At Ichiei High, Imari is sitting on a bench
while reading a publication. On it, the results for the 7th Fukuyama
Traditional Music Competition. She is in third place for the piece ‘Nakazora
Kinuta’ [literally means hollow anvil].
She stares at the words ‘third place’ then
immediately crumples the paper and throws it in the trash bin. And, she goes
into the school building. In the clubroom, Lucas is smiling at Miran who is
playing frantically on her koto. Tougo is setting up his koto. Kio is looking
at his cellphone.
Miran suddenly struck the string hard which
surprised Lucas. Miran accuses Lucas of distracting her since he is smiling
nonstop. “Are you mocking me?” Surprised Lucas denies it. “I really like this.
A nice day of listening to Miran’s koto.” This surprised her. She scowls and
looks tense.
Just then, Imari comes in. Kio greets her a
good morning and congratulates her for winning third place in the Fukuyama
competition. Imari says that it is nothing but simply something to pass the
time.
Kio says that it is only to pass the time
yet she was able to get third place. “In the end, it’s quite outstanding,
FORMER girl genius.” Imari glares at him and says, ha? Tougo tries to intervene
when their club adviser, Kifune arrives and greets everyone a good morning.
Everyone immediately looks alert as they
greet him back. Kifune says that even if it is a bit rushed but today, he wants
to discuss with them regarding the Nationals this August. “---before that, I
have a question that I want to ask you guys. Do you think we’ll win...the
Nationals?”
Miran sys that they’ll win. Kio says that
perhaps, one should say is they cannot not win this. “If we, whose goals are to
become professional performers, are to lose to students playing koto as a club,
that is a really such a grave humiliation.”
Imari says it is kind of humiliating for
her if they just participate in this competition [and not win?]. Lucas just
sadly smiles. Kifune says ah, is that so. He tells them that they are going to
the AV prep room because there is a performance that he wants them to watch and
listen to.
Soon, they are watching Tokize’s
performance. Imari looks at Satowa’s playing. Tougo says that Houdzuki Satowa
is in Tokize High... Kio says that previous report about their performance was
praised a lot that honestly speaking, he originally thought that it is just an
overhype topic to flatter...
“...the playing is really good. They didn’t
simply depend on the Houdzuki’s ojousama. The other music parts are also very
good in supporting her koto sound. It is really astonishing.”
Tougo looks at Imari who recalls the time
when young Satowa won the first prize in a competition. Miran scowls and bites
her lips upon seeing Satowa’s playing. She recalled Lucas hugging Satowa and
declaring her as his goddess and he is her super fan. Miran looks at Lucas and
is surprised to see him crying.
Wiping his tears, Lucas says that it is
really amazing, so wonderful. “The musical tone of valuing and deeply
understanding each other. Mutually improving each person’s musical layer while
harmonizing their music. It is indeed the embodiment of mutual affection.” This
shocks Miran.
She quickly stands up and shouts, what
about it. “I despise that kind of hypocritical show of affection [/false
friendship]. I--” Kifune calls out to her and tells her to sit down. Miran
timidly obeys.
Kifune tells them that they [Ichiei] are
very outstanding. “Other schools probably don’t have a line-up of students like
them who are outstandingly strong. And now, their mutual ‘ego’ is going towards
its biggest limiting collision which resulted in that performance that is
filled with strength.
...It is very charismatic and I really like
it. –but after listening to their [Tokize] performance, my heart has this
desire. I want your musical world to have more depth, be more extensive. I want
to hear your performance that has evolved. *the members look in anticipation*
--Thus, the piece for the Nationals. I want
to once again hear you guys play ‘Ajara’ [/Frolic].” Miran exclaims yes! Imari
wants to protest. To everyone’s surprise, Kifune continues to say, “But, this
time, the solo won’t be Miran, rather, it will be Lucas. *Miran goes huh and
Lucas looks wide-eyed* Miran will be in charge of Lucas’ third koto. You two
will switch musical parts.”
While Miran is going into a shock, Kifune
smiles and says that they are going to interpret a completely new ‘Ajara’.
Meanwhile, at Tokize club room, Akira says
okay, they’ll first play up to this part. Sane exclaims that in the end, they
still cannot play well the last few parts.
Covering his face, Kouta exclaims the same
with the 4th music part’s ensemble, after continuing ahead to play it, it will
become all messed up. Natsu muses out loud that is saying that continuing the
solo part is a bit messy and it doesn’t sound too connected... Then, he is
surprised by what he saying.
Sane agrees with him. “It is because the
melody sounds really good that we unknowingly relied a bit too much on it. But
looking at it like this, doesn’t it feel a bit boring?” Chika says that they
have to put in a lot of spirit into it. Sane says it’s the same for him [Chika].
Kouta looks at slightly tense Natsu and
tells him that if he has any idea then don’t hesitate to tell them. “It’s
alright because Momoyan is comparatively familiar with music and we won’t be
easily crushed by some words.”
Sane agrees and says that Natsu just go use
his music to viciously give them a heavy blow. Michi tells him to tell them the
parts that they don’t play well. Chika says when Natsu tells them, say it in a
way that is a bit easier to understand.
Kouta says that Chika is so... Sane says
that it cannot be helped since Chika is an idiot. Chika angrily says, ha?!
Natsu notices smiling Takezou looking at him. Natsu then says, yes.
This made Atsumu smile that someone asks
what is he smiling for. Atsumu says ah, nothing, he just feels happy. The girls
watch them and smile over this. Michi’s cellphone rings. He says that time’s
up. Michi gets ready to pack up but Akira tells him to leave the koto since she’ll
still use it later on.
Looking slightly apprehensive, Michi says
ah, is that so. This made Sane asks what’s up. Looking at Chika, Michi says it’s
nothing...right now, he is using Chika’s koto at home.
“After playing that koto, it feels... Ah- indeed,
each koto is really cherishingly manufactured. ...that is what I thought so
this made me use the same cherished feeling in playing it. After playing it, it
made me have feelings of gratitude that forms...kind of! *blushes* Geez, what
am I saying.”
Crying Sane says that Michi finally
overcome numerous challenges and had become a man... Michi asks is that so.
Crying Kouta says yes, super cool, spring has arrived. Michi says, really.
Then, he notices Chika smiling at him.
Akira thanks him for treating the koto
seriously and she is very happy. This made Michi smile. As he walks through the
hallway, Michi thinks that as he goes out of the clubroom, the koto continues
to make sound.
“In some instances, it still deeply
attracts me. But what’s more important is, it’s really great that it didn’t end
during the time when I still don’t understand it. *scenes of everyone helping
him out and telling him things* It’s really great that I’ve become aware of it.”
He recalls Suzuka telling him, “Keep on walking on, proudly and decisively.”
Back in the clubroom, Satowa says that she
has a suggestion. “In a week, probably two times, after club activity, I won’t
go to the music store. Instead, I’ll go to Sakai’s place, how about it... The more
opportunity to be able to play perform [as an ensemble] together [on the spot],
the better it is. If it doesn’t trouble Sakai...”
Akira agrees since Michi needs a
coordinating music part and if it is Satowa, she can surely play it. Hiro asks
Satowa what about the koto. Satowa asks if she can leave it at Michi’s place. “If
it’s a hindrance, then I’ll just bring it with me every time.”
Akira says that it would be such a burden
to Satowa... She stops and exclaims, how about leaving this issue up to her.
Kouta asks if she’ll go to Michi’s place. Akira says no, it is a bit difficult
due to the distance[?...out of the way?] “But I have a good idea...!”
This excites Kouta and Sane. Akira tells
Satowa to please concentrate on practicing. Satowa asks if it is okay. Akira
exclaims no problem! “We have more or less two months before the Nationals.
Starting right now, we’ll put in all our effort to sprint ahead!” Everyone
exclaims in agreement with a scene of smiling determined Michi.
Comment: This is a nice contrast between the two groups regarding what they
have and what the other doesn’t have. At the first part, it really makes me
think that Kifune is the one holding the Ichiei club together or else, they’ll
lash out at each other. ^^;
Apparently, their two female players have
issues with Satowa. Imari is most likely the talk of the town until Satowa
appeared when they were young. And, ever since then, she isn’t the one on top. Tougo
seems to know her history about this. Kio tends to rub things in.
Even if Miran doesn’t want to admit it but
she is apparently jealous of Satowa partly due to Lucas. In a way, she has some
sort of love-hate thing with him. ^^; She doesn’t like the attention he gives
her and isn’t quite sure how to react to his praises. But once Satowa goes in
the picture, she’ll get all jumpy and agitated since he isn’t focused on her
anymore.
It is interesting that of all the
performances that Kifune watched, he is most troubled with Tokize as a competitor.
Does that mean Tokize is really a threat? I wonder about his question to the
group about winning. He doesn’t seem pleased with the others answers of ‘must
win or else, it’s a shame’.
Of all their reactions to the Tokize
performance, it is only Lucas who had the ‘correct’ reaction like that of the
audience before. And, that makes me think that what Kifune is doing something
very risky. It is the Nationals and he is going to do an experiment. In the
long term view, this is really good for Ichiei as performers. They would have
to go out of their usual routine and broaden their horizon. That is, if they
pull it off.
What if they couldn’t? So, that’s the limit
of their performance/music ability? The shame that they’ll have to deal with of
being defeated. But then, perhaps, blame the club adviser for it? It is indeed
a life-changing thing music-wise and in terms of their relationship with each
other.
Things are so far going smoothly with
Tokize. Natsu is becoming more vocal with his opinions and it helps that
everyone say that it is okay for him to be like that. They won’t hold him
against it just like with Akira before especially if it can help their
performance.
Michi has found a deeper feeling regarding
playing the koto and about himself which will definitely help him in achieving
his goal. It makes me think that his part will immensely contribute to the
piece unlike before. As for Akira’s plan, I wonder who she’ll send to Michi’s
place to help him play? I seriously doubt it is the grandmother, so it is her
brother? Scans by 夕遠SEKI of baidu
Word
of the day:
Whatever you sow in the way of kindness and
joy, you’ll regain many times over. To give is to gain. ‘But this I say: He who
sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also
reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6’ ~ Mottos for Success by M.S. Fontaine
KAtwelcome back i'mglad you are feeling better now, i too had some stomach issues for a month now so i fully understand how draining it can be i'm glad they solved the problem for you and i hope i can get a better diagnostic/solution soon
ReplyDeleteI'm glad people can finall see how tokoiseis indeed incredible and it is not only sotawa who is carrying the team , somhow it looks to me like miran either likes lucas or just hate human relations in general , is ajara the one they did for the festival or to qualify for the final ? either way i don't think this will set well with miran but at the same time ifthey played the same thing in a new way that would fasinate the judges whom i'm sure must've seen some of the performances of all the teams lol i just reached the ending of the summary and seems you have same idea as me regarding lucas and miran
glad nasu is finally fitting in while i really think tha mitsu is finally understanding the music aspect of playing the koto rather than just following the musical notes or whatever the piece of paper with thenotes is called( I have no music experience ) it will be interesting if akira's brother steped in that would be awesome and maybe this way he can see for the last time if koto is for him or not or at least maybe continue as a hobby instead of stopping it allat once. so excited for next chapter
thank you very much for the summary, take care of your health and we meet next time with the last chapter of this year (the year sure flied !)
emmahoshi
my laptop is old and had some problem with spacing the words i hope my comment is still readable
Deleteemmahoshi
Thank you, emmahoshi ^-^ Hope you get better, too ^^
DeleteYup ^^ Haha...maybe in some way, she is both. She doesn't know how to deal with Lucas. =P
Ajara is the piece Tokize heard them play during that performance earlier after summer camp. They will use it for their Nationals performance with Lucas and Miran's part switched. Yup...and in a way, a very risky move just based on Miran's initial reaction.
Yup ^^
Thanks for reading and indeed ^^
OMG! Thank you so much for your existence and efforts!!! TT^TT <3 <3 <3
ReplyDeleteEverything about this series is so wholesome. I always wondered who were the first place winners of nationals. Maybe it is just me only, but they are a group that I did not expect at all, especially Miran as their "star-ish" player. It makes sense, since they are not meant to be like "typical" high school students.
For Akira's plan for Michi, I have bets on her brother (the genius ofc!). I would be extremely surprised if she didn't ask him. I feel like if the brother accepts her proposition, it would heal his relationship towards the koto too. The raw vulnerability and love from the Tokize koto club does wonders to all the characters that ever crossed paths with them. I'm thinking there's a deeper darker backstory why Keishi left the koto completely which we will find out soon (I'm hoping at least).
applesx
Thanks for reading, applesx ^-^
DeleteTrue.
Yup ^^
Thank you so much :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome ^-^
DeleteThank you for this chapter as well! I like seeing the difference between the two groups. They want to win because it is expected and to be the best. They don't really want to win for winning. That might be their downfall too. Also, I feel like they are a group of individuals and do not have that true harmony as Tokize. Them switching parts is risky, but may be one that gives them an edge. Making me nervous for our leads. Lucas may be a better player than Mirei. Mirei is all about being the best and has the skills, but music is not about that. It may be hard to tell but when going against a team that is all about having fun and putting their emotions, it becomes more obvious. I wonder how this will turn out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading, fish.cake ^-^
DeleteTrue, I agree. I guess in a way, their adviser opted for 'long term lesson/improvement' rather than just 'winning' it.
Ya, how will it all turn out...
Hi here Gaby from Ecuador wow thank you so much for every chapter and more I really like to read
ReplyDeleteSo nice this blogspot
Take care and thank you for the word of the day too
Glad to know how is going with everyone :)
Thanks for reading and comment, Gaby ^-^
DeleteWhere is Chika and Satowa romance aaaa
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping in the next chapter/arc ^^
DeleteThank you for the summary. I've only discovered this blog today and read all the untranslated chapters.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading, halcyon22 ^-^
DeleteThank you for your summary, take care of your health. I will wait for the next chapter ;)
ReplyDelete-Daniel
Thanks for reading, Daniel and thanks ^-^
DeleteI just discovered this blog and im thankful i did thank you for sharing this magnificent manga with us. UvU
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading ^-^
DeleteThanks for all the effort! As a reader from Brazil, not having this manga available in my language was already a big challenge. When I got to Chapter 79 I thought there were no more chapters available until I found your blog. Thank you! :)
ReplyDelete- Couto
Thanks for reading, Couto ^-^
DeleteThank you Kat 😆 Chapter 86 is already out 🎉
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome ^-^
DeleteYes, it is already summarized. ^^