🍒 Cherry Drop 🍒

Don’t mention it.

Not relying on your parents to buy them, on top of that… for someone your age, that’s rather impressive. This next volume is going to be my best yet, just you wait.

[“When aren’t they my best,” he almost lets slip.]

Indeed. You and your friend have the right idea–knowledge is what matters most. The one thing that makes my manga apart from most is reality–nothing implemented in Pink Dark Boy is something I’ve taken artistic licence on. I’ve experienced everything that’s happened, looked into everything personally.

Well, I use my allowance and save up...  So I guess it sort of is their money, but it’s my money to spend on whatever I want.  Even if tankouban prices have gone up a little bit, I’m glad.  They’re more than worth it.  But I believe it!  

But...

You’ve actually done all of those things in Pink Dark Boy?  That’s...

That’s the best thing I’ve ever heard...!  No wonder it’s so good!  The best authors always write from experiences and extrapolate from there...  You must be way more thorough than I ever imagined...!

Not at all. I don’t have anything planned for today–it’s no trouble.

[He really does seem like just a little kid… what’s going on here? Was it really not a Stand user, after all? He finds it hard to believe, regarding him with lidded eyes as he takes the book and starts signing it.]

Thank you very much!

O-Oh, and I do buy them myself, when I can!  A few, I’ve gotten for my birthday last year--I think the next one coming out is in August, right?  And I’ll probably get it then, too!

Oh, my, that’s… thank you so much for saying so, that’s very kind of you.

Ah–it’s naturally wavy, but I do enjoy putting it up in a ponytail, or braiding it. Sometimes, I like having flowers braided into it, as well.

[He lurks through the brush, peering through and analyzing who this stranger was. The leaves around him rustle slightly as he continues to sniff, picking up on the boy’s scent and chuffing.]

A human child…

[This was tricky. Depending on how well raised the child was, they could either be less likely to panic in his presence, or more likely to draw attention.]

-He takes in several breaths, bringing out his companion to protect himself, just in case--but he doesn't run.  But he also does not start screaming his bloody head off, either.-

[Oh my god. He’s so small and curly. She’s never seen a little kid with that stylish of a hairstyle before. And on top of that? He’s shaped like a friend.]

I must say, I rather like how things are now! Fighting can be so very tiring if it isn’t for a good cause…

No protective padding?  The teachers here would go absolutely crazy...  Even the high school ones where there are martial arts clubs and stuff!  That's insane--you've got to be the strongest guy out there...!

A-And well...

… Morioh, huh? That’s where my uncle lives. Maybe I’ll give him a call and see if he knows anything about it.

-It sounds like a Stand user. It’s probably a Stand user, really.-

I'll try to be careful, in that case.  I mean, I have a friend who makes sure I'm safe all the time, but I don't want anything to happen where I get into danger.

I sure can.

That means you're pretty special too, huh?

-That's when he feels when he can really trust Dr. J fully, showing a bright smile as he starts to close the gap between them for the rest of the walk.-

[He’s talking about careers with a fucking ten year old. Amazing.]

Is that so? Well, do you happen to have a volume or two with you right now? I could sign it for you, if you’d like.

B-But yes!  I do, hold on!  Only if it’s no trouble...!

So, it is a hobby for you…

[He has to watch his tone. This kid could very well be a Stand user. And he’s not all that excited to get into a fight with yet another young Stand user–he’s gotten used to not breaking any bones and actually having a house that stayed standing. If he said something wrong, this kid might just fucking make him die four times.]

[Four times. That’s four times too many.]

-For better or worse, he’s a bit oblivious to that tone, but he seems to perk up more when he uses his name.  His heart races a bit faster--it was sort of acknowledgement!-

That, I am.

…

I-I do!  A little bit...  It’s something I really enjoy doing, sensei. Please forgive me for interrupting you.

-Oh my god his day has been made!  He’s not sure if he should offer his sketchbook or not?  That kind of thing was rude and pushy for his tastes--and he was just a kid.  But he considers it, just a little bit, as he draws it closer to his chest.-

[Isn’t this that recluse that lives with Jotaro-san? Why is he so small? Could it be the work of a Stand user? If so, where the hell is Jotaro-san? He would’ve thought that he’d keep a better eye on him.]

……………….

-He’s standing there with his schoolbag and his sketchbook when he catches sight of someone looking at him.  He’s a really nice-looking guy--an absolutely sharp dresser that he swears he’s seen before.  It takes him a few minutes before he starts to give a guess--and he’s sounding a little starstruck and meek.-

Kishibe Rohan-sensei...?

Oh, definitely!

There’s this one really good saying that I heard once–“no matter how bad things get, ain’t nobody born into this world to be alone,” I think it was? I really like that quote.

[She nods a bit at that.]

Someone took a middle school student? That doesn’t sound like something he would do.

Kinda... I just moved here, like I said, but...

There was a kid at the middle school who disappeared during lunch break mysteriously--I think his name was Yanguu... Yanguu Shi... something?  I saw it on the news a night or two ago.

There’s been people disappearing in Morioh for a long time, actually...  At least what some kids in my class say.

And that’s perfectly fine! Honestly, I lucked out quite a bit in the physical field–my grades were rather deplorable during my early lessons, really…

But I’m good at the rest of my subjects.

You kind of remind me of him, you know. I didn’t know him when he was a kid, but I bet he was a lot like you.

Noriaki’s a good name...  I don’t know if I could give up being--

...

-He goes absolutely still the moment he sees something slide out from Dr. J’s jacket--something else entirely showing itself to help him with his cigarette, even going as far as to light it up.  His own friend is out in response, peering over his shoulder.-