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[Event] Ouroboros / Transforming Ring 3

Hinata: Boo~, you guys don't play fair!

<A few days later.>

Ibara: ...And so, Anzu-san was instated as CosPro's president!

Everyone welcome her with a round of applause! (claps) ☆

Hinata: Welcome to Cosmic Production! I'm Hinata Aoi, a critically acclaimed, rising idol here at CosPro!

I'll be in your care from now on, New President Anzu. ♪

Yuuta: I told you that'd come off as cold, Aniki. Weren't you going on and on about how happy you were that Anzu-san was coming here?

Hinata: Wait, wait, what are you saying, Yuuta-kun? Your Onii-chan's the same as ever~?

Hiyori: Fufu. Here, Anzu-chan — I'll help you put on your presidential sash!

Jun: I'm the one who placed the order for it, though~. Even then, the best I could get was one that said 'President for a Day'.

Mika: Ya really are the president now, right? Somethin' 'bout that feels weird t'me.

Kohaku: I get that ya said she took up the position and all, but how long is she gonna be president for?

'Cause I doubt it's just gonna be for the day, like the sash says.

HiMERU: There's also a limit to how much she can get done in the span of a single day, so I'd imagine she's acting as a placeholder until he finds the next president?

Ibara: Good guess! It'd be more accurate to call her our temporary president.

I've been searching through the potential candidates, but... I personally see no issue in having Anzu-san work as president to her heart's content!

Let's all work hard to impress our newly-instated president on a large scale!

Yuuta: (whispering) But guys like Akehoshi-senpai and Tenshouin-senpai aren't just gonna let it slide if he pulls something like this...

HiMERU: (whispering) As vice president, he must be expecting as much. Regardless, looking deeper into it would be stirring up a hornet's nest. [1]

Hinata: Anzu-san! Now that you're CosPro's president, let me fill you in on what goes on around the agency. ☆

Yuuta: You say that, but she's been to the agency a ton of times already, so there isn't anything new you can share with her, is there?

Hinata: That not what I meant~. I know she probably knows her way around the filing cabinets or where the break room is.

But there's no way she knows about the rules we have over here, right?

Yuuta: You mean stuff like 'whoever's first to get to the office each day has to wipe down everyone's desks until the next person clocks in'?

Mika: Ehh?! We had rules like that all along? I didn't know!

Hinata: Ahaha, that's 'cause we made them up just now. You're all good.

That said, if there's anything you don't know, feel free to ask us! As your senpai in CosPro, you can rely on us. ♪

Ibara: Alright, alright — it's time to cut this conversation short.

His Excellency and I will be showing Anzu-san around the agency, so the rest of you should get back to work.

Hinata: Boo~, you guys don't play fair!

Ibara: There's nothing unfair about it. It just so happened that the two of us were the only ones that didn't have any work lined up this morning.

Hiyori: That's too bad, but there's not much we can do about it. I mean, we have plenty of time to talk afterwards.

Nagisa: ...Hiyori-kun and everyone were at work before this, correct? You can leave guiding Anzu-san to us.

...It's the least we could do. We'll be in your care, Anzu-san.

Ibara: Let us show you around right now! Starting with the president's desk!

In short, I'd appreciate if you could work on simple tasks here!

Then next, we have... Come again? You want to get to work already?

Nagisa: ...When you became president, you started to think of a variety of projects you'd like to do, I see.

Ibara: (Well, I had a feeling she'd say something along those lines. But is she really that much of a workaholic?)

(Either way, there aren't any simple tasks that I could let her handle herself at the moment...)

(On the other hand, as long as she's unaware of the agency's inner workings, it'd be risky to give the more complicated ones to her too.)

Nagisa: ...I'd also like to know what kinds of projects you have in store for us.

...As I'm interested to see how you'd manage us.

Ibara: —Ahaha! Even I'm quite happy by how much you're looking forward to it!

However, Your Excellency, Anzu-san had just recently become CosPro's president! She needs to familiarise herself with the agency first.

Introducing her to each section here is vital for her to proceed with her work unimpeded!

...So please understand that before anything else! Well then, come over here — I'll show you the next section.

Your Excellency, please allow me to take over as Anzu-san's guide from now on. You can make the time to talk about her projects with her at a later date, after all!

Nagisa: ...I suppose? I wouldn't mind if we spoke as we walked, though.

Ibara: No, no, I insist. When it comes to her projects, each and every one of them is surely profitable! I meant that you should ask her about them at a more appropriate time and place.

That's all...

Nagisa: ...Ibara, shouldn't you be following after her?

Ibara: Huh?

Wait, Anzu-san?! Just because you know your way around the agency to some extent doesn't mean you can move around as you see fit!

<A few hours later, backstage at a TV set.>

Ibara: It looks like His Highness and Jun are still getting ready.

Hm? You're asking if I'm here for Eve's work often?

No, I usually let His Highness and Jun work on their own.

There are times where I've had a staff member accompany them as a result, but those have been few and far between.

It's not like they're newly-debuted idols, so I don't need to attend to them.

And, knowing them, in the event something does come up, they'd be able to handle it right then and there. But if they ever deem an issue far too troublesome to handle themselves, I told them to contact me.

Well, there have been rare occasions where they've caused trouble with their snap judgment instead, though.

—You want to know why we came here today?

Fufu, of course. It's because we wanted the new president to see how Eve does at work. ☆

...Oh? You look like you want to say that I must have another reason for coming here with you. Well, you'd be correct.

There's something I wanted to discuss with the program's director.

And I figured it wouldn't hurt if you'd observe how things are currently going in the meantime.

(If I left her behind at the agency, she'd do as much work as she'd like. As long as she's busy observing things here, she can't get anything done.)

...Ahh, if only this rumoured director had spoken to me beforehand... I'll be excusing myself for the time being, so please enjoy observing everything to your heart's content. ♪

...Why, thank you so much for your hard work today as well! I'm very grateful you extended the offer out to Eve this time!

Jun: Just when I thought that voice sounded familiar... That's rare~ Ibara coming to watch us work, I mean.

Anzu-san... Actually, I know it's only temporary, but would you prefer it if I called you 'President' instead?

"Either's fine"? Alright then, I'll keep calling you Anzu-san like usual.

Wait, why'd you get closer just now?! Don't tell me I should've gone with something else?!

Hm? Oh, I had some dust on my outfit, huh. Thanks for getting it for me.

Ohii-san would've gotten on my case if you hadn't noticed it while I was fixing myself up.

"Congratulations on your international debut"?

Ahaha, it's a bit too early to be saying that. Actually, you had to have known about it too, right?

When you "went over the docs, there were signs that Ibara had edited Eden's schedule"? And that piqued your interest so you found out what that was all about, huh.

Nah, I don't mind. You don't gotta hide it from me anymore.

Well, I don't wanna admit it... but with all this talk about everyone making international debuts, I just realised how I actually felt about everything.

While I was preparing myself to start working overseas, I'd ask myself, "What are my weak points?" "What can I do to get closer to that day?"

...and "Would doing this mean I'd have fewer chances of standing on stage with Ohii-san?" Stuff along those lines.

Things around me are changing, so I started thinking I had to put in all my effort into the things I can do now more than ever before.

'Cause if I only consider my international debut, but don't take the work I have in front of me seriously, I'm pretty sure Ohii-san would get fed up with me~.

And I hope Ibara doesn't get on my case either.

Hiyori: It's not fair you get to have fun chatting all by yourselves. What were you two talking about?

Jun: Uwoh?! Ohii-san, when did you get here?

Hiyori: Just now, actually. I was held up for longer than I thought.

Oh right. Anzu-chan, is it true that Ibara's here?

Someone here says they had a project they wanted to discuss with him. It seems like they hurried over once they heard the rumours.

Jun: I dunno where he is, but isn't it rude to not make an appointment about that kinda thing ahead of time?

Hiyori: Exactly, so I have them waiting outside for now!

...You'll handle it yourself? Since you're CosPro's temporary president?

Fufu, I'm looking forward to it! Knowing you, it'll turn out fine, so could I leave it in your hands?

Notes:

藪蛇 (yabu hebi, lit. 'to poke the bush to let out the snake' from a longer idiom): Nothing really, I just thought it was cute HiMERU was the one who brought up the snake allusion.

also i haven't dropped this story or anything, april was just really bad timing 💀 between holy week and uni enrollment and etc. but i should be back on (my very self-imposed and already loose) schedule! but i'll probably go back and tweak prev chapters again knowing me.

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[Event] Ouroboros / Recurring Feelings 5

Yuzuru: Did you think I wouldn't find out?

<During Ibara Saegusa's childhood, at the private military company's maneuvering grounds.>

Ibara: (Sigh~, this is the worst.)

(I get tired from training as is, but those guys had me working to the bone.)

(And all I got out of it was just a little bit of money. It's hard trying to get rich.)

(Is there really no way to earn a lot more money faster than this~? One that's easy, if that's even possible...)

(...? I felt someone's presence just now.)

Yuzuru: —You're back late.

Ibara: Gh- Why are you here...?!

Yuzuru: Did you think I wouldn't find out?

I noticed you've been sneaking out of your room, you know.

Ibara: You say that, but then why didn't you say anything until now?

Yuzuru: You'd just dodge the question even if I pointed it out during training, so I figured it'd be best if I caught you right in the act instead.

Now, show me whatever you're hiding.

Ibara: (He knows...)

I-it's not what you think, Instructor-dono. See? I don't have anything on me~!

Yuzuru: Hm, I guess that means I'll have to conduct a full body search right here just to be sure.

Ibara: Huh?! Quit messing with me, you demon! ...Hey, let go of my hand!

Yuzuru: Is this... money?

Ibara: Yeah, it is. You've seen what it is, so give it back!

Yuzuru: Did you steal it from somewhere? That's an actual crime, you know.

Ibara: I didn't steal it! I worked hard for it!

...Crap.

Yuzuru: I see. There isn't anywhere you can work at near the grounds, so you must've been picking up odd jobs from the people here.

Based on the fact you snuck out today of all days, you were helping them transport the supplies that had arrived. Am I wrong?

Ibara: ...You're not wrong.

Yuzuru: Haa, please don't make me even more worried.

Ibara: Eeh, really? You were worried about me?

Yuzuru: Naturally. If you had gone out to commit a crime, then I'd be questioned for my lack of supervision over you as your instructor.

Why would you even do that? Do you really want to earn money that badly?

Ibara: Not really. I don't actually have a good reason.

I just thought that it'd be useful to have when the time comes.

We live in such a rotten world, but with money, I'd be able to live a good life.

I could go do whatever I want. I'd play around all day everyday and I'd always get to eat good food.

I just want to get rich soon and say goodbye to this hell.

Yuzuru: So you're saying you've been sneaking out every night to earn a bit of money for yourself. I don't even know what to say.

But I will say this: even if you do all of that, you aren't going to become rich.

Ibara: I know. It does feel like that.

Even if I put all my blood, sweat, and tears into working, I'm only earning this much in exchange.

Hey, is there an easier way to make more money? You're smart, so it sounds like something you'd know.

Yuzuru: If just about anyone could earn money that easily, then its value would drop fast.

You earn money over time as compensation for your work, so there's nowhere on earth where you can earn it the easier way like you hoped.

And even if there were, I'm sure you'd earn it in exchange for something you can't take back.

Ibara: Then how do I get rich?

Yuzuru: It'd be impossible doing it your way, at least.

How about furthering your understanding of it by reading books? Lucky for you, you have such a knack for reading that you even memorised a phrase from the Bible in your free time. [1]

Ibara: Huh~? How the hell do I get rich off reading books?

Yuzuru: ...If you work on your combat skills and show results, you might get closer to living that wealthy lifestyle that you mentioned. But then you'd be on the side of being used for all you're worth.

If you really want to earn money, you need to be the one using people, not one of the people being used.

For that to happen, you should amass knowledge on many things and become someone everyone would look up to. Eventually, they'd no longer be able to look at you with contempt.

Ibara: So you're saying I need to study to gain more knowledge?

Yuzuru: Yes. If you do that, maybe your dream will come true one day.

Ibara: (...My dream.)

(If only I had money, I'd be able to get out of this hell and eat a lot of good food.)

(Something no one else wants to do. Maybe that can all change, even if they say that God has turned his back to the way this world works.)

Yuzuru: ...Alright, we should start heading back. I'll say this now, but I won't go easy on you during training tomorrow even though we stayed up late.

Also, you should come up with a better hiding place for your treasure.

Ibara: My treasure?

Yuzuru: Seriously, where did you even get a piggy bank from...?

Ibara: ...Huh?! How do you... Wait, did you go into my room?!

Notes:

Reference to the ! scout story Gang. Also everyone should go read Summer Vacation / War and Peace 6 right now.

I chose to post this chapter out of order since:

I translated it ahead of the rest out of personal interest, so it'd feel silly to hold onto it until I can catch up days later

It can be read on its own since it's a flashback chapter

I'll be backdating the previous chapters accordingly once those get posted OTL

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[Event] Ouroboros / Transforming Ring 2

Ibara: Thank you for your hard work, Anzu-san! I salute you~. ♪

<The following afternoon.>

Ibara: Thank you for gathering here today, everyone!

I'll keep it brief, but I'm sure you're well aware of the fact CosPro's president has since stepped down, meaning someone will be replacing him, correct?

Jun: That reminds me, he came by and gave us his thanks while we were at work earlier this morning~. Right, Ohii-san?

Hiyori: By that, do you mean when he gave us that box of assorted cakes? I don't recall ever doing anything to warrant his thanks, though.

Well, I do recall the times the executives had caused trouble for us instead, like during that annoying Conquest project.

Jun: Huh, fair point~. Did they ever give us a single one out of good will, actually?

Nagisa: ...Was the president ever involved in those projects?

Ibara: No, he wasn't. I understand why you'd think that, but other people were behind them. The president — or should I say former president, remained completely neutral.

Hiyori: If so, then he had little to no involvement with us, right?

Jun: So, how's the replacement process going?

Ibara: I pored over a list of potential candidates, but I didn't find anyone.

Thanks to that, I even considered taking the position myself for the time being, seeing as I'm the Vice President...

Jun: I'm not gonna think about just how much more work a president would have on their plate. Aren't you already busy doing work as an idol and as vice president as is?

Ibara: I am. I've actually been so busy that His Excellency had been worried over me.

I won't say it's as if I have my hands full at the moment, so I wouldn't have any issue working as the agency's president for a short while.

But I'd be putting the cart before the horse if that meant I'd be neglecting my work as Eden's producer instead. So I went over the list of potential candidates once again.

That was when this Ibara Saegusa had a brilliant idea.

We'll have Anzu-san act as CosPro's president for the time being! What do you think?

Jun: Having her as the president...? You can do that?

Hiyori: It's true that she's finally free of annoyances like the P-Association, but would she really accept the offer of working as one though?

Nagisa: ...The title of 'president' itself carries some weight with it, too.

Ibara: I see that you have your own opinions on this as well.

However, the executives at CosPro aren't as powerful due to the restructuring that occured after SS.

The fact that we had to temporarily employ a worker from a smaller business to be CosPro's president is proof of that.

The type that can do the bare minimum amount of work and keep things confidential... Had there been a candidate with those qualities, I'd have no real issue with them becoming the president.

Between having honed her skills as a producer in her time at Yumenosaki Academy and having personally witnessed her achievements throughout the course of last year, I have nothing to worry about when it comes to her skills.

Again, this is why I suggested her as a candidate for the position...

With her perspective as a producer who's well-connected with the four major agencies, I have high hopes that she'd provide the entirety of CosPro — including Eden — with brand new experiences.

That being said, it would be an abuse of power if I appointed her as president all on my own, so I figured I'd gather your opinions on it first.

Nagisa: ...I understand now. I'm not particularly against it.

...I'm certain that Anzu-san being here would mean that you'd have a lot less resting on your shoulders.

...But I think the only thing that matters is what Anzu-san thinks of this.

Hiyori: Same here!

We've worked with Anzu-chan several times now, but having her manage us as president sounds fresh and exciting. ♪

Jun: Sounds good to me too~.

Ibara: I'm very thankful to hear all the positive reception!

Well then, I'll set up an appointment with her right away. ♪

<A few hours later, at Café COCHI.>

Ibara: (I never thought the day I'd have the opportunity to consult with Anzu-san would come. Things are progressing as quickly as I hoped.)

(I wonder if this was only possible now that she's left the P-Association? If so, then what convenient timing.)

(I may have told His Excellency and the others that she'd provide CosPro brand new experiences while she's acting as the temporary president.)

(But in reality, I never even considered letting her produce the idols under CosPro at all.)

(It's true that her disposition and skills are near second to none. Even so, it's not impossible to find a replacement based on that alone, though.)

(Rather, I want to use the situation surrounding her to my advantage.... By appointing her as president, I'd be able to keep the other agencies in check.)

(Her close relationships with the Yumenosaki Academy idols means she has an immeasurable amount of influence in ES.)

(I wouldn't cause a significant enough shift that it'd disrupt the existing power structure in place, but just enough so that they'd be impressed by us and would then stop treating CosPro so poorly.)

(And since I won't be appointing someone to be the permanent president anytime soon, it'd be ideal if she'd stay with us long enough for them to recognise her as one of CosPro's very own...)

(...Oh, that should be her.)

Thank you for your hard work, Anzu-san! I salute you~. ♪

I'm very grateful you freed up a spot in your schedule for me even though it was very last minute!

Now then, you can order something while I call over a waiter!

(...Hmm? That's strange. It seems like she's absolutely exhausted. Did she encounter some trouble at work before this?)

You know, I heard from one of the waiters earlier that they recommended the pancakes off the latest menu.

It may be a safe choice, but as the saying goes: sweets are for when you're tired, after all. Shall I go ahead and order it for you, Anzu-san?

...No, that's a bit much. It's inconsiderate of me to recommend sweets to a lady in this day and age.

You'd like me to? Of course, if you insist!

No, no, don't mention it! I'm the one who called you out here to begin with.

But to think you've been this tired… I don't mean to pry, but it has to be something related to work, isn't it?

…I see. You were at a movie filming and there was a disagreement between the director and management.

Which is why you're worried on how they'll resolve that.. That does sound very important!

Do I experience things like that often, you ask?

Sadly, yes. It's not as if it happens to me every single day, but there were times I was unable to attend meetings due to them.

Even if I were to let the staff handle it, I'd still have to consider the relationships between everyone present to some extent, so my list of worries never end.

…Sorry, I didn't mean to complain about this to you.

It's like we're airing out our grievances to each other because we share the same struggles. I'd be overjoyed to know I was able to put your worries to rest in the end!

And if you ever want to do the same again next time, I'll always be available to hear you out. ♪

We'll be each other's shoulder to lean on as fellow producers!

(And then I'll use your moments of weakness to try and gain even more of your trust.)

…Do you know why I got in touch with you today?

I wanted to discuss the matter of having you act as CosPro's temporary president for the time being.

Aah, that must've felt like it came out of nowhere, right? So if you'd like to hear the details, they're this and that and so on…

I want you to bring new life to the atmosphere at CosPro, as lately if feels like we've been stagnating a little.

Besides, when I went to hunt for suitable candidates, I couldn't find anyone that fit the bill~.

So! When it comes to someone who's highly skilled, trusthworthy, and also in the same line of work, it's only natural you came into mind, Anzu-san.

You'd surely be the breath of fresh air we needed at CosPro!

Of course, you don't have to decide on this right away. Please take time to consider it before you give me your respo—… Yes, what is it?

You're accepting the offer? Really?!

I can't believe I received your approval on the spot! Let's start adjusting the schedule right away!

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[ibarap]

i am not surviving this

pre-emptively going to say that if i stop posting on here again just assume the 2nd half drop is what did me in 💔💔

[ibarap]

pre-emptively going to say that if i stop posting on here again just assume the 2nd half drop is what did me in 💔💔

[ibarap]

[Event] Ouroboros / Transforming Ring 1

Ibara: Your Excellency?

<That night.>

Ibara: Yes. It's all going according to plan, then. I'll keep in touch.

(Now I'm just waiting for them to get back to me on this.)

(Leaving... me having to refine these contingency plans, seeing as I had to cancel some projects due to the change in Eve's activities.)

(Good grief. Had I been informed about that earlier, I wouldn't be as all over the place as I am now...)

(If it were anyone else in my position juggling both Jun and our schedules at the moment, they'd clearly see how much of a pain it is.)

(But coming off the tails of Absolute, knowing that the members of Eden could receive international offers is the greatest opportunity I could ever ask for.)

(I never imagined it'd be Jun who'd receive one first, and not someone like His Excellency or His Highness, though.)

(In reality, Jun has continued to work hard just to keep up with them—)

(—which means he just happened to be blessed with the opportunity in this case.)

(But as long as we continue to gain experience and move forwards without stopping all while under CosPro's name, then I have nothing to complain about.)

(...I say that, but why do I feel like something's off?)

Oof, it's already late? Tomorrow's fast approaching, so I'll be finishing things up around here...!

(I can't believe I let my documents fall all over the floor...)

Nagisa: ...Let me help you with that.

Ibara: Your Excellency?

Nagisa: ...It seems like you've been busy, Ibara.

Ibara: Why are you here at the office? Weren't you booked for an overnight room after your photoshoot today?

Nagisa: ...The photoshoot wrapped up earlier than expected. It seemed like the staff were about to return to ES, so I went with them.

...Is this project proposal Eve's?

Ibara: It is. Now that Jun's making his debut internationally, I decided to go over and redo all of our plans for the long-term.

Ever since the auditions ended, I've been busy with heading to all sorts of places in order to cancel several of our projects, you know.

Nagisa: ...While Jun may be going overseas, that doesn't mean he'll be staying there permanently.

...It just means he'll be spending less time here in Japan.

...You must be thinking about how to maximise the already valuable time he does have once he returns, is that right?

Ibara: That's right. Even if it's just Eve, the less activities that they do within the country, then the more they'd be bleeding interest from their fans.

That's why I need to work out the details of this plan, where Eve's popularity can be kept afloat during the interim by highlighting attention onto His Highness more than ever.

Not to mention ES... I need to pay close attention in keeping the influence between the four main agencies balanced.

Nagisa: ...Are they under the impression that, if Jun's international activities go smoothly, CosPro would have less influence due to the fact Eden would be doing fewer activities as a full unit?

Ibara: I can't imagine His Eminence Eichi ever overlooking that glaring of a weakness. I need to put some preventative measures in place.

On top of that, I also need to negotiate with Thunderbolt regarding Jun's international debut.

It would've been best if it were possible for me to go with him as Eden's producer, since I don't think Jun would be able to negotiate like I would.

Sigh. Either way, I'll do my best. But doesn't it feel like I have an endless list of things I need to do?

Nagisa: ...You sound like you're having fun, though. ♪

Ibara: ...I guess so~.

It's true I have more work on my plate, but at the same time, Jun's debut is a golden business opportunity.

Of course, while it's vital for a company to compete on a global scale, I won't deny that I'd also be making a hefty sum out of this if it all works out.

If I play the right cards, then CosPro would be able to gain an even greater upper hand.

And then after Jun's international debut, I believe Eve and Eden as a whole would be able to charge towards even greater heights.

I'm so full of anticipation that I'm already thinking about the promotional materials we'd be using for when that day eventually comes.

As a producer, I'll try to give off the best possible results! So please look forward to it as well, Your Excellency... ☆

Nagisa: ...I will. It's very much like you, Ibara.

...However the auditions had just recently ended, so don't push yourself too hard.

...You're the mind behind the production of our activites, after all.

Ibara: (mutters) I would rest easier given that you don't cause me any more trouble by suddenly referring to yourself as, say, 'Nagigon', for example. [1]

Nagisa: ...Come again, Ibara?

Ibara: I mean, aye aye ♪ I'm immensely thankful for your concern, Your Excellency. ♪

But there's no need for you to worry. I'm sure you've already heard this from me time and time again, but as the saying goes: health is wealth, which is precisely why I take great care of myself.

Nagisa: ...Really?

Ibara: ? ...What do you mean?

Nagisa: ...Earlier today, I met an agency president at the photoshoot location.

Ibara: Was it CosPro's? If so, I imagine he must've been there to see you out of courtesy.

Nagisa: ...It was. He told me he was very grateful for all that we accomplished over the entire year he was appointed as CosPro's president.

Ibara: He's quite the upstanding type, huh. He went to inform you personally even though he'll be letting the whole office know about this soon enough.

Nagisa: ...I heard that, after SS, there was a significant change in CosPro's operations, leading to the entirety of its upper management being replaced.

...I never would have expected that the role of president would then be filled in by an executive from a subsidiary company.

Ibara: He was the best possible choice at the time.

Had I entrusted the selection process to a company that was strangely too powerful for its own good, they could've possibly made things worse instead.

So I found a qualified candidate from a trusted business that I knew wouldn't act on his own once he was granted the position.

That meant he was easy to manage. He played his part without muttering a single word or causing any problems.

I would've loved if he was able to continue his tenure this year too, but seeing as there's something going on over at the subsidiary company, it would've been far too unreasonable of an ask.

Nagisa: ...I don't quite understand the finer details of his situation, but he wasn't what I wanted to ask you about.

...He told me that you'll be the one in charge of appointing who the next president will be.

Ibara: Ah, I see... So you came here to see how I was doing.

Nagisa: ...You don't want to be in the direct line of fire, so you aren't going to take the position yourself.

Ibara: No, I won't. Even if I did have the title of president, I wouldn't get much in return.

Nagisa: ...Then why is the position still open?

Ibara: An easier question this time! It's just taking me a long time to find and appoint a qualified candidate to be the next president.

Nagisa: ...Are you saying you weren't able to find someone that was?

Ibara: Well, you could say that. That's why the position is currently empty until I've found someone to appoint as the next president.

And it'd be a risk to even have one if only temporarily. I'd say it's better for us to have no president at all than one that would expose each and every one of our weaknesses to the other agencies.

Nagisa: ...I understand. I have no objections.

Ibara: I'm so glad you see where I'm coming from, Your Excellency!

Well, I do think that, if there is someone who's both favourable and qualified for the position, I'd like to show them how to run things around here as soon as possible...

Just from the title alone, you can tell that being the president of a company is no easy task, so for that reason, you can't appoint someone unqualified to take the position.

It has to be someone fairly capable, but isn't that knowledgeable on political tactics. All of that, on top of being someone I could trust...

Generally, those kinds of candidates were already taken in by other companies elsewhere. That, or they had recently left their position there...

No wait, in that case, then perhaps...?

Nagisa: ...What is it, Ibara?

Ibara: Hm, if this goes through, then that would solve several problems for us. There's a lot of variables at play, though, but if I were to manipulate them—

Alright, maybe it is worth considering... ☆

Notes:

Reference to the !! event story Ephemeral Festival

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[ibarap]

[Event] Ouroboros / Prologue

Jun: ...

<Sometime in June, after the 4piece auditions, at a meeting room in ES.>

Jun: ...

(Sigh, I can't relax at all.)

(I chose to break the news to Ohii-san myself, but...)

(I'm starting to feel antsy now that it's almost time.)

In... and out...

(You've got this, Sazanami Jun...!)

Hiyori: Jun-kun, what's got you making such a serious face?

Jun: Right. Y'know, I wasn't even this on edge during the auditions...

...Hold on, Ohii-san? When did you get here?

No, actually, you should've said something when you got here!

Hiyori: Well excuse me for intruding, but I did say something when I first entered.

It's like you were so lost in your own thoughts you couldn't even hear me.

Jun: Guess so...

Hiyori: Anyways, what exa~ctly was it that you wanted to talk to me about?

Jun: Oh, right. I wanted to tell you the truth.

Hiyori: Er, what truth?

Jun: ...

Hiyori: Jun-kun?

Jun: Sorry, it's just, I dunno how to break it to you now that we're actually talking...

Hiyori: You really are the same as ever. Knowing you, you're probably just overthinking this.

But you don't have to keep it all to yourself like that.

You must've wanted to tell me because it's important, right? Then I'd like to hear it coming from you, Jun-kun.

Jun: Ohii-san...

I'll be honest, I received an offer asking if I'd like to debut as a solo artist internationally.

Thunderbolt, the guys behind the 4piece auditions — the show you were also part of — were the ones who reached out to me...

Hiyori: Debuting internationally? Have you blown up to that large of a scale so quickly?

...That being said, what do you want to do?

Jun: I'm thinking of taking them up on it.

Hiyori: Hmm, I see. I say you should go for it.

Jun: ...

...Really? That's it?

Hiyori: Hm? Did you want me to say something else?

Jun: I didn't mean it like that, just...

I'm torn up about that part too, y'know~? I dunno if I'll even make it in the overseas market with what I'm capable of right now.

I still owe you for taking me in, so it'd be really out of character for me to just head off on my own and do my own thing.

That's why I think they brought it up with me since I was able to prove myself when I beat you in the auditions.

But had we swapped places, you would've said it was a piece of cake, so it would've been a lot more anticlimactic.

Hiyori: ...Jun-kun, I never meant to hold you back.

I knew you had something on your mind just from how you were acting during the auditions.

I had no way of knowing if it was good news or bad news.

But if it has you that deep in thought, then it'd be something I'd also have to come to terms with.

I'll always be your partner, after all... ♪

Jun: Ohii-san...

Hiyori: Well, I'm just glad to know it's better news than I ever imagined!

Jeez, Jun-kun, you've brought on such an oddly serious mood that even I'm feeling a bit out of sorts myself.

Jun: My bad. Ibara knew about this beforehand and he did everything he could to stop me...

I was under the impression you'd also be against me taking up their offer like he was.

Ibara: I think anyone would've been opposed to an offer from an international business — which is considered highly important information, mind you — if they hadn't been informed of it beforehand, though.

Jun, don't tell me you've forgotten that I'm Eden's producer?

Ibara: Uwoh, Ibara?! Don't just barge in out of nowhere!

Actually, your timing just now is way too perfect. Don't tell me you were listening in from outside?

Nagisa: ...Sorry, Jun. I know it's not right to eavesdrop.

Jun: Even you, Nagi-senpai... Well, cat's outta the bag now.

Hiyori: Exactly, I think you should've told all of us about this as a group!

Ibara: It's just as His Highness said. Were you planning on telling His Excellency after you'd approached me and His Highness?

And here I am, thinking you'd just take forever to get to it. Accuracy and speed are fundamental to reporting, contacting, and consultation, you know.

Hiyori: Well, I can see why he'd show loyalty to me before anyone else.

Jun: ...That look on your face tells me you must've heard all about it from Ibara, huh?

Nagisa: ...But now, I can finally understand why.

...When I was watching the 4piece program, I was captivated by Ibara's movements in the Arena.

Hiyori: He formed an Ibara Empire all of a sudden, didn't he? I was rewatching the program and seeing it again made me laugh.

Nagisa: ...Right. And Jun had no issue constantly giving it his best efforts.

...He was able to achieve his goal of participating as a qualified candidate from CosPro.

...Seeing that Jun was doing well, Ibara then began to take control of the Arena.

...Thinking about it now, I can understand why he'd be upset with Jun for hiding this from him.

Ibara: What I meant was that, throughout our activities together as Eden, I was somehow able to get a grasp of Jun's thought process...

I didn't think you'd be this superficial, Your Excellency. I'm almost impressed.

Hiyori: Either way, this will be the last time we ever keep things from each other, okay?

Ibara: Just don't cause any additional trouble for us starting from now, Jun.

Hiyori: Not just Jun-kun, but you too, Nagisa-kun, Ibara. Don't keep secrets from us, alright?

Ibara: Why of course! I would never hide anything from you, Your Highness.

Hiyori: Uwah, says you? When you're the one with the most secrets out of all of us?

Nagisa: ...I'll keep that in mind. I don't want to make you worry, Hiyori-kun.

Hiyori: Fufu, you're such a good kid, Nagisa-kun. Jun-kun could learn a thing or two from you!

Jun: Alright, alright, I get it alreadyy~.

(Somehow, it all worked out.)

(All I need to do now is just whatever I need to do to get closer to my goal.)

Ibara: Now then, let's get started.

Jun: Start... what, exactly?

Ibara: It just came to mind: starting now, this is a meeting concerning the future activities of Adam, Eve, and Eden.

Since Jun's made his decision about his international debut, the plans I'd made for Eden these first few months into the year are now null and void.

That means we need to revise our schedules. If we don't, then we won't be able to follow through on what I currently have planned.

Jun: Is this why you barged in here? To talk about work with us?

Ibara: Are you saying I was stationed behind the door just to listen in on your conversation and nothing else?

Now, please take your seats, everyone. I'll be passing out the documents shortly.

Hiyori: Wow, you sure came prepared! I understand how you feel, Ibara, but I have business to attend to right now.

Ibara: ...Sure, but if I may — what 'business'?

Hiyori: Why, a celebration party to congratulate Jun-kun on his international debut, of course. ♪

Ibara: ...I'm sorry, what?

Jun: Wait, wait, it's not like I passed some college entrance exam or anything. You really don't have t—

Hiyori: No, I insist. Good things should always be celebrated and enjoyed to the fullest.

Once the Nice Dream Unit project is underway, you'd probably have all your time taken up by that. If we want to hold a party, then this timing can't be helped!

Nagisa: ...I think it's a good idea. The auditions are over, so all of us should take this time to rest.

Hiyori: Well then, it's settled! Hurry up, Jun-kun! There's this pleasant little shop I'd like you to make a reservation at!

Jun: Don't you find it odd that even though it's a party meant for me, I'm the one making the reservation for it?

Well, it's fine either way~. Ohii-san following his own whims isn't anything new, after all.

But don't complain if the food isn't to your liking, alright~?

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[ibarap]

Masterlist / [Event] Slither ◆ Ouroboros and the Underground Dwelling

📅 31 Mar 2025 ⏰ Summer II (After 4piece arc) 🔖 17 Chapters 🎭 Ibara, Nagisa, Hiyori, Jun, Mika, Hinata, Yuuta, Himeru, Kohaku, Niki, Rinne

As CosPro's president is stepping down, Ibara decided to appoint Anzu to act as the agency's temporary president. However, in addition to his own plans, a project known as [Let's All Get Along ★ CosPro Fan Meeting] is underway...

Chapters:

Prologue

Transforming Ring 1 Transforming Ring 2 Transforming Ring 3 Transforming Ring 4 Transforming Ring 5 Transforming Ring 6 Transforming Ring 7

Recurring Feelings 1 Recurring Feelings 2 Recurring Feelings 3 Recurring Feelings 4 Recurring Feelings 5 Recurring Feelings 6 Recurring Feelings 7 Recurring Feelings 8 Epilogue

[ibarap]

[Scout] Suntan Summer / Colorful good job 5

Sora: Ah, Sparkling onii-san! Hello~!

<A few days later.>

Sora: Nn~, Sora messed up again~. Who knew folding eggs over yakisoba would be so hard.

Niki: No, no — considering you've just started learning how, you've already gotten a hang of it!

I'm sure you'll whip up a neat omusoba on the next go! Just don't give up and give it your best shot! [1]

Sora: Haha~, even if Sora uses up a lot of eggs, he not gonna pull it off~.

Niki: That's fine. I'll take full responsibility for the ones you made and eat 'em all. ♪

Kuro: Shiina, that'd just make him feel worried instead.

Niki: Harukawa-kun, the fact you've got a strange power within you means your hands have the skill to do it.

How about we call it a break for now and then give it another go. There's more than enough time for you to get it down, after all.

Sora: Chef onii-san is so nice~, but Sora's okay. He'll keep on trying for just a bit longer.

...Sora remembers this one time him and Kei-chan-senpai cooked together like this~ ♪

Kuro: Kei-chan-senpai... Y'mean Danna?

Sora: Hihi~. Last year, Sora made steamed buns with him. Sora found it fun~. [2]

Niki: Those are good~. I'll add it to the menu 'cause they're easy to make as long as we use red-bean paste and dough!

Kuro: Haha, sounds good to me. Now I'm here hopin' Danna would come by the party and have some.

Sora: Sora wants to see that happen too! He wants as many people as possible to have fun at the 'thank you' party~!

Niki: ...That reminds me, is now a good time, Kiryuu-kun? Didn'tcha say you had work this afternoon?

Kuro: Uh-oh, already? I should be able to make it if I hurry over, but I woulda liked to have a bit more breathin' room than just that.

My bad, I didn't notice the time. Harukawa, do your best, but don't force yourself, alright?

Sora: Got it! Sora's gonna try and make a super neat omusoba the next time he sees you~!

Kuro: I'll hold you to it. ♪ Well, I'll be leavin' the rest to you, Shiina.

Niki: If anything, you should leave it up to Harukawa-kun! ...Okay now, time to give it another shot.

Subaru: Umm... Ah, so this is where you guys were! Yahoo~, Yellow Kid~!

Sora: Ah, Sparkling onii-san! Hello~!

Subaru: Hi hi! Good to see you're doing alright~☆

Niki: Akehoshi-kun, are you here for lunch?

Subaru: Not really. I already had some at the cafeteria earlier, so I'm good. That aside, you guys are in the middle of preparing that 'thank you' party, right? So it's true that you guys were doing that over here at Café Cinammon.

Niki: That's 'cause I get to borrow the kitchen whenever there's downtime during work.

Wait, do I need to get the okay for that? A few people are gonna come here to help out on the day of the party too.

Subaru: Ah, right. You're surprisingly reliable, Shiina-senpai~♪

I just ran into Kiryuu-senpai on the way here, does that mean you guys are done for today?

Sora: Nope, Red onii-san had work, so Sora and Chef onii-san are still here to practice a bit~.

Subaru: I see, I see! Sounds like things have been going smoothly, huh?

Sora: Huhu~, Sora will be a master at cooking after this! Come and watch Sora make omusoba right in front of you, Sparkling onii-san~.

Subaru Alright☆, but lemme know why you're making it~!

Sora: Fufun, the staff requested it!

Subaru: ...Oo~h, so that's why you've been practicing so much: it's a top pick for the party's menu.

Niki: Nah, it's not just the omusoba. We've got yakitori and fried potato on the list too. [3]

Subaru: You do? Well, I like all three, so I'll be happy with whatever the top pick is~♪

Sora: Red onii-san showed Sora how to grill yakitori, so Sora has it down!

And he'll get better at folding omusoba neatly! Sora will blow Senpai and everyone away on the day of the party~!

...Hehe~? Did Sparkling onii-san take a photo of Sora just now?

Subaru: Sorry for not asking for permission first. I was just so relieved when I saw you were having a blast while cooking.

Niki: Now that you mention it, you said the same thing earlier too~. Were you worried about us?

Subaru: Eeh, I wouldn't be worried over something like that. It's Natsume you guys should be asking that.

Lately, he's been in a bit of an interesting state~ He's been muttering, "Sora~... Sora~..." all the time, y'know?

I think it's 'cause he's been feeling lonely since he hasn't seen Yellow Kid in a while. It's like he's so worked up over it that he hasn't been doing consulations.

Sora: ...Is Sora making Shisho~ worry?

Subaru: Sounds like it to me. That's why he asked me to go check things out.

...Ah, I said way too much. Could you guys keep this hush-hush from Natsume?

I made my way all the way here, so... Tell me a little more about the 'thank you' party.

I need to let Natsume know what you've been up to. Plus, I wanna know what kinda plan you guys thought up. ☆

<A few minutes later.>

Sora: ...Or something like that~? Did Sora explain it well?

Niki: I'd say yeah. Was there anything you didn't get, Akehoshi-kun?

Subaru: Nope, I'm good. I get what kinda 'thank you' party you guys are going for now.

I was wondering if you guys were gonna be alright, 'cause Natsume mentioned how NewDi's always in the red financially~, but even that's looking all well and good.

Sounds like a fun, but average, 'thank you' party, doesn't it?

Sora: ...'Average'?

Subaru: Yeah. I heard you'd be the one organising it, so I was under the impression the party itself would be a bit weird~.

I'm glad everything's working out. I wonder if that's 'cause you went around asking everyone all kinds of things?

Niki: Well, we couldn't 'go all out~!' with the budget we have. But even if it is average, wouldn't that be fine as long as we can make people happy?

That's not why Harukawa-kun signed off on the plan we have right now, right?

Sora: Yeah. It's supposed to make Senpai and every one of the staff happy. That's also what Sora signed off on~.

Sora: H~mm, so you guys are on the same wavelength, huh. I do think what you guys have planned would make people happy...

But Yellow Kid, be honest. Are you happy to be doing this?

Sora: ...Does Sora look unhappy?

Subaru: We~ll, it's not that I think that you are, but more like I have no idea how you really feel.

I'm getting the vibe that you've just been putting up with it. Am I wrong?

Sora: ...

Subaru: Sorry. It's just that, if something happened to you, Natsume would be sad for sure. But for someone that's not even involved in this, I've probably gotten way too involved in your business.

We've been talking for longer than I'd thought, I have to get going soon. You go out and play with Natsume on the day of the party, 'kay? ☆

Niki: He really just left us with that, huh.

Sora: (Sora just wanted to do something for his senpai who have always been working so hard.)

(He's been making steady progress on the party preparations with Chef onii-san and Red onii-san's help. Sora believes that if we hold the 'thank you' party, we'd definitely make everyone happy.)

(But is Sora really enjoying this?)

Notes:

オムソバ (omusoba): A variation of yakisoba where the fried noodles act as the omelette filling.

Reference to the ! scout story Chinatown. To be more specific, Keito and Sora made baozi together.

フライドポテト (fried potato): Covers both french fries and potato wedges (both the thin and thick type of cuts).

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[ibarap]

[Scout] Suntan Summer / Colorful good job 4

Tsumugi: I really wouldn't be able to do this myself.

Tsumugi: Er~, is the meeting still going...? I'm late, but I brought tea and sweets with me.

Sora: Hehe~, Senpai, thank you for your hard work today!

Niki: Thanks! Those look good.

Tsumugi: Please help yourselves. Although I'm involved with NewDi's current situation, I'm sorry I wasn't able to be here earlier.

Kuro: No worries. Weren't ya out for some meeting like usual? Thanks for yer hard work.

Tsumugi: Thank you. How's the 'thank you' party coming along?

Sora: Here, we just finalised the proposal for it! Sora thinks it'd be a project everyone in the staff can enjoy while staying inside our budget.

Tsumugi: Fufu, I'm glad everything went well. ♪ Sora-kun, you went around and asked them all sorts of things for this, am I right?

Kuro: Heh, so even Aoba knew about that.

Tsumugi Of course I do, it's all the office has been talking about. Sounds like everyone's really looking forward to it—

—since I was told that some idol kids at the agency even want to help you out.

Niki: That's great! So it looks like that solves our problem of not having enough helping hands, huh?

Sora: Yup! Senpai, please tell us who they all are later~.

Tsumugi: Sure, I'll get you guys in touch.

Sora: Hoho~♪ With everyone working together, Senpai and the staff will all get to recover their energy~!

Tsumugi: Fufu, I was really glad when you told me you wanted to do the 'thank you' party for me.

I've mentioned to you before how hard it'd be to allocate the work needed for it—

—because if you were to entrust it to them as 'business', then they'd feel like they're being forced to get it done in the end.

So I thought about working on this while still doing my own work around the office, but I didn't have the time.

That's why I'm really thankful that Sora-kun's organising it with both of your help.

I really wouldn't be able to do this myself.

Even though the three of you put in all this effort to draft a project proposal today, when you were struggling to think up of one due to the lack of both funding and available workers—

you guys must've been full of anxiety and thinking, "What do we do now?"

Kuro: Honestly, it was a real struggle to not mess anythin' up.

Tsumugi: Fufu, but you all managed one way or another, right?

Maybe I'm worrying too much. It does sound like it'll be a fun project, I'm really relieved.

Sora: If everyone has fun, then Sora would be happy with just that~.

At first, Sora didn’t really know how he could pull off the ‘thank you’ party, but when he was listening to all the staff's stories, Sora started to understand...

Everybody wants to have a ‘thank you’ party.

That’s why this is the most proper form!

Tsumugi: 'Proper form'?

Sora: Um, nevermind~. Sora's looking forward to seeing Senpai's happy face from now on. ☆ [1]

Chef onii-san, let's practice cooking ASAP so that we can properly serve everyone at our 'thank you' party!

Niki: Eh, wait, you mean starting now? But Aoba-kun just got here?

Sora: Yeah! Sora's gonna go home now, he has to get something for the project! Senpai, see you tomorrow...!

Kuro: What's this 'thing' he's talkin' about? If he meant the proposal itself, he coulda written it down here and handed it over.

Niki: Maybe he was hungry? Either way, we should get going too.

Kuro: Yeah, we should. Well, we'll be in yer care soon enough, Aoba.

Tsumugi: R-right. Sora-kun, what's gotten into you...?

Notes:

For this specific line, Sora uses 先輩 (senpai, general term) instead of his usual せんぱい (Senpai, aka what he calls Tsumugi). Not sure if this is a typo or not.

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[ibarap]

[Scout] Suntan Summer / Colorful good job 3

Sora: A food stall? That sounds fun, it reminds Sora of a festival~♪

<The next day>

Sora: Haha~♪ Hello! Sora's full of energy like usual. ☆

Niki: He~y there, Harukawa-kun. Same here~.

Sora: Hm~? Chef onii-san, is that a cheerful 'colour' you're giving off?

Niki: Spot on! I got a message earlier saying something I asked for had gone through. ♪

Anyways, what was that about 'colour'?

Sora: You heard Sora right, he can see lots of colours more than most people.

Chef onii-san’s always overflowing with a bright ‘colour’. Looking at it makes Sora happy!

Niki: Heeh, that's interesting. I wonder if you could also see how much more colourful my cooking is?

Kuro: Oh, I'm the last to get here. Did I keep you guys waitin'?

Niki: Nah, you're just in time for the meeting, so it's all good.

Kuro: Sorry, I was cuttin' it close. Well, might as well start now that we're all here.

Sora: Hihi~! Sora went ahead and asked around the staff at the agency today!

Niki: You did?

Sora: Yup! Sora had fun listening to the ideas they had~. Could you take a look at what he collected?

Kuro: Let me see... It's about what I expected, but there're a lot of comments sayin' they dunno if they can join 'cause of work.

Sora: It'd be sad if we put in all this effort for the party just for no one to show up.

Kuro: Would be nice if we could hold it when there're as many people as possible that're free to drop by for a bit...

Niki: How about when everyone clocks out of work? Like to say "thanks for all your hard work today"?

Sora: Ah... But Sora heard it'd be a problem if we hold it way too late into the day~. It's different since work is over, and he wants to respect everyone's personal time.

Niki: Ah~, that's fair. If it were me, I'd join without question if it meant I got to eat good food, though...

Kuro: In that case, how does noon sound?

That's usually gonna be 'round the time they'd be headin' to the staff cafeteria or to Café Cinnamon. So on the day of, they could eat delicious food and recover their energy at the party instead.

Sora: Huhu~, good idea! That way, we won't get in between them and their work~. ♪

Niki: Then that means the venue has to be somewhere close to ES. If they can get there by foot, then that's a plus. We don't want to take up too much of their time.

Kuro: Yeah, somewhere inside ES... I'm thinkin' one of those big conference halls or maybe a break room?

Niki: Sounds like it'd be crowded if we don't properly consider the amount of floor space, though.

Sora: Yeah, they'd be anything but relaxed in that case~.

Niki: Something a bit more open, then. Any chance you came across a potential spot while you were out gathering info?

Sora: Umm, somewhere with a lot of open space, and can handle a crowd of people...

Ah, what about the Hanging Garden? It's outside, so it's not gonna get crowded even if there's a lot of people!

Kuro: Yeah, it's big enough for that. Not bad.

We've got the venue picked out, so now onto the food...

Niki: Gotcha guys covered! I want you guys to look at a few possible menus that I think fit our budget.

Kuro: You're gonna be makin' the food ahead of time, meanin' you're bringin' it up to the Hanging Garden, yeah?

Niki: Of course. I need to prep some things in advance, but I could also cook onsite now that my request's been approved.

There's a food stall over at Café Cinnamon that's used for selling food offsite, so I asked if it was alright for me to rent it out. [1]

Sora: A food stall? That sounds fun, it reminds Sora of a festival~♪

Kuro: Haha, looks like even Harukawa likes the sound of that. Then we're goin' with Shiina's plan of borrowin' the stall and cookin' the food there.

Niki: Roger that! As a chef, I want people to eat food fresh off the stove.

Kuro: It's a good thing we've got someone to cover the food like Shiina here. ♪

Niki: Of course, so please leave it to me! But even when you say that, Kiryuu-kun's good at cooking too, right?

Even if we've only cooked together once or twice as part of our circle activities, your skills helped a ton!

Kuro: But that's not enough to make me a pro chef. What about you, Harukawa? You cook on the regular or anythin'?

Sora: Nope, Sora doesn't cook that much~. The most he can do is help someone else in the kitchen.

Kuro: If you don't cook, then we better go with somethin' that's easy to make.

Niki: Easy to make... So yakimono? Like yakisoba or yakitori~... [2]

<30 minutes later>

Sora: Hm~... Did we write down everything we thought of?

Kuro: Considerin' how tight the budget is, it's a surprise that we got our acts together for this proposal.

Niki: It sounds like it'll be a fun event that'll make them go, "I'll do my best tomorrow, too". Don'tcha think so, Harukawa-kun?

Sora: Yup! Sora thinks the staff will enjoy it!

He wouldn't have been able to do this all by himself~ So thank you! ♪

Niki: Nah, none of that. You're the one who went around asking the staff beforehand!

Kuro: It's just as Shiina says. If it weren't for that, it woulda been much harder to put this plan together over today's meetin'.

Sora: Sora's super happy to hear that he was helpful~♪

Notes:

屋台 (yatai, 'food stall'): They’re those pop-up stands you see selling street food, usu. during events like festivals. There's also 移動販売 (idou hanbai, 'travelling shop') as in it’s only temporarily set-up at the location (usu. as a food truck)

 焼き物 (yakimono, 'grilled/fried food'): It’s usually served at food stalls. Yakisoba and yakitori are fried noodles and grilled chicken respectively.

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[ibarap]

[Scout] Suntan Summer / Colorful good job 2

Sora: ...

Sora: ...

(Both Shisho~ and Senpai are doing their best, so Sora needs to do the best he can, too.)

(...But it feels like Senpai's on another level compared to Sora.)

(If Sora does his best over and over again, could he get closer to Shisho~ and Senpai...?)

...Wawah?!

Niki: Oof, sorry for bumping into you! ...Hey wait, isn't this Harukawa-kun?

Kuro: We didn't see ya comin' 'round the corner 'cause of how deep we were into our conversation. You hurt anywhere?

Sora: Haha~♪ Sora's strong, so he's alright~. Thank you for worrying about him!

Hm? You're both giving off an excited 'colour'~. Were you guys talking about something fun?

Kuro: Yeah, we were. Shiina and I were talkin' over what the Overnight Outdoors Party oughta do next time.

We were goin' back and forth about where we'd go, but before we even noticed it, we started discussin' camping food.

Even though that's more of his thing than mine, he was sharin' with me in detail about all kindsa food that'd make your mouth water.

Niki: Nahaha, glad to hear it was up your alley!

Don'tcha think camping food's surprisingly simple? It's just adding your own spin onto instant meals and working with the limited ingredients you have on hand.

Plus, it's delicious, so I 100% recommend it ♪!

Kuro: So in the end, instead of talkin' 'bout where we'd go, we got excited thinkin' of what kinda camping food we'd cook.

Niki: You already mentioned that earlier, though.

Don'tcha think it'd be a great idea if, for our next circle activity, we got everyone to try all kinds of camping food?

Sora: Hihi~♪ That sounds super fun~ Now Sora wants to go camping for ASOBI Club too!

Niki: That's the circle Rinne-kun joined, right? He hasn't been stirring up any trouble there?

Sora: Nope! Sora has a lot of fun playing with Gambler onii-san!

Niki: 'Gambler onii-san'... Don't let him show you the bad kind of games, Harukawa-kun!

Kuro: Anyway, I dunno when things'll pick up again, so I'll just show up whenever I'm free.

Niki: Huh? Can't you take it a bit more easy now that MDM's over and done with?

Kuro: That varies from person to person, no?

If there's anythin' keepin' me busy, it's all the work offers that've been comin' in since MDM ended. So I'll run 'round and handle the clean-up for you guys.

Now that I think about it, ain't Danna still as busy as ever?

Feels like the same goes for NewDi. Danna mentioned that they're a lot more understaffed compared to the others.

Sora: Yeah, it's been super busy over there because it looks like there's not that many staff around~. Sora's worried they're all gonna collapse from working themselves too hard.

Kuro: I don't think you gotta worry that much... Even a guy like Aoba can keep an eye on his health.

But I don't like hearin' they've been workin' themselves to death, either. They need a break.

Niki: Yeah, exactly. They need to wind down from work, eat good food, and rest up here and there!

Sora: ...Do you guys really think so?

Kuro: Well, I dunno if I'd be any help if I were to help out Danna with the agency, so least I could do is be there for him whenever he's itchin' for a break.

Sora: ...

Niki: Harukawa-kun, you’re making such a sad face — what’s wrong?

Sora: To be honest...

Kuro: Gotcha. So Aoba's been meanin' to throw a ‘thank you’ party for the staff, but he’s way too busy to even plan it.

Niki: Sounds like a good idea to me though~. They can recover their energy if they eat some delicious food.

Sora: Sora thinks so too, but doesn't it sound like it'd be hard to organise?

There's a lot of things to consider like workers and budget...

Kuro: And NewDi don't have much of either. Makes sense that Aoba's the one organisin' everything, considerin' he knows what the deal is around your guys' agency.

Sora: ...Sora knows Senpai said it'd be hard to pull off. Senpai's been thinking about everyone the whole time, so he should be the one holding the party.

But then it'd feel like he's the only one there who's been working hard~.

Sora knows that Senpai and the staff are all working tirelessly, so that's why Sora wants everyone to be happy~.

But Sora doesn't really know how to make that happen...

Niki: Ohh, are you worried 'cause you want to be the one organising the party instead?

Sora: ...Eh?

Niki: Um, was that not it? I thought for sure I was right...

Sora: No... You're not wrong.

Sora wants to thank everyone for always doing their best to support idols like us.

But... wouldn't it be weird if Sora's the one planning this?

Niki: What's so weird about it? It's perfectly fine if you feel that way, Harukawa-kun!

Sora: Sora's really nervous about preparing everything by himself, though. Sora doesn't want to ask Senpai and everyone for help because they're already super busy~ He doesn't want to give them even more work.

Kuro: If you're plannin' on throwin' it for real, it sounds like a pain to do all on your own considerin' you gotta get in touch with a venue and take care of the food too.

Haha, workin' on project proposals ain't my strong suit, but... Well, I'll understand 'em better if I go ask Danna for some pointers.

Sora: ...Eh?

Niki: Yu~p! Leave the menu up to me. I'll try my best to cook delicious food while staying within our budget!

Kuro: We're not cruel enough to get you all fired up and then just tell you to figure it out all by yourself after.

Sora: Thank you! Sora feels a lot more sure now that he has your help~!

Niki: Well, now that that’s settled, then we’ll meet up to talk it over some more!

Kuro: Calm down, now. We should run it by Aoba first before we can start plannin' things out for the party.

Sora: Huhu~, it'd be nice if we could hold the 'thank you' party and make everyone happy!

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[Scout] Suntan Summer / Colorful good job 1

Sora: A ‘thank you’ party?

Tsumugi: ...Yes, I have it right here. Since all I need to do is sign it off, I'll be the one handling it. [1]

No, you really did help us get this far while you were working for us.

If anything, I should be the one apologising for the added workload on the staff!

Aah, so you're supposed to oversee a recording after this. Sorry, I've been holding you up.

If anything comes up, please let me know as soon as you can.

...Hmm~, it's just as I thought — the staff here have a lot on their shoulders. Do we have any other work that I can take on?

Sora: ...

Tsumugi: Oh, Sora-kun, why are you peeking into the office from the entrance? Aren't you going to come in?

Sora: ...! Haha~, good morning, Senpai!

Tsumugi: Good morning~ ♪

Ah, right. A business partner sent us a box of assorted cakes. They're really good, would you like to try some?

Sora: Uwaah, perfect timing — Sora was feeling hungry. Thanks for the food. ♪

Tsumugi: Help yourself to as many as you want. Anyway, did you need me for anything?

Sora: Nope, Sora had some free time before his next job, so he went to go see you!

Hihi~, looks like you're busy — should Sora share some of his energy with you~?

Tsumugi: Fufu, thank you~♪ I think I can keep myself going for the rest of the afternoon because of you.

Sora: Is Senpai busy like usual? Don't you want to play with Sora whenever you don't have work~?

Tsumugi: I'd especially have to work hard so that I can be done with work earlier in that case.

Please don't worry about me. There's been a bit more work recently, but things should settle down soon.

Sora: But Sora is worried. It's not just Senpai that's busy, it looks like Shisho~ is too~.

Why are you two still busy even after MDM?

Tsumugi: Aah, I see. To Sora-kun, it looks like ES has gone back to normal...

Sora: Yeah. It's like everyone Sora had run into at ES at the time was shivering all over... And there was a painful, worn-out 'colour' all around. Sora even found it hard to breathe~...

When MDM ended, that's when those painful 'colours' started to go away little by little.

But does it only look like it's back to normal, like you said?

Tsumugi: To be honest, more and more staff have been taking leave from work over at the other agencies, but I sadly can't say the same for NewDi.

We're different in the sense that we can't afford being flexible with our finances.

Under normal circumstances, the work we have can be done more efficiently as long as there's money to do so. We're left with no choice but to handle it ourselves using the staff we have at hand.

Sora: But you shouldn't push yourselves that much~

Tsumugi: We really shouldn't, but that's how it is for most of the staff at the moment.

To be honest, there are people here who look visibly exhausted. I'm taking up as much work as I can, too...

Sora: Huhu~... Then won't Senpai just wear himself out~?

Tsumugi: Fufu, you're so thoughtful, Sora-kun. But I'll be okay since I've got the time.

Still, I wish things would settle down sooner than later. Seeing as I'm the vice president, if I were to work myself into the ground, then wouldn't everyone else find it hard to relax?

I should hold something like a 'thank you' party while I have the chance... [2]

Sora: A ‘thank you’ party?

Tsumugi: Yes, that's right. It'd be hard to make room for a day off in our schedules, after all...

I've been thinking over how we could have a celebration party for how hard everyone has been working up until now.

Sora: Hehe~ Sora likes the sound of that! Everybody’s been giving it their all, so he thinks they should get a prize for it~.

Tsumugi: Fufu, I don't know about the prizes, though. Either way, if we're going to hold one, then we're going to need a fair amount of staff, budget, and so on—

since we need to think about booking the venue and ordering food ahead of time and all.

But if I were to assign too much of the staff for that, they might think I sent them in for business reasons instead.

Sora: ...? Would someone get mad at Senpai even though you're only throwing the party 'cause you want everyone to rest up?

Tsumugi: I’m not saying that there is someone in NewDi who would think that. I think the 'thank you' party on its own would make the staff really happy.

I'm saying that it's possible for that to also be the case. They might say that I can't balance multiple projects — or rather, it'd be hard to organise because I can't just do whatever I want.

So, to avoid causing any bad blood between everyone, I think I'll be the one organising everything, but... When I think about all the work I have on my hands, I don't think it's happening anytime soon.

Ah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to talk about something so heavy with you, Sora-kun...

Sora: It's okay, Sora doesn't mind~!

Besides, it made him happy to know that Senpai's been thinking a lot about everyone. ♪

Sora will do his best at work so that you can have a lot more fun~!

Tsumugi: Ahaha, you already help me a lot as is, so please don't worry about me.

Sora: Well, Sora has to go now. See you, Senpai~♪

Tsumugi: Okay. Take care, Sora-kun.

Notes:

判子 (hanko, 'seal'): A personalised stamp used to sign documents and packages instead of a pen.

慰労会 (iroukai, lit. consolation {for} labour party): A party held by a company in recognition of its workers' efforts and achievements. Not too dissimilar to regular company lunches or dinners, just minus the business or networking aspect. I've chosen to render it as just "'thank you' party" for brevity here, and will be shortening it to just 'party' to better fit some dialogue too.

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Masterlist / [Scout] Suntan Summer

📅 29 Jun 2023 ⏰ Summer I (Between Orient and Werewolf) 🔖 Suika (睡佳) / 7 Chapters 🎭 Sora, Tsumugi, Kuro, Niki, Subaru, Natsume

Even after MDM, Tsumugi and the other NewDi staff are busy at work due to a shortage of staff. Sora learns about staff 'thank you' parties and wonders if he could somehow hold one for them.

Chapters:

Colorful good job 1

Colorful good job 2

Colorful good job 3

Colorful good job 4

Colorful good job 5

Colorful good job 6

Colorful good job 7

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[Idol Story] Yuzuru Fushimi / Every Loyal Dog Has Its Day [1]

📅 25 Aug 2023

⏰ Spring

🔖 Kanata Haruka (彼方遥) / 1 Chapter

🎭 Yuzuru, Wataru, Tori

Yuzuru: (Sigh... I can't believe I have to take King out for a walk by myself...)

(I know all too well that things have been busy at the estate, but even so, I had wanted to avoid this if at all possible...)

...Please, King. Listen to me for today.

(He still refuses to listen to me sometimes.)

(He has mellowed out somewhat in his old age, but as expected, he considers me the inferior one here.)

(Last time, he even tried to bite my hand when I went to feed him...)

Hiih?! K-King! Why did you bark all of a sudden?!

I knew it, you're looking down on me, aren't you?!

Please don't act out so recklessly!

Wataru: —I've heard about this before, but to think you really are this awful with dogs...

I've witnessed an extremely rare scene involving our ever-steadfast Butler-san with my very eyes. ♪

Yuzuru: Oh, is that you, Hibiki-sama? For you to have seen such a disgraceful sight...

Wataru: No, no, it's alright.

Each and everyone of us has a thing or two we're unable to do, after all.

That being said, this must be Himegimi's beloved pet dog, King-kun.

Aah, amazing! What lovely eyes and thick fur you have!

With a single look, I can see how much they love you. ♪

Yuzuru: (King, who's always so difficult to please, is letting Hibiki-sama pet him on his head without complaint?!)

(I must say, I expected as much from Hibiki-sama. Not only does he understand the human heart, but even that of an animal.)

(But how fortunate. If it's Hibiki-sama, then I can trust him.)

Ahem, Hibiki-sama. I must apologise for making such an improper request, but if you're able to, would you take my place and take King on a walk for me?

Wataru: Take him for a walk? Aah, I see now.

But that would be a little difficult, as I'm also out on a walk right now with my beloved partners. ♪

Yuzuru: Your 'partners'... Would that be your doves?

I don't see anything resembling them by you, though.

Wataru: No, no, my dearest and most reliable companions are right beside you.

Now, if you'd look at your shoulder... ☆

Yuzuru: Oof, they suddenly pecked at me once I did. How wonderful.

Wataru: ...Hmm. Normally, you'd never let us see the chinks in your armour like this, Butler-san.

It really does seem likely that you're awful with dogs. I see, I see.

Speaking of, you said you wanted to overcome your fear of dogs, correct?

Yuzuru: Yes, I did. As I'm the Young Master's servant, living together with King is unavoidable.

I can't keep avoiding him, saying, "I'm terrible with dogs" forever if that's the case.

Wataru: Amazing! Your determination has impressed me!

Then, this Hibiki Wataru shall lend you a hand. ☆

Yuzuru: Lend me a hand? Could it be you'll be taking King on a walk for me after all?

Wataru: No. Well, doing that wouldn't help you when you say you want to overcome your fear.

You could call it off here, but you'd still be awful with dogs afterwards.

That's no good. What a sad ending, devoid of love and wonder.

Now that I'm involved, I won't just leave things on such a dull resolution! Fufufu...

Yuzuru: But what exactly am I supposed to do?

Wataru: It's simple. You and King-kun need to go through a great trial together.

You'll strengthen your bond with one another once you've experienced the same hardships, and so man and dog would be one and the same.

If you keep each other at a distance out of mutual fear, then I have little faith in the progress of your relationship with each other.

Yuzuru: I see. I think Oogami-sama and Akehoshi-sama had told me this before. [2]

That dogs can sense when we're afraid of them.

You said that, in order for me to overcome my fear, I would have to try and cooperate with King to accomplish something.

Wataru: Exactly!

Fufufu, it seems you're becoming interested in this now too. ♪

Well, I'll be leaving the specific plan of attack up to you from here.

And starting now, King-kun will be learning how to do a trick.

Of course, you'll be the one teaching him. You have my utmost support until the bitter end.

By the time you're able to teach him a trick after many hardships, I'm sure the bond you two have woven together will be overflowing with love!

Yuzuru: ...I understand. I'll mentally prepare myself for this too.

With your guidance, I'll do my best to teach King a trick!

<A few days later…>

Tori: —So this is because of that?

Yuzuru: Yes. It was quite the journey.

With Hibiki-sama's guidance, this is the result of King and I's strict and intensive training...

—Please watch us one more time, Young Master!

Come here, King~. Look over here~.

Don't move when I'm looking at you. Here goes...

Daruma-san... fell over! [3]

Look at that, Young Master!

King learned how to play Daruma-san Fell Over. ♪

Tori: He didn’t ‘learn’ anything!

That Long Hair taught you guys something weird~!

Next time I see him, I'll bunch up his long hair and make it look like dango! [4]

Haa... But what I'm getting is that you and King did get along, right?

Yuzuru: Not really? I was motivated by the trauma of King knocking me down and barking at me numerous times all throughout our training—

—so it's as if nothing had changed in the end.

Tori: Then what did you guys even want to do~...?

Notes:

(忠)犬も歩けば棒に当たる: Idiom meaning 'good luck may come unexpectedly', but I picked a similar idiom for the title since I wanted to preserve the 'loyal dog' phrasing.

Reference to Yuzuru's ! sub story Dog Days.

Daruma-san Fell Over: A children's game similar to Red Light, Green Light.

団子 (dango): A sweet snack made out of rice flour that's typically shaped into round balls and served on a wooden or bamboo skewer.

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[Management] Tsumugi Aoba / Chapter 6

Leo: Oba-chan, gimme~. ♪

Leo: Oba-cha~n...♪

Tsumugi: Oh? It's Leo-kun. Did you come here to borrow a book? If you are, then I can recommend you a few~. ♪

Leo: Thanks, but I'll have to pass! I didn't come to the library to read!

Oba-chan, gimme~. ♪

Tsumugi: Haha, so you came to the library to ask me for something? Alright, please wait a moment.

I'm sure it's in here... Ah, here it is. Okay, here you go. ♪

Leo: Hm? Why'd you give me a charm? And why does it have 'Safe Delivery' on it?!

Tsumugi: Eh, 'Safe Delivery'? I thought I bought one that said 'Safe Driving'. Why does it say 'Safe Delivery'?! [1]

Leo: Gah, I wouldn't know even if you asked me. Hm~, it's 'cause Oba-chan's like a clumsy girl, so you probably got the wrong one by mistake.

Well, it's alright! Thanks, Oba-chan!

Tsumugi: Ahaha, you don't have to thank me~. I mean, I'd be upset if I got a 'Safe Delivery' charm myself, so let me get you a different one.

Leo: I don't mind that much, though~.

There's this cat at the park and it looks like she's about to have kittens soon, so I'm gonna give the charm to her.

Tsumugi: Really~? So that means even my clumsiness can be helpful sometimes.

Tsukinaga-kun, please let me know when she delivers healthy baby kittens.

I have many charms they could come play with~. ♪

Notes:

'Safe/easy childbirth' (安産) and 'road safety' (交通 [安全] ) have similar kanji (if you have poor vision like Tsumugi). I tried to preserve the mix-up by using 'delivery' and 'driving'.

[ibarap]

[Management] Tsumugi Aoba / Chapter 5

Rei: Aah, I'm soo scared... ♪

Tsumugi: Oh, is that you, Rei-kun? Fufu, you came to school in the morning today~. ♪

Rei: Indeed. Good morning, Aoba-kun.

Tsumugi: Good morning~. It's just a normal morning greeting, but it's sounds a tiny bit novel coming from you.

Rei: It's novel to me too. I say my 'good morning's at night.

Tsumugi: You're nocturnal, right~? That's not good for you, so please go outside every now and then to bask in the sunlight.

Rei: Kukuku, what a roundabout way of telling me I should turn to ash, is it not?

Aoba-kun, how cruel it is for you to have the face of someone who couldn't even hurt a fly. Aah, I'm soo scared... ♪

Tsumugi: Wawah, I didn't mean it like that at all~!

I was just thinking I wanted you to spend your time in a way that's a bit more healthy for you?!

Rei: I know. Forgive me, waking up in the morning makes me act strange.

Tsumugi: Fufu, it does feel that way~.

...Ah, Rei-kun! There's something I want you to have.

Here, these are a few days' worth of notes from class.

Rei: Hm~, did I ask you to do something like that?

Tsumugi: No, I did it because I wanted to. Umm, am I bothering you?

Rei: Not at all, I would never consider good intentions to be a bother. Thank you, Aoba-kun.

Tsumugi: No, no~, please feel free to ask me to do anything as long as it's something I can do.