Don't use Type-Moon references in Oregairu!

Sigh, three women make a drama.

At this moment, Hibiki Sakura ran back happily, her face flushed, and held up a box in her hand: "What are you talking about? The takoyaki over there is so delicious, the ingredients are so good, it's no wonder that Fukuoka City, where I am returning, produces such fresh and delicious takoyaki."

Damn it, the fourth woman is coming.

Fujimaru Ritsuka regretted it; she shouldn't have come along.

After breakfast, everyone listened to Jie Xiongmingzao talk about the rumors circulating among extraordinary people, and then they all packed up and went to get busy with the follow-up matters.

Without a word, Yukino bought a plane ticket and flew back to Chiba. She said she wanted to have a good talk with her mother to get enough funds to promote the establishment of the Chaldea organization, and also ask her friends in the Special Affairs Bureau to pull some strings to get the framework of Chaldea set up as soon as possible.

Then everyone else left because they had other things to do, leaving only him, Yukino Yukinoshita, Yui Yuigahama, Utaha Kasumigaoka, and Hibiki Sakura with nothing to do.

Then she was dragged here to stroll through the festival. Now, Fujimaru Ritsuka just wants to go back to being the easygoing version of herself.

Old lady in red, I understand you now, I really do!

85. The Final Fireworks

Fujimaru Ritsuka was feeling conflicted. He knew that the completeness of the memories received by each successor was different. He only had Senji Muramasa's experience with skills and abilities, and knew nothing about him.

Yukino Yukinoshita possesses memories of the Mooncell computer world and the Deep Sea Computer Paradise. Yui Yuigahama only knows about Suzuka Gozen's past life. Hikigaya has memories of his adventures with him in the Age of Gods. Meizou Machi is completely unaware of his connection with Hajime Saito. The identities of Deishuu Kaiki and Yuu Ishigami are unknown.

Kasumigaoka Utaha not only knew him, but also some information about Chaldea. This initially gave him a sense of familiarity, but now he no longer felt that way.

You know, Murasaki Shikibu is the one who caused the Valentine's Day chocolate frenzy. So it's only natural that she has many memories of Fujimaru Ritsuka and her Servants exchanging chocolates.

He was now sweating a little as he watched everyone eating the takoyaki that Hibiki Sakura had brought and gossiping.

While eating a plump takoyaki with thick tentacles, Kasumigaoka Utaha said meaningfully, "Fujimaru Ritsuka-sama, look at these takoyaki. Don't they look like Elizabeth's chocolate takoyaki girl? Or like Hokusai's chocolate takoyaki?"

Even food can't shut you up, Xia Feifei.

Fujimaru Ritsuka's face was ashen.

Yui Yuigahama exclaimed in surprise, "What?! Does anyone in this world mix octopus and chocolate together?!"

You, the former master of culinary disasters, now have the audacity to say such things?

“Yes, people these days are incredibly creative with chocolate.” Kasumigaoka Utaha feigned surprise, whispering to them in a voice just loud enough for them to hear. “Do you know how Katsushika Hokusai (the sword) made it? He put a good octopus on a cutting board, yelled ‘Hey!!’, then generously smashed daifuku on top of the octopus, sprinkled it with lots of chocolate powder, and decorated it a little with white chocolate.”

Hibiki Sakura covered her mouth and took a few steps back: "Is that even human? Who would dare to eat something like that?"

Kasumigaoka Utaha rolled her bright eyes: "What's even more admirable is our Fujimaru Ritsuka-sama, who ate such a horrible dish without batting an eye."

"Ah, as expected of Fujimaru Ritsuka, she easily accomplishes what we can't. It's truly admirable and awe-inspiring," said Yukino Yukinoshita, her expression remaining impassive as she uttered sarcastic remarks. "But perhaps he has pica. Let's try making chocolates with various seafood for her next time; maybe he'll like the flavor."

No, you're not being sarcastic, you really intend to do it! Yamero!

Fujimaru Ritsuka couldn't hold back any longer. He quickly picked up a takoyaki with a toothpick and chewed it, giving a fake critique: "These takoyaki are made with good ingredients, but the batter is a bit lacking. I'll show you what real seafood seasoning is like later, and prepare a whole seafood feast."

“At least three times,” Yukino Yukinoshita said, gesturing with her fingers.

"Okay, okay." Fujimaru Ritsuka successfully ceded territory and paid reparations.

"I want to eat it too! Be sure to call me when it's made!" Sakura Hibiki, who had been detached from the situation, immediately raised her hands, eager to try it when she heard about the delicious food.

After sleeping in late this morning, Hibiki Sakura was eating breakfast that was past its best flavor, tears streaming down her face as she ate. She hated herself for not getting up earlier. Now that she heard about a chance to get a good deal, she decided to jump in.

Kasumigaoka Utaha also knew when to stop. Sensing Fujimaru Ritsuka's presence, she smiled and nodded, "Then be sure to invite me to the get-together! I'll come all the way from Tokyo this weekend."

Yukino asked her, "Kasumigaoka-san, instead of spending your weekend hanging out with your friends, why didn't you come to this party?"

"Of course! From now on, we'll all be members of the Chaldea organization, so we should definitely get to know each other better. Besides, as a writer, I'm always curious about everyone's situation; who knows, I might even be able to write a new novel about it."

Kasumigaoka Utaha smiled slightly, easily deflecting Yukino Yukinoshita's probing with a light touch.

"Speaking of which, there have been some strange rumors circulating at Toyosaki Academy lately. Things like bizarre and outlandish stock market stories are spreading all over our school." Returning to the topic of her classmate, Kasumigaoka Utaha remembered something. She crossed her arms and looked somewhat suspicious. "I used to just laugh these things off as jokes, but now that I think about it, something feels off."

Fujimaru Ritsuka casually bought a straw hat with a seaside city vibe from a nearby vendor and put it on her head: "Didn't our great writer just say that we should enjoy the festival with the mindset of 'once in a lifetime'? Why are you thinking about these things again? It's not too late to worry about it when we get back. After all, you still have the Special Affairs Bureau stationed in Tokyo, which is their headquarters."

“That’s true.” Kasumigaoka Utaha touched her straw hat and smiled. Without saying a word, she grabbed Yukinoshita and Yuihama’s hands and pulled them to the front. “Since we’re participating in the festival, there are some things we can’t miss.”

"Hey~~ Kasumigaoka Utaha, what's wrong? Is there something you particularly want to do?" Yui Yuigahama was pulled forward with a confused look on her face.

"At this point, of course we should rent a kimono. I did my research beforehand..."

"There's a kimono rental shop up ahead, right?" Yukino Yukinoshita seemed a little embarrassed at this point, and said awkwardly, "Maybe we should just forget about it. Wearing casual clothes to the festival would be nice too."

“No, girls should dress nicely and formally to suit the festival atmosphere. After all, it’s a rare occasion…” Kasumigaoka Utaha whispered in her ear, “Are you really planning to only let Yui and me wear pretty kimonos?”

"...It wouldn't hurt to give it a try."

The three of them then hurried on their way.

Hibiki Sakura, holding the half-eaten box of takoyaki, gaped with her mouth agape: "Why didn't you call me? Did you think I wasn't suitable?"

Fujimaru Ritsuka glanced at her: I think they're worried you'll get all the sauce on your kimono.

"Sakura Hibiki, why aren't you coming over? I only have two hands."

"Here you are." Sakura Hibiki didn't forget to put the box of takoyaki into Fujimaru Ritsuka's hands. "Hold this for me."

Watching the four people rush into the kimono shop, Fujimaru Ritsuka expressionlessly picked up a takoyaki with a toothpick and started eating it.

Just kidding, I even kept them safe for you. I ate the remaining 6.

-------------------------------------

"Hmm, this outfit actually looks pretty good too." Fujimaru Ritsuka was eventually pulled into the kimono shop and changed into a Jinbe kimono, which is a men's style.

The wide sleeves of the kimono he wore gave the already handsome Fujimaru Ritsuka a touch of hermit-like charm.

Wearing wooden clogs, he followed behind a group of people who were chatting excitedly.

They are heading to Sumiyoshi Shrine in Fukuoka City. It is a sacred shrine known for its protection of travelers and homes, and it is the head shrine for all of Japan.

Japanese people have an interesting habit: they like to visit the main shrines of efficacious shrines for peace of mind.

Although everyone here is a successor, there are also many who are deities among them.

For example, in Snow Under the Snow, there is a combined version of two gods and demons, and Suzuka Gozen on Dango's body is also worshipped as a deity in some places.

However, they still really enjoyed the act of taking photos at the shrine.

Moreover, it's getting closer to evening, and the DONTAKU festival, which has been going on all day, is about to start with fireworks.

The location of Sumiyoshi Shrine was perfect for sightseeing, so we decided to make it our last stop for the day.

Visitors came and went at the shrine, and as Fujimaru Ritsuka looked at their ordinary yet happy faces, her heart calmed down.

How beautiful the scenery here is!

"What are you dawdling for? Hurry up and come over, the fireworks are about to start!"

The four people in front of him were dressed in kimonos and were holding umbrellas, waving to him.

"They're here, they're here."

Fujimaru Ritsuka responded and stepped forward, as fireworks began to bloom in the sky, turning the entire sky into a kaleidoscope of colors.

Summer has begun.

1. BB: Can't I cause trouble when I'm not around? Is AI such an inconvenient thing?

May X, sunny. Best to stay home and play video games.

Everything has an end, but there's always a sign before it ends.

For example, a primary school student who skipped class to go home saw Uncle Wang's pants next door; a backup boyfriend who was a simp received a text message from his girlfriend before Christmas Eve saying she had to work overtime; and an African only used a tiny bit of their mobile data during a 10-day streak.

For example, just before the holiday ended, I suddenly heard from a classmate that they wanted to borrow my homework.

Fujimaru Ritsuka was among them; today was the last day of the holiday. He was now happily manipulating the mischievous boy on the pond to seduce the girls, foreshadowing a Christmas drama.

That's great! Muramasa hasn't come out to beat me up these past two days. Looks like he's worried I'll get tired. So let me happily be a heart thief with the big fluttering moth.

Then he received a phone call.

"What? Holiday homework? Oh, and a quiz too?"

Fujimaru Ritsuka rolled her eyes, controlling the Joker to unleash a red and black all-out attack on the screen, and took a satisfying sip of her soda.

"Hey, can't you guys at least have a little bit of self-awareness as non-ordinary students?" Fujimaru Ritsuka said righteously, clicking her fingers loudly as she spoke. "We who have extraordinary abilities should have a different kind of self-awareness and not get too caught up in school matters."

He spoke earnestly: "Tell me, dealing with exams and studying is just for the sake of getting into a better school or a better job. We're already fighting monsters, why are we still worrying about these things?"

Yukino Yukinoshita chuckled, "Is happily fiddling with the controller and playing games the right way to go?"

Fujimaru Ritsuka frowned and corrected, "Yukinoshita, you probably don't understand. Games are the first step in survival learning for all mammals, especially primates. It's a social behavior based on the satisfaction of material needs, following certain rules within a specific time and space, and pursuing the satisfaction of spiritual needs. Games are the ninth art, an industrial crystallization forged by the efforts and sweat of countless people. Through playing games, you can also feel how creators find their footing in the game between art and commerce..."

"Ms. Jing said that if you don't finish your homework, she will come to your home to have a chat (or rather, to mess with you)."

"...Where are you holding your study session? I'll gather everything and head over there right now."

"Ha, men."

After hanging up the phone, Fujimaru Ritsuka's face was filled with sorrow. Goodbye, JOKER, goodbye, my nine ships. Who knows when we'll meet again?

But stubbornly trying to fight Xiaojing's adorable iron fist is really unwise. It's not that you can't beat her, but it's unnecessary, right?

Besides, going to them means I can quickly copy their homework, which is much better than trying to write it all myself by myself.

Fujimaru Ritsuka put on a pair of beach shorts, wore a short-sleeved shirt, picked up her schoolbag, and swaggered out the door.

The location given by Yukino Yukinoshita is a Western-style family restaurant called Silvaspo.

"This name is weird..." Fujimaru Ritsuka rubbed her nose and went inside.

The so-called family restaurants are completely different things in China and Japan.

In China, family restaurants often refer to restaurants converted from homes, and they have little in common in terms of business model and other aspects.

In contrast, family restaurants in Japan represent a business model with the slogan of providing guests with a home-like experience.

These family-run restaurants often boast a warm and inviting interior. The prices are even more reasonable, making them feel right at home. For a few hundred to 1000 yen, you can enjoy a hearty meal of curry rice or other main dishes. And often, for just a few hundred more yen, you can get all-you-can-drink beverages.

In Japan, these prices are considered dirt cheap, and it's open 24/7. It's a favorite among students on a tight budget and working people struggling to make ends meet. In some ways, it's even more affordable than dining at McDonald's or Colonel Sanders.

In ACG works, many students meet at family restaurants for this reason—it's cheap, and each student can afford it with their own pocket money.

"Fujimaru-kun~ Fujimaru-kun~ Over here." Yui Yuigahama shook her dango ball and waved her arm vigorously to signal him to come over.

Yui Yuigahama, the dango is really big today.