[ES!! Era Year 2] Turn Crisis Into Opportunity
[The Charm Of Never Giving Up] Shinobu Sengoku
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| Outfit name: “RUN&RUN”. An outfit that Shinobu also had a hand in. Designed to envision an energy that never loses heart no matter the tumbles. |
Shinobu receives an important opportunity to perform a solo live, and vows to make it a success. He wants to show another side to himself other than the ninja aspect, so he tries to think about where his charm lies.
Chapter 1
This story is set a little after the Mega Sphere arc began, where idols start live streaming through Mega Stream.
Season: ES 2nd Year, Summer
Uu… What am I to do…?
This is a crucial opportunity for me. I do not want to fail it, no matter what.
But what on earth would work here…? Nghhh…
Mm? What’re you groaning over, Sengoku? You’re even crumpling the papers in your hand.
Isara-dono, you’re here at the perfect moment! There’s something I would like you to help me with!
Woah!? Don’t cling to me with so much force! You’ll startle me~!
My apologies for that… I was caught up in my worries so much that it gave me a burst of energy, I suppose…?
I’ll hear ya out, so take your time telling me what happened, alright?
Uu, thank you… Please look at this.
Is this… a solo live proposal?
The truth is, Anzu-dono provided me a job to stream a solo live show.
Stream a solo live show… You’re talking about that, right? One of the Mega Stream live stream projects, yeah?
Indeed. Impressive as always, Isara-dono, you are always the first to know something.
I heard about it from Anzu, after all. I know quite a lot about how it goes.
Plus, Koga told me I had to watch his live show stream when it happened.1
Ermm, Anzu said that the idol has to convey their individual idol charms on their own, like a self-produce, I think?
That! That is precisely what has been giving me trouble!
Woah! You suddenly got closer—!
In terms of my own charms, that would be ninja. I am certain that out of ten people, all ten of them would answer the same.
Up until this point, I’ve spoken about the charms of ninjas in shows, and have been called for jobs related to ninjas…
I don’t mean to brag by saying this, but I believe my identity has become well-established at this point.
Mhm, I think it’s great that you have such a well-defining character trait.
Ehehe…♪ I appreciate the words.
But on the other hand, for this solo live — I think it would be best if I avoid emphasizing my “ninja” trait as much.
Huh? Why’s that?
According to Anzu-dono, “the ‘self’ you want to show right now” factor is heavily taken into account for this solo live show.
To me, ninjas are an important factor that I can never replace with something else—
However, I feel it is a little off to say that the ‘me’ I want to present is my ninja self. What makes me who I am isn’t only ninja, if that makes sense…
Mm~… I’m not too sure if I’m getting across what I’m referring to.
…So in other words, you want people to see the “Sengoku Shinobu” before you were a ninja this time around?
Precisely! Truly impressive, Isara-dono! You always know my true feelings~♪
I have also noticed that other idols are challenging themselves to new things! Wouldn’t that mean that I, too, should try something new?
True. This is a big opportunity, so I kinda get how you feel, wanting your fans to see a different side to you.
Isara-dono. I apologize for imposing something like this on my lord, but may I ask you a question?
If you could put it in concise terms, what would you say is my charm point?
Your charm point…?
Anything is fine… I feel awful for making you rack your brain over this.
No way, that’s not what you’re doing at all, really! I just need a bit of time to think.
You pour great effort into so many things, even the Student Council, and help me out even in my personal time, so…
Ah, I got it!
Mentioning the Student Council reminded me — Isn’t your charm point “perseverance”?2
Perseverance?
Yeah, like you have strong fortitude in you. When I was the Student Council President, you’d help me with anything, right? Like putting up posters, or the little tasks after an event was over…
All of that would’ve been tiring work to do, but you dealt with every single one without a single complaint. You seriously helped me out a lot with that, y’know~?
If you weren’t there, I doubt I would’ve been able to handle all my Student Council President tasks.
I simply wanted to help you in any way I could, Isara-dono… But hearing you say all of that makes me blush a little.
In any case… Perseverance, correct?
Now that you mention it, that would suit me… The reason I have come this far, and managed to be an idol as part of Ryuseitai up until this point… Perhaps it is because I had perseverance.
There were times I suffered from my lack of skill, but it is because I kept on going without ever giving up that the current ‘me’ is here.
Thinking like that… Perseverance may precisely be the theme for this solo live show.
Haha, glad to see my thoughts came to a li’l bit of use~♪
Isara-dono, thank you! ♪ I shall do my best with this theme!
Alright, with the live show’s direction settled, I should contact Anzu-dono straight away—
Huh…?
What’s up, Sengoku?
…Isara-dono. How exactly do I represent the theme of perseverance?
Mm~ It’s kinda vague as a theme, and I’m not sure how you could even represent it in a live show… Maybe this is a tricky theme for a performance.
Mm~… “Perseverance”… “Perseverance”…?
Ah, I know!
How about challenging yourself to eat a whole bowl of super spicy ramen to show off your fortitude?
You might get lots of squeals going, “Kya~ You’ve got this, Shinobu-kun~!” ♪
Please, Isara-dono! I’d like you think about this more seriously~
Ahaha, sorry, sorry. The ramen restaurant near the train station was looking for challengers, so~♪
For a moment there, I was hopeful that you thought up another nice idea to share, you know~
But I mustn’t keep relying on you. You’ve given me a nice clue to work with, so I will do my best to think up the rest!
Mhm, good luck out there~♪ If you really can’t figure something out, I think asking Anzu would be a good idea, too.
You’re right! She told me I could contact her if I’m struggling with anything, so if I end up stuck in a rut, I will ask for her assistance.
Chapter 2
…And so, I’m thinking of making “perseverance” the theme of my solo live.
What do you think, Anzu-dono…?
“I think it’s a really good idea”? Whew, I’m so glad to receive a seal of approval from you~♪3
The next thing is… I’ve already briefly informed you on the matter through text, but I can’t seem to come up with a way to represent that theme.
I would like to hear your thoughts, Anzu-dono.
Personally, I would like to avoid displaying my ninja factor so brazenly. So I was hoping I could present the theme through a dance move or song performance…
The more I ponder over it, the more the theme of “perseverance” crumbles in on itself. I cannot tell anymore what would or wouldn’t work~!
Mm~… Maybe I really should take on the super spicy ramen challenge, just as Isara-dono suggested?
Mm? What’s wrong, Anzu-dono?
Hmhmhmm~♪ I expect nothing less from you, Anzu-dono!
To represent my “perseverance”, you suggested that I challenge myself to a difficult dance move for the live show, and then play a documentary-style recording of my time practicing it!
That would definitely make it possible for my fans to see just how hard I’ve been working.
I shall do my best practicing the choreography, not only for this video, but for the sake of making my fans happy, as well!
Wawa—! Anzu-dono, you don’t have to pull up the camera just yet~ I would like you to film me when I’m practicing!
“But you had such a good look on you”? Er, could you be teasing me right now, Anzu-dono?
Ah…! I was talking for so long that we almost passed by the practice room.
Wait, huh? Someone’s still practicing inside…?
Are they using it past their booking time? I know how easy it is to get so into practice that you forget about the time.
Huh!? Our booking didn’t actually go through!?
You’re right, there’s someone else’s name for this time slot.
No, no, it isn’t your fault, Anzu-dono! It’s also my fault for not double-checking if the booking was successful.
This is nothing but a trivial matter! Though this makes for a little bad start, this is not the only practice room. I’ll book a different one right now!
The ones that are free are…
Huh!? The rest are also booked!? Mm, the practice room truly is popular, huh…
Nothing can be done about that! I will give up on the practice room, and practice elsewhere.
As long as I’m physically capable, dancing can be practiced anywhere.
As for other places I could practice in…
How does the shared space sound? There’s plenty of room to move there, and I shouldn’t end up bumping into anyone with all my movement.
…Ahh, you make a good point. I would simply be a hindrance to anyone hoping to relax there. I would feel awful for that.
And as you just mentioned, there are streaming cameras outside, so I can’t practice for my live show there, either…
You’re right. The best option here may be to simply try another day.
Huh? I believe your phone is ringing, Anzu-dono.
Please go ahead and pick up the phone, I’ll be fine. I’ll be here looking for a day when the practice room is free~♪
—Exhales. It feels like there are many difficulties in store for me…
I thought doing this would make for a great live show, so I was hoping to practice as soon as possible… But it seems like things will not be going so smoothly.
…Will my solo live really turn out alright at this rate…?
Ossu~ Sengoku! Is everything going well with your live stream preparations?
Isara-dono! Well… I suppose you could say that. Under Anzu-dono’s suggestion, I’ll be filming myself practicing a difficult dance move, and have it played before my live show begins.
That way, my fans could see for themselves how hard I’ve been working, and truly get a feel of my tenacity and refusal to give up.
Ohh! That’d make the live show really feel special for everyone. I think it’s a great idea~♪
I have nothing but gratitude for Isara-dono and Anzu-dono, for giving me your thoughts.
Though, well, we couldn’t make it in time to book a practice room, so the filming itself is taking some time to complete…
I can see which direction to go with for the live show, but it is going to be a bit of a difficult voyage.
I see… Well, I don’t think you have to worr—
But! A crisis is merely an opportunity for me!4
I shall do my utmost best to ensure all my fans enjoy my live show!
…Mhm, aren’t you impressive, Sengoku~!
Wawa—! Isara-dono, please don’t ruffle my hair so much! My bangs will get messy!
Ahaha, my bad. I just got reminded of our time in the Student Council and felt so happy.
Alright! Lemme help you with the live show too, Sengoku.
No, no, I could never. Weren’t you about to head back to your room, Isara-dono?
Don’t sweat it! It’s been a long while since I got to do something with you, so it’ll be fun~♪
A difficult dance, huh… I bet a breakdance move would look really flashy, how does that sound?
I assume there’s an instrumental solo in the song, so if you perform a breakdancing move there, I’m sure it’ll be exciting! I can give you advice on how to go about it, too~♪
Ohh. That could be a good way to impress everyone with a new side of myself.
And if the timing’s inconvenient for Anzu, I could film in her stead. So feel free to ask anything from me, ‘kay?
Isara-dono… Thank you so much! I shall absolutely make this into a wonderful live show!
Mhm. —Ah, wait a sec. I’ll get the camera on you right now.
Sorry, Sengoku. Could you say that again? You had a good look on your face, so I thought this might be a good time to film, too.
You could say it this time while looking at everyone in the camera… Alright, go ahead! ♪
Eh!? Ermm, I’m feeling a little embarrassed now that I have to say it again, but…
To all my fans. I am about to start practicing the choreography of my performance.
I had a bad start after running into a small issue, but no matter the adversary I face, I shall absolutely make this into a wonderful live show!
That is why I’d love you all to wait in excitement for my live show; it will surely begin in no time!
A translation of Shinobu’s 3rd solo, Step Up Shinkaron, is coming soon!
Shinobu Feature Scout Stories
Ryuseitai 5* Feature Scout Stories
Translation Notes
- ↑ Koga was the first to get his solo live show outfit. You can read his story here.
- ↑ “Perseverance” in Japanese is nintai (忍耐), and Mao says Shinobu has 忍耐強さ (perseverance power). The 忍 in the word is the same one for Shinobu’s name, as well as the kanji found in ninja (忍者). 忍 also means “endurance”, and this is a common theme for Shinobu; one notable moment of this is in Orihime and Hikoboshi, Epilogue 4.
- ↑ His solo song, Step Up Shinkaron, also mentions seal of approval. Translation coming soon!
- ↑ Shinobu lit. says "Pinch is a chance". This is referenced in the title of this story. It’s also slightly reminiscent of Tenka Muteki☆Meteorrangers!, for the lyrics that go “A pinch is just another word for chance”.