On the Way to a Smile

On the Way to a Smile is a series of short stories taking place between the time of Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. Written by Kazushige Nojima, the first story, "Case of Denzel", was released in episodes on the official Japanese Advent Children website, and was released together with "Case of Tifa" in V-Jump's Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Prologue book. "Case of Barret" was released originally in English, with the North American and European limited edition box set of Advent Children.

On the Way to a Smile was released simultaneously with Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete, collecting the short stories in book format, with the Japanese version of "Case of Barret", as well as four new stories: "Case of Yuffie", "Case of Red XIII", "Case of Shinra", and "Case of the Lifestream".

Advent Children Complete also included On the Way to a Smile: Episode of Denzel, an adaption of Case of Denzel by A-1 Pictures and BeStack.

"Case of Denzel"
This story is told indirectly through the perspective of Denzel, the young orphan featured in Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. Four years after Meteorfall, Denzel meets with Reeve Tuesti and requests Reeve let him join the World Regenesis Organization (WRO). Denzel proceeds to tell Reeve about his life prior to the fall of Meteor; the narration includes Denzel's parents dying when the Sector 7 plate fell, living with Reeve's mother afterward, and ultimately surviving Meteorfall and becoming a scavenger in the ruins of Midgar before being rescued by Cloud.

On October 22, 2011, thelifestream.net released their audiobook version of "Case of Denzel", featuring some of the same voice actors of their version of "Case of Tifa" as well as some of their arrangement's of the game's music and the track "On the Way to a Smile -EPISODE DENZEL-".

"Case of Tifa"
This story consists of Tifa Lockhart's account of the events following Meteor's destruction, overlapping in part with Denzel's story. Tifa, Cloud, Barret, and Marlene open a bar in the city of Edge, and try to begin their new lives. Barret eventually leaves to settle his past, and Tifa, Cloud, and Marlene form a family, including Denzel after Cloud finds him. Cloud becomes increasingly distant and secretive, a problem compounded by his job making long-distance deliveries. Though Tifa tries to keep the family together, Cloud leaves and does not pick up when she calls his cellphone.

In November 2010, thelifestream.net released their audiobook version of "Case of Tifa", featuring voice actors and fan arrangements of music from the game as well as original music.

"Case of Barret"
This story centers on Barret Wallace and his search for meaning in his life. Barret seeks a way to atone for his past actions as AVALANCHE, eventually helping Cid work on his new airship. When Barret learns of the fatal plague Geostigma, he decides to try and help the infected find treatment, and heads off to find a source of fuel for Cid's airship so they can help the world reach a cure if one is found. Barret also acquires a new prosthetic hand during the story.

In March 2012, thelifestream.net released their audiobook version of "Case of Barret", featuring voice actors and fan arrangements of music from the game as well as original music.

"Case of Yuffie"
This story follows Yuffie Kisaragi as she returns to Wutai in the wake of Meteor's fall and must help those injured in the Lifestream's eruption. Later, the people become infected with a disease from Midgar, and blame Yuffie for it. Almost two years later, the disease, now known as Geostigma, still plagues the village, and Yuffie has spent much of her time treating the injured and attempting to find a Materia to cure them.

On July 13, 2012, thelifestream.net released their audiobook version of "Case of Yuffie", featuring voice actors and fan arrangements of music from the game as well as original music.

"Case of Red XIII"
This story centers on Red XIII, now known by all as Nanaki, depicting his inner struggle between living as a human or an animal, as he is more intelligent than normal animals, but is largely viewed as a beast by humans. He must also deal with an inner entity he called "Gilligan", spawned by his fear of what losses the future may bring him due to his longevity.

"Case of Shinra"
This story centers on Rufus Shinra and the Turks, and follows their actions during and after the end of Final Fantasy VII. Shortly after fleeing to Kalm, the Turks search for Rufus and oversee the ruins of Midgar while Rufus is held captive by Mutten Kylegate and later Kilmister, both seeking to use his influence for their own purposes.

"Case of the Lifestream"
This story is further divided into two parts "Black" and "White", and each part has three chapters and focuses on Sephiroth and Aerith. Sephiroth's portion of the story details his actions to inflict the Planet with Geostigma and create his avatars, while Aerith's portion follows her trying to heal the dead of Sephiroth's darkness and trying to find a way to help Cloud defeat the infection on the planet's surface.