Chapter 2: On the Path to Recovery

............

Oh, Captain. You were waiting for me?

How's Momo?

She's calmed down now. Nanao stayed to talk to her for a little longer.

I see.

Come on, Captain! You can't get depressed too!

I bet it's because we're all too busy. We need a break!

Oh, there's a new sweets shop I was curious about. Let's go there, Captain.

I hear they have really good candied red beans!

Wait, I never said a word about going!

Stop dragging me, Rangikuuuu!!!

Look, Captain. We're almost there.

Wow, it sure looks popular! There are so many people here.

Oh, it's Shuhei. You heard about this place too?

Yes, I thought I could feature this place in the next Seireitei Bulletin.

I thought you weren't much of a sweets guy, but it makes sense now.

Captain, can I get this reimbursed if we get something for the guys back at... Huh?

Teacakes, huh.

If you want to get something for Momo, I recommend the ones over there. They're really good, so it might cheer her up.

............

For Momo, huh? It'd be nice if we can get her to cheer up again.

Lately, she hasn't even been able to work on the illustrations for the Seireitei Bulletin.

She draws really well, so our readers enjoy it.

............

Okay, stop it! I don't want to see two grown men moping around like this!

No one's gonna get any better if everyone decides to go into depressed mode!

Well, I suppose you're right.

I don't want to force her to do anything, but we can't let her hole up and keep everything to herself. We need to help her, gently.

Then maybe we should get Momo to come out and go somewhere with us.

That could be an idea if there's somewhere nice we can take her to.

Shuhei, do you know of any good places?

Now that you mention it, I did hear of this one hidden scenic spot with beautiful cherry blossoms. I was planning to go check it out myself some time.

A cherry blossom viewing, huh? We can casually invite her out. Yeah, good idea. So, where is this hidden spot?

I, uh, still haven't researched it, so I kind of don't want to make it public yet.

What the hell?! You don't care if Momo stays like that?

That's not what I meant!

So what? Are you gonna tell us or not?!

I...I'll tell you.