Hanna: first date

(Leo POV)

Leo was still a little shocked at Hanna's new behavior. Was she like this just because of the pill or was there something else going on there? He imagined he'd have the answer in the next few days as the effect of the pill wore off.

As he walked through the door with Hanna, he was greeted by a magnificent view. The mountain in front of him was legendary. Katsushika Hokusai had drawn it so many times that Leo didn't hesitate for a second to find out where they were.

The presence of Mount Fuji meant they were in Japan. Leo couldn't help feeling a little foolish for not having considered this possibility before. With a manga fan like him, there was bound to be someone to take him to the land of the rising sun.

He then turned his head slightly to look for Hanna.

Magnificent, thought Leo. Hanna was wearing a sublime blue kimono decorated with cherry blossoms. He noticed that he, too, had changed into a traditional Japanese outfit.

"So, I saw it right, didn't I? I was sure you'd like it. As a geek and manga fan, I'm sure you share my idea that visiting Japan will be great." Hanna said excitedly.

Leo smiles. The writer's enthusiasm was contagious. Suddenly Hanna grabbed him by the hand and started running.

"We're in Japan so let's have some fun." Said Hanna.

Leo would have hoped for a quieter, simpler environment in which to chat a little, but these gloomy thoughts quickly disappeared in the face of the young woman's smile as she held his hand.

They were in Shizuoka, about 1 hour from Tokyo. Hanna seemed to have worked out a minister's timetable for them, so they could take in all the city's sights.

"I know we won't have time to do everything but I'm sure we'll get there all right first we start with the Kunōzan Tōshō-gū shrine." Said Hanna.

Leo, who was still holding Hanna's hand, admired the architecture of the place as the young woman described what he saw.

"So, I never wanted to make this trip to Japan, because the return journey by plane already consumes the 2 tonnes of CO2 that every human being has to emit every year to be within the realm of the acceptable. But now that we've magically arrived here, that problem disappears." Says Hanna.

"I understand that ecological issues are the problem of our century: if we don't take care of them, who will?" Replies Leo.

"Exactly! I'm glad to see you think like me. This society of over-consumption based on slavery and the destruction of our planet is doomed to fall anyway. But there are things we can do to make sure our planet is still habitable afterwards." Says Hanna.

Leo simply nodded in agreement. He didn't want to have this discussion now. There would always be time later to discuss environmental policy. Hanna seemed to realize that Leo wasn't keen on the subject. So, she decided to talk about the history of the temple they were visiting.

"The luxurious temple in front of us is the shrine of Kunōzan Tōshō-gū. It is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the country. It is the burial place of the first Tokugawa shogun." Says Hanna, proud to display her knowledge to an attentive audience.

After admiring the temple for a while, Hanna handed Leo a small wicker basket.

"I understand you like strawberries, and since they're a specialty of the Shizuoka region, I thought you'd like to eat some together on our way to our next destination." Says Hanna

"And what is this destination?" asked Leo.

"The remains of Sunpu Castle" Hanna says proudly.

Eating strawberries on the way. Leo noticed that Hanna still hadn't let go of his hand. He had no idea that Abigail had urged her to do so, in an attempt to bridge the distance between them.

The castle was surrounded by a moat filled with water. The water undoubtedly came from the River Abe just a hundred yards away. The castle was pretty, with its white walls and typically Japanese architecture. But what surprised Leo the most. It was the cherry-blossom-filled garden.

"You really feel like you're in a manga," said Hanna.

Leo would find it hard to argue with her, for he felt the same way. But he wanted to get to know her a little better.

"Hanna, I understand you like manga, but what's your favorite manga?" Leo asked.

"My favorite manga? That's a tough question. One Piece is great, but poorly constructed. Dragon ball is simple and effective. No, if I had to pick just one, I'd go for Hunter X Hunter." Says Hanna

"Yes, Hunter X Hunter is an excellent manga, very vast and constantly renewing itself. However, I'm surprised I expected you to tell me Naruto, One Piece or Bleach, since you've written fan fiction on these mangas." Leo replied.

"I love these mangas but I must admit I prefer Hunter X Hunter. It's such a shame that the author is ill. What's your favorite? Highschool DxD ? 5Toubun no Hanayome? Overlord?" asked Hanna.

Leo sighed inwardly. Why had she only mentioned manga with the theme 'Harem'? Did everyone know he liked that kind of manga?

"As you can imagine from reading your fan fiction, I'm a big fan of Naruto, One Piece and Bleach. But if I had to pick a favorite manga I'd choose Magi." Leo replied.

"Magi? I confess I don't know. After all, there are so many manga right now." Hanna replied.

"The anime adaptation didn't go beyond what tomes..." said Leo. Leo said, not finishing his sentence: he had an idea but couldn't bring it to fruition. Hanna seemed to notice and asked.

"What's up?" said Leo.

"How about we watch some anime tonight? You show me an episode of the anime you want, then it's my turn and we alternate." Leo suggested.

It was a very good idea; it would keep them distracted and prevent anything unfortunate from happening.

They then discussed manga and anime, ending their day by watching Shiraito's waterfall.