Naked – Change and Universality
Chapter Index
Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Ch 5 - Translation Notes
Chapter 1
Season: ES 2nd Year, Summer (September)
Same day, in the evening. In a karaoke room…
This one’s our room!
Phew, I’m drenched in sweat after walking all the way here… I shall turn the temperature down a little.
We walked a pretty long distance, yeah… I get why we chose a place far from school, since we could get spotted by other students if it was somewhere nearby—
But why are we holding our wrap-up party in a karaoke room? I’m already tired as it is from the live show…
Karaoke is held in a private room, that’s why! We won’t have to worry about people’s eyes on us here, and we’ll be able to relax all we want, right?
That’s the only reason we chose this place, so you don’t have to force yourself to sing. If you’re tired, you’re free to lie down on the sofa.
fufu, i will personally be singing, though~
let’s have the first song be a [ryuseitai medley]~♪
On it! Tap, tap, tap… Send! ☆
You know the song’s digit number? Wow, you memorized that?
Mfun, I often sing karaoke with my friends!1 I also have the line distribution down to a T!
Huh, really… I’d personally never sing in karaoke.1 I’m already singing so much for work, so I’d rather be free from it on my days off at least.
No, actually, before that— I’ve never even had friends that I can go to karaoke with in my private time.
OOOHH…! Don’t say something so lonely, Takamine! If you don’t mind me, I’ll go out with you anytime!
After karaoke, let’s go to a batting cage! We’ll sweat our hearts out, and then have dinner at a casual restaurant!
Absolutely no way we will… Please don’t invade my private life.
I’d much rather spend my time alone. I won’t have to overthink how to be mindful of whoever is with me, and I can go about doing things at my own pace.
Midori-kun, Midori-kun! Which is better, waffle fries or hash browns?
Huh—? Where’d this come from all of a sudden…?
I’m askin’ about the menu! I’m starvin’ like crazy, so I’ve been ordering every little thing I wanna eat, but I can’t decide on which fried potatoes to get.
Ahh… I was wondering why you had such a serious look on your face while fidgeting with the tablet, but you were just ordering food all along, huh.
If you’re that unsure, how about going for a fried potato combo platter?
It has a bunch of variety in it, and we should be able to finish the plate if we split it between the five of us.
I never expected that as a suggestion…! That’s Takamine for you; you truly get my favorite food…☆
I love fried potatoes, but I can’t order a lot of them when I’m alone.
That’s why — the idea of a combo platter is just superb, because we’ll be able to taste and compare the different dishes! Of course, I’ll help out in clearing the platter!
It’s scary how he suddenly started blabbering out of nowhere. I wasn’t even talking about Senpai’s favorite food…
Aighty! I’mma go with the “fried potato combo platter” then!
I’ll also order pizza, pasta, rice pilaf… Ah! I shouldn’t forget to order the takoyaki!
Ehhh… Aren’t you ordering way too much?
Not to worry. This karaoke parlor has a take-away option for any food you cannot finish in time.
Ooh, that’s so kind of ‘em! Aight then, I’ll just keep addin’ more as I like! ☆
…None of you plan ahead in any capacity. Just hand me the menu already, I’ll make the order.
One hour later…
Right. I’m sorry to interrupt you all while you’re having your own fun, but it’s about time we start our strategy meeting.
ohh, yes. we said that alongside the [wrap-up party], we would talk about what we will do as ryuseitai from now on, right?
Yeah. Although, our overall approach will remain the same. So in this meeting, I’d like to come up with a concrete plan for what we’ll do next.
We’ve just finished performing a live show in Yumenosaki, the academy that was our “starting point”, so to speak—
But thinking back on it, we haven’t actually done anything particular for our fans ever since Mega Stream ended.
That’s why for starters, I’d like to carry out a Ryuseitai exclusive live show, aimed at our fans. And if we’ll be going with that—
Then I was hoping we could perform an entirely new song for them too, but what do you all think?
Hm, hm. So it won’t be a collaboration with a company or anythin’, it’s just purely a new song made for us?2
Yeah. Of course, we’d be more than willing to collaborate if a company sends us a word, but—
We don’t have to push ourselves to find one, either. Making our fans happy is always the most important thing, after all!
And so, for the commander of this exclusive live, hmm…3
—Sengoku, could I ask you to take the lead?
…Bfhff!? Dihd yo’fhsay me!?4
I dihn’t eshpeht t’be nominahted…5 (Gulps down his food). I was so surprised that I almost spit out my takoyaki!
Fuhahaha, that was a close one!
But I’m being serious, Sengoku. You were absolutely glimmering onstage today.
Without ever averting your eyes from your juniors’ worries, you did your best to encourage them all head-on. Seeing that performance of yours resonated in my heart, too.
What’s more, you looked even livelier than usual in our performance.
That’s exactly why I’ve become so interested to discover what you could show us right now if you became the next commander!
Ahaha… You’ll make me blush saying that. I simply just put into words everything I had wanted to say, you know?
But because you all followed my plan, today’s live show ended in a massive success.
Thus, to also express my thanks to everyone, I shall gladly take on the role of the commander!6
On that note, what sort of song would be good here?
That being said, you’re the commander this time, Sengoku. You’re free to decide however you like!
how about a [ninja] song that is fitting for shinobu? nin-nin…♪
Ahaha, that would be far too drenched in my color, you know. And besides, we already have “Nekketsu ☆ Ryusei Ninpouchou” as a song~9
ahh, that is right. that song was made for the sake of the [ninja association], right?10
…though, it seems that same [ninja association] is gone now.11
Chapter 2
Mhm. My apologies everyone, after all the efforts you put into assisting me…
No, no. You were the one who decided that, right? You don’t have to be apologetic over it.
…Mm? Speaking of which, what happened to the Marine Life Club, Kanata?
Since Kanzaki graduated from school, has it been disbanded as well?
no, i heard from souma that he had it treated as a club under [suspended activities].
according to him, a group of [volunteer] students have been taking [care] of the club.
Ah, that’s good to hear. That clubroom can be considered a famous spot at the academy, after all.12
Even if its activities are suspended right now, there may come a day when students gain interest in marine animals again, and bring life back to the club.
I hope it gets inherited by someone by then; it’d make me happy to hear.
yes. i hope the same…♪
A few days later. In the StarPro office…
Over here~ Anzu-dono~♪ (waves)
Ahh, my apologies for calling you over to this office!
This is a personal consultation, so I should be the one going to you, but—
You’re never in one place since you’re quite the busybody, so… I thought it would be much faster to ask you to come to me instead.
Mm! Come to think of it, that makes you similar to a ninja, no? You have no presence, and you appear in the most unexpected places…♪
Ah, I shouldn’t derail the conversation. I called you here to talk about Ryuseitai’s next course of action.
As you know, the commander role alternates between the members of Ryuseitai. And this time around, I will be acting as the commander.13
And so, we decided to make a new song for ourselves.
However, even if I opt to commission a professional for the songwriting, I would still need to come up with the baseline concept as the commander, correct?
So for the past few days, I’ve pondered and pondered…
But I simply cannot think of anything, it’s almost baffling to me~
Whenever I ponder over it in silence, random thoughts come to mind instead—
And just last night, I could hear “nin-nin” in Shinkai-dono’s voice floating in my head…!
…Ahaha. Everyone said the same thing to me — that I’m the commander, so it’s fine to go with a ninja-themed song.
But we’ve already performed one before.9 I’m a ninja idol, so I could perform a song like that countless times if I ever wanted to.
That’s why for an opportunity like this, I’d like to do something extraordinarily special.
For a month, we weren’t able to do any sort of unit activities on land, correct?
We’ve streamed many times, and that was fun in its own right, getting to interact with everyone…
But all the activities that were part of our routine, like live shows and TV appearances, suddenly vanished from sight — I’m sure we’ve made our fans feel lonely because of that.14
That is why I’d like to make our next performance something that could blow all those feelings away — Something that will make them glad they waited for our return!
A song that keeps in mind what makes us “Ryuseitai”, while still drawing out “fresh wind”… If I could just come up with something like that, it’d be perfect—
But the problem is, nothing comes to mind for what that “fresh wind” could be, and that is the most crucial part here~…
To begin with, the current Ryuseitai is a unit that naturally changes color with every commander’s turn.
It’s structured this way so that the member most suited for the matter is the one that acts as the commander.
In doing so, we expand the range of our activities without the burden being loaded on one sole person — That’s the concept we have in mind.
That is all the more why I’m struggling, though. There’s bound to be something I can suggest precisely because of who I am right now, but…
Anzu-dono, you’ve come up with many projects up until now, correct? What do you do whenever you can’t think of any ideas?
When you’re stuck in a rut, you focus on doing something different? Hm, hm…
I see. All this time I thought that an original creation is producing something new from nothing, but—
An original creation could also be combining things I’ve seen and heard thus far, or adding in a different perspective, I see.
So I could try my hand at something I don’t typically dabble in, and build up my own library of knowledge, so to speak…
Something I don’t typically dabble in, hm… Mmh~…
…Studying is a weak point of mine, so in a way, I could consider it an unknown world to me.15
How about a song based on studying then? Something that feels reassuring to listen to when you have to study for a test or exam—
No, never mind. I’m hardly capable of studying properly — If I tried to sing a song about that, there would be nothing convincing about it.
I’d like to bring in “fresh wind” that is much more befitting of idols, like—
Ah—! I’ve got it…!
No, no, wait. That’s far too tactless. Please forget I said that—
Uhya—!? W-Why’re you suddenly squishing my cheeks!?
“Now you’ve got me curious, so you have to tell me”… I-I understand, really! Your smile is scaring me~…!
Ermm, you see…
When I thought of “fresh wind” and idols together, what came to my mind is MELLOW DEAR US.
They’re idols who’ve come from the U.S., and have built up a lot of momentum as of this moment. They are precisely what you’d call “black ships” to us.16
I have witnessed them perform a few times, but there’s still an abundance of things I don’t know about them.
That’s why I thought that if I could watch them during their recording or practice session, I might be able to gain something from it, but…
They’re unfortunately in a different agency, and I feel like it’d be presumptuous of me to request this out of the blue…
…Mm? Why are you patting your chest, Anzu-dono?
You have your phone out— Eh!? Who are you contacting…?
W-What!? You’ve already reached an agreement with them!?
You truly are incredible as always, Anzu-dono! This is why you’re ES’ proudly talented producer…♪
Hm, hm. So MELLOW DEAR US is actually in the middle of recording something at a nearby TV station, is it? And I should be able to get the opportunity to have a tour of what they do in that location…
Yaaay, I’m so happy to hear it! We must move with haste! It’s time to depart to battle…☆
Chapter 3
“Wahh…! It’s a video of a squirrel this time.”
“It’s stuffing nuts into its cheek pouch and moving its cheeks with each chew…”
“Sooo cuuute… I could watch this forever. ♪”
“Mhm, mhm! It sooo reminds me of when Chitose© stuffed his boxed lunch in his mouth quickly back in the dressing room!17 #NotMe
“The squirrel’s behavior is charming, but I do not find Chitose’s conduct impressive.”
“If you cannot conduct yourself in a more graceful manner, then there is no worth in you being alive, is there?”
“Having your existence invalidated just for eating your boxed lunch fast is craaazy! Kyahaha! ☆”
“Ahaha… I had to rush because we were running out of time before the recording started. And it’d be a waste to leave my food half-eaten, too.”
“That aside, though… I’ve been thinking about this since we came to Japan, but I never really catch sight of any wild squirrels here.”
“I’d often spot them in parks back in the U.S. though.”
“Oh yeah, now that you mention it, I think you’re right… Then we could just make a project for ourselves where we go find a squirrel together, right?”
“That sounds like something that’ll end up as a pretty plain and simplistic video, but it might be interesting in its own way—☆ #WorkWhere
Oooh! Their conversation is so natural, and the aura they emit is stunning…!
According to what you’ve said, Anzu-dono, they still don’t have much experience with variety programs…? Is that true?
…Ohhh. So they’ve been tasked to proactively appear in various variety programs, so as to have them build experience in a short amount of time.
They’re being tailored to fit with Japan’s idol culture… is what I’ve understood.
So the phrase, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, applies to large overseas enterprises too~
…Huh? This isn’t a policy from Thunderbolt, but rather a suggestion from you, Anzu-dono?
I see. MELLOW DEAR US is produced by both Nice-dono and Anzu-dono.18
Hm, hm. It’s starting to click in place now.
Mm? No, I wasn’t thinking that they get special treatment from you.
Regardless of their popularity in other countries, they’re newcomers in the Japanese idol industry. It makes sense that you would support them with hospitality.
Other units are also similar in that sense.
Even us, Ryuseitai. We’re part of StarPro, and at the same time, we have you as a producer as well.
That’s why I personally don’t think anything of it.
Well, if I had to say something here… I feel like it is getting more and more hectic for you now that you have more idols to produce~♪
And yet you’re still helping me with my personal consultation despite all that. I really am very grateful to you.
Mfun. Now that I think about it, you and I have known each other since our days in Yumenosaki together.
Whenever I had a problem, you would help me and encourage me… I truly am indebted to you time and time again.
That is why I want you to stay the way you are, Anzu-dono.
You excel at discovering an idol’s great points, and you always approach your job with the idol’s best interest in mind. I believe that that is precisely what makes you who you are.
I’m sure that I, too, will continue to be in your care moving forward.
So I hope that we can stay in close terms for many years to come. It would make me very happy…♪
Sound of footsteps
—Ah! So you were here! Hello, thank you for all your wonderful work, Anzu-san.
Yes. I’ve actually come to Japan on a separate business trip. Since I’m here just at the right time, I passed by to check how they’re doing.
It appears they’re starting to get accustomed to Japan’s programs, too. I’m sure the staff back in the U.S. will be very happy to know this. ♪
(whispering) …Anzu-dono, Anzu-dono. Are they an acquaintance of yours?
(whispering) They’re someone who works in the entertainment department of Thunderbolt… I see, so that is why you know them.
By the way, who is that boy with you? Is he your little brother by any chance, Anzu-san?
L-Little brother…!?
I-I am actually, erm… technically in Ryuseitai, and… mumblemumble
Technically…? Sorry, I couldn’t hear you very well.
—Eh? Wait, really, Anzu-san? He’s also an idol…?
He’s Sengoku Shinobu-kun, from Ryuseitai…? Ahh, that was very rude of me.
I’ve been studying up on Japan’s idols, but I’ve only just gotten hold of the Rhythm Link idols and not much else.
This is quite shameful of me, as someone who works in the entertainment department.
Sorry about that— Er, my deepest apologies, Sengoku-san.
No, no! Don’t worry about it at all, please!
I’m not a particularly famous figure myself, really! If anything, I feel awful that I made you apologize when we haven’t even made proper introductions yet!
T-The point is! You really do not have to worry about it at all! Ahaha…
Thirty minutes later. After the tour was over…
…Thank you for having me~
That recording was quite abundant; there were talk shows, songs, and much more.
I haven’t figured out the clue I need for the new song just yet, but I’m glad I came! It was good stimuli~♪
…Huh? Why do you look so anxious, Anzu-dono?
I’m as energetic as ever, you know…?
…No, I’m sure it’s pointless to try and dodge the question. You see through everything, after all.
The truth is… Being mistaken as your little brother by the Thunderbolt staff is still lingering in my head a little.
Ah! But to be clear, I am not against that or anything! I’m an only child, so I’m drawn to the idea of “siblings” much like anyone else.
It isn’t that part… You see, the moment I got mistaken as such, I was instantly reminded of something else.
Back in spring, Midori-kun invited me to go to a zoo with him. When we got to the ticket counter, the teller told me that my admission was free.
I innocently cheered in joy, thinking there was some sort of special campaign going on…
But it was nothing of the sort — I was simply mistaken for being much younger, that’s all. The zoo has free admission for middle school students and below.
Midori-kun comforted me at the time, saying that “I get mistaken for a college student sometimes”…19
But now, to my shock, I got mistaken for being Anzu-dono’s little brother… Do I really look that child-like to people?
Well, no, if I simply look young based on appearances alone, that’s still fine.
But perhaps it’s because I had just finished watching MELLOW DEAR US perform, a unit that is very mature and cool…
Now I can’t help myself from wondering… Have I actually grown up?
Chapter 4
The next day, at night. In the large bathhouse inside the Mega Sphere…
Pheww… The hot water really seeps through my body…♪
I was stuck at my desk just pondering and pondering, so my neck and shoulders are as stiff as a board.
Yeah, you were really focused on brainstormin’. How’s the new song comin’ along?
I haven’t progressed on that at all, sadly…
I’m still at the concept stage. I may actually be struggling even more than yesterday~…
Ohhh. Well, we’re not in a rush this time, so I think it’s fine if you make progress at your own pace, Shinobu-kun.
Ideas always come at the most unexpected moment, anyway.
Mhm. Although, whenever I think about how our fans have been waiting for us, I feel as though I shouldn’t be taking my time with things either.
But even then, I cannot afford to deliver them something that is just “good enough”, so I shall take my time to think it over for now.
…By the way, Tetora-kun. Why is there a rubber duck floating in the bathtub?
Ahh, this? It’s Midori-kun.
Wha…? I mean, it certainly is a pretty green color, but…
Don’t tell me…! Did he turn into this form while I was shut in our room!? Poor Midori-kun…!
Ahh, but then again, perhaps this is exactly what he’s wanted? I feel like he’d be quite happy by it, in fact.
Well, this duck cannot speak, though.
Ahaha. You looked pretty tired, so I tried cracking a joke—
I was expecting ya to hit back with a remark, so I didn’t think you’d actually jump on the bit.
Either way, based on that, you seem alright. Looks like I was worried over nothin’.
Ooohh… I apologize for unnecessarily worrying you.
I assume the reason you invited me to the bathtub was for the same reason, wasn’t it?
Yeah, but you don’t have to worry ‘bout it. I just wanted to do that, is all.
‘Cuz the best thing to do when you’re tired is to soak in some nice hot water~ Actually, I tried inviting Midori-kun to join us while I was at it, but he turned me down just as I thought he would.20
Then he gave me this rubber duck and said, “think of it as me”. Apparently, he got it as an extra from somethin’.
Ahaha. That is truly just like Midori-kun.
…Oohh? Look, the duck spits out water when you squeeze its belly.
Ahaha! This is so much fun, it’s like a water gun~♪
Ooh. You hit the shampoo bottle right on the mark. You have such good control, Shinobu-kun!
Mfun, so you noticed! The fruits of my shuriken training are showing at such an unexpected place~♪
Nihihi~♪ Perhaps I have a knack for shooting from afar?
Aaalright! I’ll aim for the entrance’s label this time! Ninja Art: Water-Gun-no-Jutsu…☆
—Woah! What the, why’d water splash on me outta nowhere?
Ah! Taishou! Heya, I hope you’re doin’ well today!
Awawawa—! Midori-kun’s hot water splashed on Kiryu-dono’s face…! Please accept this ninja’s deepest apology~!
Midori-kun…? Is that what that duck’s called?
Mhm. Ah, no, there’s an actual reason behind this—
Ahaha, no need to explain. I’m guessin’ you were playin’ in the water with that, yeah?
Nothin’ wrong with that, it’s good to innocently play around every once in a while, y’know.
Heeey! How cooold of you, Kuro-san, dipping in the bath ahead of me! You know you could’ve just waited for me, right?
The hell ya on about? As if I’d do that — The thought of two grown ass adults changin’ and gettin’ in the tub at the same time is just gross.
Ah, Mikejima-senpai was also with you. I can tell you two have a bit of damp hair…
Were you doing strength training up ‘til now or somethin’?
Yep. When I dropped by the training room, I happened to come across Kuro-san.
Just as I greeted him, he caught hold of me, y’see~ Sooo I had no choice but to get my body moving with him.
Don’t freakin’ lie. You’re the one who got up in my business.
I was just goin’ through my trainin’ regimen when you decided to poke your nose and tell me about how my form looks off or whatever.
Hahaha! It’s ‘cause your self-taught style was getting waaay too out there. You were able to improve it before you got yourself hurt, so you should be thanking me! ☆
Pluuus, didn’t you also throw some comments on how I train? We’re in the saaame boat here…♪
(…Woahh. Looking at the two closely, both Kiryu-dono and Mikejima-dono are mighty muscular…)
(Is this what “the body of an adult man” refers to? It sounds like they were doing a full-blown strength training session, too — It’s so cool how self-disciplined they are.)
(The same goes for Tetora-kun. Though he may not be as muscular as the other two, he has a nicely-toned, defined body.)
(Meanwhile, when it comes to me… There was a time I did some strength training in order to build stamina, but—)21
(My body cannot really build muscle all that well, so I eventually became satisfied with the bare minimum at some point.)
(I have the necessary stamina for my idol activities, so I didn’t feel the need to train any further…)22
(But standing by them, I find I’m the only one who seems rather young.)
(What’s more, I was even getting excited over playing in the water with a rubber duck…)
(Am I still nothing more than just a child after all…?)
—Ohhh? Theeere’s a green duck floating in the tub; diiid someone accidentally leave it behind?
Nah, it’s apparently Sengoku’s.
Eh!? No, this doesn’t belong to m—
That’s the rubber duck we were entrusted with from our Midori-kun.
I invited him to join us in the bath, but he turned down the offer, and then gave me this to act as his substitute.
Ahh, so that’s why he said “Midori-kun spit out hot water” in a panic earlier.
Oi, Sengoku. No need to huddle yourself into that corner. How about ya come over here? The tub’s got a lotta space, y’know.
R-Roger that…!
Sound of moving in water
Hahaha, are you neeervous?
You ought to be shameless when soaking in a public bathtub. ‘Caaause you know, there’s a saying that goes, “baring your body bares your heart too”.23
Ahaha… Indeed.
This is a nice opportunity, so I shall take my time in the bath.
Chapter 5
Whew… Right, it’s time I dip out.
Soakin’ myself in a hot tub for too long just makes my body feel sluggish instead, so.
Then I’ll also head on out. I feel pretty hungry after soaking in the hot water.
Oh yeaaah, speaking of which, Kuro-san — Did you check out that new restaurant in the Passage Area?24
I heard they’re having a limited-time food challenge event right now.
“Food challenge”… Ah, the one where it’s all for free if ya eat the food within the time limit?
Yup! Not only will it be free, but apparently they also give out a prize. But of course, you’ll have to pay the bill if you fail.
We just got done with some intense exercise. It’s a little too early for dinner, but still, wanna try taking on the challenge with me?
Haah… Why do I gotta compete with ya even after I get outta the bath…
Besides, I dunno a thing about that restaurant. We’ve got no clue what sorta food they have, do we?
But well, I’m interested to find out what they’re makin’.
I dunno if I’ll actually take on the challenge, but I’ll join you for dinner at least.
Mm? The two of you are gonna eat dinner together after this?
Yeah. If you’re hungry too, then how about you join us, Tetsu?
You sure!? Ossu, I’d be glad to join ya! ♪
Hey, wanna come along too, Shinobu-kun? You and I’d get to see Taishou and Mikejima-senpai’s eating style!
Me? Hmm~…
The offer sounds nice, but I must decline. I’d like to work out an idea for the new song while soaking by myself in the tub.
Aight then.
But you’ll feel dizzy if you soak for too long, so be sure to get out eventually, ‘kay?
Mhm! Thank you~♪ (waves)
Take care, everyone~
Sound of moving in water
(……Hm. The bathhouse feels a lot more spacious now that everyone has left.)
(It’s so quiet that the only sound I can hear is of the water echoing.)
(…In times like this, I get the urge to do some “water escape jutsu” training…)25
(But this isn’t the time for that. I must rack my brain for our new song.)
(I’ve read in a book that the sound of water is good for thinking…)
(Hence me deciding to soak myself in water… But I really just cannot think of anything~…)
(I wonder how all the musicians in the world come up with ideas?)
(…Speaking of music composition, there’s Knights’ Tsukinaga-dono! Perhaps I could get his advi—)
(…No, no! You can’t!)
(I have been specifically selected to be the commander this time. It’d just look awful on my part if I immediately rely on someone for this.)
(While it isn’t a bad thing to ask for help, I should still try to make an effort in my own way first and foremost…)
(It’s fine if it’s shoddy for now, I just need to first put my thoughts in order…)
(It won’t be too late to ask someone for advice much later.)
…Huh? The rubber duck is floating in the corner of the tub.
A lot of time has passed since everyone left. I assume they’ve all left the changing room by now.
Tetora-kun is such a klutz~ Oh well, I suppose I’ll have to take responsibility for this Midori-kun and keep him safe.
Ahaha. You got left behind, didn’t you, Midori-kun~♪
…………
……Say, Midori-kun.
Could you listen to me talk to myself just for a little?
A thought came to my mind the other day, when I asked Anzu-dono to take me to where MELLOW DEAR US was working… as well as just earlier, when I saw the other three in the tub…
I feel as though I’ve been left behind as the only one who’s still just a little child.
Everyone’s so cool and grown-up…
Unlike me, who was getting happy over trying out the “Water-Gun-no-Jutsu~♪”…
…Logically, I’m aware that everyone is different, and I am my own self.
No matter how hard I try, I doubt I could ever build a well-defined muscular body.
But… Even Tetora-kun, who’s right beside me, is becoming more and more muscular.
And Midori-kun as well — He sometimes gets mistaken for an older person. I know he always seems upset about it, saying that it just means he looks like he’s showing signs of age…19
But even then, I look up and wonder how nice it must be. I’m quite envious of it.
It’s likely as they say, “the grass is always greener on the other side”. But even then…
I cannot help but think about how much I wish I could be like that… Midori-kun—
Fuhahahaha! ☆ Fancy meeting you here, Sengoku!
Uhyah—!? M-Morisawa-dono!?
Mm? Why’re you so surprised to see me?
Huh? Are you the only one here? I heard you talking, so I thought you were with someone…
A-Awawa…! Erm, well, you see…!
I was practicing the Cloning Jutsu…! By addressing myself, I can produce my very own clone… That is how the training goes!
I see now! I expect nothing less from you, Sengoku; you’re always refining your skills. I should learn from you.
Sound of moving in water
I’ll dip in next to you, if you don’t mind.
Sound of splashing into water
Mmm~ You can never go wrong with a big bathtub, huh. It just feels so nice! ☆
How’s the new song coming along, Sengoku? Are you making progress alright?
No, not at all. I still haven’t even figured out what sort of song I’d like to make.
…Tetora-kun asked me the same question earlier. I assume everyone is concerned about the new song…
Oh, is that what happened… I’m sorry for asking you right after him.
But don’t misunderstand us. We aren’t trying to rush you. If anything, we’re itching to know out of excitement.
You sealed off “ninjas” this time around — the being that practically acts as your very own weapon, right?
We all get lost whenever we challenge ourselves with something new, and it’s natural to take time.
But you don’t have to rush yourself. I’m looking forward to the very moment you grab hold of what you feel like is the answer for you, Sengoku!
Morisawa-dono… Hearing that from you makes me—
……H-Huh? Everything suddenly looks…so fuzzy…?
There are two… Morisawa-donos…? When did you learn the Cloning Jutsu—……
Sengoku!? What’s wrong!? Your face is bright red!
Uu, my eyes are spinning… Thud, plunk~…
Sound of splashing into water
Hey, wait! Hang in there, Sengoku!
DON’T DIIIEEEEEE!! SENGOKUUUUUU!!
Story translation still in progress! 6 chapters left!
Translation Notes
- ↑ You can see Ryuseitai’s preferences in karaoke in the Oshi Room (Questions > Karaoke question). There’s also a karaoke chart.
- ↑ Most of Ryuseitai’s events up until now have had to do with working with a company or event, such as Tropical (with Tropical Troppeys), or WILDLAND (for Wildland event) etc.
- ↑ “Commander” (taichou in Japanese) refers to the leader.
- ↑ “Did you say me?”
- ↑ “I didn’t expect to be nominated”
- ↑ This isn’t Shinobu’s first time being the leader; his first time was before Stella Maris (the juniors had their leader turn before Kanata’s first time, mentioned in the prologue.). But this is the first event to showcase his leader turn!
- ↑ The ground typically refers to activities in ES, or activities that aren’t on Mega Sphere (which is in the sky).
- ↑ As a fun note, Ryuseitai has had an event with fine before that uses similar wording; “The Emperor’s Triumphant Return”.
- ↑ Referring to Shinobu’s first center song, Zealous ☆ Meteor Ninja Art Scroll!
- ↑ The story associated with the song, Ninja Clan, was about finding a way to recruit new members to the association to avoid its dissolution.
- ↑ This was first revealed in the first chapter of Flower of Worship, but this is the first time it’s mentioned in a Shinobu story.
- ↑ As a fun note, Chiaki has visited the Marine Life Club’s room before in ES Year 1, in Nostalgic Alma Mater.
- ↑ By the end of Supervillain, Ryuseitai decide to take turns being the leader depending on the job. Confirmed leader turns are listed here.
- ↑ This is referring to the Mega Stream main story arc. In July, all the ES idols were locked up in the Mega Sphere for a month to do a world-wide stream 24/7, and had their work schedules in ES pushed back or re-adjusted as they weren’t available for ES work until the month was over. This was explained in Sailing Ceremony.
- ↑ Shinobu, along with Tetora and Midori, are bad at studying. This is shown in the school grades chart in the Oshi Room (Questions > best subjects question). The juniors got tutored by Chiaki before to raise their grades, in the idol story Study Heroes.
- ↑ Referring to the American warships that arrived at Japan during its isolation, and successfully pressured them to open the country again. Thunderbolt Entertainment (+ MELLOW DEAR US) have been referred to as this before, such as in VS★AUDIENCE (the first story to mention the unit).
- ↑ The © is read as chan.
- ↑ This is established in MELLOW DEAR US’ first event story, BUBBLE GUM DANCE.
- ↑ Midori has also lamented about getting mistaken for a working adult, as seen in his Spring - Morning: Topic-3 line.
- ↑ Midori has expressed before that he doesn’t like going to the public bathhouse (and his reasons why) in Kanata’s FS3 5*, crossing past the [vast ocean].
- ↑ Referring to Shinobu’s first year days. He spent the majority of summer training in order to build stamina. He mentions this (and also tries to train) in several summer stories, like Buddy and Pirate Festival.
- ↑ As a fun note, the fruits of his training is shown in stories, such as in Stella Maris (set in May of ES Year 2); unlike Midori who fell asleep, he managed to stay awake even after a lot of vigorous performances.
- ↑ The lit. meaning of this idiom is “hanging out naked”. It typically refers to being on such open and honest terms with someone that you can (figuratively) hang out with them naked in a public bath. It’s usually used between men.
- ↑ This is the French word of passage. Passage refers to the shopping arcades that were built in Paris.
- ↑ Known as suiton in Japanese, it’s one of the ninja arts of escape. In the case of the water-escape jutsu, the ninja dives into a body of water to infiltrate or hide, and then uses a bamboo as a snorkel. Shinobu has done this before in Air Ride; his CG showcases it!