Sweet Bean Paste

In late winter, Sentaro writes to Tokue, updating her on his failed attempts to create a salty dorayaki. He explains that his experiments with salt were unsuccessful and that the recipe requires a distinct ingredient. He also mentions the poor sales and his desire to visit with Wakana to release Marvy.

Tokue replies with encouragement. She reflects on her life, emphasizing the importance of dignity and endurance. She explains her philosophy of listening to nature, a practice that gives her strength. Urging him not to give up, she invites him and Wakana to visit when the weather is warmer.

At the end of February, as the weather warms, sales at the shop slowly begin to recover. This hope ends when the owner arrives with her nephew Tanaka, whom she introduces as the shop’s future owner. She announces her decision to renovate Doraharu and sell okonomiyaki as well as dorayaki.

The owner instructs Sentaro to train Tanaka as the new manager and informs him that the dorayaki griddle will be moved to a back room. The owner ignores Sentaro’s objections. Shocked, Sentaro realizes that dorayaki will be sidelined and that his role will be eliminated.