Volume 4 Chapter 40 A Summer Without the Popular One
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The Summer Enrichment period has begun, and a week has already flown by.
I haven’t been leading a lazy life every day… or have I?
Hinomori Kindergarten conducts Summer Enrichment¹ as an extension of their extended childcare. Therefore, I am a Teacher today as well.
During my first year, I used to lament the lack of a long summer vacation, but this is already my sixth time. I’ve grown used to it whether I like it or not. Now, I’d actually be troubled about how to spend my time if I were given more than a month off.
I’d end up missing the energetic voices of the Youngsters, wouldn’t I?
Well, the staff meeting is over, and the bus carrying the Youngsters will be arriving soon, so I should head to the classroom… but before that, let’s confirm the details regarding Summer Enrichment. It seems to vary quite a bit depending on the kindergarten.
Hinomori Kindergarten’s Summer Enrichment is held every weekday, except for the week around Obon². It targets only currently enrolled children, and if they apply, attendance becomes Optional attendance during the Summer Enrichment period. Even though it’s called “voluntary,” most of the children come every day.
Of course, Summer Enrichment requires an additional fee. I’m on the kindergarten’s side and it involves my own salary, so I shouldn’t say this too loudly, but the fee for Summer Enrichment is just under 100,000 yen, which is not cheap.
In exchange, the evening extended childcare can be used as is, and since it includes a shuttle bus, school lunches, and snacks, I think the content is quite substantial, but it’s still a heavy burden on the household budget.
We occasionally receive opinions from parents asking things like, ‘Can’t you make it cheaper if we only come once or twice a week?’ In response to that, the topic of whether we could introduce a daily ticket system was raised during the staff meeting, but it was passed over again this year due to reasons such as the difficulty of adjusting personnel, school lunches, and the shuttle bus.
Due to those kinds of adult circumstances, not all of the kindergarteners utilize Summer Enrichment.
The ratio is lowest among the Youngsters Classさん at about half the usual number. That increases to nearly eighty percent when it comes to the Older kids. The Middle kids are somewhere in the middle.
I often hear the reason for the high percentage of Older kids is that parents can’t keep up with the Youngsters’ physical stamina and have trouble finding places to play. Since Hinomori Kindergarten puts a lot of effort into physical education, that’s probably inevitable. We Teachers are also desperate to keep up.
Another reason is simply that the children love the kindergarten. That really makes being a Teacher worth it.
However, since some children utilize Summer Enrichment and others don’t, we need to devise the lesson content so that no gap arises in the speed of learning progress.
For that reason, we don’t set aside study time; almost all of it is allocated to free play time, leaving it up to the Youngsters’ own initiative.
The only fixed lessons are physical education in the gym and pool time. To prevent the Youngsters from crowding into a narrow space, assignments are fixed for each temporary class.
Additionally, twice a week for each grade, we go to play at the square at the foot of Mt. Hiou, which is about a ten-minute walk from the kindergarten.
There’s nature and a small athletic course (I only found out last week that the Board Chairman paid to build it), so many children look forward to that day. I’ve heard there are even children who cry because the trip coincided with a family outing and they couldn’t go.
Besides that, we Teachers devise ways to keep the Youngsters from getting bored, such as opening picture-card shows, reading picture books, or holding handicraft classes.
So, Hinomori Kindergarten’s Summer Enrichment feels something like that. It’s generally well-received by the parents who use it. Except for the price.
”Sigh…”
While heading toward the Middle kids’ classroom, Ai-sensei, who was walking next to me, let out a heavy sigh. I wonder what’s wrong. …No, I actually know the reason.
”Hey, Riko-sensei. Is the Boss coming today?” said Ai-sensei.
”It’s very unfortunate, but he isn’t coming,” Riko replied.
”I thought so…” Ai-sensei sighed.
See, I knew that was it. The “Boss”… as you might guess, refers to Makoto-kun. He’s a topic of conversation in many ways, but unlike last year, he isn’t utilizing Summer Enrichment.
Akari-san has work, so he would be all alone at home, but I heard he’s being looked after at the house of the neighboring Suzuki-chan. People say it’s difficult to look after someone else’s child every day, but Akari-san and Mio-san have known each other for a long time and trust one another. Apparently, Makoto-kun and Suzuki-chan lived that kind of life even before entering the kindergarten.
Besides, Makoto-kun is so reliable it’s hard to believe he’s a child. I hear that far from being a handful, he’s counted as a fighting force, so it would probably be a waste to leave him in Summer Enrichment. (Right now, he’s probably in a comfortable, air-conditioned room, flirting away with Suzuki-chan.)
”He won’t be coming for another month,” I said.
”Teacher Riko, coming right out with specific numbers and crushing my tiny hopes into smithereens. As expected of a natural Black Company³…” said Ai-sensei.
”Wait!” Riko exclaimed.
(What do you mean by “natural Black Company”?! Please don’t say that in front of the Youngsters, okay? They’ll think you’re a member of Cure and the name will stick!)
”Last year was great. Because Makoto-kun was here,” Ai-sensei said reproachfully.
You say that, but Makoto-kun’s influence wasn’t that big last year, you know? (Ah, well, that’s only compared to how he is now…) Around this time last year, he was already starting to stand out as the popular kid of the Rose Class, and the five-person group most famous in the Middle Kids class right now – Hinomori Squadron Rose Rangers⁴ – was created by Makoto-kun while he was utilizing Summer Enrichment.
”I don’t even know you anymore, Riko-sensei!” Ai-sensei cried.
(Just to be safe, let me say that it’s not as if we can’t manage the Youngsters just because Makoto-kun isn’t here. We are doing our jobs properly as Teachers. We are managing just fine even without him. Well, it’s true that the Youngsters have been influenced by Makoto-kun, which helps us as Teachers…)
Hiromasa-kun and Jun-chan would probably still be a handful even now if not for Makoto-kun. By the way, both of them are utilizing Summer Enrichment. The reason Ai-sensei is sulking is actually elsewhere.
”Sigh… when Makoto-kun isn’t here, the quality of Dorokei⁵ really drops…” said Ai-sensei.
Cops and Robbers is a huge fad in the Middle Kids class. It’s the same even during Summer Enrichment. Thanks to the adjustments we made so they can play across class boundaries, they are running around soaked in sweat, not losing to the summer heat. We have them hydrate frequently so they don’t get heatstroke, and we spray the Youngsters with water from a hose.
The only thing different from usual is that Makoto-kun, who is normally at the center of it, is absent. The game of Cops and Robbers itself can be played without him, but it seems to lack the usual tension, or rather, the fun.
Cops and Robbers is a popular game even among the Older kids, but you can tell if you compare them. The Cops and Robbers played by the Middle kids involves organizational movements… They coordinate with allies for cornering, luring, distracting, lurking, scapegoating, and so on… (Come to think of it, there was even a child using hand signals. It was such a brilliant arrest that I accidentally started clapping.)
The cause is, of course, Makoto-kun. According to Ai-sensei, Makoto-kun is the chief of staff, the strategist, and the overseer. The nickname “Boss” has been catching on among the Youngsters here and there… I believe it started with those children since some of the Youngsters called him that back when they were in the Rose Class.
Somehow, whenever he gets involved, the level of the Youngsters’ play rises by several stages. Looking back, it was like that even when they were in the Youngsters Classさん. Even with building blocks or in the sandbox…
However, the Youngsters who have grown accustomed to that level of play seem to feel a sense of incomplete combustion in Cops and Robbers without Makoto-kun. Ai-sensei also seems to be nervous and worried about that.
”Even if Ai-sensei and Teacher Yugo join in?” Riko asked.
”Yeah, it’s impossible. I mean, we’re adults, so it’s easy to win against kids, but… the strategy and all that… is a separate thing, right?” Ai-sensei replied.
(Ai-sensei and Teacher Yugo – who boast of their physical stamina – are currently participating as both supervisors and players in Cops and Robbers, but even so, they can’t seem to fill the hole left by Makoto-kun.)
Makoto-kun is smart, after all… He’s good at studying, but I don’t mean it in that sense… He’s skillful.
”But since it’s Makoto-kun, didn’t he leave some kind of parting gift?” I asked.
Previously, there was a time when Makoto-kun was absent due to a cold. At that time, it seems he had told his friends what to play in advance so that Jun-chan and the Rose Rangers wouldn’t run wild. Thanks to that, the Rose Class was peaceful even in Makoto-kun’s absence.
”Yeah, he did,” Ai-sensei said.
”Then…” Riko started.
”But it’s gone now,” Ai-sensei interrupted.
”What do you mean?” I asked.
”He apparently conveyed something like a strategy to Hiromasa-kun and Yuma-kun, but they couldn’t do it well, or something like that…” Ai-sensei explained.
”Can’t you or Teacher Yugo do it instead, Ai-sensei?” Riko asked.
”I tried asking, but I couldn’t get the hang of it…” Ai-sensei muttered.
(If you think about it normally, they are Middle kids… Makoto-kun is the strange one for making it work. If only he had told one of the Teachers… though it might be tough for Ai-sensei…)
”I wish Makoto-kun would come play Cops and Robbers…” Ai-sensei lamented.
”That would probably be difficult…” Riko said.
(If there were a ticket system, I think it might be possible, but… Right now, he’s probably in a comfortable, air-conditioned room, flirting away with Suzuki-chan.)
While the two of us are wearing sour expressions, the Youngsters who have arrived at school appear. Since we are professionals, we put on smiles in front of the Youngsters! We stand in front of the classroom and greet the Youngsters with high-fives.
”Good morning, teacher!” a child called out.
”Good morning! You’re energetic today too!” Riko replied.
”Hey teacher! Are we going to Boss Club today?” the child asked.
”.”
Ai-sensei! Your smile!
—
Summary:
Summer Enrichment has started at the kindergarten, but the usual star student Makoto-kun is absent as his family opted out of the expensive program. Ai-sensei and the children are feeling the ‘Makoto-hole,’ specifically in the declining quality of their Cops and Robbers games. Riko-sensei notes how Makoto’s presence usually elevates simple play into complex organizational strategy.
—
Trivia:
- Summer Enrichment is optional and costs nearly 100,000 yen.
- Makoto-kun is currently staying at neighbor Suzuki-chan’s house.
- The ‘Rose Rangers’ was a group founded by Makoto during last year’s summer session.
- Middle kids are currently using hand signals and organizational tactics in Cops and Robbers due to Makoto’s influence.
—
Character Insight:
Makoto-kun’s influence is so profound that even professional teachers feel incapable of replicating his ‘game master’ abilities. Ai-sensei’s mood is directly tied to the presence of this five-year-old ‘Boss’.
—
Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The author highlights the logistical struggles of Japanese kindergartens (staffing, bus routes) when trying to implement more flexible attendance systems.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• 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.
• Riko – Riko-sensei, in her sixth year as lead teacher and PE instructor at Hinomori Kindergarten—and also the school nurse—nurtures the Middle Kids with warm observance but masks a dry, cynical wit. Formerly Makoto’s homeroom teacher, she remains blissfully oblivious to his extraordinary nature, unlike her more perceptive colleagues. She manages class dynamics, photography, and progress interviews alongside Seiko-sensei, sharply judging coworkers yet finds quiet solace in Makoto’s calm presence and Maa-kun’s uncanny skills. An avid magic trick enthusiast and recent investor, she unwinds at girls’ nights with staff, balancing her pragmatic exterior with hidden whimsy.
• 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.
• Suzuki – Suu‑chan, a doll‑like five‑year‑old with dark braided pigtails, a topknot, sleepy sparkling eyes and pink rain boots, is Mio and Mitsuhisa’s eldest daughter. A model student with uncanny intuition, she calls herself Editor‑in‑Chief of Makoto’s photo records, reads clocks to track his arrival, clutches a pink candy tin, and clings to his arm, proclaiming herself his girlfriend. Shy around strangers, she’s fiercely devoted and jealous.
• Akari – 28‑year‑old single mother of Makoto and newborn Maa‑kun. Long dark‑brown hair, subtle makeup, poised and observant. Estranged from parents, loving yet strict. Full‑time IT worker who cherishes quiet mornings, monitors Makoto’s health via private reports. Drives a black light‑compact car, lives beside best friend Mio, mentors Suzuki with candid photos, uses bank‑service finesse in parent circles, quietly grieves missing the party, mischievous side hidden under a polished exterior, recently switched jobs for stability. Calm, modest, outwardly shy about her shogi skill but secretly proficient.
• 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.
• Hiromasa – A large‑physiqued, energetic boy nicknamed ‘Taisho’ and known as ‘The Commander’, he is a competitive rival of Jun, stubborn, refuses to admit exhaustion, and often defies teachers and bickers with Himeno. Once a rowdy problem child, he has recently calmed after bonding with Makoto in Cops‑and‑Robbers and discovering a future dream.
• Jun-chan – Daughter of Imai Sanae. Plays roughly with blocks and is often mistaken for a boy due to her tomboyish energy.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply