haranami

Tori: ‘Scuuuse me! 

Wait, is no one else here? Looks like we’re the first to arrive.

Yuzuru: Yes, it appears so. I haven’t received any messages on Hold Hands either.

Tori: It’s the end of the year, so I guess everyone’s super busy. Hibiki-senpai’s a whole other beast, but I’m worried about Eichi-sama… What if he collapsed or something?

Yuzuru: There’s no need to look so sullen. I’m sure he’s simply running late, caught up in some other task.

Today is a holiday that we of fine have established for ourselves. I have no doubt that they’ll arrive soon.

Tori: Mhm… That’s right. It’s important to take breaks — especially when you’re busy — and that’s exactly why we came up with these Eichi Days.

I wanna ease all of Eichi-sama’s worries, so I’ve gotta keep a smile on my face!

Yuzuru: Fufu. You never cease to impress me, Young Master. Yes, please keep at it ♪

Allow me to prepare tea and refreshments while we wait.

Tori: Oh, I can take care of the snacks.

Yuzuru: There’s no need to trouble yourself so. I am your butler; it is my duty to do such things.

Tori: It’s no trouble at all! I’m the one who picked everything out, so I wanna lay them out myself.

Yuzuru: Are you quite certain? This is a special occasion: Eichi Day. It would be my pleasure to devote every waking hour to waiting on you… 

Tori: I’m not a little kid, and I’ve told you time and time again to stop treating me like one. All I need to do is put these cakes on a plate. 

I’ll pick them up nice and gently so that they don’t get all squished… See, I can do it too! Easy peasy, cakey no squeezy ♪

Eichi: It seems like you two are having fun. Won’t you let me join you?

Tori: …Oh, it’s Eichi-sama and Hibiki-senpai!

Eichi: Sorry to keep you waiting, Tori. And you as well, Yuzuru.

Tori: It’s okay! I’m just glad that you’re here now. I guess I was right — you must be busy, huh?

Eichi: I’m afraid so, but I’m certainly not alone. Everyone’s up to their ears in work at this time of year.

The SS finale is just around the corner, and to add insult to injury, filming sessions for New Year TV programs are happening every other day.

Of course, there’s a plethora of other jobs to do. We all have magazine interviews to attend, guest appearances to make, and the list goes on… I’m sure every single unit is running on a tight schedule.

This is ES’s first New Year, so I’ve naturally been rushed off my feet trying to deal with everything.

Wataru: In that case, I’ll have to hold on to you more tightly! Come, Eichi — won’t you give me your hand and allow me the pleasure of a dance? ♪ [1]

Let us sing, oh let us spin and sway! You're a fool to dance, a fool to watch! If you're a fool either way, what a loss not to dance! A loss, a loss…☆ [2]

Tori: Quit calling Eichi-sama a fool! Besides, he’s probably all tuckered out, so you can’t force him to move around.

Now that we’re all here, we should sit down and drink our tea before it gets cold.

Eichi: Yes, that sounds like a plan… Yuzuru, aren’t you going to embrace Tori today? What happened to those butler-ly desires of yours? [3]

Yuzuru: Not at the moment. For now, I’ll simply enjoy the refreshments he’s purchased, but rest assured that I’ll give him plenty of hugs later on.

Wataru: What’s this? Did Himegimi pick out these cakes for us? We’ve each been given different types! 

Tori: Mhm! I chose an elegant opera cake for Eichi-sama, and a sweet-and-sour chocolat rouge for Hibiki-senpai.

The tart with heaps of strawberries on it is for Yuzuru, and the sachertorte is mine. I bought everything at a patisserie that Shiratori showed me~

Eichi: Shiratori-kun? …That’s right, you performed together as a Shuffle Unit a short while ago, didn’t you? 

Tori: Yep. He pointed the store out to me when we were on our way home from a Branco photoshoot. Apparently, it’s super famous, and celebrities visit all the time.

We’re actually gonna meet up tomorrow ‘cause we’ve got Branco work to do, so I bought a whole cake for us to share~

Shiratori said that everything’s too fancy for him and way out of his budget… I wonder if he’ll get all surprised? ♪ 

Eichi: Fufu. Nothing makes me happier than to see you look so excited. Everyone’s singing your praises; even I’ve been hearing people laud you nonstop. It seems Branco was a smash hit.

As StarPro’s representative, I’ve yet another reason to celebrate this success. Thank you for going above and beyond my expectations.

Tori: Ehehe. I’m Branco’s leader, so it makes me super happy to hear that ♪ I’ve been getting compliments from all sorts of people.

I was kinda stumped when we were given documents that just said, “Do something awesome,” and there were a ton of obstacles we had to overcome when we were filming the music video… 

But the ups and downs brought us together, and now we can all join hands. We’re gonna touch the hearts of everyone who sees us, I just know it!

I really am glad that I got to be part of Branco. 

Wataru: Yes, it’s truly wonderful that you were chosen. As a fellow member of your unit, I’m ever so proud of you.

“Merry Christmas ♪”

Tori: Hey, quit mimicking my voice! Did you seriously memorize the dance moves too?! You actually do resemble me, and it’s wigging me out~!

Eichi: I adore that music video as well. I watch it whenever I’m tired and in need of a break, or an escape from reality. Why, I think I’ve seen it over a hundred times ♪ 

Yuzuru: A hundred times…? I’m no stranger to finding solace in the Young Master, but please remember that you still need other things, such as nutrition. I entreat you to take care of yourself.

Eichi: What I don't need is a lecture, thank you very much. I’m far too busy to partake in the festivities — can’t I at least enjoy a bit of Christmas cheer by watching the music video?

Tori: You’re too busy for festivities, huh…? I’m not as swamped as you, Eichi-sama, but I’ve got quite a bit to do as well.

Plus, I don’t think Papa and Mama can come home, so my little sister’s probably feeling lonely.

I’m trying to come up with a surprise present for her, but I haven’t decided on what to get.

I just hope it makes her so happy, all her sadness melts away…♪ 

Eichi: You’re a wonderful brother, Tori. So long as you’re by her side, I’ve no doubt that she’ll have a very merry Christmas.

I’m sure Santa’s saving his loveliest presents for good children like you two.

Now the question is, what should I get you…? I’d love to host a party at the dorms or such…

But the other idols will surely be busy; it’d be difficult to get people to attend.

Wataru: Fufufu. Difficult, perhaps, but impossible? Far from it! Fret not, I’ll cast a spell for you all on that Holy Night!

But hold on— Eichi, you brought up this idea to give me inspiration, didn’t you? 

Eichi: It seems you’ve seen right through me. You’re right, of course. After all, I have the utmost faith that you’re capable of achieving the impossible. Are you up for it, Wataru?

Wataru: But of course! Please entrust this matter to your humble director. I’ll ensure that this party is absolutely unforgettable…☆ 

Tori: I just hope it’s not unforgettable in a bad way. Oh, and you can’t interrupt Santa while he’s hard at work, got that~?

Next Chapter


Translation notes:
[1] Eichi uses the word てんてこ舞い (extremely busy) which has the character for dance (舞い) in it. So in the next line, Wataru literally replies, “Isn’t it dull to dance on your own? Why don’t we dance together?”

[2] Wataru is quoting a well known song from the Awa odori (Awa dance) that's performed during the Bon festival. You can find out more about it here.

Location: RythLink Office

Eichi: Hold on just a moment, I don’t understand this. Kiryuu-kun killed someone? But that’s impossible… 

Keito: Kiryuu, you explained that too poorly — now Eichi and Anzu are confused.

The truth is, we both had a hand in the creation of this plan.

Kuro: ‘Course, it ain't like I actually killed someone.

Tenshouin. You know that RhythLink has been funnelin’ their resources into dramas and movies and stuff, don’t cha?

Eichi: Hm? Yes, I’m aware that RhythLink’s idols are more on the traditional side. They’ve promoted those old forms of media for years and years now. 

Could this possibly be an attempt at method acting?

Kuro: Haha, I’d expect nothin’ less from you. You sure are quick on the uptake.

You’re right, I’m playin’ the role of a murderer on a late night drama right now.

A youngster who used to be a delinquent gets caught up in an issue from his past… Then he gets his hands dirty, but he needs to hide the truth.

I tried too hard to get into character; apparently, I was glarin’ the whole time. If I kept that up, it’d be too obvious that I was the culprit, right?

I’ve accepted the job already, so I can’t go and ruin the audience’s fun.

That’s why I tried to get used to the feeling of bein’ a criminal by workin’ with you and lyin’ through my teeth all day.

Keito: After all, you think about the most devilish things with a pleasant smile on your face, Eichi. If I made you team up with Kiryuu, I thought he might learn that skill as well.

I’d be able to reprimand you for stealing my doujinshi, and Kiryuu would find the experience useful for his acting. It was two birds with one stone.

Eichi: Hm... Was Mikejima-kun in on this too?

Kuro: Yeah, Mikejima was happy to lend me a hand.

Lies and truths, pretense and presence — you and Mikejima have got all that stuff down pat. I’m a straightforward guy, so I figured there was a lot I could learn from you.

Eichi: I see. He’s awful, too… Thanks to him, I spent the entire day getting toyed around with.

Hmm? Is it that amusing to see me get led around by the nose like this, Anzu-chan?

Oh, that’s true. Now that you mention it, this is similar to the ploy I executed during the filming of Fist of the Shangri-La idol. I suppose I got my comeuppance.

Keito: Did you just realize this?

I erred from the very start. When Kiryuu approached me, I shouldn’t have proposed to use this plan as a way to teach you a lesson.

Eichi: On the contrary, I was only able to realize that I got my just desserts because I was put into this situation.

If we were playing the Werewolf game that's been ever so popular in the dorms, nothing of the sort would have happened. You didn't err in the slightest.

I do have confidence in the sharpness of my instincts, but I certainly can't constantly be suspicious of the people around me — my nerves would get far too frayed.

And, above all, today is Eichi Day. My heart is in a state of tranquility.

As a result, I had this realization rather late. You delivered a splendid performance, Kiryuu-kun.

Kuro: Thanks, Tenshouin. I managed to fool a guy like you, so I feel a lil' more confident now.

Eichi: Fufu, then do give me a demonstration. I’m already in this neck-deep; I'd feel rather lonely if I, an essential part of the plan, were the only one left out of the loop.

Keito: How dare you talk high and mighty about camaraderie after taking my doujinshi! I should have given you more of a scolding— 

Eichi: Ahaha. Aren't you aware that both your enemies and allies are co-actors standing on the same stage as you?

Keito: You're absolutely shameless… You really do need to reflect more!

Kuro: Calm down a lil', Hasumi no Danna. I dunno the full story, but it looks like today's an important holiday for Tenshouin — Eichi Day or somethin'.

Let's just call it even.

Keito: Hmph. As per Kiryuu's request, I'll let you off this time… but I won't be so lenient in the future.

More importantly, you must have learnt something from observing Eichi up close. You should try acting like a man with ulterior motives again. 

Kuro: You're right; I'll give my lines another shot.

Ah~ Ahem, ahem. (Clears his throat.)

"What didja say!? He got murdered!?”

“You're right, I was close with him — keyword was. That was 5 years ago now.”

“We’ve long since drifted apart. Detective, you said you were here to investigate. Do you really think I'm a suspect?"

Keito: You're still glaring. Are you going to be okay, Kiryuu?

Eichi: …Ahaha. Well, it certainly isn't that easy. 

But that's simply another aspect of life. There's no panacea to all our problems; hard work and effort are valuable precisely because we can't achieve great feats without struggle. 

I'm cheering you on. Best of luck at the recording.

Kuro: Yeah, I plan on doin' whatever I can.

I dragged a lotta people into my mess. I needa make this into a show so great I can say everythin' that happened today wasn't a waste.

Madara: ♪ ~ ♪ ~

Fufufu. I’ve gotta admit, they almost had me with that pincer operation back there. I was on the edge of my seaaat!

They sure underestimated me, though. There’s no way Eichi-san could’ve won in that kinda situation.

Even if he had to push his body to the limits, he should’ve been the one chasing after me; he should’ve made Kuro-san try to catch me.

If that was how they chose to do it, they could’ve safely retrieved the D — Kuro-san could’ve broken my wrists or something when we faced off. Well, this is all just hypothetical, though.

Eichi-san’s got his physical condition to think about. If he devoted his energy to minor issues like this, he’d be getting his priorities all wrong. 

But still, it would’ve been a flawless plan. Eichi-san doesn’t have much stamina, so he’s only got a single chance to push himself. This was the perfect opportunity, but he blew it. 

They let a huge catch get away. And now they’ve gotta put even more energy into their second strategy.

…Well? How do you plan on catching me, I wonder?

Eichi: You make a good point. Our pincer operation has proven to be ineffective, so we’ll simply have to face you head-on.

Kuro: In the end, we’re usin’ our muscles more than our brains.

Madara: Hmm. You’ve both stepped out in front of me — does this mean you don’t have any other cards up your sleeve?

Are you sure you don’t wanna come at me without a surprise attack? I have to say, this seems a lot sloppier than the ambush you came up with earlier.

Eichi: We’re quite sure, thank you. Allow me to explain why.

Here, feast your eyes on this: it’s a completely normal water gun. I’m going to use it to capture you.

Madara: …A water gun?

EIchi: Fufu, it’s quite simple.

I decided that I’d rather completely drench both you and the D than allow its existence to be known. And if I do so, you’ll lose all your grounds of negotiation.

Madara: …Are you for real? This D’s supposed to be one of a kind. I’m pretty sure you’re the one who’s gonna be in trouble if you ruin it.

Eichi: Ahaha. That would still be better than the secret getting out.

Bang!

Madara: Woah!? D-Don’t get aheaaad of yourself! If you do that— 

Waaaaah!? 

Guh… That didn’t come from Kuro-san’s direction! Who the heck shot me?

Kuro: Haha. You may be fast, but even you don’t stand a chance if we come at you from all sides.

Madara: All sides…?

Mitsuru: That’s no fair! Don’t hog all the fun, senpai! You’ve gotta invite me if you’re playing a game, ‘kay~?

Adonis: Fufu. Tenshouin-senpai, you’re a member of Sports Survivors just like us. If you plan on doing something fun, please allow Tenma and I to join.

Eichi: Of course, you two are a great help. In this game, you win if you shoot Mikejima-kun with these water guns. It’s gotten rather lively now that you’ve joined us ♪ 

Madara: I see what’s going on here… You called for backup in order to catch me, didn’t you—!

Kuro: You bet. Thanks to that, I’ve gotten soaked too, but there’s no gettin’ away now. 

Madara: Urgh…!

Kuro: Take that! It’s the end of the road for you.

Madara: I surrender, I surrender!

Hahaha. I didn’t expect you to come after both me and the D. Color me impressed...

But how’d you know it was fake?

Eichi: Well, you see, I had my doubts from the moment you threw the D down the stairs.

When I fought over it with you, it felt as though something was off. That’s when I began thinking things over.

Keito made the D quite a long time ago, and yet the book you showed us was in suspiciously good condition.

Considering how old it is, it’d simply be impossible for the paper to have remained in its original mint condition, regardless of how well it was preserved.

And I doubt that you’re the type of person who’d throw away his sole bargaining chip so recklessly.

Additionally, Anzu-chan is one of Mizuhanome-sensei’s fans. That’s all the more reason you wouldn’t do anything to it: you wouldn’t want to ruin her trust in you.

In other words, this was all a staged kidnapping — nothing more than a ruse of a larceny.

The truth is… You had a hidden mission and disguised another book as the D to achieve it, didn’t you?

Madara: Hahaha! You’ve got the eyes of a hawk, huh, Eichi-san?

You’ve read me like a book. Alright then, I’ll spill the beans.

Kuro: Damn right you will. Mikejima, why the hell’d you pull this stunt?

Now that I think of it, I’ve got no idea what your motive could be. And I’m pretty pissed I got dragged around the whole day today.

Madara: Soooorry to burst your bubble, but I’ve got no idea what the real mission is, either.

Eichi: What on earth does that mean…?

Madara: A secret someone requested I do this, y’see. They told me that, for certain reasons, I should take this book and try to strike a deal with you, Eichi-san.

Kuro: “A secret someone”…? I’m tellin’ ya to spit it out already. 

Madara: Hahaha. I’ve got my own sense of pride and duty, yanno? If someone tells me to not ‘fess up, I’m not gonna, no matter what kinda torture I get put through.

Considering it’s you, Eichi-san, I might get a taste of the worst kinds of pain, but that doesn't faze me.

Eichi: Just what kind of person do you take me for?

I won’t resort to violence because of an issue as trifling as this.

Still… As an idol, there’s almost nothing you could gain from doing this. Are you sure you didn’t want to relieve some stress? That’s the only feasible motive I can think of.

Won’t you tell us the truth, Mikejima-kun?

Madara: ……

The person who asked me to pull off this staged heist is someone by the name of Mister K.

Location: Dormitory Library

 <Noon, in the library.>

Kuro: …It’s almost time, huh.

Eichi: It would be oddly considerate of them to arrive at noon exactly.

They stole Keito’s douji— “D” and even went through all the trouble of leaving a note. I doubt that they're of sound mind, so their punctuality would serve as a rather interesting dissonance in character.

Wouldn't you agree, Kiryuu-kun?

Kuro: You’re askin’ me? Nah, I haven't really thought about it. But doin’ flashy things for no reason is one of your specialities, ain’t it?

Maybe they're tryin’ to use your own modus operandi against you, Tenshouin — I wouldn’t put it past ‘em.

Eichi: Hm... Keito mentioned something along those lines as well. Have I truly done such terrible things?

I’m quite sure the leaders of the world have been significantly crueler, but…

Kuro: In the first place, I’d say it’s kinda weird to go around sayin’ stuff like, “My crimes aren’t as bad as everyone else’s.”

Eichi: I suppose so. Though I can’t help but feel that you’re all too pure to live in this world of ours.

Madara: Oooh? This sounds like an interesting conversation! What’re you discussing, Eichi-san, Kuro-san?

Just taking a stab at it, but… Could you pooossibly be talking 'bout this doujinshi?

Eichi: That cover… There’s no mistaking it, that’s Keito’s. Could I have you return that D to me?

Madara: “D”?

Kuro: It’s a secret code we came up with. We’d stir up some real trouble for Hasumi no Danna if we talked ‘bout this in the open.

Madara: Hm, should I play along with you, then? Maaaybe not. I’m tryna expose this, so I guess I should call it by its actual name—

Eichi: Quite frankly, I couldn’t care less. I’d rather you simply tell us the reason why you’re doing all this, Mikejima-kun. Why did you steal his D?

Madara: You sure are a barrel of laughs! If I told you the reason without putting up a bit of a fight, there’d be no point to me leaving a letter and stuff, right?

Well, I’m tryna make sure this doesn’t blow up, too. We don’t get this kinda chance too often, so how ‘bout you take a guess, Eichi-san?

Eichi: Hmm. Considering the fact that you’re the culprit, I can only suspect that you did this to revel in the joy of tormenting me.

Madara: Oho. Unfortunately for you, that’s the wrong answer!

Eichi: In that case… Could this possibly be a prank targeted at Keito?

Madara: Hahaha! My answer’s pretty much the same!

Kuro: Oi. I’m not gonna let you and Tenshouin get all worked up on your own. Stop wastin’ time and tell us your terms, Mikejima.

Madara: Whoopsy daisy. I really do talk in circles too often.

I’ll get straight to the point, then! To put it simply, I accepted a personal request from a certain someone.

An anonymous client who identified themselves as one of Mizuhanome-sensei’s fans came in yesterday evening, y’see?

And it looks like this person wants Mizuhanome-sensei to write a new work.

Eichi: A new work…?

Madara: Yup. Previews of his past works have been put on a buncha posters in Yumenosaki for a while now, right? So it looks like this mysterious person saw those and decided that they wanted him to make more no matter what.

But as I was investigating, I discovered that Mizuhanome-sensei’s been absolutely swamped with work; he hardly has the time to draw something new.

That’s just how Keito-san is, huh? He always ends up prioritizing the people around him more than himself. At this rate, my client’s gonna end up waiting till the end of eternity.

And that’s when it hit me! If I take this D and show it off to everyone — if I make Mizuhanome-sensei more well known — he might feel more duty-bound to create some new stuff!

Eichi: Do wait a moment, that’s far too hasty of a judgment.

If people could simply produce art whenever they were told to, they would never struggle. But that isn’t what producing doujinshi is like.

I’m quite sure Keito said something along those lines in the past once, but anyways… Is there a reason why you’re going to such lengths to expose Mizuhanome-sensei’s identity?

Kuro: I was wonderin’ the same thing. I don’t think you’re a bad guy, but you're not gonna get away scott free if you cause trouble for Hasumi no Danna.

There’s gotta be a reason why he’s hidin’ his identity.

Madara: Fufu. If you want me to confess, why don’t we have a showdown?

Eichi: A showdown…?

Madara: Yup. If I manage to keep the D in my possession till the end of the day, I win. And if you two manage to take it away from me, I’ll let this whole issue with Mizuhanome-sensei float away — water under the bridge.

How ‘bout that? Sometimes I wanna try getting chased instead of doing all the chasing, so why don’t we have ourselves a fun lil’ game of tag?

Kuro: Hah, I was wonderin’ what you’d suggest. You’re really having the time of your life, ain’t cha?

Madara: Hahaha! If you don’t manage to take the D away from me somehow, you won’t be able to protect his secret, yanno?

Eichi: That’s true. There’s a sliver of reason in what Mikejima-kun is saying.

And if I wasn't capable of sinking to the level of an outlaw like you, I’d be a disgrace of a president. As the person who holds full authority over StarPro, I’ll accept your challenge.

Kuro: Oi. Don’t go addin’ weird layers of meaning to this.

Well, whatever. I guess I don’t have the right to refuse… Let’s take care of this real quick.

Come at me! I’ve blocked off your escape route — even you won't be able to get away, considerin’ the position you're in now.

Madara: Oooh. I’d expect no less from you, Kuro-san. Your movements are as agile as always!

It was a smart decision to chase me into a corner — a dead end — like this. Your knowledge of martial arts really isn’t just for show, huh ♪

But don’t cha know I’m not the type to quiver in fear after seeing a lil’ display like that?

Here we go, “Jump of Eight Ships!” Take that! [1]

Eichi: He’s gone…!

Madara: Hahaha. Jumping off a wall’s a cakewalk for me.

Now watch this: I’m gonna escape through this very windoooow! If you don’t catch me soon, I might just expose the existence of this D to eeeveryone in Starmony Dorm!

Kuro: Tch, I didn’t think the bastard would jump outta the window like that. His physical abilities are definitely nothin’ to sniff at.

We gotta chase after him, Tenshouin. If he makes a mess outta everything, all of Hasumi no Danna’s hard work’ll go to waste.

Mikejima’s a real menace, but we should be able to corner him if we work together. Let’s make a temporary alliance.

Eichi: But of course, Kiryuu-kun.

After all, I’m the only one who’s allowed to play around with Keito.

Kuro: …Geez, how do I put this? It kinda feels like I’ve joined the wrong side.

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Translation notes:

Location: Dormitory Library

<September, late at night in the Starmony Dorm.>

Eichi: ♪ ~ ♪ ~

Ahh, I can’t stop my heart from racing. Why is it that, contrary to what one would expect, humans long to do something the more they’re told not to?

The more you tell us we mustn’t, the more we long to play such exciting games.

That’s why I’m going to read Keito’s doujinshi as a bedtime story again tonight… ☆

Fufu, it’s the absolute best way to relieve stress. His stories dispel all the tiredness I’ve accumulated, allowing me to have a most pleasant sleep.

Keito— no, Mizuhanome-sensei’s works bestow courage and hope upon me. They truly do save me ♪

(...Hm, what was that noise?)

(I need to hide the doujinshi on this bookshelf. If Keito saw me with it, I wouldn’t put it past him to instantly murder me in cold blood.)

(I went through all the trouble of borrowing it from his room, so it’s a shame… But I suppose there’s no need for me to worry if I hide them within the ranks of such a voluminous mass of books. Now, then, I should be alright regardless of who’s approaching.)

Madara: …Oyaaa? If it ain’t Eichi-san. What’re you doing in a place like this?

Eichi: Mikejima-kun. I believe that’s my line.

I’m quite surprised. The noise I heard was so unusually loud, I assumed it was anyone other than you…

What brings you to the book room in the middle of the night? I doubt you’re having trouble falling asleep like I am.

Madara: You’re a barrel of laughs, Eichi-san! Do you really think I’m constantly a bundle of energy?

There are nights when I can’t fall asleep either, and times when I’m too tired to conceal my presence.

Plus, I’ve been pushing myself a little too much lately ‘cause of the special job I got.

My body’s real tuckered out, but my head’s still wide awake; I figured I’d try to read a book or something before bed so I could stabilize the balance between my mind and body a lil’ more.

Eichi: I see, there are times when you feel tired as well.

Both physical and mental strength is necessary for sleeping soundly. That may be why your overly dramatic way of speaking could be considered to be a unity of mind and body.

One needs to be healthy in order to recover their physical energy… Good grief, these things called human bodies have far too many limitations.

I’ve come to understand how the first Emperor of Qin, who sought immortality, must have felt. [1]

Madara: Hoho. Then do I have the perfect cure for you ♪ It’s called cinnabar; it’s made outta mercury, and it’s known as a miraculous medicine that’ll make you immortal—

Eichi: That’s the poison that caused the Emperor’s death, isn’t it. Do you intend to kill me?

Madara: Hahaha. Well, ain’t it common for evil leaders to die of poison?

You’re real smart! That’s right, you’re an eintellectual, so I was just making a joke catered to your taste ♪ [2]

Eichi: Fufufu, what an interesting joke ♪

You don’t appear to be laughing in the slightest, though.

Madara: Actually, I wanna know why you’re laughing. Considering our location and proximity, you’re well within my range, yanno?

I don’t really like being violent, but ever since the ES plan was put into effect, you’ve been regaining power...

So I just wanted to give you a lil’ warning, Eichi-san.

Eichi: I appreciate your concern. However, I’m not so wet behind the ears as to be shocked by your words.

In the first place, Mikejima-kun, you’d surely gain nothing from harming me here.

Madara: Oh, yeah?

Eichi: The reason why is simple. To begin with, I’ve been been in very poor health; I was hospitalized due to overwork until just recently—

If you did something to me, you’d cause trouble for Double Face, which has only just been established.

Mikejima-kun. It’s certainly true that your existence is a threat to me.

I can only arm myself with social power and status, so extraordinary individuals such as yourself are my natural enemy. You’re more than capable of calculating when I’ll be alone and offing me right then and there.

Isn’t that why Saegusa-kun supports Double Face so fervently, he’d even lend Oukawa-kun to you?

He may posture as a strategist leading a battalion, but ultimately, he’s only in control of a ragtag gang of mercenaries.

If we had a war of attrition, I — with my superior monetary assets — would surely emerge the victor. Saegusa-kun is aware of that, which is why he won't challenge me to a battle.

Madara: If you’re right, that makes me something like a secret weapon to Ibara-san, huh?

It’s just like rock paper scissors. Eichi-san, you win against Ibara-san, and I win against you. That’s why Ibara-san wanted me to join him so desperately… I guess.

Eichi: Yes, that’s the current situation. However, the reason why you’re so terrifying is because you’re an individual hoarding such a vast amount of power.

You’re threatening when alone, but your prowess is halved when you gain a partner. Humans become weaker when they’re given things to be responsible for—

If you caused some type of harm upon me, you would surely embroil Oukawa-kun in trouble as well.

Madara: Hahaha! Yeah, I’m sure you’re right, Eichi-san.

Go ahead and keep on letting your guard down, juuust like that. Kohaku-san…  he’s real sneaky in his own way, so there’s no need for me to hold back on his account. If you don’t watch out, we might catch you in our trap.

We could punish you: a villain who’s hiding something he doesn’t want other people to see.

Eichi: …So you noticed.

Madara: Your gaze told me everything I needed to know.

Eichi: Fufu. How very troublesome. At this rate, I truly might fall into your trap.

…Thanks to you, it seems I’ll be having another restless night ♪

Keito has surely returned to his room by now, so I’ll return it by tomorrow morning. Is that alright with you?

Madara: Yep. You’ve gotta reflect on this, Eichi-san.

News travels fast. If I hear that you’re going around hurting people again, I’m not gonna sit by idly and twiddle my thumbs.

Eichi: Fufu. You really are quite frightening. Are you being serious or merely joking, I wonder…?

On that note, Mikejima-kun, I give you my regards for the next time we meet.

Madara: Yup. Well, then. I hope that when we meet next, it’s as idols.

Next Chapter

Translation notes:

1. Qin Shi Huang, who founded the Qin dynasty, was the first emperor of a unified China. He is believed to have died from ingesting mercury pills made by his alchemists and physicians who believed they would grant him immortality. Interestingly, he created the title of emperor.

2. Madara uses a word for “smart” that’s read as “eichi.”

Eichi: Hello there, Anzu-chan.

Oh, there’s no need to fret. It’s still well before the appointed time.

I simply arrived here earlier than planned due to my previous job getting called off. 

Good grief… It was unavoidable, but I do wish they’d sort out their scheduling a little more. Those who work in this industry…

Truly don’t have time to waste on sudden cancellations.

In the previous era, I’m sure things could have been settled easily — water under the bridge. But things are different now; we live in the age of expediency and accuracy. Wouldn’t you agree, Anzu-chan?

Oh, pardon me. It’s not exactly an easy question to answer.

Perhaps my influx in work has worn my patience down. I didn’t mean to start complaining.

On that note, shall we begin discussing the issue at hand?

I can’t exactly waste your time after waxing poetic on how precious of a resource it is.

Regarding your request… To sum it up, ES has made the decision that we won’t be able to accept it.

Ah, you look rather dejected. Truthfully, I’d rather support you, but it’d be no easy task to go against what ES as a whole has decided.

At least allow me to reassure you that this decision was made with your best interests in mind.

Hm? You wish to know why your proposal was rejected?

You’re terribly overworked at the moment, aren’t you? If you were to add yet another iron to the fire, I find it difficult to imagine that you’d be able to properly fulfill all your existing commitments. 

This isn’t a matter of how capable you are, it’s simply a realistic consideration of how much time you have. I doubt you’d be able to finish all your tasks to a satisfying standard. And, if that were to happen, you’d suffer the most from it.

Yes, I had a feeling that you’d insist you’d be alright. But I’m afraid that the risks of this decision won’t disappear with a mere word or two.

I do hate to disappoint you, but we had to choose the less hazardous option.

This is just my personal opinion, but I’d like to remind you that there’s no need to do everything all at once.

I’m certain that there will be plenty more chances in the future; a more opportune time is sure to come.

Hm… I see. There’s a reason that you wish to do this now.

Nevertheless, ES’s decision can’t be overruled so easily. 

Your only option is to come up with a solution that will allow you to convince the executives whilst ensuring the rest of your work is properly carried out.

If you do so, it’s possible that things will take a turn for the better.

Oh, there’s no need to thank me.

You’ve supported me so faithfully ever since my days at Yumenosaki; it vexes me that I’m unable to grant your wishes.

Yes, exactly. Please think it over again.

If you do manage to win us over… I promise that I’ll offer you my assistance. And I say that not in the way that children do when they play around, but as a verbal contract.

Fufu. I see that you’ve been filled with a sudden burst of motivation.

I can’t say that I understand why you’re so insistent on doing this now, but if that’s what you desire, I’ll do my best to support your efforts.

Ah, that’s right — it’s about time for you to go. I believe you have a TV show recording to oversee, correct?

The organizers of that program are rather fastidious about punctuality, so it’d be best for you to leave a little early.

See you soon, Anzu-chan.

…Hm. I hadn’t realized that she was so serious about this. Judging from her reaction, it’s likely that she’ll try again.

Goodness. I simply can’t fathom why women are so drawn to the idea of marriage.