As the student council president, I, Nana Nakagawa…

Morning everyone. It's finally the day of the public debate, Nana. Did you sleep well last night?

Good morning. I'm actually rather nervous. I don't even get this nervous when I perform on stage as a school idol.

More importantly, what exactly is a public debate?! I'm surprised at all the things that are involved in this process!

It must be terrifying to participate in an event where you're clearly having judgment passed on you.

And we have to watch it through the school broadcasting system, right? I hate that we can only watch you when we really want to cheer for you in person.

I agree. That's why we should all gather in the cafeteria at lunch to watch it together.

All right, let's do that.

We'll all be cheering you on together, okay? You're not alone. Don't forget that we're all here for you.

I won't! Thank you so much. I'll do my best!

Maybe we should create an altar out of novels and DVDs to pray for certain victory, Setsu– I mean, Nana.

An a-altar? That does sound interesting… I mean, no! I don't need anything like that!

Now, now, no need to be shy!

I'll take a photo of the altar for you. Rina-chan Board says, “Tense!”

I told you, I don't need an altar!

No need to worry! We'll decorate it real nice and cute for you!

I said, that's not what I mean. I don't need an altar! Geez, why do I have to deal with this when the debate is about to start?!

*Giggle* Looks like that loosened up your shoulders. Now you won't head into the debate with stiff nerves.

Huh? Oh, yes, maybe you are right about that. I'm breathing much easier now!

Break a leg, Nana! We'll all be watching you!

[Fade in/out.]

I am delighted to finally have this outlet to express my views to all of the students at our school. Let us both do our very best.

Y-Yes. Here's to a clean and fair debate!

(Mifune sure does appear to be full of confidence. I must hold my own as well!)

We will now begin the broadcast of the debate between the candidates for the Nijigasaki High School student council presidency. Good luck to our two candidates.

Th-Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Let us open with Shioriko Mifune and your message to all of the students.

Hello to all students of Nijigasaki High School. My name is Shioriko Mifune, and I am a first-year student running as a candidate for the new student council presidency.

The only reason I have specifically chosen to run for student council president at this time is simply that I wish to make Nijigasaki High School a better place.

This school is very much a great place at the moment. However, it can be improved. I want to make it a place where students build confidence and experience through success.

Everybody has hidden potential within them. I would like you to use your three years here to draw out and foster your potential as much as possible.

All students find joy and gain confidence in achieving good results. Being praised by others builds pride and acts to cultivate growth.

Student life is not all about fun. It is a period of preparation for the future. You may be unaware of skills unique to you. Let us reflect on and build these skills together.

While you may not agree at the beginning, I am sure you will be able to push forward with hope once you see the light.

If I am elected as student council president, I will help all of you create bright, shining futures. This is my promise to everyone!

Thank you very much. Next up, Nana Nakagawa. Please, if you will.

R-Right!

(What do I do? What do I want to do for the school? I don't think I've ever put much thought into it.)

(Mifune is amazing. I'm…)

Nana? Is something the matter?

No, sorry. I'm okay. Hello, everyone. I'm Nana Nakagawa. I am the current student council president, and I wish to continue my tenure.

I have worked together with the student council for the sake of the school ever since being elected as president following my vote of confidence last year.

My vision for Nijigasaki High School is…

(A school I want to attend… A place I want to spend three years at.)

A school where we can pursue our passions. High school only lasts for three short years of your life, but I think some things can only be done in these three years.

I want all students to pursue what they love. I will do everything in my power to support everyone in their endeavors to focus on the things they love.

(Yes. I want to spend my three years in a place where my passions aren't interfered with!)

Thank you very much. Let us now begin the debate. Candidates, please step forward.

First of all, please allow me to thank you for accepting my selfish request for a re-election.

I am not criticizing your entire administration of the student council. Running a stable student council is worthy of a passing grade.

A passing grade?

With that in mind, my position is that a school where students can pursue their passions does not support the development of students in its true essence.

For example, what would you do for a student who wants to focus on kendo despite their lack of talent? They have no chance of being admitted into a college athletics program.

I would allow them to put their heart and soul into kendo. I believe that trying your best at what you love leads to confidence.

What kind of confidence is fostered there? Where is it of use? During tough times, will they think back and wish they had worked harder?

It does not serve as a solution for times of hardship.

Wouldn't it be more efficient for the student's future to polish their unique skills starting from their high school days, rather than focusing on their beloved kendo?

I-Is it not perhaps a little sad to decide on everything based on efficiency?

This is not an issue of sadness or happiness. I believe it is more important to show the student their shortest path to success in these three years, for their future.

Don't you think that's a little too bleak for the life of a student? One's love for something is more powerful than anything else!

Well, how about you, then? Are you partaking in your passions to the best of your ability?

What?

Have you not become half-hearted with your efforts towards your student council president duties and your passions? Do you really practice what you preach?

W-Well…

Your words lack persuasion unless you, the student council president who stands at the head of all students, lead by your actions.

What is the matter? This is a public debate. Do you not have any views of your own towards what I am saying?

…

No matter what you may say, your words lack power in your current state.