Volume 4 Chapter 39 Gathering Again, Rose Class
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The short-term summer swimming intensive¹. It was a popular extracurricular activity, which meant it was usually crowded, but today was on another level…
”Makoto!”
(Hmph!)
”Ah, look! Jun is here!”
A swarm of youngsters began to converge on us. Just like last year, there was Shiho-chan. Then came the trio from the Rabbit Group who were always together: Yuma, Kotarou, and Jun. We were also joined by Kotone-chan-affectionately known as Kokko-who was there because of her connection to our neighbor, Suu-chan. To top it off, the “Rose Rangers Red” trio (Hiro, Yoshitsugu, and Sayo-chan) were there as well.
I wasn’t sure where they’d heard the news, but a huge group of my friends had coordinated their plans to match our schedule. For the record, the Blue and Pink members of the Rose Rangers wasn’t being shunned; they were already enrolled in full-time swimming school, so they didn’t need the short-term course.
Still, it was a weekday. I wondered if they were all just skipping their Summer Enrichment programs. Those things weren’t cheap. I suppose families with money to burn didn’t sweat the small stuff like “value for money.” After all, Yuma’s family ran a real estate agency, and Shiho-chan’s father was a lawyer. Jun’s father worked for a major auto manufacturer, as did Yoshitsugu’s. Kotone-chan’s maternal family were private medical practitioners, and Hiro’s family were wealthy melon farmers. Even Sayo-chan’s father was a bespoke furniture craftsman-I wondered if that actually paid well?
I suppose you wouldn’t choose a private place like Hinomori Kindergarten unless you had both the intellectual drive and the deep pockets to invest in early childhood education. On the other hand, Kotarou was like us; he wasn’t doing the Enrichment program. (Let’s stick together as the only “normal” people here, Kotarou. So please, stop complaining about wanting to go home and play video games. You can grind for experience points from the Red Ogre² later.)
I called out to the group, and we began to move in a mass. We were a sizeable crowd and were drawing quite a bit of attention. I could only pray we wouldn’t stand out for the wrong reasons-and that the mothers wouldn’t get too carried away with their gossiping.
”See you in a bit, then,” I said.
”Nn,” replied Suu-chan.
Following the routine from last year, I split off from Suu-chan and headed for the boys’ locker room.
”Jun, it’s this way,” said Suu-chan.
”Yeah, yeah! Don’t get confused and go to the wrong one,” added Shiho-chan.
”I know that!” Jun replied.
The energetic little guy was being led by the hand by Suu-chan and Shiho-chan. Honestly, no matter how much of a kid Jun was, I didn’t think he’d manage to forget his own gender.
I finished changing in record time and met up with the girls’ group, who were already in their school-issued swimsuits. Since we had already done plenty of pool lessons at the kindergarten, the kids handled everything perfectly without needing any help from their parents. We waved to Mio and the other mothers watching through the massive glass observation window, then lined up along the poolside as a young woman in a competitive swimsuit gave us the signal.
”Makoto-kun, we’re together again this year, aren’t we?”
The voice belonged to the instructor who had looked after us last summer. Let’s see… ah, right. Chinami-sensei. I gave her a polite bow to mark our one-year reunion.
”It’s been a long time. Thank you for having me,” I said.
”Wow… as well-behaved as ever, I see,” Chinami replied.
(That’s the result of my mother’s “special” education…)
”You brought a lot of friends today!” Chinami said.
”Yeah,” I replied.
”Are you all in the same class?”
”No. We were together last year, but we’re in different groups this time,” I explained.
”That’s a shame. But you know, I actually went to Hinomori Kindergarten too when I was little!” Chinami said.
Talk about an unexpected connection. I wasn’t the only one who reacted to that.
”Really?” asked one of the kids.
”Teacher was in kindergarten too?” another added.
”Yep! I’ve graduated since then, obviously. I even climbed Mt. Hiou plenty of times!” Chinami said.
”Mt. Hiou!”
”You’re our senior!” the kids shouted.
She had officially won them over. For a second, I worried that the kids from other kindergartens might feel alienated, but it was a wasted thought. It turned out our entire group was made up of my friends anyway. Sensing the mood, Chinami-sensei finished her introductions and started the roll call.
”Alright, I’m going to call your names! Give me a big ‘here’! Makoto-kun! Suzuki-chan! Shiho-chan! –“
My friends shouted back with enthusiasm. Since it was just “family” here, the atmosphere was no different than a normal day at school. Even though more than half the kids were new to swimming lessons, they settled in without a hint of nerves.
”First, let’s start with some warm-up exercises!” Chinami shouted.
The flow was identical to last year. We sat on the edge of the pool, kicking our legs to create a spray.
”Let’s see who can make the biggest splash!” Chinami cheered.
”I’m gonna be number one!” Hiro shouted.
”Muu! ssu won’t lose either!” Suu-chan cried.
Since she had a rival to compete with, Suu-chan was at full throttle from the start. I just wish they’d stop competing with me caught right in the middle. It made it look like I was the only one doing wimpy little splashes because their cross-currents made my legs feel like lead.
After the warm-ups, we finally submerged. We spent the time enjoying the usual kindergarten games-walking in circles to create a whirlpool and blowing bubbles underwater.
”Maa-kun, don’t make that funny face,” Suu-chan said.
”A funny face? What?! I want to see!” Hiro shouted.
”Me too!” added Kotarou.
”Is a funny face like this?” Yoshitsugu asked.
”Yoshi-kun, that’s hilarious!” Sayo-chan laughed.
Amidst the noisy fun, the first day reached its end before we knew it.
”Ehh?! I want to swim more!” Shiho-chan cried.
”Shiho too!”
”I can still go!”
The Hinomori kids, raised with a mountain as their playground, apparently had terrifying levels of stamina. An hour wasn’t nearly enough to wind them down. I felt like I had some gas left in the tank too, but I knew it was just the adrenaline. I’d likely crash the moment we got home. Besides, the next group was already waiting; there was no way we were getting an extension.
”Time to head out, guys,” I said.
”Nn!”
”Roger!”
We made a quick exit so as not to burden Chinami-sensei, who still had a long shift ahead of her. Plus, if we didn’t hurry, the changing room would be a nightmare.
”Just like I heard from Ai… you really do have amazing leadership skills,” Chinami said.
”Chinami-sensei, do you know Ai-sensei?” I asked.
”Yeah, Ai-sensei and I are childhood friends. We’re the same age. I’ve heard all sorts of things about you!” Chinami replied.
It really is a small world. As we left the poolside, I walked away with some unexpected information. I wondered if I could use this to get some leverage-or rather, a little bargaining power-over Ai-sensei in the future. But I didn’t want to chat with Chinami for too long; Suu-chan was already looking jealous.
We got back to the locker room and changed quickly, beating the girls back to the mothers.
”Honestly, Yuma, you have to dry your hair properly,” said his mother.
”Ah… I can do it myself!” Yuma replied.
Yuma was completely out of it. He had the least stamina of the group, and he’d been playing hard. He’d probably be dead to the world before the car even left the parking lot. Kotarou looked like he was about to fall asleep mid-game, too. Hiro and Yoshitsugu weren’t far behind. As I sat there drying my hair, the girls finally emerged.
”Maa-kun!” cried Suu-chan.
”Whoa…” I muttered.
Suu-chan, predictably, still had energy to spare. But as for our other “stamina specialist”…
”I’m so hungry…” Jun moaned.
”Come on, stand up straight,” said Sanae Imai.
Having burned every last drop of fuel, Jun was being half-carried out by Suu-chan and the others, eventually leaning entirely on his mother. Honestly, the ability to go that hard without worrying about the consequences was a talent in itself.
”Mama, I want ice cream!” Shiho-chan cried.
”Me too!” added Suu-chan.
”Sayo wants some too!”
In stark contrast to the haggled boys, the girls were already back in action. They’d clearly spotted the sweets stand before we even entered the building. Even at this age, girls will be girls.
”Maa-kun, let’s share a treat,” Suu-chan said.
”We’ll have to ask Mio first,” I replied.
And so, this year’s swimming lessons began-a season of making memories with a group of very good friends.
—
Summary:
Makoto attends a summer swimming course where he is surprised to find a large group of his wealthy kindergarten classmates joining him. The group bonds over the lessons, led by an instructor who happens to be an alumna of their school. The chapter concludes with the exhausted boys and energetic girls looking forward to treats after the lesson.
—
Trivia:
- Makoto considers himself a ‘commoner’ compared to his classmates’ wealthy families.
- The ‘Rose Rangers’ group has specific members assigned to colors like Red, Blue, and Pink.
- Chinami-sensei and Ai-sensei are childhood friends of the same age.
- Jun is noted for having high explosive energy but very low total stamina.
- Hinomori Kindergarten is a prestigious private institution
—
Character Insight:
Makoto shows his pragmatic and slightly cynical nature by analyzing the social status of his peers, while Suu-chan displays her competitive and possessive streak towards him.
—
Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The author uses the contrast between the boys’ and girls’ stamina levels after the pool as a comedic trope common in slice-of-life media.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• 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, and 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.
• 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.
• Shiho-chan – An early‑arriving student, this child is often seen waiting with Suu‑chan at school. As Suu‑chan’s close friend, he/she tries to act as a ‘stopper’ for her mischief, and is close enough to Yuma’s family to stay over at their home.
• Yoshitsugu – A ‘heavyweight’ student in the Rose Class. Member of the Rose Rangers (Rose Crimson). Initially blunt and accusatory, but easily swayed by hero logic.
• 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.
• 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.
• Kotone – A classmate and friend of Makoto and Suu. She is friendly and participated in the chocolate exchange during the post-festival gathering.
• Shiho – Four‑year‑old Rose‑Class girl with a side‑up ponytail, Hina’s younger sister and close friend of Makoto, Suu‑chan, Yuma and Suzuka. She sports a kitten‑themed hair clip and placemat, uses training chopsticks, loves picture books and Hiragana, swims, makes mud dumplings with Makoto’s tips, quietly competes with Suu for Makoto’s attention, often follows Suu‑chan to meet Makoto. Daughter of a lawyer.
• 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.
• 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.
• Sayo – A girl with twin-tails in the Rose Class. Member of the Rose Rangers (Rose Pink). Becomes distraught after accidentally breaking a block tower.
• Yuma – Yuma Yoshikura, a frail four‑year‑old with an idol‑like face and quiet charm, is the eldest son of a wealthy family and Miyu’s younger brother. In Rose Class he draws many girls, is close to Makoto, leads the ‘train’ line with excitement over acorns and nature, struggles slightly with math and has low stamina, yet loves exploring, building blocks, folding paper, making clay models of his father’s car, and playing husband in Moe’s house‑play. Born April 1, he’s the youngest and smallest in the Rabbit Group, cheerful and popular with the girls.
• Suu – A female student in the Rose Class. Very close to Makoto (Maa-kun). Has mud on her cheeks and makes high-quality dorodango.
• 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, and mentors Maa‑kun in hair‑drying while protecting UV.
• Chinami – A swimming instructor and alumna of Hinomori Kindergarten; childhood friend of Teacher Ai.
• 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 Mio and Mitsuhisa. A model student with uncanny intuition, she’s obsessively devoted to Makoto—calling herself Editor-in-Chief of his photo records, reading clocks to track his arrival, and always clutching a pink candy tin as she clings to his arm. Quiet, helpful, and fiercely competitive in word games, she proclaims herself his girlfriend and is rarely seen without him, her affection as precise as it is unwavering.
• 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.’
• Ai – Dark-brown short bob hair frames a former long-distance track star now teaching Middle Kids homeroom, where trauma from last year’s Parent Observation Day lingers. Cheerful yet blunt, she’s the kids’ beloved “Mom,” quick with regional dialects when stressed, and fiercely competitive in Cops-and-Robbers. She adores muscles, pushes herself physically, and struggles with job frustration—single, devoted to her students, and wary of parents, yet deeply protective of her classroom family.
• 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.
• Kyo – One of the twins, approximately four months old. Shared traits with Fuu-chan.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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