Aoba Chika (Swimsuit)

thanks bst for reviewing

The Perfect Camouflage

Chika: Uu...I still feel nervous being given large sums of money...

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Chika
[I decided to purchase a swimsuit at the store.]
[This all came about when we accompanied Shizuka-san for her return home, though...]

-Flashback-

Sunao
There is a place to play in the river, so it would be a good idea to bring a swimsuit.

Chika
A swimsuit...you say.

-End Flashback-

Chika
[When I told my parents, they provided for the swimsuit's cost, as uneasy as it is on their budget...]
(This money...mustn't be wasted!)

-Clothing Store-

Chika
Hmm, there's so many more kinds than I thought that I'm left perplexed.
(Let's call someone from here for advice.)

[～～♪～～♪]

-Phone Call-

Asahi
...Mhm, mhm, I see! As for my advice...

[*Zazzaaaan...*]

Chika
Huh...Asahi-san?
(I couldn't hear her... Maybe the reception is bad here.)
Hello, Asahi-san? Can you hear me?

Asahi
...Ah, it is a little difficult to hear you, but it is no issue!
So...you were asking for advice on underwater equipment!

Chika
Eh...ah, yes. ...You could call it that too.
At the Tokime village, aside from the place where the coming-of-age ceremony occurs, there seems to be a waterfall that is perfect for a playground...

[*Za...zazaa...*]

Asahi
Ah-, it's a little difficult to hear you,
but there is a waterfall that makes for a perfect hunting ground?

Chika
[When I heard the story later, this is around the point where Asahi-san and I seemed to begin our misunderstandings.]

Asahi
(I see, so there will be fishing at the waterfall basin...)
(It is truly an honor to be consulted by a survival expert!)
...For waterfall basins, the water temperature is quite low, even in the summer.
Because of this, diving suits are essential.
As for the weapon of choice, would the harpoon be your specialty, Chika-dono?

Chika
P-please hold on a second. There is no diving or harpoon usage, understand?
From my past visit, the area to play in by the water seems apt for safety...

[*Za...zaza...zz...*]

Chika
(More noise...)

Asahi
...Oh, pardon me for this.  Mhmm, fishing in safe waters...
A cast net? You tried a fish trap?

Chika
(She misheard me again...!?)
...I-I'm very sorry. I'm not talking about catching fish.

Asahi
Ha...my apologies! I completely misunderstood you.
(...Was Chika-dono aiming for small animals by the water?)
(Just from the top of my head there are softshell turtles, river prawns, frogs, and so on.)
(There are quite a number of edible creatures there.)

Chika
...I'm sorry, it's hard for you to hear me, isn't it?

Asahi
Not at all, it is all my fault for jumping to conclusions!
When it comes to waterside activities, your first order of business is...
Handling the balance between lightness of movement and the weight of protection.
Seeing as though it is so deep in the mountains, the heat is also quite relentless.

Chika
Ah, I see...
(What she's pointing out is to choose between a separate swimsuit or a one-piece, then.)

Asahi
You can attempt to ambush from the thicket, can't you?

Chika
Ambushing is...not common though, I think...?

Asahi
You are right about that.
In that case, I believe it is better to prioritize lightness over protection.

Chika
Hm hm, prioritize lightness... Then a separate one it is.

Asahi
Another thing to take into account is camouflage.
Blending into your surroundings is extremely important.

Chika
...Ah, that's true!
(It would be embarrassing to have a swimsuit that's completely different from everyone else's...)

Asahi
Of course, the standard is a base green pattern.

Chika
Mhmm, green is standard...

Asahi
Though blending into the environment comes with the danger of being accidentally shot.
When hunting in the winter, such patterns should always be avoided,
but hunting in the summer is strictly prohibited, so such worries are unnecessary.

Chika
...? O-okay...I won't wear it in the winter, then...

Asahi
It would be perfect camouflage if it utilizes plants such as ivy.

Chika
I-ivy...!?
(I'm unable to find any swimsuits like that,)
(but maybe adorning it with flower accessories would be good enough...?)

-End Phone Call-

Chika
A green-colored, separate swimsuit... And flower accessories, there...

<Kirimine Settlement, Tokime Village>

Sunao
...Chika-san, your swimsuit looks very adorable.

Chiharu
Sure does! The green gives it a "forest inhabitant" impression!

Sunao
...And the abundant floral decorations are lovely.

Shizuka
I find it nice as well. It blends right into the very nature of our village.

Chika
Th...Thank you so much.
I chose it based on Asahi-san's advice.

Ryouko
Heeh...that's a shocker.

Shizuka
It is?

Ryouko
Nah...it's just camouflage and the like seems like something she'd suggest, dunnit?

Chiharu
I don't think Asahi-chan would go that far.

Ryouko
Hahaha, you're right about that!

Chika
Eh...? ...The camouflage pattern?

Asahi
[Of course, the standard is a base green pattern.]
[It would be perfect camouflage if it utilizes plants such as ivy.]

Chika
………… …………
[It was in that moment I realized that there was miscommunication between us...]
[But there were no problems, so it's fine!]