"Is it an idea?"

"Yes. About the mask.

Jin suggested that we change the design of the masks.

The only masks in Mitsuho are rectangular pieces of gauze that are folded, attached with strings to the ears, and fastened in place.

"Is it a design?"

"Like this, for example."

Jin took a notepad out of Reiko's pochette and drew a sketch.

It was a fashionable one.

In 21st century Japan, it is worn mainly by young people.

"I think we can change the color."

"Haha ...... that's interesting."

Selin Wannabe looked at the sketch with interest.

"Let's see, did you say <>? It is made to fit more closely to the face and to reduce the gaps."

It looks better at the same time, Jin concluded.

"What do you think?　Wouldn't this make it a little more popular?"

Selin thought for a full three minutes and then opened her mouth.

"I think it is a good idea. I am sure that it will increase the popularity of the system."

Jin was relieved to hear Serin's opinion.

"Thank you very much. I am glad to hear that."

To Jin and Elsa, Serin asked.

But how are you going to make a mask with such a design?　If it costs too much, it will hinder the spread of the masks.

But Jin already had an idea.

"I think it will be fine. ......Well, I'll bring the prototype when it's finished."

With these words, Serin was satisfied.

"Okay. I will look forward to it.

And thus, Jin and Elsa left the Iris Healing Center.

"Brother Jin, do you have a mask for me?

Of course, we know that we can make masks in Horai Island. The question is, can we make them here in Mitsuho?

"Yes, we do. <

"...... Oh, okay."

Nonwoven fabrics are defined by JIS as . However, paper, felt, and knitted fabrics are not included.

Jin did not know in detail how to make nonwoven, but he thought that nonwoven could be made by straining short fibers like paper.

Jin thought that it would be better to make the <> in the shape of a mask.　Jin thought.

He would return to Horaijima and discuss this with Saki.

Jin thinks that Mitsuho, who is skilled in papermaking, would be able to make it as long as he understands the procedure.

"But first," he said.

What are you going to do?

"I think I should meet Akitsu."

Akitsu is underground in the Great Sahara Desert. The only way to get there is to use the warp gate.

In any case, it is necessary to return to Horai Island.

So Jin and the others headed for the airfield.

< and leave the town of Seki.

"It was a short stay, but this time it was just a preliminary inspection.

"Hmm."

And leaving Hope in charge of the Hurricane, Jin, Elsa, and Reiko return to Horai Island via the Warp Gate.

<

The old man's voice greeted us.

"Where is Saki and the others?

Jin asked,

"They have not returned from Hale yet.

"Well, that may be so. ......"

Jin thought that there were many unusual things in the other side of the world.

"Oh well. I'm going to visit Akitsu."

<

The old man seems to have checked with his peepers. Sometimes Akitsu < is not so busy now, because he is teaching those who came from Mitsuho.

"I'm over here."

Erza said she was on Horai Island, so Jin took Reiko to the warp gate room.

* * * *

<.

"Well, Master Jin, welcome to my home.

Jin-sama, it's been a long time.

Akitsu and his attendant John Dinny greeted Jin and Reiko.

"Hello, Akitsu. How are you doing?

"How are you doing? John's been taking care of me, so everything is fine.

"I see. Is John okay?

Yeah. He can check himself, too.

The two said that it was reassuring to know that they could always rely on Houraido if things went wrong.

"That's a relief. So, I wanted to check something with Akitsu today.

"Yes, what is it?"

Yes, what is it? Actually, I would like to have Mitsuho produce nonwovens in the future.

"Nonwovens? ......It's a cloth made from cotton or Japanese paper fiber, isn't it?"

"Yes. It has many uses and could be a new industry for Mitsuho. What do you think about ......?"

Akitsu smiled happily.

"For Mitsuho, thank you very much. I think it's technically sound."

"I see!"

While complex industrial products and magical tools are made in <>, there are many products made by <>, such as Japanese paper.

Examples include miso (soybean paste), dried bonito flakes, wooden paper, cotton and cotton products, and wood crafts.

"Then, it's all right."

We'll use new materials and the procedure may change a little, but I'd like Akitsu and John Dinney to guide us in that direction," Jin said.

"Leave it to me."

Akitsu was originally there to provide such guidance.

"The procedure will be studied on Horai Island from now on, but I don't think we will have to wait long.

"I understand."

Thus, Jin had finished laying the groundwork for the spread of <> to Mitsuho.

* * * *

When Jin returned to Horaijima, most of the members of the Jin family had returned.

Saki was among them,

"Jin, I heard that you are going to develop some new material?

she asked with great vigor.