Chapter 11
The place we had come to was overflowing with light. It was awash in paper lanterns, hanging lanterns, flickering lights like a bonfire…
‘Twas akin to a scene from a dream. For a while I was struck with awe. I could only walk amidst the light, led by the hands of my parents.
Fufu. Before I was aware of it, my tears had receded.
E’en after I had return’d home, after I had nestl’d within my futon, I could not forget such a sight… At that time, I truly thought my parents had taken me to a legendary paradise of yore.
Well, I know now that it was a festival held within the mountains, and my mother and father brought me there to lift my spirits.
But at that time, I was much too young to understand my parents’ intentions. Thus, having wholly regained my energy, I decided that I would return to my daily training once more.
Had I ne’er seen the which I mistook for paradise, mayhap I would not be where I am today.
‘Tis a memory which left a strong mark upon mine heart.
The spectacle which I saw so long ago still remains shining within me now.
So then, the light that never goes out is…?
Yea. Shino, thou didst say that when thou seest fireflies, thou thinkest of the past and become sadden’d.
Ev’ry person hath their own reason for their sadness or anxiety. Children commit cruel acts because they are ignorant.
Those fireflies which died will never come back to life. That must be the sorrowful “light” which shines within thine heart.
Thou shouldst hold fast to that light. Try not to extinguish it with other lights, but face it in earnest.
In that way, thou wilt atone for those fireflies which died within thine hands.
We must think of what we can do, and then do it with sincerity.
…Could it be to shine as an idol, maybe?
That is so. At Summer Night Festival, thou shalt become a light, one whose radiance shall shine down upon the audience.
Though it be a dream that lasts but one night, that radiance shall remain within the memories of the guests for all eternity. Just the same as the light which inadvertently saved me.
Fufu. Thou art incredible, Shino. Thou hast already found thine answer and knowest now just what to do.
No, no! Not even close. You’re the incredible one, Kanzaki-senpai.
…Kanzaki-senpai. Can I really become a light radiant enough to illuminate everyone?
As long as it is thou, then surely thou shalt. …That said, I know not thy true capabilities. But Hasumi-dono has deemed Nito-dono’s skill acceptable.
Thou art a member of Ra*bits, which Nito-dono leads. Should my conjecture serve me, I would say thou hast considerable skill.
Ahaha, that’d be nice. But I still have a long way to go.
However, even if the light of a single firefly is too weak, even if it’ll surely go out… If many fireflies gather together, their light will be strong and beautiful.
So on my own, my light is too weak, and it’ll eventually go out. But if everyone comes together, we’ll be able to shine spectacularly.
Yea. …Fufu, I am relieved that thou finally hast a smile on thy face.
Umm, I’m sorry for making you worry about me!
I think I made Nii~chan worry, too, so I’ll have to apologize to him later… Yaaawn~
Mm? Shino, art thou tired?
Oops, sorry! I stayed up all night working on these… But since I was so tense, I didn’t feel sleepy at all.
Now that I’m relaxed, it’s like a wave of drowsiness just washed over me. Uu, I’ll go to the bathroom and wash my face!
Nay, when one is plagued by drowsiness, ‘tis best they succumb to sleep.
There is some time yet before the others arrive. I shall rouse you when they have all gather’d, so thou mayst sleep ‘til then.
Fufu, shall I sing you a lullaby to lull you to sleep? ~… ♪
Wha—? …Uuu, I can’t fight it. I’m getting really sleepy …?
Nnn… Kanzaki-senpai, thank you… I really… respect you…
Zzz, zzz… ♪
(Good, his breath hath even’d out. Sweet dreams, Shino…)
Excuse m… Huh?
Hajime-chin and Souma-chin? You guys’re already here? Actually, what’s Hajime-chin doing asleep?
Yes, well. He was want for sleep for one reason or another, and so I bade him rest.
Oh, okay. I was worried ‘cause it looked like Hajime-chin was overworking himself. But he looks so peaceful now that he’s asleep~ ♪ Maybe it’s because you were with him, Souma-chin.
Mm? I cannot think the same, for I believe Shino doth still fear me.
Nah, it was never you. It was your sword.
Hm, if we start practice, we might wake up Hajime-chin. What should we do?
If that is thy concern, then these lanterns are not yet finished—shall we work on them together?
Huh—Sure? It’d be a waste if we didn’t, so let’s get to work.
Yea. If we both contribute, we will finish the work quickly. Let us work hard, Nito-dono. Heigh-ho ♪