Dynamic Diamond
Partial Translation Disclaimer: This is a partial translation of chapters from Dynamic Diamond main story.
Unproofread Translations Terms of Service
This story is not JP proofread. Unproofread translations are under much stricter terms of service. While these translations are as accurate as I can personally make them, I am not comfortable with and do not permit use of the following:
⦿ Do not take or publicly circulate screenshots of this translation.
⦿ Do not use this translation in analysis threads, story threads, fanworks, quotebots, etc.
I would love to get this story properly proofread and posted one day! If you are a translator interested in JP proofreading this story, feel free to DM me at @citrinesea on X.
Ibuki's entrance into AKATSUKI has insensitive parallels to the history between Japan and the Ryukyu Islands, specifically the annexation of Ryukyu into Okinawa from 1872-1879 onward. Click for more information
AKATSUKI is a unit embodied by 和 (wa, lit. harmony, but also a self-designator for Japan). The word 和風 (wafu, Japanese style) comes from 和. During the Meiji Restoration, 和 was central to Japan’s efforts to unify and assimilate new territories under a shared cultural identity. On top of his membership, Ibuki's active pursuit of 本当の和風 (true Japanese-style) being the reason he pursues AKATSUKI is inappropriate, bearing this in mind.
Additionally, the Ryukyu Disposition was driven by military interests, particularly securing Japan's southern borders from other nations. In Okinawan schools, national pride was linked to serving Japan’s military goals. This had devastating consequences, particularly during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. This in mind, having Ibuki join the self-proclaimed "war unit" is also inappropriate.
Read the full-length analysis here: Unpacking Shinsei (新生) AKATSUKI; An Extended Translation Note and Analysis.
Front and Back Appraisal 9
…
Hey~ Lemme go, lemme gooo, will ya Ogami-san~?
I’m not a cat1 or anything, you know~? Please don’t grab me by the nape of my neck~!
Shut it~ you shitty little pipsqueak!2 You’ve got some hell of a nerve, just jumpin’ into my livestream and startin’ up a jam session!
“Shitty little pipsqueak”!? I’ve got a name, y’know, it’s Taki Ibuki~
Wait. Did you manage to forget my name, Ogami-san~? That’s a little unacceptable, you know~? Riiight~?
Shitty little pipsqueak’s all I need to know you by! ‘Cuz you’re a damn nuisance who scampers around all over the place~!
I just had to, though~ I was out walking in the halls, when I heard this absolutely groovy lick!
It was so killer, the way you used that pentatonic scale and took a chromatic approach and phrasing from it~! That’s not just your ordinary lick~
When I heard it, I just had to come and get in on the session myself~ Had to~! Okay~?
… Hmph. What’s with that? You’ve got a good ear for being you, huh, Taki~♪
Fine, I’ll let you off the hook. But next time, don't just jump in like that. Make yourself known first, hear me?
Yeah, I got it~
Hey, that was a cover song you were playing just now, right?
That’s right. It was a loud rock song that was popular a lil’ while ago.
Yeah. I know that song too~ Well, that’s why I was able to hop right in and play it with you though.
Why didn’t you play any UNDEAD songs, though? Or like, ones you’ve written yourself~?
You’re trying to get “Nice!”s too, aren’t you? If so, wouldn’t it be better if you weren’t playing cover songs~?
Are you an idiot~? It’s the opposite– the opposite! If you wanna get “Nice!”s, you gotta do covers.
Just think about it. If I played an UNDEAD song, the only “Nice!”s I’d get would be from UNDEAD fans, right?
There’s only so many people you’re going to reach in that case, before you cap out.
So, that being the case, you play cover songs in order to get “Nice!”s from people outside the fanbase.
Hmm? And here I thought you were just some little ingwa,3 but you’re surprisingly strategic, huh~?
Ingwa…?
Anyways, I can’t believe they’d use audience votes to decide who would go up against MELLOW DEAR US, y’know~?
Even Hasumi-san was shocked~?
He was all like, “It’s incorrigible that they settled on something like this” y’know~!
To be more accurate, what they said was that they were gonna incorporate information from the audience votes.
Well. I was surprised at first too, so I was irritated. It’s like, you’re gonna pass on your responsibilities onto the whims of the audience’s votes?
But after a while, when I got a cool head, I was like, maybe Anzu’s got a logic to what she's doin’.
So I decided to trust Anzu. She’s our producer after all.
Ah. So that’s how you’re trying to get Anzu-neenee to put her eyes solely on you!
No faaair~ That’s no good. I put my faith in Anzu too, after all~?
Why are you competing over something like that?
Or should I say. I doubt there’s a single person in ES who doesn’t trust Anzu~
Hm? Who’s that now~? And at a time like this... We're on the brink of seeing who’s gonna get selected to be a representative– it’s a real intense moment. Right?
Honestly, don’t say something so cheeky, you don’t seem to be nervous about it at all~
… Hm? Yoshihide?
What~ever. If it’s him, I don’t need to pick up. Anyways, as I was saying, Ogami-san—
Hey, hey, you’re a real heartless guy, huh? Pick it up. If he’s calling now, it’s gotta be important~
M~nn. You think so? Yoshihide’s the kinda guy to call me any time of the day, in order to share whatever Nice news he has.
That guy's a titan in the industry as a producer, but he's a real big pain sometimes too, weirdly enough.
Well, whatever~ I’ll answer and see for myself. If it’s something pointless again, I’m just gonna lecture him~
Yes. Hello…?
Hell yeaaaaah!
(Clap, clap, clap) …♪
Congrats on being the Six Selected of Song, Ogami-san~ It looks like your plan worked out~
Well, I got selected too, though~ On that note, looks like we’re gonna be teammates from here on out~ Looking forward to working with you!
Al~right! With this, we’re gonna take down that pack of cheeky MELLOW DEAR US guys!
You say that like it's simple, huh~? Do you really think we'll take down MELLOW DEAR US easy-peasy?
Isn’t that the obvious outcome. What? Are you startin’ to chicken out on me?
Nyahahahaha! No way! Words like “chicken” aren’t in my dictionary~♪
But, I think we’re gonna have to put in a ton of work to beat MELLOW DEAR US, y’know~
Because there’s something Japanese idols don’t know very well, right?
– And that's what kind of idols MELLOW DEAR US are.
…
Front and Back Appraisal 10
(This is the place, huh? The message that came in from NiceP said “Press Conference Waiting Room.”)
(Oh god, does that mean there’s going to be some kind of press conference!?)
(I was chosen as a representative for Japan because I came in first from the vote, right?)
(Hgh. Even though I heard it properly from Anzu, I still can’t really believe it~!)
Uuu, I get what Isara-kun was saying now… I feel like the pressure is going to pop me like a balloon…
Hey. Why the long face~ Stringbean Megane?4 Nervous you got picked to be a member, huh?
O-Ogami-kun? Are you here because you were selected too?
‘Course I was. My blood’s really pumpin’, ya know! I’ve finally got my chance to go on a total rampage, after all.
I can’t wait to show those MELLOW DEAR Whatever guys just who they picked a damn fight with~♪
Ahaha… That’s Ogami-kun alright…
It looks like the other members aren’t here yet, though. Do you know any of the guys selected?
Yeah, AKATSUKI’s Ta…–
Heheh. I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Yu~u-kun ♪
Uwaaa, Izumi-san!?
You didn’t keep me waiting at all, though. Or should I say, I don’t remember making an appointment with you.
I never thought you would be selected as a representative, Yuu-kun. I’ll make sure to guide you through it properly, so don’t worry yourself about it, okay ♪
What the hell, you two~ Why’d you get so weirdly close all of a sudden…~?
That’s not it at all! Izumi-san is the one who glued himself onto me!
Anyways, Ogami-kun. Who was it you were gonna say a second ago?
Right, it’s AKATSUKI’s Taki. He was selected for the team too.
It looks like HiMERU and Ayase were selected too. Why’d we have to have such a real group of characters as members?
Oh? Were you badmouthing HiMERU, Sena-senpai?
Who said anything about badmouthing? I just said what I said.
HiMERU would say you're more of a real character yourself, Sena-senpai. HiMERU would like it if you did not group him in with all the others.
To begin with, why does HiMERU—
…’m goING TO BE LAAAAATE…!
– have somewhat of a bad feeling.
Out of the way, out of the way! Watch out~! Please step to the side~!
Uwaah!?
Wahhh!? Ibuki-kun bowled over HiMERU-kun!? A–Are you alright!?
What’d I just say~? I said “Watch out” didn’t I? Sorry~ Are you alright, HiMERU-san?
I could have sworn it was a wild boar that rushed into me, with that kind of strength… Just how strong are you?
Nyahaha~ You don’t gotta praise me that much, y’know~ I’ve fought with a wild boar before~ And won.
Hold on~ I don’t think that was meant to be praise for you.
Or rather… Taki-kun, you shouldn’t run like that, it’s dangerous. There’s a lot of people standing here too, so…
I said I was sorry. I was just real worried I was gonna miss the press conference~
It was Hasumi-san’s fault, actually~ His “little scoldings” are a long earful~ He was giving me rules on all the stuff you're not supposed to do when you’re going on a press conference…
Honestly, I was just sick of hearing him talk by the time he was done~ Well, I did manage to get here in time, so that’s good at least. Nyahaha~
HiMERU would say that’s not the problem.
Hm? Did I happen to hurt you anywhere just a second ago?
— No, HiMERU is not hurt.
Nyahaha ☆ If so, then there’s no problem~! What a relief. That means everything’s fine. Right~?
… (Suppressing his anger.)
(Calm down, HiMERU. Keep it together... Keep it together...)
— (A deep sigh.)
Anyways, Ayase still isn’t here yet? The meeting time has already elapsed.
… here.
Haaah? I thought I heard something just now?
I-I’m… he~re…
Ayase-kun!? What are you doing skulking in the shadows over there?
About that… I just thought if I stood here in the corner, everyone would forget about my presence…
By some unexplainable misfortune, I was chosen as a representative by Anzu. What kind of divine punishment could this be, I wonder…
Hahhh? What’s with saying that? If you don’t have the will to do it, you should just drop out, you know.
A live showdown against MELLOW DEAR US is going to be hard as it is, we don’t need any useless obstacles standing around and holding us back, now do we?
Hold on Izumi-san!? Don’t say something like that…!
Uuu. Forgive meeee…! In order not to be a hindrance, I’ll extinguish my life immediately!
You don’t need to extinguish anything Ayase-kun, it’s fine!? If anything, it’d be a problem if you weren’t here, right!?
Besides, if we’re talking about someone being out of place, I feel like I’m the one who should drop out…
Haaahh!? Who now!? Who the hell told you you were out of place, Yuu-kun!?
Wait here, Yuu-kun, I’m gonna go beat that guy into oblivion.
Calm down, Izumi-san. And stop it.
Anyways, you were called here by Anzu because you were selected, Yuu-kun. I just can’t understand the fact you guys are saying you don’t want to be here!?
— Shall I bring a mirror, Sena-senpai?
What? Do you have a complaint or something?
Look, Stringbean Megane, Sharktooth5, stand up a little straighter and have some pride in yourselves.
They may have used the audience votes for reference, but we were the ones selected!
It’s like Ogami-san said~ It’s an undeniable fact that we were chosen over the Four Heavenly Kings you know~
I don’t think you guys need to be so down on yourselves, right~?
Or are you guys saying you don’t trust Anzu-neenee~?
… No. I definitely trust Anzu-chan, you know.
I’m sorry. A title like “representative of Japan” just felt so heavy, it loomed over me and made me feel weak.
(… I think it must be some kind of mistake, even now, but… this isn’t the kind of atmosphere to be saying something like that, now is it…!)
Anyways. The six of us are to go against MELLOW DEAR US.
We’ve been selected, so let’s just do our best. HiMERU would love for us not to be at each other’s throats before we’ve even begun.
Don’t say something so naive like, “Let’s just do our best,” hear me?
Ultimate victory over MELLOW DEAR US at the live showdown is the only path for us, the representatives of Japan.
Nyahaha! Well then, let’s do our best as the NEO-Six Selected~♪6
Hold on a sec. What’s “NEO-Six Selected” supposed to be?
? Isn’t that what Yoshihide called us on the phone~?
You have got to be joking…? I feel like even Tenshouin could come up with a better name than that.7
Ahaha… Anyways. It’s nice to get to work with you all…♪
Alright, then, let’s get this special training started! Hurry up and get ready, you all!
No, we cannot start the special training yet.
Hahhh? What do you mean by that?!
Honestly, did you already forget what we were called here for?
… We still have a “press conference” to get through, after all.
Polished Determination 1
“Let the pre-live commence! This is an emergency special broadcast: the press conference is MELLOW DEAR US VS the Neo-Six Selected!”
“Superidol Hidaka Seiya here, and I have the honor of hosting today's event. Pleased to meet you all ♪”
“It’s a stream for the Japanese and American idols, but you’re introducing yourself as a superidol, huh? Are you plannin’ on stealing the spotlight?”
“Sorry about my father. But that’s just the kind of person he is.”
“Now, now. The stream has already begun, you know. I’m not impressed with all of this idle chatter, Hocchan ♪”
“Sorry, Yuuki. I feel like I can’t finish this live stream and keep my sanity. If things go bad, please shut it down."
"Quit it!? What I mean is, Hidaka-kun! You've got a look on your face that definitely shouldn’t be streamed!"
“Like Makoto-kun said. You’re an idol, so you should be turning a smile towards your fans, Hocchan.”
(Biting back a serious glower.)
“You should be very grateful to me in the first place, Hocchan.”
“I’m the reason you’re allowed to be here, even though you weren’t chosen as the Six Selected, you know. As the host, I approached Nice-kun about it."
"Please let my poor, poor son who wasn’t chosen as the Six Selected to at least be a part of the stream as an assistant host!, I said!"
“Sorry, Yuuki. It’s too late for me, please just end it for me now.”
"Like I just said, stop it!?"
“Now then. We only have so much time, so let’s get to the questions right away, shall we?”
"The atmosphere is absurd, but he’s going on with the conference like it’s nothing…!”
“Here’s the first question. Please tell us all of your thoughts going into this pre-live.”
“Ououou, MELLOW DEAR US! You better prepare yourselves, we’re going to bring an absolute beatdown your way!”
“Well said, Ogami. There’s no way we’ll lose to people the likes of you.”
“I’ll show you the power of my comrades. Just wait for what’s coming to you.”
“Hold on a second. You can’t just butt in ahead of the seniors and try to take the spotlight!?"
“Sorry, about these guys. they’ve got real bad manners, huh? Well, it’s not like I disagree, though ♪”
“Because if we get serious, we’ll take down MELLOW DEAR US in a flash, right?”
"… Huh, that’s strange? It makes us seem pretty petty. It gives us some kind of minor villain vibe…?”
"And don’t just insert yourself so casually, Hidaka-kun…"
“Hah! Well, that’s fine. By all means, entertain me."
"What the world wants on a stage like this is a major showdown... It would be quite the dismal event if we don’t make a game that gets our blood pumping, hm?"
“Ah. This guy just let himself into the flow!?”
“Madoka. We’re the guests before anything else. You shouldn’t be so belligerent, now should you?”
“... Hmph." (Takes a step back)
“Sorry, he’s a real passionate guy, that one. How inconvenient.”
“Grrr… Don’t act like such a goody-two-shoes!? You’re makin’ us look like the bad guys!"
“Wait, no. We are being total bad guys right now. That’s the vibe you get when you pick fights like that...!”
“Shut it~ Stringbean Megane! Hey! Sharktooth. Don’t curl up in a ball like that~ Say something!”
“Eeek~!? Me too…?”
“Uhhh, uhhh… Pl-... Please go easy on me…?”
“Ahh, yes. I feel the same. Let’s have the best pre-live together.”
“Hold on a sec! You two are way too calm!”
“No tension is gonna get built up if you’re going to act that way! You gotta fire it up more!”
“It’s the freaking pre-live, you know!? #FireItUp #DeadassFR #SorryForBeingTheBest.”
“...”
“Foreign words are really tricky, huh… I couldn’t really understand much of anything…”
“No, that was definitely fluent Japanese. Don’t just try to give up on understanding what he’s saying just because he has too much of a strong character quirk!?”
“Haha. What an interesting unit. There’s no shortage of individuality with all you Japanese idols, huh.”
“... But it isn't an issue if HiMERU has no individuality.”
“These people are in no way my comrades anyways. Who are these guys, even? HiMERU intends to sing alone.”
“Whaaat!? Did HiMERU-kun get amnesia!? Or more like, you can’t just choose to make the “Six Selected of Song” the “Five Selected”~!”
“Hmmm…?”
“Well, you do seem to be the lone-wolf type.”
“So if you’re going to sing solo, does that mean you’re still unattached to a unit?”
"… No."
“HiMERU-san belongs to the unit called Crazy:B right now.”
“I’ve seen their streams a few times now, but it looked like they were having fun, so that’s a relief ♪”
“We will get off topic if we just sit here and listen quietly, Juis. Just forget about him for now.”
“Oops, you’re right.”
“At any rate, we will hold the best stage with the Japanese idols. Let us have a pre-live so filled with love and give everything we have, so that we have no regrets.”
“And to the Dears watching the stream! Please accept our full, unbridled love when it’s time for the real live!”
“Dears~? What a real stuck-up thing to say~ What, is that how you butter up all your fans~?”
“Heheh. Well, I can say stuff like that too~”
“Everyone watching the stream! Please lend us your aid when the time comes too! Denny’s!”8
“That’s a family restaurant! You just picked the first word that sounded like 'Dears' didn’t you!?"
“Huh? Could our representatives be purely made of bokes9...?”
“Ever since this stream started today, haven’t I been the only tsukommi?[9]”
“Come to think of it… We still haven’t heard from Makoto-kun yet, hm?”
“Huh!?”
“What are your feelings for the pre-live?”
“... Uhhh. I’m worried about all kinds of things.”
Polished Determination 2
This is a partial translation of the full chapter.
Stringbean Megane! How couldja say somethin’ so wimpy!? You gotta get more steeled!
That should be my line… What was that press conference? I mean, did that even count as a press conference?
I know this is rich for me to say, but the beginning of that conference was a complete comedy sketch, you know!?
I mean, leaving aside the others. When did HiMERU-kun start becoming a boke!? I thought you were a tsukkomi like me…!
— Sorry. I just cannot come to terms with the truth that these are my teammates.
My true feelings leaked out by mistake.
No, no. Even if we had the vibes of villains, we’re still teammates, aren’t we!?
Hey, you, who said we were the villains?! We’re just giving 'em a tough time~?
That’s exactly what I’m talking about, Ogami-kun… Don’t menace your opponents from the get-go.
Like Yuu-kun said, Ogami. Because of you, everyone’s status in the NEO-Six Selected has fallen.
Look who’s talking! You were the one who cemented the whole “minor villain” image for us, Izumi-san!
I think it went fine even with all those little things~? It felt like a good press conference~
And we got a real punchline in near the end thanks to mine and Yuuki-san’s back-and-forth~♪
I just said there didn’t need to be any punchlines at the press conference! It was because of the punchlines it started to feel more and more like a comedy show.
Agh, forget it. My tsukkomi should have been trained from being in Trickstar, but I still couldn’t keep up…!
— Well, HiMERU does not think we need to be so despondent about it.
Watching the broadcast, the chat was quite active. That’s a very great start.
If you think about it again, you could say such a ridiculous press conference managed to bring those idols into the distinct flow of how ES idols do things, couldn’t you?
Still, I feel like MELLOW DEAR US got on the same page real quickly, too~?
Yeah. Madoka Nozomi-san went and matched Ogami-kun and Izumi-san’s energy.
Madoka Nozomi... Honestly, that guy pisses me off real bad, you know?
Kuon Mashu-san was a really distinctive character with a merry disposition, so his individuality really shone through.
And Juis-san was solid and unshakeable, like he was keeping those two under control…
Nyahaha! They really do live up to the rumors, huh~ I’m looking forward to this live more and more.
I feel like somehow, I’ve started to figure out what kind of idols MELLOW DEAR US are.
Let’s start our special training with renewed determination to win against them! As the six people who were selected…!
…
Huh? Come to think of it, where’s Ayase-kun…?
This is where the rest of the story continues.
Polished Determination 3
Ahh, Anzu-chan. … No, we’re alright. Thanks for your hard work too, Anzu-chan ♪
We, NEO-Six Selected, were just talking just now about today’s livestream.
Hm? What was MELLOW DEAR US like, you ask?
Let me see… I'd heard they were an international unit, so I wondered what they'd be like, but they seemed surprisingly approachable
But still, they have a real presence after all, huh… I thought they had an incredible aura as idols.
Really? Honestly, I thought we totally came out on top.
No matter how you look at it, aren’t you being far too optimistic?
Hahhh? Got a complaint?
Or what? Are you scared of going in front of MELLOW DEAR US?
Of course not. HiMERU is not frightened by anything.
But, the latest press conference with MELLOW DEAR US received an overwhelming amount of “Nice!”s, so HiMERU thinks it’s better to be safe than sorry and stay on alert.
Yeah. They're no pushovers! Let's not get careless, alright~?
Mhmhm. I think that’d be best too~ Even if the other side has tons of fans, it’s not gonna change the fact it’s a live showdown, y’know~?
The six of us are going to get to practicing, and then we’re gonna go out to battle in peak condition~♪
Yeah. We have three days until the performance, so there doesn’t seem to be time for us to take it easy.
… By the way, I haven’t seen Ayase-kun around for a while now. Does anyone know where he is?
Hm? Now that you say that, you’re right. Where’s he loafing around…?
M~n… (Looking around everywhere, peeking all over.)
Ah, found you~! He’s hiding up in the ceiling duct!
H-H-H— How did you notice me!? I was hiding real well…!
Hiding's pointless, Ayase-san~ Your presence is leaking out all over the place. See~?
Isn’t it better to come out quickly~? Or should I just drag you out of there?
Eek! I’m coming out! I’m coming oooOOOUT!
Why did you hide right away? You regularly do lives now, so shouldn’t you be used to performing in front of people?
Ahhh, no. It's just... today's job is a little different than usual, so I ended up getting surprisingly tired...
I was just recharging in my beloved ceiling ducts. I’m so~orry…
What kind of revolting vacation is that?
Uuu. I am just gloomy by nature…
Ah. I am the cause of this sort of attitude, I shall stay silent!
Well, as long as you’re up there on that stage, I guess whatever works works…?
Anyways, Anzu. You’re a Producer, so you must have a plan for what we do next, right?
Hmm. You’re taking care of preparations for that. Really? What are you planning for us to do?
Huh? You’re calling for helpers? I wonder who on earth they could be…?
It’s a secret?
Mn~nn. When you say it’s a secret, it sounds kinda scary… They’re not weirdos, are they?
Well, I trust Anzu-chan, though.
— I can understand calling upon helpers, but when will these essential helpers come, exactly?
You’re still going through preparations, so you’d like for us to wait a little longer?
If it’s not ready yet, it can’t be helped. Still, to be honest, HiMERU does not think we have all the time in the world.
It’s just like HiMERU said. We’re wasting time if we can keep sitting here on our hands like this~
That’s exactly why we need to do the things we can first! Right? Sharktooth~♪
Wh— What is it, what’s that scary look on your face? I get a terribly fiendish sense from you…?
It's fine, it's fine~♪ I'm just gonna rebuild your guts a little.
With a cowardly personality like that, you'll be nervous for the real thing too, right? So I'll join you for some special training.
Ogami-san… You’re right. You’re doing this for me…
And I had the nerve to look at you suspiciously. I suppose I was truly foolish…
Don’t worry about it. We’re all buddies in the same NEO-Six Selected, aren’t we?
To tell you the truth, thanks to the intensive training I gave Stringbean Megane, he ended up getting a huge boost in guts. Just leave it to me!
… Y-Yessir! I’m looking forward to working with you!
Huh? So that’s what you’re planning… We’re going to do what you had me do way back when…?
Mm~nn. Doing it from somewhere even higher than the roof, it might feel really scary, but…
Are we really going bungee jumping?10
B– BUNGEE JUMPIIIIIING…!?
Polished Determination 4
This is a partial translation of the full chapter.
Now come on, go! Grit your teeth!
EEEEEEEEEEEEEK! DIE! I’M GOING TO DIIIE!
UWAAH— AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Kill off the old you and be reborn! If you’re going into the fight with a loser’s mentality, you’ve lost before you’ve begun~!
Well, it’s your turn next, Stringbean Megane! Now jump!
Eh? I was just trying on the safety harness, though? I didn’t ask to jump!
Do it without complaining, show 'em how it's done as a bungee veteran!
GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!?
WHY MEEEEEEEEEE!?
Heheh, how nostalgic ♪ You jumped off a bungee and were reborn from some gloomy, wishy-washy bastard.
Gather your courage, Sharktooth— you too, Stringbean Megane! The real performance is gonna feel like small potatoes compared to all this!
Hold on!? Why is Yuu-kun being made to bungee jump!? Didn’t he just go up there to chaperone Ayase?
— I imagine he was caught up in the crazy mood and pushed into jumping.
Hahhh? Even so, I can’t understand the logic behind going bungee jumping.
Ogami, you bastard, I seriously won’t forgive you if you hurt Yuu-kun’s beautiful face…!
UWAAAAAAAAAAAA!?
There, there~ I know it’s scary, Yuu-kun! It’s okay. I’ll always be here to catch you on the ground!
Rest easy and drop down!
Him falling would be the real crisis here, though.
Well, I see Sena-senpai’s doubts. I don’t really see the meaning behind bungee jumping.
But, courage is what’s important, right~? Those two seem to be the type who don’t have a lot of self-confidence~
Even if they were to gain courage, I imagine there were other ways they could have done that, though.
What? If you intend to torture Yuu-kun with any more than this, I won’t forgive that, hear me?
Well, I think it looks fun, I wanna do it too! Neenee, can I~?
(Sighs) … (Is at his wits end)
— Anzu-san. HiMERU can’t help but worry about this Six Selected of Song group.
It’s not the Six Selected, HiMERU-san, it’s the NEO-Six Selected~
…— You don’t need to tell me that, I get it.
Well, I've got my fair share of concern too.
Look. Anzu. Do you think we’re going to be able to beat MELLOW DEAR US like this?
For me, it's not about deciding the only thing we need to win is building courage and calling it a day.
Nyahaha~♪ Looks like you’ve got a real sense for danger alright, Sena-san ♪
Neenee, we shouldn’t just be sitting and watching this, right~? Could you let us know what we should do?
— Hm. The crash course isn’t just this, you say?
Do you... have more tricks up your sleeve…?
“The preparations are almost done, so please just wait a little longer”...?
Is that right? I was certain that we should go do lessons right away, though...
Hey, are things really going to be okay?
We don’t have much time. There's not really a lot of free time to take our time on this, right?
Well, we’ve got no choice but to trust in Neenee, right~? I just hope the "trick up your sleeve” actually works.
This is where the rest of the story continues.
Polished Determination 6
This is a partial translation of the full chapter.
"♪~♪~♪"
"♪~♪~♪"
…– Stop.
… Damn it.
Koga. Surely you're aware of your habits. How many times must I tell you?
Yeah, I get it.
(I’ve been singing with a new technique, and it's different from how I've been singing up until now… so this crash course was for the sake of mastering it, right?)
(Habits got built up from all the years of singing I've had, so they’re damn impossible to shake~...)
Your singing style has been influenced by my own, but I haven’t said anything about it up to this point because you’ve made it your own and created your own appeal.
However, that won’t work for this competition. The way you sing won’t resonate with any of the listeners in the MEGASPHERE.
(He's right. That's exactly why Sakuma-senpai is training us to sing in a way that connects with a global audience.)
(... Come to think of it. When's the last time Sakuma-senpai's trained me so seriously like this?)
(It’s nostalgic. There used to be times when he’d teach me stuff like this way back when…♪)
— I do not know what you are smirking like that for, given you have not gotten it down yet!
I-I wasn’t trying to smirk! I’ve just been frustrated stuff hasn't been going well for a while now!
Hey, just lemme keep going already~ I’ll get it next time.
You’ve got some nerve. I’ll be even more strict with you, so mentally prepare yourself.
Hey~ Sakuma-san. Don’t just focus on Ogami-san, I’m here too, you know?
Ahh, forgive me. I didn't mean to neglect you, Taki-kun. Truthfully, I’ve managed to ascertain the extent of your capabilities this past hour.
Frankly speaking, you’re better than I expected. I imagine it’s because of your experience in America that you can naturally intuit how to sing in a way that connects with a global audience.
Nyahaha. It doesn’t feel so bad to be praised like that, you know~♪
Okay, well, there's gotta be something you can teach me, right Sakuma-san?
Don’t get big for your britches too quickly. As I was saying, I understand you have that intuition, but…
The way you are now is like a machine with inconsistent output. Your challenge, Taki-kun, is to learn to control that power at will.
Hmm, so that’s what it is, huh~?
So if I can do that, I can get even stronger then~?
Yes, that I can guarantee. You have the talent, so you’ll pick up on it quickly too.
Perhaps that’s because you have youth. You should learn after him too, Koga.
Hey! Are you sayin’ I’m more inferior to some newbie!?
Nyahaha! Looks like Sakuma-san’s taken a liking to me, huh~♪
I’m absolutely not going to lose to you~! You better prepare yourself, Pipsqueak!
This is where the rest of the story continues.
Polished Determination 8
This is a partial translation of the full chapter.
…–
Sorry. I stepped out of position.
Hold it, that makes it three times already.
… Sorry. I’ll be more mindful on the next run.
What’d I just say? This is the third time this has happened. I don’t trust you when you say that.
W-Wait a sec, Izumi-san. You're being way too harsh… We’ve been practicing nonstop for a while now, so of course HiMERU-kun could get tired...?
…
And that's exactly why Mikejima trained you on how to maintain quality even when you're tired, right?
… I mean, take Yuu-kun. His dance accuracy has been slipping for a while now.
Don’t use the excuse you’re tired. Always perform like it’s the real thing.
Huh…?
Oh, sweet Yuu-kun. It’s one of your good points that you worry about others more than yourself, but right now, you’re not in the position to do that, right?
S–Sorry…
Now, now, there’s no need to get so worked up~ HiMERU-san got out of place, but those are just small, everyday mistakes~
And this is the standard of perfection we get when we look at everyday mistakes like that and go, “Yeah, that’s fine”. That’s the quality we’ve set for ourselves.
That might’ve been acceptable any time until now, but not this time.
This live needs to be no less than perfect.
U–Umm… Why don’t we take a break first so we can all calm down…? There was talk of HiMERU-san being tired too, so…
A break…? You have got to be joking.
We’ve been putting most of our practice towards building up the basics. We only have so much time to get the six of us to sync up, right?
I-I’m sorry! It wasn’t supposed to be a joke, and I wasn’t trying to be laaaaazyyyyy!
HiMERU. Everyone is saying you’re tired. Is that true?
…
Because that’s not what I see.
You’ve been able to handle ES’s rehearsals so far, right? That superior you wouldn’t get tired out by something like this.
All that's happening is that you’re not focusing on today’s practice, right? Or am I wrong?
…
Do I need to say it again? We need to aim for no less than perfection.
If you can’t concentrate, get out. Now. You’re an obstacle.
…
…
…
…
…!? What the hell, Ogami? Don’t just slam something so suddenly! You surprised me!
Let’s end practice here~
Hahhh!? Did you hear what I just said? We don’t have the time to waste even a single second!
I’d say it’d be an even bigger waste of time if we kept on like this. No one would get anything out of it.
Is even that something you’ve forgotten? … Here I thought you were the veteran in the industry here, Sena-senpai.
…
Everyone's exhausted, physically and mentally. Let’s just take the rest of the day off.
… Got it. Thanks for your hard work.
Ah. Izumi-san! … He up and left.
— HiMERU will be taking his leave too.
Ahh… HiMERU-san…
A~aah. What should we do~? Ogami-san, is this really fine~?
It’s fine. There’s no point in letting things continue like this~ I got things I gotta think about myself too.
So, yeah, we’re gonna split too. You guys do whatever you wanna today. See ya tomorrow.
This is where the rest of the story continues.
The Solidity of Bonds 1
This is a partial translation of the full chapter.
(Sigh) …
(We ended things on a real bad note yesterday, but I hope we can reset and get through today’s practice.)
(We don’t have much time left. At this rate, beating MELLOW DEAR US is just going to be wishful thinking.)
(No. I don’t have the time to think about something so weak-hearted.)
(We were all selected to represent ES idols as a whole, so we have to do our best to do what we can.)
Alrighty, let’s do our best today too…!
Good morning, everyone!
You’ve got some nerve, dontcha, you shitty little pipsqueak! Get your ass over here!
You wanna go, huh~? I’m not gonna go easy on you just because it’s you, Ogami-san~?
Uwaaa! Why are you guys already fighting!?
The two of you need to calm down~! Violence is an absolute no-go!
Ah. You’re late, Yuuki-san~ Practice has already started, you know~?
Just in time. Hey, Stringbean Megane. Get over here and join in.
I don’t want to get mixed up in the scuffle, though!? If I took even a hit from one of you guys, it’d be an instant knock-out for me!
Haaah? We’re not really fighting, though~
Huh, really? But just a second ago, the two of you were arguing.
Yeah. It was about the choreography for the chorus, though…
— Look, I thought it’d look better this way.
But Ogami-san started talking about changes to the choreography, even at this point~
‘Course. There’s barely a day left ‘til the live. Changing things at this point is completely unrealistic~
Huh~? I think this one would be way more exciting than what we had before though~?
Sena-san said that this one was better too.
Huh, Izumi-san did?
… Not really. I just thought it would make for a better performance.
I–Is that right…
(That’s a relief… It looks like Sena-san’s calm again.)
(Ogami-kun and Taki-kun’s fight too, it didn’t seem so serious. If things keep up like this, everything might just be okay ♪)
Um… I’m sorry, Ogami-san, but I agree with Izumi-san too.
Our rivals are MELLOW DEAR US, so I think it’s best if we pull out all the stops and do everything we can.
See~ee? And that just leaves Ogami-san on the opposing side. Are you really feeling insecure about dancing this choreography~?
And who the hell said that~ Besides, We still haven’t heard what Sharktooth has to say about it~
Hey, tell us.
…
Hey, were you listening? Tell us what you think about it!
!? Eeek! I’m sorry, I’m sooorry! What is it you’re talking about~?
I feel like you’ve been on another planet the whole time today, Ayase-san~
If you keep up with that, you’ll make mistakes like HiMERU-san did yesterday. If something’s worried you, aren't you gonna feel better if you tell us what was going on?
W— Worries!?
N-N… No, no, no! Nothing’s bothering me~? Yes, really, there’s not a worry at all! We’re talking about worries, right? Nothing...!
No matter how many times you say that, it’s suspicious.
… Hey, stop with the obvious lying? Anyone could see how strange you’re being.
Uuu… That’s… (Cough, cough)
Hey, Sharktooth~ If there’s something botherin’ ya, is it something you can’t tell us?
Umm… It’s something hard to say to everyone, but… But it’s not unrelated to everyone, I suppose…?
It’s related to all of us? I wanna hear it even more, then~?
No, I can’t. I’m not certain what exactly it was that I saw, so I don’t want to confuse everyone…
(Whispering) I shouldn’t even be saying this in the first place…
Gyaaah! Just spit it out already~!
Eek! I– I truly apologize!
Can you just say it already? The way you’re acting is really starting to piss me off!
I–I understand! I’ll say it! I’ll say it so please don’t hound me anymooore!
I–It…! Yesterday, I saw it!
You saw what?
HiMERU-san was doing a practice session with MELLOW DEAR US!
…!
The Solidity of Bonds 2
… Huh?
What the hell was HiMERU doing practicing with those guys…!
Th–That’s… I don’t know, I couldn’t make out what they were saying.
So he started practicing with the MELLOW DEAR US guys when we all separated?
I don’t really understand~? Was that really HiMERU-san you saw?
– Seems like there’s no doubt about it…
I just looked up yesterday’s streams. There, look… You can see HiMERU-kun on the MELLOW DEAR US rehearsal stream.
Hold on, there’s no way…
What the hell is that guy up to, practicing with the guys we’re supposed to go up against?
… What, did he just go to brown-nose MELLOW DEAR US after thinking we can’t beat them?
Or maybe he went to ask them, “Please take it easy on us.”
That’s—! HiMERU-san would never…—
He wasn’t able to concentrate on yesterday’s rehearsal either, so he might have been thinking about going over to butter up MELLOW DEAR US.
— What the hell’s with that guy. Now I’m really pissed!
Calm down, Izumi-san. First off, we still need to hear HiMERU-kun’s side of the…
— What was that about HiMERU?
HiMERU-san…!
So HiMERU was the last to arrive, hm. HiMERu apologizes sincerely for keeping you waiting.
So then, Izumi-senpai. Yesterday…
— You’re able to talk to us all nice and normal with that calm look on your face, huh? And just when I went and started to feel a little guilty, too…
… Yes?
After all the practices we’ve done, you go and buddy up with the enemy we’re supposed to beat… What kinda nerve is that?
That must have been real fun, huh. They probably weren’t bickering over there and spoiling the mood, so I bet it was much easier to concentrate, huh?
Hey, Sena-senpai…!
You guys be quiet. He needs to speak for himself, loud and clear.
— Ah, I see. I understand now.
Hey, haven't we been practicing all this time to defeat MELLOW DEAR US?
And yet, here you are going and getting all buddy-buddy with those guys? Why?
Go on. If you’ve got an excuse, say it. … I doubt it'd be a good one anyways.
I don’t have any excuse. It is exactly as you saw, Sena-senpai.
Huh…? Then what you’re saying is, you really are…
— Let me ask you this instead.
Do you all truly think that we can beat MELLOW DEAR US as we are now?
HiMERU does not. As we are now, the NEO-Six Selected will lose— that is the unwavering truth.
… So that’s why you betrayed us, huh?
Betrayed you? … That’s right. I guess it can’t be helped you think that.
But HiMERU has his own thoughts.
HiMERU does not intend to change this approa—
…!
… Don’t screw with me.
…! Wait, Izumi-san!
A~ahhh. Again with this, after yesterday? I can’t deal with this~
HiMERU-san, is your cheek alright…!?
… HiMERU will be taking his leave too.
Ah, hold on! Where the hell do you think you’re going too!
(Sigh) … What the hell are we supposed to do about this mess?
! I–It was my fault…! If I’d never said anything unnecessary… !
Shut up! No way in hell is there anything about this that’s your fault!
Shit. The live’s just around the corner, but like hell I'm gonna let things end like this…!
You can read The Solidity of Bonds 3 here!
The Solidity of Bonds 4
Ah, you’re late~ Nassan ♪ Wanna grab something to drink?
… Heheh.
Hm? What’re you so happy about?
Right. I was just thinking how you’ve surprised me yet again, Taki-kun.
I’ve had my fair share of idols stop by and visit me, but there’s not really many people who are easy to be around like you…♪
Is that really that surprising, though?
I guess your circle’s pretty large, but it looks like there’s no really many people you can really open up to~
It’s a shame for me, though. I’d like to become better friends with more idols, but...
Still, I really am the reason I’m can’t. So I have to hold back.
No matter how candidly I speak to them, whoever knows my position always ends up getting intimidated.
Esu-kun’s a good example, in Esupuri. He always treats me with respect because of the hierarchical relationship between us at work.
I wouldn’t say it’s a bad thing, but sometimes, I wish he’d just tease me mercilessly like Yume-kun does!
That’s why I’ve come to be fond of you, because you completely talk to me like a friend…♪
Nyahaha. I don’t mind talking to you either~
You know, whenever you talk about what’s in store for the future, your eyes always sparkle~
I can always tell just how excited you are deep down~♪
… Hmm. I can't say for sure myself, but that’s kind of you to say.
But for people living in the present, they don’t understand your perspective~
That’s exactly why I wanted to ask you something.
You. What is it that you really want?
Hm. I thought I already gave that answer in a conversation with Tenshouin-kun, but...
If I had to guess, this is you asking about the pre-live Dynamic Diamond, right?
You said it before, right~? That the MEGASPHERE is the trigger to spread the appeal of Japanese idols to the world.
Yes. But when I’d told him that, Tenshouin-kun suggested that the opposite might happen, where you all would lose fans to the overseas idols instead.
… And Tenshouin-kun’s worries were founded. That’s exactly why I’m pitting MELLOW DEAR US against you all.
So you’re creating a problem and selling the solution, huh~? Well, it’d be different if they were just some nobody overseas idols that came, but I don’t really understand what there is to gain from bringing a world-class idol unit to Japan.
A wildly popular international unit makes a landing in Japan, and snatches away all of their fans…
For us, that’s a heavy blow, but for MELLOW DEAR US, is this really so important?
So essentially, you’re thinking that MELLOW DEAR US’s arrival is part of some grander scheme, hm?
And that is what I truly want.
I wouldn’t go that far~? But, I am interested~
Heheh. What a Nice guess…♪
But rest assured. There is no wicked scheme you should be worried about after all.
The only wish I have is for the Japanese and American idols to have a showdown.
Taki-kun. Did you know that the value of diamonds is decided based on its cut?
Not really. What’s with talking about gems all of a sudden?
That’s right. I’m talking about raw diamonds, which hold the most brilliant, dazzling shine in the entire world.
Even if two stones come from the same mine, the brilliance can change based on the quality of the cut. That’s how essential the role of the polisher is.
And each raw stone has its own ideal cut. No two stones are exactly alike, after all.
And I’d say among them, some have flaws that can dampen that brilliance.
Still, even with stones that seem flawed... If you calculate its cut finely, it can shine just as brilliantly as a top-tier gemstone… or even surpass it.
It’s exactly that. That is the production I provide… No.
That is the skill of Nice Arneb Thunder as a producer.
Hmm? The fact that you’re emphasizing means…
Are you saying Anzu-neenee’s method is different from yours, Yoshihide?
I’m glad you catch on quickly.
That’s exactly right. She has plenty of ores she’s still polishing too. At times, she even makes their flaws one of their charms.
It probably comes from her genuine belief in her idols’ potential and their ability to shine, that she has this approach of letting them do whatever they like.
Of course, I don’t intend on denying her that. There are as many “right ways” to produce an idol group as there are idols in the world after all.
That's exactly why I want her to face this challenge once again. I want to see how she’ll polish each and every one of those uniquely individual ores to make their brilliance shine around the world.
And I am interested in seeing what kind of scene will come from the gems polished in different ways clashing against each other.
… I said it before, didn't I?
That I want her to build a future alongside the other promising producers in this country.
And if I were to add something more to that... I want to see the future you all will create with her.
...♪
You really do seem like you’re enjoying yourself, huh, Yoshihide~?
There’s definitely things you’re still hiding, but... Just hearing you speak like that is enough for now~?
You wouldn’t be sneaky for the sake of your own plans. At least, not this time~
Well, you could say the very format of having to compete for “Nice!”s already tilts things too much into your guys’ favor. It’s almost cowardly.
As they say “When in Rome, do as the Romans do," -- we had to adapt to your playing field. From the second we were brought up to the MEGASPHERE, we were at a disadvantage~
Oh, leaving already?
(The day of the pre-live is almost upon us)
(Under normal circumstances, Taki-kun should be hammering in practice. The fact he came here makes me think something happened with the NEO-Six Selected…)
Yup. I could chat with you forever, but I don’t got the free time either, sooo~
Don’t feel so lonely, Yoshihide, I’ll come back again next time I feel like it~♪
… Heheh. Well then, I’m looking forward to that day.
Let’s get dinner and enjoy a nice, casual conversation next time…♪
Yo, Nice. Got a moment?
Huh, that’s surprising. Errr… Taki, was it?
Taki Ibuki. What an honor it is that you remembered my name, huh~?
I’m looking forward to the pre-live, you know~ See ya, Yoshihide.
… Honestly, you’re such a fickle producer.
Neglecting the unit you’re raising, are you now?
Heheh. I like to think it’s a sign of my trust that I can leave you to your own devices ♪
You sure do know how to put a nice spin on things. Well, whatever.
MELLOW DEAR US— We’ve finished preparations for the pre-live.
For the last part of preparations, could you check over the rehearsal as our producer?
But of course. If it’s your guys’ stage, it always gets my heart going.
I’m sure. We’re the idols you put together, after all. We’ll show you the best stage, as always… ♪
The Solidity of Bonds 7
♪~♪~♪
(M~hm. Maybe I should pay more attention to my pitch at this part.)
(Getting to harmonize with everyone around you is probably what makes parts like these feel real good…)
(But that’s impossible to practice when you’re on your own.)
(Sigh) … I wonder when the rest of the NEO-Six Selected is gonna come back~?
(At this rate, I’ll just have to go against MELLOW DEAR US all by myself~)
… Huh? Ibuki-san, you’re here already?
Ah, Ayase-san— and Anzu-neenee too! You’re back! Nobody came, so I was starting to get bored waiting by myself~
Um… I thought the meeting time was still pretty far out.
Meeting time…? What are you talking about?
Huh? Ummm, after I apologized to HiMERU-san earlier, I sent you a message about the meeting time, didn’t I…?
Really? I didn’t notice a message came in at all~
Must be ‘cuz I was out on a walk since then, and then came straight back to practice~
Hm? “Don’t worry about the fight,” it says?
Nyahaha. That’s a fight between Sena-san and HiMERU-san, right? It’d be pretty rude of me to butt in, you know~?
You’re so level-headed, aren’t you Ibuki-san…
When I think about having to face the two of them again, even now… Uuu…
You’re worrying about it too much! That’s for them to work out!
Besides, everyone agreed we’d all regroup, right?
So it’s totally fine~ We can’t all stay kids forever, right~?
More importantly, Anzu-neenee. What’s the plan? Are we still getting trained by Sakuma-san and the others?
“There was something I wanted to consult you guys about, so when everyone’s gathered, we’ll talk then,” hm?
Hmm… You seem a little different, Anzu-neenee~
You look a lot better than before~ Finally back on your feet, huh?
OK. Ayase-san, let’s practice together until everyone gets back~♪
– Hey, what are we, chopped liver? Don’t just start without us, Taki!
If you’re starting to practice now, let us in on it too!
O–Ogami-san!? And everyone else is here too!? The meeting time isn’t for a while…!?
Ahaha. Once I started thinking about the pre-live, of course I just couldn’t sit still.
If I had the freetime, I wanted to at least get a little practice in.
Of course you would. If we want to throw down against MELLOW DEAR US, we don’t have a second to spare.
– Yes. With the time we have left, there is no chance of victory unless we give it our all.
…
…
(Whispering) Hey, Izumi-san. Didn’t you have something you wanted to say to HiMERU-kun?
(Whispering) … Shut up, Yuu-kun. I know, I don’t need you to tell me that.
… HiMERU. There’s something I want to say to you.
What is it…?
First off, it looks like your face isn’t swelling. So that’s good. As an idol, your face is your job.
… Heheh.
Hah? What, did I say something funny?
— No. I just thought that your gentle side was more amusing than I could have imagined ♪
Gh…! You bastard—
Whoa there, Izumi-san! You’re just going to ruin everything if you just start up with it again!?
— There is no need to apologize. HiMERU is guilty of the same crime.
If you’re still not satisfied, then… let us defeat MELLOW DEAR US.
… Hmph. How cocky.
You don't need to say it. Naturally, we’re going to win.
Nyahaha! Looks like a total weight’s been lifted off you guys~ Guess that’s what they mean when they say, “an evil spirit being peeled away.”
Alrighty, let’s get practice going again~!
But wait, it looks like Sakuma-senpai and the others aren’t here yet…
Hm? What is it, Anzu?
“Sakuma-senpai and the others aren’t coming”, you say? What’s that supposed to mean!?
Th–That’s right! Ummm, well… from here on out, I will be serving as everyone’s trainer…
Haahh? You, our trainer…? Are you saying you can give even better training than Leo-kun?
I will do my very best! I can’t say whether I am better than Leo-san, but…!
Still. Thanks to having practiced with everyone, there are a few things I’ve noticed…
HiMERU-san, for example. I believe you have a tendency where you’re very conscious of how your performance looks onstage, where you act as the balancer for the group.
However, I think given this group of members, you could afford to be much bolder with your performance.
… You’re right. While this may not apply with Yuuki-san and Ayase, I’d likely be overshadowed by the other three members if I keep that typical mindset.
That’s right. The same could be said for Yuuki-san too. In your case, Yuuki-san—
(... This guy. We’ve only been practicing for a few days, but he’s able to pinpoint HiMERU and Yuu-kun’s habits just by looking at them, and he can give advice on how to fix their movements.)
(Come to think of it, he seemed pretty calm when Leo-kun was giving him feedback.)
… Ummm, Izumi-san. Is something the matter? You’ve been staring at me, so…
Ayase. If you’ve always been able to do this, why were you so timid before?
E–Eeek! I– I’m sorry, I’m sorry, it was presumptuous of me to stick my nose in…!
No, I’m praising you. What’s with that kind of reaction?
It’s annoying seeing someone with such great talent cower in fear like you do.
Huh…?
Yeah. You’re our trainer, so you should have more confidence!
R–Right… You’re right. I’m sorry, I’m not very used to running practices for people outside of ALKALOID.
But... I’ve made up my mind.
It was my fault that so much unnecessary chaos had happened in regards to HIMERU-san, so…
More than anything, I would like to act as your trainer… I’ll do my best for Anzu-san, who believed in me…!
All of that about the training is fine enough, but HiMERU is curious as to what Anzu-san wishes to discuss.
It can’t just be about entrusting our training to Ayase, can it?
“Of course,” you say? Heheh, when you say it like that, it’s a relief.
… Haaah? What’s all this? You even brought some broadcasting equipment, huh?
Oh, what’s this? So you’re going to have all of us… show everything we’re doing?
The Solidity of Bonds 8
This is a partial translation of the full chapter. It starts with Hokuto, Rei, Madara and Leo talking about and observing the NEO Six Selected.
— Haaah, haaah (Panting)... Ayase, how was that? Do you have any notes?
That’s right… The way you sing is just about perfect, Izumi-san!
But, there’s a lot of room for improvement for your dancing.
The second half of the choreography, the part right after your solo stops– you move a beat later than everyone else. It seems like you lose a little bit of your surroundings.
… Yeah. I was worried about that part too. What should I do?
You can’t really do much with really complex moves when you’re focusing on singing. So, how about we simplify the move a little more?
… Got it. If I’m even a millisecond off, just say the word. I’ll go all out to fix it.
Alright. Now, HiMERU-san.
… Yes. The highlight before the chorus, right?
It’s good if you’re aware of it, then. But it seems you’re still self-conscious of maintaining the balance.
This is the second time I’ve pointed that out to you, so please make sure it doesn’t happen again, alright?
… Understood.
Nyahaha! So even HiMERU-san can make sad faces too, huh~?
…
Don’t worry about it. I’m the same way.
We’re just gonna keep goin’ and goin’ ’til we get it right~♪
That’s right. We don’t have the free time to be down on ourselves right now.
Well, let’s get back to practice! We’re picking up off of this step, right?
Y–Yes. This part is an important dance section for Ibuki-san and me.
Ibuki-san. When you get into it, you have a habit of rushing ahead of everyone else, so please be mindful of that, alright?
Synchronize your movements with mine… Let’s see… There’s an open beat during this part here, so let’s make eye contact when that happens.
Hmm. So it’s to be able to calm down for a moment~?
I get it. Well, you too Ayase-san, look straight into my eyes and don’t get shy, ‘kay~♪
Y–Yes! I’ll do what I can!
Now then, we’ll do this section five more times in a row, so just do your best to focus and make it to the end.
F— Five more times!? It’s such an intense part of the song, are we really going to be okay…?
Of course you will. If it’s all of you, you should definitely be able to do it.
And if you can’t, then I’ll stay with you until you can. So rest easy ♪
Well then, let’s begin. 1, 2, 3…
This is where the rest of the story continues.
The Solidity of Bonds 9
This is a partial translation of the full chapter.
“Now then! The time has finally come!”
“The preliminary match Dynamic Diamond— the prelude to the ultimate showdown where Japanese and American idols clash and perform live— is the main event of today!”
“What will they discover in this pre-live? What will they gain? I'm looking forward to finding out myself! ♪”
…
…
…
…
The day has finally come, hm? ♪
How’d things go? Ready to shine as the best idols on this grand stage?
“Of course we are. MELLOW DEAR US, a unit considered the best of the best…”
“We came here, as idols who were worthy opponents, to take the stage full of pride.”
“Hmph. Acting tough, are we?”
“Let us bring you to your senses. There is an absolute chasm of skill between you and us.”
Well, say what you want while you still can.
As soon as that live begins, that arrogance of yours will totally crumble away ♪
“We’ve done all that we can to prepare for today.”
“For those who believed in us, and for those who have supported us… we’ll go against you with everything we have…!”
Those are quite the introductory remarks. If that is the case, we shall crush you with our full power, Ayase Mayoi…♪
Hey, hold iiit, Madoka Nozomi! Don’t you ignore me!?
Kyaha, too many sparks are flying everywhere between everybody, you can really feel them! Well, Mashu doesn’t intend on losing either, so victory is in the bag~☆
When you call it the showdown between America and Japan, it really, really fires Mashu up! Let’s make the match an exciting one! #MELLOWBrightnessSwallowingYouUp☆ #MashuAndCoClutchItOut
Nyahaha. I’m definitely with you on that~♪
We’re gonna make a performance so amazing, it’s gonna burn itself into the minds of everyone watching this stream!
— Indeed. For that reason, I cannot afford to show you a pitiful sight and fall behind you all.
Let us build a wonderful stage together. MELLOW DEAR US.
“Together,” hm?
… Yes. I think that would be nice too. ♪
We’re going against each other, but we’re building the stage together. I like it when I think about it like that.
Ah, of course, we’ll be the winners, though.
Hah, just keep on running your mouth. We’re gonna use this stage to show you the NEO-Six Selected’s better than you.
Yes. I’m looking forward to that.
I’ve only spent less than a month with you all, but...
Because of that, I got to know everyone in ES a little during that time.
I got to know everyone and I became fond of them. And it’s exactly because of that I want to enjoy this showdown with all of my heart…♪
Tch. It really pisses me off you act like it’s no big deal…
I’m gonna gobble up everything, even your brilliance, and make it resound in the chests of everyone watchin’ this stream.
Our song… The concept of a live from Japanese idols! Prepare yourself, Wigglylocks!11
Heheh. You called me that nickname again ♪
Uggyaaaaaah! What the hell makes you so happy about that, you bas~tard!
Haha, you’re raring to go, aren’t you?
That’s not a bad rush. Even just getting a taste of this feeling makes it feel worth coming to Japan.
Well, it doesn’t matter how passionate you guys get. We’ll just continue to do what we always do and send love to our Dears.
As MELLOW DEAR US… and with perfection.
Heheh. It seems like both sides are sufficiently fired up. The tension is reaching its heights right before the showdown has begun…!
Finally, to everyone watching tonight’s grand Dynamic Diamond stage.
Don’t look away as they unveil to you the best performance.
And if you could, give as many “Nice!”s as you can to the unit who have touched your hearts the most…♪
This is where the rest of the story continues.
Epilogue 1
"I’ll show you right here, right now! — a performance of the great supreme Ogami Koga-sama which the world can be proud of!"
"Everybody clean out your ears and hear the screams of my very soul!"
"♪~♪~♪"
… Hm. So this is the performance of a Japanese idol?
To be honest, I’m shocked. The aura onstage is certainly different from what I expected. It’s a good performance with plenty of determination.
“But that is not the stage of MELLOW DEAR US!”
“Isn’t that right–? Dears!”
“♪~♪~♪”
(Tch, what a voice. It completely flipped the vibe of the live…!)
(But this is nothing compared to what I can really do~!)
"♪~♪~♪"
(Hmm, Ogami-san is being pushed out. That’s Kojika Juis alright.)
(— And it’s not just him. MELLOW DEAR US is entirely comprised of top-tier idols… No. They’re even beyond that as influencers.)
(In individual competitions, it’s impossible to bridge the gap.)
(... But, we are not alone in our battle.)
"♪~♪~♪"
Heh, the two of you plan to team up against me, hm?
I’d like to take the two of you on, but it looks like someone else is in high spirits…♪
"♪~♪~♪"
Himeru-chan12, it’s a grand stage, what’s the matter? No way you’re gonna be such a sourpuss on stage! C’mon, smile for now! Here, smile, smi~le—♪
Heheh. HiMERU was intending to sing in a cool way, though.
Yeah, yeah~! But won’t you do it for Mashu?
If you want your fans to have fun and smile, we need to start having fun first, right? ☆
Nyahaha, it’s really heating up now, huh~?
I’m getting in on the action too! Lives need a breath of fresh air, right?
"♪~♪~♪"
"And it’s getting even ho~tter! Think you can keep up with Mashu?"
(— Hmph. It looks like we’re getting way more “Nice!”s than I thought we would. At this rate we might actually win.)
“Look here, my princesses. I’ll be sure to make sure your eyes only stay on me…♪”
"♪~♪~♪"
(His performance is a lot more enhanced than when he was practing…! Who knew he had this hidden up his sleeve?)
(Izumi-san. You really are something else, frighteningly so.)
(But fighting by your side like this… It makes the moment feel really reassuring…♪)
(And any tension in my chest seems to have disappeared… That’s the feeling I have.)
Let us sing. Let us sing, as if we are retracing every step we’ve taken to be here…♪
"♪~♪~♪"
(… Hmph. I took you for beasts who could do nothing but bark, and yet… It seems you have some modicum of skill to actually bite back at me, hm?)
(And you, Ayase Mayoi.)
(I’ve had my eye on your high potential from the very beginning, but I never thought you would polish it to this extent…)
(The others as well… it seems that they all have the skill to face us, at least. However—)
(There is no timeline where you defeat me.)
… You’re haughty. Hang your heads and walk away in shame.
“To the Dears on the other end of the stream! Become intoxicated from my song!
“And allow me to drill into you that it is we who stand alone at the peak…♪
"♪~♪~♪"
"♪~♪~♪"
Everyone is giving such a wonderful performance ♪
You must have had reservations going up against us, but there seem to be no signs of it here. Your convictions are coming through in this live…♪
… It feels strange for me to say that, but... I should say thank you.
Thank you, for fighting with us ♪
That should be my line. Standing on the same stage as you guys, I feel it all over again.
You really are a unit worthy of the name “best in the world”. MELLOW DEAR US.
But. Everyone in ES’s convictions, Anzu-chan’s convictions… we’re carrying all sorts of feelings with us.
That’s why. It doesn’t matter how tough of opponents you guys are, there’s absolutely no way we’ll give up.
Watch us until the very, very end!
"♪~♪~♪"
Epilogue 2
“And the winners of Dynamic Diamond are…—”
...
...
...
...
“ — MELLOW DEAR US!”
… We lost.
Wahh, we did it, everyone! Victory is ours!
The ES Idols’ performance was very outstanding, but in the end, it wasn’t even close. It was a clean sweep of Nice!s for us…♪
I could see everyone gave it their all to do their best. Part of me was thinking you might actually pull it off, but…
In the end, you could not defeat MELLOW DEAR US.
Still, I had more fun than I expected.
To be honest, when we first came to Japan, I had thought, “It’s no contest for us”, but…
In that short a time, you all trained and polished yourselves to the point you could give us a real fight ♪
I recognize you, Japanese idols… No, the NEO-Six Selected.
It helps a little to hear you say that, Kojiki-san, but …
Still. We have a long, long way to go before we catch up to you guys.
The numbers show that. We got completely blown out of the water.
That’s exactly right. No matter how much of a fight you put up, you were destined to lose. It would be much better if the losers were to put their sadness on full display, in order to bring out the shine of the victors much more
…
… Wasn’t a complete loss, though~
Ogami-kun…?
We definitely got beat this time around.
But still. We proved that we’ve got that many fans who’d say we’re better than those guys.
That’s enough for me. The next time we throw hands is gonna be the time we knock you guys right on your asses…!
…
Yeah, you’re right, huh… We definitely lost, but… MELLOW DEAR US isn’t some invincible enemy.
We absolutely won’t lose next time…!
Ahh, yes. I’m eagerly looking forward to when that time comes, then.
The live we had with everyone was really, really fun, so I want to stand on stage with you guys again…♪
Chitose-chan, have you taken a liking to these guys? #FriendshipEndedWithMashu?13 #LowkeyJellyMaybe
Nyahaha. Crack jokes like that while you still can, ‘kay~?
This battle showed us just how strong you are, MELLOW DEAR US~
You’d better mentally prepare for the real thing, you know? I’ll do you a favor and make sure you’re not able to joke around like that anyways.
Hu~h? I thought we’d become besties by now, though?
No way, really? Like, really really?? Let’s become bestiiies!
I know— let’s commemorate our live together with a selfie ♪ Okay! Peace~... (Makes a peace sign) ☆ #ViralSelfieIncoming #LookingForwardToTheFanserviceShowdown
Hah…? Wait, who said you could take a picture, huh!?
It’s fine, it’s fiiine ♪ I gotta update my socials too.
(... Oh. A DM came in.)
(Tap tap tap… Aaand sent ♪)
What the hell are you doing. U~ugh…
There’s no way in hell I’d ever be friends with a guy like you!
H~uuuh, You’re a real mean guy, Izumi-chan! #Mashu’sFirstBreakup #MaybeHe’sTsundere?
Realistically, we are not familiar with each other yet.
Aren’t we in conflict with each other even now?
What he said. The next time we get to throw down against you guys is the time we’re gonna wipe some real sorry looks on your faces!
My, my, those are quite the amusing words leaving your lips. But that’s a complete dream, so save your sleep-talk for bedtime.
It’s fine if that braggadocio allows you to escape from your reality, but all people can see is you putting shame on top of shame.
Don’t you think you should act your place for your sakes?
Th–That’s not true…!
It’s true that we lost, but…
We can take pride in the brilliance of the live we just had!
Huh…? You dare offer an opinion, Ayase Mayoi.
You suffered a crushing defeat in this live, and yet you still take pride in yourselves?
Yes. We were able to show off everything we’ve done up until this performance.
So while we may have regrets, we have nothing to be ashamed of.
Everyone did their absolute best, so I think we should be proud of ourselves for having gone up against you…!
… Hmph, very well. With everything you’ve said up until now, make sure you entertain us at our next battle.
If you do, this triumphant return may hold some worth after all…♪
In other words, our queen14 humbly requests a tougher fight.
I feel the same.
Nice was so captivated by Japanese idols that he left us behind and went overseas.
That is to say… you all have something that captivated him.
And by judging things, the same goes for you… Producer.
The ES idols were able to put up a fight against us this time…
Yet, it wasn’t enough to be able to outshine us.
Put yourself in a fan’s position. Which brilliance would you choose?
— Would you still choose ES after having experienced our “love”?
…
If that question leaves you speechless, then you’ve let me down.
The NEO Six Selected are the ones moving forward, aren’t they? Given that they had the guts to go about against us
... Don’t disappoint Nice, Producer of ES. It’s not enough to just meet his expectations.
You should be able to surpass his expectations easily, shouldn’t you?
Your idols have a lot of motivation, so you do too, don’t you?
That love for idols you have.
Translation Notes
- ↑ Ibuki uses a more general 犬猫 here (pet, like cats and dogs), but I chose to make it "cat" to match the line in VS AUDIENCE, when Keito grabs Ibuki by the scruff.
- ↑ Koga calls Ibuki クソチビ鼠 (kuso chibi nezumi), or "shitty little rat". I've translated this as "shitty little pipsqueak", with "pipsqueak" capturing the meaning of チビ鼠.
- ↑ イングヮ（いんぐゎ; ingwa）is "puppy" in Uchinaaguchi, one of the native languages of Okinawa. While the original text includes (犬) to define ingwa, dogs are typically referred to as イン (いん; in), while puppies are usually called イングヮ (ingwa). Ibuki first gives Koga this name in Athletic Atmos.
- ↑ Koga calls Makoto 眼鏡モヤシ (megane moyashi), or "glasses-wearing bean sprout". I've translated this as Stringbean Megane (proper name).
- ↑ Koga calls Mayoi ギザ歯ヤロ (gizaba yaro) or "jagged-toothed bastard". I've translated this as Sharktooth (proper name).
- ↑ Ibuki says ネオ・六歌選 (NEO rokkasen) here. I've translated 六歌選 as "the Six Selected of Song" in Sailing Ceremony before, but "NEO-Six Selected of Song" feels like a mouthful, so I've translated it as the "NEO-Six Selected" instead. Just know they're the same thing.
- ↑ Eichi is notorious for having a bad naming sense. This includes the names of "Knights Killers" from Judgement, the "Eichi Gauge" from Element for his health monitor, and "fine-O" in Altered meaning "old fine".
- ↑ Juis calls their fanbase "Dears" (with English spelling). Given that the DEAR in MELLOW DEAR US is written as "ディア" (with the ア connecting DEAR and US with the same sound). Assuming "Dears" would have a katakana spelling like "ディアズ", Ibuki picks デニ*ズ (A reference to Denny's/デニーズ, a chain restaraunt from America that expanded into Japan) because it sounds similar.
- ↑ Manzai is a two-man comedy act, where the two roles (the funny man-- the boke and the straight man-- the tsukkomi) have a quick and witty back and forth. The boke tends to be simple-minded or air-headed, while the tsukkomi is serious and often corrects the boke.
- ↑ In the main story of !-era, Rei, Koga and the Aois give Trickstar personalized training in order to prepare for them to take on AKATSUKI. Koga takes Makoto to the school roof and forces him to do bungee jumping.
- ↑ Koga calls Chitose ナヨ髪 (nayokami) or "wimpy hair". I went with something like "Goldilocks" for it.
- ↑ Mashu uses © as a replacement for "-chan".
- ↑ The original JP is more like "Was our friendship always a sham?" but I chose to localize it with "Friendship Ended with Mashu?" as a reference to the Friendship Ended With Mudashir meme.
- ↑ Juis refers Nozomi as "女王さま" (jousama; queen)