Knights VS Trickstar – Accordo (Chapters 1–5)
Chapter Index
Ch1 - Ch2 - Ch3 - Ch4 - Ch5 - Translation Notes
Chapter 1
Late November, after the World Tour MM draw has finished.
—Attention!
The draw for the World Tour MM has concluded, and thus, each unit has been assigned an opponent.
Knights' opponent is Trickstar!
I’m quite satisfied with this result!
Therefore, I would like to discuss the manner in which we ought to carry on with our practice in order to once again seize victory from Tricksta—
What do you think? These chocolates are by a super famous patissier. It’s a limited edition item from the main store, just so you know.
I went through the pain of waiting in line to get you all a souvenir, so do the bare minimum and act thankful, will you?
Oh my, this is absolutely delicious…♪
Izumi-chan, you’ve got to stop bringing us such addictive sweets while I’m trying to lose weight.
Munch, munch …They really are good. I can feel the inspiration flowing.
Secchan, I want that heart one and that almond-shaped one.
Sure, eat as many as you want.
…
Ugh, this is happening again!?
When everyone gathers together, sooner or later, the conversation spirals out of control like an unattended classroom.
I’m sure you could all afford to take this more seriously! And Ritsu-senpai, you’re eating all the Chocolates by yourself. Could you please leave some for me!?
Ohh, you want some too? You’re thinking of eating lots and lots of chocolate and getting chubby?
I won’t eat that many!
And the Chocolates are meant to be souvenirs for all of Knights, no? If so, I am as entitled to them as anyone else.
And I haven’t eaten a single Chocolate yet!
For all you tease me about it, I have been moderating my sweets inta—mmph!?
Alright, let’s shut that blabbering mouth with some chocolate~
(Munch, munch) …T-this is…! What delectable flavor!
Ah… The aromatic Cacao and bittersweet fruit blend into a tantalizing fragrance, and the bitterness is balanced by the gentle flavor of Milk…
And then, the smoothness of the Chocolate is the absolute highlight. The velvety texture that dissolves in your mouth leaves such a pleasant, refreshing aftertaste…!
I’ve never had such delicious Chocolate in my life! Ah, what joy…♪
Heh heh heh. Hook, line and sinker ♪
Watching our dear King be disarmed so easily makes me a little worried, really.
I-I didn’t fall for anything. All I did was taste something delicious and proclaim it as such.
Putting that aside, Sena-senpai’s Taste in souvenirs is worthy of praise. I wonder why he can’t apply that degree of consideration to any other area.
What did you just say about me, you brat?
W-why are you so upset with me!? I said that you were worthy of praise, which is clearly a compliment…
And then everything after that was basically an insult. Do you think you’re funny? If that’s how it’s gonna be then don’t come crying when you get yours, okay?
Don’t start fighting now that you’ve just gotten back. But it’s true that you’ve got excellent taste in souvenirs, Izumi-chan. I loved the new lipstick color you got me last time, too.
Exactly! That’s what I was trying to say as well.
In comparison with Sena-senpai, when it comes to Leo-san…
Even after all this time, I can’t forget the horrifying taste and stench of the disgusting black candy he brought back. I’ve been Traumatized... that was not a gift, but an act of bullying.
Oh, you’re talking about that licorice thing. Us Japanese people and licorice don’t mesh well.
Well, Leo-kun just picks based on what’s interesting to him.
I really wish that he would drop that habit and learn some good taste from you instead—
Hm? Speaking of which, even though we’ve been talking about him, Leo-san has been completely quiet. Normally, he should have already started spouting incomprehensible nonsense by now.
Oh, Tsukipii is composing on the floor over there. I guess he’s really in the zone. He’s been this way since we got back from the draw.
Leo-san? What are you writing?
Hm~? Since we gotta battle on stage, we need songs, right? Can’t fight without weapons.
Just wait another 30 minutes, okay? I’ll have it all done by then!
Songs…?
But, we can’t use your songs for this.
We can’t!? So there’s no need for this music I’ve born from my soul!?
Well… it seems that way.
So after you made me bear this child, you’re not even gonna look it in the face!? How could you! I can’t believe this is who you really are, you scum! You’re evil incarnate!
… Wha–!? Don’t be rude! It was you who went and wrote them on your own. I never asked you to do that, so please don’t say such horrible things!
Okay, cut~ This conversation is getting more painful to overhear by the second. So you both take a break and settle down, okay?
Ugh… I don’t understand why whenever Leo-san kicks up a fuss, I end up involved in it involuntarily.
Anyhow, it’s not that I don’t want to use your songs, it’s that we can’t. It’s a Rule.
Huh? What’s that about rules…?
Oh, dear. Were you not listening to the management’s explanation at the draw?
Hmmm… I feel like I heard, but I also kinda feel like maybe I didn’t… Or maybe it’s more like I heard it and then forgot right away?
It’s all the same. Either way, you clearly didn’t retain any of it.
Chapter 2
Can I start? For MM, four units from each of ES’ agencies have been selected.
Said units are to participate in a Tournament composed of Live showdowns across the globe.
As I’ve already mentioned, our first opponent will be Trickstar.
As for the format of the match, it will consist of three competition Live shows… and in the final battle, we will compete using a song provided by management.
A song from management, huh… How are they gonna figure out the winner that way?
After the third show… or, in other words, after the final battle, they’ll pick a winner based on the combined votes of the audience and viewers.
Well, even if they don’t announce a winner until the end, we can probably get a sense of who’s in the lead based on the mood at the venue and whatever people are saying online.
True. That is why we have been pouring all of our focus into figuring out how we should carry on our practice for this event.
Grrr… that’s so freaking lame!
I was so excited to use my songs to legally beat the crap out of “Yuu-kun”—
Yeowch!?
My bad, I thought that was the floor I was stepping on. But hey, it’s your own fault for lying on the ground in the first place.
That’s such a big fat lie! You’re stupid, Sena! You’re smart, but you’re stupid! You’re a big dumb loser idiot! You’re as dumb as a mule and twice as cruel!1
Stop rhyming, it’s sooo annoying!
And you were the one talking about being cruel to Yuu-kun. Legally beat him? What the hell? Act like an adult or I’m gonna get seriously angry.
Well, I can understand where he's coming from.
Huh? You mean you also have it out against Yuu-kun?
No, no. I’m talking about the songs! Not him, the songs!
It’s true that Leo-kun’s songs are the blades we fight with. I really would’ve liked to be able to use them.
But that’s probably the exact reason why they’re not allowing it. To keep things fair for everyone.
His songs alone would already give us a huge advantage over other units.
Wahahaha! That’s right! Sorry for being a genius!
Even if that might be true, hearing you boast like that still pisses me off—
Hm? Who’s calling?
—Oh, sorry. I have to take this. Be back in a minute.
He ran out in a hurry…
Oh my, could that be his girlfriend on the phone?
That’s impossible.
Hey, why not? Don't be mean. We don’t know every last detail of his life, do we?
I don’t believe that Sena-senpai has the capacity to gently Lead a woman in a relationship.
Really? I think he has plenty of softness in him, even if it may not look like it, and he’s a very caring person. It’s just that he can be a little demanding, and his way of expressing himself can cause issues sometimes…
Yeah, Sena’s a good guy. Though he’s kinda like a nagging mom sometimes!
I feel as though that is precisely the biggest problem. In fact, I would even say that all of his shortcomings stem from that very trait.
But if we rule that out, the plot only thickens. Who could this mystery person be, for Secchan to pick up the phone so giddily and rush out of our meeting for them?
Mystery person…?
Hearing that made me feel some type of way…! Like, something just came to me… not inspiration, but something else! Something like curiosity?
Alright, if you really want me to, I guess I’ll go see what he’s up to! See ya, bye bye~☆
What!? Leo-san, wait! No one asked you to do that! We’re in the middle of a meeting!?
Good grief! Why is Knights allergic to cooperation…!?
Dammit, I lost him. Where could he be?
This is where my hearing comes in. With these sharp ears, I can hear him from really far away.
Hm hm~?
Oh! That’s Sena’s voice coming from over there!
Right… Right… Got it.
(That’s him. Hm… he looks pretty happy. Who could he be talking to…?)
Right, you can leave that in my hands. I’ll make sure to ask. Hm? Right, thank you! I’ll put in my best effort.
(…)
(Aw, shucks. Sena’s end of the convo doesn’t tell me anything about who’s on the other end! Wahahaha!)
(Even my out-of-this-world hearing isn’t enough to tell what the other person's saying from this far away.)
Alright. Thank you for your time. Goodbye.
(Oh crud, he’s coming this way! If he finds out I’m tailing him, I’ll never hear the end of it!)
(Ummm, ummm, where do I hide…? —Okay, here!)
…
…
Leo-kun, what in the world are you doing, spread out like a starfish against the wall? You don’t actually think you’re being sneaky, do you?
(Robot voice) “Le-oh?” Who is that? I am a Vending Machine. (Drum roll) …Ta-da, you win! Here’s a bonus prize! Sports drink for you ☆
I don’t want your bottle of liquid sugar!
You were listening in on my phone call, weren’t you. You’re sooo annoying! You'd better not do that again!
Wahaha ☆ Sorry, sorry! But you rushed out in a flash, so I was just really curious about who was calling you!
I wasn’t the only one that got curious, you know? The others just entrusted me with the espionage mission.
So what you’re trying to say is that you ran after me even when the others tried to stop you.
Well, it’s fine. I was thinking that I should tell you about it, anyways.
Huh? Tell me what?
Leo-kun, do you know Eita Sera? He’s an up-and-coming creative director, so I understand if you haven’t heard of him yet.
Sera? Sera… Hmm… Like, qué será será? That’s all I can think of! Whatever will be, will be~♪2
He’s been earning some worldwide prestige as of late, and he’s having a big show in Florence, so I auditioned to model in it.
He was calling to let me know that I made it.
Ohhh, that explains why you were so happy!
Yeah, that’s why. I never thought I’d pass an audition for a show this prestigious. I wasn’t expecting it to go anywhere.
Ooh, that’s great! Congrats!
…But, why tell me? What do I have to do with this?
I’ll tell you that part now. Leo-kun, would you like to write some songs for the show?
Songs?
Yeah. Looks like they’re looking for music to use, and Sera-san asked if you’d want to contribute. What do you think?
Huhhh? Hmm… Seems like a pain… I’m already dealing with MM right now.
You're not writing for MM, though.
Weren’t you feeling frustrated that Kasa-kun put a damp on your creative expression earlier? When he told you to stop writing?
Plus, you’d be composing for a project I’m modeling in. We don’t get to collaborate like that normally. Isn’t that exciting?
Collabing with you…?
…
When you put it like that, it does sound like fun…!
You got it, Sena! Count me in!
That’s more like it. Glad to have you on board, Leo-kun ♪
Chapter 3
Some days later, at the dance studio, during a photoshoot for MM promotions.
Hmmm… (Rubbing his face.)
I’ve been holding a smile for so long, my face muscles are begging for a rest.
Haha. That’s bound to happen when you spend all day making faces for the camera.
Yeah, it’s really getting to me, too~
All ‘cause they decided to cram all the shooting for MM into a single day. I wish they would’ve spread it out a bits more.
It’s not long until the start of the first round, so there’s a lot to do in very little time.
There are promotional shoots, interviews… and on top of that, we obviously have to practice for the show itself.
We’re going up against Knights, huh. Not the best opponent I could've asked for.
Oh? Why’s that? I mean, I think I’d hate to go against someone like Ra*bits a lot more. At least we’ve competed with Knights before, right?
You’re not wrong about that, but… see, you don’t want to go against Ra*bits ’cause you’re good friends with Shino-kun, right?
Well, it’s the same for me, Ritsu being in Knights and all. And Makoto has Sena-senpai there, too.
Oh, that makes sense. I can see why Knights would be tough for you guys in that sense.
I guess it’s a little late to be thinking like this. We’ve already faced each other a bunch of times in the past, like you said. But I still can’t say that I’m used to going up against them…
Yeah, that’s right. But in my case, it’s not that I don’t want to compete against a friend.
It’s more like… when you know someone well, you might be tempted to let your guard down, and Knights aren’t the kind of opponent we can afford to do that against.
I’d say they’re more of a “tough opponent” in that sense.
Knights are a formidable unit. If we want to win, we absolutely cannot make light of them as a rival.
Yeah. We have to put in all of our effort from beginning to end. Actually, I’ve been thinking that we might need to think about how we’re going to do this.
What do you mean? Isn’t that set in stone in the rules of MM?
I don’t mean the rules. I’m talking about figuring out a strategy that will let us beat Knights overseas.
They have a concept that you can understand immediately just by looking at them.
Their chess motif is recognizable, and it’s familiar to most people. On top of that, Tsukinaga-senpai already has some notoriety overseas.
But we don’t have any of that. I get the feeling that so far, we’ve been like game characters that have a field buff active.
A what…?
Bad Ukki! Don’t say stuff we’re not gonna understand! You think you can trick us like that!?
Look at Hokke! Poor Hokke’s so confused that he’s making a goofy face!
Don’t be rude. This is the face I was born with.
Back to the topic. Makoto, what you’re trying to say is that we have an advantage here in Japan that we’re not going to have overseas, right?
Yeah, that’s it.
I feel like the concept of “classic idols” is well established in our culture, and that’s why our charm can resonate easily here.
I think it’s gonna be a lot more difficult to find a hook to attract new overseas fans with.
That makes sense. We don’t have that problem in Japan because idol culture is widespread here, but it’s not going to be the same in other countries.
Compared to Knights, we’re lacking in appeal points for that situation.
Right. That’s why I was thinking that we have to come up with something.
I get what you’re saying, but how do we go about it?
How can we show an overseas audience what makes us Trickstar?
Hmm… I wonder…
What the hell~ so you don’t actually have anything?
You might be a genius in the world of games, but I guess you’re not a big deal in reality.
Sorry, I couldn’t really think of anything that fast…
I can’t believe you~ Aren’t you the glasses guy? Start fitting into your archetype or give them up!
My glasses aren’t an intelligence-raising item, and I can’t get rid of them, either. My eyesight stat is too low without them.
Well, glasses or not, it’s true that Makoto’s got a knack for gathering intel. He’s basically the brains of Trickstar.
Oh, then how about we ask the other brains of our operation? Anzu can definitely help us brainstorm! ☆
Sadly, no. They talked about this at the draw… Anzu’s part of the management for MM, so she’s not allowed to lend a hand to any unit.
If we went against the rules and got her advice, all of us might get penalized for it.
This is something we have to do by ourselves.
Argh, this sucks! Ever since the Megasphere showed up, it feels like we’re always having Anzu taken away!
Thinking about it some more, do we really need an appeal point?
I mean, it would be better to have one, right?
Right. Those would be the most ideal circumstances.
However, we didn’t start out with an already sizable fanbase at the beginning, did we?
After countless shows, we managed to capture the hearts of the audience, and that was how we reached the fans we have now.
If this overseas match is a challenge to conquer new territory, I say bring it on.
All we have to do is deliver a series of flawless performances to captivate the audience.
That’s…
I like what I’m hearing, Hokke!
Yeah! Let’s sing and dance with all we’ve got, and that way everyone will have no choice but to turn into our fans! ☆
Is it really gonna go that smoothly…?
But there is no point in stressing over something we can’t resolve at the moment. All we’re doing is wasting precious time.
If we want to win, shouldn’t we dedicate our time to practicing until we can deliver the best possible performance?
And, afterwards, let’s have a good match as the best opponents we can be. With Trickstar emerging victorious in the end, of course.
…Maybe you’re right. We’ve been doing well so far. Yeah, let’s carry on and overcome this like we always do …!
It feels a little idealistic… Oh, well, still better than going in circles. This feels like the Trickstar way, anyway… ♪
True that! We’re gonna sparkle and shine brighter than anyone else on that stage, and we’ll win for sure! Let’s get this!
Chapter 4
Thank God it’s finally over…
Yay! Congrats, Ukki! ☆ You had to do a ton of retakes, didn’t you.
Hah… That’s because I’m so thickheaded, I couldn’t do what the photographer wanted from me.
Really? From here, it looked more like you blew them away so much that they started raising their expectations and asking more of you.
Either way, it felt really professional. You’re in a totally different league from us.
You really think that? When I’m alone in front of the camera, I always get really nervous, so I couldn’t really tell—
!? I-is that…!?
How long have they been here!?
Hm? …Oh, that one over there.
Umm… They showed up pretty much right after you started shooting.
It seems that he’s acquainted with the photographer. I heard that he’s visiting the Megasphere because it happened to fly over his country.
Woah, you know a lot about him. Is that someone you’re familiar with?
Not really. I was on guard because I thought an outsider had shown up, so I listened in on a conversation between staff members.
Rather, aren’t you acquainted with that man, Yuuki? It seemed like you recognized him.
I can’t say I know him personally. I’ve just read about him online.
His name is Eita Sera, and he’s a famous creative director that’s on the rise right now.
Lately, he’s been branching out of Japan and into the world, and I heard he’s currently working on something overseas…
Oh, he must be acquainted with our photographer. He started out with photography himself, and he’s so talented that he’s even had his own solo exhibitions.
Wow, he’s that famous? Now that you say that, I do get the impression of a skilled director from him.
MM really is an absolutely massive event. Seeing people of this caliber show up… it’s kind of starting to sink in for me.
So many crazy things have been happening lately that I guess the world tour didn’t even feel like a real thing until now.
I mean, I can’t blame you for losing track of reality a little after watching this huge thing show up in the sky and then being trapped in here.
Oh? Hey, Ukki, it looks like the photographer and that supposed director are calling you over.
Huh!? Was I right…? Are they going to tell me that I completely bombed the photoshoot…!? W-what should I do…!?
Hmmm… well, no way of knowing until you talk to them, so you should just go.
A-alright, I’ll be back.
Yuuki’s been gone for a while. Maybe there was a problem?
Oh, looks like he’s coming back. Heyyy, Ukki~!
… ♪
Hey? Did you hear me? What’s got you in a daze?
Oh, sorry…!
Did it go okay? You were there for a long time. What’d they call you over for?
Oh… Sera-san invited me to model for a big show that will be taking place in Florence.
What!? Ukki, that’s awesome! So you got scouted!?
That’s great to hear. This is a great opportunity, isn’t it?
Well, having said that, it’s just a substitute position because there’s a spot he needs someone to fill.
You say that like it’s any less impressive. A job offer from a world-famous director isn’t something you get every day, right?
That’s true. I was pretty startled by it… it still feels like it must be a prank, or something.
Ahaha, there’s no way. With everyone running around preparing for MM, I don’t think anyone’s got the time to be playing pranks on us.
So, when is the show taking place? If you’ll be busy with this, you should let Anzu know so your schedule can be adjusted.
Oh, don’t worry about that. I turned down the offer.
Huh? But he personally picked you out… Can you really pass this up?
I agree that it sucks, but the rehearsals would overlap with MM.
If I participated, I wouldn’t be able to focus solely on MM. I feel like it’d be reckless to juggle both if we really want to put up a good fight against Knights.
That may be true… but still. Are you sure you won’t regret this?
Nah, I’ve made my choice. I’m not confident that I could do a good job if I had to take on both projects at the same time, anyway.
And in terms of what’s important to me, Trickstar comes before my modeling career.
Awww, Ukki~! Trickstar’s bond is unbreakable! I’m so glad you're my OOMF! ☆
So now we’re not even friends, but just people that follow each other online!? Don’t you mean we’re BFFs or something!? 3
Yeah, whatever. See, you’re an essential part of Trickstar!
‘Cause the macronutrients of Trickstar are laughter, laughter, and then laughter ☆
Just laughter!? But that would mean we’re less like idols and more like comedians!? Where are we headed as a unit!?
Since you’re acting the same as usual, I suppose you really have no regrets over your decision. I’m relieved.
You’re right about that, but I don’t know how I feel about this being “the usual” for me.
The only reason I have to play the straight man is because you and Akehoshi-kun have been going all out with your antics lately, and all I can do is play along.4
Anyway. If your choice is set in stone, I’m not gonna try to change your mind. This just means we have to make sure it pays off and win against Knights ♪
Chapter 5
Days later. At a restaurant, during lunchtime.
—Well, I’m going to be in the show.
Huh!? For real, Izumi-san!?
I already worked hard for the audition, so of course. I might not get an opportunity like this again in a while, so it’s best to take it, right?
That makes sense, but…
I mean, I understand what you’re saying. If it wasn’t for MM, I think it’d be the same for me.
Actually, Izumi-san. You said you auditioned for Sera-san?
Well, I showed up to a bunch of auditions for a lot of international big names.
In fact, I should be the one acting surprised!
I asked you out to lunch so I’d get to brag and have you go “That’s so cool!” with a look of pure envy in your eyes.
But it turns out that you not only got scouted, but had the gall to say no…! Unthinkable!
It’s just a substitute position; I wasn’t personally sought out or anything… And it’s mainly a matter of the overlap with MM.
I don’t think I could even stand a chance against Knights if I had to rehearse for a production on that level at the same time.
But, speaking of which. Are you sure you’ll be fine, Izumi-san? Won’t it be hard to practice for MM while preparing for the show…?
Yeah, I’m well aware that it’s not going to be easy on me.
But if you really want to achieve your goals, you have to push yourself a little. Right?
It’d be a shame to let go of this opportunity just because of a schedule overlap.
You know, Yuu-kun. I’ve already decided to seize everything that’s within my reach.
Back when Sudden Death was set to take place around the same time as that art and music festival, I managed to take on both.
Well, I did burden Kasa-kun and the others with that situation, which is why I’m going to make sure that this time is different.
Woah…
Huh? What happened?
I was just thinking that you’re really something. If I’d been in your place, I feel like I would’ve never had the courage to accept both jobs.
It’s making me wish I had your confidence.
Are you being serious? After you turned down Sera-san when he personally recruited you? I can’t believe you.
To think that if you’d taken the offer, we might’ve gotten to model together, walking side by side…!
Do you understand, Yuu-kun!? Do you get that you threw away the chance to walk down the aisle with me!?
Yeah, I could go my whole life without that chance. And since when is it an isle and not a runway?
That aside, it’ll be hard, but I wish you the best. You’re definitely up to the task.
Oh, Yuu-kun! It’s so sweet of you to believe in your big brother so much. You really love me to death, don’t you… ♪
Not really. I just think you can probably do anything you put your mind to because you’re like the embodiment of persistence itself.
But don’t overexert yourself, between this and MM.
I’ll be fine. I think I’ve got a decent grasp on the difference between what’s challenging and what’s unreasonable. Besides, I know what I’m capable of much better than I did in the past.
I mean, obviously. Back then, I had no concept of moderation and worked myself to the bone.
Because we wanted to be better than anyone else, we tried copying the kind of training we had seen in shounen manga, and we would keep pushing ourselves even after our practice was over.
We didn’t know when to stop, and we overworked ourselves day after day until we both collapsed.
Oh, I remember that…
You’re phrasing it like we did that together, but you were basically forcing me to go along with it, you know?
B-but there’s a positive side to it, right!? In the end, we both got some good practice out of it!
… I’m sorry, still.
At that age, I couldn’t even conceive of my own limitations. I guess I was just arrogant, and I thought I was good enough to pull off anything I tried.
…
… Do you remember, Izumi-san? When that happened, even though we were both running a fever, you did everything in your power to carry me to the infirmary.
You didn’t have the strength for it, but you tried your hardest to drag me there.
Huh? Obviously. It was my idea, so I wasn’t going to run away from responsibility.
You can still be reckless sometimes, but ever since then, I’ve always thought that you’re the kind of person that always sees things through to the end.
…
… Hehehe ♪ Shouldn’t that be obvious by now?
(But, hearing that Yuu-kun believes in me so strongly does make me want to work hard so I can meet his expectations…)
Well, lunch is over, so it’s time to go.
Next time we meet, we’re going to be enemies. What a tragic situation… just like Romeo and Juliet.
It’s so cruel for the two lovers to be on opposite sides. Don’t you think so, too?
Nope, not at all. So don’t worry about me and give it your all.
You’re so cheeky! Who taught you to act like that?
Well, I’ll see you around. Let’s have a good match.
Yeah! See you.
Translation Notes
- ↑ In the original line, he just says a couple insults that all end the same, with the final one being “bully”, so I translated it as a rhyme-insult that also ends with him calling Izumi a mean person. I think my (current) version of this line was subconsciously inspired by a joke from The Simpsons.
- ↑ In reference to the song Qué Será, Será.
- ↑ Subaru says ネッ友 (nettomo, “online friend”), which Makoto corrects to ズッ友 (zuttomo, “friends forever”).
- ↑ Mandatory Trickstar Manzai note: Trickstar has an ongoing bit about putting on manzai-style comedy routines. Makoto is typically concerned about who plays what role, so he’s lamenting that he has to be the tsukkomi because Subaru and Hokke are hogging the boke role.