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shiningwonderland · 3 months

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Tokiya Ichinose (Repeat)

Translator: Koto (twitter: kotowari16)

Proofreader: Mimi (twitter: _mimisaurora)

QA: Raz (twitter: agnadance)

September - A sfz beyond our control

(*sfz = sforzando = strong, sudden accent on a note or chord)

Summer vacation came to an end and the second semester began.

For the first time in a while, the classroom was bustling with activity.… And I couldn’t help but wonder why it had gotten even rowdier than usual….

Ren: “What’s going on…? One of the boss’ usual whims again?”

Syo: “…Maybe? I have no idea what that old man is thinking.”

Haruka: “Good morning.”

Ren: “Good morning, Lady. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? You're looking more beautiful today than ever before. Could this glow be the result of a summer romance?”

Haruka: “Ah… W-Well…. I don't… It's not a… romance….”

Syo: “Haruka, don't take anything that guy says seriously. He's just spouting his usual nonsense. Anyway, the real issue is over there.”

Syo pointed over at the blackboard when he spoke. The writing read….

“S-CLASS ONLY! OVERCOME THE SAOTOME ACADEMY PRINCIPAL! A CHAMPIONSHIP WHERE THE ONE WHO DEFEATS HIM WILL DEBUT IMMEDIATELY!”

Defeat… the principal?

Was that even possible…?

*door slides open*

Haruka: “Ah, Ichinose-san. Good morning.”

Tokiya: “Good morning. Say… What’s with all this ruckus…?”

Haruka: “Uhm… Take a look at the blackboard….”

Tokiya: “Blackboard…. Ah… is that so…? I see…. It’s rather pointless, isn’t it? This has got to be one of Saotome-san’s whims.”

Everyone in class nodded, sighing in disappointment when Ichinose-san spoke.

But then….

BAAAANG

The principal appeared by bursting through the blackboard.

Saotome: “HAHAHA~! This isn’t a whim. I have deemed everyone in the S-class especially outstanding this year.

Therefore, I'm offering this special BIG CHANCE to one of you. A chance to debut immediately if you defeat me!

Let’s see, let’s see. Eenie, meeny, miney, moe; Shiny's choice, I will bestow; If he sparkles, let him glow…. Eeny, meeny, miney… you!”

WOOSH!

The principal pointed his index finger straight at Ichinose-san.

This prompted Ichinose-san to let out a single sigh.

Tokiya: “… I have to decline. I don’t have the time to go along with such a farce.”

He flatly declined the offer. Ichinose-san is amazing to be able to voice his opinion to the principal so clearly!

Saotome: “Hmm, well that wasn't entertaining at all. In that case, I’ll just have to resort to other means!”

GRAB!

I felt the principal grab me with his sturdy arms, and in no time at all, he was carrying me under his arm.

Haruka: “What…?”

Saotome: “HahaHA! Mr. Ichinose. If you want to save your partner, pleeeeaaase come at me.”

Tokiya: “It's not like I particularly care what happens to her, but I truly dislike this approach.

Fine. I will definitely take her back.”

Haruka: “Huh…?”

I was really convinced he’d say this was “ridiculous”, but he didn't….

He's also definitely never said anything like this before. Ichinose-san would typically have chosen to ignore me and that would be the end of it....

Has he finally started recognizing me as his partner?

What should I do now? I'm so happy….

Saotome: “HAHAHAH~! Well then, bye bye for now.”

The principal, still holding me in his arms, smashed through the windowpane, landed on the ground, and then leaped up onto the roof in one fell swoop.

I was so terrified by his sudden ascent and descent that I passed out.

When I came to, I found myself fastened to a giant cross.

Haruka: “Uh…. What…?”

Saotome: “HAHAHAHA~! You are the winning trophy. So stay still and be quiet, PU-LEASE.”

Haruka: “Haaa….”

It didn't matter whether I kept still or not, my hands and feet were firmly bound and I couldn't move a muscle.

That aside....

The principal mentioned that I was... the winning trophy.... What did that even mean?

Not to mention, a monitor was placed by my feet, broadcasting a visual of Ichinose-san from wherever it was being filmed from.

Haruka: “… Ichinose-san…. Excuse me… Principal. Why Ichinose-san specifically?”

Saotome: “How do YOU feel about Mr. Ichinose’s singing?”

Select the phrase!

Haruka: “I love it.” (+ 20 Love, + 5 Music) (私は好きです。）

Saotome: “I'll give you that. BUT, for an idol, he's still got a long way to go.

Mr. Ichinose is definitely lacking something. When he overcomes this trial, he shall understand WHAT IT IS.”

Haruka: “… To understand… what he's lacking.”

Could it be something Ittoki-kun has… and Ichinose doesn't?

I was thinking it over when the principal looked to be enjoying whatever note he was writing.

Then, he tied it to an arrow, a suction cup replacing the arrowhead, and drew his bow with a grunt.

The arrow flew at the speed of sound and landed squarely on Ichinose's forehead, who happened to be walking on the school grounds.

Although I couldn't see the ground from up here, I could see what Ichinose-san was doing by watching the monitor in front of me.

Tokiya: “An arrow message… How elaborate.…”

Ichinose-san removed the arrow stuck to his forehead with a pop and sighed.

Ryuuya: “...I've gotta say, I'm amazed it made it this far. Still, it seems kind of dated... or very much like him. Anyway, what does it say?”

Tokiya: “YOU shall debut immediately if YOU defeat ME. BUT if you can’t defeat me within 24 hours, your cherished partner will meet an unfortunate demise.

… Apparently”

Ryuuya: “WHAT! WITHIN 24 HOURS!? Could this be… don’t tell me!? The forbidden Saotome Bomb Death Match…”

Tokiya: “What’s that…?”

Ryuuya: “It was once a debut contest that was discontinued years ago for being too dangerous.

It consisted of a one-on-one battle with the president, putting the challenger's most prized possession on the line…. A win guaranteed a debut...

But a loss would result in the challenger's prized possession being obliterated...

And not a single person has won the death match yet...”

Tokiya: “And so the hostage…”

Ryuuya: “In the past, these prized possessions would consist of things like a... cell phone, a watch, or similar items. Those, of course, were blown to pieces, but….

But this time… it's a person…”

Tokiya: “...Can't the bomb be disarmed?”

Ryuuya: “To do so, you'll need a key. And that key…”

Tokiya: “Saotome-san has it, doesn’t he?”

Ryuuya: “Yeah, however… It’s not like he’s just carrying it around.”

Tokiya: “…Meaning?”

Ryuuya: “If it’s the same as before, then most likely…. the key will be inside the president’s stomach!”

Tokiya: “Why… there…?”

Ryuuya: “...because he swallowed it. As soon as the game starts, the president, having set the bomb, swallows its key and waits for the challenger.

If you want to save her, you'll have no choice but to strike the president's strong body with a powerful body blow.”

Tokiya: “Unbelievable… What is that man thinking? To threaten a partner's life with a bomb... That is unforgivable.

I will have to show him what happens when I'm pushed too far....”

Ichinose-san then looked up in the direction from where the arrow had come, his glare piercing.

Ryuuya: “You… are remarkably confident against the president … Ah, I see, this is because of your partner…. So, you can show interest in others.…”

Hyuuga-sensei quietly whispered something under his breath.

Ryuuya: “Ain’t that great, how interesting! Now go kick his ass!”

Hyuuga-sensei playfully patted Ichinose-san on the shoulder.

Tokiya: “Of course, I have no intention of losing this time.”

Ichinose-san flashed a bold smile when he said that.

H-He's so cool. And reliable….

Aaah. I’m so glad I could be Ichinose-san’s partner.

Saotome: “Fufufufufu. You've got some guts! I'll let you hear a very special message from our hostage.”

*phone ringing*

Tokiya: “Incoming call… from Saotome-san…?”

Saotome: “HAHAHAHA. You can find me on the rooftop! BUT, lots and lots of traps have been set along the way!

I wonder, can you really make it this far? We'll see! Now then, you. A word.”

Haruka: "U-Um..."

Select the phrase!

Haruka: “U-Um… I’ll be alright.” (+ 20 Love) (わたしなら大丈夫です。）

Tokiya: “...Then, please get out of there right now.”

Haruka: “That's… um… difficult…. I’ve been tied to a cross, and my hands and feet are bound.…”

Tokiya: “... Then don't be so quick to say you'll be alright. I’ll save you, so wait for me.”

Haruka: “Thank you. But… If it seems impossible, please give up on me immediately.”

Tokiya: “...And if I do, then who will compose my song? Please consider my problems for a moment.”

Haruka: “…But… There are plenty of others who are much more skilled than I am, and besides, if you were to get hurt....”

Tokiya: “You are irreplaceable. Look, all you have to do is stay calm and wait for me.”

Haruka: “…Okay.”

Ichinose-san is coming to save me. That made me incredibly happy!

Ichinose-san then returned to the school building and ran towards the rooftop.

But as he approached the corridor on the second floor, his footsteps suddenly came to a halt.

Tokiya: “This corridor.… The color is off…. This has to be a trap.”

He saw right through the setup, causing the principal to make an audible sound as he watched the monitor.

Ichinose-san tapped on the floor with his knuckles to check the sound before firmly planting one of his feet on the floor.

Then.…

*snap*

The floorboards came loose and fell down.

Tokiya: “I see, so these are designed to collapse when a certain amount of weight is applied.…”

Ichinose-san carefully made his way down the corridor, correctly identifying the pitfalls as they came.

Tokiya: “…There seems to be something ahead as well.”

There were numerous red rays that shot out from the walls on either side, engulfing the corridor in a sea of red lines.

It as like a scene straight out of a spy movie….

Tokiya: “I would imagine infrared would normally be used for this kind of thing.... So to deliberately make them visible....

He has such bad taste….”

Ichinose-san took stock of the situation and cautiously brought his finger close to one of the red rays. The instant he breached the light--

A horrible sound, similar to that of nails scratching on a chalkboard, was heard around the corridor.

Tokiya: “This… is quite the troublesome trap. However….”

Muttering, he carefully surveyed his surroundings.

He then backed up a little and nonchalantly pulled out the cord that was connected to the wall socket in the corridor.

As a result, all the red rays flickered out and disappeared.

Tokiya: “I knew this had to be it. It's the only place around here where he can get any power. ”

Now that the rays had been cut, Ichinose-san proceeded calmly down the hall.

Next to me, I caught the principal muttering, “Hmm, pretty impressive.”

The primitive, yet cunning, method of unplugging the power supply....

The principal, who was always the type of person to face things head-on, apparently failed to consider that strategy.

As Ichinose-san was about to climb up the stairs, the steps suddenly disappeared and turned themselves into a steep slope.

After he overcame that, arrows flew straight at him in the corridor. There was even a revolving floor and other obstacles, but Ichinose-san easily made it up to the rooftop.

*kicks door open*

Tokiya: “Nanami-san! Are you alright? …Geez, what a thing to do to a girl…”

Haruka: “Ichinose-san!”

Ichinose-san approached me with furrowed brows.

However—

Saotome: “Fufufufu. I’ve been waiting for you. Mr. Ichinose. It's time to duel!”

The principal quickly threw off his suit.

A sticky note was stuck to the principal’s stomach that had “the key is here” written on it.

A gust of wind blew, and Ichinose-san and the principal locked glares.

Haruka: “…Ichinose-san…”

Tokiya: “… So the key is there after all…”

Haruka: “Don’t do it. Ichinose-san, if you fight the principal, you’ll…”

Tokiya: “… Can't you trust me? I am a man who always follows through on his word.

We are partners, aren’t we? Won’t you have some faith in me? Well then… here I go!”

Saotome: “Please come at ME!”

Tokiya: “GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

Ichinose-san. That cool Ichinose-san was fighting so fiercely.

He's fighting with all his might for his song he will sing... for me, who will create it....

It may be immodest of me, but that made me so happy that I could cry.

Ichinose-san headed straight for the principal.

Then, he put all his body weight into his fist and slammed it against the principal’s body.

Saotome: “Ho, what a brilliant and impressive move. Your fists certainly pack a punch. However…

Don't think you can defeat me with such small hits.”

…What? The principal was speaking differently than usual.

Tokiya: “...I never thought I could beat you with a single blow.” (angry)

Ichinose-san lashed out with his fist again.

Smack!

The principal caught his fist mid-air with one hand. Then, he grabbed onto it and slammed Ichinose-san onto the ground.

Tokiya: “GUH. Gah.. HA….”

Ichinose-san grimaced from the pain and stood up while clutching his chest.

Select the phrase!

Haruka: “Please just leave me!” (+ 20 Love) (わたしのことは放っておいて。)

Tokiya: “If I were to leave you, I wouldn’t even have come here in the first place. Are you doubting my decision?”

Haruka: “No…. That’s not what I mean… It’s just… if you keep this up, you'll…”

Tokiya: “My opponent is Saotome-san. This won't be an easy victory for me. I am well aware of that.

You should also realise your worth a little more. The people around you… think more highly of you than you think. I recognise your talent, you know.”

Haruka: “…Thank…you….”

I was so happy that tears nearly spilled out. But….

Even then, I didn’t want Ichinose-san to suffer because of me.

No matter how many times he fell, Ichinose-san picked himself up each time and would confront the principal.

The sun that was once high in the sky had long since sunk below the horizon, and darkness fell over the area.

Tokiya: “Guh. …Ha… Ha… Ha….”

His breathing grew laboured, and his footing became unstable. And yet, Ichinose-san looked like he had no intentions of stopping the fight.

Tokiya: “Aaaargh!”

It seemed that at this point, he was fighting on sheer willpower alone.

Saotome: “Pfuh. Soft, aren’t you? SHINING LOVE BOMBER!”

Ichinose-san ran towards him but the principal grabbed him and jumped high into the air.

Then, while spinning at high speed, he caught Ichinose-san by the ankles as he descended, spun him around even more, before finally slamming him down to the ground.

Tokiya: “GUH…. Haa… Haa… Ha….”

Haruka: “ICHINOSE-SAN!”

After he hit the ground, Ichinose-san didn't move a muscle.

Haruka: “Principal, please stop already! Ichinose-san will die!”

Saotome: “Then, would YOU rather die instead? If the bomb by your feet isn’t disarmed, you’ll be reduced to dust before twelve hours pass.”

Haruka: “Then please set it off now.”

Saotome: “WHY?”

Haruka: “There would be no reason for Ichinose-san to keep fighting if I'm gone.”

That was the moment when Ichinose-san’s fingers twitched.

Tokiya: “That I will never allow. In no way.…

How is it that you can only come up with so many stupid ideas? Get it through your head that hurting yourself will hurt others.”

Haruka: “...Why are you going so far for me…?”

Tokiya: “...I am in no position to be coming up with a theoretical answer to that question right now. But it seems I am no longer able to sing a song if it's not yours.”

Haruka: “....”

Tokiya: “There’s still time, isn't there? There is no 'backing down' in this fight. I will get back on my feet as many times as it takes.”

For some reason, when Ichinose-san expressed this, the principal smiled with delight.

After that, Ichinose-san continued to fight without rest.

Even after the sun had risen and the students arrived at school, the battle still wasn't over.

Tokiya: “Huff… Huff… Huff….”

It'd been almost 24 hours since I was brought up to the rooftop.

Ichinose-san, who had been fighting all night, was so battered he could barely keep himself on his feet.

Ichinose-san glanced over at the timer on the bomb. I guessed there probably weren’t more than a few minutes left.

Tokiya: “... Three minutes left…. This is… the last one!

RAAAAHHHH!”

Ichinose-san delivered his final blow to the principal.

Saotome: “Guh. T-this punch.…”

The principal collapsed to the ground.

Tokiya: “Did… I win….?”

The headmaster surely collapsed right then and there, but he fell face first and wasn't moving an inch.

He ultimately was unable to get the principal to throw up the key.

Tokiya: “Damn it…. I won’t be able to get the key this way…”

*sirens going off*

An alarm from the bomb at my feet started ringing.

Ah, it's going to explode soon….

Haruka: “PLEASE RUN! …. Goodbye, I'm grateful to have heard you sing.”

I braced myself.

Tokiya: “I WON’T LET YOU DIE!”

Though Ichinose-san came rushing towards me, I just quietly shook my head.

Haruka: “Please fulfill your dream... for me. Make them come true.”

Tokiya: “My dream? Just how could I do that without you…? I believe I already made myself clear. Your song is unfinished and I cannot sing to anything else anymore.

Are you asking me to live some kind of mediocre life and stick with an unfinished song? That’s… too cruel…”

Haruka: “Ichinose-san…”

Ichinose-san stared straight at me.

And, then.

The bomb detonated.

Tokiya: “HARUKA!! I WON’T LET YOU DIE ALONE!”

Ichinose-san reached out his hand for me.

The floor on the rooftop crumbled inward, and we fell straight down to the principal's office below.

Haruka: “Ah, kya. KYAAAAAAAAA!!!”

Haruka: “H-Huh…?”

…I’m alive?

Tokiya: “…Have you come to?”

When I regained my bearings, I found myself in Ichinose-san’s arms. Although my previously bound limbs were sore, I was not badly injured.

Did Ichinose-san save me…? The bomb should have gone off at close range, though.

Haruka: “U-um, does this mean...”

Saotome: “NOOOOOO! I made a mistake in setting up the bomb and my office EXPLODED INSTEAD.”

Tokiya: “It appears the box at your feet was empty. He is truly… a mad man.”

Saying that, Ichinose-san stood up to his feet and took my hand, helping me up.

Saotome: “Mmm, this time, I lose. I'll grant Mr. Ichinose the right to debut.”

Tokiya: “No… That won't be necessary. It would be meaningless to debut this way.”

Ichinose-san turned to me and gently held out his hand, which I firmly grasped in return.

Tokiya: “I… We will have you… and the public recognize our ability with our own music.”

Haruka: “I feel the same way.”

Saotome: “Pfuh, that’s unfortunate. But I respect my students’ opinions. I’m a nice teacher after all.

Please do your best together!”

Tokiya: “Yes!”

Haruka: “Yes!”

Tokiya: “…However, I'm a bit tired from all of this. I can't take another step.”

Perhaps relieved that the battle was over, Ichinose-san sank down into the sofa in the principal’s office.

The sofa was a bit scorched, but it was still intact.

Tokiya: “Why don't you sit too?”

Ichinose-san urged me by patting the empty spot that remained on the sofa.

Haruka: “Alright.”

I sank down next to Ichinose-san.

Tokiya: “…I really… hope this will be the last time… something… like this… happens….”

Bump….

Ichinose-san’s head fell to rest on my shoulder, and soon after, I could hear him breathing peacefully in his sleep.

He must be absolutely exhausted.

Saotome: “This too, is Love.”

The principal wore a satisfied smile as he looked at Ichinose-san sleeping.

…Ah, could it be?

Haruka: “Excuse me… Principal. Could it be that you had always meant for the bomb to fail from the beginning?”

Saotome: “Why do you think that?”

Select the phrase!

Haruka: "It was a lie to make him fight seriously." (+10 Music) (本気にさせるための嘘だから。）

Haruka: “It was a set-up to make Ichinose-san take it seriously. For some purpose, you did everything possible so that he would. That’s… right, isn’t it?”

Saotome: “Well…. We all have a tendency to define our own limits. At times, we need strength to push through them. Maybe this incident has made him a little stronger.

I’m sorry for involving you in this. The crucifixion must have been tough.”

Haruka: “No. If it was for Ichinose-san’s sake….”

Saotome: “You’re strong. I’m glad I chose you to be his partner.”

The principal didn’t say it outright--

But I’m sure that he had never meant to hurt us.

We were tested, trained and grew stronger.

The principal himself stood before us as a hurdle, believing that we could overcome him….

It's what I strongly believed.

And one hour later….

Tokiya: “Hn……”

Ichinose-san woke up.

Tokiya: “Aah… I’m sorry. I must have fallen asleep.…”

Select the phrase!

Haruka: "It's okay." (+20 Love)（大丈夫です。)

Haruka: “It’s alright. Please lean on my shoulder as much as you want. That’s the least I can do.

I hope it helps at least a little…. I’m the reason you’re so tired.…”

Tokiya: “That’s not true, but I’m grateful that you feel that way. Thank you.”

We leave the principal’s office immediately after.

Tokiya: “Today was a difficult experience, but it taught me a valuable lesson as well.”

Haruka: “A… lesson?”

Tokiya: “Yes, that apparently, it’s your song I want. And that you seem to be someone who is willing to sacrifice themselves.

I’m asking you, though, please don’t go dying on your own without my knowledge.

There are still many things left for you to do… Alright?”

Haruka: “Okay.…”

I used to think that he’d be okay if someone like me were gone.…

It’s different now. Being needed feels so wonderful.

Ichinose-san needs me…. And as long as he needs my song, I will do my best.

I have to try even harder. Those are the kind of thoughts I had on that autumn day.

Mini Game

Ryuuya: “All right, let's get started. How is it, getting used to your private lessons?

Well, this is the final one for this assignment. It sounds like you're getting a better understanding of the song as you play it.

Your arrangements are also improving. Keep up the good work when you write your own compositions!

This will be a comprehensive test using the assigned song. I want you to use all the instincts you've developed up to this point, and play it nice and calm.

Heh. Are you ready? 3, 2, 1, start!"

A RANK

Tokiya: “Well, it’s good enough. You pass.”

Ryuuya: “Well done. To be expected of my student!”

Since this was the final test for this song, I'm glad it went well. It seems I was able to show-off the results of the past six months of hard work.

S RANK

Tokiya: "Your song touches my heart. This is exactly why I, unexpectedly…. I need you desperately."

Haruka: "Thank you. I… also… need you. The only person I truly want singing my song is you."

And for that, I have to create a wonderful song befitting Ichinose-san.

Chapter End

#tokiya ichinose #utapri #tokiya repeat

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