Happy Halloween….. Or least that was my intent in releasing this chapter.

What started as writing at a good pace ended up dragging throughout the month.

With that said, I decided to do a double chapter, featuring two of the girls of µ's.

Let's wish a Wonderful Happy Birthday to Ayase Eli and Hoshizoha Rin.

Here is the first part.

I do not own Love Live.

The air is so fresh today.

Today was a slow day at µ's headquarters.

Earlier, the girls went on a picnic outside on top of headquarters since the weather was perfect.

While the rest of µ's were resting inside their rooms afterwords, Hanayo was watering the plants sitting on the balcony.

While looking at the sky, Hanayo flinches as something unbelievable catches her eye.

There was a large black cloud on this somewhat clear day that was coming right to her direction. As it got closer, it was apparent that it was not a cloud, but a flock of black crows, which meant only one thing for the Shika.

E-Everyone! Hanayo yelled as she runs inside the headquarters.

It must be serious if the leader is coming in person to meet with us, Nico said with a serious expression.

Everyone in µ's was present as they received a visit from the current leader of the Ookami Tribe, Lady Kurogane.

There is no need to worry, Nico, Lady Kurogane said, waving her hand nonchalantly. I came here more as a messenger for someone.

A messenger? For who? Maki said.

Does the name Matsumoto sound familiar to any of you? Lady Kurogane said.

Hm? Where have I heard that name before? Nozomi said.

As much as I wish to talk more, I have to prepare for my up-coming meeting, Eli said respectfully as she gets up from her chair. If it's not urgent, then I wish to be excused.

I understand. This is a rather odd situation for me as well, Lady Kurogane said.

Matsumoto… Matsumoto… Ah. Could it be the Matsumoto Chocolate Company you are talking about? Nozomi said.

Eli, whose body was at the door, suddenly became stiff and stood still.

That is correct, Lady Kurogane said, nodding her head. To be precise, the Matsumoto Chocolate Company is the sole producer of chocolate and by-products for the Country of Mori.

Is that so? Kotori said, tilting her head.

For over a hundred years, that company weather through two tribal wars and both Arc incidents, all the while selling their products to all territories, Lady Kurogane said. Not only that, but their factory is capable making enough chocolate for the whole country every year.

That sound amazing, nya, Rin said.

As the older Ookami explains, Eli quickly, but silently returns back to her seat. The other girls watch the comedic scene with mixed expressions while Lady Kurogane remained calm.

Go on, Eli said.

To get to the point, the current chairman and owner of the company came to me in person and asked me to bring you this, Lady Kurogane said as she retrieves a letter from her sleeve pocket and puts it on the table. This is an invitation for µ's to personally tour their factory.

EH?!

Not expecting the announcement, the girls were surprised.

According to Lady Kurogane, the work schedule at the company was unique.

With the exception of the work by cocoa bean growers, the factory lays dormant for most of the year and only becomes active when the harvest of the cocoa beans to produce enough chocolate. During the production, it becomes too busy for visitors to tour the factory. While everyone in the country was familiar with the company and their work, not much is known about the factory itself.

But why would the chairman want to do something like this? Maki said. She could have just paid a visit to here like what you're doing.

Well, she gave me a number of reasons, some I agree with, Lady Kurogane said, scratching the back of her neck. The company and its owner tend to be very private and is usually very hard to approach directly. I can say the same with µ's.

But our doors are open for anyone to come, Honoka said.

Everyone in the country know about you all and will keep watch on what you do, Lady Kurogane said. Matsumoto Momoko, the current owner of the company, is a very sensible person. The owner felt approaching you guys so directly would bring unintended reactions. The company was able to make a name for themselves by building a reputation over a long period of time and the last thing they want to do is attract unwanted attention.

I guess that can't be helped since we are special, Nico said.

Also, as a business who was successful in developing connections with nearly every tribe through their work, I think µ's can learn a lot from the visit, Lady Kurogane said with confidence.

That does sound interesting, Nozomi said.

There is one other consideration about the company. Nearly everyone who works for the company, from the farmers to the workers, are part of none other than the Saru Tribe, Lady Kurogane said.

EH?!

The girls let out a yell from hearing something surprising.

From your reactions, I take you have met people from the Saru Tribe before, Lady Kurogane said.

The girls' encounter with previous members of the Saru left a rather sober impression of the tribe.

Please keep in mind that even in a tribe of the same members, there will always tension and factions can form, Lady Kurogane said. The four kingdoms in the Tori tribe is a major example of that.

Kotori nodded in agreement with a conflicted look.

And of course let's not forget that Genesis is made of those who came from different tribes, including my own, Lady Kurogane said with a bittersweet smile. At the very least, I know that the Saru who are working in the company have not been involved with Genesis.

You seem to know a lot about the company? So what is your relationship with them? Umi said.

I met the previous owners through work, Lady Kurogane said.

By work, you mean… Nozomi said.

The chocolate they make has become popular among the tribes for the last few decades, so there is always a demand for it even though they do the best to meet the demand. As such, there have been incidents where people have tried to break in the factory to steal their chocolates and secrets. One year, the damage was so much that they had to shut down their operations. The whole country went by without chocolates for that year, Lady Kurogane said with a wry smile. Needless to say, it caused a little trouble for some territories.

Bastards…..

Hearing a not so subtle whisper, the girls look at the Kitsune who had an intense glare before calm expression gloss over it.

Please. Go on, Eli said.

Because of that, the company had asked the Ookami tribe for help with security and producing their annual batch.

This has been going on for some time, so we were able to develop a working relationship with the company. For those who had the opportunity to work at the factory, they were able to get samples of the chocolates that were not sold and even the task of taste-testing their products, Lady Kurogane said, who showed a rare smile underneath the mask.

You mean you can get paid to eat? Honoka said, her mouth was starting to drool. That sounds sweet.

So have you been to the company, nya? Rin said.

I have and I can tell you from visiting the factory that making chocolate is very labor intensive and time-consuming operation, Lady Kurogane said.

After Lady Kurogane left µ's headquarters, the girls discuss about what to do with the invitation from the company.

It says here that not all of us have to go, but there must at least one of us to visit, Nozomi said as she read the invitation given by Lady Kurogane, which included the date in which they would visit. So who's interested?

Me! Me! Honoka said, raising her hand high in the air.

I am curious about how they make the chocolate, Hanayo said.

Me, too. I wonder if we could get some chocolate, Kotori said.

In the Country of Mori, chocolate was a common item for gifts during the holidays.

Nico doesn't have anything scheduled, so it's fine with Nico, Nico said. Besides, Nico has to look after the kouhai of our group.

Rin will go too, nya, Rin said with an excited smile.

I'm sorry. On that day, I will be out of town, so I won't be able to go, Umi said with a conflicted expression.

Ehhhh?! Why? Honoka said.

I have some business at home with father, Umi said. It's very busy at my hometown at this time of year.

It's the same for me. Papa and Mama have time off and it's not every day I get a chance to spend time with them, Maki said, twirling her red hair with her finger. Besides, I'm not that interested in sweets.

Now I know that is not true as Nico knows what you like, Nico said with a smirk. While Maki-chan gets some quality time with her parents, Nico will bring back some treats fresh from the factory. Maybe they will have some chocolates with tomato flavor.

L-Like I said, I-I don't have that much interest in chocolate, Maki said in an irritated tone before speaking in a soft voice. Also, chocolate and tomato don't really go together.

Sounds like you talk from experience. Don't worry though. Nico will at least get some chocolates, so Maki-chan won't get left out, Nico said.

Still, we have a lot of people going. I should also go to make sure that we don't start any trouble, Eli said.

But aren't you visiting your family on that day, Elichi? Nozomi interjected.

Realizing her previously scheduled plans, Eli's face paled.

I-I will find a way, Eli said.

Eli-chi, that meeting was planned for weeks and everyone is too busy to meet often, Nozomi said with a rare serious expression while smiling. You should not blow it off like that.

B-But, Eli said as she tries to defend herself in front of the girls, much to their amusement.

[The Day of the Tour]

Wow! It's so big, Honoka said as the girls looked up the place they are visiting.

In front of them was giant light gray building that towers over the forest.

It is big, but I thought it would look more fun since it's a chocolate factory, nya, Rin said, with a slight disappointment in her face.

Around the building were row after row of trees filled with brown-like fruit growing from them.

All of it was surrounding by a long, metal chained fence that seem to span endlessly on both sides.

I'm so glad that I was able to move the meeting to another date, Eli said.

It was nice for your family to do that. Make sure you bring back something for them, Nozomi said.

I know, Nozomi, Eli said before directing her focus on the rest of the girls. Alright, everyone. We need stay together for the whole trip, so no wondering around, ok?

HAI!

As the girls went through a guarded entrance, they saw a small group of Ookami standing around.

When asked what they were doing there, they said that they were there to harvest the pods, the source for cocoa beans, which is used to make chocolate.

Listen up everyone!

Standing on top of a wooden platform was a middle-aged man with the features of a monkey.

I am Soto, the manager of this plantation and I will be in charge of today's harvest. For today's schedule….

Not getting a chance to explain, the girls were hauled to an area where a larger group of people were working.

For the next 2 hours, the girls were asked to collect the pods from the trees.

Kotori-chan, we need help over here, nya! Rin said.

H-Hai, Kotori said as she makes her way to catch the pod.

Eli. Here is some more, Honoka said as she plucks pod from the branch of a tree.

[Two Hours Later]

I am so sorry! There was a mix-up with the schedule! another Saru said, who bows deeply in front of the girls. The Saru was a young woman with brownish-black hair and blue eyes. She was wearing a black business suit and pants with glasses, giving an aura of maturity.

A mix-up? Hanayo said.

The tour at the company was supposed to be at noon, but the invitation said 8:00 am, the frantic Saru said. By the time I realized the mistake, you already came and was even working with the morning shift. On behalf of the company, I'm really sorry!

Etto. Who are you? Honoka said.

Oh. This is the first time we are meeting face-to-face. My name is Matsumoto Momoko, the current owner of the company, the Saru said with a smile.

EH?!

The girls were surprised by the childish appearance of the owner despite the formality.

But you look so young, Kotori said.

I may look like this, but I'm actually 24, Momoko said with a dry laugh. I cannot tell you how hard it is when people don't take you seriously because of how young you look.

I can so relate, Nico said, nodding in agreement.

Since we came all the way here, why don't we start? Eli said.

…Well, as long as everyone is ok with it, Momoko said.

After seeing that the girls were fine, Momoko lead the group further into the factory.

Momoko lead the girls through the doors of the building.

Before entering the heart of the factory, please wash your hands and put on these, Momoko said.

After washing their hands and putting on a garb and cap, they went into the room where there were multiple piles of the pods and wooden tables.

Now you all saw the pods being harvested outside, Momoko said as she was holding a pod the size of her head, upright on an empty table. After collecting the pods from the trees, they are brought here where we split them open and removed the insides. This usually done by hand.

Using both small hands, Momoko prys open the pod with ease, which makes crack sound.

From the pod, the cocoa beans surrounded by a gooey white pulp was spilled onto the table, creating a watery mess.

The girls saw groups of people, wearing similar attire as them, were sitting on long tables with the main purpose of retrieving the contents from the pods and placing them in large bins, which are then moved to somewhere else when they are full.

As they moved between rooms, Momoko explained their whole process in making chocolate.

The insides are covered and stored, where they are fermented between 5 to 7 days, which gives it the rich aroma and taste that most people are familiar with. The pulp is dissolved as it ferments while the beans are turned brown.

After this, they are transported to a sun room, where they are dried for 7 to 10 days. Every now and then, they are turned by the workers. Then, the beans are sorted, separating them based on their quality as well as removing any debris. Hundreds of beans are sorted each day during the production period.

As the group exit the sorting room, they stopped in front of the next room.

Now, everyone cover their mouth with the cloth provided, Momoko said, holding a long light blue cloth by one end.

Why? Nico said.

The next room where we'll going next will be a bit…. Intense, Momoko said with wry smile.

Confused, the girls nevertheless put on their respective cloth. After everyone was done, Momoko uses both hands to open the large door.

The moment the door was opened by a small crack, a wave of pressure floods through the group.

Gahhh?! Nico said as her rich and scent attack her nose and nearly knocking her feet. In contrast….

This is….. Eli said with a blissful look as she leans forward.

This room is where the cocoa beans are roasted and rotated by our special oven. What you are smelling is the oxidation of the beans. Getting the right temperature and timing is needed so that they don't get burnt, Momoko said.

The group then goes to the next room, where they break the beans while separating the beans from the cocoa nibs. The nibs are the main ingredient in the chocolate that are sold in stores. The nibs are crushed by these rotating stone wheels, the heat from the friction of the wheels would melt the cocoa butter in the nibs. It is also here other ingredients like sugars and other flavorings are added. The process takes place in the melanger for 3 days. The reason is that the consistent grinding develop its smooth texture and flavor of the chocolate.

By the time they went through halfway of the tour, it was noon. Noticing the time, Momoko takes them to the cafeteria for lunch. Today's lunch was chicken curry with vegetables and rice.

It's so tasty, Honoka said as she was on her second plate.

It's not too spicy either, so it's good with Nico, Nico said. Please give the chef my compliments.

I will let him know, Momoko said with a smile.

After finishing lunch, the group went to the room where the final stage of the process was.

When the process is finished, the mixture is pour in a fixed mold. This is called tempering, giving chocolate its smooth appearance. The chocolate is left to set and age for several weeks to enrich the flavor. Control of temperature is necessary to keep crystals from forming. The molds are then placed in the cooling room for a few couple of hours. Once carefully releasing the chocolate from the mold, they would be packaged in their respective packaging that is seen in sweets stores throughout the country.

At this time, I will answer any questions about the factory or anything that I missed, Momoko said.

Hai! Hai! You said you make by-products. What are those? Honoka said, raising her hand with enthusiasm.

The stuff we get from the pods can be used to make other things, Momoko said. Some of our best sellers from by-products include starter chocolate that people can make their own chocolate creations as well as cocoa powder for making dessert and hot chocolate. The cocoa butter from the nibs can also be used as an ingredient for skin-care products.

I heard about that, Kotori said.

It sounds like nothing is wasted in the factory, Nozomi said. I'm impressed.

Of course, that is one of the things we are striving for, Momoko said. In fact, the factory was built in a way that allows the whole process of chocolate production in one building. Also, the plant scraps after our harvest get crushed and used as nutrients for next's year crop.

I have a question. Even though you have so many machines to help make the chocolate, you still need so many people as well, Hanayo said. Throughout the tour, the girls saw that ample groups of people were employed to work at each step for the whole process.

That's because there are some things that we can't do with just machines, Momoko said with a confident smile. What makes our chocolate the best are the people making them.

After answering more of their questions, Momoko lead them into another room.

OOOHHHHH! Everyone shouted in awe.

Inside the room, were two long tables, each with a line of clear glass bowls at the center filled with chocolate bars.

Harasho, Eli said with a glitter in her eyes. It's beautiful.

Here we are at the quality testing room, where we take samples of each batch to make sure that the chocolate is up to our standards before sold to the public. On the right side are bars of chocolate combined with our most popular flavors: honey, peanut butter, bananas, mint, and caramel. On the left side are solid chocolate bars with different levels of cacao. The more cacao it has, the more bitter the chocolate. This room is the last stop and marks the end of the tour. Please take as much of these samples and enjoy. All I ask is for you all to give feedback. I have some paperwork to finish, so I will come back to check on you all, Momoko said. If you have any more questions or help, ask the staff. I will also be in my office around the corner.

When Momoko left the room, the girls split off to explore the testing room and sample the chocolate in front of them.

I hadn't seen this much chocolate since I first when to RocketTown, Eli said, mesmerized while looking between the two tables. Where do I even start?

Well, you better figure it out before those two eat them all, Nico said, pointing at Honoka and Rin, who dived right into the tasting.

This is yummy! Honoka said before taking a bite at the piece of from the other hand. Oh! This is tasty as well.

It's so smooth, nya! Rin said while chewing on a honey-filled bar.

Hey! Don't start without me, Eli said as she ran into their direction.

Is this really Eli? Nico said as she watches the chaos unfollowing.

Elichi is usually serious, so it's nice for her to be childish, Nozomi said.

As the girls were enjoying the chocolate….

What are you doing, Nico? Eli said, noticing that the Ookami was taking a few different bars from each table into a brown bag.

Oh, this? I am just taking some to go so I can eat them later. Also, I want to bring some back for my siblings along with Umi and Maki-chan, Nico said while shoving a handful of them into a bag.

…Good point, Eli said as she reaches for the backpack she was carrying and starts to stuff some of the chocolate in.

A few minutes later, all of the chocolate have been and eaten or stored.

All this eating is making me sleepy, Honoka said.

Honoka-chan. Please don't sleep on the table, Kotori said.

Well, it's been a long day for everyone, Hanayo said.

As the girls was starting to relax in the room after the long tour…..

Minna, I will be right back. I need to check on something, Eli said.

Nicochi and I will look after the others, so take your time, Nozomi said.

When the Kitsune peek through the office, she saw Momoko sitting behind a desk, looking through some papers.

Momoko-san, Eli said.

Oh. Ayase-san, the Saru said. Is there something the matter?

There's no problem. My friends are resting in the other room, Eli said. I just wanted to talk to you if that is alright.

Sure, Momoko said as she puts down her papers and went to bring Eli into the office. So what did you want to talk about?

Well, the thing is… one of my comrades who couldn't come (Umi), told me about the Saru Tribe, how their territory was taken a long time ago and they became nomads, Eli said, who sat on another chair.

So you are familiar. I know about that as well, Momoko said with a wry expression. I also heard that someone from our tribe was working with Genesis.

We aren't holding that against you or anyone working here, Eli said, holding out her hands. I just wanted to ask how you feel about the situation with your tribe.

Don't be. That happened before I was born, so it doesn't matter to me, Momoko said, shaking her head. Right now, my concerns are what will happen in the future.

The future? Eli said.

My grandfather, may he rest in peace, told me about what his grandfather said to him. 'If you cannot find an existing path before you, you create your own'. And that is what my ancestors decided to do when they started this company, Momoko said, holding her hand to her chest. I grew up at this company, so I know everyone and how everything works. I can't afford to worry about things that I can't control, especially since I just recently became the owner.

Eh?! Why? Eli said.

My dad suddenly decided to step down as owner and give me the title to the company and factory, Momoko said. It doesn't help that I am only child either. Even so, I want the company to not only strive, but flourish no matter whatever we have to face.

Feeling the weight of Momoko's words, Eli was trying to find the right words.

…Well, if it's any consolation, I really love the chocolate you make, Eli said, showing a sincere smile. When I was a child, I had my first taste of chocolate and have been a fan ever since.

Thank you for your patron, Momoko said.

Still, I am surprised that this company can make or there was so much chocolate, Eli said. Back at the hometown, it didn't have that much.

Oh? Momoko said. Where is that?

Eli told Momoko about Russia, her hometown up north.

While the company is able to make a lot of chocolate, we still have the challenge of sending them to where they will be sold. Normally, we ask the stores to place a set amount beforehand of what they expect their sales will be, Momoko said. If a place does not sell as much, then they don't need a lot.

That certainly make sense, Eli said. You seem to know a lot about business matters.

Personally, I am more interested in the science rather the business side of the company, Momoko said.

The science? Eli said.

How the cocoa beans are grown and how they are processed can affect the features of the chocolate, Momoko said. You be surprised how quickly the quality of a product can drop the longer it has been made if we're not careful.

R-Really? Eli said.

Chief! We got a problem! a panicking Saru came into the room abruptly.

What's wrong, manager-san? Momoko said, putting the two girls on alert.

The manager told them to come quickly, prompting the owner and the girls to run out of the building.

When Momoko and the girls reach the outside and went to a particular area, they were surprised that the fence was damaged, showing a large gap.

Near the fence was a giant tan-colored creature on four legs. It was ten times the size of an adult human.

It's too soon, Momoko said.

What in the world is that? Honoka said.

It's a pupura, a herbivore that lives in this area. They sometimes come here, attracted from the scent of the trees, to eat the leaves and flowers from them. Normally we give them the leftover pods and other trimmings during the dormant period, but It seems one of the juveniles got impatient and wanted to have a taste, Momoko said, looking worried as the beast was approaching the nearby trees.

That's a juvenile?! Nico said. It's freaking huge.

Not to mention, they can eat a lot in one sitting, Momoko said, biting her lip. This is bad. If enough damage is done to the trees, production will slow down.

Then we need to stop it from coming closer to the trees, Kotori said.

This is our company's problem, so we will handle this ourselves, Momoko said in a serious tone.

Wait, Momoko-san! Let us help you, Eli said.

Eh? Momoko said, stopped by the Kitsune's suggestion.

Eli's right. We'll drive it off, Nico said.

Wait! If you pick a fight here….. Momoko said with a sharp tone.

Don't worry, Eli said. If we do it right, there won't be a fight.

In a split second, the Kitsune disappeared all of a sudden.

While everyone was wondering where she was….

Look! Hanayo shouted while pointing at the direction of the creature.

Not only the workers, but also the girls were surprised to see half-sized Miyabi and Eli standing in front of the purpura.

Seeing the aura coming from both the irritated [Kizuna] and Eli spooked the young purpura enough to make it turn around and run back to the forest.

Showoff, Nico scoffed.

The damage was only to the fence and not near the trees, to the relief of the workers and µ's.

Ne, Momoko-san. How much more work needs to be done for your chocolate this year? Honoka said.

That's a good question, Momoko said. From our movements, we should be done in a matter of weeks, just in time for the holidays.

In that case, may I ask something? Eli said.

For the rest of the day and the next, µ's helped out the company with the chocolate-making process.

[Back at the Headquarters]

W-What is that smell?! Maki said.

When Maki entered the living room of their headquarters, she was greeted with a rich, sweet smell along with everyone.

Sorry, Maki-chan. It seems that the smell from the factory got on our clothes and bodies when we were helping out, Hanayo said.

Momoko-san said that it will take a few days for the smell to go away, Kotori said, looking troubled.

Four weeks later, Eli received a letter from the company.

To her surprise, she was invited to become one of the first member of the Chocolate's Lovers Fan Club, which was started by the company, as thanks for being a loyal patron of their chocolate and her help at the factory.

As a member, she will received early release of chocolate batch as well as sampling new yet-to-be released chocolate in return for their feedback.

Receiving news, Eli was excited at the thought of eating more of her favorite food, much to the chagrin of the other girls.

By the way, I tried to add the reference I used for the chocolate making process, but for some reason, it didn't work.

Anyway, stay tuned for the next update.

Reviews, suggestions, and comments are welcomed.