I agree that he was most likely talking about dirt children (tsuchi no ko) instead of the actual tsuchinoko, which is a mythological snake-like creature
to be exact it this.
"The Tsuchinoko is a snake-like cryptid from mountainous regions of Western Japan. In Japan, its name is ツチノコ or 槌の子 (meaning "dirt child")"
lol I had the same thoughts when my relatives killed and ate some animals as a child. It was traumatic and heartbreaking. I saw those animals play and bond with their families you know? Glad MC took it well. (´・ω・`)
Thanks for the translation!
If only they cut out that "80 year old man" being reincarnated part... this story would seem cute... lol... I can't forget he's an 80 year old man for some reason... and this makes things feel weird when seeing his actions...