Story of DEAR PROJECT feat. RayGlanZ

## Prologue

*Perfection is necessary.*

*It was my only weapon to prove my existence.*

*However--*

*At that day, I don't even exist in his eyes.*

*That's why I've sworn to prove it.*

*This path that I'm walking on, and how I'll advance forward...all of it.*

*I don't care if I'm alone.*

*What if I need to raise the white flag, you say...*

*You only have to raise a flag once you can see the scenery from the top.*

## Vol.1

> RayGlanZ has recently finished the recording for a TV program. All of the staff showed them with praises for their amazing performance as usual.
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> Meanwhile, Touya called out to the program producer and asked to talk to him.
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Ango: (It's not like we're lacking jobs these days, for Touya to be talking and smooching to staffs and program producers...)

*"I don’t want to be praised even if I had to hate myself. It’s something that I hold onto. However, to reach the top, it’s true that you need other people to be by your side."*

*"I know that pride will be a huge obstacle on the path to reach the top, so the only way to reach it is to crush it. I’ll take it even if it gets a little muddy."*

Ango: （...is what he said. That’s all about Munakata, so far.）

> Ango is having doubts after he saw Touya's expression as he talked with the program producer.
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==

> Meanwhile at Shirasu House, the Maten Rocket members are recording a video for the fans. They also asked RayGlanZ to make a guest appearance n their livestream, stating that communication with fans is also important besides doing performances.
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Chihiro: As I was saying, the thing you all doing right now is different from variety shows. We can’t show everything and the fans only see our cool side. That’s why we want to make them fascinated through our live performances and other media. That’s the stance we’re taking now.
Touya: Unfortunately, I have an errand to do on Saturday.

> Touya then left for his room quickly.
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# Ango: More business? He’s been doing that on his off days lately.

> As Touya returned to his room, he received a message in his phone.
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> The sender's name is Katsuragi Akihito.
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*『Touya. Saturday, this week. Around 4pm, at the place I asked you,,, 』*

> A simple yet important sounding message was written.
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> The sender who sent such casual message is....
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## Vol.2

> --Few days later, Touya went to a cafe in Tokyo where he promised to meet the person before - which is his older brother, Katsuragi Akihito.
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Akihito: It’s been a while since we met. I never thought you’d come. Touya, do you want to come back? Why don’t you stop playing around like walking on a tightrope?
Touya: You can say whatever you want, but it’s not up you if this worthless or not.

> Touya left his house while baring his teeth, but it was something that his father could not overlook.
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Touya: Something doesn’t go as planned, contrary to the teachings of the Katsuragi family. There was something that might smear his name as a politician. To him, that’s me right now. The living proof is you. You came here to give me a warning.
Akihito: For my younger brother, I’ll cut the story short. It’ll be easier if you’re obedient like before.

> Touya refused, but his brother kept on going. For the past few years, his father tolerated with Touya because of an agreement that he made with his aunt who took care of him. After graduating from high school, he will also retire from the entertainment world.
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Akihito: I’ve already told you everything I can. The rest is up to you. You should think about it carefully.

> Touya left the cafe after parting with his older brother.
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***"You always say it's up to me."***

*There was no other choice here.*

*Yes, after I was born in this world, I've always been number one.*

*Get the first place. Be the one on top place. Become better than everyone.*

*Don’t be embarrassed for being the direct descendant of the Katsuragi family who has always been politicians for generations.*

*Along with my brother. Father told me to strive to be ‘perfect’ like him.*

*--It became a norm for me everyday.*

*After my brother was named as the successor, I’ve become ‘something of no value’ to him.*

Touya: I was not the decoration he can use to decorate. A decoration, when it gets dirty, it'll be swept away with no mercy just like dust.

*In the end, I’ve decided. Take your choice, and---*

> Ango, who was in Tokyo for a work, saw the two of them (Akihito and Touya) at the cafe. He asked about it to Touya, but Touya refused to answer.
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> Meanwhile, at Shirasu House's living area, there was a news program showing on the TV, and the name of the politician talking about the future policy is...
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*Katsuragi Shirou: For the next policy, we’re looking to promote culture conservation. Art and entertainment can be described as a symbol of peace. To protect this land, we’re doing what we can to support it. We should assess everything that can be regulated---*

Samon: Protection and support sounds good but this is a politician after all. He’s going to have control over the arts and entertainment industry.

## Vol.3

> One day, a person named Ono visited Ango while he was shooting a drama. He is a producer from a production company.
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> He approached Ango to propose an offer to appear in a latest work by a well-known director.
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Ango: I’m grateful for the offer but right now, RayGlanZ had to reduce activities...plus I can’t make such a decision myself, you need to talk to my agency too.

Ono: If you appear in this director’s work, you’ll surely be able to be cast in the next one as well! It’ll guarantee your future, it’s not a bad choice. So why not take the actor’s path?

Ango: The actor’s...path...

> Meanwhile, it seems that Chihiro is embroiled in a scandal. Apparently, he had a fight with in the public.
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> It got photographed by a weekly magazine, and quickly became a hot topic.
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Touya: You did behave, but just temporarily, like a paper mache. That’s why you got exposed quickly like this.
Chihiro: You bast---!

> Angry Chihiro left the meeting. Touya and Ango were told that the commercial for a cosmetics brand just got dropped because of this case.
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Chihiro: ...Dammit.

*(There was no need to fight, I’m not a kid, I know my position.)*

*(I should have stopped? There’s a weak person in front of me, am I supposed to just look at them and do nothing? Why...I didn’t do anything wrong.)*

> Touya received an incoming cal from Katsuragi Akihito.
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*Akihito: I saw it, Touya, the weekly magazine. What a disaster that was, about your member. See, this is the path that you chose.*

Touya: ...Hmm. What a cheap provocation.

Chihiro: What, GALAXY TOKYO’s new song will be released worldwide at the same time? Why do we have to change everything because of these guys?

> The world famous GALAXY TOKYO, who's also in Gold Stage, has suddenly announced their triumphant return to Japan. All medias' interest are on them, and the show that RayGlanZ was supposed to appear on had to be cancelled.
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Touya: We can’t change what has been decided. Superiority is decided by ranking, we can’t do anything.

*(I don’t know what else is up their sleeves next. But knowing them, they’d do it..)*

*(It’s like before.)*

*(Why is the obstacle before me is so powerful and hard to reach---)*

> Eventually, RayGlanZ's exposure was decreased. and the only relevant one is Kousaka Ango who is making a name with his appearance in dramas.
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> Their idol ranking has also dropped, which leads to fans beginning to talk about the rumors about their 'disband flag'...
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## Vol.4

> Chihiro and Ango was called to the President's office, regarding of the cancellation of their appearance in a program, their declining ranking and also about Touya.
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> The President then told them about Touya after Chihiro asked what does Touya have to do with this meeting.
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> Touya's father is the politician, Katsuragi Shirou.
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> Touya's current guardian is his aunt, and he was the one who requested to take the Munakata surname, and there was an agreement between Touya's aunt and his father that Touya would retire from the entertainment industry after graduating from high school.
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President: And that's why his father's trying to make him accept that promise.

> The timing of Ango's sudden acting offer and Chihiro's scandal now seem like done on purpose.
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> Suddenly, someone knocked on the door.
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> It was Touya, suddenly appeared at the office.
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Touya: I've caused trouble for you guys. I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but I have another one. I'll clear out my dorm shortly.

Chihiro: Are you gonna run away with your tail between your legs alone?

Touya: ---I have nowhere to escape. You don’t have to worry, I’ll not be a bother to you anymore.

Ango: Where are you headed to? Don't tell me, you're thinking about following what your dad say--

Touya: I climbed with these legs and grabbed them with these hands. I won't let anyone get in my way.

--If he intends to do that, I’m going to fight.

> Touya shook Ango away and left.
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> Only Chihiro and Ango are left behind.
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> The only way that they can overcome this situation is to raise their ranking, so that Touya's father can't reach them.
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Chihiro: ...Oi, Ango, I’ll ask you something. Are you willing to stay in RayGlanZ?
Ango: ...It’s obvious. I’m not willing to bet on a once in a lifetime chance.

> After confirming Ango's decision, Chihiro finally takes action.
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Chihiro: Follow me, Ango.

Ango: Where to?

Chihiro: At times like this, there’s someone we can depend on.

--

Chihiro: And because of that, I’m asking for your help.

Aki: E-eh, w-w-wait! W-w-what?

> Chihiro and Ango paid Maten Rocket a visit. With their heads bowed down, the two of them asked for their help.
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> They have no choice but to bet on the exposure from the Internet and SNS, using Maten Rocket's various ways to get the 'media appeal', which they are good at.
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> Right now, they are the only ones RayGlanZ can depend on.
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Zen: Making friends is our specialty! Leave it to us!
Junnosuke: Should we start the joint strategy meeting between Maten Rocket and RayGlanZ?

> At that time, Touya was arranging a meeting with his father, through his brother.
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Touya: I’ll find a way no matter what. The path that I walk on, even if it’s a railway, I’ll get rid of the shackles. I...with these hands...

## Vol.5

> Touya went to the place where he'll meet his father, that he hasn't met since 3 years ago.
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> To his father who have high standards, even the 'top' is the lowest line.
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> That's why he chose to reach the 'top' of the stage of his choice..
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*(I’ll decide my own worth. )*

> Touya ultimately decided to solidify his resolute decision.
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> There...
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Chihiro: Thing’s getting under the weather over here huh, Sly Gorilla.

> Chihiro and Ango approached Touya in both directions, making it's hard for Touya to get away.
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Touya: I am going to take responsibility. I’m not going to get you involved in my problem.

> As Touya said 'it's none of your business', Ango grabbed him as a response.
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Ango: Usui and I are both in this unit but we’re being treated like an outsider. So you’re saying you’re the only one in RayGlanZ?
--Don’t act like a perfectionist when you’re not perfect!

> Ango took a jab at Touya. RayGlanZ will climb to the top where the 'emperor' will fight, and it's not an 'empire' without the 'emperor'.
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Chihiro: If you need something, I can lend it to you...but what are you gonna do? The decision is in your hands. Three people are stronger than one. So what do you want to do?
Touya: ....I see. If you say so, I want to borrow it.

> Touya then asked the two of them about the counterattack they planned.
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Chihiro: We’re gonna do a guerilla live - right here, right now.
Ango: For the song, of course, our next release...『There's a light』

> If the media is unusable, then SNS can be used to appeal for their existence.
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> This is a new challenge for RayGlanZ.
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> There, Touya's older brother, Katsuragi Akihito appeared.
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Touya: Sorry. I got busy and had to clear my schedule. I have a job today. But it’s fine, just stand there and watch for a bit

> Touya declared a war as part of RayGlanZ.
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Touya: Kousaka, Usui, let’s go. This is how RayGlanZ will fight.

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Aki: Uwaah! RayGlanZ’s guerilla live video made a huge buzz again!

> The guerilla live which started as an idea by Maten Rocket then was held all across the country, and became a hot topic.
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> RayGlanZ finally pushed up their ranking again.
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> RayGlanZ came home safely, and Soushi asked them to appear on their livestream once again.
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Touya: Friday? I’m sorry, but I already have plans for that day. But if it’s another day, I’ll keep my schedule open.

> Soushi thanked him happily.
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Touya: Likewise.

> He's not used to being honest, but a solid trust to other has been built.
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> Their daily life then began to shine a little bit calmer than before.
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## Epilogue

Akihito: About that matter, I have talked it over with father. Your removal from the Katsuragi...it will be official very soon.

Touya: It took way too long.

Akihito: I know. I never knew my younger brother is this selfish to begin with anyway. Oh you weren't being selfish, you're actually serious.

Touya: ...Yeah.

Akihito: Here are the documents. When you finished filling it out, mail it to me. That's it for today. Oh, right. About RayGlanZ's 'There's a light'. It was my first time seeing you singing and dancing. It was pretty good.

Touya: ....

Touya: Pretty good, huh? Well, not quite perfect yet, there are some mistakes.

Akihito: I see. You go off on the path you chose now, and prove that the your choice is correct.

Touya: I'm going to do that even if you don't tell me to. It's time for you to go home. You're not gonna be in time for your next job if you stay here any longer. There are people who are waiting for you---

## Notes

* Chihiro finally called Touya by his name (even though it's just Munakata) after only calling him 'Gorilla'.