Back home, Kitano first tossed the trophies he had caught today into the trash, then contentedly began to organize his day’s haul.
He carefully placed the vinyl records and CDs into their designated storage cabinets, treating them like treasures.
Only after this did he turn his attention to the several thank-you gifts he had prepared.
He took out wrapping paper and ribbon, and began to clumsily but earnestly wrap them.
Although his technique was unfamiliar, his attitude was sufficiently serious.
For Oguri Cap’s box of high-end pastries, he used wrapping paper printed with various cute food patterns and tied a crooked bow.
Then he took out his phone and sent a concise message:
Kitano: Cap, I’ve sent you some fuel.
Make sure to check it.
Don’t run out of energy during your next race because you’re hungry.
[doge emoji]
He knew Oguri Cap would be happy to see food, and teasing her with running energy, which she cared about most, was the most direct and effective approach.
For Rice Shower’s music box, he chose light blue wrapping paper with tiny stars printed on it, trying his best to wrap it neatly.
The accompanying message was also exceptionally gentle:
Kitano: Rice Shower, I stumbled upon a little trinket and thought you might find a use for it.
I hope the sound it makes can help you relax a bit.
No need to reply, just receiving it is fine.
He understood Rice Shower’s personality; an overly enthusiastic greeting would only make her flustered.
Such a calm and sincere expression of care was most suitable.
For Nice Nature’s five-year diary and pen, he used simple, textured wrapping paper and tied it with a neat ribbon.
The message also appeared formal and considerate:
Kitano: Nice Nature, a small gift to express my gratitude.
I thought it might be suitable for planning and recording.
I hope everything goes smoothly for you in the new season.
This matched Nice Nature’s serious and careful personality, offering a practical reason while expressing gratitude, which wouldn’t seem abrupt.
He was much more casual with Hishi Akebono.
For her, he had prepared a seasoning gift box, directly sending a screenshot of the successful order with the message:
I heard this can double the attack power of cooking.
For the next bento tasting meeting, I’ll be waiting to see you bring out the HP bar.
[grinning emoji]
This perfectly fit the communication style between food-loving friends, using jokes and teasing to express both thanks and anticipation.
After doing all this, he breathed a sigh of relief, feeling like he had repaid a favor.
However, just as he was about to get up to pour a glass of water, his phone’s special notification sound rang—it was Oguri Cap.
He opened the message, and its content almost made him spit out the water he had just drunk:
Oguri Cap: Mm, training is temporarily over, and I’m on holiday break.
I’ll come find you tomorrow.
The big meal you promised last time, and the fuel you just mentioned.
[excited to the point of blur emoji]
Kitano: “…”
“Wait!
The holiday has just begun, and my peace is already about to be shattered?”
“And this girl’s initiative is way too strong?!
Tomorrow?!”
He could almost see Oguri Cap rushing to his apartment at an astonishing speed, then sweeping through his refrigerator and wallet like a whirlwind.
After sighing and rubbing his forehead for three seconds, Kitano finally resigned himself and picked up his phone to reply.
After all, this was one of his few Uma Musume friends who made him feel normal.
Kitano: …Are you serious?
Fine, seeing as you covered for me before.
See you at the station tomorrow at noon.
I’ll take you to an all-you-can-eat yakiniku buffet so you can eat your fill.
But it’s agreed, we only talk about food and games, no training or races allowed!
Oguri Cap: Yakiniku…!
It’s a deal.
Putting down his phone, Kitano looked at the darkening sky outside the window, his mood complex.
Oguri Cap’s message, “I’ll come find you tomorrow!”, made Kitano rub his temples again.
The second day of the holiday, it seemed, was destined to be a lively and costly one.
After a brief moment of despair, an instinct called the will to survive quickly overcame the urge to give up.
“This girl’s ‘just hanging out for a bit’ will at least cover two main meals plus a late-night snack…”
Upon receiving Oguri Cap’s attack warning and realizing his refrigerator’s food reserves were running low, Kitano instantly entered a state of readiness.
He rushed to the local supermarket known for its large portions and affordable prices, grabbed the biggest shopping cart, his eyes as sharp as a general about to go to war.
His procurement strategy was simple and brutal: wherever he went, a section of the shelves visibly emptied out.
When he pushed the mountain of supplies to the checkout counter, the young clerk looked at the groceries, enough for an average family for a week, and couldn’t help but swallow, his eyes filled with awe.
“Sir, are you… are you hosting a party?”
Kitano scanned and paid expressionlessly, his mind already buzzing with internal monologues:
“A party?
No, this is to deal with a localized battle code-named Operation: Gray Monster Landing.”
“I feel like I’m not shopping, but stocking up on supplies before a final boss battle, and the boss’s health bar is endless.”
“About My Childhood Friend Being a Glutton… Did I get the wrong script?”
Strange images even appeared in his mind:
He imagined himself as the head chef from Monster Hunter, shouting at the Felyne Kitchen pot: “Ignite the soul, become the flame!”
Or it was a scene from Chūka Ichiban!, with golden dragons seemingly flying behind him, requiring him to create glowing dishes to satisfy the diners.
Most fittingly, perhaps, he was the utility member in Dragon Quest who was always preparing camp meals for the hero’s party.
“That will be a rather painful amount,” the cashier announced the total.
Kitano’s eyelid twitched slightly as he paid, continuing his internal monologue:
“This budget is enough for how many gacha pulls… Forget it, I’ll just consider it premium currency for the limited collaboration character: Hungry Oguri Cap.”
“Gifting food for affection points is indeed the most cost-effective, it’s just that the raising cost is a bit astonishing.”
He carried the heavy, almost bursting shopping bags out of the supermarket under the clerk’s gaze of “farewell, brave warrior.”
Looking at the supplies, enough for a small banquet, he sighed, then chuckled a little.
“Never mind, if these offerings can maintain the peace and tranquility of my sanctuary, then this round… isn’t a loss.”
It really helps the fic grow!