After dinner that evening, the two of them returned to the study to read.
This time, Dekisugi wasn't reading a science book. Instead, he picked up a copy of Treasure Island.
Daichi Yayahara was curious. "Dekisugi, how come you're suddenly interested in reading this book?"
Dekisugi looked back at him and said, "Because the story this afternoon was so much fun! I want to see how people in the past searched for treasure."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "Also, what you said earlier today really made sense. I've always been focused on chasing what I want, but in doing so, I've overlooked some really good things."
"Oh?" Daichi raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Want to tell me what you've been chasing, and what you think you've missed?"
Dekisugi nodded. "A while ago, after I went to the future, I kept trying to make myself worthy of the future me, so I studied hard all the time. But I later realized, I've always been alone."
He turned to look out the window, resting his chin on his hands. "Back then, I tried so hard to make friends. I kept studying, reading, improving myself. Eventually, I became a role model in class, but somehow, everyone just felt further and further away."
His voice grew quieter.
"I once tried to help others by tutoring them, but no one appreciated it. They only wanted to copy my homework. Only Shizuka was different—she thought things through with me and worked on the problems together."
"At first I thought she might become a close friend. But it seems like, except for homework, she keeps some distance from me. I've never had a true friend. I've never experienced real friendship."
"I want to truly be part of the group—not just be the outsider. But I haven't figured out how. That's why I keep turning to books. Only books bring me joy."
"I used to think books were the only joy I'd ever have—until today. The teamwork, the competition during the treasure hunt—it was something I'd never experienced before. And I think… I may have found a way." He lifted the storybook in his hand.
Daichi nodded. "That's great. I hope you find a true friend soon. Keep it up."
Dekisugi smiled and went back to reading.
That night, Daichi's magical energy reached a peak. He jumped onto the rooftop and began inscribing his fifth resonance sigil.
Just as he expected, he succeeded. The fifth resonance rune appeared in his sea of consciousness.
Daichi felt both his magic and spiritual power increase. With the help of his staff, he could finally use some of the more powerful Tier 2 spells.
The next day, he went to tutor Nobita. It took him over two hours to explain all of Nobita's homework, and he even finished his own.
After Nobita finished writing, he dropped his pen and threw himself into Doraemon's arms, crying out.
Daichi raised an eyebrow. What now? It's not like anything bad happened today. Don't tell me it's one of his "bright ideas" again…
Unfortunately, that's exactly what it was. And "unfortunately" because Nobita's bright ideas never ended well.
"Doraemon! Is there anything that can help me find treasure? I want one of those undiscovered, super-hidden treasures!"
Doraemon sighed and pulled out a map and a pen. "There is, but the chances are low. This treasure-hunting pen can point to a treasure on this map. The map can slide around—here, I'll teach you how to use it…"
Just then, Nobita's mom came up and called Daichi outside.
He stepped out and closed the door. She handed him an envelope. "Daichi, here's your salary for the week—three thousand yen. The extra five hundred is a thank-you for helping Nobita improve his grades. I hope you'll continue to guide him."
He accepted it and bowed politely. "Thank you very much. I'll head downstairs then—let me know if you need anything."
As he watched her go down the stairs, his heart was full of excitement. It was hard-earned pay for a week's work, and he tucked it away carefully.
When he opened the room door again, he was nearly blinded by a flash of golden light.
As the light faded, he saw Nobita and Doraemon staring wide-eyed at the map, where a treasure chest icon was slowly taking shape.
"No way… it worked on the first try?!" Doraemon could hardly believe it. To hit a hidden treasure location precisely on a global map on the first attempt was near impossible.
"Oh? So we've entered the Treasure Island storyline? I wonder if this is the new or old version," Daichi thought to himself—it wasn't something he could say out loud.
He stepped forward. "So this symbol on the map… does it mean there's really treasure there?"
He peeked at the location—sure enough, it was in the Pacific Ocean.
"In theory, once it's marked, it means there's definitely treasure there that hasn't been discovered yet," Doraemon said seriously. This time, it wasn't a playful, scripted adventure like before—this was real.
"But it's in the middle of the Pacific," Nobita said with doubt. "There aren't any islands there. Are you sure your map's not broken?"
Doraemon scratched his head. Nobita had a point…
Daichi waved it off. "Anyway, if you guys decide to go on this adventure, count me in. I'm looking forward to it."
With Doraemon and Nobita's assurance, Daichi headed home for lunch.
That afternoon, Daichi and Dekisugi ate while watching the midday news.
The headline: a newly formed island had appeared in the Pacific Ocean, likely created by an undersea volcanic eruption.
If all went well, it might be added to Japan's national territory. The footage was exclusive.
The aerial video showed a volcanic crater spewing violent gusts. Two oddly dressed individuals were caught on film.
But due to the storm around the crater, they had to cut the feed and retreat.
"So that's the exclusive footage. Looks like this is the new version of Nobita's Treasure Island," Daichi said, then turned to Dekisugi.
"Dekisugi, how would you like to go on a real adventure?"
Dekisugi didn't understand what he meant, but Daichi just smiled.
Not long after, Nobita called—inviting him to the Treasure Island adventure.
Daichi asked Dekisugi if he wanted to go. Dekisugi thought for a moment, then nodded.
After informing their guardians, they both set out.
At Nobita's house, Daichi asked, "What if this adventure lasts more than a day?"
Nobita thought for a moment. "Then when we come back, we'll just use the Time Machine to return to this afternoon! Right, Doraemon?"
Doraemon hesitated. It wasn't ideal, but as long as they didn't bump into their past selves, it should be fine. Even if they did, it probably wouldn't be a big deal. So he agreed.
With that concern gone, Dekisugi was fully on board.
"Alright! First, we go to the river. This canal connects directly to the ocean. We'll sail from there," Doraemon declared.
"Wait, why not just use the Anywhere Door?" Daichi asked.
Nobita laughed. "Because that would take all the challenge out of it! Using a boat makes it feel like a real adventure."
Hearing that logic, Daichi had no objections.
Soon, they arrived at the riverbank. Doraemon pulled out a gadget: the DIY Sailboat Kit!
Everyone stared at him in disbelief—it was toy-sized. No way it could carry people.
"Relax! Once it's assembled, I'll put it in the water and enlarge it," Doraemon promised.
"Alright then!" Nobita eagerly grabbed the pieces, but Daichi quickly snatched them away.
He remembered the movie well—Nobita had broken the mast. Better to let Dekisugi handle it.
Dekisugi opened the box. Inside were the three main hull components and a bunch of smaller parts.
He examined them, then rapidly pieced everything together. Before long, a perfect sailboat appeared in his hands—every part in place, flawless.
Doraemon placed the boat on the water. "Now, time to enlarge it with the enlarging light!"
"Wait!" Nobita shouted. "Give me the Anywhere Door first."
"What for?" Doraemon asked, handing it over.
"I'm going to get Shizuka."
Daichi and Dekisugi were both speechless. Moments later, a scream rang out—Daichi facepalmed. He must've barged into her bath again…
He stopped Dekisugi from going to check. "Not something kids should see."
Soon, Shizuka also agreed to join and walked over.
"Alright then! Let's set sail. Enlarge it!" Doraemon said, shining the beam on the boat.
The toy-sized boat expanded into an 18-meter-long, 5-meter-tall vintage sailboat.
Nobita was the first to board. "This ship will be called the Nobita Mystery! Raise the sails! Full speed ahead!" As he spoke, the ship's logo appeared on the sail, and they officially began their voyage.
Everyone boarded. The boat floated downstream toward the sea—marking the start of their next grand adventure.
(End of Chapter)