Chapter 1

**Chapter 1: To Hell with Being a Magical Boy! I'm Definitely Gonna Quit!** is the first chapter of vol. 1 of *We are Magical Boys*.

## Summary

*Kaito Odagiri catches the attention of Makoto Kaibara, a new school-mate with an unusual secret: he is a Magical Boy and he wants Kaito to join him in protecting Yamikumo. Kaito eagerly accepts, until he realizes that this means he has to dress-up like a girl!*

## Synopsis

Some boys thank Kaito for defending them against the mean sixth graders and he makes his way home. While admiring himself, he happens to catch the new boy at their school -Makoto Kaibara- staring at him. He observes Makoto and is surprised when he calls out to him just then, asking that he come with him because he needs his help.

He leads Kaito to a pile of trash located beneath a bridge, and in a flash of light the pile is blown apart in a violent explosion. Makoto formerly introduces himself and explains that what he did was *magic*. He was sent by the Land of Magic to help this town, and asks Kaito if he believes him thus far. Kaito points out that he gave him proof, so he'd have no reason to doubt him. Makoto asks Kaito to join him by becoming a hero to help him with this large task and Kaito eagerly agrees after envisioning himself as a beloved superhero. Makoto hands him a transformation trinket and Kaito places it on his wrist, and in a flash of sparkles and light, he transforms into a very cute-looking magical boy.

Kaito is horrified as Makoto observes him, going on to explain that this uniform previously belonged to a magical warrior from the past. He compliments Kaito, ignoring his distress and changes into his own, equally pretty Magical Boy form. He takes out his book and announces that from now on, when he transforms Kaito shall be known as **Magical Boy Thrilling♡Pink**.

- - - -

Kaito angrily attempts to rip the transformation bracelet off once he returns home. He's angry that Makoto deceived him, but Makoto feels no empathy and reminds Kaito he agreed to help him and willingly put the bracelet on. He can't change his mind now; but if he does his best to help others, he might be granted permission to quit. Before parting, he warns Kaito that he'll give him a call when he's needed, and he will automatically transform if he tries to ignore him.

- - -

On Sunday, the transformed Makoto lingers around town waiting for Thrilling♡Pink to show up, ignoring the curious citizens observing "*her".* He witnesses Pink arrive while demanding everyone stop looking at him and recording the display and goes on to scold him for being late. Pink tells him off for wanting to meet somewhere so crowded. Makoto insists that this is beneficial and instructs Pink to assist the old lady trying to cross the street nearby. It is their mission to bestow happiness on others by helping them. He also needs Pink to do it because he isn't good talking with strangers- which is why he sought out Kaito.

Realizing he doesn't have a choice, Pink swears revenge before trying to awkwardly introduce himself to the old lady. He is humiliated as the crowd remains in awe of his cuteness, only to express surprise when he picks her up and flies her across the street. He hurriedly flies off to catch up with Makoto, who is perched atop a telephone pole reading his book. Pink wonders if this one task was enough, and when Makoto reveals it isn't he rushes off to search for more people in need of help. Their mixed reception and his awkwardness each time causes him to become uneasy and embarrassed.

The boys eventually return to normal and Kaito complains, frustrated because Makoto didn't do anything. Makoto pulls out a glittering sphere partially filled with *light crystals*, the physical representation of the gratitude from the people helped today. Kaito brushes them off as anything special, until Makoto reveals that they are a source of energy for the Magic World. They can grow crops and heal the sick, they light up the night too. He flashes Kaito a grin and asks if he still feels frustrated, causing Kaito to try ignoring his growing interest.

- - - -

Thrilling♡Pink continues to lend a hand around town the following day. Makoto praises him but Pink insists that he's only doing this to earn the right to quit. Makoto seems doubtful, but they become distracted overhearing a boy being bullied by a group of older delinquents. This triggers Pink's heroic side, but before he can leap to action Makoto stops him, warning him that he will be at a severe disadvantage. Pink reminds Makoto what he said about their outfits powering them up, and Makoto confirms he is right. But he reveals that he used his wand to do magic the other day, it was just hidden by his sleeve.

Pink doesn't wait any longer and flies down to confront the punks. They are caught off-guard by the glittery display of frills, until one of them recognizes Thrilling♡Pink. The other day, one of his friends saw *him*. The guys are shocked realizing Pink is a boy, and he becomes so flustered that he aggressively attacks the group. But he's much weaker than normal and gets tossed back roughly. The bullies begin to make fun of him and begin to record him for further embarrassment, but before they can touch him Makoto blasts them with a jolt of lightning from his wand. They run away and Makoto takes Pink's hand, suggesting they call it a day.

- - - -

The next day, Makoto explains that as he is right now, Kaito cannot unleash his full potential. His frilly outfit represents *Girliness*, which means *"glowing with pride"* in the Magic Land. Kaito is reluctant about this new role and does not have enough pride in himself as a Magical Boy, so when he transforms he will be weakened. Kaito is perturbed by this, but Makoto assures him that it isn't worth worrying about since he wants to quit anyway. Kaito becomes stubborn, saying that he won't let those guys get away with beating him up like that. Even in a glittery costume he can still be a superhero, going on to recall the boy they helped earlier. Before they left the boy apologized to Pink because he got hurt trying to help him.

Kaito intends on giving it his all for now, and Makoto isn't moved by his resolve, suggesting that he may have *another reason* for why he wants to keep going. Kaito shyly admits that he wants to learn how to shoot a magical beam too. Makoto compliments his honesty and assigns him night duty,

That evening, Thrilling♡Pink returns to the river near the bridge and attempts to use his wand but nothing happens. He complains, recalling his chat with Makoto earlier. Makoto complimented himself and brought up how he's longed to become a Magical Boy. Then he showed Pink a mirror and tried to make him look at his reflection, but Pink was too embarrassed.

Just as Pink reasons there's no point in staying out any longer, he gets roughly kicked to the ground by one of the delinquents. They came seeking revenge and grab him, forcing his head beneath the surface of the river water. Pink violently attempts to free himself until he's forced to open his eyes, and to his surprise, he realizes how cute he is. He assumed that he would look ugly, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

Overcome with new strength, Thrilling♡Pink tosses the delinquents away from him. They are shocked by his sudden power and before they can react, he blasts a massive beam of magic from his wand. Pink is ecstatic as they lay unconscious, and he wonders if this is what Makoto was trying to say. He is unable to fully come to terms with it right now, so for the time being he decides not to worry about it.

- - - -

The following day, Makoto reveals the jar of light crystals is nearly full. By now, Kaito should be able to quit, so he'll head back to Tokimekia to make the request. Kaito suddenly stops him, asking if he will be alright on his own. Makoto seems confused as Kaito attempts to clarify that he wouldn't mind continuing to help out some more, as long as he can still look cool and do heroic deeds, then it doesn't matter who he becomes. Makoto accepts this, then he teasingly calls Kaito creepy, earning an earful from him. He holds out his hand to his new partner and introduces himself as **Rowdy◇Blue**.

## Quotes

* Kaito: *Don't even think about trying to take it over just because you're sixth graders!*

* Kaito: *What's he staring at me for...? He looks so pale and weak... and his face is so girly...*

* Makoto: *Starting today, you're Magical Boy Thrilling♡Pink.*

* Makoto: *You're reluctant about being a Magical Boy, right?*
* Kaito: *Of course.*
* Makoto: *That's the point. If you don't have any confidence or pride as a Magical Boy, you won't get enough from your Girliness. So it's no wonder that you couldn't beat those local punks.*

* Kaito: *...I'm gonna quit. But until I do, I'm gonna go all-out!*

* Kaito: *Well, look! I'm not forcing you or anything, but if you want, I wouldn't mind helping you out for a little while longer...*