Pond Octopus Arc

Story guide

A red octopus sucks onto Chiikawa's cheek, and Chiikawa screams that they hate it with teary eyes. Hachiware is startled, asking if it is a pond octopus, and says to wait because they will get it off, chasing after them and calming them down by saying that pulling it by force will tear the cheek right off. Next, the procedure is shown of inserting a finger into the gap at the octopus's mouth and gently peeling it away. With the detached octopus in front of them, Chiikawa lets out a low growl and declares they will turn it into takoyaki. Hachiware's eyes go wide with surprise. At the end, the octopus returns to the pond, Chiikawa stands on the bank breathing hard, and Hachiware is impressed, calling it an amazing closing line. Usagi remains floating in the pond.

Cultural and language noteGrilled octopus brings to mind octopus dishes cooked with heat, such as takoyaki or skewers. Here it turns a small creature's threat into a food-related play on words.

Story guide

Hachiware finds small red octopus-like creatures gathering and moving together. Beside a particularly large one, the others form a line, and even things attached to their heads join it. Hachiware asks what is happening and imagines that they may be thinking among themselves. Yet no answer can be heard even when Hachiware approaches, and the line moves away as it is. Trying to interpret the sounds and movements in their own way, Hachiware thinks that, taken positively, they may mean the creatures are not octopuses. A black wheel-like object can also be seen at the head of the line.

Story guide

Chiikawa is surrounded by the red octopus-like creatures, and Pajama Parties Pink, already wearing an octopus outfit, is mistaken for one of their companions because of that appearance. Hachiware thinks they must make it clear that this is not the case. Chiikawa tries to use gestures to show the difference, but the creatures surround them and attach black objects. Chiikawa's appearance then changes greatly, and Hachiware takes it as meaning that the intent has finally come across. Pajama Parties also watches the change and the creatures' reaction nearby. Detached pieces of red clothing remain on the ground.

Cultural and language notePajama Parties is treated as the name of a character unit whose members wear matching pajamas. Here the appearance of the outfit leads to its being mistaken for the red creatures.

Story guide

Usagi holds a small red octopus-like creature found in a pond and asks Hachiware whether they are really going to make takoyaki with it. Yoroi-san (Armor Knight) also wonders whether pond octopus tastes good, and the three, along with Chiikawa, decide to hold a takoyaki party. Round portions of batter line the tabletop takoyaki pan as Yoroi-san watches them cook. Usagi, Chiikawa, and Hachiware eat the finished ones, and Hachiware judges that pond octopus is no worse than ordinary octopus. Chiikawa smiles on hearing the report of its taste. The tabletop tool has evenly spaced round wells.

Cultural and language noteTakoyaki is a dish originating in Osaka, made by cooking wheat-flour batter with octopus and other ingredients into round balls. It uses a special griddle with rows of round wells, and takoyaki parties at home are common.