Chapter 74

Synopsis
While she is brushing his teeth, Shizuka discovers that Taka has cavities, and takes him to the dentist. Taka endures the treatment for his cavities as he grows to hate brushing his teeth a little less.

Long Summary
Ryuuichi steps out of the bathroom, telling Kotaro that before he goes to sleep he needs to brush his teeth. He sees that Kotaro has been waiting for him with his cup and brush already. Ryuu tells Kotaro that they need to brush their teeth thoroughly since they had eaten a lot of dessert. Kotaro lovingly stares at his brother as he brushes his teeth. In the Kamitani household, Taka refuses to have his teeth brushed. He clings onto Hayato, saying that he will play with his brother instead. Shizuka calls Taka over, warning him of cavities, but Taka climbs around on Hayato, who flings his brother to Shizuka since he cannot see the TV with Taka in the way. Shizuka comforts Taka as he cries, but even the prospect of using the Ranger Five toothbrush isn't enough to make him cooperate. She tells him to open his mouth, but Taka refuses, so she pinches his cheeks, saying that she will get angry. She asks Taka why he hates brushing his teeth so much, saying that it does not hurt, but Taka complains that it hurts when he is gargling the water. Shizuka panics, demanding Taka to open his mouth. She looks at his teeth and discovers that he has cavities. At the daycare center, Hayato tells Ryuu that Taka has cavities since he never brushes his teeth properly. Taka denies having cavities and says that Hayato must also have cavities. Hayato explains that he brushes his teeth after Taka goes to sleep and in the morning as well. He also adds that he has never had tooth decay, leaving Taka trembling in betrayal. Usaida says that he should go to the dentist soon, or else the cavities will steadily get worse until the teeth will need to be shaved or drilled, terrifying Taka and Kotaro. Taka cries as he refuses to go to the dentist while the other children watch the scene in shock.

After school, Usaida apologizes for making the situation worse. Taka hides in a pile of stuffed animals as the children tell Shizuka that Taka is not here. Ryuu tells them that it is great that they are protecting him, but Taka really needs to go to the dentist. Kirin asks if he will be bullied, but Ryuu assures her that he will not be. Shizuka places her hand on Ryuu's shoulder, saying that if he does not want to come out, then he does not have to. She says that it is her fault that she let him have cavities and says that they will go to the department store for toys today and the dentist tomorrow. Taka, overhearing this, excitedly comes out from hiding. Shizuka picks him up and announces that they will be going to the dentist together. Taka cries, accusing his mother of lying. Usaida notes that mothers are quite strong while the other children tearfully promise to brush their teeth properly. At the dentist, Taka refuses to open his mouth. The dentist assures him that he only has a mirror and that there is nothing to be worried about. However, Taka can hear the drilling and whirring noises from next door, which is the third time Taka has felt betrayed (the first being Hayato brushing his teeth and the second, going to the department store for a toy). The dentist says that he has no choice but to look at it another day, causing Taka to open his mouth as he smiles. The dentist immediately puts his mirror in Taka's mouth and takes a look. He affirms that there are cavities, but there is only one, so it is best to shave it off a bit. Taka is mortified to hear this and cries the entire way home. At home, Hayato asks if Taka got treated, to which Shizuka sighs and explains that the dentist only took a look today. She warns Taka, saying that if he does not open his mouth properly next time, the painful spot will become very scary. Taka cries, denying that he has cavities and saying that Hayato is the one with tooth decay. After Hayato and Taka go to sleep, Shizuka works on her laptop and reflects for a moment. She remembers Taizo telling her that she is raising her son to be too wild and uncontrollable. Shizuka becomes irritated and decides to take a break from work. She passes by Hayato's room and wonders why the door is open a crack. She checks his room to see Taka stuffing cookies in Hayato's mouth. Shizuka panics, asking what Taka is doing. Taka cries, saying that he will give Hayato cavities as well. Shizuka becomes more irritated when she remembers Taizo's words again as Hayato sits up and coughs.

On the day of the treatment, the dentist observes Taka crying and hiccuping. He suggests that Taka receive a coating treatment that will stop the process of decay instead of shaving. Shizuka sternly declines, informing him that even if he has to force the treatment, he should continue with the shaving. The dentist says that Taka should give up and accept the treatment. He and the nurse comment that he is energetic as they proceed with the treatment. Taka was bawling throughout the entire process, and he clings to his mother when they return home. He complains that it was scary, and Shizuka hugs him, saying that she is proud that he was able to bear the entire treatment. Taka starts to doze off as Shizuka says that she was suffering when she saw Taka in so much pain. She remembers that Taizo had profusely checked Hayato's teeth to make sure that he had no cavities. Shizuka also nods off to sleep and lies down with Taka on the couch. Hayato covers the two with a blanket as Shizuka says thank you, mistaking him for Taizo. Even after the incident, Taka refuses to have his teeth brushed. He scrambles over Hayato, who grabs him and tosses him onto his lap. He takes the cup and brush from Shizuka and tells Taka to open his mouth, as he will be brushing his teeth starting from now. Hayato brushes Taka's teeth as Taka proudly announces that he is brushing his teeth. Shizuka smiles as she watches Hayato and Taka. Taka tells Hayato that Shizuka is better at brushing his teeth.

At the same time, Taizo is brushing his own teeth with an electric toothbrush.

Characters In Order of Appearance

 * Ryuuichi Kashima
 * Kotaro Kashima
 * Taka Kamitani
 * Hayato Kamitani
 * Shizuka Kamitani
 * The Goldfish
 * Usaida Yoshihito
 * Kirin Kumatsuka
 * Takuma Mamizuka
 * Kazuma Mamizuka
 * Taizo Hebihara