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
Misaka Mikoto participates in a swimming class at her school. Afterwards, she converses with Hokaze Junko, who brings up 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, Junko helplessly watches as the two girls bicker on. Misaki sees the school's dormitory supervisor and makes a hasty exit, leaving Mikoto at her mercy.

Mikoto's pride was left hurt after the encounter with Misaki, but Junko meets her once again to apologize, giving her a card to make up for the incident. Mikoto has no idea what the card is. She asks Saten Ruiko, who identifies it as an Indian Poker card, a popular card used to peek into the dreams of someone. Saten 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 Saten's introduction into the system, Mikoto decides to use the card on herself.

That night, Mikoto finds herself in a dream where she is able to play with Gekota and his friends. She initially enjoys the dream, but the Gekotas take her to a castle where, to her shock, she finds Shokuhou Misaki dressed like a queen. Mikoto then suddenly finds herself dressed like a maid, and is pressured (by the Gekotas' sad faces) into serving Misaki. 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
 * Hokaze Junko
 * Shokuhou Misaki
 * Tokiwadai Dorm Supervisor
 * Saten Ruiko
 * Uiharu Kazari
 * Shirai Kuroko

Abilities

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

Locations

 * Academy City
 * Tokiwadai Middle School
 * Tokiwadai Dormitory

Trivia

 * This is the first time the year level of Misaki and Hokaze Junko was revealed. Misaki is a second year student, while Junko is in her third year.
 * Saten wields a bat in her warrior costume in a panel showing a short fantasy sequence, the second reference to her bat since Toaru Kagaku no Railgun Manga Chapter 069 (tankōbon numbering) in the Toaru Kagaku no Railgun manga.
 * This chapter marks the debut of two Strange Juices in the Toaru Kagaku no Railgun manga. Blackbean Cider and Coconut Cider are appeared in this chapter.

Referbacks

 * Junko 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 Saten 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.

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.