The next day
School SEKAI
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Ichika
I-I'm not sure why, but I feel a little nervous. Even though we just performed in a show with them...
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Shiho
(Seeing how they're at a different level compared to us was an eye-opener. I get that. But...)
Shiho
Yes, we're not as good as them, and it's going to feel really uncomfortable trying to perform on the same stage because of what happened during our last show...
Shiho
But...
If we carry these feelings onto that stage, we probably won't be able to play in a way that moves that crowd.
If we carry these feelings onto that stage, we probably won't be able to play in a way that moves that crowd.
Shiho
So, we have to build up enough confidence for ourselves to overcome these feelings of doubt.
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Shiho
We have to practice until we can firmly say, “anemone has nothing on us. Our song's gonna move the hearts of everyone in that crowd.”
MEIKO
You're all practicing as hard as you can right now because you want to show everyone what your music is really about, yes?
MEIKO
If so...
That shouldn't change because of a band that you suddenly encountered. anemone, was it?
That shouldn't change because of a band that you suddenly encountered. anemone, was it?
Ichika
We're practicing because we want everyone who listens to our songs to be really moved by them...
Saki
But being reminded of the way anemone played made me really scared... Because I know I'm nowhere near their level.
Honami
Me too...
But you're right, Shiho... We won't be able to play well at all if we let these feelings dominate us.
But you're right, Shiho... We won't be able to play well at all if we let these feelings dominate us.
Honami
So, I'm going to keep practicing...
I want to put on a performance that I can feel proud of!
I want to put on a performance that I can feel proud of!
Rin
That's the spirit! I'm sure you girls are gonna put on the perfect performance during your show!
Rin
It's not fake at all!
I'm sure of it because I've seen just how hard they've been practicing lately!
I'm sure of it because I've seen just how hard they've been practicing lately!
Rin
They've really been putting in the effort.
Ichi cut her finger after playing her guitar too much and I heard that Hona cracked one of her drumsticks!
Ichi cut her finger after playing her guitar too much and I heard that Hona cracked one of her drumsticks!
Honami
I'd been using it for quite a long time... But I bought a replacement, so it's okay.
Ichika
Yeah, it's okay.
Unfortunately, it's proof that I haven't developed thick enough calluses yet.
Unfortunately, it's proof that I haven't developed thick enough calluses yet.
Luka
Well, what if I jumped in by saying Saki made fairly quick work of what was giving her trouble?
Luka
Yes. Saki's been playing the piano since she was very little, and she seemed to be subconsciously trying to play the keyboard the same way.
Luka
For example, when playing the piano, you want your tone to reflect how you're feeling. But you don't necessarily have to do that on the keyboard.
Luka
And Saki's such a wonderful student.
She quickly realized how big a difference these little details can make, practiced as much as she could and overcame this challenge.
She quickly realized how big a difference these little details can make, practiced as much as she could and overcame this challenge.
Shiho
(They're all working a lot harder than I expected... With no small amount of optimism.)
A few hours later
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Saki
Yeah!
And I have you and the others to thank, Len! I'm finally getting the sort of sound I wanted!
And I have you and the others to thank, Len! I'm finally getting the sort of sound I wanted!
Len
Hey, how many times do I have to tell you? Saki, you're able to play this well because you put in the work.
Len
No problem. And it's not just you. All of you have improved so much since I first heard you play.
Saki
Thanks, Len, it's nice to actually hear that! I sometimes get to hear everyone practicing while I get ready to leave, but it's kinda hard to tell how much we've improved.
Len
That means you must be really looking forward to playing together and seeing how much you've improved as a band.
Len
You girls have all been saying the same thing. Almost as if you planned it beforehand.
Len
But try not to go overboard, okay...?
I know that band's been on your mind lately. anemone, right? I'd rather not see your hard work go to waste by you getting sick over them.
I know that band's been on your mind lately. anemone, right? I'd rather not see your hard work go to waste by you getting sick over them.
Saki
Yeah, you're right...
It's already pretty late, so I think I'll call it a day and get in a good night's rest.
It's already pretty late, so I think I'll call it a day and get in a good night's rest.
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Saki
Huh? No, I'm fine!
My body's just really warm after practicing all afternoon! If anything, I feel great lately!
My body's just really warm after practicing all afternoon! If anything, I feel great lately!
Honami
Okay, that's good to hear...
I suppose it's only natural to get sweaty after practicing for so long.
I suppose it's only natural to get sweaty after practicing for so long.
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Honami
I think you're right...
But this is different from the way she played at the studio the other day.
But this is different from the way she played at the studio the other day.
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Sound Effect: Play
Honami
Right...
Getting to Shiho's level won't be easy, but let's do everything we can to make that happen...!
Getting to Shiho's level won't be easy, but let's do everything we can to make that happen...!
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Ichika
(Okay, that sounded pretty good.
But I still don't feel too great about the chorus after this part...)
But I still don't feel too great about the chorus after this part...)
Ichika
(I have to keep practicing... A lot...
Until I feel absolutely confident about my ability to perform...)
Until I feel absolutely confident about my ability to perform...)
MEIKO
Yes... I told her that she should call it a day, but she said that she wants to master the part that she's finally been able to wrap her mind around.
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Next Chapter: The Sound We're Capable Of