*THE NEXT DAY*
*SCHOOL IDOL CLUBROOM - NIJIGASAKI HIGH SCHOOL - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
It's such a good thing that I'm not a school idol.
Because I wouldn't get very far with Lanzhu force-feeding me...
A-Anyway, that's not important right now. What truly matters is that the third-year students from Aqours have asked to visit us.
I find it funny that my Club members will gather in the Clubroom to see them, but not for me.
Remind me next time to never let anyone volunteer to help poaching clubs ever again.
Today, I can overlook that. Because I've heard news of an original Aqours revival at a contest in Tokyo.
AKI: "Mari, Dia, Kanan, welcome!"
EMMA: "We've been waiting for you!"
KANATA: "It's been aaages since we last say you guys!"
KARIN: "Your contest is so close now. Tomorrow's the big day!"
DIA: "Yes, at long last!"
KANAN: "You guys all seem to be doing great."
MARI: "Hey, hey. Are the new members of your Club around?"
AKI: "Oh, hey that's right! Lanzhu and Mia haven't met you yet. But unfortunately both of them have other plans today."
MARI: "Awww, really? That's a bummer. I wanted to meet them."
KARIN: "You'll be able to meet them any other time. They're two characters themselves, just like what you'd expect from a Nijigasaki girl, so look forward to it."
KANAN: "I saw their recent Club Debut Live Show videos. They sure are a couple of powerhouses."
DIA: "I heard that there were plenty of trials and tribulations, but judging by the looks on everyone's faces, it seems that you had a grand happily-ever-after."
AKI: *Laugh* "Right! Happy..."
KANATA: "Mm-hmm. We've taken our power to another level!"
And to another Club.
EMMA: "Definitely. They inspire us with how focused and serious they both are!"
MARI: "Now I REALLY want to meet them."
Lanzhu and Mari together... What's the phrase used for when two chaotic forces collide?
I don't know, science isn't my strong point. Or math for that matter...
Let me stick to studying music.
KANAN: "How about we come back after the contest is over?"
DIA: "An excellent idea."
AKI: "Hey, isn't it a little risky not practicing for tomorrow? Our practice room is free today if you need to use it."
MARI: "Thank you! But we're making sure we don't do any practice today."
AKI: "Huh?"
DIA; "Indeed. We have allocated today as a day of rest."
AKI: "I see..."
So they really have learned from history. If I recall correctly, Mari got injured two years ago, that set off a chain of events that separated the original Aqours.
Mari got injured, Kanan refused to sing, Dia was angry.
Now all three of them face that same venue from back then. A shot at redemption.
KANATA: "You three seem so relaxed and confident."
EMMA: "How are you able to stay so composed? Don't you get nervous and restless at all?"
KANAN: "Hmm... Not right now, at least."
DIA: "Because we have done everything we can."
MARI: "But of course! Nothing frightens us!"
KARIN: "I thought we'd have to help you three dial down your anxieties, but it doesn't look like you need it."
MARI: "We'll give our best performance ever tomorrow and come back with victory in our hands!"
AKI: "So redemption is your Aqours Challenge, huh?"
KANAN: "That's right."
AKI: "Then please let me ask you some questions."