What is the Hole Arc? Synopsis and Best Scenes Summary | When & Which Manga Volume [Chiikawa]

Hachiware, who got lost on the way to Weeding, falls to the bottom of a deep hole. Nearby lies a blue Subjugation tool, and Hachiware calls out for help many times, but no one appears at the edge of the hole. From behind, a large grayish-brown body and jointed legs approach. With nowhere to run at the wall's edge, Hachiware resolves to manage on their own and steels their resolve.

In the pouring rain, Chiikawa appears at the edge of the hole. Hachiware explains how they got lost on the way to Weeding, and stops Chiikawa—who reaches a hand over the edge—warning that if both of them fall in, neither will be able to climb back out. Chiikawa searches for another method and ties a long green vine to a thick tree trunk, lowering it all the way to the bottom. Hachiware grabs the vine with both hands and gains a path to climb up.

As Hachiware begins climbing the rain-soaked vine, rocks crumble and their body sways. Chiikawa, watching from above, grows concerned about the blue Subjugation tool left at the bottom and heads down into the hole. Even when Hachiware warns that Chiikawa cannot use both hands while carrying the tool, Chiikawa holds it up to their mouth without letting go and tries to figure out how to carry it alongside the vine. The exchange between the two over the rescue and the precious tool continues.