Souma Substory 1
Excuse me, Transfer Student-dono, I have a favor to ask of you.
Forgive me for being blunt, but I have a new technique I need to test on...--- Er, I mean, would you accompany me for my "les-son"?1
Usually, I would ask the sturdy Adonisu-dono to do so, but I missed my opportunity.
It seemed like Adonisu-dono was headed for club activities, so I'd have felt guilty forcing him to stay back with me.
Well, I'd asked Adonisu-dono about this, but...
As a "pu-ro-dyu-saa", you observe our studies and provide guidance for us, right?
If so, I've decided to set aside my shame and ask you for help.
If you have other things to get to, that's alright, but if there's nothing urgent, I'd like to ask for your help, "kurasu-meito" to "kurasu-meito".
Hm. I'm grateful you're willing to come along. You're so kind, Transfer Student-dono.
It's been a long time, I've forgotten people's kindness. All the others seem to lack the spirit of cooperation and run from me as soon as they see me.
Well, do excuse me. Kanzaki Souma, here I go!
En garde!2
Mn. Transfer Student-dono, what happened? Why are you frozen stiff? There's nothing to worry about, I won't miss my aim and hurt you.
Despite how it appears, I work hard day and night to train in the way of the sword.
Well, for a second time, here I go. Please keep your eyes open and observe. If there is any place where there's room for improvement, please let me know.
Wh--- why are you tearing up? Oh dear--- I'm no good at dealing with a woman's tears
I apologize if there's something I'm missing. It seems there's some sort of misunderstanding between us.
Hmm? Yes, I wanted you to accompany me while I was training with my sword, but... That's not what you had in mind, Transfer Student-dono?
Ohh! Now that you mention it, it'd completely slipped from my mind, I am an "aidoru"!
A "les-son" is a method of training your skills as an idol...?
Hm, I see.
I was absolutely intending to test my skills3, but...
No wonder. I thought I didn't feel any fire from Transfer Student-dono to block my sword!
I had heard that those who have mastered the way of the sword would stay firm and still without letting off any murderous intent, so...
I had surely thought that you were a master of that sort, Transfer Student-dono.
Speaking of "pu-ro-dyu-saa"s, that makes you the same as a lord to "aidoru"!
If I've committed the sin of embarassing my lord, I will atone with my life!
With this seppuku, I apologize!
Hm? Why are you stopping me? How else can I possibly make up for this offense!?
... You are so kind, Transfer Student-dono.
You have shown me mercy. This Kanzaki Souma has been deeply moved!
Transfer Student-dono...! Never will I forget this debt of gratitude! I will devote myself to it from hereon, so I only ask for your continued guidance and encouragement in return!
Translation Notes
- ↑ 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".
- ↑ ちぇすと (chesuto) is an exclamation that Souma uses when he lunges with his sword. I localize it as en garde to get the same vibe across.
- ↑ Souma says tameshigiri here. In the Edo Period, tameshigiri was for testing the quality of swords, but in modern times, it is used to test one's swordsmanship skills, using cylindrical targets.