(I thought we'd be fine when we went in since we'd be together...)

(But this place is more jungle than forest... How are we supposed to find anything to eat in here...?)

Eep...!

Whoa! That birdie's wings were so loud!

<I've never seen such a big bird before!

It's really starting to feel like a desert island now♪>

Hahaha! Be glad that it wasn't some sort of fierce beast!

...

Still, we sort of just waltzed right in...

Do you think there are any dangerous animals roaming around in here?

What?!

I doubt we'll see any lions or tigers, but we may want to watch out for snakes.

They don't usually go after people and the odds are slim, but we definitely want to avoid being bitten.

Okay, so just dash at full speed if we see a snake?!

Is it really gonna be that easy...?

This jungle certainly feels undisturbed. Just finding our way through this terrain is going to be challenging...

<This is wonderful!

It's turning into such an exciting adventure♪>

Hey, check out this vine!

Do you think we can use it to swing between trees while shouting, Ahh-ahah-ahah♪...?

I'm not sure that little vine can support you, Emu.

<You'll have to find a stronger one to hang from it seems...>

I can't believe how upbeat you guys can be while in such a dark place... I mean, who knows what's waiting to jump out at us...?

No, that's why this is so fun!

Yes, I agree.

An unexpected adventure in an unknown land! I couldn't be more excited!

<I'm super excited too☆>

And I'll probably never understand why...

But the natural world does feel very lush. I'm seeing a cornucopia of things we can possibly eat!

For instance, these mushrooms!

It's grown so big. I bet it's delicious!

<Oh, that's marvelous...

It's so cute how it's all white too.>

But some mushrooms are poisonous, so it's probably not a good idea to touch them, right?

Heh heh heh, don't underestimate me. I am fully aware of that fact.

Poisonous mushrooms tend to be very vibrant and easy to spot, but this one is beautiful albeit modest and subdued...

Which means it must be edible!

How exactly did you arrive on that...?

Yes, that appears to be an edible white amanita.

<You can tell, Rui?!>

<Whoa! Tsukasa was right!

That's so cool!>

Hah hah hah.

I knew my eyes would not deceive me...

However, there's a very similar species of amanita that's been nicknamed “the destroying angel” because of how poisonous it is.

What?

And it's difficult to differentiate between those species...

Call it a 50-50 chance.

Imagine the thrill when you try to eat it.

<And if it turns out to be poisonous...?>

Okay, no more mushrooms!

Let's find something else to eat!

This guy...

Hm? Where's Emu?

She was here just a second ago.

She said something about seeing some nice berries hanging from a tree, but I don't see her anywhere.

Wait, is she gonna be okay...?

What are we supposed to do if she gets separated?

Shosuke even told us to not venture too far, so if something did happen to her...

R-Right.

We should find her and...

You guys!

Whoa!

D-Don't jump out at us like that!

You almost made my heart stop!

Where were you? Also, why are you covered in leaves?

Hehe. I saw some yummy-looking berries over there and discovered a grassy tunnel when I leaned down to pick them up.

A grassy tunnel?

There was all this grass that was as tall as Rui, but there was this one part where it looked like someone had already gone through...

Like someone had already gone through...?

I went down it to see where it went and found all these raspberries and little things that looked like fruits, so I decided to pick them!

Ah, Emu, excellent work!

Alright, I hereby name you the captain of the berry-hunting brigade. Let us hope that you strike it rich again!

Sir, yes, sir!

<You guys should have plenty to eat now thanks to Emu, right?!>

Yes, we should.

I even found some wild herbs that appear to be edible.

Yeah, a bucket-load too!

What do you think we can make using all this stuff?

Hang on...

I'm seeing some things here that clearly don't look edible. What's with them...?

Oh, I picked up some other things while I was picking those herbs because I thought they'll come in handy.

For example, this sturdy-looking vine may work as a nice prop if we ever end up doing a jungle-themed show.

That explains why you were digging around in some strange places. You were looking for these things.

You're not thinking about taking them home, are you...?

<Haha!

Emu the free spirit and Rui the director with a wonderful imagination seem to be enjoying themselves!>

<It's good that you have a bucket full of food, but are you sure it's going to be enough? You'll need to feed five if you include Emu's brother...>

<Yeah, wild herbs and berries don't sound very filling, you know? I'd probably be hungry again after a little while...>

Yes, we still don't have anything that we can call a staple, but finding one isn't going to be easy...

True.

Something packed with carbohydrates would be ideal, like rice, but in terms of where we are...

Hm...?

What is it, Rui?

Oh, I'm sorry to interrupt this conversation, but I thought I saw something pass through those bushes just now.

Really? I didn't see anything.

I only caught a glimpse, so I may be wrong...

That's it!!!

<Wah!>

<Emu, what's wrong?!>

I've got it.

I found something that can act as a replacement for bread and rice!

Up! Look up!

Up...?

Hey, yeah...!

Aren't those bananas growing from that tree?

Oh, you're right!

They're usually a dessert, but they might just do for our main entree!

Yes, and filling too.

Alright, we're in agreement!

Once again, captain of the berry-hunting brigade, well done!

Yay! I did it♪

But I'm not sure if bananas count as berries...

<Also, the bunches that seem ripe for eating are very high up. Is there a way to get to those?>

<Can't you guys just jump up and get them?>

What?

That high up...?

It won't be easy, but it's worth a try...!

Alright, leave this to the future star whose legs have been conditioned by Rui's directing! Watch as I soar!

Hey, wait...

Tsukasa, wait!

<Zzz... Zzz...

You can do it, Tsukasa...>

There! Drats! Now! This time!!

Arrrgh... It's no use!!

No matter how many times I try, I can't get close!

<I'm so sorry!

Now that I'm seeing them up close, they're a lot higher than I thought!>

I knew it...

There's no way for us to get up that high.

Okay, I'm gonna give it a try!

Here I go!

Whee!

Oh, look at that!

Emu, that was a beautiful triple jump!

But...

Grr... Darn it...

I touched them! I was so close!

They look very healthy and mature, so we'll need to do more than just touch them to bring them down.

<Yes, I have a feeling that you'll have to find a way to tear the entire bunch off somehow.>

<Hmm...

Isn't there any way to do that? I mean, you were lucky enough to find these, so...>

<Hey, what if you lifted someone up by putting them on your shoulders or something?>

Good idea!

Rui and I could try lifting each other!

No, that still wouldn't be enough.

There are four of us, so Tsukasa, you and I can act as the base...

And have Nene on our shoulders...

With Emu on her shoulders. That might just do it...

What?!

Oh, I know what you're talking about!

It's like a thigh stand from group gymnastics! They did it at my school during our Sports Festival and it looked really fun!

W-Wait...!

I thought you only needed three people for that. And you don't usually have to have anyone on your shoulders...

Between not having any helpers as is normal during group gymnastics and this terrible footing, it is going to be dangerous. However, we should be fine as long as we keep our hands anchored to the tree.

We can also lay down a bed of grass just in case as a cushion.

B-But I'd have to stand on top of you guys while having Emu on my shoulders... The thought of me dropping her's terrifying...

In that case, Nene, why don't you sit on top with me in the middle? I promise to hold you tight and keep you steady!

Huh...?

Th-That also sounds pretty tough...

<Don't sweat it, Nene! You can do it!>

<Just imagine that you're the lead for a show!>

<Yeah! It's like being the star on top of a Christmas tree! I know you'll do great, Nene☆>

(I... I don't feel confident about this at all, but we won't be able to get those bananas if I don't try...)

(I-Isn't there any other way...?!)