nazunyan427

Parallel World - “The Bad Kid Survival Strategy” Chapter 11

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

Location: Madara Mikejima’s little sister’s rehabilitation center.

Madara:

Well? What advice would a bad kid like you give these poor little bunnies who are being bullied by some big higher-up, Maguro?

Uwha?! All I did was say your name and you spit in my face?! Who's responsible for raising you? I’m supposed to be your big brother?!

Mitsuru:

Ahaha. You’ve never acted like a big brother to her at all, so it’s no surprise she’s not gonna treat ya like one.

It seems like Guu~chan’s managed to come up with a plan. But she said she’s leavin’ it up to us whether or not we wanna carry it out.

Apparently if we decide to go with it, it’s gonna involve playin’ dirty… But Guu~chan said she doesn’t want to see us hafta play dirty.

Madara:

Oho? I’ve got it! Does this plan involve assassinating this Kirarai Dearu in question?

Quench that stink straight from the source! Once you take out the main boss, that’ll settle everything! Make sure to serve ‘em up good!

Mitsuru:

What are you sayin’? Mike-chan-senpai, are you stupid?

Madara:

Hahaha! Ticks me off to be called stupid by someone just as stupid!

Mitsuru:

Yeah. And since I’m so stupid, I always leave thinkin’ about everything to everyone else.

So everyone always has to think about stuff on my behalf too.

And since it’s like they’ve gotta carry my baggage on top of everythin’ else, it’s extra stressful for them.

So I feel really bad about that. Like, I feel real shameful.

But this time, I’m gonna think too. And since I suck at thinkin’, I came to borrow advice from Guu~chan, since she’s so smart.

I’ll do whatever I can to help Ra*bits outta this trap we’re danglin’ over.

Don’t ya have any complaints, Mike-chan-senpai?

Madara:

No?

I’m very impressed right now. No, I actually admire your straightforward approach a lot.

Souma-san and Chiaki-san are the same. Maybe it’s one of the qualities that makes someone a hero…?

Instead of forcing yourself to act tough, you accept your own flaws, and ask others around you for help in order to improve yourself.

And it’s because you continue to improve that you won’t lose to anyone.

I have no proof and I may be just saying this, but I know for sure that you’re not going to lose this time either.

Mitsuru:

I sure hope so…

Madara:

…Oh, look at that. Visiting hours are coming to an end.

Mitsuru:

Hm? But Mike-chan-senpai, you just got here?

Madara:

You've been talking to her for quite a while, haven’t you? And in that time, a bunch of reporters thirsty for gossip happened to have swarmed around this building, you know.

I noticed them when I was taking care of another matter and about to head home.

Since I heard from the receptionist that you were here visiting my sister, I hurried over here.

Mitsuru:

Huh? What are reporters doin’ here…?

Madara:

Hahaha. Whether you like it or not, Ra*bits are a hot topic at the moment.

You may not be all that pleased about suddenly being thrusted into the spotlight, considering you’re the type to have gradually built your fanbase all this time.

But when you’re an idol, there’s no such thing as bad publicity. Whether you can turn this pinch into an opportunity all depends on you guys.

And so. See that exit over there, Mitsuru-san? You go and escape through there.

Mitsuru:

Huh? What? How come?

Madara:

I’ve become the odd subject of a separate topic, so once the reporters catch sight of me at the front, they’ll latch onto me instead.

In other words, I’ll become a decoy, giving you a chance to escape. Fufufu, these kinds of diversionary tactics remind me of Souma-san back in the day.

Mitsuru:

…? …?

Madara:

You’re not used to dealing with these kinds of reporters, correct?

In other words, I’m going to take your place, so that you don’t slip up and say something careless.

Mitsuru:

I mean, I’d be grateful for that, but… You doin’ somethin’ so nice is so weird that to be honest, I can’t really accept it.

Madara:

How awful! Even I can help people out of the goodness of my heart from time to time.

But if you won’t accept that, then how about this? There are all kinds of people with their eyes on you right now, far more than you can even imagine.

And if they hear about one of their “clean, pure, beautiful, young male idols” sneaking around and fraternizing with a girl his age…

—And that sort of gossip makes it to the tabloids, then it’s bound to cause trouble for the other members of Ra*bits, won’t it?

Mitsuru:

A girl my age—but Guu~chan and I are just friends?

Madara:

The world will definitely see it in a different light. Even though everyone demands innocence and purity, their own characters and sensibilities are all muddied.

After all, that’s how humans are. Everyone just ends up envying the people who possess the things they want.

Even though we’re all human, with the same kind of flesh and blood; an angelic, God-like level of sanctity and purity is demanded from idols alone.

I really don’t feel like seeing that sort of crowd getting the wrong idea and making a fuss about falling into despair. And, for the record, this is my little sister we’re talking about.

I’m not so much of a failure as a human that I can just sit back with a smile at the sight of a bunch of strangers using my little sister as a toy.

That’s all there is to it, really. Do you get it now, Mitsuru-san?

Mitsuru:

Yeah… Right, if anythin’ I’m really sorry that I never realized any of this, Guu~chan.

I love talkin’ to ya ‘cause you’re so smart. You even make me start to feel like I’m gettin’ smarter too just by spendin’ time with ya. It makes me so happy! So that’s why I come and visit ya even without ya askin’ me.

But now I see how this could end up makin’ trouble for you too.

Madara:

Well, what I said did sound quite threatening. But if anything like that did happen, both my folks and I would take action.

And the truth is if anyone started making a fuss, they sure would soon regret it.

But now’s not the time for you to get involved in any unnecessary sort of trouble, is it?

Mitsuru:

Yeah… That’s true.

But I promise that I’m gonna sort all of this out. And once things calm down again, I’ll be right back to visit you. And I’ll be more careful next time and bring even prettier flowers with me.

So don’t worry; just keep on watchin’ over me, Guu~chan. I wanna be able to come to ya for help the next time I’m worried about somethin’.

Okay? Pinky promise! A promise between two friends!

When there’s someone I wanna see, I’m gonna dash as fast as my legs’ll carry me so I can be with them as soon as possible!

I’m gonna grow into such a big, strong man that no one’ll have any complaints, and you’ll easily be able to forgive me for somethin’ like this—that’s how I'm gonna be!

NEXT CHAPTER

–

Translation by:

Ara @. nazunyan427

Proofreader:

Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

Parallel World - “The Bad Kid Survival Strategy” Chapter 10

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

(One week later. Madara Mikejima’s little sister’s rehabilitation center.)

Mitsuru:

Ta-dah~! ♪

There! Look, look, now it looks like we’re in a field of flowers~!

Ehehe. I don’t really like this room ‘cause it feels so gloomy, but all these pretty flowers’ll fill it with color and their pretty smell! So now it’s like we’re outside!

Like we’re under the sun! Right? And look, if we hold hands and move like this it feels like we’re runnin’ outside! Dash, dash, dash~ ☆

Madara:

…I sure wish you wouldn’t make my little sister go along with your crazy behavior.

Thanks to your influence, she’s becoming needlessly energized which is turning into a bit of a hassle.

Mitsuru:

Oh! Mike-chan-senpai! Caught ya, caught ya, caught~!

Madara:

Whoa there!

Mitsuru:

Don’t try to escape! Put your hands up and come quietly! You’re under arrest!

Madara:

Don’t jump at me like that. Surely you know better than to make a fuss in this sort of facility?

Mitsuru:

But if I don’t catch ya, you’re just gonna escape on me again!

Madara:

I really wish you’d just let me go already… Look, you’re much stronger, faster, and a superior idol to me. There, satisfied?

Mitsuru:

No! None of that counts until I’ve accepted it myself!

Madara:

You really are a bothersome kid.

Though I guess that’s why you and my little sister get along so well.

I suppose I do at least owe you an obligatory thank you. Apparently you come and visit my sister a lot?

That’s what the receptionist told me just now. And she made sure to glare at me and comment that today’s the first time she’s seen me in ages.

Mitsuru:

You’re supposed to be Guu~chan’s big brother. You guys are family, so you should really come and visit her a ton more!

Madara:

So, you call her Guu~chan? What about her is so Guu-d?

My misfortunate little sister has always been the gloomy sort, and a real schemer at that. She’s a bad kid rather than a good one.

Mitsuru:

‘Cause that’s her name! She’s called “Maguro”, so I call her “Guu~chan”!

“Maa~chan” sounds too much like your name, “Madara”, so I don’t like that, and Guu~chan doesn’t like it either!

Madara:

Quite the unpopular guy here, aren't I? I suppose I brought this on myself, karmic retribution and all that.

Mitsuru:

If ya don’t wanna be disliked, you should put in the effort for us to like you more?

…That’s what I’m tryin’ to do lately.

Madara:

Yeah, I heard you guys have found yourself in quite the tricky situation.

You Ra*bits are normally so peaceful—flouncing about without a care in the world, but now you’re in the center of a pretty scandalous plot.

On the contrary, Double Face—or rather just me—happens to be the subject of a plot that seems peaceful and carefree at first glance.

Unusual events are unfolding one after the other lately, to the point where I feel myself becoming practically religious these days… Do you think we’d better perform an exorcism at ES just to be safe?

Oh, that was a joke, by the way.

Are you guys in Ra*bits really okay?

Mitsuru:

No, not at all! Nothing’s okay about this! My head feels like it’s gonna explode!

Madara:

As expected, huh.. Not that I’m particularly interested in you, but I just so happen to be in a position where I hear a lot about what’s going on, whether I chose to or not.

The super-idol Kirarai Dearu, otherwise known as Bishojo-senpai, is guilty of power harassment against you guys, and now all your work has dried up.

Mitsuru:

Yeah… All of a sudden, any sorta jobs focusing on “cuteness” have completely vanished.

We can still do jobs that focus on being cool, so it’s not like work has totally dried up.

But Hajime-chan’s not used to gettin’ offers for that sort of job at all. And since he’s left with nothing to do, he’s wanderin’ around worryin’ himself sick. I can’t stand seein’ him like this.

I feel like he’s seriously gonna get ill any day now.

But I’ve never worried so seriously about anything like this before, so I don’t even know what I should say to him.

Madara:

And so, you’ve come to my incessantly gloomy little sister to ask for advice? No one knows the way of a snake better than a snake herself.

Mitsuru:

What are you comparing a cute girl to a snake for? You should compare her to somethin’ like a bunny, or a kitty cat—

Wait, no. I can’t go sayin’ ya have to talk about her a certain way just ‘cause she’s a girl. Man~ This is so complicated…

Madara:

? Has Arashi-san said something to you about that?

Mitsuru:

Mhm-mhm. But that Kide, Ide… What was it again? Our enemy with the long name, Bishojo-senpai, seems like the type to be concerned about that sorta thing?

In order to win a war, it’s important to get to know the enemy. Isn’t that what someone once said?

Madara:

Your enemy, huh? Hahaha! You’ve really gone and made an actual enemy.

Isn’t this great? Everyone’s always been so kind and soft on you Ra*bits.So if anything, you had a more warped point of view of the world back at Yumenosaki. Frankly, it made me sick.

Doesn’t the thought of having a true rival get you all fired up? I’d go as far as to say I’m jealous; this sounds like the events right out of a manga ♪

Mitsuru:

If you’re jealous, then I’d rather just trade ya… No, I can’t say that. This is our problem to solve.

We have to do our best to think it over and figure out what the right answer is. Even though I suck at thinkin’.

And that’s why I’m here to borrow Guu~chan’s advice, since she’s way smarter than me.

Madara:

My, my. Mitsuru-san seems to have placed an unusual amount of trust in you, my misfortunate little sister.

NEXT CHAPTER

–

Translation by:

Ara @. nazunyan427

Proofreader:

Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

Parallel World - “Cuteness is Unjust” Chapter 9

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

Location: Tomoya’s Dorm Room

Nazuna:

A couple of things had been bugging me all day, so I ended up contacting a couple of reliable sources to ask them what they knew during my lectures—

Hajime:

Y-You should really pay attention during classes, Nii~chan.

Nazuna:

I normally take my classes pretty seriously… But to be frank, now’s just not the time to be focusing on that.

Anyway, I asked a bunch of guys who have insider knowledge about the industry, but none of them have heard anything about what Bishojo-senpai said, even as a passing rumor.

Tomoya:

S-So the whole thing is completely made up?

Nazuna:

I’m not sure. But even if it is completely made up, why would Bishojo-senpai lie about that?

So, back when I was at Yumenosaki, I’d often go information-gathering as part of the broadcasting committee.

Tomoya:

The broadcasting committee was basically like an organization for all of the conspiracies floating around, wasn’t it?

Nazuna:

Yeah. And what I came to know back then, was that if you can’t find any information about something, it means one of two things: that whatever it is, is total B.S., or conversely, that makes it more likely to be true.

Extreme measures have been put in place to cover-up whatever’s going on precisely because they don’t want anyone else to know about it. And so, no matter how hard they search, no one can find a thing.

It’s because there’s nothing there, that ironically means something is going on. I can’t really explain it well.

Mitsuru:

Ya mean like when a weapon should absolutely have fingerprints, but there’s nothin’ there at all, and that’s what makes it suspicious?

Nazuna:

Oh, yeah. Like that. That’s an unusual thing for you to say, Mitsuru-chin.

Mitsuru:

A staff member said that to me on-set back when I was on this cop drama.

They were like, uh… there to make sure that everything was bein’ portrayed as realistically as possible.

Hajime:

You keep on building up experience after experience, Mitsuru-kun… I feel like you’re going to end up leaving me behind.

Mitsuru:

Don’t worry! If ya end up fallin’ behind, I’ll just grab ya by the hand and pull ya forward with me!

Hajime:

I don’t want to end up holding you back by mistake… This is probably part of what Ideia-sama was trying to say too.

Hehe. I feel like we just keep coming back to the same thing.

Aren’t we actually better off just focusing on cuteness? Are we really going to end up at a plateau if we don’t explore all sorts of different directions?

No… Are we really so cute that we can say with absolute confidence that that’s our ultimate appeal?

I’m really starting to doubt everything… Should we really be so focused on sticking to cuteness?

Maybe everything Ideia-sama said was something that only I never realized. Maybe everyone else has the same collective opinion after all.

Tomoya:

So Bishojo-senpai is suggesting that we’re not even that cute at all, and we need to stop forcing ourselves to act that way? And just change direction already? Wouldn’t that be just finding fault with us based on a personal opinion?

Hajime:

But if someone as influential as Ideia-sama said that, then—

Tomoya:

Are you really sure that every single thing someone says is correct just because they’re an influential figure?

Hajime:

B-But! Tomoya-kun! I’ve looked up to this person for so long…!

Tomoya:

Ah, ah~ah~! I’m sorry! Don’t cry, Hajime! I didn’t mean to make it seem like I was ganging up on you!

Hajime:

I’m not crying! I’m not some little kid! Don’t make fun of me!

Tomoya:

I-I wasn’t making fun of you, but you always were a crybaby.

Nazuna:

Ah~ Well, we’re all a little bit emotionally distressed at the moment… And I’m sure Hajime-chin is still in shock right now.

But we all need to calm down. You said it yourself, Tomo-chin; now’s not the time to be squabbling amongst ourselves.

All that talk about a utopia for female idols is still up in the air, but one thing's for certain—Bishojo-senpai is standing between us and our agency.

And our agency has caved in to pressure from that senpai and is making us give up on our cuteness.

So right now, we need to seriously think about our future and whether we'll be able to forcibly change direction like that.

Hajime:

But what would that even entail…? Being told to give up on cuteness is such a vague order, and I can’t even predict what would happen as a result.

Nazuna:

Well, we’ll find out pretty soon. Probably. Whether we like it or not.

All we know is that from tomorrow onwards, things can’t stay the same as they were yesterday.

I suppose we seriously need to brace ourselves for that. Not even I can predict how all of this is going to play out.

Tomoya:

Nii~chan, if not even you have any idea despite all of your experience, then the rest of us definitely don’t have a clue…

Mitsuru:

Yeah… I feel so lost ‘cause I have no idea what’s goin’ on.

NEXT CHAPTER

–

Translation by:

Ara @. nazunyan427

Proofreader:

Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

Parallel World - “Cuteness is Unjust” Chapter 8

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

Location: Tomoya’s Dorm Room

(10 minutes later)

Tomoya:

I-I’m really sorry about this.

Hajime:

N-Nii~chan ♪ Shall I make you some tea? I promise it’s good ♪

Mitsuru:

Ahaha! Hajime-chan, sometimes when ya mess up, you offer to make some tea to gloss over it!

Hajime:

A-And why are you laughing like this has nothing to do with you? You fell asleep too, Mitsuru-kun, so you’re just as guilty as me?!

Mitsuru:

What’s so wrong about fallin’ asleep when you’re tired~?

If anything, the way you wouldn’t wake up even when the rest of us were makin’ so much noise must mean that you’re pretty tired, Hajime-chan. Shouldn’t ya try to get more sleep each night?

Hajime:

D-Don’t change the subject! You’re the one who’s in trouble right now!

Tomoya:

Ahaha. I remember when I used to see this kinda scene play out all the time. Hajime acting like a big brother and lecturing Mitsuru.

Hajime:

I-I’m not acting like a big brother, I really am a big brother, you know? Back home! Don’t make fun of me! Whose side are you on, Tomoya-kun?!

Tomoya:

Anyway, now’s not the time to be squabbling amongst ourselves, right?

Nazuna:

Tomo-chin is right~ All of you take some deep breaths and calm down.

Hajime:

Uuu… In… And out…

Mitsuru:

In, out, in, out…

Hey, is there some sorta weirdly sweet perfume comin’ from the ceiling in here?

Tomoya:

Oh, sometimes Ayase-senpai lights things. It’s some sort of aroma something or other.

Hajime:

I feel like it might affect the flavor of the tea… Wait, no, never mind that.

Things got a little bit all over the place, but let’s go back to what we were talking about. Now that I had a decent nap, my head is much clearer and I feel like I could stay up all night chatting if needed.

Nazuna:

Right, that’s why we’re all here.

Mitsuru:

I got all tired while we were talkin’ earlier so I fell asleep! Wahaha☆

So I kinda forgot. What were we talkin’ about again?

Hajime:

Please don’t forget… It’s a very important topic.

Tomoya:

Right. And now that Nii~chan’s joined us again, let’s go back over things from the top.

Frankly speaking, this might be the greatest pinch Ra*bits have ever experienced.

Mitsuru:

Is it? But you guys looked way more gloomy back when we first got together around the spring of S2, or during last year’s Repayment Fest?

Tomoya:

To be honest, this still doesn’t feel like it’s actually happening… Part of that is probably because Bishojo-senpai feels like a fictional character who’s totally detached from our world.

And I’m still in shock that something like this would actually happen to us.

Nazuna:

I get it~ It’s the feeling of shock you get when your brain can’t process reality so you just freeze up.

(I felt the same that day when I was on stage as part of Valkyrie. The music stopped all of a sudden, and my head went completely blank…

I was totally freaking out when I suddenly heard Mika-chin singing.

I can still remember it clearly to this day.)

~...♪

Tomoya:

Hm…? Why did you suddenly start singing, Nii~chan?

Mitsuru:

Starmony Dorm is supposed to be totally soundproofed, so it should be fine to start singin’ out loud even at night, right?

Tomoya:

No, that’s not what I’m concerned about…

Nazuna:

…This is what Bishojo-senpai is trying to steal away from us.

Tomoya:

……

Nazuna:

They’re trying to shut us up.

They’re trying to strip away the outfits we put our heart into crafting for ourselves by picking out the materials from scratch and making sure they suit us. They claim this style doesn’t work for us.

They even got our agency to take action by putting pressure on them.

Hajime:

I-I’m sure there’s a profound reason behind Ideia-sama’s thought process—

They said that they’re fond of us and that they’re doing this out of concern.

Nazuna:

And what if that’s just something they’re saying? It wasn’t that long ago that parents and teachers used corporal punishment on kids and claimed it was for their own benefit. How’s it any different from that?

Hajime:

But Ideia-sama has done so much for me all this time.

Back when I was going through a rough patch, they took me in and acted so kindly to me, making sure to look out for me.

Right now, while I may not be perfect, I’m praised for my cuteness as an idol and I’ve managed to earn a place I belong to.

A lot of that is, of course, thanks to Ra*bits, but there’s no doubt that Ideia-sama has played a huge role too.

Ideia-sama has become like a shield guarding me from behind and exercising their influence over everyone around me.

Mitsuru:

But if they should’ve been protectin’ ya like that all along, why are they suddenly tryin’ to destroy us? I seriously don’t get them at all!

Hajime:

W-Well, that’s because… The situation has changed…

Nazuna:

The thing about the utopia for female idols? That’s a questionable story if you ask me.

Hajime:

Wh-What do you mean…?

NEXT CHAPTER

–

Translation by:

Ara @. nazunyan427

Proofreader:

Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

Parallel World - “Cuteness is Unjust” Chapter 7

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

(That night. Starmony Dorm corridor.)

Nazuna:

(I couldn’t say anything back at all…

But when I think back on what happened, I feel like I have a ton of rebuttals I could’ve made against what that “Bishojo-senpai” had to say.

Like how I don’t care if there’s going to be some utopia for female idols. That has nothing to do with us.

Or how even if we do end up facing competition if we keep cuteness as our main selling point, we don’t need you to step in for our sake.

And how you’re butting in and claiming you’re speaking out of kindness for our own benefit, but you can stay out of our business.

But at the time, I was so overwhelmed by our senpai that I couldn’t say a thing.

I’m so weak.

Maybe I’ll never escape the habits I picked up back when I was part of Valkyrie. He’s not that extreme these days, but back then Itsuki would get furious whenever anyone criticized his vision.

And so, whenever someone starts acting scary like that, I tend to just shut up and do whatever they say.

I’m supposed to be everyone’s Nii~chan. Look at me, boldly claiming I’m going to protect all of them.

But the truth is, whenever someone’s angry with me, I turn into a mute doll.

I feel like this is the first time since joining ES that we’ve tasted the pain of being a newbie in the industry… What happened was basically power harassment…

I did hear that sort of thing is pretty common in an old-fashioned agency like Rhythm Link, but I figured it had nothing to do with us.

Back at Yumenosaki, everyone was always so considerate of us and treated us with kindness.

We were naive. It feels like we let our guard down and ended up being stabbed in the stomach.

“Don’t underestimate cuteness.”

I never intended to underestimate it, but I feel like they hit the nail so firmly on the head that I couldn’t say anything back.

This is so frustrating. Humiliating. I’m seriously pathetic.

I’m sorry, guys. Sorry for being such a weak Nii~chan.

……)

(Scene change. Tomoya’s dorm room)

Nazuna:

Hey guys.

I’m really sorry for leaving you guys for a bit even though Ra*bits are in this awful situation.

I had a couple of lectures I had to attend today no matter what or my credits would’ve been in serious trouble.

Even though the least I could’ve done was to be by your guys’ side. Sorry, I have no idea what I was thinking… Maybe I never should’ve gone back to school yet in the first place.

But even though I’m hours too late, I’m here now for you guys in heart, body, soul, and spirit. I’ll stay up with you guys all night, or the whole weekend if I have to.

So. If I recall correctly, the plan was for all of us to get together and discuss what Ra*bits should do from here on out—

Tomoya:

Zzz, zzz…♪

Nazuna:

Tomo-chin?

Mitsuru:

*Snore*...♪

Hajime:

Nnn… Mhm…♪

Nazuna:

Mitsuru-chin? Hajime-chin? Wh-Why are you guys asweep at a time like this?! Ra*bits is in big trouble! Aren’t we supposed to be coming up with a plan?!

Tomoya:

…Nhya?!

Y-You scared me… Sorry, Sensei, I fell asleep!

Nazuna:

Who are you calling Sensei? You’re sleep-talking, Tomo-chin~ If anything, I feel bad about waking you up.

Mitsuru:

…Nhm? Huh, where am I? This isn’t my room?

Tomoya:

Didn’t we talk about how we were all going to get together in my room to discuss things?

Ayase-senpai is barely ever here, so we wouldn’t be imposing on anyone else—

Mitsuru:

Oh! I remember now!

And there’s no chance of anyone else overhearin’ us at Starmony Dorm, so this would be the best option! That’s what Tomo-chan said!

Tomoya:

There’s really no need to report what Tomo-chan said to Tomo-chan himself.

…Ouchhh?! Hey, Hajime, quit eating my hair!

Hajime:

Omph, nomph… It’s okay, this is my favorite food… Omph ♪

Nazuna:

Ahaha.

Tomoya:

Ah! I’m so s-sorry you have to see me in this state, Nii~chan!

Nazuna:

Nah. If anything, you guys calmed me down.

(I was probably getting stuck in my own head. I got the feeling that unless I pull myself together, this might be the beginning of the end.

But that’s not the case at all. These guys are far and away from little baby bunnies that’ll die without my protection.

No, nowadays they’re all incredible, first-rate idols.

I don’t need to force myself to shoulder everything. These guys will split the burden and work hard to help me carry it all together.

That’s the kind of unit I’m proud to be part of.

And that’s why the Ra*bits I’ve become so proud of is a place I won’t allow the pressure from that crazy senpai to destroy. No matter what.)

NEXT CHAPTER

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Translation by:

Ara @. nazunyan427

Proofreader:

Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

Parallel World - “Cuteness is Unjust” Chapter 6

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

Location: Rhythm Link Office

Ideia-sama:

“And so, in despair with the state of things as they are now, the female idols who’ve lived in such discontent have demanded their own new world.”

Hajime:

So that’s why a Utopia for female idols is being founded overseas…?

Ideia-sama:

“Yes. At first, ES proudly declared that it would be a safe haven for all idols.”

“And yet. The ‘idols’ ES spoke of did not include people like us.”

Tomoya:

B-But you’re a man, aren’t you, Bishojo-senpai?

Ideia-sama:

“Yes. I am a ‘bishojo.’ Exactly as you have called me.”

“That is the name I am called, how I identify, and how I have lived proudly by.”

“And so, I want to be an ally to the people I feel are the same as me.”

“Those girls and I, we are one and the same.”

Hajime:

So do you plan on transferring to that utopia for female idols, Ideia-sama…?

Ideia-sama:

“Yes. But just between you and me. So long as I keep it a secret, I can continue to put pressure on this agency by hinting that I may or may not transfer.”

Tomoya:

You mean like you’re doing now?

Ideia-sama:

“What happened to the good little boy speaking to me so politely up until now?”

Nazuna:

…I don’t get it. You’re going on and on about this utopia for female idols, but what does that have to do with you demanding us to give up our cuteness?

Ideia-sama:

“It is simply out of the kindness in my heart.”

“I happen to like you boys a lot. I support all of you.”

Tomoya:

Huh? Uh, really? …Thank you very much?

Ideia-sama:

“Speaking politely again I see. You really should learn the social skill of acting in an amicable way—at least on the surface—even when you’re dealing with a potential enemy or someone you dislike.”

“Though I suppose acting otherwise is proof that you are still children.”

“And that is precisely what is so loveable about you, and why I worry.”

“Let me make a prediction. If you continue to use cuteness as your main selling point, you will end up clashing with the female idol utopia that’s bound to form in the near future.”

“That is, you will end up in stiff competition against the countless number of adorable “bishojo” idols who will rise up.”

Tomoya:

And as a result, we’re no longer going to prosper… Is that what you’re trying to say?

Ideia-sama:

“Yes. Without a doubt. Why, even now, I get the impression that you’re losing ground against Japan’s female idols in terms of financial success.”

“Perhaps even I might be included among them—the endless number of fictitious female idols born from all of the manga, anime, and video-sharing sites Japan has to offer.”

“And when you’re up against such incessant, formidable competition, you’ll be unable to utilize your cuteness—bound to continue tasting one bitter experience after another.”

Tomoya:

(That’s true… I do get the feeling that we’re getting less and less jobs focused on that line of work.)

(Especially me, and maybe Mitsuru too—to the point where we’re praised more for just going in a cooler direction.)

Ideia-sama:

“Fictional idols will never age.”

“Therefore, there is a huge demand for those with the loveliness you would associate with youth. I, too, have given in to those demands.”

“But you will all age. It won’t be long before you have completely grown up.

Neoteny—that is, adult animals who retain their juvenile features—does exist. However—”

“—Humans are creatures who will steadily grow and develop to reach maturity.”

“To force yourself to retain the loveliness of youth is an impossibility.”

“Mitsuru-san, haven’t you been troubled by growing pains and the beard you might grow one day?”

Mitsuru:

Why do ya hafta keep on turnin’ back to me?

Ideia-sama:

“Because you and I are alike.”

Hajime:

(Now that I think about it… Out of the dozens of rumors that surround Ideia-sama, there is one that suspects they’ve even had their own body modified in order to preserve their cuteness.

I thought it was just part of the lore of the character they play.

And besides, Ideia-sama uses a CG image of themself, so it’s not really a huge deal if that character model has supposedly been modified in some way.

But what if the person behind Ideia-sama has had that kind of surgery too…?)

Ideia-sama:

“It’s because I like all of you that I don’t want you to destroy yourselves by forcing yourself to live in an impossible way.”

“And that’s why I want to strip away the corset of ‘cuteness’ bound to you so tightly and set you free.”

Hajime:

……

Ideia-sama:

“I don’t mind if you resent me for it. I’m simply acting according to my own ego.”

“However, I do want you to think it over in detail.”

“Is this truly the style that suits you best of all?”

Nazuna:

……

Ideia-sama:

“No, let me rephrase that. You sell yourselves as cute.”

“But are you really so cute that discarding the style you’ve worn so far would be such a regrettable loss to the world?”

“Are you cuter than beautiful girls? Than animals? Than babies? Than angels and fairies?”

“If you have the confidence to proclaim that you, Ra*bits, are far cuter than any of them…”

“...then come to me and boast that you are what it means to be cute idols, ‘newbies.’”

“...Don’t underestimate cuteness.”

Tomoya:

……

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Translation by:

Ara @. nazunyan427

Proofreader:

Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

Parallel World - “Cuteness is Unjust” Chapter 5

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

Location: Rhythm Link Office

Ideia-sama:

“Very well. Let’s leave the idle chatter born from getting to know one another at that.”

“I’d like to delve into the main topic at hand.”

Hajime:

Umm, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry! If there’s something about me that you don’t like, I promise to fix that part of myself right away! Please don’t blame my shortcomings on everyone else…!

Tomoya:

Why are you assuming that Bishojo-senpai is mad at you?

Hajime:

I-I mean, I’m the only one who’s been interacting with Ideia-sama so far.

Mitsuru:

Maybe, but it’s weird if you’re the only one bowin’ your head like that, Hajime-chan. Your mistakes are my mistakes—no, those mistakes belong to all of Ra*bits.

Hajime:

Mitsuru-kun…

Tomoya:

(Wow. Mitsuru can be seriously cool now and then. I wish I could casually come out with stuff like that.)

Ideia-sama:

“Heh. You are even more valiant than Hajime-san described you as, Tenma Mitsuru-san.”

“For someone like you, doesn’t the cuteness of Ra*bits feel stifling?”

Mitsuru:

What are ya sayin’? I’ve never once thought of Ra*bits as stiflin’!

Ideia-sama:

“Really? Then have you ever been worried that you might not be suited to be a member of Ra*bits?”

Mitsuru:

……

Ideia-sama:

“Ra*bits are cute, beautiful, young male idols who soothe everyone who lays eyes on them with their smiles.”

“And so, in your heart of hearts, do you honestly believe this to be your true calling? Do you believe this to be the most appropriate position for you assigned by heaven itself?”

Mitsuru:

Just what are you tryin’ to say? All you’re doin’ is ramblin’ on and on and I don’t understand a word of it!

Tomoya:

H-Hey, Mitsuru… Didn’t I tell you not to speak to our superiors like that? This is a major figure we’re dealing with here, and we’re the ones they’re angry with.

Mitsuru:

But they’re gettin’ on my nerves! Ramblin’ on and on through a screen ‘cause they won’t even show their face! I don’t understand why they have to go gettin’ all mad at us!

Ideia-sama:

“Heh. It seems you’ve come to think of me as an enemy who is here to cause harm to Ra*bits.”

“And that’s why Mitsuru-san—may I call you that? And that’s why Mitsuru-san here is baring his teeth and desperately barking back at me.”

“Even harmless herbivores are capable of putting their lives on the line and going on the offensive for the sake of protecting themselves and their herd.”

“If anything, I’m rather annoyed that Tomoya-san seems to be dismissing me as someone narrow-minded enough to be put in a foul mood by such a cute threat.”

Tomoya:

What, me? I-I’m s-so s-sorry!

Ideia-sama:

“You needn’t apologize. And that goes for all of you—Hajime-san, Mitsuru-san, Tomoya-san. And of course, Nazuna-san too, who’s been silent this whole time.

Nazuna:

……

Ideia-san:

“Nazuna-san is wise—no, he is an adult. He can’t tell what my intentions are, and so he’s chosen to stay silent so that he won’t say anything that might set me off.”

Nazuna:

…Honestly, I’m just bad with words. And I don’t know what I’m supposed to say. That’s all.

Ideia-sama:

“There’s really no need to be so on guard.”

“It seems as though the agency staff has misrepresented my message to you in the first place. In fact, I’m not particularly angry with you at all.”

Hajime:

Oh, you’re not? Thank goodness…♪

Ideia-sama:

“No, don’t relax just yet. This is what I said to the higher-ups at the agency.”

“‘I’m requesting that from now on, Ra*bits are no longer marketed as a unit that specializes in cuteness.’”

“‘Make them quit ‘cuteness’ altogether.’”

“‘And if you don’t accept this demand, I will withdraw all permissions to use my music and leave this agency altogether.’”

Nazuna:

Wh-What? Why would you say something like that? Why should we do that?

Ideia-sama:

“I will explain shortly. But first, since that was how I expressed things, I gather that’s why the agency assumed I was angry with you.”

“I suppose that can’t be helped. If I was the member of staff who’d heard that, I too would have a sneaking suspicion that you Ra*bits had done something to upset me.”

“And I’d assume that since you’d gotten on my nerves, I’d go after your number one selling point—cuteness—and put pressure on you to toss it aside.”

Tomoya:

S-So that’s not the case? It isn’t because we’ve done something to upset you? But then why would you give our agency such a strange demand—

Ideia-sama:

“From this moment on, I am speaking to you off the record.”

“The reality is—a certain country is planning to build what may well be referred to as a utopia for female idols. One that happens to be a huge corporate conglomerate, equivalent to Japan’s ES.”

Tomoya:

A-A utopia for female idols…?

Ideia-sama:

“Correct. Though it seems to still be in the planning stage right now, so it will probably take some time before it comes to fruition. But in the near future, such a corporation will be founded overseas.”

“This is the unavoidable future that awaits us. It is our destiny.”

“Our country’s idol industry, shaped by the Godlike Super Idol after the war, is a twisted creation that places a disproportionate emphasis on men.”

“With the founding of ES, I did anticipate that things might change, but ES made its true intent clear during the recent SS.”

“‘Women are unnecessary.’”

“‘This world belongs to men.’”

Tomoya:

No way… But the results of SS were determined after a fair fight between everyone.

Ideia-sama:

“Is that so? …Mitsuru-san.”

Mitsuru:

Huh, me? What…?

Ideia-sama:

“I’m going to give you an example that’s easy to understand. One athlete must run 50 meters. But another must run 1000 meters.”

“If you were to compare the time it takes the two of them to reach the goal, the difference is unmistakably clear.”

“But even so, if the two of them were to put everything they had into running as fast as they possibly could, should the results still be accepted as they are?”

“One of these athletes only ran 50 meters, yet since victory belongs to him, he is showered in praise and given all the glory that goes along with it.”

“Do you think this is a fair result after a fair match up?”

Mitsuru:

Those’re two different kinds of matches.

Ideia-sama:

“Exactly.”

“However, our country’s idol industry has continued to treat such warped matches as just all of this time.”

“I’m sure you can understand how illogical this is, Mitsuru-san.”

Mitsuru:

……

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Translation by:

Ara @. nazunyan427

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Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

Parallel World - “Cuteness is Unjust” Chapter 4

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

Location: Rhythm Link Office

Nazuna:

Uh.

“Bishojo-senpai”, as in, the same major figure in the industry who took a huge liking to Hajime-chin?

Hajime:

Yes… For some reason, this person* has reached out to me and taken me under their wing.

Ideia-sama is extremely well-known so you’re probably aware of this already, but, let me think… One, two, three… They debuted about 19 years ago, so they’re a veteran idol in the industry.

They’re an incredible senpai who, ever since their debut, is constantly at the forefront of the industry—gathering success after success.

They’re one of the Top Ranking idols in the business, someone who could go head-to-head with Hidaka Seiya.

I’ve no doubt that they are, in both name and reality, what you’d call a super-idol.

Ideia-sama:

“I’m flattered that you’d speak with such high regards about me, but allow me to make one amendment.”

“I have never once referred to myself as an idol.”

“I find it wholly inappropriate. Such a term goes completely against my will. I will not be referred to by such an unsightly word.”

Hajime:

What…? …Oh, umm, sorry about that.

Ideia-sama:

“I am an Utaite.”*

“All other components are merely there to embellish my voice.”

“Idols are no more than the indecent concept of a false image created by a madman long ago, and I can’t stand the word being superimposed on my beauty.”

“I will grow nauseous.”

Tomoya:

What? Err, so, I have a stupid question… If that’s all right.

So, this giant—I mean—this very large man here is “Bishojo-senpai”?

I wasn’t expecting that… “Bishojo-senpai” is famous for refusing to show their face in the media, so who they really are is a mystery, but still…

Ideia-sama:

“Ah, he is simply acting on my behalf. He also makes up part of Kirarai Dearu.”

“As for his name, you can call him ‘Kira-kun’ for the time being.”

“He basically takes my place whenever I need to hold in-person meetings with others.”

“We also have a songwriter we refer to as “Raru-san”—the three of us together form Kirarai Dearu.”

Tomoya:

Kira, Ideia, and Raru. Altogether, “Kirarai Dearu.”

Ideia-sama:

“Yes. It’s a play on words, or rather, we combined all of our names in the same way many bands and artists do.”

Tomoya:

Oh! So your voice is coming out of the PC Kira-kun-san is holding. I was so intimidated by him that I haven’t been able to look directly at him, so I didn’t even notice.

Ideia-sama:

“There’s no need to be so frightened. Despite his appearance, he’s a very sweet boy.”

Tomoya:

B-But why all this…?

Hajime:

I thought this was supposed to be pretty well known. If anything, I’m surprised you didn’t know about it, Tomoya-kun, considering you know so much about idols.

Tomoya:

Mhm~ It’s a different genre to what I like. I don’t know much about female idols, so I had no idea.

Hajime:

Oh, so to you Ideia-sama falls under the category of female idols? It’s true that that’s how they sell themself, but I do believe the real Ideia-sama is male.

Tomoya:

I did hear that before. They’re technically a guy, but since they’re even more beautiful than any girl, everyone refers to them as “Bishojo-senpai.”

Mitsuru:

Mhm~ You mean sorta like Arashi-chan-senpai?

Ideia-sama:

“Heh. I would prefer if you let me leave that part ambiguous. My whole selling point is that I am an enigma—an entity full of mysteries.”

Hajime:

Too many mysteries… I’ve worked with them countless times before and even run into them by chance, but every single time, they never show their real face. They always have someone act as a mediator and only communicate using their voice alone.

So I don’t actually have any idea who the real Ideia-sama is.

Tomoya:

But why go through all of this…?

Hajime:

There are all sorts of rumors, ranging from Ideia-sama being an extreme misanthrope, or that they’re stuck in a hospital room with an incurable disease, or that they’re not even a real person to begin with.

But the truth is a mystery. I do wonder what the reality is though?

Ideia-sama:

“That’s a secret. The more mystery there is to me, the more bewitching I become, no?”

Tomoya:

I-I can’t say I was expecting this. Or like, I’m pretty bewildered that you’re such an… intense person.

Err, Ideia-sama—no, wait. I’ll stick with Bishojo-senpai. I’m more used to that.

Why did you call us here today, Senpai?

Our agency told us that some major figure is furious with us.

Hajime:

Well, there’s no figure more major than this…

Ideia-sama tends to be treated like some passing fad, but the truth is, their popularity and financial success alone makes up the backbone of Rhythm Link’s prosperity.

Ideia-sama:

“Though this agency tends to treat me as a nuisance.”

“Especially since all of the staff who first supported me at the beginning have since moved on to other agencies or retired, no thanks to succumbing to political warfare.”

“I am the goose that lays their golden eggs. And so, I am an asset Rhythm Link cannot let go of; but that certainly doesn’t mean I am under their control.”

“I am an artifact from a dangerous point in time. They cannot tear me down, but they also lack the skill to make use of me appropriately.”

Mitsuru:

A-All of this stuff sounds so complicated… Man, you sure are different to what I expected. On TV and stuff, Bishojo-senpai always acts real friendly.

To be honest, I thought they were the same sorta person as me; someone who’s not all that smart.

Tomoya:

No, that’s just the sort of character they play. Think about it: there’s no way they actually speak like a princess right out of a manga in real life.*

Hajime:

Though there are a lot of people who speak in a quirky way at ES in general.

Ideia-sama:

“I will say that I’m a bit embarrassed by that detail, so I would prefer it if you didn’t probe too deeply.”

“In accordance with what was demanded from me at a certain point in time, there was a point where I made an appearance on a variety show using a CG version of myself.”

“But I wasn’t fully aware of what manner of programme it actually was.”

“And so, the producers asked me to play the role of a ‘cutesy princess who knows nothing about the world.’”

“To this day, I’ve adhered strictly to that image.”

“Since I don’t show my face, if I were to suddenly change my personality, people might suspect that there might be a new, different person behind me.”

“See how beautiful young female idols go through stressful things just as you beautiful young male idols do?”

—

*Pronouns are not commonly used in Japanese, and so Bishojo-senpai does not have a confirmed pronoun.

Since it is left ambiguous in the story, I will be using “they” to match the Japanese text, since that is the closest English has to an ambiguous pronoun. (In some cases I may use others if they feel appropriate, but keep in mind that in the original JP, there is no specific pronoun being used.)

Incidentally, Hajime has always used “this person.”

Please feel free to interpret this character however you wish, as everyone will have a different interpretation based on cultural context.

*Utaite: (歌い手) is a Japanese term for people who cover previously released songs and post them on Nico Nico Douga and YouTube, but not limited to those two websites.

*Tomoya says that Bishojo-senpai ends their sentences with “desu no!” on variety shows, which sounds like a very posh, princessy way of speaking.

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Ara @. nazunyan427

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Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

Parallel World - “Cuteness is Unjust” Chapter 3

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

(Ten minutes later. Inside ES, Rhythm Link Office.)

Tomoya:

Excuse me… It’s us, Ra*bits.

Mitsuru:

Ahaha, you’ve been so gloomy all day, Tomo-chan! Cheer up!

Tomoya:

Well, considering someone’s about to chew us out any minute now, I’m hardly going to have a big grin on my face… If anything, you could do with being a little more on edge.

All you’re gonna do is gonna rub the person we’re dealing with the wrong way, so you could at least try to look like you’re sorry for what we’ve done.

Mitsuru:

But I dunno what they’re so mad at us for, so how am I supposed to look sorry about it?

And when we haven’t done a thing wrong?

Tomoya:

I mean, I thought the same thing… And it doesn’t seem like anyone else has any idea why someone would be mad at us either.

All the agency told me was that some big, influential figure that they can’t ignore is mad at us. But I have no idea who it is.

Hajime:

I do wonder who it could be… I’m getting nervous.

Oh! Maybe it was the actress I held back when we had to do dozens of retakes because of me? Or it could have been that salesman? Or maybe when I was on that TV show—

Nazuna:

Hmm… I’m sure all of us have slipped up in little ways plenty of times, but nothing that would infuriate some major figure enough to storm into the agency to give us a beatdown.

Tomoya:

Well, we don’t even know what we did to set them off.

Nazuna:

That’s true. But you know what they say—a picture is worth a thousand words. I’m sure once we see the person who’s here to give us a beatdown, we should be able to guess what’s up.

All right! All of you, follow me. If you get scared, you can hide behind me.

Hajime:

Nii~chan, you’re as macho as ever… Even though you’re the tiniest, you’re the coolest out of all of us ♪

Nazuna:

You didn’t have to call me the “tiniest”?

Tomoya:

Everyone, ssh… I can see someone who looks like they might be the person in question. Look, sitting over there by the window.

(Scene change. Rhythm Link Office window seat.)

Hajime:

……

Tomoya:

(Oh, it looks like Hajime is frozen in shock. Well, yeah. I get that. This is terrifying.

Who is that guy…? A member of the yakuza? A pro wrestler?

He’s so massive and looks terrifyingly strong… Like he’s made out of muscles.

Aw, I hate this. This guy seems terrifying. Is this the guy we upset?

No. There’s still a chance that might not be it. We’ve gotta confirm things with the agency first.

This massive guy might have nothing to do with us. Maybe he’s a pro wrestler who just so happens to be in the office at the same time as us. Yeah, I sure hope that’s it.)

???:

“I’ve been waiting for all of you.”

“Ufufufufu… And all of you came the moment I summoned you. Aren’t you all such good boys, Ra*bits?”

Tomoya:

(...?! What?! Did that massive guy just say that? He’s monstrously big, so that mysteriously cutesy voice I just heard doesn’t suit him at all!)

Hajime:

I know that voice!

Tomoya:

What? Hajime, you know this guy?

Hajime:

Oh, no. I’m not familiar with this large man.

But I’ve heard that voice before. There’s no way all of you haven’t either. The tone was a little bit different than usual, so you might not have recognized it right away.

???:

“Yes. But since this is the first time I’ve met some of you here face to face—well, face to face perhaps isn’t the right word—but this will be my first time speaking with some of you. And so, I will introduce myself.”

“Allow me to officially mark the start of our first meeting.”

“My name is Kirarai Dearu. Kirarai is my last name, and Dearu is my first name. Ah, but the whole thing is my stage name, of course.”

Tomoya:

Kirarai…?

Hajime:

Fans tend to shorten the full thing and use ‘Ideia-sama’ when talking about this person.*

In other words, this is “Bishojo-senpai”.

Ideia-sama:

“And I happen to prefer that nickname. It captures my true essence.”

“I don’t mind if all of you continue to call me ‘Bishojo-senpai’ as always. Do feel free.”

Hajime:

Err, umm. Since we’re face to face (?) right now, it feels a bit embarrassing to call you that.

Ideia-sama:

“And why is that? It isn’t as if it’s a derogatory nickname. If anything, it’s a compliment.”

“There is no such thing as expressing too many words of praise or gratitude.”

–

Notes:

*Pronunciation:

EEE-DEH-AHH

I’ve been struggling on how to romanize this to match the pronunciation.

As it’s short for Kirarai Dearu, “Idea” is the closest spelling, but it is pronounced differently to the english word “idea.” And so “Ideia” will hopefully get the pronunciation across the best, but this may be changed if it is ever confirmed otherwise in future.

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Ara @. nazunyan427

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Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

Parallel World - “Cuteness is Unjust” Chapter 2

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

Nazuna:

It’d be like if you’d been a Swordmaster all along, but you were suddenly asked to change your class to a Sorcerer—to use a game as an example.

Tomoya:

Oh yeah, you play games, Nii~chan. That really surprises me.

Based on looks alone, I never would’ve guessed you had such otaku type hobbies. I would’ve taken you for someone who’s really into fashion, or even a normie. Something like that?

Hajime:

I definitely get you. I would’ve seen Nii~chan in the same way as my little sister. These days, she’s trying to act a lot more sophisticated and refined—the kind of person who not only has no interest in manga or games, but outright looks down on them altogether.

Nazuna:

No, not at all~ I got hooked back in school hearing all the blipblips from Mako-chin’s consoles and seeing how much he was enjoying himself. He taught me about all kinds of games, and it’s still a way for me to kill some time to this day.

Not that I have so much free time I need something to kill it. But if all I do is work and study, I’ll go insane.

Hajime:

I definitely understand! Wow, you always know how to express how I perfectly feel on my behalf, Nii~chan. I’m not good with words and I can’t express exactly what I want to say, so this is a huge help.

No, you’ve been a huge help all along. All this time.

Mitsuru:

Me too, me too! Thanks to Nii~chan thinkin’ over the hard stuff and knowin’ what to say, I never hafta to think about a thing! I can just dash straight ahead!

Tomoya:

You really should think for yourself every now and then.

Mitsuru:

I only wanna focus on the stuff I’m “best” at! Dash, dash, da~sh ☆

Tomoya:

Ahaha. Well, I suppose that’s the best way for you to be, Mitsuru.

(If anything, I’m the one with nothing in particular that I can be called “best” at, nor can I support everyone the same way Nii~chan can. I guess I’m the least useful one here.

I’m supposed to be Leader of Ra*bits, but I feel like I’ve got nothing to contribute.)

Nazuna:

What’s wrong, Tomo-chin? Something bothering you?

Now that we have the chance, feel free to let out all the complaints you have, no matter what it is. You’ll feel tons better.

I keep saying this over and over, but that’s the whole reason we’re all here today.

Hajime:

Heh. It was actually supposed to be an afterparty to celebrate the end of SS. At least, that’s what we originally planned.

But we couldn’t get our schedules to match up, so time slipped by before we knew it.

Nazuna:

Yeah~ That’s why in the end we decided to go with a year-end celebration rather than SS specifically.

On top of that, we’re just in the same old staff canteen. I would’ve reserved a much fancier restaurant.*

Mitsuru:

But this way is better since it’s more casual, y’know?

Hajime:

That's right… If we went to some classy, grown-up restaurant, I’d probably be so nervous I wouldn’t even be able to taste the food.

Tomoya:

Right. We should really stick with the sort of place that matches our style the most.

…Hm? Oh, sorry, I need to take this.

Nazuna:

What’s up, Tomo-chin?

Tomoya:

It’s just… the agency contacted me over HoldHands.

Mitsuru:

Oh~ Maybe they have a new job for ya? *whistles* You’re in demand, Tomo-chan!

Tomoya:

Come on, it sounds like you’re making fun of me when you put it like that.

“Hello, yes? Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Hmm? Yes, the rest of Ra*bits are here with me.”

Mitsuru:

Hm? This isn’t just about you, it’s about all of us?

Tomoya:

H-Hey, quit making such a fuss right next to me while I’m trying to talk on the phone. Your voice is so loud that I won’t be able to hear them.

“Oh, sorry. Yes… Yes… Huh?”

“No, err, I’m not quite sure what you mean by–”

Hajime:

Well, this seems ominous.

Nazuna:

It sure doesn’t sound like good news.

Tomoya:

“…All right, understood. We’ll head over right away.”

“Thank you for contacting me… If you’ll excuse me.”

Man… What was that all about? I have no idea…

Nazuna:

Uh… What’s wrong, Tomo-chin? What was that phone call about?

Tomoya:

Oh, sorry! First I need to report back to you guys… I mean, I should probably ask you if you’ve any idea what this could be about.

According to the agency, some major figure is furious with Ra*bits and is coming to lodge a complaint against us.

But does anyone even remember upsetting some influential figure in the industry?

–

Notes:

*He says this, but in his mini talks, Nazuna mentions that he asked Niki-chin to make them an extra special meal for the occasion. He says that what it is is a secret though.

PREVIOUS CHAPTER
NEXT CHAPTER

–

Translation by:

Ara @. nazunyan427

Proofreader:

Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

Parallel World - “Cuteness is Unjust” Chapter 1

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

(Traveling two weeks back in time, mid March. ES Building Canteen)

Nazuna:

Great work this year, guys~ ☆

Tomoya/ Hajime:

You too, Nii~chan! ♪

Mitsuru:

Yes, all of us did wonderfully! It’s clear as day that we all endeavored to give it our all! How brightly all of us shone!*

Nazuna:

Hm? It was Mitsuru-chin that spoke just now, wasn’t it? And not Hajime-chin?

What are you speaking like that for? You sound as awkward as a machine translation. What happened to the way you normally speak?

Mitsuru:

Mhm~ I got scolded back durin’ White Choco Fest and was told I needed to fix my habit of speakin’ so casually.

Nazuna:

What the?! And what dumbass told you that? You making yourself sound so friendly is a unique quirk of yours that fans adore! Unlike the way I slur my words…

Tomoya:

You’d be surprised how often fans bring up how much they miss “Nazuna-kun” slurring his words the way he used to.

Nazuna:

Well, I hate it when I do that! It makes me sound unprofessional.

Tomoya:

Ahaha, I feel like you’re the only one who’s bothered by it.

But anyway, Mitsuru, I think I must have already scolded you about speaking more politely a thousand times now. Like, at least try to be more formal when we’re meeting with important clients.

But you never seemed to care up until now, so why is it bothering you all of a sudden?

Mitsuru:

‘Cause I really look up to our Trickstar Nii~chans as idols!

Oops, I started speakin’ all casual again!

Nazuna:

Don’t worry about it. You shouldn’t try to forcibly change what sort of person you are~ You should speak and act in the way that comes most naturally to you.

I’m speaking from experience… Back when I was part of Valkyrie, I played the role of a mute, expressionless doll which was hella stressful.

I can already feel myself about to trip over my words just by thinking about it…

Not that Itsuki or Kagehira forced me to act that way. I started playing that sort of character of my own accord.

So it’s not like I can blame it on anyone else. But it really was a stupid thing to do.

Hajime:

Especially considering the real you now is the complete opposite sort of person, Nii~chan.

Nazuna:

I dunno how I feel about being told that the pure, cutesy member of Ra*bits I play is the real me either—that also doesn’t feel right. But if I had to pick one, this way is definitely easier on me.

Everyone’s a cutie back when they’re a baby or still little. It’s a period everyone should have experienced at some point, so all you have to do is recreate it.

Hajime:

Hehe. That’s why back when we were fledgling idols and forming our group, even we were able to pull off playing that sort of character pretty easily.

Nazuna:

Yeah, exactly. Cuteness is something anyone can easily create.

But it’s because it’s easy that there’s so much competition. So it would have been pretty tough to come out on top if cuteness was all we had.

Tomoya:

…That’s becoming painfully clear to me these days.

Anyone with eyes can see how cute Hajime and Nii~chan are at a glance, and Mitsuru’s pulling off going in a cooler direction pretty successfully.

But as for me, I feel like I’m not regarded as someone who has any particular praiseworthy qualities.

Lately, I’ve been stressing out about that a lot.

Wait, sorry. We’re supposed to be celebrating, but here I am grumbling about this.

Nazuna:

No, you’re fine, grumble away. Nii~chan is here to listen to you.

That’s why we’re all here today anyway. Lately, all of us have been so busy with our work as individuals on top of being involved with projects like shuffle units, so we have more work than ever.

It’s not like we can just hang out the way we used to every day back when we were all at Yumenosaki.

That’s why we get together for drinks and meals like this—to basically make up for lost time. Or rather, make sure our bonds are just as strong as ever.

Though the reason we haven’t been able to meet up all that much is thanks to me struggling to balance work on top of school. I’m not used to this at all, so the bulk of the blame is on me.

I really feel like I went back to school too early. Taking on two roles at once sure isn’t easy.

Though I knew that back when I graduated.

Tomoya:

Sorry… If I was more put together, I wouldn’t be causing so much trouble for you, Nii~chan.

Nazuna:

No, not at all. It’s not your fault, Tomo-chin. I always make my decisions based on my own volition. That is, after considering what sort of life I want to lead.

I’m sick of having to adjust myself to suit other people.

Hajime:

You say that, Nii~chan, but I still get the impression that you tend to sacrifice yourself for the sake of others.

Nazuna:

I guess that’s just a habit of mine. A bad habit, that is.

But the guy who gives up his own time to suit others is still me. Even if you tell me I need to do something about that, it’s not a part of myself that I can discard so easily.

Hajime:

I know, I understand.

PREVIOUS CHAPTER
NEXT CHAPTER

—

Notes:

*Mitsuru normally speaks very casual Japanese, ending his sentences in “da ze”, even when speaking to seniors. But here, he speaks in polite Japanese, similar to how Hajime always does.

—

Translation by:

Ara @. nazunyan427

Proofreader:

Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

Parallel World - Prologue

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

Tomoya:

“Come on and kick the crap out of a world that’s rotten to the core!”

Mitsuru:

“**** [REDACTED]! **** [REDACTED]!”

Hajime:

“Listen up, **** [REDACTED]! Ya bunch of **** [REDACTED]! Never mind pretendin’ to be prissy lil’ goody-two shoes and **** [REDACTED]!”

Nazuna:

“That’s it, lemme hear ya yell! Unleash your rage! Set your souls on fire! Spit in the face of everyone up on their high horse thinkin’ they’re so **** [REDACTED] virtuous! **** [REDACTED]!”

(The first year after the founding of ES. End of March. Starmony Dorm Theater Room.)

Nazuna:

No way~ No more, I can’t bear to watch another second of this.

Mitsuru:

You seem real down, Nii~chan. You okay? Do ya have a fever? Hey, hey?

Hajime:

Th-That was certainly… intense. We did make a request for a version of us that would completely overthrow who we’ve been up until now…

But this doesn’t just overthrow who we are—it’s turned us into completely different people.

Tomoya:

Yeah… And maybe it’s because the technology is not entirely there yet, but we’re saying these shocking things and yet smiling as cutely as we always do. Composite footage really is incredible.

Hajime:

It does feel incredibly disharmonious, doesn’t it? …Just watching it makes me feel really out of sync, like, I’m getting all woozy.

Mitsuru:

Nii~chan, Nii~chan! What does “**** [REDACTED]” mean?

Nazuna:

Shtop that! All of you fwoget what you just saw wight now! Ewase that filth fwom your mind!

Mitsuru:

Oh… Nii~chan slurred his words for the first time in forever…

Hajime:

Well, it seems to be something that happens depending on his mental state. He tends to slur his words when he’s under heavy stress… Here, Nii~chan, drink some water and take some deep breaths.

Nazuna:

In… Out… Ugh, I can’t believe what we just watched. I’m gonna have nightmares about this.

I don’t think I need to say this to you guys, but there is NO WAY we’re doing anything like that.

I’m not letting any of you guys copy that. It doesn’t make any sense for our image as Ra*bits.

Mitsuru:

But then what should we do?

I thought we’re supposed to kick the crap out of our current image?

Nazuna:

Don’t say that! Watch your language!

Tomoya:

Niichan, you normally swear the most out of all of us… Kind of fascinating that you’re the one who’s having the most adverse reaction to this…

Nazuna:

I’m allowed to swear! I’m the claws and fangs of Ra*bits! If any assholes come for you guys, it’s my job to bite their fucking head off!

But I don’t want to hear you guys using foul language! I want you to stay pure and clean the way you all are now~!

Hajime:

But isn’t that where our problem lies in the first place? Or rather, we’ve reached a plateau—that’s why we’ve been told that we can’t stay the same cute, pure way we’ve been up until now.

It’s the whole reason we’re in a bind right now.

Tomoya:

Yeah. Why did this have to happen to us?

Mitsuru:

You guys are so dark! You’ve gotta smile about it, smile! Mr. Fortune comes to those who smile!

Tomoya:

And who exactly is “Mr. Fortune” supposed to be?

Nazuna:

Anyway! There’s no way we’re going down this road! 100% out of the question! Personally firing whoever came up with that idea!

That said, I do accept I’m not the current leader of Ra*bits—and therefore the final call is Tomo-chin's to make and not mine.

So I don’t actually have the right to shut this down.

Tomoya:

It’s okay, Nii~chan. I’m sure everyone feels the same. I was seriously questioning what we just saw too. On top of being painful to watch, I just don’t think there’s any way we’d be able to reenact that sort of behavior in reality.

It's not possible to dress in the sort of clothes that are completely out of our style.

Mitsuru:

That’s right! Tomo-chan, you just said somethin’ super ordinary!

Tomoya:

Huh? I feel like I came up with a pretty creative metaphor, if you ask me.

Anyway. Thanks to pressure from our agency and That Senpai, it’s become necessary for us Ra*bits to change up our style.

I can’t believe we have to toss aside the “cute” direction we’ve been pursuing so far.

On top of that, finding a new style to pursue isn’t easy—it’s looking to be a huge hassle. I seriously wonder what we’re gonna do.

Hajime:

Well, I think all we can do for the time being is have a look at as many different styles as possible to expand our knowledge of what’s available. That’s why we’re exploring all these different kinds of Ra*bits right now.

We’ve been using the SSVRS technology to have the other idols take on our appearance.

In doing so, they’re letting us see a completely different version of ourselves while still looking exactly like us—and they’ve all agreed to help us out with this and play the part.

In other words, we’re seeing a “parallel world” version of ourselves.

Though the results don't really look too promising right now. I really get the feeling that the best option is to keep going exactly the way we are now.

I wonder just what is the right “answer”?

NEXT CHAPTER

—

Translation by:

Ara @. nazunyan427

Proofreader:

Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

Springing to Adulthood ✩ Leaving the Nest: Ready, Set, GO!

Written by: Kinosei

Overseen by: Akira

Ready, Set, GO!

Prologue

Season: Winter

Location: Train

Mid-February. During the morning commute via train.

Nazuna: Hnfgh…! I cyan’t move…!

Hajime: N-Nii~chan, are you all right? If you feel like we’re gonna get split up, grab ahold of me—

Hywahh?!

Nazuna: You say that, Hajime-chin, but you’ve already gotten swallowed up by the crowd and are being dragged further away?!

Wait. By the way, where did Mitsuru-chin and Tomo-chin go? I completely lost sight of both of them a few minutes ago…

Mitsuru: I’m over here~! I can’t move an inch, but I’ve got the muscles to endure it, so I’m fine!

Tomoya: I’m over here. But I’m surrounded by people taller than me, so you probably can’t see me very well.

Just how many people are on this train anyway? I won't be surprised if the percentage is way past the full capacity. To be honest, I seriously underestimated the morning rush hour.

I mean, I can just about handle this, but I do NOT want to have to go through this five days a week.

Nazuna: Yeah. But realistically speaking, there’s a fair amount of people who DO go through this five days a week.

Anyway, I’m just glad to see you two look relatively unharmed. Though I hadn’t imagined the morning commute would be this unpleasant!

Company employees sure have it rough. It never even occurred to me that we’d be in this same position one day.

Hajime: And that’s exactly what makes this such a great experience. I’m really looking forward to seeing how our first day at work is going to go.

Nazuna: Yeah. They specifically chose us for this, so we’ve gotta live up to their expectations.

(In any case, there’s only five stops to go before we reach the office. Let’s do this!

…Ahaha. What a weird thing to get myself all pumped up about.

I’m already juggling college alongside being an idol, and now I’m about to get my first taste of working at a company. What an odd turn of events. ♪)

Several days earlier.
Location: ES

Nazuna: … ‘Ready, Set, GO!’?

Tomoya: I see. So it’s a variety show that would have us Ra*bits come and work at a company, which would be filmed for a TV special.

Hajime: And the company in question specializes in menswear? So we’d be advertising their suits at the same time, hitting two birds with one stone.

I see, so we’d get to experience becoming part of that company. The details make sense to me, Anzu-san.

Mitsuru: So we’d get to wear suits and go to work? That sounds like it’d be fun!

Tomoya: Well, I’m not so sure it’d be all that fun for the viewers though. I just don’t see us being able to play any sort of useful role to a company. If anything, I feel like we might just be a burden.

Sorry to say this after you’ve explained everything to us, Anzu-san, but I can’t decide if we should say yes or not on the spot.

Do you think you could tell us a little more information?

Like, why were we offered this in the first place? And what sort of things do they mean to ask of us? I’d rather make a call after hearing all the info you have at hand.

Hajime: …Ever since we really held our own against Eden when we both took part on Bogie Time, we’ve attracted a lot of attention?

Now that you mention it, we are pretty used to being on variety shows, so it probably seemed as though we were on equal footing with Eden there.

Nazuna: So that’s why? Some fancy higher-up at a TV station saw our stint on Bogie Time, and decided he wanted to see more of Ra*bits’ potential?

I mean, I’m grateful that we’ve got a good reputation when it comes to variety shows, but this job sounds like we’d be really throwing ourselves in at the deep end.

Mitsuru: No matter when or what the job, as long as it looks interesting, I’ll be just fine!

Tomoya: Mitsuru, I’m telling you not to make promises we can’t keep. I just don’t think that work experience at a company is something we should take that lightly.

Mitsuru: Mmm~ But it’s not like I’m only thinking about the fun side of things, y’know?

Tomoya: Well, I guess technically being both an idol and an actor counts as work experience too… But working for a big company is pretty rough. Like, things seem hectic for my Dad every single day.

Things are tough in a way that’s different from being an idol which is all a battle of talent. There are a ton of rules you can’t break. Isn’t that the sort of thing you can’t stand?

Mitsuru: Ungh, really? I’m feelin’ the pressure just hearin’ about it!

Never mind, we should turn this down, right? What do the rest of you guys think?

Hajime: It’s a difficult decision to make, that’s for sure… I see exactly where Tomoya-kun is coming from, but I also think that we’ll never know unless we try.

Do you think we could have a little bit more time to think it over before we give our answer?

This type of job would be a first for us, so I really think it would be best for the four of us to talk it over and come to a unanimous decision. And I believe that would be the best course of action for the company we’d be working with too.

Tomoya: I agree. This isn’t something we can just decide right away, but it's great to hear that Ra*bits are being regarded so highly.

Nazuna: Same here. Sorry, Anzu, but it seems like we’re still split about what to do, so can you give us a bit more time to think about the offer?

Great. Sorry we can’t give you an immediate answer though.

Tomoya: Anzu-san. Do you think we could have 2-3 days before we have to decide? I’d like to do some research on the company we’d be working for in the meantime.

Thanks. And if you have any documents or a proposal on hand, I’d love to look over that too. Thanks for all of this!

Nazuna: …You‘ve got another meeting to get to so you’ll send the rest of the details by email? Sorry about all this. And thanks for coming to talk to us about it in person even though you’re so busy.

Yeah. We’ll be sure to take our decision about this seriously. And if we do decide to take you up on the offer, we’ll be all yours, Anzu.

// SPOILERS FOR DREAM LIVE TO FOLLOW
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Kuro: Itsuki, look at you out here talkin' to everyone! Yosh, yosh. *pats his shoulder*

Shu: *pushes him away in exasperation* Kiryu! The reason I did not join you on stage before is simply because I did not wish to dismantle the world that Valkyrie had crafted! Do not mock me so!

Rinne: Bein’ a real formal, prestigious unit is Valkyrie’s sellin’ point, ain’t it? That mean you’re not up to scratch when it comes to stuff like actin’ in variety shows? Haha!

Shu: It appears the idols as of recent years ought to contend with one another when it comes to much more than simply performing on stage, lest they lose their standing. Valkyrie too may no longer continue on merely as we have done before now.

Kuro: I dunno about contendin’ with ya or anythin’, so let’s just do our best up here together.

So, we were given orders to keep the crowd entertained with what we had to say durin’ this part of the show, but…

Rinne: They did a bunch of stuff yesterday, didn’t they? Sure looked like a hoot, so I’ve been waitin’ impatiently to have a lil’ fun with ya myself!

Shu: It appears they called upon our audience to make use of their pen lights to participate. The result was rather beautiful. I too wish to once again recreate such a marvelous artistic performance within this very venue—

Rinne: Yeah, gonna need ya to stop right there. Never mind your artistic performance. I wanna make sure everyone in the crowd has their heart poundin’ when I’m through with ‘em! Wouldn’t that be more entertainin’?

Shu: Hmph. And I suppose you have a superior idea in mind?

Kuro: What are ya thinkin’? Go on, tell us.

Rinne: Ya wanna hear what I came up with?

Lemme put it this way - let’s gamble!

Shu: *dramatic sigh* Kiryu. Never mind this, I wish to leave.

Kuro: Hold on now. I doubt he actually means real gambling, right? Amagi-senpai.

Rinne: You got it! Right, all of us are gonna ask the crowd a few questions, and for any question the answer is yes to, ya raise your pen lights! In other words, only God himself has any idea what the view of the crowd from the stage is gonna look like!

Kuro: Oho.

Shu: Hmph. “Gambling” is certainly an extreme way of phrasing it, yet I do recognize what it is he is implying. We shall create an display of true artistry that shall only be possible with the presence of this very audience!

Rinne: Yeah, yeah, you get me.

Kuro: So that’s what you have in mind. Then why don’t we give it a go right away?

Rinne: All righty! All of ya, make sure to set your pen light to whatever color it is ya like best! Hold up, there ain’t no need to hold ‘em up just yet. One of us’ll ask a question, and if ya think the answer’s yes, raise that pen light all the way and wave it for us!

Kuro: If you don’t have a pen light, we’d love if you’d join in usin’ your hands or fists. Are ya ready? Right then, Itsuki. Try askin’ ‘em somethin’.

Shu: I am to be first? Now, what shall I ask… Very well! I shall address all here - tell me, are there those of you who who consider yourself artists, or have dedicated yourself to the pursuit of art, present in this very arena? *the crowd begins to raise their lights* …Hmm. How am I to interpret this? I am afraid I do not quite comprehend.

Kuro: Uh… I think your question was a lil’ too hard. I see more than a few lil’ ladies lookin’ like they didn’t have a clue what they should be doin’.

Rinne: I’m tellin’ ya, simple sorts of questions are best for things like this! All righty, I’m up next! How many of ya LOOOVE Rinne-kun? *crowd waves lights* HAH! Thanks! I love all of ya right back!

Shu: What a vulgar sort of question.

Kuro: Well, it was easy to understand, wasn’t it? Then… Those of ya here who are havin’ the time of their life at today’s show, raise your pen light or hand in the air.

Shu: I do not believe anyone would not raise their light for such a question. And yet… I am truly pleased that you would express such a sentiment in our favor. The sight from up here is truly magnificent.

Rinne: Right? By the way, that’s all I’m able to play around with ya! I’ve got a performance comin’ up, so I’ll be excusin’ myself here. I’ll leave the rest to you two. Later!

Kuro: See you.

Shu: *sigh* For goodness sake. He is not unlike a storm. Now that he is no longer present, I might finally be at peace.

Kuro: He sure gets the place lively. But hey, Itsuki. Weren’t ya havin’ a pretty good time? I can see it in your face.

Shu: You are simply interpreting it so. Yet I do suppose that were I to claim our time on stage has been dull, that would not quite be true.

Should we share the stage once more, I would prefer it to be a more elegant affair.

Kuro: Hehe. All right, the second half of the show is gonna be startin’ soon. Are ya ready to enjoy the next part?

Shu: Their expressions make that much clear. We too are primed and ready to preform for you all once more.

Kuro: As are we. Well then, I’ll pass ya on to the next unit. Make sure ya enjoy the rest of the show.

Shu: We shall meet again.

Kuro: See ya soon. Hehe.

Ra*bits Group Interview

Q/1 If you could switch bodies with any other member for just one day, who would it be?

Mitsuru: I saw that happen in a movie! It looked pretty stressful trying to keep it a secret from everyone, but it was pretty cool.

Nazuna: Yeah, there’s a lot of famous media involving body switching.

Tomoya: I definitely don’t want to switch bodies with a weirdo, but I’d probably be okay with anyone here.

Hajime: If I could choose anyone, I’d want it to be Mitsuru-kun. I’d love to know what it feels like to be able to run that fast.

Mitsuru: It feels amazing! I’ll give you a piggyback ride when I run sometime, Hajime-chan! ⭐️

Tomoya: Just be careful you don’t fall~ I’d like to become Nii~chan and try going to college. It’d feel so grown up, something I admire a lot~ 🎶

Nazuna: Yeah it’s true that college is a whole new world from high school. I think I’d wanna be Hajime-chin. I wanna know what it feels like to be part of a big family!

Hajime: Hehe, it feels very comforting and it’s a lot of fun, you know. You might be in for a few surprises, Nii~chan, since you’re an only child.

Mitsuru: Gettin’ along with everyone is the most important of all! 🎶 I wanna be Tomo-chan! Then I’d be able to try out what it’s like to be leader of Ra*bits!

Tomoya: You, the leader? I’d be a little worried, but I kinda wanna see that.

Q/2 What would you do if you won the lotto?

Mitsuru: If you win the lotto, does that mean you get rich?

Nazuna: The chances of it actually happening are low, but if you get the jackpot, you win a crazy amount of money.

Tomoya: Uh, Hajime? You okay? You look like you’ve frozen up.

Hajime: I-I’m fine. Right, if we won a lot of money… We should donate half of it to our unit activities! And then we could split the rest of it equally between us all…

Nazuna: Hajime-chin, you don’t have to take it so seriously. You may as well try and imagine how you’d use it to try out something you’ve always wanted to do, or always wanted to own. Like a round-the-world trip!

Mitsuru: I wanna visit outer space!

Tomoya: Or we could rent out a huge arena and have a massive concert. Have you come up with something, Hajime?

Hajime: Yes! What if we built a huge house where all four of us could live together, and bring our families too?

Mitsuru: So we’d get to spend every day together? I super agree! 🎶

Nazuna: Kinda like a sharehouse? Sounds fun!

Tomoya: If the house is gonna be huge, then as well as everyone getting their own room, we should have stuff like a room to practice dancing and a giant hall too.

Hajime: Oh, that sounds wonderful!

Nazuna: Ahaha, it sounds like it’s just gonna turn into ES!

Q/3 Is there anything you guys are super into as a unit lately?

Nazuna: Recently we’re pretty into suddenly ad-libbing and acting out a scene.

Tomoya: We come up with it totally on the spot. When we’re all together, someone will say something that sounds like a line out of a script, and everyone else has to play along.

Mitsuru: It feels like a drama without a script, and it’s super fun! I love how we all get to act out different parts compared to who we normally are~

Hajime: The other day, Mitsuru was suddenly like “Hey, Dad!” to Nii~chan.

Tomoya: Right, yeah! Mitsuru was a kid attending high school and Nii~chan was his papa.

Nazuna: He caught me off-guard, but I knew I had to play along, so I did my best to make my voice as deep as I could and go “Oh, welcome home, son.”

Tomoya: Then I pretended to be Mitsuru’s little brother and started talking to him in that role, but since Hajime started acting all fidgety I was like, “Hey, Mom!”

Mitsuru: Hajime-chan’s face went all red and he was all “I’ll go put on some tea for you then, dear.”* - it was sooo cute

Hajime: All of you were looking at me so expectantly, so I got really embarrassed, okay…!

*Hajime normally speaks in polite Japanese to everyone 100% of the time, unless he’s talking to his siblings/family. When he pretended to be a mom, he dropped the polite Japanese and switched to plain Japanese, which is an usual way of speaking for him.

Q/4 Tell us what it is you admire about the other members of your unit, or something you’d like to learn from them.

Hajime: There are so many things~ I could be here all day answering this! Nii~chan is so dependable and reliable, Tomoya-kun is so lovely and kind, and Mitsuru-kun is so, so cool, and—

Tomoya: Ahaha, yeah I consider pretty much everyone but me to be pretty amazing. Sometimes I question if it’s really okay for me to be the leader.

Mitsuru: Of course it is! You’re always workin’ so hard every day, so I’ve a ton of respect for ya, Tomo-chan! And for Nii~chan and Hajime-chan too!

Nazuna: What I really like is the way you guys support and encourage one another like this.

Hajime: Wah…! And nothing makes the three of us happier than when you praise us, Nii~chan!

Mitsuru: Right! But what about you, Nii~chan? Do ya like it when we praise you?

Nazuna: Well, yeah. It’s because I’ve got you guys here with me that I’m able to do my best when it comes to both college and idol work.

Tomoya: And when you say things like that, it gives the rest of us the courage to want to work even harder!

Mitsuru: Yeah! Ah, I just love Ra*bits so much~!

Name: Nazuna Nito

Unit: Rhythm Link

Height: 160cm

Weight: 49kg

Blood Type: O

Birthday: 4/27

Likes: Can badges

Dislikes: Frogs

Family: Parents, Rabbit

Hobby: Mobile games

Speciality: Performances involving height

---

Q/1 This is a concert that features units from Cospro and Rhythm Link, but can you tell us about what you think is unique about your own unit?

I wanna make it clear that Ra*bits’ speciality is our cuteness, of course! The line up for this tour features a lot of “cool” units, and so for all the spectators that came to see us, I want us to deliver the cutest performance we possibly can! I’d be thrilled if through our song and dance, there were that many more people we could cheer up and make ‘em feel comforted!

Q/2 Is there anything in particular you’d like to do during the free time you get during this tour?

I’ll be spending the majority of the time with the members of my unit, so I’d like if Ra*bits could grab food together and stay up talking to one another, having a laugh in our hotel room before going to sleep. In the past, I’d warned them not to cause any trouble and to keep it quiet, but right now I really miss the excited, cheerful atmosphere they bring to a room. It can’t hurt to have days where you just let loose like that, y’know?

Q/3 Are there any other units that catch your eye?

I’ve got my eye on the units my old classmates belong to. That includes Undead and Akatsuki from my agency, and there’s an idol the same age as me in Valkyrie too. A while now has passed since we graduated, but I still can’t help but feel a fellowship between us all. There are a lot of us who went from leading our units forward, to standing back to watch over our unit, so I feel like I can really empathize with that.

Q/4 Are you selective about fashion?

I prefer casual clothes, but I’m conscious not to wear things that will make me look too feminine. Due to my looks, I’ve even had someone recommend women’s clothing to me before… Though nowadays, it’s becoming more acceptable for men to wear feminine clothing, so maybe it wouldn’t be that odd? Lately, oversized clothing is pretty fashionable, but since I’m pretty small, I’m careful not to wear too much.

Q/5 If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I really want the power to control time. What with studying at college on top of my idol work, every day flies by before I know it! So I think it’d be pretty handy to be able to pause time. Or maybe the ability to split myself into two? Every day is packed with so many things I wanna do, so it’d be super helpful if I had a second version of myself who was willing to work hard! 🎶

Hinata’s Comment:

I’ve shared a class with the others from Ra*bits all along and all they do is talk about Nito-senpai~ They’re like, “Nii~chan is so cool!” and “Nii~chan is so amazing!” And stuff like… Well, there’s more, but I probably shouldn’t say too much!

Rei’s Comment:

Nito-kun is both studying at college while working as an idol at the same time - that sort of dedication takes an extraordinary amount of effort, does it not? It is only natural that Nito-kun is surrounded by many juniors and comrades who adore him dearly. And I too should very much like to take some time to chat with him about his college days at some point.

Note: Thank you so much to Lisaw for sharing pics of the interview with me so I could translate!

Disclaimer:

All of these translations are non for profit.

Note: This list is a WIP.

Ra*bits

The Potential of Our Parallel World
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10

Happy Spring

Prologue

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Epilogue

High Five

Black Bunny

Mitsuru of Amnesia Chapter 1

Mitsuru of Amnesia Chapter 2

Mitsuru of Amnesia Chapter 3

Mitsuru in Wonderland Chapter 1

Mitsuru in Wonderland Chapter 2

Mitsuru in Wonderland Chapter 3

Mitsuru to Escape Chapter 1

Mitsuru to Escape Chapter 2

Mitsuru to Escape Chapter 3

Mitsuru to Escape Chapter 4

Ra*bits with Jumping Chapter 1

Ra*bits with Jumping Chapter 2

Ra*bits in Underland

Epilogue

Nazuna

Nazuna Management Stories - Izumi, Kuro, Hajime

Substory - Breaktime with Bunnies

Substory - Captain Nito and Me

Substory - Unbroken Bond

Feature Scout 5* - Flowers Will Bloom In Time
Feature Scout 4* - To The Flowers That Have Begun to Bloom ft. Mao, Makoto

Feature Scout 3* - A Nostalgic Morning

!! Homescreen Lines

2021 Birthday

Hajime

Management Stories - Subaru, Eichi, Tetora

Hajime Idol Story 2 ft. Tomoya

Hajime Idol Story 3 ft. Yuzuru

Feature Scout 3* - Multiplied Happiness ft. Anzu

Feature Scout 4* - Mutual Feelings ft. Tori, Tomoya

Feature Scout 3* - Rainy Season at the Library ft. Ritsu

Feature Scout 5* - Singing the Present ft. Arashi, Ritsu, Ra*bits

!! Homescreen Lines

2020 Birthday

2021 Birthday

Tomoya

Tomoya Idol Story 2 ft. Ra*bits

Tomoya Idol Story 3 ft. Tsukasa

Substory - Sharing the Fun ft. Hajime & Mitsuru

2021 Birthday

Feature Scout 3* - Like the Air Itself ft. Hiiro

Mitsuru

Substory

Izumi

Izumi Idol Story 3 ft. Nazuna

Feature Scout 3* - From the Flower Capital ft. Shu

2020 Birthday

Ritsu:

2020 Birthday

Kuro

Feature Scout 4* - Brother to Brother ft. Mao

Feature Scout 3* - The Path to History Starts with One Step ft. Tomoya, Mitsuru, Sora, Hinata

Folk Song ft. Nazuna

Wild Boar ft. Nazuna

Feature Scout 5* - Clad in the Path I’ve Taken ft. Nazuna, Tsumugi, Leo, Keito

Other Story Translations

Astraea's Atelier

Ally of Justice - Chapter One

Tori

Substory - As No-Tori-ously Haughty As Ever ft. Tennis Club

Adonis

Feature Scout 4* - The Rhythm Link Arm Wrestling Cup

Other - In Game

Office Lines

Ra*bits x Double Face Collab - Part 1

Mini Talks

Other - Misc

Dream Live Interview: Ra*bits

Dream Live Interview: Knights

Coco’s Curry Collab

Police Campaign Ra*bits

Summaries

Rhythm Link Group Interview

Ra*bits, Knights, Undead Fan MTG

High 5

Prologue

Season: Summer

Writer: Akira

Location: MDM

-The second half of MDM—Ra*bits takes the stage-

Tomoya:

Tomoya sings along to a lively melody.

(Alright! Everything seems to be going smoothly. Come to think of it, it feels like the first time in forever since we’ve felt so, well, us.)

(How many months has it been since we’ve all stood on stage together like this?)

(It sure feels great having Nii-chan back—even if he is only temporarily appearing as a surprise guest.)

Nazuna:

Nazuna belts out his lyrics; his voice sweet yet husky.

Tomoya:

(There’s no way we can go wrong with Nii-chan leading the way—just like he always did back at Yumenosaki.)

(Ahh, this really is how Ra*bits should be! It’s like the metaphorical hole in our hearts has finally been filled! I feel like I could float on air; I’m practically skybound!)

Mitsuru:

Mitsuru’s cheerful voice rings throughout the auditorium.

Tomoya:

(Mitsuru’s always so full of energy! He’s like the life of a party we’ve all been invited to.)

(He’s as bright and cheerful as a little kid—and his positive energy is contagious!)

(Our fans won’t ever lose their sense of childlike wonder so long as we’re around. No matter how old you get, you should never stop having fun.)

Hajime:

Hajime sings with a voice as pure as the driven snow.

Tomoya:

(But while dashing around all over the place with Mitsuru can be fun, not everyone has the energy to constantly keep up with him.)

(A short break never hurt anyone—and who better than Hajime to calm you right down?)

Hajime:

Hajime’s singing voice is sweet and gentle— Tomoya immediately feels all tension melt away.

Tomoya:

(“How are you feeling? Do you need a little break? How about some freshly-brewed tea?” Talk about hospitality at its finest! Hajime really knows how to soothe the soul.)

(My heart feels at peace just by looking at him.)

(Then once all of your fatigue fades away, it’s time for Mitsuru to take you by the hand and lead you to a bright and shiny wonderland.)

(A perpetual motion machine of happiness—that’s what Ra*bits is all about.)

(I’ve had the time of my life with Mitsuru and Hajime; dashing around without a care in the world, leaping and bounding from one dream to the next, singing and dancing to my heart’s content.)

(We began our journey from the lowliest rank at Yumenosaki, and put everything we had into establishing who we are.)

(But things are different now—we’ve grown up and gotten a whole lot stronger.)

(The memories we’ve made together are as bright and sparkly as diamonds. I want to share the happiness we’ve found with the fans who’ve supported us all along.)

(Everything’s worked out well so far, but it's time to take it to the next level and show the world what we’re truly capable of!)

(I don’t want people to turn to us just because we’re the only male idols around who prioritize cuteness above all else… No.)

(I want our fans to choose us FOR us and fall head over heels! That’s the kind of fan base I wanna build! That’s not too much to ask, right?)

(There’s already so many people who love and support Ra*bits even now. It feels super validating!)

(We’ve definitely seen an increase in both fans and job offers. No one sees us as "helpless newbies" anymore.)

(In fact, if the industry kept treating us as newbies, our fans would probably start feeling uneasy too. I'm sick of being just "average" as well; we all are!)

(We’re gonna shoot for the moon, just like all of the other idols around us! And we’ll start with our specialty—cuteness! When it comes to cuteness, Ra*bits will never accept second best!)

(And who better to lead the way than—)

Nazuna:

Nazuna’s voice is as lively and cheerful as ever.

Tomoya:

... Nii-chan, could I have a second?

Nazuna:

Oh, what’s up? Did I skip a line? I swear I’m trying my best to keep up with you guys! Whenever my lectures get cancelled, I use the time to catch up on practice—

—but compared to you guys who’re practicing every day at ES, I feel like I could definitely be doing more.

Tomoya:

Nah, you’re being way too modest. Seeing you on stage reminds me exactly why we all admire you so much—you haven’t missed a beat!

And I’m sure our fans feel the same!

Nazuna:

You think? Then that’s okay, I guess!

But yeah… You guys are improving crazy fast! I’m worried that if I lose focus for even a second I’m gonna end up falling behind.

Tomoya:

Ahaha. There’s really no need to worry so much, Nii-chan. I've been meaning to ask this for a while now, but why are you so hard on yourself, exactly?

Nobody said a word about you dragging us down? And nobody ever has any complaints about your performance...

Nazuna:

Mmm. I guess it’s an after-effect of being part of Valkyrie. I’ve been infected with Itsuki’s absolute perfectionism.

I know a long time has passed since I left Valkyrie, but I just can’t shake it off. Maybe I just have to accept it as part of my personality now.

… But anyway. Let’s not talk about Valkyrie too much; it’s complicated.

What was it you wanted? Having a chat mid-concert is a terrible habit from our days at Yumenosaki.

Tomoya:

Nah, I’m sure everyone’s used to it by now— they basically think of it as part of the performance. You could say it’s one of our… traditions.

Tomoya:

The fans start to lean forward when they spot us talking to each other on stage and think, "Here we go again..."

Nazuna:

I wonder about that... I feel like they don’t have a clue what we’re on about half of the time—if anything, we’re probably just distracting them from all the singing and dancing.

Though I guess people fall in love with idols for more than just their singing and dancing. Everything we do is all part of the package.

… I’m not used to this. I can’t say I feel like there’s anything special about most of the things I do.

Tomoya:

Ahaha. I guess it’s only natural for you to feel that way after being part of Valkyrie for so long, where every part of the performance was art in itself.

Anyways... Since everyone was so focused on ALKALOID during the first half, it didn’t feel like the right time…

Things got a bit complicated, so we couldn’t really say anything. But what do you think about borrowing the spotlight for a bit to talk to our fans about when you’ll return to Ra*bits?

Nazuna:

Ah. Yeah… Yeah, we should probably do that.

Tomoya:

Huh? You don’t really seem super on board though? I had a feeling you’d like to enjoy college life a little longer.

But management did tell us that we should at least make an official announcement about how long it's gonna be until you come back. Otherwise our fans might start to pull away...

Nazuna:

Yeah. It feels kinda refreshing in a way—for them to give us a warning, I mean. Back at Yumenosaki, it sometimes felt like we could do whatever the heck we liked.

Still… Once an official announcement is made, I won’t have a lot of leeway left. Say if something happens, and I end up changing my plans—I could end up being called a liar.

Right now, I’m not sure how much I trust future me.

I don’t really want a big deal made out of my return.

I just want it to happen naturally, unlike Valkyrie or Knights.

There’s no need to make a huge fuss about it. To be honest? I’m so done with any kind of drama.

I don’t think our fans are expecting me to make a big deal about coming back either, y’know?

Granted, I know it’s probably a big deal to you and the others.

But to the world? To society? In the grand scheme of things, it’s really not all that important.

Tomoya:

...

Title: “To The Flowers That Have Begun to Bloom”

Writer: Chitose Umeda

Season: Autumn

Location: Common Room

Notes:

The title of Nazuna’s 5* feature scout featuring his personalized outfit is “Flowers Will One Day Bloom”, so the title of this story feels like one big love letter to that story!

Nazuna: I’m hooome~

(Whoa, for a second I thought I was back at my place, so I ended up announcing that I’m home outta habit.

I guess that’s just proof of how well I’ve adjusted to life at Starmony Dorm~ Well, my life is pretty much based around here at the moment.)

Makoto: Welcome home, Nito-senpai!

Nazuna: Mako-chin? Oh, hey. Yeah, I just got back~

Mao: Did you have college today?

Nazuna: Oh, you’re here too, Mao-chin.

Yeah, I did. The content of today’s lecture really got my attention, and I ended up exchanging views with the guy in the seat next to me, which is why I’m late back.

Makoto: Whoa, now there’s something only a college student would say!

Nazuna: Nah. Back at Yumenosaki, when you don’t understand something in class, you turn to ask your friend, right? It’s the same sorta thing.

What are you two up to? Since you’re together, can I assume you guys are revising over stuff from class together, like the way I said just now? ♪

Mao: Sorry to burst your bubble, but I can’t say we’re really the type to do that sorta thing. Although I suppose you could say we’ve been studying, in a way.

Makoto: Look! We’ve got a bunch of fliers for open campuses spread out across the table.

Nazuna: Whoa, you really do. You sure gathered a lot!

…Hm? I recognize this brochure. Wait, is this…

Makoto: That’s right! ♪ Right on the front of that flier is the university you attend, Nito-senpai!

Nazuna: I thought so… Yup, this is my uni. Now that you mention it, I have a feeling I’ve seen this before on one of the notice boards on campus.

…Oh! And I just remembered something else. Now that I think about it, one of my friends said they were gonna help out.

But why do you guys have so many fliers to begin with? Are you planning to take part in an open day?

Makoto: We didn’t exactly have any plans… But just looking at all these brochures does pique my curiosity a little for sure, I guess!

Mao: Right, I feel the same. For most high schoolers, they’d be getting pretty serious about exams and looking into higher education right about this time period.

It’d probably be a good experience to get a taste of university life too. So if I had the chance, I’d like to go and check it out.

Nazuna: Oh, you guys are real forward thinking! I for one think it’d be a great opportunity! I mean, you did go through the trouble of collecting all these fliers…

Hm? Wait, so you didn’t collect these fliers out of interest to attend an open day? Based on what you guys just said, it sounds like the other way around.

Makoto: Right. All of these fliers were handed out at Yumenosaki.

So to be honest, we kinda just took what was given to us…

Nazuna: You got these at Yumenosaki? Hmm, I feel like they never did anything like this up until last year.

I mean, in my case, I had to do my own research into higher education all by myself. Then I’d go consult with my teachers god knows how many times.

Mao: Ahaha, yup, it’s just like you said, senpai.

Apparently up until last year, Yumenosaki did get a bunch of fliers, but apparently not many of them were handed out.

So recently a bunch of students started clamoring about wanting more information, some sorta guidance… All because of the lecture you gave this summer, Nito-senpai.

Nazuna: …What?

Makoto: Neither Isara-kun nor I were at the auditorium on the day itself, but we caught a recording of it afterwards.

“Hold everything you learn at Yumenosaki dear to your heart. And if you can take a step forward in a direction that you yourself are happy with—well, that’s all I ask for.” Those words you said at the end were really powerful…

I feel a lot of people were spurred on thanks to what you had to say, Nito-senpai.

Mao: There’s more than just idols at Yumenosaki—there are other divisions too. And your speech would’ve made an impact on anyone, no matter where they belonged to.

Even after graduating from Yumenosaki, you’re still active as an idol. And you’re making use of everything you learn at college, giving yourself a great skill set…

So for anyone who wasn’t really sure about what they should do after high school, you planted the idea of college being an option in their head, I guess you could say?

Makoto: That’s what it felt like! Your lecture made it so everyone realized that it was time for them to think about what sort of path they wanna walk down, huh?

Nazuna: No way… You guys are exaggerating way too much.

Makoto: It’s not an exaggeration at all. Your words were the push forward so many students needed, senpai. Right, Isara-kun?

Mao: Right. And the fact that the two of us brought home all these college brochures, and are thinking about going to an open campus, is all thanks to the lecture you gave this summer making it so that this information is available in the first place.

Nazuna: …Yeah? So my words really have reached the students of Yumenosaki?

(...If that was the case, that’d feel pretty amazing.

I’m pretty tiny, so I didn’t know if I’d be able to make any big waves or anything.

I worried that I might’ve just gotten lost, and just gone bouncing down a different path… That thought has definitely crossed my mind before.

But the path I chose… The path I’m walking down right now has, just like these two said, encouraged others too and given them the push they need.)

Mako-chin, Mao-chin. Thanks for telling me this.

I feel kinda proud of myself. I’ll make sure to put everything I’ve got into both my studies and my work as an idol from now on too! ♪

Location: Nazuna’s college

(Several days later.)

Nazuna: Mako-chi~n! Mao-chi~n! Over here!

Makoto: Whoa… Just stepping foot on campus is making me all jittery.

Mao: There’s not even that much of an age difference between us, but it’s like, everyone already seems so grown-up just from spending time on campus…

Nazuna: Ahaha. Don’t worry about it! You’ll get used to it right away.

Welcome to college! I’ll be your guide to show you guys around and make sure that you enjoy your campus experience!

First of all, I know. We’ll go through the lounge and I’ll take you along to the library. Just follow your Nii~chan! ♪

—

Translation by nazunyan

Ally of Justice - Chapter One
Writer: Akira
Season: Summer
Featuring: Chiaki, Kuro, Shu

(The first year ES is established, June. An international airport in France.)

Chiaki: KIRYUUU!! DON’T DIEEE!!

Kuro: ……

Chiaki: What’s going to happen if you collapse here and now? You’re a huge pillar of support for so many people!

Think about what would happen if you left behind your comrades in Akatsuki! All of your fans! Most important of all, your family!

Don’t give up the fight here—hang in there! Don’t back down yet—keep fighting! Show me the guts I know you have inside of you, Kiryuuu!!

Kuro: Shut. Yer. Trap…!

Chiaki: Graaagh!! The clawhold?! Only you would, Kiryuu! With your grip strength, I feel like you could squeeze my skull to a pulp! Ouchouchouchouch?!

Kuro: Then zip it. How many times do I hafta say it, Morisawa?

We ain’t back at your joint. Get a grip. If you go around makin’ a fuss like that, the cops ain’t gonna stop at just kickin’ us outta the airport.

Chiaki: Right! We’re in the greatly admired country of France right now! If I start causing a ruckus, they might shoot me down like I’m some sort of terrorist! I saw a movie like that!

Kuro: Just what kinda impression do you have of how they do things overseas?

Well, this is my first time outta Japan, so I can’t really act like I know what I’m talkin’ about.

Chiaki: Yeah? It’s my first time too! We’re comrades on our first journey abroad! It’s great to have someone by my side going through the same thing!

Kuro: If ya ask me, you’re lettin’ yourself get a little too carried away, first time overseas or not… You’re even louder than usual, and that’s sayin’ somethin’.

Haha. That said, these days you’ve been goin’ around lookin’ like a real fright, like you’re strainin’ yerself just to function, so if this is the breather you’re in need of, then that’s fine by me.

Chiaki: Yeah! It’s been a while since I’ve felt this invigorated!

If I’m super honest, what I really wanted to focus on right now is jobs centered around SFX, but I think I had the right idea taking on this project!

Kuro: Oh yeah? Part of me is regretting it a little… I can’t even handle motorbikes or boats, but I had to get on a damn plane to get over here.

I ain’t kidding around; I felt like my heart was gonna stop god knows how many times on that flight.

Chiaki: And here I thought it looked like you were just fast asleep! Right, you’ve never been great with traveling! I never even noticed—so sorry, man!

Kuro: Haha. Next time, if my heart actually does stop, I’ll be sure to say it loud and clear.

Chiaki: Oh! It’s not like you to make those sorta jokes, Kiryuu! Well, all that matters is that you’re feeling a little better! In other words, me making all that racket paid off!

Kuro: Keep in mind that we’re here on business, not just to have fun.

Chiaki: But there’s nothing better than having fun! Let’s fill this trip with as many great memories as we can, my good friend!

Shu: NON! Both of you are an embarrassment to Japan! I implore you, not another word out of your mouth, lest you continue to attract unwanted attention!

Chiaki: Itsuki! You came to meet us here, just like you promised! Bonjour! ☆

Kuro: Bon-ju-ru... ♪

Shu: Tch, you are nothing more than barbarians! You are no better than tourists, giddy at the mere act of experiencing a different country for the first time! This is an absolute disgrace! Who on earth raised you?

Kuro: Haha. You of all people should have a good idea of who raised me, given that we grew up in more or less the same place.

Shu: Ah, Kiryuu! I do wish you would refrain from reminding me of such an infuriating fact! All of the memories from my childhood that bring me joy, every one of them is bound to you!

Chiaki: Oh yeah, you guys are childhood friends, right? That’s so cool! I don’t really have anyone like that, so I envy you! The closest I could say is running into Tenshouin at the hospital from time to time!

Shu: NON! Do not utter THAT NAME in this country, lest you sully the very air!

Kuro: Haha. Now who’s makin’ the biggest fuss of all, Itsuki? How can ya preach to either of us for bein’ noisy when you’re carryin’ on like that?

Shu: Hmph… I do apologize for that. I have not been getting much sleep lately, so you shall have to excuse me if I am a tad on edge.

I would greatly appreciate it should you not induce any further stress on top of my already frayed nerves.

Chiaki: You’re not sleeping well? You doing all right, Itsuki? Now that you mention it, you do kiiinda have bags under your eyes.

Itsuki: Do not put that face of yours so stiflingly close to mine!

Chiaki: But I heard when you’re overseas, you say hey with a kiss! You know what they say, when in Rome…!

Shu: Non! The trivialities of unspoken rules and taboos vary from country to country! If you fumble up THAT level of knowledge, then I would rather you not cross the seas to begin with!

Chiaki: Well, I did plan on having a look at a book to read up on what I should know… But compared to someone like you, who’s used to living abroad, I feel like I’m seriously lacking when it comes to the ins and outs of this sorta stuff!

Itsuki: Hm? Well, hasty as your preparation may have been, I suppose that IS a step in the right direction.

Chiaki: It’s a job we’re talking about here, so of course I’ll put in that much effort!

Shu: And what sort of work is this exactly? The young Anzu simply insisted that I act as your host to whatever degree I could, but I have been told no further information than that.

Chiaki: We’re basically making a travel show! We’re going to visit a bunch of countries and experience all their different cultures!

We’re pretty free to carry it out whatever way we want too! The only thing that’s set in stone is the dates and the budget, but where we go and what we check out is almost entirely up to us!

Shu: This sounds like a very crudely planned program to me indeed.

Chiaki: Yeah. According to Anzu, there was some speculation as to what’s going on with the ES side of things, but it beats me. We were just told to go and enjoy ourselves.

By the way, the filming’s not gonna start until a little later. Once a few days have passed, we’re going to meet up with the cameraman and crew and work is gonna begin for real.

Kuro: So up until then, we’ve gotta come up with plans for where we’re gonna visit and ideas about how we’re gonna make this show interesting.

I was plannin’ to lock that stuff down durin’ the plane ride over here, but no way in hell that was ever gonna happen.

Shu: Well, aimlessly wandering from country to country certainly does not guarantee the program will be of any intrigue. You DO need something to captivate the audience’s attention.

Chiaki: Yeah! We’ve gotta have some sorta game plan, like throwing darts at a map and visiting wherever they land!

Shu: This sort of thing should hardly be up to you idols to come up with in the first place. At any rate, it does not seem like a very well put together proposal at all.

Kuro: Haha. It’s not like this is the first time everything’s been left to us idols to put together from scratch.

Back in Yumenosaki, we’d have to come up with everything that was gonna happen during a show and get it all ready in advance.

Shu: They treat this as though it’s merely some sort of club activity you’re organizing. To think, I had actually anticipated that with the foundation of the ostentatious ES, the time of credible idol activities would finally be upon us.

But alas, nothing seems to have changed, even at a foundational level. I see things are still as flimsy as a house built of cards, and all they’ve done is given it a new paint job.
---

TL by nazunyan

Eng Proof by _kumonui

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nazunyan427

November 2024

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