#bsts team b

[sinful-liesel]

Blackstar Theater Starless - 4th Anniversary “Outsider” WB&C ver.

[sunshine-overload]

[BSTS] Valentine’s Day 2024 ‘Ask Yourself’ Event Story

all chapters!

Chapter 1

-rehearsal room-

saki: Hello everyone.

mizuki: Yo, we've been waitin' for you, Saki. Now everyone is here.

lico: And so? What did you call us here for?

mizuki: Because the next show is gonna be us, obviously!

lico: Really? But next is the Valentine's Day show, isn't it?

hinata: A team B solo show? Woohoo!

kongou: We performed for White Day last year, so this year we're doing Valentine's?

ran: Oo! I'm lookin' forward to what kinda song Heath comes up with.

saki: I'm sure your Valentine's show will be a blast.

mizuki: Of course. We're gonna go all out an—

lico: Stop right there.

mizuki: Huh?

lico: I'm not letting this show end up like how White Day did last year. Women hold Valentine's Day in high regard, it's a special event for them, so there'll be no violence.

mizuki: What's your problem?

ran: C’mon, how about we hear Lico out? His idea might be just as excitin'!

mizuki: Tch, pain in the ass. Fine, what do you wanna do?

lico: Keep it simple obviously. A traditional Valentine's Day.

mizuki: Huuh?

lico: We'll put on a show that makes our feelings clear to all the ladies in the audience. Valentine's is the day of love after all. Right, Kotori-chan? You want to receive my love too don't you?

saki: Y-your love?

mizuki: Christ Lico, everything you just said is gross as hell. Besides there's no way we're gonna do some sappy shit like that anyways.

lico: Tch...

heath: ...Why not?

mizuki: Huh? I ain't putting on some show that looks like K or P's.

heath: I promise it'll still be a B show at its core. I won't waver. So let's do it, a 'Traditional Valentine's Day' overflowing with B's flair.

mizuki: B's flair you say... Well that's fine then. Let's show em who's boss.

lico: Wait, actually?

mizuki: What, you're the one you suggested it.

lico: Yes but... No, nevermind.

ran: Sounds like its gonna be another fun B performance. Speakin' of, I have an idea of what to do for our special activity durin’ the event!

—end

-

Chapter 2

-rehearsal room-

ran: Since it's a special show we should have a special activity too! So how about the guests make chocolate with us? Kongou's on our team yeah? So food related things are B's forte!

lico: How come you actually just said a normal idea right now? But, we can't be making the guests cook, right?

kongou: Having them make chocolate with us would be difficult, but decorating would be possible. For example, we can prepare chocolate cupcakes and decorate them with the customers. How does that sound?

ran: Ooh, that sounds fun!

hinata: What kind of toppings will there be? Can I make some suggestions too?

kongou: Sure. We can brainstorm what would be good toppings to provide. If there's a larger variety I'm sure it'll be more fun.

hinata: Yay! Ok then umm, I'd like fruits, cream, cookies and marshmallows...

lico: We can't fit that many more extra tables in the restaurant. Well, whatever, how about we let the guests choose their toppings when they order? Then we can bring the stuff to their table and decorate the cupcakes there with them.

mizuki: What the fuck do we need to do all that for?

ran: What!? Ya don't think it sounds fun, Mizuki? What do ya think of my idea, Nee-chan?

saki: I think its great.

ran: Hell yeah, then it's decided! Ain't it fine, Mizuki?

mizuki: Fine...

lico: Huh? Seriously what's going on today? Everything is going so smoothly.

mizuki: Oh shut up, do you wanna do this shit or not?

lico: Well yes it's fine for now. Make sure you look forward to Valentine's, Kotori-chan.

-time pass, behind starless, day-

hinata (on phone): Hello? Hey listen to this! Valentine's Day is going to be a B solo performance! I wonder what it's going to be like~ I'm so hyped! Since I messed up last time I want to make sure I properly help out this time.

hinata (on phone): I can do it, I told you this already! I want to see my dream come true at this store. Ah crap, I forgot I need to call Iwa-san after this.

hinata (on phone): No he's been really mean to me~ Despite never even dropping by the store he keeps asking me to give him reports on what's going on... Yeah that's true, I know. I'll call you again soon then!

-hangs up-

hinata: Aah~! I really can't wait to see B's show~!

—end

-

Chapter 3 

-shopping centre-

hinata: I'm so excited to be here shopping with you all~!

lico: Sigh... Why'd we have to bring the whole family shopping.

kongou: Because I'd like to have a nice variety of toppings. You being here is a big help, Lico. We all went shopping like this for White Day last year too didn't we? And before that...

heath: We also went shopping for New Year's and Halloween.

kongou: Yeah. It's like it's become tradition for us to go out as a group for our seasonal performances.

mizuki: Oi, where's the meat section at?

ran: They're doin' taste tests of fried stuff over there!

lico: Hold up, what does meat have to do with anything? We're here to get toppings to put on top of cupcakes with our fans... Jeez, oh, these are cute.

kongou: How about we get them? Though, if they were a little smaller they would be easier to put on a cupcake.

lico: Hmm.

heath: I found something we can use so I'm putting it in the trolley.

kongou: Sure, thanks.

mizuki: Oi Kongou, you're just buying sweet shit, candy ain't gonna fill anyones stomach.

kongou: Well of course it's all sweet. There's going to be special Valentine's menu items.

mizuki: Tch, pain in the ass. Then you shoulda just come shopping on your own.

kongou: Well that may be true...

lico: You're the one who wanted to tag along in the first place, Mizuki. Instead of complaining how about you pick out some toppings too?

mizuki: Oh, they're doing taste tests over there!

-mizuki runs off-

hinata: What, meat!?

-hinata runs after him-

ran: Guess it can't be helped. I gotta go make sure Mizuki doesn't eat too much!

-ran runs after them-

lico: He says yet he just wants to eat the meat too... It always ends up like this, that lot really are just a bunch of damn kids.

heath: ...This outcome was predictable.

kongou: Oh well, let's pick out the toppings ourselves.

—end

-

Chapter 4

-street, day-

ran: Alrighty, all the additional shoppin' should be done now.

-phone rings-

ran: Hm?

ran (on phone): Heya, it's me. Yeah, I'm on my way back now.

ran (on phone): Ooh, so somethin' finally came up. Yeah, be there in a moment.

-alleyway, day-

underling: Good work out there.

ran: Man~ And here I was lookin' forward to participatin’ in the cupcake trial after finishin’ my errands.

underling: My bad, bro.

ran: I’m jokin' don't worry bout it. And so? What happened?

underling: Well...

-thug explains situation to ran-

ran: I see...

underling: Yeah. There's evidence of them being drowned, however any info about who they were working for has been scrubbed clean. 

ran: Hmm. That's not a good sign.

underling: Um, bro... Looking into this any further is dangerous. Please hear me out, I suggest you come back already.

ran: What? What happened for ya to say somethin' like that?

underling: Well, I received a message from the boss... He said that if you're going to keep doing whatever you want, then he'll have to remind you of your place. So let's give up on this already! We can't have you losing face before you become the head.

ran: Dummy. I can't back down now.

underling: But...!

ran: I started this. If I don't see it through to the end then I can't take responsibility for it. Even as things are now, I'm still able to properly assess the situation. Tell my old man that I know what I'm doin'.

—end

(tl note: if you’re confused about who drowned check the xmas story chapter 4)

-

Chapter 5

-street, day-

saki: (Hm? Is that Ran-san over there? I wonder if he's on his way to Starless.)

-saki walks over to him-

saki: Hello, Ran-san.

ran: The fuck ya want?

saki: Woah...

-ran realises who it is-

ran: Oh! My bad, it was just you Nee-chan! I was just a little on edge.

saki: .....

saki: Did something happen?

ran: It's nothin' ya need to worry about. Sorry for scaring ya. Oh right! As an apology let me invite ya to the Valentine's trial event! We're gonna be testin' out all sorts of toppings, sounds fun right?

saki: Sure, If I wouldn't be interfering.

ran: Of course ya wouldn't be, we'd love to hear your opinions too!

saki: Yes.

ran: I was actually just out doin' some extra shoppin'. I got some chocolate pens and chocolate sprinkles, stuff like that. See?

saki: Wow... You sure bought a lot.

ran: Uwah!

saki: W-what's the matter?

ran: Lico told me to buy some dried fruits! I forgot~ I gotta head back to the shops. Sorry, ya should come with me, Nee-chan! 

-ran grabs saki’s hand-

saki: Wah.

ran: Hm? What's up?

saki: Your hand is ice cold, Ran-san...

ran: ...Oh, you’re right.

saki: Are you ok? If you're not feeling well then...

ran: Ahaha, sorry that must've surprised ya. It's super cold today that's all! Your hand is nice and warm though. Could I keep holdin' it like this?

saki: I don't mind...

ran: Yay! Then let's get goin'! Once our Valentine’s show begins, let's make some chocolate together, ok?

—end

-

Chapter 6

-backstage-

saki: Good work on the show everyone, it was lots of fun.

ran: Ooh Nee-chan! Thanks for comin' to greet us~ We really put on a great show didn't we!

mizuki: Did you see that, Saki? B's the best ain't we?

lico: As always.

heath: But we really did put on an exciting show.

lico: I suppose. I feel like I was properly able to convey my feelings to our fans this year.

kongou: It was our opening show though, so it was a bit nerve wracking. It looks like a lot of guests ordered the cupcakes too, I'm glad.

ran: Well it was my idea after all, of course it's successful!

lico: Even though it was basically only Kongou and I that selected the toppings. What about you, Kotori-chan? Did you enjoy decorating your cupcake?

saki: Yes, I loved it. There were so many toppings to choose from, I'm already wondering how I'll decorate the next one.

lico: Right?

mizuki: Shut up, quit looking at her all mushy like that. Though, the cake didn't taste that bad I guess.

lico: You just let the guests do all the decorating, didn't you?

mizuki: Excuse me? I supervised.

kongou: Well, as long as the guests are pleased that's what's most important.

-hinata appears-

hinata: Good job everybody! Today's show was amazing, it was the best! B are the coolest ever!

mizuki: Of course.

hinata: Man, I wanted to tell you what I thought the moment you got off the stage~

saki: Did something happen?

hinata: Well y'see, there were just so many chocolate cupcake orders that I had to deal with, so I got here a little late.

kongou: I'm thankful.

ran: If it's that popular we'll surely get a bonus, right!

—end

-

Chapter 7

-behind starless, night-

heath (on phone): Hello. I'm done for today. Thank you again.

heath (on phone): This much is nothing, I'm fine.

heath (on phone): That has nothing to do with this. They're all songs that I've created up until now using my own words. And that will not change.

heath (on phone): Yeah, see you.

-heath hangs up-

-ginsei walks up-

ginsei: Good work today, Heath. Could I speak with you a moment? Or wait, are you heading home?

heath: What is it?

ginsei: The script for your show was great. You handle all the script preparations yourself, right?

heath: Yeah, I do.

ginsei: The vibe of each of your shows has changed multiple times. Like with 'Idaten' and 'No Longer Human' for example... 'No Longer Human' especially portrayed a more sensitive side... It had charm and was interesting to watch.

heath: ...Thanks.

ginsei: And so I wanted to ask, was that—

heath: Is that all? I'd like to go home now. See you.

ginsei: Ah, wait.

-heath leaves-

ginsei: What’s up with him...

-outside shrine, night-

heath: Me... And B's songs... No, not yet…

—end

(tl note: Heath’s dialogue is extremely vague here idk what he’s talking about either hdjsj)

-

Chapter 8 

-backstage-

saki: Congratulations on the closing show, everyone.

lico: Thanks for watching, Kotori-chan.

mizuki: Hey Saki, we put on another kickass show didn't we?

saki: Yes, it was amazing. Thank you for the wonderful Valentine's gift.

mizuki: Nice!

heath: I'm glad my feelings were conveyed.

saki: You too Kongou-san, good work.

kongou: Thanks. It was a bit hectic but I'm glad we got to the closing show without incident. It may have been due to how busy we were, but Hinata behaved himself too, unlike during the Christmas show. I'm glad to see he's reflected on his actions.

ran: Nee-chan! Did you enjoy our Valentine's gift?

saki: Yes, it was really fun.

ran: I'm glad. I still have so much further to go. If you think this is our limit then you're sorely mistaken.

saki: Hm?

ran: Ya think so too right? That Ran-chan's capable of way more.

saki: Y-yes. But your show tonight was already wonderful.

ran: Thanks! It's because of ya support that we were so fired up for the closin’ show. It's Valentine's, so I'm glad we could repay your kindness!

mizuki: Huh? Valentine's has got nothing to do with it. Whenever it is and whoever it is, once we've accepted it, B will pay it back in full.

ran: Hahah, true! No matter if its a debt or a grudge. Well anyways, Nee-chan! Make sure ya keep supportin’ us lots and lots!

—end

[thereisacatinmybankaccount]

Remember the time when Takuya Ide made queen Beyonce cry? 🥺

[crestfallenwanderlust]

Kongou holding plushies cements him being a cinnamon roll and you can't dissuade me from it.

[vividblaze]

Posting Quiet Serenade art in lieu of sending out holiday cards.

[the-bird-and-the-flute]

Blackstar - 5th anni - team B and W's stories - summary

warning: I use GT to read the stories.

Team B

Mizuki decided that team B's performance would include all members for this anniversary. He even asked for Kei's approval.

However, it was a unilateral decision. Hinata got super excited he could perform with the team. Rico and Heath were not happy at all. They said to mizuki the day before that they disagreed with it.

Kongou was also shocked because it was the first time he heard about that. Ran accepted the decision because Mizuki was the leader, but that doesn't mean he actually agreed with that.

Heath tried to explain to Mizuki that making decisions like that was not ok. Mizuki didn't listen. He said he was the one who called the shots.

Rico feels unmotivated as his role is severely affected by Hinata's new role. Hinata even tried to ask for some advice at some point, but Rico didn't want to talk to him. He told Hinata to ask Mizuki as he was the one who caused all this.

After one of their rehearsals, akira appeared there and saw they were discussing about something. Most of the B members told akira that that was none of his business. Mizuki told him to get lost as he is not part of B.

Somehow, they managed to perform with 6 members. But only Hinata and Mizuki were happy after the show. The other members were frustrated with the situation but they avoided discussing that in front of Saki. Mizuki thinks the problem is solved, after all, they are friends.

Team W

Kokuyou talked to Saki briefly. He asked how she was feeling. He said there are things about Starless he can't comprehend himself even after 5 years.

When Team W was rehearsing, Kokuyou told akira he didn't need to help B any longer. He will tell kei about his decision. Akira agreed.

Taiga complained he was tired after the rehearsal and akira teased him.

Once they finished rehearsing, kokuyou remembered some events that happened in the last 5 years.

Some of the flashbacks:

kokuyou talking to saki after kei told them she was going to be part of Starless.

When Nekome got injured and kokuyou had no idea nekome went back to town.

when saki apologized for not remembering about her past. He said it was not her fault and that he was not going to keep asking her questions about that because that could cause her trouble.

Back to the present, kokuyou says he also doesn't remember things that happened to him in the past, like the reason he got that scar. He seems determined to find out about his past, saki's past, and the mysteries surrounding starless.

Next, kokuyou, akira, kei, and rico were talking in private. Kokuyou let kei know that he allowed akira to help B because of Heath's condition. As heath seems to be stable right now, that is no longer necessary.

Kei asked if it wasn't better to call mizuki as he is the leader. But akira mentioned that mizuki doesn't want him in team B anymore.

Kei then agrees with their decision. He also tells rico that whichever problem B is facing right now, they should solve it themselves.

Rico thanks akira for helping them and leaves. Akira says that it's not as if he had done much though.

In Chapter 4, kokuyou asked Taiga if he had seen Yakou. Taiga didn't have an answer for that. But he asked kokuyou why he wanted to know that. Kokuyou mentions that it is convenient for Haseyama to have someone like Yakou helping him at the store. But things may change now that Yakou is just a cast member now.

When Taiga is alone, he says that Kokuyou's intuition may be correct. I couldn't understand if it was about Haseyama and yakou relationship or someone else.

Taiga also mentioned that he would like to know why his brother disappeared for so long.

Takami left the store to call someone. He was informing this mysterious person about what was going on at Starless. He mentioned something about Haseyama.

When he got back to the store, he and Shin were talking about kokuyou. It seems both of them noticed Kokuyou was making some moves but it is unclear if they know what exactly Kokuyou is trying to find out.

After their performance, Shin said he wanted to have a private talk with Kokuyou.

He let Kokuyou know that he and Zakuro were the ones who played the song Blackstar the day Saki collapsed. Shin said he regretted doing that.

He also warned Kokuyou that Iwami is not the guy he thinks he is.

Kokuyou asked Shin if he knew who Saki really was. Shin answered that Saki's memory is the key to the problem. But when he was going to explain how to get that key, he heard some footsteps and they agreed to talk another day.

Before leaving, Shin warned Kokuyou that stepping into the abyss is a dangerous thing to do.

When Kokuyou was alone, he said he was not going to back down and was ready to face the challenge.

[beautifulbutdoomed]

WHY NOBODY TOLD ME HOW GOOD IS THIS SONG

I was looking for something from bsts to sing on Smule and I noticed this song there; I realized this is one of these 5th anniversary songs. Gave it a shot when doing game quests and it stuck in my head.

So karaoke toniii~iight

[angelicapocalypse]

• LOOK AT MIZUKI'S SMILE ~ AND HIS BLUSH “o(*^▽^*)o”♡ •

[semi-jpg]

blackstar theatre starless needs a translation i just know it would pop off in the eng fandoms the music is good and i cab and will kill for heath

[shonpota]

Team B VS events to start new season? Sounds like a turmoil been brewing!!

[sinful-liesel]

Not B ❌

Tell me what you see An unbreakable bond, really? Get the fuck out, Bitch

Holding a MIC means creating honest lyrics Only those with strong conviction are B YOU are not B Woo Hah!! Not B

It’s okay to mess up and to make mistakes Only those with strong conviction are B YOU are not B Woo Hah!! Not B

※Please DO NOT repost, retranslate, or use my translations without permission. Translation may not be 100% accurate!

[sunshine-overload]

[BSTS] Ran Valentine’s Day 5* Card Story

Chapter 1 -starless kitchen, table area-

kongou: Sorry for the wait. These are prototypes of the chocolate cupcakes we’ll be selling during our event. 

ran: Oh, here they are!

mizuki: Oi Ran, don’t eat them all yourself.

ran: I won’t, I’m not you.

hinata: Let’s see~ I’ll take this one!

mizuki: Hey that’s the biggest one of the lot! Gimmie it!

lico: They’re all the same anyways. But still, make sure you leave some for Heath and I.

mizuki: If you miss out it’s your fault for being too slow.

heath: …I’m ok with just this one.

ran (eating): Hm? Don’t thwese ones twaste different from ya fwirst batch? They’re even tastier!

kongou: I’m glad to hear it. It’s tedious making desserts. Even the smallest change in the amount of an ingredient used, or the temperature you bake them at can change the flavour. Appears this prototype is a success.

lico: Don’t they smell really good?

kongou: That’s because I tried adding some liqueur. It’s very fragrant. 

lico: Oh I see.

hinata: What’s liqueur?

mizuki: Food right?

ran: No no, liqueur is a type of alcohol.

hinata: Huh, it’s alcohol then?

kongou: The alcohol burns off, so it’s fine for people who don’t drink to eat it.

ran: Ooh, informative~

mizuki: Quit talking about complicated stuff, lemme eat more.

heath: Mizuki, how many have you already eaten?

kongou: I whipped up some prototype cookies for decorating the cakes with too. Here, you can have some of these.

mizuki: Woah! They look super tasty!

ran: As I thought, with Kongou here B’s Valentine’s Day will be the best!

-

Chapter 2 -starless kitchen, table area-

ran: I’m baaack~!

lico: Aren’t you a bit late? Where the heck did you wander off to—

saki: Oh, Lico-san, sorry for intruding.

lico: If it isn’t Kotori-chan. You’re not intruding at all, you’re welcome anytime. Here, come take a seat.

heath: You’re here, Saki.

saki: Yes, I happened to run into Ran-san on the way here…

mizuki: Whatever, let’s get started already.

kongou: Ok, here are the cupcakes we talked about previously. So that they’re easy to decorate I made them in a simple shape. I planned to make it so that you can eat it at the store or take it home with you.

lico: Nice.

kongou: Today’s just a trial so I prepared a few different topping candidates.

hinata: Woah, there’s so many to choose from! So we can decorate the cake with these?

kongou: Yeah. Let me know which you prefer or if there’s any that can be improved.

ran: Then let’s get into it already. Nee-chan, let’s decorate them together!

saki: Yes.

-time pass-

lico: And then I’ll put this here and— It’s done, doesn’t it look great?

kongou: I see, you carefully stacked the chocolate to make it look like a rose. You’re skilled, Lico.

lico: This much is nothing.

hinata: There’s so many decorations here that I’ve never eaten before. What else should I choose~

mizuki: What even is this? Cream? (he eats it) Bleh, it’s so sweet…

lico: Hey are you planning to just put every single topping on there? Put some more thought into it.

hinata: What-! I thought it was a really good idea though~

ran: If I put the dog shaped cookie here then… Ooh~! It’s super duper cute!

kongou: Hahah, it’s fun trying all sorts of combinations isn’t it?

saki: (Fufu, it looks like everyone is having fun.)

heath: Saki, is this good?

saki: Uwah, your decorations are beautiful, Heath-san.

heath: Last year I made chocolate by myself, so I’m glad to be able to make it together with you this year.

saki: Yes, me too.

ran: Ah, Nee-chan! What do ya think of my puppy choco cakes?

saki: The puppies are playing with each other on top of the cakes right? It’s very cute.

ran: Hell yeah! It’s got Nee-chan’s seal of approval! White Day is next month but doesn’t it suck havin’ to wait that long? That’s why I wanted to make it so we can repay the sentiment right away.

saki: I see. I’m sure the other guests will like that too.

ran: I know, how about we trade cupcakes right now!

saki: Sure.

ran: Yay! I hope ya enjoy Valentine’s together with us this year!

-

Chapter 3 -break room-

lico: Our event this time has been getting lots of good reviews. The ladies and everyone else all seem happy with it. Well, it means they enjoyed decorating cupcakes with me specifically right?

ran: Well it’s true that you’re good at it, Lico.

kongou: I’m glad it’s popular. Depending on the toppings you choose the flavour and appearance changes, so it appears we’ve been getting a lot of repeat customers.

lico: See I told you women are into this sort of thing. They love traditional Valentine’s Day stuff.

mizuki: All we’re doing is putting things on a cake and they eat it.

lico: Do you, the person providing the service not even understand what you’re doing? When you’re on the stage, you hear the fans cheering in the audience don’t you? I’m happy they’ve come to watch of course, but hearing them do chants or wave their penlights is nice, y’know?

ran: Ah, I get ya! Ya can really feel that they’re here to support us.

lico: Yeah exactly. What I’m trying to tell you is that the goal of this event is to repay them in a similar way that reflects those feelings.

mizuki: Oh shut up, quit yapping at me about everything little thing.

heath: …It’s not that hard to understand. The fact we’re putting our souls into the show hasn’t changed. We’re just giving it a physical form.

mizuki: Oh… The heck, just tell me that from the start.

lico: I did…

-

Chapter 4 -backstage-

ran: …… (seems nervous)

saki: Ran-san…?

ran: Oh~ Nee-chan! You’re here to watch us!

saki: …Um.

ran: Hm?

saki: Are you�� ok?

ran: What makes ya ask? I’m full of energy today like always!

saki: Is that so? Sorry for asking something strange then.

ran: ……

ran: Ya don’t need to worry about me. But well, it is true that we’ve had plenty of ups and downs since our first ever performance, ‘Eclipse’. It’s not like I don’t understand why you’d be concerned. However, we’ve overcome all sorts of hardships.

saki: Yes.

ran: First and foremost, B’s shows are packed full of fun. Even when Heath was missin’ from ‘Idaten’ and when Mizuki didn’t show up for ‘Island of Rabble’. And of course when Heath came back and we performed ‘Total Eclipse’! Lots of things have happened, but there’s still plenty of things that haven’t changed either.

saki: Things that haven’t changed?

ran: The fact that once we’re up on that stage, we have a blast! That includes for this show too of course. Thinkin’ about it though, even recently Mizuki and Lico have been buttin’ heads and Hinata’s been actin’ recklessly. It’s been a mess~ Wherever B goes, discord follows! I kid, I kid. But well, when you take everythin’ into account, it does kinda suit us.

saki: Fufu, that may be so.

saki: (That’s good, Ran-san seems to be his usual self…)

ran: Ah, you finally smiled. That’s our Nee-chan.

saki: Yes. And the Ran-san that sparkles on the stage is the usual you.

ran: …….

ran: Yeah. Because while I’m here— I want to entertain you as both a member of B and as ‘Ran-chan’.

saki: Thank you. I’ll always be supporting you.

ran: Yeah, it’s a promise, alright? Enjoy watchin’ my sparklin’ self!

—end

[thereisacatinmybankaccount]

i don't blame him in fact I'm just exactly like him

[crestfallenwanderlust]

KONGOU YESSSS

[vividblaze]

S5Ch1... definitely my top favorite of the story so far 👌

Is it crazy that I kind of want to see Mizuki try to make his own team... again lmfaooo

[crystalelemental]

I feel silly asking you this, but can you do a characterization analysis for Trace? I feel silly asking because A: you haven't played Let's Go, and B: I think I know what you're going to say about most of his team members (Marowak and his starter are obvious, Vileplume and Rapidash are third in line for BST for their types among the original 151 behind Blue and Green's Exeggutor and Victreebel and Arcanine/Ninetales, but I can't quite grasp why Slowbro's there.

Sure. I'll do it. Honestly, let's see if I know anything I'm talking about.

Mercifully, Trace's team is identical between versions. I'm specifically using his rematch, because...prior, he only has three attacks. A Champion only has three attacks per Pokemon. I promise I will take no further shots at Let's Go.

The Lead (Pidgeot) What I really enjoy about this is that his mega is his lead. That feels very distinct from others, who would set their mega as their ace, or at least late in the game. Trace leading with the mega implies a sense of just going at everything with all he's got. There is no warmup, no assessment of the opponent's strength, it's just going full throttle out the gate, try to keep up.

That said, without knowing Let's Go's movesets, it's odd that his best STAB attacks are Quick Attack and Air Slash. These are fairly low BP, so despite that immediate presence at the outset...his approach is not particularly offensive. His moves are priority, flinch rate, and obvious coverage for Steel that would block him, with U-Turn to flee as needed. Which is quite defensive.

At least in my estimation, this is someone who is trying to show off, but isn't exactly reckless. He's aiming for a big display to put himself at an early advantage, but he's not leaving himself open to your counterattacks. He's cautious, perhaps even worried, about letting his opponent see past him.

The Ace (Raichu/Jolteon) It's interesting that Jolteon is the Eevee form he chooses. Makes my life easy I suppose. I know it's because he already had a Fire and Water type, but still. It's neat.

The big thing that stands out to me is Thunder. Thunderbolt is the more conservative effort, compared to Thunder, and is what you'd expect for someone leading with such a defensive play. Their coverage also includes a really risky move, in Iron Tail/Pin Missile. Brick Break/Shadow Ball are more standard, with Quick Attack being priority, despite being so naturally fast. ...do his starters have the same boosted stats thing your Eevee/Pikachu do? I guess not because they evolve.

As the finisher, this feels, to me, a bit more like desperation. It's aiming for clean OHKOs but risking everything on that swing missing. It feels more "nothing left to lose" than someone aiming to make a safe comeback. It's a sensible choice when you're down that far. When you're on your last, swing with all you've got, and keep every advantage in your corner you can. Yeah you're super fast, but if you need to get a sudden shot in, Quick Attack will do it.

Offensive (Rapidash/Marowak) Marowak is the more obvious one. Earthquake standard, Fire and Thunder cover the typical Grass, Ice, and Water weaknesses of Ground types, Brick Break is just a lot of super-effective coverage.

Rapidash has Flare Blitz, which is self-sacrificial, but its coverage is super awkward. Drill Run and Poison Jab aren't...intrinsically bad, but they're not necessary for Rapidash, they don't do anything for it. Its weaknesses aren't hit any easier, nor does it hit things that threaten it. And again, there's a Quick Attack in there.

Marowak is your most direct, perfect coverage offense. And it's slow. Rapidash has whatever's biggest, but is super fast. I think, taking all of this together, suggests that Trace is someone who's going to push really hard for an early lead, roll the dice when he's down to the wire, but his core is someone balanced. Rapidash fills in what it can because it's quick and can get first strike, while Marowak considers its matchups and tries to cover what it would need to cover. Offensively, these are about as good as we get, without putting some special attacks on Rapidash and aiming for Sunny Day strats. Which would be better offensive coverage! But the lack of that kind of effect suggests either simplicity, or that he's considering a bigger picture, given his Water type, and his Grass type would be even worse off. Although...

Defensive (Vileplume/Slowbro) Vileplume is an excellent choice, 10/10. Don't know how he got that version exclusive in both games but sure. Its defensive backbone is Reflect, which is a fun means of protecting the team at large from physical attacks. The rest is offense, including Sludge Bomb, Dazzling Gleam coverage, and...Solarbeam. Buddy. You should've run Sunny Day on Rapidash.

Slowbro has Light Screen as its defensive support, alongside Surf, Psychic, and Blizzard. Interesting to note, neither heals. Which is...odd. Boost defense so you can't be beaten down easily, but nothing to sustain yourself. I read this as someone who's not about to keep trying at something that isn't working. There's no point to healing and keeping in if you can't beat them, getting caught in The Loop. Just push your way through. He's willing to play his cards directly and make his move, but he's not going to languish on it.

Fun to note: both use the shield that boosts their worse defensive stat. Vileplume has better Sp Def, while Slowbro has better Def, so they're using the right shield for their weaker defensive stat. And it's here I think we can make an assertion.

I've done a lot of competitive in my day, and one of the hardest things I have to think about sometimes is your team's role. Specifically, I am someone who aims to balance defenses in this way. Sometimes it works. But often, you get more mileage on a defensive backbone by playing to a strength than a covering a weakness. And this feels like what Trace is after here.

Final Thoughts Trace is someone who aims to be balanced, and to make each individual Pokemon as good as it can be. This can come at the cost of overall team cohesion, however, as his consistent offensive Pokemon are slow and have no defensive merit, while his fast Pokemon are wasting coverage on ensuring they can drop priority. He runs highly inaccurate moves at times, sacrificing consistency for risky throws that may not be necessary. He aims to take an early lead, but by lockdown rather than ruthless offense. He aims to stick a finish, but through risky plays that could easily seal his fate. He's almost entirely offensive, only playing defensive for the sake of shields that prevent damage, but won't aim to heal off what he takes or extend the fight in a way he can't win. He's a simple, direct boy whose focus is pushing through and doing his best on an individual basis. I just think...well...

He's a worthy successor to Red. He has really strong picks, he has a generally sane approach, but counterpicking him is pretty easy. It's mostly raw offenses, a couple defensive tools, but ultimately, a lot of inconsistencies as a cohesive unit, in favor of maximum individual potential. The risks he takes are calculated, but man is he bad at math. Which is a little unfair, he is run by AI and AI doesn't switch. So maybe he's making the better call after all.