T/N: Thank you to @augustmishas for providing this backstage!
Hisoka: Zzz…
Izumi: Ah, figured he’d be here. (Brought a warm blanket again…) Wake up, Hisoka-san.
Hisoka: Zzz…
Izumi: Nothing… Alright, guess I gotta take out the big guns. Hisoka-saaan, here’s a marshmallow~.
Hisoka: … MONCH.
Izumi: Ah, good morning.
Hisoka: This marshmallow tastes like… caramel… and ginger?
Izumi: Yep. It’s limited time only.
Hisoka: … It’s good.
Izumi: (He’s silently asking for another one…) I’ll give you the rest after I tell you something. It’s about your bromide for your birthday shoot.
Hisoka: Ahh… Forgot about that.
Izumi: You see… uum…
Hisoka: … I have to include a memory from before joining the company.
Izumi: … Yeah. As an added bonus to the picture, everyone would give a memory too. Hisoka-san spent a lot of time with memory loss while he was in the company, but it seems that he’s regained a lot of memories—. But I still feel like you might struggle with it.
Hisoka: … Thanks for the thought. I don’t think I’ll be able to give anything detailed, but maybe something similar is fine.
Izumi: Really? That’s a relief… Then, I’ll let you know when the photoshoot is.
Hisoka: Wait.
Izumi: ?
Hisoka: … Marshmallows.
Izumi: That’s right! Sorry sorry. Here ya go.
Hisoka: Thanks.
Izumi: Alright, I’ll take my leave now.
Hisoka: Okay. … Munch munch. (I know what I said… but do I have something?) … (Can’t think of anything… Maybe ‘cause it’s all bad.) Munch munch… (Welp, it can’t be helped so I have to ask him.)
~
Hisoka: (… It’s cloudy, I can’t see the moon well…) Ah, he’s back.
~
Chikage: Hm?
Hisoka: …
Chikage: This guy…
~
Hisoka: Welcome home.
Chikage: I’m home. Let’s keep it short now.
Hisoka: … It’s my turn for the birthday bromide photoshoot. For the shoot, I need to choose a memory from before joining Mankai.
Chikage: Yeah.
Hisoka: Do you have any ideas, Chikage?
Chikage: You want me to help you choose one of your memories? Absolutely not. You have most of your memories back, don’t you?
Hisoka: …Yeah. But I don’t exactly trust it completely. But… before joining Mankai, there’s a lot of memories I don’t wanna remember. I have my memories, but they hold no emotions for me.
Chikage: … I suppose that makes sense.
Hisoka: You don’t understand emotions.
Chikage: Shut up. Anyway, you’ll have to find one yourself. And I’ll do something on my own as well.
Hisoka: … Useless.
Chikage: I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. I’ll head down first.
Hisoka: Haa… (If it’s at the marketplace, then I can probably find some at this time of year.)
T/N: There are a few pictures I added, but still not the typical amount that I do. Also, this may not hit as hard if you’re reading this without knowing what led up to this, so I recommend knowing the lead up to this before reading ep 31 and this one. But of course, it’s only recommended. Without further ado, enjoy and bring your tissues y’all.
Banri: … (Center stage, time’s almost up…) (I can understand the value and importance of this place now more than when I first stood on this stage.) (The time since I’ve arrived here at MANKAI Company…) (The new Spring Troupe and Summer Troupe, and we, the Autumn Troupe, and the Winter Troupe have all piled into here.) (I can’t just up and ruin what this theatre has grown and become.) (—I want to continue to stand here.) (Now I remember what’s at stake here, and I can be as honest as I can be.) … Phew. (The stage looks bigger when you’re alone.) (But I’m not alone. Behind the audience is the rest of Mankai.) (And Autumn and Director-chan are here between all the equipment… I couldn’t feel more supported.) (There’s a live audience, but there’s even more behind the camera.) … Let’s go. (I can’t think of any better way to do this now, it’s time to show the world who I am.)
Chikage: 3, 2, 1—
~
Banri: —I’m Banri Settsu from MANKAI Company. First of all, I’d like to apologize for making any fans feel uncomfortable by my actions. When the next performance was announced, I caused a bit of an uproar, and I’m sorry. But I didn’t decide to do this stream just to apologize. There’s been rumors spreading around SNS and it’s muddling the truth. In fact, there’ve been many people who’ve annoyed me in life and I regret what I’ve done. I want to apologize for that now too. But that’s not all of who I am, and I don’t want Mankai’s reputation to be damaged because of a misunderstanding caused by someone like me. Today, I wanted everyone to know about the person named “Banri Settsu”, so I decided to do it in this way. Please, let me tell you about the past and future of my life. I’m an actor, so what better way to express it than on a stage rather than at a press conference. … “My portrait—Banri Settsu.”
Banri Settsu used to be empty.
When I was young, I excelled at everything and people around me praised me for it. In the beginning, I thought I just wanted the compliments from my family to keep rolling.
But eventually, when my excelling became the norm, the praises came less and less. Most of all, though, my feelings about things started to fall too, and eventually, everything I did bored me.
While growing up in those circumstances, I started fighting in high school. When I think back on it now, maybe I was a bit scared. I wasn’t motivated by anything, so maybe I was scared to admit I was someone who was empty.
That’s why I wanted something to rekindle me, even if it was just a bit, and fighting rougher dudes was the only solution I had at the time. I didn’t think about how much I’d hurt someone. I was only looking for a driving force for myself.
Thinking back on it now, I think I knew I was doing something stupid. I didn’t think about how much it’d affect the future though. No, maybe I didn’t think at all. I think I was just desperate.
One day, I came across a theater. It was a rather modest place, but after stepping into this theater, it was the first time my life took a turn I wasn’t expecting. I couldn’t accept the fact that I’d lost, so I ran.
But then I saw my friends perform on their own, and I thought to myself that it couldn’t end here, I wouldn’t accept this defeat.
“Be different from your past self”, “Be proud to stand in the middle of the stage”, “For your friends and yourself, make your dream come true for all of you”, “Face that dream of yours head on, no more running”…
Eventually, I came to think that trying to touch my friends’ feelings is the life I want to live. I guess it sounds weird for those who were just trying their hardest.
My personal experience of theater became a portrait of my friends. From then on, my life changed, and I went to university to take acting seriously.
My way of life changed so suddenly. And watching someone else’s performance made me reflect on my life.
In front of me, my friends lived life in real time, while I faked mine. Before, if I were to see their desperation, I might’ve laughed at them.
But then I realized that those actors were leagues better than I was, while I was just trying to run.
Maybe it’s ‘cause I didn’t want to face the fact that I wasn’t better than someone for the first time in my life. I want to be myself and I can do anything, I couldn’t show my weaknesses to others… And I was sure that not allowing myself to show my weakness WAS my weakness.
And it’s thanks to my friends, I realized it was a hundred times more likely to run away from your problems and I shouldn’t resort to that.
So, no matter how crappy I am, I don’t want to run from the stage again, I’ll do my damndest. I want to perform a play that will change someone’s life, like how my friends’ performances changed the me who was once empty.
I think that’s the coolest way I’d be able to live life, and it’s the reason why I want to stand on stage as an actor, and I plan on sticking with it.
I was against theatre, I messed up time and time again, I was stuck, I was shit at it. But now I have friends who’ve shown me it’s okay to struggle.
I want to stand on the stage of this theater, of this theatre company, with my friends.
Nothing else can replace it. I don’t care that it has to be theater. All of the answers to my ultimate desire are right here.
Even after all of my struggling, I want to perform to the best of my ability, and I want to be proud of myself, living this life.
That’s why I want to stand here. Now, it’s the only thing on my mind. I don’t want to let go of the answers to life that I’ve had.
I want to act. Here in this place, forever. Even now, and long after—!
Banri: But— …
Banri: Haha, in the end, I’m just me…
Banri: For the first time in my life, I can feel my heart tighten. Even though my emotions were all based around others… this is who I am. This is all of me now… Thank you.
~
Izumi: I’m proud of you, Banri-kun.
Tasuku: You did good.
Yuki: Isn’t this the first time you’re so honest?
Tenma: All of Banri-san was laid out.
Kumon: Even though you stumbled, you still got back up, how cool, Banri!
Muku: I’m sure everyone has an understanding now!
Misumi: Good job, Banri!
Homare: What an incredibly moving portrait!
Tsumugi: It’s a portrait only he can do.
Itaru: Uwa, we’re the same.
Manager: The stream has been stopped now!
Taichi: Ban-chan!!
Banri: Urk.
Omi: Well done.
Sakyo: Good job, Leader.
Banri: Oi, don’t pat my head!
Azami: I’m glad you cried at the end. You would’ve ruined your makeup.
Juza: It sucked.
Banri: Shut up!
Juza: … But, it was cool.
Banri: I said shut up.
Izumi: (I’m glad Banri-kun has his friends now.) (I’m glad Autumn was able to meet and accept each other for who they are.)
*example of the game, pull strings and hope the one you pull has a good prize attached to it
*yo-yo fishing is where you use a small strip of thin paper to try and 'fish’ out a balloon with a rubber loop. the balloons are in water so the paper tears easily once wet.(also what they’re doing in the cg)
Omi:Heh, did we get a letter from Bollywood Studios’ Inda-san?
Izumi:Yeah. It said to let everyone know how much she appreciated our help.
Izumi:Since then, the show’s been really well-received. The elephant gimmick’s so popular in fact, that they’re actually planning on a full-scale renovation of it during their next maintenance session.
Chikage:Our repair was more of just a temporary fix.
Tasuku:Well, if they plan on doing a full renovation, it’s safe to say it’s in good hands.
Izumi:Also inside the envelope was this coupon to Bollywood Studios, for the whole company.
Taichi:Yay! Now we can all go!
Misumi:Hooray~, everyone can dance together~!
Chikage: Coordinating everyone’s vacation time will be quite the challenge.
Azuma: Fufu, you don’t look as bothered by that as before though, Chikage-san.
Hisoka:…..Ah.
Tasuku:What the. When did this happen?
Hisoka: Right… Look at that.
Taichi:Oh! Bollywood Studios is being featured on a talk show!
Azuma: Really, now. They’re talking about the streets, food stalls…. and the show as well.
Omi: It hasn’t been long since it’s opened, but it seems like it’s been a huge success.
TV Reporter: “Just look at this huge line of visitors waiting to get into the park!”
TV Reporter: “What are you guys in line for?”
Waiting Customer A: “I want to try the curry from this shop’s secret menu!”
WaitingCustomer B: “Same here.”
Izumi:Ehh!
Taichi: Everyone already knows about the secret menu!?
Tasuku: Now that the word’s out, it’s not really a ‘secret’ menu anymore.
TV Reporter: “This curry’s become super popular, and more and more people are coming to visit Bollywood Studios!”
TV Reporter: “If it’s a secret menu, how did you guys find out about it?”
Waiting Customer A: “Word of mouth.”
WaitingCustomer B: “Same, I heard rumors and wanted to try it.”
Waiting Customer C: “My favorite blogger introduced me to it.”
Izumi:(Blogger? Could it be…)
Izumi: (Um, 'Chikausa’s Spicy~ Blog’…. I knew it! There’s a post about the curry from the secret menu!)
Izumi:….Chikage-san.
Chikage: What? That curry was delicious, it’d be a waste to leave it a secret.
Izumi:Well, I get how you feel.
Izumi:(Still, looks like that post had a huge influence…)
Tasuku: ….I remembered it and started sweating again.
Chikage: It was delicious, wasn’t it? Next time, when we go with everyone, I want to eat that shop’s curry again.
Misumi:The stage was a huge success~! The customers looked really happy too~!
Izumi: Yeah! Both the play and the dance came out very good.
Inda: Really, everyone, I can’t thank you enough! That was a wonderful performance.
Chikage: I’m happy the elephant worked properly, too.
Inda: Yes! We owe everything to you guys.
Inda: So, how can we repay you? Whatever you want, just ask.
Taichi:The MVPs were the two who fixed the elephant!
Azuma: Agreed. Chikage, Tasuku, is there anything you’d like?
Tasuku:No, I’m fine. Just getting to do a play here is enough.
Tasuku: I learned a lot from performing on a different stage, and I had a lot of fun.
Hisoka: Tasuku… you’ve got no desire.
Tasuku:What about you, Utsuki?
Chikage:I also don’t especially… Oh, yes I do.
Chikage:I think I’m interested in trying that curry shop you recommended us, Inda-san. Back on our first day here.
Omi:Ah, that curry shop, huh.
Inda: Of course, I’d be pleased to invite you! You guys can have what ever you’d like!
Taichi: Yay! To be honest, I was getting kinda hungry~.
Misumi:I’m hungry too~. I wonder if they have triangle curry?
Azuma:Fufu, I’m looking forward to it.
Inda:Here you go, your menus.
Omi:Wow, they’ve got so many different kinds of curry and side dishes.
Taichi:I can’t decide~. Which curry should I pick~?
Izumi:They all look really delicious…! I want to eat them all…!
Hisoka:Director’s eyes are shining.
Omi:Oh, Misumi, they’ve got samosa.
Misumi:Wahh~! Samosa triangles!*
Tasuku:Which one will I go with…
Chikage:Which menu do you recommend, Inda-san?
Inda:In that case, please wait here a moment.
Chikage:?
Inda: Sorry for the wait, this is our secret menu.
Inda: Out of all of my travels, I think the curry on this menu is the best I’ve ever eaten.
Chikage:I see, then I’ll have that one, please.
Tasuku:The best curry you ever had, huh… Then, I’ll have that one too.
-
Waiter:Sorry for the wait.
Chikage:Thank you very much. Heh, so there’s multiple types of roux.*
Inda: It’s an assortment of the ones I thought were delicious.
Chikage:I’m looking forward to trying them. Let’s hurry up and eat.
Tasuku: Let’s eat.
Tasuku:….!?
Tasuku:….Gh.
Chikage:…..
Tasuku: ….How can you eat so much of that.
Chikage: Really? Why, it’s delicious. Not only is it spicy, but you can also taste the spices’ complex flavor.
Chikage: It something that can’t be expressed in words.
Tasuku: ….I don’t get it.
Hisoka: ….Chikage seems more excited than usual.
Izumi:It’s got to be painful if Chikage-san is praising it so much, but I’m still curious….!
Taichi: Tasuku-san had one bite and had to drink water immediately.
Tasuku: ….I can’t even begin to describe how spicy that is.
Azuma:Fufu, I wonder if Inda-san is also a fan of spice.
Taichi: The level of spiciness that Chikage-san finds delicious…Eek~… Sounds terrifying.
Omi:Haha, we probably shouldn’t try that back home.
Misumi:Chikage, I’m glad you found a delicious curry~!
Chikage: You okay, Tasuku?
Tasuku:….
*triangular/cone shaped fried pastry with savory filling
*flour/fat mixture used as base for sauces
*(not a t/n, just a funny tidbit. vega informed me that thalis (the arrangement they’re eating off of in the cg) always comes with some form of yogurt/curd in order to aid against the spice (also visible in cg) while water makes the spice worse. chikage most likely knows both of these things and is just trolling tasuku.)
special thanks to anandvega for helping me out with the performance names!
(translation under the cut)
(glitch text ignore)
Izumi:(It’s Bollywood Studios’ opening day… Finally, the main stage performance is about to begin.)
Izumi: (In the end, our suggestion was approved, and the company members were asked to perform on opening day as a substitute….)
Azuma:Fufu, good thing the three of you were able to fit into your costumes.
Chikage: Well, there are some more muscular performers too.
Omi:To be honest, I was a little worried.
Taichi: You look great, Omi-kun!
Misumi: Yeah, yeah! Everyone looks super cool!
Tasuku:…Phew.
Azuma: Tasuku’s already getting into character.
Hisoka: He’s concentrating, we’d better leave him alone.
Izumi: (Everyone seems to be doing well, hopefully the rest of the day goes the same.)
-
Aarush (Tasuku):“…..”
Anik (Taichi): “……”
Anik:“Hey, brother. It’s said that if you wish upon this golden elephant statue, anything can come true.”
Anik:“Sometimes after work, I sneak off to come pray like this… What is it you always pray for, brother?”
Aarush: “That one day, we will be released from this status…. That is what I pray for.”
Anik: “Being released from this social status? ….That’s impossible. Praying for that is pointless.”
Aarush:“…..”
Ishaan (Omi): “Oi, what are lowlifes like you doing in a place like this?”
Kamal (Hisoka): “Tch… You’re in the way, move.” *kicks*
Anik:“Agh!”
Aarush: “Anik! Gh…!”
Ishaan: “What’s with that look? Cheeky bastard…!” *steps on him*
Anik: “Uugh….! Ouch…”
Kamal: “Hah, people like you deserved to get kicked and crawl around on the ground like this.”
Aarush: “Ah… Anyone, please… Help us…”
Atharv (Chikage): “….What’s going on here?”
Ishaan:“!?”
Kamal:“T-That’s…”
Ishaan:“H-Hey, let’s go.”
Kamal:“Y-Yeah…”
Atharv:“Are you okay?”
Aarush: “My wish really came true…”
Shaurya(Misumi): “Atharv-sama? Where are you?”
Atharv:“!”
Atharv:“…Don’t tell anyone you saw me. Okay?”
Aarush:“Ah..! W-Wait, please!”
Aarush:“…He’s gone.”
-
Aarush: “I want to thank the person who saved us the other day. Where can I meet him again?”
Anik: “Give it up, brother. It’s dangerous to go looking for him.”
Anik:“We’ll just get used as stress relievers like before.”
Anik: “Besides, with this awful drought we can’t even grow crops. We have no money or anything to give in return.”
Aarush: “I know. Still, that person helped us, and he didn’t look down on us for our low status…”
Aarush: “I really want to thank him.”
Izumi: (Aarush wanders around the city looking for his savior…)
Aarush:“Even if I wander the streets like this, I can’t simply meet with him. How am I supposed to meet him again…”
Vishaan (Azuma):“…!”
Vishaan: “Why is such a low-ranking person wandering onto our property?”
Vishaan: “Hey, I don’t want that someone like that in my sight. Someone get rid of him!”
Aarush: “! M-My apologies, I’m just…”
Shaurya: “What’s the matter?”
Atharv:“What’s all this ruckus about?”
Aarush: “…! Y-You’re…! Ah, I finally found you again…!”
Atharv: “From that time…”
Shaurya: “How dare you speak to Atharv-sama! Know your place!” *slap*
Aarush:“Gh…!”
Atharv:“Shaurya, quit….”
Vishaan:“Wonderful, just in time. That’s the one who’s been causing this drought.”
Aarush:“…!”
Atharv:“Wha….”
Vishaan: “Go on, take him away.”
Shaurya: “Now, come on!”
Aarush:“……”
-
Aarush:“……”
Atharv: “….Why did you come? I told you to forget about that.”
Aarush:“I wanted to thank you. I couldn’t believe someone of your status would reach out to help someone like me.”
Aarush: “I was overjoyed. You really saved me.”
Atharv:“You… Do you have any idea about what’s going to happen to you, about what you’ve just done?”
Aarush:“Yes.”
Aarush:“I’m poor, and I can’t even make life easier for my younger brother.”
Aarush: “But just by giving one of my lives, I can bring enough rain to save everyone in the country.”
Atharv:“…..”
-
Ritual Performer: “Please, bless this land with rain…!”
*rain begins to pour*
Citizen A:“Rain…?”
Citizen B: “It’s raining! Oh, blessed rain!”
Citizen C: “Yes, with this we can survive…! Thank you, thank you..!”
Citizen D: “Come on, let’s all dance in celebration…!”
Atharv:“…..”
Izumi:(Among the crowds of people singing and dancing in joy, the tears shed by Atharv vanish into the rain….)
*note: human sacrifice is extremely frowned upon in hinduism. the ending of this play is not an accurate representation of its religious practices. coming of rain and hindu rituals generally involve just singing and dancing, while a ‘sacrifice’ (butter/honey/etc.) is poured into a sacrificial fire (yagna). in rare cases where a live sacrifice is made it is never human (chicken/etc is used and is made clear the animal’s life will not be wasted & the soul will be honored). do not use this play as a reference for real hinduism.
Chikage:….So, if you have any spare parts similar to this, please let me know.
Inda:….Understood.
Inda: It’s an emergency remodeling…. But with the opening day so close, we can’t afford to keep the show as is.
Inda:So I’d like to trust you with the remodel.
Izumi:Thank you so much!
Inda: For now, I’ll lead you to our warehouse.
-
Inda:Here is all of our maintenance tools and parts used during renovations.
Inda:Feel free to use whatever you need.
Izumi:Will this do, Chikage-san, Tasuku-san?
Tasuku: There’s a bigger selection than I expected. If we combine them, I think we can make something good.
Chikage:Agreed. This has all the tools and parts we’ll need.
Izumi:(That’s a relief…! I’ll leave the rest to you two!)
Chikage:First, I think we should dismantle the foundation.
Tasuku:Then I’ll attach this hose here…. There we go.
Chikage:Yes, just right. Let’s use this part too.
Tasuku:….I’m glad I dismantled the dorm’s washing machine before. Thanks to that experience, I’m coming up with ideas for this remodel.
Chikage: Pfft, is that so. You couldn’t fix it that time though.*
Chikage: At any rate, thank god the elephant’s hollow.
Tasuku:So you want to put it in there, right. Okay, this way and…
*machine clink*
Tasuku:I never thought my hobby would come in handy like this.
Chikage: And to think it wasn’t acting.
Chikage:….Heh, you sound like you’re having fun, Tasuku.
Tasuku: I could say the same about you.
Chikage: I am having fun.
Chikage: I’ve been called the ‘repair guy’ of the troupe, and I’ve fixed, built, and modified a lot of different things. I enjoyed every single one of them, though.
Tasuku:Well, the same goes for me too. At first, I didn’t think you had such a hobby, Utsuki.
Chikage:Just incase you weren’t aware, I’m a boy, too.
Tasuku: 'Boys’ aren’t that old.
Chikage:You’re a real demon, y'know.
Chikage: Anyway, do you really think we could build an entire stage someday? The two of us.
Tasuku: No, if you’re involved, the stage will end up with all kinds of noise and flashing lights.
Chikage:And to think I liked you, Tasuku.
Tasuku:I’ve felt the same about you too until recently, Utsuki.
Chikage: Everyone seems to think we’re just two guys who like lighting things up.
Tasuku:Seriously, it’s a real nuisance.
Taichi:Ah, Tasuku-san, Chikage-san!
Misumi:How’s Elephant-san doing~?
Chikage:We did a small test run, and there doesn’t seem to be any problems.
Misumi: Really!? Yay~!
Tasuku: How’s the script?
Azuma:We thought about it and decided to change the standing positions along with a bit of the dialogue.
Hisoka: But there’s no major changes.
Chikage:I see. We don’t have much time to change too much, after all…
Taichi:We still have to tell the performers about the changes and have them memorize them in time.
Izumi:(It’s only small changes, and if it were just our troupe it’d be easy, but when you add dozens of performers on top of that…)
Tasuku:In that case, let’s go onstage first.
Omi:Well, originally, we were allowed to look around the theme park on the opening day as thanks for this…
Omi:So there’s no problem with our schedule.
Tasuku: Right. Do you guys have the script memorized?
Misumi:Yep!
Taichi: 'Course I do!
Hisoka: Sudden changes like this are the norm for us.
Azuma: As well as I can.
Izumi: Then, I’ll make the suggestion to Inda-san!
Chikage:Let’s get to work, Director-san.
*referencing bridegroom battle royale event story (i think)
Izumi:Today we’ll be practicing with the performers who will actually be on stage.
Izumi:We’ll continue practicing for the show while also informing them of any changes we’re making. Let’s get to work, everyone!
Misumi: Okay~! Good luck everyone~!
Omi: Let’s get to work.
Performers: Same to you, let’s get work.
Izumi:Now then, let’s try this together, with all of the company members participating.
-
Izumi:(Good, the climax of the dance looks gorgeous, too. And finally, the elephant moves at the end of the story…)
Tasuku:….?
Izumi: ….Huh? The elephant isn’t moving…?
Staff A: What’s wrong? It’s supposed to move here.
Staff B: I-I know, but it’s not moving when I press the button.
Staff C: Huh!? Is it malfunctioning…!?
Hisoka:Malfunctioning…?
Taichi:If the elephant doesn’t move here, doesn’t that mean the story can’t finish!?
Misumi:What do we do…
Staff B: W-What are we going to do! Can we fix it quickly?
Staff A: Even if we can fix it, it’s not a guaranteed we can get all the parts in and repairs done in only one day.
Inda: Everyone, please calm down. We’ll consider what measures need to be taken at once.
Inda: Tachibana-san, I’m sorry, but we’ll have to suspend practice immediately.
Izumi:I understand.
Taichi:It’s nice to be back here for a bit, but…
Omi:What are we going to do now…
Izumi: Right now, the staff is still trying to find the reason why the elephant isn’t moving.
Tasuku:Though, even when they find the cause, will they still be able to have it ready by opening day?
Azuma:Could we make the risky choice of changing the script?
Omi: Changing it from the elephant setting, huh.
Hisoka:That’s a lot of changes.
Taichi: Nailing a new script in one day… I mean, it’s not impossible, but…
Misumi:Will everyone be able to memorize it by then~….?
Izumi: But, when considering changes…. have to keep in mind it’s not members of the company who will actually be performing.
Tasuku:Not to mention, the number of performers is pretty large. It’d be difficult for everyone to stay on pace with each other with that many changes.
Hisoka: In that case, we could use the script from before we supervised.
Taichi:W-We could… but everyone’s worked so hard…
Azuma: But, it may be our most realistic option. If the changes are made after the elephant gets fixed, they can still be ready for opening day.
Izumi:(Azuma-san’s right, but I also understand Taichi-kun’s feelings… Is there any way we can make this work…)
Chikage: If the elephant can at least do some action during the finale, all we’d have to do is change the ending.
Tasuku:Any ideas?
Chikage:Possibly… but I’ll need Tasuku’s help.
Izumi:…What’s your idea?
Chikage:We remodel the elephant.
Taichi:Huh!? Remodel it!?
Omi:Can you do that?
Chikage: When I heard that the original structures here were still partially intact, it hit me.
Chikage:It’s just a possibility, but I think that stage was originally a fountain or something of the sort.
Hisoka:A fountain…
Azuma: I see what you mean.
Chikage: I noticed it when I saw the water falling from above and the pipes underneath.
Chikage: I think we can use those to remodel the elephant.
Tasuku:Remodeling, huh… We can try.
Izumi:Alright, maybe I can suggest that to them.
Izumi:Chikage-san, let’s go to Inda-san’s office together to negotiate.
Chikage:Okay.
Omi:Then, while you two do that, we’ll discuss what to do about the script.
Azuma: Water is flowing all around us… it’s quite beautiful.
Hisoka: Everything’s sparkling.
Taichi: Woah~, this is stunning!*
Izumi: It’s so gorgeous…!
Inda: Of course. Curry shops are one thing, but we also wanted to make sure we had a spectacular stage for an equally spectacular performance.
Inda:The elephant centerpiece is especially exciting. It’s built so that, during the show, it moves around.
Misumi:Elephant-san moves, how amazing!
Tasuku:So this is the stage you’ll be using for your performance…
Izumi:We can see it tomorrow. We’ll make sure to get a good look during the performance.
Tasuku:That’s right.
Chikage: They’ve got a pretty unusually shaped stage.
Omi: Really? Stages with water features are pretty rare, but…
Tasuku: No, I was thinking the same thing.
Chikage:This plumbing… Could it be–.
Omi: Chikage-san, Tasuku-san, it looks like we’re leaving.
Tasuku:Right.
Chikage:…..
Inda:Here will be your accommodations during your stay.
Taichi: This is sick–! It looks super luxurious too!
Azuma: I’m surprised they already have a facility of this level prepared.
Hisoka:It’s spacious…
Izumi:Seriously… You’d think I wouldn’t be so shocked considering the gigantic scale of everything else we’ve seen here.
Inda: Actually, there was another theme park built here originally.
Inda:But when that business closed, the entire vacant lot was converted into an India-based theme park.
Inda: We still use some of the original facilities today since they were kept in good condition.
Omi: Is that so.
Chikage: I see.
Inda:The building we’re in now is one of them.
Tasuku:So the original place must’ve been pretty amazing too.
Inda:Starting tomorrow, I’d like to ask all of you to supervise the stage. Is that okay?
Izumi:Yes, of course.
Inda:Thank you so much.
Inda: I’m sure you’re tired from walking today, please get some rest.
Tasuku:Utsuki, did you really only bring that one carry-on bag? I wish I had less luggage.
Chikage: Really now?
Chikage: Even still, you seem to have quite a small amount.
Tasuku: ….I don’t have much stuff of my own. But some of these are….
*unzip*
Chikage: ….Several bags of marshmallows.
Tasuku:This should’ve been packed with Azuma-san’s things. I’ll have to hand them over when I get the chance.
Chikage: Jeez, that guy…
Tasuku:Well, I’m used to it now.
Chikage: That’s reassuring.
Chikage:Since both Tasuku and Omi are at the camp this time, we’ve got a lot of people to carry him when he falls asleep. That’ll be quite helpful.
Tasuku: You’re the one who brought him here, he’s your responsibility.
Chikage:This is supposed to be about cooperation.
Tasuku: ….Can we at least take turns, please.
Tasuku: (Alright, so the performance is described in the materials as… Then the standing performance will be…)
Tasuku:…..
Chikage:….When I heard there was a water feature, I wondered how it worked. Now that I can see the actual thing, it’s pretty easy to imagine.
Tasuku:Utsuki? So you came too.
Chikage:Just for a bit. I didn’t have time to look at the stage much earlier.
Chikage:Besides, after hearing what Inda-san said, I wanted to check out how this place was built again.
Tasuku: You wanted to learn about the stage’s construction? I’m sure you’ll be able to build a stage and all of its different contraptions sooner or later.
Chikage:Haha, I’m no match for Tetsuro-san.
Tasuku: Pfft, guess you’re right.
Chikage:…..What about you, Tasuku? Doing some preliminary checks for tomorrow?
Tasuku:Somewhat.
Chikage: Shall I join you?
Tasuku:….You brought the script with you?
Chikage:Where you were going, and what you were doing once you left the room… I could kind of guess.
Tasuku: ….That’s a really roundabout way of answering.
Chikage: Here, do you want me to or not?
Tasuku: Sigh…. Alright then, please do.
*taichi originally says ‘exotic’ but i changed it due to the implications of the word
Taichi:This is the Indian film theme park, ‘Bollywood Studios’…!
Taichi:It looks just like that movie we watched the other day! Awesome!
Misumi:Look, look~ that building looks like a castle!
Tasuku:It’s a lot bigger and more authentic than I expected.
Izumi:It really is. Let’s see, studio…
Tasuku: By the way…
Hisoka:Yawn…
Tasuku:Why did he come.
Hisoka:Chikage forced me to join.
Chikage:We’re supposed to be giving them performance advice, so wouldn’t it be a good idea to have someone who can dance?
Hisoka:…This is definitely revenge for Easter.*
Chikage:I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Azuma:Now now, since we’re here, try to enjoy yourself too, Hisoka. Think of it like a trip.
Hisoka:…..Okay.
Tasuku: Like I said earlier, it’s not a–
Azuma:Maybe they sell Indian sweets, too. We can go look for them together.
Hisoka:….! I want to go. Indian sweets… I’m looking forward to them.
Tasuku:Sigh.
Omi: Oh well, it’s a theme park after all. Why don’t we just say that having fun is also part of the training camp.
Tasuku:…..So be it. You were also asked directly by Director, right, Fushimi? Was that okay?
Omi:Of course. This was a great opportunity, even at work people have been asking me if I needed some time off.
Tasuku:I hoped that was the case.
Misumi:Over there, and over here too! There’s so many different things to do here~.
Taichi:Oh! That! What’s that called again… Y'know the thing that looks like a cute little motorcycle… but like a car!
Chikage:Do you mean a tuk-tuk?*
Taichi:That’s it!
???:You can ride those throughout the theme park.
Izumi:Oh, hello.
Inda:Hello, and welcome. I’m Inda, the manager of Bollywood Studios.
Izumi: I’m Tachibana, MANKAI Company’s director. Thank you so much for this opportunity, we’re very grateful.
Troupe Members: Pleased to work with you.
Inda:Same to you all, let’s get to work.
Izumi:Yes, let’s.
-
Hisoka:There’s so many food stalls lined up…
Omi:Can you eat while walking? They sound good.
Azuma:There’s also a souvenir shop over there.
Taichi: And so many curry shops!
Inda: Some of our shows, souvenirs, and so on, are geared towards Japanese people….
Inda:As for the curry shops, some were actually opened by locals, others are more famous and popular, and there’s a few who are very particular about their cuisine.
India: I especially recommend that shop over there.
Inda:I stumbled upon it when I was looking for curry, and instantly fell in love after just one bite.
Inda:I asked them if they could possibly open up a shop in the theme park.
Chikage:Heh, if you talk it up that much, I’m curious to try it.
Izumi: I want to eat some too!
Omi:Haha, as expected of you two.
Tasuku:Fine, but you guys can do that after we’re done with everything.
Inda:Let’s move on to the next location.
*reference to the 'Rabbits Party!’ event, hisoka forces chikage to join lol
Izumi:About that Indian film theme park… I can’t believe it, we really got permission!
Misumi:Woohoo! Yayyy~!
Taichi: Yes! Thanks, Director-sensei!
Tasuku:He really said yes…
Tenma: Things seem to be going pretty smoothly…
Izumi:The theme park hosts scheduled regular performances on stage, and they were having a little with that.
Izumi:Since we’re a theater company, they requested our advice about that area.
Azuma: It looks like we reached out to them at just the right time.
Izumi: That’s right.
Izumi: I was also told they want to incorporate both acting and dancing into their stage performances.
Izumi:By the way, since we’re cooperating with them, it looks like they’re also going to provide us with accommodations too.
Taichi:Which means that has to go through Sakyo-nii’s budget check too…
Izumi: Nope, I’ve already got his OK!
Taichi:Yay!
Chikage:You didn’t overlook anything.
Izumi: But… their accommodation facilities are limited, so it looks like we can’t have a training camp with everyone after all.
Chikage:Well, it’s not easy coordinating everyone’s schedules when you have people entering the workforce or moving up a grade in school.
Izumi:So this time, I’d like to only invite those who are interested in participating in the camp.
Taichi:Me, me, me—! I wanna go!
Misumi: I wanna go too~!
Izumi: I knew you two would say that.
Tenma:I’m also interested, but I can’t go because of my filming schedule…
Azuma:I think I’ll go too.
Izumi:So Azuma-san will also be joining us. Got it.
Tasuku: …How did that happen.
Azuma:I just thought it sounded interesting. I’ve been wanting to go since we watched that movie the other night.
Tasuku: We’re not taking a trip there.
Taichi:Tasuku-san and Chikage-san are coming too, right?
Chikage:Huh?
Tasuku:I plan on going. This was Utsuki’s idea to begin with, so I assumed he was going to go too.
Izumi:Not to mention this theme park has an Indian motif. In other words…
Chikage: There’ll be curry…
Izumi: And probably the best spices you could ask for. I’ve already invited Omi-kun to come because of that.
Tasuku:Oi.
Chikage:…Well then, I’ll go.
Izumi:I figured you’d say that.
Tasuku:What’s with you two.
Azuma: Fufu, maybe I’m not the only one who feels like traveling.
Tasuku:Sigh…
Taichi: A training camp at a theme park before it opens, giving advice on stage performances…
Taichi: It’s gonna be so much fun, and I’m gonna learn so much! I’m super pumped~!
Misumi: I’ll suggest my triangle dance too! I’m really looking forward to going~!
Tenma:Oi, make it a dance normal people can do.
Izumi:I’ve received stage scripts and dance footage from them, so I’ll share it again with you guys on LIME.
Tasuku:Alright, got it.
Izumi: I think we can invite one more person to the training camp with us. I’ll send a message out asking everyone on LIME, but let me know if you know of anyone who’s available.
Chikage: …Dancing, huh. Then we should probably ask him.
Sakuya:I’m looking forward to Tenma-kun’s birthday event!
Tsumugi: Fufu, I didn’t expect us leaders to be the guests.
Banri:When we went film the vlog, we asked about guests for the event. We were told we would be inviting guests regardless of our troupes.
Tenma:So I thought it’d be interesting to have a group full of leaders.
Tsumugi:I see.
Izumi: Are you four ready?
Tenma:Yeah. Well then everyone, please take care of me today.
Sakuya:Yes!
Tsumugi: Of course.
Banri: It’s Tenma’s birthday, so let’s get the party started.
Tenma:Thank you for coming today, please enjoy.
Audience Member A: Tenma-kun, happy birthday!
Audience Member B: Happy birthday!
Audience Member C: Your costume is so cool!
Tenma:Thank you. Now, let me introduce you to the three guests who are going to help us liven up today’s event.
Tenma:Sakuya, Banri-san, and Tsumugi-san.
Sakuya: I’m Sakuma Sakuya, from Spring Troupe! Happy birthday, Tenma-kun!
Banri: I’m Settsu Banri, Autumn Troupe. HBD, Tenma. Have a great day.
Tsumugi: I’m Winter Troupe’s Tsukioka Tsumugi. Have a happy birthday, Tenma-kun.
Audience Member A: It’s great that the other leaders are the guests!
Audience Member B: Totally! I just keep growing more and more excited!
Tenma: Now that the guests have been introduced, why don’t we start off with the first segment, a vlog viewing party.
*applause*
Tenma:For the vlog party, took photos and filmed with Banri-san, based around the theme ‘scenery I want to show everyone’.
Banri:It was fun getting to photograph so much stuff. I was able to capture some really good Tenma expressions, too.
Tenma:I’m a little concerned about which ones you consider good expressions… For now, let’s start the vlog.
-
Sakuya: It’s a cityscape. It feels familiar somehow…
Tsumugi:Oh! Could this be where the detective drama Tenma-kun and Banri-kun starred in was filmed?
Tenma:Wow, that’s correct.
Banri:You guessed that with pretty much zero hints, Tsumugi-san.
Audience Member A: That drama was so much fun!
Audience Member B: Getting to make even a tiny sacred pilgrimage there, I’d be so happy~.*
Banri: “….You were so happy, you ended up buying loads of bread from him afterwards.”
Tenma: “No need to mention unnecessary things!”
Audience Member C: Haha, Tenma-kun’s cute!
Banri:Pfft… Hear that, Tenma? You’re cute.
Tenma:No, I’m not cute!
Audience Member D: I like that about Tenma-kun, too!
Tenma:“When I’m at the company, there’s lots of opportunities for people to see me on stage, along with Summer Troupe, and the other members too.”
Tenma:“But when it comes to dramas, even if I get the chance to talk about my feelings towards a work in interviews, I think there are many times where I don’t…”
Tenma: “I realized that I may not share much about the details about what happens during filming.”
Tenma: “So that’s why this time, I chose the location of the detective drama I starred in alongside Banri-san and Hiro-san, who are both close to me.”
Tenma:“I want everyone to know more about me, both onstage and onscreen.”
Tenma: “So, please keep supporting me.”
-
*applause*
Tsumugi: That was a wonderful vlog, just like Tenma-kun.
Sakuya:Your final message was really touching, too…!
Banri:Well, the cameraman also did a great job.
Tenma: I mean, that’s true, but you’re just flattering yourself.
Audience Member A: I’ll continue to support you, Tenma-kun!
Audience Member B: I’m rooting for you all the way!
Tenma:Oh, thank you. I’m looking forward to your support.
Tenma:It’s a shame, but it looks like we’re almost at the end of the event.
Sakuya: Speaking of, at the end of Misumi-kun’s, I think he took a photo!
Tsumugi:You’re right, I think it’d be a good idea to take one of Tenma-kun, too.
Tenma:Shall we? It’d be a memento of this event with everyone, and well, it’d be a waste not to get some photos of this costume.
Banri:Then I’ll be the cameraman here, too.
Tenma:Please do.
Banri: Leave it to me. Now, let’s take your pic.
Banri:Okay, cheese~.
*click*
*聖地巡礼 (sacred pilgrimage) is a term used to refer to visiting a real life location in a movie/show/manga etc.
gonna start working on the tenma backlogs while i have free time in-between event work ♂️
(translation under the cut)
Encore: Alibaba
Tenma:KYAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!
Misumi:GO, GO, Papyrus~!
Papyrus:Urg~~.*
Tenma:Stop encouraging him!
Tenma:Jeez, how do you even ride a camel? Why is this so hard…
*papyrus speeds up*
Papyrus:Urg, uurghh~~~!
Tenma:UWAAHHHH!!!!
Misumi:Ahaha~!
Yuki:What the heck are they doing…
Muku:Wow, Misumi-san and Tenma-kun’s camel sure is energetic.
Yuki:I’m glad ours is pretty tame.
Staff: Ah no, this is actually the first time I’ve ever seen Papyrus so lively! It’s incredible.
Izumi:Should we stop them? Tenma-kun looks like he’s about to fall off…
Kazunari: But, doesn’t Papy-chan looks like he’s having fun?
Kumon: Yeah! Loads of fun!
Kumon:I don’t know how camels feel, but.. it always feels good to run at full speed!
Izumi: I wonder if this is going to be a problem…
Kumon:Huh, did Tenma-san stop screaming?
Izumi:Now that you mention it…
Muku: Has he gotten used to it?
Kazunari:As expected of Tenten!
Yuki:Ah.
*tenma slumps down*
Tenma:Uguu….
Izumi:Tenma-kun!?
Kazunari:Uh oh…
Yuki:He’s exhausted.
Kumon:Sumi-san! Tenma-san!?
Muku:Misumi-san–!
Izumi:I don’t think he can hear us…
Kazunari: I know! I bought this at the souvenir shop earlier…
Kazunari: Tah-dah~! A triangle snow globe~!
Misumi:Oh! Triangle~! *runs back*
Tenma: That… sucked…
*kumon and kazunari get on papyrus*
Kumon:Woah! This camel runs so fast!
Kazunari: Talk about charging! I’ll take a vid and post it on inste ☆
Tenma:I don’t know how those two can enjoy riding so much…
Izumi:Haha, riding with Misumi-kun was probably a bad idea.
Tenma:Jeez, after spending all my energy here, who knows if I can make it through the day after tomorrow.
Izumi:Well, it’ll be our first regional performance in a while. I’m sure the audience will be a little forgiving.
Tenma:It has been a long time, so we’ll probably have to make some extra adjustments, huh.
Tenma:Now that we’ve got Kumon, it’ll be our first time performing this with six people. We’ll need to adjust our standing positions and entrance timings….
Izumi:…..
Tenma:What?
Izumi: …Could it be that, you’re nervous, Tenma-kun?
Tenma: H-Huh!? Of course not!
Izumi:Really now?
Tenma:…..
Izumi:Alright, that wraps us up for today.
Kazunari: Hahh~, Tenten’s more of a spartan than ever…
Kumon: I’m pooped….
Tenma: It’s because we wasted too much time yesterday.
Kazunari:Well then, I think I’m gonna hit the hot springs to heal my aches~♪
Kumon:Hot springs!? I wanna get in too!
Muku:Yeah!
Kumon:After the hot springs, we can drink some coffee milk~, oh, and I wanna have a ping-pong tournament with everyone!
Misumi:Sounds like fun~!
Yuki:What’s the point of going to the hot springs if we’re just going to do something so tiring after….
Izumi:Hm? Don’t you want to go too, Tenma-kun?
Tenma: I’ll pass. Though actually, Director, I have a small favor to ask…
Izumi:A favor?
Tenma:I’d like permission to stay and use this place a little more.
Izumi:That’s no problem, but…
Tenma: I’ll leave at closing time.
Izumi: Alright. But you’re not allowed to overdo it.
Tenma:Got it.
Yuki:…..
*how do you describe camel noises. i sure as hell don’t know
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You can buy the ebook version of the manga here on bookwalker!
- END of Chapter 5 - Volume 1 Complete!
once again, please do not repost on other social media or websites! If you’d like to share it please just link it back to this post or this tag thank you!!
cw: high school au, a story spoiler or two from kniroun. angst? hurt/no comfort?
“Hey.” Izumi gently pokes Itaru’s arm with the button of her pen to catch his wandering attention. It’s currently study hall, but Izumi can’t focus, and her friend doesn’t seem too keen on doing work either.
Her prodding at his arm makes Itaru look up from the intricate wood patterns on his desk. His overgrown fringe falls over his eyes, but he can still see Izumi.
He rests his cheek in his palm, gaze staring at her through his fingerprint stained glasses. “What.”
His tone is uncaring, but Izumi knows he’s just bad at his delivery. She quietly gets up from her chair to stand beside Itaru’s desk, and she crouches, hands gripping the edge of his table.
Her eyes are sparkling, albeit dimly. It looks like she has an idea in mind.
