Volume 4 Chapter 1 Trial
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Spring break, the bridge between my time as a Preschooler and my upcoming year in Pre-K, was a blur. Between being invited to Yuma’s birthday party and various shopping trips, I spent every waking moment playing with Suu-chan. It was a string of truly happy days.
Of course, I couldn’t neglect my chores. On top of the usual laundry folding and cleaning, I had to help look after Fuu-chan and Kyo-chan. By the time the new term rolled around, Mom had settled into her new company. Her new job was much less stressful than the last one, leaving her with more time in the mornings and evenings. To our delight, we actually got to spend time together as a family.
(I wish every day could be this fulfilling…)
I’d been nursing that thought for nearly twenty days, stuck in a post-holiday slump. But spring break was over, and it was time to return to life at the kindergarten.
”Makoto, do you have everything?”
”Yeah, I’m good,” I replied.
Mom was dressed in a pantsuit that suited her slender frame perfectly. Apparently, her new office allowed casual clothes, but she found picking out an outfit every morning to be a chore. (I can certainly relate to that.)
I was also in my formal wear today: the kindergarten uniform. A year ago, it had been practically swallowing me whole, but I wondered if I’d finally managed to fill out those gaps. Even so, the shorts still hid my kneecaps. I’d probably be wearing this for another two years easily.
”Oh.”
”What is it? Did you forget something?” she asked.
”My ‘see-you-later’…”
Mother seemed to catch on immediately. She knelt down and brought her face close to mine. Since we were leaving the house together, it had slipped my mind. I hooked the elastic of my yellow hat under my chin so the spring wind wouldn’t snatch it away, threw on my backpack, and I was finally ready.
My tool box¹, which had seen plenty of use during our indoor play over the break, had been inspected and refilled. It was secured with a rubber band to keep the contents from spilling and tucked into a tote bag. At my current height, it was so large that I had to practically hug it to my chest to keep it from scraping the ground. Mom offered to carry it until we reached the stairs, and I gratefully accepted the help.
As Mom locked the door, the neighbor’s door opened right on cue.
”-Maa-kun! Morning!”
”Morning, Suu-chan,” I said.
She was at a hundred percent from the second she stepped out. My childhood friend lunged at me, hugging me tight while taking a deep breath. Suu-chan had grown quite a bit over the last year, both physically and mentally. The “weight” of her love had increased just as much. Once she’d finished making up for the single night we’d spent apart with a hug, she turned to the only other person there.
”Akari-san, morning!”
”Morning, Suu-chan. You’re full of energy today, aren’t you?” said Akari.
”Yup! Suu is always energetic if Maa-kun is here!”
”I see. I’m the same way when Maa-kun is around,” Mom replied.
Mom and my childhood friend held my hands on either side, chanting “Energy, energy!” over and over. They seemed to be having the time of their lives. A moment later, Mio-san poked her head out. She was wearing a simple tunic cinched at the waist with denim bottoms-a look that was sensible for a mother without giving up her femininity. Her top was the button-down type, likely a practical choice for nursing her younger daughters.
Even though she was a mother of three, her figure was incredible. She sometimes made a sour face and complained that she “couldn’t lose the weight,” but to the naked eye, you couldn’t tell at all.
”Morning, you two!”
””Morning!”” we replied in unison.
”…Wait, I forgot something.”
Seeing Mom was enough to make Mio-san turn right back around three seconds after stepping out. A few seconds later, she returned with a tote bag containing a tool box.
”Sorry for the wait!”
”Is Mama a scatterbrain?” asked Suu-chan.
”Oh? Is that a little sass I hear from that mouth? Squish, squish!”
”Muu…”
Mio-san pinched Suu-chan’s cheeks between her thumb and forefinger, forcing her lips into a pout.
”Maa-kun, don’t look Suu!”
”Why not? You look cute…” I said.
”Muu…”
Suu-chan was at the age where she was starting to feel embarrassed about looking silly, but my comment seemed to leave her at a loss for words.
”Hey, shouldn’t we get moving?”
”You’re right,” said Akari.
Checking her watch, Mom made the suggestion to save the struggling Suu-chan. We still had time before the shuttle bus arrived, but there was always the chance it would be early. It was better than loitering in front of the door.
”Makoto and the others are finally in the Middle Class, huh?”
”Time really does fly… It feels like just yesterday they started kindergarten, but then again, maybe not. And now we’re back to a life without our little helpers around the house…”
”Now, now…”
I could hear their sentimental voices from behind us as we held hands. One of them sounded genuinely disappointed, but with Mitsuhisa-san at home, I figured they had plenty of “manpower” to go around.
”Ever since Makoto was born, I feel like time is just moving faster.”
”Yeah, me too. I feel like I just gave birth the other day…”
”Okay, that part definitely isn’t just your imagination,” Mom teased.
”Are you going senile already?” Mom joked with Mio-san. The two of them were as close as ever.
After waiting at the stop for about five minutes, the shuttle bus pulled up. Until last year, an Older Kid would have been on it first, but today all the seats were empty. I’m sure the numbers will go up once the new Toddler Class starts.
Hinomori Kindergarten’s opening ceremony was different from the entrance² and graduation ceremonies; parents didn’t participate. The school’s stance was that the kindergarten was a place for the children to develop their independence. (Though it’s likely just as much about practical matters, like not making working parents take time off, or reducing the burden on staff for traffic control. Those are the times accidents happen, after all.)
””We’re off!””
””Have a safe trip!””
”Mom, you have a safe trip too.”
”Thanks, I’m off!”
I left Mom’s side and boarded the bus. I pressed against the window and waved as we parted for a little while. I wondered what things would be like when I came back.
I felt a knot in my stomach, but I tried not to let it show as I was shaken by the bus for about ten minutes. The kindergarten was decked out in a way that almost looked like an entrance ceremony, welcoming those of us who were moving up. The teachers weren’t in their usual tracksuits today, but were dressed in business casual. Unlike men, women have a lot more freedom in their fashion. (I suppose whether you find that fun or a hassle depends on the person.)
I hopped off the bus, clutching my tool box and watching my step.
”Suu-chan, be careful.”
”Mm.”
Suu-chan climbed down, peering over the side of her box to check her footing. Her athletic ability was top-notch for our age group. Despite my worry, she landed on the ground without a hitch.
A teacher then guided us into a line leading toward the shoe lockers at the entrance. At the front of the line, a roster was posted on the glass door. After finding their names, the children would disappear into the school building, each dealing with the various changes in their own way.
(Inhale… Exhale…)
I took a deep breath to settle my racing heart. What I was worried about, of course, was the class assignments. My motivation for the entire school year depended on this list.
I knew it in my head. I knew we had to move to the next stage eventually. Mio-san, Mitsuhisa-san, Mom-even Riko-sensei and Seiko-sensei probably thought it was necessary. But… there was still a chance. I hadn’t seen it yet, so it wasn’t set in stone. It was Schrödinger’s Suu-chan.
In contrast to my nerves, Suu-chan was her usual cheerful self. Since this was her first-ever class shuffle, she didn’t know what it meant. It was only natural that she was off-guard. To Suu-chan, her place was right by my side. That was the default, common sense, and absolute. The possibility of being separated likely hadn’t even crossed her mind.
I felt the same way, and I wanted to stay that way, but…
While I was lost in thought, the line in front of us vanished, and it was finally our turn.
”Good morning.”
””Good morning!””
”Congratulations on moving up a grade, you two.”
””Thank you!””
We greeted the teacher, who was busy pinning artificial flowers onto the pockets of the children waiting with bated breath.
”Find your name on the roster over there and check which class you’re in. Once you’ve confirmed it, don’t put your shoes in the lockers; keep them with you and head to your new classroom.”
””Okay!””
I listened to the instructions, though I doubted many of the kids actually remembered them. The teachers probably had to follow up at every step. It wasn’t efficient, but I suppose that’s what’s needed to raise children.
Leaving my escapist thoughts aside, I moved in front of the roster. I tilted my head back and scanned for my name. Suu-chan was… since it was in alphabetical order, I let my eyes wander toward the middle.
”Oh, found it!” Suu-chan cried out.
**[Suzuki Totsuka]**
The name was in the second class from the top-the Sheep Class³. Suu-chan wasn’t satisfied with just finding her own name, though. She was already searching for mine.
My hands felt cold. I don’t think it was the spring wind. I could feel my heart thumping vividly. I could even sense Suu-chan’s breathing. I could see it in the corner of my eye, but I couldn’t bring myself to focus on it. I felt like if I did, there would be no turning back.
Even so, I braced myself and moved forward.
””……””
I looked again and again. I had to make sure it wasn’t a mistake.
”……Oh.”
”……”
I gently closed my eyes and looked up at the sky. I had to accept reality.
The name **[Yashiro Makoto]** was not in the Sheep Class.
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Summary:
The chapter depicts the bittersweet end of spring break as Makoto and Suu-chan prepare for their first year as ‘Middle Kids’ in kindergarten. The transition is marked by familial warmth and Mom’s career change, but the mood shifts as they head to school for class assignments. The chapter concludes with a devastating turning point: Makoto and Suu-chan have been placed in different classes.
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Trivia:
- Makoto’s anxiety vs. Suu-chan’s oblivion: Suu-chan aSuumes their proximity is ‘absolute,’ highlighting a future emotional crisis when she realizes they are apart.
- Schrödinger’s Suu-chan: A metaphorical callback to the uncertainty of their relationship status as they grow up.
- The yellow hat and tool box: Symbolic imagery of childhood innocence that is currently being ‘tested’ by the school system’s structure
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Character Insight:
Suu-chan’s ‘Suu’ verbal tic and physical clinginess show her continued emotional dependence on Makoto, while Makoto’s ‘old soul’ inner monologue shows he is mentally bracing for the inevitable separation that Suu-chan hasn’t even conceived of.
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Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The chapter details the Hinomori Kindergarten’s philosophy of fostering ‘independence’ by excluding parents from the opening ceremony, setting the stage for the children to face social challenges alone.
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TL Notes:
The translation preserves ‘Suu’ as a verbal tic to maintain Suu-chan’s unique speech signature. The term ‘tool box’ (odougubako) is localized to reflect US school supply caddies while maintaining the Japanese context.
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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.
• 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.
• Suu – A female student in the Rose Class. Very close to Makoto (Maa-kun). Has mud on her cheeks and makes high-quality dorodango.
• Fuu – One of the twins, approximately four months old. Currently learning to swivel their head and grab objects.
• Kyo – One of the twins, approximately four months old. Shared traits with Fuu-chan.
• 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.
• Akari – 28‑year‑old single mother, long dark‑brown hair, subtle makeup, poised and observant. Lives beside best friend Mio, drives a black light‑compact car, cares for newborn son Maa‑kun and raises Makoto. After childcare leave she works in IT for balance, prefers quiet home, feels guilty missing the party. Strict yet loving, polite, estranged from her own parents, mischievous, monitors Makoto’s health via a ‘status report’ network.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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