Hikari
One...! Two...! Three...!
Fight Choreographer
Yonaguni! Don't just blindly repeat your swings! Do you think you're doing strength training!?
Fight Choreographer
Be conscious of matching your breathing with your opponent as you swing! Don't forget to maintain a constant distance even while moving back and forth!
Hikari
Y-Yes!
Hikari
(I've done practice swings before, but this is the first time I've received such detailed instruction...!)
Fight Choreographer
Wolf! The basics of stage combat are about receiving! To avoid injuries, drill it into yourself thoroughly!
Ramona
Yes!
Hikari
(Ramo-san is totally drenched in sweat too. I definitely feel like rehearsals are stricter than usual.)
Hikari
(Even though casting hasn't been decided yet...there's even more tension than during 'Macbeth'!)
Hikari
(Like sensei said...that's how important the next 'Benkei on the Bridge' stage is to Gingaza.)
Hikari
(I have to work hard so I don't get left behind by everyone...!)
Direction Chief
That's all for today! Everyone, don't forget the movements from today!
Gingaza Troupe Members
Yes!
Lilja
Phew...
Hikari
Good work, everyone! Today's rehearsal was intense! The fight choreography instruction was really strict, and it felt really serious!
Xue
Even after moving that much, you seem energetic...today, at least, I'm jealous of your stamina.
Hikari
'At least'-what's that supposed to mean!?
Ramona
It's proof that Hikari's daily training is paying off. For this stage, we might need to build our stamina too.
Hikari
If it's training, I'll join you anytime! Everyone, feel free to ask me!
Ramona
That's right, Hikari. It's not about training, but...I brought the materials I mentioned yesterday.
Hikari
Wow...! Ramo-san, thank you! I really wanted to study 'Benkei on the Bridge' properly, so this is really helpful!
Xue
Is that material on 'Benkei on the Bridge'? Germany, let me see it too.
Ramona
Yes, of course. Since we have it, let's all study together.
Ramona
We don't know yet who will be chosen for which role. It's important to deepen our knowledge about the program now.
Hikari
'Chronicle of Yoshitsune'...this is the story of Benkei and Ushiwakamaru that you said was generally famous! Where Benkei was the one rampaging!
Lilja
This one is, Kanshin...chou?
Ramona
It's apparently read as The Subscription List'. It seems to be a later created story rather than historical fact, but it's a famous episode.
Ramona
To help Ushiwakamaru escape after incurring the anger of his brother Minamoto no Yoritomo, when passing through the Ataka Barrier, Benkei disguised as a yamabushi strikes Ushiwakamaru, who was pretending to be a subordinate, with a staff to clear suspicions...
Ramona
By depicting an event that couldn't have been accomplished without mutual trust, it's a story that impresses upon us how deep their bond was.
Xue
You researched well. So they're that famous in Japan that such a story was created about them.
Ramona
Probably so. I also find it favorable that two who were initially hostile deepen their bond.
Hikari
That's the "deeply emotional human drama of Benkei and Ushiwakamaru" that Koyomi-san talked about! But I also think the sword fighting parts are good!
Ramona
Flashy action scenes and roles with movement are Hikari's strong suit. I'm looking forward to the casting announcement!
Xue
You guys are so carefree. People from the World Theatre League are coming to watch. You won't get a big stage like this often!
Xue
I'm planning to be chosen for the lead role in this stage and appeal the existence of Wang Xue to those with worldwide authority!
Hikari
Xue's fired up too! So many rivals! I have to put even more spirit into rehearsals!
Lilja
Oh my, is that Hikari's confident smile?
Hikari
N-No, no! It's not like that!
Hikari
It's just...when I first joined Gingaza, I never thought I'd end up acting in front of amazing people like those from the World Theatre League.
Ramona
Indeed. I believed the opportunity would come around someday, but now that it's imminent, there's something deeply moving about it.
Xue
What are you saying now? If that weren't the case, there'd be no point in being at Gingaza.
Xue
Isn't showing your ability in front of amazing people what it means to be a Gingaza actor?
Ramona
Then first, we must show our individual abilities so that the teachers will choose us.
Ramona
To do that, let's pour all our effort into daily rehearsals!