The longer you stay in Tokyo, the more you notice its rain—sudden, fleeting, like a moody girlfriend who swings between gloom and cheer.
That's why convenience stores on every corner sell cheap, transparent umbrellas. Clear canopies reduce collisions and stray drips, a small nod to the unspoken rules of getting along here.
On rainy days, streets brim with umbrellas, a water curtain slicing through concrete, glass, and signs.
Sakura loved sleeping in during rain, nestled in cozy bedding, lulled by the patter outside. It soothed her, body and soul.
But her young mother, apron on, would barge in, dragging her out with lectures about disciplined living.
At the breakfast table, Sakura, in pajamas, mirrored her drowsy father. They exchanged silent looks, stifled yawns, and mechanically chewed bread and eggs.
Only the parrot had energy, bobbing its head and squawking—far from mastering Liszt's La Campanella as hoped.
A warm family of three greeted the new day.
Her dad lazily flicked on the TV, tuning to his favorite morning news. When the familiar, long-haired, elegant anchor appeared, he felt a secret spark of joy.
Officially, he was absorbing fresh info to enrich himself.
The anchor's flawless smile delivered crisp reports:
[A zoo's escaped boar was safely tranquilized.]
[A burglar broke into a judo athlete's home, now recovering in a hospital under investigation.]
[A man sued a matchmaking agency after meeting a date 20 years his senior, to no avail.]
[A conwoman scammed 13 men into marriage; a victim's host-club friend baited her, only to fall for her—she's now arrested.]
[Police rushed to a late-night murder report, finding an otaku disposing of his ex's inflatable doll.]
[Lightning struck a rural septic tank, causing chaos and an indescribable stench.]
After a parade of odd stories, the broadcast cut to near the Budokan arena.
[The annual University of Tokyo entrance ceremony begins. Let's witness this generation's Japanese elite.]
University of Tokyo , a top-tier institution, held its freshman ceremony at the Budokan. Brilliant minds gathered, discussing the nation's future, economy, and society, their every move radiating intellect.
Outside, news crews interviewed students leaving the ceremony.
[Hello, what are your ambitions for the future?]
[I'll pursue aerospace. Humanity's next leap is colonizing the stars. Petty planetary squabbles mean nothing against the cosmos! I'll dedicate my life to reaching the stars, pouring my passion into galaxies!]
The camera shifted to another.
[Any plans for campus life?]
[I'll dive into criminal law, exploring good and evil, right and wrong. I want to meet like-minded peers, become a human rights lawyer, dispel every shadow, and let good people live justly.]
Another student.
[Who do you most want to thank for your admission?]
[My family, for their trust and support, comforting and motivating me. And my childhood friend Ayako back home—she waited for me at the cram school till late, hugged me through self-doubt. I'll study hard, work harder, and marry her someday! That's my lifelong vow!]
"This year's students are exceptional."
A student hurried past, wearing an old-school trench coat, an orange-brown checkered scarf, bangs falling naturally, umbrella in hand.
[Hello, can we have a moment?]
[Sure.]
Seeing that striking face fill the screen, Sakura's eyes widened. She choked on her bread, coughing.
[We're Tokyo TV…]
[I know. That wild banana mascot on your mic gave it away.]
[Right, uh, after conquering Tokyo U's grueling exams and hearing the dean's heartfelt speech, how do you feel?]
[Not great. I thought it wouldn't rain, so I didn't bring a foldable umbrella. Had to buy one—felt like a waste.]
[And the dean mentioned the campus gender imbalance, too few women. I'd like to call on society to respect women more.]
[What are your plans? Any grand dreams?]
[None!]
[Ahem, getting into a top school took effort. Care to share your study tips?]
[The Origin of Civilization series is hefty—could double as a self-defense weapon.]
[…Expectations for campus life?]
[Not getting expelled.]
[...Any short-term goals?]
[I'm craving katsu curry tonight, It's a day worth celebrating, so I'll make it happen.]
The broadcast cut back to the studio. The anchor smiled.
[Steadfast hearts, unquenchable dreams—these driven youths will be pillars of family and society. We're proud and fulfilled. That's the live report…]
Sakura coughed, wiping crumbs and spilled milk with a tissue.
"Kid, why're you eating so fast?" Her dad said, exasperated.
"Nothing, just remembered something weird…" She mumbled, brushing it off.
***
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