Part 1

Have my people assembled~? Time to start yet another meeting about my second store, Diner69E, also don’t ask me which number meeting this is ‘cause I forgot!

Uhhh… Doesn’t it seem like we’re missing a few people?

Are Murakumo-san and I the only ones who showed up?

Shio has school, Nari and Gii are working~. But the trial store opening won’t just sit still and wait for us!

Tengu and Taa, since you look like you have all the free time in the world, you will use every minute, second, and millisecond to wring the wrinkles in your brain for the sake of my store!

……

I’ll be participating as an idea checker. So Netaro-kun, you’re saying you want to do the presentation today?

Yes! Tengu and Taa, I want you to come up with sharper than sharp ideas, and explode my brain cells with your giga galaxy brain earth-shattering approaches~!

Sharp ideas…This might be out of my area of expertise…

Same~. I mean, what kind of ideas are you even looking for?

That’s true. Netaro-kun, have you thought about what exactly you wanted to decide on?

Hm~? Then let’s start with the menu?

The main item should be your pork buns, right? But I guess we’re calling it a diner, so maybe there should be hamburgers or something too. I’ll leave that up to you~.

We’ve already decided to leave Ushio in charge of the desserts… So if we’re going to brainstorm ideas, maybe we should think about what kind of drinks to have?

Drinks! I want something dazzably dazzable, cutting-edge, and Kawaii! Tengu, utilize that crusty¹ antenna of yours and come up with some ideas lickety split~!

Mmm. For drinks…I think tea beverages are in right now. Like fruit teas that have whole pieces of fruit in them or tea sodas.

I shee. Not bad…but a little too boring for the “Kawaii” I’m searching for.

If you want something flashy for the menu, then cream sodas or milkshakes might be worth. There’s tons of ways to change up their look.

It would really fit with the second store concept of a train-car styled diner too! It really makes the discussion go so much smoother when we have Ten-kun here at the meeting with us, since he knows all about what’s popular.

…… That’s true. You’re right.

Hey man, why the pause?

Ah, well, I was just thinking it’s kind of surprising. Not only did you accept Yowa-san’s invitation, but you’re actually attending these kinds of meetings seriously…

Huh, what kind of person do you think I am? Social interactions are all about give and take, yeah?

Anyway, what about you? Got any menu ideas?

I…Uh, well it’s just a thought, but how about making a secret menu that’s only available at the second store?

Secret menu!? And the specifics!?

(And with that my turn is over. Haaah, what a drag…)

(I’ll just keep it chill on the trial opening day and make sure Netaro stays in a decent mood.)

(I’ll pass on getting in too deep and ending up roped into something weird.)

I want to create something stimulating! How about a fizzy-popping bun that fizzes and crackles?

And when you take a big bite, a tragedy unfolds in your mouth.

W-We should avoid causing any tragedies. Let’s think about the customers first and foremost! That will be the easiest way to pass the test and get the sponsorship.

Hrm~...I suppose? We do want sponsors after all…

100%, totally agree, exactly what the chief said.

(Very typical Chief response…. That said, the customers for the trial opening are all going to be HAMA Tours staff anyway. No point in working up a sweat over it.)

(Well, either way we’re probably better off keeping Netaro happy here so we can hurry and get this meeting over with.)

…In the end, you’re the one who has the final say, Netaro, so why don’t you choose whatever you want from the ideas we’ve suggested?

Hmmm…I suppose I could just decide right now… But I have a feeling you’ll cough up even better ideas if I prod you some more.

Prod?

……Okay, I’ve got it! As homework, Tengu has to invent a brand new menu and bring it to the next meeting!

Oh, and boring ones are a no-no. Only explosively Kawaii and exciting~ menu items are allowed!

Seriously……Why only me?

Hey now, let’s give it a try. If it gets tough, I’ll help you out.

*Sigh*... Got it. Just don’t expect too much, okay?

Haha, good luck, Murakumo-san.