The storyboards for the final episode were rejected...
Did you tell the director?
Not yet.
We have to rewrite the scenario now?!
Are we going to be able to air in five weeks, then?
We will.
Can we make it?!
We'll make it work.
Should we ready a recap episode, just in case?
Please.
Yeah,
the original story hasn't been finished yet.
Aria took off, but the story has landed.
Director, your cell phone's been ringing.
Oh, it's fine. I'll call back later.
Oh, the director? He's here.
You know, I think the way you end things is really important.
Understood!
Fried chicken should also be eaten...
Oh, this one is a ginger and soy sauce flavor.
They put a lot of thought into this ginger.
When you think about that as you're savoring it,
you feel that this dish is complete...
Director, do you have a moment?
Huh?
What is it, all of a sudden?
A game.
Oh, like the blindfold game you play with geishas?
You can't take it off yet.
Okay!
Fresh Bar Tori
This could be my imagination, but are we outside?
It's your imagination.
Please have a seat.
Okay!
Putting on your harness.
Okay!
Destination: Musashino Animation. Take off!
Huh? Wh-What is this?!
Huh? Miyamori? Why?
We're going back to the office.
Huh?
We have the regular rush on episode ten.
You tricked me!
Table Flip Continued
Table Flip Continued.
Well, I know you want to meet him,
but he can't spare the time right now. Funny story.
Then I'll be heading up right now. I'm currently downstairs.
Pardon?
Chazawa-san, what do you mean, the storyboards are rejected?
Oh? Are you not familiar with the phrase "rejected"?
I am.
Then you shouldn't have to ask.
Chazawa-kun. What did Nogame-sensei say?
Man, was Sensei pissed.
"I won't accept this final episode.
Please redo the whole thing," is what he said.
Why now, after we've come this far?
It just means he finally had a chance to check the storyboards. Funny story.
Chazawa-san, you told us that we could proceed, did you not?
That there were no problems.
That was just my personal opinion.
I never said I received the OK from Sensei.
His opinion is a different matter.
Please! Is there any way we can proceed with what we have?
We've already finished the after-recording for the final episode.
If we have to redo everything now, the quality will definitely fall.
Even worse, we might not even make the air date.
Is that a threat?
We have consistently asked for confirmation on the plot, scenarios,
and storyboards on our end!
We are not in any way ignoring the creator's wishes while making this.
If possible, we'd like to talk to the creator directly.
Are you people trying to defy God?
In this world, the creator's words are everything.
Without Nogame-sensei, Aerial Girls would have never been born.
In short, Sensei is the Creator of the world in this series!
If God says no, that means no.
I'm sure you understand.
But if we must redo it, what are we supposed to redo?
Just "rejected" doesn't tell us anything.
Then I'll ask Nogame-sensei.
Musashino Animation
We have to redo the final episode now?!
We tried to persuade them...
But it was no use.
Um... Was it rejected in full?
We'll get direction from Nogame-sensei on what to fix.
Then we'll figure out if it's doable or not.
So the production...
We've got to stop everything on the final episode.
Who are you?
I am the creator.
And now for the last quiz question!
Which is the final episode?
Tick, tick, tick...
This one!
Wrong!
We're falling!
All right.
We'll do what we can for episode twelve.
But I wonder if we'll be okay...
Worrying will not change the situation.
Despite expecting the worst, let us carry on carefree.
It is absolutely not okay to have Aria fly again. As in the original story, please end it where Catherine dies. Nogame
"It is absolutely not okay to have Aria fly again.
As in the original story,
please end it where Catherine dies. Nogame."
So it's going to end
with the protagonist failing?
It's the ultimate bad ending.
That's why we wanted to make an original ending for the anime.
But he's saying that the original part of it is not okay.
It's not as if I don't understand how the creator feels,
but the people who got into the series because of the anime won't like this.
Thanks for your hard work. It must be rough.
Here, eat this.
Emoji rice balls?
We appreciate it.
Well, keep up the good work.
How's the director?
Um... Having Aria find a reason to fly
is what the director wanted to do with this series, right?
For the time being, we're going to have to write
an ending where Aria doesn't fly.
She used up the last of her strength to come back here...
To here...
She came back.
Yeah.
307th Aerial Squad, prepare for takeoff.
I repeat. 307th Aerial Squad, prepare for takeoff.
Let's go.
Yeah, let's go.
I can't.
I can't fly.
The End
What the hell is with this anticlimax?!
It's like an ATG film.
Oh, how'd it go?
Did you figure out what to do?
Yeah. We'll be going with what's in the original story.
What?! If I were the director, I wouldn't budge, no matter what.
I'd defend my decision to the end.
Even if it couldn't air?
We can't make something that doesn't have the creator's blessing.
What good would giving in do?
If both sides are left butting heads, nothing will get resolved.
Actually, this is the second time Nogame-sensei's work
has been turned into an anime, right?
Yeah. I believe it was a car racing series
called Sailor Suits and F3s.
Oh, I remember that.
That was Nogame-sensei's?
It was miserable.
Huh?
I was just the production assistant for the gross, but...
How was it miserable?
I loved the original story,
and I was really excited to be a part of it,
but once we started...
The protagonist's persona was changed.
She was a racer, but she raced in a swimsuit, for some reason.
Unbelievable things kept happening over and over.
It ignored the original story,
the quality was low, and the ratings sucked.
And then even the creator got bashed...
So it really was miserable.
I hate to say this after you took the time to write it...
But I really want to finish with a hopeful ending.
Of course, I want to, as well.
Is there any way we can negotiate with the creator?
The publisher side is saying it's not necessary and won't let us see him.
Kinoshita-kun, a moment.
What kind of job do you think a director is?
Huh?
If you were on a boat?
The captain.
In a tank?
The commander.
In a plane?
The pilot.
Right.
It's the director who leads everyone to their destination.
I'm very aware of that.
Once you get there, you should feel
a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and pride.
Everyone's working as hard as they can, believing in that.
They are contributing hours of their lives to this project.
I think where the director should try to get to is a place
where everyone working on it, as well as the viewers, can be happy.
Come on, you said it yourself. "It's win-win."
Now, take off!
Vroom, vroom!
Vroom!
But how do I get to the place I want to go?
Hello.
Ah, Honda-san.
I brought a gift.
I feel like having a Mont Blanc today... Do you have one?
I do, but no.
What? Stingy!
This one's already reserved.
Vroom... No, none of these work!
Director.
I heard what's happening. Must be rough.
I don't want to see a skinny Honda-kun.
I didn't even recognize you.
I may look like this on the outside, but I'm skinny at heart.
What do you say at times like this?
Oh, right. I've run out of—
You haven't, though.
To Director Kinoshita
It's so big!
So sweet!
It's delicious, Honda-kun.
As long as fried chicken and Mont Blancs
exist in this world, I can go on living.
Is your head a bit looser now?
Yeah.
That's not what I meant. Please think about what you need to do.
But I've run out of—
You haven't!
That I can assure you, after all the times I ran out of ideas.
There's no doubt about it.
If we could only talk to the creator...
But we don't have his contact information.
Ah! Here.
Nogame Takezou
All right.
I'm terribly sorry to email you without notice.
My name is Kinoshita Seiichi, and I have the honor of being the director
of Third Aerial Girls Squad.
In regards to the final episode, if at all possible,
I would like to meet with you in person to discuss it.
Please let me know when you are available.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Send
Send.
I wonder if he'll reply...
He doesn't seem to like people.
You've Got Mail!
New : 1 Unread : 0
Nogame Takezou In Regards to Third Aerial Girls Squad To: Kinoshita Seiichi
This is Nogame. Understood. If you can, please come to the meeting room on the 35th floor of Yotaka Booksellers on November 30th at noon. I'll be waiting.
That was fast!
Honda-kun, thank you!
No problem.
I will call this day the "Big Mont Blanc Day"
and never forget it!
Musashino Animation
President,
I'm off.
Do your best.
Oh, right. Wait just a sec.
Here.
You've got to look sharp.
Yotaka Booksellers Headquarters
Take care.
Sir, you can't...
Entry Pass Name: Kinoshita Seiichi Yotaka Booksellers This is proof that this person works at Yotaka Booksellers
Huh?!
Director! Where do you think you're going?
I'm here to see Nogame-sensei.
I have an appointment.
What makes you think you can do that without the editorial staff's clearance?!
Funny story, this is no place for underlings!
Get the hell out of here, Jiggly Heaven guy!
Hadou-belly!
We apologize for the inconvenience. Under Inspection Thank you for your cooperation.
Sorry, we're starting inspection.
We can't have this, Director.
This is the top floor of the almighty Yotaka Booksellers.
Only the chosen may enter here.
I don't believe in violence.
I'm just practicing my golf swing.
Got him!
Shouryuu-belly!
Who are you?
I'm the director of Third Aerial Girls Squad,
Kinoshita Seiichi!
Tatsumaki Senpuu-belly!
What vigor...
Kinoshita Seiichi-san, I presume.
Yes.
I've been waiting for you. My name is Nogame Takezou.
Nogame Takezou Third Aerial Girls Squad Creator
Please, have a seat.
So, in regards to the final episode...
Please redo it.
I haven't even decided myself if Aria will
ever recover, or will choose another path.
Aria has realized that,
unlike the others, she can't find her reason for flying.
Then there's Catherine's death.
She wouldn't be able to recover from that easily.
There is the possibility
that Aria never flies again and finds
a different path, and that's how the story ends.
I've considered that possibility, as well.
Therefore, I'd prefer it if the anime
would refrain from making her fly just for ease of production.
But we can't end it that way.
Isn't the theme of Third Aerial Girls Squad
for the girls to find what flying means to them?
Their enemy is massive, their strength is overwhelmingly inferior,
and the time limit for their world is near.
Even then, they fly over and over, and fight.
Because they have hope for the world that lies beyond.
Aria has to get there, along with her comrades.
That is how I wanted to depict
the girls in this anime.
Our daily lives are just like Aria and the others'.
However painful the battle, we can continue fighting because of our comrades.
So for the protagonist...
For Aria, I want her to fly, no matter what.
For her to believe in her comrades.
That is the final episode that I want to arrive at.
Kinoshita-san...
So, for you, the production team
is the Third Aerial Girls Squad, yes?
That's why Aria has to lead her comrades and fly again.
I understand your sense of responsibility.
But for me, it's different.
How is it different?
For me, the girls and the enemies they fight
are a metaphor for me and the troubles that plague me.
I've divided up my own personality among the five girls in Aerial Girls.
They are not the team that you think they are.
I see... So for you,
Aerial Girls is not about the team coming together,
but is a personal story about death and rebirth.
That's why Aria can't fly with just her sense of responsibility and guilt.
She won't be able to fly unless
she resolves her inner turmoil.
Yes.
Aria has to find her own reason for flying, or it won't work.
Exactly!
Not because of hopes and dreams, but the reason why the solitary Aria flies...
The fact that she has no reason
is another conflict within Aria.
So it might be a good idea for Aria to find hopes and dreams for herself.
Or to find someone who can give those to her.
Nogame-sensei...
Please don't call me Sensei.
Then, Nogame-san.
How about having Aria fulfill her promise to Catherine?
To go see a newborn calf.
No, a calf alone isn't enough, Director Kinoshita.
There has to be something... Someone more...
Catherine's parents?
No, someone who'd be more like a ray of hope.
Like a younger sister.
Catherine's younger sister! That's great!
Yep.
The new life she encounters after her comrade's death.
An innocent girl! The beautiful homeland where she lives!
Everything about her will become what Aria wants to protect!
This is the first time in my life
that I've ever felt hopeful and excited to have someone else
working on my story.
Thank you very much.
I will send you Catherine's younger sister's info immediately.
Thank you!
I wish I had met you sooner.
Same here.
I had pleaded with the editorial staff to let me meet you, but...
I've heard nothing about that.
Huh?
Which means...
Hey! You giant jiggly belly, get out of here! Funny story—
It's not a funny story!
Chazawa-san, I hear you've been preventing some things from happening.
What does he mean, Chazawa-kun?
Uh, well...
I wanted to do whatever I could to lighten Sensei's load.
So I became his shield, and protected him. Funny story.
It's not a funny story!
It appears you are not fit to be Sensei's editor.
Indeed, Chief.
Ah, Director! How did it go?!
Aria will fly!
Now, let's return to the base.
Yeah, I think we can go with this.
Now, about the added scene...
What do you think, Maitake-san?
It's fine, but I only have tonight?
Do you have time after this?
Huh? Yes, I do.
I'll explain things verbally, so could you put all of that together?
Once you have it written down, send it to me. I'll fix everything by morning.
Understood!
Then let's do this at a family restaurant.
Roger!
I'll ask Iguchi-san to do Lucy's character design, as well.
If we're able to get the added part done by Thursday...
We will!
I'd like to go into re-editing on Saturday.
So the after-recording will be on Sunday.
We just need Aria and Lucy, right?
Also, about the voice for Lucy...
Since she's Catherine's little sister, she should probably resemble her.
Someone who sounds like Catherine, but younger...
Do we still have the recordings from the audition?
Rii-chan, thanks for your hard work.
Thanks!
He used one of the lines that I wrote!
That's great!
We just got the OK from Nogame-sensei on the scenario.
I have the director working on the storyboards.
"The storyboards were great.
I was moved. Nogame."
So we're scrapping fifty cuts, and adding a hundred.
We won't have enough people at the office, so we'll have to find more key animators.
Right!
Yes?
So we have to cut three more minutes...
Ending
But I can't find anything to cut.
How about cutting the scene where Aria gets on the jet?
What? Already?!
I think saving that surprise for the viewers might work well.
Nakabayashi Wataru Editor
We can cut twenty seconds right there.
In the battle scene in the A part,
I cut back to Aria not being able to fly.
Won't that throw the tempo off?
If we keep the cut-back scene short,
I think the tempo will still flow.
Then let's go with that.
All right, we're done.
We're finished!
We're not finished! We're just starting!
Third Aerial Girls Squad #13 Add-on AR
I'm Suzuki Kyouko. It's a pleasure to work with you again.
Thanks for coming.
Sorry things are so hectic today.
No, I'm happy that I still get to be Aria!
We're counting on you.
Is Lucy here yet?
Pardon me.
I'll be joining for the part of Lucy.
My name is Sakaki Shizuka from Aka Oni Productions.
It's a pleasure to work with you.
It's a pleasure.
Ah, Sakaki-san.
Do you remember how you read the lines for the Catherine audition?
Yes!
Thanks, Aria, for saving me.
Right. Now just a bit younger.
Younger, but with a sense that she's grown up with the land.
Please maintain your confidence.
Understood! Thank you very much!
When she auditioned for Catherine,
she was in the back of my mind until the end.
But she sounded a bit too young...
But that's exactly what we want this time.
Yeah.
All right, we're going to start recording the farm scene.
Okay!
All ready.
We're rolling.
Lucy
Um... Could you be Aria-san?
You're just like my sister said you'd be.
I'm Catherine's younger sister,
Lucy.
What brings you here?
I came to see a calf.
A calf?
I promised Catherine...
Oh... Then right this way.
My sister went far away,
but I think I'll stay here forever.
Why?
I'm going to raise lots of calves in the world that
you and the others are fighting to protect, Aria-san.
The world we're fighting to protect...
That's the one thing I can do. Because that's my dream.
Aria-san?
I'm going back.
To protect all of this.
Thank you, Aria-san.
I just got
a step closer to my dream.
All right. That's a wrap on the Lucy scene.
Thank you very much!
Third Aerial Girls Squad
Yes, this is Musashino Animation.
Oh, Honda-san.
We'll be doing the video editing for the final episode next week,
but it looks like it'll be the day before it airs.
The final episode of Shirobako: "The Delivery That Was Too Far Off."
The Delivery That Was Too Far Off