This Is No Laughing Matter

This Is No Laughing Matter (笑いごとじゃねえや) is the ninth episode of the Ayaka: A Story of Bonds and Wounds anime series.

Synopsis
The Ayaka Islands prepare for an evacuation after the eruption on the Fourth Island. As everyone makes their own preparations to try and help save the islands, Yukito discovers the truth about his identity.

Plot Summary
The volcano on the fourth island begins to erupt and there is concern for a need for all residents of the Ayaka islands to evacuate. Yukito and Jingi discuss the matter with Yukito becoming upset that Jingi does not appear to take it seriously. Jingi suddenly departs.

Evacuation plans commence as earthquake aftershocks occur. Yukito helps Momoko coordinate the evacuation and both are concerned about Jingi's disappearance. Concerns are expressed about the potential for Ara-mitama to threaten citizens and tourists as they evacuate. Mayor Inou states that they will be relying on Ayaka Security to combat this should it occur.

Ibara sees Aka looking in the mirror with red streaks of energy flowing through his skin and expressed concern. Aka states "one more battle should be enough". Ibara asks Aka what he is fighting against and asks to go with him, but he tells her to go to Makita for further orders. Aka states that he never thought he would understand how his master felt and resolves to fight this battle alone.

Haruaki comes to Yukito, Yako, and Chatarou and tells Yukito that 15 years ago, Makoto Yanagi did something to try to restore the water dragon's power. He believes that Yukito is the embodiment of the water dragon. Haruaki leaves and tells Chatarou and Yako that Jingi will be their new master. He states that they are all a part of the same family as Yanagi before he leaves.

Yukito says that he does not fully understand what Haruaki said about him being the water dragon, but he does feel for the first time in his life that he is home and that he can express his emotions freely. He is surprised that others interact with him normally despite who he is. Yukito and his friends express concern that Haruaki plans to sacrifice himself just like his master did 10 years ago. They debate whether they should help him or if they should evacuate as Haruaki ordered them to. Ibara arrives and says that they should go fight since the vote is 3 to 2; she states that her vote counts twice since she is twice as strong as Yako and Chatarou.

Haruaki begins the ritual at the shrine on the fourth island. Aka arrives and Haruaki says that he does not need Aka's help fighting but asks that he take his body away after he dies. Aka refuses and says that Haruaki will do as he dictates. The fire dragon emerges from the lava and Aka attacks it. Haruaki tries to attack it instead and eventually the two start working together.

Initially, Haruaki and Aka believe that they have defeated the fire dragon but it reemerges and attacks them. Yukito and his three friends arrives in time for Yukito to created a shield of water to save Aka and Haruaki.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Chatarou Fukawake
 * Yako Amano
 * Ibara Ichijou
 * Momoko Amamiya
 * Sanji Inou
 * Haruaki Kurama
 * Aka Ibuki
 * Yukito Yanagi
 * Jingi Sagawa
 * Taihei Makita
 * Makoto Yanagi