"Anger is also one of humanity's seven deadly sins..." Sogo Doma wore an infuriating grin. "So I know you all think I'm awful."
Everyone: "..."
What was that supposed to be? Self-awareness?
"Can't help it. I'm the kind of guy who can't keep things bottled up..." Sogo Doma shrugged. "Speaking my mind is one of my virtues!"
Everyone: "..."
That counted as a virtue?
"You should actually be glad that I'm the one pointing out your problems..." Sogo Doma continued as if no one else existed. "If other audience members gave you this kind of evaluation after the performance was over, it'd be too late for regrets. Unlike now, you at least still have a chance to improve..."
"..." The logic made sense, but...
Fortunately, Sogo Doma did not press them too hard. After lecturing them a little, he let them leave—or rather, let them go improve their performance.
"Why?" However, Mai Sakurajima did not leave right away, nor did Muse and the others.
"Someone has to be the bad guy..." Sogo Doma answered. "So why can't that bad guy be me? If I didn't do it, then maybe one of you would have to become the bad guy instead..."
Muse, Mai Sakurajima, and the others were all stunned. "..."
Those words sounded strangely cool. Was that an illusion?
Wait...
"Was there something wrong with Mai's performance?"
"Mm..." Mai Sakurajima answered them. "There really were a lot of problems..."
"Mai knew too?"
"Of course..." Sogo Doma took over. "Even Nodoka herself couldn't stand watching it anymore. But she said that only their team had lost, not Mai. As expected, only by standing in the position of an observer can you see yourself clearly..."
Mai Sakurajima: "..."
She somehow felt as though a child had grown up! That had to be