⌒Joyful⌒ 2

Mika: ...So, uh. What’re you s’pposed to do for a “lively pop song?”

Did the government tell us what they wanted to see?

Wataru: There seems to be a description here. The concept for our performance that they’d like from us is...

“Flashy and fun,” “cheerful to the max,” and “boom!” Apparently.

Hiiro: B–boom...?

Shinobu: What a vague concept. I presume it means to accompany the music with something cheerful and lively?

Hinata: But they put the word “flashy” right at the start of this, so maybe they’re looking for a performance that really packs a punch?

I mean, boom pretty much has a punch in it to begin with.

Wataru: When one hears a boom, one generally turns to find the source. So in that regard, perhaps we should consider it as a stage which captures the attention of everyone watching?

Mika: Captures attention? Y’mean like makin’ everybody look at us?

So a flashy an’ boom-y performance would make the audience get all excited, right?

Hinata: Probably. It’s like when Yuuta-kun and I pull off our top-tier acrobatics on the stage and the whole crowd goes wild.

Shinobu: Ah, I’m familiar with what thou meanest! The audience always cheers whenever I land one of mine flips ♪

Wataru: I suppose it’s natural that Mika-kun can’t quite picture it, as he is accustomed to standing upon a flawlessly, meticulously crafted stage.

Valkyrie’s performances unfold within their own carefully constructed world.

Mika: Ngah... I guess. Valkyrie’s sets an’ costumes are real showy and elaborate, but that’s another thing entirely from the flashy we’re talkin’ ‘bout now.

Hiiro: Yes. It’s difficult for me to envision the “flashy” and “boom!” part of this, but if it’s similar to the sort of performance that Hinata-kun and Shinobu-kun speak of, then I think I can do that, too ♪

Something like... this!

Hinata: Wow ☆ You nailed that backflip, Hiiro-kun!

Wataru: Splendid height; your form was held all the way through. And you stuck the landing, as well... ☆

Shinobu: I see ninja potential in thee as well, Hiiro-kun! ALKALOID is ripe with talent, I say ♪

Mika: Ahaha, ninjas don’t really feel all Easter-like, but backflips sure are flashy, I think.

Wataru: If it’s Easter you’re after, why not try something like this?

Come, everyone, and keep your eyes open... ♪

Hiiro: What’s that in Wataru-senpai’s hand...? The dove from before? It’s very plump and delicious-looking.

Wataru: ...This little one is not for eating, so please stay away from those thoughts. I should probably hide it away for safekeeping, hm?

One hides a tree within a forest. And one might hide a dove inside one’s heart... ☆

Hinata: —Huh?! The dove totally vanished into Hibiki-senpai’s clothes...!

Wataru: Fufufu. That’s odd; I had intended to hide it within my heart. I should check my clothes to make sure.

I’ll take my left arm and reach behind my back on the right side... hm, hmm.

Ah, there it is. A fluffy, soft cutie-pie ♪

Mika: Ngah, it’s a rabbit! Hibiki-senpai’s got a rabbit pokin’ its head out from his chest...!

Wataru: When one speaks of Easter, one’s thoughts turn to rabbits, after all. Perhaps it was listening to our conversation and decided to take the dove’s place? ♪

Shinobu: Nay, one moment please! Wert thou not reaching thy arm inside thy vestments at a really weird angle just now...?!

Hiiro: Did you dislocate your arm to do it? In any case, this little guy is also very plump and cute.

Hinata: Can I pet it? And while you’re at it, can you teach me that whole joint-dislocating technique (?) you just did?

Mika: Oh, if you just wanna make your joints go all limp, I think I can do it, too. See, it’s like this ♪

Shinobu: Thou too, Kagehira-dono? If I were to master that skill, it could be useful for new ninja techniques...

Hiiro: I’m interested in how you contort your body and use your muscles, too. If I apply that, could we use that for the performance?

Wataru: I’m delighted that everyone is brimming with interest, curiosity, and excitement.

Today also serves as an introduction for us...

So I’d like to see what all of you are capable of and what your limits are. Why don’t we get our bodies moving and enjoy ourselves to the fullest... ☆

Hinata: ...I’m so tired! I might have gone too hard on the first day!

Hiiro: Yes, I too am feeling the fatigue. My whole body is... how should I put it? It feels heavy.

Hinata: Ahaha. Crazy to think about, since you’re always bragging about your stamina.

But even though you’re this worn out... Hibiki-senpai didn’t even break a sweat the whole time.

Remember when he sat us down for a magic trick halfway through? I think that was just to give us a break.

And that means he didn’t even get a break. That guy is seriously full of mysteries.

Hiiro: You’re all sprawled out on your bed, Hinata-kun. We came straight back to our room; should I get us something to eat?

There aren’t many snacks or drinks inside the refrigerator in our room. I can go get something if you need it.

Hinata: Mm... There’s mineral water at least, so I’m good. Why don’t you lay down too, Hiiro-kun? I’m sure you’re pooped.

For the record, it feels so good to be horizontal right now. My body sinks right into the bed and it feels like all the fatigue is melting away... ♪

Hiiro: ...Yes. I am also unusually worn out, probably from using muscles I’m not used to training... I’ll take you up on the offer and lie down, too.

Whew...

Hinata: I could probably sleep straight until morning like this. But we should probably eat something in a bit to bring us back to life.

Hiiro: I agree... I want to eat something delicious.

Hinata: I’m right there with you~ Let’s treat ourselves today and get whatever we want. And then sleep like the dead.

Hiiro: Yes! We will need nutrition and rest for our practice tomorrow.

Hinata: It’s been so long since I trained under Hibiki-senpai. I’m really feeling it all over again~^[1]

Starting next practice, I wanna get a feel for Hibiki-senpai’s pace and work to keep up with what he’s teaching us.

If I get so exhausted every single time, I won’t have energy for anything else. I’ll need to build up my stamina and try to pace myself...

There’s so much I wanna discuss to make the Easter Fest super fun. We’ve got a tall order ahead of us!

Hiiro: Fufu. Let’s do our best, Hinata-kun.

Hinata: Yep!

Both at the Easter Fest and in our shuffle unit. Let’s make them great together, both senpai and all of us... ♪