So, we'll be playing on the same stage as Saku and anemone again...?

I... I see...

I-I'm not sure why, but I feel a little nervous. Even though we just performed in a show with them...

M-Me too.
My heart's already starting to race...

...

(It isn't just Saki...)

(They're all nervous about having to play on the same stage as anemone.)

(Seeing how they're at a different level compared to us was an eye-opener. I get that. But...)

I understand how you all feel.

But we've gotta do this.

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...

But...
If we carry these feelings onto that stage, we probably won't be able to play in a way that moves that crowd.

Oh...

So, we have to build up enough confidence for ourselves to overcome these feelings of doubt.

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.”

I mean, that's what we've been doing this entire time, right?

Shiho...

I agree with Shiho...

You're all practicing as hard as you can right now because you want to show everyone what your music is really about, yes?

Also, isn't your goal as Leo/need to play music that moves people's hearts?

If so...
That shouldn't change because of a band that you suddenly encountered. anemone, was it?

...
Right.

We're practicing because we want everyone who listens to our songs to be really moved by them...

Thanks, Shiho...

I was sure that this song would really resonate with that crowd...

But being reminded of the way anemone played made me really scared... Because I know I'm nowhere near their level.

Me too...
But you're right, Shiho... We won't be able to play well at all if we let these feelings dominate us.

So, I'm going to keep practicing...
I want to put on a performance that I can feel proud of!

That's the spirit! I'm sure you girls are gonna put on the perfect performance during your show!

It sounds kinda fake when you say it, Rin...

It's not fake at all!
I'm sure of it because I've seen just how hard they've been practicing lately!

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!

What?! Hona, you cracked a drumstick?!

I'd been using it for quite a long time... But I bought a replacement, so it's okay.

Okay...

I was worried for a second that you went a little overboard and became super buff!

B-Buff?!

In such a short period? That'd be really impressive...

Also, Ichika, is your finger okay...?

Yeah, it's okay.
Unfortunately, it's proof that I haven't developed thick enough calluses yet.

Hang on, why are we only talking about Ichi and Hona...?

I've been practicing really hard too!
Like really super extra hard! Honest!

No one's doubting you there.

Exactly.
We don't all need red badges of courage.

Y-Yeah, I know! But...!

Well, what if I jumped in by saying Saki made fairly quick work of what was giving her trouble?

Is that true?

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.

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.

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.

Yay! I got praised!

Hehe. Good for you, Saki.

(They're all working a lot harder than I expected... With no small amount of optimism.)

(If we can keep this up...
I'm sure we'll be able to get through to that crowd.)

Let's keep doing our best, everyone...

And keep doing everything we can until our show.

Shiho...

Yeah, of course!
We're gonna blow that crowd away during our next show!

Then, shall we break into our practice groups?

Okay.
Who gets to be with who today?

Yeah, that sounds a lot better.
What you're trying to express now is much clearer...

Looks like practicing these parts every day is really starting to pay off!

Yeah!
And I have you and the others to thank, Len! I'm finally getting the sort of sound I wanted!

Hey, how many times do I have to tell you? Saki, you're able to play this well because you put in the work.

Hehe. I really appreciate you saying that!

No problem. And it's not just you. All of you have improved so much since I first heard you play.

All of us...?

Right. We've all been trying our best.

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.

That means you must be really looking forward to playing together and seeing how much you've improved as a band.

Yup!
But I'm also worried about not being as good as everyone else, so...

So, you wanna practice more... Right?

You girls have all been saying the same thing. Almost as if you planned it beforehand.

Hehe. That's Leo/need for you!
Even when we're separated, we think as one!

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.

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.

So, Mr. Len, thank you for today's lesson!

Sure thing!
I'll be looking forward to the next time I get assigned to you!

*Yawn*
Another hard day of practice...

Oh! Hi, Hona!
Are you about to head home too?

Oh, Saki. Hello.
Yes, I am... But...

You seem awfully sweaty.
Are you feeling okay...?

Huh? No, I'm fine!
My body's just really warm after practicing all afternoon! If anything, I feel great lately!

Okay, that's good to hear...
I suppose it's only natural to get sweaty after practicing for so long.

This sound... Is Shiho playing her bass?

I think you're right...
But this is different from the way she played at the studio the other day.

Yeah...

Wanna go take a quick peek?

Wh-Whoa...!

Shiho's bass... It sounds so alive!
And really...

Fun...!

She's sooo cool!

Yes!
It's almost as if her bass is singing. I can't turn away...

She must've practiced so much until this point...

We've gotta do our best to keep up with her!

Right...
Getting to Shiho's level won't be easy, but let's do everything we can to make that happen...!

All so we can play our new song in the best condition possible!

Yeah!
Let's do it!

(Keep in mind what Miku said and...)

(Okay, that sounded pretty good.
But I still don't feel too great about the chorus after this part...)

(I have to keep practicing... A lot...
Until I feel absolutely confident about my ability to perform...)

She's still at it, even after practicing so much today...

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.

I see...

I hope all the girls' hard work pays off in the end. Ichika included.

It will be.

So, let's stay faithful and keep watching over them.