Tokyo: After years of stagnation, the heiress of the yakuza arrives.

"Shidou-san?"

"Um?"

Onodera Zannen's voice called from the side, pulling Kuroba Shido back from his thoughts. He saw that Onodera Zannen was handing him a bag containing a miniature deluxe bento box.

The transparent box was divided into four compartments, containing thinly sliced ​​apples, shelled nuts, small pieces of unseasoned chicken breast, and a few small berries that looked quite expensive. It even thoughtfully included a drinking bowl no bigger than a bottle cap.

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

Wow, they're eating this well?

He glanced down at the breakfast bag in his hand, then at the large black mini bento box, and a subtle sense of imbalance suddenly arose in his heart.

Although his bag was large and contained a lot of things, most of them were rice balls, sandwiches, milk and bread, which was a standard breakfast that a normal handsome boy in Tokyo could eat.

Big Black is different.

Meat and vegetarian combination.

Balanced nutrition.

There's also fruit after the meal.

Anyone who didn't know better would have thought that it was Daikoku who was actually on a date with the senior today, and that Kuroba Shido was just a pet handler who was passing by and carrying her bag and pushing her wheelchair.

"Is this for Big Black?"

"Um."

Onodera Zanne nodded gently and handed the mini bento box to Kuroba Shido: "I did some research and found that rodents can't ingest too much salt, and nuts aren't suitable for eating too much at once, so I only prepared a little of each. I don't know if it will like it."

Big Black poked its head out of the pocket.

I sniffed it.

Then, using its two paws to grip the edge of the bag, it crawled inside.

like.

I really like it.

The half-eaten convenience store rice ball that he had just been holding in his mouth instantly lost its appeal and was casually tossed back into the depths of Kuroba Shido's pocket. Then, he picked up a piece of chicken breast and started chewing...

Big Black's satiety level +1 +1 +1...

Dahei's affection for his senior increases by 10 + 10 + 10...

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

Password.

He bought the rice balls.

He gave me the cordyceps.

He arranged for me to live here.

So a fancy mini bento box is going to betray us?

The evils of capitalism are indeed terrifying; even sewer rats can't resist the corruption of money. It's a shame he once planned to train Big Black to become the vanguard of the proletarian rats.

It now seems that my resolve in the Dao was not firm enough.

They also need to be sent to the sewers to be treated with nuclear wastewater.

"The senior student prepared quite thoroughly."

"I'm glad you like it, Shido."

"I definitely like it, but..."

Kuroba Shido looked at Daikoku, who was already sitting in the paper bag eating, and his expression gradually became subtle: "When did you find out about Daikoku, Senpai?"

Onodera Zannen paused slightly in his steps.

There was no obvious panic.

There was no avoidance.

She simply looked at Daikoku naturally, her tone as gentle as ever: "When I went to Shido's place before, I saw some traces of his life, and later I heard others mention it."

"Oh, I see..."

He thought his senior was secretly investigating him, and then even Big Black didn't escape unscathed and suffered a terrible fate... Turns out he was overthinking it.

Shido Kuroba nodded.

I didn't ask any further questions.

This explanation sounds reasonable, but upon closer inspection, it seems to be riddled with problems. First, who mentioned it? Second, why is it that just because someone mentions it, the senior student can prepare a nutritious bento box that perfectly suits Dahei's physical condition?

Do you think that if you just bump into someone you know and they have a pet, you'll go home and look up information about how to care for it?

Kuroba Shido didn't understand.

But he chose to write it down.

When facing someone of Onodera's caliber, a seemingly insignificant detail could be like a great white shark fin hidden beneath the calm surface of water; if you rashly reach out to touch it, you might easily discover that it's full of teeth.

Just to be on the safe side, Kuroba Shido looked at the black characters that were gradually appearing above Onodera Zanne's head.

[Current Status: Joyful and expectant, the boy is in a good mood because he arrived on time and is enjoying the trip to the zoo with the mouse.]

[Salted Fish Guide: Accept the breakfast and itinerary arrangements prepared by the senior student, save on today's food and entertainment expenses, take advantage of her goodwill to continue to freeload, and enjoy yourself to the fullest!]

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

Some were born, but not many...

It's great that it's enjoyable. Compared to the previous unscrupulous suggestions from the system, this one is truly honest and fair.

His state was just ordinary pleasure and anticipation. The ruthless leader was only teaching him how to live off a woman, which was completely different from the previous "excitement, trembling, and desire to possess her."

Is my senior really acting normally today?

Kuroba Shido withdrew his gaze, temporarily burying his questions in a corner of his mind, and followed Onodera Zannen towards the main entrance of the zoo.

Little did he know, Onodera Zannen knew far more than just Daikoku.

The complete information is recorded about which neighborhood Dahei first frequented, what he usually liked to eat, when he was brought back to his residence by Kuroba Shido, when he met his current wife, the baby mouse he later gave birth to, the intellectual development of the baby mouse, and the possibility that there is another little black mouse in Dahei's wife's belly.

They even investigated Dahei's ancestors for three generations.

The paternal lineage most likely originated from the sewers of Tokyo's old city.

The maternal lineage may include ancestry from pet fancy rats.

The activity range of the grandparents is unclear, and they are suspected to have been relocated collectively during a city drainage system renovation.

As the investigation drew to a close, the person in charge of compiling the data stared at the rat file, which was even more detailed than the resumes of some of the peripheral members of the Jingu family, and fell into a state of "..." for a full minute.

Is this really necessary?

Have.

Onodera Zanne believes it exists.

Anyone who lives near Shido Kuroba for an extended period should be thoroughly investigated beforehand, even if the other party is a rat.

The two, a human and a mouse, ate the breakfast brought by their senior and slowly made their way to the entrance of the zoo.

There were many tourists on the weekend, and queues formed in front of several ticket gates. Next to the entrance, there was a brightly colored event promotion sign with pictures of pandas, giraffes, penguins, and several cartoon characters holding hands.

[Special Weekend Event!]

[Couple's Sweet Combo Package: Half-price tickets for two, a complimentary pair of limited-edition animal couple keychains, and eligibility to participate in couples' activities within the park!]

[Family Fun Package: Children's tickets are free, plus free animal stickers and commemorative headbands!]

[Mother-Daughter Fun Package: Mothers and daughters traveling together enjoy discounts at select restaurants, photo opportunities, and limited-edition commemorative gifts!]

[Father and Son Tough Guy Adventure Package: Complete challenges within the park to earn a Lion Badge!]

Kuroba Shido stood in front of the advertising board and looked around.

Then I looked around again.

"What is this 'mother and daughter having fun' thing?"

"Perhaps they wanted the mother and daughter to have more fun."

Onodera Zanne gently explained from the side.

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

Wow, Japan isn't a big country, but it has a lot of amazing people...

This reminded Kuroba Shido of a saying: the larger the place, the more gods there are; the smaller the place, the more divine the gods are. He had previously been skeptical of this saying.

When they were transported to Japan, they discovered they had been too conservative; everyone there was an amazing genius...

I don't think it's him; there aren't many normal people like that anymore...

Two people quickly reached the front of the queue.

Onodera Zannen took out his phone in advance and showed the e-ticket to the ticket inspector.

After the ticket inspector scans the ticket, a pink heart icon pops up on the screen, followed by a cheerful notification sound.

[Couple's Sweet Getaway Package - Verification Successful!]

The Black Feather Warrior said, "???"

The ticket inspector glanced at Kuroyu Shido, then at Onodera Zannen, a warm smile spreading across his face. He then took out two penguin keychains, one black and one white, from a gift box beside him.

"Welcome, you two. Have a wonderful date today. This is a limited-edition couple's gift, please accept it."

Several people waiting to have their tickets checked nearby glanced over instinctively.

Kuroba Shido looked down at Onodera Zannen's phone.

Tickets for couples.

It has pink hearts on it, and after the ticket check is completed, there are special sound effects and animations. Two hearts float up, lean together, and finally there is a kissing sound effect.

"mua~"

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

A zoo, so shady?

"Senior."

"Um?"

"Did you buy tickets for a couple?"

Onodera Zanne nodded slightly, took the two penguin keychains, and handed the black one to Kuroba Shido.

"Weekend couple tickets are half price, which is more economical than buying two regular tickets separately."

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

save money?

Senior?

you?

Shido Kuroba gasped, almost inhaling the large black dog along with the mini bento box into his lungs.

Senior, do you want to listen to what you're saying?

He can casually stay in a luxury apartment worth tens of millions of yen, and he can earn 10,000 yen just for helping carry a quiver from school to the station. Now, in order to save a few hundred yen on entrance fees, he specifically buys a couple's package?

Isn't this like a gold mine owner going to a convenience store in the middle of the night and arguing with the cashier about why shopping bags have to be charged?

It cannot be said to be completely unreasonable.

It's simply outrageous.

Kuroba Shido glanced at Onodera Zannen.

The senior student's smile was gentle and natural, her eyes calm, without any intention of teasing, teasing, or deliberately embarrassing him. It was as if she had simply done the math and chosen the cheapest way to buy tickets.

If Shido Kuroba continues to question, it will make him appear as a true pauper who doesn't understand thrift.

That makes sense.

Kuroba Shido nodded, his expression serious: "Saving money is a traditional virtue. It's really shameful for a Tokyo rat like me that you, a senior, who is so rich, still insist on comparing prices."

"Shido-kun, there's no need to feel ashamed."

Onodera Zannen spoke softly, "I'll pay attention to similar events next time."

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

There will be a next time?

He suddenly felt as if he had voluntarily handed over a long-term couple's ticket to some dangerous person.

Onodera Zannen put away the white penguin keychain.

Actually, the couples' tickets came first, and then the zoo opened.

When deciding on a meeting place last night, she shortlisted seventeen areas suitable for a date. After seeing that Ueno Zoo was offering half-price tickets for couples on the weekend, it quickly rose to the top of her shortlist.

Cheap tickets are not important.

It doesn't matter if the animals are cute.

The important thing is the word "couple".

A natural identity verification.

A psychological suggestion that will not cause strong rejection.

A public definition was given in front of staff, tourists, and Shido Kuroba himself.

Couple.

Even if it's temporary.

She has also taken a step forward compared to the average female and male student.

The ticket inspector, noticing the slight distance between the two, smiled and reminded them, "During the couples' event, staff may take random photos. You two could move a little closer, otherwise you might be mistaken for ordinary couples and won't be able to receive the subsequent rewards."

The Black Feather Warrior said, "???"

award?

There are other rewards?

Before he could even ask what the reward was, he suddenly felt a soft touch on his arm.

Onodera Zannen naturally took a half step forward, reached out and took Kuroba Shido's arm. His long black hair swayed gently with the movement, and a faint fragrance wafted over.

"This should look more like it."

Onodera Zannen looked at the ticket inspector with a polite smile: "Is that alright?"

The ticket inspector's eyes lit up: "Of course! You two look like a perfect match. Have fun!"

The Black Feather Warrior said, "..."

My arm was grabbed.

Passersby were still watching.

The ticket inspector also showed a look of satisfaction at witnessing the sweet love between the young people.

Breaking off now would not only make the couple's ticket seem like a scam, but it could also cost you the subsequent rewards.

But don't break free...

Kuroba Shido glanced down at Onodera Zanne, who was holding his arm. The senior's expression remained gentle and calm, as if she was just trying to comply with the event rules and fool the ticket inspector.

reasonable.

That's quite reasonable.

What the hell!

Senior, mud...

Kuroba Shido's lips moved, but he ultimately swallowed the rest of his words.

See through, don’t say through.

We're still good friends.

The two entered the zoo without incident. Onodera Zannen did not immediately let go of his hand, but continued to move forward with Kuroba Shido by holding his arm, and her reasons were quite valid.

There may be event staff nearby.

We need to continue pretending.

Kuroba Shido limped along, and Onodera Zanne kept pace with him, walking slowly. Daikoku sat in the pocket, holding a chicken breast, occasionally peeking around, completely unaware that the relationship between the humans beside him had temporarily upgraded from senior and junior to lovers.

The road ahead splits into several directions.

The left side leads to the panda enclosure.

The area on the right is for elephants and giraffes.

Onodera Zanne took out a pre-prepared route map and asked softly, "What would you like to see first, Shido-kun?"

Kuroba Shido glanced at Daikoku.

"Let's look at the natural enemies of rats first."

"A feline?"

"No, zookeeper."

Onodera Zannen: "..."

……

About twenty minutes later.

Another argument broke out outside the zoo's main gate.

"I'm not going!"

"Since we're already here, let's go in and take a look!"

"Auntie, let me go!"

Yoshiko Sawamura grabbed Riki Sawamura's arm with both hands and dragged her towards the zoo with all her might. Her shoes scraped against the ground, and she looked like she was pulling out a pink radish that had already stuck into the foundation of Tokyo.

Riyue Sawamura wore sunglasses and a mask, her long pink hair peeking out from under her hat, radiating a low and dejected aura.

After returning to her hotel last night, she spent the entire night glued to her phone.

There was only one sentence in the chat box.

I have plans with my senior tomorrow.

The more I look at it, the more upset I get.

The more I think about it, the less I can sleep.

When Pinky woke up this morning, she was completely listless, hugging her blanket and curled up in the corner of the bed, occasionally burying her head under the blanket and sobbing a little, making whimpering sounds...

If nothing unexpected happens, she probably cried, but I'm not sure... let's see.

I really cried!

Snapped!

Yoshiko Sawamura's panda eyes +1...

Yoshiko Sawamura: "..."

I should have known better than to watch it.

It took Yoshiko Sawamura a lot of effort to drag her out of the hotel.

"Little pink-haired girl, you can't just lie there all the time! Even if you're heartbroken, you need to come out and get some sun, or you'll get moldy!"

"Who's heartbroken!"

Riki Sawamura suddenly looked up.

"Okay, okay, I'm not heartbroken. It's just that my online friend went on a date with another woman."

"Shut up, you old hag!"

Yoshiko Sawamura was punched in the head and gasped in pain, but she still clung tightly to Ritsuki Sawamura's arm and wouldn't let go.

"Hitting Mom won't help, we have to get in today, the tickets are already bought!"

"Go in yourself."

"What's the point of going to the zoo alone? Mom isn't the kind of lonely old lady who can sit in front of the monkey enclosure and stare at the monkeys through the glass all day!"

"You are it."

"No, Mom!"

Yoshiko Sawamura retorted angrily, continuing to drag the little pink-haired girl forward. Suddenly, Ritsuki Sawamura stopped, and Yoshiko, caught off guard, landed on the ground with a thud, almost dropping her bag.

"what!"

Yoshiko Sawamura, clutching her backside, looked up with a accusing expression: "Hey pink-haired girl, could you at least use your turn signal before you brake?"

Ritsuki Sawamura looked down at her and said, "I don't want to go in."

"Why don't you want to go in?"

"I just don't want to."

"So what do you want to do, go back to the hotel and get moldy while hugging the blankets?"

Ritsuki Sawamura: "..."

Seeing that the pink-haired girl's expression was becoming increasingly dangerous, Yoshiko Sawamura immediately got up from the ground, patted her skirt, and her words took an abrupt turn.

"Ahem, what Mom means is that young people should go out more, see pandas, see tigers, and see those animals that are locked in cages and have lost their freedom, and then you'll find..."

Yoshiko Sawamura paused for a moment, trying to find a philosophical quote in her mind.

"Staying in a hotel is still so much more comfortable!"

Ritsuki Sawamura: "..."

What kind of bullshit logic is that?

Yoshiko Sawamura, however, felt that she had spoken very well, so she straightened up again and pulled her toward the ticket gate.

"Since we're already here and the tickets are non-refundable, let's just go in and wander around. If it's not fun, we'll leave right away."

"You said the same thing yesterday."

"yesterday?"

"You said you'd just eat something casually."

Yoshiko Sawamura's eyes darted around: "Eating out is different from visiting the zoo. You can't waste food, but you can skip two areas of the zoo."

"Oh."

"Little pink hair, don't do that! Mom really brought you out to relax today. Look at you, you look like you're about to grow mushrooms since you woke up this morning. If you lie down any longer, the hotel will ask us to charge them for dehumidification."

Ritsuki Sawamura's eyes turned cold.

Yoshiko Sawamura immediately covered her head, shouting, "Don't hit Mom! Hitting your mother in public will damage the Sawamura family's international image!"

In the end, Ritsuki Sawamura did not make a move, but simply followed her to the ticket gate with a blank expression.

Yoshiko Sawamura breathed a sigh of relief, pulled two tickets with pink animal patterns from her bag, and her face lit up with an excited smile again.

She saw the weekend package online and immediately fell in love with it.

For no other reason than that.

Delivering something.

There are also restaurant discounts.

Rounding down is like earning money while playing.

The ticket inspector took the ticket and scanned it, and a cheerful notification sound immediately rang out from the machine.

[Mother and daughter thoroughly enjoyed the package; verification successful!]

Ritsuki Sawamura: "..."

Yoshiko Sawamura: "..."

Several tourists nearby glanced over instinctively.

Ritsuki Sawamura slowly turned her head: "What kind of meal deal do you want, mother and daughter?"

Yoshiko Sawamura shrank back and whispered, "Have fun..."

"You chose that?"

"Cheap."

"How much cheaper?"

"We'll give you two headbands and a discount on meals."

Ritsuki Sawamura: "..."

really.

No matter where my great mother goes, her first thought is always about food.

The ticket inspector took out two feline headbands from a gift box next to him, one with pink cat ears and the other with yellow tiger ears, with a standard smile on his face.

"Welcome, both of you! This is a special gift for mothers and daughters. You can also enjoy free photo opportunities at designated areas within the park, and a 10% discount at select restaurants. Have a wonderful day!"

Yoshiko Sawamura's eyes lit up instantly.

10% off!

I definitely made the right choice!

She took the yellow tiger ears, put them on her head immediately, and touched the two furry ears, her expression gradually becoming happy.

"Pink Hair, doesn't Mommy look like a tiger?"

Ritsuki Sawamura glanced at it.

"Like someone's brain has been eaten by a tiger."

Yoshiko Sawamura: "..."

Don't get angry.

She is an adult.

Don't argue with children.

Yoshiko Sawamura achieved a quick mental victory and handed the pink cat ears to Riki Sawamura, but the little pink-haired girl didn't take them at all, so she had to force them on her head.

"Don't move, you're so cute!"

"Auntie, move it away."

"Just one picture, just one!"

I'll count to three.

Yoshiko Sawamura's hand speed increased instantly. After snapping the photo, she turned and ran away with her phone in hand. Riki Sawamura, sporting pink cat ears, chased after her. Her previously lifeless state finally showed a bit more of a living presence.

The two people entered the zoo one after the other.

The road ahead split into several directions. The left led to the panda enclosure, while the right led to the elephant and giraffe area. Yoshiko Sawamura dodged the pursuit of the little pink-haired boy while turning back to ask him questions.

Where should we go first?

Ritsuki Sawamura didn't bother to choose and just pointed forward randomly.

"there."

"Okay!"

Without giving it a second thought, Yoshiko Sawamura ran toward that road with her phone in hand.

That road leads to the panda enclosure.

It was also the direction that Kuroba Shido and Onodera Zannen left in twenty minutes ago.