Pochi and Tama ran up and down the mountain, relieving the pent-up stress they’d accumulated over the week. It’s probably thanks to them that my house stays mostly safe from wild animals. I hear raccoon dogs and boars are a common sight, but I hardly see any.
Yuma and I took our time checking the fields, the rivers, the roads, and such. I had those plastic fences in some spots between the asphalt and the ground, just to be safe. This should help in case of a landslide.
“Maybe I could use some netting too. And some guardrails.”
The road was paved around the mountain, so even with a truck, there was always the risk of falling off. On the other hand, some spots were too narrow, and if you put anything else there, there wouldn’t be enough space for a vehicle to pass. This required careful thought.
“Just some wire mesh would be nice. Or maybe guard cables.” Those that you string through a pole—you see them along highways.
“This is my property, though—I’d need to buy them myself, right? Gah, more expenses.” Still, it could mean the difference between life and death, so it was worth consideration.
It seemed there were still a lot of snakes around. Pochi came back with a viper.
“Yeah, sure, go ahead and eat it.” At least they ask every time.
I messaged Katsuragi-san and Aikawa-san about the snake tail. As expected, the news sent Katsuragi-san into a panic.
“A rattlesnake? A rattlesnake? Oh my god! What do I do?! What do I do, Sano-san?!”
“Katsuragi-san, please calm down. You should be safe if you stay close to Tatsuki-san.”
“R-R-R-Right! You’re right! But still...”
“Humans are not that good at dealing with snakes. It’s better to leave this to Tatsuki-san.”
“Huh? Ah, yes, you’re right! I’ll tell Tatsuki! Thank you!”
She seemed to have finally calmed down a little. I could go there and see if there’s anything I can do, but honestly, I don’t think I’d be of any use. The chickens, on the other hand, might be of use, but Katsuragi-san’s mountain was Tatsuki-san’s turf. I don’t think it’s a good idea to intrude, even at Katsuragi-san’s request.
I think Katsuragi-san is pretty cute, and she’s got that something about her that makes you want to help her and protect her. She’s probably the type of person to be liked by everyone.
Everyone who doesn’t have some personal issues of their own, that is...
“I... I have no more interest in dating or marriage or any of that crap. I...don’t need any of that...” I muttered. Regardless of whatever Katsuragi-san thinks of me.
Aikawa-san thanked me for the warning and for Friday. No need to thank me. Rin-san’s not the only one with unusual circumstances.
“I’m glad I’ve got you guys here with me...” I told him. That’s what enables me to keep going. And keep a positive outlook.
The work schedule we’d organized for the chickens was halfway over. I hoped the rainy season would end without issues.