Chapter 4

Thank me, is it? As I already said before, this old man should really just act his age.

I merely got a little sentimental before graduation, and I wanted to leave something behind for you two.

If I could help you nourish even a little sprout of joy within you…

Then I’m sure it will have been worth all this commotion so unbefitting of my years. However, there is nothing more I can do.

Everything after this is your cross to bear. After all, old soldiers never die—they just fade away.¹

My beloved children… Grow up to be big and strong, so that you may overcome any hardship you face.

You are the most exceptional children. Please find some way to be happy.

Got it. We’ll talk things out, and with the help of everyone around us…

Someday, I’m sure we’ll be able to raise our heads high and say we’re happy.

Ahaha, but we’ll probably fight a whole bunch, too. But even if we hurt each other, even if we bleed out, we can always give each other our own blood.

We’ll follow our undead senpais’ examples and live healthy and strong.

No matter how stormy things get between us, we’ll always make amends based on what we learned from you Sakuma brothers.

Yes, learn from us and be all lovey-dovey with each other ♪

You know, I have a lot I wanna say about that…

But Anija, are you actually planning on graduating this year? Thank god~ If you got held back again, we’d be in the same grade.

So you’re also going into the next grade—Good, good.

As a senior, you’ll be able to support your underclassmen; I’m sure you won’t be able to let them be, just as you did today.

Pour your kindness and love onto them like rain after a storm, and make an endless garden of flowers bloom within this Yumenosaki Academy ♪

I’ve got Anzu and Maa~kun and them, right? Well, I’ll do my best to do my best.

But anyway, the intro of the song has already started playing. Is this one of 2wink’s?

I don’t know it very well, so I’ll just dance to the tune as well as I can, okay?

Yes, the star of this show is 2wink. We’re only here to help liven things up without getting too much in the way.

Switch will take the stage soon enough, and by then it will be a tight squeeze.

The demons will be chased away—Such is the custom on Setsubun. But we have been invited up by these dear children, so no matter how many beans or even stones are cast upon us, we will stay here.

Let us become a shield to protect them, a flower to honor their new journey, a beacon to guide them to their futures.

That will be my joy, the happiness which has been in my heart from the moment I was born.

I’m so happy, Ritsu. Even in this world of daylight, there are so many rare, precious treasures ♪

Out with the demons, in with the fortune~… ♪

Out with the demons, in with the fortune. I guess it really was worth getting up early, huh.

I expected to feel a lot worse than I do. …I wonder, can you exorcize the demons in your heart, Yuuta-kun?

Ahaha, I’ll have to get back to you on that one. But look at Aniki—He’s got such a nice smile, doesn’t he?

And he’s my mirror, so that means I must be wearing that same happy smile ♪

“♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪”

“♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪”

“Out with the demons, in with the fortune~ ♪ Hey everyone, welcome to Setsubun Festival!”

“We’re the two-in-one twin idols, 2wink!”

“Whether you know us or not, make sure you keep us in mind!”

“We’re gonna be famous one day, so be happy that you got to know us before anyone else!”

“Please give us your support for many years to come! And come back and see us sometime!”

“Twins are a good omen—have been since ancient times! Anyone who watches us is sure to be happy. So we hope you’ll enjoy our show~ ♪”

“Out with the demons, in with the fortune~… ♪”