Episode 5: Sprouting and Repotting
It was morning, about two weeks after Yuto had started growing Hikattane through hydroponics. Peering into the container as part of his daily routine, Yuto suddenly caught his breath.
Peeking out from a tiny gap in the paper towel was a small, pale-green sprout. Its tip caught the morning sun, casting a soft, gentle radiance.
"...It sprouted."
Unlike its appearance as a seed, this light seemed to announce the very dawn of new life. He remembered his promise to report every milestone of growth to Miona-sensei.
Holding the sprouted Hikattane carefully along with its container, Yuto immediately headed back to the botanical garden.He knocked on the laboratory door and was guided inside. "Hello, Miona-sensei! Hikattane has sprouted. There's also a tail-like root growing out from the bottom. Would you mind taking a look?" Yuto said, offering the container forward.
"It looks exceptionally healthy. I can tell just how carefully you've been treating it." Hearing Miona-sensei's kind words, Yuto smiled with immense relief.
"When it was a seed, we named it 'Hikattane'. Now that it's a sprout... what kind of name should we give it?"
Miona-sensei pondered for a moment, then nodded. "A lighter, crisper sound would suit a sprout beautifully. Why don't we keep the 'Hika' part and introduce a 'pa' sound?"
Yuto took an instant liking to the idea, his face lighting up with a smile. "Then... how about 'Hikappa'? Like a shining sprout or leaf."
"Hikappa... that's adorable," Miona-sensei smiled warmheartedly.
"What should I do to grow it next?" At Yuto's question, Miona-sensei's expression shifted ever so slightly.
"...Well, you see. That actually has a lot to do with the steady accumulation of choices in your daily life. But first, we must repot it into a proper vessel. I have the perfect pot and soil right over here; come this way."
Gently peeling back the paper towel, they carefully transferred the sprout into a small pot filled with moist, rich soil. The moment it touched the earth, the sprout suddenly intensified its glow, as if rejoicing in its brand-new home.
"Let's save the rest of the story for your next visit."
(Note: The sprout's name, 'Hikappa,' has been officially chosen. In the upcoming Episode 6, they will discuss specific cultivation methods, and a major 'connection' will come to light.)
Growth happens in distinct stages, and with each stage, the environment must change accordingly.
Just as the sprout must transition into the soil, it is essential in wealth building to review and adjust your financial strategies to align with your changing circumstances.
By staying patient and setting up the 'next step' that fits your present self, your long-term growth becomes far more secure and certain.