I Am a Genba Neko | Blue Literature Department

I am a cat. I have no name yet.

...No, to be precise, people call me the "Genba Neko" (Site Cat). I have no idea where I was born, but when I came to my senses, I was sitting in a dimly lit material storage area, wearing a yellow safety helmet that was a bit too big for my head.

Looking down from high places while wearing this hat, I am made to realize that humans are truly foolish and reckless creatures. It is one thing for them to have a narrow field of vision, but they also have a bad habit of throwing their attention down the drain.

This morning was no different. In a gathering called a morning assembly, the humans were mumbling something in front of a piece of paper, calling it a "toolbox meeting."

"Today's work content is... pipe welding. Everyone, wear your safety belts and... uh, check your footing..."

Their voices are sleepy. Their brains haven't woken up yet. As proof, not a single one of them noticed the seeds of a "near-miss" incident, such as the rusted pipes rolling at their feet or the oil-stained floor.

They disperse and scatter to their respective stations. I erased my footsteps and glared at the situation from above the catwalk.

A young worker is trying to carry heavy equipment while walking backward without looking at his feet. In his path lies a collapsing scaffolding board. It is wet from last night's rain, and if he steps on it, he will definitely slip.

(Hey, human. Behind you. That's dangerous.)
My meow is drowned out by the roar of a grinder.

The human doesn't notice. In three more steps, he will likely trip spectacularly and get seriously injured.

I ran to the edge of the catwalk. I stretched my back straight, placed my left front paw against my flank, and extended my right front paw straight out. From my tightly clenched paw pad, I unsheathed a sharp claw to serve as an index finger and aimed it at the wet scaffolding board.

I opened my eyes wide and stared at the target. I pulled my arm back to my ear. Is it really okay? Is there no mistake? Then, with all my might, I swung my right front paw down.

"Meow (Yoshi/All Good)!!"

The piercing high-pitched sound reached the young worker's ears. He jolted his shoulders and looked up. Our eyes met. I kept my extended front paw still and just kept pointing at the scaffolding board.

...Ah.

The worker followed my gaze and looked at his own feet.
I could see the blood draining from his face.
He hurriedly put down the equipment and thrust his own right hand out.

"Scaffolding board wet, danger, Yoshi! Detour route, Yoshi!"

His hand swung down with a sharp vocalization.
The surrounding humans also began to point one after another as if drawn in.

"Passageway organization, Yoshi!" "Watch your step, stay safe!"

Good grief. If it weren't for my perfect "Risk Prediction (KY)" and "Pointing and Calling," an ambulance would have been here by now. You humans should take better care of yourselves.

—Now then. I have finished the great task of protecting the safety of the site. After labor, there must be a corresponding reward.

I headed toward the office prefab hut. Slipping through a gap in the sash, my sharp eyes did not miss the familiar long, thin bag in a basket on the desk. It is the enchanting legal narcotic that humans call "Churu."

I jumped onto the drawer casters and leaned over the edge of the basket.
I pressed my left front leg firmly against my flank and extended my right front leg.

"Meow (Tuna flavor), Meow (Yoshi)!"

I pulled my extended front leg back to my ear and stared intently at the text on the package.

"Meow (Expiration date), Meow (Yoshi)!"

Good, it's good until 2027. No problem. I pulled my front leg back further and sharply checked the bag for any tears or liquid leaks.

"Meow (no exterior damage), meow (all good)!"

Finally, I stared intently at the face of the office lady who would soon be offering this to me, and brought my front paw down with great force.

"Meow (everything is good)!"

Hurry up and hand it over, human. The safety of my stomach is currently under threat.

Topic: "Pointing and Calling"
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