*THE NEXT DAY*
*ROOFTOP - OTONOKIZAKA GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL - AKIHABARA - CHIYODA - TOKYO*
Lanzhu was right, all I've been doing lately is apologizing for what I've done.
Sure, it was okay the first time but fast forward 200x later and it can become pretty desperate.
Last time I fell into desperation, I caused the exact mistakes that I'm apologizing for. It's becoming an endless cycle!
Therefore, I must break that cycle to move forward towards next month's School Idol Festival.
Ugh, that I still haven't made the big Tokyo Dome announcement for yet...
It'll come, but for now I should make good on my promises and further strengthen the bonds I have.
Karin decided that she will enter the Miss Venus contest in VenusFort next week.
However, I'm in charge of helping her prepare for that. At least I have Yu holding the fort back at school.
Though I should really be helping Ai, Mia, and Rina with their routine in preparation for tonight's show...
...or helping Kasumi get ready for her big contest tomorrow.
But hey, one thing at a time, okay?
Right now, I'm at Otonokizaka High. Karin said she wanted to be prepared mentally, so I thought we'd visit a school idol who was raised in a dojo by a strong matriarch.
UMI: "So you're saying that you wish to undergo some mental training?"
KARIN: "Yes, that's exactly it."
AKI: "I figured you'd be the best person for that, Umi... Could you help her out, please?"
UMI: "I don't mind, but are you sure I am the right person for it? Wouldn't Hanamaru do a better job?"
AKI: "Thinking back to your worldly desires training, I see. But that's spiritual, not mental training."
UMI: "I know you want mental training, but all I can teach you is something closer to focusing your mind."
KARIN: "That's what I want you to do. I thought I had more mental fortitude than the average person, but maybe that's not the case..."
UMI: "How so?"
KARIN: "Back when I lost that dance battle against Eli... I bounced back from it right away, but it still got me down for a bit. Honestly, it's still eating away at me.
Like when I scored zero votes against Kasumi in the Rainbow Hearts Tourney.
I figured if I have time to feel down then at least want to get a little more practice in.
That's why I want to improve my concentration to be able to face myself without feeling down at times like that."
UMI: "I see... Very well. If that's the case then allow me to take the reins!"
KARIN: "Thanks, Umi!"
UMI: "Well then, shall we go someplace quiet?
I will give you a thorough training session there!"
...
*ARCHERY FIELD - OTONOKIZAKA GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL - AKIHABARA - CHIYODA - TOKYO*
KARIN: "Ouch... Owww..."
AKI: "Karin?!"
UMI: "Beginners often get cramps in their legs. Only once you overcome this pain will you reach the peak of mental focus!"
KARIN: "Ugh, so it's possible to overcome this pain, then... Well, not so much pain as tingling, I guess..."
UMI: "You can get used to anything. Please try to keep it up in your dorm room."
KARIN: "Sure, I'll try. Thanks for today, Umi."
UMI: "I'll be cheering for you during the contest. Please do your best!"
...
*SCHOOL GATES - OTONOKIZAKA GIRLS' HIGH SCHOOL - AKIHABARA - CHIYODA - TOKYO*
KARIN: "Bleugh, I'm still all tingly..."
AKI: "Karin, grab on to me."
KARIN: "Thanks. I'll hang on your shoulder for a bit."
AKI: "I'm surprised. That was a lot harder than I expected."
KARIN: *Giggle* "Yeah. But Umi really is amazing. She made it so easy to follow. I'll keep up this fervor until the contest and not lose focus!"
AKI: "I hope so, because we've got a visit to pay Shioriko next. Hope you're ready to continue this harsh training!"
KARIN: "Ugh..."