Volume 3 Chapter 72 April 1st
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Spring break was at its midpoint, and it was the very first day of the new fiscal year. Even though it was the time of day when the Yoshikura family’s eldest son, Yuma, would usually be showing off his defenseless sleeping face, he was instead restlessly hovering around his mother, Nanami, as she relaxed on the sofa with her tablet.
It was only natural, really. Today-April 1st-was Yuma’s fourth birthday. He had spent the entire morning being celebrated by the family and had only just finished receiving his presents.
From his parents, he’d received a nine-pad roll-up drum kit. Compared to the professional set in the basement of the Yoshikura estate, it was little more than a toy, but it was an excellent gift for a four-year-old. Delighted that he could finally mimic his Father, Yuma had immediately added it to his list of favorite toys. His paternal grandparents had given him an encyclopedia of cars, while his maternal grandparents provided a new Plarail¹ train car and track set. They were all exactly what Yuma loved.
Yet, despite the new gear, his toys currently sat abandoned. It was one thing for his excitement to keep him from napping, but he wasn’t even glancing at the presents he had been so thrilled about just hours ago.
That, too, was to be expected. It was time for his birthday party. The prospect of inviting his best friends over had Yuma’s energy levels skyrocketing.
”Mommy, is it time yet~?”
”Not yet, sweetie~”
Ever since lunch ended, Nanami’s replies to her son’s repetitive questions had grown increasingly distracted. She understood his excitement, but no amount of rushing would make the clock move faster. She knew explaining the concept of time to a four-year-old wouldn’t exactly settle him down, either.
Because of that, Nanami found herself stuck in a bit of a dilemma. “If you don’t take a proper nap, you’re going to get sleepy right in the middle of your party, you know?”
”I’ll be fine! I’m four now!” Yuma declared.
Nanami let out a wry smile at the total lack of logic in his argument. Watching his frantic energy since the morning, she highly doubted his stamina would last until the end of the party. She could easily see him rubbing his eyes halfway through-or worse, crashing just as the guests arrived. In fact, he had already started letting out small yawns.
(It would be such a shame if the star of the show fell asleep; I’d feel terrible for the friends coming to see him…)
The guests were scheduled to arrive between 15:00 and 15:30. With less than two hours left, he really needed to get some shut-eye.
”Even if you fall asleep, Mama isn’t going to wake you up, okay, Yu-kun?”
”I won’t sleep! I’m four!”
Yuma’s birthday fell late compared to his peers. There were children in his same grade who were nearly a full year older than him. His physical development naturally lagged behind; while he didn’t dislike sports, he couldn’t keep up with his classmates. In a footrace, it was much faster to count his place from the finish line than the start.
He was at an age where he was particularly sensitive about that number. Having watched his close friends become “big brothers” and “big sisters” months ago, finally reaching that same age was a point of pride. To Yuma, any logical argument was meaningless compared to the glorious fact that he was now four years old.
However, Nanami had a final trump card. As a mother-and a member of the “Fan Club”-she knew exactly what to say.
”I bet Makoto-kun is taking his nap right about now, too~”
”……”
With those words, the invincible four-year-old froze. He stood still, looking deathly serious as he processed the information.
Makoto was the classmate Yuma admired most. Naturally, his name was the first one Yuma mentioned when deciding who to invite to the party. Makoto was smart, kind, and athletic. He carried himself with a natural, calm air that felt far beyond his years-a sort of quiet reliability that reminded Yuma of his Father. Many of the kids wanted to be just like him, and Yuma was no exception. To Yuma, Makoto-kun wasn’t just a friend; he was the goal.
If Makoto-kun was doing it, Yuma had no reason to refuse.
”I think Makoto-kun said it before… ‘Children who sleep are the ones who grow.’ He said napping is very important…”
”……”
Whether Makoto had actually said those words was a mystery, but the truth didn’t matter. That was just part of parenting.
”…I’ll sleep!”
The long internal debate in Yuma’s head had clearly reached a conclusion. He crawled into the futon that had been laid out and, lying next to his sister, Miyu, he was soon letting out the soft, rhythmic breaths of a deep sleep.
(Honestly, I owe everything to Makoto-kun様様ね…)
Nanami sent a silent prayer of thanks to the boy who wasn’t even there.
Back when Yuma first started kindergarten, he had been frail, often attending only a handful of days a month. His friend Shiho-san, whom he’d known since before school started, had made other friends in class, leaving Yuma feeling jealous and isolated. Even on days when he felt physically well, he would sometimes sob, refusing to go to school.
She could never thank Makoto-kun and the other friends enough for being the reason Yuma now looked forward to going every day. It felt like a lifetime ago that Nanami was struggling to balance work and chores while dealing with Yuma’s health and Miyu’s brief bout of baby regression².
She did feel a little conflicted that he listened to a classmate more than his own mother, but…
”Now then… I’d better start getting the party food ready…”
Nanami began her preparations quietly, taking care not to wake the sleeping children. She worked with the hope that those peaceful, sleeping faces would be full of smiles in just a few hours.
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Summary:
It is April 1st, Yuma’s fourth birthday. Despite receiving many gifts, Yuma is too excited for his upcoming party with friends to play or nap. Nanami successfully manipulates him into napping by claiming his idol, Makoto, is also currently napping. The chapter ends with Nanami reflecting on how much Yuma has grown and improved socially since meeting Makoto.
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Trivia:
- Yuma’s late birthday (April 1st) explains his physical disadvantage in sports, as he is the youngest in his school year.
- The mention of a professional drum set in the basement suggests the Father has a musical background or serious hobby.
- Makoto’s influence is so strong it overrides Yuma’s own stubbornness, showing Makoto’s charisma.
- The ‘Fan Club’ mention implies the mothers of the children are highly invested in Makoto’s development
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Character Insight:
The dynamic between Yuma and Makoto is one of pure admiration; Yuma views Makoto as a ‘goal’ to reach. Nanami’s relationship with Yuma is playful but tactical, as she isn’t above using ‘white lies’ about Makoto to ensure Yuma’s well-being.
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Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The story takes place in modern Japan, emphasizing the cultural importance of the April 1st school cut-off. The Yoshikura family appears relatively wealthy, given the ‘estate’ and basement drum room.
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TL Notes:
The term ‘baby regression’ (akachan gaeri) is a common Japanese term for older siblings acting like babies when a new child is born or when they feel neglected.
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Glossary:
Notes:
• Nanami – Yoshikura Nanami is Yuma’s mother, a humble and polite woman who manages an elegant, upscale home that doubles as a showroom. A dedicated member of the Makoto Fan Club, she is deeply grateful to Makoto for shaping her son’s healthy habits. She actively coordinates Yuma’s birthday celebrations, hosts tea parties, and skillfully manages her son’s high energy while providing hospitality to guests.
• 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.
• 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.
• Miyu – Yoshikura Miyu is Yuma’s elegant elder sister, known for her poise while hosting Makoto and her speed as a runner in the Older Class. As the leader of the “Big Sister Squad,” she typically presents herself in a grey dress. Recently, she experienced a brief period of “baby regression,” though she is currently napping quietly.
• 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.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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