KOBE Mayor Encounter!

(It’s our last day here… All we have to do is get some souvenirs. I hope everyone got something out of this trip.)

(This was our first study trip as a company… We still have a lot to learn. But I hope it was a success in some ways, at least.)

Since it’s our last day, I want to see everyone participate.

Y-Yesshir! I’ll do my best, Mr. President.

O-Okay, everyone!! We’re here to buy souvenirs today! After we’re all done, let’s meet at the camper van…!

*pant, pant…* I-I said it.

I’m not going to praise you for that.

D-D’oohhhh!! Of course, I’m pathetic… I should even be thankful for any insults you give me…!

(Kafka… I know you want to give Yachiyo work to do, but I don’t think a single trip is enough to see him grow. But we still have lots of time ahead of us…!)

M’kay, we should look around for places to shop, Renga-san.

Ah, yeah. Let’s go…

I wanna buy something for my father and our butler…

(I thought he was feeling down again when he wanted to walk around alone last night, but…it looks like he’s doing better today.)

Ah… Chief.

Do you need something, Renga-kun?

Um, good morning. Also…about yesterday… Th-Tha⁠— Th…

……

That’s…! That’s a really big ant down there…!

Huh?! Uh, yeah, you’re right.

Th-Th… The ant! It’s black…

(I guess he can’t bring himself to say “thank you”… But he weirdly reminds me of…)

(A little puppy…)

Oh, I wanted to ask. Did you figure things out after your walk yesterday?

Huh? Ah, yeah! Mm.

I thought that maybe I’d try finding a way to do things that’s more my style.

I see! I’ll be with you all the way!

(Renga-kun’s so much more honest with his feelings than before… Maybe this is who he really is.)

Hoooowdy! ♪⁠♪

Ugh… Why are you here…?

‘Cuz I know everythin’ that goes on ’round this city.

Lemme see…

W-What do you want…?

Mhm, I got it now. Good for you!

H-Huh?

You’re lookin’ better today. Glad t’ know that KOBE left ya with a smile on your face.

And g’mornin’ to y’all too!

G’mornin’, Koharu. I’m surprised you knew we were here.

……

(I kinda don’t like this guy…)

So what do you want this time?

Oh, I brought y’all some visitors.

Hmph… I came here at Koharu’s request, but I didn’t expect to meet you sad sacks again.

Um, good morning. I’m so sorry for the bother while you’re out shopping.

Hyoih, it’s the scary girl from the other day…

Hey, it’s the hot guy mayor we met on our first day.

Minamo, be my chair. I’m tired of standing.

Huh…? I don’t think this is the best place for that…!

Not in front of our guests, Kotonojo.

Why are they here?

Kotonojo said some real nasty things to y’all, right? Thought y’all’d like an apology.

I see no reason why I should give them one.

Kotonojo, y’know you can’t be runnin’ your mouth like that. If ya wanna say somethin’ mean, keep it fair ‘n’ square. It jus’ ain’t pretty otherwise.

Hmph…

If you wanna keep bein’ ugly, be my guest.

…Hm.

Kotonojo, you should apologize.

I don’t take orders from chairs.

Khaha! Sorry ‘bout that, y’all. Kotonojo’s still one a’ my best buds, believe it or not.

(So she’s not gonna apologize after all…)

Um, I wanted to thank all of you for the other day…

Oh, it’s Minamo! Good morning, Minamo!

Oh, my god, isn’t that Koharu and Kotonojo too? No way!

Ah, it’s Nishizono Renga and Kamina Yukikaze! I met them the other day! ♪ Over here, everyone!

Liguang and Kafka are with them too… I just got to know them a few days ago!

A-Ahh… Not this again…

Okay, everyone. Let’s show them what HAMA’s all about. Consider this as a practice session!

(Renga-kun flew off the handle the last time this happened… Will we be okay?)

……

Done having your fill of KOBE already? I’ll give you the privilege of creating memories with THE Nishizono Renga!

Come see us in HAMA next time, okay? Promise? ♪

Come watch me skate when you have the time.

If you’re in the area and want recommendations for Chinese restaurants, I can show you.

Come to HAMA if you wanna have a fun time with me.

(They’re all promoting HAMA this time while still keeping the guests happy and engaged!)

(But what about Renga-kun…?)

We’re thinking of remodeling the Landmark Tower in Ward 3. Would you like to come visit?

If you want us to, we could think about it for our next trip…

R-Really?! I do, I want you to!

Huh?! You’re nicer in real life than you are on TV! If you really want us to, then maybe we will.

Renga, can you say the thing? Your catchphrase!

Yeah…

“All that matters to me…is the real deal.”

Well, since he’s treating us so well, now we have to go! We’ll stop by when the remodeling is done!

…! I’ll be waiting for you!

…Renga’s changed. When we first got here, he kept talking about how he didn’t want to “pamper” anyone.

Yeah… I remember that.

(He’s gotten much more positive since he heard Reika-san’s true feelings. Maybe I was overstepping, but I’m kinda glad I did…)

Everyone’s shining more brightly than usual… This feeling in my chest… Could it be…?

(Hm? I wonder what Yachiyo-kun’s talking about over there…)

Um, thank you so much for the help again. You’re all very good at providing hospitality.

Minamo, don’t just throw out compliments without thinking. You’ll leave yourself vulnerable.

Sometimes that’s jus’ what the doctor ordered if ya wanna make a profit, Kotonojo.

But anyway, thanks, y’all! They ain’t here today, but we got other ward mayors in this city. I’d love for y’all to meet ‘em next time.

“Next time”…? You’re expecting to see us here again?

Y’all made some nice mem’ries here, right? Consider KOBE your home away from home.

Everybody’s welcome here. Come back whenever!

…!

Thanks for the offer, but I think the next time we meet will be in HAMA. We’ll be the ones teaching you when that time comes.

Oh, rearin’ an’ ready to go, ain’tcha! I like that ‘bout you. I’ll be lookin’ for some fun over there, so I’m expectin’ a lot.

I’m bored as all get out facin’ against these other cities who ain’t even worth the challenge. ♪

But KOBE ain’t gonna stop here. We’re gonna keep on growin’.

Well, growing is something anyone can do. Don’t worry about HAMA. We’ll keep evolving over here.

Khaha! I get you, I get you! Lookin’ forward to our li’l rivalry this year!

Yes, of course. Likewise. ♪

(Koharu-san’s really coming for Kafka’s throat… But I guess he is the person who brought all of traffic to KOBE.)

(He may be pushy, but he has a bright energy that makes him hard to hate. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why so many people like KOBE…)

…Hey, Liguang.

……

Your little pawn will be in my hands soon enough.

Ah… If you mean that, it was never mine to begin with.

Renga-san, look. Minamo-san gave us a bunch of souvenirs as thanks.

Oh, ah… Is this KOBE-exclusive ink? Our butler would love this. Th-Th-Th… Tha…

I appreciate it!

I’m so glad you like them.

(Wow… He still can’t say “thank you,” but he can at least feel thankful… I’m getting kind of emotional…)

(A lot has happened, but I think everyone learned something in the end. Our trip was a success…!)