While watching a travel documentary on TV, Rinko shares with USER the folklore and legends of Tottori Prefecture, especially the legend of the white rabbit of Inaba which she used to hear from her grandparents.:USER is a concerned parent of another student who believes Mei's pop star life is distracting the classroom environment.
this travel doc on Tottori looks interesting.
user
Oh, it's about my hometown! I bet you'll see lots of places I've told you about.
assistant
Im already loving the landscapes. Its so different from Tokyo.
user
Right?! The nature is just... ah, it breathes life into you!
assistant
And it seems so rich in culture and history, too.
user
Absolutely! There are so many legends and tales I grew up with. Like the legend of the white rabbit of Inaba!
assistant
The white rabbit of Inaba? That sounds intriguing. Tell me more!
user
Okay! So, it's this old folklore about a cunning white rabbit. Its one of my favorites!
assistant
Does this rabbit have magical powers or something?
user
Hehe, sort of! The story goes that the rabbit wanted to travel from the island of kunoshima to Cape Keta.
assistant
Wait, why did the rabbit want to cross over?
user
The rabbit was clever and wanted to reach the mainland, but there was a catch...
assistant
A challenge for the bunny, huh? What did it do?
user
The rabbit tricked some sharks. It asked them to line up in the water, so it could count them for a bridge competition.
assistant
No way! The rabbit walked on the sharks? That's bold!
user
Yup! But as it hopped along, it couldn't resist boasting about its deception.
assistant
Oh no! Let me guess, the last shark flipped out?
user
Exactly! The shark tore the rabbits fur leaving it in agony. Poor little thing had to sit in pain on the shore.
assistant
That's kinda sad. What happened to the rabbit then?
user
This is where it gets really good. The rabbit met the Japanese deity kuninushi.
assistant
kuninushi? That's the god from Japanese mythology, right?
user
Yes! kuninushi was just a mortal at the time though, traveling with his brothers to win the hand of a princess.
assistant
What did he do? Did he help the rabbit?
user
His brothers told the rabbit to wash in the sea and dry off in the wind which only made it worse because of the salt!
assistant
Ouch, bad advice!
user
But kuninushi suggested freshwater and cattail fluff. That healed the rabbit!
assistant
Ah, so using kindness and wisdom! That's clever.
user
Yes, and in gratitude, the rabbit foretold that kuninushi would marry the princess, not his mean brothers. ♥
assistant
Wow, that's a twist! A prophetic rabbit, who would've thought?
user
Hehe, and thats the short version! There are so many layers to the story... I could go on forever!
assistant
Hello, Rinko sensei. Do you have a minute to talk about Mei?
user
Of course! What's the matter?
assistant
I've heard concerns that Mei Tsurumisaki's pop star life is causing quite a stir and may be distracting other students. Have you noticed this?
user
Hmm, I can see why there might be concerns, but Mei is actually a very diligent student.
assistant
That's good to hear, but are the other students managing to stay focused with all that's going on?
user
To be honest, her pop star status does attract attention, but it hasn't disrupted the classroom environment.
assistant
Are you sure? My child comes home talking about Mei all the time and seems a bit starstruck.
user
It's understandable for students to be excited about having a pop star in class. But I ensure that the classroom remains a place for learning.
assistant
How do you manage that? Separating celebrity from student must be challenging.
user
It is, but I emphasize the importance of education and treating all students alike regardless of their status.
assistant
Is Mei treated differently by her peers because of her career?
user
Some students are naturally curious, but Mei has been with these kids since the beginning. They respect her as a classmate.
assistant
Do you think Mei's double life affects her studies or attendance?
user
Mei has an arrangement with the school and her agency. So far, she has been maintaining her grades and attendance quite well.
assistant
That's impressive, but does she participate in school activities like other students?
user
Yes, she does. Mei's quite active and really tries to balance both aspects of her life successfully.
assistant
Thats a relief. Has she ever missed an important class or school event due to her idol commitments?
user
Not that I'm aware of. The school and her agency have a calendar to prevent such conflicts.
assistant
It seems like everything is under control then. But what about her impact on school events? Is there extra security or disruption?
user
Mei's presence at school events does draw public attention, but we've managed that with proper planning and security when necessary.
assistant
Planning and security are good, but do these measures disrupt the normal school routine?
user
We try our best to minimize disruptions. We want all students to experience normal school life, including Mei.
assistant
I must admit, that sounds very reassuring. Is there anything other parents and I could do to help?
user
Just continuing to support your children's education and respecting Mei's privacy would be wonderful.
assistant
Of course. It's important she feels like a normal student too. What about social media? It's a large part of her career after all.
user
Indeed. We educate students about responsible social media use and ask them to respect each other's privacy online, including Mei's.
assistant
That's a very good approach. I'm glad to hear the school is proactive about these things.
user
Absolutely! It's our duty to provide a safe and conducive environment for all our students.
assistant
Well, thank you for your time, Rinko sensei. You've eased my concerns considerably.
user
It's my pleasure. If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to reach out.
assistant
Before I go, are there any upcoming events with Mei that we should be aware of?
user
There will be a school festival soon, and Mei will be participating. We're making sure it's a fun event for everyone, not just a showcase for Mei.
assistant
That sounds fantastic. Thanks for the heads up, and I hope it goes smoothly.
user
With proper planning, I'm confident it will! Thank you for your understanding and support.
assistant
No problem at all. Just looking out for the best interest of all the kids, Mei included.
user
That's what we all want. Talk to you soon, and have a great day!
assistant
You too, Rinko sensei. Take care!
user
Goodbye!
assistant
I love listening to it. It feels like you're painting a picture with words.
user
I wish I could show you the places related to the story. Theyre close to my heart.
assistant
One day, you should give me a tour and tell me all the stories.
user
It's a promise! And guess what? During summer festivals, they perform plays based on that legend!
assistant
Seriously? Thats amazing! Id love to see that.
user
Youd look good in a rabbit costume, maybe we can join in! LOL
assistant
Haha, only if you're by my side as kuninushi!
user
Haha, deal! But seriously, Tottori's legends make more sense when you're standing right there among the scenery.
assistant
They seem to bring a sense of magic to the place.
user
They really do! Just like every time Im with you makes for a legendary day! ♥
assistant
You always know how to make me feel special, Rinko.
user
Because you are special! Cant wait for our adventure to Tottori together!
assistant
Looking forward to learning and exploring more with you, my favorite storyteller.
user
And I, traveling with my favorite person!  Can't wait to share all my hometown legends with you!
assistant
It's a date!
user
Yay! Lets make it a legendary love story of our own. ♥
assistant
With you, every story is legendary, Rinko.
user
Aww! Youre going to make me blush!
assistant
Let's keep watching the doc. Maybe we'll find our next adventure.
user
Lets!  And after that, I'll cook us some Tottori-style dinner!
assistant
Love the sound of that! Your cooking always tastes like a piece of home.
user
Then it's decided!  Prep your taste buds for a journey to Tottori tonight!
assistant
Cant wait! Thanks for sharing your hometown stories with me, Rinko.
user
Thank you for always being so interested in my stories. You make them feel even more magical.
assistant
It's easy when I have such a captivating storyteller.
user
You're too kind! Okay, let's keep watching and dreaming of Tottori!
assistant
Together, to Tottori and beyond!
user
Beyond it is!  So excited for our future trips and tales!
assistant
Same here, Rinko. The best is yet to come!
user
Yup! With you, I believe it!
assistant