BUTTERFLY | The Chrysalis That Dreamed

October 1, 2025

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Summer

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The Chrysalis That Dreamed 1

A few minutes later. Seisoukan Dorm Commons.

(Hmmm. I feel like I heard some kind of shriek somewhere, but…)

(There do not seem to be any disturbances here, so perhaps it was just my imagination. ...?)

(...? I sense a presence in the courtyard.)

Fade to black.

Are you sure you’re really okay?

I’m doing just fine~ There’s not a scratch on me, y’know~

I stuck the landing, didn't I? You saw it, Mashiro-san!

Well, I saw it, but...

I was the one who made you climb up there, after all…

Mashiro, and Taki as well? What are you doing in the courtyard?

Ah, Kanzaki-san.

Good morning, Kanzaki-senpai.

I was carrying some props to use for drama just now, but the wind managed to send a hat flying up into the tree.

While I was trying to decide whether to climb up or go get a stepladder, Taki climbed the tree and got it down for me.

I see. Judging by the situation, it seems you got the hat down safely.

Safe and sound~ If anything, it was a good morning exercise~

Hm. ...So, that voice wasn't you two after all.

"That voice"?

A minute ago, I heard what seemed to be a shout from my room. I came out to see what it was.

Ahh~ … That noise was probably me too.

Could that have been when you shouted my name?

? What do you mean?

When Taki was climbing up to get the hat, the branch he was using as a foothold snapped…

It surprised me, so I ended up shouting at the spur of the moment.

The branch broke? Are you alright, Taki?

There’s nothing to worry about~ 'Cuz I stuck the landing~

Well, you still worried me you know~ The place you were standing in was really high up too.

I'd feel way too terrible if I made you do this and you got hurt.

It's as Mashiro says. From what I've heard, it would have been better if you had never climbed the tree in the first place, and instead waited patiently until he retrieved the stepladder.

But I got the hat back, and I didn't get hurt, so it's not a big deal, right?

This time, that is. One wrong step and you could have been seriously hurt.

How many times do I have to tell you to keep from acting so rashly?

Errr, Kanzaki-senpai. Please don't blame Taki for this.

I was the reason he climbed up the tree to begin with…!

… If you say so, Mashiro, I suppose I'll leave it at that.

There's no "leaving it at that" to do here. You're a real darn worrier, aren't you, Kanzaki-san~?

As for me, I can climb trees and boulders like that super easy, 'kay~?

I didn't get hurt. You mainland people are way too fussy about all kinds of stuff~

You really can't keep that big mouth shut, can you!

(Sigh) You truly are a troublemaker, through-and-through. Mashiro, you share the same room with Taki, so you must bear the brunt of his inconvenience, don't you?

No, no, that's not true all.

Taki's always really composed, and I can always go to him when I have a problem, like just now.

Just the other day, he took on helping take care of Hokuto-se…— my pet. He helps in all kinds of ways…

What's the matter, Kanzaki-senpai?

… "Composed"? This Taki?

Ahaha… Anyways, you don't have to worry about me, Kanzaki-senpai, it's really okay.

If that is the case, then that is fine, but… There's no choice for me but to worry when I see how Taki acts normally.

You don't trust me either, huh~? So you've somehow got it in your head that I'm a problem child, Kanzaki-san?

Out of the two of us, you're the one that's more worrisome, y'know~?

I like the old-fashioned part about it, but you're gonna have big problems getting on in the industry if you're so obstinate, aren't you?

I shall survive longer than you, sloppy and undisciplined with everything you do. From the very beginning, the attitude you hold with your seniors has been—

Wah~! Uhhh, I've been wondering about this for a while now, but is that a wooden sword, Kanzaki-senpai!

Hm? Yes, I woke up early this morning, so I thought I'd go and get some practice swings in for training.

Is that so, huh. I was thinking about going through the script for my next play too.

You were composing something, right, Taki?

Huh? Oh, yeah. It's this early, so I figured I'd be able to lock in and focus on it~

Composing? Come to think of it, Taki is someone who creates songs, hm.

Hasumi-dono was saying sometime in the future, he would want you to work on a song for AKATSUKI.

Nyahaha. I'm already working on expanding the concept, y'know~ When I think about it being an AKATSUKI song, all the licks just come right to me~♪

Also, besides that, I've got a reason to hurry and get something together after all.

I'm working hard to make my song go with WILDLAND~

WILDLAND? Isn't that the thing RYUSEITAI did once?

It's a spin-off event off of UNDERLAND, based off of motifs from Alice in Wonderland, right?

Sure is~ I skimmed the proposal, but the setting seemed real interesting and unique~?

It sure feels different from the Alice in Wonderland I know. Hasumi-san was saying some real interesting things.

… Hold it, Taki. What have you been talking about all this time?

What, I've been talking about composing?

I do not want to hear about that! You said AKATSUKI is doing that "Wairudo-rando"4 thing?

And so you are creating the song for us to perform for it?

This is the first I am hearing about this!?

Eh!? What do you mean this is the first time?

Why were you made aware of it, and I was not?

Well, of course you weren't. I only just heard about it from Hasumi-san last night~

Last night!? Wait, Hasumi-dono told you!?

That's right~ Hasumi-san's the leader of AKATSUKI, so it makes sense he'd tell me about having to make the song too, right?

Maybe this is just some kind of selfish joke of yours…?

? There's no reason for me to lie about making a song for WILDLAND~?

Well, no. But, if that is the case…

Why did Hasumi-dono not say a single thing to me about this?

It was already late at night yesterday, so I feel like he's gonna explain all the stuff about it at the AKATSUKI briefing meeting today~?

(Is that right… No, even if that is the case—!)

(Why did he push me aside and leave something so important to Taki…!?)

Umm, Kanzaki-senpai?

I do not accept this. I am going to hear from Hasumi-dono about this at once!

And you are coming with, Taki! There is going to be a thorough explanation as to what his intentions are in whatever it is he's leaving me out of!

Eh~? I was gonna go compose now, I told you that.

I do not want to hear it, you are coming whether you like it or not!

Alright, alright, I geeet it~

See ya~ Mashiro-san. Be careful not to lose your hat to the wind next time~

Ahh, yeah. … Wait, Kanzaki-senpai!? Wouldn't it be better if you changed your clothes fi~irst!

The Chrysalis That Dreamed 2

Phew… Here should be a good stopping point.

(It’s been so busy around here lately, today was surprisingly calm. Thanks to that, I was able to focus on work.)

(I still have some time before my meeting with Anzu. I'll take a short break.)

(After that, I'll look over those materials... and get the documents ready for the afternoon meeting…)

… What, Kanzaki, you're being too loud.

Ohh, Hasumi-dono! Forgive me for raising my voice!

But, before anything else, please listen to what I have to say! No, I would like you to explain the situation to me!

I don't see what we have to talk about. What on earth are you so worked up about…

Hm? Well, that's unusual. Is that Taki who's with you?

If by "with him", you mean Kanzaki-san dragging me here against my will, sure~

You're speaking as if it's other people's business. To begin with, I cannot abide your sloppy attitude!

Calm down, Kanzaki. First, tell me what this is about. You have something you want to ask me, right?

Yes. What I wanted to ask was about "Wairudo-rando".

This morning, Taki told me that AKATSUKI was participating in arrangements for "Wairudo-rando".

Additionally, you gave Taki full authority related to the planning…

… I hadn't been told anything about us participating in "Wairudo-rando" to begin with.

Of course, if you, Hasumi-dono, have decided we will participate, then I intend to give it my all, but...

Even so, I believe you should have at least informed or consulted me!

I see. I understand what you're trying to say.

Let's clear up the misunderstanding first. We still haven't gotten back to the other party as to whether AKATSUKI we'll be participating in WILDLAND,

Hmm? We still haven't announced our intention to participate?

Correct. I was planning to discuss that with you and Kiryu at today's meeting.

Personally, I feel inclined to participate, but there might be dissenting opinions too, so…

I thought I had explained this to Taki yesterday.

I did tell you~. I said Hasumi-san would explain everything at today's meeting.

And the reason too; it was something we talked about late at night, that's why he hadn't told you yet.

Come to think of it, I feel like you said something like that …?

B–But what about the song?

We still haven't decided on whether we were participating, you said you were starting to compose a song?

So you got the wrong idea about that too, huh, Kanzaki-san? I was entrusted to compose stuff for WILDLAND, but the song I was gonna try working on today is unrelated to that one~

I mentioned that this morning, I'm working on a future AKATSUKI song. I haven't started on WILDLAND yet.

...So, you're saying I jumped to conclusions?

That seems to be the case. Though Taki didn't explain it well either. If I could just add one thing…

It's true I was going to entrust Taki with the music for WILDLAND, but I considered yesterday's conversation as a casual one.

I never formally asked Taki to take on the project.

Wh~at? But yesterday, it seemed like you were leaving it to me~?

Yes, I won't deny that. Honestly, the timing of being asked to participate in WILDLAND is a blessing.

It was just a basic conversation with Taki, though. WILDLAND is positioned to be a sequel to UNDERLAND.

They're both based on motifs from Alice in Wonderland, it's got an even more unique world-building than UNDERLAND.

Normally, you'd think this genre would be the polar opposite of what we in AKATSUKI, a unit that honors harmony1, represent.

However, now that Taki has joined and AKATSUKI has been reborn2, I believe this is the perfect project to expand our horizons.

Additionally, Taki has the skill of composition. It's based on Alice, so it can't be entirely Japanese-style…

Considering that the WILDLAND management approached us to participate, they probably wouldn't want to completely eliminate the Japanese element.

In other words, it has to be something that isn't too Japanese-style, but still makes use of what makes something AKATSUKI-like alongside the Alice theme.

And that's why Hasumi-san said he wanted to ask me for something.

The requirements are tricky, but that's what makes it a challenge worth taking on~♪

...And so, I've ended up explaining most of it before the meeting. Those are the circumstances.

Are you satisfied, Kanzaki?

Yes. I understand your thoughts very well.

… And Taki too. I am sorry I misunderstood you and dragged you into this.

I didn't really mind~

So then, Hasumi-dono. What should I do to help with this "Wairudo-rando"?

You and Taki will be working hard. I want you to rely on me and Kiryu-dono as well.

Hmm. I'm thinking of consulting Kiryu about the outfits, but…

Kanzaki… You don't really need to be too involved with WILDLAND.

...?

Wh–What do you mean by that…?

Don't tell me you plan to proceed with "Wairudo-rando" without me!?

I may not be able to compose, but there must be something I can assist with...! Are you saying you won't even permit me to be involved, Hasumi-dono!?

Calm down, Kanzaki. I'm not trying to shut you out.

Then what exactly do you intend!? I want a convincing explanation!

Otherwise, I…

— Yo. Right on time, I just happened run into Lil' Miss… Hey, what's all the commotion?

Right, I'll explain it now. Anzu's here too.

Look at me, Kanzaki. There's something important I want to ask of you.

No, it would be more accurate to say it's something only you can do.

Something only I can do…?

I want you to take charge of AKATSUKI's ES Fan Thanksgiving Festival.

The Chrysalis That Dreamed 3

ES Fan Thanksgiving Festival?

Yes. It’s an event all the units affiliated with ES participate in, to go and express gratitude to their fans.

AKATSUKI will be participating in this event as well.

Nyahaha. The bustle seems kinda fun, right~?

Fan appreciation, huh… Still, AKATSUKI doesn’t really do blatant fanservice, do we?

I’m fine with conveyin’ gratitude to the fans ‘n all, but wouldn't it just startle 'em to close the distance all of a sudden.

Yes, that’s right. So, even if it is a Thanksgiving event, we need to be mindful of the distance between us and our fans, but…

I think this is a good opportunity for us, since I've been wanting to change the distance between us and the fans, using the reborn AKATSUKI as a starting point.

So are the four of us gonna put big ol’ smiles on our faces and do a handshake event? Well, I’d love to see Hasumi do somethin’ like that, but…

Don’t mock me, Kiryu. … But to put it in extreme terms, I am thinking I want to do events like that.

When you think of AKATSUKI, it has a very gruff, masculine image, but considering all the lives we’ve done before, we're not entirely about that.

Anyways, it’s typical for idols to go perform a live at the Fan Thanksgiving Festival, right Anzu?

Hm~mn. There’s a lot more of a budget than usual, so the stage can be real elaborate too, huh~?

… So, that’s the gist of it. Kanzaki, I want to entrust this project to you.

Is that really alright?

Whaddya mean, is that alright?

From what I’ve heard, this is a very important event for ES. Considering our relationships with our fans, I think this is a project Hasumi-dono and Kiryu-dono should approach with care.

Of course we will. If I could, I’d like to take the lead myself. The project has a large degree of freedom, and it would feel immensely rewarding to accomplish.

However, things don't always line up perfectly. And the reason for that is the WILDLAND situation I told you guys about at our meeting.

Could it be because of the time needed for preparing the project?

I see. This WILDLAND thing conflicts with the Fan Thanksgiving Festival.

If it’s Danna, it’s not like he couldn’t do both at once, but… Well, it’s no good if you can’t be decisive.

Exactly. That’s why I decided to take the lead in planning the WILDLAND event.

For WILDLAND, we need to think of a way to present AKATSUKI that's different from before. Also, the setting of its world is difficult to comprehend.

Fan Thanksgiving Festival, on the other hand, is an event meant for the fans who have supported AKATSUKI thus far.

There are plenty of things to think about, but the goal is to show the AKATSUKI that will make all of the fans happy.

That’s why, Kanzaki. That’s why I decided you were the right person for the job.

Considering the feelings you hold for AKATSUKI, I can leave this to you with peace of mind. I doubt you'll come up with a plan that misses the mark.

Hasumi-dono…

Well, having said all this, I don’t intend to throw it all on you, so don’t worry.

I intend to double-check your proposal, and if it’s lacking, I’ll mercilessly correct it. Naturally, if you’re worried about anything, you can come talk to me.

In Danna’s case, I’d be more worried about him yappin’ too much ♪

Shut it, Kiryu.

How about it, Kanzaki. Can I leave the Fan Thanksgiving Festival to you?

… Yes, I will take on this great duty!

I will live up to your expectations, Hasumi-dono!

Haha. That’s the spirit.

But, don't get too fired up and end up spinnin’ your wheels. You can always come to us for advice.

Exactly like Kiryu said. Well, I’d like for you to think about the expectations of the fans, rather than my own, but…

Anyways, I’m relieved to hear you say that.

Yes ♪ Anzu-dono, I look forward to working with you once again!

Nyahaha. When it comes to Kanzaki-san, I never get tired of watching your expressions change so quickly, huh~?

Mn… Don’t stare at people’s faces so intently.

Sorry~ I’m just relieved to see you cheered up, is all~

Besides, whenever I look at your face, Kanzaki-san, it makes me overflow in motivation~

Hey, Hasumi-san. You consulted me about WILDLAND but…

Instead of just doing the song, I wanna get involved with some of the planning too. Can I?

What?

‘Cuz I was just thinkin’ about whether it’d be good just readin’ about the world-building before jumping into the song~

If I wanna make an even better one, isn’t it better I get my hands dirty deep into the project itself? I’ll help me get a real good grip on the vision too~♪

That’s… Well that may be true, but…

Taki. Don’t say something so selfish. Hasumi-dono is troubled too.

Writing a proposal isn’t as easy as you think, to begin with.

Well, if it’s hard, that’s no reason not to challenge it~

If anything, I’m the type who gets more fired up the higher the wall is.

But, I’m already planning to leave the composition to you. If you take on too much of a burden, it’s going to negatively impact what’s going into the song.

That’s not something even you can say, now is it, Hasumi-san?

We already have WILDLAND and the Fan Thanksgiving Festival. You have to oversee two projects at the same time.

Not just that, but you came into ES early today, and there’s tons of paperwork too, right~?

I feel like it’ll lighten the burden off you if I did the proposal for WILDLAND myself and just came to you for the last check like Kanzaki-san is gonna, right~

… I understand, it would be.

I’ll just look over it too. It’s not a bad thing, since you’ll be getting experience thinking about projects.

Hasumi-dono. You shouldn’t listen to every selfish thing this guy has to say, and you shouldn’t spoil him either.

I don’t know if I would call it selfish. The schedules do conflict, but we still have some leeway.

It’s good to get fired up. Reckon it’s not a bad thing havin’ ‘em give it a shot.

Nyahaha. Thanks a bunch~ Hasumi-san, Kiryu-san.

Mu......

So with that, let’s do our best~ Kanzaki-san ♪

Of course. I will create the finest proposal, one that will move Hasumi-dono deeply.

And you— Don’t you dare submit a shoddy proposal to Hasumi-dono.

Of course I won’t. If I'm gonna do it, I’m gonna go all out~ Watch, I’m gonna think up good ideas faster than you, Kanzaki-san~

… Not a chance! I will finish my proposal faster than you!

Oi, it’s good to get excited about it, but you’re speaking too loud, you’re making a racket.

(Sigh) Honestly… Hm? What is it, Anzu?

“Are you guys really going to be okay,” you ask?

‘Cuz it’s pretty hard, in terms of schedulin’ huh. I get why you’re feelin’ worried, Lil’ Miss.

If we want to play it safe, we should turn down our offer for WILDLAND, but…

Like I said just a second ago, the AKATSUKI of now shouldn’t stop pushing forward. If we can do it, then I want to accomplish both of them, too.

No, if it’s us, I believe we can make it happen.

Sorry for the trouble Lil’ Miss, but couldja help us out?

The Chrysalis That Dreamed 4

The next day. Seisoukan Dorms Commons.

— Hmph. Things are progressing well ♪

(I have never written so quickly. It is as if the brush is moving on its own.)

(I’ve thought about all sorts of things ever since the Fan Thanksgiving Festival was left to me, and all that thinking has paid off.)

(All of the fans' delight and the image I have for AKATSUKI are laid out on this calligraphy paper.)

(Hehe, at this pace, it won’t be long before I finish this proposal…)

Hm?

(I’m running out of ink. I need to grind more ink at onc–)

i was wondering what it was you are working so hard on.

so you were writing a proposal for the [fan thanksgiving], hm~

Whoa!? Shinkai-dono, when did you get so close to me…–!?

for a little while, now. i called out to you properly, you know~?

Is that right? Please forgive me. It seems I was very focused on writing this proposal.

ufufu, it seemed that way.

but why are you writing the proposal for fan thanksgiving, souma?

Heheh. Hasumi-dono himself personally asked me to take charge of AKATSUKI's Fan Thanksgiving Festival!

[temple guy] did? so that is why you looked so pleased, hm.

Yes. The Fan Thanksgiving Festival is an awfully grand duty for AKATSUKI

To think they entrusted it to someone as inexperienced as me. It has filled me with such motivation...!

i can tell you have plenty of [spirit] based off of all of the [calligraphy tools] you have spread out on the desk, souma~

but using a [pen] might be easier on this kind of [paper], rather than [brushes], would it not.

and if you are using a brush, it will be difficult to make corrections, won’t it?

Hmm? Well, now that you mention it, it’s actually like you say, Shinkai-dono.

It's such an important task, I naturally went with writing with a brush, but when I think about it carefully, Hasumi-dono does not use brushes when he writes proposals.

I will rewrite the contents I've drafted on this paper later.

if i may, can i read up to the part you were writing to?

Of course. I think I was able to make a very fine proposal, but I would like to hear other people’s opinions as well.

hmhm. as expected, even the [fan thanksgiving] needs to have a [live]

Of course, if we are conveying gratitude to our fans, there has to be a “raibu”.

… hm? now that i take a closer look at it, there seems to be a lot of [temple guy] and [red ogre]-san on the setlist, is there not?

Hehe, as expected of your astuteness, Shinkai-dono, you picked up on that ♪

Of course, when one speaks of AKATSUKI, it's those two great individuals who come to mind.. I am sure without a doubt that all of the fans would love them to stand on stage even if just for a second.

Be that as it may, it's not as if I have reduced the stage time for Taki and myself. I have just increased the amount of songs for Hasumi-dono and Kiryu-dono

i see. that is a very souma-like [idea], hm~

for me, it would be very hard to stand on [stage] for this long, i would just refuse.

but if my cute children asked it of me, i might consider it a little.

but, for the sake of [temple guy] and the others, i think it would be better to add a little more [intermission], you know~

even though they are working this hard, they only get one minute for [hydration], so, well, in this [live] i would probably dry up.

Hm. Is that so…

and then after this… [live] is an extra event.

It is a separate project that coincided with Fan Thanksgiving Festival.

When I asked Anzu-dono, she said that other “yu-nitto” are planning an exhibition.

I was worried about that as well, but I concluded that we should each do what we are best at, naturally.

and so, [temple guy] will read sutras, [red ogre]-san will break tiles with karate…

And right beside them, I will perform a sword dance! We discussed that AKATSUKI would become more conscious of fan service! So, what do you think?

…

ufufu. when i imagine it, it seems so lively and fun~♪

Yes, yes, that is exactly it!

there is just one thing weighing on my mind. does [taki] not do anything in any of this?

i could swear [akatsuki] had a child, recently, you know.

It’s not that he doesn’t do anything, but… I do not know what Taki’s specialty is. So I am putting it off for now.

is that right~ have you still not had an opportunity to properly get to know him?

No, we’ve spoken to each other many times. We’ve stood on the same stage too.

… But, we have never had a conversation with each other about the things we like.

fufu. well, then, that is your [homework] for next time~

i never would have thought that a [new member] would be added to [akatsuki].

up until now, souma has always been the [junior], but…

how about becoming a senior? aren’t juniors the cutest?

Hm… it’s not that I don’t understand that juniors have a cute feeling to them, but…

When it comes to Taki, what comes to mind is “noisy”, not cute.

He bears the name “Ibuki”3, like a breeze blowing in, but the way he acts is like an uncontrollable wind storm.

He is whole-heartedly wild. He is elusive, and he acts on his own whims rather than keeping the people around him in mind.

And because of that, he often lacks manners, too. Yesterday as well, he said all sorts of things that put Hasumi-dono on the spot… He truly is a troublesome guy.

… Of course, I recognize what tremendous power he has, but..

Be that as it may. It makes me nervous, thinking about whether or not he is getting up to trouble where we can’t see him.

ufufu. that sort of thing is fun too, you know~

i certainly think you will understand one day, souma ♪

it is cute when your juniors toddle behind you and cling to your back, but...

lately, they have become so reliable. i feel that they need me less and less.

Hmm… Is that how it goes?

so it does~

ah yes, aren’t you hungry, souma?

i would like to test my skills and make some [food] for my cute [junior] ♪

Hm? Now that you mention it, I am feeling a little hungry.

I can’t bear to let you do it by yourself, Shinkai-dono. Allow me to assist you in cooking.

i understand. Well, let’s take a break from writing your proposal, and go make some food together.

The Chrysalis That Dreamed 5

A few days after. Rhythm Link Agency's board room.

... [Looking over the proposal.]

So, Hasumi-dono, what do you think? About the proposal I wrote?

I think it is a masterful work if I do say so myself ♪

… Kanzaki.

Yes!

… Rewrite this.

Huh?

R—Rewrite it? Which part…?

Which part, huh… Right.

First off, the time schedule for the day of Thanksgiving itself, this is certainly absurd. Kiryu and I have far too much time on stage.

No matter how many practices or how much stamina you have, standing on stage for this long would be relentless.

We do want to do what we can for the fans who support us, but even if we made it to the end, the second half of the performance would be a disaster to watch.

… Forgive me. I thought all of the fans would want to see you two and your gallance for even just a second, so that’s why the content is like this.

I appreciate the sentiment. Still, I’m also concerned that the amount of time you and Taki have on stage is relatively small in comparison.

You don’t need to make such a weird disparity. We are comrades in the same unit, and there are also fans who will come to the Fan Thanksgiving Festival specifically to see you two.

Right, it is as you say. I will rewrite that part then.

Good. … Next, the accompanying Fan Thanksgiving Festival event that happens afterwards.

… I’ll ask you first, but this isn’t supposed to be written as some kind of joke, is it?

No, forget that. You would never do something like that. That’s exactly why I have to mention it to you, but…

I recite some sutras, and then Kiryu breaks a hundred tiles, and then you do a sword dance… and then at the very end of the line, Taki performs a song composed on the spot--

Of course that’s far too ridiculous! You wouldn’t even see a collection of sights that strange in an acrobatics troupe!

R—Really? But I thought having everyone do what they were best at would be something to really excite the fans…?

Gh, when you say it with such a pure face, it deludes me into thinking I’m the strange one…

No. It’s definitely strange! It has the energy of a talent show competition!

My sutras in particular are too out of place. Tile-splitting, sword dancing, and improvisation are fine enough, but… No, those are all certainly too strange to do at the same time.

Hmm… If that’s the case, would it be better if you flourished by holding a glasses seminar?

… Glasses seminar?

I’m not unwilling to go on an impassioned speech about glasses myself, but…

It’s a problem when you consider whether it’s appropriate in a Fan Thanksgiving Festival for AKATSUKI.

As for me, I want you to forget about all the ideas written here for the time being.

… Did you ask Anzu what other units did for theirs?

Yes. I asked her in order to use as a reference.

Some units opened exhibitions that surrounded them, and there was one unit who made a “gee-mu” for their fans.

But Anzu-dono said I should think about what I want to do for our fans for our Fan Thanksgiving Festival.

And as a result of that, this is how the contents came to be, huh…?

I-Is it that bad?

… No. It’s not that it’s too over the top. I can tell by reading this proposal that you wrote this very earnestly,

But at the same time, I feel like you were so terribly excited, you began to spin your wheels.

You have the spirit to make a good proposal, but it's the same spirit that isn’t giving you an objective point of view.

… Certainly, it may be as you say, Hasumi-dono.

It is true that I was over the moon after being entrusted with the event by you, Hasumi-dono.

I was worked up because I wanted to write a proposal that would meet the fans’ expectations and make it something you approved of.

My feelings got ahead of me, so I might not have been able to face this project with a calm mind.

Hasumi-dono, I am very, very sorry I disillusioned you.

But. Please, just allow me one more chance…!

I want to see this proposal through to completion with my own hands, no matter what it takes!

For the sake of the fans who have supported AKATSUKI! And to live up to the expectations of you and Kiryu-dono...!

I will take what you said to heart, the next one will be the best proposal exactly because of it! So…

Calm down. I don’t intend to take this project away from you either.

You’ve had experience writing proposals in the past, but you still haven’t gotten used to this kind of thing yet.

Everybody makes mistakes. You should use those mistakes to learn for next time.

Give me one moment. I’ll write comments into the proposal now. Look at them while you’re rewriting the proposal.

I am deeply indebted, Hasumi-dono.

Don’t worry about it. … Besides, when it comes to the content, this proposal isn’t that bad.

It felt like it was packed full of your feelings about what you wanted AKATSUKI to be.

You are no longer someone who just follows behind me and Kiryu. It felt like I got to know you through reading the proposal.

And a talent show isn’t a bad idea if there’s an appropriate place for it, I suppose.

Pl-Please forget about that!

Heh. … Alright, that should be good. First, please look at what I’ve written and work on your proposal.

Yes! Well then, I will make those rewrites at once!

(Hm. The issues in the proposal haven't been settled, but with Kanzaki in this state of mind, there's no need to worry about the Fan Thanksgiving Festival.)

(There's an even bigger problem...)

The next day. Hallways of ES

… Mnmn.

(I've since revised the proposal based off of Hasumi-dono’s comments, but...)

(I just cannot think of a good idea for what to do as the accompanying event to the “raibu” at the Fan Thanksgiving Festival.)

(This is a total "ai-dee-ia" challenge. I would like to plan something that the fans will enjoy, but...)

(That said, I want to avoid having a plan that overlaps with other “yu-nitto”s. I'd like to come up with an idea that feels uniquely “AKATSUKI”.)

(I've been thinking it over all night, but I have come up with nothing. If things stay this way, Hasumi-dono will be exasperated again.)

(In his notes, Hasumi-dono pointed out that I should decide a “tee-mm”... a theme for the Thanksgiving event.)

(If the theme is decided, then the whole project will surround a cohesive subject, and things won't be too far from the mark.)

(But I just can't think of a theme.)

(With Taki joining us, as well, AKATSUKI has taken a brand new first step. Should I make "challenge" be the theme?)

Mnmn. I feel as if I am close, but it’s not quite right. How terribly frustrating!

What would Hasumi-dono do at a time like this…?

— Oh, forgive me. Are you alright? I was a little deep in thought, I bumped into… Hm?

‘Scuse me, sorry~? … Huh? Kanzaki-san?

Well, if it isn't Taki.

? What's wrong? You're making a rather gloomy face.

Mn~ The truth is, thinking up the proposal for WILDLAND’s not so easy~ I’m just real sleep deprived is all~

Translation Notes

↑ 和 (wa) refers to a foundational cultural value in Japan that emphasizes social harmony through maintaining peaceful relationships within a group. 和 encourages compromise, consensus, and the avoidance of open conflict. Generally, it can refer to "Japanese-ness", and is used in words like 和風 (wafu, Japanese style).
↑ At times, AKATSUKI refers to their new AKATSUKI as 新生『紅月』(reborn AKATSUKI). Any translations that include Ibuki as a member of AKATSUKI are referred to as "Shinsei AKATSUKI" translations. Read the Unpacking Shinsei AKATSUKI note to learn about the problematic implications of this unit.
↑ The "buki" in Ibuki's name is written with 吹, which is used in words like 吹く (blow of wind, blow of breath) and 吹雪 (snowstorm). This can also be seen in his character tagline 胸に新風、吹き込むイブキ (Ibuki, blowing in a new wind into your chest). I elaborated this in the translation to get Souma's comparison across.
↑ In Japanese, words from other languages (such as English) are typically rendered in katakana. However, when Souma uses katakana words, they are all written in hiragana instead, likely to emphasize how he struggles with foreign words. These words are kept as written in hiragana, and put in "quotes".