T.O.P Idol Show! - Team Iris

## Part 1

――One day at Shirasu House,
 ♪〜♪〜〜♪〜
Choreographer: Alright, that’s it for now. We’ll continue after a quick break.
All: Thank you!
It’s the first day of 『T.O.P Idol SHOW!!』.
The six members who had chosen the ‘hope’ team ahead of others, have started their training camp.

=
Soushi: …Haa…haaa
Zen: I’m beat~
Tatsuma: Are you guys alright? Here, have some water.
Hiro: Isn’t the dance a bit too hard? I haven’t even memorized the sequence yet. My head is gonna burst.
Genshin: Me too, Igarashi. Since I’m always with Uta, the dance positions never changed this much.
Hiro: I can’t even take a video of it since our phones are confiscated.
Soushi: Then, should we ask Aki if we can borrow his recording equipment? Wait, we can’t even contact him…
Azusa: \*sighs\*
Tatsuma: Azusa, you okay?
Azusa: Ah, yeah.
Tatsuma: That’s great. I thought you were worried about what Kitora-san said this morning.
## Azusa: Huh? Right…
Kitora: I’ll repeat. Starting from today, the six members who chose 『Team Hope』 will stay for a week for the training camp.
First off, we will assign each team with one song.
You will attend lessons during the camp for the upcoming concert in February, so work to improve your performance!
The performance will be performed live and the audience will be asked to evaluate the fruits of your labor.
The team with the highest evaluation points will receive a reward, so don’t lose out to other teams, and do your best!
All: Alright!
Kitora: Sounds good~ That motivated look on your face suits the name of your team.
By the way, you chose this team because you want to become idols who can give hope to other people.
For you to give hope to them, what should you do?
All: …
Kitora: Too bad, time’s up!
Hiro: Already!?
Kitora: You have to answer quickly if you want to reach your goal, so I’ll give you a task for each of you to answer.
Zen: A task?
Kitora: Yes. A center will be chosen after that.
All: !?!?
Kitora: As a member of 『Team Hope』, how do you express the team’s name in the performance?
## Find the answer, and the person who can express it properly will be chosen as the center in the performance.
Producer: Why are you making the members fight for the center?
Kitora: Something wrong with that?
Producer: Eh, no, just…
Kitora: …Listen, we’re making a show here. This is entertainment. Surely you understand that.
Producer: Yes.
Kitora: And this is a reality show. Which part do you think will make the viewers get emotional when watching this show?
Producer: By looking at them doing their best?
Kitora: Nope, that can’t be used.
If the kids just showed that they are working hard, the viewers won’t have any reactions other than “ah~they are working hard”.
What they need is a wall to break and how high it is.
The stronger the impact, the more they struggle to overcome the obstacle.
And then, the results of how they overcome that will leave a deep impression on the viewers’ hearts.
If they want to give 『hope』, let each of these kids find it in their own hardship.
It’s the best way to show the audience how they find hope in adversity.
Producer: …
Kitora: Well, they are not obligated to do so. If they don't want to remember their old wound, or if they don’t want to fight with others, just take part in becoming a candidate for the center.
To be honest, the center position is not a big deal.
This time, the process is more important than the end result.
## How to convey hope as an idol…they need to find that out.
Tatsuma: Anyway, I didn’t expect he’d be choosing the center now.
Azusa: And the audition is even on the last day of the training camp.
Genshin: Personally, I don’t understand the concept of a center to begin with, so I don’t really have the image for it.
Soushi: We have to decide whether we’re auditioning for the center part by this evening.
Hiro: The judge said he’d invite a famous person. He also said that this audition isn’t mandatory, but…what should we do?
Azusa: ・Soushi: ・Tatsuma: ・Genshin: …
Zen: Why are you guys being so worried about this?
Azusa: ・Tatsuma: ・Genshin: ……！
Zen: I’m gonna give it a go!
If you have something you want to convey, you need to step forward.
People who are just standing still and hesitating, I’m not feeling any kind of “hope” from you.
Hiro: Hehe…you’ve said it, Zen.
Zen: Besides, if I become the center, Maten Rocket would also be the center! Nahahahaha!!
Soushi: Zen…
## Tatsuma: Haha…he’s fired up.
Kitora: I’m here to take your 「hope」. If you’re running for the center position, please come forward!
Hiro: ・Zen・Tatsuma: Here!
Kitora: I see. Igarashi-kun, Akashi-kun and Iseya-kun came forward first.
Hiro: It’s because of what Zen said before. I decided that I won’t stand still and do nothing!
Zen: ? What did I say before?
Hiro: Oi oi, were you unaware of that—
Tatsuma: Me too, it’s an opportunity for me. Being in Just 4U also makes me feel like this.
Up until now, I’ve never competed with the other members. Since I’m given a chance like this, I’d like to test my strength.
And like Zen said earlier, I also want to carry Just 4U’s name.

Genshin: I want to try it out too.
I’ve always wanted to be in La-Veritta with Uta. That’s why if I miss out this time, I won’t have another chance to experience being the center.
Soushi: I guess I want to run for it too.
When Zen said he’s doing this for Maten Rocket, I felt and thought that I can rely on him.
But I can’t just leave everything to Zen.
I want to be a leader who can carry the wishes from both the fans and the members of Maten Rocket.
Azusa: ・Tatsuma: …
Soushi: I also think that it’d be rude to Zen if I pull myself out of this just because we’re in the same unit, since he is doing this challenge seriously.
Right, Zen?
Zen: Soushi…hehe
Kitora: So are the five you okay with this?
Azusa: Wait. I…I think I’ll participate as well.
Hiro: Azusa…!
Azusa: Everyone else is trying to aim for the top. I’m not going to be the only one who is falling behind. Besides, I already took a step forward and started walking, so I’m not going to stop.
Let’s work hard together, Hiro.
Hiro: ..Yes!
Zen: So everyone became a candidate. There is no shortage of opponents! Right!
Azusa: I won’t lose, Zen.
Zen: Same here! But be prepared for when I become the center!
Kitora: Then everyone, show me your symbol of hope. Who gets to sit on the throne as the center?
Come and show me the hot drama.
All: Understood!!!
**Part 1-2**
—Second day of the training camp.
 ♪〜♪〜〜♪〜〜
Zen: …5,6,7,8…
Haa…haa…how is it, Soushi!
Soushi: Yeah, it was perfect. As expected of Zen.
Meanwhile I’m barely starting to learn this dance.
Zen: Hehe, well…
But something seems a bit strange to me. Especially the interlude part.
Soushi: ? I don’t think there’s any problem with the tempo and timing.
Zen: Hm…
Genshin: I-I’m sorry, Konno-san!
Zen:・Soushi: ?
Genshin: I got the position wrong just now. I keep losing my footing, I’m so sorry.
Azusa: It’s fine. There’s a lot to remember and it can get confusing.
Genshin: …Okay.
I don’t want to make excuses, but this is my first time learning a song with changing positions like this. I have to remember not only my own position, but also the position of the other members, so it’s hard to move properly.
Looking at it, I can’t help but to feel amazed at other units.
Hiro: This time, we have to learn the center’s position as well as the side position.
We have to memorize both, so it’s getting messed up.
Tatsuma: And we even have to show both at the audition.
Hiro: Tatsuma-san. Could you teach me a little bit? Everything is still vague to me.
Tatsuma: Of course. I’ll go over it with you until you can grasp it.
Zen: …
Soushi: What’s wrong? You seem to be engrossed with something.
Zen: Hm? Ah, it’s nothing. I just think everything is going well now. Everyone, good luck…
To compete with you guys…
## （What can I do at that time even if I wanted to…）
(Monologue is by Zen)
It was before Zen entered Dear Production, and he was still in middle school.
Teammate A: Zen!!
Zen: Alright, leave it to me! Everything is in my hands!
 \*whistle blows\*
TeammateＢ: Great! Nice shoot!
I was in the soccer club for about three years, and I was the undisputed ace in the team.
My position was center forward. For those three years, my jersey number has always been 10.
I’d be sweating like crazy everyday while practicing until it gets dark.
I’d only looked at the goalpost and went straight forward to it. Running, and running.
However, when the last game in my middle school approached…
Zen: Oi…! It’s our chance before half-time…why does no one come up to the front?!
Teammate A : Sorry! I thought Zen would be able to handle it by yourself!
 ◇◇◇◇◇
Captain: Well, for the next practice match…
TeammateＢ: Anyhow, this time let’s all pass the ball to Zen again.
Our ace is someone who’s gone in many matches after all!
TeammateＣ: That’s for certain. I agree—
Zen: …
 ◇◇◇◇◇
During the last summer in middle school, the preliminary round for the prefectural tournament.
 \*whistle blows\*
Zen: …Shit! If only I had just one minute…!
TeammateＡ: Zen. Um…
All: We all think you’ve done your best.
TeammateＢ: This is frustrating, but we can always try again in high school.
If it’s Zen, I’m sure that you can even aim higher.
Zen: —...
I can’t forget the looks on their faces at that time.
Even though we lost, I was the only one in regret, while everyone else somehow just laughed.
(Ah, so that is what it is.)
At that time, I’ve finally realized the faint sense of feeling out of place.
I’m pretty sure I was the only one who ran wholeheartedly.
No wonder I couldn’t give them a pass when I wanted to.
Because I was the only one near the goal.
## After all, I was already alone.
Zen: (I thought it’d happen again, but this time it’s different. That’s why…)
Soushi: Zen…?
Zen: Hey, Soushi. I’ll definitely defeat everyone and grab the center.
Soushi: Fufu. Sure. However, I won’t lose to you too.
## Zen: Alright.
 ♪〜♪〜〜♪〜
Zen: 3,4, 5 and. 6 and, 7, 8
## Hm…it’s weird. I still feel there’s something wrong with the interlude.
Zen: Ahhh~ I don’t get it. But first, I’ll try it one more time!
Azusa: (Zen is by himself at this hour…)
Tatsuma: Huh, Azusa?
Azusa: Ah, Akashi. Muscle training?
Tatsuma: Ah, well…something like that. Haha
Azusa: ?
Tatsuma: Anyway Zen is seriously giving his all.
He has been practicing every night since the start of the training camp until the lights go off.
Azusa: Yeah. He’s reliable, but he’s scary when it comes to his rivals.
Tatsuma: I agree.
Azusa: Hey, Akashi. You noticed something strange with the dance too, right?
Tatsuma: Hm? Yeah, it’s that interlude part.
Azusa: Yes. It doesn’t go well with the concept explained by the song producer.
It should not be this strange if it was taught by the choreographer, but…
I was thinking, perhaps, this was done on purpose.
Tatsuma: Eh? On purpose…Are you saying that the choreography was intentionally strange on purpose?
Azusa: It may be just my false assumption, but…
I thought they may have intended it to be so while planning the show.
If that’s the case, should I point it out or just go along with it?
I don’t know what’s the correct choice.
Tatsuma: …You’re amazing, Azusa. To be thinking of that.
Azusa: I’m not. Rather, with that in mind, I’ll just have to work harder, compared to Zen who’s after the performance.
An idol who can give hope is an idol who can be the center…
Maybe the power to pull people with just pure charm, and not using logic, is necessary, like what Zen has.
Tatsuma: Azusa…
Azusa: What are we looking for as an idol? What are the things we can do as idols?
When you give it some thought, it becomes difficult, isn’t it?

# Training Camp Day 4
Hiro: ・Azusa: ・Zen・Soushi: …
Genshin: —I’m very sorry.
Soushi: Genshin-san, are you okay with that?
Genshin: …Yeah. I don’t think this suits me.
If it’s just music, I’m confident with it, since I’m in La-Veritta. But no matter how, I just can’t catch up with the dance.
I can’t even overcome my own challenges, how am I supposed to stand in the center and be someone’s “hope”?
That’s why…I’m withdrawing from this audition.
Hiro・Azusa ・Soushi: …
Genshin: I leave it to you guys. I’m sure that no matter who gets to be the center, they will be able to deliver hope.
Zen: …Why…why are you smiling?
Genshin: …Huh?
We all think you’ve done your best.
This is frustrating, but you can always try again in high school.
If it’s Zen, I’m sure that you can even aim higher.
Zen: …Tsk.
 \*sfx running\*
Tatsuma: I’m sorry! I was late!
Zen: !
Soushi: …Tatsuma-san.
Tatsuma: …Um…are you guys in the middle of something?

Zen: We’re done talking.
Tatsuma: …
Zen: Tatsuma, you used to be so energetic in the morning when you were still doing club activities. You overslept the day before yesterday, and now you’re late to the meeting.
Tatsuma: Zen, it’s not that. I…
Zen: …
Soushi: Zen, wait…!
 \*sfx door shutting\*
Hiro ・Azusa・Genshin: …
## Tatsuma: …Tsk
Kitora: Look~ didn’t things get more interesting?
The training camp has come to the end, and suddenly someone announced that they are giving up the audition.
Then someone makes the atmosphere even worse by oversleeping.
I wonder what will happen next…
Producer: It is getting interesting, but why are you so carefree about this? The timing with these two…
And Tatsuma-san’s expression…there must be something going on.
Kitora: Of course. This is staged after all.
Producer: : …Huh?
Kitora: I gave the instructions to both Shimizu-kun and Akashi-kun and they did what I told them to.
Producer: : !?
Wait…why? Staged?
Are you saying that you purposely did this to cause tension between them?
Kitora: Yes, as I told you.
What do you need to move the audiences’ hearts? In this era saturated with idols, is there any demand for shows where people just hold hands and work hard together to cross the finishing line?
The past, sufferings, failures, conflicts—
It’s one of the elements that decorate and paint the idols. This staged scene is part of that, with the member who committed a mistake. How will the member who offered to withdraw regain their trust? What kind of drama will happen, and what will be derived from that?
Aren’t you curious about that? Are you intrigued?
Producer: How could you…
Kitora: Hey, look at this. If we put up an announcement that there will be an audition to choose the center of the team, it’s gonna blow up on social media.
Producer: …
Kitora: You should pay attention to the audiences’ voices. When you know what they want, pick it up and you won’t have a lot to worry about.
The part where they were given instructions by the staff will be edited so the audience can understand the flow. They are expecting conflict too.
## What kind of drama will come out from a staged scene and what kind of development will they show?
Tatsuma: …Haa. That was intense.
Azusa: Hey.
Tatsuma: ! It’s you, Azusa.
Um…haha. I’m sorry. The atmosphere got bad.
Azusa: Akashi, I’m sorry if I’m wrong with this, but did you get any instruction from the production staff?
Tatsuma: ! W-hat
Azusa: …It’s my intuition. Or, I’d rather say it’s a speculation.
Tatsuma: ...
Azusa: However, there is one thing that I did not speculate. Akashi,you’re not someone who’d make a mistake in an important situation. Right?
Tatsuma: Azusa…
Well, I’m not a match for you. You’re right. Remember when you met me at the lesson room at night the other day? At that time, I was on my way back after meeting Kitora. He told me to oversleep and come late the next day.
Azusa: I see.
Tatsuma: To be honest, I was confused. I don’t know if that is what I have to do, but I’m sure there’s a meaning to it.
I don’t know what’s the answer to that yet, but I hope that I can find it by the end of the camp.
Azusa: Is that so…
Tatsuma: Thank you for noticing it. He told me not to tell anyone so I can’t talk about it.
I feel at ease because it’s Azusa who knows the truth.
Azusa: Yeah
Tatsuma: Hey, Azusa. Remember when we talked the other day? About various things that are on your mind. When you compare yourself to Zen who can run straight forward.
Azusa: ? Yeah
Tatsuma: I don’t think you’re inferior to him at all. The various You’re able to think about the various possibilities and hidden intentions. That’s amazing.
Besides, you’re able to do so because of your past experiences that you build up.
Therefore, I see it as your weapon.
Azusa: …!
Tatsuma: Of course, being genuine and straightforward are what I think of as weapons too, but that’s not all.
Azusa: Akashi…
Tatsuma: There is no correct answer for it, so you surely can find the answer for each of them. Kitora-san told us that before. Everyone has different ways to think and express themselves.
I think it’s nice to have your own method.
Azusa: —You’re right.
Tatsuma: As you can see now, because of your “speculation”, you became a great help to me.
Azusa: …Thank you, Akashi. Let’s do our best together.
## Tatsuma: Yeah!
Soushi: Zen.
Zen: \*pants\* Yeah?
Soushi: Are you practicing by yourself again?
Zen: Well yeah.
Soushi: There are two days left until the audition. How are you doing?
Zen: What’s up with you, being formal like this. As you can see, I’m in great shape!
My dancing is perfect! My singing, well, it’s almost perfect.
Soushi: Fufu…I see.
Zen: Hey, Soushi. As expected, the more people are around, the harder it is for everyone to look at the same path and work together.
I know that you, Junnosuke and Aki aren’t like this. We can look at the same path and run together. That’s why, I took that for granted and forgot about it.
Soushi: …
Zen: But, it’s alright. I’ll do my best and end it with a bang.
Soushi: Thank you, Zen.
Zen: ??
Soushi: You’re always like that, just looking straight forward. I, too, wish to move forward just like you.
## —And the 7th day, the last day of the training camp has arrived
Tatsuma: It’s time.
Azusa: That’s right.
Hiro: What to do~ I’m nervous~ The judge is a really popular celebrity…
Soushi: You’re right. The music producer is from a major record company and the dance trainer has worked overseas too.
Genshin: Not just that, the vocal trainer is also really famous.
Zen: That’s why the lessons were so hard for the past week. I’ve done all of them, so what’s left is to end this with a huge impact.
Azusa: ・Hiro: ・Soushi: ・Tatsuma: ・Genshin: —
Kitora: Alright, everyone. Sorry for the wait. We’ll start the audition right away. Starting with entry number one - Just 4U・Akashi Tatsuma
Tatsuma: —Alright!

Part 2-2
　♪〜♪〜♪〜〜
## Tatsuma: \*pants\* Thank you!
Judge・Dancer: No, actually, your technical skills are not half-baked at all. If Tatsuma-kun becomes the center, the bar for the team’s dancing skills has been raised high.
Tatsuma: Thank you!
Kitora: Akashi-kun, do you remember the question that I asked at the beginning of the camp?
About how can you give hope to others? So what answer did you find?
Tatsuma: I…For me, it’s trust.
I want to become an idol that can be trusted, by building a relationship made with trust with fans.
Kitora: What do you mean?
Tatsuma: Without trust, your voice can’t reach them. If there is no trust, there will be no expectations, and no one’s going to come to me. It takes more than just a one-way thought to give people hope.
That’s why I think that the first step to becoming an idol who can give hope is to become someone that everybody can trust. For that to happen, I need to face it with all my might and give a convincing performance.
Kitora: I see…that’s nice.
You’re someone who has unconditional trust and is dependable by everyone. I wondered what you would do when you faced adversity.
I’m glad that you learned something from the task that I gave you.
Zen: …Task?
 ◇◇◇◇◇
Kitora: Next is entry number 4: La-Veritta・Shimizu Genshin.
Genshin: —Yes.
## (I’m sure that the reason why I was given that task is to let me be selfish. And that to teach me that I cannot move forward if I’m afraid to face the trouble. That’s why…)
Genshin: I’m sorry for troubling you by taking back what I said before but…
Let me participate in tomorrow’s audition.
Zen・Soushi: !
Genshin: The attitude of not giving up even when facing a huge obstacle, I think it will lead to 『hope』, so I had reconsidered my withdrawal.
Azusa: Of course that’s fine. Are you doing well with your lessons?
Genshin: Yes. I have been practicing by myself. I also had help about the positioning with the choreographer.
Tatsuma: I see. Then, before the lights go off, why don’t we practice with Genshin in the center position for once?
## Genshin: …Thank you!
 ♪〜♪〜〜♪〜
Genshin: (I hope I made a little progress there.)
Kitora: —Alright, thank you. Then, next is entry number 5 - Maten Rocket・ Iseya Zen.
 ◇◇◇◇◇
Zen: \*pants\*
Judge・Dancer: Hm, your dancing level is high, I like it! You make the stage brighten up!
Judge・Music Producer: And you know how to bring out your charm.
Zen: Thank you.
Kitora: But that’s all you have. You have always been like this, you don’t even make eye contact with the members during the performance.
Zen: !
Kitora: You see, being a center means you are in a position where you have to carry not only the hopes of the fans, but the members as well. You should not leave behind people who are slow just because you are already looking far ahead.
Zen: …
Kitora: Alright. Next is entry number 6 - SP!CA・Konno Azusa.
Azusa: Okay. Excuse me, but before the performance starts, may I have a talk with the members first?
Kitora: ? Go on.
Azusa: I’m sorry everyone, but I have a request. I have been worried about the choreography ever since we learned about it, but there’s indeed something wrong with the interlude part. Could we change the sequence a bit?
Hiro: ・Zen・Soushi: ・Tatsuma: ・Genshin: !?
Azusa: The song concept is 『hope』, but this is the only part that doesn’t go well with the song. In this part, I want us to move a bit closer.
Zen: Is it okay to change it?
Azusa: …I thought this was the 『correct answer』 if I did not change it, but I realized that I would have regretted it if I don’t do this.
That feeling should be the 『correct answer』 .
I want to trust my own gut. I apologize for this, but I request for your cooperation.
Tatsuma: —I understand. Let’s do it.
Azusa: Thank you.
 ◇◇◇◇◇
 　♪〜♪〜♪〜〜
Kitora: Alright, great job!
Azusa: Thank you!
Zen: …
(The uneasy feeling is definitely gone. I danced well too. And the music producer said I fit the concept.)
…
(It’s also better than the other day)
(But—)
…I don’t know what’s going on.
Kitora: I haven’t said anything about what’s wrong.
By the way, the dance was deliberately made to be strange on purpose.
All: ！
Judge・Dancer: It seems that some people have noticed it, but only Azusa-kun had changed the choreography.
You considered everyone’s standing positions so that their facial expression can be seen, so you changed the sequence. What are your thoughts about the arrangement concept?
Azusa: When I thought of delivering hope, the first thing that came to mind was "to look forward together”. It’s difficult to look forward when you’re by yourself, so when you’re with someone, it’s possible to do it.
That is what…my precious members had taught me.
To do that, I thought it was necessary to listen and think carefully about what they are looking for. This is my weapon of choice - looking around and listening to words that I cannot see.
And I intend to use my weapon to the best of my ability.
Hiro: ・Tatsuma: Azusa…
Zen: …
Kitora: That’s good. I think you were able to show it.
It seems that Konno-kun was able to notice the choreography issue, but also Akashi-kun’s task.
Soushi: Um…what exactly is the task you have been mentioning?
Kitora: I was the one who instructed Akashi-kun to be late for the meeting.
Zen・Soushi: …!?
Kitora: I also instructed Shimizu-kun to announce his withdrawal. Igarashi-kun was also instructed to do something, but he refused to do it.
Hiro: Uu…I’m sorry, I can’t just skip dance lessons.
Kitora: Well, it’s fine, because you’re free to decline it.
Zen: The hell was that? Instructions—
(So I’ve been disappointing myself without knowing?)
(I was confused so I decided to work alone.)
(But Azusa was able to notice that…)
Kitora: —Then it’s about time. Shall we announce this audition’s result?
Zen: (Why? This is…this is…)
## Kitora: The person who won the center position for the hope team this time is—
 \*knock knock\*
Zen: Producer.
Producer: Zen-san, thank you for your work.
Zen: Thanks.
…Um, Producer. I don’t know what to do. I failed even before the audition.
I don’t know if I’m ashamed or regretful.
Producer: …Zen-san.
Well, yeah…to be honest, I don’t agree with how the show was constructed, but since you were able to learn a thing or two there…
Zen-san, take a look at this video.
Zen: Video?
Producer: Yes. Actually, while I was searching for the show’s impressions posted by the audience on social media, I found a post that got me interested.
I made contact with this person and found out that he was in the same soccer club as you back in middle school.
Zen: !
Producer: I asked him if he could send a video message that would help you for the training camp.
I couldn’t show it to you while recording for the show, so please take a look at it.
## Zen: …
Middle School Teammate A: 『Zen, it’s been a while!』
Middle School Teammate B:『Somehow, this feels weird but…when Zen is on the TV, I always watched you.』
Middle School Teammate C: 『I also been watching the livestream of this training camp, and as expected, you’re still awesome!』
『You’re always positive and move forward without stopping. Just looking at you gives us strength.』
Middle School Teammate A:『When I saw you on the saw, I remembered the times when we were in middle school.』
『That we could’ve been gone to the nationals if we kept up with you at that time.』
Middle School Teammate B: 『Every time I think back about it, I feel ashamed and frustrated, but we were not able to catch up with your pace at all at that time.』
『I apologize for making you to work hard on your own.』
Middle School Teammate C: 『Like in our last match, we thought we should not cry in front of you, so we didn’t and put up with it.』
Middle School Teammate A:『True. We did our best to smile.』
Middle School Teammate B: 『But now, it seems like you have friends who can keep up with your pace, so I’m glad about it!』
## Middle School Teammate A: 『We’ll cheer for you. Grab that center position, Ace!』
Zen: …what…what was that…
So I’ve been selfish and made my own assumptions since back then…
Kitora: I told you before, don’t leave people who are slower than you behind…
That’s what I wanted to show you.
Producer: …
Zen: It’s not like no one came after me.
I…I…I just can’t see them. They can’t match my walking speed and stride.
That’s why I…completely…l-lost…
I did not improve at all…
Producer: It’s not like that. If you realize the reason why you lost, then that is definitely an improvement.
Zen: …
Producer: Besides, Zen’s greatest weapon is the ability to look straight ahead and move at full speed!
The time when you’re preparing to debut, the time when you suggested doing a guerilla live at a night when it rained heavily…
And when you took Aki-san’s hand and ran away that evening…
Zen-san’s weapon is what had brought Maten Rocket this far.
Zen: Producer…
Producer: Zen-san was able to improve one more thing during this training camp.
I am sure that you will be able to grow even more in the future, and not just with this weapon, but with more and more weapons.
By then, Zen-san, you will surely…
Zen: Y..you’re right…well…I’m the strongest after all!
## Producer: —You’re right.
Hiro: Mitsuki~ Takumi~ Samon~
It’s over~ I don’t want any more of this~
Genshin: Haha. We’re getting closer to getting our smartphones back to contact our fellow members.
Tatsuma: Well you’re just planning to eat sweets as soon as we’re done.
Genshin: Ah, you’re right…haha. It was forbidden in the training camp.
Soushi: I have some tea, Genshin-san. If it’s okay with you, would everyone like to join?
Azusa: Thank you, I’ll accept it. I’m relieved that our everyday life is back.
Tatsuma: We’re going to hand this over to the next team, so after we take a short break, we’ll have to leave.
 \*sfx door opening\*
Producer: Everyone.
Azusa: ・Soushi: ・Tatsuma: ・Genshin: !
Hiro: P-chan!
Producer: Thank you for your hard work in completing the training camp. And Azusa-san…
Azusa: Yes.
Producer: Congratulations on winning the center.
Azusa: Thank you. I’ll stand proudly before you this time.
Producer: Good.
Zen: Congrats, Azusa.
Azusa: Zen…thanks. I’m glad to be able to fight against you.
Zen: Yeah. It’s frustrating, but I also feel the same. I’m relying on you, center.
Azusa: Leave it to me.
『I’m going to be fine, because I’m me.』, because the center thinks so.

Hiro: ..Hehe.
Producer: —Alright everyone, it’s time. Please get ready, we’re moving to the hotel.
Hiro: Eh~~ it’s that time already? I haven’t even drank the tea Soushi prepared yet!
Tatsuma: Drink quickly! It’s not good to waste it!
Zen: Soushi, I want some too!
Soushi: Fufu, there’s still some left.
Genshin: Hot…!
Azusa: Be careful, Shimizu.
## Producer: Haha, good grief…
Producer: …\*sighs\*
(There are two teams left)
Kitora: You look tired. Here, have some coffee.
Producer: Ah, Kitora-san. Thanks.
…
Um, is it going to be like this in the future too?
Kitora: Who knows~
I’ll know when I get to see the members.
It would not be interesting if we do the same thing and create the same drama.
Producer: …Drama, huh..
Um…I think it’s a bit too much. It’s a bit harsh.
They are still high school students, not full grown adults.
The adults are the ones who should protect them on the show, for their own convenience.
That’s—
Kitora: Yeah, yeah, you’re right, whatever you said.
I’m going to the next meeting, so I’ll be off now. Oh, and say hi to President Aieda for me.
Producer: …
The President is one thing too, what is he thinking…