Volume 4 Chapter 46 And Thus, One Boy Becomes the Boss
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
On the first day of the second semester, we finished the opening ceremony and moved straight into sharing our summer vacation memories.
The kids had plenty to talk about: trips to the beach, the pool, hiking Mt. Hiou, visiting their grandparents, or staying at summer resorts. Some had even traveled abroad. Apparently, the families of Himeno-chan and Mihoshi-chan went to a massive amusement park in Sweden together. That’s quite sophisticated. I thought only Jun had climbed Mt. Hiou, but it turned out a few other kids had hiked it as well. To all the parents who did that in the blistering heat: you have my deepest sympathies.
I presented our pool, barbecue, and fireworks display from the night before the deadline. Compared to the other kids, it didn’t have much of a “wow” factor, but for an average family, it was a perfectly solid event.
In the afternoon, we had our monthly evacuation drill. After diving under our desks, we transitioned into the parent and PTA pickup drill. The scenario assumes cars and public transport are down, so it’s a walk-home exercise. However, our house is a bit further than the others; even at an adult’s pace, it’s over thirty minutes away. We ended up taking the car we’d parked at a nearby cafe to finish the trip… though, to be honest, pretty much everyone does that.
Suu-chan and I could have made the walk, though. Between Cops and Robbers¹ and mountain climbing, we’re actually in pretty good shape. The ones who really wanted the car were Mother and Mio-san. Even for a drill, walking for that long in ninety-degree weather is just too dangerous. Heatstroke and UV rays are no joke. At the cafe where the car was parked, we had a tea break to rest and show our thanks, sharing some mini-pizzas. I knew Mitsuhisa-san would probably sulk while staying home with the twins, so we grabbed a burger to go as a souvenir.
The first day wrapped up, and today we’re back to our usual schedule. I stepped off the kindergarten bus, held Suu-chan’s hand, and walked into the building when the air suddenly changed.
”The Boss is here!”
”The Boss is back!”
”Boss! Boss! Boss! Bo-“
(The Boss…) The moment I appeared, the hallway erupted. Good grief, what a passionate welcome. I have to say, being called “Boss” is a major blow to my dignity.
I’d already heard the reason for the kids’ high energy from the other moms and from Yuma and Chika, who attended the Summer Enrichment program. Apparently, the quality of Cops and Robbers had plummeted, and the fad had died out. Or rather, it was on a hiatus. I’d actually prepared some strategies for them: the ideal ratio of thieves to police, the tactics I usually used, how to stay entertained in “jail,” ways to catch difficult targets like Ai-sensei, Yugo-teacher, or Jun, and even some new rules.
Since Summer Enrichment offers more play time, I’d factored that in. I’d started easing them into it before summer break, figuring a sudden jump into high-level play would be too hard. Even so, it was a tall order for kindergarteners. I thought I could just check in with the kids I saw outside of school and give them pointers, but that plan went up in smoke.
That was the cause of Jun’s weird behavior yesterday. The moment he saw my face, he got moody and wouldn’t even return my morning greeting. Because there was no stage for him to shine on, our friendship had reset to square one. I guess you can’t win ’em all. (The strategist was too clever for his own good…) I really need to reflect on this. My friends are smart for kids, but they’re still just toddlers. I probably made things way too complicated.
Hinomori Kindergarten usually respects the kids’ autonomy, but apparently, the teachers had to step in. They told the kids, “Let’s play Cops and Robbers once Makoto-kun is back. Until then, let’s try tag or something else.” And today, I’m finally back. Since it’s been over a month since a proper game, I suppose it’s only natural they’re losing their minds.
”Boss! Let’s play Cops and Robbers, quick!”
”Hurry up!”
”Boss, Cops and Robbers!”
But seriously, why “Boss”? It wasn’t always this way; it used to be just a few of them. Did they stay away from me so long they forgot my name? (I’m going to cry…)
”I’m not the ‘Boss,’ though,” I said.
”Whaaaat?! But even Ai-sensei was calling the Boss ‘The Boss’!” one boy shouted.
”Yeah, she was!” another added.
Wait, what? Teacher Ai did?
”Ah, look, it’s Ai-sensei! Hey, Teacher! The Boss is the Boss, right?” the kids asked, swarming the nearby woman. Innocent children are absolutely ruthless.
Ai-sensei stood there silently, her brow furrowed. I felt a little bad for stressing out a teacher, but given the circumstances, I couldn’t exactly help her. Ai-sensei, my own homeroom teacher, should have known how hard I was trying to kill that nickname. It started with Miki-chan—Rose Pink—of the Rose Rangers. From there, the five of them started calling me that.
I’ll concede the Rangers’ use of it… if I have to. I’m the one who created that legacy, after all. I don’t remember telling them to call me that, but I guess the one giving orders to the five of them is the Commander—the Boss. It’s been a year; I keep thinking they should just disband already, but I’ve accepted it as my own cross to bear. But I’d told the other kids to stop. I have no intention of being their leader. We’d gone back and forth on it so much it became a bit of a gag, but they’d eventually started using my name.
And yet, look at them now. Not a single person was using my name.
Ai-sensei, the likely culprit for why this stuck, crouched down to meet my eyes. She looked strangely serious.
”…Makoto-kun. You are, without a doubt, a boss. You have the power. You are the only one worthy of the title,” Ai-sensei said.
”…”
”So, please… just let us call you Boss and look up to you,” Ai-sensei added.
Is she trying to negotiate with me? Instead of telling the kids to stop, she’s trying to get me to surrender? It’s a smart move. The “Boss” nickname has already taken root. Stopping it now would take a monumental effort. On the other hand, I’m reasonable. It’s easier to convince me than to talk down an entire class of toddlers.
Besides, having the “Boss” label is admittedly convenient. If you want to push your own sense of rightness, you need authority. You can spout all the ideals you want, but if the “Higher-Ups” say no, you’re stuck. That’s just the law of the land. It’s how society works. I’ve used that to my advantage before, so I can’t complain too much… but “Boss” is a bit extreme.
Just think about it from a parent’s perspective. How would you feel if your kid was called “The Boss” at kindergarten? You’d be worried sick. Is he a bully? Is he acting like a little tyrant? Is he being a nightmare for the teachers? Are the other kids scared of him?
Well, that would never happen in our house. My relationship with Mother is built on trust. She comes for Parent Observation Day and I report everything that happens, so she knows how I spend my days. Of course, I told her last night about how Suu-chan learned how to “recharge.” Then Mother tried to one-up her by “recharging” herself…
(Actually, let’s not talk about that…)
For people who know me, this is probably just a funny story. But if a stranger heard it? When you hear “Boss,” you picture some hulking brat—like a pint-sized mob enforcer. It’s not exactly a “cute” image. Plus, what if some actual dangerous people catch wind of it? If Suu-chan or Mother got caught up in that, I’d never forgive myself.
I stared her in the eyes to object, but Ai-sensei did not flinch.
”…Makoto-kun, you’ve already shown your ‘Boss’ energy, haven’t you? Just look back at everything you’ve done,” Ai-sensei said. “Your block towers? They’re practically legendary. Miku-teacher is even planning to turn the photos of them into a book. You’ve been the undisputed king of the ‘Tower of Babel’ for ages.”
She continued without letting me speak. “And that mud-ball coaster² you started? Now all the teachers are expected to know how to build one. Did you know it’s become a landmark for Hinomori Kindergarten? It even made the local newspaper for some reason! In Cops and Robbers, you’re the mastermind. Everyone was so bored without the thrill. Some kids spent all summer sulking because you weren’t here… So please, Makoto-kun… what’s wrong with being called ‘Boss’? The teachers… we’ve had a really hard time, you know…”
She sounded like she was pouring her soul out. Man, teachers really do have it rough. Wait, no, surely not all of that was my fault… right? Actually, even without the nickname, I’ve probably done enough to stand out in all the wrong ways. I really need to reflect on this.
As Ai-sensei and I remained at a stalemate, the kids ran out of patience.
”Boss! Teacher! Let’s play Cops and Robbers already!”
”We’re going to run out of time!”
”Alright! Let’s do it! Everyone who wants to play, gather ’round!”
Ai-sensei’s mood flipped instantly. (Hey, wait a second! What happened to that desperate plea from ten seconds ago?!)
”The Return of the Boss!”
”The return!”
”Boss return!”
”Boss!”
”Boss the Tank Engine?”
”BOSS!!!”
They totally steamrolled me. And that’s how I officially became known as “The Boss.” The only one who could heal my wounded heart was Suu-chan.
”Maa-kun is Maa-kun,” she said.
”Suu-chan, thank you,” I replied.
Among the kids, only Suu-chan and a few others still use my name. To show my gratitude, I’m going to let her “recharge” as much as she wants.
”Mmu… fu…”
Watching Suu-chan look so satisfied, I almost stopped caring about the nickname… almost. I can’t let myself get swept away.
”Hey, Boss! We’re in the middle of a game!” one boy shouted from the “jail.”
”Yeah! No flirting!”
”Are you guys just jealous? Too bad, I’m not giving Suu-chan to anyone,” I said.
”N-No we’re not!”
”Myu… fu…”
You guys are being pretty rude to your “Boss,” you know. Besides, I already caught Jun, so my work here is done. Suu-chan was the real MVP. I told her that if she caught Jun, she could recharge for longer… and she took him down with terrifying efficiency. I guess our summer morning practices paid off. Though, it wasn’t just Jun—it felt like everyone’s instincts had dulled over the break.
”So, who’s left?” I asked.
”Just Ai-sensei!”
In this first cross-class game in ages, the only “thief” remaining was Ai-sensei. I spotted her peeking out from cover, looking for a chance to break her allies out of jail.
”Alright, Masa, go hide under the outdoor stairs. When Ai-sensei comes out, chase her toward the warehouse,” I ordered.
”Roger that!”
”Kotarou, circle around the tires. You don’t need to hide.”
”On it.”
”Taicho, hide behind the trees by the warehouse. That’ll be checkmate.”
”What’s a check-mate?!”
”Don’t worry about it. She’ll stop there to catch her breath. That’s when you jump out and nab her. You’re the only one who can do it, Ace,” I said.
”W-Well, if you say so! I am the Ace, after all!” Taicho shouted.
The three of them ran off. Taicho really is a simple soul.
”Yuma,” I said.
”Yeah? You got a plan for me too, Makoto?”
”Yeah. Go over to the climbing poles. Those three will probably leave a gap there.”
”Got it! I’m going!” Yuma said.
”Wait, Yuma-kun, where are you going?”
”Climbing poles!”
”Moe is going too!”
”Okay! Let’s go!”
(Is it just me, or is his fan club getting bigger?)
Three minutes later, I heard Taicho’s victory shout. Ai-sensei was soon escorted back.
”Makoto, I got her!” Taicho yelled.
”Nice work, Taicho. Just as I expected,” I said.
”Heh, you know it!”
As for Ai-sensei—even though she’d been caught—she was grinning.
”Well played, Boss,” Ai-sensei said.
(Ugh…) It was strangely frustrating that I couldn’t think of a single comeback to that.
—
Summary:
Makoto returns to kindergarten for the second semester only to find his ‘Boss’ nickname has become universal. Despite his protests, his teacher and classmates insist he embraces the role because the playground activities lose all excitement without his leadership. He eventually leads a successful game of Cops and Robbers, cementing his status.
—
Trivia:
- Makoto’s mother and Mio-san are sensitive to the heat and UV rays.
- The ‘Rose Rangers’ were founded by Makoto a year prior.
- The local newspaper actually covered the kindergarten’s mud ball coaster.
- Makoto and Suu-chan practiced ‘training’ during the summer break
—
Character Insight:
Makoto realizes that his attempts to be a normal kid are failing because his adult planning and creativity are too impactful. He shows a soft spot for Suu-chan, using the ‘Boss’ role to prioritize her happiness.
—
Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The author uses the ‘Boss’ trope to highlight the contrast between Makoto’s internal age and his external environment.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Himeno – A mature, highly intelligent girl of the Rabbit Group, dressed in the group’s neat uniform and often seen with a tidy bun and glasses. She embodies a justice‑driven, nosy older‑sister vibe, acting as a disciplinarian who frequently scolds Hiromasa with a motherly, bossy streak.
• Jun – A hyperactive kindergartner from the Imai family, clad in a track suit, with boundless energy and a blunt, loud speaking style; idolizes her mother, leaks secrets, and leads preschoolers with wild enthusiasm, yet exhausts stamina quickly—playfully clashes with her calm brother Makoto (same class), trains weekends at Mt. Hiou, has top-tier speed and a huge appetite, and balances her chaotic energy with his quiet restraint, despite being mistaken for a boy from the Rabbit Group.
• Mitsuhisa – Mitsuhisa, 33, 184 cm, 71 kg, toned and reserved, is a giant‑physique father of three (Suu‑chan, Fuu‑chan, Kyo‑chan) married to Mio. On modified childcare leave he’s protective, doting, play‑acting with his daughters, feeling neglected by the eldest but favoring the twins, distant with Akari, dark‑bantering with former teammate Makoto, and unsettled by his influence. Also known as Mitsuhisa‑san, father of the Totsuka family, on work‑from‑home leave, theatrical when his daughters prefer Makoto, and enjoys playful competition.
• 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.
• Mio – Mio‑san, chairperson of the Totsuka council and mother of Suzuki, is a recently postpartum, stylish gray‑clad figure with a baby‑faced charm and G‑cup silhouette. Playful yet grounded, she guides Makoto, Suu‑chan, Fuu‑chan and Kyo‑chan, bakes with them, encourages Shiho’s hobbies, serves as Akari’s confidante, films and teases the children, cooks for her family, manages the household, mentors Maa‑kun in hair‑drying while protecting UV, and is Akari’s childhood friend and neighbor.
• Suu – A female student in the Rose Class. Very close to Makoto (Maa-kun). Has mud on her cheeks and makes high-quality dorodango.
• Chika – A young girl in the Rose Class at Hinomori Kindergarten who gives Makoto Valentine’s chocolate. She has a mother who accompanies her.
• Yuma – Yuma Yoshikura, a frail four-year-old with an idol-like face and quiet charm, is the youngest and smallest in the Rabbit Group, eldest son of a wealthy realtor, and Makoto’s close friend. In Rose Class, he’s adored by many girls, leads the ‘train’ line with excitement over acorns and nature, struggles slightly with math and has low stamina, yet thrives in creative play—building blocks, folding paper, making clay models of his father’s car, and role-playing husband in Moe’s house-play. Born April 1, he’s cheerful, popular, and deeply beloved for his gentle, imaginative spirit.
• Ai – Dark‑brown short bob frames a fit former long‑distance runner now teaching Middle Kids homeroom. Cheerful yet blunt, she’s the kids’ beloved “Mom,” quick with regional dialects when stressed, fiercely competitive in Cops‑and‑Robbers, adores muscles, and a fan of Makoto‑kun’s leadership. Single, devoted to her classroom family, wary of parents, and protective of every student.
• Makoto – Four‑year‑old Rose‑class student, 93 cm, 13 kg, in a white shirt, blue vest and cap—actually a 30‑year‑old salaryman reborn. Calm “Boss” who hands out hand cream, mediates fights, protects Suu‑chan, earns respect. Dry narrator in the Rabbit Group, uses logic and coin tricks. Known as Akari’s son, nicknamed Maa‑kun, popular Middle Kids student. Target of Suzuki’s affection and Mitsuhisa’s teasing.
• Miku – Petite, patient kindergarten teacher and Pre‑K photography lead; single, exhausted from sorting thousands of excursion shots. Obsessed with pricey gear, she reads romance manga, avoids alcohol, plays straight‑man to Ai, gossips at work, and quietly pines for coworker Meguro—an open secret. Often cash‑strapped by her equipment habit.
• Maa-kun – A young boy in the Rabbit Group at Hinomori Kindergarten. He is highly intelligent, capable of second-grade math and multiplication. He is described as calm, stoic, and helpful, often acting as a ‘handler’ for more energetic children. Akari’s son, nearly five years old. An extreme polyglot and polymath who secretly studies news, martial arts, and multiple languages. Highly sensitive to his parents’ moods. Also referred to as Makoto-kun. Narrator’s son in the Rabbit Group. Popular with other girls but maintains distance. Previously protected Suu-chan during the ‘April Incident.’
• Kotarou – Slender, quiet boy with a focused gaze, often hunched over delicate origami or crouched gathering acorns; his precise care earns quiet respect. A Middle Kids classmate and close friend of Makoto, he takes the game seriously but is easily distracted by social drama, sharing a playful bond with Yuma and the core group. In house‑play he assumes the role of father/grandfather.
• Kotaro – Quiet, slender kindergartner in Rose Class, friend of Makoto and member of his sandbox crew. He shares typical childhood interests— toys and games— helps Makoto with building projects, loves Kamen Rider, and often follows Makoto’s lead and social cues.
• 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.
• Moe – President of the ‘House-Play Association’. She enjoys setting up strangely realistic and dramatic domestic scenarios for roleplay.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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