

Hotaru exacerbates the summer heat by turning off the shop's AC and boiling water to make Buta-men. Saya's suspicions are raised when Hotaru asks about her relationship with Kokonotsu.
Kokonotsu Shikada is the son of a dagashi snack shop owner. Although he wants to become a manga artist, his father, Yo, wants him to take over the family business. One day, a girl named Hotaru Shidare shows up at the shop and challenges Kokonotsu.
Hotaru tells Kokonotsu that Kinako-bou grabs her attention due to its plain packaging and lack of mascot characters, calling it a desert warrior. She also gives a lecture to Kokonotsu and Saya on the history of Fue Ramune.