Thread by @slug_hypmic

DoD chapter 12 just released in Japanese! Informal-ish summary thread below:
- RAMUDA BACKSTORY CHAPTER
- Based on a quick-ish skim, may contain minor errors
- Mute #hypspoiler to avoid
- Please don't post images out of courtesy to JPN fans.

The chapter begins with Ramuda waking up in a test tube chamber alongside other clones growing in similar test tubes. Rei, dressed in a lab coat, walks up to the chamber and drains the liquid from it. Ramuda steps out and is given a towel to dry himself off. #hypspoiler

Rei says, "Hey there," and sees Ramuda looking at the cigarette in Rei's mouth. He offers Ramuda one too and lights it for him. Ramuda starts coughing, and Rei laughs. He tells Ramuda he'll be a real adult once he learns to smoke properly and leads Ramuda away. #hypspoiler

At this point, Ramuda understands that his name is Ramuda Amemura and that he and his clones are knock-off versions of someone... but he won't say (or doesn't know) who. He understands that he exists, but not why or what exactly that makes him. #hypspoiler

Ramuda is dressed in very plain clothes (button-up shirt, slacks) and taken to Ichijiku's office. Rei [? I think] asks if Ramuda's going to Shibuya. Yes, she says, and she gives him the key for his new residence. Ramuda takes it expressionlessly. #hypspoiler

He hesitates before her desk as if he wants to say something. Ichijiku says, "What? Leave already." He hesitates again but ultimately leaves without saying anything. After he goes, Ichijiku congratulates Rei on suppressing Ramuda's emotional capacity. #hypspoiler

[essentially]
Rei: lol so about that
Ichjk: What?
Rei: :)

Rmd goes to see his new home. It's actually a big place! It has a bed, a desk w/ computer + lollipops in jars + books. Interestingly, even though there are indoor slippers, Rmd doesn't take his shoes off. #hypspoiler

Ramuda, still smoking away, goes to the computer and searches up "clones" on an encyclopedia site. There, he finds that clones are "copies" of someone with identical genetic material. Ramuda grinds his cigarette out on the floor. #hypspoiler

"This means that no matter what I think, do, or say, none of it is because of my own free will. It's all going to be some trace of the 'original' 's free will... but whatever. I don't care." #hypspoiler

Later, Ramuda heads out into public to do some people watching. There sure are a lot of people wearing flashy clothing, he thinks. Just then, a cheerful sounding person calls out to him. They're smiling and dressed in similar clothes to Ramuda's fashion sense today. #hypspoiler

[Btw, I think this person is supposed to be a girl, but their gender is somewhat ambiguous, so I'll use "they" for now.]

Ramuda asks what they want, and the person teases Ramuda for being a meanie and glaring at them. Ramuda tells them to get lost. #hypspoiler

The person ignores that and asks Ramuda to come model for their brand. Ramuda goes, "..... What?" The person says that even though Ramuda's got a cold expression, they bet he'd look super cute if he smiled. Here! Try smiling! Ramuda admits that he doesn't know how. #hypspoiler

This makes the person laugh so hard they almost cry. Anyway! So about that modeling thing. They twirl in front of Ramuda, showing off their clothes. What does he think about them? Ramuda could not give less of a shit, but the person still gives him a business card. #hypspoiler

Their name is Hanabi Maijou, and they're the designer of a brand called Empty Flower. What's Ramuda's name? Ramuda tells them, and they say that's a cute name.
Ramuda: ... I didn't pick it out.
Hanabi: You're so funny. People don't usually pick their own names, silly. #hypspoiler

Hanabi waves, tells Ramuda to call them if he ever changes his mind, and then leaves. Ramuda comments, "How obnoxious...".

Later, he looks Empty Flower on his computer before going back out people watching the next day. #hypspoiler

Plenty of people are walking along, having a blast, but Ramuda doesn't get what all the fuss is about. (He's smoking again, btw.) Hanabi pops up and reads his mind, and Ramuda asks how they know. Is Hanabi a genius or something? Hanabi laughs at the question. #hypspoiler

Ramuda points out that Hanabi smiles and laughs an awful lot. Hanabi ignores that and explains that Ramuda, while he isn't emotive, is very easy to read. They then explain, "Fashion is freeing. Wearing what you want makes you feel better and is a ton of fun." #hypspoiler

Ramuda doesn't get it. Aren't clothes just... clothes? Can't you just wear whatever? Well, it's Ramuda's lucky day - it must have been fate that Hanabi ran into him! They take him by the hand and drag him to their office. #hypspoiler

Ramuda complains that they're awfully pushy, and Hanabi says that's just a designer thing. In the office, Hanabi shows Ramuda some of the clothes they've designed. A short jacket similar in color/pattern to Ramuda's TDD sweatshirt catches his eye. #hypspoiler

Hanabi says that Ramuda must like pop fashion, huh? Ramuda begins to deny it at first, but then, as recognition dawns on his face, he asks, "Is this what liking something feels like?" #hypspoiler

Hnb pulls out more examples of this style of clothing for Rmd's perusal.
Rmd: They're all original...
Hnb: Idk about that.
Rmd: ?
Hnb: I incorporate elements I like from traditional designs and other designs I like. I'm not really sure what "original" means tbh... #hypspoiler

This is revelatory to Ramuda, but before he can ruminate on that long, Hanabi forces him to try on some of their designs. Hanabi's a huge fan of the look, taking photos and telling Ramuda to check himself out in the mirror. Ramuda stares at himself, nonplussed. #hypspoiler

Hanabi: You look happy, so how come you aren't smiling?
Ramuda: You think I'm happy? Really?
Hanabi: Yeah, as far as I can tell. Here, try smiling.
Ramuda: I told you, I don't know how.
Hanabi: Here, copy me! :D #hypspoiler

Ramuda tries by using his fingers to lift up the sides of his cheeks. It... does not look happy. Hanabi laughs at him for that, and Ramuda reminds them that he can't smile. Okay, then for now he can continue to copy them until he learns to do it on his own. #hypspoiler

Hanabi tells Ramuda the clothes he's wearing are pre-production samples they can't use, so he can keep them. Ramuda walks home in his new fit and stops to attempt to smile in the reflection of a shop window. It doesn't work out well.
Ramuda: What am I even doing?
#hypspoiler

Just then, he hears people muttering about a huge billboard, and he turns to look. There he is - modeling for Empty Flower in the clothes Hanabi put on him! People in the crowd turn to stare at Ramuda. Wait, is that HIM...? The one in the ad? #hypspoiler

Ramuda panics and runs to Hanabi's studio. Hanabi is delighted to see Ramuda wearing their clothes [I guess this is a different day, whoops] but Ramuda is pissed that Hanabi used his likeness without permission. #hypspoiler

Hanabi promises to reimburse him, but that's not what Ramuda's upset about. Whatever he is upset about remains unknown, though, because Hanabi starts giggling at him again.
Hanabi: You're more expressive than when I first met you. Is it because of your new clothes?
#hypspoiler

Rmd: No...
Hnb: Nuh-uh, I'm sure of it! Fashion has the power to set people free. I can already see that you're different.
Rmd: I don't get it.
Hnb: You must've changed if other people are noticing it.
Rmd: I... see...
#hypspoiler

Hnb: Fashion also has the power to let people feel positive emotions! And when people feel good, they don't want to argue and fight with one another! So hey...
They extend a hand to him.
Hnb: Come with me, and let's make the world a way, way more fun place to be. #hypspoiler

Hanabi takes Ramuda's hand and squeezes it. Ramuda tells them, once again, that they're pushy.
Hanabi: Didn't I tell you? That's 'cause I'm a designer!
The two of them then embark on a journey of modeling, designing, and teaching Ramuda how to make clothes. #hypspoiler

Then one day, when Ramuda steps into the office, he finds Hanabi packing a suitcase. Hanabi's taking a small trip overseas, and Ramuda asks when they'll be back. Hanabi goes, "Hm, idk!" They want to go learn what it truly means to be original. Ramuda looks upset. #hypspoiler

Hanabi smiles at him. "Who I am right now's not cutting it, so I want to go travel the world and change who I am!"

Hanabi grabs their suitcase and then says they're leaving the brand and studio to Ramuda to do whatever he likes with them. #hypspoiler

The place will fall apart if no one's using it, and besides - can't Ramuda make clothes on his own? Ramuda looks shocked before he accepts the offer. Hanabi gives him the keys. Before they go:
Hnb: We never ended up finding your smile, huh?
Rmd: Because I can't smile.
#hypspoiler

Hnb: Like I told you before - keep copying me, and before long, you'll be able to smile on your own! See you later!
After Hnb leaves, Ramuda sits down on the couch and remembers every one of Hnb's smiles. Finally, with a little work, he's able to make one of his own. #hypspoiler

Six months later, Ramuda's trotting around Shibuya in a new set of clothes. He passes by a billboard advertising the debut of new author Gentarou Yumeno and a limousine pulling a younger, unhappier looking Dice dressed in a suit. #hypspoiler

Several girls see Ramuda and call out to him. He waves at them and says they should hang out again later! Then, with a flashback to Hanabi and a flash forward to a time with his Posse, Ramuda sets off in his new Empty Candy clothes. "Someday, I'll find the real me." #hypspoiler

The chapter ends here, with DoD to be continued later! The end card looks a little different this time, so I don't know if this story line is continuing or if it'll go to a new story. Assuming DoD comes out next month, we'll find out on May 17th.