Chapter 6: The Roleplay Cops and Robbers Set

As night fell, Nobita grew increasingly worried that Doraemon hadn't returned. He was staring intently at the desk drawer when, suddenly, Doraemon popped out. Nobita was about to complain about the fright he'd just been given, but Doraemon bowed his head first.

"I’m so sorry, Nobita-kun. I couldn't get the Magic Mallet (Upgraded) back."

"Wh-what!?"

Doraemon explained that shortly after the items were distributed, a defect was found, sparking a mass recall that left the Future Department Store in total chaos. The defect was serious: after a wish was granted, only the user could perceive the change, yet the effect on reality was so powerful it actually rewrote history. Because of this, third parties could no longer recognize the "original" timeline, creating a danger where the true flow of history could be unintentionally altered forever.

"They gave out a hundred sets as samples! Even after the recall, it’s going to take time to figure out who wished for what, so they can’t just flip a switch and reset everything. The Time Patrol has formed a special task force to handle the cases starting with the highest priority."

Apparently, while some made modest wishes, others were swept up by the promise of "any wish granted" and asked for outrageous things. The Time Patrol had stepped in immediately and was currently in the middle of emergency repairs on cases that posed a fatal threat to history.

"S-so, when can Dekisugi be changed back?"

"I don't know. Since it only changed one person's gender, the impact on history is considered relatively minor... so getting him back to normal might be low on the priority list. Apparently, some people wished to be the Prime Minister or the richest person in the world. The future world economy is on the brink of collapse, and there's a huge uproar just trying to find the root causes."

The Time Patrol was currently busy investigating which parts of the future had been altered and which hadn't; it had become a massive incident. Even though Doraemon was an "Honorary Robot" who had saved history from time-criminals many times, he couldn't just bypass the system to get the gadget back.

"If the incident is resolved quickly, we can fix him right away. But conversely, the longer it takes to settle the chaos, the longer it will take to return Dekisugi-kun to normal."

"Oh, no..."

"For now, Dorami and I are going to collect signatures in the future to petition the Future Department Store and the Time Patrol to speed things up. Because of that, I’ll be traveling back and forth between the future and the present, so we won't see each other as much. Will you be okay?"

Of course, Doraemon wasn't the type to give up easily. He planned to collect signatures with Sewashi and Dorami and even consult with Principal Teraodai, who had always been a great help.

At this point, there was nothing Nobita could do. To make things as easy as possible for Doraemon, all he could do was offer his support from the sidelines.

"I understand. I’m counting on you, Doraemon!"

"Leave it to me! Well then, I’m heading back to the future world!"

With that, Doraemon departed for the future once again.

"So that means Dekisugi is going to stay like that for a while. Good grief..."

On one hand, seeing a cute girl was a treat for the eyes, but on the other hand, knowing the "inside" of that person made it feel incredibly strange for Nobita. Besides, he had already promised to study together, so he’d have to be extra considerate from now on.

"I know! I’ll try to invite Shizuka-chan and Gian and everyone else so we can all play together."

Aside from the study sessions, if he invited Dekisugi whenever the group played, no major problems should arise. Plus, playing with the usual gang was comfortable for Nobita and would keep him from having to constantly overthink things by himself.

"I’ll invite Dekisugi first thing tomorrow morning."

Fortunately, if he went to school early, he was guaranteed to run into Dekisugi. He didn't have to worry about his homework anymore, so he could just get a good night's sleep and head to school.

The next day, when Nobita arrived at school as the first one there (again), he found that Dekisugi had actually arrived even earlier.

"Good morning, Dekisugi-kun. I'm second place today."

"Good morning, Nobi-kun. You're early again! Thanks for yesterday."

After exchanging greetings, Dekisugi thanked him for the previous day's study session.

"Hehe, thanks to you, I turned in my homework properly today. I don't think the Teacher will be mad at me."

To not be late and to have finished his homework two days in a row—this was an unprecedented achievement in Nobita's school life. It was all because he had begrudgingly but properly finished the work with Dekisugi.

"I’m glad. But, Nobi-kun, you have to do the homework every day, even if I'm not there."

It was a perfectly logical statement made out of concern, but it was hard for Nobita to hear. He didn't want to dwell on that topic, so he quickly pivoted to his plan for after school.

"More importantly, why don't we all play together after school? Let’s not just study; let’s have some real fun for a change."

Nobita casually invited Dekisugi out. He figured that since the "inside" was still the same Dekisugi, there was no reason to be nervous.

"I’d love to! Let's all play. Who else should we invite?"

To Nobita’s surprise, Dekisugi was incredibly enthusiastic, accepting the invitation with a beaming smile. Nobita was taken aback—had Dekisugi always been this happy about being invited to play?

(Come to think of it, compared to everyone else, I rarely invited him myself.)

Usually, Nobita’s playmates were Shizuka, Gian, and Suneo. Whenever he did invite Dekisugi, there was usually some ulterior motive behind it. Otherwise, it was usually only because Shizuka had invited him.

(I feel a bit bad, like I was excluding him. I just never really had a reason to ask him.)

To be fair to Nobita, it wasn't that he hated him. It was just that as someone who liked Shizuka, calling over Dekisugi—his most powerful rival—was something he hesitated to do. Furthermore, no matter what they played, Dekisugi was so talented that there was always a huge gap in skill. Usually, if he was invited, it was for something like a baseball game where they needed a lot of people. Even when they all played with the Role-Play Cops and Robbers Set from the future, Dekisugi had been an unstoppable force on his own.

"I think people usually assume I’m busy studying or teaching others, so they hesitate to invite me. And since I don't join in that often, I feel awkward trying to invite myself," Dekisugi said, already sounding excited about what they would play.

It seemed Dekisugi wanted to play with everyone much more than Nobita had realized. Looking back, Dekisugi definitely had the image of a "study-bug," and since he actually did study all the time, it was a natural assumption.

(But was he really the type to be shy? I thought he was always happy to join in, and everyone relied on him.)

If being "too perfect" made people avoid someone, it also meant people sought them out because they were perfect. For example, Gian would call him as a "secret weapon" for baseball, and Suneo would invite him first when they were filming movies with dioramas. In fact, when Nobita and Doraemon made a movie, Doraemon had specifically invited him because of his intelligence.

"Have you really not been invited that much? I always had the image of everyone relying on you."

However, at Nobita's words, Dekisugi’s expression darkened slightly.

"I get invited a lot, but... it's mostly by boys, and it feels a little different from just 'playing.' I don't really get to play with the girls much."

In truth, the timeline where Dekisugi was a girl was slightly different from the world Nobita knew. Dekisugi, who had been the "star" of the class as a boy, had become the "Madonna" (class beauty) as a girl. As a result, the people swarming around changed from girls to boys. Conversely, the people who felt a bit jealous or distant changed from boys to girls.

Now, only boys were proactive about inviting Dekisugi to play, often with a hint of an ulterior motive. For the girls, the "too-perfect" Dekisugi was intimidating to approach for fun; while they might ask for help with studies, they preferred to go to Shizuka—who was approachable and "one of them"—when it was time to hang out. It was a small psychological difference between school-aged boys and girls, but it changed the social environment drastically.

"I don't think the girls hate me or anything. We just haven't really become close."

Dekisugi spoke sadly. There was no boasting about being popular with boys; instead, there was a sense of loneliness.

(I get it! Just like how I used to be jealous of Dekisugi, the girls are jealous of her now!)

Top of the class, beautiful, and able to cook or make sweets effortlessly—as a girl, she was a perfect existence that rivaled Shizuka. In the old timeline, Dekisugi and Shizuka were opposite genders and balanced each other out. Now that Dekisugi was a girl, that balance was shattered.

Dekisugi, who had already been a bit of a "lone wolf" among the boys due to his perfection, now found the gap between himself and others even deeper in this timeline. The differences in how boys and girls communicated, as well as cultural differences, were likely having a major impact.

(I see! Just like I was jealous of him, now the girls are jealous of her!)

No one knew it, but the cause was Nobita's wish. He felt a sharp pang of guilt and wondered if there was anything he could do to help.

(I just hope he can turn back to normal as soon as possible.)

He felt pathetic that all he could do was wish for it.

"You know, Nobi-kun, you once started a girls' baseball team, didn't you? I actually wanted to join that, but I didn't have the courage..."

"A baseball team? Oh, right! I made one once to compete against the Gian-z."

"There aren't really any other girls' baseball clubs around here. To be honest, I’ve always wanted to try playing baseball, even just once."

Dekisugi was great at baseball—so good that even Gian, the permanent fourth-batter and ace, was impressed. And yet, the Dekisugi standing here spoke as if she were a total beginner.

"Wait, have you never played baseball before?"

"No. I've wanted to, but it's hard to ask a team of boys to let me join, you know?"

History had been rewritten even here. The fact that Dekisugi had been a baseball star was gone; now, the "fact" was that she was a beginner who was interested but had never had the chance.

"I've got it! Let's all play baseball together then! If I ask Gian, we can do it right away."

"Really!? I’m so excited!"

"I'll talk to him during recess. Meet us at the Empty Lot after school!"

"Thank you, Nobi-kun! I can’t wait!"

The smile on Dekisugi's face wasn't the usual "honor student" smile, but the genuine grin of a girl her age.

"You want me to put Dekisugi-san on the Gian-z!?"

"Yeah, please, Gian!"

"But Dekisugi-san is a girl! It’s dangerous to mix her in with the boys. Besides, just because someone has good reflexes doesn't mean they can play baseball," Suneo argued dismissively.

It was a fair point. Putting a girl in a boys' game could be dangerous, and athletic talent didn't always translate to baseball skill. Suneo was being perfectly logical.

"Please! She’s wanted to play for a long time but never could. It’s a great way for everyone to get along!"

"Hmm..." Gian crossed his arms, deep in thought.

"I’m sure she’ll be better than most of the boys anyway! It’ll make the team stronger!"

"How would you know she’s good if she’s never played?" Suneo retorted. He was right; even Dekisugi herself didn't know she was good in this timeline.

"Anyway, I guarantee it! Can we please have a game?" All Nobita could do was bow his head and beg.

"Fine! I’ll gather the Gian-z. Suneo, you find us an opposing team, no matter what!"

"Ehh!? We’re really doing this?"

"Of course! The manager of the Gian-z has scouted a talented player! If I don’t step up now, I can’t call myself the Captain and the Ace!" Gian roared, and Suneo reluctantly agreed.

"Thanks, Gian!" Nobita shook Gian's hand in gratitude.

"Don't mention it. I haven't had much of a chance to talk to Dekisugi-san anyway. If she’s interested, I want to let her play. If my soul friend asks, I can't say no!"

The neighborhood bully was, deep down, a guy who looked out for others. He also knew that Dekisugi was a bit isolated in class, and he had been thinking for a while that if an opportunity came up, he wanted to be the one to welcome her in.

"But listen, if we can't find enough players, you’re playing too, Nobita!"

"Of course! Leave it to me!"

Author's Note

“Principal Teraodai”
The principal of the Robot Training School that Doraemon attended.
He first appeared in the movie Doraemon: 2112 – The Birth of Doraemon, and was later “reverse-imported” into The Doraemons series and the Ōyama-era anime, where he occasionally appeared.

Many people probably remember him together with the Doraemons, but when the series transitioned to the Mizuta version, the Doraemons were essentially written out of existence.
Other characters disappeared as well, yet surprisingly, only Principal Teraodai remained (although his voice actor was, of course, changed).

The Doraemons movie I like the most is The Doraemons: The Mysterious Challenge Letter of Dorapan the Phantom Thief!

Doramet III, who dislikes water yet still confronts danger, rises alone for the sake of friendship, and continues to believe even in his enemies.
Doraninho, who may act goofy but deeply cares about his friends, sees through the enemy’s trap that put his companions in danger, yet still chooses to believe in a single girl.

No matter how many times I watch it, it always brings tears to my eyes—it’s a work where the theme of friendship resonates the strongest.

The final scene, where the Doraemons combine and then fight using each of their unique traits, is also a classic, hype-inducing moment.

“Role-Playing Cops and Robbers Set (NarikirI Keidoro Set)”
This is a Mizuta-era original Secret Gadget that does not appear in the original manga.
It allows players to enjoy a futuristic version of “Keidoro” (cops and robbers), and it’s a rare episode where the majority of classmates participate.

As a side note, there are many cute background girl characters in the Mizuta version, but my personal favorite is “Nakamura.”
You could easily make her the heroine of a story, or even write a plot where someone takes her place and experiences Doraemon’s long adventures or daily life.
However, her lack of recognition makes it hard for such stories to resonate with readers.
She’s especially adorable in the Keidoro episode and in the episode where everyone gets addicted to Gian’s recital.

“Diorama Movies”
As children, they sometimes even produce their own films.

This is featured in Doraemon Volume 20 of the Tentōmushi Comics and Volume 9 of the Fujiko F. Fujio Complete Works:
“Super Spectacle Tokusatsu Film: Space Demon King.”

Using Secret Gadgets, they film a tokusatsu movie, with Nobita handling the script and clay modeling.
He manages to create impressively detailed spaceships and monsters in a short time.

This story was adapted once in the Ōyama version and twice in the Mizuta version, all of which were broadcast as special episodes.
In one case, about eight minutes of the filmed content (equivalent to a full episode) was aired completely uncut.

Another example appears in the movie Doraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars, where Gian and Suneo film a miniature tokusatsu video using plastic models.

I’ve heard that film clubs used to be quite common in the past, but around me, there were none.
If I were to make a tokusatsu film… well, since my personal taste leans toward Gekisou Sentai Carranger, it would probably turn into an incredibly chaotic story.

“Girls’ Baseball Team”
From the episode “Defeat the Gian-z” in Volume 7 of the Tentōmushi Comics and Volume 4 of the Complete Works.

It’s a story where Nobita is excluded from baseball, so he forms a girls’ baseball team and challenges the Gian-z.
This episode features a one-time-only lineup of highly unique girls (as Nobita puts it, “an incredible bunch”).

Interestingly, in the movie Doraemon: Chronicle of the Moon Exploration, several classmates are drawn from original manga characters, and four of them actually come from this very episode.

“The Gian-z/Giants”
A sandlot baseball team led by Gian.

There seem to be many baseball teams in their area, but this one is apparently among the weaker ones.
This is partly because their roster is so thin that they often have to invite Nobita—who is terrible at sports—to play. As a result, games he participates in tend to end in losses.

At one point, Suneo calculates everyone’s individual stats, and Nobita’s batting average is revealed to be an astonishing .010—meaning he gets one hit out of every hundred at-bats.

That said, don’t assume they have few members.
In fact, based on the episode “Hikuemon,” more than sixty background characters are shown playing baseball in the original manga, making it unclear just how large the team really is.
Named supporting characters usually participate, but positions and roles vary.

“Bully Leader (Gaki Daishō)”
A word that perfectly describes Gian.

Originally, it referred to a child—usually in elementary school or younger—who acts as a leader among peers.

It was a common archetype in older manga, often appearing alongside a sycophantic sidekick, but in recent years the term itself has fallen out of use.
While characters in that role still exist, the label is no longer commonly applied.

Nowadays, “gaki daishō” is practically synonymous with Gian.

Gian even refers to himself as such in his songs, so it seems to be a title he personally identifies with.