Hibari
(It's finally here. I've been waiting for this day.)
Hibari
(One of the traditional repertoire pieces, 'Benkei on the Bridge'. Let me witness the accumulation of Gingaza's history.)
Koyomi
"In a world where martial prowess determines one's worth, therefore, I go."
Koyomi
"To see how much this single swing of my blade reaches the monster. Tonight, I knock on the door of carnage."
Ramona
"However, at Gojou Bridge, people have been cut down nearly every night recently."
Koyomi
"Then all the better! I shall now proceed to Gojou Bridge and strike down this rumored slayer with my own hands."
Ramona
"...Please do not let your guard down."
Hibari
(A Benkei overflowing with gravitas. That's the main star leading Gingaza. Senju Koyomi-san, your acting ability lives up to the rumours.)
Hibari
(Ramona Wolf playing the ninja also has presence. Rather than simply following, she expresses in short lines the heart that believes in her master's strength...)
Xue
"Oh, my beloved child. Please reconsider. Swear that tonight will be the last duel. Your mother's heart feels as if it will burst-"
Hikari
"I understand. ...However, I shall never forget my Father's regret."
Hikari
"In order to proceed on the path of Buddhism that Mother desires...I would like time to cast aside this mission bound to my name."
Hikari
"Even if my sword breaks, my heart will not. One day I will become strong enough to be worthy of my name...I've decided that."
Xue
"That is your unwavering feeling...then I'll permit it for one night only. Please don't break your promise. When night deepens, you must return to the temple."
Hibari
(Ushiwaka's flashback...paired with the scene of Benkei and his retainer, a scene of an unfulfilled vow between mother and child.)
Hibari
(To so magnificently portray Yoshitsune's complex emotions...Hikari-san. You exceed my imagination.)
Koyomi
"You ask me to give my name, slayer? Then hear this. I am the warrior monk who trained at Mount Hiei, Musashibou Benkei!"
Hikari
"Like dancing in the wind, like blending with shadows-"
Koyomi
"You dodge, you monstrous slayer!"
Audience Member A
Benkei's fight scene has such amazing force...!
Audience Member B
Ushiwakamaru is so cool too...
Hibari
(Sword fighting made possible only by trusting each other's skill. How much have they rehearsed until today to elevate each other?)
Koyomi
"To defeat not only with the blade but with reason...truly one who bears heaven's mandate. This Benkei has finally understood."
Koyomi
"If you would allow it, hereafter by your side-"
Hikari
"Benkei. You too are a true warrior. I shall respond to your loyalty."
Hikari
"There is no more need to hide. I am Minamoto...Minamoto no Ushiwaka."
Koyomi
"A child of the Minamoto...!? Why would someone like you commit such slaughter!?"
Hikari
"All was training to become a swordsman worthy of the Minamoto name..."
Hikari
"However, I only cross blades with the strong. The numerous slayings you speak of are not my doing..."
Lilja
"Heh heh...how amusing. To be elated by a master-retainer bond without knowing anything, how shallow."
Koyomi
"Who are you!?"
Lilja
"Cast aside my life to beg for love, and threw myself from the bridge with unfulfilled feelings. The accumulation of that resentment is I...Hashihime."
Hikari
"The presence of evil...could it be?"
Koyomi
"Hashihime. Don't tell me you're the one who's been targeting people crossing Gojou Bridge!?"
Lilja
"The thousand people Ushiwaka struck down. Including that Benkei there, all were alive."
Lilja
"...Until they were devoured by I."
Koyomi
"You monster...!"
Koyomi
"Lord Minamoto no Ushiwaka. My master! This is our first battle!"
Hikari
"Yes, Benkei. I borrow your strength. Let us sever the resentment and make it proof of our vow."
Koyomi
"Now!"
Hikari
"We shall dispel the deep darkness of the bridge!"
Lilja
"Wings weary from dancing, chipped blades...do you truly have strength left to strike me down?"
Hikari
"Even if my wings break."
Koyomi
"Even if my blade chips! We have hearts that believe!"
Lilja
"Hearts are nothing but illusions!"
Hibari
(Lilja Kurtbay. Truly demonic beauty. And Benkei and Ushiwaka who show no fatigue despite the layered performance.)
Koyomi
"Perish, evil demon!"
Lilja
"Ngh...! How enviable...to exchange vows...to entrust one's life to another..."
Lilja
"If only once would suffice...I wanted to truly exist together with someone..."
Hikari
"Hashihime...is that your true heart?"
Koyomi
"A pitiful supernatural being."
Hikari
"...Carnage and resentment are all shadows of this world. From now on, we shall encounter them many times."
Koyomi
"Then let us share between master and retainer the heart that bears the shadows."
Hibari
(...You can't create a stage alone.)
Hibari
(Hikari-san. You didn't make the star lonely. You've shown me a wonderful answer.)
Hibari
Now, I am seeing the sky of the entire heavens...the stars shining in the galaxy.