IDOLISH7 PART 5 CHAPTER 3

[shionstear]

IDOLiSH7 PART 5

Chapter 3 - Selection

3.1. Offer

Yamato:

Me? In the new “Mikazuki Ookami” movie…

Tsumugi:

Yes. A remake of that masterpiece, following suit after TRIGGER’s musical hit…

I know it’s a lot of pressure, but the production team’s offer stated that they can’t imagine anyone else but you.

Yamato:

Ah… Are they acquaintances of my dad?

Tsumugi:

No. I haven’t heard anything about that

I think they’re just convinced of your talent. What do you think?

Yamato:

…

Tsumugi, thinking:

“Mikazuki Ookami” is his real father’s greatest work.

The Yamato-san from before would’ve probably declined the offer, to avoid his father…

And there’s also the possibility to directly compare his Shinpachirou to Yaotome Gaku-san’s interpretation.

Yamato-san does things at his pace, and he’s also not proactive when it comes to competitions and comparisons.

The old Yamato-san, that is. But now…

Yamato:

…I think I’ll do it.

Tsumugi:

Really!?

Yamato:

Yeah… It’s… It feels a bit weird, even to me.

I wanna try. I feel like I can do it. Like I’ll be able to portray a “Mikazuki Ookami” that is different from both Chiba Shizuo’s and Yaotome Gaku’s.

Ah. Ahaha, tried to act cool there. I dunno. Maybe it’ll be a crushing failure. But I wanna challenge myself.

Tsumugi, thinking:

Yamato-san… His eyes are twinkling, just like a child’s eyes.

That Yamato-san that said “I’ll go, I’ll leave it to you guys” on the day of IDOLiSH7’s audition…

To think there would come a day where he smiled like this…

Yamato:

“Mikazuki Ookami” huh… I gotta have Nagi teach me about it. He likes samurai stuff. Gotta tell Bernard-san too.

Do you remember, Manager? I wore the “Mikazuki Ookami” outfit back in Noth Meir.

To think I’d be the real “Mikazuki Ookami” once I came back from there. It’s weird.

…Manager!? Wh-what’s up!? Are you crying!?

Tsumugi:

…it’s just some pollen…

Yamato:

…haha…

I’ve troubled you quite a bit, huh… Even though you’re younger than me.

Tsumugi:

…no as I said, it’s just pollen…

Yamato:

Manager, sorry for making you worry so much.

Thanks for everything you did so far… I’ll be paying you back one by one from now on.

I’m thankful that you’ve never abandoned me and looked over me all this time.

Tsumugi:

…Yamato-san…

Yamato:

Ah, no. Don’t look up. …I’m embarrassed too.

Tsumugi:

…okay…

Yamato:

I kinda wanna tell Yaotome… I wonder what face he’ll make. Wait, is this me wanting to compete with him?

Man, I’m forgetting who I am. I’d be up against the No.1 Most Desired Embrace Yaotome Gaku.

Tsumugi:

You won’t lose, Yamato-san. And I’m sure Yaotome-san will be happy to hear that.

That you’ve started to consider yourself his rival.

Yamato:

Haha… Yeah, he’s that kinda guy.

 

3.2. Call

In a bar.

Gaku:

How strange of you to call me for something like this, Nikaidou.

Yamato:

Ah, well… There’s something I wanted to talk to you about.

Gaku:

What?

Yamato:

I wanted to tell you directly before you hear it from someone else. I got permission too…

Gaku:

Permission…

You gonna open a store?

Yamato:

A store? Like a fashion brand?

Gaku:

No, a restaurant. Since you wanted to talk to me.

Yamato:

How does opening a restaurant connect to having to talk to you? You running one or something, Yaotome?

Gaku:

…

Nope, not at all.

Yamato:

Yeah right.

Gaku:

Yup. So, what is it then?

Yamato:

…

This is still top secret, but I got an offer for a new “Mikazuki Ookami” movie.

And I told them I’d do it.

Gaku:

…

Yamato:

I’ll do my best to not lose against you. That’s all I wanted to say.

Gaku:

Is that so? I’ll look forward to it then.

Yamato:

Thanks.

Gaku:

What a sense of duty you have though. You called me, all nervous, just to tell me that?

Yamato:

You noticed I was nervous?

Gaku:

Yeah. I was wondering what you were gonna announce, got even a bit nervous myself.

Yamato:

You mean something like I’m gonna marry our manager?

Gaku:

That’s a nasty joke.

Yamato:

Sorry. I felt ecstatic too. Or rather… Like my emotions became stirred up. A strange feeling.

Gaku:

How so?

Yamato:

…before I probably just would’ve said that I don’t wanna do the same role as Yaotome Gaku.

Gaku:

Why! It’s fairly common that different actors portray the same role, right?

The correct answer varies depending on direction and production. You’ll be good as long as you act your way while respecting each other.

Yamato:

I know that. It’s just an inferiority complex.

Gaku:

…

Yamato:

I always thought IDOLiSH7 can’t lose to TRIGGER. But I also thought that as a leader I was losing.

Because you’re an amazing guy. You’re cool just being yourself, and when you act you just get cooler.

You can sing, dance, have your Yaotome face, have conviction, you are honest and to top it all off, you’ve got a great personality.

Gaku:

Haha… Stop, you praise me too much.

Yamato:

…if I hadn’t become an idol, I definitely would’ve hated you.

Gaku:

Huh!? Even though you praised me!?

Yamato:

Yup. I bet every time you’d appear on TV, I’d change the channel.

I probably would’ve wished some kind of bad luck onto you, anything lame happening to you would’ve been good for me.

Gaku:

…good to know.

Yamato:

Idiot don’t become sulky. It’s not your fault. You’re not at fault one bit.

It’s just that someone who does nothing but run away would’ve felt this revolting feeling in their chest after watching someone who doesn’t run away.

So instead of blaming oneself, ‘cause that’d be too painful, they’d end up blaming someone like you. Like “maybe his personality is shit” or something.

But because I got to know you… I only felt what an amazing guy you were. While feeling miserable, thinking I could never compare to someone like you.

Gaku:

… You’re drunk, aren’t you? You talk a lot.

Yamato:

It got to me fast tonight I dunno… But I doubt I could’ve told you while sober, so lemme properly tell you.

I’m happy. Happy that I was able to say yes to playing “Mikazuki Ookami”. Happy that I get to do something where I can compete with you.

There might be an ulterior motive of wanting to be appreciated more than you are. But…

Even if I lose to you, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Therefore, nothing’s scary. Isn’t this amazing?

Gaku:

Nikaidou…

Yamato:

I'll be happy no matter if I win or lose. Maybe this is how contests were meant to be. I'm happy to just have been standing on the starting line.

I’ve been running away from confronting anything all this time because I didn’t wanna look lame or uncool…

Just wandering around aimlessly, never able to make up my mind, because even when I tried to act cool, I felt like I was being uncool…

As to not look unsightly, I’d be cynical towards anything and make fun of idiots that would get passionate about things. If I didn’t stand on the starting line…

I would never lose in an unsightly way. And no one would notice that I was empty inside.

Gaku:

…

Yamato:

…but now, that I’ve slowly created something inside of me that feels like me…

I finally feel like I can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you. Well, maybe that’s a bit presumptuous, but…

Gaku:

What’re you talking about? I’ve respected you way before all this already. Ever since “Nemesis”.

Yamato:

…haha… you’re lying.

Gaku:

I’m not. I’ve told you multiple times. Did you never listen to me?

I’ve been jealous of you, who had been recognized by our senpai and Yuki-san. That I would do my best to not lose against you.

I’m looking forward to seeing Nikaidou’s “Mikazuki Ookami”.

Yamato:

Yeah…

Gaku:

Haha… This kinda conversation isn’t all too bad once in a while. I feel like we got closer.

Yamato:

…haha. I feel like I’m sobering up already…

Please just forget everything about tonight.

Gaku:

Huh!?

Yamato:

I really was just feeling ecstatic… God this is so embarrassing… Sorry but I’m gonna drink myself down. Onii-san, one more cup!

Gaku:

You’re not Ryū or Osaka. Even if you do that you won’t forget. And what’s so bad about remembering?

Yamato:

No no, but…

Gaku:

You said you were happy to stand next to me at the starting line.

Yamato:

Embarrassing…

Gaku:

And that you’d change the channel when I appear on TV.

Yamato:

Stop sulking! It was just a what-if story! Forget about it!

Gaku:

Is tonight your treat?

Yamato:

Of course, of course.

Gaku:

Well, then let’s see if we can drink ourselves down. But not so much that Tenn will be angry with me.

Yamato:

Speaking of which, what’s TRIGGER doing next?

Gaku:

There are various things, but it looks like we’ll be in “Crescent Wolf”’s director’s new work.

Yamato:

A new musical, huh? What’s it about?

Gaku:

I dunno yet. But apparently it was planned some dozen years ago but suddenly fell through.

Yamato:

It fell through… Why?

Gaku:

No idea if it’s true or not, but I did hear something that sounded like a ghost story.

Yamato:

A ghost story?

Gaku:

Yeah. Apparently, even though it was a script written with the main actor already in mind, before the performance, the main lead went missing and the director fell to madness.

Since then, the title had been sealed away.

Yamato:

The sealed away musical, huh… Sure sounds like a ghost story.

I’m sure you guys will be alright, but don’t get possessed by the ghosts from years ago, TRIGGER.

Gaku:

I know.

 

3.3. Atonement

At Okazaki Agency.

Shirou:

Thank you very much for taking some of your precious time to talk with me, President Okazaki.

Rintarou:

Don’t mention it, the pleasure was all mine.

It was quite fun talking to and meeting you, the new manager of TSUKUMO’s superstars ŹOOĻ…

Right after TSUKUMO so suddenly changed presidents like it was no big deal at all.

Shirou:

You honour me.

Rintarou:

Momo.

Momo:

Yes.

Rintarou:

Yuki.

Yuki:

What?

Rintarou:

Come here.

Momo:

Ah he’s pretending again…

Yuki:

I don’t think you’re in a position to tell me to come to you by waving one finger.

Rintarou:

It’s okay, come already.

Momo:

Yuki.

Yuki:

Tch… Can’t be helped then.

Rintarou:

Let me introduce them. Our cute big stars, Re:vale.

Shirou:

I’m well aware.

Yuki:

Why are you placing us next to you?

Momo:

Think of it like we’re part of a threat. As if we were some kinda tiger taxidermy.

Rintarou:

Hey hey, don’t talk now.

Yuki:

Tch…

Momo:

Yeees.

Rintarou:

Utsugi-kun. The former president of TSUKUMO really spoiled these kids.

Shirou:

…

Rintarou:

I’m not spiteful, but I’m careful.

We have to be attentive and always be on our guard, so that no more dark clouds will gather in this showbiz world.

Shirou:

The people of the once so-called anti-TSUKUMO alliance have started to follow you at some point, haven’t they?

Rintarou:

Maybe I was popular. I was so reliable; I couldn’t refuse them.

Yuki:

Though it was Momo who gathered everyone.

Momo:

It’s okay. I got the meat for the barbecue from him after all.

Rintarou:

Momo, Yuki. Could you, maybe, remain silent for a bit?

Yuki:

You see, I’m no taxidermy.

Momo:

They’re getting nowhere so let’s shut up. Sorry, Utsugi-san.

Shirou:

No, don’t mention it.

Rintarou:

I don’t mind going along with your plan, but I doubt my friends in the showbiz world would put trust in TSUKUMO employees.

We’ll take the initiative. Rinto.

Okarin:

Yes, president.

Rintarou:

Take over his project.

Okarin:

Understood.

Utsugi-san, I’m terribly sorry, but…

Shirou:

I'm thankful, from the bottom of my heart, that I'm able to leave things to someone that I can trust.

After all, this is my way of atoning.

 

3.4. Fox and grapes

Yuki:

Hah… Rintarou’s so annoying.

Momo:

Sorry again, Utsugi-san. Our president is kinda childish for trying to threaten you like that.

Okarin:

Utsugi-san, thank you very much. You must be busy, having only just become ŹOOĻ’s manager…

But because you came to lower your head to our president as well, it seems like our plan will be moving along seamlessly.

Shirou:

Then I’m glad.

Yuki:

TSUKUMO’s the one who made this entire chaos so it’s only natural for him to clean up after someone else’s mess.

Momo:

But it’s not like it’s Utsugi-san’s fault. He likes soccer, he’s not a bad person.

Yuki:

When did you even talk about soccer? You’re trying to smooth talk Momo and win him over, aren’t you?

Momo:

Oh Yuki…

Yuki:

I can’t trust TSUKUMO.

Okarin:

Yuki-kun. I’m sorry, Utsugi-san.

Shirou:

Thank you for telling me your honest feelings about this.

I’m not planning to win anyone over, but I would appreciate it if you would get along eventually.

After TSUKUMO has muddied the waters, I believe it to be my job to clean them again. I’m looking forward to working with you from now on too.

Okarin:

Likewise.

Momo:

Ah, I’ll see you off.

Yuki:

See you off to where, Momo?

Momo:

Ice cream! I wanna buy some at the konbini so I was about to head out anyway! You wait here, Yuki.

Let’s go, Utsugi-san.

Cut to outside.

Shirou:

Is this about Ryo-kun?

Momo:

…you got me.

Shirou:

I thought that might be it. And also that it’s hard to talk about that in front of Yuki-san. You’re a very kind person, Momo-san.

Momo:

I’m not kind at all. I had decided to have nothing to do with him anymore, yet here I am…

But it’s true that he did take care of me too, so I’m curious…

How is Ryo-san doing?

Shirou:

Living peacefully.

Momo:

I see… I can’t imagine him being calm.

Shirou:

I’d like to believe that he’s reflecting on what he did. And I also want to think that he’s changing for the better, even if only a little for now.

Because he started to think that he wants to protect what he once wanted to destroy.

I wonder if it’s because of you, Momo-san. Not that I know any details.

Momo:

…I did nothing. And I don’t plan to do anything from now on either. I’m not gonna betray Yuki.

Shirou:

Then you’d better buy that ice cream and go back. I’ll be fine on my own from here on. Thank you very much.

Momo:

Thank you very much as well. Take care.

Cut.

Shirou:

Ah right. Ryo-kun told me something. He said that Re:vale’s Momo was a wonderful grape.

That he didn’t manage to harvest it, but that it was a very good grape. Do you know what he could’ve possibly meant?

Momo:

Haha…

No, I don’t know.

 

3.5. Showbiz world recovery

Shirou:

…

Haruka:

Welcome back.

Shirou:

Oh, Isumi-san. You were still at the agency? Didn’t they see you off home?

Haruka:

‘Cause you just suddenly disappeared leaving stuff to someone else. Where were you?

Shirou:

I’m sorry. I thought I had properly handed everything over…

Haruka:

Where did you go?

Shirou:

To Okazaki Agency. I should’ve explained that in more detail, right? I’m sorry.

Haruka:

It’s okay. Not like Ryo-san or the guy before him ever explained stuff to me.

I’m used to it.

Shirou:

…

I’m sorry, Isumi-san. Even though I knew what you four went through before.

That was thoughtless of me, even though I was the one to say that I wanted us to get along.

Haruka:

Like I said, I don’t really care. I’m used to being abandoned.

Even if you tell me that you’ve just been using me, even if you tell me that you got tired of me, I’ll say, “oh well, again” and be done with it.

Shirou:

…I’m sorry, Isumi-sa—

Haruka:

But the other guys! …the other three look tough, but they’re unexpectedly fragile. They can’t take any more of that.

They can’t take anymore of being treated as if they are important but aren’t. They just can’t.

Touma, Minami and Torao. They can’t anymore!

Shirou:

…

Haruka:

If you don’t care about us, then just tell us. Don’t play the nice guy.

Let’s do it cool.

Shirou:

Aight.

Haruka:

Huh!? The hell, did you just suddenly drop your act?!

Shirou:

‘Cause you said to do it cool… Well then, I’ll return to my usual self.

Haruka:

O-okay…

Shirou:

But it was really my fault this time, for that I’m sorry. I wanted to get everything ready before explaining it all to you.

It was definitely not because there’s something more important than ŹOOĻ right now.

I was impertinent because I wanted to compile the topic and let you know quickly so you could feel happy and at ease.

I do care about you. You’re my number one priority. I’m sorry to have worried you.

Haruka:

…

…okay.

Shirou:

Do you feel better now?

Haruka:

Huh!? Is that something you’d ask now?! Did you just butter up to me!?

Shirou:

Ah, no, no, sorry! I mean I did, but I wasn’t lying with what I said!

But since it seemed like you had cheered up, I couldn’t help but make sure of it…

Haruka:

Can’t you just guess or something!?

Shirou:

I’ll do better next time.

Haruka:

…so, what’s the thing that’s supposed to make us happy?

Shirou:

Is it okay to tell you first even though the others aren’t here?

Haruka:

A bit should be okay? I mean like I dunno. Or rather, decide yourself.

Shirou:

Hard to please, I see…

Haruka:

Huh!?

Shirou:

Well then let me tell you a bit. Ryo-kun’s goal was to sully idols’ honour.

Because he himself had been disappointed by idols, he wanted fans all around the country to feel the same.

Haruka:

…yeah.

Shirou:

To do that he did many things. And because of that, the impression people had of idols changed.

Even if you admire and support them, they will someday end up in a scandal and betray you. Concerning yourself with them would just be tiresome.

Haruka:

…really? I don’t think our fans feel like that…

Shirou:

That’s because both ŹOOĻ and IDOLiSH7 are on a high right now.

You might not notice it from where you stand, in the middle of it all.

But if you distance yourself from it even a bit, you’ll notice that there are less and less people that show interest and more that stay away.

If it continues like this, the idol business world will decay sooner or later.

Just like Ryo-kun wanted, the idol boom will become a temporary phenomenon and start to weaken suddenly.

Which is only natural. Re:vale and TRIGGER, the ones who were pulling the idol boom, have fallen down after all.

Haruka:

…

Shirou:

TSUKUMO made them fall down. I’m taking that responsibility and am working towards reviving the idol world.

Haruka:

How… can you do something like that?

Shirou:

Can we wait a bit until things get clearer before I explain that part?

Even if I give you expectations, it might not go all that well; though I plan to make it go well.

Haruka:

…Understood. Is there something we can do?

Shirou:

Of course. There are many things only you can do.

When that time comes, I hope for your support.

Cut to Takanashi Agency.

Otoharu:

Tsumugi-kun, do you have a moment?

Tsumugi:

Thank you for all your work, president. …what is it? You look somewhat nervous…

Otoharu:

We just got an amazing job offer…

Tsumugi:

…does it have anything to do with Douglas Rootbank-san?

Otoharu:

Well I was very nervous when Douglas visited, wasn’t I?

This is incredible, Tsumugi-kun. This job might change the idol world.

IDOLiSH7 and you have been selected to be the pivot of this significant job.

Tsumugi:

A job that could change the idol world…?

Otoharu:

The details are in these documents. Read through it carefully and head to the meeting. Together with Mitsuki-kun.

Tsumugi:

With Mitsuki-san…?

Title of the project… Sticking close to idols, a documentary TV program (tentative title)...

…a documentary…?

 

To be continued…