"Is something the matter?" Chizuki tilted her head and looked curiously at Shimamura standing at the door.
"To celebrate successfully repelling the Nobushi attack, we're planning a feast," Shimamura shared her idea. "Since food has been scarce lately, I was worried about your meals, Chizuki. So I came to ask if you'd like to join us for dinner."
She was concerned the cat might go hungry.
Chizuki thought: Aww, the kid's worried about me! How adorable.
But then Shimamura glanced around the room's interior.
Behind the door were piles of potatoes and tomatoes. The rice bin was full of grains. Small bottles of seasonings lined the stove, half-used flour sat on the table alongside several sliced eggplants, not to mention the various meats hanging nearby.
By any measure, this was hardly a food shortage!
Chizuki's provisions seemed far better than theirs.
The meat was her own catch, vegetables were nature's bounty, and the assortment of seasoning bottles had been there since her arrival.
"I'm in! Absolutely in!" Chizuki leaped three feet high at the mention of free food.
For her, ingredients didn't matter—what counted was finally tasting something different.
She'd gained precise self-awareness about her cooking skills. Some dishes turned out fine, but others truly tested her digestive fortitude. Wasting food wasn't an option. While nothing made her sick, the flavors could get... slightly peculiar.
"Let's head out then. We should reach Higi Village in time for warm lunch."
As she spoke, Shimamura produced a prepared dessert.
Glistening translucent treats—clear outer skins enveloping golden fillings.
"Raspberry Mizu Mochi!" Chizuki cheered.
The odd aftertaste of her failed miso soup still lingered, making the cool, sweet mochi perfect for cleansing her palate.
"Next time you visit, I'll treat you to Nekomata survival meal!" Chizuki offered her signature dish in return.
"Great, I'll look forward to it," Shimamura smiled sweetly.
Chizuki pierced the mochi's skin with sharp teeth, releasing chilled filling that flooded her mouth with delightful sweetness.
So delicious her twin tails shot straight up.
For once, the area around Higi Village wasn't rainy—just gloomy clouds overhead.
As they ascended the mountain path together...
Feast time! I'm sitting at the kids' table!
Though still far from Higi Village, Chizuki's imagination already ran wild.
"I hope there's fish dishes," she mused, mouth watering at the thought.
"What kind of food do you like, Chizuki?" The restless child broke the journey's silence with conversation.
"The nutritionally balanced Nekomata survival meal is absolutely amazing! Not only is the cat-shaped appearance adorable, but the taste is also quite delicious!"
The Nekomata survival meal she made had previously received praise for its deliciousness.
"What does Shimamura like to eat?"
"I love desserts—chilled and sweet Raspberry Mizu Mochi, soft and smooth rice pudding, crispy and crunchy Sakura Shrimp and Scallop Senbei, and skewered treats with three different flavors to sample at once. On days when there's really no time to cook, a bowl of eel chazuke can be devoured in no time!"
"You're making me so hungry..."
As she spoke, Shimamura shyly patted her little belly.
"Then let's walk a bit faster," Chizuki suggested.
"We've been waiting for you!"
Finally, they arrived at Higi Village.
Yamada waved, signaling for them to come sit.
Just in time for mealtime.
This is perfect!
"Did you bring the Fluffy Cat Guardian?" A group of children whispered excitedly, their eyes sparkling.
"Chizuki, you're so cute!"
"Thank you."
"Can we touch your ears?"
"...Fine."
"What about other places?"
"Just don't touch the tail."
Chizuki was so popular among the children that they thoroughly enjoyed petting her.
"~My fur's going to get all messy."
At first, Chizuki was a bit resistant, but their petting technique was so good—soothing and comfortable—that she eventually let them have their way.
Chewy, resilient noodles. The dough, after multiple rounds of resting and stretching, transformed into smooth, springy strands. Unlike the rich flavors of ramen, udon noodles heal the people of Inazuma with their mild taste.
When mealtime arrived, Chizuki sat in front of one of the children's houses, slurping up noodles with gusto.
To her left sat a long line of kids, copying her as they ate.
"The udon tastes so warm and comforting!"
"The silky tamago sushi is also amazing!"
Hand-pressed traditional food. Soft, slightly vinegared rice paired with fresh fish—a slightly luxurious treat for the locals.
Chizuki's eyes lit up when she tasted the tuna sushi.
"The grilled eel is also really tasty."
Tears of joy involuntarily dripped from the corner of Chizuki's mouth.
Truly, you can't make delicious food by just holing up at home!
Good food, delicious food—it's something you have to try again and again to perfect!
Eat!
Chizuki sped up her mealtime efficiency!
If possible, she hoped her cooking skills could improve just a little more, so she wouldn't have to suffer through weird dishes anymore.
Most importantly, once you start mooching meals, it becomes a habit.
The cat is just too cute.
The cat gives you a pleading look.
How could you possibly refuse to feed her?
Chizuki contentedly licked the last grain of rice from the corner of her mouth, flicked her tail, and smiled happily.
Looking at the group of children beside her, all eating in sync, she couldn't help but chuckle.
It wasn't just her who was adorable.
Everyone here was so kind and lovely.
"Chizuki, are you done eating?"
Seeing Chizuki stand up, the children also put down their chopsticks, all eyes turning to her.
"Yeah," Chizuki nodded.
"Then let's go play temari next!" The children pulled out a purple temari ball.
After carefully listening to the game rules, Chizuki was eager to join with great enthusiasm.
Just a simple game? Piece of cake!
She was brimming with confidence.