A3! Backstage Story - Spring Troupe: Chigasaki Itaru (SR Card)
As always, the summary of the story can be found below. Translation may not be 100% accurate due to my poor Japanese skills~
Advance of a Hikimori
One day, “I” arrived home to Itaru and Banri were playing games in the living room, while Mugu watched on. They welcomed “me” as they challenged each other to yet another round of gaming. “I” sighed as “I” realised they’re playing games again and guessed that they really enjoy gaming alot, and this time they’ve even gotten Mugu involved.
Suddenly, Banri reminded that it was almost “time”, which Itaru remarked that he would rather he had merged together as one with the sofa. Banri replied that Itaru really seems like he doesn’t want to “go”, and by that, he meant the get-together of Itaru’s company. Itaru explained that his company’s get-together were usually ones that they would drink together and then go for bowling and bingo gaming together later on. Even though it may sound fun to the juniors, Itaru remarked that it’s actually very troublesome, since he had to cater and socialise with his supervisors and seniors.
Knowing Itaru’s personality, “I” felt that he wasn’t one who would participate in such events. Itaru explained that he had been avoiding, but his colleagues had noticed and were all telling him that it’s time he should join them in socialising. Therefore, unfortunately, Itaru will go to this get-together, though he smiled and said that he would soon return. Banri remarked that Itaru really did not seems to want to go at all, and “I” asked isn’t there an option not to go at all if Itaru seems that reluctant about making an appearance. Itaru explained that if he does not participate in social events frequent enough, his colleagues would seek him out in private instead since they would wonder what Itaru was doing during his off time that he was not available to socialise with them. (.... That would be very annoying if I was Itaru. I don’t want people to meddle with what I’m doing with my freetime ><”)
Suddenly, Mugu joined in the conversation and said perhaps his colleagues would guess that Itaru would do horse-riding in his free time, since Itaru was mature and manly, and looks just like a prince to him. (Aww...) Banri told Itaru that he would take this chance to collect the jewels in the game and level up his character while Itaru isn’t around, even teasing him that there’s a time-limited quest tonight which Itaru wasn’t able to participate. Somehow this pissed Itaru off as he warned Itaru to be careful when walking home tomorrow XD
Unable to delay any longer, Itaru sighed and mentioned that he’s going to get changed. “I” prepared to head out soon, informing the others that “I’m” heading over to help a stage troupe that “I” knew and won’t be home until later tonight. That means that either Tsuzuru and Omi would be making the dinner tonight, and Banri was relieved that he won’t have to eat curry anymore tonight. “I” was pissed when “I” heard that, rebutting that “I” did not make curry that much and that frequently actually, with Banri insisting that “I’ve” made more than enough for him. ^^;
(It’s cute how Mugu tried to comfort “me” by telling “me” that he likes “my” curry, and that cheered “me” up that “I” told him that “I” would make the Qeema Curry that he complimented that it’s delicious again, seeing that “I’ve” found another recipe for it. Banri warned Mugu not to get too obsessed with "my” curry, if not he might be kidnapped onto “Curry Planet” XD)
It was late when “I” stepped out onto the streets when “I” suddenly spotted Itaru among a group of people and realised that those were probably his colleagues that were together at the get-together.
When Itaru saw “me” though, he called “me” by “my” name rather than “director” which was unusual of him. “I” was surprised by his actions, while his colleagues were curious about our relationship, seeing that Itaru had called “my” name so affectionately. (The gazes of the female colleagues were painful as they stared at “me” ><”)
Itaru explained that “I’m” his younger sister (huh? OWO”), while looking at “me” with a sign that he wanted “me” to act along with him. And thus, “I” decided to play along and act as Itaru’s sister. His colleagues were surprised and remarked that we don’t look alike (thanks... =w=“), with one of them even mentioning that he had thought that “I” was his lover for a moment. Itaru just laughed it off and said that he gets that all the time ^^;
Itaru’s colleagues were curious to know how Itaru was like in his free time since he had not shared about his private life to them at all. “I” panicked when they asked “me” about him, and started blabbering that he probably read and accompany “me” on shopping trips. (I’m not sure whether Tsuzuru reads, but he does go on a shopping trip with “me”~) The colleagues complimented that Itaru was a great brother who’s willing to accompany his sister on a shopping trip, which Itaru smiled and replied that he’s willing for the sake of his cute “sister” =////=“
After chatting for a moment, Itaru asked to be excused from today’s get-together as he ”needs” to send “me” home. And thus, we fled from the group ^^;
When we were finally alone, “I” sighed and revealed that “I” was so nervous back then, since “I” was bad at acting and this was something Itaru had knew very well. He apologised and assured “me” that “I” wasn’t weird and had in fact helped him alot back then. He mentioned that his colleagues were about to go for another round of get-together and he had trouble excusing himself and was relieved to see that “I’ve” turned up at that moment. “I” had thought that Itaru was enjoying himself when “I” saw him though, and asked him if he really hates to join in such social events, which Itaru remarked that his smartphone games were waiting for him to play as the HP in them were fully recovered, though that wasn’t the only reason why he wanted to excuse himself from get-togethers. (I wonder what are the other reasons?)
Itaru remarked that as he doesn’t have a sister at all actually, it was refreshing for him to have this experience of introducing his “sister” to others.
(And now it’s option time for “me” to choose which role should “I” act as the next time~ I’m too shy to choose the lovers option so let’s go with acting as the big sister instead >////<)
“I” told Itaru that perhaps “I” could try acting as his elder sister the next time, but he frowned and revealed that he actually has an elder sister in real life, and in fact, a very strong-headed sister actually ^^: This made “me” wonder whether Itaru’s sister was the one who’s commanding him usually instead ^^;
“I” wondered how on earth did “I” just become Itaru’s younger sister, which he laughed and apologised, complimenting “me” that “I’ll” always be the reliable and kind-hearted director that belongs to everyone while patting “me” on the head. (A head pat? O////O) After that, Itaru suggested that we head home soon since he just wanted to play games, and “I” nagged that he should take a shower first before he found it too troublesome later on. Itaru made a face and remarked that he hoped that there’s a machine that could help him to shower automatically ^^; “I” dissed him that he was totally different from the person that was with his colleagues just now, though deep down “I” feel that this Itaru was just like how Itaru was like usually.
(Now as an omake, let’s go back to the options and see what happens if “I” said that “I” wanted to act as Itaru’s lover~?)
“I” suggested to Itaru that perhaps “I” could act as his lover next time to tease him about it, but he was not flustered at all and even suggested that we shall try holding hands now instead >////<” That made “me” flustered instead as “I” told him that “I” had meant that as a joke just now. Itaru laughed and replied that he’s disappointed that it’s a joke, and later on suggested that we head home. (I guess “I” can’t win Itaru when it comes to flirting >////<”)
A3! Main Story - Episode 1: Show Must Go On! (Chapter 29 - 35)(Finale)
Been wanting to post this since last week but I only managed to finish writing this post today ><” Sorry for the long wait, finally the finale for Episode 1 is done~
Anyway as always, the summary of the story can be found below. Translation may not be 100% accurate due to my poor Japanese skills~
Chapter 29: 恋について.春 / Regarding Love. Spring
Tsuzuru was all pleased and excited as he wanted to know whether we had patched up after Masumi and “my" shopping trip together. But seeing our faces, he knew straight up that something must have happened since even the other members could see that our relationship seems to have worsened after the shopping trip.
Itaru noticed that “my” cheeks were red and asked about it, but “I” told him it was nothing as “I” didn’t want to reveal what had caused it. (Being slapped by Masumi accidentally TWT) Seeing both of us were not willing to talk about what that had happened, Tsuzuru urged us to do so in order to clear up the atmosphere. “I” felt that perhaps Masumi would find it easier to express himself if “I” wasn’t around, and thus excused “myself” from the living room.
After “I” had left, Masumi finally revealed what he was thinking about. He wanted to... die?! OAO” He said that he could not live on anymore since he had now fallen out of love. Tsuzuru asked him if he had already confessed to “me”, which Masumi answered that he hasn’t. Itaru guessed that perhaps Masumi had known that “I” had a love and thus fallen out of love, but Masumi was fierce when he remarked that if “I” really did have a lover, he would kill that guy instead. (Scary Masumi! D:) Citron joked that perhaps “I’m” already married, which made Masumi collapsed as he answered that if that ever happens, he would kill himself instead.
After much urging, Masumi finally revealed what that had happened between him and “me” the night before, and Sakuya heaved a sigh of relief as he told him that isn’t something that would lead to falling out of love. For now, the guys could only confirm that Masumi was now suffering from unrequited love and started to talk about it. Tsuzuru said that he could remember the times he was having unrequited love, saying that one would tend to overthink alot and think about negative stuff more than usual. (Wait... so Tsuzuru had already fallen in love before?! I’m heartbroken T////T)
Citron remarked that he had never had an unrequited love, to which Tsuzuru took it as Citron never falling in love before. However, Citron answered wittingly that it was usual girls who approached him instead when it comes to relationships. (I guess Citron is very popular in his home country ^^;)
Itaru remarked that he found it surprising that Tsuzuru actually had unrequited love before (I found it unexpected too >///<), to which the latter replied that his unrequited love had always ended in the past with him just looking at the girl he likes. (Tsuzuru should be more forward and proactive~! +W+) Itaru smiled and remarked that unrequited love is actually the happiest moment when it comes to love relationship, which Tsuzuru felt that it was a very mature comment from him. But what comes out next from Itaru’s lips was that he found that once people got into a relationship, they won’t have much time for gaming anymore, to which Tsuzuru felt that Itaru had just said something that sounded really otaku-like instead XD
Masumi had collapsed onto the couch in the meantime, and Sakuya joined him, warning him that if he continues to behave this way, he won’t be able to talk to “me” anymore. Masumi expressed that he doesn’t know what he should talk to “me” about and felt that he was already being disliked by “me” by now.
Sakuya encouraged him to apologise to “me” and even offered to accompany him, to which Tsuzuru remarked that Sakuya seems to be acting like an elder brother to Masumi. This compliment made Sakuya really happy as he commented that he felt glad about it as he never had any siblings before. But Masumi doesn’t seem pleased about it and decided to find “me” alone instead. Sakuya still ended up tailing after him though XD As the rest of the spring troupe watched the two of them, they smiled and remarked that perhaps Sakuya’s and Masumi’s relationships are getting better due to them acting together as Romeo and Julius ^^
Masumi came into “my” room and apologised for all the things he had done - slapping “me” and ignoring “me” since yesterday. “I” told him not to mind much about it as “I” knew that he had accidentally slapped “me” when in fact he was getting angry for “my” sake. “I” asked Masumi whether he was being troubled by what “I’ve” said the night before, the part where “I” told him that it can’t do for him to act just for “my” sake. Masumi admitted and revealed that he doesn’t know what he should do then, what should he act for if not for “my” sake?
“I” told Masumi that “I” hoped that he would end up taking a liking to acting, and thus hoped that he would be able to find a reason that would encourage him to keep acting other than “me”. This was why “I” had encouraged Masumi to find a play which he had enjoyed the last time. Masumi answered that he did have a play that he likes, and that play was the story act acted by “me” the first time he met “me”. That was the reason why he wanted to work hard and act.
“I” felt touched by Masumi’s words, and felt that perhaps “I” still have something left in “me” as an actress since all this while “I’ve” felt that "I’m” not fit for an actress at all. “My” acting had become something that allows Masumi to find his talent, and also became the reason why he had started acting.
“I” replied to Masumi that “I” still hoped that he finds a play that he really likes in the future, but when Masumi heard the word “like”, he started to lean in really close to “my” face... O////O Sakuya who was peeping at us from outside the room quickly rushed in to stop him, telling him that this is not allowed and that Masumi should only do this when the other party was willing. (Seems like Sakuya knew exactly what Masumi was trying to do XD) In the midst of them tugging, Masumi called Sakuya by his name which surprised the latter. He was really glad that Masumi had finally called his name for the first time ever but still pulled Masumi out of my room nevertheless.
“I” was shocked by Masumi’s action earlier and even wondered to “myself” that perhaps he was about to kiss “me” just now... (Just like what I expected >////<) “I” was glad that the conflict between Masumi and “me” was resolved and he had even managed to get along well with the other troupe members now. This was indeed a good sign for the future ^^
Chapter 30: 初めてを楽しむ / Happiness of the First Time
In the end, we still didn't manage to sell all the tickets for the last performance by the starting day of the play. It was finally the day before the starting day of the play, and since it's our last practice for the day, "I" requested everyone to act as if there were an audience watching them at the theatre.
Watching their acting, "I" realised that they still have many small mistakes, but this was to be expected as they lacked experiences. But "I" knew that they themselves being the actors realised their mistakes and were bothered by it the most. "I" was worried since tomorrow was already the day of the actual play, and thus hoped that their confidence doesn't get affected in the end. As the cast seems sullen by how their play isn't proceeding smoothly along like what they've expected, "I" advised them that they had to change their mood and that it was normal that there are times when they do not perform as good as they expected. The members soon get pumped up again, feeling encouraged that they'll get even better with their actings through the days of the play and that they've planned to act in slight changes in the play in the different days to make the audience feel that it was interesting. Hopefully, that would make the audience enjoyed themselves and want to watch the play again for the second time. "I" was impressed that Sakuya had managed to cheer up everyone with his words, and felt that he was really reliable being the leader of the Spring troupe ^^ (Go go Sakuya~!)
Finally, it was the actual starting day of the play! The manager was very nervous and told us that the turn out was really good at the theatre, thanks to the promotion by the TV broadcast. "I" turned to the members and tell them to enjoy themselves since this was the first play~ ^^
(Look at them being all ready and smiling to get on stage~ *Wipes happy tears* TWT)
Yuki had come to watch the play and was impressed that seats were mostly filled up. Yuzo and Furuichi had come too and wondered how the play would turn out to be.
Chapter 31: 初日 / First Day
The play started with Romeo (acted by Sakuya) wanting to ask out "Rozaran" but he unexpectedly met Julius (acted by Masumi) who had wanted to give a bouquet to roses to "Rozaran" too. The two realised that they're love rivals and ended up battling each other but in the end became friends with each other. Julius claimed that with Romeo's power and his brains, the two of them could do anything together.
The second scene of the play has Romeo attending a party after being requested by a close friend - Mercutio (acted by Tsuzuru), who was comforting him to get over his lost love. (Possibly "Rozaran" ^^;) At the party, Romeo realised that Julius was the son of the family that his family were in a feud with. The two of them were shocked to know this truth, but Romeo requested Julius to abandon his family and name and proposed that they head for a journey together to realise their dreams. However, Julius replied that he can't abandon his family. The two of them ultimately went to find a priest to talk about their problems with and decided to escape from this town in the end.
The third scene had Tybalt (acted by Itaru) caught news of Julius wanting to escape this town with Romeo and was furious. He told him that Romeo's family was a cursed family, and they had to get rid of them. He was worried about Julius and thus felt that he had to protect him as he had considered him as his brother. (I think they're cousins?)
On the day when the duo was about to set off on their journey, Romeo received news that his family was being attacked and quickly rushed home. But when he arrived there, he realised that he was too late as he was unable to stop Tybalt from stabbing Mercutio. Romeo then attacked Tybalt, killing him and ended up being caught by the police and thrown into the jail. The town then decided that Romeo should receive a death penalty...
Continuing to the fourth scene, Julius who had later heard the news of Romeo being given the death penalty, wanted to save him and thus started to look for ways to help him. He approached the priest once again asking him if he had any idea, which the latter requested him to make a medicine that can enable one to fake his death, and using it, he could cheat the general public and save Romeo. Julius then set off on a journey to look for a certain flower that could make the medicine, praying that Romeo would not get killed in the period of time when he's not yet ready to save him.
On the day when Romeo was about to be prosecuted, Julius barged into the venue and ended up in a sword battle with Romeo. This was the climax of the play, with "me" even feeling the tension between Romeo and Julius, and was impressed at how Masumi was guiding Sakuya along during the swordfight. In the end, it was still ultimately decided that Romeo was to be prosecuted, but before that, Julius drank the poison first leading to his death. Romeo was allowed to attend Julius's funeral and ended up drinking the fake poison to fake his death just like how Julius did earlier on. This was all a plan set up by them and thus after successfully cheating the townspeople, Romeo and Julius finally set off on their journey.
The play ended with Romeo jokingly said that he would be the one to collect the plants needed to make the fake poison for Julius's sake the next time, as Julius complained about how hard it is to collect everything to make it XD
When the play ended, everyone was at the backstage when they heard applause from the audience. They were shocked but "I" urged them to go up on stage again to do their curtain call.
"Thank you very much for watching the play!"
Chapter 32: 隠しごと / Hidden Matters
The cast members were tired after a few days of acting on stage since they were acting at night as well and even held meetings after that and had thus fallen asleep at the practice room one night. There was still 2 days to go till the last day of the performance, and “I” found it unbelievable that we had made it this far ever since we’ve made it through the first day of performance safe and sound. Thanks to Yuzo who had called upon the other members of the initial spring troupe to watch our performance, the promotion of our blog, and the topic of our performance being widely talked about on Rockomi website, there were many viewers who were willing to come back again to watch our performance again and our remaining tickets who get unsold were getting lesser and lesser because of that.
Just then, the manager barged into the room yelling out that something had happened! “I” quickly calmed him down and once calmed down, he announced to us that... the tickets for our last performance had been sold out! +W+ This was a really pleasant surprise to us since that would mean that the theatre would not be torn down!~
Tsuzuru was so glad when he heard about this that he quickly went and woke Masumi up, informing him of this great news. That only pissed him off though as he told Tsuzuru not to hug him as he found it troublesome ^^; Citron had also hugged onto Itaru too, which while the latter doesn’t mind that Citron hugged him too tightly, he wanted him to let go too XD
“I” told the cast members that there were still 2 days till the final day of the performance, which would mean another 4 more performances, and thus asked them to work their hardest till the end so that there would not be any regrets. Everyone agreed happily, other than Itaru who had shown a worried face instead...
Back at the dormitory, Citron met Itaru and asked him whether his foot was hurting. Turned out that Itaru had hurt his foot though he claimed that it was only a slight sprain, and he requested Citron not to tell anybody about this. Citron agreed though he warned Itaru to inform him straight away if he felt that he can’t go on anymore with his injured foot.
Chapter 33: 試練の千秋樂 / The Final Performance’s Test
It was finally the day of the final performance, and “I” felt that everything just seems to whizz by in a flash. The theatre was fully seated and the cast members were all really nervous and excited. Itaru and Citron exchanged a look but told “me” that there’s nothing to be worried about when “I” asked them about it.
The staff suddenly called out to someone as he tried to stop the person from entering the makeup room, and turned out that it was Furuichi and his subordinate. Furuichi told “me” that “I’ve” managed to pass through his first stage of trials for now since “I’ve” managed to create a new troupe, accumulate 5 members in it, and get a full turn out for the final performance. However, everything would be a failure if we weren’t able to get the audience feel satisfied with our performance, as, in order to make a company have a stable income, we need to make sure that we actually have fans. He then started talking on about how to operate a theatre company, which “I” actually feel impressed that he’s giving advice compared to the first time “I” met him, and ended up laughing out in surprise. “I” told Furuichi that surprisingly, he’s actually a person who takes care of people very well, to which he remarked that he was only offering advice today because the performance today reminded him about the past. “I” deduced that perhaps Furuichi knew about the theatre company in the past after he had left... (Perhaps we’ll get to know more about the past later on in the story I guess?)
However, when the final performance started, Itaru started being weird in the middle of the performance. “I” wondered what had happened with him, and noticing that he seems to be wary of his foot and taking small actions than before, “I” worried that the other members would take notice of him as well and lost concentration in the midst of acting. “I” worried too that perhaps Itaru had hurt his foot, but hope that he would make it through since he would be able to get off the stage after another three more scenes.
As the play continued on till the part where Tybalt was beaten and was supposed to fall to the ground, it came as a shock that Itaru did not fall when he was acting as Tybalt. The audience quickly realized that this was different from usual and “I” guessed that perhaps Itaru had forgotten that he was supposed to fall since he was too hung on being wary of his foot. “I” was worried about how he was going to continue with his lines and wanted to stop the play when...
Chapter 34: ショーは終わらない / The Show Is Not Over
Sakuya called out to Itaru who was acting as Tybalt, yelling at him to stop and that the battle was now already over. It was a new line that had never exist in the script, and “I” deduced that perhaps this was an ad-lib done by Sakuya. Somehow they managed to continue with the play, with Itaru and Sakuya acting out another round of furious battling once again, and “I” felt that the cast members would be alright as long as they continued like this. “I” felt that the Sakuya now was just like the actor he admires a lot in the past, being so much alive on stage.
When the play has finally ended, the cast members retreated to the backstage and realized that the audience had given them a standing ovation! “I” immediately headed towards Itaru as “I” was worried about his foot, but he started shedding tears, making all of us even more worried about him. Tsuzuru worried that perhaps Itaru was in a lot of pain, but Itaru answered that he was only smiling because he had never thought that he had ever felt this passionate in his entire life.
“I” felt glad for Itaru who had said that, since he would definitely felt that the performance he had acted today would be one that he would never forget in his life. (So happy for Itaru~! Finally, it seems that he had fallen in love in acting~! ^^)
Yuzo came to visit us in the makeup room after the performance is over, telling us that he felt that the performance was alright. (Yuzo is so strict =w=“) Itaru answered that this would mean that we still have a long way to go, and from his words, it sounds like.... he’s going to stay in the theatre company longer instead! ^^ (As initially, he planned to stay until the end of our performance period TWT) Itaru remarked that he planned to stay and act because it was rare for him to have found something he thought was interesting other than games. He told Sakuya to take care of him from now on, referring to him as a leader, which surprised Sakuya since he thought that he was only the leader for this performance. “I” told Sakuya that the Spring Troupe needs a leader and all of us felt that he was the most suitable after all ^^ (And that’s how Sakuya became the permanent leader of the Spring Troupe~ ^^)
Yuki also came and visit us at the makeup room, and when asked about what he thought about the performance, he answered that the outfits were great XD (Since they’re made by him after all XD) Yuki continued on that he felt that the other parts (meaning the acting, script etc) were just “alright”, but did remarked that it seems fun putting on these outfits and getting on stage. Tsuzuru suggested to him to become an actor too, but Yuki affirmed that he’s only in charge of making outfits. From their conversation, “I” started to wonder that perhaps Yuki seems to be a good choice in being an actor~~
Kazunari came and visit us too, and “I” took this chance to thank him for helping us with the TV broadcast opportunity. He replied that it wasn’t such a big deal, and in fact complimented us for giving such a great performance. He even joked that there were fangirls cheering for Tsuzuru, which Tsuzuru remarked that they definitely didn’t call him as “Tsuzurun”. (So he admits that there might be fangirls of his? XD) Kazunari continued that he wanted to be complimented and admired too which made “me” wonder perhaps he was interested in acting as well~
Tetsuro came into the makeup room as well, and I” thanked him for helping us to make such a wonderful set up for the stage. Tetsuro was silent and we struggled to understand what he was trying to express, and thus Tsuzuru decided to get someone to call the manager to help us translate. However, Tetsuro just smiled and told us that he’s glad that everything was alright in the end, which surprised us since he’s speaking for the first time ever OWO
Chapter 35: これからのこと / What Happens From Now On
At night, “I” paced around the theatre, feeling nostalgic as “I” remembered what that happened ever since the first time “I” stepped in here, remarking that everything had seemed like a dream to “me”.
“I” looked at the set that Tetsuro had made for the play Romeo and Julius, feeling sad that “I” had to say goodbye to it today, as “I” felt that it seems such a waste to disassemble it after the play.
Just then, Furuichi entered the theatre, and when he noticed “me” there, he asked “me” why didn’t “I” on the lights, as he had thought that someone suspicious had entered the theatre. (You sir seems suspicious to be here too in the middle of the night =w=“) Furuichi told “me” that now is not the time to relax when the company had only ended one play performance, there was still three more play performance to prepare for, and “I” would still have to look for at least five members for the remaining three troupes too. “I”realized too then this is perhaps not the time to indulge in sadness or nostalgia, as “I” do not have a lot of time left.
Furuichi smiled as he told “me” to remember these missions and encouraged “me” to continue with this energy of mine. (At this moment, both “me” and I really felt that Furuichi could be a really nice guy after all since he does care a lot about the theatre.)
He asked “me” whether “I” have anyone in mind for the Summer Troupe, in which “I” answered that though “I” planned to recruit from the public, there are candidates which “I” wanted to approach to from “my” side...
A guy who seems weak was walking outside Veludo Station, feeling impressed by the Romeo and Julius play he had watched earlier on. He noticed there was an advertisement pinned on the notice board over there and realized that a company was recruiting new members. And that company is... Mankai Company~
(Both Mugu and Tenma had shown interest to the advertisment~! Does that mean they’ll come and join from the story onwards? +W+)
And... that’s finally the end of the first episode~! Gosh, finally after 10 long months, I’m done writing and reading for episode 1 T/////T Thanks and sorry for those who might have waited so long for me to complete this Orz
Storywise, the spring troupe might have it the hardest to start everything from scratch, but thanks for all the help that came in midway, they were finally able to give a great performance ^^ I sincerely hope that the latter troupes would make it easier for them since, with more people around, they’ll definitely be able to do things alot better~! But... I heard that the later episodes seem a whole sadder than Episode 1, makes me really wonder what could have happened ~
And thus I’m really excited to start reading Episode 2 since they’re my favourite troupe - The Summer Troupe~! Yuki, Kazunari, Mugu and Tenma had pretty much made an appearance by now, so all I’m waiting for was for Misumi to appear ^^
Hopefully, I’ll get to read the first few chapters of Episode 2 soon and come up with a post real quick~ But until then... please look forward to it~! ^^
Decided to do this little translation since I’ve been wanting to translate some A3 stuff since awhile back already~ ^^ Usually the characters will have special lines during special events like new year / valentine’s / someone’s birthday, and I found the lines for April’s Fools really funny and interesting actually, and thus decided to translate them for each character from all four troupes. Enjoy!
*Note: Translation may not be 100% accurate due to my poor Japanese skills~ (I don’t usually do literal translation from conversation like this, so if the tone of the sentence gets weird or not fitting, I apologise before hand ><”
Spring Troupe
Tsuzuru: I’ve been cheated every year so I won’t get cheated so easily now… Eh? Itaru is quitting gaming?”
Itaru: Game? Haha, I won’t waste my time on such a thing.”
(What?! O.O I admit I got a shock when I see this since his was the first dialogue that appeared on my homescreen at that time Orz)
Sakuya: “Di..Director! Citron-kun is speaking really fluent japanese…!”
*I quickly switched over to Citron*
Citron: “I’m Citron. I travelled here from overseas, nice… nice to meet you.
(He speaks really fluent Japanese here as compared to his usual dialogues, though there’s still a little bit slip up towards the end ^^;)
Masumi: “I’ll give up on you… That’s not what I’ll want to lie about. I like you, this is not a lie.”
(Even if it’s April’s Fools, Masumi doesn’t want to lie about his feelings I guess~ ^///^)
Summer Troupe
Tenma: “I know you wanted to cheat me right? I do know that today’s Aprils Fools!”
Yuki: “Oh no, I… I think I’m in love… Nope! Did you fall for it?”
(I think I did fall for it for a moment due to how serious his voice was… OWO”)
Mugu: “Act… Actually, I’m a prince… Waaah I definitely can’t lie like this~!”
(I guess Muku even felt embarrassing for even suggesting that he’s a prince… XDD)
Misumi: “I’ll give up on collecting triangles! Starting today, it’s the era of circles! Tri… ah, nope, circles circles~ ♪
(Haha, it’s hard for Misumi to get rid of the habit of “triangles” definitely XD)
Kazunari: “Good afternoon, Director-san. Eh? My speaking tone has changed? Piko? That’s a japanese word that I’ve never heard of…”
(Wah! Definitely an outright lie when he said he didn’t know! OAO Kazunari always end his sentence usually with a “Piko”!! It’s so weird when he speaks so formally compared to his usual voice though ^^;…)
Autumn Troupe
Sakyo: “Settsu and Hyodo are getting along well after a long time. Finally, there’ll be peace in the autumn troupe.”
(He’s referring to Banri and Juza… wait.. how did these two managed to get along? OAO”)
*Switches over to Juza to hear his thoughts*
Juza: “Settsu is suddenly behaving in a way that makes me uncomfortable… Is he having a fever?”
(Okay, so perhaps Banri is the one behaving weirdly, since Juza seems normal here…)
*Checks on Banri*
Banri: “I’ve given up on always fighting with Hyodo, since I think he’s a pretty good guy. The autumn troupe will be in peace right?”
(Actually that sounds reasonable, though abit surprising that he suddenly decided to change on Aprils’ Fools itself OWO”)
Taichi: “Ban-chan… Juza-san…! The two of them gets along well now… I….!”
(No idea what Taichi was trying to say, he just seems really touched that Banri and Juza gets along well now ^^)
Omi: “Ooh… Seems like the conflict between Banri and Juza has resolved. This may be a special moment in history.”
(Not too sure if I got what he meant correctly, but guess he’s happy for them too? OWO)
Winter Troupe
Hisoka: “I don’t even feel sleepy today, that’s great right? … zzzzz….”
(Right after he said that he falls asleep straight away ^^;)
Homare: I actually have Shakespeare’s DNA in me, how’s that? It’s believable right?”
(… Might be possible as he’s considered good in poems?… or maybe he’s just obsessed ^^;)
Azuma: “I’m actually a female… If you don’t believe me, I can strip in front of you to prove that…?”
(How come I think that he just wants a reason to strip OWO”)
Tsumugi: “I ended following Azuma-san’s pace and lied… That maybe abit over for Tasuku…”
(Azuma being the bad guy here and even taught Tsumugi to lie to his childhood friend ^^;…)
Tasuku: “Tsumugi is getting married…? Is that a lie? But it’s not surprising considering his age… I see, he’s…”
(He’s.. what? What’s with the unfinished sentence, I was so interested to hear what he had to say next… like he’s surprised that Tsumugi’s in love with someone? Guess Tasuku just can’t bear to let go of his childhood friend even if he even gets married in the future ^^;)
At the end of the April Fools event after you’ve cleared all the missions (if I didn’t remember wrongly), you’ll get a card of Matsukawa Isuke when he was a student. (Seems like he attended the same school as Sakuya they all XD)
A3! Main Story - Episode 1: Show Must Go On! (Chapter 15 - 21)
Whew! It’s been a long time since my last translation for A3. 2...2 months?! Guess I’ve been too held up with other translations that this was really delayed, seeing at how I finished reading these chapters at the end of July...
These few chapters was abit shocking, abit of sadness, and a whole new encounter with new characters ^^ I don’t want to spoil too much so read on!
Anyway as always, the summary of the story can be found below. Translation may not be 100% accurate due to my poor Japanese skills~
Chapter 15: 専用メニユー / Specialised Menu
The spring troupe continued on with their training as per usual the next day, and Masumi would even helped to remind Sakuya if he had missed a line in his script. Tsuzuru noticed that the line which Sakuya had missed was after his lines, and suggested that he would say his lines in a way that Sakuya would know that it’s his turn next.
“I” had noticed their interactions and that the training atmosphere had changed after yesterday. They had not only took notice of each others’ mistakes, and had also derived solutions to overcome them. "I” told the troupe that “I’ve” followed the advice given by Yuzo, and came out with a specialised menu that tackles each of their weaknesses, and thus planned to carry them out at the morning practice the following morning.
For Sakuya, his training menu would be “Story Act”, where “I” explained that even though “I” had felt that the best for him was to perform on stage more frequently to gain more experience, it was not possible at our current circumstances, and thus recommended him to perform more story act instead. “I” had felt that if Sakuya had gotten used to the stage over time, he would be able to calm down while acting and see alot of stuff regarding the interactions of the audience and how other actors would interact with him. Tsuzuru offered to do story act with him as he would be able to gain experience from it as well.
For Masumi, his task would be to see more acting shows, which ‘I” told him that he could watch any genre that he would like to watch. “I” had hoped that by doing so would increase Masumi’s interest in acting, and felt that his acting skills would be more charming after that. However, Masumi claimed that he has no interest other than “me”, but Tsuzuru tried to encourage him by offering some acting shows tickets that he had gotten recently. Sakuya also told Masumi that there were some actings shows that were free of charge to watch, and suggested that they go and watch together. Masumi rejected going together with them, though he did accepted the tickets given by Tsuzuru. (Tsuzuru really dissed Masumi that he’s someone that can’t be understand at all ^^;)
For Tsuzuru, his tasks would be to read more scripts written by other script writers. “I” told him that because he was currently acting the script that he had written, there would definitely be parts where his vision of viewing things in the script be restricted by what his own script had written. “I” hoped that he would read scripts that have the stories in different time eras, written by different script writers, and try to act from them. Even though Tsuzuru would feel that there are parts where it would hard to act, or lines that would be hard to say, “I” believed that he would be able to calm down and analyze why the script was written in that way later on. As Sakuya always borrowed alot of scripts from the library, he offered Tsuzuru some recommendations to him. (So cute that they’re helping each other that way ^///^)
For Itaru, his task would be to go through basic training. “I” assured him that it was not because that he isn’t good enough to be an actor, but more of the reason that “I” could see that his basic skills were lacking compared to the others due to him joining the troupe later than them. Masumi dissed Itaru that it was because he was gaming all the time ^^; Itaru told “me” that he would think about it, and “I” wonder perhaps he was calculating how does the training would waste his time when he could play games in that period of time... OWO”
Lastly, Citron’s tasks would be to practise speaking lines well and intonation training. Tsuzuru offered that he could change the lines if Citron had felt them to be difficult to say for him, which Citron complimented him that he’s a really nice person. However, Citron assured Tsuzuru that he doesn’t have to worry about it. (Re...Really? ^^;)
Chapter 16: 毒舌お針子ボーイ / The Boy with a Poison Tongue
With Yuzo’s incident behind us, and everyone’s feelings towards training had chnged, “I” felt that everything would be able to proceed smoothly from now on.
One day, a girl (?) suddenly entered our practice room with a large and muscular man OWO The manager soon followed behind them and introduced us to the “girl”, who was Rurikawa Yuki, and would be working as our outfit designer and coordinator, Even though Yuki looks like a girl from the outside, he was actually a boy, and Citron remarked that Yuki was a “Otoko no Musume” (a guy who cross dress). Tsuzuru dissed Citron that he really knew alot of “redundant stuff” XD
Yuki introduced himself being a 3rd year student in middle school, and had experience in selling his outfits online. Tsuzuru was worried about Yuki’s studying since he was a 3rd year student, but Yuki dissed at him saying that he’s being too intruding on his privacy (or say mind too much of other people’s business ^^;), and explained that he won’t have trouble with his studies since his school allowed him to graduate straight into their affiliated high school. Tsuzuru remarked that Yuki seems to be like a Masumi No. 2 as he had a foul mouth too ^^;
Since Yuki had heard that the performance date was soon approaching, he wanted to confirm who were the actors that would be performing on the show. Yuki analysed each and every of the spring troupe actors, noting down their roles and mumbling “special attributes” (or say nickname” for them.
Sakuya was 100% genki like an energy drink, but with a ratio of 4:1 (?). As Masumi had claimed that he had no interest in other girls other than “me”, Yuki referred to him as the “ultimate stalker”. He referred Tsuzuru as villager C, which offended him as he clarified that he was acting as Mercutio and his name was Minagi Tsuzuru. Itaru was called “fake elite” by Yuki, which Tsuzuru felt that it was a harsh way to refer someone like this. Lastly Citron was a fake foreigner to Yuki,
After noting down all these stuff in his notebook, Yuki told us that he’s going to work on his design sketches for the oufits, and would meet us again next time when he had completed them. He left the room, and we’re left with this huge man who had been solemn ever since he had stepped into this room.
The manager introduced him as Iwai Tetsuro, who would be helping us with the large props for the performance. He was someone who had always helped us ever since from the first generation and the manager helped him to tell us “nice to meet you” OWO We’re amazed that the manager could actually hear him but the manager just told us that he just have the feeling that Tetsuro wanted to say that since the two had known each other for a very long time. Since the manager was (most probably) the person who could communicate with Tetsuro, “I” decided that he shall be the one to liase with him regarding the props.
With the outfits and props being prepared, Sakuya started to get excited looking at the progress at how things are moving smoothly along ^^ (Aww~ Sakuya is cute here >///<)
Chapter 17: 忠誠のキス / Loyalty Kiss
On another day, “I” realised that we had ran out of toilet paper from our storage. (Thank goodness not during the time where “I’m” really using the toilet and in need of them ^^:) The manager apologised that he had forgotten to restock them, and since he was currently busy with organising the video information, “I” volunteered to buy them, and asked him if there’s anything that he would want “me” to buy along with them. Turns out that the manager had a long list of stuff to buy as he started reciting them out... (Tissue paper, gummed tape, magic pen, files, notebooks, curtains... How long have you not done your shopping Manager? OWO”)
Citron who was walking past noticed that “I” had a glum look on “my” face and asked “me” what was wrong. “I” asked for his help to help “me” with the shopping as it was quite alot of stuff to carry back home and he agreed, saying that he would of course like to go on a shopping date with “me”. (Erm Citron...? It’s not a date though... ^////^”)
Citron was like a gentleman during the trip, offering to carry the items and also walking on the side that were nearer to the road himself. Suddenly, Citron was showing a serious expression and “I” asked him if anything was wrong. However, he just asked “me” to keep quiet about it and started talking in a cheerful voice again that we should head to the drug store next.
Seeing how well Citron is taking care of “me” made “me” feels that somehow “I” felt kind of not used to his “lady first” policy. “I” remarked that he was good at escorting, but he said that it was something that came naturally to him since he had the chance to walk with such a wonderful lady like “me”. (Thanks..? ^^;) Seeing how smart Citron could be, it felt that “I” had seen that Citron actually had a new skill... (of escorting? XD)
However, Citron showed a serious expression once again, and urged “me’ to run with him as he pulled “me” away from the shopping streets. We ran until we reached the home estate and “I” asked him what had happened to make him react that way. But Citron just asked “me” to stay quiet as he looked around to see if anyone had followed us.
Once it seems that we’re safe, Citron told “me” that he might be causing trouble to our theater troupe. Citron had not come to this country as an exchange student, he had actually escaped from his country and arrived here instead. He was afraid that if he was spotted by the people who had chased after him, he would be caught and forced to return to his own country. Citron confirmed that he was not joking and told “me” that perhaps it would be better for the theater troupe if he was not here anymore.
However, “I” told Citron that he was a part of the troupe and that we would all feel troubled if he isn’t here anymore. “I” asked Citron whether he had did anything bad in his country which cause these people to have chase after him, to which he answered that it was not. It was because that these people had found him to be an eyesore to them (and so probably want to capture him to get rid of him or something?). “I” assured Citron that “I” would assist him to prevent him from being discovered by these people and hoped that he would stay so that everyone would be together for the performance.
"I” told Citron that “I” knew that he had been working hard to practise saying his lines more smoothly and working on his intonation, and also noticed that his acting skills had been gradually improving as well. It was also thanks to Citron that the atmosphere in the spring troupe was warm and happy, since he had given everyone a positive influence over there. “I” felt that it won’t just only be “me”, but that everyone would have want to work together and perform with Citron definitely.
“My” words touched Citron and he thanked “me”. He said he would trust “me” from now on, and gave a kiss on “my” hand O////O Citron explained that giving a kiss on the finger was a representation of loyalty, and a common sight in his country. (However, even “I” had to diss that this was not normal in this country ^^;) “I” had felt that “my” heart race at that point as Citron seems like a real prince and wondered who exactly Citron is actually... (Don’t tell me... he’s really a prince...?)
Chapter 18: 至の本音 / Itaru’s True Voice
Back at the dormitory, “I” was awaiting for Itaru, who had asked “me” to meet him at back balcony at night. Itaru finally showed up, and told “me” that after thinking about it... he decided to quit the theater company. (What?!! OAO”)
Itaru continued and said that he had initially joined this company since he could saved on his rent and food expenses, and could just play games over here, claiming that even though he doesn’t have any interests in acting, he thought that he could just get by with it by participating in practices and acting as a sub character.
However, he realised later on that he had quite alot of lines for his roles, and with everyone being all pumped up and ready to train everyday, Itaru felt that he was out of place in here. He thought that it would be best if he quits now, since that would enable us to have more time to find a replacement.
He wanted to leave the balcony after saying his piece, but “I” called after him to stay. “I” asked Itaru whether he really did had absolutely no interest at all in acting, and doesn’t care about wanting to perform on stage with the others at all. Itaru diverted his gaze and doesn’t want to look at “me”, which “I” took it as a meaning that he’s not quitting because he doesn’t want to act at all actually.
“I” told Itaru that he had even turned up for morning practices, since he could not have turn up since he had to play his games. He had also followed the specialised menu which “I” did for the troupe and did his basic training as well.
Itaru finally revealed his true thoughts about the troupe. He felt that he may have been influenced by the others, and thus had the spirit to work hard at acting, and thought that for the sake of the performance it was alright for him to even cut down his time for gaming.
But... in the end, it won’t do, since Itaru felt that he can’t work hard with everyone just like how Sakuya and Tsuzuru did by resolving conflicts with others. He expressed that he had difficulty getting along well with other people on a deeper level and revealed that he actually doesn’t really like living with other people that much actually. Itaru felt that if he just can’t do it as the days go on, he would definitely cause trouble to others, and thus wanted to quit now.
(I think... I can sort of understand the conflicting feelings in Itaru’s heart actually...)
“I” requested Itaru to please stay for abit longer, and that if he still thinks that he can’t do it, we’ll then think of what to do then by that time. In the end, Itaru agreed to just stay for abit longer at the company.
After Itaru left the balcony, “I” thought to myself that even though “I” had seen alot of people quitting from acting, “I” believed that Itaru was different from them since he was now still debating whether he should quit or not. “I” believed that he must still have the spirit of wanting to continue to act in him...
Since it’s no use trying to hide this from the other members, “I” announced to them regarding Itaru’s thoughts about wanting to leave the troupe. This came as a bad news and a shock to them, and Tsuzuru was quite emotional, saying that he had actually written the role Tybalt to fit Itaru actually. Itaru could only apologise, but Citron told him that he understood Itaru’s feelings and conflicts of wanting to stay or quit. (I guess Citron’s situation was quite similar as well...)
Masumi was nonchalant about Itaru’s leaving, which Sakuya asked him whether he was alright if Itaru had left. Masumi answered that this was what Yuzo had said the last time to Itaru, telling him that if he doesn’t have the heart to act properly, then he should not have act at all.
Itaru gave a weak smile and told them that if he does quit, he would be giving them support as an audience. However, Tsuzuru doesn’t want to give up and asked Itaru if he found that acting was more interesting than games, would he be able to work hard in acting. Itaru answered that he doesn’t know the answer, since he had never found anything more interesting than games.
Itaru felt that his passion for acting just can’t be match to Sakuya’s, to which “I” encourage that there’s different types of actors in this world, and thus no need to compare whether one has more passion than the others. The most important for us and Itaru would be whether he had the heart to want to really perform with us on stage.
In the end, Itaru answered again that he would think about it.
Chapter 19: ゲームよりも / More Than Games
The next morning, when Itaru was about to head to work, Kamekichi flew and landed himself onto his shoulder, and told him to be careful when heading off. Itaru was surprised that Kamekichi had already remembered his name, to which the latter called his name and reminded him not to play game too much XD
(So cute how Kamekichi was perched on Itaru’s shoulder like this ^^)
Just then, Masumi rushed out to him, asking him to wait up and calling him “dad” OWO” He asked Itaru whether he was serious about divorcing with his “mother”. Tsuzuru appeared next and told Itaru that their “mother” was crying. Sakuya soon came and told Itaru to wait awhile longer as they went and get their “mum”, calling to “her” that Itaru’s leaving so she should come and make him stay. (Masumi, Tsuzuru and Sakuya were all acting as Itaru’s kids XD)
Itaru had thought that perhaps “I” would be acting as the mother... but turns out that it was just Citron XD
Tsuzuru told Itaru that he would think twice before leaving, and said that they all knew that he had the bad habits of drinking and gambling, (Itaru remarked that his character design for this role as the father was horrid, who would want to be known as a gambler and alcholic ^^:)
However, Sakuya continued on and said that their mother had knew all these about Itaru and still insisted on marrying him in spite of that. He also told Itaru that they had all really wanted to stay together with him.
In the end, Itaru stopped the story act and remarked that it sounded too ridiculous while laughing. Sakuya said that they had thought of what they should do to make Itaru want to stay at the theater company, and finally decided that if they were able to make Itaru felt serious about acting with their own acting skills, maybe Itaru would want to stay with them in the end.
Itaru remarked that Sakuya really does seems like a leader when he said that, and assured them that he would at least stayed until they performed Romeo and Juliet in the end. Tsuzuru and the rest were relieved, while Itaru mumbled that perhaps he could still try to believe in someone one more time...
Chapter 20: スーパーパリピデザイナー / Super Party-Pi (Party People) Designer
Overtime, “I” realised that the troupe members were able to act more naturally, and had improved on their acting skills after working on their specialised menu and morning practices.
However, even though “I” realised that Masumi’s attitude towards acting had changed and improved, there was a particular line in the script that got “my” attention since “I” felt weird about how he had said that line.
“I can’t. I can’t abandon my family.”
“I” stopped Masumi and asked him to say this lines again according to how he had felt about his family. However, it seems that Masumi doesn’t have much of an impression about his family and thus unable to say this line with the emotion “I” had wanted. “I” thought that this might be because Masumi hardly has any chance to interact with his family members seeing that his parents were abroad.
In the end, “I” suggested Masumi to think of a scene from an acting show that he had watched which was similar to this scene, and he was able to deliver his lines successfully with the right emotion, though “I” would still want it to be more emotional, and asked Masumi to work on it until the actual performance.
There was still 5 more weeks till the date of the performance show, so Tsuzuru suggested that we should probably try to start selling tickets now. As “I” wasn’t sure how to go about this, “I” decided to get the manager here so we can ask him about it.
(Citron had big goals of wanting to sell all the tickets within 15 minutes, whereas for Itaru it would be great if we even managed to see all of them in the first place ^^;)
The manager came and told us that he too had thought that it was about time they start selling the tickets, and thus showed us the website of the theater company as he had already put up the news on the website.
Sakuya tried to warn us by telling us not to have too much hope on it, and as expected / unexpected, the website looks like it was made 20 years ago, with meaningless colourful words all over the place, and the pictures and text were all squashed together OAO (As a quarter web designer myself, just from the description I knew this won’t do D:)
However, the manager said that the website looked retro and since retro was quite a popular trend nowadays, he was sure that such a simple website was still in trend OWO” (No, “I” don’t think that kind of design would ever come back on tend ><”) “I” thought back to the flyer that ‘I” had gotten when “I” first come to the company... The flyer was absolutely horribly done ><” (So I guess we should know by now who was the one who had made the website and flyer right? XD)
“I” asked the troupe members whether there was anyone who could do up a website and a flyer for the performance, and Itaru mentioned that though he could help with the scripting part, he can’t design the website. (We need a designer! I would volunteer myself if I had existed in the game ^^;) Just then, Tsuzuru spoke up and mentioned that he knew someone who could help with the design of the website and the flyer. It was his high school senior, and he felt that if he had went to him for help, the other party would be able to help us with it. However, Tsuzuru clarified that he isn’t on close terms with the other party, but offered to contact him nevertheless. (Is that who I thought it should be...? +W+)
The manager was disappointed to know that his website was not approved by the others, and wondered if it’s really that terrible looking. Kamekichi landed on his shoulder and told him that the website was really ugly XD (Kamekichi you are really not helping to comfort the manager XD) The manager rebutted that it’s just us who do not appreciate this retro look ^^;
Later on, Tsuruzu informed “me’ that his senior had contact him and that he would be coming here later on. Tsuzuru had also talked to him about acting, and turns out that the senior was quite interested about it.
The senior finally made his appearance, and was really loud and exaggerated when he made his way around the theater. Tsuzuru showed a complicated face and introduced him to “me”. He’s Miyoshi Kazunari. Kazunari called Tsuzuru as “Tsuzurun” and said that it’s been awhile that he had last seen him and was impressed that he had gotten into a theater company.
Sakuya remarked about Tsuzuru’s nickname, but Tsuzuru asked him to just let it go this time. When Masumi complained that Kazunari was noisy, Tsuzuru told him that he knew that but urged him to keep mum about it. Seeing how hyper Kazunari was, even Citron felt that his chara / personality had lost to him unless he came out with something new ^^; (No need for that Citron ^^:)
Kazunari told “me” that he had heard everything from Tsuzuru, and agreed to assist us with the design of the website and flyer. Even though “I” found that Kazunari had a high tension, “I” felt that he was actually pretty nice kid overall (”I” pretty much call everyone who was younger than “me” in the game a kid I guess ^^:)
Tsuzuru was all too impatient to send Kazunari off after that, claiming that the rest of them had to continue with their practices ^^: (He even told him straight up that he’s just going to obstruct them from practising and insisted that he leave ^^:)
Chapter 21: 新たな挑戰 / A New Challenge
After a few days, Tsuzuru came and informed us that Kazunari had completed the design of the website. Citron even joked that site might turn out to be made of neon colours, but to their surprise, it was a really pretty website design in the end ^^ Even Masumi had to give his approval that the website seems that it was made by a pro, and Itaru added on that the website seems to have moved on for 20 years after its last design XD
Looking at how wonderful the site had turned out to be, “I” was sure that it would be attractive enough to get people interested, and told them that we would have to work hard to improve the quality of our performance then.
Just then, Yuzo made his appearance at our practice room, telling us that he decided to check up on us as he was here at Veludo Way for some shopping. He was glad to see that the number of actors had not increased and asked us how things have been since the last time he met us.
Since the last time Yuzo had met us, “I” felt that we had improved by having our attitudes changed towards acting and practised using the specialised menu, and thus told Yuzo that the best he would knew how we’re doing now was to see our performance. And thus, the actors took their places and gave a performance to Yuzo, similar to how it was the last time.
After the performance, Yuzo did not say anything but sigh for a very long time.... (That’s scary! ><”)
Yuzo finally spoke and commented that the performance was not bad, and was impressed that we were able to improve this much within a short period of time. Everyone was glad after listening to Yuzo’s praise, and “I” felt that they would definitely feel more confident of their acting skills after that.
(Just look at how happy Citron and Itaru’s smiles are ^^)
However, Yuzo felt that the climax was not climatic enough, which Tsuzuru felt that it may be his fault due to how the script was written. Thus we started to think of how we could make the climax more climatic, and while Sakuya suggested that we could in the performance, “I” felt that that would make it seems like a musical suddenly and it would be very weird for the audience.
Masumi and Itaru started giving out suggestions that would change the script too drastically, like Romeo being dead and last boss appearing OWO” Citron even joined in and said that he could streak in the performance. (Guys... Please don’t ><”)
“I” lectured them about how their suggestions would disrupt the flow of the story. In the end it was Yuzo’s suggestion which helped to resolve the problem, which was to introduce some simple stage combat at one of the last few scenes between Romeo and Julius. He felt that if we tried to practise these short scenes from now on, we should be able to make it by the performance date.
Even though “I” was confident that Masumi should be able to handle it, “I” was worried about Sakuya. The other trouble “I” had would be myself, since “I” had no experience about stage combat and thus won’t know how to teach them about it. Yuzo offered to be their tutor regarding stage combat, saying that this was a repayment of his gratitude towards the theater company. (Thank you Yuzo~~)
And that’s it for these 7 chapters~! Glad that they’ve made through their problems and proceeding smoothly now though we still went through some hiccups along the way with Citron’s and Itaru’s problems. I’m glad that they’re resolved (for now though), and was also happy to see some of the summer troupe members making their appearance~! (Yuki and Kazunari~!)
Our next problem to tackle would be the stage combat. I’ve not read much about the next few chapters other than one, and things doesn’t seems to be moving along too smoothly. Would have to read on to see how it proceeds after that. *Time to catch up on reading again~! +W+*
Finally I decided to start this translation project! I’ve started playing this game a couple of months and now I want to read and translate the story as I go along since it has event stories that I want to read too~ ^^ (Didn’t want to accumulate too many in the end ^^;)
I actually started playing this because I kept seeing fanart of it from Yamako Sensei, and heard that the story of it is really good and began to get interested XD
PS: Since this game asked the user to set a name for the heroine, I’ve shamelessly used my nickname “Momo” ^^; (Her default name is Tachibana Izumi) For the translation, I’ll use “me”, similar to how I translate Ensemble Stars’ / Viidog Code’s stories~ (Since if I put Izumi, it will be confusing when my screenshots has the name as “Momo” instead ^^;)
Anyway as always, the summary of the story can be found below. Translation may not be 100% accurate due to my poor Japanese skills~
アバン / Avan (Prior in Time in french): いつかの未來 / Sometime in the Future
The story starts off with Sakuya thinking to himself at the backstage, as he noticed his group members who were all waiting as they’re about to start their performance. Sakuya could feel the warmth outside where the audience were waiting, along with the hope and excitement coming through the other end of the curtain.
There’s Masumi (black hair guy) who’s cool like always, and Tsuzuru (brown hair guy) who’s reading through the script again. Sakuya worried that Tsuzuru might ended up wanting to change the script at the last minute. (I doubt he won’t ^^;)
Itaru (blonde hair guy) seems abit nervous, so Sakuya thought to himself that he should buck up and show that he’s a good leader to put him at ease. On the other hand, Citron (guy on the left) was calm and Sakuya wondered what he is thinking actually.
Sakuya thought to himself to calm down and that everything will be alright, since they’ve practised so much to come so far. He has been awaiting this day that he can’t stop smiling and feeling excited about it. Today shall be the day they’ll bloom.
“Director, please let us bloom!”
Chapter 1: 演劇の聖地 / The Sacred Land of Acting
Heading back all the way to the beginning before the last chapter even happen, the story starts with “me” struggling to find a theater called ‘MANKAI Theater” as “I” referred to the map in the flyer “I” had in my hand.
“I” had came to the place that’s referred to as the “Sacred Land of Acting”, Veludo Way. Even though “I’ve” been here before when “I” was small, “I” do not remember it at all.
Along the way, “I” noticed a guy who doesn’t seems to be feeling well while he walked past “me”, and thus “I” went up to him to see if he needs any help. Another passer-by guy came up to us to see what’s going on too. Just then, a guy named Haruto ran up to catch up with the guy that looked unwell, questioning him why he had ran away from the hospital.
As the two started to get into an argument, “I” suddenly realised that they were putting up a story act, as the passerbys commented about it as they gathered around. Pulling aside the passerby guy who was confused on what was happening, “I” told him that it’s best that we keep our distance from the actors.
Tasuku (the sick guy) started to get agitated, as he yelled in despair that his illness isn’t going to get any better. While Haruto tried to deny it, Tasuku revealed that he had already know the truth as he had heard this while catching Haruto and the doctor discussing about it one day. He didn’t want to die without knowing anything, and asked Haruto to explain more about his illness to him. Haruto asked Tasuku to head back to the hospital and they’ll talk about it, saying that they’ll attract attention if they discussed it here. And… the story act ended here. (It was just a short acting scene that has a storyline ^^)
The passerbys were impressed by their acting, saying that they’re good since they’re from GOD-za (lit. GOD theater). The passerby guy from earlier then realised that all of this was an act all along. “I” explained to him that that was a story act just now, which is a type of performance put up by actors to earn tips and to also promote their acting skills at the same time.
Tasuku headed over to us, apologizing for worrying us just now, and he thanked us for getting worried about him too ^^ Smiling to us, he hoped that we would have a chance to head to GOD-za to view their performance next time. Just then, the passerby guy asked Tasuku whether the theater company is accepting any more new members, and thus Tasuku asked him whether he was interested to join. The passerby replied that he’s still considering, though his first priority was mainly interested on whether there’ll be any lodging provided by the theater company. Unfortunately, GOD-za doesn’t provide any, and all the members either rented lodging that’s near to the company, or they actually stay nearby initially.
Seeing that this guy wanting to join a theater company reminded “me” of my past, as “I” started to feel nostalgic and thus gave some tips for GOD-za too for their wonderful performance. Seeing how good their acts are, “I” can’t help but be amazed of how high the quality and level of the theater companies at Veludo Way are.
Continuing on “my” way, “I’ve” finally reached the venue - MANKAI Company. It’s weird that the theater seems empty even though there’s a notice saying that there’ll be a performance today.
A flashback occurred as “I” thought back to the conversation “I” had with “my” mum back at home. “I” had received a letter that was sent to “my” dad from the theater company that he belonged to, and thus it had become the reason that “I’ve” came here, to see if “I” could find any information that’s related to “my” dad. “My” dad had left home for eight years already, and though “my” mum said that she doesn’t care about him anymore and had treat him as he’s dead, deep down “I” know that she still worries and cares for him.
The letter was sent by someone called “Matsukawa Isuke”, and he must knew “my” dad somehow. Perhaps he’s someone from the theater company?
Just then, “I” met a Yakuza outside the theater, and he asked what “I’m” doing here. Seeing that he seems suspicious and quite scary, “I” decided to lie and told him that “I” didn’t receive any letter and was just a “passerby A” passing through XD (Omg… that sounds so... unnatural, anyone will be even more suspicious after hearing that answer =w=“) “I” looked at him and wondered perhaps my dad had borrowed a lump of money from him that’s why he’s here to chase after the debt.
The yakuza guy asked me to go away if “I” have no business here, as it’s about to get dangerous here. He called for his subordinate to operate a hydraulic shovel, and a man quickly dashed out from the theater, yelling not to destroy the theater! (… It’s starting to get abit weird and intense over here, and we’re just on the first chapter OWO”)
Chapter 2: 襲來! シヨベルカー / Attack! Hydraulic Shovel
A commotion soon followed as the man from the theater tried to stop the subordinate from destroying the signboard. “I” noticed it and realised that “I” seems to have seen this signboard before, but firstly, I tried to stop the subordinate too by saying that it’s dangerous to operate the shovel when there’s people around.
The theater man begged “Furuichi” (the yakuza guy) to stop, but he refused, saying that this is the action to be taken as he had not return the loan by the deadline. The theater guy begged once again that he’ll have money when the theater started its performance, and thus might have enough money to return at least the interest. Reluctantly, Furuichi decided to order his subordinate to stop for a moment and asked what’s the number of audience that’s going to watch the performance and how long there is to go till the opening. Turns out… there’s nobody coming to watch the performance at all and the performance was due to start in 3 minutes?! (What?! OAO”)
Furuichi decided to start destroying the theater again after hearing that. (Since he must think there’s no way there’ll be enough audience to come and watch later on to earn enough to cover the interest XD I don’t blame him ^^:) The theater guy begged again, claiming that there’ll be guests coming later on definitely… but while he’s saying that he kept “eyeing” “me”… (Is he hinting me to be a guest? I think so ^^;) “I” decided to step up and said “I’m” indeed a guest, but Furuichi dissed “me”, saying that “I” was claiming that “I” was just a passerby A just a few moments ago XD (Ah~ He still remembered what a stupid lie “I” said just now TWT)
Thank goodness “I” actually have the flyer of the theater company in my hand, and it’s being used by the theater guy as a form of evidence in the end XD (So anyone with a flyer = potential audience OWO”) “I” persuaded Furuichi to stop and wait till the end of the performance, since there might be audience coming to watch later on, and even told him to come and watch the performance too. Furuichi asked “me” whether “I’ve” watched the performance of this theater company recently, and “I” replied that though “I’ve” never watched their performance before, “I” remembered seeing this signboard before, so there’s a possibility that “I’ve” came here before when “I” was young.
In the end, the theater guy urged us to watch this performance, saying that it’s actually the first performance of their new member today. It’ll seems too bad and mean to destroy the signboard before his first performance, and thus Furuichi decided to halt and asked his subordinate to remain on standby as he headed into the theater with “me”.
Till the start of the performance, there isn’t anyone entering the theater at all, and thus it ended up with only just Furuichi and “me” sitting together in the middle of the theater… (That’s going to be very awkward =w=“) Furuchi told me not to regret stopping him and stepping into this theater, as the performance began to start… (How come I have a very bad feeling about this… Orz)
Chapter 3: 全力お遊戲会 / Full Force of a “Play”
(*Note: Not the acting “play” that you might think of, but more of the playing kind of “play” instead… like play pretend?)
Noticing that the stage has a set made out of just cardboard, “I” can’t help but wonder if this is just a pretend play put up by the theater company, but ultimately decided to think that perhaps this is just a part of the act overall.
The performer began to come on stage, and seeing how nervous this actor is as his moves were really robotic, “I” guessed that this must be the new actor on his first performance that the theater guy was talking about just now. The new actor began to say this lines, and that made me confirmed that he’s indeed the new actor based on his newbie acting skills ^^;
(I actually already want to say things about the lines when he started acting, who on earth wrote the script?… OWO” It literally started off with “Yah~ I’m Kadota Romeo, a first year at high school! I have a one-sided crush on my classmate! - It sounded extremely chessy with this introduction ^^;…)
“I” thought that perhaps there’ll be other actors coming on stage later on, but turns out it was only “him” in the act in the end, other than a parrot?! (Why is there a parrot acting in a performance actually?! OWO) Even though this arrangement does seems unique in a way, “I” don’t find the performance particularly interesting either. Furuichi started sighing while watching, and “I” couldn’t help but to sigh either after watching too. (Which means it’s really THAT bad… D:) However, “I” noticed that new actor wasn’t affected by the fact that there’s hardly any audience watching him act at all, and even got more and more relaxed by the end of the performance as his nervousness fade away gradually.
At the end of the performance, Furuichi only had a comment - “The script is terrible.” (which I think I’ll agree whole heartedly if I had watched the entire thing) “I” can’t help but to feel bad for the new actor, he seems to really have the ambition and desire to act, so he definitely deserve to go to a better theater company that has a better script and stage actually TWT TWT
Furuichi decided to destroy the theater straight away, and that made “me” exclaimed that he’s being mean to do this when he has just finished watching the show, seeing that the actor(s?) were all working so hard to put up the performance. He replied that it doesn’t matter how hard the actor(s?) worked, if the result is shown that it seems more like a pretend play instead of an actual play itself, since a theater company’s act should be something that people would pay to watch. (Harsh… but true… TWT I can’t disagree on this part…)
Furuichi also added on that there’s always something in life that you just can’t can’t achieve or make it no matter how you tried, and that made “me” think of an incident in my past, where “I’m” told to give up on acting, as “I” just have no talent in acting at all no matter how much “I’ve” tried.
The new actor overheard our conversation, and quickly rushed over to ask if it’s true that the theater will cease to exist anymore. He revealed that he has actually just joined this theater company yesterday, and even though he knew his acting skills are still terrible, he loves acting and thus begged to Furuichi to not destroy the theater.
(It’s only at this time that “I” realised that the theater guy was actually the manager of the theater company owO”…)
The theater guy (manager) rushed into the scene once again, saying that he had to protect this theater company no matter what. Furuichi called him “Matsukawa”, saying that he had already gave him countless chances and there’s no more room for negotiations. Asking the manager more about how the theater was like back then, had him answered that the theater used to flourish and doing really good when it was under the directions of “Tachibana Yukio”, which “I” then realised he was talking about my father. (The heroine’s surname will always be “Tachibana” no matter what name you gave her~)
The manager realised that “I” was the daughter of Yukio, and explained that he was actually the one who wrote the letter to him, which “I’ve” received at the beginning of the story and thus came here because of it. (You might be sharp eye to realise it when Furuichi called him Matsukawa just now XD) As much as “I” wanted to know the whereabouts of my dad, the manager said that he doesn’t know either, since he had disappeared one day from the company, and no one could contact him either. The manager had wrote a letter to his home, hoping that he had went home, but alas, “I” haven’t even met him for the last eight years =w=“…
The manager suddenly claimed that there’ll definitely be someone available to help even if Yukio isn’t around, but “I” noticed he was “eyeing me” once again… =w=“ (Is he hinting me to help him again? Orz) “I” volunteered myself, but Furuichi said that it won’t be enough, since he said not only that will it be difficult to manage a theater company, this theater company is different from other companies. The theater that we were at now solely belongs to the theater company - MANKAI Company, unlike other theater companies who will only rent theaters when they need to put up a performance. Apparently, a large amount of cost is required to maintain the theater, and also the lodging provided by the theater company as well. (Wow.. that’s really alot to pay for when they’re keeping it empty for years… =w=“)
MANKAI Company’s best years was eight years ago, when there’s alot of profit as there’s four units performing, where each unit will perform in each season of the year - Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. And thus without at least four units to keep performing throughout the year, it’s hard to even keep up with the costing that’s needed to maintain these facilities.
Seeing that the theater company was even hard to survive on its own with only just one member with the manager (not counting the parrot of course ^^;), Furuichi called for his subordinate to destroy the theater. As “I” couldn’t bear to see the theater company that my dad has built up to be gradually disbanded in the end (since the company will find it hard to continue without a theater), “I” decided to make up a lie on the spot, and told Furuichi that my dad had probably said that he’ll passed on the company for me to take care in the case that he’s not available.
“I” tried to get the manager to put up an act with me to get Furuichi to believe that it may be true, but at this time, the manager turns out to be clueless… saying that he hasn’t hear anything about this from Yukio… (Ah!! This is the time you are supposed to go along with me like how I did followed you just now! ><”)
Thinking that things will be alright if “I” managed to get four units of members in the end, “I” lied to Furuichi that “I’ve” actually had members ready to join this company. Furuichi doesn’t seems persuaded though, and asked how many of them are joining and hoped that they aren’t all just passerby instead. “I” continued my lie and said that there’ll be two people that are going to join, and turns out he decided to turn the tables and demanded me to bring these two people to see him by sunset, and definitely not just passerby who had no intention of joining the company. (Ahhh~!! What have I done?! OAO”)
And thus the deadline was given till sunset, and if “I” failed to do so, Furuichi will asked his subordinate to really take down the signboard. (For now they’ll just be on standby ^^;)
Chapter 4: ストリート / Story ACT
Once we headed outside onto the street, the manager was already in a happy and relaxed mood, thinking that everything will be solved now that “I’m” here. (It was really a total attitude change from just now… =w=“) “I” had to crash his happiness by telling him that we had to find some new members fast, and told them that it was an act that “I” put up at the theater just now by telling Furuichi that we already had new members when actually… we don’t. (”I” just don’t want to admit that it’s a lie I guess ^^;)
Trying to cheer the manager and new actor up from the disappointing news, “I” urged them to be on the search for the new members together, but the manager was being all mopey and negative, saying that since the past members of this theater company had all left, with only one member in this company and the ratings of the company all crashed to the bottom, there’s no way anyone would want to join this theater company. (…. which I agree unfortunately D:) The new actor was still fired up though, saying that he doesn’t want to give up yet, and that made “me” think that he’s actually a really good kid after all~ TWT TWT (The way “I” talked definitely makes me think that she’s way older than the new actor actually =w=“ Since she kept thinking of him like a child somehow~)
The new actor introduced himself as Sakuma Sakuya. And “I” tried again to motivate the manager to be more positive like Sakuya, though deep down “I” really felt irritated about the manager. (Haha, “I” really don’t like him that much ^^;)
The three of us put our heads together and tried to think of a way to get new members. Approaching people one by one to ask them proved to be ineffective, as not everyone who passed by on the road would even be interested in acting in the first place. Finally “I” decided on organising a story act so as to grab the attention of all the passerby in an instant (especially those are interested in acting will definitely came to take a look ^^) The theme was decided to introduce about the good points of MANKAI Company, so as to attract people who would be willing to join.
“I” asked the manager whether there’s any merit in joining MANKAI Company, and turns out that other than providing lodging, the company also provides both breakfast and dinner made by the manager, so this could be a merit for new aspiring actors, as they usually started off with a low pay. Another merit would be since they had a theater of their own, there’s no lack of practice area to use too!
Thus, we quickly decided on how the story act would be, the manager would act as himself being the manager, “I” would be the director, and Sakuya would be an aspiring actor who’s auditioning to join the company, and the scene would be in a middle of an audition.
However, when the story act started, the manager did a terrible job by even inserting a self introduction of himself in it. (”I” even dissed him in “my” thoughts, and then suddenly realised that it’s possible that the terrible script used in the performance just now was written by the manager actually =w=“) Sakuya was still alright being in his own role, but he was still nervous and actually when it comes to acting, “I’m” not that good either, in the end the passerby who walked past and watched us act thought that we’re going through a punishment game instead D:
“I” was feeling discouraged after hearing all the snickering from the passerby, and admitted to the manager and Sakuya that though “I’ve” joined a theater group before, my acting skills aren’t great to the point of being able to act as a main character. However, they didn’t blame “me” at all, and the manager even encouraged “me” by saying he’s even more useless than “me”, which led “me” to thinking whether he’s a positive or negative person actually. (Since initially he was so negative just a few moments ago =w=“)
Chapter 5: 日暮れまで / Until The Sun Sets
After trying for a long time, “we” didn’t have any success to attract an audience at all. Seeing that Sakuya seems to be tired already, “I” proposed that we try again at a new location.
Just then, “I” noticed someone staring at us and realised it was a guy who actually has quite a good-looking face. (Welp, I didn’t realised that “I’m” such a person who looks at faces too OWO”) “I” realised he has been staring at us for quite long, and wondering that perhaps he’s interested in acting, “I” went up and talked to him. (And then his gaze started to sway as he’s shocked that “I’m” approaching him - that was cute XD)
Sakuya came over and called the guy “Masumi”, claiming that he had known him as they went to the same high school, and Masumi is his junior. (Masumi’s full name is Usui Masumi) However, Masumi doesn’t know Sakuya at all though, and that made Sakuya abit sad to know that D:
“I” asked Masumi whether he’ll be interested to join this theater company if he’s interested in acting in the first place, but that only led him to asking “me” whether “I’m” in the company. “I” wanted to say the truth was that “I” was only just helping out, but the manager interrupted “me”, saying that OF COURSE “I’m” in the theater company as the main director overall. (When did “I” even volunteer for that?! OWO”) The manager whispered to “me” that this was needed to get Masumi to join as Masumi said he’s joining only because “I’m” in the company.
And… that’s how we managed to get our 2nd member, though “I” feel bad that it’s through lies again… (”I” have no plans to be the director and lead this theater company at all yet actually D:)
Since Masumi had joined us, “I” asked him to participate in the story act with us, and somehow he actually does a great job in it. (”I” must be feeling that “I’ve” struck gold in finding such a talent suddenly XD)
However, Masumi is quite a weird kid, always asking for “my” opinion on how he is after every line =w=“ (Yep, I’m sure at this point he definitely has a crush on the director >///<)
Chapter 6: 最後のチャンス / Last Chance
However, when the sun was setting, we had yet to find one more additional member to join us. Feeling disappointed that we’re so close to succeeding (since it’s already a rare chance to get Masumi to join us), “I” unexpectedly found the passerby guy whom “I’ve” met in the afternoon.
“I” remembered that he was on the lookout for a theater group with accommodations, and thus quickly dashed over to ask him if he was interested. He was interested when the manager said that there’ll be two meals included, and thus we found someone who might be a new member!
Masumi wasn’t pleased that “I’m” finding another guy when “I” already have him, and commented isn’t him alone good enough for me already ^^; (He totally sound like he’s jealous XD)
The passerby guy was shocked that he’s being considered to join a theater group, as he claimed that he’s just a beginner who doesn’t have any acting experiences beforehand. Sakuya and the manager tried to encourage him by saying that they don’t have any acting experiences either. (Though for the manager to say he doesn’t have any when he’s already in the company for eight years… That’s bad Orz)
The passerby guy continued saying that he had wished to be a scriptwriter actually more than an actor, and “I” decided to let him be our scriptwriter too, on the condition that he doubles up as an actor. (Since “I” believed that whatever he wrote will definitely be better than the horrible script from the last performance =w=“) He agreed, and introduced himself as “Minagi Tsuzuru”. (Yeah! Finally we have our 3rd member! - And there’s Masumi being jealous again grumbling that he can write a script too… Is it me or he seems to be jealous of Tsuzuru suddenly ^^;)
Now that we have all the members that’s required, we quickly rushed back to the theater before sunset to meet Furuichi. (The manager was already tired when we just started running though ^^;)
We’ve reached the theater, and Furuichi was awaiting for us there, as he seems impressed that we’ve not fled and came back to him with the new members. Even though he thought that we’re just lucky to get through the crisis this time, Furuichi said that this was just the beginning as it’s impossible for the theater company to continue even if it has two new members.
Firstly, these members who will be forming the first unit - the Spring Troupe, will have to put up a performance in order to start earning money for the company. “I’ve” estimated that it would take at least half a year to train them and prepare for the performance (since they’re all beginners), but for Furuichi that’s too long, and he demanded that the performance must be held in the midst of next month OAO” (That’s like just a month plus to prepare everything?!! OAO”)
The manager started complaining of course, shouting that Furuichi was being mean like a demon, and even dissed him that perhaps he wanted to be a popular character by having a “S” trait. (That comment is definitely a 4D, out of the moment for the players XD)
Furuichi said that he’s actually being kind to us by giving us a last chance, and state that he’s going to state the three conditions we’re going to fulfill, on the condition that if we’ve fulfilled everything then he won’t destroy the theater anymore.
“I’ve no idea of the crisis that was to be fallen on us at that time, and also the countless meeting of various people and touching moments. And my job is to let the various actors under my care, to bloom.”
The End.
Whew! It was quite a nerve-wrecking ride so far, and we’re just beginning TWT TWT~ It was a must to at least go through the prologue + a few chapters later on in order to finish the newbie tutorial, so I’m glad to have taken the chance to read it as I actually really enjoyed reading it.
One thing that I forgot to state in the beginning was that the story was actually fully voiced if you download the version with the voice when starting a chapter, and thus the enjoyment definitely rise when I get to hear the voices and feel the emotions coming from the characters >////<
I look forward to meeting the rest of the Spring Troupe too, and wonders how they’ll get along ^^… Since from the character profiles on the website, they all seems to vary in personalities, appearance and age (Wonder how they’ll clash into fireworks hahaha XD)
PS: Next episode will start with the Spring Troupe’s stories~! I have read some chapters already, so hopefully I’ll be able to come up with a post soon ^^
