A Perspective of Life from Shamisen

A Perspective of Life from Shamisen is a chapter of the Haruhi Suzumiya Manga, volume 5. It takes place during the public pool scene from Endless Eight. The story is from Shamisen's perspective, before he was given the ability to talk in The Sigh of Haruhi Suzumiya. His narration demonstrates human-level intelligence even though he behaves no differently from an ordinary cat.

Japanese

 * October 26, 2007
 * ISBN 978-404713-981-7

English

 * March 23, 2010
 * ISBN 978-031608-605-9

Summary
Shamisen complains to a dragonfly about how life is difficult for a male calico cat. He especially complains about noisy female humans, whom he regards as fickle.

A pair of children pick him up. The father of one of the girls tells her to hold onto him, since male calicos are valuable, which alarms Shamisen. However, they instead give him to Yuki Nagato, whom Shamisen recognizes as "different"; he can sense she is an alien. After letting him go, she suggests the two girls play with Haruhi Suzumiya. They follow her suggestion (leading in to their brief appearance in the anime version of "Endless Eight"). Nagato appears to understand Shamisen's speech, but does not respond.

The dragonfly tells Shamisen he is a "Philistine" and should enjoy life more.