You Are My Hero! - 2: Looking for Nyantaro

Nonogi Park

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1

Tsukasa

Nyantaro! Where are you?!

2

Miku

<Hmm... No sign of him here, either...>

3

Tsukasa

Not a trace... Since that day, I've had a chance to see him each time I've come to do a run. What could've happened to him...?

4

Miku

<Does he not want any dried sardines today...?>

5

Tsukasa

I don't know. I just hope he isn't going hungry...

6

Mizuki's Voice

Hey, Tsukasa!

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7

Tsukasa

Akiyama?
Oh, and if it isn't Airi Momoi! Long time no see!

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8

Tsukasa

Are you two heading somewhere together?

9

Airi

Again, why do you always call me by my full name?! No, I keep responding the same way... It's like some sort of weird reflex now.

10

Mizuki

Haha...
We were on our way to check out a carnival that's in Shibuya right now. It's supposed to be all cat themed and really cute!

11

Mizuki

Anyway, Tsukasa, what were you doing just now?
We heard you shouting from way over there...

12

Tsukasa

Ah, about that... I'm looking for Nyantaro.

13

Airi

Nyantaro?

14

Tsukasa

He's a stray cat I met while doing my usual run here. We became friends after I helped him out of a bind.

15

Tsukasa

I've been seeing him here at the park each day and getting to know him better by giving him some dried sardines...

16

Tsukasa

But he isn't at our usual spot today.
In fact, I can't find him anywhere.

17

Airi

So that's what's going on...

18

Mizuki

But stray cats come and go all the time.
He might be somewhere else today, right?

19

Mizuki

I mean, cats are pretty independent.

20

Tsukasa

Yes, but I'm worried that he isn't getting enough to eat...

21

Airi

I see...
I also love cats, so I understand your concern.

22

Airi

Why don't we help him look before we head over to the carnival, Mizuki? We still have some time before it opens.

23

Mizuki

Yeah, works for me!

24

Tsukasa

You're going to help?! Thank you both very much...!

25

Tsukasa

In that case, since I've already searched this area, let's look over that wa—

26

???

Huh? Tsukasa?

27

Tsukasa

Hm?

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28

Tsukasa

Nene?! What are you doing here...?

29

Nene

Me? I was just getting some running in...

30

Airi

Oh! Morning, Kusanagi!
What a coincidence!

31

Nene

M-Momoi? Akiyama...?
What are you two doing here with Tsukasa...?

32

Mizuki

We're gonna help him look for a cat!

33

Tsukasa

He's called Nyantaro...
Did you happen to see him, Nene?

34

Nene

Nyantaro...?

35

Nene

I had no idea...

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36

Nene

In that case, I'll help you guys look for him. I was actually just about to take a break.

37

Nene

By the way, what kind of cat should I be looking for?
Knowing his breed or the color of his fur would help...

38

Tsukasa

Oh, Nene, your help is much appreciated...!
And as it so happens, he has a wonderful defining characteristic!

39

Tsukasa

Believe it or not, he carries a star upon his back...!

40

Airi

A star?

41

Tsukasa

That's right. On the left side of his back is a patch of fur that looks uncannily like a star. As for the color of his fur, he's an orange and white tabby.

42

Nene

An orange and white tabby with a star on his back...? That sounds like...

43

Mizuki

Does that mean you've seen him, Kusanagi?

44

Nene

Well, the thing is...

45

Nene

He's right there.

46

Tsukasa

What?!

47

Cat

Meow.

48

Tsukasa

*Gasp*
N-Nyantaro...!!

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49

Airi

Wait, this is him...?

50

Mizuki

Wow, he really does have a star on his back! Haha. Talk about great timing!

51

Tsukasa

You're late! I was worried sick!
I brought you some more sardines toda—

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52

???

Oh, Nyantaro, are these new friends of yours...?

53

Tsukasa

Huh...?

54

Cat

Meow!

55

???

Haha. That explains it.
I was wondering where you've been going on walks lately. You were seeing your friends.

56

Tsukasa

P-Pardon me...
But you are...?

57

???

Ah, this is my cat...
I'm Nyantaro's owner.

58

Tsukasa

His...

59

Tsukasa

His owner...?!

60

Mizuki

Alright, lemme get this straight...

61

Mizuki

First, this cat isn't a stray. He has an owner...

62

Mizuki

Not only that, his name is actually Nyantaro?! What are the odds?!

63

Inuyama

That's right. And I'm his owner, Inuyama.

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64

Inuyama

I never expected to meet someone who'd given him the same name.

65

Tsukasa

Th-Th-Th-This...

66

Tsukasa

This is terrible!!!

67

Tsukasa

I'm so sorry, Mr. Inuyama!
I had no idea that he had an owner. I ended up giving him a name and a steady diet of dried sardines...

68

Tsukasa

How can I ever make up for what I've done...?!?!?!

69

Inuyama

No, I'm actually very happy. I've been wondering why he's been heading out in such a good mood lately. Also, based on what I just heard, you saved him from the pond, is that right?

70

Inuyama

Nyantaro's a bit of a fraidy-cat.
Fortunately, you were there to save him. Thank you again, Tenma.

71

Inuyama

I know. If you're free, would you like to come visit my carnival...?

72

Inuyama

I feel I should thank you somehow.
I mean, you've been so good to Nyantaro...

73

Nene

Wait, your carnival...?

74

Inuyama

You've noticed that there's a carnival set up nearby, yes? I'm actually the owner of it.

75

Mizuki

You are...?!
We were just about to go check it out!

76

Inuyama

Ah, perfect.
I'd like to take this opportunity to invite all of you.

77

Inuyama

It isn't exactly the grandest of affairs, but your satisfaction is guaranteed.

78

Airi

Wait, but... Are you sure?
Inviting Tenma is one thing... But us?

79

Inuyama

Yes, you're all invited. I'm grateful that you showed genuine concern for Nyantaro here.

80

Tsukasa

Thank you very much...
Then, I think we have no choice but to accept your offer!

81

Nyantaro

Meow.

82

Airi

*Gasp*
Nyantaro's brushing up against your ankles, Tenma...!

83

Mizuki

Haha. I think this means he wants to join our group.

84

Nyantaro

Meow.

85

Tsukasa

Hah hah hah! You're obviously welcome to join us! We are kindred spirits, are we not...?

86

Nene

Wait, since when...?

87

Inuyama

Hehe. Then, I'll lead the way...

88

Tsukasa

Yes, please do!

89

Miku

(Thank goodness they were able to find Nyantaro☆)

90

Miku

(And getting to check out this carnival as a group sounds like a lot of fun♪)

91

Miku

(Hehe. I'm so happy for you, Tsukasa!)

Next Chapter: Welcome to Meow Park!