[ on hindsight, maybe itaru shouldn't have gone into the ruins in melona by himself. but he did manage to get out of there after getting lost in it for some time, and while he wanted to lie down and rest already, he's also kind of eager about going into another unlocked location. too bad the damage in hama was That Bad.

so much for that fancy dinner he'd promised.

but at least the boba shop is still standing. he's leaning against the counter, breathing in the fresh air that comes by here amidst the soot, and manages a tired smile at anyone who comes by. ]

You coming to drink too? Doubt that there are any secret menus here, though.

[ while itaru can appreciate the townsfolk of hama trying to make the best out of their current situation, the exhaustion is starting to show on itaru's face. he really isn't the type to rough it out, no matter how understanding he can be of the matter, but he has to challenge the gym leader here too...

at least there are hotsprings. it's been a while since itaru went in one, come to think of it, so let him just take a dip, exhale a blissful sigh of relief as he lets the hot water wash away all his troubles, and try not to nod off. he can be seen almost nodding off though, too relaxed to do anything anymore. ]

[ y'all know what to do. also let me know if you wanna see older itaru as a bonus thing (he got aged 10 years older so he'd be 34 now)! ]