8:00am in Calamari Region..

*Beep!* *Beep!* *Beep!*

Lai: Ugh... I'm coming up right now.

He just wakes up and found himself in his very own room, then Lai just realize that he's now living in his hometown, Calamari Region. He looks around his room as he feels the familiar when he was just a kid.

Lai: Oh yeah, I'm back home now..

Then, a recognized voice coming from downstairs, which he always received when he just woke up.

Joyce: Dear, the breakfast's ready! Your Superstars friends are probably waiting for you!

Lai: Wha-? They're still getting up so early.

Timeskip...

After dressing up and having breakfast in an instant, he joins up with the Squid Sisters as usual.

Callie: Morning, Lai! How was your sleep?

He yawns a bit with his hand covered.. Same goes for Marie but Callie seems very excited than usual.

Lai: You girls sure know how to sleep. I still can't get enough of that after the party.

Marie: Only for Callie.. *yawn*

Callie: Aww! Don't be sleepyheads! Today's the first big day!

Lai: What kind of?

Callie: Well, it's for remembering back the old but fresh and familiar taste! Let's look around town and visit some folks first!

Lai: Sure thing!

Before they all decided to hang out around for a long while.. Someone familiar greet them politely.

???: Hey! Long time no see, you three!

They all turn to look at the Inkling. With Studio Headphones, Red Beanie and Pilot Goggles as the headgear, Zink Layered LS as the clothing, Pro Trail Boots as the shoes.

Lai: Meggy! Long time no see! How's it going?

Meggy: Pretty fine! Anyway, it's been four years since we last met! And you seem pretty fine and more capable, I can tell that you've been through a lot with the Squid Sisters in your life. I'm so jealous that you've been having fun with my favorite idols!

Marie: Uhm.. Who is she?

Lai: Oh, this one's Meggy. A childhood friend of mine. She decided to stay in Inkopolis when she's 14.

Callie: Hey! Nice to meet you!

Marie: Same with her..

They both shake hands, Meggy almost screams like a fan girl but she contains it all.

Meggy: Nice to meet you both too, Callie, Marie! (Eek!! I'm actually shaking hands with her!!)

Callie: We both reallly lucky to have someone capable like him around us! Marie and I really enjoyed spending time with him!

Lai: Yeah! But too bad you still haven't changed, not even a little bit at all! You should join me in Inkopolis four years ago.

Meggy: Nah. I prefer to stay here and train myself. Now I had became the Star Athlete in Calamari, thanks to that!

All: Whoa!

The trio got surprised by the achievement she made.

Meggy: Surprised, huh?

Marie: Never heard of that, actually...

Callie: Me too.. Sorry..

Meggy got collapsed..

Meggy: Never heard of me, I guess I still have a long way to go..

Lai: Uhm! It's not that bad, actually! That means you still have rooms to improve yourself!

She grins happily..

Meggy: That's what I thought! So I'm not gonna give up yet! Anyway, you guys wanna stroll around the town? If you wanna, I can be your tour guide!

Callie: Cool!

Lai: Thanks! Lead the way then!

Timeskip... Village..

Meggy: So Lai, how's your life with the Squid Sisters?

Lai: Pretty well, even though they both are busy. I'm happy with that anyway.

Meggy: Of course you do. I'm glad to hear that. I should visit there someday.

Lai: You should, you had missed out a lot of things there!

Meggy: Thanks!

Callie: They both are getting along so well.

Then, her cousin teases her..

Marie: What? You're saying they're better than us in getting along?

Callie: No! It's not like that, don't get it wrong! ^^" I mean, we're like sisters even though the fact that we're cousins.

Marie: That's more like it. Just wanna make sure no one surpass us.

Callie: Hehe.. Yeah!

As they walk along, memories around there starts filling into their minds.

Callie: This place sure holds a lot of memories.

Lai: Yeah, that's what makes it so "memorable."

Marie: Oh Cod..

Meggy: *giggle* Nice one.. By the way, you guys have breakfast yet?

The trio nod..

Lai: Yeah.

Callie: Yeah!

Marie: Totally..

Then, a stomach growl just came out from Meggy's..

Lai: I guess that's why you asked us..?

Meggy: Y-Yeah.. I was thinking of bringing you three to the famous ramen stall. Guess I'll be having it alone.

Lai: Well, if you don't mind we can go with you. We still have a lot of questions waiting for answers.

Meggy: Okay!

Timeskip... Ichiraku Ramen Shop.

*Slurp!* *Slurp!*

Meggy: Woomy! This is the best!

Teuchi: Thanks! I added some extra noodles and porks! Please enjoy the ramen! Are they your friends?

Meggy: Oh yeah, they are! You guys should try it! Especially the broth!

Callie: No thanks! We already had our breakfasts!

A small bowl of broth sends out in front of them.

Teuchi: Just give it a try! I'm sure you three never try it before!

Lai: Oh.. Okay!

They scoop out a spoonful of broth soup. As they blows to cool off the heat and takes a sip of it, both of their eyes widened..

Callie and Lai: It's... Delicious!

Marie: Wait, let me try!

Meggy: You sure missed out a lot of things here too!

Lai: Indeed!

Callie: It's better than the Cafe one!

Meggy: Glad you like it!

As they're enjoying the broth, someone breaks them out.

???: Mind if you guys shut up and let me enjoy?

Lai: Huh?

They all turn to look an Octoling who's sitting far beside Meggy.

Meggy: Oh come on, Desti! Anyone can have fun anywhere. Besides, there's no rules and restrictions in here.

Desti: Hmph! It is and it's nice to see some losers around here anyway.

Marie: What the-!?

Lai: Wanna duel? I'll make you regret that one. 💢

Callie: Calm down! It's still early in the morning! *Sweatdropped*

Meggy: No, guys. Let me handle it. So stay out of this.

Lai and Marie start cracking their knuckles. Startling Meggy and Callie.

Callie: They both don't agree with that. ^^"

Meggy: Yeah.. I can tell... Anyway, now's not the time to pick a fight, don't you think? Desti?

Desti: Of course I know, idiot. I'm not gonna create some trouble around here. How about a one-on-one duel at the Bamboo forest?

Meggy: Oh it's on!

Sparks creates between their eyes as they stare each other menacingly.

Callie: (Why it's getting so intense right now? Even it's in morning?) ><"

Timeskip... Bamboo forest..

Marie: Seriously, we're supposed to be hanging around town, not watching some people doing 1 v 1 match.

Lai: Well, we already here. Besides, we can't do anything about it tho.

They both watch the rivalry match between Meggy and Desti while Callie will start the match as the judge.

Callie: Okay! This is the quick draw match and this will be in First-Strike mode! It's obvious that whoever gets the first strike, wins! So be sure to keep your weapons ready!

Meggy: ...

Desti: ...

Both of their hands are getting closer to their weapons. Marie suddenly breaks the atmosphere.

Marie: Wait, how you gonna start the match, Cal?

Callie: Simple! If someone yawns, it'll be the signal to start the match! Pretty cool, huh?

Marie: Is that even possible? I mean, it can be anytime-

Lai: *Yawn!*

As they both just heard the signal, their weapons draw out to each other. Meggy got her hand on hers. But Desti already draw out and ready to fire anytime.

Meggy: !?

She dodges her ink from Desti's 52.Gal by shifting her head away. And counter back with her Splattershot.

Marie: Never mind.. Please tell me you did that in purpose..

Lai: Yep..

Marie: *collapsed*

Callie: That's why it's cool and intense!

Both of them start strafing to the right side while shooting, using the Bamboos as their cover.

Desti: Don't think I'd go easy on you!

She jumps to a Bamboo, then bounces herself higher to get away from Meggy's aiming. Also ambushing her from above as well.

Meggy: !!

Meggy shifts away to aside to create a distance from her, but Desti lands near enough to her and blast Meggy's Splattershot away. Then, she got the upper hand on her rival.

Desti: It's over.. I have the high ground now.. Meggy.

Meggy: Nope!

She drops out her Splat Bomb and it caught Desti off guard.

Desti: What!?

The Octoling backsteps away before it explodes. Meggy rushes to grab her Splattershot. Finding a chance to land a shot on her.

Meggy: You're within my range!

Desti: Not a chance!

Lai: They both are equally strong.

Callie: Yeah! It's exciting even just watching it!

Marie: Could we please get this over with fast? I wanna visit the town already...

They both exchanging fire to each other. As Meggy is about to run past some Bamboos, she uses it as her advantage by swinging herself with the bamboo as a pole before launching towards her opponent. Desti slides dash on the ground to avoid the ink and they are about to clash. Of course, they both got shot by their weapons at the same time and the match just ended.

Callie: Game!

Lai: Who's win?

She tries to recall back the situation..

Callie: Uhm... I can't really tell from who landed the shot first.. So it's a draw.. Sorry about that.

Desti: Hmph! You're lucky today!

Meggy: I was about to say that as well.

Then, Desti takes her leave as Meggy joins back to Lai and the Squid Sisters.

Meggy: Sorry about that. I met a lot of rivals like her in my career.

Lai: It's okay. That was a fine battle.

Callie: Yeah! Me too!

Marie: But we can do better, you know.

Meggy: Hehe.. Yeah. Anyway, let's continue the tour!

Lai: Finally!

They all leave the forest..

Timeskip...

After the rivalry match, they start their tour around the town near at the seaside where there are a lot of stalls doing businesses around in the past. Surprisingly, instead of the environment being changed just as the trio would be expecting to be. The town seems to be improved and modernized a lot.

Callie: I'm surprised this place hasn't changed yet. It got modernized instead!

Lai: Yeah. I'm glad it didn't.

Meggy: Oh yeah! Since we're near the seaside. You probably know the Grizzco industry is located here as well.

Lai: Really!?

Meggy: Guess who's in charge here?

Callie: Who? Let me guess... Mr. Grizz?

Meggy: Correct! He's working here!

Marie: Wait! What!?

Meggy: I guess you all never seen him before, huh?

Lai: Yeah.. Never thought he's in Calamari the whole time.

Meggy: Wanna see him?

Lai: Sure! Take us to him!

Callie: I wonder what he looks like in person!

Timeskip... Grizzco Industry...

Every sailors in the harbor were greeting at Meggy as they tag along with her. Lai asks her in curious.

Lai: Uhm... You looked pretty famous around here.

Meggy: Of course! I worked a lot here to sharpen my skills! Mr. Grizz's sure a generous one!

Marie: So how much your points are?

She shows off her Salmon Run ID.

Meggy: Profreshional title, 999 points!

All: Whoa!

They all went jaw-dropped..

Meggy: Okay, shall we see the boss?

Lai: Oh! Yeah! Coming!

As they arrive at the Admiral's Room, Meggy knocks the door before entering.

???: Come in!

The four of them enters the room. They all notice a chubby type bear wearing Commander's coat, Admiral's hat and a Gas Mask Helmet. Meggy introduces them to Mr. Grizz.

Meggy: Boss! The stars are here who came back home from Inkopolis yesterday!

Then, he turns around...

Mr. Grizz: I'm surprised that you three would come here to visit me. Even though I got informed by your homecoming.

Meggy: This is the Admiral who manages the company!

They all except Meggy got shocked by his height and his body size.

Meggy: Guys?

Callie: Oh my cod...

Marie: That's too far from my expectations..

Lai: Hey! Mr. Grizz! ^^"

Mr. Grizz: I expected that face of yours would be reveal when you first seeing me. That's right, my crew calls me Admiral Grizz. When I came along, I took the wheel of Grizzco's seafaring research division. What's your story?

Lai: Just a turf war battler. From Plaza and the Square. Also..

Callie: Lai!

Lai: Oh sorry..

Mr. Grizz: Don't worry, I already know who you are. Those two with you are Craig's granddaughters. And you three are Agents of the N.S.S

Marie: Our gramps worked here before?

Mr. Grizz: Yeah. It was a long time ago when he was young. When the tides are rising up, he saved my crews from trouble and fought back.

Callie: Wow... I never thought he had worked with you before we even borned.

Mr. Grizz: Yeah.. I already forgot most of the times when he was there. Now his granddaughters and his Agents are here. Such a nostalgic memories I had.. Maybe the descendants can do a lot better than him?

Lai: Well, you could always call us for some help whenever you need! We're glad working together with you in the future!

Mr. Grizz: Hahaha! I'm looking forward it! I was hoping you could stay in Calamari for a bit longer.

Lai: We'll be back, I promise.

Mr. Grizz: *nod* Meggy.. You can bring them out now.

Meggy: Sure thing!

Timeskip...

Meggy: So I guess that's it for the Grizzco tour! Any places did I missed out?

Marie: You're the tour guide here. We should be asking you that.

Meggy: Oh sorry! Let me think.. Maybe the places where festivals are held?

Callie: Hm.. That'll be in Ronfa Hills! Since it's near from the forest and the hilly view is fascinating! Especially comes with fine weather!

Meggy: I heard there's another festival will be held on tonight! In the meantime, let's check out the on-going preparations while we still can!

Lai: Okay!

Timeskip... Ronfa Hills.

As they follow the road trail and arrived at the destination. Stalls, stages and a huge Japanese castle-like building at the ledge of the hill which a popular places for people to watch the fireworks. But the setup of this place makes them feels a bit familiar. Then, Callie realizes it first.

Callie: Is that!?

Meggy: Yep, the theme is back to the past when you two won the folks country singing contest!

Lai: Wow... The folks really missed us a lot!

Marie: Indeed, I still remember Pearl's high pitched voice destroyed some speakers in the end.

Callie: Yeah! And our ears almost got blown off!

Meanwhile in Inkopolis Square.

Pearl: Huh?

Marina: Hm? What's wrong?

She notices an Inkling is talking about her outside the studio.

Pearl: I feel someone just bad mouthed me.

Marina: Hm? Nah, maybe he just complimented your voice tho. ^^"

Pearl: Yeah, that was dope. That's for sure.

Back to them...

Meggy: Well, I guess see you three tonight! Hope you brought some Kimonos for the festivals!

Callie: Of course we do! Marie always wear one for herself. Mine's probably in Gramp's house.

Meggy: What about you, Lai?

Lai: Uhm... Do I have to wear one?

Callie: Well, you don't have to, actually. Just wear your usual one.

Lai: Cool! Let's get prepared then!

All: Yeah!

They all head back to their home for the festivals.

End Of Chapter...

Bonus,

New MMORPG: Splat Square Online, departure from Plaza. JK xD

Learned new combination: Maximum Inkantation.