Destination: Japan

Newt was very considerate, and instead of having Barnaby spend the waiting days in an expanded tent like those used during major Quidditch tournaments, he offered him his guest room, which had three beds.

One for Barnaby and another for Frieren, while Sanshi preferred to stay at the foot of Barnaby's bed, with her arms resting on the mattress.

The paperwork for the trip to Japan was much less cumbersome than Barnaby had expected; he only needed to get vaccinations for a few diseases, register the translation ring, exchange currency, and...

"Is this really necessary? "Barnaby frowned deeply when he saw the last item.

"Ah, yes, it bothered me a bit too at the time "Newt, who was helping on the side to ensure everything was correct, tilted his head to one side" They're much stricter than the local Ministry on this matter.

The reason for Barnaby's reaction lay in a footnote on the parchment Tonks had sent him, which strongly suggested that he not bring Sanshi to Japan. Even with the world's magical creature diversity and growing understanding, the Japanese Ministry of Magic still directly labeled magical creatures with human-like forms or parts as "demons," pursued by something called the "Demon Hunter Squad."

There was a reason why creatures like centaurs were never seen in those lands.

"All that is based on the possibility of them discovering Sanshi, but from experience, I can say that they're not as good at finding them as they think "commented Newt with what was the closest Barnaby had ever seen to disdain from this man.

His wife Tina rolled her eyes but didn't comment on her husband's observation.

Oh, right, the famous Newt Scamander suitcase...

"But, although it pains me to admit it, I actually agree with Tonks "Newt pointed out to everyone's complete surprise" Although I doubt they can detect Sanshi due to the magic she uses to hide, if you go together, she will have to stay hidden throughout the trip and that will be terribly uncomfortable "he explained with the voice of experience" Instead, she can stay here to help your friend with the landwork.

"But I don't want to be separated from Barnaby! "Sanshi said with a plaintive tone while hugging Barnaby from behind, large tears forming in her eyes.

Since she was born, she had been with Barnaby every step of the way, and the furthest they had ever been apart was when she had to fetch something from the Forbidden Forest or visit the centaurs in secret to learn their cooking recipes while the redhead was busy helping people at Hogwarts.

Barnaby wasn't too happy with the idea either; leaving his familiar behind while he went to the other side of the world was something terribly uncomfortable for both of them.

Tina felt her maternal instincts kick in when she saw Sanshi sobbing.

"There, there "she comforted her while leading her aside and whispering" How about I teach you my secret recipes, and when Barnaby returns, you give him a grand surprise welcome feast? "she proposed, trying to distract her and present things in a different light.

"That sounds good... "said Sanshi, sniffing pitifully and turning her gaze with her large eyes" Pinky promise?

Tina had to cover her nose to keep it from bleeding from the excess sweetness she was receiving at point-blank range.

How could a creature have such strong feminine charm but still maintain the innocent behavior of a child?

Frieren sighed in secret relief from the sofa upon seeing this; it seemed she didn't need to find someone else to help her wake up in the mornings...

Barnaby didn't know what Tina had said to Sanshi, but whatever it was, it seemed to have convinced his familiar to stay.

But he was still very reluctant!

Moreover, he would feel better accompanied than if he went alone to another country...

"It's a shame, but aside from sending a letter to my friend, I can't accompany you "lamented Newt for not being of more help" One of the Mooncalves is about to give birth, and I have to stay to help her.

"That's enough "Barnaby thanked him, wondering how long it would have taken him to find what he needed without Scamander.

"Barnaby, the parchment has an additional note at the end "Tina pointed out when she realized that the redhead hadn't noticed it.

"Hmm?

Barnaby examined the parchment and indeed found a note he had missed, which he had covered with his hand accidentally.

[Since you're going to Japan, bring me some souvenirs. A bunch of sakura mochis will do!]

"Sakura mochis? "Barnaby repeated.

"Oh, they're delicious "Newt had tried them in the past and was greatly impressed" There are many types of mochis, but those are among the most popular. Although you should tell Tonks to be careful; I heard from my friend that if someone eats too many at once, it can make their hair...

...

Wait, Tonks' peculiar ability seemed to negate that problem...

"Newt? vasked Tina, seeing her husband trail off mid-sentence.

"Oh? Oh, I didn't say anything "he dismissed, realizing that his concern didn't make much sense" Although I'd also appreciate a box of souvenirs, it would be very nostalgic, and Tina has never tried them.

Barnaby nodded; it wasn't a problem to bring some additional snacks.

Since he was going to Japan, he naturally wanted to try and bring back all kinds of delicacies to store and make them last a long time.

Mochi, Dorayaki, Taiyaki, Daifuku, Pocky, Yokan, Higashi, Manju, Senbei, Ramen, Sushi, Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Onigiri, Katsu, Tempura, Bento, Miso soup, Unagi, Edamame, Karaage, Tsukemono, Ramune, Various teas...

(If you could recommend a Japanese culinary specialty, one you've tried and loved or know of that's not on this list, please mention it!)

He also planned to bring some bottles of Sake and Umeshu for his father and some Hogwarts professors (except Dumbledore), but he wasn't sure if they would sell them to him due to his age...

Maybe he could ask Newt's friend to send the bottles to his home?

With everything concluded, Barnaby traveled to the coast two days later and boarded a cruise ship to enter Japan.

He wasn't going to use that defective Floo Network!

And between the boat and the plane, he preferred to choose something that gave him time to react in case of any unexpected incidents. Not to mention that being on a plane forced him to be too close to too many unknown people (with potential small children kicking the back of his seat or crying loudly), in a poorly ventilated enclosed space with a very limited food selection while everyone had to share a single bathroom.

On the ship, he could breathe the fresh sea air, stroll around leisurely, have his own cabin with a large comfortable bed (and a private bathroom including a shower), and enjoy a much fresher and more abundant selection of food.

Yes, maybe a group of pirates attempted to attack the cruise, but a large black shadow beneath the water showed them the beauty of the ocean's depths before they could even get close.

It was a relaxing trip with a touch of excitement!

---------

News to all:

I'm going to start uploading IFICS to Patreon.

IFICS is a term I made up for (Ideas for Fanfics), it sounds cool and works for both languages.

If I come up with an interesting idea for a FF, I'll first turn it into IFICS and upload it. They'll be one-shot, chapter-like stories to get the general idea across, which I might later turn into actual FFs if I like them and see that they're popular.

I've set it up so that it doesn't matter what patron level you choose, everyone will be able to read them as I upload them.

¡I've lowered the cost of the lowest patron tier to a minimum for those interested!