Morning, Honoka.

G'morning!

Huh? Is it just me, or does everyone seem really sleepy?

Ha ha… We may have gotten a little carried away last night…

I, for one, feel fantastic! The μ's show is happening today! What time is it? Is it now?

We take the stage later this afternoon!

Until then, let's pick up where we left off yesterday. There's still plenty of festival left to enjoy.

Hey, I know it's a little late to be asking, but this is called the Daikoku Festival, right? What exactly does that mean?

Daikoku's one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, isn't he?

That's right. Daikoku's one of the gods enshrined here. He watches over this festival, bestowing good fortune upon everyone who visits. That's why we celebrate him!

In other words, he blesses us with luck.

Cool.

If you wanna be extra-lucky, there's one thing you should definitely do.

What is it?

Sometimes Daikoku and another god, Yebisu, appear at the festival. When they do, make sure you get them to wave their little mallets over your head.

What?

Daikoku or Yebisu will stand in front of you and happily wave the little hammer-like things they carry with them over your head.

That's how they send lots of good fortune your way!

*Squee* That sounds wonderful! I wanna get all that good luck and fortune too!

Same here! I want to meet Daikoku and Yebisu!

I don't believe in any of this, but the cultural differences are fascinating. If you all want to do it that badly, I'll come along too.

Ohh, don't be shy, Mia-chi. You should be honest and admit you want to join in!

Don't you realize that pretending to be mature only ends up making you seem more childish?

Y-Yoshiko! That's not a very nice thing to say, zura!

Listen, you! I'm a college student in the states! Here, I'm a high school senior! I'm not pretending to be mature, I am mature! I'm an adult!

Yes you are, Mia. That's why I rely on you for so much.

R-Rina…!

Ah… Ah ha ha… Uhh, what's over there? Let's go check it out.

There's a big crowd out that way, too. Wonder what's going on.

Kanan, If that cold water purification contest is happening again today, you're sitting it out.

Guh… Fine, fine. You're such a worrier, Dia.

[Fade in/out.]

So what is it? What are they up to?

It appears to be a Shijo knife ceremony.

A what-what ceremony?

Look, he's wearing an eboshi hat and a ceremonial robe.

This is a ritual where a fish or a bird is filleted using only a knife and chopsticks. It's never touched by hand.

Her dexterity is phenomenal. Look at how graceful every movement is.

This is another tradition that's been handed down for generations.

It's so captivating…

Hmm? Are you okay, Kanata?

That knife… It looks suuuuuuuper sharp, doesn't it?

I want one too! Imagine how thinly I could slice pumpkins and tomatoes with one of those!

Don't be an idiot! A knife like that would be wasted on an amateur!

Don't worry, I'm gonna work in the culinary industry someday so I should make the cut!

Nico, you're good at cooking. Wouldn't you want a good sharp knife and durable pot?

Actually, I can make delicious cuisine no matter what cookware I'm saddled with.

Whoa… That's such a cool thing to say. Like a real chef!

Like the old saying goes, a good worker never blames their tools.

Oof… Guess I lose this round…

I didn't intend for the conversation to turn into a competition, but I'll take the win.