Who the Heck? (何者 Nanimono?) is the two hundred and eleventh chapter of the Dandadan manga series.
Summary[]
At Tasty Geezer Breads, Count Saint-Germain enlists the help of his henchman to assist in baking bread. Though her craftsmanship earns praise, she voices frustration, arguing that his time would be better spent eliminating Okarun. She is then reminded by him that killing Okarun was her designated objective, to which she complains that the exosuit he provided proved to be ineffective in her attempt. Count Saint-Germain dismisses her complaint, asserting that her failure stems not from faulty equipment but from her own weakness, and warns that blaming others will never lead to success. He then clarifies to her that since he has hired her, she is to follow his orders, and that she is free to pursue her own interests outside of work hours. After being scolded for his absurd insistence on her continuing to bake with him, Count Saint-Germain notices smoke emanating from the oven, suspecting he has overcooked the bread. However, the smoke is actually Enenra, who appears bowing to Count Saint-Germain. Count Saint-Germain and his henchman inquire about Enenra's identity, prompting the Red Baron to implore him to stop pretending not to know him each time they meet. Count Saint-Germain responds to Enenra's complaint with his own, insisting that he should not enter the kitchen due to his tobacco odor, and decides to relocate their discussion elsewhere. Along together, Enenra expresses his regrets to Count Saint-Germain for not completing his assignment, attributing the failure to the interference of the Serpo's hired help. He then returns the kozuka knives that were lent to him, telling him that he will take full responsibility for his plan's failure, and vows to regain the powers that were distributed. Count Saint-Germain reassures Enenra that his promise is unnecessary, stating that his intentions were not misguided, as they have gathered some profoundly intriguing information regarding yokai compatibility and the evolution of their abilities. He elaborates that he has actually uncovered a remarkable talent in Koki Yukishiro and has successfully enhanced her Lord of the Flies ability. Nevertheless, he warns Enenra that his emergence into the open will inevitably prompt the Sorcerers Association to respond, complicating their operations moving forward. Following Enenra's observation about the Serpo seeking their aid without disclosing their appearances, Count Saint-Germain conveys his mistrust of the aliens and believes they too harbor similar doubts. Furthermore, he elaborates that the Serpo are oblivious to the fact that only humans can harness yokai powers and recommends forming an alliance with Okarun to facilitate the development of the ultimate yokai.
As the henchman works in frustration, a little girl comes up to her, presenting an origami crane as a gesture of thanks for the bread she and her mother enjoyed. The henchman's demeanor shifts after she accepts the gift. Outside, as the girl and her mother exit the bakery, Enenra wonders why Count-Saint Germain would opt to masquerade as a commoner and form friendships, thinking that such behavior is unthinkable for someone of noble birth.
At the hospital, Seiko learns from Jiji about Enenra's epithet, which his foe disclosed during their earlier confrontation. She connects this information to a group that severely harmed a friend of hers abroad and overpowered a shaman who struggled to exorcise the foe. She explains that this group is referred to as the Black Paladins, individuals who gather yokai powers and curses, subsequently working as diviners for major corporations to undermine competitors through attacks instead of providing business counsel. Among them, she mentions a notorious assassin known as the 'Flying Ace'. Jiji expresses his concerns upon discovering that this overseas faction is also active in Japan, but Seiko reassures him that the Sorcerers Association has issued multiple alerts to hinder the enemy's movements. She then apologizes to Jiji for her inability to safeguard him and the others. Jiji reassures her that she consistently protects them and that he could only defeat Enenra because of her support. While she feels relieved that he is safe, Seiko's focus shifts to Momo, as she worries that Momo's loss of her powers poses a significant issue. Meanwhile, Bamora embraces Momo upon realizing she has returned to her normal state, but only confuses the amnesiac, who attempts to push her away.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Jet Booster Exosuit Kur
- Count Saint-Germain
- Okarun (Mentioned)
- Enenra
- Reptilian (Mentioned)
- Koki Yukishiro (Flashback)
- Serpo (Mentioned)
- Ultimate Yokai Vessel
- Seiko Ayase
- Jiji
- Momo Ayase
- Bamora
Events[]
- Count Saint-Germain has the Jet Booster Exosuit Kur work at his bakery.
- Enenra is revealed to be a subordinate of Count Saint-Germain and the orchestrator of the various attacks on the Family.
- Count Saint-Germain reassures him that his plan gave them valuable information to proceed and create the ultimate yokai.
- Count Saint-Germain suggests to lay low and become friends with the Family since Enenra has alerted the Sorcerers Association, however the Red Baron doesn't want to be acquainted with commoners because he considers himself royalty.
- Seiko believes that Enenra is part of the Black Paladins, a criminal group which attacks with curses while working under powerful companies who had targeted a friend of hers many years prior.
- It's revealed that Momo has also forgot how to use her powers.