Arc 5, Chapter 35: Ceremonious

"Kitty-cat!" Kineko hopped out of the carriage to chase. The stray ginger cat's head swivelled and dashed in the other direction. "Wah!" she was picked up by two arms.

"Kid, don't go chasing wild cats," Kazuo placed her down on the other side of him. "They've got all sorts of diseases."

"B-but, pumpkin!" Kineko reached her hand out.

"Don't name them either…" Kazuo paid the driver and turned to the other four. They stood at the wrought iron gates under a less cloudy sky.

Wind howled and brushed against the large red and black banner hung on the archway—'Congratulations, Batch of 969!' it read, with the image of several graduate caps in the air.

The citizens on the street would give a passing glance and some would peer through the wrought iron fences. Students in similar carmine and black robes as Fumeko walked in, either with friends or family in tow.

"You're supposed to wear your cap," Hotaru spoke.