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Cooking in Xanadu

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Vegetables in Disguise
Marisa
I better go buy some snacks already. Those two will never let me hear the end of it if I'm late to the tea party.
Marisa
Hm, what should I get? Cookies, pies, scones... they all go well with tea, but I wanna try something different this time.
Hey, Marisa! How about you take these?
Narumi
Look, we brought you our latest dessert. It's quite unique. I bet Alice and Patchouli will be surprised!
Marisa
Oh, hey, PLAYER, Narumi!
Marisa
I forgot you guys opened up your own sweet shop. So, what kind of dessert is it?
Narumi
Hehehe, you'll know once you try it! I've got a freshly baked batch for you!
Marisa
Whoa, are these chiffon cakes? But how are they unique?
Marisa
I guess I'll know after I taste one!
Marisa
*nom* *nom* Ah...
Narumi
Have you figured it out?
Marisa
Don't tell me this is... a vegetable cake?
Narumi
BINGO! I mainly used carrots, but it tastes like a proper cake, doesn't it?
Marisa
Yeah, it kinda has a slight carrot flavor, but it's sweet, and it tastes like a regular cake.
Marisa
This is actually pretty neat!
Narumi
Hehe, did you hear that, PLAYER?! This one's also a huge success!
Yeah, I'm glad it turned out well!
The other new recipes are also pretty delicious!
Marisa
Wait, what? You've got more new desserts?
Narumi
Yeah, we've all got something new today! We wanted you to have a taste, so we got them for you.
Marisa
How nice! OK, I guess I'll take the most unique one for the tea party!
Eika
Try mine next! Look at how cute it is!
Marisa
That's taiyaki, isn't it? What's so special about it?
Eika
Gosh, Marisa! You just don't get it! Right, PLAYER? Right, Narumi?
Narumi
Yeah, she doesn't get it at all! Normal taiyaki don't look so adorable! Eika worked really hard on it, you know?!
Marisa
O-Oh... sorry, my bad. I'll take a bite while it's still hot.
Marisa
*chomp* Wait a minute... is this stuffed with minced fish?!
Eika
That's right! I wanted it to look cute, but I also wanted it to be packed with nutrition! Awesome, isn't it?!
Marisa
Yeah, this is kinda addictive! And it's even more interesting 'cause it looks like plain old taiyaki.
Marisa
First, a vegetable cake, and now taiyaki stuffed with minced fish... They're both delicious. Maybe I should take both─
???
Hold it right there!
Marisa
E-Eiki?! Why is the Yama dressed like that? Oh, wait... you're also working with them at the sweet shop, aren't you?
Eiki
Isn't that obvious? All of us work at La Patisserie JIZOU, the best sweet shop around.
Eiki
Now that that's clear...
Eiki
Here, try the dessert I made!
Eiki
Go on, taste one!
Marisa
A-All right, all right! Stop shoving it in my face!
Eiki
Sorry about that. Here you go.
Marisa
Hm, cookies with icing... these look a lot like some people I know.
Marisa
They're cute, though. Do they also taste different somehow?
Marisa
Wh-Wh-Why is it so sweet?!
Marisa
How can something be so sweet?! Can you even call this a dessert?! This is what sugar demons must taste like!
Marisa
How much sugar did you put in this?! This is downright unhealthy compared to everything else here!
Eiki
I put in a handful, just like the recipe said!
Marisa
Is your hand a spoon? 'Cause I can bet it said a spoonful, not a handful! And what's with that thing in your hand?!
Eiki
This is what a pastry chef uses. End of discussion.
Marisa
Yeah, I'm gonna go buy sweets from the village. I ain't got time to deal with your nonsense.
Eika
No, wait! Marisaaaaaaa!
Narumi
We've got many more sweets for you to taste! You've got to tell us how good they are!
Marisa
No way! It'll take a whole day to taste that mountain of sweets!
Eiki
Marisa... if you don't do as we ask, I will send you to Hell!
Marisa
Huh, what have I done to deserve that?!
Marisa
Whoa, when did I fall asleep?!
Marisa
I feel like I had a really strange dream... I better not try to remember it.
Marisa
Oh, no! I almost forgot I gotta buy sweets from the village for the tea party with Alice and Patchouli!
Stone Stacking
Eiki
Here I am at Sai no Kawara again... I really need to stop coming here every time I take a break from work.
Eiki
Souls of stillborns and young infants reside here, unable to reincarnate. It's a punishment, so they shouldn't be playing...
Eiki
But I do love the sound of kids having fun. Hehe, maybe I'm a bit too soft-hearted for a Yama.
Eiki
Huh, who's over there─
Narumi
I just have to keep it slow and steady and it won't topple...
Eika
C'mon, Narumi! You can do it!
Narumi
Just you watch! I'm going to win this stone-stacking contest!
Narumi
Uh-oh...!
Narumi
It fell over right when I was about to make my tallest stack yet.
Eika
Hehe, you've still got a lot to learn!
Eika
There's a trick to stacking stones! You need a light touch...
Narumi
The way you do it so effortlessly never fails to amaze me! Let's try our best to build a tall stack, PLAYER!
Yeah, I'm not gonna give up now!
I can't believe how good all these kids are!
New Stillborn Spirit
Look, look! Look at how tall my stack of stones is!
Innocent Stillborn Spirit
I've stacked mine super neatly! I'm gonna beat Eika this time, for sure!
Eika
I gotta admit, you guys are doing pretty good. But there's no way I'm gonna let you win!
Eiki
What are Narumi and PLAYER doing here? They need to be more careful. This place isn't all that safe...
Eiki
But they're having fun, so maybe I'll let it slide this time.
Eiki
...
Eiki
What's more worrying is the number of souls here. I need to have a word with Eika about this.
Eiki
I'll wait until their contest is over.
Eika
Yay! I win again!
Narumi
You crushed it this time, but I'm going to win next time!
Eika
Oh, hello, Lady Eiki! What're you doing here?
Narumi
Do you also want to compete in a stone-stacking contest? Sorry, but we're done with this one.
Eiki
No, I just wanted to have a little talk about the contestants here. May I, Eika?
Eika
Sure, go ahead!
Eiki
Thank you.
Eiki
Don't you think there were a lot of spirits participating this time?
Narumi
Hmmm, you're right.
Eika
Maybe that's 'cause there are a lot of new child spirits here?
Eiki
That means there has been an increase in the number of deaths... This is a grave situation.
Eiki
There's nothing more precious than children. We need to do something for them.
Eiki
(But what can a Yama like me do? Judging the dead is all I've ever done. How can I help them?)
Miss Eiki looks like she's lost in thought...
I'd love to help, but what can we do?
Eiki
This is a tough one. I'm the Yama... so there must be some way I can help those kids...
Narumi
Hm, maybe you shouldn't be overthinking this.
Narumi
Even the smallest of things can make a big difference. It's got nothing to do with you being the Yama.
Narumi
But I don't know what exactly we can do, either.
Eiki
Narumi...
Eiki
Hehe, thank you. I'll stop getting so flustered over it and give this some thought.
Eiki
I need to get back to─
Innocent Stillborn Spirit
Heeeeeey, Eikaaaa!
Eika
What's wrong?
New Stillborn Spirit
Um, we wanted to ask you something...
An Appetizing Plan
Narumi
What do the kids want from Eika?
Eiki
I don't know, but they don't look very happy. I'm kind of worried.
Eika
Ah, I completely forgot about the sweets!
Innocent Stillborn Spirit
C'mon, hurry up!
New Stillborn Spirit
I'm soooooo hungry!
Eika
Sorry, sorry, it completely slipped my mind. But don't worry, I've got them ready. C'mon, line up!
Narumi
Oh, they're just hungry. I'm glad it wasn't anything serious.
Eiki
Hm, sweets, huh?
Is something wrong, Miss Eiki?
Is something bothering you?
Eiki
It's about Eika and the others─
Eika
Narumiiiii! Lady Eikiiii!
Narumi
Wh-What's wrong, Eika?!
Eika
The phantoms stole all my sweets! Some of them are acting pretty violent! Please help me get them back!
Narumi
This is bad! Come on, Lady Eiki, let's help them!
Eiki
Anyone who upsets innocent little kids must be punished!
Stillborn Spirits
Yaaaaaaaay! Thanks for the sweets!
Eika
Please share them among yourselves!
Narumi
All's well that ends well! We got rid of the phantoms and got the sweets back!
Eika
Thanks for the help!
Eiki
Eika, do you often bring sweets for these kids?
Eika
Yeah, they're always hungry after playing all day, so I give them whatever sweets I have with me.
Eika
I'd like to give them something better, though.
Narumi
I have an idea. Why don't we prepare sweets for them?
Eika
That sounds fun! I'm sure they'll love it! What should we make, though? Something like mizu manju, or gelatin?
Eiki
They may be spirits, but eating too many sweets can't be good for them... We should make something nutritious.
Eiki
This is just my opinion, but I think kids should have a balanced diet, whether they're living or dead.
Eiki
And I want these kids to eat proper food even more because they died before they could really enjoy life.
Eika
I agree! I think that's a great idea!
Narumi
I bet if we make something delicious and healthy, all of them will be running around, full of energy!
Narumi
It'll be great! Come on, let's get cooking!
Eiki
All right─
Eika
What's wrong, Lady Eiki?
Eiki
U-Um, I don't know how to say this, but...
Narumi
Oh, right, you've got your Yama duties to take care of! Don't worry, we'll prepare your share, too!
I'll help!
Let's make those kids happy with yummy food!
Eika
Thanks, PLAYER!
Narumi
Now you don't need to worry, Lady Eiki! You can go back to your work. We'll take care of the rest!
Eiki
Thank you. Please do this for those kids.
Eika & Narumi
You can count on us!
Eiki
...
Eiki
I really want to help, but I guess I'll let them handle this. I'll focus on my work and check in with them when I can.
Picky Eaters
Narumi
This is looking good. We've made plenty of food thanks to PLAYER helping out.
Eika
Wow, Narumi, you're really good at cooking. This pilaf looks great. And these flower-shaped carrots are so cute.
Narumi
Hehe, thanks! I tried to recreate something I received as an offering once.
Narumi
And this fish dish here is something I learned by watching one of the humans in the village make it.
Narumi
I usually spend my time alone in the Forest of Magic, so I never thought I'd have the opportunity to cook for anyone.
Narumi
Cooking is a lot of fun. I get to try out everything I've seen or heard about! I must say, I love being a jizou!
Wow, Narumi, I bet you could cook a whole feast!
(Food cooked by a jizou is like a blessing!)
Narumi
You and Eika have also done a pretty good job. I'm sure the kids will love it!
Eika
I know, right?! They said they wanna try Salisbury steak and omurice, so I made some!
Eika
I made them with veggies, so it's still nutritious! And at least they aren't sweets!
Yeah, you've used plenty of healthy ingredients!
(She knows a lot about what they want!)
Eiki
Whoa, this is impressive!
Eika
Welcome back, Lady Eiki!
Narumi
We just got done preparing all of this. What do you think?
Eiki
Everything looks great. There's a perfect balance of meat and vegetables here.
Eiki
Well done, everyone. Those kids will finally get to eat something healthy. I'm sure they'll be very happy.
Eiki
It's all thanks to your hard work... I really appreciate it.
Narumi
We would've never thought about doing something like this on our own. It's only because you suggested it.
Eika
We've made sure this food represents everything you wanted to do. So you're a part of this!
Eiki
Thank you, Eika, Narumi, PLAYER... I'll at least help you serve all of this. Come on, let's go.
Eika & Narumi
Yeah!
Eika & Narumi
Why...?
Eika & Narumi
Why aren't they eating anything?!
Narumi
I didn't know they were such picky eaters. We should've given it more thought...
Eiki
They ate around all the veggies, and completely ignored the mushrooms, fish, and anything else that's healthy...
Narumi
Come to think of it, they're acting just like little children. Kids tend to avoid things that don't look appetizing to them.
Eika & Narumi
*sob* We worked so hard to make these dishes... but all they want are sweets!
Eiki
We need to rethink our menu... and do something about all of this food.
Eiki
A lot of effort has gone into making this. It would be a waste to throw it all away.
B-But we can't eat so much food on our own!
Isn't there someone who can finish all of this...?
Eiki
That'd be nice, but where will we find that someone─
Komachi
La lala la la, break time... part two!
Komachi
Eek! Wh-What are you doing here, Lady Eiki?!
Eiki
Why, if it isn't Komachi. What are you doing here at Sai no Kawara?
Komachi
U-Um... actually...
Eiki
...
Komachi
...
Eika & Narumi
You're playing hooky, aren't you?
Delivery From Hell
Komachi
I swear I'm not skipping out on work, Lady Eiki! I just went on a walk to freshen up...
Eiki
...
Komachi
I-I'll get back to work!
Eiki
Komachi, wait! I need to talk to you about something!
Komachi
You can't ask a shinigami to wait! Death waits for no one!
Eika
That's not fair, she used her powers to run away!
Eiki
There's no point complaining about it. Let's go after her!
Narumi
But why? Can't you just scold her later?
Eiki
That's not why I'm going after her.
Eiki
I think Komachi can help us with our food situation.
Eiki
She may not be the most professional shinigami, but she's pretty friendly with all the souls. She might actually be useful.
Eiki
I think she'll be able to come up with an idea or two, but she ran off before I could explain anything.
Narumi
Then we better hurry! But where did she go?
She probably returned to the Sanzu River.
I hope she can give us a good idea.
Eiki
Yes, we need to talk to her about it first.
Eiki
And then she gets scolded!
Eika & Narumi
I knew she wasn't off the hook...
Komachi
Sheesh, I didn't expect to run into Lady Eiki. She's so gonna yell at me later.
Cheerful Voice
Delivery! Anybody there?!
Komachi
I know that chipper voice...
Kutaka
Here are your ten hot spring eggs from Hell and three plates of lamprey. Do use our service again!
Komachi
Ah, Kutaka, I knew it was you. I didn't know you guys deliver all the way here.
Kutaka
Oh, hey, Miss Komachi. I didn't see you around, so I assumed you were off duty today.
Kutaka
Were you slacking off again?
Komachi
How rude! I just went for a little walk, OK?
Kutaka
That's like the very definition of slacking off...
Komachi
Ahem, and what about you, huh? Aren't you skipping out on your main job to do these deliveries?
Kutaka
I deliver food during my break and on my days off. Working with Supportmates is also important to me!
Komachi
Th-That's some dedication...
Eiki
There you are, Komachi!
Komachi
Eek! Did she follow me here?! I thought she'd call me later for a scolding, like she usually does!
Kutaka
Aha, I knew you were slacking off!
Eika
You're not getting away this time! I'm gonna throw stones at you if you try!
Narumi
And I'll stop you with my magic!
Komachi
I better get outta here! Who knows what they're gonna do to me!
Komachi
Kutaka!
Kutaka
Wh-What is it?!
Komachi
Lend me a hand!
Kutaka
OK! ...Wait, what?!
Eiki
Grr, are you seriously going to use Kutaka to get away?
Kutaka
Huh, why am I being dragged into this?!
Eiki
If that's how you want to play it, we're just going to have to stop the both of you!
Komachi
C'mon, Kutaka! Let's get outta here!
Kutaka
L-Leave me out of this!
Komachi
*sob* I give up...
Kutaka
I was out delivering food and minding my own business... why did I have to get caught up in this?
Eiki
Now I can finally have a sensible conversation. Komachi, I need to ask you something.
Komachi
Huh, what's this about...? Aren't you gonna scold me?
Komachi
Oh, I didn't know all that was going on at Sai no Kawara...
Komachi
But I gotta say, I still can't believe Lady Eiki wants my help. Did Hell freeze over today?
Eiki
Come again?
Komachi
No, it's nothing. I was just talking to myself.
Narumi
She definitely said something about Lady Eiki.
Eika
Yeah, I heard that too. Something about Hell freezing over.
Eiki
Well, whatever. So, Komachi, do you have any good ideas?
Eiki
You've interacted with loads of people, both alive and dead. I think you should be able to help us with this....
Komachi
Hmm, what can we do to feed those picky eaters and make use of all the leftover food...?
Komachi
Oh, I know. Kutaka, can't you, like, deliver all the leftover food to your regular customers?
Komachi
I'm pretty sure not all of them order specific dishes. Can't you deliver these dishes to those with vague orders?
Narumi
That's a good idea. If someone places a suitable order, Kutaka could deliver our dishes to them!
Eiki
But we'd have to be really lucky for her to get an order like that.
Kutaka
I've got one!
Eika, Narumi & Eiki
Huh?!
Kutaka
It says "We're having a party in Former Hell. Bring lots of food and make me jealous." They'll be glad to get all your dishes!
Eika
Woohoo! We don't need to waste anything!
Narumi
That order was weird. But at least someone will eat our leftover food now.
Eiki
Now we just need to figure out what to feed those kids... Do you have any ideas, Kutaka?
Kutaka
Hm, the food we usually deliver can be a bit too heavy for children.
Kutaka
Maybe the vegetarian food from Myouren Temple could work, but I don't know if the kids will like it.
Narumi
Hmm, this isn't easy. If only we knew what they liked...
Eika
We do know one thing they like... They're always asking for sweets.
Komachi
Sweets, huh...?
Komachi
Oh, I know!
Eiki
Share, please.
Komachi
Yeah, so I heard about something that might work.
Dressed for Success
Eika
Food that looks like sweets?!
Eiki
Does something like that even exist?
Komachi
I haven't seen it either, but one of the souls I ferried told me about it.
Komachi
Apparently, even kids who hate veggies eat them up like cake.
Eika
Whoa, that's amazing! If we knew what exactly it was, we could replicate it!
I think I've seen something like that in the village!
They had stuff like cakes made of veggies!
Narumi
Yeah, I think I've seen those too! I just thought they were desserts!
Eika
I bet the kids will gobble them up if they look like sweets!
Eiki
That's quite possible. Let's go see what they look and taste like first.
I'll go with you!
I'll be able to show you around, and I'll get to help!
Narumi
Thanks, PLAYER! That'll be great!
Eika
What are we waiting for?! Let's go!
Kutaka
Wait a minute!
Eiki
What is it, Kutaka?
Kutaka
You're going to be cooking, right? Then I've got just the thing for you!
Kutaka
Here, take these!
Eiki
Are these... chef outfits? And why are you giving us all sorts of cooking utensils...?
Komachi
Why are you carrying all of this around with you anyway?
Kutaka
Lately, I've been wanting to cook and not just deliver food.
Kutaka
I've been collecting all kinds of things for that. I've got way too much by now. Please use whatever you can!
Narumi
That's nice of you. But are you sure you don't need these?
Kutaka
Yeah, I've got many more at home, so please feel free to take them! By the way, the outfits are from Kourindou!
Komachi
I guessed as much. But why are you hoarding so much stuff like a certain magician we all know?
Eiki
L-Let's not question that and be thankful for it.
Narumi
These outfits look really cute. Let's try them on!
Eiki
Can't we do that when we start cooking─
Eika
Yeaaaaah, let's change into them! C'mon, Lady Eiki!
Eiki
S-Stop pushing me!
Komachi
Aaaand there they go. I wonder if the outfits will suit them.
Kutaka
Wow, you all look great in those outfits!
Narumi
Hehe, thanks! Wearing this makes me feel like I can cook better!
Eika
This outfit is so soft and cute! Thanks, Miss Kutaka!
Eiki
U-Um, Kutaka...
Kutaka
What is it, Lady Eiki?
Eiki
Wasn't this uniform designed for you...?
Kutaka
That's my favorite one... Do you not like it?
Eiki
It's just that...
Eiki
It's really cute... and I don't think it suits me...
Eika
That's not true! You look really good!
Komachi
It's different from your smart work uniform, but not in a bad way. You just gotta lighten up a bit, and it'll be perfect.
Komachi
I think the kids will love it.
Eiki
M-Maybe...!
Narumi
Komachi's right! The kids will be really happy to see you serve delicious food in your adorable outfit!
Eika
Yeah, we're gonna get it right this time!
Narumi
Come on, let's go to the Human Village!
Eika
I can't wait to taste food that looks like dessert!
Eiki
W-Wait! Let's change out of these outfits first!
Kutaka
It's good to see how excited they are about this! Anyway, I better go deliver all this food to Former Hell!
Komachi
...
Kutaka
What's wrong, Miss Komachi?
Komachi
Something's different about Lady Eiki today...
Komachi
She's as serious as ever, but... Hm, I can't quite put my finger on it.
Hammer Time
Eiki
...
Narumi
What's wrong, Lady Eiki? Why do you look so tense?
Eiki
I-I'm not used to wearing something like this, so I'm just a little embarrassed.
Eiki
I'm trying my best to get used to this outfit, but it's not easy...
Narumi
Stop overthinking it! You look really good in it!
Eika
You just need to practice smiling more! It'll make the kids happy!
Eiki
Y-You're right. OK, then─
Narumi
Ugh, what's with all these phantoms and fairies getting in our way?!
Eiki
This is not OK! I'm going to teach them a lesson!
Eika
Whoa, she's serious! C'mon, PLAYER, Narumi! Let's help her out!
Eiki
Phew... Peace at last. Huh, what's wrong?
Eika & Narumi
Is that a weapon in your hand?
Eiki
No, it's just a meat tenderizer. Was I using it to attack earlier...?
Eika & Narumi
Yep, like a hammer.
Eiki
Oh, maybe it's because it resembles the gavel I usually use.
Eika
What's a gavel? Oh, is it the thing you tap to pass judgments?
Eiki
Yes, and oddly, it makes me feel like a proper judge. Even the phantoms never object to it.
Eiki
Everyone's always silent at my trials anyway.
Is that why they say the dead don't talk?!
I didn't know Miss Eiki had such a radiant smile!
Eiki
Hehe, come on, you were going to teach me how to smile properly. I'm counting on you.
Eika & Narumi
O-OK!
All Sold Out
Narumi
The shop's somewhere around here, isn't it, PLAYER?
Yeah, it's the one at the corner over there!
They've got a lot of options! Let's check them all out!
Eika
Whoa, what?! I thought there was just one kind! Do they all look and taste different?
Eiki
Variety is good. It'll give us plenty of ideas. We'll order a bunch of them.
Mike
Welcome! We've got veggie cakes and lots of sweets made of minced meat! They're perfect for your kids to snack on!
Narumi
Oh, it's Mike. She must be running the shop today.
Eiki
Is that the vegetable cake? It's basically a dessert but it's made using a lot of vegetables, huh?
Narumi
They've got cookies, donuts, and muffins, too. Look at how colorful they are! That probably comes from the vegetables...
Eika
Whoa, look, that taiyaki is made with kamaboko! They've made it look so cute and appetizing!
Eiki
These are all pretty nutritious. And because they look like desserts, it'll be easy to get the kids to eat them.
Mike
Better hurry before everything's sold out!
Eiki
We should stop wasting time admiring them. Let's quickly buy some.
Narumi
Let's do that! Huh, is that─
Marisa
Wow, I finally found something different! Mike, I'll take one of those cakes!
Mike
OK, here you go! Do come again!
Marisa
I can't believe you can actually buy stuff like this! I can't wait to see how Alice and Patchouli react!
Marisa
Oops, I better hurry before I'm late for the tea party. I got the snacks I came for, now it's time to dash!
Narumi
I didn't know Marisa would be interested in buying something like that! I must say, I'm a bit surprised!
Eiki
She said she was going to a tea party, right? Knowing her, she probably just wants to prank her friends.
Eiki
Well, anyway... Let's place our orders─
Eika
Oh, no!
Narumi
Wh-What's wrong, Eika?!
Eika
They're...
Eika
They're all sold out!
Mike
I'm sorry. Marisa bought the last one we had.
Narumi
H-How is that possible...? There were so many still in stock when we got here.
Everything got sold out in the blink of an eye!
Miss Mike is such an amazing salesperson!
Eiki
We should've been more careful... Mike, don't you have any more in the back?
Mike
I'm sorry, but we're all sold out for today. We've got the usual sweets, if you want those...
Eiki
I guess we'll just have to come back tomorrow then...
Narumi
Lady Eiki, let's go after Marisa!
Eiki
But why?
Narumi
I don't want to go back empty handed! Also─
Marisa
I can't believe you can actually buy stuff like this! I can't wait to see how Alice and Patchouli react!
Eiki
She said she was going to a tea party, right? Knowing her, she probably just wants to prank her friends.
Narumi
If she's really using it to prank them, we just need to expose her intentions at the tea party, and the cake will be ours!
Narumi
And even if that doesn't happen, they might just understand our situation and give it to us. It's worth a shot!
Eika
Narumi is right! Sometimes the simplest solution is the best!
Eiki
All right. There's no point wasting time here anyway. Let's go after Marisa!
Who Takes the Cake?
Narumi
Phew, we finally caught up!
Eika
I can't believe how fast that Marisa is! But it's good that the tea party hasn't started yet!
Alice
What are you guys doing here?
Eiki
We needed to talk to Marisa about something, so we followed her all the way here. Sorry for barging in like this.
Marisa
Did I just hear my name?
Marisa
EEK! How did you guys get here?!
Marisa
I thought I dreamed all of that─
Marisa
Ugh, I wanted to forget about that dream, but now they're actually here...
Patchouli
What's going on, Marisa?
Marisa
Don't mind me... I just had a really bad dream this morning.
Everyone but Marisa
...?
Marisa
So, just to confirm...
Marisa
You guys aren't running a sweet shop by any chance, are you?
Eika, Narumi & Eiki
Huh?
Marisa
No, never mind. I'm glad it was only a dream...
Eiki
I don't know what you're on about, but we need to talk to you about something. I know this is a lot to ask, but hear us out.
Eika
We want you to give us that cake. We really need it!
Marisa
This one? Sorry, no can do.
Narumi
Come on, don't be like that! We don't want the whole cake. Just a small piece will do.
Alice
Marisa, we've got plenty of other sweets here. Why can't you give them that cake of yours?
Marisa
Nah, this is a special cake. I'm not gonna hand it over, even if it's the Yama asking.
Patchouli
...
Alice
What is it, Patchouli?
Patchouli
I'm wondering why Marisa is so adamant about not handing over that cake.
Patchouli
Maybe it's not a normal cake...
Marisa
*gulp*
Patchouli is right! It's actually―
Marisa
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Stop right there, PLAYER!
Alice
Is that cake made of vegetables?
Marisa
H-How did you know?! Oops...
Alice
Bullseye, huh? I recently got my hands on a cookbook, and this cake looks a lot like the one I saw in that book.
Patchouli
You bought it just to see how we'd react to it, didn't you?
Marisa
*gulp*
Eiki
It looks like I was right. She really wanted to prank them with it.
Marisa
*sigh* I guess there's no point now that everyone knows.
Eika
Does that mean you're gonna give us some of it?
Marisa
Yeah, whatever.
Narumi
Really?! I knew it was worth a shot!
Marisa
Only on one condition, though! 'Cause where's the fun in simply handing it over?
Eiki
Right, there's no such thing as a free lunch. So, what do you want?
Marisa
Nothing much. You just gotta beat me in a battle of bullets! That's all!
Eiki
Very well. Let's decide once and for all who is worthy of that cake!
Eika & Narumi
You're going down!
Alice
Just make sure you don't destroy my house.
Marisa
All right, all right, you win. I'll try not to fall asleep tonight. I don't want anymore weird dreams.
Marisa
A promise is a promise! Here, you can have the cake.
Eika
YAY! Thanks, Marisa!
Narumi
I wonder what it tastes like. According to Komachi, even kids who dislike veggies don't mind eating this.
Eika
I can understand fish paste taiyaki, but I don't know about veggie cake. Will it be savory? Or will it be sweet?
Eiki
We won't know that until we try it. Let's go back and give it a taste.
Alice
Wait... I have a better idea.
Recipes Acquired
Eiki
Well, I guess it'll save time if we taste them right here instead of going all the way back to Hell. But─
Narumi
Hey! I wanted that scone!
Marisa
Ha ha ha! Too slow, Naruko! TOO slow!
Marisa
You gotta learn to be quick at times like these. It's the same with putting hats on jizou statues.
Alice
Gosh, you're such a child, Marisa.
Alice
Don't worry, Narumi. We've got plenty of scones. Here, have some freshly baked ones.
Narumi
They look delicious! Thanks, Alice!
Marisa
I didn't know there was a new batch! I want some of that, too!
Patchouli
Everyone's as loud as ever.
Eika
This tea is amazing! It tastes like sweet strawberries!
Yeah, the tea and the snacks are delicious!
I'm really enjoying this tea party!
Patchouli
...I guess merrymaking isn't that bad once in a while.
Eiki
This is taking too long. We need to go back and learn how to make these dishes for the kids...
Marisa
Nothing good ever comes from rushing things. You gotta take a break every now and then, ya know?
Eiki
That sounds a lot like something Komachi would say...
Eiki
But you're right. It's important to rest.
Marisa
Told ya. C'mon, PLAYER and the others are about to cut the veggie cake!
Eika
Whoa, it doesn't taste like veggies at all! It's like a regular dessert!
Eiki
It's sweet, and I can taste the carrot in a good way. This is better than I expected it to be.
Alice
It probably works because they've grated the carrots and used cinnamon powder to cover the taste.
Narumi
Wow, Alice, how do you know so much?! Oh, wait... Do you have the recipe for it?
Alice
I do. This cookbook has plenty of other recipes with pictures.
Eiki
They've got really detailed recipes in here. This will be a great help!
Eika
Wow, these are all made with vegetables!
Narumi
They seem to get their color from things like purple sweet potatoes and spinach. I want to try the ones with dried fruits!
I've never even seen most of these ingredients before!
Hey, Alice, can we borrow this book, please?
Alice
Sure, go ahead. If I find more useful books, I'll bring them to you.
Patchouli
Maybe Sakuya can also help. She's got a whole collection of weird recipes. I'll ask her to see if there are any you could use.
Narumi
That'll be great! Thanks, you guys!
Marisa
Eika, I bet you're gonna make gelatin or something similar for those kids.
Eika
I was actually thinking about that... But how did you know?
Marisa
It's you, so I had a feeling you'd want to make something soft and boneless.
Eika
Don't you dare use the word "bone" in front of me!
Marisa
OW! You didn't have to throw a stone at me for that!
Eika
Hmph! No way I'm gonna make gelatin now!
Eiki
I think it's time we leave...
Narumi
Yeah, let's go...
Eika
Come back here!
Marisa
S-Stop it, Eika! Somebody, please stop heeeer!
Patchouli
You reap what you sow...
Kitchen Required
Narumi
We're lucky Alice gave us the cookbook. It has so many recipes for sweets made with veggies!
Eika
Yeah, we even got to taste the veggie cake! The tea party was fun! Chasing after Marisa was totally worth it!
Eiki
...
Narumi
What's wrong, Lady Eiki?
Eiki
I realized I've been making haste for no reason.
Eiki
It seems detours and unrelated things can help speed things up─
Eiki
I didn't see that as a possibility because I was in such a rush.
Eika
You're overthinking it! Everything did work out well, but it was just a stroke of luck.
Narumi
And anyway, we need to focus on making these sweets right now!
Eiki
You're right. By the way, where did you two cook last time?
Narumi
We ran into Youmu when we were out shopping. We got talking, and she let us use the kitchen at Hakugyokurou.
Eika
They've got everything there! Youmu was nice enough to help us with whatever we needed!
Maybe we can go there again?
Let's ask Miss Yuyuko and Youmu!
Eika
It's not like we've got any other options. What do you say, Lady Eiki?
Eiki
I'm fine with that. Let's go.
Eiki
No harm in giving it a shot. It's much better than sitting around doing nothing.
Narumi
Great! Next stop, Hakugyokurou!
Pre-Cooking Battle
Yuyuko
Welcome back. Same problem, huh?
Narumi
Yeah, the kids are really picky about their food, so we need to make something different this time─
Youmu
Hello, everyone. I brought you some drinks.
Yuyuko
Thanks, Youmu.
Eiki
Thanks, but you didn't have to. I feel bad seeing you work extra for us. Especially when we're here to ask for a favor...
Youmu
It doesn't matter why you're here. You're our guests and this is how we treat our guests.
Yuyuko
Exactly. So please don't hesitate and have something to drink.
Narumi
If you insist!
Youmu
Are you fine with a soft drink, Eika?
Eika
Yeah, sure!
Youmu
OK, here you go.
Eika
Wait... is this─
Youmu
It's Shiri-Cola. People seem to believe it can dissolve bones, so I was wondering what it'd do to someone without any.
Eika
Stop with the bones already!
Yuyuko
My, my. I didn't know they got along so well.
(That's not what "getting along" looks like...)
(First Marisa, now Youmu. I feel bad for Eika!)
Eiki
L-Let's not get sidetracked. Can you please let us borrow your kitchen once again...?
Yuyuko
Of course. Youmu, the phantom servants are going to be fine with that, right?
Youmu
I'll let them know. It shouldn't be a problem.
Narumi
Yay! Thank you!
Eiki
And um...
Eika
What's wrong, Lady Eiki?
Eiki
Youmu, can you teach me how to cook?
Youmu
Huh? S-Sure, if that's what you want.
Eiki
Thank you so much.
Eiki
I also want to apologize to you, PLAYER, Narumi, and Eika.
Narumi
What's this all of a sudden?
Eiki
I'm the one who insisted on making healthy food for the kids...
Eiki
But I myself don't know how to cook, so I dumped everything on you all.
Eiki
I was embarrassed to admit that I can't cook. I shouldn't have cared about any of that... The kids are all that matter.
Eiki
I should've been honest with you to begin with. But instead, I used my work as an excuse...
Narumi
I have an idea. Why don't we prepare sweets for them?
Eika
That sounds fun! I'm sure they'll love it! What should we make, though? Something like mizu manju, or gelatin?
Eiki
They may be spirits, but eating too many sweets can't be good for them... We should make something nutritious.
Eiki
This is just my opinion, but I think kids should have a balanced diet, whether they're living or dead.
Eiki
And I want these kids to eat proper food even more because they died before they could really enjoy life.
Eika
I agree! I think that's a great idea!
Narumi
I bet if we make something delicious and healthy, all of them will be running around, full of energy!
Narumi
It'll be great! Come on, let's get cooking!
Eiki
All right─
Eiki
U-Um, I don't know how to say this, but...
So that's what you were trying to tell us back then...
Thanks for sharing that with us!
Eiki
PLAYER...
Eika
It's not a big deal, Lady Eiki!
Eika
We wanted to cook, so that's what we did. You didn't force us to do anything.
Eika
You don't need to worry about it so much! We wanted to do something for the kids, so we did!
Narumi
I don't know if I'm allowed to call you my jizou buddy, but...
Narumi
It feels good to learn something I didn't know about my jizou buddy!
Eiki
Eika, Narumi...
Eiki
Thank you...
Yuyuko
It's obvious that you all really want to do something for those kids. You've made me want to help, too.
Youmu
Really, Lady Yuyuko?
Yuyuko
Yes, why not? You can use our kitchen. Youmu will teach you how to cook, and I'll be the judge of your snacks and sweets.
Yuyuko
I'll judge the taste and the presentation. And since I'm also a ghost, my approval will mean it's a success.
Youmu
You just want a reason to eat something new, don't you?
Yuyuko
How dare you accuse me of that! But yes, I won't deny I'd love to try them out!
Everyone
I knew it...
Yuyuko
OK, let's begin.
Eiki
Begin what?
Yuyuko
The pre-cooking battle, of course!
Everyone
The what now?!
Yuyuko
That was some good exercise. OK, you can cook now! I'll be waiting to taste all your dishes!
Youmu
I apologize for Lady Yuyuko's shenanigans... Please follow me. I'll show you to the kitchen.
Narumi
It's great that they're letting us use their kitchen and that they're gonna taste-test our dishes!
Eika
It feels like we're in a cooking class! Youmu might have a tough time teaching us, but let's do our best to learn!
Eiki
Hehe, yes, let's do this for the kids.
Missing Ingredient
Youmu
─We let the Yama and the others use our kitchen. I taught them how to cook, and Lady Yuyuko judged their dishes.
Youmu
Lady Yuyuko probably only suggested that because she likes trying new and unusual dishes.
Youmu
She said she'd also be judging the presentation, but I'm pretty sure she won't have a problem as long as it's not too bad.
Youmu
They're not professional cooks, nor are they trying to sell their dishes, so it doesn't matter as much.
Youmu
It'll be over once the Yama and the others are done making their sweets according to the recipes they've got.
Youmu
It should take around half a day.
Youmu
The others also probably thought this was how things would go.
Youmu
But that's not what happened. I never saw it coming...
Youmu
No one did...
Narumi
Here you go! I remade the vegetable cake.
Yuyuko
Wow, it's much fluffier than the last one.
Eika
Here's mine, too! I took your advice from yesterday and made the taiyaki look cuter!
Yuyuko
This is great. It's as adorable as this jellyfish kamaboko.
Narumi
She seems to like them both! Maybe she'll finally give her approval for these!
Eika
I know, right?! This is my 49th attempt... I didn't expect her to be so harsh with her critiques. But today is the day─
Yuyuko
Sorry, but they're not good enough.
Eika & Narumi
What, why?!
Yuyuko
The veggie cake has lost the vibrant colors from the carrots and spinach because it's slightly overbaked.
Yuyuko
The texture isn't that great, either. It's still way better than your first underbaked cake, though.
Yuyuko
The taiyaki, on the other hand, needs to be grilled slightly longer. It tastes much better when it's golden brown.
Th-That's true! Miss Yuyuko is harsh, but...
We've almost won her approval!
Narumi
I guess you're right. We'll go make them again!
Eika
For the kids!
Yuyuko
Hehe, I can't wait to taste the next batch.
Eika & Narumi
Coming right up!
Eiki
Sorry, I'm a bit late. Please taste this one and tell me what you think.
Yuyuko
Thanks, I'll have a bite.
Eiki
How is it...?
Yuyuko
I must say, your cooking skills have improved quite a lot. These cookies look cute. The kids will love them.
Eiki
Great...!
Yuyuko
But something's missing.
Youmu
Wh-What do you mean by that, Lady Yuyuko...?
Yuyuko
Exactly what I said. After making all sorts of dishes, her cooking has improved, and it tastes better. But that's all.
Yuyuko
Your hard work and diligence are commendable, but the ones who eat your food aren't concerned with any of that.
Eiki
So you're saying a dish is more than just technique, right?
Yuyuko
Exactly. I know you'll figure out what's missing without me spelling it out for you. Everyone else is a natural at it.
(But she said her cooking tastes better...)
(So what exactly is missing...?)
Eiki
I'll go see Narumi and Eika to understand what I'm lacking...
Eiki
I'll be back later.
Youmu
Lady Yuyuko, don't you think you're being too ruthless?
Yuyuko
Am I?
Yuyuko
I thought they're making all these dishes for the kids?
Yuyuko
There's no compromising on anything in that case.
Yuyuko
Do you really think those kids will be truly happy to eat something that was made half-heartedly?
Youmu
You're not wrong, but...!
Yuyuko
Also, I think it's insulting to those three to simply say it's delicious and call it a day.
Yuyuko
They're genuinely trying to make something good. It's only fair that I give them my honest opinion. Don't you agree?
Youmu
Lady Yuyuko... I didn't know you had given it so much thought!
Youmu
I'm sorry... I thought you just wanted to eat all sorts of food, and that's why you volunteered to judge their dishes.
Yuyuko
Apology accepted, Youmu. You should take PLAYER to the kitchen and help the others.
Youmu
OK! Come on, Miss PLAYER. Let's give them a hand.
Yuyuko
I'm being harsh, but their cooking is really getting better by the day.
Yuyuko
I'm so lucky I get to eat delicious food every day! I knew it was a good idea to be their taste-tester!
Time for a Chat
Eiki
New day, new beginning. Time to go to Hakugyokurou and get changed into my chef's outfit.
Eiki
I've taken notes, adjusted the baking time, and used better toppings. It's looking good except for...
Yuyuko
I must say, your cooking skills have improved quite a lot. These cookies look cute. The kids will love them.
Yuyuko
But something's missing.
Youmu
Wh-What do you mean by that, Lady Yuyuko...?
Yuyuko
Exactly what I said. After making all sorts of things, her cooking has improved, and it tastes better. But that's all.
Yuyuko
Your hard work and diligence are commendable, but the ones who eat your food aren't concerned with any of that.
Eiki
So you're saying that a dish is more than just technique, right?
Yuyuko
Exactly. I know you'll figure out what's missing without me spelling it out for you. Everyone else is a natural at it.
Eiki
I still can't figure out what I lack... I really want to feed those kids as soon as possible.
Eiki
But I've recently learned that haste makes waste. I just need to keep cooking. I'm sure I'll figure it out at some point.
???
How about you take a little break first?
Eiki
Komachi? What are you doing here?
Komachi
Never mind that. You should be glad your subordinate is here to cheer you on.
Eiki
...
Eiki
Sure, but that's not why you're here, is it?
Eiki
I think I know you pretty well by now.
Komachi
You see right through me. I better tell you the truth before you go punishing me for lying.
Komachi
I was just a little curious as to why you're putting in so much effort and doing everything you can for this.
Eiki
What are you talking about?
Komachi
You, of course. You're a responsible person. So you probably feel like you need to feed those kids as soon as possible.
Komachi
'Cause you've also got your job. There are things you wanna do and things you must do, and you're trying to do them both.
Eiki
...
Komachi
I'm not saying you're doing anything wrong. I get that being one of the Yama, you can't neglect your duties.
Komachi
And those responsibilities clearly outweigh your desire to feed the kids.
Komachi
So the most logical thing to do would be to step back and focus on your duties as the Yama.
Eiki
Are you saying I'm neglecting my job? I've been making sure to finish my work before I start cooking.
Komachi
That's not what I'm saying.
Komachi
You've been sacrificing every second of your free time to go through cookbooks or try out recipes.
Komachi
And the moment you're done with work, you run straight to Hakugyokurou and end up cooking till late into the night.
Eiki
How do you know all of this...?
Komachi
It's not really a secret, you know? I'm friends with Eika, and she talks.
Komachi
It's pretty obvious you're pushing yourself too hard to juggle two things at once.
Komachi
I think I know you pretty well by now.
Eiki
I'm speechless...
Komachi
I've been working under you for far too long not to notice the changes in your behavior.
Eiki
Hehe, I guess that's true... That's the same reason I know you so well.
Komachi
Yeah, I don't like that part.
Komachi
So, wanna tell me why you're pushing yourself so hard? I think you should, seeing as you've made me worry about you.
Eiki
I can never tell how serious you are... but well, all right.
Eiki
I don't mind sharing this with you.
Eiki
This will be the little break you wanted me to take.
Cooking With Love
Eiki
As you're already aware, I wasn't always one of the Yama.
Eiki
I was previously a jizou. And jizou, by nature, are guardians of children.
Eiki
That includes both living and deceased ones. That's why I feel the need to protect the souls of those kids.
Eiki
Children are invaluable. They're the future of humanity. There's nothing more precious than them.
Eiki
Hence, they must be protected by both humans and gods... even after their death.
Eiki
When I heard a lot more kids were dying, I felt that I had to protect them... More so because I couldn't protect them in life.
Komachi
...
Eiki
Being one of the Yama and a jizou, I wanted to do something for them. That's why Narumi's words struck a chord with me.
Narumi
Hm, maybe you shouldn't be overthinking this.
Narumi
Even the smallest of things can make a big difference. It's got nothing to do with you being the Yama.
Eiki
Status and ranks don't matter. All that matters is what I can do for them...
Eiki
So when I discovered there was something I could do, I latched onto that. I didn't stop to consider the practicalities.
Komachi
Now it makes sense why you're so worked up about this whole thing.
Komachi
You learned that the kids at Sai no Kawara were hungry and wanted to feed them.
Komachi
So you found out what they'd want to eat, and now you're learning how to cook. I see where you're coming from.
Eiki
I even ended up dragging Narumi and the others into this and they've been taking all the initiative. I feel really useless.
Komachi
You don't need to beat yourself up over it. They're doing this because they want to.
Komachi
And what good would it be if you collapsed from trying to do everything yourself?
Eiki
But I don't know what to do other than polish my cooking skills...
Komachi
Why don't you try to look at this from a different angle?
Eiki
What do you mean?
Komachi
I mean, you should stop focusing so hard on trying to make the perfect dish and take a look at the broader picture.
Komachi
It's not about making yummy, healthy, and appetizing dishes for the kids...
Komachi
It's more about putting your heart into it, no?
Eiki
What are you trying to get at...?
Komachi
Haven't you heard that cooking from the heart makes everything tastier? It's called making things with love.
Komachi
And if you're cooking something healthy, why don't you feed the living kids, too?
Eiki
Not just the spirits...? Oh, now I get it!
Komachi
Huh?
Eiki
If the living kids eat nutritious meals, they will lead long and healthy lives.
Eiki
Not to mention that spirits, just like living kids, are always happier when they're not starving.
Eiki
That means healthy food can save both the living and deceased kids!
Komachi
That's not quite what I was saying, but why not?
Komachi
I guess it's pretty much the same as cooking with love.
Eiki
So you're saying a dish is more than just technique, right?
Yuyuko
Exactly. I know you'll figure out what's missing without me spelling it out for you. Everyone else is a natural at it.
Eiki
...I finally understand what she meant. Love was the missing ingredient in my food.
Eiki
Maybe I always knew that deep down, but I made cooking my mission and forgot why I was doing this.
Eiki
That's why no matter how tasty or well presented, my dishes never came close to something made with love.
Eiki
I need to put my love for those kids into my cooking. That's the one ingredient my food was lacking.
Komachi
I don't know what you're talking about, but...
Eiki
But what?
Komachi
You look like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.
Eiki
Hehe, thanks, Komachi.
Komachi
Wow, I can't remember the last time you thanked me! Maybe you can give me a day off or something.
Eiki
Hm, I'll consider it.
Komachi
Whoa, really?! It must be my lucky day!
Eiki
Oh, by the way, I want you to do something for me.
Komachi
Huh, what is it?
Eiki
Please spend some time playing with those kids on your days off... You too, PLAYER.
B-Busted... I'm sorry for eavesdropping!
I was a little worried about you, so...
Komachi
See... You even made PLAYER worry. I hope you'll stop overexerting yourself now.
Eiki
Yes, I promise. Come on, PLAYER, let's go.
Komachi
It looks like she's back to her good old self. I should let Kutaka know.
Komachi
But spending time with kids on my days off sounds harder than work...
Desserts to Spare
Narumi
That's a brilliant idea! We should do it. We should cook food for the living kids, too!
Eika
I'm glad I have more friends to play with, but that also means there are kids dying. I'm not sure how I feel about this.
Eika
That's why I think it's a great idea to feed healthy food to the ones alive!
Eiki
Hehe, it feels good to know you're with me on this. Let's do our best and cook delicious food for them tomorrow!
Eika & Narumi
YEAH!
Eiki
─Here you go! Please taste these dishes.
Yuyuko
Wow, they look amazing, but do they taste amazing...?
Yuyuko
...This is delicious!
Narumi
Does that mean...?!
Yuyuko
Yes, you have my approval. The presentation and the taste... it's all there. I have nothing negative to say.
Eika
YAY! Now we can finally feed the kids!
Narumi
I can't wait!
Yuyuko
I see you figured it out, after all.
Eiki
Yes, I finally understood what was truly important, thanks to Komachi and everyone here.
Yuyuko
Hehe, I'm glad to hear that.
Narumi
These dishes may look like desserts, but they're filled with healthy goodness...
Narumi
I have no doubt they'll make even the living kids happy!
Youmu
I thought you were going to feed the child spirits...
Yeah, but since we've already made healthy food...
We might as well feed as many kids as possible!
Youmu
That's a really nice idea.
Yuyuko
If that's your plan, then maybe you should do it at Moriya Shrine.
Yuyuko
It's almost time for Shichi-Go-San. You'll find lots of kids visiting the shrine around this time.
Eiki
Shichi-Go-San is a festival to celebrate the growth and well-being of young children, so a shrine will be perfect.
Eika
Yeah. And I bet Moriya Shrine will have way more visitors than Hakurei Shrine!
Narumi
OK then, let's stop by Moriya Shrine before we go to Sai no Kawara!
Eiki
Yes, let's do that. Yuyuko, Youmu, thank you for all your advice and help.
Yuyuko
Hehe, you don't need to thank us. Do come over to cook again.
Youmu
I should also be thanking you. I feel like my cooking skills have improved by cooking with you all.
Youmu
If you'd like, please have this drink. It'll help take away your exhaustion. Lady Yuyuko got it from the Kiketsu Family.
Narumi
Wow, thanks! What kind of drink is it?
Eiki
Ah, I've had this at work before.
Eiki
It's a Real Ghost tonic, isn't it?
Narumi
Wow, it sounds like this drink is going to pump us up with energy!
Eika
I like the fizz! Wait, is this...?
Youmu
Yes, it's a carbonated drink... the kind people say can dissolve bones.
Eika
Not this again!
Eiki
A-Anyway, I think we should go now.
Narumi
Come on, Eika! We're leaving!
Eika
Next time I see you, I'll turn you into a stone sandwich!
Yuyuko
Youmu...
Youmu
Yes, Lady Yuyuko?
Yuyuko
Do you think a toasted half-phantom sandwich would taste good?
Yuyuko
Huh...? Where did she go? Yoooooomuuuu, come back!
Narumi
Thanks to Miss Yuyuko and Youmu, we succeeded in making lots of healthy desserts!
Eika
And now that we know how to make them, we can always make more if we run out!
Eiki
That's right. Now let's go to Moriya Shrine and feed the living kids first.
Meanwhile, at Hakurei Shrine, with barely any visitors─
Reimu
ACHOOO!
Aunn
Are you OK, Miss Reimu? Did you catch a cold or something?
Reimu
I don't know, maybe. It's kind of chilly these days. Let's put the heater on and have a cup of hot tea.
Aunn
OK, it's not like we have any visitors anyway!
Feasting at Moriya Shrine
Sanae
Gah, I wish we had something nice...
Sanae
Oh, hello. Are you guys here to pay your respects? The offering box is this way!
Narumi
W-Wait... we're not here for that! We need to talk to you about something.
Sanae
Is something wrong?
Eiki
No, but the thing is─
Eika
─And that's why we're here with all this food and sweets!
Sanae
Wow, they look amazing! It can't have been easy to make all this!
Eiki
We went through a lot of trial and error, and this is the end result. It's all for the kids.
Narumi
Sanae, if you don't mind, can we hand them out here at your shrine? Of course, we're not going to sell them or anything.
Eika
We really want the kids to have them. Please?
Sanae
You're more than welcome to do that!
Eiki
I-I didn't think you'd agree so easily. I thought you'd be busy because of Shichi-Go-San.
Sanae
But that's exactly why these sweets will be perfect!
Sanae
We have more visitors than ever this year. I made some ema and chitose candies for them, but we're going to run out soon.
Sanae
Even Lady Kanako and Lady Suwako have been stressed out about it. I'll go give them the good news!
Kanako
Hello, everyone. Sanae told us about all the food you've prepared for the kids.
Suwako
You'll only be helping us by handing them out at our shrine. They're perfect for Shichi-Go-San.
Eiki
This means a lot to us. Thank you.
Sanae
No, thank YOU! I'll help you guys distribute them to the kids!
Eika
Thanks, Sanae! That'll be great!
Kanako
We'll leave you all to it.
Everyone
OK!
Narumi
Look, the worshippers are starting to show up. Miss Yuyuko was right. There really are a lot of kids here today.
Eika
Did you see that? I don't think they're worshippers or kids...
Eiki
I'd rather pretend that I didn't see them.
Curious Child
Wow, these sweets look yummy! Can I have one?
Eika
Sure, take as many as you like!
Veggie-Hating Child
Huh, is this cake made of veggies?! But it's sweet, like a normal cake!
Fish-Hating Child
This taiyaki is filled with kamaboko instead of anko! Whoa, but it's so yummy!
Curious Child
I like the shape of these cookies! And they taste delicious! I wish I could eat them every day!
Sanae
Wow, they love it! We've got lots more, so you can have as much as you like!
Eiki
It looks like I can't unsee them after all...
Cirno
Are you telling me these aren't like normal sweets?! But they're so tasty, like the hot pot Mokou and the others made!
Daiyousei
S-Save some for the others, Cirno!
Lily White
This is so good! It's like a spring party in my tummy!
Clownpiece
I thought nothing could beat the long stick candies, but these are LUNATIC! I'll take some for Lady Hecatia!
Narumi
Sounds like they're a hit with the fairies, too.
Sanae
─OK, it's time to close for today. Thanks, everyone!
Eika
Thanks for helping us give out the sweets! I'm glad everyone liked them. I had a lot of fun!
Eiki
It was good to see all of those kids happily enjoying our food. I'm sure the kids at Sai no Kawara will also love it.
I can't wait to see the smiles on their faces!
Everyone here was asking for more to take home!
Eiki
Hehe, we should do this again sometime.
Sanae
Ah, about that─
Suwako
You really saved us today! Your sweets were a big hit.
Kanako
Everyone's already talking about them. They're calling them the sweets that bring a smile to every kid's face.
Narumi
What, really?! Wow, all our hard work was totally worth it!
Kanako
We want to talk to you about something. We'd like you to keep handing out more of those sweets at our shrine from now on.
Eiki
That's a really good idea. But are you sure you want to let us use your shrine for this?
Suwako
Of course! It'll only do us good. Worshippers will come flooding in when they hear about it.
Kanako
We could even turn it into a business at some point. What do you say, Yama?
Eiki
I'll let you handle all that. We're just glad the kids will have access to our food going forward...
Eiki
Thank you for providing a place for that. That's all we care about.
Kanako
Well, if you say so. I guess that must be the jizou in you talking.
Narumi
We'll leave some of the sweets we've got on us right now and bring more when we make them again!
Sanae
Yes, please!
Eiki
Come on, let's go back to Hell. The kids must be getting hungry by now.
Eika
To the kids!
Attacking with a Vengeance
Narumi
It was so nice of the Moriya Shrine guys to help us out like they did!
Eika
Now, let's try to feed the Sai no Kawara kids our dishes for the second time! I bet they're gonna like them this time!
Eiki
Yes, let's do that─
Eika
Huh, what are all these vengeful spirits doing here?!
Eiki
I saw a few when we were leaving Hell. I just thought they were lost... but maybe there's another reason.
Eika
Whoa, why are they flying at us?!
Narumi
Let's get rid of them!
Narumi
How many of them are there?! They're only increasing in number as we get closer to Sai no Kawara!
What if they've gathered there?!
We're gonna drop all the food if this continues!
Eiki
This isn't looking good! Let's hurry and get to Sai no Kawara as soon as possible!
Narumi
OK!
Eika
I hope the kids are OK...!
Protecting the Irreplaceable
Kutaka
Wh-What are all these vengeful spirits doing here?!
Komachi
We can think about that later, Kutaka. Let's focus on getting them away from Sai no Kawara!
New Stillborn Spirit
WAAAAAAAH! I'm scaaaaaaaared!
Kutaka
G-Got it! I'll take care of the ones over there!
Komachi
I won't be able to face Lady Eiki if I let you do as you please in her absence. Not after I encouraged her to stay away.
Komachi
You don't know what I'm talking about, do you? Well, anyway, I'm not gonna let you harm those kids.
Komachi
I'm Komachi Onozuka, the shinigami who works for Shiki Eiki, Yamaxanadu. You better not take me lightly!
Komachi
Hahaha... I was talking big, but this isn't easy. The kids are safe for the moment, but what can I do about all these spirits?
Komachi
They're the normal vengeful spirits from Former Hell, but why are they here? Maybe they're here to see the red spider lilies.
Komachi
Or maybe not. It's not like they're that ghost lady who loves cherry blossoms. I just want them gone from here!
???
Me too.
Komachi
Lady Eiki?! PLAYER, Eika, and Narumi are here too!
Eiki
You did a good job holding out against them. Thank you for keeping the kids safe.
Komachi
I was just doing my job─
Kutaka
Miss Komachiiiii! I got rid of the vengeful spirits over there! I even took the kids to safe ground!
Kutaka
...Huh, when did you all get back?!
We were on our way back to feed the kids, but...!
We saw the vengeful spirits and came rushing!
Narumi
Let's drive them away all at once!
Eika
How dare they bully the kids! I'm gonna throw more than just stones at them!
Eiki
Komachi, please go rest if you're tired. You're the one who showed me the importance of taking a break, remember?
Komachi
Ahaha, I've still got a lot of fight left in me. I've lived through your scoldings, so this is nothing compared to that!
Eiki
Hm, maybe I should start being more harsh with you.
Komachi
Please don't do that!
Eiki
Jokes aside... let's finish this.
Eiki
─And protect the kids!
Narumi
Phew... we got rid of them somehow!
Eika
Yeah, and it's good that we managed to do it without anyone getting hurt.
Kutaka
Oh, no, the food...!
Komachi
It's all ruined. It wasn't possible to save the kids AND the food...
We worked so hard to make all of that...
But I'm glad the kids are OK!
Eiki
There are things you can get back and things you can't.
Eiki
That's an irrefutable law of the universe. We should be glad we managed to protect those kids... They're irreplaceable.
Komachi
Lady Eiki...
Innocent Stillborn Spirit
Is that food...?
Kutaka
The kids are here.
Narumi
Yes, but... it's a mess now.
Eika
I know you guys are hungry, but please wait! We'll make everything again!
Komachi
─Wait. I think we gotta stop being so pessimistic.
Eiki
What do you mean, Komachi?
Komachi
Look at the kids. You'll know what I mean...
A Prayer for Health
Eiki
What the...?!
Komachi
Kids are too innocent and pure. We can never predict how they'll react to something.
Innocent Stillborn Spirit
Ahaha! Look at the weird face on this taiyaki!
Eika
Hey... It's a little disfigured, but it's still cute, OK!
New Stillborn Spirit
This smushed cookie looks exactly like Kutaka!
Kutaka
I don't know whether to laugh or cry...
Picky Stillborn Spirit
Are all these desserts really made of veggies and fish?! They taste so good!
Narumi
I'm glad to see you're eating everything you'd usually avoid!
Eiki
...
Kind Stillborn Spirit
This cake is so yummy! Here, Miss Yama, have a bite!
Eiki
Th-Thanks.
Eiki
It's really delicious...
Komachi
They may not look appealing, but they can taste the hard work and love you've put into these dishes.
Eiki
I think you're right.
We couldn't protect the food from getting ruined...
But we succeeded in keeping their smiles intact!
Stillborn Spirits
I want moreeee!
Narumi
Coming right up... huh, everything's almost gone!
Eika
We better go make more before we run out! Come on, Lady Eiki, PLAYER!
Eiki
Hehe, all right. We'll do our best and make lots of food for the kids!
Eiki
Let's all pray for the well-being and health of every child, living or deceased.
Eiki
We must never ever stop protecting these little angels.
Komachi's Day Off
Komachi
We drove away the vengeful spirits from Sai no Kawara, and now everyone's happy after eating their fill.
Komachi
It's crazy that proper food can be made to look like sweets. I didn't believe it when I heard about it from one of the spirits.
Komachi
The "sweets" Lady Eiki and the others made were also super healthy. The world sure is filled with all sorts of food.
Komachi
Everyone had a tough time with the vengeful spirits, but the kids are safe, so I'd say it was a happy ending overall.
Komachi
But then something else happened. I was shocked to see Lady Eiki do something like that─
Elderly Spirit
(There's this bar in the village with really delicious food. Hm, I can't remember the name...)
Komachi
If it's a bar, it's probably Geidontei.
Elderly Spirit
(Yeah, that's the one! They've got a cute waitress there. My wife wasn't happy about it, but I used to go there often.)
Komachi
So you were one of their regulars, huh? Do you have any interesting stories?
Eiki
─Komachi.
Komachi
L-Lady Eiki?! I swear I wasn't slacking off! I was just being a good listener to the spirits!
Eiki
...Is that so? Well, I guess that's a part of the job.
Komachi
Huh...? A-Ah, yes, of course! So what brings you here?
Eiki
I'm here to thank you for your help. You wanted a day off, right?
Komachi
I didn't actually think you were gonna be OK with that!
Eiki
You did your best to keep the vengeful spirits away, so I think you've earned it.
Komachi
I still can't believe she gave me a day off. I've got such a nice boss... except for when she decides to scold me.
Komachi
Don't you agree?
There are lots of good things to say about Miss Eiki!
But we gotta hurry! Everyone's waiting for us!
Komachi
Ah, yes... that's the reason I can't enjoy my day off the way I want to─
Eiki
Oh, by the way, Komachi...
Komachi
What is it?
Eiki
I'm giving you a day off, so remember to go play with the kids at Sai no Kawara like you promised, OK?
Komachi
Ah...
Innocent Stillborn Spirit
YAY, Komachi's here! C'mon, let's plaaaaaay!
New Stillborn Spirit
Do you wanna race? Or do you wanna stack stones?
Komachi
I completely forgot I had to spend the day with the kids...
Komachi
Well, no point crying about it. I mean, it's still my day off. I gotta suck it up and get ready to play!
Hungry Visitors
Komachi
Gah, how do you stack so many stones?! Mine keep toppling over! You guys are pros at this. I'll give you that.
Innocent Stillborn Spirit
Ehehe, it's 'cause we practice every day!
New Stillborn Spirit
I used to find it boring, but Eika showed me how much fun it can be!
Komachi
Good for you. But stacking stones wasn't supposed to be a game, you know?
Komachi
By the way, where's Eika?
Innocent Stillborn Spirit
She went with Lady Eiki and the magician jizou girl to make more sweets!
Komachi
Oh yeah, they're gonna be sending them to Moriya Shrine regularly, right?
Yeah, I help them sometimes!
But I'm playing with the kids today!
Komachi
Wow, PLAYER, you work so hard. I feel like they're gonna expect me to do the same.
Komachi
Huh... what are those vengeful spirits doing back here?! They've even got a bunch of phantoms with them this time...
Komachi
Ugh, we just got rid of them the other day! What's going on?!
Komachi
PLAYER, go hide somewhere with the kids. I'll handle this.
Vengeful Spirit
(■■■... ■■... ■■...?)
Komachi
What are they saying?
Komachi
No, I'll think about that later. I gotta get rid of them first. They're gonna pay for ruining my day off!
Narumi
We've made a lot of food. I think this should be enough!
Eika
I was surprised to see you guys rush in. Thanks for helping us, Komachi, PLAYER.
Eiki
I can't believe the vengeful spirits showed up again after everything that happened, and it was all for...
Komachi
Ugh, we just got rid of them the other day! What's going on?!
Vengeful Spirit
...
Komachi
What are they saying?
Vengeful Spirit
(Hungry... food... where...?)
Narumi
To think that they were showing up 'cause they were hungry! But why Sai no Kawara? They could get food from anywhere.
Eika
Hmmm, maybe they were attracted to the smell of the food we were cooking?
Eiki
But it's not like we cook here every day... There's got to be another reason.
Narumi
Yeah, maybe! But let's feed them to keep everyone safe!
Komachi
It's good this happened when we're all here. I'll also pitch in!
Eiki
Thanks. Now, let's feed the kids and the vengeful spirits some healthy food!
A Sneaky Bite
Eika
The vengeful spirits are here!
Vengeful Spirits
...!
Narumi
They really want the food, don't they? It's good we left the kids in a safe place.
Eiki
Maybe we'll see a change once they're full. Eat up, vengeful spirits.
Vengeful Spirit
(Fooooood...! Real food...!)
Th-They're coming at us at full speed!
Maybe they were here for food last time, too...!
Eiki
It's OK, stay calm. They can't eat forever. They'll stop at some point.
Komachi
Lady Eiki... it's not just the vengeful spirits and phantoms coming our way.
Eiki
Huh?
Rumia
Yaaay, it's the food from the shrine!
Wriggle
They ran out at Moriya Shrine, but now we can finally try everything! It's good we decided to come here!
Mystia
So this is where our rivals have been making those weird dishes!
Mokou
Calm down, Mystia! It's always good to have more food at a festival!
Narumi
Wh-Why are all these people here?!
Eiki
It sounds like they've all got their reasons, and we're stuck dealing with them all.
Yamame
Me first! Which one should I try?
Kisume
Y-Yamame, I think we should wait our turn...!
Yamame
You worry too much, Kisume! Who knows when we'll get to try these if we miss this chance?
Kisume
I-I know, but...
Eika
Yamame and Kisume are trying to sneak a bite!
Narumi
Ugh, this is getting out of hand!
Eiki
We're just going to have to punish them and feed the vengeful spirits at the same time.
Komachi
Yeah, that'll be the quickest way to get this over with!
Kisume & Yamame
E-EEEEEEEEEEP!
Narumi
Don't you ever try to be sneaky again. I know it's crowded but just ask next time.
Kisume & Yamame
S-Sorry...
Narumi
Good! Now, have this!
Kisume
Really?!
Eika
Yeah, we've got enough for everyone. You can have as much as you like as long as you behave!
Yamame
Thanks! We won't try to steal food again. C'mon, Kisume, let's take this back to eat in Former Hell!
Kisume
O-OK! See ya!
Kisume
Ph-Phew... I was afraid they were gonna turn me into one of their dishes!
Narumi
This isn't over yet... We need to deal with many more like them. C'mon, Eika, let's do our best!
Eika
Yeah, the vengeful spirits have almost calmed down. I'm gonna stand my ground like a stack of stones!
Eiki
─Are you satisfied now?
Vengeful Spirit
(Yummy... So full... Bye...)
Komachi
That was rough... I've lost count of how many vengeful spirits and phantoms we've fed today.
Komachi
It felt like we were running a bento shop or something.
Eiki
This isn't the time to complain, Komachi. Some of the vengeful spirits have left, but─
Vengeful Spirit
...!
Eiki
We've got countless more to deal with. And don't forget all the others Narumi, Eika, and PLAYER are handling.
Komachi
This is gonna be a pain in the neck.
???
Then why don't I lend you a hand?!
Eiki
You...!
Word Spreads
Komachi
It's Kutaka! Are you here for one of your deliveries again?
Kutaka
Yeah, I'm delivering food on my break!
Narumi
Wow, Kutaka, you're such a hard worker!
Eika
Unlike the Master of Slacking here!
Komachi
Hey, that's rude!
Komachi
Did that hoarder magician teach you to call me that?
Komachi
Well, whatever. Lady Eiki, please say something.
Eiki
Narumi and Eika aren't wrong. I'm a little worried about you overworking yourself, Kutaka.
Komachi
L-Lady Eiki...? I should've known you wouldn't take my side.
Kutaka
I don't think I'm working too much! I love what I do!
Kutaka
Line up, you vengeful spirits and youkai! Let's get this over with!
Kutaka
You two over there! Stop running! You'll bump into someone!
Rumia
Hey, Wriggle! Is that yellow thing edible?
Wriggle
I don't think so...
Kutaka
S-Stop trying to eat little Piyo!
Mokou
We need to get back to the festival before Nemuno gets mad...
Mystia
But they're gonna serve these mystery dishes at all the festivals this year.
Mystia
I wanted to taste... I mean, test if they're safe for the kids!
Mokou
You just want to taste their food, don't you? Don't blame me if Nemuno dumps you in the hot pot for this.
Komachi
Sounds like you guys have your own problems...
Mokou
Help me out here, you guys. I wanna drag her back with me.
Mystia
What, why are you on their side?!
Narumi
Even an oni is here... I really don't understand what's going on!
Parsee
How dare you ignore me... Argh, I'm so jealous!
Eika
Umm, sorry... Wanna stack stones together later?
Parsee
You guys have been stacking stones without me all this time?! I'm so jealous! I'm gonna destroy them all with my bullets!
Yuugi
Whoa, calm down. We're here 'cause we heard we'd get yummy food. We'll go once we've had that.
Eiki
Where did you get that information from?
Yuugi
Everyone's been talking about it in Former Hell.
Huh, how did the news spread to Former Hell?
Um, can you tell us more about it?
Yuugi
OK, let's do this...
Yuugi
Let's battle it out. If we win, you hand over all the food you've got. And if you win, I'll tell you everything I know.
Yuugi
I just wanna have some fun and see who's stronger. Whaddya say?
Eiki
We have no choice... We need the information you've got.
Narumi
Yeah, but we won't go easy on you!
Parsee
I'll fight, too. I don't wanna be left out! That'd make me super jealous!
Yuugi
Good to see that everyone here's got a backbone! C'mon, let's do this!
Eika
Stop with the bones already!
Komachi
Peace at last...
Yuugi
You guys aren't bad! I had a lot of fun fighting you!
Narumi
But I didn't! I was struggling to fight off everyone!
Kutaka
I'm just glad I managed to protect little Piyo...
Eiki
Ahem... Now, tell us everything you know.
Yuugi
Sure. I heard this in Former Hell─
A Feast for All
Yuugi
What's with the vengeful spirits being so rowdy all of a sudden?
Hungry Vengeful Spirit
■■■■... ■■■■...
Vengeful Spirit Gossip
■■■■...? ■■■■■...!
Yuugi
What were they talking about? They said something about delicious food at Sai no Kawara... Are they having a party?
Yuugi
Whatever it is, it's not OK for them to go there. As the manager of the Former Hell Hot Springs, I can't ignore this.
Yuugi
I better go see what's happening. And if the rumors are true, I might even get to eat some delicious food!
Yuugi
I'll take Parsee along!
Yuugi
─That's why we're here. Some of the vengeful spirits just happened to see all that food at Sai no Kawara...
Yuugi
Apparently, that's how the rumor started.
Eiki
The rumor must've spread to the Underworld. Now it makes sense why the tsuchigumo and tsurube-otoshi were here.
Eika
The others, like Rumia and Mystia, said they saw our food at Moriya Shrine.
Narumi
The fairies were also at the shrine, so they probably heard about us from them.
Eiki
Still... a rumor spread by vengeful spirits in Former Hell couldn't have brought in such a huge crowd.
Narumi
That's true. And it's not just the vengeful spirits, there are quite a lot of phantoms here, too.
Oh, look, there's an elderly phantom right here!
Let's ask him about it!
Eika
Yeah, there might be other rumors going around!
Komachi
Hey, I recognize that one!
Kutaka
Do you know him?
Komachi
I wouldn't say I know him...
Elderly Phantom
(So this is Sai no Kawara! But where's the yummy food that shinigami lady was talking about?)
Everyone but Komachi
...
Komachi
Uh-oh...
Eiki
So you're the one who's been telling all the phantoms about it.
Komachi
U-Um... I didn't know it'd lead to something like this...!
Komachi
Maybe this is a good opportunity to come up with a way to keep all these unwanted visitors away from Sai no Kawara...
Kutaka
I have an idea! I'll be right back!
Yuugi
I'll take all the vengeful spirits back with me and keep an eye on them to make sure they don't run amok again.
Parsee
I'm exhausted from all this jealousy... The food was delicious, though!
Nitori
Whoa, that's a huge delivery order. No wonder you wanted us to come here. Now I can test my new invention.
Takane
I could start a new business with this. I'll go get these delivered to the village and the mountain!
Nitori
As if I'm gonna let you get ahead of me!
Eiki
Supportmates will deliver our food to everyone who wants to try it out...
Eiki
That should keep people away from Sai no Kawara.
Kutaka
I'll cover the deliveries in Hell. That'll get things under control here. I'll go right away!
Eika
Phew, that's a relief!
Narumi
Yeah, and if something happens again, we can chase unwanted guests away with bullets and food!
Komachi
That sounds pretty harsh... Anyway, at least things are back to normal now! All's well that ends well!
Komachi
OK, I'll be off...
Eiki
Wait, Komachi.
Komachi
Eep!
Eiki
I hope you know what caused all of this.
Komachi
Ummmm... what was it again?
Eiki
It looks like I'm going to have to lecture you about things you should and shouldn't talk about at work.
Komachi
L-Lady Eiki... please no! Anything but that!
Narumi
I feel bad for Komachi, but I'm glad that things have calmed down. Why don't we have some snacks with everyone?
Eika
Yeah, I'm starving! C'mon, PLAYER, let's go!
Elderly Phantom
(What about my share...?)
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