The Cat and the Dragon (猫と竜)

Each forest cat has their own taste.

They have their own favorite items as well.

Some liked sunny days.

Some liked rainy days. Some liked cloudy days.

Some liked tall trees. Some liked being on the ground.

It is natural that they should all be different.

However, there is one thing which every cat loves.

The Evening of Foxtails

The Evening of Foxtails

How rare.

Foxtails in this forest?

Wow!

What are these?

They're so fluffy!

They're like tails!

Isn't it odd? For some reason or other, every cat seems to love these.

This is always the reaction upon seeing it for the first time.

Come now. Let us play, too.

But...

I can't make my claws retract, so I'll ruin them.

You are such a kind boy.

But you need not worry.

These foxtails are big and sturdy.

Here, why not give it a try?

Foxtails are rare plants in the forest.

Since foxtails grow in well-ventilated areas with plenty of sunlight,

the forest is not ideal for them.

Due to their rarity, the forest cats usually share them,

and occasionally fight over them, as foxtails are in high demand.

Until one particularly unusual cat appeared, that is.

His name was Moshamosha.

Moshamosha headed toward the human city.

Each year here, such crops grow in abundance,

are all reaped, and then grow again.

After seeing the harvest that year, Moshamosha returned to the forest.

Upon his return, he began improving the soil in one corner of the forest.

What has Moshamosha been doing these days?

He sure is a strange one.

It was a great deal of trial and error.

Moshamosha never gave up.

Each time, he would start from scratch.

The cats who had been observing out of curiosity

eventually got bored and stopped visiting.

Then, after many seasons had come and gone,

he finally succeeded in creating a field of foxtails.

Wow!

Foxtails!

There's so many!

Oh, wow!

So fluffy!

These ones are mine!

We're surrounded by foxtails. This is so much fun!

In honor of the one who had grown it, the field was dubbed the Moshamosha Square.

With the dragon's support, Moshamosha Square became a special place.

From then on, only cats who could properly grow foxtails...

would inherit both the square, as well as the name, of Moshamosha.

This is Moshamosha Square?

That's right.

Let me tell you one thing.

Entering here without permission is forbidden.

How come?

Because Moshamosha is growing foxtails.

Foxtails?

So we're not allowed to play here? Ever?

Well, there is one day that is an exception.

On that day, the owner of the square, Moshamosha,

will invite all the cats in the forest.

It's been a while, winged Uncle.

Moshamosha III.

Allow me to introduce him while I'm still alive.

This guy's going to become Moshamosha IV.

Nice to meet you.

I see.

He reminds me of Moshamosha I.

Moshamosha I, you say?

Moshamosha IV!

Are you about to begin your work for the year?

Yes, exactly!

You've got good intuition. Wanna be my apprentice?

It's good to see you, winged Uncle.

You look more like Moshamosha I every day.

Everyone in the forest is looking forward to it.

Best of luck!

Sure thing!

Good grief.

Even amateurs can tell it's almost time,

and yet my apprentices are...

You brats! Time for work!

H-Hey, Boss!

Yeah? What's up?!

I just said, it's time for work!

We'll begin growing foxtails today!

Y-Yes, sir!

Yes, sir!

Newbie, this is your first time, isn't it?

Y-Yes, sir!

Then, if there's anything you don't understand, ask right away.

Yes, sir!

Going for it when you have no idea what you're doing

is the worst possible thing to do.

Yes, sir!

I mean, every single cat is looking forward to foxtails, you know?

Yes, sir! I'll try not to make any mistakes!

And one more thing.

Yes, sir!

You're too loud.

Yes, sir!

It's good to have so much energy, though.

All right, shall we begin?

Yes, sir!

Yessir!

Listen up, newbie.

The bigger the foxtails, the better.

Everyone plays rough, after all.

Right.

So then, how do we make them grow big?

What matters is their roots.

Plants eat through their roots.

And the more their roots branch out,

the bigger what grows out of the ground will be, you follow me?

I-I see.

So first things first, we've got to get their roots to branch out.

And to do that, you need these!

I see! When the soil is soft, it's easier for the roots to branch out!

Exactly!

All right, you guys!

Show him an example!

Okay!

Got it!

So bumpy!

'Kay, next.

Sure thing!

Isn't it just flat again?

Try stepping on it.

So fluffy!

Now the foxtails' roots can grow freely!

Each of them is a little wet behind the ears,

but when they pair up and each use their spells, they're pretty good at this.

That's so mean, Boss!

It's true that we're not there yet, but still!

Newbie, what magic are you good at?

I'm good at earth magic, sir.

Okay, show me.

Yes, sir!

Wow!

Oh?

Did it work, though?

The ground's still really hard.

Everyone starts out that way.

Okay, now you watch.

Yes, it's showtime!

Here comes the headliner!

Wow!

It's like a lake.

A-Amazing!

So much fluffier than my senior apprentices!

Of course it is!

The boss's earth magic is the best under the sun!

Well done, Moshamosha IV!

That's right!

Quit playing around.