【さよならカイト】芹沢 あさひ パラコレ [Farewell Kite] Serizawa Asahi

遠く、 遠くから - Far, Far Away

At a river in Japan, Asahi observes a kite flying in the breeze. As she looks up to the sky, a gust of wind blows through the air.

Years Later, Producer finds himself waiting at the airport.
Abruptly, Asahi decided to leave Japan and go overseas, and is finally returning home after two years. To him though, it felt much longer than that, and he honestly didn't know if she'd ever come back. It was all so spur of the moment and ill-prepared, she decidedly dropped out of high school and departed. She had finally contacted him since she left to let him know she's coming back in a week, however she never told him the flight number. So Producer is left wondering when she'll land. She never asked him to pick her up in the first place, but he felt that he wanted to be the first one to welcome her back. He notices a new group of arrivals begin trickling in from the gate. Among the crowd, he thinks he see's Asahi and calls out.
Animation Plays

Asahi embraces Producer. She comments that he hasn't changed at all, while conversely he responds that Asahi has changed drastically.
She's grown a lot in the two years, and he almost hesitated to call out unsure if it was her or not. She mentions she got injured at one point and suddenly had a growth spurt while resting. Asahi starts steering the topic elsewhere, before Producer interjects, predicting that she wants to eat a bunch of Japanese food. Asahi is surprised he knew, although Producer reasons it's what everyone that's been gone from Japan for so long wants to do. He figures it would be a good setting to hear about her trip, ask questions, and discuss some decisions for her to make. Asahi questions what he means by decisions to make. Producer figures she needs to figure out her living situation and should probably not rent on a weekly basis for too long. Asahi figures it's important but not something to sweat over it, and pushes to get going.

As they're leaving, Producer asks if she's able to live independently. She feels like she's able to, after all, she was managing all by herself overseas. Producer supposes he can't argue against that. Asahi feels a shift in Producer's face, asking if she said something weird. He explains that it's nothing serious, just that he was thinking that Asahi was truly putting up a fight in a far, far away place in the sky.

空中旋回 - Mid-Air Pivot

Asahi is in a recording booth doing some test recording for a new song. She comments that the song is nice; easy to sing yet fun. Producer is amazed by her singing ability, repeatedly complimenting how amazing it all was. Asahi laughs, pointing out that all he keeps saying is "sugoi." He apologizes, saying what he thought was just going to be a test turned out to be beyond expectations. Not only has her dancing improved, but her singing as well. She must have really worked hard at the study abroad program. Asahi asks if they're going to proceed with the new song as it is, but Producer thinks they should take their time with it for now since nothing's been set in stone.

Later, the two are at a cafe near the beach as Producer is updating Asahi on the latest developments in the Idol scene. He shows her a new popular group that's been on the rise. Asahi comments that she doesn't recognize anyone anymore, that the world changes very fast.
P="Just to confirm...You're really okay with returning to show business again?"
Asahi nods
A="There's nothing else I can do."
P="Nothing else...well that said, it's not something many can say they can do."
P="Let's search for a suitable activity for the Asahi of now. We don't have to stick to being an 'Idol.'"
A="An Idol...huh"

Producer browses some more and shows Asahi another Idol unit. She catches a headline that refers to that unit as "A Rehash of Straylight." Producer asks what she thinks of it, to which she answers that they don't seem similar at all, and that she feels like the unit probably doesn't want to be compared like that.

P="....Straylight was the best after all."
P="Even now, those videos are still racking up views. I still get request for rights to use Straylight's music."
Asahi seemingly changes the subject.
A="....Going overseas was a fun experience for me. Even for me, I was surprised how carefree it was over there."
A="....But, I've returned back. Here."
A="I wonder why, Straylight's not even around anymore."
P="...."

A gusty breeze sweeps through, and something soaring in the sky catches Asahi's attention. While Producer guess it's a bird or a plane, Asahi believes it's probably a kite being flown by someone. Producer asks if she wants to check it out, and while Asahi admits she does, she reasons that since they've still got their drinks and haven't finished talking yet, they can do it after. Producer agrees.

Out on the sand of the beach, Producer and Asahi walk about, but can't find the kite nor its owner. She wonders if she really even saw a kite in the first place.

Asahi questions if it's alright to, Producer's suit could get covered in sand. Producer reasons that if it's something that Asahi would enjoy, then it's the least of his worries.
A="Fufu...You really haven't changed one bit Producer-san."
A="...Since we don't have a kite, how about we shout."
A="Enough to reach across the ocean..."
Asahi shouts into the ocean as the waves crash onto the shore.
A="C'mon Producer, Do it with me."
P="...! Alright."

Together Asahi and Producer shout into the ocean, casting their voice to the vast blue horizon.

P="Maybe the kite will come back again...or what we thought looked like a kite..."
A="Here?"
P="Yeah, we could like build a base."
A="Ahaha, that sounds nice, a base."
A="This driftwood seems like good material."
P="We'll be able to fight against the sea monsters when they arrive."
A="You're gonna fight, Producer-san? Then, I've got these rock to use too..."
Something catches Asahi's eye
A="Ah, Producer-san, I've found a beautiful rock!"
P="Oooh, Nice one, Asahi. Always quick to find treasure."
A="Let's not throw this one away."

P="Then we'll certainly catch it next time."
A="...What about the leftover drink?"
P="Just gotta gulp it all down."
A="Ahaha, gotcha. Next time, let's do that."
P="We can always pick up our conversation on the way."
P="And if the kite flew out to sea, we'll just pursue it in a boat."
A="A boat. That sounds nice. Not a big one, a small one."
P="You won't get seasick?"
A="It's more fun to feel the sensation of the waves."
A="Will you follow me?"
P="Of course."

もう一度、 君に - Once more, to you

A staff is introducing Asahi to the background dancers for a performance she'll be participating in. After Asahi greets them, they all gush over Asahi. The staff explains they're all rookie Idols and most of them are big fans of Asahi. He corrects himself and states that all of them are. Asahi is surprised, even after a long hiatus, they're still fans. One of the trainees explain that Straylight is legendary after all. Especially Asahi. They're ecstatic that Asahi is making a comeback program upon her return. Asahi appreciates their support, vowing to do her best to be unmatched.

As they're commuting, Producer comments how cool Asahi was with all the backup dancers. Asahi felt that Producer worked really hard what with the new song and special program, and having to make all sorts of arrangements. Producer reassures her that while it's been tough at times, it's been mostly smooth. Since everyone was so excited about Asahi's comeback, everything fell into place smoothly. Asahi silently soaks in what Producer said, but not long before something outside the car catches her attention. Something is happening around the river and Producer pulls over.

As they make their way to the river, Asahi can discern that it's a flock of kites being flown by some adults. But she's astonished by how they're able to move the kites. Producer surmises that they look to be a serious group, and feels a bit uneasy asking them if they can try it. Asahi is determined to ask though, and Producer agrees, not wanting to have any regrets like last time. They make their way towards the river.

Asahi returns with a kite in hand, having successfully requested if she could try it out. She discovered that they're a college circle that flies kites as a hobby. Producer notices they're all looking over to them, supposing they know who she is. Asahi confirms that while she surprised them, it was because of who she is that they probably let her borrow it. She calls out to them:
A="Yaho! Thanks! I'll do my best to fly!"
The college students are amused by her antics.
Asahi is primed and ready to finally fly the kite, running down the riverbank with the kite in tow. But after a sprint, the kite barely lifts at all and falls to the ground. Asahi tries once again.

Sometime later, Asahi is annoyed, wondering how Producer is able to fly it so well and she couldn't. He believes there just so happened to be a decent breeze when he was able to fly it. Producer hands her the handle so she can try. After grabbing the handle, a gust of wind rushes through, pulling the kite away from Asahi. She's able to recover the kite, as the bystanders applaud her save. It appears she still has an audience.

A="....You know, they told me they want to see Straylight again. "
A="Everyone I've met, say they want to see Straylight."
A="Does Producer-san also?"
After a brief pause, Producer admits he does.
A="I see."

P="...Alright, how about next you try holding a kite in each hand."
A="...Eh, you're asking for too much."
P="You have to try everything."

Asahi thinks about it for a bit, then with a determined look, runs down the bank with a kite in each hand. The kites soar into the sky.
A="A...Ahaha, Wow, it's working!"
P="Nice. You got it!"
After a bit, a wind blows in and the kites succumb to gravity.
P="Aw, it fell...! But, that was pretty good huh? I'll fetch them."
Asahi looks up through the trees to the sky, seemingly coming to an epiphany.
P="You want to try that again?"
A="Somehow, just now....I got this feeling that 'I've returned.'"
A="I've really returned, huh.'"
P="....Yeah, Welcome back, Asahi."
A="Maybe I'll try out college, seems kinda fun.'"
P="Haha, that's also a good idea. Since it's Asahi...I'm sure your wings can take you anywhere."
P="...If I can, I would be glad to help."
A="...You should take this handle, Producer.'"
A="That way, it can fly more freely.'"

Omake

Asahi / A letter from an idol [IDOLM@STER SHINY COLORS]