I was prepared for a big crowd, but not this big...

Same. I know this shrine is famous, but this is quite a lot of people.

It's good that we came early, huh?
I guess we just have to wait patiently in line now.

Right.
I'll use this time to reply to the message Azusawa and Shiraishi sent.

Their message...?
Oh, right. They said that they're at PXL now.

They also said they couldn't wait to see the show.

It's New Year's Day, so I hope they get to have as much fun as they can.

Me too. On the other hand, we're having ourselves a pretty lazy day.

Yes, but we should make the most of this shrine visit to ensure that we have another good year.

The shrine's office was also pretty crowded, huh.

But I guess that's normal, since everyone goes to draw their fortunes after making their wishes.

That being said, we've managed to pay our respects and get our fortunes. That means we've accomplished our goals for the day.

Yeah, but now it's time to see how lucky we really are.

Right.

...!

Hey, I got a great blessing.

Really? So did I.

Seriously?
Not a bad way to start off the new year.

Let's see what it says... “Your studies will go smoothly. There is no need to fear.”

Do you think it's talking about our English lessons?

If so, that's very encouraging.
You should do as it says. Proceed without any fear.

Yeah, not very likely...

Anyway, what else does it say...? “Your next trip will be very rewarding.”

Mine also says something similar.
We may gain quite a lot by going over to the United States.

I sure hope so. There wouldn't be much point otherwise.

Hm...?

What is it?

Oh, they just sent a message.

Ah, Shiraishi and Azusawa. They even included a photo.

<Check it out!
We got to greet Kagami Mochi Phenny!>

<Will you be able to get your pancakes? Are you two still at the shrine?>

This is Kagami Mochi Phenny...?

What's this on his head? A mandarin...?

Yes, this must be one of the key features of Kagami Mochi Phenny.

It looks like all they did was place a mandarin on top of a white ball of fluff and call it kagami mochi... Though, I guess the pancakes we're gonna have later are basically the same idea.

What's up?

Oh, it's just... They sent us a photo, so I feel like we should reply by sending one.

Huh?

We both just got great blessings, so I thought it might be good to let them know.

Do we have to? We're not little kids anymore.

We can hold our fortunes out like this and hold the camera from this angle. That should allow us to squeeze both of our faces in...

You're serious...?

Alright, fine... Gimme your phone. I'll take it.

Thank you, Akito.
Are we both in frame?

Yeah, we are.
Anyway, smile...

Okay, it turned out pretty well. Nice work, Akito.

Yeah, good for you.

Anyway, let's send this to them and start heading over to the cafe.

Yes, let's go.