Thread by @slug_hypmic

FP/M+ chapter 18 released today in Japanese!
Summary thread below:
- New manga content! Beginning 2nd DRB
- Mute #hypspoiler to avoid.
- Please refrain from posting images out of courtesy for the JPN fandom.

For those who would like a refresher of where we left off:

It’s the day before the finals, but Doppo still has to work until he drops. The nerves are tying his stomach in knots as he slaves away over the keyboard and attempts to down an antacid—that is, before his manager materializes behind him (Doppo accidentally— #hypspoiler

--does a spit take all over his computer) and reminds him that has a professional obligation to perform well in the DRB to make the company look good. Doppo hesitantly asks if this means he’ll get something for winning, but the manager suddenly plays coy. #hypspoiler

The manager departs after telling Doppo to work himself to the bone out there—literally. That doesn’t do any good for poor Doppo’s stomach, but his next visitors come as a more welcome surprise when his office buddies show up with words of support. #hypspoiler

In fact, all his coworkers are here to cheer him on and wish him luck. Doppo bows to them, bashful, and thanks them for the well-wishes. They promise to take the whole office out for sushi or yakiniku (similar to Korean BBQ) if he wins. #hypspoiler

Meanwhile at Fragrance, Hifumi suits up for another long night of hosting. His last encounter with Honobono still torments him, in particular his reaction to her. If Doppo and Jakurai hadn’t shown up in time, what would have happened to him? #hypspoiler

Just then, a younger coworker interrupts Hifumi’s thought process and asks if he’s all right. Hifumi claims it’s nothing, but the coworker doesn’t seem convinced. But, in an effort to cheer Hifumi up, he drags Hifumi into the club proper before opening time. #hypspoiler

Tada! Party poppers blow, confetti flies! Hifumi’s colleagues and most ardent fans have prepared an enormous celebration to wish him luck in the upcoming DRB. The younger coworkers passes Hifumi a bottle of champagne, and he grins. #hypspoiler

Encouraged by the sheer adoration of his friends and associates, Hifumi calls for a toast, and the club descends into a cacophony of laughter, cheering, and good-natured squeals.

Far from the revelry, Jakurai spends a late night at his office. #hypspoiler

A nurse happens to walk by and notice his light still on. But it’s past 11 pm, and Jakurai has the finals the next day. Shouldn’t he be home, not at his computer? Jakurai insists that he finds his routine calming, so the nurse wishes good luck and goes on his way. #hypspoiler

Jakurai leans back in his chair and contemplates the upcoming battle against BAT and Hitoya in particular. Hitoya demanded (in FP/M+ chapter 12) that Jakurai fight him with all of his might, so Jakurai clenches his fists and vows to do just that. #hypspoiler

Later, as he heads for home still lost in thought, he happens to run into Doppo and Hifumi. Since the finals are tomorrow, Hifumi wanted to get the whole gang together (for a brief bit, Doppo adds, since they’re getting up early tomorrow). #hypspoiler

Jakurai is momentarily taken aback, but then he readily accepts, and the three friends set off with matching grins on their faces for a place Doppo knows. Once again, it’s time to shoot for victory. #hypspoiler

Next morning finds Dice asleep under several newspapers on a park bench…which is okay, provided you don’t toss and turn in your sleep. Which Dice does. After falling to the ground a la slapstick, Dice washes in a park fountain and is then ready to start the day. #hypsppoiler

First stop: a shrine. It pains him, but he gives up a whole 1000 yen that he won at the slots the day before and prays for both victory in battle and Ramuda’s life. As he leaves, he mentions that this is all the cash he has on him so it’d better work out. #hypspoiler

Oh, and one more thing—he doubles back to ask for good luck in gambling the prize money. Then, with that, he’s all set!

On a much more serious note, Gentarou is in his brother’s study, holding onto the back of the chair before the writing desk. #hypspoiler

When he turns to look at the empty, dusty room behind him, he remembers how his friends filled this space, how Ramuda put his life on the line to protect Gentarou and Dice, and how Dice asked Gentarou to trust him with the manuscript. #hypspoiler

Discarding all pretension in his speech, Gentarou smiles and thanks his brother. Perhaps his life’s work couldn’t be made public, but if not for him, Gentarou’s loved ones wouldn’t be here today. Gentarou steps away from the desk and leaves the study behind. #hypspoiler

While the other two members of Fling Posse are early risers today, Ramuda spends longer in bed (well…office couch), coughing and sweating. Sure, he’s bought himself some time, but that doesn’t mean he’s out of the woods yet. #hypspoiler

As he gets dressed, Ichijiku’s comment (FP/M+ 10) about him being Chuuouku property needles at him, and he grits his teeth. He vows to not let them get away with abandoning him like they did. But still, what’s the use? He can fight as hard as he wants, but he won’t— #hypspoiler

Just then, Ramuda claps his hand over his mouth as he remembers Dice telling him that words have power. Ramuda smiles. He doesn’t really believe in that stuff, but there’s no point in jinxing it. He looks over at his mic and thinks how it’s time to bet everything. #hypspoiler

It’ll be fun, right? Not only will he find a way to stay alive, but he’ll get to give Chuuouku the shock of their life. Ramuda takes a quick look around to make sure no one’s in earshot and then screams, “I swear I will be saved AND shock the hell out of them!” #hypspoiler

Unfortunately, Dice and Gentarou choose that exact moment to walk in, each with matching smirks. Ramuda is mortified, particularly when Gentarou imitates his yelling. But Dice is all for it, since words have power, after all. #hypspoiler

Ramuda reminds him that he’s already said that once already (and Gentarou uses this opportunity to lament what a forgetful ignoramus Dice is) before FP eventually quits goofing off and settles down. Gentarou suggests they head out, and the others agree. To victory! #hypspoiler

Matenrou and Fling Posse meet one another outside the gates of Shinjuku, exchange defiant glares, and head inside. It’s time for the games to begin!

Ichijiku explains the rules, and then the first matchup of BB vs DH commences. #hypspoiler

The chapter ends there to be continued on January 27th!