★1810EV-MAIN3 | Rainbow [1]

Written by: Akira
Timeline: Spring

Proofread by gold (@star_goldfish).

Part 1 | Part 2

Prologue

> Rooftop

< 12 years ago >

Jin: “…”

Akiomi: “Sagami-senpai~!

I knew you would be on the rooftop! But what are you doing here? The, umm… Ryuuseitai members were looking for you.

Don’t you have a performance as part of Ryuuseitai today? They’re all waiting for you, so let’s hurry to the location!”

Jin: “Oh, Akiyan… I wonder about this everytime – how come you’re so informed about my schedule?”

Akiomi: “Hehe. Because I’m a big fan of yours, Sagami-senpai♪”

Jin: “Okay… but work has been killing me these last few days and I’m dead tired right now. Feels like I’m gonna fall asleep anytime now.

I think I’ll just show up for the stage at the end to at least fulfill my duty…

So can you tell the Ryuuseitai guys to hang on by themselves?”

Akiomi: “Eh~? Please say such things in person instead of having other people pass on the message.

Why do you look so worn out? You’re still young, so please hang in there♪”

Jin: “Nah, I’m pretty much an old coot by this point… Lately kids a lot younger than me, especially girls, have started making appearances on TV.

And I mean the type of kids you’d still see with a backpack until a while ago. They’d be saying ‘Let’s both do our best♪’ with the face of a working adult…

Boy, it’s like we’re ‘playing house’.

I start thinking it’s dumb to take this job so seriously. Really.”

Akiomi: “Ahaha. It seems you are worn out body and mind, Sagami-senpai.

…If that’s the problem, I think you can take breaks from jobs you have no passion for.

Personally, I wish for Sagami-senpai to sparkle on top of a stage always.

But it definitely isn’t worth destroying your body over.”

Jin: “And you’re my what, Akiyan…? You got a lot of free time, huh. Stop chasing after me and work harder for yourself.

I’d have less burdens if everyone else also put in the effort and made a name for themselves. I’m the only one being forced to slave away right now; it makes no sense.

The times have come that even brats who only know how to crawl get thrust into the limelight. The business has a serious shortage of hands.

It’s almost painful to see. Normally, don’t kids that age feel the happiest frolicking around with their school friends?

But they’re being made to work around the clock, spending grey-colored youths.

Maybe they’ve been made to believe that it is their youth – but me, I just feel pity.

I mean… they’re just getting exploited until they wear away like erasers, and they’ll be thrown away by the end of it.”

Akiomi: “…”

Jin: “Ah… Sorry 'bout that, Akiyan. I always seem to wind up whining when I see you.

You’re one of those who see dreams in idols, so I bet you don’t like to hear this kind of reality check.

Sorry, sorry. Why don’t we talk about something fun? Just a while ago, there was this really sexy lady who started stripping outta nowhere while I was singing on stage–”

Akiomi: “Sagami-senpai.”

Jin: “Eh, what? Sorry, you’re prim and proper so… I guess sexy topics are out too?”

Akiomi: “There’s a rainbow.”

Jin: “Rainbow? Ah… you’re right. How many years has it been since I last took a good look at a rainbow? Stars and sunsets too; they get hard to notice when you’re busy.

Do rainbows always look like that? Looks pretty blurry to me.

You think there’s really seven colors? God definitely got lazy and skipped out on a few colors there… One, two, three?”

Akiomi: “Fufu. Speaking of, you’re Ryuusei Rainbow, aren’t you, Sagami-senpai?”

Jin: “Nn? Yeah, actually, they asked ‘What color would you like?’ when I helped out at Ryuuseitai, but…

When I said I’d be fine with whatever’s left, that somehow got me rainbow.

I’m kinda being sold as the manly and simple type, so I don’t think rainbows suit me.”

Akiomi: “Really? I think it’s the perfect color for you~ Super Idol Sagami Jin, releasing seven-colored shines…☆

…even moreso since it feels like you’ll disappear if I take my eyes off you.”

Jin: “Nn~ Did you say something? You’re a loud guy for the most part, so it’s hard to catch what you’re saying when you suddenly drop your voice…

Sorry to ask, but can you say that one more time, if it was important?”

Akiomi: “No, never mind. It’s nothing, really.

You know, I like rainbows. When the gloomy, cloudy sky clears, a seven-colored bridge forms across it as if to bless the end of the rain…

It’s like a miracle. So I think it suits you, Sagami-senpai.”

Jin: “I wonder about that… As you can see, I’m more a cloudy sky type of person, aren’t I?”

Roundabout

Roundabout / 1

> 2-A Classroom

< Present time, spring. The break period right after Trickstar’s SakuraFes. >

Hokuto: “All right, now we’re done with class duties.

Did you manage to write the class journal, Transfer student? Feel free to ask me anything you don’t understand.

Nn? Thanks for always? What are you saying? I’m the class rep… It’s my responsibility to look after you, as you’re a transfer student.

Our homeroom teacher told me to do so too.

Plus, our revolution succeeded thanks to you. I owe you, and a lifetime won’t be enough to repay it.

I’ll do anything for you… Grandma told me to never become an ingrate.

Fufu. Happenings have been rolling in like a storm since you transferred…

Neither of us have had much breathing space, but now that things have calmed down some, we can finally catch a break.

For the time being, I believe you should slow down and get used to life at Yumenosaki.

Even if it may be too late to say that. But you are a transfer student – you probably haven’t fully adapted yet.

You guided us to victory in DDD a while back, and achieved high evaluation in your capability as a producer.

You’ve become highly sought for, so you’re probably busy.

But that’s why you shouldn’t be hasty; consider your options carefully before taking action. I’ll answer to you with my all if you seek a word of advice or assistance, so feel free to count on me.

Not just me; Akehoshi, Yuuki… and Isara, I’m sure they feel the same. We’re comrades. I would be happy if we can continue to support each other like this.

I’m counting on you, Transfer student.

…♪ (shakes hands with Anzu satisfiedly)”

Jin: “Ooi, Transfer student, you there? You’re on class duty, if I recall. You haven’t gone home, right?

Sorry, but I need you in the faculty office for a… huh?”

Hokuto: “…”

Jin: “Oh, soorry! In the middle of something fun, eh Hocchan? The young’uns have it so nice… I’ll pretend I didn’t see anything, so take your time♪”

Hokuto: “Wait. Stop getting weird ideas. We were only verifying our friendship.”

Jin: “Oh what… you guys are so boring. You’re both still in your adolescence, why not try to have a good time every once in a while?

And not just by stirring up a storm over taking down the stuco or revolutions.

If you don’t play around more while young, the regret will come back to bite you when you’re old.”

Hokuto: “Huh… Is that a warning based on experience, Sagami-sensei?”

Jin: “Nope, more like nonsense I’d normally grumble over drinks. Anyway, class rep, can I borrow the transfer student for a minute?

Why are you here anyway? The transfer student is the only one on class duty, right?

Class duties are supposed to be done in pairs, but she doesn’t get a partner because she transferred later – am I wrong?”

Hokuto: “No, but it’s a lot of work to do alone… and I thought since she just transferred, she may not be used to class duties, that’s why I’m helping out.

Trickstar’s on a break period, too, and I have nothing else to do.”

Jin: “Hmm, I see. You guys just finished with SakuraFes, after all. Man, that was fun. Had a session of flower viewing while drinking myself wasted.”

Hokuto: “Don’t get wasted; have some shame… Your old fans will cry if they see you now, Sagami-sensei.

Anyway, what do you need her for? I’m just repeating myself but I have nothing else to do – I can help, depending on what you’re asking.”

Jin: “Ooh, too much of a good boy, as ever. You must’ve gotten a great education at Hidaka-san’s place…

Then you come too. You’ll be enough help just by hearing me out and sharing your opinion.

I retired ages ago. I’ve forgotten how it feels to work in the field.”

Hokuto: “…? I’m not sure, but I’ll accompany her there, then. Do you mind, Transfer Student?”

Jin: “Right, then come over later, you two. Don’t forget to lock up. See you~♪”

Hokuto: “…What was that about, really?

That good-for-nothing teacher went out of his way to look for you… I have a feeling that it’s pretty important, but I’m not sure.

I’ve known him for a pretty long time, but I still don’t know what goes on in his head.

…Mmn? Yeah, Sagami-sensei is on pretty close terms with my parents. They’re very sweet to him, apparently, so he often dropped by our house to play when I was small.

Sagami-sensei and my dad were both super idols who dominated their eras… so they could probably connect in some way;

a way that’s still beyond my imagination.

Fufu, the Sagami-sensei of those days was so cool. I even admired him somewhat.

Not that there’s any trace of that anymore.

Oops, we should stop chatting around. Let’s lock up and head to the faculty office. You haven’t forgotten anything, have you, Transfer Student?”

Roundabout / 2

> Faculty Office

Hokuto: “Excuse us.

So? We’ve decided to heed your call, Sagami-sensei.”

Jin: “What’s with that uppity attitude? Oh well… Will you two sit down on this sofa?

I’ll get some drinks. Tea or coffee?”

Hokuto: “I’ll take tea. You should have tea too, Sensei. Not beer.”

Jin: “Even I wouldn’t drink in the faculty office~ I don’t wanna get chewed out by the big guns.”

Hokuto: “Heh, so even Sagami Jin the Super Idol has aged. Didn’t you use to clash blades with the top brass to correct the rotten side of the entertainment industry, when you were active?”

Jin: “That’s why I was made to quit… Well, it was mainly my own fault, actually.

You guys have been kicking up a fuss over revolution and what-not too, but I say that if you can’t beat them, you better join them.

Those bigwigs can crush you easily if you get on their bad side.

Well, whatever I say, I doubt you’d listen. I guess that’s youth for you…

But make sure to keep out of trouble, okay? Cleaning up after you is a pain.”

Hokuto: “Yes. We’re sorry for adding to your burdens, Sagami-sensei.”

Jin: “It’s okay~… At the end of the day, it is my role as a teacher – nah, as an adult.

Anyway, sorry for calling you two all the way here. Will you do some things for me?”

Hokuto: “Yes, that’s what we came for. Like I said before, I’m pretty free; I can do you the favor of helping with what I can, I suppose.”

Jin: “I think it’s not my imagination that you sound uppity, Hocchan… but I should expect as much from the son of His Majesty the King who rules over our entertainment world.

I dunno how Hidaka-san does it, still so active and hanging on even now.”

Hokuto: “Even my father doesn’t make as many appearances as he used to, though. He was grumbling about not having enough life left in him anymore.

On the other hand, Mother gains more energy the older she becomes. What a pain in the neck.”

Jin: “Do not call your parent a pain in the neck. Are you rebellious or what?

…Boy, we went off on a royal tangent there. Anyway, I’m relieved that you’re willing to help out.

To be frank with you, I’ve no idea what to do by myself.”

Hokuto: “Are you fine like that? It’s your role as a teacher to teach and guide your students, isn’t it?”

Jin: “Well, kids often get the wrong idea, but we teachers – adults in general really – aren’t omnipotent gods, okay?

Either way… we’re going nowhere like this, so I’ll get down to business.

Transfer Student. If it’s alright with you, I want you to produce me.”

Hokuto: “…

I never thought you’d stoop so low, Sagami Jin.”

Jin: “Eh? What’s up with that face as if you’re looking at a pest? I don’t get what ticks youngsters off…!?”

Hokuto: “You disappoint me. I can’t believe you so shamelessly said that you want her to produce you…

You want her to take care of you for life, in other words? Marry you?”

Jin: “You have some really weird misunderstandings sometimes, Hocchan… Nah, nah, I was an old-type idol so I don’t get married.

I’m simply asking her to produce me as an idol like she’s doing for the other guys.

There’s no other producer in Yumenosaki right now, so the transfer student’s the only one I can ask.”

Hokuto: “…As an – idol? You’re coming back, Sagami-sensei?

That’s great news. I was a passionate fan of yours, as a child.”

Jin: “No, no, it’ll be a temporary comeback… I got handed a pretty troublesome job, you see.

I don’t intend to ever become an idol again, and I don’t think anyone wants me to.

But the one asking is my benefactor, who picked me up when I was running away after retirement.

That person was the reason I get to act like a somewhat-proper working member of society like now.

I’d been in his care quite a lot during my active days too, so I want to repay the favor.

He’s this huge magnate with a lot of power over magazine companies and such, you see. When I got into a scandal, he defended me all on his own.

I see him like my other dad. He’s very old, constantly bedridden, but he came to me and lowered his head for this, claiming it to be his ‘last wish’.

No way I could refuse that. If you ask me, I’m more of a lowlife and a good-for-nothing, and I’ve no intention to act like a good kid so late in life, but…

If I were to crush the dying wish of such a good person underfoot, there’d really be no value in my having been born. Better strangle myself to death on the spot.”

Hokuto: “…”

Jin: “That’s how it is, so I’m being pretty serious here, for once. My life’s been pretty much like dregs, but this could be its last major topic.

You guys don’t have to think about it so heavily, though.

Just like what I’ve been doing for you – you can lend me a hand with what you can do, when you feel like it.”

Roundabout / 3

Hokuto: “Project-Saga?”

Jin: “Yeah, a project by that name is just starting to move, it seems. Majestic name, don’t you think?”

Hokuto: “I’m more bothered that the name tells me nothing about the content. What is it about? Land development project for the Saga Prefecture?”

Jin: “What the heck.”

Hokuto: “…Splendid, Super Idol Sagami Jin.”

Jin: “No idea what that praise is for… but anyway, I’ve been made the center of that program. By the recommendation of a certain bigwig, as I was saying.”

Hokuto: “Hmm. So to be more specific, what is the project about?”

Jin: “Okay, the content kind of loses out to the name, but it’s a low-budget project that’ll be carried out on a magazine, mostly.

The bigwig I was saying about, he still has power over many things even now, but he retired a long time ago. Seems like he doesn’t wanna meddle with the business too much and consequently make a mess there.

So we’ll do things discreetly, in a corner. It’s gonna be embarrassing if we stand out too much but fail, so I do prefer it this way.

The point of this project is to revive past idols who have retired.”

Hokuto: “Sagami-sensei, for example. Hmm, hence the title Project-Saga… taken from the name ‘Sagami’.”

Jin: “And from the word ‘saga’… meaning heroic epic, apparently. Heroes? What heroes? It sounds so shameless and silly.”

Hokuto: “No, I think you were as a matter of fact a hero of the entertainment world.

When a long winter had frozen the industry, you restored the life it lost even if temporarily, didn’t you?”

Jin: “Nn~ Maybe for a moment. But then again, the current youth don’t have that much energy either, so I guess they wanna toss me out there again to buck up the industry?

Your generation’s got a force to look forward to, but it still hasn’t reached the industry’s core…

So they need a stopgap until you guys are fully matured.

This plan is prolly that temporary measure.

The bigwig’s got a lot of life left in him, talking about resuscitating a legend, ‘Decree of the Restoration of Imperial Rule!’ and what-not…

But I think the guys still actively working in the field don’t expect that much from the project.

Great haul if it succeeds, but no problem if it fails. Any criticism or scandal isn’t gonna hurt or tickle me at this point either.

That’s about how much this loose plan amounts to.”

Hokuto: “Hmm… I feared for the worst since you got all serious, but it doesn’t sound like such a big project.

Though personally, if they’re going to revive you, I think they should make a far bigger deal of it.”

Jin: “Nah, I’ve got no energy for that anymore.

If they’re gonna pour money on someone, the younger generations like you guys should be priority. Investing on me this late into the game isn’t gonna bear any fruit.

Well anyway, so they’re gonna temporarily revive all the once-famous idols across the country, starting with me.

I saw the list, and it’s full of famous artists everyone has heard the name of.

Well, they’re only gonna start proposing the plan to the other idols now, so I think we won’t have the exact same members as in the plan, by the end of this.

They all retired long ago and became common people, after all.

It’s absurd to kick old men’s butts and expect them to actually go on stage. I don’t wanna either, I’m just gonna disappoint my old fans.

So these ‘Legendary Idols’… says the project proposal.

These retired old coots will be grouped with two to three young kids.

So that in the worst case if we Legendary Idols end up being a waste of resources, the young artists can work hard to put up an appearance, at least…

Or that’s what I believe the project leader is thinking.

So, the deal is, we Legendary Idols get positioned as mentors, while the young artists with future potential… become disciples for us to raise.

They wanna write a master-disciple story like often seen in shounen manga, I take it.”

Hokuto: “Hmm. I don’t read manga, so I have no idea. So they have that kind of cliche.

Then you’re perfect for it, Sagami-sensei. You are presently a teacher, even if a lousy one.

You’re already in the position of a ‘mentor’.”

Jin: “Yeah, I bet they got the idea from my occupation~ This plan’s almost sickeningly tailored to center on me.

Talk about annoying. The commissioner probably had the wrong idea about me…

When I told him I’m a teacher, he shed manly tears and went all ‘You’ve grown up so much, Jin-kun!’ on me, y’know.”

Roundabout / 4

Jin: “Well, that’s how it is, so as a ‘Legendary Idol’, I’ll need to take a few disciples under my wing.

I was thinking to call out to whoever looks like they have a lot of free time.

But would you like to do it, Hocchan?”

Hokuto: “Hmm… I can’t make a decision right away, but I am interested. It depends on the working hours, the reward, and what experiences I’ll gain, though.”

Jin: “Ah, expect to be paid chicken feed. I said this is a low-budget plan, didn’t I?

But if we can convince the student council, the academy may be willing to pay more on the side.

If possible, I want to leave the job of such negotiations to you, Transfer Student. And I want your cooperation for a bunch of other things, actually… as a producer.

I have my day job as a teacher, so I can’t pour that much time into Project-Saga.

To be honest, it’s such a pain in the butt. I’d dump the whole deal on the transfer student if I could.”

Hokuto: “Why do you have so little motivation, Sagami-sensei…? And the transfer student’s still not used to the academy, so stop giving her more burdens.”

Jin: “Well, you don’t have to work too hard for it. I just need your help with what you can do, and when you feel like it.

It’s a low-budget plan with no stress, so it’s not gonna hurt your work history if it fails.

In fact, I think it’ll be good practice for any actual producer work you’ll be doing in the future.”

Hokuto: “You can reject him, Transfer student. From what I’ve heard, it’ll bear too little fruit to justify the time and effort you’ll have to put in.

Time is finite, so it’s wiser to spend it focusing on matters of more importance.”

Jin: “Yup. He’s not wrong about that. Until you came, we teachers were in charge of the producer-like jobs, and we still are, actually.

I can deal with it on my own, for the most part.

Take it home with you and think it through at your own pace. I got the proposal copied, so I’ll hand one each to you two.

If you’ve decided to help, or not help, you can quietly come up to me after homeroom or something.

Also, if you can introduce me to anyone who looks like they’d be interested in Project-Saga, that’ll help me a bunch.

I need around two or three kids to become my disciples, after all.

By the way, the commissioner wants to spread the age of the disciples apart, I heard.

It isn’t a must, but ideally, we’d like one person from the first year, second year, and third year each.”

Hokuto: “Hmm. That’s a weird request to make. What’s the meaning in spreading the ages?”

Jin: “No idea… The Legendary Idols are varied in age too, so the young guys being all of the same generation will make it seem unbalanced, I think?

The commissioner said having representatives from various generations will portray the history of idols more comprehensively or something… a knotty reasoning of that line.

Well, it sounded like tall tales so I just let it in one ear and out the other.

But I’m thinking since you’re all the same age in Trickstar, it’ll be good to let you interact more with the other grades.

Even just one year’s gap can result in huge differences, and I bet it’ll be good stimulation.

Of course, I dunno yet if you will or won’t take the offer.”

Hokuto: “Hmm… Well, I’ll consider.”

Jin: “Okay, think it through for me~ You guys can go home now. Sorry to keep you.

If you don’t understand anything about the proposal while reading, you can ring me and ask. I’ll give you my number too, Transfer Student.

You know, it doesn’t have to have anything to do with Project-Saga – you can gimme a call if you need something, anything. I am your homeroom teacher.

If a boy sexually harasses you, call me ASAP. You’re surrounded by dudes in the heat of their youth and all~ I’m so worried for your purity.”

Hokuto: “Except your words already constitute as sexual harassment, Sagami-sensei.”

Akiomi: “…Oh? That’s rare; Sagami-sensei is in the faculty office.”

Jin: “Nn~? Am I not allowed in the faculty office now, Akiyan?”

Akiomi: “I didn’t say that…

But you like to stay in the infirmary, and barely ever show up at the office, right? You’re keeping documents and calls waiting, so try to come here more.

You’ll get on the bad side of the higher-ups if you keep doing whatever you want.

I don’t have that much power, being a newcomer, so I can’t cover for you.”

Jin: “Don’t start scolding me in front of my students~ It’s embarrassing… I know, I know. I’ll put up a serious act every once and then.”

Akiomi: “Start from fixing your attire, then. You keep sticking to that dirty lab coat… Do you realize that live audiences who came from outside the school often mistook you for some prowler?”

Hokuto: “Hmm, Kunugi-sensei… Sensei, will you participate in Project-Saga too?”

Akiomi: “Eh? Project-Saga? What is that?”

Jin: “Ah, no one contacted you about it, Akiyan? Thought so; you do have a pretty half-baked work history…♪”

Akiomi: “I didn’t ask for your opinion. …I don’t know what this is about, but please try not to cause problems.

As retirees, we cannot make troubles for the young children still active at present. We must keep the path we came from in order and leave only beautiful memories.”

Roundabout / 5

> 2-A Classroom

< The next day, early morning >

Makoto: “Morning~♪”

Subaru: “Ah! Morning, Ukki~☆

…Oh? Ukki, is that rubbish stuck to your butt?”

Makoto: “Eh, no way! Where? Where is it? Sheesh, I always try to make sure to look tidy too…”

Subaru: “Chance time~!”

Makoto: “Uhyaa!?

Eh?! What’s up with you all of a sudden, Akehoshi-kun? Why did you steal my glasses?”

Subaru: “Hokke, how’s my time!?”

Hokuto: “Sixteen point seven seconds, approximate.

Unfortunately, you couldn’t set a new record. Addressing Yuuki to steer his attention somewhere else was a good idea, but it also ate up your time.”

Subaru: “Tch~ Wrong strategy! Morning Ukki is full of holes and distracted already, so I could’ve gone straight for his glasses without tricks.”

Makoto: “Uhh, sorry! What are we playing now? I’m not being bullied, am I!?”

Subaru: “No, no. Sorry, Ukki, there’s a reason behind this—

…whoops?”

Makoto: “Right, I’d love to hear your explanation, but I need those glasses back first! This is a tool I actually need to go about life, so don’t make a toy out of it, okay~?

Ah, now I can see clearly.

Huh? Akehoshi-kun, Hidaka-kun, and Transfer student-chan… Why are you guys crowding there?

Is Trickstar’s next job decided, so you’re having a meeting about it?”

Hokuto: “No, it’s a personal job for the transfer student and I… or something to that effect. Yesterday, our homeroom Sagami-sensei invited us to join this plan called Project-Saga.

I discussed it with the transfer student over the phone even after we returned home, and we decided to accept and see how far we can go, but…

It’s an unusual matter, so we weren’t sure where to start.

While reading the proposal together and arguing over this-and-that, Akehoshi came up to us, which brings us to the present.

This still counts as work, so don’t be a nuisance, Akehoshi.”

Subaru: “Eh~? Don’t leave me out of your circle! That’s lonely! I’m gonna make myself useful so don’t abandon me, Master~!”

Hokuto: “Who’s your master? You only ever say unnecessary things, so getting your opinion will just make things more tangled.”

Subaru: “Uuhh, so cold! Ice-Hokke! Ukki, warm me up~!”

Makoto: “Wawa? Ahaha, don’t be so mean to Akehoshi-kun now… okay, Hidaka-kun?”

Hokuto: “I’m not being mean to him. Project-Saga is in the end an optional job personally assigned to us…

I don’t want the whole of Trickstar to end up joining, as it’ll steer us off our course.

But I’m aware that I might’ve been too cold. Here, Akehoshi. I’ll give you a ten yen coin, so cheer up.”

Subaru: “Yay, I love you, Hokke! I got my sparkle for the day~☆”

Makoto: “Fufu. Do they hit off really badly or really well, I wonder…

Anyway, I’ve heard of this Project-Saga – isn’t it that thing? The plan that’ll be serialized in a magazine? About reviving past idols, or something?”

Hokuto: “You know about it, Yuuki? You’re well-informed as ever.”

Makoto: “No, it’s a coincidence. I still get sent complimentary copies of magazines because I used to work as a child model.

Just a look at them used to send a chill up my spine, but I’ve grown to be able to flip through them lately…

I skim through them sometimes, like when my game is loading.

This Project-Saga seems to be a plain, low-budget project, but the staff roster has some pretty influential people of the magazine industry.”

Hokuto: “Yeah, it seems so. Sagami-sensei talked about one being his benefactor.

That lazybones is trying to put a serious effort into something for once…

I have regrettably been in his care, so I’d like to help out with what I can.”

Subaru: “Oh right, Hokke. You said about having known Sagami-chan for a long time?”

Hokuto: “? You haven’t, Akehoshi?”

Subaru: “Eh!? What makes you think Sagami-chan and I knew each other?”

Hokuto: “You attach ‘chan’ to his name and act really close with him… I thought you’d had interactions with him through your parents, like me.”

Subaru: “Nn~ My dad wasn’t the type to bring anything work-related home.

He never introduced his coworkers, and he used up all of his few breaks to spend time with family.”

Hokuto: “I see. My family’s the total opposite… Even on the rare instances my parents are home, they still work, and they invite work partners over for afterparties a lot.”

Makoto: “Ahaha. And those parties get broadcast on TV, right?

I looked it up out of interest once. You were so cute as a little boy, Hidaka-kun…♪”

Hokuto: “Don’t look it up. Having your past investigated never makes for a nice feeling.”

Roundabout / 6

Hokuto: “Anyway, our talk has derailed; let’s bring it back on track and get on with the subject matter.

Currently, I’m thinking of gathering members for Project-Saga.

And I’m hoping to get a first year, a second year, and a third year each to participate, as written in this proposal.

Let’s say I’ll be the second year. Then I need to find a first year and a third year next.

Unfortunately, I’m not too familiar with students from the other year levels… I’ve neither an idea nor a mark on where to look.”

Makoto: “Oh… So they’re recruiting a kind of ‘representative player’ from each grade, huh?

How about the Light Music Club? They helped with our revolution; they may be the easiest to ask.”

Hokuto: “No… that’s exactly why I hesitate to lean on them further.

I’ll have no choice but to ask them if I can’t find other alternatives, but still, there’s no novelty in always working with the same people.

That’s what I think, so those two from the Theater Club, who are some of my few associates, also wouldn’t be ideal. But after all this nitpicking, I’m left with no one else to ask.

Early morning, I happened across Sena-senpai in the classroom, so I asked him.”

Makoto: “Eh!? Why would Izumi-san be in a second-year classroom? I don’t know but that’s so scary!?”

Hokuto: “Hmm… It seems Knights have been doing volunteer work to restore their name after their misconduct in DDD.

He was cleaning up the schoolhouse and stuff.

He was also playing pretend, sitting down on the seat next to yours and saying ‘Ufufu~ I’m in the same class as Yuu-kun♪’”

Makoto: “What the – that’s so gross…!? And unbelievably scary! I don’t get it at all!

Wai – he didn’t touch my desk, did he? I have to check and see if he set up a tapping device…!”

Hokuto: “Hmm. You don’t have to be so wary. Speaking to him, I find that he’s surprisingly a decent person with down-to-earth views. Even if his conduct is criminal.”

Makoto: “That’s the problem!

Eek!? He casually wrote down his contact in my student handbook that I left behind~!

Y-You’re going to invite that person to join that… Project-Saga event? I’d really advise against that? He caused trouble and got into a dispute with a magazine company once!

This is a project mainly developed in a magazine, right? You’ll risk triggering needless conflict with him around, you know~?”

Hokuto: “Yes. He said that too. But he added a favorable response at the end, saying that if I really insist, he’d be willing to reconsider in exchange of a personal belonging of yours, Yuuki.”

Subaru: “Yup! That’s why I tried to steal your personal belonging – your glasses – before this!

That’s the entire story! Bet you’re glad to have the full picture now, Ukki~♪”

Makoto: “No!? I’m in incredible dismay!”

Hokuto: “Hmm. But the reality is that Sena-senpai… or the entire Knights are still in a steep situation.

I think he meant that as a subtle rejection, so there’s probably little hope he’d help me out with Project-Saga.”

Makoto: “No, I mean it – I really advise against taking him, okay~?

If Izumi-san joins Project-Saga, it’s possible that he’ll hang around Hidaka-kun a lot under the pretext of discussing the project, right?

I’m going to skip school?”

Hokuto: “That would be trouble. Hmm… but I really have no idea on who to ask. Must I really seek the Light Music Club’s – Sakuma-senpai and the twins’ – help?”

Subaru: “Hey hey. That Project-Saga thingy’s going to center on Sagami-chan, right?

Then how about asking Chii-chan-senpai? He’s said many times that he’s a big fan of Sagami-chan, even when no one was asking.

If he joins Project-Saga then on top of it helping Sagami-chan, he’ll get the chance to study under him as a disciple, right?

I think he’ll be very thrilled to accept, maybe♪”

Hokuto: “Hmm? Chii-chan… senpai? Who?”

Subaru: “Ryuuseitai’s Red-and-Annoying Morisawa Chiaki-senpai.”

Hokuto: “Aah, that person. We’ve never really spoken; so he’s Sagami-sensei’s fan, huh.”

Subaru: “Yup. Sagami-chan appeared in a tokusatsu movie in the past or something…

Chii-chan-senpai loves that stuff, so he’s been a passionate fan since the movie aired, or so he says.”

Hokuto: “Hmm. I see; he sounds like the perfect person for this. If I recall correctly, he’s the leader of Ryuuseitai, so he’s definitely pretty busy,

but I want to try asking anyway. Can you give me Morisawa-senpai’s contact info, Akehoshi?”

Subaru: “Eh! I don’t think I have his number or anything like that… But he’d come flying if you shout for help in a really loud voice, probably?

Like, ‘I’m in trouble! Save me, hero!’ Cuz that’s the sort of guy Chii-chan-senpai is. ”

Roundabout / 7

> Light Music Clubroom

< Same day, lunch break >

Hokuto: “…no matter what?”

Yuuta: “Nn~ Well, we would love to help you.”

Hinata: “Yup, yup! It’s our adorable disciple asking, after all.”

Yuuta: “But as you probably know, we’re currently prohibited from taking work. Remember how someone underhandedly interfered with the opponent’s show during DDD?”

Hinata: “Eh, why are you saying that as if Onii-chan is the only one in the wrong? Weren’t we partners in crime, Yuuta-kuuun?”

Yuuta: “We were, but I think your mischief was definitely to blame for the punishment getting this heavy, Aniki.”

Hinata: “Eh~? But it just didn’t seem like we could accomplish our goal without going that far, you know?

Then we would’ve achieved nothing and got a penalty on top of it. What’s that if not adding insult to injury?”

Yuuta: “I guess… Anyway, Hidaka-senpai, that’s why helping you is physically difficult for us. We’re sorry about it, really.”

Hinata: “Yeah, yeah. Project-Saga you say? It’s a pity we have to pass up such a fun-sounding project.”

Yuuta: “You’ll find anything fun, Aniki.

Well, we may be able to lend a hand later, after our prohibition is lifted, but we don’t know when that’ll be… so we can’t make promises.”

Hinata: “Yep. But if you can’t find any other first year… maybe we can help out discreetly, from the shadows at first—

Then join for real after we’re back from hiatus.”

Hokuto: “No… The school will bawl you out if they find out. I can’t let you two take on such dangerous gamble.

We already made you undertake an unfavorable role in the S1 and DDD. I can’t give you further trouble.”

Yuuta: “Ahaha. We didn’t feel troubled though. It was a whole lot of fun and a good experience.”

Hinata: “Yeah, yeah. But if you feel bad about it, you gotta keep climbing the ladder so you can recommend us for jobs that’ll make us shine brighter.

Now’s not a good time, but we’re always willing to help out.”

Yuuta: “What Aniki said! We’ll be in your care for the long run… Hidaka-senpai♪”

> Hallway, 2nd Floor

Hokuto: (Mmu… What a letdown. The twins who were the likeliest to lend a hand have rejected me. Understandable though, considering their situation.

What should I do? Say that the third year candidate is Morisawa-senpai. The lack of a first year candidate remains a problem…

The first years have just enrolled; they must have their hands full with adapting to their new school life.

I did too, back then… So I’m uneasy about throwing a troublesome deal at them.

Hmm~m. The odds are against me, but I think I’ll try asking Tomoya anyway.

That boy may gladly lend a hand. Ra*bits placed high during DDD, so they seem to have more room to breathe now, having attained high appraisals and rewards.

No, maybe they’re busier instead, dealing with the jobs that came flying down thanks to their feats in DDD?

That’s how it goes for us, after all. We’re currently on a break after SakuraFes, so I can move on my own like now, but…

Eventually, I’ll be too busy for anything else.

Hmm~m. Considering that, it might have been hasty of me to decide to take part in Project-Saga. Feels like I may be pointlessly circling on a roundabout…

…when this is supposed to be an important time for us.)

Sora: “<HaHa~♪ HiHi~♪ HuHu~♪>”

Hokuto: “…?”

Sora: “<HeHe~♪ HoHo~♪>”

Hokuto: “…Nnh!? Hey, what are you doing there?”

Sora: “Yes? Did you call for Sora?

Hello! When sees someone, greets!”

Hokuto: “Ah… yes, hello. So what are you doing outside the window? That’s dangerous. What if you fall?”

Sora: “There’s no problem! Sora is used to climbing the school building, and this is a shorter path to take~

…Oops? Sora has to go, or he’ll be late for the campus part-time job! Let’s meet again! Bye-bye☆”

Hokuto: “Ah, yeah… Bye-bye.

…

…W-What in the world was that? It couldn’t have been a hallucination – could it?”

Roundabout / 8

> Front Gate

< At the same time, lunch break >

Madara: “Hahaha! [It’s a roaring business]! Come, everyone, buy some! Food of the mountains, fresh from the farms!

The taste of your mother’s cooking, made by the hands of Mama himself! Come to our stall for freshly-baked savory breads out of the oveeeeen…☆

Ah hey, the mister walking over there! Wouldn’t you like some bread?

It’s cheaper than the ones sold in the school store and the cafeteria – yet delicious! How can you not buy one! Hahaha☆”

Chiaki: “Oooi! I thought I heard a voice I knew; so it was you, Mikejima-san! I didn’t know you were back in the country! What are you doing there?”

Madara: “Ooh, Chiaki-san! It’s been a while! I’m glad to see you so well!

Come over, come over, come over! Let Mama give you a hug☆”

Chiaki: “I don’t mind a hug to celebrate the reunion but… seriously, can I know what you’re doing?

I was alarmed to see a crowd gathering in front of the school gate. You never stop causing commotions, do you?”

Madara: “Hahaha! You should be able to tell just by looking – don’t ask for every little thing! Think, imagine! I’m imitating Leo-san!

Hahaha, when you spend your entire time with someone for a while, you start picking up their habits, huh♪”

Chiaki: “What do you mean? Leo… Tsukinaga, huh? I haven’t seen him in a while. Is he doing fine? I’m worried.”

Madara: “Hmm, I’d like to think he’s doing fine. He’s a strong boy.”

Chiaki: “Not everyone is as strong as you, Mikejima-san. Don’t use yourself as the standard; even the strongest guys can shatter, too.

Anyway, from what I see, you’re going around selling breads on a stall… a pushcart.

Did you properly get permission for this? The teachers will get angry with you.”

Madara: “Hahaha! How can one serve justice if they are too scared of authorities!”

Chiaki: “You think I’ll agree if you just slide in the word ‘justice’, don’t you?

You don’t want to attract unwanted attention, right? Have some restraint, Mikejima-san.”

Madara: “Hahaha. I’m helping someone out, though. There’s a bakery in the neighborhood worried about the recent slump in sales, you see. So I’m selling their commodity in their place.

The school store has gotten fancier in their product line-up, and that’s put the other stores in the neighborhood at a disadvantage.

When one goes up, the other goes down. That’s the law of nature.

When one person laughs, another cries. And I can’t stand the guys currently laughing. That’s why I’m siding with those who are crying. Got any problem with that?”

Chiaki: “…No. Not if that’s your justice, Mikejima-san.

Rather than that – Mikejima-san, will you be flying to another country soon? I have something to ask if you’re planning to stick around for a while.”

Madara: “Aah, is that what you really came for? [Two birds with one stone]! This way, you can warn me and ask something from me at the same time! Nice judgment!

Okay, let’s hear out this request of yours, Chiaki-san!

You’re a good person. Acting as you want me to will allow even someone like me to seem like an ally of justice.”

Chiaki: “You’re already a ‘hero of justice’ on your own, Mikejima-san. You were the only one worthy enough to introduce yourself as such in the old Ryuuseitai.”

Madara: “You think too highly of me… Ah well, I’m planning to stay in the country for some time.

What do you want me to do? I’ll answer within my power.”

Chiaki: “Right, well, I think it’s weird to ask this from you when you’ve resigned from Ryuuseitai, but…

Will you look after the Ryuuseitai kids every now and then?

I want you to give them guidance when I’m not around.

Kanata and I are the only seniors in Ryuuseitai right now, and Kanata doesn’t seem used to dealing with the kids yet.

So I want to leave them in the hands of someone I can trust. I can’t look after them all the time; there’ll definitely be times I have to take sick breaks and such.

Even today, an underclassman asked to meet up with me.

I’ll have to set aside time for him after school. So I need someone else to substitute for me, when things like this happen.”

Madara: “Hmm? Should you really trust me? But if you ask whether I can or can’t, it’ll be the former.

I can give guidance to the kids, and I don’t dislike caring for people. If you really insist, I’ll take responsibility for the kids and protect them during your absence, Chiaki-san.

But I can’t praise your thinking. I’m somewhat at odds with Ryuuseitai, and both the student council and the teaching staff keep a watchful eye on me.

If I get involved, it’s likely that I’ll end up being trouble for Ryuuseitai.

Instead of asking me, you should wake Kanata-san to his duty as an upperclassman and get him to work…

Or ask others completely unrelated to Ryuuseitai.

Even if it isn’t a third year, you can ask the teachers or the producer of fame.

There’s a meaning in my acting as a solo unit, so I actually prefer to not mingle with groups too much.”

Chiaki: “Hmm… A ‘lone hero’ may have a cool ring to it, but don’t you get lonely?”

Madara: “I do. People don’t believe me when I say this, but I love humans.

Well, maybe that’s fair. I couldn’t protect those precious to me at the important time, and let them die – so I don’t have the right to love.”

Chiaki: “…I don’t think Kanata blames you, Mikejima-san.”

Madara: “No. Even if that’s true, this is my way of taking ‘responsibility’.

Oops, I’ve left my customers waiting.

I’ll think your request through, so you should go back to class before lunch break ends… honor student.

Walk down the right path, Hero.”

Chiaki: “Yes… You should show up for class too, Mikejima-san. Everyone’s worried about you.”

Madara: “Hahaha. I think you’re the only one worried, Chiaki-san – but that’s already plenty.”

Roundabout / 9

> Garden Terrace

< Ten minutes later >

Hokuto: “Ooi, Transfer student. So you were in the cafeteria; I was looking all over for you.

You wouldn’t pick up my call, so I was a little worried. What’s wrong? Is your battery dead?

The socket over there is free to use apparently, so you can charge your phone there if you bring a charger with you.

Hehe. I’m glad I can be of help to you with this kind of little tidbits.

…hmm, I see. You’ve had an endless influx of requests from idols wanting them to produce you since DDD.

You were too busy responding to pick up my call? That makes sense – I’m as happy to see you getting the evaluation you deserve as if it were my own self.

Even if it is a little lonely that you’re growing to interact with us less.

…(sighs).

Mmn? Aah, I’m fine. Sorry for worrying you. Grandma said too, that with each sigh I heave, happiness will escape from me; I should be careful.

Yes, you see… My progress with Project-Saga has been even worse than I imagined. Like I’ve stumbled before the first step.

I asked the twins, but their situation is complicated, so they rejected my offer.

It’s not like Morisawa-senpai is confirmed as the third year member too, so my attempt at gathering members is going nowhere.

Is this because I, or Sagami-sensei, have no charisma?

I got a little bit big-headed from our victory in DDD, so being hit with the reality that my surroundings haven’t acknowledged me is… pretty depressing.

Anyway, I’m thinking of asking Tomoya next, but I’ll be out of options if he refuses.

So I want to seek your help, Transfer student. Do you know of any first year who may join us?

You have ties with many other units, so you definitely have a larger network than I do, at least.

…? What’s wrong, Transfer student? You’re looking away… are you listening to me?

What are you staring at? Hm, is that…?”

Touri: “Uuh~? Uuuhh~ Uuuuuu~hh…?”

Hokuto: “That’s… ah, so it’s fine’s Himemiya.

I guess belonging to an authority gave him the leeway to act high and mighty atop the stage – but he gives off a quite different impression once he steps down, huh?

I couldn’t connect him to our biggest adversary for a moment.”

Touri: “Unininini…?”

Hokuto: “? What is Himemiya doing? He seems fidgety… Is he looking for the washroom?

Right. It kind of bothers me, so I’ll go and speak to him.

I can’t think of fine as anything but the enemy… but when we get down from the stage and end the war, we are fellow comrades living our days in the same place.”

> Hokuto approaches Touri.

Hokuto: “Oi, Himemiya. What’s wrong?”

Touri: “Eeep!? Eh, uh! Ahh, that surprised me – I thought you were Yuzuru!”

Hokuto: “Yuzuru… ah, you mean Fushimi. He’s not with you? Doesn’t he always follow you around like a shadow?”

Touri: “T-That’s not your problem… I’m running away because I don’t wanna eat the lunch Yuzuru makes. Of course he’s not with me.

Wait, now that I take a good look, you’re Trickstar! And on top of that, the traitor, Hidaka… -senpai!

Bold of you to show your face before me!

The president reached out his hand to you underachievers out of kindness, but you just had to turn on us on the last moment!

You – beast with no pride and class! Bite your tongue and die, dumbo!”

Hokuto: “…I get why you’d want to insult me, but I take issue with that phrasing.

Also, we’re not underachievers. At least, not anymore.”

Touri: “Hah! Well, I bet, since you had the good luck of winning against us! With those underhanded tactics of yours!

We wouldn’t have lost if it had been a fair and open fight!”

Hokuto: “…Heh, then why don’t we try? I’m open to the challenge.”

Touri: “Oh, what now~? You’re getting all arrogant and aggressive! Did I get to you?

Well, you bunch got to me one hundred times that! Just the sight of your faces repulses me!”

Roundabout / 10

Hokuto: “…”

Touri: “W-What’s… with that face? You got a problem with me!? Glaring at me won’t get you anywhere! I’m not scared of you! Boo!”

Hokuto: “No… I’m just bothered that Fushimi has been standing behind you silently since a while ago.”

Touri: “Eh, Yuzuru?

Heheh, is that supposed to be a ploy to scare me?

I went through great troubles to shake him off, you know! Why would Yuzuru be here!?”

Yuzuru: “…”

Touri: “Gyo!? Eek, I feel a chill creeping up my back! Eh? You mean Yuzuru’s really there? Behind me? Tell me it’s a lie!”

Yuzuru: “Goodness gracious. Even if it broke my heart, I decided to let you run around to cultivate your budding independency, Bocchama, but…

I didn’t think I would find you in such an unsightly state, insulting another person with such dirty words…

…Yuzuru is deeply disappointed, Bocchama.”

Touri: “E–Ee—EEEEK!? Yuzuru is really heeeeere!?”

Yuzuru: “Fufu. Dear oh dear, why are you raising such a boorish voice, Bocchama? …It’s very uncouth. Aah, it must be because you are hungry.

If so, allow me to serve you this lunch box I prepared for you, packed with your favorite carrots and green peppers…

Please, feast on it as you will, and do not forget to chew♪”

Touri: “N-No! I hate green peppers! The color, the taste, the smell, everything!”

Yuzuru: “Sometimes, it is necessary to swallow your hate in order to live on. This goes for boxed lunches and human relationships.

Fufu, well then… I believe that wrapped up this discussion nicely. You must allow us to excuse ourselves. I apologize for any trouble my young master caused you, Hidaka-sama.”

Hokuto: “Right… I don’t really get it, but don’t be too mean to Himemiya.

Grandma says that we must be kind to little children.”

Yuzuru: “Oh my, mean? You jest. I, Yuzuru, am always brimming with deep love for Bocchama.”

Touri: “Lies! His eyes aren’t smiling at all! He’s gonna punish me cruelly after this, claiming it’s for my ‘education’!

You’ve been getting on your high horse lately! You used to do whatever I told you!

Uwaaaaaan! Someone, help! There’s a slave rebellion here~!”

Yuzuru: “I am not a slave. …I bid you farewell then, Hidaka-sama. Let us meet again♪”

Hokuto: “Ah, right… See you, Fushimi.”

Yuzuru: “Yes – and hopefully, next time will be a battlefield♪”

Hokuto: “…

…They’re gone. W-What was that?

Himemiya’s a freshman and Fushimi’s a transfer student who joined us this year… so I still don’t grasp what sort of people they are.

…Oh. You came over, Transfer student? It was nothing; I don’t fully understand but Fushimi put on the brakes before any trouble broke out.

Fufu. Himemiya’s voice reached all the way to your place, huh?

…I’m expressionless, so I might’ve seemed unfazed there, but in truth, I’m surprised I managed to keep myself under check.

Traitor, huh. He was right; that was such a fair criticism I couldn’t find a way to object.

I betrayed Trickstar then betrayed fine.

Opportunistically shifting between places that benefit me more… I was convinced that I’d put thought into the decision and made the right choice—

But when I saw Himemiya, who got hurt because of me, I felt a sting in my chest. I guess we can’t lie to our hearts…

This uneasiness will probably stay with me for a while.

If only I was as skillful as buchou, capable of tricking not just my surroundings but also myself…

…or maybe that person broods too, without letting others know.

Well, anyway, let’s direct our attention to the current problem. I want to discuss strategy with you over a light meal, do you mind?

…Nn? What is that – candy? Are you giving that to me, Transfer student?

Fufu. Sweet things are good for stress… is it? I’ll gratefully take it, then. Your kindness really saves me.

(munch) …It’s been a while since I had candy. Probably since I was a clueless little child.

I don’t buy sweets of my own accord, you see.

Do you always have them with you, Transfer Student? I’ve heard girls love sweets… am I wrong?

You found it in your bag? Someone gave it to you a little while ago?

Hmm. So you received it from 2-B’s Kagehira when you two worked together on a campus part-time job?

Kagehira… Valkyrie. It’s been a while since I heard that name.

Him, Oogami, Sakasaki…

I wonder if those guys who shared the same – or at least a similar – position with me last year are happy with our revolution?

Do they… think that we’ve done well, feel happy that we took revenge on the student council in their place?

Was there truly value in what we’ve done?

During quiet times like now, I can’t help but ponder over these things…

I believe that I can overcome any adversary if you guys are with me.

But the direction we must take is still so hazy; I fear I’ll end up unable to take a single step if I let my guard down.”

Roundabout / 11

> Soundproof Lesson Room

< At the same time, lunch break >

Akiomi: “♪_♪♪”

Jin: “♪_♪

…Wow, this is bad. My voice doesn’t come out like it should. I’ve regressed more than I thought, huh?”

Akiomi: “That’s a given. Humans and machines are the same – they rust away if they go on not in service nor maintained for a long time.

In fact, it would be unnatural if you could function like the presently active children or better in that state.

No matter that you were once a peerless prodigy.”

Jin: “You make so much of me, huh? My times were the winter of the idol industry – a rare period of bad harvest…

That’s the only reason I stood out.”

Akiomi: “The modesty. Anyway, work hard for a little longer instead of throwing in the towel so soon.

Regressed you may have, but you were Sagami Jin the Super Idol. You will eventually recall the knack of it if you continue.

No – that’s the reason you sought my company and started doing lessons, right? You must be thankful, as I don’t have so much free time myself.”

Jin: “Right, right. You’re a lifesaver, Kunugi-sensei. I’ll treat you to a drink later.”

Akiomi: “No need. Alcohol isn’t good for health, and I’m personally happy that you’re making a comeback as an idol.

…Even if I can’t wipe away the question of ‘why now?’ since so much time has passed.”

Jin: “I explained it to you already. There’s a low-budget plan named Project-Saga which is about reviving past idols.”

Akiomi: “Yes, and I’m happy about that. Male idols generally have a long career in the industry, like Hidaka-daisenpai…

So I’ve always thought that you retired too early.”

Jin: “Same with you. Anyway, you talk about a long career, but it’s more that the old men are being made to work because there’s no one else to replace them.

It’s not good to be stealing the limelight from the youngsters. The world is moving forward.

So the entertainment industry gotta renew their lineup too. …not that I care about where it’s heading after all this time.”

Akiomi: “Why are you a teacher at an idol training school, then?

You had other options – choose a different job, build a family, and become one with the common people.”

Jin: “I hate that term, the common people~ Then what are idols? Gods? Objects of faith to be looked up at and worshiped from the distance?”

Akiomi: “Hmm… something lower, I believe. Like slaves.

During our times, we didn’t have the freedom to work or marry – no, there was a pressure disapproving of such choices.

Ah… this isn’t good at all. I’m growing to whine more with age.”

Jin: “Ahaha. It’s okay, it’s okay. Kunugi-sensei’s still young by society’s standards.”

Akiomi: “So are you. …You just diverted the topic, didn’t you, Sagami-sensei?

If you no longer have an attachment to showbiz and idols, then why do you remain in this kind of place?”

Jin: “Nah, other lines of occupation just wouldn’t take me, is all.

I gave my entire youth to being an idol; that’s all I devoted myself to, and I learned nothing else.

I’m valuable as crap. All I had to do when young was to give my all for what’s in front of me, but I regret that a little now.

I wish I’d played around more, studied other things.

I learned at my family’s hospital once, but the experience isn’t enough to allow me to become a proper doctor this late…

I have my connections and people’s pity to thank for allowing me to become the school doctor I am.

Well, I have the savings built up from my idol work, so I could’ve played around till I’m dead without lifting a finger for work, really.

But I’m gonna run to waste if I don’t meet with people at all~

I actually secluded myself for a bit after retirement; it felt like I aged overnight.”

Akiomi: “Fufu. Despite looking annoyed when people bother you, you start longing for company if we leave you alone… A troublesome person you are, goodness.”

Jin: “What are people if not troublesome? Even if human resources that carry out their role endlessly like robots may be preferable as workforce.”

Akiomi: “The times have changed, you know. The world is moving in a new direction.

This is about another school, but there’s a student who manages various companies despite their young age, and many more.

The future of the children is broader and freer than we may think.”

Jin: “Huh, a high school CEO – sounds like a little kid playing house. Too much has changed, this old man can’t keep up with the times anymore.”

Akiomi: “Now, now… don’t say that. Let’s try hard for a little longer. I have your back, Jin.”

Jin: “…Thanks a bunch, Akiyan.”

Akiomi: “Don’t mention it. And stop idling around; let’s make better use of the time we have. I’ll restart the lesson, Sagami-sensei.

You need to at least restore some of the ability you had at your peak.

You’ve always acted like you’re better than the kids, as their teacher. Surely you’d like to save face?”

Jin: “Right, that’s why I asked you to hold a lesson for me. You gotta join me every now and then, after this too. I’ll do something to thank you later.

Practicing solo is nice and all, but I’ll definitely end up skipping if I’m on my own.”

Akiomi: “You’re a lazybones, after all. I wonder where you found the resolve to partake in this project – even if it was a plea from your benefactor.”

Roundabout / 12

Akiomi: “Umm, the originator of this project is that magazine company magnate, right?

I thought he’d decided to retire completely to spend his old days in peace, but there seems to be a lot of life left in his aged body.”

Jin: “Yeah. Talked with him a few times, and he sounded pretty full of vigor still.

And here I was worried because he asked me to ‘grant his last wish’ and stuff.

…You were prolific as a model, so you know the magazine industry better than I do, don’t you?

Are we actually playing a dangerous game here? It’s smelling fishy at some places, y’see.”

Akiomi: “I wonder. I’m a traitor who turned against the magazine industry and the modeling world…

Even if there is some hidden intent, no one there likes me enough to tell me.

In fact, since I caused quite a mess there, I fear for the children. What if they’re bearing the brunt of my actions?

People seeing them and thinking, 'Aah, it’s a Yumenosaki kid. Must be Kunugi’s student, then.’

'Then, they’re probably going to turn on us like Kunugi did’—and such.

That’s why I think I shouldn’t get too close with the children currently active in modeling.

…or am I being too self-conscious?”

Jin: “Nah. It’s true that people drag out grudges and hard feelings longer than you expect.

There are guys who’ve never quit bugging me even after I retired.”

Akiomi: “Ah, you mean that person who sent you a ‘cursed video’ in this day and age? In the end, what was that?”

Jin: “Who knows… it creeps me out so I don’t think too deeply about it. I asked Hasumi to burn the so-called cursed video for me.”

Akiomi: “Hmm. What was the name of the underdog who appeared in that video?

Have you contacted him? He is still alive… isn’t he?”

Jin: “Underdog, he says… Nah, why’d you expect me to contact him?

If he had nothing to do with it, then I’d be a nuisance just by bringing up the topic. And if he turns out to be the culprit, I don’t even wanna converse with him.

…but y’know, his name is in the list of retired idols planned to be invited to join Project-Saga.

The rotten business exploited him and he was stuck as the ‘eternal second place’ since I debuted…

But he was still a pretty famous idol, with a history of success behind him.”

Akiomi: “Oh. Then it may become a long-awaited reunion for the both of you.”

Jin: “God, spare me… I don’t have the face to meet him after all this time. I mean, how could I? It’s not like we have pretty memories to recollect either.”

Akiomi: “But he was a rival of Sagami Jin the Super Idol.

People may be fired up to see your long-awaited reunion and rematch.

I was a fan as well, so I’d love to see it – it’ll be a nice trip down memory lane.”

Jin: “Well, it’s basically a project for middle-aged people and above to take a nostalgia trip. Rubbish…

I’m sure the old coots would be thrilled to see that ‘old rivals’ face-off’ if it actually happens,

But plans are no more than plans. We dunno yet how many retirees are willing to come back for this low-budget project.

I mean, a look at the list made me laugh, y’know? Felt like some little kid’s ‘original list, don’t steal!’ deal.

Made me feel that probably, the list wasn’t made by that magnate, but the hard work of a young kid who got ordered to put it together by their boss.

There was Hidaka-san’s name when he isn’t even retired, and ‘that Akehoshi’ who can’t possibly return to idol work anymore.

Whichever kid wrote it probably just copied down what he saw in some idol encyclopedia.”

Akiomi: “Eh – that man is alive!?

To have Jin on stage with Hidaka-daisenpai and Akehoshi-senpai would make for a true all-star cast of dreams.”

Jin: “No, he’s deceased. The showbiz killed – nah, all of us let him die.

We loved an idol together and strangled him to death together.

…We can’t romanticize that, nor pretend it ‘never happened’.

With the fact that a sinless man died there, any love, dream, and hope that showbiz promotes just sounds like hypocrisy.

It’s all like a bad joke. A bunch of horseshit.”

Akiomi: “But shunning what our predecessors worked hard to build, simply due to a single tragedy…

…would be what true insincerity – futility – is like, wouldn’t it?”

Jin: “Idols have always been a gamble, an exercise in futility. The white-collar workers working to the bone out there are the better guys, they contribute more to society.”

Akiomi: “Why is your outlook so bleak…? Well, I guess you can’t help that. But will you be fine like that, ‘Sagami-senpai’?”

Jin: “Who cares. I just gotta save face until the project ends. My duty ends, I step down again.”

Akiomi: “Ahaha. Well, thank you for the hard work, then. …You have absolutely no intention to make a real comeback, I take it?”

Jin: “I didn’t retire for nothing; I doubt anyone still wishes to see me there. This is such a weird project. I just hope there’s really no hidden agenda…”

Akiomi: “Hmm, if you’re really bothered, should I pull a few strings to see what I can dig up?

My relation with magazine companies is hopeless, but I do have a bigger network with industry people than you do…

A new fact may come to light if I probe a little.”

Jin: “Nn~… I don’t think it’s anything that big, but it’d help if you could look into it whenever you’re free.

We gotta avoid causing trouble for the brats, after all.

A~ah… Why did things turn out like this? I’m getting lazy.”

Akiomi: “Don’t say that. For the first time in a long while, this is a story with you in the main role. Make the most out of it, because I’ll be watching over you and having a good time, myself.”

Roundabout / 13

Mika: “Excuse us~♪

Look, this’s gotta be the last room. Let’s have it done fast before lunch break ends, uhh… Harukawa-kun?”

Sora: “Yes! Sora will do his best, Mecha-niisan!”

Mika: “Uh, it’s Mika, not Mecha, 'kay? And I don’t like my given name that much, so can ya call me by my surname?”

Sora: “<HaHa~♪> Then, Kage-niisan!”

Mika: “Nn~? I’m not yer big bro, Harukawa-kun.”

Sora: “But you feel like one… Huh?”

Akiomi: “Oh, you two. Do you need something? This lesson room is in use.”

Mika: “Nngaah, sorry! We probably got the wrong room.”

Sora: “<HiHi~♪> That’s why Sora told you, we should have turned right instead of left~”

Mika: “Uukh… This school has such a mess of a map. I still get lost a lot.

Harukawa-kun, you’re so amazin’. You know so well which paths ta take and where they’ll take ya, despite bein’ a first year.”

Sora: “Yay, Sora’s happy to get praised! Reading maps is a basic skill for gamers~♪”

Jin: “Uhh, 2-B’s Kagehira and first year… Harukawa, I think?

So you guys are taking the campus part-time job of cleaning up the lesson rooms?”

Mika: “Nngaah, yes! A job of cleanin’ up lesson rooms used for classes and stuff…

It doesn’t pay much, but I gotta save up lil by lil to get activity funds for Valkyrie~”

Sora: “<HuHu~♪> And Shisho told Sora to get used to communicating with others through… frequently partaking in extracurricular activities!

Since Switch does not participate in official DreamFests, we seem to be lacking budget as well~!”

Jin: “Huh. Well, perfect then; clean up this room while you’re at it.

I’m all beat from Kunugi-sensei’s spartan training… so I was thinking to stop here for the day.

I don’t have the energy to clean up, so you’d do me a favor by doing that in my place.”

Sora: “I see? Then Sora demands wage for the labor! It’s equivalent exchange~”

Jin: “A cunning one, aren’tcha? There there, you good boy. Uncle’s gonna give you a little something~♪”

Akiomi: “Stop that questionable phrasing.

…Kagehira-kun, Harukawa-kun. The two of you should not focus on just campus part-time jobs, you have to take proper idol work as well.

Money is a means. Do not make it your goal.”

Mika: “Nngaah~… I get that, but can’t do nothin’ when Oshi-san won’t budge…”

Akiomi: “What? Don’t mumble; when you are conversing with someone, look them straight in the eyes and speak clearly!”

Mika: “I got scolded!? Nngaah~ But I don’t like lookin’ people in the eyes!”

(Fufu. Kunugi-sensei is scoldin’ me for my sake, eh? I’m kinda happy.

That’s Naru-chan’s crush for ya. Says harsh stuff, but probably a softie underneath♪)

Akiomi: “? What is it? Staring is just as rude.

When speaking to somebody, looking at their forehead should make you seem convincing enough, I believe.”

Sora: “That’s helpful to know~ …Then Kage-niisan, let’s clean up this room too!”

Mika: “Ah, yeah… Then if you’ll 'scuse us – we’ll start cleaning the room.”

Jin: “I’m counting on you~ …Man, I’m beat. My muscles are screaming. Proves that I’m not young anymore.”

Akiomi: “You knew that since the start.

Reviving retired idols was always an unreasonable plan. You just have to use every trick in the book to make it work.”

Mika: “? What’s that mean? Sensei, ya seem to be doing some lesson. ‘Revive’… will ya be makin’ a comeback as idols?”

Akiomi: “No, don’t mind it. It doesn’t have anything to do with you children.”

Mika: “But I’m curious… Revival, huh… If only Oshi-san would rise up again too.”

Akiomi: “Oshi-san? Ah, you mean Itsuki-kun. Is he doing well?

I heard he hasn’t been coming to class properly. If he keeps that up, graduating may prove to be difficult.”

Mika: “Nngaah? H-He’s okay! Nothin’ to worry 'ere! If he needs more attendance, I just gotta take his classes in his place!”

Akiomi: “No… There’s no meaning in you coming to take third-year classes, when you’re not even a third year.”

(Hmm, it is a pity to just let Itsuki-kun’s talent die out… Perhaps I’ll need to pull some strings later.

Well, teachers are not parents, and high school isn’t part of mandatory education…

I can’t get too deeply involved with their life, or more like – I should avoid lending them too much aid.

I don’t have the free time to look after every dropout, and show business was never such an easy world to live in.

That’s what I think, but… casting aside my students so easily would also make me a failure of a teacher.)

Mika: “W-What is it? I said Oshi-san’s doin’ fine, so he’s fine! I swear!”

Akiomi: “Ah, yes… Itsuki-kun is one problem, but you also need to work.

What of your past glory as Valkyrie, once said to stand at Yumenosaki’s peak?

I also believe you possess the talent. Do your best, and you’ll see hard work won’t betray you.”

Mika: “Uukh, that’s true, but… I can’t be movin’ on my own. It’s Valkyrie because Oshi-san’s there.”

Jin: “Ooi. Not that I care, but if you’re cleaning, can you clean soon? Lunch break’s gonna end. I’ll help out too, so let’s get this over with already.”

Mika: “Nngaah, yes! Let’s do our best toge’er, Harukawa-kun♪”

Sora: “Yes! Senpai said that cleaning has to do with feng shui, so this is ‘magician’ training too~ <HaHiHuHeHo~♪>”

Roundabout / 14

> In front of the fountain

< Same day, afterschool >

Hokuto: “…It was hopeless.

So our efforts with the first years really ended in vain. Tomoya was my last hope, but he… or rather Ra*bits just seemed very busy.

Their achievement in DDD gave them the boost they needed to take themselves to the next step.

This is an important time for them. I’d feel sorry to dump an extra worry on him by getting him involved in this job.

That’s what I thought, seeing the excited looks on those kids.

Ra*bits seemed to be having a lot of fun, doing lessons while arguing over this-and-that.

It’s a good thing. Almost enviable, because you wouldn’t think to see such a sight last year…

If those children can now enjoy their life as idols with smiles, I can believe that we didn’t rebel against the academy for nothing.

Like our efforts paid off. …But I feel that we’ve hit a snag with Project-Saga.

They said they wanted a participant from the first year, the second year, and the third year each.

But it isn’t a requirement, so at this point, maybe I should just ask my fellow second years… either Yuuki, or Isara.

It doesn’t feel right though, sticking with familiar faces all the time.

…mnn? What’s wrong, Transfer student? Do you have a question?

You seem to be a quiet person in nature, but I’d appreciate a few hums in response while we’re talking. It feels weird, like I’m talking to myself.

Anyway, so what is it? Tell me anything; I’m completely at loss with Project-Saga so… I’ll even grasp at straws now.

Huh? So you’re wondering why I didn’t bring up Akehoshi even though I mentioned Yuuki and Isara?

Even though I seem the closest with Akehoshi?

Really? We’re never on the same page, and all we ever do is argue.

…That conversely makes it look like we get along really well? Does it? I guess it’s not something I can tell on my own.

I think relatively highly of him as an idol… but I can’t respect him at all as a fellow human. We’re like oil and water.

…Mm? Aah, so I haven’t answered your question.

Before that, do you, umm… I don’t know how to phrase this—

Would you happen to know of any idol named Akehoshi besides our comrade, Akehoshi of Trickstar?

Mmu. I got you puzzled, huh. Sorry for phrasing it in such a weird way.

It’s a topic I prefer not to touch. Not just me… anyone would probably feel the same.

Hmm. So it seems you don’t know about ‘that Akehoshi’.

You’re faring very well as a producer, so I tend to forget but…

Come to think of it, you were a complete amateur who didn’t know the first thing about idols.

So of course you wouldn’t know about ‘that Akehoshi’. He was from a different generation and that was pretty long ago, so he might’ve faded into history.

Plus, the entertainment industry had scrambled to erase it all like ‘it never happened’.

Nn? No, it’s fine if you don’t know. The explanation shouldn’t come from me; if you’re really curious, you can directly ask Akehoshi.

Though I don’t think he wants to talk about it either.

Anyway, so Project-Saga is about reviving past idols…

…and explaining the history of idols and showbiz extensively, right?

The project’s all about raking over the ashes. I hesitate to get Akehoshi involved in that.

As you know, Akehoshi’s a big ball of perkiness and innocence, a guy like a main character who probably won’t lose out to anyone…

But he’s also carrying something hazardous inside; a bomb that may burst with just a single touch.

And the way he is now, I don’t know if he’s strong enough to hang on when it explodes. His surroundings will take damage too, and I’m sure Akehoshi doesn’t want that.

We won DDD and brought a revolution upon Yumenosaki Academy… You can say it’s been smooth sailing, yet it’s still a very thin ice we’re walking on.

It’s better to keep that in mind and be very cautious with the action we take. …or am I being a coward?

Fufu. Anyway, Project-Saga is, to the end, a detour for us. I prefer to get things done fast, instead of dragging it out.

First, we need to get our current hurdle over with, which is gathering comrades.

Yes. That’s why I called Morisawa-senpai over, as he is the likeliest to become our third-year participant.

We arranged a meeting here, so I plan to have a face-to-face with him now.

…though it appears Senpai is slightly tardy.

I wonder if something happened? He doesn’t seem like the sort of person to break promises or rules without reason.

I barely ever spoke with him so I only have a vague idea, but he’s probably a serious honor student-type, right?

I think he didn’t cause any trouble last year…

No, he didn’t seem very involved in the disputes either, so I don’t have much to go on.

Hmm, Akehoshi often speaks badly of Morisawa-senpai. But Akehoshi and I don’t hit off well, so perhaps I’ll turn out to get along with him.”

Roundabout / 15

Hokuto: “…Nn? What’s wrong, Transfer Student? You’re laughing. Did I say anything funny?

Hm? Gathering comrades like this is new, and pretty fun…?

Fufu, I’m sure it is. By the time you transferred, most students had already formed their own units.

This’ll be your first time picking out the idols that suit the job to form a team.

But it’s one of the things a producer does, right?

Yeah. You should get used to it. I was thinking to get by on my own where possible, since I don’t want to give you further burden,

But I really should’ve sought help from you, a trustworthy producer, from the start.

As you see, my efforts haven’t borne any fruit, so I want to borrow your help.

Nn? That was your intent since the beginning? Because you’re also part of the project?

That’s true… So I was being too distant; I’ll reflect on it. Keeping someone out of the loop isn’t the same as being considerate.

Yeah. It’s not too late yet to look for comrades together… I hope you’ll lend your assistance.

This is a good chance for you to practice how to scout and such. This experience – ah no, there’s no such thing as a waste of effort.

Let’s believe that and hang on together for a little longer… Transfer Student.

…♪ (shakes hands with Anzu satisfiedly)”

Chiaki: “Sorry, I’m late!”

Hokuto: “Ooh? Um, we’ve been waiting for you… Morisawa-senpai.”

Chiaki: “Yeah! Kept you waiting, I bet! Uuh, Hidaka, and the transfer student? I’m so so sorry for arriving late!”

Hokuto: “Ah, please raise your head. It’s okay; we had each other’s company and chatted around as we waited.”

Chiaki: “Fufu. I see, that’s good. …You two seem very close, holding hands and all!

I don’t think that’s too good, seeing as she’s of the opposite sex. You don’t know who might be watching?”

Hokuto: “Ah… The transfer student doesn’t feel too much like a girl, so I tend to forget that kind of tact.”

Chiaki: “You’re so naturally rude, huh!? No, I’m sure it means your bonds as comrades are so tight and run so deep that you pay no regard to gender! I’ll go with the positive interpretation!”

Hokuto: “That’s a help. Anyway, I apologize for calling you out here. You must be busy, Morisawa-senpai.”

Chiaki: “Yes! Pretty busy, actually!

Ryuuseitai is centered on the inexperienced first years, and sadly, we lost at the first round during DDD!

We’re not gonna get spoon-fed with jobs if we just sit around in the state we’re in – so I’ve been running around looking for work to do!

And I’ve got to coach my juniors from scratch, since they still don’t know the ropes with idol stuff.

Before I got here, I instructed them to continue with the lesson while I was gone…

But I ended up rambling on out of worry, reasoning with the kids who didn’t seem at all motivated… and here I am, not arriving on time.

That’s not a good excuse to be late, though. I’m the one doing a bad job of holding myself together as an upperclassman.

But I can’t get ahold of Kanata, Mikejima-san doesn’t seem to want to get involved… so I’ll just have to make do.

Well, it does make my life fulfilling and fun! Fuhahahaha♪”

Hokuto: (Hmm… Akehoshi belittled him all the time so I had some concerns, but Morisawa-senpai really does seem like an upstanding man.

A pleasant, dependable upperclassman – his type is actually a rarity in this school.)

Chiaki: “Nn? What’s wrong, looking at me like that? If you fall for me, you’ll get burned ☆”

Hokuto: “No… Rather than that, since you seem busy, I’d like to get to the main topic.”

Chiaki: “Yeah. Of course. I always speak too much, sorry.

But anyway, I know the situation. Project-Saga, right? It sounds like such an interesting project.

Sagami-sensei, my inspiration, is making a comeback! What a fiery happening we have here – just like what I’ve seen in my dreams♪”

Hokuto: “Mmn? Are you familiar with the content of Project-Saga, Morisawa-senpai?”

Chiaki: “Yeah, I got myself hurt so I went to the infirmary to get treated… Sagami-sensei brought it up then, as part of our little chat.

It doesn’t seem like the project is planned to be carried out in secret, so he explained it to me in detail.

Sagami-sensei seemed quite into it, surprisingly. Talked about doing his best with vocal training.”

Hokuto: “Is that so…? So that slothful teacher is actually serious this time.

That’s why, as to not waste Sagami-sensei’s efforts, we need to form a team as specified in the project proposal.

Morisawa-senpai. You’ll be of tremendous help if you lend us a hand.

Please, will you join us as a comrade?”

Chiaki: “Right! I’ve been in Sagami-sensei’s care and I owe a lot to him, plus he’s somebody I’ve always longed to be!

There’s nothing more I wish than to be of help to him!”

Hokuto: “Ohh…and that means?”

Chiaki: “Yes! So I am very sorry and saddened to say – that I must turn down your invitation!”

Hokuto: “…

…What? W-Why? I don’t get it!”

Chiaki: “You forgot your polite tone. That’s okay though, let’s both be frank! Getting the stranger treatment only makes me lonely, after all!”

Hokuto: “Th-That doesn’t matter… Why, Morisawa-senpai? I thought you would definitely help us out.

To be honest, I feel dejected. My head even went blank for a second there… Can you tell me the reason?”

Roundabout / 16

Chiaki: “Right. Personally, I wish I could help whenever my aid is sought, but this is really a bad time.

As hard as it is for me to say this, I don’t think I can help you guys out.

I said before that this is an important time for Ryuuseitai.

We have inexperienced first years, and the only ones around to guide them are a hack like me and Kanata who’s constantly absent.

Because I made a move based on personal feelings, our appearance in DDD ended fruitlessly…

So I want to prioritize my juniors’ feelings and situations from now on.

They have talent. I felt a spark when I met them for the first time.

But their shine may not get noticed if I don’t give my all to accentuate them in plain sight.

So I’ll lift them up high with all of my power. If their shine pales and dims like midday stars, I’ll make them into comets that glitter in the night sky.

That’s how I take ‘responsibility’. For talking big, showing them the illusion of a dream, and making them my comrades.

For forcefully giving them pushes on the back, and telling them to ‘do their best’, that ‘they could do it if they try’…

If I let go of them for just a second here, they may end up falling, because they’re still not ready.

They’ll bathe in mud, and with a look of hurt lift their face and tell me – ‘You’re a liar’.”

Hokuto: “…”

Chiaki: “Once, I longed to be like the heroes on TV, so I did all I could to imitate their way of life.

Each time, reality pushed my head to the ground and tripped my feet. I cursed the people I admired.

For being liars… Dreams will come true if you believe? Love will save the world? A hero will come running if you cry for help?

They were lies, all of it. But that’s why I don’t want those kids to have to experience the feelings I did.

If there are no heroes in this world, I will become its first hero.

I will make the dream I believed in come true, save the world with love, and run to the people who cry and embrace them!

If I become such a hero, the heroes on TV won’t be liars anymore!

That would mean the heroes I admired and loved truly exist!

I can believe that they were right all along! That they never told a single lie!

That’s my dream. What I want to be isn’t a liar or a crook – it’s a hero.”

Hokuto: “…”

Chiaki: “That’s why. I can’t help you guys out, and I can’t join Project-Saga. I don’t have enough life for that; I constantly have my hands full right now.

I’m really sorry for being weak… I wish I was an invincible hero, or maybe a genius capable of everything.

But in reality, it takes everything of me just to hold my ground.

All I can do is consider each step carefully so I won’t fail, moving forward in constant wariness. I don’t have the time – no, the capacity – to be taking a roundabout route.”

Hokuto: “…I see.

I understand. I’m satisfied now. There’s nothing you can do about that.”

Chiaki: “R-Really? I feel like I might’ve gone off on a tangent and made a crazy hyperbolic speech there!”

Hokuto: “No, it was logical and easy to understand. In fact, I’m sorry for making you brood over it so much, since you seem to be bad at refusing people who seek your help.

You racked your brain to come to a conclusion, when you could’ve ignored us…

You took the time to come to meet us and earnestly explained your reasons for rejecting our offer.

I can’t not be satisfied with that. …even if it is a pity.”

Chiaki: “O-Oh. So you understand me, Hidaka?

Akehoshi grumbled about you being a stubborn guy who wouldn’t listen to reason, so I had my concerns…”

Hokuto: “Does that guy have a hobby of spreading bad gossip about people?

Well, anyway. You convinced me already, so it’s okay to go back to Ryuuseitai’s lesson, Morisawa-senpai. Sorry for taking your time.”

Chiaki: “No… I’m really sorry too.

Umm, Project-Saga is a long-term project, right?

If things calm down on my end, I can probably be of some help, so I’ll be the one to come to you guys then!”

Hokuto: “…Thank you very much, Senpai.”

Chiaki: “Right… S-So, I’ll be going, okay?

I had to give an unfortunate reply this time, but don’t ever hesitate to drop me a word when you’re in trouble!

I’ll do everything in my power to help! This is not a lie, I promise!”

Hokuto: “…Yes. I will count on your help then.”

> Chiaki leaves.

Hokuto: “…

(sighs) …I can’t believe how much shock I felt there. I was really under the impression that Morisawa-senpai would join hands with us, after all.

I guess my reading was too naive. What do we do, Transfer Student…?

There’s no move to make anymore. We’re really back to square one.

I really have no charisma nor negotiation skill, huh…? This is depressing.

Am I incapable of anything by myself?

Despite hiccups along the way, things worked out just fine in the S1, DDD, and SakuraFes a while back…

I think I started believing without any basis that I would succeed if I try, that I could break through any hurdle.

But that confidence just got smashed to pieces. Nothing I did went well, nothing would go like I wanted it…

Until a while ago, this was just natural.

But that means I’ve remained unchanged from my pathetic past self… I’m starting to feel like my growth and everything were just a trick of the eye, my delusion.

No. It’s like – even though I haven’t changed at all… Just like before, still clinging to my parents’ fame despite it being the very thing that pressures me…

Just riding on Trickstar’s coat-tails and profiting from it…

It’s like I was under the wrong impression that I achieved everything through my own power—

If that’s true, then I’m such a clown.

I’m so embarrassed…

…”

Roundabout / 17

Chiaki: “You got that wrong! Hidaka…!”

Hokuto: “…!? Aah, that gave me a shock – what’s wrong, Morisawa-senpai? D-Did you forget something?”

Chiaki: “No, but the downcast look on your face bothered me!

I thought that my words and attitude might’ve hurt you…!”

Hokuto: “Umm. That’s needless worry, Morisawa-senpai; you didn’t do anything wrong. I’m just down over my own incompetence.”

Chiaki: “I see! That’s good!

Wait, no it isn’t! I want children to always smile! If you’re feeling down, that falls under our responsibility as your seniors!”

Hokuto: “Don’t treat me like a child. We’re not so far apart in age, are we?

Anyway, just go back to your lesson, Morisawa-senpai.

This is an important time for Ryuuseitai, right? You don’t have time to mess around here.”

Chiaki: “Yes. And it’s probably the same for everyone, because it’s the start of a new school year… a new era.

It’s time for all of us to be strengthening our foothold, paying utmost caution to our path so we don’t stumble as we walk forward.

Yet!

You’re moving for the sake of somebody else, when your days should be far more hectic than mine, having stood at the maelstrom of the revolution!

You’re shaving time off your precious days of youth and giving the best you have! That’s admirable! Not everyone can do that – I’m so touched!

No. When everyone gave up, thinking nothing could be done and acquiescing to the huge current…

Only you guys defied it and arose, acting on the thought that things couldn’t stay that way.

And you caused it, a revolution! Because that’s what you guys are like!

Perhaps you were thoughtless children selfishly kicking up a fuss, but none of us could do the same thing you did!

I respect you! What you pulled off has value!

So don’t cast your gaze downward, Hidaka! There is absolutely no reason for you to be feeling down!”

Hokuto: “…Morisawa-senpai.”

Chiaki: “Alright, that decides it! Let me take back my previous words!

I’ll join Project-Saga, Hidaka! I’m happy to help! Just say the word and I’ll do my best to answer!

No actually, let me into your team! Please!”

Hokuto: “Eh? Huh – is that okay?

I’m grateful if you’ll join, Morisawa-senpai, but… your reasoning did satisfy me, you know?

You are right that you should prioritize Ryuuseitai, your own unit.

That’s the natural thing to do, and I’m the fool here. For pointlessly circling on a roundabout…

Project-Saga is a low-budget project; it’ll be a lot of work for little pay. Getting involved is just taking extra burdens.

Anyone will come to that conclusion if they stop to think for a bit.”

Chiaki: “Yeah. But we’re children; we shouldn’t rack our brains over profits and losses so much.

A young idler is an old beggar, they say; I’m sure it’s better to do whatever we like on impulse, every once in a while.

We couldn’t do that for a long time…We got swept into the easier way, and as a result, we couldn’t stop Yumenosaki Academy from rotting.

We thought we were living smartly and quietly, when we were just being worked conveniently by those with ill intent.

But the era has changed. You guys changed it.

I’ll do whatever I want this time! And right now, my instinct is saying that I mustn’t walk out on you!

It’s shouting that I must fight alongside you and put a smile on your face!

That’s my show of thanks towards you for bringing a revolution upon this school…

And a necessary step in my life! Or so I believe! This isn’t circling pointlessly on a roundabout – not at all!

So make me one of you!

I’ll stick around by force even if you say no! A hero never turns their back on a child with such a gloomy look!”

Hokuto: “Well… I’m happy you feel that way, but are you really sure?

I’d feel sorry to cause trouble for Ryuuseitai – for another unit.”

Chiaki: “Too late to say that, you know? You guys don’t live on your own; you give birth to frictions just by going about like always. Someone will get hurt, and it will be part of the trouble you caused.

Not everyone consented to your revolution.

Some are saddened by the change, others probably resent you for triumphing over them.”

Hokuto: “…”

Chiaki: “But, in order for there to be less people hurt and dejected!

In order to save as many as possible and put smiles on their faces! What we can do is never cease thinking, keep giving our best efforts!

That’s what I want to do! So please, make me your comrade! That way, at least I may be able to make you smile!

With this method, I’ll spread smiles one by one!

If it is the way of the world that when someone smiles, another has to cry, then I’ll take on all the tears in the world!

Don’t worry! You won’t be causing trouble for Ryuuseitai! Whatever it takes, I’ll make time to care for the kids!

And I’ll help you at the same time!

Maybe I’ll have to spend my days in constant fatigue for a bit, but that’s fine by me! I just need to hold on and give it all I’ve got, and there’ll be no problem!

Heroes will make any painstaking effort if it means everyone can smile!

Even if we heroes become so hurt and exhausted that we collapse, as long as the world is peaceful by then, it’s our win! Fuhahahaha☆”

Hokuto: “Uh, huh… I think I get what you’re trying to say.

But are you sure? I feel sorry since it’s like I’m imposing the burdens on you, Morisawa-senpai—”

Chiaki: “Oh what, don’t worry about it! Relax! I wished for this way of life!

In fact, I have to thank you! Thanks to you, I managed to take a step closer to my idea of a hero!”

Hokuto: “…Fufu. You’re such a strange person – exactly as Akehoshi said.”

Chiaki: “Fuhaha! Of course! The kid loves me, after all☆”

Hokuto: “I don’t think we’re having the same conversation, but oh well… I’m very happy that you consented to become one of us. It makes everything worthwhile.

It may end up being hard on you, but still… we’ll be in your care, Morisawa-senpai.”

Chiaki: “Sure! Same here! I am the burning heart, Morisawa Chiaki! If you need help, you know who to call!”

Revival

Revival / 1

> Infirmary

< A few days later >

Chiaki: “Excuse meeeeee!

Morisawa Chiaki – no, Ryuusei Red… arriving to save the day☆”

Jin: “…How are you so full of energy? Patients gotta stay still, Morisawa.”

Chiaki: “Yes! It is truly as you said, Sagami-sensei! I’ll take care to remember that!”

Jin: “If only you’d actually put those words into practice.

…why are you wearing your unit outfit anyway? Did you have a job as Ryuuseitai from the morning?”

Chiaki: “Yes! I was standing on the side of the school road to do morning greetings!

Also, I wear this outfit for no reason sometimes because I’m just so happy to be Red!”

Jin: “Huh. But you have only one of that outfit, I think? Don’t get it dirty.

Ah well. …Whaddya need today? Did the wound I treated the other day fester or something?

Let me take a look. Sit there.”

Chiaki: “Yes! Ryuusei Red, sitting!”

Jin: “Uh, can you spare this old man from your game? Speak normally. You’re in high school already, stop playing hero.”

Chiaki: “Hehe♪ There’s no problem, Sagami-sensei! Because I’m not ‘playing’!”

Jin: “No, that adds more to the problem… Nn. Hey, it was your kneecap I treated the other day, right?

Looks to be healing just fine to me, so what’s this visit for? Skipping?

The bell’s gonna ring soon, so go straight to class instead of taking detours.

I gotta close up the infirmary and head to 2-A too if I don’t want my students getting on my case for neglecting my homeroom duties and stuff.

…anyway, it’s probably too late to complain, but why am I being put in charge of a class when I’m the school doctor? Does Yumenosaki just have so few staff?”

Chiaki: “Fufu. I’m sure it’s because they think you can be counted on, Sagami-sensei. That’s why they keep giving work to you. No rest for heroes! ♪”

Jin: “Nah, I’m no ally of justice so I wanna have my rest.

…I could’ve refused if I really wasn’t up to it though; I guess I still can’t leave the habit of making rash promises.

But refusing people is also such a mental drain.

Sometimes, it’s just easier to accept and make ends meet somehow by exerting yourself.”

Chiaki: “Fuhaha♪ As I would expect from you, Sagami-sensei! So kind! Unable to reject people who seek help – you truly have the qualities of a hero!

That’s why you are the Legendary Hero… Ryuusei Rainbow☆”

Jin: “You’re about the only one who still remembers that name. And honestly, if you want it so much, I’m more than happy to have that silly title off my hands.”

Chiaki: “No, no! I like being Red!”

Jin: “That so. Well, the color does suit you. …I’m gonna disinfect the wound so be quiet for a bit, or you’ll bite your tongue.”

Chiaki: “…Mmggh!?”

Jin: “There you go, I’m done disinfecting. I think we can take off the bandage roll; an adhesive plaster should be enough. Careful not to get it on hot water when you’re bathing.”

Chiaki: “Yes, I know! Since I get injured a lot!”

Jin: “You bet you do… Are you okay? You’re not being bullied, are you?”

Chiaki: “No, it’s because I’ve been taking more stunt work these days. It’s my way of laying the groundwork, since I want to network with industry people.

And I thought I might be able to get more jobs for Ryuuseitai if I got along better with people in the field.”

Jin: “Hmm. Stunts, huh. As an idol, you’re the one who should be substituted by a stuntman, y’know?

You might’ve got off with light injuries so far, but no one knows what can happen. Be extra careful, you hear me?

It’s harder on some people to have to resign due to accidents, injuries or illnesses, instead of being dismissed for failures.

Kunugi-sensei’s an example. He complains about it in the pub all the time.”

Chiaki: “Oh, is that so? I’m not very familiar with Kunugi-sensei, so I had no idea!”

Jin: “Thought so. Children, please have more interest in Akiyan.

The masses are cruel, huh. They won’t even bat an eyelash, whatever happens to people who didn’t take first place…

Especially people from other industries, I think they’re not even aware of the incidental details.”

Chiaki: “I understand! People who aren’t interested in tokusatsu think all Kamen Rders are just ‘Kamen Rders’!

They don’t even know which is Decde or Amzon!”

Jin: “Uh, I don’t either. How many are there anyway? Aren’t there too many Kamen R*ders out there…? I feel bad for the villains.”

Chiaki: “Fufu. And then the villains start looking like the victims that you want to side with, huh?

Fighting for the weak against the strong! A hero always sides with those without power☆

…Ouch!?”

Jin: “Nn? Whoa, Morisawa… what happened to your arm? I just noticed, but you’ve got a really huge scrape there.”

Chiaki: “Yes. Actually, I came to get this treated.”

Jin: “Say that sooner. Take off your top, I’ll take a look at it.”

Chiaki: “O-Okay. I’ll undress, so please turn around for a bit.”

Jin: “Why? What’s there to be embarrassed about when we’re both guys… Weirdo.

Relax, I’m a doctor. C’mon, Chiaki-chan; put your hands up~♪”

Chiaki: “S-Stop, Sho*ker! Are you drunk, Sagami-sensei!?”

Jin: “Ahaha. I’m just messing with you.”

Revival / 2

Jin: “…Oh, it’s not such a bad injury. Guess you don’t need to go to the hospital; we can treat it here.

I’ll just put some disinfectant and antiseptic on and roll a bandage over it. Don’t use this arm too much for today.

Clothes rubbing on the incision can slow down the healing process, you see, so if possible, don’t wear your jacket for the time being.”

Chiaki: “Right… I-I understand.”

Jin: “Where did you get this one? Another of your honorable stuntman scars?”

Chiaki: “Well, I haven’t been getting much sleep. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was walking and a car almost hit me…

I dodged immediately, but scraped my arm on a stonewall by the roadside.”

Jin: “Oi, oi, that’s dangerous… Be careful, really. You’re gonna die if you keep that up.

…You push yourself too hard, Morisawa. Sorry, looking after Ryuuseitai should be hard enough for you…

And I heard you’re gonna help out with Project-Saga on top of it?

Hidaka told me. It was a rare occasion; the kid had a genuine smile on his face, not hiding his joy at all.”

Chiaki: “…Is that so. Then I’m very happy to have put that smile on his face.”

Jin: “Really. But if your exhaustion gets to you so much that you get into an accident and wind up with a serious injury… he’ll blame himself for the rest of his life.

Take good care of that body, Morisawa.

I’m telling you this as a doctor, a teacher, and an individual. And I always think this, but… being an idol’s really not worth dying over.”

Chiaki: “…”

Jin: “But no point telling that to a youngster like you, huh?

Compared to my generation, you guys are actually almost too mild. Sometimes I think you can afford to push your limits more.

Keeping you kids protected in a glasshouse until you’re all grown may sound ideal on paper, but you’re gonna end up biting the dust as soon as you get out there.

So plug along and let failures help you grow, brats.

…okay, there you go. Head to your class, Morisawa. Take care.”

Chiaki: “Okay… Before that, may I ask a question?”

Jin: “Nn? Sure, what’s up? If it’s not too important, can it wait until after school?

Mornings are always so busy, I can’t keep dealing with just you.”

Chiaki: “Well, it’s about Project-Saga. Is it really an insignificant, low-budget project?”

Jin: “Yeah. Just a plan some old man I know made on a whim.

It’ll be serialized in a small corner of a magazine; a trivial story that doesn’t matter either way… or so I think. What’s bothering you?”

Chiaki: “Right, so while I was doing stunt work, I overheard industry people bringing up the name ‘Project-Saga’ a lot.

It has a direct connection with me too now I’ve been officially welcomed into the team, so I leaned closer.

Apparently, they were talking about how a production agency somewhere is really interested in Project-Saga and may invest a lot of money in it.

Like, on the level of affecting stock prices and stuff. They were all treating the gossip very earnestly.”

Jin: “An agency? I haven’t heard anything like that…

The writer that the magazine company sent for Project-Saga didn’t say anything of the sort either.”

Chiaki: “Ah, they sent someone like that?”

Jin: “Yeah. I mean, the project is led by a magazine company, so we can’t just carry out things as we like.

There’s this kid from the company who’s gonna visit us periodically to check how we’re doing and write a report.

And then they’ll spruce up the report into an interesting article for the magazine. That’s all Project-Saga is.

A huge investment, huh… That’s more trouble than help.

We don’t even have anything to spend it on, no plans for huge spectacular live shows… I think that’s just baseless gossip.”

Chiaki: “Well… the people talking about it didn’t seem very certain, and it doesn’t sound realistic…

But when I brought this up in a conversation, the topic seemed to pique my classmate’s, Tenshouin’s, interest.

I knew they were making a move; time to come up with something on my end…

…or so he said. I don’t know what he meant, though.”

Jin: “Huh. So Tenshouin said that… He’s been quiet these days, and I thought it’s because he was either sated or tired by DDD – but he’s started scheming again?

I’m feeling a little uneasy. Morisawa, if you’re good friends with Tenshouin, try to get more out of him.

However small it is in the eye of the public, this project is important to me because my benefactor is behind it… I don’t want weird schemes messing it up.

If there’s any funny business going on, I wanna get hold of it fast and crush any seeds of trouble before they bud.”

Chiaki: “Right… Well, we’re on good enough terms for casual chats, so I’ll bring it up with him next time.”

Jin: “Haha. Actually, is there anyone who’s not on casual terms with you?

I’m envious of your gift with people; I didn’t have even a scrap of that ability as a youth.

Communication skill has more place than pure skill in the current era. In that sense, you’re probably something of a wonder child of the era.”

Revival / 3

> Empty Classroom

< Same day, after school >

Jin: “Uhh~ Ahem. Then we’ll henceforth begin a not-so-serious meeting for Project-Saga.”

Chiaki: “WE’RE IN YOUR CAAAAAAREE ☆”

Hokuto: “…”

Jin: “Okay, so Morisawa’s too full of spirit while Hidaka and the transfer student are too quiet. What’s wrong, children? Not feeling well? Should we go to the infirmary?”

Hokuto: “No, there’s no need. We’re fine. It’s just different from what I know, since Trickstar’s meetings don’t go like this.”

Jin: “Ooh, so you guys do hold proper meetings. Just based on impressions, I thought you always go into things blind.”

Hokuto: “Yes, that’s not wrong. But in our case, we usually just gather around and chat and it somehow ends up being a meeting down the line.”

Chiaki: “Fufu. It’s great how well you guys get along, but… that won’t work outside of your circle, so you should get used to the normal way.”

Hokuto: “Yes, I thought the same. …again, I’m happy to have you in the team, Morisawa-senpai.

I’m still very much inexperienced, so I ask for your guidance and support.”

Chiaki: “Why, thanks for the warm welcome. But I’m busy with Ryuuseitai too, so I may end up participating for some days but not others.

I’ll drop a note when I can’t come, so for those times, I hope you’ll share what went on in the meeting or the lesson afterward.

I want to match my pace with the team, after all.

Mmu? What’s wrong, Transfer Student? You’re raising your hand… what are you trying to assert?

Oh, so you’ll be in charge of correspondence. That’ll be a huge help.

Aside from that, we should also create a chatroom for Project-Saga in the school SNS.”

Jin: “Ah, I leave those things to you kids. They’re too difficult for an old man like me, so teach me the ropes later.”

Chiaki: “Yessir! Leave it to me, Sagami-sensei! ♪”

Jin: “Full of spirit you are… I’m mostly belittled by my students, so your attitude is actually refreshing and a little awkward for me.”

Hokuto: “Hmph. First of all, there’s something wrong with students belittling you. Be someone of respect, as a teacher should be.”

Jin: “Sure, sure… Anyway, we’re hectic from the get-go, but can I start the meeting already? Since everyone’s gathered.”

Hokuto: “Ah, I was wondering about that. If following the original plan, there should be a first year participant for Project-Saga, right?

I’ve had difficulties scouting, but don’t we still need to search for a first year to invite?

I was thrown off, hearing we were going to hold a meeting without a full team.”

Chiaki: “Ah actually, we’re all good now. I got us a first year to be part of the team.”

Hokuto: “Ooh… You’re so dependable, Morisawa-senpai. I’m glad to have you on our side.”

Chiaki: “Hehe. But don’t praise me too much; I didn’t have a hand in this.”

Hokuto: “What do you mean? Since you said you got us a first year, I thought it might be someone from Ryuuseitai… am I wrong?”

Chiaki: “It’s not one of my kids. As I said before, I want the Ryuuseitai kids to prioritize getting used to their new life and idol work.

I don’t want to risk getting them involved in Project-Saga, since it’s not part of our original course.

They’re gonna end up with half-hearted results in both and fall between two stools.”

Hokuto: “Hmm, I don’t understand. Who did you choose to be our comrade, then?

No first year is used to their new life, that’s why they’re difficult to scout—”

Chiaki: “Right. I already spoke to Tenshouin, so ‘the kid’ should head to this classroom as soon as his own classes are over…

But he’s not showing up. Did he get into trouble?”

Hokuto: “Te-Tenshouin? The student president? To be honest, I don’t want to get too involved with him…”

Chiaki: “Don’t be so wary. Tenshouin’s a human like you and me. It’s not like crafting schemes is meat and drink to him or anything, I don’t think.

Tenshouin seems to be suspicious of a hidden agenda behind Project-Saga.

He really wants a bite into the whole deal, so he sent us a kid from his place to gather intel for him.

A spy, in other words. But well, we’ve been looking for a first year too, so don’t our interests align?”

Hokuto: “What the – that’s so fishy… So the student council president sent us his protege, is that it? Who?”

Chiaki: “Wait. I’ll try calling him, Tenshouin told me his number anyway.

Uhh, should be in H…i… It’s hard to look for names if I don’t sort my list every once in a while.

Ah, there it is. Calling now.”

Hokuto: “…!? What!? The ringtone sounds really close!”

Touri: “…Pyu!? Wa – wawa!?”

Hokuto: “Himemiya! So it was you, the spy the student president sent!”

Touri: “I-I’m not a spy! President did ask me to look into things and report what I notice to him—

But he also told me to ‘just have fun’… But, how can I have fun!?

Sagami-sensei aside, you guys are all enemies of fine!

Nooo~! I wanna go hooome! Why do I have to work with people like you!?

Uukh. Does President think that I belong with this group of castoffs more than with fine?

That fine has no use for someone like me…?”

Chiaki: “Fufu. I don’t know what Tenshouin thinks, but come over here.

Come and sit near us. Let’s get along… and do our best for Project-Saga, okay? ♪”

Touri: “No! I dunno what that Project-Saga or whatever is, but I didn’t enroll to Yumenosaki Academy to waste my time taking this kinda roundabout route!

I’m here to pave a road to success by Eichi-sama’s side as fine~!”

Revival / 4

< A few minutes later >

Touri: “…”

Hokuto: “Okay. It seems Himemiya is in a better mood now that he’s eating the sweets the transfer student prepared for the meeting…

Let’s pick up where we left off, then.”

Touri: “…I’m not in a better mood. Ah geez, this is the worst thing ever.

You’re wrong if you think you can sweeten me up with this one piece of candy! Offer up something that matches my nobility or you’re not really trying!”

Hokuto: “So the candy isn’t sweet enough to sweeten you up. Fufu, I got you, Himemiya.”

Touri: “…? …?

…Do-Don’t talk to me so casually, Hidaka-senpai! You traitor! I haven’t forgiven you, I’ll have you know!”

Chiaki: “There, there… Don’t be so crabby, and just stick with us for the time being, okay Himemiya? Look, here’s a cookie♪”

Touri: “I-I said you won’t convince me with sweets! Don’t treat me like a kid!”

Hokuto: “Don’t say that. Look, we have konpeito too.”

Touri: “…? What is that? I’ve never seen it before. Don’t try to feed me something weird like… con-pei-toh? Which country is it from?”

Hokuto: “…Fufu♪”

Touri: “W-Why did you laugh!? It feels like I’m being made a fool of! Gee~eez! I can’t stand this!”

Jin: “Okay okay, let’s end the games here. You guys came here in the middle of your busyness, so let’s be efficient and make the best use of the time we have.”

Chiaki: “Right. Himemiya, I know you don’t like this, but sit tight and listen like a good boy. Tenshouin sent you here with something in mind, right?

So if you don’t carry out the role like he wished, you’re gonna be betraying his expectations of you. …or is it unfair of me to say that?”

Touri: “…Mmu. But I am absolutely not happy to do this, okay!? I don’t know what this Project-Saga is, but it’s so like circling on a roundabout!

Ahh geez! I just wanna get this over with and go back to fine’s lessons!”

Chiaki: “Yeah. And for that, we need to discuss our plans forward. Here, have more of these sweets♪”

Touri: “Hey, why do you keep trying to feed me? Morisawa-senpai, right? You’re stepping out of line! Back off!”

Hokuto: (Hmm, but that’s Morisawa-senpai for you. He’s skillfully leading Himemiya on. So that’s how you deal with his type… There’s a lot to learn from this.

Is it something like how I give Akehoshi ten yen coins to make him listen?

No… that only works because Akehoshi picks up on the cues and plays along. It’s something like our own little ritual.

It won’t work with just anybody.

I need to study up more on the sure-fire methods that work outside of Trickstar, or I won’t be able to survive in this harsh industry.

Project-Saga should be a good chance. Let’s see what lesson it can offer me on the know-how of idols.)

Jin: “…Yeah, I see each of you have your own thinking. But since you’ve decided to partake, I’ll need you to work hard to some extent.

I pray that Project-Saga won’t really end up being a roundabout detour for you kids.

Once again, thank you very much for choosing to help out with this project.”

Hokuto: “Hmph. You’re being unusually upstanding, Sagami-sensei.”

Jin: “Got to be, sometimes. Lowering my head is part of my job as an adult, and you guys gotta cultivate the habit of acting polite where it’s due, too.

Anyway, since this is our first meeting for the project… we’ll have introductions and discuss our plan going forward.

And there’s one more thing to decide first of all.

But wait, are you guys really fine with me at the helm? If anyone wanna be the coordinator, I don’t mind stepping down?”

Hokuto: “No, you do it, Sensei. You’re the originator, so lead properly at least this once.”

Chiaki: “Right. And a teacher is of course superior to students. Having one at the top and leading is the safest bet – or just the most natural way of things.”

Touri: “Mmu. Well, I’m still the most superior around here.”

Jin: “On what basis? You put up a sweeter front back when you just enrolled; is this your true face?

Ah well. Then I’ll be leading. First things first, you guys have the basics of Project-Saga down pat, of course?

What about you, Himemiya? If you don’t know anything, I can give a loose summary.”

Touri: “I’m okay… sir. I studied the proposal firsthand and asked the president and Yuzuru for things I didn’t know.”

Hokuto: “The two of us were involved since the start of the project, so of course we grasp the overall idea.”

Chiaki: “I also don’t have any problem so far, Sagami-sensei.”

Jin: “Ah, honor students. I could just sit back if every student were half as dutiful as you guys.

Anyway, you seem familiar enough with Project-Saga’s general idea, so I’ll be omitting some explanations.

First, I’ll go through our plans for the future, so if you have any questions, just pick a good time to speak, and say it.

Project-Saga is a whimsical project to be serialized in a weekly magazine by a staff member of said magazine company.

He isn’t here right now so I’ll have to leave his introduction for later, but I’ll be referring to him as our ‘Mr. Writer’ for convenience.

Mr. Writer will be visiting once a week to collect data for the week’s article or take photos for it.

Then he’ll write an article and finish it before the deadline, give it to us for the final check, and if there’s no problem, it’ll be put in the magazine.

The articles will be about the Legendary Idol… well, me.

About retired idols like me making a comeback and guiding the younger generation. He’ll be making a story out of it – a dramatization.

Like an inspirational teacher story? Or mentor-disciple story, was it?

Anyway, something like that will be held in several idol training schools and agencies all over the country, at the same time.

But for now, I’m the only Legendary Idol… the only retiree participating. So we’ll be the only ones featured.

If the negotiations go well, there will be more and more ‘mentor-disciples’ out there later.

And considering the number of pages, we’ll be less and less featured.

In other words, we won’t have to work too hard, eventually.

But since we’re the only ones right now, we need to come up with some sort of drama.”

Hokuto: “Even if you tell us to make drama… how does that happen, specifically?”

Jin: “Nn~ Hidaka, I heard you had a hard time gathering comrades. I think he’ll be making a dramatization out of that for starters.

Mr. Writer will probably visit you to ask some stuff later, so respond to him properly then.”

Hokuto: “Hmm. All right, I understand.”

Revival / 5

Hokuto: “By the way, what kind of person is this writer?

We’ll probably be in for a long ride, so I’d like to know his basic profile from the outset.”

Jin: “Uh, he’s a young kid from a magazine company? Sorry, this little old man can’t tell apart kids of that age anymore.”

Hokuto: “Then how did you become a teacher, Sagami-sensei? Doesn’t your job demand an eye for people?”

Jin: “Nn~ When I was active, I could remember the face and name of each of my fans.

I think my head exploded from that and it shaved some cells off my brain. That’s why I’m so bad at remembering things now.”

Touri: “Hmph, I can’t believe you’ve gone senile at this age… sir.”

Jin: “No need to force yourself to speak politely. We’re kinda a makeshift, ragtag group here, but we’re still a team that’s gotta support one another.

Let’s speak frankly; that’s easier on me.”

Hokuto: “That helps me too, but is it really okay to be so… not serious?”

Jin: “It’s fine, 's fine. This is a silly low-budget project, we’re just gonna tire ourselves out being stiff.”

Touri: “Mmu. Why do I have to get involved in such a cheap event…?”

Chiaki: “Hmm. So this writer only visits once a week?”

Jin: “Yup. Well, it’s always been common knowledge that magazines don’t sell; and they seem to have their human resources cut due to the publishing slump.

The magazine companies don’t have enough people to write their articles.

Mr. Writer seems to have it tough, writing a bunch of other articles despite being presumably a newbie.

So he can’t pour all his attention on just us or Project-Saga.”

Touri: “Hmph. Cheap plan, meager staff; this project can’t look any more low-budget.”

Chiaki: “Isn’t that nice though? Gives us a chance to work our way from square one. I think this kind of hard work is important too, Himemiya.”

Jin: “Smartypants… Anyway Morisawa, I still don’t get your previous question.

What’s wrong with Mr. Writer only coming once a week?”

Chiaki: “No, it just sounds hard, writing an article based only on the data he got on that day.

If possible, how about we make our own activity report to be handed over when he comes?

I have only layman knowledge on magazines and articles so I’m not too sure, but wouldn’t the writing process be smoother with more materials?”

Jin: “Aah, right. Maybe we’re meddling too much, but when you put yourself in the shoes of the guy who has to write…

Having access to that kind of report sounds super handy.

Transfer Student, can you put together something like that – even just whenever you have time?

The rest of us need to actively work to have anything written at all, so it’ll help if we can leave this to you.

Well, we can’t decide this on our own, so we gotta confirm this with Mr. Writer first, of course.”

Chiaki: “Oh, the transfer student seems thrilled. Do you like writing this kind of thing?”

Hokuto: “Fufu. Come to think of it, you always scribble in your notepad for every little thing, Transfer Student.”

Touri: “Nn~ Well, that sounds like a job for servants. …Write me in a cute, positive light, okay?”

Jin: “Ahaha. We need to do proper work first before any reports or articles get written, though.”

Chiaki: “Hmm. It’s a weekly magazine, so we’ll be serialized weekly too… and that means we need to do at least one thing every week, huh?”

Jin: “Yup.

Well, we can also do one big thing that gets split up into several articles to save us a few weeks’ worth of work.

That, and your respective unit schedules, will be set for later discussion.

Let’s try to gather once a week… or at least somewhat regularly, if that’s hard.”

Touri: “Geh~ So this isn’t just a one-time thing? I’m sick of it already.”

Chiaki: “Don’t say that. I think it’s pretty fun, like gathering in a secret hideout.”

Jin: “Well, just enjoy the ride.

The content of our work is free for us to decide, as in the company didn’t make any particular demand, so… whaddya guys want?

I personally want us to do something relatively idol-like.”

Hokuto: “That’s incredibly vague. What’s idol-like? Live shows?”

Jin: “Lives are difficult, budget-wise… but a pseudo-live is possible.

All we need is to borrow the auditorium when no one’s using it and sing and dance there, after all.”

Touri: “Nn, but if we’re holding a live show, I wanna do it big and call lots of people in.”

Chiaki: “Ohh, that’s great, Himemiya! Keep at it and assert your opinions more!”

Touri: “You’re such a pain! Stop getting in my hair!”

Chiaki: “Fufu. Anyway, having a teacher for a member makes us an unusual case, but…

How about we register ourselves as a temporary unit?

Then we can submit proposals and receive funding from the student council when they’re accepted.

We can hold small live shows, so I think it’ll widen the variation of what we can do.”

Jin: “Nn~ I think budget should go to students, but that’s not a bad idea.

Honestly the funding from the magazine company is worth so little I don’t think it’ll take us anywhere.”

Touri: “Umm? Wait a second, what’s a ‘temporary unit’? We can only be part of one unit at a time, right?

Y-You’re telling me to resign from fine? I’m never doing that, you hear me!?”

Hokuto: “Aah… that’s a term I miss. You don’t hear it a lot these days, but ‘temporary unit’ is a system that exists, huh.

It’s a unit formed temporarily for jobs that last for a limited period, right?

So we can be part of one without having to resign from our current units.

We still need to register for formation and get officially approved by the school, though.”

Jin: “Mm-hmm. Might be a good idea to give it a careful consideration. Heck, it’s convenient for moving along with Project-Saga.”

Chiaki: “…because…?”

Jin: “Well. I said we have one thing to decide first of all, didn’t I?

Actually, the company asked us to decide on a name, a word to depict our team.

Which translates to ‘come up with a unit name!’, obviously.

‘Sagami Jin and His Disciples’ is unappealing on top of a mouthful, so apparently, it’s not ideal for writing articles.

So let’s take the chance to come up with an official name and make ourselves a temporary unit; write up a formation document, submit it, and get us that budget.

I bet that’s going to make future activities a whole lot easier.”

Chiaki: “Fufu. And it’s kind of idol-like. Stories about idols typically start with the characters coming up with a name, after all.”

Jin: “Do they? So you watch dramas other than tokusatsu, Morisawa?”

Chiaki: “Ahaha. TV dramas and books, actually… Consuming novels and comics – old or new, western or eastern – have been my hobby for a long time.”

Hokuto: “That’s a surprise; I guess you can’t judge a book by its cover… I also often read books on the the train to school, so maybe we’ll have a lot to talk about, Morisawa-senpai.”

Chiaki: “Oh, really? What genres do you like, Hidaka?”

Touri: “…I think we’ve strayed from the topic. Weren’t we thinking of a unit name?

I wanna get this over with so I can return to fine’s lesson, so focus!”

Chiaki: “Ahaha, we got scolded. But Himemiya is right; let’s come up with a unit name first.

Anyone have a good idea?”

Hokuto: “Hmm… this is hard. I’m not very good with creative work.”

Touri: “Umm. I had almost nothing to do with idols until I enrolled here, so I don’t know much. How do people usually decide on unit names?

Do they all discuss it like this?”

Chiaki: “I wonder?

Ryuuseitai already existed since long before I enrolled, so I didn’t name it… I’m not too sure.

Hidaka, how did you guys decide on ‘Trickstar’?”

Hokuto: “…Huh? I can’t remember.

We just had the name somehow. Who came up with it again…?

I think we were gathering like always, our talk heated up like always… and we just went ‘Let’s make it Trickstar!’ along the way?”

Chiaki: “Ahaha. That sounds like you guys alright.”

Revival / 6

Chiaki: “Hmm. You’re a freshman, Himemiya; I guess you don’t know where fine got its name?”

Touri: “Eh? I-I dunno… I think the members talked about the origin of the name fine in an article somewhere.

Something like ‘putting an end to the old era to create a new world’?

Fufu. When I first saw the name, I thought it was read fine as in fain.

I thought it sounded encouraging, optimistic and nice… For a while, I didn’t pick up that it was a musical term.

I practiced violin, so I did know the term.

But once you’re convinced something is read in a certain way, it sticks, and can be hard to fix.

Actually, I catch myself almost introducing myself as fain sometimes… Keep this a secret from President and the others, okay?”

Hokuto: “Hmm. …So you practiced the violin, Himemiya? My parents made me do it too.”

Touri: “Really? Wait Hidaka-senpai, are you actually from a well-off family? I’ve never seen you at social parties, though…”

Hokuto: “Ah, my parents probably go sometimes.

But we’re outsiders who moved in, so my parents probably hesitate to show up at events held by the prestigious families…”

Touri: “Nn~ The people around here get pretty cliquish, yeah. My family is a newcomer too, so it can be uncomfortable.

They’re all old houses who insist they’ve owned the place since mythical times or something.”

Chiaki: “Ooh, what a high-class conversation… And Sagami-sensei is the son of a big hospital too, so I’m the only one from a lower class. The difference in status hurts.”

Jin: “Ahaha. Aren’t people about how they live their life, not how they’re born? No idea though.

Anyway, we’re supposed to be thinking of a unit name. You guys really don’t have a good idea?”

Touri: “Nn~ Shouldn’t we come up with a name that suits our goal, like fine?”

Hokuto: “Right. We have nothing in common after all; we can’t come up with a name based on the image of the members, the way Ra*bits did.

It’s hard to come up with a word that can describe our untidy group.”

Chiaki: “Hmm, if we’re thinking backward from our goal…

We were gathered for Project-Saga, so… what? ‘Master-disciple’ but in English?”

Touri: “Nn~ It doesn’t strike a chord with me. The center of the project is Sagami… -sensei, so maybe we should start with him?

Sagami-sensei, what was your unit when you were active?”

Jin: “Nn? Nah, idol units weren’t a thing at all during my time.

Prolly hard to believe for you guys, who are completely saturated by the unit system, though.

I worked solo. Under the name ‘Sagami Jin’, so my real name.”

Touri: “Oh, so things used to be like that…?

I thought we can play around with Sagami-sensei’s unit name if he used to be part of a unit…

…since Project-Saga is all about reviving old idols for nostalgia effect, right?

So I thought it would be fitting to attach the name of the legendary idol; like, the fans might love it.”

Hokuto: “Hmm. Then why not pull it from Sagami-sensei’s name instead, or a title he had?

…Fufu. This kind of thinking game is fun, like a puzzle.”

Jin: “Eh~? But I don’t wanna arrange my name to sound cool and end up looking like a narcissist…

Isn’t it embarrassing? Like those usernames chuuni kids come up with.

Well, the name Project-Saga isn’t much different, though.”

Chiaki: “Hmm. On the topic of Sagami-sensei’s title – that would be ‘Super Idol’, right?”

Hokuto: “Right… We can make it plural into ‘Super Idols’ maybe?

But save for Sagami-sensei, we’re not exactly super idols yet, so we won’t be living up to the name…”

Touri: “Eh~? That sounds so lame. Make it more like, fashionable and fancy!”

Jin: “Ahaha. I think idol stage names sound better cheap and over-the-top, though… or is this sentiment ancient?”

Chiaki: “Ah, I got it! You were the Legendary Hero ‘Ryuusei Rainbow’, Sagami-sensei—

So how about we call ourselves ‘Rainbows’!?”

Touri: “Sounds lame!? What are we, a baseball team!?”

Hokuto: “…I like it though. I mean, it’s the rainbow; doesn’t it sound pretty?”

Touri: “Eehh, what’s wrong with these people’s naming sense…? These are the guys I have to work with?

I don’t wanna keep worrying over the name though, so I don’t mind going ahead with that if you guys are sure.

Just don’t write it in katakana, 'kay? I think it will look somewhat better in alphabet, at least.”

Chiaki: “…hmm? The transfer student is holding up a notebook – I think she wants us to see.

Ooh… I was wondering what you’ve been fervently scribbling there… so you immediately put together a report, huh?

But since you’re a producer, you should join the discussion more instead of doing secretary work.

Mm-hmm. So you wrote down the unit name in alphabet as a test?

And even designed mockups for the logo already…?

That may be too soon. But a help anyway; we need to get a feel of how it looks.

…Mnn? ‘Rain-bows’? Where did the hyphen come from?

Ah, so it’s just a half-erased trace. But I think it’s nice; cutting it in the middle like that makes it seem meaningful.”

Hokuto: “Meaningful without an actual meaning. But that may be like us, in a way.

As if alluding to how we encountered each other by coincidence on the roundabout path we took.”

Jin: “Then we’re officially Rain-bows, is that okay?

If that’s decided, I’ll report it to our writer. And I’ll also do something about the formation proposal for our temporary unit on my end.”

Chiaki: “I have no problem with it, Sagami-sensei! However, I think we mustn’t trouble you with the proposal, so please let me do it!”

Hokuto: “No, the transfer student says she wants to try her hand at it. She seems interested in writing a formation proposal, since she’s never made one before.

I think it’ll be good experience for her too, so please give her the chance.

Fufu. Rain-bows… will probably be the first unit you’ve truly made, won’t it?

And I’m honored to be part of it – even if I feel bad for Akehoshi and the others.”

Touri: “I’m not too happy with the lame name, but…

Ah well, who cares. Can we end it here if there’s nothing left to discuss?”

Jin: “Sure. We decided what had to be decided, I said what had to be said.

Let’s gather again in a week or so. That’s all for today.

This should be enough circling on a roundabout; go back and move on with your original course. Thanks for today, everyone.

And I’m counting on you from now on, Rain-bows. Haha, to think I’ll have my first unit experience at this age, eh?”