Chapter 3: Perfect Shaved Ice?

How many times do I have to tell you? The syrup for shaved ice has to be soda flavored!

And I'm saying it has to be strawberry! You're such a stubborn old lady!

What did you say?! You selfish little brat!

You're just jealous of me because I'm younger and cuter than you! It's pitiful. Hmph!

You little...! Don't think you're gonna get away with this!

Will you two stop it already? We can hear you all the way out in the hallway.

Hey, Captain! You would prefer soda flavor too, right? It's the same color as Hyorinmaru!

You're still arguing over that? I don't care about the flavor. Just hurry up and choose so that we can start getting ready.

We're having trouble trying to decide. That's why I asked you.

Then why don't you two try both of them and pick whichever one tastes better?

Ooh, that's a good idea. Let's do that!

Then, can I get some ice, Captain?

That's not how you should be treating your captain! Go get ice the normal way.

Aww, that's no fun. Fine, I'll go ask Hyorinmaru.

He's out.

What? Where'd he go?

Squad 7 and Squad 11 requested his assistance for their festival preparations.

Seriously, though. Everyone needs to stop using us.

But Captain, we need to start preparing too!

I told you not to rely on us from the very beginning! It's better to get normal ice if you're gonna be serving it anyway.

Fine, then! I'll go buy it myself right now! Let's go, Haineko!

That was so rude. What kind of shop tells a dainty girl to carry all that ice back home herself?

Let it go already. We were able to convince him to deliver it to the barracks.

The syrup is probably gonna be heavy too. Let's buy it somewhere that will deliver.

I'll carry it if you agree to make it strawberry.

I already told you, it's gonna be soda!

Just give it up already! Strawberry's better!

Um, hey, you two... What are you arguing about in the middle of the street?

Oh, Momo. What are you doing here? Buying stuff for the festival too, I take it?

Yes, we split up roles between our squad members and I'm in charge of buying the stuff.

What's Squad 5 doing?

We'll have handmade cookies.

Oh... Uh, yeah, that's nice.

Cookies? But that has nothing to do with a summer festival.

What's wrong with cookies? Momo's cookies taste very delicious.

The taste is good, yes...

Even if it is good, it doesn't have a summer feel to it. Wouldn't you say shaved ice is the best treat?

It wouldn't be as fun if we doubled up on the same type of booth. This is why I hate talking to stupid people.

Woah, wait a minute. You didn't have to go that far.

I simply stated the truth. Not to mention, you were the one who criticized what we were doing first.

All I did was give you advice. We're having a summer festival, so you might as well make it fit the theme.

And that's why I'm saying you're criticizing us!

Stop it, you two! This isn't the time or place for fighting.

She's right. It's embarrassing.

So, what were you two arguing about earlier?

Well, you see, we decided on setting up a shaved ice booth.

I said that we should have soda flavor shaved ice, but Haineko's being really selfish and says it has to be strawberry.

The Captain told us to taste test both of them and choose whichever's better. What do you think, Momo?

Hmm. Then why don't you serve different flavors?

Hmm... I guess that's an option.

We're home.

That took a while. So, have you decided on which flavor you want?

Yup! I took Momo's advice and decided to have multiple flavors.

Momo?

So we'll have both soda and strawberry. We also ordered melon and lemon and...

...a bunch of other flavors too. I'll give you the receipts later!

Hey, Rangiku. Let's go look for more flavors.

Good idea! Whew, we're so busy-busy!

Oh boy...