Weeding Certification Arc

Story guide

While thinking about advancing through the levels of the Weeding Certification, Hachiware and Chiikawa sit before study guides and sheets that resemble test questions. Hachiware suggests opening a book to study, and Chiikawa tries to look at the material beside them, but they do not arrive at answers right away. The diagrams and writing on the pages show that they are preparing for an exam connected to work. They know that earning a certification might increase their rewards, so this is not a casual discussion but preparation tied to their everyday livelihoods. The exam date and result are still unknown; the scene reaches only the point where both accept that they first need to study.

Cultural and language noteA certification exam is a system in which a person earns a qualification by passing a test of knowledge or skills. In the story, it is also connected to the rewards earned through Weeding work.

Story guide

Hachiware stops at an outdoor stall marked by a used-books banner and asks the shopkeeper to let them look inside. Imagining reading an interesting manga beside Chiikawa, Hachiware peers into a box and notices a cardboard sign saying that qualifications raise rewards, then finds study guides including one for Weeding Certification Level 3. Hachiware rummages noisily through the box, quietly noting that there are more books while continuing the search. Before long, a light bulb appears as Hachiware seems to have an idea, and the scene ends when they tell the shopkeeper that they will take this one.

Cultural and language noteA used-book shop sells books that have been read before. Here, it is shown as a place to look through many kinds of books for a study guide that fits one’s purpose.

Story guide

Chiikawa spreads out a study guide for the Level 5 Weeding Certification on a low desk and proceeds to fill it in with a green pencil while muttering to themself, "Hmm." Unable to get it right, they vigorously rub out their work, let out a groan, snap the study guide shut, and end up sighing. Afterward, they picture a scene beneath a paper displaying the words "Congratulations" and "Level 5," imagining themself interacting with a gray hand over a green basket, and Hachiware and Usagi raising their voices in celebration, even envisioning a gift. Finally, they abruptly sit up, let out a cry of determination, and turn back to the study guide that should have been closed, where the story ends.

Story guide

While eating a salted rice ball, Hachiware has a Weeding Certification book open. Rather than taking a break from studying for the meal, they keep preparing for a higher level by talking to Chiikawa about what they remember and what they do not understand. Chiikawa listens beside them and takes in how seriously Hachiware is pursuing the qualification. Including the fact that Hachiware keeps thinking while eating shows that the exam occupies even ordinary time. The two do not promise that they will pass, and return to the book before them. Without overstating the burden of studying, the post portrays effort built up in small gaps in daily life.

Story guide

Alone in a cave, Hachiware keeps a Weeding Certification study guide open and repeats what must be learned while preparing food. Placing the book beside the fire and pot lets studying and ordinary life occupy the same space. Hachiware tries not to forget what they have read, though the image alone cannot determine their answers or level of skill. This is preparation they continue on their own before taking the exam, not effort performed for someone else to see. Even once the meal is ready, they do not close the book, leaving the feeling that they want to make even a little more progress. The post does not jump to exam day or its result, quietly placing time spent learning itself.

Story guide

Arriving at the test venue, Chiikawa and Hachiware stop before the Weeding Certification guidance and gathered examinees. Hachiware remembers how they have studied up to this point, and Chiikawa stands beside them as the one taking the test in the same place. Their time reading study guides is over, and they enter the tension just before facing the actual answer sheets. The questions have not yet been distributed, so there is no certainty that their work will pay off. The size of the venue and its notices show that this is an official exam rather than study between only the two of them. They acknowledge that they made it there despite their worries, and the post goes as far as their heading toward their seats.

Story guide

As Hachiware works through the Weeding Certification questions, they encounter parts they do not understand and seem close to stopping. Chiikawa takes the same exam while concentrating on the paper. Afterwards, the two wonder how much the other was able to answer, but do not compare their answer sheets or grade them together. Hachiware’s anxiety does not conclude that their earlier studying was meaningless; it remains as the difficulty felt in the real test. Chiikawa does not show strong confidence either, and they move to the stage of waiting for the result. Without revealing the correct answers or pass-fail outcome, the post centers the uncertainty of the two who took the exam in the same room.

Story guide

Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi pick fruit in the grass, and Usagi holds a tag or proof showing Weeding Certification Level 3. Unlike the tension of the exam venue, the image shows the three spending a bright time outside. Chiikawa and Hachiware are still working toward higher levels, but Usagi’s possession shows that qualifications already exist in everyday life. The meaning of Level 3 and how it was obtained are not explained; only Usagi’s casual display of it is shown. The post does not decide what they will do with the fruit or how the other two did. It is placed as a small everyday interlude in the flow of studying.

Story guide

Before a posted list of successful candidate numbers, Chiikawa and Hachiware search for their own exam numbers. They look closely at the paper but do not immediately state what the numbers they find mean. The list and their exam tickets show that they have reached the stage where the result is known through a posting rather than personal feeling. Hachiware checks from the same place as Chiikawa, and Chiikawa also watches the other’s reaction. Instead of immediately showing joy, the image prolongs the tension of matching numbers. It never states in words which results each receives within this post alone.

Story guide

Chiikawa and Hachiware pause before a notice and posting that indicate where successful candidates should gather. Even after comparing their ticket numbers, they do not immediately head to the same place, checking the display once more. The word pass and the gathering location are visible, but this is not a scene that explains each of their results in detail. Hachiware watches Chiikawa, concerned with the other’s feelings before getting ready to celebrate. Chiikawa cannot take their eyes from the notice either. Through only numbers and guidance, the composition makes the quiet time after an exam feel weighty, leaving room for how the result will be received without anticipating the later conversation.

Story guide

After seeing the posting, Chiikawa sheds tears and Hachiware stays nearby to comfort them. Hachiware thinks about another chance and about going out for a meal to help shift the mood, but cannot immediately erase Chiikawa’s sadness. The two do not blame each other by reviewing the exam answers; they walk alongside one another while carrying how they feel now. The mention of ramen is not magic that makes the result disappear, but a suggestion for staying with someone who is down. Without explaining the difference in their results in detail, the post centers Chiikawa’s tears and Hachiware’s companionship.

Story guide

When alone, Hachiware cannot focus on eating or sleeping and keeps worrying about the Weeding Certification result. Even lying down in the cave does not settle their mind, and a tag or paper connected to a higher level remains near at hand. Although Hachiware had just encouraged a friend, the empty scene reveals that they were not unaffected themselves. They do not analyze the reason for the result or begin studying again. At first, time simply passes while they carry disappointment and anxiety. Hachiware, who usually tries to organize a situation with words, quietly shows the weight of the exam here by lying down unable to do anything.

Story guide

In the morning, Hachiware wakes to the sound of birds and steps outside to find Chiikawa standing in front of their house. When Hachiware greets them, Chiikawa lets out only a short cry and remains fidgety, unable to get the words out. Before long, Chiikawa presents a cat-shaped orange confection packed in a bag tied with a blue ribbon. Hachiware is startled, wondering what it is and whether it is all right to accept, and asks whether it is a celebration for passing Level Five. Chiikawa answers with a proud little cry. Finally, when Hachiware asks whether this shape means Chiikawa went out of their way to get something that resembles them, Chiikawa gives a small nod.

Story guide

Hachiware expresses their thanks to Chiikawa while still holding the small mascot. Then Chiikawa holds up and offers the Weeding Certification Level 5 book, and Hachiware confirms that this means Chiikawa wants them to ask questions from it. After Chiikawa gives a short reply, the two move to a grassy field, and Hachiware opens the book and announces the first question. The question read aloud asks what grass must absolutely not be weeded, and Chiikawa responds immediately. Hachiware tells them it is the correct answer, and the story closes just as they are about to move on to the next question.

Story guide

Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi stand beside a small table holding three paper cups. In the first image, Hachiware holds a white card bearing a picture of grass and a small square in front of their chest with their mouth open, while Usagi folds their arms and frowns. In the second, Hachiware holds the card with its reverse side showing, and Chiikawa raises their eyebrows and lifts one hand high. In the third, Hachiware and Chiikawa close their eyes and open their mouths, with small drops at the corners of their eyes. In the same image, Usagi holds a golden-brown card of the same shape beside their face, waves the other hand, and calls out. There is no dialogue or other writing; only the raised cards and the changes in the trio's expressions can be followed.

Story guide

Chiikawa lays out fabric and fasteners and sews a pink pouch with a face. They pack it so full that it bulges. Hachiware then invites Chiikawa to take a slightly longer outing together, and Chiikawa imagines walking alongside them with the handmade pouch. Back home, Chiikawa compares a brown package and the pouch beside it while reconsidering what to bring. Deciding what the small bag is for turns an outing with a friend into a concrete plan, heightening both the excitement and nervousness of getting ready.

Story guide

On the day of their outing, Chiikawa and Hachiware are caught in a thunderstorm and cannot escape the heavy rain even under umbrellas. Frightened by the thunder, they decide not to force their way onward and to leave the trip for another time. Hachiware is relieved that they had not bought tickets yet, and the two wait under nearby cover. When the sky brightens and they set off again, Hachiware asks what Chiikawa packed in the pink pouch. Chiikawa shows candy and a whistle, and Hachiware is delighted that they even brought snacks. The outing is canceled, but the preparations in the handmade bag remain a small pleasure.

Story guide

Hachiware opens a Weeding Certification workbook and gives Chiikawa practice questions one after another. Asked to identify a golden weed that causes a rash when touched, Chiikawa quickly has the answer. When Hachiware then asks how to deal with a weed whose roots are too long, Chiikawa cannot answer right away and falls silent to think. Hachiware does not rush them and waits while following the question with a finger. Once Chiikawa reaches the answer, Hachiware smiles and acknowledges that it was difficult, and the tense study session returns to a calm time of checking their progress together.

Story guide

At the Weeding Certification venue, Hachiware nervously watches the line. Chiikawa notices them from beyond the bustling crowd, waves, and the two meet up. When Hachiware cautiously asks how the test went, Momonga, who is nearby, cuts in and brightly answers that the result is not known yet. Because Momonga answers before the person being asked, Hachiware is confused and Chiikawa falls silent with a complicated look. An unexpected response interrupts the wait for the result of the retake, and Momonga's own result remains unclear as well.

Story guide

Hachiware finds a stone that draws well on the ground and begins making pictures while showing Chiikawa how to use it. Chiikawa picks up a stone too and finishes a drawing of a bowl that recalls the meal they have just eaten. Seeing it, Hachiware remembers the time they ate together and eagerly invites Chiikawa to go again. Hachiware then fills the ground with their own letters and drawings and proudly shows off what they have made. The tension of waiting for the result loosens through playing with stones and remembering food. From the drawings, the two find another small thing to look forward to.

Story guide

At night, Hachiware gets into bed but cannot fully close their eyes, recalling that the Weeding Certification results will be announced the next day. The exam is already over and there is nothing they can do about it right now, yet their racing heart will not settle down. They sit up hugging the futon, but sleepiness does not return even when they try to calm down. Finally, facing the moon visible outside the cave, they pray that their friend has passed. The worry of waiting for a friend's results has even caused them to stay up late. In contrast to the quiet room, only their feelings are racing ahead.

Story guide

Hachiware rushes into the venue out of breath, but people are already starting to leave, and they remark that everyone is heading home. Spotting Chiikawa in the crowd, they call out and run over, apologizing over and over. As an excuse for being late, they explain that they tried to ride a sunfish there but ended up in a completely different place, briefly mentioning the journey they shared with Usagi along the way. They then make sure if Chiikawa has already seen the results announcement and ask what the outcome was. Chiikawa does not answer and stays silent, leaving the atmosphere hanging as they wait for a reply.

Story guide

Chiikawa only shows a smile and does not voice the results right away. Hachiware asks with anticipation if they passed, but Chiikawa remains silent and smiles once more. Eventually, Chiikawa nods and briefly states that they failed. Hachiware is at a loss for words, and a silence falls between the two. When the scene changes, the two are eating side-by-side at a noodle shop. Hachiware tells them they will always support them no matter how many times it takes, and Chiikawa continues eating without a word in reply.

Story guide

Hachiware carries a bag containing nuts coated in syrup and heads toward Chiikawa's house. Wondering if Chiikawa is home, Hachiware gently peers inside through the window to find Chiikawa spreading a book and notebook on a low desk, clutching a green pencil and muttering "Hmm..." while scribbling away. Hachiware murmurs to themself that Chiikawa is studying, and decides that if Chiikawa is focused, they will leave it here, placing the bag on the ground outside. Hachiware then scratches the nearby ground to leave a picture-like mark, and mutters "Charumera." Finally, without calling out, Hachiware turns back and walks away across the grass, softly murmuring "Do your best."

Story guide

At home at night, Chiikawa is studying for the Weeding Certification when a smell drifting in from outside makes them stop. At the doorway, they find a small package beside the entrance, along with a mark that suggests a friend. Realizing the sender's thoughtfulness, Chiikawa brings the package inside and prepares noodles from the red bag. As they eat the steaming bowl at the table, their expression softens and the hunger and loneliness between study sessions ease. Even without meeting face to face, the intention behind the gift reaches Chiikawa and helps them regain their strength.

Story guide

Chiikawa and Hachiware are Weeding. Hachiware pauses to glance at how Chiikawa is working and looks pleased. When the job is finished, they receive reward bags, and coins clink inside. Holding a bag, Hachiware asks how Weeding feels since earning Level 5, and Chiikawa responds with a startled sound and a bashful smile. Hachiware then asks whether Chiikawa can feel the weight even though the increase is only small, and Chiikawa answers while gripping the bag tightly. On the way home, the two walk among other workers and agree that it really does have weight.

Cultural and language noteWeeding means pulling unwanted grass or weeds. The exchange about sensing even a small achievement through the weight of a reward conveys the feeling of holding the result of one's work.

Story guide

Chiikawa and Hachiware go to Furuhonya looking for a book about Weeding Level 4. As they look through books packed in boxes, Furuhonya appears before the shop and the two explain what they are seeking. After the exchange, Chiikawa and Hachiware leave; puzzled at being seen off, Furuhonya thanks them. Hachiware says that they will need to save money again if they are to buy a new book, and Chiikawa agrees. The two decide to keep trying together and set off walking. A sign at the storefront identifies it as a used-book shop.

Cultural and language noteA used-book shop buys and resells books that have been read. It can be a place to find books more cheaply than new copies, including books for qualifications or study.