bakemonoremy | Entries tagged with showtime

Location: Underground Stage

Wataru: “Everyone, are you enjoying yourselves?”

“Well then ♪ Let’s enjoy the magic trick performance of an up-and-coming magician next!”

“Harukawa Sora-kun, come to the stage...☆”

Sora: “HaHa~♪ I’m Harukawa Sora~. When you meet someone for the first time, you greet them!”

“HiHi~, Sora is going to perform pigeon magic! Everyone, please enjoy~♪”

Natsume: ………..

(Do your beST, SoRA. I’m also one of the people who have been looking forward to your magic tricKS.)

Shu: It’s finally Chibisuke’s turn. After having been singled out by Wataru and watching all those concerning magic tricks, I’m frankly exhausted.

Hm? What is it, little girl. “How about a cool drink”, you say?

I suppose I’ll have one, since I’m feeling fairly parched. However, how come you’re pretending to be a salesgirl?

Hmm. You couldn’t watch them being troubled by their staff shortage, so you’re helping out?

Natsume: There’s really no need for the little kitten to be workiNG, thouGH.

Please give me something to drink as weLL. Will this insignificant amount of money be enough to compensate you for your laboRS?

Sora: “HuHu~, Sora swings his handkerchief and a pigeon comes out~. Clap Clap… If you thought that was amazing, please applaud ♪”

(Uwaah, Sora’s so happy! The guests are applauding!)

“HeHe~, please look at Sora’s hands! Bye-bye… Sora is waving his hands! And then he goes clap, and joins his hands~♪”

“HoHo~, two pigeons came out! Clap Clap… Thanks for the applause ☆”

(Nnh? The pigeons are getting scared! They must be surprised because of all the people~)

(Sora will tell them it’s okay and cheer them on!)

(It’s okay, it’s alright. Sora is here~♪)

“HaHa~♪ Wink Wink… When Sora closes and opens his eyes, pigeons appear~♪”

“Clap Clap… Thanks for all the applause!”

“That’s it for Sora’s magic tricks~. Please look forward to the next part of the magic show ♪”

Natsume: YeAH, Sora’s magic tricks were a great succeSS. I’ll have to praise him later and tell him “You did really weLL” ♪

Wataru: “It seems like everyone’s satisfied, I am glad to see that...☆”

“Now now, we may have delivered some Amazing to everyone, but! It’s time to take it up a notch!”

“It’s time for the staple of magic shows, the human bisection magic show, to start...☆”

Shu: Human bisection magic show? What’s the meaning of this. If you cut a person in half, they’ll die.

Natsume: He won’t actually cut anyone in haLF. It’s an illusion where it only looks as if someone is being cut in haLF.

But I see now that this human bisection is what Wataru-niisan meant by “large-scale shOW”.

Illusion magic seems to be to Wataru-niisan’s likiNG, so this isn’t entirely unexpected thouGH.

Wataru: “Sora-kun, my assistant! Will you help me bring in the box from backstage?”

Sora: “HiHi~, Sora will help you~. Heave-ho, heave-ho… Should Sora put the box in the center of the stage?”

Wataru: “Yes. Sora-kun, please climb inside the box now!”

Sora: “HuHu~, understood! …Great-Shisho~, is it okay like this?”

Wataru: “That will do. How about you smile and wave at the guests. With a radiant smile, if you please ♪”

Sora: “~...♪”

Wataru: “Dear audience, I will now proceed to cut this box in half with this sharp cutting tool.”

“It’d be a waste for you to scream in fear and avert your eyes! Please keep your eyes wide open and see the results for yourself...☆”

“I’m cutting the box in half! And now I’m detaching the two halves!”

“Splendid, the top and bottom half are entirely separated~☆ If you’re impressed, please applaud!”

Shu: What is he speaking so carefreely for!? Ch-Chibisuke!

Aah, why did you have to go through something like this… This is what they mean when they say there’s no Gods and no Buddhas!*

What a tragic end! Not even Shakespeare could have imagined a tragedy of this caliber!

Wataru: Please calm down, Shu.

Shu: How dare you tell me to calm d-... Huh?

Sora: HeHe~, Sora is still alive~. As you can see, Sora can still talk to Shu-niisan just like this!

Sora can move his arms and legs too! Even with his body split in half, Sora is still Sora ♪

Shu: I-is that so? However, with your body in this state, it must be hard to walk. Shall I carry you home?

Wataru: I can’t tell if you’re playing stupid or if you’re serious.

Putting that aside, Shu. If you lose your temper and storm the stage like that, other guests will think it’s okay to come up here, too. Please return to your seat.

“Now then, let’s put the bisected box back together~.”

“...There, now it’s back the way it used to be!”

“Sora-kun, please step out from the box~♪”

Sora: “HoHo~, Sora is stepping outside! Ta-da~h ♪ It’s good for there to be sound effects, that’s what Great-Shisho~ told me!”

Shu: Hrmm, I can’t quite follow what’s happening.

Chibisuke was cut in half but survived, and now the two halves that were supposed to be bisected are glued back together…?

Natsume: Shu-niisAN, I explained it to you alreaDY. It’s just a magic trick that gives the illusion of a person being cut in haLF.

But it’s just as expected of yOU… Wataru-niisAN. I couldn’t tell what kind of mechanism you were using at aLL.

FufuFU, he did say to applaud if you were impressED. Clap Clap...♪

Sora: HaHa~, Great-Shisho~. The whole world is sparkling in rainbow colors! Was Sora able to grant wishes to everyone?

Was Sora able to assist Great-Shisho~?

Wataru: Yes. You are an excellent assistant, an up-and-coming magician in your own right.

Sora: HiHi~, Sora is glad to hear that! Making people happy through magic tricks is a lot of fun!

Magic tricks are, like Shisho~ and Senpai’s “magic”, a wonderful force!

Sora likes magic tricks! No, Sora loves them ♪

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*TL Note: Shu is crying at this point

Location: Underground Livehouse

Sora: (There’s so many people, the “color” looks like fire!)

(Sora wants to show his magic tricks in front of everyone as soon as possible!)

Wow, you surprised Sora! You were in the audience just a moment ago, why did you come backstage, Anzu?

The outfit for the magic show? HaHa~, Anzu made adjustments to it, right~. Thanks to you, it’s really comfortable to wear ♪

Eh, you want to make some last minute adjustments? Understood! Sora will stand still without moving~.

Uu… But, you’re breathing on the nape of Sora’s neck and it tickles!

Bear it, bear it~.

Nnh? You’re done? Can Sora move again?

HiHi~, it feels good to be able to move freely~♪ Anzu, thank you! When someone does something for you, you thank them ♪

You see, Sora’s chest was feeling all tight and his head was blanking until a moment ago~. But after talking to Anzu, that feeling is all wiped away~.

Anzu, what kind of magic did you use? Nnh? “I didn’t use any magic?”, you say?

Ah, that’s it! Anzu is a producer, right~. Everyone smiles after talking to Anzu and cheers up! It’s the same for Sora ♪

Anzu. Please watch Sora’s magic tricks and smile and cheer up, too!

…? Anzu, why are you patting Sora’s head? Are you cheering Sora on, like “Do your best”?

HuHu~, thank you! Sora will do his best ♪

Wataru: Sora-kun.

Sora: Great-Shisho~? Look! There’s so many people~. And they all came to watch the magic show ♪

Wataru: Yes. It seems like there’s even people looking in from outside because they couldn’t fit in the underground stage room.

In order to watch our magic show, they’re spending their precious time. Let’s deliver Amazing to all of them...☆

Sora: HeHe~, by Amazing, is Great-Shisho~ referring to that part at the end of the magic show?

Wataru: Yes. But let’s also promise to amaze the audience with the other magic tricks ♪

In the first part of the show, I’ll perform my magic tricks, then the middle is Sora-kun’s turn. And the finale will be our joint performance.

Saying it like that makes us sound like a married couple, ahahahahaha...☆

In any case, whether you like it or not, this is it. Please make the pigeon magic a success!

Sora: Yes! It’s about time to prepare the pigeons~. Come, come, come on out~♪

Wataru: Hmm. They’ve gotten quite attached to you. Granted you spent some time together, it still makes me feel Sora-kun’s hard work…!

I’ve always thought you were an interesting kid, but you’re really wonderful!

And so, I’ve become more interested in you. If another chance like this arises, may I ask you to be my assistant again, Sora-kun?

Sora: Of course! Sora will always give you a warm welcome~♪

Wataru: Fufu, thank you.

“Now, everyone who has gathered here! I apologize for the wait, I shall now begin the magic show…☆”

“Will we start with a trial run? Non, non! We’ll go at full force right from the start~. Now, please look over your heads!”

“Playing cards are appearing from mid-air~. Pick a card that has fallen near your seat and put it face down on your laps please, everyone!”

“Now then, who shall I pick~? Hrm~m… Okay, I’ve decided!”

“Congratulations! The goddess of fortune smiled upon you! Now now, what’s your name?”

Shu: Why does it have to be me.

Wataru: “Hmm, hmm. This guests name is “Why does it have to be me”-san, isn’t it!”

“What an interesting name~. I’ve never met anyone with a name like yours before ♪”

Shu: Neither have I.

Wataru, stop messing around and go on with your magic tricks.

Wataru: “Fufufu. Since you have such high expectations, I can’t disappoint you!”

“Now, to answer to your request… The card you have is the ace of spades, right?”

Shu: Gyoh!? Did you somehow peek at my card?

Wataru: “How could I have done that when Shu was covering his card with both hands the whole time?”

“With love, one can see through anything! The person besides you has the seven of hearts, and the person right behind you has the nine of clubs, right?”

“If I was right, please applaud. Yes, thank you very much for the lavish applause...☆”

“Next, I shall make my hair move on it’s own! And spit fire! Please enjoy every conceivable amazement!”

“Astonishing the guests is my pleasure...☆”

Sora: (HoHo~, Great-Shisho~’s magic tricks are amazing! Beautiful colors are overflowing everywhere...♪)

(Sora can’t do the kinds of magic tricks Great-Shisho~ can do. Sora might let everyone down~. But, but, Sora wants to grant everyone dreams!)

(Sora wants to make people happy! That feeling definitely doesn’t lose against Great-Shisho~’s~.)

Wow? Please don’t peck at Sora with your beak~. Pigeon-san, are you hungry?

Mm-mm. That’s not the color of an empty stomach~. Does this warm color mean you’re cheering for me?

HaHa~, you’re so kind~!

Sora is okay now! Thank you!

Let’s make the world sparkle in rainbow colors as well! HaHiHuHeHo~♪

Location: Underground Livehouse

Wataru: I’ll start by showing you an example.

Yes, attention everyone~☆ This is a pigeon’s feather! Aah, don’t worry, I didn’t pluck it off or anything.

If I throw it in the air, et voilà, it turned into a pigeon! Yes, please applaud~ ☆

I’ll keep bringing out more pigeons. Just by clapping my hands, there it is~! A second pigeon!

And they come out of my pockets, too, one, two, three pigeons~...

Fufufu, shall I fill this underground stage to the brim with pigeons? ☆

Natsume: No realLY, just how many pigeons has Wataru-niisan been raisiNG? RoughLY, I’d say there’s about twenty of thEM.

Not to borrow Wataru-niisan’s words or anythiNG, but this is pretty AmaziNG.

Wataru: Fufufu. I’m glad I was able to amaze Natsume-kun! I’m blessed to be an entertainer ☆

In any case, that’s pigeon magic. Pigeons materialize out of thin air, and the audience is struck with admiration upon seeing it.

For the more famous magic tricks, there’s instructions manuals and such on the market, too.

There are pockets for the pigeons sewn into the clothes, and making the pigeons appear from there is how it’s normally done.

Of course, using worn-out old tricks like that is boring, though… So I don’t have those kinds of hidden mechanisms in my clothes.

While Sora-kun is quick to grasp things, you’re still a beginner at magic tricks.

I still have an outfit I used to wear, so I’m lending you that.

It’s an outfit from before I hit my growth spurt, so I think it’ll fit Sora-kun…

However, if the sleeves are too loose or too tight, please tell me.

Sora: HaHa~, thank you! When someone is generous, you thank them!

Natsume: SoRA, let’s go to the locker room over theRE. I’ll help you get changED.

Sora: HiHi~, Sora will get changed! Anzu, Sora’s heading off~♪

(After changing)

How is it, Shisho~, Anzu~?

Natsume: YeAH. I think after just a few adjustmenTS, it’ll be perfeCT. HM? “Leave the adjustments to me”, you sAY?

Wataru: Right. May I ask you to do that, Anzu-san?

But it fits better than expected, what a relief. You can keep it after the magic show is over.

Sora: HuHu~, Great-Shisho~, is it really okay for Sora to have this?

Wataru: Consider it your reward for standing on the stage as my assistant.

And now, here are the pigeons for today’s pigeon magic...♪

Sora: Uwaah, how cute, they’re so small~. They fit snugly into Sora’s hand!

Wataru: These are pigeons used for magic tricks, so they’re smaller than normal ones.

They’re of a docile disposition too, and easier to train.

Sora: ~....☆

Wataru: Fufufu. I think you’ve touched the pigeons enough now. Then, please put them into the pockets inside your clothes.

Sora: HeHe~, please be obedient~. If you behave, Sora will pet your head! There, there...♪

Great-Shisho~, Sora put the pigeons into his pockets! One’s squirming around Sora’s chest area and it’s tickling Sora~♪

Wataru: Now now, Sora-kun, don’t touch it. Even if it’s itchy, you have to bear it.

The pigeons I arranged this time are white, so I prepared a white handkerchief as well.

You’re going to take the pigeon from your chest pocket inside a handkerchief.

So if the color of it is different from the pigeon’s, the audience will be able to tell.

Sora: HoHo~, Sora understood the gist of it!

Sora will take out the pigeon~, chichinpuipui...♪

Yaaay, the pigeon came out! Another one is coming from a different pocket~. Wow, two of them came out ♪ How many are going to appear next~?

Sora: Wah, wawah!

Don’t all come out at once~, huh?

Great-Shisho~, this time the pigeons won’t come out! Even though there’s still pigeons in the pockets~. Did Sora do something to upset them?

Wataru: No, but pigeons are living beings just like us. There are times when they’re not in the mood for it, too. Taming them takes practice!

What you need to perform magic tricks isn’t dexterity. All you need is practice.

There’s still time until the magic show. Tomorrow, and the day after that, we’ll meet here for practice after school. Will you be able to withstand that…?

Sora: Yes! Senpai taught Sora that failures are just stepping stones to success!

Sora will definitely master pigeon magic and become a worthy magician!

Location: In front of the Fountain

Sora: HaHa~♪ Sora will perform the coin magic now~. First, let Sora count the coins! One, and two~...♪

Now Sora will put the counted coins into his right hand~. One, and two~...♪

Alright, all the coins are in Sora’s right hand now! Then, let Sora open his hand and confirm the number of coins once more! One, and two~...♪

What’s that? There’s only one coin in here~? Maybe Sora dropped the other one~?

Nope, it’s right here! No need to look around and wonder where it’s gone! Please turn your attention to Sora’s left hand~.

Shu: Ooh, the coin is in his left hand now. But Chibisuke put all the coins into his right hand in front of my eyes. What kind of trickery is this?

Wataru: Fufufu. How nice for someone like you who’s the type to say “Stuff like magic tricks are foolish” to enjoy this~.

Shu. May I invite you to the magic show? ♪

Sora: HiHi~, please come to see it! Sora wants Shu-niisan to come to the show, too~♪

Shu: Mu, muu. I’m weak to Chibisuke saying “please” with upturned eyes like that.

What is the venue for the magic show? Well, I suppose I don’t mind sparing just a little bit of my time for Chibisuke.

Wataru: The venue is the underground stage.

When I talked to the client, they said there were talks of changing the location because the venue might get overcrowded.

Well, it seems there’s no venue that has any openings on the day of the magic show that could accommodate that many people, so those plans fell through, though.

Shu: Hmm, I’ve made use of that underground stage before. Or rather, it could be said that it has recently become something like our base.

Natsume: Wataru-niisAN, Shu-niisAN. I hate to interrupt you while you’re enjoying your taLK, but the bell for classes to start is about to go oFF.

Wataru: Whoops, so it’s that time already.

Since I already booked the underground stage, let’s hold the instruction on how to perform pigeon magic there after school. That way you can get an idea of the atmosphere of the actual venue.

Well then, See You Again...☆

Location: Underground Livehouse

Sora: Shisho~, we’ve arrived at the underground stage! Let’s take a break until practice begins~... Heave-ho ♪

Nnh? Anzu, you’re telling Sora the seat next to you is free?

Natsume: The little kitten must be feeling exhausted from all her producer woRK. She probably wants to be healed by yOU, SoRA.

Sora: HoHo~, healed by Sora? Anzu, there there...♪

Natsume: You’d like to have him for your househoLD? I can’t have thAT, even as a request from the little kitten there’s no way I’m handing Sora ovER.

BuT, if you want to see SoRA… Or if you just want to rest your winGS, come to the Game Research Club RoOM.

We can play multiplayer video games togethER, or you can take it easy and play a singleplayer game by yourseLF.

What I’m trying to say IS, it’s fine for you to come by and relAX.

Sora: Exactly! Anzu. Next time, come and play fighting games with Sora!

Pinky swear...♪ It’s a promise!

Wataru: Yes, it’s a promise~♪

Natsume: Wataru-niisAN, so you took advantage of the moment and came IN. Oh weLL. Is Shu-niisan not with yOU?

Wataru: Shu had some work that absolutely had to be finished within the day come in for the Handicrafts Club, so he can’t come today.

But he said he’ll definitely come running here for the real thing.

Sora: Uu~... That’s too bad, but there’s no helping it~. Sora will do his best just as if Shu-niisan was here!

Great-Shisho~, please teach Sora pigeon magic~. And then Sora will become friends with that pigeon ♪

Location: In front of the Fountain

Wataru: Now. Would you like to see the magic trick one more time to remember it? Or how about I do it again while explaining it in words?

Sora: HiHi~, Sora already memorized Great-Shisho~’s movements! He held the coin in the space between the thumb and index finger, like this!

HuHu~♪ There’s a coin coming from Sora’s right hand~, and one’s in Sora’s left hand!

Yaaay, Anzu praised Sora, saying “Well done”! HeHe~, Sora’s so happy ♪

Wataru: Hmm. You’re an impressive child, to learn my movements after seeing them just once.

Natsume: Sora is the type to learn games by intuition after aLL. He’s quick to grasp thinGS.

WeLL, it seems like there are still scores he can’t reach and games he had to attempt several timES, toO.

In any caSE, aren’t you glad you have Sora as your assistant nOW?

Wataru: That I am. Just as expected from the outstanding talent Natsume-kun discovered ♪ Though it makes me feel a bit lonely that he acquires skills so easily.

Oop, here’s a quiz for Anzu-san. What do you think is necessary to perform a magic trick?

Fufufu. Your face has “Huh? Me?” written all over it! Yes, I called on you exactly because I wanted to see that expression!

Dexterity? Buh-boo~, that’s a miss! For Anzu-san who gave the wrong answer, here’s a rafflesia as a present...☆

The stench of it is so bad my nose might just turn the other way, ahahahahaha ☆

Natsume: Hey nOW, Wataru-niisAN. The little kitten is tearing up because she can’t bring herself to throw away something that was given to hER.

Wataru: In that case, I’ll give her a camellia sasanqua instead! I’ll make the rafflesia disappear with a snap of my fingers~♪

Anyhow, the answer to my earlier question is the audience! No matter how much you hone your skills, if there’s no one to see them, they’re meaningless.

Because then it’s just complacency.

If it’s an audience you need I’m right here, you say? Certainly, you’re the audience right now, Anzu-san. However, I did reveal the trick to you~.

When you see the trick again, can you still feel as amazed as you did when you saw it the first time?

Hearing “Incredible!” “How did he do that!?” from the audience with their eyes wide open, and being awarded generous applause. That’s what my pleasure is about!

I want Sora-kun to have a taste of that very feeling...☆

Shu: ………….

Wataru: Yes! You there, who’s passing by and about to leave! I’ll say your name, okay?

Class 3-A, Itsuki Shu-ku~n!

Shu: Gyoh!? Don’t call my name in such a loud voice!

Wataru: Fufufu. There’s no way I wouldn’t stop an old friend like Shu when I see him~.

I welcome you with open arms, legs and whole body...☆

Shu: Cease those creepy movements of yours. I don’t have the free time on my hands to go along with your trivial games, now excuse me.

Sora: HoHo~, Shu-niisan? When you see a senpai, you greet them! Hello~♪

Shu: Ch-Chibisuke…? What are you doing here?

Sora: Sora is learning magic tricks from Great-Shisho~!

Great-Shisho~ is putting on a magic show soon, and Sora is helping as his assistant ♪

Shu: Aah, you’re lovely as always today. It’s like God dwells within each and every word you say.

Sora: Thank you! When someone praises you, you thank them!

Shu-niisan has such a pretty color, too! It’s sparkly like a kaleidoscope! Sora likes Shu-niisan’s color ♪

Shu: Being liked by you doesn’t feel too bad. But I never imagined I’d run into Chibisuke in a place like this.

Chibisuke, you said you’re learning magic tricks from Wataru, but…

Wataru: Aah, Sora-kun is actually about to present the first magic trick he’s learned, would you like to spectate?

Shu: Oho, so you’d like me to assess him?

Very well, I’ll thoroughly observe him from the front row. Now, it’s the beginning of a delightful magic show… kakakaka ♪

Location: In front of the Fountain

Natsume: Before thAT, do you have a secoND?

Wataru: Whoops. Interrupting me right as I am about to start my magic performance, is this some kind of edging play? Natsume-kun is so relentless to Wataru-niisan, sob sob.

Natsume: I told you to spare me the crocodile teaRS… Wataru-niisAN, you did say the magic show was going to be held on an underground staGE, didn’t yOU.

And you said it’s not fit to be used for a large-scale shOW.

But back when you came to ask me to be your partnER, you said you were looking for one because you were planning something large-scaLE.

What is the meaning of thIS. There’s no way Wataru-niisan would overlook a simple contradiction like thIS, rigHT?

Wataru: Hrm~m. It happened just yesterday, so I doubt a “I don’t remember saying that” will fly, huh.

As I said earlier, the underground stage isn’t suited for a large-scale show, so I’m planning to do salon magic.

But I do plan to put on a few flashier stage magic performances. And the pigeon magic I plan to instruct Sora-kun in will make it to the stage, too.

The large-scale show I’m involving Natsume-kun in will be separate from that.

Aah, but as for what kind of magic tricks I’ll be performing during the real thing, you’ll have to wait until then to find out.

I’ll leave the revealing of the tricks for until after you watched and were amazed by them.

Just like how it isn’t any fun to read a mystery novel where you already know the end, there’s nothing as boring as watching magic tricks you know the secret of already.

I can’t bore my audience! Offering fresh and exciting wonders and having people enjoy them is my greatest joy...☆

Natsume: That’s just like yOU, Wataru-niisAN.

As you know I work as a fortune tellER, and as suCH, not all of my predictions are the kind people find delight IN. There are times when I have to inform people of their cruel futurES.

“Why would you say such a thing”, “Please foretell me a more convenient future”

Getting confined to customers who mistake fortune tellers for counseloRS, I keep hearing these complainTS...

Lately I’ve been gaining popularity as a fortune tellER, and while that’s desirabLE, weird customers have also been on the increase because of IT.

This is a bad side-effect of the faME, but Mommy has it rough with even more customers than ME.

If I can’t overcome this exteNT, my hand won’t ever be able to reach MomMY, even if I stand on my tiptoES.

NevermiND, this conversation got off traCK. SoRA, haven’t you gotten borED?

Sora: HiHi~, not at all! Sora loves Shisho~’s voice~. Sora could listen to it fore~ver and never get tired of it ♪

Natsume: I also love Sora’s voiCE. No matter how exhausted I AM, just hearing Sora’s voice makes my exhaustion disappeAR.

And it’s not just ME, I’m sure there’s a great number of people who have been saved by yOU.

Wataru: Natsume-ku~n, Sora-ku~n. Please don’t flirt among yourselves. Being neglected makes me feel lonely!

Please remember me, too~!

Natsume: Wataru-niisAN, don’t scatter roses about just because you’re loneLY… HuH?

So it’s really yOU, little kittEN. Are you okAY? Looks like you fell on your behiND, do you need a haND?

ThanKS, you sAY? No need to thank ME. You must have been surprised by the flowers appearing out of nowhere and fallen down because of IT.

Sora: HuHu~. Shisho~, it actually looks like Anzu fell down because she tried to avoid stepping on the flowers and lost her balance~.

Whoopsy-daisy, Sora will take care not to step on any flowers, either~. Flowers have a beautiful color, so Sora loves them ♪

Wataru: Fufufu, you’re making a face like you’re wondering what we’re doing here, Anzu-san! How would you like some show-and-tell?

Actually, I’m about to put on a petit magic show, and the larger the audience, the better.

Now then, take a seat on the bench and enjoy my magic tricks...☆

Very well. What I just took out from my pocket are nothing but completely normal coins.

You there, who is suspicious of there being a hidden mechanism! How about you touch them, top to bottom, and confirm it for yourself?

There! Anzu-san, did you confirm it?

Now that we’ve established that there are no hidden mechanisms, let me itemize these coins. One, two~...♪

Now then, I’ll pick these counted coins up one by one. One, and two~...done! The coins are all in my right hand now!

And now, I’ll open my hand~... What’s this?

Sora: HoHo~? There’s not enough of them~. One of them disappeared!

Wataru: It seems like one of the coins was eaten up by a gluttonous monster.

Sora-kun, let’s ask him together, saying “That’s not food so please give it back”.

Sora: HaHa~, Sora will ask him! Monster-san, that’s not food so please give back the coin~.

If you’re hungry, Sora will buy candy for you! Candy is sweet, so it has the color of happiness~♪

Wataru: Fufufu. It seems like Sora-kun’s request has gotten through to the monster~. Look, just like that the coin has appeared in my left hand, please applaud~!

Sora: Clap clap! Great-Shisho~, Sora is going to buy some candy~. By giving it to the Monster-san, Sora will express his gratitude!

Wataru: I’m glad you enjoyed that~! Among magic tricks, this one is really simple so I don’t mind teaching it to Sora-kun!

Now then, let me dramatically reveal how the trick is done! I actually thumb palmed* the coin in my left hand in the very beginning!

While I was nimbly moving the coins to my right hand, I concealed one between my thumb and palm like this.

If I turn my right hand around, you can easily tell, right?

In this state, when I open my hand, one of the coins is missing, but that’s because I thumb palmed it earlier.

At the end, when you open your other hand, the audience will see the coin you thumb palmed before and think that it traveled between the hands.

How about that! If by watching my magic trick you gained just a fragment of your goal, I’m most delighted ♪

------------------

*Thumb palm

Location: 1st Floor Passageway

Sora: Shisho~, over here, over here! Sora’s over here~♪

Natsume: SoRA, I can walk even without you pulling me along that strongLY.

HeY. Can you at least tell me our destinatiON?

For noW, I came along because you told me to follow yOU, howevER. We did promise to meet up with Wataru-niisAN, this isn’t the time to dawdLE.

Sora: HaHa~♪ Great-Shisho~, you say? Great-Shisho~ is right over there~.

Natsume: EH?

BuT, if Sora says he’s over theRE, that’s probably the truTH. Good griEF.

I’m not sure what to think of Wataru-niisAN, he told us to “please gather at the Theater Club room”, just to nullify the promise he himself maDE.

WeLL, in any caSE, let’s head to where Wataru-niisan IS.

Sora: HiHi~♪ Sora will lead the way! Shisho~, please follow Sora ♪

Location: In front of the Fountain

Wataru: Hmhm… I’ve understood the gist of it. I look forward to your follow-up report.

Sora: HuHu~♪ Sora will greet you energetically! Great-Shisho~, hello!

Wataru: My oh my, Sora-kun. You’re as dazzling as the sun again today~. If I keep looking at you I’ll go blind!

However, absorbing the sunlight is all I need in order to shine dazzlingly myself! Now then, come closer to me and share your heat with me...☆

Sora: HeHe~, should Sora hug you tightly? Squeeze~...☆

Wataru: Very well. In that case, I’ll return your hug! Let’s fill the world with love...♪

Natsume: Wataru-niisAN.

Wataru: Please don’t look at me with such cold eyes. You’ve made Nii-san very sad, sob sob.

Natsume: I think this every time I see IT, but your crying act is really impressiVE. By deceiving yourseLF, you put yourself into a state where you can shed tears naturalLY.

To sum it UP, you completely turn into the role you’re playiNG. Anyone who doesn’t know Wataru-niisan would surely be deceived at just a glimpSE.

Wataru: It's the human emotions. A human’s expressions are varied, you see~. I just wear the mask that’s suitable for the scene.

The tricks I have up my sleeve are merely akin to a number of worldly desires.

In any case, I thought I told you two to gather in the Theater Club room?

Natsume: YeAH. Sora noticed Wataru-niisan on our way there and changed our destinatiON. What about yOU, Wataru-niisAN, what were you doing in this plaCE?

Wataru: Aah. I was receiving my regular report from my pigeons.

Sora: HoHo~, pigeons? Are they your familiars? Sora can’t really use a lot of magic yet~, so Sora doesn’t have any familiars!

But, if Sora becomes a worthy magician, will he get familiars like Great-Shisho~ has them, too?

Wataru: If that’s what you wish for, it’ll be granted through hard work. Incidentally, what sort of familiar would you like to have?

Sora: Great-Shisho~, can Sora ask for anything? In that case, Sora wants the pigeon that flew away earlier!

Wataru: Oh my, that pigeon is rather difficult to deal with~. Because that one already has a sweetheart, you see.

I’m the only one besides their lover they’re willing to do as they’re told by.

I can’t give you that one, but if you’d like, I could teach Sora-kun magic tricks involving pigeons.

The magic show takes place on an underground stage, it's not well-suited for large-scale events like that, you see.

First, I’ll have you get used to the pigeons I properly trained before we put those tricks into practice.

And there’s a number of other magic tricks I’d like for you to learn…

How about I first instruct you in how to do simple coin magic.

Now then, let me show you a petit magic show full of tricks and secret mechanisms! If you can’t see through the tricks, please applaud lavishly.

The audience consists of only two people, but that’s no problem! Please express your astonishment with your whole body, because it’ll become the source of my encouragement...☆

Location: Game Research Club Room

Sora: HaHa~, HiHi~, HuHu~, HeHe~, HoHo~...♪

Shisho~, hello! When you enter the clubroom, you greet everyone inside first ☆

Natsume: ~.....♪

Sora: Shisho~? You’re humming, are you in a good mood?

Ah, you’re doing experiments again~. What kind of experiment are you doing? Please explain it to Sora ♪

Natsume: AaH, SoRA. I was just killing time by making some birdliME*.

Sora: Birdlime? Is that some kind of mochi?

Natsume: It’s not mocHI. It’s a substance used to capture prEY… I was interested in how it’s maDE, so just like thIS, I’m trying it oUT.

YuP, this birdlime is completED ♪

Sora: HaHa~, is this daifuku*2? Shisho~, you lied again?

Natsume: I wasn’t lyiNG. While it may look just like a daifuKU, when you touch it you’ll see that it’s amazingly sticKY.

Don’t accidentally put it in your mouTH, SoRA.

I’ve prepared some actual sweets as weLL. HeRE, eat UP ♪

Sora: HiHi~, Sora loves sweet things! Thank you very much! Munch, munch ♪

Shisho~, now that your experiments are over, let’s play some games ♪ Sora wants to play this one~.

Natsume: HmmM. Is that the game you played with the little kitten befoRE?

Sora: HuHu~♪ That it is! Shisho~, take this controller! Sora is also fully prepared ♪

Nh~, nnh? Sora hears footsteps! They’re not Senpai’s color~.

Ah. But, it’s a color Sora has seen before! It’s probably Great-Shisho~♪

Wataru: Hello! It’s your, no, everyone’s Hibiki Wataru...☆

Natsume: How rare of Wataru-niisan to show his face in the Game ClUB. You’re not going to tell me you’ve come to play gamES, rigHT?

Wataru: Well now, we’ll see about that.

...Is what I’d say, but I don’t want to mar Natsume-kun’s good mood with my words of confusion. I’ll get straight to the point.

Actually, I wanted to ask you if you’d like to appear in a magic show.

The one I want to ask to be my partner is Natsume-kun, and so I’ve come to pay a visit.

The show I’m planning this time is going to be rather large-scale. Well, if it comes down to it, I’d be able to pull it off by myself, though.

That is, in the worst case. I’d like to overcome any obstacles.

Sora: HeHe~, a magic show? What kind of show is that?

Wataru: Are you interested? You’re interested, aren’t you? A magic show is the highest form of entertainment, where you grant dreams to hundreds of people...☆

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Allow me to demonstrate a simple magic trick*3 ☆

Now then, have this rose as a gift! And this cosmos, and this tulip, too! As well as this sunflower, have all kinds of flowers...☆

Sora: HoHo~♪ Amazing, amazing, there’s so many flowers! All these beautiful colors are spilling out ♪

Natsume: SoRA? AhaHA, that makes your eyes sparkLE, doesn’t IT. Have you become captivated by Wataru-niisan’s magic tricKS?

Sora: Yes! Great-Shisho~’s magic tricks are amazing!

They’re just like magic~, no, they are magic!

Wataru: I’m sad to say they’re not real magic. There’s tricks and hidden mechanisms to it.

And yet it offers the people who want to believe in magic an “astonishment just like magic”. And that’s what a magic show is ♪

Sora: Nh~, Sora doesn’t really get it~.

But, there’s one thing Sora did understand!

Great-Shisho~. Sora wants you to teach him magic tricks~.

Sora wants to be able to do magic tricks like Great-Shisho~, and make the audience feel the same things Sora just felt!

Wataru: Hrm~m. I’m not particularly fond of teaching people things, though.

Sora: Uu~, is that a no?

A magic show is the highest form of entertainment, where you grant dreams to hundreds of people, that’s what Great-Shisho~ said!

Sora wants to grant dreams, too! Just like Great-Shisho~, Sora wants to master the magic that makes people happy~.

It’s Abra Kadabra, right? That’s the magic spell that Shisho~ chanted before!

Wataru: Aah. Indeed, I also use that during my sleight of hand performances. Abra ● Kadabra, Chichinpuipui~♪

Sora: HaHa~♪ Great-Shisho~’s hair is twisting and turning~. May Sora touch it?

Wataru: Go ahead ♪ If you’d like, I could increase the number of my arms, too? Look, one, and two, and three~...☆

I’ll grow infinite arms like the thousand-armed Avalokiteśvara*4, fuhahahahaha...☆

Sora: HiHi~♪ It’s almost like the color Switch paints~. As expected of Shisho~’s Shisho~, Great-Shisho~!

Natsume: HeY, Wataru-niisAN. If it’s a partner for your magic show you waNT, why not take SoRA.

Sora himself seems eager to do IT, so pleaSE, I’d like to ask you on his behaLF.

Wataru: Hrm~m. I’m weak to Natsume-kun when he says “please” with upturned eyes like that.

Well, I was the one who came here to request help in the first place… As long as it’s within the limits of this one job, I don’t mind teaching him.

Sora: HuHu~, thank you very much!

Sora will do his best with all his might...!

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* Birdlime or bird lime is an adhesive substance used in trapping birds. It is spread on a branch or twig, upon which a bird may land and be caught. Its use is illegal in many jurisdictions. (Wikipedia).

Birdlime in Japanese is “torimochi”, which makes Sora think Natsume is making mochi (rice cakes).

*2 Daifuku mochi are filled mochi, usually with red bean paste inside.

*3 In this story (as well as others) there’s a clear difference between the magic Switch is known for (mahou) and the magic tricks Wataru uses (majikku). Whilst translating majikku as magic would be straightforward, I’m going to avoid confusion by translating it as “magic tricks” to separate it from “real” magic.

*4 Called “Kannon” in Japan, he’s referring to a bodhisattva of compassion.