Goodbye, Lara (さよならララ)

How was it?

It's a strange feeling...

There's something about Luca that I've never felt with anyone else.

I don't know how to describe it.

What do you mean?

I feel this sense of warmth from him.

Well, good for you.

Huh?

I don't really get it, but...

Think you'll be able to find what you've been looking for?

Your true love?

Are you okay?

I'm okay! I almost tripped.

Maybe you're not used to those legs yet.

That's not it!

We're home!

Hey, Lara-chan.

You were out late.

We were getting worried.

Dominate Kinki! Dominate Japan!!

One Day Until the Tournament!!

All right! That's it for today!

Go straight home and get prepared for tomorrow!

Yes!

What's that?

Omi's Lightning

It's called a banner.

Makoto-san told me about it.

Omi's Lightning

What do you think? Nice, huh?

That's really nice.

Go! Go!

Don't you usually work today?

I got today off.

I see.

What are you watching?

A potential opponent in the tournament that starts tomorrow.

She seems really strong.

But I'm still gonna win.

So what if you win?

I'll face a stronger opponent.

And after that?

I'll face an even stronger one.

I see...

Aren't you scared?

Of what?

Lara?

Lara?

I'm okay.

Sorry.

I just got a little sleepy.

Shiga

Nice to meet you, Mari Otsu.

I'm Lisa, Lara's sister.

Are you really Lara's sister?

I want you to give Lara back.

I mean, why not tell her that yourself?

She's our special princess.

She is destined to save us merfolk with her light.

Her light?

Yes.

The light she can obtain only when she finds true love.

But if she doesn't, she'll vanish into foam.

What?

Lara took a potion to become human.

But the potion doesn't last forever.

When it stops being effective, she'll immediately turn into foam...

and die.

What?

Have you noticed any changes with Lara's body?

I knew it.

Take this potion with you.

It helps delay turning into foam.

It should also alleviate the symptoms.

That said, this is only a temporary fix.

In order for Lara to survive, she must find true love.

That's the only way.

And yet...

Gon-chan!

What is it?

Is Lara...

Is Lara gonna turn into foam? No...

Tell me that's a lie.

Who told you that?

Luca

A ladybug appeared in the studio!

Do you know what ladybugs are?

Show me next time.

Show me next time.

Hey, Mari.

So, Luca said he wants to see your match tomorrow.

I met your sister.

You mean Lisa?

She said that you're going to vanish into foam soon.

Gon-chan said so, too.

Why didn't you tell me?

Be—

Lara!

Lara must still fear the surface world.

At this rate, she'll never find true love with a human.

So please.

Please give Lara back to us.

Lara.

Mari.

How do you feel?

Any better?

Sorry...

I had you take this.

Your sister said it'd help you right now.

I think I'm feeling a lot better.

Thank you.

That said, this is only a temporary fix.

That said, this is only a temporary fix.

Your true love.

Do you think you'll find it?

Huh?

What?

Of course I do.

I heard that no mermaid has ever ended up with a human.

But you still think so?

Mari, you're acting strange.

What's going on?

I'm okay.

I should be a lot better by tomorrow.

You should go back to your sister.

Why are you saying that?

You can't go on like this.

What are you talking about? I can't just do that.

Did my sister tell you something?

It doesn't matter.

It's true. I'm probably causing you all sorts of trouble...

But please let me stay.

Why...

Why are you pretending you're okay?

I'm not pretending!

Liar!

I'm not lying.

Then tell me!

Why are you making that face?!

What?

I'm still going to be here tomorrow.

After I make my bed and change, I'm going to your match.

I'll work my shifts at Andeken, too.

I'll still help out with the laundry!

I'm going to get closer and closer to Luca...

And then...

I'll eventually find...

my true love.

Of course I'm scared!

I just don't want you to die.

Notogawa Arena

August 21st Tournament Day 1

Omi's Lightning

Lara

I won't be able to see you for a while.

You're not gonna come see the ladybug?!

Text me anytime.

I'm sorry for disappearing like this. I cherish the time I got to spend at this house. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

She left us with nothing but this letter...

That was way too sudden.

Seriously.

She could've at least gone to Mari's match and cheered with us.

Mari, you can't contact her?

Nope. She left her phone.

Her aunt that I spoke with before will probably call us later, right?

Who knows?

It seems like the potion worked well.

Don't worry.

You'll be okay for the time being.

Okay.

Thank you.

Take your time. I hope you'll come to feel at home here.

August 22nd Tournament Day 2

Watch their moves carefully!

Go! Push forward! Go!

The winner of this match is from the red corner,

Mari Otsu of Shiga Prefecture's Zeze Minami—

22nd National U-18 Junior Boxing Tournament

Girls Bantamweight Division

Mari Otsu (Shiga Prefecture Zeze Minami High School)

Homare Fukuchiyama (Kyoto Prefecture Bun'ei High School)