So Who's the True Perp? (真犯人は誰じゃんよ Shinhannin wa Dare jan yo?) is the one hundred seventy-fifth chapter of the Dandadan manga series.
Summary[]
After clarifying that the knife she possesses can only steal a person's power under conditions, Kouki finds herself feeling lightheaded and unable to remember said conditions to answer Aira's question. Momo figures that Kouki is simply serving as an agent and that the evil teacher who sent her may have done something to her to prevent any information from leaking. Kouki also explains that the evil teacher gave her the power to see the pygmies by cutting her with one of his many knives. She then brushes the pygmies off her arm after they insisted on treating her. Although Momo clarifies that they were merely attempting to assist her, Kouki expresses her refusal to perceive them and to be pursued by them, as she desires to return to having a normal life. As Kouki begins to feel depressed about the tragic circumstances of her life, Queen informs her that she has conducted some research on the pygmies after hearing about a student who became frightened upon sighting one. Queen then explains to Kouki their origins, stating that they are forgotten people who were driven from the surface and possess a strong desire to be acknowledged. She further elaborates that this desire compels them to pledge their loyalty to those who can perceive them, which may be interpreted as an indication that good fortune will be bestowed upon them, and that she has been counseling the student who is currently in pursuit of them. Kouki them becomes moved to tears as she recalls her solitude, which prompts the pygmies to stitch the words "hang in there, Kouki". While Momo becomes disappointed to learn from Kouki that the pygmies have no means of turning her back to normal, Aira voices her curiosity about the owner of the power stealing and granting knife and connects it to the Kur they faced before. Given that there is no advantage in asking Kouki for further information, Aira instructs everyone to remain together to prevent the enemy from finding any opportunities to exploit. Momo also suggests keeping an eye on Kouki in case the enemy comes back from her, which will give them the opportunity to ambush them. After insisting that they erase her image after the perpetrator is caught, Aira realizes that she has previously met Kouki. This epiphany occurs when she discovers that Kouki's surname is "Yukishiro", which reminds Aira of the time she lost to Kouki in a childhood piano competition, an event that inspired her to work tirelessly until she was able to win against her the next time. Kouki also becomes shocked to recognize Aira as well upon hearing her revelation and inquires if she still plays the piano, to which Aira tells her that she quit after finding it tedious. This then leads Kouki to be unable to believe what she is hearing, as she explains to Aira that she quit playing the piano because of her. Aira then reprimands Kouki, stating that individuals with talent, such as herself, are not compelled to put in the necessary effort in their pursuits. Concurrently, Bamora and Rin inform everyone that they have successfully mended the shirts that were damaged for Okarun and Aira, Okarun, guided by Momo, seeks to catch a glimpse of the pygmies, while Jiji checks in on Kinta to ascertain his condition. The injured student articulates his dislike for men but gives his reassurance that he is alright following Queen's apology for hurting him.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Kouki Yukishiro
- Aira Shiratori
- Bamora
- Okarun
- Momo Ayase
- Jiji
- Queen
- Alice Yukishiro (Flashback)
- Kinta Sakata