Volume 4 Chapter 44 Barbecue
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
After enjoying the water play at the Yoshikura residence, the sun began to dip, signaling the start of the day’s main event.
”Wait, where is the charcoal?” asked one of the men.
”Wasn’t it placed right behind you?” someone replied.
”Hm? Oh, there it is, there it is,” he said.
Dinner was a barbecue. In the spacious garden of the Yoshikura residence, the Yoshikura family, Goto family, Sayanagi family, and everyone from the Totsuka and Yashiro families gathered around three grills.
”Is it about time?”
”If we don’t start grilling soon, they’re going to start complaining,” the adults said, holding their hands over the iron plates to check the temperature.
(I thought about helping out with something… but with this many adults around, a kid like me might just get in the way. More than anything, the fathers are really fired up. I shouldn’t steal their spotlight, so I’ll just focus on eating quietly.)
”Alright, you kids, eat up!”
”I want meat!”
”I want the Hida beef¹!”
”Uncle, I want some meat too!”
”Big brother, you’re in the way!”
”Shut up! You are too!”
”Maa-kun, meat,” someone called out.
”Aye-aye, sir!” replied Maa-kun.
High-end meats were tossed onto the grill in rapid succession by the hands of Yoichiro—Shiho-chan’s father—and Mitsuhisa-san, both having just finished work. Even the sizzling sound of the fat dripping away seemed delicious.
”Now, line up in order,” one of the men said.
We lined up holding the paper plates we were given. The two “Grill Masters”—much like Hot Pot Masters—used tongs to pile the freshly grilled meat onto our plates.
(I was worried that the two of them would be too busy grilling to eat… but I see Mitsuhisa-san is being fed “ahhh” style by Mio-san. They are a couple that’s as affectionate as ever, even in public.)
”Maa-kun, say ahhh,” Mio-san said.
”…”
(I wasn’t one to talk. I can’t bear to watch Yoichiro-san looking so lonely, trying to snatch a bite for himself whenever he finds an opening. Even though that should be the normal way…)
As for his wife, Mayumi-san, she was sitting at the table on the wood deck with the other mothers, having a neighborhood gossip session. Fuu-chan and Kyo-chan, the “idols” from the youngest class, were the center of attention.
Suu-chan and I carried meat over to them. The mothers seemed to be holding back out of consideration for the excited youngsters; despite the meat being quite expensive, they hadn’t touched it.
(Ah, maybe they’re worried about calories or fat? In that case, we will take responsibility and consume it ourselves, so don’t worry.)
”Moms, do you want some meat? We brought some,” said Makoto.
”Yes, I was just thinking I wanted some. Thanks, Suu-chan,” Mayumi-san replied.
”Mm,” said Suu-chan.
”Makoto-kun, Suzuki-chan, thank you!”
”You two are so thoughtful,” the other mothers said.
I was relieved they seemed happy. Right next to where the popular meat was being grilled, Akihiro-san—Aoi-oneesan’s father—was slowly grilling vegetables. It went without saying that his station was unpopular; it was practically deserted.
Meanwhile, Shinji-san—Yuma’s father, who provided the venue—was right next to him with a drink in one hand, grilling shishamo² on a small clay stove. (There’s something appealing about that…)
”Old Man at Station, which vegetables are done?” asked Makoto.
”…Makoto-kun, you really are such a good boy. Look, this pumpkin is ready to eat. Oh, that’s right, Makoto-kun, you like corn, didn’t you? Wait just a bit. I’ll grill it now,” said Akihiro.
The Sayanagi family were farmers. We had visited them before during a kindergarten field trip. They grew tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, garlic, leeks, corn, pumpkin, watermelon, melon, and even edible chrysanthemums and rice. Both my family and the Totsuka family frequently received vegetables from them that were “too misshapen to sell.”
However, Aoi-oneesan and her siblings—Ren, Sumire, and Itsuki—who had joined for dinner, didn’t spare a single glance at the home-grown vegetables. (Pops, are you crying with that drink in your hand?)
”Is this green onion edible?” asked Makoto.
”Oh, it’s grilled perfectly,” replied Akihiro.
”I’ll take that too, please,” said Makoto.
(My favorite is the white part of these leeks. Even with a child’s palate that reacts sensitively to bitterness and spice, grilling increases the sweetness. It’s also good for preventing colds.)
”Suu-chan, do you want some too?” Makoto asked.
Suu-chan shook her head slightly. Like her father, she wasn’t fond of vegetables.
”Say ahhh,” said Makoto.
”Mu…”
She hesitated for a moment before taking a bite, chewing with a puzzled expression.
”Sweet…?” she asked.
”It’s pretty good, right?” said Makoto.
”Mm,” replied Suu-chan.
(I’m worried she’d only eat what she likes if left alone. It’s probably fine as long as Mio-san is watching, but still…)
”Makoto-kun, do you like vegetables?” Akihiro asked.
”Yeah,” replied Makoto.
(Rather than “liking” them… they’re necessary to build and maintain a strong body. Besides, it’s hard to say I hate them in front of a farmer.)
”Yes, yes, thank you. Makoto-kun, you take the agricultural experience seriously, too. You really are a good boy,” said Akihiro.
(Of course I’m serious. During the kindergarten field trip, we were visiting a real field. Even if it’s for the sake of the children, I can’t do a sloppy job when touching things people work hard to grow every day.)
”I wish a kid like Makoto-kun was mine. Ren and the others don’t help at all, and they even say being a farmer is ‘lame.’ And they don’t even take their studies seriously,” Akihiro complained.
(Is he the type who starts crying and complaining when he’s had a drink? Grousing about his adolescent sons… This isn’t something you should let a kindergartner hear. I have to cover Suu-chan’s ears…)
”Actually, why don’t you come into our family as a son-in-law³? It’s all-the-vegetables-you-can-eat, you know!” Akihiro said.
”Umm, please just let me take some home,” replied Makoto.
(That invitation… I’m afraid there’s some hidden meaning there. He’s really getting clingy. I want to get away for Suu-chan’s sake too… Mother, help! No, I can’t involve Mother. Mariko-san!)
”Hey! You’ve had way too much to drink!” Mariko-san shouted.
She had caught my gaze. Or rather, our eyes met because she was already looking this way.
”Sorry, Makoto-kun. This old man is at a difficult age himself,” said Mariko.
”No, it’s…”
”What?! You’re the one always saying you ‘want to brew Makoto-kun’s fingernail dirt and drink it’! Even Aoi is—”
”A talkative father will be hated by his daughter, you know?” Mariko said, shoving a piece of raw corn, husk and all, into Akihiro’s mouth to silence him.
”Makoto-kun, Suzuki-chan, the corn is finished steaming over there, so go ahead and have some if you like,” Mariko said.
”Grill some here too…” mumbled Akihiro.
”I’ll bring it to you when it’s grilled!” Mariko replied.
”Umm, okay then…” said Makoto.
I took Suu-chan by the hand and made a quick exit. After eating our fill and enjoying some homemade melon gelato, the fun barbecue came to an end.
While the adults cleaned up, we children played with fireworks. Ren and Itsuki were taken home by Mariko-san to finish their summer homework. Sumire left on her own to watch TV. The “Big Sister Squad” was making a huge fuss over the ground-spinners and the fireworks that slithered out like snakes.
As for the younger ones, Yuma was nodding off along with the twins. (You definitely skipped your nap today, didn’t you?)
I was also starting to feel sleepy from the full meal, moving completely into power-saving mode. Suu-chan seemed to have a little energy left, and Shiho-chan was in a similar state.
”Which one do you two want to do?” asked Makoto.
”Hmm…”
”A not-scary one!” cried Shiho-chan.
”Then let’s go with this one,” Makoto said.
”Mm,” said Suu-chan.
”Yeah!” cried Shiho-chan.
I took the sparklers out of the bag and handed them to the two girls, lighting them with a candle. Shiho-chan leaned back cautiously, which actually made her look more unstable.
”It lit!”
”Ssu too,” Suu-chan added.
”It’s so pretty!”
”Mm!”
”Yeah, it is,” said Makoto.
Watching the sparks crackle and pop, our summer vacation drew to a close.
—
Summary:
A multi-family barbecue concludes a day of summer fun. Makoto navigates the chaotic social dynamics of the adults, particularly a drunken Akihiro who tries to recruit him into the family farm. The evening ends with the children peacefully lighting sparklers as summer vacation draws to a close.
—
Trivia:
- Makoto specifically enjoys the white part of long green onions.
- Akihiro-san is Aoi-oneesan’s father and a local farmer.
- Suu-chan has a speech quirk where she ends sentences with ‘ssu’.
- The ‘Old Man at Station’ is a recurring descriptor for Akihiro.
- Ren and Itsuki are brothers who find farming ‘lame’
—
Character Insight:
Makoto demonstrates his maturity by avoiding ‘stealing the spotlight’ from the enthusiastic fathers and taking care of the younger children’s nutritional and emotional needs. Suu-chan shows a deep level of trust in Makoto by eating vegetables she usually hates.
—
Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The ‘marrying into the family’ joke is a common trope in rural Japanese settings where a family lacks a willing heir for a farm or business.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• 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.
• 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.’
• 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.
• 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.
• Shiho – Four‑year‑old Rose‑Class girl with a side‑up ponytail, 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 and often follows Suu‑chan to meet him. Daughter of a lawyer; Suu‑chan’s close friend and also fond of Makoto.
• 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.
• Mayumi – Mayumi Goto, an elegant, refined mother‑friend, often wears soft pastel dresses. She accompanies her daughters Hina and Shiho to swimming lessons and helps them change. Trusted by Mio‑san, close to Nanami and Akari, she serves as the central hub of the grade’s parent‑information network, balancing maternal care with warm friendships among other mothers, and is also close to the mother of the rumored boy Makoto.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Mom – A 30‑year‑old mother who recently switched jobs for more time with her son, Maa‑kun. She’s supportive, manages household shopping together with Mio‑san, and balances family life with her new career.
• 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.
• Aoi – An older girl with a short, boyish haircut in denim shorts and a T‑shirt, she anchors District 3’s relay team and is part of the Big Sister Squad, famed for her fierce competitive racing skills that constantly challenge teammates and earn their respect. She often visits or is visited by Makoto, treating him affectionately, which sparks Suu’s jealousy.
• 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.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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