Thank you all for sitting down.
Now, let's get into the story.
It's titled “The Star-Chasing Dog”.
And it's about...
Hey, let's play a word game.
No, we should thumb wrestle!
Oh...
They really can't stay still...
*Nod*
I wish there were some way for us to get them to focus on the stage...
Oh, Kusanagi, what if we...?!
Yeah, okay.
Let's give it a try.
Settle down, children! What happened to the zippers on our mouths?
Hey, did you watch that anime?
Yeah, it was awesome!!
Wait, did you hear something just now?
Huh?
Yeah, I heard it!
What was that? It sounded like a dog...
Can you guys hear it?
A doggy?
I'm not hearing anything...
That's strange. I could've sworn I heard one just now...
What would something like that be doing here?!
I don't know, but... Oh, there it is again!
Listen closely, everyone.
Hm?
(Okay, they're all looking at Kusanagi now.)
(Now I just need to hit the remote...!)
<Woof! Woof!>
Oh, there it is!
Where's the doggy?!
<Woof!>
Huh? Now it's coming from over there!
Can you all see where the doggy is?
No.
I can hear it, but I can't see it...
*Howl*
Oh, there it is again.
But where could it be...?
Hey! Look at the screen...!
Huh? Where? Hmm... I'm still not seeing it...
Look behind you!
Behind you!
Behind me?
There!
Oh, the doggy's tail is making a shadow on the screen!
Hey, you're right!
What's it doing here?
What if...?
Was he so excited that he decided to jump out of the book?
Maybe.
We're really sorry!
It'll be your turn soon, so just bear with us for a bit longer, okay?
<Woof!>
No, the doggy went away...
Don't worry.
He's waiting very patiently for us in this book.
In that book?
Yes. It's a story about a very kind dog with a very fluffy tail.
Don't you all want to see him again?
Yeah!
Great.
Then, can you all listen quietly while we read this story to you?
Okay!
We've somehow managed...
Yes. Your acting was so convincing, Kusanagi.
I wouldn't call what I did just now acting...
If anything, your quick thinking is what saved us.
I never would've thought to use the sound recordings and the shadow trick we prepared to get the kids' attention.
<As with any live performance, it's normal to have a lot of things go through your mind...>
<Chiefly, whether or not all the hard work you put in is going to pay off.>
<But I'm sure you two will do just fine.
So, go out there and have as much fun as the children are about to.>
Somebody told me she was sure we'd do a good job...
I think we have her to thank.