Episode 2

Synopsis
Ryuuichi and the children meet Inomata Maria, a high achieving student from the Advanced Class. The daycare center goes to the zoo on a field trip.

Act One
Ryuu wakes up to see Kotaro lying on his chest. He groggily sits up as Kotaro clings to him. Ryuu hugs him back as he remembers that this is not the apartment that they and their parents had stayed in. Suddenly, the chairwoman slams open the door, shocking Ryuu. She demands that he get out of bed, but Ryuu replies that it is only a little bit past five in the morning. The chairwoman explains that if there is one thing she hates, it is wasted time. She orders the two to eat their breakfast, pack their lunches, and get to the school pronto. Saikawa, wearing an apron and headscarf, enters the room and explains that he has prepared their breakfast and lunch. The chairwoman reminds Ryuu that he will spend all of his morning and afternoon breaks at the daycare center. As the chairwoman leans in a little, Kotaro grabs onto her hair and calls it shaggy. The chairwoman scolds him for calling her shaggy and threatens to give him the same hairstyle if he calls her that again. Ryuu apologizes as Saikawa pictures Kotaro with fluffy hair and calls him cute.

The chairwoman presents Ryuu a Morinomiya Academy uniform. Ryuu figures that since he only has a few months of junior high left, he can wear his old one, but the chairwoman insists that students at her school wear the academy's uniform. Ryuu bows as he says his thank-you, and the chairwoman huffs as she exits. Ryuu zips up his new navy blue uniform and tears up when he sees that it is a perfect fit. He realizes that this will be their new home now. He looks over to Kotaro and smiles as the two prepare for the day.

At the daycare center, Kotaro takes off his shoes as Usaida compliments Ryuu's new uniform. He is rather surprised to see that the stingy chairwoman would buy a uniform that he will only wear for a few months. He yawns as Ryuu denies that she is a cheapskate. Ryuu checks the time and decides to go to class. He kneels down to Kotaro, informing him that he will be back for lunch and instructing him to wake up Usaida if he needs something. Kotaro merely stares at his brother until he leaves. As Ryuu walks through the hallway, he feels rather embarrassed when the other students look at him and giggle. Hayato greets him, and Ryuu responds with his morning greeting. He whispers to Hayato if there is something weird about him, explaining that it is his first day in this new uniform. Hayato immediately responds that there is and points out that he has brought the children along with him. Sure enough, the children are standing behind Ryuu. Ryuu turns around and asks Kotaro what he is doing here. Taka explains that Kotaro wanted to follow Ryuu, so they came with him. Kotaro hugs Ryuu as Taka and the other children prance around, asking Ryuu to play with them. Ryuu tries to quiet them down as they make a fuss. Hayato tells his brother to shut his mouth, but Taka persists. Hayato then raises his fist, terrifying the children. Ryuu begs him not to threaten small children, but Taka runs away in tears.

Taka bumps into a female student, and Ryuu apologizes. However, she sternly responds that a simple "sorry" will not cut it. She demands why children are at this school and scolds them for turning the campus into a playground. The children begin to cry in fear and hug onto Ryuu. Ryuu apologizes again and agrees to take them back to the daycare center. He recruits Hayato's help as the two of them take the children back. The other students whisper among themselves that the girl is Inomata from the advanced class. One student comments that although she is the top of their grade, she is rather mean. Another student notes that Ryuu is taking care of the children because he lost his parents in an accident and concludes that Inomata is being quite cruel. Inomata walks away after overhearing the students' whispers when she sees Shizuka, Hayato and Taka's mother, carrying a huge pile of books. Shizuka asks Inomata if there were children crying just now, and Inomata affirms that there were.

The two of them, each carrying a portion of the books, discuss the children. Inomata says that regardless of Ryuu's circumstances, not everyone has time to fool around like him. Shizuka notes that Inomata must have a lot on her shoulders, as she is the top student of the gifted class. She denies that it is a burden, as studying hard is every student's duty. Shizuka then asks Inomata to do her a favor.

Ryuu tells the children that they can calm down, as they are now at the daycare center. Ryuu and Hayato find Usaida and Midori sleeping peacefully, so Hayato hits Usaida's head, waking him up. As Usaida complains, Ryuu turns to Kotaro, who is facing the wall in shame. Ryuu pats his head, assuring him that he has nothing to be sad about. The children listen as Ryuu tells Kotaro that it is his fault that he did not notice the children were behind him. Inomata suddenly responds that he should be more aware of his surroundings. The children tremble in her presence as Ryuu asks what she is doing here. Inomata holds up a small bento box and explains that Taka had forgotten to bring his lunch, so Shizuka asked her to deliver it. Ryuu takes the bento box as Usaida checks his phone. Inomata prepares to leave when Usaida cries out in pain. He leans on Hayato and claims that he has a severe stomachache. He instructs Hayato to take him to the nurse's office and tells Ryuu and Inomata to look after things while he is gone. Ryuu and Inomata are dumbfounded as they watch Usaida and Hayato walk away. Ryuu holds Midori as he assures Inomata that he can handle things on his own, so she can return to class. However, he does not know her name, so she introduces herself as Inomata from Class A. She insists that she stay so that she can fulfill the responsibility that Usaida has given her. Ryuu feels as though it is really awkward, as the children are cowering behind his back. He introduces himself as Kashima from Class C to break the silence. Inomata looks at the sleeping Midori that Ryuu is holding and offers to hold her. Before Ryuu can respond, Inomata turns red and raises her voice, claiming that it is not because she wants to hold her, but because she wants to help out. However, her voice wakes up Midori. Ryuu tells her to hush, but it is too late, as Midori begins to cry. Ryuu attempts to console her, and Inomata asks what her crying is supposed to mean.

Taka pokes Inomata with his sword, causing Inomata to turn around. The children ball their fists as they decide to defeat the "villain." However, Inomata glares at them and asks who they are calling a villain, which, to her surprise, causes the children to flee in fear. They tear up as they hide under a table. Inomata begins to tear up as well, and Ryuu instructs the children to come over and apologize to her, as they are the ones at fault. Inomata states that she does not want them to apologize if they are being forced to. She figures that Ryuu must be burdened by taking care of disobedient children and pities him for lacking free time. Ryuu smiles as he refutes her claims, replying that being with his brother and the other children is really fun. Ryuu blushes as he smiles, but he is stunned when a panda pillow hits him in the face. Inomata turns red as she tells Ryuu not to give him such a triumphant smile. She admits that he is not really pitiful. As she throws stuffed toys at him, she cries that everyone likes him and not her. She feels frustrated that she is the only one that everyone hates and that studying is the only thing she is good at. She drops a bunny plush as she tearfully admits that studying is the only thing she has. Inomata cries as she thinks to herself that the more she studies, the more lonely she becomes.

As she wipes away her tears, she sees that Kirin has placed her hands on her lap. The children, who all have red cheeks and are about to cry, surround her. Kirin consoles Inomata, telling her not to cry. The children each apologize as Inomata asks why they are crying as well. She hugs the children as they all cry together. Ryuu wonders why Inomata started crying, but he knows that the more reassurance and warmth, the more tears that flow. At the nurse's office, Shizuka holds a up of tea as she notes that there are many students in the gifted class who do not know to take a break. She glares at Usaida, who lolls around on a bed, that there are people who are too good at taking breaks. Hayato informs Ryuu that Usaida was merely faking a stomachache. He asks what to do with Inomata, who is soundly asleep with the children on the floor. Ryuu decides that it is best to let her sleep. Hayato jokes that Ryuu has another child to look after.

Inomata suddenly awakens and sits up, asking what time it is. The Babysitting Club is having lunch, and Hayato tells Inomata that it is lunchtime already. Ryuu says that they tried to wake her up, but she kept on sleeping. Inomata blushes as she exclaims that she does not skip class without a good reason.

Act Two
Kotaro stares at the tiger on his sweater, and Ryuu asks why he is looking at it. Kotaro does not answer, and Kirin responds that he is sad because of what Taka said to him. Moments before, Taka insults Kotaro by saying that it is dumb that he has not seen a tiger in real life yet wears a sweater with a tiger on it. Taka insists that he did not say anything false, claiming that he did nothing wrong. Hayato glares at him and hits his head, scolding him for insulting Kotaro. Taka cries as Hayato pushes him to apologize. Ryuu tries to diffuse the situation, and Kotaro nods that he is not too upset.

Taka turns to his brother and exclaims that he always does this to him, and he assumes that Hayato hates him. Hayato asks what he is talking about, and Ryuu assures Taka that he does not hate him. Before Ryuu can finish his sentence, Hayato bluntly says that he does not particularly like or hate him. This stuns both Ryuu and Taka. Taka believes that Hayato hates him because he had said that he does not like him, causing Taka to run over to Usaida and bawl. He screams that he hates Hayato while an aghast Ryuu shakes Hayato back and forth. Hayato simply states that he was being honest with him, as little brothers go beyond love or hate. Ryuu sighs as he explains that Taka is too young to understand such a concept. Hayato dismisses his concern and picks up Taka to bring him with him. Hayato leaves with a screaming Taka in his arms. Taka exclaims that Hayato is not his brother anymore. Ryuu suggests to Kotaro that the two of them go to the zoo together this weekend. Kotaro agrees, and Ryuu thinks about dipping into his savings to buy tickets for them. Kirin calls out to Ryuu and says that she wants to see the giraffes. Takuma wishes to see the zebras while Kazuma is interested in the horses. Ryuu stutters as he explains that they should spend their days off with their parents. Usaida appears behind Ryuu and tells him not to play favorites with his little brother. He suggests that he take all of them and decides to tag along, as he can be paid for working weekends. Usaida announces to the children that they will be going on a field trip this Sunday, much to the children's excitement.

At dinner, Ryuu brings up the field trip to the chairwoman, who gives him permission to go. She refuses, however, to pay Usaida since the mothers will be going on the trip as well. She then asks if there is something else he would like to ask her, and Ryuu asks if she would like to come with them, an invitation that the chairwoman immediately refuses.

The day of the trip, Saikawa presents a large box with Ryuu and Kotaro's lunches. He had also made extra so that Ryuu can share it with the others. Saikawa then hands him an envelope with quite a sum of money from the chairwoman and explains that he is free to spend it on whatever he wishes, but must keep any receipts. Ryuu smiles as he promises to use it responsibly. Saikawa looks at him and takes out a special snack set for the "noble Ryuuichi-sama." Ryuu appreciates the sentiment, but he is already carrying a lot of things. Ryuu then calls to Kotaro, who is already standing at the door. Ryuu walks with Kotaro as Saikawa wishes them a good trip. At the zoo, Ryuu offers to pay Usaida using the money that he received from the chairwoman, but Usaida refuses. He shows Ryuu his camera and plans to sell pictures of the children to the fathers who could not make it. Hayato, in his baseball clothes, apologizes for arriving late. Taka throws a tantrum in his arms and demands to be let down. Ryuu sees that he has club activities, and Hayato explains that his mother is busy as well. He sets Taka down as he asks if he can send him in alone. He apologizes for bothering him on his day off and says that he planned to skip practice to come along, but Taka immediately protests, exclaiming for him not to follow them. Ryuu asks Hayato if they're still fighting and urges him to tell Taka that he likes him. Hayato bluntly says that he does not particularly like him. Taka overhears this and runs away, dragging Kotaro along with him. Ryuu runs after him, and Hayato calls out to him not to make trouble for Ryuu and Kotaro.

The group first go to see the elephant, and Ryuu is relieved to see that Taka is enjoying his visit, even without his brother. Usaida takes several pictures of the children as they check out the other exhibits. Ryuu excitedly tells Kotaro that it is time for the tiger exhibit. The tiger roars through the glass, terrifying the children, who all, except for Kotaro, run to their mothers and Usaida. Usaida sees that Kotaro is still standing in front of the tiger, thinking that Kotaro is not even fazed. Ryuu looks at Kotaro's face and sees utter fear. He figures that if they were in the wild, Kotaro would be eaten first. He picks up Kotaro and pats him. Usaida then calls the two over to see the cute tiger cubs. Outside, Taka tells Kotaro that the big tiger was not scary at all, and Kotaro nods in agreement. Usaida decides it is time for lunch, and Ryuu goes to the lockers to pick up his lunch. Kotaro stares at something, and Ryuu turns to see what he is looking at. He sees a family enjoying the zoo together and pictures his own parents. Usaida calls his name, and Ryuu asks if anything is wrong. He laments being the only man amongst three other married ladies. He then puts his hand on Ryuu's shoulder and tells him to hurry up so they can all eat together. The children and their mothers sit at a picnic table, and Takuma and Kirin tell Ryuu and Kotaro to hurry up. Kotaro points to them, and Ryuu and Kotaro go to sit down. Usaida asks a quiet Taka if he misses his brother, but Taka turns red and calls him an idiot.

The mothers compliment Saikawa's amazing lunch boxes that are full of cute, animal-shaped foods. Yayoi wonders if Saikawa would be willing to teach her the recipes, and Umi comments that they taste amazing. After lunch, Usaida takes a picture of the children holding rabbits and feels confident that the fathers will buy such a cute picture. Ryuu holds a bunny as Kotaro comes up to him. He points to a sheep and calls it "shaggy," just like the chairwoman. Ryuu, Usaida, and the mothers admit that the sheep really does look like the chairwoman. Umi says that the "Youko" in her name refers to "little sheep." Usaida tells Ryuu and Kotaro to get next to the old lady, and Kotaro feels the sheep as he takes the photo.

Taka shows Kotaro a hawk and brags that his name also means hawk. Ryuu tells Taka that the peregrine falcon, called "hayabusa," also contains Hayato's name. Taka pouts and denies that Hayato is his brother before taking Kotaro by the hand and walking away. Ryuu calls after him, but Usaida assures him that he will be fine. Outside the gift shop, Umi says that they have reached the final battlefield, while Yayoi urges them not to be broken. Kirin, Takuma, and Kazuma immediately pick up merchandise and beg their mothers to buy them. Ryuu takes a sheep keychain and suggests to Kotaro that they buy a keychain for the chairwoman. Ryuu tells Usaida that he will be going to buy something, so Usaida waits with Taka. Taka stares at the bird stuffed animals, and Usaida tells him that he will buy him and Hayato souvenirs. Usaida picks up a falcon and turns around, but Taka has run off after seeing a man who looks similar to Hayato. The others walk up to Usaida, but Usaida does not know where Taka is.

As it is getting dark, Taka runs after "his brother," but the man turns around to look at his watch, and Taka sees that the man is not Hayato. He then hears the loudspeakers say that the zoo is about to close. He begins to run but he trips and falls. After realizing that he is lost, he cries for his older brother. Just then, Hayato walks up behind him and picks him up. Hayato calls him an idiot and tells him a man should not cry just because he is lost. Taka bawls as he insists that he is not crying. Ryuu, holding Kotaro, runs towards Taka, relieved that he is alright. Hayato hits Taka and tells him to apologize, and Taka smiles as he rubs his head. The mothers say goodbye to Ryuu and Hayato as the two carry their little brothers on their backs. Ryuu is glad to see that Hayato arrived and asks him if he came all the way here because he was worried about his brother. Hayato denies feeling worried, citing that his mother had hit him for leaving Taka alone. Ryuu still feels glad though, because Taka was really lonely without him. Kotaro and Taka have fallen asleep, but Taka mumbles that he really loves his brother. Hayato calls him an idiot, but blushes just a little when he says that he does not particularly hate him. Ryuu comments that even Hayato gets rather bashful, much to Hayato's ire. Hayato says that Kotaro is too attached to Ryuu. Ryuu thinks to himself that whether they are laughing or crying, they are still brothers.

Characters In Order of Appearance

 * Ryuuichi Kashima
 * Kotaro Kashima
 * Morinomiya Youko
 * Saikawa Keigo
 * Usaida Yoshihito
 * Midori Sawatori
 * Taka Kamitani
 * Kirin Kumatsuka
 * Takuma Mamizuka
 * Kazuma Mamizuka
 * Hayato Kamitani
 * Inomata Maria
 * Shizuka Kamitani
 * Umi Mamizuka
 * Yayoi Kumatsuka
 * Sawatari Yukari

Act One

 * Usaida does not cling tight to an annoyed Taka in order to keep warm like he did in the manga.
 * Thus, the part where the sleeping Usaida was later seen clinging to Kirin's stuffed giraffe that the children somehow managed to swap for Taka was also omitted.
 * Midori was carried by Kirin when the children followed Ryuu out of the daycare in the manga. In the anime, Midori remained with Usaida from the the start up until he excused himself to go to the nurse's office. (She takes the aforementioned stuffed giraffe's place from the manga as well.)
 * Ryuu implores that the children don't disturb others during school hours in both adaptations, but only the manga shows other students getting annoyed by the loud toddlers.
 * Shizuka's remarks of how she feels bad that Taka was likely causing most of the ruckus in the hallway was omitted.

Act Two

 * The anime begins with the scene of Kotaro staring at the tiger picture on his shirt. The scene with Taka making hurtful remarks about Kotaro never having seen a real tiger was changed into a flashback of Kirin's.
 * The flashback expands the original scene a bit by featuring Kirin overhearing the conversation. This helps elaborate how Kirin knew about it in the first place.
 * The anime cuts a scene where Ryuu wondering whether Kotaro wanted his animal book read to him leads to the other children each choosing a book of their own for storytime.