Volume 3 Chapter 38 Sports Meet (Pre-K) ③
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
It was lunchtime, and the kindergarten was full of parents and children gathered around their lunch boxes. In addition to the playground-except for the track area-the classrooms and the gym had been opened up, and families were huddled together in whatever spots they could find.
The air was thick with the chatter of kids bragging about their race rankings, parents offering “good job” headpats, and others comforting little ones who were crying because they didn’t take first place. It was a noisy, happy mess.
I’d heard that some schools have the kids eat separately to be fair to those whose parents couldn’t make it, or that they just finish the whole Sports Day¹ before noon. But looking at how much fun these kids were having, it felt like it would be a little lonely if they didn’t get this chance to share a meal with their families.
”Maa-kun, you’ve got a grain of rice on your face.”
Mother reached out, plucked the rice from the corner of my mouth, and popped it into her own.
(Yeah… I guess this kind of family bonding is important.)
”…Muu.”
Suu-chan watched the two of us with a look of pure envy.
I felt bad, but it wasn’t like I was getting rice stuck on my face on purpose just to get attention. I really wished she would stop staring at me so intensely while I was trying to eat my rice ball.
The other parents watched us with amused smiles.
There was Shiho-chan, Big Sister Hina, and their parents-the Goto family. Yuma, Miyu-oneesan, and their parents-the Yoshikura family. Aoi-oneesan and her parents-the Sayanagi family. And Jun with her mother-the Imai family.
Including the Totsuka and Yashiro families, we were a massive group of seventeen people. The youngsters sat in a tight circle in the middle, while the parents formed a perimeter around us. We were quite the crowd.
Luckily, we were with families who were Sports Day veterans, so we’d snagged a prime spot. Since it was hot outside and the dust was blowing around-not to mention the UV rays-everyone wanted to be indoors. The classrooms were too cramped, so the gym was the place to be.
”Maa-kun, say ‘ahh’.”
”Ahh.”
Since I’d mangled my right hand, Suu-chan was taking it upon herself to feed me. I’m actually ambidextrous and could have used my left hand, but since she was being so sweet about taking care of me, I didn’t see any reason to stop her.
”Makoto-kun and Suzuki-chan are practically in their own little world, aren’t they?”
When Sanae, Jun’s mother, said that, Suu-chan went limp and leaned her whole weight against me. (We’re out in public, girl! Pull it together…)
”Are they always like this?” Sanae asked.
”Yep, totally!” Yuma chirped.
”They’re always flirting!” Shiho-chan added.
The two of them answered with way too much energy. I guess you can’t expect kids that age to keep a secret, though it wasn’t like we were hiding anything.
”Compared to that…”
Sanae sighed, looking over at her daughter, who was currently vacuuming up her food.
”Mmph? Whash up?”
”Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Sanae scolded.
Jun puffed out her cheeks and went back to chewing in silence.
I couldn’t really blame her. Her “fuel consumption” was off the charts. Ever since the dance ended, she’d been chanting “Bento… bento…” like a zombie. By the time they finished, she was so hungry she was practically ready to faint, and Suu-chan and Shiho-chan had to drag her over. I figured she should eat as much as she wanted.
”Can I have this one too?” Jun asked.
”Go ahead. Your father isn’t coming anyway,” Sanae replied.
”Sweet!”
By the way, Jun’s father wasn’t there. Apparently, he’d thrown out his back practicing for the parent-child race last night and was stuck at home on bed rest.
Since their oldest son was already a freshman in high school, their dad had to be in his mid-thirties at the absolute youngest. Looking at Sanae… well, I shouldn’t be rude, but she was likely in her forties. I suppose you just can’t beat the rising tide of age.
Even if he couldn’t make the race, he’d been determined to see his daughter’s big day, but in the end, his back gave out. He’d even made a bento box² for himself, but it looked like it was just going to be more fuel for Jun. I suppose having a daughter who enjoys your cooking that much is its own kind of reward for a father.
”Jun-chan certainly has a lot of spirit,” Mother said.
”I really wanted her to be a sweet little thing like Suzuki-chan… but the men in our house spoil her rotten because she’s the baby of the family,” Sanae complained.
Mother tried to comfort Sanae, but she wasn’t doing a very good job. Mother often went to Sanae for advice since she was a veteran mother of three boys, but I didn’t think the Imai boys were anything like me, so I wasn’t sure how helpful that advice actually was.
”I wonder who she takes after…”
In all likelihood, the rest of the family… well, Jun should just live life as herself. She’ll naturally grow into her own person eventually. She’s only in the “younger” class at kindergarten, after all. There’s plenty of time.
”It’d be great if Makoto-kun could take the reins for our girl, though,” Sanae said, looking my way.
I felt like her eyes were boring a hole into me. My instincts told me that if I made eye contact, I was a goner.
”But since Suzuki-chan is here, I guess my Jun doesn’t stand a chance, huh?” Sanae said, shifting her gaze to Suu-chan, who was currently glued to my side.
Suu-chan has been receiving a “gifted education” in charm from Mio-san, who is still totally lovey-dovey with her husband even after kids. I didn’t think many girls could compete with that.
Don’t worry, Jun. Your charm is in other things. Like… your energy.
”Suzuki-chan, do you like Makoto-kun?” Sanae asked.
”……Mmh. Love him. ……Mu, phew.”
Suu-chan was being her usual shy self, but she managed to answer.
”How cute. Jun, you should take notes,” Sanae teased.
”So I just gotta beat Suzuki!?” Jun yelled.
”How did you get ‘fight’ out of that? Sigh, I blame Mizuki’s influence…”
Sanae put her head in her hands. It sounded like the second Imai brother was the one responsible for Jun’s competitive streak.
”Suzuki! I challenge you!” Jun shouted.
She pointed a finger dramatically, standing tall and defiant like a little general. It was actually a pretty cool pose.
In response, Suu-chan grabbed my arm even tighter and refused to let go.
I had no idea what kind of “challenge” this was supposed to be. A lunch-eating contest? No thanks, we’re supposed to chew our food.
Suu-chan opened her tiny mouth as wide as she could and let out a little “Hiss!” of intimidation. She looked exactly like a kitten I’d seen on a nature show. She was adorable-even if she did have a tiny speck of black seaweed stuck to her front tooth. Mitsuhisa-san was busy snapping photos, so I’d have to see them later.
Not to be outdone, Jun dropped onto all fours and let out a “Grrr!” of her own. It actually suited her.
It was a bizarre “scary face” contest between two toddlers. For some reason, Shiho-chan joined Suu-chan’s side, and Yuma backed up Jun. It had escalated into a two-on-two showdown.
”Maa-kun, aren’t you going to play too?” Mother asked.
”Eh? No, I’m good…”
I didn’t understand the rules, and the teams were already even anyway. Besides, I was having too much fun watching Suu-chan’s “scary” face.
So please, don’t give me that disappointed look, Mother. You’re going to make me feel like I have to do something…
—
Summary:
Six families gather in the gym for lunch during the kindergarten Sports Day. Makoto is doted on by his mother and Suu-chan, while Jun’s hunger leads to a comedic declaration of war between the toddlers.
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Trivia:
- Makoto is ambidextrous.
- The Imai father is home with a back injury from practice.
- Jun has three older brothers.
- Suu-chan has seaweed on her tooth during her ‘intimidation’ attempt
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Character Insight:
Suu-chan demonstrates intense jealousy and possessiveness toward Makoto, mirroring her mother Mio-san’s ‘gifted education’ in feminine charm.
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Behind the Scenes:
The ‘Double Battle’ mention is a direct nod to Pokémon battle mechanics, reflecting the kids’ competitive play.
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TL Notes:
Notes:
• Shiho – Three‑year‑old Rose‑Class girl with shoulder‑length hair in a side‑up ponytail, wearing a white kitten‑themed placemat and training chopsticks. Sleepy, she leans on Makoto’s “secret” advice and makes mud dumplings. Neighbor of the Yoshikura family, classmate and peer of Makoto, younger sister of Hina, friend of Suu‑chan and Yuma. Older sister in the senior group, quietly competes with Suu for Makoto’s attention, wishes happiness for the Tanabata deities, overcame a childhood fear of water to love swimming, and is kind and considerate of Suzuka’s feelings.
• Hina – Shiho’s older sister presents a gentle aura with long hair and a flowing dress. Though typically quiet, she lights up with excitement whenever she wins.
• Miyu – Yuma’s older sister, elegant in a grey dress and leader of the ‘Big Sister Squad’, hosts Makoto with poise despite initial nerves. She is also a fast runner in the Older Class.
• Yuma – Frail, sickly kindergarten boy from a wealthy land-owning family with an idol-like face, he admires his father and learns to fold paper airplanes from him, offering surprisingly technical insights on the Skytree’s triangular base. Member of Rose Class and Rose Group, he is the younger brother of Miyu-oneesan and close friend of Makoto—Miyu’s younger brother and his classmate—while also being Shiho-chan’s neighbor. His parents work in real estate, shaping his quiet, observant nature amid privilege.
• Aoi – An older girl with a short, boyish haircut, wearing denim shorts and a T‑shirt, she’s the anchor of District 3’s relay team and a member of the Big Sister Squad. Competitive and skilled at racing games, she constantly challenges her teammates and earns their respect.
• Jun – Energetic, restless boy of the Imai family, youngest of the Naughty Five, in Rose Class. Fast from mountain life, high‑appetite, ultra‑competitive, idolizes his mother while older brother warns of germs and Makoto reins him in. Heroic, physically gifted.
• Totsuka – The neighbor family consisting of a husband (Mitsuhisa), wife (Mio), and daughter (Suu-chan). They are hardcore gamers who provide hand-me-down consoles to the protagonist’s household.
• Makoto – Maa-kun, a 93 cm, 13 kg three-year-old boy in a neat shirt and cap with short hair and a backpack, sits in a booster seat at Hinomori’s Rose Class—he’s the reincarnated 30-year-old salaryman protagonist, now living with the Totsuka family, secretly wielding architectural expertise, social acumen, and hidden English fluency. Nicknamed by Suzuka-chan and the Rose Class’s quiet leader, he’s cool, emotionally detached, yet surprisingly athletic—his right palm recently injured, his calm demeanor cracked only during Sports Day. Narrator of the group, he mediates among children, protects Suzuka-chan, and navigates kindergarten life with adult wisdom, all while his mother calls him Maa-kun.
• Suzuki – Suu‑chan, 4, daughter of Mio and Mitsuhisa, sports a topknot, braided pigtails, sleepy sparkling eyes, pink rain boots and a tiny umbrella. Competitive yet nervous, she’s Makoto’s Jungle‑Gym queen — hugging, pouting, coordinating his things. Close friend Maa‑kun (sandbox leader, sings, chopsticks pro). In Hinomori’s Younger Class she’s shy, socially anxious, sits in a booster seat, clings to Makoto. Seaweed stuck on her tooth during an intimidation battle; she tripped in the Rose‑Class footrace, eager to excel for her pregnant mother.
• Sanae – Middle‑aged woman, mother of Jun and three older sons (in middle and high school), and friend of Makoto’s mother.
• Mio – 28‑year‑old pregnant mother of Suu‑chan, round belly, bed‑resting; wife of Mitsuhisa (164 cm, 57 kg, baby‑faced, G‑cup curves, elegant in gray). Former relay runner and badminton star turned teacher, cook, photographer who bakes strawberry shortcake and chirashi‑zushi, adores babysitting Ma‑kun, subtly pushes his marriage to Suu‑chan, avoids crowds, devotes herself to her daughter’s education, playful, theatrical, neighbor/family friend in a joint‑destiny child‑rearing unit. Suzuki’s mother, a beauty maintaining a romantic bond with her husband.
• Mitsuhisa – 184 cm, 71 kg, 33‑year‑old IT specialist with slick‑back hair and a deep, often scowling voice. Breadwinner of the Totsuka family, doting husband of pregnant Mio and father of Su‑chan. Reserved with Akari, family photographer using DSLR and tripod. Close to former college‑athlete Makoto, sharing playful‑sometimes‑sinister humor and gaming lag. Desk‑working salaryman, surprisingly toned, protective yet occasionally lonely as kids grow independent, now working from home.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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