ALKALOID VS Switch – Fighting Pose (Chapters 1-9)
Chapter Index
Ch1 - Ch2 - Ch3 - Ch4 - Ch5 - Ch6 - Ch7 - Ch8 - Ch9 - Translation Notes
Chapter 1
A short while later, at the Egyptian hotel.
… Could they be asleep already?
I figure they are. When I left after you, they were getting ready for bed.
I see. If they’re sleeping, I’d feel bad waking them up.
I’d like to have the talk now, but it might have to wait for…
Oh, thank God I finally found you two!
Where’d you run off to!?
Huh? So you’re still up, Aira.
Haha. Hiiro-san and I went on a stroll together for a change of pace.
You guys are so carefree… Something really terrible happened, you know…!
What do you mean? Is there a problem?
Yes there is! Look here!
Oh, an online news site? Let's see…
Match fixing rumors concerning ALKALOID and Switch, huh… Well, isn’t that a nasty accusation.
You’re saying that like it’s someone else’s business…! That’s not the sort of thing you should be reading all calm and collected!
Hehe, please excuse me ♪ This is so sudden that I haven’t quite registered the impact of it yet.
I wonder what could possibly have originated a rumor such as that of our match being fixed.
A-anyway, I called the guys from Switch over to talk about this with them, so come quick!
Ugh, what should I do… why did it turn out like this…
Sorry for the wait! I found Hiro-kun and Tattsun-senpai!
Thank you for your effortS, Aira-kun. That’s everyonE, theN.
AlrighT, let’s get our emergency meeting starteD.
Alright. I really couldn’t have imagined that we would be accused of match fixing…
It’s the same for us… it came as a complete surprise.
We’ve only just heard about this briefly from Aira-san a moment ago, so would you mind filling us in regarding how this accusation came about?
I haven’t gotten to read the article, so I don’t have a proper grasp on the facts yet.
AlrighT. Let’s start by reviewing the factS.
AlthougH, the origin of the rumor must be some kind of asinine slander that got too much attentioN, but I digresS.
It has to be! It must be something like, we’re getting along so well that they find it suspicious or something.
… Hm? But, isn’t that a good thing?
I don’t really understand why us getting along would make people suspicious.
Yeah, exactly! It’s a massive reach, like, they’re reading too deep into something that’s not there…
These articles feel almost like they were looking at us with the preconception that we’re cheating and then trying to fit us into that narrative.
Like this one! Look! How can they accuse us of match fixing just because we did some shows together and had that handshake event!?
They’re basically saying it’s weird we’re doing more collab stuff than all the other units that are going against each other…
If they’re gonna suspect us of something just because we’ve been working together, is there anything we can even do!?
They could see us running into each other on the street and make a rumor out of just that!
Why just us, then? With that logic, they could make up the same accusations about literally any other match-up, right?
P-please calm down, Aira-san! Think happy thoughts…
It’s a tough world out there… Being accused of doing something bad just because we get along is really sad…
If we had intended to cheaT, we wouldn’t have gone about it so sloppily in the first placE.
Why would we make such a big, public show of how close we are if we were involved in such thinly-veiled shady businesS?
So that’s the part you have issues with, Natsume-kun…
The reason we even decided to collaborate was to make MM a more exciting show without having to concern ourselves with the outcome of the tournament.
The idea of the match being fixed is unthinkable. In actuality, both units put our best efforts into the first round’s show.
Exactly, it’s just like you’re saying…
After the first round ended, I’d already started fantasizing about what kind of show we could put on next, but they just had to put a damper on things.
How can our fans enjoy our shows in peace while all this is going on?
You’re righT. Considering the present situatioN, we might not be able to collaborate any furtheR.
Dammiiit…
Chapter 2
Baseless as the accusations might bE, they will still follow us for the duration of MM as long as the public chooses to suspect uS, and our fans will be forced to endure a lot of unpleasant chatteR.
Couldn’t we just release a statement that the accusations are false?
Then, it would be easy to ignore anyone that still chooses to say those unpleasant things. Right?
That would be nice, wouldn’t it. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people in the world who deliberately fabricate malicious narratives.
If we speak carelessly, those with bad intentions will claim that we only addressed the topic at all because we have something to hide.
Then, the chaos would only continue to spread and the entire situation would spiral out of control.
Some people just love to stir the pot~ Sora has to wonder if they’ve ever heard of letting sleeping dogs lie!
Exactly. And, since we already know that we are dealing with some amount of malicious intent, it may be prudent to avoid acting without enough caution.
ThankfullY, these accusations don’t seem to have made a splash yeT.
If we stay quiet and don’t intervenE, all of this unfounded gossip should dissipate on its own soon enougH.
… Mhm. Alright, I understand.
In the meantime, I suppose we have no choice but to avoid drawing attention to ourselves.
RighT. We have to rearrange our schedules for the second round and onwardS.
The rumors stem from the Switch and ALKALOID’s joint activitieS, after alL.
I think we’d do best to avoid handing over any more gossip fuel for freE.
Hm… But, in that case, we have very few options for how to proceed.
Seeing as we can’t keep engaging in collaborations as we were before, we might have to devise a new approach to the tournament…
Hiiro-san. Would you like to use this opportunity to share your thoughts?
By 'his thoughts', do you mean…
… Mhm, that’s right.
I wanted to discuss this with all of ALKALOID first, but this is something I need to hear Switch’s thoughts on sooner or later either way.
Now that these match fixing rumors have come about, how do you all feel about competing fair and square to put them to rest?
HaHa~! Is this a declaration of war?
I don’t mind if you consider it that, so long as you know this declaration is mine alone.
I’m not speaking on behalf of ALKALOID. So, I’d like to know everyone’s thoughts.
Since our approach to the tournament is being scrutinized, isn’t this the time to take the competition seriously?
… So that's what you were thinking all along?
I’m sorry, Aira. I know I’m going back on my own decision.
But if we’re going to have a competition, I really do want to take it seriously. If we have to fight, I want to achieve a victory that will make our fans and my brother proud.
…
I agreE. Since collaborating doesn’t seem viable anymorE, this might be our next best optioN.
I’m not particularly attached to eitheR, anyhoW. I agreed to it because it seemed like a good course of actioN.
Huh? Is that so?
Then, were you also hoping to have an earnest competition?
… Were you listeninG? I wasn’t dead-set on that eitheR.
I’m just saying that I was never as attached to the idea of collaborating as you werE.
My ultimate objective is to increase Switch’s international popularitY.
The outcome of the match is not particularly important to that goaL. My only expectation is that we can use this opportunity to garner interesT.
If that’s how you feel, I’d rather you had just said that~ Until now, I was convinced that we were on the same wavelength.
Like you saiD, it’s important that we protect Switch’s idealS.
Having said thaT, it would still be preferable that we woN.
T-then, what you’re saying is that you agree with Hiro-kun!?
RatheR, it might be more accurate to say that there is no other choicE.
Proceeding with this noncommittal approach will not benefit either of our unitS. We’d do best to avoid tearing each other dowN.
If ALKALOID is in agreemenT, let’s proceed into the second round and beyond as earnest opponentS.
Ugh, I can’t believe our partnership turned into this…
Cheer up, Ai-chan. There's nothing to be sad about.
Just because we’re competing doesn’t mean we're not friends anymore!
Sora-san is right. Competing against each other on this occasion will not sever our bonds.
Rather, we may be able to rise to new heights by challenging each other.
I already know all that.
But still… nothing you say is just gonna change how I feel…
I understand. I’m also not inclined to treat Switch as opponents when we have been allies until now…
But a pathetic creature such as myself is grateful to even have the honor of breathing the same air as Switch.
So, I will avoid causing any further trouble and prepare for a competition…
TheN, am I right to assume that ALKALOID is in agreement with this change of planS?
Mhm. Now that we’ve made up our mind to give this match our all, we’re definitely going to beat you, Switch!
I could say the samE. We won’t go easy on yoU, ALKALOID.
…
Chapter 3
The next morning, in Switch’s room at an Egyptian hotel.
Hmm… as expected, the match fixing accusations haven’t quieted down since yesterday.
In fact, I get the impression that it’s only spreading further and becoming a bigger topic the more time passes.
I heard that NiceP is pulling strings to try and dispel the rumors, but it might still be better not to make any big moves for the time being.
WelL, I didn’t expect them to disappear overnighT. I sure hope you didn’T, eitheR.
… Yeah, you’re right. In any case, how about we start getting ready for the day?
Let’s have a nice, filling breakfast to kick off the day… ♪
… Huuh? (Yawn) … ♪
Shisho~, Senpai… Good morning. Here is Sora’s cheerful morning greeting...
Good morning. Hehe, looks like you’re still a little drowsy.
Well, it makes sense. We did go to bed a little late after yesterday’s ordeal.
If you’re sleepy, you can rest for a little longer.
No, thank you! There’s no way Sora can go back to bed when you two are up~
Hehe. TheN, go wash your face to wake yourself up all the waY.
Roger that! Sora is going!
(Splish splash) (Dries face with towel)
HaHa~! Sora is ready for the day~... ♪
Okay! Good morning for real, Shisho~ and Senpai!
Good morning to you as welL. Your cheerful voice is enough to brighten my daY ♪
If it was able to cheer you up, Sora is happy too~!
Anyway, what were you guys talking about so early in the morning?
Oh, it was about the match fixing accusations.
To be honest, when I woke up, I was hoping it had all been just a weird dream.
… So that wasn’t a dream.
It’s nothing to be so downtrodden oveR.
Things are still going according to plaN. In fact, this match is playing out exactly as I had envisioned iT.
Since the starT, I was acting under the expectation that our partnership with ALKALOID would be broken off eventuallY.
If you think of it as returning to the same conditions we started MM undeR, you can see that there is really no losS.
Yeah, but getting to work with ALKALOID was so fun…
And now that we can’t keep doing that, it’s gonna give a bad taste to the fun stuff we did before, which is terrible…
You’re not wrong. Since we’re being suspected of match fixing, our joint activities aren’t being looked at in a pure light anymore.
It looks like everything we did to make people smile ended up having the opposite effect.
Don’t waste time blaming yourselF, and just let people say what they saY.
There’s nothing we can do about theM, even if we wanted tO. We just have to shut them up with resultS… ♪
HiHi~! That’s our Shisho~, always raring to go! Sora’s gonna do everything to win this too~!
Alright, let’s get started on today’s work! What are our plans for today?
Sora-kun, don’t you think you should change clothes first?
Well, I think your fans would be happy if you went to meet them in your pajamas given that it’s you we’re talking about, but still.
Anyhow, back to our plans… Oh, right.
… What happened?
Today, we were supposed to have a joint fansign with ALKALOID, but it was cancelled after yesterday’s news…
… So, that means we don't have anything to do?
That’s righT. WelL, beyond this specific casE, we can’t go on as normal thanks to the match fixing rumorS.
Now that we’ve split from ALKALOID, we have to make new plans for the future of this match-uP. A clear schedule just means we have plenty of time for thaT.
Once we’ve had breakfasT, let’s work on devising a strategy to face ALKALOID from now oN.
HuHu~! Alright, let’s go back to the Megasphere and book a practice room right away!
… Oh, deaR. Returning to the Megasphere from our hotel will not be quick or easY.
Given that it’s a flying citY, I would much rather prefer it if they’d come and pick us uP.
Ahaha, that’s not really possible. If the Megasphere tried to make a landing here, it would collide against the pyramids.
Don’t worry, Natsume-kun. We’re getting a ride back to the airport, so we won’t have to trek all the way there across the hot desert.
I know that, obviouslY. You can’t catch a joke to save your lifE, can yoU.
—Please excuse me. Are you the members of Switch, the currently topical idol group?
Wh…? Y-yes, that’s us…
Oh, that’s great! Sorry, please allow me to introduce myself.
Can I ask you a few questions, if you’ve got the time?
(… A magazine journalist. Well, this isn’t good.)
(They must be looking to ask us about the match fixing rumors. I should’ve thought twice before responding.)
(Whisper) Natsume-kun, what should we do?
(Whisper) There's nothing to dO, we just ignore theM.
… Let's gO, Sora.
A-alright, Shisho~!
Sorry! We have to get started on our practice session soon, so we’ll have to talk another time~
Oh, that's a shame…
I can only speculate, but could your avoidance be owed to the fact that there is something you’d rather not disclose to the public…?
I suppose it makes sense. As of recently, Switch hasn’t exactly been massively successful.
Even the hard work and enthusiasm you seemed to pour into the Mega Stream project didn’t turn up impressive results for the group.
(… They really love to run your moutH, don’t theY. If it were up to mE, I would’ve shut them up alreadY.)
(I can’t stand to watch them spew such rotten words within earshot of my adorable Sora.)
(But if we started a scenE, we would be giving them what they’re looking foR. Irritating as they arE, we have no choice but to ignore theM.)
(Good grieF. I should’ve been able to anticipate that this sort would come crawling out of the woodworK. I should’ve been more alerT…)
Personally, I was looking forward to you, so I have to admit I was let down.
You must remember the grand show by the name of OO that took place back in winter.
A group of idols known as the “Five Eccentrics” were introduced with great fanfare at that event.
As far as I understand, Natsume Sakasaki-san was a member of that group.
…
That gave me high expectations; I wanted to find out just how talented you were, seeing as you were able to shake up the idol industry.
Yet once I looked into your career, I found that there weren’t any major achievements to speak of.
In the end, it’s starting to seem as though the uproar surrounding the Five Eccentrics might’ve been nothing more than the result of rumors exchanged by high schoolers.
…!
… Oh? Please don’t stare at me like that, Sakasaki-san.
If any of what I said was incorrect, I would like you to correct me, if possible.
At this rate, I will be left with no choice but to write an article based solely on speculation. Then, if we take the match fixing accusations into account… the article might be something like this:
“The Mythical Five Eccentrics, Resorting to Rigging to Survive the First Round.”
… Say whatever you will while you still caN, because—
Ahaha. That’s an interesting story you’ve come up with~
Wh…!? Senpai…?
(Whisper) Calm down, Natsume-kun. If you retaliate, you’ll play into their hand.
That aside, it was surprising to hear you talk about something so nostalgic.
… Please excuse me. For the sake of writing an article, I naturally have to look into past events and achievements.
I get that. But, if you’re going to be writing an article about us either way, I would really appreciate it if you focused less on the past and more on the Switch that you see in front of you.
If you’d like to put the Five Eccentrics aside and ask about the charm of the current Switch instead, I could go on for hours ♪
… Right.
(Whisper) I can take care of this from here, so you two should go on ahead.
(Whisper) HeHe~! Roger that!
Come on, Shisho~. Let’s get going!
…
Chapter 4
At the same time, in an Egyptian restaurant.
…
(Munch, munch) (Gulp) … What's wrong, Aira? You haven’t been eating much.
If you don’t eat a proper breakfast, you won’t have enough energy for the rest of the day.
… Yeah, I know.
Speaking of which, is that enough food? Your salad doesn’t look all that filling.
I know you like to be careful about what you eat, but I can’t let you starve yourself.
Here, try this croquette. They’re pretty good, so you should have some. The texture is really unique.
… Fine, thank y—Mgh!?
Hiro-kun! What in the world was that!?
That was me feeding you a croquette. They’re good, aren’t they?
They are, but that’s not the problem!
You can’t just shove things in people’s mouths! I could’ve choked!
… Mhm, sorry. I thought eating something tasty would cheer you up.
Cheer me up… Did I look that sad just now?
You did look a little dejected, from my own perspective…
And you did also say that you didn’t have an appetite. You’re not feeling very well, are you?
If you’re not in a good physical state, we could return to the hotel so you may rest.
Given that the match fixing situation is still ongoing, it might generally be better to wait until tomorrow onwards to have any mini-concerts.
We’ve also yet to decide on an approach for ALKALOID’s future activities.
… Thanks for your concern, guys.
I’m feeling okay, so don’t worry about that.
I’m just having trouble processing what happened yesterday…
I see. So your anguish lies in the termination of our partnership with Switch.
… Yeah. I get that it is what it is, and there’s no two ways about it…
It’s just that I can’t change how I feel that fast.
We practiced together with Switch, we went sightseeing together…
All that time we spent talking about our units with each other, the time we spent thinking of how to put on the best show for our fans, it was all so fun…
Even after the first round, I still had so many dreams for what kind of show we could put on together with Switch.
I wrote down so many ideas that I wanted to try implementing into our future shows.
But I guess that’s never gonna happen now…
Aira-san…
It really is a shame that we can’t collaborate with Switch anymore.
But you can also look at it from the perspective that now we can compete with no holds barred.
… You know that means nothing to me, right? Isn’t that just what you wanted?
You said the same thing yesterday, about “competing fair and square”.
… Mhm. I’m sorry for blurting that out.
I really wanted to discuss it with you guys first.
… I get it. I’m not mad, or anything.
And it’s not like I don’t get why you want to have a proper competition, either.
After the first round, I saw some comments from fans that were upset because they thought we were losing.
Collaborating didn’t change the reality that this is a competition, so it obviously makes sense that people would feel that way.
I was just… looking away from it because I didn’t like it.
You thought the same, and that’s why you went and proposed that we compete seriously, right?
… No, I haven’t been thinking about it so profoundly.
I was just hung up on the idea that it wouldn’t be right not to devote ourselves fully to the competition.
Huh? What kind of a reason is that…?
I see, though. I remember you were spacing out a lot the whole time before the end of the first round.
So that was all because you were still hung up on those feelings…
Mhm. I want to become the kind of idol that my brother and my fans alike can be proud of.
I think that’s a goal I couldn’t have achieved through our partnership with Switch.
In the end, MM exists for the sake of earnest competition.
…
All of the other units are earnestly striving to win MM.
That was the impression I got from everyone’s performances in the first round.
I don’t know if it’s fair for us to be the only ones to give up on the competition.
From the moment that we step on stage in the competition that is MM, we should strive for victory with all our might.
Isn’t that our obligation?
… Yeah. I agree completely.
It’s something we have to do for the sake of all the fans cheering us on.
Then…
… But my heart hasn’t caught up yet. I’m sorry.
I know what we have to do to meet our fans’ expectations, and to be fair to everyone else.
But… I can’t get my mind off those sad fans.
No matter who wins, someone’s going to be sad about it, right?
Who knows, the comparison between units might also lead to fanbases fighting.
I can’t help but be opposed to it, when it feels like it’ll just cause negative feelings for both idols and fans.
… Sorry, Hiro-kun. I know I’m being a little selfish.
Do you think you could give me a little time to muster up a fighting spirit?
… Mhm, I understand.
I’m sorry, too, for trying to drag you along with my own conviction.
I’ll wait as long as you need for you to find yours. There is no need to rush.
Chapter 5
November, two years after the establishment of ES, inside a pyramid in Egypt.
♪~♪~♪
HaHa~! Shisho~, Senpai, what did you think? How cute was Sora’s dancing?
Hehe. It would be impossible for your dancing not to be absolutely adorablE.
There is no doubt that your charm is enough to captivate anyone that were to lay their eyes on yoU.
That’s right. I think this is good enough to satisfy even Yume-kun’s standards.
HiHi~! Sora had a lot of fun dancing along to Yume-chan’s choreography~!
Sora is happy he gets to help Spri by dancing! 1
Speaking of which, I would’ve never expected that Kanna-kun would suddenly send us a message saying “We need your help”.
WelL, Spri are only newbies who debuted only half a year agO. They evidently have a long way to go before they can face an opponent like Ra*bits with confidencE.
I got to see Ra*bits and Spri’s first round shoW, and I had the impression that they weren’t quite able to close their gap of experiencE.
In terms of the resultS, Ra*bits seemed to have the audience’s overwhelming favoR.
It’s a cruel world we live in… Newbies don’t get any slack.
NaturallY. From the moment of their debuT, fans start treating beginners as professionalS.
In that sensE, the young Spri might be caught in an undesirable positioN.
I’ve had some insight into their activities as their agency senioR, and I came away with the impression that they are still lacking in self-awareness as idolS.
And yeT, they’ve been thrust into a global stage…
But despite that, they didn’t shy away from the challenge and asked for our help to try and turn the tide of the match. I’m proud of them.
That’s why I want to do what’s in our power to help them, and that’s why we’re collaborating with them right now.
To be completely honesT, we don’t have the ability to take on anybody else’s business at the momenT.
Spri seem to be in the midst of some of their own turmoiL, while we are busy dealing with match fixing accusations.
But, isn’t that exactly why we couldn’t have turned a deaf ear to this call for help from our sweet agency juniors?
As magicians of happiness, we can’t possibly ignore Spri when they’re looking for our assistance.
No matter how the match turns out, I want to make it so the kids will be able to say they were glad they got to be in MM.
HuHu~! Let’s work together to make MM as fun as can be!
This is Switch’s magic of happiness for the world~… ♪
… TheN, I will leave matters related to Spri in your handS.
Like I said just noW, we are not in a very flexible positioN, eitheR.
NaturallY, our ideal of “guiding everyone towards happiness” also includes ourselveS.
Neglecting our own matters in our bind to help Spri with theirs would mean our priorities are not in ordeR.
BesideS, we also cannot go easy on ALKALOID. Now that our partnership is oveR, we have no mercy to show theM.
Woah, Shisho~ is full to the brim with enthusiasm! Sora will copy that energy!
Well, I don’t think it’s necessary to become so hellbent on victory, though.
In the end, I still believe that making MM a good time is what matters most.
Hah… Senpai, have you forgotten your own wordS?
It was that overly congenial attitude that landed us in these match fixing rumorS.
If we want to dispel those allegationS, we have to reevaluate our approach to the future showS.
We will need stage effects and a structure that emphasize our rivalrY.
Hmm… I don’t know if we really need to let the accusations control us to that extent.
It’s true that it’s causing a commotion, but that’s only temporary.
I think certain people like yesterday’s journalist are just looking to make it out to be a bigger deal than it really is…
That is why we have to do thiS. If we let them do as they pleasE, they will blow this out of proportioN.
We shouldn’t give them any weaknesses to take advantage oF. BesideS, the sooner we do away with those rumorS, the sooner our fans will be able to rest at easE.
To make that happeN, we need to create a strong impression that ALKALOID are our opponentS.
And most importantlY, we have to focus on Switch’s victory as our objectivE.
We can’t afford to be carelesS, or ALKAOID will leave us in the dusT.
… I don’t intend to lose this matcH.
…? I didn’t think you were that concerned with whether we’d win or lose…
HeHe~! But now that we’re competing for real, Sora also wants to win!
Hiiro-chan said he wanted us to have a fair fight, so let’s fight back with all our energy… ♪
Hmmm. That does make sense…
Even if we’re not collaborating anymore, knowing you, Natsume-kun, you’d still come up with stage effects and a structure that would make this a great show for both parties.
For Switch and ALKALOID to both be able to enjoy ourselves and smile—
… Of coursE, that is my intentioN.
I want to put all of my effort into making the show a lively and enjoyable timE.
—AnD, in addition to thaT, showcase my ability as an Eccentric.
By taking home victorY, we can show the world the true extent of our prowesS—
Chapter 6
A few days later. On the day of the second round, in a dressing room at the Megasphere Tower.
HaHa~! Break a leg, ALKALOID!
Mhm, you too. Let’s give this show everything we’ve got and make it the best it can be.
And don’t forget that ALKALOID will take home victory tonight!
Woah, you’re always so pumped up! We’re not gonna make that easy for you!
Right, guys~?
You can count on thaT. We won’t spare any efforts to wiN.
On the first rounD, we stood on stage together as allieS, but this time will be differenT.
Let’s find out who is truly better than whO, ALKALOID.
Eek…!? S-Sakasaki-san is making a really scary face!?
Haha. It looks like we both teams are well prepared for the show.
Yes, we’re ready to go ♪ I hope ALKALOID hasn’t gone through any major hardships, have you?
Things have been hectic thanks to the rumors, so I was a little concerned that it may end up inconveniencing you…
We didn’t have any particular struggles, possibly thanks to the spread of the accusations being limited.
Our fans seemed disconcerted at first, but the uproar gradually quieted down soon enough.
For that, we have our quick communication to thank.
Oh, I see. Unfortunately, we did attract some negative attention.
Oh, really? That’s unfortunate.
I think they must’ve been a tabloid journalist, because they accosted us for quite some time after the accusations came out.
They kept talking about how Switch hasn’t seen much success lately, how the Eccentrics aren’t anything impressive, and so on.
Honestly, having all of that sprung on us so suddenly was really shocking~
…
I see. We’ve had our own experience with an extremely rude journalist.
Huh? Could it be that the same person also attempted to interview ALKALOID!?
That seems to be the case. I remember Aira-san being barraged with questions.
That’s really unfortunate. I hope you were alright, Shiratori-kun.
…
… Shiratori-kun?
—Huh? S-Sorry! What is it, Aoba-senpai?
Aira-san, are you alright? You seemed lost in thought…
Ah… Yeah, sorry. I know I can’t be spacing out like this when the second round’s about to start…
No, no, please don’t worry about that.
What matters more is whether you’re feeling okay.
If necessary, we could ask management to delay the show for a little.
It’s okay, you don’t have to go that far! I really was just a little distracted, that’s all.
Are you sure? Well, I’m glad if that’s the case…
Anyway, did you have something to tell me?
Oh, it wasn’t anything important.
Just that Kazehaya-kun told me that you had also been given trouble by a malicious journalist.
Oh, that person! Yeah, I got really scared when they called me over out of nowhere.
I was distracted with something I had on my mind, so that made it all the more shocking…
I remember that. You were trudging along a short distance away from us, and that was why they targeted you.
Yeah, exactly. Well, I know that’s also my bad for not paying attention.
Even then, there’s some things you shouldn’t say to people… I mean, how can you conduct an interview if you have no sense of manners?
They said ALKALOID hasn’t been doing anything impressive, and asked if that’s why we rigged the match. How can they ask that to our face?
Ahaha. That certainly sounds like the same person we came across.
Wait, did they do something similar to you guys!? That’s unbelievable!
I can even start to see how they’d be comfortable being that rude to me, but treating Switch like that is just unforgivable!
I mean, your streams are really popular, and Harukawa-senpai got picked for one of the Dream Units back in 4piece.
And Sakasaki-senpai always goes all out with stage production…
WelL, that journalist has gotten what they deserveD, so we will have to be satisfied with thaT.
“What they deserved”…? What happened to them?
They were banned from entering the Megasphere. Senpai informed NiceP about the situatioN, and so he immediately acted in responsE.
Seems to me like a reasonable measure in the face of a forced intervieW.
I see. In any case, since the evil actor has been done away with, we can concentrate on the show ahead of us.
If we can deliver an uncontestable performance today, those impolite sorts will eventually fall silent without the need for any further interference.
HiHi~! We’re gonna show the world the true potential of Switch’s magic… ♪
And since we’re doing that, just know that there is no way we’ll let ALKALOID win!
Mhm. Please give us everything you’ve got, and we’ll give you a taste of our true strength in return!
…
Chapter 7
(… Hiro-kun and Harukawa-senpai are raring to go…)
(It’s not just them. Everyone’s come to terms with the situation.)
(I’m the only one that’s still not acclimated.)
(The second round’s already here, and I still don’t have a proper answer…)
(I really have to get with the program, or I’m gonna cause trouble for the rest of ALKALOID.)
(… But, in the end, I still—)
… Are you okay, Aira?
… Yeah, don’t worry.
I was just thinking, like, “I’m so lame”... We’ve come this far and I still can’t muster up the resolve to compete.
It’s okay, there’s no need to worry. I told you I’d wait for you.
In fact, I’m sorry that you have to head into the battlefield before you’ve even found the resolve to fight.
We can admit that’s my bad, okay? I’m the one that can’t keep up with everyone else.
So, can I ask you a favor?
Yeah! I’d be happy to do anything I can for you.
Can you just knock me off my feet so I’ll stop moping about this?
… Hit you? I don’t think I can do that, Aira.
I could never hurt one of my precious friends. I won’t raise my fist unless it’s to protect you all!
I’m not saying you have to put all your strength into it! I just want a little slap on the back to set me straight!
Oh, I see. If that’s what you want, I’ll do it.
Are you ready?
Yeah, bring it on!
… Hah!
Owwwwchhhhhh! You idiot, why’d you hit me for real!?
Hm…? You said you wanted me to knock you off your feet, so I thought that was the appropriate amount of force.
You’ve got to exercise some moderation! You’re already really strong as is…
Ughh… My back is tingling… I bet you left your handprint dented into it…
HuHu~! But you look a lot better now, Ai-chan! Your sad look from before is completely gone~!
Hehe. Maybe you managed to expel the tension you were carrying.
Hmm, you think so?
Well, the pain did get my mind off those pointless thoughts, so you might be right.
Oh, deaR. It’s hard to tell whether there is tension remaining or noT.
… Hm?
It seems like preparations for the second round are finisheD. The staff are telling us to head to the wingS.
Ah, seniors! Please wait a second!
… What is iT?
This time, we’re having a real competition. I want to state this again.
This is a declaration of war. From now on, ALKALOID will do everything in our power to bring you down.
Haha, you’ve got some nervE. The sentiment is fully and entirely reciprocateD.
The time has come for us to crush ALKALOID to pieces and show the world what I—what Switch is truly capable of.
—No one will ever look down on us agaiN.
…?
(Natsume-kun’s expression just now looked pretty dark…)
Shall we get goinG? We shouldn’t make our fans waiT.
Mhm. Let’s enjoy the show to the fullest!
(… I must have imagined it.)
… Are you ready to go, Aira?
Yeah. Thanks to you, mostly.
I mean, it’s too late now to stay hung up on that, right?
Our fans don’t need to worry about my personal thoughts.
They came to enjoy the show, and I’m not gonna let them down!
… I can’t let them down.
Chapter 8
A few hours later, after the second round of MM, in the dressing room.
HaHa~! The second round was super fun again!
Right. I was a little nervous that the match fixing accusations might still be a problem, but I’m glad to have been proven wrong.
Even though Shiratori-kun wasn’t feeling his best, ALKALOID’s performance was also wonderful.
Absolutely! ALKALOID is a formidable enemy!
Pastor Oni~san and Murky Oni~san have always been amazing, but Hii-chan and Ai-chan are also leveling up!
Thinking back to how they were back at the Bon Festival or the Phantom Airship, there’s really no comparison~!
Those two seem a lot more aware of their surroundings than they were before.
ALKALOID as a unit has always been close-knit like a family, but I get the impression that their coordination has grown even sharper.
We’re not lagging behind in that camp, though. It seemed like Switch had most of the audience’s favor.
Looks like victory goes to Switch once again… ♪
… I wouldn’t be so certaiN, Sora.
Hyah!? What do you mean, Shisho~? Are you saying that we lost?
I can’t be sure of thaT, eitheR. It might be too close to be sure either waY.
We can’t determine who has the lead only from the audience at the venuE. We also have to take the online voters into accounT.
Do you mean that people online preferred ALKALOID?
Seems like iT. The gap isn’t overwhelmingly largE, so rather than losinG, it would be more accurate to say that we are in close competitioN.
We won’t know the exact results until the end of the third rounD, so there is no point in profound speculatioN, thougH.
I see. So we’re a proper match, then! Hehe, I’m glad to hear that ♪
… Hah? There is no way you’re being seriouS, righT, Senpai?
Huh? No, that’s just what I really think. Did I say something strange?
Can’t you see that it is beyond strangE? How could you possibly think of saying something so utterly ridiculouS?
Hmm… I didn’t think I said anything that odd…
I was just trying to say that it’s nice that our show was good enough to satisfy fans on both sides, seeing as opinions are split down the middle.
If it managed to make so many people happy, we can consider it a success regardless of who ends up on top, right?
—Now is not the time to say something so naivE!
… Huh? Naive…?
But we’re achieving exactly what we set out to do as Switch…
I haven’t achieved my goaL. My intention on this second round was to win by a large margiN.
But we’re so eveN. This shouldn’t be happeninG…!
If we can’t demonstrate our strength as a uniT, people will never stop turning up their nose at uS.
I’m not going to let anyone else doubt Switch’s abilitieS. I can’t allow one more person to proclaim that the Five Eccentrics aren’t anything impressivE.
We need to overpower ALKALOID completelY.
…S-Shisho~? What’s wrong?
Natsume-kun, could this be about what that journalist said?
I don’t think you have to worry about them saying that Switch hasn't been doing great.
Or about their mention of the Eccentrics, either. That is all in the past.
They weren’t paying attention to what we are in the present, so they couldn’t help but get their facts wrong.
You don’t have to tell me thaT. I don’t care about what they saiD.
I’m only thinking about our present situation and deciding what we need to dO…
And I’ve determined that for the sake of Switch’s futurE, we cannot afford to lose against ALKALOID.
… Natsume-kun, you’re not quite yourself right now.
You didn’t seem so concerned with the results before MM started.
… That was because I thought that with ALKALOID as our opponent, we were sure to wiN.
… Huh?
That waS, assuming our collaboration would lasT.
Regardless of ALKALOID’s improvemenT, it would be difficult for them to overcome the difference in our number of fanS.
With ALKALOID on our side as co-collaboratorS, Switch’s victory should have been set in stonE.
That was why I agreed to the partnershiP.
It would have allowed us to claim certain victory while preserving Switch’s idealS.
But the situation changeD. Without our partnershiP, we have to outdo ALKALOID with different methodS.
The only outcome I can accept is one in which not a single person can deny Switch’s superiority over ALKALOID.
Natsume-kun…
But our results on this round were not good enougH. For the final rounD, we need a strategy that will guarantee our victorY.
Given thaT, I want us to discuss how we are going to approach practice from tomorrow onwards as soon as possible.
When it comes to production effects and stage desigN, and practicing around thosE, there are a million things to think of and another million things to dO.
Chapter 9
At the same time.
Switch is not to be underestimated. The extent of their ability as performers never fails to impress me.
They really were crazy good!
Did you all see their perfect coordination and their enchanting stage effects!?
Ahh, even remembering it now makes me sigh with happiness… ♪
Hehehe. Your eyes were sparkling the whole time you were watching Switch perform.
Of course! The show was super rabuuui!
And that only made coming back down to reality feel all the more like being dragged down to hell…
Having to go on stage right after seeing such a flawless performance was really stressful.
Honestly, I felt like Switch got more hype from the audience.
I guess it really was impossible for us to win against an opponent like Switch…
Switch performed wonderfully without a doubt, but I don’t think that means we have no chance at victory.
… Huh? Y-You really think so?
You gave Switch’s performance a glowing review, and I believe that we were able to match the quality of it.
Didn’t the audience like Switch a lot better, though?
Judging from the venue, that would be true.
Even if our performances were of similar level, Switch definitely has the upper hand in terms of production.
However, the fans that viewed the show online seem to favor ALKALOID.
I had thought you would be the first to notice such a thing, in all honesty.
My mind has been elsewhere since the second round ended, so I guess I haven’t been keeping up with online reception…
But, why? What could possibly be getting better reviews online than in person?
This is only a guess, but I think it might be thanks to your efforts, Aira-san.
Huh? Me?
Our performance on the second round was almost entirely based on the contents of your idea notebook, after all.
Many of those ideas made use of camera angles.
In addition to that, Switch prioritizes the physical audience when planning their stage effects, do they not?
Yeah. Those stage effects are Switch’s number one asset.
Then, those effects wouldn’t serve their purpose unless you were watching from the venue.
In a video, many interesting effects might not be preserved faithfully due to limitations such as the camera work, the framing angle and the limits of what can fit into a shot.
Cameras can switch at unexpected times and cut them off from view as well.
… Makes sense.
That must be why we’ve earned an edge over Switch in the eyes of online viewers, if I had to guess…
I-I see… Maybe we’ve found Switch’s weak point.
… But, that makes me think back to the contributions I made for the first round. I wasn’t thinking of anything that complicated…
All I had in mind was that I wanted to make it rabui to my own eyes.
That only means you have much yet to learn, doesn’t it?
It leads me to think that you unconsciously came up with effects and choreography that look good on camera.
If you start to apply that sensibility as a conscious effort, you may be able to devise performances of even higher quality.
… Ehehe. I’m a little happy to hear that.
You should be more confident in your abilities. It’s thanks to you that we’re putting up a good fight against Switch.
Switch have had a definitive lead up until this second round, but the match isn’t over yet.
Depending on the results of the final round, we may still have a chance to turn things around.
Indeed. To make that happen, we must dedicate ourselves to practicing even more fervently.
Let’s do our very best to claim victory for ALKALOID, and most of all, to delight our supportive fans… ♪
Mhm. Then, let’s talk about how we’re going to approach this final round right away.
There isn’t much time left, but there’s got to be something we can still do.
Precisely. We’ve come out of today’s showdown with a much more profound understanding of the fans that root for us.
Now, we can use that information to review the choreography and formation for the set.
…
(“To claim victory for ALKALOID”…)
(On the second round, I thought I’d eventually be okay with this if I just forced myself into a fighting spirit.)
(But I guess I was wrong. Even now, I still can’t move on.)
(I don’t want to fight! My heart keeps screaming the same thing: I don’t get why idols have to be split into winners and losers.)
(Obviously, I know I’m the only one that feels that way. I know that.)
(In fact, I feel like a big majority of everyone that saw the show had a good time.)
(When I checked social media a little ago, almost every opinion I saw was positive.)
(… But some people were worried, talking about how they don’t want their oshi to lose.)
(Some of our fans were saying cruel things about Switch for that reason, and the opposite was also true.)
(I can’t just ignore those people. I just want everyone to be happy when they’re looking at us idols.)
(Is this really so indulgent to wish for…?)
(It might be…)
(After all, the idol industry has these kinds of competitions every so often.)
(I just have to accept that, and that would be the end of it. I shouldn’t even let it bother me.)
(But it does bother me, and that’s the problem…!)
(Hah… What should I even do? I can’t keep causing the others any more trouble…)
Translation Notes
- ↑ This chapter ties back to the events of AREA 03: Special for Princess! VS Ra*bits. In this story, Spri ask other idols from their agency to participate in a dance challenge trend. Therefore, Sora here has been dancing to Spri’s song for a video.