The Helpful Fox Senko-san (世話やきキツネの仙狐さん)

I'm done for the day!

Wanna go grab some food?

Yeah, sure!

-- --

Finally done.

I'm leaving, see you tomorrow.

Nakano, wait!

Sorry!

Huh?

A project got messed up. Can you help out?

Me? But I want to go home.

Please, man?

All right.

Seriously? Thank you!

Harboring such despair can bring one's world to ruin.

But before that happens,

we must attempt to save the young sir.

Please, send me.

Why you?!

His poor heart is very troubled,

but I can help free him.

All right. I shall grant you permission, then.

Thank you!

No way! That's not fair!

Just wait and see.

I shall pamper him well.

Kuroto. It's your mother.

How are you?

We observed the sixth anniversary

of Grandma's passing today, but everyone's doing well.

Will you make it home for the Obon Festival?

Give me a call, okay?

Huh?

I'm sick of riding the last train.

And I had to skip dinner, again.

Wait.

Did I eat the last of the instant ramen?

Whatever...

I wonder how much longer I can do this

before I just collapse from exhaustion?

Huh?

Man, something smells good.

Weird. Did I leave the lights on this morning?

Hi, welcome home!

Oh my, you must have had a terribly long day.

Uh... I'm sorry! Uh, wrong apartment!

Hm? Wait. I totally live here.

Hi, welcome home!

Oh my, you must have had a terribly long day.

A dream?

Uh, nope. So...

Yay! You're back!

You've certainly had a long day.

I'm glad you're here.

I've prepared you a nutritious dinner.

Why is there a little girl in my apartment?

More importantly, what's up with the fluffy ears and tail?

Maybe she lives nearby?

But if someone were to see her in a grown man's place...

Mm?

He always gave off a real creepy vibe, you know?

I'm so sorry.

Hopefully my son gets proper help!

I'll pretend like that didn't happen.

I need some sleep.

Poor thing, you must be so exhausted.

You can seriously pass through walls?

Are you like a ghost?

Oh no, this is even worse than I thought.

Um, hey. Aren't you going to eat your dinner now?

Uh... Huh?

It's nice and hot!

You've had such a long, hard day of work.

You must be starving.

Yep! So, shall I make you a plate?

Whoa, I can't eat at a time like this!

Who the heck are you?

And what are you doing in my apartment?

Uh!

That's fine.

I only put my heart and soul into this meal.

But that's okay. I will discard it for you.

Uh...

No, don't do it!

You win! I'll eat it!

Heh!

Excellent!

Looks great.

Freshly made!

Oh!

Uh?

I can't eat that huge mountain of rice!

Well, try!

Thank you for the meal.

Eat up!

This is awkward.

Mm!

How is it? Good, right?

It is.

I'm glad! You should try some of the stew next.

Wow, it has such rich flavor. It reminds me of something.

Like the food my grandma used to make!

Is that your way of complimenting dinner?

Yep!

Heh! Well, in that case then.

I'll have some, too!

For some reason, this takes me back.

How many years has it been now?

Yum! Delicious!

I actually can't remember the last time

I came home to a hot meal.

It's kind of nice not eating alone.

Would you like to have seconds?

Uh. Sure. That sounds great.

Wait, I still don't know anything about this kid!

I don't wanna be rude or anything...

Hm?

But can you tell me who you are?

Yes. Of course.

I go by the name of Senko.

And I'm an 800-year-old servant of the gods.

A fox demigod!

A fox... demigod?

Let me get this straight.

You're a... demigod?

That's right!

And you're supposedly like 800 years old?

Uh, but you look more like a little kid.

Would you please quit with the rice mountains?

But you need to eat to regain your strength!

You should have some more stew, as well.

Uh, question.

Did you get these ingredients from my kitchen?

No, I brought them with me.

Ah...

They are delicious. Where did you get them from?

Oh.

They were just some offerings that people left at the shrine.

Uhh...

Is it okay for me to eat their offerings?

Is something the matter?

No, it's just...

To be honest, I'm still not quite sure why you came here.

Heh! I simply couldn't stand to see you looking so worn down,

so I decided to help you!

Worn down?

Look, it's not that I don't appreciate it--

I just don't get why you chose me.

Listen to me carefully.

Uh. 'Kay.

If you must know the truth...

Yeah?

You're just the type of young man that I prefer!

Are you kidding me?!

Do I look like I'm joking?

Uh. No.

Sorry I guess gods don't need a real reason, huh?

Perhaps it's because I'm indebted to your family.

Huh?

Look. I just want to pamper you for a little bit.

Is that so bad?

No.

Thank you for dinner.

It was my pleasure.

Was everything to your liking?

Yes. I'm so stuffed I can barely move.

Then, mission accomplished!

Ah... This tea's great.

From now on, I shall serve you tea after every meal!

It'll be much better for you than all that coffee.