Shou 3 Ashibe QQ Goma-chan Episode 2: Episode 2

While watching television, Ashibe and Father learn a curious fact: baby spotted seals typically shed their white fur in a mere two weeks. They turn slowly, almost in unison, to regard Goma-chan, who remains stubbornly pristine and white. Unaware of the sudden scientific anomaly he represents, Goma-chan continues to chew his fish. The revelation hangs in the air, creating a silent, comic tension between father and son.

Ashibe voices his doubt, questioning Goma-chan's very identity. A brief flashback confirms Father's original, definitive identification of Goma-chan as a 'Gomafu Azarashi' from a book. In the present, Father attempts to rewrite history, suggesting Ashibe was the one who initially named the seal. Ashibe looks on, stunned by his father's blatant fabrication, while Goma-chan observes the absurdity, occasionally letting out a small squeak.

Ashibe runs to the open window, dramatically airing his grievances to the world. He accuses his father of acting like a wizard, constantly changing the past to suit his convenience. Father stands behind him, visibly embarrassed, realizing his son has seen through his charade. Eventually, Father bows his head in a mock-apology, conceding his mistake as Ashibe pants from his passionate outburst.

The pair consults a reference book, only to find no mention of small, white seals. They begin experimenting with new names, trying 'Tate-chan' and 'Kasupi-chan,' to which Goma-chan seems quite pleased. However, when Ashibe jokingly suggests 'Neko-chan,' Goma-chan's demeanor shifts dramatically. He barks and snaps, clearly offended by the comparison to a cat, making Ashibe flinch back in surprise.

Ashibe persists with increasingly outlandish name suggestions, such as 'Stinkbug-chan' and 'Hercules Beetle-chan,' further annoying Goma-chan. Father attempts to defuse the situation with a sentimental gesture, declaring Goma-chan's species irrelevant. Ashibe, with a deadpan expression, calls out his father's obvious attempt to create a 'warm atmosphere' to mask his ignorance. Father's eyes widen as his tactic is exposed, recoiling as if physically struck, while Goma-chan watches with a judgmental gaze, seemingly in agreement.

Frustrated, Father yells at Ashibe, accusing him of holding grudges like his mother. The room instantly grows dark and cold as Mother appears behind them, having just returned from shopping, radiating a menacing aura. Father's bravado vanishes, replaced by violent shaking and a pale face. He babbles desperate compliments, calling Mother 'fresh' and 'wonderful,' in a frantic attempt to backpedal from his insult. Ashibe and Goma-chan watch the scene with a mixture of amusement and pity as the episode concludes with a whimsical montage of the family.