Edo's Live Music Clubs Close Down
Apparently, every club in Edo playing anything other
than Heaven's Song has been shut down.
Shoin-sensei's concerns have become reality.
The same proclamation may be made here in Kyoto, as well.
Sheesh. If we don't find Shoin-sensei soon,
the world will fall deeper into crisis.
Sensei, Cindy! It's an emergency!
Otose-yan made these goods for us! Aren't they amazing?
Since you performed at Ikedayan,
I thought you might need something like this.
But I haven't been able to sell any of them.
Instead of making money, I've lost a lot.
Here. It's an IOU.
Wait! Now we're in debt?
Of course you are.
Who's going to use these besides you?
The world's gone green!
I can't just throw them away!
We get it.
Let's work our butts off and pay off our debt!
Why are you accepting this?
She's even more high-handed than the government.
You could say this world is in crisis, too.
Ryo-san, if you're looking for work, I've got the perfect job.
Now Hiring Concert Stagehands
"Now hiring stagehands for a concert"?
This looks interesting!
Yataro, thanks!
Passion! Let's Work!
Shinsengumi Concert Rear Entrance
Why do we have to go with you?
And it's a Shinsengumi concert? You can't be serious! Ow!
Shinsengumi Concert Rear Entrance
You already put on your staff t-shirt. What are you complaining about now?
You just never give up, Shinsaku.
Katsura-san! But...
I told you.
Know your enemy and yourself, and he'll never give you any trouble.
This is a good opportunity to learn more about your enemy,
and you'll get paid.
It's two birds with one stone.
Let's do our best.
That's right!
Sensei's words are a little too difficult for me to understand,
but I'm sure he's right!
And as usual, you're all talk.
Don't worry about the small stuff!
Let's work at this Shinsengumi concert!
Continent of Passion
Shinsengumi Captain
Kondo Isami
Government Heaven's Song Promotional Public Relations Bureau
This broadcast is brought to you by the federal Heaven's Song
Promotional Public Relations Bureau.
Continent of Passion
Serenity
The center of performing arts, Kyoto.
In this city is a man trying to spread top idols throughout the nation.
Shinsengumi captain, Kondo Isami.
Notice In order to prevent sound leakage, do not open or close this door during performances.
Fans went crazy over the concerts he directed.
Over time, they introduced the world to idols.
How does he feel about his Shinsengumi members being known as top idols?
This is what he told us:
Shinsengumi Captain Kondo Isami
I love it. I believe I am their greatest fan.
Raised in Hino as the successor to the Tennen Rishin-ryu
martial arts style, he worked for the government.
However, his unique physical and musical capabilities
caught Chief Minister Ii Naosuke's eye,
and he debuted as the leader of the dance performance group, "Mibugumi."
Later, as the popularity of Mibugumi grew, so did their numbers.
They would rapidly develop into the greatest,
government-sponsored idol group, "Shinsengumi."
He continued singing as Isami, the group's first captain.
Huh. That old man used to sing himself.
I don't like him, but he was apparently pretty good.
He's even known as the legendary transcendent baritone Isami.
The transcendent baritone Isami? Pretty cool.
Continent of Passion
Regrettably, Kondo retired from performing last year,
but his zeal supports the Shinsengumi.
Continent of Passion
The day of a Shinsengumi member starts early.
They get up at 6:00 a.m. and do morning exercises.
At 7:00 a.m., they have breakfast.
At 9:00 a.m., they do voice training.
Their dance lessons begin at 10:00 a.m..
From swordplay to dancing to practicing instruments,
the content of their training changes from day to day.
In the afternoon, they are assigned various tasks, such as concerts,
handshake and signing events, and patrolling the city.
Their free time begins at 5:00 p.m., and they are dismissed at 10:00 p.m..
It may be called free time, but naturally,
many members practice on their own.
That's impressive. The Shinsengumi live serious and well-regulated lives.
Even I...
...don't live like that. You got a problem with that?
Continent of Passion
Supporting them behind the scenes, sometimes harshly, and
sometimes kindly, is Kondo.
He doesn't forget to visit live music clubs
to assess the wave of the future when he gets the chance.
The Shinsengumi doesn't even have a moment to rest.
That's why the Shinsengumi captain went out of his way to see our concert.
Yeah! We're the wave of the future!
Okita Soji Shinsengumi Hijikata Toshizo
You idiot! Why are you happy about that?
Assessing the wave of the future means controlling it!
Sincerity
That's not how it looked to me.
Hey, you! Over here!
Yes, sir!
Okita Towels, etc.
What is this? Do Shinsengumi goods really sell this well?
There's so much of it.
There's a ton.
Okita for Life
Though they're not that different from ours.
They've got a different one for each soldier.
Too slow! Once more!
Yes, sir!
That's it. Don't forget that tempo.
Yes, sir!
Very good. Practice that section ten more times and prepare for the event.
Yes, sir!
Ten more times? They sure practice hard...
It's impressive they're still practicing right up to the event.
Making up for what I lack and keeping up appearances
Yeah. I'm surprised by how professional they are...
Showing my true self
Those who bear sincerity, those who pray to sincerity
Sincerity is always by your side
Hey, why are you slacking off?
Yes, sir!
The doors will open shortly!
We're 15 minutes out! Everyone go through one final check!
Don't run!
Get to work! Make them line up!
Line up, everyone.
Don't run.
I want a Soji-kun t-shirt!
The rear window's empty.
Me, too!
Give me a Hijikata-san towel!
Don't leave space in front of you.
Once you're finished shopping, please move to the exit.
Don't wait for your friends here.
We're sold out of Okita Soji goods!
You mean for today, right?
Who knows?
SMACK!
Excuse me. Yes, for today.
We still have other goods, so please get in line.
Staff
Sensei's good at handling girls, too.
Sold Out
There were so many. The Shinsengumi's popularity is no joke.
We came all the way here, and you're sold out?
I'm sorry. We'll get more in tomorrow.
But we came all the way from Nagasaki!
The Shinsengumi's popularity is no joke.
In that case...
We can't come back tomorrow!
Why don't you buy our goods?
They're great for absorbing sweat and tears.
Sakamoto Ryoma
Don't be ridiculous!
Huh? There's a film crew following Kondo-san over there!
Where?
That was close.
Today's concert is our first thanksgiving festival for our fans in a year.
Go put the gratitude you normally feel into your songs
and sing without regrets.
Yes, sir!
We're counting on you, men!
Yes, sir!
Sorry, but could you stop rolling?
Did something happen?
I received a note from Ii-sama.
About what happened at Ikedayan the other day?
No. He suggests that in order to strategically push the Shinsengumi,
perhaps Soji should pretend to be afflicted
with an illness affecting his chest.
I'm sure he says people like sickly characters, right?
I believe the Shinsengumi's songs resonate in the hearts of the
people without resorting to tricks, but...
Very well. I will accept this responsibility.
Kondo-san, I don't know how to react...
Fine. I'll do it.
Are you sure, Soji?
If it'll satisfy him, why not?
I can easily do this for you.
But I'll start tomorrow. It'd be difficult to work it in now.
Fine. Let's do that.
I'm so excited.
Everyone's doing the same movements again.
According to Kyokuchu Hatto regulations,
the fan club has fixed methods of cheering.
I like it. They're like robots.
Those guys look important.
Their topknots will get in the way.
Why don't we have them move to the rear?
I didn't think they were actually popular with all generations,
but it seems to be true.
M-A-K-O-T-O! Makoto!
They say if you see them once, you'll want to see them again.
M-A-K-O-T-O! Makoto!
Don't cheer with them! Do your job!
They're making their fans wait quite a while.
M-A-K-O-T-O! Makoto!
Did something happen?
I wanna see them soon!
I can't wait anymore!
Please hurry!
Cindy, Sensei, let's rock!
What?
Right now?
Yeah! All these people are waiting to hear some music!
It's a chance to make them hear our rock!
Let's go!
Hey, wait!
Again?
Thanks for waiting!
Who are you?
Get off the stage!
Soji-kun, hurry!
Go home! Go home! Go home!
That was an early punch line...
This was a good opportunity to strengthen my heart.
Thank you, Ryoma-kun.
Listen to our music!
Hijikata-san and Okita-san are coming.
Why did you get onstage?
Huh? You're Tosaka-kun from the Ikedayan concert, right?
Sochin and Hijizo-san! You remember!
But my name's not Tosaka. It's Sakamoto Ryo–
You idiot! Why are you identifying yourself?
We won't get paid!
We can't have that.
Did you come to interfere with our concert again?
Depending on your answer, I may not show you mercy today.
We don't need to hear their answer.
Let's cut them down right now, Hijikata-san.
Soji, you can't bring swords onstage.
Well, well.
What a pleasant surprise that you're helping out at one of our concerts.
Those staff t-shirts look good on you.
Excuse me.
Kondo-san...
My arms are always open to anyone who supports the Shinsengumi.
Right, Toshi?
We're always looking for new members.
I wouldn't mind if you joined us.
Thanks, old guy,
but I have my own music I want to play.
I've got the passionate rock of my—
That's enough.
Wait to make your decision
after you listen to today's entire Shinsengumi concert.
Huh?
The performance at Ikedayan was spur of the moment.
My men were troubled by it, but only Heaven's Song creates peace on earth.
Every member of the Shinsengumi believes this.
I believe it will reach your hearts, as well.
Right, Toshi?
Yes, sir.
Very well. We'll show you our best.
Right, Soji?
Yes, sir.
As you and Hijikata-san say.
Besides, I'm used to singing for worthless creatures.
Let's go, everyone! It's showtime!
Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six!
Five
Five! Four! Three! Two! One!
Four
Three
Two
One
Countdown to gratitude!
Sincerity
Do you believe in the flag of sincerity?
Soji-kun!
Gather around this flag!
Hijikata-sama!
If you want to hear our song, be quiet!
No! Don't be quiet!
Grow intoxicated on our song and dance!
Give your bodies and hearts to us!
This world is a sad and unclean place.
But the world we're aiming for is full of color.
It's blooming with flowers.
We'll show you to the heaven of music!
When I allow myself to be drawn into the darkness
I surprisingly don't feel the presence of fear
Making up for what I lack and keeping up appearances
Showing my true self
Those who bear sincerity, those who pray to sincerity
Sincerity is always by your side
The sound of rain falling on a world full of mistakes
With a noise sufficient to erase them
If we overturn this tumultuous situation, no one can interfere anymore
I want to hopelessly mess things up
Give me everything you are
I'll polish your rusted heart
Sing Heaven's song
We've got a one-minute interlude.
Yes, sir!
I'm going first, Hijikata-san.
Do you want me to cut you?
Kill us!
If you get in my way, I won't show mercy!
I'll kick you out of my way!
Those who bear sincerity, those who pray to sincerity
Kick us!
Sincerity is always by your side
The sound of rain falling on a world full of mistakes
With a noise sufficient to erase them
This is their best.
If we overturn this tumultuous situation, no one can interfere anymore
I can feel their best closing in on me.
I want to hopelessly mess things up
Yeah. I hate to admit it, but their sound is true.
Give me everything you are
There's nothing pandering about their sound.
I'll polish your rusted heart
Cindy, Sensei. I can feel passionate souls burning inside them!
Sing Heaven's song
I love them right now.
But aren't their smiles too brilliant?
You're right. They're shining with a million volts.
Encore! Encore! Encore!
Thank you, everyone! I had fun today!
Burn yourselves out with this song!
Over Mirage!
Continent of Passion
After the concert, Kondo had this to say:
Continent of Passion
I believe that Heaven's Song will bring peace and happiness to this world.
That's why I'll risk my life to bring it to the people.
I'll keep working with the Shinsengumi forever.
There was certainty in his eyes.
This man who was once worked tirelessly as a prodigal performer
has withdrawn from the front lines to work tirelessly as a producer.
As a man of expression, it's possible he has no goal.
One, two, three, four...
They were pretty generous.
You guys were great!
Sochin, Hijizo-san, I'll do my best, too!
Hey! The concert doesn't end until you get home.
Look sharp.
Yeah!
I told you to look sharp.
You thought the Shinsengumi were resting on their laurels as government idols,
but you're excited because they're such professionals. Right, Ryoma-kun?
Way to go, Sensei! You got it!
I feel the same way.
Shinsaku, don't you agree?
I...
Well, maybe guys who walk the path they believe in are the real thing.
That's it! Well said, Cindy!
Everyone's rocking!
All right! Let's get home and rock out!
Let's rock!
Bath Concert! Let's Get Passionate Naked!
The secret concert hall was a favorite spot of the Shinsengumi.
There we even discover Katsura-san's personal concerns.
Concerts are important, but so is Katsura-san.
Next episode, you're invited to a secret, men-only concert.
Bath Concert! Let's Get Passionate Naked!
You're welcome, if you've got the guts to come!