#♪ kuro !

[leaderoffestivals]

Trip Down Memory Lane: MaM

Madara: Meeting Kuro-san, someone whom I can go all out with when we play, is such a stroke of luck for meee ♪

Madara: Hmm, you’re asking about those days, huh… …? A lot was happening back then, and also, I’d been travelling all over the world, you knowww~

I returned to Yumenosaki in the Spring as a third-year student, carrying out activities as [MaM]. 

As you know, MaM is a Solo Unit, so I ended up collaborating with idols from other Units quite a lot!

Take WisteriaFes, for example—I had the chance to share the stage with Kanata-san, Souma-san, Chiaki-san and Shinobu-san, as well as aaall my adorable kouhais from the Track and Field Team ♪

Oh wow, sooo many things went down before we even hit the stage! Like me kidnapping Shinobu-san at the beginning, and then facing off Souma-san in that spinning top battle… …

In hindsight, I reeeally should have handled the situation better, but that was just my way of connecting with others at the time!

… … Oh, that’s right. I can’t forget the fun times during the Restoration Live performance with AKATSUKI, Tsumugi-san and the others!

I was grappling with own motives and issues back then, but when I look back on it nowww, all I can remember is purely “What a fun time that was!” 

Meeting Kuro-san, someone whom I can go all out with when we play, is such a stroke of luck for meee ♪

However, just like how Souma-san was, Kuro-san was super wary of me from the start too. I'm reeeally happy once again that we're able to get along so well now!

And after that… … Oh yeahhh! I can’t leave out the Live performance organised at Kanata-san’s Aquarium! That’s definitely one of my most treasured memories. 

Haha! I never imagined Kanata-san would take over the running of the place, but I’m sure the fishes are much happier having such a loving Manager take care of them, riiight? ♪

… … Whoops! Looks like I’ve been rambling on and on for quite a while, huh? 

There’s still a ton of stories to share about, like the time spent with the “Temporary Units” (1)—

It's such a shame to keep these vibrant memories hidden away in my heart, without revisiting them at least once.

That’s why I’ll share them now and then, when the time is right. After all, these are the youthful days I spent living life to the fullest, the way I wanted… …  ☆

Translator’s Notes:

Madara belonged to 3 Temporary Units in !-era. First, Team Ushiwakamaru from WisteriaFes, made of Madara, Kanata, Souma and Mitsuru. Second, Traumerei made up of Wataru, Keito, Izumi, Madara (in Diner Live). Hibiki Wataru created the Unit to oppose the Unit Knights Killers. Third, Ba-Barrier made up of Akiomi, Madara, Mika and Sora (in Rainbows).

it's not proofed so if you have any feedback, please DM me.

[verdantcrimson]

11/26/23 Tsukisuta Skit

Akatsuki and Tsukasa have sweet potatoes!

Souma: Mmm, this is delectable! This sweet potato has been cooked to perfection! ♪

Keito: Yes, I think I'm getting the hang of this. ... Hm? Is that...?

Souma: Hasumi-dono? Is something the matter?

Keito: No, it's just that I saw something... Is that Suou?

Tsukasa: Oh! S- Sorry! I was just walking around and something smelled nice, so I simply had to see...

Kuro: Haha, so the scent lured ya in. I had some potatoes left over from cookin' so we're bakin' 'em... Did ya wanna join us?

Tsukasa: Baked sweet potatoes...! Is it alright if I do?

Souma: Most certainly! ... Wow, this is undeniably the best potato I have ever baked! Here, Suou, you may eat this one.

Tsukasa: Thank you very much! Munch munch... Mmm~ It's so sweet and delicious! ♪

Souma: I am happy to hear you think so. ♪

Keito: Oh? It looks as though you've been properly caring for your juniors when outside of AKATSUKI. I'm impressed.

Kuro: Right? I kept thinkin' of you like you were still a baby, but I'm glad to see you're all grown up.

Souma: Mu, is it not slightly rude of you to refer to me as a baby? In spite of how it may appear, I am actually the big brother of my dorm room!

Tsukasa: That's true. Kanzaki-senpai is always reliable and kind. Fufu, perhaps he inherited his kindness from his seniors in AKATSUKI.

Keito: ... You don't have to phrase it like that. It's sort of embarrassing.

Souma: Fumu, but it could be that Suou is correct to an extent. The two of you are extremely kind persons, and that is the reason for which you have my admiration!

Kuro: I- It's still embarrassin' when ya just say it to our face though...?

Keito: You're exaggerating, Kanzaki.

Souma: Not in the slightest. As a matter of fact, right now you just handed the largest of the sweet potatoes to myself and Suou without so much as a second thought. ♪

Tsukasa: Ah, I hadn't even noticed, my apologies! I just got so carried away in savoring the food...

Kuro: No sweat. Doesn't matter, as long as you guys are eatin' your fill.

Keito: Yes, what Kiryu said. ...Hm? Are you doing alright, Suou? You seem to be concerned about something.

Tsukasa: Ah, um... Please do not tell Sena-senpai about this. If you're going to post about it on social media, please just pretend I was never here.

Kuro: Uh,

Keito: Kiryu, what's wrong?

Kuro: ... I just posted a picture captioned 'Suou at the AKATSUKI sweet potato meetin' on my socials.

Souma: S- Suou has stopped breathing!?

Tsukasa: I- I have to somehow prove that that wasn't me...!

Keito: No, that's just completely impossible.

Souma: L- Let us not dwell! Eat this sweet potato and calm down!

Kuro: Yeah, that's right... What are ya tryin' to accomplish by stuffin' his mouth like that Kanzaki!?

Keito: You lot are seriously noisy. Listen, I'll properly explain everything to Sena, so don't worry too much.

Tsukasa: Uu... Thank you for being so considerate of me...

Souma: See, Hasumi-dono is indeed a kind person! ♪

Keito: Nngh...

Kuro: Hasumi danna, your face is totally red, ain't it?

Keito: ... SHUT UP, all of you! Just SHUT UP and EAT YOUR FOOD!!

End.

[captainkurosolaire]

Your Devoted Page

Dear, Casta

Should upon when this reaches you, my beloved hearty. It's within my deepest crestfallen, I've failed t' keep your original journal held intact. Found out th' traitor upon our vessel was no other than, Sol. I should've foresaw his dark-nimbus; now I'm left missing another brother and a broken-family, scattered across th' realm. As you're aware perhaps, choosing to document our Crew's journey alongside, mine. I recall when you said I was your protagonist and explained to me their unique-powers in stories. ...Remember? Me running out the next 'morrow, and getting n' a dastardly tavern brawl t' my near-death, thinking plot-armor made me invincible? Earning Judas's ire for both ov' us, yet we laughed in joy, sharing a memory-made. ...See, I know you think, you b' just ordinary, times may feel you're an outcast upon these voyages, especially amongst th' company ov' this Wild Crew I strung along. Though again... strength you usher, you mend n' stitch others, you've Captaineered these sentiments. If weren't fer you, I'd surely b' wrecking havoc monstrously, cruel to its favor. Hardest thing fer me, was leaving th' Land behind, those who've I grown knowing upon my time, stranded, forming around them. Unlike n' this expansive-tumbling tides ov' sea life... It's different. We're molded by nature required by daily survival, we become grizzly, beastly, our teeth, claws, reinforced. 'Till tyme for our placed feet to own anywhere, we conquer taking our lessons ov' seas, skies, desert, and utilize devouring moments. Claiming what's denied. Ov' Bold n' Free, we are. However in yer company, stead, I've a rare opportunity t' take those lovers of land, with me. You're a messaged-bottle; a reminder, keeping th' rabidness from taking-hold. My humanity cannot b' extinguished with you. I've saw to restoring th' journal to forged identical perfection with extra-upgrades fer th' problems, this page is dedicated as yours, alone. You-mean th' heart to me. Additionally I've noticed there's many stories, untold... So I've seized liberty to give you my Stories of Origination, following Passages of One. We've lots of similarities you may-find in revelations... My failures, sins, bringing... May this Dawn have confession, may we find closure in unity, we'll breathe together our flaws, leaving only our marvels! Against these anchored weights only recently, you Crew of Gold, have begun helping relieve and restore t' myself of what I may become... When reunited next, I'll have spoil knowledge, setting out learning who my Mother was n' pursuit and hope searching for my discovery along the missing final answers. Then becoming Th' Captain who shall sail th' Fates themselves and ferry destination ov' all your worldly dreams. Formerly t' my treasured, Yours fondly, - Captain Kuro Solaire

[Prev:Chapter]: Ill-Fated, Sadness - ♪"Past-Lives"♪

[twilightmalachite]

Shu Itsuki - The Beauty of Distance

Author: Umeda Chitose

Characters: Shu, Kuro

Translator: Mika Enstars

"Non! You mustn’t use such expressions in a public space! Watch your language!"

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Season: Summer

Location: Café COCHI

Shu: (A cup of tea after returning to the country truly is good for the body.)

(The storefront doesn’t appear to be busy either, so I can stay here for some time… Hm?)

(How come a shadow’s suddenly fallen on my table—)

Shu: !? Ryu~ku… I mean, Kiryu! What are you doing outside the window?

You’re pointing over at my seat… Do you want to come in and sit at the same table as me?

Ah, goodness, trying to converse through the glass will only bring attention. How about you just come on in?

Time passes…

Kuro: …Yo.

Shu: Quite the greeting you have there. You should be telling me what had you appearing outside the window out of nowhere.

Kuro: What’s the rush for? It’d be rude if I took a seat without orderin’ anythin’, wouldn’t it?

Shu: Hmph. Then hurry up and order yourself something to drink.

Kuro: I told you I’m choosin’ one now. Well, I suppose orderin’ ice tea would be a safe bet.

Shu: —Goodness. I was planning to take it easy for a bit, but to think you would show up.

Kuro: Take it easy and don’t mind me, then. Well, I’m the one who imposed himself onto ya, so guess I’m not one to speak.

Shu: …So, what do you need from me?

Kuro: Just spotted ya and thought to say hi since you’ve returned to Japan.

But well, there’s somethin’ I wanted from ya too. Or well, somethin I wanted to ask ya.

Shu: What do you want to ask?

Kuro: It’s about when I went to France with ya to film for a travel show. There was that incident involvin’ ya, remember? Y’know, the one with the erotic stuff appearin’.[1]

Shu: Non! You mustn’t use such expressions in a public space! Watch your language!

Kuro: …My bad. Didn’t know how else to describe it.

Anyways. Just was wonderin’ about that, if the incident was resolved, y’know. Since we sorta had to leave at a critical point.

Shu: …Sigh. I don’t believe you have the right to know, given you left me for dead at a crucial moment.

But it’s not like I’ve heard anything about the rest of your trip either. Did you get to finish filming?

Kuro: I heard the feature itself is still bein’ edited, but we should’ve gotten some good footage?

Shu: ? That’s quite the vague answer.

Kuro: …To be honest, what left the biggest impression on me was how the flight home was also really tough.

Shu: Good grief. Why don’t you just ask not to be given anything that requires you to be overseas, given you’re so poor with vehicles?

Kuro: ‘Cause we rookie idols ain’t in any position to selfish demands like that.

Shu: Don’t care, give your opinion regardless. You don’t want things like that to negatively affect your health.

Kuro: …Haha, how come your responses to me are always so snappy, Itsuki?

I felt we were able to speak rather peacefully all the way over there. Was it somethin’ about the foreign atmosphere?

Shu: Was it peaceful? Morisawa and Tsukinaga were there, I just have the strong impression that it was quite noisy. What did you and I even get to talk about…?

Shu & Kuro: ……

—By the way… (That reminds me…)

Shu: What is it?

Kuro: Oh no, it’s not a big deal, what were you sayin’?

Shu: Neither is what I had to say… I’ve got a favor for you since you’re here, but it’s nothing important.

Kuro: A favor?

Sounds good, lemme know what ya got for me…♪

Shu: Why are you so pleased? I’ve just figured to ask if you could carry my luggage.

I’m currently here at COCHI after leaving my luggage back at ES.

But my luggage contains my personal tools and such, so I’d like to bring them back to Starmony Dorms myself. However, with the luggage quantity, I don’t believe I can make it in one trip.

So I thought perhaps you could help me out, so I wouldn't have to go back and forth.

Kuro: That's all? No sweat!

Though…

Shu: Are there any concerns?

Kuro: It’s ‘bout our room. I haven’t heard anythin’ ‘bout Sena returnin’ to the country, so I’m assumin’ it’s more or less available, but…

Isara and I have been real busy, so we haven’t been able to give the place a good clean lately. Had I known you were comin’ in advance, I would’a gotten it clean.

Shu: Hm… That being said, you guys aren’t all too messy, right?

Kuro: Yeah. But if I knew ya were comin’, I could’ve taken the chance to hang and fluff up your beddin’ while cleanin’ up, y’know?

I’ll at least use the dryer to freshen it up for tonight. ♪

Shu: …As usual, you act as if you’re my mother.

Kuro: Hey, what’re you takin’ my bill for?

Shu: We’ve each finished our drinks, so it’s about time we leave. Though, I haven’t heard what you were going to say yet.

Kuro: I’m ready to tell ya ‘bout that anytime, but ya didn’t answer my question.

Shu: …As thanks for carrying my luggage. I’m going to go pay our for our bills, so you can wait outside.

Kuro: …And off he goes. He really doesn’t need to thank me for that…

Location: In Front of ES Building

Kuro: …That is a lot of luggage. Definitely not somethin’ you could’ve done in a single trip.

Shu: I’ll take the trunks, and you can take the suitcases… But isn’t it about time I hear about what you had wanted to say, Kiryu?

Kuro: Jumpin’ right to it, arentcha… Let’s start headin’ towards the dorms if you’re ready. …But it really ain’t that big a deal.

Shu: Still, it’s something you wanted to tell me. It wouldn’t be fair if you only had heard me out, wouldn’t it?

Kuro: ……

…A new shop opened on Time Street recently. It’s small, but they have a pretty impressive selection of stuff.

They carry those rare fabrics and threads you always seem to be orderin’ and buyin’, too.

So, I thought ya would like the place too, Icchan. I thought I’d let ya know, since I doubt ya hear ‘bout this stuff bein’ overseas and all.

Shu: ……

…Kagehira and others fill me in on things from time to time, you know… But this is the first I’ve heard about a shop like this.

Kuro: Really? Even I just found the place only the day before last.

Shu: I’ll head there right away once we drop off the luggage. This shop’s selection that you’re praising so much has piqued my curiosity.

Kuro: Jumpin’ right to it, arentcha… Wait, didn’t I just say that?

But well, ya don’t know how to get there, don’t ya? I don’t got anythin’ goin’ on after this, so I’ll show ya the way.

Shu: …I’m sure I can just figure out the way from others. But if you’d like to show me the way, then you’re welcome to.

Kuro: Alright. And ya can tell me ‘bout how that incident went while we’re at it!

Shu: Kiryu… Is that all you wanted to hear about in the end?

In that case, you can tell me everything you can remember about your trip, then.

We can try talking about what we’ve been up to in a normal way, can’t we? …It didn’t feel right hearing that we can’t interact peacefully in this country.

[ ☆ ]

story directory

Referring to the incident from Astraea’s Atelier. For context, uncensored paintings and statues began to mysteriously appear in Shu’s atelier from time to time, causing him a lot of stress. Shu, Chiaki, Kuro, and Leo theorized it was one of Shu’s artist fans and beneficiaries leaving their art throughout Shu’s atelier in hopes of having their art recognized by him instead after having been dismissed as “vulgar” by him.

[idolbrained]

♪ — SANRiO GENDERVOCALOiDS . * 🌀🎤

★ 🌈🐾 SANRiOVOCALOiD ... A gender under the gendervocaloid system in which you like vocaloid and sanrio, you're a vocaloid that likes sanrio, you're a vocaloid and feel connected to sanrio, etc ♡ NEOPRONOUN iDEAS ... sanrio/sanrios, paw/paws, cu/cute, 🌈/🌈s ...

★ ❤️🐾 KiTTYVOCALOiD ... A gender under the gendervocaloid system in which you like vocaloid and hello kitty, you're a vocaloid that likes hello kitty, you're a vocaloid and feel connected to hello kitty, etc ♡ NEOPRONOUN iDEAS ... kitty/kittys, mew/mews, apple/apples, 🍎/🍎s ...

★ 🩷🐾 MELOVOCALOiD ... A gender under the gendervocaloid system in which you like vocaloid and my melody, you're a vocaloid that likes my melody, you're a vocaloid and feel connected to my melody, etc ♡ NEOPRONOUN iDEAS ... melo/melos, bun/buns, strawb/strawbs, 🌷/🌷s ...

★ 💜🐾 KUROMiVOCALOiD ... A gender under the gendervocaloid system in which you like vocaloid and kuromi, you're a vocaloid that likes kuromi, you're a vocaloid and feel connected to kuromi, etc ♡ NEOPRONOUN iDEAS ... kuro/kuros, bat/bats, vi/vile, 🪽/🪽s ...

tagging @archivevocaloid ! (so sorry for forgetting to tag you [🩷] before)

[mainstoryarchive]

Ensemble - 112: Anomaly

Souma: Oh? This sure is mysterious…

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Location: Outdoor Stage

Souma: Oh? This sure is mysterious…

I wonder what it is, why is there a crowd? This place is supposed to be one of the most remote and unpopular places in Yumenosaki Academy!

The amount of people isn't inferior to the other stages—not only that, there seems to be an even bigger crowd!

Does that mean the aidorus performing here are that excellent? Is it even possible for there to be another reason…?

Perhaps it's war. I see, it's war! I'm itching to participate, it makes my blood boil!

Kuro: Calm down, Kanzaki. You're not a dog, there's no reason for you to get excited like this. Also, stop unsheathing your sword.

Keito: Yes. We are supposed to be the ones maintaining the order. So it would truly be like putting the cart before the horse if we were to cause panic by losing our composure. You should reflect on your actions, Kanzaki.

Souma: I got double-chastised!? But this is an irregular situation!

Keito: I agree. Hmm… We went out of our way to overlook the circumstances and send him off, but I'm worried if Isara can even reach the stage.

Well, it might be due to Isara that this situation came to be.

Kuro: I wonder. You can't see the stage from here so you can't be certain.

Nonetheless, you sure were kind there, mister vice-president. To think you would so easily let go of the fighting power you generously took in.

Keito: Never call me 'kind' again, Kiryu. I just made a logical decision.

AKATSUKI is a unit that works with a select few. Adding a wanderer would only mess up our rhythm.

I have countless reasons, both big and small. Even if you needed an explanation, wouldn't it be too stingy of me to express my opinions precisely?

Kuro: Aah, how irritating. Your talks are always way too long, can't you just tell me vaguely?

You must have just 'wanted' to do this. Isn't it fine to leave it at that?

Keito: Hmph… If you think like that, you shouldn't have asked me in the first place. I need Trickstar to be in a perfect condition, I won't allow them to run away after winning.

Sooner or later AKATSUKI will defeat Trickstar fair and square, after they all showed their best performance.

I would be troubled if they disappear before we can. That's all.

Kuro: Hehe ♪ Nice, you're also a man at heart.

Souma: As expected of Hasumi-dono! You properly understand the meaning of the code of chivalry…☆

Keito: You're noisy. What's more important right now is that there is too much of an audience in such a cramped space.

If someone even just trips a little, it might very well turn it into uncontrollable chaos, so patrol with caution.

Good preparation reduces the coming difficulties. Although Eichi and I differ in that aspect.

(Why did Eichi organize the DDD and throw away the largely desired representative title for the SS?)

(What are you scheming? Where is the meaning in all of this?)

(You are causing unnecessary uproar and having everyone make a big fuss for no reason. If that's really the case, you would be a tyrant, you know?)

(Could it be he… No, for now I should avoid thinking about it.)

(I will just solemnly complete the work in front of me. I am Eichi's right hand. A right hand doesn't think, regardless of what results this DDD may bring.)

(I'm sure you must have foreseen this as well, haven't you, Eichi?)

[ ☆ ]

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[taiyaki-translations]

Intelligence - Epilogue 1

Season: Spring Characters: Jun, Shu, Izumi, Kaoru, Yuzuru, Kanata, Mao, Kuro, Nagisa, Wataru, Leo Translator: taiyaki-translations ENG Proofreader:  verdantcrimson (Yuzuru, Kuro), sunnyskiestls (Kanata), raspberrytls (Shu)

<On the day of the performance>

“In the darkness of the infinitely expanding universe, there exists a brilliant, blue planet shining in its midst - Earth.”

“Life originated on that blue planet, and humans, the end result of many miracles and mysteries, reign as the rulers of that planet.”

“Having built a great civilization, mankind’s progress continues on, unhindered.”

“Eventually, their control will extend beyond their blue planet, towards the solar system… and maybe even to other parts of the galaxy.”

“But that is only if they are allowed to continue to flourish—”

Mendako alien: “...Men ♪”

Mendako alien: “...Menmen☆”

“Those ignorant humans haven’t realized yet— there are other life forms besides them in the universe.”

“There is a civilization whose progress far exceeds anything that humans have built.”

“And most importantly, they are already trying to crush this blue planet that’s within their evil grasp—”

Mendako alien: “...Men!”

Kanata: Wow, the “Mendako aliens” have a very “active role”~♪

Mao: No, no, the play’s just started. Though, that’s a pretty grand introduction.

Kuro: Yeah, for sure. It’s strangely surreal seein’ them all lined up like that, though. Kinda makes it feel low stakes…

Jun: Haha, I agree. They’re supposed to be terrifying aliens that came to invade earth, but they’re oddly cute, aren’t they?

Izumi: Hey you, watch more quietly. But it’s not like I don’t get it… There’s a lot to comment on.

Kaoru: Woah, it’s rare for Senacchi to hesitate like that. Well, the play seems to be some kind of comedy, so it’s probably fine to make a bit of noise.

Shu: Non! Do not make a ruckus. If you are going to come to the theater, practice proper theater etiquette.

Yuzuru: Fufu. The play’s just begun, so let’s look closely at the story of those Mendako aliens that caused such a fuss at the dorms.

<A few hours later>

Mao: Wow, that was amazing~ Don’t you agree, Kiryu-senpai?

Kuro: Yeah, I was wonderin’ what was gonna happen at first, but I never expected it’d have such excitin’ development.

Mao: Right? It turned out that the enemies weren’t the Mendako aliens after all, but another species of alien from a different planet.

That scene where the Mendako aliens and Earth’s defenders joined hands, despite the language barrier, was very moving.

Izumi: Hmph. The contents of the play are still ridiculous, though.

Well, I could see that idiot was having fun with it. Doesn’t he keep in regular mysterious communication with the universe?

Shu: Hm, I participated in the play this time by making the costumes, and I still don’t know how they so often manage to perform so intricately while wearing them.

Izumi: Oh, it’s rare to see you giving honest praise.

Shu: I am always fair in my evaluations. It would be more regrettable if my evaluations were not properly understood due to strange misinterpretations of them.

However, when the acting is this well done, you’d naturally find your attention drawn to the costumes, after all.

Mao: Are you talking about those mendako costumes?

Shu: Yes, I was short on time and had no choice but to settle on making exact duplicates of the original.

As the one in charge of the costumes, I wish I had the opportunity to craft a more original alien design.

Kuro: …Haha, I see. As expected of Icchan ♪

Kanata: How about you, Jun? Did you find the “play” interesting?

Jun: I did. Like Isara-san said earlier, the play was very moving. Theater performances have an image of being kinda stuffy, but this one was inspiring and funny. It felt more like I was watching a movie.

Kanata: Fufu, I’m happy to hear that…~ I’m also very happy that my “Mendako aliens” got their big role~♪

Jun: By the way, do you know why martians have an octopus motif, Shinkai-senpai?

Kanata: No, why is that? Is it because the “sea” is the “mother” to all things?

Jun: I was actually wondering about it too, so I asked Nagi-senpai. Seems like it originally came from an old sci-fi novel. (1)

In it, octopus-like martians invaded the earth, and that image of ‘em got popular as it became more widespread.

Apparently, that sci-fi writer also drew a picture of these octopus-like martians ‘cause an astronomer said that martians are grotesque looking.

Octopi and mollusks also have that kind of reputation, y’know~

Kanata: Their “appearance” might be scary, but “cephalopods” are very smart, and full of “curiosity”...~

Maybe it’s because these “martians” looked like “octopi” that they were “curious” enough to come all the way to “earth”... ♪

Jun: Ah~, that’s an interesting way to look at it~! Like something outta a dream.

Kaoru: Yup yup. I think I prefer Kanata-kun’s theory since it sounds cuter than the grotesque one.

Kanata: …Not everyone knows how smart “octopi” are, you see?

That’s why, as the “manager” of the aquarium, I have to “promote” the intelligence of “octopi” more ♪

Kaoru: Ooh, then have you decided on what the next event at the aquarium will be? I hope lots of customers stop by.

…Now that I think about it, I completely forgot that this whole thing started with Fushimi-kun wanting to learn about management, huh?

Yuzuru: Fufu, that’s correct. So much has occurred since then, I had also completely forgotten.

Kaoru: You were planning to talk with Kanata-kun about it too, but it looks like he’ll be busy after this…

Yuzuru: Kaoru-sama, will you be available after? If you could spare a moment of your time, I would like to talk to you.

Kaoru: Eh, me? I’m fine with time…

Yuzuru: Then, if you would be so kind, I would very much appreciate it if you taught me your management theory.

Kaoru: Ahaha, it’s not so grand that I’d call it management theory.

Got it. Then, shall we talk over tea at a café somewhere? ♪

Translation Notes: 1. Most likely referring to the book War of the Worlds by HG Wells

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[jujumin-translates]

[18TRIP] Event Story | WE ARE M・T・T・B | TRACK. 7

Characters: 🫰 Chihiro Natsuyaki, ☁️ Ten Murakumo, 🎨 Kiroku Kinugawa, 🌕 Muneuji Kaguya, 🔮 Toi Shiramitsu

Location: Dance Competition - Venue & Stage

Chihiro: Al~right, today’s finally the day of the competition~! Are y’all mentally prepped and warmed up!?

Muneuji & Toi & Kiroku: …

Chihiro: …Oh?

Toi: Ah, yeah, of course we are! It’s just…

Kiroku: That team just now… The regular competition winners… “Punchline★”... Their performance was… amazing.

Chihiro: Ah~, it really was! I mean, they are a pro street dance group, y’know~.

Muneuji: The atmosphere in the venue was completely taken away. The honest truth is that our dance skills are just entirely different than their’s.

Ten: There’s no helping it at this point. They’ve already crushed us today.

Chihiro: C’mon, don’t say that.

Chihiro: (...I think they’re all getting swept up in the atmosphere of the venue. Plus everyone’s in a bit of a wake mode too~.)

Chihiro: (It’s almost time for us to get on stage, and since I’m used to the stage here, I should be the one to cheer everyone up…!)

Chihiro: Don’t look so blue, you three~! Chii and Co. are gonna—.

Punchline ★ Kuro: Huh, you guys are…

Punchline ★ Jiro: You’re the ones whose video “just happened” to go viral the other day, aren’t you?

Chihiro: Ah… Are you guys Punchline★?

Punchline ★ Jiro: I haven’t seen some of you before… Did you get more members?

Punchline ★ Saburo: You don’t look like winners, so what? Did you add more members in a vain attempt to try and win? Hehehe…

Punchline ★ Shiro: You’re being rude, dumbass. Hahaha, they can’t even hear you.

Kiroku: …

Punchline ★ Goro: Well, whatever, good luck with your group that ain’t much better than a buncha beginners~. Looking forward to seeing what you’ve got~.

Chihiro: Mhm~... Thanks for the pep ta~lk.

Ten: (Ahaha, it’s been a hot minute since we’ve been made fun of like that.)

Punchline ★ Taro: Well then, la~ter.

Chihiro: …, …

Toi: C-Chihiro-kun… Are you okay?

Chihiro: Hm? I’m totally a-okay~! Don’t look so gloomy, y’all ♪ There’s no reason for y’all to worry your pretty little heads~♪ 

Ten: Not so sure about that one, my guy. It’s kinda hard not to worry about something like that.

Chihiro: …M’kay, so maybe those guys’ street dancing skills are in a totally different league from ours, but—.

Chihiro: Chii and Co. have individuality, direction, and most importantly, the “spirit of hospitality to entertain customers,” which we’ve all learned from HAMA Tours!

Chihiro: With that, we’ll never lose, dont’cha think?

Toi: Yeah, right…

Muneuji: You’re absolutely right.

Kiroku: …Y-Yeah.

Chihiro: IKR ♪

Chihiro: (...Good. Everyone seems less tense now.)

Ten: …

Chihiro: (I wonder what Tenchamu is thinking about…)

Chihiro: That’s why we don’t need to worry about the other teams. Chii and Co. just need to have fun and put on the best performance we can!

Muneuji & Toi & Kiroku: Yeah!

Chihiro: Nyahaha, that’s the kinda response I was looking for ♪

Chihiro: Al~right, huddle up, y’all~! C’mon, you too, Tenchamu!

Ten: Ah~, right, right.

Chihiro: Okay, just like before a live when you call out the team’s name to max out the vibes and the team’s spirit—.

Muneuji: …Team name?

Kiroku: Right… we don’t… know our… team name…

Toi: Did we even decide on one yet…?

Chihiro: Hehehehe~ don’t panic, y’all ♪ TBH, Chii already decided on the name secretly~!

Toi: Waah, nice going, Chihiro-kun! You never forget about things like that! So, what kinda team name did you pick?

Ten: Can you hurry it up then? Huddling up for this long is real hard on my back.

Chihiro: ‘Kay, ‘kay! Without further ado! Our team name is—.

Other Four: !

[ ⇠ Previous Part ] • [ Next Part ⇢ ]

[acanth3]

追憶＊マリオネットの糸の先 / Reminiscence＊End of the Marionette's Strings

EPISODE 9

Shu: …..

Mm…I don't know, what is this shaking…an earthquake?

Kuro: Ah, did you wake up Shu? 

Shu: Gyou!? Ryu, Ryu~ku…Kiryu!

What, what kind of situation am I in? Explain right now! Why are you carrying me like a princess!?

Kuro: Nah, this is just the easiest way to carry you. You were taller than me as a kid and it was hard to hold you…

Now, your shorter than me ♪

Shu: Well, compared to you the rest of humanity is also minimal/tiny! Hey, let me down! It’s so embarrassing, we’re both not children anymore!

Kuro: That’s right, I thought you wouldn’t mind it. 

Because I saw you stumble in the hallway, no way can you just pass it off…I’ll carry you right to the infirmary. So, shut up.

Shu: Gh, gu? You thought I fell down?

Kuro: You don;t look too good, 

your body hasn’t been strong for a while now. Be careful, are you eating proper meals?

Even as a kid, there was low blood sugar and collapsing~ ♪

Shu: Ah, I’m sorry I just stay up all night. And I don’t enjoy eating very much, it’s painful to have foreign things into my body. 

Kuro: You're still very picky, aren’t you? That’s why my mum would get mad at me. 

Shu: …..

Kuro: …I know many things about the new Valkyrie, finally at the top of Yumenosaki.

But, trying to stay on a throne, you’re doing the best you can right? 

There’s no point in falling down a path like that if no one’s happy.

Shu: Stop trying to be bossy and preaching out to me. Your mother, who wont be present even at the end of your life…so with that mouth why do you choose to care about other people’s physician conditions/abilities?

Don’t pretend to be kind to me, you villain!

Kuro: I don’t have anything left to say, just don’t exhaust yourself again. You’ll faint. 

Because people who lose their conscience often are twice as heavy as normal people. Wake up properly and don’t cause so much trouble. 

Shu: I don’t remember asking. Kiryu?

Kuro: I know, that’s why I told you I’ll mind my own business. 

Shu: Hmph! And please correct yourself a little. I didn’t fall down.

I still have Valkyrie, the best, high quality unit which cannot be compared to the vulgarity of the other units. 

Just because of some system created for lives and festivals turning this into a game…

We don’t have live showdowns at all, we just can’t get results that quick.

While in the meantime, other people are displaying barbaric behaviours…

If there is a higher rank than us, know it’s because of ridiculous rules created to play this game.

We have not lost even once. We ‘Valkyrie’ are the best idol group, yes?

Only loser’s find such things regrettable.

Kuro: That’s right I guess. You’ve chosen the war route, I’ve changed the rules of this game myself from those smart guys. 

In that world, you’re officially no longer at the top of Yumenosaki. 

It’s no use complaining. Like in a soccer game, no matter how many home runs your able to hit, you won’t get a score. 

Shu: Damn!...I’m frustrated, these snobs who can’t understand art!

We’re showing the best stage, why aren’t we being appreciated? Not even awarded?

It’s wrong! All of this! Who made Yumenosaki like this!?

Kuro: I can’t tell you that…

I’m chewing more than I can take, it can’t be helped even if I complain now. I’ve been completely trapped in mold. 

Before it happened, the path those malicious people took was horrible. We lost because we couldn’t see through the conspiracy. Even if I regret it, it’s too late.

I’m sorry Shu. That I can’t do anything. A long time ago, I even swore to absolutely protect you. 

My mother is going to be angry with me.

Shu: It’s just a promise from childhood, Kiryu. You don’t have to worry so much about it. You still carry me and move around with me like this, and even talk to me…

It’s you that can’t be saved, right?

I’m not a child crying over the tyranny of bullies anymore. 

You can take care of me like you say over and over again, but please let me down. 

I don't want to be spoiled by you anymore, I want to get stronger too…

Kuro: I see, oh you’re still weak, just stubborn now huh.

Shu: Even if you give a crying child what they want, the bullying will still happen to the happy child. (?)

That’s fine by me. If the rules have changed, let’s just accept it. 

Let’s stand in the same ring and fight fairly. We’re supreme beings no matter what the world see’s.

To DreamFes…let’s have a live showdown.

So I’ll give the snobs at that blood festival what they want, and their corpses will be drowned within the mud. I’ll make them regret touching my wrath. 

Kuro: But isn’t it graded according to people's expectation/preference?

Shu: Just what are you talking about, Kiryu?

Kuro: No, well, this time…human’s and high schoolers…don’t think about bad thing’s…

There’s..nothing, it's just my worries.

But be careful Icchan, I can’t help you up on stage.

Shu: Thank you for your help, actually.

Those who are excellent will be given an award corresponding to their efforts.

If not, the world is between us all. 

so cute!

[leaderoffestivals]

Harukawa Sora FS2 4*: Way of the Finishing Move

Sora: HuHu~! This achievement is only possible thanks to everyone here at SHIN. Sora can call himself a Finishing Move Master now~ ♪

Scenario Writer: Kanata Haruka  Season: Winter   Characters: Harukawa Sora, Mikejima Madara. Kiryu Kuro, Amagi Hiiro, Morisawa Chiaki, Nagumo Tetora

< In the Training Room.>

Sora: Please help Sora out with training. Thank you so much!

Madara: Yep, that’s the situation right there! I hope everyone can come together to help Sora-san achieve his wish, somehow ☆

Tetora: No, wait. Even if you say “That’s the situation right there”, I haven’t the foggiest clue what the situation is at all… … 

Chiaki: I'm in the same boat too. However, it’s the duty of a hero to help those in need. If Harukawa wishes to train with me, I’ll be his training partner for however long it takes!

Kuro: Hmm. I don’t mind either, but can we at least know why you want to train with us? 

One can’t really train without knowing what the goal is, after all. 

Sora: Yes! Sora REALLY wants to master a finishing move! It’s the Forward Downward Diagonal Punch~ (2) ♪

Hiiro: Hmm? What’s a forward downward diagonal punch? Is it a kind of spell or something? 

Tetora: OH! Could it be a command from that fighting game? You know, the famous one!

Kuro: Oh, that one, huh? The one that’s surprisin'ly tricky to execute properly. I see, I get what you’re talkin’ about now. 

Any guy would wanna try imitatin’ the techniques they see in manga and games at least once. 

Harukawa, you probably want to try out the moves you’ve been usin' in yer fighting games, am I right? 

Sora: HaHa~! Bin~go, Red Onii-san. Sora will award you a flower seal~ (3)

In the beginning, Sora tried asking Shisho and Senpai for advice, but they’re not very knowledgeable about martial arts at all.

That’s why Sora ended up practising in the dorm room while looking at the game screen, you know~?

Madara: Hahaha. And when I came back and saw Sora-san performing a strange dance in our dorm room, I couldn’t help joining in the dance as wellll ♪

Sora: Urgh. It’s not a dance, okay~. It’s a Finishing Move!

Madara: Whoops! Sorry, my bad! You’re absolutely right. Anyway, that’s the reason why I invited you here after seeing you so worked up about it after all. 

Everything has a purpose and place. If it’s a place to practise martial arts you need, then there's no better place for you than SHIN after aaall!

Madara: Now then. For that reason, once again—Would everyone be willing to help Sora-san fulfil his wish? 

Great! It seems like everyone is willing to lend a hand! Well then, let us start our Circle activities without delay ♪

Tetora: Now, Sora-kun, try loosening your fists a little. Don’t rely solely on your fists to strike—try twisting your hips to inject more power into your punch! 

Sora: Got it! TAKE! THAT! And THAT! 

Chiaki: Whoa, you're looking good! Those punches of yours have some serious power behind them ♪

Sora: HiHi~! Punching rhythmically like this makes it feel like Sora’s playing a fun music game! It’s almost as if Sora can see the notes coming in from the front, huh~?

TAKE! THAT! And THAT! Sora will be trying his best to aim for a Full Combo now ♪

Kuro: Oi, oi. You shouldn’t be losin’ yer focus and thinkin' of other games during warmup, should you?

If you get too carried away, you’ll run outta steam and bonk before achievin’ yer goal, Harukawa. 

Sora: You’re right! Thank you, Red Onii-san. Sora will remember that since Sora doesn’t have much stamina.

However, doing this is so much fun, it feels like Sora’s health is actually being replenished instead~ ♪

Madara: HAHAHA! Sora-san seems perfectly warmed up nowww!

Let's strike while the iron is hot! Now that warm-up is done, shall we move on to the training for your Finishing Move? 

Sora: Yes, please! Sora will be in your care!

Tetora: Anyway, for those who are unfamiliar with fighting games, I’ve managed to find a video demonstrating the technique. 

Madara: Oh, that’s helpful. … … Hmm, hmm. I see nowww. It’s that kind of move, huh? 

Madara: Hm~mm. Performing this move leaves you wide open for a counterattack, doesn’t it? It doesn't seem very practical for actual combat at aaall.

Hiiro: Hmm. I agree with Madara-senpai. The part where you jump after landing a fist on the opponent's chin is totally unnecessary. 

If your attack misses, you won’t be able to dodge while in mid-air, and end up exposing your flank and other vulnerable areas. 

Kuro: Oi, oi, you guys. Stop goin’ outta yer way to say things to crush Harukawa’s dream. 

Chiaki: Exactly, you two. Saying stuff like that feels like you’re interrupting a hero’s transformation scene!

Tetora: Moves like these are cooler when they’re hot-blooded and flashy, aren’t they? It’s so not cool to rain on other people’s parades!

Anyway, Sora-kun, could you show us the Finishing Move you’ve got now? We won’t be able to give proper advice until we know what needs fixing, right? 

Sora: Got it! Sora will show you his punch at full power~! Here it goes… … 

HaHa! Forward Downward Diagonal Punch~ ♪

Tetora: Here, I’ve recorded Sora-kun’s move as it is now. Let's take a look at it. 

Sora: Hm~mm? There’s no force behind it at all~. This isn’t a Finishing Move, it’s just an ordinary jump. 

Sora has a long, long way to go after all~. What in the world is Sora doing wrong, Sora wonders? 

Hiiro: Well, I think your small size is a major reason why you lack power, Sora-kun. The person using this move in the game is very muscular, after all. 

Madara: That’s true, but having a small build doesn’t mean one can’t generate an impact, right? With a little technique, even small things can be made to appear huge, you knowww? 

And Chiaki-san, with his rich experience in hero shows and stunt work, should be able to offer some insights on how to achieve that, riiight ♪

Chiaki: Ahaha… I think the same could be said of you, Mikejima-san. 

However, it’s true that I can give some advice based on my experience to you.

The key idea to remember is—to contract when needed, and to extend when needed. 

For instance, right before jumping, you should fully contract to gather as much power as you possibly can—

—and then unleash all that power at the moment of the jump, extending fully into the punch as you connect with your opponent’s chin. 

If you do that, you’ll have an impressively flashy uppercut! 

Sora: Hm~mm? Um… … So, contracting fully before extending—?  

Tetora: Ahaha. Morisawa-senpai just dumped a bunch of unexpected theory on you, huh. It’s detailed, but then, it might be hard to understand this advice just by listening. 

Kuro: In that case, why don’t I demonstrate what that means for ya? Pay close attention, Harukawa—

Kuro: HERE GOES—!

Tetora: WOW! As expected of you, Taishou! That was incredibly powerful just now!

Sora: Yes! It felt like the character from the game was right in front of our eyes!

Kuro: Haha, thanks fer the compliment. But more importantly, did you understand how the move works from what you saw just now, Harukawa?

Sora: Yes, Sora has got it perfectly~. Sora will give it a go, so please watch carefully! Here it goes~~

EIYAAA—!

Sora: Urm, how was that? Did Sora manage to perform the Finishing Move properly just now? 

Chiaki: That’s amazing, Harukawa! That was powerfully and perfectly done!

Hiiro: Umu! I felt a powerful intensity that made me instinctively raise my guard just now!

Oh, I get it. The key to this technique lies in this very intensity. With such an effect, there’ll be no opportunity for the opponent to attack Sora-kun's exposed flank or back because their guard will be raised high despite themselves!

Sora: HuHu~! This achievement is only possible thanks to everyone here at SHIN. Sora can call himself a Finishing Move Master now~ ♪

AH! However, there are still many Finishing Moves Sora has not mastered yet, so it might still be too early for Sora to call himself a Finishing Move Master now, huh… …? 

Madara: Hoho~! It appears there are still many techniques Sora-san wishes to learn about!

This is a good opportunity, so let’s practise other Finishing Moves today as well~ 

Sora: In that case, let’s all fire out Energy Blasts together! It’s Down Diagonal Forward Punch~ (4) ♪

Kuro: Harukawa, that’s hella impossible, even fer me… …

The End

Translator’s notes: 

必殺技 (hi-satsu-waza) in the title: Sure-kill-technique or finishing move in computer games.  

Sora is saying the controller commands which will activate the 昇龍拳 ShoRyuKen in the fighting game, Street Fighter.

3. Sora says 花丸 Hanamaru here: This refers to the encircled flower seal (equivalent to a gold star) JP teachers award to children for good work at school. It looks like this.

4. Sora just suggested that everyone perform the 波動拳 Hadouken in Street Fighter.

5. It's not proofed, so if you spot anything and/or wish to give feedback, please DM me.

[verdantcrimson]

Heaven and Earth / Epilogue

(Unproofread )

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[A few days later. During the filming of the ending video for ‘Rumbling Heaven and Earth R’]

Keito: “♪~♪~♪”

Keito: Phew… Somehow, we managed to cross that precarious bridge.

Kuro: Still too early to be gettin’ complacent, danna. What we made this time was just a prototype.

Kuro: The real show starts now. If anythin’, things’re only gonna get tougher.

Souma: Hehe. Somehow, before any actual running has occurred, one already feels exhausted.

Keito: Things were truly very difficult this time around… However, it’s a relief that everything has fallen into place somehow.

Keito: All of the ‘Three Sages’ were convinced of the plan we presented and were happy to cooperate.

Keito: With the support of senseis, ‘Rumbling Heaven and Earth’ will continue to be— No, it will become, more than ever, a show that viewers will want to watch. 

Keito: An educational show beloved by all that allows you to learn history in a fun way.

Kuro: That’s the thing though. Even though ‘Rumbling Heaven and Earth’ s’gonna stay on, and it’ll probably be a great show that the viewers love—

Kuro: Oogami said it too. In the end, we ended up completely changin’ the contents of ‘Rumbling Heaven and Earth’.

Kuro: It’s like we’re tramplin’ on the wishes of Ieyasu-sensei, who said he didn’t want ‘Rumbling Heaven and Earth’ to change. I feel kind of bad about it.

Keito: You still understand nothing, Kiryu. You’ll have to continue your studies.

Kuro: Now why am I bein’ criticized outta nowhere?

Souma: Hehe. The person Ieyasu-sensei had the most profound interactions with was Kiryu-dono, who had been put in charge of him.

Souma: And so, from Kiryu-dono’s vantage, what has Ieyasu-sensei’s attitude been? Has he perhaps been lamenting the changes to ‘Rumbling Heaven and Earth’?

Kuro: …… No. In fact, he was so happy that the other sages were stunned.

Kuro: I get it. Seems like I was only lookin’ at the surface of things again.

Kuro: Suppose that’s the downside of havin’ been a delinquent.  People kept their distance from me ‘cause I intimidated them, and I used to keep my distance from them ‘cause I didn’t want to get involved.

Kuro: We haven’t changed ‘Rumbling Heaven and Earth’ at all.

Kuro: No, we haven’t changed what Ieyasu-sensei found most valuable, the essence.

Kuro: Sensei loves history. That’s why for all these years, even though he’s become a dodderin’ old man, he’s still researchin’ it intently.

Kuro: Sensei wanted to share that love he felt with everyone. So when he was younger, he made up his mind and teamed up with his buddy from the TV station to create ‘Rumbling Heaven and Earth’.

Souma: Indeed. It is just as what we discussed in depth during the prototype edition of the show.

Kuro: Haha. It was pretty interestin’, seein’ how the outrageous old man was outrageous when he was younger too.

Keito: Yes. People have history. And those myriad histories, that don’t appear in any textbooks, are just as worthy of love.

Keito: They are fascinating and brilliant stories that mustn’t be ignored.

Keito: We will continue to watch over them, as ‘Spirits of Light’. And we’ll learn all sorts of things through our amusing investigation and interpretation. 

Keito: What is history? What is life? Does good and evil, right and wrong, truly exist?

Keito: We are still young and inexperienced, so we can’t draw any conclusions yet. We don’t know what the right answer is.

Keito: The aged Ieyasu-sensei, and the talented Hideyoshi-sensei and Nobunaga-sensei, none of them would ever triumphantly claim to have “understood”.

Keito: We know very little about this world— about the heavens, about the earth, and about people. 

Keito: That is why we research, we learn, and we discover. With care, perseverance, bit by bit, step by step.

Keito: It’s what Ieyasu-sensei and his colleagues have done, and it’s what we will do from now on as well.

Kuro: That’s right. The reason Ieyasu-sensei was convinced was ‘cause we didn’t change the most important aspect.

Kuro: Even if everythin’ might’ve changed on the surface, the soul is the same.

Kuro: We’ll make the ‘soul’ we inherited from our senseis shine too.

Souma: Indeed. Let us shine so bright that even the sun would envy us!

Keito: Yeah. We’re AKATSUKI, after all.

Keito: Life is about learning everyday. Graduating from school doesn’t change that.

Keito: So we’ll keep learning, keep growing, and become fine adults.

Kuro: Followin’ in the footsteps of those senseis?

Keito: To learn from their good qualities, you know? There’s no need to imitate their flaws.

Keito: No. A lotus blooms from the mud, swallowing all purity and impurity.

Keito: Let us create an innumerable amount of such flowers, and make this world into something even more beloved. 

Keito: A hundred flowers, blooming in profusion.¹ That’s what AKATSUKI is.

Keito: “♪~♪~♪”

Kuro & Souma: “~......♪”

[END]

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Translation Notes:

百花繚乱 (Hyakka Ryouran) is a phrase that, while literally meaning 'A thousand flowers blooming in profusion', is also used to refer to a period of time, or space, where many talents 'bloom'. A familiar example of this would be the Renaissance era. It is also in the title of AKATSUKI's first ever song, 百花繚乱、紅月夜 (Hyakka Ryouran, Akatsukiyo).

[polyphonical]

Dragon's Head – Beyond the Point of Yielding – Chapter 1

[ View on site for better experience♪ ]

Location: Dragon's Head Competition Venue

Koga: Woah, they’re huge! Seein’ the dragon boats lined up like this cool as hell~♪ It kinda makes you excited for the race itself.

Tch. Why do I have to be the commentator instead of a competitor? It’d be perfect cuz it looks so cool.

Well, I get that with the purpose of the project, it’s not a good idea to have an uneven amount of unit participants, but…

Ugh, I can’t suddenly be a participant so! I just gotta memorize the script so I don’t fuck up the commentary.

It’s an easy ass script, so it won’t even be an issue for me to remember it perfectly anyways.

The program’s name is “Dragon’s Head” huh… Hm. So they didn’t use that joke of a title from before after all.

Of course they didn’t. I mean, what kinda name was “The Starpro Rhylink Friendship Strategy”!? It’s like a kid made it up.

Okay, got it memorized! I guess it wasn’t that long of a script since most of the commentary is live anyways. Guess I should go over to the table now.

Hm? Aah, the race is about to start. Alright then…

〈Beginning of the race〉

Koga: “Alright, ya bastards! Are ya ready!?”

“The two big name idol agencies, Starpro and Rhylink, will be racing each other in dragon boats!”

“Today, it doesn’t matter whether ya sing or dance! The stage you’ll be on is the back of this colorful dragon!”

“In this battle of pride between these two agencies, which agency will end up victorious!?”

“Now, let’s get started! Get fired up, cuz its… On your marks…… Get set…… Start!”

Kuro: ―― Alright! Rhylink, let’s go! Yell with your stomachs! One! Two! One! Two!

(Okay. Looks like we’re speedin’ up fast. Seems we caught a wave right at the start of the race.)

(Mashiro looks so confident, huh?)

(He seemed so unsure in himself until now, so I’m glad that the practices we had seemed to pay off.)

Kuro: (It’s like you can feel his spirit with every row. Feelin’ the vibrations of the taiko is kinda refreshin’!)

Nice, we’re in the lead! Let’s keep the pace up and keep goin’! One! Two! One! Two!

Tomoya: ( ! It’s true! We’re in the lead! Yay…!)

(――Woah, not good not good. If I get too relaxed here, we might get swept up in one go. You can never be too careful.)

One! Two! One! Two!

Tomoya: (I’m so glad. I was super nervous before we started, but now I’m calmer than I thought I was going to be.)

(Maybe I just feel relieved because of Kiryuu-senpai shouts. It feels like he has my back…♪)

(The water looks so sparkly and beautiful. Alright, I’m gonna give it my all without getting too worked up~!)

Tomoya and Adonis: One! Two! One! Two!

Koga: “Rhylink was in the lead from the start, but this won’t be an easy victory! Starpro’s boat is also followin’ right behind!”

Tetora: (As expected ssu. They were in the lead at the beginnin’, but our team’s specialty is catchin’ up at the end!)

(I’m gonna keep a certain distance from them to keep the pressure high ssu.)

(I’ll let you keep the lead this early in, Taishou!)

Tetora: Don’t start panickin’! Think about usin’ Rhylink as a shield from the wind! One! Two! One! Two!

Hiiro: Umu! One! Two! One! Two!

Koga: “Alright, we’re reachin’ the half point of the race! Looks like we’re in a stalemate! Starpro is right behind Rhylink!”

“Will they reach the goal like this!? Or will there be a sudden turn of events!?”

“The race has finally reached the half point. Time for the second half!”

���───────────────· · · · · ·♡· · · · · · ────────────────

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[twilightmalachite]

Raison d’être - A Premature Burial 1

Author: Akira

Characters: Nazuna, Kuro, Mika

Translator: Mika Enstars

"I wish I was hearing those words in a different context, you know!?"

[Read on my blog for the best viewing experience with Oi~ssu ♪]

Season: Winter

Location: Starmony Dorms (Exterior)

The next day. Near the entrance of Starmony Dorms…

Nazuna: Absolutely not…

Kuro: If ya could nod your head with a “yes” instead… Much like a man bowed his head askin’ for help—Nahh, we’re too close for that, aren’t we?

Nazuna: Mhm. I’d love to help you with whatever you ask, Kuro-chin, but I don’t like what I don’t like.

Kuro: Oh come on. Dressin’ up in any outlandish outfit ain’t somethin’ new to you, right, Nito?

Nazuna: You’re right, but…

I’m an adult who is about to turn twenty years old. Sometimes I look at myself wearing cute shorts and I wonder to myself, “What am I doing?”

But I know that’s just the way things are, that’s the type of idols Ra*bits are, and I’m fine with that.

Kuro: Ooh, so then…♪

Nazuna: This is something different! Why’s it I gotta wear women’s clothing made by my friend, Kuro-chin?

Just, no! It makes me feel obscene!

Kuro: T-There’s nothin’ obscene about it! Ya make it sound so bad!

Why’s it you’re so reluctant? I’m just asking if ya can try on an outfit I made for my lil’ sister!

Nazuna: And I’m sayin’ you have some nerve to be asking a guy your age to do that!

If I’m not mistaken, your little sister’s still in primary school, right Kuro-chin? Sure, I sell cuteness, but I’m still a grown man, aren’t I~!?

Kuro: It’ll be alright! It’ll work out with ya, Nito!

My lil’ sister’s steadily growin’ up to be taller and taller just like me, it’ll still be a lil’ short on ya, but you’ll still be able to wear it!

I believe in ya, Nito!

Nazuna: I wish I was hearing those words in a different context, you know!?

Aaalright! We’re done here! I’m uncomfortable, I’m going back to my room!

I’ll let you off the hook this time because we’re friends, Kuro-chin, but go take a walk and cool your head too!

Kuro: C’mon, don’t say that, Nito~…

My lil’ sis recently has been startin’ to take more and more interest in fashion, but all the clothes and accessories she wants are ridiculously expensive.

We can’t afford it with our current economic situation, so I thought to sew it myself. It’d be cheaper that way.

But the thing with clothes is, ya can’t tell if it’s gonna look good or bad ‘til it’s actually put on. So..? Do ya understand, Nito?

I’m beggin’ ya… You’re my only hope, ya know.

I know I’m one to talk, but all the idols in ES have large builds. Your tininess is a valuable asset, Nito.

There’s nobody else in this wide world that can wear primary school girl’s clothes naturally but my friend Nito—Only you!

Nazuna: Buy a mannequin, then…?

Kuro: Whoah!? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen your eyes as cold as glass marbles!

Nazuna: I don’t want my eyes to return to the days where I was a doll in Valkyrie because of a situation as stupid as this…

Mika: …!

Kuro: Ohh? Hey, hey, watch where ya goin’, are ya hurt?

Mika: …

Kuro: Hey… Ya run into me and don’t even say hi? Did somethin’ happen, Kagehira?

Mika: Nnah!? Ahh, my bad, “Ryuu~-kun”-san! My head’s been so blank…!

Kuro: What’s wrong with ya… Somethin’ wrong? If you’re willin’, I can at least hear ya out?

Mika: Nnah? Nah nah, it’s somethin’ unrelated to ya, “Ryuu~-kun”-san—

Ohh, but you are “Ryuu~-kun”-san, aren’tcha?

Kuro: Wha? I’ll be blunt, you’re the only one callin’ me by nickname from when I was a kiddo. It’s been a long time since Itsuki called me that, even.

Mika: That’s right! “Ryuu~-kun”-san is Oshi-san’s childhood friend, right? That’s why yer “Ryuu~-kun”-san, right?

Kuro: What’s this gotta do with anythin’… Is there somethin’ goin’ on with Itsuki?

[ ☆ ]

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[teacute]

𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐕𝐄.

ARCHIVE GENRE | fluff | angst | suggestive | specials | smau

NOTE | i'm sorry that you have to scroll for the whole list, laziness just can't be helped... i will totally divide them sooner or later (lies)

𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐄 | orchestra from the heaven ✧ t. eichi ; ✧ h. wataru ; ✧ h. tori ; ✧ f. yuzuru ;

𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 | shining southern cross in the night sky! ✧ h. hokuto ; ✧ a. subaru ; ✧ y. makoto ; ✧ i. mao ;

𝐑𝐘𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐈 | heroes with burning passions☆ ✧ n. tetora ; ✧ t. midori ; ✧ s. shinobu ; ✧ m. chiaki ; ✧ s. kanata ;

𝐀𝐋𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐈𝐃 | penetrate! suits of your heart! ✧ a. hiiro ; ✧ s. aira ; ✧ a. mayoi ; ✧ k. tatsumi ;

𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐍 | an eternal enthralling paradise ✧ r. nagisa ; ✧ t. hiyori ; our memories ✧ s. ibara ; ✧ s. jun ;

𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐊𝐘𝐑𝐈𝐄 | the museum of weaving arts ✧ i. shu ; ✧ k. mika ;

𝟐𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐊 | the joyful melody from united twins ✧ a. hinata ; hc: they have a crush on s/o ✧ a. yuta ; hc: they have a crush on s/o

𝐂𝐑𝐀𝐙𝐘:𝐁 | free bees flying around ✧ a. rinne ; ✧ himeru ; ✧ o. kohaku ; ✧ s. niki ;

𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 | wild hunt in the darkness ✧ s. rei ; ✧ h. kaoru ; ✧ o. koga ; ✧ o. adonis ;

𝐑𝐀*𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐒 | a toy box filled with dreams♪ ✧ m. tomoya ; ✧ n. nazuna ; ✧ t. mitsuru ; ✧ s. hajime ;

𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐓𝐒𝐔𝐊𝐈 | steady, elegant flower under the moonlight ✧ h. keito ; ✧ k. kuro ; ✧ k. souma ;

𝐊𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 | the knights contributing music ✧ s. tsukasa ; hc: they have a crush on s/o ✧ t. leo ; hc: they have a crush on s/o ✧ s. izumi ; hc: they have a crush on s/o | you getting sick ✧ s. ritsu ; hc: they have a crush on s/o ✧ n. arashi ; hc: they have a crush on s/o

𝐒𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐂𝐇 | the happy magic party lasting forever ✧ s. natsume ; ✧ a. tsumugi ; feelings ✧ h. sora ;

𝐌𝐀𝐌 | present the palpitating moment to you! ✧ m. madara ;

[clothyume]

Colourful Good Job Episode 7

Episode 7

Season: Summer 

Characters: Subaru, Kuro, Sora, Natsume, Tsumugi, Niki

(The day of the staff appreciation party hosted by NEW DI) 

Kuro: Harukawa-kun, I’ve come to refill the syrup 

Sora: HaHa~! Red-onii~san, thank you! Strawberry is really popular~♪ 

Kuro: So it is… Are any of the fruits running out? Shiina said he would refill those  

Sora: HiHi~. Thank you! Sora will keep making shaved ice~  

Welcome to Sora’s shaved ice stand~♪ 

Ah, someone who was at the shooting the other day~? It was a big help! Thank you very much  

One deluxe shaved ice coming right up! Please wait here a moment♪ 

Niki: Thanks for waiting! Two soba omelette and yakitori sets! Please enjoy, there are a few empty seats over there!  

(Phew, it’s been more successful than I thought, but we’re getting by) 

(Kiryu-kun is following me around a lot, so it seems the kids that came to help out can move around with peace of mind)   

Ah, another customer… Thank you for your hard work, have you decided on your order?  

Natsume: Well aren’t you excitED   

Niki: Ah, if it isn’t Sakasaki-kin! You came after all  

Natsume: Of courSE. Sora thought hard about this projECT 

Niki: Nahaha. That’s true. If it’s Harukawa-kun you want, he’s in that stall?  

Natsume: I’ll speak to Sora properly latER. But before thaT, I came to thank Shiina-senpai for cooperatING  

Niki: I haven’t done much. The one who worked the hardest for today was Harukawa-kun  

Niki: Really, we should thank Sakasaki-kun for sending over help  

Natsume: Don’t worry about thAT… I suppose I’m just annoyED that Sora left me alone and came back after having a frieNDLY taLK

Subaru: Shiina-senpai! We’ve run out of drinks… Ah, Natsume! You’re late you know~!  

Natsume: I had woRK. Anyway, you look like you’re havING fuN  

Subaru: Yup☆ It’s kind of fun serving the staff as customers!  

Niki: Akehoshi-kun. If you need drinks they’re over here. Just give me a second  

Subaru: Thank you! See you, Natsume. Little yellow worked really hard on this staff appreciation party, so I hope it heals you a lot♪ 

Natsume: HonestLY, I’m having so much fUN… It’s not worth the blOW 

Well, since this was Sora’s projecT, he won't forgive me if I don’t have fUN♪ 

Niki: That’s so unreasonable… 

Natsume: No matter whAT, I’m just glad Sora is enjoying himsELF  

Niki: If you’re worried about Harukawa-kun, wouldn’t it be nice to go check on him 

Harukawa-kun said that he didn’t want to depend on you guys, but it’s okay to help as long as you don’t become a burden, okay?  

Natsume: No, I caN’T. This tiME, that boy said he wanted to accompliSH this without the help of senPAI and mE 

I don’t want to disregaRD Sora’s feelings, so I absolutely can’t heLP 

BuT, this time I’ve decided to keep an eye on hiM. However, I plan to step iN if he looks like he’s sufferING 

Niki: Eh~. Sakasaki-kun is thinking about a lot of things too, huh~ 

Natsume: …That reply makes it seem like you’re not thinkinG of anythiNG? 

Hmph, well whatevER. I said it earlier buT, it’s thanks to you guys that I didn’t have to lend a haND 

Including that lazy repLY, I’ll take it seriously todAY♪ 

Tsumugi: Fufu. Aren’t you in a good mood, Natsume-kun  

Natsume: So Senpai is here tOO. I was sure you’d be chased down by work and not be able to coME 

Tsumugi: You weren’t sure if I’d come? This morning I messaged you on ‘hold hands’ saying I would go!  

Natsume: I know thAT. Anyway, are you feeling bettER? After all, Sora thought of this project with Senpai and the others in mind, riGHT?  

I won’t forgive you until you fully recover your strenGTH, that way you can work like a horse in the afternOON 

Niki: I don’t think that’s the case with Aoba-kun

Tsumugi: Don’t worry, Natsume-kun. I’ve already received a lot of energy from Sora-kun 

Natsume: What are you grinning fOR?  

…Is it that shaved ice in your haND 

Tsumugi: Yes, I stood in line earlier and Sora-kun made it. There’s condensed milk mixed into the ice itself, making it really sweet and delicious♪ 

Sweets are really the best when you’re tired. When you eat them the fatigue just disappears  

Natsume: Hmph, it's so cheeky of you to be this cunning as a senPAI 

Tsumugi: Natsume-kun, get in line quickly and have some. It’s really delicious 

Natsume: I was planning on doing that anywAY 

Sora: HuHu~. Sora is happy that Master~ and Senpai are being friendly today too♪ 

Tsumugi: Sora-kun!? What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at your stall…  

Sora: The customers don’t mind waiting! Everyone is kind so they’ll forgive Sora~  

Master~! Senpai! Thank you for coming to the staff appreciation party today!  

Sora has some shaved ice for Master~! Please accept it!  

Natsume: This is the shaved ice that was Sora’s idEA huh. Thank you, I’ll have soME 

…Hmm, Sora? There isn’t any fruit on miNE?  

Sora: HeHe~♪ Have a look, this is Sora’s happy magic!  

Tsumugi: Wah! It’s suddenly covered in fruit, Natsume-kun! 

Natsume: Shut uP, Senpai. You don’t have to say anything, you can tell by just looking, can’t you keep quiET?  

Sora: Dig in, Sora’s deluxe shaved ice! Sora used lots of different fruits. The shape is cute, and it's fun just to look at~?  

If you eat this, your tiredness will fly away!  

Master~ and Senpai, thank you for always working so hard

But, Sora thinks you work too hard~. Sora wants you to rest your mind like this sometimes too 

Sora is still inexperienced as a magician but… Sora wants to lend a little bit of Master~ and Senpai’s power!  

Tsumugi: Thank you, Sora-kun. We’ll be careful from now on so you don’t have to worry so much 

Natsume: YeS. And, this time you’ve worked hard. As your master, I’m proUD♪  

Sora: HoHo~! Sora got praised by Master~. Sora is very happy!  

Kuro: Amazing. That Harukawa made everyone here smile in no time  

Niki: He did. I’m relieved that Harukawa-kun seems to b having fun too♪ 

Kuro: You were supporting loads while I was away weren’t you? Sorry I left you with all the work  

Niki: Not at all. It’s not like I’m doing anything. I’m just listening to these guys talk 

Well, I’m just glad I was able to help  

(Harukawa-kun may think he has a long way to go. To me, he’s already a great magician♪) 

(Because, in no time he made everyone smile despite their tired faces) 

(I wonder if I was able to help the little wizard too…♪)  

[taiyaki-translations]

Intelligence - Disclosure 8

Season: Spring Characters: Jun, Shu, Izumi, Kaoru, Yuzuru, Kanata, Mao, Nagisa, Kuro Translator: taiyaki-translations ENG Proofreader: verdantcrimson (Yuzuru, Kuro), sunnyskiestls (Kanata, Nagisa), raspberrytls (Shu)

<The next morning>

Jun: So you found out the identity of that Mendako alien…

Shu: —If you were planning on coming back in the morning, was there any need to worry about the state of your skin, Sena?

Izumi: It’s because you kicked me out. I didn’t get the chance to bring my skincare products with me.

I only came so late at night so we wouldn’t have to face each other. You should be thanking me.

Why am I being treated like I’m in the wrong? Sooo annoying!

Jun: Oh right, these two are in the middle of a fight, huh~ Honestly, I’d like you guys to make up quickly.

Shu: Hmph, I told you that I made a huge concession for Sena. I see no reason for me to apologize.

Izumi: Hah? In the first place, you were the one keeping the lights on even after it was supposed to be lights off—

Kaoru: Okay, okay, Senacchi, Itsuki-kun, that’s enough fighting. There are more important things to focus on at the moment, right?

Kanata: The identity of who was inside the “mendako costume” has become clear now…~

Nagisa: …Menmen ♪

Mao: Ooh… Do Mendako aliens make those “menmen” noises?

Nagisa: …So it seems.

Jun: You’re saying it like it's got nothing to do with you. Nagi-senpai, why were you going around wearing one of those costumes?

Nagisa: …It was part of our “Dramatica” activities.

Izumi: “Dramatica”? Wearing those ridiculous costumes and doing those strange activities night after night?

Nagisa: …In our next performance, we are supposed to play the role of aliens. In order to prepare ourselves for that, we’re pretending to be creatures other than humans, to gain some experience.

Kuro: Is that why ya went outta your way to choose mendako...?

Nagisa: …It is surprisingly effective. When I recommended it to the other members, Wataru-kun and Leo-kun decided to try experiencing it too.

Kaoru: Ah~... That’s why we saw multiple Mendako aliens around.

Izumi: That Leo-kun, I thought he just went off somewhere as soon as we returned to Japan together, but he’s involved in this?

Don’t go doing weird stuff like this in the dorms without permission. I wish you’d take after my example and try to keep Leo-kun under control?

Nagisa: ...But we did receive permission, from Keito-kun.

Izumi: Hah? Then how come Hasumi didn’t know anything about the Mendako aliens?

Kaoru: …Is it possible that Ran-kun only told Hasumi-kun that they were going to do circle activities in the middle of the night?

Nagisa: …Yes. I informed him that “Dramatica” needed to do some late night practices for our next performance.

Kaoru: Then it’s no wonder Hasumi-kun didn’t know anything about it. He probably thought you were just rehearsing normally.

Mao: Ah~ I see. If someone told you they were preparing for a role in a play, you wouldn’t expect them to be going around doing activities in costumes like that, right?

Kanata: Um~...?

Kaoru: Hm? What’s the matter, Kanata-kun? Is something bothering you?

Kanata: It’s not really bothering me, it’s just been stuck in my mind…~ Where did the “costume” come from?

Jun: Ah, that’s another issue. Nothing at Aoumi Aquarium went missing, after all.

Nagi-senpai, where did you get that costume?

Nagisa: …Wataru-kun said that he borrowed it from Kanata-kun.

Yuzuru: Indeed, we heard from Shinkai-sama that Hibiki-sama occasionally borrows costumes from him, doesn’t he?

Kanata: But, that “costume” is in the “storage” right now.

So, where did the “costume” that Nagisa is wearing come from?

Nagisa: …I don’t know that, either. All I can say is that Wataru-kun prepared it for me.

Yuzuru: This is just a hunch, but perhaps you know something about this, Itsuki-sama?

Shu: …Hm. And what gave you that impression?

Yuzuru: I thought it was a bit strange. Why would Itsuki-sama go out of his way to stay in that closet to sew costumes?

Kiryu-sama, am I correct in assuming that before all of this, Itsuki-sama had been staying up several nights in a row making costumes?

Kuro: Well yeah. He’d been stayin’ up late even before Sena came back.

Yuzuru: Then that would line up with the time that the Mendako aliens started appearing, correct?

Kaoru: Huh? So what you’re getting at is… Itsuki-kun was the one who made those costumes!?

Yuzuru: Precisely. Since there was nothing missing from the Aoumi Aquarium storage, it would make sense that new costumes were made instead.

In such a predicament, one would need the assistance of someone who has the skill to sew multiple costumes in a short span of time.

Drawing upon both Kaoru-sama’s eyewitness account and Ran-sama’s testimony, at least three costumes had to have been prepared within the past few days.

Hibiki-sama must have requested the production of more costumes based on the one he borrowed from Shinkai-sama…

If we were to narrow down the people that Hibiki-sama could rely on to make costumes, the two most likely candidates are either Itsuki-sama or Kiryu-sama.

Furthermore, considering the major lifestyle changes that have been witnessed from him before and after this incident, I am leaning towards Itsuki-sama.

Shu: …That’s a good deduction. I will say that you are spot on.

Kaoru: So that means those costumes were really made by Itsuki-kun?

Izumi: You’re so contrary and difficult, it’s hard to believe you took on making a costume like this—were you being threatened or something?

Shu: You of all people are calling me contrary and difficult? And no, I’m not being threatened.

Izumi: Then why did you go to the trouble of accepting a request like that…?

Shu: …Wataru is one of my few friends. It didn’t feel right to refuse a friend’s request.

Izumi: …I’m shocked. I didn’t think that was the reason you were staying up all night.

If that’s true, I still have my grievances, but Leo-kun is part of the cause.

So you could say that he was the one making Itsuki stay up all night, which means I haven’t been managing him properly…

Hah… For now, I’m sorry that Leo-kun made you do something so unreasonable.

Shu: Hm, I never expected you to apologize. That’s fine—as your apology seems sincere, I will accept it.

Izumi: But this is the only time. If you stay up all night sewing again in the future, you better watch out!

Kaoru: Now, now, Senacchi. You guys went through the effort of making up, no need to start it up again.

Nagisa: …Yes. This incident started because of my activities as a Mendako alien. I apologize for frightening everybody.

…As an apology, I will give everybody tickets to our performance.

Jun: Oh, how nice~ I couldn’t help but be curious about what the play was about when I heard Nagi-senpai talking about it.

Kanata: Fufufu, I’m looking forward to it…~ I wonder, what kind of “performance” will it be?

Kaoru: Thank you, Ran-kun. I’m also looking forward to it.

Nagisa: …Yes. I would like for everybody to see that the experience we gained from all of this commotion was worth it ♪

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