Looking at the mirror in her house, Satowa fixes her necktie
and recalls Akira’s smile. This made her smile as she heads to school. At the
club room, Sane tells Chika that he really startled him to death. “5am in the
morning, and you’ll suddenly say, ‘come to the club room’. I thought something
had already happened.. Do you always come to practice this early in the
morning? No wonder you were always the first to arrive. By the way, aren’t you
sleepy? Aren’t you super lethargic in the morning?” Chika says that right now,
if there is a bed here, he can immediately go back to sleep. Sane says that he
thought so. He comments that Satowa and Akira’s ensemble is really super
amazing. Chika agrees. He says that before, he always thought that until the
day of the tournament, he must reach Satowa’s level. Sane comments that Chika
really thinks of some extraordinary things. Chika says but he thinks that he
was mistaken. Sane asks what he meant. Recalling the girls’ performance, Chika
says that they definitely have to do their own growth to be able to be placed
equally with that girl. This surprises Sane.
Chika tells him that didn’t Suzuka say that they have to
properly think of the meaning and responsibility of one’s timbre..even if right
now, he still doesn’t totally understand its meaning. “But, he said ‘have to value
each note’. I think it is generally not enough if it only becomes ‘you played
it well’.” Sane thinks that actually, he himself wanted to properly do his best
and Chika, he is really..in short, there are times when he’ll immediately leave
him behind in a breath and go far away but, ‘Once more time, we--..’ Sane
exclaims, okay, they are going to play the 17 string to the point that it is at
par with Satowa!! Chika says it is like that, so first, they are going to
double their practice. Sane asks Chika if he knows how many hours there are in
a day, and compared to that, the way of practice is more important-- Sane
laughs and thinks, “Hey, Chika, I also want to be at par with you.” In her
classroom, Hiro is practicing their piece with a small cardboard replica of the
koto. She thinks that it is good, she can already remember the musical score,
so next, she is going to work hard and practice—
Takezou leans close to her and asks if that is Chika’s. This
startles Hiro that she exclaims his name. This also startles Takezou. He
apologizes for suddenly talking with her. Blushing and nervous, Hiro says no,
no, she should apologize and yes, she borrowed this from Chika. Chika let her
borrow it since he is temporarily not using it since he is practicing the 17
string. Takezou comments that cardboard koto seems to be very popular. He says
that her and Kouta’s second sound ensemble have also started to coordinate and
it seems that Kouta has been specially working hard. Hiro exclaims that is
right, Kouta is really doing his best as he practiced diligently with her as if
his life depended on it! She says that it seems that there is no problem with
his and Michi’s first sound group that Michi’s attentive timbre is pleasant to
listen to. Takezou says that it seems that Michi can do some tailor work at
home so his hands are very skillful. Hiro exclaims is that so, Michi is really
amazing. Takezou says but, the two of them at the first sound group..their
performance is VERY MEDIOCRE or he should say that it is too serious. This made
Hiro burst into laughter.
Takezou says that it isn’t a funny thing for wasn’t it said
that ‘if the first and second sound group’s way of blending isn’t the same, the
piece’s feeling will also subsequently change’-! Hiro apologizes and says that
it is because actually, it is too much his distinctive trait. [<- mediocre
and too serious] Takezou says that he isn’t at all happy about that since that
issue really caused him to be distressed for such a long time like ‘I’m
seriously too boring’-something. Hiro exclaims that he isn’t boring, he’s
really cool! This surprises Takezou. Hiro happily says that ‘being serious’
that part is really cool! “So, you only have to display that part up to its
utmost limit- The first sound group can play neat and tidy [/efficient]-
Afterwards, the second sound group would use ‘liveliness’ as the goal! And
afterwards-- *Takezou blushes a bit over happily talking Hiro* Hey, Kurata!!
Are you listening to me!?” Surprised Takezou says yes, he’s listening, sorry.
Some other day, Akira is heading towards the club room when Sane calls out to
her and says that she is really early today.
Akira calls out his name. Sane exclaims that she remembers
his name and it turns out that she knew. Akira says but of course. Sane asks if
she is already okay today. This puzzles Akira. Pointing to his eyes, Sane
happily says, “The eyes. There are a lot of dust in our club room even if we
properly sweep it. If there is some dust that went into the eyes again, Or
perhaps, it is some other thing, then do not hesitate, please tells us directly
about it.” This surprises Akira that she says that she is already fine. Sane
smiles and says that’s great. Entering the clubroom, he exclaims that it is
great, there is no one else here yet! “Lucky- I get to monopolize the teacher!!
Before everyone comes, please give me special training!!” While Sane is
playing, Akira tells him to play that part lighter and do not be anxious, just play
slowly. Sane says okay. Looking at him trying hard, Akira comments that he is
really doing his best. Sane asks is that so but compared to him, Chika is
working harder than he is. This surprises Akira.
Sane says that Chika obviously can play better than him and
has the talent for it. “Yet, he practices more than me. Takinami-sensei said,
‘own timbre’s meaning and responsibility’. Chika also considers those words as
something that definitely has a very important meaning. (--..but..honestly
speaking, my timbre--..) Ah, in short! I’m putting in my utmost effort in order
not to drag everyone behind!!” Akira tells him that his timbre is the kind that
can properly blend in together with all of the club members. This puzzles Sane.
She tells him that Suzuka had told her the reason why he made Sane play the 17
string. Flashback: Suzuka told Akira that she should have noticed it already that
the club members, all of their timbre isn’t on key, so it is easy for it to
become a totally incompatible music. But, Adachi’s timbre and the other members
are very ‘harmonious’ [/keep in step with] that it can ingeniously make the
timbre of every member have a parallel connection together. End flashback.
Akira tells Sane that Suzuka said that is why he put Sane in charge of the 17
string, the piece’s core. She smiles and adds, “Besides, I also think it is
so.” Sane is moved for he is connecting everyone’s music. Flustered Sane thanks
Akira and he’ll do his best. This made Akira smile.
Soon, everyone is practicing together. Chika turns to Sane
and asks if his timbre has changed. Sane asks is that so, he himself cannot hear
it out too much. “—perhaps, it is because I already know, ‘own timbre’s meaning
and responsibility’..generally..” This stuns Chika that he exclaims what does
he know, what is it!!? Thinking that he couldn’t say out that stuff about him,
Sane tells Chika that it is a secret. Irked Chika puts Sane in a head grip and
angrily shouts, what secret, you.. Sane quickly tells Chika that he surrenders.
Akira calls out to Satowa and asks if she had changed her playing method a bit.
Satowa admits that she did for her second finger is always very weak..even if
lately there are a lot of progress but after hearing Akira’s performance, she
felt that it is still not enough. “In short, I have no way of playing each note
neatly as I imagined.” Aghast Sane asks where, he totally wasn’t able to hear [notice]
it..and if she were to play it a bit more neatly, then the note will become
silk[? Too delicate/sorry I couldn’t read the word really well]. Satowa says if
it is possible, that is what she wanted. Akira stands up and gives Satowa an
eye mask.
Akira says that if she doesn’t mind, she can use that.
Satowa is puzzled. Akira says that she always use that way to practice, wearing
the mask while playing since it makes her energetically concentrate her ears,
and then her feeling will become sharper. “It will be easier to communicate
with one’s own music. If you are willing, please try it out when you are
practicing alone.” Chika exclaims that he also wanted to try that. Akira tells
him that with his current level, it is meaningless to use that. This made Chika
disappointed. Akira tells him that after his skill can go up a level, then he
can try this method. Holding the mask, Satowa says about this.. Akira says that
she’s giving it to her. This made Satowa smile and thank her. This surprises
Akira. Then, she says, you’re welcome. Chika starts looking around as the
others are playing. He recalls being told that this is the last opportunity for
the two [Takezou and Hiro]. Chika thinks that he has to quickly improve. So he
always rushes to the club room to practice. Practice with the group and alone.
Listen to the music while going to sleep. He is practicing so hard that he is
injuring his fingers and nails from playing so hard.
In class, Chika is laying his head on the desk with the
Tenkyuu music book on his head. Satowa asks him what happened. With his soul
already floating above, Chika says that it is nothing. Satowa says that lately,
he seems to be acting a bit strange so if he has any worries regarding the playing--
Sitting up, Chika says that he said that he is nothing and anyway, it has
nothing to do with her..ah, sleepy to death.. Satowa is surprised by his answer
that she apologizes for interrupting him. Then, she looks away from him. Chika
glances at her then puts the book on his face again. He thinks that he must
immediately climb up to her side. So, he continues to practice really hard
while thinking that he must immediately..immediately.. Takezou starts to look a
bit worried about Chika. At Houdzuki residence, Akira notices her grandmother
going out of her room all dressed up. She asks if her grandmother is going out.
Dojima says that she is and she plans to go to Takagi-sensei. Akira bows and
says is that so, then please be careful on her way. Dojima thanks her. After
she left, Akira thinks that she has seen Takagi several times and if she
remembers right, he is Houdzuki Group’s authoritative..
After looking at the side to see if no one is around, Akira
slides open the door and goes into her grandmother’s room. She opens a drawer
and is surprised to see pictures of Chika and Sane. [<-there seems to be
other pictures] She mutters, this..is.. She recalls her grandmother saying that
gathering of delinquents, really doesn’t have a sense of shame. The scene
changes to Chika going to the club room. He feels a bit dizzy and thinks that
it is bad for it seems that his blood isn’t enough..meat.. He opens the door to
find Takezou already there with his koto. He greets Chika and says that this
time around, he is earlier than Chika. He laughs and says that before, every
time he arrives, Chika is already there when obviously, he is waking up earlier
each day. “But, I always wasn’t able to meet you in the morning that I got a
bit impatient! It turns out that everyday, you come to practice this early.”
Chika says that it is nothing. Getting his koto to play it, Chika says that he
is a super early riser that his eyes are already open when the sky is still
dark.
Takezou says that he knows that he is annoyed when he just
got up but this time, that part that he and Chika is responsible for and their grouping
isn’t the same so there is always no opportunity to properly talk. Chika asks,
talk? Takezou asks isn’t he practicing excessively lately. Chika says what does
he mean excessively when obviously it is still not enough and the tournament is
less than a month-- Chika is surprised when Takezou suddenly grabbed Chika’s
left hand and look at it. Chika’s fingers are all wounded. Realizing that he
has been practicing for such a long time, Takezou worriedly says that isn’t
this excessive. Pulling his hand from Takezou, Chika shouts that he said that
it is still totally not enough, and with them currently like this, they
absolutely cannot enter the Nationals! “The level of our ensemble is very far
from Houzuki and Doujima! It even couldn’t compare to Himesaka and Hakuto. If I
don’t practice more--” Takezou says that he understands his feelings but it is
no good if he practice too much and ruin his hands. “Besides, Kudou-kun, you
are still a first year, so there’s no need to be in such a hurry. About
entering the Nations, there is still an opportunity next year--”
Chika shouts, “You guys are no longer here next year!!
*Takezou looks surprised* Next year is already too late.” Takezou is flustered
to the verge of tears. Chika says that since he understands then move aside for
he is hindering his practice!!? Chika is surprised when Takezou suddenly
tightly grabs his right hand into his arms. Takezou angrily shouts that he’s
banned from practicing!!! Chika exclaims, “Ah!? What are you talking about,
quit joking around!!” While he won’t let go of Chika’s arm, Takezou exclaims
that practicing too much has an opposite effect!! “The quantity of practice
isn’t everything!!” Chika shouts for him to shut up for if he doesn’t practice,
will there be a possibility for him to play well, stupid!! Takezou shouts that
he is making him choose a good method. Chika angrily shouts what he is talking
about. Soon, the two are tired from the struggle that they catch their breath
while lying down on the floor. Chika calls him stupid for what are they doing,
they unexpectedly wasted a lot of time. Takezou says that doesn’t he feel
better. “..From before, I had taken note of something and that is something to
do with Kudou-kun’s timbre.”
Sitting up, Chika asks what is it. Takezou says that
occasionally, Chika’s timbre would shine. This puzzles Chika that he asks
shine? Takezou says yes, occasionally, and it emits light that is very gentle
and warm. “I always don’t understand what is that shine’s timbre. I felt that
it is very baffling. Right now, I think that I finally understand. *smiles*
Those timbre is Kudou-kun’s, your heart.” Chika looks surprised as he recalls
someone saying, ‘that is a person’s heart’. Takezou snaps out of it. He
immediately sits up and felt embarrassed. He thought that it is bad, for he
carelessly got too relaxed that in the end, he said out what he was thinking..!!
Chika says what, did he get his head jammed into the door. Takezou thinks that
he knew earlier, he wouldn’t have said it. Chika looks flustered as he recalls
his grandfather telling him that this thing called music can resonate with
one’s heart so the musical composition is the composer’s heart. “That is a
person’s heart.” He recalls telling Satowa that he doesn’t know what that piece
is to her. Satowa told him that actually it is a song to make someone smile.
Suzuka told everyone that it is definitely better to express
the ‘darkness’ [/negative] while expressing the ‘sun’ [/positive]. He also told
them to seriously look at the whole piece and go understand the piece’s
texture. End recollection. Chika seems to have realized something. At the
Houdzuki residence, Doujima calls out to Akira and says that she got visitors
so can she prepare some tea. Akia asks, visitors..? She is surprised to see a
group of people. She realizes that it is Takagi-sensai and the other higher
ups.. Doujima says that after she comes back, greet everyone. Turning around,
she reminds Akira to remember to prepare the tea water for the head of the
family. [<- Chiharu?] After looking surprised, Akira slightly smiles. She
calls out to her grandmother and asks with a smile, “Will you also let me join
along?” Doujima looks at her suspiciously then says okay, she can also come.
Comment: From
this chapter, it seems that they are all improving their timbre. This is good since
as shown in Chika, no matter how hard one practices, it is difficult to become
an expert player in such a short time. So, it is better to add focus on what
they are good at. It seems that they are in their own way to realizing
consciously or not what Suzuka meant. That is their part of the group and
personality which can be shown through their playing. There are some nice
touching moments here. It is really amazing to hear something that one always
wanted to hear when one is ‘stuck’ or to feel that one is actually important/special
to someone else. It is quite a high that makes one feel that it’s great to be
alive and one had a purpose in this life. Well, if Akira was originally a spy
for her grandmother, it doesn’t mean that she cannot also be a spy for the
others. ^^ I’m not sure how Akira will handle things since her grandmother
seems to be already suspicious of Akira ‘no longer doing as she says’ and she
might trick Akira. Anyway, I think it is inevitable that her plot will backfire
and I’m excited to see when that happens ^^ In a way, perhaps, Akira realized
that the grandmother is going to make Chiharu go and listen to the performance
^^ Scans by 二次元秘店汉化
Quote of the day:
Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble, the world
knows nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement – and we will
make the goal. ~ Jerome Fleishman
Yay! Thank you, Kat!!! Happy holidays! ^^
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Vill ^-^
DeleteHappy Holidays to you, too ^^
Thank you :] and Happy holidays ^^
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome and happy holidays, too ^-^
DeleteHello, i always read your summary of mangas here, and never let a comment.I decided today to let one here just to say thank you for sharing these mangas, thanks a lot, i like a lot Kono oto Tomare, and hopefully i can read your summaries and intelligent comments!!THANKS
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading, the comment and the support ^-^
DeleteThank you so much for this, Have a Happy New year!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome and Happy New Year, too ^-^
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