Ch. 561I'll stomp you to death!
Chapter Summary
Key Plot Points and Events
- Number Three captures the Sign-In System after it tries to escape its newly assigned obligation to attend System Academy.
- She reveals that she now controls the academy as both principal and discipline dean. Rather than granting the system special treatment, she raises its required passing score from sixty to eighty.
- Number Three takes the reluctant Sign-In System away to supervise it personally, while Liu Bing remains behind.
- Columbina, Index, and Phoebe Kyubey abandon the spectacle and return to their food competition, though Index and Phoebe soon admit they are too full to continue.
- Misaka Mikoto asks Liu Bing how he intends to rescue the Sisters, noting that only about a thousand are in the current laboratory while the rest are scattered throughout the world.
- Liu Bing reveals a newly freed and cured young clone, Misaka Misaka, who recognizes Misaka Mikoto as “Big Sister.”
- He clothes the clone in a miniature version of Misaka Mikoto’s maid outfit, provoking Mikoto’s anger, then sends Misaka Misaka to socialize with the other girls.
- Misaka Misaka quickly integrates into the group, sharing desserts with Misaka 9527 and the others. Seeing the clones happy reassures Misaka Mikoto about their possible future.
- Liu Bing ruins Mikoto’s favorable impression by teasing and pinching her cheek. She bites his finger and attempts to attack him with her thunderbird and a flying kick.
- Because Liu Bing is overwhelmingly stronger, Mikoto’s attack fails and is transformed into an accidental back massage. She repeatedly stomps on his back in frustration, while Liu Bing treats it as a pleasant massage.
Character Developments
- Number Three demonstrates her authoritarian, mischievous leadership style by imposing stricter standards on the Sign-In System despite their friendship.
- The Sign-In System is shown to be cowardly and irresponsible, regretting its attempt to take advantage of an acquaintance.
- Liu Bing continues to display immense power, casually curing the clone and neutralizing Mikoto’s abilities. He is also playful and deliberately provocative, though his actions suggest genuine concern for the Sisters’ welfare.
- Misaka Mikoto shifts briefly from suspicion to cautious trust after seeing the clones treated kindly, but Liu Bing’s teasing quickly restores her hostility. Her protectiveness toward the Sisters remains strong.
- Misaka Misaka is introduced as a young, newly created clone with childlike innocence. She immediately accepts Mikoto as her older sister and adapts easily to the group.
- Misaka 9527 and the other girls appear comfortable and happy in their new social environment, suggesting the Sisters are beginning to experience ordinary companionship.
Significant Themes
- Authority and discipline: Number Three’s control of the academy satirizes bureaucratic systems and highlights the harsh treatment of underachievers.
- Freedom and rescue: The scattered Sisters remain in danger, and Mikoto’s question emphasizes the scale of Liu Bing’s task.
- Identity and family: Misaka Misaka’s recognition of Mikoto as “Big Sister” reinforces the emotional bond between the clones and their original.
- Healing and a hopeful future: The cured clone’s happiness and easy integration suggest that the Sisters may eventually live normal, joyful lives.
- Power imbalance and comedy: Liu Bing’s overwhelming strength turns Mikoto’s anger and attacks into playful, humiliating situations, creating much of the chapter’s humor.
- Trust and contradiction: Mikoto wants to believe Liu Bing is benevolent, but his constant teasing makes it difficult for her to maintain that trust.
Character Interactions
- Number Three bullies and disciplines the Sign-In System while jokingly exploiting their friendship.
- Liu Bing introduces Misaka Misaka to Misaka Mikoto, then places her among the other girls.
- Misaka Mikoto observes the clones enjoying themselves and briefly views Liu Bing more favorably.
- Liu Bing teases Mikoto physically, leading her to bite him and order her thunderbird to attack.
- Mikoto’s failed attacks escalate into an involuntary massage, allowing Liu Bing to mock her while she vents her frustration.