Ruriko tries her best to concentrate on synthesizing a manga but has difficulty placing all the data she has of Mikako's subterfuge in perspective when Mikako announces that she has prepared breakfast and intends the Akindo studio as her destination. Mikako computing for the correct solution since the subterfuge is not sustainable quickly takes a back seat to Mariko having buried the hatchet with Ayumi much to the astonishment of the other Akindo members. It is not long before Mariko's abrupt but well-planned orders begin to bear fruit as the Akindo members remark that Mariko should avail herself as an expertise consultant for a living. The Akindo members taking a recess for lunch is when it becomes evident that Ruriko is medically in a bad way -- Mikako not being much better off; while Jiro guides Mariko through using the computer, the other Akindo members continue working on the studio. Yuusuke repulsing Tsutomu's playful derision ultimately becomes the deus ex machina for encountering Shishou whose delivery of a dangerous opportunity for both Mikako and Risa expedites the Akindo members successfully finishing up the studio; the euphoria fools Mikako into living on borrowed time.