Souma Kanzaki: Idol Story 2

[verdantgrove]

Chapter 2

Location: Dojo

Season: Summer

Author: Yuumasu

Souma: Fifty-six, fifty-seven, fifty-eight, fifty-nine...sixty!

Mhm. This time is truly the epitome of bliss, just as always.

(These days, I have more activities with “Akatsuki” than ever before. While it is nice to have the opportunity to play such an active role, that is no excuse to neglect my training.)

(In the case of martial arts, negligence will lead one’s ability to diminish instantly.)

(As long as I have time to rest, I shall swing my blade with all my might. I shall do it to discipline both my mind and body, to survive the battlefield that is the world of entertainment.)

Hyah…!

Keito: Excuse me. ...There you are, Kanzaki.

Souma: Oh, Hasumi-dono. Were you looking for me?

Keito: Indeed. Actually…

Souma: Oh! Hasumi-dono, you’ve a sword at your side…! Have you finally taken an interest in swordsmanship?!

Keito: Huh? No, this is…

Souma: The path of swordsmanship is just as relentless as life as an “aidoru”1. A half-hearted effort will only leave you wounded.

However, when mental discipline becomes one’s very sustenance, it carries you onward to tomorrow. Hasumi-dono, together we can aim for new heights…♪

Keito: Hold on, don’t get too excited. There are various reasons for this, you know…

Oh, fine. We’ll discuss the details later. For the time being, Kanzaki, will you show me some practice swings with that sword of yours?

Souma: Hmm. Understood.

(...What on earth is Hasumi-dono planning? Does he really intend to learn the ways of the sword?)

(He is fond of archery, so I suppose that there is nothing strange about him taking an interest in another kind of martial art.)

(If that is the case, then I, as a pupil of the Kanzaki school… No, I don’t yet know if Hasumi-dono has already decided upon a school…)

(But it would be heartening if Hasumi-dono and I were to become disciples beneath the same school. I shall show him the “apiiru”2 of the sword to the best of my ability!)

Fuu, haah!

Keito: ...Hm. As expected.

Souma: !? Hasumi-dono, could you feel the appeal of the Kanzaki technique3!?

Keito: Huh? Kanzaki technique?

There must be some sort of misunderstanding. Well, I suppose it’s my fault as well for not discussing the details…

Weren’t you able to listen to the demo track of our new song the other day? The producer told me that they’re planning to make a promotion video for that song.

I was consulted on what kind of content would be best.

This time, our song gives off an air of speed and tension. Although it’s nothing much, I’ve thought about what incorporating the element of stage combat might be like.

Souma: So therefore, you wanted to see my sword technique. Is that the whole story? I see… 

Keito: Yeah. I’ve had experience using a sword a couple of times in choreography and stage plays and such, but there are many things to consider when it comes to sword dance.

I’ve done combat onstage before as well, but it’s been quite a while since then.

I was thinking I’d like to try it again to see what I’m capable of, so I brought this practice sword.

Kanzaki, will you teach me your ways?

Souma: Mhm! If you will have me, I would be more than happy to lend you my blade! ...Or rather, that is what I would like to say, but…

You really do not mind my teaching you? Contrary to your academy days, if you asked someone at the agency, you would likely be introduced to a far more qualified mentor.

Would it not be better if you were to seek help from not I, but rather a mentor who is more knowledgeable of the sword technique used for a “paafomansu”4?

Keito: Naturally, I’ve thought about that as well. But it’s still in the idea stage, so there’s likely no harm in doing something within the range of our own abilities for now.

Souma: Understood. That being the case, for Hasumi-dono--for “Akatsuki”--I shall carry out my duties with all my might!

...That just now was the basic form.

Keito: I see. You haven’t taught me much yet, but I’m already a bit worn-out. 

Just as I thought, it’s something that I can’t understand just by watching from afar. But you’ve given me some new ideas, Kanzaki. Thank you.

Souma: Fufu. I am glad that I could be of some use.

However, about the "peebee"5... Hmm....

Keito: What’s wrong? Is something bothering you?

Souma: No, that isn’t it. I… I know this request is impudent of me, but… Hasumi-dono, will you do me a favor and take a look at my form?

Keito: Your form? Is it any different from how it was just a moment ago?

Souma: Mhm, this is my “originaru”6. Someday, somewhere, I believe that I would like to make good use of this style, and so I have devoted myself to perfecting it with each passing day.

Keito: Oh, how interesting. If it’s something we can use in the PV, it might be a good selling point. Alright, go ahead and show me.

Souma: Understood. I have over one-hundred proposals to offer, so let us begin at once! Well then, first, beginning with a proper usage of the elementary stance--

Keito: One-hundred?! Kanzaki, w-wait! Since I’m following your lead, take my stamina into consideration!

TL Notes:

1: “idol”

2: “appeal”

3: Here, Souma uses the same word for “school” that he used earlier, but given that he was demonstrating the technique he learned as a pupil of the Kanzaki school, I opted to translate it differently here.

4: “performance”

5: PV, promotional video

6: “original”

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Proofread by Sei and Gigi.