join p atreon.com/KeyofStars and become a Sequence 9: Reader for hundreds of additional chapters and over a dozen stories
After yesterday's rain, the sky cleared, the sun shone brightly, and the air was fresh.
The entire Chiba seemed to have been cleansed, exuding an aura of settling dust and renewal.
During this time, which would have kept most people lounging at home, Kisaragi Rin and Kanroji Mitsuri were enjoying a leisurely time at a dessert shop in a mall.
After asking Busujima Saeko and Shizuka Marikawa to buy the missing items for the apartment, Kisaragi Rin brought Kanroji Mitsuri here.
Kisaragi Rin sat on the other side, reading the free manga in the shop, occasionally signaling the waiter for another dessert.
Kanroji Mitsuri was currently focused on savoring a chocolate crepe cake, so happy that her eyes were narrowed.
When she ate, her face appeared much rounder, adding a few more touches of cuteness.
Especially since Kanroji Mitsuri had also picked out new clothes at the mall; her long stockings gave a constricted feel, and the buttons on her white shirt looked like they could give way at any moment.
Speaking of which, Kanroji Mitsuri, like Shizuka Marikawa, was the type with ample flesh.
"Are there any fun places to visit in Chiba?"
Kisaragi Rin typed and sent to Hachiman Hikigaya.
As is well known, photos and descriptions of scenic spots on mobile phones are often somewhat inconsistent with reality.
The 'sea and sky as one' might not refer to the azure extending from the sea to the horizon, but rather to the weather and the sea being equally gloomy.
Kisaragi Rin had indeed not gone out much in Chiba during his two years there, mostly staying active near the school.
To prevent encountering any boring places, he still had to ask a local who had been there.
Soon, Hachiman Hikigaya replied to the message.
"For popular attractions, Chiba Zoo and Ocean World are good choices. For something more niche, I recommend an antique coffee shop a bit further out in the suburbs... Its Special decor makes many students want to check it out..."
When Kisaragi Rin saw the antique coffee shop, he remembered those ghouls.
Either it was a coincidence, or they were players who had completed missions in the Ghoul World.
Kisaragi Rin very decisively rejected the niche attraction option.
"Mitsuri, let's go to the zoo later," Kisaragi Rin looked up and said to Kanroji Mitsuri, who was sitting opposite him.
"Ugh... Just a moment longer."
Kanroji Mitsuri's eyes sparkled as she focused on marking the desserts she found particularly delicious on the menu.
After ordering through the menu once, Kanroji Mitsuri felt a bit unsatisfied and planned to order another serving of the specially marked items.
Kisaragi Rin was not in a hurry and continued to look down at the manga 'Love Triangle Cat' in his hand.
The manga in this shop were not famous works; presumably, the owner used the dessert shop as a venue to display some works that needed advancement for a fee.
As for the content of the manga, it was quite heartwarming and innovative.
By the time Kisaragi Rin pulled her out of the mall, Kanroji Mitsuri's previously flat belly had gained a bit of a curve.
Cars coming and going, tall buildings—even after seeing them all the way, Kanroji Mitsuri was still a little surprised.
"If nothing changes, the Demon Slayer world will probably look like this in a few decades."
Kisaragi Rin told her this, which made Kanroji Mitsuri even more puzzled.
However, Kanroji Mitsuri did not continue to ponder, but instead held Kisaragi Rin's hand.
Compared to thinking about what was different about this world, Kanroji Mitsuri was more focused on her intimate contact with Kisaragi Rin, with a shy yet secretly delighted feeling...
Chiba Zoo is indeed considered a landmark building in Chiba; its entire icon is quite conspicuous on the map, and there are even dedicated direct buses.
After buying tickets, Kisaragi Rin led Kanroji Mitsuri into Chiba Zoo.
According to the park handbook, Chiba Zoo's main attractions are the Panda House and the Deer Garden.
The former is rare enough, while the latter is a unique feature.
Even though today was not a Special holiday, the zoo was already packed with many people.
Especially the Panda House; although it hadn't reached the point of being stuck together, it was practically impossible to find a place to step.
So, their first stop was Monkey Island.
Perhaps because the cost was too low, monkeys were always the most numerous and diverse in zoos, and the crowd would disperse here.
However, looking at the monkeys on the island, Kisaragi Rin always felt that this group of monkeys was a bit too intelligent.
They sat on rocks with droopy faces, glancing sideways at tourists, and their working state was somewhat listless.
Especially when Kisaragi Rin put the apple he got from nearby into his mouth, the monkey's face showed a visible expression of disdain.
After chattering for a while, this group of monkeys suddenly moved, one climbing onto another, stacking together, and actually forming a monkey bridge, swaying precariously closer to the fence.
Then, the leading monkey handed an apple to Kisaragi Rin.
Kisaragi Rin: "..."
"So amazing!" Kanroji Mitsuri looked at this scene in shock.
Passersby nearby also laughed, and a staff member came over to explain: "The monkeys here will give apples to tourists they like; it's a Special feature of the monkey house, very rare to see."
A sideways glance, an unruly expression, and reluctant fingers.
Kisaragi Rin didn't see any sign of liking, but he still accepted it and politely thanked them.
"Where to next?"
"Lions or something."
—
Ukogi flew alone above the zoo, casually scanning the enclosures below.
As long as they were within Chiba, Spider Mother could perform spatial transfers, recalling them to Infinity Castle at any time.
So Ukogi also flew out with Black Sun, but Black Sun still disliked its talkativeness and left it behind after a few turns.
Ukogi's mind was a bit slow, and it never realized it was its own problem.
Although in the form of a crow, Ukogi actually did not flap its wings but stayed in the air in a floating posture.
It floated casually until Ukogi flew to the Aviary and accidentally hit the netting, which made it stop.
Looking at the birds inside that couldn't fly high, Ukogi tilted its head, feeling a strange sensation.
Thus, the machinery forming its wings began to transform, and vibrating blades cut a huge opening in the high cage.
However, Ukogi waited for a long time but did not see any birds escape.
It wasn't until a certain moment that a cockatiel with blush on its face flapped its wings and flew over.
Before Ukogi could react, the parrot directly opened its mouth and sucked it inside.
Encountering such a strange incident on its way to work, the cockatiel's expression showed visible bewilderment.
It looked left and right but found no traps, so it personally took action.
Sensing the inexplicable crow inside its body, the cockatiel was a bit perplexed.
After repairing the cage, it flew towards other areas of the park.
When Ukogi was spit out, many animals were already surrounding it, pointing and gesticulating.
"Strange thing, not a summon, nor like a pet or follower."
"Must be a new player..."
"It has a good heart though, knowing to save its kind after gaining intelligence."
"Too bad this guy has already gone down the tech path; he's probably ruined in the future. Should we just kill him?"
Ukogi was a bit socially anxious, shrinking to one side and observing its surroundings without responding.
Finally, the cockatiel stepped forward and decided Ukogi's fate.
"My Aviary doesn't have a crow right now, so you can stay for now."
"Remember, don't destroy the cages. The living standard at Chiba Zoo is pretty good..."
The cockatiel, who was explaining the rules, suddenly paused, remembering that this crow was tech-based and probably didn't eat the zoo's feed. Unfortunately, it hadn't seen many animals that dabbled in technology. After pondering, it asked, "Do you drink 92 or 95 octane?"
join p atreon.com/KeyofStars and become a Sequence: 9 Reader for hundreds of additional chapters and over a dozen stories