Volume 4 Chapter 18 All Aboard!
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Alright, Rabbit Group, let’s move out~!”
Ai-sensei clapped her hands, catching the youngsters’ attention.
Finally, it was time to go. I re-adjusted the straps on my backpack, psyching myself up.
Mountain climbing… or rather, field trips, are all about pacing. If I dote on these kids every second, there’s no way my stamina will last until we get back. Especially since there isn’t even a proper nap scheduled; I need to approach this with a firm, resolute attitude.
”Aw yeah! I’m gonna show everyone the results of my special training!”
See? This is exactly the kind of guy who’s an accident waiting to happen. Though he was already being physically restrained, so I felt like it was probably too late for him anyway.
”Hey, hey, Jun. What’s ‘special training’?” Yuma asked.
”Oh, crap…!”
Yuma huddled in, intrigued by Jun’s enthusiastic slip of the tongue.
”Makoto…!”
”…”
What should I do? Jun looked at me, gripping my hand as if clinging for life. I guess kids this age just can’t help letting things slip. Even after he said it was a secret himself…
”…’Special training’ means working really hard so you can do things you weren’t able to do before.”
”I already knew that!”
My strategy to change the subject failed. Jun’s innocent gaze pierced right through me.
”…It means we practiced walking all the way to Gongen Woods without breaking the line.”
”Whoa, really?!”
”More importantly, if you don’t look where you’re going… everyone’s going to leave you behind, you know?”
”Oh, you’re right!”
Yuma pulled Kotarou’s hand, hurriedly closing the gap in front of them. Kids as innocent as Jun are a lifesaver-they don’t know the first thing about doubt.
”…My secret was almost outed…”
Well, secret or not, I felt like the cat was already out of the bag¹ the moment he told me.
”Look, we’re going to get left behind, too.”
”What?! Hurry up, Makoto!”
”Hey… show some of the results of that special training.”
My relief was short-lived as Jun pulled my hand to chase after Yuma and the others.
Sent off a step ahead by the salutes of our friends from the former Rose Class-Chika and her group-we walked two-by-two along the edge of the road toward the parking lot at the trailhead.
At the front of Rabbit Group was “The Commander,” Hiromasa-kun, and his buddy Takumi-kun. They were full of energy, acting for all the world like they were going to catch up to and overtake the Older Class ahead of us. We could hear them all the way at the back of the line.
”Hiromasa-kun! You aren’t allowed to go in front of the teacher!”
”But Teacher is too slooooow!”
Ah, the sounds of a bickering old married couple.
”Hiromasa-kun! Listen to what Teacher says!”
”In your dreams!”
Himeno-chan, right behind him, was giving him a piece of her mind again. Mihoshi-chan, standing next to her, was likely watching the whole thing in a frantic worry. It must be tough getting caught in the middle of that.
Hiromasa-kun and Himeno-chan were constantly clashing as usual, but as they say, the more you fight, the closer you are-or something like that.
Hiromasa-kun is one thing, with his eccentric antics and constant meddling, but Himeno-chan is just as much of a handful for not being able to let a single thing slide. At best, they’re like a problem-child younger brother and a doting (but nosy) older sister. Ai-sensei, in the “Mom” position, must have been at her wit’s end.
By the way, Himeno-chan and I are on pretty good terms. Among the boys, who are mostly just a bunch of monkeys, I seem to have earned some respect as someone who actually listens to reason.
My impression of her matched what I’d heard: she felt a head above the rest of the Rabbit Group in terms of intelligence. She has a broad vocabulary, asserts her will firmly, and possesses a mind that highly values justice. Her rate of mental maturity reminds me of Suu-chan, though Suu-chan has enough sense to avoid poking her nose into trouble… or maybe she’s just not interested.
”-Follow the example of people like Makoto-kun and Yuma-kun!”
”Not a chance!”
I even heard our names coming out of Himeno-chan’s mouth. Good grief, who gave her permission? Well, it’s not like I’d know what to say if she actually asked.
However, because she used our names so recklessly, Hiromasa-kun’s feelings toward us were heading in a rather tedious direction. I know it’s impossible to be liked by everyone, but I’d really like to avoid being viewed as the enemy.
Where exactly did I go wrong?
Last year, I heard the phrase “Makoto-kun is…” all the time, too. But in the Rose Class, there weren’t any kids who reacted negatively. I’m sure Seiko-sensei and Riko-sensei were just good at managing the other kids’ feelings. I know through the “Mom-friend” grapevine² that they’ve started using my name as a benchmark for the Rabbit Group kids, too.
Himeno-chan might just be imitating the teachers and parents, but when it comes to Hiromasa-kun, it’s having the exact opposite effect. It’s a real pain.
That said, since it barely affects Suu-chan, my policy has been to just leave it alone. Seiko-sensei hadn’t said anything in particular, and there’s no point in unnecessarily provoking Hiromasa-kun and getting dragged into some mess. Plus, there was that whole thing with Masaki-kun.
However, it looks like Hiromasa-kun is about to point his spearhead directly at us, so this might be the right time to wrap this up. With Parent Observation Day coming up next month, it might be worth stepping up to the plate just so my mother doesn’t have to worry.
Well, that can wait a bit. Right now, I’m busy playing conductor.
”-Chugga-chugga, choo-choo♪ Chugga-chugga, choo-choo♪”
Yuma, the “lead car,” was humming happily. Looking next to me, Jun was doing the same. Her free hand gripped the strap of Kotarou’s backpack in front of her. It was a huge help that they were staying quiet.
And when I looked behind me-
”-Chugga-chugga, choo-choo♪”
Suu-chan was humming along just the same. It was the first time I’ve seen her since the morning bus. Shiho-chan was right there next to her.
You might wonder why Suu-chan and the others are here. Well, being at the very end of Rabbit Group (Class 1) means we can “couple” with the head of Sheep Group (Class 2).
Even if we’re in different classes, I use my head so we can stay as close as possible. That is, after all, the whole reason I reincarnated.
Looking even further back from Suu-chan, the train seemed to go on forever. If my eyes didn’t deceive me, we were linked all the way to Giraffe Group (Class 3).
”””-Chugga-chugga, choo-choo♪ Chugga-chugga, choo-choo♪”””
This vibe was almost certainly the handiwork of the former Rose Class. Since I started doing it to keep Jun quiet, it’s only natural to assume it spread down the line.
”-Ding, ding, ding, ding!”
I can even hear someone making the sound of a railroad crossing somewhere.
”””-Chugga-chugga, choo-choo♪ Chugga-chugga, choo-choo♪”””
With no “runaway cars” jumping out of line, the train behind me was a very stable ride.
—
Summary:
The Rabbit Group preschool class begins their mountain climbing field trip with energy and a bit of chaos. Makoto struggles to maintain his adult composure while managing his classmate Jun, who nearly reveals the secret of their ‘Special Training.’ Meanwhile, the rowdy Hiromasa and the serious Himeno continue their habitual bickering at the front of the line. Makoto notices that his reputation as a ‘model child’ is starting to alienate Hiromasa. To keep the group orderly, Makoto initiates a game of ‘playing train’ that spreads through the entire line. By coupling the different classes together, Makoto manages to stay close to Suu-chan while ensuring a stable hike for everyone.
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Trivia:
- Makoto’s adult stamina vs. toddler body: His concern about his physical strength foreshadows the actual difficulty of the hike.
- The ‘Spearhead’ of Hiromasa: The shift in Hiromasa’s attitude toward Makoto suggests a future confrontation or social hurdle.
- The ‘Mom-friend’ grapevine: This established network indicates that Makoto’s influence is being discussed among the parents, not just the kids
—
Character Insight:
Makoto’s role shifts from a passive observer to an active social engineer by starting the ‘train game’ to stabilize the group. His relationship with Hiromasa is strained by the unwanted praise from adults and Himeno, positioning him as an unintentional rival.
—
Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The ‘Rose Class’ seems to be the previous year’s designation, showing a progression of classes in this preschool. The use of ‘coupling’ between classes indicates a structured but flexible way the school manages large groups of children during outings.
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TL Notes:
The pun on Jun’s name (‘Jun-sui’) was localized to focus on his ‘innocence’ to maintain the flow of the narrative while acknowledging the wordplay.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Ai – Dark‑brown short bob hair, former long‑distance track star turned homeroom teacher of Chrysanthemum Class and Riko’s senior; athletic yet unrefined, drives and never drinks. When stressed she slips into regional dialects, voice frantic over drills. Now a kindergarten teacher, blunt in parent‑teacher talks, single and job‑frustrated. Rabbit Group sensei, “Mom” figure, ensures safety.
• Yuma – Yuma Yoshikura, a frail yet spirited four-year-old from a wealthy land-owning family, is the eldest son and Miyu’s younger brother, known for his idol-like face and quiet charm. Though physically small and stamina-deficient due to past illness, he’s eagerly curious, easily swept up in Jun’s enthusiasm, and leads the ‘train’ line with infectious excitement—especially for acorns and nature. A Rose Class member, he deeply admires Makoto and excels at block-building and paper-folding, balancing his delicate health with a bold, adventurous spirit.
• Jun – Hyperactive, track‑suit‑clad kindergartner from the Imai family, pure‑hearted yet easily tricked, idolizes her mother and clashes playfully with brother Makoto, who shares her class. Trained at Mt. Hiou, she’s physically robust, simple‑minded, ringleader of energetic preschoolers, often leaks secrets, and balances wild energy with Makoto’s calm restraint.
• Makoto – A 4‑year‑old Rose Class student (93 cm, 13 kg) who is actually a 30‑year‑old salaryman reincarnated in a child’s body. He wears a white shirt, blue vest and cap, and serves as the calm, analytical “Boss” and caregiver—handing out hand cream, mediating fights, protecting Suu‑chan, and earning peers’ respect as a mature, athletic leader despite his father’s gender confusion.
• Kotarou – A slender, quiet boy with a focused gaze, often hunched over delicate origami folds or crouched to gather acorns; he moves with careful precision, keeps to himself but earns quiet respect from classmates for his patience and skill.
• 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.
• Chika – A young girl in the Rose Class at Hinomori Kindergarten who gives Makoto Valentine’s chocolate. She has a mother who accompanies her.
• Hiromasa – A competitive boy who views Jun as a rival. He is stubborn and refuses to admit exhaustion. Known as ‘The Commander.’ A rowdy problem child who frequently defies the teacher 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.
• Himeno – A highly intelligent and justice-minded girl. She acts as a ‘nosy older sister’ figure, frequently scolding Hiro-masa.
• Mom – Maa-kun’s mother. She is supportive and handles the household shopping alongside Mio-san.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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