*SHINODA FAMILY DINER - VENUS FORT - ODAIBA - TOKYO*
Yes, it's one of the schools Mari insisted on dragging me to. At that time, I was still in the process of growing as a school idol fan, so I was quite stubborn. My sole interest was in school idols, and I disregarded everything else.
Back then, I might have thought that way, but then professionals like Kamijou had to come and interfere, wanting a piece of the pie. So, reluctantly, I suppose we have to recognize Youtou Academy and give them a place in the School Idol Festival.
AKI: "Hey, what grade are you in high school right now?"
RUBY-H: "First-year!"
KANA: "Second-year."
MEM-CHO: "..."
AKI: "Hm?"
MEM-CHO: "Th-Third year!"
AKI: "I see, quite the diverse trio. Reminds me of R3BIRTH."
RIN: "And lily white, nya!"
CHIKA: "And Riko's unit, Guilty Kiss."
AKI: *Chuckle* "Yeah... You're in."
AYUMI: "HUH?!"
AKIRU: "Ayumi, don't make a scene."
AYUMI: "Is it even worth it? Do you think they'll let us have a say or will they just hog all the limelight for themselves? Look at their star power! It's frustrating to even think about."
HARUKA: "Th-That's true! It doesn't seem fair..."
HIMENO: "We should consider the potential impact on our performances if we allow for distractions."
RUBY-H: "But is it entirely fair to team up against a group that you think is easy to beat, right?"
HARUKA: "?!"
HIMENO: "Th-That's..."
Huh?
KANA: "Success doesn't come easy. It's the people who face challenges head-on and overcome them that really show their skill. That's what sets them apart from the beginners. Don't be afraid of the unknown and miss out on your chance to achieve great things.
Sure you're on a Showcase Stage right now, but if you play your part, you'll be on the Main Stage in no time!
Push yourself to your limits and beat the competition!"
HARUKA, HIMENO: "?!"
MEM-CHO: "Looking to make Showcase Stages a real hit? Look no further than B-Komachi! With our help, your event is sure to go viral and leave a lasting impression. Let's make it happen!"
AKI: "It's exciting to think about how many people will be drawn to the Showcase Stages with their participation. And imagine how impressive it will be if you can perform at the same level as them - it will really showcase your talent and importance."
RUBY-H: "If you want your territory back, you don't have to beat Liella!... All you've gotta do is make a big enough impact!"
MEM-CHO: "You seem to be a rather competitive bunch. Are you perhaps upset about being featured without any potential rewards?"
KANA: "So, let the Main Stage have their contest. Why don't we turn the Showcase Stages into our own competition?"
CHIKA: "Hey... That's a great idea!"
ELI: "I agree, it should give everyone performing on the Showcase Stages more reason to give it their all."
HANAMARU: "While that's cool, zura. What kind of reward would we give?"
RIN: "I'd love to win a lifetime supply of ramen."
ELI: "Oh really? Then I'm sure you know a place willing to provide such a substantial reward."
RIN: "N-No... Awww, I wish I did!"
The fuses inside my brain connected, and it was all clear. A solution to the problem at hand!
There's something that all these girls want, so why don't we make them compete for it?
AKI: "A competition is taking place among the Showcase Stage idols, where the group that emerges victorious will have the opportunity to perform on the Main Stage at the next School Idol Festival."
HIMENO: "A-Are you sure?!"
HARUKA: "The next School Idol Festival's Main Stage?! We can earn a place on that?!"
RUBY-H: "......Tell me something."
AKI: "Hm?"
RUBY-H: "Winning that contest means performing at the Dome, right?"
AKI: "Yeah, I want the Main Stage to become a regular thing at the Akiba Dome. So, the next School Idol Festival's Main Stage event after this one should take place there."
RUBY-H: "..." *Chuckle*
AKI: "?!"
I sensed a sudden shift in the girl's demeanor, which made me uneasy. She appeared resolute, almost to the point of being intimidating. It was evident that performing at the Dome held great significance for her.
What stood out to me the most was the realization that this girl is not your average idol. She possesses a certain uniqueness and charisma that only a few idols in history have had.
She's special.
HARUKA: "Shinonome is more determined than you. Your intimidation tactics won't work. You said that you're the group we should be worried about?
Not at all! We're not afraid of you!
Shinonome will beat you!"
HIMENO: "Shinonome? Touou is going all out to win this contest!"
REINE: "Chitose Bridge can out-dance all of you. Get in line!"
JENNIFER: "Ugh, I'm so over the same old clichés. We need to spice things up with some international vibes if we want to stand out!"
AKIRU: "Winning requires more than just being unique and having good dance moves. It takes a lot of heart, and Seiran has that in abundance!"
SAKUYA: "Do you honestly believe that you can rival my strength?!"
I am quite perplexed by the situation with B-Komachi and the School Idol Festival. It seems that they have brought about a significant change in the competition, with the once-rival girls of Nijigasaki now competing against each other. I wonder if this was B-Komachi's plan all along, or if it was just a fortunate coincidence.
Regardless, it appears that their actions may have helped take the heat away from us.
RUBY-H: "I won't wait four more years for my chance. I want the dome, even if I have to take it from the rest of you."
MEM-CHO: "Whoa! Ruby is extra determined today! And that's saying something."
KANA: "She's not the only one, we can't let the Tokyo Dome slip. We're not on the Main Stage this time, but mark my words... Next time, we will be.
Right, Ruby?"
RUBY-H: "...Yep! *Giggle* We'll be at the Dome!"