Fate Intertwines the Antlers and the Fangs

(Ugh, my face is all over it. There weren’t a lotta people at the ceremony, so I bet nobody reads the newsletter, but I gotta get rid of these pics soon…)

Heyyo, thanks for letting me move in.

…! Ten! W-Welcome to the House.

Ah, haven’t seen you in a few days, Renga-san. Didja get home safe?

Y-Yeah. Sorry, I didn’t mean to get so drunk. We’re gonna be roommates here!

For real? Nice, scored a room with my role model.

Role model…!

*cough* You don’t need to be so formal. We’re fr-fr…

Hm? Can I call you my friend? That’d be awesome.

…!!

W-Well! If it helps with my research on the commoner life, I don’t mind being your…uh, fr… Being friends…

(This guy’s even more gullible than that weird chick…)

I’ll do you the favor of leading you to our room!!

Sweet, thanks. You’re a good friend, Renga-san.

Looks like everyone’s here. Alright, let’s start our first official meeting as the Morning Team!

(We’ve made it so far in no time at all… Kafka’s amazing.)

I was looking through the documents… So we’re basically going to be planning a tour package that lets visitors fully explore each region?

That’s the gist of it. We’ll be making one first as the Morning Team. The Noon Team will be next, followed by Evening, and then Night.

I’m sure you all saw it in the documents, but the biggest selling point of our tour packages will be the personalized hospitality provided by each team’s mayors. Each package will have a concept decided on by the team leader.

(He makes it sound easy, but it comes with a lot. The tour package would essentially become a representation of the leader’s personality.)

…Even if other aspects of tourism can be copied from one place to another, nobody can replicate human personalities. I assume that’s the foundation of the project.

You pick things up fast, Liguang. ♪

It was written in the documents for our first meeting. You said that what people are looking for isn’t technology.

And the exact opposite of machinery is humanity.

Huh…?? Huh…??

Huh…?? Huh…??

(I don’t think Renga-kun and Yachiyo-kun are following…)

But before we decide on the tour concept, there’s something I’d like to do.

I want us to go on a study trip to strengthen our bonds and do some field research on how tourism works. Every team will be going on these excursions.

I’ll need each team’s conductor and our chief to participate as well. Yachiyo, that means you, since you’re the Morning Team’s conductor.

Ah, ahyeas! Have to write that down… Study trip… Participate… Yachiyo, that means you…

We don’t got time for that! We should just figure out what to do for the tour packages!

If we do that, our tours will be limited in scope. The study trips will help us understand what people want, and they’ll boost our teamwork as well.

Is this all it takes for you to give up, Renga?

…Urk…

Come on, Renga-san. It’ll be fun. I haven’t been on a trip with friends since high school.

…!

Uh… Well, if you want to…

(…Huh? Renga-kun caved in. I guess they became friends after having drinks together the other day.)

Where will we be going?

KOBE. ♪

…Is that because you’re using KOBE as a benchmark?

Precisely. We have a lot in common with them, and they’re our biggest rival. I want us to adopt what makes them so good.

That makes sense. I’ve taken inspiration from one of their skaters who has a similar style to mine. Impressive, Kafka. Your way of thinking is nice and flexible, just like the chief’s.

Can you say something that makes sense…?

With that being said, Yachiyo, I’d like for you to arrange our scheduling, accommodations, and transportation.

Wah…! Y-You want me to do all of that?!

Who else would it be? That’s what I hired you for.

B-But I don’t know how to do any of that…! Did I write it down somewhere…? Hawawawa…

Yachiyo-kun, it’s okay. I’ll be there to help.

I also want us to choose a team leader before we leave. Deciding on a tour concept is an important job. I can’t do it, since I already have my plate full with overseeing everyone as Ward 0 mayor.

Any volunteers?

…I’d like to, but I’m not sure if I can make time between practice. I’ll offer as much support as I can to make up for it.

I’m still new ‘round here, so I don’t think I can do as much stuff as you guys.

So it comes down to Renga-kun and Liguang-san…?

Liguang was in the student council in high school.

Oh, I forgot. You went to Hama Asunaro High School with Liguang-san and Renga-kun, right, Yuki-nii?

Really? That’s the best school in HAMA. You guys must be smart.

Not necessarily. I was admitted through a student athlete recommendation.

Asu High was big on clubs, right? I heard the sports teams and art clubs did all sorts of crazy stuff.

That’s true. As a result, a lot of big names from different fields have graduated from there. Their alumni include everything from CEOs to politicians to popular musicians.

Liguang is also working here while inheriting his family business. I think he’d make a good leader.

……

(Hm? Renga-kun looks like he has something to say…)

…leader…team.

Hm? What’s wrong, Renga?

…If I can’t be the leader, I’m leaving the Morning Team.

…! R-Renga-kun…

I’ll be the leader! I can do a way better job than that mophead…!

*sigh* This again. You obstinate child…

We’re the same age, douchebag!

Do what you want. I have no interest in becoming the leader. I’ll do what I have to and abandon ship if it sinks. That’s the only thing I promised Oguro.

Ah, dammit, hold up, Liguang!

Renga, aren’t you acting a little childish?

…But…!

I… I just…

It’s fine, I was going to pick between the two of you anyway. If you’re volunteering, we can just go with that.

Alright, that’s all I wanted to talk about.

I’m glad you were able to become leader, Renga. But make sure you find the time to apologize to Liguang.

……

I’ll head out first. I need to go to practice.

……

Awawah… Th-This is so awkward…

Guess Liguang-san woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I’m sure you’ll do a good job, Leader.

…!

Huh, w-why…?

I mean, you’re staying on top of all your celebrity stuff. If you can make it in an industry like that, you can make it anywhere.

…You’re not against it…?

We had drinks together, so we’re friends, right? Friends cheer each other on.

…!

(Wow… Renga-kun looks kinda touched…)

(It’d be better if he didn’t get into fights with Liguang-san, but I’m happy that he was able to become friends with Ten-kun…)

(Hmm, I’m a little worried, but…if Renga-kun really wants to be the leader, then I’ll do my best to support him!)

How far along are you?

Just gotta push a little bit more. He’s the most gullible guy I’ve ever met. Why’d you even make me do this?

He’d prolly even tell you eventually.

…I made the wrong first move.

And I’d rather not get involved in that manner. Just talking to him is unpleasant enough.

Nishizono Renga… He must be connected to him. Figure it out.

You mean Kiba, right?

Who is he to you? Are you two destined lovers or something?

I don’t recall interrogating me being part of your job.

Ahaha, I was just kidding. It’s not like I care anyway.

Alright, I’ll try and bring you some good news next time.

Destiny… In a way, he’s right.

(No, it’s something much deeper. You might even call it fate… Kiba⁠—)

I will find you…