Track 3
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Fukuoka
We’re finally here, and at the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine!
This place is lively.
Chief, do you mind giving us a quick rundown of the shrine?
Of course! The Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. It’s famously known as the head shrine of the 12,000 Tenmangu shrines across the country.
Its history spans over a thousand years! There’s lots of historic buildings on the shrine’s grounds, and the 400 meter approach to the shrine is lined with restaurants, making it the perfect place to try out lots of food and take a stroll!
There are so many different stores. I have a feeling we’ll find a new Yukikaze Award Gold Medalist…!
I want this, and that, and that… I can’t make up my mind…
This is a trip to Fukuoka, or in other words… A strategic battle of stomach management!
Ooh, meaning?
There’s too many delicious things in Fukuoka, so you have to listen to your gut and make sure to carefully choose what you really want to eat!
Heh…
Ahaha. It’s just like you to think of it that way, Chief. Now, how about we all explore freely? We’ll meet back here when it’s time to go.
Ten! This is really delicious! Fresh pudding ice cream!
Yeah, I can tell how good it is just by watching you eat it so happily.
I bought some too! Mm, it’s so good~! It looks cute and tastes like heaven!
You’ve been eating a lot, Yachiyo-kun. Make sure to save some space for dinner, okay?
Do you not like sweets, Ten?
I’d rather check this place out when it gets dark. I’m busy picking out places to go tonight~.
That thing you’re looking at on your phone… Is it a list of restaurants?
I have a good friend from school who’s from Fukuoka, and he made me a map of his recommendations.
Oh, you mean the friends I met the other day! What kinda places are there?
Do you mind if I take a look too? I’m curious about what locals would recommend.
Sure thing~, I’ll send it over to your phone. Okay, sent.
Thanks! Wow, there’s some famous food stalls on here… And the restaurant I made a reservation for tomorrow is here too!
You made a reservation for a restaurant tomorrow?
Yeah, it’s a place that’s both an immersive theater and a dining bar. It looked interesting, so I thought it’d be fun if we all went.
Is this it? “Theater 101.” What’s immersive theater?
Instead of separating the stage and the audience’s seats, they would use the whole restaurant’s interior as a stage to act out the story. I guess you could call it a theater performance that incorporates the audience as participants?
Really? That sounds cool!
Ten-kun said he wanted to go to a nightlife spot, so that was another reason why I chose it.
Wait, are you sure it’s okay to go out and party on company money!?
Chickening out, Yachiyo-san?
Ch-Ch-Ch, Chhhicken!? Wh-What makes you think that?!
“Nightlife” might make it sound like it's a bad thing, but there’s a tourism term called “night time economy,” and making sure the tourism industry is active from evening into the night is extremely important.
Woah, is that how it is? I’ll make sure to remember it…!
Write that down. WRITE THAT DOWN…!
Haha. Right now, Fukuoka is focusing on maintaining public security and improving its infrastructure. We should learn from their example and create entertainment districts where people can be safe and have fun!
That’s right! Maybe I can use it to improve the 3rd Ward when I get back. I’ll have to study hard!
Now that I think about it, the Night Group’s tour was at night too. Does that count as “night time enocomy”?
It would, and it would definitely count for Yodaka-san’s bar.
(Maan… Everyone’s so serious~, they should just relax and have some fun while they’re here before going home.)
Hotel Room
*A knock before the door opens*
Yeah I’m here, what’s up?
I’m going to go visit the food stalls around the shrine now. Would you like to join me?
We’re tagging along too.
We were going to use the list you shared with us as reference! How about it?
Let’s go, Ten!
Looks like the whole squad’s heading out again.
…Wait, Liguang’s not here? He’s supposed to be sharing the room with you, right?
Now that you mention it, he isn’t.
He said he wanted to come to Fukuoka for work, so maybe that’s what he’s doing?
Huh… And I was even thinking of inviting him.
W-Well, it’s not like we need that guy around anyway! Let’s go, Ten!
Ah, about that… My bad, I got hungry earlier so I went out to eat on my own. That’s probably why I have a stomachache.
Huh…, A-Are you okay…!?
Wait a moment, I’ll go prepare some stomach medicine right now.
Nah, it’s not that bad. Don’t worry about it. You guys can all go and have fun.
…Should I stay with you?
……
Renga-san, go enjoy the food stalls tonight for me, and then you can give me a food report tomorrow.
! O-Okay! I’ve done food reviews before! Leave it to me!
Give me a call if you have any problems.
Yeah, yeah, see you guys later.
*Everyone leaves*
*Sigh* It’s really so annoying when there’s too many goody-two-shoes around. Good thing they’re all so easily duped.
(Now then…leaving this hassle here…It’s time to get to work~.)
Nakasu, Fukuoka
Hey there. Mind if I sit next to you~?
This place is reservations only, go find another.
I’m on a “Crow’s Errand,” though.
…...! Boss, it looks like he’s here.
Let him in.
Yaay, then if you’ll excuse me.
You’re the crow this time? …You seem pretty young.
Aww, I wanna see your face.
You’re probably a hottie, right? I can totally tell from your vibes.
Haha, it’s nice to meet you, ladies. I may be young but I’m good at my job. Oh, and my name is Tanaka Daka.
Hm, well I’m paying a pretty penny to hire you, so I’d hope you’re good at your job.
…Kakizaki-san, right?
Yeah. First off, get something to eat. My treat.
Wow, thanks a lot. Agodashi is super delicious.
That said, choosing to meet at a food stall in Nakasu is pretty bold. This is a lively entertainment district open to anyone, after all.
It’s thanks to the efforts of the locals over the past few decades. People are like moths, they both gather where there’s light.
……
And where there’s light, there’s shadow. That’s why our line of work has meaning.
Very true.
How much have you heard about the request this time?