nazunyan427

Fuyume FS - A One of a Kind Dream Part 1 & 2
Season: Spring
Featuring: Fuyume, Tomoya, Hajime, Anzu

Tomoya:

…I see. So, you’re in the middle of making personalized outfits for the new idols right now, Anzu-san. But even though you managed to discuss things with Sagiri, the first of them, and things are progressing smoothly with his…

…ever since Hanamura sent you a message saying “Yume will make Yume’s own outfit”, you haven’t had a chance to talk to him, so you’re beginning to worry.

Hajime:

You tried contacting him a couple of times to check up on his progress, but he hasn’t replied…? Mmm, that does sound a bit concerning.

Tomoya:

If he wants to make his own outfit, you want to respect his wishes, but the “personalized outfit” project was yours to begin with, huh…

You were the one who suggested that you try to come up with an outfit that would suit him the best together, so it’s not great that he’s totally ignoring you.

Hajime:

I’d just like to confirm something. Are you sure there isn’t anything wrong with Hanamura-kun? Like, he hasn’t caught a cold, or something…?

Oh, you heard from Sagiri-kun that he’s perfectly healthy? I see… Then I wonder what’s wrong?

Tomoya:

Yeah… Well, it looks like the only option is to ask Hanamura himself.

I hope we can find him while we have a look… Hm, what’s that? There’s a crowd of people over there?

Hajime:

Hm? Someone seems to be in the center, surrounded by everyone. I just caught a brief glance, but I think it’s–

Fuyume:

…♪

Tomoya:

That’s Hanamura, isn’t it…? What’s he doing, holding up his phone like that?

Fuyume:

Hehehe. Yume’s as cute as ever today…! ♪

But photos just don’t convey Yume’s charm properly. Yume’s gotta do Yume’s best to take even better photos.

What if Yume tries out different expressions, or poses…?

Ufufu. This photo turned out pretty good… ♪ Yume’s even cute from an angle like this… ♪

Tomoya:

I was wondering what he was up to, but I guess he’s taking selfies somewhere he really stands out.

Hajime:

That’s why he attracted so much attention and drew in a crowd.

That said, he really is taking an enormous amount of photos, isn’t he? He’s had his eyes glued to the camera the whole time…

Tomoya:

Feels like we’d waste a lot of time if we waited for him to finish, huh. Let’s get his attention. Oi, Hanamura~?

Fuyume:

…Yeah. This angle looks best, so Yume thinks Yume can come up with where to place the accessories like this.

Next Yume should try taking a photo more from the side, instead of the front. Ufufu, Yume’s gonna take the best photo ever for sure… ♪

Tomoya:

You’re gonna take even more?!

Fuyume:

Mmm… You guys are being so noisy. Yume’s busy, so can you stay out of Yume’s way?

Hajime:

We’re in your “way”...? I mean, you say you’re busy, but you’re just taking selfies, aren’t y–

Fuyume:

“Just” taking selfies? You don’t understand anything. Yume is in the middle of a photoshoot right now, so just be quiet.

Hajime:

H-Huh? Now what? He just stubbornly snapped back at me…!

Tomoya:

Well, I’m sure Hanamura’s got his own stuff going on, so we should ask about that first.

Fuyume:

…Yeah ♪ Yume captured the ideal Yume and got a ton of photos~

Once Yume uploads these online, you’re all gonna go crazy over them, without a doubt. So look forward to them, ‘kay…?

Tomoya:

Hanamura~? Is it all right if we talk to you now?

Fuyume:

No, it’s not… But Yume is willing to listen. What do you want from Yume?

Hajime:

Er… We heard about your personalized outfit from Anzu-san. You told her that you wanted to make it yourself, right?

But afterwards, you never replied to her when she asked about how progress was going… So all of us went looking for you to ask you directly about it.

Anzu:

I’d just like you to tell me how you’re getting along, is all.

Fuyume:

And why does Yume have to tell you about Yume’s outfit?

Tomoya:

Well, this is a project you’re involved with together with Anzu-san. If you’ve decided you’d prefer to make it yourself and it’s coming along fine then there’s no problem.

But… If you’re struggling or having trouble, then Anzu-san would prefer you talk to her about it.

Anzu:

I was wondering what sort of outfit you’d decided on.

Fuyume:

…Yume is doing Yume’s best to come up with it.

Tomoya:

Yeah. So, if you’re still thinking about it, all you need to do is send Anzu-san a quick message telling her that.

Fuyume:

Yeah. And that’s why Yume already said Yume is working on it alone. So just wait until it’s done, okay?

Hajime:

It’s not that she doesn’t want to wait… It’s just that, working on an outfit all by yourself is a lot of work.

It’s just like Tomoya-kun said; we’re concerned you might be struggling with it.

Fuyume:

…Yume is fine. Yume can do this all by himself.

Tomoya:

Look, you don’t have to talk to us about it. But we’d like you to at least let Anzu-san know, be it through text or verbally.

You’re an idol, aren’t you, Hanamura?

So you can’t go causing trouble for your producer, since it’ll cause trouble for everyone involved, as well as the progress for the whole project.

Fuyume:

…up.

Tomoya:

?

Fuyume:

Shut up. You don’t know anything about Yume, so can you not lecture him?

Yume doesn’t want to be told this and that by a guy with such an average-looking face!

Hajime:

Wh…?! Wh-What did you just say?!

Anzu-san and Tomoya-kun are saying all of this with your best interests in mind! Not to mention, Tomoya-kun is COOL! HE’S SO COOL. THE COOLEST EVER…!

Tomoya:

Ahaha, thanks, Hajime. Just you thinking that is enough for me.

Look, I’m perfectly aware that I’m ordinary. You don’t need to worry about that.

Hajime:

But…

Tomoya:

We appeared out of nowhere and interrupted his photoshoot, then lectured him on top of that, so it’s no wonder he’s grumpy with us. Sorry, Hanamura.

Fuyume:

…Hmph.

Tomoya:

You said before that you’re doing your best to come up with an outfit, right? Then, could you at least tell us what kind of outfit you have in mind?

Fuyume:

…don’t wanna.

Tomoya:

Because you wanna keep it a secret until you’re done? Well, if that’s what you want, then it’s fine… Whoops, sorry I keep on speaking in your place, Anzu-san.

…I don’t know what kinda outfit you’re planning to make, Hanamura. But something tells me that if it was really coming along well, you’d be a lot more confident about it.

But it doesn’t seem like–

Fuyume:

…!

Tomoya:

I know it seems like I’m picking on a kid who's younger than me. But even an “average” guy like me is perceptive enough to tell that you’re trying to hide something.

Fuyume:

…

Tomoya:

There was a point in time where you were determined enough to shoot back a reply right away announcing you’d make it yourself.

So, if you’re really determined to come up with something great… Won’t you be honest with us?

Fuyume:

…Sniff sniff

Tomoya:

Hm?

Fuyume:

*starts to cry*

Tomoya:

Huh? Hanamura, are you crying…?!

(30 mins later. Cafe Cochi.)

Fuyume:

Sniff… Sniffle.

Hajime:

Have you calmed down? You shouldn’t sniffle; you should really blow your nose properly with a tissue.

Tomoya:

But you’ll end up hurting your ears if you blow too hard, so you should blow each side one at a time.

Fuyume:

Uu. Yume doesn’t want to blow his nose because it’ll look ugly… You’re the one who made Yume cry.

Anzu:

Sorry for being the bad guy.

Tomoya:

No, Anzu-san, don’t apologize about that. I’m the one who scolded Hanamura back there.

Well, that aside. Now that you’ve calmed down, won’t you talk to us about your personalized outfit…?

You were determined enough to reply to Anzu-san right away that you’d make it yourself when she first contacted you.

Fuyume:

Yeah… Yume looked at Anzu-san’s message when Yume was with Esu and read it then.

Yume saw what she’d written about bringing out each idol’s individual charm in their outfits…

But Yume’s individuality and charm is Yume’s alone. Yume doesn’t want some other person to try and come up with an outfit that reflects that.

The person who can represent Yume the most wonderfully of all is obviously Yume himself… That’s why Yume decided to make the outfit alone.

Hajime:

I see… So, that’s how you felt about a personalized outfit, Hanamura-kun.

Fuyume:

Yume was so confident when Anzu-san’s message arrived. Yume makes all of Yume’s cosplays by hand.

Yume can easily make a brand new outfit… Or so Yume thought.

But then Yume couldn’t find Esu anywhere, only to find out he shut himself away in ES so he could talk to Anzu-san, just the two of them, right?

And when he finally got home, he started bragging about how his idol fit was gonna turn out amazing, without a doubt!

He solved all of his problems behind Mommy’s back, and Mom did NOT appreciate how full of confidence he was… That’s when Mom started to lose it.

Tomoya & Hajime:

…Mom?

Fuyume:

Yume wanted to be the one to make Esu’s outfit! But he lifted the weight off of his shoulders all by himself, and let the essence of an idol flow through him…!

So, Yume wanted to get back at Esu by designing Yume’s own outfit, no matter what. Yume wanted to make him admit that he wished he and Yume came up with his outfit together.

But even though Yume’s been trying his hardest to come up with an outfit, things aren’t going well at all. Yume can’t get Yume’s thoughts together…

So Yume wondered if he took a bunch of selfies and put them online, and got showered in comments calling Yume cute, that Yume would come up with an idea.

Yume tried Yume’s best to work this out… But nothing’s working. How come?

No. Yume knows the reason. Yume hates the idea of Esu and Anzu-san getting along so well, just the two of them…!

Hajime:

Wah! You can’t make a fuss in the middle of this cafe~ Just calm down~

Fuyume:

Yume didn’t want to talk about this, but he let it all out…

Tomoya:

Sorry about this. I not only made you cry, but I made you talk about something you didn’t want to. I must be a terrible guy in your eyes, Hanamura.

But, well, seeing as you already probably hate me, I’d still like you to talk to us for a little longer.

Fuyume:

You want me to keep going…?

Tomoya:

We’ve never really spoken that much before, but you still managed to confess a whole lot. So maybe this timing might’ve been a blessing in disguise.

Thank you for talking to us about what you’d been keeping locked up inside.

Fuyume:

…Yeah. Yume really was upset.

Yume’s still gonna do his best for Yume’s own sake… But if Yume can’t get anywhere with Yume’s personalized outfit, then what?

Tomoya:

Then I’ll keep on cheering you on, so that everything will all work out. I’ve already hopped on board.

Is there anything else you’d like to talk about? If you’ve had a change of heart, then you might as well let everything out now. I’m sure you’ll feel a ton better.

Fuyume:

Nope, Yume got everything Yume was keeping inside Yume’s tummy out.

But… Right, now that Yume’s let everything out, Yume’s tummy is empty. ♪

Hajime:

Huh? Your tummy?

Fuyume:

Yume needs energy to do Yume’s best. So Yume wants to eat the cutest cake this cafe has.

Tomoya:

You really are something else… You really make things work in your own favor, huh?

Hajime:

R-Right. Can you please at least apologize to Anzu-san first?

Fuyume:

Mmm~ …Sorry, Anzu-san. Yume will do Yume’s best once Yume has some cake, so work with Yume, okay? ♪

…Oh. This cake is so cute. Yume’s gonna order it right away. Ufufu… ♪

(Several days later.)

Tomoya:

Sorry to barge in~

Fuyume:

Anzu-san! This material here is supposed to be more frilly and flowy!

And can’t you see there aren’t enough flowers?

And when you consider how it’s gonna look when Yume’s on stage… This side is gonna need more accessories!

Tomoya:

(This guy is a real handful. Just when I thought he and Anzu-san are working on his outfit together, I see he’s being as self-centered as always.

But maybe… Maybe it’s not being self-centered. Maybe this is his own form of perfectionism?

It’s not great to cause so much trouble for everyone around him, but being a perfectionist isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

I mean, I used to be the type who’d practice things I was struggling with until super late, which I’m sure caused a ton of trouble for others.)

So I guess I understand the feeling of not wanting to compromise…

Fuyume:

…Hm? Is that you, Leader of Ra*bits-san?

What are you doing here?

Tomoya:

I told you I’d be supporting you, didn’t I? So I came to check on how things are going.

Hey there, Anzu-san. Well, how’s it going?

Looks like Hanamura is as selfish–I mean, as much of a perfectionist as ever. So, how are things coming along?

Fuyume:

Don’t be so rude. You have eyes, don’t you?

Yume put all of the love in Yume’s heart into this outfit, and it’s well on its way to completion! ♪

Oh, Anzu-san. Yume wants to put a flower in the middle of the center ribbon. That’d be even cuter, right?

…? Anzu-san? What’s that accessory you have in your hand?

There’s no flower like that in the rough draft, and Yume never said anything about wearing it…

Anzu:

I thought you’d look even cuter with this, so I prepared it for you.

Fuyume:

…Hmm… Looks like you know Yume pretty well.

It’s not a bad idea, so Yume’ll use it. Yume will even let you be the one to attach it to the ribbon… ♪

Tomoya:

Sneaky of you to increase Anzu-san’s workload like that.

Anzu:

… I’m just glad I thought to prepare it.

Tomoya:

Hm? Well, if you're happy about it, then I can’t really say anything.

Fuyume:

Hey, Leader of Ra*bits-san, Yume wants you to grab that lace over there!

Tomoya:

Sure. This lace, right…

Fuyume:

…Fufufu. Just you wait, Esu. And all of the rest of you. Yume is gonna show the cutest Yume yet.

You’re all cordially invited to Yume’s world…! ♪

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

Parallel World - “Epilogue” Chapter 22

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

Location: Sanctuary stage

Hajime:

What we faced this time is a problem that we’re absolutely going to have to go up against one day. No, in fact, it’s a problem that we’ve been dealing with this whole time.

—That is, can we continue to pursue “cuteness” for the rest of our lives?

—Or are we even cute enough to be adamant about sticking to “cuteness”, no matter what, in the first place?

We should have seen it coming, but we’ve been pretending not to. We acted like we were taking it into consideration, but the reality is, we hadn’t been thinking it through at all.

This is our fate. It’s the conclusion of where our future will end up. And this time around, that problem was amplified enough for us to have to grapple with it head on.

Maybe it’s the same adversary Ideia-sama had to face themself, when they were younger.

They anticipated that we’d be able to fight back too, and had faith that we’d triumph.

That’s what I want to believe. Ideia-sama really is someone I look up to, after all.

Though I guess Mitsuru-kun might be thinking about how they put us through such an awful situation, that there’s no need to have such a benevolent interpretation of their actions, right?

Mitsuru:

Huh? Yeah! I hate that person! They dragged us into their plans, decided how it all ended, then just up and left! Everythin’ they did was for themself!

Tomoya:

Although you often go getting involved in Mikejima-senpai’s business of your own accord, Mitsuru.

Mitsuru:

I’m allowed to do it! Their way is their way, but my way is my way!

Tomoya:

Haha, that’s such a self-focused way of looking at things. Though I guess if anyone can be forgiven for that, it’s you, Mitsuru.

Mitsuru:

Huh? If I did somethin’ weird or somethin’ ya didn’t like, you gotta tell me? I’m too stupid to figure it out myself!

Hajime:

No, I love everything about you, Mitsuru-kun. And it’s because I love both of you that I’d really like for you and Ideia-sama to get along.

Mitsuru:

No way. Not right now. I’m not just gonna get over what they did to us that easy.

Tomoya:

Strangely enough, whenever someone makes Mitsuru feel strong negative emotions, he tends to have trouble letting go of them. You’d think he’d be able to bounce back right away, so it’s kind of surprising.

Hajime:

That’s true~ This time, Mitsuru-kun was probably the second most depressed and lethargic out of all of us, after me. 

Mitsuru:

Yeah. But even though I can’t let go of how I feel yet, I’ll be sure to spend time thinkin’ about it all seriously.

That goes for this person too, after what they did.

Like the way we might be part of the people who turned them into a jerk in the first place… I thought about that a little bit.

If you were forced to run 1000 meters every single day, even though you really should’ve only been runnin’ 50 meters, anyone would get real annoyed.

Tomoya:

Odd. I thought you’d say something like: "the more I can run, the happier I feel!" Mitsuru?

Mitsuru:

Maybe if I’m runnin’ as a hobby. But when it comes to a contest, that sorta rule makes no sense.

It’s no wonder they’d get so stressed out that they’d lose the ability to be nice to anyone anymore. Hmph.

Nazuna:

Oh~ So you do get serious when it comes to competitions alone, Mitsuru-chin?

Mitsuru:

No, I take bein’ an idol seriously too? See how everyone was focusin’ so much on comin’ up with a plan this time that we didn’t get as much rehearsal in as we should’ve, so the rest of you aren’t as sharp as usual?

All of you should look at me and learn! See how I’m singing’ and dancin’ full of energy, like always~!

—Like this!

“♪~♪~♪~”

Tomoya:

Ahaha. You’ve always been my—no, all of our role model, Mitsuru.

You’re always giving us a hand, but this time you really did come to our rescue.

If you hadn’t come to us with that plan, we’d probably still be racking our brains right now, panicking about what to do.

Mitsuru:

If ya wanna thank anyone, it better be Guu~chan! All I did was dash over to you guys to share what she said! I may not be as fast as the speed of light, but I ran as fast as my legs would carry me!

Nazuna:

Right! If we want to express our gratitude to all of the people who helped us out this time, we can’t be sloppy on stage.

Tomoya:

Got it. And that goes for Guu~chan-san, all of the parallel Ra*bits—and, of course, Ideia-sama.

Hajime:

Oh, Tomoya-kun, you’ve started calling them Ideia-sama?

Tomoya:

I guess I’ve come to look up to them a bit. They’re an even bigger superstar than what I’ve heard, so I thought it only feels right to address them by ~sama.

I can’t possibly imagine changing the world in the same way as Ideia-sama and Tenshouin-senpai just yet.

I’m just an ordinary guy, so I made up my mind from the start that that sort of thing was impossible.

But, when it comes to all three of you in front of me, as well as our fans watching over us…

…I’m going to make up for all of the dirty conspiracies we’ve been used in—no, more than just that. I want to guide the way towards the happiest, most fun and peaceful world that I possibly can.

At least until the curtain goes down on this stage, we’ll share a moment of joy, just for a little bit.

Right now, that’s about all I can do—and even that won’t be easy.

But so long as I’m with the three of you, I know I can do it.

“♪~♪~♪~”

END

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

Parallel World - “The Bad Kid Survival Strategy” Chapter 20

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

Location: Sanctuary Food Court

Ideia-sama:

“But this time, you dove straight into the swamp; choosing to muddy yourselves on your own accord. And in doing so, you managed to free yourselves from being thought of as such easy-pickings.”

“I’m sure you understand it perfectly well yourselves. That is, how you essentially dragged your fans into your own problem and held them hostage.”

Tomoya:

……

Ideia-sama:

“As ES is a company that seeks profit, there are certain patrons they absolutely cannot ignore—namely, your fans. Fans that you intentionally seduced for the sake of doing your bidding.”

“It was a vulgar, sneaky, and terrible way of doing things.”

“I’m ashamed of all of you. You absolutely cannot do something like that.”

“What do your fans even mean to you? Are they simply a tool to be used to accomplish your own goals?”

“No. They are the people who acknowledge you, and love you—people you ought to be grateful to from the bottom of your hearts. Am I wrong?”

“And yet you took the countless number of people you should feel indebted to and hurled them like cannonballs against the agency that’s raised and nurtured you from the start in an all out assault.”

“You should be ashamed of yourselves.”

Tomoya:

Thank you.

I’m glad. I’m relieved that you pointed out that we’re genuinely in the wrong here.

Hajime:

Me too. It wouldn’t have felt great if everyone reacted like anything and everything Ra*bits do is correct just because we’re Ra*bits.

Mitsuru:

Yeah! We did somethin’ real awful. Somethin’ we shouldn’t have done. I may be stupid, but even I know that.

Nazuna:

Yeah. We all understood that perfectly well, but still came to an agreement and took action.

But still, the whole reason we were pushed this far to begin with is because of you. 

Ideia-sama:

“It’s just as you say.”

“If I were to say that I flung you into the bottom of a ravine in order to make you strong enough to claw your way back up and prove you’re able to survive in this cutthroat society—I would be lying.”

“I simply used all of you to fulfill my own goal.”

“I am also a sneaky, filthy, awful human, after all.”

Hajime:

And your goal—

Nazuna:

—This utopia for female idols never existed in the first place, did it?

Ideia-sama:

“......”

Nazuna:

No matter how much I looked, I couldn’t find anything. So at first, I figured someone must be keeping all of this information under a lock and key.

But afterwards, while you were using your own power to harass us, you started talking publicly about this female idol utopia—

And it suddenly became a massive topic.

All over the country, female idols started speaking up about how if such a utopia existed, they would want to be part of it.

That was your goal all along, wasn’t it? It’s just like the urban legend of Slenderman. You wanted smoke when there was never a fire to begin with.

The bigger the topic we became, the higher the smoke bellowed—to the point that anyone would be able to see it, no matter where they were standing.

Ideia-sama:

“—I’ve seized the land, the funds, and the authority.”

“All in the name of this female idol utopia. Over the years, I’ve gathered together almost all of the components I need to make it a reality.”

“However, there's one vital thing I am missing: people. As you can see, I’m someone who’s quite detached from reality, and I rarely interact with people living in it.”

“People are the bricks needed to build a castle. And those people are exactly what I lack.”

“And so, I hatched a plan in order to fill that void.”

“The female idols of this country have been overwhelmed, so it’s no surprise that they feel they have been treated unfairly and illogically.”

“But while they resent the current situation, they did not have hopes that things would change.”

“For a brief moment, a girl named NEGI managed to spark a flame—but that flame was quickly extinguished.”

“And so, I showed them hope. I showed them a utopia that would save us all.”

“If someone of my status said so, I would be able to give them the credibility they need to believe it could be a reality.”

“I want to deliver hopes and dreams to those who’ve gone without smiling for so, so long.”

“That’s my job. No, that’s my dream. That's what I want to do with my life.”

Tomoya:

You really are exactly the incredible sort of idol Hajime always describes you as.

I have a lot of respect for you. Even though I may be just a tiny speck compared to you.

Ideia-sama:

“‘We’ are not idols; that fact still remains.”

“Until the world treats us in the same way it treats you, we will never, ever voluntarily refer to ourselves in such a way.”

Tomoya:

I really do hope you can make your dream a reality.

Ideia-sama:

“Yes. Even though at present it’s still only fiction—a world that exists far, far into the future.”

NEXT CHAPTER

–

Translation by:

Ara @. nazunyan427

Proofreader: 

Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

Parallel World - “The Bad Kid Survival Strategy” Chapter 18

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

(Several hours later. Sanctuary Food Court.)

Ideia-sama:

“What an interesting plan you’ve come up with, Ra*bits.”

“I wouldn't have thought you’d think up such a thing yourselves. Just who in the world put this idea in your head?”

Tomoya:

Geh, Bishojo-senpai?!

Nazuna:

Haha, you’re acting like a powerful military commander just came to unleash an assault.

Hajime:

Oh, err, it’s been quite a while, hasn’t it…? Uhm, I mean to ask, did you come to support our Parallel World project, Ideia-sama?

Ideia-sama:

“I did. Should I not have?”

Hajime:

N-No, I never said that. Or rather, I should say, ‘bring it on!’ Isn’t that right, Tomoya-kun?!

Tomoya:

D-Don’t ask me! You know I’m not great with this person either…!

Mitsuru:

Hey, hey. What’cha eatin’, Kira-kun? You eat actual food?

Ideia-sama:

“Yes, this boy is a living creature.”

“Even though he may look like a completely different species in your eyes—like that of a monster, or perhaps a killing machine.”

Tomoya:

I can’t believe you’re able to just talk to this scary guy normally, Mitsuru.

Mitsuru:

Hm~? To be honest, Bishojo-senpai gets on my nerves, but Kira-kun never did anything bad to us? So there’s no reason to be afraid of him, right?

Ideia-sama:

“That’s right. Your ability to separate us shows me the sort of internal quality which is very rare.”

“In general, most people would associate every single person belonging to an organization they stand in opposition to as their enemy. That’s how their brain compartmentalizes things.”

“However. Mitsuru-san has managed to separate Kira-kun and me, and judge us based on our individual sense of values.”

“It’s a wonderful thing to see. One that makes much more logical sense.”

“Please do treasure it; your precious humanity.”

“To live, is to become dirty. And so, it’s of utmost importance to decide what parts of yourself will remain pure and clean, and to what extent you’re willing to dirty yourself.”

“Hehe. And this time, I see you’ve chosen which parts of yourself you’re willing to get dirty.”

Tomoya:

…I figured you’d be able to predict our intentions at a glance.

Ideia-sama:

“Of course. You even overtly announced it officially.”

“You Ra*bits rented out this amusement park to hold an enormous, unprecedented event: your Operation: Parallel World.”

“It all began with droves of different variations of Ra*bits scattered throughout the park.”

“From there, attendees such as myself have been able to watch this myriad of performances unfold in delight—the endless amount of alternative Ra*bits.”

“What if Ra*bits were heroes of justice? What if Ra*bits were radical, amoral, demons of the night?”

“What if Ra*bits were elegant and refined angelic, divine beings?”

“The whole purpose of this Parallel World is to enjoy all of these countless versions of Ra*bits with our own eyes.”

“Unusual as it is, it's a truly exhilarating, entertaining event.”

Tomoya:

Well, I’m glad you approve.

Ideia-sama:

“I do think this was a close call, but you still managed to gather so many other idols willing to help you out in this short amount of time.”

“The smaller the sample size, the far less entertaining comparing all of these alternate Ra*bits to the ‘real thing’ would be.”

“However, you really did manage to assemble idols of every genre under the sun and have them all gather here.”

“You have always shown others unconditional love and kindness, and so everyone else was willing to do the same for you.”

“If Ra*bits are the ones asking, anyone would be willing to get off their backside to come and help you out.”

“It really is wonderful. That, is the correct usage of ‘cuteness.’”

Tomoya:

That’s an honor, to be evaluated in such a way by the Commander of Cuteness themself.

Ideia-sama:

“Oh, this is unusual.”

“Most people react with displeasure when you speak of cuteness as something to be used in the same manner as a dose of medicine, rather than the pure precious natural quality.”

Tomoya:

There’s no point in trying to ruffle us by trying to stir us up.

We’ve already figured out your intentions.

Ideia-sama:

“Oh? Then allow me to ask: what are my intentions?”

“No. Before that, we should finish our current discussion.”

“Jumping from topic to topic has a childlike charm to it, but things will become disorganized.”

“—You’re making people choose the ‘real’ Ra*bits.”

“You’re forcing your fans to pick out the ‘real’ you from the countless number of alternate Ra*bits roaming around this amusement park.”

“That’s what sort of game this is. Essentially, one of ‘spot the difference.’”

“And so, only the ‘real’ you will remain in this world. From this day onwards, only the ‘real’ Ra*bits will continue to be active as idols.”

“That’s the announcement you made a little while ago.”

Tomoya:

Yeah. It’s basically what you said; a game of spot the difference—one that’s supposed to double as entertainment. That’s the gist of this game.

That way, everyone will be able to enjoy themselves while taking part, right?

Ideia-sama:

“That said, this is an event your future as Ra*bits majorly hinges on.”

Tomoya:

That’s right. We’re urging our fans to make a major decision for us. But we’ve gotta do it in a cute, fun way, so that they won’t notice.

Ideia-sama:

“How sneaky. And yet, how effective.”

“As a result of this ridiculous game, all of the fake Ra*bits will be annihilated. The futures that could have been are going to be all forever lost.”

“Based on how you look at things, it’s essentially a terrifying death game. Though, of course, no one is actually going to die.”

“After all, this is merely child’s play.”

Tomoya:

And we made sure to take special care with our performances to keep it at that.

NEXT CHAPTER

–

Translation by:

Ara @. nazunyan427

Proofreader: 

Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

Parallel World - “The Bad Kid Survival Strategy” Chapter 16

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

(Early next morning. ES Building, Sky Garden.)

Eichi:

No, I truly am chilled to the bone.

Spring is yet so far… Dressing so lightly will do little to prevent me from catching a cold.

Wataru:

Then allow me to present my newest creation, Eichi! After all, there is scientific evidence that suggests laughter increases one’s body temperature! Amazing! ☆

If you would grant me your attention! Presenting: “Grandfather Cherryblossom VS The Zombie Mutt: How Long Have I Been Hallucinating the Corpse Under the Cherry Blossom Tree?”

Eichi:

I would go as far as to say such a creation sounds even more fascinating than it needs to be.

Wataru:

Fufufu. Have you found yourself coming to long for the warmth of human skin contact?

Eichi:

One does tend to crave companionship when the weather is chilly.

And yet, I do not have the luxury of simply spending my time here relaxing.

Wataru:

Indeed, footsteps appear to approach us as we speak! Ah, but if only they were the footsteps of spring!

Eichi:

Hehe. What bad boy has come to disturb my elegant morning tea?

Tomoya:

—Tenshouin Eichi!

Senpai, haa haa… Need to… discuss, I mean… Haa… Have a favor… Haa…

Eichi:

Are you a dog?

Wataru:

Do catch your breath, Tomoya-kun. You are most unsightly.

Tomoya:

I mean, I just had to climb up all those emergency stairs since for some reason the elevator wasn’t working!

Eichi:

Well, it isn’t operating hours yet. It is essential to conserve electricity during colder months. Not to mention, I do not wish for anyone to disturb me amidst my peaceful respite.

Although I did simply take the elevator up here as normal. Afterwards, I made use of my authority to have them cut the power.

Tomoya:

Th-That’s just blatant harassment… I thought I told you that I wanted a meeting with you today over Holdhands.

Eichi:

You did. Today, at this hour, at this location.

I was testing you, Mashiro-kun. You and I are not friends, and I assume you have no desire to merely spend time in my company?

When you ask a favor of someone, the least you ought to do is demonstrate your goodwill.

Tomoya:

So making me climb that ridiculous amount of stairs to get here is proof of me demonstrating my “goodwill”?

Eichi:

That's right. I do admit you have demonstrated that much. 

Ah, tea does taste much more delicious when I am gazing upon the suffering of another.

Tomoya:

So you’re not even trying to hide that you’re a scumbag… 

Before, or rather, up until SS, you at least tried to act the part of a kind senpai in front of me. But now you’ve totally dropped it.

Eichi:

Because I hate you, Mashiro-kun. Wataru is far too fond of you.

Wataru:

How wonderful that you would speak so honestly, Eichi!

Eichi:

I expect there is no need for me to keep up appearances in front of this boy. After all, no matter what I do, he will never come to hate me; he is far too much of a good boy for that.

Tomoya:

Not even I’m that much of a saint.

No. I came here today so I could completely dismantle the image the world has of Ra*bits.

Even if I have to make a deal with the devil himself, I’m going to get us out of this predicament.

Eichi:

And who are you calling a devil? I will have you know that the world’s image of fine is that of angels.

Tomoya:

Angels and devils are basically all the same thing. Something us normal humans could never stand a chance against—an existence that transcends reality.

And right now, we’re facing off against Bishojo-senpai—someone who’s abandoned their humanity to become a God-like existence.

Eichi:

And so, you have no choice but to request the aid of supernatural power to conquer such a formidable foe?

I can see your vision, logically speaking. However, are you not barking up the wrong tree for coming to beg us for help?

It is without a doubt that your adversary, Kirarai Dearu-shi, stands at the top of the idol industry.

Now, for what reason would fine venture the risk of falling into disgrace with such a God-like existence?

You really ought to go ask someone less likely to take profit and loss into account such as an “Ally of Justice”, or perhaps a “Wizard.” Go on, be on your way now.

Tomoya:

Wow~ So even you’re afraid of Bishojo-senpai?

Eichi:

Do watch your tongue. How many times must I remind you that this is not how you speak to someone you would ask a favor from?

I am not particularly frightened by Kirarai Dearu-shi. Should they stand in my path, I would go as far as to massacre even gods and Buddhas.

However, what obligation do I have to get myself involved in something so troublesome? Am I now a hero chosen to eliminate the king of demons?

Tomoya:

It’s not that I’m asking you to take down Bishojo-senpai.

That person is our enemy. No, they’re our rival we’re fated to square off against. 

If anything, if you butt in from the side to snatch the chance away from us, I’ll be furious.

Eichi:

I don’t follow. Get to the point.

I’m growing chilly. This isn’t a suitable location for long discussions.

Tomoya:

You’re the one who wanted to meet here!

Anyway, right. The location is important.

Eichi:

Meaning?

Tomoya:

I want you to lend us a stage. The bigger the better. The more attention that can be focused on us the better.

Eichi:

Oh? I have an idea of what you’re hinting at, but won’t you be more specific?

Tomoya:

I want you to lend us Sanctuary.

That twisted amusement park you built.

Eichi:

Hehe. Perhaps to the unenlightened, it might be regarded as nothing more than a “twisted” amusement park.

Wataru:

No, it would be clear in the eyes of anyone that such a place is a cesspool of madness—a distorted wonderland!

Eichi:

Wouldn’t it be boring to build something ordinary?

Uniqueness is what’s important in this generation. Uniqueness.

Isn’t that what’s being demanded of you at the moment, Ra*bits?

Tomoya:

I’m glad you follow. Well, what’ll it be? Will you lend it to us? Won’t you?

Eichi:

Perhaps. But it won’t come cheap, you know? Will you be capable of paying the amount I ask?

Tomoya:

You’d take money from us? I was hoping you’d think of it as emotional reparations for causing God knows how much trouble for us during SS.

Not to mention the way you basically tried to kill me for no reason during the Sports Fest.

Eichi:

If anything, why didn’t you die back then?

Tomoya:

You asshole!

Eichi:

I jest, I jest. Very well, I shall lend it to you.

I shall let you borrow Sanctuary for free for one whole day. It hasn’t officially opened yet, so that much shouldn’t be too difficult.

Tomoya:

Y-You’ll lend it to us for free?

Eichi:

I already have a filthy amount of money.

But more importantly, you Ra*bits are exceptionally adored amongst all of the idols from Yumenosaki. And so, having you in my debt would be most beneficial.

When it comes to SS, the most wide-scale event in the idol industry, Yumenosaki alumni are unrivaled. For what it’s worth, there is no escaping the fact that the entire industry shall be dyed in the colors of Yumenosaki for this entire year.

Ra*bits would be the most useful tool when it comes to spurring the “main characters” of this industry into action. 

And I intend to make full use of you in exchange for lending you Sanctuary.

Wataru:

Are you sure you are all right with this, Tomoya-kun? I am speaking from a place of pure concern as your Drama Club senpai this time around. Owing a favor to this man may come at a later price, you know?

Tomoya:

Thanks for your concern, but Ra*bits have reached the critical point where we’re not sure if there’s going to be a “later” otherwise.

It’ll be okay. No matter how awful an environment we’re thrust into, we’ll use whatever we have at our disposal to survive. 

Our claws and fangs are our cuteness and how much we’re adored by everyone.

And for anyone convinced they’re strong enough to just walk all over us—we’ll show you just how terrifyingly mighty us little animals can be.

NEXT CHAPTER

–

Translation by:

Ara @. nazunyan427

Proofreader: 

Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

Parallel World - “The Bad Kid Survival Strategy” Chapter 14

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

(Later that night. Starmony Dorm. Mashiro Tomoya’s dorm room.)

Tomoya:

……

Nazuna:

Hey, I’m coming in. Huh? Tomo-chin, is it just you tonight?

Lately, all of us have been gathering in your room to discuss our next steps even though no one specifically suggested it; we all just started doing it out of habit.

Tomoya:

Oh, Nii~chan.

Sorry, I was focused on something and didn’t hear you. What did you say?

Nazuna:

I asked you if you were alone tonight~?

Tomoya:

Well, I can sense Ayase-senpai’s presence in the ceiling…

When I get so distraught that I end up groaning or sighing to myself every now and then, he’ll say something like “Please hang in there!” or “Please don’t give up!”

Nazuna:

Like your own personal poltergeist.

Tomoya:

By the way, Hajime was seriously on the brink of losing it so Mitsuru forced him to go to the hospital. Hajime tried to protest, but Mitsuru threw him over his shoulder and forcibly carried him there.

Nazuna:

That happened? I had to go back to college so I had no idea…

Tomoya:

I’m sure things are pretty hectic for you right now with it being the end of the year.

…By the way, has anyone at your college said anything to you about us?

Nazuna:

Hm? No, not really. Part of it is probably out of consideration for me.

But ever since I started attending a regular university, I’ve come to learn something pretty well. That is: the world has nowhere near as much interest in idols as we think.

Tomoya:

Ahaha. I guess that’s for the better, in a way.

It’s actually a relief to hear. If we were some of the most famous people in this country, I can't even begin to imagine the stress we’d be under.

Nazuna:

Yeah, exactly. Everyone at ES basically exaggerates their own importance~

But even though this amount isn’t exactly fatal, there’s no denying that we’re under serious stress right now—enough that even someone as resilient and strong-minded as Hajime-chin had a complete mental breakdown.

Tomoya:

Oh, I get the feeling that Mitsuru might have been overexaggerating about that a bit. Since he’s spending so much time visiting his friend at the hospital, I feel like he’s started worrying way too much about everyone else.

Mitsuru might be a pretty invincible guy, but the rest of us ordinary humans around him aren’t… We have weaknesses, and we end up crumbling sometimes. I think that fact is finally sinking in for him.

And that’s why he started panicking and making such a fuss.

Nazuna:

That might also be why he never told us the entire strategy this Guu~chan or whatever her name is came up with from the start. I guess he did so out of consideration for us. Pretty cheeky of him to make a call like that, if you ask me.

Tomoya:

Yeah, it does feel kind of frustrating. We’re the same age, but it’s like he’s trying to act like our guardian right now.

Though I’m not sure if I'm in the right place to say something like that; not when I’m the one who’s basically taken on the role of Hajime’s personal guardian all this time, even though no one in particular asked me to.

Nazuna:

I get the feeling that your presence has saved Hajime-chin in all sorts of ways, Tomo-chin.

Back when I was at my worst mentally, back when Valkyrie temporarily came to an end—

—I sometimes wonder what it would have been like if I’d had a friend like you around.

Tomoya:

Didn’t you have any friends back then, Nii~chan?

Nazuna:

Well, I had Kuro-chin when it came to casually hanging out with someone. But he had his own situation to deal with, so I felt like I’d probably be just a burden if I tried to depend on him too much.

Tomoya:

I really wish you’d turn to someone for help when you’re suffering, Nii~chan.

Nazuna:

Cheeky… But listen, whether you ask me to or not, I’m going to turn to you for help whenever I need it, Leader~?

Let me just get straight to the point. What do you plan to do from now on?

You’re the only one who can make the final decision. Though of course, the rest of us will share our opinions with you.

But ultimately, you’re the one who has the call on the overall direction we’ll go in and steer us towards our goal. That’s your role as our Leader.

Are you really going to go through with the plan that Mitsuru-chin said this Guu~chan came up with?

Tomoya:

Well, if we don’t, all of the prior investment we put into Operation: PR will have been a complete waste. That was basically laying the foundation for the first stage of our plan.

Nazuna:

It’s still possible to cut our losses. Mitsuru-chin said something like that too—it’s totally possible to still pull out before we go past the point of no return.

Tomoya:

But... I do think I want to go the whole way.

Even now, I’ve been laying the groundwork over Holdhands.

Nazuna:

Getting everyone else to help is basically going to be vital when it comes to carrying out the next part of this plan.

The enemy we’re up against is the formidable Bishojo-senpai, after all. We won’t be able to take them down by ourselves.

Tomoya:

And that’s why we’ll have everyone help us out. That’s pretty much how we always do things, isn’t it?

That’s why, in a way, this time is no different;the scale is just way bigger this time around.

NEXT CHAPTER

–

Translation by:

Ara @. nazunyan427

Proofreader: 

Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

Parallel World - “The Bad Kid Survival Strategy” Chapter 12

Writer: Akira

Season: Winter

(One week later. Starmony Dorm Theater Room.)

Tomoya:

No way this is gonna work.

Nazuna:

Yeah… Sorry, I don’t think I can do this either.

Mitsuru:

Huh~? How come, how come? I thought it was pretty funny. Ra*bits playin’ dirty…☆

Hajime:

F-For the record, the official name of the project is “Parallel Ra*bits.”

We asked dozens of idols, pro and amateur alike, to make use of the SSVRS and transform into Ra*bits.

And then each of them performed in the same way they always do, albeit while looking completely like us.

For example, Akatsuki performed in their traditional, Japanese style, and Undead performed rock and roll.

Nazuna:

Yeah. That way, we’ve been able to see all sorts of Ra*bits from an audience’s perspective, which should help us figure out what direction we’d be best suited to go in. 

That was the plan, anyway.

Tomoya:

But it’s a total failure… 

Surprisingly, Mitsuru was the one who put forward this proposal and was really adamant about trying it. So I figured, well, maybe a miracle is about to happen. That’s why I went along with it.

Mitsuru:

What? So this is my fault? But I just took Guu~chan’s idea—

Tomoya:

No. I’m the one who made the final decision to try it out, so the blame lies with me.

I’m the Leader of Ra*bits, after all. The ultimate responsibility belongs to me.

But. We’re completely broke after using up all of our L$ to pay the other idols for helping us out. And speaking of which, so many people applied that it’s taking ages for everything to get approved.

Thanks to all that, we haven’t been able to be very active as a unit at all. Though I guess work has all but dried up for us right now, so maybe that’s not so much of a problem.

I’m scared of how the world is going to react… To be honest, I’m starting to worry we strayed completely off path?

Nazuna:

Mhm. We may not know which direction we should turn and run in, but it’s better than just staying still and letting ourselves get put completely out of business.

Hajime:

You’re so positive, Nii~chan…♪

Nazuna:

All we can do right now is stay positive, even if we have to force ourselves. It’s not like we can go back now.

That awful Bishojo-senpai was as good as their word. They put pressure on our agency, and completely stripped “cuteness” away from us.

Hajime:

Ideia-sama basically reigns over the world of all things cute as its ultimate boss, so to speak… If they give the order, everyone else falls into line and goes along with it.

Nazuna:

We got a real glimpse at the authority of a major influential figure, huh…

Of course, there were plenty of people who felt animosity towards Bishojo-senpai’s cruel way of going about things too.

And that’s probably why so many people went along with our proposal to help us out. Everyone let us know they’re on our side, and made their attitudes towards this clear.

Hajime:

Well, I’m very grateful for that at least… If all other idols had turned their back on us too, that would have been the absolute worst. We would’ve been so isolated and helpless.

It reminds me of a long time ago when I was ostracized by everyone for being so dimwitted and slow.

Not that I was being outright bullied or anything then either, but I did always think it felt so unfair.

Tomoya:

Well, you never did anything wrong.

Hajime:

I don’t know… Maybe it was my fault for being so slow and dimwitted—basically someone so inferior compared to everyone else.

Mitsuru:

Hajime-chan, you're really makin’ yourself sick. Are ya sure you’re all right? Won’t you go to the hospital?

Hajime:

I can’t help it~! I feel completely drained right now… I have absolutely no idea what Ideia-sama is thinking.

Even to the point where I’m starting to suspect that the person behind the persona might have been replaced.

Nazuna:

Is that a possibility? If that’s the case, then once we determine that this Bishojo-senpai is a fake and expose them to everyone—

They’ll lose all their power and status, and won’t be able to pressure us with all of these illogical demands anymore.

Hajime:

Oh, no, what I said just now was a joke. I do believe that this Ideia-sama is, without a doubt, the real Ideia-sama.

Of course, it’s not like I have any proof. But it’s just my heartfeel from the extra special super-idol aura emanating from them.

Mitsuru:

That sure sounds suspicious…

Hajime:

I don’t know how else to put it… If anything, I feel like Ideia-sama is revealing more of their true self than ever before—facing us head on with who they are as a person.

They’re a senpai I’ve relied on for so long—one who’s always been watching over us. They’re highly-acclaimed, beloved by the world, and probably one of the ultimate super-idols who’ll go down in music history.

When I consider what’s unfolding, there really shouldn’t even be any need for Ideia-sama to say the things they’re saying now.

All they’re doing is falling into disgrace with our fans and other idols and putting themself in a worse position.

Tomoya:

Yeah, exactly. That’s what’s so weird about all of this.

Bishojo-senpai isn’t trying to run away or hide themself at all. And it doesn’t seem like they’re trying to falsely represent or deceive anyone with what they’re doing either.

They’ve publicly declared themself that they’re the one putting pressure on Ra*bits to quit the whole concept of “cuteness.”

And despite claiming that what they told us was off the record, they’ve talked a lot about their utopia for female idols on TV and stuff.

That’s not really the best sort of business strategy.

If everything about the female idol utopia is true, then Bishojo-senpai has basically been spreading leaks about it without even waiting for the official announcement.

Nazuna:

Yeah, that too. While they may not be necessarily under any sort of NDA, they’re making it seem like they’re totally oblivious to the tone of the media and pissing everyone off.

Besides, if there is going to be a utopia for female idols, it’s naturally going to be a competitor of ES.

It basically sounds like a faction of conspirators who felt slighted by ES got together of their own accord in some foreign country to form an organization.

And considering that Bishojo-senpai is hinting about transferring there, they’re basically a viper in ES’ bosom. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they end up with an even bigger shortage of work than us.

Bishojo-senpai is a majorly influential figure in the industry with an enormous amount of fans—they're not someone we can carelessly criticize.

But ES is basically ignoring all of that.

Though ever since SS, there’s been a major increase of anti-ES organizations like that, so it may just be that they haven’t been able to keep up with all of them.

NEXT CHAPTER

–

Translation by:

Proofreader: 

Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki

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: 

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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

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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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Translation by:

Ara @. nazunyan427

Proofreader: 

Sophie @.ra_bits_daisuki