TRUE MIRAGE’s 7th single, “Slashing with a Thousand Swords.”
Immediately after its release, it made its mark on the Oricon charts, securing the 3rd position in the weekly Oricon chart last week.
[TL/N : Oricon chart rankings is quite similar to Billboard charts to rank the music but only in Japan]
This single surpassed the previous records of the 5th single, “Unbreakable,” which ranked 6th, and the 6th single, “Eternal Unchanging,” which reached 4th place, making it their highest-selling single to date.
The primary reason for this success lies in the innovative dance performance of True Mirage, where they use microphone stands as swords and engage in a sword dance. Additionally, the abundant solo parts by Mitsuki, who serves as the overwhelming center, support True Mirage’s core identity.
To achieve the best fit for Mitsuki’s vocals, I self-arranged this song, consistently using bright chords that complement her already vibrant color.
In particular, Mitsuki’s charm is not limited to cool music. The most appealing aspect of her lies in the bright and uplifting expressions she shows only in front of me, coupled with her adorable singing voice that can brighten anyone’s day.
By raising the chords by half a tone before the chorus, the song transforms from a cool melody to a high-tempo tune. The main melody moves swiftly, and the corresponding harmonies gain strength and subtlety. My performance is meant to serve as a lure that brings out the best in Mitsuki and makes her shine.
Arranging this song is a risky gamble; a single misjudgment could overshadow all the performers’ strengths. That’s why I poured all my effort into this arrangement.
Mitsuki unconsciously adjusted her mood and danced to match the flowing music. If my arrangement is not up to par, her dance and singing will lose their brilliance. However, if our performances harmonize well, Mitsuki’s hidden talent will surely bloom even further.
And that talent could surpass even Michiru-san, the current reigning champion with “Misty Eyes.”
“Woah…! Kazu-kun, this feeling is so exciting! I love this arrangement; it’s so cool and enjoyable! I want to keep going like this forever!!”
As Mitsuki gets into the groove, her dance shines brighter with the increased tempo of the song. Her radiant smile is undeniably a natural talent that can captivate anyone, and no one can resist its charm.
“Actually, I’d love to spend more time with the cute Mitsuki like this.”
With a growing smile and Mitsuki’s joyful dancing, I can’t help but feel elated. There’s no way I wouldn’t be happy when my arrangement allows the performer to shine so brightly!
Meanwhile…
“True Mirage is amazing!”
“Mitsuki-chan is even cuter than on TV!”
“Mom had bought the CD of the True Mirage song they are performing!”
“Surprisingly she doesn’t scare me at all right now!”
Suddenly, we heard the voices of some people who were watching us intently while standing outside of the studio. Looking through the glass, it seems like it’s a group of kindergarteners.
Mitsuki seems to have noticed them too. She turned towards them and gave a sweet smile, showing her white teeth.
“Since they are here, let’s invite them in! Kazu-kun’s performance is so cool; I want everyone to hear it!”
Her straightforward smile, riding on a slightly different, cuteness-focused version of the original song, pierces my vision. At this moment, I could have agreed to anything she would say without hesitation, such is her power and charisma.
Moreover, it’s a chance for Mitsuki to show her own charm, which she’s not aware of yet.
“Mitsuki’s current version is so cool too. Let’s have the audience watch it. Do you think you have enough energy to keep going?”
“If you’re playing, then I can keep going forever!”
Mituki raised a V-sign and gestured towards the door with a small wave.
From here on, it could be considered a prelude to the live show with the audience.
Let’s take the first step towards becoming number one, while Mitsuki and I break our limits and reach even greater heights…!
As the song headed towards the chorus and changed into an up-tempo, I played the keyboard with great strength…
☆☆☆☆☆☆
“…She is really from True Mirage!”
“Sensei, it’s Mitsuki Toujou-chan! She’s even cuter than on TV!”
“Amazing…! She’s the real deal!”
“Should we try going in, Kaoru-sensei?!”
In front of Studio 3’s main door, the children were quietly buzzing with excitement.
For the second time, Kaoru Imamura, a nursery teacher who never imagined she could witness the practice scenes of an active idol from outside, gathered music-interested nursery schoolers to observe the headquarters Star Planet Music.
“Stop, don’t disturb her practice. Let’s go back, everyone.”
“But, Sensei, you’re the one who wants to watch the most.”
“I-I’m a huge fan of True Mirage! It’s embarrassing to think I could imitate them up close.”
“But you said earlier that the old man was okay with it.”
“That’s true, but…”
Even the company staff they just passed by were laughing and suggesting, “Hey, why don’t you go and see the idols practicing over there, Sensei?”
However, the person in question was the center of True Mirage, a top-notch idol. Stylish, cool, and so attractive that you would want to become a woman like her someday.
Precisely because she was such a big fan, Kaoru didn’t want to make any mistakes and cause trouble.
“But, True Mirage’s members are a bit intimidating… I hope it will be okay. I would’ve gone if it were Michiru-chan…”
The little girl, who tightly held the sleeves of her clothes and hid behind, peered inside fearfully from a distance.
“That’s not true. Mitsuki-chan is also incredibly cute, you know?”
A slight wry smile escaped Kaoru as she said this to the girl shaking her head vigorously.
Certainly, ‘True Mirage’ was a bit cooler and more stylish compared to other idols, which might be why their support from younger fans was slightly lower.
“Sensei, you admire those kinds of cool girls… I do too… but… huh?”
What Kaoru noticed while intently observing Toujou Mitsuki was a faint sense of incongruity.
Whether it was something she felt because she had always seen her on stage or because of the difference of watching her live, she couldn’t tell the difference apart.
“Something feels different about her expression, doesn’t it…?”
Ignoring Kaoru’s sense of incongruity, the children cheered in excitement, “Woahh!”.
“Sensei, sensei! Mitsuki-chan is coming this way!”
“Kaoru-sensei, let’s go, hurry up!”
“I want to see her up close! Let’s go inside!”
“Okay, I get it. But promise me this: You’ll sit quietly and listen without disturbing their practice, alright?”
“Yes!”
The well-behaved children entered the room silently.
Kaoru had never expected that she would get to hear her favorite idol group, True Mirage’s music, in this way. Her heart pounded unconsciously very hard.
“Sac-chan, are you not going inside?”
When she reached out her hand, the little girl gazed at Toujou Mitsuki’s expression and muttered curiously.
“I-I might want to go.”
At that moment, they became the first audience to witness the birth of the new Toujou Mitsuki.
☆☆☆☆☆☆
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TL : Zenon#4120