Hanamichi 3

Kuro: Anyway, I’m sure you’re tired, but don’t get lazy on me.

You’re pullin’ this face that says you’ve got it all figured out, but that’s not gonna work on me. I know how forgetful you can be.

How about your costume, huh? Can you move around in it good enough?

You were late, so we had to start this thing before I could get you fitted properly.

Now I’m worried it’s gonna tear or something. I was rushin’ through the whole sewing process.

Keito: No, there are no problems with it. I’d say it’s actually easier to move around in than our usual costumes.

It’ll be perfect for Flower Fest, since we’re parading around town while we perform.

It’s starting to get warmer, too. We would have been too hot doing this in our normal costumes.

I’m impressed by the detail in these, actually. You’re getting better and better at making costumes.

But there are some things that concern me. You were working more slowly than typical; have you been busy?

You’re not going to pull out some nonsense again, like you did with that Dragon King Competition the other day, right?^[1]

Kuro: Haha, it ended up being canceled, though. My first year in the karate club, the real hyper one...

Tetsu, he’s got one hell of a grudge about that, so he’s been joining me for practice all the time now.

But y’know, with the new year and all, there’s a ton of stuff to take care of.

I’m fine doing whatever I gotta do for myself, but I also have to look after my little sister.

So don’t get your panties in a twist. I’m not gonna fuck anything up.

I can’t forgive and forget the Dragon King Competition, but I’m also not about to let my personal feelings get in the way of my work. So don’t you worry; I’ll do my job.

Keito: I know, I trust you. You’re a man of his word.

Kuro: That what you think? Huh, well anyway, the show’s startin’ soon, so if anything else is botherin’ ya, lemme know.

You too, Kanzaki. What’s up with you? You’re not all rarin’ to go or something?

Souma: Urgh. I confess, I struggle just to keep pace with ye two. I am but a greenhorn, and I must attend myself.

At the least I shall endeavor not to stand in your way as we dance among the flower petals!

Keito: Just to cover our bases: don’t get so excited that you pull out your sword, Kanzaki.

I have student council personnel posted to keep spectators out of our path, but with this crowd...

There’s always a possibility that a child or something could get lost and wander in. Maintain a perfect performance, but always be aware of your surroundings, too.

And don’t go off on your own, either; follow behind us.

Souma: Much agreed! I’ll follow behind your manly persons as your rear guard, then ♪

Lo, but it is a peerless view! The streets and buildings are decorated with such beauty!

“The spring view is worth a thousand gold pieces, or so they say, but ‘tis too little, too little.” These eyes of Akatsuki rate it worth ten thousand. Ten million, even... ☆

Keito: Ishikawa Goemon? Don’t use the words of a thief. We fly our own colors, for our own cause.^[2]

Souma: Haha, right thou art! That I am a knave who lacks sophistication ♪

Then I will recite a different verse ♪ “Even the fifty years of a man’s life are short compared to that of this world... Life is but a dream, a vision, an illusion!”

“Life, once given, cannot last forever~ ☆”^[3]

Kuro: You’re all fired up, Kanzaki. Well, that’s fine. It’s nice to see.

Keito: Fufu. It’s no Ishikawa Goemon, but Oda Nobunaga spells trouble. I’d hate to suffer a tragic death just moments away from seizing the whole world.^[4]

This is no illusion, Kanzaki. The flowers will fall, the moon will set, but... this peace will remain.

We fought for it with our blood, sweat, and tears.

And we won. Let’s sing a song of triumph and declare our victory loud and clear.

It’s not some fleeting dream; it’s the reality we obtained in our desperate struggle.

And we’ll see those flowers bloom for the rest of time.