In this chapter, Shmoop takes us back to the beginning of the story, where we meet Hiroshi and his friends, who have just returned from a trip to the shrine. Hiroshi is dressed in a kimono, and he's very happy to see his friends. He's also very excited about the upcoming trip with his stepmom, which is supposed to take place the next day. He tells us that he has a dream that he, Hiroshi, and their friends all have one mom, and that they're all going on the trip together.