Season: Fall

 

Writer: Suika

 

Characters: Ritsu, Mika, Rei

 

-

 

Mika: Uuuhm, I wonder if it’s okay fer me ta use the ingredients inside this fridge?

 

Naru-chan taught me how ta cook usin’ the ingredients available in the dorms but…

 

Ritsu: Mi~karin ♪

 

Mika: Waaaa!? I didn’t use any! I swear I haven’t used anythin’ yet!?

 

Wait, Ritsu-kun? When ya call out at me outta nowhere like that it's scary ya know…

 

Ritsu: Fufu, Mikarin’s scared face is always worth the effort.

 

What are you up to sticking your face into the fridge like that? Could it be that Mikarin is here looking for something to eat for lunch as well?

 

Mika: Yup. I felt hungry so I thought I’d make myself somethin’. It’s just…

 

Once I moved in here, Naru-chan told me I was free ta use whatever ingredients were in the fridge, but…

 

Now that I’m standin’ here and tryin’ ta find somethin’ ta use I started feelin’ anxious…

 

Ritsu: You’re such a worrywart, Mikarin. Rest assured, everything in that fridge is okay to use.

 

Rather than that. Mikarin, if you’re able, would you mind making enough food for me while you’re at it?

 

Mika: I don’t really mind, but…

 

I’m not really all that good at cookin’, ya know…? An’ I even prefer my meals kinda charred too.

 

Ritsu: That’s fine. I can stay by your side and tell you what to do.

 

Mika: Ritsu-kun, how’s this taste?

 

Ritsu: Yup, it’s delicious. So this is Mikarin’s home-made food ♪ Having food brought out without having to put in any effort is really the best.

 

Mika: I see~♪ Then I’m glad.

 

Ritsu-kun’s instructions were real easy ta understand, so this was a learnin’ experience fer me as well. 

 

Ritsu: Fuffuffu. I might not look it, but I’m a proper tactician, you know?

 

Anyhow, I still can’t get used to seeing Mikarin around Starmony Dorm.

 

It’s been a while since we started sharing a room, but you always seem to be busy. It seems you’re only ever around at night time.

 

Mika: Ngah~. I’ve been real busy lately with movin’ and work and all.

 

Since I don’t have any work today, I thought I would take it real easy fer once.

 

It’s just, I still can’t really wrap my head around how livin’ together with others in a dorm like this works…

 

Ritsu: I can tell. It seems like you walk on eggshells even inside our room.

 

The reason why you decided to make lunch out here is because you didn’t want to wake me up while I was still sleeping, right? There’s a kitchen in our room as well, after all.

 

Mika: Uuu, sorry ‘bout that. It’s not that I don’t feel comfortable around ya, Ritsu-kun…

 

Ritsu: I know. It’s just that you haven’t gotten comfortable with your new environment yet, right?

 

It’s just, since we’ll be living in this dorm for a while, it would be tiresome for you to keep acting like this forever, wouldn’t it?

 

…That’s it. If Mikarin says he doesn’t understand how living together with others in a dorm works, then I’ll teach it to you ♪

-

 

 

Ritsu: Yaaawn…♪ 

 

Lazing around in my room is the best feeling ever.

 

Mika: …Th, that’s true.

 

Ritsu: Mikarin, relax, relax ~♪

 

See. You’re almost done with your sewing, right?

 

Mika: Yea. I decided I wanted ta fix this lil’ one’s clothing today, ya see…

 

(...Ritsu-kun said it’s okay ta spend time doin’ whatever ya feel like, so I’ve been doin’ some sewin’ and writin’ down ideas fer new projects.)

 

(But I still can’t seem ta relax… Why is that?)

 

Ngah!? Ritsu-kun’s phone is ringin’...?

 

Ritsu: It sure is… Ah, it’s from Ma~kun ~♪

 

Mika: Is Ikkun off at work today?

 

Ritsu: Yup. He’s shooting for a variety program along his unit.

 

…”I’m enjoying my day off with Mikarin”

 

“I wanna see Ma~kun again soon~ Once you come back, make sure to spoil me lots” …aaand send ♪

 

Mika: Ritsu-kun really loves Ikkun a lot, huh.

 

Ritsu: Yup. And even though I spend so much time thinking about him, Ma~kun always runs off somewhere without me. He should have more self-awareness as my familiar.

 

Which is why Mikarin should spoil me instead, so I won’t feel lonely ♪

 

Mika: Yea, if yer okay with me then I’ll spoil ya rotten~♪ There, there.

 

Hey, Ritsu-kun. Another notification just popped up on yer phone?

 

Ritsu: N? …Now it’s from Nacchan. It seems she’s just arrived at today’s shooting location.

 

She sent a picture in the Knights group chat as well... Look.

 

Mika: Woah… What a fashionable storefront. This seems like the perfect kinda store fer Naru-chan.

 

Ritsu: Fufu. Mikarin is spot on, Nacchan was really looking forward to today’s photoshoot~

 

She was going off about how many souvenirs she was planning to buy, I’m excited to see when she comes back ♪

 

Mika: Ngah? Did someone knock on our door…?

 

Ritsu: How rare for someone to come to our room in person. Who could it be?

 

Mika: I’ll go take a look!

 

Ritsu: …

 

Mika: Yes, ye~s. I’ll open the door for ya in a sec, so just wait a lil’~

 

Rei: Oh, if it isn’t Kagehira-kun. Good morning to you. Is my beloved Ritsu-kun ava-

 

Ritsu: Leave.

 

Mika: Nhya, Ritsu-kun!? When did ya get in front of the door!?

 

Rather, you just slammed the door shut, but that person just now was yer older brother… Sakuma-senpai, wasn’t it!?

 

Ritsu: …What are you saying, Mikarin. There was no one at all in front of the door just now.

 

Mika: No, I fer sure saw someone? …I think?

 

Rei: (banging on the door) Why did you shut the door!? Your older brother came all this way to see you!

 

Ritsu: Ritsu Sakuma does not have an older brother~. You’ve got the wrong person~.

 

Rei: Why do you say such lonely things, dear Ritsu!?

 

 

Ritsu: Access denied. Don’t go disturbing my pleasant day off.

 

Rei: Uuu. Your rejection was so much more straightforward than usual that it’s left me shocked…

 

Mika: He, hey, Ritsu-kun. He went outta his way ta come over here with souvenirs an’ all, wouldn’t it be fine ta let him inside the room just fer a lil’ while?

 

Ritsu: No way. If I treat that stupid Anija nicely even once he’ll start following me around after all. 

 

Mika: But it feels too sad to chase him away like this…

 

Th, then, why don’t I step out into the hallway and pick up those souvenirs from him? That works out fine, yea?

 

Ritsu: …

 

Mika: (Ritsu-kun looks like he just took a bite out of a moldy apple… I guess he really doesn’t wanna see his brother.)

 

Ritsu: …There’s no helping it. We’ll just be bothering everyone else if we let him keep making noise in the hallway like this.

 

Do try your best not to show any weakness, Mikarin. Slip up even once and it could cost you your life.

 

Mika: My life…!? I, I understand! I’ll definitely make it back alive!

 

Rei: Why are you talking as if I’m some kind of dangerous animal…? All I did was bring you some souvenirs…

-

 

Ritsu: Sigh, I really can’t with that Anija… I was having such a peaceful day and all.

 

Mika: Fufu.

 

Ritsu: Mikarin?

 

Mika: Ah, sorry fer laughin’... It’s just that bein’ with Ritsu-kun ended up bein’ real noisy.

 

Ritsu: Ah… I’m sorry, Mikarin. Anija ended up causing you trouble, didn’t he.

 

Mika: Nope… I said noisy, but that doesn’t mean troublesome.

 

Back when I lived alone in my apartment, it almost never happened that someone came knockin’ on my door ta visit me like this.

 

That’s why I can’t seem ta get used ta livin’ along people I know here in Starmony, it’s a bit scary but at the same time real refreshin’...

 

…I feel like this is goin’ ta be real fun ♪

 

Ritsu: Well… If Mikarin is having fun then I’m happy.

 

Well then, let’s spend some more time lazing around together. I want to think back to today as the perfect day off ♪



- End - 

Season: Autumn

 

Writer: Nishioka (feat. Akira)

 

Characters: Mika, Tori, Ritsu, Arashi, Mao, Hajime, Yuzuru

 

-

 

Mika: Hey, Ritsu-kun. Ya hafta come quick. The program’s startin’ soon!

 

Tori: That’s right! Hurry up! Or rather. I know it’s Sunday and all, but it’s noon already. You should have woken up long ago. 

 

Ritsu: …Fwaah, fu. I think Sundays are usually the days where you’re allowed to sleep past noon, though.

 

Arashi: The person who’s most excited of all of us to watch this show is Ritsu-chan, though, isn’t it? C’mere, you can sit next to me.

 

Mao: Ahaha. This side of you never changes~

 

Hajime: Everyone, I’ve prepared some tea~♪

 

Yuzuru: Sakuma-sama. Some warm tea should help you wake up. Here you go.

 

Ritsu: Yeah. Thank you~

 

Mao: Oh. It’s starting… “Top 100 Most Recommended Inns in Japan”!

 

Mika: Ta think that an inn that was on the brink of economic ruin would bounce back and become the number 1 most recommended inn. The world really works in mysterious ways…

 

Yuzuru: Well, the inn did have lots of potential from the beginning.

 

Hajime: They’re showing many different rooms, aren’t they? Ah, this is the room we stayed in. It’s as beautiful as ever.

 

Tori: Ah. Is this a room from the new building? Huh~, it looks really nice. It’s almost like some noble’s mansion!

 

Arashi: Oh my! It’s true. How lovely. 

 

The building we stayed in was rebranded into the old building, and then they built an entirely new Western-style building to match.

 

Yuzuru: The new building appears to be popular with younger people. Thanks to that, the number of guests staying at the inn increased exponentially.

 

Arashi: Ritsu-chan, you ended up giving them advice on things outside of the rooms as well, right? What kinds of advice did you give out?

 

Ritsu: N~? Well, lots.

 

For example. That inn is located on the top of a mountain, so getting to and from it was pretty inconvenient, right? There was a shuttle bus going from the foot of the mountain, but that alone wasn’t quite enough. 

 

Which is why we increased the number of shuttle buses going back and forth, and extended the routes so they could pick people up and drop them off at the train station and the neighboring towns. 

 

Mao: I see~. That would probably make it a lot easier to get to and from the inn.

 

Hajime: Amazing. As expected of Ritsu-onii-chan…♪

 

Ritsu: Not really. While it feels great to be praised by Ha~kun like that, I can’t claim to have been the one in charge of rebuilding the inn. I don’t have enough knowledge of management or economics for that.

 

So I had Anija introduce me to some of his connections. And those people were able to help me out with a lot of advice.

 

I just went over the info they gave me, put it all together and used it as a basis for creating a new management plan. 

 

Mao: You “just created the new plan” you say… That’s still more than impressive enough, you know?

 

Mika: Ah. They’re showin’ the old and the young master! They’re bein’ interviewed. They both look like they’re doin’ good ♪ And their faces have more color in ‘em!

 

Ritsu: …♪

 

Mao: N? What’s up, Ritsu? You look kinda happy.

 

 

Writer: Nishioka (feat. Akira)

 

Characters: Mika, Arashi, Hajime, Tori, Yuzuru, Ritsu, Mao

 

<The practice match begins.>

 

Mika: (Uuuhm. First of all I gotta look fer Naru-chan, who’s my target.)

 

(This area’s pretty large. Apparently it’s smaller than the one we’ll be usin’ fer the real match, though. Which means it’ll be even harder ta find anyone durin’ the real match, huh.)

 

(--N? That person over there is… Naru-chan, I found ya!)

 

Naru-chan! Sorry ta bother ya, but I'll have ya be my opponent.

 

Arashi: Eh!? Mika-chan!? Kya…!?

 

Mika: I had intended to take ya completely by surprise. Ta think ya would be able ta twist yer body in an instant ta keep me from gettin’ yer ornament. As expected of Naru-chan ♪

 

But don’t go thinkin’ ya can keep protectin’ the ornament from such a weak position!

 

Arashi: Kuu… I guess it really would be disadvantageous for me to fight back in this position. I suppose I would be better off trying to run away for now.

 

Mika: Ah! Shit. She got away from me. Naru-chan’s leg strength has been honed from her time in the track and field club. Once she starts runnin’ it’s impossible fer me ta catch up with her.

 

(However. Naru-chan seemed like she was really stressed. Seems like things’re goin’ according ta our plan.)

 

I might be able ta win if I pretend ta lose sight of her before gettin’ close and finishin’ her off…!

 

<Meanwhile...>

 

Hajime: E~i!

 

Tori: Urya~!

 

Yuzuru: … (Casually steps aside to avoid the attack.)

 

Hajime: Haa….haa… Ugh, we’ve been attacking nonstop for some time now, but he keeps avoiding us…!

 

Tori: Let’s keep it up! Don’t give up, Hajime!

 

Hajime: You’re right. As long as we work together, we should have a chance…!

 

Yuzuru: (What kind of mental fortitude do these do have going on? To think they would be this tenacious…)

 

(I have been avoiding all of their attacks for now, but. Whether intentional or not, these two have been timing their attacks and coming at me from both left and right, which has made it difficult for me to find an opening to retaliate…)

 

Hajime: Ei, eiei! We can’t afford to lose this match…!

 

Yuzuru: (It seems this isn’t just an act, but that they really don’t want to lose.)

 

(Since this is a competition, it is not surprising that they don’t want to lose. But more than that, it seems like they are approaching this fight surprisingly seriously. I wonder what could have brought this on…)

 

(-Oh? While I was distracted I lost sight of Bocchama… Where did he go?)

 

Tori: Yuzuru! You’re wide open, take this~!

 

Yuzuru: (! He hid himself nearby and went for my blind spot!)

 

<Also meanwhile...>

 

Ritsu: (How strange. I’ve lost sight of everyone. Even though up until just now we made sure to stay close enough that we could see each other.)

 

Could it be… Did the other team separate us out of nowhere…?

 

Mao: Ooh. To think you would notice so quickly, as expected of Ritsu~

 

Ritsu: Wow. I see. So this is your team’s strategy, Ma~kun. The fact you made sure to separate us means you’re using a man-to-man offense to defeat us individually. 

 

Mao: Yup, yup ♪ Hasn’t it been a while since we last had a one-on-one battle, Ritsu~? I don’t think we’ve gone head to head like this since when we played board games as children.

 

Ritsu: Ma~kun is so cheeky. Do you really think you can defeat me?

 

Mao: If this was a battle of wits then it would be one thing, but in this kind of physical battle I think I have a good enough chance of winning. 

 

In other words. Here I come~, Ritsu.

 

Ritsu: !

 

(As Ma~kun says, at this rate I’ll be in trouble. Ma~kun has really good stamina, after all.)

 

Mao: Are you sure you're okay with staying on the defensive~? If you won’t fight back then I’ll overwhelm you in no time you know?

 

Ritsu: Kkh…!

 

(He’s good. That’s kinda annoying… Who does Ma~kun think he is?)

 

<After the match.>

 

Tori: Vi… Victoryyyy! Hajime! We did it! We really won!

 

Hajime: We really did it! Tori-kun!

 

Mika: Ngah~, our strategy worked well, it feels like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulders. 

 

Mao: Ahaha. You were pretty nervous after all, Kagehira. I’m glad we were able to win, but this was just a rehearsal match. Let’s keep this up so we can do our best at the real thing as well.

 

Arashi: Ah, really! How frustrating! Mika-chan got me good. Even then, I never expected even Yuzuru-chan would lose. 

 

Yuzuru: I have no excuses. It appears I underestimated my opponents a little. 

 

Ritsu: I don’t think you need to apologize. If anything, this is my fault for not noticing the other team’s strategy sooner.

 

Since we are a team, the responsibility belongs to all of us. We win and lose as a team, right?

 

Arashi: That’s right. Plus, trying to pin the blame on any of us won’t do us any good.

 

Even then, what is going on with the other team? It didn’t seem like they were this desperate to win yesterday.

 

Yuzuru: I wonder. I was blown away by Bocchama and Shino-sama’s enthusiasm. I think I would have emerged victorious if not for that.

 

Ritsu: What on earth could have gotten into them?

Season: Autumn

 

Writer: Nishioka (feat. Akira)

 

Characters: Mao, Tori, Mika, Hajime

 

-

 

Mao: We’re home~

 

Tori: Ah. You’re finally back.

 

Mika: Ya sure took longer than expected. We were startin’ ta worry that the two of ya might’ve passed out in the bath.

 

Tori: We were about to go check on you in a bit.

 

Mao: Sorry about that. We finished our bath, but then we happened to run into the young master on our way back. So we ended up talking for a bit.

 

Mika: With the young master?

 

Hajime: Yup. Before we knew it we had been talking for quite a while. But we got to hear some important information, so it was for the best.

 

Mao: Yeah. So I want to tell the two of you about what we just learned. I think it would be best if all of us knew about this.

 

Tori: Hn? I don’t mind. What did you talk about?

 

Hajime: So, you see-

 

-

 

Tori: Hm. Now it makes perfect sense why he would feel so strongly about this inn.

 

Mika: Yeah. Explorin’ this inn made me feel the same way as the artworks displayed at the museum I went to with Oshi-san did. 

 

That made me think that this inn probably also has a lot of thought put into it. I guess that means my hunch was right.

 

Tori: So he thinks of this inn as a home… Hearing that makes me want to help him out somehow.

 

If my home was in danger of disappearing, I would definitely want to protect it, after all.

 

Mao: I agree. And even if we aren't talking about an actual home, there are places we belong to that can be just as important as our actual homes. Like the school, or our units, or our offices.

 

Thinking about even one of those disappearing makes me sad.

 

Hajime: Yes. So I really understand the young master’s feelings when he says he would feel lonely if this inn was to disappear.

 

Mao: Ahaha. When I first heard the details for this job I didn’t feel enthusiastic at all.

 

But hearing the young master’s feelings just now made me want to do my best, so I’m glad we were able to hear his story.

 

Mika: I agree. Now I feel like I’ll be able ta represent his side with all my might.

 

…Oh? Wait a sec. Doesn’t this mean that the fate of this inn is restin’ in our hands!?

 

Uwaa~. I started thinkin’ how we can’t afford ta lose now, and that made me really nervous…!?

 

Hajime: Now that you put it that way I started feeling really nervous too…

 

Mao: O~i, calm down~. We still have some time left before the contest starts, so let’s try to relax.

 

If we start worrying about every little thing we won’t be able to achieve results. Being too nervous will just end up weakening your abilities.

 

Tori: Plus, this is a team contest. It’s the same as in tennis, fighting on your own is much scarier than fighting with your teammates.

 

It feels reassuring when you have an ally nearby. Your nervousness disappears a little, too. 

 

Hajime: That’s true. Thinking about how everyone will be there with me does somehow make me feel calmer. 

 

Mao: Yup. Let’s not think too much about the details, and just focus on doing our best! By doing that, we’ll naturally be able to do whatever we put our minds to!

 

Hajime: Yes…!

 

<The day after>

 

Mao: Good morning~

 

Hajime: Ah, Isara-senpai, good morning ♪ Today is a pleasant autumn day. It’s a perfect day for a competition.

 

Mao: Yeah, I agree. Today is just a rehearsal match, but I hope the weather stays this nice for the real deal as well~. They say the weather changes quickly during autumn after all.

 

Tori: Fufun. I’m loved by the sun and bring clear skies with me wherever I go ✰ I’m sure it’ll be sunny for the real match too.

 

Mika: Hey, what do ya wanna do about our strategy for the contest? We want ta win, but our opponents aren’t the kinda team we could beat while holdin’ anythin’ back. If we’re goin’ ta win we’re goin’ ta need a plan.

 

Our team leader is Ikkun, so I thought it would be smart if we all discussed it with him.

 

Mao: Ah, that’s right. A strategy, huh. H~m…

 

The rules for this match are that each player is given an ornament to wear on their person, and if they lose it or it ends up stolen by an opponent, you’ve lost the game.

 

Hajime: Yes, that’s right. It’s like a cavalry battle except we’ll all be on the ground. It’ll be similar to trying to steal the other team’s headbands.

 

Tori: If that’s the case, why don’t we try to decide on a formation or something? What if we pick one target at a time, and then we all attack that person simultaneously?

 

Mika: If we did that, then there’s a chance the people we aren’t goin’ fer will attack us from behind while we’re aimin’ for our target.

 

 

Writer: Nishioka (feat. Akira)

 

Characters: Tori, Yuzuru, Hajime, Ritsu, Mao, Mika, Arashi, Anzu, Young inn owner and old inn owner

 

 

Tori: Hah, hah. We finally arrived. We've been walking for so long that my legs feel like jelly~. Ugh. My legs are so stiff… I can’t take another step.

 

Yuzuru: Fufu. You did do well to make it this far. Allow me to carry your luggage the rest of the way to the room.

 

Tori: Eh, is that okay? Thank you, Yuzuru.

 

Yuzuru: Would you like me to carry your luggage while I’m at it, Anzu-san?

 

Oh? I don’t mind. Please don’t hold back on my part. I will be carrying Bocchama’s luggage over there anyhow.

 

Ritsu: N? Is something wrong, Ha~kun? You’re zoning out.

 

Hajime: Ah, no. I was just admiring this courtyard. 

 

I like the garden terrace in Yumenosaki as well, but this kind of Japanese-style garden has an entirely different flavor from that type of Western-style garden. It’s somehow refreshing.

 

I bet it would be fun to hold a tea party in this gorgeous courtyard ♪

 

Ritsu: I agree. We haven’t been able to hold our regular activitiesin FLAVOR lately, either…

 

It would probably be impossible for us to hold a tea party in the middle of this courtyard, but…

 

Once we’ve gotten settled in our rooms and things have calmed down, why don’t we go to the veranda and have a cup of tea together while admiring the view? Ha~kun?

 

Hajime: Uwaa, how lovely ♪ I would love that, Ritsu-senpai. I actually brought some tea leaves as well.

 

Mika: Nn? I can see two men wearin’ Japanese clothing over there comin’ towards us… Could it be the people workin’ at this inn?

 

Mao: N~? Aah, that seems to be the case. We should say hi.

 

(One is a smiling middle-aged guy, and the other is an older man… So these people must be the young and old master who're the main characters of this argument.)

 

Hello, good morning. We will be in your care starting today. Uuhm, we are-

 

Young master: You must be the idols who were sent here from ES. We have received your messages.

 

Everyone, allow me to welcome you here. I am in charge of this inn, and my name is Kiriyama Masato. And this is my father, Kiriyama Tadao. 

 

Mao: Oh, thank you. Nice to meet you. 

 

Old master: …Indeed.

 

Mao: (Woah, how intense. The old master seems like he’s kinda strict.)

 

(Actually. Why would this kind of person even agree to participate in a project like this?  He doesn’t seem like the type to watch variety shows at all. And even the inn feels like it takes itself very seriously somehow.)

 

(I feel kinda nervous all of a sudden… Did they really understand the point of this program when they consented…?)

 

Young master: ? Oh? Is something the matter? 

 

Mao: Eh, ah, no, uhm~… It might be impolite for us to ask this of you, but. Are you really okay with making your decision in this manner?

 

Did they really explain the purpose of this project to you properly…?

 

Young master: Ah, so that’s what you were thinking about.

 

We were told that the idols gathered here now would “compete over the fate of the inn, and the winner will get the right to decide”. Is that not it?

 

Arashi: It seems like you’ve been properly informed then. But I can’t help but wonder what made you agree to this plan? We would all like to know…

 

Young master: It is as I've told the TV station staff.

 

Me and my father couldn’t agree on what direction to take this inn. No matter how many times we discussed it, we could never come to a conclusion.

 

At this rate, we will never be able to see eye to eye.

 

As embarrassing as it is, I doubt we would ever be able to decide anything unless we went with something like this. I expected this was the push we needed to be able to accept whatever outcome.

 

Mao: Huh…

 

Young master: Which means that we are asking this of you in full understanding of what it entails, please do not worry.

 

Rather, I would like to extend our apologies for any inconvenience we might have caused you because of our situation. And thank you very much for your cooperation.

 

Mao: Ah… No, the pleasure is all on our side, thank you very much!

 

Young master: Well then, everyone. There’s no point in standing around and talking in this place, so please allow me to show you all to your rooms. 



Navigation:
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Writer: Nishioka (feat. Akira)

 

Characters: Mao, Ritsu, Mika, Arashi, Tori, Hajime, Yuzuru, Anzu

 

-

 

Mao: -Huh.

 

In other words, “Chanbara Night” is a variety show where the participants are divided into two teams that compete against each other. 

 

Ritsu: Those kinds of competitive variety shows have been popping up all over lately, haven't they? They're definitely really trendy nowadays.

 

At this point, there are so many shows with that setting that they've started melting together in my head and I can't tell them apart.

 

Arashi: Well, it’s all about supply and demand, so it makes sense that they all tend to stay within the most popular genre.

 

This is my first time hearing about “Chanbara Night” as well.

 

Despite that, I’m surprised Mika-chan knew about it. Have you watched it before?

 

Mika: Yea~h. I’ve watched it before, but I can’t exactly say it’s surprisin’ that Naru-chan and ya others haven’t heart ‘bout it before.

 

“Chanbara Night” is a popular show produced back in my hometown, ya see. So it’s super famous around that area, but I don’t think it’s very well-known outside of there. 

 

Each episode has its own theme for the teams who compete. The people who’re watchin’ pick which team they want ta cheer on, which gets ya weirdly invested and creates a sense of unity with that team. 

 

Among the episodes I’ve seen, the most excitin’ one was about a showdown between those mushroom-shaped chocolates and the bamboo shoot-shaped chocolates.*

 

There was also a really excitin’ episode where the teams fought about whether fries or nuggets are the best side dish ta have with hamburgers.

 

Mao: Ah. So that’s how the team system works. I’ll admit it sounds kinda fun, like a festival. And both teams’ opinions are easy to understand or relate to… I feel like it would be difficult to pick a side. 

 

Tori: Oh, O~h! I’m picking the bamboo shoot ones! I’d definitely side with the bamboo shoot ones. I love that chocolate and cookie combo~

 

Hajime: Eh. The bamboo shoot ones definitely taste good, but I have to give it to the mushroom ones. Those crackers are so crunchy and delicious ♪

 

Tori: Eeh~! I thought Hajime would be on my side! You traitor…!

 

What about you, Yuzuru? Of course, you’re on the bamboo shoot-faction with me, right?

 

Yuzuru: Uuuhm. I have to admit all this talk about mushrooms and bamboo is a tad confusing… Are these types of sweets you’re referring to?

 

And the fact that Bocchama knows about something which I do not… Well then, Bocchama. I’ll take it you have been eating sweets in secrecy again?

 

Tori: Ggh!? I, I have not!?

 

Come on, I was obviously just speaking in hypotheticals. My, my, Yuzuru~. Ahahaha………

 

Hajime: I understand how this “Chanbara Night” show works now. Then what kind of theme will we be competing about for this episode?

 

Ritsu: N~? Anzu is making a complicated expression, isn’t she?

 

…Hmm. So this episode’s theme will be different from any previous ones. And? What theme is that, exactly?

 

Hajime: Eeh!? We will be competing over the survival of an old inn!?

 

Ritsu: Ah, so that’s what it was. The number of customers coming to the inn has been decreasing, so the owners are falling into financial trouble.

 

So, the old owner and his successor and son, the young owner, are quarreling about whether they should close down the inn, or renovate it to be more modern.

 

And the winner of the showdown gets to decide the inn’s fate… huh.

 

Hajime: Doesn’t that mean that the fate of the inn is in our hands…?

 

Mao: Isn’t this theme way too heavy? Or more like, the burden put on us is way too heavy.

 

Yuzuru: I’m surprised that the two parties agreed to compete in this fashion in the first place… Could it be that the outcome has already been decided on, and this competition is simply a farce?

 

Hm. So the showdown is not rigged, the owners simply wish for a serious showdown to determine the inn’s fate.

 

Arashi: It sounds as if the show production heard about the owners fighting and decided to exploit the situation…

 

Aah, it’s true that projects are sometimes started because of things like this. I’ve heard people talking about it down at the TV station. 

 

But normally the inn wouldn’t sign off on a project like this, no? Especially when the project seems so bad-spirited.

 

Mika: Huh~... So the other staff members thought the same at first, Anzu? But when they went ta ask the inn owners, they somehow gave their consent… I guess stranger things’ve happened.

 

Tori: I mean, it’s kinda strange that they’re moving ahead with this show when absolutely everyone involved thinks it sounds like a weird project.

 

Ritsu: In the end, the project was approved, and the request was sent to us.

 

…Honestly speaking, I don’t really feel like doing it. It feels like we’re invading a domestic dispute. I would prefer if we didn’t have to get involved in something like this, you know?

 

Hajime: Then, are you going to decline?

 

Ritsu: Well~, I’m not really in a position to pick and choose which jobs I accept right now. Even if it’s a local show, my popularity would plummet if I started refusing to appear on popular shows.

 

So even though I don’t feel particularly enthusiastic about this, I’ll pretend like I am and complete the job. 

 

Mao: Yup, you’re right. It feels like a heavy burden, but the affected parties have all given their consent. We should just focus on getting the job done.

 

By the way, if we’re going to be competing in teams, then that means all of us here will be divided into two teams right? How are we gonna be divided?

 

Ritsu: Of course, me and Ma~kun are in the same team. I wouldn’t accept anything else.

 

…Hey, Anzu. Did you just avert your eyes? Don’t go around thinking you can fool me.

 

You know. You’re gonna have to explain yourself sooner or later anyways, so it might be safer for you if you tell us now.

 

Arashi: Now, Ritsu-chan. Stop trying to intimidate Anzu-chan.

 

Judging from how Anzu-chan is acting, the teams have been decided already, right? Would you tell us, please?

 

Hajime: …Uhm. So it’s me, Isara-senpai, Tori-kun and Kagehira-senpai on one team.

 

Yuzuru: Which means Sakuma-sama, Narukami-sama and myself will be on the other team.

 

Ritsu: Okay, I object. I super object. I just went on strike. There’s no way I’ll accept this. Why would you divide us like that?

 

Tori: Me too. I’m happy to be on the same team as Hajime, but why can’t I be with Yuzuru? How did you decide on these teams? It’s almost as if you made sure that the people who get along well are on different teams.
 

Eh? That’s exactly the point!?

 

Mao: -Ah, I see. Since the theme for the episode is centered around a parent-child showdown, they wanted to create teams where the opposing idols would be in a similar situation.

 

Ritsu: I don't care if the reasoning is sound or if it will get fans excited.

 

Mao: Hey now. Weren’t you just saying how you would pretend like you’re enthusiastic so you can complete the job?

 

Ritsu: That’s a completely different matter than this. 



TL-notes:
* - Mika is referring to a popular type of chocolate/sweets sold in Japan named Takenoko no Sato and Kinoko no Yama. People are often very opinionated in preferring one over the other. Also the bamboo ones are apparently extremely sweet so. Makes sense that Tori would go with that one.

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Clearing Clouds 1 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Location: Staff Room

 

Characters: Akiomi, Madara, Mika, Sora

 

-

 

 

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?

 

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.



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"Jin is picked for a 'grand plan' intended to bring back a retired idol. He starts a lesson together with the students for the first time in a long time, but...?"

 

This is the first part of Project Saga which was released near the end of the ES! timeline. The entire story is fully voiced and available to read for free in the Basic enstars app so I encourage you to read the translation while tapping through the story since the voice acting is very good and helps the experience! Also feel free to give Rainbow Stairway a listen while reading, since that song is sung by AkiJin and is related to the story ^^.

 

Writer: Akira

Season: From spring through winter of ES! timeline 

Characters: Jin, Akiomi, Hokuto, Anzu, Tori, Chiaki, Mika, Sora, Madara, Shu, Subaru, Yuta, Makoto, Hinata, Yuzuru, Hiyori and Jun.

 

Chapters: