Chapter 174: Picnic (Long Chapter)
"I really didn't expect Chishima-sensei and the others would actually come picnicking with us." Noma Naru pulled out a pack of nice cigarettes and offered them to the group. Realizing his words might have sounded wrong, he quickly added: "Ah! I didn't mean it like that, I just thought Chishima-kun usually went straight to researching Kendo after work..."
"Haha, don't worry. But Kendo is just one of my hobbies. My main job is still being a teacher, and after work, most of my time is spent running the Izakaya. Today just happens to be a day off..."
Akishin glanced at Shizuka, who was chatting with Takeda Konao, and shook his head, declining the cigarette: "Sorry, Shizuka doesn't allow it." Actually, he was the one who forbade Shizuka from smoking; naturally, he had to lead by example.
Noma Naru and the other two noticed Akishin deliberately looking at Shizuka and immediately flashed 'I understand' smiles, becoming even friendlier toward Akishin.
—Usually, they didn't dare to interact with Akishin. Mystery was essentially synonymous with fear. Seeing now that he also had a normal human side and was very warm toward others, they felt an immediate sense of relief.
But hearing the previous sentence, Noma Naru asked in surprise: "Izakaya? Does Chishima-sensei's family own an Izakaya?"
He truly hadn't heard of it. After all, his social circle was different, and he was usually quite afraid of Akishin—he was younger and paid more attention to youth-related things.
Moreover, Akishin never talked about it with his colleagues.
Ichijo-sensei, who was around Akishin's age, laughed: "Haha, so that's how it is. Noma-sensei doesn't know yet? Chishima-sensei isn't just a famous Kendo figure, he's also an amazing chef. The Izakaya he opened is famous everywhere; usually, even if you arrive early, you have to wait in line for an hour..."
"Is that true?"
"It's true. So you could say Chishima-sensei is very impressive!"
"Haha, that's just an empty reputation."
"Has Ichijo-sensei eaten the food at Chishima-sensei's Izakaya? In that case, tomorrow after school I'll head over there..."
Ichijo-sensei: "..."
He hadn't eaten there yet. It was estimated that almost the entire school hadn't been—before it was famous because people didn't know, and after it was famous because they felt a certain hesitation to go.
Precisely because they were colleagues, they didn't dare to go.
Thinking about that situation, it felt like being an uninvited guest, so...
They were waiting for Akishin himself to invite them...
Unfortunately, Akishin had never raised the subject!
The other teachers also felt a bit awkward.
Akishin saw the awkwardness between the two of them and took the initiative to speak: "There's no need for all that trouble. This evening when everyone heads back, come over to my Izakaya. It's not operating today; I'll personally cook a meal for all of you."
"Re... really? Chishima-sensei..."
"That's fantastic, we get to eat well."
"Wouldn't that be a bit impolite... No? In that case, that's wonderful..."
As soon as Akishin's words left his mouth, the atmosphere among the group of male teachers shifted. They were already looking forward to the return trip this evening; some even started to care less about the picnic itself.
'Eating food at Chishima-sensei's place today, tomorrow I can brag about it at school...'
—Akishin didn't reject building good relationships with others. It was just that now, facing ordinary things, he was very composed. So it was a matter of "no problem," not "can't do it."
One of the basic skills of a businessman was learning to communicate smoothly with all sorts of people.
"What are they talking about that's making them so happy?"
Shizuka turned toward them curiously. Takeda Konao let out a little giggle: "What else but 'private' male topics~. They're actually quite perverted, you know... Ah! Of course, that doesn't include Chishima-sensei, don't be mad, Shizuka..." She looked very innocent, but mentally, she was actually quite experienced.
"That... I'm not mad."
Shizuka's face reddened. Talking about this, she was reminded of last night's events. She didn't expect herself to be that bold!!
"Shizuka, don't tell me you've already done it with Chishima-sensei..." Takeda Konao nudged Shizuka with her elbow, teasing: "Ah, that's right, you two are officially dating. So envious. There used to be so many people who wanted to chase Chishima-sensei, you know..."
Shizuka saw Takeda Konao's expression and immediately knew she had misunderstood. Because she was emotional, she gave Konao a light hand-chop to the head: "Don't talk nonsense, I-I-I haven't done it yet. It's not good if others hear..."
Takeda Konao didn't mind being hit; her personality was just like that, and...
This wasn't the first time!
Waiting five more minutes, fifteen minutes past the agreed-upon time, the remaining three finally arrived in a hurry. They were the type of ordinary women who took a long time to dress up before leaving the house.
Even for a picnic.
However, after their special grooming, they were indeed more eye-catching than Takeda Konao. Of course, provided they weren't standing next to Shizuka...
After hearing Akishin would treat them to a meal upon their return, they became even more excited than the men.
Finally, they boarded the cars.
Including Shizuka, five women boarded the car Akishin was driving. The three remaining men could only stare at Akishin with looks of envy and resentment.
They didn't even dare stare too long, fearing Akishin would catch them!
Finally, the engines started.
The white van led the way, with the brown van following behind. Shortly after, they merged onto the expressway, driving toward the outskirts of Chiba City.
"Tenshi, Tenshi, look at my hair, is it messy? I tied it myself, you know~"
"No, no, it looks really nice~"
"Oh, right, Hiratsuka-senpai, you and Chishima-sensei went to the Gyokuryu-ki, right? Can you tell us about it? Kitahara Shuji and Hikigaya-kun were really handsome..."
"Hey, hey, Meiai, you're a teacher, maintain your image. Those are our students..."
"The Gyokuryu-ki? Sure, but it's probably about the same as what was on television. After all, I was just a spectator too..."
"..."
Akishin drove the car, listening to the chatter in the back. Among women, even if relationships were good, there was still a silent comparison going on, especially regarding appearance.
They were deliberately engaging Shizuka in conversation. It sounded like Shizuka wasn't quite used to it; her answers were a bit hesitant.
Only Takeda Konao, the cheerful short teacher, put on her earphones and leaned back in her seat to sleep as soon as she boarded, right behind Akishin's seat.
She seemed to not have many close friends at school.
Even though she was so cheerful?
He remembered she was also a high-achieving teacher; the classes she taught were only slightly below the International Class.
...
The two cars left Chiba City, exited the expressway, traveled down a very long road, and then turned onto a small lane.
Rural Chiba had arrived.
On both sides of the road were vast stretches of rice fields, though unfortunately, harvest was already over; otherwise, they would have seen waves of grain. Small man-made ditches were scattered among the fields, flowing with clear river water. Occasionally, they passed a solitary fruit tree, its branches heavy with fruit.
There were also plots dedicated to vegetables, where autumn greens grew. Elderly people worked there, and as the cars passed, they couldn't help but cast curious glances...
Further ahead, there was a row of independent luxury houses, their triangular roofs reflecting the golden morning sun. Wild, yellowing grass grew by the roadside, and a water wheel turned slowly over the river.
Thinking of the Japanese countryside, it was easy to be reminded of Makoto Shinkai's anime, and that slow pace of life... which was why some people, tired of the city, liked to come to the countryside to relax.
A gentle breeze blew, carrying the distinct scent of rural soil.
'Is this the Japanese countryside? It looks quite clean; it feels different from the city.'
Akishin looked left and right. This was the first time he had come to the Japanese countryside in reality; even in his previous life, he had only carried out missions in the city...
It was a bit different from the countryside around the orphanage in his memories, likely because the Japanese government prioritized agriculture.
Japan had many people but little land; almost everything relied on imports. Agriculture was the lifeblood of a nation. To avoid being controlled by foreign countries, the government naturally supported agriculture heavily.
Japanese customs duties on food were very high, reaching nearly 90% at their peak.
Even now, Japan could only be self-sufficient in rice; other vegetables and fruits still had to be imported. In Japanese supermarkets, imported goods were the cheap ones, representing lower-class items, while local goods were very expensive.
For example, eel (Unagi)—local eel and imported eel prices were worlds apart, as if they were two different species.
"Oh right, where exactly are we going for the picnic this time?" After looking at the scenery through the window for a while, Shizuka suddenly remembered she didn't know the specific address of the picnic.
Previously, she had only thought about going out to play with Akishin.
"Shizuka doesn't know yet? This time we're going to Lake Aokusa. It's located in the mountains, near the sea, and the scenery is wonderful."
"Lake Aokusa! How have I never heard of that?"
"It's a name given by the locals. Actually, it's a river valley. The river that passes through there forms a lake that isn't too large."
"Right, right, I just went there back in July. The path out from Lake Aokusa leads straight to the sea. We even brought swimsuits to swim back then, but we can't anymore—the temperature has dropped. But I heard the maple trees there have already turned red..."
"An autumn maple forest! That's bound to be beautiful~"
The two cars passed through the village and entered the forest. Soon, the asphalt ended, replaced by a bumpy dirt road.
The car swayed back and forth; one had to grip the seat tightly. Takeda Konao, who had been sleeping soundly, was forced to wake up.
The cars drove along the dirt road for a moment and finally stopped.
Hayama, who had come in July, said: "The road ahead ends here. We have to get out now; it's still a short walk to reach Lake Aokusa..."
They were at the edge of a small river. The air felt cold yet damp. Giant trees on both sides blocked the morning sun, making it a bit dark.
Checking the time, it was 7:30 AM.
If seen from a high point outside, this area—aside from the direction of the sea—was nothing but endless forest.
"Since there's still some walking to do, it can't be helped. Let's get out and walk. Anyway, I haven't gone outdoor hiking in years."
Shizuka, sitting in the front passenger seat, pushed the car door open first. The people in the back also got out one by one. The three men at the front had already started hauling the luggage.
There were several large boxes.
They had even brought a barbecue grill. It seemed they were prepared for a massive feast, though there was no alcohol, replaced by fruit juice.
Bringing alcohol wasn't an option since the drivers wouldn't be able to drink.
The women didn't bring many items—mostly just snacks. Yesterday, Noma Naru and the other two had taken the initiative to handle the food duty.
Now, it looked like they had done a good job!
Locking the car, Akishin also slung on his bulging backpack. The two groups gathered, starting to walk toward a small trail by the main road.
Akishin suddenly noticed a yellow triangular sign standing by the road. On it was a picture of a wild boar, with the text: Caution, wild boars crossing.
It was a warning sign!!
Shizuka walked beside Akishin, also seeing the warning sign, and said in surprise: "There are wild boars around here! Will they hurt people?"
"It's fine, it's fine. Although there are wild boars in this forest, we're only on the outskirts. We won't run into any, don't worry..." Noma Naru heard Shizuka's murmur, turned, and said with a relaxed face.
"Outskirts? Do the wild boars not come out?"
"They shouldn't. It's autumn now, food in the forest is abundant, and there's never been news of wild boars hurting people around here... it's okay, even if a wild boar comes out, I'll protect everyone, hehe..."
Several of the women nodded in agreement. True, during this period, wild boars were unlikely to come out, and even if they did, what were the chances they'd run right into them?
Haha, their luck wouldn't be that bad.
Akishin trusted his own abilities and had no objections, stepping out ahead of Shizuka.
The group moved quickly. The path followed the edge of the river, and before long, they reached their destination.
A large lake situated in a valley, about the size of half a football field. The lake water in the center was a clear blue, fading as it reached the edge, where the sand and stones beneath were visible. Finger-sized fish swam through the water...
A small stream flowed in slowly from one side and out the other, carrying strands of red maple leaves. At the lake's edge was a meadow of mixed pebbles and green grass.
This was the most stunning view here!
Giant maple trees and large trees whose leaves changed color in autumn surrounded Lake Aokusa like colorful fireworks lit up. Sunlight broke through the gaps, casting shadows of light, and the open area in the center chased away the chill from the river...
A gust of wind blew, and countless leaves fell—red, yellow, orange... blending into one, coloring the world.
They fell into the water, onto the grass, onto the rocks, onto people's heads... the ground was already covered in a layer of leaves, paired with the green grass. When stepped on, it felt soft and comfortable. In their ears, aside from the rustle of leaves, the gurgling of the river water also joined in...
A squirrel hopped from a tree; because its grip wasn't strong enough, it fell, landing on a branch below and startling a group of ripples in the water.
Click!
Shizuka saw this, unable to resist pulling out her camera and capturing it. It turned out to be a great photo—the little squirrel in the center, red maple leaves as decoration, and sunlight as the lighting. If entered into a photography contest, it might actually win.
If they walked up another ten meters, they could see the vast blue sea a thousand meters away through the gaps in the trees. Checking the time again, it was only 10 AM; they could play until 5 PM!
"Alright, we've arrived. Let's start the party! Oh, let's set up the grill first. I heard there are big fish in this lake, you know..."
"So pretty! Photos, photos! Shizuka, let's take a picture..."
"Me too, me too! I want a photo with Shizuka as well."
"Konao, I want to eat cake..."
The men started getting busy setting up camp, while the women took their cameras and went everywhere to take photos, taking off their shoes and stepping into the water, startled by the chill of the lake.
Instantly, the quiet place was filled with the sound of laughter and cheer.
Akishin also stared at the scene; it was indeed beautiful, especially during the right season. The autumn maple leaves and clear blue lake water complemented each other, presenting a magical view usually only seen on the internet.
Looking up, he could see the colorful mountains. In his heart, a sudden sense of pride emerged, feeling the vastness of heaven and earth.
Just with that first look, he felt it wasn't a waste to come here.
A good place indeed!
While Shizuka and the others were taking photos, Akishin had already spread out the camping mat.
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