This cat is super cute!
- Come here, you pretty-whitty kitty! - People often ask if you're a cat person or a dog person.
But for me, I couldn't care less.
No matter how "pretty-whitty" the cat or dog is...
...all I can see is this or this.
Now, let me ask. Do you like the bones on the left?
Or the bones on the right?
You couldn't care less, right?
- Look how happy it is! - Some people might pick based on general personality traits.
- Super cutie-patootie voltage to the max! - Like dogs being smarter or cats being friendlier.
But those are just baseless preconceptions.
Don't touch me so casually, female Homo sapiens.
Those are his real thoughts.
- Maybe it's hungry. Let's give it a snack! - Since I can read animals' minds with telepathy,
I wonder if I have anything... they don't have any general personalities to me.
Summer or winter, I prefer winter.
Mushrooms or bamboo shoots, I'd say mushrooms.
But with cats and dogs, the question is too broad to answer.
It's like being asked if you prefer the name Satou or Suzuki.
Hey, wait! Don't leave!
- Human over there! Stop! - Good grief.
That's one cold human.
He sees a cute animal like me in a bind and totally ignores him.
Now, get me out already.
If you're lucky, I could even take a liking to you.
- Hey, wait! Wait! - Good grief. What a pain.
What's with him?
Don't tell me he's a dog person!
I was neither, but now I'm leaning towards dogs.
And do you want me to help you or not? Which is it?
What's with this guy?
He hasn't said a word but I can still hear his voice.
I know you can. I've been talking directly into your mind.
It's not like I can speak cat.
Maybe he's actually a cat?
He's not.
What? But this makes it easy.
That's right. All you need to do is ask for help.
Now, help me!
If you're lucky, I could even take a liking to you!
Wh-What?
Wait! I get it! Let's make a deal!
If you get me out of here, I'll let you pet me all you like for three minutes!
You can even touch my p—
And he's gone again!
Wait, wait! I get it!
You can rub my chin too! Just listen to me!
Why are you acting so stuck-up?
Is it so hard for you to ask for help?
Ask for help?
Don't make me laugh! Do you know what I am?
I am a cat! A proud, elite creature!
Why should I have to beg to a lower life form like humans?
What is he going on about?
You humans may think you're above us, but face the facts!
Humans will serve us food while we do nothing but lie around!
That's not all!
- Even when we knock over a trash can... - Oh, you...
We're forgiven!
- Even when we hit the reset button on a game console... - Oh, you!
We're forgiven!
- Even when we spill ink all over work that's so close to the deadline... - Oh... you...
We're just barely forgiven!
The world revolves around us cats!
The world is ruled by us cats!
Hey! Hold on, you *!
How many times are we going to repeat this scene? Leave me alone already.
Y-You're the one doing it.
Let me give you some advice.
Ask for help. This is your last chance.
I won't come back next time.
Wh-What the heck is with this guy, speaking like that to a cat?
Does he not want to pet me?
No, he must be bluffing.
He wouldn't leave a cute cat like me here like this...
He wouldn't...
He would...! He looks like he's going to!
Wait, I get it! I'll say it! You win!
Geez...
Please help me.
You happy now?
What, exactly, about this cat is cute?
What?!
Come out already.
Wh-What's with this guy?
What? What is he doing?
I-Is he gonna pet me?
I knew it. They always do in the end.
Now go pet me all you can.
Wh-What?!
He's gonna pay. I'll show him just how terrifying a cat can be.
I-I'm home.
Welcome back, honey. Dinner's ready.
Um, okay.
Hm? Honey, what's with your belly?
What is it?! Take it out!
I have nothing there!
It's dirty, isn't it?! Stop hiding that perverted filth!
Oh, a cat!
Awww! He's so cute! Where'd you find him?!
He was wandering in front of our house, so I just...
- Hey, can we keep him? I'll make sure to take good care of him! - That cat...
It's so easy to curry favor with humans.
I'll turn this house into a cat palace and take your place!
Sorry, but I'm allergic to cats.
Nice try.
I hate Christmas.
Certainly, the lights are dazzling
and happy people are everywhere.
- Wow, the lights are so pretty! - But where there's light, there's shadow.
- This is a blast! - So even this happy atmosphere...
Man... I'm so ticked.
- ...is shrouded by the darkness in people's hearts. - Quit yapping, you *.
- Let's do this again next year, okay? - They may look happy at first glance...
Yeah!
I'm totally dumping this loser,
but I'm waiting until after I get my present.
- The woman I really liked turned me down, so I guess I'll go out with her.
- ...but deep down, these are their true feelings.
These days, the only ones who get excited over Christmas
are children and couples madly in love.
So naturally, that includes my parents who fall into both categories.
It's like this every year at my house.
I have a bad feeling about this.
- Oh, you're back, Kuu! - Hey, you're late, pal!
You're just in t—
I ran into him at the grocery store! I asked him to join us.
When it comes to parties, the more the merrier, right?
- Yeah, I got lucky! - Oh, give me a break already.
Not that I'm into these things,
but this is what you'd expect out of a Christmas episode, right?
- So what's with this? Are you the female lead? - I'm home!
- Oh, he's back! - Good grief. Another pain in the neck appears.
Merry Christmas! Santa's here!
You should've told me we had a guest over!
I look like an idiot now!
- So, who is that? - No point hiding the truth.
He's Kuu's friend, Nendou.
Kusuo has a friend?!
You too?
I see. Kusuo's so uncooperative and cheeky.
If not for his powers, I'd knock him down a few times. And he made a friend!
I'll knock you down.
Nice to meet you, Nendou!
I'm Kuniharu, Kusuo's father!
Oh, you're my pal's dad? Nice to meet you.
Is he a criminal?
Is he really Kusuo's friend?
He looks like a total thug!
- Kuu's pal is a good kid. - Stop that already.
These are really well-made.
I seriously thought you were Santa.
What? R-Really?
You're happy now?
Well, Nendou! You're quite the sensible guy!
- You've warmed up faster than a Western host family. - I'm really happy you believed my Santa act.
Since before his first birthday, Kusuo would always look at me like I came out of his diaper.
You should've taken the hint.
You're a really good kid, Nendou.
Oh, I'm not really that good.
I mean, Santa never came to my place.
But why?
What is your father doing?!
I don't have a dad.
He died before I was born.
I... I had no idea...
We're sorry for bringing it up.
Oh? But why? It doesn't bother me.
I've got my mom with me!
Santa never shows up, but that doesn't get me down.
I see. Excuse us for a bit.
You two enjoy your meal!
Oh? What's with them?
But man, your dad is pretty funny coming home in a Santa costume.
Don't expect it to stop there.
- If my dad were still around, I wonder if he'd be like that too. - My dad has nothing but funny ideas.
Sorry for leaving you alone!
Oh? Where's my pal's dad?
Oh, he stepped out. Something about having to go lick his clients' shoes.
Let's just enjoy this without him.
Whoa! What's going on?!
There's someone who looks like Santa trying to open the door!
Oh my!
I asked you to unlock it, geez.
I'm sorry. I didn't think you'd show up so soon.
You're so disorganized.
Hello, Nendou. I'm Santa. Nice to meet you.
My father is really one of a kind, isn't he?
Still, pulling this exact stunt again can't possibly work.
Even Nendou would see—
The real Santa is here!
Or I guess not.
- Whoa, it's really Santa! I can't believe it! - It is Nendou here.
Please shake my hand, Mr. Santa!
Ho, ho! Sure thing!
They're way too into this. Good grief.
Oh, right! Santa travels with reindeer, doesn't he?
What?
I've always wanted to see the reindeer even more than Santa!
Okay! They're just outside.
Why don't you go take a look?
Help me out, Kusuo!
Don't drag me into this.
Kuu, please! Just play along, okay?
Good grief.
Well, I guess I can do something.
Whoa! A reindeer! Amazing!
It's just a deer.
Here, Nendou. This is a present for you.
C-Can I really have this?
It was supposed to be for me.
All right! I got two presents this year!
Wait. Two?
I thought you'd never gotten a present before.
Well no, not from Santa.
But I get presents from my mom.
Every year while I'm asleep, she puts a present right next to my pillow.
She could just give it to me directly, so I wonder why she doesn't.
His mom is really nice.
Whoa... It's so crowded...
Well, of course it is! It is New Year's, after all.
Good grief. If only I could stay home and have some peace and quiet.
I hope I can live happily with my wife again this year.
What? Why are you praying to me?
Hey, what are you talking about?
You're my goddess.
- Oh, stop that, honey! - The new year greets me with the smug face of a middle-aged man.
Prayers, huh?
I can get anything I want by myself, so nothing comes to mind.
I don't even believe in God or Buddha or the like in the first place.
Please let me win something like 200 million yen in the lottery!
That's not what you prayed for earlier.
Please, Lord God! Lord Kusuo!
You're actually asking me, aren't you?
Oh well.
I guess I can spare a second to pray too.
Please let me have a quiet New Year's.
Okay. Now I can finally go home.
Hey, Saiki!
Yup. There is no God.
- What a twist of fate! - The year just started and already a nuisance appears.
Also, your scarf is dragging.
Paying a visit to the shrine for the new year?
Well, I just happened to be passing by.
There are no such things as gods, after all.
Hello! I'm Kusuo's dad!
I'm his mom! Wow, you're such a cute boy!
Thank you so much for being friends with Kuu!
What? Um... Well... Er...
I-It's nice to meet... your acquaintance!
Um, I'm The Jet-Bla—I mean, I'm Kaidou! Ma'am!
Oh, so your name is Kaidou?
I, um... really appreciate your son's comrader—er, help!
- Wow, I didn't even realize Kusuo had a friend other than Nendou. - Are you staying in character or not? Make up your mind.
- It's such a surprise! - Okay, first off, Nendou isn't my friend.
Yeah. Who would've thought someone like Kusuo would make two friends!
No, that's not what I meant.
I prayed that Kuu will make lots of friends!
My prayer has already been answered!
Tell them to answer my prayer too.
Oh! I prayed for the same thing.
You and I really think alike, huh, honey?
You asked for 200 million yen!
You haven't prayed yet, right, Kaidou? No time like the present!
Ah, yes! I-I should, indubitably!
"Indubitably"?
Then I'm off to commune with the gods!
Do you believe in gods or not, which is it?
Kaidou is such a nice kid too.
Yeah, even though his scarf is dragging.
Your standards are too low.
Saiki's parents are kinda strange, but they seem like nice people.
Please let me make lots of friends.
You too?
I never expected I'd engage in battle with gods.
What was that 90-degree bow about then?
What did you pray for, Kaidou?
Uh, well, it's a secret! Indubitably!
So you decided to compromise on your act by going half way.
You sound dumb, you know.
Oh? Hey, Kaidou!
Oh, Hairo!
Whoa, Saiki's here too? What a coincidence!
Happy New Year!
You're not dressed for New Year's.
Is this my prayer getting answered?
Y-Yeah.
Are you two visiting the shrine to pray? Well, I actually...
Saiki, who are those people?
So you're Saiki's parents!
Nice to meet you!
I'm the representative for Kusuo's class.
My name is Kineshi Hairo.
Kusuo is always helping me out!
He's such a nice kid!
Hairo is such a well-mannered, polite kid!
Even though he's dressed for a playground.
Kuu, you have so many friends!
I'm so happy I'm about to cry!
Since when did you get so good at socializing?
They all just decided to follow me around on their own.
But there's one thing I'm curious about.
A rival I can passionately challenge with all my might...
A formidable opponent but also a good friend.
Let me meet someone like that!
Passionate, huh.
What did you pray for, Hairo?
Well, it's a secret.
What's the deal with everyone wanting friends anyway?
Oh? Hey, guys!
What are you all gathered here for?
Nendou!
Oh, my pal's mom and dad!
I-Is this...
So the one who'll become my formidable rival really is...
Nendou! Do you want to play tennis?!
Oh? I've never played before, but I bet I'd be pretty good at it.
Everyone's prayers keep getting answered, one after another.
Well, it's probably all just a coincidence. After all...
...my prayer hasn't been answered at all.
By the way, Nendou, have you gone to pray yet?
Oh, you mean the bell ringing and stuff?
Okay then, I'll go do it.
You're going too?
I doubt I'll run into anyone else today, but...
Don't ask for anything weird, okay?
All right!
Okay! Let's go get some ramen!
What ritual was that?
You just rang the bell.
Here, I'll show you how to do it.
Now first you throw money in here,
and then you ring the bell.
After ringing the bell, you bow twice.
Then you clap your hands twice and say a prayer.
I hope Kusuo finds a nice girlfriend!
- Wait, what did you just pray for? - You bow one more time and you're done!
- No, it can't be. All of this has just been coincidence. - Oh! Can you show me that again?
- What? Um, sure thing. - Besides, Dad already made a wish. There's no way it'll happen.
First, you throw money in here.
- Oh, could it be? - Then you ring the bell.
- Cut it out. I don't need to look to know who said that. - After that, bow twice, and...
Oh, Saiki, what a coincidence!
To think I ran into him at a place like this. How lucky!
I mean, lucky you, Saiki.
The year's just started and the whole cast is here?
What? Who the heck is this beautiful girl?!
D-Does Kusuo know her?!
Has my prayer already been answered?
But it ticks me off that it would be someone this cute!
Don't blame me.
Oh...! T-Teruhashi!
Wow! Who is it this time?
Hi, Teruhashi!
What're you doing here?
Nice to meet you! I'm Kusuo's dad!
I'm Kuu's mom!
Why is this happening?
All I wanted was some peace and quiet!
What, you're going home, Kusuo?
Oh, right! You're all welcome to drop by our place! We have some New Year's dishes to share.
Yeah, come join us!
Yeah, let's go!
- If it's no trouble, I'd love to! - Hey, answer my prayer already, God!
Oh, but don't you have to go pray, Teruhashi?
Yes. I'll just come back some other time.
I don't have anything to pray for.
I just came here to bring happiness to those who came to the shrine.
Is she playing a god?
The first dream, laugh, and "Oh..." of the year, right?
What is a first "Oh..."?
Okay, then! We're off!
Whoa! These mashed chestnuts totally rock!
Have as much as you like!
Long live gluttons!
- Hey, you're hoarding all the chestnuts! - My one and only sanctuary...
Yeah, eat some rice!
This is delicious! Please teach me how to make it sometime!
Of course! It would be my pleasure!
You'd make a good wife, Teruhashi.
- You think so? Thank you very much! - What an awful dream to start off the year.
Everyone, thank you for being such good friends with Kuu.
No need for thanks! We're here because we want to be!
Yeah. You're right. Sorry.
I'm just so happy.
Kuu's had very few friends because of his psychic powers.
Good grief. Finally some quiet.
Honey, you probably shouldn't have said that.
So, what are you going to do about this, God?
What do you mean, "psychic powers"?
Honey, you should say something.
Calm down. This is nothing to panic over.
For example, if your friend's mom were to say,
My son Ken is a psychic!
...how do you think you'd normally react?
The answer is...
...written right on their faces. No one would take it seriously.
- Not to mention, it's coming from my mom here. - You know what? I saw a UFO with a floral pattern yesterday!
Panicking would just make them more suspicious.
All we need to do is keep calm and change the subject.
Right...
Are you guys familiar with the Shounen Jump logo?
You know, that pirate symbol.
Yeah, I know it.
If you turn it 90 degrees, it looks like the profile of a girl.
Just wanted to point that out.
How are you going to fix this mood?
You just made everyone feel more awkward.
Whoa! Cool! It really does!
Here, look at this!
- You're right! It does! - Nendou...
- Good grief. Looks like he saved me. - She's wearing a skull hair clip.
- I can't unsee it now no matter how many times I look! - He managed to move the conversation on.
True, true.
So, what was that psychic stuff about?
Get out.
- Did you know that a female sunfish lays about 300 million eggs at a time? - You get out too!
I guess it's up to me.
Oh no! I'm so sorry!
Are you okay?!
- Oh no! I'll bring a dishcloth right away! - You could say I literally "washed away" the problem.
But...
...it might have been a little too late.
Thank you for dinner!
We're forever in your—thank you.
Come by again any time, okay?
I didn't expect Saiki's parents to be so cheerful.
Yeah.
Still, have you no manners?!
You sure made yourself at home!
What?! You were the one talking all funny. What was that about?!
Now, now. It's New Year's. Let's not ruin it by fighting.
Anyway, I wonder what Saiki's mom meant by him having psychic powers.
Oh, that. Yeah, I was wondering the same thing.
- Good grief. We couldn't undo the damage after all. - That made things kinda awkward, didn't it?
She was probably joking,
but they suddenly changed the subject.
- Dad shouldn't have done that. Sheesh. - Yeah, it was definitely odd.
Well, Saiki's mom is a little weird.
But since they tried so hard to change the subject,
- My mom is weird, but I don't want to hear it from you. - I thought it might be true for a second.
Don't be silly.
You read too much manga.
Look who's talking.
I was just kidding.
Well, I'm going this way, so we'll part here.
Oh, I'm headed that way.
I'm going this way. So I'll bid you farewell here.
Oh? Which way is my place again?
How should we know?
Okay, I'll see you guys at school!
Now, what should I do?
At this point, no one really believes I'm a psychic.
But it's definitely embedded in their memories.
Happy New Year!
Same to you!
Hey, Saiki!
We're back to our boring school life again...
I guess I can't blame him,
considering what happened on New Year's.
I never would have thought Saiki...
Kuu's had very few friends because of his eighth-grader syndrome.
The ignorant masses often mistakenly accuse me of the same thing.
So I understand exactly how you feel.
Rest easy. From now on, I'll support you as a kindred spirit.
Saiki!
This is a sign of our sworn friendship! Don't forget it!
Good news. I can't forget what I have no memory of.
This is the other drawback: memory replacement.
- When I erase a memory, it leaves behind an empty space. - Kuu's had very few friends because of his psychic powers.
When that happens, the human brain's repair mechanism
- automatically fills that space with a different memory. - Kuu's had very few friends because of his eighth-grader syndrome.
How the memory is replaced varies from person to person, so I can't predict the result.
Oh, Saiki...
I haven't seen him since New Year's.
But I was surprised to learn that Saiki...
Kuu's had very few friends because of his trust issues.
...has trouble trusting people!
It depends on the person, so naturally, each remembers something different.
I bet he had his heart broken by a girl he liked.
But now I know why he's "No-Oh" around me.
Don't you worry. This goddess will melt your fro-zen-heart!
When a memory is replaced, it can be for the better
or the worse, like in this instance.
Hey, Saiki! About New Year's...
Well, you can't blame him.
I never knew he had something that like that in his past...
Kuu used to be the captain of the tennis club, but he was obsessed with winning,
and the other club members felt the gap in their enthusiasm levels, so they all quit.
So that's why he's had very few friends.
Your memory sure is long.
Nendou...
I don't know what he remembers, but it's clearly not anything good.
By erasing his memory, I somehow made him more attached to me than before.
Why don't you come watch tennis practice some time?
Saiki, don't you sense a distortion in this world?
Kuu... I spoke like his mom.
I guess I can't beat God.
Good grief. Hairo was the only one who said "Happy New Year,"
even though it's the phrase you should hear in every New Year's show.
Next time on The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. the anime...
Coming up after the New Year's episodes, it's a special event,
and a new character debut.