136: Tactician

—All right. I’m not sure what that Wataru of ours is doing, but I haven’t seen him around at all.

Even I can’t rein him in him offstage.

Well, we don’t have much time left, so why don’t we start our briefing session for the Eve of the MDM? I’d like to be able to have a thorough rehearsal, but we have only a sliver of time for that.

That’ll be a big help. This whole thing came out of the blue—Our children seem to be confused about it, as well…

I apologize for causing a stir right before the show, but I’d appreciate it if you can clear up our doubts.

You always act so distant and formal. Our Yuzuru is the same way, but it does seem a bit superficial to be so polite with the ones you’re about to charge into battle with.

But a hedge between keeps friendships green—isn’t that right, Eichi-sama?

To be honest, I dunno what I’d do if Yuzuru started talking like a delinquent like Oogami-senpai.

If you wish it, then I can adopt such mannerisms?

“By all means—shake to your very core, you esteemed, ignorant fools!”

Ahaha, you’ve been way more willing to play along lately, Yuzuru ♪

Yes, I quite like this turn of events. However, I’m sorry to say this isn’t a situation where we can indulge ourselves in idle chitchat—So let’s get down to business.

……

……

Fufu. I can imagine that Ayase-kun’s absence is why you’re in such bad form, but even you younger kids seem to be lacking enthusiasm.

Are you all right? Have I put too much pressure on you?

No, it’s more like what Tatsumi-senpai said. I’m just very confused.

I’ve been working toward the goal of destroying idols—but now I’ve realized that I’m actually saving them.

Like something out of a comedy, huh… I’m not really confused about anything. I’m actually pretty motivated, but I am definitely feeling the pressure.

Because like, up to now we were just a bunch of underachievers so pathetic we’d fly away if you just blew on us. And now suddenly we—we’re like the main characters or something.

It’s so nerve-wracking. I wasn’t even this nervous when I was taking my entrance exam.

Fufu. That’s something you’ll just have to get used to. Your circumstances and the way you respond to your surroundings will both shape your character.

I do apologize for pushing this burden on you, but there really is no other choice than to adequately adapt to your new role. It’s survival of the fittest, you see.

Yes. That reasoning is correct.

Ngh… But this isn’t some shounen manga, so it’s not like we can just go through some convenient training montage.

Oh, you stole my signature phrase.

Is that truly your signature phrase?

Eichi-sama says it every now and again. It’s not widely known, but of course I know it, since I’m his biggest fan.

Yes. It seems I’ve always been cast as the villain in a shounen manga who so conveniently exists to help the heroes grow and develop their skill.

But this time, I’ve been forced into a supporting role—the mentor, you could say.

Fufu. I’m sure this role is something Keito would much prefer. But instead, Akatsuki has become the target of Crazy:B’s poison.

He’s not exactly in a position right now where he can carry any extra baggage.

Baggage, you say?

Of course. It is a parent’s greatest joy to carry their children forward, but I wouldn’t want him throwing out his back…

So instead, I’ll be the one figuring out how to carry you along—of course, it would be even better if you could walk on your own two feet.

In any case, the Eve of the MDM is upon us. We decided to hold this event in quite a hurry, so in order to reduce the time and effort needed for preparations—

We were allowed to choose which idols will perform there.

In exchange, there is no fee for performing. Of course, that’s to be expected, since we’re the ones asking them to perform.

Hm. That’s very helpful. Even though the application fee for the actual MDM has been reduced so drastically—

It’s still a considerable burden on ALKALOID.

Yes. We canceled all of the lives we’d lined up to earn money for the MDM, all so we could focus entirely on the MDM itself.

Yep. They were small, but we still had to pay cancellation fees, and we had to buy new songs and replenish everything we needed on top of that.

And not to mention we have rent to pay, so even with the reduction we’re just barely hanging on.

Hmmm. Must suck being broke. Poor babies…

Sir, that isn’t something you should say at an official meeting.

Don’t get off track, now.

In any case, we did drive you all into your current financial crisis like that.

But there’s no time left—

We can’t just sit back and let you take your time to grow and nourish your ravenous spirits.

Ahh. So was that your intention all along?

It wasn’t just that. I had been pushing you around for various reasons.

And I’m still hoping that you will become useful pawns for me and for StarPro—no, for the whole idol industry.

……