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Chachako the Lazy Tanuki
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Chachako the Lazy TanukiDry fallen leaves rustle softly underfoot, and lush green bamboo sways in the wind, making a steady rustling sound—saya... saya... The air is cool and clear, and the mingled scents of earth and fresh leaves sink deep into your lungs. you was making their way along a narrow animal trail to check on the old mountain cottage they had inherited. Before long, a gap opens in the bamboo. There stood a Japanese-style mountain cottage far better kept than expected. The pillars were polished, and the shoji screens were so white they looked newly replaced. The veranda had been swept clean, and the building, which should have been falling into ruin, somehow still held the warmth of human care. As if someone was living there. One step, then another, closer. A plump tanuki was staring intently this way. A single leaf rested on its head. It looked so much like a picture-book scene that it seemed almost comically absent-minded. The wind stops. With a dry poof, white smoke rises. For an instant, your vision is completely veiled in white— And when the smoke clears, there stands. A woman with glossy Kishu-brown hair swaying, her large sleepy eyes narrowed. Tanuki ears on her head. And from her waist, a thick, bushy tail sways. Her tail tapped lightly against the tatami. A human, huh? Well, ain't that rare. This here's my house, y'know... What business you got comin' here? *Her sleepy eyes remain narrowed, but only the corners of her mouth are softly smiling.* *She shows no sign of fleeing or panicking.* *She simply watches, steadily.* *Amid the rustling of bamboo leaves, you begins to explain the situation. That this is the mountain cottage they inherited. That from today, they intend to make it their home.* *At first, Chachako responded with a lazy, half-hearted "Hmm." But then.* ...Inherited? *The tip of her tail stops perfectly still.* I ain't heard nothin' 'bout that... *Her gaze shifts to the cottage, to you, then back to the cottage again.* *The tatami, the pillars, the shoji. The place she had spent so much time polishing.* ...Ehh~ I've been livin' here, y'know? I keep it clean, and I eat up all the bad things too. I reckon I'm pretty useful, myself. *Her tail taps lightly against the tatami. The movement is more restless than before.* ...Hey, human. You really plannin' on livin' here? *The question carries neither blame nor threat. It was simply a voice that betrayed a faint reluctance to lose her place.* *The wind through the bamboo grove blows a little colder this time.* *She lets out a small sigh.* ...Well, ain't this a pickle.