nazunyan427 | Entries tagged with kuro

Pump It Up Ch.1

Writer: Chitose Umeda

Season: Autumn

Location: Rhythm Link office

Nazuna:

So each of the ES idols are gonna put on a solo mini-concert that’s gonna be known as a “Feature Live”…

Give me a sec~ I’m gonna have a look over the details you sent me via Hold Hands, so I can review them properly.

A “feature live” is a solo mini-concert preformed not by each unit, but by each individual idol.

Each idol will have a new individual costume made specifically for this solo concert… Am I right?

All right, I think I got it. So you’ve come to ask me if I’m willing to put on one of these shows, right?

My reply? Of course I wanna do it. If it’s a proposal you’ve put together, it’s bound to be a good one.

…Ahaha, sorry. For stuff like this, I should respond with a definitive answer, right?

Mhm… It might sound a bit silly to bring up now, but I still have a gap in my performance history.

I may have stood onstage as a member of Ra*bits countless times since I made my return.

But my juniors have grown so spectacularly that I couldn’t help but feel that I owe half of my performance to the sheer energy they brought to the stage themselves.

For Tomo-chin, Mitsuru-chin, and Hajime’s chin’s sake, I tried my very, very hardest not to show them anything less than my best…

And somehow or another, I managed to preform at the level required of a professional idol.

But for this concert, I’d be performing solo, right?

“Mini” or not, when I think about how I’d have to be onstage from beginning to end all alone…

…it makes me think about how I have to make sure to keep everyone entertained for the whole show, and how I have to have the stamina to last the whole time. I seriously start overthinking everything.

Kuro:

If it’s stamina you’re concerned about, how about I help ya to work out?

Nazuna:

Kuro-chin!

Kuro:

Sorry, I just so happened to overhear ya.

I like yer singin’ voice, so I’m thinkin’ I may as well go see your “feature live” too, Nito… 🎶

Nazuna:

Hey now, Kuro-chin! Have you just come over here to put pressure on me~?

Kuro:

Haha, that wasn’t my intention. I really do mean it when I say I’d like to go and see ya.

And I also really meant it when I offered to help ya out with building’ stamina. Why don’t ya pay my circle a visit?

Nazuna:

Your circle… Since you mentioned working out, you meant “Shin” rather than the “Overnight Outdoors Rangers”, right?

But wouldn’t sparring with a group of guys who are used to hand to hand combat be way too high a hurdle?

Kuro:

Well, it isn’t as if all we do is spar. Just so ya know, the aim of our circle is to train our bodies?

Though it’s true we spend a lotta time sparrin’ with each other… And I suppose our last session did come to an end after all we did was go hand to hand…

Nazuna:

See? …I’d like to ask for you advice when it comes to getting into shape, but it’s not like I wanna be all muscular like the guys in “Shin.”

Hmm? From the look on your face, you seem like you have an idea, Anzu?

Photos of me training my body in order to prepare for the upcoming concert might work…?

Kuro:

Photos?

Nazuna:

Yeah. Apparently a pamphlet is gonna be made just for each “feature live.” You’re talking about the photos that are gonna be part of it, right, Anzu?

Kuro: A pamphlet, huh? Usually when it comes to merchandise for a show, ya generally want pics of you posin’ to look as cool as ya can.

But it’d be a fresh take on it if ya went with photos of ya workin’ hard at lessons and workin’ out to prepare for the show.

Nazuna:

I guess it would be a fresh take on it, but… I guess I prefer to only show off the perfected versions of myself when I’m standing on stage as an idol…

I want my fans to see me shine on stage, to deliver a flawless performance as I sing and dance around while making it look as effortless as possible.

…I mean, it’s not as if I hate the idea. But I feel like I’ll get embarrassed if my fans see me breaking a sweat to get to where I need to be.

And even if you did take pics of me strength training, like with weights, I feel like it wouldn’t exactly make for the best pic, what with my body the way it is…!

Kuro:

Strength trainin’ alone might be a little dull, yeah. But why don’t ya try somethin’ like throwin’ some punches or some high kicks? That might make for a decent photo.

These days, it seems like there are a lotta guys who use sports like kick-boxin’ to train their whole body. There’s all sorts of ways to get into shape, y’know.

Nazuna:

Boxing… If I get to move around a lot, and make it like some sort of action scene, then I might not mind too much…?

Kuro:

Kick-boxin’ is just one example. But if ya make a scene outta makin’ it look like you’re brawlin’, it’d bring out a different side of ya to your usual self. Which would be pretty appealin’, if ya ask me.

Nazuna:

Ahaha, thanks. I’ll make a note of your opinion, Kuro-chin. 🎶

Kuro:

Sure. And as for you, lil’ lady, sorry for buttin’ into your conversation like this.

I’ll be cheerin’ on both Nito’s “feature live” and the pamphlet we talked about just now. Hope ya come up with somethin’ good… 🎶

—-

Location: ES Cafeteria

(Afterwards.)

Nazuna:

(Might have lunch at a seat by the window today. Wonder whereabouts I should sit?)

???:

Nii~chan, oyy!

Nazuna:

(Someone’s waving at me from a table over there…)

Tomoya:

Over here!

Nazuna:

Tomo-chin? I’m just gonna grab some water, hold on a sec!

Sorry to keep you. Are you having lunch by yourself today?

Tomoya:

Yeah. I came to the office to pick up a script, and decided I may as well grab some lunch at the canteen while I’m here.

Nii~chan, what were you talking about with Anzu-san and Kiryu-senpai in the office just now?

Nazuna:

Huh? If you were there at the same time, you should’ve said something.

Tomoya:

I was afraid I’d be getting in the way if it was some sort of meeting. What were you guys talking about?

Nazuna:

Well… Anzu asked me if I’d be willing to preform a solo concert known as a “feature live.”

So we were talking about the details and the pamphlet that’s gonna be sold as merchandise.

Tomoya:

You’re gonna put on a solo live, Nii~chan…?!

Has the date been decided yet?! Is there any ticket info out? When is your merchandise gonna go on sale?!

Nazuna:

Whoa?! Even if you hound me with questions, nothing’s been set in stone yet~?

More importantly, what are you leaning so far forward for, Tomo-chin?

Tomoya:

Why wouldn’t I be? It’s cause I have to go and see your solo live no matter what, Nii~chan!

I bet Hajime and Mitsuru will say the same thing when they hear about this! They’re gonna be all, I wanna go too!

Wait, I have to let them know right away! Aww, I can’t wait for your solo live, Nii~chan… 🎶

Nazuna:

(Tomo-chin’s eyes are sparkling. I’ve gotta make sure I don’t betray any of their expectations as their “Nii~chan.”)

(I’ll make sure my “feature live” is gonna be a good one, no matter what…!)

// 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.

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

Clad in the Path I’ve Taken

Featuring: Kuro, Kanata, Nazuna, Tsumugi, Leo, Keito

Writer: Yuumasu

Season: Autumn

Location: Green Room

Kuro: …Hm? Well, if it isn’t you, little lady. Do you have work over here today? Small world, runnin’ into one another at this TV studio.

…You were watchin’ me work along with the rest of the staff from the studio control room? I didn’t even notice you were on the other side of the glass.

Ya should’ve told me you were here. Way to act all distant with me.

…How did it go? Ah right, you’re the one who got me this job, little lady.

Yeah, I feel like it went great. Sure, I felt a little off at the start, since it reminded me of Japanese class.

…Ya know how they make ya read aloud from the textbook durin’ class? Yeah, it made me think of that.

But while I was readin’ the script, it didn’t bother me any more. The footage looked great too, so I was able to just focus and get down to it.

Can’t believe they picked me of all people to do the narration for an educational program. I bet anyone who knows me will be like, something's off about this for sure.

I feel just like a reliable big brother, so there’s nothin’ off about it at all? Hey now, flattery ain’t gonna get ya anywhere.

Haha. You’re in great form as ever, little lady.

…Oh right. I meant to tell ya this when I next ran into ya.

I came up with a design for my personalized outfit, just like ya asked me to. Hold on a sec, I’ll show it to ya.

I saved it in a folder on my phone… Here it is, have a look.

…Ya look like you’re not sure how to react. Don’t hold back, I want ya to gimme your honest opinion.

Haha, ya feel awkward critiquing the guy who taught ya all ya know about sewin’? I’m tellin’ ya what I want to hear is your honest feedback.

Hmm. If possible, you’d like me to rethink it? It may be somethin’ an idol would wear and it’s not like I wouldn’t be able to pull off somethin’ as sparkly as this, but for a personalized outfit, it’s lackin’ what makes me, me?

What makes me, me? Somethin’ too traditional would clash with Kanzaki’s outfit, so I did my best to avoid that.

And on top of that, I wanted somethin’ I wouldn’t ordinarily get to wear as part of Akatsuki… So after thinkin’ about all that, this is the design I came up with.

All right. This one’s goin’ into the reject pile while I think it over.

Hm, what’s with that frown on your face? …If this is what I came up with after thinkin’ it over by myself, then that’s fine?

Nah, let me have another go at comin’ up with somethin’. All your experience and intuition as a producer is tellin’ me to give it another shot, and I don’t want to ignore that.

The next idea I come up with will win your approval for sure, just you wait and see. All you need to do is patiently wait for me ♪

…Whoops, looks like it’s about time for us to vacate the room. Do you have time after this, little lady?

I have plans to grab dinner with Nito and the guys. Ya feel like joinin’ us?

…If ya come along, you’re afraid that everyone’ll stand on ceremony? Hey now, why’re ya actin’ so distant?

All it is, is a couple of good pals havin’ dinner together. So, you’re comin’, right?

…Good answer! I’ll shoot Nito a message that you’re comin’ with me.

Well, shall we get outta here?

Location: Saison Avenue

How’s school goin’, little lady? Are ya enjoyin’ your studies?

…I sound like your dad?

I suppose I do. You’re just like a little sister to me, so I just treat ya like family outta instinct.

How’s my lil’ sis doin’? She’s good, yeah. I attended a parent-teacher meetin’ in my old man’s place for her a little while back.

I wasn’t sure what I should wear, so Isara picked out my clothes for me. I wore my hair down too, and apparently she didn’t recognize me.

She let me have it for wearin’ somethin’ that didn’t feel like me. But it means I didn't stand out in a bad way, so she could’ve at least tossed me a compliment for that, right? Haha.

…That reminds me, you also said the design I came up with didn’t feel like me, didn’t ya, little lady.

I came up with that design when I dropped by home. I happened to show it to my little sis and she pretty bluntly told me that she thought it was lame.

I figured she’s just goin’ through her rebellious period, so I didn’t pay much attention to it. But now that I think back, that might’ve been her way of givin’ me advice.

I owe you one, little lady. Thanks for makin’ me think this over again… ♪

All right, looks like we’re here. Apparently our table is reserved under the name “Nito.”

Location: Restaurant

Kanata: “Red Ogre”-san~ Anzu-san~ We’re over here~

Kuro: Sorry to keep ya… Huh, it’s just the two of you? Where’s Aoba?

Nazuna: He said he’s gonna be a little late, so we should go ahead and start without him.

Hm, what’s up, Anzu? This is an odd combination?

Kuro: Oh, we were in different years at school, so it might not register right away. All of us are connected through bein’ part of former Class 3B.

So we sometimes get together to grab a meal. Though on top of all our busy schedules, we’re part of different agencies to boot, so we hardly ever manage to get everyone together at once.

Oh, the food arrived. Thoughtful of ya to order in advance ♪

Wait, why is everything seafood? …Was this your doin’, Shinkai?

Kanata: Yes~ I “ordered” all kinds of “fish”, from the “usual” to what’s in “season.”

Today will be our “treat”, Anzu-san. So please eat as much “fish” as you want.

Kuro: I’m not about to find fault with your taste, Shinkai, but it’s not like this place specializes in seafood, so I feel like we might as well try all sorts of different stuff.

We should order too. What would you like, little lady?

Tsumugi: Sorry to keep you guys waiting~♪

Nazuna: Oh, you’re here! Whoa, and you have Leo-chin with you.

Tsumugi: I happened to see him composing just as I was leaving the office after work and ended up bringing him along with me.

Leo: I never heard a thing about 3B getting together! Don’t leave me outta stuff like this!

Kuro: We’re not leaving you out of anything, we sent you a message about it. Check the group chat on HoldHands.

Leo: Huh? I’m telling you, you didn’t!

……

…Okay fine, you did.

Wahh, sorry! My bad! I’ll apologize right this second, so forgive me!

Kanata: Please don’t worry about it. I often overlook it too.

The more “messages” that pile up, the more of a “hassle” it is to check them all, right?

Leo: Yeah, exactly! Although in my case, I don’t even notice when I get a message.

Kuro: It’s fine, just sit down. If ya keep standin’ around, the poor servers won’t know what to do.

You come over here, little lady, and let Tsukinaga in there.

Leo: Thanks! …Huh? Why is Anzu here?

Wait, don’t tell me! I’ll imagine why!

…Oh, I know! You were in 3B too, weren’t you? You’re the same age as us, right?

Kuro: Absolutely not. She wasn't in 3B, she was at the studio where I had work.

We ended up havin’ to vacate where we were while we were talkin’ about my personalized outfit. And since we didn’t get to finish our chat, I brought her along.

Tsumugi: Oh, your personalized outfit, Kuro-kun?

What’s it like? I bet you’ve come up with something tough and cool-looking ♪

Kuro: Mm. It got rejected, but… Here it is.

Tsumugi: Wow. Uh. How can I put this…

Nazuna: Getting rejected might have been the right idea. It’s definitely something an idol would wear, but it just doesn’t feel like it would suit YOU, Kuro-chin.

Kanata: I agree. It doesn’t feel like you, “Red Ogre”-san. If anything, I would say it would be perfect for our Midori?

This sort of thing would look good on him. Although he “himself” might not be too pleased. Heehee…♪

Kuro: You guys don’t hold back, do ya? …Well, I suppose it’s better than sayin’ things ya don’t mean just for the sake of my feelings. Thanks for your honest opinions.

*sigh* It ain’t easy comin’ up with ideas for outfits.

Tsumugi: Haha. That’s quite hard to believe coming from you, Kuro-kun. Haven’t you already come up with plenty of wonderful outfits?

Leo: Yeah! Anzu is nodding away too! She’s like, knowin’ Shisho, he’s gonna be able to come up with a great design for sure!

Kuro: I sure hope so… Ah.

You four all have personalized outfits, don’t ya? Will ya tell me about how ya came up with the designs?

It’ll be the perfect conversation topic to go with our dinner ♪

Location: Saison Avenue

Kuro: We ended up talkin’ until closin’ time, huh? That’s how it usually goes when I’m with those guys.

Sorry for makin’ ya stay out with us so late. I bet your folks are worried about ya…

Ya already contacted them and it’s not a problem? Well, I’m glad to hear it.

…You’ll be fine without me droppin’ ya home? Nah, I'm not havin' any of that.

…No, allow me to drop ya home. If I make ya go home by yourself at this hour, I’ll be worryin’ about whether ya got there safely or not.

Yup. I’ll take full responsibility and drop ya home myself.

…Hm? About our dinner just now?

I looked like I was havin’ fun? And the atmosphere felt real relaxin’... Haha, were your eyes on me yet again?

Yeah. I love hangin’ out with those guys..

Now that we're out of school, we’re not able to see each other every day, and we have to make special arrangements just to meet up. And even when we do make plans, there’s times somethin’ urgent comes up that we can’t do anythin’ about..

Just like today. We made these plans a while ago, but right beforehand, it no longer suited Hibiki or Sakuma.

I know none of us can help it… But whenever our plans get destroyed thanks to work, it sure makes me wish I was a student again.

Although I wasn’t a fan of bein’ constrained by school politics. But that aside, we had some good times.

Well, I’ve never been great at studyin’, so if ya asked me if I wanted to do my school days all over again, I’d probably turn ya down. Haha ♪

…Hm? Why don’t I relive my school days through my outfit?

What do ya mean? Ya want me to dance around in my Yumenosaki uniform?

There’s an online article ya want to show me? Yeah, show it here…

…Oh. So this manga about delinquents* is popular right now? And ya always did want me to wear a school blazer like this?

(It’s true that a design like this would suit me better than the design I came up with that got rejected.

And as for this manga…)

Location: Dressing Room

Several days later

Keito: …Hm? Anzu is here too? I have some business with Kiryu.

Kuro: Oh, it’s you, Danna? If it’s me ya want, here I am.

Keito: Yeah. It’s about what we were discussing yesterday…

Oi, Anzu. Where are you going?

Kuro: Haha, ya read the room and decided to see yourself out? We’ll be the ones to leave, so you can stay right here.

I’ll go get you a drink while I’m at it. What do ya feel like?

…Hot tea it is. I’ll be right back, so you be a good girl and wait right here.

Location: Drink Bar

Kuro: So all you really wanted to do was hand me this envelope?

Keito: Yeah. It shouldn’t have taken more than a second, but you’re the one who had to go through all this…

Kuro: Can’t help it. Anzu was tryin’ to be all considerate by leavin’ the room for our sake.

Besides, ya could’ve just handed it to me and it’d be over and done with. So I don’t want to hear ya scoldin’ me about it.

Keito: Hmph… It looked like you and Anzu were working on an outfit together. Was that your personalized outfit?

Kuro: It was. Trust you to pick up on that right away. You were only in the room for a second, yet ya sussed out what it was no problem.

Keito: Anyone who knew you would have been able to pick up on what it was right away. And yet…

A patterned school blazer. It’s like something a delinquent would wear and it brings to mind your past.

Which is something most people don’t know about. But if you, Kuro Kiryu yourself are okay with it, then I suppose I don’t see any reason to complain.

Kuro: Yup. No complaints necessary. It’s not as if I wanted to make a whole outfit based on my past in order to represent myself, but I never planned to specifically avoid it either.

The past is the past. It’s not like I can pretend it never happened.

I came up with the idea for the design after the little lady showed me an article about a manga about delinquents.

And my little sis happens to be a fan of that manga. I figured she’d approve of me using that as the motif for my outfit, so that got me on board.

And so once the little lady started puttin’ it together, I started thinkin’ that it wasn’t half bad. I may have scrubbed myself up, but it’s not like I’m some good little boy who’s the definition of moral conduct.

Everyone I’ve shown it to seems to approve too. When Tetsu saw it he got all excited, tellin’ me it’s “Suuper manly! The best!”

Even my little sis complimented it, sayin’ outta all the outfits I’ve worn so far, it’s the most acceptable ♪

Keito: Is that really a compliment…?

In any case, noted that you’ve given your approval.

No mistakes about it, that design certainly suits you. I’m sure all of your fans will be thrilled too, Kiryu.

Kuro: Yeah, without a doubt. Men are more attractive when they’ve got a bit of a wild streak in them…♪

Keito: Hm. If you’d customized your uniform to look like that back while you were in school, there’d be no end to people chasing after you.

Location: Changing Room

I’m back, little lady. Sorry to keep ya waiting.

Here, I brought ya your tea and a light snack. I figured ya must be gettin’ hungry…

Whoa, don’t come at me like that with such a serious look on your face. Are ya mad at me or somethin’? Sorry for whatever I did.

You want my left wrist? Oh, so ya want to measure the size in order to make me a bangle. Here ya go.

You’re as fired up about your job as ever. Don’t ya ever have moments where ya feel drained?

…So long as it’s for the sake of idols, you’ll work as hard as ya need to? We all sure are loved ♪

But don’t push yourself too hard. I’m happy that you’re full of enthusiasm, but I wouldn’t be the idol I am without ya, little lady.

…Hm? While I was out of the room, ya got a message from Rhythm Link?

Just like the other agencies, they want us to put on a show featurin’ our personalized outfits?

Took them long enough? Haha, leave it up to our agency to be behind the times.

So I’m gonna be first up? Then I’ve got to get myself all hyped up for it.

I’ll put on a helluva show and make it clear just how great my personalized outfit is. Let’s put everything we have into it, my little lady…♪

*Possibly referring to Tokyo Revengers

Translation by nazunyan427

JP Proof by iridesenescence

ENG Proof by azurevagabond

The Path To History Starts With One Step

Author: Yuumasu

Season: Spring

Location: Starmony Dorm Common Room

Kuro:

(Evenin’ already, huh? Alright, I gotta know when to face the music. I can’t just go puttin’ it off forever.)

(I gotta accept my fate for what it is and get down to it already.)

(...I mean, easier said than done.)

(I called home to pick up a buncha my old textbooks, and bought a mountain of supplementary learnin’ materials… But for someone like me who’s never been great at studyin’, just lookin’ at ‘em all is makin’ me lose all motivation.)

(Starin’ at the covers alone is makin’ it way too clear that this is pointless. Even if I take a look inside, I ain’t gonna understand a word.)

(What does this title even mean? ‘Easy as Pie! ☆ All You Need To Know To Be King of World History!’ Yeah well, that ‘all you need to know’ part is way too broad.)

(Hasumi was kind enough to offer to help me study, so should I have just gone along and taken him up on that?)

(...No, turnin’ him down was the right answer. He’s busy enough as it is, I wouldn’t want to burden him. Besides, this is somethin’ I signed up for on my own terms in the first place.)

(I ain’t too keen on all this, but I suppose I gotta get it over with. So long as I keep puttin’ it off, it’s only gonna make a bigger problem for future me. I can already see I’m just gonna regret it.)

Mitsuru:

Hya-hoo! I spy a Kiryu~senpai! Honey, I’m hooome~! ☆

Kuro:

Yo, kiddos. The four of you guys must be real close, comin’ home together like that.

Hinata:

Yeah. We were all hanging out at school and time ended up flying by before we knew it.

Sora:

Haha~♪ We were all playing party games together! Normally Shisho~ and I are the one ones at Game Research, so it felt super refreshing to have all four of us~

Tomoya:

Though everything was a pretty one-sided victory for Harukawa. Still, we ended up having a pretty good match in the end, so I feel like I might be able to win next time.

Kuro:

Haha, I’m glad to see you’re makin’ the most of your school days together.

Back when I was in highschool, I remember gettin’ real fed up of all those borin’ classes I had to take.

But when I look back, those days ain’t nothin’ but precious memories. The time you spend as a student is irreplaceable after all.

Mitsuru:

I wish I could stay in school forever! Bein’ an adult seems all stressful, so I don’t ever wanna graduate!

Tomoya:

Hey, hey, you better graduate, you hear? Now I’m getting worried about you being held back…

By the way, Kiryu-senpai, why do you have all these world history books?

Hinata:

Oh, I was wondering about that too. You even have the textbook we use, so I was thinking it was kinda odd.

Mitsuru:

I got it! You’re plannin’ to enroll in Yumenosaki all over again, aren’t ya, Kiryu~senpai?!

That’s it for sure! And then I’LL become YOUR senpai, senpai!

Kuro:

Haha, sorry to burst your bubble, but these ain’t for helpin’ be go back to Yumenosaki. They’re to do with a job I got.

I’m gonna be makin’ an appearance on a TV show that’ll be focusin’ on history. Though I’m only gonna be a guest, so there ain’t really much need for me to be studyin’.

But I figured it’d be best to have some general knowledge to better understand the program. That way I’d be able to react like I know what’s goin’ on, get it?

Sora:

That’s amazing that you’re doing all this for your job! You’re incredible, Red Oni~san.

Kuro:

Nah, not at all. When I tried to start, I ended up feelin’ all over the place. This text ain’t nothin’ but a list of’ characters that have no meanin’ to me. To be honest, I’ve got no confidence at all that I’ll be able to remember anythin’.

Hinata:

I get you. It’s not easy to remember all the names of famous people. Their names are the same, and I end up getting their names off by one kanji character.

Whenever we have a test on the shoguns from the Edo period, I get tempted to write “Tokugawa” for every answer. ♪

Tomoya:

Yeah, it’s not my strong point either. Even though when it comes to gaming and monster and spell names, there’s no end to how many I can remember.

Kuro:

Gaming? Hmm, speakin’ of which, I did pick up a game-style textbook… Yup, here it is.

‘Quiz-Style Memorization: Perfect Your World History!’ It looked like it’d be an easy way of rememberin’ everything, so I had high hopes for this one, but the whole book just turned out to be a quiz.

Mitsuru:

A quiz? That sounds like fun! I wanna try it out!

Sora:

Sora wants to try it too~ Let us take the quiz, Red Oni~san!

Kuro:

Sure, if that’s what ya want. Let’s see… All righty, let’s go with the French Revolution.

Mitsuru:

Did you say, the French BREAD Revolution? Sounds tasty~!

Kuro:

Haha, it’s got nothin’ to do with bread. Who was the emperor that rose to prominence from the late 18th century to the early 19th century?

Hinata:

Over here! It’s Napoleon!

Kuro:

Correct. Yeah, anyone’d know that one.

Mitsuru:

I didn’t know it. But I’ll get the next one!

Kuro:

That’s it, you got this. Right, the next question is about Napoleon - or rather, a picture of him riding a horse that’s pretty famous. The title of the painting is “Napoleon at the Sa...?” Can you guys fill in the rest?

Mitsuru:

Sa-ndwich! Sandwich has gotta be right, ‘cause sandwich starts with S-A!

Hinata:

Really, that’s your logic?

Okay, then I’ll go with, uh… ‘S-unglasses!’

Sora:

HiHi~♪ Sora picks ‘SA-nkyuu!’~

Tomoya:

Why does this feel straight out of a segment from some comedy quiz show? Um, so, a place name that starts with ‘sa’...

Hmm, it can’t be San Francisco, that’s in America…

Mitsuru:

Aw, it’s boring if you answer all normally, Tomo-chin! You should think of a funny word that starts with ‘sa!’

Tomoya:

Since when was that the rule?

Kuro:

The answer is the Saint-Bernard Pass, but yeah, that one was on the more difficult side.

(I tossed it aside at first ‘cause it seemed like it wouldn’t be useful, but they seem to be havin’ a ball with it.)

(Instead of just memorizin’ what’s written there, havin’ fun like this is gonna make it easier for me to remember.)

Sora:

Learning about history in the form of a quiz is fantastic! Wish school would conduct history classes like this~

Kuro:

Haha, if that was the case, your poor teachers would have their work cut out for them.

It ain’t possible durin’ class, but it’s a great way to study and have fun with your friends in your down time.

I could never get the hang of studyin’, but don’t turn out like me. Make sure ya study properly every day, ya hear? ...Yeah, like I’m one to talk.

Mitsuru:

So in other words, if I don’t study, I’ll turn out like you, Kiryu~senpai?

Then I’m never gonna study ever again! Wahahahaha! ☆

Tomoya:

Mitsuru! Quit trying to find excuses not to study!

Hinata:

Can you give us the next question, Kiryu-senpai?

Sora:

Huhu~♪ Sora’s gonna get the next one for sure~

Kuro:

Sure, get yourselves ready. All righty, the next question is...♪

Note: There was no JP/ENG proofreader for this story, I just double-checked it myself.

Story Name: Brother to Brother

Writer: Yuumasu

Season: Fall

Location: Kuro, Mao, Izumi, Shu Dorm Room

Characters: Kuro, Mao

Kuro:

Zzz… Zzz…

Mao:

Whoa, this can’t be happening!

Kuro:

(Hm...?)

Mao:

This is so bad, I completely overslept! Argh, nooo, why did I stay up so late?!

Kuro:

*yawn* Ya sure are lively this mornin’, Isara?

Mao:

Oh, Kiryuu-senpai. Good morning!

Oh god, don’t tell me—did I wake you up? I’m so sorry for making such a ruckus!

Kuro:

Don’t worry about it, it’s about time for me to wake up anyway… See, my alarm just went off there now.

Ya could still sleep for another hour and make it into school on time though. Do ya have somethin’ scheduled?

Mao:

Morning practice with my basketball club! Ever since I became stuco president, I haven’t been making it to practice as much. But I’m the captain, so I should try to attend as many sessions as I can.

I’m not the only member who’s busy, so I don’t want to go making excuses.

I only have half a year left at Yumenosaki, so I want to make myself some fond memories to look back on.

Kuro:

Now aren’t you something.

Mao:

Not at all, I still have a long way to go.

Kuro:

No need to be so humble. You’re the stuco president on top of the captain of the basketball club, so… Hmm?

Haha, I take that back. Looks like ya do have some ways to go after all.

Take a look at yer feet there. Ya have yer socks on inside out.

Mao:

What? Oh god, you’re right!

This is so embarrassing… Thanks for pointing that out. You just saved me from becoming a laughing stock among my juniors.

I’ll just put them back on properly… There! All right, I’m off!

Kuro:

Hey, did you just drop something?

Mao:

A button? Whoa, it’s the one from my sleeve!

Why is this happening today of all days? I guess today is my unlucky day…

Kuro:

Calm down, Isara. C’mere, I’ll fix that up for ya.

Mao:

Thank you. Uuu, sorry for putting you through all this too…

Kuro:

I’m tellin’ ya, it’s fine. Look, now yer right as rain.

Mao:

You really saved my butt here. Once again, I’ll be on my way!

Kuro:

Righto. Watch yerself on the way over there—make sure ya don’t trip and fall on yer way.

...Haha. Mornings with my little sis were always hectic too.

(There’s supposed to be four of us in this room, but Itsuki and Sena are away overseas most of the time. So it’s more like it’s just the two of us.)

(Considerin’ I’m comin’ from such a lively family, it did feel awful quiet at first. But I can call home any time I want, so it’s not like I’m lonely.)

(That said, I do miss mornings back at my place.)

Several hours later

Location: Starmony Dorms Common Room

Mao:

There you are, Kiryuu-senpai.

Kuro:

Welcome home, Isara.

Mao:

Thanks! And thanks a million for all your help this morning!

Here, consider this a token of my appreciation! I hope you like it…

Kuro:

Didn’t I tell ya it’s fine? I hardly did that much.

Mao:

You did loads! If it wasn’t for you, in the worst case scenario, I would’ve spent the whole day with my socks turned inside out and my button missing from my sleeve—how pathetic would that look?

I can’t thank you enough. So please, at least let me offer you this much in return!

Kuro:

Just a thank you is more than enough, ya know? But if y’insist, I’ll take it. Can I open it now?

Mao:

Of course. You should eat it while it’s still hot~ ♪

Kuro:

Whoa, pork buns? I see ya got them from that Chinese place in town. There’s two in here, so let’s have one each.

Mao:

Oh no, you should eat them both. They’re supposed to be my way of thanking you for being such a thoughtful senior.

Kuro:

And as your “senior” I’m asking you to eat one with me. Here, go on and take it.

Mao:

Ah… Got it. If you don’t mind.

Kuro:

Go on, dig in. This mornin’ was a bit of a disaster, huh?

Mao:

Yeah. Even though I try to present myself as this reliable older brother who has his act totally together back home. I need to get a hold of myself.

Kuro:

Hey, it happens. Everybody has those days.

Speakin’ of back home, once you left, I immediately started thinkin’ about my little sis.

Mao:

Oh yeah, you mentioned before having a little sister too.

Kuro:

Yeah. She can be a bit careless herself. I’ve lost track of how often I have to sew her buttons back on or fix up a frayed sleeve.

Mao:

My own sister won’t lose when it comes to carelessness. God knows how many times she’d forget her bento and I ended up having to chase after her.

And then she has the nerve to casually complain about how much I nag her. She’s so blunt with me! I’m just about the only one she has an attitude with.

Kuro:

I know what you mean. My own sis can be a real handful too.

But all of that combined is what makes her so cute, y’know? She’s real special to me.

Mao:

I get you. She sure does bug me sometimes, but I could never bring myself to dislike her.

Kuro:

Yeah… Oh right, since the two of us have sisters, we have that connection. D’ya think I could ask ya somethin’, get yer opinion as an older brother?

My sis has a Parent’s Day comin’ up, but my old man can’t make it ‘cause of work, so he asked me to fill in in his place.

But I ain’t got any idea just what I’m supposed to wear to that sorta thing. If all of the students’ parents are gonna be there, should I be wearin’ a suit or somethin’? And maybe wear my hair down, no gel?

Are there any manners I need to keep in mind for that sorta occasion?

Mao:

I don’t think there’s anything in particular. You can just act normal? It’s not like you’re going to a wedding ceremony or anything.

Kuro:

I dunno what actin’ “normal” is supposed to entail. I’m hardly the kinda guy ya can brag about a whole bunch.

But at least when it comes to the stage my sis stands on, I wanna present myself as a good older brother, y’know?

Mao:

I see, I get you. In that case, why don’t I help you pick out what to wear? I know exactly what it feels like to want to present yourself as a good big brother ♪

Kuro:

That’d help a lot. It’d sure give me a huge boost of confidence to have a fellow older brother by my side~ ♪