Episode 13: Days of Silently Spreading Roots

The Stillness of Motionless Numbers

Nighttime. Yuto sat facing his desk. The computer screen displayed a chart from his investment app. However, his asset's profit and loss remained almost identical to yesterday.

In the beginning, he had enjoyed seeing the daily fluctuations. A small gain made him happy, while a small drop sent a flutter of anxiety through his chest. But tonight, it was simply quiet.

Casting a glance to his side, he saw Hikappa by the window, glowing softly under the white ambient light. The exact same appearance as yesterday. The exact same appearance today. There wasn't a single trace of movement.

Lessons from Miona-sensei

Yuto picked up his camera and snapped a picture of Hikappa. He then opened his email client, pulled up Miona-sensei's address, and sent it over with a brief message.

From: Yuto
Subject: Today's Hikappa
Miona-sensei,
Good evening. Sending over today's photo.

To be completely honest... I can't really tell if there's any change.
It's the same with my investments; the numbers have barely moved today.
It leaves me with a vague feeling that growth has just ground to a halt.

As he clicked the send button, Yuto exhaled a long, heavy breath. The less visible the results are, the more restless one's heart tends to get.

The following evening, a chime signaled an incoming email. It was a reply from Miona-sensei.

From: Miona
Subject: Re: Today's Hikappa
Dear Yuto,
Thank you for the photograph. It looks to be in excellent condition.
When nothing seems to change, you might naturally think it isn't growing at all, but
plants always focus on growing their "roots" first.
Even if its appearance above the surface stays exactly the same, beneath the soil it is quietly gathering strength, reaching out far and wide for water and nutrients.

For people, for investing, and for plants,
the periods where changes aren't visible on the surface are actually the most crucial.

Reading the words, Yuto unconsciously straightened his posture. Miona-sensei's message continued.

Investing works the exact same way.

While the days of big gains and sudden drops grab all the attention,
the vast majority of the time is spent moving forward slowly and quietly.

Yet, it is precisely that quiet time
that builds up the strength for major future growth.

There is no need to panic. Just as a plant receiving sufficient water and light will suddenly surge upward one fine day,
the time you spend steadily accumulating will eventually manifest as a clear result.

A Preparation Period for the Future

Tracing the text on his screen, Yuto muttered softly to himself.

Looking over at Hikappa, its leaves swayed ever so slightly. Whether it was from a subtle draft or mere coincidence, it somehow resonated more deeply with his heart than it had moments before.

Once more, he opened his app. The numbers remained unchanged. Yet, that tranquil screen no longer brought him anxiety; instead, it looked like a vital **preparation period for the future**.

Yuto tapped his smartphone screen and began drafting a response.

From: Yuto
Subject: Re:
Miona-sensei,

Thank you so much for your reply.

The phrase "a time for growing roots"
really struck a chord with me.

I kept thinking today was just a stagnant day where nothing was happening,
but that's not true at all—
it's actually right in the middle of growing, isn't it?

I'll make sure to water it again tomorrow. I'm going to keep at it diligently.

After sending the email, Yuto leaned back into his chair.

Today showed little change once again. But—he felt a newfound conviction that he needed to keep moving forward.

Beside him, Hikappa remained wrapped in its serene, quiet glow.