Tokyo – A tense and unsettling encounter occurred late last night in the Shibuya district, as protagonist Sakuta Azusagawa confronted a strikingly identical version of his recurring “Rascal” – a miniature, almost perfectly replicated Mai. The event, witnessed by a small group of bystanders and documented by several local news outlets, has further intensified the already complex and increasingly bizarre circumstances surrounding the series of unexplained illnesses plaguing Tokyo’s youth.

The confrontation unfolded near the iconic Shibuya crossing, with witnesses reporting that the miniature Mai materialized seemingly out of thin air. Initial reports suggested a simple illusion, but the miniature Mai demonstrated an uncanny ability to mimic Mai’s movements and speech with unnerving accuracy. Sakuta, visibly agitated, engaged in a prolonged exchange with his reflection, attempting to discern the nature of the duplicate and its connection to the recent outbreaks of amnesia and disorientation.

“It was… deeply unsettling,” stated Kenji Tanaka, a street vendor who observed the event. “She said exactly the same things Mai does, used the same phrases. It wasn’t just a copy; it felt like… a fragment of her, trapped. Like a distorted echo.”

The miniature Mai’s primary goal appeared to be to prevent Sakuta from pursuing any investigation into the illnesses, repeatedly claiming that any attempt to understand the phenomenon would only cause further harm. “Don’t try to fix this,” she insisted, her voice a chillingly familiar imitation. “Let it be. Just… forget.”

Following the encounter, the miniature Mai vanished as abruptly as she appeared, leaving Sakuta visibly shaken and more determined than ever to uncover the truth. Authorities are currently investigating the event, though officials have expressed skepticism, citing the lack of physical evidence and the increasingly surreal nature of the reported incidents.

Psychologist Dr. Akagi, a consultant for the investigation, offered a cautious assessment. “These events suggest a deeply rooted psychological component, potentially linked to unresolved trauma and suppressed memories within the individuals affected,” she stated in a brief press conference. “The appearance of the miniature Mai could be a manifestation of these suppressed emotions, attempting to shield the afflicted from confronting painful realities.”

The incident raises serious questions about the underlying mechanisms driving the illnesses and the potential role of repressed memories. As Sakuta continues his investigation, the mystery surrounding the miniature Mai and her connection to the unfolding events remains at the forefront of public concern, leaving many wondering: what, exactly, is Tokyo dreaming of?