| Izumi | Now then, without further ado, I’ll have you two do a simple task! |
| After a short self-introduction, please use this smartphone to do a one-man act. |
| First off—— Let’s start with the former sleeping partner, if you’d please! |
| Azuma | Fufu. “Former sleeping partner”? I’m Yukishiro Azuma. Self-introductions are difficult. |
| I don’t have any experience in theatre at all, but I’ve met all sorts of people in my job, so I may be skilled at observing people. |
| Izumi | I see. It’s a useful advantage when it comes to acting. Then, please proceed with the task. |
| Azuma | Hmm, a one-man act using a phone... |
| ... |
| “...Hello? It’s me.” |
| Izumi | (So he chose to do a phone call. It’s a traditional way to tackle the task, plus it’s the easiest to do.) |
| Azuma | “You haven’t been in touch recently, so I was just wondering how you’re doing.” |
| “Yeah... Yeah, you’re right.” |
| “It’s okay... I’m doing fine.” |
| “Yeah... Okay, got it... I’ll talk to you later then.” |
| I wonder if that was okay? |
| Izumi | Yes! Thank you very much. |
| (He may be inexperienced, but he seems to have a good grasp on acting.) |
| (Moreover, he has a unique feel to him. Creating a new worldview just by standing on stage is a valuable talent.) |
| (We don’t have an actor of his type yet. I’m expecting great things from him...!) |
| Can the next one step up, please? |
| Quiet Young Man | ...Okay. |
| Tsumugi | ...I’m Tsukioka Tsumugi. I’m looking forward to working with you. |
| Izumi | (Even his self-introduction is quiet...) |
| Tsumugi | ... |
| ... |
| Izumi | (Hm? He’s just staring at his phone...) |
| Juza | Oi, what’s wrong? |
| Banri | Isn’t the task just difficult? |
| Sakyo | ...Be quiet. |
| Tsumugi | ...*sigh* |
| Izumi | (It’s not that. He’s checking the time on his phone. Then, he surveys his surroundings...) |
| —— |
| (I see. He’s meeting up with someone...!) |
| Tsumugi | ... |
| Izumi | (He sends a message on his phone...) |
| Tsumugi | ...Huh? |
| —— |
| Izumi | (He gets informed of something that happened. Then he starts to run off with a shaken expression...) |
| Tsumugi | ...That is all. |
| Taichi | ——Amazing! |
| Omi | I was wondering what he was doing at first, but it turns out he was meeting up with someone. |
| Banri | He could express that much without saying any lines. |
| Juza | He’s good... |
| Izumi | (What an incredible asset...! He has the basics down perfectly, and his subtle acting is perfect. He’s at a level where he can stand on stage anytime.) |
| Sakyo | ...Treat him as a novice? Yeah, right. |
| Izumi | (Right. He can do that much, and yet he seems to lack confidence. I wonder why.) |
| (Is that just his personality? Or maybe there’s a reason why...) |
| |
| Azuma | When will we know the results? |
| Izumi | Oh, you both pass! |
| Tsumugi | Huh? |
| Azuma | Oh? You’re very quick to decide. |
| Banri | Congrats! |
| Juza | ‘Grats. |
| Taichi | Looking forward to working with you! |
| Omi | I look forward to working with you. |
| Izumi | From here on out, let’s work hard together as members of MANKAI Company! |
| Tsumugi | ...Yes. |
| Azuma | Looking forward to working with you too. |
| Izumi | (We’ve assembled different kinds of actors so far. I’m excited to see how the Winter Troupe performance will turn out!) |
| Sakyo | ...So, we’ve got two so far. What are you gonna do about the other three? |
| Izumi | Huh!? |
| U-uhhh... Let’s wait a little longer! |
| |
| Izumi | ... |
| ...... |
| (N-no one’s coming...) |
| Juza | No one’s coming. |
| Banri | What happened to our popularity. |
| Omi | Hmm, I thought we’d gather around five people quickly, but it’s pretty difficult. |
| Taichi | We handed out so many flyers too! It’s just weird! |
| Sakyo | Well, I guess that’s just how it is. |
| Izumi | (W-what should I do? At this rate the Winter Troupe is only going to be two people...!?) |
| Sakyo | Why don’t you try gathering people the same way you did for Spring Troupe? |
| Izumi | Ah!! That’s right! |
| Banri | The same way you did for Spring Troupe? |
| Izumi | I approached the people who became interested after watching us do street acts. |
| Banri | Ohh, that sounds good. |
| Izumi | I’m sorry for asking this of you so suddenly, but can you lend us a hand, Tsumugi-san, Azuma-san? |
| Tsumugi | Eh... Sure, if I can be of use... |
| Azuma | I’ve never done it before, if that’s fine with you. |
| Banri | All right, let’s go. |
| Juza | Yeah. |
| Taichi | Let’s go fishing! |
| Izumi | Everyone else is coming too? |
| Omi | Of course. |
| Sakyo | Come on, let’s go. |
| Izumi | Yes! |