The scene opens with the Crystal Brawlers walking down the busy streets of Livescore Avenue (きゃちゅご してぃ Kyachugo Shiti). Colorful banners hang from every building, and the bustling crowd can be seen filling the streets, excited for the upcoming 992nd annual talent show. Bright lights flash and music blares from various stages set up along the avenue. Kouchu, Shauna, and Sakuro are strolling along, looking at the preparations.

  Kouchu: enthusiastically “I’ve heard this talent show is legendary! I bet there’s going to be some amazing performances this year!”

  Shauna: grinning “Yeah, I heard there’s a huge cash prize for the winner. Maybe we should enter as a group.”

  Sakuro: eyeing the stage setups with a mischievous glint in his eyes “Actually… I think I’m going to try out. I’ve got some killer material ready.”

  Kouchu: blinks, confused “Material? What do you mean?”

  Shauna: suspicious “Wait, what kind of material, Sakuro?”

  Sakuro: grinning, confident “You’ll see. I’m going to be the star of this talent show.”

  Shauna and Kouchu exchange nervous glances, but Sakuro is already walking toward the audition tent, his eyes sparkling with determination. They follow reluctantly.

  ?

  Scene transitions to the audition stage. The large auditorium is buzzing with excited energy as dozens of hopefuls take the stage, performing magic tricks, singing, and dancing. Sakuro steps up confidently to the microphone, with a mischievous grin plastered on his face.

  Sakuro: smirking “Alright, listen up, everyone. I’ve got some jokes for you all. And trust me, they’ll knock your socks off.”

  The crowd goes silent, curious. Kouchu and Shauna stand off to the side, watching nervously.

  Sakuro: clears his throat and starts “Why don’t skeletons fight each other? They don’t have the guts. Ha!”

  The crowd awkwardly chuckles, a few people laughing nervously. Sakuro, encouraged, continues.

  Sakuro: laughing to himself “Alright, alright, here’s another one. Why did the chicken cross the road? Because it had something to prove to the other side. Get it? ‘Cause it’s all about… being edgy, you know?”

  Kouchu and Shauna exchange uncomfortable glances. The audience’s laughter becomes strained.

  Kouchu: whispering to Shauna “This is bad… really bad. He’s starting to sound like he’s making it up as he goes.”

  Shauna: whispering back “I don’t know… I’m starting to feel kind of… uncomfortable with these jokes.”

  Sakuro continues, his jokes becoming more and more inappropriate, crossing the line.

  Sakuro: grinning widely “You know what’s the worst part of being a clown? You have to keep doing it, even when people are too scared to laugh! Just like someone I know!” gestures toward Kouchu “Ha! Kouchu here is so clumsy, even his own shoes trip him!”

  Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  The crowd’s laughter turns into murmurs of confusion. People start shifting uncomfortably in their seats.

  Sakuro: grinning more, oblivious “And don’t get me started on Shauna! She’s so hot-headed, even a fire extinguisher gives her attitude!”

  The audience grows more and more tense, and a few people start to leave. Shauna’s face turns red with embarrassment, and Kouchu’s cheeks flush with a mix of frustration and confusion.

  Shauna: muttering, embarrassed “Okay, that’s it! This is getting out of hand!”

  Kouchu, trying to salvage the situation, steps forward, trying to get Sakuro’s attention.

  Kouchu: desperately “Sakuro, buddy, I think you should—”

  Sakuro: interrupting, not listening “And speaking of getting out of hand, let me tell you about a guy who needs both hands to hold his brain together!” gestures to himself with a smug grin

  The audience is now visibly annoyed. A few people start to boo softly, others shake their heads in disbelief. The talent show judges exchange disapproving glances.

  Judge 1: shaking their head “This is… this is not what we were expecting. Sorry, but you’re not what we’re looking for.”

  Sakuro: oblivious to the mood, laughing to himself “What? No way! You guys don’t know comedy!”

  Judge 2: sternly “That’s enough. You’re not making the cut. In fact, you’re banned from next year’s talent show. Don’t come back.”

  Sakuro’s eyes widen in shock, the reality of the situation sinking in as the audience erupts into a mixture of boos and laughter at his expense.

  Shauna: facepalming “I can’t believe this…”

  Kouchu: sighing, frustrated “Sakuro, what happened to you? This was totally inappropriate.”

  Sakuro stands there for a moment, the weight of his actions hitting him. His expression shifts from arrogance to regret.

  Sakuro: mumbling “I… I thought it would be funny. I didn’t mean to offend anyone.”

  Kouchu steps forward, his voice soft but firm.

  Kouchu: gently “Sakuro, jokes are supposed to make people laugh—not make them uncomfortable. You need to understand where the line is.”

  Shauna: calming down, but still hurt “And you crossed it a few times. You’re our friend, but that was too much.”

  Sakuro looks down at the floor, clearly ashamed. The crowd’s harsh criticism still echoes in his mind.

  ?

  Later that evening, the brawlers gather in their room at the local inn. Sakuro sits on the bed, head hung low, while Kouchu and Shauna sit across from him.

  Sakuro: sighing “I messed up, didn’t I?”

  Kouchu: nodding “Yeah, you did. But we know you didn’t mean to hurt anyone. It’s just… the jokes were way too much.”

  Shauna: softer “You made everyone uncomfortable, even us. But we’re your friends, Sakuro. We want you to be better.”

  Sakuro looks up at them, his eyes filled with sincerity.

  Sakuro: quietly “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how bad it was. I was just trying to make people laugh, but I ended up making everything worse. I’ll apologize to everyone at the talent show tomorrow.”

  Kouchu and Shauna smile at him, nodding in agreement.

  Kouchu: smiling warmly “We know you will. And we’ll be right there with you.”

  ?

  The next day, Sakuro goes back to the talent show grounds. He steps up to the stage once again, this time with a humble expression on his face. He picks up the microphone, and the crowd falls silent, curious about what he’ll do next.

  Sakuro: softly, looking at the audience “I want to apologize. Yesterday, I went too far with my jokes. I crossed a line that shouldn’t have been crossed, and I hurt people. That was wrong of me. I’m truly sorry.”

  The crowd remains quiet for a moment, and then slowly begins to clap. Some of the audience nods, understanding his sincerity.

  Sakuro: nervously “I promise, no more bad jokes. From now on, I’ll be more careful about what I say. Thank you for giving me another chance.”

  The applause grows, and the judges give him a supportive nod. Sakuro smiles, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.

  Sakuro: to Kouchu and Shauna, who are watching from the crowd “Thanks for sticking with me, guys.”

  Shauna: smiling “Of course. We’re in this together.”

  Kouchu: grinning “You did the right thing, Sakuro. Proud of you.”

  ?

  With the lesson learned and his apology accepted, the Crystal Brawlers continue on their journey, the next challenge awaiting them—but with a newfound sense of humility and understanding. Sakuro walks proudly beside his friends, ready for whatever comes next.

  End of Episode 45.