The Power of Regret - 6: Preparation to Clash

Morinomiya Music Academy - Courtyard

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1

Nene

So, you saw everything?
Including that conversation just now?

2

Len

<Yeah...
Sorry, I didn't mean to peek.>

3

Nene

No, that's okay.
I'm actually glad you're here. I'm having trouble digesting what happened.

4

Nene

I do think I was in the wrong back there.

5

Nene

I didn't actually take Imura's feelings into consideration.

6

Nene

Ever since coming here, I feel like my emotions have been all over the place...

7

Len

<Huh?>

8

Nene

I've been telling myself to do my absolute best in order to keep growing as an actress...

9

Nene

But everyone here...
They're all competing too hard against each other...

10

Nene

Also, they seem to have no trouble ignoring anyone in need or pain.

11

Nene

I know that auditions can be tough, but this feels...

12

Len

<I know what you mean.
You're supposed to be putting on this show together, so it feels bad that things are like this...>

13

Len

<But, is that really...>

14

???

Kusanagi.

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15

Nene

Byakkomachi!

16

Byakkomachi

Are you by yourself?
I thought I heard someone else's voice just now...

17

Nene

Oh, no... I'm alone.
Anyway, is something the matter?

18

Byakkomachi

I just ran into Imura.

19

Nene

...!

20

Byakkomachi

I noticed her crying, so I decided to ask how she was doing. Then, she replied, “I said something really terrible to Kusanagi just now.”

21

Byakkomachi

She wants to apologize to you, but she's having trouble getting her thoughts together. So, I offered to relay her message to you.

22

Nene

Oh...
I see...

23

Nene

Thank you, Byakkomachi.

24

Byakkomachi

There's no need to thank me.

25

Byakkomachi

But there is something I need to tell you, Kusanagi.

26

Nene

Huh...?

27

Byakkomachi

You still seem to be misunderstanding something.

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28

Nene

What do you mean...? Misunderstanding...?

29

Byakkomachi

I imagine that you tried to cheer up Imura because you and her are both chasing after the same dream.

30

Byakkomachi

However, no one here at Morinomiya thinks like that.

31

Byakkomachi

Rather, we actively refuse to think like that.

32

Nene

...!

33

Byakkomachi

Everyone here is striving to make their dream come true by becoming the best performer ever.

34

Byakkomachi

Because we all know that, we have no trouble throwing everything we have at each other when push comes to shove.

35

Byakkomachi

There is no room for pity.
Rather...

36

Byakkomachi

Showing pity to your opponent would be inappropriate. This is a serious competition.

37

Byakkomachi

If you have the time to feel bad, then you have time to further polish your acting. If you succeed where others have failed, you owe them that much.

38

Nene

Oh...

39

Nene

(Right. I'm here to...)

40

Byakkomachi

If you disagree with that philosophy, then it would be best if you left this place immediately.

41

Nene

...

42

Byakkomachi

That's all.

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43

Len

<Nene...? Are you feeling okay...?>

44

Nene

*Nod*

45

Nene

I think I finally understand, after what Byakkomachi told me.

46

Nene

I realize now that I wasn't fully committing myself.

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47

Nene

I came in intending to grow as an actress. But...

48

Nene

I framed it as taking the experience they could give me, and learning what they had to teach me. Deep down, I approached it passively...

49

Nene

I wasn't resolved to fight for and win this role like my life depended on it.

50

Nene

Which is why I kept hesitating...
I kept looking around at others...

51

Nene

But no one here at Morinomiya thinks that way.

52

Nene

They're throwing absolutely everything they have at each other in order to become the best actors they can. In order to win.

53

Len

<Nene...>

54

Len

<I think your kindness and how you look out for those around you are really wonderful, Nene.>

55

Len

<But when push really comes to shove, I think there's something you have to prioritize more.>

56

Nene

Yeah...

57

Nene

And I'm glad I get that now...

58

Nene

So, I'm done looking around at everyone else.

59

Nene

I'm going to stand up straight and meet everyone else head-on.

60

Len

<Yeah. Break a leg!>

61

Nene

Thanks.

62

Nene

When I set out into the world, I'm probably gonna find myself clashing with others in much the same way.

63

Nene

So, I'm diving in head first...!!

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64

Nene

“Ah, Louise!
For you, I am willing to do anything. My life is yours!”

65

Nene

(No...
This still doesn't feel right.)

66

Nene

(In this scene, Luca's...)

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67

Nene

(His words sound gallant, but he's definitely feeling a complex mix of emotions.)

68

Nene

(He didn't want to hurt anyone.
But there's no turning back now. He has to keep moving forward. Which is why...)

69

Nene

“Ah... Louise!
For you, I am willing to do anything. My life is yours!”

70

Nene

*Nod*
That's a bit better.

71

Nene

Alright, next...

72

Nene

Hey, are you guys free right now?!

73

Tsukasa

Hm? How can we help you, Nene?

74

Nene

It's about the character I'm auditioning for right now. I'm having some trouble with his character arc during the second half, so I'd love to hear what you guys think.

75

Rui

Oh, in that case, I'm all ears.
What's causing your trouble?

76

Emu

Me too! I wanna help!

77

Nene

Umm...
The part where Luca's named a deputy commander onwards.

78

Nene

“My charge is clear.”

79

Nene

“I, Luca Roussel, shall cleanse this land of every last treasonous rebel.”

80

Tsukasa

Hmm... You've definitely improved compared to when you first started, but I feel that you can do better than that, Nene.

81

Len

*Nod*
I agree!

82

Rui

This is the scene that heralds Luca's descent into tyranny.

83

Rui

It's vital to convey to the audience that the timid boy has taken the first step on a path that ends with him as a complete monster. But how best to do that...

84

Nene

Right...

85

Nene

Oh, what if I used my eyes more...?

86

Len

Your eyes?

87

Nene

Yeah, by glowering a bit more... Like this.

88

Emu

Oh wow!
You seem determined to complete your mission no matter what!

89

Nene

Good.
I'll try going with this.

90

Nene

He sings the final song while taking his last breath in Louise's arms.

91

Nene

Singing while on my side is really hard, so I need to find a solid position and...

92

Nene

♪——————...

93

Nene

No...
My voice is going to sound funny if act too emotional.

94

Nene

Wait, I know...
I can try that thing Ms. Kazamatsuri taught me.

Next Chapter: The Final Day