Shiryu spends the day teaching his friends how to use chopsticks.
The weather for April 21 is a mix of sunny and cloudy.
With nothing to do at the dorm, Shiryu sees this as a chance to teach his friends how to use chopsticks.
Shiryu - Given that we'll be here for three years of school, we must know how to use chopsticks. Thankfully, I found a box of them in the kitchen.
The BBs are gathered in the dining area, and the others observe Shiryu opening the box containing chopsticks.
Shiryu - I know you use spoons, but if you're going to a restaurant, you must know this. This is true for more traditional restaurants.
Shiryu picks two sticks from the box and holds them.
Shiryu - The way chopsticks are used may seem complicated at first. But the more you practice, the easier it becomes and the more you can hold.
The BBs have their box lunches, and Shiryu hands a pair to each.
Seiya - It's like holding two pencils, right?
Shiryu - When you put it that way, yes. The trick is to hold the lower stick so you can move the upper stick. Like so. (shows demo)
Hyoga - But my fingers get slippery...
Shiryu - That's a given if you're not used to them. An easier way to use the sticks is to pick up the thickest grain or noodle.
Shun - Ah! So if we do that, using chopsticks is super easy.
Shiryu - Correct.
Each has a green box lunch of fried chicken and rice, typically served for dinner. But they're used here for the sake of demonstration.
Ikki - Picking a rice grain at a time would take forever, so I'll lift the bowl and scoop a large pack instead.
Shiryu - Haha! Most of us do that. That's perfectly acceptable.
Hyoga - How do you do that?
Ikki - You hold the sticks sideways and scoop the rice from below so you can hold in a mass of clumps.
Seiya - I see. That makes it easier to eat. (mimics)
Once Seiya finishes his bowl, he lays the sticks on the table.
Shiryu - You may not want to do that. You should lay the sticks on top of the empty bow. Putting them on the table makes it messy.
Seiya - Ah! Like making a little bridge. Got it!
Hyoga - How about using chopsticks like a knife?
Shiryu - No, you don't want to do that either.
Ikki - How about pointing the sticks right up?
Shiryu - No.
Shun - Then what about sharing?
Shiryu - That's even worse.
Seiya - Anything else we should know?
Shiryu - That's the basics, really. So you should be okay from here on out. Remember, if you have difficulty, you just have to keep practicing.
Seiya - Yes, sir!
The BBs put their practice into action by eating the rest of the meal.