…Hi, this is Tohoku Kiritan.
It’s August 27th.
Summer vacation ends in just a few days.
And my homework is not finished.
…Not that I’m panicking or anything.
📅 Here’s a Report on My Current Progress
I’ll be honest. I’m not running away from this.
| Homework | Progress | A Quick Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Worksheets (Japanese/Math) | 30% | I’m stuck near the beginning |
| Book Report | 0% | I’ve finished reading the book |
| Independent Research | Observation complete | Haven’t started writing it up |
| Picture Diary | 5 days’ worth | There are supposed to be 31… |
| Calligraphy | Not started | The ink was all dried up |
…Can I even finish this in time?
No, I’ll make it. I’ve trained at festival shooting galleries, so I’m confident in my ability to focus on the target at the last minute.
🎮 Analyzing the Cause: How Did It Come to This?
The reason is crystal clear.
It’s because I started an RPG in July.
…I feel like I wrote about something similar before, but this time the scale is different.
During summer vacation, you get the illusion that you have infinite time.
“I have 8 hours today. It’s fine if I play games for an hour or so.”
The result of repeating that 31 times is the table you see above.
I can do the math, you know. I just didn’t use it.
👀 Big Sis Zunko Started Watching Me
On August 20th, I finally got caught.
Big Sis Zunko: “Kiritan, how’s your homework?”
Kiritan: “…It’s going smoothly.”
Big Sis Zunko: “Can you show me?”
Kiritan: “…”
Big Sis Zunko: “Kiritan.”
Kiritan: “…I’m sorry.”
From that day on, Big Sis Zunko started coming to check on me three times a day.
She doesn’t get angry. She just quietly asks, “You’ve still got this, right?”
…It’s more effective than being yelled at.
⚡ Metan’s Spartan Tutoring
Unable to just stand by and watch, Metan stepped in as my tutor.
Metan: “Five days left, 40 working hours. 12 hours for worksheets, 4 for the book report, 6 for independent research, 5 for the picture diary, 3 for calligraphy. That leaves 10 spare hours.”
Kiritan: “…You’re fast at math.”
Metan: “Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Repeat that cycle. I’ll be holding on to your game console.”
Kiritan: “Huh?”
Metan: “Don’t ‘huh’ me.”
She really did confiscate my game console.
She even locked it in a drawer. That girl shows no mercy.
…But I have to admit, the 25-minute intervals were pretty effective. It’s frustrating, though.
🔬 Independent Research: Observing Zundamon
Okay, on to the main topic.
I decided on the theme “Observing Zundamon” for my independent research.
The reason is, “He’s always around and easy to document.”
…Plus, the subject moves around on its own, so all I have to do is sit here.
Observation Log (August 20th - 24th / 5 Days)
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Wakes up, eats zunda mochi | The same for all 5 days |
| 9:00 AM | Sunbathes on the veranda | Currently testing the photosynthesis theory |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch (zunda mochi) | His staple food is fixed |
| 2:00 PM | Nap | 2 hours on average |
| 4:00 PM | Goes around talking to someone | The person changes daily |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner (zunda mochi + side dish) | The side dish changes daily |
| 9:00 PM | Checks the remaining zunda mochi supply | Without fail, every day |
| 10:00 PM | Goes to sleep | Falls asleep within 3 minutes |
Analysis
Here are three things I learned from my observations.
- His diet consists almost entirely of zunda mochi. Big Sis Zunko manages his nutritional balance, so apparently it’s not a problem.
- He takes long naps. I suspect this is a reaction to the unusually high density of his waking hours.
- He makes a point to talk to someone every single day. The person changes daily, and over the five days, he spoke with everyone.
The third point honestly surprised me a little.
When I asked if he does it consciously,
Zundamon: “Huh? I just want to see everyone’s faces, nanoda!”
…is what he said.
I think the fact that he does this without even realizing it is what’s most unfair.
I think that’s the reason this union has lasted.
…Is it okay to write this in my analysis as-is?
📖 Big Sis Itako and the Book Report
When I was completely stuck on my book report, Big Sis Itako sat down next to me.
Big Sis Itako: “…What did you read?”
Kiritan: “An adventure story. It’s about the main character going on a journey.”
Big Sis Itako: “…Where did it move your heart?”
Kiritan: “…The part where he separates from his companions, I guess.”
Big Sis Itako: “…Just write that, exactly as it is.”
…That was it.
But after that, I was able to write 800 characters in an hour.
(The “0%” in the table at the beginning was from before this. I’m correcting it now.)
Big Sis Itako doesn’t ask for a summary of the plot. She only asks what I thought.
That’s why I’m left with something to actually write about.
…She’s amazing.
🌻 In Conclusion
Here’s what I learned this summer vacation.
- Summer vacation time is not infinite.
- Saying “one hour is fine” 31 times will leave you stuck.
- Working for 25 minutes and resting for 5 really helps you make progress (the Metan method).
- Write a book report starting from your feelings, not the plot summary (the Itako method).
- Zundamon talks to everyone without even realizing it.
I’m going to write up my independent research now.
I’ll tell Zundamon honestly that I was observing him later.
…He’ll probably be happy. He likes being the center of attention.
If you want to know more about the members, please check out the character introduction page.
The observation subject… I mean, Zundamon’s page is here.
Well then.
I’ll get serious starting tomorrow.
…It’s already getting late today.
…Please don’t tell Big Sis Zunko.