Ichinose Ako/Journal

**Ako's Journal** - *Articles for those in the know about Shirai's "secret"!*

 The journal is an app within FreeSpace!, where we can see the latest news and gossip around the school as reported by Ako herself.
The real focus of the journal revolves around Shirai Hinako and the gossip Ako acquires in regards to Hinako.

 There are 11 journal entries all up.
For the purpose of integrity, the names have been kept Family name last per the NA version.

## Ako's Journal

### Enter the Problem Solver!

Rumors have been swirling that Hinako Shirai of Class 1-A has been knocking students' problems out left and right. This intrepid reporter asked Class 1-A's own Rin Sanada to set the record straight. According to her, Shirai has indeed been helping her classmates work through their issues.
*"Thanks to Shirai's advice, I'm finally able to face my troubles with a positive attitude. I'm super grateful."* said Sanada. With testimonials like that, you can be sure all eyes will be on Shirai from here on out!

### The Ringed Ladies

The Class 1-A trio of Hinako Shirai, Yuzuki Shijou, and Lime Shijou has been hot, hot, hot lately! Some say that if you befriend these three musketeers, you get an extra-special ring. Several cases have already been confirmed, to date. I pinged the ringbearers for comment as to why they're giving out these rings, but received no response. Little do they know, this reticence only intensifies their mystique!

### Magical Girls Repel Sephira!

Shirai, Yuzuki, and Lime, the three Reflector's (read: *magical girls*), are true heroes! They've been fighting to protect our school and students in secret, most recently fending off an attack from a giant Sephira and rescuing us from crisis. I witnessed the battle firsthand, and was profoundly impressed at the beauty of their magical outfits and the uniqueness of their weapons. If you're worried about missing out on the excitement, worry no more -- this intrepid reporter will attend every battle and report all of the gory details!

### The Pianist and the Magical Girls

Reports have come in that Magical Girl Shirai has been playing a part in genius pianist Fumio Taya of Class 1-B's practice performances! In order to verify this information, I sat down for a direct interview with Fumio. Quote Fumio, *"Of course Shirai's supporting me. Her advice helped me out of a slump once before!"*
The rumor was true. From relationship advice to brilliant piano support, there truly is nothing the multi-talented Shirai can't do. Stay tuned for more riveting reports!

### A Trio of Detectives!?

The Magical Girl Trio seems to have been branching out! Reports have come in that the three were involved in the search for the culprit behind the track team's peeping incident. Why they were doing this is unclear, since they have no known affiliation to said track team.
In a shocking twist of events, the culprit was discovered before the girls could solve the case. However, if other such unsavory incidents happen again in the future, the would-be detectives may leap back into action. Will the girls crack the case next time?!
If they do, we'll have the story first!

### Sephirot Attack Again

Once more, the school was beset by a giant Sephira, impacting a number of girls in the process (yours truly included). But, as one might expect, the Magical Girl Trio swooped in to save the day! Particularly noteworthy were the activities of the supporters, who aided the fab three in their fight. In addition to their increase in numbers, each supporter added her own unique special skills to the mix. For more on the Stepping-Up Supporters, keep your eyes glued to this site!

### Casting Controversy!?

Rumors are flying that the lead role in the "The Little Mermaid" - the play scheduled to be performed at the culture festival - will be recast. At the culture festival meeting the other day, Shirai suggested that an audition be held. As if that weren't enough cause for commotion, she will be competing against Mao Ninagawa of Class 1-B. Ninagawa, for those who don't know, has been an actress since childhood. Some students say that the lead change is all but certain, but who knows what the audition may bring?
As one of the authors of the script, I'll be paying EXTRA close attention to the audition.

### Whiz-Kid Meets Magical Girl!?

All the hottest gossip claims that Shirai's joined a joint research project with our school's resident genius, Yuri Saiki of Class 1-A. I sat down for a face-to-face interview with Saiki to get the facts straight from the prodigy's mouth, but she claims the rumor is nothing but horsefeathers!
*"No, I am not conducting any research with, or on her. That said, we do chat in my lab or in various diners from time to time,"* shared Saiki. It seems the rumors grew out of witnesses misunderstanding why Shirai was entering Saiki's lab or spending time with her.

### Lead Role Cast! Congratulations!!

After the previously reported auditions, the lead actor in *"The Little Mermaid"* has been confirmed. Defying public expectations, Shirai secured the role. According to sources close to the matter, Ninagawa stepped down without waiting for the results of the audition, thus automatically designating Shirai as the lead. When asked for comment, the newly-appointed lead had the following to say: *"Just as with ballet, I'll try to give our audience the best performance I can."* All eyes will assuredly be on Shirai's nuanced acting!

### Sephira Successfully Slain!

The other day, the Magical Girl Trio (and we incredibly awesome supporters) succeeded in annihilating a second Sephira. This victory was met with smiles all around. The following are comments from the members: *"Things were dangerous for a while there, but I sure am glad we were able to defeat it!"*
*"Let's keep beating them back, one by one!"*
Will we be able to go three for three...? Only time will tell.

### Is the Trio Disbanding!?

The Magical Girl Trio is on the brink of a breakup! The horrifying truth has been revealed: Magical Girls Yuzuki and Lime have been dead since they arrived at this school. More horrifying still, it seems that they'll disappear if the next Sephira is defeated...
Should that happen, the Magical Girl Trio will be over by default. As their devoted scribe and friend, words cannot describe the sadness I feel.
There must be some alternative. Dear readers, let us never give up hope until the end. Until the very end....