Orihime and Hikoboshi – Living Sunshine
Chapter Index
Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Translation Notes
Chapter 1
Chapter Translation Note: In Japanese, the chapter title “Living Sunshine” is 晴れ男 hareotoko, lit. “man who causes the weather to become sunny wherever he goes.” Another way to translate it would be “Sunny Man”, but “Living Sunshine” was chosen for poetry's sake.
Location: Running Grounds
One week later, the day of Tanabata Festival…
Fuhahahahaha!
Sorry for making you wait, guys! Morisawa Chiaki has been revived in all his splendid glory! ☆
shinkai kanata has also been [revived], as an extra~♪
You aren't an extra, Kanata! A star can't take shape if one section is missing!
Each comrade is important and irreplaceable — the five of us together are Ryuseitai…!
chiaki…! ☆ (hugs him)
Kanata…! ☆ (hugs back)
Sometimes you two act so close it's kinda gross…
Yeah… It's really suffocating…
Ahaha, but I am relieved to see them back. Is your health alright now, Taichou-dono?
Yep! No problems whatsoever! Actually, I had already recovered a few days ago!
But the doctor insisted that I rest, and refrain from making physical contact with anyone.
There was an infectious disease going around in my area, so they were worried I might have been infected too.1
That’s why I had to be somewhere far from anyone, so I wouldn't spread it to any of you guys.
But then, they did another check up for me and confirmed I have no symptoms of the disease whatsoever, so don't worry! I've completely recovered! Sorry for leaving you all alone!
No, it would've been way more bothersome if you came over while you were feeling sick…
Anyway, I get why Morisawa-senpai wasn’t around, but why didn't Shinkai-senpai show up…?
ufufu~ i am sorry, was it lonely?
you see, chiaki kept trying to come and see you [three], no matter how many times people told him [not] to go…
so i had no choice but to [abduct] and [confine] him.
Uh— Huh!? What did you just say!?
i [abducted] and [confined] him~♪
You won’t get away with it by saying it cutely! It’s still a crime! You little rascal~! You shouldn't abduct and confine someone without consent, okay? Promise me that!
Gosh, honestly… I heard that there was a dispute in Kanata's home, so I got worried and went over to check how he was doing…
Then he grabbed me and locked me up there for the whole week.
Huh…!? W-Were you okay!?
Yeah. I wasn't allowed to go outside, but there were no other constraints.
Kanata's home is isolated — I felt like I was living the life of Urashima Tarou when he stayed in the Dragon Palace.2
fufufu~ [sea breams] and [flounders] showed him a dance~3 puka puka~♪
Heheh. The people in his home treat him very preciously, like a god, so they didn't like it when he was around me…
…Did I end up causing you trouble, Kanata?
not at all~ it would have been much more [troublesome] if you died from [illness]. let me save you every once in a while… hero~♪
Ahhh… Morisawa-senpai didn't listen to the doctor's advice and tried to come over, and so Shinkai-senpai did whatever he could to stop him. I see.
Good work, Senpai~♪
For real, good work… Gosh, Morisawa-senpai can be such a handful, huh…♪
What!? I'm the victim here, but you're talking to me like I'm the one who did something wrong!
But you're right! I should always listen to my doctor in the end!
that's right~ and you got to experience a pretty [good life] in there — i almost want you to [thank] me.
fufu, i always have to do [beach] opening [ceremonies] in summer, which is a [nuisance]…
but i felt much [happier] with chiaki [around].
if you are okay with it, you could live in [my home] forever, chiaki~♪
Ah, no… I'm from a middle class family — a luxurious life like that isn't for me. It'd just turn me rotten.
That aside! I tried to get in touch with Sengoku behind Kanata's back, and I got the gist of what's happened to you guys! You did a very good job holding yourselves up for the week!
But worry not! We're here now! ☆
Hweh…? Sengoku-kun, you were keeping in contact with Morisawa-senpai?
Well, it was more like, we were not receiving any communication from him, so I got worried and started searching for information.
Every day I would attempt to search after practice… I was always tired by then, but I tried my best to keep pressing on for whatever could be found.
I thought Shinkai-dono would know something, so I gathered my courage to go and visit his home. And then, before me appeared Taichou-dono… I was very surprised to see him there.
Hahaha, it saved you the trouble of searching for me.
Yeah, my phone was confiscated by then and I couldn't really figure out what was going on outside, so Sengoku prepared a ninja-like method of communication for the two of us.
Every day, we’d secretly bury a letter in the ground for the other to find and read.
Ninja skills are incredible, huh? They really come in handy during emergencies. I'll keep appointing you that role in the future, Sengoku.
Ahaha, I am happy to know my ninja techniques were useful for once! I usually never have the chance to apply them in real life.
Chapter 2
Fufu, my apologies, everyone…
We were told that we should do our best without relying on Taichou-dono. Thus, I hid the fact that I was contacting him.
I did so because we tend to depend on Taichou-dono, you see…
It's fine, really… Though I think I would've liked it if you told us he was doing okay… I couldn't really focus properly in practice from worry…
Hoho, is that so! I was a little nervous that you might not care about me, since you have absolutely zero manner points towards me, but you do love me as a comrade, huh! ☆
Will you shut up… It’s so suffocating… I wish you didn't come back until summer was over…
Heheh, that aside… After I’d recuperated, I practiced with Kanata. We should be able to perform properly in the event.
Still, I’ve only just recovered. I might slip up a bit, so be easy on me!
Actually, no — Let's do our absolute best together, as we always do, Ryuseitai! All for one, one for all!
Yeah, yeah… You really are feeling better… It’s a relief to see you back to your usual self, alright?
Us three just can't do well without both of you here…
But we did manage to get through it by ourselves. We practiced real hard with Trickstar.
In fact, you two might’ve been in the way if you were around. I kinda wanted you to stay away~♪
What did you just say, you little rascal~!! I’m not giving away my chance on the stage! I've been yearning to stand on top of it this whole time, y'know~!
I'll be up there no matter what it takes! I'll shine as part of Ryuseitai!
Fuhahaha! I'm all pumped! So, what do you guys want to do now? We should probably make sure our steps are synchronized… How about we rehearse together for a bit?
You're the center of the show this time, so we'll do things just as you say!
Ah, yeah. I'd love to, but we’ve been left to take care of a stall. We need to tidy it up, and then ask a vendor to take over. We can start rehearsing after that.
Ohh, you're doing a stall again!? I feel like it's become a custom of ours now!
It's just like Ryuseitai! I like it! Ahh, this brings me back… Mikejima-san used to invite me to help out in stalls pretty often last year…♪
yes, the [rogue] would [often] invite me to festivals too when we were young… that is the only thing about him that has not changed since he was a [child], isn't it?
Hmm? I don't quite understand, but…
We are going to sell Trickstar merchandise, as a repayment for their guidance this event.
We would like to sell a lot, and repay them with the profits.
Ehehe, Trickstar's stuff is so cute… Anzu-san made them all…
I got a sample of “Orihime-kun and Hikoboshi-chan”4…♪
Orihime and Hikoboshi? That's definitely Tanabata-related, but it doesn't really have anything to do with Trickstar!
where is trickstar right now? we would like to [thank] them for [taking care] of you three.
Ah… Anzu-san's strugglin' a lot with the preparations — there’s still some left to do even now, so I think they're helping her out.
They're super busy setting out the bamboo for the tanzaku5, and making food…
It looks like they can get rewarded for it so well, they won't even need to get up onstage.
Hm. That wouldn't be a reward in their eyes. Those kids always want to be up on the stage.
And the same goes for us! But we can't be shoddy with our stall work! Let's work together and do our absolute best!
Ossu! 'Course! Let's pump ourselves up and do this! After all, we're the main show this time!
Are we really…? Everyone here is so into this event… It's said that it has the most participating units ever…
Ahaha. We have to work hard, or we will be buried by everyone else~
okay, then let's do that. it will be okay, the [five of us] together are [invincible]~♪
Yep! Well said, Kanata! We've got a new catchphrase for ourselves! I'll carve it in my heart! Fuhahahahaha!! ☆
Morisawa-senpai, you’ve been at maximum hyper for a while now…
Not only will you drag us down if your health gets bad again, but you're also annoying when you’re like that, so please don’t go into overdrive…
I feel like that “annoying” bit was a little too much! Or should I say, it’s saddening! But! I’m aware! I'll never let myself get sick or collapse ever again!
I'll never separate myself from you guuuuuysss…!! ☆
Gaah~! Please don't hug me! The summer heat is like hell itself — it's so sweaty and hot~!
then let's bathe in the [water]~♪ it will [relieve] you and make you feel refreshed~
Where'd you get that bucket from, Shinkai-senpai!? I see water in there — If you dump that on us, we'll all get sick!
Ahaha… It's finally gone right back to the usual for us… What a relief…♪
Indeed~
It was tense, but we were able to work hard practicing with Trickstar, and gain many things out of it.
However, when it comes to the stage, I prefer to be with my comrades in Ryuseitai! I feel like I could do anything with all of you by my side… No, more than that — it feels like any wish could come true in that moment!
Chapter 3
The following chapters contain jokes about sexual harassment.
Right, this should be good.
Whatcha think, Anzu? Is it looking a little more like Tanabata now~?
Ahaha, you’re making an OK sign; guess that means it’s all good?
You gotta tell me properly~ There's tanzaku and leaves all around me, so I can't see you well, y’know~?
I love your voice. I feel at ease when I hear it. You don’t talk much, but when you do, it feels like you say a lot of meaningful things.
I don't wanna miss out on anything you say, so talk to me in a clear voice. It’ll make me happy.
Ahaha. “Never mind that, just get down”?
Alright, alright~ Back in spring, you used to get nervous whenever you tried to reply to us, but nowadays you just let it all out, huh~?
That just means you’re growing up, too. Mhm, you’re now like a confident, reliable mom~♪
Woah, woah—!! Don’t shake the step ladder!! Oh no, no, no, this is terrifying—!! I’m sorry, I’m sorry!
I beg you, please don’t be angry, ma'am!! You don’t speak when you’re mad, so it’s even more terrifying, y’know!?
L-Let’s calm down now! You can’t hurt an idol right before their performance — You’d fail as a producer if you did that, wouldn’t you?
Ah, the shaking stopped. Ahaha, yep, the best way to stop you is by aiming from that angle~♪
…Hm? What’s wrong, Anzu? You look like you’re about to cry…!?
S-Sorry for teasing you! I shouldn’t crack jokes with you as if I’m talking to a guy, right!? I’m really sorry for being inconsiderate!
Ughh, I wanna prostrate and apologize to you, but I can’t! I’m still on top of the ladder!
…Huh? You’re gonna be okay? You sure~?
Don’t push yourself so hard… You don’t have to hold it in. If there’s something you wanna say, go ahead and say it. I’m kinda dense, so… I’ll only get it if you tell me.
Hm… “I really might fail as a producer”? Why do you say that?
You’re amazing, y’know? You properly managed a DreamFes this huge.
I bet it’ll be a success, beyond everyone’s imagination, including the client's.
The performances haven’t even started yet, but there’s already so many people bustling around the place. This is the first time it’s ever been this busy, y’know? This is all thanks to you and your accomplishments.
You’re amazing, Anzu. It’s admirable. No one thinks of you as an “amateur producer” anymore.
They acknowledge you as a respectable person, who can guide us all.
So c’mon, don’t make that face. Don’t talk about yourself that way. Be more proud of yourself~ This is something worth boasting about.
…Anzu? Uh!? Are you crying for real now!?
H-Hold on, I’ll climb down right now! Just gimme a sec— Woah—!!
(Crap, no—!! I rushed too much — I’m losing my balance! I’m gonna fall…!)
(Ahh, no, you—! She leaped forward — Is she trying to catch me so I won’t get hurt…!?)
(No, I’m okay! I can land just fine, so back away!)
(—Ack!! I’m gonna crash into her!!)
…Gffh—! S-Sorry, Anzu! I’ll get off of you immediately!
(Woah… Was a girl’s body always this warm and soft…)
(Wait— This isn’t the time to be fascinated by this.)
(I hear footsteps—!! Oh no, this is really bad! If someone saw us like this—)
Yooo, Sally~! You done with your work? Ryuseitai asked us if we could rehearse with them while we still have time, so—
Ooh?
……………
…Um. It’s not what you think, Subaru. This was all an accident. Please believe me.
Hey, guys… Come over here. Sally~ pushed Anzu down.
What!? Have you gone mad, Isara!? It doesn't matter if it's you — that's still unforgivable!
Isara-kun… You’re awful…
Nooo!! It really was an accident! Don't look at me like that! Dammit, how does this keep happening to me…!
C’mon, Anzu! Don't laugh! Tell them the truth!!
(…Huh? I thought she was crying, but she’s actually smiling? Was I just imagining her cry…?)
(………?)
Chapter 4
Um, I'll get off of you now, so… A-Are you hurt anywhere?
…I’m begging you! Please don't sue me!
Oooh, there it is! Sally~'s specialty! The most magnificent prostration we’ve seen all summer! ☆
Heheh. You can pretty much tell it was an accident, anyway. The step ladder’s tipped over.
But someone could’ve seen this, and both of you could’ve gotten hurt, so be more careful, okay?
Y-Yeah, we can't let that happen.
…Was it really alright, Anzu? Isara didn't go on a puberty-induced rampage, did he?
Hokuto~!? You're the least likely to be interested in this stuff, yet you’re the one who doesn't believe me!?
Ughh… What did I ever do to you guys… Whatever, it’s fine… Anzu thankfully seems alright, at least…
Hm? What is it, Anzu? You’re sorry?
Ah, nah. There’s no need to apologize, or well, I feel lucky that I got to touch something I’ve barely touched before…?
In fact, I wanna thank you for it…!
Owowow! Don’t pull my hair out!! That’s not what you’re talking about?
…You’re sorry for almost crying?
It’s fine, though. If you don’t cry while you still can, you might grow up suppressing your feelings, so~
If you ever have any worries, go ahead and talk to us about it.
We’ll always be your by your side, no matter what. So rely on us, Anzu.
Ahaha, there’s still preparation work left to do even on the day of the event, so in your eyes, you’re not doing good enough?
Not only that, but now you need us idols to help you finish everything up?
That’s why you feel like you’ve failed as a producer?
So that’s what it was. Well, if you yourself aren’t satisfied, then nothing anyone tells you will be able to change that.
But, honestly… What’s wrong with that? We’ve also failed a bunch of times while working with Ryuseitai.
You’ve been super busy lately; taking care of other units, and working on a huge job like this…
It kinda feels like you’ve grown apart from us.
But somehow, I’m kinda happy that we’ve been stressing out and fumbling about at the same time.
Makes me happy, like we’re connected…… Sorry, I can’t say it like how it’s done in manga.
Let’s keep growing together. We might trip and lose our way sometimes, and maybe we’ll take a detour or true — But even then, let’s keep going forward without ever giving up. We can do that together, no matter where we are.
We can’t really walk side by side together anymore, like how we used to in spring, but…
It feels like you’re always beside us — Your hard work makes us wanna work harder…
If we keep going while thinking that, we’ll eventually be able to stand on the same stage again, won’t we?
We’ll surely be able to stand side by side with you, in a much brighter, sparkling, amazing future.
That’s what I believe… I can be satisfied just knowing that.
I mean, Orihime and Hikoboshi are happy enough just knowing they can rendezvous once per year, aren’t they? It’s the same as that.
…Ahh, man! I really can’t say it right! Ahaha! ♪
Isara-dono~! I mean— Everyone from Trickstar! We have acquired a place for our rehearsals, so I shall take you over there! ♪
…Wait! Isara-dono and Anzu-dono are having a moment again! I apologize for being a ninja who just cannot read the mood! I will take my leave right away~!
Wait, wait! You’re misunderstanding again! We were just bonding as friends, y’know…!?
Nay! You need not to explain it to me, I understand what it is. I am not a child.
What comes after bonding as friends is—
Wha—? Anzu-dono? Why are you tugging at my clothes?
Huh? You are worried about my clothes seam? W-wait! I would rather you fix it after I have removed my clothes! I don't want to be pricked by the needle! It is scary~!
Ahaha, you're already wearing your outfit for the event, Shinobu-kun? Anzu-chan also designed that, right?
Heh~♪ That is correct! She has carefully crafted it!
Each and every part is different in some way — It is extremely elaborate! Truly respectable!
Oh, also! Taichou-dono and Shinkai-dono have finally arrived, so we shall begin rehearsal once we have tried out our outfits!
What do you think~? Does it suit me?
Ahaha, it totally does~ Cute, very cute~♪
Eek! Don't pat my head! I had my hair arranged!
But if you're gonna be rehearsing, won't it just get messy anyway?
Your choreography has lots of vigorous dance moves, after all~ You guys modelled it after kung fu like us, right?6
Indeed we did. It even ended up being too similar to your performance, so we have also taken ideas from kenpo7, since Tetora-kun knows it well.
In the end, we couldn't really figure out something for ourselves…
And we were practicing with you Trickstar the whole time, so we ended up being influenced by your choreography.
But, if you think it is a problem, then there's still time to make changes.
No, it's alright. It's customary for us and our opponents to play by the same rules. And no matter what the premise, or who we’re up against, we will always come out victorious.
Not only that — we're capable of firing up our own radiance. That is “Trickstar.”
Sooo cool! ♪ This is why I really respect all of you! I am truly grateful for all that you've done for us this event!
Please watch us, as we take in your guidance — your radiance — and shine brilliantly! We will make sure you don't regret accompanying us for all those days!
Mhm, we’re looking forward to it. Let's do our best in the event, Ryuseitai~♪
Yes! Let us both! As two units that bear stars in our names, we shall become the bridge to bright, shining dreams — we shall become the Milky Way itself!
Translation Notes
- ↑ It’s left ambiguous in the story, but Chiaki’s likely referring to something like the influenza.
- ↑ Urashima Tarō is the protagonist of the Japanese fairytale, The Story of Urashima Tarou, who was a fisherman that was rewarded for rescuing a turtle by being carried back to the Dragon Palace (Ryūgū-jō) which lies beneath the sea.
- ↑ Kanata’s line is a reference to The Story of Urashima Tarou which goes, “The red bream, the flounder, the sole, the cuttlefish, and all the chief vassals of the Dragon King of the Sea now came out with courtly bows to welcome the stranger.” In this case, he’s singing the folk song for it.
- ↑ Midori’s likely referring to these mascot characters. To likely avoid copyright, they switched the -kun and -chan around.
- ↑ Tanzaku are strips of paper you write your wish on for Tanabata.
- ↑ Check the cover for extra info about Trickstar and Ryuseitai's Tanabata performances.
- ↑ Kenpo is a Japanese martial art.