Little Busters! EX Episode 5: Sasami Turns into a Cat

The usual school day chatter among Komari, Rin, Mio, and Haruka quickly dissolves into surprise when a black cat appears in the classroom. This is not just any stray; it is an immediate magnet for Rin's attention, leading to a playful, if futile, chase. The cat eventually finds its way to Sasami Sasasegawa, who, despite her protestations of disliking felines, seems to have a peculiar connection to the creature. The scene establishes the initial mystery, painting Sasami as both victim and unwilling participant in this bizarre occurrence.

Riki Naoe awakens from a dream filled with loneliness and a crying voice, a foreshadowing of the unusual events to come. Later, he encounters the same black cat by the vending machines at night, its persistent meows suggesting a deeper need than mere hunger. Riki's attempts to understand or appease the creature prove futile, as it rejects his offering. This sequence subtly links Riki to the cat's distress, indicating his future role.

The cat follows Riki into his dorm, where Kengo Miyazawa first notices its presence. The creature's determined entry leads to a moment of revelation when Riki discovers it is female, a realization immediately followed by a sharp, angry bite from the feline. This sudden burst of temper from the cat, observed by Komari and Haruka, hints at the human consciousness within the animal. Riki's dorm room thus becomes the unlikely stage for further revelations.

The dorm room becomes a gathering place, complete with Masato Inohara's outlandish protein shake, which briefly distracts from the main enigma. It is during this chaotic scene that the cat yawns on Riki's bed, observed with concern by Mio Nishizono. Riki then connects the dots, realizing the cat transforms into a human only when it is *not* in his presence and that *only he* can hear its thoughts. This insight shifts the dynamic, turning the mystery into a shared secret.

Now aware of the truth, Riki Naoe confronts Sasami in her human form within his dorm room, asking for her cooperation. Sasami is clearly annoyed by her predicament but agrees to work with him. Her fastidiousness is evident when she points out Riki's messy hair before leaving, a small detail that speaks volumes about her character. Riki is left alone, determined to find a solution to her unusual problem.

The peculiar arrangement continues, with the cat, who is Sasami, perched on Rin's head, a detail Rin remains oblivious to. Riki attempts to offer cat food to the feline Sasami, who reacts with irritation, refusing the offering. Riki muses on her stubbornness, confirming his suspicions about her intelligence despite her animal form. This playful interaction underscores the growing, odd bond between Riki and the cat.

Through a series of experiments, Riki Naoe and Sasami discover the specific conditions of her transformation: she becomes a cat only when she leaves Riki's room. This revelation confirms the room itself as a temporary sanctuary, a place where Sasami can maintain her human form. Her initial dismay at being trapped is palpable, but Riki's calm demeanor and offer of play help to temper her frustration. The magical realism of the premise firmly entrenches itself.

With no immediate solution, Riki Naoe asks Sasami to stay the night, a suggestion that mortifies her. Despite her embarrassment and reluctance, she eventually agrees, finding herself nestled in Riki's bed. As Riki turns out the light, the cat, Sasami, jumps onto the bed, curling up beside him. He observes her, still a cat, and a soft smile touches his lips as he bids her goodnight, accepting the peculiar circumstances of their shared night.