A Slightly Special Morning in Shanhaijing 1

One, two, three, four...

Phew. At this hour, even White Tiger Park is deserted.

Mm. It's the only time I can perform my morning stretches without being seen.

Fufu. The movement wakes up my mind, and my body reaps the benefits as well.

The freedom of operating without the constant surveillance of my bodyguards, or other attendants, is exhilarating as well.

Although... I suppose it'd be pleasant to sleep in from time to time.

...

Enough sentimental daydreams. I must return soon.

Just now...

I hid, so I'd have a chance to confirm that I was really seeing what I was seeing!

Was the president...practicing kung fu?!

I, Urushibara Kaguya, have witnessed something unbelievable...

I was sure I must have been utterly mistaken, as I've heard not a whisper of rumor or gossip pertaining to this topic!

They say that no matter how far apart two souls are, you need only come to a mutual understanding to feel like old neighbors.

And the president has finally understood our loyalty and passion for the Peking opera and is partaking herself!

Honestly, I never liked the people of Genryumon.

They're loud, rude, and arrogant, and think they make all the rules...

...To be fair, they're a necessary evil, at times.

But Madam has always been a bit of an exception. For starters, I can reason with her, and she shows mercy here and there.

For THAT president to be secretly practicing kung fu...!

I'm so glad I didn't skip morning training. I knew there was a reason I woke up earlier than usual today, too!

In that case, I've gotta take the opportunity and go to President Rumi...!

Yeah, I can't lose this chance! I need to tell everyone. Okay, I'll start with our president! That's the best move!

...The Peking Opera Club has had to operate inconspicuously recently, due to...an unfortunate incident.

Naturally, we never once questioned the president's decision!

But we feared deeply that we at the Peking Opera Club had lost her trust entirely, and we would never again happen upon another chance to prove our loyalty!

But, by practicing Peking opera dances herself, Madam has shown that, deep inside, she has not abandoned us at all!

How could one say that this is not the most exhilarating of news?

With this, the Peking Opera Club's budget will be set free! We shall put on the flashiest, most exquisite Peking opera performances yet! Yes!

The Peking Opera Club's overall atmosphere also happened to be a bit gloomy as of late, so I must spread this good news throughout the entire club!

So, Kisaki was practicing kung fu early in the morning?

That's right, President! For there to be someone, other than me, who appreciates the beauty of kung fu, and for it to be Madam President, of all people...

As a trainee, I can't help but be happy about this!

Um... That's uh...

...

Yeah. I suppose.

Is something bothering you, President?

No, it's nothing.

(It's just weird. The Kisaki I know isn't exactly the type to be gung-ho about kung fu.)

So... What's your plan, Reijo?

Hm? Well, uh... I think I should spread the news far and wide, to all the other trainees.

The number of students who train in martial arts is really low, not only in Shanhaijing, but also throughout Kivotos as a whole.

Having even one more person join us is something for all of us to gather around and celebrate!

That said, President! I'll be taking some time off today to address this!

It's nice to show enthusiasm and all, but...

Ah, well, it's a rare sight to see Reijo so pumped up.

But, Kisaki, well... Seems a bit odd.

I guess if Kisaki is actually secretly practicing kung fu...

...maybe I'll give her some secret encouragement, in the form of snacks!

Is that really true, President?

Of course! I saw it with my very own eyes!

I did keep my distance, as to not get caught, so some may question my testimony...

But I could see through the truth! With none other than my very own eyes!

That movement, her arm drawing an elegant circle, the postures pointing towards the sky! There can be no other conclusion! She was performing...

...the Peking Opera Club's "Peking opera dance" itself!

The Peking opera dance... The final culmination of all the Peking opera performance moves...

The Peking Opera Club's unique dance!

But President, isn't that kinda weird? How does Madam know about the club's secret dance? Considering it's a secret and all?

It isn't strange at all! The answer is perfectly obvious!

Madam knows everything!

When you put it that way, it totally makes sense!

But even the smoothest and purest of jades can have a flaw...

Madam's Peking opera dance, while undoubtedly emulating its beautiful flow, had some...unpolished and imperfect moves here and there.

Therefore, this is the time for the Peking Opera Club to make their move!

I see! Hearing you say that really makes me feel like we should!

Did you hear? Did you hear? Madam has been...

Ah, that? Yeah. I heard too! Ah, we might get scolded by Genryumon members, if they hear us talking about it...

But isn't that incredible? THAT president, doing that kind of practice, and so early in the morning...

I kind of get it. After all, if people found it, it could cause her problems.

Huh, aren't you Martial Arts Research Club members? What's going on?

Ah! What a coincidence! I'm glad we ran into you!

You probably know better than anyone, but it's about "that" regarding Madam...

Even if it's a temporary alliance, we were wondering if you'd want to collaborate with the Martial Arts Research Club!

...

Well, you've helped me out a lot in the past.

Let's do it. Honestly, under the circumstances, I would've done the same thing.

I'll be under your care, for discipline and training!

Yes! For discipline and training!

While we're on the topic...

Would you be interested in becoming an honorary member of the Martial Arts Research Club?

Ah...that might be a bit too much. I apologize. Promenade work keeps my schedule busy.

I see...

Is everyone present?

Yes, President!

This is the White Tiger Park, where Madam comes to practice her Peking opera dance in the early hours of the morning.

Naturally, us members of the Peking Opera Club are already very familiar with this place, since we often use it as an outdoor stage.

It matters not if it's familiar to us! For the moment a different person takes the stage, its very existence changes!

They say that to reach high, you must first climb from low places.

And so, from this very place...

We shall perform our sophisticated Peking opera dance for Madam! We shall honor her wishes!

We'll follow you anywhere, President!