Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 071

"Indian Poker" (インディアンポーカー) is the 71st chapter of the Toaru Kagaku no Railgun manga series. This chapter marks the beginning of the Dream Ranker Arc.

Synopsis
After having their swimming class, Misaka Mikoto goes on a conversation with the Ringlet curl girl, who quickly talks about a limited-edition Gekota merchandise available through a particular promo. Moments after, Shokuhou Misaki, who seems to have skipped PE class as usual, shows up and notices that Mikoto is acting close to a member of her clique, much to Mikoto's chagrin. Sparks begin to fly between the Ace and Queen of Tokiwadai, and despite being an upperclassman of the two Level 5s, the Ringlet curl girl helplessly watches as the two girls bicker on. Misaki did make a hasty exit as soon as she sees the school's dormitory supervisor, leaving Mikoto at her mercy.

Mikoto's pride was left hurt after the encounter with Misaki, but the Ringlet curl girl meets her once again to apologize, giving a card to make up for the incident. Mikoto has no idea about what the card is, but Saten Ruiko quickly identifies the card as an Indian Poker card, a popular card used to peek into the dreams of someone. Ruiko explains how the card works and relates the system used in the card with a toy used by children to move a ball using artificial psychokinesis. She also adds that there are people who are capable of supplying interested people with pleasant dreams. With her interest piqued by Ruiko's introduction into the system, Mikoto decides to use the card on herself.

That night, Mikoto finds herself in a dream where she is whisked away by a group of Gekota into a castle. To her shock, the castle is inhabited by Shokuhou Misaki dressed like a queen. Mikoto then suddenly finds herself dressed like a maid, and is pressured into serving Misaki after seeing the Gekotas' sad faces when she refuses. Misaki finds Mikoto's reluctant service adorable enough that she wants Mikoto to serve her for the rest of her life. The sheer rage of being Misaki's slave is enough to drag Mikoto back from her dreams, inadvertently destroying Kuroko's plans of molesting her in her most vulnerable state.

Elsewhere the next morning, ambulance sirens blare as an incident of someone who tripped down a flight of stairs take the attention of students passing by. Here, they talk about a particular app that they suggest is related to the accident.

Major events

 * Misaka Mikoto uses an Indian Poker card for the first time.

Characters
By order of appearance:
 * Misaka Mikoto
 * Ringlet curl girl
 * Shokuhou Misaki
 * Tokiwadai Dorm Supervisor
 * Saten Ruiko
 * Uiharu Kazari (fantasy-only)
 * Shirai Kuroko

New Characters
No new characters were introduced in this chapter.

Abilities

 * Mental Out - Shokuhou Misaki, Level 5 (referenced-only)
 * Psychokinesis (Artificial) - Little boy

New Abilities
No new abilities were introduced in this chapter.

Locations

 * Academy City
 * Tokiwadai Middle School
 * Tokiwadai Dormitory

New Locations
No new locations were introduced this chapter.

Trivia

 * This is the first time the year level of Misaki and the Ringlet curl girl was revealed. Misaki is a second year student, while the ringlet curl girl is in her third year.
 * Ruiko wields a bat in her warrior costume in a panel showing a short fantasy sequence, the second reference to her bat since chapter 69 (tankoubon numbering) in the Toaru Kagaku no Railgun manga.

Referbacks

 * The Ringlet curl girl mentions the pair contract promo for the Handy Antenna service that includes a free Gekota strap upon registration. This is a reference to Mikoto and Touma later pairing up for in order for Mikoto to attain the Gekota, as shown in Toaru Majutsu no Index light novel volume 12.

Cultural references

 * The fantasy sequence of Ruiko and the gang in her exposition regarding sharing dreams is likely a reference to classic Japanese RPGs. In this fantasy sequence, Kuroko is seen only in a bikini, a likely reference to "bikini armor", a trope that is present in fantasy stories where female warriors wear revealing clothes that do not protect them at all.

Unanswered Questions

 * What is the app that girl talking about, and what does it have to do with the person that tripped?

Quotes

 * Mikoto: "Indian Poker is the best thing ever!!" — After meeting several Gekota characters in her dream.
 * Kuroko: "Seeking only physical bonds would make you worried about our emotional bonds. There is of course nothing to worry about, but my carelessness made you worry nonetheless!! I will start by putting you at ease with my sincerity! I will prove that my love is real. I offer you both my body and my heart!" — As she plans to molest Mikoto in her sleep.
 * Mikoto: "THAT'S THE LAST THING I WANT!!!" — When Dream Misaki say she wants her to be her maid forever; inadvertently destroying Kuroko's love confession.