Okay, Nene!
We got it all on video!
Thanks.
Then, I'm gonna check to see how my acting went.
Roger♪
Lemme watch with you!
(I still can't do what everyone from Mikazukigumi can, but I feel like my sword fighting skills have improved a little.)
(Which just leaves whether or not my portrayal of Tokiwa Gozen is doing her justice... I need to dissect every frame of this video.)
<I'm left with no choice...!>
<I was born into a family of warriors. If I must wield a blade to defend these children, then I shall...!>
<Hiyah!>
*Sigh*
(This video says it all...)
I'm still not fully committing myself to this scene...
This is where she's supposed to show everyone that she's going to protect her children no matter what, but I'm struggling to capture that...
Which explains why I look a little too unsure when she hesitates to pull out her katana.
I guess I still don't entirely understand how she feels. I mean, I think kids are cute, but I don't have much experience interacting with them...
Right...
But what can you do about that? Hmm...
Oh!
This might be a good idea!
Wow! I'm smelling the scents of so many different animals!
Hehe. Yeah, zoos do have a unique smell to them.
Also, this area...
The baby foxes are around here, right?
(But is seeing a family of foxes really going to help me get a better understanding of Tokiwa Gozen's feelings...?)
(No, it's still worth a try...)
Where do you think the foxes are?
Sniff... Sniff... Oh, that way?!
You're totally guessing... Huh?! Emu?!
Hey, wait for me!
Th-They're really here...
Wow...!
Look how the mom and her baby are rubbing their cheeks up against each other! That's so cute!
But their eyes are only half open!
Does that mean they're sleepy?
Yeah...
It might be time for their afternoon nap.
Oh, the baby's rolling around right next to its mom. Hehe. That's really cute.
(But I don't think just seeing this will tell me how Tokiwa Gozen feels about her children...)
Wait, this sign says, “Try holding a baby fox.”
They really let people do that...?
Whoa, you're right!
Hey, I know...!
Why don't you try holding one, Nene?!
What?
Think about it! Holding one might help you understand what it means to love your children!
Y-Yeah...
I kinda get that, but...
Okay, lemme go ask one of the staff!
Excuse me, Ms. Staff Lady!
...
I-It's so cute...!
It's adorable!!!
(This is incredible...!
It's so tiny and fluffy... Like a plushie...!)
(B-But it really is tiny... I still can't believe we get to hold it... I need to be careful not to drop it...)
(Maybe this is what it's like to see your baby right after giving birth...)
Alright, I'll hand it over to you now.
Yay!
Thank you!
No, wait!
We came here today to help you, Nene!
So, you get first dibs!
Oh... O-Okay!
Please try to cradle it in a way such that you avoid placing any stress on its hips. Gently provide as much support as you can for its upper body and bottom.
O-Okay!
Umm... Like this?
Yes, that's perfect.
Thank you...
...♪
(Its fur's so fluffy...
Also, I didn't realize how frail its legs were...)
(But it's so warm...)
(I think it's cozying up to me, which only makes me want to protect it even more.)
...
(Oh, it's blinking at me.
Hehe. That's really cute... No, wait...)
It fell asleep...
Hehe. I think it feels safe in your arms. It must really like the way you're holding it.
Besides, it was rolling around right next to its mom just a second ago! Is it all tuckered out?
That's certainly a possibility.
(Oh, when did the mom wake up...?
She's staring right at me...)
(She must be worried...)
(Tokiwa Gozen must feel the same way. They both know what this irreplaceable warmth feels like. This desire to protect it at all costs...)
Hehe...
You look so motherly right now, Nene!
Huh? Oh...
Yeah... I think I have a little better understanding of what Tokiwa Gozen's supposed to be feeling.
Really?!
Hooray! That means Operation Baby Bonding was a huge success!
(I wouldn't have gotten a chance to do this if it weren't for Emu.)
(So, I've got to make the most of this experience, and become the best Tokiwa Gozen I can!)