(“Who's Leo/need?”
“Why are these newbies the opening act?”)

(“Their agency must've shoved them in where no one wants them.”
“Can't you guys get a better band?”)

These comments...

The opening acts for Free Cluster are usually bands like them, ones that have proven skills and staying power.

While we're still just getting on our feet.
It only makes sense that some people would be disappointed to see us.

Yeah, true...

It makes sense people will feel that way.

Yeah, but...

I'm starting to feel a little scared...

Saki...

Me too...
Up until this point, we've played in front of plenty of people who didn't know who we were...

But we've never really played in front of those who hold negative opinions about us from the start.

Yeah...

...

(This isn't completely unexpected.
But still...)

(It's tough to read these kinds of comments...)

(And it's perfectly normal for the others to feel scared.)

(That being said...)

It's true, we're just finding our feet, and we still need a lot of work. Our name recognition, experience, and even our skills are still lacking...

I'm sure we've all come to realize that recently.

Yeah, you're right.

But even so... All we can do is do it.

Because we're pros now.
It's our duty to entertain our guests by playing compelling music for them.

All of them. No ifs, ands or buts.

We can't do anything about our skills and inexperience right now... But we are ready to do what we have to as professional musicians.

We've gotta go out there, put on a good performance, get everyone excited and set the perfect stage for Ms. Naruse and her band.

I agree with Shiho.

Me too. Sorry for acting all scared a second ago...

But I'm fine now!
Let's keep practicing lots and lots to make sure everyone who comes has a really fun time!

Right...! We just need to do everything in our power to put on the best show we can for them!

...

(I was a little worried since it hasn't been long since they made their debut...)

(But I guess those worries were misplaced.)

You all sound very motivated.

*Gasp*
Ms. Naruse...

Did you hear all that?

Sorry, I actually got back a little while ago. I kept missing my chance to say something.

No, that's okay.

Anyway, shall we resume?

I want to see Leo/need put on a performance that puts any naysayers to rest!

We will!

(Ms. Naruse has faith in us.)

(We don't have much time left until the show. But we have to find a way to move the audience's hearts.)

(We need to put on the perfect polish and fulfill our duty... As professionals.)

(We will...!)

Whoa...! More and more people are coming in...!

Yeah. This monitor doesn't show all of the seats, but it looks like about half of the arena's already been filled.

I didn't really grasp the scale when we were rehearsing, so seeing all these people... It's pretty overwhelming.

And we're going to play in front of all of them...

Yeah, I'm a little nervous...

Wait, Shiho, you're nervous?!

Well, yeah.
This is our first time playing such a big venue.

Then, let's do a chant that helps us relax! Oh, or would you rather we had a big group hug?!

Chant aside, a group hug just sounds like something that you wanna do.

Hehe. Because hugs are so comforting♪
Here, my arms are wide open...

Pardon me.

Oh, Ms. Naruse!
How can we help you?

It's almost showtime, so I thought I'd stop in to give you a slap on the back.

Remember, you're the first ones our audience is going to hear. We're counting on you.

Thank you...!

We promise to do our best.

Don't worry. You've done everything you can, so all that's left is for you to go all out.

I've given you advice, but you already had what it takes to really wow an audience from the start.

That strong will to move their hearts with your music.

(Oh...)

Go give them everything you have.

We will!

And hey, it's not often that you get to play at a big venue like this, so don't forget to have lots of fun while you're out there.

Just imagine it.
From the front row to the top of the third deck, over ten thousand people will be going wild as you play for them.

And you get to see that from the stage. How cool is that?

(Everyone going wild as we play for them...?)

(I'm having trouble imagining that.)

(But if that does actually happen, then...)

Anyway, break a leg.
I'm really looking forward to your performance.

Thank you...!
We really appreciate it!

<Girls!>

Huh...?

Miku! Everyone...!

<We came to show you our support, but I guess we're a little late.>

Not at all.
I think we all feel a little better after seeing your faces.

<Really?! Hehe. Thank goodness♪
Good luck, everyone!>

Thanks! We'll leave our phones just off-stage, so feel free to watch us! We promise to put on an amazing show!

<We can't wait.>

<Go knock their socks off!>

Alright, wanna do our usual thing?

Our usual thing... Oh, you mean our star pieces?

Yeah. I think we'll all feel better if we stick to our normal routine.

Hehe. I agree.
How about you lead this time, Shiho?

Huh? Me?

Yeah. I mean, you were pretty instrumental in getting us to this point.

I agree. I'd also like for you to lead, Shiho.

See? Even our leader is saying that you should!

Okay...
Then...

Let's go out there, give it everything we have and move the hearts of everyone out there.

And while we make them go wild, we're gonna have a ton of fun too.

Let's do this!

Yeah!