#akanp

[toujokaname]

Matrix (Event Story)

"ALKALOID and Crazy:B are set to face off in Matrix, a major event held by ES. To draw attention to this sibling showdown, Hiiro and Rinne end up exchanging the units they each lead."

Writer: Akira

Characters: Hiiro, Aira, Mayoi, Tatsumi, Rinne, HiMERU, Kohaku, Niki, AkanP, Anzu, Takashi

Prologue: 1✧

Card shuffle: 1✧ - 2✧ - 3✧ - 4✧ - 5✧ - 6✧ - 7✧ - 8✧ 9✧ - 10✧ - 11✧ - 12✧ - 13✧ - 14✧ - 15✧

Monologue: 1✧

Game master: 1✧ - 2✧ - 3✧ - 4✧ - 5✧ - 6✧ - 7✧ - 8✧ 9✧ - 10✧ - 11✧ - 12✧ - 13✧ - 14✧ - 15✧  16✧ - 17✧ - 18✧ - 19✧ - 20✧ - 21✧ - 22✧ - 23✧

Epilogue: 1✧ - 2✧

[mihai-florescu]

When i die burry my phone notes with me

[voiceofsword]

scratches head

[anzuhan]

Hey Anzu, not sure if this has been asked recently but is there still EnStars characters that are completely off limits for Anzu?

not really ? anzu doesnt know either tbh 🥳

anzu sincerely does try to be everyoneP as in ACTUALLY EVERYONE (would say this regarding like most supporting cast too like the teachers, kurones, kaname, mado-nee, nice pchan, siblings of main idols etc. most all that appear more than once. (i.e not akanP) wouldnt really say it so for hidaka, gatekeeper, priest, baru's dad and the such though 😭 ESPECIALLY NOT PRIEST 👎 not after what hes done to negi ... anzus cute little princess 😔)

the only ones anzu has a distaste for are kazehaya and jin purely for things that happened in game and for kagehira its personal stuff and completely unrelated to anything hes ever done. but anzu tries to get over those too, especially for kagehira cause its not his fault 😭 he just reminds anzu of someone. though if this is regarding the requests, anzu is open to drawing all these 3 as well. (and did get a req w kagehira and jin)

given the nature of the ask anzu is supposing youve been around for longer so 1) thanks for sticking around 🫶 and 2) if this is regarding wataru and how . anzu was about him back then, anzu is a-ok with him now 👍 hes up on the oomf list too now.. and anzu does kind of want to draw him too hes pretty 🥺 this plus anzus never really drawn him properly ever .. feeling like missing out 😔😔

[whimsyrefrain]

on the one hand i get niki fans being mad that he has no lore but otoh be at peace... like so many people did not like the akanP stuff like are you really going to be happy with whatever they reveal now 😭?

[toujokaname]

Card shuffle / Episode 7

Author: Akira

Characters: Niki, Tatsumi, HiMERU, Kohaku, Aira, Rinne, Hiiro, AkanP, Mayoi

"...I've been in your care for a long time, after all."

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Season: Winter

Location: MDM Stage

???: I-I'm so sorry! I'm late!

Niki: W-Woah, what's this?!

Tatsumi: Oh? Who might that person in the suit be, hurrying toward us...?

Are you familiar? Maybe it's a new Crazy:B member?

HiMERU: —You must severely lack interest in us, Tatsumi. Crazy:B is not recruiting newcomers.

Kohaku: Koh koh koh ♪ Who'd wanna join a buncha scumbags like us?

Aira: Well, yeah, Rinne-senpai may be a jerk, but at least the rest of Crazy:B are good people, right?

Kohaku: That's just like you to say, Rabu-han. That is, how's it any different from not understandin' us at all?

Rinne: ......

Hiiro: ...? What's the matter, Nii-san? You're making a bitter face. Did you eat something strange again?

Rinne: Don't talk about me like I'm a habitual food scavenger. I ain't Niki.

Niki: How come I'm always catching strays~?!

Rinne: Anyway! You lot, quit yapping and greet properly.

This person is AkanP, the producer in charge of this project, Matrix.

AkanP: Ah, yes! I'm sorry for not showing up sooner! I've been a bit busy with personal matters...!

Hiiro: Fumu. Come to think of it, I recall seeing that name in the project proposal.

Aira: Hiro-kun's got such a good memory... There were so many names of people, I couldn't keep track of all the details.

Mayoi: I think it can't be helped... The project proposal was filled with minuscule, needlessly intricate text, making it rather challenging to decipher.

And even after reading it all desperately, I still couldn't understand what exactly they were trying to say.

HiMERU: A prime example of a bad project proposal...

(Whispering) ...Hm, so this is the rumored LandmineP.

Kohaku: Ha-haah. So it's Akan-han for bein' an akan (useless) person.

Rinne: Oi, oi, don't start making fun of names, or you might make some HiMERU-kun cry ♪

HiMERU: HiMERU takes pride in the name HiMERU, though?

AkanP: ......

Kohaku: Ah, sorry. It's just, we've caught wind of a lotta weird rumors.

AkanP: It's fine~... I know I've been called a lot of things. Haha, so I'm AkanP because I'm useless.

Kohaku: S-So you do hear folks talkin' smack about you! You never even tried to acknowledge our attempts to reach out!

HiMERU: At this point, your human failure index is quite high. This index measures how useless you are as a human being, with Amag... With Rinne as the benchmark at 100.

HiMERU: By the way, Shiina scores around 85.

Niki: It's higher than I thought it'd be?!

Kohaku: And me? And me?

HiMERU: Oukawa is not a failure as a human being. Right, HiMERU would say about 4 or 5.

Niki: What's with that unfair index that's mostly determined by HiMERU-kun's subjective opinion?!

Rinne: Heh... Only a 5 on the failure index? Garbage.

Kohaku: Ahh? Where do ya get off tellin' me this or that when you're settin' the bar for what a failure should be?

AkanP: Ahaha. You seem to get along better than I expected, that's a relief.

Rinne-kun, you never gave off the impression of being very good at socializing with others.

HiMERU: ? Are you two acquainted?

Rinne: ...I've been exchanging messages with Akan-san regarding this project. That's all.

HiMERU: ? As Oukawa mentioned earlier, we were unable to establish any contact over here...?

Tatsumi: That goes for us as well.

Thanks to that, while we've heard about this Matrix competition, we don't even know what kind of match it'll be.

AkanP: Eh? Rinne-kun, you said you'd inform everyone properly—

Rinne: Aah! Yup, don't sweat it, just leave it to me! I won't do anything to embarrass Akan-san, for real, real ♪

Rinne: ...I've been in your care for a long time, after all.

Aira: ...?

[ ☆ ]

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[toujokaname]

Game master / Episode 9

Author: Akira

Characters: Niki, AkanP, Tatsumi

"I don't wanna worry everyone too much, so I'll at least put on a cheerful face."

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Season: Winter

Location: Amagi's House

About ten minutes later. In the Amagi Village, at Crazy:B's lodgings.

Niki: Ugh~... Ughhh~ I can't eat anymore~...

No, I've gotta eat... I was born for it... Bring on more plates, my stomach's a bottomless pit—

—Wh... Uh, huh?

Did I... doze off?

AkanP: Good morning, Shiina-kun.

Niki: Nn, nngh? Good morning~?

Nahaha... I'm sorry. Um, were you looking after me while I was out cold?

My bad for the trouble, Akan-san. And Anzu-nee-san too.

AkanP: Ahaha. Even though I'm older than Anzu-chan, I only get a mere "san," while she gets "nee-san"?

What's your logic behind the difference?

Niki: Ahh, well, the thing is—

Eh, wha? Akan-san, you're a lady?

But, when I first saw you... Oh, wait, did I misunderstand 'cause you were wearing a suit?

AkanP: Fufu. You're a rather interesting boy too, huh.

I thought that the public's opinion of you, both now and in the past, was that you were incompetent as an idol, a useless person who couldn't do anything.

Niki: Nah, that's just true.

When Rinne-kun first invited me, I couldn't just stand by and watch, so I helped out a bit—

I got fed up with it and quit right away. So, my incompetence should've been proven, but surprisingly, we're working together again as idols.

AkanP: Ahh, you did some idol work with Rinne-kun for a brief period in the past, right.

By that time, Rinne-kun had already left my hands—so I don't know the details.

Niki: We didn't do much of anything back then, honestly. Especially since I quit pretty fast before making any progress.

Even now, I don't really wanna get involved in the entertainment industry, 'cause of my parents' situation.

AkanP: Even so, you can't leave Rinne-kun alone, so you stay by his side.

You're a kind boy.

Moreover, you have a surprisingly good eye for people. You seem to vaguely detect something off about me as well.

Niki: Well, cooking's all for the sake of others.

If the goal's only to get nutrients, might as well let a machine automatically churn out food in a factory or something.

AkanP: Yes. That's true. And it applies to idols, too, right?

Tatsumi: Niki-saaan?

How are you feeling? It seems we're about to start the test of courage showdown. But if you're unable to move yet, will you be absent?

Niki: Oh, an unexpected person's here.

Tatsumi: Is that so? Well, we don't typically have much interaction, after all.

Niki: Right, right. While Crazy:B and ALKALOID get name-dropped together a lot, we don't usually talk together or know much about each other, huh.

Tatsumi: I feel the same. That's why I'm not sure how to behave towards Kohaku-san either, for example.

Yet despite that, I wish for us to get along in order to accomplish the same job, Matrix.

Niki: Right back at you~♪ Thank you kindly, I'll be counting on you! Let's be pals!

Tatsumi: Such a friendly person. Well, I suppose all the members of Crazy:B are like that.

Niki: Hm? But don't you think HiMERU-kun's pretty exclusionary? Or rather, irritable?

Tatsumi: These days, yes. But he wasn't like that in the past, he used to be more innocent and bright—

I wonder, what in the world happened to him...

Niki: Have you known HiMERU-kun for a long time?

Tatsumi: Ah, yes, we both attended Reimei Academy, he and I.

Niki: Huhhh... I only graduated middle school, so high school and college seem like different worlds to me. What was he like?

I can't wrap my head around HiMERU-kun as a student~♪

Tatsumi: Even now, he must still be just another regular high school student...

More importantly. While chatting is enjoyable, we're currently in the middle of work.

Niki-san appears to have been inevitably chosen as a "scarer" for the test of courage, so if you're motivated, let's move to our positions together.

Actually, I came to fetch you for that purpose. Mayoi-san was with me too, but he said he was "scared of being attacked," so I came alone.

Niki: Scarer? Not sure what that's about, and I'm never really motivated, but—

I don't wanna worry everyone too much, so I'll at least put on a cheerful face.

[ ☆ ]

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[toujokaname]

Matrix / Monologue

Author: Akira

Characters: AkanP, Rinne, Niki

"And maybe, you would cry for that someone."

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Season: Past / Winter

Location: Back Alley Downtown

Flashback. At the end of a certain year, in a quiet corner of a town on a desolate New Year's Eve.

AkanP: I just can't take it anymoreeeee!

I'm gonna quiiit! This job's unbearableeeee!

—Uuu, uurrpp!

Bweeeghhh!

Rinne: Hey, you alright...? Haven't you drank too much, Akan-san?

AkanP: How can I not drink?! I mean, how can I survive in this painful world without drinking, Rinne-kun?! Do you even understand?!

Rinne: Such a drag... You're showing the worst side of Japanese people. Don't get so wasted you lose your identity.

The whole world makes fun of that kinda thing~ That drunkard's attitude's just plain awful, you know?

AkanP: I don't know anything about the world! I've been a Japanese person from birth till death, me!

I've really had enough! It's the worst! This shitty, worthless village society! Bound hand and foot by stupid customs and rules, this is a village of backwardness! [1]

Ahahahaha! You sure have it nice, don't you, Rinne-kun? You were raised in paradise without such a shitty culture, huh?

Rinne: The culture and the region may be different, but it's about the same everywhere.

They're all villages of backwardness. You and me and everyone else, we're all living in backwardness.

Rinne: There's no utopia anywhere.

I've come to learn that. Even I have.

AkanP: I'm sorry—

I'm sooorry, Rinne-kun! I couldn't produce you well enough!

You have talent! You had skill, you worked hard!

And yet, luck was against you! The times were against you! I'm sorry, for being your producer...!

If only I had more influence! If I had the ability, I wouldn't have let you be buried away like this!

You were a diamond in the rough! You could've shined even brighter!

Rinne: It's not your fault, Akan-san.

I just made a gamble and lost.

Right now, the idol industry isn't prosperous enough for everyone involved to reach a happy ending.

When someone wins, someone else loses, and they end up getting pushed into these filthy back alleys.

Even if you excelled and let me shine to the fullest, someone else would always get the short end of the stick.

And maybe, you would cry for that someone.

Because you're a kind person, Akan-san.

AkanP: I'm sorry! I'm so sorryyy, Rinne-kun!

I'm just no good! It's exactly like my old nickname! I'm useless, that's why I'm Akan-san!

I can't have idols worrying about me! It's the opposite, the opposite! Get a grip already!

I'm sorry, Rinne-kun! I'll do my best starting tomorrow! I'll work my ass off in this shitty industry at this shitty job with everything I have!

So just for today... Just for today—

.........

Rinne: ...Akan-san?

Geez, passing out drunk on the streets. Are you okay as a functioning member of society?

Seriously, don't make idols worry about you—"no good, hopeless Producer-san"?

Niki: Onii-sa~an?

I came to pick you up like you told me on the phone~? It was the first time I took a taxi, so exciting~♪

Wait, you smell like alcohol?! Were you of legal age to drink, Onii-san?

Rinne: I haven't had a drop... Just got stuck getting hassled by my drunken business partner.

Niki: ? Who is that person? Someone you know, Onii-san?

Rinne: Yeah. My producer, who's always taking care of me.

Niki: What's a "producer"? I don't really know much about Rinne-onii-san's job, so I don't get it!

What do producers do? Cooking?

Rinne: If it was cooking, they'd be called "cooks." This person is—well, what is a producer anyway? Truth is, I can't really put it into words either?

Someone who prays for our happiness, maybe?

Niki: Hmmm? If producers have a job out of praying, are they like priests?

Rinne: Well, not just praying, but also doing more practical things.

To be blunt, that's just how they are. Despite having no relation, despite being strangers, and despite not being loved by anyone...

A producer is someone who tries to make me and everyone who sees me smile.

Rinne: That's why, someday, I want to make this person smile, too.

I will repay you for all you've done for me, Akan-san.

That's the code I live by, having grown up in a village of backwardness ♪

[ ☆ ]

The term used from here on out (因習村) refers to a "traditional" village, in a stereotypical, negative sense. As will be shown later, it is also associated with horror media featuring "ominous, overly traditional (typically rural) villages" as settings, such as Higurashi's Hinamizawa. Depending on the context, I've translated it as a "village of backwardness" or a "backward village", given that the focus lies in their customs being "too outdated".

Also of note is that, as is typical in these flashback episodes, Rinne uses "ore" instead of his present-day "orecchi." He also uses "san" in hiragana rather than the katakana "san" he uses now to refer to AkanP.

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[toujokaname]

Card shuffle / Episode 15

Author: Akira

Characters: Tatsumi, AkanP, HiMERU, Rinne, Kohaku, Hiiro, Aira, Mayoi, Anzu, Niki

"Quit pickin' fights already... Might as well be chattin' up a brick wall, HiMERU-han."

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Season: Winter

Location: Café Cinnamon

Tatsumi: Hm. Well, it's certainly crucial to address issues promptly, but what exactly do you mean by "improvements"?

AkanP: Right. Umm, I'd rather have Anzu-chan, who seems to have been entrusted with the improvements by the agency, explain it, but...

Where did she wander off to? She mentioned not having much interaction with Crazy:B or ALKALOID, so maybe she's a bit shy?

HiMERU: Isn't it rather strange that AkanP can just boldly barge into an atmosphere resembling an informal drinking party?

Rinne: Akan-san, you sure dig this kinda upbeat vibe, huh? That's why, even though you're never on-site, you're always at the drinking parties. That's been a thing since way back.

HiMERU: Typical behavior from a useless person. And to think you get paid for it. Being a producer must be an easy gig, hm?

AkanP: Umm, let's see...? Ah, there she is! Anzu-chaaan, over here~♪

HiMERU: Tch... None of this sarcasm is getting through at all. Such convenient ears.

Kohaku: It's gettin' kinda funny now, but ain't it better to just give up? You'll just tire yourself out if ya keep pickin' fights, HiMERU-han.

Hiiro: Hehe. Thank you for working so late, Anzu-san.

Aira: Seriously... It's already bedtime for good kids, yaaawn...♪

Hiiro: You always seem sleepy after a performance, Aira.

Aira: If anything, it's weird how everyone stays so calm even after giving it their all in a performance... Matrix is a big deal, so I'm stressed and tired.

Hiiro: There, there... Do you want to rest on my lap?

Aira: ...Getting pampered by Hiro-kun would feel like admitting defeat, so I'll rest on Mayo-san's lap instead.

Mayoi: ...?! Thank you very much!

Tatsumi: Fufu. More importantly, Anzu-san, regarding your assignment to improve Matrix—could you elaborate on its specifics?

Honestly, even I'm getting fed up with the lack of explanations?

AkanP: Aah, please don't blame Anzu-chan, she's working so hard!

HiMERU: Indeed. Anzu-san is working harder than necessary, despite having no involvement in this affair. HiMERU offers you his condolences.

Hm, you say you're okay with it? Because you like your job? Goodness, how very convenient—

If you are too much of an accommodating good kid, wicked adults will exploit you.

HiMERU doesn't necessarily dislike such foolishness, however.

Tatsumi: Hm, hm... So, for the upcoming round, you plan to change the stage for Matrix?

"The showdown itself might get lackluster or become one-sided, potentially leading viewers to lose interest—"

"So, isn't that something we can add that might interest the viewers?" I see, it is a good improvement, isn't it?

Niki: What specifically are you gonna add, Nee-san? Are we gonna get different delicacies from around the world every time?

HiMERU: Won't that only interest gluttons like you, Shiina?

Kohaku: Ah, I might be interested too. It'd be fun to explore all the different foods from the outside ♪

HiMERU: Hehe. HiMERU also thought it was a wonderful idea ♪

Niki: You're blatantly reacting differently to me and Kohaku-chan?! That's discrimination, discrimination~!

Rinne: ...Actually, who says it matters more than what they say, doesn't it?

Niki: ? What're you talking about all of a sudden, Rinne-kun?

Rinne: Forget it. I haven't used my brain this much in a while, so I'm sleepy and accidentally blurted out gibberish.

Ehehe. I'm tired, so I'm gonna rest on Meru-san's lap~♪

HiMERU: HiMERU will kill you.

Aira: I'll help.

AkanP: Hehe. It's quite heartwarming to see you all getting along so well, but could you please keep it down a tad? Anzu-chan's voice is rather soft.

It'd be troublesome if you say afterwards that you didn't listen to the explanation, right?

HiMERU: Just to clarify, in your case, it wasn't because we didn't listen to the explanation, but rather, you didn't provide one.

Kohaku: Quit pickin' fights already... Might as well be chattin' up a brick wall, HiMERU-han.

Tatsumi: Fufu. Alright, apologies for getting sidetracked with small talk. But where precisely do you propose relocating the stage?

Considering the ease of attracting patrons, I believe the current ES setup is quite optimal—

AkanP: That's true. But, you know, after a whole year, everyone's gotten used to ES, so there's really no novelty anymore, right?

That's why, this time around, we decided to spice things up by choosing "that place" everyone's been curious about. ...Oh well, I guess I ended up explaining it after all.

Tatsumi: "That place" being...?

AkanP: The hometown of Rinne Amagi-kun and his little brother Hiiro-kun.

The colloquially named "Amagi Village" will be the stage for future Matrix matches.

[ ☆ ]

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[toujokaname]

Card shuffle / Episode 14

Author: Akira

Characters: AkanP, Aira, Tatsumi, Hiiro, Rinne, HiMERU, Kohaku, Niki, Mayoi

"—Right. It's fine. HiMERU is not angry. HiMERU is calm."

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[ Read on my site for a better viewing experience using Ois~su ♪ ]

Season: Winter

Location: Café Cinnamon

AkanP: Good evening~♪

Uwaah, things are getting lively around here! It sure is nice to be young~ Hehehe, you're at that age where even dropping chopsticks is funny...♪

Aira: That scared me?! Uh, AkanP, good work today...?

Tatsumi: Is there anything we can assist you with?

Hiiro: Fumu, did Nii-san's underhanded tactics become an issue today?

Rinne: Oi, oi, didn't Otouto-kun misbehave today as well? If anyone's getting scolded, it won't just be me, but the both of us as the "Amagi brothers," right?

Hiiro: Hehe. For some absurd reason, that makes me happy. In cases like this, it's always been Nii-san taking the blame—

AkanP: No, no, I'm not scolding anyone! Actually, since everyone did their best today, maybe I'll praise you instead~♪

HiMERU: That subtle condescension is aggravating. Is HiMERU just being petty?

Kohaku: Ah, come on... Actually, in terms of position, ain't Akan-han higher as the producer?

Niki: Rather, I think that idols act too arrogant sometimes~ Like, who do they think they are? Don't you think so too, Mayo-chan?

Mayoi: Wha- Um- W-Why do you keep singling me out, Shiina-san?! I-I'm uncomfortable clarifying my stance at times like these...!

AkanP: Hehe. I'm relieved to see you all getting along. Please keep doing your best in Matrix until the end ♪

Rinne: Speaking of "until the end," at this rate, Matrix might wrap up quicker than expected, huh?

AkanP: Eh, what do you mean? Is there some trouble? That's concerning!

HiMERU: —You'd understand if you just thought about it for a second. Today's outcome has secured Crazy:B's second consecutive victory, thanks to Rinne's cowardly scheming.

AkanP: ? Himeru-kun[1], do you not know how to count?

Today was the first match, so Crazy:B only won once, right? Not twice, hehe ♪

HiMERU: —Shiina, HiMERU wants to talk to you for a bit. Please come with.

Niki: Eeeeek?! I'm gonna get used as stress relieeef! Will I end up like that poor rabbit plushie from "Cr*yon Shin-channn"?! [2]

AkanP: Oh, I have something to tell everyone, so could you please not go anywhere? You're a surprisingly restless boy, aren't you, Himeru-kun?

Tatsumi: Hehe. Come to think of it, HiMERU-san used to be much more lively than now, how nostalgic...♪

Rinne: Bwaha, how 'bout we start promoting you as an energetic kid from now on, Merumeru?

I'll be rootin' for ya! Rocking shorts and brandishing a bug net, the reborn Merumeru bursts onto the scene! Gyahahaha! ☆

HiMERU: .........

Niki: Um. Can you guys stop teasing HiMERU-kun? Every jab seems to chip away at my lifespan somehow, so can you chill?

HiMERU: —Right. It's fine. HiMERU is not angry. HiMERU is calm.

AkanP. What did you actually want from us?

AkanP: Again, I said that I would praise you. Were you just not listening?

Kohaku: Hey now... C'mon, HiMERU-han, deeeep breaths...

HiMERU: It's fine, Oukawa. No need to worry. ...But as Rinne mentioned earlier, at this rate, Matrix will end prematurely, won't it?

Should Crazy:B maintain this winning streak, we may secure six wins out of ten matches by the sixth round—effectively settling the outcome with a majority.

Even if there are rounds beyond that, they'd essentially be throwaway matches, so wouldn't the viewership numbers drop?

AkanP: Wah, so confident... But as they say, matches are a matter of chance. Who knows if Crazy:B will keep on winning?

But. For some reason, Anzu-chan and the agency also had such unnecessary worries, so we decided to add some improvements to Matrix.

HiMERU: Are those worries really unnecessary, or are they essential?

[ ☆ ]

AkanP uses the hiragana version of "Himeru" instead of the stylized HiMERU version. This is something he dislikes deeply due to how high of an esteem he holds the HiMERU name.

Referencing Nene's Happiness Bunny in Crayon Shin-chan. Real picture of Niki and HiMERU :(

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[toujokaname]

Card shuffle / Episode 8

Author: Akira

Characters: AkanP, HiMERU, Kohaku, Niki, Mayoi, Tatsumi, Aira, Rinne, Hiiro

"Um. Shiina-san. I know you're hungry, but please don't eat my haaair."

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[ Read on my site for a better viewing experience using Ois~su ♪ ]

Season: Winter

Location: MDM Stage

AkanP: Hmmm~...? Everyone, it looks like you don't understand this project as much as I thought you would? What should I do?

HiMERU: It's more accurate to say we "haven't been told" rather than implying we "don't understand." Please don't insinuate that the fault lies with us.

AkanP: Sure. But, um, since it's almost time for the show, you'll have to understand quickly, okay? I know you might not get the difficult stuff, but I'll explain it properly ♪

HiMERU: .........

Kohaku: I can practically hear HiMERU-han's stress gauge shootin' through the roof...

HiMERU: It's okay. Thanks to Shiina, HiMERU is used to his goodwill going to waste.

Niki: And so I'm the one who takes the brunt of it...!

HiMERU: If you can't do anything else, won't you at least be an outlet for stress relief?

Niki: Uwaaah! Mayo-chaaan, HiMERU-kun's bullying me~!

Mayoi: Hwehh?! Wh, wh-why are you coming to me for comfort? It's not like we're supposed to be particularly close or anything, right?!

Tatsumi: ...Actually, an explanation is in order. At the risk of repeating the same question over and over, how exactly will the Matrix matches function?

Our precious friends, including Mayoi-san, are also feeling anxious about it.

Mayoi: Ah, y-yes, unusually aggressive speech from Tatsumi-san... Even though he usually has the aura of a holy, loving figure, being neglected like this must be stressful.

Niki: *Munch munch munch ♪*

Mayoi: Um. Shiina-san. I know you're hungry, but please don't eat my haaair.

HiMERU: Apologies, our dog misbehaved.

Aira: I could run and grab something to munch on?

Rinne: Akan-san's gonna explain anyway, so just shut it and listen, okay?

AkanP: Right. It'll be quick, so bear with me a moment. Here, umm, Sheena-san[1]? Sheena-san, here's some candy for you ♪

HiMERU: You're in the middle of work, why do you carry such a thing with you?

AkanP: When you have little kids around, it's inevitable...

I basically only produce girls in ES, but surprisingly, sometimes blunders can be smoothed over with a sweet treat.

HiMERU: Female idols, you say. They don't get recognized at all in ES, which is why useless producers are pushed on to them.

AkanP: Please don't call me useless~... It hurts my feelings.

So, um, it's been a while since I've produced boys, so please forgive me if I make any mistakes.

HiMERU: (Been a while? Does that mean it's not the first time?)

(Well, despite seeming young, only an experienced producer could accumulate so many negative rumors...?)

AkanP: At any rate... I didn't have enough time to work out the details of Matrix, but as I was struggling with that, a very talented girl helped me out.

Her name's Anzu-chan, do you know her?

Hiiro: Of course. It'd be rarer to find someone in ES who doesn't know her.

Aira: ES takes pride in her being a super talented producer, after all!

AkanP: Right, it's amazing for such a young girl... Well, she said she'd help me, so I asked her to think about the details of the competition.

So, I think we're pretty much on track there, right?

HiMERU: Anzu-san must be very busy with her change in position starting in the new fiscal year, and yet she has been burdened with all this unnecessary work...

Niki: Change in position? Really? Where does HiMERU-kun always get that kinda information?

HiMERU: Primarily from the well-informed Deputy Director, but also from HiMERU's own personal research. He's rather adept at that sort of thing and enjoys it.

Rinne: Yup, the Great Detective Crazy:B's proud of ♪

AkanP: Hehe. So, um, what was I saying...? Right, this Matrix is set up as a fateful showdown between Crazy:B and ALKALOID

These two rookie units will compete to see which are the superior idols.

Tatsumi: Although there's nothing fateful about it. Well, I understand the point.

HiMERU: There is a lot of personal history involved, however.

AkanP: Yup. So, um, what did Anzu-chan say again...

Oh, right. Maybe the challenge in this Matrix contest should center on proving one's prowess as an idol.

By pitting idols against each other like this, we'll find out who truly excels at it, right? Um, do you understand what I'm saying?

Tatsumi: Prowess as an idol? Yet another vague statement...?

AkanP: To be specific, see, this time it's supposed to be ten matches. Well, I mean, I made the call on that.

So, in Matrix, I'd like to ask you to compete with the ten elements necessary to be an idol.

Aira: The ten elements necessary to be an idol?

AkanP: Yeah. Um, for example, in the first match, you'll compete in "singing ability." There's also, uh, what else, "acting ability" and "attractiveness"—

Basically, each match will test those ten crucial elements for idols.

After ten matches, the unit with the most wins will be considered the superior idols.

Aira: It's kinda rude to call it surprising, but it does sound surprisingly interesting. Feels like some sort of variety show.

AkanP: Right? Sounds fun, doesn't it? It's amazing, really, how the plan started getting interesting after Anzu-chan chimed in—

She's been a big help! I'll have to buy her dinner or something later.

HiMERU: At this stage, are you really making her help you free of charge...

AkanP: She's the type of girl to decline compensation... She's not assertive at all. Hehehe, she reminds me of my younger days.

HiMERU: Isn't it a rather disturbing future prospect for a talented producer to end up as a landmine producer...?

[ ☆ ]

AkanP says "Shiina" in hiragana instead of kanji, indicating some stiltedness in the way it's said.

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[mihai-florescu]

It reminds me of when himeru did a side note when explaining that akanP mostly had her identity stolen but of course, gender reassigning surgery is always a possibility-

[toujokaname]

Card shuffle / Episode 9

Author: Akira

Characters: Hiiro, HiMERU, Kohaku, Niki

"As you rest on the bench, it's 'me' who will step in as your pinch hitter."

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Season: Winter

Location: MDM Stage

Ten minutes later. After hearing explanations from AkanP, each unit holds a strategy meeting.

Hiiro: —So!

The first round of Matrix, a ten-round contest to determine the better idols between ALKALOID and Crazy:B, is about to begin!

Everyone, let's give it our all!

HiMERU: Indeed. Despite feeling quite worn out already, HiMERU will do what needs to be done as a professional.

Kohaku: I'm scared of what's to come if I defy Hiiro-han...

Niki: Spare me from going without meals~!

Hiiro: Hehe. Since the first match is about "vocal ability," it means we'll be competing in singing skills.

Kohaku: Well, that's rather cut and dried.

HiMERU: Yes. It seems to be a familiar format in ES, similar to the DreamFes setup.

Hiiro: Umu. By the way, for Crazy:B, and ALKALOID, in each showdown—

In this case, the "vocal ability" showdown, we're free to choose several "representative players" at our discretion.

Of course, these representatives will be chosen from among the members of the unit.

In our case as Crazy:B—Hm, though I'm still getting used to saying that...

At maximum, we can have four members, me, HiMERU-san, Shiina-san, and Oukawa-san, as representatives of the team.

Kohaku: Normally, there'd be no reason to hold back. It'd make more sense to go all out with the full lineup.

HiMERU: True. Our Crazy:B songs are structured on the assumption of being sung by a full group, that is, four members.

If someone is absent, the burden on the other members increases, and their stage presence worsens proportionally.

Hiiro: Umu... But Matrix has a bit of a troubling rule.

The representative who participates in one day's match can't join as a player in the next match.

So, for example, if we use the full lineup this time, in the next match, we won't have any representative players available.

Niki: What happens in that case?

Hiiro: Naturally, if there are no representative players, it seems it'll be a forfeit. We'd lose without even competing in that match.

Kohaku: Uh-huh... That's pretty wasteful.

It means we could possibly snatch victory by sendin' just one player, but without any representatives, that possibility's nil.

Hiiro: Umu. By the way, in the ten-match series—in all ten matches, the content of the match will be announced in advance.

So, if we're not confident in that day's match, we should limit the number of representative players, save them, and challenge the next match with more people—

Those are the kinds of decisions that we should make.

That's what will lead to the final victory.

HiMERU: Looking at the bigger picture, it's necessary to strategically select the representative players.

Hiiro: Umu. And ultimately, after all ten matches, the unit with the most wins becomes the overall winner of Matrix.

Kohaku: Hm, hm. In those ten matches, there'll be times when we gotta make some tough calls, like intentionally throwin' matches where it's okay to lose.

It's like baseball. If you're so fixated on winnin' that you go all out every time, you'll unwittingly concede points, and wind up losin' in the end.

Hiiro: Umu. I think that instead of focusing on immediate victories each time, we should aim for an overall—ultimate victory.

Rather, in Matrix, that kind of approach is required.

Niki: Huuh~ Seems kinda complicated!

Kohaku: Ah, eyes that threw in the towel on tryin' to understand from the get-go...!

HiMERU: That's just fine, we'll handle the difficult stuff.

Fufu. HiMERU has reconsidered that AkanP a bit. Well, Anzu-san probably came up with most of the specific details.

Yes—It's not enough for an idol to just achieve instant results.

Of course, ideally, they should succeed every time. But ultimately, they should aim for a long-term, overall victory.

Being an idol is a life-long job. It's a career, after all. In the inevitable cycle of growth and decay, there's no such thing as a flower that is always in bloom.

HiMERU: No matter how successful an idol is, a single scandal could ruin everything.

And thus, such an idol will never be regarded as exceptional.

They should bloom beautifully when the time is right and avoid errors whenever feasible, so that in hindsight, they're remembered for leading a wonderful life—

That's the kind of "overall victory" one should be aiming for.

No, that's the kind of "outstanding idol" that deserves to be etched in history.

HiMERU: (...Isn't that right, Kaname?)

(While you're sleeping, your Onii-chan will do his utmost to let the entire world know that HiMERU was "an all-around wonderful idol.")

(As you rest on the bench, it's "me" who will step in as your pinch hitter.)

[ ☆ ]

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[toujokaname]

Card shuffle / Episode 10

Author: Akira

Characters: Rinne, Mayoi, Aira, Tatsumi, Hiiro

"—Now, let the showdown begin, ALKALOID!"

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Season: Winter

Location: MDM Stage

Ten minutes later. Matrix Round 1, just before the start of the "vocal ability" showdown.

Rinne: Welp, let's get on with it.

Mayoi: Y-You seem rather unenthusiastic, Rinne-onii-san.

Rinne: Hey, you've got no business calling me "Onii-san." Ah, though Ai-chan can do it, since you're gonna be my brother's wife ♪

Aira: Can't lose your temper... Can't lose your temper... This scumbag's one of us now, getting mad's just giving him what he wants—

Tatsumi: Fufu. Um, anyway... So, excluding Rinne-san, the three of us will participate in the first "vocal ability" match, is that correct?

Aira: In other words, it'll just be the official ALKALOID members...?

Rinne: Yeah. I'm the odd one out. No matter how much we rush to blend in now, the out of place feeling's gonna win out.

We haven't even practiced syncing our voices. Even if I try to fill in for what Otouto-kun usually does, it's just gonna be about matching the numbers.

I can't fully become the real Otouto-kun, so I'll always be inferior compared to the usual.

The place's also bad. We're on ES's turf, and the crowd gathered here are mostly our usual fans.

Tatsumi: Ahh, well, we did attempt some low-budget promotion to attract some audience.

Rinne: Yeah. It was a bit too late, but Akan-san worked hard for us.

Looks like there was some publicity on the internet and fans got rushed to gather at the event site.

And officially, Matrix is supposed to be a showdown between Crazy:B and ALKALOID.

Our rookie reputation ain't squat compared to the powerhouses...

So most of the crowd's just our fans.

It's meant to be "a grand event to celebrate the end of the fiscal year!" but it's not like fans of other units would really give a damn.

Aira: I guess... Especially since there's an entry fee.

Aside from our fans, the only people who'd still come to see the show would have to be either really curious or hardcore idol otaku.

Tatsumi: I see. For our fans, who constitute the majority of the audience, replacing Hiiro-san with Rinne-san as the leader would make ALKALOID seem rather phony.

Rinne: Right, right. They'd just be confused on how it got to that point.

On top of that, the differences between "your familiar songs" and the ones we'd be singing now will stand out, it's like shining a spotlight on the awkwardness.

They just won't enjoy the singing. People will find it hard to even evaluate us.

Tatsumi: The competition follows a DreamFes format, meaning the audience selects the winner through voting.

Eliminating elements that could dampen or confuse the emotions of the audience, who are at the core of the competition, seems reasonable—I can agree with that.

Rinne: That's the way it is! Man, you ALKALOID really came through on being so goody-goody.

If it were the Crazy:B guys, they'd be sticking their noses in everywhere, sometimes not even listening, making 'em not worth talking to.

Mayoi: Ahaha... Being serious is our strong suit, after all.

Aira: Let me clarify as an otaku.

It's dull to just be serious all the time, so Crazy:B really appeals to those who enjoy the chaos, you know?

It's not about which is better or worse, just different preferences.

Rinne: Yep, yep. Yet here they are, pitting these polar opposite units on equal footing, under the same rules, just to see who's better.

I'd rather not keep repeating the same point. It ain't sinking in, huh? What Matrix really boils down to.

Rinne: ...Akan-san's always been like that.

Aira: ...?

(I guess Rinne-senpai and that AkanP have history after all?)

(Maybe AkanP was the producer responsible for Rinne-senpai when he was a rookie...)

(He was pretty obscure at that time, and it's been so long that I don't remember much about it.)

(Maybe I'll dig up some old magazine issues later. I'm pretty sure there's some with Rinne-senpai's name lying around at home.)

(I-I mean, I don't even really care. So what if they knew each other before? It's not like it means anything.)

(But... I can't help but feel curious.)

Rinne: Hm? What's up, Ai-chan, staring at me like that... Gyahaha, you cheating with your brother-in-law while Otouto-kun's not around? You're pretty naughty for someone with such a cute face ♪

Aira: Can you please stop talking? People are already here, so I don't wanna hit you.

Aira: (Ughhh, I just got it wrong. Rinne-senpai is Rinne-senpai, and that fragile expression I thought I saw—must've been my imagination.)

(Rinne-senpai will always be an unpredictable, inconsiderate jerk who keeps you guessing.)

(I even felt a bit sorry for him back in summer, but there's no need to be kind to such an infuriating guy!)

Hiiro: —Now, let the showdown begin, ALKALOID!

Hehe. It's like the saying goes, "yesterday's enemy is today's friend," but in reverse. Once again, I feel the mysteries of fate that you and I will be facing off as enemies—

Aira: Hm? Eh, Hiro-kun?

Tatsumi: Wait... Is Hiiro-san the sole representative from Crazy:B's side?

Hiiro: Umu! That's exactly right! So, does that mean you guys have three representative players, excluding Nii-san?

Aira: Yeah... Mixing in Rinne-senpai would confuse the fans, so we decided to compete with just the three real ALKALOID members.

Tatsumi: Conversely, it's a strange strategy to have only the odd one out competing. Hm, what could be the reasoning behind this?

Numerically speaking, it's three against one, placing you at a considerable disadvantage.

While Hiiro-san appears to have practiced diligently, he's not yet accustomed to Crazy:B's music.

Aira: Does it mean they're throwing the first match and betting on the next?

Hiiro: You'll find out soon enough. But more importantly, we don't want to keep our audience waiting forever, so shall we get started?

—Let's have an enjoyable match ♪

[ ☆ ]

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[toujokaname]

Matrix / Epilogue 2

Author: Akira

Characters: HiMERU, Rinne, Kohaku, Hiiro

"HiMERU doesn't dislike that kind of sharp sarcasm which flies over the heads of such fools."

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Season: Winter

Location: Matrix Stage

HiMERU: Of course, that's what being an idol entails. We're manufactured personas, so embellishment and dramatization are just par for the course.

However. ES seems to enjoy treating us however they want, taking pleasure in their dominance—

Yet this time, even that ES has been thoroughly tricked by the deception Rinne fabricated.

They proudly parade their satisfaction, still deceived into believing the false Amagi Village is genuine.

While watching such a naked emperor, Rinne sneers at their expense.

Truly, who is the one being strung along?

This time it was just a trifling lie. But if ES continues to get carried away while making a mockery of our lives, of our stories—

Next time, they'll likely spin even bigger, deadlier lies. That's precisely when ES will devise schemes to crumble from its very foundation.

Rinne, no, we as Crazy:B, will defy even the colossal and arrogant ES, injecting our stingers with a venom so vicious it'll leave them writhing on the floor in agony.

This appears to be Rinne's declaration of such. Of course, ES, who is completely deceived, probably doesn't even realize Rinne's irony.

They must feel quite satisfied, thinking they're making us dance to their tune.

HiMERU: HiMERU doesn't dislike that kind of sharp sarcasm which flies over the heads of such fools.

ES's thick skin prevents them from even realizing they've been stung. Just thinking about their stupidity makes a slightly cruel laugh well up inside.

Rinne: Gyahaha, Merumeru's gotten completely dyed in Crazy:B's color, huh ♪

HiMERU: And what would that vulgar color be?

Rinne: Huh~? Even if the warning color's poisonous, there are those who think it's beautiful, right?

And so. As long as there's even one person like that, we can do our best. Singing, dancing, and keeping a smile on our faces.

Look. Do you see that woman waving a glow stick happily over there?

That's the real Akan-san. By the way, the guy who called himself Akan in front of you is a retired ex-idol—

The first idol I ever admired when I came to the city.

Now he looks like any regular guy, and he seems to be working as a teacher at an all-girls school that has nothing to do with idols.

HiMERU: Ah, he did mention he's doing something like producing girls.

Rinne: Mixing reality and fiction, he slid right into Akan-san's shoes.

As expected of an ex-idol, he's got acting skills, and since she was originally assigned to him, he knows Akan-san's character very well.

He was a good choice to be Akan-san's fake.

HiMERU: It's somewhat perplexing. Why did you go out of your way to involve us with a fake AkanP? What was the purpose?

Rinne: There ain't a deep reason. It was just a test, as to whether ES—whether the idol industry would remember Akan-san or not.

To see if they remembered even a little bit of the people they discarded and trampled upon.

To confirm that, I wrote Akan-san's name in the proposal. And then, despite not being an ES employee, he ended up being able to do the job of a producer as if it were nothing.

Rinne: Because it's been a long time since the real Akan-san did producer work, it seems like nobody remembered.

Still. She was trying with everything she had, so it would've been nice if at least someone remembered her.

Before we know it, people will also forget that we ever existed here. All worldly things are impermanent, huh. Though thinking about it makes it all seem so futile.

Even so, I won't forget. I won't forget Akan-san, who tried so hard and almost worked herself to death, was never rewarded, and was so frustrated and heartbroken she even threw up.

Kohaku: Ain't it better to forget that for her sake?

Rinne: I'm never forgetting. The bad things, the painful things, all of it.

All of that, bundled together, is what makes up our lives.

Rinne: Beyond my hometown, there weren't only sparkling, beautiful things, but also things so dirty they'd make you wanna look away.

And yet. A utopia filled with only beautiful things would be boring, wouldn't it?

It's because this world's brimming with chaos and worthless stuff that it's precious—Right? Hiiro ♪

Hiiro: You suddenly shifted the topic to me. Nii-san always does that.

Talking only about what you want to talk about, never listening to what I have to say.

Rinne: What, you got something you wanna tell your Onii-chan?

Hiiro: Umu. I just remembered that I haven't properly expressed my thoughts.

Rinne: What are you talking about?

Hiiro: Nii-san might have forgotten, but... you were the first idol I ever saw in my life.

Back then, I didn't know anything; I just clapped along to your songs without really understanding. But now, I can express my thoughts and feelings properly.

I still don't know enough about singing or idols to really comment, but... I was happy that Nii-san sang so earnestly for me.

It still makes me smile just to think about it.

Ahh, it took quite some time, but I finally managed to say it.

Rinne: Oh, uh... You know, the me from back then wasn't much of an idol at all. Nothing like the idols I saw when I first came to the city.

It was just some kid's awkward imitation.

Hiiro: Even so, from the day I was born, anytime, anywhere, Nii-san has always been my older brother who I admired.

You're greater, wiser, more serious, stronger, and shining brighter than I am.

And you're always kind and giving it your all. That's the Nii-san I look up to—forever.

Rinne: ...Is that so. Thanks, Hiiro.

I got a reward out of it, too, huh.

Hiiro: Umu. I followed Nii-san's example and tried to return the favor!

Rinne: But it's not gonna work if all you do is imitate me, Otouto-kun! Even if you mimic my ways, you won't reach me, just like in the first match of Matrix.

You should aim to be your ideal idol in your own way. Weeell, I guess I don't even need to tell you that now, do I?

Hiiro: Umu. Whether it's ALKALOID or Crazy:B, whether it's Hiiro Amagi or Rinne Amagi, we don't know which idol is superior, and it's not really important either—

But I'll become the kind of idol Nii-san loves so much, he'll admire me someday.

That's my dream now.

Rinne: Really? But, you see—that dream came true a long time ago, Hiiro.

It happened back in the summer. Even before that, and even now, it's still coming true.

To me, you've always been a real idol who puts a smile on my face and makes me happy.

Hiiro: "~...♪"

Rinne: "♪~♪~♪"

[ ☆ ]

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[toujokaname]

Game master / Episode 22

Author: Akira

Characters: HiMERU, Rinne, Niki, Aira, Kohaku

"But you see, Akan-san's already dead."

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[ Read on my site for a better viewing experience using Ois~su ♪ ]

Season: Winter

Location: Matrix Stage

HiMERU: Did you do all of this to return the favor of those people?

Rinne: Is that the Great Detective Merumeru's deduction? Well, if you wanna call it returning the favor, maybe?

Even now, I'm still actively working as an idol, surrounded by reliable companions.

I wanted to show off my cute little brother and my precious unit.

It's like a kid bragging to his mom about something shiny he found on the roadside.

Showing how well I've grown. Ain't that the greatest way to repay the producer who raised me?

HiMERU: When you talk about the producer who raised you, do you mean AkanP, who was in charge of you?

Rinne: Of course you'd be looking into that.

But you see, Akan-san's already dead.

Niki: Eh...?

T-Then, who was the Akan-san I just met earlier? Huh, a ghost?!

Rinne: Not a chance. Ghosts ain't real, you know that, right? Good grief, I swear, this is why middle school dropouts are—

Niki: R-Rinne-kun, you haven't even been to elementary school?!

Rinne: Right. Anyway, what I meant was that, in the eyes of the public, Akan-san's dead.

Aira: What does that mean...?

Kohaku: That really is all you've been sayin' lately, Rabu-han ♪

Rinne: There was that ghost story, right? About the staff of a paranormal TV show disappearing in the Amagi Village.

That was about Akan-san.

There was actually such a plan for a paranormal show. Akan-san pitched it, got the green light, and they went full throttle on the production.

If there's any lie in the ghost story I told you, it's that Akan-san was the only staff member involved.

She said she'd do some preliminary investigation before the actual shooting, and went to the Amagi Village alone.

And then, she disappeared.

That's how it's viewed by the public. Legally, if someone's missing for a long time, they're declared dead, right?

And so, Akan-san died. Or, more accurately, it was made to look that way.

Besides, from the get-go, the Amagi Village, like "Hoshijima" in Okinawa, was designated as a forbidden area by the God who ruled the idol industry.

So, while that might not be the case anymore, going against the rules set by God was taboo.

HiMERU: ......

Rinne: Because she violated such a taboo, no one searched for Akan-san's whereabouts—the program's project was treated as if it was never real.

No, it was as if Akan-san's very existence had been wiped out, like it was never there to begin with.

In reality, Akan-san wasn't what you'd call a great producer. Nobody would've been troubled if she disappeared.

Since any unnecessary meddling would be considered suspicious, her work history hasn't been erased and may still be floating around on the internet.

Akan-san disappeared. With just that half-baked explanation, everyone readily accepted it, and this story was forgotten. At the same time, probing into the matter became taboo.

With that in mind, I arranged for Akan-san's disappearance—her societal death.

Aira: Why would you do such a thing...?

Rinne: You get it, don't you? You've all been ridiculed as "inferior students" and "problem children."

We were lucky enough to make a comeback against all odds. But there were plenty of others who didn't.

Even in the summer restoration chaos, many vanished. We really were just the lucky ones.

By chance, we happened to win the gamble.

Rinne: Akan-san couldn't win. Thoroughly ridiculed as a useless producer, a landmine producer, she was sidelined at work, never to recover, left stranded.

Unable to continue working as a producer, the job she loved so much, she lost all hope to keep on living.

When Akan-san was in that state, I gave her a second chance at life. It was my way of repaying all that she had done for me.

Akan-san was declared dead to the public, and moved to my hometown.

She's still living well even now. She found a new job, got married, and even had a child in our hometown.

Incidentally, that child's name is Takashi, the same one Otouto-kun ran into.

Rinne: He's the spitting image of us. Or rather, of Otouto-kun, right?

It looks like we're pretty close relatives, so we look alike thanks to our strong Amagi blood ♪

Because of that, our dumbass father seems to dote on him, rambling in his sleep about wishing he could make him the next head instead of useless me.

Kid seems to be keen on it himself; there's talk he's idolizing the current head, yours truly. They should just cut it out, though, being the monarch of a village of backwardness that's slowly rotting away.

[ ☆ ]

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