On Wednesday, since he hadn't tutored Nobita on Tuesday, Yayahara Daichi had no choice but to put in some overtime today—otherwise, no paycheck.
At 4 p.m., Nobita suddenly said, "It's four o'clock—let's watch TV! The talent show's airing today! Gian's going to be on!"
Without the slightest concern for Daichi, who was right beside him, he bolted downstairs to turn on the TV.
Sure enough, the talent program had begun. The first few contestants were unremarkable, and then the host announced, "Next up, please welcome Gian with his song: 'I'm the King of the Kids'!"
Doraemon's expression shifted. "Oh no—I forgot to tell him. That pill only lasts half an hour… If he took it too early…"
"Then his terrifying singing will echo across all of Japan," Daichi said flatly, "and the two of you won't even have a grave to be buried in. Don't worry, I'll bring a wreath to your memorial. Do you prefer white chrysanthemums?"
Nobita and Doraemon clung to each other, trembling. "Could you not say something that scary in such a calm tone?!"
Daichi tilted his head. "I'm just stating facts. Considering you made him lose face in front of the whole country, you're lucky if he leaves your corpses intact."
They were about to retort when Gian's familiar voice rang out: "Hi everyone, I'm Gian…"
Nobita and Doraemon knew they were doomed—because that was Takeshi Goda's real voice.
While they froze in horror, Daichi flickered out of the living room like a ghost. He had no intention of experiencing that soul-piercing voice again.
A moment later, the TV blared with that same headache-inducing screech.
Daichi used "psychological trauma from the music" as an excuse to end that tutoring session early.
The next morning, Gian stormed into the classroom, filling the room with a suffocating tension.
Those who hadn't seen the TV broadcast were confused—like Dekisugi, for example.
As the smartest student in class, he could tell something was off with Gian, but he didn't ask questions. When that guy snapped, he didn't care if you were the class rep.
A timid figure appeared at the door—Daichi activated his sensory magic. Yep, it was Nobita.
Sighing, Daichi stood up. A promise was a promise, after all.
The moment Nobita stepped into the classroom, the air turned tense.
With a loud slam, Gian stood up, his aura inflating from 150 cm to a towering 250 cm. The classroom seemed darker.
He began walking toward Nobita. Dekisugi could wait no longer and stood up to block him.
As class rep, it was his duty to protect his classmates—so no matter what, he had to stand by Nobita.
"Dekisugi, this has nothing to do with you. Move." Gian managed to restrain himself enough to give a warning.
But Dekisugi was dead set on doing his duty. He didn't budge.
Gian said no more—he raised his hand to knock Dekisugi aside, but someone grabbed his arm.
Turning, he saw Daichi behind him.
"I don't care what grudges you have, but if you throw a punch in here, I will throw you out. Try me if you don't believe it."
As he spoke, Daichi tightened his grip. Gian felt his bones creak under the pressure.
"I got it," he muttered. Only then did Daichi release his hand.
Gian furiously shook out his right arm, glaring at Nobita. "Consider yourself lucky this time!" Then he stormed back to his seat, fuming.
Only then did Nobita and Dekisugi exhale and thank Daichi before returning to their seats.
Nobita glanced back and saw Gian glaring daggers at him. He shivered.
Class ended quickly. Gian smiled coldly at Nobita, who didn't even dare turn around. He drifted toward Daichi like a lifeline.
"Daichi, let's go home together? You've got tutoring with me today!" he said, clinging to Daichi's hand.
Seeing he wasn't letting go anytime soon—and that they were indeed headed to Nobita's—Daichi agreed.
Gian gnawed on his backpack strap, clearly fuming but unwilling to act with Daichi present. He followed them home.
All the way to Nobita's doorstep.
Seeing that Gian still looked like he wasn't about to let things go, Daichi said, "You go in first. I'll have a word with him."
He pushed Nobita inside and stayed back with Gian. Don't misunderstand—he meant to talk sense into him. No violence.
He knew Gian still harbored resentment, but after a full day to cool off, that anger had mostly simmered down.
Daichi had deliberately left him stewing for a day. Now, only residual frustration remained—and Gian knew deep down he was in the wrong.
This whole mess wasn't entirely Doraemon's fault. Gian's pride and envy were what really got the ball rolling.
Time to guide him with words.
"Gian, you've been tailing Nobita ever since yesterday. Is it because Doraemon's gadget wore off?" Gian nodded.
Good—he was willing to talk. That was step one.
"You're angry because it made you lose face on national television, right?"
"Of course! What else?!" Gian clenched his fists, clearly still fuming.
"Let me ask—did Doraemon force you to enter that contest?"
That question caught Gian off guard. "N-no, he didn't."
Daichi smiled. This guy's mind was simple. A little nudge was all it took.
He pounced on the opening.
"You chose to rely on Doraemon's gadget to cheat, and it backfired. Why are you blaming him? Don't you share some of the fault?"
"You had no real talent. Even if you stood on stage, the truth would come out eventually. You were just greedy. Think about it—if you actually had the skill to make the crowd cheer, would a failed gadget have embarrassed you?"
"Before you blame someone else, maybe reflect on yourself first."
Gian lowered his head, deep in thought. It made sense… but something still felt off?
"And because of your greed, you embarrassed yourself and nearly hurt Nobita and Dekisugi. Don't you think you should apologize?"
Before Gian could respond, Daichi gave him no time to second-guess—he shoved him through the door.
Nobita had been eavesdropping. Doraemon had come down too—they'd heard everything.
Facing them, Gian didn't know what to say.
He couldn't hit them—Daichi had a point. But he also couldn't bring himself to apologize. Wasn't he the victim?
Just then, Nobita and Doraemon spoke up: "No need to apologize! We were at fault too. Don't worry about it!"
Seeing them like this, Gian couldn't say much more. He turned to leave.
This time, I'll let you off, he thought.
Nobita and Doraemon slumped to the floor, leaning against each other in relief.
Daichi said, "Even though I talked him down, Doraemon, this was partly your fault. You'd better find a way to make it up to him. If your gadget hadn't failed, Gian wouldn't have been humiliated."
Doraemon wiped his brow. "Got it, I will."
Nobita added, "Thanks again, Daichi! You act all cold and aloof, but you're actually pretty helpful!"
Doraemon chimed in too. "Yeah, though sometimes you're a bit arrogant… and grumpy… and not very friendly!"
A throbbing vein appeared on Daichi's forehead.
But they weren't done.
"Seriously, it's like you only ever talk to Dekisugi. People might think you're looking down on the rest of us dumb kids."
"Exactly! And you've got a short temper, always hitting people."
"Not to mention that smug, punchable face you wear all day at school. So annoying."
They were just getting into the groove of it when they felt a murderous aura nearby. Turning slowly, they saw Daichi at the door—eyes blazing, cracking his knuckles menacingly.
Oh no.
Only now did the two realize what they'd done. This wasn't just anyone—they'd insulted someone who could crush Gian in brains and brawn… and he was not known for his patience.
Nobita and Doraemon huddled together, trembling with fear.
Daichi used his sensory magic again—Nobita's mom wasn't home.
Hmph. No adults around, and you dare get cocky?
"Sounds like you two aren't satisfied without a beating today. If Gian didn't finish the job, allow me to do it for him!"
Several minutes later, Daichi walked up the stairs, dragging two limp bodies behind him.
Another beautiful, peaceful day.
(End of Chapter)