Koyomi
Ngh...

Hikari
Koyomi-san!? It's danger-

Hikari
-! Koyomi-san, get ahold of yourself!

Ramona
Koyomi!?

Chief Director
Senju!

Gingaza Troupe Members
Senju-san!?

Xue
Wha...Koyomi-san!?

Lilja
...Koyomi...!?

Koyomi
Everyone, please calm down...

Hikari
How can we stay calm! Koyomi-san, are you okay!?

Koyomi
I just felt dizzy for a moment. It won't affect rehearsal.

Ramona
You couldn't stand on your own feet! That's a big problem!

Koyomi
...If I can stand, you'll be satisfied, correct? As you can see, there's no problem.

Ramona
You...even at a time like this, you're acting tough.

Chief Director
Senju. Can you do it?

Koyomi
Yes.

Hikari
...

Hikari
Director. Before the next scene, could I ask for guidance on my sword fighting?

Ramona
Hikari?

Koyomi
Hikari-san...?

Xue
Hey, now's not the time to be talking about sword fighting-

Hikari
I want to review it perfectly before matching with Koyomi-san. Please.

Chief Director
Fine. While we're watching Yonaguni's sword fighting, Senju and the others will take a break.

Koyomi
Director...

Chief Director
It's a break. Everyone, watch Yonaguni's sword fighting.

Xue
Hikari, you...

Ramona
...Everyone, step back. Koyomi. You too, come here.

Koyomi
Hikari-san...

Chief Director
Yonaguni. First is the fight scene at Gojou Bridge. Imagine Senju is in front of you and begin on my signal.

Hikari
Yes.

Chief Director
-Begin.

Hikari
...!

Hikari
(Koyomi-san. Watch me.)

Koyomi
...!!?

Hikari
(When I decided not to waver, I made one more vow.)

Hikari
(I won't let Koyomi-san carry it alone. I won't leave Benkei alone.)

Hikari
(I'll carry it together with you!)

Chief Director
Yonaguni...!?

Ramona
Dynamic movement typical of Hikari, but...it's not just that.

Ramona
The delicate expression reflecting the state of mind of a young person who lost his father, was separated from his mother, and had to live by the sword hiding his identity...

Ramona
Refined swordplay with unnecessary force removed...I can see it...the way she crosses blades with Koyomi, who shouldn't be there.

Lilja
Hikari found her answer. ...That is Hikari now.

Xue
That's not the Hikari I know. Like that, it's almost...

Koyomi
...Ushiwakamaru...!

Hikari
(Koyomi-san has pulled everyone along by herself. If I want to help Koyomi-san, then I-)

Hikari
(I need to shine brighter than Koyomi-san! If I don't surpass Koyomi-san, I can't help her!)

Gingaza Troupe Members
H-Hey. Was Yonaguni-san always this amazing?

Gingaza Troupe Members
C-Could it be...she really might overshadow Senju-san's presence...!

Chief Director
...That's enough, Yonaguni.

Hikari
Was something wrong?

Chief Director
No...no problem. Don't forget this feeling.

Chief Director
Also, make time before tomorrow's rehearsal. You'll meet with the fight choreographer. We'll consider whether we can increase Ushiwakamaru's highlight moments.

Hikari
Yes!

Koyomi
...

Koyomi
(Remarkable improvement...this is Hikari-san's true ability.)

Chief Director
Senju. Can we resume matching soon?

Koyomi
I'm fine. I apologise for worrying you.

Koyomi
(I cannot be defeated. No...I absolutely must not be defeated.)

Koyomi and Iroha's Grandmother
That's fine. There must be no repeat of the previous stage.

Former Troupe Member C
Will it be alright this time? It would be troublesome if the brilliance is taken by other stars like during 'Macbeth'.

Former Troupe Member A
That's obviously expected. You understand what's required in the next performance, don't you?

Former Troupe Member B
Only those with clouded eyes can be fooled by gimmicky tricks. Like the critics of Saint-Claud.

Koyomi
(As the lead. As someone recommended as a Dai Star candidate. I cannot end with the same result as 'Macbeth').

Director Chief
Considering Senju's condition, the scene will be from the final strike. First is Benkei's line delivering the full force strike. Understood?

Koyomi
Yes.

Koyomi
"-With this strike, I shall decide the victor!"

Hikari
"Too slow...strength is not in power alone."

Koyomi
"...Why can I not catch you...! I cannot reach this person...!"

Koyomi
(As I thought, the directors' trust was not mistaken.)

Koyomi
(Hikari-san. Now you've gained enough strength to make me chase your back-!)

Edit

Pub: 21 Dec 2025 16:14 UTC

Edit: 24 Dec 2025 00:12 UTC

Views: 9