Keito: A god from the machine... Are you actually an intricate robot that only looks like a human?
Kanna: Sigh... You really don't know anything, do you Senpai.
This is my newest invention, a sleeping device called "Snooze Anywhere Soundly-kun".
Keito: What is it named after, a failed comedian?
Makoto: (Hasumi-senpai's tsukkomi is so snappy and precise... I have to learn from him.)
Kanna: The name doesn't matter. I'm not the one who named it, anyway.
This is the perfect bed, engineered based on the latest ergonomic studies, which allows anyone to sleep soundly immediately after lying down.
As a bonus, it boosts the fatigue recovery effects of sleep by dozens of times. If you doubt it, would you like to try for yourself?
After all, both of you apparently couldn't fall asleep, just like me. With Snooze-kun (abbv.), you'll be in the land of dreams in no time.
Makoto: Ooh, I'm a little interested, actually.
Ehehe. High-tech gadgets like these always end up in my closet after I've used them once, but I keep buying them without thinking.
Kanna: As long as there are customers with that sort of curiosity, I will never lose my job.
Makoto: Your job? Since you're in Seisou Hall, aren't you an idol too?
Kanna: That's my current configuration, but my real job is something else.
I would sound suspicious if I called myself an inventor, but that describes my work fairly accurately.
Makoto: Oh, I think I've heard of you. I see, so you are Deus Ex Machina, huh?
Keito: What is with that title that sounds like someone with serious chuunibyou would come up with?
Makoto: (Incredible! You're so good at tsukkomi, please let me call you my teacher!)
Keito: Why are you looking at me with sparkles in your eyes...?
Kanna: I don't refer to myself with that strange alias, either. Deus Ex Machina isn't a particularly well-boding name, after all.
Keito: A god from the machine... Are you actually an intricate robot that only looks like a human?
Makoto: Ahaha, he does have that kinda vibe.
Kanna: ...I get that a lot.
Anyway. Would you two like to try this bed?
To make up for the worry I caused you, I want to gift you with a good night's sleep.
Makoto: Oh, like I just said, I'm interested~♪ Do I just lie down here? And then I'll sleep like a log till morning?
Keito: W-Wait, Yuuki, you shouldn't just—
Kanna: Shove.
Keito: Whoa?!
(Wh-What just happened? I just got pushed from behind, and...?!)
Makoto: Wah, don't just collapse onto me, Hasumi-senpai, you're gonna crush me! This bed is probably made for one person, you know?!
Kanna: ...Good night, senpais.
Sleep well. Then you can forget all about this bothersome reality.
Makoto: ......
(H-Huh? Was I sleeping? Was all of that just a dream...?)
(What a weird dream that was... But yeah, of course it's a dream, it was too unrealistic.)
(I talked with a weird kid under the moonlight. It's just a regular dream, and even if I told someone about it, they'd be like, "so what?" It's just that—nothing important.)
Ahaha. I have unrealistic dreams when I game too much. I should stop fantasizing and face reali—
Keito: Yuuki! Are you there?!
Makoto: Whoa that startled me! H-Hasumi-senpai? Do you need me for something?
Keito: Do you remember what happened yesterday?
Makoto: Excuse me?
Keito: Maybe it really was a dream, then... And because it's a dream, my memories of it are gradually fading, and I can't remember much of it at all.
Didn't we see a strange machine and strange kid last night?
Makoto: Uhh... But it's a dream, right? But, huh, you had the same dream too?
Kanna: ......
(Hmm... I tampered with their cranial nerves to erase their memories completely, but it seems there are some parts that have been left intact.)
(It still isn't complete.)
(If it can only produce results that are below its developer's expectations—if it can't perform the functions it's supposed to—then this is a failed product.)
(Just, like me.)
(I can't commercialize this. There is still a lot of room for improvement.)
Kanata: Hmm~ Hmm~?
Kanna: Is something bothering you?
Kanata: ? yes. um, i like "soaking in water", you see. but right now in this "season", it's still not warm enough, so i might catch a "cold"...
Kanna: I see. Then would you like to try this invention?
This is called "Boil Anything Warmly-kun"...
(Humans feel uncomfortable around things that look human, but aren't.)
(The uncanny valley... I want to overcome it too.)
(I'm—)
(—not, a machine.)
Kanata: ? is something the matter~?
Kanna: ...No. Sorry, I tend to malfunction at times.
Makoto: What could it be...? It's beeping. So futuristic~ So sci-fi~
Keito: ......
Makoto: Hm? Oh huh, Hasumi-senpai!
Good eveniiing... Um, what are you doing here in the middle of the night?
Keito: That's what I would ask you. Don't make that face, I'm not going to scold you for staying up late.
Besides, if that were an offense, we'd be partners in crime.
Hmph. Are you also so saddled with work right after the new year that you don't have time to sleep?
Makoto: Huh... Uh, yeah, basically!
(I can't say it! I can't tell him it's because I downloaded a ton of games that came out in the spring and played until so late I missed the right time to go to bed!)
(I can't let him know I got so engrossed in my games while completely ignoring work...!)
Ahaha. Uhh, I just graduated from Yumenosaki, so I've been a little busy, I guess~? So I couldn't really fall asleep, or something like that~?
Keito: Hmph. You're as sensitive as you look, aren't you.
If you don't mind, I can teach you how to ready yourself for a new chapter in life in the spring.
Makoto: Huh, the spring sale? Actually yeah, it has been bothering me! There's so many rare and niche games that are super cheap right now even though they usually go for way premier prices if you buy them in physical stores!
Keito: What are you talking about? Hm, I don't know that much about those games you like so much, but—
Makoto: (D-Does he know? Is he gonna yell at me?)
Keito: But that's exactly why I want to consult you.
This thing. What do you think about it?
Makoto: ? What...?
Wait, huh, what's this? There's a weird machine sitting under the tree.
I-Is it a UFO that crash landed here?
Keito: No idea. I couldn't sleep, so I decided to patrol the dorm as the dean, but then I found this suspicious thing.
I can't just ignore it, so I was wondering what I should do about it. Incorrigible.
Makoto: What could it be...? It's beeping. So futuristic~ So sci-fi~
Keito: Hey, don't touch it so carelessly. It might explode.
Makoto: I don't think it'll explode...
Aha, I knew I'd seen this layout before. There should be a control panel here...
Yep. Okay, let's activate it.
Keito: A-Activate what? Is this some sort of giant mech that can transform and combine with other parts or something?
Makoto: Probably not the combining type, but I think it might transform?
There! Look, Hasumi-senpai, open~ sesame~♪
Keito: What are you so excited about? So you're just another member of Trickstar after all!
Kanna: ......
Keito: Huh, the lid (?) just opened, revealing something inside! What is it...?
Kanna: Good morning.
Keito: Huh, uh—uh huh... Good morning.
No, don't "good morning" me! Why on earth were you being stored in this weird contraption?! Are you an alien or something? Tsukinaga would be thrilled to hear about it!
Kanna: I'm not an alien.
Sorry. I must have startled you.
I'm sleepy, so it's annoying to have to explain... but I have no choice here.
My greeting just now wasn't appropriate. To me, it might have been "good morning", but to you two, I suppose the time of day would require a "good evening".
Keito: No, uh, what are you talking about?
Makoto: This kid just follows his own tempo...
Kanna: Put simply, I was sleeping here.
The bed in the room I was assigned did not feel very comfortable to sleep in.
Keito: Hmm, so you also had too many things on your mind to fall asleep?
Kanna: I have no particular troubles. But I couldn't fall asleep, so I brought the bed I use at home.
Keito: B-Bed? Are you saying this weird machine is your bed?
Kanna: Yes. I've checked the dorm rules, and I don't believe bringing furniture into Seisou Hall is against the rules.
However, it was too big to bring inside my room... That's why I'm sleeping outside.
And I don't think there are any rules that forbid sleeping outdoors in tents or sleeping bags within dorm premises, either.
Keito: It's not exactly recommended either, though. And you're speaking so matter-of-factly you almost got me, but calling this machine a sleeping bag is... a bit of a stretch.
Keito: ...Hold on, Sakuma. You're really acting strangely today.
TL note: the original title of the story is 血肉に変えて which literally means to take something and make it your own by incorporating it into yourself. The flesh and blood imagery was too sexy so I had to include it in the title even though it makes less sense in English. In the later half of the story, Rei and Keito use variations of this phrase again; I opted to use phrasing that hopefully invokes the imagery of animals scavenging for carrion. It's Rei and Keito, they deserve it.
Keito: It's already so late. I have a meeting after this too, so I'll have to stop here for today.
(I've checked all the documents I needed to check by today, and I tried to write the proposal for Akatsuki...)
(But this quality is unacceptable. I can't go forward with this.)
(Ever since I came to Rhythlink, I've submitted multiple proposals to the higher-ups, but so far they haven't been taking me seriously at all.)
(The more they reject my proposals, the less I know what they want to see.)
(Just what should I be doing differently...?)
Rei: Ah, perfect. I'm glad that you're still here, Hasumi-kun♪
Keito: Sakuma. I didn't think you'd come to the office. Did you forget something, maybe?
Rei: Yes, you could say so. And what about you, Hasumi-kun? Work until this hour? Busy as always, I see.
You were already such a hard worker as a student; it seems that much hasn't changed even after coming to Rhythlink.
Actually, since you are now also the resident advisor of Seisou Hall, to me you look even busier than back then.
Keito: If that's what you think, then I'd appreciate if you'd at least attend meetings seriously.
On paper, you're the "assistant" of the Rhythlink representative, after all.
Rei: I have been at least attending the important meetings though, have I not?
Keito: You can still say that while acknowledging your attitude during the Summit? Incorrigible.
Whatever. It's not like I'm going to ask you to be proactive and help me with the agency's paperwork.
Rei: Right. We are idols. None of us would wish to be distracted by office work and end up neglecting our primary duties.
Keito: Even so, I do think that I have to carry this responsibility as the agency's representative.
Rei: How serious of you. You should relax, just a little bit. Look at those wrinkles between your eyebrows.
Keito: You're the one who's not taking this seriously enough. ...Just tell me what you're here for already. I don't have all the time in the world.
Rei: Oh, right. I came here today to hand this in.
Keito: Is this... a proposal for an event?
Rei: That's right. I have brought a half-finished draft that I worked on and promptly left to gather dust.
If it remains in my room any longer, I'm afraid I might forget all about it. However, if it's in your hands, Hasumi-kun, then I can rest easy.
Keito: You, write a proposal? That's rare. Are you plotting something?
Rei: Am I really that untrustworthy? I had an idea, and so I made it into a proposal...
Keito: That's where it gets suspicious. You should know better than anyone that this kind of whimsy is uncharacteristic for you.
...On top of that, I don't understand why you're giving it to me directly.
With the trust you've garnered from the higher-ups so far, it should be easy for you to get them to approve this proposal.
Rei: It isn't that easy. As I said... It has been gathering dust in my room.
It's unfinished, you see. The idea is good, and the general framework for the logistics are mostly done.
However, look here. It does not include details on which unit would be the one to carry out the project.
Keito: You're the one submitting it, so I assumed that it would be a proposal for an UNDEAD project...
Rei: That was my original plan, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was not suitable for UNDEAD.
Keito: (Actually, he might be right.)
(A more thorough readthrough shows that there are several parts that feel too ceremonial for UNDEAD.)
(It doesn't suit the "extreme and immoral" image of UNDEAD. However...)
Rei: Of course, I could always make changes to the proposal to make it fit UNDEAD... But the idea itself is just something I came up with at a whim.
Rather than force it to fit us, I thought it would be better to give it to you, the representative, as a company asset♪
As you pay more mind to the whole of Rhythlink, would you not be able to put it to better use than I?
Keito: Are you saying that this proposal can be used for an event held by any other Rhythlink unit?
Rei: I am. Obviously, you would need to make adjustments so that it can fit the image of the unit using it.
And I'm sure that the proposal would prefer to be used in such a way as well.
Keito: ...Hm. I understand the situation now. In that case, it's reasonable for you to bring it to me.
Besides, even though it's unfinished, this proposal is too well-made to be left at the bottom of your drawer.
As with every other time, I can't help but be impressed by how good and easy to understand your proposals are.
Rei: Fufu. Being praised by Hasumi-kun really lifts my spirits♪
Keito: I'll have to expand my skillset, as well...
Rei: ......
I don't want to sing my own praises, but that proposal should be good enough to satisfy those finicky higher-ups.
And it is up to you to decide how to make use of it, Hasumi-kun. ...Do your best to scavenge what you can before it rots away.
Keito: Alright. And don't you suddenly change your mind and tell me you want it back for your own use.
Rei: Very well. Then I have finished my business here, so I will take my leave.
...Oh, that's right.
I will attend the upcoming meeting, so you can go ahead and rest for the day.
Keito: ...What? Why this all of a sudden?
Rei: It's not so sudden at all, now is it? You were the one who told me to attend meetings seriously.
Keito: Yes, but... No, as the representative, I cannot just decide to be absent from the meeting on my own.
Rei: I was the only one attending meetings until a while ago, so it shouldn't be a problem.
And the higher-ups won't condemn you for it, either.
Keito: ...Hold on, Sakuma. You're really acting strangely today.
Rei: Don't make such a scary face at me♪ It's my job as your assistant to take on work in the stead of our busy representative.
Besides, do you remember what I said earlier? We are the representative and assistant of Rhythlink, certainly; but more importantly, we are idols.
We should both focus more on idol work instead.
Keito: I mean, you're right, but...
Rei: Mhm♪ So clock out and rest for the day.
Keito: Hey, wait!
...Gh, he completely dominated me. What on earth was that anyway?
(He told me to rest... Do I really look that exhausted?)
(...Maybe I am. I might have been suffocating by having to meet those higher ups and facing rejection again and again.)
(Did he read those feelings of mine and say he'd attend the meeting alone as a result...?)
(...What's more, the fact that he suddenly brought me a proposal is also unnatural.)
(With his intelligence, Sakuma should have been able to notice that his idea wasn't fitting of UNDEAD before making an entire proposal for it.)
(Weirdly formal, yet pleasing to the higher-ups... And no specified unit.)
(...He probably knows that I haven't been able to get any proposals approved, too.)
I could be overthinking it, but I doubt it. He's the sort of man to do something like this.
I can't say I'm particularly happy with it, but I'll take up the offer and scavenge it for myself.
...I'll repay you for this one day, Sakuma.
Rei: It's very rare that I do something like this on the house, Hasumi-kun♪
It has become rather hard to bear watching you hand in proposals at every meeting only to get rejected, after all.
(However, it was quite the stroke of luck that an old proposal I wrote would appear like this. It pays to clean my room every once in a while♪)
(Even so, that proposal is not something you can apply directly to Akatsuki and use as-is.)
(Whether he will be able to use my ideas as a guide to create an even more polished proposal is up to Hasumi-kun himself.)
...Although, Hasumi-kun should be plenty capable. Well then, I suppose I should work seriously as the assistant for once.
Note: Please read this translation alongside episode 6 of the Element anime. This only includes the scenes after the Eccentric Party Night performance.
Wataru: Hm?
Hmm, This is... wonderful!
(Wataru runs a finger on the first page of the documents, and his name appears on the paper)
Now it's complete. I wonder if this will make him happy?
(Eichi kneels on the floor next to his bed, gasping for breath)
Eichi: (coughing)
I... don't want to live anymore...
Please, I'm begging you, don't cure me...
I... I'm... a human that shouldn't be allowed to live—
Wataru: No.
(Wataru stands in front of the window, holding a bouquet of flowers)
Eichi: ...!
The Five Eccentrics... Hibiki Wataru...?
Wataru: The curtains have closed on that story, so could you stop calling me that?
Eichi: ......
(Eichi gets back in bed, holding the bouquet)
This isn't a dream, it seems. Why are you here? Are you planning on enacting your revenge on behalf of the Five Eccentrics, perhaps?
Wataru: No, no, that's absurd! Please don't underestimate my dear friends so, hm?
Eichi: ......
Wataru: Fufu. They haven't been killed or anything, after all, and they're not nearly as fragile as you think.
Shu was comforted by his beloved dolls, and is slowly recovering his strength.
Kanata, too, is starting a new life with the inexperienced hero who saved his heart.
Of course, our majesty the demon lord, Rei, as well... That man won't die even if you kill him, you see!
As for our youngest child, he is completely unscathed. He has quickly found the bluebird you let fly out of your hands, and has started a new life, not as one of the Five Eccentrics, but as a human, as an idol.
Eichi: I see... They're strong. ...Perhaps in this story, I was the only loser.
Wataru: No, no, for I, too... It's embarrassing to admit, but to tell the truth, I have no clue what I should do from now on.
Eichi: ......
Wataru: Therefore, I have decided to make a new request of the director who created the stage that satisfied me the most.
And that is why I'm here. And to pay you a hospital visit at the same time.
(Wataru snaps his fingers, and the bouquet turns into a binder)
Eichi: Wha...! Hibiki-kun, what is...?
Wataru: Fufufu! It's a story our youngest Natsume-kun poured his heart and soul into—a pipe dream.
The real thing has already burnt to a crisp, but I reconstructed it from memory, from the split second I read it.
Eichi: Fufu. How cute. This is truly nothing but a dream. One that wishes that his dear Five Eccentrics would not lose, that they would reach a happy ending without losing anyone on the way.
Wataru: Yes. Such impossible fantasies are what this story consists of. Befitting of the name "Eccentric Party Night".
Eichi: It's precisely because we defeated you on that stage that we were able to reach an ending, albeit an imperfect one.
If you had won that day, the academy would surely still be in the muddy trenches of the War.
Wataru: Indeed. I had predicted as much, and that is why I did not accept this story, filled as it is with that adorable child's dreams and hopes and love.
Eichi: And now, everything has settled down according to pre-established harmony. A story like this can only exist in the mind of a writer with the tendency to dream.
Wataru: Yes. Therefore, you, the one who sees that fact, shall be the one to reconstruct this tale.
Eichi: ......
Wataru: You have nothing better to do while you're hospitalized, am I right? So please, be the one to think of a new story. One where the Five Eccentrics—your enemies—achieve victory.
Eichi: Why? For what purpose?
Wataru: Because you are sickly, and no one knows when you will die.
Eichi: ...!
Wataru: If you, the main character, were to die and suddenly leave the role unfilled, the very story of the academy would be stuck in a dead end, would it not?
I trust you understand what I'm trying to say, Eichi-kun?
Eichi: Yes. I do understand, Hibiki-kun. I hold responsibility. The responsibility of the protagonist, of the author.
I must prepare for when I, the character, die and disappear from the world, and from the story itself.
Wataru: Exactly.
Eichi: Thank you, Hibiki-kun. Let me be the one to write it—a story based on this one that was once reduced to dust.
After all, even after I die, this academy's story will go on.
Let's see... First, let me and fine be defeated while I am still alive. How about having a hero from the new generation defeat me, who became a tyrant after defeating the Five Eccentrics?
Wataru: Mhm, mhm.
Eichi: They could be the survivor of the Five Eccentrics, or anyone else at all. But it would be meaningless if they were to just take over my throne. In order for everyone at the academy to start acting more on their own accord than they do now... Umm... Ah, I can't seem to organize my thoughts.
I'm not a genius, after all.
...It's pathetic, and I have no right to ask this of you... but could you help me come up with ideas, Hibiki-kun?
Wataru: Yes, gladly! I have nothing else to do, anyway. I'm looking forward to seeing what the next stage I should perform on will look like.
Ahh, no matter in the past or the present, that is the one thing that makes up all of my life's joys!
Eichi: Thank you. In that case, I would like a notebook, and some stationery. Could you buy me something suitable from the stores nearby?
Wataru: Yes, very well. Weren't you a fan of mine, though? Despite that, you seem to enjoy ordering me around, Mr. Author.
Eichi: ...
Wataru: Well, it's no matter.
Now, sing it! Weave it! Imagine your tale! A tragedy can become a comedy if you change your perspective.
I believe the next story will be a very exciting one!
(And this is how I, Hibiki Wataru, ended up helping the Emperor of the Academy, Tenshouin Eichi, with the creation of his story.)
(It is after this melancholic winter that he is defeated by new revolutionaries as the ruler of our Yumenosaki Academy...)
(Something that happens during the season when a seed carried by a dirty, exhausted bird finally blooms into flowers.)
Chiaki: “Now, Hokuto Senpai! Let's channel our hero energy to Rabiranger!"
Time: A few days later, on the day of the hero show
Tomoya: "I've got you, Scorpio!"
Kaoru: "Ahaha♪ Silly, silly Rabiranger."
"You haven't 'gotten' me at all. I let you find me, on purpose. Come, my little soldier...♪"
Tomoya: "Wah?! I can't see through these playing cards...!"
Hiiro: "—I am Spade, Amagi Hiiro! Who has summoned me?"
Kaoru: "Over here~ that'd be me, Spade-chan♪ And this playing card is proof of that."
"Now let's cut to the chase. Beat up that kid over there for me, will you?"
Hiiro: "RIght! I'll follow your orders!"
"—Haaah!"
Tomoya: ...Whoopsie. That almost hit me.
Hiiro: Don't worry, I'm fully aware of your movements, Mashiro-kun.
No matter how much ad-lib we do, I would never hurt you.
Tomoya: You said that during practice too... Could I try doing a real, actual punch then?
Flashy fights are the best parts of a hero show, after all.
Hiiro: Of course! Trust me and give me all you've got!
Tomoya: "Baaaam!"
Kaoru: (Oh no, Hiiro-kun got punched and got onto one knee.)
(—Or so I thought, but then he stood back up and charged at Tomoya-kun?!)
(I don't think that was in the script. Those two are really good at playing pretend.)
Hiiro: "That won't work!"
Kaoru: (It's an even match. The kids are on the edge of their seats watching the intense fight.)
(I knew it'd be a good idea to get Hiiro-kun to help us out... Hm?)
Chiaki: ...! (Is making weird signs at Kaoru)
Kaoru: (What's that all about...? He's waving his arms around desperately, but I have no idea what he means.)
(Whatever it is, now that Moricchi's here, we can move on to activate Plan C.)[1]
(I'll just have to give Tomoya-kun and Hiiro-kun their cue—)
"Ahahaha! Aaand you're mine~☆"
Tomoya: "Hokuto Senpai?! That's no fair, Scorpio!"
Kaoru: "Hehe, as a villain, I'll take that as a compliment. Thanks♪"
"This penguin is the source of your power—er, "powah", was it?[2] Now that I've gotten my hands on the source of your hero energy, it's game over for you~"
"Farewell, Rabiranger...♪"
Tomoya: "Ugh, I can't let it end here. I don't want it to end here, but I...!"
Chiaki: "Yes, it doesn't have to end here! Your story has just begun! —Hup!"
"The red flames are the proof of justice! Burning bright red, the sun of life!"
"Heroes are always fashionably late! Ryusei Red, Morisawa Chiaki...☆"
Kaoru: "Tch, so you came... Get him, little soldier!"
Hiiro: "Hmm? Which one should I get? I can't act if you don't give me proper orders."
Kaoru: "Duh, just be flexible and adapt to—"
Chiaki: "Now!"
Kaoru: "What?!"
Chiaki: "Fuhaha! Hokuto Senpai is safe with us☆”
"Now, Hokuto Senpai! Let's channel our hero energy to Rabiranger!"
"You too, kids! Let's all give Rabiranger our support! Let's say it together!"
"You can do it~! Fight, Rabiranger~!"
Tomoya: "Whoooooaaaa! I can feel the power bubbling up in my body! Take this! This is my ultimate move—Rabbit Shot!"
Kaoru: "Gh... Retreat, retreat! Just you wait, I won't forget this!"
Hiiro: "Wait, Scorpio! Give me my orders before leaving!"
Chiaki: "Justice prevails! Thank you for loudly cheering us on, everyone!"
Tomoya: "I'm glad you enjoyed the show! Thank you for watching!"
Time: That evening
Kaoru: Wow, it's evening already? Maybe it's because that was all so new to me, but I'm exhausted.
Hiiro: Are you alright? Would you like me to carry you on my back on the way to the dormitories? [3]
Kaoru: I appreciate it, but no. Thanks, though.
Thank you too, Hokuto Senpai-chan. The show was so much more exciting thanks to you.
Some of the kids said it was their first time seeing a penguin, so it was definitely worth bringing you here with us.
Hiiro: Mmn, Hokuto Senpai dipped his head. What does it mean?
Tomoya: "You're welcome," maybe? It could also be "I'm so tired" though...
Either way, you worked so hard~ Good boy, good boy...♪
Kaoru: By the way, you two really went all out, huh? I got a little startled when you started doing things that weren't in the script at all.
But I could feel that you really wanted to make the kids happy, and it was exhilarating to watch.
Tomoya: Ahaha... Sorry for going overboard. It was like Amagi flipped a switch in me, and I got a little carried away.
Kaoru: Oh, no, it was educational, almost. I didn't know ad-lib could go so far.
Man, you teach me something new every day, Tomoya-kun~ Maybe I should start calling you Tomoya-sensei♪
Tomoya: Please don't. I've still got a really long way to go...
Oh, hey, that boy in a wheelchair is coming this way with a nurse. I think he has something to say.
Chiaki: Are you... Yes, I knew it. You're the one who wrote me the letter.
That's right! I came to meet you to support your fight against your illness☆ Did you watch the hero show?
Kaoru: (Ahaha, the boy looks so happy. He's meeting the hero of his dreams though, so of course he is.)
Chiaki: ...Hmm? You want to talk to Scorpio too?
Got it. Hakaze, you're up!
Kaoru: Hey now, don't just go exposing my real identity like that.
Juuust kidding♪
Hello. What's the matter?
You've never seen such a cool villain? You look up to heroes, but if you could be like me, then maybe villains aren't so bad after all...?
Ahaha. Looks like I ended up stealing your heart too.
I heard that you have a surgery tomorrow. Good luck.
...Mhm. Once you feel better, let's do something evil, something that doesn't get us in trouble.
Pinky promise, between just the two of us...♪
Tomoya: ...Whoa. Whoooa.
Kaoru: Was that a bit too cringe?
Tomoya: No, it was the opposite! That was just you, right? No acting? That's so cool...
I could never do that. I can't just open my mouth and have words like that come out naturally. I could learn from that...
Kaoru: Really? Well then, as thanks for all the times you've helped me, I could teach you a few pick-up lines if you want. Nazuna-kun might get mad at me though~ Ahaha.
Sigh. That was so much fun. Hero shows are totally not my thing...
But I guess this isn't too bad...♪
May be a reference to one of Kaoru's lines in the song Date Plan A to Z, which goes "Plan C, let me take the lead"!
"Powah" is something Chiaki keeps saying in the event story Comet Show. Apart from it possibly being an attempt to say "power" with an American accent, its meaning is unknown.
May be a reference to Rinne's idol story, A Cupful of Sake and Brotherly Bonds, but could just be Hiiro being nice.
Kaoru: Evil deeds... What's a fitting evil thing for me? Womanizing?
Time: Five minutes later, in the Seisou Hall common room
Kaoru: —Huh, work?
Chiaki: That's right. I got a sudden appointment on the day of the visit.
I'm sorry, Hakaze.
Kaoru: Hey, don't apologize to me... I can already guess the answer, but I'll still ask: is there a chance you could change the date of that appointment?
Chiaki: No. I might be able to make it if it wraps up quickly enough, but I can't say for certain.
Kaoru: I see. That's rough...
......
...I'm gonna make a suggestion that might go against the expectations of the kid who sent you that letter, Moricchi.
But what do you think of getting Tomoya to stand in for you?
Tomoya: Me?
Kaoru: Yeah. You were gonna come along as Hokuto Senpai-chan's caretaker anyway, so I thought we might as well.
I mean, it might be a bit too big of a responsibility to pick up just because.
Tomoya: I don't mind. A hero show with just two people then...
By the way, who's gonna be the bad guy?
Kaoru and Chiaki: Moricchi (Hakaze)!
Kaoru and Chiaki: ...Huh?
Kaoru: I'm the hero, right? You said I'd be wearing Midori-kun's uniform and everything.
Chiaki: Yes, but if Ryusei Red was the bad guy, that would confuse the children!
Kaoru: Then we could both be heroes... nah, that wouldn't work. You can't have a hero show without a villain.
Tomoya: Umm... If that's the case, then maybe I could be the bad guy?
Kaoru: You, Tomoya-kun? Hmmm...
...No, I'll do it. UNDEAD's uniform is perfect for a villain, anyway.
And the Ra*bits uniform has a lot of white, so it's more suited for a hero role. And you'd be the one with our mascot character(?) the penguin, so you'd look more like the part.
Chiaki: I agree with that, but is that fine with you?
Kaoru: Of course. I'm the one who suggested it.
UNDEAD are the extreme and immoral monsters of the night—being a villain is much easier than being a hero of justice...♪
Chiaki: I see. Thank you, Hakaze.
Kaoru: Ahaha. We've only decided our roles, so it's too early to thank me still.
Tomoya-kun's the main hero, and Moricchi's the hero running late who may or may not show up. And I'm the villain...
We'll have to come up with a show that's exciting enough with just the three of us and Hokuto Senpai-chan. What kind of story should we go with?
Tomoya: Lemme think... Why don't we decide on the name of the villain before thinking of the story?
Kaoru: The name of the villain?
Tomoya: Villains in superhero shows usually have some kind of cool title, don't they? Something like, I dunno, The Undead Fiend.[1]
Kaoru: "The Undead Fiend" is kinda...
Tomoya: I-It's just an example. Anyway, I think we should think of a fitting villain name for Hakaze-senpai, and then do the worldbuilding and plot from there!
Chiaki: You sound familiar with this sort of thing. Have you been in an original hero show before?
Tomoya: No, this is my first time writing a hero show. But I have experience doing improv as practice in the Theater Club.
When you do improv, the most important things you need to know are your role and purpose.
And since villains usually have names that reflect what kind of evil deeds they do, we should decide on a name first.
Kaoru: Evil deeds... What's a fitting evil thing for me? Womanizing?
Chiaki: Hmm. That doesn't really feel like a type of villainy...
How about a thief? Enter! The thief of hearts, The Fiendish Hakaze...☆
Kaoru: We're going in the right direction, but that's a terrible name~ I'd prefer something that doesn't have anything to do with my real name.
Tomoya: ...It's a little cliche, but how about your star sign?
Kaoru: I'm a Scorpio, so I'd be The Fiendish Scorpio...
Oh, or just Scorpio, maybe?[2] Doesn't that sound kinda like a villain?
Chiaki: Oooh, yes it does! And it suits you too, Hakaze!
Tomoya: Yeah, I think that's a good idea too♪
Let's use Morisawa-senpai's idea of "the thief of hearts" as our hint, and write a story where Scorpio's character can really shine!
Originally UNDEAD怪人 (UNDEAD Kaijin). "Kaijin" originally used to refer to villains whose identities are shrouded in mystery, until the term was popularized by the Kamen Rider series to refer to a more specific type of villain in tokusatsu media. Tokusatsu kaijin are humanoid and usually capable of human speech, with varying degrees of intelligence. They usually have a specific theme. (eg. Whale Kaijin from Kamen Rider Black Sun has a whale's head and water-themed powers)
Here, I've borrowed the translation "Fiend" from the original usage of "kaijin" to describe a villain, the master criminal "Fiend with Twenty Faces" from the Akechi Kogoro series by Edogawa Ranpo. Yes, Kogoro Akechi is where Akechi Goro from Persona 5 got his name, it's not subtle.
Star signs have Japanese names—Scorpio is "Sasoriza" where "sasori" means scorpion. Kaoru's first idea is "Kaijin Sasori", which means "Fiendish Scorpion" if we go with the Fiend translation, and then he lands on "Kaijin Scorpio", or "Fiendish Scorpio".
But going from "I'm a Scorpio" to "Fiendish Scorpion" doesn't make much sense in English, and "Fiendish Scorpion" and "Fiendish Scorpio" sound equally cheesy in English, (unlike in Japanese where foreign language names in katakana just sound cooler) so I changed the final name to just "Scorpio" and made it play out as Kaoru getting too affected by Chiaki's naming patterns by changing the "Hakaze" in Chiaki's suggestion to "Scorpio", and Kaoru realizing that Scorpio is just cooler as a modern, English-sounding villain name. I tried.
Kaoru: Ohh, that Hokuto. You mention Hidaka-kun a lot whenever we talk, so I thought you were talking about the human♪
Time: The next day
Kaoru: ♪～♪～♪
...Oh no, I'm humming without realizing again.
Hero series have such catchy theme songs. I've gotta be careful not to slip up when there's other people around.
...I've learned a lot about heroes thanks to the watch party, and now I know how the fights and general story flow work.
But I'm not sure if I can put that to good use in my acting. At this rate, I'll just end up being a shoddier version of what I saw.
Besides, it's not like we can do anything like the dramas do. We can't blow up buildings or do any wire stunts.
It's not for work, so we don't really need to fuss over it too much, but I don't want to cut corners, either.
I'm not as invested as Moricchi, but I just want the kids who watch the show to be happy.
...I wonder what Tomoya-kun would do in this situation?
I feel kinda bad for relying on him all the time, but he's always willing to give me acting advice. Maybe I should go talk to him.
Tomoya: Helloooo! Where are youuuu?
Kaoru: Ooh, speak of the devil...
Tomoya: Where did you goooo? Hokuto Senpaaai!
Kaoru: Hey, Tomoya-kun. Are you looking for Hidaka-kun?
Tomoya: No, I'm looking for Hokuto Senpai.
Kaoru: Mmn? Isn't "Hokuto" Hidaka-kun's name?
Kaoru and Tomoya: ......?
Tomoya: ...Oh, sorry! I'm talking about the penguin I'm taking care of.[1]
Kaoru: Ohh, that Hokuto. You mention Hidaka-kun a lot whenever we talk, so I thought you were talking about the human♪
Tomoya: Sorry, I know it's confusing. When we first met, he wouldn't respond unless I treated him respectfully like a senior, so I borrowed Hokuto-senpai's name.
I think he might respond to something else now... But Hokuto Senpai just kinda stuck...
Kaoru: Ahaha, so that's the story behind it.
I don't see any harm in keeping that name. It's funny to watch as a bystander, at least♪
(I wanted to ask him for advice, but I guess this is a bad time.)
I'll help you look for Hokuto Senpai-chan too, then. When was the last time you saw him?
Tomoya: Just now. He disappeared while I was getting food for him in the kitchen.
He can't climb stairs unless I pick him up, so he should still be on this floor, but I've looked everywhere and still can't find him.
Just where on earth could he have gone off to...?
Kaoru: That's concerning. Penguins are fast swimmers, but they're pretty slow on land, so he shouldn't be able to slip away that quickly.
Which would lead me to worry someone might have kidnapped him... Hm?
...I think I figured out where Hokuto Senpai-chan is. Follow me, Tomoya-kun.
The Seisou Hall courtyard
Kanata: puka, puka...♪ eat lots and grow up nice and big~
Kaoru: Hey, Kanata-kun. You're in a good mood today, as usual~
Kanata: yes~ i'm in a "good mood". but this little one is in an even "better mood"♪
look, "mr. penguin" is eating his "fishy" happily.
Kaoru: Ahaha, you're right. Tomoya-kun, is this Hokuto Senpai-chan?
Tomoya: Yes! Thank goodness we found him...
Hokuto Senpai~ I was so worried for you, you know? There there.
Kaoru: Now, Kanata-kun. You can't just bring him here without permission just because you wanted to treat him to seafood, okay?
Kanata: hmm~? i didn't bring him here, though.
i saw that the "kitchen" was occupied, so i came here to cut my "fishy" instead, and before i knew it, this little one was standing right "beside" me.
look, he's saying "yep, that's right" by nodding his head, see?
Kaoru: So Hokuto Senpai-chan understands human speech? He's so smart.
Tomoya: When you said the kitchen was occupied, you meant me, right? You could've just asked, and I would've given you the space you needed. Why did you come all the way here?
Kanata: the "fishy" i cut is very big, so it would take up a lot of "space". "filleting" would also take a lot of time.
as you can see, there is still more than "half" of it left.
Tomoya: Whoa?! A fish appeared out of nowhere?!
Kaoru: That's an atka mackerel~[2] Where do you pull these out of all the time, Kanata-kun?
Kanata: ufufu. i found it when i was having a walk by the "shore".
Kaoru: Not that "where", and I don't think this fish lives in the waters around here.
Eh, whatever. You've always been a real enigma.
I'm just glad we found him. Now then, case closed—
Hmm... Wait, I could use this.
Tomoya: Use what?
Kaoru: Actually, me and Moricchi—Morisawa Chiaki-kun—are gonna do an original hero show in a hospital for the children staying there.
I was having a hard time deciding what kind of hero I wanted to be, and the plot of the show as a whole, but...
I thought that if we did a story where "a hero comes to save a penguin who wandered into the hospital" and take this little guy with us, the kids would love it.
Tomoya: Wow, that sounds great. And thanks to everyone in Animals, he's pretty friendly with people too.
I bet he would be happy to help with something like that.
And since I'm his caretaker, can I go too?
Kaoru: Yep, that would be a great help.
Fufu, I think that's a pretty ingenious idea for me, isn't it? I should contact Moricchi right away.
...Hello, Moricchi? Where are you? I wanna talk to you about the hero show.
You're in your dorm? Then come on down to the common room.. Yeah, I'll be waiting.
......
Kaoru: Hmmm... I hope it's just my imagination...
But I feel like something's off with Moricchi...
Hokuto Senpai the penguin debuted in the scout story Animals. In order to differentiate the penguin from Hidaka Hokuto, and because the "Senpai" is part of his name and not an honorific, I have chosen to write his name as "Hokuto Senpai", while Hokuto the human remains "Hokuto-senpai" as usual.
The atka mackerel is called the "hokke" in Japanese. Hokuto Senpai is eating hokke.
Kaoru: (...Yesterday's radio show was a great hit.)
(The fact that there's an idol in this day and age who can talk so passionately about Vampire Shogun seemed to have struck a chord with people on the internet.)
(Even though it was a late-night show, we got a huge spike in listeners.)
(And thanks to that, I've learned even more about Vampire Shogun, and now I'm even more well-versed in it than back when we did Succession Match.)
(But it's a period drama, so I don't think it's gonna help much with the hero show.)
Sigh... What do I do...?
Chiaki: Hakaze! What's wrong, what's wrong? Why are you sighing so?
Kaoru: Moricchi...
Chiaki: What are you so worried about? I'll hear you out if you're willing to talk!
Kaoru: Well, it's just... Wait, that's right. I could just ask you directly, duh.
Since I'm helping out with the hero show, I'd like to play a proper hero, but I don't know how to go about getting to know heroes more deeply, so I'm kinda stuck.
I don't suppose there’s a quick and easy way to learn more about heroes or something?
Chiaki: Hmm... The way of heroism begins with a single step. I wouldn't say there's anything "quick and easy".
But to learn about heroes, watching hero shows and sentai dramas would be the best way to go about it.
I'll curate a list of suitable series just for you. What kind of hero do you like?
Kaoru: What kind of hero? I have no idea, so that's why I'm asking you in the first place...
Hiiro: Did someone say my name?
Kaoru: Whoa there! Oh, Hiiro-kun?
No, we didn't... well, I guess we kinda did. "Hero" and "Hiiro" do sound confusingly similar.
Chiaki: And that's why I call him "Hero-kun" as a token of my envy and friendship...☆
Kaoru: I don't think that's very nice, though. Right, Hiiro-kun?
Hiiro: I don't mind. It felt wrong at first, but now I've learned what a hero is from Chiaki-senpai.
By the way, when will the tokusatsu watch party be? I've been looking forward to it ever since that day.[1]
Chiaki: Tokusatsu watch party... GASP?!
I-I apologize... I had too many things I wanted to recommend to you, but it was too much for a beginner, so I started curating shows for you, one disk at a time...
But then I got carried away and lost myself in the euphoria of making the list in the first place, and forgot all about my purpose...
Kaoru: Ahaha. Don't sweat it, Moricchi.
A tokusatsu watch party, huh... Would it be too hard to do that today?
It sounds beginner-friendly, and I should be able to learn a thing or two. I'd like to join in if possible.
Chiaki: Tonight would be fine for me. The list itself is more or less done, after all. How about you, Hero-kun?
Hiiro: That's fine with me too. I never thought the tokusatsu watch party would finally be realized like this. Thank you, Kaoru-senpai.
Kaoru: I'm the one who should be thanking you two. Well then, see you tonight.
Time: That night, in the Seisou Hall theater room
Kaoru: Hey guys, kept you waiting!
Hiiro: Sniff sniff... What's that savory smell? It smells like roasted plant seeds.
Kaoru: That's a weird way to put it. It's popcorn. Never had it?
It's a must-have for occasions like this. Movies are the best when you've got popcorn at your fingertips...♪
Chiaki: Oooh, you're so thoughtful, Hakaze!
Kaoru: Hehe. I'm the one piggybacking on this tokusatsu watch party you planned, so it's the least I can do.
Anyway. What's the lineup for tonight?
Chiaki: Right. Now that we're all here, let me introduce them.
Behold! This is the tokusatsu DVD collection we'll be watching tonight...☆
Kaoru: ...Huh? That's a whole mountain of DVDs, though? Did you really do any curating?
Chiaki: But of course! It was hard to leave out any one of them, but I had to make my selection, as cruel as it was.
Alright then, let's begin the watch party! First off, we'll start with the great ancestor of superhero media, Mo*nlight Mask...☆[2]
Time: A while later
Hiiro: —Chiaki-senpai, the hero is in danger!
Chiaki: Have you forgotten, Hero-kun? I know I taught you what to do when that happens!
Hiiro: Right, we have to cheer him on!
Chiaki: Exactly!
Kaoru: Now hold on, this isn't a hero show. Let's just watch quietly.
Chiaki: But you're using this as reference for the hero show, right? Then cheer him on, so that you can understand the hearts of the children who will do the same for you, Hakaze!
Kaoru: Uhhh...
Hiiro: You can't lose, hero! ...Come on, you too, Kaoru-senpai!
Kaoru: Y-You can't loooose...
Chiaki: What's wrong? There's nothing to be embarrassed about! The theater room is soundproof!
Now come on, don't be shy! Shout it out, from the bottom of your heart☆
Kaoru: You're killing me with that expectant look, Moricchi...! Ough, fine, I'll do it.
Kaoru: Fight hard, hero...!
This is a reference to Chiaki's idol story You're a Hero Too (Feature Scout 1).
Moonlight Mask (1958) is Japan's first made-for-television superhero. The original TV series spawned multiple spinoffs, such as movies for theaters, manga and anime adaptations, and a parody spinoff anime. It set the standard for live action TV superheroes in Japan alongside Super Giant (1957~1959), a series of tokusatsu short feature films and the first superhero to appear on TV, and together they influence superhero media to this day.
Kaoru: Me?! Noooo way no way, I've never been in a hero show before!
Chiaki: Did he not hear me? Heeey, Hakaze~!
Kaoru: Okay, okay, I heard you the first time~ Could you stop yelling my name so loudly?
Yoo-hoo, Moricchi. And hi to you too, Anzu-chan.
Chiaki: Yoo-hoo! What a coincidence for us to meet here☆
Kaoru: Ahaha, for real...
Umm. What were you two talking about? I was gonna say hi, but it looked like something pretty serious, so...?
Chiaki: So that's why you turned to leave. We're friends, you don't have to be so awkward.
Actually, I was asking Anzu for a personal favor.
Kaoru: What kind of favor?
Chiaki: I'm planning on visiting the hospital I frequented as a kid soon. I'm thinking of putting on an original hero show for the children in the hospital to cheer them up.
And obviously, the budget is zero. I'll just have to use whatever we already have, including outfits, so I was planning on asking the rest of Ryuseitai.
But on the day I wanted the show to be, all of them have work.
So I asked Anzu if she could move their appointments around to free up that day...
Kaoru: And judging from Anzu-chan's expression, she can't do anything about it either.
If changing their appointments is impossible, why not just pick another day? You're all in the same unit, so there's bound to be a day you can all get together, right?
Chiaki: About that. Anzu said the same thing, but I don't want to change the date if I can help it.
...I decided to visit the hospital because of a letter I received from a hospitalized kid.
He likes heroes, apparently, and when he learned that he's staying in the same hospital as I did, he wrote me a letter.
Heroes never yield. They never give up no matter how dire the situation.
The letter was filled with strong words on how he was going to overcome his illness and become a real hero someday...
But apparently he has a major surgery coming up, and I could feel his anxiety between the lines.
So I want to make the visit before the surgery, and boost his courage by showing him a hero defeating evil. I want to tell him that I'm cheering him on. That he has my support.
Luckily, I'm free on the day before his surgery...
Kaoru: But none of the others are.
You can't put on a hero show all by yourself. And yeah, in your case, you couldn't change the date of the visit, either.
...Anzu-chan? What's wrong? You have an idea?
Chiaki: Why don't I ask Hakaze to do the hero show with me instead, you say?
Kaoru: Me?! Noooo way no way, I've never been in a hero show before!
...You think that even though I don't have experience, I should be able to do it? And my acting in that coming-of-age drama was even better than you expected and you were really impressed?
Chiaki: Hakaze, huh...
Kaoru: Moricchi? Why are you staring at me like that?
Chiaki: Mhm, Takamine's outfit should be big enough!
I didn't think of getting help from other units. How could I be so blind, even though I came up with the idea of an original hero show?
Great idea, Anzu...☆
Kaoru: Ummm, I haven't agreed to anything yet though...? I'd at least have to check my schedule first to see if I've got work that day...
You'll check right now? Oh, thanks, Anzu-chan.
Time: That night, in a radio recording booth
Rei: And that is how you ended up making a careless promise without a second thought~♪
Kaoru: Don't say that in a sing-song voice~!
Rei: You made a careless promise without a second thought...
Kaoru: I'm not telling you to say it in a different tone.
Rei: My, you're being so difficult, Kaoru-kun. What do you want me to do?
Kaoru: To just shut up and listen to my confession.
Rei: That's boring. There's no reason for me to sit through this.
Anyhow. To think you would agree to participate in a hero show. You have a kind heart, Kaoru-kun.
Kaoru: No, it's nothing like that. It's just that Anzu-chan was right there, so I couldn't say no. I just tried to look cool. Irresponsibly.
I can retake a scene as many times as I want in a drama, but you only get one shot in a hero show, y'know?
A complete newbie like me is doomed to mess up.
Rei: Nonsense. Are live concerts not the same?
Kaoru: Yeah, but I'm used to those...
Rei: Well then, what about when you ask someone out on a date? Or a livestream, like the one that will start in a few minutes? Do you not get just one chance for those, as well?
Besides, you wouldn't even be performing the show on a grand stage, will you? Just relax and enjoy yourself.
Kaoru: You're telling me to enjoy myself, but I don't know the first thing about heroes.
I didn't even know that American heroes were different from Japanese ones until like, this year.
I referenced Moricchi in my performance as a hot-blooded character, but I don't know anything about acting like a hero.
Rei: Kukuku. Times like this call for Vampire Shogun♪
Kaoru: Aaand there it is. Vampire Shogun.
Rei: What do you mean, "there it is"? Vampire Shogun is a historic period drama of honorable origins that took an entire generation by storm during its run. He is a hero we should all be proud of.
Ah, what a wonderful opportunity. I shall talk extensively about Vampire Shogun during our radio show and tell you all about it♪
We are about to go live. Are you ready, Kaoru-kun?
Kaoru: Yep. Radio shows are audio-only, but that means listeners can really tell how we feel from the tone of our voices. I'll get into work mode.
Rei: That's the Kaoru-kun I know.
Just keep up the good work, and apply the same mindset to the hero show as well...☆
Kaoru: Oh c'mon, can't you drop it while I'm trying to forget about it~?
Tomoya: I'm not the only one who thinks so, though! A lot of other people thought you were great too. Like Anzu-san.
Tomoya: Hi, Hakaze-senpai. Can I sit here?
Kaoru: Oh hey, Tomoya-kun. Yeah, sure~
I don't see any of the other Ra*bits kids around. Are you eating alone today?
Tomoya: Yeah. I just finished a drama filming session.
Kaoru: You're starring in another drama? Now that's our fan favorite actor~♪
Tomoya: Noooo, I'm not that popular. Another kid from our agency called in sick, so I'm just standing in for him.
It's just an unnamed background character with only a couple of lines.
Kaoru: Ohh... Why did that role fall to you, then?
Even a total newbie could take up that kinda role, right? It doesn't sound like something that would call for you, Tomoya-kun.
Tomoya: I approached them for the role, actually. It was pretty last-minute, so the staff looked really worried, and I thought it would make for good experience.
Kaoru: Experience?
Tomoya: Like where to direct my eyes, how to blend into the scene, stuff like that. There's techniques I can only learn from a role without that many lines.
And it's a great opportunity to let the production staff get to know my face. Just because it's a background character doesn't mean I can't get something out of it.
Or, well, something like that. Sorry, I should get off my high horse.
Kaoru: Oh, no, don't worry about it.
...I see. I guess you could put it that way, huh.
I mostly get offered characters directly, so I've never had the chance to play a background character. I never noticed all that.
That was super eye-opening. Thanks, Tomoya-kun.
Tomoya: Nooo don't say that... Aren't you the more popular one anyway, Hakaze-senpai?
Weren't you in that tennis themed coming-of-age drama a while ago?
Kaoru: Ahaha, you watched that? Now I'm embarrassed.
Tomoya: Why? It was really good. I think you did a great job as the hot-blooded tennis club captain!
Kaoru: Really? But Koga-kun laughed at me and said I was like a completely different person.
Tomoya: That must've been a compliment. It's an actor's job to feel like a completely different person and become someone else.
Kaoru: Are you sure...? You're too nice, Tomoya-kun.
Even though you sometimes give me advice on how to improve, you keep complimenting me most of the time. You're gonna spoil me.
Tomoya: I'm not the only one who thinks so, though! A lot of other people thought you were great too. Like Anzu-san.
Kaoru: Huh... Anzu-chan?
Tomoya: Yep. I actually watched that drama backstage with Anzu-san during my break.
She told me that she was the one who recommended you for the role. At first, everyone else was worried that it would be a bad miscasting...
But she thought you could do it, so she's glad she put your name down. She sounded pretty happy.
Kaoru: O-Ohhh, I see...
(I didn't know that... Even I thought someone made a mistake and gave me the wrong role, but it was Anzu-chan...)
(I wonder if Tomoya-kun knows why she recommended me. I'd love to ask for the details...)
(...Nah, I shouldn't. She might think I'm creepy for digging around like that.)
Tomoya: What's wrong, Hakaze-senpai?
Kaoru: Oh, it's nothing.
Umm. Since we're on this topic, could I ask you a few questions about acting?
There's a few things I can't quite figure out about playing a hot-blooded guy, even now that the filming's over.
Tomoya: Oh, sure. If you think I'm good enough to give that advice, that is.
Time: A while later
Kaoru: (I'm glad I got to talk about acting with Tomoya-kun. I knew it was a bad idea to just copy someone I know for a role.)
(I should've added my own personality to the character to make it my own, but I was so fixated on channeling Moricchi's energy that I ended up coming off too hot-headed.)
(The crew liked it, and Tomoya-kun said my acting felt pretty natural.)
(But if all I'm gonna do is copy someone else, then there's no point in giving the role to me. I got Anzu-chan's recommendation and everything too...)
......
(...I wonder why Anzu-chan chose me. What does she think about my acting?)
(I couldn't ask Tomoya-kun about that... But I'm so curious, so maybe I should just ask her directly.)
(It's just about my job, nothing else. I'm just asking for her opinion as an actor, so I should be able to ask that much without getting too self-conscious.)
(Hm? That sounds like Anzu-chan...)
(...And...Moricchi?)
Chiaki: —Hmm, would that day be difficult? Not even you could do anything about it after all, Anzu...
Don't look at me like that. Sadness doesn't suit you.
...Hahaha, that's right, I quoted a line by one of my favorite heroes.
But it's also how I really feel. I didn't mean to trouble you, after all.
Just the fact that you took me seriously is enough to make me happy. Thank you, Anzu.
Kaoru: (Huh, what's going on there? Why does it feel like I'm walking in on something?)
(I'm dying to know what they're talking about, but it's kinda hard for me to butt in...)
(I'll just pretend I never saw that, and talk to Anzu-chan later—)
Mitsuru: Woohoo! This is the Date Plan Idea Squad’s huge comeback!
Season: Autumn
Location: Meeting Room
Chiaki: Good morning! I'm glad you came, Anzu!
Natsume: She was the one to ask us to come, though. Hello, little kitten.
Mitsuru: Ehehe, I'm happy that the Date Plan Idea Squad's back together again!
Wait, didn't we change the name to something else? Uhhh...?
Niki: √AtoZ's the name. We called it the Date Plan Idea Squad the whole time we were active as a group, so it's hard to get used to the new name~
Kaoru: Man, I'm glad the name got changed. All the other shuffle units have cool names, so "Date Plan Idea Squad" would be kinda...
Chiaki: I like it, though. It has a certain oomph to it.
Anyway, I agree with Tenma. I'm glad we can all get together again...☆
Kaoru: So what's the news? ...The survey results?
Ohh. So you printed out the responses to the survey in that women's magazine we did for the Date Plan project and brought them here for us?
Thanks. Well then, don't mind if I do.
......
I'm assuming that you've chosen the most positive answers, since you're personally giving them to the idols in question...
But I'm glad to see that both our fans and people who just got to know us from this project seem to have enjoyed it.
Niki: A lot of them say that they want us to do it again~
...Hm? What's the matter, Anzu-nee-san?
Ooh! The women's magazine wants to do a photoshoot based on the survey results? And it's gonna span two whole issues?
And this is the proposal? Lemme see... It says the theme for the shoot is "first date", and they're letting us decide on the scenarios ourselves this time too.
Chiaki: What does the "first group" and "second group" here mean, Anzu?
...I see. It'll be spread across two issues, so we'll be splitting up and shooting in two groups. And after adjusting the schedules with our agencies, the first group is me and Shiina...
Kaoru: ...And the rest of us will be in the second group. Since we'll be shooting seperately, let's discuss this seperately too.
We'll each think of our own date plan, but if we're going to do the photoshoot at the same time, do you think it'd be better to choose the same location?
Mitsuru: How 'bout the park? There's tons of stuff to play with, so it'll be fun☆
Kaoru: That does sound fun, but our date scenarios might end up being more or less the same. What do you think, Sakasaki-kun?
Natsume: Hm~ How about a shopping mall? There would be a lot of shops, so I think there would be a smaller chance of our plans turning out too similar to each other.
Kaoru: Good idea. It's also somewhere you can stop by whenever you want, so it has those first date vibes we want.
Mitsuru: Alright then, shopping mall it is! I dunno what "first date vibes" are, but I'll try to come up with something!
Woohoo! This is the Date Plan Idea Squad's huge comeback!
Kaoru: We're √AtoZ now, remember~? Though we're just doing a photoshoot, so the name doesn't really matter.
Location: Shopping Mall 1F
(√AtoZ's second group, on the day of the photoshoot)
Kaoru: (...I was completely fine on my way here, but then I thought about how Anzu-chan's here too, and now I'm starting to get nervous.)
(We're here for work though, so that's no good. I gotta focus...)
Wah? Anzu-chan?!
That caught me off guard... What's wrong? You're standing awfully close to me. ...It's because I didn't respond no matter how many times you tried to talk to me?
Sorry, I got distracted by my own thoughts... Um, where's Sakasaki-kun and Mitsuru-kun?
Mitsuru: You called? Good morning, Hakaze-senpai!
Natsume: We've also been here the entire time, though. Looks like you got so lost in thought that you didn't even notice us.
Kaoru: Yeah, probably. Again, I'm really sorry.
Natsume: There's no need to apologize. Now that we're all here, should we start the photoshoot now, little kitten?
You want me to go first? As you wish. The scenario I've come up with goes like this...
Kaoru: (...I'm a little late to the party, but Sakasaki-kun calls Anzu-chan his "little kitten", huh.)
(And Anzu-chan responds to him like it's nothing, which means she's probably accepted it as her nickname.)
(Wish that were me... Maybe I should go back to calling her my "little dandelion"...?)
(...Ugh, no way. It's so cringe, I can't bear to say it out loud.)
(In my mind, I can call her that all the time. I can approach her as casually as Sakasaki-kun does.)
(But in reality, it just never goes the way I want it to.)
Location: Shopping Mall 2F
(Near the end of the photoshoot)
Mitsuru: Over here, everyone! My date spot's the food court!
We're gonna eat each other's favorite food and get to know each other more☆
Natsume: I see. Looks like he's thought of a proper plan, and didn't just come here to stuff his face.
...You think he has potential, little kitten? Don't say that, you're going to make me jealous of him♪
Kaoru: ......
(...I managed to wrap things up for my turn, but it didn't feel right.)
(I know I have to get over myself and take my job seriously, but thanks to the theme, I couldn't help but think of Anzu-chan the entire time I was in front of the camera.)
(I wanted to at least be cool in front of her when I'm working as an idol...)
Natsume: What's the matter, Hakaze-senpai? Are you not satisfied with your photoshoot just now?
Kaoru: ...Yeah. I was just holding a one-man reflection session in my head.
Natsume: Is that so? I thought you did a good job of showing a sort of mature composure.
The little kitten praised you too.
Kaoru: Wh...
(Huh? She praised me? For real...?)
Natsume: Hm... Why did you stop in your tracks? You'll get left behind if you don't keep walking.
Kaoru: Ah, ahaha. Sorry, sorry.
(I would love to know what she said, but I don't want her to get the wrong idea, so I won't ask her.)
(As long as she's happy with it, I'm fine with it. Yeah, that's fine...)
(When the magazine comes out, I'll just go up to her and ask her for her opinion on the whole thing. I'll just casually drop the question in the middle of a conversation, like it doesn't even matter...)
(I should be able to muster that tiny amount of courage.)
hello! i wanted to ask for if it is alright to use some of your translated quotes for my twitter bot? thank you in advance for your response, and have a nice day!
yes! thank you for asking. i don't need to be credited but it would be appreciated!
there are a few asks with the same question and my answer to all of them is "yes if you've asked before". kinda hard for me to enforce since most are anons without linking to the bot though, so this permission goes to the people who asked up til today (three!)
Hello! I want to tell you that you're doing an awesome job translating all this stuff and I love it! You're our life saver, lots of love for you!💗 Do take care your health, okay? Ty for translating Submarine too! I always wait for your works~ Can I ask you to translate "Butlers XX veil" story and "Unification By Force" Please? If you think it won't be possible then okay. I hope I wasn't rude anywhere tho. Thanks and I'll always look forward to ur future Enstars translation works~😊
wow i haven't checked my inbox in a million years, sorry if these are really late replies!!
anyway. you're welcome!! i'm glad that you enjoy my stuff. but i don't take translation requests, so i can't make any promises for that kinda thing, sorry!
