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Ken
You've been singing a lot around here lately, right? I've seen a few of your performances.
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Ken
So, I felt kind of concerned when I saw you sitting all by yourself with a look on your face like the world just ended.
Junior High School Akito
(I'm happy, but also feel so stupid...
This really isn't how I wanted to meet my hero.)
This really isn't how I wanted to meet my hero.)
Ken
I don't know what happened, but it's always good to talk to someone when you feel stuck.
Junior High School Akito
(But I might be able to learn something from him. I mean, he's such an amazing singer...)
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Ken
So, do you regret what happened?
The look on your face says there's more to it than just that...
The look on your face says there's more to it than just that...
Junior High School Akito
Yes, getting made fun of and performing so badly is so frustrating...
Junior High School Akito
But what bothers me the most is how I dragged that place's name through the mud. I can't forgive myself for doing that...
Junior High School Akito
I was convinced that I could come back from any failures by working harder than anyone else.
Junior High School Akito
A part of me is always telling me that I'm going to hit my ceiling...
Ken
Well, if you believe what that voice is telling you, sooner or later, you will reach your limit.
Ken
Fortunately, the solution's pretty simple. You just need to break through that ceiling.
Ken
It's easy for your mind to fall into the trap of believing there's no more use in trying. That there's no light at the end of the tunnel.
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Ken
So, whenever you feel that way, don't listen to your mind. Listen to your heart. Follow it. Go after what gets your blood pumping.
Ken
That's right. If you feel down and like everything's falling apart, but your body still wants to sing...
Ken
That means you shouldn't quit and singing is the only way you'll break through your ceiling.
Ken
However, you might want to not perform in events for a while. I have a feeling that your throat's desperate for a break since you've been practicing so much.
Ken
If you want to keep singing, you need to take a breather every so often. Anyway, see you around.
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Akito
To be honest, every time I practice with Toya, An and Kohane... I'm reminded of how much work I still have left to do.
Akito
But I'm not gonna stop singing, no matter how tough things get...
Not until we surpass RAD WEEKEND.
Not until we surpass RAD WEEKEND.
Kotaro
If you still have work to do, where does that leave me? Still... I get what you mean...
Kotaro
I mean, who wouldn't be after hearing a story like that?! It totally just gave me a second wind!
Akito
Hm? Oh, that's Punch Drink...
It's a new live house that just opened up. They might be doing an event or something.
It's a new live house that just opened up. They might be doing an event or something.
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Older Musician A
Thanks for coming to see us, everyone. It's nice to be back on Vivid Street after being away for so long.
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Older Musician A
If you're willing to say that much, then come perform at the event at Crawl Green next week.
Older Musician A
We're gonna wipe that from your memories by going all out with our first song! Get ready to make some noise!
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Fan
Can I have your autograph?!
Older Musician A
Uh, sure. Just give me one second. I'll try to get to you all one at a time.
Older Musician A
Hey, why don't you guys come in a little closer... Hang on. Over there... Isn't that...?
Older Musician A
Hey, Shinonome! Long time no see! How you been? You're still singing, right?
Older Musician A
With a new team too.
We heard that you guys have been putting on your own events.
We heard that you guys have been putting on your own events.
Kotaro
I thought you guys left Vivid Street to sing elsewhere and sign with a major label! I didn't realize you were still doing shows around here...
Older Musician B
It's surprising to see you still singing after dragging Crawl Green's name through the mud the way you did.
Akito
But things are different now...
Be it Crawl Green or wherever, I know how to get a crowd going.
Be it Crawl Green or wherever, I know how to get a crowd going.
Older Musician A
Oh? Feeling all high and mighty after grouping up with Tono, are we...?
Older Musician A
Alright, Mr. Big Talk. Why don't you sing for us right here, right now?
Older Musician A
This is your chance to make up for what you did.
Older Musician A
Or are you too scared?
Older Musician A
A few years have passed since then. You standing here means you kept at it until now, right?
Older Musician A
Still, you're no match for us...
And you don't want to sing because you know that.
And you don't want to sing because you know that.
Toya's Room
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Toya
(I guess Akito must have finished training by now. He might be taking Luka to see the illuminations.)
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Luka
<But I became worried after seeing that he was outnumbered and noticing how unsettling it all felt. Not only that, he seems to have some history with those people...>
Toya
Luka, would you mind keeping an eye on Akito for me? We may not be able to get ahold of him as things are.
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Toya
No response...
Her dad's place will be busy at this time, so she may have her hands full.
Her dad's place will be busy at this time, so she may have her hands full.
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Older Musicians
♪————! ——, ——!
Fan
This is so cool!
And talk about being lucky! We get to see them sing again right after their show♪
And talk about being lucky! We get to see them sing again right after their show♪
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Older Musician A
♪——! ————!
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Older Musician A
Whew. Thanks, everyone!
Alright, Shinonome, you ready?
Alright, Shinonome, you ready?
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Older Musician C
This guy said he's gonna knock us outta the park.
Fan
Wait, all by himself...?
I thought he was gonna sing with his friend.
I thought he was gonna sing with his friend.
Fan
I feel kinda bad for him.
But I guess you reap what you sow.
But I guess you reap what you sow.
Akito
♪——————!!
Older Musician A
What the...?!
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An
I don't care if you want to try stuff on your own, but we're surpassing RAD WEEKEND as a team, okay?
Akito
♪——!! ————!!
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Fan
Whoa... He's really good...
Fan
Yeah, Shepard was amazing... But he's...
Older Musician C
Wait, what's going on?
Older Musician A
Where did he learn to sing like this...?!
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Akito
♪——————!!
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Akito
(Back then, no matter how hard I tried, it felt like I couldn't get anywhere close to RAD WEEKEND. But now...)
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Older Musician A
Grr...!
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Audience
Akito?! Was that you just now?! No wonder all these people are here! Expect nothing less from the guy trying to top RAD WEEKEND!
Audience
Yeah! His opponents are also really good!
Audience
Totally. They're definitely going places!
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Akito
(I just redeemed myself a little after dragging a legendary live house's name through the mud... And showed how much I've grown by getting back at those guys...)
Akito
(Why did I feel satisfied after that...? I'm trying to accomplish something bigger, aren't I?)
Akito
(For that... I have to aim higher than this! I have to get even better than I am now!)
Akito
(Toya, An and Kohane are miles ahead of me too! They would've put on a way better performance!)
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Akito
(They sang in a way that set everyone's hearts on fire. They made that place erupt... I have to learn how to do that.)
Older Musician A
What is it? If you got something to say, just say it...!
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Next Chapter: Eyes Like Them