31st Shot: Kingdom of Science Photo Journal: Some Stories Behind

I don't have any excuse on why I suddenly went MIA, but here it is another chapter! Gosh, writer's block really had me tight in its grip it's nightmare. I can't even write a paragraph peacefully. By the way, I will lean towards the manga more to split the chapters. But I could possibly cram an episode or two if the character's POV is short. It all depends on how much I write! Oh, and also, the dialogue will be mixed between the anime and the manga for further variation.

Anyways, I hope you like this new chapter! See you in the next one!

Anyways, I hope you like this new chapter! See you in the next one!

"I kind of expecting this. Well, from Chrome-san at least."

And for Gen, he also expecting that kind of answer from Shinko.

"Francois told me that you're going to gather more of that so-called black tea," The brunette grumbled, there's a mix of demand and hesitation in his tone–Gen could get a wind on why he sounded so. First, Shinko was a young woman but definitely older than him by age–while being known quite upfront and blunt most of the time, Chrome wasn't in any mean trying to be disrespectful.

It's his nature to be straightforward and rather brash at some times. It would be another case if it's in front a person of his age like Kohaku for example; another set of responds would appear which could incur her wrath.

Secondly, after understanding that Shinko already had a lot on her plate and how it kept piling over the time, he was uncomfortable to ask for things. Usually, he's already up and about on his feet to interrogate the archer about anything which piqued his interest–and Shinko liked to indulge him with an everlasting patience.

Back to their current situation, Gen had a hunch Chrome was at his limit in withstanding his seemingly endless curiosity.

Shinko had no hesitation in agreeing, giving him a smile–the mentalist knew she caught up to whatever Chrome was trying to convey. "I am. Would you like to join me?"

"I-I can!?" Snapping his head up, the brunette stared at her with widened eyes. Nobody could possibly reject him, especially when those pure glimmers in his eyes appeared. He looked like a puppy wagging its tail eagerly for a promised toy. "Wait, really!?"

"I don't see why not." Shinko looked amused by his genuine excitement and the way he presumed her dismissing the idea. "In fact, some extra hands would be great because Francois-san needs to dry all of them to prepare for our trip."

"YEAH!" Cheering in glee, the brunette jumped and pumped his fist to the air for a victory pose–maybe in this case, it was indeed a victory for him. Gen almost could see physical rays of enthusiasm emerge from his figure. "Black tea, here I come!"

"By the way," Ah, Gen was waiting for this moment. It was more than obvious that Chrome wasn't only one who wanted to tag along, a few people already booked this particular event way earlier than they were who's basically crashing into the party. The mentalist watched as Shinko slowly turned her head to face them, the additional figures, with a nervous smile. "I assume this includes the rest of The Five Wise Generals?"

Ryusui cackled merrily, and it already served as a crystal answer for anyone in the vicinity. "The knowledge for this fake black tea AND being an escort to a beauty? Only a fool dare to miss this opportunity!"

Ukyo chuckled nervously at the captain's booming declaration and the infamous snapping of his fingers. At this point, all of them were used to the young man's peculiar antics and vibrant personality. "He rhymed."

"Of course, who am I to forbid?" Shinko chuckled, no longer being flustered by the familiar title which Ryusui literally gave to every woman there was. "We just have to wait for Minami-chan and the others and then we're set for the little adventure."

"Ah, about that," Senku drawled nonchalantly, picking on his ear as his face wearing a straightlaced expression almost to the point of being bored–his usual stance when he's about to dropped the bomb. "The girls won't be coming. We struck a deal with them, so it's only six of us."

"Wait, how is that possible?" The archer's stared at Senku's in disbelief, not expecting the sudden explanation along with the abrupt changes of people who's supposed to be on board and the initial plans to be run with it. "Minami-chan isn't someone who will agree to back down when things she's excited for being involved."

"This crook mentalist already handled it." The scientist thrusted his thumb to Gen's direction without hesitation and the said mentalist could only laughed in resignation at both the nickname and the supposedly things he had done.

To which made Shinko turned her gaze to focused on him, there's a slight resignation mirroring his in her eyes–no doubt from how she had no other choice but to accept her fate. And this entertained him a lot at some point. "What do you bribe them with, Gen-san?"

"Ouch, that's a little mean accusation, dear Shinko-chan." He placed a hand on his chest in mock pain as if her words were arrows shot right through his heart, though she's not wrong with it. Striking a deal by dangling a more tempting offer had always been his trump card. "But you're correct. Just a little something that Minami-chan, Yuzuriha-chan, and the others can't resist~"

She chuckled nervously, shaking her head as she did. "Well… I guess that's okay if they agreed."

However, Gen deliberately left the detail about how things almost made a sudden turn to bloodbath–in fact, it was more to Kohaku in the brink of skewering the brunette from being overly-persistent. The dual-haired mentalist could sympathize with the blonde warrior, but at the same time praying his best that she wouldn't slice Chrome in half.

Ukyo tried to handle and cool down the heated moments by bargaining through rock-papers-scissors. This time, it was Minami who adamantly refused the idea. She's in the right side as it's a plan they have been thinking about for a while, meaning the reporter wouldn't think twice to smack people who intended to disturb it. That's where Asagiri Gen came in like both a crashing meteor, which annihilate everything around him once he crashed to the ground, and a saving grace so the other party so they could attain what they want.

Although the deal had a rather steep price for the Five Wise Generals to pay later on, but that's the consequences they accepted in the end.

"T-Then, should we get going?" Bless Ukyo for his immaculate timing–just some words he clipped into the conversation, everything moved on as if the previous topic was nothing.

Shinko sighed harmlessly once again, before throwing them a smile–there's a hint of amusement in her tone. "Alright. Let's get started?"

Each of them equipped with a woven basket over their shoulder. Aside for gathering as much as 'black tea' there was, they could collect other important things may be found along their trail as they ventured through the forest. Shinko took the role to lead them through with the place she found 'black tea' as destination in mind. While she walked ahead of Senku, Gen, Chrome, and Ryusui, Ukyo found himself comfortably matching his pace with hers. This surely became surprise for the other four.

Just yesterday, both of them had this incredibly deep and humongous rift stretched in between. It turned everything upside down in an instant, what was once two people who held each other close to their souls turned into strangers so abruptly it managed to shook Gen little. To be honest, Shinko's change of attitude was the one which swayed him–like a branch suddenly attacked by harsh wind and being forced to shed its leaves. It caught him completely off guard.

There were no apparent changes in Ukyo, Shinko was the only one who pulled back by an extreme length. All at once, she turned into a different person overnight Gen had to do a double take on instinct. But at the same time, Gen couldn't exactly blame her. Pain and circumstances could turn people into a whole being in an instant, he'd seen it countless times to guarantee that his opinions held some weight.

Ukyo was always seeking even through his eyes while Shinko was evading desperately.

However, it seemed they didn't have to worry about it any longer. For the first time in weeks, Gen finally saw the two side by side again and he would've never thought to miss this view. He didn't know when exactly the scene of them together was something he came to accept; maybe because Ukyo and Shinko did it so naturally it's easy for him to let it fit in into his own category of mundane.

They chatted together as if nothing happened, Ukyo's eyes were filled with so much life and joy people would be blind to not notice. He's probably the happiest currently after drowning in sorrow for weeks. Shinko had a lighter composure than her previous heavy ones, as if her burdens were finally off her shoulders. Gen couldn't help but chuckled internally–that's right, they were like two pieces of one soul. None of them would be complete without the other.

"We're here!" Shinko announced, which means it was the end of their little journey into the wilderness–it went by quicker than Gen anticipated.

Their destination was none other than an open woods, a part of the forest with trees being less dense than the other parts which fully compacted with greeneries. The existing gap and distance between a tree to another made the place partly shade.

"Okay, which plant are we looking for!?" Chrome was already jumping on his place, excitement running hot in his bloodstream as he looked left and right frantically. "Are we looking on the ground!? Are we gonna climb the trees!? Man, hurry up and tell me, Shinko!"

"Calm down, will you?" Senku reprimanded him, also stopping him from asking another barrage of questions yet being answered. "The plant is going nowhere."

"Well, I can sympathize with Chrome-chan in this," Gen mused as he studied their current environment. He had never been to this place either. "Dear Shinko-chan already postponed the promised explanation for two months, can't say I'm patient with it either."

"Don't worry, I won't delay any longer." The mentioned archer assured both him and the impatient Chrome. "In fact, we could already see the plants. It's right over there."

She pointed out to a spot near the edge of the forest visible for them to look at clearly. It was uneven row of shrubs, flourishing with so many leaves sprouting from its branches. Chrome, with his aforementioned impatience, bolted straight towards the place. He probably left dusts behind from the sheer speed of his movement. The rest of them followed closely behind with a light jog.

"These are sweetfern!" Senku was probably the only person besides Shinko who knew the name of these particular shrubs. Kneeling beside one of the greeneries, the scientist decided to take an eager closer look. Sparks of thrill were apparent in his ruby eyes. "You hit a jackpot, huntress!"

"What's a sweetfern?" Unexpectedly, Ryusui was the one who asked as he stared at the small shrub in confusion. He also had no idea of what plant it was. The captain squinted his eyes at the plant, probably trying to figure out on why the species had the name 'fern' but nowhere close to an actual fern they usually encountered.

Gen already had this thought as soon as his gaze landed on the plant, deciding to ask out-loud. "But it doesn't look like fern. What is it exactly?"

"R-Right! That's why I'm thinking too!" Chrome tried to jump into the conversation, although he was rather caught off guard when everyone held the same confusion. "The fern Ukyo and Shinko told me is these weird plant with curled up sprout. Why is this different? It looks like a regular shrub."

"Comptonia peregrina, or sweetfern, is a native shrub to eastern Canada and eastern U.S. It's in the bayberry family or Myricaceae. It's not a true fern despite its name." Senku automatically took the wheel and his short lecture about sweetfern started, his eyes never left the shrub as he inspected each leaf there was. The scientist gestured them to study the leaves closer, specifically its shape. "This plant is named for the narrow, fern-like leaves just like what you see now. Sweetfern is a family of shrubs and small trees measuring 3 to 6 feet (1-2 m). It has medicinal properties and has been known to assist every organ in the elimination of toxins. It helps to clear lymph, blood and skin. A cold-water infusion has been used externally by some people claiming that this helps to counter the effects of poison ivy. To sum it up, it has a lot of properties besides tasting like black tea."

"Then, to put it simple it has that name because the leaves look like ferns' leaves." Gen tried to highlight the most important part of the lecture, his mind in the verge of short-circuiting from the mountain of information suddenly being dropped on them.

Ukyo could keep up a little, although he blinked slowly before asking something which tickled the back of his mind. "But if it's native in the U.S and Canada, then why can we find them here?"

"It's 3,700 years after, remember?" Senku pointed out, reminding them about the world's current condition. "Our Prunus yedoensis is already extinct, the earth's axis more tilted than before, there's falls similar to Niagara at Fukuoka, everything is possible at this point. These sweetferns were brought here probably from hundreds of years animals' migration, that's the only possible way."

"We got lucky then!" Ryusui concluded enthusiastically, then turned to face Shinko with a large satisfied grin. "Brilliant finding, my dear! Another breakthrough for our new civilization in this stone world!"

"Without a doubt, these can lift everyone's morale up." Ukyo added, the tip of his fingers brushing against the foliage. "Now that we have freezers and many other things, we can incorporate these sweetferns to many forms of delicacies!"

"Though, we have a lot of work to do currently." Shinko remarked. Reaching out into the woven basket, she pulled out a shovel. "Aside for gathering the leaves, I'm thinking of cultivating them at the Kanto plains near the wheat field. Would that be possible, Senku-san?"

"I like the way you think, huntress." The scientist agreed almost instantly at her plan, rising up to his feet. Senku gave her his signature smirk filled with amusement. "Kanto plains have acidic type of soil, that's why we have to neutralize it first with calcium made by the shells so wheats can grow. But sweetferns grow in acidic soil, it won't be a problem. And this plant also grows in dense colonies, which makes it a great choice for stabilizing soil and controlling erosion. We don't have to tend them closely too 'cause they have no serious disease or insect problems."

Gen whistled at the knowledge being shared to them. "Whoa, now I understand why Senku-chan said you struck gold, Shinko-chan. It doesn't have much requirements to plant and take care of. If we cultivate them at the right spot, they can flourish on their own."

Ryusui's laughter boomed, his excitement was in full-throttle. "Then, what are we waiting for!? Let's start the digging!"

"Then me and Ryusui will handle the trees while Gen, Chrome, and Senku gather the leaves." Ukyo suggested, it was an even-divided workload since the sonarman and the captain were somehow stronger in terms of manpower than the rest of them. Crouching on the ground with a shovel in hand, he chuckled. "Well, I guess now we know why the girls were supposed to go."

Shinko grinned playfully at his statement, seemingly happy he caught on quickly with her initial plan. "That's right. Kohaku-chan and Nikki-chan could unroot all of them in a flash while Yuzuriha-chan and Ruri-chan could pick the leaves without damaging them too much. Minami-chan also wanted some documentations for her photo journal. It could be something good to learn for both Suika-chan and Mirai-chan."

Gen could hear Ukyo laughed at the thorough explanation. To be honest, he himself shared the same feeling. "That's hitting the whole flock of birds with a stone."

"HEY! We can do the same thing! Plucking these leaves is an easy job!" Chrome retorted indignantly, accidently gripping the leaf blades in his hand too hard and unintentionally crushing it. He froze for a second, realizing that he just broke his point. The brunette then continued underneath his breath. "…Easy! This is just a little mistake!"

The mentalist automatically snorted in respond, which triggered Chrome's face to be engulfed in scarlet as he protested. Rising an eyebrow in a teasing way, Shinko remarked, "I said nothing, Chrome-san."

Which the brunette immediately squawked at much to his embarrassment. Everyone would agree that seeing Chrome flustered without a doubt an entertainment, especially because every bit of reaction came straight from his heart. Soon enough, all of them began focusing on their task at hand. Gen carefully plucked the sweetfern, trying his best to keep the leaves intact.

"And since today's summer, we can burn them too as insects' repellent." The archer announced, crushing the leaves in her hands and letting pungent clean-spicy fragrance filled the air.

"Ten billion points for the huntress." Senku remarked, looking over his shoulder to face the other group of three. There's this apparent look of approval he gave towards Shinko which Gen noticed, along with hints of another emotion he couldn't decipher. The mentalist was used to this subtle display Senku sometimes had, but this one was quite different from his usual one. "The smell from the leaves is effective repelling insects like mosquitos and black flies. This'll definitely help us from getting insect bites."

"Now that I noticed, they're really fragrant. I thought this scent came from other plants." Ukyo commented, grunting slightly as he planted the shovel deeper into the ground in order to get chunks of dirt. Both him and Ryusui was doing a good job because the roots of the shrub started to show, while Shinko was using a garden shovel to dig more neatly so the roots wouldn't be too damaged.

Chrome took a deep whiff of the sharp and unique fragrance. "It's strong but I like it!"

"And I've never smelled anything like this before! It's like those store-bought incense!" Ryusui piped in, scooping up another pile of dirt.

Gen threw him a weird look. "I think incense doesn't even smell like this, Ryusui-chan."

"I think we have to call our Power Team." Shinko suggested as she stared at the rows of shrubs yet to be dug. The mentalist knew her concerns with their current manpower unable to unroot them all in a short time. "It will take forever if we work at this pace."

"Please do not worry, Lady Shinko. I have brought the excellent people for this specific task."

Gen and Chrome were shrieking, almost snapped their neck from the sheer speed they had to find the source of the voice. Senku needed a double take to ensure he wasn't hallucinating about Francois already standing not far away from the group with the Power Team right behind them. Shinko jolted on her spot, staring at the esteemed butler in shock while placing a hand on her chest in order to calm down her frantic heartbeat. As usual, Ukyo was unfazed as he could hear Francois's footsteps minutes before they arrived. Ryusui also didn't bat an eye as if he's waiting for them to arrive.

After surviving a heart attack from Francois's sudden appearance, Chrome muttered underneath his breath. "Y-Your foresight is as scary as always…"

"I'm here too!" Minami popped up from behind the towering figures of the Power Team, her trusty camera in her grip. "This is another important discovery needed to be documented! It will definitely be included in the photo journal! Don't worry Shinko-chan, you'll be the highlight in it!"

The mentioned archer could only laugh nervously at her enthusiasm. "I guess it's an honor for me."

Kohaku took large springy steps forward and sniffed the air lightly, taking in the spicy and sharp notes of the fragrance. "Oooh, I've never smelled something like this before! Is this the black tea you're talking about, Shinko!?"

Both Taiju and Yo instantly had their gaze zeroed upon the pink-haired young woman, the look of astonishment along with disbelief planted on their face in full-force. "DID YOU JUST SAY TEA!?"

"We're going to tell y'all later!" Senku interrupted as he rose from the ground, wanting to finish the work first before they're moving on to the next one. "Step on the gas, Power Team!"

The photo results were blurs of movement from the sheer speed they put into plowing the ground to unroot all the shrubs. Minami couldn't help but sigh at the results, amazed, satisfied, but also disappointed because the picture didn't look like it had a good number of specters drilling the ground in broad daylight.

Though, a picture of Ukyo and Shinko talking animatedly to each other she managed to snuck made up for it.

.

.

As fast as their ultimate team of manpower plucking the shrubs from its growing place, they repeated identically when they dug holes on the compact ground of Kanto plains. There's still an empty field yet to be cultivated near the wheat field and it was a perfect place for these sweetferns they brought to grow. Magma and Taiju drilled holes one after another, Nikki planted the shrubs firmly, and Kohaku covered the root with soil. The work which could be done in several days was shortened in mere a day.

Now that everything was sort, time to have the ends meet–which means it's time for the Five Generals to pay their debt. That led all of them to this very moment. A crucial, most devastating, challenging for the girls requiring as much as help they could get.

"I can't decide what's supposed to go with this top!" Yuzuriha wailed, slumping to the ground in despair with piles of garments of all types and colors surrounding her. "Nothing is perfect enough to go with this model!"

Gen immediately took back his words about how this might be the most frightening and life changing situation there was. Even with his years of studying and observing psychological state of both men and women, his understanding of the latter could only scratch the surface at best. The only way to understood women was being born as a woman–that summed up the experience he had.

Chrome's eye twitched at the not-so-amusing display according to his tastes. "Where's the life-threatening part in this!? You just can't decide clothes!"

"Silence, boy!" Minami retorted indignantly, finger pointing incredibly close to the brunette's nose to emphasized her words. "Maybe not for you! But for us, we only accept utter perfection for this! Something less is simply unacceptable!"

"So… the main problem for this is," Ukyo chuckled nervously, viewing the event before his eyes with an unsure stare. "You girls can't find the right pair for Shinko's new outfit?"

"You got your priorities backwards." Senku deadpanned with a disapproving look settling on his face.

Nikki placed her hands on her hips, throwing a menacing gaze on the five young men as if challenging them to refuse and suffer the heavy consequences ahead. "You guys accepted the terms. There's no backing out from the deal."

Their on-going conversation slash bickering (and also a little bit of threats here and there) pictured the whole ordeal overall quite well. Gathering in front of Yuzuriha's infamous clothing studio, the display was undoubtedly sort of entertaining for bystanders who stumbled upon it. Yuzuriha herself wheeled out many racks of garments and rolls of fabrics in different colors. Lots of choices and combination to go to but none she deemed satisfying.

Shinko awkwardly stood in front of a full-length mirror, already changing for the top her friend made specifically for her. It had almost identical pattern and cut of kyudo's standard practice uniform although in beige color rather than white, the sleeves weren't present but attached separately on to her upper arms. She was still dressed in her initial shorts with furs lining on its edge. The main dilemma for the girls was searching the right either skirt of shorts that would go well with the top. So far, they found none and in dire need of others' opinion or third-party's ideas–a role the Five Generals had to fill in prior to their deal.

"Whatever you wear, my dear, you look perfect!" Ryusui declared with a moment to lose, confident with his words.

"You're not helping!" Minami hissed in annoyance because his comment was indeed unhelpful. "Ideas! We need ideas!"

"Somehow, I knew you're gonna say that, Ryusui-chan." Gen chuckled nervously. Having a strong principle of 'all women are beautiful regardless of anything', the statement was definitely Ryusui-like. On the other hand, the mentalist couldn't say that he had keen eyes for fashion especially women's fashion though he still tried his best include some inputs. "I think this combination works, but it lacks something."

"That's what I thought!" Yuzuriha pointed out almost too fierce Gen needed to take a step back. "It's too monotone if we use the same color! I want another color for the bottom, something contrasts! The dark blue is a disaster!"

"Are we really doing this…?" Chrome muttered in disbelief, already wishing he could be gone as far as he could from the area.

Kohaku chuckled lowly, murderous intent radiating in waves as her hand gripped the handle of her katana. Pulling the blade slightly, the weapon glinted against the sunlight and promised blood. "Are you prepared to be sliced like a sashimi if you ever thinking of abandoning your part of deal?"

Chrome instantly cowered and had a half of his lifespan reduced from fright.

"Have you tried pairing it with hakama?" Surprisingly, Senku was the one who came up with the idea. Despite having a displeased expression and looking completely done with the situation, the scientist was trying his best to sticked to his words. If anything, breaking promises was something he learned to despise unless the circumstances said other thing. Gen knew that much regarding his complex personality. Underneath the apathetic and seemingly uncaring façade, Senku was one of the most empathetic people there was.

"We actually did that, but the result is not too our liking." Ruri replied, throwing him a wry smile. When someone as lenient as the priestess to put it that way, then it's undeniably off the options.

Kohaku sighed in disappointment, agreeing with her sister's comment with a nod. "The proportions were off and it's too formal looking in Yuzuriha's opinion."

Senku fell silent for a moment as if weighing his choices and ideas, then he placed a hand on his hip. Gen knew he reached some sort of conclusion. "Try it again. Let me see."

"I want to take a look." Ukyo added, he was having the same mind length with the scientist. "It shouldn't be that bad, right?"

Shinko was quick to nod upon their request, her hand reaching out towards the hakama draped on the display rack. The clothing was made with pleated dark blue fabric, fitted her waist to a T, and stopped right above her ankles. For a few moments, Gen was brought back to the modern times when he watched his classmates who joined kyudo practiced at the kyudojo or the practice hall for kyudo. Shinko moved a little, looking at the hakama she wore from the mirror. "It's good, but the length bothers me a little. It's hard to move freely."

Gen understood her predicament. "I see. Since Shinko-chan is in the lookout team, loose clothing like that will definitely catch onto branches or any objects thin and long enough. That and there's possibility you will trip when your foot stepped the edges."

"Why don't you cut it down?" Senku pointed it out bluntly.

"Why don't you turn it into shorts instead?" And Ukyo suggested something similar at the same time.

There's a moment of silence in order for the others to both comprehending their words and had some time to admire the fact that their idea was basically identical, only being rephrased. Yuzuriha's eyes instantly glowed brightly, her previous defeated expression vanished and replaced by a whole new fiery spirit of creativity. It seemed both Ukyo and Senku's advice re-awakened her inner fashion-designer soul. "Great idea! Why didn't I notice that!?"

"I guess great minds do think alike." Gen mused, feeling entertained with the turn-out events. Who would've thought that both Senku and Ukyo could provide a noteworthy recommendation the girls needed the most.

Yuzuriha beelined towards the two and without any heads up included, dropping a thick and heavy book right onto Senku's hand. He almost toppled from the abrupt weight settling in his hold, thankfully Ukyo's reflexes worked its magic and helped him bearing the heaviness of the object. Meanwhile, Yuzuriha was too excited to notice this circumstance as she exclaimed in a cheerful tone. "Can you please pick the color as well!? We already crossed out green, red, yellow, and teal, so you can choose what's left!"

"That's a really descriptive preferences, Yuzuriha…" Ukyo chuckled nervously once again after hearing her straightforward request.

Flipping the colored-fabric catalogue, Senku sighed exasperatedly. "Let's just get on with it so this will end quickly. As long as it's in dark shade and in any color besides the forbidden one, it's fine, right?"

"Choose it seriously!" Kohaku protested, not liking the idea because there's a chance that the scientist would take this matter half-baked rather than being real.

"It's alright, Kohaku-chan." Shinko tried to calm the blonde down. "I think both Ukyo-san and Senku-san will choose a great color. Trust them."

Gen was having more trust in Ukyo than Senku, maybe it's because the mentalist never seen the scientist took a particular attention towards fashion or anything related to it. Recalling how he straight up dumping the idea of dressing formally for the first new world photograph, it wouldn't be a shock if his knowledge around clothes was slim to none. However, who knows? People had hidden talents that could only be seen when certain circumstances have been met.

"…Are you thinking the same thing, Ukyo?" Senku's eyes haven't moved for a while on a certain color which Gen couldn't see.

The mentioned sonarman nodded as he looked at the choice he referred and gave the scientist a smile. "Yeah, I have my eyes on it for a while. I think it'll look good."

"Oi, Yuzuriha. What about this one?" Senku called the brunette out, to which she had wasted no time to drop whatever she's doing and walking straight to them. Yuzuriha took a peek over their shoulders, inspecting the certain color Senku had his pointer finger on. The previous sparkle in her eyes seemingly shine brighter than ever, maybe to the borderline of blinding.

"Excellent! I like it! This will work!" She beamed and immediately got her weapons ready–meaning her complete and trusty sewing kit she always brought along at every occasion possible. "This will only take a minute to be done!"

"Wait, that fast!?" Shinko questioned in disbelief, though it flew over Yuzuriha's head as she was neck deep into her work. Hands turned into blurs as it moved in a speed of a whirlwind, as if it's multiplying and each took care of every aspect of patterning and sewing. Everyone knew Yuzuriha probably had an army of tailors in those pair of hands.

"It's done!" She announced cheerfully not long later, holding a hakama shorts in her hands while glowing in proud.

Gen's eyes were in the brink of shooting out from its sockets as he shrieked, "That fast!?"

"Try it, Shinko-chan!" Placing the clothing onto the archer's hold, Yuzuriha turned her around and pushing her right into the changing room. Closing the door shut, she remarked from outside the booth, "Call me if you need any help!"

Discarding the normal hakama and wearing the one Yuzuriha just finished a moment ago, Shinko stepped out of the changing room with an entirely new look. The pleated shorts were in dark purple color, owning the same pattern as a normal hakama but stopped mid-thighs. It complimented the lighter beige top, being easy to move into, however in one glance people from modern time could understand that it was inspired by kyudo's standard practice uniform while still being quite stylish. To put it simple, it was nothing less than perfect.

Minami squealed in delight at the outcome, completely enamored with the results. "I love it, love it, love it!"

Ruri and the rest of the girls seemed to share the same sentiment, they practically glowed once their eyes rested on the combination. "It's beautiful!"

Kohaku scoffed harmlessly at both Ukyo and Senku, applauding them for their unexpectedly good choice. "Who would've thought you have good eyes for clothes?"

Nikki nodded in satisfaction, folding her arms across her chest and gave a thumbs up of approval. "I honestly expected at least an idea from Gen, but this is a nice change! Good job, both of you."

"I like it too." Shinko spun a little in front of the mirror, admiring the brand-new wardrobe she had. "Thank you, Ukyo-san, Senku-san!"

"Since you have new clothes, how about also changing your hairstyle?" Ukyo suggested, placing his hands on her shoulders to make her stay still and faced the mirror. Gen noticed he was quite eager with this one, kind of rare for him to be that way. "Having a fresh look once in a while doesn't sound bad, right?"

"I guess so." Shinko chuckled as he started to undo the knot of her bun, his fingers threading through her strands gently. "Do you have any arrangement in mind?"

"Just a simple ponytail would do. You don't want it to be a hassle, right?"

"You know me so well, Ukyo-san."

It was the cue for the rest of them to slowly fall back and keep a distance–mostly the girls who initiated while dragging Gen, Ryusui, and Chrome away. The mentalist began to wonder the time Ukyo and Shinko realized that they had hardcore shippers starving for their interactions. He couldn't disagree with their taste though–the two were a good example of how ideal couple supposed to looked like... even if they're not a couple yet.

That and it's quite obvious the two had certain fondness for each other which screamed more than being companions–at least that's how Gen viewed it. Ukyo gazed at Shinko as if she hung the stars and built breathtaking constellations with it, Shinko stared at Ukyo as if he's commanded the wind to move the clouds. Gen swore these two were the most painfully obvious pairing there was.

Nothing could go in between the two.

"Don't you want to cut it or something?" Senku commented, reaching out for some strands of Shinko's hair and removed to it to the back of her shoulders. He did gently, too gently in Gen's opinion. "And how did you make a shampoo anyway? Your hair's too clean and taken care of for us having none-shampoo agenda."

"You should've known the trick, Senku-san. You're the smartest person around." The archer mused as she waited for the scientist to wreck his brain for the most possible answer.

It only needed a short while for Senku's eyes to light up with realization. He threw her an amused look. "Honey, baking soda, and horse fern. That's some crazy way to wash your hair, the most natural shampoo you can get. I like the way you think, huntress."

"So that's why you smelled like honey and grass." Ukyo pointed out, ruffling her hair playfully–an incredibly fond look apparent on his face. "Aren't you a little to selfish to hog those concoction to yourself, Shinko?

The mentioned archer swatted his chest as she protested, earning a slight grunt from the sonarman. "Hey, it doesn't work that well on everyone. It depends on every individual, for example Kohaku-chan and Ruri-chan's hair doesn't do well with that combination."

Senku smirked in amusement, his forefinger poked Shinko's forehead lightly. "Share what's in that big brain of yours, would you. Working or not, that's something we have to know."

Shinko sputtered a short laugh from his gesture. "Said the one who has the biggest brain amongst us."

Having his jaw almost hitting the ground, Gen needed to physically pinch himself for his soul to return to his body. Without a doubt Senku had certain soft spots for nearly everyone in the Kingdom of Science, but for him to showed it rather boldly? The view was similar to how you're suddenly watching a moonbow in the middle of night or something–it was that mind-blowing.

Now that he thought about it, Senku did spend quite a lot of time with Shinko in regarding reports, future projects, or even a simple conversation lately. How in spinning earth he could've missed such a crucial detail? He pointed out a single thing and then slowly other details started popping up in his mind one after another–each seemed to convince him more and more after seconds passed. The decreasing proximity, the physical gestures, the fond look similar to Ukyo's whenever Shinko talked-

Oh.

Oh.

"…Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Gen?" Minami muttered from his side, eyes also widening in disbelief from the display they're currently staring at. He was glad he's not the only being who thought the same–at this time, he and probably the rest of the girls (who's beyond observant for their own good) shared the same mind-length.

The mentalist nodded slowly, still completely dumbfounded. "…I think we've found the ice berg to our Titanic, Minami-chan."

.

.

With their newly photo studio being established, Minami's dream of building the new world's photo journal was coming true slowly but sure. At every occasion possible, she tried to take a few pictures–memorizing the moment for eternity in the form of photographs. And everyone was free to take look at her extensive collection which seemed to piling each day passed. Shinko was one of them, of course. She watched the stacks of photograph her best friend managed to get, every one of them was impressive.

The archer reached out for the most eye-catching one in her opinion, eyes glimmered in amazement. "All of these were amazing, Minami-chan! Nothing less from our reporter!"

Said reporter grinned sheepishly but beaming with proud, wrapping her arms around her waist from behind. "You're flattering me, Shinko-chan!"

Currently, everyone was gathering at the photo studio. The large and long table in the middle of the room had a lot of stationaries for using, which was prepared specifically for this very important and fun occasion being held. The chairs were fully occupied, even though most of them were standing it didn't dampen the joyful mood in the room.

"You're all welcome to write comments and notes too!" Minami added, urging everybody to channel their creativity.

The particular cute picture of Ukyo having an additional duty as a teacher for the first school of new world swooned Shinko's heart a little, especially when his students looked like they were having fun when the photo was taken. It fit him perfectly and she couldn't help but commented. "This is a really cute and heartwarming picture."

"Oh, yeah, this is like what you'd do in purikura booths." Gen remarked, noticing the resemblance. In Japan, purikura (プリクラ) refers to a photo sticker booth or the product of such a photo booth. Purikura itself is a shortened form of the registered Atlus/Sega trademark Print Club (プリント倶楽部, Purinto Kurabu), the first purikura machine introduced to arcades in 1995.

Producing of what in modern times were called selfies, Purikura is essentially a cross between a traditional license/passport photo booth and an arcade video game. It involves users posing in front of a camera within the compact booth, having their images taken, and then printing the photos with various effects designed to look kawaii. It presents a series of choices, such as desired backdrops, borders, insertable decorations, icons, text writing options, hair extensions, twinkling diamond tiaras, tenderized light effects, and predesigned decorative margins.

"Is this cute writing Mirai-chan's?" Yuzuriha questioned, referring to the quite bubbly handwriting on the picture completed with flowers and hearts.

"…That would be mine." Nikki muttered, face flaming red as she kept writing on the other photo. She was definitely beyond embarrassed, probably from the fact that with such a buff body of hers she produced a very feminine and cute writing. While Yuzuriha was pleased with the revelation, Gen and Yo both looked at her in surprise–well, Yo was quite crossing the line for his reaction. Shinko and Ukyo both winced outwardly when Nikki kneed him right on his crotch.

Rest in peace, Yo's future.

"This is really cute, Nikki-chan." Shinko tried to cheer her up so she would write more, she shouldn't waste her talent which was more than eye-pleasing. "I love it!"

Thankfully, it seemed to work because Nikki was buried her face in her hands and replied shyly. "R-Really? You like it? T-Thank you."

Shinko had to lean onto Ukyo from how cute the blonde was acting, which he didn't even faze one bit. She wouldn't be tired of reminding everyone that despite having such a powerful appearance, Nikki's heart was as soft and as purest as it could get. Gen handed her the photo, which seemed to make smile wider. "Who knew you would volunteer to be a teacher, Ukyo-san? Not that I didn't appreciate it. You look quite dashing."

"You're acting as if you're not my teacher assistant." The mentioned sonarman retorted playfully accompanied by a snicker, nudging her shoulder. On his hand was another photo, this time it was both of them handing out mini quizzes to the students. "Sometimes I thought the kids love you more than me as the actual teacher."

On the other hand, Senku picked up a full shot of himself and Kaseki–showing them working through a hot and difficult process of toughening their level 1 steel for the ship's more advanced machinery. "Writing comments on photos, huh? Not a bad idea."

"Uh, Senku-san," Shinko couldn't help but chuckling nervously at the caption he wrote–which was basically a whole paragraph of explanation. It was kind of impressive he could put so many words on the photo with limited space.

"I don't think that's the kind of thing you write on purikura photos!" Gen pointed out, appalled by the scientist's interpretation of writing captions.

"What about this one?" Shinko referred to another photo where the scientist was carving the beeswax block with rotating cutter from the waterwheel lathe. Senku had been using this method to make intricate parts for their current machinery. With beeswax as the prototype, he then created a mold from plaster so the size and details were as accurate as possible.

"Oh, that." The said scientist hummed leaning closer to look at the captured moment. "We need to level up our crafting equipment too."

"A lathe, was it?" Kaseki inquired. "Whatcha making?"

"A level 2 lathe." Senku answered without a hitch, his tone was decorated with a hint of excitement. Of course, right after the words were said, both Chrome and Kaseki's attention was successfully averted towards him.

"And what are you making with level 2 lathe?" The brunette questioned nervously.

Without a doubt, Senku remained unfazed. On the contrary, he was more excited than ever to reply. "A level 3 lathe!"

"I think I'm beginning to see a pattern here…!" Chrome muttered in as strained tone, Kaseki sharing the same reaction as he was.

"Now that we're here, the only way up the stairs of industrial manufacturing is one step at a time. Slow and steady." The scientist stated, his voice was firm in decision. With such a large scale of technologies they required for their sailing vessel, there would be no shortcuts or the had to pay the heavy cost in the end.

"Look, this is the photo of me hunting a stag beetle!" Yo exclaimed, pointing out to the said picture. It was definitely him taking most of the screen along with the mentioned bug he had in his grip. There was also Suika with a few butterflies along with Kinro and Ginro in the background holding nets.

"Isn't this the one where you're looking for wild silkworms, Nikki-chan?" Shinko asked, earning a nod from said girl who peered over her shoulder to take a clearer look.

"That's right. Apparently, they're an ancestor of Bombyx mori, or modern silkworms."

"If we're going to be on the ocean, we'll eventually have to do some work on the water too! I want swimsuits!" Ryusui remarked, which kind of outed himself as the one who provided the idea–not that it was a hassle, it's actually made sense to have swimsuits when they would have activities including making in contact with the sea.

"Oh, this is when we're having a beach time the other day!" Ruri remarked, showing them a photo for the occasion. The background of the vast beach, watermelons and Suika camouflaged as one, Chrome holding a wooden bat to broke it blindingly, and finally Ruri along with some girls wearing said swimsuit tailored by yours truly Haute Couture Yuzuriha.

"This is definitely the promised swimsuit." Shinko giggled in amusement knowing Ryusui's demands were once again being fulfilled and enjoyed by most of them. "Yuzuriha-chan really went all out, your designs are cute."

Said brunette also giggled, this time with delight. "It's not every day I can work with a prestigious material like that! I can't waste this great chance!"

"I can never think of touching a silk, much less wearing it." Ukyo commented, rubbing his neck sheepishly at his own words. "It's way above my years of paychecks."

Shinko chuckled the moment she heard his reasoning. However, it did make sense–silk was considered one of the most luxurious items one could had, not everyone was able to afford such prestige. Only a few selected individuals with unlimited balance in their bank accounts could get their hands on it. "Me too. I've never owned one, but my grandma had a silk kimono and the texture was divine."

Ukyo's eyes slightly widened at the trivia, there's a glitter of amazement along with curiosity in his teal eyes–sending butterflies fluttering in her chest. The feeling intensified when he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, Shinko wondered if he could hear her heartbeat went ballistic in her chest. "Really? Well, I guess being a noble got you nice things."

"And I've never thought we could make fabrics from cocoons of a certain species of bug!" Ruri added, sighing in bliss as she recalled the moment she felt the incredibly smooth cloth against her skin. "Silk swimsuit, it has such a wonderful, soothing feel to it…!"

"By the way, is this ghost-like figure Kohaku-chan?" Shinko had to withstand the urge to burst into laughing as she referred to the light being stretched in the background, emerging and diving into the water in such astounding speed.

Kohaku huffed in satisfaction. "That silk swimsuit is amazing! Even swimming, it leaves me completely unhindered!"

"That's rightttt." Minami answered chuckling humorlessly, her tone was mixed between amazed and dejected. "She's so fast, her stretched light just look like a ghost."

"Who else do you think has the ability to move like that, Shinko-chan?" Gen threw the archer an absurd look, her question was rhetorical and he believed she asked for her own personal entertainment. She wouldn't deny that. "Kohaku-chan will wind up as examples of spirit photography on all the cameras of this age…"

"Isn't that also the photo when Shinko made shaved ice!?" Taiju mentioned, his voice was as booming as usual. "Man, it was so good especially the one with passion fruit syrup! I didn't know we grow passion fruits in the field!"

"It's not passion fruit, it's pichuberry." Senku immediately corrected him, smirking as he lifted a picture of said cold treat drizzled in fruit and berries syrup. "Physalis peruviana, is a plant that yields a small, smooth berry. In Peru it is known as aguaymanto or Inca berry. Pichuberry looks like a mini version of yellow tomato. It's more distantly related to a large number of edible plants, including tomato, eggplant, and potato. The huntress struck so many golds during summer it's crazy."

"Pichuberry is a good substitute for passion fruit flavor, after all." Shinko added, nudging Senku's arm with her elbow. He got back to her by flicking her forehead lightly, to which she responded with a light yelp of protest. The scientist looked like he had an absolute victory when he did that. Beside her, Ukyo was snickering from her reaction.

"That is not all." Francois fit themselves into the conversation seamlessly, staying in their unbreakable professional and calm display. "Lady Shinko has contributed in menu development countless of times. Her breakthrough and alternatives are simply fascinating, I am humbled."

"I think your praise is too high, Francois-san." The mentioned archer chuckled nervously.

"Nonsense, Lady Shinko." Though the butler was incredibly persistent with their words. "I am stating the fact. For example, in this moment," Picking up a certain photo from the pile, Francois showed it to the rest of the group. It went with the title 'Sashimi Party'. "During the sashimi party we had, you were able to find replacement for both salmon roe and wasabi. I am in awe."

"I remember that!" Chrome piped, excitement was crystal in his tone the moment he peeked over the butler's shoulder. "You got this weird plant with frost all over it! It's called ice plant, isn't it? Its flavor is as wild as it looks!"

The particular picture Francois chose was about a platter of neatly arranged beautiful cuts of fish taken in a close-shot, kind of like food photography knowing it's fully focused on the meal. However, the most interesting point from the photo was how besides the fish were two different types of leaves which you could distinguished even through a not so clear picture.

"Yeah! That ice plant tastes tart, salty, and briny like salmon roe!" Taiju agreed with an aggressive nod.

Smiling widely, Shinko pointed out. "I found them accidentally around the beaches, it's growing well there. I guess that's how it got its briny taste."

"Mesembryanthemum crystallinum is a prostrate succulent plant native to Africa, Sinai and southern Europe, and naturalized in the New World." Senku explained in a rather enthusiastic tone. "The plant is covered with large, glistening bladder cells or water vesicles, reflected in its common names of common ice plant, crystalline ice plant or ice plant. That's insane because usually plants store water in their bodies, but that plant is storing them outside that's why they have this mini water sacks on the surface."

"Even though it's not too strong, it tastes so similar with salmon roe! I like how it burst in your mouth the moment you bite onto it." Minami added, displaying another photo of them picking up the ice plants to replant it somewhere more accessible. On the corner was written 'Ice Plant Extraction'. "But I still think that the wasabula takes the cake! So far, it's one of the most insane findings after the sweetfern for black tea."

"You mean the one that tastes so much like wasabi!?" Yo joined in the conversation, perking up when the name was mentioned. "I wonder if it's a hybrid between wasabi plant and whatever plant that's ended with 'bula'."

"Shinko said it's supposed to be called arugula?" Ukyo remarked, the photo on his hand captured the moment resembling the ice plant replanting with the title 'Wasabula Replantation'. "So, it's wasabi plus arugula combined together and then we have wasabula?"

"Wasabula is actually a cross hybrid arugula variety. Its named wasabula because the taste is so similar with wasabi. To put it simple, it's a hybrid but not with an actual wasabi." Shinko corrected to which the sonarman nodded in understanding.

"I got a huge bite from the flowers that day and best say I felt it in my nose for quite some time." Ukyo admitted. "You're amazing, Shinko. Even some of us don't know these plants in modern civilization, but you somehow did!"

"A sublime taste to increase the fresh flavors of the sashimi." Francois nodded, feeling pleased with the extra hand they received to develop and refined the dish. "I believed I owed you a debt, Lady Shinko."

The said person quickly rose her hands up in surrender, shaking her head to disagree. "There's no such thing as that, Francois-san!"

"Next one, we have the first ever live music performance of this new era!" Ryusui announced, the topic moving on from food to another. On his grip was a wide-angled photo of a simple wooden stage and a crowd settling in front of it. The image was clear enough, meaning it was taken in broad daylight. On the corner was written 'Good Morning World!'. "An acoustic from yours truly, our very own singer!"

"I swore the squirt have too many things to do…" Magma muttered, probably feeling intimidated by the on-going and seemingly the endless list of activities the archer had in her plate.

"Do you secretly split yourself to cover all of those or what…" Yo added, sharing the same sentiment with Magma–it was rare for them to had identical thoughts. "But the song was good, though! The lyrics kind of fits the vibe we have."

"I know, right?" Yuzuriha grinned happily. "Everyone was so happy we finally get to listen to songs again!"

"It's supposed to be kind of a rock song, but we only have a guitar so acoustic it is." Shinko chuckled. "Maybe if we can develop electric guitar, bass, drums, and other instruments along with finding people who can play them, we can re-make the first band ever in this stone world."

"I mean Shinko was basically an assistant slash advisor, a food consultant, and now she's a singer." Nikki snickered as she mentioned each of her work with her fingers. "Aren't you the busiest person around here?"

"At least she retired from being a part of the lookout team, right?" Kinro pointed out her former main job.

Ukyo chuckled nervously at the notion. "About that…"

"We're upgrading her to a sniper!" As if answering to the sonarman's unfinished sentence, Senku cackled in amusement as he crossed his arms upon his chest. The scientist was without a doubt having a blast with his grand plan. "There's a compound bow on its way to completion and now the huntress has evolved into a sniper!"

"Don't say it as if she's a species surviving the natural selection over millennia!" Gen protested indignantly the moment he could comprehend Senku's announcement.

"Aren't you working Shinko too much to the bone!?" Kohaku added, pointing her finger to the said scientist–appalled by the truth on how her friend was having a mountain of workload.

"I don't mind, though." Shinko remarked, sending the two an easy smile as that list of tasks were only a breeze went by.

"We mind!" Both Gen and Kohaku retorted to her admittance, making her laughed as she held her hands up in surrender once again.

This was summer and time kept ticking, never in history it waited for anything. Slowly, the hot and humid weather transitioned into a slightly chilly one. Autumn came, bringing another season of bountiful harvest, withering greeneries over the land, and rains of leaves upon the ground. Many moments passed Minami was able to documented, building an impressive archive of humanity's development through the lens. The pictures she hung on the studio walls were some of her best shots and she let everyone knew about it.

They pushed through it all until they finally reached the ultimate goal, along with completing the biggest project Kingdom of Science ever tackled since it was formed. Before them was the vessel of science, Perseus–looming on its glory as the largest ship been created in this new era of stone. It took time, but they made it.

Senku chuckled, admiring the results of their hard work. "A year to completion, huh? And here we are at the finish. That went by pretty quick."

Taiju laughed the moment he heard his friend's words. "I feel like I heard that line a long time ago!"

"I couldn't believe we finally built this ship to a success." Shinko, proud blooming in her chest knowing they worked their bones for this special moment.

"And it seems the Whyman didn't come for us either." Ukyo added, relief could be heard from his tone as there's no unexpected and unwanted circumstances happened during the project.

"Maybe he's waiting for us to make a move?" Chrome guessed.

Ryusui harrumphed at the brunette's presumption, snapping his fingers. "In that case, we'll just have to set out and look for him! With this sailing vessel, we'll go out into the world!"

"Come on, gather around, everyone!" Minami suddenly called everybody out rather loudly, wanting her voice to be heard clearly through the crowd. She stood a few meters behind with a camera ready on its stand. "After all, we've finally finished! So, I want to get a picture of the ship with everyone all together!"

Senku scoffed harmlessly at her idea. "Just how many pictures are you gonna take anyway, you damn journalist?"

"But we're parting ways now! This is goodbye, isn't it!? Between those staying behind and those getting on the ship!" Shinko couldn't help but felt her eyes widened at the apparent heartbreak Minami had in her words–frustration, sorrow, and fright poured out in torrents. Her heart fell into her stomach the moment she saw tears trailing down the reporter's cheeks. "This year was the last year we could all spend together and we might never see each other again… So at least, let me take a photo!"

It never occurred to Shinko to this very day that Minami basically had all of them memorized. That's right, since she was in charge to select those to be revived, Minami was the only one between them who actually knew every single of their name and face beforehand. With the decreasing number they would face soon, she instantly took a realization and could point out who was missing from the crowd.

The archer was quick to act, approaching her in fast strides and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. The comforting gesture immediately diverted the reporter's attention. The moment she noticed it was her friend giving her a bittersweet smile, Minami didn't waste a single second to crash into the archer's embrace. Wrapping gentle her arms around the her, Shinko tried to soothe Minami by rubbing her back gently as she sobbed onto her shoulder.

"What the hell are you rambling about? This won't be the last time." Senku was quick to disagree on Minami's words. There's only confidence in his voice. "We're ten billion percent solving the mystery of the petrification and ten billion percent coming back from the other side of the planet."

"It will be okay, Minami-chan." Shinko added reassuringly when the reporter reluctantly pulled herself away from her arms. "If Senku-san said we will be back, then we will."

Minami fell silent before giving her a teary smile, the corner of her lips quivered as she did so. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she nodded firmly. Still, her persistence stayed in getting at least a picture for this important moment. Waving her hands, she instructed all of them to form a small crowd which could fit into the camera. "Anyways! Let's all at least take this one picture together! Although, I won't be in the picture since I'm the one taking it."

"I had anticipated something like might happen!" Francois declared, pulling their trusted gloves to cover their hands and bowed in full grace. Beside him was a… strange contraption Shinko couldn't put a name on. "Which is why I've commissioned the development of a camera timer."

"Wait, that's a timer!?" Disbelief ran through Shinko as she realized the purpose of the device along with the fact that Francois thought about it until this far. Minami seemed to share the same reaction as her.

"So that's what this contraption was for!" Kaseki commented bewilderment.

"Francois's foresight is way too keen…" Chrome added, not sure whether to feel impressed or uneasy with the butler's capabilities in predicting.

Senku rose an eyebrow, he's probably the only one who knew how the device actually works. "You're using the clomp of a shishi-odoshi? That's a ridiculously primitive timer."

Chrome was easy to dismissed his opinion about it, instantly reserving himself a spot where he would look good in the camera and already decided a pose. "Who cares!? It'll work!"

"Quit shoving, idiot!" Magma protested when more people began to fight for most favorable spots.

"Come on, Shinko-chan! We have to find a place!" Minami urged, gripping the archer's hand and pulling her along as they jogged to find a great position for the photo. Her eyes caught some movement directed to the two. She then pointed towards Ukyo, who's already waving his hand lightly at the them–gesturing that he prepared an empty slot beside him.

Lightbulb sparked to life in her head, the gears of her mind working to made a good use of this welcoming scenario. The blonde, definitely not wanting to let this moment slipped through her fingers, instantly had her plans changed. Hand splayed on Shinko's back, the reporter pushed her towards Ukyo's direction then bolting elsewhere while giggling in delight.

The archer blinked in perplexed on Minami's unexpected action, though she didn't have another moment to spare as a hand clasped around her wrist and tugged gently. Ukyo refused the spot he saved to be filled with someone else, after all–there might've been an urgency on his gesture. Shinko stumbled lightly at first, which he immediately steadied with his hands on her shoulders.

"So, how will you pose?" The sonarman asked when she finally found her footing.

"Maybe the usual peace sign." Shinko replied, holding out double peace sign as she smiled. "Though, I don't think it could be seen on the photo. What about you, Ukyo-san?"

Ukyo chuckled rather cheekily, tipping his hat up so his face could be seen clearer. "Nothing, I guess. Probably just stand still."

"Shinko! It looks like I will stand beside you!" Ruri giggled in glee when she found herself near her friend.

"Ah, Ruri-chan!" The archer greeted, beckoning her to scoot closer. Both her and Ukyo looked back and noticed that the priestess's father also stood not far away behind.

"Kokuyo-san too. Are you ready to take a picture?" The sonarman asked politely.

"Of course, this will mark another new era." Kokuyo chuckled, his voice was gruff but friendly and almost sounding excited. "And I would love to be a part of it."

"Hey, Shinko, mind me taking a place in the front!? I'll crouch down, I promise!" Chrome asked for permission, immediately settled himself on the ground and not quite waiting for an answer. His eagerness earned him short laughs from both the archer and Ukyo.

"You should wait for a 'yes' or 'no' from her first before getting comfortable, Chrome." Ruri reminded, although she shared the same amusement Ukyo and Shinko felt.

"Alright, I'm taking the photo!" Minami announced from somewhere in the crowd. "Everybody, smile!"

Hearing the cue, Ukyo brought Shinko closer to his side–his arm slung over her shoulders. Where did this kind of courage suddenly coursing through him came from you might ask? He himself had no clue, but he didn't shy away nor did he had other thoughts to pull away. His head felt the pressure of Shinko's confused stare though, incurring warmth blooming on his cheeks. Ukyo cleared his throat. "Uh, do you mind…? I can remove my arm if you're uncomfortable…"

"I-It's alright. I don't mind." Shinko replied in light stutter, and it was more than enough to convince his arm to stay. Ukyo couldn't help but gave her arm a light squeeze.

The camera flashed as the timer hit the capture button, signaling that a picture was taken and another history was made in this new era. At September 10th, 5471 AD, construction of the motorized sailboat Perseus was completed.