A female reporter is gesturing towards the shrine where people are visiting for the hatsumode [first shrine visit for the New Year]. At the side of an old building, there is a gang talking among themselves. Someone asks isn’t there way too many people today.
The other says that it is because today is New Year’s Eve. The guy is puzzled so the other berates him for being stupid that he didn’t know about it. “After today, the year will be over.” Another guy muses isn’t there still around 1 minute left in this year.
One of the guys calls out to Udzuki and Chika to tell them that this guy is so stupid that he doesn’t know the date today. The other guy shouts that he talks too much. Udzuki, the hooded guy beside bruise-faced Chika, laughs and says that it doesn’t have anything to do with them, right?
Chika says that he’s indifferent to it. Udzuki laughs and says but then, everyone is like idiots celebrating New Year and it’s so ridiculous. In front of the camera, the reporter calls out to everyone that they’ll do the countdown as they prepare to welcome the New Year.
Udzuki says that even if New Year arrives, there is also no change except it’s just going one step closer to death. The reporter and others finishes the countdown and shouts ‘Happy New Year’!!! Chika says isn’t that worth celebrating.
“It is worth celebrating for a shitty life that is moving one step towards death.” Udzuki smiles and says yes, he’s right. Then, Chika wakes up because of his ringing cellphone. He angrily grabs the phone and shouts that it’s noisy to death so who is it so early in the morning.
He looks at his koto club chat room and sees Kouta’s messages. Koto is asking if everyone can go out right now. Chika sits up and says that it’s Kouta. Sane writes that they made a plan yesterday ^^b Michi writes that they originally wanted to go to hatsumode with everyone but because there are so many people, they’ll go to some other place.
Hiro replies that she can go. Kouta posts some happy stickers. Hiro says that she’ll send a text to inform Satowa. Chika grumbles that it is one after the other and they’re so high so early in the morning, annoying to death... Then, he recalls what Udzuki saying before.
He said that everyone is like idiots celebrating New Year and it’s so ridiculous. Chika thinks that was already two years ago. Takezou greets everyone a Happy New Year and says that he can go with them this afternoon. “This year, yoroshiku! [please take care of me]” This made Chika smile. He replies, when, where.
Takezou is the first one to arrive at the train station where they’ll meet up. Hiro arrives and calls out to him. After they exchange Happy New Year greetings, Takezou comments that it is a bit cold today. He notices sparkling Hiro looking at him.
She is thinking that it is amazing that she can see him at the start of the New Year...♡ Takezou laughs and says that she is really cute when wearing [everyday] clothes. The two look surprise and say, ‘oh’ at each other. Takezou blushes and says ah, no. He thinks that he had carelessly said it out. Very happy that she’s shining, blushing teary-eyed Hiro thanks him.
They were interrupted by someone shouting, ah, look, in the end, it’s at that side. Another person shouts that they found Takezou and Hiro. Chika scolds Satowa that she would even say, ‘it is alright because I went to this station before’ when she is going at the opposite direction, you direction challenged idiot!
Satowa retorts back that he’s too noisy and didn’t she catch up. Kouta tells the two not to quarrel. Takezou asks if they came here together. Chika says no, they met halfway and afterwards, because of Satowa, they made a huge detour.
Satowa says that it is his fault for following her. Chika asks what she said. Satowa says what. Takezou tells them to forget about that. “We can walk to Takinami-sensei’s house for around 10 minutes from here, right?” Sane says that’s right.
Hiro says that she looks forward to it because it is the first time she’ll go to a teacher’s house to greet him Happy New Year! “But, for sensei to unexpectedly agree for us to go. I would think that we definitely won’t get his consent.” Kouta goes, eh? “But we didn’t get his approval?” Takezou, Hiro and Satowa go ha!!??
In front of a building, Chika says that it is here. Kouta says that IT SEEMS to be! Hiro scolds him that they cannot just go there without giving prior notice. “Will sensei let us in!? First of all, is he even there!?” On the phone, Takezou says that Suzuka isn’t answering his phone.
Chika says fine and what they are making a fuss about. He asks for the room number. Someone says, 701. Chika presses the intercom for room 701. Ding dong. A woman answers, “Coming-♪ Who is it?” After a pause of disbelief, Chika and others look aghast for it is a woman’s voice!!!!
Kouta goes in front of the video intercom and says, about that. Suzuka calls out to say what, who is it? The woman says that there are so many kids. Suzuka looks at the video and becomes aghast. He asks why they are... The woman calls out if they are Suzuka’s students!? Sane and Michi are blushing for the woman is calling Suzuka’s first name.
The woman says that they’re so cute-♡“Quickly come in-♡” Suzuka says ah, stupid, don’t... And, the main door opens. Aghast Hiro says that it feels that right now, it won’t be suitable for them to go. Aghast Takezou says that isn’t Suzuka single so forget if it is his mother but if it is his girlfriend, then it is totally awkward...
Kouta asks what the two of them are talking about. Kouta and the others shout that upon seeing an open door, a guy should go in!!! They quickly dash into the door and shout that it feels that what’s going to happen next is quite fun!!! Takezou screams for them not to cause trouble.
In front of room 701’s door, they ring the doorbell and greet Suzuka a Happy New Year-!! Kouta and the others freak out upon seeing super angry looking Suzuka. He angrily asks what they are doing. While Kouta hides behind him, Takezou nervously apologizes and says that actually they want to pay him a New Year visit.
Suzuka says that if it is like that, normally, shouldn’t they first notify him and that’s basic etiquette— Putting her hands on his shoulder, a woman, wearing a bathrobe, tells Suzuka to forget about that, since it isn’t such a huge thing that he has to be so angry. “They came on such a cold day so quickly let them in.”
Blushing Sane and Michi immediately nosebleed. Blushing Kouta fakes covering his eyes. Chika looks amused as Satowa is surprised by his reaction. Hiro immediately tries to cover Takezou’s eyes. Turning around as they felt that their heart is going to quickly explode, Sane says that he is sorry for disturbing them and they’ll be leaving.
Suzuka angrily asks what they are thinking. “This is my older sister.” The sister is teary-eyed from laughing that they nosebled. She says that they’re so cute. Suzuka angrily tells her to quickly dress up and how can she dress up like that for others to see.
The sister angrily shouts what kind of tone he is using towards his sister. Sane wipes his nose and says, older sister...it turns out to be like that. The sister tells them not to be shy and come in even if there is nothing much in the house.
Takezou nervously says that they’ll be intruding. Kouta says that this is Suzuka’s house. The sister tells them to sit wherever they like. Takezou thanks her. Michi asks if there’s no furnace. Suzuka says no. Chika sits on the sofa. He laughs and says that this sofa is so comfortable.
Takezou asks if Suzuka lives together with his sister. Suzuka asks how that is possible. “She is at my place because she came to Japan for work.” Takezou asks, ‘come to Japan’. Suzuka tells them that his home is in Germany. Sane and Michi think that if there is an opportunity, they would also want to say that once, ‘my home is in Germany’.
Scratching his head, Suzuka says that he is going to change his clothes so don’t recklessly move his things around. Kouta says that there’s no need to change since they don’t mind. Suzuka angrily says that he minds. After he left, the sister says that Suzuka is still the same.
“He doesn’t wanting others to see his weakness. Isn’t it better for him to open up a little bit to others?” With blushing Michi who is also looking away, Sane says no, she is a bit too open that they don’t know where to look. [<-because she is still wearing a bathrobe]
Kouta asks her what her name is. The sister says that it is Kiyoka and he can call her Kiyo-chan. Michi muses that Kouta is amazing. Kouta says since it was said that she came to Japan for work so specifically, what does she do. Kiyo smiles and says that she plays the piano. Sane exclaims that she is a pianist.
Satowa asks if she is the pianist Amamiya Kiyoka. Kiyo exclaims that she knows her. Satowa says that it is because her family name isn’t the same with Suzuka so she didn’t notice it. Kiyo says that Amamiya is her husband’s family name. “I have a concert last December at Tokyo so I’m staying here.”
Kouta says is that so, he would really want to go and listen [to her performance]! Kiyo laughs and asks if they are students in Suzuka’s class. “Honestly speaking, I always felt that guy would absolutely not blend in with students so this is quite unexpected.”
Takezou says that they are members of the koto club and they usually play koto together. “Takinami-sensei is the koto club’s adviser.” Shocked Kiyo stands up and shouts, “Ha!!? Eh, what’s going on!? He can play the koto!? He taught you guys!?”
Takezou says no, a teacher outside from school is the one teaching them koto. “Sensei composes for us and also primarily, he would give us guidance about music.” Kiyo laughs and says is that so. She sits down and says that it turns out to be like that.
Takezou asks if he didn’t say anything to her. Kiyo says that he won’t say anything. “No wonder there are so many traditional music CD and music sheets around the room. ...Not only that, there is also Suzuka’s composed music...” She recalls seeing a composition of Suzuka.
She also recalls the time when she asked him if he likes music and he replied that he does so he doesn’t want to have anything to do with it. Kiyo says that until now, he was avoiding getting in contact with music.
“I thought that it is because he still has some reluctance to go and compose. It turns out to be like this. That piece was made just for you guys. *everyone looks surprised as she smiles* I cannot imagine for him to compose for someone...it seems like he finally encountered— [something] that can move his heart DEEP--”
Angry Suzuka immediately covers her mouth and locks her out the balcony. Banging on the glass door, she angrily shouts how he can treat his sister like this. Suzuka angrily says who told her to say nonsense things.
Kiyo keeps on shouting to immediately open the door for she cannot catch a cold-- Turning around to see the others blushing and smiling with Chika sneering, Suzuka angrily says that they have such disgusting to death expressions. Soon, some drinks are served and Kiyo had also dressed up.
Suzuka sits down and asks why they come over to his place. Takezou says that they come to greet him a Happy New Year and also to show their determination. This perks up the siblings. He continues to say that after the preliminaries, Suzuka said that before the New Year, they would resume regular practice.
“Right now, it is already New Year. We want to increase our practice. We know that the Nationals is harsher than the preliminaries but our goal is to become number 1 so we want to give our utmost best. So, sensei, in this New Year, please continue to push us to learn. Please!!!”
Then, they all bow. Kiyo whistles. Suzuka says ya. Takezou says ah, doesn’t he have anything else to say. Suzuka says that right, he has something to say and that is, shouldn’t it be better for them to go and say that to Akira. Takezou says of course, and they’ll go to her place later on to greet her.
Suzuka says is that so, then that’s good. “Then, there is something that I want to ask of you guys. Whether it is club activity or practice, I hope that you guys won’t treat it like an OBLIGATION.” Takezou and others are puzzled. Takezou asks if that’s all. Suzuka says that’s all.
Takezou says okay, they understand... Kiyo smiles and thinks that Suzuka is saying hard to understand words again. Soon, Takezou and others bid the siblings goodbye. Kiyo says that she’ll look for them when she comes back to Japan.
Suzuka sighs and says that they finally left. Kiyo laughs and says that those kids really make one happy. Whistling as she goes back inside, Kiyo says that she’s thinking that perhaps Suzuka gives her a different feeling after not seeing him for a long time. “It turns out to be like this♡”
Suzuka asks what she meant by that. Kiyo giggles and says that it is nothing. “But, it’s so amazing that they had unexpectedly advanced to the Nationals! I really want to listen to their performance-” Sitting on the sofa with her, Suzuka says that they have a concert on the 7th but she is going back tomorrow.
Kiyo sighs and says, ya, so where are they performing. Suzuka says Kawasaki shopping mall. This surprises her. She says that after getting into the Nationals, the next venue is a shopping mall. She smiles and says, “-ah, that is really worth seeing even if I have no way of watching it.” Suzuka smiles as he seems his drink.
While walking, Sane talks about how surprise they are that they were able to meet Suzuka’s sister. Kouta says that it’s so fun but also, we get to learn a lot about stuff regarding music. Michi says that’s right, they get to know ‘charm’ at some extent.
Someone says that’s right. Flashback: Kiyo exclaimed what, charm. She looked at Suzuka who is looking away and said that he would ask for something quite high!? Kouta asked her if she has any good advice. Kiyo said yes, then let her tell him something. “ASK that AGAIN AFTER a 100 YEARS.” End flashback.
Michi says that he wants to give up. Satowa tells him that thoroughly understanding ‘charm’ isn’t at all simple. Takezou says that they first don’t mind that, because they have to first set out to do the things that they can do to the best of their ability. Chika says in short, they must succeed in their concert on the 7th. Takezou says ya, that’s right.
On the 7th, at the shopping center, the organizer welcomes Suzuka and the others. He thanks them for coming. He introduces himself as Yamamura. Suzuka introduces himself and greets him back. Yamamura apologizes since it is a rare winter vacation and it’s hard to transport their musical instruments.
He leads them to the stage. While walking, Chika notices something at the side. He sparkles as he sees a huge stage with audience waiting in front. In front, it is written, ‘Spring Live!’ Chika shouts awesome, is that the stage where they’ll be performing.
While the others also looks surprised, Sane shouts if they are celebrities already and they are already so famous. Blushing Michi says that if they were going to perform in that place, perhaps, they’ll carelessly run into their fellow students. Sane says that this will usher peach season again?? [<- ‘moteki’ is for a period of time where one becomes popular with the opposite sex.]
Suzuka calls out to them and says that they are making a mistake. “Look clearly. On top of that is ‘Spring Live!’ you are guy are in ‘Spring CONCERT’. *they are puzzled* The stage is over there.” Chika and others look at the side to see a pitiful mat placed on the hallway with a board that says ‘Spring Concert’.
Everyone look disappointed. They start to look around as Chika says that they didn’t see it, they didn’t see anything. Making Chika look at the mat, Suzuka tells him to look clearly. “This is reality. That is today’s stage.” Then, some kids are rolling and playing on the mat. This irked Chika.
He angrily shouts if Suzuka is kidding for what part of that is like a stage!! “No matter how one looks at it, it is a normal pedestrian hallway!!” Suzuka says there is a board that seriously says, ‘Spring Concert’ above it. Pointing at the side, Chika shouts the benches for the audience are only two!!
Preparing to go to the other side, Chika shouts “That is such a rare gorgeous stage so we are also going to perform there!!” Yamamura tensely apologizes. He says that prepared stage at the side is for a popular local junior high rock and roll band. He urges them to please go to this side.
Chika darkly asks if he is saying that the unpopular them should just be satisfied over that side. Yamamura tries to explain but Chika is angrily saying that they were obviously the ones who invited them over?? Yamamura is freaking out that Suzuka hits Chika on the head and tells him to stop it.
With a smile, Suzuka tells Yamamura that was rude a while ago. “It is totally fine. Please let us perform here today. *Chika tries to protest* Okay, you guys quickly go prepare.” Yamamura leaves for a while and says that he’ll leave things to them. Michi asks what’s up with the distance to that other stage and even if the time isn’t long, they had practiced...
Kouta asks if they can hear the koto from here. Takezou says that they’ll lend them microphones for the time being but then, to play koto here, it is really a terrible surrounding. Satowa asks if it is so. Takezou is puzzled. Satowa says that on contrary, THIS KIND OF surrounding ignites her fighting spirit.
Soon, it was announced that the Tokize koto club is going to perform and they are the ones who got to advance into the Nationals. “It’s so amazing, right-!! Such an amazing group will now give us three musical pieces! Wow- applause applause-! Everyone, let’s go through such a graceful experience via the koto, okay--”
Aghast Michi asks who is everybody!!? Kouta thinks that there are only two benches and there is not one person on it... Sane wonders who’ll sit so near to watch a performance... “...by the way, *the three cover their faces* It’s so shameful that we don’t have face to look others.”
Chika curses and wonders how it could be like this. “After we got the eligibility to go to the Nationals, I felt that we had become a bit amazing yet how come unexpectedly it become like we had gone back to the time when we played Ryuu Hoshi Gun...
...No, right now, compared to that time more, the listening audience is more—Ah, the listening audience...” They see a guy suddenly sitting on the bench while talking on the phone, “Ya, it’s true, it’s true, it’s like that---” Then a boy calls out to Takezou and asks what is that [<- koto], it’s so strange.
Another kid repeats that really weird, really weird. Chika angrily stands up which caused the kids to run away. Takezou tells Chika to calm down for they are kids. Then, someone calls out for the people to enjoy this January tune. Someone shouts that the wagon [/trolly something like fukubukuro?] sale is going to start.
Chika and others are aghast. The announcement says that inside the trolley is 500 yen worth of merchandise. “If you’re quickly, you’ll get something. If you’re slow, you won’t--” Women are rushing towards the store. A woman says that they’ll check it out since she heard it only cost 500 yen.
Another woman said that the clothes there are very cute. Soon, there are a lot of excited women and screaming kids. There is a sale at PLST store. A woman is calling out to customers at another store about a limited sale starting at 12 noon, and it is about to start—
Hiro and others are aghast over the commotion all over the place. Yamamura sheepishly apologizes to Suzuka because of the bad timing. He finds it strange for the various shop should have been notified... Suzuka says no, this is the most amazing surrounding.
Comment: Regarding the first part, was that Udzuki mentioned before? I mean, was he part of the gang that attacked his grandfather? It makes me think that he’ll appear again later on in the series. Unless, the point of the first part is to just to compare how Chika spent New Year before and present.
I’m really curious though how did Kouta and others find out where Suzuka lived. Suzuka definitely won’t tell them so is that available in some file in school or telephone directory? Well, we got a cute lovey-dovey scene between Takezou and Hiro. Apparently, it is indeed both liking each other but they didn’t know it was mutual.
How they met Kiyo is quite funny. I find it amusing how different she is from Suzuka. Actually, if it is only based on looks, one would think that they are about the same age. ^^; Of course, Suzuka is just way too serious so that probably makes him seem older.
Thanks to the visit, Kiyo knows what her younger brother is currently up to. It would be nice if she does get to watch Tokize play to know what captivated Suzuka about their music. Well, the much awaited New Year concert is not turning what they expected. Though, I think Satowa knows the intention for it or rather, she finds this situation a challenge for her.
Well, from the looks of it, they would have to pull out their ‘charm’ here to make everyone drop what they are doing and listen to them. Actually, this experience had probably brought their ego a bit down because in reality, koto isn’t that popular compared to rock music and of course, sales in a shopping mall. So, let’s see how they are going to pull it off. Scans by 二次元秘店汉化組
Word of the day:
Don’t look at the circumstances; look above and beyond them! ‘Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha (2 Kings 6:17) ~ Mottos for Success by M.S. Fontaine