Morning light filtered softly through the curtains as the gentle sizzle of eggs filled the kitchen. Nobita's mom stood by the stove, humming an old tune, her apron wrapped tightly around her waist. The scent of toasted bread and warm miso soup wafted through the house.
Satoshi sat at the dining table with a calm smile, watching her move efficiently through the kitchen. She was getting ready to leave for her part-time job at his house, and in many ways, she had become like a second guardian to him. "Breakfast is ready!" she called, placing the plates on the table.
After eating, she patted both boys on the head and said, "Don't cause trouble, alright? I'll be at Satoshi's house cleaning and helping your grandma. Be good."
"We will!" Nobita grinned.
"Of course," Satoshi added with a wink.
As she left, silence filled the house—briefly.
The next moment, the living room erupted in laughter. Nobita and Satoshi sprawled across the tatami mat, game controllers in hand, competing in an old-school ninja game. After that, they flipped through a stack of manga, arguing over the best superhero while sipping cold barley tea.
But then…
Thud!
A soft, peculiar sound came from the closet.
Both boys turned their heads.
Shuffle... rattle...
Then, as if reality bent slightly, a round, blue creature with a red nose and bell around his neck tumbled out from inside the closet, landing face-first on the tatami.
"W-what is that?!" Nobita screamed, pointing.
Satoshi narrowed his eyes. "That looks like…"
Before either could react further, the blue creature stood up, dusted himself off, and glared.
"Hmph! Is that how you welcome your savior? Honestly, you two look like you've seen a ghost."
"You're a blue… raccoon?" Nobita stammered.
"I AM NOT A RACCOON!" he shouted, fuming. "I'm Doraemon! A futuristic robotic cat from the 22nd century!"
Nobita blinked. "Why are you here?"
Doraemon crossed his arms and sighed. "I've been sent by your great-great-grandson, Sewashi. You, Nobita Nobi, have a disastrous future. Failed jobs, failed love life, debt, accidents... your life is one big mess!"
Nobita fell to his knees. "Whaaaat?!"
"But!" Doraemon brightened. "I've been sent here to fix it. To guide you, protect you, and make sure you don't mess everything up."
Satoshi watched silently, calculating everything. This is it… the moment I've been waiting for.
He stepped forward, putting on his best polite voice. "It's an honor to meet you, Doraemon-san. You're from the future, right? That must mean you know a lot about technology, inventions, and… the world to come."
Doraemon blinked at Satoshi. "Who's this smart kid?"
Nobita waved his hand. "That's my best friend Satoshi. He's staying nearby. His parents passed away, but he's super smart and strong. He even taught me how to focus during class!"
"Huh… impressive," Doraemon said, squinting. "You don't look like the usual troublemaker types."
Satoshi gave a small bow. "I'm just excited to learn."
Doraemon beamed. "Well, I've got plenty to teach. I have gadgets—thousands of them! Time machines, anywhere doors, memory bread, future forecasts…"
Satoshi's mind raced. If I play this right, I can use these tools to reshape the future. Not just Nobita's—but mine too. Quietly, of course.
"So," Doraemon said, hands on hips, "let's get started. Nobita, I'm going to keep you on track. And Satoshi, you're welcome to help… as long as you don't abuse my gadgets."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Satoshi replied with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Outside, the birds chirped. Inside, the world shifted—because that morning marked not just the arrival of a blue robotic cat, but the start of a new journey.
For Nobita, a better future.
For Satoshi… destiny.