One Clever Method

Shizuka
So? What exactly are you two doing?

Kathrina & Panda
Eep...!

Panda
W-well, you see~! We were going along with an improvised detective play that Sassu started~

Panda
Then we happened to see Oshizu-chan~ What a coincidence~!

Shizuka
Hmm~? But this detective seems to have fox ears growing out of her head?

Panda
Th-this is... a fox detective!! R-right, Sassu?

Chisa
Huh? I wasn't doing any improvised detective play...

Kathrina
B-by the way, Shizuka! You've been looking at that outfit for a while, do you want it?

Panda
(N-nice one, Katorin...! Diverting attention while probing what Oshizu-chan wants!!)

Shizuka
Not really. But look here.

Shizuka
Don't you think this outfit would suit Kokona?

Kathrina
Ah, so that's it...

Shizuka
I wonder which one would make her happy... What do you think, Kathrina?

Kathrina
Even if you ask me...

Shizuka
Oh, don't you think this would suit her too!? This one would look good on Kokona too!

Kathrina
Indeed... But since it's a special occasion, how about something more mature than her usual style?

Shizuka
I see... that's true. A more mature Kokona... that would be nice!

Chisa
Looks like the operation is over.

Panda
You're the one to say that...? Well, I guess we'll just quietly go shopping then~

Panda
So, that's what happened...

Panda
I'm sorry, Kokochi! We couldn't get any results!

Chisa
Shizuka was a formidable opponent...

Kathrina
It was Sasuga who called out to Shizuka in the first place, right? That's why we were noticed too.

Kathrina
I tried to subtly probe Shizuka after we met up, but it was no use. She only talked about Kokona.

Panda
That's right~ she's all about Kokochi rather than herself. When someone is that dedicated, it's refreshing~

Chisa
Yes, yes... it's quite admirable.

Kokona
Ahaha... I'm happy, but it feels complicated?

Kokona
But come to think of it, it's true... I don't think I've ever really seen Shizuka-chan saying she wants something.

Panda
Then we're at a loss!

Chisa
All is lost...

Kathrina
Maybe we really do need to ask her directly?

Kathrina
...Though it's frustrating after all we've done.

Kokona
Everyone...

Yae
Good evening~!

Panda
Whoa!? Niizumachi!?

Yae
Oh? What are all of you doing gathered here?

Chisa
Ally detected. We must drag her in.

Kathrina
At this point, I want to hear more opinions. What do you think, Kokona?

Kokona
Yes, if it's not a bother, I'd like to consult with Yae-chan too... I think.

Panda
So, Niizumachi, do you have a moment? It's a secret from Oshizu-chan...

Yae
Eh? Y-yes! That's fine.

Yae
But what kind of secret is it that you're keeping from Shizuka-san...?

Chisa
It's a dilemma involving a surprise, typical of this time of year. Right, Kokona?

Kokona
Yes, we were thinking together about what present to give to Shizuka-chan.

Yae
A present for Shizuka-san...? That's wonderful...!

Kokona
Ahaha... Though we haven't decided on anything at all yet...

Kokona
But Yae-chan, why are you carrying such a big bag? Are you transporting something?

Yae
This is a very important bag for collecting letters that children write to Santa.

Chisa
Letters to Santa?

Yae
Yes! There's going to be a charity event at the children's center on Christmas Eve.

Panda
As expected of Niizumachi, charitable activities even on Christmas.

Panda
...Ah!!

Panda
(The letters Niizumachi is collecting in this bag contain what the children want as Christmas presents)

Panda
(If we get Oshizu-chan to participate in the charity and put her in a situation where she has to write a card...)

Panda
(We'll naturally find out what Oshizu-chan wants!)

Panda
(As for participating in the charity... well, if Kokochi and Niizumachi invite her, Oshizu-chan will probably join)

Panda
That's it...! That's it, Niizumachi!

Yae
Eh?

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Pub: 17 Sep 2025 20:21 UTC

Views: 5