Episode 10: Step by Stage! ~ I Can't Believe I'm the Leader of a Dance Circle! ~...~...~...~...~...

Episode 10 "A Miracle and an Unexpected Accident on the Last Day of Training Camp"

1. makoto burning early in the morning on the last day of the camp

 It is 6:00 in the morning. Makoto Sato** runs down the corridor of the training camp where we are staying, his footsteps sounding wild. I, **Koharu Sakurai**, who happened to see him in front of my room, rolled my eyes.
Makoto? Where are you going this early in the morning?"
Hmm? I'm going to the gym to practice acrobatics! I couldn't do it yesterday because there wasn't enough space!"
 Makoto said in a powerful voice that one would not expect from someone who has just woken up from sleep. He must really want to take revenge on the last day of the camp, since he had to give up acrobatics practice on the second day of the camp in a disappointing manner.

But aren't the facilities open yet?"
I got permission from the staff. They said I can do morning practice just for a little while!"
 I see, Makoto indeed. She has the power of action. I wonder if she is okay with lack of sleep and sore muscles, but looking at her sparkling eyes, I feel again that this enthusiasm is rather her strength.

I see. ...... Don't overdo it. Be careful not to get hurt."
Yeah, I'm sure I'll be able to find it! Thanks! ...Well, Koharu, go back to sleep~!
 Makoto disappeared with her sports bag slung over her shoulder. Even on the third day of the training camp, her motivation has not waned. I was a little worried about her, but decided to trust that she would be okay.


2. morning of the last day: Start of finishing practice

 After finishing breakfast, the members gather in turn in the gymnasium. Since we have to leave already this afternoon, we are practicallyFinal touches in the morningwill be important.
All right, everyone, it's time for the last spurt of the camp! Let's gut the whole thing together in the morning!"
 When I call out to them, the members and they respond with a powerful "Oh! I feel that we have become much more united after the slapstick of the first and second days of the camp.

 Makoto is trying acrobatics again, Sho wants to further polish the comicality of the disco part, Mayu is trying to use more accessories in the K-pop part, and Shizuku wants to master counting accuracy. Each has their own agenda, but time is limited today.
 The beginners' group, too, showed their determination to do their best, "Don't be left behind until the end! and they are showing their determination to do their best. Saki Nakamura and Takuya Sasaki have especially improved their steps, which is very encouraging.

Okay, let's play it through!"
 Sho plays the medley soundtrack from his laptop and we get into formation. The final, all-out finish of the camp is about to begin.


3. moments when we feel the growth of our members

 First.rock partMakoto started moving on a big count, and the air in the circle suddenly became heated. The beginners' group is also moving sharply, as if pulled along by them. Above all, the timing of their legs and arms is better than before. Makoto also has a satisfied smile on her face.
 cool partIn the "KAZEKU", Sizuku's calm and sharp choreography stood out, and the beginners' group was able to get the count right, so the whole group was perfectly aligned without any misalignment. Oh, that's good! I can't wait to see what they do next.
 K-POP PartThe "Mere Old Man" danced cutely, making use of the accessories Mayu had set up - for example, the waist scarf and idol-style accessories - with her hands. The tempo is fast, but everyone remembers the choreography and is more in the groove than before.
 disco partSho was the one who was the most excited with his comical moves, while the beginners seemed to be enjoying themselves, swaying their bodies naturally. Unlike the first day of the camp, the atmosphere of "having fun" was stronger than that of tension.

 The "song connections" and formation changes I came up with have become much smoother. For the first time during the camp, we added a scene in which Koharu (me) led the dance, and it went perfectly. After the dance was over, everyone looked at each other with a light breath and said, "How's it going? "Not bad! and nodded to each other.

The group has come together! With this, we might be good enough to compete on the festival stage. ......
 I feel relief in my heart, but at the same time, I also feel greedy, "If I had more time, I could further improve the perfection of my work. ...... But today is the last day of the camp. In the afternoon, we have to clean up and get ready to go home. We have no choice but to do what we can.


4. last try, Makoto's acrobatics

 After a break, they practiced through again. At the climax of the rock part, Makoto triedLight acrobaticsto be performed as if it were the real thing.
 Okay, fly tight here ...... and land in formation!"
 Makoto is fired up and waiting for the sound. He worked hard at yesterday's morning practice, and today he has a good place to be.

 Makoto aided and abetted at the timing of the song's climax, stepping out - twisting his body in the air - and landing perfectly!
"Oh oh ......!"
 The gymnasium was filled with excitement, and even the beginners and cheered. Makoto made a small gut-punch with a look of relief on his face, and then returned to the formation to continue the dance. It was really gorgeous and powerful.

 However--. At that moment, an unexpected accident occurred. Makoto's luggage (a backpack that someone had left behind) was placed at her feet, and she bumped into it just a little.
I'm at ......!"
 Although she lost her balance for a moment, Makoto managed to hold her ground despite her posture. However, perhaps because she forced herself to stand her ground,Twisted ankle.It appears to be.
 People say, "Are you okay? Does your leg hurt?" Makoto smiled weakly as they rushed up to her, "It's okay, I'm fine. ...... Immediately after that, the song stopped and everyone gathered around looking worried.


5. no way, injured? Everyone freezes.

 I sat Makoto down on a nearby bench and checked his ankle, which is a little red. Fortunately it is not swollen significantly, but it looks painful.
It hurts when I put a little weight on it. ...... but I might not be able to walk."
 Makoto is acting stoutly, but seeing the sweat beading on his forehead, it seems that his injuries are not minor.
"Sorry ...... I didn't know my backpack was in a place like this ......"
 The novice member who seems to be the owner of the luggage apologizes with a blue face. Makoto cares, "No, it's okay, if Atashi had looked around better ......," but therecardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)calmly interjects.
I'd better cool it down for now. Do you have any coolant I can use for quick icing?"
Yes, I'm sure they're ready for you. I'll be in the baggage area over there at ......!"
 Sho and I dashed over to get it and cool Makoto's ankle.

 There was an air of uneasiness in the air around them. No one had expected to be injured on the last day of training camp. Makoto himself wants to believe that his injury is nothing serious and says, "Look, I can manage to move my leg ......," but you must not overdo it.
He said, "...... Anyway, no more acrobatics today. If it gets any worse, we're in trouble."
 When Shizuku stops him in a calm voice, Makoto bites his lip and gives a small nod. She looks frustrated.


6. upset team, leader Koharu's decision

 The other members were upset by the sudden accident. Some of the beginner group members asked, "Is acrobatics dangerous after all? ......" and others voiced their concern, "Makoto-senpai, are you okay?" and "Makoto-senpai, are you okay? Sho is also discouraged, "Damn, we worked so hard ......," and Mayu is worried, "What about the costumes and choreography ......?

 In the midst of this unstable atmosphere, I took the plunge and spoke up.
For now, let's cool down Makoto's leg and rest. We don't have much time left, so let's finish up today.No acrobaticsLet's proceed with the composition of the following. I think we should go to the hospital later."
 Makoto apologizes weakly, saying, "I'm sorry ......," but as the leader, I can't let him continue to push himself.

 The entire team also tells Makoto not to worry, to get better, and to take care of himself anyway. The tense atmosphere that had prevailed until a moment ago was suddenly enveloped in a sense of tenderness. This may be another form of "bonding among friends.

Okay, then, let's start over. Let's lightly change the formation for the acrobatic part and put Makoto in a position where he doesn't have to move so much. The composition of the song will remain the same, with the other members following suit."
 I promptly suggested, and Shizuku, Sho, and Mayu replied, "Ok, leave it to me!" I replied emphatically. The beginner group also showed their enthusiasm, saying, "If there is anything we can do too! and the novice group also showed their enthusiasm. It was a short and sudden change, but if we all work together, we should be able to make it work.


7. final passage, the culmination of the camp

 We go through the medley again, adding Makoto, who cools her feet and minimizes her movements. There is some confusion at the sudden formation change, but Shizuku, Mayu, and Sho quickly fill in their positions, and the beginner group is doing their best to keep the rhythm and match.
 Makoto does not jump or spin, but participates with modest movements, but her powerful aura is still there. From my point of view as a viewer, "Makoto's attempt to dance despite the pain of her injury" seems to add depth to this part.

 And the last disco part is over,Finishing PoseThe audience was very excited and cheered. When everyone decided to hold their breath, loud applause echoed through the gymnasium.
No, it's kind of nice!"
Yeah, it looks good enough even if Makoto can't move to his heart's content."
Even without acrobatics, this level of perfection will allow me to finish it before the festival!"

 Everyone exchanged verbal comments and the best smiles spread across their faces. Makoto, limping a bit, gave a small gut-punch as he walked back to the bench. She was so stubborn, I thought to myself, but I could count on her to do the same.


8. packing up to go home and closing of the camp

 Before noon, it was time to pack up the last of their belongings and check out of the camp. The members assembled in the lobby looked somewhat full of satisfaction.
I was a little nervous when some people got injured, but now that it's over, I'm glad we did the training camp.
 Sho said sincerely, and Mayu smiled, "Yes, the beginner group has improved a lot, and the costume plan has been boiled down. Shizuku coolly appreciates, "The formations still need to be corrected, but it's great that we were able to practice so intensively.

 On the other hand,beginner's groupThe "I enjoyed dancing all at once! "I'm looking forward to the stage at the festival! They are happy to see the performance at the school festival. Saki Nakamura and Takuya Sasaki also thanked Koharu-san and the seniors for all their hard work. and "Thank you so much to Koharu-san and the seniors!
I'm glad you guys are doing so well. Let's keep practicing together!"
 I answered with a smile, and Saki and Takuya nodded broadly, their eyes shining.

 Now, the problem is Makoto's ankle. Before leaving the training camp, we stopped by a nearby hospital and were told that it is not a major sprain, but she will need to rest for a few days. He was told that if he did not push himself too hard, he would be able to recover by the time of the show. Makoto is relieved, but vows, "I will definitely make it in time for the festival! Makoto is relieved, but vows, "I will definitely make it in time for the festival!


9. on the bus on the way back to the camp

 In the car on the way home. The members are spending their time in their own way. Some are looking back at photos on their phones and laughing, some are having a good night's sleep, and some are checking their practice schedules for tomorrow and beyond. ...... I leave the driving to them (sorry, Sho!). I was in the backseat taking notes reflecting on the camp.
The festival is just a little over a month away. Let's finish up the perfection raised at the camp and use it to practice at the university. ......!"
 As I write my own resolution, I think back on the scene of the training camp with sincerity. There were clashes, there were place limitations, and there were incidents of injury. Still, in the end, we all overcame them together, and most importantlyTeam cohesionThe major benefit is that I was able to feel the

 I look up and see Makoto next to me on the seat, who is wearing a simple taping on his leg. When our eyes meet, he gives me a small wry smile.
I'm sorry, Koharu...... Atashi's fault for causing so much trouble for everyone."
It's not like that. Makoto worked hard, and I think everyone was inspired by his efforts. Get your leg healed soon."
I'll be careful not to cause you any more trouble. I'll be careful not to cause you any more trouble. ...... festival stage, because I really want to do it."

 When Makoto muttered those words, her eyes were more calm than ever, and I could sense a strong will in them. Through the camp, she may have grasped something important. I, too, will do my best as a leader with more confidence.


epilogue

 It was evening when they returned to the university. After returning the rental car, the circle members were dismissed, each saying, "Good work! and dispersed with fresh smiles on their faces.
 When I arrived home, I, too, felt a rush of fatigue. But the tiredness is not unpleasant; it is more like a sense of satisfaction that I have "done it. My mind is whirling with scenes from the training camp and plans for future practice.

"Okay,......, let's all follow up and finish each other off before Makoto's leg heals. The beginner group can run through it together at this rate,......!"
 We have a little over a month left until the festival stage. We still have a lot of work to do, but I am convinced that our team has become even stronger after the camp.

 step-by-stage-Our challenge is not over yet. The next step is the final push at the university. I, Koharu Sakurai, the leader of the team, will be facing the real challenge from this point on.

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