Chapter 7

## Chapter Chronology

**"Bittersweet"** (嬉悲, *Kibi*) is the seventh chapter of Ire Yonemoto's manga series, *Wild Strawberry.*

## Summary

Currently, at the headquarters of the 7th Special Flower Funeral Force Squad, a Takoyaki party is in full swing to welcome Kingo, the newest member of the team. Ayari is particularly delighted with the Takoyaki cooked by Makoto. Hikishima, recognizing the significance of the occasion, urged Kingo to partake in the festivities, emphasizing that this wasn't just an ordinary Takoyaki party. He also extended the invitation to Makino.

Amid the lively conversation between Ayari, Makino, and Hikishima inside the room, Kingo couldn't help but recall a prior encounter with Hikishima when he was first introduced to the squad by Makoto. At that time, as Hikishima reached out for a handshake to welcome Kingo, Kingo unintentionally expressed his surprise at Hikishima's shorter stature. Hikishima, perceiving Kingo's reaction, responded by delivering a forceful kick to Kingo's foot, causing him considerable pain and forcing him to kneel.

Simultaneously, Ayari discreetly conveyed a piece of information to Makino via her phone, informing him that Hikishima was 24 years old and very self-conscious about his height. Afterward, Hikishima addressed Kingo, who was still on the floor, addressing Kingo's perception of him as a child. Hikishima laid down a condition for Kingo's acceptance into the 7th Special Flower Funeral Force Squad as a cadet alongside Ayari: Kingo needed to demonstrate full control over the Jinka residing within him. Hikishima made it clear that if Kingo could meet this condition, he would be welcomed into the squad. However, Hikishima's statement provoked a reaction from Kingo, who informed him that he had already informed Makoto and Ayari that Kayano posed no threat. Hikishima countered by pointing out that the Jinka within Kingo had acted erratically during Ayari's test, which prompted Kingo to question why he had been brought to the headquarters if Hikishima didn't believe him. Hikishima explained that his interest in Kingo had stemmed from curiosity.

Makoto decided to purchase some beverages from the nearby convenience store in Yonchome, as they were expecting a restock this week. However, when Ayari went to grab some drink from their fridge, she discovered it was already empty. With only the four of them remaining, Ayari generously offered Kingo a glass of water and Makino some beer. Ayari, in a playful manner, pointed out that it was a party for Kingo, to which Kingo reiterated his age-related restriction while declining the beer, explaining that he couldn't partake as he's still underage at 17 years old. Kingo's response prompted Ayari to share that they were the same age. Meanwhile, as Ayari was conversing with Kingo, Makino requested another beer. Ayari hesitated, noting that Makino had already consumed quite a bit. Makino responded by expressing his need to calm his nerves. Ayari cautioned Makino, explaining that excessive drinking would not yield a favorable return on their investment, especially considering that the Flower Funeral Force only provided water and that he, of all people, should know that.

On the other hand, Hikishima rose from his comfortable seat and volunteered to prepare takoyaki. However, his batch had turned out charred with black smoke emanating from the takoyaki cooker. Hikishima indicated that he had added a variety of ingredients, including milk, anchovies, cheese, liver, gelatin, mixed nuts, and 20 types of calcium-absorption-enhancing supplements, along with octopus when Ayari asked what are the stuff he put into it. When Makino, Kingo, and Ayari ate the takoyaki, they were overwhelmed by its peculiar taste and promptly felt nauseated. Just in the nick of time, Makoto returned from the convenience store and found only Hikishima remaining in the room. Hikishima informed Makoto that everyone had gone to the bathroom. Upon smelling the takoyaki Hikishima had prepared, Makoto decided to try it, and with tears in his eyes, he exclaimed that it was delicious. Ayari, Makino, and Kingo watched nervously as they watch Makoto ate the takoyaki with tears.

Kingo sat quietly outside the headquarters, deep in thought, when Makoto approached him, surprising him with a soda can placed in front of him. Makoto initiated the conversation by inquiring about Kingo's life with Kayano and their prolonged period of living in secrecy, noting that it had likely been some time since Kingo had been to a gathering like the recent party. Kingo shared that he and Kayano had been together since their time in the orphanage, making the welcome party a first-time experience for him. He struggled to fully express himself, but the time spent together with everyone, engaging in casual conversation and enjoying takoyaki, made him wish that Kayano could have been there with them. This mix of happiness and sadness filled his thoughts.

Makoto finished his soda while mentioning that Jinkas, the creatures they dealt with, were less active at night, allowing people to indulge in sentimental moments. He explained that when the sun rose by tomorrow, the Jinkas would return, photosynthesizing and preying on humans. To emphasize his point, Makoto effortlessly crushed the soda can with just three fingers on his left hand, surprising Kingo. Makoto also revealed that the next day marked the beginning of his trial period to become a cadet in the Special Flower Funeral Force. He explained that if Kingo was deemed weak during this period, he would be treated like any other Jinka host, slated for disposal, and it would be Makoto's duty to eliminate him.

Ayari and Hikishima, who had been nearby and overheard their conversation, interjected. Hikishima mentioned the condition he had set for Kingo's acceptance: the need to have full control over the Jinka residing within him. Ayari added that if the Jinka ever began rampaging again, she would take responsibility for pruning him as well.

With unwavering determination, Kingo smiled and confidently stated that such would never gonna happen.

## Quick References

### Chapter Notes

* **Kingo's Welcoming Party:** A Takoyaki party is held to welcome Kingo as the newest member of the 7th Special Flower Funeral Force Squad.
* **Kingo's Past Encounter with Hikishima:** Kingo recalls a prior encounter with Hikishima when he unintentionally insulted Hikishima's height, leading to a physical confrontation.
	+ Ayari discreetly informs Makino about Hikishima's age and his self-consciousness about his height.
	+ Hikishima lays down a condition for Kingo's acceptance into the squad, requiring him to have full control over the Jinka within him.
	+ Ayari offers drinks during the party and reveals that she and Kingo are the same age.
* **Kingo's Reflection and Conversation with Makoto:** Kingo reflects on his life with Kayano and his first-time experience at the party. Makoto initiates a conversation about their situation and the threat of Jinkas.
	+ **Kingo's Trial Period:** Makoto reveals that he is entering a trial period to become a cadet and warns Kingo about the consequences if he's deemed weak.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

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