"Hey, Asuna-san, long time no see. So glad to meet again," Nishida said.
"Nishida-san, I've been waiting! I'm thrilled too!" Asuna replied.
"How's your recovery?"
"Hachiman-kun's been helping a lot, so I'm doing great."
"Good, good."
"Yes!"
Today was the day Nishida, as promised, visited Asuna in the hospital. She'd been eagerly awaiting it since Hachiman told her about their reunion.
"I only know what the news said about that incident, but it was rough, huh?" Nishida said.
He meant the ALO fiasco caused by Sugou, who was now infamous, confessing bits of his crimes and facing public backlash.
"Yeah, it was tough… but Hachiman-kun and the others saved me!" Asuna said.
"You've got a great boyfriend. You're lucky," Nishida smiled.
"Very happy!" Asuna beamed.
"Uh, Nishida-san, you still fishing?" Hachiman asked, changing the subject, embarrassed.
"Yup. Rehab's done, got a job, so I'm thinking of starting again," Nishida replied.
"Oh, congrats on the job!" Asuna said.
"Thanks. I owe Yosino-san big for hiring an old guy like me."
"You're maintaining ALO's network, right?" Hachiman asked.
"Yeah. I couldn't finish my job in SAO, so this time, I'll do it right. Play ALO worry-free, you two."
"Will do!" Asuna nodded.
"Thanks, Nishida-san," Hachiman added.
They smiled happily at his words.
"By the way, Nishida-san, I have a question…" Asuna said.
"What's that? If I can answer, I will," Nishida replied.
"Can girls fish too? I want to try it here."
Nishida paused, thinking. "Hmm, I've seen women fish, so sure. Bait might be an issue, though."
"No problem! Once I'm stronger, let's all go fishing!" Asuna exclaimed.
"I'm fine with that…" Nishida glanced at Hachiman, unsure if Asuna could handle live bait.
"Asuna, you know fishing uses worms and stuff. You okay with that?" Hachiman asked.
"Yup! You'll handle the worms, maggots, lugworms, whatever, so I'm good!" Asuna said.
"Hey…" Hachiman muttered.
"Oh, I can do dough bait or steamed sweet potato myself!" she added.
Hachiman blinked, surprised. "You know a lot about this, Asuna."
"Ever since you told me about Nishida-san, I wanted to try fishing."
"Fishing, huh? Sounds fun," Hachiman said.
"Yeah! I think I can handle lures, but fly fishing seems tough. Just floating it's okay, but tapping the water? I can't picture it. Nishida-san, can I do it?"
Nishida stared, then burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Start with bait fishing. You'll pick it up fast, Asuna-san. Hachiman-kun can handle the bait, so no worries."
"I'll try hard! Catch and release! Oh, but I might want a fish print," Asuna said.
Hachiman, stunned by her enthusiasm, said, "You're really into this… When did you learn so much? You said you never fished."
"Oh, I read it in a manga," Asuna replied.
"What manga…?"
"Tsuri Kichi Sanpei! I read all of it digitally!"
Hachiman gaped. (All of it? That's a lot…)
"I love it too, but all at once? That's intense…" he said.
"I read the Heisei version too! Praise me, Hachiman-kun!"
"Fine, good job," he patted her head.
"When I heard they found kunimasu in Lake Saiko, I was so moved!"
"You researched that too…?" Hachiman said.
"Mufu~" Asuna puffed her chest proudly.
Hachiman chuckled, stopping her. "Alright, let's pause there."
"Aw, I have so much more to say…"
"You're hooked. I'll listen later."
"Okay!"
Nishida laughed at their banter. "You're super eager, Asuna-san. I'll plan with Hachiman-kun, but focus on recovering first. Sound good?"
"Yes! Please, Hachiman-kun too!" Asuna said.
"Sure, sure," Hachiman replied.
Nishida smiled. "You two look happy. I'm glad."
"We're very happy!" Asuna said.
"Yeah, I think so too," Hachiman agreed.
"You're like my grandkids," Nishida said warmly. "Oh, with Kirito-kun and Lisbeth-san, that's four."
Hachiman realized he hadn't mentioned Lisbeth. "Oh, Nishida-san, I forgot to say, Lisbeth was one of the hundred delayed in liberation, like Asuna. If you could visit her, she'd be thrilled."
Nishida looked shocked but nodded. "Of course. Where's her hospital?"
"Thanks," Hachiman said.
"Thank you! Lisbeth will be so happy!" Asuna added.
"It's at…" Hachiman gave the hospital details.
"That's on my way home. I might visit today if it works out," Nishida said.
"Ask for Rika Shinozaki's room," Hachiman advised.
"I'll check with Lisbeth now!" Asuna said, calling her.
"Hey, Lisbeth? Nishida-san's visiting me, and if it's okay, he could…" Asuna explained, giving a thumbs-up. It was fine.
"Kirito just emailed. He's with her," Hachiman said.
"Yup!" Asuna confirmed.
"Alright, I'll head over. I'll visit you two again," Nishida said.
"Anytime!" Asuna replied.
"Looking forward to fishing. See you!" Nishida said.
"See you, Nishida-san," Hachiman said.
"I'll keep up with rehab! Bye!" Asuna added.
After Nishida left, Asuna turned to Hachiman. "Nishida-san seems happy too. That's great."
"Yeah, he's doing well. Made me happy," Hachiman said.
"Fishing's gonna be fun!"
"Gotta get rods ready."
Asuna stuck out her tongue. "Oh, forgot about that."
"We'll ask Nishida-san about rod sizes later."
"You handle that, Hachiman-kun. Oh, and…"
"Hm?"
Asuna's face turned serious. "Do you think Takitarou's real?"
Hachiman sighed deeply. "You're really hooked…"
"Yup! I'm keeping you up tonight!"
"No way, not with that suggestive tone. I'll listen, but I'm going home."
Hachiman stayed until visiting hours ended, humoring Asuna. At home, after dinner and a bath, Kirito called.
"Hey, Kirito, you see Nishida-san?" Hachiman asked.
"Yeah, Lisbeth was thrilled."
"Good."
"But after that…"
Hachiman caught Kirito's serious tone. "Something up?"
"Lisbeth…"
"What about her?"
"She wants to fish too! And says I have to put the bait on!"
Hachiman chuckled. "Same as Asuna. I'm handling hers."
"I'm bad with bugs!" Kirito groaned.
"Get used to it."
"She also said Asuna told her to read all of Tsuri Kichi Sanpei!"
"It's good. Read it."
"Seriously…?"
"That's it? I'm sleeping."
"Wait—!"
Hachiman cut the call, lay down, and drifted off.
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