Volume 4 Chapter 65 If You Want to Shoot the General
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Is this nervousness, or is it just pure excitement? With trembling legs, I climbed the apartment stairs and pressed the buzzer with a shaking hand.
(Phew…) I could hear someone moving around inside.
I’d never felt this kind of heart-pounding tension before—not during job training, not during the hunt for a career, and certainly not at work.
The wait felt like an eternity.
(Wait, isn’t this taking way too long? I definitely rang the bell, right? Did she forget I was coming? Or is Akari-san just pretending not to be home because she doesn’t want me near Maa-kun?)
Just as I was debating whether to ring the bell a second time, a voice questioned me from behind the door.
”…Who is it, please?”
”It’s Misato!”
”Oh, in that case, we’re fine.”
”Hey! Wait! Akari-san!? The star of the show has arrived! This isn’t the part where you turn people away!”
You’ve got to be kidding me! How many months do you think I’ve spent pining for this day? I’ve finally come within arm’s reach of Maa-kun… if I get turned away now, the shock might actually drive me to do something drastic!
”…You’re early,” said Akari.
As I pounded on the door, the lock finally clicked open with a metallic snap. For a split second, I honestly thought she’d double-locked it just to spite me.
”…Akari-san, your jokes don’t sound like jokes! They’re terrible for my heart!”
”That’s because I’m mostly serious,” she replied.
”No way!?”
(I really wish she’d keep it at ‘half-serious’ at most!)
”If only you showed up to work this early…”
”There’s no way Maa-kun and work are even on the same level,” I shot back.
”…When you say it like that, Misato, it’s actually kind of irritating,” said Akari.
”How could you!? I thought we were kindred spirits! I thought you’d understand!”
I declared this with total confidence, but Akari-san only gave me a cold look. Well, whatever. She’s a total tsundere¹, after all. I get it. It’s because we’re so close that she has to act all prickly.
”Anyway… what are you wearing? You look… way too different,” she noted.
”A lady must always be mindful of her grooming when meeting someone important. It’s the bare minimum of etiquette,” I replied.
At our company, the dress code is basically “wear whatever.” Usually, I’m all about comfort—streetwear, oversized hoodies, and baggy T-shirts.
Today, however, I’d gone for the total opposite: a look that screamed ‘Sophisticated Adult Woman,’ but with just enough of an ‘opening’ to seem approachable.
Basically, I’d taken Akari-san’s recent office style and made it a bit more casual. Akari-san used to wear nothing but suits, but lately, her style had been mellowing out too.
”Who exactly are you trying to impress?” Akari asked.
”Maa-kun, obviously,” I said.
”…”
(Look, a five-year-old boy might not give a damn about fashion, but if he looks back on this day years from now and remembers me looking like a total scrub… I’d literally die of embarrassment.)
”Akari-san, are you going to let me in or what? You aren’t actually planning to kick me out, are you? I’m not moving a single inch from this spot until I’ve bonded with Maa-kun!”
I came here for him, not to trade office gossip with a coworker.
”Come on, Maa-kun is probably lonely because you’ve been gone so long, right?”
”…Fine. Just get in here,” said Akari.
”Then, if you’ll excuse me!” I chirped.
(I knew it. Maa-kun is her ultimate literal and figurative weak point.)
”Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask… what’s with the voice? It’s weird,” she said.
”…You really think so?” I asked.
(I was trying to play the part of a refined, elegant woman, but maybe I overshot it…)
I was finally allowed inside. I followed Akari-san down the short hallway.
”Go wash your hands,” she commanded.
”Ah, right!”
Before stepping into the living room, I made sure to scrub my hands and gargle at the sink. I couldn’t risk letting a single germ or ‘bug’ get anywhere near Maa-kun. This was it. The moment of truth. Beyond that door lay my personal paradise.
(Phew… this has to be the most important showdown of my entire life.)
I knew Maa-kun, but he didn’t know me. This was our first real meeting. They say first impressions are decided in the first five seconds.
(First impressions are everything!) I hyped myself up.
My trembling had finally stopped, probably thanks to the bickering with Akari-san. (Akari-san… thank you for looking out for me!!)
(Phew… Timing? Good. Appearance? Good. Posture? Good. Hygiene? Perfect. Now, the greeting!)
I ran a final mental check and finally, the door opened. I needed to nail the first line. Something safe. It wasn’t about scoring points yet; it was about not fumbling the start.
I’d considered going for something high-impact and funny since he’s a kid, but our ‘pre-meeting’ had decided that a standard approach was best for someone like Maa-kun.
”Sorry for the intru—”
My voice caught. It wasn’t nerves. It wasn’t excitement. It was something I hadn’t factored into my simulations at all. Maa-kun was definitely there.
The boy I’d seen in countless photos and videos was right in front of me. But he was sitting in perfect seiza².
His back was as straight as a pin, a literal textbook example of formal sitting. He looked like a samurai preparing for his final moments.
If it were just that, I would have been fine. I knew he was a polite kid. I could have handled him being extra formal to a stranger.
But the blindfold… that was a curveball. Suzuki-chan was practically glued to his back, her tiny hands firmly clamped over Maa-kun’s eyes. His expression was totally hidden, but the ‘confused’ energy radiating off him was palpable.
(He’s already exceeding my wildest delusions! As expected of Maa-kun!)
But… uh, what now? I should probably greet the other adults first.
”Ah, excuse me for dropping in… uh, Totsuka-san,” I said.
”…Welcome,” said Totsuka.
I wasn’t used to calling him that, so it felt a bit clunky. He gave a similarly awkward reply, but we both knew there was no point in dwelling on it.
”Well, make yourself at home,” he added.
”Thank you, I will,” I replied with a light, refined smile.
To anyone who knew the real me, I probably looked like I was wearing a thick ‘good girl’ mask. But hey, if this was the man who managed to sweep our ‘Princess’ off her feet, surely he wouldn’t call out a lady for her performance!
”Mio-senpai, it’s been way too long! I’ve missed you!” I cried.
”Hey there, junior! Long time no see. How long has it been since we met in person?” asked Mio.
”Was it the year-end party the year you quit?”
”So nearly five years? Wow, time flies,” said Mio.
”You’re as beautiful as ever, senpai… honestly, you’ve become even more… radiant… more seductive, even…”
”You think so? Thanks. I guess having such a wonderful husband helps,” Mio said with a grin.
”…Seriously, Totsuka-san is a lucky man,” I muttered.
According to Akari-san, Mio-senpai was a total homebody, which is why I never saw her. Seeing her now, though, it felt like her sexiness had been motherhood-polished to a mirror shine. But I wasn’t here for her! I gave a quick greeting to the two babies playing with Totsuka-san and finally turned toward my real target.
”Hello there! Sorry for barging in,” I said.
I dropped to my knees to match the little girl’s eye level, offering a gentle smile. I knew exactly who she was. You can’t be a fan of Maa-kun without knowing about Suzuki-chan. Even without the videos from Akari-san, she was Mio-senpai’s daughter, and her father worked with us.
I knew how inseparable they were. I’d spent many nights crying into my pillow while watching videos of them playing together like kittens, wishing I could be part of it.
”Suu-chan, Suu-chan… I have to greet the guest too, so maybe you could move your hands…?” Maa-kun asked.
”Hmph…” Suzuki-chan grunted.
Even while being blindfolded, Maa-kun was trying to be polite. Suzuki-chan looked torn. She actually looked toward Akari-san for help.
”It’s fine, Suu-chan. You can leave them right there,” said Akari.
”Okay.”
””Wait, what!?””
(Wait, what the hell is she doing!?)
The doubt vanished from Suzuki-chan’s face instantly. (Are you really that determined to keep Maa-kun from even looking at me!? I worked so hard on this outfit! I nailed the TPO³!) As I was panicking, Maa-kun actually spoke up.
”Um… nice to meet you. I’m Yashiro Makoto. Thank you for… always being a good friend to my Mom,” said Makoto.
”L-likewise! Your mother and I are very close… oh, and I’m Takanashi Misato,” I stuttered.
”…I look forward to getting to know you,” he said.
”Y-you too…”
Maa-kun gave a little bow—still totally blindfolded—and I reflexively bowed back.
”…”
”…”
The conversation died right there. I’d simulated this day a thousand times, but ‘How to bond with a blindfolded, confused five-year-old’ wasn’t in any of the scripts. I’d imagined I would be the one blindfolding him once we got closer, but this was a disaster.
(Calm down, Misato. Let’s assess the situation.)
”So, what are you two playing?” I asked.
”…Not playing. Protecting,” said Suzuki-chan.
”Is that so? Is that something I could help with?”
”…No. Impossible,” she replied.
”Aw, that’s a shame…”
”……”
(Damn it… what does she mean ‘protecting’? Is she protecting him from me? Is this Akari-san’s doing!?)
Fine. If that’s how it is, I’ll just have to get serious. If you want to shoot the general, you first shoot the horse…
”You know, Suzuki-chan, I heard that you really, really love Makoto-kun,” I said.
”…Yeah. I love Maa-kun the most,” she said.
”I figured! So, tell me… what do you like most about him?”
”…Everything,” she replied.
”Everything, huh? Maa-kun really is a wonderful boy, isn’t he?”
”…Mhm!” she nodded firmly.
(Okay, she’s way more responsive when the topic is Maa-kun!)
”How is Makoto-kun different from the other boys at school?” I asked.
”…When I’m with Maa-kun, it feels all warm and fuzzy,” she said.
”Warm and fuzzy? Like a happy kind of warm?”
”Mhm, exactly!” she chirped.
”What’s your favorite thing to do with him that makes you feel that way?”
”…Mm… hmm… it’s a secret,” she said.
”Aw, come on! Tell me!”
”No. A lady shouldn’t flirt in public,” she stated.
”I see. You’re trying to be a proper lady, aren’t you, Suu-chan?”
”Mhm.”
(Yep, called it. Doesn’t matter the age—girls love talking about their crushes.)
”…I’m so jealous of you, Maa-kun. Being loved by such a cute girl. You’re one lucky guy,” I said.
”I’m… a lucky guy?” he asked.
”You definitely are,” I assured him.
Maa-kun was still blindfolded, so I couldn’t see his face, but his voice didn’t waver. He didn’t get flustered; he just stated it clearly.
”Do you love Suzuki-chan too, Makoto-kun?” I asked.
”Of course I do,” he replied.
”…Ehehe. I’m a lucky girl too,” Suzuki-chan giggled.
She nuzzled into the back of his neck, looking absolutely blissful. (Stop! It’s too cute! I can’t take it!)
”You guys really are a perfect match. A total lovey-dovey couple!” I said.
”Mhm! Lovey-dovey♪… Ehehe,” she chirped.
(SHE STILL WON’T LET GO—!?)
She was squirming with happiness, but her hands were still locked over his eyes. What now…? I have to push even further!
”So… have you guys already promised to get married?” I asked.
”Mhm. We’re engaged,” she said.
”No way! Really!?”
”Mhm♪”
”Well, I definitely want to celebrate with you guys. You have to invite me to the wedding, okay?”
”Okay. You can come,” she agreed.
”Yay! Thank you! It’s a promise, right?”
”Mhm. Promise,” she said.
”Then let’s do a pinky swear. Do you know how?”
”Mhm. I know,” she said.
She reached out her tiny hand to meet my pinky finger.
(Oh my god…! The actual, physical Maa-kun!!)
And that was it. My fated encounter… finally happened.
—
Summary:
Misato finally arrives at Akari’s apartment to meet Makoto (Maa-kun) after months of anticipation. Upon entering, she finds Makoto sitting in formal seiza while being blindfolded by Suzuki-chan, who claims she is ‘protecting’ him. Misato begins a psychological play by discussing Suzuki-chan’s love for Makoto to lower the girl’s guard and secure an invitation to their future wedding.
—
Trivia:
- Misato’s usual fashion is street-style, making this ‘elegant’ look a major deviation.
- Mio and Misato haven’t met in person for nearly five years since Mio left the company.
- Suzuki-chan uses the speech tic ‘ssu’ which is characteristic of her toddler dialect.
- Akari is actively helping Suzuki-chan gatekeep Misato from Makoto’s sight.
- Misato’s internal goal was to be the one to blindfold Makoto eventually, highlighting her eccentric nature
—
Character Insight:
Misato demonstrates a high level of social adaptability, shifting from her eccentric internal monologue to a ‘refined lady’ facade to impress Makoto’s family. Meanwhile, Suzuki-chan shows an early-onset possessiveness and understanding of social roles (like being a ‘lady’).
—
Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The title ‘If You Want to Shoot the General’ is half of a Japanese proverb that ends with ‘first shoot his horse,’ implying Misato is targeting Suzuki-chan to get to Makoto.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• 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.’
• Akari – Light, 28, single mother of Makoto and newborn Maa‑kun, has long dark‑brown hair, subtle makeup and a poised, observant look that mirrors Maa‑kun’s eyes, nose and brows. Estranged from her own parents, she’s loving yet strict, works full‑time IT, lives beside friend Mio, mentors Suzuki with candid photos and navigates parent circles with bank‑service finesse. Outwardly shy, secret shogi player, mischievous, now more ready for Sports Day after switching to casual work attire. Calm, modest, kind, supportive, affectionate, she teases Makoto and acts as guardian monitoring Misato’s behavior, described as tsundere by her.
• Misato – Takanashi Misato, 28, works among the ‘Single Aristocrats.’ Usually in street‑style hoodies, she now wears an elegant adult outfit for her first meeting with the boy she admires. A former manga‑artist hopeful, she obsessively watches young boys (shota) but hides it behind a harmless façade, quietly observing the protagonist’s birthday story and sharing a hidden longing.
• Suzuki – Suu-chan, the five-year-old eldest Totsuka daughter and Mio’s child, is a doll-like girl with dark braided pigtails, a topknot, sleepy sparkling eyes, and pink rain boots, fiercely possessive of Maa-kun—whom she calls her “Official Wife” candidate—often clutching his arm or covering his eyes to “protect” him. Clutching a pink candy tin, she’s stoic, tomboyish, and shy with strangers, yet deeply devoted to her sisters. The only child who can replicate the tunnel somersault, she races with Maa-kun, interprets results as next-year class placement, and craves physical “recharge” through their runs. Jealous of Jun and a member of the Sheep Group, she somersaulted with him to win his heat.
• Totsuka – Totsuka Mio is the wife of Mitsuhisa Totsuka, a coworker of the protagonist, and mother of Suu-chan; she’s a hardcore gamer from the neighboring family who regularly supplies hand-me-down consoles to the protagonist’s household. Mio attends parent-teacher conferences, concerned about her daughter’s growing attachment to Makoto, while Mitsuhisa, though polite, appears slightly awkward during house visits, reflecting the family’s quiet, tech-saturated dynamic.
• Mio – Mio-senpai, a refined postpartum woman with a baby-faced charm and G-cup silhouette, now stylishly dressed in gray, is wife to Mitsuhisa, mother to Suzuki, twins Fuuka and Kyouka, and an older kindergarten child, and former senior to Misato—who describes her as a homebody with an increasingly seductive aura. Once a Totsuka council chair, she quietly mentors Maa-kun in UV hair-drying, bakes with her kids, confides in neighbor Akari, and teases them on film, while publicly sharing affectionate grill-side moments with Mitsuhisa. Disliking crowds, she maintains a warm, intimate home life, admired by Misato for her creative grace and serene presence since leaving the company five years ago.
• 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.
• 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.
• Makoto – Four‑year‑old Rose‑class boy, 93 cm, 13 kg, white shirt, blue vest and cap—actually a 30‑year‑old salaryman reborn as the kindergarten’s “Boss”. Calm, logical, mediates fights, hands out hand‑cream, protects Suu‑chan, runs Jun, earns respect. Nicknamed Maa‑kun, mistaken for Akari’s son, uses coin tricks and adult wisdom; Suzuki‑chan’s affection, teased by Mitsuhisa, his hidden ace is a transmigrated mind and preternatural coordination. Often blindfolded yet sits perfectly in seiza.
• 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.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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