Banri Settsu SSR - With the Dawn of NY [Backstage Translation]

[mimosacafe]

"Knowing that there's someone who accepts me for who I am… I learned just how much courage that alone could give me. "

"Dawning Into Him - Part 1”

⚠️ DISCLAIMER BEFORE READING: This story will contain content that comes from "BANANA FISH" the anime. Please only continue if you are willing to encounter possible spoilers.⚠️



Omi: —Dinner's ready, everyone.
Taichi: Ooh!! And it looks as delicious as always!!
Banri: Chicken-over-rice and clam chowder, huh?
Omi: I have some chili sauce and yogurt prepared too, so if it's a little lacking for you, go ahead and these to your liking.
Chikage: I'll have some of that chili sauce, then.
Izumi: We have curry sauce as an option, too!!
Masumi: I'll have that. Give me the whole batch.
Citron: Curry sounds like it would go so well with chicken-over-rice! Let me have a bite of that!
Tsuzuru: You guys would just be eating chicken curry at that point!
Guy: It's as if the MANKAI dorms have opened up their own gourmet festival indoors.
Sakuya: Even though we're in Japan, eating this makes it feel like we're in America!
Tenma: It's making me remember the time the Summer Troupe went to America together.^[1]
Misumi: The pepperoni pizza we had yesterday was just as tasty as the one we had on our trip~!
Azuma: Now I'm simply excited to see what we'll have for tomorrow's meal.
Kumon: So we had pepperoni pizza yesterday; today we're having chicken-over-rice… Oh, I know! Are we gonna have steak next!?
Kazunari: Nuh-uh, we've GOTTA have BBQ next! Like the pulled pork and brisket kind. And also cornbread!!
Hisoka: … If we're doing a barbecue, I wanna roast some marshmallows.
Juza: That sounds good. If we have choco's an' biscuits, we could have s'mores, too.
Yuki: None of those foods has anything to do with your role studies, right? Besides, you guys already eat plenty of barbecue and marshmallows on normal days.
Sakyo: It's as Rurikawa says. If we were to cook barbecue in this house full of men, just how much meat do you think we're gonna need!? We ain't got the budget.
Azami: Cheap-ass as always.
Omi: But now that you mention it, it's certainly about time to do some groceries. We're about to run out of eggs, too.
Tsumugi: No eggs? That'd be troublesome…
Itaru: I mean, if BBQ is a no-go, then the standard route is to go for pizza and cola, don't you think?
Banri: You're just sayin’ that ‘cause that’s what YOU want. Didn’t we just say we already had pizza yesterday; why're ya asking for the same thing again?
Itaru: But that was the regular American pizza. We should have Chicago-style pizza next. Loooots of cheese on that one.
Banri: …Tasuku-san's makin' quite the face over there.
Tasuku: … Don't mind me. I'm doing my role study.
Homare: Your words don't quite match your expression!
Itaru: Speaking of role study, though. I don't think Banri needs to do much for his part.
Banri: …? The hell do you mean by that?
Itaru: If you have no idea what I mean, then it means you haven't watched Episode 12 of "BANANA FISH", have you?
Banri: Ep 12? I'm getting there. I just finished Ep 10 a while ago… S’there something 'bout Ep 12 in particular?
Itaru: Keep up with your binge and you'll see soon enough. Look forward to it~

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Banri: What's got everyone gathered over here?
Citron: Banri! We heard you were going to continue watching "BANANA FISH", yes?
Banri: Hang on— are you saying all of the members here paused on the same episode as me?
Muku: I just finished watching Episode 10 myself, so I thought it would be interesting to watch it with everyone, too.
Taichi: We wanted to see how everyone reacts while watching! 'Sides, Itaru-san suggested it's better to watch it with someone and sit through the same emotions together!
Homare: I believe we're not that behind with each other's pace in the episodes, so it won't be much of a problem, no?
Banri: Guess no arguments there. Alright, I'm gonna press play.

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Muku: Waah… Even Episode 11 had me all nervous, too…
Taichi: Next up is the one Itaru-san was talking about, right? Episode 12.
Banri: (...Now then, what exactly did he mean when he said I didn't even need to role study for this?)

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Ash: "What's this?"
Eiji: "Dried horse mackerel and boiled spinach. Some rice and miso soup— And that's natto.


Ash: "(sniff sniff) …It's rotten? It smells."
Eiji: "That's just how they are."
Ash: "How do you eat it?"
Eiji: “You add soy sauce, mustard, and green onions. Next, mix it up until it's all nice and sticky."
"There, you got it! Then pour it over the rice… and dig in!"
Ash: "........"
Eiji: "Mm~! It's so good!! Well? Like it?"


Ash: "I'm going to throw up."
"...This stinks, too… Uegh."
Eiji: "It's supposed to."
Ash: "Do Japanese people only eat stinky food?"
Eiji: "Ah… Healthy Japanese food is good for guys like you who only eat meat."
Ash: "Uh-huh. It's 'cuz of that I've grown 2 inches since last year but haven't gained a pound."
Eiji: "Lucky you. I think I've stopped growing."
Ash: "I'm in the middle of my growth spurt. Not like some old geezer."
Eiji: "...(grumble)"
Ash: "What's wrong, 'Onii-chan'? Even with just the 2-year difference, you'd have to go back 15 years if you wanna beat me up."
Eiji: "Don't I wish it! I'd beat you to a pulp!"

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Taichi: So Ash hates natto!! Just like Ban-chan then!
Muku: So when Itaru-san said you didn't need to role study…
Citron: Banri! You were sushi'd up for Ash!?
Banri: You mean set up for? Well, set up ain't the right way to say it, but I do get how he feels.
Homare: I doubt there are a lot of foreigners who could have acquired a taste for our local delicacies.
Taichi: Oh, y'know what! We should have a traditional Japanese breakfast for tomorrow morning!!
Muku: I've gotten a bit of a craving myself now, too…
Banri: Uegh, you guys serious? Sounds more like hell to me.
Homare: Fufu. There really isn't anyone who's more like Ash than Banri-kun, is there?
Banri: Thanks for the compliment, I suppose.
(I do see what Itaru-san was saying now…)
(But so what if we hate the same food; I'd really rather get a better grasp of my role here…)

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"Dawning Into Him - Part 2”


Banri: —We should probs wrap it up here.
Kumon: Ehhh!! But it was getting so good! Just a little mooooore!!
Banri: It's either that, or an earful from Azami, y'know that.
Taichi: Sakyo-nii even mentioned how there've been more people staying up late 'cuz they've gotten too into binging the anime, so he's made an order to forbid it now.
Citron: Alas, but I must raise my white flag… My eyelids can take no longer…
Homare: Then let's pick it up for next time. It's a shame to pause now, but this way we get to enjoy this piece of work slowly, no?
Muku: Thank you so much for the group watch, it was so fun!! Hope everyone gets a good sleep.
Kumon: Nighty niiiiight!!
[DOOR CLOSES]
Banri: …(sighs)
(The plot really doesn't catch a break. And even though I'm just sitting down and watchin' Ash and empathizin' with him, it's got me all exhausted.)
(... They've gotta get the heavy parts out there to progress the story, after all. It's hella interesting, though.)
But thanks to that, I'm all wide-awake.
(If I don't head to bed soon, I'll be dragged into Azami's sermons too.)
…Maybe I'll go walk it off.

——　——　——　——　——　——　——　——　——　——　——
Banri: (Now let's see if anyone wants anything—)
(Crap. I nearly dropped message in the LIME GC like I always do.)
(I bet I'm the only one awake at this hour… And Itaru-san who's grinding for an event, too, I guess.)
(I came in just for a little detour, but it's not like I'm really lookin' or cravin' for anything in particular right now…)
(—Oh, didn't they mention we were almost out of eggs? Pretty sure they're 'round this shelf…)
…Geh.


Banri: (Why the hell are the natto packs right by the eggs? Outta all the things?)
(And I'm pretty sure those guys were sayin' they wanted to have some Japanese breakfast tomorrow…)
(If I'm gonna sleep at this hour, the sun'll be high in the sky by the time I get up. But the thought of havin' natto prepped for me when I do makes me gag.)
(Who the hell can stomach this sticky, stinky mess first thing in the morning? If it weren't for the others, I sure as hell wouldn't be buying it now.)

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Clerk: Thank you for coming~
Banri: …It's already morning? No wonder it's gotten chilly.
The temp’ is… 12°C? Huh. Wonder what New York's is right now…
Hoh? So the temp’ in New Yorks pretty much the same as here. Guess dawn and dusk may have their differences, but they've got their similarities too.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
Resident A: Good morniiing!
Resident B: Morning~ Fufu, nice weather today, huh?
Banri: ……
(The town's looking pretty… The birds are chirping out loud… The neighbors are out and about greeting each other too…)
… It's so peaceful. Way too peaceful.


Banri: Compared to my peaceful world and New York— Ash's world— it's like night and day.
(It's only ever been on the stage that I get to experience worlds that are absolutely different from the one I'm living. Even now.)
(But this time, the scenes are gonna show a lot more than what the anime did. I could say it's just 'cause of information overload that I feel this much difference in my role, but…)
(Normally, I'd be able to picture the perspectives and setting of the stage when I read the script, but even then, it's still only my imagination's work.)
… Geez.
(The life that I live, and the life that Ash's lives. How do I even begin to fill in the gaps between our worlds?)

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"Dawning Into Him - Part 3”



Banri: (I still don't feel sleepy at all, but maybe I should head to my room anymore. But if Hyodo's snorin' when I get there… Then I'll go for another walk.)
… Hm?
(Someone's at the courtyard? The flowerbeds are 'round this spot… Is it Tsumugi-san?)

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Hisoka: … Banri.
Banri: Mornin' there, Guy-san, Hisoka-san. So it was you two.
Guy: Don't tell me you stayed up all night outside…?
Banri: As if I'd do something like that.
Guy: I kid.
Banri: Couldn't even tell…
Hisoka: … Early morning jog?
Banri: I ain't Tasuku-san.
I went out for a walk and stopped by the convenience store, that's it. I was fully awake after watching the anime 'till late last night.
But what 'bout you two? You just got back home from the bar too, right? Whatcha doin' here?
Guy: Since Tsukioka has had his hands full with rehearsals, we thought that he could use some support from us. So we took over the taking care of the flowerbeds for him.
Banri: Gotcha.
Hisoka: … Are you okay, Banri?
Banri: Why do you ask…
Hisoka: You seemed a little lost.
Banri: —...
Guy: We may be doing something now, but we'd still like to give you a hand, if we can.
Banri: Ah…
How do I say this… I'm strugglin' with uh. Closin' the gap between me and my role, or somethin'?
Guy: I see…
Hisoka: I don't think we can help you with that.
Banri: Figures. It's all good, though, I should manage it somehow.
Hisoka: … But you have Tsumugi with you. You'll be fine.


Guy: Indeed. He'd be your one and only best answer.
Banri: ——...
… Tsumugi-san, huh. You're not wrong there.
Guy: Although, the person in question is still sound asleep as we talk about him, I believe.
Banri: For sure. Mornings are a no-no for him.
Hisoka: Mh-hm…. (yawn)
Banri: (yawn) … Man, the drowsiness kicked in all of a sudden. Feels like I might pass out at any moment.
Guess I'll head to bed. 'Night, you two.
Hisoka: … Sweet dreams..

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Banri: (...Is how that happened, didn't it? It was literally just a while back, yet here I am reminiscing 'bout it already.)
… So bright.
(Never thought the city would look this beautiful in the dawn. …Betcha you know all about that huh, Ash?)
[SHUTTER CLICKS]
Banri: ——...


Tsumugi: … Mhm, I think I'll call this shot "Banri-kun by the window."^[2]
Banri: Well good morning to you, too. Since when didja get up? Hadn't noticed at all.
Tsumugi: You must have something on your mind if that's the case, hm?
Banri: Actually…


Banri: I just felt like I got a little closer to Ash, s'all. After all this time.
That and… Well, guess New York has hooked me good.
Tsumugi: That’s good to hear, then.
Banri: ‘Nyway, looks like someone's finally recovering from his jet lag.
Tsumugi: Mh-hmm. Although it has me waking up much earlier than I usually do back home.
Banri: If you wanna wake yourself up even more, then how's 'bout a walk?
There's this bagel shop 'round the area. Found it just before sleep caught up to you and your jet lag curse.
The coffee's just as good as their bagels too, 'course. And I bet the interior suits your tastes perfectly, Tsumugi-san.
I'm pretty sure they start workin' early in the morning. If we go now and walk a little ways away, we'll make it just in time for opening.
Tsumugi: Fufu, you really have settled yourself with the city already, huh?
But you know, I've been wanting to have a taste of some good, old-fashioned Japanese breakfast again. Something that has like…
Natto, perhaps?
Banri: Nooooo thank you. Why should I have that while I'm all the way here in New York too?
Tsumugi: Mm, you have a point. Some good bagels and coffee, then. I can't wait to try them.
Banri: Alright, let's head out then.
— Off to the city of New York.



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[1] Events from MAIN STORY: ACT 14
[2] This is also the name of the Leader Skill of this card.