rubestie

Season: Autumn

Writer: Nishioka (feat. Akira)

Characters: Hajime, Tori, Ritsu

Hajime: Uhm… There are so many books to choose from that it’s making my head spin~

Ah, this book looks good ♪ Let’s give it to Tori-kun right away.

Tori: U~n…

Hajime: Tori-kun. I brought you another book~. This one is super easy to understand, so I think it should be nice to use as a reference.

Tori: Ah. Thank you, Hajime! And I’m sorry for making you help me with my assignment like this. You’re a real godsend~

Hajime: Fufu. I don’t mind. I had some free time anyways.

Plus, my class will be getting the same assignment soon as well. So I thought I’d see what it was like.

It’s a Japanese history assignment where you pick a research topic, round up some info and present it to the class, right?

Tori: Yup. And so I chose "the Battle of Sekigahara” as my topic! So right now I’m doing research for my presentation.

Hajime: It was a decisive battle that is historically significant enough to be labelled as the end of the Sengoku period, after all.

There were lots of materials written about it, so I had trouble deciding which one to pick out for Tori-kun.

That reminds me, you seemed like you were worrying about something earlier, is there anything you’re having trouble understanding?

If so, then I’ll go look for some more materials about those parts next…

Tori: Ah, no. I wasn’t exactly worried, it’s more like I was confused.

Look. The Western army had vastly superior military strength, but they still ended up losing. And in just six hours. Isn’t that weird?

We’re talking about a mere six hours, you know? That’s the amount of time you’d spend recording a show for TV. Isn't it strange that such a huge battle between samurai would be decided in such a short time?

Hajime: Now that you mention it, that’s true… The textbook just mentions that the battle took place, and doesn’t explain anymore. I wonder how that could be.

Ritsu: You see, that’s because Kobayakawa Hideaki took the large number of troops he commanded and betrayed the Western army.

Hajime: Hyan!? Ri, Ritsu-onii-chan!? Don’t suddenly hug me from behind like that, you just scared me~

tori+ritsu

Ritsu: Fufufu~. Ha~kun is so comfy to cuddle, it makes me feel at peace… ♪

Tori: Don’t jumpscare us like that!? And get away from Hajime~!

Ritsu: Treating someone like an annoyance is rude, you know. Besides, I was napping here first.

Hajime: Eh. Were you? I didn’t notice you at all. I’m so sorry we interrupted you…

Ritsu: Yup. But don’t beat yourself up about it. I shall grant you forgiveness and all will be well.

Tori: Hajime. Don’t let this guy fool you. He shouldn’t have been napping in the book room in the first place.

Ritsu: Oh. To think you’d notice the flaw in my reasoning, how diligent~

Tori: By the way. You were saying that the Western army lost because Kobayakawa Hideaki betrayed them, right?

But even if that guy was a traitor, would that really affect the strength of the armies that much?

Ritsu: Of course that wasn’t the only reason. There is more than just one side to this story, and all the events that occurred were interconnected.

Tori: ?

Ritsu: Well. To put things simply, once Kobayakawa betrayed the West, other factions started turning their coats one after the other.

Plus, Tokugawa Ieyasu had been sending letters to the different factions a month in advance to make them more likely to switch sides.

So the victory at Sekigahara came as a result of such small and steady efforts. There is also the claim that Mitsunari Ishida, the leader of the Western Army, had been losing favor amongst his people, so that might also have been one of the attributing factors.

Tori: Huh. So that’s how it was. Wait a bit, I wanna write this down.

Hajime: Wow… History really does get complicated when you factor in all the variables like that.

If Ritsu-onii-chan had been the strategist for the Western army, what would you have done?

Ritsu: Me? Lemme think… I would want to keep an eye on Ieyasu’s moves, but that era didn’t have the same communication methods and technology as we do now.

Tori: I mean, if Ritsu-senpai was the strategist, then he would probably have ended up sleeping through the entire war.

Ritsu: N~? Do you want me to shut up that rude mouth of yours?

Tori: I, it was just a little joke.

Ritsu: Well, I’ll look the other way this time. There won’t be any second chances, though.

Back on topic, but honestly I don’t know what I would’ve done.

I’m sure I would have done anything in my power to achieve victory. But it’s such a difficult situation… You couldn't be sure you would win even if you had the stronger force.

Hajime: It sure sounds like it would have been difficult.

Ritsu: A battle, huh…

I wonder what it would be like to fight a battle you couldn't afford to lose, one where your ideals are on the line.

Hajime: Eh….?

Tori: You guys in Knights have fought in lots of battles up until now, haven’t you? Have you still not had enough?

Ritsu: …N~. I guess that’s true.

Tori+Hajime: ?

-

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Serious Showdown * Chanbara Night

event

"Mao and Ritsu are set to participate in the showdown variety show "CHANCE X BASARA X NIGHT", where they will compete about the fate of an old, traditional Japanese inn. The two are fighting for opposing teams, as they are confronted with the conflicting feelings of the inn's owner and his son..."

Writer: Nishioka (feat. Akira)
Season: Autumn
Characters: Ritsu, Mao, Hajime, Tori, Yuzuru, Arashi, Mika, Anzu

Chapters:

Prologue

The Sudden Job Request 1

The Sudden Job Request 2

The Burden on that Back 1

The Burden on that Back 2

Epilogue

Season: Winter

Writer: Haruka Kanata

Characters: Nagisa, Adonis, Hiyori

<A few days later. The day of recording for the talk show.>

Nagisa: “...Everyone watching this on your TV screens, good evening. This program is a show where two guest starring idols read your letters about your problems that you’ve sent in and offer our advice.”

“...For this episode, your MC will be me, Ran Nagisa of Eden, and-”

nagisa+adonis

Adonis: “Otogari Adonis of UNDEAD. Thanks for having me.”

“Without further ado, let’s get on to reading our first letter.”

Nagisa: “...Fufu. That was really sudden. Variety shows usually have more of an introduction before moving on to the main contents, should we really jump straight to it?”

Adonis: “Sorry. I might’ve gotten ahead of myself there.”

Nagisa: “...No, don’t worry about it. We really did receive many letters asking for advice, after all.”

“...Once again, everyone in front of the TV. Thank you for reaching out to us with your troubles.”

Adonis: “We were really surprised at how many letters we received, but we made sure to read through them all.”

“You went through the trouble of sending us those letters because you wanted to consult with us. We want to respond to those feelings of yours with all our might.”

“We won’t be able to respond to every single letter during this program, due to time constraints, which I feel sorry about.”

“That is precisely why we want to seriously discuss the letters we have chosen. We might not be able to offer a concrete solution to your problems, but we would be happy if we were able to be of any help.”

Nagisa: “...Then one more time. Allow us to read our first letter straight away.”

“...Due to my parents’ circumstances, I moved to a new city around the fall of last year.”

“...I ended up transferring into a new high school, but I still haven’t made any friends.”

“...The cause is likely that I was only able to make awkward responses to the people who did try to reach out to me.”

“...Please tell me how to become better at talking with other people.”

“...This seems to be from someone who is struggling to communicate with other people.”

Adonis: “When we first read this letter, we were both unsure whether or not we would be able to find a proper solution to the problem.”

Nagisa: “...That’s true. Actually, neither of us is very skilled at talking either. Was that unexpected?”

Adonis: “When I was asked to participate in this program, I was worried about ifI would be able to perform well as an MC.”

“The program only just started, but I wonder if we have been able to perform satisfactory this far?”

Nagisa: “...Fufu. Adonis-kun, this show isn’t for us to air our own worries. Right now, we should focus on responding to the viewers’ problems.”

Adonis: “Sorry. I ended up talking about myself there.”

“So, moving cities, is it. I can also relate a lot to the anxiety related to changing one’s environment.”

Nagisa: “...Now that you mention it, Adonis-kun also moved all the way to Japan from overseas.”

Adonis: “Yes. It feels scary when your surroundings suddenly become unrecognizable.”

“I had a hard time getting used to my new surroundings, especially since I wasn’t comfortable communicating in Japanese yet.”

“Which is why I am so grateful to the others in UNDEAD, who accepted me and would listen properly to me when we talked.”

“It would be good if the person who sent this letter could find people like that as well…”

Nagisa: “...That’s true. But when you’re not comfortable with speaking to others, that first step can be very hard to take.”

“...I can tell from the letter that the person who sent in this problem wants to be able to talk more, they just haven’t been able to do so yet.”

“...They might even be very good at communicating. I mean, they were able to properly convey their feelings to us without any problems through this letter.”

Adonis: “You have a point there. This letter doesn’t give off the impression of someone who can’t keep a conversation going.”

Nagisa: “...Which is why, and this might sound harsh, but I think the only solution here is to gather your courage and speak up.”

“...As you mentioned in your letter, there are people around you who have reached out to you already.”

“...Try looking at things from a fresh perspective. Maybe the person who reached out to you had to muster their own courage in order to be able to talk to you.”

“...If you think about it that way, then that person is probably a very kind person, don’t you think?”

Adonis: “I think so too. Even when people reach out, you still have to find courage within yourself to be able to take their hand.”

“It might feel scary, but why don’t you try taking the initiative and speaking to that person next time?”

“I believe that that kind person will definitely respond and take your hand.”

Nagisa: “...We are rooting for you as well. If things don’t work out, please send us a letter again.”

“...As comrades who also aren’t confident in talking, we will hear you out as much as you want.”

<A few days after the recording. Inside Starmony Dorm.>

nagisa+hiyori

Hiyori: I finally have time to really relax with Nagisa-kun ♪

Now, Nagisa-kun. Let us talk together to our heart’s contents ♪ We should start by having lunch…

Adonis: Ran-senpai. So this is where you were, I’ve been looking for you.

Hiyori: Now! What do you think you’re doing, Adonis-kun, interrupting a conversation between me and Nagisa-kun?

Adonis: Hm? I’m sorry if I interrupted you. There’s something I want to tell Ran-senpai about right away.

Nagisa: …Something you want to tell me about? What could that be?

Adonis: The advice program me and Ran-senpai recorded aired on TV the other day.

It apparently received great reviews, and we ended up being sent a fan letter.

Anzu just gave it to me this morning, so I wanted to show it to Ran-senpai as well.

Nagisa: …So that’s what it is. Did you read through it already, Adonis-kun?

Adonis: I apologize. I should have waited so we could read it together, but I was so curious.

Nagisa: …You don’t have to apologize. I think I would have read it too if I was in your position.

…Oh? Could it be that the person who wrote this letter is-

Adonis: It is from the child who was worried about not being able to make friends.

They said watching our show gave them courage. And that they were able to make friends.

Nagisa: …They’re saying that watching us do our best to talk gave them the courage they needed.

Adonis: Yes. To think that someone like me would be able to be of help, I’m really happy.

Nagisa: …Yes. It makes me glad that we were able to muster our courage and respond to their worries.

Hiyori: Yup, yup. As expected of Nagisa-kun. I’m very proud of you ♪

Nagisa: …To tell you the truth, I was trying to think a little about how you would have responded, Hiyori-kun.

Hiyori: N? What do you mean, how I would have responded?

Nagisa: …Since you were the one who was asked to be on the show first, Hiyori-kun.

…Which is why I kept thinking about the Hiyori-kun who taught me all kinds of things.

…I still don’t think it all went perfectly, but do you think I did a good job of filling your shoes, Hiyori-kun?

Hiyori: You did perfectly! That fan letter is sure proof of that!

Adonis: Filling Tomoe-senpai’s shoes, huh. I wonder if I was able to be a good substitute for Hakaze-senpai.

Nagisa: …Doesn’t this fan letter answer that question as well?

Adonis: …I guess so. It’s almost enough to make me think I might be good at talking after all.

I’m glad I accepted this job. I think I might feel a bit more confident in talking now.

I’m indebted to you for taking care of me as well, Ran-senpai. Thank you.

Nagisa: …You’ve helped me a lot as well, Adonis-kun. Thank you.

…By the way, are you hungry right now?

Adonis: Hm? Now that you mention it, it’s just about time for lunch.

Nagisa: …If you feel like it, why not have lunch with the two of us?

Adonis: I have the afternoon off, so I don’t mind. But are you sure it’s okay with you two?

Hiyori: I have no objections. It was Nagisa-kun’s suggestion, after all.

Plus, the two of you deserve a reward for working so hard! We need to celebrate!

Adonis: A celebration, huh. Come to think of it, we haven’t done that yet.

Nagisa: …We haven’t had many chances to meet up after the recording ended, after all.

…It’s been a while, so I would like to talk with you again.

Adonis: I was just thinking the same thing.

Nagisa: …Fufu. Well then, let’s all enjoy talking together until we’re satisfied today ♪ We have lots of time, after all.

-

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Season: Winter

Writer: Haruka Kanata

Characters: Adonis, Nagisa, Anzu, Kaoru

<A few days later. Inside a meeting room in ES.>

Adonis: Thank you, Anzu. To think we’d get this many letters sent in.

nagisa+adonis

Nagisa: …Thank you for going out of your way to print them all for us. It must’ve been tough to carry them all this way.

…So we just need to choose which problems we will discuss during the show from these, then?

Adonis: I’m having trouble deciding where to start reading. Either way, let’s try to get through everything today.

N? Ah, we will be fine. We scheduled today for reading through these letters, after all.

So you don’t have to worry, Anzu, you can go on to your next job. Thank you for coming all this way to see us.

Nagisa: …Anzu-san seems to be very busy lately.

Adonis: It still hasn’t even been a month since the new year started. I’m sure she’s busy planning new programs.

Nagisa: …That’s true. We should work hard to avoid adding more to Anzu’s burdens.

…Since we will be creating a script in preparation for the recording, we should pick our topics as soon as possible.

Adonis: Yes. I’m glad we were able to find that solution thanks to Sakasaki’s advice.

Or rather, I wonder why we thought we had to come up with advice on the spot while recording.

When you think about it carefully, it would be more unnatural for us to record the show without having gone over the topics we would be discussing beforehand.

Nagisa: …Right. It seems we were both getting somewhat ahead of ourselves. Having to improvise answers seemed so scary.

…But if we prepare our answers in advance, we can both feel at ease during the recording.

Adonis: I have to say, there really are a lot of letters. Are all the listeners carrying around this many worries?

Did you find anything that caught your eye yet, Ran-senpai?

Nagisa: …I found one that says “I always end up eating too many sweets. Do you know of any good ways to avoid gaining weight?”

Adonis: …? Isn’t it enough to just exercise?

Nagisa: …I think so too. The solution should be obvious. I’m curious as to why they wouldn’t just do that.

…There may be a special reason as to why they aren’t able to exercise.

Adonis: …If that is the case, then it would be hard for me to come up with any other advice.

Moving your body is accessible to everyone. If someone isn’t capable of moving at all, then I can only assume there must be extraordinary circumstances in play.

Nagisa: …Did you find any good questions, Adonis-kun?

Adonis: Yes. This one interested me, “English is too difficult and I ended up scoring badly on a test. Do you know of any good study methods?”

I can relate to having trouble learning a new language. I still often worry about whether or not I understand Japanese correctly.

Nagisa: …You speak Japanese very well though. It’s obvious you’ve studied a lot.

Adonis: I’ve been travelling back and forth between Japan and my home country since I was young, so I picked a lot of it up naturally.

Even then, I still had to work hard to study Japanese. I can’t say much except that regular studying will lead to results.

Maybe we could bring this problem up on the show?

Nagisa: …I wonder. It might be lacking in excitement. After all, we were only able to come up with the most obvious advice in response.

Adonis: That’s true. I’m not very confident that we would be able to find a concrete solution for that problem.

Nagisa: …Let’s look over the other letters. There are still many to pick from, after all.

…Let’s take it slowly and find some problems we feel confident in solving.

<Several hours later.>

Adonis: …Well, Ran-senpai. Were you able to find a problem we could solve?

Nagisa: …I’m not sure. Even “picking” becomes difficult when you don’t know what the correct answer is.

Adonis: I see. I also can’t seem to find any problems I feel like I would be able to solve.

Rather, I’m beginning to wonder if there really are any problems in here we can solve…?

Nagisa: …Maybe we are being arrogant in thinking that we will be able to find a concrete solution.

Adonis: What do you mean?

Nagisa: …I gave it some thought. All of these letters contain something the writer considers to be a serious problem they’re worrying about.

…And we are in a position where we want to pick and choose the ones we feel we can solve from among all these serious problems.

…It is an act of arrogance, as if we are picking and choosing which people to save. Are we really of enough importance that we are qualified to make that choice?

Adonis: Indeed, it is as you say. We really ought to seriously consider each of these letters and come up with a proper response…

N? I think someone knocked on the door… Did Anzu come back?

kaoru

Kaoru: Nice, looks like I had the right room. Hiya, Adonis-kun, Ran-kun. Is your meeting going well?

Adonis: Hakaze-senpai!? What are you doing here…?

Kaoru: I was with Anzu-chan up until just now, you see. We worked at the same location today.

My work finished early, so she asked me to check in on you two if I had the time.

Plus, I was the one who recommended Adonis-kun to take my place for this job. And Ran-kun told me in our room that you two were having trouble, so I figured there might be something I could do to help.

Nagisa: …Thank you. I would appreciate your help, Kaoru-kun. To tell you the truth, we are currently-

<A couple minutes later.>

Kaoru: Ahaha. You’re both so diligent. You're way overthinking this job...

If you’re going to spend so much time worrying about every little thing, you’ll never be able to finish, you know?

Nagisa: …That’s true, we don’t have forever. Besides, it would be truly arrogant to think that we would even be able to find answers to every single problem.

Adonis: …That’s right. Which is why we should choose something we can responsibly find a solution for.

Kaoru: You’re so uptight! Well, that seriousness and dedication of yours is one of your charm points, though.

Alright. First things first, let’s get rid of that feeling that says you have to find a proper solution to everything.

Nagisa: …Why would we do that? If we are going to be listening to people’s problems, I think it is important that we manage to find solutions as well.

Kaoru: Sure, but in the end, the only thing we can actually do in the show is give out advice. There’s no telling whether that advice is enough to solve the problem, right?

Adonis: …You’ve got a point there.

Kaoru: So what’s most important is for the two of you to find some problems you feel like you would like to help out with.

Adonis: Problems we want to help out with…

Kaoru: For example, for me it would be… something like this. “There is a person I like, how should I approach them?”. A problem concerning romance.

When I look at this, it makes me want to support this person. Well, it might be bad to choose only based on that feeling, though.

The most important thing in all of this is that you two need to be able to maintain a conversation together, after all.

Nagisa: …In other words, we should just pick something we would feel comfortable talking about?

Kaoru: Shortly put, yeah. Did you have something good in mind?

Nagisa: …Yeah. I think this one would work well. I think Adonis-kun would find this easy to talk about as well.

Adonis: Hm. You’re right, I should be able to come up with something to say about this.

Thank you. Thanks to Hakaze-senpai’s advice, I feel like we’ve just made a breakthrough.

Nagisa: …Kaoru-kun is good at giving people advice, isn’t he?

Kaoru: I didn’t mean to do that this time though. Either way, if I was able to help you two out then I’m glad.

-

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Season: Winter

Writer: Haruka Kanata

Characters: Adonis, Nagisa, Natsume, Sora, Tsumugi

Adonis: This is where we are at as of now. You’ve seen us give out advice, so now we’d like to hear your criticism.

adonis+nagisa

Nagisa: …There’s no need to hold back. We will be better able to make adjustments in time for the actual recording if you give us your honest opinions now.

Tsumugi: Let me think~. For a variety show, I think your current routine works just fine.

Sora: H~m. Sora couldn’t help but notice that Hunter Onii-san was just as silent and stuck in his thoughts as always, though~

Adonis: As I feared. I tried to tell myself I shouldn’t stay silent for too long, but…

Tsumugi: Do you have any comments, Natsume-kun? Did you notice anything while you were watching?

Natsume: …What are you asking me fOR? I believe I told you all at the beginning that I was just here to wATCH.

Tsumugi: Don’t be like that. Come on, when it comes to giving advice, there’s no one better than Natsume-kun, right?

Plus, Natsume-kun is definitely the most experienced at acting out a radio show personality.

And just now, it was Natsume-kun who interrupted Nagisa-kun and Otogari-kun from practicing. You must have loads you want to comment on, no?

Natsume: I guesS… Actually, there was nothing but flaws for me to criticiZE.

Adonis: Sakasaki, if you saw any problems I would like for you to point them out. Thank you very much.

Nagisa: …I would like that as well.

Natsume: …

Sora: Master~, Sora is asking as well. These two honestly want to get better at giving out advice, you know~

Plus, for the sakes of the people who are going to be sending in their worries, Sora thinks we shouldn’t ignore this.

Natsume: …I got IT, Sora. I never intended to ignore any of thIS.

It is obvious that if I don’t fix thIS, they will go on to make many people unhappy, after aLL.

Adonis: …So we were bad enough to make you say something like that.

Natsume: Yup. If you’ll allow be to state my frank opinION. What I just witnessed couldn’t be called giving out advICE.

At best it was a comedy shOW. Which is why, as Senpai said, if this was intended as a variety show, then there are no real problEMS.

HowevER. You guys said before that the concept for the program was to create a “relaxed, mature atmospHERE”. If so, then I would have to label this as a failuRE.

Nagisa: …Hm. Which parts specifically would you say were bad?

Natsume: First of all, Ado-chan-kun was speaking somehow strange, was he nOT? What exactly was going through your head thEN?

Adonis: So it felt that strange… To tell you the truth, I was trying to imitate Hakaze-senpai.

I got this job as a stand-in for Hakaze-senpai. And the “relaxed, mature atmosphere” of the show seemed like it would be well-suited to Hakaze-senpai, so I used him as a reference.

Nagisa: …Ah, I think I can understand that train of thought. I’m appearing on this show as a stand-in for Hiyori-kun, after all.

…I would be happy if I was able to fill his shoes properly.

Natsume: Ran-senpai, I’ll give you advice neXT.. For now, I’ll say that Ado-chan-kun shouldn’t try to imitate Hakaze-senpAI.

Adonis: Is that really okay? Then how exactly should I…

Natsume: You shouldn’t imitate anyoNE. Ado-chan-kun is plenty mature and relaxed without changing a thING.

natsume+tsumugi

Tsumugi: I agree. And the program staff probably decided on the concept for the show after they learned that Otogari-kun and Nagisa-kun were chosen as replacements.

The two of you are already very mature and relaxed, after all. You shouldn’t try to act differently.

Adonis: Really… Thank you. Sakasaki, Aoba-senpai. If that’s so, then I’ll do my best as myself.

Natsume: Well, as long as Ado-chan-kun tries not to get silently caught up in his own worriES, then I think you will be fiNE.

As I saw it, the real problem this time was Ran-senpai, after aLL.

Nagisa: …So that’s how it was. What did I do wrong?

Natsume: Both your actions and your reactions were way too outlandish, you sEE.

One moment you were trying to start an improv gAME, the other you were trying to exorcise spirITS. What exactly were you trying to emulaTE?

Nagisa: …I suppose it must be the old talk show I watched for reference. The comedian who participated in it was very entertaining.

…The program staff told me that rather than maintaining a serious atmosphere throughout the show, they would appreciate it if we could have some fun and make people laugh.

…Which is why I tried imitating that comedian’s manner of speaking, but I suppose it didn’t work.

Natsume: I think it would have worked very well for a comedic variety shOW, so you must have done weLL.

But this program requires you to respond in a mature and calm mannER, so I think it would be better if you acted more relaxED.

Especially since it seemed like your co-host, Ado-chan-senpai, was having trouble keeping up with your conversatION.

Sora: They say that conversations are like a game of catch. It is important to throw the ball so it is easy for your partner to catch it~♪

Natsume: Yup, yup. Sora is a good kid after aLL ♪ What Sora just said pretty much sums it UP.

This time, the three of us were right in front of you, so it was more like a consultatION. But when you’re doing the real show, it’ll just be the two of you discussing people’s probleMS.

It is best if you focus on maintaining a conversation in a way that you can both understaND.

Nagisa: …Indeed, I might have forgotten to think about that. Thank you, Natsume-kun, Sora-kun.

Natsume: …But even then, I feel like Ran-senpai’s dialogue was way too messy this time arouND. Your usual behavior isn’t nearly that bAD.

Nagisa: …I might have gotten too excited. Without Ibara, it is still difficult for me to know how to behave.

Natsume: Hmm, so if Ibara-kun was here, you’d be able to act as usuAL?

Nagisa: …Up until now I’ve always acted according to Ibara’s instructions, after all.

…But it seems that Ibara wants me to promote my true self from now on.

…Which is what made me want to try and show off with this job.

Natsume: Well, I think you should go ahead if that’s what you want to DO. In other words, that just means that as long as you have a plot to stick to, Ran-senpai will be fine, riGHT?

If that’s so, then I thought of a good solutION.

Nagisa: …A solution? For how to promote my true self?

Natsume: It might be more accurate to say I’ve figured out how to keep your behavior from going out of contrOL.

Meaning, we just need to create a script on our own before the recordING.

You will be choosing the problems you’re addressing in the show beforehAND, so it should be easy for us to prepare some different responses you can use while recording, NO?

natsume+nagisa

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Season: Winter

Writer: Haruka Kanata

Characters: Nagisa, Adonis, Natsume, Sora, Tsumugi

<A few hours later. In the Starmony Common Room>

Nagisa: …Are you ready, Adonis-kun?

nagisa+adonis

Adonis: Aah, we’re going to practice listening to people’s worries and giving them advice here as if we were recording in the studio, right?

…

Is it okay if I check the script one more time?

Tsumugi: Eh? There’s a script for this? Then I should check it as well…

Sora: Checking the script is important~! Sora wants to check too!

Nagisa: …Please calm down. We haven’t prepared a script.

Adonis: …Now that you mention it, we haven’t. I was trying to treat this rehearsal as the real thing, so I couldn’t help but feel like I had to check the script.

Natsume: Honestly noW. If you’re already like this before we’ve even startED, I can’t help but wonder if you’ll be okAY.

Nagisa: …I’m sure we’ll be okay. I want Natsume-kun to freely ask for our advice as well.

Natsume: Nothing about this situation is making me think this will go okay, thouGH?

In any case, that won’t be necessaRY. The only reason I’m here in the first place is because Sora wants to help you guys oUT.

Sora: Hunter Onii~san said they wanted to practice helping people with their problems, you see~

Sora is in the middle of worrying about something right now, so it fits perfectly. We should help each other out in times of trouble~♪

Natsume: If you’re worrying about something, you could just ask me for adviCE. Honestly, Sora is just too kind sometimES…

Thanks to Sora’s kindness, I’ll stay and help you out just this onCE. However, you’d better not drag Sora into anything stranGE.

As long as you keep that promise, you can do whatever else you wANT. Do refrain from expecting me to offer you any advice, thOUGH.

Tsumugi: Now, Natsume-kun keeps saying such mean-spirited things. Even though Natsume-kun is the most experienced when it comes to listening to people’s troubles and giving them advice…

Nagisa: …It’s help enough if you just watch over us. Thank you, everyone in Switch.

…Adonis-kun, are you just about ready now?

Adonis: Ah, I’m ready now. Let’s begin, Ran-senpai.

Nagisa: …Okay. Well then, let’s begin.

…Thank you all for coming to our consultation room today.

…Your MCs for today’s show are me, Ran Nagisa of Eden. As well as

Adonis: Otogari Adonis of UNDEAD. I look forward to working with… Let’s work hard, okay~?

Sora: Let’s work hard~! Clap clap clap ✰

sora+natsume

Natsume: …?

Adonis: Well then, let’s get started with discussing your problems… okay? ♪

Nagisa: …It appears that three lost lambs have gathered here with us today. Well then, let us hear from Tsumugi-kun first, shall we?

Tsumugi: Wha!? So we’re starting with me. Let me think~, My recent worries~…

Ah, actually, I feel as if my shoulders have been getting somewhat stiffer as of late~. What should I do about that?

Natsume: (...You’ve been working too mUCH. Since it’s Senpai we’re talking aboUT, you’ve probably been falling asleep without getting up from your chAIR.)

Adonis: I see. So this is a worry due to your shoulders feeling more stiff recently… You’re worried because your shoulders have been getting stiffer, isn’t that right~? ♪

The problem is probably that you’re not getting enough exercise, I’d think… Ran-senpai, what about you…?

Nagisa: …Adonis-kun. It might just be that Tsumugi-kun’s condition is much more serious than you’d think.

Tsumugi: Eeh!? Why, I was just trying to come up with an easy problem for you!?

Adonis: Wh, what do you mean, Ran-senpai? Could it be that Aoba-senpai is actually severely ill!?

Nagisa: …Yes. First, I’d like for you to hear me out calmly.

…The reasons why a person’s shoulder could stiffen can be divided into two main types. Do you know which two that would be?

Adonis: No, I haven’t the faintest clue. I could only think he was feeling tired due to a lack of exercise…

Nagisa: …That’s right. There are two options: either he hasn’t been exercising enough, or else he hasn’t been exorcising enough.*

Adonis: …N?

Nagisa: …If he just needs exercise, then everything is fine, but if he is in need of exorcising, then we don't have a moment to waste.

…Personally, I would suggest we immediately put some salt in each corner of this room, but what do you think, Adonis-kun?

Adonis: …

Nagisa: …Adonis-kun?

Adonis: A, ah… Right. It is true that salt intake is important during exercise… It’s totally important, you know~?

Nagisa: …I see. It’s true that the salt’s purifying powers may be more effective if administered internally.

…Right. I have a solution. Tsumugi-kun needs to lick some purifying salt right away.

Natsume: (How far are these two going to take this before someone gives up and plays the straight mAN. Rather than rehearsing for a consultation shOW, it’s more like they’re rehearsing for an improv comedy shOW…)

Tsumugi: I see~. I’ll admit I hadn’t even thought about trying to lick purifying salt. Thank you so much for the advice.

Natsume: You’ve disappointed mE, senpAI.

tsumugi+natsume

Tsumugi: Eeh!? How, what did I do wrong?

Adonis: Ahem. Should we move on to the next one? I want to hear about Harukawa’s worries… you know~♪?

Sora: HaHa~♪ Finally it’s Sora’s turn to get advice! Thank you very much!

Recently there are so many things I want, so I’m having trouble deciding what to spend my money on.

There is a new game I would like to buy, but my dad recommended I start saving money.

Natsume: To think Sora was worrying about thAT. If there is anything you want, you can always tell me, you knOW?

Sora: HiHi~, Sora can’t keep being spoiled by Master forever~. Money management is important.

Nagisa: …Hm. Should you save for your future, or spend to satisfy your urges right now, is it.

…This is a very difficult dilemma. Generally speaking, it is often better to save money when you can, but that doesn’t necessarily apply in Sora-kun’s case.

Adonis: …You’re right, that is difficult. Why do you want to save money, Harukawa?

Sora: There are many reasons~. But the biggest one is the same as what dad said, for Sora’s future’s sake. As long as you’re properly prepared, you never have to worry, after all~!

Nagisa: …Sora-kun only mentioned picking between spending or saving, but there is also the third option of “investing”.

Adonis: “Investing”? What do you mean?

Sora: HuHu~! Sora knows. Go big or go home. It’s a sort of money game where you fight over money♪

Adonis: Fighting, you say? We can’t let Harukawa do something so dangerous.

Nagisa: …It’s not an actual physical fight. What Sora-kun’s example is referring to is likely closer to what you’d refer to as gambling.

…While investing certainly has some similarities to gambling, I think you’ll find that investing is a much healthier economic activity.

…If you save all your money, then you can’t participate in the economic market, and if you spend your money on games, you only gain momentary pleasure.

In that case, increasing your capital through “investing” would be better for your future. I’m sure that’s what Ibara would say.

Adonis: Is that so. Then, maybe we should recommend he invest his money?

Nagisa: …No, that might not be the case. After all, investing also carries a risk of failure. I couldn’t confidently recommend that course of action.

Adonis: Then, how should we respond to Harukawa’s problem?

Nagisa: …Here I have a Oujia board rumored to have been left here by the Mystery Researchers circle.

…This is the perfect chance, so let us use this to summon spirits and ask them what the best solution for Sora-kun’s problem is.

Natsume: That’s enoUGH. Don’t move, stOP.

The only way this narrative could proceed is that you amateurs end up cursED. I won’t let you get Sora caught up in something so dangerOUS.

Sigh… HonesLY. This feels as if I’m watching some manzai comedy about solving people’s problEMS.**

TL-notes:
* - Nagisa is using homonyms in Japanese here and saying that either Tsumugi is tired, or else he is possessed. Obviously those two words don't sound similar in English so I went for the closest I could think of.

** - Manzai comedy is a very popular branch of comedy in Japan, especially in the Osaka region. The humor revolves around one person playing the boke, or saying dumb things, while the other person provides straight man comments or tsukkomi.

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Season: Winter

Writer: Haruka Kanata

Characters: Nagisa, Adonis, Anzu

<A few days later. The meeting day for the talkshow>

nagisa

Nagisa: …Oh. Good morning, Anzu-san. I look forward to working with you today.

…You're coming along to the talkshow meeting today, are you not, Anzu-san?

…Yes. I’m happy I remembered correctly. I was afraid I might've misunderstood something.

…Normally Ibara would be on top of every little detail for me, but for this job I’m on my own, you see.

…That reminds me, the person I will be talking with on the show ended up being Adonis-kun, didn’t it?

…I have talked to him before at Starmony Dorm, but we haven’t had many chances to really relax and talk until now.

…So I’m happy to have this opportunity to properly talk with him.

…Oops, this isn’t the time to stand around leisurely chatting. I wouldn’t want to be late for the meeting. Let’s hurry up a little, Anzu-san.

Nagisa: …Good morning, Adonis-kun. It seems I’ve kept you waiting, I apologize.

nagisa+adonis

Adonis: …

Nagisa: …Adonis-kun? Is there something wrong?

…There's no reaction even when Anzu-san is the one calling out to him. It seems like he’s been staring at something for a while now.

…Is this the proposal we were given in advance for the program?

Adonis: …N? You’re already here, Anzu and Ran-senpai? I’m sorry, I didn’t notice you until now.

Nagisa: …No, don’t worry about it. You must’ve been very focused for you to not even notice that we came in here.

Adonis: I was just nervous. So I haven’t actually managed to read much yet…

Nagisa: (...Now that I think about it, he is gripping the paper with enough force to wrinkle the edges.)

(...It seems like Adonis-kun is much more nervous than I thought.)

Adonis: I’m sorry, Anzu, Ran-senpai. I might end up causing trouble for the two of you.

Nagisa: …What makes you say that?

Adonis: I’m not very good at talking. So I’m not confident that I’ll be able to keep up in conversation with you.

I’ve made appearances on radio programs with UNDEAD before, but the only reason I was able to perform well back then was because Hakaze-senpai and Ogami were there to support me.

Which is why I’m afraid I’ll end up causing trouble for Ran-senpai this time around.

Nagisa: …I see. I understand why you apologized now.

…However, if you’re insecure about talking, why did you end up accepting this job?

Adonis: …Because I wanted to grow more as an idol.

Being an idol isn’t just about singing and dancing. I want to be able to do even more for my fans’ sakes.

However, those are merely my personal circumstances. It doesn’t matter for the people who I end up causing trouble for.

Which is why I wanted to apologize to Ran-senpai and Anzu in advance…

Nagisa: …I understand how you feel, Adonis-kun.

…You’re both kind and honest. I think that’s amazing.

…To tell you the truth, I’m in the same situation as you.

Adonis: The same as me? What do you mean?

Nagisa: …It was easier for me when I acted according to Ibara’s instructions, but the current policy for the agency is for me to act as my true self.

…But I still don’t know how to properly show that part of myself.

…Not knowing the correct way to behave is somewhat similar to not being good at talking, I think.

Adonis: I see. So Ran-senpai has been worrying about this just like I have.

Nagisa: …So, let’s both work hard to grow through this recording.

…It is precisely because we are imperfect that we can find enjoyment in growing.

Adonis: That’s true. I feel better after hearing that. Thank you, Ran-senpai.

Nagisa: …It seems as if Adonis-kun feels less nervous now, I’m glad. I’m sorry to have kept you waiting as well, Anzu-san.

…Fufu. I’m glad you didn’t mind. Thank you.

…It’s already past starting time, so let’s get the meeting started right away.

<A few minutes later.>

Adonis: -I see. So to sum things up, this episode will have us giving out advice to viewers who’ve sent in problems they're worried about.

The program staff have already prepared a form for the viewers to send in any problems they’d like me and Ran-senpai to discuss.

The specific questions included in the form are… I see. We can’t see yet.

“The two of you can go over the questions and pick which you want to talk about on the show at a later time”, is it? Understood.

Nagisa: …The difficult thing is that it won’t be enough if we simply listen to the listener’s worries and give out advice.

Both myself and Adonis-kun are revered as “mature” by the public, so the program staff wants to take advantage of that reputation for this show.

So they want us to act like calm adults, discuss topics related to the viewers’ problems, and offer our advice and solutions.

Adonis: …Even just talking sounded hard enough, I wonder if I’ll be able to do all that.

Nagisa: …The parts I added are merely requests for us from the staff. I think they’ll forgive us if we decide it’s too difficult and we can’t go through with it.

…Those requests are more like suggestions for decorations to make the program more exciting. The most important thing for us should be the main contents of the proposal.

Adonis: The main contents. Meaning, giving out advice, huh…

Even though the two of us already have our own problems in that we’re bad at talking, I wonder if we’ll be able to do something like giving out advice to others.

Nagisa: …You’re right. If I was tasked with doing something like that on the spot, I doubt that I could do it successfully either.

…I suppose the two of us will have to hold a rehearsal together before the show, don’t you think?

Adonis: A rehearsal? Are you saying we should practice beforehand?

Nagisa: …Yes. We won’t know what problems could arise unless we try it out first, after all.

nagisa+adonis

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Season: Winter

Writer: Haruka Kanata

Characters: Adonis, Kaoru, Nagisa, Ibara

Adonis: I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Hakaze-senpai.

adonis+kaoru

Kaoru: Don’t be. I only just arrived myself, so don’t worry about it. And I was the one who asked you to come here all of a sudden, Adonis-kun.

Ah, would you like a cup of tea? If you’re thirsty, I can whip you up some coffee or whatever you want.

Adonis: No, I’m fine. Rather than that, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?

It must be of great importance since Hakaze-senpai went out of your way to ask me here. I won’t be able to calm down until I hear what it is.

Kaoru: Ahaha. You don’t have to get so nervous about it. Here, relax, relax ♪

But well, if you’re that curious then I’ll get straight to the point.

Adonis-kun, do you want to try being an MC on a talk show?

Adonis: …Me, as the MC of a talk show? Are you sure you have the right person?

Kaoru: Well, I kinda foresaw that reaction. Let me fill you in on the detailed information first.

I received an offer to participate in this program; it’s a talk show where two idols get together to have a conversation.

Adonis: If you were given the offer, then I feel it would be best if you were the one to accept it, though…

Kaoru: Yeah, normally I would’ve done just that, but the recording date for this show overlaps with another job I have scheduled.

I obviously can’t change the details for that job at this point, and it seems like the talk show would prefer not to change their recording date either.

So I contacted them to decline their offer, but then they asked me to please tell them if I had any ideas for a replacement.

Adonis: I see. So Hakaze-senpai nominated me as his replacement…

But, Hakaze-senpai, you’re well aware I’m not very good at talking. I can’t imagine I’ll be a very good replacement.

Kaoru: I know you don’t feel confident about talking. So I’m not planning on forcing you to participate.

However, now that Adonis-kun has appeared on lots of shows with all of us, I think you’ve gotten well used to that environment.

I think it’s worth trying this out, and maybe it’ll help you gain some confidence in your talking.

Why not consider this as an opportunity to grow and give it a try?

Adonis: I’m happy to be given an opportunity to grow, but… should I really take on a job with that kind of mindset?

Kaoru: It’s fine. I asked them beforehand if the job was suited even for kids who aren’t good at talking, and they said it was okay.

So, the rest depends on what you want to do, Adonis-kun. If you really don’t want to, then I’ll turn them down. How about it?

Adonis: …

…I always felt like it would be a problem for me to feel insecure about talking forever.

So now that I’ve been given a chance to overcome that, I’d like to challenge it.

Kaoru: Okie, I got it. Well then, I’ll let the staff know it’s official.

Please do your best, okay, Adonis-kun ♪

<Meanwhile, in the CosPro office>

nagisa

Nagisa: …I see. So Ibara needs to find a replacement for that talk show.

Ibara: Yes. Eve are currently preoccupied with another job they cannot step away from, so I had no choice but to decline the offer when it came for His Highness Hiyori.

I also had the option of providing a replacement, so the choice came down to either one of us in Adam. I would have preferred to take this on myself, but…

I’m busy with various producing jobs as of right now, so it would be difficult for me to manage everything on my own. Which means…

Nagisa: …Which means I’m the only candidate remaining.

Ibara: However, I must admit I am worried about whether or not it would be fine to send your Excellency on your own to a job that requires as much flexibility as a talk show.

Nagisa: …I guess Ibara can’t help but worry when I’m alone.

Ibara: No, no, I have absolute confidence in your Excellency’s abilities.

As long as we prepare ourselves fully beforehand, we are sure to be able to achieve a complete victory on any battlefield. Ahaha ♪

Nagisa: …In other words, this is a special case where we won’t be able to prepare ourselves sufficiently?

Ibara: …My oh my, I must admire your Excellency’s keen insight. You are absolutely correct.

There are many elements involved this time that are difficult to predict. For example, your partner.

As of right now, I’ve heard that Hakaze-shi from RhyLin has been invited to participate. However, it seems like there might be some scheduling issues on their part as well.

There is the chance that they will need to find a replacement for him, just as we have. And in that case, it is a mystery who your partner will be.

Personally, I believe your Excellency will be able to control the situation sufficiently even without relying on a script…

However, depending on who the other MC ends up being, there is a chance that they will attack us if we let our guards down. I would feel more at ease if we took certain precautions this time around.

Having said all that, as long as we don’t know who our enemy is, it’s impossible to come up with a precise plan of action…

Nagisa: …Does that mean you’re planning on declining the offer, Ibara?

Ibara: I would certainly prefer to accept if at all possible…

Our current strategy is one of persistent promotion of Eden’s existence through various media channels.

Which is why I want to accept as many offers as possible that will allow us to inform the world about Eden’s existence.

Nagisa: …By which you mean that this show is a part of your strategy.

…If that’s so, then I’ll take it.

Ibara: You will? But your Excellency. Are you sure you will be okay on your own?

Nagisa: …I just have to do the things I would normally do with Ibara on my own. If that’s all then I think I will be fine alone.

Ibara: Admittedly, that is a correct assessment of the situation. This time, it would be difficult for me to even show up at the recording site, you know?

Nagisa: …I know. Even then, you’ve judged this to be a job worth taking.

…That’s why you said you wanted to accept this job if at all possible. Or am I wrong?

Ibara: No, your Excellency is absolutely right.

Nagisa: …If that is so, then Ibara just needs to ask me once. Do that, and I’ll work hard for Ibara’s sake.

Ibara: …I understand. Well then, I will leave this case to you, your Excellency.

Now, thanks to your Excellency’s confident words, I was able to make this decision. Well then, I am counting on you.

nagisa+ibara

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Scout! Your Yorishiro:
"Nagisa is given a job as the MC of a talk show. Alongside his co-host Adonis, he will be receiving viewers' worries and giving out advice. The two decide to practice before recording the show, but..."

Writer: Haruka Kanata
Season: Winter
Characters: Nagisa, Adonis, Kaoru, Natsume, Ibara, Tsumugi, Sora, Hiyori

Chapters:

Trouble talking 1

Trouble talking 2

Trouble talking 3

Trouble talking 4

Trouble talking 5

Trouble talking 6

Season: Summer

Location: Rooftop

Characters: Hokuto, Jin, Chiaki, Tori

Hokuto: Moving on. Who are the other members of that temporary unit we will be competing against?

Jin: Uuuhm, I’ll just go in order. The third-year participant is Mikejima from MaM and the second-year is Kagehira from Valkyrie.

The first-year is that one from Switch… Harukawa, was it? Since he’s still a new student I can’t remember his face just from reading his name.

Tori: Ah, he’s in my class. He seems like he is somewhat of a problem child, he’s always getting scolded by the teachers.

Well, pretty much everyone in my class is like that though~, I’m the only normal person there.

Hokuto: Fufu. Aside from Valkyrie, I haven’t heard much about the other two units mentioned, though.

Switch, was it? Wasn’t that unit created by Sakasaku in my class?

Chiaki: Hm. I know MaM, or rather, Mikejima-san, personally, so I’m very familiar with him.

He’s a fiercely talented person, probably comparable to the likes of the Five Eccentrics or Tenshouin.

Tori: Huh? The president is far and beyond the most talented top idol though!?

…Wait, what? What are the “Five Eccentrics”? Isn’t it the “Three Eccentrics”?

Hokuto: Ah… In the past, there were five of them, and they were called the “Five Eccentrics”.

Tori: Is that so? I feel like I’ve heard that somewhere before~?

So there were two more people who acted like that long-hair in my unit, woah…?

Hokuto: Yes. Sakasaki, whom I just mentioned, was one of them.

If that kid named Harukawa is in the same unit as him, then Harukawa might be something of a disciple of the Five Eccentrics.

And needless to say, Kagehira is still active in the unit that used to stand at the very top of Yumenosaki Academy, Valkyrie. He’s been under the care of the last of the Five Eccentrics, Itsuki Shu.

Chiaki: Hm. Itsuki rarely shows up to school, so I’m actually rather worried about him… But I know he values his friends more than anything, and he’s an outstanding leader.

I don’t know much about Kagehira’s abilities, or more like, even though I’ve seen Valkyrie onstage many times, he never left a huge impression on me…

But he’s probably Itsuki’s favorite, and will have been taught well. We should be careful.

Hokuto: I see. Their lineup seems random at first, but each one of them is surrounded by this mysterious and powerful aura.

What could Kunugi-sensei be planning to do with such a group of people?

Jin: You tell me… Nowadays that guy acts like he’s some smartass megane character, but back in the day he was the type to let his emotions get the best of him, and often let himself get swept by the atmosphere of the situation.

This might actually just be him acting on a whim.

Tori: Hmph. Well, no matter what our enemies are plotting, we just need to defeat them through sheer strength.

Chiaki: Oh, how reliable, Himemiya! You’re so cool to be able to stay completely calm even when faced with a strong enemy.

tori+chiaki

Tori: Fu, fufun… Well, we probably shouldn’t let our guard down, though.

I never want to lose to someone after underestimating them again, so maybe we should try and find out as much as possible about these people.

Hokuto: …Ah, I nearly forgot to ask, but what did those guys name their unit?

I don’t want to keep referring to them as “those guys”, so I’d like to know their name.

Jin: Right. Uhm… Thing is, I don’t actually know how to read this. I wrote it down just in case, but this is written in English, right? What does it say?

Hokuto: Let me see. Uuhm, so it’s written as “Ba-Barrier”. That really is difficult to read, wouldn’t it be ba…baria?

Tori: Bavarois? What an unexpectedly cute name.

Hokuto: … ♪ (Looking at Tori and nodding with satisfaction.)

Chiaki: Hm. I don’t think it’s bavarois, it should be barbari… barbarian?

Hokuto: As in savages? What a scary name, there’s nothing even slightly idol-like about it.

Chiaki: Ah, the transfer student is saying it should be read as “Ba-barrier~”!

Tori: What kind of word is that? Did they make it up…? We’ve said it out loud so many times I feel like it’s lost all its meaning.

Compared to the simplicity of “Rain-bows”, this name might be more fashionable, though.

Hokuto: For now, let’s go with the transfer student’s reading of the word… So “Ba-Barrier” is the name of our enemies.

Chiaki: Fufu. You look happy, Hidaka. Having enemies around makes things more exciting! I get how you feel, how boyish ♪

Hokuto: Right. People have been telling me this often, so I’ve come to realize I might be more aggressive than I would’ve thought.

Tori: I’d say you’re something like a mad dog who bites at anyone who comes close.

…More importantly, I don’t know anything at all about Kunugi-sensei. What was he like when he was active as an idol?

Since he’s the leader, he will probably be the one to decide on things like the contents of their performance. We might be able to think of counter-measures if we consider Kunugi-sensei’s preferences and skills.

Jin: Yup. To explain that, I’ll need to go over a quick idol history lesson with you.

Hokuto: Why. Lunch break is almost over, we don’t have the time to stay here and listen to you talk forever.

Jin: Now, now, just listen up. It’s kinda hard to explain what kind of idol Kunugi-sensei was.

His career was kinda mediocre, and thanks to that students often end up underestimating him, which is honestly a shame.

Since this is what Project-Saga is all about, it wouldn’t be bad for you guys to learn a bit about idol history while we’re at it.

We old folks love to tell tales of the past, so please hear me out… I’ll begin a classic Sagami-sensei lecure ♪

Chiaki: Thank you for letting me attend! Wow, I’m so happy! To think we’re able to hear the testimony of a living witness of history…✰

Hokuto: No thank you, I’m not interested. The past should stay in the past, and we should care more about the present.

Tori: Yup, the most important thing is the future after all.

Jin: Both the present and the future are built upon that past, though. And if there really are someone conspiring behind the scenes this time…

The motivations behind those schemes could be found in the past. If not, then there would be no reason to create a conspiracy around a project bringing back past idols.

I’m old and my eyes have gotten cloudy, so I don’t really understand what we’ve gotten ourselves mixed up in.

You guys have no biases or prior knowledge, your perspectives are much more fresh than mine. If I teach you what I know, you might be able to notice something I can’t.

Within the entertainment industry, any dark parts of the past tend to be erased, so with time they fade away and are forgotten…

Thinking about that makes me feel bad for my own seniors, so I want to let their stories live on as much as possible.

Chiaki: I get it! Kamen Rider also regularly brings back the past to remember its history!

Jin: Why do you keep making every conversation about tokusatsu shows… Well, then, allow me to briefly explain some idol industry history to you all.

In the beginning, there was a single idol. He was something like a God, who created everything upon which the current idol industry was built.

For example, he took the year-end festival which up until then had centered around normal celebrities and musicians, where idols were simply treated as an afterthought…

He miraculously transformed it into an event completely by idols and for idols.

That is how the event we know as “SS” started, and it is still being held even now.

That person similarly caused countless other small and large revolutions.

At first he was seen as a regular musician, but then he went on to make a name for idols, a field which up until then had been fragile.

Even before that, there existed people who named themselves idols and were called idols by others….

But that person was the one who made idols into something unique, into an existence different from anything else.

Once that person appeared and started doing activities, the very meaning of the word “idol” changed drastically.

Really, absolutely everything changed. History was changed, and the world was turned upside down at the hands of a single person.

Compared to the legacy left behind by that person, my own accomplishments are mere garbage.

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Season: Summer

Location: Rooftop

Characters: Jin, Hokuto, Chiaki, Tori, Anzu

TW: mention of weight/calories.

Jin: Anyways. The outfits you’re looking at are just prototypes, so if you find any problems with them, we can have them fixed. The transfer student is also saying she’ll make us a few more outfits if we want.

jin+chiaki

Chiaki: It should be enough with just this one. It’s still just our first live as Rain-bows, after all…

If we keep doing costume changes before cementing a clear image of ourselves as a unit, we will just be making it harder for our audience to recognize us.

Hokuto: I agree. It would be hard on the transfer student as well. She has a lot of other jobs to attend to besides making our outfits, after all.

This outfit is really well-made, so there should be no problem at all to make this our official outfit.

Tori: Agreed~. I feel like these need some fine-tuning, though. To be honest, I’ve lost a bit of weight since entering school…

If this was made based on the measurements taken back then, then it might be a bit big.

Chiaki: Hm? Is that true, Himemiya? You’re already pretty slim… do you really have any weight to lose?

Tori: It’s true. Not only am I burning lots of calories with all these lessons, but I stopped eating sweets because I don’t want to risk getting pimples.

It’s no wonder I’ve lost some weight.

Chiaki: That’s not good, Himemiya, more meat equals more power! You need to eat lots and build up your strength! Here, I’ll give you the rest of my bento ♪

This one has eggplant in it so I could never eat it…!

Tori: Don’t push your leftovers onto me! I-I’m okay! I usually gain weight easily, so I’ll probably go back to my original weight in no time!

Jin: Hahaha. Uuuhm, summing up… Everyone’s happy with these outfits, right?

The transfer student ended up finishing them before I could run the design through you guys, so I was a bit worried actually.

Hokuto: Don’t say that as if the transfer student did something wrong. You should be praising her for how effective her work is.

Jin: Yup. You’re a good kid. Honestly, this applies to all of you, but… the transfer student is really evolving at a surprising speed. Youth really is an amazing thing.

Moving on. For our songs and choreography, we had Hidaka ask his father’s connections, or rather, friends, to help us out.

From what I could gather from today’s lesson, we’ll have memorized them all in time for the live.

And since the outfits are looking to be fine as well, we should be able to perform live without any problems. Of course, we’ll still have to advertise ourselves beforehand, as well as practice our fan-service in preparation.

Ah, that reminds me. Apparently, the magazine serializing Project-Saga will also be advertising for us, so we might be getting audience members even from outside of the school…

It seems like Project-Saga has been picking up popularity lately, so we can expect there to be quite a lot of people coming to see us.

Hokuto: I see. Since there will be guests coming from outside of the school, does that mean our live will be ranked as an “S1” dreamfes?

Jin: No, it won’t be anything that grandiose. This live is being treated as if it was an official dreamfes, but in reality, it’s more like a special event that has nothing to do with that system.

I feel like this kind of thing will become the norm moving forward. Call it a hunch.

Yumenosaki has become somewhat out of touch with the current trends, so I think the dreamfes system itself is due to be reformed.

jin+tori

Tori: Ah, the president also said something like that.

He rarely shows himself in the student council room, but each time he comes over, he will end up bickering with the vice president about those kinds of topics.

They always look like they’re having fun together… I’m still not at a place where I can join their discussions.

Well, whatever. Then, uhm, does that mean things are going well for now? Is all we need to focus on for now to do our best to improve the level of our performance, even just by a bit?

Jin: That’s the most important thing, yeah. But there is a slight problem. That’s what I wanted to ask you guys’ advice about.

You see~, I don’t really get what’s going on, but… It seems there’s another unit that wants to participate in that live alongside us.

Hokuto: Right. What’s the problem with that?

It’s not like we really need it to be a solo live, and I feel like having more units participating would raise the overall quality of the live and make it more exciting, no?

Chiaki: Yup! More people will come to see that unit as well, so it’s a win-win situation for everyone! We should always accept all challengers… ✰

Jin: How are both of you this confident already, we haven’t even achieved any results with Rain-bows yet… And also, there’s something even weirder to this.

Apparently, the unit in question was formed by Kunugi-sensei.

It’s like he’s imitating us, he’s got himself a first-year, second-year and a third-year to create a unit with him as their mentor.

Hokuto: Kunugi-sensei? I wonder why?

Jin: You tell me… I tried asking him directly, but he refused to give me an answer. I don’t really get it.

Based on the unit, maybe he also wanted to participate in Project-Saga?

Chiaki: Fufu. Maybe he didn’t want Sagami-sensei to be the only one in the spotlight.

Jin: He’s not really that type of person, though. Anyways, I don’t really know why he created that unit…

It somehow creeps me out, so let’s keep our guards up.

This isn’t like Kunugi-sensei, after all. This might be due to someone meddling unnecessarily.

Chiaki: Someone, huh…But who would that be? Don’t tell me there is a mysterious organization behind Project-Saga scheming to conquer the world!?

Jin: Yeah, no. That’s such an overused plot that even if some drama TV show tried to use it they would just be cancelled for being unrealistic.

But then again, I can’t help but have this bad feeling… I’ll try bothering Kunugi-sensei again to find out more.

Well, leaving that aside. Since we’ll be performing together at the live, we’ll need to tweak our performance to match up with theirs.

It seems like they want to do a live battle, so if things go down that route we’ll have to be proactive and come up with countermeasures.

In a live battle, the winners stand alone on top, while the losers gain almost nothing at all, after all.

We’re supposed to be the main characters of Project-Saga, so it would just be shameful if we lost.

If that happened, we could end up being kicked out of the project, with Kunugi-sensei and his unit replacing us and taking over the center position for Project-Saga.

Tori: H, hmph… Well, I wouldn’t want to be involved in this stupid project forever, so I wouldn’t really mind though.

But it would feel a little frustrating, I guess. I hate losing, after all.

Hokuto: Yeah. I agree. Of course, we’ll be going in with the intention of winning.

Chiaki: Fufu. If we can resolve the conflict through the power of friendship and words, then that would be best, though.

If it comes down to it, then it can’t be helped… It would be pathetic if we showed up to a fight without preparing ourselves and got our asses kicked.

We should do whatever we can to prepare ourselves in case we end up fighting. What exactly is Kunugi-sensei’s unit like?

Jin: N~, I still don’t have a lot of info on them. They’re another temporary unit, formed later than us - the day before yesterday, I think.

As of now, I don’t think they’ve done any activities at all.

I used my authority as a teacher to look over their application form, for what it’s worth. But the only thing on there was their unit name, as well as the names of the members.

Chiaki: Even that is important information. If we’re familiar with any of the members, we might be able to estimate their abilities somewhat.

Jin: Right. Well, let’s start by going over the members. The leader is, obviously, Kunugi-sensei.

Unlike me, Kunugi-sensei didn’t stop his training regimen even after retiring, so I think he’s a pretty formidable enemy.

Tori: If only Sagami-sensei had kept training on his own, then we would have had less trouble as well… Well, I guess continuing to do lessons after retiring is weirder than stopping them.

Jin: N~. It hasn’t been that long since Kunugi-sensei retired, after all, I guess he hasn’t lost all of his old habits yet.

As for me, it’s been long enough that I sometimes forget that I used to be an idol at all.

Hokuto: Don’t forget that. Even if you were to forget, the world will keep remembering.

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Season: Summer

Writer: Haruka Kanata

Characters: Arashi, Ritsu, Niki, Hiiro

Ritsu: Uu~... It's hot~, I'm bored~, Nacchan, do something~

arashi+ritsu

Arashi: Alright. Here you go, I'll lend you this handheld fan. This should be able to make even Ritsu-chan cool down.

Though I have to admit it really is hot today…

I get that we're doing more photoshoots outside since it's summer and all, but the sunlight is so strong it's making me worried for my skin.

I made sure to apply my makeup before coming here, but my sweat will ruin it for sure. I hate this…

Ritsu: Ugh~... I can't move another step. Hey, Nacchan, let's find somewhere to take a break.

Arashi: Good idea. It just so happens we're right outside of Cinnamon, so let's get ourselves a cold drink to cool down.

Arashi: Excuse me~. Could we place an order?

arashi+hiiro

Hiiro: Yup. What would the two of you like?

Arashi: Oh my? If I remember correctly, you're a member of Alkaloid, right?

What are you doing here? Did you start working part-time or something?

Niki: Hey heeey! Little brother-san, what do you think you're doing!?

You're not employed here, you'll just cause trouble if you start acting on your own accord like this!

Hiiro: There's no need to worry, Shiina-san. I've learned how to calculate money properly, after all.

Niki: And how exactly do you plan on calculating that? You don't even know our prices.

Hiiro: Hm. You're exactly right. I'll reflect on that, Shiina-san.

Ritsu: …Seems like he isn't working part-time after all.

Hiiro: Indeed. I apologize for causing a misunderstanding. I was trying to investigate what types of drinks customers tend to order when it's this hot outside.

Arashi: Oh my, seems you had a good reason all along.

Why are you investigating something like that, though, Hiiro-chan?

Niki: Ah, I think that might be my fault actually.

You see, with the late summer heat is worse than expected, I was planning on developing some refreshing cold drinks to sell instead of the fall-themed products I had prepared.

I was struggling to think of what to make, and ended up asking little brother-san for help since we’re roommates.

He said he wanted to help me out, but I never expected he would try to help out at the cafe like this…

The way his actions have no pattern and rely completely on instinct sometimes is a strict reminder that he really is related to Rinne-kun, though they’re often completely different.

Hiiro: I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to cause trouble for Shiina-san.

Niki: As long as you reflect on it, it’s perfectly fine. The way you’re able to obediently take criticism and reflect on yourself is a good trait that Rinne-kun lacks ♪

Ritsu: I see~. Okay, now we know why this mysterious new part-time worker made his appearance, but-

Did you ever end up deciding on what kind of drink you want to make?

Niki: Ah~, we’re still not even close.

The only requirement is that I want it to be the kind of drink that can completely blow away this stubborn summer heat.

Ritsu: Blow away the heat, huh~. If that’s what you’re after, wouldn’t something carbonated be perfect?

I think that would make you feel refreshed in no time at all.

Arashi: Ritsu-chan is all about sodas, after all~. But you’re right in that when it gets this hot, you can’t help but start craving something carbonated, really.

Like lemon squash, for example. That would be absolutely delicious right about now, actually.

Niki: Ah~, lemon squash, huh. That really does feel a lot like summer.

Arashi: Right? Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is good for staying beautiful. They also help you recover from fatigue and improve your immune system, so it might be perfect to prevent heatstroke.

Hiiro: Umu. I really like lemons too.

Many cafes offer free lemon water during summer time. I think I’d be satisfied just with that.

Niki: It would be a huge inconvenience for the cafes if customers were satisfied just by some water, though~...

Hiiro: Of course I would never sit down at a cafe just for a free cup of water, don’t worry.

Aira also warned me not to do that. I made sure to remember.

Niki: That’s a relief. But lemon squash might really be the perfect drink~

We would be able to change the texture or flavor of the drink quite a bit just by changing up the spices, after all…

Ritsu: …Since we’re at it already, why don’t you create something for us to taste test?

And then you can take the winning lemon squash and start selling that.

Niki: Ah~, that’s a great idea! I just thought of a bunch of flavors I want to try too.

Lemme just go ask the manager for permission before preparing the drinks. Just wait a little bit for me, everyone!

ritsu+niki

Ritsu: I’m looking forward to being served some delicious lemon squash~

Arashi: …How strategic, Ritsu-chan. With this, we can save money on the drinks, right?

Ritsu: Now, what exactly are you referring to~? ♪

Niki: I’m back. Little brother-san, thank you for helping me carry all this!

Hiiro: There’s no need to thank me, Shiina-san. I want to help to pay you back for all the trouble I’ve caused you.

Arashi: Wow, you sure made a lot, didn’t you?

Ritsu: This feels like an open bar. What kinds of flavors are there?

Niki: This one’s got a bit of a bitter taste. It should be suited to adults.

And this one over here has nutmeg and stuff in it, so it has a bit of a spicy aftertaste.

And for this last one I used a somewhat rare spice, so I think you’ll enjoy a very refreshing taste from that one.

Arashi: Well then, I’ll have a taste of this spicy one.

Ritsu: Then I’ll drink the one you said had an adult taste to it.

Niki: How is it? Don’t hold back, hit me with your real opinions.

Arashi: N~... This lemon squash tastes more of grapefruit than lemon, doesn’t it?

It tastes very good as-is, but I don’t know if it counts as a good lemon squash.

Niki: I see. Lemme have another taste too.

N~. I think the mint I added might be interfering with the flavor I was aiming for.

Ritsu: This feels like we’re working on product development. You might not even need my help, then.

Arashi: Don’t say that, Ritsu-chan. How was that lemon squash?

Ritsu: It’s as good as expected. It goes swish-swish and crack-crack in my mouth.

Well, personally I would prefer a sweeter taste. But that’s probably just my preference.

Hiiro: This one had lots of lemon slices added into it, which makes it delicious. Could we add even more slices?

Niki: Nahaha. Little brother-san wasn’t lying about really liking lemons, huh.

Arashi: N~, I could make lots of comments about the various flavors, but I don’t know if I could say which one tastes the best…

But since we’ve been spoiled so much today, I would feel bad for Shiina-senpai if we gave a half-hearted review. Isn’t that right, Ritsu-chan?

Ritsu: Well, you’re right. I never expected we would get to taste-test so many flavors.

This was my suggestion and all, so I have to go all-out to fulfill my end of the bargain.

Arashi: I’m so glad you feel the same way I do, Ritsu-chan. Well then, once again, let’s work hard to find the most special drink that will blow away this summer heat.

I’m sure if we all work hard at trial and error together, we can find the most deliciously refreshing flavor ♪

-End-

Season: Summer

Location: Rooftop

Characters: Hokuto, Tori, Chiaki, Jin, Anzu

Hokuto: Fufu. This feels somewhat strange, being able to sit down and enjoy a meal with Morisawa-senpai and Himemiya like this… Life can be hard to understand sometimes.

hokuto+tori

Tori: Yup. I really don’t understand this at all.

Chiaki: Fuhaha! This is why life is so wonderful! You guys think so too, don’t you!?

Tori: How annoying… Why are you always this energetic? Well, it’s the same with that long hair in my unit, though.

Your energy must be overflowing~, I almost wish you could share some of it with me.

I’m still lacking in stamina, so I can’t keep up with fine’s lessons yet… If I’m causing my friends to stagnate then that would be the worst.

I didn’t work hard to get all this way just to become a hindrance like that.

Chiaki: …

Hokuto: …

Tori: Uhm. Senpais. Why are you moving your jelly cups over to my bento box all of a sudden?

I’ll admit I was thinking about how this bento wasn’t sweet enough for my taste, but I’m not a beggar!

Hokuto: No, sweets help with stress relief.

Chiaki: They do! Eating lots will help you become stronger, I promise ✰

Tori: …I was in the wrong for expecting these guys to be delicate or considerate. Yup, I already knew this much.

It’s not like I was really expecting much from you two, but what kind of reaction is this to someone venting about their own weaknesses to you?

jin

Jin: O~i, I’m home~, sorry for leaving outta nowhere… I’m happy to see the three of you getting along so well.

Chiaki: Sagami-sensei! Welcome home!

Oh, the transfer student came along as well, how amazing! I was worried that you wouldn’t show your face here today, come here, come here, come here ♪

Hokuto: Don’t pspsps her like a cat. Treat her with respect like a proper human being.

Tori: Sigh, Morisawa-senpai sometimes shows this side of himself, doesn’t he?

Chiaki: I don’t want to hear that from you guys… I’m not very used to interacting with girls either, so I’m still trying to figure out how to treat her.

Up until middle school, there were usually girls around. But I didn’t really mingle with them…

I preferred playing baseball and stuff with my guy friends rather than playing with the girls.

Tori: Huh. Isn’t that fine…? From my perspective, being able to have such a normal life sounds like a blessing.

Chiaki: Fufu. Everyone wants what they can’t have, after all.

Jin: Haha. You really have gotten close all of a sudden. You’re able to forget all about your troubles and have fun together, I feel like I used to be like that when I was a kid, too.

Anyways. Transfer student, please hand “that” out to everyone.

Hokuto: “That”? What are you talking about?

Chiaki: Ah, I’m sorry, Sagami-sensei. I got so absorbed in talking with the others that I completely forgot about explaining.

Jin: Huh. Well, isn’t that for the best? Right now, your top priority should be to become closer.

Then, allow me to explain from the top. We’ve finished working out the fine details for our upcoming live, and our plan has been approved and we’ve been given a generous budget.

Tori: Wow, that’s good news. I was worried because we hadn’t finalized the plan yet.

In the worst-case scenario, I thought I would have to ask the student council president for help or provide the money myself.

Hokuto: Hm. Himemiya is helping us out in good faith, so I feel bad for burdening you with that.

Tori: What are you talking about after all this time? I’ll have you know that just showing up each week and missing out on my precious lunch break is already a huge burden.

Besides, you seem to have forgotten this, but it’s not like I’m helping you guys just from the kindness of my heart, either.

Hokuto: Aah… That’s right, you’re also here as a spy sent by the student council president.

Is that going alright for you? Are your reports living up to the president’s expectations?

Tori: Why are you acting so worried about the person actively spying on you… Honestly, this is such a weird situation.

I don’t know whether or not the president is satisfied with my reports, but I have been summarizing our activities and reporting them back to him on the days after our meetings.

In addition to that, it seems the president is looking into various things on his own as well. It seems he was looking into the magazine that will be publicizing Project-Saga.

He said it seemed like we were having fun and that he was jealous.

chiaki

Chiaki: Right. This has been unexpectedly fun.

Unlike in Ryuseitai, I’m not the leader here, so I’m able to lower my shoulders, relax, and work freely.

Hokuto: That’s the same for me. Being a leader, huh… I still don’t feel like I’m suited to that position.

Tori: ? Sagami-sensei is the leader of Rain-bows, right?

Hokuto: Oh, I was talking about my position as leader of Trickstar. Though it’s just a formality for the sake of paperwork, since we treat each other as equals.

Being the leader means your responsibilities and your workload increases, so it’s a position you can’t ignore.

Tori: Phew. Being weak and understaffed sure sounds tough, huh. You even have to take on roles you aren’t suited to do?

Jin: Now, now, don’t go off chatting at every opportunity. Though I’ll admit I’m used to it, since you guys are pretty much like this during class as well.

Actually, I’ve always felt like bouncing your opinions off of each other and discussing stuff leads to better learning than just shutting up and listening to some lecture.

Hokuto: Ah, right. I apologize, we were acting rude.

Jin: Okay. Transfer student, did you finish handing out “that”? Everyone, go ahead and take a look.

Hokuto: Hm… Oh, what’s this?

Chiaki: Ooh! I was wondering what it could be, but it’s our costumes! You’ve finished them already!

Tori: Eh, ah… Is this Rain-bows’ outfits? The ones we’ll be wearing for our live?

Hokuto: I’m amazed, transfer student. When we spoke last week you still hadn’t finished the design, and now you’re all finished sewing them?

Now that I think about it, you were really quick when you made the outfits for Trickstar as well…

Kiryu-senpai helped you out back then, but this time you were on your own, no?

Amazing. You really have a talent for making outfits.

Tori: Yup. I was wondering what kind of cheap thing you would pull out, but these are pretty high quality.

They seem really durable, but also easy to move around in. You must’ve used a really high-quality fabric, right?

Chiaki: …

Hokuto: Hm? What’s wrong, Morisawa-senpai? Is there something you don’t like?

Chiaki: Aah, no… The outfits are perfect. But did you make these before our budget came in?

You need to make sure you’re getting compensated for this, transfer student, you shouldn’t have to spend your own money on this.

And, I couldn’t help but wonder, did you use Sagami-sensei’s old outfits as inspiration when making these?

I felt as if I had seen this design somewhere before, and zoned out while trying to remember where exactly.

Jin: Oh, you noticed that? It would have been a pain to design new outfits from scratch, and the magazine company funding this plan asked it of us as well…

They wanted us to add in some easter eggs inspired by my looks from way back then, so we changed the design to reflect that.

Of course, if we had used the exact same designs as my old costumes they would’ve looked outdated and uncool, so I had the transfer student redesign them for me.

I’m sure it would’ve looked fine on you guys, but I’m in my 30s already… I couldn’t bear to put on any more sparkling and glittering clothes with bright colors, it would be too embarrassing.

Hokuto: Fufu. That reminds me, back when he was active, Sagami-sensei used to always wear really flashy outfits screaming of nouveau riche, didn’t he? Like covering your entire body in glittering gold and stuff.

Jin: Yup. I needed to stand out on my own, after all. That’s how it was back then.

The entertainment industry was on the verge of decline, but there were still a lot of people within the higher-ups who liked to pretend as if the economy was going smoothly.

jin+hokuto

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Season: Summer of ES! timeline

Location: Rooftop

Characters: Tori, Hokuto, Chiaki

<Roughly one week later, Rain-bows activity day.>

Tori: Thanks for the food~✰

Munch, munch, munch ♪ This bento was prepared by Slave No. 2, right?

I can definitely feel her skills improving~, maybe I could hire her as a cook for my family in the future?

Hokuto: …Slave number 2?

tori+hokuto

Tori: Ah, the transfer student. Since Yuzuru is Slave No.1, she can be No.2.

Hokuto: I’m not the right person to tell you this, but you should be more respectful towards your elders. Also, don’t talk with food in your mouth, it’s bad manners.

Tori: How noisy~ You sound too much like Yuzuru, stop it.

Hokuto: Fufu. Fushimi tasked me with looking after you, so those words are the highest praise I could ask for.

Tori: Geh, don’t get close to my slave without my permission like that… That Yuzuru, this is an act of betrayal against fine!

Well, I guess I’ll allow it. Hidaka-senpai isn't as naggy as Yuzuru, after all.

It seems like you’re holding something back. You don't meddle as much as he does, which means you’re also less annoying.

Hokuto: …If you want, I can step up my nagging game even further. I still don’t really understand how to treat my juniors, so I end up acting somewhat distant.

I could even start following you around 24/7 and taking care of you if you'd like… “Himegimi”?

Tori: Eeeh? What’s gotten into you, don’t go around calling me weird things like that, okay?

Hokuto: ? That’s your nickname, right? The club president told me so.

Tori: Club president? Aah, that Long Hair?

Hokuto: Right. When I spoke to him about “Rain-bows” during our club activities, he told me to “make sure to properly escort Himegimi, dear prince ♪”.

It seems the club president is also cheering us on.

Tori: Is he really~? It sounds to me like he was just making fun of us, I still can’t wrap my head around what that Long Hair is thinking.

Hokuto: I have no idea either… Well, either way, you may call be by a nickname as well.

We’ve become allies, for some reason or the other, so it would just be tiresome for you to keep acting all tense around me and referring to me as your enemy or as a traitor.

Plus. As I was watching Akehoshi, the thought hit me that we would seem closer if we started calling each other by nicknames.

Tori: It’s not like we have to become close though… Small fries like Trickstar might need to huddle together to stay warm, but it’s not like that for everyone.

Us in fine are expected to be almighty and invincible rulers even when we’re alone ♪

Hokuto: Is that so? Just last year, fine was the unit that acted like weaklings huddling together to stay warm though… the times sure have changed.

Tori: …? What are you even saying, fine was always the champion of absolute justice, right?

Hokuto: Is that what it looked like from an outsider’s perspective? So this is the result of their propaganda, how annoying.

Tori: …?

chiaki

Chiaki: O~i. You youngsters should stop mingling only amongst yourself and let your senior join in too.

Tori: Don’t lump us together in such a weird way. It seemed like you were having a serious conversation with Sagami-sensei, so I left the two of you alone.

Chiaki: Yes. He asked me to explain that matter for you two, so I’d like you to hear me out.

Hokuto: Morisawa-senpai, where did Sagami-sensei go? He disappeared all of a sudden, is that bum of a teacher really leaving even the explanations up to other people…?

Chiaki: Don’t say that, our teachers are a lot busier than we’d think.

It’s not like he can spend every minute looking after us either. If an emergency or something happened he might have to rush to the infirmary.

He mentioned he would bring us something nice once he comes back, so let’s look forward to that. It seems this matter has something to do with the transfer student, who isn’t here today.

Hokuto: The transfer student? Now that you mention it, she isn’t with us today, I figured she was busy producing some other unit or something.

Recently, the transfer student has been busy enough that she’s started working on small jobs even while in class, so it’s gotten a bit difficult to reach out to her.

Chiaki: Hmmm, that girl sure is a hard worker.

The Producer Department is still in its experimental stage, so there’s only one student enrolled, and yet the amount of work that needs a producer just keeps increasing.

At this rate, she’ll end up overworked. Since the two of you are close, you need to watch over her, Hidaka.

Hokuto: Right. That is a given. But it’s not like the transfer student is being forced into taking on this work, it seems like this is simply what she wants to do.

I keep worrying that she might be working too hard.

That aside, what is it you wanted to explain… Morisawa-senpai?

Chiaki: Right. Well, let’s have a chat about it while we eat.

Sagami-sensei is bound to come back sooner or later, and the transfer student might show up as well. It would be best if everyone in “Rain-bows” could be here when we talk about this.

Two is better than one, three is better than two, and “everyone” is the best option.

Tori: Hmph. Are all of you so dependent on your friends in order to do anything at all?

Not like I mind, though. “Rain-bows” activities are usually annoying, but these meal times are pretty fun.

Even though the lessons are harder than I expected, and I end up completely exhausted, this time after our lessons is soothing~ ♪

It helps me relax. Plus, Slave No.2 puts my favorite foods into my bento for me.

And like this, I don’t have to participate in Yuzuru’s “Table Etiquette Seminar” that he holds every lunch break.

Chiaki: Himemiya, do you usually always eat with that… Fushimi, is it? You must get along well ✰

Tori: We don’t get along that well… It’s just that he’s been employed as a servant to my family for ages, we’re just stuck together at this point.

Chiaki: Is that so? From what I can tell it seems like you really love him though, you keep mentioning him even when no one asks about him ♪

Tori: Sh, shut up… I only just enrolled here, and I don’t know anyone else yet, so I have no choice.

Even though we are in different grades, Yuzuru keeps coming to see me every time something happens.

And thanks to that, it’s gotten weirdly difficult to get to know my classmates… Well, the throne up at the top must be a lonely seat, huh?

Chiaki: Fuhaha, Don’t worry, Himemiya! We will become your friends, your allies!

No, we’ve already formed a bond named “Rain-bows”! You don’t have to be lonely, let me pet you…♪

Tori: Stop that, don’t treat me as if I was your pet~? You’re getting in the way of my meal, how impertinent!

chiaki+tori

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Season: Summer

Location: Staff room

Characters: Mika, Akiomi, Sora, Madara

Mika: I, I can’t keep up with yer conversation at all… What’re ya talkin’ about? Harukawa-kun, do ya understand?

Sora: HiHi~♪ I don’t really understand their conversation, but Kunugi-sensei’s color looks like he is having fun~? Usually he keeps it hidden away so Sora can’t see it clearly, but today he is sparkling in seven different colors!

So that is sensei’s real color, is it?

Akiomi: What on earth are the two of you discussing? Anyhow, as I mentioned earlier… There is a certain part-time school job you will be participating in.

Mika: Th, that sounds kinda forceful… Don’t we have the right ta refuse?

For my part, I’d be glad ta participate in any part-time jobs so I can save up funds fer my activities, though~?

Akiomi: You may refuse if you wish, but I wouldn’t recommend doing so.

Mikejima-kun, Kagehira-kun, Harukawa-kun… The three of you have attracted unwanted attention from the school higher-ups due to your continued problematic conduct.

Mika: Eh, really? I haven’t done anythin’ bad, I swear…?

Akiomi: I know. But simply refraining from doing anything bad isn’t enough in adult society. Those who do not serve the interests of the whole will be weeded out.

High school isn’t compulsory education, after all. It would be troublesome if you kept taking up resources without ever giving anything back for it.

Kagehira-kun, you sometimes skip your classes to work part-time jobs, do you not? From society’s perspective, that makes you a delinquent.

Mika: A delinquent? That’s not it, I’m doin’ all that ‘cause I gotta earn money fer Valkyrie’s activities…

I do try ta properly show up fer class, though I tend ta be too exhausted an’ end up fallin’ asleep even when I attend.

Akiomi: You should take your classes seriously, at least enough to make it worth the money you spent on attending this school.

I’d like you to try and think about the feelings of your teachers who have to endlessly try and teach you things while you’re falling asleep.

It makes us feel annoyed or sad, until we just feel empty.

Mika: Uu. Sorry… Yer lecture was too proper, so I can’t even argue with it.

Akiomi: Well, Kagehira-kun is actually the most upstanding student among you.

The more serious problems here are Mikejima-kun, who appears to be attempting to violate every single school rule we have, and Harukawa-kun, who keeps engaging in eccentric behavior like climbing on the walls of the school buildings.

akiomi+madara

Madara: Hahaha! I am my own boss! And I have a permit signed by myself to let me do as I please!

Sora: HuHu~♪ I’m sorry! When someone scolds you, you should apologize!

But there are no rules stating that you have to use the hallways and stairs instead of climbing the walls when moving about… are there~?

Akiomi: Really now, each and every one of you keeps talking back… Please do not misunderstand me, I am not your enemy.

On the contrary, I called you here today because I want to protect you, and I want to be able to do something for you.

You are all connected to the “Five Eccentrics”, are you not?

That phrase had become synonymous with problem children by the end of last year, so the higher-ups still hold a grudge against them.

Idols are a business built on popularity and trust, after all. We cannot let these seeds of infamy go unchallenged.

The “Five Eccentrics” themselves are outstandingly talented, so the higher-ups likely would never let them go to waste.

However, those of you who exist in their vicinity could easily become the target of criticism or attacks.

I’m sure none of you wish to cause trouble for those you hold most dear. Reflect on yourselves and better your behavior.

Mika: …

Akiomi: Moving on. If you were to accept my offer of a part-time job, then I will become your ally.

As long as you don’t cause an awful amount of trouble, I will be able to feign ignorance at some of your problematic behaviors.

I am the school guidance counselor, after all, so I am in a position where I can provide you with protection to a certain extent.

Madara: Oh, are you offering us a backroom deal? You’re such a bad teacher, I don’t hate that about you though ♪

Mika: Eh, eh? What’s that mean? I still can’t keep up with this conversation!

Madara: Hahaha. Basically, Kunugi-sensei is saying that as long as we cooperate with him… he’s going to make all our problematic behavior up until now go away.

Akiomi: I won’t make it go away. But well, I will provide you with some mercy.

I will speak to the other teachers on your behalf, and make any necessary arrangements… No, I will become your ally.

Madara: And in return, you want us to act as your soldiers? You’re taking advantage of our weaknesses to blackmail us into acting according to your wishes, that’s a method taken straight out of some Mafia handbook ♪

Akiomi: Coming from your mouth that doesn’t sound like a joke, Mikejima-kun.

Mika: Ngah~? I still don’t really understand, but this sounds really dangerous! Wh, what exactly are ya tryin’ ta make us do… Kunugi-sensei?

If yer tryin’ ta get me involved in some crime, then I refuse, I could never forgive myself if Oshi-san’s career was hurt ‘cause of me!

Akiomi: Fufu. There’s no way I would ever force my adorable students to commit a crime. On the contrary, I’m in a position where I would actively try to stop any criminal conduct, so please don’t think so lowly of me.

Either way, the part-time work I’ve got for you is rather simple. Starting now, I will need you to form a “temporary unit”.

We can cooperate to find a suitable unit name, and as for the songs and costumes, I’ve made arrangements for us to be able to use some that are already finished.

All in all, there shouldn’t be much work involved for you all on that part.

akiomi+sora

Sora: Nn, a “temporary unit”? Sora has never heard of that before~?

Akiomi: Ah, new students wouldn’t know of it… I will explain the concept later. Moving on, this “temporary unit” of ours will need to perform at a certain live scheduled one month from now.

During that month, I will require you all to focus as much on our lessons as possible, so doing other part-time work within the school is prohibited.

I’m sure you won't mind, after all, you should prioritize doing proper idol-like activities rather than cleaning empty rooms and doing laundry.

The “temporary unit” activities during this month will be treated as a proper part-time job within the school, so you will of course receive regular pay as compensation.

And as I mentioned earlier, I will be able to lessen the impact of your problematic behaviors to a certain extent.

All in all, this isn’t a bad deal at all, is it? You will accept it, will you not?

Mika: Ee~h, if I’m bein’ honest I don’t really wanna do activities with a different unit than Valkyrie… but by the way this conversation’s goin’ I feel like it’d be a waste ta refuse.

Akiomi: Indeed. I am not asking you, I am ordering you. You should always listen to what your teachers tell you.

Madara: Hahaha! How arrogant! That almost makes me want to rebel for the heck of it, but based on what you’ve said so far this really is an advantageous situation for us.

Though it pains me to be robbed of my free will and told to obey other people’s orders like this.

I guess you can count me in. I have been thinking that I would like to experience working in accordance with the unit system for once rather than just looking in from outside.

I’m the kind of person who learns best through practice, so this experience will probably come in handy.

Know your enemy and know yourself, and you can win any battle. I was just thinking how I wanted to get close and personal with the kind of logic that sits at the top of this school currently.

Sora: N~, Sora is happy as long as he can sing and dance and have fun, but can Sora check with Master before answering?

Recently, consulting with Master before making difficult decisions has become Sora’s creed~?

Akiomi: Yes. Of course, you may take this opportunity home and consider it before answering.

However, the live is only a month away, so I can’t give you too much time.

If you spend too much time considering, we will have less time for our lessons, so I want you to reply as quickly as possible.

But well… Please think carefully about this before answering. Though I called this an order, you are all free to decide whether you wish to obey or disobey it.

I could force you to obey, but this time I won’t.

This isn’t important enough that you should need to agonize over it, for now at least. It’s simply a side quest with no real impact on your lives.

Mika: …

mika

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Season: Summer of ES! timeline

Location: Staff Room

Characters: Akiomi, Madara, Mika, Sora

<After school that day>

Madara: Excuse meeeeee✰

Hahaha! As I swore before all the Gods of both heaven and earth, I have kidnapped… or rather, gathered some “allies” and brought them before you! This is who you wanted, right, Kunugi-sensei!?

Mika: Ngaah~!? What’re ya doin’ all of a sudden, where’re ya takin’ me? Save me, Oshi-san, I’m bein’ kidnapped!?

Sora: HaHa~♪ Being carried on someone’s shoulders like this makes Sora feel as if he is flying through the sky~

Akiomi: You guys, try not to make a fuss in the staff room.

I have to admit, you’ve exceeded my expectations, Mikejima-kun. Honestly speaking, I thought you would need more time than this.

Madara: Hahaha! Speed of lightning! If doing something quickly yields the same result as doing it slowly, then surely faster is better?

I even put my other tasks aside to prioritize this one, so please feel free to praise me!

Akiomi: Yes. As long as you fulfill the tasks I’ve asked of you, I suppose I’ll forgive your slight rudeness.

You’re a third-year already, so please remember to use honorifics when speaking to your superiors.

Madara: Hahaha! Nonse~nse! For what it’s worth, I do speak respectfully whenever it’s required of me, you know?

Mika: Uhm, excuse me? Before y’all start yappin’ away all lightheartedly, would ya please explain what’s goin’ on!?

Madara: Hahaha! How absurd! Don’t try to think with your head, feel it with your soul instead!

Mika: Auau, I have no idea what this person’s sayin’! His voice is needlessly loud and he’s scary! He’s the exact type of person I hate dealin’ with!

Ha, Harukawa-ku~n…? Do ya understand what’s goin’ on, Harukawa-kun?

mika+sora

Sora: Even if you ask Sora.

However, it doesn’t seem like this big guy has any intention of harming Sora and Kage-niisan!

So you don’t have to be so scared, okay~♪

Mika: K, kidnappin’ someone without askin’ ‘em first doesn’t exactly sound peaceful though!?

Madara: Hahaha. Could the two of you quiet down a bit? Kunugi-sensei just asked us not to make a fuss, and you should try to listen to what your teachers tell you ♪

Mika: Ngah, he just scolded us! We were just lectured by a criminal…!

Sora: HiHi~♪ So that’s the rule here~? Then, Sora will stay quiet!

Madara: Good boy. Uhm, Kunugi-sensei, where should I put these two down?

Should I just plop them down onto the sofas over there in what looks like a conversation space?

Akiomi: Yes. Just like that… However, you should treat them a bit more carefully.

You might be working as “allies” from now on, so try not to do anything that would make them hate you.

Madara: Hahaha. I’m a “solo unit” after all, so I wouldn’t know how to treat my allies ♪

Akiomi: (Seriously now… Did I pick the wrong person for this job? Mikejima-kun possesses extraordinary talent, but as usual he acts like a problem child with no consideration for public morals.)

(Hm. Well, as long as we’re able to put on a presentable facade for long enough that Project-Saga can reach a proper ending.)

You three, please have a seat. I have something I want to talk to you about.

Mika: (H, he wants ta talk? I wonder what that’s ‘bout, is he gonna lecture me again and tell me ta “do proper idol activities”...?)

Akiomi: …Well, you don’t have to feel anxious. This will probably be a good deal for you as well.

Sora: How interesting~? Well then, please allow Sora to descend so he can sit down! Rolling, rolling, rolling… Pah✰

Madara: (Oh? I was holding them pretty securely so I wouldn’t end up dropping them and injuring them and yet… He was able to escape rather easily, huh?)

(Sora-san, was it? He’s a first-year, so I don’t have that much information on him, I wonder what kind of kid he is?)

Mika: Uh, uhm, Mikejima… senpai, was it? Could ya let me down too? I don’t like not bein’ able ta move around on my own, and if anyone’s gonna control me I want it ta be Oshi-san.

Madara: Ooh, excuse me, excuse me! Then let me put you down, there we gooo~♪

Mika: Nhya!? Yer too violent, can’t ya be more gentle…?

Madara: Hahaha. Sorry, sorry. I should treat people younger than me better, right? From now on, I’ll give you the proper princess treatment, so don’t worry ♪

Mika: Ngah~...Ya don’t need ta treat me like a princess, but ya should treat me like a doll at least. What would ya do if my body got a crack?

Sora: HuHu~♪ Kage-niisan, are you the type of person who easily gets broken bones? You should make sure you get the essential vitamins and nutrients then!

Madara: Indeed! Drink some milk, lots of it!

Mika: Uu. I’m not in charge of my meal plan.

Akiomi: Fufu. I told you not to make a fuss, right? Though I guess there’s no helping it, you are all at the age where even the smallest thing is enough to make you laugh.

Either way. Let’s start talking, I’ve prepared tea and snacks for you, so feel free to enjoy at your leisure.

As long as you are able to focus properly, this will be over quickly.

The reason why I called you here today… I want to ask all of you to participate in a part-time school job for me.

Mika: Ngah~? What do ya mean…?

If that’s what ya wanted, ya should’ve said so from the beginnin’. Ya should’ve just asked me normally without goin’ outta yer way ta kidnap me forcefully like this.

Sora: HaHa~♪ Sora had fun! It seemed like Master was worried because Sora was stolen and kidnapped while we were playing games, though?

Madara: Hahaha. I will explain everything to Natsume-san later, and to Shu-san as well.

I’m rather well acquainted with the Five Eccentrics, after all. They’re all pretty understanding people, so I doubt they will be hard to convince.

Let me apologize for being so violent with you. But I had a mission to gather you two and bring you to the staff room by today.

Akiomi: If you were having trouble, it wasn’t necessary to go out of your way like this however.

Well, hindsight is twenty-twenty, and it is helpful that you managed to gather the kids I was looking for.

Madara: Right! Well then, since I’ve finished my mission, can I go home now?

Akiomi: You cannot. I’d like you to participate as well, Mikejima-kun.

You may pretend to be a lone wolf as much as you’d like, but I can’t let your “solo unit” go unchecked forever.

Use this opportunity to get used to working in a group. In this day and age, idols can not live on their own.

Madara: Hahaha! That statement is true for any day and age, and even for people who aren’t idols!

However, I’d want you to consider my feelings as someone who chooses solitude amongst human beings who usually work in groups as well.

Well, whatever! This is a job as well, no, it’s a festival ♪ Which means it’s only proper I enjoy myself!

I’d like to thank you for providing me, who usually stays outside of the developments of Yumenosaki, with the opportunity to be featured in this main story!

Akiomi: Main story? Not at all, this is merely a part of the extended special edition. It’s an irrelevant side story taking place far removed from the main storyline.

However. There is a sliver of a chance that this side story will become the main story. So I’d like to make the first move now. Which is why I called you here.

Madara: I see! So we’re like your walking stick so you can avoid falling down! And when you tie three sticks together, it becomes unbreakable!

Akiomi: Rather than sticks, I’d prefer to view the three of you as my weapons.

akiomi+madara

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Season: Summer

Location: Rooftop

Characters: Hokuto, Chiaki, Tori, Jin, Akiomi

Hokuto: Either way. The things we’ll need for the live are songs, choreographies, and outfits as well?

Chiaki: Yes. We should decide on a setlist first, and then adjust it to balance things afterwards. We should design our outfits as well as the stage based on the overall vibe of the setlist.

Hokuto: Oh, the transfer student’s eyes are sparkling. Do you want to make our outfits?

Your abilities are trustworthy, and leaving it to you would be cheaper than hiring someone from outside the school…

Chiaki: Yeah. I was planning to ask my good friend Kiryu for help with the outfits as I usually do, but if the transfer student is up for it, I’ll leave it to her.

Kiryu did mention he’s gotten an influx of requests lately and is feeling overwhelmed, after all.

Tori: Uuuhm, you guys are moving the conversation along too quickly so I can’t get a word in… Wait a sec.

Since it sounds like we’ve solved the issue of creating outfits, I take it our next problem is how to make ourselves a new song?

Hokuto: When it comes to songwriting, I could ask some of my dad’s acquaintances for help.

Though since they also helped me out during the revolution, I feel a little bit bad about letting them spoil me like that again.

Chiaki: I see. Well, worst case we could always rent a song for a low price.

Tori: Rental songs? That’s a thing?

Chiaki: Doesn’t fine use those? It’s a rental service where you can borrow songs to use for lessons and lives for a fee, it was set up sometime last year…

It’s not like everyone is able to create a brand-new song for every live show. This system was set up to help out with that kind of thing.

Tori: Huh… I had no idea, this must be commoner culture.

Hokuto: I was thinking. Seeing as how we’re able to perform alongside Sagami-sensei…

What if we used some of Sagami-sensei’s old hit songs, either as they are or rearranging them?

Chiaki: Ah, that would also fit with Project-Saga’s theme of reviving old idols.

Using old songs for nostalgia might be a good plan, and it would also fit well with the purpose of Project-Saga.

Plus, singing Sagami-sensei’s old songs at karaoke is my specialty, so I already know them by heart.

Tori: Ah… Morisawa-senpai, are you into karaoke?

Chiaki: Hm? Are you also a fan, Himemiya? No, I guess there’s no way you would be, you are a young lordling after all.

Tori: No, I also… N, never mind.

jin

Jin: N~. That might fit well with Project-Saga, but whenever I listen to my songs nowadays I can’t help but think that they feel outdated… will that be okay?

Wouldn’t it just sound annoying and lame for today’s young people?

Chiaki: It will be fine, Sagami-sensei, those are timeless masterpieces… ✰

Jin: H~m. I don’t really want to drag you youngsters into an old man’s nostalgia like that but…

Let’s keep it in our minds for now, I guess it’s a common thing within the music industry to take old masterpieces and remake them.

However, even if those are my old songs, it’s not like I own the copyright to them.

Depending on which songs you want to use, it might be difficult to gain permission to use them, or we might be required to pay a stupidly high fee for them.

If that ends up being the case, then making a new song that actually fits in with modern trends would be better.

As I keep saying, Project-Saga is a low-budget plan and we really don’t have any money at all right now.

Tori: Yup, that’s the heart of the issue right there. So this is how it feels to be poor… This is exactly why we need to hype up our live so we can earn lots of money.

I feel a little motivated now. I guess being an idol really is all about performing lives.

Jin: Idol activities is more than just that though.

There’s marketing for our lives and fanservice, as well as responding to “Mr. Bossman”’s interviews and holding photoshoots… I guess we’ll be doing all kinds of typical idol activities.

I’m praying that these experiences will be useful for all of you on your original paths as well.

Tori: Fufu. Actually, when I’m with fine it’s pretty much all I can do just to keep up with my seniors…

Being able to plan everything by ourselves from the beginning like this actually feels a little refreshing, which is nice.

Chiaki: Right. I’m having fun as well. I have no complaints whatsoever about Ryuseitai, but thanks to yours truly all our activities are pretty hero-like.

Being able to act like an ordinary idol like this makes me feel like I’ve started over from the beginning, which makes me happy.

On the other hand, I’m almost worried that I won’t be able to stop acting like a hero as usual and that I won’t be able to do normal idol activities at this point.

Hokuto: We’ve been doing fundamental lessons up until now in order to avoid that, haven’t we?

…I also think it’s delightful to be able to be a normal idol without worrying about revolutions and grudges anymore.

Idols should be focused on singing and dancing to make our fans happy, not on defeating our enemies and changing the world.

I feel like I’m relearning all these obvious things.

Jin: Why did you ever unlearn them? Those things are important.

Actually, as long as you don’t forget those things, you guys can keep being idols forever.

As long as you are wanted, you can keep standing on stage.

I threw that right away by my own hands, but I feel like you guys won’t make the same mistakes I did.

…Wait, what? I just noticed, but where did Kunugi-sensei disappear to?

Tori: Huh? You’re right… Well, lunch break is about to end, so he probably went back?

Jin: N~, honestly, what did that guy even come here for… Was he really just watching over us?

Well, whatever. Lunch break is pretty much over… Should we clean up and call it a day?

Make sure you’re not late for class now, okay? I don’t wanna get scolded by the other teachers.

Hokuto: Huh… Honestly, just when I thought you said something nice for once, this happens.

Jin: Ahaha. Being just a little pathetic makes me seem more like a regular human, which makes me more lovable. Don’t you feel it?

<Second floor hallway>

akiomi

Akiomi: …Yes, right.

Indeed. I’m sorry to call you over the phone like this. If I had used the school broadcast to call out to you then Sagami-sensei would have noticed.

If necessary, I can meet you in person and explain more thoroughly.

That won’t be necessary, you say? That’s good. It would be a pain to have to find you to talk to you after all.

Yes. As I briefly mentioned earlier, I plan to join Project-Saga myself as well.

Things seem to be going almost too smoothly for everyone so far, or rather, they’ve gotten too relaxed and have lost any sense of danger.

They might be in need of some outside encouragement. Yes, that is how living beings come to grow.

Yes. Come see me in the staff room once school ends. And bring with you a couple more “allies”.

Yes. If you don’t mind, please bring those children I recommended to you.

Fufu. I’m counting on you then, Mikejima-kun… Yes, as expected, the main character really does need his fated rival.

-

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Season: Summer of ES! timeline

Location: Rooftop

Characters: Tori, Hokuto, Chiaki, Jin

Chiaki: Alright, break ends there! There’s no point in us students getting ahead all on our own, so please do your job properly and work hard with us, sensei!

jin+chiaki

Jin: Uu~... I’m supposed to be the “master” here, but I feel like I’m really being taken advantage of by my “disciples”.

Hokuto: If you want to be respected as a master, then please work hard to earn that respect.

Jin: Guess I’ve no choice… Well then, I guess I’ll try hard a bit longer.

Aaalright. Everyone, c’mere. Let’s go over our plans from here on out one more time.

We’ve been repeating these basic lessons each week over and over again, and at this point we’ve reached a point where we’ve started to come together pretty well. I think. Probably.

Hokuto: You should be more confident in that declaration, for our sakes as well.

Jin: It's just one demand after the other with you… Anyhow, there’s no point in just continuing these basic lessons forever.

If we kept going like that, then the articles for Project-Saga would just be repeating the same stuff forever, which would be troublesome for Mr. Bossman, and we would end up getting rusty.

Which means. I’d like for us to hold a little live next month.

Chiaki: Ooh, a live! It’s finally time to reveal Rain-bows to the world… ✰

Tori: Uu. I don’t wanna reveal anything. I want to hide my past involvement with you guys away in the dark.

Jin: Well, I bet you all have your own opinions about this. Lives are the most effective and most idol-like work we could do, though.

Right now, we only have the basic funds we were given when we formed our unit, but if we were to produce results in an official DreamFes, then we’d be given additional funds.

Well, in our case, even if we had tons of money, it's not as if we have anything to spend it on.

But if we have money, we’d at least be able to rent a proper lesson room instead of having to use the rooftop like this.

The quality of our lessons would go up, and we’d be able to achieve better results in a shorter amount of time.

Chiaki: Hm. That’s true, they do say that you achieve better results when you use better equipment, both for muscle training and for other training.

Hokuto: That reminds me. Why are we doing lessons on the roof anyhow? Isn’t this place supposed to be off limits… Will we get in trouble?

Jin: It is. But I am a teacher, y’know?

They made a special exception for me, under the condition that I supervise our lessons… And thus, they allowed us to use the rooftop as our official lesson room.

Actually, the fact that this place is normally off-limits means that no one else needs to use it.

We won’t get in the way of any other units, so this was the most convenient place for us to use.

jin+tori

Tori: Nn~, I like this place because the view is really nice.

Right now it’s nice because the weather’s been sunny for a while, but wouldn’t this place be pretty awful if it rained?

Jin: Yeah. We’re still a ways off, but the rainy season is approaching, after all.

I want to save up at least enough funds so that we’ll be able to move indoors right away when the weather turns bad.

We could rent an empty classroom for free as well.

But since those aren’t soundproof, we’d be annoying to our surroundings, and it might be difficult to have a satisfying lesson in that kind of environment.

Chiaki: Right. So that’s another reason why we should hold lives to earn money?

So this is an investment into our future, as expected of Sagami-sensei… You’re even keeping an eye on possible future developments ♪

Jin: Yeah. If you hold a live, you’ll get customers, which will increase our number of fans.

There isn’t much meaning to increasing fans of Rain-bows by itself, but it’s not bad to increase you guys’ reputations and popularity as individuals.

It will be profitable for your original units as well.

It seems that Himemiya isn’t feeling too enthusiastic about all of this yet, but I’d like you to work hard for Rain-bows with that thought in mind.

Tori: …

Jin: Project-Saga is being serialized in a country-wide magazine.

If we do well, you’ll be able to have your name known to a far wider audience compared to doing work only within Yumenosaki.

This might come especially in handy for Hidaka, who will be participating in this year’s SS.

SS attracts audiences from all over the country, so the more people recognize your name the better.

And since the magazine which is publicizing Project-Saga isn’t specifically an idol magazine, that means you’ll be able to appeal even to people who usually wouldn’t care about idols.

That’s a target audience you’d normally have no way of reaching, after all…

If you’re able to attract that crowd, you could get one or two steps ahead of the other idols.

Hokuto: Hm. I’ll admit, I was thinking that I would have to do such preliminary preparations for SS.

Chiaki: Right! Necessity births success! Once you have a clear goal set in your mind, it suddenly becomes easier to work hard to achieve it!

Jin: Well, we’re just a temporary unit showing up outta nowhere.

We have basically no money, so throwing a flashy live and attracting lots of guests is just a pipe dream.

So you shouldn’t get your hopes too high up. I was just fantasizing about what could happen if all goes well.

Tori: Hmph. Obviously things will go well, I’m going to be helping you out after all.

hokuto+tori

Hokuto: That’s some confidence you’ve got there. Well, it’s not like I’m planning on failing either.

Chiaki: Right! I got a burst of motivation~! Our first goal is a live! What should we be doing now in order to reach that goal… Sagami-sensei!?

Jin: You all are almost too dependable, good job.

Thanks to that, I’m able to take it easier. As far as preparing for live performances goes, I’d say you guys are more knowledgeable than me.

Can you think of anything specific we should be focusing on from here on out?

Hokuto: How unreliable of you, “master”. This is the part where you should act the part and relentlessly order us around.

Jin: That kinda thing doesn’t suit me though… You might’ve forgotten, but I’m just a retired relic of the past.

The way I see it, letting you guys who are still active in the entertainment world be in charge of this is the safer course of action.

Tori: I guess you have a point… Uhm, so, the most important thing for the live is that we get a lot of guests!

It seems like the president is willing to cooperate with Project-Saga for some reason, so if I personally request it of him, he might be willing to help us out with publicity?

Hokuto: No, first of all we should decide on a program for our live. Just attracting lots of guests won’t do us any good if we don’t have a show prepared for them, after all.

Chiaki: Right. If we decide on the contents of the live first, that will make advertising easier as well.

That being said, we’re just a temporary unit put together recently, so we don’t have a single original song to our name.

Hokuto: Hm. It would feel weird for us to use songs from our original units, like Trickstar or Ryuseitai, as well.

Those songs all have lyrics and choreographies created to suit the atmosphere of that original unit, after all.

Tori: Eh~? But I wanna sing fine’s songs!

More importantly, I still haven’t even completely mastered fine’s songs, so even if we were to make lots of new songs right now there’s no way I would be able to learn them all!

Hokuto: Hm. I guess that’s true, fine’s songs all seem like they require lots of practice to master, after all.

Chiaki: I have a proposal. What about taking songs from our original units, and then arranging them to fit with Rain-bows’ atmosphere and using them like that?

Of course, we would need to acquire permission from each of our original units before we could use those songs, though.

Fundamentally speaking, it would be more effective and easy for us to use the weapons each of us is most acquainted with.

Hokuto: Huh. So would our best course of action be to focus mostly on re-arranging existing songs and then supplying that with some new original songs then?

chiaki+hokuto

Navigation:
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Season: Summer of ES! timeline

Location: Rooftop

Characters: Akiomi, Anzu, Jin, Hokuto, Tori, Chiaki

<1 month later>

Akiomi: Hmm.

Thank you for the explanation, transfer student.

I looked over the report you wrote for this “Mr.Bossman” as well, and its contents were nicely summed up and easy to understand.

Even I, a complete outsider to Project-Saga, was able to understand the current status of the project.

To summarize, the temporary unit created by Jin and the students, “Rain-bows” successfully passed the application process and has been approved by the student council…

And they have been steadily increasing their activities in the month since.

Even then, all the members appear to be rather busy.

It seems they’re only barely able to gather everyone for a lesson once a week. This project sure is amping up to take an awful long time, don’t you think?

Like this, it’s more like they’re gathering to do circle activities together than doing proper idol work.

Well, it seems like they are able to relax and have fun with it, and looking in from outside it seems almost fun enough to make me jealous.

Jin: If you’re jealous then switch with me~, Akiyan. Aa~, I’m beat…

Akiomi: Hey, Jin. If you’re going to lie down at least move to a different bench or do it on the ground. You’re disturbing my meal.

Jin: And why are you eating in a place like this? I can’t relax if you’re sitting there watching me.

Akiomi: Hmph. I was worried that you might be slacking off instead of working properly.

I came over to scope the situation out while eating. I won’t be interrupting your lesson in any way, so please don’t mind me.

Jin: But I do mind. And your entire body is sending out some seriously bad vibes.

…Oh? Akiyan, is your bento homemade?

Gimme a bite, I’ve spent all my energy doing too much exercise… munch munch ♪

Akiomi: Hey, stop nibbling on my food.

Hokuto: Why are two adult men sitting and acting like a couple of schoolgirls?

Don’t slack off, Sagami-sensei. Come back and continue your lesson.

Jin: Uu~. You youngsters are too energetic, you’re shining too bright for me. I can’t keep my eyes open.

Hokuto: Don’t go to sleep either. If you need to rest, then rest properly. Don’t just lie down out of nowhere, or else you’ll get sore all over. You’re not young anymore, Sensei.

Akiomi: Fufu. Looks like you’re going through it, huh, Hidaka-kun.

Hokuto: Ah, Kunugi-sensei, nice to see you. Sorry for interrupting your meal, did you come to check on us?

Akiomi: Yes. It’s not that I’m lacking things to do, though. But I took a personal interest in whether or not Sagami-sensei is properly working hard…

Plus, I received some strange orders from the top.

Hokuto: The top? Strange orders?

Akiomi: Please don’t pay it any mind. For now, it’s just some paranoid old people who are panicking over nothing~, or at least that’s what it feels like.

Hokuto: …? I don’t really understand. Since you came all this way, why don’t you watch our lesson and let us know if there are any points we can improve on?

It seems like it’s all Sagami-sensei can do just to make sure he is acting like a proper idol, so he isn’t able to give us any pointers himself right now.

I’m worried about whether or not I’m doing okay.

Chiaki: You’re doing absolutely fine! There’s no problems, we are certainly becoming more and more like a proper unit!

You think so too, right Himemiya? Is your youth burning brightly!?

tori+chiaki

Tori: Please stop bothering me with everything…

Aah, I’m tired already. fine’s lessons are harsh as it is, but Rain-bows’ lessons are mentally exhausting.

Akiomi: Oh. Morisawa-kun and Himemiya-kun, good work.

I’m sorry that you’ve been roped into this troublesome situation… I’m sure you’re having a hard time dealing with Sagami-sensei?

Chiaki: No, this is actually like a dream come true for me! I’m thoroughly enjoying myself!

It seems like Himemiya is having a rough time keeping up physically, though. Are you doing okay? If you’re tired, then feel free to take breaks, okay?

Tori: Don’t take me so lightly. It’s true that on days when we have Rain-bows lessons during lunch and I have fine lessons after school, I barely have the time to relax and it’s super tough.

And in addition to all that, I still haven’t gotten used to being at Yumenosaki Academy yet.

However. It seems like the president is actively cheering me on.

It seems like no matter how much I complain, I won’t be able to get away from this troublesome party. So I’ll mentally prepare myself, no, I’ll give up and do my best.

Aaargh, why did things come to this?

Chiaki: Hahaha! You’re such a hard worker, Himemiya, I really admire that part of you! There, there, there ♪

Tori: Umyah!? Stop hugging me all the time, you’re too clingy, I’ll bite you!?

Akiomi: Ahaha. It seems like you’re getting along surprisingly well.

Hokuto: Well, Himemiya still hasn’t gotten over what happened during DDD, and I still feel like there’s a certain tension between us…

But since Morisawa-senpai is skillfully acting as the mediator between all of us, the atmosphere is pretty harmonious.

I’m sure that is the kind of quality necessary for a leader. I should learn from him.

…Well, on paper, the leader of Rain-bows isn’t Morisawa-senpai, but rather Sagami-sensei, though.

In other words. Stop being lazy and get back to work, what kind of leader are you if you don’t take the initiative and work hard?

Jin: Alright… The four of us can only meet up once a week, during lunch break, after all.

No matter how we look at it, we don’t have a lot of time. I guess we really have to make good work of the time we have.

I do understand that. But this old man is tired, I can’t believe I used to be able to keep up with this lifestyle when I was younger.

Akiomi: Your youth was even harsher than this, wasn’t it?

You were supporting the entertainment industry all on your own… Watching from beside you, I couldn’t help but admire how superhuman you seemed.

In the end, I could never imitate you.

Jin: Hm. The unit system was probably put in place exactly so that those responsibilities could be shared between several people. If one person is left carrying it all on their shoulder, they’d break down after all.

Honestly speaking, I’d like to leave all the hard work to the youth.

Akiomi: Honestly now. You’re already this beaten down, huh… Jin. Are you sure you’ll be okay from here on out?

…Maybe it would be better if I stopped acting as a bystander and instead joined in to support you. That is what the top ordered me to do, after all.

Jin: Eh, what? Did you just say something scary, Akiyan?

Akiomi: No. I was just talking to myself. Please pay it no mind.

jin+akiomi

Navigation:
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Season: Spring

Location: Empty classroom

Characters: Chiaki, Tori, Hokuto, Jin, Anzu

-

Chiaki: Hm. Himemiya, since you’re a new student here, you probably don’t know about the origin of the name fine, do you?

chiaki+tori

Tori: Eh? I, I dunno… I feel like I read some article where the members were asked about the reason behind the name though.

Wasn’t it something like “we want to end the old era and create a new world~”?

Fufu. The first time I read the name I thought for sure it would be pronounced like the word fine, you know.

I liked it cause it sounded so positive… it took me a while to realize it was actually a musical term.

Even though I was taking violin lessons, so I was familiar with the term already.

Once you convince yourself something is true, it gets kinda hard to reset that information inside your brain, doesn’t it.

To be honest, there are still some moments where I almost say “fain” on accident. …Keep that a secret from the president and the others, okay?

Hokuto: Huh… so Himemiya has also done violin lessons. I was made to learn it by my parents as well.

Tori: You were? Wait, is Hidaka-senpai also from a wealthy family? I can’t remember ever seeing you at any events though…?

Hokuto: Oh, my parents might have attended some.

Well, my family only recently became wealthy, so it might have been difficult for them to show up at social gatherings for distinguished families.

Tori: N~. This area is surprisingly elitist, after all. My family is also rather new money, so sometimes those gatherings make me uncomfortable as well.

Those gatherings are filled with old families who brag about how their ancestors have lived in this area since the dawn of time or whatever.

Chiaki: Ooh, what a bourgeois conversation… If I remember correctly, Sagami-sensei is the son of a long line of doctors. It feels tough to be the only commoner in the room.

Jin: Ahaha. Shouldn’t humans’ worth be based on how we chose to live rather than how we were born? Not that I care.

Rather than that, we should be trying to think of a unit name right now. Does anyone have any good ideas?

Tori: N~. Maybe we should take a page out of fine’s book after all and choose a name related to our goals?

Hokuto: Hm. There’s no red thread between the four of us, after all. It’d be impossible to find a name based on our members’ impressions like with Ra*bits.

It would be difficult to summarize this disorganized group with just one word.

Chiaki: Hm. If we try to think based on our goals…

We were created because of Project-Saga, so what? Do we find an English term for “master and pupil” or something?

Tori: N~, I can’t really think of any. This project is centered around Sagami…sensei, isn’t it? Why don’t we try thinking from there?

Sagami-sensei, what kind of unit were you a part of back during your active days?

Jin: N? No, when I was active, idol units weren’t trendy at all yet.

It might sound unbelievable to you guys who are so used to the unit system nowadays though.

I used to do all my activities solo, under the name Sagami Jin. Meaning I used my real name as my stage name.

Tori: Huh, so that used to be the norm…?

And here I was thinking we could have taken Sagami-sensei’s old unit name and played around a bit with it or something.

Project-Saga is a plan for reviving old-fashioned idols, isn’t it?

I thought that if we could borrow the stage name from such a legendary idol, it might give us some dignity and give the fans something to be excited about.

Hokuto: Hm. Then what about making a pun based on Sagami-sensei’s real name or a nickname?

…Fufu. Trying to think of something like this is kind of like a puzzle, how fun.

jin+hokuto

Jin: Eh~? Trying to arrange my own name into something cool makes me feel self-centered, I don’t like it…

Doesn’t it make you cringe? It’s like a nickname a middle schooler would pick for their twisted net persona.

Well, the name Project-Saga already makes me feel like that though.

Chiaki: Hm. Thinking about nicknames for Sagami-sensei, it has to be “Super Idol”, doesn’t it?

Hokuto: That’s true… Then, how about pluralizing it and making it “Super Idols”?

Though the rest of us aren’t really super idols yet, so we might be setting ourselves up for failure with that name.

Tori: Eh~, that’s too lame. Make it something more glam!

Jin: Ahaha. I feel like idol names are more popular the more silly and easy-going they sound though… Is that point of view old-fashioned already?

Chiaki: Oh, eureka! Sagami-sensei used to be the legendary hero, “Ryusei Rainbow”, didn’t you?

What if we used that name as our basis and named ourselves “Rainbows”?

Tori: That’s also lame, you’re making us sound like a baseball team!

Hokuto: …I actually like it. It’s a rainbow, doesn’t it give off a pretty impression?

Tori: Eh~, you guys have no sense of style… Do I really have to do idol activities with such a group of baboons?

I don’t want to spend too much time on just a name though, so if everyone else wants that I’ll go along with it too.

At the very least leave the katakana out of it. If we use Latin letters it might actually look a little bit cool.

Chiaki: …Hm? The transfer student is noting something down in her notebook?

Oh… I thought you were just scribbling all this time, but you’ve already summarized our meeting in a report.

You’re a producer, though, so I’d like it if you could participate in the discussion instead of just doing secretary work.

I see. You tried writing down the unit name in Latin letters to test it out, transfer student?

And while you were at it, you tried designing something like a unit logo… you say?

You sure work quick. But that’s very helpful, it really helps to see these kind of things with your own eyes before deciding.

…Nn? “Rain-bows”? Where did that hyphen sneak in from?

Oh, that’s just a stain or a trace after erasing something? I kinda like it, though. It feels more meaningful when you divide it down the middle like that.

Hokuto: It feels more meaningful even though the word itself somehow means less now. Well, that might be more like us.

It might work as a metaphor for us, who met by accident after going down a detour.

Jin: Then, is everyone on board with “Rain-bows” as our official name?

If everyone agrees, then I’ll report it to Mr.Bossman and then I’ll submit the application form for our temporary unit.

Chiaki: I’m on board, Sagami-sensei! As for the application form, it feels wrong to make you spend your time on it, so leave it to me!

Hokuto: No, the transfer student says she’d like to do it. It seems she’s never made an application form before, so she’s curious.

This should be a good experience for her, so I’d like to let her do it.

Fufu. You could say that Rain-bows is the first unit you’ve created from scratch.

To be able to be a part of that is an honor. Though I feel a little bad for Akehoshi and the others.

Tori: I’m still not completely convinced about this awful name…

I guess it’s fine, whatever. Hey, if there’s nothing else we need to talk about today can we call it quits already?

Jin: That’s right. We’ve decided on everything we needed to decide on and I’ve told you all there is to tell.

If we agree to meet back up in a week or so, we could end things here for today.

The detour ends here for now, so everyone should hurry back to your original paths. Good work today, everyone.

And once again, let’s keep working hard together from here on out… Rain-bows. Haha, to think I’d participate in a unit for the first time at this age.

jin

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