Kin’iro no Corda 3 Full Voice Special — Prologue

Kin’iro no Corda 3 was first released in 2010, but last year Koei decided to rerelease it in a fully voiced version for the series’ tenth year anniversary. Along with the extra voicing they have also added in new events and CGs, as well as including the PSN extra scenarios into the game. Because of the added content, I will be redoing my previous summaries and so have taken them down for now. Sorry I hope you’ll bear with me _:(´□`」 ∠):_

Kin’iro no Corda 3 is set seven years after the end of 2f Encore. This means a brand new cast of characters, and instead of focusing on winning an in-school concours this game has its sights set on a bigger prize. The premise is also different as there are no magic violins or faeries, but the core concept is the same. It was sad at first saying goodbye to the previous characters, but I really got attached to this cast (* ´ ∀ ` *)

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[ So that it doesn’t end here ]

The game begins with a flashback set about three years before the start of the main story. A distraught Kyouya is angrily questing his older brother Ritsu’s decision to leave their small town and enroll at a school in Yokohama. Completely composed and serious, Ritsu determinedly states that he’s going to Seisou Gakuen to study violin. That is his decision. Sounding more upset, Kyouya argues that he can study the violin just as well in this city so there’s no need for him to leave. After a slight hesitation, Ritsu quietly says that even if he has to leave the two of them behind, he just can’t stay in this town forever. Here, he can’t advance. There are things that he needs to know. What kind of music is there out in the world? What kind of musicians exist? He needs a rival apart from just them two.

This doesn’t make Kyouya any less upset, who seethes in anger before shouting that fine, leave now! Even if he comes home, even if he ends up dying somewhere, Kyouya’s not going to be aware. Whether it’s Seisou Gakuen or someplace else, it’s all the same so just go!

A loud buzzing noise pierces through the room and pulls Kanade from her reminiscing. She is currently sitting backstage, where a staff member asks her to prepare for the curtain is about to rise. Before getting up, she looks down at her hand that holds a golden violin string. After gazing at it for a moment, she grips it tightly.

Once she’s on stage and performing, the judges’ comments begin to float in. One of them mentions that Kanade seems familiar, and after discussing amongst themselves where they could have seen her before, one remarks that she won an award as a child. But… this performance isn’t…. The judges are disappointed because Kanade seems like every other child prodigy. Once they grow up, they don’t live up to their potential and will eventually fade away.

From afar, an unknown high school student watches closely, seemingly studying Kanade’s performance. An attractive woman soon walks up to him and inquires she’s the girl that’s been weighing on his mind isn’t she? Though her tone is light her words are sharp as she echoes the judges’ disappointment by adding that it’s too bad… seems like they wasted their time by coming here.  Turning away, she says she’s ready to head back now, but he can stay to listen more if he’d like. Without hesitation, the student coldly replies that it isn’t necessary. However before he walks away completely, he looks over his shoulder and sends a hard look in Kanade’s direction.

Backstage, Kanade walks off stiffly with her head down, noticeably glum. In the hall she runs into Kyouya who appears to have finished with his performance as well. He casually congratulates her on her performance and is all ready to go home, but Kanade has something to ask him. How was her performance just now? It was bad wasn’t it… Surprised by her sudden question, Kyouya responds that he thought it was good. Wondering what’s wrong, he adds that her performance was the same as usual. This doesn’t do much to reassure Kanade, but before she can protest further Kyouya remembers something. Just now, a receptionist entrusted him with a letter that’s addressed to her. He hands it to her as he starts to head towards the dressing room to change out of his formal outfit.

Once he’s gone, Kanade looks down at the letter. The sender didn’t write a name, so she has no clue who it’s from. Opening it she finds one line scrawled inside:

お前はここで終わるのか。 ( Is this as far as you will go? )

These words echo in her mind and immediately Kanade recalls what Ritsu said right before he left their hometown for Seisou gakuen.

Ritsu: Continuing to stay in this town is harmful. Staying here, I won’t advance.

Ritsu: I am going to Seisou Gakuen because I need a rival.

Something seems to snap inside of Kanade, and she starts running determinedly through the concert hall. On her way out she passes a confused Kyouya, who becomes shocked when she tells him what she’s suddenly decided: she’s going to transfer to Seisou Gakuen. He spews out several bewildered questions but Kanade is already heading out the front door. The words from the letter continue to repeat in her head and she runs faster until she reaches a grassy field overlooking the city. There she finally stops to take a breath; looking up at the sky and all her future possibilities that lay ahead of her…

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[ From here it begins ]

•  July 13  •  Kanagawa Prefecture      Yokohama 

Some time has passed and it is now Kanade’s first day at Seisou Gakuen. But she didn’t come alone — Kyouya also transferred along with her ヽ(* ´ ⌣ ` *)ノ He doesn’t seem happy to be there though, sighing and complaining that Ritsu had too much of an influence on her. Noticing his bad mood, Kanade cheerfully promises to work hard together and the sight of her care free attitude lightens his mood a little. At that moment he seems to recall something, and hesitantly asks if she’s really going to join the Orchestra Club. As soon as they looked at her background, the principal recommended her right? Staying silent for a moment, Kanade thinks back. After she was admitted to Seisou and had been in the midst of transferring, she was given an application for joining the club. Instead of answering, Kanade asks if Kyouya isn’t planning on joining. Scoffing, Kyouya retorts that she must be kidding. He sees no reason to join, just being in Seisou should suffice.

Something up ahead catches his attention, and he motions to a spot further down the hallway wondering if that’s the room the Orchestra Club uses. Looking to where he’s referring, they see a group of students lined up outside of a room. They seem to be agitated and nervous, and one girl worries aloud about making a mistake in front of the “president.” Kanade notices that all the students in the hallway are carrying an instrument.  As she overhears a student nervously pumping himself up, she asks another one what this line is for. But he only becomes annoyed at her interrupting him memorizing his music sheet ｫｨ(ᇂ∀ᇂ╬) However, a girl lets her know that this is an ability test run by the Orchestra Club.

Just then, the door opens and a member asks for the next person to enter. Looking over at the group where Kanade is standing, he catches sight of her violin case. Thinking that she’s a student waiting to audition, he swiftly tries to usher her in. Kyouya quickly tries to solve the confusion by exclaiming that they’re not really members, but is interrupted before he can explain. The member mistakes Kyouya for a disgruntled student so he cheerfully tells him to wait his turn in line and he’ll call him when it’s his turn (。≖ˇ∀ˇ≖。)  He then proceeds to escort Kanade inside and shuts the door. Unfortunately this only annoys Kyouya more, who shouts after the guy that again they have nothing to do with this. From behind him, a boy with blond hair appears and coldly asks him not to cause such a ruckus by being so loud in the hallway. At least until this is finished. This is not helping Kyouya feel any less irritated, who immediately turns around and glares at the boy. Seething, he wonders out loud that having to hear just anyone talk to him like that, what kind of school is this?

Meanwhile inside the club room, Kanade is brought to the center and introduced to the president — who is mysteriously covered in shadows. She is then prompted to quickly start but she hesitates on what piece she should play. The member who brought her in is slightly taken aback that she came unprepared, but just tells her to play whatever song she’s best at. So she does. Kanade starts to play the song she performed at the recital, Bach’s “Partitas no. 3“, and everyone seems to be impressed by her sound and skill level. But then they start to realize — just who is this girl?

The president comes out from the shadows and is revealed to be Ritsu, who is surprised to see Kanade here.

Once Kanade finishes playing the piece she hears someone clapping. A student walks up praising her enthusiastically for a wonderful performance. The fact that such a charming girl existed in this school without him being aware of it, clearly proves that he needs to improve his “investigations.” He starts asking questions about her, like if she’s a new student and if she’s a second year, but Kanade isn’t sure how to answer. Thankfully Ritsu appears and answers for her. At this the student smiles and remarks that this must be the childhood friend that Ritsu was talking about yesterday. He turns back to Kanade to tell her that he’s heard a lot about her, but she’s cuter than he thought. (ღ˘⌣˘ღ) The door slams open at this to reveal Kyouya, who swiftly walks up to where they are talking. The student is surprised to see him, but Kyouya completely ignores him. He stops in front of Ritsu and they proceed to reunite.

Kyouya: Ha, to become so arrogant as to do things like this “test”, you’re in a high station aren’t you? Sh—tty Aniki.

Ritsu: Refrain from using vulgar language, Kyouya. Your dignity is questionable.

Kyouya: My bad. Guess I can’t be as refined as you.

Attempting to lighten the heavy mood, the student laughs and says they don’t really resemble siblings. Kyouya turns in his direction looking annoyed and asks who he is. Here the student finally introduces himself as Sakaki Daichi, the vice president. He immediately tries to get Kyouya to play a piece next, but Kyouya only looks at him confused. Ritsu cuts in to say if he doesn’t want to he can just go home, causing Kyouya to protest that it’s more that he doesn’t understand what this test is for. Daichi sighs at this and asks Ritsu if he hasn’t told him anything? About what the Orchestra Club is doing in regards to the National Convention that is. Kyouya looks dumbfounded at the term “National Convention”so Daichi takes this moment to explain.

It’s the National High School Music Concours, in which several hundreds of elementary to high school students participate. Some from the Orchestra Club (shortened to OkeBu) will participate in the classical music division as an ensemble. Right now they’re conducting the qualifiers in preparation for the preliminary round; meaning they’re selecting which members will participate in the ensemble. Sounding unimpressed Kyouya scoffs and says he gets it, their goal is to participate in the convention. Ritsu corrects him though — their goal isn’t to simply participate in the National Convention. Their goal is to win first place and become the champions. His words immediately change the mood in the room. Kyouya mocks his words, asking if he’s sober. Ritsu stoically stands behind his statement, and Daichi tries to avoid a bad situation by adding that it’s natural to react like that after hearing this so unexpectedly. He probably thinks that winning the National Convention seems like a dream that’s out of reach right? But every year without fail, a high school somewhere claims the victory. This year, they’ll win. That’s about it. Noticing that Kyouya still isn’t convinced he adds that of course, they understand that it’s not going to be easy. There are a lot of veteran schools too.

Such as the experienced brass band centered school, Shiseikan Gakuen in Sendai. Or the school that’s collected a number of foreign exchange students and are known as Kyushu’s Empress, St. Cecil Gakuen. Also, there’s the school where the winner of last year’s violin solo division Tougane Chiaki attends, Kobe’s Jinnan Gakuen. But that’s not all of them, there are many others that they are not aware of that are capable of amazing performances. All these students that participate will become their opponents who they’ll compete against. After hearing this, Kyouya no longer seems mocking but appears to be astonished. Meanwhile Kanade recalls everything that they’ve explained. By joining the Orchestra Club and their aim towards the National Convention, there will be many chances to perform. There, she can find many rivals.

With this in her mind, Kanade declares that she would like to try to participate. Everyone is surprised by her words, except Daichi who says he was hoping she would say that. He brings up the fact that they’re looking for a second violinist and suggests making her an official member. However, Ritsu thinks for a long moment before disagreeing, saying she cannot become an Orchestra Club member. Daichi is taken aback for a moment before trying to change his mind. He points out that she’s a childhood friend that he trusts right? Ritsu isn’t swayed so Daichi goes to protest again, but is interrupted by someone saying that he agrees with Ritsu. The blond boy from the hallway appears, and with a cold look on his face he repeats that “that person”can’t become an OkeBu member. He doesn’t think she’d be an appropriate choice for a participant. Kyouya of course immediately recognizes him, and at his outburst the boy decides to introduce himself. He is Music School first year cello player, Mizushima Haruto. He heard from outside and thought that things didn’t seem to be going well. Daichi isn’t perturbed and instead points out that Kanade is carrying a club member application. Isn’t she practically almost a member? Don’t stress over trivial matters. Instead… shouldn’t they welcome their cute new club member? (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ Haruto’s face remains stoic as he retorts that they’re not trivial matters; Daichi should know this as well. Without gathering the seals of the captain, the advisor, and the head teacher that document is invalid. Lowering his voice, he adds that even if they don’t rush in a new member the ensemble will still be formed. They will still participate in the classical music division.   This summer the OkeBu members are aiming towards the National Competiton, even if they have to train as a small group. By this point Haruto has become more emotional and he turns to the other members to say that this summer, let’s concentrate on practicing. Because they can still unite in sound, there’s no need to add another member. Reverting back to his cold face, he turns back to Daichi and finishes by stating that they can win even without her.

Daichi is slightly surprised by Haruto’s zealous feelings, but suggests an idea. If they’re still unsure, how about holding an ensemble test? Both Ritsu and Haruto are hesitant about holding yet another regional selection, but Daichi counters that it can’t be helped if this is the only way to get everyone to agree. Ritsu silently ponders over it for a long moment, before turning to Kanade and asking if her  feelings about wanting to participate haven’t changed. She strongly responds that they haven’t, and this leads him to announcing that they will hold one more selection for the ensemble which will be held next week. The OkeBu members are excited about getting another chance to audition. Ritsu give out a few last details before exiting the room. Appearing flustered, Haruto quickly follows him.

Left alone now, Daichi turns back to Kanade and Kyouya (who’s been completely silent up to now.) He thinks one week is plenty of time to prepare, so he encourages them to do their best. But Kyouya flatly points out a problem: they are transfer students. They don’t know anyone here, so how will they be able to gather other people to form an ensemble? Daichi isn’t too worried about that… because he can join their ensemble (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ Kanade is delighted with the idea, which causes Daichi to laugh bashfully. He then walks up close to her and tells her that her performance earlier was really good. His feelings of helping her get into the Orchestra Club were not a lie, and he promises to work hard. Lowering his voice to almost a whisper, he leaves himself in her care “Hina-chan”❤ From the background Kyouya yells out violently for him to wait, asking what does he think he’s doing with that hand LOL. Being so over familiar like this is sexual harassment!  But Daichi innocently denies it, saying he is simply building feelings of deep affection with ~skinship~ ｡ﾟ(ﾟﾉ∀`ﾟ)ﾟ｡ｱﾋｬﾋｬ If you see something you think is cute, isn’t it natural to feel this way? His answer only irritates Kyouya further, who in the end sighs and declares that he’s participating too. At his words Daichi also sighs and remarks on how overprotective “弟くん” is. This of course makes Kyouya angry, who denies being overprotective. He just thinks leaving Daichi alone is dangerous LOL.

Falling silent, Kyouya’s expression grows grim as he curses Ritsu in his mind. What does he mean with “If you don’t want to it’s fine”? He thinks he’s so superior. Things like going to a school with a music department and playing the violin well… is he trying to prove it? Breaking into his dark thoughts, Daichi tells him that if he wants to come along it can’t be helped. In that case, they should get try to get along.

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[ Selecting a Music Score ]

•  July 13  •

Changing the subject, Kyouya asks what are they going to do about the music piece? They need a composition for two violins and… speaking of which, what instrument does Daichi play? Daichi replies that he plays the viola, and his answer makes Kyouya uneasy. Two violins and a viola?? Do compositions for those even exist? Daichi admits that there aren’t really any, which causes Kyouya to freak out. They only have a week after all, but Daichi tells him not to worry. There’s no need to rush.

They move from the club room to the music room, where Kyouya is taken aback at the vast amount of books and files. Daichi amusedly muses that they should be able to excavate something here. Noticing music scores lined up on shelves, Kanade asks about them, and Daichi explains that they were a parting gift from an alumni. A little way off from them, Kyouya is excited to find a piano score for Debussy’s “Arabesque”. Oh there’s one for violin and cello too! Laughing happily, Kyouya looks through the rest of the music sheets wondering what else he can find. Daichi is amused at the sight, before proposing that they look for a score they can use for the selection. Tearing his attention away, Kyouya states he will look through this list of music scores, but Daichi stops him. Annoyed, Kyouya mutters about him being controlling. He’s loud enough that Daichi hears him though, who snaps back that he has to be controlling in order to get things done. In an attempt to clear the tension, Kanade interrupts them by declaring that she’s going to search the scores in this area over here. With a defeated sigh, Kyouya flatly “requests” to search through a different stack of music scores.

Time passes by, and the only noise in the room is the sound of papers being shuffled. After a while, Kyouya seems to have found something. He runs over to where they are and holds out a score for Monti’s “Czardas“. It has many flashy, showy parts  as well as an emotional melody that grips you. That first year will be silenced and run away in defeat if they played a piece with this kind of technique. “ψ(｀∇´)ψ It’s a good choice right? Daichi agrees that’s a good piece but… isn’t the first violin part difficult? He recommends instead Dvorak’s “Four Romantic Pieces”. It’s a simple but pretty piece. The day of next week’s selection is also the closing ceremony, which has students looking forward to the freedom of summer vacation. Listening to a bright and fun tune will set a good mood right? However Daichi and Kyouya refuse to agree and this sets off an argument, each debating how theirs is the better choice. Realizing that they’re getting nowhere, they turn to Kanade and ask her opinion. Which does she think is better: “Czardas” or “Four Romantic Pieces”?

Kanade argues that she can’t choose without listening to them, so Kyouya runs to get his violin. When he gets into position he explains he’ll play the melody line so she can get a feel for the song. He then proceeds to play the high paced and complicated melody effortlessly, then follows it with Dvorak’s more mellow piece. Daichi is impressed that he can play so well by sight, while Kyouya acts smug（ 人｀⌣´）✧ He asks Kanade what she thinks now. As expected “Czardas” is more cool right? Kanade actually agrees, to which Kyouya becomes overjoyed. Daichi gracefully admits defeat since the majority voted against him.

Now that they’ve decided on a piece, Daichi will take care of the full score. Then they can each start practicing their own part before heading home. With a light tone he asks who will play first violinist and Kanade immediately responds that she wants to do it. He hands her the part, but as she looks it over she realizes that it’s above her current skill level. Kyouya notices her making an “It’s impossible” face and suggests he do it instead. Admitting defeat she hands the score over to him, and obtains the second violin part instead.

They return to the club room where Daichi suggests they practice individually for a bit to work on timing. The school gates close at 6pm so work hard until then. He’ll be in this music room so if they have any questions he’ll be happy to hear them. He’ll especially warmly welcome any questions from the cute new member (๑・ω-)～♥”

They have one week to practice before competing against Ritsu and Haruto in the final selection, where they will find out whether or not they will take part in the National High School Music Concours.

Is… anyone even still reading this? Haha I doubt it, it’s been over a year after all (´・ω・｀; )  I won’t bore you with all the details, but real life has been crazy and I gradually lost all time to blog. And honestly the original Corda 3 game I first played back in 2010, so replaying it became a bit of a chore ;;; But now with the full voice version and the AnotherSky games I have more incentive to finish playing the game. My new job is also much more flexible time wise, so look forward to more posts in the near future. Please ｍ（＿　＿；；ｍ