Owning a pets

[Tokyo, Japan]

[Roppongi, Minato]

While manga fans eagerly anticipated the next developments in Dragon Ball, Shin had recently returned to Japan and was now accompanied by Mira. Their purpose for being in Kojima Roppongi Shop was to purchase a pet.

Why, you ask?

Mira had developed a fondness for Pokémon anime and desired to own a pet. However, even without the influence of Pokémon, she had always harbored a desire to have a pet. Being already married, she had even contemplated starting a family sooner. But as she was still in university, she had suppressed the idea. Shin, on the other hand, didn't see a problem with the idea of her getting pregnant while still pursuing her education.

[KOJIMA ROPPONGI SHOP]

Shin and Mira entered the store, which was stocked with shelves of pet food and various animal-related items. As they conversed, they approached a sales associate to inquire about purchasing a pet.

"Do you wish to become pet owners?" the female sales associate inquired.

Shin nodded and replied, "Yes, my wife has a sudden urge to have one." He grinned as Mira playfully pinched him.

The female associate smiled and escorted them to the pet section.

There, cats, dogs, and various other animals were displayed behind glass and barred cages.

A striking woman was nearby, tending to a snake.

The female sales associate introduced them, saying, "Uta-san, this couple is interested in owning a pet."

The attractive woman was Aira Uta. She turned her attention to the sales associate, then glanced at Shin and Mira, nodding briefly before returning to her task of feeding the snake.

The sales associate smiled and turned to Shin and Mira, explaining, "That's Aira Uta, our pet groomer. You can ask her anything about pets, and she'll be happy to assist you."

Shin and Mira acknowledged this with a nod, and the sales associate walked away.

Approaching the pet groomer, Shin initiated the conversation by asking, "Hello, my wife is interested in getting a pet. Could you recommend something for us?"

Aira looked at Shin and then at Mira, maintaining a composed expression as she inquired, "What do you both prefer? Wild animals, reptiles, birds, cats, or dogs?" She posed the question directly.

Shin and Mira were taken aback for a moment, exchanging a quick glance before Mira began, "To be honest, we came here with the idea of owning a pet after watching Pokémon, and also-"

Mira couldn't complete her sentence as Aira regarded her with a furrowed brow, interjecting, "So, you wanted to get a pet just because of a cartoon?"

Mira, hearing this, felt a touch embarrassed as she turned to Shin.

Shin offered a wry smile and explained to the woman pet groomer, "That's certainly one of the reasons. However, we had already been contemplating pet ownership before Pokémon even came into the picture."

Aira nodded in understanding and said, "Many kids come to our shop wanting pets because of that cartoon. I'd be relieved if you weren't those kinds of people..." She paused and continued, "I've witnessed people abandoning their dogs and cats due to various reasons, often because they didn't think things through before getting one. I'm just concerned that you might fall into that category..."

Shin and Mira shared a reassuring look, and Mira turned to Aira, nodding as she responded, "Don't worry, we're not that kind of people. We've put a lot of thought into this for weeks before deciding to get a pet, and we've been studying how to take care of one as well."

Aira's originally stoic expression transformed into a grateful smile upon hearing their reassurances. "That's good to hear," she said, pausing before continuing, "Anyway, let's go back to my previous question. What's your preference?"

Mira nodded and replied, "Our interest in owning a pet goes beyond just liking Pokémon. After discussing it, my husband and I both lean towards dogs or cats."

Shin chuckled upon hearing Mira's words. In reality, he had a preference for owning a lion or a tiger, but Mira had firmly rejected that idea, opting for a more practical choice of dogs or cats, or perhaps both.

Aira smiled and nodded, saying, "I understand." She then led Shin and Mira to the dogs and cats section, remarking with a smile, "To be honest, I enjoy watching Pokémon during my free time, and I can see why it might spark people's interest in owning a pet."

Mira agreed, glancing at Shin. "Pokémon was such a great anime, and I think it will only make more people interested in pet ownership."

Shin chuckled and remarked, "Pets? No, they'll probably see them as Pokémon, not just pets."

Mira and Aira shared a laugh at Shin's comment.

Following this, Shin and Mira were introduced to various domestic dog and cat breeds. Mira developed a particular fondness for the Golden Retriever and the Norwegian Forest Cat.

Eventually, Shin and Mira made their choice, and as they decided, Shin pointed at the Golden Retriever and playfully said, "I choose you!" However, he received a playful pinch from Mira in response.

"Woof?"

The Golden Retriever responded with a gentle woof and a tilted head, seeming rather perplexed.

Aira smiled as she gently stroked the Golden Retriever's smooth fur, commenting, "Hehe, it seems this gentleman sees you as a Pokémon."

After a while, Aira assisted Shin in processing the paperwork, and Shin and Mira officially became the owners of a dog and a cat. The cat had already taken to perching on Mira's shoulder, while the Golden Retriever was quite affectionate, cuddling with both Shin and Mira.

Shin offered a wry smile as he quipped to Mira, "How do you suppose we'll manage wrestling matches in bed with these little companions?"

Mira blushed and playfully pinched Shin, shooting him a stern look since they were still inside the shop. She retorted, "We can always wait until they're asleep..."

Shin chuckled and replied, "Do you really think they'll sleep? I have my doubts they'll even let us sleep, let alone wrestle."

Mira smiled mischievously and whispered, "Well, we can use the bathroom too..."

---

[Suzuki Mansion]

The family gathered around the dining table for their usual meal.

Shiro had just heard from his wife that his eldest daughter was dating a delinquent. He cut straight to the point, saying, "You need to break up with your boyfriend."

Reina pouted and questioned, "Why, Dad?"

Shiro furrowed his brows and delivered an ultimatum, "You won't receive any money or allowance from me if you don't."

Reina continued to pout, retorting, "That's not fair!"

Shiko and Seki couldn't help but chuckle as they witnessed their father finally reprimanding Reina.

It had been a while...

Shiro then shifted his attention away from Reina and addressed Shiko and Seki, saying, "Your grandfather's birthday is approaching, so the two of you should prepare a thoughtful gift."

Shiko and Seki nodded in agreement. Then, Shiro surprised the family with another announcement, "Also, invite Shinro and Shiruu. The old man probably wants to see them." He glanced at his wife, Airi.

Airi was somewhat taken aback but nodded in agreement.

In the meantime, Shiko and Seki frowned but chose to remain silent.

Sazama Suzuki, Shiro's father, was the founder of the Suzuki Group. When it came to Sazama's birthday, the entire Suzuki family, whether they were abroad or in the country, would gather at his house to celebrate the founder's special day.