Naked – Evolution and Shedding
Chapter Index
Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Ch 5 - Translation Notes
Chapter 1
Season: ES 2nd Year, Summer (September)
zzz, zzz…♪
go to sleep, go to sleep~♪ go to sleep, little baby…♪1
…Mm. His complexion looks much better now.
yes. and the [rubber duck] is happily [puka puka]-ing on the plate.
fufu, when chiaki ran in here [carrying] shinobu [bridal-style], it had me completely [shocked], you know.
the two of you were almost fully [naked], after all. it is quite a miracle that nobody else saw you that way, isn’t it?
Guh… It really was. I’m breaking out in a cold sweat just thinking back on it.
There’s a possibility someone saw us, but they might’ve been intimidated by my frantic running and decided not to address me.
Anyway, I’m just really glad it didn’t turn into a serious incident.
……But I need to reflect on myself. Normally, you’re supposed to carry an unconscious person straight to the doctor’s office.
I should’ve known better, but I completely flew into a panic. I’ll have to make sure the steps I take are much more composed next time.
Mm, mmh…?
…ah. it looks like he has woken up.
good morning, shinobu~♪ there, there…♪ (pats head)
Good morning… Wait, huh?
Why is my head resting on Shinkai-dono’s lap? Was I not at the public bathhouse…?
Yeah, we were talking in the bathtub together when you suddenly fainted. Then I frantically carried you back here.
Your face was as bright red as a boiled octopus, so I assume you must’ve felt dizzy from the hot water.
You were soaking in there for a good while, long before I arrived, weren’t you?
Mhm. I was lost in my thoughts while soaking myself…
Lost in your thoughts? Is it to do with the new song?
There is that too, but… Mmh, it was all sorts of things, really.
I can’t help but feel as though I still look like a mere child compared to everyone around me.
It isn’t like I can suddenly become an adult now that it’s weighing on my mind, and I’m aware there isn’t much I can do about this…
But it still bothered me somehow… And so, as I kept jumping between those thoughts in my head, I ended up soaking in the hot water for too long.
I’m truly ashamed of myself, for making you worry and even causing you so much trouble…
Hm… It was a close call, admittedly.
But I’m not one to talk here. I knew you had a lot on your mind, and still went and spoke to you anyway.
Regardless, there’s no point in worrying about what’s done and over with! You’re safe now, and that’s all that matters! ☆
mm~ but it is not really “done and over with,” is it, chiaki?
none of shinobu’s [worries] have been solved.
Mm? ……Ahh, right.
Sorry, Sengoku. I just felt a wave of relief wash over me when you woke up.
ufufu. you are so [hasty], chiaki.
shinobu said that he knows he cannot do anything about this, but…
it is something you thought about for so long that you [fainted], so i would like to try and do something for you.
if you do not mind, could you tell us more, shinobu?
Shinkai-dono… Alright then.
There’s also the fact that I felt even more aware of this after seeing how grown-up and mature the idols from another unit were, so it is best I talk about it.
You see, I feel as though even those close to me, like Tetora-kun and Midori-kun, are so much cooler than me — almost as though they’re growing further and further compared to myself.
Meanwhile you have me, who’s only ever absorbed in ninjas and nothing else…
Ah, no, well — Ninjas are something I’ve devoted my whole life to, and I do not plan on ever letting go of them, but!
But… When I see them moving one step ahead of me, I start to feel envious, wishing I could grow up just like them.
Of course, the two are probably also struggling in ways I am not aware of, and I’m likely wishing for the impossible here…
But I just cannot get myself to feel satisfied as I am. Uu, I hate how immature I am~
Hm… I see, I got the gist of where your worries lie.
However, what’s wrong with being immature?
Huh…?
That nagging feeling in your heart is the ultimate proof that you want to change yourself.
Listen to me carefully, Sengoku. There is nothing embarrassing about aspiring to be like someone, or to be the ideal version of yourself.
Having a desire to grow and improve further and not being satisfied with your current self are wonderful driving forces.
Looking a little awkward? That’s fine! Stretching yourself out to your very limits? Even better!
If there’s a version of yourself you want to aim for, then you should just chase after it with pride. I’ll be cheering you on as you do so!
i [feel] the same way. hurray~, hurray~ shinobu~♪
Morisawa-dono, Shinkai-dono…
(…Ahh, how could I come to a stop at such a fundamental step…)
(I fixated on the idea that growing is impossible for me just because everyone else around me was sparkling so bright…)
(That isn’t like me at all — the same me who had decided to become a ninja just out of sheer love for them.)
(Even though I have always been the type of person who would pursue what I want to be, rather than worry over whether I can become it…)
(…I see now. What I have always looked up to wasn’t a grown-up body or appearance.)
(It was the “strength” to take a step forward and try to change my current self.)
(In that case—)
Morisawa-dono, Shinkai-dono, you have my gratitude! Thanks to the two of you, I feel like the fog inside of me has finally cleared up!
I still haven’t exactly thought up what sort of song I’ll go with…
But I feel as though I have a much clearer image of what I was struggling with, and what I actually want to aim for.
I shall head off to Anzu-dono while these feelings are still swirling hot within me! I’ll be frank with her and share everything on my mind right now, and try to consult with her about our new song!
Yeah, you go on ahead! This is Anzu we’re talking about, so I’m sure she’ll come to your aid.
fufu, take care. and be careful not to get [dizzy] in the hot water next time…♪ (waves)
Chapter 2
Please excuse me~!
Anzu-dono! Whew, you were here after all~♪
Hweh? How did you know that I’m here to consult with you about the new song? Did Morisawa-dono contact you beforehand…?
You had a feeling I’d come to you soon…? Wha— Are you a mind reader, Anzu-dono!?
…Ooh. You haven’t heard news from me since the last time I consulted with you, so you got worried…
You granted me an opportunity to observe a unit’s recording, yet I never once gave you a report after that… My apologies…!
…Mhm. After I got a sense of “fresh wind” in that studio, a lot happened.
I feel like the answer has somewhat come to me, and yet somewhat hasn’t…
Ough… I apologize for my vague wording. I haven’t put my thoughts in order just yet.
But I just had this feeling that I’ll definitely find that spark if I speak to you, Anzu-dono…! So I would like you to hear me out a little.
Mm, to begin… I am very sorry for whining so shamefully to you the other day.
I thought over all sorts of things after we spoke. About our new song, and about my current self…
And even just a little earlier, I was overthinking everything so much that I fainted in the bathhouse’s hot water—
Ahh, no, you needn’t worry! Morisawa-dono happened to be there and saved me just in time, so it didn’t turn into a serious incident.
It’s always good to have comrades by your side~♪
Ah, no, this is no laughing matter. I really will be careful from now on, or I may seriously put myself at risk.
Nevertheless, after talking to Morisawa-dono and Shinkai-dono about how I’ve been feeling, I finally realized something.
……I have always been in the position of the “youngest child” in some way, even among Ryuseitai.
Of course, I have never once found that unpleasant.
Everyone is kind, and honestly, there are things that they overlook for my sake precisely because I’m the “youngest child”~♪2
However, since I’m the same age as Tetora-kun and Midori-kun… Somewhere in my mind, I was also under the impression that I was on equal grounds as them.
Yet before I knew it, the two of them grew up to be cooler and cooler…
And it made me feel as though I was the only one being left behind.
……But, I was wrong about that. I kept seeing myself as miniscule simply because I kept comparing myself to others.
I, too, have been making diligent steps to move forward.
My stranger anxiety has gotten better compared to how it was in the past, and I’ve been able to make precious comrades of my own.3 I am still horrendously bad with cats, but I can get by if I’m glancing at them from a distance!
These may be insignificant changes, but even so… It is precisely because I was able to break through my shell bit by bit, that I now wish to take a much larger step forward—4
I’d like to deliberately try diving into a genre that I never would’ve chosen if it were me from any time in the past.
That is why for our upcoming song, I’d like to showcase the unknown potential within Ryuseitai!
And so, um… The challenge I’d like to take on is—
Making t-the uttermost cool-looking…most stylish and mature song ever…!
Uuu… It felt super embarrassing to say as soon as it came out of my mouth.
I’m well aware that it barely suits my physique to suggest something like this, but…!
……Eh? Are you asking me what sort of song would be suitable exactly?
G-Good…question. There are many kinds of “maturity”, after all. While there’s the cool-headed type, there’s also the sexy type.
…Ah, no. MELLOW DEAR US’s sophisticated look is wonderful, but I would say it is a little different from what I idealize.
If you were to ask me who my ideal is, it’d be, hmm~…
…Mhm! It would definitely have to be Morisawa-dono!
He’s upstanding, kind, passionate, and extraordinarily accepting. He spares no effort when it is for the sake of another — truly the epitome of a hero! ☆
I am sure that that is the sort of coolness I look up to.
I would like to make it a song that’s cool like Morisawa-dono — One that doesn’t just look mature, but also encourages someone to take a step forward.
And then—
If possible, I’d also like to be just like that myself…♪
Next day. In the shared space of the Star House…
Fuhahahahaha! ☆ I’ve kept you all waiting! Lunch is ready!
Ooh, this is some awfully tasty-lookin’ tenshindon!5
The mapo tofu also smells real good~♪
Why’re you bragging so much about just being able to touch eggplants. It’s not like they’ll bite or attack you.
They better not! Just the thought of it is terrifying!
and the ones over [here] are what i prepared from [frozen food]~
it is so nice how you can have it ready with just a [ding] from the [microwave]~♪
This is the fruit of modern-day science, isn’t it~ It’s the most dependable companion to all the parents who’re busy preparin’ packed lunches every day! ☆
…Er, isn’t there a li’l too much of it, though? There’s food lined up even on the other table.
A-ha, let me guess, Kanata — It got so much fun pressing the button that you kept heating up more and more, didn’t you?
Well, no matter. I’ll take responsibility and eat as much as possible! And even if we end up with leftovers, we could just reheat it for dinner instead.
Right, now we’re just waiting on Sengoku to join us—
(Ooh, everyone’s already here.)
(Uu… I’m a little nervous…)
(But! I’ve made up my mind — I’ve decided that I’d become an adult like Morisawa-dono. My journey will never start if I cower back here!)
(Here goes—!)
(Hah! Hoh—! Ninja Art: Transformation-no-jutsu…☆)
Chapter 3
I’ve kept you all waiting! Sengoku Shinobu has finally arrived…☆
Oh! There you are, Sengoku! Your seat is over here—
Mm? Sengoku, how do I put this… Unlike usual, you’re, erm…?
Vertically longer… I think?
Huh~? I’m pretty everythin’ was the usual when I saw him in our room a while back.
Mfun, I’m always in the prime of my growth, after all! It wouldn’t be surprising at all if I grew taller while you weren’t looking! ☆
His voice is strangely louder, and it feels suffocating… Did you eat something weird?
Or is it because he fainted in the hot bath last night? I really should have taken you to the doctor’s office after all…
No, no! I’m as healthy and energetic as ever!
…Ohh! What a feast we’re having for lunch today!
Meals are vital to grow bigger and stronger! Let’s eat lots and grow more and more! Fuhahahaha!! ☆
…C-Coughs!? Coughscoughs!?
Now he’s choking up because he keeps trying to force himself to yell… What happened, really?
But well, it’s probably some kind of ninja art or something since this is Shinobu-kun we’re talking about. I’m not really that concerned about it.
…………
Several hours later. At the public bathhouse…
Huff… I feel so exhausted somehow…
(In order to become like Morisawa-dono, I tried wearing stealthy elevator boots without anyone’s knowledge…)8
(But I have to admit, it was far too reckless to try and boost my height by over 10 centimeters…)
(It felt as though I had weights on my legs, how I kept wobbling about as I walked.)
(I stuck it out until the end under the belief that it’d act as my first step to becoming a cool adult, but… my feet are just stinging with pain~…)
oh? i was wondering who [came] before me — so it was shinobu.
Ohh! You’re also going to have a bath right now, Shinkai-dono?
yes~ though, i will be in the [cold bath] instead. the [hot water] in that tub is too hot for me.
Ahaha. It’s because it’s so hot that it seeps into your body in a pleasant way, but… Well, to each his own~♪
yes. …ahh, that is right. i missed the chance to ask you during our [lunch], but—
shinobu, why were you [imitating] chiaki?
Huh…?
the height, the volume of your voice, even the way you laughed… it was all [exactly like] chiaki, so i felt curious.
your height was pretty [unnatural] though, since your steps were so wiggly and wobbly. ehe, hehe…♪
is there a [ninjutsu] like that? maybe something like a “jutsu to become chiaki”.
Ahaha, there’s no precise ninjutsu like that, you know~ What I actually used is the “Transformation-no-jutsu”.
Well, in reality, all I really did was wear stealthy elevator boots and imitate his characteristics.
…Ermm. Yesterday, after you nursed me, I went to consult with Anzu-dono about our new song, correct?
After setting my heart on my very own course of action, I told her, “I’d like to make the uttermost cool-looking, most stylish and mature song ever!”
But then she told me that there are many kinds of “maturity”, so I gave it a thought: who is the adult that I really look up to?
And the first person that came to mind was Morisawa-dono.
Then my mind wandered to other thoughts — not just about the image of our new song, but also how I hope that I can one day become an adult like him… As I kept on thinking about all these things—
it made you want to [imitate] chiaki, is that it?
Precisely. …I’m quite the simpleton, I must say, ehehe~♪
It was a novel and a bit of an exciting feeling to be in the same line of sight as everyone else…
But I was on my tip toes while wearing the elevator boots, so my feet are now painfully sore. I’ve learned my lesson that it just isn’t worth it.
I am me, and Morisawa-dono is Morisawa-dono. We’re all different in our own way in the end. I cannot become the same as him just by forcibly stretching myself.
yes. if shinobu became as [big] as chiaki, you would not be cute anymore, after all.
ah, well, it seems you do not like being treated as a [kid], though… so maybe it is best i do not say that?
Mmh~ It does frustrate me to be treated as a kid, yes, and it is an inferiority complex of mine, but—
Even then, there is no point in me refuting otherwise or putting up appearances.
How I manage to get closer to being a “cool adult”, both inside and outside—
That will all simply depend on my own hard work from this point onwards. I will look at it positively and train myself further…♪
fufu. you are [growing up] finely too, aren’t you, shinobu. but—
does this mean you will [grow out] of being a [ninja]?
Huh…?
Me…? Growing out of being a ninja?
yes. the [ninja association] is no longer around, after all.
and now, you are working hard to make a [grown-up] song, to the point that you even imitated chiaki, right?
that is why i thought that you might be trying to become a new version of [yourself], one that is no longer a [ninja].
T-That is absolutely never happening! Ninjas are like water and air to me — They are an absolute necessity for me to survive!
If ninjas were gone from my life, I would be dealing with something so much worse than simply “being troubled by it”.
That is precisely why I—…disbanded the Ninja Association.
……?
Originally, I began that association for the sake of enjoying my own youth.
I started it up after Morisawa-dono encouraged me by saying, “If you want to do it, then go for it!”—9
But I was the only member in it. Still, that was just fine with me.
I was simply happy knowing that a Ninja Association existed in my school, and that I could call myself the head of it.
…Well, ideally, I wanted to make it a lively club where ninja lovers alike would gather and train together—
But nobody joined, and all the activities were done by me alone. I had made peace with that.
But… As I kept working as part of Ryuseitai, the state of affairs started changing bit by bit.
To the public, the image that “Sengoku Shinobu = Ninja” began to firmly take root, and I was able to display the charms of ninjas far more than I had ever expected.10
The current me right now has been able to spread the love of ninjas across a much larger audience, far greater than just my school.
That is why — My initial objective when I had first started up the Ninja Association has long been achieved.
Chapter 4
……Yet, despite all that… The reason why I was unable to accept its dissolution, and scrambled as hard as possible to avoid it—
It was because I was terrified of losing my place of belonging, the same one that I went through so much to build up.
That’s why when I was told it was going to be dissolved, I asked for help from everyone in Ryuseitai, and performed the Ninja Clan live show together.
Considering the association is now fully dissolved, that scramble may have just been a result of my selfishness in the end. I ended up dragging everyone around for such a massive request.
But I can proudly say this: It wasn’t a waste of our time in the slightest. I was never once wrong to do that!
After all, thanks to our Ninja Clan performance, Mayoi-dono came knocking on the door to the Ninja Association!11
When Mayoi-dono joined, the Ninja Association that had been only me all on my lonesome, transformed into a cozy and warm place of its own — one that far exceeded all my dreams.
Although, well, we were still an association, so we had no dedicated clubroom.
Instead, the corridors after class, the rooftop in the evening, the hidden parts of the school — The academy itself became our activity spot.12
Ahh, it feels so nostalgic thinking back on it… The time I spent with Mayoi-dono is a treasure I will never forget for the rest of my life.
While I enjoyed myself in my own way when I was alone as well, this is when I got a taste of how much of a blessing it is to share talks of the same dream with someone.
I felt myself being truly glad that I made the Ninja Association, from the bottom of my heart.
That is why, while I felt that fulfillment, I brought the Ninja Association to a close with my own hands.
When Tori-kun told me he’d disband the association, I was undoubtedly shocked—13
But with reality thrusted upon me, I thought about it over and over again.
Rather than it being mercilessly brought to an end by someone else, or it being pitifully crushed by the rules—
I have to be the one to close the curtains in its entirety, under my own wishes — precisely because it was the place that I had mustered up the courage to start up, back when I had first joined Yumenosaki.
Even if the “physical place” known as the Ninja Association no longer exists, it will never change the fact that I am a ninja!
My bond with Mayoi-dono, my connections with fellow ninja lovers across the world — not a single bit of it has vanished.14
Now and forever onwards, they will all continue to grow bigger alongside me, further and further!
That is exactly why, when I was told to do as I like for this song, I purposefully sealed off my “ninja” weapon.15
Ninjas will always and forever be my pride and joy.
And in addition to that, I would like to prove that I can stand on stage in a flashy, cool manner as Sengoku Shinobu, even if it were not me as the “Ninja Idol”.
I want to electrify our fans with the realization that there are still so many unseen possibilities within both myself and Ryuseitai…♪16
One hour later. At the Dance Studio…
—and that is the gist of it, chiaki.
…Hmm…
I see. So that’s what was on Sengoku’s mind when he brought the association to a close.
I did think there had to be a deep reason for it, since he specifically closed it shut with his own hands instead of letting it happen according to regulation.
Mhm… My deepest apologies for staying quiet about it.
I had you all lend me a hand and work so hard just to keep it alive in the past, so I felt guilty for disbanding it… and I just couldn’t bring myself to discuss it.
Don’t apologize, Sengoku. I painfully understand how you feel.
Even if we’re close comrades, it doesn’t mean you have to tell us everything in detail.
In fact, it’s because we’re so close that we should infer those feelings you’ve left unsaid.
On the other hand… This goes for not only our new song, but also everything as a whole—
Just because you’ve been chosen as the commander doesn’t mean you need to bear with everything on your own, Sengoku.
“Growth” may involve independence, but it isn’t by any means equivalent to isolation.
Solving everything all on your own isn’t what it means to be an adult.
It’s about recognizing everything that you can and can’t do, and then relying on your dependable comrades for what you can’t—
Being able to properly distinguish that “boundary” is what makes a true adult.17
…Jeez, look at me talking like a know-it-all, when I still have a long way to go with my own training! Fuhahahaha! ☆
No, no! You’re an incredible senior to me, Morisawa-dono — One that I must always aim to be like in all respects.
(Relying on your comrades… That’s exactly right. I, too, am always happy to do my best whenever I’m relied on.)
(One for all, all for one. That’s exactly what makes us Ryuseitai, and yet—)
(I thought I had to rush myself when I felt as though I may be the only one left behind.)
(But growth does not mean working hard on your own.)
(What it actually means is to have someone as your aim, as well as comrades to compete with — and to then move forward alongside them, while supporting and encouraging one another!)
(It is because everyone is by my side that I can break through my shell!)4
(I can reach places that would’ve been unreachable on my own no matter how hard I stretched myself out! I can even take on new challenges!)
…In order to make our upcoming song the “uttermost cool-looking Ryuseitai” that I’m aiming for—
I’d like you to lend me your hand, Morisawa-dono!
Yeah, of course!
I’ll support you and the path you’ll take as the commander with all my power! I just know that if anyone can do it, it’s us!
Nishishi, you’re ever so reassuring…♪
Shinkai-dono, thank you as well.
If you hadn’t heard me out, I’m sure I would’ve moved along without ever having told anyone my true feelings.
fufu. all i did was ask what i was curious about.
it looks like it accidentally came into use. a-hem…♪
Ahaha. That’s some impressive work for something that happened “accidentally,” you know~♪
Chapter 5
A few days later. On the day of the MV filming for Ryuseitai’s new song — during break time…
Good work, Midori-kun. Here ya go, have a cold sports drink.
Mm, good work… Thanks, Tetora-kun…
Err, woah. You’re even more exhausted than expected, huh? What’s wrong?
Nothing, all I did was sing and dance just as much as everyone else…
…Haah. I don’t get what being “cool” means anymore.
I thought I was moving my body exactly the way I was taught during our practice sessions…
But Morisawa-senpai’d keep giving me vague instructions, just saying stuff like “do it even cooler!” and whatnot…
What does “cool” even mean…? That sort of overly bright concept is far beyond me in the first place, and I can’t make sense of it at all…
No way, dude! You’re smack in the middle of it!
Like, there’s always a buncha fans screaming ‘bout how cool you are in our live shows.
That’s just what everyone says about me, that’s all…
I vaguely get what would make my fans happy when it comes to cool outfits and poses…
But I can’t really express what “being cool” is unless I have my own core understanding of what would even be considered cool.
…Ahh, I can’t do this. “Cool” as a word is starting to collapse in on itself.
What would you say is cool in your eyes, Tetora-kun? I’d like to know as a reference point.
In my eyes? That’s Taishou, of course!18
He’s a senior I aspire to be like! Strong, kind, resolute — someone who always speaks with his back! He’s truly the epitome of a man among men! ☆
But everyone has their own kind of “cool” in the end~ It’s hard to pin it down to only one.
Anyways, the filming is our priority right now. Maybe it’s a li’l wishy-washy to do it this way, but how ‘bout you try referencing someone around you that you consider “cool”?
I see. From my perspective, someone cool would be—
……Master Artist.
Master Artist… As in, Fushimi-senpai?
Yeah. Master Artist Fushimi is the one and only genius who can produce the absolute best masterpieces.19
Yet he’s always so humble, saying, “Oh my, I’m not worthy to be called a master artist”. That strictness about him is also just as cool…♪
Oh, I get it now. I just have to become Master Artist.
Wait, huh…? But Master Artist’s in fine, and that unit’s all about being elegant and refined, so I can’t really picture how he’d dance for a song like this.
Eh, no need to sweat the details. I’ll just bring out the “ultimate Master Artist” within me to the fullest extent…☆
Uu~myu…? I feel like I accidentally pressed a weird switch in Midori-kun, but—
I’m sure Shinobu-kun and the others will pick up any weird parts and fix ‘em for him, right! Ossu! ☆
Ah! Anzu-dono~♪ You came to see our filming!
You had a briefing on land, correct? I’m so happy you took the time out of your busy day to attend our filming!
By the way, what’s that paper bag in your hands? …You brought refreshments as an apology for being late?
No, no, you did not have to trouble yourself! You rushing to see us is enough to fill us with energy!
You found something from a souvenir shop that you think I’d like…? Ahaha, I cannot refuse your offer now that you’ve said that, you know~…
Then I shall show my gratitude and have a bite~♪
…Ooh!? These are… frog-shaped manjuus!
It’s sooo cute~♪ I see red, blue, yellow… All kinds of variations~♪
Hm, hm. So each one has a different flavor? This makes it hard to decide which to eat first~
No, actually! They’re way too adorable to eat in the first place!
Why, this frog looks exactly like Momocchi, even!20 I’d much rather keep it as a decoration, but it’d only spoil since it’s actually a piece of food… Mmhh~…!
—Ooh, Anzu! I didn’t know you were here!
Are those refreshments for us? Thank you, I was just starting to get a bit hungry after dancing so vigorously!
These Japanese sweets look delicious! I’ll go ahead and have the green-colored one in the front! Munch, munch, munch—
GYAAAAAH!? Morisawa-dono ate up the frog!?
Huh…!? He ate a frog? There’s a limit to being an omnivore, Morisawa-senpai.
No, no, no! Don’t look at me with those cold eyes! It may be shaped as a frog, but it’s manjuu! And it’s matcha flavor, in fact!
Uuu… While I was still contemplating… It was preyed upon in a flash second…
Haah… It’s just awful of you to psychologically attack your frog-loving junior like that.
Don’t word it in such a misleading way! Right, come on over, Nagumo, Kanata! We’ll all eat Anzu’s sweets together!
mhm, okaa~y. i brought [tea] to go [with] the manjuu.
let’s make sure to keep ourselves [hydrated] for the rest of the [filming]~♪
Thanks for the refreshments, Anzu-anego! I’ll gladly eat some! ☆
Eh? How are we doin’? We’re on a break right now, actually.
We just got done rehearsin’, and we’re ‘bout to do the real filming soon. We’re basically double-checkin’ the camerawork and doin’ some final check-ups.
our [new song] this time is a bit different from our usual, you see.
it seems both shinobu and chiaki were very [particular] about the song, so we are going about it as [carefully] as possible.
Ehehe. Well, Anzu-dono is the one who composed this song for us, after all~♪ We have to fire ourselves up in a bit of a different way.
I am beyond grateful that she brought all my vaguely-expressed requests to life~♪
By the way, I requested Morisawa-dono to design the choreography. It’s tricky, but that’s all the more why it comes out so stylish and cool-looking.
I’d love you to sear our performance into your mind, Anzu-dono! ☆
Honestly, having to keep up with that guy’s zeal’s been taking a toll on me…
But it feels good whenever I get the steps down right, so… I think I’ll be able to make it through until the end.
Although, the thought of performing this in a live show is already weighing me down…
It’ll be alright, Midori-kun! Our fans don’t come to our live shows just to see a “perfected” product.
Of course, we will always put forth our best efforts for a flawless performance—
But they come to see our hard work and efforts more than anything else.
So believe in yourself, and tackle your performance with confidence!
Let’s start by ensuring our MV turns out to be as flawless as possible! Everything we ever do is for the sake of bringing smiles to everyone…☆
Translation Notes
- ↑ In Japanese, he’s singing this lullaby.
- ↑ There’s been plenty of examples of this; for example, Chiaki letting Shinobu’s slang words slide because he’s cute (Supervillain, Dark Star 1), Tetora being okay with Shinobu copying the way he talks (Blackjack, Miracles Don’t Exist 11), etc.
- ↑ Shinobu says hitomishiri, referring to stranger anxiety/fear of strangers, but it can also refer to shyness. Shinobu had a case of stranger anxiety and shyness as a first year, seen in several stories set in ! Era, such as Crash Course, Sparkling First Years, Pirate Festival, etc.
- ↑ “Breaking through your shell” is something also mentioned in the song lyrics of this story, BREAK THE NORM!
- ↑ Tenshindon (also known as tenshinhan) is a Japanese Chinese dish consisting of crab meat omelette on rice. See here for more.
- ↑ Chiaki made a variation of these meals in VS★GOURMET. Also as a fun note, this is a big milestone for Chiaki, as he used to only cook beginner-friendly meals at first! Chiaki’s cooking journey started in I’m At Your Service, Master!.
- ↑ Referring to Chiaki managing to overcome a bit of his disgust towards eggplants in VS★GOURMET, at least enough to harvest and cook them.
- ↑ As an interesting note, elevator boots are called “secret boots” in Japanese.
- ↑ Referring to Sparkling First Years, a story set in early days of Shinobu’s 1st year. The story illustrates Shinobu’s efforts to start up the Ninja Association.
- ↑ One of the earliest stories that allowed Shinobu to showcase the beauty of ninjas as part of Ryuseitai is Scroll of the Elements!
- ↑ Referring to the story with the same name, Ninja Clan, that was about finding a way to recruit new members to avoid its dissolution. The story ends with Mayoi joining the association.
- ↑ A cute story for the two is Dead End Land, which also shows how the Ninja Association operated after Mayoi joined.
- ↑ This was first revealed in the first chapter of Flower of Worship, but this is the first time it’s mentioned in a Shinobu story.
- ↑ There have been instances of Shinobu getting to interact with ninja lovers; such as Strawberry Colored Holiday, his birthday stream, or his OVERFLOW! mini talk.
- ↑ As a fun note, in Shinobu’s Solo Live (Turn Crisis Into Opportunity, set before this event), he decided to avoid emphasizing his ninja side too, though for different reasons from this story.
- ↑ Since this is a common theme with all-leaders Ryuseitai, Tetora also talks about Ryuseitai’s new possibilities in his leader event, WILDLAND, Possibility and Guiding Star 2.
- ↑ As a fun note, the above words of advice are things Chiaki himself has learned as time passed on, especially thanks to Ryuseitai!
- ↑ “Taishou” refers to Kuro, meaning “chief”, “boss”.
- ↑ A cute story for the two is Arcadian; Midori gets excited over his art there too.
- ↑ These are Shinobu’s pet frogs, which can be seen here.