Volume 4 Chapter 49 Sports Day (Middle Class) ①
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Hinomori Kindergarten was a sea of humanity this Saturday. A throng of adults jostled for every inch of space, desperate to secure a prime vantage point to witness their children’s moments of glory. The mothers had claimed the rooftop of the L-shaped school building, which overlooked the track and field grounds opened specifically for today’s festivities.
”Ugh…” Mio let out a groan that was decidedly unladylike. She had dressed in an olive-green tunic and jeans-a carefully curated “classy yet casual” look designed to ensure no one looked down on her-but as someone who harbored a deep-seated loathing for crowds, the sheer volume of people made her skin crawl.
Beside her stood Akari, sporting a tracksuit. While she didn’t share Mio’s level of social phobia, she wasn’t exactly a fan of being packed in like a sardine, either. Having survived the ordeal last year, however, she was mentally prepared and holding up much better than her friend.
”See? I told you it was the right call to leave them behind,” Akari said.
”Yeah,” Mio sighed. (This world is a bit too much for those two. It would’ve been premature…)
Initially, Mio had harbored sweet dreams of bringing Fuuka and Kyouka along to cheer for their older siblings. But after Akari and Mitsuhisa had warned her off-perfectly mimicking Makoto’s stern tone in the process-she’d been forced to concede. Between the constant supervision required for toddlers who had recently mastered the “wobble-and-bolt” phase and the logistical nightmare of diapers and formula, Mio realized she wouldn’t have spent a single second actually watching the event.
Hinomori Kindergarten did offer a nursery service for younger siblings, but the red tape was extensive, and parents had to retrieve their children during the lunch break. Navigating this sea of people just to reach the nursery classroom was a Herculean task Mio wasn’t ready to tackle. As a result, the twins were currently home with Mio’s mother, Haruko. It was another favor to add to the tab, but for this mother and daughter, such things were just part of their usual rapport.
”Wow, look at all these people…” The voice came from Hagiri Hitomi, who was experiencing her first Hinomori Sports Day. She looked dazed. Compared to the low-key three-year preschool program her daughter, Yuna, had attended previously, this was a different beast entirely. Hinomori was famous for its athletic focus, and it was clear they spared no expense when it came to their annual showcase.
”Alright, shall we dive in?” asked Akari.
”Let’s,” Mio replied.
The group began to weave through the crowd toward their meeting spot when they spotted a familiar face.
”-Mayumi-san¹, good morning!” Mio called out.
It was the mother of Shiho, a close friend of Makoto and Suzuki. Mayumi was a pillar of the community and the unofficial leader of the most influential “mom-friend” clique in their grade.
”I’m so sorry for making you handle the spot-saving,” Mio apologized.
”Oh, don’t mention it. It was no trouble at all,” Mayumi replied with a smile. “Though, to be fair, Sanae Imai-san did most of the heavy lifting.”
”Oh? And where is Sanae now?” Mio asked.
”She had an urgent matter at home…” Mayumi said.
Living within walking distance of the school was a blessing for the Imai family, allowing them to zip back and forth. No one knew exactly what the “matter” was, but it was convenient nonetheless. The mothers exchanged quick pleasantries before leaning over the one-meter-high concrete safety wall to peer down at the grounds. There was a safety net stretched out below, but if Makoto-who had a paralyzing fear of heights-were up here, his knees would have turned to jelly.
”Now, where are our two stars?” Akari wondered. Even from the second-story height of the roof, the youngsters were easy to spot without binoculars. The air below was thick with a mix of pre-race jitters and pure adrenaline that radiated even up to the spectators.
”Ah, Maa-kun² found!” Akari chirped.
”That fast!?” Mio asked.
Among the nearly two hundred children lined up by class for the opening ceremony, Akari had zeroed in on her son in a heartbeat.
”Where is he?”
”Over there. Just to the right of the center, near the back,” Akari pointed.
”Hmm… Oh, I see him!” Mio said.
Unlike the other children, who were vibrating with excitement or frozen with nerves, Makoto looked like he was waiting for a bus that was ten minutes late. He looked utterly exhausted, his face a mask of checked-out relaxation as if he were using this “standing around” time to take a mental nap.
”Shutter chance…” Mio whispered, aiming her camera with its massive telephoto lens. There was no question who those photos were destined for.
”Oh, Maa-kun noticed us!” Akari said.
As they watched through lenses and binoculars, Makoto’s eyes found them. When Akari gave an experimental wave, he gave a hesitant little wave back, careful not to elbow the kids packed in around him.
”-Oh, Suu-chan³ also discovered! I hope she looks up here,” Mio muttered.
Unlike the Yashiro parents and child who recognized each other immediately, the Totsuka mother-daughter connection was struggling. It’s easy for a parent to pick a child out of a lineup, but for a child to find their specific parent among a wall of staring adults is nearly impossible. Makoto, who noticed immediately, must have just been lucky.
”…Maa-kun focus, so it might be impossible,” Akari noted.
Following Suzuki’s line of sight, sure enough, her eyes were locked onto Makoto. Not even the chaos of Sports Day could shake the focus of the Totsuka family’s eldest daughter.
”Suu-chan look here~. Look here~, …oh, Suu-chan noticed! She waved too!” Mio projected her “mom-beam” with all her might. Suddenly, Suzuki’s head snapped up. She waved enthusiastically. It wasn’t that the prayer had been transmitted, though-Makoto had simply tapped her on the shoulder and pointed toward the roof.
”Seriously, though, why does Maa-kun already tired? Nothing has even started yet,” Akari wondered.
Makoto had gone to bed at a reasonable hour the night before, hadn’t tossed or turned with excitement, and had been out like a light. He’d seemed fine when they left the house-well, as “fine” as he ever looked-but his mental battery was clearly in the red. Both Akari and Mio had a pretty good guess as to why. They looked at the girl currently clinging to his arm in a half-crouch.
”Maa-kun’s battle has already begun, hasn’t it?” Mio suggested.
”Poor kid. Oh, wait-there’s Mii-kun! I see him!” Akari said.
While the “Roof Unit” observed from above, the “Ground Unit” was in the trenches. Fathers stood behind the rope-and-stake barriers surrounding the track, cameras at the ready like soldiers preparing for a breach. Mitsuhisa was among them, using his height to his advantage. He was guarding a prime piece of real estate, determined to capture every second of his daughter Suzuki’s performance-and, by extension, Makoto’s, knowing full well that failing to document his “son-in-law” would land him in the doghouse with the women.
Next to him was Hagiri Koji. Since this was Koji’s first time, Mitsuhisa was showing him the ropes, acting as a seasoned veteran of the kindergarten wars. Shinji and Yoichiro arrived shortly after, accompanied by their eldest daughters and friends who had graduated from Hinomori the previous year. They’d come to cheer on their younger “siblings.”
”Hey there. Wait-is Imai-san not here?” Shinji asked.
”He was,” Mitsuhisa replied. “But he threw out his back while setting up his tripod. His wife had to haul him away a few minutes ago.”
”Ouch… that’s rough,” Yoichiro said.
It seemed the doting father’s dreams of being the “cool dad” and capturing his youngest daughter’s big day were over before they began. Truly a tragedy.
”Man, Totsuka, you’re really going for it,” Yoichiro noted. “Two cameras?”
”Ah, no. This one was entrusted to me by Imai. A last-minute hand-off,” Mitsuhisa explained.
”I see…” Shinji said.
At least his legacy would live on through Mitsuhisa’s shutter finger. The tension broke when the speakers crackled to life with a microphone test.
’The children will now begin their entrance!’
The “Mickey Mouse March” began to blare. Emerging from an entrance gate festooned with vibrant paper flowers, four “Older Kids”-two boys and two girls-led the way, proudly carrying the kindergarten’s sun-logo flag. The Older Class followed in neat double files, led by placards bearing their group names. They marched with a practiced precision that felt more “sturdy” than “cute”-a testament to their three years of training.
Following them was the Middle Class, already rumored to be the most legendary cohort in the school’s history. At the head of the Rabbit Group, the child carrying the placard wasn’t our “Boss.” Instead, it was the former troublemaker, Hiromasa-the boy they called “The General.”
Despite his usual bravado, Hiromasa’s face was a mask of sheer terror. He was under the spotlight of hundreds of adults, and the pressure was clearly getting to him. Being the leader meant keeping the pace, remembering the route, and hitting the mark-a massive cognitive load for a four-year-old. He looked like he was trying very hard to remember how legs worked so he wouldn’t walk like a robot.
To be honest, the teachers-who desperately wanted a smooth, trouble-free opening-had secretly wished the ever-reliable Makoto would take the role. But the placard-bearer was a volunteer position. It required a kid who wanted the spotlight, could handle the responsibility, had the physical strength to hold a heavy sign perfectly straight, and was unlikely to catch a cold on the big day.
Makoto, being who he was, never would have volunteered. He had no desire to steal the spotlight from kids who actually wanted it. Even in this tiny body, he maintained the boundaries of an adult; it felt wrong to go “try-hard” on a stage meant for actual children. (It’s a bit painful that I can’t show my mother how hard I’m working, though…)
As a result, Makoto was positioned at the very end of the Rabbit Group’s line. They weren’t holding hands while marching, but the energetic little girl beside him was practically vibrating in his orbit. This position was, in many ways, the most critical. Teachers often put the “wild cards” or the nervous kids at the back so they wouldn’t bottleneck the whole march. Having Makoto there was a stroke of genius-his calm, unshakable presence acted as a literal anchor for the children around him, allowing them to march with genuine, carefree smiles. He had long since ceased to feel like just another kindergartner. This was exactly why they called him the Boss.
Right behind him came Suzuki. She held the “Sheep Group” placard with both hands, eyes locked forward with intense determination. She was perhaps a bit too close to the group in front of her, but it was well within the margin of error.
The reason she had volunteered to carry the placard… well, that was obvious. Even at her age, a lady knows how to be shrewd.
Her only real miscalculation was the logistics. After parading past the parents and circling the track, the groups had to line up side-by-side for the opening ceremony. Throughout the warm-up stretches and the school song, they ended up at opposite poles-one at the very front, the other at the tail end.
During their first joint practice, the realization that they were so close yet worlds apart seemed to weigh on her. However, Makoto had managed to clear the clouds with a few words: “We’ll be right next to each other during the march, and that’s when everyone’s taking the best photos.” From that moment on, whenever she caught sight of Mitsuhisa-san⁴ holding a camera their way, she and Makoto would lock their eyes on the lens with professional focus.
Once the Middle Kids finished, the adorable Youngsters Class march passed by. With the entire student body finally assembled, the air grew still.
”Teacher!” a boy shouted.
”We boys,”
”And we girls-“
The student oath⁵ was delivered by representatives from the Older kids. Afterward, they performed their warm-up exercises, sang the school song, and temporarily exited the field.
As was the tradition, the Pre-K footrace kicked things off. Makoto and his friends cheered from the sidelines as their juniors took their marks.
’Takagi Ibuki-kun’
’Hagiri Yuna-chan’
’Hirakawa Daimadoka-kun’
Makoto peered through the row of standing children, his eyes landing on a familiar face. His cheers carried a bit more weight than usual.
Yuna-chan was naturally athletic, but her daily summer sprints with Makoto had given her a serious edge. Since Sports Day practice began, she’d been puffing out her chest, bragging about passing this girl or beating that boy. She’d woken up that morning with a singular focus: “I’m going to be number one, no matter what!”
Running in the second heat for the Rose Class, Yuna-chan exploded off the line at the sharp, dry crack of the starting pistol. Whether it was Makoto’s silent encouragement or her own sheer will, she tore down the lane and snapped the finish line tape without a single stumble.
Watching her victory, Makoto felt a spark of competitive fire. It was his turn.
As the Pre-K heats wrapped up, the Middle Kids obstacle course began. At the teacher’s call, the kids stood as one, slapping the sand off their shorts and shuffling into line at the entrance gate.
Teachers swarmed the track, transforming the empty space into a gauntlet in under two minutes. Hula hoops, vaulting boxes, mats, burlap sacks, wooden lattices, nets, and hurdles appeared in a blur of coordinated effort. This wasn’t just a race; it was the Principal’s policy in physical form. The old man believed that life was never a flat road-that children needed to learn to improvise and overcome whatever hurdles stood in their way. Whether the kids actually grasped the metaphor was debatable, but they definitely preferred the chaos of the obstacles over a boring straight-away.
The first heat stepped up to the line.
’First up, the Rabbit Group!’
The announcer’s voice shifted to the Rabbit Group’s homeroom teacher, Ai-sensei.
’Imai Jun-chan’
”Yes!!”
’Kuroda Hiromasa-kun’
”Yes!!”
’Yashiro Makoto-kun’
”Yes.”
As the names were called, a sea of camera lenses caught the light. The fathers were shifting into high gear, desperate to catch a clean shot of Makoto.
In last year’s Sports Day, after a heated neck-and-neck race, Makoto had shown a level of gentlemanly poise uncharacteristic of the Youngsters Class by hugging a girl who had fallen at the finish line. That memory was still fresh for the parents and PTA members; it was the catalyst that caused Makoto’s face and name to spread like wildfire. Among the Youngsters, he had effectively become the “Boss.”
When such a popular kid is in the frame, it earns points with the other children at home. They’d point at the screen and brag to their parents, ‘Look, that’s Makoto (The Boss)!’ And, of course, keeping the kids happy meant keeping the “Fan Club”-the mothers-happy as well.
To the fathers behind the viewfinders, Makoto was the VIP. After their own flesh and blood, he was the most important target on the field.
Amidst this spectacle, the three boys prepared for battle.
”I’m not losing to you today!”
”I’ll show you the dignity of a champion!”
”…”
In their recent practices, the order had consistently been Jun, then Hiromasa, then Makoto. But those were just drills.
(I don’t really care about the ranking…) Makoto thought.
(It’s just a kindergarten Sports Day, after all. Whether I’m first or third, no one’s going to demand an explanation or a written apology, and there’s no money on the line. It’s low stakes.)
But then he looked at the stands. His mother was watching. His “bride” was cheering her heart out. And dozens of cameras were recording his every move for posterity. He couldn’t afford to look like a loser. Besides, his friends clearly wanted a serious fight.
Makoto sent a quick bit of eye contact to Suzuki-kun, who was looking at him with an expression as fired up as if it were his own race, as if to say, ‘I’ll do my best.’
’On your marks… Get set…’
The three took their starting stances, drawing their bodies back.
-Bang!
The pistol cracked, a puff of white smoke drifted into the air, and they were off.
—
Summary:
The families gather at Hinomori Kindergarten for the annual Sports Day event. Mothers watch from the roof while fathers compete for camera spots on the ground. The chapter focuses on the opening ceremony and the children’s mixed reactions to the spotlight.
Makoto attends his kindergarten’s Sports Day, navigating the social pressure of being the school ‘Boss.’ After watching his friend Yuna-chan win her race, he prepares for his own obstacle course run. Despite his cynical inner thoughts, he realizes the expectations of his family and ‘bride’ mean he can’t slack off.
—
Trivia:
- Makoto has a paralyzing fear of heights, making the roof a dangerous spot for him.
- The twins Fuuka and Kyouka were left at home with Haruko to avoid the crowd chaos.
- Hinomori Kindergarten is known for its intense focus on physical education.
- Imai-san missed the event due to a back injury from setting up his camera.
- Makoto is famously known as a ‘gentleman’ because of an incident last year where he hugged a fallen girl.
- The ‘Fan Club’ refers to the mothers of the other children who are obsessed with Makoto.
- The Principal intentionally adds obstacles to races as a life lesson for the toddlers.
- Suzuki-kun is Makoto’s friend who is intensely invested in Makoto’s performance
—
Character Insight:
Makoto demonstrates his ‘Boss’ status by acting as a stabilizing emotional anchor for the more nervous children during the march, even while he feels mentally drained himself.
Makoto maintains a stoic, mature facade but is deeply influenced by the women in his life (mother and ‘bride’), showing that his ‘gentlemanly’ nature is partially a sense of social obligation.
—
Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The author often uses these mundane school events to contrast Makoto’s internal adult maturity with the genuine innocence of the children around him.
The term ‘Boss’ being used for a kindergartener is a common trope in slice-of-life comedy to highlight the protagonist’s unintended charisma.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Mio – Mio, postpartum and stylish in gray, baby-faced with a G-cup silhouette, is mother to Suzuki and twins Fuuka and Kyouka, as well as an older kindergarten child; she’s Mitsuhisa’s wife, Akari’s childhood friend and neighbor, and Totsuka council chair. Playful yet grounded, she bakes with the kids, films and teases them, cooks, manages the household, mentors Maa-kun in UV-protected hair-drying, encourages Shiho, and confides in Akari—publicly affectionate with Mitsuhisa at the grill, though intensely dislikes crowds and keeps a quiet, close-knit presence at home.
• Akari – Makoto’s mother, whose name means “light,” is a 28-year-old single parent to Makoto and newborn Maa-kun, with long dark-brown hair, subtle makeup, and a poised, observant demeanor. Estranged from her parents, she’s loving yet strict, balancing full-time IT work with quiet mornings and meticulous health monitoring of Makoto. She drives a black light-compact car, lives beside her best friend Mio, mentors Suzuki with candid photos, and navigates parent circles with bank-service finesse. Though outwardly shy, she’s secretly a proficient shogi player, hides a mischievous streak beneath her polished exterior, and is now more prepared for Sports Day chaos—having learned from experience. Quietly grieving missed moments, she recently switched jobs for stability, her calm modesty masking deep resilience.
• Mitsuhisa – Mitsuhisa, 33, 184 cm, 71 kg, toned and reserved, married giant‑physique father of three (Suu‑chan, Fuu‑chan, Kyo‑chan) on modified childcare leave. Works from home, handling photography for his family and the Imais, and is Makoto’s and Suzuki’s father. Protective and doting, he play‑acts with his daughters, feels neglected by the eldest but favors the twins, is distant toward Akari, cool toward former teammate Makoto, and is unsettled by his influence. Grills meals his wife Mio‑san prepares and enjoys playful competition when the girls prefer Makoto.
• Kyouka – One of the twin daughters of Mio and Mitsuhisa, this younger sister shares her twin’s mobility and drooling habit while currently practicing crawling.
• 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. A reincarnated child with an adult mind, often called Maa‑kun or Boss.
• Fuuka – Younger twin daughter of Mio and Mitsuhisa, an observant infant with soft curls and bright eyes, is now belly‑crawling and loves playing “airplane” with her father, giggling as she stretches her tiny arms toward him.
• 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.
• Haruko – An elderly grandmother with silver hair and sharp eyes, wearing a bold‑patterned kimono, is known as Haruko‑obachan. She is the eccentric mother of Mio and grandmother of Suu‑chan, staying at the Yashiro house on weekdays to aid Mio’s pregnancy, helping Mitsuhisa with housework and childcare, and is present for the twins’ arrival.
• Hitomi – 26‑year‑old neighbor from Building B, 155 cm, 51 kg, City Hall employee; mother of Yuna and Jin, visibly drained by their Terrible Twos. Also a local mother and friend of the narrator’s mother.
• Yuna – Hitomi’s 2‑year‑old daughter (92 cm, 13 kg) is a next‑door friend now in the Youngsters Class at Hinomori Kindergarten, attending Sannen Hoiku’s three‑year program a grade below Makoto. She’s in a no‑no phase, baby‑regressing, always in pink rain gear, close to Suu‑chan, and a competitive, spirited girl in the Pre‑K Rose Class who trained with Makoto over the summer.
• Mayumi – Mayumi Goto, Yoichiro’s wife, is an elegant, refined mother‑friend in soft pastel dresses. She escorts daughters Hina and Shiho to swimming lessons, helps them change, and serves as the grade’s parent‑information hub. Trusted by Mio‑san, close to Nanami, Akari and Makoto’s mother, she blends maternal care with warm mother‑to‑mother friendships.
• Suzuki – Suu‑chan, a doll‑like five‑year‑old with dark braided pigtails, a topknot, sleepy sparkling eyes and pink rain boots, is the eldest daughter of the Totsuka family (daughter of Mio and Mitsuhisa). A model student with uncanny intuition, she dubs herself Editor‑in‑Chief of Makoto’s photo records, reads clocks to gauge his arrival, clutches a pink candy tin, and clings to his arm, calling herself his girlfriend. Shy with strangers, fiercely devoted and jealous.
• Shiho – Four‑year‑old Rose‑Class girl with a side‑up ponytail, kitten‑themed hair clip and placemat, using training chopsticks. Daughter of a lawyer, she quietly competes with Suu for Makoto’s attention, follows Suu‑chan to meet him, loves picture books and Hiragana, swims, makes mud dumplings, and is a friend of Suu‑chan who enjoys watching romantic drama but fears scary things and fireworks.
• Sanae – Middle‑aged woman, mother of Jun and three older sons, experienced parent with a laissez‑faire style. Patient yet often exasperated, she skillfully reins in her son’s rowdy energy. Friend of the narrator and of Makoto’s mother, she values Makoto’s positive influence on her daughter.
• 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.’
• 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.
• 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.
• Koji – Father of Yuna and Jin. 27-year-old (172 cm, 66 kg) working at City Hall.
• Hiromasa – A large‑physiqued, energetic boy nicknamed ‘Taisho’ and called ‘The Commander’/’The General’, he wears a Rabbit Group placard. Once a rowdy problem child, he now stays calm after bonding with Makoto in Cops‑and‑Robbers and dreaming of the future. He rivals Jun, refuses to admit fatigue, defies teachers, and bickers with Himeno.
• Hiro – Rose Red, a boy in the Rose Class and leader of the Rose Rangers, gets bored easily, runs around the classroom, and accidentally breaks Suu’s paper.
• Ai – Dark‑brown short bob frames a fit former long‑distance runner now teaching Middle Kids homeroom at Hinomori Kindergarten. Cheerful yet blunt, she’s the kids’ beloved “Mom,” uses regional dialects when stressed, adores muscles and praises Makoto‑kun’s leadership. Single, devoted to her classroom family, wary of parents, protective of every student. Daughter of a farming family.
• Imai Jun – A lively girl, member of Rose Class and the Rabbit Group, known for her high energy, athleticism—excelling at footraces and jump rope—and love of attention. She earned perfect‑attendance honors, often grabs Maa‑kun’s hand and follows his lead, and is the daughter of Imai Sanae.
• Jun-chan – Daughter of Imai Sanae. Plays roughly with blocks and is often mistaken for a boy due to her tomboyish energy.
• Jun – Tanned kindergartner in a track suit, hyperactive and loud, leads preschoolers with wild enthusiasm but tires fast and turns moody after stalled games. Mistaken for a boy, she trains weekends on Mt. Hiou, boasting top speed and a huge appetite. Member of the Rabbit Group and rival to her calm brother Makoto, she clashes with his quiet restraint while idolizing her mother and leaking secrets.
• Yashiro Makoto – A four-year-old boy. Son of Akari. Described as being like a ghost when covered in sheets. Calm and helpful, he chooses to stay with his mother over playing next door immediately.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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