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Jack Jeanne - Seven Winds

Chapter 1 - Mitsuki Shirota: A Drop of Regret Like Tears Spilt onto a Canvas

Chapter 2 - ????????? : ????????????????????

Chapter 3 - ????????? : ????????????????????

Chapter 4 - ????????? : ????????????????????

Chapter 5 - ????????? : ????????????????????

Chapter 6 - ????????? : ????????????????????

Chapter 7 - ????????? : ????????????????????

[naofibooster]

Jack Jeanne Seven Winds: A Drop of Regret Like Tears Spilt onto a Canvas

Disclaimer! I am not a professional translator and am sharing so more people can enjoy the content outside of the game. My Japanese is still not perfect, as I am still learning, so if there are any mistakes, please feel free to let me know!

I hope you've enjoyed reading!

——————

If you stretch your hands up, you can feel the sky. If you bend your body as if bowing, you can catch the scent of the four seasons. The water’s surface that reflects one’s true self is as flat as a taut canvas.

“...alright”

The mummers that can be heard signal the finish of their preparations. Straightening her back, Kisa looks at the wooden board in front of her. “3000M”. 

“Let’s go.”

The one urging Kisa was Mitsuki Shirota, in his training outfit.

Kisa nodded in agreement and passed the wooden board, beginning to run.

“Should we stop here for today?” 

This was something from 30 minutes ago. 

At Quartz's dining room, Shirota, who had finished eating his lunch, asked Kisa what her plan for the evening was. 

They have been reflecting on the roles they are playing in the final performance of Sissia and Carlo since the morning. This time, Kisa was the Jack Ace while Shirota played the Al Jeanne. Following the winter performance, they were partnered again. 

Kisa and Shirota are aiming for the “overall class award”. 

It should be obvious this year, but it weighed heavily. The formation this time is not to win, but for hope to be entrusted to the next term. 

The third year seniors who are graduating chose to invest in nurturing the growth of their juniors over winning the class award before Chui Tanakamigi, who is the same 77th term student as Shirota, leads a bloomed Amber. That is the wish of the 76th term students who suffered after the graduation of Tsuki Tachibana. 

But, the juniors had their own plans. 

This is the final performance for the third year seniors, so they wanted to win the award. 

For the third year seniors and for quartz, they wanted to win the final performance. That thought is in the forefront of Kisa and Shirota’s mind. 

If the goal of the third year is to develop their abilities to be able to compete with Amber, they should aim to exceed and grow to a level far beyond their imagination. 

There was one more week until the final performance. Amongst the preparation of the performance, the challenge Kisa faced was with singing. It’s not just singing. Univeil’s singing princess, Shirota the tresor entrusted her with singing. You can’t sing it half heartedly. The plan for the afternoon was definitely going to focus on singing. 

“... singing?” 

Shirota immediately sensed Kisa’s feelings. Kisa’s expression of answering “yes” was stiffer than usual. 

“... I also have to dance.” 

To reach the level to fulfill his role as an Al Jeanne, dance is one of Shirota’s challenges he has to overcome. However, Shirota hesitated in continuing what he wanted to say, “but…” 

“Before that, stamina” 

Looking weary, Shirota sighed. Somehow, it felt oddly nostalgic. 

(Ah… I see) 

Kisa realised. Shirota has been sighing less.

Previously Shirota would’ve breathed a sigh to distance himself from something that he isn’t good at or something that he couldn’t accept. Thinking back to it now, he might’ve been trying to protect the space where he could breathe and be himself. 

The fact that it has decreased might be a testament to Shirota’s resolution to iterating and connecting with others. 

Suddenly, she remembered. 

When they were preparing for the winter performance, they spent time together. Shirota had told her, “I’m going shopping so come along with me”, and the two of them descended down to Tamasaka Hill. That time, something caught his eyes. It was a small snow globe with two girls holding hands standing side by side.  It wasn’t a rare item seeing as it was before Christmas. However, it resembled the scene in which the two of them sang “Faded Colour”. Shirota stared at the globe for a little, then passed by it as if it was a fleeting season. 

He said it would be a bother if his belongings increased. 

That might not be limited to just tangible things. 

No matter what you touch, emotions come in the form of colours like ideals painted on a blank canvas. Before you know it, you’ll be left standing there bewildered in the empty space. 

Shirota is aware that he is an emotional person. He also hates that. Perhaps he feels like he is similar to his mother. 

— however. 

He is trying to accept himself for who he is. 

As they were on their way home, Shirota suddenly fell silent as they climbed up a hill. As if to retrieve something important that he had thrown away, they returned to the shop. 

The snow globe was no longer there. 

His face at that moment was unforgettable. 

He said it. Overthinking, by the time he reconsiders things, it was already too late and all that was left was regret. This had happened so many times before. 

— I don’t want… for this to happen again. I don’t want to…

Like someone bowing their head, tightly gripping the closed curtains after a tragic play, his voice still linger in her ears.

Shirota had changed. He changed. 

Accepting himself, accepting others, holding other’s hands, and reaching out your own hand with all your might. 

Kisa believes that it was all because of Shirota that she can remain in Univeil. 

However, even before he changed, Mitsuki Shirota was still the same person. Kisa cherished what made Shirota unique. Especially now when they are not allowed to show any weakness.

“Should we… do some training? One that will build up our stamina.”

Nonchalantly inviting him, Shirota nodded in reply, “Yeah, lets.” 

“With how busy we are, there are things that take priority over building stamina… but if I keep doing that, I’ll just keep putting it off forever. Besides…” 

Shirota glanced over. 

“I don’t have confidence training by myself.” 

Kisa’s expression softened. 

“What are you so delighted by?” 

“Ah, sorry!” 

“You were happy?” “Ah” 

“What a weird person.” 

Even if he speaks bluntly, there was warmth behind those words. 

“Then let’s train together in the afternoon and do some individual practice after.” 

Shirota stood up from his chair, and Kisa followed after. 

“What should we do? How about some light running around Univeil?” 

Shirota tilted his head in confusion. 

“Isn’t Univeil too much?” 

As if a question mark was floating on top of her head, he said, “It’s the same scenery”. That made sense to her. 

There are some students who prefer a lifestyle that is closely tied to their stage career, while other students prefer to have a balance between their work and leisure at Univeil. Shirota was the latter. He would often go out to the city by himself on his days off to relax. But due to the rehearsals for the performance this time, he is unable to go out much.  

That’s why he thought of leaving the school grounds and going out to the town, but he quickly dismissed the idea. It would be even more stressful to have to run through a chaotic crowd, especially with his appearance that tends to draw attention. 

So now what? 

“During this season there’s less bugs, right?” 

With those unexpected words, Kisa looked up. She thought she might’ve misheard him. However, Shirota’s expression remained serious. Kisa awkwardly replied, “I think there are fewer.” Although signs of spring are coming back little by little, it was still quite chilly during February. She hasn’t recalled seeing any bugs recently either. 

(That’s right, Shirota doesn’t like bugs.) 

During summer when a stag bug flew into his room, he had the look on his face as if the world was going to end. Living at Univeil that is half way up the mountains, there was an abundance of nature all around which has caused many inconveniences to Shirota.  

Why did he suddenly bring up the topic of bugs? Kisa was full of questions until Shirota continued.

“Have you been to Kamuri Pond?” 

Her questions increased. It had almost been a year since she arrived at Tamasaka so there were still a lot of things she didn't know about the city yet. 

“No, this is the first time I’m hearing about it.” 

“I’ve also never been there before but Kamuri Pond is to the west of Mount Oodate, and a little higher than Univeil. It is located in the mountains, but it is beautifully maintained, and it looks like you can walk all around the pond.” 

It could be the perfect distance to run. Even so it was still a mystery why Shirota chose to train at Mount Oodate. Perhaps it showed on her face as Shirota looked embarrassed. 

“...Oshinari told me. ‘That place would suit you, Mitsuki’. Though I’d rather not go to a place that has even more nature than Univeil but…” 

Rhodonite’s leader, Al Jeanne, their rose diva tresor, Tsukasa Oshinari. 

He praises Shirota’s singing voice, and always repeatedly urges him to transfer over to Rhodonite. 

Shirota often brushes over what Tsukasa says, but Tsukasa’s trust in his abilities is stronger than anyone else. And now that he is stepping up to be Quartz’s leader, he might’ve felt closer to Tsukasa’s presence. 

“I want to go to Kawari Pond.”

Hearing Kisa’s words, Shirota’s expression soften. “Then it’s decided,” his voice is of a happy tone when he said that.

“How should we go? The distance might be a bit far if we walk there.” 

“I heard Orimaki had jogged his way over there, but since it’s him you can’t rely on that.” 

Kisa took out her phone and looked up routes from Univeil to Kamuri Pond. 

“Ah!” 

She subconsciously yelled out.

“If we walk there it’ll take an hour and half…” 

“Let’s give up then.” 

Shirota decided on the spot. Kisa hastily called out, “P-please wait!” 

“Bus! It looks like you can take a bus from the Univeil Theatre! That way it’ll only take around 15 minutes to get there.” 

“Then that’s good…” 

Shirota said like putting a sword back in its sheath. 

“Ah!”

However, looking at the details of the search result, Kisa let out another shout. 

“The bus will depart in 10 minutes… If we miss it we’d have to wait an hour…” 

Shirota frowned. 

Univeil Drama School takes pride in their open school grounds. Even if they ran at full speed, they may or may not make it in time for the bus departing in 10 minutes.  

“What should we do…” 

Seeing Kisa flustered, Shirota made up his mind. 

“Let’s go!” 

And so, the two of them raced out of the Quartz dorm. 

“... Shirota, are you alright?” 

Shirota took a deep breath then exhaled. He repeated it several times. 

“It’s still tough…”  

Even with an exhausted expression, he firmly planted his feet on the ground and straightened his back. 

“So this is Kamuri Pond huh.” 

As they dashed out of the Quartz dorm and ran down the stairs leading to Univeil Theatre at full speed, it looked as if they wouldn't be able to make it but a delay had occurred hence allowing the two of them to board the bus. After Shirota was hit with the sharp curves on the mountain roads, the bus finally arrived at its destination, Kamuri Pond. 

“I was told the pond is big, but it is even bigger than I thought.” 

The bed of water stretches beyond the mountain valley. More than a pond, it was more like a lake. 

“But…” 

Shirota surveyed the large pond.

“Surprisingly, there’s lots of people here.”

Beyond the sign that reads “Kamuri Pond Nature Park” are families, couples, and even those who appear to be tourists. In the park was a place where you could ride boats, floating on the pond were big boats in the shape of a swan. 

“Kai said that while the east side of Mount Oodate is left untouched, the west side is fairly developed. There are even bus services that take you to and from.” 

This large pond is located along the national highway to cross to the other side of Mount Oodate so it seemed like there was a lot of traffic. There are even several new looking houses in the nearby area close to the park, indicating new settlement starting to form around the park. 

However, it was still a lively place for ‘somewhere in the mountains’. It would be more accurate to describe it as a peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a place well suited for Shirota. 

Even so. 

“Mhm?... There’s a course for running.” 

“Eh, ah. You’re right.” 

There was a signboard built along the pond that wrote “START” and “3000M”. It was for Kamuri Pond’s 3 kilometers running course that goes around the shoreline. 

“...It feels like we’ve already reached the end of the course.” 

“Ahaha…” 

Thinking back to their sprint to the bus stop, Kisa could only laugh bitterly. 

“I suppose you can say that.” 

Shirota let out a short breath as if to prepare himself. He then continued to stretch and relax his body.

“...alright. Let’s go.” 

And so the two of them began to run together side by side. 

It only takes about 15 minutes to run one lap. They soon came across the 100m board. Lacking in stamina has always been Shirota’s challenge, but that was by Univeil’s standards. Maintaining a stable pace, he is even able to have a conversation while running. 

“Do you feel like there is a gap in the lyrics?” 

“Yes. I can’t quite grasp the meaning yet so I was wondering how I should sing them.” 

Of course they were talking about the performance, the song. 

When receiving direct guidance, the feedback is on how to improve and how to develop, but now it’s more like incoherent ramblings. 

The sign reads 800 meters. 

“Neji writes the lyrics like a blank canvas. What kind of results are produced is in the hands of the singer. He leaves it up to them to interpret the lyrics.” 

“Ah, I see… then it would be better to build up the feel of the song with my intuition rather than just reading about it?”

“Yeah. That way there will be meaning more in your singing. But make sure you don’t leave your listeners behind.”

“That’s right. While expressing myself, I also have to not impose myself onto them…” 

— 1000 meters. 

There are lots to be learned in random casual conversations.  

Kisa came to Kamuri Pond to distance herself from Univeil a bit, but to her, Univeil was deeply intertwined with her everyday life so it might be impossible to distance herself. 

“If you’re too close, there are things that you can’t see…” 

Before she realised, she was muttering to herself ignoring the flow of the conversation. Panicked, Kisa tried to explain her reasons for thinking of that. 

“That’s right. But, if you’re too far away you also can’t see. It’s difficult.” 

Shirota understood what Kisa was saying and replied. The weight of the words carried, those words were from him, who had always distanced himself from others, watching them from afar. 

It was no good even if it was close or far. 

However, there are things you won’t understand unless you get close, or things you can’t see unless you are far away. 

Perhaps humans are ones who will continue to spend their whole lives measuring the distance. 

— 1300 meters, 1400 meters. 

Even pondering in lost thoughts will increase the distance. 

— 1500 meters. 

“...mhm?” 

It was half way through the 3000 meters course. There, Shirota looked at the pond. Kisa followed his gaze and looked. 

“Ah, a swan boat…” 

It looked like a tree was stretching towards the pond. Swan boats lined up in neat rows, it was an incredible scenery. Kisa let out a small smile, and faced forward. 

“Should we ride on them?” 

“Sure.” 

It was a casual exchange.

“...Eh?!” 

That’s why the shocked yell came out delayed. 

What he said was exactly memorised in her head, but she can’t decipher it. 

“Um, Shirota, just now… what…” 

She must’ve heard wrong. Next to Kisa, who was about to ask again, Shirota slowed down to a stop right in front of the dock. 

Naturally Kisa also came to a stop as she looked around her surroundings to see what had caught Shirota’s interest.  

“You must be thinking that I won’t get on that boat.” 

Seeing the mood, she refrained from replying with a ‘yes’ and swallowed her words. 

“I thought so.” 

Shirota neither blamed nor reprimanded Kisa, but instead agreed and started walking towards the reception. 

Shirota is aware that this is an unusual event for him. Knowing this, he felt as though the discomfort that felt like a physical object began to melt away from his mind. 

It looks like Shirota is going to ride the swan boat. 

He swiftly finished the paper work, listened to a brief explanation by the attendant, and got onto the swan boat in no time. Of course, right next to him was Kisa. 

The boat swayed gently though it still doesn’t feel real. The pedals are under her feet, in front was a steering wheel, and ahead was Kamuri Pond stretching beyond. 

“Tachibana.”

Shirota said to Kisa with a serious expression. 

“Peddle with everything that you have.” 

Even to himself it was a mystery.

“...understood!” 

With a single command, she cast aside her doubts and began to peddle the boat with everything that she had. 

(Might as well!) 

That thought convinced her. 

Since she came all the way to Kamuri Pond with Shirota, since Shirota invited her, since she is spending time together with Shirota. 

There doesn’t have to be a reason. Since they’re already here. Her head was full of “might as well” that it is as if she will start to lose the meaning of it. 

Then strangely, she started having fun. 

(I’m spending my day off together with Shirota) 

A ray of sunshine in days packed fully with practice schedules. 

“...Alright!” 

She put her strength into her legs to peddle the boat. 

“Ohhh” 

Unlike the other swan boats that are leisurely floating around, Kisa’s boat was practically flying at full force. 

“You’re… amazing.” 

“I’m starting to get the hang of it!” 

“Do you now.” 

The speed gradually increases. Passing by the middle of the pond, they would arrive on the other side of the shore in no time. 

“Tachibana, that’s enough.” 

But she was stopped. She looked at him with a look of “Eh, already?”

“You’re trying way too hard.” 

Despite Shirota being the one who suggested it, he had the look of exasperation. Being pulled back into reality, Kisa protested, “But you were the one who told me to peddle at full speed!” 

“I did say that, but…” 

Then, Shirota’s face crumbled. 

“Fufu, you’re so… haha”

Not able to hold back any longer, he burst out laughing. 

“No, you’re amazing, hahaha, hahahaha” 

He’s laughing so innocently. 

“S-sorry, ha…hahahaha” 

His light laughters echoed in Kisa’s ears. 

(Shirota… so he can laugh like this too) 

She was enchanted by his smiling face. 

“... you know, this sort of stuff isn’t my thing.” 

After they had a good laugh, it was Shirota’s turn to peddle. The swan boat moved forward slowly.

“I didn’t have a reason to ride this, nor did I think I wanted to ride one in the first place. I figure it’ll never have anything to do with me for the rest of my life. But when I think about it that way…”

Shirota stares at the water’s ripple. 

“My life is just full of things like this. Things that are unrelated to me and things that I’ll never cross paths with. But, you’re different.” 

“Eh, me?” 

“Ah. There might be things that would be related to you in the future. Like this boat, when the opportunity comes along, wouldn’t you ride it?” 

That might happen, a possibility.

“It’s not like I’m trying to get involved with everything. But, I wonder if it is really okay to let everything pass by me.” 

Just then, the sound of flapping wings filled the air. Several waterfowl landed next to their boat and swam alongside them. Kisa and Shirota’s face met, and they smiled.

“...how does it feel to ride this boat?” 

Shirota rested his hands on the steering wheel and gazed at the waterfowls. 

“Riding it once is enough. But… I don’t know. I thought that it was one of the things that would be unrelated to my life, but now I’m actually riding on one, so…” 

Shirota’s eyes softened. 

“From now on, even if I don’t know, it doesn’t matter.”

They rented the boat for 30 minutes. 

When they returned to dock a little earlier, they stretched out on the steady ground. 

“Well then, let’s finish this in one go.” 

“Yes!”  

There was only half way remaining. Once again, the two began running together. 

– 1700 meters, 2000 meters, 2300 meters.

There was nothing to interrupt them as they continued the gentle curve of the pond going forwards. The entrance of the park soon came into view. 

When they returned to school, everything she had seen with Shirota, everything that she felt, everything that she had noticed, she would convey them into the song. There are a mountain of things that she wanted to do and try. 

(But…) 

For some reason, a part of her wanted to continue leisurely spending time here. 

–2700 meters. 

The time limit of which she could spend with him is drawing closer. 

(I wonder what Shirota thinks.) 

Thinking of it, she dismissed the thought. 

Prioritizing the other person's feelings can sometimes mean shifting the responsibility onto them.

That's why Kisa tried to organise her own feelings again.

(...that won’t do) 

In the end, it was still the same. 

She wanted to convey the feelings she felt with the time she had spent with Shirota into the song when she returned to school. 

She wants to spend more time with Shirota here again. 

– 2900 meters. Only 100 meters out of the 3 kilometers left to complete a round of Kamuri Pond.

“Huh…?” 

There, Kisa noticed something. On the right side near the pond, there is an old house with a thatched roof that looks historical. 

It looked out of place with the beautifully maintained park, but when looking at the house with the pond, it looked like it fit right in, giving an impression of a secluded house by the pond. 

“Is this a historical building that has been here for a long time?” 

Noticing Kisa’s gaze, Shirota also shifted his gaze to the house. 

“...oh” 

“What’s wrong?” 

“Isn’t that a cafe?” 

Stopping in front of the house, there is a hand written sign. It was a menu listing a selection of items, such as coffee, tea, and chiffon cake. 

“...let’s give it a try.”

“Sure.” 

Kisa’s voice slightly cracked with the sudden convenient turn of events. 

“We should get something to drink. It would be too boring to just buy something to drink at a vending machine after all.” 

Kisa thinks to herself that today is a good day. 

The two entered the shop.  

“Wow…” 

Where the entrance of the house used to be now stood counter seats. The new tatami mats had cushions and low tables, a modern light fixture extended straight down from the soot-coloured beam. It was as if you could hear the gentle breathing of this house, where the past and present coexist.

“Please feel free to sit wherever you like.” 

Kisa was overwhelmed by the shop’s atmosphere and the shop keeper’s gentle voice. 

Shirota bowed towards the shop keeper and moved towards the tatami area to sit where they could face each other, while Kisa followed behind him. 

(...huh?) 

Her eyes fell on the small window by the counter. 

A gentle light shines into the store. Sparkling, twinkling, glittering. 

“Eh!” 

Without thinking, she let out a yell. 

“What’s wrong?... ah!”

Shirota gasped loudly. 

Kisa’s eyes were fixed on what was next to the window, a snow globe. 

“No way.” 

Shirota ran up and looked at it. Seeing it up close, his eyes widened. 

The two girls holding hands.

Before the winter performance, they saw the very same snow globe at Tamasaka Hill, and it was the same one that he missed out on getting. 

Seeing Kisa and Shirota unmoving, the store keeper asked, “Do you know those girls?” 

Shirota moved to the seat close to the counter, and hesitated to replied, “Ah, no…”, but changed his mind,

“It reminded me of the snow globe I saw at Tamasaka Hill before. It was very lovely and it left a deep impression.” 

The store keeper replied in astonishment, “Oh my.” 

“I also got this at Tamasaka Hill. It was… around Christmas of last year.” 

“I also got this at Tamasaka Hill. It was… around Christmas of last year.” 

Saying that, the shop keeper picked up the snow globe, gently shook it and placed it in front of Shirota and Kisa. 

“It caught my eye at first sight.” 

Her voice was like one of a mother speaking tenderly towards her child. 

“... I see.”

The snow fell gently. 

“I see.” 

Shirota reached out and touched the snow globe with his fingers. 

“I see…” 

Within the snow, it was sparkling. 

The girls were smiling happily.

The warm scent of black tea brushed along their cheeks. 

“I thought I had closed that chapter as a sad memory.” 

Shirota gently wrapped his hands around the tea cup that is decorated with winter daphnes.

“But to the snow globe, it was the start of a new life.” 

Bringing the cup to his lips, the tea was delicious with a bit of bitter aftertaste. 

“It’s a bit of a shame. Me, who had left it behind because I thought it would be a hassle if my belongings increased, and the shop keeper picked it up without hesitation. It’s obvious which one of us is better. But…” 

Shirota set his tea cup down and looked at Kisa.

“Because of the bitter experience, I have had a lot of regrets so now, I don’t want to lose the most important thing to me. …I don’t want to lose you.” 

“...! Shirota…” 

Kisa was reminded of the winter performance, where Shirota had pushed past his limits. 

“The seniors are the same.” 

For a moment, he fell silent. 

“...no matter what the results for the final performance are, it’s not like my life would be over. In the long run, it would be one of the milestones along the way. Even if we don’t win the class award, I’ll just have to find a way to continue living. The feeling of frustration might lead me to a bigger success. I might discover something more important. Or, I’m sure that’s what the upper classmen would do.” 

Shirota touched the snow globe again.

“For example, even if a tear falls on a canvas that I am working on, and my vision gets clouded by sadness… …I can always fix it. You can layer colours on top of it, or just paint over it with white, over and over no matter how many times it takes. Beyond regret isn’t just tragedy. … but” 

Shirota looked at Kisa again.

“Even so, I still want to win the class award.” 

There is no sadness behind his eyes. 

“I want to win the class award. I want everyone in Quartz to be happy. The seniors, those in my term, the freshmen, everyone.”

Kisa nodded, over and over again.

“I have all kinds of feelings. I don’t want to have regrets, I want to repay the seniors. I want to show them how capable we underclassmen are. But in the end, it all comes to us winning the class award. I want us all to smile together. I’ll do whatever it takes for that to happen. …Tachibana.” 

Shirota looks into Kisa’s eyes. 

“Please.” 

That sentence says it all. ‘We are partners.’ 

“Leave it to me.” 

Not turning away, she answered with determination. This time, it was Shirota who nodded firmly. 

Shirota picked up the snow globe and returned it to its rightful place. 

The girls smiling in the middle of falling snow, the wooden frame for the window that looks out to Kamuri Pond, and the occasional swan boat.

It is as beautiful as a painting that you can stare at forever. 

“Let’s go.” “Yes!”

They continued moving forward. 

After all, they are still in the middle of painting their dream on the canvas.