verdantgrove

Location: 2wink Dressing Room

<A few hours later. Immediately following the end of the live, in the 2wink dressing room>

Hinata: Pheeew, today’s live was a hit! I’ve got zero complaints!

Yuuta: Great work today, Aniki. ...That's right~, since we've been completely consistent these days, we've had no need for any post-live performance reviews.

That isn't a bad thing at all, okay?

Hinata: No, it so is! We always get something to eat together after a live, even if we call it a performance review— we’ve been doing that forever!

But nowadays we always say the whole thing was smooth sailing and nothing else, and giving your body some time to recharge is more important, so we just end up going home first thing after the live!

Yuuta: What’s wrong with that? We can meet up whenever we want, and I don’t see why we have to celebrate each time we finish work.

Nowadays, having a meal with you feels like working overtime for me.

Hinata: I don’t really know what you mean by that, but that’s so mean!? Eating with you after lives was my sole source of joy after we got split into separate dorm rooms!

I don’t get the chance to get my healthy dose of Yuuta-kun very often!

Yuuta: What does that even mean...

Hinata: Well, if I put it seriously… I’ll be direct: we’re not able to hang out face-to-face nearly as much as we used to, so I get the feeling that there’s a subtle misalignment starting to show— in our behavior, and stuff like that.

Before, if it was just you who showed up on TV and stuff, it felt like I was looking in a mirror, but nowadays it pretty much only takes one glance for me to think “Ah, that’s Yuuta-kun”.

Yuuta: That's an improvement, right? You used to think that you and I were too alike, while I usually could tell us apart at any time?

Hinata: Huh? How cruel! So you think your big bro is some stranger!?

Yuuta: Strangers are a whole different thing, y’know.

...Oh? The ES accounting department works fast as ever, huh, we've already gotten paid for this live. Look, look—so much L$. ♪

Hinata: Mmm… Since L$ are nothing but data, it doesn’t really hit me that we’ve earned a lot, if that makes sense?

I really want more physical compensation to show for it~ Like, I wanna use a stack of bills to bless some poor kids with good fortune, or something~

Yuuta: Well, due to the image we give off, even if we did something like that, it’d look like a prank, wouldn't it.

I mean, we can't become little angels, nor can we completely become bad guys—we're stuck in the middle.

Hinata: So basically what you’re saying is that we can’t be like Ra*bits, and we can’t be like Crazy:B either. But well, that’s alright—- Because we’re 2wink. ♪

Yuuta: Just how many times have you said "Well, it's alright" today... I feel like I just have to suck it up while going with the flow... All the time, not just today.

Hinata: Mmm, but we’ve still got lots and lots of fans who are sticking with us to this day, so realistically speaking, we can’t really pull off a total image change at this point.

Yuuta: That's true, but... it's not that I want to have a complete fresh start in every possible way, I just want to add a little something else in there, you know?

I want something like a new expansion, or an essential unexplored context—

Hinata: Context, huh? Yuuta-kun, aren'tcha a little too hung up over what Rinne-senpai told you?

That guy’s the type who will spout lies without any meaning behind them, just like me, so if you really take every little thing he said to heart, I think you’re just gonna tire yourself out, yeah?

Yuuta: If you're this aware of it, Aniki, then better yourself and live more honestly and properly.

Hinata: Eh? But being an impish little devil who doesn’t make it clear how serious he is is the essence of my charm—

Huh?

Yuuta: ? What is it, Aniki? Looks like you’re looking at HoldHands too; is the pay not enough for you or something?

Hinata: Nah, our agency— or well, more like our Vice Prez— is pretty thorough with us.

He always deposits our payments to our separate bank accounts, just like he said he would.

Yuuta: Yeah. Having our payments go to the 2wink joint account was just too much pointless extra work, so we disabled it.

Not being the leader meant going through the hassle of getting your permission every time I needed to make a withdrawal.

Hinata: It was no hassle for me~ I was always happy to put in the effort for anything you need!

Yuuta: Don't you pat yourself on the back for making sooo many sacrifices for your little brother so selfishly. I'm not some doll who exists for the sake of soothing your heart, ‘kay?

Hinata: Mm, I get it, I get it. Just like you said, Yuuta-kun, everything’s all my fault.

Yuuta: (Ngh... I feel like lately, no matter what I say, Aniki keeps shutting down our conversation by immediately apologizing like this, and it's been getting worse. Though, he may not even be aware of it.)

(We end up not being able to have any significant discussions. We continue to walk on eggshells around each other while trying to keep things the way things are.)

(On the outside, we appear like we're getting along, and even at work we're rolling out consistent results, but—)

(It's like crossing a tightrope in pitch black darkness, I don't like it... I feel uneasy.)

Hinata: ...Yuuta-kun, everything okay? We did just finish a live, so are you tired? Aww jeez, you should follow your big bro’s example and do a little more training, yeah?

Yuuta: Aniki, we have the same physical condition.

(So maybe, this is a psychological issue.)

Nevermind that—if you were fine with the pay, then what was that "huh" for? If there's an issue, consult me too instead of shouldering it all by yourself, okay?

Hinata: Yeah yeah, I get that too ♪

Ya see, the thing is, I got a call from Vice Prez Saegusa for some reason. It’s like, speak of the devil and stuff!

Yuuta: From the Vice Prez? Wonder why, maybe we messed something up in today’s live?

Hinata: Being called out doesn’t always equal a scolding, yeah? Although, it did mean that back when Yumenosaki was the center of everything.

Yuuta: Yeah, whenever you were up to no good, they’d mix it up with me for some reason, and I’d end up being the one to write the reflection essays.

Though nowadays, we're seen as everyone's favorite honor students, so those sorts of things happen considerably less now.

Hinata: Mhm. And that’s why, since our way of life now is how it’s meant to be, that means that it’s the “correct answer”, yeah? Though it doesn’t really seem like something you can stomach—

Well, moving on! Vice Prez is always looking out for us; there’s no way I can ignore his call. I’m just gonna go and pop in there really quick and hear what he has to say.

Yuuta: Ah, then I'll go with you too. I'm concerned you'll end up making weird selfish decisions if I'm left out again.

Hinata: Seems like that’s all you ever say these days, Yuuta-kun… You’re like some nagging girlfriend…

You don’t have to fret so much~ You’re always gonna be my everything, you know. ♪

Yuuta: Well, I’d also like to be able to step up. I don't want to just rely on being piggybacked around by you and other people for the rest of my life.

Although to everyone else I may just be a little brother character, I'm still Hinata-kun's older brother.

Well, it won't be easy returning the debt of over a decade's worth of comfort as a "little brother"...

But still, I want to steadily repay that debt back, and truly become even with you.

Hinata: I wanted to give you all this love free of charge, but now it’s like you’re throwing it right back in my face with an “I don’t need it,” which is giving me mixed feelings… But well, just suit yourself.

If that’s what your “correct answer” is, then it doesn’t really matter whether or not it’s mine too.

Yuuta: …?

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Translated by verdantgrove and Mika_Enstars

Proofread by 310mc and meteorgreen

Location: ES Live Stage

Hinata: “♪~♪~♪~”

Yuuta: “~...♪”

Hinata: (Al~right, we're on a roll! Today too, we're the brightest in the entire world, Yuuta-kun!)

Yuuta: (Ugh, this is all wrong! Our progress is much too slow— or maybe it’s more like we’ve hit a wall, huh Aniki?)

Hinata: (Ehh~, now isn't that a stunning divide of opinions? Okay, then in accordance with the “2wink dispute rule” I came up with the other day, let's decide which one is correct with a coin toss!)

Yuuta: (I thought you were just joking when you said that. Also, didn’t you say we’d decide based on rock-paper-scissors?)

(Plus, there’s no way you brought coins up on stage, right?)

Hinata: (Okie-dokie! Rock paper scissors it is! Starting with—)

Yuuta: (Wawa?! Rock!)

Hinata: (Paper disguised as rock! Making you panic and depriving you of your ability to think was all a trick so your Onii-chan would win! Fuhahaha☆)

Yuuta: (But that’s where you’re wrong! I saw that coming all along, and so I changed mine to paper— doesn’t that make it a tie?)

Hinata: (If you were anticipating that, wouldn't the typical thing to do be to choose scissors so you can win?)

Yuuta: (I couldn’t be sure if you were thinking that far ahead… If you hadn’t been, and I just went with scissors, I’d have lost, wouldn’t I?)

Hinata: (Onii-chan thinks every once in a while, too~. Jeez, Yuuta-kun's such a scaredy-cat. ♪)

Yuuta: (I’m just cautious. There’s a certain someone here who likes to run into things headfirst without so much as a look over his shoulder, so I guess I’m getting into the habit of taking a step back and helping from behind.)

Hinata: (Right, right. As always, anything and everything is all my fault. ♪)

Yuuta: (That’s not what I meant at all, but if you really think so, “Hinata-kun”, then that might just be it.)

Hinata: (Yup yup. ...That's enough of that; let's keep moving forward before all we do is have disagreements.)

Yuuta: (The way you’re saying it is pissing me off, you know?!)

Hinata: “♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪”

"Everyone~! Thank you all for coming to our live show today! It's 2wink~, the cute pop twin idols everyone loves!"

"I believe everyone here today came here to see us, so we probably didn't need to introduce ourselves!

"But I just can’t settle down until I do it! I'm the lively big brother of 2wink, Hinata~!"

Yuuta: “...I’m more quiet when compared to my brother, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have spirit! I’m the younger brother, Yuuta~♪”

Hinata & Yuuta: “When the two of us are together, we’re the two-in-one twin idol 2wink!”

Hinata: "We're so grateful to be able to have ordinary public performances for just us lately, not as a sideshow for some veteran unit!"

"Though of course, those were great experiences as well!"

Yuuta: “And it was all thanks to everyone’s support! We! Are! So! Grateful!”

Hinata: "To say thank you, we'll give you guys a great time today too! Look forward to it!"

Yuuta: “Come on, let’s all join hands and party until morning comes! Before we’re dragged away by fussy and overprotective parents!”

Hinata: “Welcome—to our playground...!”

Yuuta: (Hmm~... Just as I thought; I just don’t feel completely satisfied with this for some reason.)

(The audience gave us a good reaction, not to mention our fans are increasing steadily, and this stage was made just for us, not for us to be some opening act for someone else.)

(MCing, singing, dancing, and performing too— We’ve spent so long living at the bottom of the barrel to the point where we can do them all flawlessly every time without so much as a second thought.)

(No accidents, no troubles either— we’re becoming model students that CosPro can take pride in.)

(But is that really good enough? Was it really our goal to become some second-rate, middle-class idols?)

Hinata: (? What's wrong, Yuuta-kun? Haven't you been rather unenergetic these days? You really do need to eat sweets every once in a while— sugar is the energy of life after all!)

Yuuta: (You’re eating way too many sweets just for the sake of keeping your image, Aniki— aren’t you going to get fat?)

Hinata: (I won't! If our figures differ and it becomes easier to tell who is who, won't we lose our selling point as twin idols?)

Yuuta: (At this point it’s not just a selling point, but what we’re all about. After all…)

(We are twins. But I hate that there doesn’t seem to be anything apart from that. I’m confident that I can hold my own against other idols with my singing, my dancing, anything.)

Hinata: (Just "holding your own" isn't enough, don'tcha think? Now is the age of individuality, yanno!)

Yuuta: (I really don’t think that trying to forcibly squeeze some individuality into the end of your sentence like that really does any good, you know?)

(If you start doing a weird voice, I’m going to have to match it too, and that’s a pain. So can you cut it out?)

Hinata: (Okay. Let's avoid these hassles as much as possible, and work on what we have the best we can. Things are great now that we're successful, so what on earth are you dissatisfied with... Yuuta-kun?)

Yuuta: (I’m not exactly dissatisfied, but…)

Hinata: “~...♪”

Yuuta: (That thing that Rinne-senpai told me that day is still stuck in my head. Even though I should just ignore whatever a piece of trash like that says to me, huh...)

(But that person has poisoned me, and even now, I can still feel it piling up in the back of my stomach. It’s a poison known as anxiety, as doubt, as regret… My head is... spinning.)

(Hey, if ten or a hundred years from now, the era we live in becomes a story that only lives on in books…)

(How many pages do you think will be about me— about us?)

Hinata & Yuuta: “♪ ~ ♪ ~ ♪”

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Translated by verdantgrove and Mika_Enstars

Proofread by 310mc and meteorgreen

Twin Peaks

2wink begin to clash while the two of them are bouncing ideas off one another. Then, Ibara suddenly comes to them, asking that they appear on a music program often considered to be a gateway to great success. However, there’s only one time slot available—for one person...

Season: Summer & Autumn

Author: Akira

Characters: Hinata, Yuuta, Kaoru, Hiiro

Translated by verdantgrove and Mika_Enstars

Proofread by 310mc and meteorgreen

Chapters

Prologue
factorization: Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Ch 5 - Ch 6 - Ch 7
division by zero: Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Ch 5 - Ch 6 - Ch 7
Epilogue: Ch 1 - Ch 2

Location: Okinawa Beach

Keito: Kiryu, Kanzaki, we’re finally here!

So this is Okinawa…!

I see. I had expected that being surrounded by the ocean everywhere we looked wouldn’t be much different from our environment at both Yumenosaki and ES.

But what I hadn’t expected is that the climate would be so much more pleasant in winter. This should allow us to make significant strides in our idol activities.

Souma: Fufu. You have suddenly become quite talkative indeed, Hasumi-dono. It is a rare sight to see you so exuberant.

Keito: Is that a bad thing? A temple’s work is rooted in its land, so I haven’t ever had much opportunity to leave my hometown. Just setting foot on some faraway land is thrilling. It’s wonderful.

Souma: Hmm. I, however, have traversed the lands to visit many shrines of different whereabouts as a part of gatherings and other events of the sort. I suppose the practices of temples and shrines differ from one another, even in what it means to place one’s faith in Buddha as opposed to God.

Keito: It’s not so much a belief held by my religion as it is one held by my family. Ah, no— it’s more like a personal inclination of mine.

I had a childhood friend who was much like an infant that could die if you took your eyes off it, and another with whom I wanted to share my thoughts each and every day.

On top of that, I don’t think I had much desire to leave my hometown as a young child either.

I became increasingly concerned that I’d be living the rest of my life like that, though, and so after I’d hit puberty, I did once leave home for no particular reason.

I set out on a solitary journey, under the guise that I was going to compete in an archery tournament.

But I ended up growing homesick almost immediately after I left. It was like leaving a part of my soul behind— I couldn’t just do it that easily.

Souma: Fufu. If that is the case, then I believe it is quite necessary we carry out our battles on this land as soon as possible before you begin to grow hoomushikku once more.

Were we to lack you, Hasumi-dono, Akatsuki would be left with only my inexperienced self and Kiryu-dono—considering he is feeling unwell, we would surely have absolutely no chance of success.

Keito: Speaking of which, is Kiryu alright…?

Kuro: Sorry, ‘m sorry—

Souma: Hmm. Kiryu-dono has been naught but an endless string of apologies for quite some time now.

I believe that motion sickness is not typically a prolonged state of illness— after he has had a nice meal and a moment to rest, his condition should improve significantly.

Keito: Mhm. Kiryu’s a strong man, after all.

Kuro: Sorry...

Souma: Fufu. Though this may be foolish of me to suggest, perhaps it would be best if we were to allow Kiryu-dono a moment to rest in some temporary lodging before we begin to do anything else. Hasumi-dono, where exactly are we to stay while we are here?

Keito: Don’t leave everything up to me to figure out; go ahead and look into it yourself, Kanzaki. To be clear, I don’t actually mind taking this role; I don’t dislike being in charge and knowing everything ahead of time.

Souma: If anything, you would be much more discontented were I to interpose myself into your planning, would you not, Hasumi-dono?

Keito: Well, you’ve certainly grown bolder, you little— ...♪

Kuro: ...Hasumi… Kanzaki...

Souma: Ah. Kiryu-dono is attempting to bring something to our attention.

Keito: Kanzaki, you don’t have to answer this, but... How is it that you’re able to move with such ease while you’re carrying a man so much bigger than you— Kiryu, that is— on your back? You’re even carrying a large amount of luggage... You’ve got quite the physical strength there.

Souma: Fufu. That, I simply owe to my incessant training. The ability to carry a heavy weight relies not on one’s muscular strength, but rather on how they distribute the burden of that weight throughout their body.

Kuro: ...Beh—...

Souma: Hm hm? My deepest apologies, Kiryu-dono, but may I request that you enunciate your words ever so slightly mo—

Kuro: —Behind you!

Souma: …!?

(What on earth!? There are innumerable men shuffling through the thicket behind us!)

(And this matter only grows more pressing in seeing that these men are caught in the throes of some sort of unnatural rage! It is almost as if they are possessed by evil spirits!)

(Moreover, they are armed with rod-shaped objects that appear to be weapons?! These men very clearly come with ill intent…!)

Withdraw, Hasumi-dono! I shall leave Kiryu-dono in your hands!

Keito: Wah?! Don’t just throw a person like you’d throw a ball!

Souma: It is urgent that I handle this matter! Do forgive me!

Hah! You lowly fools have made a grave error in provoking us! What good fortune that we were able to travel upon Tenshouin-dono’s private watercraft rather than being resigned to travel by air!

I had not been required to go through an inspection of my luggage, and so I am able to wield my beloved sword thusly and without issue, even in this faraway land!

Keito: Aah! But SS is going to be broadcasted nationwide! I demanded you leave behind anything dangerous, didn’t I?!

We’re used to your antics over at ES, but what makes you think the general populace is going to be as accepting?!

Souma: And I am well aware of such a consequence! However, it is not as if we shall die if we are to fall victim to some minor financial distress as a result of less than favorable press coverage, yes? Rather, I desire the strength to fight against physical violence above all else!

Look upon me, you ruffians! I know not whether you have fallen from the heavens above or sprouted from the earth below, but you shall regret having even dared to challenge us!

The sand beneath our feet may disappear, but my military prowess never shall!1 I hold no malice towards you all, but if it is your intention to make an adversary of us, I shall reduce you to nothing more than the rust upon my blade!

Keito: Kanzaki, calm down! We’re no longer in the Edo period where you can just kill anyone who’s affronted you without question! If anything, you’re the one who’s acting the villain here, you know?!

Souma: How utterly laughable a sentiment! We as Akatsuki are well accustomed to the role of the villain, you know! Fuhahahaha ☆

Keito: K-Kanzaki! Don’t tell me this is how you’re showing your excitement about the trip…?!

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TL Notes:

1: This line is a reference to a part of the death poem of Ishikawa Goemon (a famous folk hero and Japanese outlaw) which he recited at his execution. The poem originally reads:

The sand [of the Ishikawa river] may disappear,

but the seeds of thieves never shall.

Souma replaces “the seeds of thieves” with “my military prowess”.

Proofread by 310mc, Revoltrad, and ryuseipuka

Location: Cruise Ship Deck

Keito: Well. Let’s go over what to expect from the SS qualifying round again until we arrive on site.

Souma: We have nothing else to do while we are in transit, after all. Thus, I, too, believe it is necessary that we prepare ahead of time so that we are able to mobilize immediately upon arrival.

(Moreover, the more Hasumi-dono talks, the more his spirits will rise.)

Keito: As you know, SS is long-established and rich with history, and it’s the idol industry’s biggest live festival.

Essentially, the idols competing are as abundant as the stars, and the objective is to single out the strongest and most outstanding among them.

The more specific rules change every year, but that concept remains the same.

Souma: Hmm. Well, this year, the competition is held on such a grand scale that it is hardly comparable to years past. Thus, it seems as if the more fundamental aspects of this competition are changing as well.

Keito: Right. First and foremost, it’s required that you be in a unit to participate. I think I can confidently say that that requirement will be an advantage to us, since we’ve already grown so comfortable with the unit system.

However, that also means that solo idols not affiliated with ES are at perhaps too great of a disadvantage...

Us idols affiliated with ES have been separated from our hometown and dispatched to locations all across the country.

As for which unit is dispatched to which region, that was decided by the SS Administration Committee, in which the Producer Association plays a crucial role.

Souma: The selection process for this is still unclear to me. However, as far as my own perspective is concerned, I am relieved—at least for the time being—that those with whom I am acquainted have been dispersed all about the country as much as possible.

Though it is inevitable that I would cross swords with those close to me should the necessity arise, it is far from a pleasant experience.

Keito: Even though you are bound to clash with them eventually.

SS as an event is meant to determine the apex of the idol world. As such, all other idols are enemies—if not competitors—that we must rout.

Souma: You speak the truth about the aidoru industry, though it is only a mere part of its whole. In spite of that, all those who are involved in this industry are indeed our rivals in business.

Keito: That’s right. At this point, even if we were to say that we hate fighting, that we just want to get along with everyone—that’d be absurd, to the point where it’s laughable.

But I digress. All units who have been dispatched nationwide will be conducting all of their idol activities in their respective regions starting now, mid-November, for the next month.

We’ll gain what’s known as SS L$ by carrying out our normal idol activities. At the end of the qualifying round, those who earned the most SS L$ during its duration will win, and will proceed to the final round that’s held at the end of the year.

That requirement is also an advantage for us, since we’re familiar with the L$ system as well.

The idols local to this region likely already have an established fanbase here, so I guess it’s necessary that they be given a handicap like that to level the playing field.

Souma: Mhm. The aidoru local to Okinawa have the advantage of familiarity with their environment, and so it is gravely important to our competition for us to utilize the assets we are accustomed to in order to cut through each and every one of our opponents.

Keito: Mhm. What’s more, if us idols associated with ES win, it’d ensure that ES’s structure is objectively correct.

If we make an unceasing effort and adeptly defeat the idols home to Okinawa who’ve already cultivated a bond with the locals here, it’ll prove the effectiveness of ES’s latest armaments.

In other words, that way we’ll reject the idol industry as we know it, we’ll bring about its end, and then we can show everyone that it’s ES‘s way of doing things that is the most correct and just.

That is how we’d bring about change in this world, but it’s a violent way to do it, hm?

Though, to be completely honest, I’m not one to talk.

Souma: …….

Keito: Well, it’ll be fine. Much to our advantage, we’ve garnered the support of ES, so we’ll make the most of it and come out of this successful.

There’s no shortage of things I dislike about this, but we can’t change the way ES works without winning here and gaining some influence.

Right now, we’re nothing more than subordinate soldiers, so no matter what we say, it won’t be anything but a sore loser’s whining.

We’re not kids anymore. We can’t just foolishly expect that the people around us will care enough to make everything go just how we want it to if we throw a tantrum.

We’ll follow the rules given to us, elevate our social standing, and change this world lawfully and fairly.

In order to do that, it’s essential that we prove both our merit and strength over the course of this qualifying round.

As for how we go about doing that, that’s up to you, Kanzaki. Start thinking about what we should do when we arrive on site while you still have time.

I can’t speak for Kiryu, but I’ll dutifully follow any orders you give.

Souma: U-um, very well… You have been saying such things to me for quite some time, but the intent behind them is unclear to me, and thus, I am utterly bewildered.

Hasumi-dono, it has always been you who has decided our strategy— and many other things for that matter— has it not? Why is it that in a situation as gravely serious as this that you have suddenly decided to entrust such responsibilities to me?

Keito: I can’t say. Figure it out yourself.

Souma: ...Surely this has naught to do with the order you have been given?

Each of us has been given an individual order that we are meant to follow for the duration of the qualifying round. Orders that dictate what we must do, or what we must not.

In the event that we were to disobey the order we have been given, we will be fined, or something of that nature. Seeing as money is the determiner for who is to win the qualifying round, it is quite a troublesome regulation indeed.

I presume it is the fault of that order you’ve been given that you have been acting so strange, Hasumi-dono?

Keito: Even if that were the reason, I couldn’t confirm it. It’s prohibited to speak of the contents of your order, after all.

But there is one thing I can say. In addition to our standard orders, every unit leader has been given what’s called a secret order.

If you violate your order, you’ll be fined and nothing more, but you’ll receive a much harsher punishment for violating your secret order.

I don’t think it would be this serious for me, but according to some, the consequence you’ll face is no different from capital punishment.

So please, Kanzaki, don’t make me violate it. I’ll do whatever you ask, as long as it’s within my capability and doesn’t infringe upon my order.

Souma: U-um… Understood. Though it may cause me discomfort, I shall not inquire about it too deeply.

(Hmm. Secret orders… To think such a stipulation would also be present. Mine own order is quite asinine, simply stating that I am to refrain from eating seafood during the duration of the qualifying round—)

(And thus I had thought that the orders bestowed upon the other competitors would be just as foolish as mine.)

(In truth, the more standard orders are probably as simple—or rather, as frivolous—as mine.)

(However, these “secret orders”, as they are so called, seem to be quite the cause for concern. I do wonder; would it be apt to think of them as nearly identical to some sort of religious commandment? Cease to follow your order, and you shall not reach heaven, and such.)

(Though, if I were to pick up the clues as Hasumi-dono advised, it should be quite simple for me to make it through safely.)

(However, to make matters worse, we are in an unfamiliar environment, and as such, there are countless things we must do and consider.)

(It shall be significantly difficult when one’s thoughts are already occupied as such.)

(Mmh… And to make matters worse for myself, I am far from skilled at thinking.)

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Proofread by 310mc, Revoltrad, and ryuseipuka

Chalk White Manor - 2

Season: Summer

Writer: Kino Seitaro

Location: Inside Helicopter

Souma: Aah... Ahem.

“The young mistress’s naivete is quite a troubling matter indeed.”

“As a ‘batoraa’ to such a venerable and distinguished noble family, it is my duty that I be more stern in my teaching her discipline.”

“Batoraa”... “Batoraa”?

Nazuna: Oh, you gotta move your lips a bit more―like “butler.” The emphasis is on the first syllable, and then the rest is just flat.

Souma: …”Batoraa”...

Hmm. I am left with a terribly strange feeling about this. Are you truly sure that I shall be able to read this correctly if I do so in this manner?

Lately I have been attempting to adapt my lifestyle to suit that of our modern “guroobaru” society through practicing English, but it has gone far from smoothly.

Nazuna: Hmm~ It’s not something you can learn in a day, so you’ll just need to put in more practice.

Makoto: But I still think your pronunciation’s improved, Kanzaki-kun.

Souma: I thank you. Hearing such words of praise instills in me the feeling that my training is bearing fruit.

However, Nito-dono has quite the strong foundation in pronunciation instruction, and so simply listening to him is quite beneficial to me. Such wonderful skill is only natural to expect of the former chairman of the Broadcasting Committee.

Nazuna: Yep. I was pretty bad at articulation, so I relearned everything from the ground up.

“She sells seashells by the seashore…” Stuff like that ♪

Souma: Ooh. Phrases meant to practice articulation, hm… I have been hearing plenty of those as of late.

Makoto: We read a lot of tongue twisters like that in the Broadcasting Committee. Ahaha, that brings back memories ♪

But I never thought little stuff like that would build up and create a foundation for me as an actor.

After all, live shows were the main focus back at Yumenosaki Academy.

Nazuna: You’re right, it does come in handy in unexpected situations, huh~?

When you first started school, you were so bad at asserting yourself, Mako-chin. But now you’re playing the main character in a movie! I would never have imagined you doing that last year♪

You have really good looks, Mako-chin, so maybe you were actually born to be an actor.

Reciting scripts, and acting according to the director’s wishes―Maybe you’ll get more and more of this line of work in the future ♪

Makoto: No no no, I’m an idol, not an actor!

Souma: There is a saying that “one may be blessed by the heavens with two boons at once”—I believe such a thing may ring true for you.

You are truly quite reliable indeed. I, as well, am not accustomed to work involving acting, and so I shall consult you from time to time.

Makoto: I don’t really think I’m cut out to be much of a consultant, but—

I get where you’re coming from. Kanzaki-kun, you’re really good at stage combat and action scenes, aren’t you? So you can teach me all about that in exchange ♪

Souma: Ah, if that is what you desire, I am quite skilled in that regard. I heard that we shall be fighting with martial arts in this film, and so I expect that my movements shall serve as a suitable reference.

Nazuna: Action guidance from Souma-chin, huh~ Maybe I should take some too.

The story’s about five butlers who drive off burglars targeting their young mistress, after all. If I don’t look strong enough for the part, the whole concept would fall apart.

I can’t let myself get left behind by my juniors in Ra*bits just because I’ve been on hiatus~ I’ll do my best to make up for lost time.

Souma: Fufu. In any case, if the objective is to appear strong, I would have liked to star in a period drama such as “Banpaia Shogun”, my beloved sword in hand...

Nazuna: Didn’t Keito-chin tell you to “leave anything unnecessary for the filming behind” back at the agency~?

Souma: Mhm. Hasumi-dono’s word triumphs all.

However, a warrior’s blade is their very soul. In situations where it is forbidden for me to carry my sword, I feel terribly restless.

I feel almost as though I am being made to live under the Sword Abolishment Edict of the Meiji era...

Makoto: Well, if it’s that bad, why don’t you try doing something else to take your mind off it? How about we all try going through the script together?

Souma: I concur. I would be truly grateful to have your company as I practice.

Makoto: HiMERU-kun, don’t just look at your script all by yourself like that— if you’re cool with it, you should join in ♪

HiMERU: —You would like HiMERU to join in?

Nazuna: Why not? Don’t be shy~ You don’t have to get all buddy-buddy with us or anything, but we’re going to the same filming location anyway, so wouldn’t it be easier on everyone if we did a read-through beforehand~?

Souma: Precisely as Nito-dono said.

There is, unfortunately, no shortage of individuals who view KureijiBii as a great threat. I, too, am rather ashamed of a number of incidents in my own past.

What’s more, I would still like to ascertain whether or not you are someone in whom I can place my trust.

HiMERU: —Hm. Very well. HiMERU was quite apprehensive to speak to you for fear that he would be thought of as an eyesore, if he is to be completely honest.

But he will concede. HiMERU is quite curious to see the extent of all of your acting abilities before we begin filming, after all.

Nazuna: That’s decided then! Let’s read through the script until we arrive!

Let’s surprise Izumi-chin with our super polished acting once he joins us...♪

← Previous | Cover | Next →

Collaboration with moricchiichan.

Proofread by an anonymous contributor and Souta.

Unification by Force

Left in the dust of the veterans of the long-established agency RhythLin, Akatsuki struggle to find jobs and stay afloat among the cutthroat industry. Their struggles cause tension between Keito and Kuro, and Souma begins to feel excluded...

Season: Autumn

Author: Akira

Characters: Souma, Keito, Kuro, Leo

Translated by verdantgrove

Proofread by allegiantheart and Amagiiz

Chapters

Prologue
Seamless Composure: Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Ch 5 - Ch 6
Clear-cut Solution: Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Ch 5 - Ch 6 - Ch 7 - Ch 8
Epilogue: Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3

Butlers

Following the success of the ES’s first inter-agency project, Date Plan, five members— Izumi, Makoto, Nazuna, Souma, and HiMERU— are cast by the Production Association to film a movie by the title of Midnight Butlers. However, Izumi never seems to be quite satisfied with their performance, and...

Season: Summer

Author: Kino Seitaro

Characters: Izumi, Makoto, Nazuna, Souma, HiMERU

Collaborative translation between verdantgrove, an anonymous translator, and moricchiichan

Proofread by royalquintet, an anonymous proofreader, and Souta

Chapters
Prologue Midnight Mystery - 2

Chalk White Manor - 1 Midnight Mystery - 3

Chalk White Manor - 2 Midnight Mystery - 4

Chalk White Manor - 3 Midnight Mystery - 5
Chalk White Manor - 4 Midnight Mystery - 6

Chalk White Manor - 5 Midnight Mystery - 7
Chalk White Manor - 6 Epilogue - 1
Midnight Mystery - 1

Submarine

Akatsuki and Ryuseitai make landfall on Okinawa to compete in the qualifying rounds of the SS, where they are besieged by idols local to the island. But as the battle rages on, the pressure of their orders begins to pose quite the burden.

Season: Winter

Author: Akira

Characters: Souma, Keito, Kuro, Chiaki, Kanata, Tetora, Midori, Shinobu, Gatekeeper

Collaborative translation between verdantgrove, moricchiichan, and 310mc

Proofread by 310mc, Revoltrad, Gelyan and ryuseipuka

Chapters

Prologue
Ruthless Battlefield, Okinawa: Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Ch 5 - Ch 6 - Ch 7 - Ch 8 - Ch 9 - Ch 10 - Ch 11 - Ch 12

Nirai-kanai: Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Ch 5 - Ch 6 - Ch 7 - Ch 8 - Ch 9 - Ch 10 - Ch 11 - Ch 12 - Ch 13 - Ch 14

Epilogue: Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Ch 5

※ Nirai-kanai, sometimes translated as "paradise across the ocean”, is a belief held in the indigenous religion of the Ryukyuan islands (Okinawa). It is home to the Gods, and the place where all life and creation stems from. It can also be written in Japanese as "umi no kanata", or "across the ocean", and so it is a play on Kanata's name as well. Read more here.

Underdoctor

The three members of Akatsuki reflect on the Halloween Party and how badly Kuro overworked himself in preparation for it. When Souma notices Kuro falling into that same habit once more, he insists on accompanying him to a textile shop downtown to be of some help in designing his next costumes. Meanwhile, Keito runs into a problem with a magazine interview about his personal life, leading him downtown to seek some inspiration...

Season: Autumn

Author: Nishioka Maiko

Characters: Kuro, Souma, Keito, Eichi

Translated by verdantgrove

Proofread by 310mc, Silvie, & Amagiiz

Chapters
Chapter 1 Chapter 5
Chapter 2 Chapter 6
Chapter 3 Chapter 7
Chapter 4 Chapter 8

Date Plan

Kaoru, Chiaki, Natsume, Mitsuru, and Niki are selected to take part in ES’s first interdepartmental project, the theme being “date plans”. Kaoru, the most experienced of the five, has plenty of advice to offer— but will he be able to formulate his own date plan?

Season: Summer

Author: Kino Seitaro

Characters: Kaoru, Chiaki, Natsume, Mitsuru, Niki, Yuuta, Nagisa, Tsumugi, Sora, Hajime, Nazuna, Tomoya, Rei

Chapters 1 through 6 translated by mandytl, 7-14 translated by verdantgrove

Proofread by 310mc & Amagiiz

Chapters
Prologue Tour 4
  Meeting 1   Assembly 1
  Meeting 2 Assembly 2
  Meeting 3   Assembly 3
Tour 1 Assembly 4
Tour 2 Epilogue 1

Tour 3 Epilogue 2

Sweets Box

Hinata's gotten in a fight with Yuuta. He consults Hiiro and the others while he's down in the dumps, but when Niki suddenly comes back, he gets a great idea to help them reconcile.

Season: Summer

Author: Kino Seitaro

Characters: Hinata, Hiiro, Tetora, Niki, Kaoru

Collaborative translation between verdantgrove and Mika Enstars

Proofread by 310mc, meteorgreen, & Amagiiz

Chapters

assort 1 assort 5
assort 2 assort 6
assort 3 assort 7
assort 4 Epilogue

Chalk White Manor - 1

Season: Summer

Writer: Kino Seitaro

Location: ES Helipad

Makoto: Good morning~! Let’s all work hard today!

...Huh. Looks like no one’s here yet. Am I the first to get here, then?

It’s still eight in the morning―thirty minutes before the meeting time. Maybe I came a bit too early.

But it’s the first day we’ll be lodging together. It’d be no laughing matter if I showed up late.

What now? Would it be kinda rude for me to play games on my phone while I wait?

...Oh, thank goodness~ You’re here too, Anzu-chan. Good morning!

Ahaha. Thanks for coming, you saved me. If no one came any time soon, I would’ve started worrying if I’d gotten the place or time wrong!

Today’s the first day of filming for the second inter-agency project organized by the Production Association―the movie Midnight Butlers.

I heard that Date Plan was so well-received that the second project was planned immediately afterwards. I think they’re officially called “shuffle unit projects” now?

And this project repurposed a movie deal that held auditions for everyone in ES, right?

I heard that they’re reusing the basic work structure of Fist of the Shangri-la Idol, since that gave promising results too.

I auditioned because I got motivated from my last movie gig… But I wish I could’ve come here with Hidaka-kun.

He has a stage play during the same time frame, so I guess there’s no way he could’ve joined, though.

Huh? You’re happy that I passed the audition?

No, no, I should be the one thanking you. I’m glad I’m getting this chance at a job that goes beyond the borders of units and agencies.

Since I’ve been on a roll lately, I’d like to keep up my good reputation.

Hehe. I memorized all my lines before coming. Look at all these sticky notes♪

After all, the filming schedule’s gonna be so tight that we need to stay there for the whole thing. I just thought preparation would be necessary.

We’re gonna be renting a private mansion in the middle of the woods for the filming, right?

Yeah, the Chalk White Manor―a mansion with white walls and a rich history.

Are you looking forward to seeing it too, Anzu-chan? If so, I’ll help you snap a photo or two during breaks♪

You’re always so busy lately, Anzu-chan. I thought I could at least give you some happy memories in between all that work―

Maybe I’m being a bit too overprotective.

Huh? You say that was just like Izumi-san? Nooo, that person’s a bit... more than just overprotective.

He’s been in Florence lately, so maybe he’s taking better care of himself now.

...Yeah, I’m looking forward to working with Izumi-san too.

I heard he passed the audition too. I’d like to talk with him, since he’s more experienced with modelling and stuff like this, and we have a lot of catching up to do.

HiMERU: —Good morning.

Makoto: Ah. Morning!

HiMERU: ...Oh, my. Is HiMERU not the first to arrive, then?

Fufu. You two seem to be having a nice chat, hm? How very pleasant. Yuuki-san, you and Anzu-san get along quite well, do you not?

Makoto: Er, yeah. We’re classmates, so pretty much… But it feels more like we get along ‘cause we’re friends in the first place, yeah?

Umm, you’re Crazy:B’s HiMERU-san, aren’t you? I got to see you perform at MDM before.

HiMERU: Yes. The name is HiMERU. I look forward to working with you, Yuuki-san.

Makoto: Ah, thank you! I look forward to working with you for the next week!

HiMERU: There’s no need for you to be so formal. HiMERU is the same age as you, after all, not to mention that he will be your co-star. Don’t you think it’d be best to have some familiarity around each other?

Makoto: ...Sorry. This is our first time working together and all, so I thought that maybe I should be formal...

I’ll start over. Pleased to meet you, HiMERU-kun ♪

HiMERU: Yes. The pleasure is all HiMERU’s.

Makoto: Huh? But… You haven’t switched out of formal mode yet, HiMERU-kun…?

HiMERU: Fufu. HiMERU never fails to be respectful to whomever he is speaking to ♪

Well. It can be quite a bother from time to time to have to alter one's manner of speaking to suit the occasion. There are many people in this industry of unknown age, after all.

Makoto: Ah, I get it~ You can’t really tell the difference between the people who have been in the industry for ages and those who haven’t, so it can get pretty confusing, huh?

HiMERU: Yes. Although it’s simple to make the distinction when the person has an appearance suited to their age… There is also the fact that idols often turn their youth and liveliness into selling points.

It is an occupation where it’s easy to benefit from a discrepancy between one’s appearance and one’s age, after all.

Naturally, HiMERU is also awarded such benefits as an idol, hm?

Makoto: ………?

Nazuna: Good morning~♪

Ooh, everyone’s here so early~!

How fitting for a group who got chosen to act as butlers to be so time-conscious ♪

Souma: Good morrow. How expected of you “purofesshonaru”. For all of you to arrive much earlier than the scheduled time, that is.

You are that “Himeru” person of “KureijiBii”, are you not? So you passed the “oodishon” as well.

HiMERU: Yes. It is all thanks to you. It seems as if the two of us will play supporting roles.

Although HiMERU will have to return to do work for Crazy:B occasionally over the course of this week—

HiMERU would be greatly appreciative if you were to think of him as a comrade and cooperate with him at our place of lodging.

Souma: Yes. But of course.

...Ah, that is right. There is something I had wanted to ask you upon the occasion of our meeting.

HiMERU: And what may that be?

Souma: Well, it is but a trivial matter, but— “Himeru”-dono. I am interested as to the origins of your stage name.

I do wonder, what could “Himeru” be meant to portray? Is it meant to be a play on words with the word “to hide”?

Moreover, it is quite curious for your stage name to be written in English letters. It is almost as if you are idolizing yourself, and being dishonest about the very essence of your true self—

At any rate. If we will be acting as comrades, I would like to know things about you, rather than have you hold back.

HiMERU: Fufu. You are taking a surprising amount of interest in HiMERU ♪

Souma: Is there something peculiar about that?

HiMERU: No, no. HiMERU is grateful that you have taken such an interest in him. ES is a place where one is only given recognition when it regards the hotbed of corruption in the idol industry— Granted that, I believe that you’ve interpreted this stage name of HiMERU’s correctly.

They do say that infamy is superior to anonymity, do they not?

Souma: Hmm…? Saying such things as that; it sounds almost as if you are justifying the actions of “KureijiiBii”...

HiMERU: No, HiMERU would never do such a thing. HiMERU has not always been with Crazy:B; originally, he was a solo idol.

It is rather that HiMERU believes that we suffered a great loss in that summer affair.

In any case, you will have to judge HiMERU’s true value through this job ♪

Souma: —Hmm. You are just impossible for me to read. It feels almost as if I am speaking with some kind of swindler...

It is beginning to seem as though co-starring with you shall be quite the ordeal.

Nazuna: We just met though~ It’s normal that we don’t know one another that well.

Besides, don’t you think Anzu and the director paired you up because you two have such different personalities?

Souma: Hmm…?

Nazuna: Units and individuals are separate entities. We had a bit of a dispute with Akatsuki last year, but we did manage to settle things peacefully afterwards, remember~?

Well, Tenshouin did come in and spout nonsense when the Production Association was still planning things, so I realized how some people in the world are just totally incompatible with each other.

Makoto: The whole thing going on with your guys’s roles is that you’re going for the feeling of “the sexy role” and “the cool role”. There’s a subtle feeling of distance between you two— er, or maybe I should say, you’ve got this rival-like relationship, yeah?

Maybe that was picked out for you guys at the audition.

Souma: ...I see.

I am reluctant to give my consent to this, but I am still but an amateur when it comes to the world of acting. It must be fated, as well, given that Anzu-dono requested that I take part in the “oodishon”.

I shall ascertain the very roots of this “Himeru” person’s true abilities during our lodging together.

HiMERU: HiMERU is counting on you to do as such, partner ♪

Souma: Hmph. Though I have yet to accept you as my partner—

Makoto: Hehe. Now all four of us are here♪

The only one left is Izumi-san, who’ll be joining us at the mansion. Seems like he got the notice that he passed the audition just when he came back from Florence.

Nazuna: Izumi-chin’s got it rough too, huh~?

But it’d be a waste not to participate even though he passed, so I’m glad.

Though, he goes back and forth between Japan and abroad a lot, so it’s not like I’m meeting him for the first time in a while or anything.

But it’s the first time I’ll get to see his acting, so I’m really looking forward to this trip...☆

← Previous | Cover | Next →

Collaboration with moricchiichan.

Proofread by an anonymous contributor and Souta.

Prologue

Season: Summer

Writer: Kino Seitaro

Location: Chalk White Manor, on set

Narration:

Deep in the woods lies a chalk white manor—

Wherein five butlers attend to their young mistress.

HiMERU: My lady, the day has come for your seventh birthday.

I have diligently prepared a letter for you from your dear parents as well...♪

Would you like to read it? Fufufu, that will have to wait until after dinner.

Which should align just perfectly with the completion of your arithmetic work ♪

Nazuna: Midi, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t flaunt the letter so flippantly in front of the young mistress.

Didn’t I say it was to be set aside as a special treat after her birthday dinner? I’d prefer if you didn’t use it to bribe the young mistress to study. Watch your manners...

HiMERU: Oh my, the head butler. That was quite unbecoming of me...♪

Please do forgive my unmannerliness, sir.

Nazuna: Forgiven, so long as you’re coming from a place of sincerity. There’s just the five of us here, after all. Be a shame to start bickering over something so trivial.

Anyway, seems like we’re short on men for the evening preparations. I’ll take care of our young mistress here; in return could you go lend Soiree a hand?

Himeru: Understood. Although I do not enjoy working with that straight-laced man, it may serve as something to draw out my skills, will it not?

Nazuna: I’m counting on you, Midi.

Now then, my lady. Once you are finished with your studies, allow me to assist you with your preparations for this evening’s affair.

Let us make tonight’s birthday celebration the most grand as of yet!

Narrator:
But behind these butlers’ unsuspecting facade—

Are five warriors of the night, sworn to protect their young mistress from harm’s way.

Makoto: It looks to be all clear this evening as well. No irregularities to be reported.

… No, something's not quite right. Over there, by the window! Was that a prowler?

Sir! I have detected a presence by the window. Shall I deal with it tout-suite?

Nazuna: Stay on guard. It could be a trap.

What do you make of this, Strategist?

Makoto: Um… I have mentioned this several times before, but my name isn’t actually just “Strategist”...

Hm… I believe the would-be intruder to be a decoy, and the main party will attempt to infiltrate from the rear entrance.

After all, why would they be so heavily equipped if their only target is the young mistress? They look as though they’ve just stepped off a battlefield.

Izumi: Seriously, Strategist? One false move and our young mistress will pay with her life.

Makoto: Matin?! Have you been here this whole time?

Izumi: Obviously. Even a fool could tell something’s not right. The underbutlers should be making their way over here by now too.

Makoto: Hold it, didn’t I just say so earlier? My name is not just “Strategist”! I have been blessed with the name Nuit, a name with a long and honorable tradition...

Izumi: And? Listen: I’m the second-in-command to our head butler, and you’re our strategist. We’re men who work under the cloak of midnight; who cares about things like fancy names or lineage?

Makoto: But Matin...

HiMERU: Please, let us quarrel not. Proper execution of our operation should take greater precedence.

Souma: Midi, such serious behavior is the last thing that I would have expected of you— have you eaten something strange, perhaps?

HiMERU: I am not any more serious than usual. It's simply that my natural sexiness inadvertently captivates people...♪

Souma: Hmph. I fail to understand just what is so ‘sexy’ about you.

Nazuna: Men, calm yourselves. Our judgement here is key, and our cooperation is crucial.

We need to protect the young mistress even at the cost of our own lives: that’s our duty as her butlers.

Strategist, how do you suppose we deal with the intruders?

Makoto: Let me think…

Soiree and Midi should see to the extermination of the decoy. Matin and I will do battle with the main threat at the back entrance. We always have fought in pairs.

Izumi: I suppose that’ll do. There’s no need for our head butler to dirty his hands with such a trivial matter.

Nazuna: Then it’s settled. Men, take your positions. Let’s turn the tables on these scoundrels!

HiMERU & Souma: As you wish.

Souma: Hah. It seems as if they dawdle not in their approach— although, with such heavy armor as that, it is more as if they are begging to be felled.

Haah!

HiMERU: Fufu, what an excellent kick indeed. How terribly sexy of you.

Well then, I shall pay them my welcome with this throwing knife ♪

Makoto: They’re drawing closer over here too, Matin!

Gyragh! Ack, agh!

Izumi: Try not to trip over your own feet, would you? For someone so busy overanalyzing our foe’s tactics, you seriously need to step it up on the battlefield.

Whatever—choke on this, you scur! Haah!

---

Makoto: … Heheh. Looking back over the recording of the scene we filmed earlier, I’ve gotta say: I think it’s looking pretty good!

Souma: Mhm. Although Nito-dono is currently filming another scene, I would like for him to see as well.

HiMERU: Fufu. How was HiMERU’s performance?

Souma: I am still unsure of the meaning of the word “sekushii”, but…

I must say, it is well-suited to such a curious character as you, “Himeru”-dono.

HiMERU: Hmm. Though it’s vexing to be referred to as a “curious character”... The fruits of your labor showed in your being able to pronounce “sexy” correctly, Kanzaki-san.

Souma: Mhm. I must be conscious of it, else I have the ability slip hastily out of my fingers, but somehow I was able to deceive the audience in spite of that.

Izumi: …

Makoto: Uh, what did you think, Izumi-san?

Izumi: … Nope, sorry. Can we scrap this?

Makoto: Huh?! You seriously didn’t like that take, Izumi-san? Was there anything specific?

Izumi: Let me think… How about the entire scene? Everything about it felt off but sure, just let it fly over your head, Yuu-kun...

Souma: However, it is crucial that we not strain ourselves. There are plenty of “akushon” scenes among the ones we are filming now— forcing ourselves will only lead to an overall loss. I do not believe that filming again is—

Izumi: So you’re really okay with this? With showing all of your dedicated fans something less than absolute perfection?

Makoto: That’s not what he’s saying! Alright, so maybe it didn’t reach the crazy high standards you set for yourself, Izumi-san...

But we made it through the whole scene… The director gave us the OK too. I really think you’re overthinking things.

It might just be that you’re not used to filming movies or dramas, Izumi-san. Why don’t you try to put your faith in everyone on set and just act?

Everyone’s acting was great. So take it easy, okay? Just relaaax...

Izumi: … Are you serious? Can you please explain to me exactly what about that scene just now qualified as “good acting”?

Our lack of rehearsal was so obvious it was painful! It felt like we were a bunch of grade schoolers putting on a school play! The action scenes were all over the place too! And you’re seriously okay with that?

HiMERU: … Quit complaining and shut up.

Izumi: Excuse me?

HiMERU: Did you not hear HiMERU? He told you to shut up. If HiMERU could be likened to a buzzing worker bee, you would be nothing more than some worthless fly, would you not?

Izumi: You did not just call me a fly.

Makoto: (Eek! … Things seem to be pretty touch-and-go between Izumi-san and HiMERU-kun!)

(How’d those two end up like this again? I thought both of them agreed to make up?)

Cover | Next →

Collaboration with an anonymous translator.

Proofread by royalquintet and Souta.

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All of my translations are tagged by story or category and can be found below.

Ensemble Stars

Event/Gacha Stories

Sweets Box (Ch. 1, 3, 5, and 7, collaboration with Mika_Enstars)

Date Plan (Ch. 7-14)

Underdoctor (Complete)

Submarine (Collaboration; complete)
Unification by Force (In progress)

Butlers (Collaboration; dropped)
Twin Peaks (Collaboration; complete on mika_enstars' blog)
ABYSS (In Progress)

Categories

Feature Scout Stories

Idol Stories

Songs

Miscellaneous Other Translations

Project Sekai

Card Stories

Location: ES Staff Canteen

Souma: Hmm. However, in truth, I am at a loss on what exactly we should do. I understand well that we are trapped in the midst of an impasse from which it is difficult to escape.

Kuro: We’ve got two ways we can escape. Either we push those veterans who are takin’ up the stage to the side and earn ourselves our own seat at the table, or we start lookin’ for other venues.

UNDEAD and Ra*bits basically went for the latter. They just gave up their seats at the table to those old folks, and now they’re runnin’ around this wide world doin’ whatever the hell they want.

Souma: Hmm… As so seems the natural course of action— or rather, the beteransu of the industry are no foe of ours, and so perhaps we should follow the same path...

Kuro: Hate to break it to ya— we can’t follow that path. I mean, if we choose to, we’d just be throwin’ our best asset to the wind.

Japanese style, tradition, and things like that… Those are our selling points.

Back when we were at Yumenosaki, there weren’t any other units doin’ what we do, so those selling points became somethin’ that made us unique— it helped us catch people’s eye.

But now we’re in RhythLin, a long established agency, and it’s not somethin’ unique to us any more. Hell, ya could throw a stone in this place and you’d be bound to hit a real kabuki actor or traditional Japanese instrumentalist.

We’ve only been active for two years at best. No way we can just cross swords with the greats like that yet. There’s way too much of an experience gap.

Souma: However, surely that does not mean that you and Hasumi-dono will simply abandon all hope, no?

Kuro: Doesn’t mean that at all. We’re not just classic traditional performers like everyone who’s come before us— we’re idols.

‘S like, we’re tryin’ to think of a way to establish ourselves in the industry without gettin’ rid of our individuality, the stuff we’re good at—

—and the like. Hasumi’s been sayin’ that for quite some time now, and he’s been keepin’ himself busy workin’ on it. He’s made one proposal after another. But so far, nothing’s come out of any of ‘em.

Souma: Ah… It did appear to me as though he was devoting his every spare moment towards making proposals.

So that is how this situation came to be, hm? Hasumi-dono had been working himself to exhaustion, to such an extent that he would doze off while seated, all for the sake of our future as Akatsuki.

Kuro: Pretty much. I get the feelin’ that he’s just goin’ nowhere, but… I’ve never seen Hasumi look so lost— not even during the war.

Seriously, whatever he does just ends up bein’ done in vain. We never even get any responses back, and every proposal he sends out just gets rejected, rejected, rejected—

Well, Hasumi’s got thick skin, so it’s not like all these rejections have him heartbroken or anything.

But it seems like he’s gettin’ just as stressed as you’d expect in a situation like this, seein’ as how he’s always so on edge these days.

And yesterday’s just when all that stress finally exploded out of him. ...Man, I’m sayin’ that like it’s somebody else’s problem, but really I’m the one who lit the fuse, huh.

Souma: By which you mean what exactly?

Kuro: Hasumi sent out a new proposal— called it the ace up his sleeve.

He wouldn’t even spare a second for sleep until he had finished writing it up, until it was perfect— he even went down on his knees to beg me for help, so I helped him here and there.

Souma: I was unaware of such a thing… Why is it that only I was deliberately kept excluded?

Kuro: Yeah, about that… I’m sorry. I’ll say it again— we wanted to seem like we had it all together when you were around, me and Hasumi both.

We wanted to keep that image you had of us in your mind, that image of us as your cool seniors who ya can look up to.

Souma: ...In regards to that point— I shall refrain from mentioning it now, as the matter has already been put to rest. However, it is immensely disappointing to me that you do not think of me as a valuable asset.

If you continue to do the same, it is only natural that my fondness for you shall promptly fade.

Kuro: Alright, I get it. We’re havin’ a heart-to-heart like this, so it’s like my guts are spillin’ out on the table or something… I’m not gonna look good like that, no matter how full of myself I am… I’m not gonna do anythin’ stupid like that again.

To be honest, we’re at the point where even a cat’s paw would be a good helping hand. It’d be great if ya had any nice ideas for us that’ll breathe some life back into us.

Souma: I am not a cat. Nay, if I could be at the very least the wood of Hasumi-dono’s shamisen, which he is so skilled at playing, I would be of much greater use to him than I am now, would I not?

Kuro: C’mon, don’t pout. I’m sorry we left ya out...

This is gonna sound like an excuse, but I think Hasumi and I were just so exhausted. Or maybe it’s more like we didn’t even have the time or energy to pay any mind to the people around us.

Really, it had me so shocked that I didn’t know what to say. Never would’ve thought that a proposal we’d put so much time and effort into would be rejected just like that.

We really can’t do anythin’ else about it at this point. I’ve got my head in my hands wondering what the hell to do, just like a lost kid.

Souma: While we are on the subject, of what nature was this proposal of yours?

Kuro: I’ll tell ya more later. But to put it shortly, it was a plan for a project where we would’ve put all our selling points to good use.

It’d have used traditional court music and the costumes I made as a basis, and then we would have switched it up by addin’ some more modern — some more idol-like — aspects.

Souma: Ooh, as is typical of our Akatsuki.

Kuro: Yup. But that’s not all.

We did a lot of research into the fanbases of the veterans at RhythLin and what kinda trends they go for, and took a lot of care to make sure we weren’t too similar to any of ‘em.

It’s like we took to those jam-packed stages and looked for an empty seat.

On top of that, we dressed it up with tons of new and innovative ideas that none of those stubborn old veterans could ever come up with in their lives.

Plus, we took lots of care to go about it in a way where there wouldn’t be any financial burdens on the agency if they let this plan through— only benefits.

But the agency still gave us a big no. Said that there was no point in goin’ through with this project.

Souma: But why…? Perhaps it appeared as though we would be venturing too far into uncharted territory, and thus they did not understand the depths of the project?

Kuro: Hasumi handled that pretty well. He does wanna be a manga artist, so explainin’ concepts that are kinda out there in a way anyone could understand is his specialty.

The reason they turned down our plan’s plain and simple—

‘Cause the main feature of the project — the costumes I made — they just weren’t good enough.

“There is no chance that we’ll let you perform while wearing these disgraceful costumes— do you intend to drag the reputation of our agency through the mud?”

Well, that’s pretty much what they told us, so our proposal was trashed.

So that’s why it’s my fault. My skill didn’t hold a candle to the greats, so I’m just holdin’ you all back.

...Maybe I’m just some kind of cancerous growth bringing Akatsuki down.

← Previous | Cover | Next →

Proofread by allegiantheart and Amagiiz.

Location: ES Staff Canteen

Kuro: Well, I’m gonna start with my thoughts first.

Akatsuki’s not doing too hot right now. RhythLink’s a well-established agency, and we haven’t made a name for ourselves yet like UNDEAD’s doin’. So we’ve been goin’ downhill for a while.

But you know that already. We’ve been so out of any notable work that we’re free pretty much all the time— that’s why you’ve been able to go to school like normal.

Even though you were the only one holed up for that movie shoot of yours, that didn’t get in the way of Akatsuki’s activities one bit, yeah?

Souma: Well, umm… That is simply because “KureijiBii” had caused our downfall in the summertime, is it not?1

But we have devoted the fullest extent of our abilities to taking our blunder in stride and recovering from that situation, and thus—

Kuro: You’re not wrong, but I get the feeling that we were already in a tight spot, even before we got stung by those rampaging bastards.

We just went on bein’ unnoticed, and we couldn’t achieve a single thing.

Souma: ..........

Kuro: But I guess ya could say that’s the case for every unit from Yumenosaki that’s now under RhythLink, yeah?

All the good jobs are goin’ to the agency’s veterans, so us rookies haven’t had much chance to get at them.

But even then. UNDEAD and Ra*bits have each managed to earn their place in RhythLink in their own ways.

Well, I’m pretty sure UNDEAD’s only been able to climb their way up ‘cause Sakuma and Hakaze were so good at playin’ their cards right.

Ra*bits was always left in our dust back when Yumenosaki was the heart of things, but even they’ve overtaken us by now.

That’s not just how I feel— it’s the truth. You can see for yourself it in the numbers on the L$ per unit ranking.

Ra*bits have been workin’ really hard, givin’ this their all— and all that hard work’s payin’ off.

But we’ve just been doin’ the same thing as always— and we’re not growin’ at all.

We did have a chance to be in the spotlight for a minute with Vampire Shogun goin’ so well, but that was more an accomplishment for UNDEAD than anyone else.2

Souma: Mm… Though ultimately it was Sakuma-dono who had approached us with his proposal.

Kuro: Pretty much, yeah. We can’t get any jobs by ourselves right now.

Kuro: We’re just like little baby birds, chirpin’ and chirpin’ while we wait for a nice momma bird to bring us our food.

Souma: Little… baby birds…

Kuro: You get why we’re in such a grim situation now?

Souma: Well… I suppose it is not the fault of “KureijiBii”, as you affirmed just a moment earlier. Then, do enlighten me… Why is it?

Kuro: Basically, they’ve just got more than enough guys like us.

Souma: Hmm…?

Kuro: Our biggest selling points are stuff like tradition, and our Japanese style. But they’ve already got more enka singers3 and other traditional musicians than you can count.

This is a long-established agency— if anything, all that traditional stuff’s their strong suit. Like the golden oldies, and all that.

I think that’s why Hasumi chose RhythLink in the first place, actually.

He wanted to put us in an environment where we could make the best use of our abilities, pretty much.

Really is just like him to always be on the offensive. But I like that about him, so I thought it’d be fine.

But ya can see where that brought us.

Souma: ..........

Kuro: Maybe we were just a little too cocky. We were pretty much invincible in every Dreamfes back in the Yumenosaki days and all.

That's why we were so sure we were a big enough deal to be chosen, even when we were bein' compared to the greats.

Souma: ..........

Kuro: But it’s a big world out here. It’s like our agency’s crawlin’ with monsters— those monsters bein’ enka singers who’ve been around for decades on end.

It’s pretty obvious that a group like that’s gonna have a way better reputation and a lot more accomplishments than a bunch of kids like us.

It’s also pretty obvious that our agency’s gonna send all the jobs their way. Or at least that they’ve got a tendency to favor veterans like that.

Souma: I see… Now that you have told me such, I feel as though it stands to reason that that is the case.

The reason why we have not been finding any work is simply a matter of our agency’s standard order of precedence, then?

When listing the order of precedence within our agency, we as Akatsuki are relegated to the very end, yes?

Kuro: Haha. I wouldn’t go so far as to say we’re dead last. We’ve still got lots of fans from our days at Yumenosaki—

So I wanna believe we’d get something out of it if we had a chance to perform.

But we don’t. All those chances are already gone— taken by all those prideful old folks who already have impressive careers.

Souma: Hmm. It is only just that seniority be the judge of precedence, but I had not considered that our agency would go so far as to force us away from the stage in favor of our seniors. How vexing...

Such intense chagrin is a novel feeling to me.

Kuro: Really? Ya know, it’s a wonder we’re even eatin’ together all peaceful like this. The way we grew up couldn’t have been more different.

← Previous | Cover | Next →

TL Notes:

1: Reference to Main Story 2.

2: Reference to Learning from the Past.

3: Enka is a Japanese music genre that consists mostly of ballads, but generally all songs under the enka genre use traditional Japanese instruments and stylistic elements reminiscent of traditional music. It is considered a nostalgic genre by many and most modern enka singers reached their fame in the late 20th century.

Proofread by allegiantheart and Amagiiz.

Location: ES Staff Canteen

Souma: Well now, Kiryuu-dono, please do relish in your meal.

Seeing as you requested that I prepare you fish, I have made great use of only the most fresh seafood products from local fisheries.

In fact, it fills me with joy when I am able to beautifully prepare a fish ♪

Kuro: Ooh, thanks. Ya really did do a good job at arranging this sashimi. It’s such a gem that it makes me feel like it’d just be a waste if I ate it.

Souma: Haha. However, if you do not eat this particular gem, it shall promptly decay ♪

Kuro: Yeah, you’re right. Gotta show how sorry we are for takin’ this fish’s life by puttin’ our hands together in thanks, yeah? Oh Amida Buddha, thank you for this food1 ♪

Souma: Hm? Giving thanks to Buddha as such is a part of Hasumi-dono’s religious denomination, is it not?

Kuro: Huh? You tryin’ to say that whatever I do is just me copyin’ Hasumi? Well, guess they do say that ya start takin’ after someone when you spend a lot of time with them, but—

Lately all my fans have been praisin’ me about how I’ve miraculously straightened out, and I really owe that to you two.

Souma: Fufu. In comparison to your former self, you have indeed straightened up— it seems as though you have found your core.

Kuro: Well, without a good core, you’re not gonna be able to put any power into anything. Gotta use your whole body whenever ya throw a punch.

...But that’s somethin’ else entirely.

You’re not my waiter, so take a seat, Kanzaki. You had somethin’ ya wanted to talk to me about, yeah?

And yet ya still put whatever it is you’re goin’ through on the back burner to cook, or whatever the hell else—

Souma: Fufu. Please do pardon my correcting you. I prepared food for you because I wanted to do as such— moreover, in this particular situation, it is much more economical for me to cook for you than it would be to purchase food from the staff canteen.

Kuro: Well, it’s free to eat here as long as we’re dorming. Akatsuki’s not so poor that we gotta scrimp on food costs.

We may be in a pretty bad situation at the moment, but it’s nothin’ that serious.

Souma: ......

...Mm. I heard a similar remark from Tsukinaga-dono, and thus was overcome with concern.

I also grew anxious upon realizing that it was only I, in my endless folly, that was unaware of the time of tribulation we are currently facing as Akatsuki.

As Akatsuki is and always has been my source of stability.

Kuro: Well, that’s all me and Hasumi’s fault for puttin’ up a front to look like we had it all together whenever you were around. It’s a bad habit of ours, so no wonder you’re tryin’ to push back.

Souma: If you are implying that I am in any way dissatisfied with the actions of you and Hasumi-dono, such a thing could not be further from the truth.

Kuro: Ya can’t just keep these things in your thoughts— ya gotta be sure to show ‘em through your actions too. That’s not somethin’ I’m too good at.

It’s pretty sad that even a happy-go-lucky guy like Tsukinaga is worried about us.

I want him— and Nito, and Tetsu— to think of me as a strong guy at the very least, ya know?

Not to mention Itsuki, and of course Hasumi— and you, too.

Souma: Fufu. You are indeed quite prone to attempt to appear faultless in front of others, Kiryuu-dono.

Kuro: That’s just how life is as a delinquent. Anyone looks down on us, and it’s all over.

Well, even though I’m pretty much actin’ like an honor student these days, old habits do die hard.

Souma: I understand your sentiments well, Kiryuu-dono. I fear that one day I shall have to part with this sword that I have carried with me since childhood.

Kuro: Hasumi’s like that with his obsession with glasses too, but that feels more like some kinda weird habit than anything else...

Well, I might have a pretty similar problem. Takes one to know one, yeah?

Icchan still can’t let go of that old doll of his, so I can’t just laugh at him over it.

Souma: ……?

Kuro: What’s that look for? I know I’m bad with words, but c’mon… Well, to sum it up, that’s essentially my whole point.

Souma: ? What exactly do you mean by “your whole point”? I must apologize for my poor comprehension skills, Kiryuu-dono.

Kuro: Nah, it’s my fault too. I know Hasumi’s always rattlin’ on and on as much as he wants, so the two of us can never catch a break.

But right now it’s just the two of us.

Souma: Mhm. You have always offered me your guidance, and thus you are a reliable presence in my eyes.

I admire you. And it matters not if you are to show your shortcomings to this world— that admiration shall never falter.

If this trust and admiration I hold for you could be so easily broken, I would have left Akatsuki long ago, when the Sea God Battle occurred2. And thus I would like for you to be earnest and clear in sharing this with me.

I would truly like for you to inform me of the problems Akatsuki faces, whatever those problems may be.

Kuro: Gotcha. Well, let’s get into it— I’ll take ya through it in order, bit by bit.

Souma: Very well. However, I ask that you do as so while we are eating— if the sashimi were to lose its moisture, its flavor would leave with it.

Kuro: Yeah, I know. I’ll dig in. ...Ya know, when we’re eatin together like this, it kinda feels like we’re just like any old family.

Souma: Why is it that you sound so forlorn? We have always been so.

← Previous | Cover | Next →

TL Notes:

1: Kuro is reciting a Buddhist chant, Namu Amida Butsu. Contrary to the standard itadakimasu that is usually said in Japan before eating as a way of giving thanks for one’s food, the chant Kuro uses is a distinctly religious way to thank and pay homage to Amitabha Buddha.

2: Reference to Meteor Impact.

Proofread by allegiantheart and Amagiiz.

Location: Hanging Garden

Kuro: ……

(...Agh, shit! What the hell am I doing?! This is just plain shameful!)

(“Taking out my anger”, huh. ‘Cause nothing you say is ever wrong, right… Hasumi.)

(I used to hate that about you, way back when… But he’s got nothin’ but sound arguments. It was like gettin’ lectured by a teacher.)

(But if anyone and everyone can start heading down the right life path through a little change of attitude, there’s no point in all that.)

(This isn’t straight out of an old Buddhist tale, though. There’s gonna be guys who just can’t get themselves to go down the right path, even if they want to.)

(My mom was like Hasumi too. Felt like she was always scolding me.)

(“You look like a mess— fix your hair.” “Put anythin’ you used back where it belongs.” “Stop hitting Icchan.” Stuff like that.)

(So it did make me kinda nostalgic. Not to mention that’s the kind of thing that drew me to Hasumi back then when I was so unstable.)

(I promised I’d keep my childhood friend safe, and when I broke that promise, my only choice back then was to turn back to the violence I swore I’d given up for good.)

(Then I saw Hasumi, how stable he was, and I clung to him like a bratty kid you can’t wean off its mom’s milk.)

(He was always tellin’ me what the right thing to do was, so I ended up relyin’ on him so much that I couldn’t even think for myself anymore.)

(It was just easier that way— huh, Mom?)

(I’m ashamed of myself… Everyone’s always talkin’ me up, callin’ me the strongest in the whole school, actin’ like I’m a tough guy… But I really haven’t grown up at all.)

(But Hasumi’s always right, so he tells me off for that too. Told me to “just give it some thought”...)

(I’m stupid, but that’s no excuse. I gotta put these brain cells my parents gave me to proper use.)

(But… I’m still bad at thinking anything through right. So I always ran back to violence— it was easy.)

(...Even takin’ all that into account, maybe it’d be easier in a way if I could fight back instead, like that idiot Mikejima.)

(If I went back to actin’ all high and mighty, I’d just make everyone who thought I was a good guy look at me with frowns on their faces— yeah, I’d just hate that.)

(Man, Mikejima… Why’d ya do it?)

Souma: Kiryuu-dono!

Kuro: ...Whoa, don’t scare me like that, Kanzaki.

...Did ya go to school today?

Souma: Fufu. Do not ask such a thing of me every time we meet, Kiryuu-dono. I am quite diligently attending my classes as of late, so do let your spirits be at ease.

Kuro: Ah, sorry for naggin’ you like this… Looks like that bad habit of lecturing that Hasumi’s got has rubbed off on me too.

Souma: Whatever do you mean? It brings me great joy to know that you are concerned for my well-being. It is because you love and care for me that you are harsh with me; simply spewing sugar-coated falsities would be no demonstration of affection at all.

Kuro: Haha. Ya really are a good kid, ya know? What have ya been eating to grow up so nice?

Souma: Hmm, I suppose I do eat plenty of fish?

Kuro: Ooh, okay. Gotta eat more fish then, don’t I?

Souma: If you would truly like to, I would be more than glad to treat you. My field of expertise in regards to cooking is seafood, after all.

—Oh my. It was not my intent to become so engrossed in small talk— I have not come here to discuss cooking with you, Kiryuu-dono.

Kuro: Really? Kind of a bummer; I wanted to keep at it. Add to my repertoire, and all that.

My sister’s startin’ to whine lately about how my old man’s not all that great at cooking.

I don’t want her usin’ that as an excuse to go out to eat and get caught up in nightlife, so I wanna share some of your tips with my dad when I head back home.

He doesn’t even know the first thing about seasonin’ food, let alone anything else.

But I guess that’s just life. My dad’s workin’ to support our family, so I swore I’d take care of the housework for him.

It’s real shitty of me to go back on a promise like that now… But well, it’s all my fault that my dad never learned how to handle housework— I was so stubborn about pickin’ it up.

Souma: Hmm. In that case, I presume your father must be struggling quite terribly at the moment, what with you being away from home.

Kuro: Yup. My sister’s been tryin’ to help him out as much as she can, but it’s a lot of work. They told me that I was supposed to move into the ES dorms really last minute, too—

When I really just wanted to stay livin’ in my parents’ home forever.

But food and utility expenses are tight, and I eat a lot. So with me bein’ in the dorms like this instead of back home, it gets a lot easier to handle money.

Souma: Hmm. You are enduring quite considerable hardships indeed, Kiryuu-dono.

Kuro: Heh. It’s in the name1. Well, you’re a rich kid, so you probably don’t understand where I’m comin’ from.

Souma: Though my family may be wealthy, I would truly like to sympathize with you if such worries and hardships plague you so.

At the very least, I would like to refrain from assuming that I will not understand from the very beginning. I would also like to avoid renouncing my attempts to understand as a result of such an assumption.

It is precisely because I have so long been content with my comfortable position that I have been so blind to even the hardships we face as Akatsuki.

Though it may be far too late for me to do so at this point, I would truly like to understand.

Kuro: Haha. Might not actually be true that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, but I was just thinkin’ the same thing.

We’ve ended up forcin’ Hasumi to do all the thinkin’ here. Three heads are better than two, or however that saying goes, but there’s no point in havin’ three people if two of ‘em can’t think for themselves.

That’d be no different than doin’ it alone. At that point, there’s no need to come together as a unit.

Well, Akatsuki was originally supposed to disband after we put an end to the conflict, but we just kept on going.

But I feel like we’re startin’ to wear out— or maybe it’s that we’re just not fit for the times.

We as Akatsuki were the blades of the revolution. We were a militant faction. But now everythin’ seems so peaceful on the surface, and we just look out of place totin’ swords around on our waists.

Souma: ……

← Previous | Cover | Next →

TL Notes:

1: The word Souma uses for “hardships” is kurou, which is homonymous with Kuro’s name (Kurou when romanized alternatively.)

Proofread by allegiantheart and Amagiiz.

Location: Cafe COCHI

Souma: —And it is precisely because I acquired such a concern that I have been pondering it.

Leo: Ah, yeah. I getcha. You’re a pretty dedicated kid, huh?

Souma: Mmh. I am deeply humbled by your kind words— I do believe my dedication to such matters is one of my strengths.

Leo: They do say that a noble king should have both the strength of a lion and the wisdom of a fox.

But well, I don’t think you’re really aiming to be a king, so you should be just fine with what you’ve got now.

Souma: Mhm. I am no king, and in accordance with such a truth, I acknowledge my place as a loyal warrior who lives to serve.

Leo: It’s not like that mindset is unpopular these days — it might actually be the norm.

Every now and again I’ll hear stuff from working adults at award ceremonies and things like that, and they all seem to be pretty serious about their dedication to their company.

They’ll complain about how they’re in a toxic work environment, or how they’re in the middle of a recession, and hearing that many complaints just makes you think it’d be better for them to quit their jobs.

I wanna live my life just having fun; am I the only one?

Souma: Fufu. It is quite likely that those who would be able to live in such a manner are few— all of them being people who are endowed with talent.

Leo: Hm, yeah… A genius can go on and on about how hard it is to be a genius, but it seems like all the normal people out there have it waaay harder.

But as for me, on the other hand, I think I’m really lucky to be a genius!

Thanks Mom and Dad for bestowing me with so much talent! No no no, I’m genius-ly sorry for being so talented! Wahahaha ☆

Souma: Though it may not be my place to speak, I believe that it would be wise to refrain from saying such provoking things as that at such tremendous volume.

Leo: Yeah. Well, you might be doing this without realizing, but it’s not exactly good manners either to sit criss-cross applesauce on your chair in a coffee shop. C’mon, behave~ Chairs and tatami mats have different etiquette to go with them.

Souma: Ah, I see. I am not sitting “criss-cross”, but rather in zazen1. Such a method of sitting is most effective to put one’s mind at ease, and thus it allows for clarity of thought.

Leo: For real? I tried copying Keito by doing that before, but my legs just started hurting! It was the worst! They got all tangled up in each other, and I couldn’t move!

Souma: That is because it requires that you train your body to some extent.

...More importantly, Tsukinaga-dono, you called out to me with the intended purpose of giving me a warning in regards to some specific matter, am I correct?

At the moment, I am quite preoccupied with my thinking.

Leo: Ooh, this is the first time I’ve seen a guy who can say, “Alright, I’m gonna think about this!” and actually go through with it! You’re a pretty weird kid too; I love weird kids like you!

Keito’s probably the same way, so I bet that’s why you’re able to get along so well for some reason, even though your personalities are polar opposites, huh?

Souma: Well… I am not Hasumi-dono, so I cannot make such a determination.

Leo: Yeah. But if you don’t use your imagination, no matter how hard you think, it’s gonna be useless, totally useless!

“The Great, Wise Hasumi-dono” only exists in your mind— take off the rose-colored glasses and look at the real Keito.

Actually, speaking from experience, nothing’s gonna come out of your thinking if you agonize over this alone.

Rather, it’s more like… When you’re stuck in your imagination, your mental image of someone you should have loved is gonna stray too far away from who they really are, and morph into a monster or something.

So that’s why when you actually meet Keito, you’re gonna be shocked that he’s a person! Wahaha ☆

Souma: Just whatever do you mean…?

Leo: I’m telling you not to waste your time in a place like this— if you have something you wanna know about Keito, ask him face-to-face.

That’s why I’m looking for Rittsu, but as usual, I don’t have a clue where he is.

Souma: Rittsu?

Leo: Sakuma Ritsu. You seen him lately? He contacted me for some reason, but he’s been totally MIA since then— I’m worried, y’know?

Souma: Well. Though we are in the same year at school, I have had little interaction with him. However, I believe that Isara-dono may have some idea as to his whereabouts, so how would you like for me to attempt contacting him on “Hooruhanzu?”

I have been helping the student council quite often as of late, so I am able to contact Isara-dono relatively free of reservation or hesitation. He is far from the type of person who would find such a thing to be bothersome, after all.

Leo: Ah, that’d be a huge help~ Unlike all these other guys, I don’t really have much of a connection with my juniors— probably because I was gone from school for so long.

It’s a huge pain in times like this… But I guess I’m reaping what I sowed.

Souma: Hmm. So it seems that somehow you do come across some “toraburu” occasionally as well.

Leo: Yeah. That’s a natural part of life.

With a bunch of immature, unstable brats all crammed into a cruel industry like this crossing swords, it’d be more surprising if there weren’t any troubles.

Maybe one of these days everybody’ll find a way to stabilize themselves.

But if that’s a part of growing up, then it must be pretty lonely to get old.

Souma: …?

Leo: Ah, Sena just messaged me. Says he’s on his way over here, and he’s making haste… Sure has had a lot more work than usual these days, that guy.

Maybe it’s because he said he’d take charge of managing me in front of our juniors, but it feels like he’s been worrying about me way too much. He’s been even more of a nagging mother-in-law lately, and it’s hella annoying.

Souma: I believe that alone simply means that he loves you.

Good and earnest children are, on the contrary, thought to manage quite well, even when left to their own devices. Thus it becomes the case that they receive little attention.

Leo: Ah yeah, you seem like you’d be that kind of guy. Selfish, spoiled brats get more attention from their parents and such. Really shows how unfair the world is, even these days. Wahaha!

Anyway, sorry to get in the way of your thinking like that. I gotta head out soon too.

Go ahead and give me the contact info of that “Isaradono” guy you mentioned earlier, yeah? I just wanna ask him where Rittsu is.

Souma: Umm… I cannot simply provide you with his contact information of my own accord, so I would quite like to obtain the consent of the other party in this matter before proceeding.

Thus, I shall first provide you with my own “Hooruhanzu adoresu” and nothing more.

Then I shall explain the situation to Isara-dono, and upon the occasion that I obtain his permission, I will contact you once more.

Leo: Gotcha. Thanks a lot. You’re suuuch a reliable guy, Bun-chan— Good boy, good boy ♪

Souma: I am grateful for your kind words. Now, I trust there are no other matters you require my assistance with, yes?

Leo: Nah, I’m all good. I’ll take care of this one myself. This is a problem for Knights to deal with, and you’re not really in a place where you can spend time worrying about other people’s issues either, yeah?

Souma: …?

Leo: Huh? Did you not hear? Well, this might just be a rumor, but I heard that Akatsuki’s standing within the long-established agency RhyLink is subtly headed downhill.

Keito and Kuro are both friends of mine, so this whole thing has got me worried. That’s the reason I reached out to you in the first place— to get serious and take a look into what’s really going on.

Souma: …

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TL Notes:

1: Zazen refers to cross-legged seated meditation.

Proofread by allegiantheart and Amagiiz.

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