It was a time of war.
The Liu Bei–led Shu army, having come under attack by the Wu general Lu Xun at the Battle of Xiaoting,
was facing certain doom.
Zhuge Kongming, who had predicted Liu Bei's defeat,
enticed the enemy to enter his secretly-planned Stone Sentinel Maze,
thereby brilliantly saving his lord from a dire situation.
Fast forward to the present.
Kongming's new master, Eiko Tsukimi,
also found herself driven into a corner.
I'll give you the chance to appear at an event I'll be performing at.
She had landed a big gig, but Eiko's joy was short lived...
I go on at the same time as Mia?
Oh my god!
She learned it was a trap set by the enemy.
Sayonara Twintails
Happy Flower
Negirikko
Orange Lemon
But if she succeeded,
Happy Flower
Negirikko
Orange Lemon
it would be the chance of a lifetime.
Orange Lemon
A command for Kongming the Tactician!
Get the place packed to capacity for my performance!
I have been waiting to hear you say that.
With help from the revived-in-the-present Stone Sentinel Maze,
Eiko ultimately seized victory on the strength of her singing.
This is Eiko.
I perform at Shibuya Club BB!
Followers
Then, Eiko began to prepare herself for the next battle.
Following
Chance x Chance, Rendezvous!! Chiki chiki ban ban
ya Boy KONGMING!
Pity?! Chiki chiki chan chan
Ah! Chiki chiki ban ban
Love!! Chuki chuki chuki ban ban
High chiki chiki ban ban
Pity?! Chiki chiki chan chan
Ah! Chiki chiki ban ban
Love!! Chuki chuki
Everyone and his brother is fickle and it's so trying
If you get drunk on tequila
With a string of groundless fantasies, flash
Dreams are Pandora
See? You get an urge to open them
Expect good things from everybody, party people
You won't understand unless you climb Mt. Fuji tonight
The showdown is the destiny of the weekend
Chance x Chance, Rendezvous!! Chiki chiki ban ban
Enjoy yourself without being pretentious about anything
Fever tonight
Chance x Chance, Pity?! Chiki chiki ban ban
No matter how often you're irritated, party tonight
Chance x Chance, Ah! Chiki chiki ban ban
A perfect society where the stupider you act, the greater the high
Chance x Chance, Love!! Chiki chiki ban ban
Everybody is a superstar in the making, diva tonight
Kongming Learns of the Right Path to Take
It seems you've gained quite a number of followers.
Hey, don't look without asking!
Eiko, I am filled with sorrow...
Seeing someone full of ambition get excited over a trivial matter makes me sad.
shwp~
You mustn't forget there are people eagerly awaiting your songs.
shwp~
But it's only natural to be happy about something nice!
shwp~
It is your singing alone that can save the populace from death's maw.
shwp~
"Populace"? What's that?
Okay, I get it.
You're saying not to lose sight of my goals, right?
Next time, I'll do my best to please the audience even more.
Regarding that, I've gone ahead and scheduled your next gig.
That was fast!
Which club?
Announcing the finalized lineup!!
This "Yoyogi Art Fes Live."
A festival?!
Hey, wait a minute,
I heard that even though amateurs can perform at Yoyogi Art Fes their selection process is strict.
How'd you swing it?
I sent in a video from the recent Ladies' Ready Night,
and it seems they thought highly of it.
The editing is really slick!
You do that too?
I hired someone.
A top-notch fellow who's a fan of Eiko.
I'm surprised you had the money for that.
His payment was Eiko's smile.
That's fan exploitation!
When did you take that?!
In any case, though her last performance improved her name recognition,
isn't it too soon to pursue a music festival?
Yeah, that's right.
I mean, I just finally surpassed 1,000 followers...
No, I have judged that, for you to take your next step,
this event is ideal.
A festival, huh?
Will people really come out to hear me sing?
Seems you've got a strategy up your sleeve.
Spit it out!
A secret plan is all the more a sure-fire strategy when it remains concealed.
Do you think you're Sun Ce or somethin'?!
I am not secretly in possession of the Imperial Seal.
The old guys are hitting it off...
stiff
Oh, so this must be the famous Takeshita Street.
The vibe here is quite different than that of Shibuya.
Let's hurry and get were we're going.
By chance...
Miss!
Hey, where're you going?!
Don't go getting lost!
Please wait up.
Ah?! What is it?
Could it be that we share the same lot?
From what period have you come here?
Huh? What's with you? You're scaring me.
Don't worry.
I assure you he's not suspicious.
He's plenty suspicious!
Sorry about that!
What is it?
Do you mind if I take a brief look inside?
Good grief!
We've still got time.
It’s important to take it easy sometimes.
Y-you're right.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Hey, what in the world did you buy?!
Sure enough, you can't hit up a festival without these.
Let's go.
Very well.
Tokyo Metropolitan
YOYOGI PARK
Takoyaki
Yakisoba
Cotton Candy
This is amazing!
It's the perfect chance to promote yourself.
Yeah, I'm gonna get tons of people to listen to me sing!
Let's see...
Where is our stage?
Isn't is that one?
Oh my...
It's, uh, a bit low-key...
I had heard they put first-time performers in out-of-the-way spots.
In the same time slot as Eiko,
the popular indie band Jet Jacket will perform on the stage in front of us.
There is a high probability the stream of festival goers will stop there.
Stage
Eiko
Stage
Moreover, this tree gets in the way, so it's tough to tell there's even a stage here.
It's the worst location imaginable.
Actually, it is propitious.
Next up! You're on from 6 p.m., EIKO.
Please get ready.
Okay!
Let's go.
Yeah!
Whoa, it's deserted.
Am I gonna be alright?
Just relax.
Soon, your singing will have the place overflowing with people.
Y-you think so?
W-well, I better go warm up my voice, then.
It's strange...
It was the same with my last gig,
but if anyone can get me outta this bind it's Kongming.
Kongming, just who are you?
You on the staff here?
I'm a member of Jet Jacket, who'll be playing over there.
I'd like to introduce myself to EIKO.
It is very kind of you to take the trouble.
That cosplay? Is there some event on?
No, I'm a staff member of the female singer EIKO.
His greeting...
is a mere token gesture.
Based on his looks and mannerisms...
Oh? Kongming, who's that?
He is Jet Jacket's lead singer.
He was kind enough to come greet you.
Wow, from that popular band?!
I'm EIKO!
It's nice to meet you.
Same.
Yeah...
Kongming! Eiko!
What's wrong?
My apologies!
We have equipment issues and aren't getting any sound output!
WHAT?!
No sound?!
Let me help!
Just leave it! We'll handle this!
Kongming, you take care of the lighting.
Yes, sir.
Well then, good luck.
Thank you for your concern.
What're we gonna do, Kongming?
How'd it go over there?
Well, it was just some unknown girl.
And it seems they've got equipment problems.
Hmm, so that's how it is.
We started from that same stage six years ago.
We had it rough; hardly anyone turned up.
Last year, people started showing up when we began using DAW software,
and we've finally made it this far.
If our solo gig tomorrow is a success, a major-label debut will be in sight.
I think we'll just take it nice and easy today.
She's not coming on?
Wanna head somewhere else?
Aww, they're leaving.
Are you guys pumped up or what?!
The audience over there is fired up.
Isn't there anything you can do, Kongming?
Not while your equipment isn't working.
You can make more noise than that, can't you?!
Besides, take a look at their stage. You can make more noise than that, can't you?!
Besides, take a look at their stage.
Compared to those up front, the people in back seem only casually interested in the performance.
They've joined in out of habit because there's already a large gathering there.
If your equipment gets fixed, the people in back will surely come over here.
I'm gonna go warm up my voice one more time!
Jet Jacket is saddled with a problem.
What?
Their strength lies in their pleasant performances and digitally-aided sound,
but it belies a serious concealed weakness.
We shall feign that our equipment has broken down.
After a certain development, I will provide you with instructions when the time is right.
Even so, most the festival goers have streamed to the stage over there,
and it's looking hopeless for us.
Was the Stone Sentinel Maze last time a fluke?
Owner, do you per chance know of The Thirty-Six Stratagems?
"The Thirty-Six Stratagems"?
Is that different from The Art of War?
The Thirty-Six Stratagems is...
You're gonna know when I sing with all my heart
You must be crazy for me
I give you my word
My dream is top the chart
You...
My lord...
My lord, what is it?
Oh, baby tell me
Everything's alright
I hope nobody
Together with Eiko...
Wastes his time...
the peace throughout the world we were unable to achieve...
the truth of the world we expired before learning...
In this life, at last, I...
The Thirty-Six Stratagems
is a compilation of the tactics used in our era created for future generations.
"Our era"?
Are you...
One of the Thirty-Six Stratagems is:
"Create something from nothing!"
It's party time.
Ya Boy Kongming!
ya
ya Boy
ya Boy KONG
ya Boy KONGMING!
Sir Tactician!
What is it?
We are holding a small drinking party for the troops who are shipping out tomorrow.
Would you be so kind as to join for a drink?
I'm afraid...
I am tied up at the moment.
Understood.
Thank you!
It's pretty lively over at their stage.
Wouldn't it have been best to have Eiko sing as scheduled, after all?
There is no cause for concern.
Allow me to show you Stratagem Seven of the Thirty-Six:
"Create something from nothing."
You guys are the best!
The truth is, today's basically a throwaway match.
This'll be an easy win for us.
Uh, I'd like to a make an announcement-
What a racket!
They're killing the vibe!
Is their equipment working again?
Now of all times?
Alright, here I go!
Hey!
Be crazy for me
Make me shine on you
You're gonna see me
When you hear my music
I'll be there for you
No matter where you go
How do you see me from your point of view?
Wow!
She's actually good.
Who is she?
I steal your heart
Play "Mid Day"!
"Mid Day"!
"Mid Day"! "Mid Day"! "Mid Day"!
I'll take you higher
Are you crazy for me?
"Mid Day" is...
"Mid Day"! "Mid Day"! "Mid Day"!
I'll take you higher
Are you crazy for me?
We'll play "Mid Day" at our solo concert tomorrow,
Let me go my own way
so today we'll perform "Rain Fall."
‘Cause I believe you
"Mid Day" is their only song I know.
Mikansei no mama ja iya na no I don't like it being left unfinished
Wanna check out that stage?
I'm kinda curious.
Don't let it fade away
Oh, I know this song! I love it!
I'll make it come true
EIKO? Never heard of her.
Demo tsukamu ni wa tarinai no But it is not enough to grab onto
But I'm diggin' it!
Kanousei nara mugendai The possibilities are infinite
Kakete mite, uragiranai Bet on me, I won't betray you
Oh my god!
This feels awesome!
Sono omoi ni wa kotaetai I want to respond to that feeling
What's going on?
That "Create something from nothing" stratagem...
Kimi no koe de, bring it to me With your voice, bring it to me
What'd you do?
"Create something from nothing"...
In other words, make it appear that something which doesn't exist in fact does.
Be crazy for me
Make me shine on you
You mean how you faked the equipment issues, right?
You're gonna see me
When you hear my music
I get that much,
but why'd the crowd make their way over here?
I'll be there for you
No matter where you go
I predicted that, as a first-time performer,
Eiko would be assigned this location.
After which, I researched Jet Jacket, who were set to go on at the same time, in detail.
Their vocalist is high-strung and deliberate,
and he easily gets a sore throat.
What do you base that on?
Physiognomy.
And I only became more sure of it when I met him earlier.
In addition, they have an important concert tomorrow.
Their competition today was an unknown with limited popularity.
What's more, she was having issues.
Well then, what was his frame of mind?
He'd take it easy in preparation for tomorrow.
Exactly.
Moreover, their signature song, "Mid Day," is tough on the throat.
He never sings it two days in a row, as his vocal chords require rest.
Ah, I see.
That's when you deploy the flashy lighting and a hit cover song that fires people up.
All but their most loyal fans will head over here.
It's perfect!
Er, wait, there was a non-zero chance that we could've ended up in a different location.
It seems the Will of Heaven favors Eiko.
As a result, I had no need to use THAT stratagem.
Another stratagem?
Just how far ahead can this guy see?
Kongming, are you...
the real Kongming?!
All right, let's put on the finishing touches.
"Finishing touches"?
What else is up your sleeve?!
Cheers!
Go on and have one.
Don’t startle me like that.
Just giving the fans some freebies, eh?
I do have some regrets.
What about?
Once, when Cao Cao's army came after us,
we were forced to flee with common folk in tow.
The prior night, I'd been invited to a drinking party,
but on account of being busy, I coldly turned down the offer.
On reflection, that was a farewell drink for soldiers who were prepared to meet their end...
They all laid down their lives on the battlefield so that the common folk could escape.
Back then, why did I not share so much as a single drink with them?
Why, I ask?
Kongming...
"For all things are born of the tangible, but the tangible arises from nothing."
This, too, is "creating something from nothing."
Life is but a fleeting moment.
Let us enjoy ourselves.
Yeah, with the best music and liquor.
Perfection.
What's up, everybody?!
Put your lights up!
It seems Eiko's really gained some confidence.
And that was exactly my aim for this event.
What?
Among the fifteen rules for a commander is found "humility."
That is, conducting oneself with modesty.
However, I dare say Eiko has too much humility.
Her low self-assessment holds her back.
A victory on unfamiliar ground...
I suspect she will take to heart
a successful experience as intense as this one.
I see.
So that's why you wanted her to perform at a festival.
You put a lot of thought into it.
And there is one more reason...
Should my prediction prove correct...
And here they come.
I'd like a word with EIKO's manager.
Huh? You guys-
I shall hear you out.
Hey now, Kongming!
You needn't worry.
I'm accustomed to such things on the battlefield.
I have some skill in this area.
You play dirty!
Oh my, whatever do you mean?
Don't play dumb!
You blasted out sound the second I started addressing the audience!
Like hell your equipment started working just then!
Did you even get permission to put lights in the tree like that?!
You faked your equipment issues to get us to let our guard down.
Isn't that right?!
Let your guard down?
Oh...
We were working frantically over here.
No such thought even crossed my mind.
What? I hate this damn guy! Can I slug 'im?
Don't make a scene!
If that's the way you feel...
Ta-da!
TA-DA!
What's that?
I've heard that your vocalist has been battling issues with his throat.
It’s a throat-soothing decoction that messengers carried with them in the past.
If you're so inclined, please try some.
Like hell I'd drink that!
Don’t screw with me!
Gimme that.
Hey!
What the hell are you thinking?!
Hurry and spit it out! C'mon!
So...
So soothing!
WHAT?!
This stuff's crazy!
It tastes like crap but really opens up your throat! Go on and try some.
No friggin' way!
Gimme a sip.
Wait!
Hold up, I said.
Actually, it's not bad.
Right? Actually, it's not bad.
Right? You outta your damn minds?!
Drink some.
Cut the crap! Why should I?
Well, you're unstoppable when your throat's in good shape.
Here.
No harm in trying.
Just get it over with.
It's not good to be picky!
You idiots.
I've been seeing an actual doctor, you know?
C'mon already!
soothing~
So soothing!
The discomfort in my throat's completely gone!
What the hell's in this stuff?
I've uploaded the recipe to Cookingpad, so please have a look.
It's got a crap ton of reviews!
Since "Mid Day"...
I'm of the opinion that your songs after you started using DAW software are also wonderful,
but I must say I preferred your wild, first-year festival performance.
So, could please I get your autographs?
Had you displayed the same vigor you did back then,
I suspect no one would've left your performance.
Shut up!
You really are obnoxious.
It's not like I've forgotten, okay?
Oh? About what exactly?
That it's not the size of the stage that matters.
That EIKO girl...
She's actually not bad.
Thank you.
That said, if we ever go up against each other again,
it's payback time!
Also...
about that medicine...
Thank you.
Man, I actually really like that dude.
Stop your fanboying!
You like him even more than I do!
Kongming! You like him even more than I do!
Kongming! Shut up!
Are you sure that was wise?
Showing humanity to an adversary like that?
It is fine.
Appreciating one's enemy is part of having a command of battle.
Like how Guan Yu raised his hat to Zhang Liao.
Oh, the siege of Lu Bu's castle!
Nevertheless, I am glad these are peaceful times.
If times had not changed,
I would have been forced to line up the severed heads of those three on stage.
That's horrifying!
I love you guys!
Thank you!
I'm back!
Huh? They're not here.
Where'd you run off to? Jeez!
We had a little business.
Great work tonight, Eiko.
How was I?
You were splendid.
I wasn't sure how it'd pan out at first, but I felt great up on stage!
As a rookie singer,
it would be understandable for you to have felt a sense of alienation at a festival like this.
But at the same time,
it provided an opportunity to have your music heard by a great many people.
I believed that you could surely pull it off, Eiko.
I want even way more people to hear me sing!
I will continue to put my body and soul into supporting you.
Thanks!
Oh?
It would seem the one we're really after has been caught in our net.
Kongming Learns of the Right Path to Take
Hey DJ
Do it, yeah yeah yeah, that superb-feeling
Needle, drop it, blast the sound, party night
Let's drink, alright alright alright, let's all dance!
Hip-pop people, play that miracle number
Yo! Music that we share in an era like this
We want to search for it, a globe that spins
Wavering, unstable lives
That's why we emphasize balance
Not everything is great, so I can try my best!
Kick the worst of days
Click the restart button!
DJ, play it! Now, trip
Let's groove to the hip beat and shake our feeling bodies
Hey DJ, butt in, yeah yeah yeah, that superb-feeling
Wave, ride it and fly off, funky night
Let's drink, alright alright alright, let's all dance!
Hip-pop people, a miracle number until the morn
Hey DJ, do it, yeah yeah yeah
Let's drink, alright alright alright
Hey DJ, do it, yeah yeah yeah