Writer: Haruka Kanata

 

Characters: Nagisa, Adonis, Natsume, Sora, Tsumugi

 

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

 

Nagisa: …Are you ready, Adonis-kun?

 

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 ✰

 

Natsume: …?

 

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

 

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~? â™ª

 

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: 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.**

 

** - 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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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.

 

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.

 

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: …



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Mika: ‘Scuse me~♪

 

Here, this room’s ta last one. Let’s finish up in one swoop, lunch break’s almost over… uhm, Harukawa-kun.

 

Sora: Yes! Sora will do his very best, Meka-niisan!

 

Mika: Nah, it’s not “Meka”, it’s “Mika” though? And I don’t really like my first name so could ya call me by my last name instead?

 

Sora: HaHa~♪ Then “Kage-niisan” it is!

 

Mika: Nng~? I’m not Harukawa-kun’s older brother though?

 

Sora: But that’s what it feels like… oh?

 

Akiomi: Oh. You two, do you need anything? This lesson room is in use.

 

Mika: Ngah, sorry ‘bout that! Did we enter ta wrong room?

 

Sora: HiHi~♪ Sora told you so didn’t he? We were supposed to go right at the turn before, not left~

 

Mika: Uu… This school’s still too complex fer me ta understand, I often get lost.

 

Harukawa-kun is pretty great to be able to remember where ta go even though yer a new student here, huh?

 

Sora: Yay, being praised makes Sora happy! Reading maps is one of the basic skills of a gamer~♪

 

Jin: Uhm. Kagehira from class B and… Harukawa, was it?

 

Are the two of you doing part-time work cleaning the lesson rooms or something?

 

Mika: Ngah, that’s right! We’re supposed ta clean up any lesson rooms after use…

 

It doesn’t pay very well, but I need ta increase Valkyrie’s funds a little at a time~

 

Sora: HuHu~♪ Sora was told by Master that he should participate in extracurricular activities to practice communication!

 

Switch doesn’t participate in many official Dream Festivals, so we’re apparently low on funds~

 

Jin: Hm. Then that’s perfect, why don’t you clean this room while you’re at it.

 

I’m at my limit here thanks to Kunugi-sensei’s spartan instructions… so I was just about to wrap things up. 

 

I don’t have the energy left to clean up, so it would help if you two could do it.

 

Sora: Hm? Then we demand compensation for our labor! It’s equivalent exchange~

 

Jin: How cheeky. Well then, this old man will give you your allowance~♪

 

Akiomi: Please don’t say weird things.

 

…Kagehira-kun and Harukawa-kun, please make sure to prioritize your idol activities and not just do part-time work.

 

Money should simply be the means to an end, you should never treat it as a goal in itself.

 

Mika: Ngah~... I know that much, but there’s no helpin’ it since Oshi-san won’t move yet.

 

Akiomi: What was that? When speaking to people, don’t mumble but look at the person’s face and speak clearly!

 

Mika: I got scolded!? Ngah~, but I’m bad at meetin’ people’s eyes!

 

(Fufu. Kunugi-sensei must be lookin’ after me by scoldin’ me. It makes me happy)

 

(As expected from Naru-chan’s crush. He acts all harsh, but on the inside he’s probably kind♪)

 

Akiomi: ? What is it, staring at people’s faces for too long is also considered rude, you know.

 

If you keep your gaze centered on the other person’s forehead area while talking, that should create an effective atmosphere for communicating.

 

Sora: Sora learned something new~. …Then, Kage-niisan, let’s clean up this room as well!

 

Mika: Ah, yeah… then please ‘scuse us, we’ll be gettin’ started. 

 

Jin: Please do~. …Ah, I’m beat. My joints are creaking, I feel so old.

 

Akiomi: This cannot come as a surprise to you.

 

No matter how you look at it, it’s unreasonable to expect retired idols to be able to come back out of nowhere like this. You will have to fool both yourself and the audience for this to work.

 

Mika: ? Whatcha talkin’ ‘bout? It looked as if ya two were doin’ lessons, but… Are ya makin’ a comeback as an idol?

 

Akiomi: No, please don’t pay us any mind. This has nothing to do with you two.

 

Mika: But now I’m all curious… Comebacks, huh. It would be great if Oshi-san was able ta come back soon too.

 

Akiomi: Oshi-san? Oh, Itsuki-kun, right. Is he doing okay?

 

It appears he hasn’t been showing up to class at all, at this rate he will be in danger of not graduating, you know?

 

Mika: Ngah? H, he’s okay! There’s nothin’ ta worry about! If he ends up havin’ too much absence I’ll just attend class for 'im!

 

Akiomi: No… that’s not how attendance works at all, and the two of you are in different grades so there’s no reason for you to attend third-year classes.

 

(Hm. It would be a pity if Itsuki-kun’s talent continues to be crushed like this… It seems like I will need to intervene soon.)

 

(Though, teachers aren’t parental figures, and high school isn’t even compulsory education…)

 

(There’s not a lot I can do to help, and I probably shouldn’t intervene too far into their lives.)

 

(I don’t have enough time to go out of my way for each and every dropout, after all. And the entertainment world isn’t that kind of soft environment.)

 

(I want to be able to think like that… But abandoning students in need would make me a failure of a teacher, after all.)

 

Mika: Wh, what’s wrong? When I say Oshi-san is doin’ okay I really mean it! It’s true!

 

Akiomi: Ah, right… Itsuki-kun does worry me, but you should also prioritize your own activities.

 

You are a part of Valkyrie, the unit that used to stand at the top of Yumenosaki.

 

I think you are talented. Please continue working hard, your effort won’t betray you.

 

Mika: Uu, yer right, but… I can’t just go around doin’ things on my own. It’s only Valkyrie when Oshi-san’s there, after all.

 

Jin: O~i. I don’t really care, but if you’re going to clean please hurry it up. Lunch break is almost over. We’ll help you out as well, so let’s get it done quickly.

 

Mika: Ngah, right! Let’s do our best together, okay, Harukawa-kun ♪

 

Sora: Yes! Senpai told me cleaning was related to feng shui, so this is also part of magician training~ HaHiHuHeHo~♪

"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: