Sh-Shiho...
He's eating it!
He's really eating the fish you gave him!
Y-Yeah... He is...
Excellent job!
Schubert seems to be really enjoying it!
I couldn't really tell since his expression hasn't changed much...
Still, this is...kinda fun.
Shiho...
Oh, I wanna feed him now!
It was already your turn next anyway, Minori.
Then, Ms. Hanasato, please bring him this nice trout.
Okay, thank you!
Here we go!
...
Alright, Schubert!
I hope you're ready for seconds!
Here you are!
...
Huh...?
Did he not notice my fish?
Here!!
I have another fish for you! Bon appetit!
...
...
...
Huuuh?
Does this mean...?
He may be full after that fish you gave him, Ms. Hinomori.
Whaaat?!
I could try giving him another one.
If he is full, he shouldn't react—
*Nom*
Oh, he ate it.
Whyyyyy?!
B-But I have a yummy fish for you right here! Why don't you want it?!
...
He's completely ignoring you.
That's strange...
He usually has a fairly big appetite...
Wh...
Whyyy?!
Alright, we're all done feeding the animals in the Grassland Area! Thank you for your hard work!
Thank you!
Phew. I'm so glad the chipmunks ate all the nuts and berries I gave them after Schubert gave me the cold shoulder.
Wasn't it so cute how they nibbled away at them, Shiho?!
...
Shiho?
Shiho, you there...?
Oh, sorry... I didn't mean to space out...
I couldn't help but wonder a few things when that chipmunk hopped onto my hands to eat those nuts and berries...
For example, do they know that they're a human's hands instead of a branch or something...?
And, I kept wondering how such tiny and adorable creatures are able to survive out in the wild...
I-In any case, Shiho, I'm glad to hear that you've been enjoying everything!
So, uhh...
We have to start cleaning next, right?
That's right. This is where a zookeeper's stamina and mettle are really put to the test!
We'll each be cleaning the habitats for the chipmunks and Schubert, yes? Would you mind telling us more about what that actually involves...?
It's mostly fairly simple.
You'll just need to go in with floor brushes and scrub down everything from top to bottom.
Oh, that's basically what we do for the rabbit cage!
Then, let's go!
Shiho, you said you'll take the chipmunks and...
I have to go back to where Schubert is...
You don't sound very happy about that.
Because Schubert doesn't seem to like me at all!
He ate the fish you gave him, but he didn't eat any of the ones I offered him...
Don't worry about it. He just happened to not be hungry.
You really think so?!
But! But...!
Also, even if he doesn't like you now, I'm sure you'll figure something out.
After all, you're really good at making new friends.
I am...?
I mean, you usually just keep trying and trying, no matter how cold-shouldered you get.
We're here together now because of that.
Shiho...
So, um... Why don't you see how things go when you're cleaning and try to get close to him?
Okay!!
Yeah.
I have to keep believing that we can be friends, or else he'll just keep ignoring me.
Also, I may be a member of the Miyamasuzaka Girls Academy animal caretaker committee right now, but my true identity is Minori Hanasato of MORE MORE JUMP!
I'm an idol!
My job is to connect with others and spread hope to them.
So, I'm gonna try my best!
I'm gonna inspire Schubert to believe in me!
Your reasoning's kinda weird, but I think you've got the right idea.
Hehe. You both sound ready now, so let's start cleaning.
After I give you two a brief rundown of what to do, I'll be working in a different section nearby. Please come get me if you need any help.
Understood!
Let's start.