Hibari
This is a story about an acquaintance's troupe-there was an actor with exceptional acting ability at a certain small troupe.

Hibari
Because of that talent, everyone around her expected that she would surely become a Dai Star.

Hibari
She herself worked hard to meet those expectations, but...even before that, the troupe's directors started creating stages just for her.

Hibari
Stages where only she, the Dai Star candidate, could shine, stages where she would appear more attractive than anyone else.

Hibari
...Not knowing that their actions would result in clouding and bringing down to earth the brilliance of that precious star.

Hikari
What do you mean by that...?

Hibari
The directors' policy of trying to push her up to Dai Star ended up earning the resentment of the other troupe members.

Hibari
As should be expected, the entire troupe's motivation dropped, resulting in a decline in the quality of their stages.

Hibari
In the end, even she, whose talent had been recognised, couldn't achieve the result of becoming a Dai Star...

Hibari
Unable to bear the voices of disappointment from those around her, she finally...gave up on the path of an actor.

Hikari
That's so...for someone with talent to give up...that's too sad...if she had continued, there surely would have been many stages where she could shine.

Hibari
That's right. But...a stage cannot be made alone.

Hibari
No matter how excellent the actor. Yet sometimes, that is forgotten.

Hibari
If only someone had been by her side back then, probably even now-I find myself thinking such things. Even though it's too late to think anything now.

Hikari
A stage...cannot be made alone...

Hibari
...Oh my, I got a bit too caught up in talking. Sorry for going on so long.

Hikari
Ah...um, I was happy to talk with you today! Thank you so much...!

Hibari
No, thank you. I pray that the light of you stars at Gingaza will continue to shine unchanged.

Hikari
...! Yes!

Direction Chief
...For the above reasons, the program to be performed during Horoscope Season has been decided as "Benkei on the Bridge".

Former Troupe Member A
I see. You're trying to catch the World Theatre League's eye with a traditional program.

Former Troupe Member B
I hear you were chosen for the lead role of Benkei? -Senju Koyomi.

Former Troupe Member C
Will it be okay this time? We can't have the brilliance stolen by other stars like with "Macbeth".

Koyomi
Yes. I understand. I will show acting that does not shame my position leading the traditional Gingaza.

Former Troupe Member A
That should be a given. You understand what's being demanded of the next performance, don't you?

Koyomi
For producing a new Dai Star, there will be no problem as long as we can show Gingaza's accumulated knowledge of stages and our venerable acting.

Direction Chief
Senju's talent far surpasses other actors. The World Theatre League people aren't foolish enough to overlook this.

Former Troupe Member C
Bold words.

Former Troupe Member A
It's easy to say with your mouth. If you want to boast, prove it. ...With results.

Former Troupe Member B
Only those with clouded eyes can be fooled by superficial tricks. Like the Saint-Claud Guide's critics.

Former Troupe Member C
Lately, it seems you've been quite disrupted by rebels who came from overseas, but will it really be okay?

Koyomi
...There's no need to worry. Following our many predecessors, I will show you a Benkei befitting Gingaza.

Former Troupe Member A
-That's all for today. Tomorrow we'll talk again about those rebels.

Direction Chief
Yes, understood.

Koyomi
Understood. Then if you'll excuse me.

Koyomi
......

Direction Chief
You must be tired, Senju. I'm sorry for making you shoulder so much hardship alone.

Koyomi
No...I don't mind. I understand it as necessary for my position leading Gingaza.

Direction Chief
I'm sure you've already heard, but...several troupe members have been dismissed from Gingaza. But we mustn't waver here. Think of this as the time to stand firm.

Koyomi
Yes...I understand.

Koyomi
(I have no major objections to what the teachers and senior members say, but...calling the workshop participants and Ramona-san "rebels"...!)

Koyomi
(Cutting off rebellious elements...this is Gingaza's way. If ability doesn't match up, it can't be helped, but this is...)

Koyomi
(...No, even so, I must not stop moving forward. Creating a stage that satisfies everyone-that's the best I can do right now.)