Volume 3 Chapter 70 Promotion Ceremony (Youngsters Class)
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Less than ten days remained in the school year. Just the other day, the older kids had flown the nest, and the day had finally come for us in the Youngsters Class to face our own final milestone.
”We will now begin the promotion ceremony.”
We gathered in the gym first thing in the morning. Since this was a formal event following the graduation, the voices crackling over the speakers lacked their usual warm and playful tone. Perhaps influenced by the heavy atmosphere, the Youngsters—still swimming in school uniforms they hadn’t quite grown into—sat with their backs straight and remained uncharacteristically quiet. Of course, it was only a matter of time before their posture began to collapse under the weight of the Principal’s long-winded speech, but that was just part of their charm.
Still, they had grown immensely since the first day of school. Over the past year, there had been a noticeable drop in the number of kids poking their neighbors, trying to bolt for the exit, bursting into tears, or having “accidents.” Even Suu-chan¹ had learned to look forward instead of constantly seeking me out. (Just between us… it felt a little—no, a lot—lonelier.)
While there were still a few restless souls looking around or picking at the floor wax, everyone was clearly making progress. Unlike us “Youngsters,” the Middle kids were in a total league of their own. The difference in status was obvious; they kept their spines straight and actually listened to the Principal. Though, whether they actually understood a word he said was another story entirely. That poise made them look exactly like the “senior” students who would soon be leading the school.
But the Rose Class wasn’t about to be outdone. They’d learned that making a scene only made the speeches longer and cut into their playtime. Compared to the other classes, their level of stability was miles ahead. Even the “Rose Rangers”—the usual suspects for trouble—were on their best behavior. Maintaining the silence was part of their mission, after all.
Even Jun, usually a ball of chaotic energy, was quiet. He’s surprisingly easy to handle because he actually listens well; as long as he has clear instructions, he’s a model student. As for the “soulless” expressions on everyone’s faces in Rose Class, I’m sure it wasn’t because the Principal was boring or tedious. They were likely just imitating a very adorable girl at the center of the “popular girl” circle. As for who that girl was imitating… I don’t know. I really, really don’t know.
Once the Principal’s speech finally washed over us, it was time for the sing-along. We sang the school anthem and the song we had performed for the older kids at graduation. The Youngsters opened their mouths wide and sang with everything they had. Even the shyest kids found their courage when singing with friends. I felt like I was finally starting to fit in as a local kindergartner myself.
Next up came the Perfect Attendance Awards. They called the names of the children who hadn’t missed a single day for the entire year, excluding the optional attendance periods. At Hinomori Kindergarten, you’re counted as “present” as long as your communication notebook makes it to the teacher’s hands, so being late or leaving early doesn’t count against you. Technically, a kid could show up with a fever, drop off the book, and go home immediately just to snag the award. I’d like to think any sensible parent wouldn’t force a sick child to suffer—or risk infecting the other Youngsters—just for a medal, though.
The Middle kids had a fair number of winners, about five per class. It made sense that the Youngsters had fewer; many struggled to adjust to the new environment in the spring, and the stress often manifested as physical illness. In fact, it seemed no one in the other Pre-K classes qualified. But in Rose Class—which clearly had the highest attendance rate in the grade—two names were called.
”Rose Class: Imai Jun-chan!”
”Here!!” shouted Jun.
”Totsuka Suzuki-chan!”
”Present,” said Suzuki.
The two of them were led onto the stage by the teacher. Some kids just have iron-clad immune systems, while others catch everything that flies by. It’s not a hard rule, but Suu-chan is luckily one of the former. Actually, calling it “luck” is a bit insulting to Mio-san’s meticulous health management at home.
Once all eighteen winners were lined up on stage, the teachers placed handmade medals around their necks. They did an about-face to the younger students below, bowed, and were met with a massive round of applause. There were also farewells for the teachers who were leaving the school. Since they mostly handled the older grades, I’d only interacted with them during school-wide events or while boarding the shuttle bus, but I’m sure they worked hard for us behind the scenes. Thank you for everything.
Then came the goodbyes for the three children who were transferring to different schools. I didn’t know them well, but realizing I could have easily been in their shoes gave me a strange feeling. I hope they do well at their new schools.
The ceremony wrapped up in about thirty minutes, and we headed back to the classroom. The “heroes” who had been honored on stage—or rather, their medals—were the stars of the room. The other Youngsters swarmed them, begging to see. While Jun was basking in the attention, Suu-chan had effectively “sacrificed” her medal to the crowd to escape the noise. She came and stood next to me, watching from a distance. Her medal was being yanked in every direction; the cardstock was creased, and the ribbon was barely hanging on by a thread.
”Weren’t you happy about the medal?” I asked.
”…I don’t know,” replied Suzuki.
”I see,” I said.
Most kids would be thrilled, and seeing their prize get trashed would usually lead to a meltdown, but Suu-chan genuinely didn’t seem to care. I offered a silent apology to the teachers who had made it. Still, it was a memento, so I’ll have to ask Mitsuhisa-san to fix it and put it away safely once we get home. These things are usually for the parents’ nostalgia, anyway.
Once the medals were returned and the room settled down, we held our class-level ceremony. Since toddlers have the attention span of gnats, the teachers kept the group portion short and then addressed us individually.
”Jun-chan is always so full of energy!” said Teacher Riko. “You worked so hard on the footraces and the jump rope. Even when you move up to the Middle kids, keep leading everyone with that bright smile!”
”You can count on me!!” Jun yelled.
Jun received a “Promotion Medal” from Teacher Riko, along with a completion card and a towel featuring the school logo.
”Check it out!” shouted Jun.
”Nice one,” I replied.
With two medals now clanking around his neck, Jun looked even more smug than before. I was more interested in the completion cards. The top half was a “Best Shot” photo from the year, and the bottom half featured personalized messages from Teacher Riko and Teacher Seiko. Jun’s photo was from the Arts Festival—he was center-stage, nailing his final pose.
”Shiho-chan, you really loved your storybooks,” said Teacher Riko. “You worked so hard to learn your Hiragana just so you could read them yourself! Keep reading your favorites, and if you find a new one you love, be sure to tell the teacher, okay?”
”Uh-huh! I’ll read a ton and tell Teacher Riko everything!” replied Shiho.
”Suzuki-chan,” said Teacher Riko. “You were such a big help to the teachers. You were always there when your friends were in trouble—you’re a very kind girl. I hope you keep being that kind soul when you’re a Middle kid.”
”Mm. I’ll try,” said Suzuki.
After getting a pat on the head, Suu-chan sat back down next to me, looking pleased. We looked at her photo together. It was a candid shot from our morning free time. Suu-chan was coloring, and I was right behind her, diligently stacking blocks. Someone must have called our names right as the shutter clicked, because we were both looking directly at the camera.
(It’s me and Maa-kun…)
(That’s a good one.)
She nodded happily and went back to staring at the photo, savoring the moment.
”Kotarou-kun, you’re so good with your hands!” said Teacher Riko. “The teacher was so moved by how neatly you fold your origami. You pick up difficult games so fast—you’ve got real talent. But Teacher isn’t going to lose to you just yet, okay?”
”Yeah! Next time, I’m gonna beat you for sure!” replied Kotarou.
Kotarou looked bashful being praised. (Ho-ho… I see, I see.) I couldn’t help but feel like an old man watching the youth of today.
Then, it was my turn.
”Makoto-kun, you always kept an eye on your friends,” said Teacher Riko. “You’re so thoughtful and kind. Please keep up the hard work in the Middle kids’ class.”
”Thank you very much,” I said.
I accepted the card with both hands. The photo was… a scene from the Sports Day footrace. Looking at a photo of me hugging Suu-chan again was… well, a little cringeworthy.
”Yuma-kun! Lately, you’ve been coming to school every single day,” said Teacher Riko. “You’ve worked so hard! The teacher was so happy to see your face every morning. Let’s aim for that Perfect Attendance Award next year, okay?”
”Yeah! I’m gonna do it!” shouted Yuma.
By the time everyone had received their cards, the first of the Youngsters’ stomachs began to growl.
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Summary:
The chapter depicts the promotion ceremony for the Youngsters Class at Hinomori Kindergarten. Makoto reflects on the growth of his classmates over the past year while observing the formal proceedings and award distributions. The day ends with individual recognition for each student and a sentimental look at their progress through commemorative cards.
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Trivia:
- Suu-chan’s increased independence (looking forward instead of at Makoto) marks a shift in their dynamic.
- The mention of ‘Rose Rangers’ hints at the budding group identities and social structures within the class.
- Makoto’s ‘old man’ internal monologue serves as a reminder of his past life’s influence on his current perception of childhood.
- The ‘lovely girl’ whose identity Makoto avoids naming suggests future social plot points or specific characters yet to be fully spotlighted
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Character Insight:
Jun’s boastful nature is reaffirmed through his two medals, while Suzuki (Suu-chan) shows a lack of interest in material rewards, valuing her shared photo with Makoto instead. Makoto continues to act as a silent protector and observer, though he feels a pang of loneliness as his ‘charge’ grows more independent.
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Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The attendance system at Hinomori Kindergarten is detailed, revealing a lenient policy where merely turning in a notebook counts as presence. This highlights the cultural value of the ‘Perfect Attendance Award’ even in early education.
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TL Notes:
The term ‘Youngsters’ (年少 – Nenshō) refers to the 3-4 year old class, while ‘Middle kids’ (年中 – Nenchū) refers to the 4-5 year old class. The ‘Promotion Ceremony’ (修了式 – Shūryōshiki) is a standard end-of-year event in Japanese schools.
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Glossary:
Notes:
• Suu-chan – A refined young girl with soft skin who values etiquette and ‘lady’s grace.’ She holds Makoto to a high standard of grooming.
• Suu – A female student in the Rose Class. Very close to Makoto (Maa-kun). Has mud on her cheeks and makes high-quality dorodango.
• Jun – The Imai family’s youngest and a Rose Class kindergartner, is a gluttonous, hyperactive girl in tracksuits. Pure-hearted but easily tricked, she boasts extreme strength, often digging to the sandbox liner. She idolizes her mother and clashes playfully with her brother Makoto, who shares her class. While Rose mocks his dancing and ignores germ warnings, Makoto balances her wild energy with calm restraint, reigning in their chaotic sibling dynamic.
• Imai Jun – Member of Rose Class. High energy, athletic (good at footraces and jump rope), and loves attention. Awarded for perfect attendance.
• Totsuka Suzuki – Totsuka “Suu-chan” Suzuki is a doll-like 4-year-old with dark braided pigtails, a topknot, sleepy sparkling eyes, and pink rain boots. A model student and Makoto’s fiercely possessive, self-proclaimed girlfriend, she is quiet, helpful, and competitive in word games. Daughter of Mio and Mii-kun, she is clingy, affectionate, and often clutches a pink candy tin while navigating life with quiet grace.
• Totsuka – Totsuka Mio is the wife of Mitsuhisa Totsuka and mother of Suu-chan. She is a hardcore gamer, part of the neighbor family that supplies hand‑me‑down consoles to the protagonist’s household. Mio attends parent‑teacher conferences and worries about her daughter’s growing dependence on Makoto.
• Suzuki – Totsuka “Suu-chan” Suzuki is a doll-like 4-year-old with dark braided pigtails, a topknot, sleepy sparkling eyes, and pink rain boots. A model student and Makoto’s fiercely possessive, self-proclaimed girlfriend, she is quiet, helpful, and competitive in word games. Daughter of Mio and Mii-kun, she is clingy, affectionate, and often clutches a pink candy tin while navigating life with quiet grace.
• Mio – Mio-P (28, 164cm, 57kg) is a pregnant, gray-clad Totsuka resident with a baby-faced charm and G-cup curves. A former athlete turned teacher, cook, and photographer, she is a patient, tech-savvy “Love Guru” who guides Makoto, Suu-chan, Fuu-chan, and Kyo-chan with understated wisdom. Whether driving them to parties or baking, she remains a nurturing, amused caretaker who cherishes her role in their lives.
• Mitsuhisa – Mitsuhisa (33, 184cm, 71kg) is a toned, reserved father of three (Suu-chan, Fuu-chan, Kyo-chan) and husband to Mio. Currently on modified childcare leave from his office, he is protective and doting toward his children, taking quiet pride in their growth. He maintains a distant rapport with Akari, shares dark banter with former teammate Makoto, and remains unsettled by his own influence on others.
• Riko – Riko-sensei, the lead teacher, PE instructor, and school nurse at Hinomori Kindergarten, balances a nurturing, observant warmth toward children with a dry, cynical internal wit. She manages class dynamics, photography, and progress interviews alongside Seiko-sensei. While she judges coworkers sharply, she finds solace in Makoto’s influence and Maa-kun’s skills, often unwinding at girls’ nights with colleagues.
• Seiko – Veteran kindergarten teacher and Rose Class leader, she exudes a steely, battle‑hardened aura with an icy gaze; polite yet intimidating, she’s dubbed an ‘ogre’ when angry and a ‘demon with a metal club’ for her dignified presence. Partner to Riko, senior to Akiko, and assistant at Hinomori Kindergarten, she blends playful realism with school‑politics savvy.
• Shiho-chan – A member of the friend group who arrived early and is close enough to Yuma’s family to stay over.
• Shiho – A four-year-old Rose-Class girl with a side-up ponytail, she is Hina’s younger sister and a close friend to Makoto, Suu-chan, Yuma, and Suzuka. Often seen with her favorite hair clip, kitten-themed placemat, and training chopsticks, she loves picture books and worked hard to learn Hiragana. She enjoys swimming, makes mud dumplings using Makoto’s advice, and quietly competes with Suu for Makoto’s attention.
• Kotarou – A dexterous boy in the class who excels at origami.
• Kotaro – A quiet, slender kindergarten boy in Rose Class, friend of Makoto and member of his sandbox crew. He shares typical childhood interests— toys and games— and reliably helps Makoto with building projects, all while being a fan of Kamen Rider.
• Kota – Makoto’s biological father. Met Akari while working as a cram school tutor during their second year of university. He disappeared suddenly after six years of dating upon learning of the pregnancy.
• Makoto – A four-year-old (93cm, 13kg) Rose Class student who is actually a reincarnated 30-year-old salaryman. Dressed in a white shirt, blue vest, and cap, he acts as the group’s calm, analytical “Boss” and caregiver, carrying essentials like hand cream. Revered by peers as a mature, athletic idol, he mediates conflicts and protects Suu-chan. Despite his father’s gender confusion, he remains a dependable, cynical leader.
• Yuma – Yuma Yoshikura is a frail, sickly four-year-old from a wealthy, land-owning family. Known for his idol-like face and quiet, observant nature, he is the eldest son of the Yoshikura family and Miyu’s younger brother. A member of the Rose Class, he is close friends with Makoto, whom he deeply admires. Despite being physically smaller and slower than his peers, he excels at block-building and paper-folding.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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