Chapter 3

## DOUG

**English:** May 11, 2023

## Chapter Chronology

**"DOUG"** (ダグ, *Dagu*) is the 3rd chapter of You Chiba's manga series, *Kindergarten WARS*.

## Introduction

Diamond has just concluded a coercive interrogation session, extracting vital information from his subject before terminating him. Soon after, he received a phone call regarding a new assignment centered around kidnapping, a task that both Spade and Club had failed to complete and ultimately lost their lives for. The objective remains unchanged: infiltrate Kindergarten Noir, renowned as the world's most secure kindergarten. Initially, Diamond expressed complaints about the mission. However, upon learning of Spade and Club's fate, he resolved to adopt a more proactive approach. Specifically, he decided to resort to coercion by subjecting one of the teachers to intense interrogation, aiming to extract valuable information.

## Summary

Kindergarten Noir enjoyed another day of tranquility and security, as remarked by Rita. She engaged in lighthearted banter with Doug, a former swindler and her co-teacher, who playfully teased her with compliments and made jokes about her empty wallet and a picture of an idol. The Principal observed their interaction and intervened to put an end to their teasing. The principal observed their interaction and intervened, putting an end to their teasing. Doug had been teaching at Kindergarten Noir for a month, driven by the goal of enduring 11 more months to regain his freedom. He longed to indulge in smoking two packs of cigarettes daily, a habit he had to quit both in prison and within the confines of the kindergarten, given the presence of children.

As the teasing continued between Rita and Doug, the Principal reprimanded them with a gentle smack on their heads, urging them to collaborate harmoniously as fellow educators.

Doug ventured out late at night, expressing his frustration about the Principal's request for him and Rita to collaborate, citing his preference for solitude throughout his life. While on his way to purchase some popsicles, he unexpectedly encountered an elderly woman who claimed to be lost and in need of directions to the station. Reacting swiftly, Doug's demeanor shifted as he aimed his handgun at the individual disguised as an old lady, seeking to uncover their true identity. His suspicions were founded on several peculiarities, such as the absence of non-corrective glasses, an unusual gait for an elderly person, and a concealed weapon held in the imposter's left hand. Regrettably for Doug, his confidence in discerning the deception was short-lived, as he found himself surrounded by the imposter's accomplices, who launched a surprise attack from behind.

After Doug departed, Rita discovered her wallet had been emptied, causing her frustration and prompting her to hastily leave the school premises. Determined to locate him, she carefully surveyed the surroundings, confident that he had been present in the vicinity for an extended period. However, her search took an unexpected turn when she stumbled upon a pool of blood on the ground.

Doug is currently being held hostage, subjected to continuous physical abuse by a group led by Diamond, who is seeking information from him. Despite contemplating giving in and revealing the information, Doug is well aware that doing so would result in his immediate execution for violating a contract. He is attempting to devise a strategy, but his solitary predicament leaves him with few options. In that moment, he lets out a weary sigh, reflecting on the difficult life he has endured. Abandoned by his parents as a child, he grew up in impoverished conditions, resorting to begging for survival. As he grew older, he transitioned to theft, snatching money and belongings from unsuspecting individuals who showed no willingness to extend a helping hand. He was forced to toughen himself up, resorting to deception in order to secure resources, ultimately leading to a 20-year prison sentence. Facing dire circumstances once again, Doug quietly whispers a plea for help, perhaps for the last time, seeking a glimmer of hope.

Upon arriving at the abandoned factory where Doug is being held hostage, Rita quickly shoots Diamond in the head, who was holding a gun to Doug's head, while singing a modified version of the nursery song "Old Macdonald Had a Farm." After eliminating the threat, she stands before Doug as she inquires if there are any handsome guys in the vicinity.

## Characters in Order of Appearance

**Diamond**Debut
**Spade**Mentioned
**Club**Mentioned
**Rita**
**Doug**
**Erina Winkler**