Kujima: Why Sing, When You Can Warble? Episode 3: Episode 3

The tranquil sunset over the Mitsuki home belies the growing curiosity within Mitsuki Makoto. Her grandfather's casual mention of "Tamago Sable" cookies, a gift from Mr. Kouda, quickly turns to news of Kujima's visit. Makoto's casual question about Arata's presence reveals her interest, but it is the name "Kujima" that truly captures her attention. She had only heard whispers of this mysterious figure, and the thought now lingers as cats gather at her feet, demanding their own kind of attention.

A serene animation of fish gives way to Makoto's arrival at the Uda household, school uniform and all. Arata's cheerful greeting acknowledges their long-standing friendship and his surprise at her Saturday visit. Makoto, however, carries a silent tension. She is the last of her family to meet Kujima, and the vague descriptions she had heard—"like a big penguin"—do little to ease her apprehension.

The moment of truth arrives as Makoto enters the living room, freezing in stark terror. There stands Kujima, a tall, spindly, black-and-white creature, far beyond any penguin her mind could conjure. His large, unblinking eyes and formal, deep-voiced introduction confirm her worst fears: this entity can speak. Makoto's pale face and frantic questions to Arata about a "human inside the suit" convey her complete shock and disbelief.

Despite Arata's attempts to de-escalate, the atmosphere around the snack table remains charged. Makoto sips her juice nervously, maintaining a wary distance from Kujima. His constant, intense gaze on her becomes an unspoken challenge, forcing Makoto to snap. She demands to know why he is "glaring," though Kujima seems oblivious to the intimidating effect of his presence, blinking slowly.

Arata, ever the pragmatic and unassuming host, offers his bizarre explanation: Kujima is a bird from Russia. Makoto is understandably incredulous, struggling to reconcile her common sense with Kujima's undeniable physical reality. She argues that birds do not talk, nor do they possess such peculiar proportions. Kujima, meanwhile, registers her skepticism with a slight, almost offended, sigh.

To appease Makoto's insistent doubts, Arata proposes a demonstration: Kujima will speak Russian. Kujima obliges, delivering a fluent sentence, which leaves Makoto utterly stunned. However, the translated message, revealing Kujima called her "noisy" and threatened her glasses, shatters the brief truce. Makoto explodes in anger, lunging at Kujima, dragging Arata into the escalating chaos.

After the outburst, Makoto admits she is still scared, clinging to the belief of a human within Kujima. Arata, attempting to restore peace, scolds Kujima for his rudeness. He then insists on a forced reconciliation, commanding them to shake hands for his sake. Both parties reluctantly agree, their faces a mask of deep suspicion as their hands slowly, hesitantly, draw closer.

The moment their hands finally connect, a flash of light erupts, marking a shift in Makoto's perception. Her fear gives way to a dawning realization as she feels Kujima's skin. It is neither feathery nor suit-like, but strangely familiar. With a whispered, then shouted, declaration, she identifies the sensation: it is exactly like the skin of a seal she once touched. This new, absurd detail further unravels the mystery of Kujima.

As Makoto prepares to leave Arata's house, the lingering tension from her meeting with Kujima begins to dissipate. She confesses her fears that their friendship might wane now that they attend different schools. Arata's surprised reaction, followed by his warm smile and reassurance, solidifies their bond. Makoto's relief is palpable, her anxiety lifting as she heads home through the quiet neighborhood.

Makoto's peaceful walk home is abruptly interrupted by Kujima's sudden, silent materialization beside her. Her scream is a natural response to the shock, but Kujima remains utterly unbothered. He calmly explains his intention to play shogi with her grandfather, a perfectly normal activity for an undeniably abnormal being. Makoto's exasperation highlights the ongoing clash between her world and his.

As they continue their walk, Makoto voices her concern over Arata's apparent gullibility, feeling a need to protect him. Kujima, usually impassive, suddenly stops. He asserts with surprising passion that Arata is not gullible, but "just too kind." His unexpected defense of Arata's character catches Makoto off guard, leaving her slightly embarrassed by her earlier judgment.