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Sentai vs. MTBB - Oshi no Ko EP02

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# Sentai

# MTBB

Would you like to be an idol with me?

Honestly, I feel like I'll get a good response.

Honestly, I'm pretty confident that I'll get it!

I didn't meet the application requirements last time, and I've been waiting two years for this audition!

I couldn't even apply to the last audition because I was too young. I've been waiting two years!

Yeah, I'm sure you'll get it.

Yeah, I'm sure you'll pass!

You're cute, plus you're a good dancer.

You're cute, plus you're a good dancer!

Though, your singing is a bit...

Though, your singing is kinda...

A bit what?

Kinda what?

If anyone has enough appeal to make up for that shortcoming, it's you, Ruby.

If anyone has enough charm to make up for that flaw, it's you, Ruby.

Shortcoming...?

Flaw?

Anyway, I'll definitely be successful with this idol audition!

Anyway, I've totally got this audition in the bag!

Then, one day, I'll be a top idol like Mom was.

Then, one day, I'll be a top idol like Mom was!

My name is Ruby Hoshino.

My name is Hoshino Ruby.

I have two secrets I can't tell even my friends.

I have two secrets that I can't even tell my friends.

One's that my mother is the legendary idol Ai, who was killed by a fanatical stalker ten some years ago.

The other is this:

I have memories from my previous life.

I was of poor health from the time I was born, and I spent the majority of my life in the hospital.

I was sickly from the day I was born, and I spent the majority of my life in the hospital.

Being an idol otaku was about my only source of enjoyment.

In particular, I was super into Ai of B Komachi.

Even at the moment my life's flame was extinguished, Ai's singing was echoing through my head.

Even at the moment my life's flame was extinguished,

But the next time I woke, I had been reborn as Ai's child.

Ai's singing was echoing through my head.

But the next time I woke,

I had been reborn as Ai's child.

Those few years until Ai... until Mom died were a treasure to me.

I'm gonna be like Mom!

Talking about your dreams is fine, but high school entrance exams are fast approaching.

You don't get it, Aqua.

I am gonna be an idol!

I'm gonna be an idol!

High schools with performing arts departments focus on the interview.

They only look at academic ability in passing.

They'll just glance at your test scores at most.

If I become an idol, I won't need to study for entrance exams - two birds with one stone.

If I become an idol, I won't need to study for entrance exams. Two birds with one stone!

Don't gamble your life based on that little factoid.

Don't gamble your life on that little factoid.

You know, I don't mind if you dream of being an idol, but don't have illusions about being an idol.

You know, I don't mind if you dream of being an idol,

Essentially, their salary is low, they retire before reaching 30,

but don't have illusions about it.

Their salary is low, they retire before reaching 30,

and their daily lives are under constant scrutiny by fans.

Only a small percentage survive in the industry after graduating,

and in the end most take up another line of work.

and in the end, most take up another line of work.

There are very few jobs where the cost is so disproportionate to the return.

There are very few jobs where the cost is so disproportionate to the benefit.

What's your point?

And what's your point?

Isn't life about doing what you want with it?!

Isn't life about doing what you want with it?

You'll never be able to do a thing if you worry about cost and return!

You'll never be able to do a thing if you worry about cost and benefit!

Some people go their whole lives unable to really do anything, you know?

That's not for me!

I don't want to be like that!

Do as you like. I'm heading to the director's place.

Do as you like.

I'm heading to the director's place.

My brother changed after Mom died.

He always has a gloomy face and never seems to be having fun.

He's always wearing this gloomy face and never seems to be having fun.

It seems like he's been up to something ever since he became an apprentice of the director,

It seems like he's been up to something ever since he became the director's apprentice,

but he won't tell me what it is.

And he's not the only one who ended up changing.

He's not the only one who ended up changing.

Ichigo-san fell out of contact after the incident, after which Miyako-san took over the agency.

Ichigo fell out of contact after the incident, and Miyako took over the agency.

B Komachi, having lost their star, Ai, disbanded after two years.

Strawberry Productions no longer has an idol department,

instead expanding operations into managing internet personalities.

and they've pivoted into managing internet personalities now.

Hey, how about putting together another idol group?

Don't say that so lightly.

I'd like to if I could, you know.

The dream that Ai showed us was an experience I can't easily forget.

But, that needs to be thought of as having essentially won the lottery.

But that needs to be thought of as having essentially won the lottery.

The longer I do this job, the clearer it becomes to me... Miracles like that don't happen twice.

The longer I do this job, the clearer it becomes to me...

Miracles like that don't happen twice.

The reality is things just don't go that smoothly.

Besides...

Besides what?

Never mind... Aren't you expecting a call about the results of your audition soon?

Never mind.

If you pass, the regulations state you're to become affiliated with them, right?

Aren't you expecting a call about the results of your audition soon?

If you pass, you'll be locked into signing up with them, right?

They're a better-established agency than we are.

Well, I guess that's true...

Speak of the devil...

Yes?

Is this Ruby Hoshino-san speaking?

Is this Hoshino Ruby speaking?

Yes, Hoshino here!

Okay...

Oh, I see...

Thank you.

Well then, we will be awaiting your application next time around.

Well then, we'll be awaiting your application next time around.

Ruby...

I didn't make it.

That's reality for you.

There are lots of politics involved, and you can't even expect your ability to be judged fairly.

There are lots of politics involved,

and you can't even expect your ability to be judged fairly.

Not everyone can have it go as well as it did for Ai.

Thanks, Director.

The fact you can fool your own twin sister shows you've got real acting chops.

The fact that you can fool your own twin sister shows you've got real acting chops.

What're you gonna do if she gets a call from them for real?

I already sent them a short text from Ruby's phone saying she was withdrawing.

Plus, I blocked their number in her settings.

I've dotted the i's and crossed the t's.

I've covered my bases.

I just don't get it.

Why're you going to such lengths to crush your sister's dreams?

Why are you going to such lengths to crush your sister's dreams?

That girl is a quite a beauty - she actually has a chance of making it.

That girl's a quite a beauty. She actually has a chance of making it.

Look, you don't need to spell it out.

Yeah, but it doesn't matter.

I'm not going to let her become an idol.

I won't let her tread in Ai's steps.

I won't let her repeat Ai's mistake.

You can count on that.

You can count on it.

Quite the sister complex there. You're overprotective to a fault.

Quite the sister complex there.

It's better that it's I alone.

You're overprotective to a fault.

I alone...

It's better that it's just me.

will see that is taken care of.

I alone

will do what needs to be done.

You were scouted?!

Yeah, for one of those underground idol groups.

Yeah, for one of those underground idol groups!

I feel like this has gotta be fate!

I've been keeping an eye on underground idol recruitment for a long time, you see.

Mom also became an idol after being scouted, right?

And didn't Mom became an idol after being scouted?

I must be being guided, don't you think?

She must've guided me to the same path!

Is it really a legit idol group?

Not some sketchy job?

It's nothing like that.

Have you gone over the terms of the contract?

The scout said I can come see their next concert. Then we'll get into the contract and stuff after that.

The scout said I can come see their next concert.

Then we'll get into the contract and stuff after that.

Hmm...

Aw, I can't wait.

Aw man, I can't wait!

What a pain in the butt... I've gotta find some way to stop her.

What a pain in the neck...

I've got to find some way to stop her.

There you go again.

After what happened to Ai-san, I sympathize with you not wanting to let your sweet sister follow that same path.

After what happened to Ai,

You know, I...

I get why you don't want to let your precious sister follow that same path.

still find myself thinking that if I'd done this or that back then maybe things would be different now.

I feel the same, in a way.

I still find myself thinking that if I'd done this or that back then, maybe things would be different now.

I never want to feel like that again.

I've raised Ruby while thinking of her as my own daughter.

I've raised Ruby as if she were my own daughter.

I'll protect her no matter what.

But... as she is my daughter, that's all the more reason I can't stop her from feeling the way she does.

But I can't stop her from feeling the way she does, because she's someone else's daughter, too.

She has come to look more and more like Ai... I hate to say it, but she has the qualities to make it.

She looks more and more like Ai every day.

I hate to say it, but she has the qualities to make it.

It was always going to turn out like this.

Before talking about it being good or bad, there's something I must do.

Before talking about it being good or bad, there's something I have to do.

I'll be borrowing one of the agency's business cards, okay?

I'm borrowing one of the agency's business cards, okay?

Huh?

What're you planning?

What are you planning?

Hello there.

Can I have a minute of your time?

What do you want?

Here, take a look at my card.

Let me introduce myself.

Oh? Strawberry Productions?

You've heard of us?

Yeah!

B Komachi's agency, right?!

My mom was a big fan!

Wow, so this is Strawberry Productions...

Wow, so this is Strawberry Productions!

Your scout here is so young, so I thought he was trying to talk me into something bad.

You're so young, Mr. Scout. I thought you were up to no good!

This is a bad nightmare alright...

He's up to no good, all right...

For now, let's find out the lowdown on the group Ruby was scouted for.

For now, let's get the lowdown on the group Ruby was scouted for.

There are good underground idol groups and bad ones.

If the management is worthless, that leaves no room for debate.

Any talk of Ruby becoming an idol can come after that.

Saved diffs

Original text

Open file

# Sentai

Would you like to be an idol with me?
Honestly, I feel like I'll get a good response.
I didn't meet the application requirements last time, and I've been waiting two years for this audition!
Yeah, I'm sure you'll get it.
You're cute, plus you're a good dancer.
Though, your singing is a bit...
A bit what?
If anyone has enough appeal to make up for that shortcoming, it's you, Ruby.
Shortcoming...?
Anyway, I'll definitely be successful with this idol audition!
Then, one day, I'll be a top idol like Mom was.
My name is Ruby Hoshino.
I have two secrets I can't tell even my friends.
One's that my mother is the legendary idol Ai, who was killed by a fanatical stalker ten some years ago.
The other is this:
I have memories from my previous life.
I was of poor health from the time I was born, and I spent the majority of my life in the hospital.
Being an idol otaku was about my only source of enjoyment.
In particular, I was super into Ai of B Komachi.
Even at the moment my life's flame was extinguished, Ai's singing was echoing through my head.
But the next time I woke, I had been reborn as Ai's child.
Those few years until Ai... until Mom died were a treasure to me.
I'm gonna be like Mom!
Talking about your dreams is fine, but high school entrance exams are fast approaching.
You don't get it, Aqua.
I am gonna be an idol!
High schools with performing arts departments focus on the interview.
They only look at academic ability in passing.
If I become an idol, I won't need to study for entrance exams - two birds with one stone.
Don't gamble your life based on that little factoid.
You know, I don't mind if you dream of being an idol, but don't have illusions about being an idol.
Essentially, their salary is low, they retire before reaching 30,
and their daily lives are under constant scrutiny by fans.
Only a small percentage survive in the industry after graduating,
and in the end most take up another line of work.
There are very few jobs where the cost is so disproportionate to the return.
What's your point?
Isn't life about doing what you want with it?!
You'll never be able to do a thing if you worry about cost and return!
Some people go their whole lives unable to really do anything, you know?
That's not for me!
Do as you like. I'm heading to the director's place.
My brother changed after Mom died.
He always has a gloomy face and never seems to be having fun.
It seems like he's been up to something ever since he became an apprentice of the director,
but he won't tell me what it is.
And he's not the only one who ended up changing.
Ichigo-san fell out of contact after the incident, after which Miyako-san took over the agency.
B Komachi, having lost their star, Ai, disbanded after two years.
Strawberry Productions no longer has an idol department,
instead expanding operations into managing internet personalities.
Hey, how about putting together another idol group?
Don't say that so lightly.
I'd like to if I could, you know.
The dream that Ai showed us was an experience I can't easily forget.
But, that needs to be thought of as having essentially won the lottery.
The longer I do this job, the clearer it becomes to me... Miracles like that don't happen twice.
The reality is things just don't go that smoothly.
Besides...
Besides what?
Never mind... Aren't you expecting a call about the results of your audition soon?
If you pass, the regulations state you're to become affiliated with them, right?
They're a better-established agency than we are.
Well, I guess that's true...
Speak of the devil...
Yes?
Is this Ruby Hoshino-san speaking?
Yes, Hoshino here!
Okay...
Okay...
Oh, I see...
Thank you.
Well then, we will be awaiting your application next time around.
Ruby...
I didn't make it.
That's reality for you.
There are lots of politics involved, and you can't even expect your ability to be judged fairly.
Not everyone can have it go as well as it did for Ai.
Thanks, Director.
The fact you can fool your own twin sister shows you've got real acting chops.
What're you gonna do if she gets a call from them for real?
I already sent them a short text from Ruby's phone saying she was withdrawing.
Plus, I blocked their number in her settings.
I've dotted the i's and crossed the t's.
I just don't get it.
Why're you going to such lengths to crush your sister's dreams?
That girl is a quite a beauty - she actually has a chance of making it.
Look, you don't need to spell it out.
I'm not going to let her become an idol.
I won't let her tread in Ai's steps.
You can count on that.
Quite the sister complex there. You're overprotective to a fault.
It's better that it's I alone.
I alone...
will see that is taken care of.
You were scouted?!
Yeah, for one of those underground idol groups.
I feel like this has gotta be fate!
I've been keeping an eye on underground idol recruitment for a long time, you see.
Mom also became an idol after being scouted, right?
I must be being guided, don't you think?
Is it really a legit idol group?
Not some sketchy job?
It's nothing like that.
Have you gone over the terms of the contract?
The scout said I can come see their next concert. Then we'll get into the contract and stuff after that.
Hmm...
Aw, I can't wait.
What a pain in the butt... I've gotta find some way to stop her.
There you go again.
After what happened to Ai-san, I sympathize with you not wanting to let your sweet sister follow that same path.
You know, I...
still find myself thinking that if I'd done this or that back then maybe things would be different now.
I never want to feel like that again.
I've raised Ruby while thinking of her as my own daughter.
I'll protect her no matter what.
But... as she is my daughter, that's all the more reason I can't stop her from feeling the way she does.
She has come to look more and more like Ai... I hate to say it, but she has the qualities to make it.
It was always going to turn out like this.
Before talking about it being good or bad, there's something I must do.
I'll be borrowing one of the agency's business cards, okay?
Huh?
What're you planning?
Hello there.
Can I have a minute of your time?
What do you want?
Here, take a look at my card.
Oh? Strawberry Productions?
You've heard of us?
Yeah!
B Komachi's agency, right?!
My mom was a big fan!
Wow, so this is Strawberry Productions...
Your scout here is so young, so I thought he was trying to talk me into something bad.
This is a bad nightmare alright...
For now, let's find out the lowdown on the group Ruby was scouted for.
There are good underground idol groups and bad ones.
If the management is worthless, that leaves no room for debate.
Any talk of Ruby becoming an idol can come after that.
Lala-chan, you're currently working with an agency by the name of Yilibu, correct?
Yes.
We'd like to offer you a better deal than they are.
Can you lay out the current terms you're working under?
Let's see... On the condition I appear at all the concerts, I get a small amount of guaranteed pay...
Plus, at post-concert meet and greets, I get commissions based on the number of instant photos with fans,
which makes up my main income.
Then, clothing expenses and so on are deducted from that.
And I've gotta pay for my own transport and makeup too...
so most months I don't even take home 100,000 yen.
Any points of dissatisfaction with your current group?
You bet there are!
There's this one girl the manager is really promoting!
It's clear favoritism!
And the reason? Well, it seems like the two of them are dating.
Yikes.
It's not like she's a good singer, and she's not super pretty or anything either.
Plus, she's the kinda girl who steals other members' fans by acting like she's truly in love with them.
Even though I take my job seriously, the management is a joke, so I'm not finding success!
Besides, the atmosphere between the members is awful - I can tell some of them are getting ready to quit.
I also hear the manager is scouting for new members like crazy.
If I could transfer to Strawberry Productions, I...
With underground idol groups, there are some managers who have a proven track record,
but there are lots of people who lean into their love of idols and do it as something of a hobby.
Of course, it's questionable if everything that girl said is really true.
Jealousy and friction between members...
and a dissatisfaction with management giving rise to groundless rumors is quite common.
Successfully putting together a group of young girls is incredibly difficult in the first place.
Even with B Komachi, Ai's popularity far outshone everyone else's, so there were claims of favoritism...
Just thinking about it gives me a stomachache...
Either way, I'm not about to let Ruby join a group where those kind of rumors start circulating.
So, what are you gonna do?
There are all kinds of ways to handle it.
I could hire an detective and spread the dirt online...
Don't joke like that.
I'm not joking.
I have no intention of letting Ruby become an idol -
least of all in some group with untrustworthy management.
By the way, what did you think? How about hiring that girl for real?
You know we don't manage idols anymore.
Besides... I'm not going to hire someone who bad-mouths their colleagues.
Excuse me, I'll be going now.
Thanks for your hard work.
Ta-da!
So, what do you think?
You look cute.
Well, on a big day, you've gotta look fashionable right?!
Oh, I can't wait...
Truly...
Ruby, so you are serious about this?
Yeah.
You know the world you're about to enter into is a harsh place, right?
You might not sell well and end up feeling miserable.
It's not just the salary aspect either - in your private life...
I know that.
Aqua already told me as much.
Falling victim to stalking... is a familiar story these days.
But even so, you still...
You better believe it!
After all, now's my chance... I can finally become an idol.
I'm gonna be like Mom!
You really mean it?
Absolutely!
Well, don't join that group then.
Huh...? Why?
I'm serious about being an idol...
If you really mean that, then join our agency.
Strawberry Productions will be putting together a new idol group for the first time in over a decade.
Put a tally impression here.
"Tally impression"?
I don't really get it, but I just press down here?
Okay. And with that, you're now an entertainer with Strawberry Productions.
If you pull anything, we'll sue you.
Whoa, scary.
Well, I'm not kidding.
It's also a necessary procedure for entry to the performing arts department,
so don't be getting mad, Aqua.
Never said I was against it.
Aqua-kun, how nice of you to come.
Is the director awake?
He's sleeping, but go ahead and shake him awake.
Will you be having dinner with us again?
No, don't go to any trouble.
Oh, you came.
Good morning.
Do a nice editing job on this for me.
Got it.
I'm still a middle schooler... I can't formally work yet, so I'm not able to build up any experience on location.
So, acting as something like the director's apprentice, he's allowed me to assist him with film production.
I see. So, your sister is going to become an idol, after all.
Is that okay with you, like as her big brother?
It's better than having her perform with some group from Lord knows where.
With family managing the group, I doubt things will go south.
Both siblings are going to be entertainers, huh?
Not both of us. I prefer to work behind the scenes now.
You haven't got an itch to take up acting again?
Aren't you applying to the same high school as your sister?
Only Ruby is trying to get into the performing arts department. I'm going for general education.
When you came and asked to be my apprentice,
you had this look on your face like you were dead set on being an actor...
To me, being an actor was a mere means to an end.
For finding the man who brought about Ai's death...
For finding my father, and then giving him a taste of the pain Ai endured.
By a twist of fate, the key for detecting him lies within myself.
I should be able to identify him through a hair or mucosal DNA test.
But to do so, it's necessary I secure a position where I can come into direct contact with entertainers.
Being an actor is the quickest route for that... but if I just need to be involved with the entertainment industry,
I don't mind being an AD or someone working behind the scenes.
Though they were minor roles, I came to understand something by appearing in a number of your films...
I have no talent for acting.
There are loads of people in the world who try their best as actors but can't draw an audience,
and I was just one of them.
I don't have that special something the way Ai did...
It's no good to hold onto goals that are beyond your means.
Hmph.
If kids don't dream, who else can even hope to?
Even university age is early to be giving up on what you want to do.
Listen up. Here's some advice from a middle-aged guy who's kept on dreaming for 20 years.
I'm only gonna say it once, so pay attention.
Every single person has the right to dream.
After all, you can't win the lottery if you don't buy a-
Taishi!
Dinner's ready!
Ma! I was saying something important - don't interrupt me!
As if I'm supposed to know that somehow!
If I'd just kept waiting for you, the miso soup would get cold!
I'll go when I'm done talking, okay?!
Like you, I went through a period where I couldn't get ahead. But...
Ah, good grief!
Quite the mess you've made in here... Jeez.
Get outta here already!
Ah, this darn son of mine!
Hey, aren't you in your mid-40s?
Isn't it about time to move out of your folks' place?
There's no benefit to leaving a spacious family home in the city center!
There are actually lots of people like me!
It's a common thing for creators, okay?!
In any case, you can't win the lottery if you don't buy a ticket.
I'm saying that you should have more faith in your talent.
Those words fall flat coming from a middle-aged guy living in a child's room.
There was a time when I believed I had possessed talents comparable to Ai's.
However, unlike Ai, I...
"Ai, Ai, Ai"... Enough already - you sound like an ape.
It's true that Ai was amazing.
She indeed may have been truly special.
That said, you can never be Ai, nor can she ever be you.
Did Ai have the same production know-how you do?
Did she possess your intellect?
Don't shy away just 'cause you've had a setback or two.
Only say things like that after you've used all the tools at your disposal.
You're still far too young to be acting like an average Joe.
You wanna be an actor, don't ya?
It's written all over your face.
Aqua, will you be an actor?
Say, Director...
Hm?
I...
You'll be joining us for dinner, won't you, Aqua-kun?!
I'll get a bowl ready for you!
Precocious here was just about to say something important! Don't be barging in here!
I don't care!
This is Youtou High School.
It's an integrated middle and high school, and one of the few in Japan that has a performing arts department.
And not just anyone can apply for performing arts,
as it is necessary to produce a certificate showing you are affiliated with a talent agency.
I'm Ruby Hoshino with Strawberry Productions.
I'm Aquamarine Hoshino.
Quite the name you've got there.
You have a standard score of 70?!
Why'd you apply here where the standard score is 40?
I was charmed by the spirit of the school.
Our school spirit appealed to you that much?!
How'd it go?
Fine, I think.
How about you?
It went without a hitch.
In the unlikely event I'm rejected, my name is probably to blame.
Well, your full name is "Aquamarine Hoshino," after all.
Though, it's a pain to say, so everyone just calls you "Aqua."
"Aqua"?
Aqua Hoshino?!
Aqua! Aqua!
You're Aqua Hoshino?!
Who are you again?
Oh, isn't it that girl?
The genius child actor who can lick baking soda like that.
The genius child actor who can cry in ten seconds flat!
We acted in that film together - I'm Kana Arima.
Oh, long time no see. So you're in the performing arts department?
I'm so glad. I had long thought you'd called it quits.
We finally meet again.
You're joining up? You'll be in our performing arts department? Won't you?!
No... I applied for general education.
But why?!

Changed text

Open file

# MTBB

Would you like to be an idol with me?
Honestly, I'm pretty confident that I'll get it!
I couldn't even apply to the last audition because I was too young. I've been waiting two years!
Yeah, I'm sure you'll pass!
You're cute, plus you're a good dancer!
Though, your singing is kinda...
Kinda what?
If anyone has enough charm to make up for that flaw, it's you, Ruby.
Flaw?
Anyway, I've totally got this audition in the bag!
Then, one day, I'll be a top idol like Mom was!
My name is Hoshino Ruby.
I have two secrets that I can't even tell my friends.
One's that my mother is the legendary idol Ai, who was killed by a fanatical stalker ten some years ago.
The other is this:
I have memories from my previous life.
I was sickly from the day I was born, and I spent the majority of my life in the hospital.
Being an idol otaku was about my only source of enjoyment.
In particular, I was super into Ai of B Komachi.
Even at the moment my life's flame was extinguished,
Ai's singing was echoing through my head.
But the next time I woke,
I had been reborn as Ai's child.
Those few years until Ai... until Mom died were a treasure to me.
I'm gonna be like Mom!
Talking about your dreams is fine, but high school entrance exams are fast approaching.
You don't get it, Aqua.
I'm gonna be an idol!
High schools with performing arts departments focus on the interview.
They'll just glance at your test scores at most.
If I become an idol, I won't need to study for entrance exams. Two birds with one stone!
Don't gamble your life on that little factoid.
You know, I don't mind if you dream of being an idol,
but don't have illusions about it.
Their salary is low, they retire before reaching 30,
and their daily lives are under constant scrutiny by fans.
Only a small percentage survive in the industry after graduating,
and in the end, most take up another line of work.
There are very few jobs where the cost is so disproportionate to the benefit.
And what's your point?
Isn't life about doing what you want with it?
You'll never be able to do a thing if you worry about cost and benefit!
Some people go their whole lives unable to really do anything, you know?
I don't want to be like that!
Do as you like.
I'm heading to the director's place.
My brother changed after Mom died.
He's always wearing this gloomy face and never seems to be having fun.
It seems like he's been up to something ever since he became the director's apprentice,
but he won't tell me what it is.
He's not the only one who ended up changing.
Ichigo fell out of contact after the incident, and Miyako took over the agency.
B Komachi, having lost their star, Ai, disbanded after two years.
Strawberry Productions no longer has an idol department,
and they've pivoted into managing internet personalities now.
Hey, how about putting together another idol group?
Don't say that so lightly.
I'd like to if I could, you know.
The dream that Ai showed us was an experience I can't easily forget.
But that needs to be thought of as having essentially won the lottery.
The longer I do this job, the clearer it becomes to me...
Miracles like that don't happen twice.
The reality is things just don't go that smoothly.
Besides...
Besides what?
Never mind.
Aren't you expecting a call about the results of your audition soon?
If you pass, you'll be locked into signing up with them, right?
They're a better-established agency than we are.
Well, I guess that's true...
Speak of the devil...
Yes?
Is this Hoshino Ruby speaking?
Yes, Hoshino here!
Okay...
Okay...
Oh, I see...
Thank you.
Well then, we'll be awaiting your application next time around.
Ruby...
I didn't make it.
That's reality for you.
There are lots of politics involved,
and you can't even expect your ability to be judged fairly.
Not everyone can have it go as well as it did for Ai.
Thanks, Director.
The fact that you can fool your own twin sister shows you've got real acting chops.
What're you gonna do if she gets a call from them for real?
I already sent them a short text from Ruby's phone saying she was withdrawing.
Plus, I blocked their number in her settings.
I've covered my bases.
I just don't get it.
Why are you going to such lengths to crush your sister's dreams?
That girl's a quite a beauty. She actually has a chance of making it.
Yeah, but it doesn't matter.
I'm not going to let her become an idol.
I won't let her repeat Ai's mistake.
You can count on it.
Quite the sister complex there.
You're overprotective to a fault.
It's better that it's just me.
I alone
will do what needs to be done.
You were scouted?!
Yeah, for one of those underground idol groups!
I feel like this has gotta be fate!
I've been keeping an eye on underground idol recruitment for a long time, you see.
And didn't Mom became an idol after being scouted?
She must've guided me to the same path!
Is it really a legit idol group?
Not some sketchy job?
It's nothing like that.
Have you gone over the terms of the contract?
The scout said I can come see their next concert.
Then we'll get into the contract and stuff after that.
Hmm...
Aw man, I can't wait!
What a pain in the neck...
I've got to find some way to stop her.
There you go again.
After what happened to Ai,
I get why you don't want to let your precious sister follow that same path.
I feel the same, in a way.
I still find myself thinking that if I'd done this or that back then, maybe things would be different now.
I never want to feel like that again.
I've raised Ruby as if she were my own daughter.
I'll protect her no matter what.
But I can't stop her from feeling the way she does, because she's someone else's daughter, too.
She looks more and more like Ai every day.
I hate to say it, but she has the qualities to make it.
It was always going to turn out like this.
Before talking about it being good or bad, there's something I have to do.
I'm borrowing one of the agency's business cards, okay?
Huh?
What are you planning?
Hello there.
Can I have a minute of your time?
What do you want?
Let me introduce myself.
Oh? Strawberry Productions?
You've heard of us?
Yeah!
B Komachi's agency, right?!
My mom was a big fan!
Wow, so this is Strawberry Productions!
You're so young, Mr. Scout. I thought you were up to no good!
He's up to no good, all right...
For now, let's get the lowdown on the group Ruby was scouted for.
There are good underground idol groups and bad ones.
If the management is worthless, that leaves no room for debate.
Any talk of Ruby becoming an idol can come after that.
Lala, you're currently working with an agency by the name of Yilibu, correct?
Yes.
We'd like to offer you a better deal than what you currently have.
Can you lay out the current terms you're working under?
Let's see...
On the condition I appear at all the concerts, I get a small amount of guaranteed pay...
Plus, at post-concert meet and greets,
I get commissions based on the number of polaroids with fans,
which makes up my main income.
Then, clothing expenses and so on are deducted from that.
And I've gotta pay for my own transport and makeup too,
so most months I don't even take home 100,000 yen.
Any points of dissatisfaction with your current group?
You bet there are!
There's this one girl the manager is really promoting! It's clear favoritism!
The reason is probably 'cause she's going out with the higher-ups.
Yikes.
It's not like she's a good singer, and she's not super pretty or anything either.
But she lures those idol nerds and steals the other members' fans.
I'm taking my job seriously, but the management is a joke, so I'm not getting anywhere!
Besides, the vibe in the group is awful.
I can tell some people are getting ready to quit.
I also hear management is scouting for new members like crazy.
If I could transfer to Strawberry Productions, I...
With underground idol groups, there are some managers who have a proven track record,
but there are a lot of people who lean into their love of idols and do it as something of a hobby.
Of course, who knows if everything that girl said is really true?
It's pretty common for there to be groundless rumors
born from jealousy and friction between members and a dissatisfaction with management.
Successfully putting together a group of young girls is incredibly difficult in the first place.
Even with B Komachi, Ai's popularity far outshone everyone else's, so there were claims of favoritism.
Just thinking about it gives me a stomachache.
Either way, I'm not about to let Ruby join a group where those kind of rumors start circulating.
So, what are you gonna do?
There are all kinds of ways to handle it.
I could hire an detective and spread the dirt online.
Don't joke like that.
I'm not joking.
I have no intention of letting Ruby become an idol,
least of all in some group with untrustworthy management.
By the way, what did you think? How about hiring that girl for real?
You know we don't manage idols anymore.
Besides...
I'm not going to hire someone who badmouths their colleagues.
Excuse me, I'll be going now.
Thanks for your hard work.
Ta-da!
So, what do you think?
You look cute.
Well, on a big day, you've gotta look fashionable, right?
Oh, I can't wait!
Truly...
So you're serious about this, Ruby?
Yeah.
You know the world you're about to enter is a harsh place, right?
You might wallow in obscurity and feel miserable about it.
It's not just the salary aspect either. In your private life...
I know that.
Aqua already told me as much.
Victims of stalking aren't exactly rare these days.
So are you still—
You better believe it!
After all, now's my chance!
I can finally become an idol.
I'm gonna be like Mom!
You really mean it?
Absolutely!
Well, don't join that group, then.
Huh?
Why?
I'm serious about being an idol.
If you really mean that, then join our agency.
Strawberry Productions will be putting together a new idol group for the first time in over a decade.
Stamp across the pages here.
Stamp across them?
I don't really get it, but I just press down here?
Okay.
And with that, you're now an entertainer with Strawberry Productions.
If you pull anything, we'll sue you.
Whoa, scary.
Well, I'm not kidding.
She needs to do this to get into the performing arts department anyway.
So don't be mad, Aqua.
Never said I was against it.
Aqua, how nice of you to come.
Is the director awake?
He's sleeping, but go ahead and shake him awake.
Will you be having dinner with us again?
No, don't worry about me.
Oh, you came.
Good morning.
Here you go. Edit this real nice.
Got it.
I'm still a middle schooler.
I can't formally work yet, so I'm not able to build up any experience on location.
So, acting as something like the director's apprentice, he's allowed me to assist him with film production.
I see.
So, your sister is going to become an idol, after all.
As her brother, are you okay with that?
It's better than having her go with some group from Lord knows where.
With family managing the group, I doubt things will go south.
Both siblings are going to be entertainers, huh?
Not both of us.
I prefer to work behind the scenes now.
You haven't got an itch to take up acting again?
Aren't you applying to the same high school as your sister?
Only Ruby is trying to get into the performing arts department. I'm going for general education.
When you came and asked to be my apprentice,
you had this look on your face like you were dead set on being an actor.
To me, being an actor was a mere means to an end.
For finding the man who brought about Ai's death...
For finding my father, and then giving him a taste of the pain Ai endured.
By a twist of fate, the key for detecting him lies within myself.
I should be able to identify him through a hair or mucosal DNA test.
But to do so, I have to secure a position where I can come into direct contact with entertainers.
Being an actor is the quickest route for that, but if I just need to be involved with the entertainment industry,
I don't mind being an AD or someone working behind the scenes.
Though they were minor roles, I came to understand something after appearing in a number of your films.
I have no talent for acting.
There are loads of people in the world who try their best as actors but can't draw an audience, and I was one of them.
I don't have that special something the way Ai did.
It's no good to hold on to goals that are beyond your means.
Hmph.
If kids don't dream, who else can even hope to?
Even university age is too early to be giving up on what you want to do.
Listen up.
Here's some advice from a middle-aged guy who's kept on dreaming for 20 years.
I'm only gonna say it once, so pay attention.
Every single person has the right to dream.
After all, you can't win the lottery if you don't buy a—
Taishi!
Dinner's ready!
Ma! I was about to say something good! Don't interrupt me!
As if I'm supposed to know that somehow!
If I don't call you down sometime, the miso soup'll get cold!
I'll go when I'm done talking, okay?!
Like you, I went through a period where I couldn't get ahead.
Ah, good grief!
But...
Quite the mess you've made in here... Jeez.
Get outta here already!
Ah, this darn son of mine!
Hey, aren't you in your mid-40s?
Isn't it about time to move out of your folks' place?
Why the hell would I?! This house is big, and it's smack-dab in the middle of the city!
There are actually lots of people like me, okay?!
Especially if they're artists!
In any case, you can't win the lottery if you don't buy a ticket.
I'm saying that you should have more faith in your talent.
Those words fall flat coming from a middle-aged guy still living in his parents' house.
There was a time when I believed I had the same talent as Ai.
However, unlike Ai, I...
"Ai, Ai, Ai"... Enough already. You sound like an ape.
It's true that Ai was amazing.
She indeed may have been truly special.
That said, you can never be Ai, nor can she ever be you.
Did Ai have the same production know-how you do?
Did she have your brains?
Don't shy away just because you've had a setback or two.
Only say things like that after you've used all the tools at your disposal.
You're far too young to be acting like an average Joe.
You wanna be an actor, don't ya?
It's written all over your face.
Aqua, will you be an actor?
Say, Director...
I...
You'll be joining us for dinner, won't you, Aqua?!
I'll get a bowl ready for you!
Precocious here was just about to say something good!
Don't just barge in!
I don't care!
This is Youtou High School.
It's an integrated middle and high school, and one of the few in Japan that has a performing arts department.
Not just anyone can apply for performing arts.
For one thing, you need a certificate showing that you're affiliated with a talent agency.
I'm Hoshino Ruby with Strawberry Productions.
I'm Hoshino Aquamarine.
Quite the name you've got there.
Scores in the 97th percentile?!
All we require is the 15th! Why us?
I was attracted to the student culture here.
What exactly made you so fascinated?!
How'd it go?
Fine, I think.
How about you?
It went without a hitch.
If I failed the interview somehow, I'd blame my name.
Well, your full name is "Hoshino Aquamarine," after all.
But it's a mouthful, so everyone just calls you Aqua.
"Aqua"?
Hoshino Aqua?!
Aqua? Aqua?!
You're Hoshino Aqua?!
Who are you again?
Oh, isn't it that girl?
The genius child actor who can lick baking soda like that.
The genius child actor who can cry in ten seconds flat!
We acted in that film together! I'm Arima Kana!
Oh, long time no see.
So you're in the performing arts department?
I'm so glad. I thought you'd called it quits a long time ago.
We finally meet again.
You're going here? You're joining our performing arts department? Right?!
No... I applied for general education.
But why?!