Chapter 8

## Chapter Chronology

**"The First Day"** (初日, *Shonichi*) is the eighth chapter of Ire Yonemoto's manga series, *Wild Strawberry.*

## Summary

Ayari woke up from a dream in which she was running away from a girl named Acchan covered in bloodstains. The chapter then continues with her greeting the team in the morning. Makino asked if she was okay, noting that she seemed to have had a bad dream. Instead of answering directly, Ayari remarked how it's unsettling to listen to someone while they're asleep. She looked around and spotted Kingo leaning on Makoto, who were both seated on the headquarters' sofa, with Makoto patting Chikuwa.

As Makoto observed Kingo sleeping on his shoulder, he recalled their conversation from the previous night. Makoto had advised Kingo to get some rest, as their mission was set to begin the next day. However, Kingo expressed his inability to sleep, as he was trying to find a way to prove that Kayano and her Jinka, residing within him, were not a threat. Makoto informed him that they had received information about a Jinka taking root in a nearby library, and it was to be Kingo and Ayari's mission to address it.

Kingo needed to demonstrate his and his sister's value to the team by utilizing the strength and abilities of Kayano's Jinka. Makoto emphasized that the Jinka within him was unique and that he needed to learn to control it. Resting was essential for Kingo to prepare for the journey to Mother Jinka and to ultimately restore Kayano to her human form. As her host, he needed to ensure his own well-being, as neglecting rest could endanger both him and Kayano. With that, Kingo fell asleep leaning on Makoto.

Ayari commented on Kingo's deep love for his sister and noted how Makoto was showing kindness to Kingo, even though the situation was the opposite – Makoto was actually keeping an eye on Hikishima, who was sleeping on the floor beneath him and Kingo. Hikishima, on the other hand, woke up within seconds and hurriedly got to his feet. He stood by the side while Ayari assisted him in measuring his height, which had increased by one-tenth of a millimeter. His fellow team members congratulated him on this achievement.

After Kingo changed into the 7th Squad's uniform, Hikishima had him watch a video titled "Becoming a Member of the Special Flower Funeral Force Guideline." This video is a mandatory watch for all new recruits in the Flower Funeral Force. Ayari took this opportunity to take a quick shower while the video played. As they grew tired of the video's length and finally finished watching it, Hikishima handed Kingo his identification card.

Hikishima informed Kingo that he had been enlisted in the Flower Funeral Force, as it was relatively easier to join this unit compared to the regular force, which was always in need of more personnel. However, formally becoming a member of the 7th Squad required Kingo to pass a qualification test held at the Special Funeral Flower Force Headquarters. To do this, he needed an official recommendation from the Funeral Director of his intended squad, which in this case was Hikishima. The key to securing this recommendation was proving his capability.

Hikishima, who had been serving as the Funeral Director of the 7th Special Flower Funeral Force Squad for five years, had seen numerous individuals express their desire to join their ranks, possibly hundreds. However, he had issued only eight official letters of recommendation during his tenure, and only three individuals, including Makoto, had successfully passed the test. This illustrated the perilous nature of the forbidden zone, where the Mother Jinka resided.

Following their conversation, Hikishima handed over the responsibility of guiding Kingo to Makoto and asked Makino to stay behind, as there were matters they needed to discuss.

Kingo, Makoto, and Ayari arrived at the abandoned library. Kingo struggled with the heavy flower pruning shears while the other two found them easy to handle. As they explored, Makoto noticed that the Jinka pollen had become denser, raising their awareness. Ayari started sneezing due to it. In a corner, they discovered magazines: Ayari recognized a Popcorn magazine from her middle school days, Makoto found a Chihuahua Fancy Magazine, and Kingo was perplexed by a book titled "A Flower Blooming on the Beach Side" by Kasumi Hiro.

Suddenly, a voice echoed in the room, claiming it could determine someone's book preferences by appearance and thought Kingo liked the book he held. This puzzled Kingo, while Ayari and Makoto inexplicably slumped to the ground, causing Kingo to be concerned. The voice spoke about how books represented centuries of accumulated knowledge and the wisdom of those who came before us, all within the library's walls. Then, the voice invited Kingo to join it. It turned out to be a Jinka hanging from a tree inside the building, holding books in its many hands, attempting to persuade Kingo to explore the beauty of Jinka with it.

## Quick References

### Chapter Notes

* The chapter begins with Ayari waking up from a dream involving Acchan covered in bloodstains.
* Kingo's mission to address a Jinka threat and prove the value of his and his sister's abilities is a central plot point. It underscores the importance of controlling the unique Jinka within him and his role in restoring Kayano to her human form.
* Hikishima's role as the Funeral Director and the significance of his recommendation for Kingo's formal membership in the 7th Squad are emphasized. This reveals the strict criteria and the perilous nature of the forbidden zone where the Mother Jinka resides.
* The exploration of the abandoned library serves as the backdrop for the mission. The presence of Jinka pollen and the discovery of magazines hint at the mysterious and potentially dangerous nature of the place.
	+ The introduction of a mysterious voice from an Angel's Trumpet type of Jinka within the library and how it tempts Kingo to explore the world of Jinka.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

**Ayari**
**Mayu Tachibana**Dream
**Makino**
**Makoto**
**Kingo**
**Hikishima**
**Kayano**Mentioned
**Angel's Trumpet Jinka**Debut