Chapter 6

## Chapter Chronology

**"Strength and Technique"** (力 (りょく) と術 (じゅつ) , *Chikara to Jutsu*) is the sixth chapter of Ire Yonemoto's manga series, *Wild Strawberry.*

## Summary

The male member of the Flower Funeral Force stands above a malfunctioning traffic light, while the female member, along with Kingo and Makino, watches from the ground. After a moment, Kingo starts feeling dizzy but remains conscious. The male member descends to assist Kingo by giving him a bottle of water, recognizing signs of dehydration due to his strong blooming stage, emphasizing the need for Jinkas to consume plenty of water to thrive. This prompts the female member to call out the male member of the force's name, Makoto, for not intervening when she was in danger during the fight. Makoto explains that he was following orders, prioritizing their leader's decisions over personal choices.

Makoto then questions Kingo about his identity as either human or Jinka, but Kingo, instead of answering directly, thanked him for the water. Makoto dismisses it as standard issue, citing the cost of water even in Tokyo. The female member playfully teases Kingo for trying to earn brownie points, suggesting he's scared. Makoto, already on the ride he brought with him, urges them to join before he leaves. The female member comments on Makoto's decision to take Kingo to headquarters, and Makoto explains he's never seen a Jinka express gratitude after given water.

During the ride, Kingo's Jinka begins to bloom slightly, likely due to Kayano's curiosity of the outside as she never went out of their house ever before, which prompts Makoto to warn Kingo about taking any suspicious action. Makoto then reflects on how his dog, Chikuwa, was never afraid of Jinkas. Moments later, Makoto receives a call in which he indicated that it was a successful mission, confirming the female member's suspicion of being a guinea pig. Makoto reveals their plan to test the Jinka within Kingo, but Kingo asserts his unwillingness to comply with everything they want, emphasizing his goal of reaching the Mother Jinka to make Kayano human again.

As they continue driving, Ayari takes the wheel, despite initially being hesitant due to her age, while Chikuwa starts barking. A massive Jinka suddenly appears in their path, targeting their car. Ayari drives, Makoto assumes a fighting stance, and before attacking, he imparts a few words to Kingo, emphasizing the necessity of gaining strength and technique to reach the Mother Jinka. He executes a powerful attack, "Full Bloom, Rashomon Vine," swiftly defeating the Jinka in one strike. Landing on the truck's roof, Makoto continues by adding that the Jinkas in their area will seem gentler compared to what they will encounter in the forbidden zone where the Mother Jinka resides. These words motivate Kingo to acknowledge his need for greater strength and technique to achieve his goal of saving Kayano.

The group, consisting of Makoto, Ayari, Kingo, and Makino, arrives at the headquarters and is welcomed by an individual who refers to Kingo as the "mystery Jinka." This person sits in a swiveling chair, enjoying a what seemed to be a Japanese bread milk from the Showa brand. When Kingo inquires about his identity, Makoto introduces him as Hikishima, the Funeral Director of the 7th Funeral Force Squad.

## Quick References

### Chapter Notes

* The introduction of Makoto and Ayari, the members of 7th Funeral Force Squad.
* Kingo experienced dehydration during his intense blooming stage, highlighting the importance of water for Jinkas' survival.
* Makoto defeats the huge Jinka with a powerful attack which he calls "Full Bloom Rashomon Vine" and emphasizes the need for exceptional strength and technique to reach the Mother Jinka.
	+ Makoto encourages Kingo to become stronger to face the Mother Jinka.
* The group arrives at headquarters and meets Hikishima, the Funeral Director of the 7th Funeral Force Squad.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

**Makoto**Debut
**Ayari**Debut
**Kingo**
**Makino**
**Chikuwa**
**Kayano**Mentioned
**Hikishima**Debut