What if we remove the fast_forward images completely? I think the effect could be great even without it
Short Answer : Do as you wish!
Long Answer : Usually best practice in games for fast forwarding cutscenes are giving extra visual confirmation that the scene is speeding up. This is a complementary feature that is widely practiced in the game industry best shown in the 2D pixel art platformer "Sheepy: A short adventure"(sorry for not including the example attachment). plus according to my testing the fps during cutscenes increase so it shouldn't lead to performance dips. Then again your wish completely!
Short Answer : Do as you wish!
Long Answer : Usually best practice in games for fast forwarding cutscenes are giving extra visual confirmation that the scene is speeding up. This is a complementary feature that is widely practiced in the game industry best shown in the 2D pixel art platformer "Sheepy: A short adventure"(sorry for not including the example attachment). plus according to my testing the fps during cutscenes increase so it shouldn't lead to performance dips. Then again your wish completely!