It's almost lunchtime! Who's on meal duty today? I've come to help out!
I am!
Oh, you...?
Looks like we're only going to have half the amount of food we usually do then...
About that... he didn't try to sneak off with any food at all.
Usually, he'd be flitting about in bird form and being a nuisance to everyone, but... as you can see, he's been quite the help today.
He was working very seriously!
Just seeing him not in his bird form is already pretty unusual, so... I wonder if something's up?
Hehehe, I only did what was required of me. I can't really do stuff like cooking in my bird form, after all.
That's great and everything, but...
The fact that you're not causing trouble makes me feel uneasy somehow...
Now this is rare, for you to actually do your part in sweeping duty.
Quiet, Shaka. Move your mouth less and your hands more.
It's as if I'm talking to a different deity. Have you caused some trouble again, or what?
Of course not!
He's right, Taishakuten. Karura's turned over a new leaf. You've got to properly tell him he's doing a good job.
Lord Shaka... do you really think...?
What's wrong, Makora?
Can't find my stomach medicine anywhere... I think I might have dropped it.
In a pinch, aren't you? I'll help you look for it.
Thank you... wait, is that... Karura?!
Now this is a rare sight. For you to speak up and do something like this.
Helping those in need is natural for a deity.
You're right, but... you don't do that much, do you, Karura?
But thanks anyways. Even if you're doing this on a whim, it's helping me out.
Aren't you just a tad too casually rude?
Looks like you've been doing your best, Karura.
Yeah...
What's up? Do you have something on your mind?
I'm doing my best, and I'm building up my virtues, but my wings haven't stopped shedding in the least. What if it's too late to do anything?
That can't...
...The medicine you drank... it will wear off... any moment now....
Then you'll be able... to transform... into your bird form...
Waaah... I'd rather stay like this instead of transforming and finding out I don't have a single feather on my head anymore. I'll just leave the temple in this form.
Le- leave the temple? What do you mean?
Do you have somewhere to go to?
I have no such place. But for the sake of my pride, I cannot stay here.
If you're so certain of it, then you may do as you like, Karura.
Ashuku... but...
If I was in Karura's place, I wouldn't want anyone to see my unsightly form either. Let's see him off.
But... instead of a farewell gift, let's have a farewell party.
Thank you, Ashuku. But please don't let everyone know the reason for the party. I don't want the fact that I'm balding to get out.
If that's what you want, I don't mind. Both of you are okay with this as well, right?
Y- yes...
...Right...
Thanks, you guys...