#act 3.5

Kasumi

“Toshi-san, there’s this interesting rumor I’ve heard from an older lady.”

It’s hard to get the intonation right… The emphasis should be here…

“Kondo-san, I’ll stand guard here! I won’t let anyone escape!”

Kaede

Papa, are you playing as a woman?

Tsubaki

Or are you playing a guy?

Sakura

Which is it~?

Kasumi

Uh… Actually…

Kasumi

…Y-Yukio-san, this… is a mistake, right…?

Yukio

It’s not.

Kasumi

Eeh!? B-but I can’t believe I’m the only double cast…

Yukio

As for you, I wanted to see you play as both Kimigiku and Todo Heisuke.

You played Lady Shizuka in “Traces of a Dream” already, and just playing the beautiful Kimigiku is boring, isn’t it?

And I also want as many people as possible for the Ikedaya incident scene.

Kasumi

No, no, no, no way! I wouldn’t care much if it’s just a female only role, but I’ve been blank for too long and yet you already want me in the Ikedaya fight…!

It’s like a neighborhood kid getting caught in a gang leader fight!

Yukio

It’ll be fine. Yuzo said he’ll teach you.

Yuzo

…Yeah. Leave it to me. I’ll put you through the Shinsengumi hazing process.

Kasumi

!!!

Kasumi

(...Yuzo looked like a complete bully that time.)

This time, papa will play as two people, two roles at once, it’ll be a lot of work.

Kaede

You should practice a lot, then. Kaede and her friends always practice a lot of dances at the nursery.

Tsubaki

Do it everyday. You have to get it right.

Sakura

You’ll be able to do it after enough practice.

Kaede

Let’s play over there so we don’t get in the way.

Tsubaki

Okie!

Sakura

Good luck, papa~.

Kasumi

T-thanks…

…Sigh.

*He flips the page*

…

(In the other play I acted as Lady Shizuka after a long while of not playing female characters, and I got a lot of compliments from a lot of people. I'm looking forward to playing Kimigiku.)

(The only problem is Todo Heisuke… Hopefully… I’ll get the hang of it after some practice.)

(Now that I think about it, I remember the first time I was on stage there were three sword fights, it was a mess…)

“...Haah, haah, my bad…”

I’d be on my knees at first, it was hard to get up.

My body ached everywhere and my body felt heavy like steel.

It was as if the gravity only changed around me and pulled me down.

“...If the leader’s gonna be like this, there’s nothing to discuss, shouldn’t we just replace this guy?”

Syu-san’s bluntness and arrogance was nothing out of the ordinary, but it struck my heart this time.

I was pathetic and remorseful, I couldn’t even get myself to face them.

It was the first time I was assigned a role where I had to fight.

No matter how much I practiced, no matter how slow I took my time, I couldn’t reenact the movements properly at all.

I looked like I was doing a Lantern festival dance instead of having the form of a swordsman.

It’s no wonder that Syu-san, who taught it, was dismayed.

“Alright well, let’s leave the fight scene at that for today before you get hurt.”

I heard Yukio-san’s gentle voice interrupt and just bowed my head, devastated by my own shortcomings.

“...”

Yuzo looked at me like he wanted to tell me something, but with the state of my mind, I couldn't take another word, I left the rehearsal room as if to escape.

“...Today’s the day I’ll get it right.”

The next morning, I was determined and went to the rehearsal room early.

“Well, aren't you early?” “Eh, Yuzo? Why are you…”

Immediately after that, he threw a wooden sword at me and Yuzo told me to prepare myself.

“Get in form.”

Subconsciously, I handled the wooden sword as Syu-san had taught me.

“Try to move the same way as I do.”

“But, Yuzo, your role…”

“I already got your movements memorized in my head. Try to keep up the pace.”

“—T-thanks.”

Repeating it over and over and adjusting the speed, eventually I got it right for the first time.

“Yes! Finally!”

I was able to keep up with the other members at the same pace.

The joy of being able to do something I couldn’t before welled up deep inside me.

“This is just the beginning. Go show Syu-san, that this role is yours alone.”

“...Yeah!”

Yuzo usually only smacktalks me, but he helps me out so casually like this when I’m going through something difficult.

He really is a reliable childhood friend.

As a way to show my gratitude for being helped like this,

I definitely made that role mine, and mine alone.

I made up my mind and got back into the flow of things.

Kasumi

(Back then, I felt like I had to do my absolute best as the leader of the Spring Troupe.)

(...I wonder if Sakuya-kun also had a tough time with fight scenes.)

Rather, the upcoming play, Sakuya-kun might come to see it…!?

(He adores me as the first Spring Troupe leader, I can’t just show Sakuya-kun an unseemly sword fight.)

Sigh…

(I got no choice, I’ll just have to suck it up and ask Yuzo for help.)

(In the story, Kimigiku supports the Shinsengumi from the shadows, meanwhile Todo Heisuke leaves the Shinsengumi later.)

(It overlaps with my desire to support MANKAI Company in the shadows in different ways despite my departure from the theater.)

…You really are amazing, Yukio-san.

(Honestly, you’re like a wizard.)

[ Prev. ]

*Flashback*

Hakkaku

The heck. I thought you were out. You were just snoozing away here?

Yukio

I’m up now.

Hakkaku

What were you up to?

Yukio

Just lying here, I can feel connected to my favorite seasons from the smell of the wind and grass, even the ground’s temperature.

Hakkaku

The seasons, huh? Well, have you decided on a theme for the next shows?

Yukio

Spring Troupe couldn’t decide between medieval Europe or the Japanese Heian period, on the other hand, Summer Troupe’s torn between adventure or sports…

Autumn Troupe was split between spies or mercenaries, Winter Troupe can’t agree whether on rice or fruits.

Hakkaku

What kind of bozo gave the last two choices, seriously. Who did you even ask about this?

Yukio

I told everyone that as long as Hakkaku-san’s the one who’ll write it, they’ll definitely want to do it.

Now we’re all fighting over it.

Hakkaku

All right, let’s mix it up then.

Yukio

Wonder if we should decide the casting through rock-paper-scissors~.

Hakkaku

If you do that, they’ll make a fuss again.

Yukio

…I honestly wish that guy was still with me. I had this role in mind for him…

Hakkaku

You should reconcile with him before things get any more complicated. The longer you let it simmer, the messier it’ll get.

Yukio

Yeah… someday, I’m sure. There’s no one else like Reni for me after all.

*Cut to the present*

Yukio

…

Reni

Oi, Tachibana.

Yukio

Huh? Oh, sorry. I was spacing out.

Reni

Get a grip… You’re in a meeting.

Board Member

It’s fine. I understand enough from what you explained. I agree with the system.

So far, we feel that it’s appropriate for a new Fleur award to be more open in its renewal compared to other Fleur Awards that have been in place up to now.

Reni

Let us work out the details, then.

Board Member

However, we’ve been swarmed with inquiries from all over regarding what'll happen with next year’s Fleur Award.

And it’s impossible to stay silent for long in front of the media.

In order to ease the anxieties of the organizations losing the objectives, how about a progress report on it?

Yukio

That’s right, it’d be good to hear about the plans Reni is working on.

There won’t be a problem with the timing on it, sooner or later the information could leak out on the construction.

Board Member

I agree. I’ll leave it up to you to decide when and how.

Reni

Then let’s arrange an official press release ahead of time.

Yukio

Ah! Reni ?

Yukio

I just thought of something good to report.

Reni

…I have a bad feeling about this.

Yukio

I think Soji Okita isn’t inhuman, rather, a soldier who clung dearly to his life.

Reni

I want to show off Okita’s way of life beautifully.

Yukio

Reni, I want to see your more human and flawed Soji!

Kasumi

…Wait, more fighting from the two of you this time? Are you good?

Yuzo

I think they’re both getting heated up since they wanna make the performance good. Maybe it’s best to leave them be.

Reni

I have to disagree with what you’re saying, I just can’t picture it.

If you insist on it so much, you do it then.

Yukio

——...

Even if I do it, it’s not the same Soji Okita who’ll bloom the way Reni does.

Reni

…

*Syu claps to get rid of the tension in the air*

Syu

Alright alright, let’s take a break here.

Reni

——.

Yukio

You’re right, my bad. I’ll go buy a few drinks.

Reni

…

Syu

Looks like you guys reverted back to the old days too.

Reni

No way. At my age, I can’t afford to get mad.

Syu

I sure hope so.

(But I had to step in between them again.)

(——Back then, I was the same as I am now, and got dragged into it too.)

I had never liked Yukio Tachibana since I first joined the troupe, even after Reiji left the troupe, I had a hard time changing my mind about him. The reason I even joined MANKAI Company was because Reiji asked me to.

Should I even continue starring in the play without him?

At that time I was worried when he left the theater, wondering if he’ll be replaced by someone new, we didn’t have much contact anymore.

I blamed it all on Yukio Tachibana for befriending him.

My frustrations built up so much I felt like I could have a heart attack, so I avoided any contact with Yukio for a while, as much as possible.

The first day of the Winter Troupe’s performance comes amidst the circumstances,

I ignored all of Yukio’s directional orders and acted on my own selfish impulses during the production.

My actions were 100% anti-Yukio, I moved immaturely without thinking about the members of the troupe.

After the performance, Yukio came up to me as I was changing, looking calm as ever.

“...Was that the way you wanted to bloom, Syu-san?”

Interrupted, I nodded in frustration.

“I see… That’s fine.”

Yukio said quietly, it felt like I was caught in a lie.

I wasn’t thinking about the stage at all.

I just wanted to take out my frustrations on Yukio.

That must’ve been the worst thing I could have done as an actor.

It was the biggest mistake in my long career as an actor since I was a child.

Eventually, not just the Winter Troupe got worried, but the other troupes members were concerned as well, that’s when I came to my senses.

Soon after, I followed through with the original directions the next day and continued to perform.

I thought about what a total sham of an actor I’ve become.

Then, when the final days of the performance came, Yukio stopped by again.

I’d rather get punished for the show I put on the first day, or better yet, get kicked out of the troupe entirely.

Just when I made up my mind about it, Yukio’s next words came as a shock to me.

“I’m thinking of having you play the lead role in the next Winter Troupe play.”

“Hah?”

“I got the idea after seeing your performance on the first day. It doesn’t fit this performance, but it showed a new side of Syu-san.”

“The darker side of Syu-san, who’s always cynical and masculine, was hidden away…

I was thrilled to think that even in that kind of direction, you might flourish onstage. Perhaps I was a little caught up in stereotypes. So I’d like to try a new take on your play in the next show.”

Yukio said all that with a twinkle in his eyes…

At the same time as I was swayed by his courage, I also realized that I really didn’t like this guy.

Even in the most tough situations, he sees through his opposition calmly and follows his heart as a director and theater artist rather than his own personal feelings.

It was a far cry from me, who almost ruined the play with my personal grudges.

As a theater guy, I couldn’t help but grind my teeth.

I didn’t like him as a person, but as a theater artist, I respected him and thought that’s what I want to be.

That's why, I decided I couldn’t end things there.

At that moment, I swore to myself that I wouldn’t quit the troupe… until I’ve stolen all I can learn from this man.

Reni

…Cheers.

Syu

Yukio and Hiro are also going out for drinks today.

Reni

It seems they take turns in inviting one another during rehearsals. Another thing I can’t quite comprehend.

Syu

It was interesting that he happened to invite Yuzo to a drink first.

Reni

To be fair, they don’t really get the chance that often.

Syu

Yuzo, me, now Hiro, then Zen next. Has he already invited you too, Reiji?

Reni

…We already made plans to go well before rehearsals began, there’s nothing that needs to be said between us now.

Syu

I think you two need to make up and take the time to discuss Soji Okita’s image and compromise on something.

Reni

…And your own image of Toshizo Hijikata is?

Syu

About that…

I also talked about it with Yukio the other day when we had drinks here.

Yukio

He differs as a leader compared to the straightforward Isami Kondo, he will do whatever it takes to achieve his goals in an open-minded way…

I think that kind of image best suits you, Syu-san.

Even back in the first generation, you thought more about the stage than your own personal feelings, you always put yourself first as an actor and a performer, right?

I think I saw Hijikata in you…

Syu

(...This man got no idea I learned it all from him, though.)

Reni

An open-minded approach, huh… I see.

Syu

…Speaking of, I secretly informed the members of the first Winter Troupe about the occasion.

Reni

…We settled on making this confidential.

Syu

Come on, GOD-za knows about it too anyway, don’t they?

Reni

…

Some mishaps happened last time in “Traces of a Dream”, so I couldn’t tell them in advance.

Syu

Because of Yukio’s indiscriminate cast scouting, many of the first gen actors had jobs on the side and didn’t really have an intention of making a living doing theater anyway.

Even though most of them aren’t in the industry now, they were all happy.

Even if they’re not in theater, even if they’re not on the stage now, we won’t ever change. We’ll always be the friends who were once on the same stage.

The bonds of a relationship aren’t something you can completely break off… That’s the conclusion I came to after witnessing the newborn troupe.

Reni

…

Syu

…For all that we’ve lost, we still gained something. You’re one of those, aren’t you?

Reni

…Yes.

…However, there are times where I recall that I was once lost.

Syu

The Soji in your mind is Yukio, isn’t it?

Reni

…

An aspiration that will be never fulfilled, an idol.

That was all I could think about and follow throughout the rehearsal.

I vowed to stop chasing after what I’ve lost… I’ve sworn on it.

Syu

Talk to Yukio and open up before the actual show starts. He reminisces about the past, too.

That’s why I’m telling you, you have to let him talk this time.

[ Prev. ]

Kasumi

Shinsengumi!?

Yuzo

…Another famous theme.

Hiro

Come to think of it, we talked about it back then too.

Zen

Hakkaku-san’s Shinsengumi, another troupe wanted to do the same thing. We never settled on it in the end.

Syu

Don’t tell me, Hakkaku-san left behind a script?

Yukio

Nope, I decided to write it myself this time.

Kasumi

You did, Yukio-san?

Syu

I don’t recall you writing a screenplay before.

Reni

He used to write a lot in highschool, he makes quick work when he’s excited. I had a chance to check it out, it’s mostly finished.

Yukio

I have a general idea of what I wanted to do with the Shinsengumi story since I used to talk about it with Hakkaku-san back then.

We even considered the casting.

Yuzo

I see…

Syu

I wonder if Reiji accepted the story so eagerly just because Yukio’s the one writing it.

Reni

It’s because of his position as a board member.

Zen

Well, whatever it is, we’ll be fine as long as there’s a script.

Hiro

If it’s the Shinsengumi Yukio and Hakkaku-san had in mind, then I look forward to it.

Kasumi

Another famous one, huh, I already feel the pressure…

Yuzo

Pull yourself together, this is a part of your job you know.

Yukio

I couldn’t directly direct “Traces of a Dream”, so I’m thrilled to be able to do it now so carefreely.

Hiro

It’s your return to Japanese theater, Yukio, we can’t afford to make it boring.

Yuzo

Guess you’re right. We got to celebrate with a banger.

Kasumi

Let’s do our best to make it exciting!

Zen

Sure, let me live up to your expectations.

Reni

Of course. The recognition of the new Fleur Award is at stake, after all.

Yukio

Good luck to us!

Based on what I discussed with Hakkaku-san, I wrote the script for each one, and the cast will be—.

Yuzo

…

Member A

Yuzo-san, that’s a script of your upcoming play, right?

Member B

I’m guessing it’s not gonna be MANKAI Company.

Yuzo

Yeah, it’s more of a collaboration, think of it as a one-time thing.

Hope you can excuse me since I’ll be away a lot while this show’s on.

Member A

It’s no problem, you can leave all the affairs to us.

Member B

I’m looking forward to Yuzo-san’s play.

Member C What are you playing?

Member D

What’s your role, Yuzo-san?

Yuzo

It’s confidential so you can’t ever leak it, understood?

It’s Shinpachi Nagakura. I heard back then that he and Hakkaku-san decided on this role for me.

Member C

It’s Shinsengumi then! Wow, just imagining it now, it’s gonna be so cool.

Member D He’s so skilled with a sword that Nagakura’s known as the best in Shinsengumi, I’m guessing he’d be quite the killer.

Member B

Maybe that’s exactly why they chose Yuzo-san?

Member A

Yeah…

Yuzo

I’m right here you know!

…Guess it makes sense that Shinpachi Nagakura was entrusted to me.

Yuzo

…Tch, those two guys specifically. They got no social awareness.

Yukio

Haha, everyone’s making time in their busy schedules. It can’t be helped.

Let the busybodies get along with their kind. Here, cheers.

Yuzo

That sounds more like you than anything…

Yukio

It’s been so long since I had a drink alone with you Yuzo, when was the last time? Yuzo

It’s cause even back when we were in MANKAI Company, there’d always be someone there, it’s rare for us to be ever alone…

Yukio

That’s right, even when the two of us start drinking, there’d always be two or more people in the mix.

Speaking of, I recall talking about Shinsengumi at the drinking party, it was pretty wild then.

Yuzo

Yeah, all that talk about their favorites and what went down, the shinsengumi fanatics just yapped on and on.

Yukio

Yup, everyone had someone they were pushing for.

Yuzo

Now that I’ve been cast as Shinpachi, I gotta kill it at my swordsmanship or else those guys who wanted to play him will kill me themselves.

Yukio

You haven’t done Shinsengumi until now?

Yuzo

No, I’ve done it once in a historical drama.

At that time, I was practicing to die by a sword fight with Shinpachi, but I never thought I’d be in the opposite position.

Yukio

The ruthless killing isn’t the only reason I entrusted Shinpachi to you, Yuzo. Nagakura Shinpachi was one of the most long-lived major Shinsengumi leaders, right?

In his later years, he left records that showed the truth about the Shinsengumi which gave people a more nuanced evaluation of them.

I’d say that quality overlaps with you, Yuzo.

From the launch of the new troupe, all the way to now, you’ve always been watching over MANKAI Company even when you’ve left.

I thought you’d be perfect for it.

Yuzo

…Is this a ploy to get me to continue watching over them, including the newborn guys?

Yukio

Fufu, watch over my daughter well.

Yuzo

Geez, you got guts asking that kind of thing lightly.

Yuzo

(...I wasn’t exactly asked to do it, it just happened naturally.)

(The two generations of parent and child. I’ll continue to watch over them until the foreseeable future.)

[ Prev. ]

Yukio

—Alright, let’s take a break.

Kasumi

Okay.

Syu

Kasumi, you’re really getting the hang of sword fighting.

Kasumi

Ehehe, it’s rare for Syu-san to give me a compliment.

Yuzo

He left me no choice but to train him.

Kasumi

You don’t have to act like you’re a busy guy.

Yuzo

I taught you and you got the nerve to talk like that.

Syu

You must’ve endured Yuzo’s spartan lessons, huh?

Kasumi

Pretty much… I don’t even think he has the heart of a human anymore.

——Wait, don’t tell me you taught the newborn kids this gruesomely!?

Yuzo

Hah~?

Kasumi

Are you seriously trying to fool me by looking the other way…!? I’ll sue you for harassment! I have to write an article…

Yuzo

Oi!! You can’t just make up an article without my consent!

Syu

Must be nice to still have fun with your childhood friend. Meanwhile, on the other hand…

Hiro

What the hell was that just now? That wasn’t even the same as last time!

Zen

I’ve been a blank slate, you’re a veteran actor. You should come up with something on the spot.

Hiro Couldn’t you have given me a heads-up or something!?

Zen

I just forgot to.

Hiro

You’ve always been like this!

Zen

Forgot that too.

Hiro

Not even a sorry!

Reni

The same as usual over here.

Syu

Even back in the first gen this happened a lot too.

Yukio

I’ve missed this…

Hiro

Sigh… I’m gonna go get some fresh air.

Syu

Just like back in those days.

Zen

Haven’t grown at all.

Hiro

And you remember that of all things!!

Zen

Just go already.

Hiro

…

(That’s right, even back then this used to happen too…)

“No one’s gonna keep up at this rate.”

“Autumn Troupe can do this much just fine.”

“I know you’re used to these kinds of hurdles but think of the Summer Troupe!”

Zen said that it was a good thing that the troupes don’t branch out and act together,

It was the first time for both Summer Troupe and Autumn Troupe to work real hard in rehearsals for a mixed performance.

The performance had a lot of fight scenes, but due to the difference in experience between Summer Troupe and Autumn Troupe, and the difference between the way Zen and I did things, we ended up bickering a lot.

“I mean, Zen-san’s movements look better, don’t you think?”

“Try it, if you’re not up to the task, you can always try again.”

“You guys, it’s not that easy——.”

Eventually, the Summer Troupe members sided with Zen, and the blood was rushing to my head.

“——Tch, I need to cool off!”

I said that in denial, as I stormed out of the rehearsal room.

“Damn… the hell is up with those guys…”

“What, another fight with Zen?” “A shock to no one~.”

I guess it was obvious on my face that even the other troupe members that were passing by called me out on it one after another with a knowing look on their faces.

I felt awkward, so I looked for a place in the dorms where I could be alone.

“Here…? The warehouse? Alright, I guess…”

The warehouse wasn’t populated and it was nice, so I went in thinking of cooling my head off.

And it did, the quietness calmed me down just as I wanted it to.

No matter how pent-up I was, the only solution was to go back to the rehearsals.

In the end, I had no choice but to bicker again in the rehearsal room.

With that in mind, I tried to go back to practice… that was the plan until the door wouldn’t open.

“Huh? What the hell?”

It opened earlier, but now it wouldn’t budge.

The door didn't move as if it was merged with the wall, no matter if I pushed or pulled, even though there wasn’t a lock attached.

“Useless… I can’t get out.”

I tried everything, but there was no sign of the door opening.

A piercing regret punctured my chest, wondering what I was even doing.

I had a play I wanted to do right now, and I didn’t have any time to act all weird about it. If I had another chance, I’d do anything to make up for it.

“Forgive me, God of Theater! Please let me out!”

As soon as I got down on my knees and shouted, the door swung open.

“...The hell are you doing.”

Zen held the door open with a dumbfounded look on his face.

With an expression just as flabbergasted, I turned to my heels and acted like it was nothing.

“I came to get you since it was time to eat, didn’t mean to intrude.”

He tried to close the door once more,

In desperation, I slid my body through the gap in the door and stopped it.

“You don’t gotta rush.” “I rushed out cause I’ve been stuck since the door wouldn’t open!” “No reason it wouldn’t.”

I felt like salt was rubbed into my wounds, but it didn’t matter anymore now that I was finally free to go out into the hallway.

“...What’s for lunch?”

“It’s karaage.”

“That’s my favorite! Wait, no way…” “...”

“Ugh, gross…” “It was just a coincidence. Don’t make it weird.”

“I’M making it weird——!?”

We still had a fierce fight at the next rehearsal in the end, but we had a great first day of the mixed performance which was made from repeated clashing.

I was never on the same page with him no matter how hard I tried to.

But it all turned out well in the end.

*Door opens*

Yuzo

You got back pretty quick, surprisingly.

Hiro

I can’t make a habit of just loitering about. I ended up just buying some water.

Besides, the only solution lies in the rehearsal room.

Syu

Guess you’ve matured a little.

Hiro

I don’t usually get upset even during a performance like this in a long while, but I just really can’t get along with Zen.

Yukio

Things like this, it takes you back, doesn’t it?

Hiro

I guess…

Yukio

Your one-track mind when it comes to devoting yourself to a play, your sincere beliefs in your ideals and your determination to protect those ideals are exactly the reasons why I chose you, Hiro, to play Isami Kondo’s role.

So I’m glad you’re still the same as ever.

Hiro I see, so that’s how it is. If that’s the case then I’m fine the way I am.

Zen

Your simple mind hasn’t changed either.

Hiro

Now I feel like a fool if you’re gonna say it.

…Hey, you remember the whole room opening thing?

Zen

The room opening?

Hiro The one I told you where I couldn’t get the door open!

Zen

Ahh… You mean that one dream you had.

Hiro

You still don’t believe me? It really happened!

Zen

Doesn’t really matter.

Hiro

Honestly, why are you like that——!

Yuzo

There’s no really no end to this.

Reni

They really are the same as ever.

Syu

Geez…

[ Prev. ]