AREA 01 | Confusion and Order 6-8
Confusion and Order 6
— Are ya even listenin’, Rinne-han?
I’m listenin’, I’m listenin’. You’re puttin’ that cute face of yours to waste, ya know that, Kohaku-chan?
C’mon, take a look at Niki. He’s taken advantage of the fact we’re at a buffet and piled his plate sky-high.
Not just that, he’s hummin’ as he’s goin’ back for seconds! What’s with that? Finish your first plate first!
Quit tryin’ ta change the subject. Or do ya wanna get knocked flat on your back?
Don’t get so worked up. ... Gettin’ flamed online is just another day for us, ain’t it?
The article— did’ja read it? They’re bringin’ up the Idol Royal now of all times.
“Crazy B: Pure Cowadice!” “Barrage of slander hurled at popular unit!”
Callin’ us a disgrace of idols, bringin’ our characters into question... Those guys just write whatever they want, don’t they? These ones are true though. Gyahaha ♪
But they didn’t stop there. They’re floatin’ around a whole mixture of facts and lies about the programs we’ve appeared on.
Get a load of this one... Here it says we cut down an entire forest illegally, all to find a brand new species!
Even though the reality of that one was just some program where we discovered the Nagigon.1
It’d be crazy for anyone to believe something like this. ... Is what HiMERU wishes he could say.
To be frank, there’s hardly a soul who knows our name overseas, even taking into account our streams on the MEGASPHERE.
Even with that massive streaming event, only a handful of people in this country knows who we are.
Even now, people are only finding out ‘bout the MEGASPHERE ’cuz that absurdly huge ship docked here.
Honestly speakin’, I doubt that many of the new fans who watched the streams even bothered to check out any of the idols’ past performances and programs.
So given all that, seein’ hot topics like these articles pop up on social media or the web where anyone can read it, o’course the masses would tune in.
... So what? Are we just gonna ignore ‘em this time ‘round too?
Yup. Best to leave these kindsa things alone. Flames tend to die out down on their own, after all.
Under normal circumstances, I would agree with ya.
But these ain’t normal circumstances. Right now, we’re smack in the middle of a world tour all the way in America.
And so such controversies will likely follow Crazy:B for the entire duration of the tour, won’t they?
Exactly. It’s clear this is gonna affect the fan vote. Even still—
Even still. Like I said, wherever ya go, there’ll always be people tryin’a manipulate expectations. ... Here, take a look at this.
The hell ya doin’, suddenly throwin’ yer phone at me like that...
I see the names AKATSUKI and Crazy:B on a graph... What’s this...?
— So people are wagering on the results of MM, huh.
Bingo ♪ It’s what ya could call “idol gamblin’”, I suppose.
Nothin’ official, o’course. As if NiceP would let anythin’ like this go on, yeah?
The fattest stacks of cash are gettin’ bet on whose gonna make it to the next round of the tournament— Whether it’ll be Crazy:B or AKATSUKI.
And it all depends on us as to where the payouts end up goin’... Not a bad feeling, eh? ♪
And since you’re bringin’ this up, that means...
Ya think this idol gamblin’ scheme’s got somethin’ to do with the controversies goin’ around, dontcha?
Hard to say. But it’s not somethin’ we can rule out. Loads o’money got put in the pot after the controversy online blew up.
Maybe they wanted to tip the odds by puttin' out a controversy that’d drag down Crazy:B’s popularity.
Who knows, people might be puttin’ down money on Crazy:B knowin’ next they’re gonna torch AKATSUKI right before the final match.
And we’d then take the win, as the backlash tanks AKATSUKI’s vote count ♪
... That really makes my blood boil.
HiMERU shares the sentiment. ... HiMERU will be returning to his room.
Amagi, Oukawa... You shouldn’t be discussing such matters in a place like this.
‘Cause we dunno who might be listenin’ and where they might be listenin’ from?
We’ll be fiiine, we’re speakin’ Japanese. And everyone else’s too engrossed in the plate in front of them to listen in on us.
— Don’t say HiMERU didn’t warn you.
...
Well, I betcha our name’s been spreadin’ across America thanks to all this commotion, dontcha think?
The first step for an idol to get more fans is to get people to remember your name, right? Maybe we should be thankful!
Name recognition’s the first step for an idol to get more fans, right?
Idiot. Our names in the mud is what we got.
And another thing. ‘Sides, I’m not gonna let an online controversy decide our outcome like this.
What’s all this, Kohaku-chan? Were ya seriously lookin’ forward to settling the score with AKATSUKI? No way!
It’s not like I feel too strongly about all that.
It’s just... It’s still irritatin' to have someone rudely butt in in the middle of your fight.
Besides, I get the feelin’ that this ain’t your everyday controversy.
I can’t say for sure, but it feels... targeted? That feelin’ keeps rearin’ it’s head with this whole thing every now and then.
... I mean, Rinne-han. You’ve noticed it too, right? ‘Bout HiMERU-han.
Well, yeah, But I mean, it’s not like this is the first time that guy’s kept secrets from us, right?
I know... But, there’s somethin’ off about how he’s actin’ right now.
Okay then, what? Are ya thinkin’ Merumeru’s got somethin’ to do with the controversies, Kohaku-chan?
That, I...
... HiMERU-han only started actin’ strange after we spent the night at that slum.
The fact we got attacked by some mysterious stranger’s buggin’ me too. I dunno what’s behind it all, but I’m pretty certain we’ve got ourselves mixed up in some real trouble.
So, should we try talkin’ to him ‘bout it? After all, he told us to come to him if we had any worries, didn’t he?
Idiot. As if HiMERU-han would just tell us the truth ‘bout it.
Then how ‘bout forcin’ it outta him? I bet we could get Merumeru would spill if you got all sincere ‘bout it, Kohaku-chan!
You’re pissin’ me off, Rinne-han.
Then let’s let it rest!
Merumeru ain’t some baby, y’know. He’s probably not tellin’ us anything ‘cause he thinks he’s got it under control.
... A’ight, great meal! I think I’ll be headin’ back up to my room too and kick back for a bit ♪
Ah, now hold on a sec!
Sigh... Each and every one of these guys, I swear. Actin’ like it’s business as usual despite everythin’ goin’ on...
(Chew chew)
Well look who it is. It’s Niki-han. Finally back, huh?
... (Swallows food) Just got back~
Ah, Kohaku-chan! This meat’s just absolutely amazing, man! You gotta try it!
... And you really haven’t changed a bit, haven’t ya? Beats me how you can eat so leisurely considerin’ what’s happenin’.
Nahaha, it’s not like I’m not worried about HiMERU-kun, okay~? Though I dunno much ‘bout online controversies and gamblin’ stuff...
But I mean, I guess whatever happens happens, y’now? It’ll work itself out. (Chew chew)
The hell d’ya mean...
... Nah, maybe ya got a point thinkin’ about things that way, huh.
Confusion and Order 7
(...)
(... Hmm. No sign of any break-ins in here...)
(Thankfully, we’re staying in such a renowned, high-end hotel. The security here is pretty solid.)
(Even still, I found that wedged in the door... I can’t even let my guard down in the lobby or the hallways.)
(But I shouldn’t have to worry about others listening in on my conversations here in this room at the very least.)
(Honestly... I never thought I’d find myself coming all the way to America just to fear for my safety. What on earth did I come to this god-forsaken country for...)
(Well, this isn’t the time to be saying things like that. There’s no telling when Oukawa will be back, so... Let’s make this quick.)
(...)
Oh, I see that you are still amongst the living.3
— Have you made any progress on the investigation?
Before we do that. Are you at any risk of eavesdropping?
I’ve already searched the room. The room has no signs of break-in.
This room is situated at the end of the floor hallway, and the neighboring room belongs to my unit members.
Very good. ... That said, no progress has been made.
First off— Regarding the assailant... We still haven’t been able to pin down his identity.
The night you all were attacked... I had my subordinates trail him, but, alas...
It appears he has managed to outmaneuver us. Well, you were lucky to leave that situation alive, though.
And you? Have there been any more ambushes since then?
... Given the fact you have eyes on HiMERU at all times, there’s no point in pretending you don’t know already, is there?
Yes, that may be the case while you are out in the open, but interiors are a different story.
Still, that is quite the surprise. Ihave to imagine the assailant has found out you are HiMERU of Crazy:B by now.
I had assumed he had full intention to eliminate each and every person in this country associated with Priest— no exceptions made.
And yet for the past few days, not a hair on your head has been touched. Despite all of your vigilance regarding the assailant, and all of the guards tailing you, you’ve had such a peaceful time.
Or perhaps my initial assumption was incorrect? Maybe he hasn’t even realized you are an idol.
That’d be impossible.
He’s got his crosshairs set on anyone associated with Priest. He’s definitely taking this little game of revenge seriously.
However... he’s changed his method of execution for me2 in particular.
An execution that doesn’t involve the taking of life, but instead inflicts suffering whilst keeping them alive.
It’s not a way that extinguishes life itself, but inflicts suffering while keeping them alive.
... Nanashi. You’ve been contacted by the assailant, haven’t you?
There was a slip of paper wedged into my room’s door. ... What was written on it is the following.
— “Lose MM”.
And that if I do not, he will leak secrets about HiMERU to the public.
... I see. So he detests that you live in a world bathed in light.
To him, it’s inexcusable for someone associated with Priest to live a life like that, so he intends to drag you down from it, I see.
... Knowing that now, the recent online controversy involving you all might be the work of the assailant.
I must ask, however. Are you going to meet his demands?
...
(I can’t act recklessly. I don’t know how much he knows about Crazy:B. ... No, about “me”.)2
(Fortunately, his threat stops at the leak. But... if he knows about my little brother, then—)
If my priority were to ensure the survival of Crazy:B, then... Losing the match at MM would be the best choice.
... However, even if I were to comply... I don’t think it would ensure our safety.
I can’t imagine the assailant would allow me, somebody associated with Priest, to slip away. He’ll likely hunt me until I’m dead.
Worst comes to worst, I am dragged off the stage with “my”2 secret exposed and Crazy:B is forced to disband.
And I presume after that, I would be blackmailed into borderline criminal deeds, until I am no longer of use and cast aside.
You’d have to be a fool to just comply with such a demand, with that conclusion staring you in the face as clear as day.
Indeed, I share the same sentiment.
... That said, it remains true that there’s no solution.
If I don’t comply with the demand, a secret that would be detrimental to Crazy:B would eventually be publicized.
Meaning that as long as that man exists in this world... “My”2 life will never know peace.
... I shall look into the controversies on my end for the time being. With some luck, I may be able to identify the assailant.
... Alright, Best of luck.
I’ll cooperate in any way possible if it means apprehending him.
I... cannot afford to lose the existence of “HiMERU”, the idol.
(HiMERU and Crazy:B— I have to protect them both. It’s a place I’m keeping safe... for him to come back to.)
... Is it because that place is special to you?
... What do you mean by that?
I was just thinking a bit about the days we spent together back at that slum...
You had nothing of your own back then. Though you stood in front of my very eyes, my hand could go right through— it was just as if you were an invisible man.
... Perhaps that is why it felt so strange when I found out you were an idol several days ago.
As you exchanged words with your comrades, you were no longer that invisible man. You seemed like you were a living, breathing person.
... But... I’m starting to think even that was a misunderstanding, given the way you speak about it.
Perhaps you’ve simply gotten better at impersonation. Perhaps you are still that invisible man who acts for the sake of someone else. ... Or, am I wrong?
...
Crazy:B... Is that really the place you truly belong?
... No, I’ll stop myself there.
My goal is to apprehend the assailant. Anything other than the means to achieve that is no matter of mine.
... Hmm?
— Is something the matter?
No, I was just looking into the online controversies, and...
AKATSUKI, was it? It appears they have issued a statement in Crazy:B’s defense.
... What?
Confusion and Order 8
(Phew... Pure satisfaction ♪)
(Getting to eat such delicious local specialties like this is a total dream!)
(It’s all just the best— Not only does the menu change some every day, but it’s all-you-can-eat too!)
(I wouldn’t mind a non-stop World Tour if it meant getting to enjoy dishes like these every day!)
(... If Crazy:B manages to advance to the next round, does that mean we’ll get to go to a new country for the next showdown live?)
(I don’t think NiceP got that far in his explanations yet, but... It’s pretty likely, ain’t it~)
(Spain, Italy, Turkey... There’s so many places I’d love to visit that I can’t pick just one... ♪)
That’s a real happy face you got there, huh, Shiina-san~?
Hm? Shirataki-kun and Hasumi-kun? Could you guys be having dinner too?
Yes. We just returned from the MEGASPHERE a little while ago.
Oh? So you guys were practicing all this time since the live ended, huh?
You guys in AKATSUKI are serious as ever~ ‘Specially compared to us, we just came straight back to the hotel to relax~
Well, we did at least squeeze in a quick practice sesh before dinner, but it was pretty late already, so it was kept short.
Oh, that reminds me! If you guys stop by the buffet, you absolutely gotta try the filet mignon!
Not only are they cooked and seasoned to absolute perfection, there’s a buncha sauces you can choose from! And they’re all delicious ♪
Huh, they didn’t have those yesterday, did they~? I’ll definitely put it on my list, then~♪
Also... I’m relieved to see you acting like your normal self, Shiina-san~
? What do you mean? Like my “normal self?”
This might not be the place to have this conversation, but...
Have you been made aware of the controversy about Crazy:B online?
Oh right, Rinne-kun and the others were talkin’ about somethin’ like that. I don’t really know much ‘bout the details, though.
I was a little concerned about Crazy:B after learning about it.
The impact slander can make can be immeasurable.
No matter how hard you try to pay no mind to it, you can’t completely ignore it.
Besides, if the controversy keeps progressing at this rate, it may impact your ability to advance in MM.
We’re already going to the trouble of having a live showdown, but it’d just be a total letdown if a bunch of unrelated people rained on it, right?
So we backed you guys up on stream. So with that, I hope things will quiet down now.
Umm, what do you mean by “backed up on stream”?
We AKATSUKI took it upon ourselves to comment on the controversy surrounding Crazy:B for you all.
Although we didn’t get into it too deeply. We just talked about it briefly on the commemorative stream following our first round.
‘Cuz some of those inflammatory outlets were putting out stories that AKATSUKI thought poorly of Crazy:B, right~?
They were saying stuff like, “AKATSUKI loathes Crazy:B,” and “That’s why they get so close they can nearly grab at each other even while performing on stage,”~ Of course, that’s all just baseless nonsense~
There was a time when we held anger for the despicable things you guys did to us, but... Time has passed, and we’re coming to terms with what happened.
It seems like Souma-san still isn’t convinced about it all, though~?
... A-hem. Anyways, the articles fueling the backlash against you all are greatly exaggerated.
Our fans back in Japan may know the context, but the people in this country are more susceptible to taking whatever those magazines are saying at face value.
So we put out a statement on-stream refuting parts of the controversy. It involves us too, after all.
... And if we’re talking about using violence on a live stage, we AKATSUKI are not ones to talk in the first place.
We have no leg to stand on criticizing you guys considering what we’ve done in the past.
Uh-huh... Sounds like you all have been givin’ it some serious thought, huh~?
Crazy:B’s always goin’ through some controversy or other, so I didn’t really think all that seriously ‘bout this one, though...
Nyahaha. Well that’s pretty impressive, huh~? It’s surprising, but I guess you really do carry yourself like you’re some real big shot, huh~
Nahh, I’m nothin’ like that at all!
Anyways, sounds like you all did a real big favor for us. Consider your sentiments received!
I’ll give ya all thanks on everyone else’s behalf ♪
Don’t worry about it. It would be a problem if it had gotten in the way with our MM showdown with you.
... What actually worries me is whether this might backfire on us. I went into the stream with the intention of choosing my words carefully but...
What would we do if the Crazy:B’s controversy spreads even farther because of us...?
You’re worryin’ too much! These controversies blow over on their own, it just takes time.
— How can you be so sure?
Ah, it’s HiMERU-kun. What’s up?
... Did’ja come on back ‘cause you realized you were hungry?
Oukawa was the only one who had returned to the rooms, so HiMERU came to get you too.
HiMERU understands that the food is delicious, but he would appreciate a smidge of cooperation at the very least.
Nahaha, sorry ‘bout that?
And you, two members of AKATSUKI. We will be taking our leave.
Hold on a moment, HiMERU. Regarding the controversy, if there ever comes a time you don’t know what to do, please feel free to come to me for help.
We may be rivals, but I don’t think that’s a reason to antagonize each other while we’re off the stage.
That’s right~ A problem of yours is a problem of ours too~
... A problem of yours too, huh?
Why, thank you for being so considerate. Just one thing...
— Please refrain from doing anything else so unnecessary.
Unnecessary? Are you talking about our stream?
What else would HiMERU be talking about?
You see, the golden rule of controversies is to sit tight and assess.
And if an official statement does need to be issued, it’s standard to consult with all relevant parties before doing so.
The fact that AKATSUKI, our opponents of all units, have become involved, means the attention on Crazy:B has only grown.
Now Crazy:B is trending on every social media platform out there.
I did consider that possibility. But after much discussion, we...
— Didn’t you claim that this was done out of concern for us in the first place. Is this really the case?
What are you talking about...?
With your opponents now disparaged, AKATSUKI’s image can be improved by defending us. Was that what you were thinking?
By playing the good guy, you were hoping to gain the upper hand in MM, weren’t you?
Or perhaps that is why you chose to challenge Crazy:B in the first place— you calculated that you could win fans to your side outside the matches.
In that case, HiMERU will concede that you have quite keen insight, Hasumi-senpai.
Ho... Hold on now, HiMERU-kun! That’s going too—
Shut up.
... What... was that?
You heard me, didn’t you? I told you to shut up~
Do you have any clue how worried Hasumi-san was when he saw what was happening online? — How hard he thought about what he could do to help? You don’t, so don’t go making assumptions and saying whatever you want!
HiMERU wishes he didn’t have to say the same thing twice, but... HiMERU is telling you that it was unnecessary.
Hey, didn’t you hear me tell you to “shut up”?
Quit talking back when you don’t understand what’s being said...!
That’s enough, Taki!
...! But Hasumi-san!
Sorry, HiMERU. I was thoughtless this time. ... We’ll be leaving.
...
... Siiigh... HiMERU-kuuun... You went a bit too far there~ Those guys didn’t mean any harm, you know?
That’s not the issue at hand here.
You cannot approach controversies here the same manner as you do in Japan. This is a land very far far away... It is a whole different world here.
The environment, the people, their values... Everything is different.
The potential damage a controversy can make here is an unknown variable. Even HiMERU cannot predict what might happen.
Issat so~? It doesn’t seem to make sense to me, though.
I’m sure lotsa things are different here than they are in Japan, which is a little nerve-wrackin’, but... It feels like that’s an exaggeration, HiMERU-kun.
It is not an exaggeration. If Crazy:B incurs the resentment of enough people here, then...
The possibility of becoming targeted by just one malicious person with a sense of self-serving justice is enough to put our lives in danger.
Even if nothing of the sort happens, any escalation of this matter gives a real possibility that Crazy:B will have to disband.
Hmm... Well, I guess bein’ made to disband could be possible, huh~?
Well, to you, surely that would be a good thing, wouldn’t it, Shiina.
— After all, you’d finally get to quit being an idol. It’s not like you ever wanted to be one in the first place.
...
Nahaha, guess you’re right, huh.
No, Shiina, that just now was—
But, even if what you said did end up happening, I have a feelin’ Rinne-kun would just drag me back into something all over again.
So when that happens, I’m not gonna let’cha go either, HiMERU-kun. I’mma force ya to put up with Rinne-kun’s antics so I’m not alone, m’kay?
... Let’s head back to our rooms.
Translation Notes
- ↑ A reference to Ephemeral Festival.
- ↑ HiMERU typically refers to himself in third-person. Here, and in other places, he uses the first-person pronoun 俺 (ore) to refer to himself, rather than the persona of HiMERU he portrays.
- ↑ This story tackles English dialogue in several ways. Sometimes, words and phrases are written in actual English, but most of the time (for ease of reading), dialogue where characters are speaking English at length is actually written in Japanese and put in quotes (『』) ; this can get really confusing, especially once other characters start doing it. For this translation, I've denoted the "technically-speaking English" Japanese lines in bolded purple. When you see purple lines, assume it's the character speaking fluent or fluent-passing English.