Sakai's dates

It's been a long time since I had a break.

This is my first time going to a temple festival with a young one.

(Sakai looks impressed.) You have good manners.

It's good to take a break once in a while.

It's also my pleasure to spend the day with you, Leader.

You spend most of your time in Bloomsea. This is a chance for you to learn more about the culture of Eastern Capital.

Knowing more about each other helps to set the foundation of our future cooperation.

Also, you can talk casually with me without the honorifics.

Oh? I'm surprised.

Is it because of that girl from the Eastern Capital?

Saya, was it?

I hardly come out as I'm always busy with Tobunkai's affairs.

But I like temple festivals. It's heartening to see the people living in peace and harmony.

I'll give you a treat tonight.

If there's anything you want to eat or try your hand at, just tell me.

We can walk around first. Maybe you'll see something that catches your eye.

Hoho, most of the stalls here are unique to the Eastern Capital.

If you ask for my recommendation... Let's try goldfish scooping.

Boss, ten nets please.

Goldfish scooping looks easy, but it actually requires skill.

Here. (Sakai hands you a paper net.)

The paper net is very thin. Quick actions will cause it to tear. Try doing it slowly.

You're right to slow down, but soaking the net in the water for too long will cause it to break. Go for a slow-moving goldfish.

Looks like it's too difficult for a beginner after all.

Allow me to demonstrate using this last net.

This is how you do it.

Hm, the net has broken, but I have a big catch.

Hoho, you don't have to look so surprised. Once you grasp the technique, you can do this too.

Focus, be serious, pay attention to the details, and persevere. Do these and you can achieve anything.

Um, goldfish scooping and swordsmanship indeed have many similarities. I hope we'll have a chance to spar again.

Well...I did, but I didn't really have the chance to put it into practice.

It's getting late. I still have some affairs to take care of. Let's head back.

I enjoy talking to you. If it's alright with you, I hope you can tell me about your culture next time.

See you.

We meet again, young man.

Before we parted last time, I said I wanted to know more about your culture. I didn't know you would take it so seriously.

I like how you treat other people with sincerity.

Um, keep it up.

You'll benefit from it in the future.

Looks like you hold me in rather high regard.

I'm used to people telling me I'm too strict and unapproachable. You're the first young friend I have.

I'll leave today's schedule to you then.

Oh? Young people like to drink this kind of tea? (Sakai looks at the menu.)

It's very different from the teahouses I frequent.

Of course.

Sure, I'm curious about what young people like.

Hmm... I'll try this recommended Cheese Matcha Tea.

This tastes completely different from the matcha I usually drink.

They added milk and syrup, which are not found in traditional matcha. But the milk neutralizes the bitter taste of matcha, making it easier to drink.

Um, a refreshing taste, just a bit too sweet for me.

Oh? An activity specially chosen for me?

I'm looking forward to it.

Perhaps my job is more "exciting" than all these entertainments.

Hoho, I was only joking. Lead the way.

Dream Theaters... I see, so our next activity is watching a movie.

I once told the young people of Tobunkai to read more books, but I found out that they prefer to watch movies. Frankly, I'm not really interested in movies, but since we're here, I'll watch with you.

I've heard of 3D movies. So we have to wear a special pair of spectacles.

This is...

I must say, today's popular culture is an eye-opener for me.

I'm amazed by what the spectacles do. The people and objects seemed to be coming out from the screen.

This kind of visual impact is truly attractive. I'm starting to understand why young people like to watch movies.

It may not seem that way but I actually like to try new things. Just that I don't have many opportunities because of my identity.

Um, "enjoy" is the right word. It's exciting to experience new technology.

Maybe we can try more similar activities? If there are any.

This time the spectacles look more like protective goggles. I'm guessing the effects will surpass that of 3D movies.

I'll choose the katana as the weapon, of course. The mission is..."kill all enemies and challenge the boss in the depths of the maze." Okay, I'm ready.

Hah!

(Sakai takes off the VR goggles.) Hm? Why is there such a big crowd?

Hoho, unfortunately, I hardly have the time for games. A rest day like today is rare for me.

I'm impressed by this new technology. With some adjustment, this could be used in our daily training. We can simulate the Dream world and have our soldiers train in it.

Haha, I'm flattered. I was only using kendo techniques. An actual battle is much harder.

But this proves that reality and games have something in common. If we adapt to it and apply the techniques we've already learned, we can overcome any difficulties.

I've learned much today, thanks to your arrangement.

In my world, I seldom get the chance to experience the life of young people. Thank you.

Boss, a pot of genmaicha.

Yes. I feel thirsty after the long walk.

I didn't expect to find a traditional teahouse in this modern city.

It has the refreshing taste of green tea and the fragrance of roasted rice. I like it.

I wonder if it suits the taste of young people?

Try it.

Regarding what I'm troubled about...

Actually...

No, not that...

I was just thinking...

It's not a big problem.

But I have no idea where to start...

What should I buy for Maki's birthday?

You and Maki are both young people, and you two have been to battle together.

I thought you could offer me some advice.

This is...

Phoenix's shop? I saw their launch event.

Hm? This fortune ring...

I've seen this before. They introduced it at their launch event. They even encountered some problem during the livestream.

I heard from Kasumi afterwards that this product has a special function for Radiants.

Hmm... It's practical, but I'm not sure if Maki will like it.

Hahaha, I think I know why you're the leader. Your words are really assuring.

An expensive gift...

Alright, I think I know what I should get.

(Sakai says to the shopkeeper.) Please give me this limited edition fortune ring. Size 10.

Hoho, not to worry.

No, it's just right.

This is for you.

Don't be so surprised. Thanks to you, I remembered something Maki likes very much.

Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki. Maki has always loved this sword from a young age.

That sword is a priceless treasure handed down from our ancestors, so it has been kept in Tobunkai's storage all these years.

I think giving it to Maki would give meaning to its existence.

By the way.

Please keep this a secret.