Love Live!: SHATTER [PART 9]

GYM BUDDIES:

*BUSHIDO GYM - ODAIBA - TOKYO*

SHIRO: "Ready to sweat, Aki? Told ya I'd get you in here. No backing out now!"

AKI: "Yeah, yeah, I'm here, aren't I? Gotta say, Shiro, I never pegged you for a gym rat. Computers, sure...but lifting weights? What's the story?"

SHIRO: "Gotta balance the brain with some brawn, right? Started coming here to clear my head after long coding sessions. It keeps me sharp. Plus, it's fun. You'll see, it'll be a great way to prep for that showdown with Katsu...o."

AKI: "Hm?"

SHIRO: "Here, you go first."

Look at this place... Everyone's a pro, and I'm the guy who trips over his own feet. Producing is all about strategy, whether it's choreography, writing songs, or general management.

Performing and training myself? That's a different beast. I hate the bastard, but Katsuo's clearly the best for a reason, and I've got such little time to catch up.

Thank God Shiro's here, I'd be lost without him.

SHIRO: "Come on, let's sign in. First time's always weird, but I'll walk you through it. You're not here to lift cars, you'll just build some stamina for that stage."

AKI: "Stamina, right... Katsuo's got moves I can't even dream of yet. I've been practicing with the Club, but this...feels like starting over."

SHIRO: "Different is good. You've been behind the scenes all year, running the Club, dodging drama. Now you're stepping up. Togo's a beast, sure, but you've got heart. That's half the battle."

AKI: "Heart won't help when he's out-dancing me in front of thousands. I'm a producer, Shiro, not a performer. Why'd I even say yes?"

SHIRO: "Remember what he did to Ayumu."

AKI: "Right..."

SHIRO: "You accepted because you're her best friend. 'Cause you're Akihiko Suzuki. You don't back down... Not from Togo, not from anything. Besides, you've got the Club behind you. And me, here, to make sure you don't trip over a dumbbell."