time to return to the brawl grounds to check on Arataki Itto and Grandmaster Hanakado...
- (Upon obtaining quest)
- Paimon: So the Almighty Arataki Extraordinary and Exhilarating Extreme Beetle Brawl seems to be going pretty smoothly.
- Paimon: Paimon's curious who's really stronger between them. Let's go "chuck" it out, shall we?
- (Talk to Itto or Grandmaster Hanakado)
- Grandmaster Hanakado: I see. I see... Let us battle once more. This time, I'll see through all of your methods.
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Victory and defeat no longer seem so important... Let's just battle for fun, shall we?
- Grandmaster Hanakado: It's rare that I should find such a great opponent. It would be a shame to end our battles so soon, would it not?
- Arataki Itto: Sure! Bring it on!
- Arataki Itto: But seeing through my secret beetle-fighting techniques? Nah, little fella, that ain't gonna happen!
- Arataki Itto: If you'll admit that I'm the stronger beetle fighter, I'll fight you for as many rounds as you want!
- Paimon: Huh, looks like Bull-Chucker and Grandmaster Hanakado are still raring to go... Well, let's leave them to it! They can battle beetles till the beetle-battling's done!
- (Approach Itto the following day)
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Hahahahaha...
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Astounding!
- Arataki Itto: Hahahahaha...
- Arataki Itto: Amazing!
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Even though your fighting style differs greatly from mine, I resonate strongly with the passion you imbue into your Onikabuto.
- Grandmaster Hanakado: In time, you shall surely become a true champion of the beetle-fighting world.
- Arataki Itto: You're pretty good yourself! You managed to win an impressive 570 out of our 1,141 matches!
- Arataki Itto: Of all the beetle-battle marathons I've fought in my time, you've lasted the longest by far! Not gonna lie, I'm impressed!
- Grandmaster Hanakado: No, I won 571 rounds, so I'm ahead. Also, you have the home advantage. Taking that into account, it is in fact I who am the superior warrior.
- Arataki Itto: Huh? Why you gotta be so stubborn? I remember our score clear as day, and Mamoru is our witness!
- Arataki Itto: Ain't that right, Mamoru?
- Mamoru: Boss, I... I really can't take it anymore... Please let me sleep for a while...
- Paimon: Uhh... Have they been going at it this whole time without a break!?
- The arena must be about to collapse...
- The Onikabuto must be exhausted...
- Arataki Itto: Fine! Since I'm a generous guy, I can give you one round, no problemo. I'll just defeat you next time!
- Arataki Itto: And if you're still not convinced, we'll do the next battle on your home turf. I'll prove that it's about the beetle fighter, not the location!
- Grandmaster Hanakado: That suits me just fine. Follow me.
- Arataki Itto: Oh? Hey, compadre, Flying Lavender Melon, you're finally here!
- Paimon: Wait a minute, why's Paimon back to Flying Lavender Melon again? Does Paimon only get a good nickname when she's fighting for you?
- Arataki Itto: Uh, never mind that for now! Here's your 2-month free ramen voucher, as agreed. Take it!
- Paimon: Ramen voucher? Oh yeah, right! The ramen!
- Paimon: Now that's more like it!
- Time to celebrate!
- And the "Extreme Beetle Brawl" is a wrap!
- Arataki Itto: Oh, no, no, no, no. This was just the warmup. The Almighty Arataki Extraordinary and Exhilarating Extreme Beetle Brawl is still to come!
- Arataki Itto: After all, things are way too quiet without an audience. We can't just end the event like this!
- Arataki Itto: But the good news is, Grandmaster Hanakado finally let go of his pride and admitted that I'm a strong beetle fighter!
- Arataki Itto: Still, we ain't done with each other just yet. I'll be heading to his home turf alone soon, where I'm gonna defeat him once and for all.
- Arataki Itto: Once that happens, he'll have to follow my orders — and by that, I mean he'll help us make the Almighty Arataki Extraordinary and Exhilarating Extreme Beetle Brawl the biggest, baddest event ever!
- Arataki Itto: Thanks again to the two of you. Now, wait here — I'll be back with good news in no time at all!
- (Itto runs off)
- Paimon: Bull-Chucker sure seems like he's having fun, and we got two months' worth of ramen out of it, hee-hee!
- It's a win-win situation!
- Everyone's happy, that's all that matters.
- Akira: Boss, Boss! There's a letter from Shinobu. Take a look at this...
- Akira: Huh? Where'd the Boss go? He was beetle fighting right here just a moment ago...
- Paimon: Uh, is it urgent? Because Bull-Chucker just left with Grandmaster Hanakado. They said they were going to continue their battle...
- Akira: Well, it's not urgent, just a little unexpected...
- Akira: You can read it for yourself if you want.
- (Opens Letter from Kuki Shinobu)
- Letter from Kuki Shinobu
- Boss:
- I have yet to complete my business, so I won't be back for a while. Should you have any new ideas and want to drag the boys into new shenanigans, hold your horses first. I'll help you organize matters once I get back.
- I met a kid while harvesting Lavender Melons. He's articulate and well-mannered, and he loves beetle battles. He even has lots of friends in that department.
- Having heard that you're also an avid beetle brawler, the kid was quite eager to meet you. He even said that he'd consider joining the Arataki Gang if you turned out to be better than him at beetle fights. I gave him the addresses of some of your usual haunts so that he can find you himself.
- By my estimations, you should have met up by now, so have fun... Just remember to eat your meals on time.
- I'll repeat myself again: just relax and stick to beetle battles for now! Don't drag the gang around on some wild adventure or anything!
- Paimon: What the... So Grandmaster Hanakado is actually part of the Arataki Gang? But his... communication style made Bull-Chucker feel like he was facing a mortal enemy...
- Paimon: Just as Shinobu expected, Bull-Chucker is spending all his time beetle fighting without resting or eating.
- Paimon: But he did get us to organize the Beetle Brawl event for him...
- I still wouldn't really call that resting, per se.
- Paimon: Y'know, Paimon thinks Shinobu deserves to enjoy the ramen voucher more than we do! Why don't we take her for ramen when she gets back?
- Paimon: Hmm... Actually, wait a moment.
- Paimon: Bull-Chucker didn't tell us which ramen stall this voucher's meant to be used at...
- Paimon: ...Are we supposed to find the store by ourselves!?
- (Obtain
Unattributed Ramen Voucher)
Challenges
I: Mallet the Smasher
- (Talk to Pain-Grocer)
- Pain-Grocer: Arataki Gang, I'm here to duel!
- Arataki Itto: Oh, what now? Has Grandmaster Hanakado sent another kid to challenge me?
- Arataki Itto: Is he running out of people? 'Cause this is some serious bottom-of-the-barrel material.
- Pain-Grocer: ...It's not you I'm after.
- Pain-Grocer: Empty vessels make the most noise.
- Pain-Grocer: This (blond guy/
blonde gal), on the other hand, looks like a strong and able warrior. I take it that (he/ she)'s the real leader of the Arataki Gang. - Paimon: Hahaha! Now that's what Paimon calls a good judge of character! Go on, praise (him/
her) some more! - Arataki Itto: Hey, hey! What are you two talking about?
- Arataki Itto: My compadre here is strong, for sure, but (he's/
she's) just outside help. Make no mistake, there's only ever been one leader of the Arataki Gang, and that is yours truly, Arataki Itto! - So should I be called the Oni King's Temporary Right Hand?
- Can't you just let me be the leader for a few days?
- Paimon: Hey, nice idea! The Arataki Gang may not be the strongest gang in the world, but being a leader would still be pretty cool!
- Paimon: If it's cool with you, Paimon could be called Arataki-for-3-Days-Only Paimon, or Paimon, Temporary Leader of the Arataki Gang!
- Arataki Itto: Hey, hey, hey! Don't let your opponent lead you astray! She's clearly just... just trying to sow discord, yeah! Okay? All part of a nefarious plot to turn us against each other!
- Arataki Itto: Just wait till I defeat her boss! She'll be begging to take back her words!
- Pain-Grocer: Don't flatter yourself. I don't care about the Arataki Gang's internal affairs. I just want to battle strong opponents!
- Pain-Grocer: Let's see just how good blondie here is at beetle fighting!
- (Select difficulty for "The 'Grocer' Takes Point")
- The Beetle Brawl is about to begin...
- (Challenge Pain-Grocer for the first time)
- Paimon: You got this! This'll be a walk in the park for you!
- Arataki Itto: Yeah! Remember the tips that White-Iron Lavender Melon and I shared with you previously. Time your moves right and catch her off guard!
- Pain-Grocer: Dream on! You'll never dodge my moves, 'cause I never miss!
- (After defeating the opponent)
- The winner has been decided. The duel is over...
- (After defeating Mallet the Smasher on Friendly Spar or Honed Will difficulty for the first time)
- Pain-Grocer: Huh!? It even blocked the strike that could smash a big rock? Unbelievable!
- (After defeating Mallet the Smasher on Fanatic Passion difficulty for the first time)
- Pain-Grocer: My Onikabuto has done its best. It's a shame that we're not strong enough...
- (Talk to Pain-Grocer again)
- Pain-Grocer: So the rumors of your formidable strength and resilience are true! You are really tough! That was a good fight!
Up for another round?
- Pain-Grocer: Huh? Are you sure you want to spar with me again? You're so patient!
- Pain-Grocer: Well, it's my honor then!
- (Opens difficulty selection screen)
- About Grandmaster Hanakado...
- Pain-Grocer: Why are you asking about Grandmaster Hanakado all of a sudden? You're trying to get some information out from me, aren't you?
- Pain-Grocer: Well, I'll tell you what I know. He and I are just business partners anyway, so we're not particularly close.
- Paimon: Business partners? But you two are just kids!
- Pain-Grocer: So what? I've supplied Tsukumomono Groceries dozens of times. Like the small trees and rocks I pulled out when catching Onikabuto...
- Pain-Grocer: The stuff was then made into bonsai trees and rock gardens, and they look pretty impressive when placed in the store! They're sold in limited quantities from time to time, and together with Aoi's promotion, it's pretty good business!
- Pain-Grocer: Aoi praised me and said that the goods I delivered are great, and could even be worth a third of many precious treasures!
- Pain-Grocer: Grandmaster Hanakado always buys them at high prices, saying that he'll use them to build courtyards and hills in his Onikabuto arena and make a camp for his beetles.
- Pain-Grocer: So, by helping you and Grandmaster Hanakado in beetle fighting, I'm also helping Aoi's and my own business venture.
- Paimon: Okay, now Paimon understands where that name came from...
- Paimon: Anyway, it sounds like Grandmaster Hanakado comes from a very rich family... Could his parents be millionaires in disguise?
- Pain-Grocer: I don't know much about that. All I know is that every time he buys my goods, I'll earn enough Mora for a few days' worth of Sakura Shrimp Crackers!
- Paimon: Sakura Shrimp Crackers? That's it? Seems like he isn't so rich after all...
- Pain-Grocer: Huh? What do you mean? ...You must make a lot of Mora then!
- Pain-Grocer: Maybe I'll just hand out with you, and you can pay me to be your beetle-battler!
- Pain-Grocer: Then I'll get to beetle-fight with you every day!
- Paimon: Money... money isn't that important! Don't get so excited!
- Paimon: Besides... (Traveler) isn't a beetle fighting professional, so even if you come with us, you won't get too many work opportunities.
- Pain-Grocer: Is that so? Forget about it then! Anyway... After my bonsai and rock gardens open for sale, don't forget to pay me a visit and buy something!
- Until next we meet!
- Pain-Grocer: See you next time, (Traveler) and Sky-Cleaving White-Iron Lavender Melon! If you don't mind, come and have beetle fights with me again!
II: Triple-Strike Gunblade Mage
- (Talk to Wizard Moneybags)
- Wizard Moneybags: Undisciplined, inelegant, unoriginal, uninspired... and completely uncoordinated.
- Arataki Itto: Hey, what'cha complaining about? Oh, lemme guess, all your teammates we defeated?
- Wizard Moneybags: ...
- Wizard Moneybags: I'm talking about your fighting style.
- Arataki Itto: Huh? Have you been hit in the head by a Specter, or something? This ain't some circus show, pal! You wanna know what my style is? Uncheckable strength, unwreckable will, and undefeatable beetles, that's what! I can give you a demonstration — if you dare.
- Wizard Moneybags: Ugh, you bring back some bad memories... I do not deal well with loud and obnoxious types like you.
- Wizard Moneybags: Ah, but this (blond fellow/
blonde lady) looks like easy pickings... Alright, I'll challenge (him/ her)! - Arataki Itto: Pfft! Hahahahahahaha!
- Arataki Itto: Hahahaha! Hey, compadre, did you hear what this joker just said? He thinks you're an easy win! So uh, how about you show him a little Arataki Gang hospitality?
- Haha, gladly!
- Oh nooo~! Please don't bully me...
- Paimon: Paimon doesn't get it... These people haven't researched their opponents at all! All they're doing by coming one at a time is contributing to our winning streak.
- Paimon: Grandmaster Hanakado's team members are a real mixed bag! They're no match for us three when it comes to strategy!
- (Select difficulty for "Oppressive Wizardry!")
- The Beetle Brawl is about to begin...
- (Challenge Wizard Moneybags for the first time)
- Wizard Moneybags: Beetle battling is a spectator sport. The performance should be visually captivating, even artistic... You, however, don't seem to comprehend that...
- Paimon: Yeesh, this guy is pretentious. Just relax and enjoy it, for crying out loud! If all you care about is how it looks, it stops being a battle and turns into a show!
- Arataki Itto: You said it, White-Iron Lavender Melon! Now, time to teach him a lesson, compadre!
- (After defeating the opponent)
- The winner has been decided. The duel is over...
- (After defeating Triple-Strike Gunblade Mage on Friendly Spar or Honed Will difficulty for the first time)
- Wizard Moneybags: This is not right! No, I can't accept this! You got lucky, that's all!
- (After defeating Triple-Strike Gunblade Mage on Fanatic Passion difficulty for the first time)
- Wizard Moneybags: Embarrassing, weak, useless! I am but a failure!
- (Talk to Wizard Moneybags again)
- Wizard Moneybags: Not decisive, nor sharp, nor quick, nor experienced... There's still room for improvement.
- Wanna try again?
- Wizard Moneybags: A rematch, is it?
- Wizard Moneybags: Hmm... Yes, this seems worth the effort. Let us begin, then!
- (Opens difficulty selection screen)
- About Grandmaster Hanakado...
- Wizard Moneybags: My benefactor? Sorry, I don't know much about him either.
- Wizard Moneybags: I only know that he has a keen eye for Onikabuto.
- Wizard Moneybags: When no one else was interested in my Onikabuto Magic Show Troupe, he was the only one who kept coming to my shows. He even memorized the name of every single Onikabuto.
- Wizard Moneybags: Though the Mora he gave me was only enough for me to buy two bowls of Unagi Chazuke, he is my biggest and only supporter. I'd help him for free!
- Paimon: Oh... So you used to actually train Onikabuto to put on shows? No wonder you used so many fancy words just now...
- Paimon: Well, we'll go watch your Onikabuto show once we finish the beetle brawl!
- Wizard Moneybags: Haha... I've been barely able to make ends meet for years, so I'm looking for another way out.
- Wizard Moneybags: If we are fated, you may hear the name "Wizard Moneybags" again years from now.
- Goodbye.
- Wizard Moneybags: Well, see you later. I need to really think about how I can improve...
III: Super-Heavy Defensive Formation
- (Talk to The Cage-Maker)
- The Cage-Maker: "Skycleaving White-Iron Lavender Melon"! I have come to avenge Elyctra! Prepare your Onikabuto!
- The Cage-Maker: After I defeat you, I'll take down the entire Arataki Gang, one member at a time!
- Paimon: Looks like we've got... an adult this time...? And why's this guy even more excitable than the kids?
- There's no need to be afraid, Paimon.
- Just another feather for your cap, Paimon.
- Arataki Itto: Well, White-Iron Lavender Melon! Looks like this guy's challenging you to a duel — and there's no backing down from something like that.
- Arataki Itto: Take Crimson Staff with you and go nuts!
- (Select difficulty for "Cage Counterattack")
- The Beetle Brawl is about to begin...
- (Challenge The Cage-Maker for the first time)
- Paimon: Alright! Time for Skycleaving White-Iron Lavender Melon's second match!
- Paimon: Uh... Why's his Onikabuto so big? Seems kinda unfair...
- Arataki Itto: Don't you worry! An Onikabuto that's too big is one that's too slow. It's no match for Crimson Staff!
- The Cage-Maker: Your worthless little Onikabuto doesn't stand a chance! Even if you gave it to me for free, it'd be a waste of precious cage space!
- (After defeating the opponent)
- The winner has been decided. The duel is over...
- (After defeating Super-Heavy Defensive Formation on Friendly Spar or Honed Will difficulty for the first time)
- The Cage-Maker: Ah, what a miscalculation of mine! I never knew you were so good!
- (After defeating Super-Heavy Defensive Formation on Fanatic Passion difficulty for the first time)
- The Cage-Maker: I see... It's true that the beetle battle's never about strength or age, but talent... I accept my defeat.
- (Talk to The Cage-Maker again)
- The Cage-Maker: Elyctra... How can I avenge you...
- Another round with Paimon?
- The Cage-Maker: Huh? Are you using me as some kind of free training dummy?
- The Cage-Maker: How dare you! You're going down this time!
- (Opens difficulty selection screen)
- About Grandmaster Hanakado...
- The Cage-Maker: Hah! Don't even think about prying Grandmaster Hanakado's secrets out of me!
- The Cage-Maker: All you need to know is that Grandmaster Hanakado has the ability to let people see the error of their ways, and enable them to appreciate the beauty of beetle fighting!
- Paimon: "Error of their ways"? You sound so melodramatic...
- The Cage-Maker: No! At that time, I was obsessed with woodworking, and completely did not consider how to bring the value of my woodworking skills into play.
- The Cage-Maker: Then I saw my cousin's second cousin's uncle's childhood friend's nephew, Elyctra really get into beetle fighting. And I tried to stop him...
- The Cage-Maker: Luckily, he brought me to see Grandmaster Hanakado. After listening to his speech, I saw how awesome beetle fighting is, and how naive I was!
- The Cage-Maker: From then on, I started getting into beetle fighting, and put my lifelong woodworking skills into making insect cages to fully support Elyctra and Grandmaster Hanakado.
- The Cage-Maker: Skycleaving White-Iron Lavender Melon, you should also listen to Grandmaster Hanakado's speech, and then work for him!
- Paimon: No way! Paimon is scared just hearing you say those things!
- Paimon: Don't use such big words. Bull-chuc—, uhh, Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King's words sound so much better!
- The Cage-Maker: Ugh, why did I even bother talking to you two? Go then, wallow in your ignorance!
- Bye!
- The Cage-Maker: Off you go!
IV: Whirling Wrecker-Wheel
- (Talk to Grand Rook Sennichi)
- Grand Rook Sennichi: Hey, which one of you's the ringleader? Step up! It's time to fight.
- Grand Rook Sennichi: I am Grand Rook Sennichi, a giant among giants. Grandmaster Hanakado has demanded the head of the Arataki Gang's leader... and I am here to collect it!
- Paimon: Whoa, he looks fierce... And sounds it, too! Seems like we're up against a really strong opponent this time...
- Arataki Itto: Where do you get off, huh!? And what's the big idea, putting "Grand" in your name? You tryin' to steal my limelight, you little punk?
- Arataki Itto: Okay, "giant among giants," time to cut you down to size!
- Grand Rook Sennichi: S—So tall! And you're... you're an oni!
- Grand Rook Sennichi: Y—You look like you could eat me for breakfast! ...Why is a guy like you into beetle-fighting? It's just a kids' game... Argh, what have I gotten myself into!
- Arataki Itto: Uh, excuse me? "Kids' game"? Oh, you did NOT just say that!
- Arataki Itto: Seems to me like you don't know the first thing about beetle-fighting. Your misconception begs correctin' by a veteran, my dude!
- School him!
- This guy's overdue for an attitude adjustment!
- Paimon: Yeah! Go take him down a notch! You can do it, Bull-Chucker!
- Grand Rook Sennichi: Looks like this is happening... Fine, bring it on!
- (Select difficulty for "This Battle B(Rook)s No Dishonor!")
- The Beetle Brawl is about to begin...
- (Challenge Grand Rook Sennichi for the first time)
- Paimon: Don't look down on beetle fighting, Rookie... whatever-your-name-was! Even Paimon gets why it's fun!
- Arataki Itto: And it's not just about fun, either! Beetle fighting is about striving to be stronger, and the spirit of competition! If you don't understand that maybe you should find a new hobby!
- Grand Rook Sennichi: Tsk! I'm being out-trash-talked, this never happens... Too bad for you, though, because talk is cheap!
- (After defeating the opponent)
- The winner has been decided. The duel is over...
- (After defeating Whirling Wrecker-Wheel on Friendly Spar or Honed Will difficulty for the first time)
- Grand Rook Sennichi: Tsk, this is awkward... I can't back down yet!
- (After defeating Whirling Wrecker-Wheel on Fanatic Passion difficulty for the first time)
- Grand Rook Sennichi: What a formidable rival! I admire your enthusiasm and passion, and I accept my defeat!
- (Talk to Grand Rook Sennichi again)
- Grand Rook Sennichi: What the? That Oni is really strong! And he's full of righteous words... How can there be such people in this world?
- We're here to teach you a lesson!
- Grand Rook Sennichi: What's the matter? Don't look down on me! If you can't knock that guy down a peg or two, you're definitely no match for me!
- (Opens difficulty selection screen)
- About Grandmaster Hanakado...
- Grand Rook Sennichi: The Grandmaster? Why do you ask?
- Grand Rook Sennichi: You should never mess with him! You can't win him in a debate, and you probably can't defeat him in beetle fighting either.
- Paimon: "Probably" can't defeat him? Huh, you're sounding a little less arrogant than before. Looks like bull-chucker taught you a little lesson!
- Grand Rook Sennichi: How could you say that? I lost to him, fair and square. I would never be that sore loser who refuses to admit defeat!
- Grand Rook Sennichi: I, Grand Rook Sennichi, was outshone by Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King. Even if he wanted me to change my title from "Grand" to "Puny," I'd have no objection at all!
- Grand Rook Sennichi: And since you're his friends, maybe you can put the Grandmaster in a tough spot in a way I never thought of...
- Paimon: Hehe, that was a very clever thing to say! You don't seem like one of those bone-headed bad guys.
- Grand Rook Sennichi: That's what the Grandmaster taught me.
- Grand Rook Sennichi: I used to go unnoticed, just a punk who got into fights with other people, looking down on this and that...
- Grand Rook Sennichi: The Grandmaster introduced me to this kid's game. He told me that pride and ruthlessness isn't enough. If I can't even win in beetle fighting, it'd mean that I'm less than a child.
- Grand Rook Sennichi: So for a long time, I've been using beetle fighting as a way to prove myself.
- Grand Rook Sennichi: However, you and the Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King showed up. It made me wonder if I had been a little impetuous, and misunderstood the true meaning behind beetle fighting...
- Paimon: Well, you should think long and hard about that! It's one thing to prove yourself, but it's also important to enjoy the game.
- Goodbye!
- Grand Rook Sennichi: Eh... Let's settle this next time!
V: Ironclad Beetle King
- (Talk to Grandmaster Hanakado)
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Splendid, splendid!
- Grandmaster Hanakado: I did not expect the Arataki Gang to defeat so many mighty beetle fighters. It seems that you are well-versed in this art.
- Grandmaster Hanakado: I take back what I once said. You are respectable and worthy opponents, and I must face you as such — with my full strength!
- Paimon: Alrighty! Bull-Chucker, you're our leader. It's your time to shine!
- Paimon: And, uh, don't take what was said earlier seriously!
- You're up, Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King!
- The King versus the Grandmaster! This will be legendary!
- Arataki Itto: Hahahahahaha! Oh, it's on! The final showdown, and my soon-to-be final victory!
- Arataki Itto: I don't know how you've been leading your crew, but the results speak for themselves: The Arataki Gang rules!
- Arataki Itto: Grandmaster Hanakado, get ready to battle!
- (Select difficulty for "Showdown! The Grandmaster's All-Out Attack!")
- The Beetle Brawl is about to begin...
- (Challenge Grandmaster Hanakado for the first time)
- Grandmaster Hanakado: After many duels, your Crimson Staff has grown in strength... At least, it's far more confident than when it defeated Elyctra.
- Arataki Itto: Oh yeah? Hey, you have a good eye for this! Of course, its improvement is mainly thanks to my expert guidance and tuition!
- (Talk to Grandmaster Hanakado or Itto again)
-
- Paimon: Wow, the two of them seem to be still working out the details of beetle fighting, preparing for the next game... They don't even know we're here.
- Paimon: So, (Traveler)? Why don't we just leave them to it?
- Let's watch them fight!
- (Opens difficulty selection screen)
- You're right. Let's go quietly.
- (After defeating the opponent)
- The winner has been decided. The duel is over...
- (After defeating Ironclad Beetle King on Friendly Spar or Honed Will difficulty for the first time)
- Grandmaster Hanakado: I'm impressed! Your tactics are beyond my expectation, but I still have a few extra moves!
- (After defeating Ironclad Beetle King on Fanatic Passion difficulty for the first time)
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Hahaha! Good game! We're taking this thing to a whole new level! One more round!
- (Talk to Grandmaster Hanakado after the first win)
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Oh, you're still here? Looks like your passion for beetle fighting has fully blossomed...
- About your beetle fight with Itto...
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Haha, you guys pick up fast! Let me give you a recap of the highlights of all the fights I've had with the Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King...
- Didn't you leave?
- Paimon: Oh right, didn't you and bull-chucker... Ahem! Didn't you and Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King continue the battle on your home ground?
- Paimon: How did you sneak back here alone? Did he finally best you?
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Aha! Did you think it was that easy to beat me?
- Grandmaster Hanakado: When I arrived, Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King had met my grandfather and took a keen interest in how he took care of his Onikabuto.
- Grandmaster Hanakado: He was chatting eagerly with my grandfather, discussing the beetles' diet and training grounds, and it looked like the conversation was going to take quite a while.
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Letting Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King and his Crimson Staff take a break helps to make our next battle a fair fight, so I came back here to take a look.
- Paimon: Well... Paimon kind of gets it. The place you mentioned is your home, and your awesome Onikabuto— they're all taken care of by your grandfather, so they're big and strong, right?
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Yeah, that's about it! But there's more to my game than that, like a little secret that affects the habits of the beetles...
- Grandmaster Hanakado: Come and have a look if you have the chance!
- Paimon: A secret, huh? Now Paimon really wants to know what it's all about! Paimon promises to drop by next time!
- Until next we meet!
- Grandmaster Hanakado: We'll meet again, Oni King's Right Hand and Skycleaving White-Iron Lavender Melon!
Open-World Interactables
Bulletin Board
- Bulletin Board: The unparalleled Beetle-battling competition "Almighty Arataki Extraordinary and Exhilarating Extreme Beetle Brawn" is upon us!
- Bulletin Board: All are welcome to watch this exciting Beetle showdown on the island to the northwest of Araumi.
- Bulletin Board: Come and witness the crowning moment of Bona-Fide Beetle Battle King wiping the floor with Grandmaster Hanakado!