Chapter 3

## Chapter Chronology

**"So What?"** (だから何だ, *Dakara Nanda*) is the third chapter of Ire Yonemoto's manga series, *Wild Strawberry.* This also serves as the third chapter of the first volume of the manga series.

## Summary

The male researcher, potentially a doctor affiliated with the Flower Funeral Force, wakes up in an abandoned area with Kingo who's currently thirsty and is drinking the water from the sprinkler, both aware of being consumed by Jinkas. Kingo's left arm, with visible roots, saved them. The researcher suspects Kayano's consciousness is alive inside Kingo, and Kingo is determined to restore her humanity even if it means sacrificing his life. However, the researcher explains that current medical technology cannot achieve this, as Kayano serves as Kingo's life support. Nevertheless, Kingo remains resolute in his determination to bring Kayano back to life.

On the opposite side, a team from the Flower Funeral Force conducts a reconnaissance mission near the Shinjuku Flower Crematorium after a recent incident. A newly arrived female member asks about the fate of those inside the building and looks for witnesses. She deduces from the scattered flower remains that the pruning style is unusual and involuntarily sneezes during her observations.

The chapter returns to the abandoned area where the researcher and Kingo discuss the origin of the Jinka. 36 years ago, a flower bloomed atop the Tokyo Tower, believed to be the source of the Jinka phenomenon. The location is now inaccessible due to thickened pollen, but the researcher speculates that reaching it could answer many questions. Despite the risks, Kingo is determined to venture there, even though the highly trained Flower Funeral Force has avoided it. The researcher decides to join Kingo on this perilous journey.

While walking together, Kingo borrows the researcher's jacket as a disguise to hide the roots on his arm and avoid suspicion from Flower Funeral Force personnel. The researcher willingly accompanies Kingo, expressing their shared dream of visiting the place. Kingo notices the researcher's formality and they exchange introductions; the researcher introduces himself as Makino and requests to be addressed as "Makki" by Kingo.

During their walk, a child approaches them, asking for food as her mother is unwell. They decide to accompany the child home. Kingo provides provisions for the child's mother, but the child apologizes instead. Suddenly, Kingo is attacked and consumed by a Jinka in the house.

The Jinka explains that the child doesn't need to apologize and blames those deceived by her. Makki questions the child about the trap, and she apologizes further. Inside the Jinka, Kingo communicates with Kayano and then reveals himself as a Jinka as well. The Jinka suggests sparing Makki and the child, proposing they eat each other, but Kingo asserts that he is not like them and that the Jinka living within him is his little sister.

Kingo then attacks the Jinka and breaks her heart, imparting a message about not betraying family to save oneself.

Makino and Kingo find refuge on a nearby rooftop after the incident. Kingo worries about the child they encountered, but Makki reassures him, explaining that she would likely be considered an orphaned child if spotted by the Flower Funeral Force due to the Jinka encounter.

Makino notices Kingo's wounds have healed, possibly due to Kayano's Jinka abilities, but their conversation is interrupted by a sneeze from a nearby person. A female member of the Flower Funeral Force appears, brandishing a sawtooth weapon and deeming Kingo a significant threat towards people who have Jinka allergies. Kingo asks about her identity, and Makino deduces she's a member of the Flower Funeral Force from her jacket. They consider escaping, but the woman confidently asserts that the Flower Funeral Force won't let Kingo escape as Kingo's a Jinka.

## Quick References

### Chapter Notes

* **Flower Funeral Force Recon Mission:** A Flower Funeral Force team conducts a reconnaissance mission near the Shinjuku Flower Crematorium after a recent incident. A newly arrived female member investigates the scene and sneezes while observing the unusual flower remains.
* **Jinka Origin:** Kingo and the researcher discuss the origin of the Jinka phenomenon, dating back 36 years when a flower bloomed atop the Tokyo Tower. They believe this location holds answers to their questions, despite its inaccessibility due to thickened pollen.
	+ Kingo is determined to venture to the Tokyo Tower, despite the risks, to seek answers about the Jinka phenomenon. The researcher, introduced as Makino (referred to as "Makki" by Kingo), decides to join him on this perilous journey.
* **Encounter with Flower Funeral Force Member:** A female member of the Flower Funeral Force appears, equipped with a Jinka integrated into her sawtooth weapon, serving possibly as a key component of her weaponry, considering Kingo a significant threat due to people with Jinka allergies. Kingo asks about her identity, and Makino deduces she's from the Flower Funeral Force. They contemplate escaping, but the woman confidently asserts that they won't let Kingo escape, as he's considered a Jinka.

* In this chapter, the Jinka that has been introduced possesses a configuration of three heads, each having a Venus Fly Trap-style flower in both hands.
	+ The Venus flytrap flower is distinctively characterized by its unique structure, featuring a pair of specialized lobes that resemble open jaws. These lobes are typically hinged at the midrib and lined with sensitive trigger hairs. When an unsuspecting insect comes in contact with these trigger hairs, the lobes rapidly snap shut, effectively entrapping the prey. This carnivorous adaptation allows the Venus flytrap to capture and digest insects as a supplementary source of nutrients, supplementing its growth in nutrient-poor environments.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

**Makino**Debut
**Kingo**
**Kayano**Mentioned
**Orphan Child**Debut
**Female Jinka**Deceased
**Ayari**